Samantha Arthur Band Booker and Publicist
What’s the first show you ever had/booked at the venue? I can’t quite remember but I’m pretty sure it would have been King Wolf or The Harvey Cartel.
Why do you think the music scene in Melbourne is so special? Having first stepped into the scene as a muso, I think the sense of community and love for live performance makes Melbourne so special. So many bands, pubs and live music events every day of the year make the scene thrive.
If you could book any three bands to play a show, who would they be and why? Habits, Roland Tings and Lower Spectrum. Not a Catfish vibe but I booked these bands way back and it is super amazing to see how well they’ve done. I love seeing bands grow.
What has been the ultimate highlight in terms of a show you’ve held there? I started off booking a lot of indie/punk/garage/electronic acts at The Liberty Social, The Old Bar, The Espy and The Tote. But working at the fish has made my love and knowledge of local blues grow. Booking James Grim and Paul Slattery front a ten-piece Blues Brothers tribute band that sold out the bandroom (our first sell-out!) was a definite highlight.
Finally, what’s happening there for you as part of this year’s Leaps & Bounds? We’re hosting our favourites, The New Savages, as part of Leaps and Bounds Fest with a free front bar show on Saturday July 15, along with our usual Blues night on Wednesdays, Muddys’ Blues Roulette.
