Scenestar


Scenestar was a not-for-profit organisation promoting underage events in Melbourne, Australia between 1995-1997. The organisation was run by teenagers Aaron Shipperlee and Pheona Donohoe, assisted by a team of volunteers at shows. Scenestar organised events at the Corner Hotel and Central Club Hotel in Richmond.

History

Aaron Shipperlee met Pheona Donohoe at The Venue in Noble Park. Donohoe was a member of the City of Greater Dandenong Muso Network, booked many of the alternative bands at The Venue, and was involved in the Decimus Gnu compilation CD.
Scenestar embraced the DIY ethic by not conforming to government-funded youth entertainment programs provided by The Push. Door prices were kept to a minimum and often equated to $1 per band. Events featured underground bands and frequently included all-girl bands from Rock’N’Roll High School. Scenestar was regularly promoted in local street press, newspapers, magazines and community radio. A feature article was included in the September 1995 issue of the Australian Rolling Stone magazine.

Fanzines

Scenestar’s main promotional tool of fanzines was inspired by the Manic! Crew newsletters. Shipperlee’s Nappy Kill fanzine was available via mail-order and at alternative record stores, while Donohoe’s Swirl was mailed to the 1,000 plus members on the Scenestar mailing list. Printing and postage costs were subsidised through advertising arrangements with local record labels and often included free marketing material such as samplers from Flying Nun, Rapido, Brass Companion and Murmur.

Other Publicity

Donohoe presented a weekly all-ages gig report on the PBS-FM Thursday drive program in order to promote the Scenestar events. She later presented the Australian music show on the station between 2000–2003 and was the station’s Music and Promotions Manager in 2000-2002. Scenestar was also featured on one of the first episodes of the ABC TV program Recovery in 1996. Donohoe later joined the show as their all-ages scene presenter between 1997-1999.

List of Events

There were 33 official Scenestar events
Events held at The Corner Hotel, Richmond. All other events were held at The Central Club, Richmond.