“We want to create a circle, a community that can bring us together, so that you can get feedback from people that understand you, network and find resources.” This is what co-founder Martin Sholl said when asked why the name ‘Wollongong Music Circle’? Only formed in the tail end of 2023, this group aims to create space for musicians in the Illawarra. I had the chance to attend their first official meeting.
We met in the close and intimate setting of Society City, a local bookshop and venue in the Wollongong CBD. Sholl allowed us to settle then after introductions, we headed straight into a group discussion, led by member Dominique Mac, on knowing your rights as a musician and an exploration of songwriting, how to source inspiration and exercises to bring songs to life.
We then got to listen to a couple of the members’ demoes and provide suggestions, thoughts, criticisms. Jack Bradley Robbie, another co-founder, said that the aim was to “cultivate an accepting” environment. As well as that, “accountability is huge,” Sholl said, “because with these songwriting circles, we have a sign-up list to present something and then all of a sudden, you’re accountable. It was like when we left our courses, you have to be self-motivated to make your own music. So, if you don’t have that push from other people that can be hard.”
“We have tried our best to make it the lowest barrier of entry,” Robbie told me. Beyond paid institutions, there is a distinct feeling of lack for a place where songwriters can meet – Wollongong Music Circle aims to create that space.
The group hopes to continue to cultivate a community of support and opportunity – to reach new heights. Sholl discussed the possibility of group members, particularly students, having the opportunity to mix for live shows. With continual meetings, the group can reach out for funding. Keens Brewer, another co-founder, said that with funding the group can organise workshops with industry professionals and, importantly, showcase work to a supportive community so that you can feel a sense of accomplishment.
If you’re interested in joining the group, Sholl says “our Instagram is the best resource for all of the information about our organisation and come see what it’s like, meet some of the people that you will work with one day.”
“What’s the worst that could happen?” says Brewer. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there in this environment – it’s one of the best places you could be.”
Wollongong Music Circle will have their next meeting on January 18 at Society City. For more information check out their Insta and click here to sign up for demo feedback.
Kirsten Hammermeister is in her final year of her bachelor’s degree studying writing and English literatures. She cares about community and supporting emerging artists. In her creative writing, she is inspired by vulnerability, youth and the infinite worlds we engulf ourselves in – bound by our words, our minds, our spaces, across time, eternally.