Music community at VU
Follow the VU Music Programs Facebook page, to stay up-to-date.
Our community of passionate music students and staff specialise in popular and contemporary music.
Discover what's happening in the VU music community, attend a gig, and listen to some of the great tunes VU students and staff are creating.
News & events
News archive:
- VU Music relocating to Footscray Nicholson Campus
- Music Graduate Maddie Jackway featured as VU Success Story
- New Baby Grand Piano arrives at VU Music
- Sunshine Daydream Music Festival featuring VU Music graduates
- Video of Ensemble Performance @ Unichoonz
- VU Open Day & VU Music Info Session in August
- End of Semester One Music Recitals are a Wrap!
- VU Graduate Band Announce Regional Tour
- Maddie Jackway wins Council Award for Most Outstanding Music Student
- AIF Song Series Collaboration with VU Music students
- Sherry Rich New Album Launch & Art Exhibition
- VU Music Agency band Washed Up Wizards featured in Westsider Magazine
VU Music community sounds
Listen to our talented staff and students.
Our staff
We have an exceptionally talented music team that work with our students. Learn more about our staff below.
Dr Greg Aronson is a senior lecturer in music and co-chairs the Bachelor of Music at Victoria University. He specialises in musicology and music pedagogy and curriculum.
Dr Aronson’s PhD explored the backgrounds and experiences of students in tertiary music education settings and he has teaching and research expertise in musicology, music education, and creative arts based projects.
Greg has a strong interest in internationalising tertiary music education and has worked over the last ten years on projects in China, India and Indonesia to foster intercultural awareness for students through music and creative based arts projects.
Greg is a practising musician, with over 30 years of professional experience across a range of music contexts.
Robert is senior lecturer and course chair of the Bachelor of Music at VU. He specialises in music technology, electronic music composition, arranging and remixing, and music perception and cognition.
Having taught at VU for over 20 years, Robert has also lectured at Swinburne University, Melba Conservatorium of Music and the Victorian College of the Arts. In 2018 he was also seconded to work in an associate capacity in the music department at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland.
Robert is a drummer/percussionist and composer/producer with over 30 years' professional experience across a wide range of music genres. He has played at large festivals, clubs and fashion events around Australia, South East Asia and New Zealand. He has produced work for international artists including Philip Glass, Groove Armada, Eric Powell, and DJ Vadim. He produces music under his stage name Rhythm Boy.
Check out Rob's original music on Facebook, BandCamp and Spotify.
Fran Swinn is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (Music Performance - Improvisation) in Melbourne and in 2003 went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma (Music Performance).
In 2005 Fran received funding from the Ian Potter Cultural Trust to attend the Banff Centre Workshop for creative music directed by trumpeter/composer Dave Douglas in Canada. She spent some time that year studying privately with guitarists Ben Monder and Brad Shepik in New York City and went on to Perugia, Italy to take part in the Berklee School of Music jazz clinics (funded by an Australia Council Buzz grant) where she was awarded a scholarship to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
In 2009 Fran spent 3 months touring Australia with Circus Oz and in 2011 undertook a national tour with the Fran Swinn Trio (funded by the Contemporary Music Touring Program). The Fran Swinn Trio’s debut album ‘Every Dog’ was released in January 2011 and was described as “deeply satisfying from beginning to end. They have their own sound, and it's a glorious one.” (J.Clare 2011).
In 2019 Fran toured Australia and New Zealand with Tamara Murphy’s band Spirograph Studies in support of their debut album ‘Kindness Not Courtesy’ release. Their follow up album ‘Lowlights’ was due to be released late 2021.
Fran has taught at Box Hill Tafe, the Victorian College of the Arts (Melb Uni) and currently teaches guitar and performance at Victoria University. Fran is a member of several bands including Spirograph Studies, the Improv Mill, Fun Fun Fun!, and the Louisa Rankin band.
Originally from the U.K. but calling Australia home since 2003, Daz has experience as a recording and mix engineer for radio, studio, live band shows, festivals, cabaret, comedy, and rock & roll theatre.
