Hope Wilkins

Plus Muesli and Gia Ransome at Transit Bar

This was my first time shooting at Transit Bar, and it’s a great venue. The stage is low and small enough to feel quite intimate, but still big enough to comfortably fit a band. The dance floor is the same width as the stage but quite deep, so it doesn’t feel empty with 20 people nor does it feel full with 100.

First up was Gia Ransome, who I thoroughly enjoyed. Kinda of a Tori Amos x Norah Jones vibe with a stunning voice, making for a pretty chilled kick off to the night.

Next was Museli, a bunch of young-uns with more talent than seems reasonable. They were infectiously fun and had a good contingent of fans singing along.

They kind of remind me of Frente - not so much in terms of music (though there’s a bit of that) but in they way it’s hard to not smile when you’re listening to them.

Hope Wilkins was a bit of a mood change - far grittier than the supports and a step closer to my usual listening habits (though it has to be said, the fantasticly fun, high energy cover of Teenage Dirtbag conflicts somewhat with both of those statements).

Usually I go into a shoot being familar with the headliner at least, but this time I went in cold. I suppose if I listned to Triple J I’d have heard Hope; and that’s almost enough to make me reconsider my 20-something year abandonment of the station.

I continue to be amazed at just how much talent there is in the Canberra music scene, and am kicking myself for wasting many years being a snob and only seeing touring bands. Live music does weave a spell on me, admittedly, but I’ve been listening to all 3 bands since the show and am still thoroughly enjoying them. With luck I’ll catch all of them again in the future.

Full galleries: Gia Ransome | Muesli | Hope Wilkins