Blank Gold Coast issue #66 - April 2019

APR 2019 / #066

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Corner Olsen & Musgrave Aves, Southport QLD | 5532 1155

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FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS THIS SEASON!

FRI 5

6.00pm

Paris Lane

FRI 19

GOOD FRIDAY

ACOUSTIC 5.30pm

Mark Watson

8.30pm

Funk n Wagnells

SOLOIST

POP, ROCK, DANCE, REGGAE

SAT 20 FRI FAT

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SAT 6

ALBERT

8.30pm

8.30pm

Miss T & The Anchormen

The Hodads

COVERS

COVERS

FRI 12

6.00pm

FRI 26

Eleea Navarro

6.00pm

Ruby Montey ACOUSTIC

ACOUSTIC

8.30pm

8.30pm

Fat Albert

The Feramones

MODERN ROCK

ROCK

SAT 13

8.30pm

Sia feat.

Mirrorball Express TRIBUTE

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*Entertainment subject to change at any time.

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ANCHORMEN

SAT 27

8.30pm

Disco Disciples FUNKY DISCO, SOUL, CLASSICS

Outdoor Stage

BLEACH*

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THE GOLD COAST FESTIVAL

NOITASREVNOC VAC KCIN HTIW RATS-LLA

Sat 27 Apr

VERDI’S REQUIEM

By Opera Queensland featuring the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra

PRESENTED BY

BOOK NOW BOOK NOW

HO H TOAT.AC .OC M O .MA. UA U

Bleach* and Griffith University, in partnership with HOTA, Home of the Arts, present Verdi’s Requiem by Opera Queensland, featuring the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra.

Festival

Talks

4 Apr, 27 Apr & 9 May. Free, Register now.

3–14 Apr

Local artists – come along and network, share ideas and find opportunities to collaborate in this monthly program of curated conversations.

More than 175 films, filmmaker Q&As, red carpets, industry panels, parties, events and more.

ARTISTS SALONS

BRINGING FILMS TO LIFE

The Space

BLEACH* THE GOLD COAST FESTIVAL

Image by David Collins

2 Mar–28 Apr

STARSTRUCK

AUSTRALIAN MOVIE PORTRAITS

26–27 Apr National Collecting Institutions Touring & Outreach Program

MY URRWAI

BY GHENOA GELA

The story of Australian cinema through the faces of our film actors – both famous and forgotten – from the early 20th century through to today.

‘…exquisitely simple storytelling of immense meaning and purpose’

Image: Portia De Rossi, Elle Macpherson and Kate Fischer as Giddy, Sheela and Pru by Robert McFarlane, Sirens, 1993 (detail), Courtesy Sue Milliken and Samson Productions Pty Ltd. This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.

PRESENTED BY

SYDNEY ARTS GUIDE Produced by Performing Lines in association with ILBIJERRI Theatre. Presented by Bleach* and HOTA, Home of the Arts in association with WOW Australia.

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THIS YEAR AT

LIMBO UNHINGED

EXPOSING EDITH

PETER HELLIAR

CARLOTTA

QUEEN OF THE CROSS

HAIRY

JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN

JOHN SAFRAN JEW DETECTIVE: SARCASM IS NOT A CRIME

PAUL MCDERMOTT & STEVEN GATES

DOLLY DI*MOND’S BL*NKETY BL*NKS

JORDAN RASKOPOULOS

OSHER GÜNSBERG

LANO & WOODLEY

MATT OKINE

TOMMY LITTLE

TOM GLEESON JOY

DAMNED DEVOTION

THE SPACE COWBOY

STRANGER THAN FICTION

ELIXIR FEAT KATIE NOONAN GRATITUDE & GRIEF

BACK, AFTER THE BREAK: LIVE!

17 APR – 12 MAY SPIEGELTENTGOLDCOAST.COM

BIG BOY PANTS

THE HAT GAME

FLY

PRESENTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

DAVE HUGHES

ENTROPY & IRONY

SELF-DIAGNOSED GENIUS

FREE CONCERT

Managing Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Creative Director: Kylie Cobb Senior Writer: Samantha Morris Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark Contributors (print and online): Natalie O’Driscoll, Samantha Morris, Anthony Gebhardt, Marj Osborne, Glenn Tozer, Amy Gould, Kylie Cobb, Prudence Clark, Sarah Tayler, Simone Gorman-Clark, Nicole Browne, Gio Siregar, Jodie Bellchambers, Dan Maynard, JD Garrahy, Eden Tokatly, Sophia Sorensen, Sam Gilmore, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Peter Wheeler, Tarni Eastwood, Marlena Katene.

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankgc.com.au Front Cover: Sisters Megan and Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe, supplied by Bluesfest.

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.

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.

GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS

SURFERS PARADISE

gcmusicawards.com.au

NEW BREWERY AND TASTING ROOM IN BYRON FOR STONE & WOOD

SIPFEST Running in conjunction with Gold Coast Film Festival, SIPFest (Australia's only short film festival on the beach) will be a spectacular showcase, awarding its winners with a share of $8000 in prize money across eight different categories. The finalist line-up includes some of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming short filmmakers. Enjoy 14 finalist short films from drama to comedy (and everything in-between) on Surfers Paradise Beach from 7pm on Saturday 6 April. BYO picnic blankets and chairs.

VAN MORRISON’S MASTERPIECES COME TO HOTA Van Morrison once hired New York’s finest jazz musicians to record two of his classic albums; ‘Astral Weeks’ and ‘Moondance’.

Both albums had an enormous impact on aspiring musicians and singers around the world, and Vince Jones was one of them.

Now Jones has invited a selection of the country’s finest jazz/rock musicians to form The Astral Orchestra, who are joining him in this homage to the two acclaimed albums for one night only at HOTA, Saturday 11 May. Tickets at hota.com.au.

HOTA ARTIST PASS

The recently constructed Stone & Wood brewery in Byron Bay, is a 1,160-metresquared steel and timber complex that combines working brewery with hospitality space in the burgeoning Arts & Industry Estate. Complete with 31 brewing tanks, a canteen, Tasting Room and plenty of space to hang out, it invites visitors and locals to kick back and chill with a great beer. The decision to build a brand new, bigger brewery was guided by the brewery’s commitment to investing in the Northern Rivers. Beer, lunch, tour, or just to say g’day, it doesn’t matter.

Just be sure to pop in and check it out at 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron.

HOTA loves artists, and artists love HOTA. That’s the idea behind the Artist Pass, a free membership program for local artists.

Membership will provide opportunities for artists to engage with art and other artists, and make coming to HOTA more affordable.

The Artist Pass gets holders 25% discounts on selected HOTA performances, discounted cinema tickets, 20% discount at the HOTA Café (excludes alcoholic beverages), special promotional offers and invitations to exclusive special events. Visit hota.com.au for the criteria and application form.

Kathy Egan Supersymmetry Photo Justin Ealand

M|ARTS MURWILLUMBAH WOWS WITH DIVERSE AUTUMN EXHIBITIONS The M|Arts precinct is coming alive with three exciting and very different exhibitions this autumn. ‘Incandescence’ by Dave Sparkes (29 Mar – 12 May) focuses on the ‘against daylight’ viewpoint to create atmospheric landscapes and seascapes from the east coast of Australia. ‘Supersymmetry’

by Kath Egan (29 Mar – 12 May) is an abstract sculpture exhibition which explores ideas of interconnectivity through a network of red threads and a constellation of nails.

Finally ‘The Silence’ (12 Apr – 5 May) is a contemporary photography exhibition exploring moments paused in time, the moment before, the moment after, the silence of being, including works from some of the finest local photographers. For opening night times, kids workshop bookings and further info, visit artgallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au or pop into Cnr Proudfoots Lne & Brisbane St, Murwillumbah.

QMUSIC UNVEILS 2019 PROGRAM TO SUPPORT QLD MUSICIANS AND INDUSTRY WORKERS

LOCAL ELECTRONIC ARTIST RECOGNISED Gold Coaster Jim Ottoway’s ambient electronic offering ‘Yesterday Passing’ has been nominated in the Best Electronic Album category of the 2018 Zone Music Reporter (ZMR) Awards. ZMR is recognised as the industry source for New Age, World, Ambient, Electronic, Solo Piano, Relaxation, Instrumental and other genres of music, his sixth ZMR nomination in three years. Last year he was awarded Best Electronic Album for ‘Timeless e-Motion’ and Best Ambient Album for ‘Deep Space Blue’. Winners are announced on 18 May. 10

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SOUTHPORT RSL

SURF FILMS AT COOLY FOR GCFF

Southport RSL is mixing it up this April with the cool stylings of ‘The UK Bee Geez’ Show on Saturday 6 April, where it’s Saturday Night Fever every night. Now based on the Gold Coast, this fabulous two hour show celebrates all the classic Bee Gees hits over their four decades at the top of the pop charts from 1967 till 1999. Next up there’s something for the littlies with ‘The Wiggles – Wiggle fun tour’ doing five shows over Sunday 7 and Monday 8 April. Finally they’re ratcheting things up a notch when Casey Barnes & KICK Band hit the stages and fire up the dancefloor on Saturday 20 April. For more info and tickets, visit rslclubsouthport. com.au.

Dive into three surfing films that explore the conversations, challenges, community and conservation around surfing and our coastlines when Gold Coast Film Festival hosts Surf Films at Coolangatta on Sunday 4 April. This beachside film night begins with ‘Proximity’, a film that takes viewers on a journey to some of the most exotic locations around the world. ‘Never Town’ is part surf film, part conservation film, about surfers working together to protect a special part of the Australian coast. Finishing the night is ‘Under An Arctic Sky’ (pictured) which documents a journey to the most remote corner of Iceland in search of perfect surf.

Bring a rug or chair and grab food and drink from one of the many local restaurants nearby. Visit gcfilmfestival.com for more info.

Registrations are now open for QMusic’s free professional development series.

INDUSTRY CONNECT provides new and emerging artists with access to industry workers and resources through facilitated workshops. The program aims to give each participant a greater understanding of the music industry, from song writing to release and everything in between. Once on board, 2019 participants will be in the running to receive a personalised PR package from GYROstream and the opportunity to attend a three-day songwriting retreat at Heliport Studios on the Sunshine Coast. It’s free to attend INDUSTRY CONNECT and Queenslanders are encouraged to sign up at qmusic.com.au to secure their spot.

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A

LARKIN POE: SISTER ACT

merican southerners Larkin Poe will be bringing their soulful sister act to Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm this Easter long weekend when they take to the stages at Bluesfest’s 30th anniversary celebration, alongside an unbelievable lineup of blues and roots royalty and exciting newcomers.

Performing together since childhood but established as Larkin Poe since 2010, sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell deliver a singular new sound in roots rock, blending melodic Haim-esque vocals with gritty guitars and a decent helping of southern charm. They couldn’t be more excited to be bringing their show to Australia for the first time, they tell us from a hotel room in New York City.

“Everyone we speak to about Australia, they’re so effusive about how much we’re going to fall in love with the country and the people,” says Rebecca. “Also we’re coming here for Bluesfest, oh sweet mother-of-pearl!

It’s such an amazing lineup, we cannot wait to be around for a couple of days to see it!”

As cheerful and engaging as the sisters seem, sibling relationships can be fraught, and I’m curious about the strain that working, travelling and performing together in such close quarters all the time can place on the talented duo.

“A lot of the time the sibling relationship is our biggest strength, and sometimes it’s our biggest weakness,” Rebecca states.

“Travelling is really difficult, and also being vulnerably creative with one another opens up a lot of avenues for people’s hackles to get up. But we’ve really worked on treating one another with respect and putting boundaries in place.

"We love and reassure each other, and it breaks our heart when we hear sibling bands that hate each other and break up while touring, it’s so devastating. It’s a high stakes game for the most part, and we really do get along.”

Megan chimes in. “We are sisters first, bandmates second, business partners third.”

This approach has definitely worked for Larkin Poe, who have toured consistently for the last nine years, building an impressive stable of loyal fans and an ever-growing industry buzz off their live performances, with their viral YouTube covers channel ‘Tip 12

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O’ the Hat’ greatly expanding their online fan base. Their recording output has also been prodigious, with five EPs and four studio albums under their belt to date, including their 2018 offering ‘Venom & Faith’, which garnered rave reviews.

“We’ve been blown away by the response to this album,” gushes Megan. “We’re so proud we debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts, that it in itself was a huge stamp of approval. We worked really hard on the album and it’s exciting to hear that people are loving it and loving the stripped-back nature of it. It’s just the two of us and I think people can really hear the authenticity.”

Rebecca jumps in. “This is the first album cycle where we’ve toured the record and people are showing up and singing the lyrics back to us, which is a revelation! It’s so exciting and I think it has enough songs on it that people can really dig in.”

While ‘Venom & Faith’ is clearly blues and roots rock (with a few distinctive contemporary twists), their previous offerings were a genre-bending mix of sounds and influences.

