Mark Lang launches out to sea

BELLARINE singer-songwriter and filmmaker Mark Lang launched his new online film series and podcast ‘Out to Sea’ this week, hosting in depth conversations with celebrated Australian artists such as Emma Donovan, Sarah Blasko, John Butler, and Clare Bowditch.

The series is filmed at the historic Fishermen’s Shed at the Queenscliff Maritime Museum, set against a backdrop of original 1895 murals by fisherman Henry Zanoni.

Lang, known for his work with the indie band Skipping Girl Vinegar and his solo projects, describes ‘Out to Sea’ as a resource aimed at both documenting the careers of Australian artists and inspiring emerging talents.

“We believe the series will help document Australian artists’ careers and inspire emerging artists seeking to make a life in the arts,” Lang said.

Each episode explores creative practices, storytelling, and the complexities of sustaining a career in the arts, with the first episode featuring Emma Donovan released this week.

“I’ve been telling stories about different parts of where I live,” Lang shared. “People started asking, ‘What does that part of the town look like? What’s the Foghorn Station?'”

The idea evolved from using a small wooden boat for filming to creating a series focused on the creative and songwriting processes set against the backdrop of the Bellarine and Point Lonsdale.

“So, I started to think about the idea of making these little vignette pieces about the town so that people internationally could see it,” Lang explained.

“The region is the most beautiful place in the world to me; that’s why I’ve chosen to come home to it.”

“These conversations, they’re long form and really interesting because it’s two songwriters sitting out together, talking about our practice and how it works.”

“It’s about how you make a lifelong career in the arts, recognising the peaks and the valleys.”

The artists all stayed at Lon Retreat while they were in town, which Lang said helped them unwind and connect with the region.

“It’s really about celebrating them and their creative contribution to our cultural landscape. They sort of slow down at the Lon Retreat, and then they come into the Fisherman’s Shed and we have these conversations.”

Lang also discussed his recent creative work, including a new record inspired by his local surroundings.

“I’ve been working on a new record in Nashville, inspired by this place,” he revealed. “It’s deeply influenced by the landscape and is a song for my son, an album for my son.”

The series promises a unique insight into the lives and crafts of some of the nation’s most distinguished musicians, all within the intimate and historically rich confines of Queenscliff’s maritime heritage.

The series can be accessed at marklangmusic.com