Melbourne has long been recognised for its diverse independent music scene. A major strength is the relationship between local musicians and visual artists. Many musicians are also practising artists, and artists from both genres often inform and inspire one another’s activities. For the last few months I have been curating Wired for Melbourne Sound, an exhibition which explores this relationship between the visual arts and music.
Wired for Melbourne Sound will see NGV Studio transformed into a fully functioning recording studio, where a “super group” of Melbourne musicians, named Batman Park, has been formed. Comprising leader Alex Badham, Pascal Babare, Jess Cornelius, Lachlan Denton, Thomas Mendelovits and Evelyn Morris, the group will be collaborating on the writing, recording and production of an EP and video clips. We are going to launch the EP the opening weekend of Melbourne Now, and it will be available as a compact cassette tape with digital download, with an album cover designed by Rick Milovanovic. Listen out for Batman Park songs when you visit Melbourne Now – we will be playing them throughout some of the gallery spaces.
Alongside the recording studio will be an exhibition focusing on the recent history of Melbourne’s independent music scene, and will include an installation of documentary photography with works by Lauren Bamford, Leah Robertson, Mia Mala McDonald, Karl Edwin Scullin and Pat O’Neill.
Wired for Melbourne Sound will provide an insight into this vibrant aspect of the cultural life of Melbourne, and will give visitors an extraordinary chance to watch a band as they write and record an EP. Opening 28 September, I think this going to be one exciting exhibition.