Blank Gold Coast Issue #64 February 2019

SOUNDLOUNGE celebrates 15 years

NOITASREVNOC VAC KCIN HTIW RATS-LLA

Sat 2 Mar–Sun 28 Apr. Free Exhibition

ROY WEN(

STARSTRUCK

AUSTRALIAN MOVIE PORTRAITS Be the first to view iconic Australian movie portraits. Join us for a fun day of tours, industry insights and art making on Sat 2 Mar.

Image credit: Portia De Rossi, Elle Macpherson and Kate Fischer as Giddy, Sheela and Pru by Robert McFarlane, Sirens, 1993 (detail), Courtesy Sue Milliken and Samson Productions Pty Ltd. .

This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.

National Collecting Institutions Touring & Outreach Program

Workshop

Gallery

Fri 15 Feb

Thu 7 Feb, Thu 7 Mar, Thu 4 Apr, 5–7pm Sat 27 Apr, 10–12noon

GALLERY UP LATE

ARTISTS SALONS

Grab a drink, listen to homegrown music and Let there be rock!

Local artists – come along and network, share ideas and find opportunities to collaborate. monthly program of curated conversations on how to make a sustainable career in the arts. (Free but please register)

Media Partners

Cinema

Workshop

Sat 13 Apr, 9am–12pm (5–10 yrs), 1–4pm (11–16 yrs)

Thu 14– Sat 16 Feb

HEADSHOTS WITH AARON CHAPMAN

A film program exploring the fringes of love, lust, sex and cinema.

ARTLAB

Lights, camera, action! Gold Coast artist Aaron Chapman will show kids how to professionally photograph portrait subjects.

Supported by Gold Coast Film Festival

LOVE/LUST FILM FESTIVAL Curated by Gold Coast Film Festival

6.00pm

6.00pm

Paris Lane

Ruby Montey

ACOUSTIC

ACOUSTIC

8.30pm

8.30pm

Alter Egos

Blink 182 Green Day Experience

TOP 40 PARTY COVERS 8.30pm

The Funksters & Kapa Haka Group

TRIBUTE

SAT 16

8.30pm

The Pinup Girls PARTY ROCK

TOP 40, SOUL & FUNK

6.00pm

6.00pm

ACOUSTIC

Kris Wason

8.30pm

ACOUSTIC

The Mason Rack Band

8.30pm

The Feramones ROCK 8.30pm

The Waves BLUES, COVERS & ORIGINALS

Eleea Navarro

BLUES ROCK 8.30pm

Rush Hour COVERS

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, Catherine Coburn, Leisen Standen, Glenn Tozer, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Prudence Clark, Pip Andreas, Anna Itkonen, Sara Tayler, Summer Maugham, Nadia Achilles, Simone Gorman-Clark, Alicia Kent-Rooney, Tarni Eastwood, Dan Maynard, Erin Bourne, Peter Wheeler, Edan Hannah, Nicole Browne

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankgc.com.au Cover image: BUGS Photographed by Audrey Anger 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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CLEAN UP, AUSTRALIA

Image by Ian Sutherland

JUNK TIME AT HOTA The highly acclaimed Flying Fruit Fly Circus return with their latest smash-hit show, JUNK. Transforming trash into magical landscapes, JUNK takes you on a journey back to a time when the neighbourhood street was a playground full of adventure and make-believe. Exploring the question “in this day and age, do we overprotect our kids?” JUNK tells the story of a modernday boy finding himself in an abandoned junkyard inhabited by the spirits of children from the 1940s. The young artists of JUNK will take your breath away with jaw-dropping acrobatics, magical shadow puppetry and world-class circus skills. JUNK has four showings from 29 to 30 March at HOTA. Visit hota.com.au for tickets.

BIG LINEUP DROPS IN TO COOLY FOR WSL We’re talking Client Liaison, Angus and Julia Stone, Hockey Dad, The Jungle Giants and Alex the Astronaut. It’s The Drop’s second year on the Gold Coast, bringing together big names in music and professional surfing and a celebration of community culture and a love of the ocean. It happens Saturday 6 April in Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta. More at thedropfestival.com. Tickets on sale now.

2019 Clean Up Australia Day registrations are now open, so it’s time to check out rubbish hotspots in your neighbourhood and challenge your friends and family to make 2019 the year when change starts with you. Businesses are encouraged to focus their action on Clean Up Day - Tuesday 26 February, with schools running their own Clean Up on Friday 1 March and youth and community groups taking to their streets over the weekend of 2-3 March. Participating in one or more of these events is the perfect opportunity to join with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to remove all the rubbish accumulating in your local park, bushland, beaches and waterways before it kills our wildlife. Online registrations are free and now open at cleanupaustraliaday.org.au.

MILLENCOLIN are Gold Coast bound.

They’ll be playing an arsenal of hits from across their massive catalogue and also some new tracks from their forthcoming album ‘SOS ‘out February.

They’re at Soundlounge, Sunday 10 March, with Goldfinger in support.

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The Cat Empire have just announced a newly created collaboration with the Australia Council for the Arts. The iconic band will support a potentially careerchanging grant to allow an Australian musician or group performing original contemporary music to tour internationally.

On top of financial support, The Cat Empire will add money can’t buy one-onone mentoring with members of the band and their management, giving the chosen contemporary Australian musical act a leg up into the international arena. Grant criteria is set out on the Australia Council website. Applications close February 5 2019.

Crosshatch#, described as a collection of illustrative works exploring themes including nature, self, the surreal and fantastical, is currently showing at Level Up Gallery in The Strand, Coolangatta. Crosshatch# features the artwork of four emerging artists from the Gold Coast and surrounds: Rebecca Ray, Imogen Sartain, Daniel Pap and Kristian Fracchia. The connective thread between their unique styles is a mastery of line and space, whether exploring fantastical worlds or deeply personal narratives in their work.

You can catch Crosshatch# until 18 February.

J MASCIS RETURNS TO THE GOLD COAST Dinosaur Jr’s inimitable frontman and modern-day guitar wizard J Mascis has just released his fourth solo studio album – his first since 2014’s ‘Tied To A Star’. To mark the release, he’s hitting the road and Gold Coast is in his sights once again.

The new album 'Elastic Days' sees Mascis play all instruments on the album which also features guest appearances from Pall Jenkins, Mark Mulcahy and Zoe Randell.

On tour though, Mascis plays an acoustic guitar plugged into an amp with a mindboggling array of pedals and effects. It’s loud. Be prepared. He hits Miami Marketta on Saturday 9 March. Tickets via Oztix.

SOFAR SOUNDS HOSTS SECRET VALENTINE’S GIG MILLENCOLIN ANNOUNCE MARCH TOUR

THE CAT EMPIRE GIVES BACK

CROSSHATCH# GROUP EXHIBITION COMES TO COOLY

WAKE UP TO BLUE CHILD COLLECTIVE South West fluid groovers Blue Child Collective are bringing their newest offering ‘Wake Up To The Sound’ out on a 16 date national tour this summer. With four singles from the album attracting regular spins on Triple J's Roots ‘n’ All and earning themselves a nomination for West Australian music’s best Regional act, Blue Child Collective are creating waves and are hot off a summer of supports for Xavier Rudd, The Jungle Giants, Stella Donelly, San Cisco, and more. Bringing along their 5 piece band they hit Eddie’s Grub House, Coolangatta on Tuesday 22nd January.

Tickets and info at bluechildcollective.com

Image by Elle Pinney

The intimate atmosphere of Sofar Sounds makes for a perfect setting this Valentine’s Day. Whether you are partnered up, or more single than a Pringle ready to mingle – the Sofar Sounds crew invites you to connect with new friends and share the love for some talented local musicians, and an epic new venue in the heart of Mermaid Beach.

I’m afraid that’s all we can tell you, so grab yourself a ticket to share the experience on 14 February at sofarsounds.com. Lineup and location will be advised on the day.

KATIE NOONAN’S ELIXIR TO APPEAR FOR BLEACH* The much-loved Spiegeltent is again returning to Broadbeach, although this time at a new location, on the corner of TE Peters Drive and the GC Highway. The special venue is making a comeback for Bleach* Festival and will play host to the Helpmann Award nominated LIMBO Unhinged as well as a one-night performance of Katie Noonan and her jazz trio Elixir featuring Zac Hurren. The evening is set to showcase Katie’s ARIA nominated album ‘Gratitude And Grief ’, a collaboration between Elixir and Australia’s ‘poet laureate’ Michael Leunig; uniting Michael’s spoken-word poetry with Katie’s angelic vocals and Elixir’s sublime improvisation. The album, which translates Leunig’s poetry into stunning jazz, has received rave reviews for its unique combination of poetry, art and music.

It’s a night of music and poetry and it all happens on Thursday 18 April. Tickets are on sale now via spiegeltentgoldcoast.com

Image by Michelle Ptiris

AMY SHARK ANNOUNCES NEW BRISBANE DATE FOR MAY After taking over the airwaves, charts and our hearts for almost all of 2018, Australia’s reigning queen of pop and Gold Coast icon Amy Shark has confirmed an additional show at Brisbane’s legendary Riverstage on Friday 17 May 2019. This performance sees Amy joined by Melbourne rock band Slowly Slowly and the up-and-coming teenage Sydney four piece Erthlings – a showcase of rising Australian talent alongside a standout artist whose dominating presence shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Tickets for the 17 May all-ages show are on sale now via livenation.com.au.

SOUNDS IN THE STATION

THE PINHEADS HIT MIAMI SHARK BAR IN FEB

Come and celebrate the lunar New Year at the Old Ambulance Station in Southport, where from 4pm on Saturday 9 February you can grab some delicious Asian street food at the Chinatown street party before heading to 45 Nerang Street Southport from 7pm for a night of live music at Sounds in the Station. Kate Derepas kicks things off at 7.45pm, followed by Elliot Hahn, then the Chinatown street party fireworks at 9pm, with James D’Khan taking things home. Tickets are $15 and are on sale now through Eventbrite. This is an 18+ event.

The Pinheads return from a multi member sabbatical with a new single, ‘Not Like You’, a tune about our divergent world of round-the-clock connection, resulting in chronic isolation, the mingling pot of personalities, untameable ego, opposing ideologies, conflicting cultural ideals and a societal anxiety time bomb threatening to blow at any second. Phew! To celebrate the new track, the crew are heading out on an epic national tour, with a stop at Miami Shark Bar on 3 February.

SAM BUCKINGHAM CROWDFUNDS ALBUM, TOUR Pottsville local, singer / songwriter Sam Buckingham is a crowdfunding success story, with her fans having funded her most recent album ‘The Water’, as well as a 7 date national ‘Hammer & Love’ tour, just about to kick off. Sam will perform her stunning 2017 album ‘The Water’ in its entirety and premiere a select offering of gorgeous new songs, earmarked for recording in 2020.

You can catch her unique and authentic sounds at Junk Bar Ashgrove on 7 Feb or Bangalow Uniting Church on 8 Feb.

SEASIDE SOUNDS KIRRA 2019

MATT CORBY BRINGS RAINBOW VALLEY TO MIAMI MARKETTA IN APRIL For a decade, multi platinum-selling musician Matt Corby has been pushing his own boundaries, embracing a journey of self-discovery that’s seen him wrestle a few pre-conceptions and stare down his share of demons. With two ARIA Song of the Year awards and a #1 debut album behind him, Corby can genuinely lay claim to some hard-earned perspective. Now with late 2018 album ‘Rainbow Valley’ gaining some serious momentum, he’s heading to Miami Marketta on 7 April to lay down some tunes for his GC fans. Tix at livenation.com.au.

Seaside Sounds Kirra returns this summer for five consecutive Sunday afternoons with free live music on the iconic Kirra foreshore. Pack your blanket for a food truck picnic and enjoy beats by the beach in the cool ocean breeze. Not to mention, there will be a free jumping castle and face painting for the kids. This is a family friendly event and no alcohol is permitted in the park. Seaside Sounds Kirra 2019 is proudly brought to you by Division 14 Cr Gail O’Neill, and will be held at Roughton Park, Kirra from 4.00pm-7.00pm, commencing 27 January and concluding 24 February.

For line-ups and more information, please visit Seaside Sounds Kirra 2019 on FB.

High-energy duo Hat Fitz and Cara are one of Australia’s most enduring, popular and talented roots artists. The husband and wife team have clocked up ten years of touring, festivals and album releases from their Sunshine Coast base and their worldwide festival touring circuit takes in the UK, North America and Europe. The release or their fifth studio album ‘Hand It Over’ sees the pair hit the road this summer and Gold Coast gets a look-in with a Sunday afternoon show at Mo’s, Sunday 10 February. Tickets bit.ly/hfac-gold-coast

CASEY BARNES AND BAND PLAY FREE SHOW AT SEAGULLS Gold Coast contemporary country favourite Casey Barnes and band are playing live at Seagulls from 8.00pm on Saturday 2 March 2019, and it’s a FREE show! They will be playing all the tracks off Casey’s chart-topping 2018 album ‘The Good Life’. Visit seagullsclub.com.au for more.

LET THERE BE ROCK: A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE If you haven't been along to HOTA's 'Let There Be Rock' exhibition, there's a few things you need to know. They're exhibiting a whole heap of memorabilia from the 70s, 80s, and 90s live music scene here on the Gold Coast and in the mix are larger than life photographs printed onto walls, one of the original neon Playroom signs, a TISM mask, backstage passes, set lists and dozens of posters from seminal gigs across those three decades.

The exhibition runs until 17 February.

LUMBER PUNKS OPEN UP MONDAY LEAGUES Gone are the days of joining a Bowling League to socialise. Lumber Punks AxeThrowing have just released registration details for their Monday Night Summer Axe Leagues at both their Gold Coast and Brisbane venues. Competitors play in teams of three throwers and battle other teams of three in four rounds per week. They battle over eight weeks in regular competition and on the ninth week the top four teams playoff in the Axe League Grand Final.

