Long-running live music gig reborn as ‘Off the Tracks’

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, Orange’s long-running live music institution 4 on the 4loor is being reborn this Saturday under a new name ‘Off the Tracks’.

After 25 years and an incredible 324 shows, 4 on the 4loor mainstay John Carter decided to call it a day last December after the final show at the Victoria Hotel for 2023.

John launched 4 on the 4loor back in 1998 after seeing the need for a venue that would allow local bands to play their own original music. For the next 25 years, he tirelessly continued to present what he describes a “smorgasbord of music”, a monthly band showcase with anywhere from three to seven acts playing short sets of original songs.

The announcement of the gig’s demise was keenly felt by local musicians, but long-time supporters Ben Lander, of Lander’s Music and Esther-rose Parton have stepped up to keep the spirit of 4 on the 4loor alive.

“We thought that we had to keep this gig alive,” said Ben Landers. “It's become a really important part of the whole music scene in Orange. It has been going for so long and meant so much to so many people.

“John decides he'd done enough and he's done a great job. He'd done a great thing for a very long time so Esther and I thought we should keep it going.” 

4 on the 4loor was unlike any other gig in the region, said Esther-rose, who was a regular attendee at the monthly live music event.

“It's about local musicians… it's a space where they can play original music and they have complete creative freedom. All genres are welcome and it creates a space for younger musicians who may be playing for the first time or some of the best musicians in Orange who may want to do something a bit experimental,” she explained.

“It is also a free event. It is just about keeping original music and that creative space going.”

While the music scene in Orange is quite strong with many talented musicians able to make a living in many different genres, Ben said 4 on the 4loor filled an important niche and that is what they want to see continue with ‘Off the Tracks’.

“It gives a different creative avenue for a lot of musicians and I think that is very important to the general fabric of music here,” he said. “It’s important to have those different things happening as well as the mainstream.”

While the name may be new, ‘Off the Tracks’ will continue to follow the same format as 4 on the 4loor, Esther-rose said.

“Same format, same time, same place. The first Saturday of every month at the Victoria Hotel. We have an amazing licensee there, Craig, and he's always supported 4 on the 4loor and live music generally, so that's great,” Esther-rose said.

“But the biggest thing we'd like to ask the public right now is to just keep turning up… A lot of fans of 4 on the 4loor have come out and asked how can we keep this tradition alive and it's really just turning up. Come on down each month and keep this scene and this creative space going!”

Come down to Off the Tracks at the Victoria Hotel from 8pm this Saturday, February 3.

Find Off the Tracks on Facebook ,and Instagram @_offthetracks_

Any musicians who would like to inquire about a gig can email offthetracksatthevic@gmail.com or phone Landers Music on (02) 6362 6588.