FAWM: Mike Debenham (@mikedebenham)

Mike Debenham

@mikedebenham

Songs

Joined

2006

AU
michaeldebenham.net

2025. My 20th FAWM? Crikey.

Last year was a busy one for me, so I haven't written a song since we last spoke. No, wait, I did another SpinTunes as Ironbark, didn't I? (Twice-yearly songwriting contest, a lot of fun, give it a try.)

But I'm getting a book published: https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2024/12/11/263875/debenham-wins-2024-ampersand-prize/. Excellent news, though it does clash with FAWM - final draft's due in March, so that'll be soaking up my February free time. Maybe I can squeeze in a collaboration or two. Let's see how it goes.

Looking forward to hearing what you all create. Have an excellent month, friends.

Songs

After A War by @oddbod + @mikedebenham 1d #folk #acoustic

The Antisocial Parasocialist by @mikedebenham 1d #song

Mid-Life Crisis of a Marine Biologist by @mikedebenham 4d #fuzz #rock #pop

Draw the Line by @mikedebenham 4d #pop

Heart of Winter by @sunnymae + @mikedebenham 5d #collaboration #medieval #winter

Farlington Slacks by @mikedebenham 5d #jingle

The Baker's Boy by @mikedebenham 1w #folk #ballad

Wasted by @mikedebenham 2w #rock #postpunk

Don't Know Why by @mikedebenham 3w #folk

Soundboard

@wynia 40m

Catching up here on comments...thanks much for stopping by "Common" a few days ago! Since you mentioned liking the horn, I thought I'd let you know we just uploaded a song last night with another smooth flugelhorn line. It's called "Everyone Has a First Heartbreak" if you'd like to listen :)

@siebass 15h

Great to see you here, and congrats on the book/prize! Let me know when it's out and I'll pick up a copy to read to my kiddos. Seems like you are fawming away apace; hope to hear some more of your stuff in SpinTunes as well.

@greengrassgirl 6d

Hi, Mike, I'm really glad you enjoyed @housewystan's and my collab on Winds of Indifference. I thought she did a terrific job with it. Thank you for letting us know you liked it.

@greengrassgirl 1w

Congrats on getting a book published. From what I understand, it's quite a process. Best to you!

@thomekk 1w

Thanks a lot for your friendly comment.
Donnow if it will ever be played (of course I hope it will) - but this won't stop me.
Added the info about the opera on the song page, and also translated the lyrics using ChatGPT.

@timfatchenMod 1w

The Baker's Boy prods me that I stilll haven't written a ballad celebrating The Overland. (cue City of New Orleans)

@thomekk 2w

Hi Mike

congrats on the book publishing!
I wish you a happy fawning.

@autoclamp 2w

Your stockbroker is both appropriately attired and correct to ask. Is he also bipedal? Mine is too! At any rate, a washcloths reunion is long overdue. The western/northern hemisphere is calm this year and I'd like to take advantage of that.

@sunnymae 2w

Hey Mike,
In case it landed up in your junk/spam I sent you an email the other day. I know you're very busy this month, but one can hope! :0))) Love what I've heard so far!

@leepat 2w

hey, congrats on the book - looks and sounds totally you! being in print does give one hope about survival, if not humanity's, at least their own... for a few more precious blasted seconds.

@spinhead 2w

first off, congratulations and benificences or something on the book. it will be coming to my house, have no doubt.

thanks for the thoughtful musicianlike comment on 'fire and dust'—Best Beloved makes love songs easy.

@thedutchwidows 2w

Hey Mike! Can't believe I wasn't already following you! Congrats on the book - sounds amazing! Did you have a good MFC?

@beacon 2w

Well if you want to try another folky-type duet, let me know.

@eas3637 3w

Hey Mike! Looking forward to hearing your songs this year!

@karlsburg25 3w

WOW!! you're getting a book published! thats fantastic, and the link is saved, so keep us posted. I am far off published but am in the process of writing a book. I am trying to not think about the battle with publishing and just enjoy the creative process, although i do need a kick up the ass now and then. Congrats matey

@autoclamp 3w

This cookie-shaped biscuit has done the trick. I mistook it for a biscuit-shaped cookie. Huge congratulations on your book! How exciting!

