"Our very first gig in Melbourne was a confrontation"

Santiago Durango’s recollection, “Our very first gig in Melbourne was a confrontation,” signals a moment charged with intensity and significance. The word “confrontation” evokes more than just a problematic experience; it hints at a collision, between artist and audience, cultures, or perhaps expectations and reality. By specifying “our very first gig,” Durango marks this as an initial step into unfamiliar territory, creating layers of vulnerability and anticipation that often accompany debut performances in a new place.

For artists, especially in underground or alternative music scenes, early gigs are fraught with uncertainty, the need to establish identity, to win over listeners, or, just as common, to endure skepticism and resistance from local crowds. Melbourne, renowned for its vibrant music culture, can present both an exciting opportunity and an intimidating gauntlet for outsiders. The word “confrontation” suggests that the band did not find passive acceptance; their entrance into the city’s scene stirred emotional or physical tension. Perhaps it was a reaction to their unconventional sound, their physical presence, or even to the cultural context they represented. Such confrontations can be literal, jeers, walkouts, hostility, or subtler, an atmosphere of challenge and testing that artists must face to prove themselves.

Yet, confrontation is not necessarily negative. It can be a crucible, a space where boundaries are tested, identities are forged, and future respect is earned. By recalling this moment, Durango acknowledges that their connection with Melbourne began not with easy camaraderie, but with fire and resistance. This friction can catalyze creativity, embolden performance, and leave a lasting impact on both artist and audience.

The memory encapsulates the essence of artistic journey: the unpredictable, sometimes adversarial, yet always transformative nature of setting foot on new stages. It suggests that the value of such performances lies not in seamless acceptance, but in the courage to persist through the raw, unscripted moments that challenge and ultimately define a band’s legacy.