About
Welcome to gotfink.com, website and portfolio for Melbourne musician Caleb Garfinkel. Navigate through the menu on the left or use the menu at the top of the page for specific pages. Click to read Caleb’s full bio and CV.
Studio & Production Work
Caleb produces music for a range of projects out of Got Fink Studios in Richmond, Victoria. Recently these have included backing tracks, compositions and musical arrangements for theatre, cabaret and dance performances, music for podcasts, sound design and soundscapes, advertisements and jingles and recording for artists and bands.
Borrowing from Hamilton: An American Musical, a little story about my mum’s horrifying house move.
Got Fink Studios
Rehearsal Studio Space Hire
Click for info, contact and enquire
StageArt Presents Spring Awakening
From May 18, Chapel Off Chapel
Music Director/Guitar
StageArt’s The Color Purple
Australiasian Premiere of The Color Purple the Musical, presented by StageArt.
Music Director/Guitar
Twenty Finkteen – 12 Whirlwind Months of Music
2015 has been an incredible year of music for me. Not only did I perform in the band pit for two Australian premiere musicals (and one world premiere), but I pretty much went from week to week performing or producing something radically different to the last. That’s not to mention moving into and setting up my studio premises Got Fink Studios.
I’ve combed through the past year to remember all the things I’ve done, and am reliving some of my favourites – particularly the one’s I missed telling everybody about! Click the images for each month to read more and see photos, audio and video highlights from each project.
Thanks for a great year – let’s do it again next year!
StageArt’s The Color Purple Cast Promo
Caleb accompanies the cast of The Color Purple 2016.
Guitar/MD
August – Beyondering Podcast
During August I was asked by some dear old friends to put together some music for their upcoming podcast. I love getting different specific studio projects as it generally allows me to make something new in a style that I wouldn’t normally do. As it turned out, I had an absolute ball making the tracks, and was very happy with the themes I came out with.
Beyondering is a podcast series that seeks to find open-hearted, liberating ways of being in today’s world. Hosted by Matt Cutler and Lucas Taylor, they speak with local and international guests to explore difficult questions relating to faith and religion. The shows are fascinating and deep in a refreshing and progressive manner, and are thoroughly worth listening to!
July – The Wiz
In July/August, after close to 6 months of preparation, along with my good friend Kayla Sims I musical directed Ave Maria College’s school production of The Wiz. I teach guitar to a group of students at Ave, and it was a rewarding challenge to take a step further and run a full band for the first time.
The show was a tremendous success, with the band, cast and crew all putting on their best performances and making a thoroughly entertaining and accomplishing show. I was awfully proud of my students in the band, and was helped out by some wonderful friends including Oscar Neyland, Nathan Power, Patrick Paevere and Tom Doublier.
June – Dreamgirls
June Twenty-Finkteen saw a return to Chapel Off Chapel to play StageArt’s Australian premiere of Dreamgirls, and their world premiere of A Super Brady Cabaret.
Continuing StageArt’s reputation for big shows rarely seen on these shores, Dreamgirls was a very special show to play, a hectic and fascinating book of music, and another sensational season.
In September, the show was reprised for Fight Cancer Foundation’s Red Ball, which featured Hugh Jackman – who, on his request, sung a song with the cast and band at the conclusion of our presentation. So, certainly a gigantic highlight of not just this year but in my career. What did I say about 2015 peaking early? I was wrong.
May – Feminerd the Cabaret
In May, and again in August, I produced the music and musical directed the fabulous Adele Scott’s Feminerd. Part celebration of nerd culture, sci fi and all that is few and far between, part a bold and much needed rooting out of sexism and misogyny in modern culture, and all parts awesome, Feminerd was a joy to be part of and came with a neat package of wonderful music.
I worked with Adele to bring the songs to life, provided by different composers and songwriters, then produced music for a whole bunch. My favourite was easily a beat poem track made out of computer and phone notification sounds, before launching into an electro-waltz. I still hear it whenever I get an email.
Dreamgirls
Australian premiere of Award Winning musical.
Chapel off Chapel, May 28 – June 14, and revised for the Red Ball featuring Hugh Jackman.
