Regional Sounds opens hub for Mid West music

A team which came together barely eight months ago has this week opened a space they hope will be the hub of Mid West music.

Regional Sounds threw open the doors to the old railway station on Marine Terrace to music personalities of all stripes on Tuesday afternoon, showing off the transformation from library to live music venue, and collaborative space.

“It’s a place where artists can just drop in. We have a co-working space for musicians, regular events, upskilling,” executive director Alexia Parenzee said.

“We have open doors where the whole community can come and access original music.”

One focus will be to give emerging musicians the opportunity to perform in a private setting, without the judgement and pressure of a public audience in what they call ‘Nerves Nights’, before performing to the community.

“It’s for musicians who might have performance anxiety or stage fright to have a safe space, with artists only. You can stuff up, stop and start, talk it though, and if you’re not up to it you can just hop off stage,” Ms Parenzee said.

“Once we can get the artists together, the whole community will benefit.”

Every room in the historic railway station is set up to encourage collaboration.

There are open lounge areas where musicians can get together and jam, quiet mood rooms which Regional Sounds plans to change regularly, writing spaces, and a live performance area upstairs with couches Good Strife guitarist Caroline Allison said were “very comfortable.”

“We are excited to be able to provide a space for Regional Sounds to nurture the growth of music and musicians in Geraldton,” Mayor Shane Van Styn said.

The building is owned by the City of Greater Geraldton, who have entered into a three-month lease agreement with Regional Sounds to trial the program, with the option to extend for a further two months if it’s successful.

“I would like to thank the City of Greater Geraldton for their vision and support in providing this space for this three-month trial,” chair Luke Bayley said.

“The board look forward to demonstrating value and community impact, by further supporting local artists, successful community engagement events, and consistently pushing for a vibrant future in Geraldton and its surrounds.”

Regional Sounds is opening to the general public on Friday, with the first Nerves Night event set for February 10.

“We’re looking forward to many good times ahead,” Mr Bayley said.