Blank GC issue #48 - September 2017 by Blank Street Press

September '17

rocking out at BIGSOUND issue #048

BIGSOUND

BIGSOUND +

CULTURE

MUSIC

MUSIC +

Karl S Williams Jesswar Ella Fence Driven Fear Caiti Baker

Cub Sport Tina Arena Gold Coast warmup Bang On IVEY

Gold Coast Open House Opera on the Beach Blanc de Blanc SWELL Sculpture 2970 Boiling Point

Amela Benny D Williams Buskers by the Creek Live at Bond Hey Sunshine

Luke Houselander Coast Acoustics Hanlon Brothers Johan Danno Mitch King

Discover your new favourite artist today.

Powered by the Bachelor of Popular Music at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, SEED is an innovative artist agency based on the Gold Coast. We help artists kick-start their careers. Download SEED's new album for FREE.

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Music

Tijuana Cartel hit the road with ‘Ishtar’ Exotic eastern flavours and meticulous production will be candy to Gold Coast ears when Tijuana Cartel return to Soundlounge this month. The national tour, celebrating the release of new single ‘Ishtar’ takes in Gold Coast as well as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Byron. It’s the first release in two years and serves up heavy bass, haunting guitar motifs and soul smashing beats. The new track is available now with limited-edition vinyl scheduled for release in October and Tijuana Cartel will perform at the Soundlounge, Currumbin on Friday 22 September.

Katchafire roll out Legacy Tour Aotearoa’s favourite roots reggae band Katchafire return to our fine shores this September celebrating 20 years of music with their Legacy Tour. Already completing a six-week tour in the USA and selling out shows in New Zealand, the Australian tour is expected to be rather large. Gold Coast’s Hanlon Brothers support on a bunch of dates. They hit Parkwood Tavern with Hanlon Brothers and The Sea Gypsies on Friday 6 October. Tickets at katchafire.co.nz.

Falls Festival lineup announced

Another mini-fest for Shark Bar

Creative installations, visual arts performances, pop-up bars and beergardens, comedy, beach, gourmet fare, yoga and more. Yep, Falls Festival is on the horizon. But let’s be honest, it’s the music that draws crowds to the festival’s four locations year after year. And the 2017-18 lineup has punters frothing. Flume, Fleet Foxes, Run the Jewels, The Kooks, Glass Animals, Peking Duk, Angus & Julia Stone, Foster the People, Liam Gallagher, Vince Staples, Jungle, Dune Rats, Daryl Braithwaite, Bad//Dreems and more will hit Lorne VIC (28 – 31 Dec), Marion Bay TAS (29 – 31 Dec), Byron Bay NSW (31 Dec – 2 Jan) and Fremantle WA (6 – 7 Jan).

Get the calendars warmed up now, Shark Bar hosts another little mini-fest this month and it’s shaping up to be a corker. 23 September 2017 sees Drunk Mums, Pist Idiots and Draggs (with more to be confirmed) take to the beach-side venue.

Placebo announce 20th anniversary tour UK alt rockers Placebo have announced they will be heading back to Australia for their first headlining tour in eleven years. Although they last played at Soundwave in 2014, we can expect a surprise from androgynous front man Brian Molko and his band of melodic rockers. Promising to play more of their commercially successful material, Molko said “if you want to see us play songs like Pure Morning and Nancy Boy, which we haven’t played in almost ten years and may not play again, then you’d better come along to these shows! We’ll have some surprises in there too.” A friend with Placebo tickets, is a friend indeed. Placebo play Brisbane Convention Centre on Monday 11 September.

Sprung Festival returns, with new Gold Coast home Sprung Festival only ran for three years and when it did it built a reputation for showcasing the premier crop of hip-hop talent in Australia. We have good news for hip-hop fans, because Sprung Festival is back and this time it’s bringing the genre’s most unique voices to the Gold Coast. A. B. Original, Illy, Allday, Tkay Maidza, Spit Syndicate, Pez, Ivan Ooze, B Wise, Mathas, Caiti Baker and Jesswar will all bring the goods to the Parkwood Precinct on 28 October.

The Peep Tempel on hiatus… right after this tour

New music school for northern Gold Coast Gold Coast Music Awards finalist Amela is launching a music school for the northern Gold Coast. Called Nightingale will focus on young adults who want to learn more about contemporary music Currently teaching from her home studio in Guanaba, Amela is hoping to find a permanent home in Helensvale (where she went to High School) and contribute to the growing hub developing there. Get in early. Get more at nightingalegc.com.

After nine years performing live and producing three acclaimed studio albums, The Peep Tempel announce a final run of national dates before entering a period of hiatus. From the gnarly confines of West Melbourne where their 2014 album Tales was conceived and recorded, they earned a spot on the AMP Prize shortlist as well as triple j acknowledgement for their off-kilter love song Carol. They supported Mariachi El Bronx who toured Australia for Bluesfest, and they’ve built quite the reputation for their live show and blew Golden Plains and Splendour audiences away with Rolling Stone heralding them as “Melbourne’s most dangerous band.” The Peep Tempel’s live show is unparalleled, their sets are unrivalled in intensity and incredibly cathartic. These shows will be totality. They’re at Miami Tavern on Friday 20 October.

Killing Heidi come to NightQuarter as part of massive regional tour Contemporary Melanesian music on show Melanesian art and culture will be showcased this month to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s Independence weekend. The lineup includes Wantok Musik, George Telek (PNG), Charle Maimarosia (Solomon Islands) and Tio (Vanuatu, pictured). And of course, it wouldn’t be a Melanesian celebration if there wasn’t food involved. There’ll be art and craft too. It all goes down at Redlands Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 17 September at 6.30pm.

Cosmic Dad Based on the Gold Coast, but only forming this year three-piece Cosmic Dad dish up psych-space tunes with a dash of slacker rock. They’re at Currumbin Pub on 8 September with Napolean Teardrop, Lens and Gnosis in support. There’s a shuttle bus. Need you know more?

A Global day of secret gigs Amnesty International is partnering with Sofar Sounds to catalyse a global day of music to support the refugee crisis impacting more than 20 million people globally. On just one day – Wednesday 20 September – and happening simultaneously in sixty countries, hundreds of cities worldwide will get their gig on to support refugees. On the Gold Coast, artists Nick Cunningham, Ivey and Kyle Lionhart will be performing in a secret location to play to 100 competition winners. To apply for tickets, just make a donation to Amnesty International via sofarsounds. com/goldcoast.

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Scallywags at Shark Bar Garage Fuzz three piece Los Scallywaggs have formed a rancid reputation for fast paced energetic rock n roll with their live shows considered a must see. Influenced by the Californian garage punk/rock scene created by bands like Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall and Night Beats the band has comfortably woven their sound through punchy drums and fuzzed out guitar. Debut album Illumination Zap, out in October 2016 was met with tremendous applause and since then Los Scallywaggs have played alongside bands like Dune Rats, Gang Of Youths and Dope Lemon. Scallywaggs hit Shark Bar, Miami on 17 September.

Kingswood return to the Gold Coast ‘After Hours, Close to Dawn’ was a creative evolution in sound for Kingswood. It was named in Rolling Stone Australia’s 50 Most Anticipated Albums of 2017 and debuted in the ARIA top 10. Following their Splendour in the Grass set, the band is about to hit the road to show off the new album for the first time and Gold Coast is on the itinerary. They’ll be at NightQuarter 21 October.

Killing Heidi will be hitting the Gold Coast in September as one of eleven dates on a recently announced national tour. The tour follows up to their super successful, rave review garnering capital city tour in June, and gives Killing Heidi the exciting opportunity to reconnect with the parts of Australia they've really missed in their 10 years off the road. Catch Killing Heidi and guests RACKETT at NightQuarter on 30 September. Tickets through Oztix.

Shag Rock Loosen Up About to play their first festival show in America, Brisbane beach-rockers Shag Rock are set to play their biggest shows with dates in Brisbane, Sydney and New York in September and October. Their new album ‘Barefoot’ with single ‘Loosen Up’ are both available via Spotify and Shag Rock will play Miami Marketta on Thursday 14 September.

Benny dreams big Never one to dream small, Gold Coast soulman Benny D Williams planned to release a single every month this year. It didn’t quite work out the way he’d expected and it’s been a long five month wait for eager fans, but now Benny D is set to release his fourth track this year, ‘Sambalese’ on 28 September to coincide with his daughter’s birthday. Get your BDW fix on Spotify, or live at Coolangatta Sands on 3 September, SWELL Sounds on 9 September and The Avenue on 10 September.

Sleepmakeswaves for Shark Bar sideshow Post-rock trailblazers sleepmakeswaves are still riding high from the success of their epic triple j Like A Version of ‘Children’ by Robert Miles and they’re on their way to the Gold Coast as part of their visit for BIGSOUND. Starting in small clubs around Australia, sleepmakeswaves honed their live performances in intimate rooms, so Miami Tavern is the perfect spot for their BIGSOUND side-show. Sleepmakeswaves will hit Shark Bar, Miami Saturday 9 September.

For the love of letters Some of the world's best calligraphers, sign painters and typographers will descend on the Gold Coast next month for a creative conference that focuses on the craft of typography. The Typism Conference, now in its third year, is devoted entirely to the beauty of the written word. If you are an artist, designer, or simply appreciate the beauty of the written word, then the Typism Conference is for you. Held this year at the Arts Centre Gold Coast on Saturday 30 September, Typism brings together lettering artists from Australia and the US to share their work, creative process and insights into building a business from your passion. Visit typism.com.au for more.

Zenith graduate exhibition to be held at Left Bank The 2017 graduating cohort Griffith University Gold Coast are again putting on their graduate exhibition Zenith, and this year it is at Left Bank Gallery in Southport. Zenith showcases the graduating works of Studio Art, Photo Media and Honours students from the Bachelor of Digital Media program at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, Gold Coast. Until 5 September you can donate to the Go Fund Me page to fund the printing of the catalogue and invitations for the exhibition at Left Bank Gallery from 30 September - 13 October. Exhibiting artists are Cherie Noble, Ellie Morley, Erin Campbell, Holly Knight, Jay Jermyn, Karen Wilson, Naomi Wong, Xiaoting Hui and Zara Tansley.

Go-Betweens release new film Right Here With beautifully crafted, wonderfully idiosyncratic pop songs like ‘Streets Of Your Town’, ‘Cattle And Cane’, and ‘Head Full Of Steam’, the Brisbane-born The Go-Betweens announced themselves as a musical force to be reckoned with in the late seventies and eighties. But behind every one of their great songs lies a backstory of jealousy, doomed romance, bruised egos, and personal pain. In his deeply moving, richly intimate documentary, ‘The Go-Betweens: Right Here’, director, Kriv Stenders tells the fascinating story of this seminal band from the inside out, uncovering the betrayals, the failures, and the quiet triumphs that made The GoBetweens so great. In cinemas from 28 September.

TAFE Queensland Coomera opens its doors for prospective students Think it's time that you take your creative talent to the next level? TAFE Queensland Coomera will open its doors for you to explore all things creative from music and sound production to graphic design; information technology to screen and media as well as interactive digital media. Tour their state-of-the-art facilities including film editing suites, sound recording studios and black box theatre and see exhibits by interior design, building design and graphic design students. There'll be interactive gaming stations, green screen and broadcast demonstrations as well as live music. Speak with the experts at the Coomera Open Day, 9.30am – 2.30pm Saturday 14 October, Foxwell Road, Coomera. Free entry.

Editor in Chief: Samantha Morris Cultural Editor: Natalie O'Driscoll Design: Chloe Popa Advertising: Amanda Gorman Money Coordinator: Phillippa Wright Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark House Photographer: Leisen Standen, Lamp Photography

Indigenous Music Camp call out Bleach* Festival presents BY THE BEACH, a 5-day music residency program on the Gold Coast for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians from Queensland, Gold Coast and surrounding regions. The residency will include workshops, composition, songwriting, mentorship, industry presentations and skills development under the guidance of the lead creative team. Successful participants will form part of an ensemble who will perform alongside musicians of national and international acclaim in this world premiere project. The program runs from 20 – 24 November at Bond University. Apply by 9 October at bleachfestival. com.au. Queries: info@bleachfestival.com.au.

#048 SEPT 2017

Editorial Intern: Catherine Gunther It’s women, birds, flowers and history at 19 Karen Cockfight explores male power play In this darkly humorous – and surprisingly tender – piece of dance theatre by Gold Coast / Berlin company The Farm, long-time creative collaborators Joshua Thomson and Gavin Webber reassess who is in charge. Cockfight explores the power play between men and the frailty of the ageing body, and questions our culture's desperate struggle for achievement. Cockfight is a full-throttle mashup of extreme physical risk-taking, graceful movement and slow-mo fight scenes. Catch it from 13 – 16 September at The Space, The Arts Centre Gold Coast.

This September, 19 Karen comes alive with four solo shows - a vibrant collection of artworks by four exciting artists - three Australians and one American, with a focus on women, birds, flowers and history. The colourful, detailed pointillism works by the Sunshine Coast's Sally Paxton, the organic ceramic vessels of local Gold Coast artist Megan Puls, the vibrant exploration of flowers and the feminine by Sydney's Mellissa Read-Devine and the captivating investigation of history's effect on today by US artist Jon Stucky - will excite the senses in their latest art exhibition. The exhibition officially opens on 9 September at 5.00pm.

