How did Bundaberg duo Barlight begin their musical journey? It was a passion for performing and a love for pub rock.
Paula started her singing and performing as a teenager in country music festivals throughout New South Wales.
When she moved to Bundaberg in 2001, she started playing bass guitar and singing in a trio called “Roadtrain”.
Kane started his singing career during his time at Gatton college in the late 90s.
He then joined a Brisbane based country rock band called “Caution Horses” as the lead guitarist.
Once gaining enough courage he even began singing the occasional song with the band.
Paula and Kane have been performing live on and off for around 20 years.
They played for almost 10 years in a local four-piece band called “Country Shadows”.
Barlight kick off local gigs
After taking a break to raise their two boys, they formed their duo “Barlight”, their first performance was a charity gig at the Bundaberg Race Club.
They both grew up listening to country music as kids and during the 90s Garth Brooks and Shania Twain were definitely rolling around there our tape decks.
Their live performances include a wide range of popular covers from country, classic rock and pub rock.
With barlight’s duo performances, they work on achieving a full sound without the use of pre-recorded backing tracks.
They do this with two vocals, bass guitar, stomp box, acoustic guitar and some live percussion looping.
For trio gigs they are very fortunate to have Brad Zylstra on drums.
The acoustic guitar is swapped out for a telecaster to rock things up a bit.
Outside of the music scene, Paula has her own book-keeping business and Kane is a registered property valuer, however, now spends his time teaching guitar and playing in the stock market.
Although their favourites often change, one song that will always be at the top of their list is “Bring It on Home” by Sam Cook.
“We also love to sing our own songs when given the chance,” the duo said.
“One of our songs called ‘Drinking Skills’ seems to be a winner with the local rock and roll dancers.”
Barlight will perform at the Sugarland Tavern on Saturday.
Check out their Facebook page here.
To find out about all of the gigs happening in the region this weekend, head to the Bundy Gig Guide Facebook page here.
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