Convenients is Perth’s newest live music venue scheduled to officially open in the heart of the city’s cultural and entertainment precinct this weekend.
Convenients is Perth’s only live music venue constructed, for the most part, by musicians. The previously derelict site, located across from the Northbridge Piazza, lay to waste for some years as the former home of a fast-food joint better known for the number of hygiene infringements it procured than for the food and service it delivered. Resurrecting it has been a challenge unto itself, helped by an ensemble of musos from some of Perth’s favourite bands. From electrical fittings to rendering and tiling, members from Childlike Empress, Murderbirds and Gyroscope, are just a few of the many who have contributed to the physical fabric of the new home for Western Australian music.
Director Matt Hatton said, “To be honest, I had no idea how many musicians in the WA music scene had qualified and skilled trades. I put posts up on social media calling out for tradies to undertake work at the venue and everyone who hit me up I had worked with through music. It was surreal to see them work in such a different context because I only know these guys to be tearing up the stage. It’s amazing to think that this place is literally built and powered by musicians.”
Designed in the style of a contemporary speakeasy, the action of Convenients’ bar and main stage are hidden behind the light and bright facade of a fully operational convenience store frontage. A stand of local band merchandise and strategically placed posters are the only clues which indicate what is happening deep within. As patrons enter through a door masquerading as a fridge, they are welcomed to the more atmospheric darker side of the venue, where local brews on tap and delicious burgers from the kitchen can be enjoyed late into the night.
On Convenients’ moody fit out Hatton exclaimed, “When in doubt, paint it black!” It seems fairly apt given its connotations to the hit of the same name by rock and roll royalty, the Rolling Stones.
So, who in Hades would open a new live music venue in the midst of a global pandemic? Convenients is the brainchild of Matt Hatton, the Mad Hatter of Mad Hatter Productions, a company dedicated to servicing the Western Australian music scene and its audiences through local programming and touring national and international acts. A Vibrations Analyst by day and musician and promoter by night, Hatton has extensive experience working in both the music and hospitality industries.
Prior to COVID-19, there already existed inequalities and challenges for artists working in the Australian music sector that were only exacerbated with the onset of the pandemic. Convenients comes at a time during which Australia’s music industry has shouldered much of the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting restrictions on travel, events and venues. This new venue will provide vital additional opportunities for diverse Australian artists to play to Western Australian audiences. It will also provide further performance opportunities for local Western Australian artists in a market that was already competitive prior to the onset of COVID-19, due to our state being home to a surplus of exceptional talent. The addition of Convenients to Western Australia’s live music venue landscape will strengthen touring circuits, fostering industry collaboration and activating networks across the country.
With the majority of Western Australia’s talented cohort of musicians all but grounded thanks to COVID-19, expect to see some great gigs on the Convenients’ calendar.
Follow Convenients at: https://www.facebook.com/convenientswa
CONVENIENTS
35 Lake Street. Northbridge WA 6003
Paranoias Napalm Springs – 7″ Launch
Friday 9 April
Feat. Paranoias, Helta Skelta, Total Defeat, Ten Mile Well
$10 – All proceeds donated to the Patricia Giles Centre For Non Violence.
Grand Opening Party
Saturday 10 April
Feat. Nautical Mile, Tied Down, Reefeater
FREE ENTRY