Contributors: Anthony Gebhardt, Catherine Gunther, Natalie O’Driscoll, Trevor Jackson, Kylie Cobb, Tiffany Mitchell, Emma Whines, Pip Andreas, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Emily Russell, Nae Kurth, Marj Osborne, Catherine Coburn, Samantha Morris, Leisen Standen Cover photo: Eliza and the Delusionals photographed at Helensvale Cultural Centre by Lamp Photography Acknowledgement of Country We genuinely respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and play. We honour their elders past, present and emerging as well as the rich contribution that continues to be made to society through art, story and music. Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au

Okareka Dance Company presents Mana Wahine Women's power, authority, culture, energies and essence are celebrated in acclaimed Okareka Dance Company's, ‘Mana Wahine’. This courageous performance, created by three of New Zealand's best choreographers combines dance, theatre and film in this powerful performance. Taane Mete, Taiaroa Royal and Malia Johnston have created a collage of powerful imagery that transcends space and time. From the stunning opening to the spine-tingling finale, be inspired by this display of courage, determination and fearlessness as Mana Wahine evokes the spiritual status of "the woman" within us all. The show runs at The Arts Centre Gold Coast from 20 – 22 September. Visit theartscentregc.com.au for more.

Botanical Bazaar Blooms this Spring Back by popular demand is the Gold Coast’s biggest Gardening Expo, the Botanical Bazaar, supported by Tropical Fruit World. On 3 September, the Botanical Bazaar will be blooming in its new 13-hectare home at the Country Paradise Parklands in Nerang. With celebrity gardens, over 70 green inspired exhibitors, interactive workshops and kids’ activities, the Bazaar is expected to be a drawcard for thousands of nature lovers. Tickets range from between $5-$15 and can be purchased online from botanicalbazaar.com.au.

Brickworks Annual Inside Out Festival returns The Brickworks centre is set to host the Gold Coast’s ultimate gourmet pop-up picnic, as the hugely popular Inside Out festival returns next month on Sunday 10 September. A free, all-ages event, the annual celebration features an eclectic array of street food along with plenty of options to wet the whistle, with guests invited to settle back for an epic Sunday session, or get involved with the many lively attractions spread throughout the precinct. Kids’ workshops, yoga classes, art exhibitions, cooking demonstrations, live music and fashion shows are all on offer. For more information visit brickworkscentre.com.au.

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

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SEPTEMBER 02 TBA 03 GIG CARTEL 09 KARL PETERS

ELIZA AND THE DELUSIONALS rocking out at BIGSOUND Since their inception in 2015, energetic alt-rock four piece Eliza and the Delusionals have been blazing a brightly ascending trajectory across Gold Coast’s musical landscape. Current single, ‘Salt’, is a fuzzy pop delight, dripping with sass and hooks aplenty. The track certainly turned heads, being nominated as a finalist in the prestigious ‘song of the year’ category at this year’s Gold Coast Music Awards. Chatting with front woman Eliza Klatt, I ask her how this experience played out for the band.

“We totally didn’t expect it. When we got nominated, up against Amy Shark and a couple of other really good songs, it was like… huge! It’s really cool to be part of the growing Gold Coast music community.” I ask Eliza if the sound of ‘Salt’ is indicative of the rest of the band’s output. “I just love hitting it hard with that fuzzy sound. People have been comparing us with a lot of acts from the 90’s, which is really cool, because they’re the type of bands we grew up with and got into music from. We just love that catchy, indie rock sound and we aim to channel that.” The band recently upped their profile and played to bulging crowds when supporting 90’s alternative rock staples Killing Heidi around the country. Eliza was understandably rapt at the exposure that this opportunity provided.

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“Everyone from Killing Heidi and their entourage were super nice, so friendly and cool. Some of the crowds were massive. The first show we did, in Adelaide, I was thinking backstage “this is crazy! ‘” But then we got up and did the set and there was no nervousness, we all just clicked into gear and had a really great show. Every gig on the tour was really good, especially playing The Tivoli. It was a dream come true to play that venue, and we got a really good response. A lot of people across all the shows got into it and came up to us afterwards to tell us they really enjoyed it. I guess the demographic for Killing Heidi was a little bit older to what we usually play, so in the lead up I was thinking; oh I hope people get into our music, because it’s a bit in your face when we play live. But then I thought, all of these people are coming for Killing Heidi, who were one of the most in your face, female fronted grunge bands around back then! So it was all good.”

The band are also rapt to be part of this year’s bumper musical line-up for BIGSOUND 2017, taking place from 5 – 8 September in Fortitude Valley. “We’re playing there as part of a Gold Coast Showcase event (as well as IVEY and Ella Fence) on Thursday, 7 September. The Gold Coast and Brisbane are the two main places we play, so we’ve wanted to be part of BIGSOUND for ages. We recently went to Canada and played Toronto’s version of BIGSOUND as part of Canadian Music Week. So it’ll be great to be part of Australia’s version.”

As well as the Killing Heidi shows, the band have also scored support slots for Polish Club, Ali Barter and UK band Moose Blood. And the rest of 2017 sees Eliza and the Delusionals further consolidate on their burgeoning popularity with another run of live dates. “We’re playing a support show for City Calm Down, at The Triffid, on Saturday 16 September. We haven’t played there before, but I’ve been to heaps of shows there. It’s a really great venue. And we’ve got another show (on 17 November at the Redland Bay Hotel) with Killing Heidi as well.” Eliza, while remaining coy on the specifics, also confirmed that some new Delusionals recorded output will be seeing the light of day shortly. “I can’t really say anything about it yet, but we do have some new music coming out in the next few months. We’re pretty excited… but that’s all I can say about it for now.”

Anthony Gebhardt

ELIZA AND THE DELUSIONALS PLAY GOLD COAST’S LUNCHTIME PARTY SHOWCASE ON THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 12.30 – 2.00PM AT BRIGHTSIDE OUTDOOR.

10 JOCK BARNES 16 GIG CARTEL 17 ANDY PENNEY 23 KENNY SLIDE 24 JAMES HIGGINS 30 AFL GRAND FINAL DAY

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

LIVE IN THE PADDOCK

TICKETED SHOWS FRIDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER SAFIA ‘A FIST FULL OF ROCK’ HOODOO GURUS, YOU AM I JEBEDIAH, ADALITA

SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER ILLY ‘TWO DEGREES’ TOUR W/ KUREN SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER KILLING HEIDI W/ RACKETT SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER KINGSWOOD ‘MAXIMUM’ TOUR W/ THE VANNS AND WEDNESDAY 22ND NOVEMBER UB40 ‘THE HITS AND MORE’ SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER THE ANGELS W/ ROSE TATTOO

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SEPTEMBER GIG GUIDE SATURDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER GOLD COAST BIGSOUND WARM UP PARTY CLEA JESSWAR ELLA FENCE FRIDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER MATTY ROGERS BAND JAMES BENNETT SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER * TICKETED EVENT ILLY KUREN FRIDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER QUARTERFEST IVEY COASTAL LIGHTS

SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER JUNKADELIC BRASS BAND FIONA BOYES FRIDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER THE FERGIES KEEGAN SPARKE SATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER ISLAND NIGHT THE HULA HUT FRIDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER SPRING ICE CREAM SOCIAL JJ AND RADIO SOULS SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER * TICKETED EVENT KILLING HEIDI RACKETT

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JESSWAR ENTERS A GOLDEN ERA You can take the girl out of the Gold Coast, but you can’t take the Gold Coast out of the girl. This is what we discovered during our recent chat with hip hop artist Jesswar, who is, frankly, killing it right now. “I recently moved up [to Brisbane],” she tells us. “I do miss the coast a lot. I love playing shows down there. The main thing I miss the most though is the water. I miss being by the beach and being in the sun by the beach.” And we miss her too, with January being her most recent gig here. However, Gold Coast fans shouldn’t have too long to wait to catch her once more. “I should be coming back soon for a few shows at the end of the year,” she tells us. And will there be some new music at these show? Yup. “I have a new EP that will be out very soon and the single ‘Savage’ will be out in the next couple of weeks, actually it will be dropped very soon.” A new distribution deal with Golden Era Records seems to suit Jess. “The team from Golden Era, the boys down there really inspired me and really pushed me to work harder and chase my dreams,” she says. The resulting EP is a more mature offering from the rising star. “The majority of the songs on the EP are dark compared to my last release,” she describes. “I one hundred percent I feel like you’ll be able to hear the growth from the previous music I’ve released and even darker tones within my voice.”

“I’m really excited to see the response from this new music. I’m exploring new sounds and I’m very interested to see how it will be received.” While a new home, new music and new deal might seem like enough excitement on their own, they’re really just the tip of the iceberg for Jesswar in 2017, who has also scored three plum spots at upcoming festivals. BIGSOUND Festival takes over Fortitude Valley from 5 – 8 September, and Jesswar has managed to nab a handful of coveted playing spots for the who’s who of Australian music. “I feel great, I’ve always wanted to play BIGSOUND,” she states. “I’ve never been before but I was really stoked when I got that email. I’m really really excited.” SPRUNG Festival is making a welcome return to the Gold Coast when it hits the Parkwood Precinct on 28 October, and Jesswar is on the lineup alongside superstars Spit Syndicate, Tkay Maidza, A.B. Original, Allday and Illy, in what promises to be an epic day of hip hop. “I've never been to Sprung before and I'm so keen to see Spit Syndicate, A.B Original, Sarah Connor and Coda Conduct live,” enthuses Jess. Jesswar then gets another opportunity to play alongside Illy and Spit Syndicate at A Weekend In The Gardens, a new event which takes places in Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens in November. Jesswar has been signed up to host the hip hop lineup Day 2 on Saturday 18 November, which also includes Birdz and Thundamentals. “I will be… DJ-ing in between sets with Baby Mama as well as playing a few songs and announcing all the artists,” she says. Natalie O'Driscoll

YOU CAN CATCH JESSWAR AT THE BIGSOUND WARM UP PARTY AT NIGHTQUARTER ON 2 SEPTEMBER AND THEN THROUGHOUT BIGSOUND AT THE ELEPHANT, THE WOOLY MAMMOTH, THE FOUNDRY AND RIC’S BAR. SHE’LL RETURN TO THE GC FOR SPRUNG FESTIVAL ON 28 OCTOBER. FOLLOW JESSWAR ON FACEBOOK TO KEEP UP WITH HER EPIC ADVENTURES AND CHECK OUT HER NEW TUNES, HOT OFF THE PRESS. 12

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FIGHTING FOR JOHAN DANNO American-born Johan Danno has teamed up with Byron Bay songwriter and producer Garrett Kato on his latest single ‘Fighting For’. The catchy track is a delicious cocktail of soulpop, reggae and hip-hop that hopes to inspire peace and unity. Catherine Gunther caught up with Johan to chat about some of the things he believes are worth fighting for. ‘Fighting For’ is the latest single from your forthcoming debut EP ‘Peace & Purpose’. Why have you chosen such strong content to release as a single? Growing up in America, the politicians and media pump you full of fear and stereotypes. But when I came to the Gold Coast 8 years ago I met so many people from so many different walks of life who totally contradicted my moulded beliefs and assumptions - for the better! It was awe-inspiring and scary to realise how wrong entrenched cultural misnomers around race, religion, sex and politics can be. You’re currently touring the US and then Australia on your return, what can we expect? I am always so bloody excited to perform here and put all my heart into my live show. Every time I play and tour something new is invariably brought into the mix as I meet new musicians and get involved in their music scenes. So my show is always evolving, which is one of the things people say they love about it. You nearly cancelled your US tour and the release, can you tell us more about how growing legal weed saved the project? When things fells through on multiple fronts I started losing faith and without the funds I pretty much gave up. I unexpectedly got a call on Facebook from my best friend in Florida offering a job on a ‘farm’. It felt like that part of the world was calling me and what a rad way to earn money to fund the next run of releases - learning how to grow and smoke the best weed in the world.

JOHAN DANNO WILL BE BACK ON AUSTRALIAN SOIL THIS NOVEMBER TO LAUNCH THE ‘FIGHTING FOR’ TOUR. THE SINGLE IS OUT THIS SEPTEMBER.

