The Freedom Arts Movement

One of the best parts about conducting interviews for our blog is the feelings on inspiration that come from our sit downs with artists. Spending an hour or two with like-minded individuals give us here at Couchdog a huge wave of enthusiasm and ideas for the future. This particular chat we had with Hamish McNab from The Freedom Arts Movement was hugely influential on multiple levels. Not only did we get a great insight into a collective that wants to achieve similar things as us, but we also came out of our encounter extremely inspired and looking forward to continuing our relationship as collectives.

The Freedom Arts Movement (AKA The FAM) are a collective of creatives that come together in an effort to promote artwork from a grassroots level. The main way The Fam wishes to do this is by hosting miniature boutique like festivals on private properties. Keeping as far away as possible from the commercial sector these backyard gigs are aimed to bring together a diverse range of artists all to a communal space without the typical restrictions punters may face at regular venues. According to Founder/Creative Director Hamish McNab, The Freedom in their name is emphasised through their DIY approach to their house show circuit. The idea was initiated when Hamish and friends attended a backyard event to see their friend Jimmy Harwood play. Loving the vibe of the show a spark was ignited within Hamish and the inspiration was born.

At this point in time The FAM has hosted two of these Backyard Festivals. Couchdog was lucky enough to attend the second of these back in 2019! Located in a house in Greensborough the show itself was a whole lot of fun. With 10+ bands all playing varying styles of music plus DJs in between and after each set. A particular highlight was the period of time dedicated to an open mic jam for any musicians in the crowd. A rotating band of punters all took it in turns to go up and play in front of an incredibly inviting crowd. This idea really showcases the Freedom that FAM wishes to employ to their ethos. It was an interactive experience that inspired and encouraged everyone to give playing in front of a crowd a go. Even Neighbours of the hosting house could be seen on their balconies next door dancing and enjoying the gift of live music. It was a very special day, and we are excited to see more of these kinds of shows put on in the future.

Photo Cred - Katerina Contreras

While it may be an over-discussed subject at this point it is impossible to not point out and analyse the effects of Covid has on an up-and-coming business that is predominantly based around live music. Even though the Covid Safe regulations are getting less strict by the week it is still not entirely safe to operate a running schedule of house shows. Like with our pivot from events to this Blog, The Fam had to steer off course and branch out into new areas. It was nice little treat following them during Lockdown and seeing the little artist showcases they put up on their social media. Finding new and exciting artists through The Fam’s promotion gave us an avenue of finding up and coming artists to check out and still feel connected to the music scene despite being stuck inside. In terms of what the future holds there is a lot to look forward to. Hamish divulged that a potential FAM podcast is on the way, as well as live streamed sets via their social media. It is a real credit to all those involved with this collective that despite the setbacks that the pandemic gave us they managed to use it as a time to experiment and become more creative with how they wish to utilize the platform.

Photo Cred - Katerina Contreras

If you check out The Freedom Arts Movement on all of their social media, I am sure you will go through a little rabbit hole of discovery. A curated selection of a wide range of artists that while all have differing backgrounds and sonic qualities, all share the same asset of authenticity. A commonality that shines through not only all the artists that The FAM promotes but also through their intentions to create a safe and inclusive artistic community. We cannot wait to see what they have in store and to have a boogie in a backyard with them in the near future.