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Earlier this year, The Soundcheck penned an article detailing some of the current issues facing the music industry, as well as some grassroots suggestions for helping the scene remain alive and kicking. And while we largely shine focus on bands and artists (as they are the reason the music industry exists after all!), today The Soundcheck is kicking off a semi-regular feature where we'll showcase some of the incredible local music venues around the country. Welcome to Venue Spotlight!
For the first edition of Venue Spotlight, we're looking in The Soundcheck's very own backyard: the Gold Coast! If you haven't already heard of or stepped foot into Mo's Desert Clubhouse, let this be the sign from above that you need to get yourself there pronto. A psychedelic desert oasis, complete with a Hacienda-inspired cocktail garden, live spaces, a vodcast recording studio, and more, this is truly a one-stop-shop for creativity and an absolute icon of the Gold Coast music scene.
WHERE:
Mo's is a live music venue, event space and creative hub based in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. You can find this kickass venue at 6/36 Central Drive in the industrial area of Burleigh Heads just a little bit inland from some of the Gold Coast's most iconic beaches.
WHAT:
Mo's Desert Clubhouse is a destination venue with a difference. The moment you step on site, you're transported into a land of unbridled creativity, with licensed bars, a cocktail garden, live performance spaces, podcast studios, recording and rehearsal studios, and co-working and private studios all on offer. The venue also hosts weddings, community events, paint and sips, live comedy and band competitions. Whether you're celebrating with a private function, wanna put on a festival, or just play a good old fashioned rock'n'roll barn burner, Mo's definitely has you covered.
Live Events: Mo's holds a 250 indoor capacity, 100 seated capacity and a 400 outdoor two stage capacity. Boasting a sharp yet hazy California desert vibe, the venue comes armed with a licensed bar and full production, including concert PA, sound tech, projector, gig lighting, door person, full backline, rider, private greenroom, marketing support and more.
El Ranchero: Under the watchful gaze of Saint Dolly Parton, El Ranchero is a Hacienda-inspired cocktail garden on-site nestled next to Mo's Desert Clubhouse, complete with margaritas, sangrias and good vibes to heighten the music experience. Also on-site is the Let's Get Toasted food truck, boasting a small but sweet menu.
Spaces For Hire: Mo's also offers multiple spaces to ramp up the creative vibes, including a vodcast recording studio, rehearsal studios, co-working spaces and private creative studios. The vodcast studio offers a separate control and recording area, with a fullly kitted out professional audio and video setup. Meanwhile, the Mojo Room is a large air-conditioned rehearsal room perfect for rehearsals, lessons and/or workshops. There's also a photography studio, and co-work or private meeting room with varying leases on offer.
Desert TV: Mo's also airs live music performances and interviews as part of its Desert TV series, recorded on site and live streamed in HD.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Mo's was named Live Music Venue of the Year in 2021 and 2022 at the Gold Coast Music Awards, and has hosted a legion of bands from Sunk Loto through to Ocean Grove, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Conrad Sewell, He Is Legend, and many, many more.
WHO:
Fittingly, the journey to Mo's Desert Clubhouse was born in the middle of the Nevada Desert at Black Rock City back in 2016. Helmed by Christian Tryhorn, Kim Ferguson and Emilia Lorena, this trio have transformed a shed in Burleigh Heads into an award-winning space that has survived and thrived through some of the toughest years to date in the music industry, and has put the regional Gold Coast scene firmly on the touring map for local and international acts alike.
Keep an eye out for more to come from the Venue Spotlight series soon!
BY TIANA SPETER