CMY

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ELLA FENCE: INSIDE THE VIBE CAVE Ella Fence emerges from her new creative space to play the Gold Coast Showcase at BIGSOUND. Image: Stuart Chapman When we last spoke you’d just bagged two Gold Coast Music Awards – did that recognition open any doors for you? In terms of process, definitely. More people become aware of who you are so there’s greater familiarity with your work and that’s led to more opportunities for projects. Personally though it’s been the acknowledgement from my peers that’s been most gratifying. And where do those trophies sit now? I actually have a bit of a vibe cave under my house, it’s a new addition in my life. I’m basically building a studio where I live now in Brisbane. Does the council know about this? (Laughs) I just need sound proofing and there won’t be any questions. I’ve got a keyboard and guitars down there – basically I go there to escape and write. Sometimes you’re down there working away thinking “this is great, this is great”, then “no it’s not, this is shit, I’m shit”. Music is so subjective you’re always wondering “does this translate? Will they like this?” But then it’s cool, I can walk away from it, leave it alone for a while and come back to it later with new perspective. I also have a plushy toy dragon in there because every cave needs a dragon. I’m basically Danerys Targaryen, the mother of dragons in my own little realm. You played Snow White for the La Boite Theatre Company in the Brisbane Festival last year. It was a dark twist on an all too familiar tale – did you relish the opportunity to explore that side of your creative muse? Definitely. Even though I’d already explored darker themes in my own music playing that character gave me license to go further by unlocking elements within my own artistic expression. It made me think more about myself in terms of performance, not just as a singer. That’s made a huge difference in the way I approach videos now from the direction of the film to what I’m doing within it because your physical performance is such a huge aspect of that – it’s all part of the package. This year your music has taken on a more atmospheric tone, firstly with the trance like electro groove of Dancer and then the lo-fi downbeat wash that envelopes Cocaine, a song you say isn’t about drugs – what is it about? I was invited to a party in Toronto as part of Canadian Music Week with some people that I’d just met and we ended up in a photo booth. While we were in there they started chopping out

lines of cocaine and I was like “whoah, this is not my scene!” They offered me some, but I really didn’t know these guys, so I began to question whether it would be such a good idea. I said no thanks and they were cool with that so it was no big deal at the time, but afterwards I began to think about how attracted I am to people who are really free within themselves to do whatever it is that they want to do with their life choices. I’m attracted to the idea of being in the moment because it’s something I want to nurture within myself. It’s not about doing drugs, but the mindset within yourself to be free to do what you want to do. The song is about being on the outside, but wanting to be able to let go to live within the moment without having to question or second guess your motivations. It’s basically me wanting to be free of my very organized and structured self. This morning I got a new tattoo on my arm. It simply says: “today”. It’s all about living in the moment. Both songs were collaborations with Vinnie LaDuce – what has he brought to your music? He was a great sounding board for ideas. My management in the UK had begun to take a very controlling position over the way they wanted to package me and my music and it was becoming clear that they saw me as a product, rather than a creative person. So after removing myself from that environment I was able to reinvigorate my sense of who I was as an artist. Vinnie became a facilitator of what I felt was my natural progression as an artist. From an artist’s perspective how important is BIGSOUND? Oh it’s huge, not just for the live performances, but the conference itself. I’ve been coming to BIGSOUND for years and I’ve always drawn on the shared experience from the guest speakers and panel discussions. This year as one of the performers it’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to it. BIGSOUND is also a fantastic networking opportunity. Are you a good schmoozer? (Laughs). I don’t know Trevor, do you think I’m a good schmoozer? If you haven’t noticed it yet, then I think that’s a yes. Trevor Jackson

CATCH ELLA FENCE AT THE GOLD COAST BIGSOUND SHOWCASE ALONGSIDE IVEY AND ELIZA AND THE DELUSIONALS AT THE BRIGHTSIDE ON THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER FROM 12.30PM

Yes. You made it! Here you are at Australia’s premier music industry conference...now what? Whether you paid the big bucks for the full conference or lapped up a live music pass, here are a few tips to make the most of your BIGSOUND experience. Firstly, turn up. Sounds obvious, I know, but trust me, remember this when you wake up with a heinous hangover - you do get points for turning up the next morning. Then, be brave and bold. Resist the urge to hide behind your phone, the pillar in the foyer or the skirts/slacks of your bestie. Get out and about, connect with new people, be engaged and be present. Go to as much as you possibly can, however, if you are having a brilliant conversation with someone, stay, if you can. That said, don’t take it personally if the person you are talking with takes their leave early to run to the next showcase on their hit-list. It really is a massive conference with lots of business going down. Be genuine. Approach the whole experience not in terms of what can this/he/she/they do for me, but rather, how can I best be a productive, positive part of this community. Give time to anyone and everyone, regardless of what position of influence they appear to hold now, because the industry is very fluid and the green graduate today, could very well become the local radio station manager tomorrow. Beware! What happens at BIGSOUND most likely won’t stay at BIGSOUND! We all make mistakes, but people do take note, so I recommend being on your best behaviour. Don’t get me wrong - fun is mandatory, but being a dick is strongly discouraged. Finally, follow up. When the dust has settled and post-conference blues passed, hit the online socials and emails to cement relationships and continue the conversation. Kylie Cobb Pic: Hannah Hervall

TINA ARENA KEYNOTE TO CAP OFF THE BIGSOUND EXPERIENCE

GETTING IN ZINC WITH CAITI BAKER

When you hear Caiti Baker’s bio, you’ll honestly wonder why this powerhouse isn’t a household name. Drawn obsessively to hip hop, R&B, new jack swing and neo-soul and inspired by the greats: Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Bib Mamma Thornton and Etta James, Caiti has worked with Dr G Yunupingu, A.B. Original, Dan Sulton and Son Little, Pete Murray, Guy Sebastian and even Booker T.

It’s a roll call that many artists could only dream about, yet it’s only been three years since Caiti decided to step out on her own from Sietta – the electro-soul act she fronted in her 20s. When I heard Caiti’s name on the BIGSOUND lineup for 2017, I had to do some serious internet research. It was then that I realised her incredible music credentials. When she reels off a list of career highlights I ask her what the standout is and she’s quick to respond. “Oh my goodness, probably performing at WOMAD this year,” she said. “I think I had a lot of people captivated, it’s embarrassing to talk about myself that way but I could look out and see a lot of people interested in what I was doing. I just had a really good time.” Caiti has collaborated or toured with some of the biggest names in Australian music – Dr G Yunupingu, A.B. Original and Briggs, Dan Sultan. She says she and James Mangohig (who is her bass player as well as producer) have had connections with Indigenous people from an early age. She speaks fondly of Briggs and the time he hit her up to collaborate on a song. “At the time I was signed to Elephant Tracks and was getting hit up by rappers all over the country to do hooks and I’m like “I’m not a hook bitch, I don’t do that shit.” “Briggs hit me up and asked if I wanted to collaborate on a song on his upcoming album and I said no I don’t collaborate with people I don’t know. And he wrote back and said ‘it wouldn’t be me to not hit you up again, here’s the track, it’s about my daughter’. And James was like, ‘yeah I dig Briggs, let’s meet him.’” Caiti wrote the lyrics and melody to ‘Bigger Picture’ – about Briggs’ daughter and he 18

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“rocked up and kind of lived with us for a little while.” “It’s all about relationships really.”

In 2014 Caiti reunited with her father after a four-year falling out. Upon that reunion Caiti’s father gave her a USB sample of his original guitar licks, harmonica ideas, riffs recorded on his mobile phone and “him talking to the cat and being crazy.” James – being the producer that he is was gobsmacked and completely in awe of a bunch of music samples he didn’t need to clear and he went to town making beats out of those guitar and harmonica samples. The result is ‘Zinc’, Caiti Baker’s yet-to-bereleased album. “We’ve been working on this album for a good part of three years and the songs have evolved as time has gone, we also brought Michael Holnen into the fold as double bass player / arranger / co-producer,” Caiti said. “Every other song on the album is different I’m a firm believer of dynamic and I believe the album has a lot of that,” Caiti said. And she’s super optimistic about BIGSOUND 2017, where she’ll showcase in September. “Oh my goodness. I mean it’s the premiere showcasing conference event in the country,” she said. “I really in all honesty just love performing and whatever, I hope the music speaks for itself and the repercussions of that are positive.” Samantha Morris

CAITI PLAYS BIGSOUND IN SEPTEMBER, HER NEW ALBUM ‘ZINC’ IS OUT IN OCTOBER ON PERAMBULATOR RECORDS AND SHE HAS A NEW SINGLE OUT AROUND BIGSOUND TOO. GOLD COAST FANS IN WAITING CAN ALSO SEE CAITI DO HER THANG AT MIAMI MARKETTA ON 20 OCTOBER AS PART OF A YETTO-BE-ANNOUNCED TOUR.

For 40 years, Tina Arena’s music has been a constant within Australian pop culture, and the soundtrack to countless lives both on our shores and across the world. Every album she has ever released has gone gold, platinum or multiplatinum. Remarkable as she is, Tina is not one to take the easy route, choosing to diversify her craft and experiment within different genres throughout her career. Now with her keynote at BIGSOUND being announced, industry heavyweights and punters alike will all be able to learn something from this tenacious, well-spoken star. Natalie O'Driscoll chatted to the feisty pocket rocket ahead of her speech. 40 years in the industry is an extraordinary achievement. Have you ever fought through periods where you felt like totally changing direction or has the dream stayed alive for you the whole time? Thank-you, yes 40 years is an achievement that’s for sure. The dream doesn’t always stay alive, there are ups and downs, but I think that’s the case in any career. I have thought about doing other things of course. I think I’m quite lucky though as my journey has been quite diverse and that keeps things interesting. There’s been the singing and song-writing of course, working in other languages, but I also do theatre and TV and Symphonic shows, I’ve written a book, I’ve developed a fragrance that I’m really proud of (with Bertrand Duchaufour who has created scent for Dior & Givenchy). I’ve done loads of charity work and I’m starting to do some acting work, and as much as I love Australia, I’m very fortunate to have been able to work internationally for the last 25 years, it keeps things interesting. The music industry and the way audiences devour music have changed dramatically during your career. In your opinion what is the main negative about those changes, and the main positive? That’s a big question. Yeah it’s gone from vinyl to cassette to CD to MP3 to streaming. Positives: music is more accessible to everyone & you can hear any song from anywhere in the world in an instant. Negatives: there aren’t many record stores anymore which is sad, I think in some ways music has been devalued and piracy hit us hard. I wish streaming was monetised more efficiently from the start. Consumers have never had Netflix for free, it was always around $10 from the very first day - people didn’t complain about that. If streaming services charged $5 a month from the start, in my opinion, things would be healthier, not just for musicians but the music industry in general. You’ve been well known for being your own harshest critic. Has that eased for you over time and with success? Yes, I think it has eased. I’m very comfortable with where I’m at now, comfortable but not complacent.

FOR BIGSOUND PROGRAMMING AND TICKETS, VISIT BIGSOUND. ORG.AU. TINA IS PERFORMING A SOLD OUT SHOW AT THE STAR GOLD COAST ON 9 SEPTEMBER. LIMITED TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR HER TOOWOOMBA SHOW ON 10 SEPTEMBER. VISIT RENAISSANCETINAARENA.COM.

GOLD COAST OPEN HOUSE RETURNS WITH EXPANDED PROGRAM IN 2017 On Saturday 4 November 2017, the third annual Gold Coast Open House will open the doors of interesting and architecturally significant buildings and locations, inviting the public to take a behind the scenes look at places they may have only glimpsed from the street. Last year, Gold Coast Open House presented over 30 sites from Coomera to Currumbin, from heritage buildings to schools and university spaces, places of worship, private residences, television and radio studios, hospitals and some of the Gold Coast’s most architecturally inspiring landmark buildings and workplaces. Visitation last year suggested that private Gold Coast residences were most-in demand, with all spaces fully booked ahead of the day by those wanting to peek inside some of the Gold Coast’s architectural award-winning homes. This year, organisers anticipate the number of buildings on the Gold Coast Open House program will increase to at least 40. ABC Gold Coast, the Aquatic Centre and Stella Maris Catholic Church are just three of the buildings on this year’s program. The buildings included in 2017 will combine to create a snapshot of the evolution of architecture on the Gold Coast, with some buildings dating back to the late 1800s, early 1900s, through to cutting edge design of recent years by some of the Gold Coast’s leading architects. Gold Coast Open House is a free event for young and old, run entirely by volunteers. Locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to explore these urban spaces and learn more about the Gold Coast, its history and future aspirations—and how architecture and design have contributed to the city we know today. Gold Coast Open House is seeking volunteers to assist with facilitation of the event, as well as expressions of interest from volunteer photographers. The full list of buildings will be available on the website from mid September. Visit goldcoastopenhouse.com.au to volunteer or register your attendance at the event. Natalie O’Driscoll Pictured: Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

BLANC DE BLANC RETURNS WITH NEW SPEIGELTENT Blanc de Blanc wowed Gold Coast audiences earlier this year when it visited as part of Bleach Festival 2017 and due to the overwhelming demand (nearly every show was sold out), Blanc de Blanc is returning to the Gold Coast. It’s bringing its own pop-up venue as well – this time the Aurora Spiegeltent, which will take up residence at Broadwater Parklands, north of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. Blanc de Blanc director Scott Maidment said they were blown away by the response when their first ‘champagne cabaret’ debuted on the Gold Coast. “So many people have contacted us wanting to know when we are coming back,” Scott said. “We couldn’t wait until next year, so by popular demand we are back in October.” Blanc de Blanc is a cleverly crafted and beautifully designed show by Strut and Fret Production House. The show comes alive within a Spiegeltent; a lusciously draped, hand-made wooden masterpiece, a throwback to travelling venues from the early twentieth century. Set with mirrors and stained glass, the venue itself reflects the show’s colourful lighting design, making the space feel larger than it is. Those who have seen BLANC de BLANC will be enticed to return to a place where champagne sparkles, eyes glimmer and the sensual and salacious combine for an evening of breathless abandon! To keep things interesting, there’s a sprinkling of new characters serving up a blend of vintage glamour and titilating acts. For those who haven’t seen the show yet, you simply must. It’s seductive, immersive and naughty and it’s most definitely only for those aged 18 and over.

Natalie O'Driscoll & Samantha Morris

TICKETS FOR THE RETURN SEASON TO THE GOLD COAST ARE ON SALE NOW AT BLANCSHOW.COM www.blankgc.com.au

Image: Pamela Raith Photography

Much like the first sip of a glass of expensive champagne, Blanc de Blanc begins elegantly. And by the end of the night – and bottom of the bottle – formality (and a fair amount of clothing) has essentially been dispensed with.

Blanc de Blanc runs 5 October – 5 November 2017 in Broadwater Parklands, in association with Bleach* Festival. Shows run Tuesday through Sunday and every Tuesday throughout the season is Cheap Tuesday. All tickets are $55 for that show.

