Blank Gold Coast issue #68 - June 2019

JUN 2019 / #068

CINDY VOGELS

dressing the music

FROM LEARNING NOTES TO PERFORMING ON STAGE The only Gold Coast based Bachelor Degree in Music CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry - Sound Production CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry - Performance 306JA.2 Bachelor of Contemporary Music Practice

COOMERA CREATIVE HUB OPEN DAY 20 JULY 2019, 9AM - 1PM

SEE WHERE TAFE CAN TAKE YOU

DVNA Gold Coast Music Awards 2019 - Song of the Year finalist MUSICIAN

TAFE QLD

DIPLOMA OF SOUND PRODUCTION | CUS50209 BACHELOR OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC PRACTICE | 306JA.2 (IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA)

TAFE Queensland RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 03020E | TEQSA PRV13003

OY WEN(

Dance

Workshop

Photo by David Collins

OITASREVNOC VAC KCIN HTIW ATS-LLA Theatre

13 Jun & 11 Jul

Sat 22–Sun 23 Jun

Hosted by local artist Rebecca Cunningham, Life Drawing combines a muse, live music and magnificent art.

CREATED BY THE FARM

THE CROSSING Two men with a unique bond explore their desire for self-expression through dance.

Music / Talks

Theatre

AF2019 - Andrew Beveridge

LIFE DRAWING

27–29 Jun

THE IRRESISTIBLE

A CO-PRODUCTION BY SIDE PONY PRODUCTIONS & THE LAST GREAT HUNT A child with otherworldly powers sees mysterious lights in the sky. Twin Peaks meets Stranger Things in this darkly funny sci-fi thriller.

Sun 11 Aug

Celebrate the sixties and the iconic Pink Poodle Motel in Surfers Paradise, featuring pop legend Normie Rowe and his band. Devised by Centacare’s inclusive theatre company Running Duck.

LIQUID NIGHTS IN BOHEMIA HEIGHTS

AN EVENING AT THE PINK POODLE

BOOK NOW BOOK NOW

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

Thu 4–Sat 6 Jul

TIM ROGERS’

Tim Rogers as the louche DJ presents special guests, a live quiz, faux sponsors, Poem of the Week, general mayhem, and sweet, sweet music.

Co-presented by Double J.

This project has been supported by LOFT, an initiative of The Blue Room Theatre, and the Western Australian Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. The Irresistible was developed and premiered at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.

JUNE 2 NATURALLY GC PURLINGBROOK FALLS TO APPLE TREE PARK 14km bush trek 6am – 1pm / Suitable for adults with a good level of fitness Gold coin donation facebook.com/ ClubKokodaGoldCoast

JUNE 26 – JULY 7 D’ARCY DOYLE ART AWARDS & EXHIBITION MUDGEERABA MEMORIAL HALL, 62 RAILWAY STREET The Awards and Exhibition showcase the best of Australian art from professionals and up and coming emerging artists – now in its 15th year. darcydoyleartawards.com.au

NATURALLY GC WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS Meet face to face with some of our country’s most stunning wildlife 9.30 – 10.30am & 10.45 – 11.45am Suitable for all ages. eventbrite.com.au/e/naturallygc

SAT 21 SEPTEMBER tickets $55* DOORS OPEN 7.00PM | SHOW STARTS 7.30PM

JUNE 15 ‘BOYD MEETS GIRL’CLASSICAL GUITAR & CELLO ON THE MOUNTAIN SPRINGBROOK COMMUNITY HALL (hosted by the Springbrook Gastronomic Society)

JUNE 28 – 30 MUDGEERABA SHOW SOCIETY IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR THE 91ST MUDGEERABA SHOW Friendly volunteers needed to help out before, during and after the Show. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community as well as meet a variety of people.

Contact Ella on 0401 369 869 if you are interested. mudgeerabashow.org.au/ volunteering-at-the-show

EVERY SATURDAY MUDGEERABA PARKRUN D’ARCY DOYLE PARK, SOMERSET DRIVE 7.00am Free 5km timed run parkrun.com.au/mudgeeraba

ALL YEAR NATURALLYGC KOALA FRIENDS PROGRAM Partnering with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Wildcare Australia, the City has developed a Koala Friends Program which forms a component of the citywide Koala Conservation Plan. Helps inform and empower residents to take action to ensure the long term survival of the koala population across the city.

Learn about koalas and koala conservation initiatives, email updates and invitations to events.. As a ‘Koala Friend’ you will play a vital role in the preservation of the koala population

YS 12 DA ONLY

STINCHCOMBE

& HANEY LEGAL

FREE gchaveyoursay.com.au/koalas

7.00pm springbrookfoodies@gmail.com

buy online rslclubsouthport.com.au www.blankgc.com.au

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and have installed Queensland’s very first commercial container refund scheme reverse vending machine at the popular wildlife sanctuary. Since the installation, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has collected over 500 cans, plastic and glass bottles from the reverse vending machine. For more information, visit currumbinsanctuary.com. au.

Image: Hussy Hicks by Nadia Achilles

CARMODY’S RESTAURANT & BAR WINS ACCOLADE SEAGULLS HOSTS BEYOND THE BLUES Beyond The Blues, held in the iconic Stardust Auditorium, is not only a feast of six bands all on one blues-filled afternoon and night, but every penny raised will be going toward supporting the important work of Beyond Blue. Head over to Seagulls Club on Saturday 22 June to catch Felicity Lawless, 19 Twenty, Little Billie, Urban Chiefs, Salt and Steel and Hussy Hicks Featuring Kristy Lee. Grab your early bird tickets online through the Facebook event or trybooking.com. Just $30 or $35 at the door.

Carmody’s Restaurant & Bar has been recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland as a Best of Queensland Experience, through consistently delivering exceptional service, higher than the Gold Coast average. A Gold Coast beacon for modern Australian cuisine, Chef Nathan Hay aims to support organic agriculture and local businesses throughout the new menu - incorporating dishes such as certified organic lamb rack, served with Jordanian za’atar and smoked eggplant purée.

Visit southportsharks.com.au for more information.

Image: Jacob Davis

Gold Coast Music Awards finalist Chloe Styler has just been announced to perform at the iconic Gympie Music Muster alongside popular American country music maverick, Chase Rice and a cracking lineup of Australian legends including Renee Geyer, Kasey Chambers, The McClymonts, James Blundell, Luke O'Shea and more. Gympie Muster is held 22-25 August in the Amamoor Creek State Forest. More info at muster.com. au.

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BRASS MACHINE BLASTS THE GREAT HALL Surfers Paradise Brass is holding a free concert entitled "Brass Machine" at the Great Hall at Miami High School and will feature the wonderful Miami Sound Machine Big Band. You will get to hear music from jazz, funk, Latin, to swing and vocal chart numbers such as ‘Uptown Funk’, ‘MacArthur Park’ and recent film phenomenon ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. All modern music with some of the best brass players on the coast. Head along on Saturday 22 June from 6.30pm.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2019 APRA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS QUEENSLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL LAUNCHES 20TH ANNIVERSARY MUSIC PROGRAM Queensland Music Festival (QMF) has launched a transformative state-wide program unfolding an unforgettable musical journey through the cities, regions and remote corners of Queensland and celebrates twenty years of bringing the gift of music to all corners of the state. QMF will put on events as diverse as the state itself, from the public spectacle of The Mount Isa Blast, to a choir of thousands joining ‘Help Is On Its Way’ to shine a light on men’s mental health, to public favourite Opera at Jimbour and an original chamber commission to bring attention to Winton’s endangered Night Parrot. QMF runs from 5 to 28 July. Visit qmf.org.au.

Looking for something different? Artemus Events and Dust Temple Currumbin will have you covered in June, starting with the jazz stylings of the Lachlan McKenzie Quintet on 13 June; Australian music icon and master roots-music musician Jeff Lang on 22 June; and an exceptional double bill of Karl S Williams + M.E. Baird on 28 June. Palm Beach Currumbin High School will also see GIG NIGHT on 21 June, where the musical excellence program and other students will present their original compositions. Visit artemus.com.au for more information.

LOCAL COUNTRY CHANTEUSE CHLOE STYLER TO PERFORM AT GYMPIE MUSTER

FAREWELL, SHARK BAR Gold Coast sadly farewelled one of its longest running live music institutions last month with Shark Bar closing its doors for renovations. Owners have indicated that renovations will focus on bistro-style dining, which likely means the city’s home to ratbag punk and indie rock bands will simply cease to exist. The venue celebrated its long history on the Gold Coast with a final hurrah which featured DZ Deathrays + VOIID + Eliza and the Delusionals + Peach Fur + Being Jane Lane + Radolescent and more in what was truly an epic lineup, and perhaps AAABackstage summed it up best by calling it “one of the greatest send offs in history.”

We’re sad to see Shark Bar disappear from the local music scene and hope that the city’s new Music Action Plan encourages other music entrepreneurs to set up new venues catering to those louder, heavier genres.

ARTEMUS BRINGS LIVE WORLD MUSIC TO THE COAST THIS JUNE

CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY PARTNERS WITH SUCCESSFUL RECYCLING COMPANY TOMRA National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has recently partnered with TOMRA, one of the network operators for the Containers for Change deposit scheme

APRA AMCOS has announced the return of the biennial APRA Professional Development Awards, a career boosting initiative which has helped further the musical success stories of Gotye, Fanny Lumsden, screen composer Caitlin Yeo, Morgan Evans, Ainslie Wills, Nick Drabble, Ngaiire, Briggs and many more. Held every two years, the APRA Professional Development Awards aim to create serious opportunities for emerging songwriters and composers. In 2019, the awards prize pool offers nine individual winners $15,000 each to propel their career, plus Audio-Technica M50x Studio Headphones Limited Edition Red and an ‘Aon Wallet’ insurance package including Public Liability, Equipment and Personal Accident cover valued at $3,000 over 3 years. Applications are now open to emerging songwriters and composers and close on 21 June. For more information and to apply, visit apraamcos.com.au/ awards/2019-awards/pda/

2019 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE SCIENCE - MURAL PROJECT

LOCAL ARTIST GOES DEEPER AT D BAR GALLERY JIMMY BARNES ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TOUR WITH HOTA STOP IN OCTOBER Jimmy Barnes has announced his biggest headlining tour of this century – ‘Shutting Down Your Town’ - playing all his classic hits plus highlights from his acclaimed new album, ‘My Criminal Record’. The Shutting Down Your Town Tour will see Jimmy and his band heading across Australia and New Zealand in September, October and November with tickets to all seventeen shows going on sale to the General Public on Friday, 31 May. Catch Barnesy and special guests Jet when they hit HOTA on Sunday 20 October 2019. Tix at hota.com.au.

Artists and creative practitioners are invited to apply for the 4th Artist in Residence Science Program. The Dutton Park State School and the Science and Technology Division of the Department of Environment and Science are collaborating the 2019 Artist in Residence Science Mural Project (2019 AIRS-MP) to progressively transform the internal side of the Queensland Rail Noise Attenuation Barrier located at the school. Submit a quote and draft concept (via QTenders) for a short residency at the Ecosciences Precinct and the nearby Dutton Park State School to install a mural in the school playground. The call closes at 4.00pm on Tuesday 18 June 2019. Visit des.qld.gov.au for full info.

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, Amy Gould, Zac Fahey, Anna Itkonen, Tiffany Mitchell, Nicole Browne, Sarah Tayler, Simone Gorman-Clark, Brendan Shanahan, Gio Siregar, Prudence Clark, Alicia Kent-Rooney, Nadia Achilles, Kylie Cobb, Terry ‘Tappa’ Teece, Trevor Jackson, Glenn Tozer.

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

HUSK DISTILLERS ALL SET TO OPEN THE FARM GATE

GOLD COAST GREEN WEEK IS HERE! Gold Coast Green Week is a curated 10day calendar of environmental events that celebrate our unique natural environment.

The handpicked events showcase the magnificent work that is done to preserve and protect the natural environment through local passion, innovation, research and creativity. Gold Coast Green Week holds 45 participating events hosted by 45 community groups and organisations with events for all ages, and runs from 31 May to 9 June.

Visit goldcoastgreenweek.com for more information.

‘Going Deeper’ is the title of a new exhibition by Gold Coast artist Kellie North, in which she merges traditional photographic techniques with digital art to produce painterly images. Each individual image in the exhibition is of a female, reflective of the artist herself, laying dormant in a body of water, weightless and free, purposefully photographed from above to allow the viewer the feeling of staring down at themselves into their own reflection. The introspective works will be on display at D Bar from 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week, until 10 July.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2019 NIMAS Nominations are now open for the 2019 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) signalling the beginning of the sixteenth year of the event providing a welldeserved platform for First Nation’s talent in Australia, raising Indigenous music to grand new heights. The awards will return to Darwin’s iconic Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 10. The public and industry are encouraged to nominate any Indigenous album or single released after June 1, 2018 for inclusion in this year’s awards by visiting indigenousmusic.com.au.

It’s all systems go at the soon-to-beopened Husk Farm Distillery, Tumbulgum Northern NSW. Husk is the creative brainchild of the Messenger family, who dreamed of creating a plantation distillery on their cattle and cane farm with Wollumbin - aka Mount Warning - as the backdrop. Their Ink Gin hit the market with a bang, with people at home and abroad embracing the smooth Australian taste and quirky colour change of the butterfly pea (from blue to purple) when you add tonic. Situated in the Green Caldera’s natural food bowl, the cocktail and café menus at Husk will showcase local produce, along with Blackboard coffee, gin and rum infused chocolates, local cheese/charcuterie boards and tasting paddles made from old barrel staves. It’s all happening. Visit huskdistillers.com for more.

Front Cover: Cindy Vogels by Photography by Bambi.

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.

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VALE DEAN COGLE, GOLD COAST ARTIST I

first met Dean Cogle on a beachside balcony in Miami around 2008.

We drank beers overlooking some fibro shacks of the kind that featured regularly in his artistic work. We spoke at length about the ongoing destruction of these coastal icons from the city’s built landscape and mourned the loss of part of our historical identity. Some of those houses Dean captured have since been heritage listed and preserved for their architectural and social significance.

Most of them, though, stand only in the striking images that Dean captured.

