The Bucket Lounge is the quintessential performance space situated in Bondi Beach at Venue 34 Degrees South. As you walk down the stairs of 34 you enter this cosy basement that on the Bucket Lounge evenings on thursdays, houses many great independent artists and performers. Declan Kelly opens the night each week and an ice bucket is passed around and the audience to throw some $$ in for the performers.
Declan was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to chat with us about The Bucket Lounge.
Tell us a little bit about Bucket Lounge, what inspired the night? How long has it been running?
The Bucket Lounge has been running over eight years under a few different names and hosts…. Singer Songwriters, Musicians, Poets, Comedians all thrive on this good room that feels like the walls have spirits, so the artists put themselves in this intimate situation to search and be challenged within their Art and the audience who are literally under your nose whilst performing.
While all genres of music are supported, what types of acts dominate your music night?
We generally support Original Song and storytelling….. We have had an amazing array of Performers, Bands, Singers, Songwriters, Comedians, and even my good friend Joel Salom trying out his Improvised Rhythmic Juggling balls.
Given your practice of passing the bucket round to give some money to the performers, does the night feel like your own little music community?
It totally does… People that know the Bucket Lounge, generally give generously and some people out right refuse to cough up for live music….It is either the bucket or a door charge…The Bucket just opens it up to what you think you can afford and are willing to donate for Blood, sweat and tears.
What bands have provided you with some personal highlights over the history of the night?
So many… Stuart Dwyer blew me away last night. Jenna Murphy, Malin Sylla (West Africa), Large Rabbit are a regular band that always turn it on…
We’d consider you a bit of an expert on your local music scene. What up and coming acts from the area should we be listening to?
There is just so much creativity going on in Sydney at the moment and lots of great new venues…It is all about discovering and feeling like you were there when a favourite new artists first starts out…Get out peoples there is so much good stuff.
You also usually play your own acoustic set at the opening of every night. Can you tell us about the music you play?
Well I write songs on guitar at home and get the bones of it like so.. I also have my band the Rising Sun which interpret the tunes. I also play them totally stripped back and bare which I love also and get to play some tunes that don’t get out much.
What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
Bob Marley’s Legend because it sounded so good. Simple as that.
What Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with and why?
I have just done a whole bunch of Collaborations with some of my favourite artists. Katie Noonan, Radical Son, Emma Donovan, Tony Hughes(King Tide),Tina Harrod, Pat Powell, Frank Yamma, Alex Lloyd. It is for a new release i have produced of Midnight Oil songs done in reggae and dub. Sounds amazing and i can’t wait to release it.
What’s on the cards for you for the rest of the year and early 2014?
See above answer. I will be touring this album and also recording a new bunch of songs for my 3rd album.
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
Cd’s can be bought at Vitamin Records
Declan Kelly Tour Dates:
Friday 25th Oct at the Jam Gallery Bondi Junction
Sunday 27th Oct at the Bombie Bar Coalcli! Surf life Savers
Sunday 3rd Nov at Perigian Originals Sunshine coast Qld (With OKA)
Sat 9th nov at the Breakwall festival in Harrington Nth NSW
Sat 16th nov at The West African Festival Tumbalong Park Darling Harbour
Fri 22-24th at The Mullum Music Festival Mullumbimby Nth NSW
For more info go to: www.facebook.com/BucketLounge