Gold Coast has 36 Places with 12 x teams of three players each. All league members must register at lumberpunks.com.

SAND SAFARI ARTS FESTIVAL RETURNS

HAT FITZ AND CARA LAUNCH ‘HAND IT OVER’ WITH MO’S SHOW

Image by NJA Photography

See 10 tonne sand sculptures, multicoloured tentacles bursting from the sand, a sculptural sand crab migration and even a full scale pirate ship resting on the beach, when Sand Safari Arts Festival transforms Surfers Paradise into a captivating beachside exhibition full of larger than life art pieces this summer. An impressive feature of the event, the interactive sand sculpture walkway named ‘Oceans Alley’, will be unveiled on 15 February, while nighttime will bring illumination to all your favourite pieces. Mermaid tales, sand sculpting workshops and interactive storylines all combine with the art displayed to form a truly unique festival experience. Sand Safari runs until 24 February. Check out their Facebook page for updates.

Image The Living End © C Malinowksi

SURFERS PARADISE LIVE RETURNS WITH EPIC LINE-UP OF AUSSIE LEGENDS IN 2019 Surfers Paradise LIVE once again delivers four massive nights of music right on the beach in Surfers Paradise this May, with Aussie rock superstars The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus and The Screaming Jets all set to headline their own nights of the festival, supported by a line-up of legends including Jebediah, Daryl Braithwaite, Chocolate Starfish and more. Best of all it’s FREE, and family friendly to boot! Held from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 May, Surfers Paradise LIVE kicks off with the one and only Gold Coast Music Awards 2019 (line-up TBA) before launching into three more epic nights of music on the sparkling Surfers Paradise shores. Oh, and did we mention it’s totally, completely, 100% free? Get amongst it. More at surfersparadise.com.

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SOUNDLOUNGE

fifteen years of musical magic

Image by Lamp Photography

I

t’s true to say that doing something spectacularly well for one and a half decades is a significant achievement, particularly so in the often fickle world of live music venues. This memorable milestone is about to be reached by one of the Gold Coast’s most vibrant and much-loved live music establishments, Soundlounge, in Currumbin, who are celebrating their 15th anniversary on 23 February.

To put things into perspective, back in the early 2000s there were not many original live music establishments operating on the Gold Coast. With the demise of a swathe of long time venues such as The Playroom over the previous decade, a gaping chasm existed when it came to meeting the needs of live music devotees on the tourist strip, with many touring bands bypassing us altogether.

Enter local go-getters and original Soundlounge founders Anne Stovin, Rob Bare and Ben Treby, who came up with the Soundlounge concept one fateful night at a music event called Alley Katz, that the Currumbin RSL used to host. Back then the upstairs function room (home to the Soundlounge) was being used by another iconic Gold Coast cultural icon, the Swell Festival, to host their event in the early days of its existence.

The intrepid trio, together with a support cast brimming with enthusiasm and talent, got to work on setting up a new live music venue, which came to fruition in 2004 with the official birth of the Soundlounge.

As the venue flourished, other key players in Brad Inglis, and more recently Caitlin Francis, have also come on board and played a big part in shaping its ongoing success. Mention must also be made of long time Soundlounge sound guy Peter Murtaugh and his team, whose diligence and 10

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professionalism have also played an integral part in ensuring the venue’s longevity.

“Lots of people have contributed to keeping the Soundlounge going,” Anne Stovin tells us, “and it is that community who I want to thank and celebrate 15 years with, not to mention the supporters who have turned up to the shows, without [whom] we wouldn’t still be going.

“In handing over to Caitlin now I look forward to seeing what the next 15 years bring.”

And then, of course, there’s the music, and over the past 15 years Soundlounge has played host to a plethora of eclectic and inspiring aural delights.

One of the venue’s most loved and regular acts across the journey have been local party-starters Tijuana Cartel, whose exotically infectious performances have never failed to deliver bulging crowds and sweaty dance floors and earned them the lofty title of ‘resident house band.’

Other regular and much-loved visitors over the years have included irrepressible acts of the calibre of: Passenger, CW Stoneking, Boy And Bear, Dan Sultan, Eric Bibb and the Paper Kites, Kate Miller-Heidke, Sarah Blasko, Lior, Tim Freedman, Angus and Julia Stone, Mia Dyson, Clare Bowditch and the Gold Coast’s own Karl S Williams.

At the funky-roots end of the spectrum, Afro Dizzi Act, Rhombus, Declan Kelly, Neighbourhood Groove Collective, Jez, Jackie Marshall, Ash Grunwald, Bobby Alu and Busby Marou have all contributed regularly to the venue’s rich musical tapestry.

Recently, Aussie songstresses Stella Donnelly and Alex The Astronaut delivered memorable sets. And on an international level, renowned performers such as Bob Brosman, Harry Manx, Loudon Wainwright III and Lloyd Cole have all passed through and dazzled.

While intimate, soul-nourishing performances have been regular hallmarks of the venue’s sonic template, Soundlounge has also been able to ‘bring the rock’ with the best of them. Some of this writer’s favourite Soundlounge moments have included spellbinding performances from original Saints guitarist-cum-solo-one-man-force Ed Kuepper (who has played the venue at least six times!), Dinosaur Jr’s J Mascis with Magic Dirt frontwoman Adalita in tow and garage-psych monsters King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, who left all and sundry in a bouncing state of rapture back in 2013.

Venue co-founder Anne Stovin recalls one of Soundlounge’s most insanely memorable nights, when boisterous Melbourne indie rock titans British India, playing their first ever show at the venue, created somewhat of a ruckus within the venue’s usually more sedate confines.

Image by Claire Dalton

Coast acts in the form of pop-punkers Bugs, enchanting singer-songwriter Clea and indie buzz-band Sweater Curse, with Victorian solo loop artist Tones & I rounding out the killer bill.

The night is being officially supported by local legends Balter Brewing as well as our imitable selves, Blank GC. It’s sure to be a memorable evening, so be sure to get on down and celebrate a dazzling 15 years of good times and great music. In the words of Caitlin Francis; “Soundlounge brings quality music of all kinds to people of all musical persuasions, and we all benefit from that. Still today, we don’t know how much awesome music is actually out there!”

Here’s to the next 15 years - long live Soundlounge! Catch you on 23 Feb. Anthony Gebhardt

“It was the first time we’d had a band in the Club where people wanted to crowd surf! The band was rocking the room and in response the crowd was going wild. We even ended up with a hole in the wall from all the frivolity!”

Following on from that memorable debut performance, British India have played the venue a number of times again in the years since.

And to celebrate the venue’s 15 year milestone, a special celebration is taking place on Saturday, 23 February, featuring a gaggle of talented new Brisbane and Gold

Image of BUGS by Audrey Anger

PEACH FUR C

joins the circus

ircus Paradise is a one-day arts and music festival in the heart of Gold Coast’s CBD, which will feature a carefully curated lineup of live acts and DJs including the world’s fastest rising female DJ Charlotte De Witte (Belgium), playing alongside Hot Dub Time Machine, LCD Soundsystem, Motez and Leftfield as well as live acts Bag Raiders, Torren Foot, IVEY, Audun, and many more. Also on the live bill are local psych-surf rockers Peach Fur, who have been making serious waves for a while now.

SUNDAY 10TH MARCH

BROADWATER PARKLANDS GOLD COAST CHARLOTTE DE WITTE . HOT DUB TIME MACHINE BAG RAIDERS LIVE . OLIVER HUNTEMANN . MOTEZ DOM DOLLA . LEFTFIELD DJ SET . BANOFFEE . TORREN FOOT SUPERNOVA . CC: DISCO! . WONGO . MANUEL DE LA MARE TIM ENGELHARDT LIVE . NOIZU . ROB HES GAVIN RAYNA RUSSOM (LCD SOUNDSYSTEM) JOLYON PETCH . ANTHONY PAPPA . MADE IN PARIS CASSETTE . IVEY LIVE . PEACH FUR LIVE TAGLO . MARK JAMES PENELOPE TWO - FIVE LIVE . RATTLESNAKE DJS . TIM FUCHS . GIV . BATCHELO JAMIE GRENENGER . LATOUR . CTRL ALT DEL . FLASH . CHRISTIAN KERR RASCAL . TASHA LOSAN . JAKE CARMODY . KYE GRANT . ARROWSMITH JUZ PALYIN . BUFF GIRLS . GEORDIE . KINLOCH MITCH GREY . ROBINA . ALIZE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW OUTIX.CO/CIRCUSPARADISE

This Gold Coast four-piece, comprised of Mikey Woodworth (Drums), Denny Hilder (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Ben Crichton (Lead Guitar) and Liam Ward (Vocals & Bass), has captivated music lovers with their blend of rock 'n' roll and funky fusion of reggae and psychedelic surf rock. Audiences are lapping it all up, with the talented quartet getting millions of streams on Spotify and tens of thousands of listeners a month for their EPs. Denny Hilder reflects on some of 2018’s highlights.

“We went from 500,000 streams on 'Glimmer' at the beginning of the year to 1 million by the end of 2018 which is a massive milestone for us. We also went on our first big tour starting in June going through August, playing interstate shows in Sydney, Wollongong and Adelaide that people actually came to! When we played Beach Burrito in Glenelg (ADL) that was by far a highlight. You could feel the floor bouncing up and down! [laughs]” Ahem. We’re just going to go ahead and assume that playing at the Gold Coast Music Awards after party was also a major highlight of the year, guys.

When asked about what audiences at Circus Paradise could expect from their set, Denny is coy at first: “a whole lotta smiles!” But when pressed, he drops a tasty tidbit: “We hope to present you with a sizzling hot classic dance banger… served freshly by thy fave peach!”

You heard it here first, folks.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Natalie O’Driscoll

Overlooking the stunning Southport Broadwater, with sea breezes and expansive parklands, Circus Paradise will feature a fun and eclectic mix of electronic dance and live music over four stages on 10 March. For full lineup and tickets, visit circusparadise.com.

OVER 18YRS ONLY ID MAY BE REQUIRED

C I R C U SPA R A D I S E . CO M. A U INSTAGRAM @CIRCUSPARADISEFESTVAL

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A snapshot of the Gold Coast’s very best new music, curated

by Samantha Morris SUNSET CITY FORGET IT ALL

UNFAIR RELEASE FOR PHOEBE SINCLAIR

Summer sounds abound in Sunset City’s new track ‘Forget It All’, which features the vocals of ARIA Award-winner Samantha Jade. The song is no doubt destined for mainstream success, with the backing of Sony and serious radio-friendly pop vibes layered over a catchy chorus and plenty of “owoooos”. The Gold Coast three-piece, comprising Parker Rose (vocals), Rob Johnson (bass) and Matt Scully (guitar) have built a strong local following and gained much interest in their music since their previous single ‘Pockets’ debuted in June. ‘Forget it All’ is out now via all the usual outlets.

Phoebe Sinclair is kicking off 2019 the best way possible. With new music. ‘Unfair’ is her first solo release in more than two years and it follows in the footsteps of previous releases, reinforcing her position as queen of the sanger (the sad banger). The production on ‘Unfair’ is flawless. With soaring and captivating vocals, punctuated by synth, mildly intoxicating beats and the woeful refrain about life being unfair, this track is equal parts addictive and hypnotic. We love Phoebe’s recorded songs, but we also know that it’s her live performances which really win people over. ‘Unfair’ is out 8 February and keep your eyes glued to the Gold Coast gig guide for upcoming dates.

SOMEBODY TO LOVE FOR JASE LANSKY Claire Dalton Gold Coast’s rising countryImage star by Jase Lansky has released the sixth single off awardwinning Nashville-recorded album ‘Rip It Up’. ‘Somebody to Love’ reflects on the darkness that hides behind some people’s smiles. It’s a classic country song, with classic country guitar, likely to have wide appeal. “’Somebody to Love’ is a call out to anybody and everybody that grapples with self-worth,” Jase said. The song is out now.

PURE MILK DELIVERS INDIE-ROCK VIBE IN I KNOW (THANK YOU) Moving from indie-punk to indie-rock, Pure Milk have kicked off 2019 with new track ‘I Know (Thank You)’. Featuring the unique and somewhat lo-fi vocals of Lewis Nitschinsk (which in no way detract from this song), ‘I Know (Thank You)’ is a simple indie offering, with serious earworm tendencies. It sees poignant lyrical wordplay at its core and the band’s approach to DIY music is obvious and adds strength to the depth of the musicality on show. The track is out 8 February.

AWAKE IN TIME’S RECKLESS RELEASE Gold Coast’s Awake In Time have released their debut single ‘Reckless’. Equal parts heavy and melodic, the track – which was released late in 2018 – gives a taste of the band’s unique approach to what is often a predictable genre. There’s no question these guys hold their own against some of the city’s more established metal and hardcore acts and given this is their first single, it’s exciting to think about what might come next…. the good news being we don’t have to wait long to find out. They’re currently putting finishing touches on their debut EP and they’ve got a headline show booked for Currumbin Creek Tavern, 8 March. In the meantime you can listen to ‘Reckless’ via triple j Unearthed.

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TYLA’S DEBUT Gold Coast musician Tyla has come out of the blocks in spectacular fashion, with debut single ‘Pages’. Hailing from Townsville, but now calling the Gold Coast home, this 22 year old has produced a dreamy electropop number which showcases a strong voice and lyrics as well as a real talent for songwriting. She says the song captures the feeling of moving away from home at just 17 and finding herself facing life’s obstacles with no one to guide her. She instead found comfort in the pages she’d write her lyrics on. For now, you can listen to ‘Pages’ on triple j Unearthed and stay tuned for details on what’s to come for Tyla.

YT DINGO RETURNS WITH THE THRILL OF THE CHASE Travers Ross, AKA YT Dingo has returned with the second installation of his audiovisual trilogy, encapsulating sound, movement, song and all the feels in their rawest form.

