Blank Gold Coast issue #55 – April 2018

il

4 – 15 Apr

12 action-packed days of free arts and culture

MAIN STAGE, SURFERS PARADISE BEACH

DON’T MISS

YOTHU YINDI AND THE TREATY PROJECT

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN

SONGBOOK

FRESH VOICES OF THE COMMONWEALTH

BLEACH*

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 4 April 7PM–8PM

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 5 April 7PM–11PM

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 6 April 7PM–11PM

Main stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 7 April 7PM–11PM

MAGNIFIKA PACIFIKA

SPARKLE IN THE SAND

LADY

COMMONWEALTH

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 8 April 7PM–11PM

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 9 April 7PM–11PM

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 10 April 7PM–11PM

Main stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 11 April 7PM–11PM

THE SPIRIT OF CHURAKI

ECSTATIC

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 12 April 7PM–11PM

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 13 April 7PM–11PM

ELECTRIC

THE BIG

ELECTRIFIED

YOUNG AFRICAN

LAST CHANCE

BANG

TO DANCE

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 14 April 7PM–11PM

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach 15 April 10.30PM–LATE

THE

360

ALLSTARS

SAND SONG

A journey of consequences and the young hope that always grows from it by The Gold Coast’s leading dance company The Farm.

World champion athletes and performers hit the stage in this adrenaline-fuelled urban circus.

Set on magnificent ground art of red sand, white ochre, emu feathers and ancestor poles; Sand Song tells the story of how the sun came to be.

Grab a free coffee, pull up a deck chair and settle in for an intimate, uplifting journey into the headspace of some extraordinary humans.

Surfers Paradise Beach 5–7 April 7.30PM

Roundabout Stage, Broadbeach 5–8 April Various times, see website

Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach 5–8 April 6PM Workshops 5PM

Chelsea Ave, Broadbeach Beach 5–15 April 5.30AM

NINTH WAVE

gc2018.com/festival2018

SEA

STORIES

Highlights QUEENSLAND MUSIC STAGE, SURF PARADE, BROADBEACH

PACES

WILSON PICKERS

BUSBY MAROU

SUPPORTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

LASTLINGS & AUSTEN

JACKIE MARSHALL & KARL S WILLIAMS

LEANNE TENNANT & ALEXANDER WILLIAM

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

4 April 7PM–8PM

5 April 7PM–LATE

6 April 7PM–LATE

7 April 7PM–LATE

TROY CASSAR-DALEY

BOBBY ALU

SAHARA BECK

MAU

POWER

SUPPORTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

TIA GOSTELOW & GRETA STANLEY

MORETON & AQUILA YOUNG

EMILY WURRAMARA & BLACK RABBIT GEORGE

HANLON BROTHERS & ELECTRIK LEMONADE

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

8 April 7PM–LATE

9 April 7PM–LATE

10 April 7PM–LATE

11 April 7PM–LATE

THE JUNGLE

BULLHORN

KATE MILLER-HEIDKE

DUBMARINE

SUPPORTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

THE CREASES & ELIZA & THE DELUSIONALS

TIJUANA CARTEL & CHEAP FAKES

ELLA FENCE REGURGITATOR

ELKO FIELDS

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach

12 April 7PM–LATE

13 April 7PM–LATE

13 April 7PM–LATE

15 April 7PM–LATE

GIANTS

SUPPORTED BY

LATE NIGHT PARTY

WELCOME TO

FLOCK

YES

INTERTWINED

Enter a wacky world where everyone dresses and acts the same. Discover the truth about this mysterious place.

A playful and stunning new work by leading dance theatre company, Force Majeure, with 60 performers on the beach.

10 everyday Gold Coasters reveal their extraordinary dancing talent as they lead a cast of hundreds.

A captivating celebration of beauty and diversity through art, fashion, movement and song.

Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach 9–11 April 5.30PM+8PM

Surfers Paradise Beach 12–15 April 4.30PM

Roundabout Stage, Broadbeach 12–15 April 6PM

Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach 14–15 April 6PM

SAMEVILLE

WE DANCE

DON’T MISS

AMY SHARK

Returns to the Gold Coast for Festival 2018

Amy Shark’s backstory is well documented and much like any other hard-working musician’s: writing and recording songs in her bedroom and local studios, treading the boards in all kinds of pubs and bars and working a day-job to fund her creative endeavours.

Her ascension to global fame was swift, but the effort it took to get there was prolonged and consistent and you’d have to be living under a rock to not know of Amy’s recent accomplishments.

Her breakout single ‘Adore’ has been certified 3x Platinum and follow-up track ‘Weekends’ went Gold. She was nominated for six ARIA awards, taking out both Best Pop Release and Breakthrough Artist and she’s currently in the running for Song of the Year for ‘Weekends’ for the APRA Awards as well as Pop Work of the Year and Most Played Australian work for ‘Adore’. She’s undertaken two headline tours in both North America and Europe with cities like LA, Seattle, New York, London and Berlin selling out, sold out multiple Australian tours, hit some of the world’s biggest festivals (she’s just been announced for Lollapalooza for heaven’s sake) and showcases and has lent her voice to a tourism campaign with Destination Gold Coast.

When we speak to Amy she’s somewhere in North America and I’m curious to know whether this life on the road is everything she dreamed of. Does she crave the quiet life of old?

“Never, I wanted this for a long time and I’m going to grab every opportunity and work as hard as I can to spread my music,” she told Blank Gold Coast.

“I’m extremely grateful.”

While Amy’s been amassing fans in the USA, she’s also been kicking serious mainstream television goals as well.

Amy Shark was the first ever Australian ‘Apple Up Next’ artist, performing on The Late Late Show with James Corden and just last month she was a guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

She says for her playing on American late night TV is a huge deal.

“It’s something that I used to watch all the time in awe of all the musicians and bands that got to play them,” Amy said, adding that there are plenty of other highlights from her time on the road.

“When I look out and I’m playing in a random town like Victoria, Canada and it’s a jam-packed room with a crowd singing my songs louder than me… It’s an incredible feeling.”

Amy returns to the Gold Coast to play Festival 2018’s Queensland Music Stage, presented by Bleach* Festival, performing a free, all-ages set that coincides with opening night of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. I guess it was a no-brainer for Amy to be on the lineup, but I’m curious as to the logistics and fitting it in amongst all the other touring commitments.

“I have a great team who knew that it was important for me to be home for this, so there was probably a little bit of shuffling but I stay out of that. I’m very excited for the Gold Coast and to be part of it all,” Amy said.

6

www.blankgc.com.au

With such deep roots on the Gold Coast, it’s to be expected that there’s a twinge of home-sickness from time to time, but the tour announcements continue to come thick and fast. After Amy comes home for a very short while next month, she returns to North America – again - for her third headline tour.

“I miss my house, my local coffee shop and my niece and nephew a lot,” she said. “But to be honest I’m really enjoying seeing the world and playing my music every night.”

“I guess I keep going back [to the USA] because the demand is there and being an Aussie artist, it’s not easy to gain that demand in America.”

“I love touring America. My fave places are Chicago, NY, LA, Montréal, Toronto.”

With such a long list of accomplishments, there is something she hasn’t ticked off the list yet. Amy’s yet to release an album.

Her EP ‘Night Thinker’ which included those triple j Hottest 100 tracks ‘Adore’ and ‘Weekends’, went to #1 on iTunes and #2 on the ARIA charts. It also smashed Top 10 iTunes charts in 15 countries. I’m thinking with a new USA tour announcement there must be new music to come pretty soon. But Amy’s mum on the subject.

“I have a lot of exciting things to share with my home country and trust me you will be the first to hear! Not long now.”

We wrap up talking about those good old days playing The Loft, Envy and fluorescent-lit pub rooms across the Gold Coast. If Amy could go back to those earliest times and give herself one piece of advice, what would it be?

“I would say Amy go home and write ‘Adore’ ... right now!

Lol jokes,” she said.

“Honestly those shows strengthened my vocals, my stamina and helped with confidence. But there’s never going to be a big manager, or label sitting at those gigs. It’s 2018 - those guys are watching streaming charts, they watch for radio adds and online presence.”

“So go home and work on writing good music.”

Samantha Morris

Amy Shark opens the Queensland Music Stage on Surf Parade for Festival 2018 on Wednesday 4 April at 7.00pm.

STONE & WOOD BREWERY OPEN DAY

MURWILLUMBAH 3 5 K I T E C R E S C E N T , M U RW I L L U M B A H

SAT U R DAY 14 T H A P R I L 11 A M - 5 P M SWA M P B E E R I S B AC K !

B R E W E RY TO U R S , F O O D T R U C K S , LO C A L A RT , M A R K E T STA L L S , L I V E M U S I C & M A LT D I S N E Y ( K I D ’ S A R E A ) B U S T R A N S F E R S F R O M M U RW I L L U M BA H , T W E E D C OA ST & BY R O N C H E C K O U T STO N E A N DWO O D. C OM . AU F O R MO R E D E TA I L S

@stoneandwood

www.stoneandwood.com.au

Stone and Wood Brewing

www.blankgc.com.au

7

FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL TEN DAYS OF FOOD & MUSIC | 5TH-14TH APRIL

The destination for local flavours...

Exploring food science, permaculture, urban gardening, Indigenous tradition and unexpected local flavours.

Taste the flavours of the Gold Coast, from Aboriginal kupmurri to botanical cocktails made with local micro-herbs, to fruit spaghetti made by a Queensland physicist using molecular gastronomy, to the famous Australian timber barbecue.

The food program will be complemented with a cultural program including local musicians, artists and dancers.

Go where the locals go… NightQuarter is the destination for authentic local flavour.

For the full program details visit:

nightquarter.com.au/festival

proudly part of

AS PART OF FESTIVAL 2018, GOLD COAST 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

FULL PROGRAM ONLINE: NIGHTQUARTER.COM.AU/FESTIVAL NIGHTQUARTER FESTIVAL | 10 DAYS OF FOOD AND MUSIC | OPEN 12PM-LATE BETWEEN 5TH APRIL-14TH APRIL 1 TOWN CENTRE DRIVE, HELENSVALE | PH: 1800 264 448 | NIGHTQUARTER.COM.AU | $3 ENTRY / KIDS U12 FREE

THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC

There’s nothing mysterious about Mark Duckworth. He’s an old-school music nerd and he tells it like it is. Much-respected at all levels of Gold Coast’s music scene, he’s the Music Director for Blues on Broadbeach and Groundwater Country Music Festival – both significant events on the city’s tourist calendar. And he has his finger in plenty of other pies too.

I’ve always studied music my whole life – whether musical theatre, or skateboard videos, punk rock stuff or working with a band”

“Duck”, as he’s known to most of the city, has quite the musical heritage. From listening to 1950s and 60s early rock ‘n’ roll and soda-pop ballads, he started singing musical theatre when he was ten performing in amateur theatre and school productions.

Mark’s older sister set the tone for musical diversity early – Killing Joke, Madonna, The Cure, Dire Straits. As a young teen he picked up a guitar, started to sing, learnt the ‘Beatles Complete’ and found himself emerged in skateboard videos which opened his ears to even more genres, before heading to a ninemonth stint at the Conservatorium studying opera which he “hated”.

“I had a vision with the country festival that we didn’t want to put on a similar kind of cliché country focused festival – we wanted to bring in elements that would make it more festival and fringe-like. So, we worked really hard to bring in acts from other parts of the country as well as Canada and America. This year we have acts from Nashville and Texas – and just delving into more than just “safe Australian country” – there are so many cool things going on in country and this is about showcasing all of them as a full festival,” he said.

Having said that, Mark is proud of the fact that he can have a conversation with just about anyone about music of any kind.

“When I started working in music and putting on shows and dealing with different genres, I could talk to people at any level about their genre, because I spent so long studying it,” he said.

“I’ve always studied music my whole life – whether musical theatre, or skateboard videos, punk rock stuff or working with a band saying ‘we want to sound like this’. I study music, it’s what I do.”

Understanding music is one thing, but the other critical component to Mark’s role at Broadbeach Alliance – particularly when it comes to programming both festivals - is relationships. He says because he was stage managing these bands before he was booking them, he had some good connections.

“I was rolling road cases for them – I had built connections with them before I’d even started. Once you’ve helped people out of a situation on stage and they’re stressing and you’ve assisted that, they know you. They’ve got trust in you,” he said.

Blues on Broadbeach had already gained serious momentum before Mark Duckworth was on board but in his time there, he says he’s focused strategically on building the event’s credibility internationally.

10

www.blankgc.com.au

Image: Art-Work Agency

“We do this by putting on acts punters want to see and bringing credibility to people who are loyal to the gig,” he said.

“So, bringing in Melbourne Ska Orchestra is something that probably would have logistically scared people in the past,” he said, citing the band’s sheer size and the fact that they’re slightly off-blues as examples.

“But you know, all that brass, it tips its hat to the whole soul sound – ska does – so bringing them into the event brought a whole different set of people who have now experienced the event who previously probably wouldn’t have come.”

He says likewise Eric Burdon and the Animals gave the event serious street cred and respect from people outside of the country and “therefore, trust to send other acts.”

How does an old punk rocker end up with a gig like this? Mark says he has a great outlet in making records for other people but that he’s always appreciated the rule-breakers.

“For me, listening to all the rules I’d been told you had to stick to and seeing them being broken especially at a time in my life, you know when you’re a teenager and you want to explode out of your own body - it just made sense.”

So, we’ve covered musical theatre, blues, pop and punk. Have we missed anything? Only the city’s signature country music event. It’s been running six years and Mark’s been at its helm for five. Now renamed Groundwater Country Music Festival, Mark says it’s aiming to capture the whole of the Gold Coast rather than just Broadbeach.

Blues on Broadbeach takes place in May and Groundwater Country in July. On the surface it may seem Mark has the perfect job working on events that take place over two months, but he assures me there’s a consistent workload.

“I’m constantly working 12 – 18 months ahead,” he said. “For instance yesterday I had a conversation with a major touring artist that’s releasing an anniversary album in 2020 and enquiring about the event. So, there’s literally no down time. It’s just a constant job.”

Samantha Morris

See Mark’s hard work come to life when Blues on Broadbeach hits town on 17 – 20 May, followed closely by Groundwater Country Music Festival which runs 27 – 29 July.

www.blankgc.com.au

11

FESTIVAL 2018 DELIVERS EPIC MUSIC PROGRAM

LONG LIVE THE TIV

There’s no other venue quite like The Tivoli in Brisbane.

With a deep musical heritage and an incredible back catalogue of artists such as Bob Dylan, PJ Harvey, Dinosaur Jr, Lily Allen, Slash, , Marilyn Manson, Nick Cave, Paul Kelly, The Go-Betweens, Ozomatli, Peaches, The Polyphonic Spree, Henry Rollins, Billy Bragg, They Might Be Giants, Pavement, The Eels, Tina Arena, Sunnyboys, You Am I, Hoodoo Gurus and The Church having graced its stage, the stunning theatre space is sought after by gig goers and the bands they love.

Many a Gold Coast music fan has memories of the post-gig come-down driving the M1 at midnight after a world-class Tivoli experience. Whether it’s metal, hip-hop or punk, or any of the crazy genres in between, the venue is a favourite for people across southeast Queensland and for good reason.

While it has serious historical music credentials, it also continues to deliver a diverse mix of local and international touring acts.

Case in point is the fact that over the next few months you can catch Archie Roach (with Tiddas no less), Brian Jonestown Massacre, Belle & Sebastian, Portugal, The Man, Vera Blue, Ocean Alley, The Jungle Giants and Machine Gun Kelly – amongst a slew of others.

Peking Duk have already sold out one Tivoli show so are backing up for another. Their ‘Wasted’ tour coincides with the release of their single of the same name. With 2.8 million Spotify streams and more than a million ARIA units sold, ‘Wasted’ joins a solid collection of releases from the pair and the timing couldn’t be more perfect for a live show. With a 2017 ARIA Song of the Year nomination and 3 x certified platinum hit in ‘Stranger’, these guys are in their prime. You can catch their second show on Friday 4 May. And June sees Jet celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of their album ‘Get Born’. So now I’m feeling especially old. If you need a reminder of why these guys were one of Australia’s most successful rock bands of all time, then this Get ReBorn tour will help. With global sales in excess of 6.5million albums and ‘Get Born’ being certified 10x platinum, Jet are the real deal. They hit The Tivoli on Monday 4 June.

Samantha Morris

Get the low-down on everything The Tivoli is dishing up over coming months at thetivoli.com.au/events.

Did you ever think you’d see Yothu Yindi play on the beach at Surfers Paradise for free? What about Confidence Man, Amy Shark, Peaches, Meg Mac or The Cat Empire? You can literally plonk yourself on the beach or at a swanky Broadbeach restaurant and soak up Festival 2018’s eclectic and diverse program, which incorporates music as well as dance, theatre, circus and art. Festival 2018 and its partner Bleach* Festival are seriously turning this town into one big party from 4 – 15 April and we are a little bit beside ourselves. Especially because it’s all free!

But the program is so big it’s a tad overwhelming so we wanted to lend a hand for contemporary music-lovers who want to get straight to the tunes. Here’s our hot picks across Festival 2018.

SURFERS PARADISE •

•

4 April - Settle in for Yothu Yindi at 7pm with the opening ceremony screened straight after and the late night party starting at 10.30pm with The Cat Empire until midnight.

