Posts Tagged: music and production

Dylan Cattanach talks music and songwriting

With a passion for unpacking songwriting to be more than just structure and chord progression, Dylan Cattanach hopes to produce emotion and connection when creating new music.

I’ve grown up with music. My father is in a couple of cover bands with some other friends and my uncle is a muso. Either I’ve been hearing it live or on the radio my whole life. I just love music and the beat. I’m always sitting there tapping out a beat – annoying my family and friends – or picking out a new melody on the guitar or keyboard. My uncle has made a living from his music and I’ve always admired him. As soon as I realised I was comfortable bringing my songs and music to live audiences I’ve thrived on the buzz of entertaining.

“I had the opportunity to support Pete Murray for a couple of his shows outside Brisbane this year. It was a great experience to see professional musicians at work. It’s encouraged me to put in the hard work so that one day I may have that number of people coming to my gigs.”

Sometimes accompanied by someone on cajon and stompbox, Dylan has recently begun playing solo acoustic gigs. “The acoustic style really suits my voice and I’m happy with the positive feedback I’m receiving.” He explains that music offers a unique space for expression; it’s the drawcard for him.  “I love the ability to express yourself in a form that so many people can relate to. If I had the opportunity to make music my career full-time, I would jump at it.”

So what’s Visible Ink got to do with this? “Visible Ink are providing me with lots of advice, which is really important because starting off you know nothing. Helpful tips on biographies are especially important, as it’s hard to write things about yourself, pick the important things to say and make it interesting.  They have other services that I’ll be using very shortly, namely making badges, printing stickers and printing posters. Every little bit helps to get your name out there.”

What do you get up to in your down time? Do you have any hobbies? “Music is my down time. I’m constantly looking at ways I can improve current songs or writing riffs for the next song. I wish I’d learnt the saxophone when I was at school, but it’s never too late to learn anything, so I’ll keep you updated if I do that!”

Is there any advice you would give young people wanting to start performing? Or any advice you wish you’d been given beforehand? “The advice I’d been given was network, network, network. Initially it didn’t make any sense to me, but now I see how important that piece of advice was.  But also, go see other bands and support them. Go to as many live local gigs as you can and support the Brisbane music scene.  We all need to help each other.
You just have to get out there and play. Once you’ve done it a couple of times it becomes so much easier to work out what to do next. Organisations like QMusic are a good source of information, and they run Industry Connect courses providing lots of help along the way.”

If you’re keen to have a listen or learn more about what Dylan is up to check out his facebook, instagram, soundcloud or youtube channel.

Cantalopez Collective: creators, collaborators, journey makers

What happens when a hip-hop artist and an engineering student meet at a poetry symposium? Made up of Pastel Don and Mulan Theory, Cantalopez Collective is a shared passion for innovation across multiple genres and a dream of being able to create music for a living. We sat down with the Collective over lunch, talking 90’s EDM, discussing the best summer recipes, and chatting about their passion for music and poetry.

What do you do, why did you choose to go down that path, and what do you love about it?
MT: We’re creatives with a strong passion for learning, for experimenting with sound and lyrics.
PD: I became infatuated with music making through my passion for poetics and lyricism, a subject I’ve has been studying at university level since the age of 16.
MT: I discovered my love of music creation when I was trying to find a way to loop some beat-boxing and fell into the rabbit hole of Ableton Live since then.

How did you hear about Visible Ink and why did you want to use our space?
MT: At first, it was from attending Friday Frequencies followed by Visible Ink’s official website. Visible Ink contains the equipment and space for us to be inspired and create music without blowing our pockets for renting a full-blown studio. The staff here motivate us to keep doing what we’re doing, to make more from Pastel Don’s poetry, turning it into music, and we appreciate them for that a lot.
PD: Because we’re here pretty much all the time, we’ve got to know some others that use the Studio and have started working with them on little collab projects.
MT: We like working with others, it’s nice to create together.

