Pandemic can’t shake Ballarat bands

STARING down the barrel of a performance free future, Ballarat’s music scene is fighting to stay alive with a variety of bands creating and releasing music throughout lockdown.

Although playing at local venues is off the table, punk band Lymes are working to keep their presence alive and recently released an online EP of previously recorded music.

Lymes band member and organiser of WIRED live music events Jack Cuttler said the support he’s experienced from the community has been great.

“We put a few songs out there for free and we got heaps of donations back and lots of people downloading it,” he said.

“We had a lot of shows lined up with Lymes before COVID hit which we had to cancel, which was a big blow to us, the venues and the other bands involved.

“It’s important to get around all sort of creative avenues whether it’s art or music because it’s important to keep that alive and sustained especially right now.”

Earlier in the year, The Eastern Hotel teamed up with the recently opened Volta to put together Sanitise which was a series of streamed music events.

The project provided performers and bands the opportunity to play which Cutler said was a great way to do something positive for both the musicians and those watching at home.

“It was run really smoothly and it was really nice to see some familiar faces,” he said.

“The Sanitise show was a demonstration of the music scene and the venues getting together and showcasing local Ballarat music and people.”

Alongside Lymes and a myriad of other music folk, Ballarat’s own surf-rock band Gangz also took part in the Sanitise event earlier this year.

Band members Josh Haire and Colby Cross said it was nice to be involved and heartening to know that the Ballarat community was listening.

“Sanitise was definitely different to a normal gig because usually while you’re up there on the stage you feed off the crowd’s energy and they feed off you,” Cross said.

“You were kind of just strumming a piece of wood in front of a couple of cameras but it sounded unreal and was so nice to play loud music.

“The music industry in Ballarat is really tight knit and everyone tries to support each other in as many ways as they can because we want to see it through to the other side.”

When COVID hit, Gangz were on a national tour with Kingswood, releasing new music regularly and furiously booking gigs well into the future.

Looking back, Cross said the pandemic quickly changed everything.

“We were doing the Victorian shows and we were going to leave on Tuesday to go to the East Coast and then the next day they told us it wasn’t happening,” he said.

Haire added, “We had the tour and then a lot of other huge things that we were shortlisted for that would’ve been massive for us.”

While the cancellation of their shows and festivals was a huge hurdle for the band, Gangz have continued to create, release and promote new music.

Unable to get everyone together in the same room to practice, Haire said it’s been a tough time as a band but they’re pushing forward.

“We were lucky, we got our producer Michael down in between lockdowns and we got to do two songs with him over two days,” he said.

“We have a single coming out and then a couple more releases after that, and we are planning to do a live set that will be recorded and release that as well.

Cross added, “We’re saying hey we’re still making music, we’re still here even though we aren’t able to do gigs and show it off.”

Although various songs and albums are being steadily released and online events are taking place, many musicians are still finding it tough to stay motivated without the promise of recording sessions and in person concerts.

For those who do art and music full time, Mr Cuttler said those are the ones who would be impacted the most and who it would really be taking a toll on.

“Financially, we’re okay but it’s not to say that it doesn’t hurt not being able to do what you love,” he said.

“The social aspect as well, it’s hard not seeing everyone at practice or at a show which is what we benefit socially, mentally and creatively.

“This time has affected a lot of people in a negative way but I think there’s a lot of optimism out there and there’s a lot of people helping others out to spread the positivity.”

However, for music lovers and players alike many continue to support Ballarat’s music scene in the hopes of creating a future where local, live music can thrive.

Mr Cuttler said he is feeling optimistic that when live shows and events can commence, that there will be an industry wide boom.

“I’m pretty optimistic that when we do go back, there will be a real positive energy and it will have a huge impact,” he said.

“Getting through the toughest part and sticking together is the main thing.”

Considering the unknown future of many emerging and established Ballarat acts, Haire added, “To have everyone’s support is great.

“That’s the good thing about the Ballarat live music scene is that everyone is in different genres but everyone seems to get around each other’s music.”