5 April – Peaches joins Nadine Shah, Winston McAnuff and African Boy under the direction of David Coulter for ‘The Great Australian Songbook’ from 7.00 – 11.00pm

•

6 April – Wilson Pickers bring their raucous festival favourites as well as ARIA-nominated alt-country tunes with Karl S Williams and Jackie Marshall also on the bill.

•

7 April – Busby Marou join forces with Leanne Tennant and Alexander William from 7.00pm until late

•

8 April – Sahara Beck with Tia Gostelow and Greta Stanley

•

9 April – Torres Strait Islander MC and allround hiphop talent Mau Power hits the Queensland Music Stage.

Moreton and Aquila Young will support

•

7 April – Confidence Man joins forces with Elecric Fields and Gold Coast producer Michelle Xen for art pop in its truest for ‘Bleach* Electrified’ from 7.00pm.

•

•

10 April – ‘Electric Lady’ sees Meg Mac, Nina Las Vegas, Wafia and Kardajala Dirridarra hit the stage curated by Holly Rankin (Jack River) from 7.00pm

10 April – one of Australia’s favourite country music stars – Troy Cassar-Daley rolls out great stories and new songs, ably supported by Black Rabbit George and Emily Wurramara

•

•

12 April – Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) has leant his voice to the world premiere of ‘The Spirit of Churaki’ alongside Leah Flanagan, Kyle Slabb and Fred Leone as well as some legendary Australian musicians. This is story with significant local cultural heritage. You don’t want to miss it. From 7.00pm

11 April – Gold Coast’s groove merchants join forces for one hell of a street party. Bobby Alu, Hanlon Brothers and Electrik Lemonade are on from 7.00pm

•

12 April – The Jungle Giants will whip you into a frenzy alongside The Creases and Eliza and the Delusionals

•

13 April – Bullhorn lay down the funk. Tijuana Cartel and Cheap Fakes will help.

•

14 April - uber talented popera star Kate Miller-Heidke brings new songs and a string quartet to the Gold Coast with Ella Fence in support and a late night party thanks to Regurgitator.

•

15 April – Dubmarine wraps up Festival 2018 with bass-crunching, rhythm-pounding dancehall and reggae, supported by Elko Fields

BROADBEACH Queensland Music Stage, northern end Surf Parade •

4 April – Amy Shark kicks things off at the Queensland Music Stage, right on Surf Parade. All ages and totally free. No complaints here

•

5 April – Paces, Lastlings and Austen deliver some of the city’s best new-wave electronica

Honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg. And the iceberg is bloody huge. The only way to know what’s on every day and night is to get your head around the full program, which you can do at gc2018.com/festival2018. Oh, and did I mention it’s all free?

Samantha Morris

Editor in Chief: Samantha Morris Cultural Editor: Natalie O'Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark House Photographer: Leisen Standen, Lamp Photography Contributors (print and online): Anthony Gebhardt, Natalie O’Driscoll, Glenn Tozer, Marj Osborne, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Kylie Cobb, Peter Wheeler, Nick Hastie, Simone Gorman-Clark, Anna Itkonen, Nae Kurth, Catherine Coburn, Samantha Morris, Erin Bourne, JD Garrahy, Sam Gilmore, Pip Andreas, Catherine Gunther, Dan Maynard, Leisen Standen, Danny Santangello, Nadia Achilles.

Cheap Fakes sign with Beats Cartel Two local favourites have teamed up to make magic happen. Brass-inspired funksters Cheap Fakes have signed with Gold Coast indie agency Beats Cartel and announced a string of dates this April. They’re known internationally and have legions of fans here on the Gold Coast, delivering infectious grooves and brass-fueled stylings. And we’re excited to hear there’s a new album due in coming months. But you don’t have to wait that long to hear their new material. Cheap Fakes will perform a heap of free concerts for Bleach* Festival and Festival 2018. You can catch them on 2 April at the Queen’s Baton Relay, 5 April at Bleach* Festival’s CBD Street Party, 7 April at Festival 2018 in Brisbane and 13 April for Festival 2018 at the Queensland Music Stage.

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.

Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@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.

16

www.blankgc.com.au

Gold Coast musicians involved in the Youth Music Venture program will showcase their talents to the world this month, joining the lineup of national and international artists performing at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Four lots of performers will do two sets each in the Athletes Village as well as two performances on the Queensland Music Stage in Broadbeach, as part of Festival 2018. Using music as the vehicle, Youth Music Venture provides creative support, breaks negative cycles and empowers youth aged 11 – 18 to make a difference within the community. Get more at youthmusicventure. com.au.

Your chance to join the biggest band in history, and nab a Gold record

Burleigh continues to brew local artists We know Burleigh Brewing Co has a thing for supporting Gold Coast’s unique spirit and creative endeavour and while the city has a massive influx of guests through April, things have ramped up at our favourite craft brewery. There’s a bangin’ lineup of live music and an international array of foodie flavours. Little Havana, Weiner Haus, Greek Recipe, Zicatela, Baracca and Little Wahaca can all be found dishing up tasty treats on select dates through April and the musical offerings are just as delicious. Micka Scene, Stephen Ward, Burger Joint, Phil & Tilly, Josh Lee Hamilton and Mescalito Blues are amongst those laying down some tunes across the month. Get your head across what’s on at bit.ly/bbcoAPRIL.

Thundamentals bring a decade of Thundakat to the GC One of Australia’s most beloved Hip-Hop acts, Sydney via Blue Mountains trio Thundamentals, are celebrating their tenth anniversary in 2018 with an epic regional tour. Decade Of The Thundakat will see Tuka and Jeswon take their revered live show across regional Australia with the show hitting Surfers Paradise Beergarden on Thursday 20 April. Do not miss the chance to see them tear things up in Surfers Paradise. Get details at bit.ly/thundamentalsGC.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra opens Bleach* Bond University hosts Bleach* Festival’s opening concert with none other than Mebourne Ska Orchestra laying down the brass. Led by the energetic and charismatic Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bustamento, Bomba), Melbourne Ska Orchestra is a 36-piece force to be reckoned with, renowned for their inimitable spin on the ska genre. It’s a fitting opening for such a massive festival program – which incorporates world premieres, local art, music and experiential performances. It’s Thursday 29 March from 5.00pm at Bond University’s ornamental lawns (beside the lake).

Blank Life cover photo: SURGE as part of Festival 2018, captured by Amber Haines.

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au

Young GC musos hit world stage

Imagine being able to tell your mates or grandkids that you were in a band with Barnsey, had a #1 hit - and have Gold record to prove it! That’s exactly what GANGgajang’s Mark Callaghan has in mind with The EveryOneBand – literally the biggest band in the world that you’ve never heard of. Its members already number in excess of 500 including Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel and Powderfinger members plus Paul Kelly, DMAs, The Angels, The Church, Kate Miller-Heidke, Wendy Matthews, Deborah Conway, Kasey Chambers and a heap more. All you have to do is sign up, grab the resources – which include backing tracks, sheet music and chord charts and then record yourself singing or playing along before sending off a file. The final mix will be available for download and streaming on Friday 18 May and the goal is a Gold single and #1 chart position with all proceeds going to uber-awesome music-related charity Support Act. The only rule of EveryOneBand is that no-one gets a free single.

If the record is certified Gold, EveryOneBand members will all receive their own certificate to frame and hang on the wall. Next stop, an ARIA Award! Get all the details at everyoneband.com.

Jim Ottaway lands two albums in international awards Zone Music Reporter is recognised as the industry source for new age, world, ambient, electronic, solo piano, relaxation and instrumental music news. Based in the USA but covering global industry news, the outfit runs an annual award recognizing the best global releases and for the second year, Gold Coast composer, producers and performer Jim Ottaway has two albums nominated across three categories. Since 2004, this musician has released more than 25 independent albums in Australia wit his most recent album ‘Deep Space Blue’ being his eleventh international release. It has been nominated for Album of the Year and Best Ambient Album. Jim’s other release ‘Timeless e-motion’ has also been nominated for Best Electronic Album. This year’s winners are announced at a gala award concert in New Orleans, Louisiana on 12 May and Jim will attend the event. Check out his tunes at jimottaway.com.

MAY 17-20, 2018

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND

THE SCREAMING JETS

ASH GRUNWALD (CAN)

(USA)

EILEN JEWELL CHARLIE A’COURT SOUTHERN AVENUE AND MANY MORE

(USA)

BACKSLIDERS LLOYD SPIEGEL

al FREE Ticketed eci p s S

w ho

JON STEVENS Sta

as

t

he

T

bluesonbroadbeach.com #bluesonbroadbeach

at

FREE EVENT

r Gold Co

TOKYO BEEF KAMIKAZE Back in December, Burleigh Heads surf-rockers, Tokyo Beef, returned to Lovestreet Studios to record their second full-length album. Their plan was to record seven new songs and from this comes Kamikaze.

All the songs are recorded in a "live" environment to try and capture that Tokyo Beef energy they exude on stage.

They used a couple of older songs as warm up before recording, to get them in the mood to rock, and these have ended up on the album as well. Fans will enjoy live favourites ‘Where's the Party’ and ‘Free’.

In all the Beef recorded nine songs in one day, and there’s no question the final result is like being at a Tokyo Beef gig. It’s loud, raucous and in your face.

Of the new songs ‘On the Streets’ and ‘Chaos’ grab me the most, with a bit more attitude and heavier style and some breathing room between lead breaks. Go get some Beef, it’s tasty, it’s got some kick and more than worth a try.

Terry “Tappa” Teece

Kamikaze is vailable on iTunes or at Tokyo Beefs next gig!

b ank 18

www.blankgc.com.au

Deck Acoustics

GRRRRLS TO THE FRONT AT FESTIVAL 2018

Pictured: GRRRL by Louise Roberts

It’s impossible to showcase the best creative talent of the Commonwealth without shining a spotlight squarely and firmly at the ladies. Festival 2018, which runs 4 – 15 April as the arts and culture program of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, boasts an incredible diversity of talent from across the globe. Get your ears around this bunch…

Amy Shark

Susheela Raman (Ecstatic)

Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach, 4 April 7.00pm

Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach, 13 April 7.00pm

After touring North America, headlining festivals across Australia and securing two ARIAs, Amy Shark hits the Queensland Music Stage. Gold Coast born and bred, Amy is a contemplative and soulfully brooding singer-songwriter who sells out wherever she plays. Amy will be fresh from touring the USA when she hits Broadbeach for Festival 2018’s opening night.

This major event is led by world-music legend Susheela Raman, uniting artists from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Susheela is an acclaimed British Indian musician who has released five albums since 2001 and was nominated for the 2006 BBC World Music Awards. Raman’s debut album ‘Salt Rain’ was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2001. Raman is known for energetic, vibrant, syncretic, and uplifting live performances built on the sacred Bhakti and Sufi traditions of India and Pakistan, and will bring her unique talents to the Main Stage at Surfers Paradise for a musical and cultural experience like no other.

Roslyn Oades, documentary maker for Sea Stories Chelsea Avenue, Boradbeach Beach, 5-15 April, 5.30am

Peaches at The Great Australian Songbook Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach, 5 April 7.00pm Merrill Beth Nisker, better known by her stage name Peaches, is a Canadian electronic musician and performance artist, who is known for her aggressive, highly sexual and distinctive style of music, and controversial lyrical content.

Active under the name of Peaches since her 2000 album ‘The Teaches of Peaches’, Merrill has built up a dedicated fanbase around the world and is an alternative festival favourite.

She hits Surfers Paradise for Festival 2018 as a part of killer lineup at ‘The Great Australian Songbook’.

Corinna Bonshek, Composer (Song to the Earth) Palm Beach Parklands, 7 + 8 April, various times Composer Corrina Bonshek writes music that is inspired by the sounds and patterns of nature, and her own meditation practice. Foremost in her practice is the desire to create deeply transformative, listening experiences. This has led her to create immersive, sound installations and music-art events in unusual spaces. In ‘Song to the Earth’, visitors will wander through a forest of musicians in an immersive, live orchestra event.

Electric Lady: Meg Mac, Nina Las Vegas, Wafia, Kardajala Kirridarra curated by Holly Rankin Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach, 10 April 7.00pm 20

www.blankgc.com.au

Grace Lillian Lee, Artist and Fashion Curator (Intertwined) Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach, 14 + 15 April, 6.00pm 28-year-old Grace Lillian Lee is a fashion artist, designer and curator who is making waves across Australia. Hailing from Cairns from a multicultural background, it’s Grace Lillian Lee’s Torres Strait Islander heritage that inspires her passion for celebrating Indigenous culture through fashion performance.

GRRRL Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach, 15 April 7.00pm GRRRL is a bespoke electronic music collaboration between independent, revolutionary women from around the Commonwealth and beyond. Eight fierce queens will share stories of life, conflict, inequality and change through music, fusing together sounds of dark techno, ghetto bass, hip hop, dancehall, reggae, soul and electronica. Nono Nkoane, Laima Leyton, Wiyaala, Sohini Alam, Lei Di Dai and Afrodeutsche will leave you speechless.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Festival 2018 runs 4 – 15 April 2018 across the Gold Coast. Get details at gc2018.com/festival2018.

A TREASURE TROVE OF KNOWLEDGE UNLOCKED: MUSIC INDUSTRY INSIDE OUT Music Industry Inside Out is a comprehensive and evergrowing online development resource for musicians and professionals working in all facets of the music business.

Developed by Martine Cotton, who boasts over 25 year’s experience excelling across a variety of music related platforms and coming to fruition in 2014 it is a one-stop networking resource of mammoth proportions.

So what exactly does it entail? Well, picture an everexpanding video interview library with over 45 hours of content, featuring more than 90 of Australia’s leading music industry figures, all providing insights and knowledge on topics, from artistry, management and entertainment law through to marketing, touring and everything in between.

The videos are designed to support and mentor, and feature some of the most knowledgeable and respected Australian music professionals and artists, including BIGSOUND programmer Maggie Collins, Damien Costin of 123 Agency, Chugg Entertainment’s Andrew Stone and award-winning artists Katie Noonan, Jen Cloher and Mia Dyson.

And Season Three, featuring a stack of new content, has just launched, with contributions from the likes of Gregg Donovan (Wonderlick Entertainment), Esti Zilber (Sounds Australia), Leanne DeSouza (Association of Artist Managers), Jenna Burns (Level 2 Publishing), Katie Rynne ( Select Music), Maria Amato (AIR exec director) and Stu McCullough (Amplifire Music). Plus a stack-load more.

In the words of Martine: “It can take years to build up your network of contacts and understand how all aspects of the music business work. Giving unlimited access to current, best practice across all facets of the biz is so powerful in building a well-informed, thriving career and industry as a whole.”

So how do you get onboard? By taking out one of the affordable membership options, you’ll immediately have at your fingertips over 1200 unique bite-sized videos, taking in 25 individual modules. You’ll also have unlimited access to resource lists, downloadable checklists, templates and fact sheets and a national job listings board and events calendar.

If you’re serious about getting ahead or sharpening your skill set within any aspect of the music biz, do yourself a favour and subscribe at musicindustryinsideout.com.au.

Anthony Gehbardt

NEW FRAMES FOR LOOSE LEAF Rory Switzer, best known as drummer for Yes Sir Noceur has been let loose and in the process has put together a killer new band comprising members from local outfits such as Lotus Ship and Nine Sons of Dan. Loose Leaf’s debut single ‘Death Perception’ off a yet to be released EP was delivered to the internets and airwaves mid-March and a little soiree to celebrate its birth drew an enormous crowd. Editor Samantha Morris caught up with the Rory to find out what happened to the old band, and how the new project came about.

LOCAL ARTISTS SHARE TOP BILLING FOR NIGHTQUARTER FESTIVAL

What happened to Yes Sir Noceur?

I wish I had something more scandalous for you, but the fact is that the band hasn't called it quits; we've just been on sabbatical. All of us still hang out and play music together, I mean three out of the four of us still live together.

We're just taking a break from shows and recording new material for the moment.

We last saw you guys play at GC Music Awards in April 2017. Can you tell me about the past year?

Shortly following that event, I went into the studio with producer Brad Hosking to begin recording my first solo record. I had been postponing the endeavour since my early 20s, never having the courage or confidence in my song writing to bring it all to fruition. I guess those internal voices of uncertainly began to subside once I arrived at the doorstep of my 30s.

The last half of 2017 saw the final touches on mixing, finding a band to learn the songs and creating a name for the new project. I burnt through more names over the course of those last three months than most expecting parents.

Who are your fellow Loose Leaf band members and how did you go about recruiting them?

Loose Leaf was meticulously put together after running candidates through a series of challenges not dissimilar to what the navy seals are put through in 'hell week'. The band comprises of: Luke Johnson (drums), Ondre Davis (guitar) and yours truly on vocals / guitar, with a rotating bassist. You have to be able to hold your breath under water for three minutes whilst playing your given instrument in order to join Loose Leaf, and bassists are infamous for being short-breathed.

You’ve got a couple of additional tracks up your sleeve. How will you roll out the new songs?

This current EP ‘FRAMES’ has five tracks, two of which are being released as singles, with the record being released in its entirety mid-June '18. We will re-enter the studio and begin the recording of Loose Leaf ’s follow-up EP in May. This first EP was both written and performed by me, whereas I will be bringing the newly formed band in for the second record.

You’re keen to build a profile here as well as your native Canada. How will you go about that?

The long-term goal is to be able to base the band out of Southeast Queensland whilst nurturing a Canadian fan base. Although the two places are night and day in terms of weather, the creative climates are very similar.

