IT’S INTERESTING to see the AFL has got behind and is recognising the local music scene, with bands playing before Friday night matches at the MCG.
It’s a point of difference and something that caught my eye, as I have a particular interest in the Melbourne music scene. The AFL hasn’t traditionally gone down this path, but should be applauded for its initiative.
Little Red, a band which has gained publicity via Triple J and had previously gained great exposure locally on Triple R, played before the Geelong and St Kilda match in round one.
Last round, Paris Wells played before the St Kilda and Richmond encounter, and on Friday night a ‘super-group’ (featuring different identities from local bands, including Ash Naylor of Even, one of my favorite bands) performed before the Collingwood and Carlton clash.
The ‘super-group’ paid homage to AC/DC favourite and played ‘Good Old Collingwood Forever’, which must have rubbed half of the crowd up the wrong way, I’m sure!
But it’s a great endorsement for the Melbourne music scene.
I’m right behind this initiative, as I have a real passion for the Melbourne music scene and actively seek out local music. I really got into Australian independent music during my later years of secondary school in the early eighties when the local alternative music scene flourished.
I came across Triple R by accident and started listening regularly to different shows. The music being played was like a revelation - unlike anything on radio at the time (this still holds true). I started seeing live bands with friends regularly and got to know many of the Triple R staff.
It was through meeting Neil Rogers, the presenter of The Australian Mood, that I became a guest on his program. He plays strictly Australian independent music - nothing from overseas - and has long championed the cause of local bands, many who have gone on to achieve greater exposure and acclaim. It’s on at 8pm on Thursdays, but I’m rarely on these days, due to football and family commitments. I do love getting into the studios and spinning the discs though!
Along with the opportunity for Melbourne bands to play at the MCG, Melbourne does offer a fantastic live music scene - at lots of venues. I’m not sure if people who live in Melbourne appreciate how big Melbourne’s music scene really is. Comparing it on a world stage, Melbourne is a very prominent live music city.
Melbourne’s live music scene is an extension of its very strong sports and entertainment audience and participation. We get great crowds for football, racing and all types of events - and Melbourne’s music scene has great numbers, which can sustain new and established bands.
The football hook with some of the musicians playing at these Friday night pre-match gigs is that some of them will be playing in the ‘Reclink Community Cup’ later this year.
This match has hosted great crowds over the years, attracting 10,000 to 15,000 at Elsternwick Park. It’s played between the ‘Rockdogs’ (featuring local musicians) and the ‘Megahertz’ (including on-air announcers from community stations - primarily Triple R and PBS). There is actually a strong Melbourne following among the players from the two teams.
The match raises between $60,000 and $100,000 in a single day for ‘Reclink’.
It’s a point of difference and something that caught my eye, as I have a particular interest in the Melbourne music scene. The AFL hasn’t traditionally gone down this path, but should be applauded for its initiative.
Little Red, a band which has gained publicity via Triple J and had previously gained great exposure locally on Triple R, played before the Geelong and St Kilda match in round one.
Last round, Paris Wells played before the St Kilda and Richmond encounter, and on Friday night a ‘super-group’ (featuring different identities from local bands, including Ash Naylor of Even, one of my favorite bands) performed before the Collingwood and Carlton clash.
The ‘super-group’ paid homage to AC/DC favourite and played ‘Good Old Collingwood Forever’, which must have rubbed half of the crowd up the wrong way, I’m sure!
But it’s a great endorsement for the Melbourne music scene.
I’m right behind this initiative, as I have a real passion for the Melbourne music scene and actively seek out local music. I really got into Australian independent music during my later years of secondary school in the early eighties when the local alternative music scene flourished.
I came across Triple R by accident and started listening regularly to different shows. The music being played was like a revelation - unlike anything on radio at the time (this still holds true). I started seeing live bands with friends regularly and got to know many of the Triple R staff.
It was through meeting Neil Rogers, the presenter of The Australian Mood, that I became a guest on his program. He plays strictly Australian independent music - nothing from overseas - and has long championed the cause of local bands, many who have gone on to achieve greater exposure and acclaim. It’s on at 8pm on Thursdays, but I’m rarely on these days, due to football and family commitments. I do love getting into the studios and spinning the discs though!
Along with the opportunity for Melbourne bands to play at the MCG, Melbourne does offer a fantastic live music scene - at lots of venues. I’m not sure if people who live in Melbourne appreciate how big Melbourne’s music scene really is. Comparing it on a world stage, Melbourne is a very prominent live music city.
Melbourne’s live music scene is an extension of its very strong sports and entertainment audience and participation. We get great crowds for football, racing and all types of events - and Melbourne’s music scene has great numbers, which can sustain new and established bands.
The football hook with some of the musicians playing at these Friday night pre-match gigs is that some of them will be playing in the ‘Reclink Community Cup’ later this year.
This match has hosted great crowds over the years, attracting 10,000 to 15,000 at Elsternwick Park. It’s played between the ‘Rockdogs’ (featuring local musicians) and the ‘Megahertz’ (including on-air announcers from community stations - primarily Triple R and PBS). There is actually a strong Melbourne following among the players from the two teams.
The match raises between $60,000 and $100,000 in a single day for ‘Reclink’.
Each year, the ‘Reclink Community Cup’ has a different theme. This year’s theme revolves around Nick Cave, who is an internationally renowned Melbourne artist.
It promises to be another great event.
Here are five of my favourite Australian artists … (I could name another 20!)
Died Pretty: Died Pretty is my favourite band of all time. If you haven’t heard any of their music I highly recommend you investigate - start with “Sold” and “Doughboy Hollow”. They’re headlining CherryRock in May and their legendary lead singer Ron Peno gigs regularly around town.
The Fauves: They are a Mornington Peninsula band, whose lead singer is a big Melbourne supporter, I believe. They’ve been around for a while now and are releasing two CDs this year.
The Sand Pebbles: Their bassist, Chris Hollow, actually played 24 games for St Kilda from 1993-95. They’ve released 4 great CD’s; “Ghost Transmissions” is the best.
Nick Cave: I really got into Nick Cave when he formed ‘Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ after his band ‘The Birthday Party’.
You Am I: Tim Rogers plays in the ‘Reclink Community Cup’. He captained the side in 2009 and kicked the winning goal. Tim is a very big North Melbourne supporter and really knows his footy.
It promises to be another great event.
Here are five of my favourite Australian artists … (I could name another 20!)
Died Pretty: Died Pretty is my favourite band of all time. If you haven’t heard any of their music I highly recommend you investigate - start with “Sold” and “Doughboy Hollow”. They’re headlining CherryRock in May and their legendary lead singer Ron Peno gigs regularly around town.
The Fauves: They are a Mornington Peninsula band, whose lead singer is a big Melbourne supporter, I believe. They’ve been around for a while now and are releasing two CDs this year.
The Sand Pebbles: Their bassist, Chris Hollow, actually played 24 games for St Kilda from 1993-95. They’ve released 4 great CD’s; “Ghost Transmissions” is the best.
Nick Cave: I really got into Nick Cave when he formed ‘Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ after his band ‘The Birthday Party’.
You Am I: Tim Rogers plays in the ‘Reclink Community Cup’. He captained the side in 2009 and kicked the winning goal. Tim is a very big North Melbourne supporter and really knows his footy.
