Musing about music: Joe Matera will talk about all things music in his new fortnightly column.
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Megan Fisher
Welcome to the News’ new fortnightly music column.
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I was born and bred in Kyabram and I’m formerly a long-time resident of Shepparton. I'm a singer/songwriter, recording artist, guitarist and music journalist.
I’ve written for many music magazines across the globe over the past two decades, from Rolling Stone to Guitar World, as well as my book Backstage Pass: The Grit and The Glamour, and I’m co-host of the Music Maestros segment with Nicole Chvastek on ABC Radio Victoria.
The aim of this column is to provide all the latest music news — information on the newest and most popular music releases, national and international acts touring the Goulburn Valley, interviews and much more.
As the column evolves, readers can offer their feedback and suggestions as to what they'd like to see covered. The goal is to the make it the go-to section in the News for everything music-related in Greater Shepparton.
So, without further ado, let’s begin with some music news:
Briggs shows us the money
First Nations rapper, writer and actor Briggs recently launched a $10,000 grants initiative called Barpirdhila. It’s available for First Nations artists, whether established or emerging, who are currently working on a music-related project. Half of the total amount available will be allocated to female artists, who are traditionally under-represented in such initiatives.
Go to the Adam Briggs Foundation website to apply. Closing date for applications is midnight on August 1, with successful grant recipients to be announced on September 1.
Harry’s hot house
According to JB Hi-Fi in Shepparton, the top three best-selling music albums right now are Harry Styles’ Harry’s House at number one, followed by Korean boy band BTS at number two with Proof and American country superstar Luke Combs at three with Growin’ Up.
Heading Downtown: Reece Mastin will be in Shepparton in September. Photo: Supplied.
Mastin is headed Downtown
Reece Mastin, winner of the 2011 series of X Factor Australia, will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of his win by dropping in for a show at Downtown Shepparton on September 3.
“We’ll be playing all the hits and bits and pieces of our favourite times over this mad journey,” Mastin told Musical Musings this week.
“But essentially our job is to create the best atmosphere for a night of partying and singing! We’ve always had a great crowd in Shepp. Everyone is friendly and up for a good time, so we are super keen to come back.
“Usually, our touring life is so busy and flat to the boards that we only really get to see the inside of hotel rooms and backstage. But we have some friends around the area so we may have to talk them into giving us a mini tour.”
For Mastin, playing regional centres brings him the most satisfaction from touring.
“I’ve always loved touring regionally. You miss so much of the country when you play only bigger cities,” he said.
“Some of the best shows we have ever had have been in small country towns. So, we are always keen to jump in the tour van and hit the road. Without the regional shows I don’t think most artists could survive.”
Tickets are selling fast and are available from Eventbrite.
Looking forward to returning: “We’ve always had a great crowd in Shepp,” Reece Mastin said. Photo: Supplied.
Shark feels the love
Finally, indie-popster Amy Shark performed at Riverlinks Eastbank last week as part of her See U Somewhere Australia tour.
“The crowd in Shepparton was insane!” Shark told this column after the show. “I had so much fun and felt the love from the crowd.”
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