Music in the Mountains: Q&A with Jan Skubiszewski

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

Interview by Narelle Groenhout

Jan Skubiszewski is a multi-award-winning composer, producer and songwriter.

Having worked with local and international artists including Nick Cave and John Butler and winning countless awards for his music scores featured on Australian television and film projects, we are pretty chuffed Jan

Skubiszewski now calls the Macedon Ranges home.

Jan creates musical magic at Red Moon Studios, his world-class recording studio specialising in film composition and high-end record production. Built in historic horse stables surrounded by 10 acres of bushland in Gisborne South, Jan says the studio is a perfect place to focus, create and make music. Visiting musos can often be found wandering the grounds with Billie the dog, admiring the horses and llamas and chopping wood for the nightly bonfire, before settling into Red Moon Studio’s stunning on-site accommodation.

Away from his music hideaway, Jan and his family love exploring everything the region has to offer. You have worked with some of the world's leading musicians and have travelled the globe. What was it about the Macedon Ranges that enticed you to set up your incredible studio?

I worked out here and was surprised at how beautiful it was, but also how close it was to the city. And when we moved out here, I fell in love with walking on Mount Macedon and being surrounded by nature.

When you get some down time away from the studio, where are a few of your favourite places to go for a drink and a bite to eat?

We often head to the Whistlestop Pub in New Gisborne for dinner. Always delicious. I also venture to the Trading Post Café in Mount Macedon after a walk. Woodend’s Kuzu Izakaya is a really fun place to dine with pals and their modern take on Japanese classics is very special. We also love Indian food and the Sizzler Restobar in Woodend is delicious, plus the staff are lovely. The Macedon Ranges is home to some of the most spectacular scenery, renowned as being the perfect picnic destination. Is there a favourite spot you like to visit for a lazy afternoon?

Obviously, the walks on Mount Macedon are very beautiful. We often head off on the Conglomerate Gully Walking Track out the back of Riddells Creek. Recently we have been exploring parts of the Lerderderg State Park. It has unique vegetation and wonderful tracks to explore.

Our region boasts some amazing wineries, boutique breweries and distilleries. Any top picks?

The place I am most excited about is Mount Monument. I have seen the grounds and the design and artwork are spectacular. Their wines are truly delicious.

The Macedon Ranges continues to be a favoured location for many movies and mini-series. And now with your studio a sought-after spot to compose and record music, name one word to describe living and working here?

Peaceful

The Macedon Ranges has a rich history in Indigenous culture with more recent understanding particularly around the history of the Hanging Rock site. As an advocate of Indigenous Australian music, what does it mean to you to compose and record music in the region?

There is a magic and sense of mystery in the Ranges. Understanding the true history of the area means we have a greater sense of context about our role in the present.

Find out more at redmoonstudios.com.au.

Photo: Jan Skubiszewski. Photography by Ian Laidlaw.