Ampersand: Recording of Ampersand’s Debut EP
Image courtesy Greg Cartwright.
Date: October – November 2023
Location: Cooroy Mountain, QLD
Ampersand is a young and energetic funk fusion band based on the Sunshine Coast. Across five days, the band recorded five original songs in preparation for the upcoming release of their debut EP. Thanks to the Regional Arts Fund’s Quick Response Grant, Ampersand was able to complete these recordings with local professionals at Yama Nui Studios.
Throughout their project, the six band members undertook significant professional development encompassing the administrative, technical, and musical aspects of recording an EP. Starting from the initial envisioning and planning, progressing through to the recording, mixing, mastering of the tracks, and finishing with preparation of the release, Ampersand successfully concluded their project. Through the RAF funding, Ampersand is now equipped with a versatile set of skills which will prove invaluable to their future as musicians.
In reflection of their project, band members Jed Green (Bass) and Isi Semmler (Vocals) said; “Being given the opportunity to record in a highly professional environment has opened so many doors for Ampersand. Having new music to release marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us as musicians.”
With a bright future in the music industry ahead of them, Ampersand’s funding support from the Regional Arts Fund has provided the necessary resources and opportunities to further establish their presence, reach new audiences, and elevate their profiles as regional Queensland artists.
The Quick Response Grant Ampersand received played a crucial role in securing a RADF Grant from their local regional council which will enable the band to create a music video for one of their recorded singles and hold a launch event for the EP.
Ampersand’s first single ‘Originality’ is out now! To read more about Ampersand and stream their music, head to https://www.ampersandbandnoosa.com/.
This case study meets the following criteria to a high degree: “increase employment and professional development opportunities for, and raise the profile of, regional and remote artists.”
Flying Arts Alliance acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and seas on which we work, live and create. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Flying Arts Alliance is honoured to acknowledge the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young PSM as our Patron. We also acknowledge Mr Tim Fairfax AC and Mrs Gina Fairfax as our Cultural Patrons.
Flying Arts is a not-for-profit organisation inspiring the appreciation, practice and professional development of the visual and media arts as a lifetime interest or career throughout regional and remote Queensland, supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, and corporate partners and benefactors.
Flying Arts is the administrator in Queensland of the Regional Arts Fund (RAF), an Australian Government program provided through Regional Arts Australia.