Blank – issue #81 – Nov 2020 by Blank Street Press

Reset your future Kick start your creative career with a Southern Cross University contemporary music degree. Learn in state-of-the-art audio studios, from lecturers who are practicing musicians with strong industry links. Study at Coomera Creative Campus, Gold Coast. Apply today and start study in March 2021.

scu.edu.au/music

Paws at the Park

The Gold Coast's favourite doggie market event is back again on Saturday 7 November. Paws at the Park is the largest dog market event of its kind in Australia. Paws at the Park highlights the best of Gold Coast and Brisbane dog products and services with over 80 doggie related stalls, food trucks, off-lead areas for small and big dogs, and fundraising raffle for AWLQ. Parking will be off Mudgeeraba Road next to Mosaic Church for a $5 donation to Animal Welfare League Qld. Saturday 7 November from 9am at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds.

November welcomes BLEACH* Festival

It’s finally here! After being put through the pandemic wringer along with the rest of the events world, Placemakers* Gold Coast is set to deliver an epic 11 day BLEACH* Festival program set to run on the Gold Coast from 12 to 22 November, over three main hubs. There is plenty on the Bleach* Festival program in our NAIDOC Week section of this edition, and you can jump on over bleachfestival.com. au for all the deets and bookings.

issue #81 - November 2020 Managing Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Advertising & Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Content Coordinator & Photography: Simone Gorman-Clark

Springbrook Bio Blitz 2020

Do a wildlife survey on your doorstep! The second Gold Coast Bioblitz is inviting experienced and amateur nature lovers to spend a few hours with an expert and search for the wonderful wildlife in the biodiversity hot spot that is Springbrook National Park on 4, 5 and 6 December 2020. Small survey groups will team up with leading scientists and head out into nature to learn observational skills and how to properly identify different species. In addition there’s a whole program of environmental workshops, presentations and activities going on at basecamp, so rent bunks or camp out and spend the weekend doing surveys and having sing-songs by the camp fire with the fam. Head on over to watergum.org/gold-coast-bioblitz for more.

Thanks to the pandemic, NAIDOC Week has shifted from its usual home in July, to 8 – 15 November 2020. This year’s theme is “Always Was, Always Will Be”. This theme recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. We have a special NAIDOC Week section in this edition, so be sure to check it out. Visit naidoc.org.au for more.

The Somerset National Poetry Prize encourages young writers in their literary endeavours and is open to all Australian high school students. It is a wonderful opportunity for serious student writers, encouraging them in their literary growth. The winner in each category will receive $300 plus flights to the Gold Coast to attend the Somerset Storyfest in March 2021. Closing date is 4 December 2020. Enter at storyfest.com.au/poetry-prize.

Stand and raise a beer, Crafted 2020 is back on! With QLD event restrictions easing and now allowing standing while holding a bevvie, organisers are stoked to announce that Crafted is back on and will be happening Saturday 28 November 2020. They’ve been able to increase the event capacity slightly, and have now released additional tickets. So if you missed out first time around, grab your ticket now before they’re all snapped up, at bit.ly/ Crafted28Nov

TeamWriters: Anthony Gebhardt & Zac Fahey Intern: Amaya Coburn Distribution: Swinging Safari Crew Contributors (print and online): Natalie O'Driscoll, Anthony Gebhardt, Simone Gorman-Clark, Pip Andreas, Glenn Tozer, Amaya Coburn, Alex De Vylder, Marj Osborne, Courtney Thomas, Erin Bourne, Zac Fahey, Prudence Clark. Cover: Gavin Doniger photographed by Camille Brandon. Doniger will be releasing their debut record ‘Renegade’ on 27 November. Acknowledgement of Country: We genuinely respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and play. We honour their elders past, present and emerging as well as the rich contribution that continues to be made to society through art, story and music.

GENERATE GC 2021-2022 is open for applications

Crafted Festival announces new dates NAIDOC Week 2020

Students: The Somerset National Poetry Prize is open

Expressions of interest are open now for the 2021-2022 GENERATE GC program, a bespoke two year program designed to support Gold Coast based artists and creative practitioners to develop new site specific work. The opportunity is open to artists and creative practitioners working in the visual arts, design, architecture, fashion, digital media, installation, community arts, live art, performing arts, music, writing and other creative pursuits. Find out more about the program at bit.ly/37JmKyK. An Artist Information Session is to be held at Kirra Hill Community Centre, Gold Coast on Tue 10 Nov from 6pm. Registrations at bit. ly/2Tx08Jq. EOI's close midnight AEST 22 November, 2020.

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

About us: Blank is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris, Chloe Popa, Amanda Gorman and Natalie O'Driscoll. Founded in 2013 we are an independent voice for local music, arts and lifestyle and we rely on advertising as well as our generous contributors to keep us ticking. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team.

Editorial: news@blankstreetpress.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankstreetpress.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankstreetpress.com.au Follow us: Facebook/Instagram @blankstreetpress

Get back to your roots at HOTA Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

NEW SINGLE Gold Coast’s Roots Music Festival kicks off at the end of this month with Gold Coast Music Awards 2020 Live Act of the Year Tijuana Cartel leading an impressive lineup that also includes Fat Picnic, Hanlon Brothers and the August River Band. Hosted by Double J presenter Sarah Howells, the Roots Music Festival is a massive celebration of the roots megagenre which encompasses soul, blues, reggae, folk and more. On a family-friendly Sunday, a star-studded line up of roots artists will set the scene for the perfect day of sunshine, music, food and drinks, all on the Outdoor Stage at HOTA. Tijuana Cartel’s Paul George says the band’s recent shows have been limited to sit down crowds – a far cry from the usual high octane, balls-to-the-wall dancing gigs they’re used to. They’ve taken it all in their stride, though. “We kind of enjoyed it,” Paul tells us. “It’s a different vibe. ‘Our thing’ is usually everyone being up, sweaty and dancing, but we still get into the groove. It’s funny watching people dancing in their chairs!” Tijuana Cartel will be mixing up some of their chilled out tunes with old faves, in a nod to the changed conditions. But given that the whole band hasn’t gotten together in a while, it’ll probably end up being more of a ‘go with the flow’ thing on the day. “I haven’t seen the band altogether for a while, and it’s been a while since we’ve played. I think it’s been about three months. I think we’ll be right - we’re probably seasoned pros by now!” laughs Paul. Roots Music Festival is on 29 November presented by HOTA, Home of the Arts as part of three month live event UPSPRING, and is proudly supported by City of Gold Coast. Grab your friends and reserve your own square, over at hota.com.au/music/the-roots-music-festival.

BACK TO YOU 29.10.2020

donigermusic.com

DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE

Doniger: Rock Renegade Rebirth Gavin Doniger is an artist who lives and bleeds real-deal rock and roll. Since 1998 he’s been a constant presence on the East Coast music scene, strapping on his trusty six string and hitting the road under the guise of rootsy, blues rock duo Mescalito Blues, or simply under his own name. Words by Anthony Gebhardt - Photograph by Camille Brandon

His prodigious talents were most recently on display within the grooves of 2018 album (as Mescalito Blues) ‘Tall, Tales, True’, a rock-solid collection of blues-inflected swagger with plenty of dirt under the fingernails. Since then, he’s been busy working on a collection of new material with a slightly different musical slant. Along for the ride on the Doniger rock-train are some of the local scene’s finest musical illuminati in the form of Joe Macphail, Liam Bowditch and George Carpenter – who also lent his production skills to the record. Gavin had already worked with most of his talented support ensemble on the last Mescalito Blues record, with the guys this time tweaking their template to create a new rock hybrid that defies easy categorisation. In the words of Liam Bowditch: “In this day and age, everything is highly categorised, but our music can't be put in a box. It can't be described in just one genre. We formed this band because the music we were creating didn't fit into our former acts. It's fresh, it's catchy and it hits on subjects relevant to what's happening in today's society". Gavin himself adds further insight into the origins and inspiration that begat Doniger, the band; “How it came together is that even though I am a blues artist, I don’t always just write blues songs. I write all sorts of music. The only way to work with these songs was to make a completely new act. I had a belief that these songs were worth pushing - they’re a mix of all the different kinds of music that has influenced me over the years. So, I guess it can’t be put into just one genre.”

Case in point is the first up number under the Doniger moniker, the striking and confident ‘Back To You’. The track sets the bar high early, with Gavin’s rock-grizzled vocals moodily soaring over an insistent, spacious, modern rock groove which oozes both grit and soul. Lyrically, the song holds a mirror up to the self-obsession inherent in today’s society, encapsulated in the memorable refrain of its gutsy chorus; “everything that you do, it all comes back to you.” The song serves as a precursor to the pending release of Doniger’s debut album, ‘Renegade’, which will be available in late November, and was mastered by Paul Blakey and completed with the welcome assistance of a RADF grant, funded by City of Gold Coast and Queensland Government. Gavin describes the process the guys undertook to pull the album together. “These songs were recorded over an eighteen-month period, with three separate two day studio sessions. The majority of the songs were ideas with lyrics which needed to be structured into full songs, taking the time to play around with ideas and trying to create different sounds for each song. The recording process was definitely a melting pot of creativity between the three of us.” For an artist renowned for his tireless work ethic when it comes to plying his trade in the live realm, the ramifications of this year’s COVID outbreak certainly hit Gavin hard, forcing him to redirect his focus towards the studio, he explains.

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

“After performing 100 - 120 shows each year, week in week out, to make a living, COVID forced me to take a break from the live circuit. With the gigging scene grinding to an immediate halt and with no work, it forced me to redirect my energy into my song -writing and this project, which has been a positive.

“But I do really miss playing all the live gigs and probably took for granted how much the public need live music too. I really look forward to getting back out there and playing live again. I love it. I miss it. It’s what I do.” As to what’s on the horizon following the release of the debut Doniger album, Gavin and the lads are ready and raring, whatever the future holds, as long as they can bring the rock, Gavin says. “The Doniger project ultimately just wants to be heard. Whether that is via live streaming, film clips, social media, live gigs - whatever this world allows us to do in these crazy COVID times.” Gavin Doniger’s new musical project, Doniger, are releasing their debut record, ‘Renegade’ on 27 November, which we’ll be reviewing in the December issue of Blank GC. In the meantime, be sure to check out the album’s lead

BURLEIGH HEADS EVENT

12 NOV

FIRST LIGHT LAST LIGHT

5AM

MORNING STAR AND EVENING STAR

7AM

13 NOV

14 NOV

15 NOV

16 NOV

17 NOV

18 NOV

19 NOV

21 NOV

22 NOV 6:20PM 5:30PM

SKY WEAVE

7AM – 9PM

TALGNAI light (to shine)

7PM – 9PM

7PM– 9PM

1PM, 7PM

7AM, 1PM, 7PM

7AM – 9PM

8AM 9AM

6:30PM

GATHERING

DREAMTIME TRAVELLERS MUSICAL STORIES DUSK RECITALS DONE & DAPPERED STORYTELLER IN-RESIDENCE

4PM

6:30PM

3PM – 5PM

10AM – 3PM

4PM

BLOCK PARTY DABILBUNG (brokenwater)

7AM – 9PM

SPARKS AT BLEACH* GOLD COAST FUTURES FORUM: KIOSK OF THE FUTURE

7AM – 9PM

9AM – 12PM

2PM

7AM – 9PM

GOLD COAST FUTURES FORUM: DEEP TIME CONVERSATIONS IN CONVERSATION WITH... BLEACH* CLUB

CHEVRON ISLAND CHEZ NOUS ON CHEVRON (one ticket nine experiences)

12PM – 9PM

6PM

12PM – 9PM

6PM

QUEERSTORIES AVANT YARD

10AM

12PM – 9PM

4PM

7AM – 9PM

9AM – 12PM

7AM – 9PM

10AM – 1PM

12PM – 9PM

7AM – 9PM

12PM – 9PM

6PM

7PM

6PM

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7PM 7PM

HILLS HOIST CINEMA

7PM 3PM

THE G.O.A.T SHOW

9PM

BOTANIC GARDENS

SOUNDS LIKE SPRING

9PM

3PM

ONLINE DISOBEDIENCE RULES: THE BEER O’CLOCK EDITION

10AM – 3PM

4PM

6PM

HONKY TONK TOWN STRINGS & BEATS

10AM – 3PM

3PM – 8PM

WORKSHOPS

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?

