Banjo revival hits the Shire

It seems that to St George music studio teacher, Ted Nash the Shire has bred a generation of banjo players.

Nash said that in the past 12 months more than 20 students of varying ages had started banjo lessons in his studio at Miranda.

“There has always been an underground of banjo players out there but in the last two years it has really experienced a comeback,” he said.

Nash believes this may be a result of bands such as the Dixie Chicks, “People are hearing good banjo players and realising what a versatile instrument it is.”

Mat Paul, 17 of Heathcote has been learning the Banjo for almost a year now. He is mainly self taught but says that “its just such a fun instrument to play.”

The Banjo, believed to have been developed in Africa comes in many forms that include four, five and six string banjos with many differing playing styles associated with the banjo.

Today, the banjo is commonly associated with country, folk and bluegrass music. Historically, however, the banjo occupied a central place in African American Traditional music, as well as in the minstrel shows of the 19th century.

Shire Music Centre owner David Hines said the days when his shop kept just one novelty banjo lying around were over.

 ”We now stock six or seven different types and have started selling banjo starter packs to cater for beginners,” he said.

Banjo prices start at around $400.

Station Street Sessions

Engadine District Youth Services (EDYS) is set to hold a monthy performace of local music named Station Street Sessions.

The idea was born last year after local musician, Cara showcased his combination of acoustic and reggae sounds.

EDYS is a community based, non government organisation that works with young people aged 11 to 18, which will also be the primary audience for the upcoming Station Street Sessions.

“The aim of the shows is to give young people in this age group a fun and safe place to hang out on a Friday, while also giving them a chance to showcase their talents,” Said one of the organisers of the event.

ESYS is also described as a “safe and non judgemental space for teenages to relax and get involved” by a teacher from the local school. “The Staff are very professional, I’m sure Station Street Sessions will be a huge Success”.

The only problem being is that promotion for the shows may be the only short coming, “I actually am planning on going to one on the 5th - two of my friends bands are playing. But i only know of it through them, there hasnt been musch advertising,” said a local resident.

All folk, blues, soul, acoustic, reggae, funk, alternative are welcomed to play in the was is said to be a “laid back vibe” at Station Street Sessions.

Bands are able to volunteer to play on the events myspace, with two local talents; Mad Polly and The Pennys appearing on the fifth.

The entry cost is $8 and all profits will go to the bands. EDYS is locaed in the centre of Engadine, just a short walk from the station.

The next installment of Station street sessions will be on June fifth at 7pm. The set will feature Ant Beard, The Pennys, Alice and Andy and Mad Polly.

Profile- Shelley Sernek

Shelley is a unique and artistic music photographer that specialises in live concert photography, promo shots, portraits events and anything to do with live entertainment.

How long have you lived in the Shire?

I’ve lived in the shire my entire life. My Grandpa, father and a bunch of other trained carpenters built our home in the hub of Illawong, and havent budged since.
Have you always been interested in music?

I think everyone is interested in music to some degree, so yes, in regards to this question, I have always enjoyed music, even in the early stages from within the womb! My Dad is a musician, so I guess he was one of the main influences of my interaction with the art. As for a lot of people, my passion for music sky rocketed when I finally became of age and was able to hit the over 18′s music venues, pubs and clubs. But I had to have some sort of taste in quality music prior to this stage, so throughout high school and some of primary, I was in the ‘researching days’, finding what music pleased my eardrums and what caused severe hemorrhage! I am one who appreciates most genres of music, but can only handle super small portions of opera and country, VERY small portions!

 

Can you explain your job and what you do? (as a music photographer)

I am a music photographer specialising in live concert photography, promo shots, portraits, events and anything to do with live entertainment. My job as a photographer is to provide edgy and high quality images with a unique artistic flare and style for bands and their promoters or for anyone who commissions me for specific jobs and events. As a freelance photographer, there’s a lot of travelling to and from locations usually around Sydney and the south coast regions, so on the travelling side of things, I tend to make good use of the CD player while on the road!
How did you get involved?

