Blank Gold Coast issue #53 - Feb 2018 by Blank Street Press

MASON RACK'S

at Surf Parade, Broadbeach

4 – 15 April

Highlights Queensland Music Stage Busby Marou 7 April 2018 | Free event Sahara Beck 8 April 2018 | Free event Kate Miller-Heidke 14 April 2018 | Free event

TA K E T H E P L U N G E 12 action-packed days of free culture celebrating the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Experience music, theatre, circus, dance, ideas, visual arts and film from our corner and across the globe.

gc2018.com/festival2018

FULL PROGRAM LINE UP gc2018.com/festival2018 Proudly presented by

Date’s set for Splendour 2018 Splendour organisers have revealed the festival’s dates for 2018. The 18th annual event will run Friday 20 to Sunday 22 July at North Byron Parklands. They’re also calling for support from punters to help make the site the festival’s “forever home” by making a submission to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. More info at helpparklands.com.

Editor in Chief: Samantha Morris Cultural Editor: Natalie O'Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Money Coordinator: Phillippa Wright Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark House Photographer: Leisen Standen, Lamp Photography Contributors (print and online): Natalie O’Driscoll, Anthony Gebhardt, Marj Osborne, Tiffany Mitchell, Catherine Coburn, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Glenn Tozer, Erin Bourne. Cover photo: Mason Rack photographed at Dust Temple by Lamp Photography 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.

Going for Gold at The Walls The Walls is going for gold with its 2018 program launch which takes place Saturday 3 February alongside the second season of its screen-based installation ‘SUNSCREENING’. Early birds score a limited edition artwork badge by Melissa Sprat with program-posters designed by Byron Coathup also available. The A B Citizens will provide electro-techno sounds and a selection of works (both on the screen and off) by Adrienne Kenafake, Lowanna Davies, Courtenay McCue, Jay Jermyn, Libby Harward and others will be shown.

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankgc.com.au

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Little May announced as The National support The National return to Australia this year, for the first time since 2014. The tour has already seen sold out shows at the Opera House and now promoters have announced Little May as the support for the Australian tour. Little May released and toured their critically acclaimed album ‘For The Company’ which was recorded in a 19th century church in upstate New York with The National’s Aaron Brooking Dessner, so it’s not a complete surprise to see them on the bill. But they totes deserve to be there. Known for their live shows and selling out headline tours from London to Paris and Berlin and all over Australia and the USA, they’ve been right at home on festival bills such as Splendour, Bonnaroo, Laneway and Gentlemen of the Road. The National + Little May are at Brisbane Riverstage on 27 February.

Bluesfest scores Ms. Lauryn Hill

Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au About us: Blank GC is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris and Chloe Popa. Founded in 2013 we are the Gold Coast’s independent cultural voice and we rely on advertising as well as our generous contributors to keep us in the fray. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team.

‘Daisy Went Crazy’, a celebration of babes in bands, will descend on Burleigh Brewing Co. to mark International Women’s Day. The lineup features bands who feature ladies. Except for Israeli ‘Chicks’ Jazz Trio who will don wigs for the occasion. The rest of the lineup is bangin. Seriously so. Maddy Jane, Rackett, IVEY, The Delicates and more. The mini-fest takes place Saturday 10 March.

Ten days of choppers, skateboards and tats Artist, tattooer, pro skater and beard farmer Gareth Stehr (AKA DIRTSQID) spent more than ten years in California working as a professional skateboarder and showing his artwork in galleries and exhibitions across the USA. Now based in Melbourne, he’s bringing a motley crew of artists, pro skaters, tattooists and brewers from California, NZ and Australia to the Dust Temple as part of an east coast tour. The exhibition opens at Dust Temple on 3 February for three weeks.

Simple Plan: no pads, no helmets Multi-platinum Canadian pop-punk outfit Simple Plan will hit Australia as part of a 15th anniversary world tour in April. In a statement, the band said that, “After releasing our 5th album last year and playing more than 100 shows in over 40 countries, we felt it was important take this opportunity to look back and celebrate the amazing adventure we've had as a band and as friends.” They’re at NightQuarter on Saturday 21 April. Tickets via Oztix.

Daisy Goes Crazy at Burleigh

Bluesfest has just announced that Ms. Lauryn Hill, one of the most influential artists in the history of R&B, will play an exclusive set at the 2018 festival in Byron Bay. Ms. Hill established her reputation in the music world as the lone female member of The Fugees, whose record sales would make them the second biggest selling R&B act worldwide since Michael Jackson. After leaving the band she released her iconic solo album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ which changed the face of popular music when it was released in 1998. The album’s innovative mix of traditional soul, hip-hop beats and politically charged rap was a revelation winning five Grammys the year it was released. Ms. Hill joins Robert Plant, Lionel Richie, Kesha, John Butler Trio, Tash Sultana, Seal, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crowe, Melissa Etheridge as well as dozens of other talented artists on Bluesfest’s massive 2018 line up.

2018 SUBMISSIONS OPEN for SWELL In the wake of the highly popular milestone year in 2017, SWELL Sculpture Festival is inviting submissions from artists, art collectives and collaborators to exhibit at the 16th annual exhibition. SWELL, Queensland’s premier outdoor sculpture exhibition, presents 50 Australian and international artists to captivate the hearts and minds of an estimated audience of 275,000, and this year will run from 14 – 23 September. Artists from across Australia and the world working in all mediums are invited to submit, and will vie for awards totalling over $25,000 with the coveted major award of $15,000 cash. Submission to SWELL Sculpture Festival close Monday 5 March, 2018. Visit swellsculpture.com.au.

Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2018 This carefully curated selection of short films document the beauty and power of the ocean and celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who chase the crests of waves; and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue. The films feature captivating cinematography, complete with awe-inspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences that have been captured from unbelievable vantage points. One night only, 8 March at theartcentregc.com.au.

GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS LIVE LINEUP ANNOUNCED

Image by Amanda Gorman

National Theatre Live comes to the Gold Coast Filmed exclusively for cinema and captured live in stunning high definition from the National Theatre of Great Britain, National Theatre Live gives audiences the chance to experience the world’s greatest stage productions from the comfort and ease of their local movie theatre. Catch Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton in ‘Follies’ on either 28 February or 4 March, and laugh the night away at new Richard Bean and Clive Coleman comedy ‘Young Marx’ from 17 March. Visit theartscentregc. com.au for more.

Gold Coast Music Awards organisers this week announced the lineup of live entertainment for the gala awards event.

move here and to lay down roots on the Gold Coast,” she said. “That’s pretty exciting for the future of Gold Coast music.”

The free, all-ages concert, which takes place on a massive festival-sized stage on the beach opens Surfers Paradise Live on Thursday 3 May and is followed by days and nights of non-stop, free entertainment throughout the Surfers Paradise central precinct.

“Our partnership with Surfers Paradise LIVE provides us with an enormous festival-sized stage and enables us to further elevate the city’s talent to national audiences by adding more Gold Coast artists to the bill.”

Bobby Alu will headline this year’s Gold Coast Music Awards live lineup, with Electrik Lemonade, Hussy Hicks and Eliza and the Delusionals also on the bill. The live concert runs alongside the Gold Coast Music Awards gala ceremony which takes place in a ticketed marquee on the sand adjacent. Last year, some 3000 people attended with Amy Shark the star of the show. Consolidating its place on the nation’s music radar, Gold Coast Music Awards director Samantha Morris said that the Awards had a successful move to Surfers Paradise last year with a sold-out VIP event and local artists Amy Shark, Hanlon Brothers, Aquila Young and Yes Sir Noceur attracting thousands to the precinct for the live show. “We literally roll the red carpet out along the Surfers Paradise foreshore,” Samantha said. “We continue to attract national attention to the City’s burgeoning music scene, celebrating local artists’ successes and bringing the industry together for a big celebration of all that is great for Gold Coast music.”

Explore the sense with Musical Birds OneArts is bringing a curation of works to explore the senses, combining a multimedia display of artwork by New Zealander Michelle Ward (BFA). ‘Musical Birds’ is a series that began in 2015 and has continued to evolve, the imagery representing our strong connection to music and freedom in the way of expression and the way it can make our soul sing and fly. The artist uses words, paint, texture, stones and shells in her montages. The opening night is Friday 2 February at 6.30 at the One Arts Gallery on the Isle of Capri. The exhibition runs until 28 February.

“Amy Shark is flying the flag loud and proud for Gold Coast music, and we have an incredible calibre of talent following closely behind.” “Jesswar and Bleeding Knees Club to Karl S Williams , Eliza and the Delusionals, Ivey, Lane Harry x Ike Cambpell, Lastlings and PACES are all achieving big things in the national space.” “We have local musicians touring the world, supporting international stars, kicking big goals here and further afield and these awards help celebrate those achievements.” “As well as all of that homegrown talent, an increasing number of artists are choosing to

This year, Surfers Paradise LIVE includes its biggest Gold Coast contingent yet, bringing some of the city’s best local live performers into the fray like Black Rabbit George, Benny D Williams, Mistram, Lane Harry x Ike Campbell and Hussy Hicks supporting Daryl Braithwaite, Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano with another headliner soon to be announced. Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw said the partnership with the Gold Coast Music Awards was about supporting the Gold Coast’s music industry and nurturing homegrown talent, as well as putting the Surfers Paradise LIVE program on the national map. “Surfers Paradise LIVE continues to enjoy rapid growth and received bronze in the Major Festival and Events category at last month’s QTIC Awards,” Mr Winlaw said. “We are proud of our partnership with the Gold Coast Music Awards and created Surfers Paradise LIVE three years ago to bring live music back to the heart of the Gold Coast. “We will be making a major headline announcement next month for Surfers Paradise LIVE that is sure to draw massive crowds.” With a brand-new category ‘Live Act of the Year’ added to the mix, the esteemed panel of independent judges will name the region’s best talents and achievements in the categories of Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Breakout Artist of the Year, Event of the Year, Live Act of the Year, Song of the Year, Venue of the Year and Video of the Year.

MARCH 29 APRIL 15 THE GOLD COAST’S SIGNATURE ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL

BLEACHFESTIVAL.COM.AU

The Gold Coast Music Awards is proudly supported by City of Gold Coast and presented by Surfers Paradise Alliance. Natalie O'Driscoll

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MASON RACK'S No-one could ever dispute Mason Rack’s work ethic. Sometimes driving 2500km in a weekend to get to gigs, this man knows what it’s like to be a full-time musician – something he’s been for more than 15 years. He was a bricklayer before that - and “not a good one” in his own words. But once he found music, and he was able to throw in the trowel [sorry :)], he never looked back. Although that simplifies Mason’s story somewhat. Because in the mix, there’s also Mason’s early drug addiction and hopelessness, prison and violence and finally recovery and long-term sobriety. “I’m 17 years sober,” he tells me, sitting at the Dust Temple in Currumbin. “I attended 12-step groups and that gives me the foundation to be OK anywhere, with anything, anytime,” Mason said.

While the three-piece spend most weekends driving up and down the Bruce / Pacific Highways playing free pub gigs, they’ve also made a massive name for themselves outside of the Gold Coast. They’ve played a heap of big festivals in Germany, Italy and Canada and delivered six headlining tours of Europe and Canada. Not to mention their Australian festival roster which includes Byron Bluesfest, Blues on Broadbeach, Gympie Muster, Adelaide International Guitar Festival, Woodford and regional festivals in Caloundra, Airlie Beach Queenscliff, Bridgetown and the Big Pineapple. 2018 will see the band tour Canada again for the first time in five years. If you haven’t seen the band perform live, you should know that Mason Rack Band are infamous for their live drum duels, onstage antics and signature stage show which includes a percussion extravaganza on beer kegs.

“We could be in bum fuck nowhere, and they’ll say they saw us at Blues on Broadbeach last year and we say ‘will you be there next year’ and they’ll say yeah, we’ll see you there.” And the highlight of Mason’s entire career “apart from my beautiful children and wife” is playing on the main stage at Blues on Broadbeach before Eric Burdon.

“The show is very left of centre,” Mason explained. “If you’re a jazz person, you’re going to like some of the songs, if you’re a country person you’ll like some of them, if you’re into blues or rock, you’ll like some of them, it’s a kaleidoscope of musical fun.”

“That guy,” says Mason with a big grin on his face, “I had his tape before I was playing live properly and I tried to learn every song and two of the songs we still do in our show. It just so happened we did the gig just before Eric Burdon.”

The life of a touring musician is hard enough without throwing recovery from addiction in the mix.

Which goes some way to explain how the Gold Coast band has been booked for blues, country and folk festivals – sometimes in the same year.

“You get no sleep and you just do gig after gig after gig after gig, and they’re all free pub gigs, which is great and fun and it pays the bills and it gets us overseas, but that’s all it can do,” Mason said.

It’s a far cry from Mason’s previous life, but not totally unexpected. Mason’s father Billy Rack was also a well known Gold Coast musician.

“I used to fantasise about stuff that’s now come true… like making a CD, making a living from music, touring internationally, touring at all… Europe and festivals and Bluesfest, these sorts of things were out of the box drams – they felt a long way away, they felt a lifetime away.”