20 NOV

5PM

LASTLINGS First Contact There’s a first time for everything. Your first love, first heartbreak, first job, first flight, first time in a new country. That feeling of discovery and its emotions inspires ‘First Contact’, the first full-length release of Gold Coast brother/ sister duo Lastlings. One thing is for sure, with their abundance of talent, it won’t be their last offering. Embedded in Lastlings’ music are deep and rhythmic bass lines over beats, orchestrated by Josh, with dreamy treble melodies layered above, delivered by the unique vocal style of Amy who almost whisper-sings, sounding effortless. The album opens with the previously released ‘Deja Vu’, with its killer bass line to lead into the hook, setting the tone for back to back ear worming tracks throughout the album. Amy’s self-professed fave ‘False Reactions’ is a lovely new offering and the romantic piano introduction of ‘Visions’ sets the tone for a trio of new tracks fans will not have heard, but will no doubt love. ‘Held Under’ speaks eloquently of hope in the face of fear and ‘I’ve Got You’ closes out the album such that you will want to immediately press repeat. As perfect a soundtrack for your gym workout, as it is for your favourite club or socially distant dance party at home, ‘First Contact’ tracks are already on rotation on triple j, and a variety of your preferred commercial radio outlets and Spotify playlists. Check out our interview with Josh and Amy Dowdle – aka Lastlings – in this edition. If you haven’t experienced Lastlings yet, don’t be the last. It’s time for your first contact. by Glenn Tozer

Girl and Girl’s ‘Ocean Song’ Gold Coast four piece alternative-garage-rock band Girl and Girl burst onto the local music scene last year, and have quickly gained notoriety being named “Faves of the Year - 2019” by ABC radio GC Drives, “Best Live Band – 2019” by Ian Browne of Shamrock News and took out first prize in the 2019 Green Room battle of the bands. Words by Simone Gorman-Clark - Photograph by Jak Nicholls

Their sound has been described as Bowie crossed with Aussie 70’s rock by others and as “desperate rock” by the band themselves. Their first two singles ‘Zachariah’s third eye’ and ‘I Hate You’ hit the airwaves last year and their third follow up single ‘Ocean Song’ dropped in September. The accompanying music video to ‘Ocean Song’ has recently hit the interwebs and so we caught up with lead singer Kai to chat about the vid and the band’s soon-to-be released EP. You released your latest track ‘Ocean Song’ in September last year, could you tell us a bit about the backstory to the song? ‘Ocean Song’ in my mind is a testament to action over thought. I often overthink things way too much, and this song says that a lot of your problems can only be solved once you take a step outside of your own head. You have just dropped the music video to ‘Ocean Song’, could you tell us a little bit about the creation of the video and what you think of the finished product? I’d had the story board for the clip sorted for a little while, but didn’t really think we were ever going to get round to making the clip. Then one day we got a message from some TAFE students who asked if they could make a film clip for us for free, and I said yes of course. Filming was a lot of fun and a lot of running. Next thing you know we have this super cool little quirky clip. Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Everyone’s super stoked and exited to finally be getting her out into the wild and I am super proud and appreciative of everyone involved. Massive thanks to Willy, Ollie, Avicia and Cameron for making it happen. We hope you like it. We were wondering if you have any new songs up your sleeve, and if so, when can we expect them in our ears? YES! We should have one out in the very near future, and that will be the first of three singles set to be released from our upcoming debut EP. The EP is titled ‘A Typical Friday Night (shame, sex and misery)’ and the first single is called ‘Shame it’s not now’. If you’re reading this then you are one of the very first people to know that. Very very keen to start getting the tracks off that EP out there and very confident in saying that it is most certainly our best work to date. What have you you guys got planned for the rest of 2020? Giiggggggssss. As things continue to ease all we want to do is play gigs, we really miss happy sweaty dancing people. If you have a COVID- friendly function approaching that needs a band then give us a call, because living room gigs are our jam! Keep up to date with all of the Girl and Girl happenings over on their socials Facebook fb/girlandgirl and Instagram @girlandgirl_music. Check out the full interview over at blankgc.com.au.

Getting to Know Arisa On-the-rise Gold Coast talent Arisa is a name you’ll be no doubt hearing a lot more of over the coming months. The soulful young singer-songwriter with the exotic Filipino/Thai background combines a jaw dropping voice with pop/RnB smarts while lyrically portraying the emotions and struggles of a young woman navigating the challenges of modern-day life. Words by Anthony Gebhardt

Her debut release, ‘Crashes’, was released in March and has already amassed over 110 000 streams on Spotify. While recent number, ‘Not Here’, has also attained similar success in a short space of time, with more new music on the way. We recently reached out to Arisa to discover her musical background, what she’s been working on and how she likes to keep herself occupied outside of music. For a full transcript of the interview head to the Blank GC website. You've released two singles so far this year - how did they come together? I'm a fairly efficient songwriter so those singles came out quite quickly. They were just stored in the bank til I decided to share them this year. I've been writing for the past six years - I discovered that it was my best outlet for emotions and feelings. At face value I can be very outgoing and bubbly, however when serious situations arise I tend to be a very closed off person. Writing those songs really helped me express how I was feeling. Are you currently working on any other new material? I have been writing a lot lately and getting advice on the musicality of things from my good friend/brother and producer Troy from Sunnyside Sound. We recorded a bunch of songs that are ready for release, but wanted to try dropping them single by single. My next single, released in late October, is called 'Taking A Toll'. It has a slightly different direction than just RnB, as I wanted to bring in a reggae feel, as I grew up with UB40 as well as many others. As someone who has been performing for years, singing other artist's music, my style can vary and my music really shows that none of my songs can be classified as just one sound or style.

Is music something that has always resonated with you? Music is something that has always been a constant in my life. If I've ever had any dilemma, music was my best friend, there are literally songs about every possible situation or feeling. As a result of music being in my life I was taken under the wing of Vocal Adrenaline Performing Arts in 2016 and have been teaching singing ever since, to give back to others what I love so dearly. I teach privates and group lessons when I get the time in Gold Coast Dance studios, as I decided to step back and focus on my career.

THE BEST LIVE MUSIC PUB ON THE GOLD COAST IS BACK!

Any big plans on the radar for 2021, musically speaking? For 2021 I'm just hoping that the COVID restrictions clear up so I can start performing again, which is where I really thrive. I really miss doing large scale performances with my backup dancers on stage, as we like to put on a show with fun choreography and aesthetically pleasing visuals. I also want to continue releasing music next year and hopefully something catches people's attention, as my overall goal is to one day headline my own tour and perform in stadiums locally and worldwide. To get a taste of Arisa’s soulful sounds, head on over to her Soundcloud page.

Come and check out the beautifully restored Wallaby Hotel. Gig guide available on our website. wallabyhotel.com.au

Getting an ear for Mitch King Interview by Amaya Coburn - Story by Natalie O'Driscoll

Gold Coast roots artist Mitch King has always possessed that blow-your-mind kind of talent, but in recent times he has really come into his own. His latest track ‘Two Ears’ follows on from recent offering ‘Feel Worthy’, with both demonstrating an emotional and sonic maturity that had us hooked from the first listen. Recorded with producer Jordan Power (Xavier Rudd, Angus & Julia Stone, Dope Lemon), ‘Two Ears’ shows Mitch King in his most organic form, and we couldn’t resist getting a little behind-the-scenes peek with the man himself. “I began making the effort to listen more attentively to the people I care about, and the idea of having two ears for listening and one mouth to talk really stuck with me,” explains Mitch about the song’s inspiration. Although it was written “ages ago”, Mitch tells us, ‘Two Ears’ went through quite a few versions of the track before settling on the one he has just released. When asked about his process, Mitch is humble. “My songwriting generally begins with a guitar riff, whilst simultaneously mumbling some vocal babble until I find something that sticks and map it out from there,” he laughs. ‘Two Ears’ is all set to come with its own video, being released through Blank on 11 November. It provides a snapshot of a relationship moment where the singer refuses to listen to his partner ‘Rose’, who grows increasingly more frustrated trying to get his attention. Mitch calls the filming process with sought-after director Nils Nilsson a “pretty relaxed experience.” “We hired out an Air Bnb cottage for the day and filmed it over the course of around six hours. My job was to look monotone and reactionless throughout the video, so that wasn't too difficult, hahaha. The star of the show was 'Rose'.” There was one pretty exciting moment for Mitch and the rest of the crew during filming, he tells us. “My friend threw a big pie in my face. He only had one chance to get it right for filming as we only had one pie. This caused me a bit of apprehension!”

First contact with Lastlings Gold Coast electro-pop duo Lastlings are set to drop their long-awaited debut album, ‘First Contact’. Words by Glenn Tozer - Photograph by Jessica Aleece

Lastlings are definitely moving up in the music world, both as artists themselves and as collaborators with big names of the industry such as Rüfüs Du Sol and Cassian.

Josh remembered thinking he could always go back and become a doctor, but that opportunities in music might be once in a lifetime.

But as we discovered when we chatted to them about their debut album ‘First Contact’, brother/sister duo Josh and Amy Dowdle remain as down-to-earth as any regular Gold Coast hinterlanders, grounded in friends and family, and proud of their home town.

“I was a little shit in early high school,” he laughs. “We moved a bit when we were younger and spent some time in Townsville. When we moved to the Gold Coast I was into sports and mucking up. It wasn’t until Year 11 that mum gave me some books my nan owned about nursing, and I became fascinated with anatomy. I buckled down, learned science and ended up school captain. I thought I wanted to be an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon. Then Lastlings kinda started happening. I didn’t want to miss it.”

“We actually wrote a whole lot of the album right here in Tallebudgera Valley,” says Amy. “We’ve been in the valley six years now, after coming to the Gold Coast back around 2007. A lot of people think we’re from Sydney, Melbourne or overseas… but we want people to know we’re from the Gold Coast.” Their Japanese heritage is also important to the siblings, and Amy remembers moments with her mother as a young girl, being introduced to Japanese pop art and music. Both brother and sister are sci-fi fans, and Amy’s love for Studio Ghibli (Japanese animation) is a legacy of her relationship with her mother. “Actually, when mum made me learn piano, she would learn the same pieces with me, and we’d practice together,” she recalls. “And I remember sitting with her and loving watching ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’. Music and film have been in us since we were kids.” But it was watching ‘Bladerunner 2049’ together with Josh that got the album started, Amy remembers.

Audiences will have to wait until 11 November to see the results of the nerve-wracking pie throw, but in the meantime, you can take a listen to and enjoy ‘Two Ears’ with, well, both ears we guess!

“We walked out of that movie inspired. Once home, we wrote a track called ‘First Contact’ that didn’t make the album but we wanted to honour that creative moment by acknowledging it in the name of the album.”

Mitch is currently working on some more material for an EP to be released early next year so watch this space. In the meantime, jump onto mitchkingmusic.com.au for more, and check out ‘Two Ears’ on all the usual digital channels.

Although, it all might never have been. Josh did Biomedical Science at Griffith University and was planning to follow up with medicine and become a doctor when Lastlings started attracting the attention of music industry types.

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

As we finish up our chat, Josh gently laments Gold Coast audiences’ cautious approach to electronic music, seeing a greater affinity for surf rock, or singer songwriter music. But with three sold out Gold Coast gigs at Marketta in early December, maybe Gold Coast electronic music’s time has come? Either that, or the lockdown period has given audiences a renewed passion for getting out to see the fresh tunes the duo have released during COVID, Josh muses.

“Maybe the sell-outs are a combination of both? People super keen to see gigs, and our singles are resonating with new fans. Whatever the reason, it’s great. We can’t wait to play.” Lastlings Debut album ‘First Contact’ is out 20 November. Their three gigs at Miami Marketta in December are sold out. Check out our review of ‘First Contact’ in this edition.

Jack Botts Jack Botts is a breath of fresh air out of the Northern Rivers of NSW, creating a brand of surf folk drenched in depth and substance. Having honed his live skills to a fine point as a busker, Jack’s authentic live shows have left a serious impression on audiences across the country. Unfortunately, it has been a while between performances and recordings for this talented, affable singersongwriter. But with new releases come new tour dates, so to celebrate his latest single Hold You’, Jack will be heading off on tour over October and November, including a stop at our very own Miami Marketta. We shot some questions to Jack ahead of his show. Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Five words that best describe your feelings about being able to head back on tour this month: Amped, happy, curious, grateful, busy! Tell us a bit about your latest release ‘Hold You’. What’s it about, and does it represent any kind of evolution in your music journey? The ‘Hold You Tapes’ are the first few stories from, what I feel, a new chapter in my life. My writing has always revolved around my current situation in life, and experiences, so it was hard not to draw inspiration from how I am feeling at the time. ‘Hold You’ in particular was written about how I was feeling about being separated by distance with someone, against your own will. I kind of just through spat out all the emotions onto the page and there it was. There’s definitely a hint of desperation in there. What do you think about the recent increase in profiles of musicians who’ve kicked off their careers with busking? So epic! I love it. I’ll forever be grateful for what busking has done for me. Busking opens you up to everyone and anyone, you’re kind of vulnerable in a way. I think it’s pretty cool to know that when you set up on the street, and any crowd or audience that decides to stay and listen for a bit, you’ve drawn them into your sound totally organically. That’s the best feeling ever. For me, it’s so cool to see some fellow buskers take their sound that was once in the streets, all the way to the top. Pretty crazy really. Do you think busking is an important part of a city’s music landscape? Yes. Being back on the east coast now (still in the midst of a pandemic) it’s pretty crazy to walk down the street and not hear anything going on. It’s quiet, the vibe’s gone, and all the live music spots are empty. It made me realised how much of an impact music has on towns and cities in a normal world. Busking in particular, created such a vibe and buzz around town and in the streets, it kind of feels ‘naked’ in a way hahaha. For Gold Coasters who may not have seen you before, what can they expect from your December show at Marketta? BYO smiles! I’ve had so much fun over the past couple of months at Marketta. I’ve been playing my own shows and jumping up to play with some mates at limited capacities, so I can’t wait for December! Fingers crossed that restrictions a eased a bit more before then haha. There’ll be a lot a jams and honest story telling. Can’t wait for it! See you out there. Jack Botts will hit Marketta on 20 December. His last shows have all sold out, so don’t dilly dally! Tix via OzTix.