Dean told me many stories about his time working as a graphic artist creating murals for the city’s live music venues in the 80s and 90s. He founded a local portrait prize and he painted nude models with the kind of sensitivity and creative flair that only he could combine. When I first volunteered to sit as a model for a life drawing class, Dean offered the most useful advice of anyone about what made a great life model and what made a great life drawing. “It’s all about the torque,” he told me, amongst other pearls of wisdom. And then he showed up at the class for no other reason than to gift me a drawing of myself being brave in front of 30-odd strangers.

Over the years I sat in conversation with Dean many, many times and I regret not capturing those discussions. Indeed, we’d planned to get together last month so I could capture his life story but sadly that didn’t eventuate.

Dean passed away with his family by his side on 9 May and the city’s arts community is keenly mourning their loss.

Dean has been described as a “stalwart” of the Gold Coast creative community and it’s timely that HOTA – Home of the Arts has opened a retrospective exhibition of Dean’s work.

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Dean Cogle made a phenomenal impression on the city’s cultural landscape, working as an artist here for some 40 years, moving to the Gold Coast in 1979 to take on airbrushing work at Hot Stuff Surfboards.

Since that time, Dean had a hand in graphic design, art directing, illustration and print production. He’s painted silos and naked bodies alike, designed advertisements, hung exhibitions, founded art prizes and produced murals as well as marketing material.

He worked with companies such as The Playroom, Mt Woodgee, Brothers Nielsen and Town and Country Surf and airbrushed surfboards for the likes of Rabbit and Kong.

He was commissioned by many corporations – large and small – to create pieces of art that hang in foyers and lobbies. For years, he ran his own gallery in Koala Park called ‘Departure Lounge’.

But what Dean Cogle will be best remembered for (at least artistically), are his depictions of the city’s drive-by icons.

Motor inns, businesses, motels and the once ubiquitous fibro beach shacks that dotted the Gold Coast’s shores all influenced Dean’s art in recent decades. He created paintings of buildings that many people connected deeply with – often because of their modest normality. Dean’s photo-realistic works all seem familiar because they are. We remember buildings just like that. Living in them, driving past them, renting them

when we left home and finally, seeing them sometimes driven away on the back of trucks in the middle of the night.

Dean’s well-known and much-loved ‘Miami Ice’ painting captures both a lost physical asset as well as a specific time for the Gold Coast. He’s created stunning paintings of The Playroom, the Cecil Hotel and other residential homes that are both iconic and mundane in their everyday features. Those images hang in the HOTA Gallery as part of the retrospective exhibition that runs until 30 June.

Philip Follent was the city’s inaugural architect, and he knew Dean Cogle for nearly 25 years. He’s the co-chair of Gold Coast Open House and President of SWELL Sculpture Festival. If anyone understands the nostalgic value of architecture and how Dean’s art captured that, it’s Philip.

Philip told me that he met Dean after an art show in Coolangatta where he’d bought one of his paintings.

“I had to collect it from his unpretentious digs nestled in a lush setting right off a busy road,” Philip explained. “He seemed to have created a ‘Gauganishly’ idyllic oasis to nurture a creative but unpretentious lifestyle.”

Philip said Dean’s eye for the architectural essence of building form, character and colour enabled him to portray beach shacks,

50s motels and signage with a freshness they would only have enjoyed when new.

“His caricature depiction of the built environment gave a legitimacy to the Gold Coast’s quintessential holiday history,” Philip said.

“It is a skill to convey through the flatness of two-dimensional depiction and solid colour, the richness of a subject.”

Philip said that while Dean was adept at subtle, tonal and figurative representation it was disciplined, drafted precision evident in much of his work that made him a sought after artist for architects and patrons wanting illustrations of buildings that were neither photographic nor sketch. He also praised Dean's clever licence of colour choice.

"Bold interpretations and stretched limits of the greens and blues of foliage mark an individuality of style.”

The work resonates with a broad audience because it brings to life images of times and places with which we are familiar.

Dean’s focus on the city’s unique 50s, 60s and 70s history is an invaluable documentation and legitimisation of the modest yet unashamedly Gold Coast heritage of holidaymaking… colourful and bold.

Dean will be sadly missed by his friends and peers in the arts and surf communities and we send our deepest condolences to his partner Sharyn and Dean’s children.

Dean's impact on the city's cultural landscape will be felt for generations.

Samantha Morris

HOTA’s retrospective exhibition, featuring the work of Dean Cogle runs through until 30 June. Dean Cogle: Beyond Nostalgia is a timely retrospective exhibition that will now double as a wonderful celebration of Dean Cogle’s life’s work.

CINDY VOGELS: dressing the music Q

ueensland fashion label Racy & Lucky was literally born overnight. Owner and designer Cindy Vogels was engaged as a contributing designer for Lady Gaga via Brandon Maxwell studios in New York. She was working on her second drop of headpieces and used some original clothing designs in the photo layouts and those original designs caused a scene in New York with Lady Gaga’s team insisting the clothing travel with the headpieces.

SO WHO IS SAINT LANE, EXACTLY? I

f you’re into Gold Coast music at all, chances are you’ve popped onto social media recently and seen one of the city’s favourite musical sons hip-hopping his way around the streets of LA in a brightly coloured outfit, to a track named ‘Compliment My Shirt’. Said favourite son is none other than Lane Harry, of Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell fame, currently going by the lyrical moniker Saint Lane.

Far from saintly, the lyrics of Lane’s latest offering ‘Compliment My Shirt’ traverse the depths that he had to descend to, in order to stay financially solvent while a poor university student on the Gold Coast. Let’s just say it involved the exchange of cash for illicit substances – but all in the name of artistic licence, of course.

“It’s all just creative licence, it’s just a song, just things that rhyme,” Lane insists, to anyone who feels like coming a-knocking.

Fortunately, the only people beating down Lane’s door have been music industry juggernauts. Following the runaway success of Lane x Ike’s 2017 hit ‘The Dash’, major labels began shooting through offers. With no new music in the works and with Ike not far away from taking an extended overseas trip, the duo agreed that Lane would head to Sydney solo to work with producer Danny Duke on coming up with some more songs. As it turns out, this was the right place, at the right time.

Popular bands, soloists, DJs, karaoke, trivia, kids activities and special events… there’s so much entertainment on offer at Sharks!

southportsharks.com.au

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“Dan got called into a session with a big name rapper and producer who were working on a track together, and he asked if I wanted to come along. And I ended up, totally unplanned, writing some lyrics and working on the track.

Then this great industry songwriter Dutch Duke [no relation] really liked what I was doing in the session and suggested the three of us get together and work on some tracks.”

The resulting single ‘Zip Code’ took off worldwide, and Lane and Ike decided to put the duo’s record deals on ice while Lane flew down and made a whole solo album with the Dukes.

“We actually made the whole album in February 2018, but I got an offer from a label that took six months to finalise, which is why the release was so delayed.”

Now finalised but with the label not yet able to announced (it’s a biggie), the deal includes several releases, and bagged Lane a trip to America to shoot the colourful video for ‘Compliment My Shirt’ as well as the single covers, and best of all, the chance to work with Kanye West’s production team. With Kanye being Lane’s biggest idol, it was a surreal experience.

“It was really sick actually, just being in that room!” he explains. “I’ve seen so many photos and videos of him around the place. I’m like the closest I’ve ever been to Kanye, and I know everyone that is in his circle.”

Speaking of circles, it feels like things aren’t only heading upwards for Lane, but coming full circle as well.

“So years ago, in 2015, I did a freestyle rap video where I said ‘Call me Saint Lane like I play from New Orleans’, and it always stuck in the back of my mind. So when we wanted to rebrand I thought Saint Lane would be cool. Then it turned out [the label] chose to shoot all the single covers in New Orleans.”

Now back home, Lane is busy putting together a new winter wear merch line he has designed for his label, doing random stand up comedy gigs for fun and spending all of his cash on “dumb shit”. (“My financial advisors hate me,” he declares.) Let’s just hope he doesn’t have to go back to his old (imaginary!) uni job. Most excitingly, he’s awaiting the release of the next single, ‘Sugary Sweet’.

“I think it’s the best song I’ve ever made. It basically sounds like ‘Compliment My Shirt’ on cocaine. It’s very intricate and really, really intimate. And there are some really sick features on it as well, with really cool people.”

Be sure to keep your ears peeled, Gold Coast.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Lane plays next in Sydney for VIVID Live on 6 June.

Keep up with his socials for new music and other exciting announcements.

Lady Gaga wearing Cindy Vogel's custom headpiece (with Tony Bennett)

“I had to create branding and a business identity overnight,” Cindy said, “I only had a small millinery label back then.”

“Racy & Lucky became the dream business that I probably never saw coming.”

Five years on, Cindy’s label specialises in “dressing the music”.

“Empowering women in music, seeing them be the best and brightest, not copying anyone not following trends, designing for the brave individuals who make up the landscape of women in music here in Australia,” she says.

Since launching Racy & Lucky, Cindy has dressed Doolie, Emily Wurramara, Rackett, Ella Fence, Kirsty Lee Akers, Christy Lamb, Missy Lancaster and Tia Gostelow as well as MCs, artists and guests attending Queensland Music Awards, the ARIAs, Gympie Muster, Deni Ute Muster, CMC Awards, Groundwater Festival, Golden Guitars, Calgary Stampede (Canada), Australian Music Week, Bleach* Festival, Splendour in the Grass and Woodford Folk Festival.

And for the first time this year, Racy & Lucky was also a creative partner for the Gold Coast

GCMA Director Chloe Popa said she was surprised at how easy the creative process was.

“During my high school years, I actually developed my first fashion label which was only available to the public via a ‘tres alternate’ boutique in Surfers Paradise called Return II. The clothes were all one-off designs targeted at the ‘underground rave scene’ which I was too young to enjoy.”

“We’re very passionate about sustainability and especially slow fashion, so our major concern with engaging a designer was around the wearability of the clothing once the Awards were over,” Chloe said.

“By the time I was old enough to actually get into clubs it was a real high to see my design pieces at mega raves in Brisbane and on the GC, knowing people had spent their money to purchase them.”

“And while we wanted to look amazing, we also had to consider functionality. Unlike a lot of awards events, our team are both backof-house and front-of-house. While we need to dress for the red carpet, we also walk more than 10km that day, so practicality is key.”

“I also ended up studying Fashion Design at Gold Coast TAFE which was very cool.”

Music Awards, dressing the three directors as well as MC Sarah Howells and publicist Kylie Cobb.

Cindy says working with the Gold Coast Music Awards was a special experience.

Cindy’s process involved working with the team to ascertain individual style and a common theme. Together, they settled on gold – the colour of the Skull Murphy trophies used for the 2019 Awards event.

“Working with Sarah Howells and the Gold Coast Music Awards team was a dynamic ride topped off with warmth and professionalism and the two highlight events at Skypoint and the Awards were fabulously fun,” she said.

The first step was agreeing on a basic design.

Pants suit for Chloe, retro dress for Amanda, everyday skirt for Sam. And then it was on to fabric.

“We always endeavor to be unique, as it's the most powerful way to stand out from the crowd and make your mark whilst being the best version of yourself.”

“The day I went out fabric sourcing I actually had gold skulls on my mind,” Cindy said, “and there they were in the fabric offerings, it often goes that way for me with sourcing the materials for our clients in music.”

“Racy & Lucky is about celebrating our incredible clients as the unique individuals they are which we achieve by providing them with handcrafted slow fashion, designed and made here in Queensland.”

Gold Coast Music Awards team wearing custom Racy & Lucky collection. Image: Lamp Photography

After the designs and fabrics had been locked in and all five ladies had provided their measurements, Cindy started piecing together the collection from afar with one fitting session taking place a month prior to the event and another final fitting taking place onsite on the day of the Awards.

Chloe said the experience was also special for the Gold Coast Music Awards team.

Being involved in the Gold Coast Music Awards isn’t the only connection this Gympie-based designer has with the city.

Previously, Cindy filmed a national TV commercial for a soft drink while in high school and shot a bunch of TV ads here before graduating school after which she says she “literally ran away to the GC to work, play and grow up too fast.”

“To be honest, we were all a bit

nervous about putting our clothing in the hands of someone we didn’t know very well,” she said. “But by the time the Awards had rolled around, Cindy just felt like part of the team.”

“The whole process, from brainstorming our individual designs, through to fabric selection and fittings was simple and straight-forward and Cindy did an amazing job of taking into account our personal style and practical needs.”

“We really are lucky we had someone of Cindy’s caliber working with us for the event,” she said. “To top it all off, we discovered we had a shared passion for conservation and social justice, which makes our collection of clothing even more special.”

Nicole Browne and Samantha Morris

Check out Racy & Lucky at racyandlucky.com

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ATTICUS CHIMPS: IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

T

he last time we chatted with amped-up locals Atticus Chimps, they’d just detonated a pair of cracking singles in the form of ‘Bee Stung Lips’ and ‘Lead, Pretend’. At the time the boys mentioned that they were keen to continue to drip-feed us with new music over the coming months. And keeping true to their word, the grungy-rockers have just delivered a punchy new number in the form of ‘Your Direction’. The track continues with the band’s recent musical trajectory, delivering a rifftastic, grunge infused fist pumper that is sure to get live audiences frothing and moshing.

There’s also been a recent shift in the band’s line up, which you can read about as part of a recent chat we had with the Chimpy duo just prior to them heading off on a quick May tour to showcase their chops to our southern rock brethren.

Since our last chat you’ve scaled back from a three piece to a duo.

What’s the story with that?

Our previous bassist is a med student currently residing on the Sunshine Coast.

Between his job commitments and the two hour commute, it just became too much of a burden on the band, so we had to part ways. We'd been toying with the idea of being a two-piece for a while though.

Considering what you can do with loop and octave pedals now, the necessity of a bassist/guitarist combination isn't quite as

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paramount to a bands overall sound as it once was.

Can you put us in the picture in regards to your cracking new single ‘Your Direction’?

It was written last year and is indicative of the kind of direction we're aiming to take our music - more hard rock/heavy riffs as opposed to soft/pop-punky vibes, although there will always be remnants of that style in our music. It was recorded last month at Airlock Studios in Brisbane, which is owned and operated by former Powderfinger guitarist Ian Huang - how's that for a name drop, eh?

Have you been working on any other new recorded material?

We've got loads of songs in the works. It's just a matter of fleshing them out, getting them tight and then heading into the studio and recording them. It sounds a simple enough task but it can take months. We're aiming to have a double single release in September along with another tour, and then rinse and repeat with new songs until we kick the bucket. We aint stoppin'…

What’s in store for the band over the coming 12 months?

