If Enrico ‘Mick’ Morena’s passion and enthusiasm for the Adelaide music scene is anything to go by, then there can be little doubt that the Adelaide Music Collective (AMC) has a bright future as a way of bringing various generations and styles of music together as an exchange of experience and as an industry networking tool.
The catalyst for forming the AMC was sparked after Enrico Morena meeting with several peers and thinking that something needed to be done about forming a collective of musicians. He shared this with colleagues who were drawn in by his enthusiasm and the group basically grew from there, and it quickly became an official business entity.
An enthusiastic Morena says, “We got the word out and people just jumped on board. A group of us from the Adelaide music echelon met at Ruby Red Flamingo on Tynte Street and met every few weeks after. Guys like Rockin’ Rob Riley, Peter Coombe and many others came and by the end of it we had about 100 members, so set up a Facebook page by invite only, and it just clicked. We decided we needed to get acts on stage and of course needed a home”.
The idea was to introduce bands to each other and perform a gig, preferably mixing styles and genres to broaden the experiences of those involved.
“I discovered that there were a lot of younger guys around town such as The Timbers and Kelly Menhennet, young people in their 20’/30’s who are touring extensively and are great at what they do. Why not connect them with older, more experienced musicians and see what happens?”
Coincidentally, Adelaide identity and former Rock Jock David ‘Daisy’ Day had the idea for the SA Music Hall of Fame and also needed a home for it, which aligned with Morena’s vision to introduce Lifetime Achievement Awards for those SA musicians who have ‘been there-done that’.
Fortunately for the AMC, Premier Jay Weatherill made available a grant enabling the group to secure residency at the Goodwood Institute, along with a further council grant to do some other work on the building which is shared with Urban Myth Theatre Company as well as a curator.
“Our launch was on March 28 this year, with John Bywaters from The Twilights, Peter Tilbrook from The Masters Apprentices, and John Schumann from Redgum being the first inductee into the SA Music Hall Of Fame. It was a sell out show!” says Morena. “We also have some very generous sponsors who have been brilliant”. The 5 year plan is for the AMC sessions to become a prominent brand, and then tour it to perhaps 6 regional areas per year, and also for the inductees to go to schools and conduct songwriting workshops”.
In a city as creative as Adelaide, the AMC is a brilliant initiative that aims to make it ‘all about the music’, and to further the creative process of songwriting through the collaboration of artists from all genres. The flow on effect in terms of having experienced artists willing to share their craft makes this venture a win-win situation.
The AMC also plans to tour the SA Music Hall Of Fame throughout regional areas, often starved of entertainment, thus contributing to the rich tapestry of culture that is much needed in smaller towns.
It also has winery tours in the pipeline and would love to hold an annual showcase at Womadelaide, gathering together 4 generations of musicians on the one stage.
The unique thing about he AMC is that it is strictly about original music, and has a strong focus on the art of songwriting.
The second of the AMC sessions, including inductions into the Hall Of Fame was on Friday the 16th May and inductees were Barry McAskill (60s Music icon), Rockin’ Rob Riley (Rose Tattoo), John Schumann (Redgum), Ray O’Connor (Penny Rockets) and John & Rick Brewster (The Angels).
Music Editor Darren Hassan was there to enjoy the inductions as well as live performances by the delightful Kelly Menhennet, Barry McAskill, The Timbers, and The Brewster Brothers. See what he had to say about that fantastic experience here.
Check out the AMC’s Facebook page, and be sure not to miss the next session on July 11 which will includes inductees John Swan (Swanee), Jim Keays (Masters Apprentices),Johnny Mac, Elaine Moore plus performances by Vincent’s Chair, Loren Kate (Womadelaide) plus more.
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