In the spirit of inclusivity and connection, nothing speaks louder than the power of music. Few know this better than Mattie Michael, Geoffrey Thorsen and Ari Palti of The CandleSnakes, an all-abilities band that shows how music can bring people together.
The trio is passionate about hosting events that light up the stage with energy, diversity and joy. The CandleSnakes’ mission is simple: to create opportunities where people of all abilities can showcase their talents side by side, sharing the spotlight equally. To them, music is more than entertainment; it’s a unifying force that transcends barriers, dissolves difference and fills the room with shared joy.
How the story began
Back in 2020, during a COVID-era all-abilities songwriting program on Zoom, two puppets met: Mr Snake (created by Mattie) and Mrs Candle (a brilliant creation, the songwriting manager.) In a playful twist, Mr Snake proposed marriage to Mrs Candle, and though restrictions lifted, the story didn’t end there. By 2022, their “union” evolved into something bigger: the birth of The CandleSnakes. Fittingly, Mrs Candle still runs the show!
At their Friday rehearsals, Mattie, Geoffrey and Ari aim to write new original lyrics and music every week. The songs often draw from Mattie’s life and personality, bursting with humour, quirks and punk-rock energy. Audiences can expect lyrics about cookies, fist-bumps and kebabs, wrapped up in high-octane riffs and beats. Mattie, the ultimate rock showman, keeps every performance unpredictable and magnetic, with Geoffrey on lead guitar and Ari powering the drums.
Inclusion Rocks 2023
On 8 August 2023, The CandleSnakes headlined their second ‘Inclusion Rocks’, a one-night event featuring a line-up of musicians from across the all-abilities community, both neurodiverse and neurotypical. The result? A blend of music, talent and infectious positivity that electrified the room. With 130 audience members dancing, clapping and grooving to the beat, the atmosphere was nothing short of exhilarating.
Among the crowd that evening was Dagmar Yeaman, co-founder of Parents Battle of the Bands (PBOB). As an Australian registered charity, PBOB uses music to build community, strengthen connection and enhance mental and cognitive wellbeing. Seeing The CandleSnakes in action, Dagmar immediately recognised their shared vision for music as a force for inclusion.
A shared stage in 2025
Fast-forward to 2025, when Dagmar invited The CandleSnakes to be the special guests to open the Bayside Parents Battle of the Bands – fittingly, also on 8 August. For both groups, it was the perfect opportunity to join forces, amplifying their commitment to inclusion, community and the sheer power of live music.
At Bayside PBOB, the trio had the audience of more than 250 people engaged- clapping, bopping and singing along to their set within minutes. It was an inclusive, heartwarming opening to an outstanding community event.
Carrying the spirit forward
“The spirit of music is a timeless way to educate, connect, inspire and bring community together,” says Anna Vermooten, co-founder of PBOB. It’s a sentiment The CandleSnakes live by in every plan and performance. The band continues to welcome invitations to perform, as well as opportunities to feature and collaborate with other all-abilities musicians in practises and future events.
The CandleSnakes operates as a microbusiness auspiced by EdAble, a social enterprise dedicated to increasing employment opportunities for people with neurodiversities..
To get in touch with The CandleSnakes, contact info.edable@gmail.com or call 0412 291 092.