“The biggest evolution in our sound I feel is a big return to our roots,” Rebecca explains.

“When we started recording we took a big musical journey for quite a few records through acoustic pop, heavier rock, even just some crazy psychedelic pieces. ‘Venom & Faith’ felt like a big homecoming. Not only was it liberating to work just two of us in

the studio and have complete control of our creative range, we had the freedom to make the record to sound truly like us. It feels like it’s a true representation of who we are.”

Megan believes the journey was a necessary part of their growth as a band.

“We started Larkin Poe in our late teens, and our fans have watched us mature and grow up. We learned so much in our early twenties and learned to embrace our individuality and the differences between us, so I feel like the experimentation was essential.”

While obviously cognisant of the importance of their fans, the sisters try not to take too much public opinion on board, continues Megan.

“I think what people are looking for is the unique point of view that we have, so if we listened to what people are saying and try to shape ourselves too much, that’s not actually giving people what they want. The only thing that we can really give is ourselves.”

Rebecca agrees.

“Of course we live in an age in which artists and fans are so deeply connected on social media… there is a temptation to put a lot of stock in people’s opinions and that’s natural, we

all seek validation, and we want people to love what we’re doing.

But by the same token you have to steel yourself and guide yourself by your own stars. We’ve been learning to listen to people and respect their opinion, but then also stick to our damn guns!”

Megan laughs. “I will also say though we feel really lucky to have a fan base that have been super supportive through the years of us changing genres, hair colours, instruments, swapping from acoustic to electric, our fans encourage us to be original. They really want hear us.”

As do we. Fortunately, Bluesfest is giving Australians their first chance to check out the multi-instrumentalist sisters live - along with band members Tarka Layman on bass and Kevin McGowan on drums - when Larkin Poe stomps onto their stages this Easter.

Mark your timetable, peeps. This’ll be one to catch.

Natalie O’Driscoll Bluesfest returns from 18 to 22 April 2019, and will play host to legends such as Iggy Pop, Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Paul Kelly, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic (in George Clinton’s last ever live performance), Hozier, Tash Sultana and many more. Tickets at bluesfest.com.au.

JOAN AS Hymns POLICE of Damned WOMAN Devotion

Flying under the radar at...

J

oan As Police Woman is an artist whose varied talents as a multiinstrumentalist, songwriter, performer and producer have seen her traverse an outstandingly diverse and rich musical landscape.

SURFERS PARADISE LIVE

Y

ou’d have to be living under a rock to not know that Surfers Paradise LIVE is again bringing some of Australia’s most revered musicians to the Gold Coast, 2 – 5 May. But you might not know that the LIVE lineup is peppered with Gold Coast artists worthy of serious accolades. Here’s our guide to the best talent you might miss if you don’t have a heads up. You’re welcome.

SAN MEI Most definitely one of the city’s fastest rising stars right now, San Mei has been smashing triple j airwaves, is all over the Queensland Music Awards and blew hearts and minds away at SXSW. She’s performing at the Gold Coast Music Awards LIVE concert, Thursday 2 May from 8.05pm. You don’t want to miss this.

ELSKA Fresh from wowing audiences at Adelaide Fringe Festival, Gold Coast’s own Elska will show visitors to Surfers Paradise exactly what you can do with a harp and a loop pedal.

Catch her at 4.30pm on Friday 3 May.

BANKS OF THE BEAUTIFUL With Lou Star at the front, Gold Coast indie pop duo Banks of the Beautiful have something pretty special going on. They’ve got the whole driving beats and soaring synths thing going on, with a decent smattering of bouncing electronica capable of lifting the heaviest of hearts. With Andy Woollard on drums, Banks of the Beautiful hits Surfers Paradise on Friday 3 May from 6.15pm.

PHOEBE SINCLAIR With one of the most powerful voices in the city, Phoebe knows how to deliver a sanger – a sad banger – with depth and power. Her live show is where it’s at. You can catch it Sunday 5 May from 6.15pm.

THESE FOUR WALLS Punters will definitely know they’re at a live music event when These Four Walls hit the stage at 8.00pm, Sunday 5 May. Warming the crowd up for The Screaming Jets, these Gold Coast via New Zealand rockers will bring thundering drums and bass, big guitars and vocals to Surfers Paradise LIVE.

PEACH FUR This homegrown, uber talented quartet have had millions of streams on Spotify and nearly 70k monthly listeners, and have captivated music lovers with their blend of rock 'n' roll and a funky fusion of reggae and psych surf vibes. They’re bringing their best to Surfers Paradise LIVE on Thursday 2 May from 6.00pm, opening proceedings for the 2019 Gold Coast Music Awards.

CASEY BARNES Country music is a big deal on the Gold Coast and the city is fast becoming a magnet for some of the nation’s biggest country artists. Casey Barnes is flying the flag further and further afield every year. He will have just returned from a USA tour when he performs at Surfers Paradise LIVE and that’s on the back of an enormous number of accolades and achievements in the past 12 months, not least of which is being a Golden Guitar finalist and smashing charts with pretty much all the songs from his latest album ‘The Good Life’. Casey headlines the Gold Coast Music Awards LIVE lineup on Thursday 2 May from 9.10pm.

Samantha Morris

She forged her reputation as a firebrand electric violinist in mid 90’s indie rock bands such as Those Bastard Souls and The Dam Builders (who scored an alternative radio hit in Australia with their track ‘Teenage Loser Anthem’). Following the tragic 1997 death of iconic singer Jeff Buckley, who was her boyfriend at the time, Joan began charting the course of her own acclaimed and intimate song writing journey.

Born Joan Wasser, her more familiar Joan As Police Woman moniker (said to originate as a homage to the 70’s cop show ‘Police Woman’, starring Angie Dickinson) has resulted in seven critically acclaimed albums since her striking 2006 debut, ‘Real Life’.

She also has a breathtaking track record of collaborating and playing onstage with a dazzling array of musical contemporaries, including Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Antony and the Johnsons and Rufus Wainwright.

Chatting with Joan on the line from Brooklyn in the lead up to her upcoming Australian tour (her first since showcasing her 2014 album ‘The Classic’), her tone is one of genuine enthusiasm for these upcoming round of shows in support of her most recent album ‘Damned Devotion’, an album in which Joan’s intimate musings adorn trip-hopish, stripped back beats and heartfelt noir-soul. The tour kicks off with a show right here on the Gold Coast, as part of the Swell Festival, at the Spiegeltent in Broadbeach on 1 May. “It’s been amazing touring the latest record (2018’s ‘Damned Devotion’) over the past year, we’ve gotten a really good response wherever we’ve gone.

And the band that I have are extraordinary. We’re really looking forward to coming to Australia and presenting this show.”

While focussing heavily on tracks from ‘Damned Devotion’, I ask Joan about her penchant for reworking tracks from her diverse back catalogue into her live show, and if this keeps things invigorating.

“Playing them the same way would be fine. But it’s also really rewarding to find other places in the music to go, by expanding the song. It’s like finding a different route to the same destination, a more scenic route.”

These upcoming shows are taking in a number of

regional areas, in venues such as theatres and Spiegeltents and I ask Joan if she enjoys playing these more intimate locales.

“We really do, yes. They’re a lot of fun for us to play. Because we kind of play like a jazz band. There’s a lot of listening going on. We play at a level where we can all hear each other really well, which suits these style of venues. The shows tend to be different every night, that’s for sure.”

After her Australian touring commitments, Joan As Police Woman with band will be reverting to Joan in solo guise, a performance mode she finds equally as rewarding.

“It feels like a very different experience for me. Playing with the full band, there’s so much communication between us. We do tons of harmony singing together. There’s so much listening to each other, and each night we’re choosing the tempo of the songs together and making it happen. With a solo show, I can do whatever I want at any time. I can be totally free with the songs - and I can also get into some serious talking without embarrassing anyone on stage!”

Joan As Police Woman, in full band mode, will be playing her only Queensland show right here on the Gold Coast, on 1 May. It will be taking place within the grandiose surrounds of the Spiegeltent in Centenary Park in Broadbeach, a unique pop-up venue which will be playing host to a dazzling array of shows and events in conjunction with this year’s Bleach* Festival. We’ll leave the final word with Joan as to why you should get along: “I’m incredibly thankful that we get to present this show to you.

This current band is my favourite touring band of all, it’ll be heaps of fun.”

Anthony Gebhardt

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The Gold Coast’s most exciting new music, LEMAIRE | 20 DOLLAR WINE Bass and beats frame Lemaire’s debut single ’20 Dollar Wine’, released in March. It’s the first in a series of new tracks due this year, culminating in an EP scheduled for mid 2019. Burleigh based Lemaire has combined his singer-songwriter roots with hip-hop and rap influences in this polished debut. Listen now via Spotify.

BROOKLYN | BETTER BEFORE

AMY ELISE | HOW BOUT NO Gold Coast’s Amy Elise has been singing since she was eight. Now at just 14, she’s cultivating a sound that’s all her own, combining a powerful voice and growing musicianship. Earlier this year, Amy travelled to Nashville to write and record at Blackbird Studios. That trip resulted in three songs, including her debut ‘How Bout No’ which contains more than a smattering of teenage angst, wrapped in a blanket of alt-popcountry vibes. It’s out now.

BOBBY ALU | FINALLY Gold Coast’s very own Bobby Alu has released the third single off his upcoming album. This master of island groove has combined serious warmth with the sounds of his Polynesian heritage to deliver a sunny slice of laid-back, guitar-driven beats.

‘Finally’ is out now with Bobby’s third album due mid-year. Check the track out on the Gold Coast playlist on Spotify at bit.ly/ GCplaylist.

FROM THE WELL | MY KILLER YORKE | WAKE THE CITY Byron-based Yorke (AKA Grace Hughes) has collaborated with Andy Mak to co-write and produce her latest offering ‘Wake The City’. It’s her second single and comes on the back of a recent signing to Island Records.

The track, which is peppered with uplifting melodies and stellar production has already clocked up 150,000 streams and showcases Yorke’s vulnerable songwriting style. Image

by Max Fairclough.

Spooky Gold Coast rock apes From the Well have released their debut single ‘My Killer’, chock full of killer riffs, wailing guitar solos and wretched grooves. It’s an impressive debut from the five-piece rock outfit and has the Blank office pretty excited to see what might be next on the horizon. If you like your rock on the slightly heavier side, you’ll be into these guys. You’ll also dig on their video to accompany ‘My Killer’, which could have easily come from the cutting floor of David Lynch and was self-produced by the band using 50+ year old 16mm footage filmed as well as locations around Jacobs Well.

DARKCELL | DARKCELL Our very own Darkcell are about to drop their long-awaited self-titled album. Due out 12 April and with guest appearances by a bunch of suitably dark talent the album release also marks the start of a national tour before Darkcell head to Europe in May and June. First single off the album ‘Reign of Monsters’ is a charming taste of what’s to come on the album. It’s four minutes of boogie men, howling monsters and shadowy creatures – not least of which is the band members themselves, helmed by Gold Coast’s Jesse “Dracman” Bateman. Darkcell hit Vinnies Dive Bar on Friday 10 May.

JAMES MCMASTER | HEART BEATS RIGHT James McMaster is new to the solo artist world, but not to making music. Currently embarking on a solo journey into the folkpop world, he’s previously been a member of Gold Coast punk outfit Skyway. New 14

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fresh outta the Gold Coast has released a debut single packed full of jangly and bright sounds, dreamy harmonies, psych-rock and a smattering of surf guitar. They ooze confidence and charm. If The Oogars were striving to represent the best of the Gold Coast aurally, these ladies have nailed it. Take a listen to ‘Scream’. I reckon you’ll like it. A lot.

song ‘Heart Beats Right’ is a pretty acoustic number that highlights James’ songwriting ability while telling a tale of lost love. Or maybe it’s found love? James has an EP in the works, so keep your ears peeled, especially if pretty folk songs are your schtick.

Image of Yorke by Max Fairclough

BB FACTORY | SWEET REFRAIN Blues outfit, BB Factors is set to release its next single off ‘First World Blues’, an album they dropped earlier this year. It’s got a classy black and white video to go with it too, which features footage from the band performing ‘Sweet Refrain’ live at Blues on Broadbeach next year. Check it on YouTube.

‘Sweet Refrain’ is out 29 March. Image by Linda Angledal.

You’d be forgiven if you’d never heard of Gold Coast’s Brooklyn before. But trust me when I tell you she’s been working extremely hard in a genre that’s very hard to get cut through in and making big waves in the process. New track ‘Better Before’ perfectly demonstrates Brooklyn’s adaptability as a DJ and performer and there’s no doubt she’s honed her live show having appeared at some of the world’s biggest dance and electronica festivals (she’s even toured Vietnam with David Beckham to help promote his new alcohol brand). Check out ‘Better Before ft Rachel Costanzo’ on Soundcloud.