Musically and visually the song and its video show a love for Aboriginal culture, including three Indigenous actors / dancers in its production and set in the sublime Gumbaynggirr outback. The release comes on the back of YT Dingo’s debut with ‘Shipwrecked’ but continues the visual journey, with simply stunning imagery combined with a slick mix of contemporary and traditional dance as well as beats which cross over between rock, hip-hop and pop. You can check ‘Thrill of the Chase’ out now via YouTube.

TESLA CØILS get graphic with Dinosynth

VIOLET SKIES FOR SALT AND STEEL

SERIAL KILLER DINNER PARTY EP IS GO

Despite being somewhat of a fixture on the Gold Coast and northern NSW, bohemian duo Salt and Steel (Briony Edgar and Elle Steel) are only just now releasing their debut single. ‘Violet Skies’ is a rollicking aural journey with layers of percussion and earthly roots and according to the pair it’s inspired by the power of a storm as well as the significance of breath. It’s the first of four interlinked singles to be released this year, following an elemental theme: earth, air, water and fire. Working with Brad Hosking (Blind Boy Studios), the women were able to explore new sounds and instrumentation, generating a real atmospheric quality to the track. The second in the series is due for release in May. ‘Violet Skies’ is out from 8 February.

Gold Coast four-piece Serial Killer Dinner Party quietly launched their new EP ‘I Know, That You Know, That You Need It’ in November last year, but it’s worthy of much more fanfare than it received. The four-track release deftly demonstrates the band’s high energy alt-punk sensibilities with chunky and oft-melodic guitar riffs as well as catchy lyrics and mosh-worthy choruses. These guys could well be your new favourite band. Tight, well-recorded, punkalicious tunes, direct from the Gold Coast. What’s not to love? You can catch them at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, 23 March alongside Friends With The Enemy, Flangipanis, Unbroken Shore and Tokyo Beef

O

ur favourite dark electronic industrialists (try saying that when you’re drunk) Tesla Cøils, have emerged once more from their cosmic monolith with the delightfully freaky single and clip ‘Dinosynth’, a science-fiction fantasy tale about a giant cyborg Tyrannosaur who floats through space, seeking connection and understanding.

Ahh, poor cyborg, you are all of us sometimes. ‘Dinosynth’ was born of the wonderfully unique inner workings of Tesla Cøils frontman and songwriter Jed Wølters, who, along with absolute beast of a drummer Chris Dennis, never fails to deliver the goods. The enigmatic Jed gave as an insight into Dinosynth’s genesis, and just how the pure brilliance of the song’s animated clip came about.

“The idea for the ‘Dinosynth’ video has been in my head ever since I wrote the song. As you know, we’ve always been a visual band, and I like to try and make a video for every song we release.

SUNROSE UNVEIL TOO HIGH TO SAY HELLO Byron’s psychlords Sunrose have returned with a new piece of music to soundtrack the coastal days of summer. And it literally does that with birdsong, as well as jazzed up lounge vibes at its opening.

‘Too High to Say Hello’ is dripping with glistening guitar, textured sounds and enigmatic vocals. The track follows on from the release of the band’s ‘Strawberry Wine’ EP last year and is the first taste of an upcoming EP, which will no doubt consolidate Sunrose’s potential to develop cult-like status over coming years. The song is out now via all the usual outlets.

FELICITY LAWLESS RELEASES RAVEN SONG It’s been a while between songs for Felicity Lawless, but she’s back and her firebrand of folksy flamenco beats is at the forefront.

‘Raven Song’ is the first taste of Felicity’s upcoming album, recorded at Lovestreet Studios. The stunning video clip that accompanies the song, directed by Polly Armstrong with camera work and editing

by Justin Smith, was filmed around Felicity’s home and features Felicity’s best friend Bjorkee. “It represents my daily routine with my best friend,” she said. “Every day I walk through these magic places, dance in my magic and carry that energy in my music and to my shows.” ‘Raven Song’ is out now.

“I knew that I wanted ‘Dinosynth’ to be an animation involving Chris and myself in a spaceship, encountering the eponymous colossal cyborg tyrannosaur.

I didn’t know any animators, but coincidentally, I met Chris’s multimediaextraordinaire friend Peter Anthony at one of our gigs. I was telling him about my idea, and out of the blue he said ‘That’s doable. I can animate that for you’.”

And so he did. Although cartoonish in its delivery, ‘Dinosynth’, as with all of Tesla Cøils’ music, comes from a place of emotional significance. “’Dinosynth’ is whimsical and sci-fi based, but it’s also about loneliness, isolation and segregation,” Jed explains.

“The feeling that you’re the last of your kind, nobody understands you, you can’t connect with other humans. A negative aspect of my psyche, yes, but the beauty is that I’ve utilised those despairing feelings

to create such a positive piece of art with my friends that I’m proud of, and I’m going to perform it live, and it’s going to make me feel good about myself.”

Jed is not the first artist to write from the darker recesses of his brain, but he’s also inspired by sounds and – quite specifically – a deep love of late seventies and early eighties music of post-war Europe.

“I’m fascinated by that era,” he tells us. “The way the gloomy disaffected youth got their hands on the first affordable synthesizers, and through forging industrial, post-punk and new wave genres, they depicted the bleak and concrete-rubble dystopia that surrounded them. I’m in love with those sounds, that imagery, the sheer coldness and melancholic nature of the entire culture.”

Three years is a long time between releases, and ‘Dinosynth’ has all the trademarks of a track that has been carefully planned and thoughtfully executed. Given the buzz that surrounded the duo’s first visual EP, ‘Emergence of the Cosmic Monolith’, we’re quite excited to hear what’s in store for us next.

“We have a bunch of music in the works,” says Jed. “A lot of the songs in our current live show are unreleased, and we’re really excited about them. No dates in stone yet, but we’re planning on releasing a few more singles before a bigger collection bundle, whatever that may consist of.”

Watch this ‘space’.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Natalie O’Driscoll

Catch Tesla Cøils doing their thang live at elsewhere in Surfers on 8 Feb alongside Høt Coffee and Lotus Ship. ‘Dinosynth’ is out now, and you can check it out on YouTube.

Hop over to teslacoilsmusic.com to keep up with the adventures of Jed and Chris.

Read the full interview at blankgc.com.au.

www.blankgc.com.au

13

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RAINBOW VALLEY OUT NOW

CLIMATE ACTION RIDE FOR RAINFOREST getting your head around the

targets Earth Frequency festival

impacts of climate change here on the Gold Coast

W

hen Earth Frequency Festival takes place on 15 February, a group of punters will have arrived there under their own steam. The first annual Rainforest Ride will see ten people cycle for four days from Mullumbimby, through the Scenic Rim to Ivory’s Rock where the festival takes place.

The Ride’s founder Paul Daley says the inspiration is all about creating pathways for people to experience the rainforest as well as the joys of mountain biking.

T

here’s a growing amount of press focussed on climate change and the impacts of a warming planet – particularly given the intense weather being experienced by most of Australia as we go to print.

But how will climate change affect the Gold Coast and what can local residents do to take action?

Judy McLennan is hoping that a Climate Action Forum will give people a better understanding of exactly what the city has to lose when it comes to climate change.

“We’re facing a global climate crisis. I’m mortified,” says the Gold Coast woman, a member of a local volunteer-run ACF group keen to see more action on climate change.

“I want to do more myself and shift people from complacency to action.”

Judy was concerned when she heard colleagues saying they believed that climate change wouldn’t impact the Gold Coast very much.

“This psychological distance, that climate change really isn’t going to impact personally, makes it less likely that individuals take action on climate change,” she said.

And hence, the notion for the forum came about. Judy is hoping the Gold Coast Climate Action Forum will help people better understand exactly what’s at stake when it comes to climate change on the Gold Coast.

18

www.blankgc.com.au

“Gold Coast has several concerned and active groups involved in climate change. These climate action groups collaborate and work together. If more people joined any of these groups, we could do more about climate change."

The Forum, set for 21 February at Robina Community Centre has secured a raft of speakers who’ll address the impacts of climate change on our city. Professor Brendan Mackey (Griffith University), Dr Jamie Seymour (James Cook University) and Nicky Ison (Community Power Agency) are all on board as keynotes and a panel of local activists and change-makers including Dr Nicole Rogers (Southern Cross University), Matthew Ross (Stop Adani Gold Coast) and Katie Norman (Sustainable Schools Network) will speak about the role of activism and what everyday people can do to take action on this critical issue.

The evening promises to be informative and practical and there is no cost to attend.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Samantha Morris

Gold Coast Climate Action Forum takes place on 21 February, 6.00 – 8.30pm at Robina Community Centre.

RSVP at bit.ly/climateforumGC.

“I've been riding mountain bikes with my dad, uncles and cousins for 12 years now and nothing quite compares to the challenge of climbing a mountain and the pure bliss of flying down the other side through the trees, smelling the land, tasting the fresh morning dew in the air, listening to the morning birds call and wallabies hopping alongside as you explore the back-country forest trails away from the crowded coastal tourist areas,” Paul says.

Paul has been attending Earth Frequency Festival for 13 years and says it’s a unique event.

“It's a true transformational gathering that combines dance, music, art with personal development, environmental, spiritual and embodiment workshops for a huge diversity of interests.

“We're creating an opportunity for those who are looking to expand physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually - a space for people who want to travel to the festival in a totally new way whilst experiencing some of the incredibly lush landscapes en route.

Paul says he’d like the ride to become an annual event that connects people deeply to the forest and encourages adventure and regenerative tourism in his hometown area.

“I'd like this to become a regular thing each year at the festival - and I'm also exploring local eco-tourism and rainforest connection - that takes people from the coast up into the back country where some really magical hidden gems are found, small and slow eco-tourism that cultivates a deep sense of connection and belonging with the land and particularlyImage the rainforest. ”

by Claire Dalton The ride supports Rainforest 4, a new Mullumbimby-based international NGO that raises funds for rainforest conservation work globally.

“This is the traditional heartland of the Bundjalung people with the Border Ranges National Park being managed by the Githabul tribe who maintain active custodianship of this lush Gondwana World Heritage listed rainforest,” Paul explains. “We'll be riding our mountain bikes through the largest expanse of sub-tropical rainforest in Australia!”

As well as the cycling, the trip includes daily yoga, interpretive rainforest guides and camping. The trip covers 222km and costs each participant $380. Entry to Earth Frequency Festival is extra, but organisers have secured an industry discount for its Rainforest Ride punters.

“We are especially inviting anyone who is lit up by this experience but doubts their ability to ride that far due to fitness levels, past accident trauma or self-imposed cap on personal abilities that wants to be released,” says Paul.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Samantha Morris

The Rainforest Ride is capped at ten people, and sets out on 12 February. For more information visit alushforest.com/ride.

LITTLE LENDING LIBRARIES Storyfest launches little lending libraries across Gold Coast

G

old Coasters will soon see little street-side libraries pop up across the City, thanks to a concept which has been on the to-do list of Storyfest Director Andrea Lewis for some time.

The libraries, which are built at the Somerset Shed (who are mentored by Burleigh Men’s Shed) under the guidance of Clare Walker, are made of plywood with a roof and door to keep them relatively protected from the elements.

“Each year, the Somerset Shed gets involved in some way to assist with theming of the writers Festival. With our Little Lending Libraries, we have a set pattern and then as I raise the funds and can buy more plywood, I pass it over to the students who build me more,” explained Andrea. “We involve the Marketing and Art Committee students to paint them up and then they’re ready to go to the community.”

Street libraries are a big deal globally with communities big and small jumping on board (and indeed disrupting) the share economy by installing outdoor bookcases, filling them with books and making them available to the community at no cost.

Andrea says it’s the accessibility of the books that makes these programs so appealing.

“I love the idea that Little Lending Libraries provide opportunities for everyone to have access to books,” she said. They can just take a book - there’s no pressure to return – if you’re on holidays, you can take it with you if

you haven’t finished, if you absolutely love it – keep it! All we ask is to share it to the next person or share a book you’re finished with.”

While Andrea’s grand vision is to see a Little Lending Library on most street corners, there are currently four installed across the city as part of a trial, with the formal launch of the program happening as I write.

“We’re working on a location map, so everyone will know where they’re at. We have another four ready to go, two are awaiting collection and we’ve got two ready for their new home,” she said.

The libraries cost around $150 in materials to make and you’re able to contribute to the program to help get more libraries built.

Gold Coasters can choose to be involved as a Little Lending Library Champion where they monitor and care for a library and advise organisers if more books are needed or they can chip in cash to build a library ($150), buy a library ($500) or sponsor a library ($500). Books are donated by members of the community as well as some of Australia’s largest publishing houses and Gold Coast Libraries.

Samantha Morris

⎯⎯⎯⎯ To find out more, or

to sign up for a Little Lending Library at your place visit bit.ly/ StoryfestLibraries.

Love from Summer Xx

Hello, and welcome to ‘Love from Summer Xx’, an old-fashioned advice column where you can open up your heart, and I open up a lively can of solicited advice, sage wisdom, home truths and tough love.

Dearest Summer, I am single, recently turned 40 and have been doing some serious reflection about my love life. I have had two long term relationships and few flings in my time and I am tired of picking men who are no good for me.

Why do some of us always find ourselves with Mr Wrong and never with Mr Right?

Warm regards, Ana. Dearest Ana, Thank you for your frankness. 40 is a grand age for some good ol’ reflection.

They do say an unexamined life is not worth living - or is it now an unInstagramed life? Anyhoo, I digress.

First things first. “Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use.”- Wendell Johnson.

When it comes to love: attraction and suffering are often intertwined. The love we are looking for as adults stems from the love we experienced as children. So we try to recreate the feelings we associated with love in our childhood, in our adulthood.