Darren has worked with Artists including:
The Datsuns, Arrested Development, The Drones, Magic Dirt, Billy Bragg, Tim Finn, Kaki King, Beasts of Burbon, Mia Dyson/Chris Wilson, Ethan Iverson (The Bad Plus), Crooked Still, Syl Johnson & The Bamboos, Diesel, The Unthanks, Julian Wilson/Steve Magnusson/Phil Collings, Dallas Frasca.
When not being a techy or teaching he is the singer, songwriter, and guitarist for original band RPG Radio.
Check out Darren's Original Band 'RPG Radio' on Facebook, BandCamp, and Youtube.
Kiernan Box has played keyboards and bass guitar with many Melbourne rock, jazz, blues and reggae bands since the early 1990s. His most enduring collaborations have been with Augie March and Blackeyed Susans.
He has also delivered music subjects at VU for over 20 years, covering such diverse topics as music theory, song writing, music history, technology, and music business.
Kiernan's most recent original compositions can be found on Bandcamp.
Steve Rando brings 25 years of music teaching experience across high school, instrumental guitar and Tafe to the Bachelor of Music course.
Previously Steve was the Program Manager of the Tafe Music courses at VU.
Steve is also a regular performing guitarist in numerous bands around Melbourne, including Soul Chic and Baker Boys.
Chris is the Technical Manager for the Music Programs at Victoria University.
Chris has a Victoria University Bachelor of Music (Technical Production) degree.
He previously worked as the Technical Officer at VU Music for 2 years, before leaving to move to Stockholm, Sweden, where he lived and worked in the local music industry.
Upon returning to Australia, Chris worked as a full-time audio engineering lecturer for 2 years, before moving into a position as the manager of an events compliance team, overseeing large scale productions such as the AFL Brownlow Medal, Australian Sporting Hall of Fame, and the Allen Border Medal.
Chris returned to VU Music as the Senior Technical Officer in 2019, bringing his passion for audio and music and his experience working in these industries over the last 10 years.
Artist in residence
Victoria University is proud to support the VU Music Artist in Residence program, which invites a musician of merit to produce new works utilising 'on campus' spaces at Kindred Studios with the assistance of VU music staff and students.
The 2024 VU Music Artist in Residence is Maddie Jackway.
"During my time as the VU Music Artist in Residence, I wrote and recorded a 5-track EP which I co-produced with local keyboardist, Jake Amy. The EP blends pop, soul and folk genres with elements of R&B. We had session musicians come into the Kindred recording studio and track the songs live, while I took responsibility of engineering lead and backing vocals. I also recorded a live performance video collaborating with the VU Hive Team, VU Music Staff and VU Music Alumni. In July 2024, I held a live performance launch event in the Kindred Bandroom, where I played the new songs as well as songs from my first EP, all with a live band.
"This project was my first since graduating university. Being able to create this work in the familiar space of Kindred Studios and with the support of the VU Music staff and students made the experience all the more special. I’m very proud of this EP and I hope you enjoy the songs as much as I enjoyed writing and recording them."
Maddie Jackway’s sophomore EP, Kindred, was released on 5 April, 2024 and is available for digital download on Bandcamp and for listening wherever you find your music.
The 2023 artist in residence was Sherry Rich.
Graduates & alumni
Ange & Dave are a Melbourne based guitar/vocal duo bringing a unique twist to classic and contemporary soul, jazz and blues tunes.
Both are studying their final semester of the Bachelor of Music Performance Degree at Victoria University and have played respectively at venues across Melbourne for groups Le Fleur and Soul Sparks. Now they are excited to explore music in a more intimate duo setting showcasing Angela's rich lustrous vocals on an extensive set list that includes songs by Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones, Carol King, Sam Cooke, Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder.
