Songwriting veteran: Graham Nash
Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Graham Nash is preparing to perform his latest album, Now, at the Isaac Theatre Royal on 3 March. Metropol writer Daniella Judge catches up with him to reminisce, and hear his views about the music industry’s evolution.
Graham Nash started his musical odyssey in the United Kingdom, aged seven, eventually finding success with The Hollies alongside childhood friend Allen Clarke. Taking a chance on Los Angeles in 1968, he joined David Crosby and Stephen Stills to form the iconic Crosby, Stills & Nash. Later, Neil Young joined the ranks, transforming the group into CSNY. With intricate vocal harmonies and socially conscious lyrics, the band soared to fame in the sun-kissed idealism of the 60s.
Influenced by musical legends like Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and his former flame Joni Mitchell, Graham considers himself fortunate to have been one of the era’s biggest stars. The politically charged atmosphere of California at the time seeped into his solo debut album in 1971, which featured anti-Vietnam War anthems like Military Madness and Chicago / We Can Change the World which addresses the trial of the Chicago Eight. Graham is disappointed with the scarcity of political songs in today’s music scene but is a fan of Childish Gambino’s This is America.
Graham critiques the elaborate productions of modern concerts, with a preference for the simplicity of storytelling in performances. The musician confesses to shying away from current hits and instead spends time revisiting unreleased tracks from his collaboration with Crosby and Stills. He hints at a potential release soon. Reflecting on that era, Graham remarks, “We were really unique.”
For Graham, the songwriting process is an intimate affair. He insists on knowing a song in his heart before recording it, offering valuable advice to aspiring songwriters: “Life is made up of choices, it’s your choices that matter.”
Photography also holds a special place in Graham’s life. His first photograph, a portrait of his mother, kick-started a journey that led to him capturing iconic images of Joni Mitchell and The Beatles. When on the hunt for a truly spectacular image, Graham reveals he often whispers to the universe “show me the magic. Several photography books showcase the breadth of his works, and the magic he has captured.
His love for photography drew and connected him to New York photographer Amy Grantham, who is now his wife, and the artist behind the cover image for his Now album and the monotone images in this article. At 82, knowing full well what he wants, Graham is in love with New York’s paradoxical charm, surrounded by snow during the interview, and expresses a longing for having moved to the Big Apple years ago.
From his beginnings in the United Kingdom to the days of Crosby, Stills & Nash, and a politically charged solo debut, Nash’s career is testament to his commitment to music storytelling. In an era where political anthems once thrived, his reflections on the current music scene reveal a longing for poignant narratives.
As he prepares to grace the stage at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Nash’s intimate connection with songwriting promises Christchurch audiences a timeless encounter with a musical legend.