Getting In The Love Zone With Ivey Vibrant indie-pop collective Ivey have just dropped a shiny new EP, ‘Love + Miscellanea’, which brings together a smattering of their single releases, as well as some remixed tracks and even an acoustic number. Words by Anthony Gebhardt - Photograph by Zennieshia Butts

Working Musicians Program a hit with music students Eliza-Jane Doherty is a high school teacher and talented Gold Coast musician who makes up half of the duo Tully John & Liza-Jane. As a working musician Eliza-Jane knows firsthand how daunting it can be when you are first starting out in your career in music, so she created the Working Musicians Program (WMP) to empower and equip the next generation of musicians with the skills they need to pursue their careers in the music industry. Words and photograph by Simone Gorman-Clark

The program is currently being offered as an extra-curricular program for the Palm Beach Currumbin State High School where Eliza teaches, and has proven to be extremely popular with the music students. “During the sessions I aim to cover as much as I can with the students, from song writing, booking shows, recording and releasing music, down to some of the nitty gritty logistics behind the life of a working musician. The program concludes at the end of the year with a very special ‘Gig Night’, which the students help plan and promote” Liza explained. Having networking opportunities and mentors was something that Eliza would have loved access to when she was just starting out in her music career so she created the program as a way to give back and mentor young aspiring artists. “Like any area in the Arts, there is no clear-cut path for someone wanting to create a career out of their music, which can be pretty daunting. I was motivated to share what I have learned, and what I am continuing to learn in my own music ventures, in an attempt to help young people on their artistic journeys and show them different ways they can build

themselves a sustainable career in the industry,” Eliza-Jane continued. “It’s a competitive field, but it’s so important for artists to keep supporting artists so we can continue to see the creative scene bloom here on the Gold Coast.” Eliza-Jane would love to expand the WMP in the future to create more opportunities for up and comers. “Being able to give young talents a professional platform for their original work, for them to be seen and heard by the community and taken seriously as performers, is a very cool and rewarding feeling. I would absolutely love to expand on this idea for the future and create more opportunities for up and comers to showcase their songs and gain valuable experience onstage” Eliza-Jane said.

The PBC Gig Night, which features the participants in the Working Musicians Program and their original songs, will be held on Saturday 21 November at Currumbin Soundlounge. Tickets are available for the 3pm and 7pm shows on the Soundlounge website soundlounge.com.au.

The first taste of it is a new single, ‘I Hate U’, a positively, spritely, electro-pop sugar hit which you are guaranteed not to hate. We recently had a chat with the band to delve into the new EP, as well as discovering what the future holds and how COVID challenged them to become stronger as a band.

headline tours across the country, even to regional towns and definitely had EU and USA on the cards. COVID completely separated us as a band too, and if we're being honest, we kind of lost our way for a bit and the uncertainty on where we were going as a band caused a bitterness between all of us.

For the full transcript of the interview, head to the Blank GC website.

But once restrictions were lifted, we had a big chat, where we were all open and honest with each other. After that, it feels like we're stronger than ever now. We've all got this renewed sense of enthusiasm and everyone is working really, really, really hard. It sounds weird but maybe we needed that break, maybe we needed that weird time to sort ourselves out individually to become stronger?

Can you put us in the picture on the new EP and how it came together? This EP is a collection of works. Each song is completely individual but also part of a larger narrative. We realised that when we put each track together, it told a bigger story of the tug and war of love and everything that comes with it. The singles represent our growth over the past few years and at first we weren't going to put them all together. However as time went on, we realised these songs not only told a connected story about love, but also told the story of our sonic growth. All of them feature some sort of production done by us. This is an extremely sentimental thing to us - it signifies this time in our career where we went from a simple guitar band to a band that could tackle any genre and become much more expansive. How have you coped, as a band, with the current lack of opportunities to play live as a result of COVID? And do you have any live shows (or streaming shows) to plug on the near horizon to support the new release? It really halted a lot of plans for us this year. We were looking at doing at least two more

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Where would you (ideally) like to take things next year with your music? Well getting the next body of work out is going to be the main priority, as well as doing as many live shows as possible. I think people may forget that our band is rooted in live performance, that's where we started and we want people to know that they're going to get a huge, energetic performance from any Ivey show they attend!

Ivey’s new EP, ‘Love + Miscellanea’, is available on streaming services now. The band have also got some live shows on the radar! Having just played the Gold Coast (on 31 October) and Toowoomba (on 6 November) they’ll be hitting the stage on the following dates: 13 Nov: The Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane 27 Nov: Solbar, Maroochydore

Jakeycakes drops second single Jakeycakes is a singularly talented 11-year-old solo artist and multi-instrumentalist from the Gold Coast who recently dropped his sophomore single ‘You Better Hurry’. Interview and story by Alex De Vylder and Natalie O’Driscoll

Having gone pro just this year, Jakeycakes – aka Jake Murdoch – has spent his school holidays busking, practising, and recording – and he’s got a lot to practice! Jake plays lead and rhythm guitar, bass, piano, drums and performs his own lead and backing vocals. He even co-wrote his second single ‘You Better Hurry’ alongside co-writer Amiel Matthews, who also wrote his debut single, ‘Ghost on the Breeze’ which received plenty of radio attention. Jake hopes to follow up and surpass that single’s success with ‘You Better Hurry’, which also came complete with its own vid.

8 with my brother Ollie, from Fresh OJ the duo that I was in with him. And now I’m a soloist.

Jake hung five with us recently.

Will you have your own band one day?

Tell us about the video for ‘You Better Hurry’!

I like being a solo artist, but what happens, really, happens. I don’t know whether I’m meant to be in a band or meant to be a solo artist.

I’m just pretty much playing all the instruments on stage. The other part of the music video is pretty much me walking the streets of the Gold Coast with all the lights. One of the lines is, “Tonight I’m gonna go searching for the Tokyo lights,” and let’s face it, we’re not in Tokyo! So the Gold Coast is the next best thing for that. Right! What’s busking like and how long have you been doing that?

What was it like being in the band with your brother? It was fun, but we were just playing covers. So as soon as I became a soloist I started to do my original songs. We didn’t really go to gigs, because my brother was 12 and I was only 10, so we didn’t go to gigs but we were busking at shopping centres and markets.

OLLIE TWOHILL

"TAPPING AWAY" OUT 16/10

You can find Jakeycakes on all the usual digital platforms and social media. He also busks regularly at Carrara Markets, Burleigh Markets, and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Watch ‘You Better Hurry’ now on YouTube. Read the full story over at blankgc.com.au.

I’ve pretty much been busking maybe two years. But I actually started off when I was Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Thursday 5 November

Karuah + Two Moons - Beach Hotel FREE

Dusty Boots - Beach Hotel Sarah Grant - Beach Hotel MZAZA - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple TICKETED

Selfish Sons - Burleigh Bazaar GC

The How Dare You's + DenDevine + Dallas James - Beach Hotel Naomi Connell - Currumbin RSL

Rick Barron + Mike Edwards - The Coolangatta Hotel

Monday 9 November

Emily Wurramara and Tasman Keith Kingscliff Beach Hotel - TICKETED

Adam Harpaz + Guy Kachel - Beach Hotel

Jon J Bradley - Currumbin RSL

Tuesday 10 November

Hussy Hicks - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple - TICKETED

Ben Whiting + Sam Buckingham - Beach Hotel

The Blackwater Fever + Karl S. Williams + Bricklayers - Mo's Desert Clubhouse TICKETED

Wednesday 11 November

Jock Barnes - Beach Hotel

Saturday 7 November Old School Reggai with Hayamind + Del - Burleigh Bazaar GC Washington - HOTA, Lakeside Room TICKETED Shawn Markham + Locky - The Coolangatta Hotel

Jeff Martin - Miami Marketta TICKETED

Dog Daze: Drop Legs + Catchpole + Brixton Alley + Pvcher Up + Syrup Go On + Luja Murfi - Mo's Desert Clubhouse - TICKETED

Friday 20 November

Casey Fogg + Mark Sheils - The Coolangatta Hotel

Luke Morris - Beach Hotel

STOKER + RINSER + Sky In July Burleigh Bazaar GC

Daisy Kaye + Casey Duque + Dani Teveluwe - Ground N Sound

Felicity Lawless - Currumbin RSL

Steven Michael + Chad "Agent 77" Solo The Coolangatta Hotel

Thursday 12 November

Pete Murray + Matthew Armitage - Twin Towns - TICKETED

Elevation Duo - Currumbin RSL

Josh Lovegrove - Beach Hotel

Swanee - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Juzzie Smith + Juzzie Smith Soundlounge - TICKETED

JK-47 + ECB - Miami Marketta TICKETED

Sunday 15 November

Russell Morris - Twin Towns TICKETED Ben Jansz + Sunday Lemonade + Jock Barnes - Beach Hotel

Ben Walsh - Beach Hotel

The Dreggs - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

BLEACH*: Block Party + Strings & Beats - Burleigh Heads Hub

Friday 13 November

Band of Frequencies - Mo's Desert Clubhouse - TICKETED

Steven Green + Strictly Acoustic - The Coolangatta Hotel

The Gin Buggs - Kingscliff Beach Hotel - FREE

Tim Freedman - Kingscliff Beach Hotel TICKETED

Naomi Connell - Dune Cafe - FREE

Micka Scene + Karuah + Leigh James - Beach Hotel

Magic of a Starry Night: Kiara Jack + Midnight Express to Rome + Vallies Burleigh Bazaar GC

Josh Hamilton + Will Henderson Duo + The Majestic Knights - Beach Hotel

Jock Barnes + Ben Whiting + Richard Neill - Currumbin RSL - FREE

Hinterland Band - Fishermans Wharf Tavern

Thursday 19 November

Valhalore - HOTA, Basement

Andy Martin + NSK & Gary Collocott - Burleigh Bazaar GC

Scott Whatman (Covers) - RSL Club Southport

Jason Delphin + John Foggon - Beach Hotel

Mono - Currumbin RSL

Nathan Kaye + Jesse Morris Band Beach Hotel - FREE

Luke Dickens - Advancetown Hotel Motel

BLEACH*: Honky Tonk Town - Chevron Island Hub

Midnight Express to Rome + KIARA JACK + VALLIES - BBQ Bazaar

Joe Conroy - Beach Hotel - FREE

Sunday 8 November

Kombi Killers + Stoush + The Square Tugs + Moster Fodder (12noon) - Vinnies - TICKETED

Preservation of Social Equilibrium: Bronte Eve + Selve + Kodivine - Mo's Desert Clubhouse - TICKETED

IVEY - Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane TICKETED

Caitlyn Shadbolt - Miami Marketta TICKETED

Wednesday 18 November

Wedgies Saturdays: Dear Doonan + Zooid (7pm + 10pm) - Vinnies TICKETED

Friday 6 November Fridays on the Lawn: Beckah Amani - HOTA, Lawn Bar

Saturday 14 November

Jaguar Jonze - Miami Marketta TICKETED Simon Meola - Currumbin RSL JB PATERSON - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple Pete Murray + Matthew Armitage - Twin Towns - TICKETED Luke Morris - Currumbin RSL

Colt Seavers Band - Advancetown Hotel Motel Dual Frequency (Covers) - RSL Club Southport The Jacks Band - Fishermans Wharf Tavern Harry James Angus - Miami Marketta TICKETED Matty Rogers - Currumbin RSL

Electrik Lemonade + Kurilpa Reach Miami Marketta - TICKETED The Dawn Light + WITH OJ Newcombe + Angela Iimura + Brodie Graham + Charles Wall (AKA Bobby Alu ARTEMUS at Dust Temple - TICKETED Matty Rogers - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Luke Pauley - Currumbin RSL The Galaxy Trio - Gold Coast Italo Australian Club

Scott Day-Vee - Beach Hotel

Saturday 21 November

Monday 16 November

The Ultimate Experience (Tribute) CBD Live - TICKETED

Walking Francis + John Crosbie - Beach Hotel

Working Musicians Program: Gig Night - Soundlounge - TICKETED

Tuesday 17 November

Daffodil Daydream - Burleigh Bazaar GC - TICKETED

Bill Jacobi + Sarah Grant - Beach Hotel

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Butterfingers - Mo's Desert Clubhouse TICKETED

Mick Evans + Locky - The Coolangatta Hotel Nathan Kaye + Animal Ventura + Loki Hough - Beach Hotel Tex Perkins - Twin Towns TICKETED Jack Botts - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Brooke Lambert + Tim Stokes Currumbin RSL

Brutal Coast II: TORIZON + Snake Mountain + Eternal Torment + MindsEnd - Mo's Desert Clubhouse - TICKETED Black Label Jazz - Ground N Sound Rob Rhodes + Andrew Taylor - The Coolangatta Hotel The 420 Sound + Karuah + Jordan Mac - Beach Hotel

Travis Collins - Miami Marketta TICKETED Bobby Alu + JESA music - Beach Hotel William Crighton - Kingscliff Beach Hotel - TICKETED Majelen - Currumbin RSL

Monday 30 November

Sunday 22 November

Resonance + Jason Delphin Currumbin RSL

Fridays on the Lawn: JVMIE HOTA, Lawn Bar

BLEACH*: Sounds Like Spring Botanic Gardens

The Long Johns - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple - TICKETED

