rmidale’s live music scene has long been shaped by collaboration, experimentation, and community support, and one of its newest acts, The Cham Cham, is a clear reflection of that spirit. Formed in early 2025, the four piece band has quickly made a name for itself through dynamic performances, a genre blending sound and a strong connection to local events. The beginnings of The Cham Cham were informal and unexpected. When the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Cameron O’Keefe, stepped in to fill a lead guitar role for Steve Jackson’s band, Tell Tale Hearts rehearsals revealed something special. What started as preparation for a single gig soon became the foundation for a new project. Since then, the band has been refining its sound and shaping a catalogue that reflects what works best for them musically. The Cham Cham is made up of Steve Jackson on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Richie Lockwood on drums, Felix Davies on bass, and lead guitar and vocalist, Cam, at the front of the stage. “We draw from a wide range of musical influences, creating sets that resist being pinned to a single genre,” said Cameron. “Outlaw country, folk, pop, blues, country rock and indie rock all feature across our performances, often within the same set.” Local festivals and large scale events in the Armidale region have played a significant role in the band’s development. Opportunities to perform at events such as the Creative Streets Festival and The Big Chill have allowed The Cham Cham to reach audiences far beyond what smaller venues can offer. These events provide valuable exposure, professional staging and the chance to connect with new listeners, all while celebrating the depth of local talent within the region. For the band, these local platforms are about more than just performance opportunities. They represent a broader commitment to fostering creativity and supporting artists within the community. “Being able to share original and adapted music with large, engaged audiences has helped shape the band’s confidence and direction,” said Cameron. Looking ahead, The Cham Cham remains focused on growth through live performance. As a relatively new project, the band is continuing to refine its sound and narrow in on a repertoire that best represents who they are. Alongside this, they are developing ideas for original songs designed specifically for their format, with plans to gradually introduce this material into their set lists. While hesitant to offer advice as a young band, the group does share a simple philosophy for other local musicians hoping to pursue a future in music. “Playing as often as possible is key, but just as important is focusing on sound, finding what works and committing to it,” said Cameron. For The Cham Cham, audiences respond when something sounds genuine and well crafted. Adapting songs to suit their own musical sensibility has been a major part of that process. As they continue to evolve, The Cham Cham stands as a reminder of what can emerge when local talent, creative risk taking and community support come together, one performance at a time. A Page 13 Armidale Regional Council’s continued investment in large scale events has played an important role in supporting the growth of local performers like The Cham Cham. Through festivals such as Creative Streets and The Big Chill, council provides more than just performance opportunities, it offers professional platforms where emerging artists can connect with highly engaged audiences and develop their craft in real world conditions. These events offer local musicians access to quality staging, production, promotion and diverse crowds that would otherwise take years to reach.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1