"I started off with volunteering at PBS FM in Fitzroy Street when I put my son into care for one day to socialize him when he was about four years old.  From there I was blessed with a Graveyard Show called 'Earth Sprit' which aired weekly for four hours.  I invited many artists to come onto the show including a residential poet/spoken word artist George E Bean. 

There were also regular performances by the Curse Of Dialect crew.  I was also involved with a project called ‘Radio Jam Room’ with Jamie Isaacson which was a recording of artists who performed in the PBS FM studio which aired on Channel 31 for one season.  I continued with my show on PBS FM for about three years. 

I then organized a live gig for the show which included many artists and headlined by Curse Ov Dialect at Theatreworks in St Kilda.  This included an exhibition of works by Surrealist artist Steve Radic (RIP).  A compilation was produced of this event of the artists who participated."

Helena Ashton, c. 2014 - Photo by Buff G Photography - Source: Helena Ashton

"My connection of St Kilda extended beyond music also when I became a prep cook and Vice President of Lentil Inc. - a non for profit incorporated – pay as you feel – café/restaurant, (Lentil As Anything in Blessington Street).  Here I was involved in many creative projects including poetry nights, exhibitions and Blessington Street Festival.   My connection with St Kilda deepened when I was with Noir.  We were one of the permanent bands who rehearsed at The Vault in St Kilda.  Those were the golden years.  I feel that I have done my best work in St Kilda.

I saw many female led bands and female performers playing gigs in St Kilda.  With Noir we played with many amazing artist lineups including the Goddess series.  One gig we loved playing at was the Espy Basement with other female led bands eg: Marilyn Rose & The Thorns, The Antoinettes and The Falling Standards, around 2014."

• Noir - Triple J Unearthed

Helena Ashton, 2014 - Photo by Buff G Photography - Source: Helena Ashton