Role: Guitar
Feminerd the Cabaret
Cabaret by Adele Scott, featured at The Butterfly Club in 2015
Role: Musical direction, arranging, production, composition
April – The Fame Game with Famous Sharron
In April Twenty-Finkteen, with two days notice, I was thrust into a lyrca tuxedo onesie and swept off my feet by the illustrious Famous Sharron. Sharron, famous for nothing but fabulous for everything, brought her show The Fame Game to Melbourne for the first time to help some of our minor celebrities become a little more famous.
Sharing the stage with some sensational improvisers and friends, The Fame Game featured a raft of celebrities and personalities including Sam Ludeman, Dolly Diamond, Greg Fleet, Geraldine Quinn, George Kapiniaris and Real Housewives of Mebourne’s Gamble Breaux. I came out of the experience knowing what a ‘Real Housewife of Melbourne’ was, which is something I never thought I’d say.
The Fame Game with Famous Sharron
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015, Melba Spiegeltent
Famous Sharron, famous for nothing, helping others find fame the old fashion way – with improv!
Role: Improvised soundtracks and atmosphere.
March – Hoo-Haa Gladiators
March led me straight into the 2015 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, performing with my favourite comedy troupe The Big Hoo-Haa in their special event show Hoo-Haa Gladiators. A take on the television mastery that was Gladiators, Hoo-Haa Gladiators saw Melbourne’s finest improvising comedians enter the comedy battledome to compete for glory, featuring generally more, but not too much, spandex.
I performed throughout the run, but also got to realise my dream of parodying the theme tune, complete with orchestral drama, 80s shred licks, and totaling my voice at 3am by singing at the peak of my range. And then some.
Hoo-Haa Gladiators
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015, Imperial Hotel
The Big Hoo-Haa Melbourne’s special event show, featuring the best of Melbourne’s improvising comedians battling it out for comedy glory.
Role: Improvised soundtracks and atmosphere, production & performance of theme tune.
February – In The Heights
February was a special month in Twenty-Finkteen as I was part of launching StageArt’s Australian Premiere of In The Heights. Playing bass and guitar, the show ran for 3 sold out weeks at Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel, and will return in 2016 for a limited encore season which I’m ecstatic to be a part of.
In The Heights was a remarkable experience, not just to put on an amazing show, but in the genuine passion and enthusiasm from everyone in the cast, crew and band. It also got a shout out from the show’s creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
StageArt are a sensational company to work for, and I was lucky enough to play a few more shows later in the year. Check back in a few days to read more about that. Their 2016 season is off the charts, so see as many as you can!
January – Dolly Diamond Under a Big Top
Twenty Finkteen kicked off with a raucous 3 night run of Dolly Diamond Under a Big Top. I co-lead a band with maestro Cameron Thomas supporting Dolly’s razor-sharp wit and hilarious life stories. Dolly’s a one-of-a-kind gal, and this show was a tremendous start to the year.
Featuring a stunning lineup of guests including Rachel Dunham, Jeda Cacioli, Sharon Wills, Jonathan Duffy and Sexy Galexy, plus band made up of good friends Oscar Neyland and Dave George, the show garnered stellar reviews, including a whopping 5 stars from TheatrePeople.
Ocean – John Butler Trio
Performed @ The Oaks Hotel, Albion Park, NSW, January 2012
Spence & Garfinkel – Livin’ on a Prayer (Bon Jovi Cover)
Livin’ on a Prayer cover by Joel Spence & Caleb Garfinkel
Supporting Daryl Braithwaite, 12th October 2012.
Carols by Caleb – Jingle Bells
Carols by Caleb
Based on the arrangement by Ted Greene
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Carols by Caleb
Based on the arrangement by Ted Greene
Teardrop (Massive Attack) Guitar Quartet
Guitar quartet of Massive Attack’s Teardrop.
Arranged, performed and recorded by Caleb Garfinkel.
In The Heights
Australian premiere of Tony Award 2008 Winning musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Chapel off Chapel, February 20 – March 8 2015, and returning for a repeat limited season March 2016.
Role: Bass, Guitar
The Big Hoo-Haa
Ongoing: Improvised Comedy Show at Butterfly Club, Melbourne.
The Big Hoo-Haa
Improvised Comedy Show
Butterfly Club, 8pm Fridays
Role: Improvised music soundtracks and atmosphere, DJ and voiceover
Dolly Diamond Under a Big Top (2015)
Midsumma 2015, Melba Spiegeltent (MD).
Cabaret variety show, featuring 4 piece band, backing and feature singers and jazz sextet.
