Brisbane has been slowing evolving into a musical hub over the last decade, but with the advent of BIGSOUND and new venues popping up more frequently, there’s still one thing that’s eluded the scene - a dedicated, all-ages venue.
Enter Live From Outer Space, the new all-ages music program from the talented folks behind Outer Space, an artist-run initiative that’s expanded into the cultural hub of West End.
Their first live music program kicks off this weekend (12 January) so we caught up with Director of Music Programming, Louis Whelan, to get the skinny on Brisbane’s newest live music venue.
“Personally, I have been passionate about all-ages gigs for quite a while,” Whelan explained.
“Back when I first graduated from high school I found it extremely frustrating trying to find decent live music options for under 18s in Brisbane, which lead me to start organising my own.”
“The founders of Outer Space (Llewellyn Millhouse and Caity Reynolds) have known me for a long time and actually approached me to establish the music program. From there it just felt natural to make the shows all-ages, because why not!?”
Outer Space began as a not-for-profit art gallery and studio complex operating just outside of Brisbane City in the suburb of Wollongabba. Now, with the support of Brisbane City Council, they’ve expanded to West End with big plans to turn the space into a resource for the creative youth of the city.
“Outer Space will house several spaces dedicated to a whole range of arts and community activities,” Whelan said.
“This includes but isn’t limited to an annual exhibition program, a zine library and zine making facilities, a six studio arts residency program and a community events room available for organisations and individuals wishing to host lectures, forums, workshops and other activities that benefit the wider community.”
To welcome the space into the neighbourhood, Whelan and co are putting on three weeks of all-ages, live music throughout the rest of January.
Featuring Brisso up-and-comers like Spirit Bunny, Rivermouth and The Delicates, Whelan explained that the goal is for Live From Outer Space to feature national and international acts with a focus on fostering new, local talent.
“We’re currently taking submissions from bands interested in performing as part of our February and March programming, so anyone keen to play should get in touch,” Whelan laughs
In a city that’s exploding with musical talent, Whelan pulls no punches when expressing what he hopes Live From Outer Space will provide to the Brisbane music scene.
“High-quality live music in an environment that is affordable, accessible and all ages!”
Live From Outer Space begins this Friday (12 January) and continues weekly throughout the month; for more information, head to theGuide.
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