Singer-songwriter Emma Russack and Shining Bird are to headline a music festival, paying homage to the creative talent in Stanwell Park.
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Spunk Records has brought together some of their finest for two nights of music at the CWA Hall on the first weekend of July: Spunk Rock II.
Label owner Aaron Curnow said the last time he put on a show in his “hometown” was in 2008 so thought it was about time to do another. Half of the acts hail from the Coal Coast.
“Stanwell Park is a beautiful town with beautiful houses and trees. It has a great artistic community filled with lots of epic musicians, record labels, filmmakers, painters and loads of artistic people,” Curnow said.
“The Ocean Party are currently recording a new album in the town so I thought a local show would be lots of fun.”
Shining Bird have just finished a new album, the yet to be released “Black Opal”, and are expected to road-test a few tunes.
Meantime Emma Russack’s latest offering, “In a New State”, has been getting rave reviews the world over.
The 27-year-old former University of Wollongong student had cast music aside in 2015 to focus on a law degree when she was offered a $10,000 grant to create another record – an offer she couldn’t pass up.
“I’ve put out three albums, each having varying amounts of success,” she said.
Before discovering music, Russack had aspirations to become a journalist, however, after moving to the Illawarra and joining a band she was quickly immersed in the local scene.
“Stanwell Park is probably my favourite place to be. I hope to one day to live up that way,” she said.
“Any chance I can get to get up there and hang out … I snap up.”
The singer-songwriter’s latest success means she’ll continue making music, but will also continue her law studies with the ambition to help people struggling with access to legal services.
LINEUP:
The Ocean Party * Joseph Liddy * Big White * Emma Russack * Oscar Dowling * Shining Bird * Phantastic Ferniture * Noire * The Escarpment
Spunk Rock II, CWA Hall in Stanwell Park, July 1 and 2.