Nestled in Footscray, Kindred Studios stands as a distinctive presence amidst Melbourne’s music landscape. This is no ordinary music venue; it is a vibrant epicenter where diverse musical genres converge, passionate music enthusiasts gather, and a profound sense of community and collaboration thrives.
The Kindred Bandroom stage showcases a wonderfully eclectic array of genres with both local and high-profile acts. In 2023, the stage has so far hosted electrifying performances from Dan Sultan among others, and will host Ben Lee on 14 October. The venue is also becoming an integral part of Melbourne’s festival scene, hosting events as part of Midsummer Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival, Comedy Festival, and Setting Sun Film Festival.
Kindred Bandroom is also a platform for emerging artists with regular nights including Worth The Wallet giving up and coming musicians a space to perform live.
Flow Motion stands as a hallmark event at Kindred every Thursday night. The versatile house band delivers over two hours of free, fully improvised jazz, house, funk, and hip-hop. Anyone is invited to bring their instrument and join the jam.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the Bandroom boasts an extensive program of local and established acts spanning a wide array of genres. Events in the calendar have included; The Rebelles, Eugene Hamilton, Monkey Marc, Halo Vocal Ensemble and more!
And let’s not forget the beverages! Kindred Bandroom’s bar serves up IPAs on tap from the recently renovated local brewery, Hop Nation, along with a delicious selection of wine, cocktails, and snacks to savor while enjoying the performances.
But that’s not all! Kindred Bandroom is just one facet of the larger creative universe known as Kindred Studios. An artist-owned business, Kindred Studios, serves as a nurturing ground for creativity. Rehearsal rooms are readily available for musicians to collaborate, practice, and perfect their craft. The venue is also home to the Victoria University Bachelor of Music. Emerging artists find themselves in the company of seasoned professionals, creating an environment ripe for artistic growth. The huge venue also offers a café, co-working spaces (listed as one of the top ten workspaces by Lonely Planet in 2016), a photography studio, dance space, and a number of workshops (from African drumming to salsa classes and filmmaking).
Getting to Kindred is a breeze, with train stations in Seddon and Footscray just a short 10-minute walk away (Seddon is the closest station). For cyclists, it’s a quick ride up from Footscray Arts at the Maribyrnong River.
Check out what’s on at www.kindredbandroom.com.au or on socials @kindredbandroom.