BRANDEUS | SCARED Young GC-based hip-hop artist Brandeus scored more than 100,000 Spotify streams of his single ‘War’ which brought him to the attention of taste makers and playlist curators. Follow-up single ‘Scared’ is a trap-pop number that highlights the artist’s beguiling style blending old school and new school beats. The half Brazillian MC has integrated a melancholic undertone and a melodic hook sampled from XXXTentacion.

‘Scared’ is out now.

SAMSKARA RADIO | CAN’T KILL THE RADIO Samskara Radio is Simon Marrocco’s music project. Beginning in Byron Bay when it was a recording project with Jeff Martin, of The Tea Party, in 2013. Then, the music was a bluesy psychedelic alt-rock, now Samskara Radio’s sound has metamorphosed into an electro pop/rock hybrid. ‘Can’t Kill the Radio’ was released late in 2018, but a new video and remix for the track by Austin Leeds is turning heads (and ears). Take a listen to both the remix and the original version on YouTube.

OLD SAULT | MELBOURNE Old Sault’s new track unfolds exactly like a saunter through Melbourne does.

Weaving and winding through spots dark and sunny, full of nostalgic charm and beauty. ‘Melbourne’ is the first track off an independently released 12-track album ‘Higher Harm’, funded by the Australian Council for the Arts and produced and recorded alongside ARIA Award winning producer Govinda Doyle.

THE OOGARS | SCREAM I’m going to keep it short and to the point.

The Oogars rock. This surf-pop quartet,

HUSSY HICKS | GET READY It’s the first track “legit girl band” Hussy Hicks have released since their Album of the Year win at last year’s Gold Coast Music Awards, so you know it’s going to be a cracker. ‘Get Ready’ is the lead single off an album they’ve been beavering away at during this short stay at home – Julz says eight to ten songs are tracked and ready to go. I won’t go into too much detail other than to say the single – due for release 18 April – builds on an already massive list of career achievements, not least of which was two 2019 Golden Guitar nominations for Julz Parker (guitar) who produced the first 100% female created album in Australian country music. ‘Get Ready’ is the first song in 12 years completely recorded, engineered and produced by the band.

BLIGH | NISSAN PATROL Buckle in for a fun ride with Gold Coast alt popsters Bligh, already touted as “one of the country’s most exciting indie bands” for their hook-heavy, synth-driven POPera and energetic live shows. Their new track ‘Nissan Patrol’, out 19 April builds on the success of previous single ‘Mrs Jones’. Making waves locally, Bligh have impressed taking out numerous Battle Of The Band comps & ‘Mrs ‘Jones’ charting on triple j Unearthed. Just like penniless P-platers on the highway, Bligh are putting the pedal to the metal, speeding towards shiny, pop nirvana.

GARY COLLOCOTT | HEY South African born solo guitarist Gary Collocott now calls the Gold Coast home.

He’s collaborated with drummer and synthesiser James Palmer and producer Zak Muller to deliver brand new single ‘Hey’. The track is an upbeat indie-pop-rock number with a strong singalong chorus and big radioready sound. “I want people to follow their feelings and discover the possibilities that can spark from a simple conversation. It's funny to think that life changing experiences can originate from just one word, ‘hey’,” Gary says about the song. You can listen to ‘Hey’ on the best of the GC playlist on Spotify - bit. ly/GCplaylist.

curated by Samantha Morris ATLAMER’S MUSE | STORM SEED New Gold Coast electronic duo Atlamer’s Muse only formed in 2018 but the outfit’s singer-songerwiter Naia Neith and partner musician-producer James Arrowsmith have just released their debut EP. The Gen X couple, busy with three kids, have managed to find time to record and release the six-track recording which delivers bangin’ soulful vocals over seriously ambient and sweeping electronic layers. When I read that Naia had a background singing and performing in large-scale musicals and that James had a penchant for collecting synths, the origins of Atlamer’s Muse’s sound started to fall into place. ‘Storm Seed’, with its piano, guitar, violins, bluesy arrangements, militarystyle beats and occasionally brassy synth and gritty vocals is out now.

PHIL BARLOW | SWEET SUNRISE A sweet slice of sunny folk music has been unleashed from Phil Barlow this month.

‘Sweet Sunrise’ has a more uplifting groove than previous singles and marks the beginning of an east coast house tour for the prior bluesman. There’s beautiful guitar with tinges of Hawaii, and a tempo reminiscent of breezy days and warm evenings. ‘Sweet Sunrise’ is out now.

BOING BOING | JT (C’MON FELLAS IT’S NOT A LIBRARY, TALK IT UP) A rollicking five-minute tribute to Johnathan Thurston in the vein of the Chats is the latest offering from Gold Coast (previously FNQ) four-piece Boing Boing, otherwise known as the Boingers. Guitars are front and centre here and listeners won’t be surprised to hear a touch of Eddy Current Suppression Ring given the track was mixed and mastered by Australian punk legend Mikey Young. The band are hitting the road to mark the sing’s release and you can catch ‘JT (c’mon fellas it’s not a library, talk it up)’ live when they hit Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on Sunday 28 April with Hobo Magic and The Black Armada in support. Or listen on the #gcmusic playlist at bit.ly/GCplaylist.

THE IRONING MAIDENS LIGHTEN THE LOAD

T

he Ironing Maidens are here baby, and they are tired of picking your shit up. Their new song ‘Lighten The Load’, tackles the worst C-word of them all… Cleaning! The electronic duo are known for challenging gender norms with their unapologetic mix of in-your-face lyrics, humour and iron-y, and this new single is no exception. We caught up with magnificent maiden Melania Jack about all things domestic labour.

Do you ever feel like ‘Oh FFS it’s 2019 and we’ve still got to sing about this shit?’

Exactly. That’s what I think about it all the time! I don’t know who I was talking to but I was saying recently that I’m looking forward to a time when we can just dissolve the Ironing Maidens, because everyone has come full cycle and gone ‘let’s get rid of these gender roles’, and we can just give up the ironing.

There are a lot of conversations around gender roles at the moment.

Yes, it’s slow to move though. When we looks at the stats and the differences from the 1950s to 2016 census, it’s a joke that it’s taken that long for not much to budge. Although yes the topic is definitely out there, it’s just a matter of how fast can we undo all of this social conditioning and all this unconscious bias and these archaic ideas about what it mean to be a woman or a man.

I want to know how you create instruments out of irons and ironing boards!

We have a couple of different prototypes, essentially we find old irons and ironing boards and pull them apart. If they’ve got a nice cavity inside we might put one of our little synthesisers. Others we set up to trigger samples that we have and then the ironing boards have trip sensors so we can hit different parts of the sensors and trigger different sounds, sounds we’ve collected from ironing boards and washing machines and household items. We create the bass drum or high hat and sewing machine sounds in there. It’s like full circle [laughs] I mean some days I just look at it and go ‘ooh that’s art isn’t it, we just spent all this time making an iron make an iron sound.’

What was the genesis of the idea for the Ironing Maidens?

It’s interesting, that thing with artists, you realise through the process your own ideas and politics. As the years have gone on I’ve realised how passionate I am about the concept of gender equality, starting in the household as a child out there on my BMX with my male cousins, but at 5 o’clock I would be the only one who got called in to peel the potatoes. And I’d think ‘Why can’t these boys do it?’ And no one could tell me that, why it was. Years later I realised I’ve got so much pent up resentment towards all of that housewife training I had so young. It becomes outrageous. We’ve all got bodies and homes and we all just need to learn to look after them ourselves.

Natalie O’Driscoll

THE BIGGEST RANGE OF RSD LIMITED RELEASES ON THE GOLD COAST

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15

175+ FILMS, PANELS, PARTIES & EVENTS 3-14 APRIL 2019 WAITING: THE VAN DUREN STORY

2040

Opening Night: Wednesday 3 April, HOTA Sunday 7 April, BCC Coolangatta Saturday 13 April, Event Cinemas Coomera In his long-awaited follow-up to That Sugar Film, Damon Gameau embarks on a journey to explore what the future would look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us to improve our planet. 2040 embraces positive solutions in a fantastically entertaining form.

Monday 8 April, HOTA + Gold Coast music industry mingle and Q&A Born out of the ashes of Big Star, Memphis local Van Duren formed a band and became a regular presence on the 70s Memphis bar circuit, tipped to be the next Paul McCartney.

Instead he faded into obscurity. Forty years later, two friends from Australia chance upon the musician’s lost album and fall hopelessly in love with the music.

SURF FILMS AT COOLY

EMU RUNNER

Sunday 7 April, HOTA + Q&A Saturday 13 April, Event Cinemas Coomera Sunday 14 April, BCC Coolangatta Emu Runner is a remarkable story about a nine-year-old Indigenous girl, Gem Daniels, who lives in a remote Australian town. As she copes with her mother’s unexpected death, Gem finds solace in the company of a wild emu, unwittingly connecting with her mother’s traditional totem animal.

Sunday 14 April, Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta Dive in to three surf films that explore the community, conservation and challenges around surfing. This free beachside film night includes Proximity, taking viewers to exotic locations around the world; Never Town, part surf film, part conservation film; and Under An Arctic Sky, a journey to a remote corner of Iceland in search of perfect surf.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM AT www.gcfilmfestival.com MAJOR PARTNERS

EVENT PARTNERS

MARK WILKINSON BLUE EYED GIRLS ALBUM TOUR 2019

Australia Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 15 Mar 16 Mar 22 Mar 23 Mar 29 Mar 30

Canberra ACT Canberra ACT Geelong VIC Melbourne VIC Newcastle NSW Wollongong NSW PerthWA PerthWA

Apr 5 Apr 11 Apr 12 May 3 May 4 May 10 May 11

TheWheatsheaf Brass Monkey The Clarendon The Rhythm Hut ClubYork Soundlounge The Old Museum

Adelaide SA Cronulla NSW Katoomba NSW Gosford NSW Sydney NSW Gold Coast QLD Brisbane QLD

MARCH 31 NEIGHBOURS DAY WOODLANDS PARK, MUDGEERABA (MUDGEERABA 4 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH) Email for details: division9@ goldcoast.qld.gov.au

APRIL 6 NATURALLY GC ‘DECADES OF EXPERIENCE’ – KID’S ACTIVITY, MUDGEERABA Learn Indigenous skills and experience Indigenous culture through painting, stories & activities. Suitable for ages 5 and above. eventbrite.com.au/e/naturallygc

APRIL 7 MUDGEERABA STREET PARTY, MUDGEERABA CBD 10.00am – 2.00pm Free Family Fun Day Held in Queensland Youth Week with the theme ‘Celebrating Hinterland Young People’.

Enjoy live entertainment, market stalls, community displays, street parade, childrens’ activities.

APRIL 12 – 14 TAME THE TAIPAN 572-574 WORONGARY ROAD, GILSTON Downhill Skateboard Racing and Australian National Downhill Skateboarding Title decider. internationaldownhillfederation. org/races/tame-the-taipan-2019

APRIL 13 GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL – HORROR IN THE HINTERLAND, SPRINGBROOK Gates Open 5.45pm, films commence at 7pm This spine-tingling outdoor event begins with Australian Premier screening of The Furies, following by Cabin in the Woods.

APRIL 24 - 28 BLEACH FESTIVAL – ‘THROTTLE’ BY THE FARM MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS, 115 MUDGEERABA ROAD Live action drive-in with a difference eventbrite.com.au/e/throttle-bythe-farm

APRIL 24 - 28 ANZAC DAY For information on ANZAC Commemoration Services in your area, go to: goldcoast.qld.gov.au/thegoldcoast/ anzac-day-7448.html

FB: events/secret-springbrookmountain-location/horror-in-thehinterland

APRIL 18 GOLD COAST CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CHILDREN’S CONCERT - MATILDA’S QUEST MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS 11am trybooking.com/book/ event?eid=450829

Ce le br atin g Y ou n g Pe op le Hi nt er la nd

RIL SUN 7 AP 2PM 1OAM -

MORE INFO: v.au oldcoast.qld.go | division9@g 07 5581 7684 glennonthegc m/ .co ok bo www.face

division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

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19

MAMA KIN SPENDER

Kiss of country success for

NATALIE AND BROOK

lay it all on the table

G Image by Wilk

M

ama Kin Spender is a lightning bolt moment between two long-time friends, co-writers and mischief-makers: ARIA-nominated Danielle Caruana aka Mama Kin, and producer Tommy Spender. Keen to challenge others to raise their voices in defiance of the status quo, Mama Kin Spender are the perfect choice to host Pub Choir at this year’s Bleach* The Gold Coast Festival, where they’ll also be performing a live set with the HOTA Chamber Choir at Bleach* at Burleigh, and sitting down to talk all things women in performing arts at Table Talk. We caught up with the duo from their shared property in Western Australia.

Tell us a bit about your performances with local choirs.