Record beats, tour, repeat.

Record beats, tour, repeat.

Record beats, tour, repeat…

Atticus Chimp have just wrapped up an East Coast tour in support of their new single, ‘Your Direction’, which is out now, with more new music and live dates to follow a bit later in the year.

Anthony Gebhardt

BELLO WINTER MUSIC: SHINING A LIGHT ON JESS RIBEIRO

A

cclaimed Melbourne singersongwriter Jess Ribeiro, who has just released her dynamic third long player, ‘LOVE HATE’, will be one of the many highlights at this year’s Bello Winter Music, a delightful boutique festival experience now into its fifth year and taking place in the quaint countryside surrounds of Bellingen, NSW from 11 – 14 July.

With ‘LOVE HATE’, Jess Ribeiro has taken a bold step forward into an expansive musical terrain, her stripped back, swampy, roots rock stylings of previous albums evolving into a swirling vortex of emotive indie and late 70’s art-rock unwind. It’s a highly impressive coming of age that is sure to be one of the finest releases emanating from this country in the year of 2019.

In the lead up to her appearance at Bello Winter Music, we got the chance to have a few words with Jess.

First up, congratulations on the new album.

Are you pleased with how it turned out? And has the past four years between albums been building to this evolution of your musical direction?

Thank you. I’m happy with the album. It was made in a short space of time, two years ago.

It was a natural progression, which then took another two years to come it out.

You teamed up with NZ producer Ben Edwards for this record (who’s overseen great works by those precociously talented New Zealanders Aldous Harding, Marlon Williams and Nadia Reid.) How did you end up working with him?

Marlon Williams’ manager suggested I work with Ben. I spoke with Ben on the phone, loved the sound of his voice and we went

Image by Claire Dalton

from there. Ben’s produced and assisted in the engineering of the record. That was his role and I’ll forever be grateful.

You spent some time in Berlin during the creation of the record. Is it as creatively fertile as is typically portrayed? And how did your collaboration with Alexander Hacke, of German industrial music pioneers Einsturzende Neubauten, come about?

The Collaboration with Alexander Hacke came about through Mick Harvey. Mick produced my last record, ‘Kill it Yourself ’ and put me in touch with Alexander. Berlin was a time filled with great debauchery, however, I did lots of writing and took to working with Alexander quite seriously.

Are you looking forward to playing the upcoming Bello Winter Music and who else on the bill are you particularly looking forward to catching?

I grew up near Bellingen and spent lots of time going to music festivals there as a teenager. So it will be very special to go back to the old stomping ground to see family and old friends. There’s so many great artists I’m looking forward to seeing including Laura Jean, Nadia Reid and many more.

Anthony Gebhardt

Jess Ribeiro will be performing at this year’s Bello Winter Music, taking place in Bellingen between 11 – 14 July. Jess will be appearing on 13 + 14 July. Other quality acts on the bill include Nadia Reid, Tammi Savoy and The Chris Cosello Combo, Laura Jean, Lloyd Spiegel, Bullhorn, Vaudeville Smash, Horns Of Leroy and The Mammas.

Tickets and info at bellowintermusic.com.

Jess is also playing a headline show of her own at The Bearded Lady, in Brisbane, on 12 July.

Where could you go?

Take your next step towards a career in music with one of Australia’s leading young universities.

You will learn in state-of-the-art music studios, guided by lecturers who are practicing musicians with strong industry links.

Our students benefit from practical experience, performing at local venues and having access to artists and producers at music events such as Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay Bluesfest and Falls Festival.

Find out more today ourcourses.scu.edu.au or call 1800 626 481

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19

The Gold Coast’s most exciting new music, curated by Zac Fahey & Samantha Morris ATTICUS CHIMPS WILL TEAR YOU A NEW ONE

HOT COFFEE PAVE THEIR OWN WAY

Gold Coast’s loudest two-piece Atticus Chimps have turned it up to 11 once again with the huge sounding latest single ‘Your Direction’. Riffing distorted guitars, mean sounding drums and gravelly vocals set the scene for this head banger as it charges along channelling 90’s grunge to a tee. It’s the type of track that would fit seamlessly onto an early Silverchair album. There’s no prize for guessing that Atticus Chimps really shine in a live setting.

Hot Coffee don’t seem to be following any Gold Coast music scene trends with their new single ‘Elephant In The Room’. The track offers a refreshing break from the typical fuzzed-out guitars and sun-kissed psych rock that the GC is becoming known for, bringing a unique blend of hip-hop influenced electronica to our sandy shores. The track’s simple, glitchy beat is layered with an oriental style synth hook and free-flowing vocal parts; an unlikely but super effective mix of sounds.

Part of a recent project called ‘one day songs,’ where the band produced and released multiple tracks in a single day ‘Elephant In The Room’ oozes spontaneity and has a real effortless feel to it.

HELLO, FROM BANKS OF THE BEAUTIFUL Lou Star with her partner in crime Guy Cooper, have released another pretty pop track in the form of ‘Hello’. The duo, who make up Banks of the Beautiful, released ‘Hello’ just prior to joining acts like Jebediah and The Living End on the Surfers Paradise LIVE lineup in May. Lou is the queen of power pop, balancing her music endeavours while running her own mobile coffee van here on the GC. ‘Hello’ is a rollicking poptastic tune, destined to be an earworm.

It’s out now.

ELIZA AND THE DELUSIONALS DO MORE THAN JUST EXIST Recently signed to Cooking Vinyl, local rockers Eliza and the Delusionals continue their trajectory with the release of new track ‘Just Exist’. Another perfect slice of indie rock, with enigmatic frontwoman Eliza Klatt wielding powerful vocals and wailing guitar, ‘Just Exist’ continues the band’s steady rise through Australian music ranks. It really seems like Eliza and the Delusionals can do no wrong right now - with a solid roster of headlining and support gigs as well as killer tracks connecting with large audiences, these darlings of the local scene are destined for big things.

THE OOGARS UNVEIL SCREAMY VIDEO Channelling surf rockers from days of yore, The Oogers are winning over hearts and minds at a rapid rate. Their blend of dreamy harmonies and psych-surf-guitar oozes confidence and maturity belying the fact that they’ve only released one song. They’ve honed an energetic live show and already clocked up massive supports for acts like Donny Beney and New York’s BOYTOY and that was all despite not having an official release until ‘Scream’. And it’s that track that they’ve just released a video for.

It features real 8mm shots as well as digital fills capturing the fun, energetic and carefree message conveyed in the track. Watch these ladies, they’re headed for big stages in the next year or so.

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STRAIGHT INTO YOUR ARMS FOR SUPER NUDIST WITH EP ON THE WAY Four-piece Super Nudist have released ‘Straight Into Your Arms’, a melodic rock number, showing maturity both lyrically and musically with a touch of Death Cab for Cutie vibes for good measure. They’re just been in the studio ready to launch their EP in late June and if this lead track ‘Straight Into Your Arms’ is anything to go by, it’s bound to be a corker. Super Nudist are performing at Currumbin Pub on 31 May alongside Anarchy Hearts.

NEW LIVE VIDEO FOR LEOPOLD’S TREAT Gold Coast folk favourites Leopold’s Treat have released a new video, capturing a live performance of their song ‘Children of the Sun’. It’s a beautiful video, filmed

by James Wills (Shots Fired By James Wills) at a community gathering the band pulled together at Providence Farm Hall in Beechmont. It’s the first of two clips produced from the event. You can check it out on Youtube.

BIG IN JAPAN

PURE MILK DELIVERS ODE TO PALMY Latest single from five-piece Pure Milk is a socially-conscious ode to one of the Gold Coast’s prettiest and grittiest suburbs – Palm Beach. With indie garage rock, stilted punky guitars and a healthy dose of youthful exuberance, ‘Palm Beach’ is one part indie rock, one part slacker rock. We’re loving the sound these guys are making and their DIY ethic to creating music. ‘Palm Beach’ is out now.

yourself a vague etching of what these guys are all about. Their raucous live show is led by charismatic front man Kai James, backed by his Aunty Liss pounding away on the drums and completed by brothers Jayden and Coby Williams on lead guitar and bass respectively. ‘Zachariah’s Third Eye’ was said to have been written in a matter of minutes in Kai James’s kitchen. Keep an eye on the band’s social media accounts to see what else is cooking.

SCUZZY PUNK LORDS DROP MASSIVE DEBUT ALBUM

AMELA CHANNELS BOSNIAN ROOTS

Radolescent are by far one of the most hyped Gold Coast bands of 2019 and for good reason. After recently tuning heads with their high energy live show at the Gold Coast Music Awards afterparty the band have continued to dazzle with the release of their excellent debut album ‘Prehab’. The record was co-produced by two legends of the local scene Mark Duckworth and Brad Hoskings before being sent to Dan Walker at Submarine Studios in New York for mixing and mastering. The all-star team behind the recording process did a great job of leaving the band’s raw sound intact, still keeping them a little rough around the edges as a scuzzy punk rock band like Radolescent should be kept. Track two ‘The Other Side’ is a brutal, riff-heavy ode to the “Save Our Spit” movement featuring an audio grab from a protest chant. Another album highlight ‘406; brings some vocal pop sensibilities into the mix while the fast paced ‘Locked Up’ is a classic punk chant about having a loose house party. It’s safe to say that ‘Prehab’ is all killer no filler. You can catch them killing it on stage, 28 June at The Northern in Byron.

Amela has been a fixture amongst the local music scene for a number of years, playing in several different bands and performing her own solo material. The 2017 release of album ‘Somewhere In Between’ solidified her as a prominent figure within local indie-pop circles after it received critical acclaim and national radio play. However, Amela’s latest offering ‘Slow Motion’ takes a completely different direction. Channelling her Bosnian heritage the songstress trades acoustic guitar and piano for electronic effects and a Turkish nay flute. ‘Slow Motion’ was originally written as part of a world music compilation project called Music Masala hosted by Brisbane’s Radio 4EB, a station that celebrates local ethnic musicians and cultures. It also coincided with Amela joining Brisbanebased Bosnian folk band 'Cardak’. Although this musical change is very different for Amela, there is one thing that remains consistent, her distinct vocals and her ability to write an extremely catchy song.

Horns to the sky! Charlie Rebel have released their heavily anticipated debut album ‘The People’s Republic Of Earth’ and it’s a beauty. Recorded at Serotonin Studios with local music champion Guy Cooper (who doubles as the band’s bass player) the album is a fast-paced onslaught of punk, ska and anti-establishment themes. In true punk style the ten-track record gets the job done in just over 30 minutes. Highlights include the opener ‘Painted Numbers’, the NOFX inspired ‘You Know’ and the Greenday-esque throwback ‘Kid’. If you were in Japan in May you would have caught Charlie Rebel on their 12-date tour of the country, a place where they’ve cultivated quite the hardcore following with their high-energy live shows.

Check out charlierebel.com for more info on the album and upcoming Gold Coast tour dates.

A BAND TO KEEP YOUR THIRD EYE ON Girl and Girl have certainly made an impact with their first official single ‘Zachariah’s Third Eye’. The track bursts into action after three quick drum hits demanding you drop everything and listen. Their sound has been described as “70s Aussie rock meets David Bowie”, meet that again with current Melbourne band Flowertruck and you have

WHAT GOES DOWN THE COSMIC DRAIN? Syrup, Go On’s new track ‘Don’t Go (Riding Down The Cosmic Drain)’ is even more wonderful and multi-layered than its title.

The rich production and beautiful harmonies stand out straight away as the song takes the listener on a real cosmic journey, reminiscent of something The Flaming Lips would release or a Tame Impala track. Frontpeople Liz Dick and Tom Briese have nailed their vocal sound on this one, singing together while showcasing both voices in a shoegaze version of an Angus and Julia Stone hit. ‘Don’t Go (Riding Down The Cosmic Drain)’ is the first single from the band’s forthcoming selfproduced album which is set for release in June. Check the band’s socials for upcoming album tour details and while you’re there take a look at the video for this track, it will definitely take you riding down the cosmic drain.

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AMY SHARK: HUMBLE AND HAPPY A

my’s running late when we speak on the phone. She’s half way through a national tour with sold out shows all over the place so the interviews have been back-to-back. Despite national and international TV appearances and covers of fancy magazines and national tabloids, Amy’s still got time for local grassroots media and we’re pretty stoked she found 15 minutes for a quick chat.

“Oh man, it’s pretty brutal. It’s full on,” she says about the media schedule. “But, like I’m talking about my music. It’s the easiest topic and my favourite topic. I cannot complain.”

It’s not even been three years since ‘Adore’ was released independently by Shark, but Amy has toured relentlessly since the track was so widely acclaimed by fans and industry alike. This national tour seems a little different though. For a start, it’s already much bigger than her ‘Love Monster’ tour. Amy is playing venues she only ever dreamed about.

Last tour she played The Tivoli and The Forum, this tour it’s Riverstage and Margaret Court Arena.

Tickets & info | artemus.com.au

JUNE 13th

Lachlan McKenzie QUINTET

JUNE 22nd

Jeff Lang JUNE 28th

M.E. Baird & Karl S Williams [ TIME ] Tour

Image by Nadia Achilles

as she could. That got us wondering whether she had ever thought about what might happen if that wave ever petered out. If the shine wore off? Amy said that was actually what kept her motivated.

“That’s sort of what drives me,” she said. “I know there’s going to be heaps of young guns and my goal is to get in a position where I’m not threatened.”

“I have my own fans and my music speaks for itself and if someone comes along and they’re the next Amy Shark then they deserve it… or maybe at that point my songs are shit and I’m a washed-up old woman,” she laughed.

“I’m confident with the new stuff and confident with the old stuff and I have a great team around me. I’m actually excited when I hear good songs on the radio from new artists. That inspires me. It makes you want to work harder and stay in the game.”

And that work ethic is paying off and then some. Amy’s accolades are racking up in a serious way.

“These venues, they’re just so much bigger than I ever expected,” Amy said. “The other night when we were at Margaret Court [Arena], I’m at soundcheck and people are setting up. There’s a crew of like I don’t know how many people. And Brad [Hosking] said to me, ‘it’s crazy, when you think about it, all these people here working for you’, there’s catering and there’s this and that. I feel a bit ridiculous.”

