Bundaberg musician Mark Lavender has embarked on a journey to keep local musos and their fans connected through the Bundy Iso Challenge.
Taking to social media on Saturday, Mark posted a video discussing his idea of the Facebook challenge which involved local musicians nominating each other to post a cover song.
“I've been seeing a lot of musos around the country doing music challenges so we all feel connected through these tough times,” he said.
“Thought we could kick off a Bundy Iso Challenge for Bundy musos! Raw and acousitc!”
Mark, 37, has been in the Bundaberg music scene since he was 10 years old and is just one of the fulltime local artists feeling the pinch since clubs and pubs closed their doors.
In an average week the country music singer said he would normally play between three to four gigs.
With everyone now taking part in isolation, Mark said he hoped the Bundy Iso Challenge videos would bring a little joy and connection to the community.
Bundy Iso Challenge takes off
Within hours of the Bundy Iso Challenge post going live, the concept started to spread like wildfire.
Mark said there had been a great response from the community and four more local musicians had stepped up to record a cover of their favourite song and post it to their Facebook pages.
It was his wife Kathryn who suggested Mark start the Bundy Iso Challenge to help all of the talented local musicians unite, and with a couple of out-takes and a steady hand she, recorded his performance.
Mark chose to sing a cover of I Got a Way With You by American country music singer Luke Combs.
“I’ve always likes the sound and tones in his voice and so it was just a really good excuse to sing his song,” Mark said.
“I want to see how far we can take this challenge.
“So, pick your favourite cover, it’s a really good excuse to have a jam through Facebook with your mates.
“I challenge Matty Barker up next, pick a cover of your choice and let’s see how far we can take this one.”
Matty gracefully accepted before he chose Bevan Spiers to step up next, followed by local school teacher Matthew Farthing who dedicated his song to his teaching colleagues.
Matthew played his parody of Somewhere Over a Rainbow with a little a Coronavirus twist and said the Bundy Iso Challenge had put a smile on his face.
“This cover is a parody that I played for my teaching colleagues on Friday with all the uncertainty around what lies ahead,” Matthew said.
“Don't get me wrong, I'm still thankful that I have a job to go to in whatever form it will be, because it's become an even longer way to the top for all those who perform for their livelihood.”
To check out the Bundy Iso Challenge performances and to support local musicians click here.
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