Melbourne singer - songwriter - guitarist David Hosking sometimes performs with other people - and highly respected people, at that - but he is really a solo artist in the truest sense of the term.

Ever since he first started performing professionally, he has been stubbornly independent in his outlook and career, ignoring the attentions of record companies in order to articulate precisely his own musical vision without interference.

As a tactic it might be unusual, but it certainly seems to work.

To date he has released seven self financed albums, and built a large and loyal following on the Melbourne pub circuit. His recorded work has been praised by critics in both mainstream and street press, at home and internationally.

He has received airplay on radio stations as diverse as PBS, RRR JJJ and 774. He has collaborated with the likes of Chris Wilson, Shane O’Mara, Rebecca Barnard, Shelly Scown, comedian Glynn Nicholas and Crowded House engineer Paul Kosky.

One of five boys, David Hosking followed his brothers in taking up the guitar at the age of 11. Realising that no one ever got famous by singing songs in an outer-suburban backyard, he acquired a car and a driving licence at the earliest possible opportunity, headed into town and started the long, tough business of establishing his reputation.

It was no easy task, despite his stylish playing, strong voice and engagingly quirky songwriting style. In those days the pubs and cafes were dominated by performers who sang covers of other people's work - something he refused to do.

He perservered, however, and gradually built up a solid core of devoted fans, attracting more whenever he played.

He is truly a man of many talents. In between singing, playing guitar and songwritng, Hosking, in true rock and roll style, kept body and soul together by working as a wharf carpenter, barman, kitchen hand, crane driver, disability support worker and childcare worker.

In many ways, David Hosking has done it tough. He has his reasons, however. He has his albums out, the respect of his fans, the critics and his musical peers alike. And he has done it all without a shred of compromise.