Natalie O'Driscoll, Author at Blank Street Press

Gina Martin

Gina Martin is a music lover. It’s plain and simple. Having lived above her family’s recording studio, Lovestreet Studios, music flows through her mind endlessly. Given her first vinyl records and turntable at 15 she has been collecting vinyl gems ever since. When all attempts at playing musical instruments failed because of her clumsy hand-eye coordination she turned to her records, finding solace in their nostalgia. A self-proclaimed professional music appreciator, Gina prides herself on sharing the music she loves with as many people as possible! Hosting a weekly show on Gold Coasts’ Rabbit Radio, Gina is attempting to cure the world of Bieber fever, 33 revolutions a minute.

Christie Ots

Hola, I’m Christie! I’m a music fiend, who lives behind the lens and believes the pen is definitely mightier than the sword. Being an enthusiastic music supporter and photographer I find people fascinating. Having graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Literature & Communications I think supporting the arts community on the Gold Coast is necessary to make an impact on our culture. To quote Bob Marley "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain".

Samantha Morris

Having been to primary school, high school and university here on the Gold Coast, Sam is pretty passionate about the local arts scene as well as the natural environment. With vivid memories of our golden era of live music venues and heavily involved in the Student Council while at uni, Sam is also a budding local music historian. Blank GC is Sam’s brainchild and she’s part owner as well as being the primary local music writer. But Sam’s other job is in community engagement and facilitation in regional communities, with a focus on sustainability. She’s been lucky enough to work with some of Australia’s largest (and smallest) conservation groups and as a result has been awarded a Young Australian of the Year award in Queensland for her environmental work and in 2013 was named as one of Queensland's Champions of Conservation. In 2014, she received a Golden Gecko Award from the Gold Coast's peak environment group. After launching Blank GC and seeing the growing need for support for local musicians and music businesses, Sam and her mate Chloe also launched the annual Gold Coast Music Awards, which had its first run in 2015. The event now takes place on the beach in Surfers Paradise with the Esplanade closed to traffic so that the red carpet can be rolled out for local rock stars along the sand. Sam’s a solo parent to a hyperactive kid and as well as writing for Blank is a freelance writer for other organisations wanting to create environment, art and culture content.

Music 26/02/2016

Bluesfest 2016: Who Not To Miss (That You Otherwise Might)

By Gina Martin, Christie Ots, Jodie Bellchambers and Samantha Morris

It’s their third year covering Bluesfest for Blank GC, so we asked Christie Ots and Gina Martin to tell us what might slip under…

Music 24/02/2014

GIG REVIEW: STREET 66 + ASTRO TRAVELLERS + ANIKA MANTELL

By Gina Martin

The Loft | Friday 14 February I’m always hit with a wall of nostalgia when I walk into The Loft. That and the mind…

Music 24/02/2014

Off the Record | 26 February 2014

By Gina Martin

Summer 2013-14 has been spectacular. It has been filled with road trips, plenty of live music, festivals, friends and frivolities. Nevertheless this glorious season…

Art & Culture, Music, News 14/10/2013

Nobbys Originals calls it quits

By Samantha Morris and Gina Martin

LOCAL weekly music event Nobbys Originals held at Little Beans on Thursday nights has thrown in the towel. Nobbys Originals focused on local original…

Art & Culture, Health & Lifestyle, Music 05/10/2013

Ticket scalpers, ugh!

By Samantha Morris and Gina Martin

Ticket scalping is every festival, sporting event or large concert’s worst nightmare. It’s tough to combat and often leaves the most devoted fans disappointed….