It’s a rare thing in this day and age to see a live music-oriented
series survive on Australian Television. Even programs on MTV and
Channel [V] don’t seem to stick around for too long. There is one
popular exception to this rule, however. Kia Soul’s Live at the Chapel
.
Originating in Melbourne in 2003, 2009 brings with it quite a few
changes for the concert series, now in its 7th year. Most notably: Kia
has been brought on board as a new sponsor (replacing Vodafone), and
the show has moved up to Sydney for the first time.
But the focus remains unchanged: a well-known local or international
artist hits the stage of a beautiful church, with a small crowd of 200
enjoying the intimate performance. And having personally seen several
gigs in churches around the world (including Sufjan Stevens in
Vancouver – an evening I’ll never forget), I can personally attest to
the unique beauty of the music produced in such a setting.
The stained glass windows shimmering in the distance, the voices
echoing off the walls, and the sheer aura that a Church emits, creates
an experience like no other. As such, it’s no surprise as to why the
series has lasted as long as it has – there’s simply nothing like it.
And it’s exactly what live music should be these days: intimate, raw and beautiful, in the tradition of MTV Unplugged.
Saying the artists who have graced the Chapel stage over the last 7
years have been varied is, quietly, an understatement. From
international superstars such as Train, Nickelback, Foo Fighters, Ben
Folds and Good Charlotte – to local fire starters The Living End,
Something for Kate, Barnesy, Delta and Midnight Oil – the performers
have represented a wide variety of genres from around the world and
back here at home.
With such massive change in place since Kia took over, things have
understandably been moving slightly slower. For one, Sydney has only
been treated to 4 shows so far this year – but the artists – All
American Rejects, Lady Gaga and Jessica Mauboy, plus John Mayer hitting
the stage next week – remain as varied as ever. But both mcm and Kia
remain committed and excited about the project, and so next year will
no doubt provide us with plenty of surprises on our TV screens (or in
the Chapel itself, if you’re lucky enough to be invited along!).
MCM’s Chief Executive, Mr Simon Joyce, is fully aware of how important
the production is to Australia, saying in a recent interview, “Live At
The Chapel has always been one of our most iconic brands, largely
because it never stands still… we’ve finally given in to Sydney’s
demand for some of the live music action, and we’re excited to be
working with an expanded list of media partners.”
So what for 2010 – will Kia stay on as sponsors? Will Sydney remain
the semi-permanent venue? Who will reach our shores for the intimate
performances? Only time will tell, but what we know is this: There is
no live music program as unique as Live at the Chapel in this country,
so let’s keep our fingers crossed that it continues beating the odds
and remains on the air for many years to come.
The 7th Series of LIVE AT THE CHAPEL continues next week when John
Mayer plays the Paddington Uniting Church for a small group of fans –
his only performance while in Australia! The entire gig will be
televised on the Seven Network on Sunday 29th November at 11am and
Channel [V] on Saturday 2nd January from 5pm.