Set list
- Tennessee whiskey - Chris Stapleton
- What I’m doing here - Lake Street Dive
- Masterpiece - Jasmine Sullivan
- It’s too late - Carol King
- Stand by Me
- Lessons - Sinead Harnett
- Alice Smith - Fool For You
- Redbone - Childish Gambino
- Rehab - Amy Winehouse
- Black velvet - Alannah Myles
- Sunday - Tori Kelly
- Change is gonna come - Sam Cooke
- Don’t Know Why - Norah Jones
- Girl from Ipanema
- Make you feel my love - Bob Dylan (Adele)
- What’s Going On - Marvin Gaye
- At Last - Etta James
- Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
- Grandmas Hands - Bill Withers
- Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis
- Natural Women - Aretha Franklin
- Cheating on me - Madison Ward
- I Put a Spell on You - Nina Simone
- No One - Alicia Keys
Listen
Chantelle and Liam are a vocal guitar duo from Melbourne showcasing a powerhouse set of R'n'B, soul, neo soul and funk cover tunes. Brought together by their many shared musical interests and tastes while studying the Bachelor of Music at Victoria University, they've captivated and delighted audiences in top venues (Workers Club, Bergy Seltzer and the Esplanade Hotel) with Chantelle’s powerfully emotive vocals enriched by many a tasteful lick from Liam. Perfect for dancing, romancing and reminiscing all in one entertaining set.
Set list example
- Turn Your Lights Down Low – Bob Marley
- Redbone – Childish Gambino
- Killing Me Softly – Fugees and Ms Lauryn Hill
- How Deep is Your Love – Beegees
- Heartbreak Anniversary – Giveon
- Yellow – Coldplay
- Levitating – Dua Lipa
- Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
- Fever – Peggy Lee
- What is Love – Haddaway
- Black and Gold – Sam Sparro
- Signed Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder
- Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – The Temptations
- Sweet Child of Mine – Guns N' Roses
- Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Watch/listen
Bendigo-born piano player, composer and songwriter Daniel Lowe is a graduate of the Bachelor of Music at Victoria University.
A young, passionate artist, Daniel is currently interested in providing a calming, sunny music backdrop of piano based improvisations, covers, and compositions fit to entertain a wide variety of functions and events.
Daniel’s playing style incorporates elements of classical, jazz, ambient and pop music, and his influences draw from a wide range of artists from the greats of the classical era, to the Beatles, to Mac DeMarco and even Brian Eno.
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Dayzed are a five-piece band influenced by dream pop, psychedelia and shoegaze.
Dayzed blends their own lo-fi coastal sound with harmless melodies, an insatiable appetite for reverb and the combination of hazy guitar and dreamy synth sounds.
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A Grateful Dead cover band from Melbourne? Has it been done before?... not quite like this!
Spawned from the upmost appreciation for one of the greatest bands to ever do it, Deadnecks started out as a bit of fun jamming between friends, but has quickly grown into something much more. It attracts a loyal following of Australian ‘Deadheads’ keen to hear the spirit and sound of the legendary US band revived and encapsulated with a rare vigour and gusto.
This passion project features a group of skilled young Melbourne musicians Fergus Kuhar, Gus Cox, Clay Nielson, Evan Sillence, Laura Murray and Blake Savanah who joyously mix up soaring guitar solos and three-part vocal harmonies with bluegrass, country, folk, rock and psychedelia to produce a good-time live show that rolls right through you like a steam locomotive burning down the tracks.
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Eclectic and esoteric, Diimpa is an avant-garde composer, soundscape weaver and sonic wizard. He is a proud mixed Kabi Kabi autistic queer man who works with keyboard instruments like analogue synthesisers, music box, glockenspiel or accordion to create worlds of effortless magic and sound journey.
Diimpa draws on vast ranges of experimental influences, from composers Terry Riley, Pauline Oliveros and Julius Eastman, to contemporaries like Zoe Keating and Nils Frahm. Through these experiences and elements he carves out his own brand of unique contemporary Australian minimalism. Filled with electric pulses or ambient textures, Diimpa’s music is, at its heart, transcendent.
With an impressive output of three EPs, albums ‘Metamorphica’ and ‘Spectrum’, and a range of sound pieces under his belt, Diimpa has been performing with a cunning vivacity suffused with masterful improvisation since 2012.
