Local musician Dee Bradbery is excited about what the Nicholas St redevelopment will do for the Ipswich arts scene.
The singer-songwriter behind Wild Eyed Wonder is one of several local artists performing at the upcoming Nicholas Street Future Flavour Food Fair on February 29, which will feature live music, a dozen different food trucks and family activities to celebrate the precinct’s construction.
“It’s great to be part of something that will celebrate the new life the CBD redevelopment will bring,” Ms Bradbery said.
“For a while we’ve had a rough patch, but this will breathe new life into the CBD and with foot traffic and new venues, it’ll make a real difference to the creative scene.
“I’m really pumped about that. Ipswich is an awesome place and so many people are keen to build something here and leave a lasting impact.”
After winning Studio 188’s Ipswich Unearthed song writing competition in 2017, Bradbery has become a regular on the Ipswich music scene.
The 26-year-old is focused on releasing new music this year, producing her own Indie-pop tracks from her home studio.
“I want to make people feel good when they hear my music. I’m writing from a place which is hopeful and a bit optimistic,” Ms Bradbery said.
The musician started out on the drums and went on to win a prize in a worldwide drumming competition. But while she now mostly plays the guitar, Bradbery says she struggles to choose her favourite instrument.
“It depends on which day you ask me,” she laughs.
“When I don’t get to play an instrument for a while, I weirdly crave it, but the guitar is a bit more expressive and a lot easier to write songs to than the drums.”
Born and raised in Ipswich, Bradbery says that while her dream is to tour nationally and internationally with her music, she will always love performing in her home city.
“I love Ipswich, and I feel so lucky that I get to do most of my work here.”
Wild Eyed Wonder will be one of several local bands performing at the Nicholas St Future Flavour Food Fair on Saturday 29 February from 4pm to 8pm. For more information on the event, visit the Nicholas St Ipswich Central Facebook page.
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