APRA Awards, ARIA Awards, Queensland Music Awards and Gold Coast Music Awards all take pride of place in Amy’s living room – in an “old and crusty” trophy cabinet she bought after her first win –a 2016 Queensland Music Award for Pop Song of the Year for ‘Golden Fleece’. At this year’s Gold Coast Music Awards, Amy took out three categories and as a result of winning Artist of the Year for three years running, Amy will also be inducted into a new Gold Coast music hall of fame.

“I still have that kind of feeling in my body that I’m not that person.

Everyone’s fussing over me but I’m not that kind of person.”

“That was the biggest week,” Amy said. “There were just so many people writing to me. Everyone I’d ever known reached out that week. People I went to high school with and old teachers. Gold Coast is such a beaut hub of support for me. And I just felt like, one day I’ll be this old lady with grandkids and I get to know that I was the first [to be inducted into the hall of fame]. It’s very special to me.”

Last time we caught up with Amy it was for a photoshoot overlooking the Gold Coast skyline from Burleigh Hill and she joked then that she had to ride this wave for as long 22

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Samantha Morris

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

JULY 5th

Tully John & Liza-Jane EMBERS Single Tour

JULY 11th

Danny Widdicombe

WITH TRICHOTOMY QMF Launch Show 'Between The Lines'

JULY 18th

YOUKALI

Andrew Veivers & Kacey Patrick

AUGUST 9th AUGUST 10th

Laurence Hobgood & Rhiannon

USA | Australian Tour #liveatdust #jazzatdust #folkatdust #bluesatdust #worldatdust

LIVE AT DUST TEMPLE

54 Currumbin Creek Road

JUNE THURSDAY 30 MAY BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince

Tiki Taane + P-Digsss | Parkwood Tavern (Ticketed) Deck Acoustics: Michael Eotvos (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

MONDAY 3 JUNE

SATURDAY 8 JUNE

Marco (Covers) | Southport Sharks Wintersun 2.0 | Hastings Point

Kayso Grande + Alisha Todd | Miami Marketta Gerry Joe Weise + Grubfest day 1 | Eddie’s Grub House

The Whitlams + Bob Evans | Miami Marketta (Ticketed)

Young Hearts Run Free | HOTA (Ticketed)

TUESDAY 4 JUNE

Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

APIA Good Times tour: Vika & Linda Bull + Brian Cadd + Joe Camilleri + Kate Ceberano + Russell Morris + Ross Wilson + John Paul Young | Twin Towns (Ticketed)

Jammin with Who: Katie Who + Guests | The Avenue Matthew Armitage | The Cambus Wallace

FRIDAY 31 MAY Chilli Gomez + Jono’s Mate Sheep + Hannah Campbell + Handful of Helmet + Vices DJ’s + Ghost Contest | Vinnie’s Dive Bar Peter Mcfarlene + Lily Taloola | Miami Marketta Jason McGregor Trio | Currumbin RSL Anarchy Hearts + Super Nudist + Smooth Collision + Oxfords Collar | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed) Marshall Okell | Eddie’s Grubhouse Baby Animals + Killing Heidi | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed) Valiant Charger | BBQ Bazaar Simone Milton | Southport Yacht Club Manu Music | Southport Sharks Acoustic Fridays: Benny Hanna | Cabana Bar & Lounge Rock Legends | Soundlounge (Ticketed) Shotgun Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Wintersun 2.0 | Hastings Point Dan Hannaford | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Matty Rogers | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff Burger Joint | Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin

SATURDAY 1 JUNE Mistram | BBQ Bazaar Raw Deep + Catchpole + Jtag | Coolangatta Hotel Ordio Chef (2.00pm) + Nathan Kaye (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Brian McKnight | The STAR (Ticketed) Foster & Allen | HOTA (Ticketed) Rush Hour (covers) | Southport Sharks Music in the Park Saturday Sessions: Burger Joint (3.30pm) | Rowan Robinson Park, Kingscliff Wintersun 2.0 | Hastings Point

Kubismo | Southport Sharks

WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE The Yams | The Scottish Prince James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace Jazz at the movies | HOTA (Ticketed)

THURSDAY 6 JUNE

King Coaster + Los Laws | The Northern, Byron Bay

Frank Sultana | The Scottish Prince Free The Genie | The Cambus Wallace

SUNDAY 2 JUNE

Clare Bowditch | Soundlounge (Ticketed)

Benny Whiskey | Eddie’s Grub House Matthew Armitage | The Scottish Prince

Kristie Roberts | House of Brews

APIA Good Times tour: Vika & Linda Bull + Brian Cadd + Joe Camilleri + Kate Ceberano + Russell Morris + Ross Wilson + John Paul Young | Twin Towns (Ticketed) The Badlands + King Coaster | Miami Tavern Shark Bar (Ticketed)

Coast to Country | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 7 JUNE Than Jolene + Jade Peterson | Miami Marketta Gavin Doniger + Special Guests | North Kirra SLSC

Day by Day | Vinnie’s Dive Bar

Loud Goes Bang + Collins Class + Give It All + Persons Unknown | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed)

Open Mic Sunday Sesh (12.00pm) | Ground n Sound

CC the Cat and the Rolling Waves | San Sebastian, Palm Beach

Hillbilly Goats | The Bearded Dragon, Mt Tamborine

Daniel Dyson | The Cambus Wallace

Matt Schlam (2.00pm)| Hard Rock Cafe

Pseudo Echo | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed)

8 Ball Aitken | Harrigan’s Deck Acoustics: Jock Barnes (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Jackson James Smith | Nobby’s Beach Surf Life Saving Club Wintersun 2.0 | Hastings Point

Deck Acoustics: Sarah Archer (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL The Bon Jovi Show (Tribute)| BBQ Bazaar (Ticketed) Funk n Wagnells (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 15 JUNE

THURSDAY 20 JUNE

Deck Acoustics: Lily Budiasa (1.00pm) + Scott Whatman (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Benji & The SSS + Katie Who | Miami Marketta boyd meets girl | Springbrook (Ticketed)

Born of Osiris + Chelsea Grin | Soundlounge (Ticketed) Kristie Roberts | House of Brews

Alice Ivy | Miami Tavern Shark Bar (Ticketed)

Ryan Munro | Nobby’s Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Tahlia Matheson (2.00pm) + Tin Parlour (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Runes | BBQ Bazaar

Mikey Edwards (2.00pm) | Hard Rock Cafe

Deck Acoustics: Jerome Willimas (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Steve Tyson (2.00pm) + Slips & FW’s (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Deck Acoustics: Luke Pauley (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Clowns | Vinnie’s Dive Bar (Ticketed) Heron Blue + Kate Leopold + Julie Hayes (3.00pm) | Burleigh Masonic Hall Sea N Sound Festival: Amy Shark + Busby Marou + Didirri + Ali Barter + Oka + Kyle Lionhart + I know Leopard + Cheap Fakes + more | The Wharf Tavern, Mooloolaba (Ticketed) Creedence – The John Fogarty Show | Parkwood Tavern (Ticketed) Money for Nothing (Tribute) | Southport Sharks Festival of the Stone | Stone and Wood Brewery, Murwillumbah

SUNDAY 9 JUNE Rick Barron + Grubfest Day 2 | Eddie’s Grub House Loud Goes Bang + Collins Class + Give It All + Persons Unknown | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed) Dean Haitani | The Cambus Wallace Chris Ernst | The Scottish Prince Ball Park Music + Tia Gostelow + Sweater Curse + Butternut Sweetheart | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Open Mic Sunday Sesh (12.00pm) | Ground n Sound Well Spent Sundays: Mark Maxwell + Matt Fleming & April Kerry + Al Royale + Cha Lee | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed)

Lock n Load | The Bearded Dragon, Mt Tamborine

MONDAY 10 JUNE

Best of Buble | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed)

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Captain WOW (Covers) | Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 11 JUNE

Music in the Park Saturday Sessions: Matthew Armitage (3.30pm) | Rowan Robinson Park, Kingscliff

Jammin with Who: Katie Who + Guests | The Avenue

THURSDAY 13 JUNE Lachlan McKenzie Quintet | Dust Temple (Ticketed) Coast to Country | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 14 JUNE Hayley Grace & The Bay Collective + Ondre Davis | Miami Marketta Mescalito Blues | The Dophins Harbour Side Hotel, Tweed Heads Marvell + Verum + Suburbium + Lemaire | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed)

SUNDAY 16 JUNE Bill Jacobi | Eddie’s Grub House Open Mic Sunday Sesh (12.00pm) | Ground n Sound Mescalito Blues | The Bearded Dragon, Mt Tamborine Deck Acoustics: Sarah Grant (1.00pm) + Mark Divola (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL The Whispering Jack Show (Tribute) | Seagulls Club Carl Luxton | Nobby’s Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Terminal Zero + Nowhere to Run + Kobrakai | Vinnie’s Dive Bar (Ticketed)

Mikey Edwards (2.00pm) | Hard Rock Cafe

Bones River | Eddie’s Grub House

MONDAY 17 JUNE

Cheap Fakes perform Pulp Fiction Soundtrack | Studio 56, Miami Marketta (Ticketed)

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Friday Acoustics: Emily Brieger | Cabana Bar & Lounge

TUESDAY 18 JUNE

Deck Acoustics: Bonnie Kellett (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Jammin with Who: Katie Who + Guests | The Avenue

Red Hot Chili Peppers (Tribute) | BBQ Bazaar (Ticketed)

WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE

Madison Kat | Southport Sharks

Open Mic Night | Miami Marketta

Coast to Country | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 21 JUNE ELSKA | Skypoint Observation Deck (Ticketed) The Lyrical + Tess Guthrie | Miami Marketta YT Dingo | Studio 56, Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Casey Duque + David Aurora + Tim Pitchford | Ground n Sound Commonside + From the Well + James Bondage and the Safe Words + River Movement | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed) Gavin Doniger + Special Guests | North Kirra SLSC

New World Order | Eddie’s Grub House Tijuana Cartel | Soundlounge (Ticketed) Deck Acoustics: Jock Barnes (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Friday Acoustics: Benny Hanna | Cabana Bar & Lounge Puttin’ on the Ritz |The STAR (Ticketed)

Steve Manoa (2.00pm) + Dubarray (7.00pm) (Ticketed) | Sheoak Shack Jeff Lang | Dust Temple

Coast to Country | Southport Sharks

Deck Acoustics: Fergo (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Gavin Doniger | Middle Pub, Mullumbimby

Burleigh Winter Solstice Festival (5.00pm) | Burleigh Heads

FRIDAY 28 JUNE

Chisel Revived & Inexcess | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed) Pink Tribute | Southport Sharks

Open Mic Sunday Sesh (12.00pm) | Ground n Sound Wally & The Gators | The Bearded Dragon, Mt Tamborine Deck Acoustics: Michael Eotvos (1.00pm) + Sarah Grant (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Aaron Saxon | Nobby’s Beach Surf Life Saving Club Gavin Doniger | Tupe Aloha, Kirra

Die For Mushies + Nullum Void + Lady Finger + Sara Tonin | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed)

THURSDAY 4 JULY

SUNDAY 23 JUNE

The Tea Party | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed)

Kristie Roberts | House of Brews

Cadence| Eddie’s Grub House

Deck Acoustics: Brooke Supple (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

FRIDAY 5 JULY

Open Mic Sunday Sesh (12.00pm) | Ground n Sound

Cassidy Paris | Hard Rock Cafe

Eliza & The Delusionals | Vinnie’s Dive Bar (Ticketed)

Deck Acoustics: Bonnie Kellett (1.00pm) + Raku (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Zakeenanmusic | Nobby’s Beach Surf Life Saving Club Katie Hearn (2.00pm) | Hard Rock Cafe

MONDAY 24 JUNE

Devils Kiosk (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 22 JUNE

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

Brazilain Trio + James Mcq Music | Miami Marketta Stephen Lovelight | Eddie’s Grub House

Strike Anywhere | Vinnie’s Dive (Ticketed) Jammin with Who: Katie Who + Guests | The Avenue

West Thebarton + A.Swayze & The Ghost + Being Jane Lane | Studio 56, Miami Marketta (Ticketed)

Round Mountain Girls + LEMAIRE | Miami Marketta Bowery Boys | Eddie’s Grub House

SUNDAY 30 JUNE

Friday Acoustics: Tayla Doyle | Cabana Bar & Lounge

Spring Loaded: Spiderbait + Something for Kate + Mark Seymour & The Undertones + Jebediah + Frenzal Rhomb + Custard + Tumbleweed + Screamfeeder | Sandstone Point Hotel (Ticketed)

Billy Ocean | The Star Gold Coast (Ticketed) Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Beyond The Blues: Hussy Hicks + Salt & Steel + Little Billie + 19-Twenty + Kristy Lee + The Urban Chiefs | Seagulls Club (Ticketed)

Kristie Roberts | House of Brews

Radio Star (Covers) | Southport Sharks Mescalito Blues | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

SATURDAY 29 JUNE Peach Fur | Studio 56, Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Salt & Steel | Miami Marketta Gritty Blues Machine | Eddie’s Grub House Hotfest 2 (from 1pm): Swanee + Kevin Borich Express + Taste + Marie Wilson + Tyler James + Cassidy Paris + Bounty Hunters Band + A Somerset Parade | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed)

THURSDAY 27 JUNE

Bella Paton (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

BOO Seeka + Tuka | Studio 56, Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Wicked | HOTA (Ticketed)

Wicked | HOTA (Ticketed) Living in the 70’s (Tribute)| Southport Sharks

Mikey Edwards (2.00pm) | Hard Rock Cafe

Confession | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed) Daniel Champagne + Maurice Amour | Mount Nimmel Hall, Austinville Lastlings | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Mescalito Blues | Riverview Hotel, Murwillumbah Killer Queen Experience (Tribute) | Parkwood Tavern (Ticketed)

SATURDAY 6 JULY The Decline | Vinnie’s Dive Bar (Ticketed) Mescalito Blues (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

A LAW UNTO HIMSELF: BENJAMIN LAW COMES TO BYRON WRITER’S FEST

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very year, the Byron Writer’s Festival attracts a veritable treasure trove of the country’s most exciting voices to our stunning shores, and this year is no exception. Among the list of literary guests landing in Byron this August is writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law, best known for his autobiographical television series ‘The Family Law’, and bestselling book ‘Gaysia’, a frank exploration of attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ spectrum across various Asian countries.