Diimpa has been called “hypnotic” by CBC Radio and had work featured in local independent film and theatre works. His keen interest in durational pieces has seen 8-hour improvisations as part of Yirramboi Festival, Blakheart Festival, and ‘Sustenance’ at Arts Centre Melbourne for Fringe Festival 2016. The last year saw Diimpa as a Music Victoria ‘Best Experimental/Avant-garde Act’ nominee, and appearances at Meredith Music Festival and the Melbourne International Arts Festival.
He is currently working on ‘Wasteland’, a record about the lack of government initiative to tackle climate change.
“Feels like moving back in time, like walking through the halls of your memory palace to find that piece of information you need to survive. Not just now, but into the future” (CBC Radio)
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Emerald Groove are an acoustic duo from Melbourne featuring Mia on vocals and Hezy on keys and guitar.
Mia refined her vocal style whilst studying the Bachelor of Music course at Victoria University. When Mia met Hezy, the two formed an instant connection and a great musical respect and admiration for each other, knowing from the first jam that they wanted to work together and form a duo.
Through the two complementing each other perfectly and approaching each song with a unique take, Emerald Groove was created. They play captivating re-interpretations of jazz, soul and pop classics that are sure to enchant and inspire their audience. Emerald Groove will bring the class, the energy, and the entertainment to your event!
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Frostbite are an Indie/Alternative band from Wagga Wagga NSW playing original music.
Songwriters Sam Campbell-McCrea and Caleb Skewes on guitar and vocals, Austin Bellany on drums and Liam Perry on bass guitar have been writing, recording, and performing in this line up since December 2019. Two singles - Twos and Threes and Edge of Bliss - charted on Triple J Unearthed at #5 and #11 on the Indie and Overall charts respectively. Frostbite were finalists in the Ryde Battle of the Bands competition in Sydney 2020. That same year making the most of limited performance opportunities during lockdown, the band turned their creativity to filming, recording, and releasing [on Youtube] a Live from the Loungeroom performance video, playing their set of original songs.
Frostbite are a band who don’t shy away from embracing new sounds. Drawing inspiration from varied influences such as The Smiths, The Cure, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, they strive to captivate, enthuse, and move audiences with honest lyrics and infectious pop hooks.
Funk Di Vinos is a versatile cover duo band featuring vocals, piano and acoustic guitar.
Their set list includes folk, blues, pop and rock. Tony and Peter are well established musicians and masters of their craft, creating a unique sound to set the atmosphere for any occasion, from a bar or café gig to a birthday party or wedding celebration.
They cover ‘Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, John Cougar Mellen Camp, Tracey Chapman, Bob Dylan, Ed sheeran, Jack Johnston, Abba, The Church, Lionel Ritchie, Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Young’, and many more from the 70’s and 80’s along with some modern popular songs.
Whatever your occasion or whatever mood you are looking to set at an event or party/celebration, Funk Di Vinos will be able to deliver.
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Formed in the summer of 2018, Gabrielle (vocals) and Jose (guitar, vocals) are a dynamic duo from Melbourne. With a repertoire ranging from jazz standards to modern soul, they aspire to bring their own interpretation to classic tunes.
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Formed in the summer of 2018, Gabrielle (vocals), Jose (guitar) and Brandon (double bass) are a versatile trio from Melbourne and recent graduates of the highly esteemed Bachelor of Music Performance Degree from Victoria University.
With a repertoire ranging from jazz standards to modern soul, they aspire to add their own unique flare to classic and contemporary tunes and are available to perform as a duo (Gabrielle and Jose) or three piece band.
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Glass House is the collaborative alternative-electronic pop project of Joel Batchelor and Paula Maki.
The duo work harmoniously to create emotive and thought-provoking lyrics, paired with ever-so-powerful-yet-dreamy vocals and delectable synthetic beats, inspired by various independent and big-label artists across decades.
