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TAFE student television production premieres
Friday, 1 June 2012
Music aficionados can get their fix of quality live gigs from the comfort of home as Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE's (MSIT) Verse Chorus Bridge television production airs on community station 31 Digital from Monday, 11 June.
Verse Chorus Bridge is an on air program written, directed and produced by MSIT Music Business students and staff, bringing together the best of two worlds: live gigs and music television.
MSIT Music Business Teacher and Verse Chorus Bridge Producer Andrea Smith said the program fills the void left by the disappearance of some local music venues.
"The last few years have seen an end to iconic local performance venues in Brisbane such as The Troubadour, The Step Inn and Rosie's. We have also seen music TV show Video Hits cease production and the ever popular Spicks and Specks will also end in late November," Ms Smith said.
"The question posed by myself and MSIT's Music Business students was: 'Where are we going to get our dose of quality music?' Our answer: 'Look no further than Verse Chorus Bridge'."
More than 40 eligible artists applied for the eight slots and the selected bands were chosen based on the quality of their music, their existing fan base and previous gig experience. The artists performing in Season One are Jackson Dunn, The City Shake Up, Drawcard, Cold and Need, Grand Atlantic, Hey Denise, Double Lined Minority and Damsels In Distress.
Doug Ford, former guitarist and songwriter from well known Australian band Masters Apprentices, assisted with the sound recording of Verse Chorus Bridge.
"I helped with sound recording and was exposed to seven great bands and one solo artist who I had not previously heard about. One band in particular, Drawcard, really captured my attention. I now go to their gigs and have purchased some of their merchandise. I hope to work with them in some capacity in the future," Mr Ford said.
The program's host and interviewer, actress Belinda Kelly, said she was excited to be part of the production.
"Queensland is well known in the industry for having produced world leading acts. Verse Chorus Bridge was a great opportunity to interview up and coming local musicians set to become the household names of the future," Ms Kelly said.
Ms Smith said one of the major aims of Verse Chorus Bridge was to help local talent gain new audiences and exposure within the industry.
"The students participated in all the activities needed to produce the show, choosing the bands, licensing the music, project managing, marketing and much more," Ms Smith said.
"It has taught students valuable skills while exposing them to networking with not only the musicians involved but also film crews, audio engineers, makeup and hair, and styling. It is assisting them in building a network of industry professionals they can call on in the future."
Other Metropolitan South TAFE representatives were involved in the Verse Chorus Bridge production, including MSIT fashion teacher and designer Kevin Heisner and fellow fashion teachers and stylists Amy Laird and Juanita Machado.
Original Queensland bands and artists can apply to be considered for the next season of Verse Chorus Bridge. Visit www.versechorusbridge.com.au. Applications for Season Two will close on 30 June.