@owl 3w

Happy FAWM!

@oldlostjohn 3w

Hey Mike, look forward to following you closely again this year.

@paulhenry 3w

Congratulations on the book. Glad you're here. I look forward to whatever you come up with, even if you come up with nothing. :-)

@miltz 3w

Things are okay here (on a personal level).

Glad the ear's better if not back to what it was. And congratulations on the book. That's great. I'm happy for you.

@sailingmagpie 3w

I think it's pronounced Port-ish-ead

@richardmasters 3w

Hi Mike :) Congratulations on being published - that's fantastic news. Hope you manage to find some time for FAWM this year - but you have an excellent reason if you don't!

@judypie 3w

G'day Mike!! A published writer hmmmm?? And 20th Fawm?? SOMEONE'S accomplished!
Congrats on everything dude, hope we get to hear you this year <3

@fearlessflight2014 3w

Wow! Congrats on the award Mike! That's fabulous!! Would love to try writing again together this FAWM.

@chasingandromeda 3w

First, congratulations on the prize! That's pretty awesome! Selfishly, hoping to hear something from you this year. Whatever transpires, best wishes!

@scottlake 3w

Hey Mike I hope summer is going well. Smiling as I write this after reading the award announcement about your book! Congratulations!

@philnorman 3w

Aw, shucks. My favorite Australian. Congrats on the book!

@beacon 3w

Great to see you here and congrats on the YA novel! That's amazing. I'd certainly be up for a collab again.

@sailingmagpie 3w

Great news about the book, congrats! Hope you manage to squeeze in a couple of tunes.

@lcad 3w

Great to see you back Mike, can't wait to hear your tunes. And huge congrats on the book, super exciting!

@deena 3w

Wow! Congratulations on the book and the prize!!! I'm looking forward to reading it! And, of course, hearing whatever music from you turns up here. Sounds like you will be so busy, with wonderful creativity in all directions.

@nancyrostMod 3w

A toast to the class of 2006! Excited to check out the news in your profile!

@afterschoolclub 3w

Hey Mike! A book, wow!! Congratulations on that 😊 I do hope you find some time to sneak one or two tracks in this month though.

@resonance 3w

Congratulations Mike !! I'm deeply happy for you that you're getting published and recognized for your creative brilliance. It's long overdue, my friend!

@adforperu 3w

"Last year was a busy one for me, so I haven't written a song since we last spoke." - I thought that was how everyone here functioned, have I been doing it wrong?? (actually now I have a proper solo project going, I've wrote bits and bobs in other months).

Massive congrats on the book, though having heard your some of your excellent music and lyrics aimed more toward younger folk, it's of little surprise to me

@sunnymae 3w

Hey Mike! So glad you'll be lurking and hopefully treating us to your signature sounds, which as you know, I'm a huge fan of! Congrats on your publication! What a great accomplishment. Will hop over to your link above. I might have a lyric to send you way, if I get in line quick enough. Cheers!

@laurenoxford 3w

A WHOLE ASS NOVEL!!! my most heartfelt congratulations to you! if it’s half as good as your songs, i’ll be purchasing it immediately. 🥰 so good to see you back!

@mdavisto 3w

Aweh that Mike. Congratulations on all your publishing success!

@isaacq 3w

@oddbod 3w

Wow, congrats on the book and the Ampersand prize win. Well I suppose that’s a fairly decent excuse so we can’t feel too aggrieved about your Fawm output being on rations.

@ericdistadMod 3w

Congratulations on the book! It sounds fantastic! I look forward to checking it out.

I also very much look forward to any new songs you create this year!

I hope you have a fantastic FAWM! And also congrats on 20 FAWMs!

@oddbod 3w

Hi Mike. If my maths are right this’ll be Fawm #20 for you. Maybe we can commemorate the occasion with a suitable ditty.