Now, Law is returning with something a little different, in the form of an anthology of true stories that he has not written but rather collated and edited, entitled ‘Growing Up Queer in Australia.’ The book assembles real life stories from across the spectrum of sexual and gender identity, with a great diversity of age, culture and upbringing represented.

The one thing the contributors have in common is – you guessed it – they all grew up queer* in Australia.

“Choosing the stories was actually quite tough,” Ben tells us, when we manage to catch him in between festival engagements. “I have to say we got hundreds of submissions and we had to boil them down.”

“One of the challenges we faced was representing the diversity of our community. With any kind of community there is rich diversity, but with LGBTQIA+ people, the lesbian experiences are not the same as the trans experiences which is not the same as the bi, intersex, and so on.”

“Within the queer community there is also cultural and generational diversity. You watch the Mardi Gras or any pride parade and we are a big hot mess - in the best possible way - so that the was the first thing we had to consider, and the second thing was a gut feeling. Are these the stories that are compelling, are funny, tragic, sexy? We wanted the reader to feel like they’d had a big satisfying banquet by the end.”

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And that’s exactly what they’ve done.

You can read our full review of the book in this month’s mag, but for here I’ll just say, I wish I’d had books like this around when I was younger. And so does Ben. “My sense of this book is that it’s for everyone - queer or cisgender and straight people alike. One of the successes of Black Ink Books is their outreach to schools, so part of my thinking was ‘what are the stories I would have loved to have read as a queer person in school?’”

Although LGBTQIA+ characters and stories are almost always at the heart of Law’s work, his genres have run the gamut through memoir, travel, a treatise on safe schools, articles, comedies, relationship advice, screenplays and now an anthology of other people’s stories. It feels like he’s determined to mix things up at all costs, and I wonder if that’s a deliberate choice.

“I do get bored easily,” he admits.

“But I think I probably write like I read, which is pretty omnivorously and sluttily! I read serious journalism, I read personal essays, I go to the theatre and see new playwrights.

And I watch a lot of television which is another way to consume writing. I’m interested in all of those forms and the capacity they have to tell different stories.”

As for all the different stories in ‘Growing Up Queer in Australia’, I ask Ben for his favourite, and he groans.

“Where do I start? It’s like the ‘Sophie’s Choice’ of stories.”

“Obviously It was so wonderfully exciting to get stories from people like David Marr and Holly Throsby and SueAnn Post, these big names, but similarly, right from the start Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen who writes the story of her queerness and how it related to her Vietnamese-Australian family was so wonderful. The Jack Kirne story about going to a Catholic boys’ school is both confronting and sexy, and Phoebe Hart’s story is intense, giving us those insights from one of our least heard of minorities, I was so glad to get her story as well. But ask me next week, and I’ll probably give you different answers!” he laughs.

Well if you head to the Byron Writer’s Festival from 2 to 4 August this year, you can ask him yourself, when Ben appears alongside guests such as Behrouz Boochani, Leigh Sales, Damon Gameau, Tara Winch, and more. Full program and tickets are available at byronwritersfestival.com. *Please note we are using the term ‘queer’ to denote the current popular meaning of “not straight” or “not cis”.

Natalie O’Driscoll

LI V E & FR E E E N TE R TAI N M E N T E V E RY SU N DAY

PLANTS, PETALS AND PERMACULTURE AT BOTANICAL BAZAAR

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t’s ba-ack! The greenest festival around returns in 2019 with a range of joyous botanical goods and events for the whole family.

Imagine being surrounded by thousands of plants whilst enjoying a picnic lunch and listening to live tunes by soulful folksters Leopold’s Treat. At Botanical Bazaar Gold Coast Garden Festival on 4 August, you can do just that.

This festival is a nature lover’s dream. Not only are there plants, sustainable living concepts, celebrity gardeners and more than a dozen inspiring educational talks, visitors can also participate in hands on workshops.

Popular horticulturalist, ABC radio regular and garden journalist Claire Bickle will be hosting an Indoor Plant Success 101 workshop and Gardening for Pollinators Masterclass this year. The workshops provide one on one teachings about how to best care for your indoor plants and how to attract more bees, butterflies and bugs to your garden.

“For the Indoor Plant workshop, there is a small group of us that get together amongst nature and frolic over plants,” says Claire. “Who wouldn’t love that? Oh and there is plenty of learning and sharing to happen too, plus attendees get to take their your own indoor plant home to help build their own indoor jungalow.”

Other workshops to be experienced at Botanical Bazaar include: Botanical Dyeing, where you learn what plants and kitchen waste can be used for dyeing; Basket Weaving, where you make and take your own weaved basket hosted by artist Rebecca O’Connell; and Flower Crown Making, with awardwining florist Julia-Rose.

“New to this year’s festival we’ve introduced permaculture education and will have nature-based community groups sharing information about what is happening in our own backyard and community,” explains Event Manager, Stacey Panozzo, “We’re also lucky to have Gold Coast Rotary involved with the co-ordination of the festival. This makes it a truly community driven day where profits go towards helping build stage two of the Sensory Gardens for all abilities in Nerang and other community initiatives.”

Natalie O’Driscoll

Botanical Bazaar, supported by Councillor Peter Young from Division 5 is at Country Paradise Parklands in Nerang on Sunday 4 August from 9am to 4pm. To prepurchase your tickets to any of the workshops or festival entry, visit botanicalbazaar.com.au.

WE LOVE LIVE MUSIC

COMING UP @ FISHOS

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DJs ON THE DECK FRI S AT & S U N N I G H T S

The Boctocks 9th June 2pm

We love Aust Dance party 16 June 5pm Soul'd Big band 30th June 2pm

70s Rock Tribute 14th July 2pm

Sex & Chocolate 21st July 2pm

www.fishermanswharftavern.com.au Shop 40, 60 Seaworld Drive Main Beach 07 55710566

FENECH GUITARS:

focus on native timbers + player experience

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enech Guitars hasn’t been established on the Gold Coast all that long, but they’ve already made a name for themselves as distinguished guitar makers with people raving about their beautiful instruments.

Helmed by luthier Aaron Fenech and with headquarters at The Avalon Miami, their boutique approach allows them the flexibility to source and utilise the very best tone woods from across Australia and internationally.

And one thing is clear. Fenech Guitars is allllll about the player experience.

“Every guitar within the Fenech Guitars Range features unique body shapes, aesthetics and appointments such as rosettes and inlays,” Aaron said. “It is these features coupled with our modern voicing techniques that allows us to cater for different tonal options, playing styles and that true one of a kind feel that only a master-built guitar provides.”

It's obvious Aaron knows his stuff when it comes to guitars and to native timbers, but it took him a while to find his true calling, having completed automotive refinishing and carpentry apprenticeships before completing a science degree and working as a public servant.

“I wouldn’t be the guitar maker I am today without all the skills I have acquired along the way,” he said.

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“I was working for the State Government, quickly making my way up into more demanding managerial roles with a lot of pressure and long hours. I used my passion for making guitars as a way to switch off from work, I would literally get home from work and go straight to my shed. It was my happy place for sure.”

Making the leap from comfortable public servant life to creative entrepreneurship isn’t for the fainthearted. Aaron said he made the decision to take that step when his hobby began taking over his life.

“I had started teaching people how to build guitars in my spare time, at night and on the weekend, alongside working full time in my regular job. My long service leave was coming up and although I had always dreamed of having a long holiday, I just couldn’t let the opportunity of guitar making full time slip away!”

That was three years ago and while Aaron often wonders why he chose such a hard path in terms of income generation, the fact that he can’t wait to get to the workshop every day makes him think he made the right choice.

Aaron’s time as a public servant saw him working on native forestry projects so it’s no accident his work focusses heavily on Australian tone woods. He explained the significance of using these timbers.

“Since the birth of the modern steel string instrument in America, guitars for the most part have been made with timbers that were endemic to America and North America such as spruce and mahogany,” he said.

“These timbers make great guitars, but they don’t grow here in Australia. I wanted to explore using our native timbers with similar or identical material properties to make great guitars.”

growth rates it changes in colour and tonal features.”

“Each of the trees we carefully select from our timber wholesalers have been sustainably harvested and each carry their own story of where they matured.”

Aaron focuses on sourcing timbers from just a small number of timber wholesalers who sustainably harvest trees. Species include the Bunya pine, gidgee, mulga, blackheart sassafras, tiger myrtle, blackwood, mountain ash, camphor laurel, wandoo and quandong.

“Most of these trees either come from plantation stock or from trees fallen naturally during storm events,” he explained.

While Aaron has serious celebrity clientele (he’s made guitars for Kate Blanchett and Amy Shark, to name but two), he’s most proud of a guitar he was commissioned to make to commemorate a 30th wedding anniversary.

“I had a university professor from Western Australia who had completed a PHD on the wandoo woodlands in W.A. During that process he met his wife and he specifically wanted to commemorate their anniversary some 30yrs after with a guitar made from Australian wandoo. I was thrilled to be chosen to make such a beautiful instrument for such an occasion,” he said.

“The Australian hard woods we use for some of our guitars can be incredibly figured and tonally unique,” Aaron said.

Aaron’s never shied away from hard work, so the long hours associated with running a fledgling creative business haven’t surprised him, but learning to live with lean finances and running pretty close to “total bankruptcy” is something he’s had to come to terms with.

“Take Australian blackwood for instance.

It grows right up the east coast of Australia but due to the varying climate, difference in

“Probably the biggest surprise has been how much I have enjoyed the perpetual crawl towards achieving goals. I’ve personally

never enjoyed struggling so much and feel blessed every day I open my doors that I’m living a life where I get to be creative and do something meaningful,” Aaron said.

“No seriously I mean things get pretty tight so you have to learn to be creative about how to earn some extra money until things get back on track…..however probably the biggest surprise is meeting folks within the local community that go out of their way to show generosity, support and mentorship.”

“When I was considering making guitars as a full-time business, I was told by a mutual friend about the Avalon space at Miami. I turned up at their door step one day and introduced myself, told them about my business and asked if they had any space available. After a few weeks of discussions, I was fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to renovate a small space within the property to start my business.”

“Every step of the way the owners of the Avalon have been extremely supportive of my business allowing us to grow and expand.

They are very much a part of our story; our growth and we can’t thank them enough really for all that they have done! They are like family to us.”

Aaron also raves about the tight-knit creative community on the Gold Coast.

“It’s pretty darn special,” he said.

“The Gold Coast is home to some extremely talented people right across the arts and creative community. Even though I am somewhat of a recluse hardly leaving the saw dust within my workshop to socialise, when I do stick my head up I am always amazed at how many amazing people doing amazing and meaningful things there are located on the Gold Coast.”

Samantha Morris

Fenech Guitars is located at The Avalon, Miami, 7 Avalon Parade, right next door to Miami Marketta. To find out more, visit fenechguitars.com.au

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RADOLESCENT: BLOKES YOU CAN TRUST

THINGS ARE GETTING HOTTER AT HOTA

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eeling a little chilly gang? We gotchu. What better way to say g’day to winter than warming up with tickets for these adults-only treats? Strictly for art lovers who like their theatre with a touch of spice. quandaries, audience participation, general mayhem and much much more.

And of course music. Sweet, sweet, music.

This show contains adult content. Check the website.

THE IRRESISTIBLE | 27-29 JUNE A child with otherworldly powers sees mysterious lights in the sky. Black ooze seeps into the white fog as time and space loop and corrupt. ‘Twin Peaks’ meets ‘Stranger Things’ in this darkly funny sci-fi thriller.

April has long chosen to forget the inexplicable event that defined her childhood. Her sister remains haunted.

When April’s niece comes to stay the memory that has permeated every moment of their lives begins to unravel.

Created by Perth’s most exciting performance makers Side Pony Productions and The Last Great Hunt, the play is intoxicatingly creepy, bold and original, heading to the Gold Coast direct from Dark Mofo.

Note: this event is recommended for ages 16 and above, and contains adult themes.

Ages 16-30 pay your age, all other adults $30.

TIM ROGERS' LIQUID NIGHTS IN BOHEMIA HEIGHTS | 11 AUGUST Join Tim Rogers as the louche DJ of the legendary and mythical radio show ‘Liquid Nights in Bohemia Heights’.

Together with the stentorian tones of community broadcasting legend Jonnie Von Goes and live Foley work delivered by Tony Award nominated sound designer Russell Goldsmith, Tim’s gonna crank out something you’ve never seen before.

With a live band, special guest interviews, a pocket radio drama, a live quiz, faux sponsors, Poem of the Week, a live call of The 1932 Body Line Series, philosophical 30

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Video Production & Photography HAIR: THE ORIGINAL TRIBAL ROCK MUSICAL | 11 + 12 OCTOBER Radical, rebellious and tribal, 2019 marks 50 years since Australia first let its HAIR down in this genre defining revolutionary rock musical. All these years on, we continue to challenge the establishment with this brand new Australian production that breaks convention and all the rules.

Defy your expectations with this contemporary take on the classic hair raising musical. Follow the rule breakers, yearning for change in the world of the late 60’s. Fighting for freedom, human rights, the environment and peace in times of war, HAIR puts a mirror to today’s society and asks the question, how far have we really come?

Starring four time Logie winner Hugh Sheridan (‘Packed to the Rafters’) and powerhouse vocalist Paulini (‘The Bodyguard’), this brand new Australian production features all the hits from the Grammy Award winning score including ‘Aquarius’, ‘Let the Sunshine In’, ‘Good Morning Starshine’ and ‘I Got Life’. Produced

by David M. Hawkins (‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’) and led by maverick young director Declan Greene (‘Blackie Blackie Brown’).

Nudity, language, and all the other fun warnings apply.

Natalie O’Driscoll

All show tickets are available now from hota.com.au. If you’re an artist, remember to apply for your artist pass for awesome discounts.

www.theeditsuite.com.au

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he last few times we chatted with local three piece garage-punkers Radolescent, they'd just dropped a pair of smashing singles by the name of 'Drug Fiend' and 'The Ballad Of Lynn Howl'.

The past 12 months has proved to be all-action for the band; in addition to releasing these new tracks (plus a handful of other, equally impressive numbers), they toured aplenty down the East Coast as well as smashing it up at their favourite local haunts, while also working on the material that would constitute their debut long player, 'Prehab'.