“I still go to meetings, even when I’m on the road. But if I’m somewhere and someone gives me some kind of contraband, I gratefully accept it, smile and say thank you and then give it to others.”

And that line of thinking is the catalyst for what I feel is going to be some kind of Mason Rack rebirth. When we speak, he’s been spending time in the studio with Brad Hosking (Blind Boy Studios) on his first new music in two years. Mason’s first ever single, called ‘Time Again’ and due for release 9 February follows six full-length albums, two of which are live and two DVDs, one of which Mason says was “terrible”.

“He performed a lot of stuff over the years,” Mason said, “contemporary lounge to jazz – he started out on drums when he was young in Melbourne and played bass guitar and sang.”

He’s looking strategically at how and when he gigs, where he tours and how he markets his music. Big moves for a very hands-on and grassroots musician. Mason is also pretty excited about how different this single will be from previous releases.

“I started playing with him in a little restaurant in Palm Beach called Ron Romans on 8th avenue. There was a puppet show down there – an amazing variety show – just run by one person – kids were entertained for the whole night without their parents being worried about where they were or what they did and come 9.30 they’d line up three chairs and the kids would fall asleep at the table and then dad would play ‘kissy kissy’ music for the mums and dads, who’d have a smooch and a slow dance on the dance-floor. The place was booked out for seven years.”

“I want to make something that lasts forever, so it needs to be the strongest that it’s ever been,” he said. And when he says strong he’s talking about all of the song’s elements – songwriting, instrumentation and also the quality of the studio it’s recorded in.

Mason’s connection to the Gold Coast runs deep. A previous Surfers Paradise State School and Miami High School student, he fondly remembers those venues of old – Playroom and The Patch in particular – and holds a special place in his heart for Blues on Broadbeach.

“It’s about very little compromise, and not having a strict timeline to finish.”

“I think I’ve played every one except last year [2016],” he said. “It’s a really special event. It’s free and yeah, the crowd, I wish the same crowd just came and saw us at our normal gigs.”

Previous Mason Rack projects have been recorded under time and financial constraints and Mason says he’s spent a lot of time saying “that will do”, something he just can’t bring himself to accept any longer.

And what does Mason think would have happened if he didn’t get sober? “I’d probably be dead,” he said. Samantha Morris

“We have so many people all around Australia who say they saw us at Blues on Broadbeach.”

“I’m tired of that,” he said. “It kills a little bit inside of me. My musical genie inside goes ‘ohhhh, another stab to the heart.’ I say it will do and my heart says ‘no it won’t’.” 10

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Image: Lamp Photography

Mason’s first ever single ‘Time Again’ is out 9 Feb prior to a show at Cooly Hotel on 11 Feb. Mason Rack Band appears at Blues on Broadbeach and a new album recorded with Brad Hosking is out soon. Mason also is happy to hear from other musicians who feel the need to reach out, for any reason. They can contact him through his FB page.

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Can you believe it’s nearly been a year since Bleach* Festival took our breath away (again)? Well, it has. And by the look of this year’s program – hot off the press – 2018 is going to give all the previous year’s events a run for their money.

Running from 29 March to 15 April, Bleach* Festival is a citywide event that encourages – nay, demands – that all Gold Coast culture vultures, music lovers, performance aficionados and wonderful weirdos get out of the house for two weeks of glorious play that sees our incomparable cityscapes converted into stages, and audiences transformed into participants. This year’s Bleach* Festival will coincide and, at times, collaborate with the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games’ Festival 2018, and is set to be a sight to behold. With the whole world watching, here is a little of what you can expect from one of our City’s most beloved events in 2018: DANCE lovers will get the chance to experience everything from the most ancient to the most contemporary with an eclectic program that sees dancers from The Farm caper around Surfers Paradise Beach for an apocalyptic party like no other in ‘The Ninth Wave’, while the Fijian artists of ‘Vou’ will take over the parklands with their unique and acclaimed blend of traditional and modern Pacific Islander dance. ‘Yes We Dance’ is bound to be a crowd favourite, starring ten everyday Gold Coasters, each with extraordinary ways of expressing themselves through dance. If you missed the wildly successful ‘Tide’ in 2015, where two office workers carry on their duties on a sandbar, now’s your chance to see a reworked version of it in the Currumbin Estuary. Experience the Hilton Surfers Paradise as never before on the travelling adventure that is ‘Intimate Space’, and travel back to Fiji when ‘Vou’ hit the Paddock stage again, along with traditional and contemporary musicians for ‘Bleach* at NightQuarter’. The streets of the Gold Coast will be filled with MUSIC as some of the finest local and visiting musicians sing, play and chant their way into the hearts of onlookers.

‘Bleach* Electrified’, ‘Southport Live at the CBD Street Party’ and ‘Queensland Music Stage’ will see epic line-ups of contemporary talent including Busby Marou and Kate Miller-Heidke, while ‘The Spirit of Churaki’, ‘An Evening with Kev Carmody’ and ‘By The Beach’ will allow festivalgoers to explore some of the country’s best Indigenous musicians. ‘Song to the Earth’ invites audiences to wander among a forest of musicians as Australian string ensemble DeepBlue, master percussionist Dr Michael Askill, and 50 remarkable local young musicians create a euphoric musical experience under the night sky. ‘Coast Acoustics Music Festival’ is being swept up in Bleach* fever this year as well, while ‘Dangerous Song’, described as “in inter-species choral work” is likely one of the more original acts you’ll be able to check out. ‘Bob La Castra and the Martini Club’ will take listeners back to a bygone era with their blend of jazz, soul and Latin tunes.

ARTS & THEATRE has never looked so good, from the large scale puppetry and musical extravaganza of ‘String Symphony’ to from-tacky-to-art nostalgia of ‘Super Souvenir’. Visitors to the Gold Coast will be taken by surprise and delight when they are greeted by ‘The Welcome Party’, a colourful, quirky, go-lucky gang on a mission to provide you a personalised welcome party! ‘Wave Fields’ invites guests to have a snooze in a soundscape created by celebrated artist Lawrence English, while ‘The Language of the Wind’ is a sound installation which combines a series of incredibly rich and moving soundscapes of local songlines, correlating to Indigenous notions of place. ‘Quiet by Nature’ takes guests on a historical kayaking tour, while ‘Home Visits’ keeps locals within their private residences for an intimate show. Music, performance, art and food combine in the best possible way for ‘Feast on Fifth’, while ‘Truth to Power Café’ engages people from all walks of life on a level playing field, whilst celebrating the power of free speech, joyful artistic expression, and political activism. Photographs will also get their moment in ‘SEALEVEL - The Art of Awareness’, a personal photographic project documenting the ocean at sea level. Natalie O’Driscoll

WOODFORD WELCOMES HEARTY GOLD COAST CONTINGENT

Image: Jude Kalman

BLEACH* FESTIVAL 2018 PROGRAM REVEALED

Each year the momentum of the Gold Coast’s cultural sector, including creators and patrons, infiltrates the largest music and arts festival in Australia, held in a fantastical location known as Woodfordia, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It’s not only a beautiful event for people of all ages to experience art and music, but manages to be a wonderfully crafted sanctuary for dangerous and controversial conversations about society and community, politics and the environment. Gold Coast creators and commentators have been involved for many years now and 2017 was no different. Perhaps one of the most unsung but most instrumental is the producer of the Welcome Ceremony and Fire Event, and Woodford New Years Eve, southern Gold Coaster Kate McDonald. The other half of the arts super-couple Kristian Baggerson is a logistics expert, assisting with site layout throughout the event. Kate and Kristian have been helping organise the event for over a decade. This year the Chair of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Russell Reichelt, a GC hinterland resident, spoke at length to impressed audiences. Emerging indie folk outfit Hollow Coves played the bill to standing ovations, along with alt-country duo Little Georgia. The Cheap Fakes featured Gold Coast music champion Scotty French and The New Buzz cameoed Karl S Williams late at night in the Pineapple Lounge, while Afro Dizzi Act had a GC regular on percussion in Bobby Alu, who recently returned from an African drumming study tour. Finally, the SWELL Sculpture Festival team again helped curate some of the art in Bill’s Bar, in a little partnership that has now spanned quite a number of years. Highlights beyond the Gold Coast involvement included the Children's Festival, the nightly parades, Canadian folksters The East Pointers, Caravana Sun's happy surfie rock, and Melbourne-based Zambian hip-hop starlet Sampa the Great.

Bleach* Festival runs from 29 March to 15 April 2018. Check out the full program at bleachfestival.com.au 12

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In any case, the Gold Coast arts footprint was very evident again at Woodford Folk Festival 2017 and if you haven’t had a chance to check out the festival with your family, now is the time to start your planning for 2018. Get amongst it! Glenn Tozer

Springtime Sessions in the Village 22 December (Fridays 5:30pm-7.30pm) fb: SummertimeSessions

2 Feb - Dallas James & Jackson James Smith 9 Feb - Elska & Armitage 16 Feb - Dan Hannaford & Kim Banffy 23 Feb - Nicole Brophy & Abbie Cardwell 2 Mar - Harry J Hart & The Pockets

Su mm er Tim e Sessions in the Village

GC Muso’s Jam

1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, commencing Feb 1st Wallaby Hotel, Railway St, Mudgeeraba fb: Gold Coast Muso’s Jam

Somerset College Celebration of Literature

15 to 17 March Program includes special functions of adults, family events and author sessions, especially for school students w: SomersetCofL.org.au

Movies Under the Stars (free)

17 March, Worongary State School Children’s activities & food trucks commence 5pm Movie Screening 7pm ‘Cars 3’ e: division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

CUDDIHY PARK SWAN LANE Mudgeeraba 5:30 - 7:30 PM #SSitV

Bleach Festival

29 March - 15 April The Gold Coast’s signature arts and cultural festival. View full program online. w: bleachfestival.com.au

Farmers Markets at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds

Saturday mornings (6 – 11.30 am) Offering quality food & farmers’, global food and artisans’ markets focussed on local, sustainable products w: yourlocalmarkets.com.au

fri 2 fri 9 fri 16 fri 23 fri 2 fri 9 fri 16

Feb Feb Feb Feb MAR MAR MAR

Dallas James & Jackson James Smith Elska & Armitage Dan Hannaford & Kim Banffy Nicole Brophy & Abbie Cardwell HARRY J HART & THE POCKETS HOLLOW COVES & ANT BEARD Sarah Frank & Brothers Calling

music art event s

LIVE IN THE PADDOCK

SAFIA

TICKETED SHOWS SATURDAY 21ST APRIL

SIMPLE PLAN

FEBRUARY GIG GUIDE FRIDAY 2ND FEBRUARY HOLLOW COVES

FRIDAY 16TH FEBRUARY LUNAR NEW YEAR

SATURDAY 3RD FEBRUARY WAITANGI DAY PAUA AUAHA DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC

SATURDAY 17TH FEBRUARY JONNY TAYLOR HARRY J HART TRIO

FRIDAY 9TH FEBRUARY GRAHAM MOES SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL

nightquarter.com.au

1800 264 448

FRIDAY 23RD FEBRUARY THANDO SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY TIM HART (BOY & BEAR) CAMERON CHARLES

town centre drive, helensvale

SALT AND STEEL: BREATHING, CONNECTING, GROWING Soulful, dynamic and in thrall of the redemptive powers of music, sassy local duo Salt and Steel, (singer and guitarist Briony Edgar and drummer and percussionist Elle Steele) have been wowing audiences and musical tastemakers alike wherever they’ve chosen to plug in and play over the past few years. Peddling an impressive amalgamation of hip shaking roots rock and gypsy-inflected folk, the girls have seen their profile explode recently, off the back of winning the ‘champions prize’ at 2016’s Battle of the Buskers, as well as success at Bluesfest and the Airlie Beach Music Festival. And things are about to get even bigger, with their debut EP, ‘Breathe, Connect, Grow’ in the can. It was recorded here on the Gold Coast, at that fertile musical hotbed Love Street Studios, and was mastered by Paul Blakey, who’s also worked with Amy Shark and the Round Mountain Girls. The girls will be premiering it with a headline performance at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on 9 February. In the lead up to the show and Anthony Gebhardt got the good oil on the dynamic duo.

You both originate from the Northern NSW area. Have you found this a fertile breeding ground for honing your musical chops? We both grew up in Grafton, NSW. We met a few years after we finished school and hit the road together not long after that. After adventuring along the coast line of Australia and overseas we found ourselves feeling at home in North Tumbulgum, a very magical place. We are so blessed with community, forests and creeks in the area, while still being so close to the ocean. Our home has a lot of character and history of nurturing musicians and holding concerts. We have the thought that the studio we live in may have even been the old ‘green room’ back in the day, as one of the doors leads right onto the stage in the shed (or dance hall as we’ve been told.) There is a lot of creative energy on the property and it definitely plays a part in our writing! How do you generally approach your craft? Do your songs evolve from live jams, or are you actively creating and tinkering in the studio? We’ve written a couple of songs, such as ‘Whiskey Love’, around the camp fire, in the early hours of the morning after a big night, with the sun rising, birds chirping and with thoughts of all the responsibilities of the day ahead! Other songs have come from a groove or a guitar riff that we jam. The song ‘River’ came from a long car trip. We jammed some body percussion with some lyrics Briony wrote and there it was! You must be excited to be launching your EP at the wonderful Mo’s Desert Clubhouse in February. What can audiences expect from you in the live realm? So excited! We have so much fun at every show and we want to continue to share this energy. We believe in the healing power of music and we like to deliver our performance in a way that helps our audience let go and be here, right now! We have been working especially hard to create what we will perform on the night of the EP launch. We have some new songs and have revamped some old ones. Be ready for a whole lotta foot stompin’ fun! We can’t wait to show you what we’ve come up with!

