Q Song obviously gives up-and-coming Qld songwriters a tremendous boost - but what has been a side-effect of last year's success that you couldn't have anticipated?

“I don't think I could have anticipated having one of my songs featured on 'Packed to the Rafters' in front of thousands of people watching the show! The response to ‘Hold On’ after getting high rotation on Triple J was amazing. I also played the Valley Fiesta and Woodford Folk Festival last year, which was also a huge boost. Overall, my music has received a lot more attention in the last 12 months following the success of ‘Till You Come Home’ at last years Q Song Awards.”

You're up again this year for two awards - did you tweak your songwriting approach this year? Will there be tears and tantrums and  rock star behaviour if there's no award? :)

“I'm actually up for three awards this year, Best Blues & Roots for ‘Be the Ocean’, Best Rock with ‘In My Head’ and Best Regional for ‘Be the Ocean’ both of which are from my new record released in July 'Sketches & Silhouettes'. I don't think I've tweaked my songwriting too much this time around, the Q Song Awards were a major inspiration to write some new material and winning the awards last year helped to cover the costs of the recording but overall I tried to stick to the same formulae which seems to be working for me. As far as rock star behaviour goes, I think I'll certainly be having a few bevies back stage after the show and if I don't win any awards this time I've promised my girlfriend I won't get nude and defecate in any hallways!”

The art of writing a catchy three-minute pop song is one of the most elusive, difficult-to-pin down bastards in the world. What do you think makes a great song tick?

“I don't have a clue! I just write songs, sometimes people like them and sometimes they don't. I've never set out to write a three-minute pop wonder and I don't think I ever could. I think good songs that last the test of time are simply those that have something to say that some of us might relate to from time to time. Having said that, you can't please all the people all of the time!

Three songwriters who stand head and shoulders above the rest according to James Grehan?

1. Paul Kelly - 'From Little Things Big Things Grow'

2. Tom Waits - 'Martha'

3. Iron & Wine - 'Jezebel'

How does living on the Gold Coast influence the way you write your songs? Or does geographical location have no bearing on the content/ vibe of a song?

“I don't know whether it is so much geographical as it the situation and circumstances that surround you, the style of music that is happening in a particular area at a particular moment in time that may influence the way you write. There is some great music in Queensland and the SE corner has perhaps a more dense population of songwriters to keep you on your toes. I think the initiatives set up in Queensland for songwriters will inevitably result in more great bands and solo artists coming out of Queensland just like there will inevitably be more reggae coming out of Jamaica.”

How is building a song like building a house?

“I'm not really sure, I've never built a house but I imagine it goes something along the lines of make sure you have good concrete slab, plenty of reinforcement and a nice smooth surface.  Try not to make the house too big because you'll find later on it's hard to keep clean. A roof is always a good idea. Doors on the bedrooms in case you need a little privacy and throw in some windows for good measure, a little transparency keeps it interesting. Aside from that I always think that a main bathroom with an ensuite is a good idea; tiles not carpet but most importantly I think you really need to work on the layout before you start building, you don't want to end up with a toilet in your kitchen if you know what I mean!”

In fifteen words or less describe your own music without using the word 'eclectic'.

“Smooth progressive folk, lightly salted with a garnish of electronic textures, easy to swallow with a pleasurable palate.”

Sketches & Silhouettes is in stores now. The Q Song Awards will be held at The Tivoli on August 11.