What does the Darebin area have that other areas don’t, in terms of support and opportunities for live music?
The area is known internationally for quality and diverse music. Last year I was touring abroad for 5 months, and found no other place with such a thriving scene. In Darebin there are suitable venues for music of any genre and audience demographic.
What’s your favourite venue in Darebin, and why?
I like a few for different reasons… NSC is great for launch shows. Quality sound, stylish set-up. For smaller shows, Open Studio has an incredible vibe – and goes off like a bigger venue when the time is right!
Do you think festivals such as this should be about showcasing local musicians, or focusing on the opportunities for all musicians to play in Darebin?
I think a good combination of both allows audiences to experience a diverse program, and allows artists the opportunity to connect regardless of geography.
If you were programming the Darebin Music Festival, what would be the overall theme (if any), and who would you want to play?
I would keep the programming diverse – one genre is too limiting! Having been abroad last year, this year was a real rediscovery of the Melbourne scene for me. The artists I saw live this year that impressed me so were: The Lovely Days, The Imprints, El Moth and Dru Chen. They would all be on the bill for sure.