First step is a cross-Canada tour being lined up for July 2019. In addition, we will be looking to get involved with Canadian Music Week next year, and will be servicing our material to Canadian community radio and blogs in hopes to gain some traction in the homeland.

Billed as ‘the destination for authentic local flavours during the Commonwealth Games’ NightQuarter is going all-out to surprise and delight with a bunch of workshops, events, artists, musicians and performers from 5 – 14 April, during which time the NightQuarter precinct will be open every day between midday and 9.00 pm.

On the music side of things, NightQuarter Festival is bursting at the seams with a dazzling array of eclectic Aussie talent.

If home-grown hip hop is your thing, then the prodigious talents of Fijian born, local dynamo Jesswar is sure to knock your socks off. And indigenous hip hop artist Baker Boy, hailing from the Northern Territory, (where they call him the ‘fresh new prince’), is renowned for his groundbreaking, multi-lingual take on rap, dance, acting and graffiti. Both artists have received plenty of love and exposure over the past 12 months, being featured on Triple J and as part of BIGSOUND. Emily Wurramara is another local Indigenous artist whose passionate and personal take on the roots and indie-pop genres sees her singing in both English and Anindilyakwa, the traditional language of her home on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory. She’ll be here releasing her debut album, ‘Milyakburra’, later this year, teaming up with award winning producer David Bridie. Catch her on the evening of Friday, 13th April to find out what all the fuss is about.

If traditional musical strains such as folk, bluegrass, country and blues are more your thing, be sure to check out Colt Seavers Band, The Mojo Webb Band, Devils Kiosk and Haystack Hermits.

And there’ll be dancing in the aisles (and probably down the street) when brass big-band ensembles Bullhorn and Horns Of Leroy blow a rapturous swathe through the assembled festival throngs in a big-horned brass off on Saturday 14 April.

There’s a stack of amazing Gold Coast talent on display as well, including eclectic funksters Electrik Lemonade, virtuoso songstress Felicity Lawless and the dazzling 42 Band.

Anthony Gebhardt

NightQuarter Festival, Helensvale runs 4 – 15 April.

Listen to ‘Depth Perception’ via Spotify at bit.ly/looseGC. 22

www.blankgc.com.au

www.blankgc.com.au

23

Pictured: Smoking Martha

MINCHIN PROVES PERFECT CHOICE FOR HOTA LAUNCH

Pictured: Tim Minchin at HOTA captured by Peter Wheeler Photography

It’s hard to imagine a launch event going more smoothly. After weeks of wet weather, there was nothing but clear and starry skies for the much-anticipated opening of HOTA – Home of the Arts’ new outdoor performance space.

Thousands of incredibly happy punters made the most of the autumn evening with picnic rugs, low-slung chairs and chilled vibes.

With a DJ setting the tone for early arrivals, there was no mistaking Tim Minchin as the reason everybody was here. And honestly, there could not have been a better choice for HOTA to send a signal to people near and far that it has arrived.

The new outdoor space, years in development will indeed be a home for the city’s artistic visitors – with a capacity somewhere between 2000-3000 and a versatile performance space, we’re expecting that HOTA will attract touring artists across contemporary music, theatre, performance and festivals.

But back to Tim Minchin. Can you imagine a bolder way to launch a performance venue in a city known for its conservative roots?

Tim’s set delivered a punchy mix of comedy, piano, wit, social commentary and some light-hearted political jibes. Commencing solo before welcoming a full band onto stage, it wasn’t all hard-hitting righteousness. There was plenty of cheese. Songs about cheese, that is. And boobs.

He’s the consummate showman who knows how to keep an audience wondering exactly what will come next, mixing comedy with cutting lyricism and punchy songs. People were laughing, nodding in agreement and sometimes sitting open-mouthed at the irreverence of it all.

24

www.blankgc.com.au

Tim Minchin’s performance was as flawless as we expected it to be. But the significance of the night stretches much further than artistic brilliance. It sends a strong signal to people inside and outside of the city that we are hitting a new stride when it comes to cultural programming.

What’s most exciting is that the full program for 2018 hasn’t been announced yet. HOTA’s outdoor space hosts a bunch of free dancing and yoga sessions in coming months as well as a repeat of ‘The Spirit of Churaki’ after it has its world premiere at Bleach* Festival.

Acclaimed global artist Laurie Anderson is in residence for five days, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra pops in to perform the music of John Williams and Neil Finn visits with an orchestra in June.

One person involved closely with making it all come together and managing the logistics of opening a venue of this nature commented at Minchin’s incredibly apt song-list that opened with ‘When This Plane Goes Down’ and ended with ‘Feels Like Going Home.” And last weekend, that’s exactly what Tim Minchin and the HOTA team did. They gave this city a new home – a bold new home – where touring acts can connect with Gold Coast audiences and where our own creative talents can be elevated and showcased alongside.

Samantha Morris

MOJO BURNING RETURNS WITH MASSIVE LINEUP FOR FIFTH ANNIVERSARY It’s a boutique guitar festival like no other, well and truly earning its catchphrase of being “all killer, no filler”.

Brought to us by the same creative minds behind Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, this year’s Mojo Burning lineup will impress fans of rock when it rolls into Brisbane’s Hamilton Hotel on 14 April.

Wolfmother headline the bill with Jeff Martin, Henry Wagons, Hat Fitz & Cara, Money for Rope, Child and Hobo Magic also on the lineup.

rock demons A Basket of Mammoths. Le Suits will deliver a prog-brain explosion and local rock favourites Port Royal and Iron Eye are also on the bill.

The festival, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, has a solid history of throwing its weight behind Australia’s underground blues, rock, roots and stoner rock scenes and it’s gone one step further this year dedicating a room solely to psych and stoner rock complete with venue-wide visuals, live art installations and a VIP lounge at the Hamilton Hotel.

Mojo Burning organisers also held a band competition in Brisbane and the Gold Coast to find the best live acts to add to the lineup with those winners adding to the lineup.

Gold Coaster Christian Tryhorn who organises the festival says the headline tier of artists is beyond anything they’ve done before for Mojo Burning.

"This year is going to be extra special,” Christian said. “We’re stoked on the lineup from top to bottom as always!”

“If you're into modern blues, rock and stoner rock I don't think you'll find a better valuefor-money one day festival option in the country,” he said.

And he could be onto something there, because tickets are only $50 for the Brisbane festival with a bunch of sideshows also rolling out.

As well as Wolfmother and Jeff Martin, wellloved Melbourne rockers The Chery Dolls will make the trek north, joined by stoner

If a mashup of 30 blues, rock and stoner riff lords delivering sounds over three stages sounds like your kinda thing, then Mojo Burning will deliver in spades. There are discounted tickets for 4ZZZ subscribers and as the early bird allocation sold out so quickly, you might want to hustle to secure your berth front and centre.

Samantha Morris

Mojo Burning hits Hamilton Hotel, Saturday 14 April with Wolfmother, Jeff Martin, Henry Wagons, Money for Rope, Hat Fitz & Cara, Hobo Magic, Child, Elephant Hive, Kallidad, Claude Hay, The Cherry Dolls, Grizzlee Train, Sheriff, Fight Ibis, Filthy Lucre, A Basket of Mammoths, Zed Charles Hendrix Experience, Le Suits, The Bad Bad Orchestra, Fluff, Smoking Martha, Asa Broomhall, Bill Barber, Port Royal, Zong, The Iron Eye, Trapdoor and Stingin Rogers . More at mojoburning.com.

FEE-FREE* TRAINING FOR 2017 QUEENSLAND HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES Get started in an apprenticeship, traineeship or upskill to assist in your career with fee-free* training, funded by the Queensland Government. (*Eligibility applies)

Eligible courses: Community Services Early Childhood Education and Care Education Support Horticulture Hospitality Individual Support Landscape Construction

LEARN MORE

5581 8300

tafegoldcoast.edu.au/feefreetraining TAFE Queensland RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 03020E

www.blankgc.com.au

25

GOAT TRAM DESCENDS ON SNOOKERWORLD Goat Tram started life with local punks Göatzilla wanting to put on a small party gig for theirMelbourne mates I Have A Goat, but when word got out it rapidly ballooned into a two-date, twocity, major punk rock event featuring a dozen of Australia's top emerging original punk bands. Named in concert with its sister event in Brisbane, Goat Train, it recognises the brutal truth that the Gold Coast has an awesome tram, but Brisbane doesn’t. The lineup is unique and unlikely to ever be repeated.

Melbourne’s Australian Kingswood Factory play original Oz pub rock like it never went out of fashion, and they’re joined by triple j Unearthed winners Friends with the Enemy

Drop into Byron’s local independent brewery...

The way it should be FIND OUR BEERS AT YOUR LOCAL OR DROP INTO OUR TASTING ROOM TASTING ROOM OPENING HOURS AND TOUR TIMES – stoneandwood.com.au/book-a-tour

STONE & WOOD BREWERY BYRON ARTS & INDUSTRY ESTATE 4 BORONIA PLACE, BYRON BAY @stoneandwood

26

www.blankgc.com.au

Stone and Wood Brewing

who grind out original pop punk and have toured the USA supporting bands like Guttermouth, Pennywise and Lagwagon.

I Have a Goat bring bogan punk and visceral protest songs to the stage and local purveyors of atomic mutant goat-punk Göatzilla deliver a mishmash of sounds alongside Second Hand Toothbrush who bring punk rock at its worst but party music at its best, Cactus Dildos who like it loud, fast, hard and in drag, and Monster Fodder, Gold Coast’s own threepiece power thrash kings. It’s a lineup of epic proportions and the whole shebang goes down on Friday 11 May from 6.30pm at Snookerworld.

Tickets are a measly ten bucks. Deets at fb.com/goatzillaoz.

PEKING DUK (AUS) Fri 04.05.18 Sat 05.05.18 SOLD OUT

VERA BLUE (AUS) Wed 30.05.18 Thu 31.05.18 SOLD OUT

JET (AUS) Mon 04.06.18

PROPHETS OF RAGE

AMON AMARTH

PLAYBOI CARTI

GUD VIBRATIONS FT. NGHTMRE AND SLANDER BELLE & SEBASTIAN VERA BLUE

DMA’S

JET

PORTUGAL. THE MAN

/

S ta g e

/

C o med y

/

Screen

Cu lture

/

CITY CALM DOWN

Venue Hire

MACHINE GUN KELLY

CHAT 10 LOOKS 3 LIVE

JOHNNY CASH THE CONCERT

/

THE SMITH STREET BAND

STEREOPHONICS

ARCHIE ROACH

BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE

DEAD OF WINTER FESTIVAL

M u si c

SQUEEZE

PATRICK WOLF

KURT ELLING

ANTHONY CALLEA

/

Weddings

EUROPE

PEKING DUK

AUNTY DONNA

MONDO ROCK

PAM ANN

OCEAN ALLEY

THE JUNGLE GIANTS

MICHAEL CHE

FASTLOVE - A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MICHAEL JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE

JULIA MORRIS

GENE SIMMONS BAND

WITCHES MASQUERADE BALL

TECH N9NE

IAN MOSS

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX

thetivo li. co m. au

MARCH SUNDAY 25 MARCH The White Tree (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Palmy Sunday Funday: Electrik Lemonade + Tay Oskee (4.00pm) | Palm Beach Parklands Coin Toss Tour: Pist Idiots + Dumb Punts + Mini Skirt + Charging Stallion + WOD + Dogfight | Miami Shark Bar Tommy Castles | Cambus Wallace Kelly Blues | Scottish Prince Hayley Grace (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue Jackson James Smith (2.00pm) | Palm Beach SLSC Vaneese Cox (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Deck Acoustics: Sarah Archer (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Alberts, Newton Faulkner, Holy Holy, Canned Heat, Walter Trout, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Joe Louis Walker, Bobby Rush, Eric Gales, Harts, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker, William Crighton, Afro Celt Sound System, Elephant Sessions, Harry Manx, Dumpstaphunk, Andre Cymone, The California Honeydrops, Rick Estrin & The Nightcaps, The Teskey Brothers, Dan Sultan, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Chain, Con Brio, Mia Dyson, Shaun Kirk, Steve Smyth, Dog Trumpet, Caiti Baker and Hanlon Brothers | Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm

THURSDAY 29 MARCH Partywave + Die For Mushies + Off Gilsan | Parkwood Tavern Good Boy + Nice Biscuit + Stone Witches + Lens + Flying Machine | Miami Shark Bar Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince Bob La Castra and the Martini Club | Paradise Showroom HOTA Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

MONDAY 26 MARCH Prophets of Rage | Brisbane Riverstage Doubleshot (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 27 MARCH Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace Skyscraper Stan | Scottish Prince Limp Bizkit + Mice & Men + Ocean Grove | Brisbane Riverstage

Bleach* Festival Opening Party with Melbourne Ska Orchestra + Mighty Duke and the Lords: Bond University ornamental lawn Deck Acoustics: Jerome Williams + Sarah Archer + Benny Hanna (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

FRIDAY 30 MARCH Amaru Pumac Kuntur | NightQuarter Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 31 MARCH

APRIL SUNDAY 1 APRIL

Jebediah | Parkwood Tavern Burger Joint | Cambus Wallace Delta Riggs DJs | Scottish Prince Benny Hanna (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks The Angels, Midnight Oil & Divinyls Show (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Deck Acoustics: Jock Barnes (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Acoustic Soup | Southport Sharks

MONDAY 2 APRIL Benny D Williams (10.00am) | Paradise Point Park Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 3 APRIL Stephen Lovelight | Cambus Wallace

FRIDAY 6 APRIL Willow Beats | elsewhere Wilson Pickers + Karl S Williams + Jackie Marshall | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach* Iluka + SAVV + The End Less + Katie Who | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse Electrik Lemonade | NightQuarter Festival 2018: Fresh Voices of the Commonwealth featuring The Ska Vengers, M.anifest, David Bridie and George Telek | Main Stage Surfers Paradise Z-Star Delta | Dust Temple Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Ladyslug + Ooz Music (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta Micka Scene (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Benny D Williams (5.00pm) | The Avenue Michael Hickey (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Come on Aussie (Tribute) | Southport Sharks

Gavin Doniger | Scottish Prince

Yonder + Harry J Hart Trio + Gabrielle Lambe + Kent Tonscheck | Currumbin Pub

WEDNESDAY 4 APRIL

The Accidents | RSL Club Southport

The Cat Empire + Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project for Festival 2018 | Main Stage Surfers Paradise Amy Shark | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach*

Lily Budiasa (4.00pm) | Balter Taproom

SATURDAY 7 APRIL Harry Manx | soundlounge

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Deja Voodoo (featuring The Space Cowboy) | NightQuarter

Herbie Walker | Scottish Prince

Bleach* Electrified featuring Confidence Man, Electric Fields and Michelle Xen for Festival 2018 | Main Stage Surfers Paradise

Skyscraper Stan | Cambus Wallace

Feast on fifth (Bleach* Festival): Harry J Hart + Tully John and Liza-Jane + Leopold’s Treat + The CrackUp Sisters + Casey Barnes | Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach

Elska | Scottish Prince

Mark Watson | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Good Charlotte + Neck Deep + Falling in Reverse + Issues | Chase Atlantic| Brisbane Riverstage

Sunny Coast Rude Boys + Ondre Davis (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Festival 2018: The Great Australian Songbook featuring Peaches, Nadine Shah, Winston McAnuff and African Boy | Main Stage Surfers Paradise

Good Doogs + White Blanks + Pandamic + Radolescent | Miami Shark Bar

Paces + Lastlings + Austen | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach*

Long Gone Daddys Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Benny D Williams (5.00pm) | The Avenue

Coast + Kit Bray (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Deck Acoustics: Josh Lovegrove (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

House concert with Corin Raymond (Canada) and Scott Cook (Canada / USA), private home. Tickets $15, byo pancake shaker. RSVP Glenn 0419 558 685

Bill Jacobi (7.00pm) + Tommy Castles (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

Alter Egos (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Fireworx (Covers) | Southport Sharks

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

Vagaphonics (7.00pm) + Felicity Lawless (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird | Miami Shark Bar

WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH

Mastodon + Gojira | Eatons Hill Hotel

THURSDAY 29 MARCH – MONDAY 2 APRIL BLUESFEST: Lionel Ritchie, Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Kesha, John Butler Trio, Tash Sultana, Seal, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Gomez, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jimmy Cliff, Asgeir, Jason Isbell, Youssou Ndour, Juanes, Seu Jorge, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Jose Gonzalez, First Aid Kit, Rag’n’bone Man, Morcheeba, Gov’t Mule, The New Power Generation, The Original Blues Brothers Band, The Wailers, Ziggy

28

www.blankgc.com.au

The Lyrical | NightQuarter Ondre Davis Experience (9.00am) | Dust Temple

Gold Coast gig guide for April 2018

Midnight Groove Duo (Covers) | Southport Sharks

THURSDAY 5 APRIL

Magic Carpet Ride | RSL Club Southport

An Evening with Archie Roach | Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall Colt Seavers Band | Wallaby Hotel