Luke Yeaman + Harry Nicols Beach Hotel

Lovegrove + The Lyrical - Mo's Desert Clubhouse - TICKETED

Alex James Bowen - Miami Marketta - TICKETED

Off The Grid Band - Advancetown Hotel Motel

Jon J Bradley - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Captain WOW Duo (Covers) - RSL Club Southport Lisa Hunt - Fishermans Wharf Tavern Harry Nicols + Adam Harpaz + Tim Stokes - Beach Hotel Tully John and Liza-Jane Currumbin RSL Sophie Hopes - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Mambo Italiano + Nadia Sunde + Andrew Shaw + John Reeves - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple TICKETED

Monday 23 November Simon Meola + Hayley Grace Beach Hotel

Tuesday 24 November Leigh James + Manoa - Beach Hotel

Wednesday 25 November Fintin Callaghan + Will Henderson Duo - Beach Hotel

Thursday 26 November Josh Hamilton - Beach Hotel

Gig Guide brought to you in partnership with Gigl. To list your gig visit gigl.com.au OR email gigs@blankstreetpress.com.au

Saturday 28 November Festival of Small Halls: Karl S Williams + Women In Docs - Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall TICKETED

VANILLA GORRILA - Burleigh Bazaar GC Sahara Beck + Beckah Amani - HOTA, Lakeside Room TICKETED Jethro Andrews + Mark Bono - The Coolangatta Hotel Mono + Salt & Stone Duo Currumbin RSL

Instagram/Facebook @blankstreetpress

Join the Blank List for news direct to your inbox blankgc.com.au/join

Kevin Borich - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Sunday 29 November The Roots Music Festival: Tijuana Cartel + Hanlon Brothers + August River Band + MC/DJ Sarah Howells - HOTA, Outdoor Stage TICKETED

Friday 27 November

Captain WOW Duo - Advancetown Hotel Motel

Stories in the key of GC: Cold Ghost + Sam Morris + Kedley Thomas + Vivi Baker - The Basement, HOTA - TICKETED

Green Sinatras (Covers) - RSL Club Southport

The outcome of the US election will soon be known by the time Blank readers see this review. It won’t matter who becomes the next President of the USA. That once great country is in an irreversible decline according to Nick Bryant, author of ‘When America Stopped Being Great’ in which he argues that the US has become a country beset by chronic and irreconcilable division. Nick Bryant who now lives in New York, is a senior foreign correspondent with the BBC. He spent decades in Washington but also lived in South Asia and Australia. He first arrived in the US from Britain in 1984 and fell in love with the country. However, he now sees it as a country where philistinism and anti-intellectualism pervade national life, where politics is broken, there is lack of corporate responsibility, chronic racial division, an ever widening gap between the super-rich and the poor, an opioid crisis and poor governance. He argues that the US has gone 25 years without a proper functioning government and that political polarisation stems from economic polarisation. He predicts that politics will only become more polarised and extreme.

Saint Lane - Vinnies - TICKETED

Pierce Brothers +Jack Botts Miami Marketta - TICKETED Scott Day-Vee + Ben Whiting + Dusty Boots - Beach Hotel

WHEN AMERICA STOPPED BEING GREAT Nick Bryant

Bryant dates the decline back to the Reagan years in the 1980s when he first arrived on US soil, and sees each consecutive president contributing to the rise of Donald Trump, a man he says has made the Presidency uncouth and less trustworthy. His descriptions of Trumps truth twisting and revisionism are on-target. For example, Trump played to white resentment and xenophobia by accusing China and immigration of killing off jobs but failed to mention that robots and other technologies killed off 88% of manufacturing jobs between 2006 to 2013. Bryant’s description of an America where people are defensive not hopeful, where there is lack of aspiration, where income inequality means that the top one per cent of Americans have accrued more wealth than the bottom 90 per cent, where one fifth of New Yorkers live below the poverty line and where there is a power shift from America to Asia is sad and despairing. He offers little hope other than a post-COVID America may lead to the US embracing a fairer universal health system. However depressing, this is an important book that accurately maps the decline of a once great superpower. Visit blankgc.com.au to read the full review Pip Andreas

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Siala’s rising star to shine at Bleach* Gold Coast performer Siala Robson has recently been announced as an exciting addition to Bleach* Festival’s November Block Party.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Newly 19 year-old Tweed rapper and vocalist Siala (pictured on facing page) is a star on the rise. Following a stand out turn all the way to the grand finale on The Voice AU 2020, Siala has captured ears, hearts and minds across the country with a series of raw and heartfelt performances, and effortless underground urban/rap vibes. Australia loves a good battler story too, and Siala’s family certainly have one, with the talented teenager escaping a violent domestic situation along with their mum and siblings, by moving into a women’s refuge on the very day that The Voice called to give the green light on an audition. Had performing not been such a lifelong dream for Siala, they may have turned down the opportunity, leaving us bereft of their singular talents. Fortunately for all involved, Siala had been dreaming of getting on stage since early childhood. “When I was little I used to pretend I was performing in my room - I would set up my teddies and spit Eminem and Biggie bars to them, it was pretty funny, just imagine if someone walked in!” Robson laughed.

“I wrote my first song when I was 12. It was pretty dark, hey. I sang it to my mum and she kind of just understood where I was coming from in life.” And although that place contained a great deal of trauma and upheaval, music, to Siala, has been a constant companion throughout; a form of therapy and catharsis during the dark times. And now that fans are stopping Siala on the street on a daily basis, this uber-authentic performer is realising that their music is reaching others in the same way. “It makes me feel good to know that people are following your journey and feel what you feel, and understand where you’re coming from,” Siala told us.

“Your whole vibe attracts your tribe, you know. If I had someone who wrote a song about how I felt I would feel less alone. It’s good to know that you’re helping some people.” Siala’s “whole vibe” is positive, charming and grateful as heck, so they must attract some good eggs. One such egg is fellow The Voice AU runner-up, Stellar. The two creatives supported each other enormously during the physically and emotionally gruelling filming schedule. “I always turned to Stellar,” said Robson. “She was like my mum off the show! She messaged me today actually, we always talk. It’s really good.” Boy George was another connection Siala made on the show, with the industry legend providing solid encouragement in his role as coach and mentor the entire way through. Robson recalls a particularly memorable piece of advice he shared. “You know you can be emotional in songs, and I do let my anger and other heavy emotions out with my rapping, and Boy George really taught me not to let that implode within me, and let that stuff take over my heart. It’s so important - I want to teach other people that too, that you don’t have to implode, there are definitely ways to express yourself.” Another stand-out piece of feedback came from Guy Sebastian and Delta Goodrem, following Siala’s performance of ‘Emotional Criminal’. “When they looked at me and said they think I’m gonna be worldwide, and if I have a show they want to buy the tickets... It made me shiver. I could always see that vision, since I was younger, and to have people who were heavily involved in the music industry say that to me, it meant a lot.” The entire process has also meant a lot to Siala’s family, who are tentatively looking forward to a brighter future.

“Things have changed so much since the show,” said Robson. “Just giving my family hope and being able to help support them. And being able to have hope for myself and knowing that I’m really strong and I can do anything I put my mind to! Stepping out there proved a lot to myself.” And to the industry, it would seem, with Siala having already been snapped up for work around the country in a variety of campaigns, and recordings well underway. Not to mention heading up to our own Bleach* Festival in November, where Siala will play first support slot to headliner Jesswar at Block Party in Burleigh Heads.

“I’m so stoked, so excited to be playing at Block Party,” Siala gushed. “I haven’t met all the other acts yet, but I can’t wait to!” Block Party will also see Siala play, in some cases for the first time, a few singles that haven’t been released yet. While Block Party is officially sold out already, crowds hanging out in Justins Park will still be able to hear the tunes from their vantage spots.

So head down to Bleach* at Burleigh on 15 November from 3pm to check out Siala alongside a deadly lineup of artists at the outdoor Block Party and on 17 November from 6pm to hear from them as part of the Gold Coast Music Industry Mingle, and with fresh singles coming out over the next few months, be sure to follow @sialaofficial for musical updates.

Shining The Spotlight On Some Of The Gold Coast’s Most Inspiring Indigenous Artists In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2020, taking place this year from 8 – 15 November, we took the opportunity to chat with a few of the Gold Coast’s most talented indigenous musicians, to discover more about their music and what their heritage means to them. Words by Anthony Gebhardt

ELEEA Genre: indie pop/roots Key track to check out: Space Can you give us a snapshot of your music and where you’re heading with it? I'm a singer-songwriter and avid solo traveller, so my singles this year, 'Wasting Time' and 'Space', were from 'The Travel Collection' of 100+ songs inspired by my solo backpacking trips. After spending three months exploring and song-writing in Tasmania, I've just come home to the Gold Coast to be a part of APRA's Songhubs and to film my performance for The Meeanjin Markets, which will be airing virtually on 27 November.

Loki Liddle: Selve Genre: psychedelic rock / indie Key track to check out: Snake Of Light Can you briefly outline your Indigenous heritage and give us a snapshot of your music and where you’re heading with it? I am a Jabirr Jabirr man and an interdisciplinary artist and arts worker. Currently my greatest passion is performing in my band Selve, who are always up to all kinds of mischief. In November we will be releasing our first EP, ‘Snake of Light’, and two music videos that we have recently created to go along with it! We also have a handful of gigs coming up in November and December that will be announced soon. On top of that we are heading into The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta to film another music video for our next body of work, which will begin to be released in Feb 2021.

Culturally speaking, who has been your biggest inspiration? My biggest influence and inspiration at this point in my life is my mentor Alethea Beetson, who is the Artistic Director of Digi Youth Arts. She is carving a path for young Indigenous people that we get to follow behind. And it is because of her and her work that the opportunities have arisen through which I have been able to start reconnecting to my mob in Broome. The entire Digi Youth Arts team are like family to me. Creating with them has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

This year has been a whirlwind, but I'm really excited for what's coming up next. In the next few months, I'll be releasing another travel inspired single, 'Red Wine', and getting into the studio again to record a new EP, which I'm really excited about. I’m also looking forward to returning to live gigs and taking my show on the road for a tour as soon as I can. Can you briefly outline your Indigenous heritage and how your ancestry has helped shape your musical journey? I come from a family of storytellers and creatives, which impacted me from the beginning and has definitely made me the avid songwriter that I am now. I think it's so special having the ability to preserve life experiences, emotions and history in a song that can be used to connect with other

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

people. That's how Indigenous people have always passed on their traditions and teachings from each generation, so it's special to feel like I'm upholding that in my own way. I'm really proud to be an Indigenous woman, but I'm still on my own journey of tracking down my exact family history. I've taken on the role in my family as the 'connector of the dots', doing the research to uncover our roots. So far, I've traced it back to the Wurundjeri people in Victoria, but I still have more research to do for accuracy. It's a long but fulfilling process and I've found a lot of help and support from Indigenous people in the music community who have been through similar processes. Culturally speaking, who has been your biggest inspiration? Thelma Plum has been a great example of a young woman using her music and platform to shine a light on causes she cares a lot about, especially in relation to her culture. Her latest album 'Better In Blak' was a beautiful body of work that was light and contemporary, yet still moving and educational. I'm really passionate about social justice, so I definitely see myself stepping more and more in that direction as time goes on.

Lann Levinge

Shaun Allen: Nerve Damage

Genre: pop/rock / roots Key track to check out: Truth

Genre: hardcore punk / metal Key track to check out: Aways Was / Always Will Be

Can you give us a snapshot of your music and where you’re heading with it? I'm a singer and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, drums, keys, didge) and have been playing professionally throughout South East Queensland for over 20 years now. I've also been getting opportunities to work as a production manager, producer and musical director. Lately because of the whole COVID thing I've moved into producing video content for digital platforms and get to create the music / soundscapes for that as well. There are so many stories to be told, so perhaps developing a few documentary style pieces would be right up my alley, or working with local artists to get their stories and material together would be great. I'll of course keep doing the live music thing and I'm currently in the process of writing heaps of new material to release. I've also recently written and produced a commissioned piece for AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) ‘Morning Star and Evening Star’ with my cousins Candace and Bella Kruger as part of the AMEB online orchestra 2021. I also did the video content for the song. And I’m currently part of the production management team for Bleach Festival 2020, as well as working with Yugambeh Youth Choir on new things for 2021. Can you briefly outline your Indigenous heritage? My heritage is Kombumerri with Quandamooke and Nughi - pretty much from the Gold Coast up to Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island. I'm a fifth generation Gold Coaster on both sides of the family - my dad being First Nations and mum being a direct descendent of William Duncan (William Duncan Primary School), one of the first white settlers in

this region. My grandfather owned and ran the dairy at Benowa. How has your ancestry helped shape your musical journey? For me, perhaps it's the other way around - music has opened a path to my culture and heritage. You see I come from a time where my elders refrained from speaking language and had no real opportunity to outwardly show their culture. It didn't mean things weren't handed down, we still learnt traditions, but in an adapted way. I guess the feeling of connection to the area, the salt water and the natural beauty of the place, has always given me the inspiration to act upon my creative desires and has helped me to gravitate towards the artier side of things. Music is just something I've always known as part of myself and who I am. I don't do it for recognition, but making a living from it is a blessing, that’s for sure. During the last few years my craft has brought me deeper into first nations cultural and I feel that part of me getting stronger with every collaboration I'm lucky to have the opportunity to be part of. Culturally speaking, who has been your biggest inspiration? Definitely family. I have great parents and so many wonderful Aunties and Uncles that have always nurtured my aboriginal side. The connection between my white heritage and black culture has always been strong. Right back to William Duncan and his friendship with the local Kombumerri. I certainly look to the little people in the community who are forever making sure there are paths open for the next generation to live their culture proudly. This is the inspiration to become involved and help where I can.

