Over the years Shepparton has been a hotbed of home-grown musical talent, with many artists going on to national and international fame. One of the region’s most famous sons is Adam Thompson, lead singer of iconic Aussie band Chocolate Starfish. Growing up in Tallygaroopna, Thompson took up music at age 15 as a cathartic way to help deal with the grief over the loss of his mother.
Later he tried forming a band with some local older musicians, and though it led to a dead end, it taught Thompson an important lesson.
“These early incarnations of your musical life are still as important as the public ones everyone knows about,” he told me recently.
“It’s these ‘failures’ that make you understand what it takes to be a professional performer and are all extremely necessary.”
He later formed Chocolate Starfish, who went on to to achieve chart and commercial success nationally.
I recalled seeing Chocolate Starfish at their first gig back in Shepparton performing on the back of a truck at the bush market in 1993.
“We had just released our independent Seafood EP and the song On This Day was receiving some modest airplay in some regional stations like Shepparton,” Thompson said.
“By the time we did that show it was a decade since I had been in the industry.
“I had also worked on my image and performance style, taking even bigger risks, so at the bush market I left the stage frequently interacting with the crowd, forming an audience connection style that still exists today.
“After the show, I went to Lyric Music in the mall to do a signing of the EP and stood on the counter singing a cappella!”
Successfully navigating the highs and lows of the music industry taught Thompson many hard-earned lessons. He offers up three vital pieces of advice to those wishing to pursue their musical ambitions.
“Don't worry about reality TV music shows,” he said.
“They are rarely career-forming, and are only generated for TV networks and stakeholders to make revenue.
“If you want a career don't try and be the performer who can sing five different styles in challenges.
“Find your style, as that is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do.
“Secondly, take risks. It is so obvious when I see a band who haven’t broadened their sphere of influence and are a poor man’s version of an existing style.
“Take risks with your songwriting, with your performance style, with your dress, and with your collaborations. I went through 30 musicians to find the gelling click that became Chocolate Starfish.
“Keep business as business and friends as friends, as they are not always the same thing.
“And finally, take your time. It is a myth that you have to be famous at a certain age.
“It is all about the right song and being true to your art form. You are an artist for life and you cannot always be at the top. You can, however, grow exponentially as you age and change.
“Chocolate Starfish and I are bigger now than we were when we were commercially ‘famous’. Chocolate Starfish and I are a career 30 years in the making.”
Chocolate Starfish will make a welcome return to Shepparton when they perform Meatloaf’s iconic album Bat Out of Hell and more on March 17, 2023 at Riverlinks Shepparton.
A night of hip-hop
Saturday, September 24 will see First Nations rapper Baker Boy drop by Shepparton for a performance. The 25-year-old, who grew up in two remote communities in Arnhem Land, has had a hectic 18 months with a high-profile pre-match live performance at last year's 2021 AFL Grand Final, the release of his acclaimed debut album, Gela, and being awarded an Order of Australia medal. You can catch Baker Boy's infectious brand of hip-hop at Riverlinks Eastbank. Special guest on the evening is Ghanaian Australian hip hop artist and producer Yawdoesitall.
Tastes and Tunes
The inaugural Kyabram Tastes and Tunes Festival is taking place on Saturday, October 22 on the town's main street, Allan St. The street party will feature food stalls, street dining, activities and live music headlined by former Kyabramite Jayne Lilford who 11 years ago made the final 12 of her category on X Factor. She'll be joined on the bill by The Baker Boys Band and Bodhi Hawken. The free event will run from 5pm to 10pm.
Fun music fact
Did you know that multi-award winning, indie pop-rockers Augie March have three members, Glenn Richards, Adam Donovan and David Williams, who were all born and raised in Shepparton.
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‘Till next time, keep the music rockin’.
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