Swell of support for Wave House

Wave House Studios is calling for a swell of support from the local music community to help it continue to provide local artists with gig opportunities.

Founders Ken Eichenberg, Tara DePaolo and Brad and Grant Baker banded together during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer a platform to local musicians who were unable to perform at venues because of restrictions.

The result was Wave House Studio Sessions, a Facebook page with more than 1200 fans which offers an international audience for emerging local bands.

Despite disruptions such as poor internet connection at the remote property, the performances have been a resounding success, with “amped in the pit” band performances, interviews and DJ sessions streamed to followers worldwide.

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker famously recorded critically acclaimed album Innerspeaker at the inspiring studio atop the Injidup Beach hill, and fans of The Waifs, Beastie Boys, Eddie Vedder, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Fatboy Slim will be familiar with the incredible studio.

The rambling and rustic house was built by Eichenberg in the 1980s and has been home to many raves and events over the years.

The property is currently for sale but founder DePaolo and Brad Baker said they wanted to breathe new life into live music on the hill.

“It means a lot to me because it has been a music icon for 35 years. It was designed and built that way,” Baker said.

“A lot of people have fond memories here, it’s a place of joy and great experience, there is a certain energy and people can feel that. I think that needs to be kept going so people can keep creating and maintain our local music industry at its healthiest.”

Artists have provided positive feedback to Baker and DePaolo regarding the “empowering energy” of the studio but the founders have said they need financial support to maintain the house as a musical hub.

“There is so much music spirit in this place that it has no other role but to give back. People walk in and it just starts happening, they start writing music, you have two guys playing one guitar, DJs playing with saxophonists and everyone is buzzing,” DePaolo said.

“I love what we’re doing with the live streams because it’s attracting more people to this space and it’s helping careers while the industry is at a standstill.

“The music industry have really been let down with a lack of government stimulus, so we want to show them some support and create a new wave of music culture here.”

The platform and venue have evolved over the years but the founders of Wave House Studio Sessions is hoping to redevelop a “raw connection between audiences and the environment”.

The team are calling for donations, from those who are able.

Inquire at wavehousestudio sessions@ gmail.com.

To check out the live sessions, follow facebook.com/ wavehousestudiosessions.