And with such musical beginnings it’s little wonder that Paul Appelkamp has become a popular singer songwriter who has completed two albums, an east coast tour and a national tour all in the past 18 months.

“I grew up listening to reggae and 60s music,” Appelkamp said.

“I’d run around singing Bob Marley as a kid and when I was 10 years old, my mum gave me a guitar.

“We got on straight away (the guitar and I that is) and we’ve been writing songs together ever since.”

Appelkamp’s genre of choice has remained pretty consistent since his early years, but his writing really reflects his changing experiences.

While he was still at school he admits his songs “probably weren’t as great”.

After studying politics and media at university, political arguments started to creep their way into his work.

But lately, his musical interpretation of the world has turned more towards fictional stories with global messages.

“But I’m not trying to enforce a point of view; I never say we should do this or that,” he said.

“Music is an escape; a story.”

Appelkamp said his songs have become much more consistently structured over the past two years, but when it comes time to write, he always goes in with an open mind.

“I don’t sit down and say the chorus will be this, and that’s the intro,” he said.

“I think about every second of the song and say, what does it need now?

“I’ll pick up the guitar and it just starts happening without warning.

“I’ll hum or sing notes as a melody and then fill in the words.

“And when they’re finally finished, you just know.”

This process has proved very successful for Appelkamp who has performed his way through festivals, pubs, clubs, and done his share of recording.

While on the latest venues hunt, Appelkamp stumbled across East Bowral’s Scottish Arms.

“The staff are legends, the food is ridiculously good, the tartan carpet is cool and there’s a respectable crowd who are keen to listen music,” he said.

“So I can’t wait to get down there and give them a show.”

Paul Appelkamp will perform from 7pm tomorrow night at the Scottish Arms, Boardman Road, East Bowral. Admission is free. Dinner bookings are recommended. Phone 4861 4333 for more information.