Studio
Studio work completed for shows and clients. Work includes audio production, arranging, engraving and recording.
Corporate Projects
A demonstration (certainly not exhaustive) of projects specially suited for corporate functions, events, weddings, parties and more.
Review: Paul Simon and Sting
Music Review: Paul Simon and Sting
10th February, 2015
Rod Laver Arena
Review: Ben Frost
Music Review: Ben Frost
5th February, 2015
Hi-Fi Bar
Masters Recital 2013 – Guitarscapes (playlist)
Masters Recital – November 27th 2013, Paris Cat Melbourne
Caleb Garfinkel – Guitar, Laptop
Zac Watzon – Bass
Nathan Power – Drums
1. dawn
2. intersect
3. thaw
4. alley
5. commute
6. sunburst
Review: Camille O’Sullivan
Music Review: Camille O’Sullivan – Changeling
22nd January, 2015
Arts Centre, Fairfax Studio
Review: The 1975
Music Review: The 1975
15th January, 2015
Festival Hall
Review: All I Do Is Dream – An Octet Tribute to Duke Ellington
Music Review: All I Do Is Dream – An Octet Tribute to Duke Ellington
Thursday 8th January, 2015 – The Paris Cat
Saturday 10th January, 2015 – The Wesley Anne
Review: Tycho & Rat and Co
Music Review: Tycho with Rat and Co
8th January, 2014
The HiFi, Melbourne
Review: Milky Chance
Music Review: Milky Chance
6th January, 2015
170 Russell
Cantina Band – Star Wars – Guitar Quintet
By John Williams, Arranged by Caleb Garfinkel,
with Stephen Rando, Luke Anticevic, Daniel Muscat, Matthew Erikson, Stephen Hornby, Gordon Graham
Theme from Schindler’s List
Theme from Schindler’s List. Composed by John Williams (composer), arranged John Williams (guitarist).
Us/Let It Go – Michael Leunig
Us & Let It Go written and illustrated by Michael Leunig. Music composed by Gyan
Performed & Arranged by Caleb Garfinkel & Joel Spence, for Michael Leunig In Conversation at Rotunda, Victoria University, 2012.
Review: The Black Sorrows
Music Review: The Black Sorrows
12th December, 2014
Ding Dong
Interview: The Girl With The Gris Gris Rocks Ding Dong
Interview with head chef of Girl With the Gris Gris (Ding Dong), Chris Weysham
Review: The Waifs
Music Review: The Waifs
1st December, 2014
Corner Hotel
Review: The Smith Street Band
Music Review: The Smith Street Band
26th November, 2014
Corner Hotel
Review – Broken Doll
Music Review: Broken Doll
23rd November, 2014
Ding Dong Lounge
Review: The VANNS
What: The VANNS
When: Thursday 20th November
Where: Shebeen
Review: Jimmy Eat World
Music Review: Jimmy Eat World
November 17th, 2014
Forum Theatre
Review: Ricochet
Music Review: Ricochet
14th November, 2014
Gallery One Three
Review: The Idea Of North
The Idea Of North
8th November 2014
Chapel off Chapel
Review – Pierce Brothers
Music Review: Pierce Brothers
Corner Hotel, Richmond
November 7th, 2014
MAS Presents: Damien Rice’s O
Melbourne Album Series presents a one-off performance of Damien Rice’s 2003 album O.
Featuring 5 piece band, string quartet and vocals from Caleb Garfinkel, Georga Byrne & Diana Emry.
Carols by Caleb
Jazz and classical interpretations of well-loved Christmas Carols.
Shows & Events
Upcoming and past events and shows, both that Caleb has been involved in and Musical Directed.
HAVEN – Jessi Lewis (2014)
Composer/Sound Designer for Jessi Lewis’ solo dance performance HAVEN.
Alfred Hospital – ED/ICU Soundscape (2013)
Two soundscapes of a hospital Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit.
Produced for the Alfred Hospital, VIC for the Prevention of Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma program (P.A.R.T.Y.).
Bands and Original Projects
Ongoing bands and musical projects Caleb is currently performing as part of or curating.
Review – Augie March
Music Review: Augie March
Howler, Brunswick
31st October 2014
Photos by Jaz Meadows Imagery
Review: Augie March – Haven’s Dumb
Augie March – Haven’s Dumb.
