Last night Squeak Lemaire took first place in the Lismore City Council Youth Week Young Songwriters Competition in the pop category. This is huge considering the quality of talent in the shire.
At just 15 years of age, Squeak Lemaire of Ocean Shores has been performing weekly at Fresh Cafe in Byron Bay to critical acclaim. He is able to single handedly command the attention of passers-by of all ages.
It’s pretty amazing to watch people as they approach the footpath. At first, all they see is a young kid with a guitar. They soon realise that he can really play. Once the lyrics start, it’s all over. They are completely overwhelmed by the smooth sound of Squeak’s soulful voice.
You watch as some try to continue on to where they were previously headed, but can’t seem to tear away just yet. Most toss in notes, and many buy his first CD release Coins & Bottles, which contains five tracks of his own composition.
During his sets, you can listen to not only his own songs, some not yet on disc, but some very eclectic covers by John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and even Jimi.
Squeak Lemaire was discovered last year at the Byron Bay Brewery’s Wednesday night Open Mic by an international promoter who fully expects Squeak Lemaire to become a household word in the not too distant future. His recent interview on BayFm 99.9 was of the same calibre as a seasoned entertainer. At the station, they’re still buzzing about it.
We are considering a sort of ‘mini’ east coast tour during September school holidays. The logistics are being worked out as we speak.
If you’re out and about on Sundays around dinnertime, you may want to stop by Fresh Cafe and have a listen. But you are warned: His songs are infectious!
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