WAM calling for donations for emerging musicians

WA’s peak music association WAM is calling for donations to help emerging musicians in that state.

The association says, “WAM’s range of programs and activities assist thousands of artists each year to achieve their artistic aspirations.

“By making a donation to WAM, you will be helping to give emerging artists a voice.”

Donations are being received here.

In the meantime, two of WAM’s regional initiatives are bearing fruit.

To celebrate the official launch of the Demos From The Northern Goldfields compilation, artists from the project will be performing an hour-long showcase at the Leonora Golden Gift festival on WA Day long weekend June 2—4.

Demos From The Northern Goldfields is a community-focused project of predominantly Indigenous songwriters and musicians from communities in the Northern Goldfields, including Laverton, Leonora, and the communities of Mulga Queen, Cosmo Newberry and Mount Margaret.

It was recorded in November 2017 at the historic Hoover House in Gwalia, with producers and Rada Studios co-owners Matt Gio and Dan Carroll.

Drew Goddard of Karnivool provided production assistance.

This new project continues WAM’s efforts to promote Indigenous artists.

One of its aims was to capture the creativity, love for country, culture and songs that feature both local languages and English.

WAM’s regional and project officer Nigel Bird commented, “There are some great songs about country and culture by songwriters who are passionate about where they live.”

WAM also revealed that another of its new regional initiatives, the Goldfields-Esperance Touring Circuit, drew over 600 punters of all ages (including tourists) attend the four free shows –  even braving heavy rain at the Esperance show.

The tour was headlined by Lenora-based The Tapping Stickz and Esperance three-piece Grand Casual joined by local acts as it weaved last month through Esperance, Norseman, Kalgoorlie and Leonora

Grand Casual’s Kyron Smithson said, “WAM’s support allowed Grand Casual to step outside our comfort zone, throwing us on a short, fast paced, eye opening tour that delivered such opportunity for immediate growth as a group and also as individuals.

“Our music found fresh new audiences and our horizons as a touring act where greatly expanded.”

The Tapping Stickz echoed this sentiment, added, “The Tapping Stickz got to play our songs to mob in Esperance, Norseman and Kalgoorlie for the first time.

“The tour was a big opportunity for us to help get our band name out there. We had fun with the Grand Casual fellas and had them join us on stage in Kalgoorlie and Leonora.”

Esperance’s Cannery Arts Centre committee member Paul Ricciardo applauded the tour’s community building efforts.

“The WAM event at the Cannery Arts Centre was a winner on so many levels.

“There were young and old enjoying the event together with a number of community members present who had not previously engaged with the Arts Centre.”