What are you currently working on project-wise?
PD: I’m working on the creation of my upcoming EP with Mulan theory helping pull it together.
MT: I guess I’m working on non-binary bangers for non-binaries to bang to. We’ve also been to Little BIGSOUND recently which was a nice chill day to meet new people. Be surrounded by good vibes and see who else is in Brisbane doing what we do. It was awesome reconnecting with some of the Friday Frequencies crew or meeting people who want to connect and give feedback to others in Brisbane’s music scene.
PD: We don’t want to just follow the trends with our music. We want to use poetry – poetic lyrics – to create a unique sound, unique vibe.
MT: It meant that at Little BIGSOUND we could target publicists that have worked with artists like Jaguar Jones and Deena Lynch who have a similar feel to them as we’re creating.

What do you get up to in your down time?
Pastel Don’s hobbies include: watching Pretty Little Liars (again), taking photos of plants and beautiful people, writing monster myth/erotic noir poetry, and having another pot of Symington Of Scotland’s Dandelion Tea.
Mulan Theory just does Mulan things: reading up on how VSTs are made, analysing song structures and arrangements of my favourite tracks, and fantasizing about how my drag alter ego would look.

“Although the circumstances in our lives often make our aspirations seem difficult, Cantalopez Collective is committed to continuing our journey together as both music creators and art makers.”

Is there any advice you would give young people wanting to get involved/started in this field? Or any advice you wish you’d been given beforehand?
PD: To any young or new art makers, we’d advise to remember that you are good enough. Passion can take you a thousand miles in the blink of an eye. Dare to be yourself! And finally, always choose adventure. Not for any big, sentimental reason but because it’s fun. Always choose fun!

How would you suggest young people get involved in this opportunity? Or opportunities like this in Brisbane?
MT: As creators, we have strong ties to a few of the arts communities that reside and thrive in Brisbane. In general, we’d advise taking a risk and attending events that cater to your interests and passions.
PD: Specifically, if you’re interested in poetry we’d advise following Ruckus Brisbane on Facebook. They’re our homies and they put on a number of friendly, all ages inclusive poetry events.

Feel free to check out Mulan Theory @mulan.gitsum.mula and Pastel Don @skiptosummer on Instagram and to have a chat.

You can also book Visible Ink’s Multi-Media Studio by checking out SPACES, get involved by sharing your journey via our STORIES or search #visink on Instagram.

Get to know KB Theory

KB Theory are a Brisbane-based indie band blending pop-rock to create catchy melodies and bursts of pop with fun lyrics that have become a part of their signature sound. Dylan Cattanach, songwriter and lead vocalist chatted with us about their upcoming projects, getting started, and influences.

Dylan met the band’s bassist, Campbell Harris, at Music Industry College, a school that is producing some of Australia’s best up and coming musicians. Both Dylan and Campbell got their musical grounding with the many influences happening around them. From there, drummer Andrew Barnes was introduced through mutual friends after working together on a local musical production, and on the look-out for a lead guitarist, Harry Verity joined KB Theory in late 2017.

“All the boys are just naturally gifted musicians who complement each other and we genuinely like hanging out together.”

KB Theory have a broad range of influences from The 1975, Last Dinosaurs and The Strokes, providing a beat to move to and a captivating, fun show to watch live. Their latest single, Hope describes how in life you don’t always feel in control, that you don’t fit. “You’re the support act, living in the background, when you really want to take that step forward and end up the star of your own life and write your own story.”

What is it about music that draws you in and where are KB Theory heading?
I love the ability to express yourself in a form that so many people can relate to. If I had the opportunity to make music my career full-time, I would jump at it.
At the moment we are writing new music and would like to start recording the demos soon. This music is taking a different direction and I’m excited to see how it turns out. There are some more elements of electronic pop coming up in this new crop of songs. We only have one gig left this year, but we’ll be starting up again next year and would like to do some gigs outside Brisbane too.

So how did you hear about Visible Ink?
KB Theory needed some posters printed for a gig. Up until this stage we’ve been printing and paying for them ourselves. Or just haven’t been having them as printing posters are too expensive. One of the guys in our band found out about Visible Ink and mentioned it to everyone. We made a phone call to find out how the space works and we’ve just sent off our first gig poster to be printed. We’re also heading to Little BIGSOUND, hosted by QMusic, after receiving tickets through Visible Ink’s Enterprise music and production programming.

Is there any advice you would give young people wanting to start a band? Or any advice you wish you’d been given beforehand?
The advice is the same no matter if you are in a band or a solo artist.  Network, go to gigs, support the local music scene. Check out the gig guides and go see someone you don’t know.

