ARMI (Australian Rock & Metal Institute) will host its yearly student showcase this September at The Gov.
Dubbed 'EVOLUTION - An ARMI Student Showcase' and featuring a monstrous line-up of student bands performing a diverse set of alternative, grunge, hard rock and heavy metal hits, the four-hour showcase is guaranteed to get your feet tapping and head banging no matter what your preferred genre.
Tell us the background of EVOLUTION - An ARMI Student Showcase?
[Christian Broome, ARMI co-owner] EVOLUTION is our third, major public event showcasing ARMI and its students. When we created ARMI, we wanted to provide a platform for our students to have the experience of performing live on a big stage: to put on a show for their family, friends and the public to come along see their achievements and their talents.
After the success of the first ever ARMI show, we knew we had created a one-of-a-kind experience like no other. This year we have put together 26 acts, involving 60+ students, some of which have never before performed live, to deliver an impressive and diverse set of alternative, grunge, hard rock and heavy metal hits.
This year's Showcase; are there any standout musicians/ bands that Adelaide and the rest of the country will soon be hearing more about?
Something we pride ourselves on is the amazing talent that we have in our building. Young and old, all our students have really blown us away this year. From phenomenal, young guitar shredders, bass players born to rock, to drumming prodigies and incredibly talented vocalists, we are so proud to present some of Adelaide’s best musicians and upcoming rock stars.
Many of which you’ll certainly be hearing about and we are confident will stamp their own mark in Australian music history. Several of our students performing this year are also heavily involved in popular Adelaide rock/ metal bands performing locally, interstate and even internationally.
The response from students must be priceless, particularly given the amazing opportunity they've been given?
The students are loving the whole journey: the rehearsing, getting prepared for the show and seeing it unfold. The bonding and the forming of long, life friendships among students has been a vital part of our yearly shows, and this year is no exception. ARMI is truly a family, everybody supporting each other.
The camaraderie between students has been quiet an emotional experience for us to witness. We are so very proud. There is always those stand-out moments in every show we’ve done and this year will be no different. The best memories for us is witnessing the unreal energy, joy and excitement on the students faces when they step off that stage after their performance.
Being able to utilise a venue like The Gov for EVOLUTION; that must be like gold?
It’s been an extraordinary experience for the students to be able to perform on a large stage in such a great venue. The beer garden is fantastic and still allows direct view to the stage. It’s a family fun day where the students’ family and friends as well as the general public can sit and enjoy a meal and entertainment. The sound is fantastic and lots of space for some moshing at the front of the stage!
For any Adelaide metal head, why should they spend their Sunday afternoon at EVOLUTION?
We are expecting big numbers in attendance this year with many coming to see their friends and family members put on a killer rock/ metal show. Some are coming to celebrate birthdays, Father’s Day and even as a pre-cursor, lead-up party to the following weekend’s New Dead Metal Fest on 10 September, which ARMI is also heavily involved with, with our friends at TRUTH INC R.M.T. If you love rock/ metal come and see Adelaide’s upcoming talent and kick back and have a great afternoon with good mates, and the ARMI Australian Rock & Metal Institute Family.
Have you had any success stories from previous EVOLUTION showcases?
A prime example, but one in many, is ARMI student Jack. Having performed at the first two ARMI Student Showcases previously, Christian comments: 'I still remember the day he walked into ARMI for the first time. A young, mid-teen lad, hungry to hone his craft, master his instrument and a thirst for all things metal. During his journey at ARMI, he became a brilliantly insane guitarist who we then introduced to our good friends, Adelaide band Voros.
Seeing Jack for the guitar prodigy that he was, they quickly welcomed him as their new lead guitarist. Within a short period of time, Jack was touring around Australia with Voros. We are proud to say that this week has been an emotional week as we’ve seen Jack and Voros head overseas to South East Asia for their first international tour.' Success in our students chosen field of music is paramount for what we want them to achieve.
Connie [Broome, ARMI co-owner]and you must get an amazing buzz from your involvement with the students and the programme in general?
To bear witness to our students’ achievements and their progression from rehearsals to the big stage cannot even be explained. It’s an enormous exercise from start to finish: from song choice to arranging students into bands, the rehearsal process and getting them show ready. It is humbly satisfying when hundreds of people, and inspired and aspiring students, have walked away with a smile on their face after an ARMI show.
How satisfying is it as a teacher as well as a musician to see your students progress and improve to an industry-ready standard?
Immensely! We love it! It’s why we do what we do. Performing at these shows gives them the drive and hunger to do it again. Doing big shows like EVOLUTION gives our students the experience and opportunity necessary to progress to the level of a professional musician.
The level of students who attend ARMI; do you need any experience to get started?
From complete beginners to highly advanced, we have a vast diversity of students at ARMI. From a strong, youth focus to more mature-age rockers. Although heavy music is our obvious point of difference we teach everything from classical to pop/ rock to the heaviest of metal, all genres are covered. No experience necessary. If you have the drive to learn and a hunger to succeed, ARMI is the right place for you.
The EVOLUTION - An ARMI Student Showcase takes place at The Gov 4 September. Doors open 11.30am.