SUNDAY 8 APRIL Hayley Grace (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Good Vibrations – Science Music and Wine: The Twine + Elska + 42 Band | NightQuarter Festival 2018: Magnifika Pacifika featuring Salmonella Dub + Tiki Taane + Whirimako Black + Mike Cooper | Main Stage Surfers Paradise Bleach* Festival 2018: Hussy Hicks + Allensworth (1.00pm) | Palm Beach Parklands Sahara Beck + Tia Gostelow + Greta Stanley | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach* Stephen Ward (1.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue Angelo Pash | Cambus Wallace Jim Dowling | Scottish Prince Hayley Grace (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Acoustic Soup | Southport Sharks Oz Horns | RSL Club Southport Shark Bar Sundays: Hoon + Stone Witches + Cakes + Cloacas + Nudist Blog | Miami Shark Bar

MONDAY 9 APRIL Mau Power + Moreton + Aquila Young | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach* Encounter Spain: Kallidad + Felicity Lawless | NightQuarter

Busby Marou + Leanne Tennant + Alexander William | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach*

Festival 2018: Sparkle in the Saned featuring Courtney Act | Main Stage Surfers

Bleach* Festival 2018: The Lyrical + Satisvibes (1.00pm) | Palm Beach Parklands

Bleach* Festival: Benny D Williams (4.30pm) | Chinatown Mall

James Fox Higgins | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Benny D Williams (9.00am) | Dust Temple

The California Kings: Australian Chili Peppers Tribute Show | Hinterland Hotel Madison Kat | RSL Club Southport

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Funky Monkeys | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 10 APRIL Bleach* at NightQuarter – Pacific Dance: Vou + Jesswar | NightQuarter Troy Cassar-Daley + Black Rabbit George + Emily Wurramara | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach* Rock’n Thru The Ages (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Festival 2018: Electric Lady featuring Meg Mac, Nina Las Vegas, Wafia and Kardajala Dirridarra, curated by Holly

Rankin (Jack River) | Main Stage Surfers Paradise

The Fergies + Scott Dalton (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Benny D Williams (2.00pm) | The Boatshed

Gavin Doniger | Scottish Prince

Burger Joint (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Josh Smith | Cambus Wallace

Rockin Thru The Ages | RSL Club Southport

Benny D Williams (5.00pm) | The Avenue

WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL

Benny Hanna (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge

Blues in the Night: The Mojo Webb Band + Devils Kiosk | NightQuarter

Nocturnal Tapes + Hot Coffee + Machine Club + DiskoDisco | elsewhere

Bobby Alu + Hanlon Brothers + Electrik Lemonade | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach*

Money for Nothin: The Australian Dire Straits Experience (Tribute) | Southport Sharks

Festival 2018: Young African Commonwealth, celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday and hosted

by Kweku Mandela, featuring Spoek Mathamba | Main Stage Surfers Paradise

Wootton Major + Dreams Of Indigo + Alexander William + La Cove | Currumbin Pub

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Matthew Armitage (4.00pm) | Balter Taproom

Magic Carpet Ride | RSL Club Southport

DARKO + Fake News + Fire Away + Unbroken Shores | Currumbin Pub The Accidents | RSL Club Southport

THURSDAY 12 APRIL Jazz, Shiraz and Swing: The Kitty Kats | NightQuarter The Jungle Giants + The Creases + Eliza and the Delusionals | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach* The Spirit of Churaki featuring Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) and Kyle Slabb, Festival 2018 | Main Stage Surfers Paradise

Kate Miller-Heidke + Ella Fence with late-night party featuring Regurgitator | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach* Lloyd Saniel | Watermark Hotel & Spa Yugambeh Youth Choir (10.30am and 2.30pm) for Festival 2018 | Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach The Jazz Kings + Sean Fitzgerald (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta Felicity Lawless (7.00pm) + Gavin Doniger (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Benny D Williams (5.00pm) | The Avenue

Taxiride | RSL Club Southport

Mojo Burning Sideshow: Child + Fluff + Stinging Rogers | Parkwood Tavern

SUNDAY 15 APRIL

Madison Kat | RSL Club Southport

Ellea Navarro (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 13 APRIL

Dubmarine + Elko Fields | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach*

Bullhorn + Tijuana Cartel + Cheap Fakes | Queensland Music Stage for Festival 2018 and Bleach* Mark Watson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Baltimore Gun Club + Elba Jane + Chavez Cartel | Tomcat, Fortitude Valley

Festival 2018: Last Chance to Dance feat. Hot Dub Time Machine + GRRRL | Main Stage Surfers Paradise Coast Acoustics: Hussy Hicks + Allensworth + Karl S Williams + Felicity Lawless | Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang Phil & Tilley (1.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Simple Plan | NightQuarter (Ticketed)

THURSDAY 26 APRIL

The Creepshow | soundlounge

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

James Fox Higgins | Watermark Hotel & Spa

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

Allensworth + Ondre Davis (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta Essi Thomas Trio (7.00pm) + The Curiosities of Essex (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Benny D Williams | Hotel Brunswick Jive Cats| Southport Sharks

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Craig Shaw (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

Allensworth | Scottish Prince

Mojo Burning: Wolfmother + Jeff Martin + Henry Wagons + Money For Rope + Hat Fitz & Cara + Hobo Magic + MORE | Hamilton Hotel

Alex the Astronaut + Stella Donnelly | soundlounge

MONDAY 16 APRIL

Brass Off!: Hot Potato Band + Bullhorn | NightQuarter

Bill Barber | Cambus Wallace

Culture Strong: Baker Boy + Emily Wurramara | NightQuarter

Michael Whitmore (1.00pm) | RSl Club Southport

Elska | Cambus Wallace

Miss T & The Anchormen (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Acoustic Soup (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 14 APRIL

Benny D Williams (5.00pm) | The Avenue Young Henry’s Live Session with Swamps + Free The Genie | Scottish Prince

Eleea Navarro (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 17 APRIL

Kelly Blues | Scottish Prince Midnight Groove Duo (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Two Tears in A Bucket | Scottish Prince

SATURDAY 21 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL James Street Preachers| Cambus Wallace

Record Store Day: Exclusive releases + DJs + Giveaways | Beatniks Record Store Gemini Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Chasing Brodie | Wallaby Hotel

Daneel & The Feel | Nimbin Hotel Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Felicity Lawless + Nick Cunningham (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta Phil & Tilley (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Benny D Williams (5.00pm) | Steampunk Surfers Eleea Navarro (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Bluescorp | Southport Sharks

Kate Derepas (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Anny + Label + Keeskea | Currumbin Pub

Josh Lee Hamilton (1.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Hey Baby! + Syrup, Go On + Lens + Nudist Blog | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse

Burger Joint | Cambus Wallace

Matrix Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Dave Murray | Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 19 APRIL

Kate Derepas (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 27 APRIL

SUNDAY 22 APRIL

Jim Dowling | Scottish Prince

Free The Genie| Cambus Wallace

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Darrel Beasant (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

JJ & The Radio Souls (1.00pm) | Advancetown Hotel

FRIDAY 20 APRIL

Shark Bar Sundays: Verge Collection + White Blanks + Mild West | Miami Shark Bar

Simon Doe (4.00pm) | Balter Taproom

SATURDAY 28 APRIL Mark Divola | Watermark Hotel & Spa Suga Owens + Sean Fitzgerald (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta Salt & Steel | Sheoak Shack

Music and movie trivia night presented

by Gold Coast Film Festival and GC Music Awards | QT Gold Coast. Tickets $14 include canapés.

MONDAY 23 APRIL

Captain Wow (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Champagne Jam (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Thundamentals 10th Anniversary | Beergarden Surfers

Double Shot (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Big Boyz | Wallaby Hotel

SUNDAY 29 APRIL

Mark Wilkinson | soundlounge Simon Meola | Watermark Hotel & Spa

TUESDAY 24 APRIL

Adam Harpaz | Burleigh Brewing Co

The Rectifiers + Animal Ventura (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace Elska | Scottish Prince

Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue

WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL

Two Tears in a Bucket | Scottish Prince

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Kate McKay (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Tim Stokes (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Chris Hutchison (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks 42Band (Covers) | Southport Sharks The Miserines + The Lonesomes + Swamp Medicine + Tyler Vivian | Currumbin Pub Wally & The Gators (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Jesse Morris Duo (4.00pm) | Balter Taproom

Matt Armitage | Scottish Prince Gemini Duo (5.30pm) + Rockks (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Herbie Walker | Cambus Wallace

Greg Bankx (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport MONDAY 30 APRIL Michael Whitmore (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Allensworth | Cambus Wallace

www.blankgc.com.au

29

GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS AFTER-PARTY LINEUP

Gold Coast Music Awards after-party with Mason Rack Band + Being Jane Lane + Peach Fur + Lens, Thursday 3 May, 10.00pm – 2.00am

Last year’s after-party was one for the books. But we won’t say much about that. Because as you know, what happens at the after-party stays at the after-party, right?

Well, the 2018 Gold Coast Music Awards is expected to trump last year’s. With brash rock, thumping blues, astronaut rock and alternative psych all being dished up by some of the city’s most fun party bands.

GC Music Awards’ People’s Choice winners Being Jane Lane will join Mason Rack Band, Lens and Peach Fur on musical duties for the after party which again takes place at Surfers Paradise Beergarden. It’s an eclectic mix of loud, local talent – which is just what we all need after an awards event.

The after-party takes place immediately after the gala awards ceremony which wraps up at 10.00pm. As well as announcing winners for the 2018 Gold Coast Music Awards at that ceremony, we’ll have live performances on the massive Surfers Paradise stage from Bobby Alu, Hussy Hicks, Electrik Lemonade and Eliza and the Delusionals.

GC Music Awards ticketholders get free entry to the after-party with their wristband and other tickets are available for just ten bucks a pop.

Killer lineup, all original Gold Coast music, seriously, there are no losers here.

Samantha Morris

GOLD COAST GIG DIARY FOR APRIL With an overwhelming number of gigs taking place across Bleach* and Festival 2018 it’s easy to overlook some of the city’s long-standing venues and artists who don’t quite fit with the family-friendly stylings of big event programming.

If that sounds like your kinda schtick, whack some of these in the diary, eh?

5 April, Mudgeeraba house concert

11 April, Cambus Wallace

Corin Raymond (Canada) and Scott Cook (Canada / USA) Tickets $15. BYO pancake shaker. Venue confirmed on RSVP to Glenn 0419 558 685

They’re one of the stalwarts of the city’s blues scene, playing in one of the best bars. James Street Preachers bring their stomping blues to Cambus Wallace where the cocktail list is as divine as the tunes.

6 April, Currumbin Pub

12 – 14 April, The Avenue Surfers Paradise

Yonder launch their debut single ‘Way’ with Kent Tonscheck, Gabrielle Lambe, Harry J Hart Trio in support.

7 April, Hinterland Hotel California Kings are a new Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band rolling out some of the greatest rock songs ever made.

With killer sound and lighting and awesome production, you don’t want to miss the band’s debut show.

9 April, NightQuarter As part of a ten day festival of food and music, NightQuarter shines a light on all things Spanish, including the tunes.

Catch Kallidad and Felicity Lawless – a flamenco, Day Of the Dead kind of extravaganza for gypsy lovers and their friends.

30

www.blankgc.com.au

Loop master Benny D Williams takes up a three day residency from 5.00 – 8.00pm

13 April, Tomcat, Fortitude Valley Baltimore Gun Club + Elba lane + Chavez Cartel.

13 April, elsewhere Yamba indietronica duo Nocturnal Tapes return for an otherworldly night with Høt Coffee, Machine Club and DiskoDisco also on the bill.

Need more gigs? We’ve got you covered. Get the city’s live music and gig guide roundup at blankgc.com.au/ goldcoastgigguide.

APRIL 7

MUDGEERABA EVENTS/ BLEACH FESTIVAL The Gold Coast’s signature arts and cultural festival.

APRIL 7 AN EVENING WITH ARCHIE ROACH, MUDGEERABA MEMORIAL HALL 6.30pm $15 Bookings required. https://www.eventbrite.com. au/e/an-evening-with-archieroach-tickets-42486471179 APRIL 14 TRUTH TO POWER CAFÉ, MUDGEERABA MEMORIAL HALL 6.30pm Ticketed, free event, bookings recommended. http://bleachfestival.com.au/ events/truth-power-cafe-2/ APRIL 22 FREE LIVE MUSIC, ADVANCETOWN HOTEL, NERANG MURWILLUMBAH ROAD 1pm – 5pm JJ & The Radio Souls Family Fun Day – last Sunday of every month, live music, jumping castle. https://www.advancetown.com/ whats-on/

APRIL 25 ANZAC DAY SERVICES Mudgeeraba Robina RSL, Elsie Laver Park 5am – Dawn Service 4pm – Sunset Ceremony Beechmont Service Graceleigh Park, 11.30am Springbrook Service, Centenary Park 5am – Dawn Service 10am – March to Cenotaph More information email: division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au MAY 20 MUDGEERABA STREET PARTY AND AQUATIC CENTRE OPENING, MUDGEERABA CBD 10 – 3pm

EVERY SATURDAY WALLABY HOTEL, RAILWAY STREET, MUDGEERABA Live bands from 8pm April 7 – Colt Seavers Band April 21 – Chasing Brodie April 28 – Big Boyz https://www.facebook.com/ thewallabyhotel EVERY SATURDAY MUDGEERABA FINE FOODS AND FARMERS’ MARKET, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS 6am – 11.30am Fresh produce, meats, flowers, delicious foods and much more www.facebook.com/ Mudgeeraba-Farmers-Market

Free family fun day – music, live entertainment, market stalls, community displays, childrens’ activities and more. Email: division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY MORSELS @ MUDGEERABA, RAILWAY STREET Tapas – live music 6.30pm onwards https://www.facebook.com/ morselstapasrestaurant/

Top: Archie Roach Right: ‘Truth to Power’

by Jeremy Goldstein

APRIL 14

Casey Barnes livin’ The Good Life 2018 Golden Guitar finalist Casey Barnes has released his new album ‘The Good Life’ which immediately rocketed to #1 on the iTunes Country Charts. It follows the release of his single ‘Ain’t Coming Home’ which has been added to commercial radio rotation.

He’s had performances at the sell-out CMC Rocks festival outside of Brisbane, he’s got a bunch of shows with PBR Australia across the country and will hit Bleach* Festival on 31 March and Groundwater Country Music Festival in July as well. Check out the album everywhere: xelon.lnk.to/thegoodlife.

Bobby Alu will make you move We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again.

Bobby Alu is back, baby. He’s got a new single and an epic run of shows across Australia and New Zealand. His new track ‘Move’, his first release since his ‘Bay Sessions’ EP nearly three years ago features snappy log drum rhythms which showcase his strong Polynesian heritage. There’s island-time uke, smooth harmonies and tight equatorial folk-stylings. To support the song’s release, Bobby and his band head out on a 20-date tour that takes in Wellington and the Bay of Islands Festival, Western Australia, Magnetic Island, Tasmania and basically the rest of Australia. Local fans get a double-treat with Bobby Alu also performing at Festival 2018 on 11 April and Gold Coast Music Awards on 3 May. Check out ‘Move’ at bit.ly/bobbyalumove.

Matthew Armitage delivers Love From Afar Bluesman Matthew Armitage has released a rustic but beautiful new video for his latest single ‘Love from Afar.’ The low-fi offering, filmed at the old Tallebudgera Post Office on an iPhone provides a visual montage for the first track off Matthew’s upcoming album ‘New Tide’. The song is a redemptive tale of a lover done wrong, inspired by a time when the lines between gospel, hillbilly and blues were not so well defined. Matthew’s danceable blues riffs (which flow through to his own dance moves on the clip) will lead to serious foot stomping for all who listen. You can do so at http://bit.ly/lovefromafar.

Akova says You Can Have Anything Akova’s new song ‘You Can Have Anything’ is catchy, I’ll give it that. One listen and I was humming that tune for hours. The track, whose video features beautiful Gold Coast imagery is a playful montage with husky vocals and a passionate call to let your inner self free. With lyrics that encourage listeners to “play like children… every day,” it’s a timely call to down tools and do what makes you happy. Check it: bit.ly/akova18.

32

www.blankgc.com.au

Gold Coast producer Machine Club AKA Brett Sellwood, is no stranger to making and performing music – but with ‘Wise Up’ – his first single as Machine Club – he’s delivered something a little off centre. It’s a daring mix of post-punk and heavy electronica – a divergent shift from the ambient electro sounds that Gold Coast artists have been delivering in heavy doses over the past year.

There’s nothing minimalist about ‘Wise Up’.

There’s mesmerising beats and deep synths.

It’s the debut single off an upcoming EP and we’re pretty excited to hear what comes next.

If you’re wondering how this all translates to the live setting, wonder now more. Machine Club is at elsewhere on Friday 13 April.

It’s Joy time for Banks of the Beautiful

Believe in Mitch King Mitch King had a big year last year. He sold out his first headline shows, tour internationally and had his single ‘Southerly Change’ debut at #2 on the iTunes blues charts. His follow-up track ‘Burning’ clocked over more than 1.5million streams on Spotify and reached #2 on the AMRAP charts. ‘Believe’ is the second single off Mitch King’s upcoming EP and its captivating video features stunning New Zealand footage with a grungy contrast between scenes from the south island and Auckland.

‘Believe’ is less bluesy than Mitch’s earlier releases, shining a spotlight more on his voice than his trusty guitar. It also shows his versatility across the blues and folk realms.

It’s headed the same way as earlier tracks as well, clocking up some 65,000 streams on spotify since its release just a few weeks ago. Check out the new clip for ‘Believe’ at blankgc.com.au/mitch-king-believe/.

Machine Club helps us Wise Up

Yonder find their Way New Gold Coast outfit Yonder are ramping up for their debut single launch this month.