The pair’s musical connection began in a high school band. They continued to work together in various bands, before ultimately deciding to manifest their joint forces into the pop power-duo known as ‘Glass House’.
All girl acoustic trio performing unique renditions of your favourite hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s including classic early rock 'n' roll, disco hits and what’s hot on the radio now.
Harlow and Hart’s three part harmonies and fun personalities on stage will create a fabulous vibe at your next event.
Past performances include weddings, presentations nights, corporate events, The Big Gay Out, several residencies and shows at Crown Palladium Complex.
Watch/listen
Helen & Anshi are a Melbourne based guitar/vocal duo and the newest addition to the VU Music Agency. They play a variety of pop, soul and indie tunes as well as their own original music infused with similar styles.
The pair met while studying the Bachelor of Music at Victoria University. Featuring Helen’s dreamy evocative vocals and Anshi on savvy acoustic guitar, their fresh set will take you on a musical journey perfect for any event.
Saxophonist Jess, Brandon on upright bass, Fergus on drums and keyboardist Adriano make up this exciting young jazz quartet. Playing original instrumental compositions and new age infused arrangements of traditional standards, The Jess Mahler Quartet is here to satisfy all your Jazz moods from sultry summer afternoon to wintery late nights and every season in between. The Quartet can play sets from 30 minutes to four hours long.
Listen
The Jess Mahler Quartet on Dropbox (.wav music (audio) file, 3.55 mins, no text transcript)
Lady Midnight is vibrant vocal trio (Alison, Erin and Maddy) accompanied by talented instrumentalists: Luke on guitar, and Josh on stand up double bass.
Their varied repertoire includes swingin’ jazz standards, songs from musicals, sensual blues tunes and classic hits of other vocal trios such as the Boswell Sisters and Andrews Sisters. Lady Midnight bring their own modern twist and gorgeous vocal harmonies to many old tunes, as well as recreating modern pop tunes and presenting new original works. Sure to get legs swinging and hearts melting at your next event.
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Laura Kate has loved music from an early age. The 1939 MGM musical The Wizard of Oz captured her heart at the age of 10 and she became enraptured by classic movie musicals of the 1930s through to the 1960s and inspired by entertainers such as Judy Garland, Doris Day, Fred Astaire and Al Jolson. Laura has also been influenced by the music of the 50’s and 60’s, listening to artists such as Brenda Lee, Bobby Rydell, Rick Nelson, Connie Francis and Elvis Presley.
In her early teens, Laura commenced singing lessons with opera star Barbara Zavros, who won the prestigious Herald Sun Aria in 2011. Laura has also received classical training on the violin for over 10 years and has had experience playing in a Celtic Band, a Bluegrass Band and a Pop/Country Duo. She looks up to violinists such as Itzhak Perlman, Hilary Hahn and Andre Rieu.
Laura Kate specialises in performing classic songs from the 20th Century at public and private functions such as parties, ceremonies, weddings, festivals and concerts.
Watch/listen
Laura Kate - Runaway (YouTube)
Laura Kate - The Black Hills of Dakota (YouTube)
Set list
Leilani and Bud are a Melbourne duo whose sole purpose is to entertain your crowd!
With a repertoire covering smooth jazz, pop, funk and modern RnB, the duo cover all the touchstones of corporate music, at duo rates.
Able to perform as a solo electric Jazz style guitar with Leilani's soaring vocals or as a more modern RnB Pop duo complete with backing tracks, Leilani and Bud are musically versatile and entertaining.
With years of experience in the entertainment business, recent duo performances include The President's Function at Etihad Stadium for The Western Bulldogs Football team and Victoria University's Law Moot Gala Dinner.
Watch/listen
Lil Groom hails from Esfahn in Iran. He started making music at seven years of age and by fifteen was composing songs with lyrics protesting against the Iranian Government.
Scared of retaliation, recording studios in his native city refused to record his music, so Lil Groom sang into his phone and shared the protest songs via WhatsApp. He quickly became an underground sensation in his city, but when he was sold out to the authorities by an ex-lover he wound up in prison.