Keep up to date with KB Theory’s upcoming gigs in the new year on their Facebook page and follow their travels on Instagram.

Visible Ink takeover The POD: Ben Frost

Located on the Brunswick Street Mall emerging artists will activate The POD with Visible Ink support on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 July during the winter school holidays. Showcasing the best of Brisbane’s young musicians and performers this is a free event. We’d like you to meet some of the awesome talent gracing the stage and let them tell you about who they are and where they’re going.

Ben Frost is a Brisbane-based musician you’ve probably seen around the tracks, known for his chill approach to people and music. We asked him a few quick questions recently –

Q | What are you working on project-wise?
Currently, I am working on getting an album of songs I’ve written out into the world. I’m hoping to inspire people with my work, make them feel something positive through my music. I wanted to share how I see things with the world. I write songs and perform them. I love it because it’s a release from the struggles of life and a way to have a good time.

Q | How did you first get involved with Visible Ink?
I heard about Visible Ink through one of my colleagues. I like to drop in to Vis Ink because it’s a nice place to practice my music and interact with like-minded people.

Q | How have you got to where you are today?
I’m not really sure what led me to where I am today, but I know that I have a passion for music and a creative spirit and it’s those things that allure me to Visible Ink.

Q | What about opportunities? Have any advice?
For people just getting started in music, I would say keep going, don’t give up. If you get an opportunity to express who you are, and live the life you love, go for it.

In his spare time Ben likes to watch a good movie or learn about something new and different. You can catch him on Facebook or at around Brisbane’s live venues.

For the full lineup of performers at Visible Ink takeover The POD please check our Feed closer to the date.

As a part of Visible Ink takeover The POD, all performers are encourage to get involved with Visible Ink’s Enterprise program for professional development including supported opportunities to attend events such as Q Music’s Industry Connect or Little Bigsound, and participate in The QUBE Effect.

If you’re interested in finding out more about other artist that are a part of Visible Ink takeover The POD check out our Profiles page. For more information about music and production, Enterprise or Visible Ink please email visibleinkvalley@brisbane.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3403 0136.

Visible Ink takeover The POD

Visible Ink is once again taking over The POD on Brunswick Street Mall this April. As a part of Brisbane Youth Week we’ll be hosting some of the city’s finest emerging talent. Come along and check it out Thursday 12 and Friday 13 April.

Live from Outer Space – Some Jerks and more…

Live From Outer Space are returning with another installment of their ALL AGES music program, featuring a stellar lineup of local talent! Featuring Some Jerks, The Stress of Leisure and Elder.

Outer Space, 1/170 Montague Road, West End
Saturday 31 March, doors open 7:30pm
Entry $10 // All ages // Drug & alcohol free // More details FB

Live from Outer Space – Bad Bangers EP Launch

Join tropical weirdo punk duo Bad Bangers as they launch their new EP “Hooray For Everything” at West End’s newest art gallery and creative hub, Outer Space. Featuring Bad Bangers, Cannon and Hexmere.

Outer Space, 1/170 Montague Road, West End
Friday 30th March, doors open 7pm
Entry $10 // All ages // Drug & alcohol free //
https://www.facebook.com/events/215036819234449

Visible Ink takeover The POD: Lucy Dron

Located on the Brunswick Street Mall emerging artists activate The POD with Visible Ink support for two days of free entertainment on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 April during Brisbane Youth Week 2018, showcasing the best of Brisbane’s young musicians and performers. We’d like you to meet some of the awesome talent gracing the stage and let them tell you about who they are and where they’re going.

 

How did you hear about Visible Ink and how did you get involved with our space? 

– I was studying at the Music Industry College and my principal Brett Wood sent out emails for performing opportunities at The Pod. That’s how I first started and from then on I was lucky to be asked back and it has been extremely helpful for me as a young musician.

What are you currently working on project-wise?

-I’m continuously creating new music , but am aiming at the moment to reach out to as many venues and fellow musicians for gig opportunities. I am also applying for grants as frequently as I can since I am taking a gap year this year. My big project for 2018 is to record my second album which I hope to release this year.

What do you do, why did you choose to go down that path, and what do you love about it?

