Series Synopsis

A band of thirty schoolgirls brave tensions, line-up changes and heartbreak to triumph at Europe’s top music festivals. Over the course of a year, the Sweethearts face the hardest lesson of all – when to let go.

Episode Synopses

Episode 6 – Hate On Me

Despite a strong tryout by Janeva, the new song “Hate On Me” is given to Chloe. Elsbeth has regrets about staying on as trombone mentor. Ross lays down the law to the vocalists and Tilly. Maddi doubts her worth to the band when Tilly takes on Maddi’s solo.

Sweethearts travel to Jan Juc beach for their annual band camp. They are there to work up two new songs for the European tour: Bree and Holly’s original song “Cowboy Chic” and a cover of Jill Scott’s “Hate On Me”. The latter is an incredibly difficult yet prestigious song to sing.

With the issue of song allocation still burning, Ross explains his policy of giving new songs to the up and comers over the older members. Vocal coach Georgia V explains the two-sided nature of song allocation: the girls have to be hungry for it, and they must also be encouraged and given opportunities to try out for songs.

After the first tryouts, none of the lead vocalists quite nail “Hate On Me”. The band moves on to work up Bree and Holly’s song, “Cowboy Chic”, with members of the Public Opinion Afro Orchestra. Bree is excited and daunted by the prospect of performing her song onstage in Porretta.

Elsbeth is questioning her decision to stay with Sweethearts as a mentor. She turned down an offer from one of Australia’s top film schools because her classes clashed with Sweethearts rehearsals.

Day Two and another round of vocal tryouts for “Hate On Me”. Backing singer Janeva makes a strong attempt. She’s the popular favourite for the song but she’s hesitant. She doesn’t want to take a song from a lead vocalist and she doesn’t want to leave her comfort zone in backings.

Caroline Colby was a former band member who died tragically in 2011. In her will, she left her alto saxophone to Sweethearts. Ross presents it to young saxophonist Bella. It’s a fitting end to band camp.

Back in Geelong, the girls have a busking gig at the Carousel, where they hope to raise $1000 for Europe. However, the weather sets in and the gig is abandoned. They have raised virtually nothing.

At the next rehearsal, Ross reminds the band of their responsibilities for “Party” – their biggest fundraising event for Europe. Chloe has been given the lead vocals for “Hate On Me” because of her range. Ross and Georgia differ on Janeva’s suitability for the song.

Ross reprimands the vocalists about their responsibilities. He takes no more excuses from Tilly and pushes her to take on Maddi’s solo. Tilly overcomes her fear and surprises herself, while Maddi is left feeling that she is easily replaced.