Pictures: JAKE BROWN
FILLING rooms with a unique blend of garage surf rock is Sunbrella’s forte if its 2019 Battle of the Bands crown is any indication.
Formed only a year ago, the four-piece band continues to excel in the South East live music scene with confident performances of crowd-bopping tunes.
What started as a few mates in a shed learning to play music together, has now transformed into a potential career for vocalist and guitarist Lucas Wimshurst, guitarist, vocalist and harmonicist Brody Heenan, bass player Brad Walker and drummer Tom Brookes.
Mr Walker said the band was honoured to be “given the nod” at Sunday’s event.
“We saw the event pop up on social media and thought it was an opportunity to get ourselves out there and listen to some talent,” he said.
“Sometimes it can be quite nerve-racking jumping up on stage after witnessing the previous band put on a great show.
“It is always reassuring to get confirmation we are on the right track and we would like to give a massive shout out to all the other bands who competed.”
Having already hit the stage at Fringe Mount Gambier and the Penola Coonwarra Arts Festival, Mr Walker said the band looked forward to its future.
“When we first started we did not think we would be where we are today,” Mr Walker said.
“Many of our favourite bands started their journey the same way we have, which gives us hope for the future.
“We formed in a shed around a year ago just mucking around and now we are lucky enough to all live in a house together and have a dedicated space to practice and make noise.”
Mr Walker noted an increase in emerging talent in the South East, stating he was “keen” to see more.
“We have been fortunate enough to have a collection of local legends getting behind us including Louise Adams, Simon Western and Steve Jankowicz and we would not be where we are without them,” he said.
“We love seeing the crowd move, especially the older ones which seem to be reliving their youth through our music.
“We have been busy working some songs for recording so hopefully they will be hitting your ears before too long.”
Sunbrella will return to the stage at North Gambier Football Club on June 8 in support of the King of the North show featuring Fyre Bird and The Stiff Nips.
