The Westsider spoke with Cherie Warwick, General Manager of Kindred Studios, just ahead of the venue’s 20th anniversary.
How did it start? Who started it?
Simon Hodgson, the owner of Kindred, grew up in WA, where his father owned an iconic live music venue, the Nookenburra, the kind of place that had AC/DC and other legendary bands play. He then went on to build some rehearsal rooms with a mate. When he later moved to Melbourne, he identified the inner west as an emerging creative hub. In Yarraville, he found a large, empty warehouse and transformed it into a Bandroom with eleven rehearsal rooms, where bands could drive right in to the back, unload and play. Many artists from those early days still talk about it.
So, it started as a Bandroom and rehearsal space but now it’s a lot more than that, right?
Yeah, so the venue now has a film and photography studio, dance studio, rehearsal rooms, recitaal hall and multiple performance spaces, including an outdoor space. The Bandroom now holds up to 300 people.
The atrium is set up for electronic and warehouse-style events, as well as private functions. We also have heaps of creative tenancies, co-working space, and a café.
What are some of the memorable acts that have come through?
I remember coming to one of the first gigs here, I was living in Williamstown at the time and was really excited there was a new bandroom putting gigs on.
King Gizz played here before they were too big. Sampa the Great also used to rehearse here and asked me for her first gig. At the time I didn’t run the place & the deal wasn’t good enough so that was a big mistake! She was huge after that.
What would you say is the Kindred vibe?
I feel like it’s like dancing in a lounge room. I feel like everybody’s comfortable here. They walk in the door and it’s not just my opinion, the feedback we get constantly is it just feels really homely. It feels safe, like a good time that you can just relax and enjoy yourself without judgement and the staff are lovely, it’s a great thing.
And you are celebrating the 20 years of Kindred with a party.
Yes, on Saturday May the 2nd. Super excited about it! We’ve invited bands to come play that have a lot to do with the venue and have been here for quite some time. So there’s eight bands and a couple of DJs, with the night expected to run through to 3am. Free entry.
Hop Nation, our neighbours across the road, are supporting us as they always do, with a Birthday beer this time! Maribyrnong City Council is supporting it with some funding through a Love Your West grant.
