It’s been an exciting lead-up to uncover some of the best local talent in the region, and this week Seven talks to Greg Buckman, the organiser of Mullumbimby’s Middle Pub’s Band Comp. The final is kicking off on Saturday from 4pm, and from what we can tell, there’s some fierce competition!
Tell me about some of the highlights of the comp so far. The best thing for me is all the young bands – such great songs from the mouths of babes and delivered like they were born to it with such confidence and showmanship. That and Scott Owen from The Living End inspiring the bands with some words of wisdom in the first heat.
Who have been the most surprising act? I think blues/funksters Cliff Fletcher & Friends made a name for themselves and Out of Range sure surprised some of the audience with their gypsy antics!
What kind of genres and styles of music have been presented? There’s been a huge variety – folk, pop, blues, rock, trance, folk-punk, psych-rock, gypsy-cabaret, prog-rock and metal… and I’ve probably still left some out.
What do you think the competition says about the standard of music and musicians in the area? I think it speaks volumes. The quality on display in the heats really blew everyone away and I can’t wait for the final on Saturday.
Why do you think we have such an impressive crop of young musicians? Genetics? Environment? All their musical mums and dads are from here or came here and they’ve grown up in a place where music has worth and meaning. Obviously the local schools are also doing a fantastic job with their music programs and encouraging the kids to get out there and do it.
What have you been looking for in the competition when it comes to selecting winners? We really just wanted to provide a vehicle for the local original talent to do their thing and we’re confident the rest would look after itself. I’m lucky I’m not a judge so I don’t have to worry too much about that.
How do you decide who wins and what happens to them? The judges for the final are Glen Wright of the Mullum Music Festival, legendary producer/guitarist Lez Karski and the wonderfully talented Ilona Harker, so it’s all up to them! They will select a winner who earns a performance spot at Mullum Music Fest 2014 and a runner-up who wins a recording package from SAE Qantm. Saturday at Middle Pub from 4pm.
Finalists are Tahlia Matheson Band, Cliff Fletcher & Friends, Misty & The Sandylads, Soy Division, Mali Kate, Weatherless, Out Of Range, Cai Anatole & Rueben, Squeak Lemaire 4, The Loathing + Halftime Guests The Buckleys.
