Some of the finest musicians on the local scene are set to bring their live show to the fans from next week, with a handful of notable names announced for the YouTube Music Sessions.
Kicking off on Wednesday, August 5th from 7pm, the evenings are supported by ARIA, and pair today’s headliners with support from tomorrow’s.
The first edition of the series sees Lime Cordial supported by Mia Rodriguez, with Jessica Mauboy and Emalia teaming up for week two, Paul Kelly and Eliott scheduled for the third week, and Vera Blue closing things out with help from Jack Gray on August 26th.
“Jack Gray is an incredibly cool up and coming artist! I love his style and his voice is so unique,” Vera Blue says of her support act’s talent. “His songs have a semi electronic rock style with emotion and which reminds of surfy skate rock culture.”
“ARIA is thrilled to continue our partnership with YouTube and provide another platform for music fans around the world to engage with Australian artists,” added ARIA Chief Executive Dan Rosen.
“During these challenging times we have seen Australian audiences move to watch even more online performances, and our artists have done an amazing job in helping us stay connected in this difficult period. I can’t wait to hear some incredible new music from some of our established greats and to discover new music from emerging artists on these YouTube Music Sessions.”
The YouTube Music Sessions are also set to aid Support Act, Australia’s only charity delivering crisis relief services to artists, crew, and music workers – more so than ever during this difficult time. While those tuning into the weekly sessions can click the link in the description of the broadcast to make a donation to the cause, YouTube are helping get things started with a $50,000 donation.
“The pandemic has created intense financial hardship for artists, crew and music workers,” explained Support Act CEO Clive Miller. “It has also created significant anxiety, depression, career concerns and other mental health related issues, resulting in a 60% increase in utilisation of the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline.
“We’ll be using donations from YouTube Music Sessions to support our 24/7 professional counselling helpline as well as COVID-19 crisis relief grants – which provide financial support in the areas of rent/mortgage, food, utilities, medical equipment and other expenses.”
The YouTube Music Sessions will begin from Wednesday, August 5th, and are on track to deliver the perfect fusion of helping those in need, while also ensuring that up-and-coming musicians receive a vital platform that they need to help get themselves seen.
“Emerging artists and established artists support each other. It isn’t a one-way street,” explained Paul Kelly. “I like to put a bill together with other artists so that we complement each other. It’s a kind of curation. A synergy.
“I love introducing young artists I like to my audience. I want that audience to walk away with the sense that they’ve just witnessed something that will never happen again.”
YouTube Music Sessions
In partnership with ARIA
Wednesday, August 5th, 7pm
Lime Cordiale supported by Mia Rodriguez
Wednesday, August 12th, 7pm
Jessica Mauboy supported by Emalia
Wednesday, August 19th, 7pm
Paul Kelly supported by Eliott
Wednesday, August 26th, 7pm
Vera Blue supported by Jack Gray
Watch via YouTube
