First Look: Get Coffee With a Side of Live Music at Cremorne’s On Air

On Air combines two things Melburnians love: music and coffee.

The new Cremorne cafe was built to create an everyday space where locals can experience live music without the alcohol and strobe lights.

The idea came when founders Francesca Poci and Deyon Murphy noticed a decline in nightclub popularity, and was partly inspired by morning club concepts such as Am Radio, which has popped up in cities including Los Angeles and Miami. Although vibe-wise, it’s more like Tiny Desk in a coffee shop than a day party.

Poci, who previously worked in recruitment, and Murphy, who owns a property services company, program the space with local and international acts, from grassroots musicians to acclaimed DJs. “No genre of music is off-limits,” Murphy tells Broadsheet. In addition to showcasing local talent, the duo hope to create a community space where office workers can get a break from the daily grind.

“So many people that work in big companies nearby are interested in music and DJing. We’ve said to them, ‘On your lunch break, come and play’,” Murphy says. The team says it’s averaging 50 inquiries per day from people looking to DJ. Between scheduled sets, staff spin their own vinyl records and always welcome requests.

The focus on local extends beyond music. Coffee comes from Inglewood Coffee Roasters, panini bread from Dench Bakers, and yerba maté from Mateo.

The space, formerly Coe & Coe cafe, was designed to foster connection. Custom-built bleacher seating made from upcycled wood encourages openness and interaction between visitors, while reclaimed wooden panelling, restored emerald-coloured glass blocks and warm lighting were used to create a nostalgic 1970s feel.

The Pitt & Giblin Superwax Mini speakers were custom-tuned to the space and the team is installing acoustic panelling on the roof this week, to ensure crisp sound.

On Air will soon open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and once a month will host Espresso Sessions for a private audience of 60. Each session will feature four established DJs and be filmed and posted to the On Air Youtube channel.

While they hope it will offer a platform for emerging artists, ultimately the On Air team hopes to establish a strong community and inspire creativity generally. “I’d love it if somebody came here for even five minutes, had a coffee, reconnected with themselves, and was inspired to push into other creative avenues they have,” Murphy says.

On Air
25 Stephenson Street, Cremorne
No phone

Hours:
Mon to Fri 7am–3pm

@onaircremorne
onaircremorne.com.au