Can you give us a snapshot of your music and where you’re heading with it?

Culturally speaking, who has been your biggest inspiration?

I'm the front person of a band called Nerve Damage, a multi-member band from Yugambeh/Bundjalung lands. We write noisy, protest type Punk/Hardcore. We just put out a single a few months back for our annual ‘Close The Gap’ mixtape, and have a new single, (part of the ‘This Is Australia’) 7inch, coming out via Last Ride Records/ Bloke records in December.

Culturally speaking, all the young mob out there telling their story are my biggest inspirations. There's a whole pool of talent who are speaking up - but the question is, are you actually listening?

After that, early 2021 looks busy for us. There’ll be a new 7 inch single coming out, another single for Triple J (we were awarded with the level up grant via Triple J a few months back), and a few collaborations with some local artists too. We’re looking forward to playing some shows again and getting back out there as soon as possible. We also do another band called Empress, who has a record coming out on 5 November titled ‘Wait ‘Til Night’. Check it out! Can you briefly outline your Indigenous heritage and how your ancestry has helped shape your musical journey? Just like most mob, tracing back my heritage isn't a walk in the park, and it’s a journey I feel like I'm forever trying to prove to white Australia. It's something I continually try and dig back on, but I am met with continual rock blocks when it comes to the gathering of information. Being a ‘half caste’ has shaped my journey in so many ways. Having issues with identity and then being asked to prove who I am continually, has led me down certain paths that I feel have influenced my musical journey the older I have become.

Trauma is handed down through generations, and to have peers speaking about the same things makes me feel less alone. Other than that, there's the greats like Uncle Kev Carmody and Archie Roach. And Stan Grant - the way he can articulate his thoughts and feelings and express them in a way that everyone can understand is inspiring!

Footnote: Another Gold Coast artist who we did not have the opportunity to speak with before this story went to press was guitarist and singer Ondre Davis, who’s currently performing as part of The Yams (previously known as the Ondre Davis Experience), who describe themselves as “a triage of musicians creating a foundation for the pure enjoyment of the improvised jamming experience.” He also performs under his own name and as the guitarist for Gold Coast indie rock band Loose Leaf.

Music Industry Mingle: RESPECT Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Meet The Artist: Sheldon Harrington Diversity and inclusivity aren’t just the buzzwords of 2020. They are critical concepts, the correct implementation of which will have wide-ranging effects across all industries - particularly music. Multiple studies and surveys have shown that the worldwide music industry has a fairly woeful track record when it comes to diversity. Understanding and awareness around these issues is the first step to changing the old hard-wired patterns and systems that make it difficult for those in marginalised groups to maintain a fulfilling creative life that also sustains them financially. With a progressing society comes a growing social awareness, one in which the painfully obvious inequalities that exist within the music business can no longer be ignored. Diversity and inclusivity measures need to cut across all levels of the sector, from artists to executives, and bring the music industry into step with contemporary social norms. With that in mind, the next Music Industry Mingle, RESPECT, will focus on inclusivity and diversity within the music industry. When it comes to diverse representation across race, culture and ability, RESPECT will look at it all, and why addressing diversity in the music industry is so important. Speakers include: Lann Levinge: Indigenous multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer and creative designer Siala Robson: Gold Coast rapper and runner up of The Voice AU 2020 Viola Skyes, aka Vendetta: Professional guitarist and Musical Director, Dracula’s Cabaret Rosie Dennis: Creative Director of Bleach* Festival and CEO Placemakers* Gold Coast The Mingle will be held at the Bleach* Club on Tuesday 17 November from 6pm to 8pm. Or you can join in online at facebook.com/goldcoastmusicawards.

We recently took the time to get to know a little bit more about the life and work of talented local Indigenous artist Sheldon Harrington, who as well as being a scholarship winner and Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Honours student at Southern Cross University, also works for the university’s Gnibi Cillege of Indigenous Australian Peoples. His company SJH Kreations is the umbrella under which he creates his works, including painting, textiles, digital art, traditional artefact making and more. Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Can you please give us a little bit of background about your arts practice?

How has your art practice grown and evolved over the last few years?

I have been painting for my whole life but particularly over the past 15 years. As a young local Widjabul Artist (Lismore) from the Bundjalung Nation on the Far North Coast of New South Wales. I have been lucky enough to have been brought up in a culturally strong family and immersed in strong cultural grounding and practice my entire life. Continuing to learn and share the knowledge that has been passed down through my family. The importance of connection to our Country, our family, our community and our way of being has been taught to me by my grandparents, parents, Uncle’s and Aunty’s and the wider family in many forms of oral and visual language.

My art career took off about two years ago when a staff member at Gnibi approached me to pull together an interactive installation for Reconciliation Week in the University art gallery space in the library. My career as a professional artist really just took off from there. I had passion for art, that’s for sure, but I didn’t take it serious until then.

What is your role at the Southern Cross University’s Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian peoples, and what are the college’s main functions and outcomes? Currently I am working in Gnibi as a professional staff member. My role isn’t tied down to just working as admin, but extends across the whole unit. Supporting community based research, community based projects such as the ‘Our Words’ Bundjalung language app and school support program. Academic support through the units in the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge, guest lecturing and curriculum design. The main functions of Gnibi College is to deliver culturally safe, dynamic, innovative and a better understanding of Indigenous world views by exploring past and present histories in a culturally diverse and supportive environment. Aiming to increase awareness of Aboriginal and other Indigenous peoples’ histories, ways of living and social commitments while raising understanding between all people of matters relevant to a shared and valued future. Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Can people see your work somewhere, and how do people follow your journey online? Yes, most definitely. My artwork is in quiet a few spaces. A mural in the Koorimail Headquaters, throughout Gnibi’s offices and soon to be on furniture. Also via my social media pages @sjhkreations and eventually website. I hope in the vary near future to able display my works a lot more freely through exhibitions, resources for education, respectful product and communications design. Is there anything else you would like people to know? I would love to dedicate this to mum, Dianne Harrington. She sadly passed away this Wednesday from a very strong and inspirational battle with cancer. Words cannot respectfully or accurately describe what you have gifted us, but know we will always make you proud.

Hop on over to blankgc.com.au to read the full interview.

Meet Jo-Anne Driessens: The woman behind the curtain Jo-Anne Driessens is one of those Gold Coast professionals that you may not have met, or even heard of, but whose efforts you would almost certainly have seen the results of.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll - Photograph by Lavonne Bobongie

putting on their most Indigenous-focussed program yet. How did that all work out? It was in September I started with Placemakers*. This role is very new and similar to how I’ve evolved the other two roles I was in with the Indigenous focus. I’ve always supported Bleach* in my other roles, and have been watching it grow and morph into a part of the city lifestyle. What particularly drew my interest was that I really like site-specific responses, working in that creative space. The beauty of working in the same city for a long time is working with the same artists again, and not having to rebuild that trust. Jo’s previous long-term tenures with Council and the old Gold Coast Arts Centre have seen her assist in the development and delivery of many of the City’s major Indigenous-focussed cultural projects and strategies, while her own professional photography practice has formed an integral piece of the historical records held at the State Library of Queensland. A true renaissance woman, Jo has also been involved in connecting local First Nations people with genealogical resources around the country in their searches for kin. As if that’s not enough, she’s recently taken on the role of First Nation Curator at prominent Gold Coast arts organisation Placemakers*. We sat down with Jo to shine a spotlight on this highly respected Gold Coast arts creative who usually tends to hang out backstage. You’ve joined Placemakers* Gold Coast right around the time of Bleach* Festival

Tell us a little bit about your own arts practice. I’m a photographer by trade. I started that training at the State Library of Queensland in the old darkroom days in the 90s and it was predominately around documenting history. As you know, history is evolving - if there was an event this morning it’s now going to be history - and so it goes into the collection. The collection is there for however many generations behind us to remember. I also enjoy social documentary; I like to document artists in their process. Like the South Stradbroke Indigenous Artist camp, I naturally documented that because I was there. What kind of things do you hope to bring to your role at Placemakers*? I talked a lot to Rosie [Dennis, CEO] about mentoring and actually skilling up more locals in those arts frontline roles like producers and stage managers and not just

the artists. One of the key things to come from the Leadership Program is that there are thousands of Indigenous artists across country, but not enough arts workers. That’s something I see all the time. With so much First Nations programming at this year’s Bleach* Festival, is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to the most? Oh my goodness, there are so many, it’s just so good to see so many First Nations artists as part of that lineup. Thanks to COVID, we’ve all come out the other end and we want to embrace this kind of celebration together. It’s very localised too which is better - celebrating as much local talent as possible - and I know it’ll get bigger from this one onwards, but it’s probably the best way to start in the community setting; you get that trust and relationship. How can people follow your own art projects? Now that I’m a bit freer I’m going to be building my website, a large volume of my collection that was put in purchase to the State Library, and a little video I uploaded: ‘2020’. Also I am involved with the Sky Weave project at Bleach*. It’s quite a big piece, an interesting collaboration of local women weavers responding to the constellations. We’re putting it on the sunset stage at Burleigh.

Visit blankgc.com.au for the full interview. Follow @jdriessens for more.

Elders Speak – AllIndigenous panel for virtual Thursday Night Live Hear from Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr Elders as they share their stories of connection to Country, culture, and community in a free online event on Thursday 12 November. Presented by Southern Cross University and Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples, in partnership with Lismore Regional Gallery, Thursday Night Live! is an ongoing talks program which puts thought-provoking and big ideas in the spotlight. Held on the second Thursday of the month, each event poses a provocation for speakers and audiences to respond to. The events are recorded and made available to the public. Facilitated by Naomi Moran, a Nyangbal, Arakwal and Dunghutti woman, and General Manager of the Koori Mail, this month’s discussion will respond to the 2020 NAIDOC week theme of ‘Always was – always will be’ and the Black Lives Matter movement. Creating a space for Indigenous voices to be heard, the panel of Elders will include Uncle Rob Bryant, Uncle Des Williams, Uncle Herb Roberts, Aunty Robyne Bancroft and Aunty Gwen Hickling, who are also members of the Southern Cross University Gnibi Elders Council. Following the panel discussion there will be a Q&A session open to the audience so that they can also be a part of the conversation. Thursday Night Live! will be livestreamed at 6pm ADST on Thursday 12 November via Zoom and Facebook. Visit the Southern Cross University Facebook page for details and to join the live stream: facebook.com/ southerncrossuniversity.

Five indigenous experiences on the Gold Coast

Spirits of the Red Sand, courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

The Gold Coast is home to an incredible wealth of Indigenous culture and history, and we want to help you find it. Experiences vary from observing native Australian wildlife, displays of Aboriginal history and culture, Indigenous song, dance and storytelling and much more are all available right here on the Gold Coast. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve created a list of five Indigenous experiences on the Gold Coast for those with a love for learning about the history and culture of the land we live on today. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Undertake a journey throughout Tallebudgera Creek and Burleigh Headland with the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre as you tour through locations with incredible stories and history. This experience grants people the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal culture and history and hear the Dreamtime stories of Jellurgal from a traditional land owner. The Jellurgal Walkabout tour runs once per week on a Thursday from 10am and are priced at $39 for an adult and $20 for a child. The Jellurgal Journey tour is also available for private bookings only for $69 for an adult and $49 for a child. Bookings can be made online at jellurgal. com.au.

Tropical Fruit World

Tropical Fruit World is a family owned heritage business that seeks to educate, share and unlock natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secrets with visitors, community and family alike. Join guides for a tour around the farm and learn about the native fruits from our land and their connection to local Indigenous peoples. The Farm Tour has a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes and can be booked at tropicalfruitworld.com.au from $29.

Dreamworld Corroboree

Dreamworld Corroboree offers a unique experience with a multitude of native Australian animals where people can get an up-close experience and gain a new appreciation for these critters and our land. Observe animals such as bilbies, dingos, kangaroos, koalas, eagles, wombats and more.

Some of the Dreamworld Corroboree attractions are temporarily closed, visit dreamworld.com.au for updates and passes.

Spirits of the Red Sand

Experience Aboriginal stories and culture performed through ancient storytelling with Spirits of the Red Sand. This powerful performance brings audience members a true story told through a transforming set used to display an 18th Century Australian town. This experience includes a performance, Indigenous songs and dances, a three course meal and a meet and greet with cast and crew.

We strive to include diverse stories and voices in Blank. We are seeking to introduce emerging indigenous writers to our team of voluntary contributors and welcome expressions of interest if this sounds like you. Writers are encouraged to pitch their own content ideas and offered interview opportunities with well-known artists and entrepreneurs. You will be supported by the Blank team to hone your craft and have your content published in print and online. We've had the opportunity to work with many young and emerging writers over the past seven years, who have gone on to enjoy successful writing careers. If you are interested in sharing your voice with the Blank community, email a sample of your writing to our Managing Editor, Natalie O'Driscoll at natalie@ blankstreetpress.com.au. We can't wait to hear from you :)

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Book online at spiritsredsand.com. Kids go free.