The song ‘Way’ was written nearly a year ago and discussed the idea of uncertainty and incompetence in understanding eachother.

The band worked with Fletcher Babb, Jared Adlam and Paul Blakey to bring it all together. The track will be released 3 April with the launch taking place at Currumbin Pub on 6 April. As well as catching Yonder live, you’ll also catch Kent Tonscheck, Gabrielle Lambe and the Harry J Hart Trio.

Score!

YT Dingo’s hybrid approach to music YT DiNGO (pron. White Dingo) is a music and dance hybrid project, spawned from the mind of Gold Coast choreographer and performer Travers Ross. Collaborating with five insanely talented local musicians and a worldly collection of inspiring dancers, the group’s shiny new song ‘Shipwrecked’ comes complete with a world-class video showcasing the project’s versatility. It’s the first in a trilogy of tracks with live shows expected to debut soon – and rumours of an inclusion in a mid-year Byron festival. Stay tuned. See the clip at bit.ly/ytdingoGC.

Indie pop pair Banks of the Beautiful have released their second single ‘Joy’ ahead of their debut album ‘Unscheduled Departure’, due later this year. Their first single ‘Favourite’ landed at #51 on the iTunes pop charts. This track dishes up a classic blend of indie pop and electronica with Lou Star’s vocals harking back to an earlier generation of female frontwomen. There’s driving beats and soaring synths as well as catchy vocals which will make this a popular number on playlists. These guys are yet to debut their live show – which takes place Saturday 12 May at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse with tickets $15 at the door. Get your ears around ‘Joy’ now through all the usual digital outlets.

Got new music? We want to hear it.

Email bio, press photo and track to: sam@blankgc.com.au

SUZANNE VEGA, JAMES BLUNDELL TRIBUTE LEAD SECOND GROUNDWATER ANNOUNCEMENT Groundwater Country Music Festival has added to its already massive lineup with a second announcement of artists this month.

GOLD COAST MUSIC INDUSTRY SCORES FREE CAREER DEVELOPMENT Gold Coast musicians hoping to launch a sustainable career have scored big time with the announcement that QMusic will extend its Industry Connect workshops in 2018.

SPEAKING TRUTH TO THOSE IN POWER Who has power over you? If you had a chance to tell them what you thought, what would you say?

That’s exactly what eighteen Gold Coasters will have the chance to do during Festival 2018*. People of all ages, beliefs and backgrounds will answer the question ‘who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?’

The project builds on anti-war pacifism and the concept of speaking truth to power. It’s widely accepted to be about saying something to those in authority or a position of trust who might not want to hear that truth.

Siblings, politicians, lovers, power-brokers, trainers, leaders, bankers and bosses could all be in the line of truth as everyday people have a chance to tell speak about what has power over them as part of Bleach* Festival and Festival 2018.

The concept has been created by Jeremy Goldstein, a multi award-winning creative producer and writer whose work has been described as an “evocative theatrical wonderland.” In 2012 Jeremy was named in Time Out as among the 100 most influential people in UK culture for ‘proving political theatre can be fun and outrageous’.

Running April through July, Industry Connect is a sixpart workshop series which takes participants through the process of setting up a music industry business and releasing a song into market with the content targeted at both aspiring and practising artists and industry workers.

QMusic is Queensland's music industry development association - a not for profit that relies on and supports its members. As well as providing advocacy and capacity building for Queensland's music sector, the peak body also runs BIGSOUND. Those who participate in all six workshops have the chance of scoring one of six BIGSOUND bursaries across the state for the 4 - 7 September event with delegate passes, travel and accommodation covered. Score! So as well as picking up a bunch of insider knowledge about the music industry in the training sessions, you may also have the chance to network and learn from the best minds in music across the globe.

Since launching Industry Connect just last year, the program has helped 556 artists and music industry practitioners navigate the contemporary music industry landscape.

2018 program facilitators include BIGSOUND's Maggie Collins, Pixie Weyand (The Zoo), Kylie Cobb (Kitty Kitty Bang Bang), Jeremy Neale, Andrew Tuttle (APRA AMCOS) and tonnes more.

Register for Industry Connect at qmusic.com.au/ opportunities/Industry-Connect.

Samantha Morris

Samantha Morris Gold Coast Industry Connect Presented by QMusic & HOTA The Truth to Power café takes place at Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall on Saturday 14 April. Tickets are free but must be reserved, which you can do at: http://bit.ly/truthGC

at HOTA, Home Of The Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Thursday 19 April: Starting At Zero Thursday 17 May: Get Good Thursday 31 May: It's a Business Thursday 21 June: Getting It Out There Thursday 12 July: Click Here Thursday 19 July: The Release Cycle

Running 27 - 29 July and previously known as Broadbeach Country Music Festival, this year's event will include Suzanne Vega, a tribute to James Blundell '30 Years of Pride', Amber Lawrence, Bennett, Bowtell and Urquhart, Ashleigh Dallas, Davidson Brothers, Jasmine Rae and more who join the McClymonts, Granger Smith, Joshua Hedley and Lillie Mae already announced.

Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega's 20-year career has made her creative and thoughtful music as distinct as it was when her voice was first heard on the radio in 1985. Her album ‘Solitude Standing’ was nominated for three Grammys (including Record of the Year), and included the song that would enter the cultural vernacular as her trademark hit, 'Luka'. An icon who paved the way for female folk singer-songwriters such as Tracey Chapman, Shawn Colvin and Indigo Girls, Suzanne Vega is an artist who continues to surprise.

Amber Lawrence is an award-winning Australian singersongwriter who captures the nation’s attention and heart with her songs about Australia; its people and the things that matter to them. She had a huge Golden Guitar Awards this year – where she was nominated for six awards, and won three of them.

This second announce is headlined by a special and exclusive tribute show to an act acknowledged by many as single-handedly shaping modern Australian country music, James Blundell.

Blundell is credited with taking the best of rock and country to create a brand new sound that ensured success and found favour across all demographics. '30 Years of Pride - a Tribute to James Blundell' will feature his songs performed by some of today’s biggest stars – side by side with some of our most exciting new talents.

Sister to the multi-award winning Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival, Groundwater is committed to bringing together a diverse range of music genres, grounded in country and folk and has become Australia’s fastest growing country music festival. Each year Groundwater remains a highlight on Queensland’s calendar of events, featuring over ten performance areas and some of the hottest names from Australia and all over the globe.

Samantha Morris Groundwater Country Music Festival 2018 - second lineup announcement '30 Years of Pride': a tribute to James Blundell + Suzanne Vega + Amber Lawrence + Bennett Bowtell & Urquhart + Ashleigh Dallas + Davidson Brothers + Jasmine Rae + Matt Cornell + The Weeping Willows + Col Finley + Billy Bridge and Rebecca Lee Nye + A Band Called Twant + 2018 Star Maker Winner Brad Cox + Amy Nelson + The Whiskey Mountain Boys + Brook Chivell + The Cherry Pickers

IS THERE A FUTURE FOR THE ALBUM? In our data-driven reality of streaming, where album sales are plummeting and the​​hit singles dominate, it begs the question: is there a future for the album as a format for releasing music?

For those of us who grew up with albums forming the soundtracks to our lives, not to mention the artists among us for whom the album provides a tangible body of work often defining ​creative chapters, the end of the album is unfathomable.

But, there are new generations of young people growing up with an endless supply of “Smash Hits” ​at the flick of a finger ​on streaming services, often-times not really understanding the concept of an album, let alone buying one.

On a recent panel discussing the very topic, journalist and Australian Music Prize judge, Kate Hennessy said that her two 14 year old nephews prefer to ​froth over the ​latest hits their friends will ​all ​agree on, rather than debate songs from one artist or album.

While many of us can’t imagine a world without B sides, or that slow burn track that grows on you t​ o become a fave, there is a new quandary we must face as ​professionals and creators in the music space.

How do we satisfy the artist’s need to create defined (and culturally defining) bodies of work, yet meet the market’s short-term demand​and attention span​?

The Cat Empire’s manager Correne Wilkie summed it up perfectly when she said the band will always make albums, but will release them differentlya series of singles and tours culminating in the album at the end of the 18- month cycle, rather than the beginning.

Kylie Cobb

YT DINGO’S TRIUMPHANT DEBUT ‘SHIPWRECKED’ Gold Coast via Coffs artist YT Dingo, also known as the courageous choreogrphaer Travers Ross has entered the musical fray in full Michael Jackson meets Linkin Park mode.

His new single and video ‘Shipwrecked’ is an insane offering for a debut and the team he’s brought together higlights the deep connections he has across the City’s creative community.

Travers has collaborated with Dave Atkins (Resin Dogs/ Wolfmother) on drums, Rama Damosi on guitar, Jayman Leigh Drahm (BLK Cockatoo) in production and dance and Daniel Cox (Nine Sons of Dan) also performs in the live act on guitar.

He says YT Dingo is his life explored through original music, dance, film and whatever other expressions help him reveal his truths.

“At the moment, it’s being performed online through music, film and dance. YT DiNGO live is coming soon,” he said.

It’s a long and complicated story as to how the group came together. Travers moved in with Rama in the Tweed Mountains waking up to “heart-wrenching riffs being played in the lounge-room.” He took half-written recordings to Ben Ely from Regurgitator who introduced him to Dave Atkins. Dan Cox and Travers went to school together in Coffs Harbour.

“Every dude I would say joined because they know I’m committed and they can feel the hunger and drive I’m flowing with,” Travers told Blank Gold Coast.

“Now I’ve got my Dingo Pack/ Band/ Dancers/ Production squad to back me including four other male dancers of cultural diverse backgrounds... African, Indian, Asian and European/ Arabian. AND WE ARE COMING,” he said.

Travers also comes to the project with serious Hollywood credentials, having worked with the likes of Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams and says it was through this work he found his desire.

pic: LAMP Photography

34

www.blankgc.com.au

“It’s what I wanted to do, yet I was continually supporting others’ music and it was like they showed me how,” he said. “So I came home and I was also choreographing for

Australian rapper 360 feat. Gossling’s Song of the Year performance ‘Boys Like You"’at the ARIA AWARDS and again they were doing what I was hungry for. I’m so thankful for these experiences and what they showed me I was ready for.”

Travers was made for performance. Apart from being called to work in remote Aboriginal communities time and time again, he’s had stints choreographing for ‘So You Think You Can Dance Australia’ and has played Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival. He’s walked the red carpet for a film festival at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood for a film he was the lead in and toured the world with Stalker Theatre breakdancing on stilts.

“It’s good to be home and finally sharing in full who I am, where I’ve been and where I come from,” Travers said.

‘Shipwrecked’ is a trilogy—three tracks and music videos that are an art piece through film. Following the first song’s release will be ‘Thrill of the Chase’ which has already been shot and is currently being edited. ‘The Wicked Rest’ will follow based on the idea of a human chessboard with the masculine vs the feminine.

We’ll have to wait a few months for the project’s live debut though.

“That will be August at the best venue on the GC,” Travers said, “to be announced soon.”

“That will follow our debut at a big Byron-based festival that I can't mention yet.”

Samantha Morris

Check out YT Dingo’s new video for ‘Shipwrecked’ at bit. ly/ytdingo

RECORD STORE DAY 2018: VINYL LOVERS UNITE Since 2007, an ever-growing community of record lovers old and new have been eagerly anticipating their one-off, yearly fix of all things rare, exclusive and just plain awesome in the world of round, revolving platters. And this year's wait is nearly over, with Record Store Day 2018 happening simultaneously all around the world on Saturday, 21 April.

Every year sees a mouth-watering list of new, rare and often highly limited edition records make their way into record stores for the first time on one exclusive day. This year’s list of titles is no exception, with some of the big ticket items including limited and rare

releases from David Bowie, Prince, Courtney Barnett, Nas, The Cure, Tumbleweed, Daddy Cool, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. And this is barely scratching the surface!

There's plenty of links online to see the full list of this year's releases, so if you want to plan your RSD reconnaissance mission in advance, be sure to check out the full bounty. Keep in mind though that stores won't be stocking every single title on the list in-store on the day. However they may be able to order in titles after the event, depending on availability.

Your best bet for keeping abreast of RSD activities in Australia is to visit the official Oz site: recordstoreday.com.au. Here you'll find a comprehensive round-up of what's happening, both in the lead up and on the day. You can also do a 'store search' to find out which record stores in your vicinity are participating. On the GC, that’s #beatniks at Niecon Plaza, Broadbeach, and Butter Beats Gold Coast and Atlantis Music in Southport.

you can go hard looking for your preferred titles upfront.

Then you'll still have plenty of time to browse through everything else that has come through the doors. Because there's every chance that you'll be discovering more than you bargained for. Hey, you may even need to reassess your original preferences, if you're running off a budget.

•

And while you’re on that site, head to News > Brisbane for deets of a very cool competition that #beatniks are running in the lead up. They're offering you the chance to win two records off your dream list! Subject to availability, of course. Just let the store know what your dream list is and they’ll send through the finer details.

And above all, remember that this is a day of celebration, so revel in the joy of the revolving platter. Happy, bountiful record hunting!!

Anthony Gebhardt

To wrap up, here are our top tips for making the most of your RSD 2018 experience: •

•

If you have your heart set on something, get to your store of choice nice and early. Last year there were people lined up down footpaths at many record stores.

Do your research beforehand, and put together a targeted top three type wish list. That way

Stay cool and calm, and enjoy the day. If you miss out on your preferred options, you can always try your luck at another store. Or your store may be able to order the title in for you.

#beatniks, in Neicon Plaza has a DJ spinning wax all day long with instore competitions, turntable giveaways and spot prizes. Doors open from 9.00am but queues start from 7.00am. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of coffee nearby.

Records | Turntables | Revolution NIECON PLAZA BROADBEACH

D ON’T MISS OU R MU R BAH B R EWE RY’S OP E N DAY...

SAT 14 T H A P R I L MO R E I N F O. . . www.stoneandwood.com.au

www.blankgc.com.au

35

Ashleigh Gentle HOME GROWN ATHLETE PERFORMING ON HOME TURF

NOW STREAMING: BINGE-WATCHING. IS IT AFFECTING YOUR SLEEP? Binge-watching. The phenomenon which has people of all ages pushing back their bedtimes in favor of watching just one more episode. According to the latest 2017 Media Consumer Survey by Deloitte Australia, watching TV and video content on any device is the preferred entertainment activity for 59% of Australians and the majority watching content this way are bingewatching three or more consecutive TV episodes in a single sitting.

Following my most recent Netflix binge, where I devoured every episode of The Sinner over two epic nights, I was left wideawake, gazing at the ceiling and feeling a bit ashamed of my lack of willpower. And I doubt I was the only one.

A new study has been published by The Journal of Clinical Sleep linking bingewatching to the quality of our sleep. It seems this new phenomenon has less to do with our lack of willpower to stop watching and more to do with binge-worthy on-demand TV shows which are designed to keep us glued to the screen. The unfinished plots and our need for closure keep us pressing play, and by watching multiple episodes we become more emotionally invested in the characters than watching a single episode, which gets us hooked.

Researchers of the study at The University of Michigan and Belgium’s University of Leuven surveyed the viewing habits and sleep characteristics of 423 young adults aged 36

www.blankgc.com.au

between 18-25 years old. Binge-watching was described as “watching multiple, consecutive episodes of the same TV-show in one sitting” and almost 80% of participants considered themselves to be regular binge-watchers with almost 20% of these having binge-watched a few times a week over the past month.

The study found that, post-binge, the participants sleep suffered. The more frequent the binge-watching, the poorer the sleep quality, which was in turn experienced via daytime fatigue and increased insomnia.

Interestingly, researchers directly linked these findings to ‘increased cognitive arousal’ at night which is the feeling of being mentally stimulated. They also noted that binge-watching seemed to be accidental with participants having no intention of watching as much as they did when they started.

So it seems while our back-to-back evening viewing may feel relaxing at the time, it may just be having the opposite of the windingdown effect we are seeking. I’m sure the binge-watch novelty will wear off for me, but for right now I’m not quite ready to hang up my gloves until I have tried a few more. Next episode of Outlander starting in 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1…..

Simone Gorman Clark Exelmans L, Van den Bulck J. Binge viewing, sleep, and the role of pre-sleep arousal. J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(8):1001–1008.

Triathlete Ashleigh Gentle is a world title-winning Gold Coast athlete, competing in Triathlon in the Commonwealth Games 2018.

Born in South Brisbane, Ashleigh has spent most of her life on the Gold Coast.

Ashleigh took up triathlon in 2004, winning silver in the Junior World Championships in Hamburg in 2007 and Vancouver in 2008 before winning in Budapest in 2010. Since she began competing in the ITU World Triathlon Series events in 2011, Ashleigh has placed in the top ten in all of them, progressing to silver in Yokohama in 2015 and 2016 and in Abu Dhabi in 2016. By May 2016, she was ranked third in the world, representing Australia at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Recently she won the 2017 ITU World Triathlon Montréal and was placed second at the 2017 ITU World Triathlon Hamburg.

What’s a typical day like for you?

In full training, I train three times a day, sometimes four, with Sunday just being one run in the morning. A typical day would be a run in the morning, around 6 to 8km, then swimming at 10.30am, and perhaps gym. In the afternoon we could have a hard ride or a run session.

Is success as a triathlete all about being physically fit?

We train and race over Olympic distance or sprint distance (two or one-hour events), so we most certainly have to be in top physical conditional, but it is not the only factor.