After his release Lil Groom applied for a student visa to study for a Bachelor of Music at Victoria University in Melbourne. Just in time his visa came though allowing him to flee the country and avoid more jail time.
Now based in Melbourne, Lil Groom's song 'The Reason' has over 20,000 plays on Soundcloud and features a trans-continental collaboration with US Rapper Glasses Malone (Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Tyga and Akon).
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Loki Hough and Sam Cashman are a couple of east coast boys trying to make their way through the trials and tribulations of the music industry, whilst setting up a home base in the creatively inspiring city that is Melbourne.
They had both grown up in small beach towns that were only an hour’s drive away from each other in New South Wales, but Sam and Loki had never crossed paths. That is, until they both decided to further their musical careers in the wondrous city of Melbourne. The duo united one fateful day as their kindred spirits aligned and from that day, the jams have been plentiful and the tunes have been oh, so tasty.
Covering a range of genres from folk to funk and rock to rap, Sam and Loki add their personal flare to every song they perform, and even throw in a few originals to spice things up. Focusing on Sam’s slick riffs and licks on the guitar and Loki’s soothing, yet powerful vocals, the duo create a blend that is undoubtedly pleasant on the ears. With a few twists and turns along the way, these two young musicians will provide the audience with a set that they won’t forget.
The duo focuses on acoustic guitar and vocals, with the addition of shakers and loop pedals.
Some of the songs that Loki and Sam perform include:
- Stuck in The Middle - Stealers Wheel
- Weathered - Jack Garratt
- Redbone - Childish Gambino
- Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson
- Hey Ya - Outkast
- Hard Sun - Eddie Vedder
- Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
- Going Up The Country - Canned Heat
Watch/listen
Loki & Sam sing Hey Ya by Outkast (YouTube)
Loki’s music is an homage to his upbringing in the small Australian coastal town of Byron Bay surrounded by beaches, fields and forests. His music and lyrics relate largely to his connection to the natural elements, while exploring the relationships between nature, mind and spirit. Loki creates powerful imagery and a dreamlike soundscape that the audience will be able to lose themselves in.
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Louise Sol is a sometimes-comedy, sometimes-folk, singer–songwriter from Melbourne. A dabbler in guitar and piano, with various smatterings of bass and kazoo. Obscure percussion instrument enthusiast. Storyteller. Rambler.
Working with the themes of comedy and fragility, Louise writes songs about the misfortunes of life that unite us either in laughter or tears.
Louise is available for comedy-only, folk-only, or mixed sets, usually consisting of mostly originals interspersed with covers by artists such as Kate Nash, Amanda Palmer, Stella Donnelly and Kate Miller-Heidke.
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Hailing from southwest Victoria, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Maddie Jackway has been captivating audiences with her vocal prowess for many years.
Lyrically, her original compositions are emotionally charged and explore the multiple and varied facets of what it is to be human in the 21st century.
Drawing influence from a range of musicians, including Adele, JoJo, Meg Mac, John Mayer, Joni Mitchell, Hannah Cameron and Susanne Sundfor, Maddie refuses to be boxed into playing and creating one genre of music.
Her acoustic set-up (voice and piano/keyboard) seamlessly interweave original pieces with re-imagined covers of some of your favourite tunes, making certain that throughout the listening experience, you feel all of the feels.
Listen & follow
With a mixture of jazz, pop and soul, Melody can fill any room with something truly dreamy, fresh and classy.
Her influences are many, her live set features classics by Aretha Franklin, James Taylor and Billy Joel as well as Corinne Bailey Rae, Natasha Bedingfield and Ed Sheeran. She weaves in some poetically crafted, catchy and unique originals, as well as great upbeat sing-alongs to get the crowd going at the end of the night.
Melody's irresistible melodies are perfect for creating a sweet and charming atmosphere at a variety of events.
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Meraki Minds are a five-piece Indie Pop band from Ballarat.
