More Projects
For another project – Cities of Destiny, Clare and I changed instruments with a band headed by Clare on guitar and vox, the amazing bass player and ex rnrhs-er Michele Tsui (Breakfast of Champions) and myself on drums. This fuzz rock band was epic, we played one gig and have some rehearsal recordings I need to somehow transfer from an old iphone. A new incarnation is in the works.
At the time, I was studying a course in Applied Fashion Design and Technology and later when I was expecting my first child, Clare and I were requested to contribute to a Song-writing program. We, along with Clare’s uni friend Katrina taught a group of interested individuals about lyric and song writing structure. We did this, two years in a row, 2015 and 2016. It was a great experience we split into groups after the theory and took lyrics of the participants and formed them into songs.
To this day Clare continues to be my partner in music exploration, a professional music teacher (piano, violin and guitar) and Urban Planner, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience in music performance and teaching. She is also very creative and sews her own clothes! Her support and friendship throughout the years is priceless and I look forward to her being a part of Keys of Paularity Creative Arts space!
Rock to Lounge Bar Years
In 2006 I joined my brother’s band The Soundparticles and solo project Arty del Rio playing drums for a few years. Band members included our cousin Franco Aguilar and long-time friend David King. We had regular gigs around Melbourne including house parties and the usual local music venues. In 2009 or 2010 I believe, I sang on one of Arty’s songs Chamomile Goodbye for his solo album which never got released…
Around the same time, Arty and I sought refuge in a new project, Rio de Melodie. One of my dreams was to play lounge style music in dim lit bars to loners and lovers. The time was here! Our repertoire included songs from our dad’s record collection of Mexican boleros, Peruvian afro/folk, 50’s & 60s American, South American/Spanish pop and Bossa-Nova tunes mostly unknown to an Aussie audience. We also played our originals to suit the scene. Whilst we played in several Melbourne bars including a trip to Sydney as part of the Peruvian Criolla Festival in 2008, regular residencies were at the beloved Bender Bar later known as The Thornbury Local. Instruments were swapped throughout our 60+ repertoire set including, el cajon (Peruvian percussion), guitar, guido, keyboards, tambourine, cow bell! In 2010 we were guests on 3RRR, The Party Show, where we showcased a few songs.
2024 we reunited for the Peruvian Independence Day at Inti – Peruvian Restaurant.