In 2005 I had just hit the Higher School Certificate in year 11. Not knowing what I wanted to do or be when I finished year 12, I picked up a 1 unit photography course as I had one unit left to fill. It was the only available subject that sparked an interest in comparison to the other subjects, and so the seed was planted. I learnt the basics of exposure and developing film [in the darkroom] and was achieving above average results. Before I knew it, a whole year had passed, I had finally found my forte and topped the class with a new found career path. Unfortunately that course only lasted till the end of year 11, so I had enough motivation to wait till after high school to start getting educated in the art of photography at Ultimo College in Sydney.
Whilst studying, I went to many pub gigs, photographed quite a few local bands in Sydney and more in Wollongong. As I started to work on and develop my own style of photography, I kept a close eye on detail as I became familiar to no flash, low light photography.
What are the good and bad aspects of your job?

The good aspects would definitely have to be free entertainment! Can’t complain about that! Being a photographer, you get to visit all sorts of locations, meet new and interesting people wherever you go, not to mention all the interesting and bizarre situations those meets have lead to, as well as developing a good rapport with peopl in general. The bad aspects is that photography is a very expensive field to get into. For a photographer to make progress in the industry, you have to bend backwards to get somewhere, so a lot of complimentary packages were issued out to bands and solo perfomers, hands constantly in pockets to pay for travelling costs, but on the flipside, it is a very rewarding job as i have experienced and it only motivates me to keep at it.

Would you change anything?

No, not at all! I’m really happy of what I have achieved so far in my career and have definitely enjoyed growing and developing my own style. I couldn’t think of anything better to do with my time really. Live music, photography, great entertainment, what more could you possibly want! Its great [and a pleasure] to see the excitement on clients’ faces when they see the final product. The processes of capturing those photos, especially in promo shoots, are always super fun and exciting as you bounce of each other for inspiration and collectively sometimes you can produce some amazing work.
 

How do you feel about music in the Shire?
Music in the shire… Well to be honest, there’s not too much out there [that I'm aware of]. But I’m pretty sure there are some decent acts hiding around the scaffolding waiting to be discovered, but due to the shire’s lack of quality music venues, musicians and bands alike tend to branch out to live music venues throughout the city, in search for opportunities to perform. There’s only 2 notable music venues in the shire region that I have visited personally and that is the noteable Brass Monkey in Cronulla, which is an awesome little venue for intimate [or in ya face] gigs and then there’s Caringbah Bizzo’s who have been hosts for more commonly known bands from around Australia and internationally.
 

Some examples of her work-

Mad for Mad Polly

Singing and guitar act Rebecca Sandridge and Melissa Creagan, will appear at the Brass Monkey in Cronulla on Saturday, May 30.

Mad Polly comprises two talented songwriters and musicians who perform heartfelt, lyrical songs.

One fan describes their sound as “sweet, melodic pieces with accoustic guitar and vocals. Theyre easy to listen to have a possitive or uplifting message that I can relate to. Many of the pieces are inspiriing or carry a message that I can relate to as a young adult.”

Their performance is enhanced by the range of instruments including guitar, glockenspeil, percussion and shakers, a 12string guitar, slide, percussion, harmonica, foot stomping, whistling and tambourine.

The guitar savy Rebecca Sandridge and the soothing voice of Melissa Creagan ahve just released their own EP album that is available for purchase at their show.

The album is described as “raw and real sounds from real people about real things” by locals who are quick to create a large fan base for the band.

Mad Polly will feature at The Brass Monkey in Cronulla this Saturday at 7pm.

They will also appear on ‘Uncovered’ by the Brass Monkey, a night dedicated to unearthing unsigned local artists.

Uncovered will feature on the last sunday of every month and has already helped to uncover artists such as Missy Higgens and Pete Murray.

The next uncovered night will include artists such as Bones Atlas, Dean Micheal Smith and Mad Polly.

Profile- Benny Neilson

Benny has lived in the Sutherland Shire for all his life. He began his career as a band member that just needed somewhere to play. His company, that grew out of booking his own and other bands, Benny Neilson Entertainment created the local craze that was Engadine Gigs that soon morphed into Collateral management , a Sydney based managment and booking company that currently operates all around Australia.

Benny is currently the Agent/Director of Collateral managament, and travels along with all the bands his company books just for the fun of it.

Benny and his business partner

How long have you lived in the Shire?

I have lived in the shire all my life, a whole 24 years.

Have you always been interested in music?

