Dancing Through The Fire is out now!
Image: Kieran Tunbridge.
Indie-rock artist Austin Mackay has unveiled his debut EP, Dancing Through The Fire. To celebrate the release, the musician has shared with MILKY his top tips for living life on the road!
“Dancing Through The Fire is a short collection of stories about throwing yourself in the deep end, taking risks, facing life's changes and learning to leave things behind,” the musician shares of the EP. “I have spent the past two years touring Australia and living out of my van amidst a global pandemic. From dodging border closures and lockdowns, to making some of the best memories of my life so far, it's safe to say that it's been one hell of a ride”
Mackay is currently in the midst of his east coast tour, having already taken to the stage in Canberra and the Central Coast. The run of shows will continue on to Melbourne, Mornington, San Remo, Sydney, Maitland, Byron Bay, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, before wrapping up in Coffs Harbour on November 27. Tickets are on sale now!
ONE
Before you even start travelling, here’s a few of my necessities for living on the road:
- A reliable solar/battery set up.
- Full block-out curtains. If the rangers can’t see you, you’re technically not in the van.
- A fridge. To keep the beers cold, obviously.
- A butane stove for cooking. Take-out is expenno!
- A water tank & tap set up. You don’t want to be washing your dishes outside.
- Film Camera.
- Surfboards.
- At least one guitar.
TWO
The best thing about van life is getting to park your rolling home up at the beach, we all know that. But never, ever sleep in a beach carpark overnight, unless you want to get fined. Find a nice quiet back street to sleep in, and you’ll have no worries. If you do still get knocked on, don’t get out of the van. No one can prove that you’re in there if they can’t see you.
THREE
Have an easy access between the drivers cab and the back of the van. We are pretty lucky here in Australia, but if something does go wrong, you want to be able to quickly jump in the front and drive away.
FOUR
If you have a smaller van/vehicle, you have to be prepared for the rainy days and weeks. It can be really tough being locked away in a small space in the rain, so find your nearest café or library and hang out.
FIVE
You’re going to want a shower, trust me. Beach showers are an option, but when it comes around to winter time they’re bloody cold. Get yourself a gym membership, I recommend ‘Anytime Fitness’ because they are everywhere (this is not a paid promotion). I don’t think I’ve ever actually used the gym, but the showers are a saviour.
Dancing Through The Fire is out now!