Original’s in: Band booking agents Andre Trosky and Steven Nichols.
By Erin Pearson
ORIGINAL live music is resurgent in Geelong, according to a young pair of booking agents.
Spinning Half Studio directors Steven Nichols and Andre Trosky said their bookings of five-time ARIA award winner Boy and Bear and international hip-hop star Xzibit highlighted the trend back to original acts.
The resurgence was also making Geelong’s nightlife “sophisticated” as patrons became accustomed to paying about $40 a ticket, they said.
Mr Nichols said he began work on bringing live music to Geelong after moving to Melbourne in search of gigs.
“We were spoilt for choice at any bar any night of the week in Melbourne but when we came back here we were given nothing,” he said.
“Geelong has got motivated again, though.
“Six-hundred and 10 people bought tickets to see Boy and Bear on a Wednesday night and we sold 200 tickets in 24 hours to Parkway Drive and the gig isn’t even until next year!
“That’s never happened before.”
Mr Trosky said Geelong was developing an international reputation among musicians for its hospitality.
“Before, people were thrown beer and crappy entertainment but that scene’s disappearing.
“Bands are saying we have the best hospitality in the country and that’s why they come back.”
Acorn Productions managing director Michael Ward said musicians loved playing in Geelong.
“Ross Wilson voted Waterfront Cafe the second best venue in Australia after The Espy,” Mr Ward said.
“I’m not convinced original live music has made a huge resurgence in Geelong because so many venues have neglected it for so long but I hope it will, I really do.
“Geelong is an important leg on the touring list, so I’d really encourage venues to come on board and for council to open up parks and gardens for these events, which it hasn’t done in the past.”