Their name is derived from the Greek word ‘Meraki’, meaning the act of leaving a piece of yourself and your soul in your work. Described as 'power pop meets contemporary Indie Rock', with melodious guitars, groovy bass and drums behind female vocalists, Meraki Minds emerged from their high school band room with a set of sophisticated original tunes. Today they appear on the stages of Victorian Festivals and Melbourne’s live music scene.
Meraki Minds scored a place in the Sonika Youth Regional Battle of the Bands Final in 2018 and now with a growing fan base, the band are on a mission to bring that Meraki sound to a wider audience.
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Mish Fornito brings you everything your event needs when it comes to live music!
Mish is one of Melbourne's most sought out vocalists. She has performed for numerous weddings, companies and events; including Flemington Racecourse’ Melbourne Cup, the Grand Prix, ANZA Ball in Singapore, AFL Best & Fairest Balls, including 2016 Premiers Western Bulldogs Grand Final official after-party and Family Day, ANZ, NAB, the Royal Melbourne Show and many more.
2017 also saw Mish record the vocals for the official Western Bulldogs AFL Women’s team theme song, ‘Daughters of the West’ (audio video below).
Available for Corporate Functions, Events, Weddings, Ceremonies, Parties, Clubs & Bars, you can check out Mish's full band and acoustic options to find the perfect act for your occasion!
Watch/listen
Melbourne singer songwriter Nathan Power explores heartache, the stress of 21st century Millennialism and the occasional moments of happiness that happen in between. Nathan plays a range of sets featuring up-tempo numbers, slow dances, a crowd sing-along or three and covers, most likely from Nick Drake, Paul Kelly or an obscure 1960s folk artist.
Borrowing inspiration from artists such as the Tallest Man on Earth, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, Nathan explores a love of folk music to communicate stories loosely based on life experiences. Armed with a parlour guitar and backed by a ragtag collection of instruments including double bass, drums, and the occasional three-part vocal harmony.
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Sam and his evolving group of friends from the VCA present a fresh take on the contemporary groove – jazz movement. Tristan Meffre’s tenor sax is a rich and soulful voice at the forefront of the ensemble. Originals, covers and arrangements are explored, all warped in with jazz improvisation and conversation.
Sit back and relax as the next gen find new ways of telling old stories.
Hailing from the western suburbs of Melbourne and formed in Yarraville at Victoria University in 2016, Silence To Break is a high-energy Pop Punk band with an unapologetic 'hit you in the face' sound matched with soothing cool female vocals.
With songs and riffs inspired by bands like Neck Deep, Green Day and Parkway Drive, and lyrics telling of violence, heartbreak, power and escape, STB delivers unique songs that are sure to stay in your head for days.
Playing mostly originals and a few special covers, the band members are:
- Angela Gewargis (vocals)
- Caleb Roksandic (guitar)
- Michael Stawiarski (bass)
- Jesse Johns (drums)
Listen
Silence To Break on Soundcloud
Citizen of Earth by Neck Deep - cover by Silence To Break (YouTube)
Judex Rose and Sandra De Reland are a versatile guitar/vocal duo with roots in the Mauritius Island. Favourites at Republica St Kilda, the African Festival, Melbourne Music week and Melbourne’s top bars and restaurants, Soul and Storm charm the audience with synergy, energy, nostalgia and positive vibes.
Their versatile set features jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, modern hits, classic covers, choice originals and contemporary feels to old-school faves from the 1940s.
If you had to describe Sandra’s voice in one word it would be suave. A Mauritian-born vocalist now based in Melbourne, Sandra grew up in a musical family encouraging her immersive journey into Latin sounds, jazz, pop, soul, funk, French and creole music. She can do it all with 'je ne sais quoi' that makes her interpretation of songs very personal.
Judex Rose is a Mauritian music composer and multi-instrumentalist based in Melbourne. His sound is influenced by his island heritage; merging jazz harmonies with a blend of African and Indian rhythms. The son of a musician, he grew up surrounded by jazz and has since carved his own style within the genre, sitting somewhere between jazz, reggae and dancehall.
Shaped by the same cultural heritage, values and musical influences, Soul and Storm are a vibrant duo ready to add a special atmosphere to your function or event.
