Group writing for piece about place

A COMMUNITY song writing project took place at Smythesdale last week with locals invited to help craft a tune about the town.

The initiative was hosted by songwriter Amie Brulee in the first of four community song writing projects in as many locations.

Brulee grew up in Smythesdale, and said it was “really fun” to dive into the history and character of her hometown.

“I like little country towns because people are really connected to their community and you get such a variety of people here,” she said.

“We’ve had lots of stories from people who grew up here and others from 40 years or more. Some of those stories are personal, others are about how the town’s changed and evolved.

“I’m always looking for what’s real. To write a song about a place and not talk to the people seems fake to me.”

Brulee visited Smythesdale prior to the group session, and gathered information on it by taking photos and speaking with shopkeepers to help prepare for the writing process.

She aims to record the song and return to the town to perform it.

Though still in development, Brulee said the song will likely be a bluegrass piece, with room for double bass, ukulele and guitar instrumentation.

Four people attended the session, including Smythesdale Arts and Music Fiesta organiser Barry Wemyss, who said he finds it engaging to see the writing process in action.

“I like listening to the words that people have written, what the songs are about, usually something real from their experiences,” he said.

“I think the community will be interested and intrigued to hear the outcome of what we’re on about today.

“A work like this keeps the town alive, reinvigorates it.”