Danielle: Basically we engage local choirs in most places we play. For us it’s a deeper engagement with community and also further bridges the gap between the performance and the audience. For Bleach* at Burleigh we’re performing with the HOTA Chamber Choir. Everywhere we go it’s a different sound and feel, and we leave not just with an experience that we’ve shared with the audience but we’ve also shared a performance space with people from the community.

Tommy: The choirs have all generally been really overwhelmed, very excited, very proud. I think they love the fact that they get to work directly with the songwriters because normally they work with material where they don’t have that connection and they just have to take it at face value, whereas we share our stories and can bring depth to the preparation.

And how is Pub Choir different?

Danielle: It’s different in that it all happens on the night, and it’s a song we teach on the spot to members of the public.

Tommy: We did something similar last year at WOMADelaide, a workshop teaching 600 people 4 part harmony. It was pretty wild.

Danielle: That was one of the most amazing experiences.

They sang their hearts out. It was super goosey!

Danielle, you’re also involved in a Table Talk, about women in the performing arts. What are some of the perspectives you’re likely to bring?

Danielle: To be honest it’s constantly shifting as I grow into my own field and my own reality with it. Generally my own philosophy on it is that the empowerment starts with yourself, the way we speak to ourselves. It’s important to 20

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check out your own self-criticism and check how we are with the women around us. There are a lot of women who are doing a lot of incredible work to challenge that.

And have you conquered that negative self-talk yet?

Danielle: [Laughs] NO! No way. I’m in a process and just trying to be aware of it, and not allowing it to define any of my actions. I try to just stay on top of that in terms of what my agenda is and what my motives are.

You folks have been friends for a long time. Does it help or hinder your processes as a musical team?

Danielle: Actually, yesterday we were writing together and Tommy hit a carb coma after lunch and had a sluggish moment. We’re in Margaret River recording in this little wooden cottage and we’re writing a new song and whipping it into shape, and Tommy heard a crow Tommy: [Laughs] I can’t believe you’re telling this story! It was almost like the crow’s call had a note it, it was in key with the song we were working on. So I went ‘oh the crow is in the same key what does that mean?’

Danielle: And I said ‘It’s probably trying to tell us to get on with writing the fucking song.’

Tommy: She shot my shaman down. The crow’s saying get back to work. [Laughs] Danielle: In answer to your question though, the benefits of collaborating with someone is that it can keep the momentum moving!

Natalie O’Driscoll You can keep moving with Mama Kin Spender when they hit Bleach* for their three events on 26 April. Bleach* runs from 17 – 28 April and full program details can be found at bleachfestival.com.au.

old Coast’s Natalie Pearson is making a lasting impression on Australian earholes.

Performing at Gympie Music Muster, Deni Ute Muster and Tamworth Country Music Festival and taking out chart positions on CMC and KIX Country Radio, she’s delivering powerful vocals and engaging live performances. Riding the wave after recently supporting The Wolfe Brothers in Queensland, and delivering new track ‘I Wonder What You Kiss Like’ with fellow Gold Coaster Brook Chivell, Natalie is now gearing up for a massive 2019.

“Brook and I met at the CMC Awards around two years ago at The Star Casino in Broadbeach,” Natalie told Blank Gold Coast. “We decided to film a little acoustic cover song for social media content while I was in town, and discovered that our voices blended pretty well, and we got along alright too, so we got talking about future touring, and decided to create a mini-tour around the eastern states and my home state, WA. While we were on tour we had a lot of people ask if we have recorded any music together, which we hadn't! So, we did!”

Natalie moved to the Gold Coast around the same time in 2017 and she says country music culture in the city is “amazing”.

“There have been so many great opportunities to open for bigger country artists when they are on tour here, and there are so many great music festivals that come to town, such as the Groundwater Country Music Festival in Broadbeach.

There seems to be a growing community of country artists that have moved elsewhere to enjoy the lifestyle of Gold Coast - which is forming an awesome little support hub,” she said.

‘I Wonder What you Kiss Like’ debuted at #2 on the iTunes country singles charts and #31 on the all genres charts. And the video clip has been added to CMC rotation. Natalie says the accolades just keep rolling though.

“We hit Top 5 on the Kix Country Chart this week, and we've been added to Foxtel's Country Music Channel's music video rotation, and we have just entered The Music Network Charts.”

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the year ahead.

“We're opening for some artists this year, a bit of touring and a few Queensland festivals. There will be a few more single releases this year from Brook and I individually, and then we are heading to Nashville in June, so I'd say we will be coming back very inspired,” Natalie said.

Samantha Morris Catch Natalie and Brook at Sugar Free Country Festival at Jacobs Well on 13 April and at Southport RSL on 14 April.

Follow @natpearsonmusic and @brookchivellofficial.

CASS EAGER

Blues On Broadbeach Bound

assy Sydney-sider Cass Eager is an artist whose reputation has been forged on passionate live performances and a voice to die for.

Having earned the well-deserved plaudits of critics and peers, her uniquely soulful vocals have elicited comparisons with the greats, with respected folk-blog ‘Timer and Steel’ describing her as ‘Janis Joplin and Ben Harper’s love-child – high praise indeed!

Can you tell us a little about your backing band, ‘The Velvet Rope’?

S

Musically she traverses roads steeped in a unique hybrid of blues, soul, roots and altcountry, which she claims as distinctly her own, and her shows are renowned for their authenticity, passion and her ability to both carry the night with her voice alone, while also regaling and engaging those present with her wit and warmth.

And local fans can rejoice as Cass, together with her trusted backing band, The Velvet Rope, will shortly be performing here as part of this year’s Blues on Broadbeach Festival line in May, where she’s also guaranteed to win over many new converts.

Here’s what Cass had to say in the lead up to her upcoming Queensland shows:

The band and I have been together for around 10 years now! Actually I liked the drummer so much I married him. We're like family, with years of being on the road and in the studio. They are Jonathan Dallimore (guitar), Ryan Van Gennip (bass) and Howler (Jon Howell - drums/husband)! And Howler and Ryan are two thirds of the band Chase The Sun, so they lock in so good together.

I see you've played here on the Gold Coast a few times, including a show at the Currumbin Soundlounge, together with local legends Hussy Hicks. Do you have any endearing memories of playing here previously?

I like it so much I moved here! Well, almost... we moved to Byron Bay a few months ago from Sydney, so hopefully I'll get to create some more local memories! But yes the Soundlounge was a great gig!

Performance wise, what can we expect from you when you step on stage at Blues On Broadbeach in May?

of those new tunes! We'll have keys with us as well which always fattens out the sound and gives it the soul that I love.

What does the rest of 2019 have in store for you?

I just got back from LA where I am working sometimes, so I’ll probably head back there again later this year. It's been a while between albums as I made some humans instead (two kids with the aforementioned drummer) so the plan is to get that out in 2019! It will be the collection of new tunes including the ones we'll be debuting at Blues on Broadbeach!

Anthony Gebhardt Cass Eager, together with her band The Velvet Rope will be one of the highlights of this year’s Blues On Broadbeach Festival, taking place between 16 – 19 May. This free festival has rapidly become one to the must-dos of the Gold Coast gig calendar, so be sure to get along.

I've been writing a lot of new stuff lately, so it will be the first time we'll be playing a bunch

THE ROAD HAMMERS

Truckin’ In The Good Times To Fisho’s

O

n Sunday, 28 April Fisherman’s Wharf will be playing host to a barn storming hoedown of a musical line-up, to be headlined by Canadian country rock royalty, The Road Hammers.

The band’s good time mix of honky-tonk, freewheeling country and classic rock has seen them anointed as the highest selling country band ever in their homeland, while being awarded the coveted ‘country group of the year’ at the CCMA Awards three times.

With a swathe of gold and platinum records behind them, The Road Hammers most recent album, ‘The Squeeze’, has seen them further consolidate their reputation while also revealing a more personal side to the band, with lead single, ‘Crazy About You’, a paean to long term relationships inspired by

singer Jason McCoy’s enduring marriage to his childhood sweetheart. The album also features plenty of their signature up-beat, trucking inspired numbers, which showcase the bands dedication to life on the open road, as well as a cover of the Dawes track, ‘All Your Favorite Bands’.

In addition to smashing it out of the park in their homeland for over 15 years, The Road Hammers have also been steadily building a loyal Australian following, off the back of their celebratory, high octane live shows, which they’ve previously brought to our shores at events such as the long running annual ‘CMC Rocks’ Festival, in Ipswich, where they wowed all and sundry in 2016.

As part of their upcoming Aussie tour (which includes a performance at Winton’s ‘Way Out West’ Fest on 26 April), they’ll be chugging into town for a special headlining performance at Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, 28 April. In addition to The Road

Hammers, the show features a bumper line up of top notch supports, showcasing the talents of three of Australia’s finest country channeling acts; long time scene legends The Ayers Rockettes (who originally formed in 1987 and once featured a fresh faced Keith Urban in their line-up!), talented newcomers Saltbushsix, and rapidly rising ‘new country rock’ practitioner Josh Setterfield.

Anthony Gebhardt So if you’re up for a merry afternoon of rollicking, good time country rock, be sure to saddle up your steed and mosey on along to the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, home to many a legendary ‘Sunday session’, on 28 April from 3pm.

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MARCH THURSDAY 28 MARCH

FRIDAY 5 APRIL

Peking Duk | The Northern, Byron Bay Club Briefs Variety Show | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince Tommyhawks + Nicole Brophy | Vinnie’s Dive Bar (Ticketed) Calypso Momento | The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Sally Sa | Marty’s at Caba, Cabarita Beach

Jesse Morris Band (2.00pm) + Peter Hunt (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Chillin It + Wombat | Coolangatta Hotel DJ Longtime (5.00pm) + Eliza & The Delusionals + guests | The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Follow the Fox | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff Leigh James | Chinderah Tavern, Chinderah Jax Haze | Marty’s at Caba, Cabarita Beach Marea Lambert-Baker DJ | Aviary Rooftop Bar

FRIDAY 29 MARCH

SATURDAY 31 MARCH

JJ & The Soul Man | Seagulls Luca Brasi | Miami Shark Bar The Polar Bears | BBQ Bazaar Club Briefs Variety Show | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Voiid + Crocodylus + A Swayze And The Ghosts | The Northern, Byron Bay Benny Hanna + Devils Kiosk (Covers) | Southport Sharks Genini Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport The Waxfinz + Nullum Void + Girl & Girl + Persons Unknown | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed) Free the Genie | Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin The Wayward Suns | Pacific Hotel, Yamba The Yams (4.00pm) | Balter Taproom Eleea | That’s Amore, Miami Tuffy + Shag Rock | The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Kimmy N Krew | Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay Tomi Gray | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff Bill Jacobi | Marty’s at Caba, Cabarita Beach Mark James DJ | Aviary Rooftop Bar

Club Briefs Variety Show | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Aviary Acoustic Sundays: Eleea Navarro | Aviary Rooftop Bar Miranda Ward (Covers)(1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport Elska | The Cambus Wallace Marshall O’Kell | Harrigan’s Phill & Tilley | Cafe Catalina The Tomahawks | Eddie’s Grub House Nicole Brophy (3.00pm) | TupeAloha The Gypsy Clovers (4.30pm) + My Happy Place | The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay The Long Johns (3.00pm) | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff Fat Albert | Chinderah Tavern, Chinderah

Benny D Williams | BBQ Bazaar Tumbleweed + Hobo Magic + Frozen Planet 69 | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed) The Wayward Suns + Dyer Maker + Perseverance + Ryan Munro | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed) Salt & Steel | Pacific Hotel, Yamba Phoebe Sinclair + Vladik | Heya Bar, Fortitude Valley Nick Saxon | Miami Marketta Connor Mac’s Gypsy Jazz (6.00pm) | Tupe-Aloha Tesla Coils + Free The Genie + Hot Coffee + Cheeki + Soft Nylon DJ Set | Miami Shark Bar Claptone + Taya + Cabal + Casimir + More | Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay (Ticketed) Luke Yeaman | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff South Wall Duo | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Cool Change Band (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Hodads Trio | Currumbin RSL Mick Thomas & The Roving Commission + Dana Gernham | Soundlounge (Ticketed) Joshy Dredz | The Scottish Prince Miranda Ward (4.00pm) | Balter Brewery Deck Acoustics: Raku (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Funk N Wagnells (Covers) + Paris Lane | Southport Sharks

MONDAY 1 APRIL

SATURDAY 6 APRIL

Abbigayle Anderson (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 30 MARCH

James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace The Yams | The Scottish Prince