Image: John Stapels

BLANC DE BLANC TICKETS AND PRICING DATES 5 October – 5 November TICKET PRICES Premium – $78 (access to premium seating and priority entry) General admission – $65 (groups of 8+ $62) Concession – $55 Standing – $38 Cheap Tuesday – $55 SHOW TIMES Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday – 7.30pm Saturday – 5.00pm and 7.30pm RUNNING TIME Two hours, including a 20 minute interval BE AWARE The show features adult themes, coarse language, nudity, sexual reference, smoking on stage, haze machine, strobe effects and pyrotechnics.

GOLD COAST MUSIC Just Out

Tijuana Cartel summon Ishtar Tijuana Cartel have been knocking on ancient Mesopotamian doors; who answered? None other than Ishtar, the goddess of love, beauty, sex, and war. What did she have on offer? A brand new tune for Gold Coast’s favourite east-meets-west-beats merchants. Their first release in a couple of years delivers a generous dose of heavy bass, haunting guitars and soul smashing beats. It’s a guaranteed floor shaker and is the first to come from a limited-edition vinyl release set to drop before their up-coming tour. 'Ishtar' can be streamed via bandcamp.

IVEY out of time with new indie gem Triple J's Unearthed High Gold Coast legends Ivey have literally grown up on the scene enjoying a string of successful releases and embarking on several national tours including supports for The Delta Riggs, Tired Lion and The Belligerents. Evolving their sound with the help of long time collaborator/producer Konstantin Kersting (The Belligerents) Ivey have dropped new single 'Out Of Time' just in time for a bunch of shows for BIGSOUND.

Dreaming Big with Benny D Williams It may have been a long five month wait for eager fans, but Benny D is set to release his fourth track this year, ‘Sambalese’, a fast spitting Afro rap track with a catchy backbeat that will get hips swinging and smiles brimming. The track is out on 28 September to coincide with his daughter’s birthday, and Benny follows up with an east coast tour throughout October and November. You can catch him at Cooly Sands on 3 September and SWELL Sounds on 9 September and the track will be out on Spotify. 22

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Casey Barnes keeps coming back

Amela joins forces with Bad Pony

Fans of Casey Barnes didn’t have to wait long to get their hands on his next single ‘Keep Me Coming Back’, which hit iTunes recently. The release, hot on the tail of ‘The Way We Ride’ solidifies Barnes’ spot as one of the fastest rising stars in country music. Again collaborating with his successful songwriting team Michael Paynter and MSquared Productions, Casey continues to chart strongly in the iTunes Country Charts and radio charts across Australia and his music has made an impact around the world. You can listen to Casey’s new song in person when he performs at REDfest, Saturday 9 September at the Redland Showgrounds.

With two EPs under her belt and a recent finalist berth in the Gold Coast Music Awards, Amela is embracing a transition from acoustic/ folk roots, to sharp, polished pop. And collaboration is driving that transition. ‘Cold’ saw Amela collaborate with North Queensland producer Clovr, resulting in triple j love and just-released track ‘My God’ sees Amela collaborate with Sydney’s indie-rockers Bad Pony. The track kicks off with an intricate mix of uncertain emotion alongside a steady, lightly played

Hanlon Brothers Living the High Life Gold Coast’s favourite brothers have announced the upcoming release of new single ‘High Life’ the very very much anticipated follow-up to ‘Diamonds’. And the track is a frenzy of firsts. It will be the first female collaboration for Hanlon Brothers, their first electronic / dance track, and the first song produced outside of the band with Xy Latu (New Zealand Idol winner) taking on production. ‘High Life’, which features both TOBI and Jesswar is out in October and they’ll get to test it out with their own headlining show at Miami Marketta as well as a showcase at Australian Music Week in November.

guitar riff. The chorus sees the song elevate into a powerfully and catchy chant pushing the song’s protagonist to take control of the situation. Jarred, lead vocalist of Bad Pony providing a response to Amela’s parts, which sees the song to flowing as a beautifully crafted yet uncomfortable conversation. Samantha Morris

BURLEIGH. BREWING LOCAL ARTISTS

CAMELS CAST IN BEACH OPERA EXTRAVAGANZA

Art. In a brewery. What’s not to like? Burleigh Brewing will host artists across a bunch of mediums in October for the second instalment of Brewing Local Artists, otherwise known as BLA!

Two camels have been cast in starring roles in Opera Australia's upcoming production of ‘Aida’, to be staged on Coolangatta Beach in September. The one-humped divas will be transported from Sydney to the Gold Coast, where they'll make their nightly seaside appearances in Griffith Opera on the Beach – ‘Aida’, draped in luxurious gold trimmed costumes. The operatic duo of Sid and Daisy are already well versed in the ways of Verdi after making their debut in Opera Australia's production of ‘Aida’ for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour back in 2015. Throughout its long performance history - it premiered in 1871 - Verdi's ‘Aida’ is perhaps best known for its extravagant outdoor performances, that also include a long-standing tradition of casting live animals to add to the spectacle. Renowned the world over as the ultimate grand opera, ‘Aida’ is universally loved by existing opera fans and those trying it out for the first time. Griffith Opera on the Beach – ‘Aida’ will burst onto the elaborate pop up stage on Coolangatta Beach in all its Egyptian glory with waves lapping nearby and the starry skies above, it will be the perfect setting to experience opera at its very best. Starring alongside the soon to be famous camels, are some of Australia's finest singers including Natalie Aroyan, Michael Honeyman, Milijana Nikolic and Gennadi Dubinsky. Accompanying them will be a 55-strong chorus made up almost entirely of local Gold Coast singers, and a special guest appearance by some resident surf life-savers. Presented in partnership with City of Gold Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland and in association with Bleach* Festival, this will be a highly entertaining and unique night out for the whole family. Aida plays six performances from 21 – 30 September, 2017 at 6.30pm, Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit: opera.org.au/beach.

HOW TO PERFORM IN THE OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES AT GC2018

Sculpture, graphic design, ceramics, typography and fine art will all be on show when BLA! rolls into town. And guests will be treated to live art displays as several artists demonstrate how their creations come to life on the evening. Burleigh Brewing CEO Peta Fielding said the live art component allows guests to see how the artists approach their craft. “Bringing artwork to life is something that guests just love,” Peta said. Local photographer Fran Miller expanded on exhibition brief of ‘balance, character & soul' saying that she draws inspiration from her local surroundings on a daily basis.

Organisers this month made a casting call for performers for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games.

“For me, that’s surf culture which is ingrained within our local community and much of my artwork highlights the beauty of our region and portrays characters with give the Gold Coast its personality,” Fran said.

You could be performing in front of thousands of people live in a stadium and in front of millions of TV viewers from around the world.

Scott Gillies, speaking from the Brewery said the premise of the event is straight-forward.

Keen? Here’s what you need to know. It’s for people aged 16 years and over and previous experience and specific skills are not required. What is required is energy and enthusiasm along with a commitment to rehearsals. That said, if you do have specific performance skills, the application process allows you to share this information. Those selected will be required to pass security clearance and to attend rehearsals. It’s expected rehearsals (which will commence in late January 2018) will be a minimum of twice a week building up to three or four times a week closer to the ceremonies. As well as rehearsals you’ll have to attend costume fittings and dress rehearsals in March and April.

“Generate exposure for local artists, engage community within the vibrant art scene which exists on the Gold Coast and allow guests to purchase some unique locally crafted artwork –and given the event's in a brewery, enjoy some amazing hand-crafted beer while you’re at it”. Ticks a lot of boxes for us here at Blank Gold Coast. You’ll also have the chance to vote for your most loved piece on the evening with the crowd’s favourite artist receiving a wicked marketing package from Blank GC. Pictured: Artist Fran Miller will be one of 18 artists showcasing their work at BLA!

Samantha Morris

4,000 volunteer performers will be recruited for the opening and closing ceremonies, but unfortunately if you’ve already been offered a role as a volunteer for the Games, you can’t also volunteer for the ceremonies. If you make it past the first application process, you’ll be required to audition. And if you’re a member of a dance or performance group, you can audition together. Just get your group leader to email apply@ceremonies2018.com. Auditions will take place in October 2017. Still keen? Applications close midnight 3 September but early applications are encouraged. The opening ceremony takes place 4 April and the closing ceremony is 15 April, both at Carrara Stadium.

To apply, visit gc2018.com/take-part/ ceremonies. Samantha Morris 24

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BLA! HITS BURLEIGH BREWING ON SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER FROM 5.00PM AND IS FREE.SUPPORTED BY BLANK GC, GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS, RVCA, SYMPHONY HILL WINES AND SOLUTION RED.

SWELL BRINGS SEA TO DRY LAND WITH THE SCAVENGER Boonah artist Christopher Trotter has been wrangling discarded metals into astonishing pieces of art since 1994. With over 40 public pieces to his credit, this seasoned sculptor is proficient at breathing new life into objects that most would consider fit for the dump. Each year, Christopher’s creations can be found wowing the crowds at SWELL Sculpture

Festival. This year’s event sees one of his earlier works ‘The Scavenger’ make an appearance at Northerly SWELL.

capsule for the style of work Christopher was creating in the 1990s.

Inspired by the 1940 Marmon Herrington Ford crane truck, originally used on the Brisbane wharves for unloading shipments during World War II, ‘The Scavenger’ is made from salvaged scrap metal from the sea, and it designed to represent sustainable solutions to preserving the health of our oceans.

“I have always loved old engine and machinery design. For many years I was looking for a project vehicle to transform into a moving piece of art,” he says.

“’The Scavenger’ is a whimsical, creative and interactive piece that takes a look at the classic Australian culture of ‘making do’,” describes Christopher. “[The piece] has become a spiritual/fishing/aquatic themed Mad Max machine promoting creative solutions to future generations. Waste [symbolised by the scrap metal] continues to be dumped into our oceans and waterways. “This piece is a messenger to mankind - ’The revenge of the sea comes to land’.” Those familiar with the harsh, rusted landscape of the Mad Max universe will make an instant connection to the piece. Created in 1998, ‘The Scavenger’ appeared in the very first SWELL Sculpture Festival in 2003. The piece serves as a time

‘The Scavenger’ will remain at the Helensvale Library and Cultural Centre until 17 September as part of Northerly SWELL, an initiative designed to widen the reach of the festival. As for Christopher, things are currently going in a slightly different direction. “[I’m] spending time on a kinetic piece titled ‘The Vomitor’, a sound scape sculpture as well as a performance,” he tell us. Natalie O'Driscoll

THE MAIN SWELL FESTIVAL RUNS FROM 8 – 17 SEPTEMBER AT CURRUMBIN. VISIT SWELLSCULPTURE.COM.AU FOR A FULL LIST OF WHAT’S ON.

SWELL SOUNDS

FREE LIVE MUSIC! WEEKENDS ON THE GREEN

PEOPLE.ART.PLACE

ELECTRIK LEMONADE . THE LYRICAL . CC THE CAT PHIL BARLOW . FELICITY LAWLESS & MORE

Gold Coast abc.net.au/goldcoast

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LAST CHANCE TO CATCH ASSANGE AT GOLD COAST'S BOILING POINT

Time is running out to grab your tickets for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s keynote at the 2970° The Boiling Point: Practising Democracy event at The Arts Centre Gold Coast in September.

Mr Assange will be joining the event via live video-link from the Ecuadorian Embassy and is one of four provocative keynote speakers leading a future-inspired conversation. Other keynote speakers include world-renowned robotic, android and humanoid expert Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro from Osaka University, author and political commentator Jamila Rizvi and Indigenous cultural leader Kyle Slabb. 2970° The Boiling Point: Practising Democracy, now in its second year on the Gold Coast, sees an alchemy of ideas and art to motivate transformational change, explains curator David Pledger. "Like all of the events and exhibitions at The Arts Centre Gold Coast, 2970° The Boiling Point is about sparking a conversation and adding a new dimension to the cultural evolution of the Gold Coast." "There is no bigger conversation today than the transformation of our civil society as it contends with fierce challenges to our democratic system," he says. "This event will give people the opportunity to listen to some smart people suggest provocative ideas for how we might make a future we want to live in." At the event, each of the four keynote speakers proposes a re-write to an established democratic law, protocol or rule. Delegates respond, discuss and vote on the proposals. This unique event runs from 7-9 September and tickets are on sale now. A two-day ticket including access to all sessions, a seat/vote at the moderated roundtable discussions and meals is $147.50 for adults and $118 for students and concessions. A small number of 'Public Gallery' tickets will be available from 1 August for people who would prefer to observe proceedings rather than be part of the roundtable discussions or votes at $59 per day including catering while tickets for Julian Assange’s keynote via live videolink from the Ecuadorian Embassy on September 9 are $47.50. For more information or to book a ticket please visit 2970degrees.com.au. Natalie O’Driscoll

