By NOEL MURPHY
NORTH Geelong’s old power station is fast becoming an arthouse playhouse as its shattered and war-torn appearance gives way to new contemporary pursuits.
The Powerhouse, as the grey concrete structure has been retagged, has had artists poring over its walls and stairwells in droves over recent weeks since the Independent revealed its new lease on life under the Ballis family.
Street artists galore, including the renowned Rone – Geelong’s own Tyrone Wright – have transformed the building and now rock bands are looking to the site as a backdrop for their video clips.
Bellarine Pensinula outfit Audemia had been planning to insinuate their way into the power station like so many other visitors – through its broken steel wire mesh – to make a clip fort the band’s upcoming song, Invisible Prison.
“Just days before the shoot it came to their knowledge the abandoned building was not so abandoned any more,” manager Rachelle Calleja said.
“Although cleaned up immensely, it was still the perfect place to film the remaining shots of our music clip.”
The band took vanloads of gear inside – raising huge speakers, drumkits and equipment onto the large platforms and archways in the building via scissor lift.
With a large crew of helpers, management, photographers, directors and graffiti artists who sprayed an Audemia mural, they set to work.
“There were smoke machines, lighting, a pet cockatoo and even large TV sets on fire thrown down the top of the building via stairs,” Ms Calleja said.
Audemia, its members hailing from Clifton Springs and Portarlington, began in 2010 with a blend of grunge, alternative, post-grunge and metal music. The band has supported numerous leading Australian rock acts and was added to last year’s Big Day Out after winning a nation-wide competition.