And for their growing fan base the wait is officially over, with 'Prehab' seeing the light of day on 31 May. It's an impressive musical statement that is sure to further raise the band's profile. In addition to reviewing the album in this month’s issue, we also had an animated chat with ‘Rads’ bassist, Lachlan Barker.

The last time we chatted, you'd just dropped the 'Drug Fiend' single, working with Mark Duckworth and Brad Hosking at Blind Boy Studios. Did the rest of the tracks for the new album come from these sessions?

Yeah, all the songs were recorded under the watchful eye of Brad and Duck! All local to the Gold Coast, which is something we’re really psyched about. It would have been hard to record this album anywhere else. And of course we are pumped with how it all worked out. The album is varied and a little wild with its ups and downs. We really wanted to create the sense of off-axis craziness that the band tries to live its life by. Mark really understood that we operate in abstract ways and was all about channelling this into an album that was not only honest and unique but concise enough to make sense to the broader public, which is not an easy task.

dynamic has he brought to the band, both in sound and in personality?

Yeah we have brought our long-time mate ‘carrot’ or the ‘rod daddy’ (depending on how you know him) into the band. He is a completely unique wild man who just doesn’t give a shit and can play the guitar unbelievably well. We always wanted a second guitarist and he is just a natural fit. He is self-taught and doesn’t even know what a note is, but that makes him perfect for this rag-tag team we’ve assembled. He has made us sound ten times better and doesn’t mind sleeping in the van with us on the road, so the transition was very smooth.

We sing for, and about, our mates and to have another one in the band is what we are all about. He talks a lot and we don’t know what he’s saying half the time but the confused look on the faces of other bands when he gets rolling makes it all worthwhile.

You’ve recently concluded an epic run of live shows, including a couple back to back on the same night! How did you manage to pull this off?

The short answer is WE LOVE THIS SHIT. Free beer and loud music is what we signed up for. We will play anywhere and anytime, from kids’ birthday parties all the way through to retirement parties. Give us a carton and no restrictions and we will show up and be psyched. Guttermouth were just fucking legends and the shows lived up to the hype. We love them, their fans and would drink with any of them any day of the week. Plus, we’d never say no to the Shark Bar’s last show, we owe that place a lot! RIP baby we will miss you.

And a special thanks to the GMCA for putting us on, it was a brave choice and it was the best dressed crowd we will ever play to.

Anthony Gebhardt

‘Prehab’, the debut album by Radolescent, is available for your listening pleasure now.

You're now a four piece, having bolstered your ranks with the addition of Kerrod Chant on lead guitar. What sort of www.blankgc.com.au

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TAFE STUDENTS YT DINGO: LEND THEIR SKILLS GCMA’S TO GCMAS VIDEO OF

MUSIC ON THE FOUR NEW MOUNTAIN WITH INDUSTRY ‘BOYD MEETS GIRL’ NETWORKING SESSIONS ANNOUNCED

THE YEAR WINNER

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old Coast Music Awards (GCMAs) aims to assist in raising the profile of some of the city’s most talented musical professionals, but it also seeks to provide opportunities for other Gold Coasters keen to express themselves.

That’s why each year, the GCMA team invites TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Beauty and Hairdressing students to join them on the red carpet at Surfers Paradise, to add those final touches of glam to the finalists before they face the media and fans.

And that’s not all.

TAFE Queensland Diploma of Event Management Students also gain valuable real world experience at the awards, by assisting with various tasks on the night such as taking tickets on the door, putting wrist bands on guests, ushering artists from the stage, and handing out programs.

Beauty student, Ashley Woolsey, said there was a real buzz on the red carpet as the artists arrived to get touched up before they made their grand entrance.

“It was such a unique experience to be among the vibrant atmosphere of the event and also to be able to put my training into practice in a lively environment was such an amazing opportunity,” said Ashley.

Diploma of Event student, Olivia Fishburn, said she was motivated by the experience 34

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to get straight into the industry when she completes her studies.

“I had a lot of fun at the Gold Coast Music Awards, while also learning so much from the event professionals about what it takes to pull off such a fantastic night.”

“It has inspired me to soak up as much experience as I can and take up all these opportunities that TAFE continually provide us while we are studying,” said Olivia.

The GCMA team met regularly with the event students over the weeks leading up to the event to brief them and talk through run sheets, guest lists, logistics etc, and were all incredibly impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by all students.

Each year, the GCMA organisers look forward to providing a platform for the students to practice their skill sets, while also greatly appreciating the extra hands on deck.

With planning for 2020’s glittering Gold Coast night of nights already underway, next year’s student crop is sure to have a hand in creating another night to remember.

Natalie O’Driscoll

T DiNGO (pronounced 'white dingo') is the brain-child of Gold Coast musician, performance artist and video choreographer Travers Ross. Combining elements of hip hop, soul, world music, electro and prog rock, this eclectic musical project also thrives off a strikingly visual axis, with Ross choreographing and starring in a breathtakingly ambitious video trilogy as a way of introducing YT DiNGO's first three singles, 'Shipwrecked', 'Thrill Of The Chase' and 'Wicked Rest', to audiences.

The spectacular video for first single 'Shipwrecked', has certainly proved to be a big head-turner, having just taken out 'Video of the year' at the 2019 Gold Coast Music Awards. It was filmed right here on the Gold Coast (Yugambeh Country) and showcases Ross's amazing video choreography - the dance sequences are indeed spectacular!

It was directed by Melbourne innovator Claudia Sangiorgi Delimore, renowned for her 'Her Sound, Her Story' video vignette series.

We managed to have a chat with the YT DiNGO himself, Travers Ross, to gain an insight into his unique world view.

Congratulations on winning video of the year at the GCMA’s, for your track 'Shipwrecked'. It's a highly impressive piece of visual art! How did it feel to get the gong from such a hot field of finalists?

It feels phenomenal to be acknowledged for an artwork created during one of the hardest times of my life, and getting through it with a piece like this. I have to give it up for my pack of extraordinary friends who, in this life, feel similar to me and were willing to believe in my sound and vision. Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore, the director, really harnessed the wildness and purity of my intentions. Most of all I acknowledge the lessons I learnt from the land - my connection with it is like a partner dance in a way.

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The award allowed me to reflect deeply about that day on the beach (where the video was shot). I found out a year later by Image

by Claire a Minyungbal (Fingal Heads) elder thatDalton the area where we shot the video is known as the Dingo Dreaming Cave, which was cut away by colonisers during the frontier wars.

That day on the beach, rain came and sent everybody else home, but my willing Pack stayed strong on that freezing cold day. I was on fire with gratitude that day and I still am today. Mama Nature did her part and made the scene better to perform in than any million dollar Hollywood clip. Dancing with her is everything!

You're also about to embark on a handful of headlining shows at some wonderful venues.

What can we expect from the YT DiNGO live experience? And is it a challenge to bring your creative vision to life in the live performance realm?

All people are welcome. If you're feeling something from the Trilogy, the EP and the visuals, then the live show is a whole other thing again! Yes, it’s a challenge to fund my vision for live performances without going broke or copping out on my art. Each show will have its own thing to it. I don’t want to give too much away other than, I have nine people involved in my Pack to unfold an experience never to forget.

Anthony Gebhardt

YT DiNGO's ambitious debut release, 'Side A', is out now. Look out for our review in the pages of next month's Blank GC.And for a totally unique sound and vision experience that will knock your socks off, be sure to get along to one of YT DiNGO's following gigs in June: Thursday, 20 June: Picture House, Brunswick Heads, Friday, 21 June: Miami Marketta, Gold Coast, Saturday, 22 June: The Old Museum, Brisbane.

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oyd Meets Girl’ elevates music to new heights in a performance both classical and contemporary, set in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Classical guitarist Rupert Boyd and cellist Laura Metcalf will perform the first show of their Australian tour in our very own Springbrook National Park. Hosted by the Springbrook Gastronomic Society, this recital is sure to be a feast for mouths and ears alike.

A married couple living in New York, Rupert and Laura have toured ‘Boyd Meets Girl’ in several continents. The performance’s repertoire ranges from the music of great composers the likes of Bach and Fauré, to Beyonce and Michael Jackson numbers, plus many of their own arrangements.

“They play like one, with a harmony of purpose as sure as their intonation” describes Gramophone Magazine.

Praise for the two acclaimed musicians includes “Boyd’s playing is beautifully refined, with gorgeous tone… musically and technically flawless” (Soundboard, Guitar Foundation of America), while Laura is noted for her "gorgeous cello legatos" (Washington Post) and her “brilliant” playing (Gramophone Magazine).

In 2017, ’Boyd Meets Girl’ was released on CD to wide acclaim and the duo embarked on a world tour. For Rupert, who is Australian, feeling artistically inspired by Springbrook is somewhat of a family trait; his ancestor is Arthur Boyd, a leading Australian artist from the late 20th Century who is known to have painted in the area.

Amy Gould

Let music, food and nature entwine in what promises to be an exquisite, intimate performance on Saturday 15 June, at Springbrook Community Hall. Tickets through eventfinda.

ne of the projects supported

by City of Gold Coast’s Music Action Plan is bringing together Gold Coast musicians to strengthen networks and boost opportunities for collaboration.

Council has supported the team behind the Gold Coast Music Awards to coordinate four networking events between now and the end of the year. The events are also supported by a group of industry partners who are hosting the functions.

The events will feature expert speakers on a range of topics, with the first taking place on Tuesday 25 June at Fenech Guitars. That event will feature representatives from Council’s arts and culture unit as well as APRA AMCOS and QMusic speaking about their roles and opportunities for local musicians and music businesses.

The ‘World of Mouth’ session on Monday 12 August will be hosted by Gold Coast Music in Southport and will focus on how to tour internationally as an independent musician.

We’ll be getting down and dirty with those who’ve been there and not returned broke(n).

Southern Cross University hosts ‘Making Cents of it All’ where we explore how to make a full-time career out of music by hearing from those who actually do it. That event is on Tuesday 1 October.

And then the series wraps up in December at HOTA with ‘Apply Liberally’, a session focussed on the assets that every musician needs whether they’re applying to play a festival, for media coverage, for a showcase event or even for a grant. The panel will include those who book festivals and showcase events as well as reps from funding bodies and music companies about what their expectations are of emerging musicians.

Samantha Morris

Attendance at the events are free but RSVP is essential. For more information visit bit. ly/GCMAevents.

Four networking events take place between now and December. Tuesday 25 June at Fenech Guitars: when the zoo comes to you.

Monday 12 August at Gold Coast Music: world of mouth. Tuesday 1 October at Southern Cross University: making cents of it all and December at HOTA: apply liberally. RSVP to simone@blankgc.com.au.

Bluetooth and 1 line input Line record output with gold plated sockets Ortofon OM5e cartridge, pre-mounted IR remote control included Available in high-gloss black or white

For the full transcript of this interview, (Travers is indeed a man of many words!), head to the Blank GC website.

www.blankgc.com.au

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MUDGEERABA SHOW KICKS OFF WITH A MUSICAL TALENT QUEST

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he Mudgeeraba Show is back for its 91st outing in 2019 with all your old favourites and an exciting new concept.

Everyone loves a good show, and this year’s Mudgeeraba Show is set to delight fans of all ages with its family-friendly mix of animals, music, food vendors, competitions, ring events and, for the first time, the finale of musical talent quest The Ag Factor Queensland.

THE GOLDHEARTS Be Brave (single) Born from the classic lineage of much loved 90s alternative Brisbane acts The Dream Poppies and Razel, melodically charged Gold Coast indie rockers The Goldhearts have pleasingly resurfaced following a three year hiatus with the release of a punchy new number, entitled 'Be Brave'.

Teaming up again with talented Northern NSW producer Govinda Doyle, (who's also worked with artists of the calibre of Angus and Julia Stone), the gutsy, upfront vocals of front woman Margy Joughin lead the band through three minutes of aural bliss which channels all the best bits of 90s alternative radio. This is the sound of crunchy guitars melded with a swooning chorus and anchored by a rock solid rhythm section, delivering an assured slice of radio-ready pop-rock which should firmly re-establish The Goldhearts within the hearts and minds of discerning modern rock listeners. ‘Be Brave’ serves as a precursor to an upcoming EP of new material which the band plan to release later this year. It’s great to have them back!

Anthony Gebhardt

Mudgeeraba Show runs from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 June with children under 5 years free, and other tickets starting from $12. There are also family passes available. The new Friday night event can be attended by adults for $5, with kids under 14 free. Visit mudgeerabashow.org.au for more information and to apply for The Ag Factor.

With fabulous prizes on offer, The Ag Factor Queensland is still calling all vocal and instrumental acts on the Gold Coast to audition each Friday at the German Club, with successful acts making it through to the finale, being held at the Mudgeeraba Show on Friday 28 June with special guest Casey Barnes.

Interested acts had better hurry and download an application form from the Mudgeeraba Show website in order to make it to the finale on time.

Saturday 29 June will see the full day and night of family fun visitors have come to expect, with the usual side shows, exhibits, heritage area, wood chopping, show jumping and the Grand Parade all on offer.

In addition, a brand new night event featuring early fireworks for the kids will kick off with remote control car pyrotechnics, Farmer Dave, mini trotting, sled dog racing, and a laser show. Phew! The only trick will be finding the time to catch everything you want to.

Saturday night finishes off with Ultimate Bee Gees and ABBA Re-Bjorn Show bands in TOTA – Tent of the Arts.

Sunday sees non-stop ring events, The Great Women of Country Music show in TOTA, dinosaurs, wood turning, and flower and cookery displays. It will also be worth a visit to the brand new Rotary 4CRB Wine Dine Dance Gardens throughout the event, a new quiet zone with lamb shanks, hot roasts, Irish scones and jam to warm you up on a cold winter day.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Gold Coast

ACCOLADES COME SWARMING IN FOR LOCAL FILMMAKER SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

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RADOLESCENT Prehab Over the past 12 months, Gold Coast rock monsters Radolescent have been actively building a rapidly burgeoning following off the back of an incessant touring schedule, combined with the delivery of a handful of power-packed, hard rocking anthems. This dedication to craft (and good times) has culminated in the release of their impressive debut album, ‘Prehab’, which was recorded at Blind Boy Studios in Nerang, under the watch of local production duo Mark Duckworth and Brad Hoskings.