Boyzone | The Star Gold Coast (Ticketed) MOJO Burning: 1000MODS + Tumbleweed + The Vasco Era + Lachy Doley + King Of The North + More | Hamilton Hotel (Ticketed) Gavin Doniger (2.00pm) + Bill Jacobi | Sheoak Shack The Drop Festival | Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta (Ticketed) Sons Of The East | Byron Bay Brewery (Ticketed) Bec Stevens + Being Jane Lane | Vinnie’s Dive (Ticketed) UK Bee Geez (Tribute) | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed) Music in the Park Saturday Sessions: Border Rangers (3.30pm) | Rowan Robinson Park, Kingscliff The Youngkeys | BBQ Bazaar Salt & Steel | Sawtell Hotel, Sawtell Gavin Doniger | Sheoak Shack Headlines + Teepz + T-Rapper + Decrepit Rep + C-Reks | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed) Jon Toogood | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff

Brett Healy Project featuring Jimmy Dee | Seagulls Jesse Morris (2.00pm) + Peter Hunt Duo | Sheoak Shack Babash Caribbean Reggae | BBQ Bazaar Club Briefs Variety Show | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Tribute Party | Vinnie’s Dive (Ticketed) ROCKKS | Southport Sharks Bone Lazy Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Paul Atkins Duo | Harrigan’s The Wayward Suns | Sawtell Hotel, Sawtell Jason Delphin | Eddie’s Grub House

TUESDAY 2 APRIL Matt Armitage | The Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 3 APRIL

THURSDAY 4 APRIL Awake in Time | The Brightside, Brisbane Gavin Doniger | Pacific Hotel, Yamba Laura Doolan Trio (10.30am) | Currumbin RSL Free the Genie | The Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince Heistfest: 36 Crazyfists + Super SH Heist + From Crisis To Collapse + More | Miami Shark Bar

Mark Ridoult and the Rhythm | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Route 66 Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southpor Triplickit | Currumbin RSL BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace Deck Acoustics: Josh Lovegrove (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL The Hodads (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SUNDAY 7 APRIL Boyzone | The Star Gold Coast (Ticketed) Gavin Doniger + guests (4.00pm) | Eddie’s Grub House Let There Be AC/DC | BBQ Bazaar (Ticketed) Mudgeeraba Street Party (10am) | Mudgeeraba Matt Corby | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) James Dkhan | Cafe Catalina Galapagus Duck | Fishermans Wharf Tavern Slips & the F.W’s (3.00pm) | TupeAloha Mapstone | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff OKA (4.00pm) | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Vanilla Duo (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport The Wiggles | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed) Dale Walker | The Cambus Wallace Lilu Budiasa | The Scottish Prince Deck Acoustics: BJ Duo (1.00pm) + Luke Bennett (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Sunday Acoustics: Tayla-Lee | Aviary Rooftop Bar

MONDAY 8 APRIL Michael Whitmore (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport The Wiggles | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed)

TUESDAY 9 APRIL Elska | The Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace The Yams | The Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 11 APRIL Jazz Singers Jam Night with Ingrid James | Dust Temple (Ticketed) Awake In Time | Vinnie’s Dive Bar Errejota | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed) Free the Genie | The Cambus Wallace

James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 12 APRIL Goons of Doom + Drunk Mums + Dicklord + Blister | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed) The Valiant Chargers | BBQ Bazaar Kiara Jack | Lennox Point Hotel, Lennox Head Salt & Steel | Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin Daisey Brains + Leisure Drive + Odd Socks + Lady Finger | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed) Boo Seeker | Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay (Ticketed) Josh Hamilton | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff Due East | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Devils Kiosk (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Soniiq Duo | Currumbin RSL Daniel Dyson | The Scottish Prince Burger Joint | Sawtell Hotel, Sawtell Ryan Munro (4.00pm) | Balter Brewery Deck Acoustics: Jock Barnes (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL The Feramones + Eleea Navarro | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 13 APRIL Mo Groove | BBQ Bazaar Kiara Jack | Sawtell Hotel, Sawtell Being Jane Lane | The Foundry, Brisbane Goons Of Doom | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed) Super Massive + Hot Coffee + Bri & Si + DJ Psyloskin | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed) Dirty Channel duo | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads 2 Tones (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Off the Grid | Currumbin RSL Sky Eater (2.00pm) + Daryl James | Sheoak Shack Deck Acoustics: Brooke Supple (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Sia ft Mirrorball Express (Tribute) | Southport Sharks

SUNDAY 14 APRIL Meg Mac | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Tamaeka Powell | Cafe Catalina Kenny Slide | Eagle Heights Kallidad | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff The Feramones (4.00pm) | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Montana Duo (1.00pm)(Covers) | RSL Club Southport Mel Scarlett | The Cambus Wallace

Two Tears in a Bucket | The Scottish Prince Deck Acoustics: Jaskson James Smith (1.00pm) + Luke Pauley (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Sunday Acoustics: Benny Hanna | Aviary Rooftop Bar

MONDAY 15 APRIL Doubleshot (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 16 APRIL Alisha Todd | The Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL Nahko and Medicine for the People | The Triffid (Ticketed) James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace The Yams | The Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 18 APRIL Elixir ft Katie Noonan | The Spiegeltent Gold Coast (Ticketed) Confidence Man | Kingscliff Beach Hotel (Ticketed) Awake In Time + Speedball | Vinnie’s Dive Bar Dan Hannaford | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Old Skool | Currumbin RSL Free the Genie | The Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince Bleach* Festival: Water Songs (4.00pm) | Paradise Point Parklands, Paradise Point

FRIDAY 19 APRIL Jon Stevens + Vanessa Amorosi | Twin Towns (Ticketed) Mojo Rising | BBQ Bazaar Lemaire | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff Dusty Boots | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Mark Watson | Southport Sharks Matt Okine | The Spiegeltent Gold Coast (Ticketed)

17 APRIL – 12 MAY Limbo Unhinged | The Spiegeltent Gold Coast (Ticketed)

18 – 22 APRIL Bluesfest: Jack Johnson + Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals + St Paul & The Broken Bones + George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic + MORE | Byron Bay (Ticketed)

SATURDAY 20 APRIL Casey Barnes + Kick Band | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed) Music in the Park Saturday Sessions: National Youth Week Showcase (3.30pm) | Rowan Robinson Park, Kingscliff Wild Hearted | BBQ Bazaar Lisa Hunt | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff Salt and Steel | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Benno & Kesh (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Flipside Trio | Currumbin RSL Simon Wright (2.00pm) + Celestial Serpent | Sheoak Shack Dale Herbie Walker (4.00pm) | Balter Brewery Deck Acoustics: Ooz (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Miss T & The Anchormen (Covers) | Southport Sharks Osher Gunsberg | The Spiegeltent Gold Coast (Ticketed) Bleach* Festival: Water Songs (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

SUNDAY 21 APRIL Tahlia Matheson | Cafe Catalina Jade Soul (3.00pm) | Tupe-Aloha Kevin Borich | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff Friend Zone (4.00pm) | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Greg Bankx (1.00pm)(Covers) | RSL Club Southport Angelo Pash | The Cambus Wallace Stephen Lovelight | The Scottish Prince Gavin Doniger + Special Guests (1.00pm) | North Kirra SLSC Deck Acoustics: Sarah Grant (1.00pm) + Lily Budiasa (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Sunday Acoustics: Danny Dyson | Aviary Rooftop Bar

MONDAY 22 APRIL Tommy Memphis (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Bleach* Festival: Water Songs (4.00pm) | Varsity Foreshore Parklands, Varsity Lakes

TUESDAY 23 APRIL Sarah Marine & Pam Hata | The Cambus Wallace Dolly Di*monds’s Bl*nkety Bl*nks | The Spiegeltent Gold Coast (Ticketed)

WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace The Yams | The Scottish Prince

Sarah Marine & Pam Hata | Rics Bar, Brisbane

THURSDAY 25 APRIL Zebrahead + Death By Stereo | Vinnie’s Dive (Ticketed) Fat Albert | Kingscliff Beach Hotel Jordan McRobbie Duo | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads The Rockks (1.00pm) + Dual Frequency (5.30pm)(Covers) | RSL Club Southport Rhodes & Co (1.30pm)(Covers) | Currumbin RSL

CARLOTTA

EMOCEAN AT GCFF Gold Coast filmmaker brings Emocean to the big screen

the focus of CRT’s Duchamp commission

Image by Tim Marsden

M

arcel Duchamp (1887 – 1968) was a multi-media artist associated with cubism, conceptual art and Dada. Duchamp was known for challenging the conventions of art making, especially during difficult political times. HOTA’s latest commission is affectionately known as the Duchamp Wall Commission. It provides a blank canvas for local artists to create site-specific, temporary artwork and to extend their own practice. The latest artist to have their work grace the Duchamp Wall is Courtenay McCue, otherwise known as CRT Designs. She’s the second local artist to be commissioned, the first being ridiculously talented Indigenous artist Libby Harward.

We asked Courtenay to tell us about the commission.

“This artwork is inspired by Carlotta; a Gold Coast icon, fearless cabaret dancer and LGBTIQ activist,” she says.

“It is a tribute to a woman who has inspired countless people through the decades of her ground-breaking career.

“I chose to base the mural on Carlotta to also connect to the public. While I was painting the mural, I would have different conversations about Carlotta [with other people]. From how she used to babysit them to the glamorous outfits she would wear on stage. I also chose Carlotta as she connects to the current ‘StarStruck Australian Movie Portrait Exhibition’. Carlotta is a star of both stage and film.

“For this artwork I have used multiple styles, including some techniques I have never used before.”

A part of the HOTA commission is for artists to try something new and step out of their comfort zone, which led them to

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recommending to Courtenay that she try out vinyl and paste-ups as a new technique.

“In the background I used street art treatments including layered stencils, paint drips, spray paint, paint pens, paste-ups, hand written messages and more, creating a depth effect to the mural,” Courtenay explains.

“With the Carlotta portrait, I photoshopped the original image sharpening her features and giving it a newspaper effect. This was then vinyl-ed up in three strips with the help of Brisbane artist Laing Rahner. The red borders were the tedious part of the mural, involving more patience and structure using tape to create clean lines. Hand painting the “LIFE” logo took a bit longer than expected making sure I got the perfect size and font style. That was the final part of the mural.

“This 8m x 5m mural is the biggest artwork I have done and was so much fun. [It’s] going to be strange going back to canvas size artworks and smaller murals. My biggest mural before this was around 2.5m x 5m.

“My artworks are usually full of bright and vibrant colour schemes compared to this black and white mural. My art is heavily inspired by the street art of Melbourne lanes, vintage advertisements, music, and iconic Renaissance era art through to contemporary pop culture… connecting the contemporary world with bygone eras, with heavy references to the 70s and 80s.”

Samantha Morris You can see Courtenay’s work at HOTA’s Duchamp Wall, at the entrance to the art gallery or at a bunch of cafes across the city including Raw Espresso, The Social Brew, Karma Collab Hub and soon at The Avenue in Surfers Paradise. Follow at crtdesignsart. com.

Image by Claire Dalton

T

his April, Gold Coast Film Festival is bringing surf film ‘Emocean’ to Gold Coast audiences for the first time. Part surf trip, part love letter to the ocean, ‘Emocean’ is the baby of Gold Coast filmmaker Tony Harrington, who is currently garnering enthusiastic responses on a worldwide festival tour with the film.

We barrelled him a few questions ahead of its screenings here.

Can you tell us a bit about your surf and film background on the Gold Coast?

I was brought up on the Central Coast of NSW as a surfer and as a young teenager was introduced to the likes of Kirra and Burleigh and vowed one day to live up here. I’ve now been based here at Elanora since the late 90’s. I picked up a camera at the age of 14 for some reason and started swimming out in the ocean after early dawn surfs. Basically I would get the best of the early hours of surfing and then started shooting when the lineup got crowded.

What makes ‘Emocean’ different to other surf films?

There’s a lot of amazing surf movies out there, but very few tell the full story of why a person surfs, or who the person is. In ‘Emocean’ we get to know more about who the people are and their connection to the sea. I believe that’s why ‘Emocean’ has done so well as an Official Selection to over 15 international adventure and surf festivals around the globe from London to Lisbon and across Europe, New Zealand, Hawaii and from the west to the east coast of the U.S.A.

What were some of the unique challenges involved in making the film?

There are always challenges in making any films, like dealing with Mother Nature producing the waves we were after, exorbitant travel and excess baggage costs and most of all film partners who went bankrupt or simply tear up contracts because they know we don’t have the money to come after them.

We actually got stuck smack bang in the middle of Australia on our way home as a sponsor’s payment just didn’t come through, and we had to borrow money from our family just to get home. It was harsh and scary.

The title of the film ‘Emocean’ was very aptly named that’s for sure, due to the emotional rollercoaster we went through, and the film wouldn’t have been as good if we didn’t experience that.

Natalie O’Driscoll You can catch all the ‘Emocean’ when it screens at the Gold Coast Film Festival on Friday 5 April at Coolangatta and Thursday 11 April at Coomera. The Coolangatta screening will be followed by a Q+A with Tony Harrington. Gold Coast Film Festival runs from 3-14 April 2019. For full program details, visit gcfilmfestival.com.

