By TANIA PHILLIPS
AFTER an explosive first two years of existence, Southerly Change has steadily pushed themselves up into the realm of NSW’s best new bands.
Originally, a group of four mates, the band currently consists of anything between a simple guitar, vocals and hand percussion set-up, to the 14-piece group with horn section, bass, drum kit, kora and harmonica that will appear on their next Australian Arts Council funded recording.
This versatility extends to the music’s aesthetics also, with the drummers training in Ghana, the horn and bass players training in jazz, the heavy blues influence of the harmonica, and the simple and subtle guitar and lyrical melodies of the band’s singer-songwriter Ben Fowler, creating a richly textured and dynamic musical experience.
The band and the musicians involved have also played at established music festivals such as Womad, Woodford, The Dreaming Festival, The National Folk Festival, Summer Rhythm and Corinbank.
Southerly Change aims to have their audience up for a boogie, singing along with the catchy yet beautifully poignant lyrics, or relaxing to their earthy, islander vibes.
Who: Southerly Change
Where: Sheoak Shack, Fingal
When: Saturday, 7 December 7pm.
