Melbourne/Naarm-based singer and songwriter Angus Legg has always excelled at crafting emotionally resonant acoustic tunes, but his latest single, ‘May All Your Friends Be Artists’, is a masterpiece of vulnerable storytelling. Following a series of acclaimed shows across London and Australia, Legg now shares what is undoubtedly his most intensely personal work to date: a final, profound connection with his late father, Alex.
The track is built around a song originally penned by Alex Legg before his passing, creating a deeply moving dialogue between father and son. As Angus explains, the first time he encountered the track was at his father's funeral, used in a photo montage.
"The first time I heard it was at his funeral, it was used as one of the songs for the photo montage. At this point I still wasn’t aware that it was about me and it was only in the following years that I was able to decipher the obvious," reflects Angus. It was only later that he realised the song was a direct message of love and wisdom.
"The chorus lyrics are profoundly true, they’re a direct message to me, his son, and explore the meaning of meaning and how one lives a fulfilled life. They encapsulate his accumulation of knowledge and wisdom in eight lines - his own (optional) eight commandments.”
Working with friend and producer Jim Alxndr in London, Legg achieved a beautifully surreal moment: weaving the original vocals of his father into the new arrangement. The resulting harmony of their voices is an experience Angus never had in life, yet one he now gets to share with the world, adding fretless guitars, violin, and cello to create an atmosphere of haunting hope.
The musical arrangement proudly embraces the Celtic roots and traditional folk music of his London upbringing, a nod to his heritage that feels authentic and essential. Legg’s performance is characterised by his signature pure delivery—simple guitar, raw voice, and an unshakeable story. He continues to walk the line between stark intimacy and lyrical insight, inviting listeners to sit with difficult questions and shared grief.
The song’s devastating final line, sung by his father alone, ‘may I sometimes walk beside you, when I’m a long time gone’, fully realises the magnitude of Legg's brave decision to open up such a private part of his world. Yet, true to form, his wry humour offers a slight reprieve from the darkness.
“Every time I sing the last line, it’s like the first time I heard it. Floodgates are open. I’m not religious, and I don’t believe in ghosts, but the words to this song have come the closest to converting me,” he jokes.
‘May All Your Friends Be Artists’ is a powerful statement of legacy and love, securing Angus Legg’s place as one of the most compelling and candid acoustic songwriters working today.
