Victor Lancaster plays bucket drums on the streets of Melbourne.
In 2001 Citylights Projects and Marcos Davidson commissioned David Franzke to make live recordings in the street of Victor playing. The recordings of Victor were then distributed to various Melbourne audio artists and Dj’s to produce remixes.

The resulting works (six tracks by Victor solo, and five remix collaborations) were assembled as the album Mr Mention, and released on CD in 2001.

You can listen to all the tracks below.



35 Years in the Business, One of the Best
Walking down Russell, Lonsdale, Swanston or wherever its happening, you generally hear the hypnotic patterns of Victor Lancaster's drumming drifting through the traffic and hubbub long before you see him.

With his unique kit of buckets, 40-litre water bottle, cowbell and cymbals, Victor makes assymetric beats for and of the City. Check his tempo on a friday night in Russel St and then find him outside the old hong Kong bank on a sunny afternoon - Victor is a consumate interpreter of the Citys' pulse and motion through his trademark "drum n' buck-kit" sound.

Hailing from Kyogal in the northern rivers region of NSW, Victor has played all points from Brisbane to Melbourne and has been a central player in the CBD scene for over 15 years.

If you want to know whats goin' on, ask Victor. From the Royal City Relax to the Davis Cup to the BIg Day Out, Victor is on the door and on the go and in the know.

Whether he's playing with his band the Victorians, mixing up a fondue, MC-ing an opening, exhibiting his art, laying down some beats or just plain hanging out and partyin'on Victor Lancaster is Melbournes' own Mister Mention.

Amac
Melbourne 2001

Field recording notes - David franzke
Victor on Lonsdale st.
Seeing Victor setting up his kit is a a rare and beautiful thing... The meticulous way in which he assembles his kit is an audio-visual treat to be savoured!!

Small children groove away to Victor ,as he meets their stare sitting milk crated at their level with that ever present smile, filling their heads with his infectious grooves.

Vic solo @ Sahara..After weeks of negotiation I finally had the opportunity to record victor off the street....what a treat... Megan@ Sahara allowed us to set up the recording equipment. Here we obtain a rare insight into the the man. An unsurpassable energy not often ventured into on the street>

David Franzke
Sound recordist. 2001