I have always loved music.
My dad had a huge vinyl collection of rancid, the clash and decedents
laying around when i was a kid.
Can you explain your job and what you do?

I book and promote shows, i tour bands around the country… some
bands I act strictly as a booking agent for and others i manage the
band.. ( including booking shows, finances, merchandising, travel and
accom.. )
How did you get involved in the music scene in the Shire?

I needed a place for my own band to play -
so I booked a show at EDYS in Engadine who helped me book bigger venues and bands.. I ended up taking on shows fortnightly.. some of the biggest bands in the world passed through…
What are the good and bad aspects of your job?

The good aspects would include travel, meeting great people, working from home, the music…
And the bad aspects well payment is always a gamble – can loose money just as easily as I make it…
Would you changed anything?

I wouldnt change a thing.. no regrets. I’ve had a good run.
Ho do you feel about music in the Shire?

Music in the shire is ok… the bands never seem to sell alot of
merchandise around here though – which I have always found a bit bizarre. There are  plenty of kids.. nice kids too..
Obviously there hasnt been a show for some time – so its hard to see
how everyone will react to the new shows  starting up -
especially now they have grown a bit older and found out that going to
Hunters is amazing..

Vox Pops #2- what you love about music (continued)

1. what are your favourite three genres of music and why?
2. what are your top three favourite bands and why?
3. Do you attend any local (shire) gigs? if so, how often?
4. Do you have any favourite local bands? If so, who?

1. Metal- the heavy guitar and bass beats combined with the authentic vocals. and it is good too listen too if you want to expel an emotion
Rock- good for road trips, easy listening and have some awesome guitar and piano players
the 80s- carefree and fun, sometimes the lyrics dont make a whole lot of sense or they make perfect sense (no imbetween) which makes it excellent to listen to.

2. Slipknot- Has a variety of instruments and a range of force there songs are played at. and they’re amazing live
Queens of the Stone Age- silly, messy in a co-ordinated way. range of genres and styles of playing
Hoodoo Gurus- there AWESOME and a great credit to aussies

3. No.  My parents are strict!

4. Not really, Ive heard a few and some were average and others were crap (ie Cloud nine).

1.Indie, alternative, and acoustic. I love to music for the effect it has on people. Without doubt you can allways find a song to reflect how you feel or have felt at any specific moment in time. I love indie, alternative and acoustic because it reflects how I like my life and how life is. Kicked back with my friends doing nothing but doing everything at the same time..
Those three genres can in a nutshell cover everysingle emotion humanly possible and plus there generally all so thought out songs from the heart.
Im a sap.

2. The format, pink floyd, bright eyes.
The format because of the sound they produce and eispecially the way in which there albums are put togeather. Everysingle one of them telling a story of love, loss, compassion, heartache anger and revenge. All with brilliantly composed accompnament (really can’t spell today but you get the drift).
Also the fact that there “music career” isn’t driven by fame or power but by sam and nates love for music (which they demonstrate a lot with the recording with other bands for there songs to enhance the music)
Pink floyd because I grew up listening to them, when I was little and I couldn’t sleep my dad would drive me around and put pink floyd on. It reminds me of home and family.
And finally brighteyes because of connor the lead singer. Everysong he writes he pours his heart and the entirity of his anguish into. Regardless of the fact he is a severe drug addict (thus the amazingly deep songs) connors brilliance never fails to shine through. And I love those with talent.

3. Up untill a year ago I was a regular for 3 years. Never failing to miss a gig whether it was in engadine, janalli or out at skate plus (even if I did get sick of watching parkway play the same set over and over again) but the engadine gig crew started to all grow up and move on with out lives and gigs have never been the same with + they knocked our belovid hall down =[. So no I don’t attend gigs anymore.
I feel to old + don’t like that new scene.
So I havnt been one since parkway last year in january at sutho.

