The COVID-19 isolation lockdown has seen many people, including myself, embrace music.
From the tone – deaf rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine, and musical parodies of the Bee Gees, Pink Floyd and Queen songs online. Many people have embraced the music bug.
I myself, have been teaching myself keyboard using the Joytunes’ SimplyPiano app. It’s been both frustrating, but quite fun.

I’ve also been listening to a fair bit of music, (which admittedly, isn’t new for me). About a month ago, I ordered myself Metallica’s S & M DVD and A Collection of Roxette Hits CD/ DVD.
Online show to launch
According to Herald Sun, Mushroom Records co – founder, Michael Gudinski, with the help of the Victorian Government, is set to launch State of Music, as part of a entertainment/ tourism campaign, Victoria Together. It’s aim is to bring Victoria to tourists and show live performances from isolation. Gudinski’s project was in response to the halt to Melbourne’s entertainment culture due to the coronavirus.
While originating in Melbourne, any musical act from Australia or New Zealand can take part.
Livestream aims to attract young audience
Gudinski told Herald Sun that he wanted to use the Internet, including Facebook to attract a younger audience.
The artist lineup is a mixture ‘80’s and contemporary artists. The first livestream will feature, Diesel, Birds of Tokyo, James Reyna and G – Flip.
According to Gudinski, artists are free to choose the songs they perform. The live-streams will not feature ads. Interviews are also a part of the shows.
The first livestream will begin at 7.30 p.m AEST tonight. Six more live-streams will occur in the following weeks at the same time.
Gudinski is also producing a 3- CD set and vinyl of Music From the Homefront. Proceeds will go to the charity, Support Act.
JB Hifi has agreed to sell the album without profit
Millennials may get taste of Countdown
When the livestream was compared to Countdown, I knew I had to write something about it.
Unfortunately, I was born two years after the show ended. However, I have the Countdown Spectacular on DVD, which was performed in 2006.
The performances were brilliant. Some of my favourite songs were Hush, John Paul Young and Leo Sayer.

My picks for future live live-streams
Here’s who I think would be great for future live- streams:
- Leo Sayer
- Cheetah
- Eskimo Joe
- 5 Seconds of Summer
- Justice Crew
- Bernard Fanning (is a Powderfinger reunion a bit of a stretch?)
I know some of these acts, like Eskimo Joe have been around for a while, but a boost for them won’t hur. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t heard songs from them for a while.
Overall, I think this is a real cool initiative. Hopefully, I’ll be able to see some of the shows. It will be a great way to escape the turmoil that’s going on at the moment.
Will you watch Gudinski’s livestream show? Also, what acts would you like to see perform and be interviewed? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.