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The new band will see the husband and wife start a new chapter of music together on stage. Photo: Supplied.<\/p>\n
Blacket said while starting something new is a challenge, the pair would follow their instincts and storytelling approach as a couple.<\/p>\n
“Starting from scratch and doing your first headline show is pretty risky,” he said.<\/p>\n
“But people crave a bit of that raw human imperfection, and I’d rather try new things that challenge and inspire me.”<\/p>\n
Blacket plays guitar and synth, while Catalina performs on standing drums in a setup designed to keep the sound minimal, gritty and intimate.<\/p>\n
The debut show will also feature a support act, with a surfboard raffle raising funds for the Richmond Riverkeepers.<\/p>\n
Blacket said venues like The Aussie have played an important role in supporting original live music in the region.<\/p>\n
He also pointed to a broader resurgence in grassroots live music across the Northern Rivers, with DIY festivals and smaller events filling gaps left by the decline of major festivals in recent years.<\/p>\n
“They’re really backing local and touring bands,” he said. “It takes guts, but it’s building something real.”<\/p>\n
“There’s a lot of small festivals popping up now. “It’s a different scene, but it’s still strong.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AFTER years entrenched in the Northern Rivers music scene, musician Ham Blacket is stepping into a new creative chapter, performing alongside his wife Catalina under the name Smokey Cake. The Ballina pair will make their live debut on Friday, 8 May at The Aussie Hotel. They have already released their first track, 20 Years on […]<\/p>\n