Yugambeh Museum

The Yugambeh Museum brings community together with their records and display of traditional knowledge of our region, especially the Yugambeh language. The museum collaborates with other communities throughout the state to bring an educational experience Australians wanting to learn more about our country and aboriginal history. Visit the Yugambeh Museum in Beenleigh and find more info at yugambeh.com. Words by Amaya Coburn

Bleach* to host the deadliest party on the block

Wildheart

Get ready for this sizzling one-time-only event in the park at Burleigh, with a phenomenal line-up of artists at Bleach* Festival’s Block Party in November. With half a dozen jaw-dropping acts over five blissful hours, your Sunday afternoon is set to be scorching. We took a closer look at the six First Nations artists on offer during this deadly event: Jesswar burst onto the hip-hop scene in 2017 with her debut single ‘Savage’. The Fijian-Australian rapper has earned comparisons to artists like Young MA and MC Lyte. Jesswar has toured nationally and internationally playing Australia's most prominent music festivals such as Splendour in the Grass, Groovin The Moo, and Laneway. She followed up Savage with the single ‘Heata’ in 2019 and has collaborated with artists like Tasha the Amazon, Papertoy, and DZ Deathrays. Jesswar’s deep and heavy vocal tone is unique and compliments her notorious sound. Siala is fast becoming a household name in Australian music. The 19 year old from Tweed Heads has overcome difficult times to emerge a shining star with a natural talent for music. Her originality and lyrical flow is a breath of fresh air in music and her ability to connect through storytelling is what really intrigues her audience and excites them. Read our full interview with Siala in this month’s mag.

The Kinship Collective is a group of young Indigenous musicians living in and around the Bundjalung Nation. Although they come from all across the country, they’ve been brought together by their love of music and culture. The Kinship Collective’s sound ties hip hop and soul together with their traditional rhythms. Their songs tell stories about pride in their identity alongside realities they see in their communities across the nation, while always carrying the message of hope for our future together. Wildheart is a melodic hardcore band from Brisbane. After releasing their debut EP ‘A Thousand Days’ in March 2015, followed up by a two-track release entitled ‘Above/ Below’ in August 2016, Wildheart quickly moved to make a name for themselves sharing their heavy yet melodic music and showcasing their energetic live show across Queensland. Wildheart have always been a band to push boundaries, and their latest EP ‘We Are’ showcases their prowess to create vastly contrasting music, whilst also enforcing a strong message that is rooted at the 'heart' of what they do. Kelsey Iris, 24 years old, is a proud Yuwalaaraay, Gamilaroi and Murrawarri

Visit Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre this NAIDOC Week

woman. She is an acoustic singersongwriter originating from the small opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge in far west NSW. Writing and sharing a spectrum of stories through her emotive songwriting, captivating listeners through her powerful and soulful vocals that she hopes will capture the likes from people of all ages. Proving to be an insightful and heartfelt lyricist, Robbie Miller first stepped onto Australia’s music scene in 2013, as he won triple j Unearthed’s National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) with his song ‘Don’t Go Walking Away’. Robbie was instantly catapulted to attention as he earned a place on tour with The Paper Kites and Don’t Go Walking Away gained

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre also offer a range of event, corporate and educational services that include Welcome to country ceremonies, Dance performances, early learning cultural inclusions and educational resources, all designed to share the culture of the Yugambeh speaking people with the world.

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is an initiative of the Kalwun Development Corporation and the Gold Coasts only dedicated Aboriginal cultural centre, fully owned and operated by the local Aboriginal community. Located at the foot of Burleigh Headland National Park in Burleigh Heads alongside the pristine Tallebudgera Creek, the centre houses an Art Gallery where you can browse through colourful Aboriginal art displays and view aboriginal artefacts, tools and instruments that were part of everyday life for the Yugambeh speaking people.

The Kinship Collective, photo by Kate Holmes

With a range of immersive tours on offer, you can embark on a guided walk around the magical mountain Jellurgal, learn about the Aboriginal history and culture of the Gold Coast, meet a traditional land owner and hear about traditional life pre-contact and learn about bush tucker, fishing, hunting, important ecological practices, and listen to dreamtime story or two.

Kelsey Iris

national airplay. Enriched with sweet falsettos and spine-tingling nuances that will instantly melt your heart, Robbie’s voice, “warm and caramel wrapped in an excellently crafted vibrato”, is enough to keep you coming back for more. Block Party is currently sold out, but if you wander along through Justins Park at Burleigh from 3pm on Sunday 15 November, you should be able to catch some tunes. Visit Bleach Festival’s website for more information on this and other events. Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

will be holding a flag raising ceremony and morning tea at their Bonogin Community Care facility, 118 Bonogin Road, Bonogin, on Monday 9 November at 9am for a 9.30am start.

Admission to the centre is free and tours start from $39 for an adult and $20 for a child. The Jellurgal Cultural Centre is located at 1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads and is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm. For more information or to book your tour call 07 5525 5955 or head to the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre website jellurgal.com.au.

Due to COVID gathering restrictions, there are limited numbers allowed at this event and all those interested must RSVP to headoffice@kalwun.com.au by COB Friday 6 November. RSVPs cannot be accepted after this date. Please Note: All attendees will be required to complete a pre-screening form and temperature test and must stay at home if feeling unwell or have a cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath.

As part of the NAIDOC week celebrations, Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd

Words by Simone Gorman-Clark

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Giselle springs into HOTA HOTA, Home of the Arts welcomes the warmer weather with UPSPRING – the new live program bursting with great art, live performances until December, including a special run of Giselle from Queensland Ballet. Over the next few months, audiences can expect intimate performances by some of Australia’s best singer-songwriters, live music in the sunshine, local storytelling, panel discussions, movies, and in a first at HOTA’s Outdoor Stage – Queensland Ballet presents a short and exclusive season of Giselle. A program highlight, Queensland Ballet returns to the stage from November 12 to 14 with a ballet of the romantic era. The Gold Coast event made extra special, being the only production of Giselle that Queensland Ballet currently has in its calendar. Giselle follows the story of an innocent peasant girl, tricked into love with a deceitful Count, before transforming into a forgiving spirit who saves her lover from a vengeful death. Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director Li Cunxin said the outdoor venue will be a great backdrop to celebrate this momentous occasion for the Company, after its entire 2020 season was postponed to 2021 as a result of COVID-19. “We are thrilled to be back on the stage, not only to do what we love, but to give back to our audiences who have been so generously supportive through this unprecedented time,” said Mr Li. “Everyone in the company is so excited,” he continued. “Dancing is their life, and to do a ballet like Giselle under the stars will be very special. “A story of innocent love and betrayal, Giselle is a masterpiece that has captured the hearts of audiences since it first premiered in Paris in 1841.” Giselle wasn’t originally planned as part of Queensland Ballet’s 2020 season, meaning the dancers had to quickly embrace a packed rehearsal schedule that included not just Giselle but current touring production 60 Dancers; 60 Stories. “Our dancers are used to juggling a full schedule and multiple productions, so though it’ll be intense, it’s what they know and have missed during the COVID shut down,” said Mr Li. “Especially for the Principals, Giselle is a very challenging ballet technically and requires a deep commitment to their roles emotionally.” Giselle runs from 12 to 14 November 2020. UPSPRING has kicked off with a huge range of live events including supper clubs, film experiences, music festivals, storytelling and more. For Giselle tickets and more information on HOTA’s UPSPRING program, visit hota.com.au/upspring.

Stories in the Key of GC Returns Following the success of its 2019 inaugural event, Stories in the Key of GC is back at HOTA this November, and is bringing three fascinating Gold Coast characters along for the ride. Words by Natalie O'Driscoll - Photograph by Simone Gorman-Clark

Stories in the Key of GC takes a peek into the lives of Gold Coast wordsmiths, with stories delivered on a stage next to event curator and local musician Fletcher Babb – aka Cold Ghost – as he strums, plinks and taps out a live soundtrack to accompany the words. “I try to use music in the show the same way it is used in a film,” says Fletch, who was inspired to create the event thanks to a visit to Perth’s Barefaced Stories in 2018. With 2019’s event being received “way beyond expectations,” Fletch has been planning a follow up that was initially meant to be held earlier in 2020, but like all live performance, had to take a breather. But come 27 November, the much-anticipated event is heading once more to the HOTA Basement, hosted by MC Bern Young, and we’re so excited we wanted to know more about this year’s participants.

COLD GHOST

Cold Ghost is the moniker for Gold Coast songwriter, sound designer and multi-instrumentalist Fletcher Babb.

Hedley Thomas

Hedley Thomas is The Australian’s national chief correspondent, specialising in investigative reporting with an interest in true crime, legal issues, corruption and politics. He has won seven Walkley Awards and is well known for his 2018 podcast, The Teacher’s Pet, which has been downloaded more than 52 million times. His most recent murder cold-case investigative podcast is The Night Driver which topped iTunes charts on its release in August, 2020. He is also the author of the true crime book, Sick To Death.

His 2018 debut album, ‘Bachelor Tapes’ is a mix of alt-folk, rock and psychedelia, while being saturated in analogue tape and peppered with sonic surprises.

Vivi Baker

Completely deaf in one ear due to childhood mumps, Fletch has created a feast for the senses in stereo by manually manipulating his own mono experience. The album was nominated for Release of the Year in the Gold Coast Music Awards in 2019.

In 2017, she entered Australian National Poetry Slam on a whim and wound up at the national final in Sydney where she came home with a hard-earned participation award.

A proud Gold Coaster now, Fletch is busy writing, recording and producing a new album for 2020.

Samantha Morris

Sam Morris is best known on the Gold Coast for her dual passions – sustainability and music.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

She consults to some of the country’s most significant conservation and rural not-for-profit groups from her kitchen table in Broadbeach, and also co-founded and currently owns this very magazine – Blank. In addition she runs the annual Gold Coast Music Awards, among other achievements. Sam is currently writing about the Gold Coast’s musical glory days of the 70s, 80s and 90s thanks to a grant from City of Gold Coast.

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Vivi is an eighteen-year-old born and raised on the Gold Coast.

Vivi has been taking part in a number of spoken word competitions and events since, taking out a win at the 2018 Somerset National Poetry Prize. Never will this combination of wordsmiths be performing together again, so take the earliest opportunity to snap up your tickets now, which they’re still available. Stories in the Key of GC runs for one night only on 27 November at the HOTA Basement. Tickets at hota.com.au.

Iku Yakitori Bar

Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation

1730 Gold Coast Hwy (front entrance) or from Justin Lane - Ph: 07 5568 7300

64 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain - Ph: 07 5545 2777

Words and photograph by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast

You could easily miss Iku Yakitori if you had not learned its location from locals in the know. The only dedicated yakitori bar on the Gold Coast is hidden away behind fabric lined doors, just like a special present that comes gift wrapped. Each evening as the sun sets, small tables and chairs are placed outside the front door as a signal that the venue is open for business. Its recycled timber back entrance is lit by a blue neon light spelling Iku in Kanji. Opened by Nerissa and Mitch McCluskey in 2017, in 2019 Iku gained a new owner, Mitch Chesterton, who cites the intrigue of the venue and romance as two of the reasons for his purchase of Iku; the place of his first date with his girlfriend. The venue is divided into two parts: the restaurant, where only the Omakase menu is available (literally translated as ‘Leave it to the chef ’, or ‘As the chef desires’) and the whisky bar at the rear of the venue where you have an additional option of ordering single dishes from the yakitori bar menu (at two skewers for $10). Both sections are atmospherically intimate and moody, making it great date night territory. In all, Mitch says, Iku’s pretty close to a Japanese yakitori bar, except it’s larger. Iku gives Chef Yusuke Ito (ex-Ten Japanese, Etsu and Beachside Pavilion) a chance to show both his expertise and creative flair, especially in the Omakase menu, which we sample. Following a pattern, the components of the Omakase menu change weekly according to seasonal and available produce available from small local producers. This degustation-styled meal is made available for a select group of diners to try and comment on each

Words by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast

Tuesday ‘development’ night for $50pp, then continued during the rest of the week at $70pp.

Did you know that some of Australia’s best coffee is grown right here in our own backyard?

When we visit, we enjoy fresh cobia sashimi from Rocky Point Aquaculture with mandarin sauce, squid ink and wasabi, accompanied by a sensational yuzu, asparagus and crab soup that’s to die for. An additional delicacy is Tsukemono, the Wagyu of fish - fatty tuna belly, a delicacy flown in from Japan that I decide is definitely an acquired taste. Next comes chicken tenderloins and asparagus as our yakitori, then Black Angus beef karaage arrives with a Prawn poke style rice.

The Golden Bean Award for Australian/ NZ Grown Coffee (Milk based) for 2019 was awarded to Tamborine Mountain Naturals by Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation. It’s the highest single honour a bean can receive from the largest competition in the world.

Fortunately, we’re taking it slow, because our Confit salmon in squid ink is a ripper. Falling apart at the touch of a fork it’s perfectly cooked and lusciously moist; a dish I’d return to the restaurant to eat again and again. It’s accompanied by a bowl of Scallop Udon noodle salad.