For the full story visit blankgc.com.au. Salt and Steel hit Mo’s on 9 February.

THE BIGGEST FESTIVAL GOLD COAST HAS EVER SEEN HITS THE CITY IN APRIL We already knew that when the Commonwealth Games hits town in April there’d be an arts and culture program. The city’s creative leaders have been talking about it for years. What we didn’t know was that it would be the biggest cultural festival the city has ever seen. Festival 2018 will run 4 – 15 April, alongside the Commonwealth Games, spilling out onto beaches and waterways, taking over streets and outdoor spaces, delivering roving performances and entertaining outside stadiums.

Festival 2018 takes place 4 – 15 April and the full program is available at gc2018.com/festival2018.

The 12 day program includes some 160 events, with more than 1000 performances across 28 venues with 35 world premieres, 15 Australian premieres and 20 Indigenous works. The program includes a full Childrens’ Festival in Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach; a world-class lineup of music across stages in Broadbeach and Surfers as well as contemporary dance, Indigenous art, visual and public art installations, theatre and circus as well as film and food. On the music front, Yothu Yindi, Peaches, Kev Carmody, Amy Shark, The Cat Empire, Bullhorn, Kate Miller-Heidke, Confidence Man, Salmonella Dub, Sampa the Great, Wilson Pickers, PACES, Busby Marou, The Jungle Giants are all on the bill for Festival 2018. They’re joined by the City’s own rising stars in the form of Hanlon Brothers, Tijuana Cartel, Karl S Williams, Hussy Hicks, Felicity Lawless, Black Rabbit George, Moreton, Electrik Lemonade, Lastlings, Bobby Alu, Eliza and the Delusionals, Ella Fence and Aquila Young – among others. It’s an eclectic musical offering, dishing up indie rock, country, hip-hop, electronica and funk. Indigenous works and collaborations feature heavily. Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project sees Yothu Yindi reunited with Gavin Campbell, founding member of seminal remix producers Filthy Lucre for an exclusive Queensland performance. The much anticipated World Premiere of ‘The Spirit of Churaki’, commissioned and produced by Bleach Festival and City of Gold Coast will also take place on Surfers Paradise Beach as part of the program. Kev Carmody, Emily Wurramura, Mau Power and Chris Tamwoy are also on the lineup. Churaki was the Gold Coast’s first lifesaver and an epic production starring Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes), Kyle Slabb, Fred Leone and Leah Flanagan tells his story through the ancient sounds of Aboriginal language and compelling musical theatre in a World Premiere on Surfers Paradise Beach. ‘Gathering’ will celebrate the oldest living culture through traditional song, dance and storytelling. ‘ ‘Gauri’ will bring Aboriginal creation stories to life through dance, music, puppetry and text and Freya Carmichael and Lisa Sorbie-Martin will create a large-scale woven installation celebrating water and its role in sustaining and replenishing life. Surfers Paradise plays host to the Australian premiere of ‘Holoscene’, fresh from mesmerising crowds in New York City’s Times Square. Each five hour show sees a lone performer in an aquarium-like tank that unpredictably floods. Submerged for up to three minutes at a time, performers are forced to adapt to the rapid rise and fall of water as they carry out everyday tasks. 18 www.blankgc.com.au Pictured: The Spirit of Churaki by Artwork Agency

And children of all ages will love ‘Impulse’ – 15 illuminated musical seesaws forming an interactive art playground on Surfers Paradise Beach. Punters will become musicians and artists as they take a ride and use their movement and rhythm to activate lights and sounds of the see-saw. The Roundabout Stage in Broadbeach will see World Premieres of contemporary dance, circus and theatre as well as physical theatre in the form of ‘Mallakhambindia’ – a mix of wrestling, gymnastics and aerial yoga that takes place on large, wooden, vertical poles. And it’s not just tourist hubs delivering program highlights: Mudgeeraba, Palm Beach, Currumbin, Helensvale, Southport, Burleigh and Nerang also host Festival events. More than a quarter of the programmed acts are from the Gold Coast. If you missed tickets to the Games opening ceremony, you may actually be in luck. Not only will the opening ceremony be screened on the beach at Surfers Paradise, it will be preceded by a performance by Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project and followed by The Cat Empire live. And if that’s not enough to kickstart your festival experience, the following night (5 April), none other than Peaches joins a stellar lineup of artists to perform some of Australia’s most loved anthems, ballads and love songs. And that really is just the beginning. Every night and every day, on stages in Surfers, Broadbeach and beyond, some of the world’s most talented musicians, performers and artists will enthrall and entertain. For free. If you’re not too fussed about sport, this is just the news you’ve been waiting for. Samantha Morris

FEB

GOLD COAST GIG GUIDE

THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY

Waitangi Day: Paua + Auaha + Drums of the Pacific | NightQuarter

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

Deck acoustics: Fergo + Kristie Lea (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

The Great American Classic Rock Show (Covers) | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY

SUNDAY 4 FEBRUARY

The Elliots | Nimbin Hotel

Seaside Sounds Kirra: Electrik Lemonade + Saint Menacer | Kirra

Ben Hanna | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Elska (2.00pm) | The Alleygators

Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Bella Maree (2.00pm) | The Alleygators

Salt & Steel + Felicity Lawless + Daryl James + Free The Genie | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse

Free The Genie (3.00pm) | Mexicali, Nobby Beach

Doolie + Jackson James Smith (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

James Van Cooper | Scottish Prince

Cactus ‘In The Dark’ Single Launch + The Goldblooms + Cosmic Dad + Alexander William | Currumbin Pub

Free The Genie | Iku, Burleigh Jemma Nicole | Scottish Prince

Michael Eotvos (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

The Elliots | Nimbin Hotel

Jackson James Smith | Cafe Catalina

The Funkster + The Kapa Haka Group (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Stephen Ward (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY

Goatzilla + Illnation + James Bondage & the Safewords | Jacobs Well Tavern

Elska | Cambus Wallace

Benny D Williams | Steampunk Surfers

Benny D Williams (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Greg Bankx (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

Summertime Sessions in the Village: Dallas James + Jackson James Smith | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

Hayley Grace (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY The Neil Diamond Super Hits Show (Covers) | Southport RSL Town | Sheoak Shack Alex Fietz | Watermark Hotel & Spa Grizzlee Train + Felicity Lawless (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta The Disgruntled Taxpayers + Tokyo Beef + The Grogans + Collins Class | Burleigh Town Tavern Hell & Whiskey | Dust Temple

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Trapdoor + Jax Haze + Katie Who | Miami Shark Bar

Atticus Chimps | Miami Shark Bar | more here

Wallflower Meadows + Scott Dalton (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Gemini Duo | RSL Club Southport

Nobbys Sunday Sessions: Kimmy and Crew + Micka Scene

MONDAY 12 FEBRUARY Tommy Memphis (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

Guy Kachel (2.00pm) + The Jet Club Effect (7.00pm) | Sheaok Shack

TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY

Under the Southern Stars: Jimmy Barnes + Ian Moss + Tex Perkins + Diesel + Richard Clapton + Ash Grunwald + The Rich and The Famous | Broadwater Parklands

Matt Armitage | Scottish Prince

Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Alex Fietz | Watermark Hotel & Spa

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace Elska | Scottish Prince

Tommy Memphis (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

Die For Mushies ‘Dirty Dog Single Release Tour’ + Stingin Rogers + Plateau + Charlesworth | Currumbin Pub

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY

TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY

Chocolate Strings + Mark Gray (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Free The Genie | Parkwood Tavern

Kelly Blues | Cambus Wallace

Benny D Williams | Byron Bay Brewery

MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY

Stephen Lovelight | Scottish Prince

WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Champagne Jam | RSL Club Southport Latour | elsewhere Brazilian Carnival | NightQuarter

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY Gangajang | Soundlounge

Kelly Blues | Scottish Prince

Deck acoustics: Sarah Archer (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY

42Band (presented by the Hanlon Brothers) | Southport Sharks

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY

The Miserines + Honeygum + Label + Jake Hobbs | Currumbin Pub

Mason Rack | Cooly Hotel

Salt & Steel | Nimbin Hotel

Die! Die! Die! + Wharves + Horror My Friend + Cakes | Shark Bar Miami

Sun Salute + Blackboi (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY Celebrating Neil Young: Karl S Williams + Danny Widdicombe + MORE | Soundlounge

Seaside Sounds Kirra: Tay Oskee + Saritah | Kirra

Sun Salute | Miami Marketta James Fox Higgins | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Kenny Slide (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Summertime Sessions in the Village: Dan Hannaford +

DISCOVER GOLD COAST'S BEST NEW MUSIC

Kim Banffy | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba Benny D Williams | Brunswick Hotel Goldilicious | RSL Club Southport Jeremy Costa + Peach Fur + Buck Dean And The Green Lips | elsewhere

Dan Irwin (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Phil & Tilley | Cafe Catalina

MONDAY 19 FEBRUARY

Long Gone Daddys | RSL Club Southport

Craig Shaw (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

Dezzie D and the Stingrayz + Rose Rogers (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Tim Hart (Boy & Bear) + Cameron Charles | NightQuarter Deck acoustics: Scott Dalton (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Lunar New Year | NightQuarter

TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY

Deck acoustics: Michael Eotvos (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Jesse Morris Band | Scottish Prince

Countdown Reloaded (Covers) | Southport Sharks

WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY

SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Dan Hannaford (2.00pm) | The Alleygators

Kelly Blues | Scottish Prince

Free The Genie (3.00pm) | Mexicali

Lily Budiasa (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Velvet Martini (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY

Kelly Blues | Cambus Wallace

Herbie Walker | Cambus Wallace

Casey Barnes + Brad Butcher | Soundlounge

THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY

Bud Rokesky | Scottish Prince

King River Rising | Sheaok Shack

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

The White Tree (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Sofar Sounds secret gig. Visit sofarsounds.com/gold-coast Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa

MAR

THURSDAY 1 MARCH Faith I Branko Quartet | Lismore Bowling Club James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 2 MARCH The Wayward Suns + Chilluminati + Luke Houselander + Burger Joint | Currumbin Pub Taylor + Luke Pauley | Miami Marketta

Summertime Sessions in the Village: Harry J Hart + The Pockets | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

SATURDAY 3 MARCH

The Green Sinatras (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

Mick McHugh | Currumbin Pub

Michael Eotvos (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Kellie Knight and the Daze + Karrie Hawyard | Miami Marketta Mapstone (2.00pm) + Tom Lee Richards | Sheoak Shack

MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY Michael Asma (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 4 MARCH

Burger Joint (Gee boenkendorf) (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Jesse Morris Band | Cambus Wallace

Summertime Sessions in the Village: Nicole Brophy + Abbie Cardwell | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

The National + Little May | Riverstage, Brisbane

Tim Stokes (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace

Nobbys Sunday Session: Hanlon Brothers

Wandering Eyes + Helen Ashworth (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY Peter Hunt Trio | Sheaok Shack Street 666 (10.00am) | Dust Temple Mark Watson | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Matt Armitage | Scottish Prince Daneel & The Feel | Nimbin Hotel

WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace Herbie Walker | Scottish Prince

seedgriffith.com Discover fresh local talent cultivated by Queensland Conservatorium's Bachelor of Popular Music program. Support local music. Be in the know. Follow @theseedseries

Karise Eden | soundlounge Eating Animals + Electric Zebra + SAVV + GD FRNDS DJs | Miami Shark Bar

Mistram + Dreams Of Indigo + Indigo Parade + Joshy Dredz | Currumbin Pub

FREE ALBUM DOWNLOAD

Hell & Whiskey (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Benny D Williams | Liars Bar

Deck acoustics: Ben Hanna (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

presents

FRIDAY 9 MARCH Adam Eckersley + Brooke McClymont | Lonestar Tavern Unacceptable + Filthy Minds + The Aunties + Tobi Orlando | Currumbin Pub Stephen Ward (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Diner Pour Deux + Amy Roberts | Miami Marketta Summertime Sessions in the Village: Hollow Coves + Ant Beard | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

* Catch these SEED artists playing at a venue near you

WWW.SEEDSGRIFFITH.COM

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KID CONGO AND THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS: SURREALISM IN BLUES The word ‘legendary’ can sometimes be a bit of a throwaway line when it comes to describing any musician or act with a modicum of influence and credibility. But in the case of Kid Congo Powers (the ‘Powers’ being a non-compulsory moniker addition these days), the term is a more than apt descriptor. If you need convincing, the fact that he’s previously spent time in seminal acts of the calibre of The Cramps, The Gun Club and Nick Cave’s Bad Seeds, should set the record straight fairly quickly. Oh and he was also president of the original Ramones fan club as a 16 year old. In short, he’s one cool cat!