We have to fuel ourselves adequately, and our mental and physiological wellbeing all contribute to success.

What food do you eat leading up to an event?

I am fairly consistent with what I eat throughout the whole year. The World Series circuit season goes from around March to September, so fuelling myself with carbohydrate and protein rich foods each day to sustain myself through that long period is important. I would say I have a healthy balanced diet, and treats are certainly included in moderation too.

Last year you gained 2nd place at the 2017 ITU World Triathlon on the Gold Coast.

Does performing on home territory make a difference?

It was the best start to the season for me. I qualified for the Commonwealth Games in

that race and it was extra special doing it in front of a home crowd, knowing I would have a home crowd at the Commonwealth Games as well. The extra cheers do lift you and having friends and family watching is amazing.

What have your goals been this year leading up to the Commonwealth Games?

I wanted to make sure I started the year healthy and injury free. I had a good break after the 2017 season and built into the training, so I can be consistent and do the work required to perform at the Commonwealth Games.

What is the pinnacle of success for you, the crowning achievement in your career?

I have been racing WTS since the end of 2011 and had 5 second places before getting the win in Montreal. It felt like the accumulation of a lot of hard work over many years, so it’s definitely the highlight of my career so far.

“Showcasing the splendour of the Gold Coast, the Triathlon will start and finish at the beautiful Southport Broadwater Parklands.”

Marj Osborne

See Ashleigh Gentle compete in the Triathlon on Thursday 5 April 09:30am-3:10pm at the Broadwater Parklands, Southport; a great chance to cheer on one of our best athletes.

STEPS TO A SENSATIONAL SLUMBER TAKE A LOAD OFF WITH EXERCISE MADE FUN L.O.A.D (Lights Out and Dance) promises exactly what it delivers. Every week, a group of groovers come together in the darkness to shake their booties to an hour of danceworthy tunes, requested by attendees. Due to popular demand, L.O.A.D is now operating in its original home at Burleigh as well as a northern session in Runaway Bay. We caught up with organiser Karleen Harrington about the journey.

L.O.A.D has grown so much since it started! Tell us a bit about it.

Our numbers in Burleigh Heads have gone from 5-7 Groovers to 90 being our biggest session yet! Each week, we have upwards of 35 people and we recently celebrated a massive milestone with our 100th session! We celebrated that with more than 70 people joining us for a special GLOW Party that was so humbling to know there are so many people out there who love LOAD as much as I do!

We're excited about you extending to the northern Gold Coast! Give us the lowdown.

Oh so am I! It’s been a long time coming, I’ve had more than 50 requests over the last couple of years for a location on the northern end and it forces me to have another fun exercise session a week, plus I want everyone to experience it. I know I’m slightly biased, but LOAD is a really fun experience!

Sleep is a crucial necessity of everyday life that brings with it an abundance of physical and mental benefits, making adequate slumber an essential step in establishing a healthy lifestyle. A 2013 study concluded quality sleep can influence mental capacity, daytime alertness and stress. Although, a handful of health and environmental factors exist that can prevent these benefits. This can include psychological barricades such as anxiety, environmental interruptions or dietary influences such as excessive fluid intake. Diminishing these slumber disruptors can allow individuals to reap the rewards that a good night’s sleep can bring forth.

A poor night’s sleep can summon immediate feelings of drowsiness, irritability and delusion, along with an increased risk for a range of long term health complications. A consensus statement produced in 2015 concluded that an insufficient sleep over an extended period of time has been shown to decrease immunity function, increase weight, hypertension, and increase susceptibility to chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. It is recommended an average 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night can reduce the risk of these conditions. To combat the array of health, psychological and environmental factors tampering with the ability to snooze, a few sleeping tactics can be adopted to promote and achieve a serene slumber.

Exercise is an effective and natural activity that can improve sleep quality. A study conducted in 2012 concluded that moderate exercise could be used as an effective method of promoting sleep. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, achieve anti-stress and tiring effects, consequently increasing sleep duration and quality. This tactic is commonly coupled with a variety of sleeping techniques to stimulate slumber. For example, establishing a sleeping routine is a useful technique to maintaining sleeping patterns and durations. Late nights and sleeping in should be avoided to support this routine.

Finally, caffeine, nicotine, big meals and liquids before bed should also be avoided to prevent midnight interruptions.

Sleeping is key in establishing a healthy lifestyle. Insufficient amounts of sleep can predispose individuals to a variety of health conditions, whereas quality, consistent slumber can improve one’s physical and psychological health.

Medications can provide short term solutions to poor sleep, although by naturally establishing a routine through exercise and regular sleeping patterns, coupled with a handful of devices to promote snoozing, consistent and quality sleep can be attained.

A healthy lifestyle is incomplete without an adequate sleeping routine. Sleep has the capability to decrease the risk for a range of diseases, and substantially advance various aspects of life.

Diminish sleeping interruptions, and achieve a sensational slumber in the pursuit for an improved quality of life.

Nicholas Hastie has recently graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Nutrition. He has previously worked alongside a handful of organisations promoting health and nutrition to the community.

Nicholas Hastie Consensus Conference Panel, 2015, “Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society”, Oxford Academic, available at URL:https://academic.oup.com/ sleep/article/38/6/843/2416939 Yang, P; Ho Ka-Hou, C; Hsi-Chung, C; Chien, M; 2012, ´Exercise training improves sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults with sleep problems: a systematic review´, Journal of Physiotherapy, available at URL: http://www.journalofphysiotherapy.com/ article/S1836-9553(12)70106-6/fulltext#sec0165 Short, M; Gradisar, M; Lack, L; Wright, H; 2013“The impact of sleep on adolescent depressed mood, alertness and academic performance”, Journal of Adolescence, available at URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140197113001139

We understand you're participating in Bleach* Festival this year for 'Yes We Dance'. Can you tell us more about that?

We are! We’ve supported them with a few public dance workshops in the past and they have asked me to be a dance ambassador for the ‘Yes We Dance’ shows as part of Festival 2018. Argh, the thought of dancing on a stage on my own in Broadbeach scares the bejeezus out of me; so I’ve turned to our incredible LOAD community to get involved also, because we dance!

Natalie O’Driscoll

The sessions take place at 7pm every Monday in Burleigh Heads State School and 7:30pm every Wednesday at Runaway Bay Youth Centre.

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

MEET YOUR REAL MATCHMAKER

It's a jungle out there. www.blankgc.com.au

37

HOME PLATE KITCHEN

6 Treeview Drive, Burleigh Waters Tucked around a corner off Mattocks Road, it’s unlikely that you’d stumble across Home Plate Kitchen unless you’d previously heard about it. But there are lots of reasons why you should seek it out.

or tradies stopping in on their way past to a group of older ladies enjoying a slice of homemade cake with a cup of Sydney-based Mutch & More coffee, favoured by the couple from their previous cafés, everyone is made welcome.

The owners of this ‘local scene’café, Jess Kaimoana and Shayne Green, owned cafés in Sydney before travelling through Asia and the US. When they chose to settle on the Gold Coast due to their love of ‘the two bs’ (the Broncos and ‘The Beach’), they started looking for a local-type venue.

“Everything is made in-house,” Shayne tells us, “pulled meat, burger patties, sauces such as tomato relish and hollandaise, cakes and muffins – it all comes out of our kitchen.”

“We really wanted to settle near Burleigh, but in a suburban area close by,” Shayne tells us.

With Jess the chef and Shayne the barista and front-ofhouse, the pair are always on the job. Pumping out ‘home plate’ scratch-baked goods with housemade sauces, both the food and service are generous and warm.

‘Happiness is homemade’ is the café’s logo, and we see it in practice.

We’ve only just taken a seat when Shayne brings a carafe of water to the table. On a hot day, it’s good, old-fashioned hospitality, so often missing from big city establishments.

Being a local café in a high-density area, Shayne knows locals by name, checking whether each one wants their usual order. From young families having a weekend lunch

With an extensive menu covering brekkie, brunch and lunch, there’s a great choice on offer for a local café.

Though there are many lunch items that pique my interest, I’ve chosen a Burrito from the menu. When it arrives, it’s enormous – an easy meal for two smaller appetites, packed with pulled pork, vegies and egg.

Also popular are the Red velvet pancakes, Vege stack, Gringo bowl, Corn fritters with guacamole and Homemade burgers.

Child and dog friendly, with great homemade food priced from $11 - $18, at Home Plate Kitchen ‘Mutch & More’ doesn’t just apply to the coffee!

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au

THE WANDERING BEAN Miami Marketta and Palm Beach Currumbin Markets What was your favourite Christmas present last year? Going the full “treat yo’self ”, for Mella Lahina it was the purchase of The Wandering Bean Coffee Cart and her emergence into the exciting (and exceedingly caffeinated) world of working for herself.

Having worked for the previous owners, when the opportunity came up to buy The Wandering Bean Mella jumped at the chance.

“It was a spontaneous idea, which is pretty much how I roll,” she informs us. Impulsive decisions aside, the business has been embraced by her family with her brother, parents and kids helping out when they can. Mella soon reveals her master plan to us.

“The kids are my little slaves, so as they get older they can learn the ropes and then run the cart and I can put my feet up” she jokes.

It is Mella’s humour and easy-going nature that has earned her the name “the coffee therapist”, a person who people find it easy to open up to as they wait for their favourite brew.

“I love meeting people, love finding out what they are all about and coffee is a great ice breaker,” she reports. Mella has found people feel comfortable talking to her about their problems, and she has found it feels good to lend an ear as she makes them their favourite cuppa.

Putting her own stamp on the previously minimalist interior, The Wandering Bean is now filled with music posters from Beatniks records, surfing photos and even sports a local gig guide on the door.

“I feel so cliché, but they are my three passions: music, surfing and coffee all under one roof ” says Mella.

Currently brewing O Espresso coffee, Mella is on the hunt for even more exciting beans to serve up alongside the always delicious pies and sausage rolls from Byron Gourmet Pies.

The Wandering Bean can be found weekdays from 6:00am to 1:00pm at Miami Marketta, where you can even drive through to collect your coffee, and Saturdays from 6:00am to 11:30am at the Palm Beach Currumbin Markets.

Catherine Coburn Follow more of Catherine’s food and coffee adventures @ goldcoastfoodie on Instagram and Facebook.

38

www.blankgc.com.au

QUAN 55 & BAR If you visit Quan 55 in search of a traditional Vietnamese restaurant, then you may well be disappointed. Quan 55 is all that and more. Wynn Huynh, who owns Quan 55 with her husband Thanh Tram is the first to tell us that she has never felt confined by expectations. So, you should expect the unexpected!

In the newly-developed Brooke Avenue precinct is a tropical space, fun and funky with a mix of high and low tables to accommodate modern share plate/date night dining as well as birthday groups and after work drinks scenarios.

Using skills from the couple’s previous hospitality businesses, Wynn is the welcoming face of Quan 55 & Bar. “I love working here. Being ‘Front of House’ and talking to customers is like a night out for me, an outing,” Wynn tells us. And it shows. Already it’s a local haunt with regulars taking up residence.

It’s been said that migrants are travellers for life, but in truth, so is their food. Wynn’s extended family may provide the background for her restaurant, but the newly-gentrified Chirn Park is the new context for her modern Vietnamese food.

Divided into five sections, the menu covers small ($9 - $12) and large plate dishes ($19 - $27), as well as grilled ($9 $16), salads and sizzling plates ($16 - $18).

There’s a mix of influence throughout the menu, just as there is in Vietnam itself: the French leaving behind their Pork Terrine, and Chinese showing up with fried rice, dumplings and sizzling plates.

Most dishes, however, are derived from traditional Viet flavours: tasty skewers of Beef wrapped in betel leaves, Grilled squid hoods stuffed with minced pork, noodles and wood ear mushrooms, traditional Clay pot fish in a roe and caramelised shallot sauce and Beef salad lit by the spicy flavours of Vietnam.

4/55 Brooke Avenue, Southport

Voted the Gold Coast’s

With Vietnamese food more known for its flavour than its presentation, Quan 55 is undertaking a continual quest to achieve visual appeal for each dish. For this reason alone, our favourite dishes include two with oppositional textures; both dishes where we’re asked to participate in the final preparation, taking the Sugarcane prawns off their sticks and wrapping in crisp lettuce leaves with mint before dipping in sauce, a similar process to Wynn’s small version of Viet pancakes (crêpes on the menu), also wrapped in lettuce leaves with sprigs of mint.

Best Takeaway

Whether you choose a heady Asian-inspired Ms Saigon cocktail (rum, fresh sugarcane and cumquat juice) or a crisp grapefruity Maison Aix Rosé to cut through the richness, there’s plenty of choice in the well-stocked bar, though noticeably the beer was Aussie rather than Asian.

We can see a multitude of trips to Quan 55 for Happy Hour, held every Wednesday and Thursday between 5:30pm 6:30pm when all beers are $5 and all cocktails $10.

Even more, as the weather cools, we’ll be back to sample Wynn’s Pho, made on an aged stock to produce one of the best soups on the coast, as well as the whole free-range chicken cooked in chilli and lemongrass.

There’s always a place on our palate for Asian flavours. Why resist?

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au

Two menus, two chefs Naughty VS healthy Fully licenced Vegan friendly Open lunch & dinner

Ph: 5607 0775

Do You Want To Date Offline? www.thegoodwolf.com.au mate4life.com.au MEET YOUR REAL MATCHMAKER

It's a jungle out there.

www.blankgc.com.au

39

FOUR MUST-SEE EXHIBITIONS THIS MONTH

GOLA HUNDUN: 7.6 BILLION AND STILL GROWING | 19 KAREN

ACROSS COUNTRY: INDIGENOUS WORK FROM THE COLLECTION | HOTA

NOT YOUR SIDEKICK

Italian artist Gola Hundun is coming to Australia for his debut Australian show with 19 Karen. ‘7.6 billion and still growing’ refers to the number of human beings that inhabit the Earth today. This body of work is a consideration of the impact homo sapiens have had on the environment throughout history. From the agricultural revolution to colonisation and to globalisation, Gola tracks an environmental journey through different stages of human history. The exhibition runs at 19 Karen Contemporary Art Space until 28 April.

As international and Australian visitors descend on the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Gallery at HOTA is proud to share art that celebrate the world’s oldest continuing culture. The collection includes examples from many significant Indigenous arts communities; and features both traditional, contemporary and urban works across all media. Avril Quaill is guest curator of the exhibition. Across Country: Indigenous work from the collection is a free exhibition on display until 29 April.

C.B. LEE Author C.B. Lee pronounces two things with the title of her young adult novel. First: no more relegating Asian characters to sidekicks in stories—that is, in stories that actually include Asian characters (if you’ve seen the book and movie stats, you’ll know the rates are appalling). Second, that Jessica Tran, the sixteen year old protagonist in the novel, will be the hero of her own story, thank you very much... even if she possesses no superpowers.

In the 22nd century, solar flares that sparked Word War III created meta-humans: humans who possess superpowers, such as flying or immense speed or strength. Jess, a Vietnamese-Chinese American of refugee parents, lives in Andover and comes from an extraordinary family. Her parents are Shockwave and Smasher—Andover’s most famous superheroes—her little brother is intellectually gifted, and her older sister is tipped to be the next big thing in super-heroism.

But apart from Jess’s superpower of stubbornness, her real superpowers are yet to materialise. In a few weeks, she’ll no longer be sixteen, the age by which super-abilities no longer manifest.

TED GRAMBEAU: SEALEVEL | DUST TEMPLE Internationally renowned ocean, surf and adventure photographer Ted Grambeau has created a beautiful collection of abstract ocean images in hope of bringing our attention to the very real issue of climate change. For over forty years, Melbourne born Grambeau has been consumed by his quest to capture the world through his lens, an obsession that has led him on a journey to nearly 100 countries. SEALEVEL is showing at Dust Temple Currumbin until 20 April, and is proudly supported by Bleach* Festival.

40

www.blankgc.com.au

JARJUMS LIFE MUSEUM | HOTA Have you ever wondered what a museum curated by children would look like? Wonder no more. Keep your eye out for Jarjums Life Museum Gold Coast, where you will see through the eyes of today's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Curated by children aged 4 to 9, Jarjums Life Museum Gold Coast provides an intimate, funny and honest view into the lives, experiences, ideas and dreams of these young people today. Jarjums Life Museum Gold Coast is a free exhibition on display in the Foyer Gallery until Sunday 29 April.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Her birthday comes with no superpowers, just tip-toeing, painfully placating parents. Devastated she’s ordinary, Jess applies for an internship: it turns out far from ordinary. Abby, the cute girl from school, is working there, but she and coworker M are acting strange. Could it be Jess’s boss is the city’s villain, Master Mischief—her parents’ sworn enemy? If so, should Jess keep growing closer to Abby, remain in the villain’s employment, and ‘stick it’ to her parents?

But something’s wrong with Abby—and Abby’s parents?

Things go south fast. At least they have the most revered superhero, Captain Orion, on their side—but how is she entangled in the gaps in WWIII history?

What starts as an action-packed story, against a rugged and vibrant landscape, takes a soft downturn, which makes for an unhurried tale. But the action eventually accelerates and leads to a satisfying end. All in all, it’s cute and fun; a rich intersectional story with great cultural and bisexual representation.

