Whatever reason, the strength of the local original music scene continues to thrive, even with a dearth of musical venues for the region's songwriters to show their wares.

One upside of this oft-lamented situation is that south-west musicians are compelled more than ever to get out of the south-west to play - after all, there's only so many times you can play at the Loft.

In honour of these musicians, Musicology is turning its spotlight onto it's own backyard and shining a light on five recently released records from five local acts which could all serve as the soundtrack to your summer.

Brett Clarke - Keep The Dream Alive

AS the grandson of Banjo Clarke, it's no surprise Gunditjmara man Brett Clarke's culture, beliefs and passion run like a river through his debut album. His earnest lyrics, which touch on reconciliation, getting back to country, passing on traditions and just having a good time and celebrating life, are balanced by simple groovers like Move Your Feet and a surprisingly funky vibe throughout. Opener Keep The Dream Alive is perhaps the funkiest, but elsewhere there is country (Hit The Track), rock (Corruption) and hints of reggae (Endlessly) on what is a surprisingly diverse and satisfyingly honest record.

Rhys Crimmin - Musical Journey

THE title of Terang musician Rhys Crimmin's debut album is about as fitting as they come. Since emerging in Warrnambool about five years ago, Crimmin has gone from being an aspiring multi-instrumentalist learning the skills to tap into the great roots music revolution to becoming a singer-songwriter on the cusp of roots music glory. The change has come through a literal journey he's taken via touring the country relentlessly, which has not only seen his compositions become more thoughtful, but his singing and guitarwork have also gone up a level. Full of acoustic reggae, roots rhythms, and Ash Grunwald-style dirty slide-guitar-work, the stand-out song is the title track - a dynamic piece that shows how far Crimmin has come.