HOLLOW COVES

These days ‘Kid’ (as he’s commonly known) is a fully fledged band leader in his own right, with his current long-term musical project, Kid Congo And The Pink Monkey Birds, equally adept at delivering an exotica-tinged, sleazy swamp groove as well as their trademark high octane, blues inflected garage rawk. He also happens to be one of the most captivating front men you’re ever likely to lay eyes on.

WANDERLUST “I’m moving far away to a sunny place Where it’s just you and me Feels like we’re in a dream You know what I mean…” ‘Coastline' kicks off Hollow Coves 2017 debut EP, perhaps expressing a desire to return to the beaches of their hometowns after much of the song writing and musical development occurred while Ryan based himself in Canada and Matt travelled Europe. The catchy ‘We Will Run’ follows, reminiscing and hopeful, remaining wedded to seaside themes and the life of a young traveller. The five tracks and interlude impress at every turn, sticking to the genre whilst mixing up the tempo and backing instruments, making for an interesting and addictive spin. You barely get to the end before you’re wanting more, and I found myself quick to flick the repeat button. The EP is well worthy of the accolades it has already been acknowledged for, delivering chilled indie folk melodies and harmonies, backed by minimal acoustic guitar and unassuming rhythmic drum beats. The perfect soundtrack to holidays and Sunday afternoons, Hollow Coves have crafted a beautiful piece of art in their debut EP, and we will wait with baited breath for their anticipated full-length release later in 2018. Glenn Tozer

And the exciting news is that he’ll be performing on the Gold Coast in May, as part of this year’s bumper Blues On Broadbeach Music Festival line-up. The Kid obviously has a bit of an affinity with this part of the world, with this being the third time since 2015 that he’s toured Australia. In turns charming and funny (as well as being a bit of a musical encyclopedia), I ask Kid if he’s looking forward to playing as part of an eclectic, blues based line-up outside of his regular club show environment. “Oh definitely, I can’t wait to come back to Australia. They ask, I’ll show up!” And with the band’s unique and highly entertaining stage show, they’ll be sure to make a big impact with the crowds that flock to this year’s event, even if his oeuvre is far from a traditional blues template. A unique drawcard of the band’s live performances are the extended, often highly amusing spoken word monologues that Kid uses to introduce many of the songs. Having seem him perform previously, the impressive thing is that by the end of the ‘story’ the words will magically congeal to reveal the title of the song. I ask him if these are planned outpourings or more stream of conscious musings. “It’s a little bit of both. It starts as a stream of consciousness. I’m not a good planner. But then it becomes part of the act - another part of the music. That’s why I enjoy playing live so much, the songs become something else and take on a life of their own. I think of it in terms of it being part of a rock and roll ‘show’. It’s quite theatrical, and I’m not embarrassed to say it. Because I look at my musical lineage, and my involvement with what I call ‘the big three’ (The Cramps, the Gun Club and Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds), and there’s a sense of drama and entertainment with all of them. I like there to be communication between an artist and the audience. When I was a teenager, I went to see The New York Dolls, and you felt like you were at a party, and David Johansen (New York Dolls front man) was the host of the party. And I like to have that feeling at our shows. So I won’t be standing there staring at my feet - although if you have nice shoes that’s ok! Plus I’m a blabber mouth, ha ha.”

Kid Congo And The Pink Monkey Birds will be appearing at the 2018 Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival, 17 – 20 May. They are also touring nationally throughout May, including a show at The Foundry in Brisbane on 19 May. For the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au

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Image: Rick Marr

Anthony Gebhardt

GOLDEN DAYS FOR CASEY BARNES Gold Coast’s Casey Barnes had a massive 2017. Named a Golden Guitar finalist, he also nailed country music charts with his single ‘The Way We Ride’, which debuted at #7 on the iTunes Country Charts and spent four weeks at the top of the Country Tracks Top 40 Chart. He has a new single and a new album about to launch, so Samantha Morris thought it was time to catch up on what else 2018 has in store. Casey says hearing his name called out as a finalist for the Golden Guitar Awards was a “pretty amazing feeling”. “There are some ridiculously talented up and coming artists in Australian country at the moment so to even be a finalist is pretty humbling,” he told Blank GC. The Golden Guitar nomination wrapped up a massive 2017 for Casey. As well as continuous top ten listings for country music radio charts and touring internationally with Lady Antebellum he also performed at the Country’s biggest country festivals – Tamworth, Gympie, Broadbeach and CMC Rocks. He says he’s feeling like 2017 was his breakthrough year and that all the hard yards are starting to pay off.

‘Ain’t Coming Home’, which is due for release 16 February follows ‘The Way We Ride’ which is the first track off the yet to be released album and an absolute banger for country music fans. Casey says people connected with it so deeply because it’s a bit different to a lot of country tracks out there. “It’s got a real modern country/cross over sound,” he said, “so we got a great response from country fans but also mainstream music fans too... which was great.” The new album, due for release 9 March and 12 months in the making sees Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis from MSquared again collaborating with Casey.

“Radio support has been really strong with the last three singles so it’s nice getting to now play these larger festivals and have people in the crowd know the words and sing them back."

“I deliberately didn't want it to sound like anything else that's currently on the Aussie country music scene,” Casey said. “They (MSquared) come from a mainstream pop production background so combining that head space with modern country has been the perfect mix.”

And Casey’s soon to be released single ‘Ain’t Coming Home’ is set to continue that trend. Casey says it’s a country rock anthem, focused on someone with a nine to five job. All they can think about is the weekend.

“We’ve pushed the boundaries a bit but its great to see that mainstream radio is now opening up to modern country so we're hoping that continues on into 2018. I can't wait to get it out there now!”

“Its definitely one of my favourite tracks off the new album,” he said. “It’s got a big chorus so will be a lot of fun to perform at all our live shows this year!”

As well as the new album. Casey has a massive schedule of regional dates for 2018 and slots at CMC Rocks, Bleach* Festival and Kick Up the Dust in Canberra. He also plays a rare, ticketed headlining show at our beloved Soundlounge this month. “It’s definitely always a highlight getting to perform in your own back yard and it'll be my very first ticketed show at the Soundlounge so I'm really looking forward to that,” he said. “The new single comes out on 16 February so it'll basically be a single launch and a way to debut all the brand new tracks off the record for the very first time.” “It'll be our last big show with the band before CMC Rocks too so hoping to get a good turn out. We'll be joined by fellow Golden Guitar finalist Brad Butcher who is amazing so it’s going to be a great night!” “I guess the main focus [for 2018] will be touring this album,” he said. “I've never had a more jam-packed schedule at the start of a year so that's already a good sign… and if all goes we'll even head back over to the States at some point.”

Casey Barnes + Brad Butcher are at Soundlounge, Saturday 17 February and Casey Barnes hits Bleach* Festival on Saturday 31 March. Pre-order the new album ‘The Good Life’ via iTunes from Friday 16 February.

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A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO YOGA So you got the memo: Yoga is amazing and your excuses are bogus. Now it’s time to get started, but where, and how? Check out the following tips to cut through the overwhelm and plant yourself on the mat. •

Get recommendations. No doubt at least one of your friends goes to yoga, ask them where they go. Try it out, if it’s not your thing try another.

•

Don’t eat too close to class. Most classes will involve some form of being upside down; even a down dog is upside down according to your digestive system. It’s really uncomfortable just after you eat, not to mention messing with your digestion. Depending on your metabolism and what you ate, aim for about two hours.

•

Comfy clothes. You don’t need the latest active wear but you do need to be able to move comfortably in what you’re wearing. Also check your tights are not seethrough when you bend over, that will make things more comfortable for everyone!

•

Expect nothing. Don’t expect your practice to look like the teacher’s or other practitioners’, work with what you have and where your body is. Comparison is the thief of joy, so just breathe and do your best.

•

Commit. If you want to get the benefits then commit to at least once a week. Sporadic practice is better than nothing but regular practice gives you more benefits and quicker.

•

Stay for Savasana. This is the relaxation at the end of class and it’s important. This is the point where your body rejuvenates, rehydrates and reenergises after the practice.

•

Be open. If you have an injury or illness tell the teacher before class. They will guide you to modify if necessary and generally help make it a great experience working around it.

It may seem intimidating but a yoga class should be one of the most welcoming and accepting spaces, if it’s not go to a different one. Dive in, your body, mind and spirit, will thank you for it. Erin Bourne

GRUNWALD’S RETURN TO THE BLUES Ash Grunwald is a bluesman. A veritable oneman band known for his high energy festival sets armed with guitar and stompbox, he’s been making music for nearly 20 years. During that time he’s clocked up countless miles in a van, lived on the road with his partner and daughter, recorded ten albums, dozens of singles, been nominated for six ARIA awards and won two APRA awards, had global tours, killer collaborations and sustained industry success. He humbly speaks of a time when he was totally DIY, literally cutting out the covers of his own CDs and selling them ten at a time. He’s on the Gold Coast this month as part of a classic Australian lineup for the one-day festival Under the Southern Stars and Samantha Morris got the low-down on what’s in the pipeline. We kick things off by talking about 2017 and the success of Ash’s two most recent singles ‘Hammer’ and its follow-up ‘You Ain’t My Problem Anymore’. Both bangin’ blues tracks which gained the musician a heap of traction and new fans to boot. “I guess this is a little bit of a new era for me where I release singles and it’s not leading straight away to an album,” Ash said. “There’s an album coming out this year but those singles were more about themselves.” Ash says the songwriting formula for him is quite simple – he talks about real-world things and tries to tackle issues that come up in life. In terms of evolution, he’s proud of the range of material he’s produced but says his roots lie firmly in the blues. “I’ve done a couple of real blues rock albums with some collaborations like the guys from The Living End and with Ian from Wolf Mother on a different album, I’ve experimented with slightly fusing hip hop with blues at one point and I feel like I’ve come out the end of all these experiments and I’m gonna go back to that blues style,” he said. And while it’s early in the year his tour schedule is already looking full. After Under the Southern Stars here on the GC, he has a bunch of regional dates before he heads to WA for a west coast tour and he has some international destinations in his sights too. “I’m going back to Europe, I’m doing stuff in Spain and also in Greece actually for a few festivals there and I might tour on the back of the album towards the end of the year maybe … just gotta see what happens, but yeah it’s looking like a fun year.” It seems Ash Grunwald was made for the festival stage. And the feeling is mutual.

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“I played one festival gig where there was about 30,000 people in the audience,” he said, “but I would have to say the biggest highlight overall is playing at exciting music festivals to a lot of people and just feeling that energy – it’s pretty amazing.” With more than 20 years music experience under his belt, Ash Grunwald has seen a thing or two. He says he’s not even the same person that embarked on that journey, maxing out two credit cards to buy a van to live in and get things started. “Unfortunately, I reckon I was more content at the start with having way less success,” he said. “At the start I was just happy to be in my van just doing a gig and just getting by and trying to be at the coast and surfing, living a good lifestyle and living the dream. I was stoked and I was hardly playing to anyone,” Ash said. “Whereas I guess now I’ve had some highs and lows - like how it can be a challenge on your ego if your gig doesn’t go well or an album doesn’t go well, it feels like there’s more on the line these days. So I’m trying to find the space to get back to that guy who’s just loving it for the journey. One thing I’ve come to lately is I’m loving it just for the music and not so much for the party because it was all about the party there for a few years. So I’ve sorta reconnected with that pure love of playing music.”

Ash Grunwald is at Under The Southern Stars at Broadwater Parklands on Saturday 10 February alongside Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Tex Perkins, Diesel, Richard Clapton and The Rich and Famous.

SPARKS WILL FLY ON THE HIGHWAY SKY TOUR When country music artists collaborate, their already formed individual music style is cranked up a notch with a little dramatic license. Gold Coast gets the chance to see exactly this when the new stage partnership from Brooke McClymont (one third of the award winning The McClymonts) and her husband, singer/guitarist Adam Eckersley visits the city in March. Grabbing the chance to speak with Brooke McClymont at home on a few days break regarding the new musical road trip with her husband, we note only recently, country artists played as close as Twin Towns, then skipped to the northern Queensland regions or back down the highway again. With the Groundwater (previously Broadbeach) Country Music Festival firmly etched into the region’s calendar, could this mean a new generation of country music artist is appealing to the growing population of the Gold Coast?

aren’t touring until July,” explains Brooke. “Adam and I said let’s do a project together – we’ve always wanted to do it, we work great together, we love playing together, so it’s like … let’s do it now. We are so busy with our own bands, I always thought we would do it when we’re like 60,” she laughs.

Brooke confirms they are playing in new music territories. “People are embracing country music much more. They are coming out because they want to see it live and hopefully interested in original music. The more places for artists like us the better I reckon – it can only help the industry.”

The accompanying album; ‘Adam and Brooke,’ to be released in February, was mixed by Grammy and ARIA award-winning producer Nick DiDia.