Nae Kurth

SKETCHING OUT A LIFE MODEL LEGACY

NIGHTQUARTER BRINGS SPECTACULAR ENERGY TO ITS MAIN STAGE

MAKERS AND FINDERS SEEKS TALENT AS MARKET GROWS You already know we’re big fans of Murwillumbah’s new Makers and Finders market. Set amongst stunning trees in a big grassy park surrounded by ancient caldera, this stunning market features some of the regions best produce, fashion, jewelry and homewares.

And talent.

Felicity Lawless had crowds in awe as she delivered her organic brand of gypsy flamenco at the March event and now organisers are looking for up-and-coming talent interested in reaching new audiences.

The focus on local, original music is the perfect complement for the market’s alignment with local craftspeople, makers and producers.

The next market takes place Saturday 21 April and if you think you have what it takes to provide the aural backdrop for quality stalls and laid-back Mur’bah vibes, then organisers want to hear from you. Musicians can contact makersandfinders@outlook.com to apply to play at Makers & Finders.

Oh, and if you go, you must hunt down the locally grown and produced Jabuticaba fruit cordial. Liquid of the gods, I tell ya.

Samantha Morris

Makers & Finders Market, Knox Park, Murwillumbah, Saturday 21 April

Life modelling sounds daunting to many, but for the brave few who attempt it, it can be a truly transformative experience. A serendipitous encounter at a life drawing session brought together life model and artist Bobby Napier and life model and photographer Jesse McDonald, who together decided to create a program of empowerment for women who are battling body image and self-esteem. Sketch Marks prepares women to sit as a muse, and celebrates the power of life drawing as a tool for self-acceptance.

“Sketch Marks came about after a negative experience modelling for myself, and a positive, transformational experience modelling for my partner,” says Bobby.

“We met, shared our stories and the project was born.”

The Sketch Marks training program is available to all women, and the bi-monthly life drawing sessions are open to the whole community. Together Bobby and Jesse hope to create positive change to the lives of many.

“Sketch Marks is for everybody,” Bobby states.

“A lot of people seem to think Sketch Marks is just a training program for models but it is so much more than that! We are working with a GP, psychologist, a counsellor, and two art therapists to ensure we are doing everything right by these women.

“We have created a training and preparation program, based on cognitive behavioural therapy, with a lot of self-love thrown in, and of course training and preparation to be a professional life model.”

And for first timers or those who may just be curious, what are some of the unique benefits of life drawing?

“Life drawing classes are a beautiful way to connect with other artists, emerging, professional or first time sketchers!

It’s always a relaxing night, the atmosphere is pleasant and friendly and it’s a great way to break up the week.”

Neal Webb is on fire, with a new partnership between his company Energy Entertainments and NightQuarter already wowing the crowds.

Called NightQuarter Spectacular, the main stage events bring together an exciting array of performing arts and street acts every Friday and Saturday night during the popular weekend night markets. As a fire performer himself, Neal is no stranger to the craft and its inherent risks, so we asked him to tell us a little bit more about what’s happening. From a safe distance, of course.

So tell us about your new project with NightQuarter!

It's cool I have the opportunity to work alongside and showcase the best talent we have in our area. Every Friday and Saturday night at 6.30pm on the main stage, we present a different, thrilling show. So far we have seen; circus acts, comedy acrobatics, fire shows, aerial performances, dance routines, chainsaw juggling...and that's just in the first month! It has been a lot of fun collaborating with the performers, sound and lighting guys and the NightQuarter team.

Sounds like a great way to get a great variety of performing artists into the public eye on a regular basis. Can you tell us about some of the artists you will be featuring in April?

The Physical Comedy of James Lamont, The Ladies of the Lounge and Rhett Morrow presents the Kaboodle Circus Show. Matthew Acro Swan will be clowning around on stage while performing acrobatics, juggling acts and slapstick comedy. Also on the cards: a Parkour free-running dance group; a breathtaking break dancing performance; glow performances; stunt shows from Joel Fenton the Idiot Stuntman and Bryce Watts cracking out flaming whips and Michael Jackson dance moves. I'll also be performing my high-energy fire shows on a regular basis. Expect the funkiest upbeat tunes and dance, tribal fire and percussion performances, duo collaborations with Ruby Ripe on our 1920s glamour show, Spanish fire dance, disco madness, martial art shows and a whole lot more!

Natalie O’Driscoll

Interview by Samantha Morris Story by Natalie O’Driscoll There are info sessions happening on 21 April in Burleigh.

Like facebook.com/sketchmarksgc to keep up to date with what’s happening, contact Bobby and Jesse and register your interest. Visit blankgc.com.au to read the full interview.

Neal would love to hear from any performer that would like to be part of NightQuarter Spectacular. Visit energyentertainments.com.au to find out how, and check out nightquarter.com.au to keep up to date.

To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au. www.blankgc.com.au

41

GOLD COAST ZELOS FLIPS THE SCRIPT FILM FESTIVAL: UNDER THE RADAR We all know the Gold Coast Film Festival is an opportunity to bust out the glam, walk the carpet, get inside goss at Q+As and (if you’re lucky) grab snaps with some of your favourite stars.

Not to mention catch a bunch of awesome flicks, of course. But there are a heap of additional happenings within our fave cinema-tastic festival, and they’re just as fun as the main event. So here are four of our must-dos at this year’s Gold Coast Film Festival.

The age-old themes of love, betrayal, passion and jealousy are explored in award-winning independent Australian dramedy ‘Zelos’, in which a man is asked by the woman he loves to have sex with someone else to save their relationship, after she has cheated. Written, produced, directed by women and made with a largely female crew, ‘Zelos’ takes a look at a male protagonist through a female lens, a reversal of the norm. Writer and producer Claire Harris took the time to answer some questions for us ahead the film’s screening at the 2018 Gold Coast Film Festival.

BREWERY NIGHT: FIGHT CLUB | FREE | Burleigh Brewing Co. | 18+ | 28 April 5pm The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club.

But, if craft beers, food trucks and cult film are your thing, then you might want to tell some mates about this one. This cult classic from 1999 screens in the new outdoor cinema at the Burleigh Brewing Co. Taphouse. With an R-rated film and beer, this is an event for 18+ only.

MOVIE & MUSIC TRIVIA | $14 | QT Gold Coast | 24 April 6pm Do you sit on the edge of your seat to live tweet the Oscars? Stick around for the film credits to see who composed the music? This night is for you. Teams of between two and six will come together for a night of cold hard facts along with free finger food, cash bar and epic prizes. Presented in partnership with Gold Coast Music Awards.

FLOATING CINEMA: AMERICAN PIE | $32 | Wyndham Cruises | 18+ | 26 April 6pm Remember that one time at band camp? Ahead of its 20th anniversary year, GCFF invites you to hop onboard the deluxe Wyndham Cruises boat for a night of high-school high-jinx while enjoying an open air, top deck screening of the coming-of-age classic, American Pie. Enjoy the sights of the Gold Coast at night with a cruise of the waterways and sit back and enjoy the film, complete with warm apple pie. Yes, really.

VIRTUAL REALITY | $15 | VR Showcase | 28-29 April, Various times For the first time GCFF will take you to the forefront of cinematic innovation through a program of varied Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences. You’ll be transported deep into films, stories, and places designed to expand your perception of the world we live in and the possibilities for immersive storytelling in the years to come.

Battle evil, hide from bombs, escape from a psychopath and visit the world of street art and Manus Island in five unique experiences.

Natalie O’Driscoll Visit gcfilmfestival.com for tickets

Can you please tell us how the story was conceptualised?

Was it based on a real life scenario?

What is one thing you would really like people to know about how the film was made?

Not exactly no - and I probably wouldn't admit it if it was!

I first wrote this as a short story some years ago now. At the time I was in a long-term relationship and I wanted to explore the themes of jealousy and infidelity. I was interested in the way that every couple has to grapple with this issue at some point, not necessarily because of an actual affair but there's always the possibility. One way or another, jealousy has to be negotiated within the relationship. While the story didn't play out in my life the way it does in the film, everything I write is based somewhat on my experiences and those of people I know. Is that sufficiently vague?

That it was the first film for many of the people involved so we're really proud of what we achieved. I would like to tell other aspiring filmmakers not to be held back by lack of experience. A lot of people will tell you that you're not capable of making a film and you'll often believe them - but it's important not to lose confidence in yourself. I'd never set foot on a film set before producing ‘Zelos’, and as long as you learn from the mistakes you make (and boy are you going to make a lot of them) then you can get there in the end. With a lot of hard work, of course!

Why was it important to you to have a mostly female crew for the film?

Interestingly, we didn't set out to have a majority-female crew - it just evolved that way naturally. We started with myself, the director, and a cinematographer she often works with. Once we had three women on board, it just seemed to attract more women to the project. I think everyone was excited about being part of a female team and the sort of dynamic that it created on set. It's worth mentioning that we did also have some wonderful men work with us.

What kind of differences do you think become apparent when you tell the story of a male protagonist through a female lens as opposed to that of a male lens? And vice versa?

I wouldn't like to generalise - no doubt they'd come at the story from another angle, but then every filmmaking team will have their own perspective and vision, whether they're male or female. I have often been asked why I decided to write the story from the man's POV, but I really wanted to play with those traditional gender stereotypes and make it the female character who cheated. It actually never occurred to me that it was odd for me to be writing a male protagonist since men write about women all the time. By way of research I spent a LOT of time talking to men in their 30s about relationships.

42

www.blankgc.com.au

The foibles of romantic relationships have always provided endless fodder for storytellers. What do you think are some of the more unique challenges faced by lovers in the modern dating world?

How long have you got? Dating has completely changed since our grandparents' time when you chose a life partner from a small pool of people you knew. Through dating apps, that pool is now almost unlimited - and with endless possibilities it's harder to settle for just one option without feeling like you might be missing out on something better.

This is amplified by the fact that our expectations have become a lot higher and we look to a romantic relationship to "fulfill" us in ways that earlier generations probably didn't.

I've noticed that people's attitudes have changed even since the invention of Tinder. It seems much more difficult to make genuine connections and there is far less emotional investment - I think it's really just a way of buffering our feelings so that we can't get hurt.

Natalie O’Driscoll

‘Zelos’ is showing on Saturday 21 April at BCC Coolangatta and Sunday 22 April at Cinema 1, HOTA. Tickets at gcfilmfestival.com/project/zelos. You can check out the trailer on Facebook.

MAT18 IS MOVING ON

Heading down south, away from the hustle and bustle of Gold Coast life, the roads start winding along the Tweed River. Townships become reminiscent of country life and the natural landscape is more prominent even in the midst of the urban environment. It’s within this context that a vibrant arts community is thriving, with painters, musicians, sculptors and artisans of all disciplines drawing on the challenges the community has faced to inspire their work. The Murwillumbah Art Trail (MAT18), held 18-27 May 2018, recognises that work.

The MAT18 programme for 2018 includes pop-up galleries in vacant tenancies throughout town, cocktail parties and socialite gatherings, family picnics and progressive dinners, and delivers something for every kind of art lover. We spoke to Dev Lengjel, Creative Director of MAT18 about what else to expect this year.

CORINNA’S SONG TO THE EARTH ‘Song to the Earth’ is a Bleach* Festival event like no other; one that invites you to stroll through a forest of musicians in an immersive, live orchestra event. Performed by acclaimed Australian string ensemble DeepBlue and master percussionist Dr Michael Askill alongside 50 local young musicians, ‘Song to the Earth’ promises a unique and euphoric musical experience under the night sky. Composer Dr Corrina Bonshek has crafted an intimate and original score that will form the basis of a transformative listening experience. We asked her a little more about the event.

Can you expand on this year’s theme of 'Moving On' for us?

Moving On reflects the aftermath of the flood, the resilience of the community and the capacity for art to heal. It goes further than that, though.

Moving On can apply to everyone, in all stages of their lives, for better or for worse.

We invite artists and performers to address the 2018 theme with the ingenuity and engagement that allowed our region to move on from the flood.

One of the signature events of MAT is the VIP Progressive Dinner and Gallery after hours event, that is an evening degustation tour of the MAT18 galleries with a select group of people indulging in a sumptuous menu from some of Murwillumbah's finest chefs using our region's top seasonal produce and selected wines, Stone and Wood beer and Husk Distillers, whilst enjoying featured artists' talks.

We understand that you recently received funding through Council's Generate Program. Why is it important that governments invest in projects like Song to the Earth?

For me every, artwork is a unique mirror of a place, time, and community (even if it is a broken mirror or shard!). Art brings us together and holds us through powerful shared experience. It has the power to open our hearts and mind. When it connects deeply to a community, it can fuel social change.

We are very excited about the closing event the Ray White Rural Murwillumbah Saturday Arvo Picnic on the 27 May which will see a number of performers, food tents, activities for kids and a candle moving on ceremony.

There is a perception elsewhere that the Gold Coast is all glitz and glamour with no soul.

This simply isn't the case.

The whole event is exciting of course.

Visitors will be provided a map and at each spot on the map with be an art installation, a pop up gallery, a mural, or a performance.

It has a ‘choose your own adventure’ appeal.

The program runs for ten days and on each day visitors can participate in a free or ticketed event or workshop. One of our exhibitions is the curated ’Palette Show’ that exhibits artists and their palettes.

We will also have adult and children's workshops that can be booked through our website or Facebook page.

It’s important to me that young musicians know that they can become a composer. I didn't even know female composers existed until I was 17-years old. Even then I took several years to work up the courage to make composing my principle path.

The galleries all have their openings on the Saturday night 19 May alongside a music festival in the Murwillumbah CBD. The streets will come alive with building projections and lights shows.

Check out The Murwillumbah Art Trail on Facebook, or visit the website themurwillumbaharttrail.com for more information.

What are some of the installations / events that you are most excited about people seeing this year?

Interview by Natalie O’Driscoll Story by Glenn Tozer

To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au

Your project involves young Gold Coast classical musicians. Why did you choose to involve young performers?

I really hope that these young musicians recognise that composing is an option available to them right now, and that they can create works that connect to their own experiences and this community.

You've got an interesting artistic practice - focusing on composition with a penchant for nature and unusual sites for your

installations. Can you tell me where this all comes from.

I first started working with nature sounds around 10 years ago, after I began meditating regularly. I found myself listening more deeply to the sounds around me, and feeling a deep sense of connection with them.

Birdcall inspired melodies started popping up in my music. And then, I decided to incorporate nature sound recordings in a kind duet/collaboration between different species!

I've always been inspired by patterns, whether visual or in sound, and so I have made a number of installations with other artists or on my own. I think it also helped me imagine a walking audience. In Song to the Earth, the musicians stand in mandala type patterns and pass the musical sounds between them, making a living sound installation. I hope audiences will really embrace this and go on their own sound adventure through the forest of musicians.

Interview by Samantha Morris, Story by Natalie O’Driscoll. To read the full story, visit blankgc.com.au

Song to the Earth will be premiered on Saturday 7 April and Sunday 8 April at 5:30pm, 6:15pm and 7pm at Palm Beach Parklands as part of Bleach* Festival.

Visit the Bleach* Festival website for more information. www.blankgc.com.au

43

THE ART AND MIND OF SAMUEL DUNN

GREEN BEHIND THE GOLD: AN ART EXHIBITION FOR THE GAMES Arts&Minds is an Anglicare program that brings emerging and established artists together while raising awareness of mental issues. This year they paired five emerging artists with five renowned Australian artists to create a work of art at a studio session in Brisbane. One of these five artists was Southport-based Samuel Dunn.

“I found [Arts&Minds] by chance actually, so thank you Facebook! I sent an application and thought nothing of it- usually I wouldn't but I was feeling incredibly brave at the time. I took a chance, powered through a lot of discomfort and I came out alive”, Samuel described the project and the process.

When asked about his art, Samuel described it as “typographic vomit with illustrative prose, or, pop-art. It's an exercise in bad rhetoric- a message (in most cases, banal in nature) burdened with aestheticism and conformity”. Others, then again, have described it as tongue-in-cheek, pop art with a twist of nostalgia, focusing on consumerism and capitalism. Either way, it is an interesting blend of satire, critique and contemporary with a hint of mid-century.

“I like to think my art is a reflection of the nature of the modern identity: how, in the age of hyper-connectivity, we feel the need to constantly assert and express ourselves and, in particular, how none of us have anything truly valuable or 'good' to contribute. Though I may just be 'manifesting”, Samuel in his intriguing, self-conscious way explained.

44

www.blankgc.com.au

“Currently I'm experimenting with the concept of Chinese whispers; disguising the message with misinterpretation by knockingoff knock-off culture and industry. Ultimately, is there any value in art, illustration or design if the message is unimportant, useless or common knowledge?”

In Arts&Minds 2018 studio session, Samuel was paired with cartoonist Sean Leahy, a political cartoonist for The Courier Mail.

The session produced collaboratively created individual canvases to add to the discussion on mental health. A topic Samuel knows all too well after managing depression and learning how to use art as a tool to avoid negative thought processes. The partnership left an impression and positive influence on Samuel who hopes to continue the cooperation in the future.

“With Arts&Minds, I hope to have contributed even a little to the platform. I think raising the topic of mental health is a super important one and art is a great way to start the conversation”, Samuel continued.

The canvas created by Samuel Dunn and Sea Leahy as part of Arts&Minds 2018 will be auctioned off at a gala event in May to raise money for Anglicare Southern Queensland.

You can find out more on the project at artsandminds.org.au. For those who wish to see the art and follow the career of a young and upcoming talent, get online and follow Samuel on Instagram @samjohndone.

