Open Mic Night @ The Cornish Arms
“The two guys at the table are part of the band. We’re trying to make it.”
With an amazingly smooth voice, pumping out the likes of David Bowie and other classic rock covers was James Hallal; ALDI store employee, web designer, English conversation class coordinator for immigrants and refugees, and musician (obviously).
Having played music for nearly 12 years, James has no shortage of talent (which includes ‘multi-tasking’ considering all his commitments); He plays piano, guitar, vocals, and drums.
“I play Open Mics for fun. A mate’s parents recently came down from the UK and asked me what to do in Melbourne; I invited them down to an Open Mic and played for them.”
On giving advice to other musicians on the local scene:
“Just come up and play, [the atmosphere] is really unpretentious; have a go!”
On commenting about people who don’t check out live music at the grass roots level:
“Local venues are the best because of their human element – the spontaneity, the community; obviously we all have our favourite bands that we like to see, but you never know who you might find at a place like this.”
James will be playing at the Cornish Arms next Monday night at their Open Mic – be sure to catch him performing.
Keep up to date with his covers here: https://soundcloud.com/jameshallal
Check out his cover of Space Oddity by David Bowie – his performance of that was especially great!
Heartstrings 