How would you describe the world of the web series Pleasure Dome?
Romantic, cheeky, linear, raw, blistering and uncomfortably accurate.
What’s it all about?
Pleasure Dome is a coming-of-age story set in contemporary Melbourne; it follows the lives of eight friends who couldn’t be more different, yet somehow guide each other through the ups and downs of early adulthood – coming together, getting wasted and growing up.
What’s its “vibe”?
Each episode of Pleasure Dome follows the perspective of a different character, which in turn means each episode has a different tone or vibe to it. As a whole, Pleasure Dome is moody and dark with its comedic elements coming from the dysfunctional dynamics between its characters. We’ve coined it a ‘Tragic Comedy’.
Many of the artists for the soundtrack to Pleasure Dome shall be playing at the fundraiser. What’s integral about the soundtrack to the story of Pleasure Dome?
Pleasure Dome is a character driven series and therefore represents the inner thoughts, feelings and motives of eight very different people. The music chosen not only reflects the time and the setting of the show, but enables our audience to understand what our characters are feeling and who they are.
The placement and relation of each song on our soundtrack is as important in sharing the story of each character as the costume, or the dialogue. Our soundtrack is constructed in the same way as a musician’s album – with strategy to tell a story, to prove and provoke a feeling.
What about this music specifically evokes the atmosphere that it does, and why is it so important?
In our first episode, we have songs like Pascoe Vale by our friendsSmile as our protagonist simply skates down a Melbourne street. The words “I’m gonna move to the edge of the city” are repeated as he kicks and pushes the board. The ebb and flow of the lead guitar, vocals and backbeat of the drums are reminiscent of the rhythm in which he skates. The music humanises him and assists in bringing to life the 20-something nature of Pleasure Dome.
How have you found the connection between the artistic worlds of music and film? Is there a different essence between the creative mediums, or are there fundamental ties that bind them together?
An initial intention when creating Pleasure Dome was to call attention to the distinctive community of Melbourne musicians that surround us. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been given access to such strong musical works and in return provide independent artists a new platform to allow their music to be heard and enjoyed.
What about The Tote will provide the perfect surrounds for the evening? What about this venue represents everything the project and the artists stand for?
To us, The Tote epitomises independent, underrepresented yet overly active Melbourne music scenes.
What are you most looking forward to on the night?
We’re excited to see this community come together in celebration of art, to drink beers and listen to some of our favourite bands.
How does Pleasure Dome showcase life for young Melburnians in a way that other programs haven’t done so previously?
Everyone involved in Pleasure Dome is a creative 20-something living in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. These characters are relatable because they are fragments of ourselves and our peers. Who better to tell these stories than the ones actually out there living them?
