Having been looking to put the novel writing on the back burner and return to film after many years, I’m delighted and honoured to be involved in the forthcoming film documentary by Big Vulture, ‘Rise – The Story of Augustines’ directed by my good mate, Todd Howe, ex-guitarist with my beloved The Boxer Rebellion.
Those not familiar with Augustines, apart from immediately checking out their music, would do well to read the excellent Brother’s Keeper by Ryan Berg. I also wrote a bit about them back in 2011 and interviewed singer Billy McCarthy, you can read that here
I first found Augustines through Todd, a friend of the band for many years, and then saw them supporting the Boxers. It was one of those strange musical experiences where the connection was immediate. Connection is something Augustines do very well. No matter the size of the venue or the crowd, there is a remarkable intimacy to an Augustines show, and it is most definitely a two way love with their audience. Having followed their journey since that first gig, I look at the astonishing strides they have made, the huge audience they have picked up along the way, and most importantly the smiles on their faces, and it makes me feel proud.
The Augustines are an important band to me. I would expect that they are to pretty much anyone that has ever seen them live. How they came to be, how they survived the many obstacles and life-changing experiences flung at them along the way, is a quite incredible story, and that they are here now, doing what they were born to do, and not just surviving but thriving, is a testament to the fact that a strength of will, a bond of friendship, and a wave of love can overcome most things. The music industry, much like the publishing industry, is littered with talent felled by the bullshit, the tortuous process of creativity in a world ruled by fad and fortune, and those sucked dry by the bureaucratic bouncers standing in front of your audience. I have nothing but the utmost respect for anyone who can become a success in such an industry. That Augustines can do it, having had to overcome all they have, is remarkable. Whether a music fan or not, for any creative, anyone who has battled to bring their dreams to life, their story is something that will resonate and inspire.
For those who may want to get involved in what promises to be a very exciting film, there is currently a Kickstarter campaign with lots of great, exclusive perks over at RISEFILM.COM – watch the trailer, feel the love and come and join the community!
Russell Mardell 