Orwell, Darwin-style
By Bridget Riggs
DARWIN — Using creative licence and a line from George Orwell's famous book Animal Farm, a new musical collective of the same name is attempting to combat the "all bands are equal, some are more equal than others" situation in the mainstream performing arts.
Many of the very talented local bands in the collective, including the Screaming Brendas and Crumbs, have supported progressive fundraising events in Darwin, and will continue to do so. In the meantime, they are taking a united front approach to hotels and promoters. The aim is to get better promotion and generate more income (a band has to eat!).
Animal Farm played as a collective for the first time on November 26, and the venue was pumping. In between sets there were some funky beats from local DJ Rohan Gaiswinkler.
The next few gigs will be held at the back of the Don Hotel. The door charge ($5 to $8) and all other funds raised are evenly distributed among the collective members, from the performers to the people who work on the door. Come and support an initiative to support local bands.
The collective meets every Sunday (for details, phone 8927 0564). A new web site, which will be used to broadcast gigs live, is at <http://welcome.to/the animal farm>.