Dessert is a chocolate ganache with mixed berries, made with Yamasaki 12-year-old whisky. Scrumptious! Sidle into Justin Lane behind Iku, past the blue neon sign and through the wooden door frame into the bar, for a night to remember. NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of Iku Yakitori.

Australians are great coffee drinkers. In fact, our coffee consumption is a major factor in café culture and success. It’s estimated that over 384 Olympic sized swimming pools of coffee are consumed by Aussies every year. So, it’s surprising that very little of the coffee drunk in Australia is actually grown here. 99% of it is imported from regions around the Equator, such as Africa, Asia and South America. The coffee we do grow in Australia is small volume specialty coffee, ‘mild yet with a complex flavour profile, medium to low acidity with a natural sweetness’. It’s the perfect description of the house single origin coffee we taste as part of a Coffee Tasting Board at Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation, having taken the short drive from the Gold Coast to check out this local producer. With 650 coffee trees on just an acre of land, Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation is a long way away from the Equator, however coffee is thriving in its nutrient-rich soil.

Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

A Crop-to-Cup Tour gives us a tour of the plantation and processing facilities. We learn that growing coffee outside its natural habitat is not without difficulty. As well as the commitment to grow a pesticide and spray-free crop, there are climatic variations to contend with. Liam Smith, Producer at Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation says the team must work harder than usual, hand picking the crop to maintain quality. “We’re replanting a rainforest canopy so that our coffee beans achieve ripeness without getting burnt,” says Sam Williams, whose family bought the property late in 2016. As we tour the plantation, we see that it’s just one of the improvements the family has made to the property. Vegetable gardens flourish around every corner, there has been a refurbishment of the café, the addition of a cocktail bar and a new deck added to overlook the lush picnic grounds. From a tour and meal to a brew sampling with the café’s Coffee Tasting Board, from a celebratory brunch with cocktails on the deck to a cake and coffee picnic in the grounds, the Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation experience has the flexibility to meet a variety of needs. All this, just a short drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Crop-to-Cup tours operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 12pm NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation and Destination Gold Coast.

Saint Barae’s Pure Emotion

It’s Business Time

Candice Dianna Brings The Flow

Time To Listen

Saint Barae seems to have mastered the art of producing lush, 80’s inspired synth pop and has truly outdone himself here with his latest offering ‘Hollow’. A deeply personal track written about choosing forgiveness over revenge, ‘Hollow’ displays absolute maturity, effortlessly converting pure emotion into music. Easily one of the strongest singles to come out of the Gold Coast this month ’Hollow’ is the kind of track that just gets better with every listen.

With a wide history of releases spanning across many different styles, Candice Dianna likes to keep her fans guessing and this month has gifted us with a swaggering RnB single aptly titled ‘Flow’. Based around a steady programmed drum loop and a chopped up piano sample, the track is brought to life with Candice’s unmistakable vocals and layered harmonies. A short and sweet one, the track is all over in less than three minutes and will have you searching her back catalogue for more of the same.

Looking sharp in their brand new suits, Gold Coast band Business are have done us a good deal this month with the release of their debut single ‘Nice To Meet You’. Blending rich electric guitars with a clever mix of programmed and live drums the track has a raw, acoustic feel while maintaining a modern electronic edge. As the first cut from a forthcoming EP ‘Nice To Meet You’ is a promising start for the young Gold Coast trio.

Only months after releasing the foot-stomping, riff-based blues track ‘Feel Worthy’, Mitch King is showing of his diversity with the stripped back new single ‘Two Ears’. Written about taking time to listen the chorus lyrics “two ears for listening, one mouth to talk” is a sentiment that really stuck with Mitch after a recent experience with a close friend and is one that most people could probably take on board right now. Sounding like a unique blend between Josh Pyke and Dean Lewis ‘Two Ears’ is sets the scene for what we expect to be a stunning forthcoming EP slated for release early 2021. Check out our interview with Mitch in this month’s mag.

It’s All Sunshine With Vallies

Raw Deep’s Sonic Journey

Emph N Treats Will Get You Pumped

Believe The Hype

Daste’s Ecstatic Bop Remix

Skyway Return

Vallies are finishing the year off strong with the release of their early noughties alt-rock inspired single ‘It’s All Sunshine’. Offering the technical proficiency of Incubus with the pure funk of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Vallies’ new single will have you flashing back to baggy pants and stinking hot Big Day Out festivals. ‘It’s All Sunshine’ displays the whole band’s high level of musicality but it’s the bass line that really steals the show here. So tune up your air bass guitar and hit play on this gem.

After turning heads with their stunning self-titled debut single earlier this year, Love Level have lived up to the hype with the release of their exceptional followup ’Bad Bye’. Laying dormant for almost 12 months the track was given a new life after being resurrected and reworked by their good friend Callum MacDonald from fellow GC band Daste. ’Bad Bye’ kicks off with one of the catchiest hooks we’ve heard all year and never really lets up, resulting in an absolute ear worm that will be buzzing around in your head all day.

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Raw Deep are continuing their momentum with the release of their fourth single of 2020 ‘You’re Not For Me’. Opening with an epic two minute instrumental section featuring a guitar solo that wouldn’t seem out of place on the original Top Gun soundtrack, the single continues the 80’s vibes in the form of retro synths and shredding distorted guitars throughout. A well tailored mixed bag of influences that work together nicely to create a unique sounding five and a half minute sonic journey.

Daste are keeping the ball rolling this month with the release of yet another brilliant minimal electronic track. ‘JVLY – tacenda (Daste. remix)’ is the result of Newcastle based artists JVLY’s collaborative visit to Daste’s Gold Coast studio where the group spent a fruitful weekend producing music together. Harnessing the dark ambience and alluring slow groove of the original, Daste added their flavour by speeding up the tempo and reworking the arrangement, transforming it into what they describe as “ecstatic bop”.

Gold Coast Hip hop veterans Emph N Treats will take you back to the glory days of 90's hip-hop with their head banging new single ‘Rabbit Hole’. The two MC’s (Emphasize The MC and Treats) take turns in spitting full throttle thought provoking verses behind a retro backing beat and some impressive record scratching. Oozing with energy and without one dull moment ‘Rabbit Hole’ is sure to you pumped for whatever you’ve got to do with your day.

After a lengthy hiatus Gold Coast’s pop punk legends Skyway are making a triumphant return to the pop-punk scene with their new single ‘Cut The Ties’. Released alongside the announcement of a forthcoming EP, the track picks up exactly where the band left off almost 10 years ago; with fast tempo, hard hitting, catchy punk music that makes you want to start a mosh in your living room. ‘Cut The Ties’ gives old fans exactly what they want and will no doubt inspire a new army of Skyway fanatics in the months to come.

TINY Recalls The Winning Formula

Joseph Vea’s Charming Debut

Eliza & The Delusionals Hit New Heights

Bligh’s Stadium Sound

A Suburban Experience

Parker Sounds Teases Debut Record

Amy Elise Hones Her Sound

A Child At Heart

Another local artist coming off a long hiatus this month is local producer TINY with the release of her bass heavy, modern day club banger ‘On My Mind’. Collaborating with her old friend and Blank favourite Amela, TINY has certainly not forgotten the winning formula to writing an electronic pop gem. With glitchy percussive beats reminiscent of some of Flume’s mega hits ‘On My Mind’ marks an impressive return for TINY and we look forward to seeing what’s next.

Donny Love are getting us excited for their forthcoming sophomore album with the release of the saxophone-heavy, brooding indie slow burner ‘The Lights’. Described by the band as “an exploration of the Australian suburban experience” they manage to channel that classic Aussie nostalgia brought to prominence in recent years by artists like Courtney Barnett and Bad//Dreems. After lifting the roof off Miami Marketta with their show at the end of last month and an album Donny Love are claiming the end of 2020 as their own.

Joseph Vea has charmed the pants off us this month with his debut single ‘Half As Much’. His effortless take on RnB/Soul and vocal style reminiscent of Joe Dukie from Fat Freddy's Drop come together to create an enlightening track that explores a journey of self acceptance and love. Released alongside a captivating lyric video that really brings home the songs sentiment, ‘Half As Much’ has instantly solidified Joseph Vea as one of the Gold Coast’s best new artists.

Parker Sounds have given us yet another taste of their forthcoming album this month with the release of ‘Tightrope’. Written about the push and pull of a dysfunctional relationship, the track takes more of a mellow approach to their previous single ‘Discoface’. With clever production from band member and producer Josh Beattie, the track slowly builds around a Jack Johnson-esque acoustic guitar part transforming into a fully-fledged rock power ballad. More solid stuff here from the Gold Coast’s favourite working class band.

After an especially challenging year including a US tour cut short due to COVID, Eliza & The Delusionals have regrouped and are hitting new heights with the release of ‘Sentimental’. Brining the same hypnotic nostalgia that saw them break the international market in 2019, the beautifully produced, well-written track somehow manages to sound pleasantly familiar while highly unique at the same time. Check out the excellent accompanying video for the full experience.

It’s been fascinating to follow Amy Elise’s progression as an artist over the past year or so, evolving her sounds from acoustic folk to angsty teen rock she seems to have found her place somewhere in between on her debut seven track EP ‘Growing Pains’. Featuring the grit of previously released singles ‘Ctrl Alt Delete" and ‘Teenagism’ Elise smooth’s things out with some slickly produced moments on the EP with highlight tracks ‘Hiding’ and ‘Stick Poke’. An impressive debut from one of the Gold Coast’s most promising young artists. Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

Gold Coast indie rock darlings Bligh have made a conscious change to their sound in the lead up to their forthcoming EP with their latest offering ‘Ride’. Describing the new direction as “stadium ready”, the track leads with an impressive, passion filled vocal performance supported by souring guitars and powerful drums. ‘Ride’ is a big step in the right direction if the band are looking at following in Sheppard’s footsteps to headline 2021’s AFL grand final.

After several rescheduled release dates due to COVID-19, local country/pop songstress Anita Spring has followed up her powerful track from earlier this year ‘This Ain’t Pretty’ with a more light hearted approach. ‘Still A Child’ is based around an acoustic guitar part the that is brought to life with the classic country pop production bells and whistles including fiddle parts, slide guitars and a punchy backing beat. Written about staying young at heart the accompanying video captures what looks like a pretty fun night in a whisky bar and is definitely worth a watch.

Ivey Give COVID-19 The Middle Finger

After releasing five singles and an EP within 12 months, Ivey seem to have given COVID the middle finger, turning 2020 into a super productive year against all odds. Fans may be a little disappointed with the fact that their anticipated EP only features one unfamiliar track ‘I Hate You’, but will no doubt be pleased once they hit play because it’s an absolute beauty. The 11 track EP titled ‘Love + Miscellanea’ features six previously released songs amongst a collection of reworkings, presenting an impressive body of work from the young Gold Coast stars. Check their socials for a new accompanying video and tour dates, and read our interview with them in this month’s mag.

Got new music? Send your music, press kit and a high resolution to newmusic@blankstreetpress. com.au Curated monthly by Zac Fahey

Drop in on these Gold Coast Surfing meet ups The number of Surfing groups on the Gold Coast is swelling. Words by Erin Bourne - Photograph Lamp Photography

Surfing is one of the most popular pursuits on the Gold Coast; we’ve got world-renowned point breaks and a wealth of beach breaks, something for every level of surfer. While surfing tends to be a solitary pursuit, many surf ‘meet up’ groups have sprung up on the Gold Coast, alongside the Boardriders’ clubs. In a time where the breaks are more crowded than ever, we thought we should look into who these groups are and what they’re about. For the full article, visit blankgc.com.au.

Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSA)

Len Wort Park in Currumbin is the venue for the regular “Let’s Go Surfing Days” of the DSA Gold Coast branch. This Non-Profit organisation is run by a team of local volunteers, with more helping out on the surf days. DSA brings people together to experience the healing power of the ocean. Whether you’re a former surfer or new to the experience, DSA will help people with any disability, from asthmatics to joint injuries to paraplegic. DSA use special equipment such as aquatic wheelchairs, soft long boards, surf socks, rash vests, etc to get participants in the water and put ‘smiles on dials’. The cost is covered by the generous support of several local businesses and the $20 yearly membership fee for participants. Those interested in volunteering, donating or learning more can visit the DSA Facebook page.

Association of Veteran Surfers (AVS)

AVS was started by two returned servicemen who found surfing hugely helpful in dealing with the stress of a military career; and readjustment to civilian life. Now AVS organise regular surf meet ups, lessons for those wanting to learn and lots of other activities. AVS surfers participate in the Kirra teams challenge surf contest yearly and are

hoping to create more contests between other branches of this national association. There is a yearly joining fee of $60 which gives members a t-shirt, insurance and membership to Surfing QLD. All other activities and funds come from generous donations, and some RSLs (particularly Burleigh). If you’re interested in more information or donating, check out their website.

One Wave

Beginning in Bondi, One Wave is now a worldwide initiative to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health. It is based on the premise that, sometimes “one wave is all it takes”. The organisation runs free Fluoro Friday events, where everyone is encouraged to dress up in their wildest, brightest fluoro gear for the group surf. The Greenmount event, run by local volunteer Cherisa, is actually a ‘Super Fluoro Saturday’ and runs Saturday mornings at Greenmount rain, hail or shine. As with the AVS, one of the most important things is a sense of belonging. Everyone is welcome to join, there is no membership fee, association affiliations or insurance for participants. To find out more about One Wave head to their website.

