Ocean Grover and 10 High Fly lead singer Sam Hanson talks to the Voice about what he loves about his home town.
What’s your connection to Ocean Grove?
I moved here on a whim 14 years ago and have never looked back. I started playing music and writing songs once I had moved here. Played one of my first gigs in Ocean Grove after I joined the cricket club. Now I can’t see myself and my family ever moving from this ripper place.
What do you like about where you live?
The people. The Ocean Grove community is brilliant. ‘Supportive’ is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Ocean Grove. Always happy to say ‘g’day’ to whoever passes on the street.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
To be honest, not much. I think a walking track from Ocean Grove to Point Lonsdale along the sand dunes would be brilliant. Other than that, I’m happy with the place.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
If you asked anyone who knows me, I’d be lying if I didn’t say the Ocean Grove pub. Pubs alongside sporting clubs are an important social support for all ages in the community. I’ll tell you something, especially in the last year after lockdowns, kids, adults and families need to get out and involve themselves in groups like these. Too many people, especially kids, now struggle to communicate with other people without a device. Get them out and about and involve yourself and your family in a club.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
Before I started singing, I painted. I studied fine art out of school and love painting traditional/realist portraits, landscapes, seascapes etc. I was commissioned a few years back to paint world Number 1 on the LPGA golf tour, Ryu So-yeon. I would love to have an exhibition in the near future.
Tell us about 10 High Fly and how you have smashed it since coming out of lockdown.
We brought out two albums during lockdown which I think was a saviour. They are going great, before the grand final of the AFL we were asked to write and record a song about Marcus Bontempelli, which we did and got great support from the Bulldogs, Fox Footy and Channel 7. The song is called ‘The Bont’. Check it out on all music platforms.
The latter half of this year will be full of gigs with a bit of a twist. If you like a bonfire, and a more relaxed live music environment, keep an eye on our website and social media pages. It’s something we have never done before and, I’m led to believe, a very unique live session.
