Sweethearts are not a band, they are an institution. They are a legacy.
For years, 35 to be exact, the Sweethearts have swung through stages across the region and around the world, sending toes tapping with their larger than life sound. The collective of talented young women, comprising up to 30 musicians, combine to inject rhythm into the roots of our local music scene with a staying power like no other.
You see, the vibrant stage presence of the band runs deeper than class playing. It drills down into dedication from both the performers and the program.
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“The thing about the Sweethearts program is that it is quite unique because it’s really about industry immersion. It’s about being able to offer the opportunity to young women, who are still really under-represented, to be able to give them the kickstart in their career. They learn first hand what it’s like to be in the industry working as an artist. It’s not just playing and learning about the industry, it’s about doing and being in that environment. Learning what it’s like to set up and load the truck, and market and do all of the things besides performing. It’s a lot different to a lot of bands for young girls at that age,” explains Manager and Secretary of the Sweethearts Foundation, Sandy Thompson.
Sweethearts is a commitment that involves firstly an audition process open to musicians across regional Victoria and private institutions, an undertaking in a Certificate IV in Music during Year 10 and 11 studies, covering the theoretical and practical elements of music making and performance, regular rehearsals, and live performance opportunities.
“It’s like a football team, they have to audition every year, people leave and new artists come along. It’s a constantly changing phenomena.”
But the outcome is worth it. This year, as the music project gears up to celebrate 35 years of performing excellence, the current Sweethearts cohort have taken on Europe and developed an EP ready for release in November.
“It’s been a big year for Sweethearts because we took 25 of the girls to Switzerland to the Montreux Jazz Festival and then we really featured significantly at the Porretta Soul Festival in Northern Italy. We opened the festival and played there quite a lot, and in Bologna and the surrounding Tuscan towns. They were really well received. Graziano Uliani, the Director, wants the girls back which is a great thing. We have played there, I think this is our seventh time since 2002 and each time we bring a different band. It’s an excellent showcase and one that the girls all gain significant experience from,” says Thompson.
Before the year is out, Sweethearts will be launching their EP at the trusted Barwon Club in November and will be adding another festival stage to their 2024 to-play list, this time a local gem. The girls will be returning to Queenscliff Music Festival on Sunday 24 November.
“Queenscliff Music Festival is another iconic festival that the Sweethearts have played at for many years. It’s a great festival for supporting youth, and has been a big part of our Sweethearts story across the years,” says Thompson.
It’s these experiences and the development of tangible and transferrable industry skills that have enabled and kickstarted the careers of some of Australia’s most talented names.
“We’ve had some girls that have gone on to great things; Georgia Van Etten is now a UK artist, Geneva Burrell who is a songwriter bases in London, Annika Schmarsel or Alice Ivy, Jess Selwood who is a drummer and Imogen Brough who has been a Celtic artist here and on The Voice, Bec Goring. Others have gone into theatre, sound, teaching, others have their own bands.”
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Some of these names will be returning for the 35 year Anniversary Annual Party Fundraiser. Happening on Saturday 19 October at the Sphinx Hotel, the milestone will raise funds for the Sweethearts Foundation to support the ongoing development of and opportunities afforded to the artists within the Sweethearts program.
For the special event, between 40 and 50 alumni will return to perform once again under the Sweethearts band. Like a sorority, the Sweethearts status has become a badge of honour for many of the former members and it’s not hard to understand why. It’s the soul behind the Sweethearts that keeps the revolving musician program churning all of these years later and will continue into the next 35 years.
Join the celebrations and see Sweethearts across the decades settle back into their swinging sound.
Pick up tickets to their upcoming fundraiser at The Sphinx on Saturday 19 October here.
