If there’s one thing Melbourne has in abundance, it’s a plethora of local artists and a well of live talent. Hence, Live N Local is here to combine the two for a week-long celebration of music throughout the City of Port Phillip, providing you with a cocktail of Melbourne’s best up-and-comers, veteran musos and skill-based workshops to choose from. More than a little is going down between Saturday August 25 and Saturday September 1, so here’s a preview of a few of the week’s gems.
Opening After Party with Smoke Rings and Kill the Darling
The 2018 festival kicks off on Saturday August 25, with a stack of shows lighting up the day; DJ workshops, a market showcase featuring Hello Tut Tut, and our very own Beat At The Bowlo show. What better way to follow these up than with a pumping after party featuring the unique ‘90s Britpop delivered by Smoke Rings? Support come in the form of Kill the Darling’s folky-grunge sound.
Free, Port Melbourne’s Prince Alfred Hotel, Saturday August 25
Live at the Library for Kids, with Mal Webb and Kylie Morrigan
Pack some sandwiches and bring the teddies, because Mal and Kylie are going to conjure magic on the spot – they’re going to record live songs with help from their talking instruments (see: the kids). The duo will get the little maestros beatboxing and yodelling in time to create a unique musical experience that will be a highlight for all families involved.
Free, St Kilda Library, Sunday August 26
The things you wanted to know about production, with Simon Moro
Not only will Live N Local provide you with some of the best local performances on offer, but you’re also invited to step into an industry mindset and learn from one of the best. Simon Moro, engineer of four ARIA #1 albums, will host an interactive, open discussion about all things production that is intended to be completely tailored to your questions, and leave you with a sense of empowerment.
Free, Allan Eaton Studio, Sunday August 26
The Winterfriends
The Elwood-based progressive adult-contemporary pop collective will be taking over the Elsternwick Hotel for an hour-long set that will indubitably get you up and having a boogie. With their folk and jazz-infused blues a staple of Port Phillip’s finest venues, The Winterfriends are an outfit not to be missed in this free showcase of homegrown talent.
Free, Elsternwick Hotel, Tuesday August 28
Carlisle Street Sounds, with Brooke Taylor
Brooke Taylor is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter and guitarist with a style that somehow encompasses alt-folk, roots and country-pop into a 5’2” human rocket of musical energy. The songs are laden with rhythm guitar, honey-toned vocals, and soulful lyrics, which explore raw emotion and the delicacy of the human condition. Taylor is definitely a Melbourne artist to keep an eye on.
Free, Pause Bar, Wednesday August 29
Kutcha’s Hall of Blues
Melbourne’s southside Memo Music Hall is getting a makeover for Live N Local 2018; the staple live music venue will be transformed into Kutcha’s Hall of Blues. Kutcha Edwards, singer-songwriter and proud Mutti Mutti man, will perform his own rhythm and blues arrangements with accompaniment from the Elwood Community Choir and Bumpy, AKA Amy Dowd.
$15, Memo Music Hall, Thursday August 30
Market Sounds, with Elwood Community Choir and Mystic Trio
Elwood Community Choir is an open-access local choir that encourages anyone who can sing to join them – over 20 members of varied experience will converge on South Melbourne Market to share and enjoy some fun music. Additionally, Mystic Trio will pay homage to their Timor Leste roots and perform some original and traditional Timorese tunes. Make sure you set aside your Saturday morning and pack your reusable bags; wander the market and stop in to listen to these performances.
Free, South Melbourne Market, Saturday September 1
Emerging Artist Showcase, with HVNCOQ and more
The true measure of a festival is how it treats its up-and-comers – Live N Local dedicate a whole night to them. Indie-pop artist Sannia will kick things off at 8pm, followed by electro-soul hip hop musician Daniel Elia. Then comes Tanya George, a pedlar of her own unique indie-funk-pop sound, while HVNCOQ will close the night with plans to unleash a killer setlist of his electro-rap tunes. Support local industry and the younguns – you’ll be party to some true talent.
Free, Pontoon, Saturday September 1
Friday On Fitzroy Street, with Phoenix Manson
In the true spirit of Friday on Fitzroy Street – that is, showcasing a local lineup of live music across various genres – Phoenix Manson is a young producer from Melbourne. He delivers a new take on an old-school sound by fusing drum machine fills with jazz chords and smooth top lines, proving exactly why he is a recent graduate from Abbey Road in London.
Free, Cushion Lounge, Friday August 31
Live N Local Festival 2018 kicked off on Saturday August 25 and ended on Friday August 31. Find more events and information at the Live N Local website, or watch their 2018 wrap video below.