“The three venues of that weekend, we’ve never played them before – we’ve heard there is a kind of a scene that is happening up there with country music.” With The McClymonts taking a short break after Brooke’s sister had her first child, it provided an ideal opportunity for the eldest McClymont sister to record and tour with her husband, who is usually on stage with his own American southern rock style band – the Adam Eckersley Band. “We have always wanted to play together and we have this opportunity now to do it as the girls and I

“I’ve brought my melodies in writing some of the songs and Adam is providing his storylines, and his amazing guitar work. I think we have done something completely different from our collective bands,” she muses.

I ask Brooke if The McClymonts’ pop country style had changed collaborating with Adam on songs. “The differences sound wise from The McClymonts and Adam Eckersley Band, is that Adam and I have found our own thing in this project, we have really complimented each other – we were really surprised and stoked at the same time,” she says. “It’s a very live sound on this album.” What is really exciting is the Adam Eckersley Band - also the studio band on the new album, will be playing at the Lonestar Tavern gig. Tiffany Mitchell

KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE Music lovers from across Australia will visit the beautiful Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just outside Byron Bay over the Easter long weekend for the 29th Annual Bluesfest. During the Festival they will enjoy 12 hours of music each day on multiple stages, incredible food and market stalls and on site camping in a range of accommodation options. And this 29th annual event is a big one. Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters headline the festival with Lionel Richie, Kesha, John Butler Trio, Tash Sultana, Seal, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crowe, Melissa Etheridge, Gomez, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Jimmy Cliff and Ásgeir also on the bill. And if that wasn’t enough to get you down the road for Easter, Ms. Lauryn Hill has also just been announced. You can imagine the undertaking involved in such a massive event and the challenges you’d have to face leading that ship. Well, the efforts of Bluesfest Director Peter Noble OAM and his team, were last month recognised and rewarded by none other than the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee. He was awarded the “Keeping the Blues Alive Award” by the premiere blues organisation in the USA. Blues Foundation president and CEO Barbara Newman said the recipients of the award are all wonderful examples of blues flame keepers… “each working in their own sphere of influence to move the genre forward while honouring its past”.” “I accepted the award on the behalf of everyone who has worked on and performed at the festival over the past 29 years,” Peter Noble said. “It is so amazing to travel to America and be honoured in this way.” “We plan (the festival) every single day of our lives,” Peter has previously told Blank GC. “It’s a never-ending process. Of course the public doesn’t understand the process and nor should they be expected to.”

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Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley are at Lonestar Tavern, Mermaid Waters, Friday 9 March. Tickets via Oztix.

Noble has been involved in the festival since 1993 but he supplied acts as a tour promoter before then - he’s gone from pretty much being what you’d call a site manager and preparing all contingencies to 20-odd years later sitting in an office with 11 staff – the minimum in the lead-up to the festival. “We blow up to an amazing amount of people once Bluesfest rolls around,” Peter said as he gives a roll-call of some of the positions. 1000 paid staff with more than 300 of those in the bar. 600 volunteers. There are drivers and recycling workers and people who look after those arriving in wheelchairs. This latest award is just another feather in the Bluesfest cap. The festival has had eight wins at the NSW Tourism Awards for Major Festival and Events, six wins at the North Coast Tourism Awards, four wins at the Helpmann Awards for Best Contemporary Music Festival, six wins at the Australian Event Awards for Australian Event of the Year and eight nominations at the Pollstar Awards in the USA for International Festival of the Year. Samantha Morris

Find out for yourself why Bluesfest Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most loved festivals. It takes place 29 March to 2 April less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast. Get tickets and sort your logistics at bluesfest.com.au.

GAMES NEWS Did you know that Australia is the leading squash nation at the Commonwealth Games? Well with 30 medals overall, we are. And now the killer team for GC2018 has been announced, led by Aussie squash superstar David Palmer. There are a handful of competitors who don’t have to travel too far either, with Rachael Grinham, Ryan Cuskelly and Zac Alexander hailing from Toowoomba, Lismore and Brisbane respectively. In addition, the first fourteen members of our 111 strong athletic team have been announced, with Liam Adams, Erin Cleaver, Cameron Crombie, Madison Derozario, Chris Hamer, Isis Holt, Stewart McSweyn, Virginia Moloney, Evan O’Hanlon, Michael Shelley, Celia Sullohern, Patrick Tiernan, Jessica Trengove and Lisa Weightman heading up the first announcement. At only 16 years old, Isis Holt is likely to be one of Australia’s youngest athletes at the Commonwealth Games. The dual World Champion from London in T35 100m and 200m events talked about her excitement at being selected for her first Commonwealth Games. “I’m very excited to be on my first Commonwealth Games team. I’ve been fortunate enough to win a couple of world titles but representing Australia at a Commonwealth Games will be very special,” said Holt. In boxing news, twenty-two year-old Skye Nicholson from Yatala in Queensland will make her Commonwealth Games debut, following in the footsteps of her late brother Jamie who won bronze at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games. After debuting on the program at the Glasgow 2014 Games, an expanded women’s boxing program for Gold Coast 2018 will see the team feature five female athletes and eight male athletes. Australia's Bowls Team for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will boast a mix of youth and experience, with six Games debutants among the 17 bowlers named on the side. Gold Coast is well represented with visionimpaired pairs competitor Jake Fehlberg 23, hailing from Burleigh Heads, and a trio of Gold Coasters in Australian Jackaroos Vice-Captain Brett Wilkie (44, Club Helensvale, QLD), four-time Bowls Australia International Bowler of the Year Aron Sherriff (32, Club Helensvale, QLD) and Nathan Rice (38, Club Helensvale, QLD) in the men’s squad.

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SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR CLAWMACHINE clawmachine is the kaleidoscopic creation of young producer, Dylan Lindquist. Learning to record his own music in high school and using his bedroom as a makeshift studio led to the Gold Coaster delivering a self-titled EP in 2016. His music is an auditory melting pot of indie, electro-pop and psychedelia.

The debut EP came after Dylan connected with like-minded students at TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast. It was during his time here that he and fellow classmates started the band clawmachine – with Dylan taking up the reins as writer and producer as well as one of the guitarists. “Definitely one of my favourite parts of the three years I spent as TAFE was hanging out with all my friends I met there,” Dylan told Blank Gold Coast, “including Eli and Whitney who both play live in clawmachine and help to write/produce the songs.”

Dylan said his main motivation for enrolling in TAFE was to be able to record his own songs to a high quality, but that the course also covered live sound. He started with a Diploma before moving on to the Bachelor of Contemporary Music Practice.

“In that first year I learned almost everything I needed to be able to record, produce and mix high quality songs; as well as how to be a sound technician for live music, which came in handy to help me keep up an income whilst studying.” “It was honestly the best learning experience I've ever had, I wish I could go back and have another crack because even now I'm constantly learning new stuff, the diploma was just a great starting point for the whole journey. The bachelor though was more focused on turning us into well rounded and versatile musicians, so that we can be more successful in finding a job as a contemporary musician.

“I’ve gone from making shabby little demos in my bedroom to creating and releasing professional songs that have been heard by thousands of people in different venues across Australia.” As a 20 year old forging his way into the music industry, Dylan is using his recent academic and technical learnings to help other artists, including the members of clawmachine who all have their own projects: Whitney Veitch, Digital and Pure Milk. “I had a hand in producing Whitney's debut EP; as well as producing, recording, and mixing nearly of all Pure Milk so far, which has been great fun,” Dylan said. “Through this year I'm going to be working with all three of them to help release their music to hopefully a wider audience.”

He’s now working on the mix for the new clawmachine EP though he says his other projects are diverting some of his attention. “They're coming a little bit slower than they should because I've been spending time on the Pure Milk EP as well as Digital's EP,” Dylan said. “I would say you can expect the clawmachine 'Good Harvest EP' around April/ May, with a little taste of it coming sooner!” Until then make sure you get your ears around Pure Milk's 'Sunny Young Boy’ EP out 12 February, and Digital's EP out 20 February or visit clawmachine.com for the latest news. Samantha Morris

IS THE GOLD COAST REALLY THE KINDEST CITY IN THE WORLD? Late last year several city spokespeople - perhaps taken by surprise - commented on the Gold Coast allegedly being named “kindest city in the world”. Like all good public relations fodder, it was spun into yarns linking to our preparation for the Commonwealth Games and welcoming visitors from far and wide. But some in the community had doubts. What the? Kindest? Surely not? What about the [insert issue incongruent with your personal experience of kindness in the city]? There was an element of truth to the rumours, however, and 2017 did see some momentum in recognition of altruism throughout the Gold Coast. In actual fact, the Gold Coast was named the very first ‘World Kindness City’ at the World Kindness Movement’s 2017 International Congress in South Korea. The congress acknowledged that since signing up to some commitments in 2012, the city had met a set of stringent criteria, such as publicly acknowledging acts of kindness and appointing an ambassador. They’d also added to that with a few additional actions, like the accessibility program for beaches, junior council program, and services in libraries and community centres.

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In late October the city also signed the international Charter for Compassion and struck a partnership with Compassionate Gold Coast (CGC). Terry Ayling, Lead Facilitator for CGC, explained that the objectives of Compassionate Gold Coast are two-fold: to inspire compassion in the Gold Coast community; and to respond to identified community needs. He said that this is achieved by facilitating respectful conversations, giving voice to the things

that are already happening, and working collaboratively with other organisations.

not be able to be met by the available providers. Medcalf explains his focus.

The business sector is paying attention too. Nev Hyman, whose innovative building material business delivers affordable housing solutions for communities across the Pacific impacted by disaster and severe storm events, recently participated in the Royal Family’s Pitch @ Palace event. Nev ultimately impressed Prince Andrew, Duke of York, sufficiently to take out the Australian event, and then the global challenge at Buckingham Palace, beating out the rest of the Commonwealth.

“We're empowering humanity to genuinely care, with locals helping locals, acts of kindness, smarter technology and a real community ethos,” he says.

In addition, Michael Medcalf recently formed Kynd, a startup on the Gold Coast pairing up professional carers to those who have needs that might

“'Kynd' captures that. It's about being kind to anyone needing help, kind to the inspiring carers within our community and kind to everyone's need for flexibility, choice and value. For too long, care has focused on policy and providers. We're focused on people.” With award winners, startups and even the council championing the causes of kindness and compassion, there’s no doubt that there’s a shift in the air, bedding down the Gold Coast’s reputation as a place where we can celebrate not only the beautiful beaches and hinterland, but the beautiful acts of people that make the city a great place to live. What kindness can you do today? Glenn Tozer

LOOKING BACK WITH LISA SORBIE MARTIN If you ask Lisa Sorbie Martin what she’s working on right now, you’ll probably get a different answer depending on the day of the week. This prolific Gold Coast artist has wowed audiences for the last 21 years with her works across mediums as diverse as textiles, sculpture, fashion design, public works and ceramics. And she’s not done yet, recently taking out the ‘Cultural Achievement Award’ at the City’s Australia Day Awards for 2018. Natalie O'Driscoll caught up with the multi-talented Lisa to talk all things Indigenous art and design. ‘Place of Significance’ is Lisa’s most recent installation. It sits at the Broadwater Parklands Northern Precinct, and has an interesting story behind it. During the refurbishment of the Aquatic Centre, Aboriginal artefacts were unearthed, leading to a significant exploration of the life of Aboriginal peoples around that region. “It was revealed that the Broadwater area was a trading route for our Aboriginal ancestors,” Lisa explains. “'Place of Significance' tells the story of this special place that was for our Indigenous people to trade, enjoy, fish, and have family connections.” While Lisa is both proud and honoured to have been recognised at the City’s Australia Day Awards, it’s hard for us here at Blank to talk about Australia Day, without bringing up the push to change the date. I am curious to see what Lisa thinks about this movement. She is beautifully optimistic. “For me to change and mark an Australia Day 'Celebration' Date would be a valiant step towards more of our Nation's healing process. We as Australians have a long way to go to heal the wounds of the past and smash down attitudes of racial indifference that this would definitely be a move in the right direction for us as Aussies to continue to build for a better future for our children, grandies and generations to come. “We first acknowledge our First Nations peoples, then bring clarity of our history and move forward, together! I do love change and as the saying goes 'a change is as good as a holiday' really can be reflected in our heart attitude as a Nation to have a date that truly 'celebrates' us together with mutual respect, understanding and resolve that's equal to all, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Set a date so that we can enjoy a 'holiday' that's worthy for us all.” 30

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Strong connections to Culture and Country/ Island form the basis of much of Lisa’s work.

Lisa’s own journey has seen her work and style evolve over the years.

“I have my foundations of inspiration, that is my family, my faith, my culture and the magnificent world we live in,” she says.

“I think over the years you develop your own unique style and signature mixed with learning new skills and techniques these are extremely important to my career development,” she describes.

