Goodside album to be launched in Neerim South

by Bonnie Collings
Local independent artist and performer Libby Willems will launch her debut solo album "Goodside" at the Neerim South Algie Hall on Saturday September 8.
After writing for about 25 years, "Goodside" was Libby's pandemic project, working on it when safe to do so during COVID-19 lockdowns.
"This is my first album of solo songs released under my own name," Libby said. "It's been coming for a lot of years, it almost felt like it wasn't going to happen for a while."
After a long hiatus between periods of songwriting, Libby challenged herself to attempt writing one song per day. After 15 days of writing, Libby emerged with 10 songs she was really happy with, which eventually formed the "Goodside" album.
"Each song has a different character," Libby said. "It's like meeting 10 different people, you're going to hear some that you like."
Libby's children have inspired three songs on the album.
"Three of the songs are written for my children, they know which ones," she said. "They're not about raising children, the songs are about their lives and my life."
This album is something Libby has always wanted to create.
"It was one of those projects that I did not want to die with the regret of not doing," she said. "I had to make some decisions and put my fears aside. When you push aside your doubts, you can create beautiful things," Libby said.
Launching her album in Melbourne didn't feel right to Libby, she wanted to get her community involved in the release.
"I'm a proud Gippslander, it feels right to graduate (the album) here. Neerim South felt like the right space and the Algie Hall is beautiful. There's a vibrant and visible art scene in Neerim South, the community understand the layers of work that went into making the album."
Tickets to the launch are $27.50 and under 16s get in for free.
"I really want young people to be able to access live music in their community," Libby said. "I want people to feel the country hospitality and understand where the songs came from."
The album launch is on Friday September 8 at the Algie Hall in Neerim South. Local artist Trev Dwyer will be the opening act before Libby's show, performing a set of his solo work.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1093347.