With lockdowns and social distancing measures forcing Australian’s to stay at home for the past few months, the Instagram-based online music festival Isol-Aid has been busy keeping everyone company through a trying live music drought.
Launching back in March, Isol-Aid was created in response to the COVID-19 outbreak which derailed the touring industry, brought live music to a standstill, and caused millions of dollars in income losses, all in a matter of weeks.
Beginning with a two-day live streaming event, Isol-Aid replaced rolling headlines with live sets from 74 artists, playing live from bedrooms, lounge-rooms, studios or wherever they are self-isolating. The first edition saw the likes of Angie McMahon, Julia Jacklin, Stella Donnelly, Alice Skye, Didirri, Harvey Sutherland, Merpire, Alexander Biggs, Romy (RVG), Good Morning, Ainslie Wills, Hayley Mary, Spacey Jane, Yours Truly, CLEWS and many many more get behind the cause, all in the name of promoting unity and community amongst the music industry.
While the ‘concerts’ are of course free, online festival attendees were encouraged to donate whatever they can to Support Act, Australia’s only not-for-profit organisation, to provide relief for musicians and music industry workers facing physical or mental health issues, or financial hardship.
Since then the festival has continued to bring musical joy to homes around Australia (and the world) through 17 individual events, with an abundance of local and international talent playing a 20-minute set streamed live via their Instagram accounts. At the end of each set, musicians tag-team to the next artist on the line-up, sending fans on a journey of new music discovery, community and good feelings.
To celebrate Isol-Aid #18, the team are putting on a special afternoon edition shining the spotlight on Geelong and the Bellarine, the first regional centre in Australia to be showcased.
Taking over the internet from 2pm to 4pm this Saturday July 18, the Geelong and Bellarine event will feature eight local artists playing live from their homes across the region, all live streamed for music lovers to enjoy from home and bringing these talented artists to the fore, representing a region that hasn’t had much of a presence in many online events over the past few months.
With Geelong favourite Al O’Neill (ex-Barwon Club & artist manager of The Chats) taking charge of guest programming, the festival will see 20 minute sets from Jasper Jolley (of Bones & Jones), Hassall, Mick Ryan, Rach Brennan & The Pines, and Los Mariachis El Clifto! (AKA Sarah Carroll/Fenn Wilson/George Wilson).
The afternoon will also see Hollie Joyce, Jeff Lang and BIN rounding it all up.
“Geelong and The Bellarine is home to so many talented and passionate musicians from across different genres, whose livelihoods have been heavily impacted by the pandemic,” says Councillor Trent Sullivan, chair of the Arts, Culture and Heritage portfolio.
“Isol-Aid will be a fantastic opportunity to support local artists and experience some amazing performances, while being connected with music lovers from across Australia.”
There is so much amazing music coming out of this region and this is just a little taster to enjoy during your arvo in Iso. Grab your device, charger, snacks and water bottle, and we’ll see you at the festival.
For information about Isol-Aid viewing, visit the website.
