Getting myself a little bit of starlight

November – it’s Australia Music Month – and a good reminder that local musicians need our support more than ever. The creative industries, including musicians, have been hit hard by the pandemic. Estimates put the music industry losses alone at $300 million.

Despite the enduring rock star myth, most local musicians eke out a living somewhere south of the poverty line. For those of us who love music and value the joy and solace it brings, the best way we can support local musicians right now is to buy their records and go to their shows.

My columns in November are going to focus on Australia music. There are some amazing new Australian records being released at the moment – they all clearly made the most of their time in lockdown. As some guy in a hat used to say – “do yourself a favour” and check them out.

Right now, I’m immersing myself in the new album from Even – Reverse Light Years. An indie treasure from Melbourne, the three piece is fronted by Ashley Naylor, ably backed by Wally Kempton (bass) and Matthew Cotter (drums), and this is their eighth album.

It’s a retro-sounding gem, drenched in reverb, harmonies and swirling melodies, topped with some Jimi Henrix-esque guitar wig outs. I’m hearing hints of early Bowie, T-Rex, Beatles, but it’s retro in the mode of Temples’ glorious 2014 album “Sun Structures” – making everything old new again.

With 17 tracks, some clocking in at over seven minutes, there’s plenty for you to paddle around in and enjoy.

Even if you’ve never heard of Even (see what I did there), you’ve probably heard Ash.

He’s played guitar with Paul Kelly since 2006, is a staple in the Rockwiz Orchestra, has directed the musical performances on ABC TV’s New Year’s Eve Concerts in recent years, and joined the Church in 2020.

You’ll also find him playing in The Ronson Hangup, and further exploring his sixties obsession in Thee Marshmallow Overcoat with You Am I’s Davey Lane (appearing soon at Archies Creek).

The man is a human jukebox. Is there anything he can’t play? Most likely not, but his resume shows you just how hard an Australian musician has to work to make a living.

Music writer Andrew Stafford described Ash as “a true believer who couldn’t stop playing if his life depended on it.” I reckon that’s true. He finds joy in music and spreads that around and we’re all richer for it.

Reverse Light Years is a great escape from the modern world and is available on bandcamp.

Don’t forget, AusMusic T-shirt Day is coming up on November 19, so wear your favourite band or artist T-shirt and raise money for Support Act, to help those in music doing it tough. Ausmusictshirtday.org.au.