 

 

1. i like metal, country and rock’nroll
metal because it is great for all occasions, and they have awesome songs. country because its great for chillin too and rockn’roll because its classic

2.Children of bodom Machine head, and the eagles
children of bodom because the lead guitarist can sing and solo at the same time, they have awesome riffs and they are great live
machine head because they are brutal, their rifss are mind buggingly heavy.
the eagles because they are so laid back and great for chillin too

3.i used to, before they closed the hall. but i prefer more famous gigs because there is no hardcore dancing
hardcore dan cining = gay
4.. THRASHED, THE MARIANIA TRENCH and lyall haggot

1. indie, scremo and acoustic 1st n last one are really easy to listen too, feel good music i recon. scremo is fun to mosh to and good live.
2. kisschasy, sugarcult and the used. kisschasy-australian and really good live. sugarcult, they are good to listen to because they do soft music aswell as loud n hard same as the used but the used are more scremo.
3. uhhhmmm the bands i go to are usually in the city, plasses like bras monkey and caringbah bizzo’s only do over 18s for the bands i want to see.
4. kisschasy is australian if that counts and i love gyroscope, there australian but don know where there from. sarah blasko is mad!! but i think she from qld.

New hall in Engadine set to open in April while Shire is named best local music scene

Engadine Community Hall before it was demolished

The Sutherland Shire has “the biggest local music scene in the country”, according to gig promoter Benny Neilson in spite of local opinion, rumours that Engadine gigs stopped due to community pressure have also been squashed.

In the past it was commonly thought that the Engadine Gigs hall was demolished due to community complaints, as the bigger and more popular the shows got, the more violent they became.

Yet Neilson, founder of Collertal management states that this is not the case at all. “They are actually building a new hall, it was nothing to do with community pressure at all,” he said.

Development of Engadine’s new multi-million dollar community facility and town square is expected to be ready by Easter next year, said Sutherland Shire Mayor Lorraine Kelly.

She said the main part of the new facility was a 328 seat capacity civic and cultural hall equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, adaptable lighting structure, motorised retractable seating and fully retractable wall partitions so the hall can be temporarily divided in two for different activities.

“We expect this will be a focal point in Engadine and is sure to foster a thriving hub for performances, receptions and local recreation and business and community groups,” Clr Kelly said.

Site works began in October 2008 with the demolition of an existing community hall, But while the community waits for the new venue, Neilson said the Janalli venue is still available for shows.

However he said the Janalli venue was a more expensive and considerably smaller hall than the Engadine venue that is not a cost effective option.

“If someone so much as scratches the floor or writes their name on a wall, something that could cost me twenty bucks to fix i instantly lose a grand, its just not worth it.”

While there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of gigs Colleratoral has run in the Shire in recent years, with a total of three this year Neilson remains positive that there will be more in the future although residents remain skeptical.

Neilson, who has travelled all around Australia promoting shows. “The biggest shows are still here,” he said.

Yet locals beg to differ, “Shire music is pretty sh*t generally. I mean, the area isn’t exactly bursting with creativity. I used to go to the gigs before the hall was knocked down but I was never really into it”, said Engadine resident Tamara Hughs.

“I used to attend many local concerts in the Sutherland Shire, when I was heavily into the metal and hardcore scene. Originally, the concerts were with great, up and coming bands, with a punk style. But as the concerts went on, the content of the music was heavier and sounded all the same.” Said local resident Caitlen Bradley.

 ”The crowds changed, violence, drug use and over-drinking really dimmed the mood. I stopped going to concerts in the Sutherland Shire because I was beginging to feel uncomfortable with the crowds,” stated Bradly.

some video’s from shows at the ‘old hall’:

 

Band Profile- Mad Polly

So after the support Mad Polly recieved in the first round of Vox Pops- I had to see what the hype was all about.

Mad Polly – These two stunning beauties (Mel Creagan and Bec Sandridge (both ONLY eighteen years of age) from the south coast village of Stanwell Park (fringing the Shire), have teamed their love of music together to create soulful tunes that compliment and emphasize their talents.

 These cruisey kids have created wholesome songs of personal life experiences, of which their down-to-earth lifestyle’s have helped shape. Camping, surfing, traveling, gigs and chilling out with friends and family is what these two young ladies love. And of course, most of all music ! Both have been playing guitar for a number of years and have previously dabbled in other musical instruments. Their up-lifting voices, and realistic lyrics are only the start of two great musicians. Mad Polly’s tracks ‘Walking Stick’ and ‘Crazy Jane’ have recently become featured on triplejunearthed website, ranked on the Roots charts at 9 and 14.

I caught up with the stunning lead guitarist, Bec Sandridge who shares some insight into her love of music. Graduating from Engadine High last year with top marks, she now attends the University of Sydney. When performing Bec takes the role of lead guitarist, 12string, slide, percussion, harmonica, foot stomping, whistling and tambourine.