INGRID MAE Holy Smoke Ingrid Mae’s new record delivers fourteen emotive altcountry songs all with a degree of difference, somewhat loosening the boundaries of country music. ‘Choosy’ is the first track that sets the blueprint. Littered with double entendre and cut-to-the-chase lyrics, this and MCA chart topper ‘Magnetic’ trigger a momentum of radio-worthy songs sustained throughout the album. The ballad ‘I Love The Bends’ includes clever word crafting using road riding references “… easy right hard left, easy left hard right, don’t slow me down” while ‘New Squeeze’ hollers with Dolly Parton-style songwriting sass and Ingrid’s vocals channeling Aretha Franklin: “R S V P … if you really want to see my face use your m e m o r y.” The swinging ‘Saloons n’ Outlaws’ track is styled as a rockabilly Johnny Cash number, referencing film star Mae West and visualising dusty sunsets and old western movies. Two reminiscent songs sparkle: the vinyl yearning harmonic track ’45,’ and acoustic lullaby ‘An Angel Said Hello.’

Employing highly regarded session musicians in Bradley Bergen on guitar and telecaster and producer/drummer Rock Guy, the instrumentalists introduce songs playing rock style riffs as well as beautifully guided country guitarwork, echoing and enhancing Ingrid’s vocal melodies.

The ‘Holy Smoke’ album was recently launched at Sydney’s Annandale Hotel, providing a wealth of tracks to perform at gigs - namely several Country Rocks festivals throughout NSW and the infamous Trundle Abba Festival. Ingrid Mae has the perfect potion of songs to get everyone up dancing.

We have discovered a new country artist who harks way out west of Sydney, has the vocal intensity of Pat Benatar and the modern songwriting smarts of Kasey Musgraves.

Listening to ‘Holy Smoke’ is like enjoying an arthouse film; the content is creative and the twists and turns keep on coming.

Visit the Ingrid Mae website for festival and venue dates.

Tiffany Mitchell

Radolescent recently upped their numbers to a four piece with the addition of an extra guitarist to their ranks. In this light, ‘Prehab’ serves as a highly accomplished introduction to the power and the passion of this tweaked configuration, with the band delivering 10 prime grade slices of punkedup, garage-surf grooves that grab you by the short and curlies and shake the dope out with vigorous glee.

The band leave nothing in the tank upfront as they belt out of the blocks with the fuzzed-out wallop of ‘Retina’, clocking in at a very punk rock one minute and twenty seconds. Large chunks of ‘Prehab’ rock out in various permutations of power-packed rambunctious, but with the track ‘406’, the angst-ometer is dialled down somewhat, delivering a pleasing slice of late 70’s melodic indie punk, a harmony in my head for a post-Buzzcocks world. Further into the album, ‘Tuck Me In’ also delivers another quality ‘light and shade’ moment, a chugging indie rocker of the catchy and bouncy variety.

S

pecialist radiologist by day, award-winning filmmaker by night, Gold Coaster Dr Angus Watts might be short on spare time, but certainly isn’t lacking in the determination or talent departments. After receiving international acclaim for his first screenwriting efforts, he decided to take things one step further by both writing and producing his own film, ‘Locusts’.

Described as a desert based neo-noir western thriller, ‘Locusts’ had its world premiere at Gold Coast Film Festival in April before premiering in the US at Newport Beach Film Festival, one of the largest in the US, to sell-out houses and great reviews. It’s also been nominated for (and won) several film awards this year.

‘Locusts’ will get a cinematic release later this year, so we thought we’d chat to Angus before the world press started banging down his door.

Why the title ‘Locusts’?

The title is a metaphor for human-kind’s relentless consumption of the world around us without fear of consequences. In a broader sense it relates to the way we’re ravaging our world, and on another level the behaviour of the desperate townsfolk who will stop at nothing to serve their own interests. There’s actually only one locust that makes a cameo in the film - blink and you’ll miss it!

Yes, the album rocks out - hard! But it is within the band’s willingness to diversify their sound, while remaining true to their amped up roots, which augers well for an everupwards trajectory.

Anthony Gebhardt.

Shooting a film in remote locations in central Australia posed a multitude of challenges - logistics, transport, a legions of kangaroos wandering on the roads, bringing cast out from LA (Ben Geurens and Jess McNamee both live and work in LA), finding a classic V8 in regional Australia (I was lucky enough to stumble on a rare 1974 Mach 1 Mustang in a local gentleman’s shed), frequent vehicle failures, weapon malfunctions, shooting on remote desert highways late at night in subzero temperatures, and keeping 80-100 cast and crew warm, happy and on schedule. But I never heard a single complaint.

What is one thing about the film you were most excited about?

Enter South Straddie. The lesser known little sister of North Straddie, which is just a quick 45 minute trip across the Broadwater. With a shorter travel time and cheaper ferries compared to her northern sister island, South Straddie is perfect for a quick weekend escape. The Couran Cove resort on South Straddie offers two swimming pools, free kayaking and paddle boarding, family-friendly poolside dining and date-night-friendly fine dining. The accommodation at Couran Cove is made up of overwater apartments with breezy balconies and great views.

If you have your own boat getting to the island is easy and there are marina berths in the centre of the resort, if not just grab a water taxi or jump on the ferry, which runs multiple times a day. There are a lot of activities on South Straddie including surfing on the ocean side of the island, spa treatments in the Day Spa, bike hire (bikes not permitted on the ferry), as well as 4WD and jet ski tours. After your adventures, make sure to hit up the Sunset Beach Bar open from 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays (weather dependent).

Or if you fancy exploring further afield you can walk twenty to thirty minutes down the beach to Tipplers who have great live music, cold beers and yummy pub grub right there on the sand.

The desert landscapes. I love a good yarn and interesting characters, but I’m very visual and love landscape photography and cinematography, and the desert vistas were a key component of the film. I felt passionately about capturing the landscapes around Broken Hill, and our cinematographer Chris Bland was excited for the opportunity. In pre-production I sent him into the desert for 3 days with an ARRI and a LandCruiser and told him to shoot desert vistas to his heart’s content. I think people will see that passion reflected onscreen through Chris’s work.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Keep your eyes peeled for ‘Locusts’ when it hits cinemas later this year. To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au.

Sarah Tayler

Visit courancove.com.au to book. To see more from Sarah go to itsonlyaplanerideaway.com.

Southport Yacht Club

Meanwhile ‘Locked Up’ brings the humour while serving as an anthem for miscreants, commencing with a sampled news broadcast of 2008’s notorious young home-party violator Corey Worthington, before morphing into a high octane punk rock belter both frantic and profane. ‘Speed Based’ is an impressive alt-rock throwback, channelling a touch of 90’s stalwarts Grinspoon in its aural outlook.

The album also includes both of their 2018 belters, ‘Drug Fiend’ and ‘The Ballad Of Lyn Howell’. The former delivers a belligerent slice of old school, classic punk rock vibes, while ‘The Ballad Of Lyn Howell’ serves as a fitting finale, an anthemic, scuzzed up delight with gleeful, surf rock ‘woo-hoo-hoos’ adorning its anthemic chorus and guitars set to stun.

Were there any unique challenges you faced and overcame during the production?

hen you live on the Gold Coast — with its perfect beaches, year-round amazing weather, and bucket loads of activities to keep you entertained — it can be a hard task picking a vacay spot that will match up to your own backyard.

Cocktails.

Tapas.

Live Music .

Sunsets.

300 Berth Marina.

Adult & Youth Sailing.

All Welcome

Waterfront Restaurants.

1 Macarthur Parade, Main Beach 4217 . +61 7 5591 3500 . www.southportyachtclub.com.au

Weddings.

Functions.

Corporate Events. www.blankgc.com.au

39

OUR BEST GOLD COAST LUNCH DEALS – PART TWO

P

ayday’s just around the corner but you’re busting to have lunch out. You don’t have to spend a bomb to have a good time or to get good food. We continue our series on lunch deals - meals that will fill your stomach but won’t break the bank. Check them out:

FURIOUS HOURS: MURDER, FRAUD AND THE LAST TRIAL OF HARPER LEE CASEY CEP

‘F

urious Hours: Murder, Fraud and the Last Trial of Harper Lee’ tells the true story of a suspected Alabaman serial killer and the truecrime book that Harper Lee worked on obsessively in the years after ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.

Told in three parts, ‘Furious Hours’ documents first the life of Reverend Willie Maxwell, a rural preacher accused of murdering five of his family members for insurance money in the 1970s. With the help of a savvy lawyer, he escaped justice for years until a relative shot him dead at the funeral of his last victim. Despite hundreds of witnesses, Maxwell’s murderer was acquitted, thanks to the same attorney who had previously defended the Reverend - Tom Radney, whose political and legal career is covered in the second part.

Finally, the book covers Harper Lee, who had travelled from New York City to her native Alabama with the idea of writing her own true-crime classic based on the case.

Much more than a meticulously researched story of the three fascinating individuals, ‘Furious Hours’ provides a comprehensive commentary on the racial (and regular) politics of the Deep South, and explores the divisions and connections between the case and ‘To Kill A Mockingbird.’

Famously anachronistic and unconventional, Harper Lee could be (and has been) an extraordinary subject for a solo biography, particularly in light of her infamous reticence. Cep’s inclusion of the enigmatic author in a larger context feels authentic, in that Lee was very much a woman associated with Alabama, and to the political ideals she espoused in her novel, although rarely spoke of in public. Through the painstaking collation of interviews, correspondence and eyewitness accounts, Cep has managed to build a deeply moving portrait of one of the country’s most beloved writers and her struggle with fame, success, and the mystery of artistic creativity, against the backdrop of social turmoil and struggle.

‘Furious Hours’ is both fascinating in its subject and laborious in its length and detail. This is no light, easy holiday read, but is compelling nonetheless.

Natalie O’Driscoll

GROWING UP QUEER IN AUSTRALIA

RACYANDLUCKY.COM

AT THAI ON FERRY 253 FERRY RD SOUTHPORT PH: 07 5503 1308

KUA THAI ISAN 153C SCARBOROUGH ST, SOUTHPORT PH: 07 5655 0639

PHO VIETNAM AUSTRALIA FAIR, 42 MARINE PARADE, SOUTHPORT PH: 07 5591 5746

At Thai on Ferry is often booked out for lunch, attesting to its popularity amongst business workers along Ferry Road and from Chevron Island. All single plated rice dishes, such as Chicken with cashew nut or Chilli and basil with rice, cost $10 - $12 depending on your meat. Red, Green or Panang chicken curry with rice is $10, while other lunch specials range from $10 - $16. The higher priced dishes include Roast duck with ginger gravy and steamed rice, and Prawn Pad Thai.

On our visits to Kua Thai, the restaurant has had several tables of Girls’ Day Out, the ladies making the most of $2.50 BYO and well-priced lunches. Pork, beef, chicken, vegetable and tofu curries as well as chicken or vegetable Tom Yum soup is $10.90, Stir fry, Veg Thai fried rice and Laksa chicken soup are $12.90 per dish, although you’ll pay more for any seafood dishes.

This popular restaurant, which moved from Fig Tree Court to outside the cinema a couple of years ago, is famous for its soups, particularly pho. Its all-day menu is very keenly priced with soups priced from $12 to $14 (the small size is ample) and all dishes in the restaurant (including Viet pancake and Caramelised fish clay pot) are priced under $16.

MURASAKI TEPPANYAKI 91 SURF PARADE,

TERRACE THAI MARINER’S COVE, 60 SEAWORLD DRIVE, MAIN BEACH PH: 07 5528 2555

EDITED BY BENJAMIN LAW

C

Fancy a Thai lunch overlooking the marina and Broadwater where you can BYO? Then you’re talking Terrace Thai, where a fresh lunch is priced from $10.90. it’s a quiet sport between Fisherman’s Wharf and Marina Mirage, perfect for couples to slip away or for a small group lunch. Lunch specials are hidden away in the back of the main menu!

ompiled by celebrated author and journalist Benjamin Law, who is fast becoming one of Australia’s leading voices on LGBTIQA+ issues, ‘Growing Up Queer in Australia’ assembles real life stories from across the spectrum of sexual and gender identity.

Spanning diverse places, eras, genders, ethnicities and experiences, ‘Growing Up Queer in Australia’ is the book that most of its contributors undoubtedly wish they had been able to read when they were young. The deeply personal, painful and traumatic sits comfortably alongside the wryly humorous, saucy, and subversive in this fascinating and eclectic anthology. From strict and disapproving families and the rigours of private Catholic schooling through to the surprise of ready familial acceptance and eye-opening first times, ‘Growing Up Queer in Australia’ will see you chuckling, gasping and tearing up in empathy for its contributors. If you’ve ever experienced a sense of being “othered” for your sexual or gender identity, there will almost certainly be a story, character or even a handful of lines between these covers that feels comfortingly familiar.

With contributions from David Marr, Fiona Wright, Nayuka Gorrie, Steve Dow, Holly Throsby, Sally Rugg, Tony Ayres, Nic Holas, Rebecca Shaw, Kerryn Phelps and many more, ‘Growing Up Queer in Australia’ is a brutally honest and incredibly necessary book. One that will enable queer readers to identify with the contributors while also defying, questioning and shedding light on the many stereotypes that currently exist about the extended LGBTIQA+ community.

A must read in this day and age, no matter how you identify.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Rockinghorse Studios The ultimate immersive music recording experience with luxury accomodation in the Byron Bay hinterland.

book now +61 447 888 074

WEINER HAUS STOCKLAND, 149 WEST BURLEIGH RD., BURLEIGH WATERS PH: 0481 729 345

BAO BURGER CAPRI ON VIA ROMA, 15 VIA ROMA, ISLE OF CAPRI PH: 0498 877 226 At $6 - $8 each, bao make the perfect light lunch, especially when they’re packed to the hilt with yummy fillings! Add a side salad or a side of wings for just a few dollars more.

Bao Burgers serve various lunch bao favourites including pork belly, chicken Szechuan, confit duck, softshell crab and Greek lamb as well as grilled haloumi and pickled fennel, fried salt-and-pepper mushroom or crispy fried tofu bao for those going meat-free.

BROADBEACH PH: 07 5538 8918

FURBILICIOUS KEBABS MERCATO ON FERRY, 20/59-73 MERON ST, SOUTHPORT

MY SAIGON TUCKSHOP 1/45 TAREE ST., BURLEIGH PH: 0402 356 609

Furbies is a kebab shop with a difference, offering mouthwatering delicious kebabs coupled with a fantastic atmosphere and excellent service. Well known to car enthusiasts who have regular meets outside Furbies on Friday nights, this store offers value for money, with no kebab over $10. Cevapi is also $10.

