CHAT SESSION 70 with Spud, Clarky and Rae Santos
Topic- As a high school student, Spud chose music as a subject, thinking it would be an easy way to coast through his studies. Little did he know, this choice would ignite a lifelong passion.
Catch up and listen to our chat session https://megaphone.link/LCRUI6675187204
Monday 26th August 2024 1pm https://rppfm.com.au
Brendon Mellere, known these days as Spud Thompson, is a dynamic music producer, singer/ songwriter, live audio engineer, and A/V specialist. He’s not just about making music; he’s about creating a space where creativity thrives, and artists find their true voices. As a part of Elusive Creative Studios in Dromana, Spud has spent years perfecting his craft, driven by a passion born from both triumphs and setbacks.
Spud’s journey into music started almost by accident. As a high school student, he chose music as a subject, thinking it would be an easy way to coast through his studies. Little did he know, this choice would ignite a lifelong passion. Despite being told by a music teacher that he lacked any musical talent, Spud’s determination didn’t waver. At the age of 17, he met Michael Clarke, "Clarky," who would become his best friend and business partner. Joining Clarky’s band, Spud realised that performing music was his calling.
His musical roots were in the heavy punk and screamo scenes, starting his live music journey in the underground metal world. Spud played alongside notable bands like Parkway Drive, I Killed The Prom Queen, and Sunk Lotto, carving out his place in a fiercely competitive scene.
As time went on, Clarky pursued studies in audio engineering, while Spud found himself gravitating toward singing over screaming. This shift led him to co-find the band Arcade Hero. Arcade Hero was a band on the brink of success, sharing stages with bands like Evermore, Screaming Jets, Birds of Tokyo, Something with Numbers, and The Matches. At one point, the band was working with the same management team as Kisschasy, with significant investment being poured into their debut album. However, just as the album was ready for mastering, the management pulled out, shattering the band’s dreams. This heartbreak led to the dissolve of Arcade Hero.
The experience with Arcade Hero wasn’t just a setback; it was a turning point for Spud. During the album’s recording process, he encountered an audio engineer who made him feel small, as though his vocal talents were insufficient. Rather than being defeated, Spud channelled this frustration into a new goal: to become an audio producer who empowers\ artists rather than tearing them down. He enrolled at SAE in South Melbourne, the same college Clarky attended, and studied audio production alongside three of his closest friends who shared his passion and vision.
After completing his studies, Spud dabbled in a few other musical projects, eventually forming The Midwayers with his brother Tyson, who is now part of the folk duo Sunday Lemonade. However, Spud soon realised that the life of constant touring was not for him. He valued being at home with his family and others in the band craved the road, so the band decided to part ways. This decision marked a significant shift in his career, leading him to rethink his approach to music.
For a decade, Spud worked as a Multimedia Coordinator at a prestigious private school, where he designed technology for multi-million-dollar buildings and handled the audio and video production for large-scale events, including orchestral performances. His experience and expertise in audio engineering grew exponentially during this time. Yet even as he excelled in this role, he never lost sight of his true passion, making music with and for others.
When Clarky returned to the Peninsula and opened Elusive Creative in Dromana, Spud saw an opportunity to connect more consistently with his main passion, music production. Initially, Elusive Creative was a space for artists to hire, but Spud quickly found himself booked solid with recording and producing sessions. Recognising their shared vision, Clarky and Spud decided to partner up, shifting the studio’s focus entirely to audio production and live sound work.
In a bold move, Spud left his full-time job to commit himself entirely to Elusive Creative, where he has been working full-time for over a year. He spends his days recording bands, producing solo acts, and when he’s not working on other people’s projects, he’s crafting his own music. After years of putting his music on the back burner, Spud is finally gearing up to release his first single, "If They Don’t Have It, No One Does," on August 30, 2024. The track features Rae Santos, an artist Spud has produced and a close friend who has become a vital part of his creative world. Together, they collaborate on each other’s music, blending their talents in a partnership that’s as personal as it is professional.
Spud Thompson and Rae Santos
With over 30 songs in the pipeline, Spud is excited about the future. He’s not just looking forward to releasing his own music but also to showcasing the incredible talent he’s been working with, including artists like Sunset Salore, Natasha Kate, Paradise Valley, and Sunday Lemonade to name a few.
Spud Thompson’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of creativity. He’s taken the highs and lows of his career and turned them into fuel for his artistic fire. Now, as he looks to the future, he’s more determined than ever to create music that inspires, uplifts, and brings people together, ensuring that every artist who walks into Elusive Creative leaves feeling more empowered and inspired than when they arrived.
Follow Spud Thompson and his journey via Spotify
Spud and Clarky love working with artists either inside their music production studio or off-site to satisfy their creative direction. Find out more Elusive Creative
My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the
‘The Daily Mirror’
YOU SMILE
EMBRACE BEING YOU
AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!
To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com
'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
Comentarios