2007
SPEAK: INDIGENOUS HIP HOP
Impossible Odds to record 5 track EP
Impossible Odds are an Indigenous Hip Hop act from Brisbane, they traveled to Sydney to record a 5 track EP with Tony Buchen in his studio. The grant covered all costs, including Tony’s fee, studio hire, mixing and mastering, travel, accommodation, per diems, artwork and the production of 1000 copies once the EP is completed.
“My name is Fred Leone and I am the recipient of the 2007 JB SEED : Speak Indigenous Hip Hop grant. For me the journey has been almost like a dream, not only have I had the opportunity to professionally record my own music but I was given the tools, advice, support and guidance along the way by the JB SEED Crew to help me become self sustained and confident in the fact that as an Indigenous artist within Australia that I can now enter the industry/market as, and with a tangible product.
TimeOff (Chris Yates) – Impossible Odds named Single Of The Week: ‘Sought-after Australian Producer, Tony Buchen has helped Impossible Odds create a sound which is very international sounding, while Leone’s lyrics and rapping style are unarguably local….his gift is the way he communicates his message and stories with the listener on a very personal level. Musically the EP covers a lot of different ground….Leone is a very talented MC, and there could be no doubt that this EP will prove itself to be one of the most important Australian hip hop releases this year. The process was great and the whole time I have felt a definite sense of community and genuine care and concern from the staff of the JB SEED.
The JB SEED is in my opinion leading the way in their innovative approach to philanthropy which is geared around the greater good for humanity, social justice and the environment and we need more people like this talented group.
Thanks for everything, you fullas are off the hook!!!”
SOCIAL ACTIVISM THROUGH THE ARTS
CULTURAL ARTS TOUR To see students watching our performances and trying some dancing or Didge and then kids just yarning with each other, would have to be on of the highlights of my year. To see the look in the eyes of my students as they groove along (they do groove) Swanston Street Mall was so much fun. We performed at: Royal Melbourne Zoo, Australian Centre for Moving Image ACMI, Thornbury Senior High School for class TV channel 31 Geelong Primary School and Church Youth Centre in Geelong.Thanks again for contributing to this community and helping form more positive opinions of Indigenous Australians at a time when media images were very one sided.
THE NUCLEAR POSTERS
PART 1: THE NUCLEAR POSTERS We are extremely happy with the quality of the publication. The posters themselves are beautifully printed on 100% recycled paper and are shrink-wrapped together to form one publication. We feel this poster series is a real leap in production value from our last poster series and is also a lot easier to distribute and sell in bookshops etc. This correlates with the general feedback we are getting from a range of people.
PART 2: THE EXHIBITION The Nuclear Posters launch at The Artery on November 13th was a great night and really well attended. The Artery gallery was also a great connection for us to make as political poster makers as they have a history of exhibiting political posters and work with poster collectors and collectives. Being a comercial gallery and bar meant that the exhibition was accessible and the artists involved were give the oportunity to exhibit in a recognised gallery.
PART 3: THE NUCLEAR ROCK POSTERS HITS THE STREETS! We felt this was an extremely successful aspect of the entire project. The designs chosen were very striking, were easy to spot at a distance, and seemed to communicate the message very effectively particularly as the designs were pasted side by side. It has been difficult to gauge the actual impact of the posters on the general public, but we received numerous excited text messages from people having spotted them in different locations in Melbourne and we have received emails from individuals and organisations who want to get copies of the actual rock posters themselves. The rock posters were also an amazing project for the two artists whose work was chosen. Both these artists were extremely happy to have their work so publically displayed. The posters were not only politically effective but artistically as well.
GROWING UP TWO WAYS
The project enabled a group of senior Arabunna people and some of their families to return to Finess Springs and tell first hand stories about growing up in this place that was once a Christian mission but also a safe haven for Aboriginal families, allowing us to maintain some of our traditional culture. The work created through the project conveys a true impression of the lived experience of people that grew up at Finiss Springs, including an evocative portrayal of the spiritual, cultural, linguistic and material aspects of life on the mission.
ANMATJERE MAN A 35 minute documentary film entitled “Anmatjere Man” was produced by PAW Media and Communications. Tony Scrutton wrote, edited ad starred in the film. The crew was comprised entirely of local Anmatjere people. The project also included the recording of a CD from the Central Desert Band (6 Mile Band) at PAW’s recording studio in Yuendumu. Three of these songs were then used in the film. PAW has a long history with the Anmatjere communities, organisations and the people involved in making the film. This established relationship enabled open communication throughout the production as well as the ability to work ‘in country’ with ease.
