The Word. By Brian Wise

VIKA & LINDA

WALKING ON A WIRE

Thank you to all those who have subscribed or resubscribed during the past two months. Rhythms continues to exist because of your support. If you are not a subscriber then please think about becoming one and help us to reach our 30th anniversary which is looming on the horizon and which we would like to celebrate next April. Thank you to all our loyal advertisers who have also supported us in difficult times and we urge readers to return that support. Just as we were finding reasons for optimism and, as we were looking forward to attending gigs and festivals for the first time in months, everything stopped again. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced yet another cancellation of Bluesfest and other events. You have to wonder who would want to be a festival director or venue owner in times like these. And how difficult has it been for all the musicians who have constantly had to cancel tours and gigs and are unable to plan ahead at all? Of course, a host of industries have been affected and I know many of you must be struggling out there. My thoughts are particularly with those in the arts and entertainment industries and the music sector in particular. I cannot imagine how musicians are surviving especially in the absence of Jobkeeper or similar assistance and for venues and festivals it must be a nightmare. You have probably noticed how the major sporting codes have been able to continue thanks to the financial support of the television networks, one of which is using the slogan ‘Sport Never Stops.’ Largely because they are able to take place outdoors without spectators these sporting events have found a way through most of the restrictions. This is almost impossible to do indoors at clubs and pubs. Last year many musicians went online with performances and concerts but it is difficult to sustain this in the absence of an audience because so much of a performance relies on interaction with others (which is a little more complex than a football match where people either cheer or boo). Some venues such as A Day On The Green and the Myer Music Bowl had innovative ways of keeping the audience socially distant but this is an expensive exercise when you can only have limited numbers. I am sure there is a permanent solution which minds brighter than mine can devise.

While the State and Federal governments come to grips with the best way to support the arts industry – and it can only be done with a massive injection of funds – we can also do our part. In the past year or so I have spent more than ever purchasing music from independent musicians who have been marketing their music on their websites or on Bandcamp. If you have some favourite musicians then, in the absence of being able to go and see them perform, this is the best way of supporting them. We are also including in this issue yet another download card with some exceptional local talent and some international contributions as well. If you hear something you like, then please visit the website or Bandcamp page of the musicians concerned and support them. Let’s hope that things have improved by our next issue and that we can look forward to enjoying some more live music in future. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the latest issue of Rhythms, which features Vika and Linda as our cover story. Finally, the sisters have released another studio album and it is superb. Coincidentally, we also have a feature on Joe Camilleri’s new album with The Black Sorrows, the group in which Vika and Linda first established their reputation. Ian McFarlane has given us another epic, this time on another Australian legend in Kevin Borich. We also have an excerpt from Barry Divola’s excellent novel, ‘Driving Stevie Fracasso,’ which is one of the most entertaining books I have read this year and a must for music nerds.

Until next issue….enjoy the music and take care.

Brian Wise Editor