9 minute read
The wedding singers
ALWAYS IN PERFECT HARMONY WITH THE COUPLES THEY PERFORM FOR, THESE ULTRA-TALENTED BLUE MOUNTAINS MUSICIANS HAVE PROVEN TIME AND AGAIN THAT LIVE MUSIC CAN SET THE MOOD AND ADD EVEN MORE MAGIC TO YOUR SPECIAL DAY.
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“When you hire Maple Creek Music, you’re in for a good time,” promises Cassie Colless, who has been performing with partner Blake Dantier for four years. “We like to bring lots of fun and a relaxed atmosphere to your wedding day so that you just get to chill out.”
Having predominantly worked as a wedding duo for the past two years (until recently under the name Black Velvet Music), Cassie and Blake enjoy mixing music genres and old and new songs, so they can offer something for everyone.
“Our main genres are pop, rock and funk,” says Blake. “We’ve also got everything covered – I’m a singer, guitarist and audio engineer, and Cassie is a singer, MC and deejay. And we also work as a band with three other musicians.”
According to Cassie, being full-time musicians allows her and Blake to prioritise working on their craft and putting time into preparing for each wedding they are a part of. “We really care about every individual wedding,” she explains. “Each one is unique, and we like to ensure our couples feel extra special and taken care of, even before the day.”
Because they see music as being such an important part of your wedding day, the duo recommends doing your research before hiring a performer. “Try to see the singer or band live, if you can, or watch their videos and have a look at their song list to check they’re the right fit,” says Cassie. “Also book in a chat with them to go through all of your questions – it’s nice to at least e-meet beforehand.”
Cassie and Blake say they are constantly inspired by their work: “Performing is our passion and weddings are such happy events to be included in. A day all about love –who wouldn’t love being a part of that!”
The pair are also delighted that they get to perform in the Blue Mountains, where they both grew up: “There’s something so special about helping to create memories here – it’s so naturally beautiful and the air is so fresh. It feels kind of magical.”
maplecreekmusic.com.au
“Acoustic indie urban roots” is how Van Sereno sums up his music style. His eighth album, Don’t Worry, is a fusion of modern blues, jazz, urban roots and smooth grooves that sees the experienced singer/songwriter diversifying and revealing the full extent of his skills.
“This batch of songs are introspective and focus on personal development, growth and relationships,” explains Van, citing Babyface, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Prince as strong influences.
Along with recording and regularly playing gigs in the Blue Mountains and Sydney, Van is often sought out by couples looking to add some live-music magic to their wedding day. “I love weddings because you can really feel the love in the air – it’s always such a joy to be a part of a couple’s special day and I get a thrill out of adding something extra to their momentous occasion,” he says. If the idea of having an original song written for your big day appeals, Van can deliver – he’s been a professional songwriter for over 15 years, has written the lyrics for multiple ads and commercial pop songs, and can write to any brief.
He has also had the honour of supporting a stellar lineup of performers over the years, including Christine Anu, Richard Clapton, Vanessa Amarosi, Diesel, British soul artist Andrew Roachford and American R&B star John Legend.
“To Blue Mountains couples looking to book a wedding singer, I suggest that you go out and watch some local artists playing live,” he advises. “That way you get to see exactly what they have to offer, and you can have a chat to them afterwards to see if there’s a connection.”
Along with playing solo, Van can also put together a band to suit your wedding-day requirements. “My experience and my willingness to adapt to a couple’s needs is what makes me great at my job,” he concludes.
vansereno.com
ANDIE
Performing since age five, Andie Isalie instantly knew she had found her calling and had committed to learning piano, guitar and jazz vocal technique by the time she was six. In the 15 years since, the sultry 21-year-old has released two EPs of original music, played at multiple festivals around Australia and has become a seasoned wedding singer.
“My style is soul/jazz/folk and can be tailored to suit my clients,” says Andie. “Depending on what the couple is after, I can perform solo with vocals and guitar, in a duo with a drummer or in a trio by adding a bassist.”