Lovely feelings associated with care and tenderness. But, also not so lovely feelings associated with not getting attention or warmth, or wanting to help a parent who is distressed or out of control, or being scared of angry outbursts, or not being able express ourselves freely. We believe we are looking for happiness when it comes to love but what we are actually looking for is familiarity. And what is familiar, Mr Wrong, is not necessarily what is going to make us happy. Which means we will often reject potential partners, Mr Right,

because being with them does not recreate those negative feelings we associate with love, that make us suffer in a familiar way.

I invite you to send your dating dilemmas and curly questions to greetings@mate4life.com.au Please keep correspondence free from filth and vulgarity. But if at all possible full of flamboyance and above all else truth.

Love from Summer Xx Boss Lady Matchmaker @ Mate4Life I invite you to send your dating dilemmas and curly questions to greetings@mate4life.com.au.

Please keep correspondence free from filth and vulgarity. But if at all possible full of flamboyance and above all else truth.

mate4life.com.au www.blankgc.com.au 19

IN THE BUSINESS OF ART Art is many things...

FREE GALLERY SPACE

A

catharsis, a communication, a mirror, a celebration -and yes -a business. In an ideal world, talent alone would gain recognition and income for artists, but it’s simply not the case.

Art Lovers Australia spends a great deal of time nurturing their stable of artists in order to give them the best possible opportunities for success, and they have turned this concept into a two-day conference in March, entitled The Business of Art.

“Artists spend years honing their art skills but when it comes to marketing themselves they often feel lost,” explains Art Lovers Australia co-owner Nancy Donaldson.

Nancy and co-owner Jarrod Knight knew they could make a difference and give artists the confidence to take their art business to the next level, so they reached out to author and artist mentor Cory Huff, famed for his book ‘How To Sell Your Art Online.’

“Cory will be our key speaker, covering topics such as the career pathways for an artist, social media, artist websites and marketing plans”, says Nancy.

To bring a diversity of real artist experience, Art Lovers Australia have included a panel of artists who are currently making a living from the arts. The panel will be answering questions around working with galleries, pricing work, public work, licensing artwork and making a passive income.

“The pathway to success for an artist used to be exclusively through galleries but times have changed,” Nancy explains.

“With the convenience of the internet, artists can reach an international audience from social media and through online galleries. And although it’s never been so easy to have an online presence it’s never been so hard to be found. Everyone is online so how do you cut through and get discovered? That’s why the Art of Business Conference is invaluable!”-

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Natalie O’Driscoll

So come and gain practical knowledge of all things art and business, and share your passions and challenges with your peers, when The Business of Art comes to Mantra Legends Hotel in Surfers Paradise on 9 and 10 March 2019. Tickets via Eventbrite.

Read the full story online at blankgc.com.au.

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www.blankgc.com.au

WOMEN IN FILM LUNCH

Gold Coast Film Calling emerging artists Festival’s most popular 198 is a gallery space for emerging events return in 2019 Gallery artists and TAFE alumni students based at the TAFE Coomera Campus, and was designed to provide them with an opportunity to showcase their talents, both to current TAFE students and the wider Gold Coast community. Not only that, but it’s free, and they’re currently looking for artists to showcase.

Karen Graham, Project Officer at TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Region, explains why Gallery 198 was created.

“Free gallery space is important for emerging artists as it provides them with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and build on their professional and creative profile. Many gallery spaces charge artists a fee to use the space, which emerging artists often can’t afford.”

The current exhibition at Gallery 198 is work that was created by TAFE Queensland students from North Queensland, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, studying Photo Imaging, Graphic Design and Visual Art. These works were exhibited during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Main Media Centre in Broadbeach and the Athlete’s Village.

“The artwork was created by TAFE students and was selected by their TAFE teachers for the GC2018 showcase opportunities,” Karen explains.

Gallery 198 is located within TAFE’s Coomera Creative Campus at 198 Foxwell Road Coomera.

Having the gallery space located within this facility links nicely with the creative vibe on campus.

“Having this connection with TAFE also provides opportunities for exhibiting artists to connect with other creatives who may be able to support their exhibits,” says Karen.

Natalie O’Driscoll

⎯⎯⎯⎯ Gallery 198 is available to individual artists or groups

of artists, and there is also space available for an opening night event to launch exhibitions. The Gallery space is open weekdays until 6pm and Saturdays until 12 noon. Artists interested in viewing the space and discussing potential exhibitions should contact Karen Graham at TAFE Karen.Graham2@tafe.qld.edu.au.

G

old Coast Film Festival (GCFF) has announced dates and opened up ticket sales to two of its flagship events for 2019: Music & Movie Trivia, and the Women in Film lunch.

Do you sit on the edge of your seat to live tweet the Oscars?

Can you name the James Bond actors in chronological order? Do you know every song on the ‘A Star Is Born’ soundtrack? Or do you just love a good night out with friends talking all things movies and music? Ever popular, the GCFF Movie & Music Trivia night has been announced for Thursday 11 April at QT Gold Coast, where teams of between two and six will come together for a night of cold hard facts and epic prizes, presented in partnership with Gold Coast Music Awards and QT Gold Coast. It's a guaranteed sell-out, so don't procrastinate on this one!

Women In Film Lunch, presented by Screen Queensland, offers an intimate and insightful ‘In Conversation’ with a leading woman in the film and screen industry about their stories, perspectives and experiences working in the industry, hosted by Nicole Dyer from ABC Gold Coast.

Enjoy a sumptuous seafood buffet and three hour drink package in the gorgeous surrounds of the Bazaar at QT Gold Coast.

Whether you are an industry professional or simply a film lover, you’ll enjoy an afternoon of great food, insightful speakers and networking at the fifth annual Women in Film Lunch as the contribution and achievement of women in film and television in Australia is recognised.

Women in Film Lunch is being held on Friday 5 April, 12pm at Bazaar, QT Gold Coast. Guest speaker will be announced in February. With sold out events in 2017 and 2018, we recommend booking your tickets early to secure your place. There are only 100 available!

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Natalie O’Driscoll

QT Gold Coast is the official accommodation partner of the Gold Coast Film Festival. Exclusive to GCFF guests, use code GCFF19 to receive 20% off the room rate. GCFF runs from 3-14 April 2019. Visit gcfilmfestival.com for tickets and program information.

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GETTING CREATIVE WITH TANIA BLANCHARD Burleigh’s new gallery and the creative mind behind it

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ania Blanchard is an artist who lives all aspects of her life following her creative calling, or “being creative from a problem solving point of view,” as she calls it. Whether it is a degree in fine arts, further studies in graphic design, music, poetry, photography or painting, Tania Blanchard’s professional life as well as her private life follows one creative endeavour at a time.

“I ended up moving to the Gold Coast for family reasons and at that point had a young baby. I gave up my graphic design job and focused on being a mum for a

THE SAPPHIRES

close and tight in theatre in order to get through the hard part of the process (which every production goes through!)

Winning multiple awards as a play, film and soundtrack album, there was one challenge left, and that was to undertake a national tour of Australia. Award-winning writer Tony Briggs, son of Laurel Robinson - whose real life experiences in The Sapphires the play is based on – is directing his work in a version he promises will be the most intimate telling of the funny and heartwarming tale yet. We caught him during a brief break in his hectic rehearsal schedule, ahead of the show’s stop at HOTA, Home of the Arts, in March.

“I was so happy with it,” Tony says. “Of course there are things I felt I could have done better personally, from a writing perspective, but who can complain about getting their first feature film up and winning a swag of awards, and working with an incredibly talented director and cast? I mean, really, I’ve been doing this for thirty years and if I never make another project again it won’t be for want of trying, but I can sit back and go ‘I’ve achieved that, and I’ve achieved that with people I really love and respect’.”

“It’s the first time this show has toured regionally and it’s a massive undertaking and very ambitious,” he tells us. “But it is an ambitious show, and we’re a very tight knit group. You do become very

The new production features Ngaire Pigram as Gail, Matilda Brown as Kay, Mindy Kwanten as Cynthia, and Lorinda Merrypor as Julie.

www.blankgc.com.au

Tania’s art evolves around colour and texture. “I have always been drawn to colour and simple designs as well as texture.

How they play against each other,” she says. “My style might change but colour and texture will always remain central.”

She continues. “I work with spatulas to create large spots. I create scenery underneath and paint on top of it. To keep each colour pure, I can only work with 2-3 colours at once and then have the wait for it to dry before continuing to avoid smudging. It takes me 4-6 weeks to finish a painting.”

“I was in a fortunate position of not having any paintings left to put on the wall [of my work and gallery space] so the idea of helping others and supporting the community developed.”

The space opened with a week-long celebration of local artists from Brisbane to Coffs Harbour at the end of last year.

“The space is a creative space. I am just brainstorming a calendar of events; performance nights, poetry, exhibitions, art that is different.” Tania envisions the space: “Elegant and sophisticated space with the art on the wall the hero.”

⎯⎯⎯⎯

“For me it’s something that enables me to take this story to the people. I felt like it was the right time to do it, the opportunity came up, and I’m not the kind of person to look a gift horse in the mouth.”

The 2012 film version of The Sapphires, starring Deborah Mailman and Jessica Mauboy, is what really brought the alreadypopular story to a much wider audience.

“Our casting process was extensive and we are delighted with the four Aboriginal women cast as The Sapphires who are all exceptional singers, actors and dancers,” explains Tony. “At the core of these characters is incredible strength and resilience - of course there’s a naiveté like there is for all of us at a young age - but also an adventurous spirit.

“I hope the audience will feel a fresh sense of connection to a story that has already successfully infiltrated the psyche of the Australian theatre and moviegoing public and get a sense of joy and understanding of who Aboriginal people are and walk away from The Sapphires with a smile on their faces.”

Natalie O’Driscoll

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Tune into The Sapphires when the touring production puts on two shows over Friday 15 and Saturday 16 March, 2019 at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Tickets at hota.com.au.

Anna Itkonen Image by Claire Dalton

If you want to see more of Tania’s art and want to be in-the-know on what is happening at the TBC gallery, follow them on Instagram @tania_ blanchard_creative and @tbcgallery.

sparkle at HOTA this March

he Sapphires is one of Australia’s best-loved stories. Four young Yorta Yorta women from regional Australia, who like singing country music, suddenly get the chance to change their tune, their clothes and their lives. Wearing uniforms of sequins and armed only with microphones, they find themselves trying to spread joy in the hell that is the Vietnam War.

22

That “go” paid off and with hard work and talent as well as great timing and a little bit of luck, she has succeeded in turning her art into her livelihood.

Tania developed a strong connection with her Burleigh community and when it was time to find a dedicated work space, it had to be in Burleigh.

Image by Troy Archer

T

fair few years but still had a fascination with creativity,” she explains. “Once the kids went to school, I started painting again and decided to give it good go.”

FEBRUARY FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey | NightQuarter (Ticketed) Tia Gostelow | Miami Marketta Nath Valvo | Soundlounge (Ticketed) Mescalito Blues | Burleigh Brewing Co.

The Funksters & Kapa Haka Group (Covers) | Southport Sharks Wayward Suns | Miami Marketta Dylan Cattanach + The Mailbox Crew + Taleena Peck + More | Snookerworld Dave Gray Duo | Seagulls Bangers And Smash | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY

SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY

MONDAY 11 FEBRUARY

James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace

ACCA DACCA |RSL Club Southport (Ticketed)

Michael Whitmore (Covers)(11. ooam) | RSL Club Southport

The Yams | The Scottish Prince

Gavin Doniger | Bangalow Hotel, Byron Bay

TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY

THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY Mescalito Blues | The Rails, Byron Bay

Lola Sola (2.00pm) + Cheynne Murphy Band | Sheoak Shack

Lola Sola | The Cambus Wallace

Funk Club | Currumbin RSL

WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRAURY

Mescalito Blues | Wallaby Hotel

Free the Genie | The Cambus Wallace

Rockks (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Paris Lane + Alter Ego’s (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Great Auntie Music (2.oopm) + Andy V | Sheoak Shack

James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince

The Waves (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Port Royal + Fox Company + Ellis Dewald + Ultraviolet Fuzz | Miami Shark Bar

Dezzie D And The Stingrays | BBQ Bazaar

FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY

Matty Rogers Duo | Seagulls

SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY

Mapstone + Celestial Serpent | Soundlounge (Ticketed)

Benny Whiskey | Balter HQ Taproom

Russell Morris | Southport Yacht Club (Ticketed)

Mescalito Blues | Cabarita Sports Club

Dave ‘Yocholiday Tour’ + Deja Vudu + Treachery Cove + Girl & Girl | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed)

The Pinheads | Miami Shark Bar

COG | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed)

Goldilicious (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

J.R Reyne | Miami Marketta Stephen Lovelight | Eddie’s Grubhouse

Rhydian Lewis (Covers) (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport Mason Rack Band | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

The Smokin’ Crawdads (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Kris Wason + The Feramones (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Limewire Party | Vinnie’s Dive Bar Let there be ACDC (Covers) | Seagulls Keith Harkins + Guests | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse Cadence | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Kellie Knight & The Daze | Miami Marketta Marshall Okell | Eddie’s Grubhouse

Free the Genie | The Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Sam Buckingham | Bangalow Uniting Church, Bangalow

Hat Fitz & Cara + Owen Campbell + Friends | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse

Gallery Up Late | HOTA

Street Cafe (Covers) (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY

Izzy Day | Eddie’s Grubhouse

The Preloves (Covers) | Seagulls

Elska | The Scottish Prince

Ondre Davis | Balter HQ Taproom

Phil Guest (1.00pm) | Surfers Paradise Golf Club

Cassowarys + Aralunar Beagle + Ultraviolet Fuzz + Lady Finger | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed)

MONDAY 4 FEBRUARY

Lola Sola | Miami Marketta

Tommy Memphis (Covers) (11. ooam) | RSL Club Southport

Burger Joint | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Seaside Sounds (4.oopm): Tay Oskee + Felipe Baldomir | Roughton Park, Kirra

