BAND HITS THE RIGHT NOTES
WRITING music in his Murwillumbah bedroom, Mitchell Manz always wanted to start a band.
It was here that up and coming Brisbane band Bloom Parade began, but it would take years for the now 21-year-old musician’s project to become what it is now.
Mr Manz’s love of writing and listening might have come from his family, but he said his passion for guitar came about by pure luck.
“I first started playing guitar when I had some lessons in primary school but I didn’t enjoy them, so I bailed on that,” he said.
“I don’t think I had the attention for it, but I guess in high school when you start playing the school guitars in Year 7 that’s when I really started.
“I’ve always gravitated towards music, even just listening to it has been a big part of my life, as corny as that sounds.
“My parents were always really into music and it was always around, so that encouraged me despite my parents not being big musicians themselves.
“It felt lucky that I was in a school where there was a good environment for it.”
When he finally made the move up to Brisbane with his girlfriend in 2016, it was the perfect chance to turn his passion project into a real band.
It was there he met with friend and drummer Al Gakuru, and the pair have remained together as Bloom Parade.
Now with Andy Francis on guitar, Chris Hill on bass and Vanessa Marousopoulos on synth, the collaborative group is fast becoming everything Manz hoped it would be.
They finally released their debut EP Sunblushed last Friday, influenced by other musicians such as The Cure and Toy Boats.
It has been described as a mixture of melodic guitar, upbeat drums and dreamy vocals, bringing together the group’s many inspirations.
As Bloom Parade continues to grow on the Queensland music scene, their frontman had a piece of advice for others looking to do the same.
“If you’re hoping to play shows and for people to care about your music, just be a part of the scene, go to shows and support other people doing similar things,” he said.
“And that will foster a community around you, as well as bringing a lot of positive energy to you. It brings together people that are doing the same thing.”