The Surat will be alive with the sound of music – and more local lyrics and tunes – thanks to an Arrow Energy-sponsored music program headed for the region later this month.
QMusic’s ‘Songs of Surat’ program will see a team of music industry professionals visit towns to present two-day workshops on song writing, production and recording for songwriters of all ages.
“This program is a chance for talented musicians to connect with the industry’s influencers, receiving professional advice, education and guidance,” Arrow Energy Community Relations Manager Glenda Viner said.
“QMusic is the Queensland music industry’s development body, so anyone who attends will be forming links with top-level personnel.
“It’s an honour to be involved in bringing this level of musical ability and industry from city and into regional Queensland.”
The workshops are open to emerging songwriters and bands, school students and local musicians in the Surat region.
QMusic Executive Officer Denise Foley said the program would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Local musicians in regional towns are currently unable to access the same facilities and mentoring that is available to musicians in metropolitan areas,” Ms Foley said.
“Through this program, budding students and local musicians will gain valuable guidance on their music careers and gain access to QMusic’s networks.
“The workshops will be accessible to all community members and all levels of ability.
“They’ll also have the opportunity to record their songs and have them released on special Songs of the Surat CD.”
The Songs of the Surat schedule is:
- May 19-20 Wandoan
(Wandoan State School, 49 North Street, Wandoan)- May 21-22 Miles (joint workshop with Chinchilla)
(Leichardt Centre Memorial Hall, corner of Dawson and Marian Streets, Miles)- May 23-26 Dalby
(Melinda J Wells Music Studio), 169 Cunningham Street, Dalby)- May 27-28 Toowoomba
(The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba Campus Q1105 – Concert Hall. West Street, Toowoomba)
Visit the QMusic application page to register for free or visit the QMusic website for more details.
The workshop mentors are a mix of artists, audio engineers and music producers including: Deb Suckling, Brianna Carpenter, Jeff Lovejoy and Melinda J Wells.
Arrow’s sponsorship comes from its Brighter Futures community investment program which invested more than $4.6 million in 117 community organisations across Queensland in 2013.
QMusic is Queensland’s music industry development association, and is focused on promoting the artistic value, cultural worth and commercial potential of Queensland music.
Media contact:QMusicDenise Foley
Phone: +61 7 3257 0013
Email: [email protected]
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
Arrow Energy Pty Ltd
Arrow Energy is one of the largest integrated energy companies in Australia with five gas producing projects in the Surat and Bowen Basins, ownership of a gas-fired power station and interests in two others. Arrow provides approximately 20 per cent of Queensland’s gas supply, most of which is used to generate electricity. In addition to its sizeable existing domestic gas and power business, Arrow is also currently pursuing a CSG to LNG project to help meet the growing international demand for cleaner energy. Arrow’s key priority is the safety of its employees, contractors and those people living in the communities in which it operates. Arrow is owned by Royal Dutch Shell and PetroChina in a 50/50 joint venture partnership.