Sydney’s advertising folk gather for Song Zu’s second ‘Meet the Music’ night feat. Dark Horse

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Screen Shot 2018-10-08 at 8.19.01 am.jpgIt’s rare that Sydney-siders get to see live music these days. With lock-out laws, exorbitant ticket fees, general ‘don’t know where to go’ and ‘hate waiting for a drink’ feelings, it’s not often cynical advertising folk will brave torrential rain and head out after a long week of deadlines. However, those who did venture out last Friday night, were treated to an intimate gig and got to witness what can only be described as “magic” – in the way music legend Quincy Jones uses the term “magic is when love has room to move”.

Song Zu have done something unusual – instead of dry hiring spaces and bands, they are showcasing the musical genius of its staff; their “family” as it was often announced. This was their second gig in its Meet the Music concept. The first featured Nathan Cavaleri who shared his personal story of recovery from anxiety and depression, between new songs from his now touring EP.

Screen Shot 2018-10-08 at 8.19.14 am.jpgOn Friday, event goers heard Dark Horse –  a collaboration between Song Zu and Meg Drummond andScreen Shot 2018-10-08 at 8.19.30 am.jpg CD/composer Haydn Walker. “We wanted to show that at Song Zu, there are real people behind the music you hire us for”, as partner/CD Ramesh Sathiah introduced the night.

Haydn ripped up guitar solos over moody beats provided by turntablist DJ Klevaone, on a double headed guitar and array of FX pedals and Meg bamboozled everyone with her sultry sound and charismatic performance. A cross between Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone, people wereScreen Shot 2018-10-08 at 8.19.37 am.jpg blown away by her tone and range “I had no idea! She’s a producer! How does that work?” a person exclaimed. Side of stage a small string section enhanced the depth of harmony, as arranged by Haydn and a slide show of oldScreen Shot 2018-10-08 at 8.19.45 am.jpg Western movies were projected on the exposed brick wall. The result was a modern-retro mood, spacious and cool.

 

Between their original music and reworked version of “Feeling Good” by Anthony Newley/Leslie Bricusse, the two shared stories of how they knew each other as kids growing up in the Blue Mountains and how many years later, theScreen Shot 2018-10-08 at 8.19.57 am.jpg night life of gigging musicians brought them back into each others spheres. “Serendipitous” is how Drummond described her opportunity to come work for Song Zu and reconnect with her childhood friend.

 

It might have been all the themed cocktails imbibed, but there was a powerful feeling in the room that night. Sure, it’s marketing; but the night managed to satisfy the kind of thing we have all beenScreen Shot 2018-10-08 at 8.20.07 am.jpg craving – real connection – through music. After all, being moved by people making their own art is why we started in this business in the first place. Acknowledgements to Song Zu for putting on these ‘Meet the Music’ nights and lifting the veil to your team – we’d all love to be part of your family.

@thedarkhorse

@songzusydney

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