What does the Darebin area have that other areas don’t, in terms of support andopportunities for live music?
Well for us this is an easy question! We are releasing an EP through Decibels Records during the Music Feast, which is a youth led music label run by the Darebin Council – that’s the definition of support and opportunities!
What’s your favourite venue in Darebin, and why?
The Wesley Anne is pretty cool and relaxed. It’s like watching a band perform in your living room.
Do you think there’s a danger that people can take the music scene for granted in Darebin, and elsewhere in Melbourne, especially given the difficulty for musicians to make a living from music and the pressure of rising rental and venue operation costs?
The danger is very present! Many people expect to see a band for free or virtually nothing these days, some people find it hard to part with $10 for entry where in reality $10 is a pint. Have a punt (on a band) over a pint. Something has to change, whether it starts with the musician or how much the people actually value live performance.
In that context, what could be done to improve the opportunities for live music in Darebin?
It is all about the people! Many people have the ‘FREE’ mentality. If this begins to change, opportunities will improve as musicians have more financial backing. It all starts with the people. And a bit more government support for contemporary music never hurts!
