Made from Melbourne
Another project that didn’t follow the usual creative process but still led to some amazing work was our Made From Melbourne initiative.
To support Melbourne’s live music scene at a time it needed it most, we created a one-of-a-kind guitar from the wood of four of Melbourne’s most iconic music venues, in partnership with Mushroom Records, Support Act, Visit Victoria and Maton Guitars. Manufactured by Maton, the guitar was crafted with wood from Cherry Bar, The Tote, The Corner Hotel and The Espy.
To further rase awareness of the impact the pandemic was having on live music and encourage support, we also made a feature-length documentary that explored live music and the fight to keep it alive in Melbourne – told by artists, industry figures and a passionate live music community with our guitar at the centre. The documentary aired nationally on Channel Nine and is currently streaming across multiple platforms.
Today, the guitar lives on at the Australian Music Vault and is currently being considered for heritage listing by the State Government of Victoria.
The part I played.
Desk research and in-person interviews with key figures of Melbourne’s live music scene, all in the name understanding how important the industry is to our state, and quantifying how much it had been impacted by COVID.
Writing proposals for any grants and sponsorships opportunities that would arise in order to secure more funding and partners for this shared initiative.
Setting up and managing our social channels for the weeks in lead-up to the documentary premiere. This included drumming up interest from the public, encouraging partners (artists, organisations and the music venues) to share about the initiative and amplifying UGC we received from fans.
I also had the privilege of being the very first person to play the one-of-a-kind guitar once it was made! I butchered my way through some AC/DC.