SWELL ANNIVERSARY

FOR SCULPTURE FESTIVAL

Currumbin’s golden sands will again be transformed into a dazzling barefoot gallery, showcasing public art in the form of sculpture from 8 to 17 September. It’s SWELL Sculpture Festival. It’s free, it’s family-friendly and this year, it turns fifteen. SWELL comprises works spanning the sculptural spectrum with 50 artists this year exhibiting their work right in the heart of Gold Coast’s stunning coastline. SWELL’s co-directors Natasha Edwards and Ruth Della chat to Samantha Morris about the event’s history and what the 15-year milestone means. “It’s a feeling you get, deep in your core, when you are passionate about something, you make it happen. SWELL started purely from the love of art.” “We were craving a fulfilling arts and cultural lifestyle,” Natasha said, about the event’s formative years.” We wanted to tell the stories that live on in our artists’ minds and we wanted to have an exhibition of large scale sculpture.” “We were adamant that SWELL would fuse art and people together, raising the profile of the artist,” Natasha said. In those early days, Natasha worked with Kylie Mitchell-Smith to bring the event to fruition. Ruth Della on the other hand was cultivating a small bespoke graphic design and phtography business. “With the first year of SWELL proving to a brilliant success, Tash and Kylie soon realised that to build the SWELL vision further, a team was needed. Along with an amazing group of locals, I sat on the committee for four years and assisted in a number of areas,” Ruth explained. “Natasha and I have known each other for a good number of years, originally meeting through our husbands. Our babies were growing up together and we’d meet for regular catch ups, always with creative ideas and entrepreneurial aspirations at the forefront of our conversations.” It wasn't until 2007 that Ruth was presented with an opportunity to take on a directors’ role. “I jumped at the chance,” she said, admitting it was all new territory for her. “It was exciting, challenging and a little frightening all at the same time. Over the nine years, I have learnt a great deal working with Tash and our professional partnership has evolved to cultivate a rich cultural experience for the Gold Coast. I am forever grateful.” So, fast forward ten years to 2017 and you can know Natasha Edwards and Ruth Della have some serious knowledge about SWELL’s place in Gold Coast’s cultural society. And it seems first and foremost, SWELL is about accessibility. “SWELL is a grass roots, Currumbin-born event that has grown into a world class sculpture exhibition,” Ruth told Blank Gold Coast. “Its unique ability to reflect the stories of our past and present through art is extraordinary as well as the way the artists

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Pictured: Natasha Edwards and Ruth Della, SWELL Sculpture Festival co-directors make us contemplate our future. Locals feel a genuine connection to SWELL.” Natasha thinks the event’s strength lies in its temporary approach to public art. “While its presence is short-lived, it leaves a lasting impression through the reverberations of the artists' voice and the echoes of memories and shared conversations,” she said. And the duo are constantly pushing boundaries, with new and enriching experiences added to the program each year. 2017 is a case in point. Life drawing amongst the sculptures, twilight walks, a life sculpting masterclass and kids’ sculpture classes. Plus there’s live, local, original music and street food. “We’re talking about experiences that are transformative, contemplative, sensorial, experiential and experimental all with a soundtrack to boot,” Ruth said about the ever-changing program of events. “As SWELL evolves and as its capacity as an arts organisation develops, our big hairy audacious goals are becoming reality and we can dare to dream,” she said. “We’re no longer exclusively sculpture based. We’re looking at ways to bring sculpture, projection, music and performance together to merge art disciplines.” That said, there’s no question that for SWELL, the art is front and centre. I mean, how can it not be when the exhibition is so public, weaving its way along the foreshore and Currumbin Beach. It’s in your face, in a subtle, whimsical kind of way. “There are many factors that come into play when selecting the works,” Natasha explained, “curators are looking at originality, skills and craftsmanship, conceptual responses to issues and the ability to safely deliver and install the sculpture on site.” “Every year we present artists’ works where by sculptures are created from the wonders of nature and reimagined to inspire and captivate us.” And of course, this year is no exception. “SWELL takes on a life of its own as the artists’ voice cuts through each year with 50 new sculptures to provoke one’s thought and enjoyment,” Ruth said of the 2017 SWELL Sculpture Festival. “We’ll be launching new programs especially targeted at participating and finding the artist within, we’ll uncover new musicians, and we’ll forge a thousand new memories as people come down to visit during the ten days.

SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL RUNS 8 – 17 SEPTEMBER, RIGHT ON THE BEACH AT CURRUMBIN. DETAILS AT SWELLSCULPTURE.COM.AU.

SIX THINGS YOU (PROBABLY) DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE CASSOWARY

September is biodiversity month and you probably already know we’re big fans of biodiversity - basically the whole diversity of plant and animal life. And Threatened Species Day, which is celebrated on 7 September, takes things one step further, shining a spotlight on those plants and animals that are at risk of extinction. Australia is home to more than half a million species of plant and animal. Many of those are found nowhere else in the world. Sadly, since white settlement, more than 100 plant and animal species have become extinct. The cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is one of those animals in serious danger. Of the three species of cassowary in the world, only the southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius ohnsonii) is found in Australia where it is listed nationally as endangered. There’s no question the cassowary is an iconic bird. As tall as a person with a high helmet (casque) on its head and a bright blue neck with touches of red, it’s also easy to identify. But due to habitat decline, the bird is becoming harder and harder to spot in the wild. Cassowaries are iconic for more than just their physical appearance. 1.

They really are big birds

Cassowaries are the heaviest bird in Australia and an adult stands up to 2m (6”) tall. The sexes are similar in appearance but females are slightly larger. They’re been recorded to weigh as much as 76kg but average 38kg (84lb). Males average around 47kg (104lb). 2.

They’re solitary, except when they mate

Generally, cassowaries are solitary birds, only coming together to mate during the breeding season which runs from May / June through to October. Cassowaries don’t form permanent bonds or mate for life and the females may mate with several male cassowaries in a breeding season. In doing so, the female bird will produce several nests, laying clutches of three to five eggs by different fathers. 3.

When it comes to cassowaries, dads rule the roost

Once the eggs are laid, it is the male’s sole responsibility to incubate the eggs, a process which takes around 50 days. And once the eggs hatch, males raise the chicks for a further nine

months. The father teaches the young cassowaries, which have distinctive stripes to forage. They become independent at around nine months and reach maturity at around three years. 4.

Rainforests need cassowaries

Because cassowaries are frugivores, eating fruit that’s fallen to the ground, they’re responsible for distributing and germinating many rainforest trees. Cassowaries are considered ‘keystone’ species because of their role as a major seed disperser of up to 238 rainforest species. Without cassowaries, those rainforests would not be able to survive. It’s estimated that up to 100 plant species depend entirely on the cassowary to disperse their seeds. When fruit is scarce, cassowaries have also been known to eat snails and small, dead mammals. 5.

They can do serious damage to people and other birds

People who live in cassowary territory have a healthy respect of the big bird. Their heavy, muscular legs have three toes and each toe bears a large claw up to 120mm long, shaped like a dagger and used for fighting and scratching. In the wild, cassowaries are mostly shy, avoiding contact with people but male birds can be aggressive when defending their chicks. 6.

Cassowaries are in serious trouble

There’s still a lot we don’t know about cassowaries, but we do know that more than 80% of coastal lowland rainforest, which is the cassowary’s prime habitat, has been cleared over the past century. And nearly a quarter of the cassowary habitat that remains has poor conservation protection. In 1998 Queensland’s Wet Tropics adult population was estimated to be up to 2,400 cassowaries strong. By 2001 scientists believed that only 1200 – 1500 wild cassowaries existed in Australia. That figure is comparable with the number of giant pandas in China. Researchers currently understand the cassowary population to be around the 4,000 mark. Rainforest Trust is working to safeguard Australia’s cassowaries by buying land in the Daintree and adding it to the National Park estate. This protects cassowary habitat and extends corridors. You can help protect cassowary habitat forever by visiting bit.ly/daintreeNP. Samantha Morris

1/37 Currumbin Creek Rd

COFF EE

FRE S H GR A B & GO

R AW TR E AT S

A C A I & P I TAYA B O W L S

F U N C T I ON S

SHARED WO RK S PACE

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SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 1 SEPTEMBER ‘A Fist Full of Rock’: Hoodoo Gurus + You Am I + Jedediah + Adalita | NightQuarter, Helensvale Diner Pour Deux + Sean Fitzgerald (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta LDRU | Surfers Beergarden Pocketlove | The Zoo Salt & Steel + Charlesworth + Dreams Of Indigo + Jade Soul | Currumbin Pub James Fox Higgins Duo (Covers) | Currumbin Surf Club LDRD | Hotel Brunswick Ned Walker | The Walrus – Watermark Hotel Andy Jans-Brown + Cosmic | Southport Sharks Paris Lane | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

GOLD COAST GIG GUIDE

Wally & The Gators (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

B.B Factory + Jackson James Smith (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Ned Walker (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Sean Fitzgerald (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co. Gig Cartel (Covers) | North Burleigh SLSC Stoneage Romeos (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER SWELL SOUNDS from 12.00pm: Jules Hayes + Phil Barlow + Benny D Williams + Kimmy & Crew | Currumbin Beach Illy | NightQuarter, Helensvale Apakatjah + Scott Dalton (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

WEDNESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace Mental As Anything + The Radiators | Parkwood Tavern THURSDAY 14 SEPTEMBER Wally Howlett | Treehouse on Belongil

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SLEEPMAKESWAVES + guests | Miami Shark Bar

Benny Gunn | Southport Bowling Club

Fireworx (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Tommy Memphis (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Dirty Channel Duo | Hotel Brunswick

Wallapalooza Jam Night | Wallaby Hotel

5 – 8 SEPTEMBER

Alex Fietz | The Walrus – Watermark Hotel

FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

BIGSOUND Festival, 130+ acts | Fortitude Valley

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Felicity Lawless (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Gavin Doniger & The Mescalito Blues | Cambus Wallace

Akova | Cardigan Bar

Brian Watt Duo | Hotel Brunswick

Felicity Lawless | Club Robina Bowls Club

TUESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

MONDAY 4 SEPTEMBER

THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

Mark Divola | The Walrus – Watermark Hotel

Street Cafe (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

The Wayward Suns | Nimbin Hotel

Steve Dorrington & The Backup Plan | Nimbin Hotel

Park Avenue (Covers) | Southport Sharks

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Alex Fietz (11.30am) (Covers) | Southport Shark

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

Gold Coast Bigsound Warm Up Party: Clea + Jesswar + Ella Fence | NightQuarter

Wild Marmalade | Hotel Brunswick

Gnosis + Lens + Cosmic Dad + Napoleon Teardrop | Currumbin Pub Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER Matty Rogers Band + James Bennett | NightQuarter

Nicole Brophy (2.00pm) + Town (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Karl Peters | North Burleigh SLSC Captain Wow (Covers) | RSL Club Southport SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER SWELL SOUNDS from 12.00pm: Felicity Lawless + Josh Lovegrove | Currumbin Beach Amanda King (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue Cory Hargreaves | Palm Beach Surf Club Spav Doniger (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co. Fat Picnic | Hotel Brunswick

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

QuarterFest: Ivey + Coastal Lights + Sydney-Rae and The Maples + Worthy Crew + Brooke Duffin | NightQuarter Karl S Williams | Soundlounge Rick Barron (Covers) | Currumbin Surf Club Hemingway + Sean Fitzgerald (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta Funk N Wagnells (Covers) | Southport Sharks Eleea Navarro (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks OKA | Hotel Brunswick Micka Scene (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co. Alex Fietz | The Walrus – Watermark Hotel WallapPRElooza: The Wrath + Demonatrix + Tensions Arise + Second Circle | Wallaby Hotel

Shag Rock (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Radio Star (Covers) | Currumbin Surf Club

Late For Woodstock (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Herbie Walker | Cambus Wallace

Crossfire Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Pinksta Swaussyfire | Advancetown Hotel

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

Jock Barnes | North Burleigh SLSC Abbigayle Anderson (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SWELL SOUNDS from 12.00pm: Mitch King + Salt & Steel + The Lyrical + Electrik Lemonade | Currumbin Beach

MONDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

Junkadelic Brass Band + Fiona Boyes | NightQuarter

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Michael Whitmore (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks Benny D Williams (4.00pm) | Kingscliff Beach Hotel Pink Zinc | Hotel Brunswick

KICKSTART YOUR MUSIC CAREER

Akova | Beach Hotel James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER Killing Heidi + Rackett | NightQuarter (Ticketed) The Lyrical + Jackson James Smith (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta Drapht | Surfers Paradise Beergarden

The Titanix (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

Herbie Walker | Cambus Wallace

Felicity Lawless + DJ Elliott Ramsay | Mermaid Beach Bowls Club

SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

The Fergies + Keegan Sparke | NightQuarter

Blue Child Collective (2.00pm) + Shem (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Michael Hickey | The Walrus – Watermark Hotel

Tijuana Cartel | Soundlounge

James Higgins | North Burleigh SLSC

Meju (2.00pm) + Ino Pio & Baptiste (7.00pm) | Sheaok Shack

Greg Bankx (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Living In the 70’s (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Z-Star Delta (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

Atmosphere (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Bill Jacobi | Hotel Brunswick

Marco | Southport Sharks

Hot Cargo (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co.

