The Darebin season of UpClose showcased the incredible talents of local artists Karina Lehman (Chile), Camille El Feghali (Lebanon), Sarita McHarg (India), and The New Monos (Argentina). Their music performances were filmed at Preston Market, a vibrant hub where the aromas, languages, and cultures of the world come together.
Harmonic Whale’s production team beautifully captured two songs per artist, creating a total of eight music videos released weekly beginning March 16, 2022, in celebration of Harmony Week.
UpClose is an online live music video program featuring intimate performances and interviews with culturally diverse Victorian singer-songwriters. The initiative produces high-quality video content designed to support the careers of these talented artists.
The New Monos
With their roots in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Melbourne-based band The New Monos combine inspiration from their South American heritage and diverse musical experience with the flavor of contemporary Buenos Aires, mixing Reggae, Folklore, Cumbia, Rock, Rumba, Hip-hop and Latin beats, all expressed with the passion of the Tango.
“Sharing music with our local audience and coworkers is what we have missed the most last couple of years. In addition, this allows us to break the stereotypes about Latin people only playing Salsa. We have lived in Darebin for 10 years, and we are happy to see live music events, especially in the Preston Market. We felt so welcome in the Preston Market, a lot of people stopped to listen to the band and watch the performance, asking questions about where we are from and about the instruments." — The New Monos
Sarita Mcharg
Sarita brings a unique classical and contemporary flavour to her music. A true devotional Sitarist and Vocalist, she is well known for her spiritual and heartrending playing and singing style, driven by her vast knowledge of classical ragas and traditional Indian folk songs. Coming from a family of professional musicians and vocalists, Sarita’s music blends Eastern and Western contemporary, classical and improvisational styles.
"I really enjoyed being able to perform at the market and introducing my instrument and culture to so many different kinds of people. It was really nice seeing people of all walks of life and ages just coming up to me and listening, asking me all sorts of questions about my musical journey. Being a local resident of Preston, I am always going to the Preston market for my daily needs. I think the market is such a great place to catch up with friends, and just to see how diverse and rich the community in the area is. It is such a vital place for the community to come together.” — Sarita Mcharg
Camille El Feghali
Camille El Feghali is a Lebanese Musician who draws heavily from the traditions of the Middle East. The instruments he plays include the Qanun, the Nay, the Buzuq and the synthesizer. He founded Tarabeat in 2016, which is a music collective combining Arabic traditional music with electronic instruments. Camille is accompanied by Aseel Tayah (Palestine) and Rosco Heck (Australia), performing traditional songs that tell stories of resistance and dislocation.
"My performance includes a variety of folk and classical songs coming from different parts of the middle east (SWANA region). We showcase these diverse and rich cultures in a contemporary way, while staying faithful to the features that make it sound unique, through the use of microtones, odd time signatures, and Taqsims (improvisations). The instruments include: Qanun (Arabic harp), Nay (Arabic flute) and Derbuka/Riq (percussions).” — Camille El Feghali
Karina Lehman
Chilean/Australian singer-songwriter Karina Lehman blends her smooth vocals and energetic guitar rhythms taking you on a trip to Latin America. Influenced by artists such as Gloria Stefan, Marissa Monte, Natalia Lafourcade and Kevin Johansen, her songs talk about love, life experiences, dreams, and nature.
“We recorded 2 of my original’s compositions and performed in a trio format with two talented musicians, Amla Periakarpan in the flute and Rodolfo Despaigne “Panga” in the congas. “Vagabundeando”, a gentle bossa-nova that talks about finding your life purpose and the journey you need to take to find this purpose, and “Traigo un son” an optimistic song inspired by the rhythms and textures of Cuban music.” — Karina Lehman
UpClose: Darebin Sessions is proudly presented by MAV in partnership with Harmonic Whale. Supported by Darebin Arts, Creative Victoria and Creative Australia.
