One Last Vibe

Using music for positive purposes has always been the basis behind Zephyr Timbre, and with their final ever show beckoning that remains true.

The much-loved local bass/funk act – who formed back in the late '90s, and through a combination of progressive beats and energised live instrumentation found themselves playing major festival slots and supporting international acts like Jamiroquai and Moby – will headline Fortitude From The Valley, an event that Zephyr Timbre member Manta Ray has helped organise to raise money for music students at Bundaberg North State High School who lost their instruments during the floods that engulfed the region earlier this year.

“We didn't want to do a broad appeal – we really wanted to have a purpose and an outcome that people could follow.” reasons Manta Ray. “And while the school wasn't inundated [by water] itself, the kids had their resources in their homes, and it was their homes that were completely washed away. So we've put the focus on the arts and music department, because obviously we're a bunch of musicians getting together, and we want to help some young, budding musicians carry on with their dreams.”

As well as revisiting their old catalogue, Zephyr Timbre are also reworking the songs, with Manta Ray's husband and bandmate Porl Deville – producer for the group – making sure the tracks, although rooted in the past, will have a modern feel. “We didn't want them to sound 1999, which a lot of them did,” she chuckles. “So he's tweaked them a little bit, [and] it's lovely to see these tracks come to life with a freshness and a now-ness and with a purpose.”

Chris Buckridge (My Ninja Lover) will step into the bass role left by DakarDAN, who sadly passed away in a car accident three years ago. And in addition to giving the school a cheque at the end of the evening, the tight-knit group are also focused on honouring the life of their former running mate. “His death not only ricocheted through his family and friends, but I think through the music base that he had and his connections in Brisbane,” she says. “[Zephyr Timbre] was such an important part of all our lives, so we really want to stand up there and deliver.”

Manta Ray calls the journey of Zephyr Timbre a “beautiful collision”, one that was all about solid beats, energy and positivity. Now, for the very last time, they'll share that with Brisbane. “It's wonderful to reconnect with so many people still doing what they love,” she beams. “Everyone has been really supportive and excited, and I'm really proud to be a Brisbanite at the moment.”