Waiting...

THE VAN DUREN STORY

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old Coast Film Festival brings America’s ‘Sugar Man’ to the Gold Coast.

Until last year, Memphis musician Van Duren and his legacy would be the domain of fans of obscure music trivia and nothing more.

Forty years ago, Van Duren was tipped to be the next Paul McCartney, having garnered the services of Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham after joining forces with Big Star ex-members Chris Bell and Jody Stephens and becoming regulars on the 70s Memphis bar circuit. But instead of finding fame, Van Duren faded into obscurity.

Four decades later, an Australian band manager (Greg Carey) and musician (Wade Jackson) chanced upon Van Duren’s lost album and fell hopelessly in love with his music – which led to them questioning why Van Duren was not a household name, researching him, flying to the US and creating a film about the man himself.

‘Waiting – The Van Duren Story’ does much more than just tell Van Duren’s story. It’s a love letter to the artist that could have helped to define a generation were it not for the unfortunate decisions others made on his behalf.

Without giving too much away, the film’s incredible story has done much more than just entertain audiences around the world.

“Whether the film is good from a film critic’s point of view, it’s what we’ve done for this guy that we’re super proud of. I think that’s why people have enjoyed watching the film so much,” Greg said.

And it seems that’s an understatement. The film sold out three shows at its global premiere in Memphis in November 2018. The entire theatre gave a standing ovation at the end.

Don’t miss this incredible story.

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Samantha Morris ‘Waiting – The Van Duren Story’ has its Australian premiere at Gold Coast Film Festival on Monday 8 April from 6.45pm and the filmmakers and Van Duren will be in conversation after the screening. Tickets on sale now via gcfilmfestival.com. Prior to the film, there’s a music industry networking event (RSVP essential) with Greg Carey speaking about his experiences as a band manager.

Read the full interview at blankgc.com.au.

SEE WHERE TAFE CAN TAKE YOU TAFE QLD TAFE Queensland RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 03020E | TEQSA PRV13003

www.blankgc.com.au

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OFF THE RECORD with Osaka Punch

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES W T

his month, Prudence from ‘Off the Record’ (all things books and music) had the pleasure of chatting to Reggie, the bassist from Osaka Punch.

Fresh from a recent tour with Cog, we talked about what he’s reading at the moment, what books are on his bedside table and about the time the band were nearly sued.

Could you tell me a little bit about Osaka Punch?

So, we’ve been around for a while now, almost 10 years and were originally called The Kidney Thieves. However, unfortunately, there was a band in the USA which had a similar name and threatened to sue us if we didn't change ours. So we did what any mature bunch of men would do and told them to shove it. The next week we got a letter from their lawyer... so we changed our name! We then released our first full length album (‘Voodoo Love Machine’) and relocated to the UK for two years. Over there we toured and recorded our next release (‘Death Monster Super Squad’), and on our return to Australia, released it. Since then we've pretty much just been touring Australia, on some big tours with The Butterfly Effect, Twelve Foot Ninja, Mammal and Cog. What are you reading at the moment?

At the moment I'm reading H.P Lovecraft's ‘The Complete Cthulhu Mythos Tales’. I'm a big fan of Lovecraft, and picked up this book of short stories when I was in Canberra.

I really love horror, and Lovecraft has an

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amazing way of creating a really eerie feel to his storytelling, which I can't get enough of.

Have you read any books that influenced your music?

The book that probably influenced my music career the most would have to be 'Official Truth, 101 Proof ' by Rex Brown from Pantera. I grew up listening to Pantera and reading about how they built their music career really interested me. It was a very different time in the music industry back then and I got a real buzz in regards to how determined he was to pursue his musical career, which is something we all want to do in Osaka Punch.

If I was to come over and inspect your bedside table, what might I find?

Haha I actually have the War Machine comics on my bedside table at the moment.

I’m not going to lie, I'm a huge comic book fan! DC, Marvel, Dark Horse... Love all that shit hey, I'm really just a big kid.

A world without books and music would be…

A very sad place. I personally get so much enjoyment from both of these things, they put a smile on my face every day. Without them, I think I'd actually go insane.

Prudence Clark To read more interviews, music and book reviews or to just get in touch for a good old chin-wag, be sure to hit Off TheRecord up on FaceBook (@offtherecord1979) or email: offtherecord1979@gmail.com.

orldwide smash hit musical ‘Wicked’ has wowed audiences all over the world, and in June, a fresh new production of it will be flying into our very own HOTA, Home of the Arts for a limited run. Playing the iconic role of Elphaba is seasoned Sydney-based triple threat Samantha Dodemaide, in her first turn as the iconic “wicked” witch.

“I performed in ‘Wicked’ about ten years ago in Japan for 14 months in the ensemble.

[Elphaba has] always been a role I wanted to play but I didn’t associate myself with this version, until Tim [Hill, director] asked if I wanted to audition,” says Sam. And audition she did. Given the number of performers who tried out for the role, she wasn’t initially confident.

“I think they saw a LOT of people,” she laughs. “And from what I’ve heard about it, it’s a tricky role to cast, because there are lot of elements to it.”

Apart from the vocal chops to be able to belt out Broadway hits such as ‘Defying Gravity’, the role also demands an actress with a range broad enough to encompass all the aspects of the complicated character.

“I was really thrilled to get the call that I had the role,” Sam tells us. “Elphaba really defies a lot of things – not just gravity – she’s for women’s rights, she stands up to the hierarchy, the system. And then there’s the beautiful story of the love between friends and her and Fiyero, so it’s got all the elements that I’m drawn to.”

‘Wicked’ is unique in that its romantic love story is not the central relationship of the show, instead choosing to focus on the bestfrenemies-style relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, the Good Witch, who is being played by Gold Coast local Emily Monsma.

“Emily and I only met at the photoshoot on publicity day at HOTA,” explains Sam. “But I’d already heard such beautiful things about her, and we got along fantastically. It’s a huge relief, because you hope there’s going to be a

connection, it makes the job easier and the relationship on stage more truthful. Emily is so gorgeous and very talented so I’m excited to see what we come up with.”

In her career so far, Samantha has performed in such productions as ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, ‘Sweet Charity’, and most recently as ensemble member and Tina Arena’s understudy in ‘Evita’. But interestingly, it was her turn as Dorothy in the 2017-2018 tour of ‘Wizard of Oz’ that is considered her breakthrough role. She explains what it’s like to be on very much the other side of the story now.

“It’s interesting, because all the research I did for ‘Wizard of Oz’ will definitely be influencing how I feel about ‘Wicked’, but also it was the other way around, because I knew the ‘Wicked’ story when I went to play Dorothy, so I already saw the witch differently.”

“I guess rather than seeing her being completely wicked then I would watch and think, well, there is another side to her, and the story.”

As Gold Coast audiences will undoubtedly have a great time discovering. If one thing’s for sure, it’s that this show is gonna be magical.

Natalie O’Driscoll ‘Wicked – The Musical’ hits HOTA from 25 June to 6 July, so you’d better conjure up some tickets at hota.com.au before they all disappear.

Katura Halleday's

PLEA FOR MOZAMBIQUE

Y

ou may recall that last edition we featured Tallai student Katura Halleday in a piece about her work in Mozambique, teaching art to children.

Recently, some friends of Katura’s had their lives upturned when a cyclone hit Beira, where they live and go to the school. Among the community members affected are the three girls that Katura sponsors so they can continue to go to school, an opportunity that can change their future from one of poverty, to one of hope.

At the time of writing, Katura did not know if they had survived, as all power and communications are down to the area.

The school’s project director has advised Katura via satellite phone that most of the school building has significant damage and all have lost their roofs. Beira is cut off by flood waters, with approximately 500,000 people affected.

Katura put some thought into what she could do to help.

“I looked to my values,” she told us. “What did I learn on my trip to Mozambique? I learned that I don’t need everything I have at home. So that was my answer, and I need [other students’] help to turn my values into help for my friends and for the King of Kings School community.”

If you feel you can live without something in your life this month, log onto Mission Educate and donate the cost of the item you are willing to go without. Maybe it is a coffee, a movie ticket or just a soda. Challenge your friends, your class groups or even your whole year level.

“I am calling on all the youth of the Gold Coast to acknowledge the privilege of their education,” says Katura.

“Imagine this was your home, your school, and think ‘today I can step out of my door and say, who is my neighbour, and who can I be helping, rather than what do I need for myself.’”

By giving up something small this month you can help Mission Educate to rebuild the school, offer an education and provide work for teachers and staff to support their families.

Natalie O’Driscoll For more information please call 0411 143 163 or visit missioneducate.org.

Image credit: Amber Haines

17 – 28 April

bleachfestival.com.au @bleachfestival

12 days | 132 incredible art experiences Cabaret | Circus | Dance | Music | Opera | Theatre | Visual Arts PRESENTING PARTNER

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

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Keep it out of landfill with

GECKO

SUPERSYMMETRY Kath Egan 29 March – 12 May 2019

A

community based recycling program for nontraditional items (mobile phones, batteries, printer cartridges, CDs, DVDs) is now available on the Gold Coast. Here’s the rundown so you can get recycling.

Supersymmetry explores ideas of interconnectivity through a network of red threads and a constellation of nails.

OPENING Friday 12 April | 5pm – 7pm All welcome

WHAT? Gecko Recycle supply bright A-frame ‘recycle’ bins to several public locations to collect old batteries, mobile phones, printer cartridges, CDs and DVDs. Deposit your unwanted items in the knowledge that they will be diverted from landfill and repurposed by others. E-waste is also being collected at Gecko House, listed below.

Volunteers sort, count and transport the waste to local businesses who can recover their valuable internal materials.

In six months over 100 kilograms of waste, including 74 mobile phones, has been collected.

GALLERYDOWNTOWN A N N E X E O F T H E T W E E D R E G I O N A L G A L L E RY

Image by Claire Dalton

M|Arts Precinct, cnr Proudfoots Lane & Brisbane Street Open Weekdays 10am – 3pm Sat 10am – 2pm | Closed Thu & Sun Follow @tweedregionalgallery artgallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/GalleryDownTown

WHERE? Find bins at Runaway Bay Centre on the northern end of the coast, The Strand at Coolangatta, Currumbin RSL and Gecko House in the south. More sites are due to come onboard as the project’s momentum builds throughout the city.

Take your e-waste (smaller items of electronic waste) to Gecko House in Currumbin. Students at Currumbin Special School disassemble the items, which then go to SubStation 33 in Brisbane, an electronic waste recycling centre that provides training and employment opportunities.

WHY? The project was initiated by local environmentalist and specialist in sustainability science, Cate Ware. “We need to keep these items out of landfill” she says, “and bring cognisance to their recoverable worth. If left to break down over time, these items can release toxic elements into the environment and potentially the water table.”

More broadly, the conversation about recycling is more public than ever. Our government is slowly but seriously negotiating the complexities and viability of investing into a robust onshore recycling industry (it’s been over a year since China banned the import of most of Australia’s recyclable waste).

While we wait for outcomes, we must continue to work with business and industry towards better waste management practices. Gecko Recycle aims to show that we can create localised systems and models that can be replicated across communities. By keeping stuff out of landfill we promote social and environmental responsibility and show that we take waste seriously too.

Want to know more? Visit gecko.org.au

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Amy Gould

Gallery DownTown is an annexe of the Tweed Regional Gallery, a Tweed Shire Council Community Facility and is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Image: Kath Egan, Supersymmetry 2018.

Timber, felt, cotton thread, tacks, 900cm x 220cm.

Photography by Justin Ealand

CHARLIE REBEL top five tips for touring Japan SCHOOLS the focus of sustainability network

L

ast month, 37 teachers plus a bunch of students and community members gathered for a networking night focussed specifically on sustainability in schools. The networking event was an initiative from the Sustainable Schools Network – a brand new not-for-profit group on the Gold Coast. And it was a warmup of sorts for a much bigger event planned for May.

In partnership with City of Gold Coast and Somerset College, the Sustainable Schools Network is hosting a Sustainability Symposium in May. Founder Katie Norman says, like the networking event before it, interest in the Symposium has been strong.

“All Gold Coast and Tweed Shire schools have been invited,” Katie told Blank Gold Coast, “and we are already over 50% capacity in terms of participant levels.”

Participants at the forum will work towards three key objectives: establishing a common language around sustainability, addressing the 12th Sustainable Development Goal, which is focussed on responsible consumption and production, and building partnerships for sustainable education.

“Students, teachers, grounds staff and school communities are invited to learn, share and develop 21st century skills such as collaboration, communication, responsible citizenship and critical thinking,” Katie said.

“We are looking forward to igniting souls and inspiring change.”

