Alan G Smallman is a celebrated folk singer-songwriter hailing from the picturesque Southern Fleurieu region of South Australia. Originally from the Midlands in England, Alan honed his musical skills at Birmingham’s Conservatoire of Music before making his mark in various club bands.
His eclectic musical influences include legends like The Beatles, XTC, Barenaked Ladies, The Divine Comedy, as well as contemporary artists such as John Paul White, Chris Staples, Shane Nicholson, and Damien Rice. Alan’s distinct style shines through in both his original compositions and his unique interpretations of classic songs, including Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon,” Feargal Sharkey’s “You Little Thief,” John Denver’s “Country Roads,” and Donovan’s “Colours.”
Known affectionately as AG, he has performed at the Adelaide Fringe and has released two albums, “So Long” and “Free Feet – No Twists,” available on streaming platforms and YouTube. In 2025, he made a splash at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and is currently working on his third album, promising to further showcase his talent and creativity in the folk music scene.
Off the back of his recent performances at the Adelaide Fringe for Fringe Folk at Cafe Komodo, here’s my chat with Alan G Smallman.
What initially inspired you to start making music?
Listening to The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club band. I grew up listening to The Beatles and many other 60’s bands, back in the UK.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to start playing instruments alongside singing, or did it come naturally over time?
It was 1975, when a schoolmate loaned me his copy, that I really got into The Beatles. I couldn’t stop playing the album, so much so that my friend had to ask for it back. It was there and then, the desire to want to learn to play an instrument (in my case – guitar), was born.
Who are some of the key artists or genres that have shaped your sound and musical style over the years?
Of course, over the years my musical tastes have become wide and varied. Some of the key artists that have had an impact on me as a lover of all genres, and as someone who wanted to try to create similar music, have been people such as….Ralph McTell, Electric Light Orchestra, Elbow, Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice, Josh Pike, The Divine Comedy, Barenaked Ladies, John Paul White, AC/DC…these are just a few…I could go on and on!
What achievement or recognition are you most proud of, and how did it impact your perspective on your music career?
Just having had the ability to take words and make them into songs that have contributed to two albums. Songs which have been played all over the world and used also on TikTok videos. I get a real kick out of hearing one of my songs played on radio or praised by a member of the audience.
What’s been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career, and how did you overcome it?
Finding the time to fit in practice, writing and performing. I still work albeit part-time as a Registered Nurse in South Australia, and finding time to write songs and perform is always a juggling act between what pays the bills, playing music.
What exciting projects or goals do you have lined up for 2025, and how do you plan to push your music to new heights?
I have enough songs to record a third and fourth album. I also have a general idea of how I want them to be produced and the musicians, instruments and effects I require. I’m hoping to go into the studio (Anthony Stewart’s Red Brick Studios in Seacombe Gardens SA) sometime this year. If I could get those two albums produced, I’d be very happy. I’m also hoping to be co-producing a friend of mine’s music (Eileen Ordish – a great folk singer) at the same studios, some time this year.
Check out Alan G Smallman’s music on Spotify, and give him some love across Facebook and Instagram. Looking for more Australian music interviews? I’ve got you covered here on TAGG.
