On The Road: The Screaming Jets guitarist Scotty Kingman runs Lake Tyers Beach General Store

AUSSIE rocker Scotty Kingman is still in demand. Though his audience these days don’t always want to hear his latest rock anthems; they just want a latte.

When he’s not jet setting around the country playing to masses of rock fans, The Screaming Jets guitarist Scott 'Scotty' Kingman runs the Lake Tyers Beach General Store. Picture: Mark Stewart

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AUSSIE rocker Scotty Kingman is still in demand. Though his audience these days don’t always want to hear his latest rock anthems; they just want a latte.

The Screaming Jets guitarist who has helped entertain thousands of music fans around Australia has opted for the quiet life, opening the doors to the convenience store at Lake Tyers Beach.

It sees him jumping to a different beat as hundreds of summer punters swing by for coffee, a piece of battered flake or minimum chips.

Calm and quiet at Lake Tyers Beach.

He’s still with the band of course. They tour up and down the eastern seaboard at regular intervals; it’s just that a new chapter in his life seemed to unfold the moment he arrived at this sleepy inlet on Victoria’s far southeast coast.

“It truly is a beautiful part of the state,’’ Kingman said.

“We knew the moment we came here that we wanted to stay.’’

The Screaming Jets, with guitarist Scotty Kingman back centre. Picture: supplied

Along with partner Lyndy Moore, they took ownership of the General Store in August without a lick of experience.

“It’s certainly been a fast learning curve for both of us,’’ Kingman said.

“But it’s the kind of business where you get to know the locals and become an important part of the community. I like that.’’

The Screaming Jets during a gig. Picture: Stewart McLean

Positioned on the edge of Lake Tyer National Park, the shop overlooks a sand spit which separates the lake from the open ocean.

It creates calm waters for fisherman to cast and line and anybody who wants to wet their feet.

A master behind the lens, the local environment has also become a sprawling template for Kingman, who is a photographer.

His award-winning work captures local landscapes – the latest, a striking image of sand patterns on the beach beat out more than 230,000 entries to finish in the top 30 of an international photo competition.

Some of Kingman’s beautiful shots. Picture: Instagram

“The views out here are spectacular and it’s always changing,’’ Kingman said.

“I love trying to capture that.’’

But it’s hard to split his love for the shimmering light along this stretch of sand with the glimmer of life on stage.

In a long and successful career, Kingman has also played guitar for James Reyne, the Divinyls, Christine Anu and Daryl Braithwaite to name but a few.

But he reckons his new career behind the counter keeps him grounded.

“If it was about the money I would never be a musician,’’ Kingman said.

“I’m wealthy in life experience.’’

See Scotty Kingman’s picture portfolio on Instagram: @skingmanproductions

— Follow Aaron Langmaid and Mark Stewart as they discover the people and places that make our state great. If you know a true-blue local, or a place we should visit, email [e-mail]

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