When Aarti (23, Moorabbin), Michael (24, Elwood) and Zoero (21, South Yarra) first contacted MMW with their Self-Made application we weren’t really sure what to expect. A metal expo..? Ok..! After meeting with them, it was clear these guys knew exactly what they wanted and had a really creative idea to present an extremely unique Metal event. Now with two months to go til they present the largest Sound Chaser Productions event, we ask them how it is all going and how they have found being a part of the Self-Made program.
MMW: Your event is going to be huge and will also be the only wholly metal focussed event in the MMW 2012 program. How does being part of MMW’s Self-made program help your event?
M: We’re really excited to be part of the MMW program because it gives us massive exposure right away which we would otherwise not have been able to achieve. It also gives us the opportunity to include heavy metal in the program, which is a genre historically neglected in the past by some of Melbourne’s large cultural events, but we are definitely seeing a bit of resurgence in recent years.
Z: It definitely increases the promotion which is a massive benefit, as is working with and having the support of a professional team.
MMW: Do you think it has been helpful having the contact with the Godparents and CoM in developing your event?
A: The City of Melbourne and the Godparents have been really helpful with inspiring confidence in our event, and providing an event planning framework over which to work. I personally think it has been great to have all these deadlines in place, because without them, we may have been in some serious…
M: Their initial excitement at our idea was really encouraging – I mean, who knew that my cheesy dreams of medieval feasts, heavy metal and sword battles are actually considered amazing and cool by some people!
MMW: Have you ever organised an event like this before?
M: This is the second event for Sound Chaser Productions, but the first event was nowhere near this size or conceptual complexity!
MMW: What does Self-Made mean to you?
Z: Self-Made is an opportunity to showcase local talent and to put together a fun event with a twsit.
A: Self-Made to me means learning. Lots of learning. It means panic and overwhelming joy and everything in between. It means new ideas and amazing amalgamations of art.
MMW: What do you think makes Melbourne such a unique music City?
A: I know it’s been said before but it really is the ability for any genre of music to flourish. The fact that you can go out on any given night and listen to ANY kind of music you want. I mean, a few nights ago, the Beat gig guide listed 109 gigs that night. 109! That is ridiculous!
M: We really have a lot to be proud of as a music city though, and certainly no need to be envious of any other city in the world! In recent years I have branched out into a lot of different genres of music and am continually amazed by the top notch quality of the live performances I see.
Z: I think the fact that Melbourne has so many accessible live music venues makes it very unique.
MMW: What do you like most about living in Melbourne?
Z: Our strong music scene. No matter what night it is there’s always somewhere to go and catch some live music and embrace the culture.
A: The music, the people, and the places. (Basically, everything).
M: I love Melbourne and I really can’t say enough good things about it. I think some people might take it for granted a bit, but as an immigrant whose family came here to lead a better life and give their kids a brighter future, I am eternally grateful to live in such a city.
MMW: So, is music your full-time passion or does it influence your current practice?
M: Music isn’t a full-time job for me, but it is a full-time passion. Personally, I wouldn’t want to have a job in music because I would never want to associate it with work. I spend a lot of my free time on the arts, just enjoying it, appreciating it and learning from it. It’s something that keeps me sane after long days at the office.
Z: Music is definitely a massive passion. I’ve played music, I’ve studied music, I’m working in a music venue and now I’m putting on music events.
MMW: What advice do you have for other people like yourself, wanting to host interesting and new events in the City?
A: Simply, get off your behind and do it. Mostly everyone in this city and industry is lovely, and helpful, and enthusiastic. Be realistic in your planning, but then… just… do it!
M: Just get out there and do it, never compromise.
Z: Just do it. Explore your idea, do the research and just do it.
What do you hope to do after presenting this event?
A: Hopefully, make it a yearly event! And become the little productions company that could. I hope that Sound Chaser productions becomes a little more well known, and that we get to run really amazing events on a more regular basis!
M: We are hoping to use the MMW experience as a springboard for the company and if all goes well, we will start putting on more regular live shows in Melbourne. We are interested in creating unique and creative experiences, and not just a standard music show, so are hoping to use the experience and knowledge we gain from this event for future productions.
Z: Hold many more events.
Full Self-Made program announced 4 October.
Follow MMW on facebook for more program announcements.
Photos by Alex Schoelcher
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