When we talk about active ageing, we often think about keeping moving, staying healthy or trying something new. But active ageing can also mean finding a part of yourself that has been waiting patiently for its turn.

For Adelaide singer-songwriter Glenn Butcher, that happened relatively recently. Despite writing poetry for years, it was only within the past decade that those words began finding their way into songs, and onto stages around Adelaide.

His artist origin story began with a simple challenge: in 2018, he decided to write a poem every day to get back into the habit of writing. Before long, some of those poems started asking for music.

One poem became a song. Then another. Soon there were 20 or 30 songs waiting to be played.
From basic guitar chords and open mic nights, to SCALA competitions, Adelaide venues and a growing catalogue of original music, the journey has been one of continual learning.

So, in the spirit of Active Ageing Week, we thought we’d skip the usual questions and go straight to the music – the first gig, the creative journey, the Adelaide scene, inspiration, influences and what comes next; sometimes you simply pick up a guitar, write a song and see where it takes you.

When you look at where you are today, what is a chapter of your life story that people might not expect just by looking at your age?

That I only started writing songs and performing them within the last 10 years.

Where was your first Adelaide gig, and how did it go?

At the Wheatsheaf Hotel, as part of the SCALA program. Performed for 45 minutes, and felt it went well, with a good response from the audience.

What is your artist origin story?

I used to write a lot of poetry and had gotten out of the habit. In order to force myself to start writing again, I set myself the challenge of writing a poem a day, in 2018. While doing this, I thought some of the poems might make good songs. I added music and all of a sudden I had 20-30 songs ready to go. I only knew basic chords on the guitar at that point but playing my songs every night I gradually improved, and learned some fingerpicking styles off the internet.

What was your impression of the Adelaide creative scene when you first started, and how has that changed?

I didn’t really know much about it. I started with open mic’s, entered the SCALA original songwriting competition, and met some like minded people, which opened me up to more open mic’s and opportunities to perform. Now I feel the live music scene in Adelaide is vibrant, and any weekend there would be someone I know playing live somewhere.

How has your own work evolved since you first started?

I like to think that each new song is better than the previous one. Singing and playing regularly, on stage and at home, has improved my singing and playing too.

What is it about your next release that you’re most excited/nervous to share with the world?

I am working on a couple of songs now that I hope will resonate with the audience. Any time I write a song I want it to be entertaining, and for the audience to walk away thinking I have done a good job in providing them with something that is pleasant to listen to musically and with creative lyrics.

Who are the artists around you that inspire or challenge you?

I am inspired by John Prine, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, The Everly Brothers. Any time I hear a great song, by anyone, I am inspired to try and match the feeling it gives me, to do better every time I write a song.

Favourite Adelaide venue to play?

I haven’t played many but it would be the Tin Shed Cafe in McLaren Vale, always a welcoming and appreciative audience.

[side note; Glenn has a gig at the Magill Club on 10.10.2026 7.30]

Dream artist to perform alongside?

In terms of who is still alive, Willie Nelson. Otherwise it would be John Prine (I’m sure many Adelaide artists would also say him)

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This is part of the GreyMatter International Day of Older Persons on 1 October campaign. Who are you becoming?

For International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, GreyMatter is asking people a simple question: Who are you becoming?

Becoming isn’t about adding more to ourselves, it can also be about letting go of the expectations. The should haves, and could ofs, or the versions of ourselves we thought we had to be, then discovering there is still so much life left to live!!

Still becoming.
#GreyMatterStudioLife

This campaign will run for the Day of Older Person and Active Ageing Week.