Z-Star Trinity | Eddie’s Grubhouse

TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY

Jason Delphin | Eddie’s Grubhouse

Dawn Of Dusk | BBQ Bazaar

Elska | The Cambus Wallace

Pink Zinc | Currumbin RSL

Craig David + All Saints | The Star Gold Coast (Ticketed)

Kelly Blues | The Scottish Prince

Salt and Steel (3.30pm) | Rowan Robinson Park, Kingscliff

Chinese Dancing Lions | Seagulls

Summertime Sessions in the Village: Taylor + Phil Barlow | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

Matt Armitage | The Cambus Wallace

Best of Buble’ | Currumbin RSL (Ticketed)

SUNDAY 10 FEBRUARY

Seaside Sounds (4.oopm): Felicity Lawless + Claire Anne Taylor | Roughton Park, Kirra

2 Tones (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Wayward Suns | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse

Tesla Coils + Hot Coffee + Lotus Ship | Elsewhere

Summertime Sessions in the Village: Tay Oskee + Claire Anne Taylor | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

Great Aunt Music (2.00pm) + Andy V | Sheoak Shack

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Sofar Sounds Secret Gig | Mermaid Beach

Gavin Doniger | The Cambus Wallace

By the C: Icehouse + Sunnyboys + The Church + Do Re Mi + Mental As Anything + More | Coolangatta (Ticketed)

The Yams | The Scottish Prince

Mo Groove | BBQ Bazaar

Cadence | BBQ Bazaar

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie + Baker Boy + Camp Cope + Charlie Collins + Kian + Masego + Smino + many more | Bowen Hills (Ticketed)

James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace

The Feramones | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Gavin Doniger | Tupe Aloha, Coolangatta

Jodie Joy (1.00pm) | Surfers Paradise Golf Club

Five + SClub3 + Big Brovaz | Twin Towns (Ticketed) Tickle The Riff (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Blink 182 Green Day experience (Covers) + Ruby Montey | Southport Sharks Black Tie Affair | Seagulls Jason Delphin | Balter HQ Taproom Peach Fur + La Lune Medicine Band + Lotus Ship + EchoWave | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed) Isaac Frankham Duo | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Mescalito Blues | Dolphins Hotel, Tweed

Jerome Williams | Eddie’s Grubhouse The Youngkeys | BBQ Bazaar Summertime Sessions in the Village: Sean Fitzgerald + Chloe Flanagan + Big Fella Linc | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY Jade Soul (2.00pm) + Nathan Kaye | Sheoak Shack Muncie Girls + Ben David + The Lazy Susans | Vinnies Dive Bar (Ticketed) Salseros | Currumbin RSL Matt Turner (3.30pm) | Rowan Robinson Park, Kingscliff Captain WOW (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Pink VS Gaga Tribute | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed) The Pinup Girls (Covers) | Southport Sharks Tesla Coils + Scraps + Similar Lacroix | West End Wayward Suns | Sawtell Hotel Th’fika + Clawmachine+ Anny + Sky in July + Vices | Miami Shark Bar Surf Report | Seagulls

SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY Eureka Funk (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Mosquito Coast | The Coolangatta Hotel Kyle Lionhart | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Gavin Doniger + guests | North Kirra SLSC Seaside Sounds (4.oopm): Tones & I + Satisvibes | Roughton Park, Kirra

The Mason Rack Band + Aleea Navarro | Southport Sharks

Friendly Enemies | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Miss T And The Anchormen | Seagulls

Mescalito Blues | Kingscliff Bowls Club

Benny D Williams | Balter HQ Taproom

The Lyrical | Miami Marketta

Die For Mushies + The Liquid Eclectic + Tokyo Beef + Dreams Of Indigo | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed)

Matt Armitage | The Scottish Prince

Nick Nuisance & The Delinquents | Vinnie’s Dive Bar

Leo Sayer | Twin Towns (Ticketed)

MONDAY 18 FEBRUARY

Benny Whiskey | Eddie’s Grubhouse Summertime Sessions in the Village: Felipe Baldomir + Alisha Todd | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

Greg Bankx (Covers)(11. ooam) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY

TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY

Luna Junction (2.00pm) + Daryl James | Sheoak Shack

Stephen Lovelight | The Cambus Wallace

Bananarama | The Star Gold Coast (Ticketed)

SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY

Oh Sees | Miami Marketta (Ticketed)

Matt Black (1.00pm) | Surfers Paradise Golf Club

The Polar Bears | BBQ Bazaar

Gavin Doniger | North Kirra SLSC

Herbie Walker | The Cambus Wallace

Diesel | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed) Luca Brasi | Byron Bay Brewery (Ticketed)

Mescalito Blues | Bearded Dragon, Tamborine

The Beasts | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed)

Wild Marmalade | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Auntie Leo & The Backstabbers + SAVV + Echowave | Miami Shark Bar

Seaside Sounds (4.oopm): Alisha Todd & The Volcanic Lovers + The Lyrical | Roughton Park, Kirra Lou Bradley | Eddie’s Grubhouse Angelo Pash | The Cambus Wallace Ben Camden | The Scottish Prince Caleb (1.00pm) | Surfers Paradise Golf Club

James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace

Ben Amor | Eddie’s Grubhouse

The Yams | The Scottish Prince

Jade Soul (2.00pm) + Nathan Kaye | Sheoak Shack

THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY

Slips & The F.W’s | Currumbin RSL

Babash Carribbean Reggae | BBQ Bazaar

Free The Genie | The Cambus Wallace

Stoneage Romeo’s (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY

15 – 18 FEBRUARY

James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince

Rush Hour (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Matt Armitage | The Cambus Wallace

FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY Devils Kiosk (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Kafoa McCoy | Seagulls

FRIDAY 1 MARCH

Russell Sprout (Covers)(1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

Muncie Girls + Ben David | Vinnie’s Dive Bar

Wayward Suns | Mt Nathan Jam Festival, Mt Nathan

James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince

Bloom | Soundlounge (Ticketed)

WEDNESDAY 20 FEBRUARY

Earth Frequency Festival: Clozee + Dub FX Live + Luigi Madonna + Hypogeo + Birds of Paradise + Nanoplex + Many more | Ivory’s Rock (Ticketed)

Free the Genie | The Cambus Wallace

The Garden | Miami Shark Bar (Ticketed)

3Play | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

HIDDEN: Kayzo + Lil Yachty + Ski Mask The Slump God + Troiboi + Cray + Gentlemens Club + Godlands + G.I.D + many more | Victoria Parklands, Brisbane (Ticketed)

The Yams | The Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY

Prince: Purple Revolution (Tribute) | Twin Towns (Ticketed)

Ride the Lightning Metallica Show | BBQ Bazaar (Ticketed)

James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace

Luna Junction (2.00pm) + Daryl James | Sheoak Shack

Marshall Okell Duo | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Karise Eden | Twin Towns (Ticketed)

WEDNESDAY 27 FEBRUARY

MONDAY 25 FEBRUARY Abbigayle Anderson (Covers) (11.ooam) | RSL Club Southport

Velvet Underground | Seagulls Bare Bones Songwriters Showcase: Calan Mai + Wildflower + Mitch Lancaster + Liv Heyer + Ethan Hill | Currumbin Pub (Ticketed) Mescalito Blues | Pottsville Sports Club Great Gable | Elsewhere Bar (Ticketed) Summertime Sessions in the Village: The Twine + Ashleigh Mannix | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

mISSkARA

finding a new frequency in 2019

D

rawn to the Gold Coast for its warm winters, Kara Towner (AKA mISSkARA) is no stranger to performing and songwriting. Finding her love of singing whilst studying at the Sita School of Arts in Melbourne, she made a name for herself gigging across Melbourne with Naked Cookie and the Frank Sita Duo and more recently collaborating with a number of producers on her debut EP. 2018 saw Kara have her festival debut at Rainbow Serpent outside of Melbourne and she’s recently been announced on the 2019 Earth Frequency Festival lineup, performing alongside global artists such as Deya Dova (AUS), Desert Dwellers (USA) and CloZee (FRANCE).

While she’s currently collaborating with dance and hip-hop producers across Australia, she says describing her genre can be hard.

“It’s mostly tech house / deep house with a pinch of pop,” Kara told Blank GC. Kara’s thrown herself into the local scene since arriving on the Gold Coast – a regular attendee at local networking events and workshops hosted by the likes of QMusic and Music Industry Inside Out. She says she’s learnt so much about PR and release timelines.

Kara’s other plans for 2019 are still crystallising and she’s in the middle of a vision and planning process with a coach right now but she says she’s going to release three singles, the first of which is ‘My Emoji’, written and produced with Reeceponse Beats.

“Later on I'll release my first EP.” She’s also hoping to perform at other major events such as Island Vibe and Elements and is searching for a DJ/producer based close to the GC to join forces with to take over the world (“dance world, that is”).

“Today EFF Australia tomorrow, TOMORROWLAND Europe,” she said.

⎯⎯⎯⎯

www.blankgc.com.au

Samantha Morris

Kara Towner (AKA mISSkARA) performs at Earth Frequency Festival, 15 - 18 February. More at earthfrequency.com.au.

Image by Claire Dalton

L

ocal purveyors of indie, Pure Milk, offer a unique insight into the idiosyncratic world view of 22 year old Lewis Nitschinsk, the band’s frontman, songwriter and guitarist. The band’s latest release is a wistful and heartfelt ode to mental health and friendship that goes by the name of 'I Know (Thank You)'. Its gentle jangle brings to mind current Oz luminaries such as Twerps and Ball Park Music and the melodic end of the (seminal NZ indie label) Flying Nun roster.

As well as Nitschinsk, bassist Nathan Asquith and drummer Brayden O’Gorman, Pure Milk also features the talents of Gold Coast musician and producer Dylan Lindquist, who also moonlights in indie-pop band Clawmachine. To gain an insight into the inner workings of the Pure Milk phenomenon, we fired off a few questions to frontman Lewis.

Congratulations on the new single, it’s fantastic. How did it come about?

It was at one of those events that the notion to apply to perform at Earth Frequency Festival really took shape for Kara.

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pure class purveyors

the community of people are amazing, the organisers do an epic job and I was like ‘next year, I'm performing here’ and though there was a lot of hard work, facing fears and even tears, we got there in the end! Mickey Space and I are performing together at EFF 2019 and we can't wait!”

“The networking helped me SO much in settling in not only to the GC but into myself as an artist.

Because I met and talked to so many people in the biz at the events, I had to describe what it is I have been doing and what I want to be growing into and achieving as an artist.”

“In 2018 I performed at Rainbow Serpent with the quirky awesome Melbourne DJ Mickey Space in the Womb of Love. It was awesome and I knew I wanted to do it again. I experienced Earth Frequency a month later and I was hooked. It's so lush,

PURE MILK

Thank you so much! ‘I Know (Thank You)’ is probably the longest we’ve ever spent writing a song. About a year ago we spent a few sessions on the song but something was missing, we just couldn’t get it to work. So we put it on the shelf for six months before coming back to it and everything just fell into place so perfectly, in the end I think the whole thing was recorded in about two days.

Can you enlighten us on the Pure Milk story so far?

Image by Setsuko Hobart

We all met at a party in high school. We’d chatted about forming a band for ages but didn’t really pull it together until just after

we graduated where for a few years we just jammed in my garage without making a single song. Eventually Dylan and myself started making our respective projects.

Dylan released an early Clawmachine EP while I was demoing some of the earliest Pure Milk songs through a terrible beginner’s amp a friend gave to me for free.

It was rough/DIY stuff, I had this cheap fake SM57 I bought from Ebay and put it through Garageband with no concept of how to mix. Over the years the gear has substantially improved but we still record in the same garage. The DIY aspect of Pure Milk feels important to me - it’s really nice knowing we can do it all ourselves.

What's on the horizon for the band in 2019?

We actually have so much new music to release for you guys, we’ve been writing like crazy over the last year and I’m so excited to share it with everyone. At the same time though we’re taking our time with it because we want it done right. We can guarantee you're going to be hearing much more from Pure Milk this year!

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Anthony Gebhardt

‘I Know (Thank You)’ is out on 9 February, and you can catch Pure Milk live at The Bearded Lady in Brisbane on 17 February, with some big Gold Coast dates in February and March soon to be announced. You can listen to the guys through all the usual channels. For the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au.

AUGUSTA through the looking glass

SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB

SUNSET GARDEN BAR

-

Eastern Lawn -

A Welcome

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unchy South East QLD collective AUGUSTA are a band clearly in thrall of the heady aroma of 70’s classic rock, a larger than life musical era where real-deal rock stars roamed stages with big riffs and even bigger offstage exploits. And while this writer can’t voucher for the latter when it comes to this bunch of precocious newcomers, the name AUGUSTA is one that lovers of vintage rock sounds will surely be latching onto with reverence, if the quality of their new EP ‘Alice’, is any indication.

The talented five piece came together in mid-2017 when school pals and guitarists Patrick and Gus hooked up with the hard hitting talents of Alec (drums), and brothers Joey (lead vocals) and Cal (bass guitar and vocals). Sharing a mutual love of seminal rock titans of the ilk of Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band rapidly hit their stride, releasing a noteworthy debut EP, ‘Orguddah’ (a light hearted homage to the bands moniker) as well as sharing stages with Sydney rockers The Lockhearts and local luminaries such as Electric Zebra and Port Royal.

Their recently released second EP, the aforementioned 'Alice', ups the ante in all respects from their debut offering.

Recorded and mastered by local legends Scotty French and Paul Blakey at Lovestreet Studios, it delivers a ballsto-the-wall approximation of the band’s riff-tastic, power packed live performances. The band weave an intoxicating potpourri of rock both classic and contemporary, and while their musical dexterity clearly abounds, the band also know their way around a memorable tune.

