To the Front: Bronte Ellard

The Note speaks with Bronte Ellard – founder of Music and Gigs Connect Mount Gambier – about grassroots change in Berrin’s music scene via the W.I.R.E showcase celebrating female and gender non-conforming artists.

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Image Melanie Riley

Hi Bronte! We’re stoked about the W.I.R.E showcase in Mount Gambier – what can you tell us?

I drew inspiration from my fellow women and gender non-conforming (GNC) colleagues such as Kyra Sykes, LoveIt Murray and Teakle. Coming from a small regional community, I understand that sometimes, the best way to bring people together is by creating a safe space for everyone. I wanted to get a collective of amazing women and GNC to showcase the pure talent we have here that may get overlooked by our wider scene.

What vibe are you going for?

I wanted an inclusive and talent-packed bill for our first showcase! Bianca Hendy is coming from Adelaide – it’s special to have the Lickity Split and former Chelsea Manor singer support our scene. [There’s also] LoveIt Murray, a local drag king, and they’ve been killing it in performances all over Australia. Lastly, the incredible Alison Newman is headlining and performing her amazing EP Wolf, accompanied by Jack Lane.

Which act are you most excited for – and which will surprise people?

This is a tough one – I’m excited for the whole line-up! But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see Bianca Hendy. She has… been a huge hand in lifting our scene. I think Jøyce’s set will surprise people – Dee Leggett and Max Burton have worked very hard on new music.

What do you hope punters take away from an event like this?

I’d love Berrin to see it’s worthwhile to open up to what the music scene has to offer. It could lead to discovering new acts attendees haven’t encountered. It would be wonderful to see others experiment with music events and take risks on emerging talent. The only way to challenge the status quo is by supporting one another from a grassroots level and sharing each other’s events.

You’re the founder of Music and Gigs Connect Mount Gambier. How do you hope your organisation strengthens the local music scene?

I’d love to see complete visibility into broader communities and some truly amazing music events beginning to emerge at a grassroots level. Together, we are striving to achieve our goal of creating a vibrant and meaningful music scene while also enhancing communication with larger cities and promoters. Photo: Supplied

What do you hope for the future of Music Gigs Connect Mount Gambier and the Berrin live scene?

I can already see an amazing shift – [there’s] more confidence to go out and achieve what we want. Work is easy when you love it, and Berrin is such a wonderful place with so much to offer. Along with Stephen Esnouf (Cave City), we want to give artists the confidence to go out and perform without fear of lack of support or criticism that’s usually based on stigma.

The W.I.R.E Showcase hits the Limestone Coast Pantry June 28, headlined by Bianca Hendy, LoveIt Murray and Alison Newman. Full line-up online. Tickets on sale now via humanitix.com.

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