To celebrate the release of his latest single, “Fighter”, Kim Churchill reinvigorated the Bellarine with an alluring blend of storytelling, nature, and awe-inspiring talent.
Driving into the gates of Hire a Kombi, you just knew that this was going to be something special, and Kim, Steph Strings, Steve Cousins, Maddy May and Finnigan August did not disappoint. Kim has taken his love of the outdoors to hand-select an array of unique outdoor venues for the “Fighter” tour, such as the Bellarine’s very own ‘Hire a Kombi’. Set amongst mature gumtrees shrouded by vintage Kombi’s and the sparkle of fairy lights, it set the scene for a night of rejuvenation.
The day started with young Surf Coast talent, Finnigan August, bringing an “August Rush” energy to the stage. Sharing some of his original music; Finnigan’s sound blends blues, and folk with an inkling of jazz.
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Maddy May was next to hit the stage with her 70’s inspired floral pants and angelic voice. It was easy to be swept up in her soft, indie-folk vocals that were both bewitching like a love song, and stress-relieving like a lullaby as she shared her new single “Butterflies” with the audience who watched in wonder.
As children laughed in the distance, a red kelpie ran by, and my friend filled up my cup — both literally and metaphorically. Steve Cousin then bounced onto the stage with his energetic presence to change the pace with a funky yet soulful multi-instrumental set, including an incredibly skilful live looping of vocals, keyboard, guitar and a surprise violin appearance. Who doesn’t love a surprise violin appearance?! Steve’s charisma and optimism for both life and music took the audience on an experience through his lyrics. It was refreshing, emotive and put the entire crowd in a good place for the main acts; Kim Churchill and Steph Strings.
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Steph was greeted by a literal rainbow shimmering over her set, which felt like the fitting way to highlight her impressively smooth dexterity and engaging stage banter. Steph’s lap tapping guitar technique and her harmonica had the crowd knee-slapping and toe-tapping in no time as her melodic vocals swept through the air. Steph had a very engaging and conversational stage presence with the audience allowing her to paint a vivid picture through her lyrics about “Layla” The Witch from Mullumbimby to her hypothetical hype-song if she were a WWE wrestler and my favourite “San Remo” paying homage to her beloved seaside town.
The impact that live music has on us as human is something hard to put into exact words, but I guess it lies in the feeling it brings. Kim is not only a gifted musician, but I would say he has honed the craft of making people feel through his music. The air was thick with a longing for community and connection beyond our computers; Kim recognised this, and ran wholeheartedly into this to deliver a performance that got the crowd off their picnic rugs and onto the dance floor playing songs like “Window to the Sky” and “Second-hand car”. Kim was joined by cellist, Joshua Luke Rae, who really enhanced the magic.
Kim then changed the pace, and stage, to get up close and personal with the crowd in an intimate, unplugged performance of his new song “Fighter”. Fighter is the first single from Kim’s latest album, due later this year. He chatted with the crowd throughout the night, including bestowing a piece of wisdom that reverberated, “The single most important thing we can do with our lives is pay attention”. As I took a moment to look around, I couldn’t help thinking; this is a core memory — children enjoying their first concert on dad’s shoulders, building up the courage to kiss your crush, or finally having the opportunity to wear that white beret that’s been sitting in your cupboard during the lockdown. To the girl in the white beret who I met in the line of toilets (where all good friendships start); you looked amazing!
As Kim’s golden locks glimmered underneath the iridescent lights, it was clear that Kim has entered a new era of his music, sharpening his innate ability to fuse storytelling and intimacy; allowing strangers to be unified for a night of mystery, dance and child-like wonder.
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