For several weeks now, the three emerging musicians have been working hard alongside their mentors in producing and recording a song about their home town.
We spoke with the three lucky winners of the Connecting Song project on how they’ve found the mentor process so far and what we can expect from their song.
Look out for their single, alongside the music video, at this year’s Geelong After Dark on Friday, May 5.
Jeff Harwood partnered with mentor Adalita
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your music?
My name is Jeff Harwood. I like to write folk/rock/pop songs that tell a story.
What made you decide to enter the Connecting Song project?
Writing a location-based song is something I thought suited my song-writing style. The free studio and filming time didn’t hurt, either.
How have you found being mentored so far?
The mentoring has been sick. Adalita has been great with giving advice, and it’s also just been fun to hang out with such a legend of Australian music.
What advice has Adalita given to you so far?
Adalita helped work out the final arrangement of the song before heading into the studio. She and I also mixed the song together, which was a great experience. She knows her stuff.
Has Connecting Song inspired you in your music career? If so what are your plans?
Definitely. I have a number of unreleased songs that I plan to arrange into an album and record later this year. I’m also planning to get a band going and play some gigs (local musicians, hit me up!).
What’s been the best thing for you about the mentoring song process?
Working on the final mix with Adalita was fun. It was great to get an insight into the production process from someone with so much industry experience.
How would you describe your song for the project in three words?
Sun-drenched guitar pop
Fatty Phew partnered with mentor Trem One
What made you decide to enter the Connecting Song project?
I thought it was a great opportunity to make a song about central Geelong.
How have you found being mentored so far?
It has been amazing working with someone I have looked up to for so long and get an understanding of this process.
What advice has Trem One given to you so far?
Trem has been able to show me some tricks of the trade that he likes to use. There are certainly aspects that I’m willing to incorporate in the future.
Has Connecting Song inspired you in your music career? If so what are you plans?
It has inspired me to make more music again as I have taken significant time off from making music.
How would you describe your song for the project in three words?
My social commentary.
Tex Miller partnered with mentor Tim Neal
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your music?
My name is Tex Miller and I live in Queenscliff. I play blues folk and am about to release my second EP. My influences include John Mayer, Ray Lamontagne and Bruce Springsteen.
What made you decide to enter the Connecting Song project?
I thought that the opportunity to work alongside such luminaries in the Australian music scene was something not too pass up!
How have you found being mentored so far?
The mentor process has been absolutely fantastic. I feel that Tim Neal and I have written a brilliant crafted blues/ roots track.
What advice has Tim Neal given to you so far?
Tim has helped direct my future music plans and told me to continue to work at developing my own individual voice which I think can be heard from this new release.
Has Connecting Song inspired you in your music career? If so what are you plans?
Ultimately, I’d love to take part in the Sounds Australia showcase at either SXSW or the Americana music festival in Nashville. I think the future is steeped in the rootsy singer/ songwriter thang.
What’s been the best thing for you about the mentoring song process?
Having the opportunity to develop as an artist and hang out with Tim Neal and create music that I’m proud of.
How would you describe your song for the project in three words?
Badarse Pirate Shanty.