I had the most wonderful privilege to go on "tour" to Melbourne with Wafia. It's been so amazing performing with her, especially at her first interstate gig.
The trip started off with Savannah and myself staying over Wafia's house preparing for the trip (y'know just getting together all the essentials - guitars, glockenspiel, fairy lights and bunting) and then we went to bed (at quite a late time). Two hours of sleeping went by, when the alarm went off to wake up and get ready to leave (at 2:30am Friday morning), at 3am the taxi arrived and we made our way to the airport. #tourlyf.
When we arrived, we checked out the venue Thousand £ Bend which was absolutely wonderful! The venue, founded in 2009 following the closure of the city’s iconic St Jerome’s laneway bar (St Jerome's Laneway Festival), is an old warehouse that has been transformed into a cafe, gallery, and theatre space. Each of the spaces better then the next. The upstairs theatre was beautiful, with exposed, worn down brick walls and unpolished wooden floors. It promised to be a brilliant venue.
The rest of the day was filled with perfect weather, eating every type of food possible, and photo shoots.
First off Sav did a photo shoot in Hosier Lane (you can see her photos here), and then we headed out to the botanical gardens to meet the Lafrankie sisters from Melbourne based photography business Ivy Nine, for a photo shoot of Wafia. With their small business being so successful, I was surprised to find that the Lafrankie sisters were quite young (Jess, 19 and Bekah, 21). The two came across perfectly professional, especially for people of their age.
During the photo shoot, the two worked harmoniously together, taking turns of photographing Wafia. It was wonderful to see how the two of them worked together to achieve the exact photographs they wanted capture.
In the moments between, Sav and I got the chance to chat with the both of them. It was exciting to hear about their plans for the future and their present goals (of being in Vogue, which is definitely possible, I mean look at their photos!). The girls were incredibly friendly and lovely. I would highly recommend looking them up, and getting in contact with them, especially if you live in Melbourne (or even in Brisbane, because they are originally from the Gold Coast) and are looking for very professional modelling shoots. By the end of the day, it was sad to say goodbye to them.
The next day was also lovely. For breakfast we went to Footscray Milking Station, which was brilliant. The food was incredibly tasty and we got to meet up with Wafia's tour manager André. According to 'André rates things out of 10' this cafe was awarded a solid 9, and was also the sole reason of going to there. I dare say it deserved the rating.
Later that day we met up with the (very single and available) Tumblr sensation Bryce, at a pizza place by a name I will not mention (you can find out for yourself here). It is the off branch of another pizza place in Melbourne by the name of Bimbo Deluex. I dare say it was the tastiest, most delicious pizza I have ever had in my life (and trust me, I have eaten a lot of pizza over my lifetime. And especially over the past few days). I definitely recommend going there! It was scrumptious.
We then went out to a club in the CBD called Rats. It was honestly one of the best clubs i've ever been to (not that I go out much) but the music they played was incredible. A lot of the hits from the 90 - now. So much dancing, singing at the top of our lungs to be had.
Then came Sunday. Gig day!
After a pleasant breakfast and a chance meeting of Passenger (like how I slipped that in there) we then made our way to the venue, all geared up and rearing to go. We spent the day setting up and preparing ourselves for what was to come. At 3pm the crowd started arriving (an hour early) which we had to turn away until the doors officially opened at 4.
The crowds came in hoards, each group with several 'fan girls' amongst them, all extremely excited for Wafia and her performance.
The show started off with the musical talents of Josh Gioca Mioșcu. (He did tell us how to pronounce his middle and last names, but I have forgotten and goodness knows how to say it properly now). Josh has been compared to many musical icon's of the "indie" genre, some being Matt Corby and Bon Iver. And goodness are they correct.
The tone of his voice is so beautiful, and with the technicality and finesse of his guitar playing, his performance was practically shiver worthy. Josh was also accompanied by two beautiful girls (Sophie, and Odette). The two sang such stunning, tight harmonies that complimented Josh's enchanting voice perfectly. I dare say, Josh (as well as both Odette and Sophie) are definitely to keep an eye out for!
Next up, was Gab of Japanese Wallpaper. One of the youngest remix masters around. Japanese Wallpaper created a remix of Wafia's song Alice, which you can listen to and download for free here.
Then it was our turn. The song Retrograde by the incredible James Blake was played and Wafia prepared herself to go on stage.
The moment Wafia started to sing, everything else stopped.
The looks on the crowds faces were beautiful - pure joy and serenity was the overall sense as Wafia's tantalising voice filled the room. For the last lot of songs, Savannah and myself joined her. Which in all honesty was incredibly nerve racking, especially as I have never, ever done anything of that sort before. It was an incredible experience and beautiful venue. We will no doubt come back to this venue, as it now has a special place in each of our hearts.
Our last day was rather wonderful. We met up with Noor, also a Tumblr sensation, and made our way into Fitzroy for breakfast/lunch where we thoroughly enjoyed the fine foods of Little Creatures Dining Hall. Where we were served by the best waiter anyone could ask for (who we named Charlie, as we didn't catch his real name) - with copious amounts of wit, charm and beard, the four of us fell (a little) in love.
That afternoon we made the sad goodbyes, packed up our gear and headed off to the airport.
The reality of being home is rather strange. I think I left my heart in Melbourne with all of it's culture, delicious food and incredibly lovely people.
I wonder if my heart will ever come back?
Until then, I will hold onto the fond memories I have created, and dream of what is to come.
☼
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