Sam Rees has a mild case of jealousy.
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This Saturday, his punk-rock band Mild Manic will play at the all-ages Currents event with Pretty People, Potent Soap and five high school bands at Moruya RSL on Saturday, July 13.
Rees helped organise the show, in which school bands will battle it out for songwriting glory and the chance to record in a professional studio.
It's an opportunity Rees wished he had when he was a Narooma High School student.
"From when I grew up on the coast, there was nothing like that to give us inspiration or motivation towards becoming a musician," he said.
It's all about inspiring future musicians and creating a safe place where young people can enjoy themselves
- Sam Rees - Mild Manic
"No-one was holding these events for us and giving us the opportunity to win prizes like a day's worth of recording in a brand new studio down in Tilba."
Rees said Mild Manic can't wait to be part of an all-ages event.
"We have wanted to do more all-ages shows in the area," he said.
He said there had been a big push to put on all-ages events in the Eurobodalla, although there had been set-backs.
"There aren't enough all-ages events," he said.
"It is a lot harder to get all-age events happening because venues don't see the value and there is the risk of underage drinking - it becomes too much of a headache for people to put on.
"Also the distance between each rural town makes it hard to get kids to the show; but we have been working out a better system to try and run more shows in the future."
Rees is excited to see an energetic atmosphere with "positive vibes" from the crowd.
Encouraging future events was a two-way street: "For us to get the attention of really good bands who are touring Australia, there needs to be good feedback from the events held here."
"To support a growing scene - happens really slow.
"It's all about inspiring future musicians and creating a safe place where young people can enjoy themselves."
Mild Manic is made up of four South Coast guys who have grown up surfing and jamming - Jye Flynn, Dave Boyes and brothers Chris and Sam Rees.
When Rees' Wollongong band The Nuns fell apart, he packed his bags and moved to Melbourne in search of something new.
South Coast favourite, Break A Leg! also faded and band members Flynn and Boyes made a move down to Melbourne.
All living in Melbourne, almost four years ago, Mild Manic formed "quite naturally".
"We all had things in common and grew up musically together so it made sense to start jamming - and it worked," Rees said.
"It feels surreal being able to tour around with my brother and two best mates.
"It really shows within the music we create and the way we play on stage - it's the brotherhood."
Who's in the brotherhood?
Sam Rees: The suit and tie of the band. On guitar and vocals, he is the front-hand man with a pop and mainstream style. He brings simplicity and catchy-hooks to his compositions.
Dave Boyes: The gung-ho bass man. His free spirited and positive attitude pumps up the band to energy-levels that can't be turned down. Along with his killer personality is a funky soul style which shines through his music.
Jye Flynn: The internal thinker. A drummer who has the power of perfection. Always listening and analysing the band's work, he comes out with cracking ideas to sum up the situation.
Chris Rees: The old-school spirit. He's passionate and real. Stays focused on his guitar and having a good time. He brings a technical brilliance and no-fuss attitude.
To purchase a ticket, CLICK HERE.