I am purely a musician and it has been a part of my life since I was born. Music has always been my underlying passion and now that I have begun pursuing it in life I’ve found performing and creating music to be my favourite thing to do out of anything. The process of writing a song itself for me, brings out a lot of emotion and release within me. It feels like something that is inside of me has finally burst free, while also solving many personal issues and internal dissonance through the lyrical process and musical release. This is always followed by  intense clarity, and then I get to share it with people by performing and hope it has some kind of impact on them and how they feel. Because of this music and performing is essential to me as a person. I couldn’t function without it, and from this I hope for it to be the path I go down for the rest of my life.

What would you say led you to where you are today? E.g. what is your background, dreams and inspiration that have led you to this project you’re working on today?

-Well I think music was always what I would end up attempting to pursue as from the age of about 11 I really really began loving bands such as The Strokes, Radiohead, The microphones and many more as I grew older. These bands inspired me immensely and I began getting into singing because I needed to express what I was feeling. So itsalways been an intense love of mine, but honestly, making the decision to leave my State school and move to the Music Industry College at the end of grade 10  is what really started to make a life in the music industry become a possible reality for me.

What do you get up to in your down time? Do you have any hobbies?

I play the guitar a lot and write music. I listen to music, enjoy driving and travelling and when at home, I like to watch movies.

Is there any advice you would give young people wanting to get involved/started in this field? Or any advice you wish you’d been given beforehand?

Don’t get wrapped up in everything around you. Remember that the music from within you that you create is the first and most important step in my opinion. Focus on the real meaning and feeling of it all more than worrying about how it sounds or comparing yourself to others and worrying about how many people you are reaching. That’s not to say that aiming for quality and thinking about other musicians and your audience aren’t still really important,  but don’t let that become more important than the music itself.

How would you suggest young people get involved in this opportunity? Or opportunities like this in Brisbane?

– Literally message any venues, other musicians and anyone involved in gigs and performing. Tell them a bit about you and share some demos, live performances or other media links for them to see and hear you. Many will get back to you with opportunities if you keep trying. This at least is what I have been doing.

instagram/lucyfrancescadron
youtube/luciii1114444
www.lucyfrancescadron.com

 

 

For the full lineup of performers at Visible Ink takeover The POD please check out our calendar of events or Council’s What’s On closer to the date.

As a part of Visible Ink takeover The POD, all performers are encourage to get involved with Visible Ink’s Enterprise program for professional development including supported opportunities to attend events such as Q Music’s Industry Connect or Little Bigsound, and participate in The QUBE Effect.

If you’re interested in finding out more about other artist that are a part of Visible Ink takeover The POD check out our Profiles page. For more information about music and production, Enterprise or Visible Ink please email visibleinkvalley@brisbane.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3403 0136.

Musicians Unmuted: The Voice of the Brisbane Music Scene

What is the Musicians Unmuted Project?

Musicians Unmuted is a new podcast run by Anna Kho, Maya Luski and Daniel Kassulke. The podcast aims to bring together musicians and other professions within the Brisbane music scene to discuss various topics and issues in careers and the industry. It creates awareness and acknowledges the various events and matters in our local industry, as well as promoting the beauty of the community and its music today.

Why did you decide to create this series of Podcasts?

The idea of the project originated from every day discussions with the community in the Brisbane music scene, which sparked curiosity in the connection between each individual’s everyday lives. In a multicultural country influenced by diverse backgrounds and artistic preferences, each story shares a different perspective through experiences, opinions, advice, and life lessons. These stories inspired the beginning of an exciting podcast project, and has become a success since the release of the first episode on SoundCloud in February, 2017.

What types of themes and topics do you discuss?

Each podcast episode focuses on a particular theme, idea or genre that features a group of contributing musicians or other professions from the Brisbane music scene. The special guests are invited to discuss various topics and issues covering personal projects, performances, past experiences, influences, inspirations, musicianship, research, industry and business, musician health and many more. In addition, the start of each episode features a different Brisbane venue that caters to this community, and promotes the creativity and beauty of the arts.

How has Visible Ink supported Musicians Unmuted?

