A creative space to come as you are
Lumi Sheffield may be the youngest member of the Forbes Street Band, but for all the paths walked by the band’s many members the bond that ties them together remains the same.
“Music is the connecting force in this space. That's where we all meet on the same level.”
This shared bond informs the sound of the Forbes Street Band’s fourth release, ‘Fusion’, which is set for release as part of a free live performance at Artspace, Woolloomooloo on Wednesday 18 November.
The Forbes Street Band is made up of people supported through the Ozanam Learning Centre, a community inclusion service operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW in Woolloomooloo, who perform regularly in the local Sydney community.
Lumi’s involvement with the OLC began in 2024, following a referral from a case worker, where she attended an open jam session allowing anyone, regardless of experience, to perform as part of a band.
From there, she took part in a number of creative programs offered through the service, including performing as part of the Forbes Street Band and developing her craft as a songwriter.
Having been artistically minded through singing, dancing and art from a young age, the opportunity to explore her creative interests in a welcoming environment served as ray of light during a dark period of feeling lost and overwhelmed.
“I remember thinking, ‘I have nothing to lose at this point,’ so I might as well go do this thing where I feel like there's no pressure to be a certain way.”
“I can just be here, exist no matter what state I'm in, sing, and have something to offer.
“Coming here gave me a sense of purpose.”
The stability of the OLC provided Lumi with a space to fully realise her musical ideas into ‘Balancing Beam’, the lead single from ‘Fusion’.
Beginning life by strumming a ukelele and playing around with words, the encouragement of Omar Abidin, the OLC’s music coordinator, saw Lumi develop the song before bringing it to the band.
“I usually don't have a final outcome [in mind] when I'm making art or music. But if I follow that creative feeling and it feels good, then something good is going to come out of it.”
Touching on ideas of duality, reflections on the past and breaking a cycle of behaviour, the album version of ‘Balancing Beam’ builds on the stripped-back live arrangement with additional layers, including a distinctive brass sound.
The Artspace performance will highlight the musical diversity of the Forbes Street Band, ranging from pop and rock to reggae and hip hop.
For Omar, the music is one of many hits performed by the band.
“It’s been a real joy seeing the members of the band grow in confidence, be there for one another in challenging times, and celebrate each other’s wins over the years,” say Omar.
This sentiment of collaboration and community is shared by Lumi, who credits the OLC as a safe space for creatives to come as they are.
“There's so many lost souls out there that need something to grip onto and hold,” says Lumi
“The OLC is really an amazing resource. It's so nice that we have funding for this place to exist.
“We have all worked so hard on the album and the performance. I want everyone to have a fun experience on stage, enjoy it, and be proud of each other.”
“Fusion” will be launched on Wednesday 18 November with a free performance at Artspace: The Gunnery, 43-51 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo from 6.00pm.
You can stream new and past releases from the Forbes Street Band (aka OLC Music Collective) here.