DUAL DESERT DROP
Two of Central Australia’s most loved musicians unite to launch their solo albums with a sweet mini festival celebration in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
DAVE CROWE (AKA Resin Moon) and Gleny Rae Virus have been cooking something up in their studios, and now the time has come to launch their solo albums.
Crowe’s Infinity Has A Warmth is the first record released under his own name, featuring 14 piano-driven, indie-pop bangers. Lead single ‘Peace Flags and Perspectives’ was recorded in LA with Grammy-winning producer Franc Tétaz, and features Sia’s bass player, Jasper Leak.
Gleny Rae’s fourth full-length record Momentum features 11 tracks recorded in Nashville, New Orleans, NSW, and of course, Mparntwe. Traversing country soul, folk and Americana, it is tied together seamlessly through Gleny’s trademark storytelling, lyricism, and wit.
Regular collaborators, the musical pair decided to launch their records in one fell swoop.
“Dave and I were working together quite a bit on our respective babies, and we realised they would be popping out at the same time – why not give birth to twins?” Gleny Rae says.
Gleny Rae played fiddle on at least two of Crowe’s tracks, and he recorded two on her album. Crowe agrees the double launch was a natural move.
“It can be really daunting releasing an album these days, so we decided to team up for the live launch to share the load and hopefully create something double tasty. Plus, Gleny is such a great musician and a real asset to our town and our scene,” Crowe says.
The “mini festival” is held in the breathtakingly beautiful natural setting of Ilwempe Ilwempe/ White Gums, perfect for music lovers keen to kick back with live music, from the afternoon and into the star-lit night. The event features an entourage of talented local musos in each of their bands, the whole shebang kicked off by Mparntwe’s delightful choir, The Splinter Sisters.
“We wanted to make it more of a mini festival, an inclusive family event where we can celebrate our music, our wonderful musicians, our community, and the incredible place we live,” Gleny Rae says.
Punters are welcome to BYO drinks, picnic rugs, chairs, and snacks – there's also a food truck on site if you want to fully 'lax out. Single and family tickets are available, and, for just an extra 10 clams, you can take both albums home.
Both are excited to introduce their newborns into the world.
“It’s epic! Some of these songs I’ve been tweaking for 11 years, while some songs I wrote and recorded this year. It’s really exciting – but also strange – to be letting go of such a big project, to untether it and see where the wind takes it,” Crowe says.
The anticipation and sense of letting go is a sentiment echoed by Gleny Rae.
“[It’s] terrifying and wonderful all at once. I'm not too keen on the industry stuff we have to do – promo, publicity, socials – that just makes me wanna throw up. But playing live music with my friends is my raison d'être, and I can’t wait to share my music with the people of Mparntwe/Alice Springs.”
Dave Crowe and Gleny Rae Virus Dual Album Launch
WHEN SAT 25 OCT | 4-11PM
AT ILWEMPE ILWEMPE/ WHITE GUMS
COST $45 | $55 (INC. BOTH ALBUMS) | $95 FAM | FREE U12
INFO glenyrae.com.au | linktr.ee/davecrowemusic
Image: Chris Hills