Talent and proficiency ooze aplenty across the EP’s four anthemic numbers, which also delivers pleasing nods to modern rock era acts such as Pearl Jam and Mother Love Bone, as clearly evidenced in the class and vigour of opening number, ‘Pretend’, which features some killer guitar soloing and soaring vocals.

And on the EP’s final track, ‘Love And Wine’ the band display their dexterity by slowing the tempo and delivering a smoking rock ballad resplendent with gorgeously layered vocal harmonising that wouldn’t be out of place on an Eagles record. Impressive stuff.

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www.blankgc.com.au

Read on for the band’s take on how ‘Alice’ represents the next logical progression in AUGUSTA’s evolution as a musical force, as well as what’s in store for the band in 2019.

Congratulations on your 2nd EP release, 'Alice'.

Any plans on putting out a full length album next, or are you happy with keeping things sharp and snappy in the shorter EP format?

This is a question that any up and coming band must face.

Until a band is established on a national and sometimes international scale, we feel that full length albums are not viable. In this day and age where music is so accessible, it’s rare that one sits down and listens to an entire album. For AUGUSTA, releasing two EPs first was the best way for us to get good quality content out there and build an initial fan base. We have no shortage of songs in the tank, and we feel that going forward it seems the release of a single every two months or so is the best way to engage listeners and lead potential fans to AUGUSTA’s existing catalogue.

- LIVE ENT ER TA I NMENT

- BAR OPEN 3PM CR AFT BEER & COCK TA I LS

- W AT E R F R O N T DINING

- SKEWER NIGHT FR I D AY 4 JANUARY

- BR AZI LI AN BBQ FR I D AY 1 FEBR U AR Y

- PAELLA NIGHT FR I D AY 1 MAR CH

Do you have any upcoming local shows on the horizon?

January was packed with shows in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. For February, we are playing Lefty’s in Brisbane on the 15th with some great bands from around the country, followed by a show at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on the Gold Coast on the 28th of February, in what we hope will lead us to appear on the huge Mojo Burning Festival line-up.

How would you like to see 2019 play out for the band?

We are excited to develop our song writing further as a group and keep the releases coming, but for 2019 we are also pushing hard to feature on local and interstate festival line-ups to spread our sound around Australia.

Anthony Gebhardt

⎯⎯⎯⎯ You can catch AUGUSTA at Lefty’s in Brisbane on 15 Feb

and then at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on the Gold Coast on 28 Feb. ‘Alice’ is available to listen to through all the usual channels. Read the full article online at blankgc.com.au.

SOU T HPOR T YAC HT C L U B 1 M a c a rt hur Pa ra d e M a i n B e a c h, Que e nsl a nd 4 2 17

07 5591 3500 re c e pt i on@sout hport y a c ht c l ub. c om. a u W W W . SOU T HPOR T YAC HT C L U B . C OM . AU

and the winner is…

what's inside

BALTIMORE GUN THESE FOUR CLUB WALLS? I

f you visited Wallapalooza in 2018, you would have witnessed a bunch of amazing local rock bands thrashing out tunes inside the historic Wallaby Hotel, a pub bursting at the seams with satisfied patrons. In the midst of that enjoyable ruckus were three Kiwis and a Queenslander, delivering another impressive set in their new home city.

Image by Trace McLean

2018

was a huge year for Baltimore Gun Club, and 2019 is shaping up to be just as big. Last year the popular hard rockers took out People’s Choice at the Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMAs), smashed out a UK tour and have been busily working away in the studio since. Now on the verge of releasing their self-titled second album into the hands (and ears) of excited fans, we wondered how the guys themselves are feeling about everything that’s happened and everything that’s to come. We thought we’d shoot bass player Hryma a few questions ahead of the album’s release, just to check in.

What did it mean to you to win People’s Choice at the last GCMAs? Literally a shock. Frankly we're pretty chuffed! As well as it looking good on our resume, it's great to see we've been acknowledged. We try and work really hard at what we do, particularly behind the scenes, managing ourselves the best we can, with a DIY attitude and as a group effort. So to receive that award, we're very grateful.

Tell us a bit about the new album: Does it represent classic BGC or is it a musical evolution for you?

Ah well, it's still BGC in flavour, but people will be (pleasantly) surprised. Without giving anything away there's styles and tracks on there that any BGC listener could listen to with their grandparent or toddler and (hopefully) still find it pleasing themselves.

Was there anything particularly challenging, funny or bizarre that happened in the process of putting your new album together?

During a break I kicked a baby. Don't jump to conclusions, it was a ghost statue baby in a haunted virtual reality game. It scared the shit out of me! We did have a lot of fun recording this one, it's our 2nd time recording with Jeff Lester at Shift Studios and we felt more comfortable this time, not just because it's our 2nd time recording but he's such a champion and he's a brother to us. He let us experiment with all types of recording processes. We might have caused a few grey hairs for the poor bugger.

What is BGC hoping for in 2019?

More live music venues for the Gold Coast and more gigs. Hit us up!

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So who were this young hard rock outfit?

These Four Walls - who are Vickers brothers Gray and Brad, along with frontman Steve Gibb and bass player Elliot Burton - had already established a strong support base in New Zealand when an arts grant enabled them to record their 2012 release, ‘Living to Write the End’. Burleigh producer Matt Bartlem pitched an immersive recording experience that included two months on the Gold Coast and was successful. While pleased with the recording, the band fell in love with the city, so when they decided to move to Australia on a permanent basis years later, that previous experience made all the difference. Brad Vickers explains.

“We already had a few contacts through the studio; we didn’t really know anyone in Sydney or Melbourne, and the Gold Coast weather is just so beautiful.

“And there’s already so many Kiwis here so it felt a bit like home,” Brad adds, tongue firmly in cheek.

2017 and 2018 were focussed on building up a new fanbase. They landed support slots for Seether, Trapt, Fuel, Skillet and P.O.D. after striking up relationships with Metropolis and Silverback touring.

They got behind the aforementioned Wallapalooza when, while living in suburban Mudgeeraba, they stumbled on the event visiting their local pub, and they’ve now played the event four times. Also in 2018, the band’s latest single ‘Over and Over’, accompanied by a cracking music video.

So what’s ahead in 2019 for These Four Walls? February 16 sees them grace the stage once more at the Wallaby Hotel (a place which is making a concerted effort to break ground as a premier rock venue on the Goldie), then kick off a tour that includes two dates in NZ, and a Woolly Mammoth outing in Brissy in March.

If that wasn’t enough, they’ll also be hitting the studio with new material.

“We put a lot of effort into our live show and that’s what our fans love best,” Brad says, “That’s what it’ll be all about for us in 2019.”

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Glenn Tozer

Catch These Four Walls at the Wallaby Hotel on 16 February.

Natalie O’Driscoll

You can see the guys live at Rhino’s launch show on 8 Feb at Tomcat in Fortitude Valley, and follow them on Facebook for news of the new album’s release in early April. They’ve also hinted at a possible surprise drop for the clip of the second single from the album, so be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for that one! Read the full interview online at blankgc.com.au.

Image by Matt Young

www.blankgc.com.au

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POT TO PLATE

GOING VOCO

with Tweed Eco Cruises

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ot to Plate is an interactive history lesson like no other. A joint venture between Luther Cora, from the local Yugambeh Tribe, and the Petersen family from Tweed Eco Cruises — it's an immersive experience which has become famous across Australia and Asia.

“The Pot to Plate is less of a tour and more of an invitation to join our table,” Kylie Petersen from Tweed Eco Cruises told Blank GC. “The concept being that stories and experiences are shared by everyone at the table including Luther and Eric the Crab Man (our resident professional crabber). I believe we have created a truly unique experience, both for our region and Australia.”

The adventure, which has been featured on TV shows in Hong Kong and China and on the Sydney Weekender with Mike Whitney, starts with morning tea served up on the sandbank. Guests can enjoy coffee and tea from the Tweed region and a selection of biscuits and locally grown fruit, while Luther provides a musical backdrop on the didgeridoo.

To start the day’s fishing, Luther leads the group spearing fish and crabs in the mangroves using traditional hunting methods, passed down from the tribe's elders. He cooks the crab or fish up on a fire pit on the beach for all to try. Back on the boat, Eric the Crab Man guides the tour through the Tweed River to an oyster farm to sample the day’s catch with a glass of champagne. On the way back he demonstrates how the modern crabber gathers bait and catches crabs.

After spending the morning catching your lunch, everyone sits down to eat together, sharing stories of the many different cultures around the table. Eric and Luther explain the history of the Tweed, while guests are invited to talk about their own towns and 30

www.blankgc.com.au

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countries. The catch of the day is cooked in a seafood boiling pot on board the boat and is then served to the table with spanner or sand crabs, oysters (with homemade sauce), prawns and a selection of fruits and salad grown by the Petersen family themselves.

This “behind the scenes” tour shows you two traditions — the indigenous side and the professional fishing family side — it’s a chance to learn about where the food you eat comes from, while enjoying local fresh seafood you have helped catch.

“The Tweed has so many farmers and producers, so we really try and use everything from our region for this tour — from beers, wines, soft drinks to cheese, fruits and salads,” said Kylie. “Our Pot to Plate adventure is one of kind, something I am very proud of because we have been able to highlight so much of our region and traditions, and pass on our passion, all by joining our table!”

⎯⎯⎯⎯

Sarah Tayler

The Pot to Plate tour is limited to 15 people, at $330.00 per person, and runs for approximately four hours. For more information visit tweedecocruises.com.

Voco’s first global offering: Surfers Paradise

’ve got a secret to share. I f*cking love Surfers Paradise and I always have done. From the myriad of budget dining options, through to the downright weird and wonderful (hello piano accordionist in the mall), it’s a quirky, beachside city full of fun and (generally) happy vibes.

And now that I’ve got a 6yo son, there are even more reasons to spend time in Surfers. He loves Timezone.

Air hockey and football, pinball machines, laser tag and VR games are every kid’s (oh OK, and maybe grownup’s) rainy day dream.

So, when Voco invited me to check out their recently rebranded property, smack bang in the middle of Surfers Paradise, and right in the middle of school holidays, I mean, who am I to deny them that?

What was previously the Watermark has been taken over by IHG and rebranded as Voco.

It’s the first property globally for the new upscale hotel brand.

But don’t let the ‘upscale’ bit throw you off. This place is stylish without being stuffy and it’s the first of a series of hotels opening under the new brand including three more in Australia (Yarra Valley, Victoria’s wine region and Melbourne CBD) as well as Solihull and Cardiff in the UK. Seems the GC is in pretty fine company there.

As well as an in-house coffee-shopcum-bar / lounge, day spa and seriously impressive ocean and mountain views, the hotel has kept its popular Waves buffet as well as Clifford’s Grill & Lounge

(where I had the BEST steak I’ve ever had on the Gold Coast) while also boasting its own onsite beehives and refillable dispensers for products like soap, really driving home the sustainability message.

There are a couple of features that really stand out for me at Voco. You’re only one block from the beach, but everyone loves a hotel pool, right? And this place has not one, but two on offer. One is on the eastern side to catch the morning sun and the other catches the afternoon sun, which means you’re catered to all day long. Its location is perfect. Right on the Surfers Paradise light rail station and across the road from Skydeck, it’s only a five minute stroll (or 45 second tram ride) into all the action of Surfers, while being just outside of the hustle.

The rooms are plush and modern (there’s a USB charge port next to the power socket, can I hear an amen?), the staff are attentive and welcoming and the breakfast buffet (with the usual hot options as well as cold meats and salads, waffle station, bakery delights, fresh fruit and miso) will set you up for all manner of Gold Coast adventure-seeking.

So, if you think it was time you reconnected with Surfers Paradise, you know where you can stay to access it all with ease.

Samantha Morris

hanging five with

PHOEBE SINCLAIR

A

chingly talented Gold Coast-Brisbane chanteuse Phoebe Sinclair slid into 2019’s DMs with a haunting new track entitled ‘Unfair’, and we Cannot. Stop. Listening. Her first solo release in two years, ‘Unfair’ unequivocally reinforces why Phoebe has been dubbed the master of the ‘sanger’ (sad banger, for those playing along at home). You can get more of our thoughts on the track over in the New Music section, but for now, we thought we’d get a little more personal, and hang five with the hypnotic singer / songwriter.

What’s your current jam?

'I'm It' by Kota Banks reminds me daily that I got this.

You’ve got five albums with you on a desert island, what are they?

uncomfortable moments and turn them into bangers to jump around to. Also TV shows (the trashier, the better).

‘Glitterbug’ by the Wombats (the metaphors are unreal), ‘Getting the Team Back Together’ by Jeremy Neale (the best vibes for every situation), ‘Halcyon Days’ by Ellie Goulding (the reason I started writing my own tunes), ‘Blue Neighbourhood’ by Troye Sivan (released at a time I most needed to hear it) and ‘Sway’ by Tove Styrke (hooks galore!).

Which five Gold Coast bands or artists would you take on a road trip around Australia with you?

Big! New experiences, more gigs, fresh content & collaborations and more sad-bangers! Also, Brooklyn 99 Season 6 (obviously).

Natalie O’Driscoll

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Paces, Hannah Rosa, Jarom, DVNA & Clawmachine (and we would have a blast!)

What inspires you?

Making the most of a bad situation. Icky feelings are often the best to write from and I'm learning to harness the

free music festival

What does 2019 look like for you?

Although we’ve had a sneak listen (well, several tbh), the track won’t be released to the public until 8 February, so you’re just going to have to wait a tiny bit longer to get your hot little hands on it.

We know, totally Unfair, right? #sorrynotsorry. In the meantime you can visit phoebesinclairmusic. com and all the usual socials channels for more.

