Thanks to the incredible accessibility of music today, new bands can become the next big thing within moments and sell out shows before they’ve even played. Though inspiring for new upcoming bands, situations like this also mean that the acts don’t have time to grow, mature and learn for their experiences, which is why now more than ever it’s important to ensure that band fostering, grassroots support like residencies still exist.
We chatted with James Young, the owner of Cherry Bar, a Melbourne rock ‘n roll institution known for championing the old school style of running a venue, which also includes regularly residencies, and Melbourne rock n roll band Smoke Stack Rhino who are currently in the midst of a month long residency at Cherry Bar about why residences are still (and hopefully always will be) important.
Why do you believe residences are important for bands?
James: “Residencies give bands a chance to develop momentum for their live shows and to grow an audience.”
Why do you think they’re important for the live music culture?
James: “They help bands get better and they help people find new bands. I don’t believe people want to see a band they like once every six months. When I fall in love with a band I can’t wait to watch them every week for four to eight weeks running. I love that!
Can you tell us a little about Cherry Bar’s Histories with residencies, local legends Saskwatch cut their teeth playing Cherry Bar residencies didn’t they?
James: “We have monthly residencies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Once a month residencies for our Thursday Soul acts and Sunday arvo Blues acts. Saskwatch played once a month for three years. Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk played every Sunday for 14 months straight. These residencies broke (in a good way!) these bands, no question.”
Do you think particular acts are more suited to the residency than others? If so what sort?
James: “Residencies suit bands who can play live and understand the true importance and worth of a great live show.”
When a band contacts you to set up a residency are there certain criteria they have to fill?
James: “Cherry is old school. We won’t take on any band. You need to have a Cherry sound (i.e. indie, rock, blues or soul, no hip-hop, no electronic…We live in AC/DC Lane don’t cha get it?!) and I have to like you. Sorry, that’s just how the cookie crumbles.”
Do you have any favourite residency stories?
James: “Last Wednesday on the My Left Boot residency Mathias from Child and Niel from Redcoats got up and joined the Boot for a Blues Jam. It was without question the best thing I have seen on any stage this year. This is the kind of magic you see at little bars, hosting residencies on weeknights in Melbourne, the live music capital of Australia.”
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As a band who has been performing for a few years now, what to you is the appeal of playing a residency over one off shows?
When booking a residency as a performer are there different considerations you have to take that you don’t worry about when playing one off shows? What are they?
Jem: “Absolutely. The main goal is to get people interested in what you are offering them. As far as residencies go, you have to keep up the interaction with your fan base and spice things up during the shows with things like prizes, free merch, drink specials, different set lists and stuff. You have to think about these things when booking events like this to keep things interesting.”
Ash: “I think it’s definitely important to try to vary things up a little bit from week to week. For instance, we’ve learnt a couple of cool covers that we’ll be dropping in and out the sets throughout the residency. Don’t worry though, a striptease from our drummer will NOT be part of the proceedings!”
Do you think certain acts are more suited to residencies than others?
Jem: “I believe all bands have the ability to do residencies. It really comes down to how much effort your willing to put in as a group or performer.”
Ash: “I’d actually say that a band that is innovative is more likely to do better at residencies. Innovation could take the form of variations in the set, prizes, free merch, drink specials and so on. You have to give punters a reason to keep coming back each week.”
Jem: “Cherry Bar offers something a lot of venues can’t, with fantastic diversity in their line ups, and a “no frills” attitude towards live music. It’s a world renowned place to play. Whether you are just starting a band, doing an Australian tour or your first residency (thank you Cherry) this place give you all the opportunities to take to the stage and just about every musician in Melbourne has heard of or played at Cherry.”
Smoke Stack Rhino Residency
Smoke Stack Rhino Single Launch Residency
Wednesdays in September at Cherry Bar
AC/DC Lane, Melbourne
8.00-11.00pm
$5 on the door.
Facebook event