“For commissioning of art, I certainly draw from Country/Island, place, history and/or the artist brief given to me.” The brief for one of her favourite works ‘Earth & Spirit’ – that it last 200 years – may have daunted a less experienced artist, however Lisa leaped at the challenge, creating a masterpiece from handmade ceramic pieces embedded with crystal and glass. Inspired by the poetic narrative written about First Nations people by Pope St John Paul II on his visit to Alice Springs in 1986, the breathtaking ‘Earth & Spirit’ somehow manages to be simultaneously simple and intricate, powerful and fragile. Lisa believes she’s never heard such beautiful words spoken about our First Nations peoples. 'You lived your lives in spiritual closeness to the land, with its animals, birds, fishes, waterholes, rivers, hills, and mountains. Through your closeness to the land you touched the sacredness of man's relationship with God, for the land was the proof of a power in life greater than yourselves'. – Pope St John Paul II. Another artistic milestone in an impressive career was ‘Stillness in Time’, a contemporary rendering of a hot pink eucalyptus tree created for the 2016 SWELL Sculpture Festival. The theme - ‘Culture and what it means to you personally’ – provided a double inspiration for Lisa. “I am very passionate about shifting the attitude that 'the Gold Coast has no culture'. This has been spoken for far too long and I am adamant to change this perception. “People would often say to me, 'you are blessed because you have a culture to be proud of '. My response: 'We all have culture in us, culture is a foundation but it's also living, we create culture everyday'.” Lisa etched poignant questions into the polished stainless-steel tree trucks of the work in order to prompt its viewers to ponder culture. “During the display of this work I had people both male and female who were so moved they expressed tears because they were on their journey of finding their 'Culture'. To me, this is the purpose for creating art. Art is a powerful force, people need to experience something when they see my work whether it's joy, inspiration, a shift in their heart, a challenge, a smile or even a tear of emotion (in a good way).”

“As you can see I love to learn new media and discover the wonders of creating in that particular genre. Art can go on anything, there is no limit to creativity.” Especially when one is skilled in so many areas. I wonder if she plays favourites with any of her mediums, but it would seem they are each as valued as the other. “I find total enjoyment and pleasure in creating something out of nothing, for example Painting: I feel freedom when I paint from my heart. Sculpture or Public Installations: gives me much joy to create work that others interact with, love and enjoy. Textile: I feel beauty in creating. Fashion or Wearable Art: I am passionate about and love creating the textile and the garment that tells a story. Ceramics: The organic feel of clay has a significant connection to earth that is hard to explain and the excitement of seeing exquisite pieces emerge from the fiery kiln is exhilarating! “I sense such purpose in what I create and when a story begins to unfold that's connected intrinsically to the work I experience an outworking of my calling and gift,” she continues. Around the time of the South Stradbroke Island Indigenous Artist Camp in 2015, Lisa turned her artistic calling into a full time job. She shares her valuable insights with us. “When you come to a point in your life where what you are spending most of your time doing is in a place that isn't where your gifts are, then you need to tell yourself 'Life is too short' to be spent on things you are not being fulfilled in. We all have gifts and talents and if we all did that for a living then I think we would be a much happier bunch of humans!” Sound advice, indeed. With some art works for the Commonwealth Games underway, a plan to sculpt again for SWELL in the future, and a ‘Sorbie Collections’ product range in her sights, Lisa is not likely to be putting down her paintbrushes (or kiln, or sculpting tools, or materials) any time soon. And the Gold Coast arts world is certainly better off for it.

You can follow Lisa on Insta at @sorbie_ collections. ‘Earth & Spirit’ can be viewed at the Burleigh Catholic Church.

Ngarrukwujenama for Wurramara

Emily Wurramara has released new single ‘Ngarrukwujenama’ ahead of her forthcoming album. It’s a much-anticipated release that follows her debut, breakout EP ‘Black Smoke’ in 2016 and a freshly inked publishing deal with Mushroom Music. Recorded with award winning producer David Bridie, Ngarrukwujenama is the first taste of the album to come. Sung in her first language Anindilyakwa, Ngarrukwujenama means ‘I’m hurting’. Listen via Spotify.

FEBRUARY Banks of the Beautiful are Not Gonna Lie

Azure smashes Billboard charts

Gold Coast born musician Azure has just smashed the US Billboard Dance Club charts with her debut single ‘Too Late’. The single comes from her yet to be released EP. After working in Nashville with multiplatinum songwriter / producer Bryan Todd she saw immediate success with multiple remixes of her single created by Grammy winner Dave Aude as well as Dirty Werk and Mauro Mozart. The accompanying video for ‘Too Late’ has already clocked over 39,000 views on YouTube with a bunch of US radio stations adding the track to rotation. She now has her eyes set on her home country. Check out ‘Too Late’ on Spotify.

Two-piece Banks of the Beautiful have released their second track ahead of forthcoming album ‘Unscheduled Departure’ due for release in coming months. Produced and mixed on a laptop in a parked car and mastered by Gold Coast legend Paul Blakey (Amy Shark) ‘Not Gonna Lie’ is a completely different offering to their debut single ‘Favourite’. Where the debut was an uptempo, electro-indie banger with a memorable chorus, ‘Not Gonna Lie’ is a slow-burner, building to an emotional and cinematic close. The contrast in tracks hints at an album that will hopefully be full of unpredictable yet polished songs. You can listen to both tracks via Spotify.

Debut for Harry J Hart

Blaire show their Youth

Gold Coast four-piece Blaire have delivered a solid punk-gaze offering in the form of new track ‘Youth’, taking cues from shoegaze and punk greats. With vocals that channel Billy Corgan, driving guitar and punk and grunge elements, ‘Youth’ is a solid aural experience. The band has two more tracks following this one closely and we’ll be awaiting their arrival with eager ears. Listen via Soundcloud.

SUN 04 THE CHAMPIONS SAT 10 CORY HARGREAVES Mick McHugh to unveil A Million Stars

He crowdfunded this album what feels like years ago but finally Mick McHugh’s new album is ready to be unleashed. ‘A Million Stars’ will launch publicly on Friday 16 February and Mick will celebrate its release with a musical soiree at Currumbin Pub on Saturday 3 March, after which he’ll work his way around Australia and then explore a tour to Ireland and Europe down the line. Tickets to the show at mickmchugh. com. Album available digitally from 16 February.

Mr Maybe for Rhea Robertson

Harry J Hart has released his debut single ‘It Calls Out’ and in less than two weeks the track found itself sitting at #1 on the triple j Unearthed rock charts. ‘It Calls Out’ captures the feeling of being haunted by the black dog that is mental illness and was recorded with some of Harry’s class-mates in year 11 at Music Industry College in Brisbane. You can catch the Harry J Hart Trio live at NightQuarter on Saturday 17 February and listen to the track via Bandcamp.

SAT 03 GIG CARTEL

Rhea Robertson released her first EP when she was just 16 – nearly 13 years ago - and she’s been busy exploring a bunch of creative projects since then. Last July she joined forces with Scotty French (Love Street Studios) to record ‘Pink & Gold’ which exceeded everyone’s expectations. ‘Mr Maybe’, is Rhea’s follow-up, also produced by Scotty French. It’s an ambient and sparse pop offering from the Gold Coast lady, which will be right at home on summer playlists. Check out ‘Mr Maybe’ on Spotify and stay tuned for the song’s epic girl gang music video with hip hop freestyle dancers directed by Jennifer Embelton.

New EP for Syrup, Go On

You probably haven’t heard anything like this from a Gold Coast band for a little while. Recorded at Griffith University Studios and co-produced and engineered by Jordan Bain (Leavings), Syrup Go On’s four-track EP includes a cover of ‘Waco’ by Violent Soho in their typical shoegaze / post-punk style. Title Track off the EP ‘Joyful Hesitation’, along with the other two songs on the record make for a solid shoegaze offering – one part lilting reflection, one part wailing guitar. Listen via syrupgoon.bandcamp.com.

SUN 11 JAMES HIGGINS SAT 17 STIR CRAZY SUN 18 THE CHAMPIONS SAT 24 GIG CARTEL

Also new...! CRUM ‘Starving Me’

“Driving guitars… heavy drums… infectious melody” Listen: soundcloud.com/crum_band CAKES ‘Eucalyptus’ from new EP ‘Prescription Bugs’ “A track about feeling restricted by your own invention of who you want other people to see”. This entire heavy indie EP is full of grungy and sometimes discordant guitar riffs and maniacal choruses worthy of moshpits and festival scream-alongs. It’s on high rotation Blank HQ. Listen: hyperurl.co/13kmkd or catch them supporting Die! Die! Die!, Wharves and Horror My Friend at Shark Bar on 11 February Samantha Morris

SUN 25 TBC

SATURDAYS 7-10PM & SUNDAYS IN THE BEER GARDEN 2-5PM for more info www.surfclubaustralia.com

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CREATIVE SUPPORT FOR CITY’S EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS Gold Coast creatives aged 15 – 24 are in for a treat this month as the City of Gold Coast libraries present their ‘Emerging Creatives Bootcamp.’ Designed to give a boost, inspiration, ideas and assistance to young artists and keen entrepreneurs-to-be, the two day bootcamp will boast workshops, idea clinics and seminars hosted by top entrepreneurs and leading creatives.

Pictured: Tom Tilley

Triple J’s Tom Tilley – best known for his program Hack – will MC the weekend’s proceedings. As a leading voice for youth current affairs and bass player of ever-popular Client Liaison, Tilley is a perfect fit for the role.

Other presenters include: Jock Fairweather, founder and director of thriving innovation and co-working space Little Tokyo Two; Entrepreneur Mitch Hills, known for his social media savvy and company Mastered Marketing; Alyce Cowell, the official blogger for Westfield and owner of Bossy Creative agency; and Scott Millar, who at just 17 is the CEO and founder of BOP Industries, a holographic projections startup.

Bootcamp places are free but by application only and strictly limited. You must be a Gold Coast resident aged 15 to 24 and able to attend the entire bootcamp, which runs over the weekend 24 and 25 February 2018.

The bootcamp’s main aim is to encourage and drive entrepreneurship across a range of creative industries in the city, and is designed to provide skills and knowledge development, expose participants to role models, instigate collaboration and develop core skills essential for startups.

Find out more and apply by Sunday 11 February 2018 at cityofgoldcoast.com.au/bootcamp.

Natalie O’Driscoll

BANGARRA CONNECTS TO COUNTRY WITH ‘OUR LAND PEOPLE STORIES’

You don’t want to miss the highly acclaimed Bangarra when they hit the stage at The Arts Centre Gold Coast for ‘Our land people stories’ on 23 and 24 February. Tickets via theartscentregc.com.au.

Bangarra is not just one of Australia’s leading dance companies, it is also one of its most unique. Relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are the heart of Bangarra’s repertoire, with its latest piece ‘Our land people stories’ telling three distinct stories relating to Indigenous history. Artistic director Stephen Page took time out of the troupe’s busy rehearsal schedule to tell us more about the piece ahead of its Gold Coast performances. “We combined the three works in 2016,” he explains. “Unfortunately it was a sad year, because we lost the beautiful David Page who was our amazing composer. He composed all the music for the company, and in the middle of creating this work I lost my brother. It was tough, and we wanted to keep continuing to pay homage to who he is as a person by telling these stories as well.” There are three stories told within ‘Our land people stories’. The first, ‘Nyapanyapa’ is inspired by the beautifully textured painting of Yirrkala artist Nyapanyapa Yunupingu. “I’ve known her for many years,” says Stephen. “I’ve had strong relationships with Yunupingu families, and her family has been quite instrumental in sharing their stories, songs, dances with Bangarra and they’ve entrusted their stories to us, to allow us to take their stories into the contemporary space. The piece celebrates the legacy of her artworks.” Dancers and cousins Beau Dean Riley Smith and Daniel Riley then explore the kinship systems of the Wiradjuri country in their work ‘Miyagan’, with their real life relationship providing an eerie reflection to the piece.

“The Riley cousins actually met in the company,” explains Stephen. “Dan had been in the company a little longer than Beau, and then they found out they were cousins, they’re both from Wiradjuri country. Beau was a lot more connected to Country than Dan was, so I thought I was good for them to work together on ‘Miyagan’, as it’s about reconnecting to the family kinship systems.” Finally, the true history of Sydney is explored in ‘Macq’ by choreographer Jasmin Sheppard, examining the two sides of Governor Macquarie. “He was – on one hand - good to the First Nations people,” Stephen describes. “He was trying to have a sense of who the people were, but also he unfortunately he was leading at the time of a horrible massacre taking place. Jasmin’s piece is more looking at Indigenous history at that time and having a black perspective.” It’s this critical perspective that has kept both dancers and audiences flocking to see Bangarra’s performances over the last 27 years. I ask Stephen what he feels is his greatest feat thus far. “Just to sustain in the non-Indigenous world is a feat, people are amazed that you can still be standing,” he says. “I think the respect of First Nations existence and spirit needs to be so much more recognised; we’ve been condemned as this stereotype victim for way too long, but [Bangarra] can get that message and sense of spirit and hope out there. We want to be empowered by those stories, we want to learn from them. “27 years out of 75,000 years is just a drop in the ocean.” Natalie O’Driscoll

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Pictured: Deborah Brown, Elma Kris & Jasmin Sheppard - Miyagan by Edward Mulvihill

GIRLS GO SURFING DAY BACK ON THE CALENDAR Out of the way boys, the girls are taking over the beach! There will be a distinctly feminine feel on beaches around the country come Saturday 3 March when the Surf Dive‘N Ski Girls Go Surfing Day hits the waves. The revamped program, which had its last run in 2013, encourages girls of any age and ability to come along and learn from an experienced instructor how to surf. The Girls Go Surfing Day provides an amazing opportunity to share the experience of surfing and also to give back to the Surf for Life Project. This project helps to get underprivileged children into surfing, something that they have never before had the chance to do. Participants will have a two-hour surf lesson and receive a $100 Surf Dive ‘N Ski participation pack with $5.00 from the $75.00 total cost per person going directly back into the Surf for Life Project. Nearly 50 Surfing Australia affiliated surf schools from Queensland right around to Western Australia will host a day full of fun under the sun for women of all ages, setting participants up to go surfing for life. Byron Bay, Lennox Heads, and Hastings Point are the venues in Northern

NSW, on the Gold Coast the venues will be Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Currumbin Alley and Greenmount Beach.

Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark says "We’re very excited to be bringing the Surf Dive ‘N Ski Girls Go Surfing Day to the shores of Australia in 2018. This Surfing Australia female participation program was successful for 23 years and after a few years break, we are bringing this program back-to-life for our surf school network and more importantly, to encourage female participation in our sport.” Good stuff. You go girls, go hit the waves and get amongst it! Terry ‘Tappa’ Teece

For more information and to book, visit girlsgosurfingday.com.

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HAND COFFEE Shop 1A, Niecon Tower, 17 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach “Have a Nice Day!” Is there any other assurance of this sentiment occurring when there is a cup of your favourite brew nestled lovingly in your grasp?

COFFEDICTION Coffediction’s location and menu could not be further from owner Jonna Nurkkala’s homeland, Finland. Leaving behind a chain of five hairdressing salons she’d started when aged 19, Jonna set herself a challenge: to come to Australia, learn English, gain an MBA and start another business here. Within three years she has achieved all those goals, graduating from Griffith University in July 2017 and opening Coffediction in Southport Central in November. “The idea of Coffediction is to offer food that people are familiar with, but to present it in a new ‘sexy’ way,” she tells us, brimming with enthusiasm. I want to bring the ‘Wow!’ factor back to food.” With sexy names such as Delish Fish, The Pig Out, Lamb Betty, The Mediterranean Chick and Hello Big Boy, they’re a balanced meal on a plate bound to satisfy the hungriest diner. There are lots of smiles around us as well when the food emerges, jaws dropping, people smiling, exclaiming in wonder at their delicious meals. Served with a basket of beer-battered chips, the Boozie Beef Burger, for example, contains a large Angus patty marinated in Guinness, piled into a brioche bun with bacon, mozzarella, salad and smoky BBQ jus. At $24, it’s a challenge to get your mouth around, and the taste is superb. “I’m so proud of the quality of our burgers. Flavour wise and visually, they’re just what I wanted,” Jonna says, a smile on her face. While a great burger makes a satisfying meal, a crazy shake makes a party!

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Southport Central, 56 Scarborough Street, Southport Who can resist a Caramel Kraze topped with caramel cookies, pretzels, milk chocolate crush and berry sauce, a Cookie Dream or the Berry Majestic with marshmallows and candy crush? There’s also a full breakfast menu available from 7am daily that will be a welcome addition to Southport’s present offerings, and a range of mains such as BBQ pork ribs, Meatballs, Caesar salad, and Peppered beef that provide burger-alternative dining. The delish Chicken Parmigiana ($22) I order is two sumosized chicken fillets topped with a homemade tomato sauce and melted Swiss cheese. Served with chips and leafy salad, the meal’s large enough to fill my hunger pit for two full days! But who could go past dessert? We’d been introduced to soufflé pancakes in Hawaii, even before Harajuku Gyoza brought them to the coast on trial. Based on the Instaviral dessert made famous by Gram Café pancake chain in Tokyo and Osaka, now Coffediction has their own version of the wobbly pancakes on the permanent menu, Chef Scott turning out three huge fluffy pancakes smothered in chocolate, strawberry and caramel sauces with ice cream and cream to top it off. They’re deliciously airy and light, a great dessert to share (if we must)! From breakfast to dinner, and snack to main course and dessert, shakes to a wine or beer, Coffediction is a great addition to Southport’s dining scene. Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au

HAND Coffee, an acronym for said sentiment, was opened in late 2017 by Coast coffee veterans Luke Dempsey and Mitch Kavic who had previously worked together at some of the GC’s top cafes. “When working together we had spoken about setting up our own place. The timing was spot on when the lease came up for this space so we jumped on it,” reported Mitch. Tucked under a stairwell between Envy Hotel and McDonald’s in Niecon Tower, coffee is the focus, with Mitch and Luke having sampled some of the best beans from roasteries in Sydney and Melbourne before deciding upon Industry Beans and their Fitzroy Street Espresso Blend for HAND Coffee, making them the only supplier of the beans in Queensland. An espresso is easily the favourite, with a smoky aroma that is reminiscent of a cosy fireplace. It’s the perfect showcase for the sweet orange and chocolate flavours the blend is known for, with a satisfying tang that runs across your tongue. The chocolate flavour deepens in the piccolo, with the orange tang still peeking through the milk, making for the perfect perk-me-up. A big seller due to the warm weather is their refreshing and bright 12 hour cold brew, which highlights the citrus and blackcurrant flavours of the Fitzroy Street, making for a cup that is emptied far too quickly on a hot summer day. Offering some hand-made bites with their coffee. Mitch and Luke report they are “thirsty for more” so expect bigger and better things from them as they grow. Open 6:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday, your favourite brew from HAND Coffee is definitely going to ensure you have a nice day! Catherine Coburn Follow more of Catherine’s food and coffee adventures @goldcoastfoodie on Instagram and Facebook.

CARDAMOM POD NIGHT MENU Green is the new black! Taking inspiration from world cuisine, plant-based eatery Cardamom Pod Brickworks has introduced summer dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. There’s a casual beach vibe to the venue and service; Owned by Sean and Manju Pinnell, Cardamom Pod is perfect for a balmy summer dinner. Relaxed, even a little ‘boho’, with bifold windows open to the breeze and vaulted ceilings ensuring coolness, the dining area is overlooked by a large henna Krishna gracing one wall. Brickworks shoppers have toddled off home, so there’s plenty of parking space. The real drawcard, though, is the food. Fresh, light and plant-driven, the restaurant uses only organic grains, nuts and pulses, pure nut oils, with all dishes dairy and animal product free.

3/3 Brolga Avenue, Southport

Koftas made from tapioca, potato and peanut are strewn with roast heirloom carrots, microherbs and pomegranate seeds on a pistachio cream sauce, a dome of coconut basmati pilaf crowned with a flower in a recipe that Chef Vijay Burramukku (ex-Canberra’s Park Hyatt) inherited from his mother ($23).

Two scoops of vegan salted caramel ice cream sit between stroopwafels accompanied by fresh figs on a bed of dehydrated fruit, petals and chocolate sauce. It’s a playground of textures and flavours – decadently smooth ice cream, caramelly waffle biscuits and sherbet fizz ($12). How can food that’s so good for you taste so fabulous?

Vijay tells us too about the dosa stone grinder he’s brought from India, the difference it makes to the consistency of the flour. Labour intensive in preparation, there are no shortcuts.

Intimate enough for date night or for dinner with friends, the restaurant is BYO. Cardamom Pod Brickworks is a destination that all healthy restaurant-goers need to frequent. It’s next level. Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au

But it’s Head Chef Manju’s background in interior design and decoration that is written all over the food, the kitchen her studio, the dishes her works of art. We’ve previously seen her açai ‘Pod Bowl’, a rainbow of colourful fruit, cacao and flowers. Tonight, it’s the ice cream sandwich that carries the kaleidoscope.

Based on a philosophy of food as pro-active medicine, we enjoy the flavours of the world recreated for a new audience, a journey of enriching both body and spirit. Conscious eating and healthy cuisine does not mean sacrificing flavour. Instead, dehydration and the use of spices and chilli in sauces and mousses pique interest on the palate. Not only does the menu showcase the freshest locally sourced ingredients, clever food combinations as well as excellent preparation and cooking techniques, it’s quite beautiful. A pair of zucchini flowers stuffed with pesto and vegan bocconcini sit perkily on a plate awaiting the attack of my fork, acidity balance achieved through an orange tamari reduction using wild citrus oil and plant butter ($16). Tacos are laden with crispy battered popcorn ‘chicken’, avo salsa, spiced peanuts and sriracha coleslaw ($22).

Do You Want To Date Oﬄine? mate4life.com.au

MEET YOUR REAL MATCHMAKER

It's a jungle out there.

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GCFF GETS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH DAVID WENHAM

At the event presented by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) and Gold Coast Film Festival, the highly-acclaimed actor, writer, director and producer will share a screening of his directorial debut, followed by an interactive Q+A session with both David and executive producer Rob Connelly on Thursday 8 February at 6.45pm at The Arts Centre Gold Coast. Tickets available from theartscentregc.com.au.

When it comes to bringing celebs to the Gold Coast, no one does it quite like the Gold Coast Film Festival. Last year saw uber hotties Kellan Lutz and Jason Momoa, among others, setting hearts aflutter across our golden shores, now in an exciting prelude of what is to come, Aussie acting icon David Wenham is set to make an appearance on for an exclusive Q+A screening and Queensland premiere of his film ‘Ellipsis’. A 30 year acting veteran, David has appeared in both Australian and international films working with world-class directors such as Jane Campion, Peter Jackson, Michael Manns, Paul Cox and Baz Luhrmann. Most recently, David featured in the 2017 release ‘Lion’, alongside Nicole Kidman. Gold Coast Film Festival director Lucy Fisher is delighted to welcome David to the Gold Coast just weeks ahead of the Festival. “David’s visit is a great opportunity for filmmakers and film lovers alike to find out more about the creative processes of one of the industry’s most acclaimed actors,” Ms Fisher said. “Given the unique nature of the creation of ‘Ellipsis’, it will be interesting to get an insight into how the film was made and the challenges David experienced along the way.” Already receiving rave reviews, ‘Ellipsis’ was devised as a one-off experiment, created and executed by David himself. The film was conceived, workshopped and shot all in 10 days with just two main cast and four on-set crew. The actors were not given a written script or

time to rehearse, instead they were free to work organically and spontaneously in real, working locations and situations. Set to the backdrop of Sydney, the feature film takes the audience on a night of adventure after the chance meeting of two strangers, Jasper (Benedict Samuel) and Viv (Emily Barclay). Their accidental meeting sets in motion a chain of events that sees the two strangers embark on a night of adventure and connection that challenges their separate lives. The event is the perfect curtain raiser to get film-buffs excited for 13 jam-packed days of 100-plus film and film-related events taking place as part of the annual Gold Coast Film Festival from 17 – 29 April.

LITTLE BOOKS OF BIG DREAMS When we speak with Australian author Bernadette Fisers, she’s on a book tour and about to go for a morning dip at Kingscliff, so we decided to make things as snappy as possible. Who would want to chat on the phone when glistening surf awaits? The mum-and-makeup-artist-turnedweight-loss-guru joined the ranks of published authors when her carefully collated ‘Little Book of Big Weightloss’ hit the shelves in 2017. Composed of 31 health tips she gathered from the models that she worked with and tested via her own research (losing 30kg in 30 weeks in the process), this quick and no-nonsense read has quickly become a worldwide sensation. We asked her how it all came about. “I gained a lot of weight and I always struggled, I could never get a handle on it,” says Bern, speaking for millions of people worldwide. “I’d try a diet and it’d work for a bit but I’d always regain and it was really depressing. I researched by talking to a lot of the models that I work with and the personal trainers and a lot of the sportspeople, then I would read copiously and take on things. If something worked - like quitting sugar - I would keep that, and then I would look for something else to boost it.”

Bern’s reading took her through a plethora of health issues. “I’d research things like green tea, how much sleep we need at night, what are the medical studies,” she describes. “I enjoyed reading them. And I came up with this group of 31 rules, but I guess I didn’t think of them as rules. I would go to school to do the pickup and the mums would say to me ‘oh my god what are you doing?’ so I started writing them out on sticky notes and the back of homework to let them know what I was doing. “Then I thought ‘The world is bigger than St Joseph’s mums, so I’m gonna write a book’ - the cutest goddamn book I can write – something that would’ve helped me when I was struggling. Like chatting to a friend! And I self-published and put out a press release and basically I got inundated with orders, sold out super fast.”

Natalie O’Driscoll

“So now I’m signed with them and that book is being sold into 21 countries worldwide. It’s been helping thousands of people. I get emails, I get texts, I have an Insta. People would contact me and say ‘I feel like you’ve written this just for me. And I finally get it.’” And were there any tips she got that she thought “oh no, I am NOT doing that?” “A couple of times,” she says. “Lemon juice and warm water cleanses, juice cleanses – like when you just drink those things for five days. I don’t think that’s sustainable. If you’ve got a weight issue you want to lose weight and not be ready to stab everyone to death. Better off doing it so you feel happy.” Natalie O’Driscoll

A lot of those orders were from publishers, who suddenly all wanted a piece of the action. Bern, having no idea how to deal with publishers, decided to get herself an agent, and went straight for the big guns – Blair Partnership, who look after JK Rowling. “I couriered them some books, they loved it, wanted me to sign with them,” remembers Bern.

Check out our review of ‘The Little Book of Big Weightloss’ in this edition. It can be purchased through all the usual channels.

