Often pegged as the laid-back surfer dude of the music community – despite having “never touched a surfboard” in his life – it may come as a surprise to many that acoustic rocker Newton Faulkner is, in fact, an avid fan of the now infamous video game Grand Theft Auto.

“I get a great kick of going in one of the cars and just driving into the desert and flicking through the radio stations,” he tells Ed Power in the latest issue of Hot Press. The admission comes alongside confirmation of his involvement in composing the soundtrack for another video game, details of which cannot be announced yet (though the singer-songwriter says it could be ‘massive’).

Faulkner’s interest in gaming and technology may go against his mellow, dreadlocked image, but it shouldn’t surprise his fans who have been following his online activity this year. For five weeks during the recording of his fourth album, Faulkner allowed the online world into his home and recording studio by streaming live video day and night.

His choice to take part in such a project may seem extraordinary to many, especially in today’s climate of piracy-paranoia, but for Faulkner it was all about going back to basics and connecting with his fans. “The best bit was the feedback” says Newton of the experience, adding that it allowed him to take others’ advice to “just stop” when he was wrapped up in his work.

Perhaps his laid-back persona helped in being comfortable with cameras being on him constantly. “It’s taking a long time for me to get used to them not being there!”

For more on Faulkner’s web-cast experience, as well as his decision to co-write on his new album, pick up the latest issue of Hot Press, in stores now.