Geraldton launch of Sounds of Mid West album: Country inspires special musical showcase

Hailed as the best West Australian Music regional album produced yet, Sounds of the Mid West was finally launched in Geraldton at the weekend.

Illuminated by moody purple lights, Yamatji musician and 2021 Deadly Award nominee Theona Councillor took to the stage, summing up the feeling of the night.

“Growing up over here in WA, we paid extra for fare and accommodation. Now, the isolation is in our favour,” she said.

“Everyone from the Eastern States wants to live here, and I don’t blame them. We live in beautiful country.”

Councillor was one of 10 acts featured in the showcase of Mid West tunes, taking over Queens Park Theatre on Friday night.

Familiar faces Peter Salmon, Ian Weggler, Alexia Parenzee, Jade Jackson, Kim and Caroline Allison, Vince Jones, Nicky Robson, Carrum Mourambine and Gus McKay feature on the album and performed at the event. Other Mid West musical gems performed on stage, including Darcy Hay, Rosie Sitorius, Anne Williams, Jacqui Cook, Alyce Brook, Emily Littlely and Carly Markham, with many more cheering on their peers from the packed theatre seats.

The music was rich with personal stories, and distinctly of the Mid West.

Lyrics ranged from heartbreak to history, with a handful sung in Indigenous languages or referencing Mid West landmarks.

On one of the album’s recording days last September, local music mentor Tony Turner said: “There’s a degree of reflection as to how people feel about themselves, and how they feel in this place.”

WAM has produced 14 albums across the State’s towns and small cities, and regional co-ordinator Nigel Bird said this was the best yet.

“We are really pleased to finally launch it officially in a live scenario and celebrate some great outcomes from the recordings,” he said.