We’ve all experienced the highs and lows of catching gigs at our locals pubs, venues and theatres and while they vary on the spectrum of memorability the combination of quality live music in an unconventional space is almost always an unforgettable experience.
In our modern age of mass consumption playing such gigs is both a great way to entice new fans and provide a live music experience that differs from the traditional.
While Adelaide four-piece Bad//Dreems and DJ Alison Wonderland are currently undertaking tours of independent record stores and warehouses respectively, indie-pop outfit Hey Geronimo ventured to India late last year to play atop a bus.
We had a chat to these three acts on the ups, downs and motivations of their respective tours.
Bad//Dreems
It’s no secret that vinyl is definitely in vogue (some doubt that it ever went out of fashion) and it’s no surprise that bands love releasing music on the format. So what better way to celebrate the release of ‘Dumb Ideas’ as a AA-Side 7 inch release than playing the record stores that will be selling them?
“The goal is not to be unconventional but to find new ways to connect with a band’s fan base and showcase the band in a different environment,” says the band’s booking agent Jordan Campbell on the tour. “There are a lot of great bands touring at any one time and it can be a point of difference to cut through the clutter.”
For the tour, which is currently making its way along the East-coast, the four piece felt that “independent record stores summed up the DNA of the band and was a way they could give back to their fans and the stores that have supported them. And the perfect way to release a 7 inch” concludes Campbell.
The tour though is more than just an excuse to sell a few records, these stores allow for an intimate experience between the four-piece and their fans. “It removes the disconnect that a conventional space with a stage can create,” affirms Campbell.
“You can get very up close and personal and interact with your audience. The venue generally isn’t dictating ticketing outlets, being able to direct everything through the band’s website and having direct access to their fans is another positive.”
With venues across the country battling to stay open guitarist Alex Cameron attests to the power of playing shows in uncommon places.
“The physical location of a show really has an effect on the vibe of the whole thing. Some of best shows we have done were at house parties or strange pokey little unconventional venues. People are rammed up against each other, there’s no circle of death and fans really get in to it.”
Although there are always a few complications in undertaking unconventional tours with greater organisation required to avoid technical issues, but as Cameron explains “Our touring is chaotic at the best of times, so we are always prepared for troubles”.
But would they do it again? “It will be kitchenware in-stores next time,” responds Cameron enthusiastically.
Remaining Tour Dates:
Friday 23rd May, Black Wire Records, Sydney
Saturday 24th May, Music Farmers, Wollongong
Saturday 31st May, Record Paradise, Melbourne
Saturday, 7th June, Rocking Hore Records, Brisbane
Follow this link for tickets.
Hey Geronimo
This indie-pop five-piece ended 2013 on a high by exposing Indian audiences to Australian music late last year with their NH7 Festival taking in Bangalore and Delhi along with their own sideshows.
What makes their story though isn’t the exotic location of India, but the fact that they played to audiences atop a bus. “It wasn’t exactly roomy up top, but the crew made it work,” says the band. “We had to use a hydraulic lift to get ourselves and our instruments up and down, which was initially a bit disconcerting but it ended up being a pretty cool way to end up on stage!”
You need to look no further than their video for ‘The Girl Who Likes Me’ to see proof of their shenanigans.
While playing to a crowd from the top of a bus does raise just a few safety concerns the Brisbane act say that doing so allowed them to stand out amongst other acts at the festival.
That’s not to mention the effect they got from performing so high above their audience.
“Because the bus was narrow and tall, compared to the stages we usually play on, it made us feel a lot more grandiose looking down on the audience from that angle, so we hammed up our performance even more than usual. Anything that makes you feel like a rock star is a good thing on stage!”
Sounds like fun, right?
“We didn’t encounter any specific troubles with the bus,” says the band, “but it was a little worrying when we realised the backdrop behind us wasn’t solid and it was quite a fall backwards. This wouldn’t matter except we tend to jump up and down a lot… ”
Describing the tour as a “life highlight” the band haven’t stopped talking about doing another tour of India. “It’s an awesome country, and playing overseas is always a great way to gain some perspective your band removed from the ‘scene’. Plus the curry was ace.”
Alison Wonderland
This Sydney party DJ has three more shows on her tour of secret warehouse locations. Wonderland scouted the warehouses across the country herself in support of her forthcoming Calm Down EP.
Her aim was to “give the crowd a different experience. Everyone is really used to going to club shows, and I wanted this to be more like something you could really let go and be crazy at!”
And go crazy they already have as this photo from her recent Melbourne show proves.
With this tour Wonderland wanted to “thank everyone who has supported me the last few years and I couldn’t think of a better way to do that than give them a truly unforgettable experience.”
With support from her friends in Wave Racer and Young Franco, punters who purchase tickets are advised on the morning of the event by email or text where the gig is located and are provided transport from a central meeting place.
The DJ didn’t have any troubles in the lead up to the tour but said that her booking agent has “aged 30 years in the last week”.
While she describes the reaction to the announcement of the tour as “overwhelming positive” Wonderland is unsure whether she’ll be touring in unconventional spaces in the future. “Who knows, we’ll see how it goes” she concludes.
Remaining Tour Dates:
Friday 23rd May – Perth
Saturday 24th May – Brisbane
Wednesday 28th May – Gold Coast
Friday 30th May – Sydney
Follow this link for tickets.
