Local & International Music in the Soup Can
Bare Grillz (pictured above) performed at The Soup Can Gallery. Photo by Anja Vogel.
Primarily a boutique for clothing designed by local talent, the quirky and innovative Emma Soup & the Soup Can Gallery is increasingly becoming host to up-and-coming local bands, with international artists now being added to the line-ups. It seems as though Emma Soup is a vibrant hub in the middle of Newcastle where people can get together for an unforgettable night of unique talent.
It’s no surprise then that such a big crowd was drawn in last Wednesday night (7 September)! Chris Hearn put together a hell of a show, with Holographic Cocoon, Bare Grillz, Alps band and international talent LA Vampires providing a night of loud music and raw energy.
LA Vampires is the project of Amanda Brown and co-runner of Not Not Fun Records; many might recognise Brown from her previous project Pocahaunted with Bethany Consentino (Best Coast). Needless to say, LA Vampires definitely put on a show to remember. “Don’t girls ever wear pants here?!” Brown exclaimed before launching into an hour long, dynamic set of fun, high-beat tunes. The Soup Can Gallery was filled with dancing, and everybody was abuzz with excitement and energy.
Matthew Cother, member of Bare Grillz, says that “getting to play with a band like LA Vampires means we get to experience innovative music that no-one in Newcastle, or even Australia, is producing. Ultimately, that feeds back into what we’re doing and the music we’re making.”
Bare Grillz is a local band that I’m sure many have heard of; not only have they played numerous times at Emma Soup, the Croatian Club and a number of Newcastle house shows, they’ve also played shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Launceston. Matthew reiterates just how much of an impact international bands can have on our music scene in Newcastle:
“Playing with international bands has helped raise the profile of our band locally and nationally, and has exposed our music to people overseas. It has also made the possibility of touring overseas more likely and meant that it will be a much easier process when we decide to do it. We’ve met and played with musicians from the United States and New Zealand who we can contact to organise shows for us in those countries. Those connections are invaluable”.
In fact, not only does the presence of international bands help raise the profiles of local bands, but it is helping Newcastle to establish itself as a cultural hub. This is an exciting time, and it doesn’t get much more innovative than the unique collaborations being showcased frequently in Emma Soup.
The Soup Can Gallery will host bits & pieces over the October long weekend as part of Sound Summit. Keep your eyes peeled for more info.
it’s “Not Not Fun” Records.
Positive and exciting to see Emma Soup being host to great bands and creating a buzz in Hunter St on any old night! Go Emma.