Wired for Melbourne Sound

Melbourne has long been recognised for its diverse independent music scene. A major strength is the relationship between local musicians and visual artists. Many musicians are also practising artists, and artists from both genres often inform and inspire one another’s activites. Wired for Melbourne Sound presents a broad exhibition that reflects the creativity that exists within the music scene.

Wired for Melbourne Sound sees NGV Studio transformed into a fully functioning recording studio, where a “super group” of Melbourne musicians, named Batman Park, has been formed. Comprising leader Alex Badham, Pascal Babare, Jess Cornelius, Lachlan Denton, Thomas Mendelovits and Evelyn Morris, the group is collaborating on the writing, recording and production of an EP and video clips. The EP will be launched as a compact cassette tape with digital download, with an album cover designed by Rick Milovanovic.

In conjunction with the recording studio, there is an exhibition component focusing on the recent history of Melbourne’s independent music scene. This comprises of an installation of documentary photography, and includes works by Lauren Bamford, Leah Robertson, Mia Mala McDonald, Karl Edwin Scullin and Pat O’Neill. Features of the exhibition include a listening and viewing room, a “salon hang” of recent vinyl cover art, projection of footage provided by independent record labels, musicians and artists. And, for something completely unexpected, there is a karaoke stage where visitors are invited to sing along to tinnied-up versions of Melbourne’s indie songs.

Wired for Melbourne Sound provides an insight into this vibrant, if lesser known, aspect of the cultural life of Melbourne.