Being little more than a shopfront in the middle of an industrial estate in Burleigh hasn’t hurt My Saigon Tuckshop’s reputation one little bit! With Banh Mi and Prawn and rice paper rolls at $7 and all main meals at $10 with either steamed rice or vermicelli, it’s great value dining.

The Pho is complex and moreish. Now if we just had a tiny Vietnamese lime to squeeze into the broth, it would be perfect!

HUNGRILL CHARCOAL CHICKEN & SALAD BAR 2 GRICE AVE, PARADISE POINT PH: 07 5577 1555 Cooking only Elgin Valley free-range gluten-free chickens (as rare as hens’ teeth), Hungrill runs week day specials such as a Charcoal chicken hot roll with gravy and drink for $7.90 or Gyros with drink for $10.90. There are lots of salads in the display window, made daily and available to take away. Ring ahead to order a whole free-range charcoal chicken to take away for dinner.

If you love teppanyaki, then the cheapest lunch deal in town is at Murasaki, where the Teriyaki Chicken set is $10, including miso soup, miso-dressed salad, teriyaki chicken and onion with a bowl of rice and two sauces. Beef is $15.50 for the set and seafood more expensive again. (Saiko at Robina Town Centre has a similar deal for $13.90)

Begun five years ago as a food truck, the Weiner Haus has been operating for two years outside Burleigh’s Stockland Shopping Centre. Hot dogs range from $7 - $12, for example the ‘Monika Lewinsky’, an American style hot dog with nacho runny cheese and crumbled bacon jerky ($11). Now try to get your lips around that hot dog!

NOODLE HOUSE 64 THOMAS DR, CHEVRON ISLAND PH: 07 5571 1033

WHITE RHINO CIRCLE ON CAVILL, 55 CAVILL AVE., SURFERS PARADISE PH: 07 5646 9337

Pad Thai and Chicken satay on rice are two of the $10 favourites at Rose Morton’s Noodle House, tucked just behind Chevron Island’s main thoroughfare. Rose may not be there in the restaurant as much, but the morning routine is the same: the chopping of fresh vegetable heard along the street. All noodle and fried rice dishes are $10 at lunchtime, with curries and soups ranging from $13.90 (seafood around $18).

There’s no better deal in town than White Rhino’s half price lunch. From smaller meals such as Salt & pepper calamari or Arancini balls at $8 to burgers and salads at $9 and main meals at $13 - $14, you can dine under the rain tree in this uber-cool place at literally half the price of dinnertime. Of course, we’ll meet you there for cocktails later!

Marj Osborne

Read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au 40

www.blankgc.com.au

www.blankgc.com.au

41

ZERO WASTE NIGHT CALL FOR CAFES MARKET NEW TO JOIN OCEAN FRIENDLY PROGRAM ON THE SCENE

S

urfrider Foundation is calling for Gold Coast cafes to jump on board for its Ocean Friendly program, modelled on the US Ocean Friendly Restaurants campaign.

Created in response to increasing pollution in the coastal zone and ocean gyres, the program aims to stop single-use plastic entering waterways by reducing single-use plastic at its source.

The program further encourages participating venues to reduce their environmental impact by undertaking efficient water and energy usage as well as ensuring food and other consumables are ethically sourced.

Surfrider Foundation’s Greg Howell said it’s a matter of going old school for local cafes, “to get back to the old sensible ways of reusing instead of throwing away without any responsibility for the problems our waste is causing.”

Greg said there were many reasons a café might choose to sign up to the program.

“We all need to take on the responsibility of lessening our negative impact on the planet,” Greg said, “and all accredited Ocean Friendly cafes are listed on our website, and social media for the world to see the wonderful initiatives of the industry.”

Greg is hoping that everyday Gold Coasters will encourage their favourite cafes to become Ocean Friendly.

“Gold Coasters can see the increase in single-use plastic around our streets and shopping centres, in our creeks and on our beaches and this is an easy way for them to have a big positive impact,” Greg said.

“Just by speaking with the owner of their favourite cafe or restaurant and alerting them to the fact that this issue is a concern to them has a huge impact. When cafes sign up, Surfrider Foundation will welcome and assist them through the process.”

Samantha Morris

Get more information on the Ocean Friendly program at surfrider.org.au/ ocean_friendly.

There are six specific actions cafes commit to when signing up to the program: 1. No expanded polystyrene foam use (for example styrofoam) 2. No single-use plastic straws 3. Reusable tableware is used for ‘dine in’ and non-plastic utensils for takeaway food 4. No water sold in plastic bottles 5. No plastic bags offered for takeaway orders 6. Proper recycling practices are followed In addition, Surfrider Foundation encourages cafés to offer discounts for people who bring their reusable cups or containers, to use energy-efficient LED lighting and energy star appliances, to offer vegetarian and sustainable seafood options and to make efforts for water conservation.

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www.blankgc.com.au

NEW EXHIBITION EXPLORES OUR BORDERS G

T

old Coast and Northern New South Wales are two sides of the same region divided by a state border. ‘Borderlands’ is an exhibition exploring that notion through the art of 12 local artists.

he newest gathering of good people, ideas and food on the Gold Coast is none other than Sustainable Social. Plugged as an evening to socialise with like-minded individuals and learn more about sustainability, it’s a delightful monthly pop-up affair in Miami.

off (what more, you ask?) the event is dog friendly.

Brainchild of 21 year old Elijah McQuinn, the social began in late 2018 when he was in the early stages of creating a zero waste bulkfood store.

“I now strongly believe that food is greatly connected to sustainability.” He wants to help guide others on their journey towards zero waste.

“This exhibition is an exploration of artists responding to the border. We acknowledge the idea of indigenous interpretation of borders as well and the traditional custodians of the land,” said Byron.

“I wanted to connect with other people and businesses that shared the same eco-friendly values to create a positive environment for us to all share our ideas and products” he tells us.

’The Good Lane’ is Elijah’s next exciting project. He plans to launch a zero waste, plant-based marketplace and retail space later this year.

The exhibition has invited 12 emerging and established artists living and working within a 50km radius of the state border to interpret their ideas and experiences of living in close proximity to the border.

Sustainable Social is like a night market that got a serious conscience and asked all its guests to bring their own re-usable cups and cutlery to the party. For those that forget, that’s ok, because all food vendors have minimised their waste and offer only fully recyclable or compostable plant-based materials.

At this awesome party expect to enjoy delicious plant-based cuisine and listen to a free talk about sustainability while sipping on your sweet and spicy chai. Peruse local boutique eco-stores selling handmade wares sourced ethically and made from natural fibres. The stallholders are all zero waste entrepreneurs passionate about their cause and keen to chat.

Sustainable Social resides at Karma Collab in Miami, a high-ceilinged creative space bedecked with plants and reclaimed furniture. There’s a small courtyard for food vendors and a back room for yoga. For an event focused on sustainable and simple living, it’s the perfect setting. To top it all

Elijah is passionate about introducing people to zero waste, but in a positive ‘hey isn’t it great we have all these choices now’ kind of way. "Growing up I never really thought about the environmental impacts of my food choices until I moved to a plant-based diet” he says.

We already have Australia’s first permanent vegan food market on our doorsteps (Lovechild in Miami - if you haven’t been there you’ve been living under a rock). And very soon a space for multiple food, home, fashion and beauty ventures to call home.

So it seems that our envious Gold Coast lifestyle has more than great surf, coffee and a burgeoning cultural scene to offer (we already knew that though). A wave of ethically minded business folk and conscious consumers are helping to challenge the status quo and offer up new lifestyle incentives for us all.

Come to the party at Sustainable Social on Sunday 2 June and become part of this evolution!

Being held in M|Arts precinct in June, the exhibition is curated by local artists Byron Coathup and Amelia Reid.

“Both of us came to this idea pretty much at the same time. I was thinking about this concept few years ago as a personal creative project and after Byron and I talked, the idea of a group show evolved,” co-curator Amelia Reid described.

Many artists and creative minds in the area work on both sides of the border, whether in a physical capacity commuting regularly or as part of a cross-border creative collaboration or work. “[The concept] also comes down to me as an artist,” Byron told us. “I cross the border every day. Gold Coast may be considered to be the opposite of northern New South Wales in a certain sense, but once the idea of a border is broken down, the similarities are numerous. I think the internet today makes the world smaller and brings everyone together.

Everyone knows what is happening. But the feeling of living and working in a community and the people you meet (unrelated to art) all have a connection to who you are. We are Australian artists, not Gold Coast or Murwillumbah artists.”

Byron has lived on the Gold Coast for many years and has recently moved to the creative hub of Northern New South Wales, Murwillumbah. Amelia, then again, has been living in Murwillumbah her whole life, working both in New

South Wales and Queensland. It was an obvious direction to take for Byron to identify six Gold Coast based artists and Amelia to identify six New South Wales artists.

The artists are a cross-over between emerging and established artists working on different platforms and medias from multimedia to sound and craft. All the work included in the show represents different disciplines approaching the concept through different dialogues.

“There is a real, lived experience to the topic here,” Amelia summarised.

“I would like each work speak its own particular truth and for it to harmonise the other work. Become greater than its parts,” Amelia continued. “Murwillumbah is a really exciting place to work in. Byron Shire and Gold Coast are culturally and artistically so strong right now and living their practises.”

Anna Itkonen

‘Borderlands’ features works by Christine Willcocks, Ellie Beck, Geoff Davidson, Mitchell Schultz, Amelia Reid, Chris Bennie, Rebecca Ross, Hannah Cutts. Aaron Chapman.

Byron Coathup, Ree Hegh, and Tim Wilson. It runs from 7 to 29 June in the Long Gallery at the M|Arts Precinct, Murwillumbah.

GOLD COAST MUSIC INDUSTRY MINGLE Tuesday 25 June, 5.30 – 8.00pm Fenech Guitars at The Avalon 3 Avalon Parade, Miami

WHEN THE ZOO COMES TO YOU Who’s who in the music zoo and what do they do?

Presentations from APRA AMCOS, QMusic and others servicing musicians and music businesses.

Amy Gould

Next Sustainable Social is Sunday 2 June, 4pm-8pm at Karma Collab Hub, 47 Lemana Lane, Miami. Visit @sustainablesocial on Instagram to buy tickets in advance / $7 + BF or pay on the door. Send expressions of interest for The Good Lane via Instagram to @ecoelijah.

Gold Coast The Gold Coast Music Industry Mingle is proudly delivered by Blank GC in collaboration with the City of Gold Coast’s Music Action Plan 2021.

www.blankgc.com.au

43

SHARKS

HUB S IS THE K R A H S T HE GOLD SOUTHPOR SIC ON T U M E V I L FREE,

OF COAST.

JUNE

9 1 0 2 E D I U G GIG

SAT CAPTAIN

15

FRI

WOW

7

FUNK

HERE

IS

A

TASTE

OF

OUR

N

WAGNELLS

LIVE

ACTS

ON

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS THIS SEASON!

SAT 1

8.30pm

Rush Hour

SAT 15

COVERS

FRI 7

6.00pm

Paris Lane

PINK

22

TRIBUTE

FRI LIVIN

IN

THE

FRI

29 70S

TAYLA

28

FRI

FRI 21

MADISON

DOYLE

KAT

SAT 8

8.30pm

8.30pm

8.30pm

Money for Nothin - The Australian Dire Straits Experience

Devils Kiosk BLUES

SAT 22 FRI 28

FRI DEVILS

southportsharks.com.au

21

KIOSK

FRI RADIO

28

STAR

Corner Olsen & Musgrave Aves, Southport QLD | 5532 1155

MONEY -

THE

AUSTRALIAN

DIRE

STRAITS

*Entertainment subject to change at any time.

FOR

NOTHIN

EXPERIENCE

Pink Tribute 6.00pm

Tayla Doyle ACOUSTIC 8.30pm

Radio Star COVERS

Emily Brieger

SAT 29

8.30pm

Madison Kat

Living in the 70s - The Classic Rock Show

FUNK & COVERS

TRIBUTE

8.30pm

8

8.30pm TRIBUTE

6.00pm ACOUSTIC

SAT

Benny Hanna ACOUSTIC

TRIBUTE

FRI 14

6.00pm

ACOUSTIC

POP, ROCK, DANCE & REGGAE

14

Captain Wow 60S, 70S, 80S, 90S

Funk n Wagnells SAT

8.30pm

Outdoor Stage

ROY WEN(

Musical

Principal Artist Laura Hidalgo and Soloist Alexander Idaszak, Creative Direction Designfront, Photography Juli Balla.

NOITASREVNOC VAC KCIN HTIW RATS-LLA Ballet

11–12 Oct

HAIR

DANCING ON THE GREEN

THE ORIGINAL TRIBAL ROCK MUSICAL

FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH

Starring Hugh Sheridan and Paulini.

Presented by HOTA, Home of the Arts and David M. Hawkins in association with Sydney Opera House, Perth Theatre Trust, and GPAC.

Good vibes, fine tunes and the chance to dance.

African Beats Sun 2 Jun NAIDOC Celebrations Sun 7 Jul Dean Cogle, Pt Danger Lodge, not dated, acrylic on canvas, collection of Dean Cogle

Fri 14–Sat 15 Jun

DANGEROUS LIAISONS QUEENSLAND BALLET 11 May–30 Jun

A hedonistic 18th century tale of love, virtue and humanity, reimagined into a dramatic new ballet for mature audiences.

BOOK NOW BOOK NOW

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

2 Jun & 7 Jul, 9–11am. Free

DEAN COGLE: BEYOND NOSTALGIA A retrospective celebrating 40 years of works by local artist Dean Cogle, including paintings, designs and illustrations that capture the Gold Coast’s iconic lifestyle.

A co-production between Queensland Ballet and Texas Ballet Theater.

2,964 events 123 films 612,123 visitors 300 dogs 100 billion stars One year. One HOTA. Isn’t it time you belonged?

H O TA . CO M . A U / B E L O N G

HOTA MEMBERSHIP We’re opening our doors and offering HOTA Membership for the first time.

Become part of our family, receive exclusive benefits and discover the best of the arts, all in one place.

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