One Of Melbourne’s Coolest Live Music Venues Needs Help To Keep Doors Open

Wrangler Studios is a music space located in the Melbourne suburb of West Footscray. Beloved by regulars, it’s one of the few Melbourne, indeed Australian, venues that regularly hosts all ages performances.

Modelling itself on legendary hole-in-the-wall dives like Berlin’s Bunker and New York’s CBGB’s, Wrangler is more than just a music venue, it’s a creative hub, and for many, a cornerstone of the local heavy music scene.

In addition to hosting workshops, putting together cheap recordings, and producing their Wrangler Sessions recordings, Wrangler have hosted a range of local and international acts within the confines of a unique and intimate space.

Some of the acts who’ve appeared at Wrangler include Dune Rats, Chelsea Grin, Rolo Tomassi, Emarosa, Neck Deep, Tkay Maidza, Johnny Craig, Prepared Like A Bride, Basement, Trophy Eyes, Damn Terran, Gatherer, Stockades, and more.

The space is also totally non-profit. “We do this because we love doing it. None of us take home a pay check,” write venue management on their official Facebook page, where fans regularly go to commend Wrangler on their spectacular efforts.

“But here’s where you guys come in,” they continue, “we need a little help to keep all these magical things happening. We’re not asking for much (and if you don’t have the funds a simple share would mean the world to us so hopefully someone with the means to give can).”

Wrangler Studios have now launched a crowdfunding campaign so they can continue to keep their doors open and serve the local music community. At the time of writing, the campaign has amassed just over $1,500.

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Fans have been showing their support by donating whatever they can and even bands have turned out to keep Wrangler going, including Melbourne favourites Bury The Kings, who donated $80 to the cause and bigged up the venue in their pledge message.

The venue is already putting the funds in to play, sharing an image of their freshly decked-out chill area that even fans reckon looks pretty spiffy for a punk rock dive, featuring a brand new Aliens arcade machine.

“Thanks so much to everyone who’s donated to the GoFundMe!” organisers write. “We’ve raised $1,500 so far and we’re unbelievably speechless by the support we’ve seen so far! We’ve still got a lot we want to get done with the stage, merch, and main room.”

“Thank you so much for everyone who’s helped keep this place kickin and the support you’re showin to make it even better!” Readers who wish to contribute to Wrangler Studios’ GoFundMe campaign can follow the link here.

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