Support from outside the schools community has also been strong. Glenn Tozer, Councillor for Division 9 has thrown his weight behind the event as has Division 11 Councillor Hermann Vorster. City of Gold Coast Water and Waste, Griffith University, Green Cauldron Farm, Bloom Edible Flowers and the Australian Association of Environmental Education are also on board.

“Every Gold Coast school we have connected with have a story to tell,” Katie said.

“Schools are really moving forward with their initiatives and are very interested in sharing the work of dedicated staff and students.

Students particularly have different ways of thinking about things and an openness to persisting and overcoming previous challenges to have successful outcomes.”

But of course the focus of the symposium is on the work of schools and the journey they’re on to achieve sustainability. Silkwood, Palm Beach Currumbin, Somerset College, All Saints Anglican School, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar, Tallebudgera, Banora Point High and Robina High are all sharing their work and Melati Wijsen from the internationally recognised Green School in Bali is a keynote speaker.

“Our overall goal is to be behaviour change agents. Collectively, we see the need to connect schools, teachers, students and communities to build partnerships for sustainable education,” Katie said.

Samantha Morris The Sustainability Symposium takes place Monday 13 May at Somerset College and a range of ticket options (some of which include free bus transport) are available for school groups. Get all the details at bit.ly/ GCschools.

G

old Coast punks Charlie Rebel, with the Torr Brothers at the helm, are about to unleash new album ‘People’s Republic of Earth’ in May, as well as a 12-date Japan tour. They’re celebrating the album’s release with a hometown show before they set sail for Asia. They’re hitting up Vinnies Dive Bar with fellow Gold Coast punks Serial Killer Dinner Party, Cakes, Tokyo Beef and Pretty Cash on Saturday 4 May.

It’s not the first time Charlie Rebel have toured Japan, so ahead of ‘People’s Republic of Earth’ hitting the airwaves we thought we’d ask Chris and Nick Torr to share with other Gold Coast bands their top five tips for hitting the road in Japan.

1. BOOK ACCOMMODATION CLOSE TO SUBWAYS In Japan you travel by trains and subways everywhere you go. So every time you all leave that apartment and head for a show, you seriously don't want to be walking 2km to the train with your gear. Every venue has a decent backline for amps and kit, but long walks from the accom to the stations gets old pretty damn quick man! Your arms will thank you later.

2. LEARN LANGUAGE AND ETIQUETTE BASICS There's not a lot of English spoken in Japan, but you don't need to know everything, just words like thank you, excuse me, sorry, introducing yourself and the classic “I don't understand”. Japanese people are extremely polite. Google translate helps, but you’ll probably need someone that has some basic understanding of the language to book the shows by email. Dos and don’ts will save your ass too. For example, don't eat and walk in

public or stick ya chopsticks in your bowl, just little things like that.

3. RENT OUT POCKET WIFI This one's totally a necessity for bands!

Google maps is going to be your best friend over there. It's sometimes a bit tricky to find the venues and certainly very easy to lose yourself and ya bearings. Rent out a pocket wifi!

4. MOSH TO ALL THE BANDS Boy do Japanese bands love it when you go crazy and start a moshpit! Seriously, don't sit at the back like an old grandpa keeping it low-key, if you get into every band’s show, the response from them when it's your turn to play your set is the same. We've had members from other bands multiple times jumping on stage attempting a stage dive or just going crazy.

5. BE OPEN TO GIVING OUT EPS AND ALBUMS TO BANDS AND FANS All we’ve got to say for this is that it's hard to shift as much merch as you'd realistically like, so having 50 odd more CDs floating around Japan with bands and fans is better than coming back with those 50 CDs you didn’t sell! And you've just made a bunch of new friends and fans of your band. We swapped many albums with bands we played with and always come home with some great new music to listen to.

Samantha Morris ‘The People’s Republic of Earth' is out 1 May (with stunning artwork by Dan Watts) with lead single ‘You Know’ out on 4 April. Charlie Rebel launch their album at Vinnies Dive Bar on 4 April (tickets $10 on the door), followed by a 12-date tour of Japan.

www.blankgc.com.au

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NOITASREVNOC VAC KCIN HTIW RATS-LLA OY WEN(

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SEA ‘N SOUND ‘N STONES

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t’s time to head north for some epic festival shenanigans.

RECORD STORE DAY

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ecord Store Day is a pretty special day for music lovers around the world. With a focus on old school bricks and mortar record stores, it’s a day for people to come together and celebrate the unique culture independently owned record stores play in our communities. The first Record Store Day took place in April 2008 and now, 11 years later, there are stores participating on every continent except Antarctica.

And it’s not just about record store culture, of course, the focus is always on the vinyl.

Record Store Day sees special releases (on CD as well as vinyl) with 60% or more of the official release list coming from independent labels and distributors.

The twelfth annual Record Store Day takes place worldwide, 13 April 2019 and our favourite record store, beatniks is in on the act again.

They’ve scored a huge range of Record Store Day limited releases, they’ll have turntable giveaways and spot prizes of tees, totes and records plus there’ll be onsite screen printing thanks to Screenlab Gold Coast. And, of course, there’ll be music. Beatniks will have a revolving roster of DJs spinning wax all day with funk, soul, rock and electro all getting a look in.

But as with all Record Store Days, it’s all about those little black discs. This year’s list of special releases is mental. Like, 400+ releases kind of mental. It’s too hard to pick out highlights, so I’m just going to share with you some of the releases I’m personally most excited about.

Frank Black’s ‘Teenager of the year’ is being released as a 2LP set with 4500 copies available. Louis Armstrong does ‘Disney Songs the Satchmo Way’ in a RSD exclusive (4200 copies), there’s a Cheech & Chong ‘Up in Smoke’ 7” picture disc, Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’ (2500 copies) and Marty Willson-Piper’s ‘Hanging Out in Heaven’ (just 900 copies).

Artists as diverse as Stereophonics, The Specials, Ramones, Frank Zappa, Tony Joe White, Aretha Franklin, Anderson Paak, Motorhead, Madonna, L7, Janis Joplin, Hockey Dad, Beth Hart, Desmond Dekker, The Doors, Flaming Lips, Buffalo Tom, Jeff Buckley and Bananarama all have special Record Store Day releases. And please do trust me when I say that that’s just the teeny tiny tip of the iceberg.

Check out the full list of special releases at recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases. And get along to beatniks from 9.00am to get your hands on some collectible tunes and celebrate all that is rad about records and the stores who sell ‘em.

Samantha Morris Record Store Day is 13 April. beatniks is in Niecon Plaza, Broadbeach.

Following their biggest years yet in 2018, Sea N Sound Mooloolaba and Stones Corner Festival Brisbane are back to double down in 2019 with another stellar line up to showcase the best of the best.

Sea N Sound, a snapshot of the unique coastal lifestyle of the area, will focus on live original music, local seafood and Australian craft beer to bring a truly affordable event to the Sunshine Coast, bringing together all things that make Mooloolaba such an amazing place.

The event will once again be set at the picturesque location of The Wharf Tavern’s outdoor precinct. This time around, ARIA Award-winning artist Amy Shark will lead the charge, alongside Busby Marou, Didirri, Ali Barter, OKA, Kyle Lionheart, I Know Leopard, Cheap Fakes (pictured) and Livi Robbins, rounding out the festival’s biggest bill yet.

Complete with a vast selection of craft beer, cider, gourmet food offerings and – of course - Mooloolaba’s famous seafood, Sea N Sound continues to cement its place as one of the country’s finest regional festivals, bringing some of the country’s best artists to town on Saturday 8 June. Visit seansound.com.au for tickets.

Back for its sixth year on Sunday 5 May, Stones Corner Festival is stoked to announce a stellar lineup of iconic Aussie bands, featuring festival faves Jebediah, Area-7 and local Brisbane legend Darren Middleton of Powderfinger.

One of Brisbane’s largest and most anticipated annual street parties, the free celebration of the inner-city suburb and its community will bring together great local food, breweries and artisans in support of the MND and Me Foundation, supporting Queenslanders living with Motor Neurone Disease and funding ongoing research.

Live acts will take the stage with electrifying performances from 12pm, and joining the high-energy headliners will be sets from party starters Cheap Fakes, critically acclaimed We All Want To and Townsville punkabilly group The VanKeys, with plenty more acts still to be announced.

The best part? It’s free (apart from a gold coin donation) and all ages. Visit stonescornerfestival.com.au for updates.

Natalie O’Driscoll

THE ROLLERCANES Cost Of Living

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n 2018 Melbourne indie-garage upstarts The Rollercanes cemented their arrival on the Oz musical landscape in the form of their thumping debut album, ‘Less The Love Between Us’. Since then the band certainly can’t be accused of resting on their laurels, continuing to win new converts with their blistering live shows and now dropping a brand new track in the form of ‘Cost Of Living’, which the band will officially unveil on 5 April.

‘Cost Of Living’ sees the rowdy three piece slightly reign in their full throttle tendencies to deliver a more measured, yet no less hard hitting, statement of sonic intent.

The track revels and shines in its impressive use of quiet/loud dynamics, set to a tale of young musos pursuing their passion while dealing with the realities of everyday life and what the future may hold. Commencing in hushed tones, at around the 30 second mark the track literally leaps out of the speakers in a burst of pent up angst before locking into an insistent, mid paced groove which ebbs and flows off the back of its impassioned chorus, thumping groove and fuzzed out guitar attack.

And local fans can officially get excited, with the band set to showcase ‘Cost Of Living’ in the live realm with an upcoming show at Vinnies Dive Bar on 26 April.

Anthony Gebhardt

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GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS set to rock Surfers

BLACK RABBIT GEORGE Charles

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lack Rabbit George is the alter ego of Tijuana Cartel front man Paul George, a band whose high octane, celebratory live shows and eclectic musical output have made them firm favourites across the Gold Coast musical landscape over many years.

Under his Black Rabbit George guise, George channels a somewhat different beast, stripping things back and portraying his more introspective side with a decidedly delicate, roots/folk based musical approach. Think prettily moody, finger picked guitar motifs with ethnic undertones, augmented with dreamy synth flourishes and steadily insistent drum loops, married to a deeply personal lyrical approach which George has described as “ramblings from my head and soul”.

And for his much anticipated debut album, ‘Charles’, these hallmarks are on display in a consistently evocative and memorable manner, delivering an impressively sequenced sonic journey across the album’s seven tracks.

Opening number, ‘Lebensmude’, (a German expression equating to ‘weary of life’), unfurls the sonic palate of Black Rabbit George, a steadily building instrumental incorporating a hypnotic guitar and bass motif. ‘Saline Drip’ invokes misty mountain tops with its ethereal yet insistent strum and throb, its gorgeous folk guitar motifs and insistent drum patterns injected with tastefully subtle synth washes and echo-laden vocals. Meanwhile, ‘Diamond Valley Mushroom’ melds what sounds like an early 80’s drum machine pattern with a funky bass throb and slightly tripped out lyrics, serving as one of the album’s high watermarks.

Across ‘Charles’’ latter half the insistent ‘Bring You In’ ups the tempo while not sacrificing the moody, ethno/Spanish guitar vibes that serve as a consistent calling card across the entire album. ‘Boom To Master’ and ‘Water Colour’ deliver a twin dose of instrumental folk-tronica, and the album departs to the strains of its title track, further showcasing its protagonist’s other key strength, his heart-worn vocal approach and stream-of-personal lyrical concerns, further invoking a wanderlust and yearning spirit inherent in both the album’s grooves and the muse of its creator.

Anthony Gebhardt

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old Coast Music Awards has announced beloved broadcaster, Sarah Howells to MC the 2019 Music Awards alongside an exciting lineup of the region’s rising stars – Casey Barnes, San Mei and Peach Fur – to perform live at the illustrious beachfront event in May.

Taking place at Surfers Paradise on 2 May, the Gold Coast Music Awards is gearing up for another huge year celebrating the vast and varied array of quality music produced from the region.

“The Gold Coast is full of amazing talent, with artists like Bobby Alu and Amy Shark absolutely killing it overseas after getting their start here,” said Sarah Howells, the voice of roots in Australia for almost a decade at triple j and now Double J. Kicking off the 4-day Surfers Paradise LIVE festival, the Gold Coast Music Awards free live concert features 2018 Golden Guitar finalist Casey Barnes, San Mei, fresh off stage from some of the country’s biggest festivals, Falls and Laneway, as well as a SXSW showcase; and indie rock rapscallions, Peach Fur, aka the ‘awesome foursome’ according to triple j Unearthed music director, Dave Ruby Howe.

The Gold Coast has seen national and international exports in Amy Shark, Grammy nominee Fisher, Hollow Coves and

Image by James Wills

Paces in recent years, proving to be fertile grounds for world class music production.

“The Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible depth and diversity of musical talent we have here on the Gold Coast by bringing together the music industry to celebrate both the high profile artists and the quiet achievers,” says Gold Coast Music Awards director, Samantha Morris.

