This Sunday (12 April), the Norman Park Bowls Club will host the first ever The Green Sessions event.
The Green Sessions is a monthly-music event dedicated to solo musicians playing live and original content. One, local muso geared up to play at the first Green Sessions event is Jordan Merrick. Jordan is a singer-songwriter from the Gold Coast now living in Brisbane.
He is the lead singer of folk band Vandelay, but will be preparing to play a solo set at The Green Sessions. “When I do a solo performance, there’s a different level of intimacy,” Jordan says. "I’ll be performing solo [at The Green Sessions], but the bassist from my band might be coming along now as well, so it could be the two of us up on stage, which would be good.”
The Green Sessions promotes an environment where young musicians can feel comfortable on stage. “The Green Sessions will create … a really great atmosphere for families … and for people to appreciate music. I think it’s going to be a great event just for that.”
Performing solo at The Green Sessions may be something new for Jordan but he certainly considers himself a solo musician. “I’ve always felt that I’m a solo musician at heart which is why I’ve always kept my songwriting really personal. I don’t really like writing lyrics with other people. I just kind of like to write it all myself. I would very much say I’ll definitely be pursuing music more solo than with the band.”
Jordan will be performing a variety of songs from his collection. “I’m just going to be running through some new songs that I’ve written and maybe one of my older songs ... A little bit of some up-beat stuff and some slower stuff. When you play a solo gig you kind of want to make sure that it’s an intimate one and I just want to chose the best stuff I’ve got and hope it sits well.”
What appealed to Jordan most about playing The Green Sessions was the emphasis on original material. “I’m looking forward to being a part of something which is produced with more of an emphasis on songwriting because I’m really passionate about [it].
“I’m looking forward to being around so many people who do the same thing I do: sing stories, write songs and give other people inspiration. It’s always a good experience, especially when they’re really unknown and up and coming."
The Green Sessions will run once a month (second Sunday of the month) at the Norman Park Bowls Club. “I hope everyone comes along because it’s going to be a great event … whether it be this month or the next. Even if you’re a songwriter, like myself, just … put it forward because it’s always worth the exposure you can get.”
Jordan Merrick plays The Green Sessions 12 April from 2-4pm.
