Between concrete cutters, plumbers, sparkies and trying to fit car parts, house stuff, tools, camping and bike gear, and any number of things that used to be in two sheds and a house into one shed and a smaller house, I needed a break. My nephew's band Could be Stars was having a matinee gig in Melbourne so I decided to go along, combining a quick trip to Ikea before they played at 3 pm.

I nearly didn't go - I hadn't been anywhere in ages let alone a three hour round trip to Melbourne and it's traffic all by myself. A sense of agoraphobia coupled with social anxiety and general anxiety. Ugh. However, I'm a massive believer in feelin' the fear and slappin' myself to get on with it. I needed more stories anyway that weren't 'oh yeah we've only been renovating and selling a house for four fucking months*.

Then it was about what the fuck to wear to a gig, like it mattered, and settled on the very '90's denim jacket, black tshirt, long black shirt, black chucks, and bunches in my hair. I almost didn't feel old for a change. Fun. Asher's band is pretty 90's in sound - check out these three tracks. They've just released a new album too. Ash does his own lyrics and music and his band members are friends and pretty awesome, though I think they're reforming with new members. Who can keep up - they're 17 after all.

Only Never Once
Lace
Cherry

I've linked you to Tidal, because Spotify funding AI military is not my jam. They're better sound quality and pay the artists more. Though there's not as many tracks, and no podcasts, they're a more ethical choice and I can handle the minor inconvenience.

You can also do a free trial so it's worth checking out. I've had no problems with it and it can import your playlists from Spotify too. As for podcasts, I go to the native app they're released on or Podbean. Audiobooks, the library. Sometimes a small inconvenience is part of a bigger ethical picture. Besides, I don't like the monopoly that Spotify has.

Back to Could Be Stars, it was great watching the kids in the mosh singing along and dancing. They have built a little following which is sweet. I loved watching my nephew. He's always been a performer. I remember him doing stage performances when he was nine and a very sweet rendition of Rip Tide when he was 4. The music is strong in him. Can't wait to see what's next - I know I'm biased but I reckon he'll be a star.

He already is in his Auntie's eyes. ⭐ ✨ ⭐ ✨