BIRIPI AND WORIMI COUNTRY When I heard that there was an Indigenous “landcare” group at Taree, I started thinking about a film straight away. The film has given the people at Purfleet a chance to have their say in an area that is pivotal to their life and the well-being of their community. It was wonderful to do a full interview with John Clark, for example, who is regarded by many as an elder. Those tapes are archival treasures, and I would love to do similar interviews with all o the elders in that area and in my own local area of Maleny, Queensland. This film has given an opportunity for the Indigenous people of Purfleet-Taree to give voice their feelings about not only CDEP (Cultural Development Employment Program) but also the preservation of their culture and other important issues. It gives them a tool in approaching government bodies and in harnessing solidarity for keeping the CDEP program alive.
STEPUP In October 2008 five young artist’s presented new work over two nights to full houses at PACT Theatre. The positive feedback and outcomes of this initiative was overwhelming and PACT is extremely proud of the achievements of the StepUP artists in 2007.
-Lily Shearer from The Performance Space commissioned Bjorn Stewart to present his work. The King of Sheep as part of the Aboriginal comedy night at The Performance Space.
-The Artistic Director of Melbourne’s Nextwave Festival attended with the General Manager of Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre. Allan Clarks work Wrong Skin has been selected for a full production for the Nextwave Festival 2008, presented at the Malthouse Theatre
-NextWave have expressed interest in presenting Katherine Beckett’s, Boxed and Categorized, and Perun Bonsor’s How to be a better black fella, for the Culturally disadvantaged as part of the Nextwave Festival 2008.
Katherine Beckett has been offered to perform in a short film pilot program.
PACT would like to thank The JB SEED Fund for supporting StepUP 2007 and contributing to the development of contemporary aboriginal art in New South Wales and across Australia.
PROFESSIONAL AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
GLEN DONNELLY – ADVANCED VIOLA STUDY IN SPAIN
Over the course of several Viola lessons, master classes and concerts, Paul Silverthorne ignited a dramatic process within me which has changed the whole way I approach music. Paul is one of the best Viola teachers in the world and a wonderful “capacitator” for young musicians. He has recognised my natural musical talent and is the perfect mentor to open me as a musician and turn my potential into great artistry. I was in the perfect relaxing environment to reflect on my life and my music. This has not just affected my performing, but my entire musicality and me as a person. The content of this project was very intensive. Individual lessons and mentor sessions, rehearsals and seminars filled the day and nearly every night was a public concert as part of the Central Catalunya Music Festival, in which I would play solo, chamber music and chamber orchestra. I collaborated with musicians from all over the world and networked with valuable future contacts in Europe. The unique surroundings of regional Spain enabled me to grow musically and personally, and the combination of this with the perfectly timed mentoring from Paul SIlverthorne turned out to be the single greatest opportunity of my career yet. I know that this project gas played a crucial role in my music and development. I cannot thank you enough
THE FUNKY TURTLES
The “Funky Turtles Song Writing Work Shop with Rebecca Barnard” was a huge success; its positive effects have reached beyond those originally anticipated and stated in the Turtle’s funding applications.In fact, it has so far proven to be a transformative experience for the many people involved, not least of all, Rebecca. , “Some members of the band who aren’t usually very upfront were really involved. Bianca wrote a whole song. Sarah sang, and came in two days after the weekend with a new song she had written at home! There was a meeting of creative minds. The Turtles already see them selves as artists, and this experience validated them, their professional identity. The weekend was an affirmation of being a creative, performing artist.” The fact of Rebecca’s warm, empathic and relaxed personality, her attitude towards the Turtles, and her approach to music making, heavily impacted on the success of the project.
BRITTLE
We were fortunate to receive the grant in late June 2007. We contacted our mentors Leigh Carriage, vocal teacher, Dave Sanders, drum tutor and tried to contact our guitar tutor Michael Porter in late June to arrange lessons. Leigh Carriage was able to teach Ben Whiting, Billy Donaldson and Geoff Slingsby.We have gained in confidence and have much better control of our voices. We have improved our tone and breathing and Geoff our drummer, is also able to do some vocals to reinforce our hook lines as he never used to do any before. She has been a most supportive and patient teacher and a wonderful mentor for us. Geoff Slingsby, Ben Whiting, Billy Donaldson and Ben O’Dwyer Members of BRITTLE
Dana Ogle – Perth To Chennai As a recipient of The JB Seed grant I traveled to Chennai, South India to study the Carnatic instrument mridangam with Guru Tanjore K Murugaboopathi in a challenging and engaging environment. The timing of my travels to Chennai coincided with the Madras Carnatic Music Festival, allowing me to attend numerous Carnatic music concerts during my stay. This allowed me to both deepen my understanding of and appreciation of Carnatic music and further develop my relationship with many of Chennai’s most highly regarded musicians. The combined outcomes of my studies with Guru Murugaboopathi and the resulting recoding sessions greatly exceeded my expectations of my travels to India, and ensured my ongoing relationships with several leading Indian musicians. I will continue my student/teacher/mentor relationship with Guru Murugaboopathi. Additional to this I know have a clear understanding of the direction the recording process should take when next I return to India. On reflection I realize I have completely immersed myself into the depths of Indian culture and music. It is only the beginning of a lifetime relationship with Mother India.
