Covers For A Cause

words by ben stephens

My first memory of Mr Kurt Donald Cobain is etched into my thought bank by the sounds of the 1991 album Nevermind and in particular, the first track off the album, Smells Like Teen Spirit. Kurt, along with bandmates Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic are attributed as authors of the classic piece of 90’s pop culture after Kurt played the main riff and then spent two hours refining it with the band.

‘I was trying to write the ultimate pop song. I was basically trying to rip off the Pixies. I have to admit it. When I heard the Pixies for the first time, I connected with that band so heavily that I should have been in that band—or at least a Pixies cover band. We used their sense of dynamics, being soft and quiet and then loud and hard.’ – Kurt Cobain in the 1994 January issue of Rolling Stones, on how he approached the writing of the Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Three months after the above interview, Kurt was found dead in his Seattle home after leaving a rehab centre in Los Angeles. A huge loss to the music world and those close to him. His music still rings those adolescent bells for anyone familiar with his work. Or popular culture…

Anywho, why all this reminiscing you ask? Good Question, I answer.

To commemorate the passing of Mr Cobain, the good team at the Surry Hills iconic bar, The Soda Factory are hosting a special, Covers For A Cause titled Smells Like Teen Spirit. This special event will focus on the early 90’s grunge scene and bring together 16 local bands and DJs to pay tribute to Nirvana and the like.

The Soda Factory will be raising funds for Suicide Prevention Australia by donating a gold coin to SPA for every food and drink item sold. With sweet deals on drinks, burgers and chicken wings, this will be a night of nostalgic offerings, while supporting those who need it. Free entry all night.

Check out all the good work SPA do HERE

Or Beyond Blue HERE

If you need someone to talk to you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.