FRASER A. GORMAN’S NEW PLANS
S TA M P O U T A N D A B O U T
So, we have a little of the ol’ good news, bad news for you. As often seems the custom, the bad news is that songman Fraser A. Gorman is saying goodbye to Australia. The good news is that it is not for long. He is heading to the US, you see, to focus on tacos, Brown Truck and baseball. There is to be focus on a new album as well, which is probably the best part of the good news. Major Tom’s, Kyneton – September 7.
S TA M P S Y I S T H E M U S I C D I R E C T O R A N D D R I V E A N N O U N C E R AT K R O C K I N G E E L O N G
ANOTHER ON BITES THE DUST! I’m getting a new man. That is, I’m getting my fourth Drive Show co-host in five years. Big city lights, bigger paycheck and the challenge of competing in a tough radio environment. The lure of working in a capital city is the #dream for many in the radio industry.
THE CHATS, OR ARE THEY?
In my best ‘The Godfather” voice, “Josh received an offer too good to refuse”. So, this is the current tally. Leigh – Sydney. Jamie – Melbourne. Josh – Brisbane. From the outside (and inside), radio is a revolving door industry. It’s fast-paced and it’s constantly evolving. People move up and people move on, as they search for a greater reward.
If the 1995 film Hackers taught us anything it is, well, I don’t know what the hell it taught us. But hackers are out there, man. And they will get you good. ‘Identity Theft’ is the new track from Sunny Coast trio The Chats, a cautionary tale exploring what can happen when you attempt to purchase pingaz on the net. The accompanying clip even gives a good shout-out to Guitar Hero. Barwon Club, Geelong – October 2.
For the curious, it’s as good an introduction as you can get. For fans, it’s a handy addition to your collection. Joan as Police Woman has released Joanthology, a three-disc release that looks back on the singer-songwriter’s years. New, rare and unreleased material appears alongside old favourites. Joan plays Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on October 13, opening her songbook to a solo performance on piano and guitar.
The sadness lasted only for a moment. Upon reflection, I know everybody’s career is different. Everybody’s desires are different. It’s great to have a goal; it’s great to be driven. And it’s okay to be happy where you are, with who you are and what is happening right now. Because YOUR moment will come when the time is right. (It probably explains why I’ve been seeing 11.11 everywhere!)
But I need to get back to my desk and answer the afternoon emails.
It’s okay to be loyal when you’re thrilled with the opportunities right here and now. It took me three years to really find my feet in Geelong. I’ve been promoted to Network Music Director within Grant Broadcasters and will be looking after 7 hit music stations from September. Add to that, I took on Entertainment Correspondent for our Network Nights Show across Australia, Boundary Rider for Krock Football, Ground Announcer at GMHBA Stadium and Courtside Announcer for the Geelong Supercats.
“No. I mean don’t ever leave. We need you here.”
If anything, I NEED SLEEP.
I understood the compliment that Nic was trying to give me. She was telling me I was loved and appreciated and I was an important part of the Krock furniture. But for a moment, it made me sad. Three people who have worked directly with me have been promoted. And I’m still here.
My point being, I’m making my own opportunities right here. And I don’t need to book a removalist! I don’t need a job in a big city to justify my worth in the radio industry. Sure, it would be nice, but knowing my current workmate’s value my contribution is really humbling. And I get a new man.
Do I lack drive? Do I lack ambition? Have I passed my prime? If I don’t leave, does that mean I’ve failed?
STAMPSY’S ON THE SOCIALS, SO GIVE HER SOME LOVE. IG LEE_ STAMPS, FB STAMPSYKROCK
I found myself standing in the Krock kitchen, making a cup of herbal tea. Nicole in Sales calls out to me. “Stampsy, my absolute favourite. Don’t you think about going anywhere!”
JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN RETURNS
If I don’t leave, will I get stale? I don’t want to be the grumpy old employee who receives their watch on their 25th anniversary, whining that “radio was better back in my day… real music… before social media… wah”.
Three more staff members tell me not to leave. “The place would not be the same without you”.
SUBMISSIONS FOR THE MUSIC VICTORIA AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN It’s back baby!! The Music Victoria Awards returns to the Melbourne Recital Centre in November 2019 for its 14th year. As an event which sees the Victorian music industry celebrate the state’s outstanding achievements and best new releases, performers, venues and festivals, The Awards is one of the most anticipated music industry events on the Melbourne Music Week calendar, and has been a long-running feature of Melbourne Music Week, which is this year enjoying its 10th anniversary (big congrats)! And with a new year and the ever-evolving Victorian industry, we have some exciting changes to The Awards we all know and love! Firstly, the name. Last year was the final year of The Age Music Victoria Awards as such, with The Age now stepping away from being a partner, and the awards continue in 2019 as the Music Victoria Awards, co-presented by Triple R 102.7FM and PBS 106.7FM. Another change this year is the renaming of the Global category, which will now be called the Best Intercultural Act. Those interested can learn more about awards criteria and definitions here. “Last year, we introduced a few changes to the awards categories, judging processes and the format of the event itself, which resulted in a more diverse
and representative list of nominees,” says Awards event producer Laura Imbruglia. “I’m very proud to be producing the event again, and look forward to celebrating the wealth of great music made in Victoria.” The Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent will continue to provide one lucky artist with a cash grant and mentorship as part of the Award, and this year, a small number of tickets will be available to the public and industry to attend the ceremony and the live performances, allowing the music fans to mingle with their favourite local artists. Tickets will be available to purchase in October. And, one last change to the nominations submissions process, self-submissions are FREE this year, but only open to Music Victoria members. So if you’re Music Victoria Member, you may nominate yourself (or those you love) in the artists, venues and festivals categories until 5pm Saturday 31 August. The categories open for self-submission include Best Regional and Outer Suburban Venue (under 50 gigs per year), Best Regional and Outer Suburban Venue (over 50 gigs per year), Best Venue (under 500 capacity), Best Venue (over 500 capacity) and Best Festival, as well as Best Blues Album, Best Country Album, Best Soul, Funk, R’n’B or Gospel Album, Best Jazz Album, Best Heavy Album, Best Rock/Punk Album, Best Folk or Roots Album, Best Emerging First Peoples Act, Best Intercultural Act, Best Hip Hop Act, Best Electronic Act, Best Reggae and Dancehall Act, Best Experimental or Avant-Garde Act and Best Regional and Outer Suburban Act. To be eligible for nominations, at least 50% of the act has been living in Victoria for the last two years, you have to have released an EP or album (category dependent) between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019, and of course, only Victorian venues or festivals. Submissions are now open until 5pm Saturday 31 August. All nominees will be announced Thursday 10 October. MEMBERS SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY OR NOMINATION VIA WWW.MUSICVICTORIA. COM.AU/MEMBERS/SUBMISSIONS. PHOTO BY MARTIN PHILBEY
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