THURS 2 MAY

2019 GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS

FRI 3 MAY

THE LIVING END / JEBEDIAH / REECE MASTIN

SAT 4 MAY

HOODOO GURUS / DARYL BRAITHWAITE THIRSTY MERC

SUN 5 MAY

THE SCREAMING JETS / CHOCOLATE STARFISH BOOM CRASH OPERA / BACHELOR GIRL

surfersparadise.com www.blankgc.com.au

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GOLD COAST CHOIR Y

ou’ll remember the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games here on the Gold Coast.

Katie Noonan performed with a group of local children in a show that was televised to millions of people around the world. Those children were members of the Gold Coast Choir and that performance was part of a vision of the Choir’s Director Anthony Phipps. It’s just one of many performances children aged 5 – 17 are exposed to through their involvement in the choir each year.

“When I first created the choir in 2012, my long term goal was to have the choir perform at the Games,” Anthony said. “Achieving that goal was very fulfilling. I was overwhelmed while they were performing, thinking of all the years that had led to this one moment and how all those children involved would remember this for the rest of their lives.”

“What an inspiration the choir has been for them, and what an incredible example for them to know what is possible in life if they never give up believing in themselves. That to me, is the greatest satisfaction I had from the Games, the difference I made in their lives.”

The Gold Coast Choir is a performing choir for children aged from 5 – 17.

They rehearse weekly during school terms and they do not enter eisteddfods, instead focussing on public performance opportunities and seasonal performances for friends and family of choir members.

Aside from the famed Commonwealth Games performance, the Choir has performed a run of 17 shows at Warner Bros. Movie World, are regulars at Broadbeach Carols events and host their own events at Helensvale Community

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hitting all the right notes

Centre and Mermaid Bowls Club – which is also where they rehearse.

really after a comfortable lifestyle where I could balance teaching and performing.”

“One of our philosophies is to put children into as many different performance settings as we can,” says Lee Murphy, the Choir’s Marketing Manager and Anthony’s 2IC.

Anthony’s approach to directing the choir is really something to witness, and I speak from personal experience, having had my son join the choir on his fifth birthday. The choir is split into six distinct groups who rehearse at different times with some overlap.

Watching (and hearing) them come together during a performance is pretty special.

“It gives them the opportunities to learn about actually performing,” she said. “And the more opportunities they have, the more rounded they’ll be as singers.”

The Gold Coast Choir formed in 2012 to fill a gap. Before that time there wasn’t another children’s choir on the Gold Coast. More than a hundred children were members of the choir during 2018 with 70 of those children performing as part of the Broadbeach Carols event in December.

“We never knock any children back,” said Lee. “So we never set a goal [for choir numbers] at the beginning of the year.”

“Music is good for the soul, and it’s something that can be enjoyed by any child or adult, at any age and any stage in their life.”

And of course Anthony agrees with that sentiment. A seasoned performer (a tenor and a violinist) himself, Anthony completed a Bachelor of Music Education at the Sydney Conservatorium and is the Music Director at Broadbeach State School.

“Music teaching was something that I thought would be necessary to keep me financially stable,” he said. “Unfortunately the performing music industry is very volatile, and most full time musicians just live day to day on their income. I was

“I started with just three levels, but as the choir has increased in numbers, I have increased the levels accordingly,” Anthony said.

“The levels overlap too which gives each level the opportunity of being the leader or the follower. So they also learn off each other, and going up to the next level is never a fear or concern.”

“I used to get a little nervous about how it would all come together, but as time progressed I stopped worrying. I realised they always come together if I follow the simple plan of great repertoire and enough rehearsal time…. and I suppose just believing more in myself and my ability,” he said.

One of the elements that helps keep those five and six year olds engaged and excited about participating in something like a choir is Anthony’s approach to play-based learning. He says it’s something he studied at university, but not to the degree he uses it now.

“I find the more I can teach through games, the more students are learning specific concepts I set out to achieve. Making it fun removes inhibition and boredom that can be associated with rote learning.”

The Gold Coast Choir has a repertoire far beyond most other choirs, from contemporary pop and rock songs through

to Broadway classics, and it’s that diversity that sets the choir apart from others. There’s also the fact that rehearsals are open to parents, that children of all ages are invited to perform solos and engage at their own level and that parents form a camaraderie around rehearsals and performances. These things really set the Gold Coast Choir apart from similar youth music projects.

Lee says the team now have their sights set on growing the number of children participating from the northern Gold Coast. With that in mind, they established a rehearsal venue at Helensvale and recruited Kirralee Scott (Miami High) to lead the northern arm of the choir.

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Samantha Morris

The Gold Coast Choir rehearses on Thursday afternoons at Broadbeach and Friday afternoons at Helensvale (hours vary depending on age group). The Choir is now recruiting new members for its 2019 season, although children are welcome to join at any time through the year. Get more at goldcoastchoir.com.au.

hanging five with

ROCK CITY A

Image by Neil McLeod

hh, if the walls of Rock City Studios could talk. The highly regarded facilities are owned and run by guitarist-turned-drummer, old-school rocker and all around top bloke Paul Burridge, who has worked with an incredible range of acts over the years. “If the music has artistic merit, I’m happy to work with any style,” he told us last time we chatted.

Attempting to create a community hub for local musicians, Paul has quietly supported local live music from the behind the scenes for years, getting involved with local festivals as a presenting partner and allowing bands that jam at the studios to sell CDs or shirts in the upstairs shop for free. We thought we’d pick his brain about all things music by hangin’ five with the lifelong music lover.

What’s your current jam?

I’m the drummer for The Molotov, six years now. I joined shortly after taking over Rock City. Barring late hiccups, our album should be out February/March.

If you could take five Gold Coast bands on a road trip, who would they be?

Five bands on a road trip...would have to be my own, Baltimore Gun Club, Kobrakai, The Black Swamp and Loud Goes Bang. A bit of variety.

What are your thoughts on the Gold Coast music scene?

It’s a cool little scene, hopefully with new places like Vinnie’s Dive etc, more smaller venues give all bands opportunities to play regularly down here. And more places playing live music is always good.

What’s your earliest musical memory?

Probably early 80’s film clips, or I had an Adam and the Ants cassette in 1981 when I was six with ‘Antmusic’ on it.

What’s one musical experience you’ve never had that is still on your bucket list?

Not sure, visit Seattle?

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Natalie O’Driscoll

Rock City Studios is open 7 days a week and you can call Paul on 0404 048 540 to have a chat about your recording requirements. Alternatively, you can visit rockcitystudios. com.au for more, and be sure to check out The Molotov on their socials for news of the upcoming album. www.blankgc.com.au

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GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS nominations now open

ow in its fifth year, the awards shine a light on the depth and diversity of musical talent on the Gold Coast and promote the City as a live music destination.

Nine categories are open for nominations, which close 27 February:

đ&#x;Žľđ&#x;ŽľArtist of the year đ&#x;Žľđ&#x;ŽľBreakout artist of the year đ&#x;Žľđ&#x;ŽľLive Act of the Year đ&#x;Žľđ&#x;ŽľMusician (instrumentalist / vocalist) of the year đ&#x;Žľđ&#x;ŽľRelease (album / EP) of the year đ&#x;Žľđ&#x;ŽľSong of the Year đ&#x;Žľđ&#x;ŽľVenue of the Year đ&#x;Žľđ&#x;ŽľVideo of the Year

Electrik Lemonade guitarist Jakey D reckons every Gold Coast band should nominate for these awards.

"The sheer volume of music buffs you are presented to is worth it alone,� he said.

Electrik Lemonade were a finalist for Live Act of the Year in 2018 with the award taken out by Mason Rack Band.

“From performing on that massive beachfront stage at last year’s Awards to a BIGSOUND showcase, the Gold Coast Music Awards has undeniably steered us toward greater events and opportunities.

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“With our first national tour under our belts and more than 60 live shows last year, we’ll definitely be throwing our hats in the ring to nab one of those Skull Murphy trophies this year!� Jakey said.

It's an important time for Gold Coast Music, with Awards organisers scoring one of nine triennial grants for Gold Coast arts organisations, to support organisational growth and the City endorsing a Music Action Plan to support the sector.

Cr Herman Vorster said he is "ecstatic" to honour the best in the business at this year's awards. “This is a fantastic event that captures the energy, enthusiasm and optimism we have for musical expression here and across the region," Cr Vorster said. “I encourage the community to get right behind this year’s awards.�

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GC's kooky new creative addition

S

Image by Dan Maynard

N

KERBSIDE COLLECTIVE

Samantha Morris

Nominations close 27 February for the 2019 Gold Coast Music Awards, with winners announced at a gala celebration on Surfers Paradise beach, Thursday 3 May 2019.

The Awards are proudly supported

by City of Gold Coast and presenting partner Surfers Paradise Alliance.

Nominate at gcmusicawards. com/nominate.

ince relocating to a little shack in Currumbin from Darwin about three years ago, Mark and Aimee Gray have been slowly becoming known as quite the cultural powerhouse couple. Some may already know Mark as the joyful drummer from party band Burger Joint but Aimee is an accomplished curator of theatre and circus in her own right through their performance art project called Kerbside Collective, and together 2019 brings a calendar full of activity for the recent addition to the Gold Coast cultural community.

Image by Claire Dalton

“We had lots of fun theatre work up in Darwin but my parents are in Oxenford and other family lives around the place nearby.

I just didn’t want to become ‘the estranged uncle’ of the family�, Mark explains.

Some might say strange, as opposed to estranged, as Mark goes on, outlining the extensive commitment he and Aimee made this year to the program at the Woodford Folk Festival. “Life on the Line is Aimee’s and my pop-up theatre experience. We do a few shows each night that Burger Joint isn’t playing. Sometimes I finish the late show at Bill’s Bar and then head straight to the Pineapple Lounge to set up for a gig. It’s hectic but fun! The Woodford community is amazing and there’s lots of our GC friends dropping in to say hi.�

Life on the Line during the day is a bit of family fun that includes dad jokes, Aimee’s graceful aerial ballet on a Hills Hoist (they had to purpose build the Aussie icon for balance), a little bit of Mark on electric guitar, and some participatory theatre. At night it becomes a tiny bit more adult with some tasteful underwear provided to the audience in advance for timely throwing at moments of laughter and applause.

The hectic schedule continues throughout 2019, as Aimee’s oversight saw the team become recipients of a cultural grant, they’re on the bill at the 2019 Adelaide Fringe Festival, and Burger Joint will be touring. If that wasn’t enough, Mark’s been spending time in the studio with Benny D Williams on a new solo project, and a yet-to-be-named EP will be released later this year. Phew!

So what do they think about the Goldie, now that they’ve based themselves here?

Images by Fish Films

“Well‌â€? Mark smiles wryly, “we love bush walking and the beach so the GC scene has been perfect for our lifestyle. We’ve loved to see HOTA evolving and cool stuff happening.

Getting to know people is important though.

Sometimes living in a shack stops you from meeting people, but the clan on the GC seems awesome, we’ve loved getting to know Benny D, Scotty French and Matthew Armitage. It’s been a good move for us.�

Glenn Tozer

VALE NIGHTQUARTER

A

s most of the Gold Coast is now aware, popular northern Gold Coast entertainment precinct NightQuarter has been made financially unviable by a rent increase of more than 100%, and is closing its doors after its final show on 1 February.

invested so much into the venue both financially and emotionally over the past three years,” Ian told the press.

Owners Ian Van der Woude and Michelle Christoe fought hard against the rent increase by landlords Westfield owners Scentre Group, but were unable to reach a suitable compromise.

In operation since 2015, NightQuarter has taken on the role of the essential entertainment hub in the northern end of the Gold Coast, playing host to over 6,000 live performances and an astonishing 1.5 million ticket holders during its reign. Touring bands such as SAFIA, The Living End, Grinspoon, Xavier Rudd, Flight Facilities and Illy have all headlined unforgettable

“Michelle and I are disappointed and saddened that we weren’t able to keep NightQuarter at Helensvale. We have

“We looked at all the options, but in the end we needed to make a decision that was in the best interest of the company, our employees and our community of stallholders. We would have gone broke if we accepted what Scentre were offering.”

gone too soon, but never forgotten nights of music in The Paddock, while visitors were often treated to unique cocktails, dessert degustations, Drag Trivia, fire performers and acrobats as a regular part of their weekend entertainments.

Most importantly, NightQuarter passionately embraced all that the Gold Coast has to offer, providing a platform for local musicians, food vendors, local designers, artists and performers in one carnival-like and family friendly package every Friday and Saturday night. For the 50 direct staff, emerging performers, regulars, music lovers, foodies and the wider community in general, the loss of NightQuarter will be bitterly disappointing.

Vale, NightQuarter. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.

Images by Peter Wheeler

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Natalie O’Driscoll

You can read the full story online at blankgc.com.au.

20 TO 22 MARCH 2019

Festival Highlights • Festival Launch Event • Competitions • Free Community Events • Author Sessions • Book Signings • Adult Panel Sessions • Writing Workshops • Festival Bookshop • Literary Lunch and Long Table Dinner

S TO R Y F E S T.CO M . A U

SomersetStoryfest

SomStoryfest

SomersetStoryfest

www.blankgc.com.au

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Casey Barnes Saturday 2 March | 8PM

FREE SHOW

5587 9000 WWW.SEAGULLSCLUB.COM.AU

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www.blankgc.com.au

Bluetooth and 1 line input Line record output with gold plated sockets Ortofon OM5e cartridge, pre-mounted IR remote control included

Shop 7-8 Niecon Plaza - 19 Victoria Avenue - Broadbeach

Available in high-gloss black or white

www.blankgc.com.au

37

getting a little wayward with

I

t’s been a fun couple of years for Gold Coast’s conscious hip-hop purveyors The Wayward Suns. Perennial crowd favourites, renowned for laying down the good vibes in generous doses, their debut album ‘Paradigm’ scored itself a gong as finalist for Album of the Year in the 2018 Gold Coast Music Awards.

The album is a genre-blending menagerie of reggae, blues, roots and funk underpinned with hip-hop inflected grooves and a dash of rock, and that’s exactly what this energetic six-piece bring to their live sets.

