William has been a DJ for almost a decade– touring the state, playing countless shows, and enjoying a career in the industry. When the pandemic hit and everything closed down, Will found himself directionless and uncertain about his future. I chatted to Will about being a DJ, maintaining creative drive, and persevering when passion is lost.



IN: "G'day and welcome to Rockin'..."
OUT: "Jimi Pearson, take it easy"

'Playing For No One' - Rockin' In The Quarantine World

Brendan is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Wollongong. He has performed at Yours & Owls festival with his band Dribs and is a fixture of the local music scene. Brendan stopped by to play a couple of songs and discuss how the pandemic changed his songwriting, as well as what strategies he believes bands can use to not only survive quarantine, but even flourish.

IN: "G'day and welcome to Rockin'..."
OUT: "...Quarantine World with Jimi Pearson."

'Write In The Middle Of Lockdown' - Rockin' In The Quarantine World

As a venue manager of a local live music bar, Harry and his team had to keep their place of work afloat despite being shut due to recent lockdowns. I had a talk with Harry at his industrial art studio about just how the bar did this, and discussed the importance of live music to Wollongong's culture.

IN: "G'day and welcome to Rockin'..."
OUT: "Thank you so much, catchya later."

'Drive Me To Drinkers' - Rockin' In The Quarantine World

An interesting character to say the least, Nicholas made it his goal in lockdown to get his comedy band's name out there somehow. Armed with self-diagnosed "illusions of grandeur", Nicholas came up with a plan so random that only a man who wrote a love ballad to a halal snack pack could think of it.
We talk the plan, his 'cancelwave' genre, and how obscurity gifts creative freedom.

IN: "G'day and welcome to Rockin'..."
OUT: “I’m Jimi Pearson, take it easy out there.”

'In Music We Crust' - Rockin' In The Quarantine World

Taking a look at those in live music who attempted to keep their passion and careers alive against all odds during the COVID-19 lockdowns.


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