Funk, friendship and a whole lot of soul

AS a musician gigging several nights a week, it can be tough to find time to catch up with friends — especially when many of them are fellow musos in the same boat.

To solve this, Hayley Grace came up with a simple but brilliant idea: get a bunch of her musical mates together to form a band, giving them all an excuse to hang out more often.

Over the past eight years, around 30 different musicians have performed with the group The Bay Collective, whose sound blends funk, reggae and soul.

“Everything happens so organically,” Grace said. “It’s always been so easy to get shows together because everyone is so stoked to be a part of the project.”

The current line-up features Elena Marcigot, who plays everything from classical to Latin music; Chelsea McNelliey from reggae-dub band Skyeater; Hussy Hicks bassist Tracy Stephens; and drummer Beck Flatt.

“Bec busks with her dog playing folk music but she’s also this monster drummer that’s insane,” Grace said.

“Depending who’s on stage the songs can have different flavours.

“We have a couple of men in our ranks at the moment but we do as possible try to create a platform for women.”

Grace writes the songs for the band, and said her lyrics tend to reflect whatever is going on in her life at the time.

Funky Mamma, for instance, explores the balancing act between living the rock star lifestyle and being a mum.

“Having a daughter look up to me is a big responsibility so I’m trying to express myself in a way that teaches her it’s OK to express yourself,” she said.

The group regularly performs at venues throughout the Northern Rivers, including The Rails and Beach Hotel in Byron Bay, Hotel Brunswick in Brunswick Heads and Shaws Bay Hotel in Ballina.

They’re also excited about their upcoming debut gig at the Wharf River Club, on the wharf at Fawcett Park in front of the Wharf Bar and Restaurant in Ballina, on the October long weekend.

“I’ve played at the restaurant solo quite a number of times but this is the first time the full collective will play there,” Grace said. “It will be completely different. The vibe among local musicians is that it’s a really great place to play.”

Hayley Grace and the Bay Collective will perform at the Wharf River Club in Ballina on Sunday October 5.

For more information, visit wharfbarballina.com.au/wrc