Steve Falk – Marimba Study in Japan with Keiko Abe
I studied at Toho Gakuen with Keiko Abe from October 1st 2007 until March 31st 2008. My course of study consisted of private practice in studios at the college and a weekly master class conducted by Professor Abe. International graduates such as myself were expected to perform regularly in the master class which is conducted in front of an audience of about 20 advanced solo marimba students from around Japan and sometimes guest musicians from abroad. As I have always been interested in improvisation my work in the master classes often included free improvisation with Keiko Abe and myself improvising together on two marimbas. I gave two 40 minute public recitals during which I performed my own new composition for solo marimba, “Romance” which was composed during my studies with Professor Abe in the last six months. I have now completed a total of two years full-time marimba study with Keiko Abe. It has been an incredible opportunity to pursue an artistic interest of mine so intensively after many years of professional musical activity where there was rarely a chance to practice regularly.
Tom Vincent – Advanced Audio Study
The last six months have been a very exciting time for me studying with George Goerss and becoming established in the practice of recording. For most of our lessons George came here to my studio. He’s has been extremely helpful including taking calls from me when the need arose for troubleshooting. Since getting started last year I have conducted recording sessions with twelve different local and interstate musicians including singers, trumpet players, sax players, guitarists, double bass players, drummers and of course myself on piano and keyboards.
Eleanor Betts – Cello Study in Vienna with Michael Wiliams
This period of study was invaluable to me not just in terms of the way in which it helped develop my performance both technically and musically, but also in terms of the experience of being able to discuss the challenges of studying Cello overseas as an Australian with someone who has achieved many of the things I would like to achieve in my career.
Michael Williams was a student and teacher in Sydney, before he moved to Europe to study with Antonio Meneses, an eminent Cellist. After studying for six years in Europe, Michael returned to Australia to perform with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, which is has always been my greatest goal. The experience of being a classical musician from Australia can be daunting one because of the relative lack of funding and support that has traditionally been given to this area of the Arts. Very few classical musicians in Australia achieve success at home without having studied overseas first.
MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
It’s totally inspirational to find so many people, particularly those at the top of the music industry in Australia, share the same love of music and to know that’s what has driven them to achieve their success. The JB Seed has been life changing for me. Thanks so much.
Dave Mann, the Dave Mann Collective, WA.
I was made to feel really comfortable with everything the speakers delivered. Years and years of their knowledge was delivered so freely.
Jodie Regan, The Kill Devil Hills, Mink Mussel Creek, Felicity Groom and the Black Black Smoke, WA.
You are all beautiful amazing inspiring individuals and a force of nature as a team. I am beyond words how grateful I am of this time. I only wish I could take everyone home with me to keep this energy alive. You give so much back to the community and the music. THANKYOU!!!
Sarah-Jane Wentzski, Princess One Point Five, VIC.
I now feel so full of confidence and armed with the knowledge and inspiration that I know I can achieve my goals and possibly even more.
Daniel Banks, The Dan Banks Band, ACT.
I think this is hands down the best workshop / conference I have attended both here or overseas.
Deb Suckling, Brindle, The Peachfish, Sugarrush Records, QLD.
I would sincerely like to thank everyone involved in making the JB Seed Program a reality. You are all amazing people who have inspired and changed me in truly positive ways. I will be forever grateful and thankful.
Isaac Graham, Old Kent Road, NSW.
I feel equipped with the ‘tools’ to achieve my goals in the near future. I believe this experience will shape the direction of my career for years to come.
Liam Griffin, Liam Griffin, QLD.
I have to give out a massive thanks for this forum, it proved the music industry isn’t just full of sharks, you guys are guiding a great future for Australian Music.
Marcus Ross, Direct Influence, VIC.