1. in regard to music who is your inspiration and why?
2. what are your top three favourite genres of music and why?
3. who are your top three bands/music artists and why?
4. what is your best memory of performing on stage?
5. If you could meet one artist or anyone from the industry who would it be?
6. what”s your experience of performing shows in the shire?

1. In regard to my music, my inspiration would probably come from my guitar teachers over the years as they have helped me develop my own unique style of playing, aswell as playing covers, and they have always supported musical talents etc. Also, i think the upcoming, young artists currently in the folk/roots industry (Like Lisa Mitchell, Laura Marling- whom are both only eighteen) are really inspiration for our music as it shows that young people can really make an impact in the industry if they are persistant, passionate and talented.

2. My top three favourite genres of music would haveto be acoustic, blues, folk/roots. I like the really organic, live feel of these genres as it kindof shows that all sound-effects and editing arent making the artist good, but rather their pure talent. I tend to believe that these kind of artists are more down-to0earth in the fact that they are shaping new paths in the industry, rather than simply following ‘pop’/mainstream stuff.

3. Top three muso’s right now would probably be Laura Marling, Tristan Prettyman and Feist. These musicians are fairly new to the market and all have really distinct voices and lyrically they create a picture through story-telling, and catchy melodies etc. I would definitely like to see all of these people live. Missy Higgins, Lisa Mitchell and John Butler are also great ambassodors for the Australian Music scene i think.

4.One of my best memories performing on stage was probably at the Courthouse Hotel, Oxford Street. We’d been doing gigs for a while and we had a pretty big crowd with all of my friends there, and i finally felt 100 percent comfortable with our sound/songs that weve written whilst having fun AND it was cool to know that all our friends are supporting us despite the massive trek into the city.

5.If i could meet one artist from the industry it would probably be Missy Higgins or a record-deal/distributor from a indie label such as Scorpio/Spunk/ or Kaos records+management, as we could discuss how hard it is to make it in the industry within Australia, how to sustain a life-long career as a musician and how to make a good impression with the media etcetc

6. Performing shows in the shire are good simply because you can bring a large crowd, although it is fairly hard to get alot of shows in the shire due to the fact that there isnt as many venues in comparison to the big city + wollongong etc. Our favourite venue in the shire to play at would haveto be The Brass Monkey as its nice and intimate and has a great atmosphere.

 

Upcoming Shows ( view all )

24 May 2009 7:00 P ACOUSTIC SUNDAY @ The Royal, Leichart Sydney, New South Wales 30 May 2009 7:30 P supporting BONES ATLAS @ The Brass Monkey, Cronulla Sydney, New South Wales 5 Jun 2009 7:00 P SSS @ EDYS, Engadine Sydney, New South Wales 7 Jun 2009 4:00 P Mt Kembla PUB Wollongong, New South Wales 10 Jun 2009 10:00 P Oxford Tavern, Wollongong Sydney, New South Wales 12 Jun 2009 7:00 P *cancelled* UNCOVERED @ The Brass Monkey, Cronulla Sydney 21 Jun 2009 12:00 A Ruby’s Cafe, Stanwell Park Wollongong, New South Wales 23 Jul 2009 7:30 P Headlining @ Ryans Hotel, Thirroul Wollongong, New South Wales 17 Oct 2009 2:00 P Surry Hills Library & Neigbourhood Centre Sydney, New South Wales 24 Oct 2009 12:00 A HELENSBURGH FAIR Wollongong, New South Wales 1 May 2010 12:00 P FOR BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES: BEC wildchild-bec@Hotmail.com

 

Vox Pops #1- what you love about music

1. what are your favourite three genres of music and why?
2. what are your top three favourite bands and why?
3. Do you attend any local (shire) gigs? if so, how often?
4. Do you have any favourite local bands? If so, who?

1. punk; metal; alternative – why becasue i love the sound of them, they help me reeeelax

2. favourite bands… this ones hard… um
first of all id have to say RANCID
THE HAUNTED
anddd john mayer

3. i did. i went to like 2 or 3. pretty much when carpathian were playing and a once or twice after that at random times.