Doubleshot (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Josh Boyd | The Walrus – Watermark Hotel

TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

Lilleexx | Palm Beach Surf Club

Agent 77 (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Matthew Armitage | Cambus Wallace

McKenzie Band (1.00pm) | Fishos

SWELL SOUNDS from 12.00pm: CC The Cat + Shanon Watkins | Currumbin Beach Benny D Williams (1.00pm) | The Boatshed, Currumbin Scott Dalton | Palm Beach Surf Club Joshy Dreddz (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co. Sex & Chocolate (Covers) | Currumbin Surf Club Michael Eotvos (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Joshy Dredz | Cambus Wallace The Wolfe Brothers | Lonestar Tavern Jason Delphin (1.00pm) | Fishos Afterpalooza: Boho Mofos + Salt & Steel + Speedracer (unplugged) + More | Wallaby Hotel Andy Penney | North Burleigh SLSC The Red Men (Covers) | RSL Club Southport MONDAY 18 SEPTEMBER Aaron West | Southport Bowls Club Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Benny D Williams | Steampunk Andy Penny (Covers) | Currumbin Surf Club

Lily Budiasa (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Trace Trio (Covers) | RSL Club Southport SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER Island Night: The Hula Hut | NightQuarter

OCTOBER SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER SEED SERIES: SEYKA + ROYES + Monique + Josh King | Miami Marketta James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Katchafire + The 4’20 Sound + Kimmy & Crew | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER Katchafire + Hanlon Brothers + The Sea Gypsies | Parkwood Tavern

Hits + The Bible Bashers + The Maslows + Cactus | Currumbin Pub

THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER

Benny D Williams | Chinderah Tavern

Ben Perrin | Griffith University

Sarah McLeod | Miami Tavern

Archie Rye | Hotel Brunswick Mark Watson | The Walrus – Watermark Hotel Kenny Slide | North Burleigh SLSC

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

Lost Thylancines Duo (2.00pm) + Dubarray (7.00pm) + Sheoak Shack

BACHELOR OF

POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE MUSIC, SOUND AND VISION MUSIC INDUSTRY

griffith.edu.au/ popular-music

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER JJ and Radio Souls + Sarah Frank | NightQuarter

Marshall Okell Band | Hotel Brunswick

Kellie Knight & The Daze + Ondre Davis (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Craig Shaw (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Taylor Swift Tribute | Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

Drunk Mums + Sex Drive + Mini Skirt + Draggs + The Chats | Miami Shark Bar

Phil & Tilly | Burleigh Brewing Co.

Matthew Armitage | Cambus Wallace

Long Gone Daddys (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Larsen + Being Jane Lane + Ra Ra Ruby + Syrup Go On | Currumbin Pub

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

Nick Cunningham + Ivey + Kyle Lionhart for ‘Give A Home’ | Sofar Sounds Gold Coast

Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue

James Fox Higgins Duo (Covers) | Currumbin Surf Club

Felicity Lawless (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta Free The Genie | Cabana Bar

SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER Steve Lovelight| Palm Beach Surf Club Fire N Ice Band (1.00pm) | Fishos Live at Bond: Ella Fence + Will Anderson | Bond University

Graham Hobson | The Walrus – Watermark Hotel

* Catch these SEED artists playing at a venue near you

Matrix Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

GRIFFITH.EDU.AU/POPULAR-MUSIC

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BLANK GC AND GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS PRESENT

BIGSOUND

GOLD COAST

GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS

WARM UP PARTY

CLEA • JESSWAR • ELLA FENCE NIGHTQUARTER | SAT 2ND SEPTEMBER

Nightingale School of Arts now offering lessons in

Voice Guitar Piano Songwriting

Benny D Williams

Sambalese Out 28 september contact Amela at amela@nightingalesoa.com or check out the website www.nightingalegc.com for more info

bennydwilliams.com

When our community succeeds, we succeed

THE VILLAGE MARKETS SHARE THE LOVE

Image: Alice Wint

Marissa Bowden and Sarah Schoeller are the brains behind The Village Markets. If you haven’t met the ladies in person, you’ve almost certainly visited their business. The Village Markets have been running on the Gold Coast since 2008, providing live daytime music, boutique vintage and designer stalls and delicious food for shoppers and culture-hunters alike. Now the enterprising duo have collaborated on an e-book entitled ‘How to Launch Your Startup: A practical business guide for creative entrepreneurs’. Natalie O'Driscoll wanted to hear what they had to say. Tell us what your book is about, in your own words. Marissa: It's an easy to use business and marketing resource for small businesses. It's filled with tips we wished we had known when starting our business nine years ago and we've also shared some of our most used programs, apps and software. Sarah: Our eBook, ‘How to Launch Your Startup’, is a combination of our business and marketing knowledge from uni (both Marissa and I have Business Degrees), work experience (together we have over 20 years marketing experience) and nine years in business at TVM. It's a go-to for anyone wanting to start a business and includes everything we wish we had when starting out, in a simple, easy to read document. It also includes a business checklist for starting and a resource toolkit with our favourite business tools.

Many people would consider a book like this to be possibly giving tips to competitors. What made you decide to share the love? Marissa: We've always been about community and supporting small creative businesses, it's the ethos of our brand. We've also found over the years (TVM has supported over 1000 small businesses in 9 years) that many creatives are incredible at the creative side of their business but need a little support with the business and admin side of things, so we wanted to share our knowledge with others. Sarah: Our motto is 'When our community succeeds, we succeed' and the Book is actually free to our stall holders. We love that we can help others with getting their own business off the ground and sharing our knowledge, will hopefully allow others to enjoy success doing something they love.

So tell us a little bit about how you guys came to be in business together in the first place!

Do you have any other projects or exciting news in the works?

Sarah: Marissa and I met at work and although we didn't work together closely, we did share the same interests and passions. One of them was a strong sense of pride in the Gold Coast and annoyance when people would always say "The Gold Coast has no culture". After finding ourselves redundant at 26 years old, a brief stint off work gave us the time to develop the TVM concept, create a business plan and pitch away.

Marissa: We would like to potentially expand TVM into other locations eventually, we're also working on additional eBooks and more instalments of our TVM Talks events. Stay tuned!

THE ‘HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR STARTUP EBOOK’ IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT THEVILLAGEMARKETS. CO/SHOP FOR $14.99.

POSITIVE CHANGE FOR GOLD COAST’S MARINE LIFE Grassroots beach clean group Positive Change for Marine Life can trace its roots to Taiji, Japan in 2011. The organisation’s CEO Karl Goodsell saw the conflict taking place between Taiji locals and environmental campaigners opposed to the annual dolphin hunt Taiji has become infamous for. He sought a more positive way of communicating conservation messages and founded Positive Change for Marine Life in 2012. Gold Coast Beach Survey Coordinator, Taylor Kehoe spoke to Samantha Morris about the organisation’s expansion to the Gold Coast and opportunities for you to get involved. “We have projects running throughout many areas of the world, but in Australia, our primary campaigns have focused around marine debris,” Taylor told Blank Gold Coast. “In Byron Bay, we have been running beach surveys as well as workshops in schools and assisted Byron Bay High School in transitioning to be waste free.”

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“Positive Change for Marine Life expanded to the Gold Coast in January 2017 commenced beach surveys on 22 April 2017,” Taylor said. Since then, the group has conducted eight surveys along the same 200m of Miami Headland. “We separate all items collected and record what we have found,” Taylor said. “All of this information is uploaded to the Tangaroa Blue National Marine Debris Database, where it is used to mitigate the impacts of debris on marine environments.” Across those eight beach surveys volunteers have collected 5495 pieces of rubbish, 2952 pieces of

plastic (including 1566 cigarette butts), 705 pieces of foam, 911 glass items, 341 metal items and 279 paper items.

“With more volunteers, we can cover larger areas of land in order to prevent even more rubbish making its way to the ocean.”

“The rest is comprised of items ranging from cloth and rubber to wood items,” Taylor said. “We have even found used needles and construction items.”

“Over the next few years, we have plans to expand our organisation on the Gold Coast, similar to ways that we have in Byron Bay,” Taylor said. “At the moment, however, our primary focus is on engaging with the community through regular beach cleans, and as such, we are always welcoming new volunteers to join us.”

The beach cleanups continue every fortnight at Miami Headland, near Miami Surf Club and Taylor says more hands are always needed.

BEACH SURVEYS TAKE PLACE 8.30AM ON SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER, 23 SEPTEMBER, 7 OCTOBER, 21 OCTOBER, 4 NOVEMBER, 18 NOVEMBER AND 2 DECEMBER AND ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED FOR VOLUNTEERS. FOR MORE, CONTACT T.KEHOE@PCFML.ORG.AU.

GROM’S CORNER

Surfers Paradise Kids Week returns Kids will take over Surfers Paradise these September school holidays as the highly anticipated Surfers Paradise Kids Week returns, featuring a bumper program of free, family-friendly entertainment across seven days of fun and excitement for children of all ages from tots to teens. The characters from Despicable Me 3 headline this year's event from Saturday 23 to Friday 29 September, as Minions Dave and Mel tumble in to say, 'bello!', joined by Gru three times daily in the Despicable Me 3 Dance Party and Active Meet & Greet, which will bring to life all the silly antics of the hugely popular film. Surfers Paradise Kids Week is the must-do event for families these school holidays, featuring free daily live shows, interactive workshops, jumping castles, zorb balls, rock climbing, face painting and more throughout Cavill Mall.

WHY WAIT TO MAKE GREAT? STUDY MUSIC, DESIGN, SCREEN & MEDIA, GAMING & IT Practical learning at our state-of-the-art Coomera campus with short courses, certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Meet Mothball, the naughtiest wombat in Australia Millions of young people around the world have adored the multi award-winning picture book, ‘Diary of a Wombat’. Now this iconic work by Australian Children’s Laureate (2014/15), Jackie French and Bruce Whatley comes to The Arts Centre Gold Coast stage to delight children and their families. This landmark Australian production by Monkey Baa Theatre Company features stunning puppetry, a live cello score and a brilliant set design. Tickets are selling fast, with only Monday 11 September 6.00pm available. Visit theartscentregc.com.au

COOMERA OPEN DAY SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER | 9.30AM - 2.30PM

Gold Coast students to be spoilt rotten with Opera Queensland's Hansel & Gretel Opera Queensland's (OperaQ) new production of Humperdinck's ‘Hansel & Gretel’ will leave a trail of smiles when it tours the Gold Coast between now and 10 November, offering a sweet treat for students. In collaboration with Brisbane's boldest contemporary theatre company shake & stir, OperaQ is taking the magic of opera to over 12,000 students in an energetic new production of the classic fairytale opera, Hansel & Gretel, featuring soprano Irena Lysiuk as Gretel and mezzo-soprano Jessica Low as her quickwitted brother Hansel. Lucky schools receiving a visit are Emmanuel College, Robina State School, Miami State School and Silkwood School.

5581 8300

tafegoldcoast.edu.au/creativeindustries Training Partner Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Information correct at time of printing 22. 08. 17 17-1138_TQGC_Blank Mag Ad_August_08_17

TAFE Queensland RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 0302OE

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Image: Lamp Photography

Image: Jeff Divine

MAVERICK HAIR AT THE CUTTING EDGE WITH YOUNG HEROINES Maverick Hair & Art Space is quickly gaining a reputation for doing cool stuff, and their upcoming exhibition Young Heroines is no exception. Five young and emerging female artists from South East Queensland will present a unique group exhibition of new and exciting work this September. Natalie O'Driscoll chatted with one of the Gold Coast artists Adrienne Kenafake ahead of the exhibition. Blonde-haired, blue-eyed and petite, 23 year old Adrienne wouldn’t look out of place in a Gold Coast Tourism ad, surfboard tucked under one arm as she sprints into the glittering waves. However, her passions have led her into slightly darker pursuits. “The work I do at the moment is about exploring urban spaces,” says Adrienne. “I’ve been working with found objects, road kill, all sorts of interesting things that you find when you have time to walk and explore.” We’ll come back to the road kill in a minute. The found objects Adrienne is referring to is material she located while on a four month young artist residency in Helensvale. “I’ve been looking at places where no one wants to go: the outskirts of suburbs, parks behind shopping centres, run down areas,” she explains. “The only people that do tend to go there are youth, teenagers, and you find used bongs, condoms, lots of rubbish. Throughout my residency I went around that area in particular and collected over 40 bongs just left around.” Adrienne’s Young Heroines sculpture utilises the found bongs to create a piece that is reflective of sub-cultures and drug use among youth in the suburbs. “My work is a play on the light-heartedness of these things, coming from the fact that young people in some ways are still like kids. Bongs are almost like toys, they’re using items and materials from shopping centres, daddy’s hose.

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“It also does touch on the fact that bad things happen in those places, and drugs can be about avoidance of issues and avoiding talking about things as well. I supposed it has emerged from the work I was previously exploring on road kill, bringing things to the surface that we don’t necessarily want to look it. I’m like ‘You don’t want to look at it? Well here it is!’” And so we return to the road kill. Another part of Adrienne’s practice is taking plant and animal materials, weaving a wire sarcophagus for them and setting them on fire. “Basically a lot of my vegan friends don’t look at my Instagram,” she laughs. “I don’t feel I have any hang ups about things. I look at it and think ‘wow it fascinates me, wow look at that!’ It confuses me if other people have a pre-determined way of behaving or interacting with something. “It’s often the stories that don’t get told which artists are interested in.”

