On August 31, the bustling streets of Collingwood played host to a local night of music at The Tote, where indie band Strawbz donned the stage in celebration of their newest single ‘Gemima’. This is their first song release since ‘Ego’ in 2022, which was featured in the Netflix series Heartbreak High. The night was filled with anticipation from the very beginning, with fans and newcomers (like myself) excited to immerse themselves and share this milestone with the band.
You never quite know what to expect at a local gig, but nonetheless I was prepped and definitely ready for a boogie. The line-up featured local bands Goodwin and Erica Avenue in support of Strawbz, and the night promised a diverse and dynamic experience. I entered the venue brimming with excitement and my trusty ol’ Dr Martens shoes (the most appropriate shoes for a gig), I was eager to discover the new sounds of each band.
Goodwin kicked off the gig that night, and I couldn’t stop repeating phrases like “they are amazing” and “what a voice” throughout their performance. Their stage presence, style, and talent left me utterly stunned. As a band, they blended seamlessly together, creating a captivating performance that was hard to forget. Their sound was very similar to Aussie icons Powderfinger and The Backseat Lovers - with a little mix of international artists like d4vd in there as well. Given their impressive performance and the way they connected with the audience, I have no doubt that Goodwin is poised for greater recognition in the future. Their set left a lasting impression and I would enthusiastically see them perform again without a second thought.
The second opener for the night, Erica Avenue, claimed the stage of The Tote. All I can say is…WOW! This local alt/pop girl band from Naarm/Melbourne was a true ‘girl power’ dream come to life. Their song “Feel It” has become a new favourite of mine, and the lead singers, Jarrah and Romy, were impeccable. Their covers of ‘Shut up and Drive’ by Rihanna, and ‘Red Wine Supernova’ by Chappell Roan ending their set, were powerhouse performances.
Erica Avenue at The Tote (photos by Aisha Ambesi and Scarlett Anderson, 2024).
As if that wasn’t enough, their drummer Charlie took to the spotlight with a stunning rendition of ‘Taste’ by Sabrina Carpenter, leaving the audience in awe. The versatility of Erica Avenue’s originals and notable covers left me a new fan. The band’s dynamic range and creative prowess demonstrated a depth and range that was both refreshing and engaging, making it clear that Erica Avenue is a standout act with a distinctive sound that resonates well with listeners. I walked out of The Tote blown away and itching to see them live again. My friend and I were lucky enough to have a little dance with Charlie and Jarrah during the Strawbz cover of ‘Since U Been Gone’ by Kelly Clarkson, which heightened our coolness status by 10!
After heading back from the merchandise stand, which was run by none other than the band's bassist, Soloman Britton, and drummer, Zac Rodezno—both legends at their craft—I took my spot at the front of the stage. I was absolutely stoked to see what was to come from Strawbz!
The indie band started their set with an original and put us all in the feels when they headed into the cover of my favourite Coldplay song ‘Yellow’. The band’s lead singer, Mitch Cocchiara, delivered a rendition that was both heartfelt and beautifully executed, and these qualities continued to shine throughout the night.
Another highlight was the phenomenal Christian Dakis on guitar, his mastery was mesmerising! Each note and riff was played with precision and passion, a feat which he sustained throughout each song in Strawbz’s set. Christian’s best moments were during their covers of ‘Everybody Talks’ by Neon Trees, ‘Use Somebody’ by Kings of Leon, and of course their new release.
Strawbz’s song ‘Gemima’ is one of those tracks that lingers in your head for days. Although the band hasn’t revealed what inspired the song, its lyrics carry a deep and powerful meaning. From the catchy 'la la la’s' at the beginning to the profound story it tells, the song invites listeners to ponder its meaning and generates a sense of wonder. Its captivating blend of melody and mystery makes ‘Gemima’ a compelling tune that resonates long after the music fades.
It's nights like these where I continue to gain an appreciation for local music and artists. They rely on local audiences to buy merchandise, tickets, and stream their songs as anything small can go a long way! Supporting local music not only fosters a vibrant community, but also ensures that these talented artists can continue to thrive and inspire.
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