Released through Dark Satanic / Caroline
Melbourne Album Series
One-off performances of pivotal and influential albums.
Dylan Joel – That’s Good
Free Collective/Mixtape album from an exciting up-and-coming hip hop star.
Caleb played guitar on 9 of the 16 tracks, and the album is available for free download.
Kerang Jefferson Quartet
Contemporary electric guitar quartet, curated by Kera Jeffery. Repertoire includes film scores, electronica, and original compositions.
KaDo Warehouse
In-house musical director for cabaret venue, production house and creative hub, and occasional menagerie.
Acoustic Covers & Originals
Solo acoustic looping covers and original music
Review: Tuba Skinny
Music Review: Tuba Skinny
October 17th, 2014
Melbourne Festival – Foxtel Festival Hub
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Review: The Soul of Aretha
Music Review: The Soul of Aretha
Ding Dong Lounge
October 15th, 2014
Review: Kinfolk
Music Review: Kinfolk
Northcote Social Club
Tuesday October 14, 2014
Review: Thirsty Merc
Music Review: Thirsty Merc – 10 Year Anniversary Tour
October 9th, 2014
Melbourne Public
dis’pers
Solo laptop/guitar electronic and ambient project.
Honey Pot
A melting pot of music, comedy, theatre and cabaret curated by Matthew Grant and Caleb Garfinkel (MD).
Review: Through the Looping Glass
Music Review: Through the Looping Glass by Helen Bower
October 1st, 2014
Feat Theatre, Preston
2014 Melbourne Fringe Festival
Featuring compositions by: Max Perryment (UK), Grace Hugh Robbins (NSW), Charles MacInnes (VIC), Ade Vincent (VIC)
Review: Veruca Salt
Music Review: Veruca Salt
September 30th, 2014
Corner Hotel
Solo Instrumental Guitar
Instrumental guitar renditions, as background or feature performance. Classical, jazz, folk, acoustic and more.
Review: Jennifer Kingwell – The Ninth Wave
Music Review: Jennifer Kingwell – The Ninth Wave
September 20th, 2014
The Lithuanian Club
2014 Melbourne Fringe Festival
Review: Pop Will Eat Itself
Music Review: Pop Will Eat Itself
September 7th, 2014
The Hi-Fi Bar, Melbourne
Review: Nonpoint – The Return (LP)
CD Review: Nonpoint – The Return
Razor & Tie, US
Metal Blade Records, International
Review: Mi-Sex
Music Review: Mi-Sex – Peep Show Tour
August 23rd, 2014
Ding Dong Lounge
Review: Sensaround
Music Review: Sensaround – Isotropes Album Launch
August 9th, 2014
Long Play
Review: Wayne Hancock
Music Review: Wayne Hancock
August 6th, 2014
Ding Dong Lounge
Review: Clockwise – Dancing World EP
EP Review: Clockwise – Dancing World
Released through ABC/Universal
Review: Jeff Lang
Music Review: Jeff Lang Album Launch
July 5th, 2014
Thornbury Theatre
Performance, Pedals and Preparedness
I’ve taken a bit of time away from blogging to sort out what exactly it is I do creatively, and therefore what knowledge I can actually add to the plethora of content that’s already written. Over the past few years I’ve found that my interests haven’t exactly changed, but have found directions and strengthened. It Read more
The Theme From (2011)
Soundtrack to The Theme From
72 Hour Film Festival, 2011
Director: John Erasmus; Writer: Paul Knox; Producer: Wallis Murphy-Munn
Aladdin Jr (2012)
Student Orchestra Arrangement for Sunbury Downs Secondary College performance of Disney’s Aladdin Jr.
The Magical Oak Tree (2011)
Composition and Musical Direction for children’s puppet show, produced by The Puppet Box, 2011.
Triple J and Women in Popular Music
As part of an Honours research essay in 2010 I looked at the role and equality of female musicians in today’s contemporary popular music scene. My initial intent was to focus on female instrumentalists in jazz and contemporary, to assess the gross gender imbalances between men and women in regards to playing instruments, as opposed Read more
Caleb Garfinkel – Frogs in my Head (2007)
Folk, Pop, Rock
With Steven Cannatelli (bass), Jaz Meadows (drums), Yanina Oliver (voice, credited as Yanina Paccioco), Finn O’Sullivan (piano) and Dean Riffatt (didgeridoo)