4. negative. im sort of out of touch with that “scene” nowadawys. i prefer to go to the proper concert type events.

1. Alternative, Indie, Rock – I dunno. Good rhythm? Beat is important. I confess I don’t really care about lyrics

2. Kings of Leon, MGMC, bjork – catchy, not repetitive, individual(ish)

3. Ummmm not really – used to go to ‘emo’ gigs in Engadine. Shire music is pretty shit generally. I mean, the area isn’t exactly bursting with creativity

4. Do stanwellparkians count? If so, Madpolly is pretty good.

1. My favourite music genres are rather contrasting.
1. Jazz
I enjoy the vocals of a good female jazz singer, for powerful notes, raspy, gravel voice types and warm, sultry lyrics. Jazz can be a very emotive genre, rather sexy and always puts me in an uplifted mood. I also love to ding jazz, so by performing in this genre, I have a greater appreciation for it.
2. Alternative
I love anything alternative. It could fall into the noise genre and I’d still appreciate it. I love how composers can put together different instruments to create a whole musical piece.
3. Punk-rock.
I have had a big appreciation for classic punk-rock for years, and always love a catchy beat. I really like punk-rock for the contriversial lyrics and compositions the bands always provide listeners.

2. I have a large collection of music that is my favourite, but there are 3 bands that at the present time, I call my ‘favourites’.
1. Good Charlotte
I have been a fan of Good Charlotte since a young age, around 12 or 13. I was always drawn to their powerful lyrics and catchy guitar riffs and drum patterns. They also are very loyal to their fans, so their dedication is also something inspires me. Even though they have gone slightly mainstream, i still believe their music has a strong message
2. Green Day
Green Day have been a favourite of mine for many years, much like Good Charlotte. They have a catchy pop-punk-rock genre that really suits theire powerful lyrics. I like how their contriversial lyrics suit the current political and social trends.
3. Sarah Humphries
Sarah Humphries is an unsigned artist from the Byron Bay area/North Coast of NSW and her vocals are stunning. She plays guitar and all pieces are accoustic. Her vocals remind me of Missy Higgins, and her lyrics have a deep emotional connection with me.

3. I used to attend many local concerts in the Sutherland Shire, when I was heavily into the metal and hardcore scene. Originally, the concerts were with great, up and coming bands, with a punk style. But as the concerts went on, the content of the music was heavier and sounded all the same. I used to attend all the concerts in Engadine. But the crowds changed, violence, drug use and over-drinking really dimmed the mood. I stopped going to concerts in the Sutherland Shire because I was beginging to feel uncomfortable with the crowds. It was more of a fashion show, who has the most piercings or tattoos, rather than the music. It became so false, and that really ruined it for me.
SO therefore, I don’t go to these concerts anymore. I’d rather save my money for something I will enjoy.

4. Up until recently I did not have any favourite bands, because I had stepped away from the pathetic scene of the ‘metal’ bands of ‘The Shire’. I recently watched a friend of mine inher two piece band, Mad Polly, and now have an appreciation for local talent. Mad Polly play sweet, melodic pieces with accoustic guitar and vocals. Theyre easy to listen to have a possitive or uplifting message that I can relate to. Many of the pieces are inspiriing or carry a message that I can relate to as a young adult.

1. folk-i love that its all chilled and relaxed but incorporates so many instruments into it. And you can hear each instrument as its being played.
indie rock – just a fan of memorable tunes that arnt too artificial.
jazz-really unique sounds, most of its improvised so its as raw as can be.
2. laura marling – interesting music, nice sound. Shame she doesnt play more gigs here.
rooney – really old feel to the music, but its produced with a new spin.
chairlift – female vocals, male band. I normally dont like this too much but here it actually works.
3. i did, for 3 years but my music tastes have changed and the shire began to book only hardcore shows – i would still attend the occasional show though, when they come back to Engadine. I actually am planning on going to one on the 5th – 2 friends bands are playing. But i only know of it through them, there hasnt been musch advertising.
4. mad polly – their music’s pretty raw and i love that they’re both young.
karl christoph – i guess you could count him as local, his music has developed a fair bit over the past few years, iv been following him since a gig a few years back. plus he’s really friendly.
the pennys – thirroul based band, (local to me) – all of them are really really good musicians, and they produce a broad range of folk sounds.