About Melanie

Melanie Gent

vocals, guitar, percussion, harmonica, mandolin, piano

I'm Melanie Gent. I play guitar, I sing, I write songs.

For the past seven years I have been playing my original music to audiences at festivals and events around southern Tasmania. The highlight of the year, for me, has always been the Cygnet Folk Festival held each January. It is a great festival, performing there is always great, I love the atmosphere and the wide variety of acts and people that come together under the banner of folk music.

Other highlights of my music career (he he) have been supporting Jenny Morris, Margret Roadknight, and Trouble in the Kitchen, travelling to Canberra in 2005 to perform at the National Folk Alliance Convention, recording my album "Stand" in 2007 with the wonderfully talented and lovely Kate Burke, as well as performing with her at the Cygnet Folk Festival. And I'm sure there are many other cool things that I can't recall at this moment...

When I'm not playing or thinking about or listening to music, some of my favourite things to do are sleeping (very important), thinking, hanging out with my mates, swimming at the beach, going on walks, taking photos, playing with my computer and driving places in my car. I also like reading when my eyes are not too tired to stay open.

I love Tasmania - the water, the hills, the mountains. I like quiet places, calm water, mist, rain, sunshine and thunder storms. My favourite time of year is when all the Acacias are in flower.

Through my music I hope to share with you not only the many thoughts in my head, but also the beauty of this tiny little piece of the world that I call home.

 

Former Band Members

Sam Smets (2003 - 2006)

guitar, mandolin

 

Huw Wilkins (2005 - 2006)

bass, cello, double bass, guitar

 

Lachlan Pearce (2003 - 2005)

doumbek, darrabukka, percussion

 

Shay McCusker (2003 - 2006)

sound engineer, stage set-up, roadie, camera-man...