What a wild and wonderful 2022 has been for Airlock and myself.
The ongoing pandemic, and cancellations of gigs, tours and bookings, is still at the forefront of everyones minds when trying to plan for something. It’s just the way it is now I guess. Its unavoidable sometimes, which is why it is such a bummer when people do the wrong thing and make last minute non-covid cancellations and then blame everyone else but themselves for a whole lot of people having their plans messed around and losing income.
In nearly 25 years of running Airlock studios, I have only had 3 or 4 no-shows or last minute cancellations. We had one recently, and whilst it is tempting to “name and shame” this person who actually became volatile, and threatened and belittled staff, I choose to take it as a reminder to show actually what a great community that the Brisbane music scene is. This scenario is such a rare occurrence, and everyone has been so supportive of one another over the last three years that it warms my cockles. This one person was a glitch in the system who frankly needs to take a long hard look at themselves.
This community vibe was exemplified. Last week during the celebrations of 30year old venue in Brisbane - The Zoo. What a wonderful place and bunch of people that run, work and inhabit those walls in the sanctuary up the Ann Street stairs that is the zoo. A real “safe harbour” within the mayhem of fortitude valley.
Thankyou everyone there…. Particularly the new guard Boo,Cat and Bailey for keeping the flame burning bright after all the years establishing the place that Joc and C and then Pixie put in to the place. Thank you to all of the airlock bands that played there at the celebrations. The Milk Buttons, The Bluebottles, Shag Rock, The Predators, and Suicide Country Hour. Special shout out to Michael David Thomas who made a surprise appearance and did a couple of tunes. Everyone was mesmerised by that. It was a fun nite filled with a a fine array of music.
On a personal level I would love to thank the queen of airlock - Emily Hopley - who has once again put in a stellar effort during the year to implement great ideas, and keep the wheels oiled and rolling smoothly at the studio, whilst all the time increasing her engineering skills at warp speed and doing some cracking sessions. She is definitely one to watch in 2023 with respect to the producer credits that she has on some upcoming releases. Im excited that the immersive programme that she is running with Anna Laverty at the helm is just around the corner in the new year. Very Cool. All of this - with a smile and generous and warm vibe to everyone that she encounters. Thankyou!!!!!!!
Musically for myself Its been a bit of a rollercoaster with a recent tour with my band THE CHURCH to Mexico cancelled just 48hours before departure. Once again due to Covid. We did manage to play a series of shows earlier in the year throughout the US and Australia, highlighting some new songs. One of my personal faves was playing at THE CRUEL WORLD festival in LA. The bill was amazing…..and we played super well. Fun times. There is a new single out with the church this week - Ce La Vie - and the album is due out on Feb 24 2023. I hope you get a chance to hear some of it.
The Predators - my other band - which is essentially the original members of POWDERFINGER - did their traditional 4 shows in the year this year. And they were all very fun. We are hoping to do a few more in 2023. We are very happy that LUKE DANIEL PEACOCK has come along for the ride for all of these shows, and will be joining us in all upcoming shows too.
We were also very busy at Airlock shooting the new UPINTHEAIRLOCK sessions. Due to a few delays we were unable to launch these in December as we had planned, so they willl be coming out early in the new year. It’s a killer season and we are very happy with all the sessions. Thankyou to all the bands who participated. Youre all an ace bunch.
So, That November Cancellation was very disappointing, but there was a silver lining in that it meant that I didn’t have to go away from my newborn baby boy Baxter…. Who is certainly a delight to behold. He has certainly bought feelings of joy in amongst what has been a fairly heavy year for me personally.
Now for some time off to spend with family and friends.
I hope that everyone reading this has a restful, and stress free holiday period. It can be a hard time for some people, so dont put too much pressure on anything.
Merry Christmas if you wanna hear that.
Peace Love and 12 String Guitars.
Ian
AIRLOCK CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
In preparation of the Christmas period, we are doing a deal.
Book 9 days in December
Get the 10th day FREE + 50% off accomodation.
Get on it now as we have limited blocks!