Surf Witches

The Fluoro Saturday meet up has been supported by another GC surf group, the Surf Witches. The Surf Witches began when a couple of women who were learning to surf found it less intimidating to surf with other women learning. Soon it became a Facebook group of women keeping each other motivated and offering to surf together. The Surf Witches have blue wristbands so they can easily identify other Witches in the waves outside of planned meetings. These bands are available only after taking their pledge for following surf safety and etiquette.

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They provide social catch-ups with fellow ‘witches’ to keep the community strong. Check out the Surf Witches website for more.

Groove Girls

Historically speaking, women have been under represented in the surf, at times even discouraged or pushed to the sides. Thankfully these days there are often as many, or more women, in the GC line ups as men. In a similar manner to the Surf Witches, the Groove Girls are a surf meet up group for girls. The Groove Girls have been meeting up weekly (conditions pending) at Kirra with the aim of “empowering girls through the art of surf ”. All abilities, ages, and boards are welcome to join a Groove Girl meet up and as far as they are concerned, the more the merrier. It’s free, there are no membership fees, associations or insurance for participants. To find out more about the Groove Girls go to their Instagram page.

Surfing Mums

The Not for Profit group, Surfing Mums began with two mums in Byron Bay who watched each others’ kids while the other surfed. By the name it may seem like another group for women only, however anyone who is a parent, guardian or carer of a child is welcome. There is a Facebook page for each location and parents can pair up with another parent to go surf. One parent minds the children on the beach while the other surfs, then they switch; each person getting a rare and precious hour in the surf. It may be volunteer run but each local group is provided with first aid kits, flags, shade tents, hats for the kids and other group essentials. The $52 yearly membership fee covers these costs as well as public liability insurance; a yearly gift, and $5 each donated to the mental health charity Waves of Wellness. To find out more about Surfing Mums go to their website.

Gold Coaster wins STEM award Gold Coast local Lauren Hall, Founder and CEO of revolutionary events and hospitality software company iVvy, has won the prestigious Sue Wickenden Innovation in Technology award at the 2020 Women in Technology (WiT) Awards announced last month. Words by Pip Andreas

iVvy is an innovative ‘software as a service (SaaS)’ business providing tools for event managers to manage an event from beginning to end, and for venue operators to manage their back of house operations as well as taking their live bookings. The technology is about streamlining the events industry. Lauren explains “Event organisers spend a lot of time going backwards and forwards, between venues trying to find who is available, trying to get prices and quotes and times and costs and all of that, and it is really a frustrating and labour intensive process. We took that process which would normally be about six weeks down to less than six minutes because of our automation engine.” Lauren is originally from South Africa where she first built her platform and company. She was granted money from the South African government to grow her business but two days later she decided to give it all away when she was awarded residency in Australia. “I chose Australia over the money. I took my two young kids and my husband and landed on the Gold Coast and started again. I had all this IP that I owned so I looked around for a good co-founder and investor so I could re-engineer it.” She pitched the idea to her cousin whom she had never met, who provided seed funding. She also found James Greig, her co-founder through his website development company, and pitched to the Mantra Hotel group. She is now looking at

potentially listing iVvy on the stock market in 18 months. Says Lauren “I believed so much in what I was doing, that I knew I could change the world with my tech and I could re-change industry. You have to be so resilient and so determined because there are so many obstacles that can come your way.” Lauren entered the WiT Awards because she wanted to give acknowledgement recognition to the contribution of her team. “I see awards as not about ego but about credibility,” says Lauren. “The more you get seen as a credible person delivering a contribution to society the more you feel you are actually making a difference.” Of the award being gender specific, Lauren feels there is still a need for a woman’s award in the STEM field: “There is an enormous issue with gender and racial diversity. If you look at it globally 2.5% of women are funded worldwide in business in general. If you look at tech, tech and digital is really challenging for women. I think when you can step up and be recognised that you are representing a real minority group of women where they haven’t got a voice because it is really, really difficult to have one... get out there and show that you can deliver a successful global tech company, the more you can help pave the way for future generations to be able to follow where they don’t fear that they are isolated, not good enough or not worthy, because these are the things women suffer with.”

Students fundraise for a cancer-free GC Palm Beach Currumbin State High donated $5,000 to Cancer Council Queensland last week, in a community effort to make the Gold Coast cancer-free. Words by Courtney Thomas

PBC have supported Cancer Council Queensland’s annual Daffodil Day Appeal campaign, which is held in August, for the past three years with fundraising efforts to date reaching over $10,000. Year twelve student, Erin Woods, who was pivotal in organising the campaign for her school, said statistics about cancer in Australia had shocked her. “Australia’s cancer statistics continue to shock the nation with almost 50,000 deaths estimated last year alone,” Miss Woods said. “It’s a disease that doesn’t rest, and for that reason, neither should we as a community,” she said. “Daffodil Day is crucial to supporting cancer research and raising awareness for a disease that has touched the lives of so many, including our very own school community.” CEO of Cancer Council Queensland Chris McMillan said community fundraising is important for cancer research. “Funds that people raise helps us promote our services and fund research and prevention messaging,” Ms McMillan said. “The Daffodil is the international symbol of hope for all those affected by cancer,” she said. “But in addition to this, it is making sure that people on the Gold Coast are taking action to reduce their cancer risk [as] one third of all cancers are preventable.

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“Community support is instrumental to the Daffodil Day Appeal and Cancer Council Queensland is grateful for the support from local businesses and communities. “Efforts from locals like PBC truly helps Cancer Council Queensland’s vision for a cancer-free future for Queenslanders.” Deputy Principal for PBC Mitch Kennedy said the school’s fundraising efforts had been a good opportunity for the community to come together. “Our community has had to show resilience this year in what has been one of adversity,” Mr Kennedy said. Mr Kennedy said Erin Woods had plans to fundraise for Cancer Council Queensland since she was in year nine. “Through her ingenuity, networking and passion she has led our school community to raise over $10,000 over the past few years, with this year’s donation being our largest effort yet,” he said. “We’ve always been proud of our strong student voice and thirst to help others. “This year, perhaps more than most, our students have identified the importance of community connectedness.” To learn more or help support Cancer Council Queensland, head to cancerqld. org.au.

Wallaby Hotel hops back into live music It’s safe to say it’s been a long, weird break from live music this year. But in the case of iconic Gold Coast pub and live music venue Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, it’s also been an exciting one. Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

On Friday 30 October, the Wallaby threw open its doors for the first time since the end of July, following a mammoth, three month, $2million+ renovation. We chatted to the Wallaby Hotel’s General Manager Mark Westaway just ahead of the re-opening. Mark is jumping out of his skin when we catch up, dying to spill the beans. “We’ve literally got a whole new bistro, public bar, and a massive kid’s area,” he enthuses. But it’s the new live music setup that’s got everyone seriously pumped. “The part that really excites me is the new stage and PA system. I stood at the stage the other day - it’s all set up now - and it genuinely gave me goosebumps,” he recalls. Wallaby Hotel has been synonymous with live music for as long as anyone can remember, and prides itself on its constant support for local live acts. Even during COVID, when it was unable to hire musicians to perform, the team pulled together over 1200 free ‘Meals for Musos’. “They were the ones that were hit hardest, and first,” explains Mark. “The first thing that venues stopped was live music. It was always our vision to be the one to ‘turn that back on’ as such, and we’ve got some cracking stuff coming up.” That cracking stuff includes the first weekend back with the ‘locals launch’ that featured five-piece Gold Coast covers band and previous Friday night regulars Revolution. After Ego from Brisbane took on the Saturday night.

The following weekend saw the official grand opening kick off, with Gold Coast-based band Reverse taking Friday night, local tribute group Made in Australia getting the party started on Saturday and Gold Coast duo The Brick heading up the Sunday sesh. And that’s not all.

“We had a very clear idea about it being great value, great pub food. With our entrée and side menu we’ve gone down the road of having shared dishes so if you just wanna sit on the back deck of a Sunday afternoon with mates, they’re there for you.

“We’re also gonna focus on our Thursday night blues nights,” says Mark. “Our weekends will get back to supporting our cover bands, Sundays will be duos / solos, and we’re really trying to cover all genres of music and support whoever we can.”

When designing the renovation, the team definitely stayed true to the Wallaby’s important historical themes.

And that’s before getting to the touring acts. With a potential for 450-500 pax in the new public bar (350 currently with COVID restrictions), the Wallaby is bound to attract some stellar national acts, and undoubtedly an international presence when globe hopping becomes more accessible. Legendary Aussie rockers The Angels have already been announced as a major headliner in June of 2021, with Sarah McLeod and Diesel shows planned for earlier in the year. There’s also a whopper of a legendary double headliner on the cards for 2021, but we aren’t allowed to reveal the acts JUST yet, so watch this space. In addition to turning the live music tap back on, the Wallaby has worked hard to reposition itself as a family venue, with a huge fun kids’ area (named Graceland after Mark’s daughter Grace), and a brand new family-friendly bistro menu. Mark saus they’re not reinventing the wheel with the food, though. We’ve really looked at doing pub food, but done bloody well. We’ve got a cracking steak menu, we’ve got an awesome schnitty and parmy menu, and your pub classics, your shepherd’s pies, cob loaves. Blank - issue #80 - October 2020

“With the pub being what it is and the significance it has to Gold Coast and the local area - and the music scene - we spent a good seven months planning the renovation carefully, as it was really important to get this renovation right across all the aspects we looked at,” says Mark. “We haven’t made it modern - we’ve kept so true to what the Wallaby is, so other than the white on the ceilings, everything is heritage coloured, that’s why it took so long for us to get it right, because it was back and forth, back and forth.” Mark says the team is excited to be serving the public again. “We’ve just been pumped watching the transformation. The reality is the Wallaby is the heart of Mudgeeraba and it’s the heart and soul of local live music. Let’s use it and get back to supporting the musos of the Gold Coast.” Head to the newly renovated Wallaby Hotel 7 days per week. Come gawk at the new look, grab some cold ones with friends, listen to some live tunes and check out the tasty new menu. Kids welcome. Visit wallabyhotel.com. au for more.

OCTOBER 30 WALLABY HOTEL RAILWAY STREET, MUDGEERABA The iconic Wallaby Hotel opens its doors again on October 30th and can’t wait to show you her new look and feel. Stay tuned for all the opening celebrations on wallabyhotel.com.au NOVEMBER 7 PAWS IN THE PARK MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS With over 80 market stalls, off-lead play area, food & drink, live music, paint your pet class, fundraising raffle and more! Free entry. Parking available with donation to the Animal Welfare League of Qld

NOVEMBER 14 SOUTH COAST ZONE MCDONALD’S SUMMER REGIONAL RELAYS Mudgeeraba Little Athletics will be hosting this year’s event at Woodlands Park, Swanton Drive, Mudgeeraba. This is a friendly regional completion for Little Athletics from across the region. laq.org.au/competition/regionalcompetitions/ NOVEMBER 28 FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS MUDGEERABA COMMUNITY HALL, RAILWAY ST, MUDGEERABA WOMEN IN DOCS + KARL S WILLIAMS 6.30 – 9.30 festivalofsmallhalls.com

9am to 1pm pawsatthepark.com.au NOVEMBER 8 DARREN SMITH CYCLE CLASSIC, HINZE DAM Gold Coast Cycling club host this event each year in memory of Olympic cyclist Darren Smith. Commencing 7am – this is a 12.2km race circuit. goldcoastcyclingclub.com.au

DECEMBER 4, 5 & 6 SPRINGBROOK BIO BLITZ 2020 Spend some time with an expert and enjoy the wonderful biodiverse wildlife in Springbrook. Weekend camping opportunity available with environmental workshops, presentations and other activities. watergum.org/ springbrookbioblitz

DECEMBER 6 MUDGEERABA COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLS FIRTH PARK, MUDGEERABA Bring your family and friends along to enjoy an evening of Christmas carols, with performances from local schools, orchestra, choirs & dancers. Activities for the kids, food trucks, picnic seating. division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au ACTIVE & HEALTHY I CAN BE RESILIENT New Active & Healthy Lifestyle Program out now. The 2020/21 Active & Healthy Lifestyle Program is out now and offers a range of affordable activities delivered by qualified and supportive professionals. Activities happening in Division 9 include women’s and men’s fitness group, new free toddlers gym class, tai chi, yoga, aqua fitness and a range of senior strength and fitness classes. To find an activity near you visit: cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ activehealthy NATURALLYGC Become a NaturallyGC member and keep up to date with the latest workshops, activities and events across the City. Enjoy opportunities to connect with and explore the Gold Coast’s

wonderful natural environment. Activities include guided bushwalks, nature photography, tree planting, wildlife shows, outdoor play for kids, trail running, bird watching, native gardening, plant propagation, Landcare and much more.

To subscribe to membership, or get information on the revised NaturallyGC on line program go to: cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ naturallygc

FEEDBACK 20 FESTIVAL 20 THE CHATS / LASTLINGS / IVEY BUTTERED / THE JENSENS PEACH FUR / KARL S WILLIAMS + MORE FEEDBACKFESTIVAL.COM.AU

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