Surfers Paradise LIVE (2 May – 5 May) is a free, familyfriendly festival renowned for presenting an iconic line-up featuring some of the best-known Australian artists, this year including The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus and The Screaming Jets supported by Daryl Braithwaite, Jebediah, Reece Mastin, Thirsty Merc, Chocolate Starfish, Boom Crash Opera, and Bachelor Girl.

Kylie Cobb Tickets are on sale now for the Gold Coast Music Awards, at gcmusicawards.com.au.

QUARTERDECK KITCHEN & BAR 76-84 Waterway Drive, Coomera Ph: 07 5529 7127

KEMURI

3/124 Pappas Way Carrara Ph: 0451 133 996

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t’s always fascinating to find out the story behind a restaurant – how the owners came to be here, the concept they envisaged and how that translates into the restaurant’s menu and daily life.

No journey is more fascinating than that of Kemuri’s owners, Hiroyuki Okubo and his wife Yuki. After coming to Australia twenty years ago, Hiro began his working life in Australia as a waiter, working his way up to sommelier at Paper Daisy and then restaurant and wine consultant at Ten Japanese. Yet, through it all he held onto his dream of owning his own wine bar or restaurant in a thriving dining precinct.

With Yuki as chef, in 2015 the couple had started their own weekend business as a popup stall in Miami Marketta, settling on a more permanent location in a tiny suburban shopping centre at Carrara late in 2018. With the goal to sell to locals, their restaurant’s name, Kemuri, means ‘smoke’ in Japanese.

“Smoke leads to a good smell. You know that something is cooking,” he tells us.

At first glance, the menu looks as simple as the tiny wood-faced venue with whitewashed walls, serving bao, gyoza, Japanese curry and other bowl food (all $15 and under) with a few choices of sides.

But that’s where simple stops!

Our order for a couple of bao, a plate of gyoza and karaage arrives.

I feel the bao, turn it over and then I know: the bao buns are handmade! (One of only three places on the GC to do so, the others being Lucky Bao and Jimmy Wah’s.) They’re a work of love by Yuki, his French-trained chef wife, who spends several hours each morning making the buns (as well as all the sauces).

It takes passion and a little craziness to make bao, a temperamental process that defies consistency, the yeast activity differing according to moisture, humidity and temperature. These buns are soft and fluffy, the softshell crab crunchy, with a tang of homemade chipotle mayo – the perfect antithesis of texture!

The plate of gyoza is joined by a fine biscuitlike layer that snaps as we bite it: ‘Angel

Wings gyoza’, I’m to learn later, made by a special technique used in some specialty gyoza shops in Japan. The karaage also is light and fluffy – the best we’ve had.

“I’ve spent my life in great restaurants and I wanted to do something unique that no one else does,” Hiro tells me the next day as he serves me an intriguing bowl of Tsukemen or dipping ramen: cold noodles with hot soup, their highly addictive next signature dish.

Four dishes. Not just wonderful, but perfect.

Who needs more than this?

“The real secret is using excellent quality fresh ingredients with simple seasoning, no MSG,” Hiro sums up, “Byron Bay free-range pork, free-range chicken from the Glasshouse Mountains. There’s a huge difference in tenderness and flavour of the meat,” he adds.

I think it would be easy to drive past this little place because it looks a little different to the norm, but a willingness to learn can reveal exciting and unexpected surprises.

Give it a go!

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

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ith waterfront dining at a premium on the Gold Coast, it’s surprising that Quarterdeck Kitchen & Bar is still a secret haven, frequented by locals, boaties, and even stars and millionaires.

Quarterdeck boasts one of our best locations, fronting the marina in the heart of the Gold Coast Marine Precinct.

Since purchasing the restaurant in 2017, Kieran Hogue and his wife have undertaken some smart renovations transforming the casual waterfront venue into a beach house, instantly approachable and welcoming.

The new bar is well-stocked with four local beers on tap, cocktails and wine, including several from the local Witches Falls, both ‘Bird Dog’ and their top draw ‘Wild Ferment’ range. They’re also serving Wolff Coffee from Brisbane and organic tea by Chamellia.

Chef Kingsley Saville (ex-Beaches on Tedder) in the kitchen is turning out uncomplicated fresh fare that’s perfectly suited to a waterside location. Changing the menu seasonally, Kingsley makes the most of local produce, including seafood, a winner with coastal diners.

The envy of many, he can buy from the fishing dock right behind the restaurant.

Their plump local trawler King Prawns have been treated with respect, simply grilled with the addition of a seasonal fruit salsa with coriander, radish and avocado, a squeeze of lime, served with crispy tortilla crisps ($23).

Tender squid seasoned in pink pepper is served with a cucumber, mint, coriander and beansprout salad with the bite of chilli nam jim dressing ($19).

In a great rendition of the ever popular ‘Fish and chips with tartare’, Barramundi from Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory has been seared, a pesto crumb crust added before serving with crispy kipfler potato, a rocket and salsa salad with fried capers and a house tartare. The barra, cooked to perfection, is flaky, moist and sweet, having only ever been kept on ice rather than frozen.

There’s also a Fisherman’s Basket on the menu, topping out the lunch list at $28.

We also try a vegan dish - Chickpea falafels with house tomato relish, served with flat bread, hummus, dukkah, watercress and pomegranate, the accompanying eggplant fries adding even more interest ($22). They’re generous serves, a great size to share if you wish, especially if you want to indulge in dessert.

Our meals are vibrant, interesting but not over-worked, salads fresh and light, leaving us with the desire to return and try another meal such as their sweet-potato hash stack topped with avocado and poached eggs for brekkie. Or we might bring friends back for sunset drinks and dinner, Happy Hour from 3 to 6pm Friday to Sunday, or to enjoy Sunday lunch with live music starting at 2pm.

It defies belief that half of the northern GC population is not dining beside us. Instead, it’s our secret haven, with football royalty seated at the next table.

We’re feeling chuffed to have chosen such a top spot for an inconspicuous brush with fame! Come to think of it, this would be a perfect meeting point for a birthday celebration, a wedding, or a ‘Brisbane meets GC’ lunch date!

Or just our next date? Nudge nudge!

NOTE: Blank GC dined as guests of Quarterdeck.

Marj Osborne

www.blankgc.com.au

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HOZIER

Wasteland, Baby

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ans have been waiting with bated breath for Irish singer-songwriter Hozier’s follow up to his 2014 self-titled debut that featured the globally popular ‘Take Me to Church’. Wait no longer. It’s ‘Wasteland, Baby’ and it’s here.

What Hozier’s new offering is most certainly not, is a wasteland.

Peppered with catchy melodies that will make you sing, bluesy tunes with lyrical wisdom for young and old alike, and folksy offerings with a social conscience; the album is rich and fertile.

If there was ever an album that could seem relaxed AND deliberately intense, layered with gospel choir underlays and guitar riffs, this is surely it.

Highlights include the wonderful Mavis Staples on the opener ‘Nina Cried Power’, ‘Almost (Sweet Music)’ which seems to reminisce of great songs shared with a new love, and ‘To Noise Making (Sing)’ which reminded me of the passion with which my young sons embrace a good car singalong. The album closes with a number of more subdued tracks, no less intense, but leaving you with a strong desire to listen on repeat.

Frankly, buy this whole album. I know there’s trend to buy one song at a time these days but that just won’t do with ‘Wasteland, Baby’. Get all 14 tracks. Today.

You can also catch Hozier at Byron Bay Bluesfest over Easter (as well as Mavis Staples too).

Glenn Tozer

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- W AT E RF RO NT DI NI NG

Asho joins

HOTA

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OTA, Home of the Arts, recently announced the addition of a respected industry legend to its team.

Graham Ashton (Asho), is joining the HOTA crew to ramp up the venue’s live music programming through his company, Footstomp Music.

Working in the music industry for over 25 years for independent and major record labels, Asho’s stellar career has seen him work with hundreds of artists including Mumford & Sons, Amy Shark, Robbie Williams, Powderfinger, The Living End, Paul Kelly and the GoBetweeners, to name a few.

He’s also been an essential presence on the judging panel of our own Gold Coast Music Awards for several years.

Asho has now been taken on as HOTA’s contemporary music booker with the mission to elevate its prominence as a leading music venue with its world-class outdoor stage and theatre.

“HOTA has the opportunity to make the Gold Coast the heart of live music in Australia. Working with a worldclass venue in my home town is an incredible and exciting challenge,” said Asho.

Footstomp Music was established in 2010, managing bigname artists like Busby Marou, and has facilitated bookings for Brisbane’s number one venue, The Triffid, since it opened in 2014.

HOTA’s Executive Producer Moira Hay said that Asho will be a great addition to the Home of the Arts team.

“Bringing someone so connected to the music scene into the team is a real coup for us,” she said.

“The success of our live music program to date has shown us that the Gold Coast has a huge appetite for live music.”

In 2018, HOTA presented sell out concerts in their new purpose-built $37.5 million open-air venue by superstar Tim Minchin and music icon, Neil Finn; a residency by legendary avant-garde artist, Laurie Anderson; a night with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra; a pop opera by superstars, Il Divo; and an unforgettable dance party with Ministry of Sound: Orchestrated.

With Asho’s help, HOTA will continue to make its mark on the Gold Coast’s arts and culture scene with their live music programming for 2019 and beyond.

Natalie O’Driscoll For more information, visit hota.com.au.

CHOICE WORDS: A COLLECTION OF WRITING ABOUT ABORTION EDITED BY LOUISE SWINN

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hoice Words, edited by Louise Swinn, is a collection of writing about abortion, told from the hearts of actors, politicians, musicians, activists and writers. Alongside heart-wrenching personal tales and anecdotes from contributors, such as Tanya Plibersek, Claudia Karvan, Tony Birch, Laura Jean and Melissa Lucashenko, the stories also delve into the history and controversy surrounding abortion, as well as the complex issues of legalisation that to this day, exist in many states around Australia.

Among some of the graphic and emotionally raw pieces from contributors (namely Melissa Lucashenko, Laura Jean, Rosie Waterland and Sarah Firth), elements of humour, bittersweet memories and beauty shine throughout their tales. Yet at the same time, fragility and anger also have their place in the personal stories and experiences that they share. The politically-themed and activist contributions, for example those of Caroline de Costa, Shirley Barrett and Samantha Maiden, are downright informative and raise the issue of health care and human rights, two basic ethical principles we should be exercising in Australia, yet in regards to abortion, are not.

In an interview with Editor Louise Swinn, she expressed hope that ‘Choice Words’ brings about dinner table conversations and removes the controversy associated with the word ‘abortion’.

‘I hope men read it and consider what their female counterparts have to go through. I hope women read it and realise they are not alone and that work is underway to make it better and more progressive,’ she said.

‘I also hope that policy makers read it and consider making it front and centre of their policy thinking, as this book is representative of where the majority of the Australian populace is at.’

These are stories that need to be shared and talked about, these are facts, legislation and figures that need to be addressed in parliament. Let’s hope that this is a book that will be more than a memoir, this is a book that will, without a doubt, bring about change.

MOVE WITH BILLY SLATER BILLY SLATER AND MICHAEL CHAPMAN

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n the wake of festive season overindulging and full of New Year’s fitness resolutions, ‘MOVE with Billy Slater’ caught my eye. It is a training book by three-time ‘Australia’s Greatest Athlete’ Billy Slater with the promise of no equipment required and 32 family workouts. A quick flick through confirmed there would be no gym visits, no need for fancy equipment, and it looked challenging enough to keep me interested for eight weeks.

Billy Slater has teamed up with fitness experts to create the MOVE program in a training book to help everyday Aussies improve their overall health and get moving. The workouts are designed for anyone of any fitness level and are capable of fitting in with your life whether you are travelling, at home, in a hotel room, your backyard or park and can also be done anywhere, with no equipment. All you need is you, the book, a small amount of space and a minimum of ten minutes, four times a week. The kids are even encouraged to get involved. Winning.

The book includes fitness, nutrition and motivational tips, pictures of each exercise and is broken down into eight blocks. Each block represents one week and contains four workouts that target specific core muscle groups. You choose the workout intensity and length: a 10-minute burst, a 20-minute or full half an hour session, it’s up to you. The exercises progress over the weeks to keep you interested, too.

As promised, ‘MOVE’ certainly got me out of my sporadic end-of-year exercise rut and moving regularly again. As a result I am feeling more energetic, strong and flexible. The exercises are certainly achievable and challenging enough to feel that post-exercise soreness. One thing I kept thinking while exercising was ‘I just wish I had an app for this rather than having to reference a book’. Normally I love a physical book when reading, but when exercising, I found the book a bit cumbersome. Most definitely worth the read though and experimentation with the program. Go on, get MOVEing, you know you want to.

Simone Gorman-Clark

Prudence Clark

www.blankgc.com.au

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