COVID-19 has provided a silver lining for WA musicians and audiences as more local artists take the stage, filling the gaps left by a lack of national and international tours.
Key points:
- WA’s live music scene has been hit by cancelled shows and tours
- However, the industry says it’s helped artists at the start of their careers
- Scaled-back social distancing rules have allowed local artists to sell out shows
In fact, Kojonup rock duo Old Mervs reckon 2020 was their best year yet.
Drummer Henry Carrington-Jones said the pair notched up nearly 200,000 Spotify listens for their single Cellphone and because they were in WA, they could still play gigs.
“Perth scene’s been going off a lot, there’s no denying it’s been a really good place to be,” he said.
“We are super lucky to be here, the scene’s flourished.
“Probably partially because of COVID, as weird as that comes across, but that’s definitely been the case.”
The duo had moved to Wollongong, but when WA’s hard border was imposed they drove straight back.
Old Mervs guitarist and vocalist David House believes there’s a stronger awareness of the value of the scene, especially when compared with what’s happening in the eastern states.
“We’ve got mates over there who are playing sit-down gigs, but there’s only so few people,” Mr House said.
“And for us to be able to play here and have everyone standing and dancing is so normal for us.
“I think it’d be hard to be motivated for our type of music to go and play to people sitting down.”
Slower pace welcome for some
Cecilia Brandolini had planned a regional and national tour in 2020 but had to let it all go due to the pandemic.
She remembered the enthusiastic response when she started playing again.
“I found the community was pretty excited to have live music back — we sold it out a few days before the actual day of the show, which was pretty exciting, and the whole night was really incredible,” she said.
The pandemic even helped her gain a new perspective.
“It’s made me value my mental health way more, so it’s been actually really nice, really appreciating the gigs once I’m at them, post-COVID anyway.”
COVID-19 ‘baby bands’ emerging
There have been more opportunities for local players — whether in cover bands or playing originals — at the Indi Bar, Mojos, Freo Social, Rosemount, Clancy’s, Rodney’s, The Milk Bar, The Bird, The Aardvark or regional venues.
For Andrew Ryan, managing director of Mojos, it’s a perfect moment for any new…
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