By ALANA MITCHELSON
Up-and-coming Geelong family band Backseat Drive will tackle its biggest challenge yet when the group plays its first festival next weekend.
The band comprises four sisters, their mum, dad and a cousin who have joined forces to create original tunes.
The girls will trade their netball skirts for instruments as the young talents – including 10-year-old drummer Laura – play Anglesea Music Festival.
Rhythm guitarist Andrew Hobbs played the live music scene in Melbourne in his 20s. About 30 years later, he’s now a proud father, watching his daughters, niece and wife blossom into gifted musicians.
“We’re playing original songs and they’re songs that my girls have written,” Hobbs told the Indy.
“Of the 15 songs we typically play in a set we’d play about six originals. We’re aiming at playing nearly all originals at Anglesea.
“In about 12 months we’re hoping we’ll have enough original songs to document in a record.”
Hobbs’ 14-year-old daughter, Rachael, recalled growing up listening to dad playing guitar and mum Sally on the flute, especially early in the morning on the family’s 23-hetare Charlemont property with cows and calves.
“We’re a very musical family. We have a very soul sound and we’ve progressed a lot in a short amount of time,” said the young alto saxophonist.
“I’m still getting used to performing live on stage. Nerves can take over a little bit.”
Lead guitarist Sarah said the band had gone from playing at church to performing at fairs, schools and local businesses since forming a year ago.
“Because there are so many of us it can be challenging because we all have different opinions and it’s tricky to express your ideas about someone else’s original song,” the 12-year-old said.
“We’re sisters so we’ve always bickered but we’re lucky we get along quite well.
“When we found out we would be playing at Anglesea I personally just couldn’t stop smiling. It was pretty unexpected and we’re very excited.”
Other band members include bassist Emma and cousin Alysia Jennings on tenor saxophone.
Backseat Drive aspires to play at Queenscliff or Port Fairy music festivals while grow its fan base and gigging at private parties.
The band plays Cherry Bay this Sunday.
More information about 23 January’s Anglesea Music Festival is available at angleseamusicfestival.com.au.
