Online gigs satisfy the lust for live
ALL is not lost in the city’s live music scene, with the Songwriters and Original Musicians Association of Dubbo Inc (SOMAD) taking their performances to an online audience.
SOMAD president Fred Randell told Dubbo Photo News that most of their upcoming gigs were cancelled after the spread of COVID-19 put a stop to gatherings of people.
Their annual outdoor concert, Under Western Skies, was only a week out when the restrictions were announced in March.
“We were pretty disappointed because that is the big marquee event that SOMAD runs,” Mr Randell said.
“We also run a monthly gig at the Macquarie Inn called Lust for Live, Lust for Live acoustic sessions at the Black Box Theatre and live music events featuring original musicians at the Devil’s Elbow.
“We had a big year planned. We got one of those performances in before everything turned pear-shaped.
“But we’ve put a pin in it for now. There are plenty of other people doing it tougher than we are.”
The live online gigs featuring local and regional artists along with others from further afield started in April. It’s called Lust for Livestreaming and is proving popular with both the musicians and listeners.
“SOMAD’S aim is to provide a platform for original musicians from the Dubbo region and for people to reach their music,” Mr
Randell said, explaining how the online performances started.
“We went to our musical black book and asked them to get on board.
“We are just trying to reach people where they are. Part of the reason we exist is to make music available to people where they are. Part of it is trying to get new young bands and musicians to have a place to perform.”
While digital music services have fulfilled many music-listener’s needs – even before COVID-19 – Mr Randell said the demand was still there for live music from local musos.
“People can pick and choose these days, we can be entertained without ever leaving the house. It’s a convenience thing. But we have a lot of exciting music in this region. “People are inspired by what we do, bringing great music to town and acts visiting Dubbo love it here.
“We are spoiled in terms of the great music that’s around.”
Fortunately, the online music sessions are filling that lust for live music with a range of performers and a mix of genres from single acoustic players to rock bands.
“It’s good that they live on after the live performances were cancelled,” Mr Randell said.
“A lot of people are livestreaming,” he said. “People are embracing it. They can also interact (with the acts).”
With everyone from Jimmy Barnes to Robbie Williams doing impromptu performances on social media, Mr Randell said it’s a popular option these days.
“We are going to spread the word wider and get more people to come on board. Our main purpose is to support the local guys and showcase performers.
“We are invested in what they are doing. And it’s creating a scene: when you see what people are doing, it inspires you.”
Local musicians to feature during the April gigs included Nolan Furnell, Brandon Troutman, Clinton Hoy and Big Red Writing. The online performance runs for an hour with each act doing a 15-minute set.
Visit https://www.facebook. com/dubbolustforlive/ for more information on upcoming gigs.
GRAPHIC: FRED RANDELL