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HOW TO RELEASE NEW MUSIC. After many months and most of your money spent, finally, your baby is ready to be released into the world. Now what? You need a strategic plan, that’s what. Strategy is not a dirty word! It simply means to work out what you want to achieve and planning a course of action to best achieve it with the resources you have.

I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS

THE LITTLE BOOK OF BIG WEIGHTLOSS

MAYA ANGELOU

BERNADETTE FISERS

It feels weird to review words that should be enshrined in stone—for Maya Angelou is less author and more elemental force, her teachings as endless as earth, fire, and wind. But she penned books that were published—and thus reviewable—so here we are.

I know – groan – another weight loss book, amirite? Well, I’m here to tell you, in market which is oversaturated with epic tomes containing weighty “doctor” recommendations and plenty of pseudoscience, this Aussie mum’s collection of 31 sensible tips is a real breath of fresh air.

Published in 1969, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ is Maya’s earliest autobiographical work, the first in a series of seven. She opens with a memory from her childhood, perched on a pew in a crowded church, dressed in her Sunday best, and wishing desperately for something. To trigger tears in the first few pages, before readers have barely sifted through a paragraph or two, is near impossible. But Maya plunges you into the heart and body of the story—a tiny black girl named Marguerite, or ‘Maya’: little Maya knows she has value, and wants others to see it, too, so underneath her skin, she assumes she must be white.

Both quickly and easily read (I digested it in just over 30 minutes), ‘The Little Book of Big Weightloss’ came together when hair and makeup artist Bern, tired of endless yoyo dieting, had the idea to ask her model clients for their best tips. After gathering them all, reading up extensively, then trying each on one herself, Bern found herself losing a whopping 30 kilos in 30 weeks. When the mums at school pickup were pretty uniformly saying “Oh my god, what did you do?” Bern decided to stop scribbling her tips on the back of homework and sticky notes, and write the cutest book she possibly could instead.

Racism runs deep, wider than the Mississippi, and thumps hard through the veins of this book. Aged three and four, Maya and her brother are placed on a train and sent from California to Arkansas, tagged with the words ‘To Whom It May Concern’; a journey Maya later learns was traversed by many black children. In Arkansas, her paternal grandmother and disabled uncle provide Maya with some stability. Her grandmother is quite the role model, wielding an unusual amount of power in the small town. With few words, she shows Maya she knows how to play the game.

And cute, it absolutely is. Written in a light, conversational style in a small compact tome with one tip per double page spread, this bright orange and white guide has everything you want in a weightloss book. Its tips are very clear and, for the most part, not a stretch for the average dieter to follow long term. Some of the more major ones eg. virtually quitting sugar, might be a struggle at first. But the beauty of it is, you can start the same way Bern did, by making small changes, one at a time, and then moving on to the next tip when you’re ready.

Maya’s childhood is often terrifying: brushes with white cops, paedophiles, and the KKK. There are heart-stopping moments that creep under your skin. But as her life continues, we see how words—not a wish to be different—give her power, value, and self-acceptance.

There is very little in the book that wouldn’t have heard before, and for a small book, it contains a pretty large dose of common sense. Still, it’s great to see all the tried and true tips in one handy little guide, and also acts as a perfect reset for those who those might be ‘mostly’ good, but are still letting bad habits creep back in.

As an author, Maya crafts similes and metaphors like she invented them. Her social commentary is astute and powerful. My only criticism is the book’s pacing. But this is an autobiography, and life—or uneven highs and lows, they just happen. Nae Kurth

Natalie O'Driscoll

From a PR point of view, your release strategy is about maximising the amount of legitimate communication opportunities with the media and your fans to build anticipation and demand for the end product. Take an album or EP for example. If you release the full body of work off the bat, you have a couple of communication points - let’s say the release, a video and a launch show/tour. Another strategy could be to release two singles with videos and small tours, followed by the album and a big tour, which turns 3 communication opportunities into 9 and stretches your release from 2 months to 12! Key factors that may impact your strategy... F Budget. A successful campaign requires investment. Each release phase will need design, production, promotion and touring, all of which incur costs. F Timing. Too much to say, too often means the media can’t cover it and your fans may feel no urgency. A well-spaced and well-timed release schedule is critical. Time can also be your friend when it comes to budgeting. F Quality of Assets. Of course, to release singles, you need to have stand-alone songs to pull out of the album/EP. You may only have one single, which should affect your strategy accordingly. You need to have quality assets too, like videos, design and photographs to maximise your impact. F Profile. How established you are may influence how much you spend and how often you release. A new artist might consider a number of single releases over time to raise awareness first, where a high profile artist could drop a full surprise album with a massive promotion budget and achieve significant cut-through. Be sure to consider all of these factors when planning your best release strategy. Remember to begin with the end in mind and be strategic and creative to achieve the biggest bang for your recording buck! Kylie Cobb is an Australian music publicist and owner of Kitty Kitty Bang Bang PR. www.blankgc.com.au

HANGING FIVE WITH JAX HAZE 27 year old Jax Haze stepped into the music scene four years ago, The Gold Coast multi-instrumentalist delivers a mix of blues, folk and rock and is on the verge of launching his debut EP. Perfect time to hang five. 1.

Tell us about your new EP?

If you could play any festival in the world, which one would you choose?

Byron Bay Bluesfest. It's one of the best festivals in the world, and it happens to be right on our doorstep. It hosts a wide array of the world’s biggest talents, from old legends to talented up and comers. Id love to be a part of that!  5.

It’s been great to work with Govinda Doyle for my debut EP, he’s produced some incredible sounds across all five tracks that far exceeded my expectations. On top of that, the boys [Vinnie Heke and Jason Bailey] have provided a killer rhythm section for the first two tracks that really brought them to life. 2.

What do you love most about being a musician on the GC?

I feel that the whole music community is really banding together to make the Gold Coast scene flourish. With an abundance of immense talent on offer, it's really inspiring us all to push our musical boundaries.

You’re launching the EP on 3 February with Katie Who and Trapdoor: quite the line-up. What can we expect at the live show?

Movin' and groovin’, lots of energy, and honestly, some of the finest musicians on the Gold Coast. It’s gonna be an epic evening! 3.

Samantha Morris

Jax Haze’s debut EP will be available online from 4 February and you can catch him live on 3 February at the Shark Bar with Katie Who + Trapdoor also on the bill.

You’re on a road trip from Perth to Sydney with three other bands / musicians. Who’s in the car with you?

Half Moon Run and Incubus, with local muso Mitch King riding shotgun, it definitely wouldn't be our first road trip!

SUMMERTIME, AND THE SESSIONS ARE BACK After a chilled springtime series of live music events, Summertime Sessions in the Village have returned with seven more weeks of summertime vibes. The weekly Friday evening events, conceptualized by Division 9 Councillor Glenn Tozer and local creative Polly Armstrong this year feature a heap of new talent as well as familiar names. Caravana Sun vocalist Ant Beard will stop in for a set on the back of his single ‘Beneath the Waves’ which garnered positive reviews all over the place (including Rolling Stone Magazine). Gold Coast soul songstress Sarah Frank also makes an appearance. Hollow Coves will stop in, following their highly acclaimed sets at Woodford Folk Festivals and a rather large 2017 and emerging singer / songwriter and recent #1 unearthed rock charts artist Harry J Hart will make his Summertime Sessions debut.

Harpist x loop pedal warrior Elska also makes a Summertime Sessions debut and is joined by a heap of artists who regular visitors have come to love, including Nicole Brophy, Dan Hannaford and Jackson James Smith. Summertime Sessions in the Village take over Cuddihy Park, Swan Lane in Mudgeeraba from 5.30 – 7.30pm from Friday 2 February through Friday 16 March. Samantha Morris 2 February - Dallas James + Jackson James Smith 9 February - Elska + Armitage 16 February - Dan Hannaford + Kim Banffy 23 February - Nicole Brophy + Abbie Cardwell 2 March - Harry J Hart + The Pockets 9 March - Hollow Coves + Ant Beard 16 March - Sarah Frank + Brothers Calling

AMERICANA AND SURF-FOLK SERVED AT NOBBYS AND PALM BEACH BARS Nick Saxon is a talented creative. Host of a travel documentary show on the National Geographic Channel that’s just clocked over its fifth year, he’s also a singer/ songwriter who’s notched up more than a million Spotify streams.

Jemma Nicole is a notorious femme fatale tunesmith acknowledged by The Americana Music Festival with her most recent record receiving three stars in Rolling Stone Magazine.

Nick’s new EP ‘Lady Wanderlust’ has been picked up across radio and TV in Australia and abroad and his song ‘Fire & Foe’ has been picked up as the theme song for ‘The Walking Dead’ a chart-topping series in the USA. When he toured his EP earlier, he did so to rapturous crowds through Australia and New Zealand and now he has a new single ‘Anchor’ under his belt, he’s ready to do it again.

James Van Copper's life has taken some wrong turns with those misshapen roads proving fertile ground for story telling and he’ll unleash some of that past darkness to tell tales of misfortune and redemption when he passes through town. James has recently returned from touring Europe with Australian alt-Americana legend Bill Chambers and is currently supporting local blues-booie bad boy Lloyd Spiegel as well.

Nick will hit the Cambus Wallace on 18 February as part of a ten-day acoustic tour that takes him through NSW, Victoria, NSW and WA as well as the Gold Coast.

And if that’s not enough to tempt you, then you probably need to go read a different magazine.

And Nick’s not the only accomplished guitar-slinger to stop in at the Gold Coast this month. The Scottish Prince – just down the road at Palm Beach hosts Jemma Nicole (4 February) and James Van Cooper (11 February).

Samantha Morris

4 February – Jemma Nicole (The Scottish Prince) 11 February – James Van Cooper (The Scottish Prince) 18 February – Nick Saxon (The Cambus Wallace)

NO HOLLOW PROMISES FOR HOLLOW COVES Way before all of this began, Redlands schoolboy Matt Cairns woke at 4am regularly, packing two mates along with blankets and surfboards into an old Suzuki Sierra, and drove an hour south to find waves. After surfing for 40 minutes, they’d pack it all back up into the Sierra and head back to school… in Redlands. Such is the love of the Coast in the man. In late 2014 he made the marriage official, relocating permanently to the Gold Coast’s Palm Beach. Around this time he met another Redlands local Ryan Henderson through a mutual friend. They jammed a few songs in 2014-15, recorded them in a mate’s garage, and created a Soundcloud account. Hollow Coves was born. Wanting to see the world, the rest of 2015 and 2016 were filled with travel, Ryan to Canada and Matt to Europe and the UK, where they used messenger services from backpacker hostels to collaborate on music ideas. “Both of us like Angus & Julia Stone, Ben Howard, Sufjan Stevens, Paper Kites… that sort of thing. It was clear our musical influences were pretty similar,” explains Matt. “And I suppose we had in common that we both wanted to make music to help people through tough times. That was important to us both.” Ryan continues. “I think that’s why it worked while we were in different parts of the world” Some time in 2016 it all got real. One day they checked their digital music profiles and there were several thousand spins a day. A few bloggers got on board. Some guy from a band called One Direction tweeted a link to their music. Then there were 50,000 plays per day. Something was going on. They decided to spend three months together in Canada. They signed a manager and a licensing team. A CBS TV show from the US picked up a song for the final montage on a series called Scorpion. “We ended having the most shazammed song (The Woods) in the US as 2017 kicked off. Is ‘shazammed' a word?” Ryan jokes. They picked up Woodford sets this year after playing 2017’s Australian Music Week, catching the attention of head of programming, Chloe Goodyear, and played to standing ovations. Their first US tour awaits in March 2018 after which they head to the UK to record a new album with producer Chris Bond (Ben Howard) and sneak in another few tour dates in Europe. Germany and The Netherlands are favourites, where they play to packed houses. The six tracks on their debut EP ‘Wanderlust’ have now collected 30 million spins on Spotify, and their collection on YouTube has been watched over a million times. As Ryan and Matt tuck into their burgers at Lester and Earl they’re still humble enough to withstand heckling from the waiter, who actually brings out a blankie when Matt flinches at the heat of the sauce. “I’m working on getting Ryan down to the Goldie too though… when we’re not touring,” says Matt, laughing as he finishes up. “Mainly because the best bacon and egg burgers in the world are down the road at Espresso Moto. Everyone I care about should be near them. They’re life changing”. With life changing burgers and life changing music, 2018 will no doubt be a big year for Ryan and Matt. Glenn Tozer

Image above: Hollow Coves at Woodford by Jude Kalman

Drop into Byron’s local independent brewery... The way it should be In this part of the world people enjoy having a beer after catching a wave, a band at the pub or just catching up with friends. As the local brewer, we brew beers for times like these...

DROP INTO OUR BREWERY’S TASTING ROOM AND GRAB A TASTING PADDLE OR BOOK A TOUR IN ADVANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR APPROACH TO BREWING, CONSCIOUS BUSINESS AND BEER! MONDAY – FRIDAY 10am – 5pm WEEKEND 12 – 6pm TOURS RUN EVERY DAY EXCEPT TUESDAYS To book a tour or enquire about the Tasting Room, visit the website www.stoneandwood.com.au, or call us on 02 6685 9220

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