While the band sets aside some time to hit the studio in the first few months of 2019, locals will also get to witness some of this magnificence live with a series of dates set for February and March. It’s been more than a year since we spoke to The Wayward Suns, so Samantha Morris caught up with Instinct the Lyricist MC/DJ and Jesse the guitarist to find out what they’ve been up to and what 2019 has in store.

THE WAYWARD SUNS

You recently performed at Airlie Beach Festival after taking out the “battle of the bands, Passport to Airlie” National competition last year. Can you tell me how that all went down and what it was like performing there this year?

Summer had us heating up the local scene with 100 shows that year which lit the way for an invite as a GC entry for National Battle of the Bands comp. There was so much great talent on show during the heats, the Gold Coast really showed off how good its local artists are.

We did however, manage to take the win. This gave us the great pleasure of representing the Gold Coast at the finals in Airlie Beach. Long story short, we ended up winning the finals which gave us the chance to play on the main stage this year. We took full advantage of the win and blazed up the spotlight on the Main Stage.

What else is on the horizon for the Wayward Suns in 2019?

The release of our singles, followed up by our next Wayward EP, touring the east coast from top to tail and shining a whole lotta love to anyone that will listen… the only way we know how, Live Music.

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Catch The Wayward Suns 2 February at Miami Marketta, 14 February at Mojo Burning band competition, Mo's Desert Clubhouse and 16 March at BBQ Bazaar, Burleigh Heads.

What are you planning on bringing to your summer sets?

We’re kicking off the year with some great Gold Coast gigs.

We are planning to bring some sweet summer grooves by unleashing a couple new tracks into the live set.

Can you tell us what you’ve been up to since we last spoke?

When can we expect new music?

We have been playing as many shows as we can, concentrating on refining our live sets to maximise the groove we can bring.

We’re in the process of recording and writing towards our 2nd album, aiming at releasing some of The Wayward Suns singles in the first quarter of 2019, true story.

FLASH YOUR UNDIES FOR A GOOD CAUSE it’s that time of year again, when Cupid’s Undie Run descends upon the Gold Coast in all its bottombaring glory Natalie O’Driscoll

I

n case you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, Cupid’s Undie Run is a national 1.5km fun run which aims to raise money for the Children’s Tumour Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation and the only one in Australia that funds research and supports families of children who have Neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disease that causes tumours to grow in and on the body as a result of genetic mutation. Despite being a very visible and not uncommon disease (victims of the illness often grow tumours on the outside of their bodies and 1 in 3000 babies are diagnosed with it), awareness of NF is low.

The run is only 1.5 kms and is definitely more fun, than run. VIP registration includes a race day pack, where the participant receives a pair of CUPID's Calvin Klein undies and a t-shirt, temporary tattoo and wrist band, but participants can also choose to wear fancy dress if they prefer.

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The messaging behind the campaign is 'Celebrate Difference'. Campaign manager Rachel Skelton explains.

“We aim to promote the idea that regardless of skin colour, size, hair colour, birthmarks or tumours, stripped down we are all the same, we are all human.

“Many of our sufferers have external symptoms of NF and can be disfigured or look and feel ‘different’. We want everyone to know they are beautiful and provide an opportunity to come together and celebrate our differences in a fun and supportive environment,” she says.

After the ‘brief ’ run (sorry), there is a party at Envy Hotel to celebrate with food, drinks and entertainment as well as prizes for ‘Highest Fundraiser’ and ‘Best Dressed’.

Cupid’s Undie Run Gold Coast takes place on Sunday 17 February through Broadbeach. Their goal is to raise $500,000 nationally. To register, visit cupidsundierun.com.au.

THE DAINTREE

new petition calls for conservation plan

A

Mullumbimby-based organisation is leading the charge calling on all three levels of government to work together on a conservation management plan for the World Heritage-listed Daintree.

Mullumbimby resident Kelvin Davies. “Yet it has no conservation management plan.”

The call comes on the back of news that there is renewed agitation to seal the Bloomfield Track as well as widen and straighten the Cape Tribulation Road. Campaigners are fearful of talk of a bridge over the Daintree River as well as discussions about the construction of a gas-fired power plant.

It’s been 30 years since the wet tropical forests of far north Queensland were inscribed onto the World Heritage List and local campaigner Mike Berwick was one of the activists heavily involved in the blockade which catalysed action. Since then, Mike’s worked as a journalist, been the Douglas Shire Mayor for five terms and worked with a range of NGOs focussed on regional development and natural resource management. He’s now a member of the Douglass Shire Sustainability Group, who are leading the charge, alongside Rainforest 4 for a Conservation Management Plan for the region.

“The Daintree is one of the world’s most precious ecosystems,” says Rainforest 4’s founder and

“There is literally no vision for the Daintree’s future.”

“Now the government that once protected the area by listing it as World Heritage wants to build a main road through it to Cooktown,” Mike said.

“That will need extensive earthworks, will lead to a huge increase in traffic and a bridge over the Daintree River. The same government wants to build a gas fired power plant on the Daintree Coast and reticulate mains power through the area.”

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Samantha Morris

You can add your voice to the campaign by signing the petition at rainforest4.org/save_the_daintree.

www.blankgc.com.au

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ZEUS STREET GREEK Harbour Town & Robina Town Centres

I

n a flurry of excitement for those who love all things Greek, Zeus Street Greek has just opened in the newly renovated ‘Harbour Town Eats’, their second Gold Coast store, the fifth in Queensland.

With Chef David Tsirekas (ex-1821, Xanthi and Perama) overseeing the menu development, Zeus Street Greek offers a modern take on traditional Greek food, giving it an Australian twist. Hailed as a ‘Greek hero’, Tsirekas is well known for his inventive dishes such as Greek San Choi Bau, Wild Weed Pie and Pork Belly Baklava featuring on his menus. Tsirekas says that he attempts in his cooking to portray elements of Greece through the ages. His reading of ancient literary texts to help build the picture of where Greek cuisine came from, what path it has travelled and how it has evolved is unique in the industry.

We talked with him about his food philosophy and the challenge of creating dishes for a franchise group.

What is Greek food to you?

Greek food is a journey, much like Greece itself has had through history. In the Classical Age, Greeks ate completely different food to what they eat today. Then came the Byzantine Age that connected East and West. It was exotic and indulgent. The Ottoman Age brought Middle Eastern flavours and words into Greek cuisine. Then, from the 1900s, Greek emigration saw a ‘dumbing down’ of Greek food as migrants tried to fit into new lands. All through the last century, though, Greek restaurants have had two menus, one a ‘hidden menu’ of dishes for special guests. In this way, Greeks have kept their cuisine alive.

What do the old Niagara cafés of Australia have to teach us about Greek food and Greek life?

In the first place, Greek cafés provided food for everyone when no one else wanted to. They fed the people and did what it took to make people happy.

There’s a generosity in Greeks, a wish to spoil people.

Everyone else comes first rather than yourself.

Food is giving back. It’s feeding the soul through the stomach.

There’s an immediate response. When you cook for people, you can see the satisfaction on their faces immediately.

Family first, then friends, then the community… That’s who we are. That’s what Greek food is: love, generosity, nurturing 40

www.blankgc.com.au

and comfort. My parents used to use food as a tool to bring love and joy to others. They cooked for family, guests and neighbours. Mum used to make two Sunday roasts – one for us and one for the neighbours. Same thing every week.

You’ve had a range of culinary experiences, from restaurant owner and Executive Chef to consulting chef, taking ‘mod Greek’ to the US. Why consult to a restaurant franchise? What strengths does this model of dining have that attracts you?

I want to sow the seed, to lift the game of fast food. I envisage thirty stores, all part of a family but each one with the local feel of an area and a personality of its own, eager to give people a personal dining experience.

I am invested in Zeus. In a way, each store is an extension of my own home, with my own personality in it. With Greek food, these things go hand in hand. We speak of ‘philotimo’, the ability to love and honour everybody, giving all of yourself to other people. I would love to try and achieve that through a restaurant. Sometimes, it’s hard to do this in a fine dining restaurant, whereas Zeus draws diners from a broad demographic.

What does Zeus bring to the dining scene that is new? What’s its point of difference?

Zeus brings quick efficient service and quality ingredients to the dining scene. We use the best feta, free range lamb, pork and chicken sourced locally. We are not skimping on value, using thoughtful processes and cuts to get the most flavour and quality from produce. We’ll continue to develop ingredients.

Zeus is totally accessible to everyone. [Main meals range from $10 - $20.] It brings the Mediterranean diet to everyone, a balance of simple, flavoursome, nutritious food; a healthy way of eating that dates back through the centuries.

Which dish on Zeus’ menu are you most proud of? Which one is a ‘Must Do’ dish?

The proteins, such as the lamb and chicken. I’d order one of those from the grill with tzatziki and salad. Dad always used a secret rub on the meat. He’d never let on what it was made of, but I’ve tried to replicate it and we use it on our meats.

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Marj Osborne

Read the full interview online at blankgc.com.au.

THE TRUE COLOUR OF THE SEA

Image by Claire Dalton

ROBERT DREWE

T

he 'True Colour of the Sea’ is a collection of 11 short stories by Australian writer Robert Drewe, six of which have appeared in various publications previously. Drewe has also included a new generation of the Lang family from his seminal book of short stories ‘The Body Surfers’.

Since ‘The Body Surfers’, Robert Drewe’s name has been synonymous with stories of water and the ocean. 'The True Colour of the Sea’ contains stories which are - unsurprisingly - set by the sea in Australia, overseas and even on a cruise ship.

Along with the beauty of the watery locales, Drewe writes enough complexity into his characters that we understand their melancholies and anxieties well in the short amount of time it takes to read the few pages of each story. It is masterful writing to convey such sense of place and character nuance so pointedly in the short story form.

Characters include: A mistakenly jealous husband in a culturally confusing act of atonement, a sexually manipulative mother-in-law in 1950s Sydney, a pompous artist-adventurer abandoned to an island grave, elderly travellers enjoying the last vestiges of life purchasing poisonous end of life insurance, a couple’s disappointment with the tacky tourism and sexual exploitation in a oncefascinating Cuba, and a 50-something man facing the reality of the end of a friendship with a man he now finds abhorrent. Drewe’s characters are all relatable in some way.

However, Drewe does write from the perspective of heterosexual, white privilege and this is a little disquieting in modern day Australia. This is not a criticism of the relevance or quality of the stories, just the lack of diversity. It gives the impression that the true colour of the sea is white. Nonetheless, this latest offering from Robert Drewe is well worth the read.

Pip Andreas

FROM LAB SIMULATIONS TO PATIENT

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT RAPE

EXAMINATIONS Study in class or online

SOHAILA ABDULALI

R

arely does a book’s title so perfectly encapsulate its contents, as it does in the case of Sohaila Abdulali’s ‘What We Talk About When We talk About Rape,’ a modern treatise on rape and rape culture, and the global discourse that both describes and determines it.

Sohaila Abdulali was the first Indian rape survivor to speak out publicly about her experience. Gang-raped as a teenager in Mumbai and indignant at the deafening silence on the issue of rape in India, she wrote an article for a women’s magazine questioning how we perceive rape and rape victims that disappeared (she thought) into the ether. Thirty years later, happy and successful, Abdulali saw her story go viral in the wake of the fatal 2012 Delhi rape of Jyoti Singh and the global outcry that followed.

While unsentimental in tone - even in the passages where she recollects her ordeal - the book and its wide-ranging look at the broad spectrum of global sexual violence nevertheless inspire a full gamut of (negative) emotions in the reader, ranging from the purest boiling rage to quiet despair. Meticulously researched and referenced, the book holds a mirror up to the frighteningly large numbers of sexual assault victims, and their ongoing victimisation by a society which at times seems set up to excuse perpetrators.

However it also offers hope - particularly via the story of its author - that it is possible to achieve a happy life after surviving sexual assault. It is a book to be read over several sittings; one to pick up again once you’ve cooled down or perked up, but absolutely to be picked up again.

Abdulali’s offering demonstrates great insight but provides little in the way of solutions, although some solace for victims will almost certainly be found amongst its pages, even if just from the realisation that they are not alone. It is not unlike other treatments of this subject, in that sense.

‘What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape’ explores not just what we say when we talk about rape but also what we don’t say, and asks pertinent questions about consent and desire, redemption and revenge, and how we raise our sons. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one.

GEORGINA ENROLLED NURSE

DIPLOMA OF NURSING | HLT54115

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

Natalie O’Driscoll www.blankgc.com.au

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)KROY WEN(

Photo by OGA Creative Agency

SNOITASREVNOC EVAC KCIN HTIW SRATS-LLA Circus/Family

Sun 3

DANC

Now on S each mo to the ou out to liv

Fri 29–Sat 30 Mar

JUNK

FLYING FRUIT FLY CIRCUS Jaw-dropping acrobatics, magical shadow puppetry and world-class circus skills.

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

Fri 15

THE

WRITTE

Relive all musical t

Fri 8–Sat 9 Mar

Now on Sunday morning. Free, fun social dance with a different theme each month. After you’ve checked out the farmers market, wander round to the outdoor stage and learn some dance moves before trying them out to live music.

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book.

DANCING ON THE GREEN

THE GRUFFALO

CDP KIDS WITH TALL STORIES

THE SAPPHIRES

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY TONY BRIGGS Relive all the classic hits in this funny, heart-warming musical tale inspired by the true story.

This event is part of our Indigenous Program, proudly presented

by Bond University.

Comedy

Music

Fri 15–Sat 16 Mar

Theatre

The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children’s Books

Dance

Photo by OGA Creative Agency

Sun 3 Feb, Sun 3 Mar, Sun 7 Apr, Free

Mon 17–Sun 24 Mar

GC LAUGHS FESTIVAL

A week long celebration of non-stop comedy with a dazzling line-up of the funniest international stars, homegrown legends and next-big-things in comedy.