Andie is also happy to learn any particular songs her wedding clients want to hear as they celebrate their love. “You wouldn’t want someone that doesn’t understand you to perform on your wedding day,” she says. “So, don’t be afraid to ask for exactly what you want – clear communication is the key to making sure that everyone comes out feeling happy about the experience.” Hiring a singer who is wholly committed to their job is also essential. “Being passionate about what I do is what makes me great at my job,” Andie adds. “I am accountable, professional and always want to deliver a high-quality, heart-warming experience.”
From her perspective, Andie says she is absolutely thrilled when people resonate with her original music or the cover songs she adds her personal touches to. “Being able to connect with people, often strangers, is really special and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” she says.
Andie is equally thrilled when she has the chance to perform in the Blue Mountains, her home base. “It’s an incredibly warm-hearted area and people are usually so genuine and kind. I also adore playing in insanely beautiful mountains locations, where you can see straight down over the valley.”
andieisalie.com
Largely self-taught, Willem Sherlock Roorda says his music style can only be described as “eclectic”. “I started out exploring flamenco and classical guitar, and have since branched out to jazz and blues, which are my heart and soul,” he explains. “But I can also play rock, folk and indie music, and I do a lot of live looping and percussion – I use a stomp box and harmoniser to get a really lush sound.”
Willem says his wedding clients tend to take full advantage of his versatility: “In the past I’ve performed fingerstyle classical guitar pieces through the ceremony then had a full dancefloor busting moves to Fleetwood Mac and Jimmy Hendrix songs for the reception.”
Having spent the past four years constantly gigging around the Blue Mountains, Willem says that as well as word-of-mouth recommendations he will often have couples approach him after a show and ask for a card.
“It’s the most beautiful compliment to have two people consider your music to be a part of such a special experience,” he adds. “I’ve performed at quite a few weddings now – from Blackheath to Palm Beach to the Hunter Valley – and I absolutely adore it.”
Seeing music as a means of connecting to people in a deeply personal way, Willem says his focus is on making every audience feel entertained as well as experiencing something wonderful. “I love what I do and treat every gig as an opportunity to move people,” he adds. “I also pride myself on being totally professional in how I conduct myself and my business.”
According to Willem, working as a musician in the Blue Mountains has been extremely rewarding. “People here are incredibly generous and have been willing to give me a go as an artist. I started out busking on the street and, through the help of this amazing community, I’ve been able to pursue my hairbrained dream of being a fulltime musician.” he says. “The beating heart of creativity permeates our region.”
willemsherlockroorda.com
PICCOLO BEAR
Vanessa Caspersz and Daniel Di Biase have been playing in bands since meeting at their Blue Mountains high school, which led to them forming the charmingly named Piccolo Bear just over a year ago. Describing themselves as a “folk acoustic duo”, the talented pair say they are influenced by musical pioneers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Louis Armstrong, Elvis and The Beatles, along with Ben Harper, Jack Johnson and fellow Australian duo Angus & Julia Stone.
“Our music style is very sweet and warm, with a duet of both our voices above delicate and smooth ukulele, banjo and guitar,” says Vanessa. “We have a wide-spanning repertoire that covers all genres, including folk, jazz, pop and hip-hop.”
In addition, Vanessa is an experienced MC and Daniel works as a deejay, which means they can cover all sound and music needs. “Being a wedding band has come naturally to us,” says Vanessa. “We love playing and singing together, and the two of us balance each other out. Dan is so calmly on top of all equipment, logistics and sound, and I love bringing people together, focusing on the little details and making sure everyone is happy.”
In terms of selecting the music for your special day, Vanessa and Daniel say to make sure you have a mix of intimate musical moments and music that will have everyone dancing: “Keep in mind that music can fill out so many in-between moments that would otherwise be silent, helping to make your day flow smoothly.”
As far as choosing the wedding industry to work within, the pair say it’s always a privilege to be an integral part of a couple’s special day. “We love that we get to play and sing for people who are so radiant and happy with their loved ones,” says Daniel. “Every wedding we have played at is so unique and being in the Blue Mountains makes for some incredibly beautiful, natural and peaceful backdrops.”
