Olly Friend is one of Geelong’s leading singer-songwriters.
Coming from a folk background and growing up busking at small music festivals before he could even play guitar, Olly turned to busking on Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne at the beginning of his career to make a living, but soon realised his true calling was on the road.
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With artists such as Ben Howard, Daughter and Matt Corby inspiring him, Olly has found a way to incorporate his self-taught guitar and raw vocals to find a sound he can call his own.
Olly's also a craft beer fanatic, which we ascertained when he supplied his list for this Top 5 profile. So grab a stool, a cold one (preferably one of the ones Olly lists) and sit back as Olly indulges his inner beer sommelier.
5. Moon Dog Splice
I tried this at Naked For Satan – one of my favourite bars in Melbourne – and it's really cool. It's kind of a heavy bodied IPA with a kick of creamy pine lime like a splice ice cream. Weird and whacky, but definitely recommend.4. Rogue Wave Cranky Mrs IPA
This beer is a cracker; big, ballsy flavour with many hops and it has a big alcohol percentage to go with it. Many people have different opinions on it, but I love it.
3. Mountain Goat Summer Ale
This is a super-easy drinking beer; very similar to Stone & Wood Pacific Ale but not quite as good.2. Stone & Wood Pacific Ale
This is one of my favourite beers of all time. The citrus flavour and super-light tasting, easy-drinking beer actually tastes better out of the bottle compared to off tap. Can drink all day as they are only 1.1 standards.
1. Balter XPA
My number one. I tried this for the first time earlier this year in Byron Bay; up against the Pacific Ale and it is only just slightly better. It has more hops, but still has the light citrus taste too. Very similar but just better. The best.
Olly Friend Tour Dates
Thu 14 Jul - Solbar (Sunshine Coast)Fri 15 Jul - The Nook And Cranny (Sunshine Coast)
Mon 18 Jul - Ric's Bar (Brisbane)
Sat 23 Jul - Pacific Hotel (Yamba)
