The south of Sydney is not only famed for its golden beaches, leafy suburbs, and proud residents. The Sutherland Shire has been the birthplace for some of the most talented, and respected musicians in Australia.
Although the Shire has only two main venues, the Brass Monkey and Caringbah Bizzo’s, emerging talent still manages to get noticed, through word of mouth, Battle of the Bands Competitions, and inner city gigging.
Bassist Cameron Whipp has tasted both commercial success, and independent struggle. The twenty-year-old musician joined folk rockers Angus and Julia Stone straight out of high school. At nineteen he found himself touring the UK, playing at the worlds biggest music festivals, and recording a platinum album. However the bassist split with the band in 2007, and has now formed his own musical monster, in the form of Radiohead-esque Different Trains.
‘Yeah it was tough leaving that (Angus and Julia Stone) gig. But you know, move onto different things, Different Trains, as it happens. Hopefully get some local gigs, but more opportunities in the city.’
Whipp hopes to emulate his Shire peers who have tasted success. Everyone’s favourite idol Matt Corby has been gigging locally since his explosion on the scene in late 2007. Jak Housden, whose band The Whitlams, are an Australian institution on the live music scene. Housden is Shire born and raised, and plays regularly at the Brass Monkey, his next visit in October.
The Shire also provided a wonderful platform for rockers The Vines, who played at Bizzo’s, before making a name for themselves nationally, in the UK , and USA.
‘A lot of musicians come from the Shire. Of course it is a very territorial place, so if you mention it, other Shire people yell out. It would be great to match the success of other Shire bands.’
The nurturing hand of suburbia, which encourages creativity and success, has touched all these bands, and Different Trains, hopes to follow the same formula.
The live music scene, in the Shire, and greater Sydney, has experienced a resurgence on the back of the strong early nineties scene. The Bragg, the Drum Media and 3d World, all have sections dedicated to the bands kicking around in the Shire. Coupled with this exposure is Triple J Unearthed : High School, which has visited several local high schools, including Menai High, Cronulla, Wooloware, and St. Pats. This opportunity offers young musicians, songwriters and bands the ability to get themselves on a nationally broadcast show, and in turn, get their music heard.
Different Trains
