Flora Carbo
How long have you been living locally? What suburb are you in?
I have just recently moved to Fairfield but I grew up in Northcote, right next to the Merri Creek.
What do you love about your home town/suburb?
Living in northside Melbourne is a dream because (in a normal world) you are close to a lot of the best music venues. I thrive off live music and I feel so lucky!!
What genre of music do you generally play?
I studied as a jazz musician, although I like to be identified as a genre-fluid musician. There is so much music out there that doesn't fit in any one particular genre and I find that so exciting and inspiring!
Are you a solo artist and/or do you play with a band? Would you like to list them?
The Burning Bridges Trio is a family band. It features renowned banjo maestro Peter Somerville (banjo, guitar, dobro and vocals; has recorded with Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers and many others), Fran Martin (guitar and vocals), and 11 year-old Tom Somerville (guitar and mandolin).
Where is your favourite live music venue to play locally?
It is WAY too hard to choose, I have so many favourites!! A few are the Brunswick Green, Bar 303, JazzLab, Uptown Jazz Cafe and the Wesley Anne.
Where is your favourite live music venue to play world-wide?
Well, Bennetts Lane Jazz Club was a legendary jazz venue in Melbourne and I have some incredible memories from playing there. Whenever I am overseas, I am constantly reminded how lucky we are here in Melbourne!
If you could play with any other musician in the world, who would it be?
Throughout Covid-19 I have been enjoying spending a lot of time listening to recordings and dreaming about that!
I Would have to say Sam Amidon, Oumou Sangare or Bon Iver.
Some artists have part time/full time jobs when they are not gigging – do you have one? (and do you want to share it?)
I work part time as a music teacher at two schools and also teach privately. I am constantly being inspired by my students!
What hobby have you taken up during isolation? (eg. baking sourdough!)
Sourdough, yes! I have always had a dream to learn fiddle (to join in the sessions at folk festivals) so I have been getting some zoom lessons and playing a lot. It's way too much fun, shouldn't be allowed. I have also been enjoying looking after the veggie garden, listening to music and reading the Lord of the Rings for the first time.
What are you looking forward to doing again, post COVID-19 restrictions?
I can't wait to go and see live music and play music with people again. I can't wait for that to feel normal again!
What has been your favourite thing about isolation?
Having the time and space to reflect and think about what I want to do, without feeling like I'm too busy all the time.
What has been the hardest part about isolation?
Staying motivated and inspired. But that's ok too!
If people want to learn more about your music where can they head to?
I released 3 new albums this year and all can be found on Bandcamp!
'Voice' came out of my honours work last year and I am so proud of it! https://floracarbo.bandcamp.com/album/voice
'A Short Film' by The Rest Is Silence has been brewing for two years now and we are so excited to get it out in the world (thanks to Earshift Records). https://therestissilencemelbourne.bandcamp.com/releases
'Falling Towards You' by Strong Cotton Socks are another band that I miss playing with very much, this music is so special! https://strongcottonsocks.bandcamp.com/album/falling-towards-you
Bandcamp are waiving their revenue shares on the first friday of every month and all sales go directly to the artists, it's such a good opportunity to support your favourite musicians during this difficult time!
My website is https://floracarbo.com/ and I'm on Instagram @floracarbo!
