In the Green Room: Semaphore Music Festival
Semaphore Music Festival founder Deb Thorsen unpacks the festivals 21st event, its deep community connection and why we should all rock up to celebrate the festivals coming of age.
Interview Millah Hansberry // Image Supplied
Congratulations on another incredible Semaphore Music Festival lineup. What should audiences expect?
What I love most is that people will discover artists they've never heard of before and leave humming songs that'll stick with them for months. We've got this beautiful mix, from ARBA Youth in Blues graduates like Amin and Lachlan playing alongside veterans like Mick Kidd and Dave Blight, to Melbourne's brilliant Kathleen Halloran bringing her guitar magic to Semaphore Workers Club. But honestly, the real magic happens in the conversations between people chatting with artists between sets, meeting fellow music lovers, feeling part of something warm and genuine. Expect to surprise yourself with what you connect to.
This year's festival is huge - running for four days, across 12 venues in Semaphore. How does it feel after all this planning, knowing it's so close to show-time?
It's that lovely mix of excitement and nerves, you know? After 21 years, I still get butterflies thinking about whether we've got the right artists in the right spaces, whether newcomers will feel welcome, whether the community will embrace what we've put together. Organising a new team to work together and make it all happen has its challenges, especially in the current economic climate. We aim to promote not only live music and artists but businesses in the area too. We want to see music lovers enjoying the terrific talent that we’ve put together.
What sets are on your must-see list?
Oh gosh, that's a tricky question! Opening Night with Dusty Lee’s Blues Jam with special guest Stefan Hauk, is not to be missed. Charles Jenkins' Semaphore Song Writing Masterclass on Saturday morning is something special – he’s worked with many emerging songwriters to help them hone their craft. Don Morrison at the Semaphore Hotel is a must - he's representing South Australia at the Memphis Blue Challenge in January; supporting local talent like Don feels important. Pop into the RSPCA Op Shop when Jess Lee O'Neill is busking - there's something magical about discovering great music in unexpected places. The Dainty Morsels at Mr V Music on Sunday is highly recommended. The corner piece of the weekend, the Sea Monsters Picnic featuring the Born on Monday Choir, Sonia Smith and Scott Rathman Jnr on Monday, is pure joy too. Watching kids parade with the Dancing Monsters while adults discover they can have fun banging a drum is delightful.
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Do you have a favourite memory from past years that sums up what the festival is all about?
Just yesterday, a young musician came up to me after Don Morrison's gig at the Semaphore Workers Club. He thanked me for introducing his duo to an interstate booking agent, which led to their first interstate show at Echuca. Then he put his arms around me and said, "We consider you to be like a mother." I nearly cried telling that story - it's exactly what this festival is about. We're not just booking bands; we're building a community where people genuinely care about each other's success. It's about artists supporting artists, music lovers becoming friends, and everyone feeling like they belong to something bigger than themselves.
What does the Semaphore Music Festival map look like this year?
It's beautifully accessible - jump off the train at Glanville station, and wander down the road to the Exeter Hotel, then then stroll to Mr V Music. Check out the buskers at the RSPCA Op Shop, pop into the Garden Party at Weeroona or grab a pizza at Sweet Amber Brews, then finish up at Korked or the Semaphore Workers Club. Seriously, you could travel the whole world over and never find another venue like the Semaphore Workers Club. We've got the church hosting Charles Jenkin's masterclass and the Mystic Forest sound bath, Korked with their intimate sets, and the Palais for those who want a classic pub experience. Everything's inclusive and accessible, within easy walking distance, so you can follow your ears and discover what calls to you.
There is a free Song Writing Master Class happening as part of the festival this year, presented by Charles Jenkins. Why was this opportunity important to feature on the festival?
Charles has been part of our community for years - he was one of our mentors for the Semaphore Songs Project. That project was all about emerging artists developing their authentic voice, helping them find the subjects and words to tell their Semaphore stories. Some of those songs are still being performed today - Emily Davis wrote a haunting murder ballad called ‘Six White Horses’, Brillig wrote a song titled ‘Port Misery’ and Nancy Bates first recorded ‘Old Black Woman’ for the compilation CD released in 2010. Songwriting is about more than just music; it's about giving people tools to express what matters to them. Charles understands that, and having him work with new and established writers is something special.
What role do you think local festivals like Semaphore Music Festival play in the Australian music festival landscape?
We're the places where artists get their start, where music lovers discover their next favourite band, where community actually means something. The big festivals are brilliant for what they do, but we're about connection rather than spectacle. We're where that young musician gets introduced to a mentor or agent who changes their life, where families can afford to bring the kids and discover new music together, where you can actually have a conversation with the artist after their set. We keep the music real and keep the community growing. Without festivals like ours, where would all those big-festival headliners have learned their craft? We're the grassroots that feeds the whole music ecosystem.
Semaphore Music Festival takes place across 12 Semaphore venues on Friday October 3 to Monday October 6. Free and ticketed events are on offer. Tickets on sale now via https://www.semaphoremusicfestival.com/
