Wired for Melbourne Sound

Overview

Ever wanted to be a groupie, but felt you just didn't have the stamina for it? Are you on first name basis with the bouncer at every Melbourne band room, but you've never been in a band? Well, in the coming weeks, the NGV is finally helping you sneak backstage.

From September 28, the Ian Potter Centre at Fed Square will be decked out as a fully-functioning recording studio. For the next month the space will be home to a specially formed group called Batman Park as they write, record, and produce an original EP — and you have a VIP ticket. The group will be comprised of members from some of Melbourne's best indie bands: Alex Badham (Aleks and the Ramps), Jess Cornelius (Teeth and Tongue), Evelyn Morris (Pikelet), Thomas Mendelovits (Milk Teddy), Lachlan Denton (Ocean Party) and Pascal Babare (Pascal Babare and Teeth). And to celebrate the project, NGV Studio is hosting a free gig on Thursday October 3 featuring live performances by Pascal Barbare and Teeth, Teeth and Tongue, and The Ocean Party.

Alongside the studio space, an exhibition of treasures from the local music scene will be on display too. There will be photographic essays, projected documentary footage, and vinyl cover art for those interested in the history of it all, and there will be a karaoke stage ready for those just wanting to get amongst it.

The Batman Park EP will be launched as part of Melbourne Now, and the exhibition will be finishing up on October 27. This conveniently leaves us just enough time to recuperate for Melbourne Music Week.