CATCH ADRIENNE’S PIECE ALONGSIDE WORK BY COURTNEY COOK, MONIKA CORREA, MADDISON KELLIE AND CEDAR PURCHASE AT MAVERICK HAIR & ART SPACE FROM 9 – 23 SEPTEMBER, AND CHECK OUT HER INSTA IF YOU DARE: @ ADRIENNEKENAFAKE. VISIT THE MAVERICK FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

ANDY MAC HANGS UP THE SURF REPORT PHONE Andrew McKinnon (Andy Mac) is one of the longest-serving surf reporters, finishing up his time with SeaFM and Gold FM after 28 years of checking the waves each morning. Andrew has been winning Australian Titles and competing in professional surfing events since the 1970s. Recently he was awarded a certificate of appreciation for 28 years on the radio, and was named as an advocate of Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve by Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk. Terry 'Tappa' Teece asked Andrew a few questions as he settled into retirement. Andrew your stellar career as a surf reporter with SEAFM and Gold FM came to an end last month, how does feel now not having to wake up to do the report, and how did you get into surf reporting? I must admit it feels good to sleep in to 7.00am without jumping out of bed and pumping out the reports. Surf Reporting has been a big part of my life since 1978. World Champion Nat Young offered me my first gig when I was living at Whale Beach, Sydney. Nat was heading overseas and asked me to fill in for him at Double J ABC before it became Triple JJJFM. You could say just about anything in those days, way before the code of ethics rules. I left Sydney to live in Ballina, and then Byron Bay where I attended NRCAE (now Southern Cross Uni) to study Radio & TV Broadcasting. The College had a public broadcast station 2 NCRFM and an old TV Studio from NRTV days. I studied creative writing and marketing while working in Byron and supporting a Family. It was in 1985 that I was ready to go to Sydney again and Mark Warren offered me a fill-in role with him on 2MMM-FM. Mark was such a professional and showed me the winning formula. Doug Mulray was the breakfast announcer and was absolutely brilliant. He is known as the Reverend of Radio! I moved back to Byron Bay and worked at both 2LM as a surf reporter and

organizing Surf Schools and then working for the Northern Star Newspaper as both a columnist and advertising consultant. It was in January 1989 I noticed ads for a new Gold Coast Radio Station to be called SEAFM. Craig Denyer the first Station Manager wanted announcers that had not worked on the Gold Coast, were not familar names. This worked perfectly for me, as even though I had grown up and learnt how to surf on the Goldy, all my media jobs had been outside the area. Craig wanted surf reports around the clock, so it became a full time position with car then mobile phone and Andy Mac was up and running. Of all your surf reports, what has been the most unusual or crazy place you have done a surf report from? I’ve done surf reports from helicopters, hotel beds and all sorts of weird and wonderful places. The thing about mobile phones it could allow you to do Surf Reports from anywhere and in those days they were live to air. I did one on the back of a Jet Ski that was driven by “Champ”, aka Ashley Humphreys during the Quiksilver Pro in 2003 at Snapper Rocks. This was while Andy Irons was competing against his brother Bruce, which was live and pretty exciting!

To read the rest of the interview, visit blankgc.com.au

LIVE AT BOND’S LAST HURRAH FOR 2017 Our friends at Bond University will roll out a double-header for their last Live session for the year. Ella Fence and Will Anderson share headlining slot for the Sunday 8 October show which takes place from 3.00pm at ADCO Amphitheatre. Ella Fence is no stranger to Blank Gold Coast readers, studying at both Bond and Griffith Universities and honing her cinematic folk-pop offerings in bars and festival lineups across the city.

But that’s not all. For the first time Coast Acoustics have launched a FRINGE fundraising event on Friday 15 September. Also held at Country Paradise Parklands, proceeds from the ticketed event will go to supporting the free music festival for another year. The lineup for this intimate show includes Irish songstress Julie Hayes and Italian folk outfit ZUMPA supporting Lizzie Flynn.

COAST ACOUSTICS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017

Roots to Rock and so much more… The Coast Acoustics Music Festival is back for another year with a stellar lineup of local, interstate and international acts. The community-minded festival hits Nerang’s Country Paradise Parklands on Saturday 16 September for a free family friendly event. The lineup boasts everything from rock and folk to jazz and bluegrass. Included on the lineup is MZAZA, Junkadelic Brass Band, Rosie Burgess Trio, The Lovelys and many more. Catherine Gunther caught up with festival director Frank Stoove to discuss what Coast Acoustics and the music festival are all about. “The big thing about Coast Acoustics Music Festival in 2017 is community,” says Frank. “Coast Acoustics and Country Paradise Parklands embrace the community of groups that make our city work. All the volunteers and interest groups that work away in the background, providing essential outlets for people to express themselves,” he continued. “[We] provide opportunities, camaraderie and knowledge in a social and supportive way. Clubs like this make healthy alternatives for participation in a creative community.” With that community focus it’s clear why the event has become so popular. This year’s festival will host numerous market stalls, fine foods and workshops for those who want to immerse themselves in the music. And if you are a budding musician looking for your big break the walk-up open mic stage will be in full swing all day.

20 year old Will Anderson provides a beautiful counterpoint to Ella’s music. Anderson blends earthy roots of didgeridoo, acoustic guitar, percussion and harmonica. His talent has seen him support The Cat Empire, Busby Marou and Kingswood and he drew national recognition by winning the Telstra Road to Discovery 2015 People's Choice Award. He has appeared at Caloundra Music Festival, Caxton Street Festival and Bluesfest.

Live at Bond takes place Saturday 8 October. Will Anderson performs at 3.00pm and Ella Fence at 4.15pm.

“As the public funding for the festival is reduced to 30% of last years’ funding we have been blessed with the generosity of artists performing,” Frank tells us. “Lizzie Flynn is touring nationally with her album launch and has agreed to perform for us. All proceeds [go to] keeping a live music, low cost, noncommercial music event alive.” As well as being a critical element in a growing cultural community, Frank believes the festival holds a significant benefit to performers. “How does an aspiring musician grow? [Through] exchanging ideas, developing performance skills, writing and musicianship,” says Frank.

BBTC SECOND LINEUP Australia's biggest busking festival, Buskers By The Creek has announced another 100 cracking performers taking the roll call to over 200 artists for the 14-15 October event.

“Social debates about styles, philosophies and genre make Coast Acoustics a really interesting club. It’s about live music, freestyling or folk, blues, jazz or rock, we’re keen to give it a go.”

Busking royalty, Juzzie Smith will join multi-instrumentalist Tay Oskee, Lamplights’ slide guitarist Ash Perrow performing with The Calling Brothers and 11-year-old crowd favourites Valley Vibes.

And perhaps that is the crux of why the festival and membership continue to grow. From its inclusive attitude and passion for community engagement to the calibre of musicians it brings to each festival there is no doubt that the Gold Coast knows how to use music to bring a community together.

Awarded Gold Coast and Queensland Event of the Year in just its second outing, Buskers By The Creek is a major local event making its mark on the national calendar attracting 24,000 people with stunts like Australia's first floating half-pipe and 300 weird, wacky and down right amazing entertainers.

Get the full lineup announcement at blankgc.com.au

HEAD TO NERANG’S COUNTRY PARADISE PARKLANDS ON 16 SEPTEMBER TO CATCH THE COAST ACOUSTICS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017.

www.blankgc.com.au

CRYPTOCURRENCIES SPELL THE END OF BANKS

GEORGE

THE HIGH PLACES

ALEX GINO

FIONA MCFARLANE

More than anything, Melissa—a fourth grade student—wants to play Charlotte in the school’s rendition of Charlotte’s Web. She practises every spare moment, knows Charlotte’s lines, is spurred on by best friend Kelly, and can already imagine herself in the leggy, sparkly-black costume, evoking audience-tears by the end.

Fiona McFarlane's first novel was an insidious thriller in disguise. ‘The Night Guest’ started as an ordinary story, then the plot skilfully shifted, hurling the elderly main character into a nightmare which she was trying desperately to escape. McFarlane's imagination, originality, and her ability to surprise readers has resurfaced in ‘The High Places’, her first published collection of short stories.

But when it comes time to audition for the part of Charlotte, she is laughed at or else ignored, and instead ushered towards the boys’ roles or stagehand work. They think Melissa is a boy. But Melissa—who is known to all as George—has always felt like a girl. For the most part, award-winning middlegrade novel ‘George’ is sunshine across a page. Melissa’s third person narration is sincere, whole-hearted, and increasingly brave. There is a sweet simplicity to the story: scenes, like those of Melissa mixing up a glass of chocolate milk, tell us of childhood pleasures and innocence, and of the soft warmth of rituals and the security of home.

Most of the tales depict everyday people, whose lives are disrupted by an extraordinary event; a young couple, newly married, are in a car accident in ‘Exotic Animal Medicine’ and a young man's mother wins the lottery in ‘Art Appreciation’. Stand-out stories include ‘Buttony’, which was previously published in The New Yorker; about a bored school teacher who receives a vicious retribution while supervising a playground game and ‘Mycenae’; about two couples reuniting while on holiday in Greece.

While her brother Scott is a bit antagonistic, teachers are well-meaning, and her mum is not entirely ‘on board’, Melissa’s best friend Kelly is a ten year old force of will. But Melissa—who fights in her own way—is the clear star on the page.

Some of the stories are set during war time while others have a fantasy element, creating a dreamy, nostalgic feeling. Almost all of these 13 tales will leave you with that unsettled feeling that McFarlane is so good at orchestrating.

The story does not seek to be political. It simply shows us what is in Melissa’s heart— what makes her sing and what hurts her, but most of all: who she is inside. It’s this slice of childhood—the immediate honesty, of just ‘being’—that makes for a nostalgic story that is widely relatable.

Some of the stranger stories are almost like fables. In ‘Violet’, Violet, a suspicious budgie, is well over 100 years old and in ‘Movie People’ a community in a small country town leave the modern world behind and choose to live in the past. One of the longer stories, ‘Good News for the Modern Man’, is about a mad scientist mystified and mesmerised by the giant squid he has caught and named Mabel.

Transgender readers should be forewarned that the book contains bullying related to gender. Perhaps, one day, stories like this will find other ways to crank the tension. Until then, books like ‘George’ shine bright. Nae Kurth

If you enjoy ‘The High Places’, read ‘The Beautiful Indifference’ by Sarah Hall, another great collection of mysterious short stories that will leave you questioning and uncertain. Emily Russell

www.blankgc.com.au

It's rare to pay for anything with real cash these days. Most of our day-to-day financial transactions are done with the swipe or wave of a card or smart phone, or via internet transfer. Yet there has been a rapid rise in the usage and value of another form of digital currency called cryptocurrencies. So why do we need a whole new system of digitalised currency transactions when we can already transfer money so easily now? I sought the answer at Profit Spaces in Tweed Heads where Rossco Paddison and Dave Campbell held a series of talks to help crypto-virgins like myself understand how this technological juggernaut is the biggest thing since the internet was invented. I'm not exaggerating. This is a major paradigm shift. Cryptocurrencies differ from 'Fiat' money, that is, the bank controlled cash money we use now. There are currently 810 types of cryptocurrency, and the most well-known and valuable cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, a digital currency created in 2008 by an Australian security expert, Craig Wright under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin is a peer to peer electronic payment system that does not require a central authority to verify payments thanks to blockchain technology, a complex, unhackable, encrypted system which verifies and logs transactions within minutes. It is virtually unregulated, it is decentralised and not controlled by banks or governments, accounts cannot be frozen, it takes more effort to obtain Bitcoins than Fiat money using a system known as 'mining', there is a finite number in circulation (21,000,000), and it requires a 12 word password to access. Bitcoin software is even Open Source and anyone can view the code. Even if all information about your account were lost, you can rebuild the account anywhere in the world by simply entering the 12 words into the blockchain. No need to wait for a bank to retrieve the data for you. "What I like about the system is it gives the power back to the people", said Rossco

Paddison. "If all computers in the world were wiped out except two that have the blockchain on it, the whole, entire network can be rebuilt". On the night I attended the talk at Profit Spaces, there was a 'hard fork' splitting of Bitcoin into 2 currencies: Bitcoin and Bitcoin cash. Some 'miners' copied Bitcoin's blockchain as well as Bitcoin code. At the time of the talk, one Bitcoin was valued at $3,800. While the fork may have affected the price of a Bitcoin in the short-term, the value is estimated to continue to rise exponentially. "Money is just perceived value. There is actually nothing valuable about a hundred dollar note", says Rossco. It seems the market will create volatility with cryptocurrencies just the same as with fiat money. "People are resistant to change at first but will almost always gravitate to easier, faster and cheaper" says Dave. "Think about how slow it is to transfer a million dollars across the world. With Bitcoin it's like (snaps his fingers) done". Even now you can get a Visa debit card with Bitcoin. So why buy cryptocurrencies? "We have to hedge against a variety of scenarios" says Rossco, "we all saw what happened with the GFC. That was just round one of a number of rounds when the current system changes". He's talking about the war on cash worldwide. Recent international examples are a taster of what's coming to the rest of the world. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi banned 86% of notes in circulation overnight; after Brexit the value of the British Pound Sterling plummeted to 30 year lows; deflation of Chinese currency saw Chinese investors flock to gold, property and... cryptocurrencies. In other words, ignore cryptocurrencies at your peril. Pip Andreas thinklovelive.com

GUY MAKES MIGALOO SING FOR SWELL COOPER Guy Cooper is a renaissance man. There wouldn’t be many people involved in Gold Coast music who aren’t aware of him as a musician, composer, lecturer, engineer, producer or label owner. But we wonder how many people know that he’s also studied electrical engineering, robotics and material science? And, oh yeah, he has a GradCert in Astrobiology. No biggie. Not content with what most would consider to be an already robust string of educational and professional credits, Guy has now decided to add sculptor to the list, with his first piece ‘Migaloo’s Song’ soon to appear at SWELL Sculpture Festival. An artist of many formats, Guy already sculpts sound and vibrations into art with an emotional direction. ‘Migaloo’s Song’ incorporates this skill into an actual steel-framed lifesized humpback whale sculpture, replete with strings that play a composition written by Guy. “It’s a giant stringed instrument,” he explains. “It’s a large 9.5 metre kinetic wind harp, (the power comes from the wind). It spins around and plays the strings in a music score that I’ve written.” The composition played by the sculpture is harmonically matched to a recorded whale song, and is based on the same structure as the songs from humpback whales. “I’ve written my own whale song in three part harmony and the structure itself plays it like a music box,” says Guy. Most people are aware that whales “sing”. However male humpback whales in particular have been described as inveterate composers of songs that are "'strikingly similar” to human musical traditions. Guy explains the connection. “The humpback is the only one that sings for the fun of it. It sings complex songs. Whale songs are much more complex than bird songs, they go for three or four hours, and harmonise with other whales. “Looking at music and vibrations and science and using science to communicate with other species… They say maths is the universal language but it’s music. It’s a shared kinship we have with the whales. They sing for lots of reasons.” The sheer scope of the project is blindingly ambitious. The entire piece weighs about three quarters of a tonne, contains 412 metres of string, and is designed so that its score will play the same from both ends, regardless of wind

direction. It’s also the second-largest stringed instrument in the southern hemisphere. Not a bad effort for someone who only just learned how to weld. “I watched a YouTube video on how to weld and started welding, basically,” Guy informs us. “All my first welds are in this.” I can’t help but get the impression that Guy Cooper just doesn’t view obstacles the same way that the rest of us do. Just talking to him about his myriad projects makes me feel like having a cuppa and a lie down. As his professional and educational history attests, he’s always been motivated. But he’s currently getting an extra push from his health. “I have lymphoma,” he states simply. “I basically have another three months to try and shrink it with chemo drugs so it can be surgically removed. If it doesn’t shrink, I’ll have to start a course of radiation treatment.” Radiation sucks for anyone, but for Type 1 diabetics, which Guy is, it can prove fatal. Currently all energies are being directed to the most favourable outcome, which is the tumour shrinkage and successful removal. Guy remains pragmatic and positive.