Anna Itkonen

During the month of April, One Arts is holding an exhibition which is being led by local artists who use the local natural environment for their inspiration. ‘Green behind the Gold’ is by three diverse artists who have come together to showcase the hidden art and craft in the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland. Claire Beck, a Raku ceramic artist, has pulled together her own works and those of fabric design artist Wendi Trulson and Binna Burra landscape artist Dave Groom to form the eclectic exhibit. We shot Claire some questions before the show.

Tell us a bit about the ‘Green Behind the Gold’ concept.

The Beechmountain Plateau is a haven of creative people – the world famous Pricasso lives just around the corner from me, there are many alternative lifestylers and artists living in the area. This exhibition is showcasing the work of just three of us.

What is your relationship to the other artists and how did you all become involved?

Dave Groom has an open studio at his house on the way to Binna Burra and naturally I was interested and dropped in to see his work and fell in love with his wonderful landscapes which are all about the Lamington National Park environs which we all love. I first met Wendi – another Beechmont resident – at the annual Beechmont Art Exhibition held at the Headmasters Gallery and Café at Beechmont last year. Her beautiful and

natural fabric designs fit beautifully with both Dave's landscapes and the earthy tones of some of my raku pieces so when One Arts accepted me as an exhibitor during the Games I naturally thought of them as likely collaborators.

What kind of understanding do you hope that visitors will take away from the exhibition?

That there is more to the Gold Coast than sand and surf, world-class though they are.

The hinterland and caldera region – this area was once part of the mighty Wollumbin (Mt Warning) volcanic plateau is a place of extraordinary natural beauty within a 45 minute drive of Gold Coast beaches and home to not just prolific wildlife and spectacular scenery but also to a number of creative people who are drawn to its wild untamed beauty.

Natalie O’Driscoll

‘Green Behind the Gold’ runs from 6 – 16 April at One Arts Gallery in Isle of Capri. In addition there will be an Artyzan Fair at One Arts on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 April, where you can see the exhibited works as well as local arts and crafts.

To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au

SURGING TO THE FOREFRONT OF MODERN AUSTRALIAN DANCE Gabrielle Nankivell is an Australian director and performer whose work has been widely presented across Australia, Europe and Asia. In 2017 she was nominated for a Helpmann Award for ‘Best Choreography in a Ballet, Dance or Physical Theatre Production’, has won several coveted residencies, scholarships and fellowships, and she also provides choreography and movement consultancy across stage and film productions. But it’s her most recent piece, SURGE, that is set to wow the largest and most diverse international crowd yet when it hits the Roundabout Stage in Broadbeach for Festival 2018.

Specially commissioned for the Roundabout Stage, SURGE combines high-powered choreography by Nankivell, the athleticism of five dancers, and a dramatic soundtrack by long-time collaborator Luke Smiles of Motion Laboratories.

Nankivell says the Dancenorth production explores our relationship with nature.

“From the beginning of time, humans have been mesmerised by the forces of nature; the hypnotic paradox of beauty and violence that rages within the elements.

“In SURGE I wanted to explore physically, instinctively and subconsciously – how we as humans respond to the tension and euphoria of natural energy,” she continues.

In SURGE, the audience is invited to watch as five dancers embody the hypnotic paradox of beauty and violence that rages within the elements; igniting our senses, wrestling with our temperaments and wreaking havoc on our imagination.

Created especially for this 360 degree stage and set to an arresting soundscape, SURGE pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance.

Festival 2018 Gold Coast Co-Creative Director Yaron Lifschitz says he expects SURGE will attract both critical and popular acclaim.

“SURGE is by far one of the most exciting choreographic works and Dancenorth is certainly one of the most exciting contemporary dance companies in the country at the moment.

“The work is thrilling in the way it combines the energy of sport and the beauty of dance, and that gives SURGE broad appeal,” he says.

Natalie O’Driscoll Witness daring athleticism and high-powered choreography in a new dance work that dramatically swings between harmony and havoc when SURGE pushes the boundaries between Thursday 5 and Sunday 8 April 2018. Visit gc2018.com for performance times.

Pictured: SURGE captured by Amber Haines

SEVEN OF THE BEST INTERNATIONAL ACTS TO CATCH AT FESTIVAL 2018 We all know that Festival 2018 is providing an awesome opportunity to show off some of our best Australian culture, music and art to a large international audience. But there will also be a plethora of stunning and exciting Commonwealth-wide artists and culture on display.

Here are seven of our faves from the program.

ECSTATIC

MAGNIFIKA PACIFIKA

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

New Zealand

World music stars from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka unite to bring you unforgettable melodic and rhythmic fireworks.

Experience the music of love, spirit and transcendence, with exquisite folk and spiritual trance music from Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist traditions. This concert is curated by and features prolific artist Susheela Raman, and will feature acclaimed Indian musicians including Sambit Chatterjee , Kalpana Patowary, and Embar Kannan.

Get ready to party as Salmonella Dub celebrates its 25th anniversary with an iconic back-catalogue mash-up. Salmonella Dub has toured the world, performed over 200 festival shows and blazed a trail for the likes of Fat Freddy’s Drop and Shapeshifter.

Dance to jungle grooves and thumping bass anthems - compete with special guests, NZ’s ‘King of the Dubs’ Tiki Taane and Maori songstress Whirimako Black. The night will finish with Mike Cooper performing the evocative film soundtrack, ‘White Shadows in the South Seas’.

Fri 13 Apr, 7pm - 11pm, Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach

FRESH VOICES OF THE COMMONWEALTH Ghana, India, Papua New Guinea

Experience the kaleidoscopic perspectives of the Commonwealth in a night bursting with African hip hop beats, danceable ska rhythms and hauntingly beautiful voices. Join legendary Ghanaian rapper M'Anifest, India’s energetic, internationally charting The Ska Vengers and award-winning musician and composer David Bridie in collaboration with Papua New Guinean songman George Telek and other Papuan artists.

Fri 6 Apr, 7pm - 11pm, Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach

BIG BANG Belize Witness an explosion of energy, beats, drums and rhythms from across the Commonwealth. Performing in Australia for the first time are headliners Garifuna Collective featuring Umalali (Belize).

Experience a hypnotic blend of ancient and modern sounds, soulful melodies and irresistible grooves. The lineup also features Woodford Folk Festival favourites Circle of Rhythm (Greg Sheehan, Ben Walsh, Bobby Singh), Indigenous super group Yarwah, international Didjeridu performer Tjupurru, Torres Strait Islander songman Chris Tamwoy, and global beatboxing sensation Thom Thum.

www.blankgc.com.au

PRIVACY SETTINGS Pacific Islands Delve into a world where the screen consumes our lives; where snooping is an everyday activity and the lines of public vs private are indistinct. Polytoxic teams up with internationally acclaimed design duo Craig & Karl and animator Pete Foley to bring you this spectacular new site-specific work. Expect an intoxicating blend of dance, theatre, costume design and colour-saturated pop-graphic visuals as Privacy Settings explores the seduction and lure of a surveillance-soaked society. Polytoxic is one of the most prominent contemporary Pacific theatre companies in Australia, known for creating hyper-visual, pop-inspired performance works.

Thu 12 – Sun 15 Apr, 06:30pm, Surfers Paradise Beach

MUSEUM OF THE MOON United Kingdom

YOUNG AFRICAN COMMONWEALTH: Celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 100th Birthday

After mesmerising millions of people across the globe, this glorious silvery moon journeys to Australia for the first time.

Museum of the Moon is an incredible seven-metre-wide, floating moon sculpture with detailed NASA imagery on its surface.

Each centimetre of the replica equals 5 kms of the lunar surface.

While you bathe in the moonlight, listen to a surround-sound composition, featuring archive audio from the moon landings,

by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones. As the sculpture travels around the globe, it highlights the latest moon science and gathers new musical compositions, personal responses, stories and mythologies from each stop.

Africa

Wed 4 – Sun 15 April, 10am-10pm, Southport

Sat 14 Apr, 7pm - 11pm, Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach

Kweku Mandela is your host for you to an incredible evening of African music - a live tour de force of the power of change, the power of music, and the power of unity. An exciting lineup of young music trailblazers - DJs, bands and vocalists - demonstrate loud and live why Africa has come to lead the evolution of music across the globe, and how Mandela made that possible.

46

Sun 8 Apr, 7pm - 11pm, Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach

Wed 11 Apr, 7pm - 11pm, Main Stage, Surfers Paradise Beach

Natalie O’Driscoll For full program details, visit gc2018.com/ festival2018

‘WHO HAS POWER OVER YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SAY TO THEM?’ TRUTH TO POWER CAFE

Art Lovers Prize 2018 8th - 29th April

Opening Night Saturday 7th April Food, Drinks and a Welcome to Country from the Jellurgal Dancers Purchase your tickets now through leftbankgallery.com.au

Everyday people of all ages, beliefs and backgrounds respond to this question in this powerful theatre show.

9–14 April 2018 SURFERS PARADISE & MUDGEERABA

FREE, BOOK NOW!

32/19 Warehouse Rd, Southport QLD 4215 Phone 07 5532 0788

gc2018.com/festival2018

19 MAY

3RD SAT OF THE MONTH

www.blankgc.com.au

47

BRINGING FILMS TO LIFE 17 - 29 APRIL 2018 Over 100 films, filmmaker Q&As, red carpets, free film events, industry panels, parties, events and more across the Gold Coast

FLOATING CINEMA: AMERICAN PIE

VIRTUAL REALITY

CLOSING NIGHT: BROTHERS’ NEST + Q&A

Thursday 26 April, 6.30pm Wyndham Cruises, Surfers Paradise $32

Saturday 28 + Sunday 29 April, 10am-6pm (sessions every hour) HOTA, Home of the Arts $15

Sunday 29 April, 6pm HOTA, Home of the Arts $20

Remember that one time at band camp? Ahead of its 20th anniversary year, we invite you to hop onboard the deluxe Wyndham Cruises boat for a night of high-school high-jinx while enjoying an open air, top deck screening of the coming-of-age classic, American Pie.

Be transported into an asylum seeker detention centre, a murderous psychopath’s warehouse, the Darwin invasion of 1942 and an immersive multi-player game.

Twelve years ago the world was introduced to Kenny, and now Shane and Clayton Jacobson are teaming up again for a very, very different kind of film.

Enjoy the sights of the Gold Coast at night with a smooth cruise of the waterways and sit back and enjoy the film, complete with warm apple pie.

Yes, really.

Strap on a headset as you delve deep into films, stories and places designed to expand your perception of the world we live in and the possibilities for immersive storytelling in the future.

With their Mother dying of cancer, intent on changing her will to benefit her ‘new’ husband before she dies, two brothers go to extreme and deadly lengths to protect their inheritance from being signed away before it’s too late.

You won’t want to miss these world class VR films from Australia and across the globe.

Join director/star Clayton Jacobson and star Shane Jacobson for a Q&A after the film.

EXPLORE THE FULL PROGRAM OF FILMS AND EVENTS AT GCFILMFESTIVAL.COM MAJOR PARTNERS

EVENT PARTNERS

Tell the Truth to Power at Festival 2018 Celebrate the great Australian hero in all of us through the power of free speech and political activism. Over four nights 24 Gold Coast participants of all ages, beliefs and backgrounds have five minutes before a live audience to respond to the question: 'Who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?' Created by celebrated creative Jeremy Goldstein and presented by Festival 2018, ‘Truth to Power’ is a fun and outrageous night of political theatre. Show runs from 9 to 11 April and tickets are available through Ticketek. The Avenue in Surfers Paradise is a licenced venue.

American Pie screens at GC Film Fest’s floating cinema Stone and Wood’s Murwillumbah open day celebrations The team at Stone & Wood are opening the Murwillumbah brewery’s doors to support the community’s charity of choice, The Wedgetail Retreat. Get along to the family friendly event Saturday 14 April from 11.00am – 5.00pm.

They'll be brewery tours, scrumptious eats, live bands, local artists, fun for the kids, market stalls and of course, fresh, cold beers straight from the source. Peruse the curated selection of market stalls, featuring local artisans, illustrators, painters, ceramicists and upcycled timber craftsman, as well as food stalls Murwillumbah Farmers Markets, Mad Mountain Farm and Tropical Fruit World. So far they’re keeping the music line-up a secret, so be sure to keep an eye on their socials to find out who’s playing!

Ahead of its 20th anniversary year, you are invited to hop onboard the deluxe Wyndham Cruises boat for an open air, top deck screening of the coming-of-age classic, ‘American Pie’, as part of one of the Gold Coast Film Festival’s signature events, Floating Cinema. Floating Cinema: American Pie departs at 6.30pm from Surfers Paradise on Thursday 26 April. Tickets are $32 each and can be booked on the GCFF website. This is an 18+ event, and dress ups are warmly encouraged.

Take a DETOUR to Robina this month for a Street Art Festival Kicking off from Tuesday 3 April and running until Sunday 15 April, DETOUR Street Art Festival at Robina Town Centre will present school holidaymakers, visitors and, of course, locals, with a three-part in-centre celebration, comprising eyecatching street-art installations, immersive children’s craft workshops, and live performances by top-notch local musicians.

Headlining the festivities, the centre will showcase the movers and shakers of the Gold Coast’s burgeoning art scene, who will take to the centre to create 12 vivid streetart masterpieces in surprising locations throughout. The youngest of art enthusiasts can also put their hands and imaginations to work as part of Robina Town Centre’s Mini Art Lab or daily workshops, while the Live Lawn will let shoppers chill and listen to live music while they have a bite and a sip.

As part of the annual Currumbin RSL Dawn Service, approximately 20 surf boats from clubs across the Gold Coast head out to sea to spread the ashes of our most recently fallen veterans and relations. This year there will be upwards of twenty people people laid to rest including three married couples. The Ashes to Sea ceremony will occur during the Currumbin RSL Dawn Service on Wednesday 25 April 2018 at Elephant Rock, Currumbin. For more information go to australiaremembers.com.au.

Dancing on the Green kicks off with a Bollywood bang Dancing on the Green is an opportunity to get your groove on to series of free sunset events hosted on the lawn at HOTA. Every month, good vibes, fine tunes, perfect weather and the chance to dance will be coming your way courtesy of the re-branded precinct. From swing to salsa, booty beats to ballroom – each month will bring a new flavour with a complementing live band or DJ. Gather your friends, kick off your shoes, learn the rhythms of the day, then dance the evening away under the stars. For friends and families, left feet and professionals. Saturday 28 April from 4.00pm sees the first Dancing on the Green – theme: Bollywood - kick off for the year.

Image: Art-Work Agency

Ashes to Sea tradition continues

Welcome to the Good Wolf Art Lovers Australia presents a $10,000 nationwide art prize on the Gold Coast Art Lovers Australia is presenting the second annual $10,000 Art Lovers Prize on the Gold Coast this coming April. A panel of industry professionals will choose the winning artist from the 50 shortlisted works and the art loving community get the chance to choose their favourite by voting online.

The shortlisted work is available at Art Lovers Australia website for voting until 1 April, 2018. All votes go to a draw to win a $1000 art gift voucher. All winners will be announced at the Art Lovers Prize exhibition opening night on Saturday 7 April at Left Bank Gallery in Southport. The opening night is a ticketed event and an opportunity for the public to meet the artists as well as the judges. The Art Lovers Prize exhibition runs from 8 April until 29 April at Left Bank Gallery, 32/19 Warehouse Road, Southport.

Which wolf do you feed? At the Good Wolf in Miami, the choice gets a little easier, with its two menu concept offering options from award-winning burgers, shakes and hot wings to a delectable range of protein bowls and salads. Vegan, or gluten free? They’ve got you covered too. And if you feel like an ice cold beer with your lovingly prepared seafood, the friendly staff will be happy to oblige. With its innovative menu, ample parking, Ubereats available and awesome sound system, it’s no surprise why The Good Wolf keeps getting voted to the top of Gold Coaster’s favourite haunts. Check it out Wednesday to Sunday at Miami Village Shopping Centre, 110 Mountainview Avenue, Miami.

Spend a night on the beach with Wave Fields Wave Fields presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend an entire evening sleeping on the beach, inside a blanket of sound created by internationally renowned artist Lawrence English. Merging music, environmental recordings and live sound from the performance location itself, Wave Fields invites audiences to experience the ways in which sound drifts into and out of our dreams, and how incidental atmospheres complement, interrupt and augment our sleep. You won’t be left out in the cold either, with the best local providores supplying delicious food and drink before you slip into sleep, and again when the sun stirs you in the morning. Experience this life-altering, wholly immersive experience while sleeping under the stars on the shores of the beautiful Gold Coast. Wave Fields runs on 6 + 7 April, and tickets can be purchased from the Bleach* Festival website.

$ 59 P E R A D U LT I N C LU D E S A G L A S S OF CHAND ON ROSÉ $19 PER CHILD

$25 B OT TOMLESS M I M O S A’ S $15 BAZAAR B LO O DY M A RY + ESPRESSO M A RT I N I ’ S SPECIAL S DJ SPINNING S U N D AY V I B E S

TO BOOK 07 5584 1238 / BAZAAR_QTGOLDCOAST@EVT.COM OR ALTERNATIVELY BOOK ONLINE QTGOLDCOAST.COM.AU

THE GOLD COAST’S SIGNATURE ARTS & CULTURAL FESTIVAL 18 days | 31 locations

29 MARCH — 15 APRIL GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA BLEACHFESTIVAL.COM.AU

PRESENTING PARTNER

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

FOUNDATION PARTNER