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Steven Lay is a producer, instrumentalist and vocalist, combining instrumental guitar with electronic beats and original sound design. These elements merge to create a unique expression of experimental rock, ambient and psychedelic electronic, moulded with an interest in jazz fusion. Delivered onstage as a solo performance, blending instrumentalism, live vocals and music technology, this introspective and carefully honed sonic sound picture grooves and flows in a journey to the centre of the soul.
Steven Lay uses live looping and ‘Ableton Live’ as a tool to trigger ambient and progressive SFX, strings and electronic beats, while singing and playing fusion influenced lead guitar with shredding solos to mould electronic music, experimental psychedelic and rock together with synergy.
Multi-instrumentalists Thomas Kendall and Jeremy Marcotte combine forces to create music that comes from each of their unique backgrounds and a shared love of early country and bluegrass music. The Blue Creek Boys' style varies between slow, mournful ballads, ripping fast fiddle tunes, powerful close two-part harmonies with mandolin and guitar, and lightning fast danceable clawhammer banjo and guitar pieces.
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New album out now!
From alleyways to ballrooms, suburban malls to grand old theatres, The Scratch can pinpoint the mood and hit the right tone.
Any time. Any place. Ska, jazz, blues, reggae, spaghetti-western, soul, bebop, pop classics - all part of a bustling repertoire. Starting out as a post-lockdown busking idea, The Scratch have quickly blossomed into one of Melbourne's best-known big bands. Supremely versatile, the band can toggle between dynamic show band ensemble or stripped back jazz-lounge combo, brewing up a soulful atmosphere for every occasion.
Features a revolving star studded line up of VU Music graduates lead by VU Music staff member and Melbourne music scene legend Kiernan Box on keys (Augie March, The Black Eyed Susans).
Psych rock rascals, Washed Up Wizards are a 4-piece based in Melbourne. Step into the Wizards’ cave and stare deeply into the cauldron for a brew of hard-hitting riffs, hypnotic oscillations and saturated seas of fuzz, they are one not to be missed!
The group formed in 2019 and has hit the ground running, bringing their all original set to venues all around Melbourne and Geelong such as The Evelyn Hotel, Old bar, Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar and The Barwon Club.
Washed Up Wizards draw influence from bands such as All Them Witches, Sleep, Black Sabbath, Earth and Neu!
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Originally from Hobart, Tasmania, Wubz Forever In Colour indulges your ears with an ethereal blend of hip-hop and punk rock. Blending inspiration from emo & punk acts such as Title Fight and Tigers Jaw with ethereal trap sounds and melodramatic vocals reminiscent of his favourite artists; Corbin and Wicca Phase Springs Eternal. Despite suffering from severe tinnitus, Wubz Forever In Colour pushes forward in an increasingly passionate way to deliver a passionate, emotional, and honest product. His entirely DIY approach ensures that when you see Wubz Forever In Colour, you are seeing the raw, unedited version of himself.
Wubz Forever In Colour has previously collaborated with Tasmanian artists Scaniel and sad1am, releasing his hit single ‘Sober Me’ in May of 2021. His EP ‘Quarter Time’ encapsulates everything he has longed to develop; expanding on his dreams, hopes and desires. With more tracks in the pipeline, Wubz Forever In Colour ensures you will never get bored of witnessing his development as an artist. His future work over 2022 continues to push the boundaries of his melancholic sound; exploring melodic and harmonic ideas in new, uncharted territory.
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Contact us
Get in touch! We'd love to hear from you with any enquiries about our music courses at Footscray Nicholson campus.
General enquiries
Student & course enquiry
Standard operating hours: 8.30am-5pm.
Phone:
+61
3 9919 6100
Audition or application enquiries
Robyn Hogan
Admissions Officer
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+61
3 9919 5152
Music course-specific enquiries
Dr Robert Bell & Steve Rando
Course Chairs - Bachelor of Music
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+61
3 9919 2359
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+61
3 9919
6189