Melbourne Fringe: POP|PRESS

POP|PRESS

tells the story of Heath Row, former member of supergroup Se7en Moments Of Malibu, as he tackles slander in the press. Will Hannagan, who directs the show and performs a number of the original tracks, was first and foremost fascinated by the concept of the podcast as a medium of presentation, drawing inspiration from Sarah Koenig's

Serial

. "It just seems to take true crime to a whole new level with this unhashing of a cold case, dug into with meticulous detail. For me the subject matter was rather theatrical. Then I thought, what if I transpose this concept onto narcissistic celebrity youths? So it became about mixing my love for a good mystery with that of awards shows and thumping pop tracks."

After writing the script in "relative isolation", Hannagan enlisted the help of good pal and DJ Thibaud Mateos, who lives in France. "He's a music producer and the songs are created two ways: either I write a song and send him it — just piano and voice — and he creates a banger, or, alternatively, he creates a track, sends it to me and I create the top line. We knew we wanted seven songs that sort of extrapolated the themes of the show, in full pop pastiche, without advancing the narrative."

Hannagan couldn't be happier having his show performed at Melbourne Fringe festival. It's always been a favourite of his. "[I] adore the vibe at the hub. The little pop-up bars and all that jazz. Also Fringe time is early spring and when you're waltzing home you can smell jasmine on the air. It's just stunning."

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What: POP|PRESS

When & Where: 18 — 25 Sep, The Ballroom, Lithuanian Club

Melbourne Fringe: POP|PRESS

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