The Blackeyed Susans

Since its humble beginnings down a bluestone lane in North Fitzroy, Bakehouse Studios’ award-winning spaces—now located on Hoddle Street—have been at the heart of Melbourne’s music scene for over 25 years. Each week, around 400 musicians pass through Bakehouse Studios, from solo artists and kids having their first jams to international touring artists. (Among the names of those who have graced the rehearsal rooms are Australian legends like Missy Higgins, Olivia Newton-John, The Cat Empire, Vance Joy, The Saints and The Drones, not to mention international acts as diverse as Tool, Beck, Ed Sheeran, the MC5, Cat Power, The Smashing Pumpkins and Judas Priest.)

This year, MPavilion is proud to partner with Bakehouse Studios to open up Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of OMA’s amphitheatre-style structure to some of the most exciting emerging and established musical acts in Bakehouse’s little black book. Between October 2017 and February 2018, MPavilion will periodically transform into an extension of Bakehouse’s iconic studios, bringing a series of public rehearsals and secret shows to the Queen Victoria Gardens in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Visitors to MPavilion will be treated to a special behind-the-scenes look at the construction of songs, the pre-production process for a recording or a full-blown dress rehearsal.

Stay tuned for full line-up announcements, released only a few days prior to each event.

Just announced!

This Saturday’s Secret Rehearsal is brought to us by our favourite moody romantics, The Blackeyed Susans.

Formed in Perth in 1989, in their long career The Blackeyed Susans have toured the world, playing with the likes of Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen. Galvanising around singer Rob Snarski and bassist Phil Kakulas, The Blackeyed Susan’s credits over the years read like a who’s who of Australian alternative music, boasting members of The Cruel Sea, Dirty Three, The Jackson Code, Augie March, The Drones and Hungry Ghosts. Currently, the group features long-time members Mark Dawson (drums), Kiernan Box (keyboards), JP Shilo (guitar/accordion) and Graham Lee (pedal steel).

Earlier this year, The Blackeyed Susans released their seventh album, ’Close Your Eyes and See’ alongside Rob Snarski’s memoir, ‘Crumbs from the Cake’. Heralded as a creative renaissance for the band, they completed a sold-out national tour in the months that followed.

In the lead-up to the festive season, The Blackeyed Susans will play their annual Christmas shows at the Caravan Music Club (Friday 15 December) and The Spotted Mallard (Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 December), with special guests The Killjoys Trio. At MPavilion on Saturday 9 December, this special secret rehearsal—complete with a sunset backdrop—will bring to the Queen Victoria Gardens a taste of what’s in store.

Confirmed dates for further Bakehouse sessions are as follows (artists TBA):

Thursday 14 December, 12–3pm
Tuesday 19 December, 5–8pm
Sunday 7 January, 2–5pm
Thursday 11 January, 5–8pm
Monday 15 January, 12–3pm
Friday 19 January, 2–5pm [Cancelled]
Monday 22 January, 12–3pm
Thursday 25 January, 6–8pm
Wednesday 31 January, 12–3pm

This event is proudly supported by Yamaha Music Australia 

Artist riders at MPavilion are generously supported by the lovely crew at Sample Brew.