Can’t be bothered heading out for the night? Given that winter is well and truly upon us, why not then stay at home. Heck, if you’re a performer why can’t you do the same and bring the audience to you, right? That’s what Adelaide act The Borderers have decided to do leading up their upcoming European Tour
Rather than the traditional method of staging a fundraiser at a venue, Jim and Alex a.k.a The Borderers, have decided to host a couple of house concerts, literally!
Adelaide’s tartan sweethearts of eclectic folk rock are about to tour Europe and need a leg up in their fundraising efforts. The independent folk act have been regulars on the music scene since the early 90’s and have played to countless audiences including WOMADelaide. Woodford Folk Festival and Port Fairy Festival. They’ve been invited yet again to perform at the Skagen Festival in Denmark and the InterCeltique Festival in France in addition to sideshows in Paris, Copenhagen, Latvia, Estonia and Scotland. As Jim Paterson says in his broad Glaswegian accent, “the costs to tour a 5 piece band don’t come cheap. We thought we’d do these gigs in our own home. For $25 we’ll provide all the wine, soup and bread as well as a couple of brackets.” Just the thing for these cold winter nights, and with a live show thrown in to boot!
In a time where venues are closing and musicians are struggling, innovations such as this are becoming a survival tool for artists trying to stay afloat.
The Borderers are even willing to do call outs, performing at people’s homes in return for a donation. They’re kind of like the Avon Ladies of entertainment in that respect.” We look at ourselves as being more like the Anne Summers of entertainment, replies Jim. (Ann Summers is a famous lingerie/adult product company in the UK) As venues close down, these kinds of things (house shows) really are starting to take off”.
Seeking to raise about $2500 which will help with hotels and flights, The Borderers will host 2 house shows on the 20th and 28th June respectively. Of course, anyone with a fat wallet is welcome to chip in to help the group achieve their goal.
If you’ve not seen The Borderers play, they are an energetic and fun music experience with Irish-born singer (and Jim’s other half) Alex, and Jim along with supporting musicians really exploring a unique edge. They play a mixture of folk, rock and covers with their own twist and provides for a fantastic night out.
But rather than give in to the dwindling economy for music makers, Jim remains stoic about seeing things through. “We’ve been doing this for about 20 years and don’t know how to do anything else, I’ve thought about it in the past but really this is what we know.”
Jim is an easy-going, likeable character with a quick wit and a response for everything. Perhaps it’s his laid back sense of humour that has kept Jim and Alex afloat over the years. I tell Jim that it’s always been a tough industry, but there’s really nobody like The Borderers. “…apart from The Rolling Stones!” replies Jim lightning fast.
If you’re free to see these guys in an intimate setting, please do so. The Borderers are proudly Adelaidean and deserve support from fans for providing years of song and dance. And dance you will! If you’ve never been to a Borderers gig they are a ball of energy and it’s near impossible not to end up on your feet.
Shows
June 20 & 28
For tickets please email
$25 – Wine, Soft Drink + Soup Provided. BYO Beer
Separate show at Grange View estate on the 21st June–
http://www.theborderers.com.au
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