Sydney Save the Scene workshop
We just got back from an awesome day of workshops at the APRA offices, only to come back to email problems, server issues and general internet dilemmas. Oh can't we go back to hanging out with Andy Kelly, Bree Carter, Caroline Gates, Kirsty Brown, Chirs Moller, Tom Ugly and Tim Derricourt! The passion from all the presenters was the uptmost inspiring and a friendly reminder that this huge intertwining overwhelming industry is plainly and simply about the songs. About really good songs.
The day started around before 1030 when eager participants started trickling into the APRA offices. By 11am there were people in the seats and presenters on the ready - even Andy Kelly whose plane had only just landed made it in time, everything is falling into place. Max took heed of discussions with the usual this is Indent and this is who we are kind of talk. From then each of the panelist was able to reflect on their job and how they came to be there.
While there were some that attuned their current jobs because they played bass in a band that wasn't as good as they thought, was just a music fan, or just took a risk at something they weren't qualified for the basis of this industry was the bands. So discussions developed into how to book a band, how to work with a manager, how to get that band on radio, how to get the cover of the Brag. While the sound of pen to paper as people were scurredily writing down notes took over any resounding applause the time it took presenters to get out of the door after the panel as they were bombarded with questions shows how much participants took away from the workshop. From being inspired, gaining knowledge, developing skills. If only all the sandwiches were eaten...
Following lunch Tim Derricourt from Dappled Cities and Tom Ugly took the lime light in an intimate revelings of songwriting styles and never before heard demo's. The tips on recording were probably the juciest and the contrast in styles, techniques and experience between Tom and Tim were a lovely metaphor to the fact that there is not set way to write a song. There are no best practices, no codes of conduct and definatly no answer to how to write a song. Just do it. Just stop thinking about it and do it! The only thing lacking from the afternoon session was the fact that Tim didn't make his little yellow keyboard make any noise :( Next time Tim! Next time!
Both Tim and Tom have albums coming out in like the nearest of near futures so you should go and get one.
More photo's from the day will be on the facebook and myspace pages