Visible Ink is a perfect example of the various exceptional venues in Brisbane. It is a versatile space and platform for many young artists and creative minds to rehearse, produce, record and promote personal projects. Recently, it has become a flexible recording space for Musicians Unmuted, through the ongoing support of co-ordinator, Drew Stephens, and his team at Visible Ink.

Who do you recommend should listen to your podcasts and where can they find them online?

Musicians Unmuted aims to cater to a wide range of audience members, and as a non-for-profit project it is free to all through SoundCloud or podcast apps. Listeners can also keep updated with the episodes and ongoing events occurring in the local community through the Facebook page @MusiciansUnmuted, and share the project on social media with #MusiciansUnmuted.

Follow Musicians Unmuted on:
SoundCloud New podcast every month
Facebook @MusiciansUnmuted #MusiciansUmuted

Mantist Oryem

Mantist Oryem is an African-Australian producer, hip hop and spoken-word artist who has been utilising the Visible Ink space since 2007. Mantist uses music to express his reality, entertain people and to inspire.
Tell us a little about yourself, what you do and what you love about it?
As an African Australian producer, hip hop and spoken word artist, music started for me as a tool to get what is inside out in a more positive way. I love music in a way that it gives me freedom to express myself. It’s like a therapy for me; a true source of happiness and a feeling that I can only get from listening and doing it. Now I create music to entertain and inspire other people for the best.

What would you say led you to where you are today?
My first dream was to become a doctor. I was always scoring high grade in science and I love every science classes I’ve been at. I used to collect insects and scientifically name them. However my music journey started through a series of workshops with completely no musical background. After a while, I became so attached to it that I’ve decided to abandoned my science career and pursue a career in music.

After two years of workshops and being self-taught many aspects of the industry, I was able to write my first EP album which was recorded and distributed by the end of 2009, “Out Of Poverty Into The Glory”. It was very successful and provided me with opportunities to perform consistently throughout Brisbane in clubs, pubs, parties and celebrated festivals in Brisbane such as Brisbane Festival, Zillmere Festival, World Refugee Day Festival, etc. I have also been fortunate enough to receive media and editorial coverage from The Courier Mail, MX, Scene magazine and radio stations as well as 4ZZZ having played my music and conducting interviews with me.
Mantist-BoloWhat are you currently working on project-wise?
Currently I’m promoting dual songs that I have just release title “Hello Mama” which is a dedication to my mum and all the other mothers. The new release song is now live and selling online at the entire major online selling platform such as ITunes, Amazon, CD Baby etc. The goal is to reach 10,000 digital sell of the Hello Mama’s song by the end of July.

How did you hear about Visible Ink?
I have been an active participant in many Visible Ink programs over the years. Visible Ink sponsored my first professional photo shoot with Lightbox Studio. Visible Ink also funded me to participate in the QMusic program call Music Action Planning Project. I was also mentor by local MC and DJ Nick Grace in song writing and recording. Over the past year, I have also been using the Visible Ink space to develop, rehearse and perfect my art.

What do you get up to in your down time?
I enjoy physical activities such as going for a hardcore workout 3 to 4 days a week. I also play street basketball and enjoy taking a long weekend drive as a bit of an adventure in the countryside. And off course all of those activities involve me listening to some form of music.

Is there any advice about getting into the music industry you wish you’d been given beforehand?
Take a serious and conscious look into your life and ask yourself, how do you really want to live? Keep in mind that you’re capable of doing anything you really want to do. At this point do not concern yourself with “how to do it”. The purpose of this question is to identify what you’re really passionate about. Once you identify what you’re passionate about, the how is pretty easy. All you have to do is follow the success system in your field. I follow this formula:

  1. Inspiration to action – which is finding a passion that will fuel you to take action because you want to not because someone is telling you to,
  2. Know how – gain any knowledge you can get in your field (remembering that, the system works if you work the system),
  3. Make it happen – put all your knowledge, skills and techniques together to create your goals.

How would you suggest young people get involved in this opportunity?
There are many opportunities and support in Brisbane. All you have to do is seek and you shall find, ask and it will be given to you. Knock and the door will be open. Remember, you will become what you think about. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve. I should also point out that, the only limitation you have is the one you set in your own mind or you let other people set for you.

Where can people get in touch with you?
For exclusive videos, albums, downloads and connecting with me on my social media, visit www.mantistmusic.com