Ex-Whangarei Man Writes War Songs

Northern Advocate, 28 May 1940, Page 7

Ex-Whangarei Man Writes War Songs

Lester Sinclair, first manager of the Regent Theatre', Whangarei, is the most prolific song writer in Australia today. The May 11 issue of ”Pix," the Australian weekly, contains a double spread, illustrating how the Sydney man writes and dictates war compositions. While resident in Whangarei. Mr Sinclair proved that he possessed organising ability above the average. Some of his publicity stunts were definitely unique. One morning, Whangarei people were amazed to see streets and footI paths emblazoned with large whitewashed letter x’s. During the night, Mr Sinclair and his staff had been busy with the paint brush advertising the theatre's current attraction. "Madame X.” Court proceedings followed, but the film did record business. Mrs Sinclair (nee Miss R. Alderton) is a Whangarei girl. With their nine years’ old son. she is visiting her parents hero. 35 to 40 Songs a Year Sydney songwriter Lester Sinclair turns out between 35 and 40 songs a week, says “Pix.” 1 From these he picks the five best, which arc then used. Since war started he has concentrated on war songs, with both Empire and Australian themes. Some of his numbers have comedy settngs, such as “If Hitler Had a RedHaired Sweetheart,” and "Keep the Bod Warm, Maggie.” Sinclair employs a full-time typist, and a part-time music writer. Big proportion of his songs are written in march tempo, with a view to adaptation for military bands. He hopes to write regimental songs for all A.I.F. units.

Official Song of R.A.A.F. One of Sinclair's songs, "Out of the Blue,” has been accepted as official song of the R.A.A.F. A catch line in the composition is “Herr Hitler Had Better Take a Tumble.” Sinclair sings all his songs into a dictaphone. lie then plays them hack so that he can pick faults, and correct them. Sinclair is under contract to an Australian radio station, over which he sings his own compositions. Typist Critic When songs are being tried, his typist is invited to criticise new compositions and make suggestions.

Sinclair was born in Yorkshire and first came to Australia when 14 years of age.