“I guess there’s this whole thing ‘well if it’s my last three months I don’t want to sit around being depressed and doing nothing’. But that’s not going to happen!” Some of the artists from Guy’s label Human Records will soon be gathering to record an actual song based on the sculpture score. Julia Rose, Reichelt, Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell, Felicity Lawless, Mickey, Blooom, Leopold’s Treat and Charlie Rebel have all signed up for the project. It’s going to be like the Gold Coast’s very own ‘Feed The World’. “We’ll release it for SWELL,” says Guy. “All the profits from it will go to Sea Shepherd.” “I hope that [Migaloo’s Song] will inspire some viewers to further understand the interconnected world we live in and how these giant majestic mammals are similar to humans in song.” Natalie O'Drsicoll

SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL RUNS FROM 8 – 17 SEPTEMBER AT CURRUMBIN BEACH. BE SURE TO CATCH ‘MIGALOO’S SONG’ “LIVE” ON THE FORESHORE, AND VISIT GUYCOOPER.COM.AU FOR MORE.

Image: Lamp Photography

www.blankgc.com.au

DRIVEN FEAR’S SLOW BURN Forming in Brisbane sometime back in 2004, but calling the Gold Coast home, Driven Fear is a five-piece act that’s been quietly amassing fans and clocking up big wins without local fanfare. A finalist for both Album of the Year and Artist of the year in the 2017 Gold Coast Music Awards and showcasing at BIGSOUND 2017, they’ve shared the stage with punk / hardcore stalwarts Strung Out, Millencolin, Sick Of It All and The Amity Affliction (amongst others). Nic Lalot (drums) gives Samantha Morris the lowdown. Driven Fear is 13 years old. What’s your secret to longevity? Hmm I dunno if it's a secret, but I kinda think it's the way we operate that has kept the wheels moving. We are five guys that have been close mates since early high school now. We always make sure we have time to listen to everyone's opinions and ideas, it keeps the creative process interesting and often helps our sound progress, which in turn keeps things feeling fresh and exciting. Although we touch on quite serious topics in our song writing, when we get together we have fun and try not to take things too seriously. I think overall, if you make it fun, respect your mates and don't pigeon hole your sound, a band can last forever.

If you could go back in time and give some advice to yourself 13 years ago, what would it be? Don't rush. You really don't need to. I know it gets real exciting when you write some new material and you want it out NOW, but take your time with it. Save a little more money and get a better recording. Hold off those few months and plan some promo to drop with the release. Also, control your band. Don't let anyone from the outside tell you how to run your band. Make decisions as a group.

You haven’t exactly been prolific. You released albums in 2016 and 2011, an EP in 2009 and a split release with Singapore’s Mouthful of Air in 2010. 2016’s ‘Freethinker’ took two years to record. What’s the recording process like for you? I love recording. It's probably my favourite part of being in a band. I still get super nervous, and fuck up heaps, but it's so rewarding hearing the final product. We've recorded in garages and professional studios, we've travelled to record and also recorded in bedroom cupboards. There is no SET way to record and that's what we love about it. Sure there are things we've learned over the years that we definitely keep on board as we progress, but it's always the little mistakes or experiments that make each release special. You’ve got big runs on the board, why were you surprised to be announced finalists for Gold Coast Music Awards? We've always been more of an underground band that has had VERY little commercial exposure, so it was only a surprise because the GCMAs is a commercial event. It's just something we've never done nor did we think we'd ever get the chance to do, and yeah it caught us buy surprise,

we were so stoked. We tried our best to soak it all up and talk to as many people as possible. Like I said, not something we get the chance to often, so we made the most of it. And now you’ve gone and got programmed for BIGSOUND. What was your reaction when you found out? We were also very stoked about this. BIGSOUND is a great opportunity for some awesome exposure with so many awesome artists on the bill. Psyched to be apart of it, and for two nights too! Will we have to wait another two years for new material? Maybe. We all have commitments outside the band which take up a lot of our individual time, but we ARE writing, and moving towards a release. What that is and when its out is still up in the air. Will keep you posted ;)

GOLD COAST’S DRIVEN FEAR ARE AT BIGSOUND, WEDNEDSAY 6 SEPTEMBER AT CROWBAR AND THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER AT THE NEW GLOBE THEATRE.

DOUBLE HEADER 2017 CONCERT FINALE

ELLA FENCE + WILL ANDERSON bond.edu.au/liveatbond Live at Bond

Sunday, 8 October, 2017 from 3pm ADCO Amphitheatre

FREE CONCERT SERIES www.blankgc.com.au

HANLON BROTHERS LIVING THE HIGH LIFE Gold Coast’s favourite brothers have announced the upcoming release of new single ‘High Life’, the muchanticipated follow-up to ‘Diamonds’. ‘High Life’ is a frenzy of firsts. It will be the first female collaboration for Hanlon Brothers, their first electronic / dance track, and the first song produced outside of the band with Xy Latu (Australian X Factor winner) taking on production.

Brisbane band Cub Sport have been killing it with their unique brand of emotionally-charged pop over the last year, now they are back with a new album ‘Bats’ to be released 22 September. The group is passionate about using their platform to speak out against homophobia, and their first single ‘O Lord’ is making waves across the country. Catherine Gunther caught up with Sam (keys/vocals) from the band ahead of their BIGSOUND set to discuss the new record.

Gold Coast artist TOBI features on the new track.

So your second album ‘Bats’ is coming out in September. What can we expect from the album?

"Usually I'm more of a producer, so I'm excited I get to write and sing with Hanlon Brothers on this track," said the 23 year old. "’High Life’ is about being young and in love and whilst not necessarily being rich you still feel like you’re living the high life with each other." ‘High Life’ will be available for preorder from mid September and it’s been some time between tracks. Saia says the band has been working on its future plans. “The past year has been all about performing as much as possible to develop our show for a global audience,” he said. “We've built our new studios in Miami, which are so awesome, it feels like home already and we've been kicking things up a notch with the Hanlon School of Music too.”

‘BATS’, BIGSOUND AND BANGERS

“Hanlon Brothers are known for our versatility, we're always playing around with the boundaries between hip-hop, RnB, soul and jazz, so we thought it was high time we explored a bit of electronic / dance and I reckon our fans will love it,” Saia Hanlon (drums), told Blank Gold Coast.

"TOBI is bold and sassy with a very big, bright future in music,” said Saia Hanlon said. TOBI shared the band’s enthusiasm for collaboration.

‘HIGH LIFE’ WILL BE RELEASED 20 OCTOBER WITH A SPECIAL LAUNCH SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON. www.blankgc.com.au

CUB SPORT

“We've basically been working towards the next phase of our career. We have the Katchafire tour coming up, we’re releasing the new single and showcasing at Australian Music Week in November. So it's exciting times ahead.” Kylie Cobb

I would say there are a lot of downbeat bangers. I think for Tim it’s more personal in terms of some of the content of the songs but I think that’s pretty evident in how it comes together. There’s a pretty cool vibe and flow to it and I think that’s probably the biggest change is the forwardness, particularly with the messaging and content. You guys are playing BIGSOUND this year, what does that mean for you guys and what have you got in store? It’s so cool, the fact that it’s in Brisbane and it’s one of the best industry showcase events world-wide it’s pretty amazing having people come to Brisbane and having the spotlight on local artists, not just Brisbane but Australia as well. We’ll be playing quite a few new songs so we’ll be sampling a lot of stuff from that. There’s quite a bit that we haven’t played for live audiences yet so we’re very excited about that! Other than the show what are you looking forward to at BIGSOUND this year? There are so many cool bands playing! I was looking at the line up and there are a few clashes so I’m going to be walking around pretty feverishly to get to some! The two bands at the top of my list to go and see are Hatchie and The Harpoons. You and Tim recently got engaged and only came out as gay not that long ago, sparking your latest single ‘O Lord’. How has the response been?

It’s been pretty crazy. The fans have been wildly supportive and it’s made the whole thing incredibly easy for us where I’m sure plenty of people who have gone before may not have had the same experience. Being in the public eye opens you up to some pretty unfair scrutiny but for us it’s been amazing! People have been so supportive and we’ve been getting messages every day from fans saying thanks for being so open and honest. The fact that it’s been helping people feel comfortable with who they are has been the most rewarding part about it all. Who are some artists you’re really enjoying right now? What's at the top of your playlists in your down time? Oooohh definitely Hatchie and The Harpoons which is why I’m so excited to see both of them in a few weeks. I would say in addition those two, Mallrat for sure. We’re friends with Grace and she’s shown us what’s coming so it’s not on my playlist yet but there are some very cool things to come.

Catch Cub Sport at BIGSOUND at The Brightside Outdoor Stage on 6 September and you can pre– order their new album ‘Bats’ on iTunes now!

BURLEIGH GETS A MUSIC FESTIVAL We all know what a music festival in a winery is like. But a festival in a brewery? That’s got Gold Coast written all over it. Hey Sunshine’s inaugural music part will do just that. Take the party to the beer, transforming Burleigh Brewing Co’s taphouse with surf-film projections, light show and nostalgia-themed stage. And if that’s not enough to have you salivating, the lineup will finish the job. Brisbane’s psychpop overlords The Belligerents headline the bill, celebrating the September release of their debut album and Bootleg Rascal will sonically delight with hip-hop infused electro-soul beats. Gold Coast’s Peach Fur, Byron Bay’s Galaxy Girls and The Cinema Wristy’s and Sydney’s Borneo are also on the bill. Live art, market stalls, a platform for young local creatives, all housed in a brewery. That’s a lot of ticks ladies and gentlemen. Organiser Anthea Bennett said she was stoked Hey Sunshine has found a home at Burleigh Brewing . “I thought it would be cool to use a brewery’s space in a different way for a day. Burleigh Brewing Co. are an awesome local organisation, brand and product and their large site in Burleigh lends itself well to hosting all kinds of events,” she told Blank Gold Coast. Hey Sunshine is not the first event Anthea’s worked on, but it is the first she’s managed solo. Having runs on the board working on ripper bush doofs Rabbits Eat Lettuce and Bohemian Beatfreaks she knows it’s important to be flexible and fluid. And if there’s anything that’s going to help with fluidity, it’s a brewery. OK, maybe I added that last bit myself. “I guess I’ve learnt to try and apply a fluid, ‘come what may’ kinda mindset and attitude to the process of event curation and promotion. Things definitely won’t always go to plan, but that’s all part of the fun and the challenge,” Anthea said.

And on the topic of curation, Anthea admits the bands she’s booked are among her favourites. “Have loved Bootleg Rascal for a few years now and got hooked on The Belligerents from their triple j Like a Version in 2015 - very groovy. The Belligerents' debut album is out in September so Hey Sunshine will be a great opportunity to experience their new material and their new live show,” she said. “I was really keen for the lineup to focus on acts from the local region, but just had to throw Thunder Fox and Borneo from Sydney in there - coz they’re simply sublime.” It’s a busy weekend when Hey Sunshine rolls into town. Taking place Saturday 14 October – the same weekend as Buskers by the Creek means music fans are spoilt for choice. Hey Sunshine kicks off at 3.00pm with an opening set by ‘house party on wheels’ The Wonky Queenslander. The first live band cranks it up from 4.00pm and festivities run until midnight. And if all that sounds utterly wonderful, be warned that Anthea is only just beginning. She’s been completing her nursing degree this year while plugging away at Hey Sunshine and Rabbits as well as working shifts at a nursing home. “In 2018 I have a few more event ideas for the Gold Coast that I’m keen to bring to fruition, whilst also commencing work as a registered nurse,” Anthea said “Since the beginning of time we've gathered in performance and celebration of music; live music is so primal and innate in us and features in every culture across the planet. I encourage everyone to get out there and support your local live music scene,” Anthea said. “Music events are so enriching for societies and I’m happy to be adding Hey Sunshine to the Gold Coast roster,” she said. Samantha Morris

HEY SUNSHINE TAKES OVER BURLEIGH BREWING CO ON SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER. TICKETS AT HEYSUNSHINE.COM.AU. www.blankgc.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2017 LIVE GIGS AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF TAVERN Fish bo w l l o un ge bar | e v e nts | di ni ng | functions

SUNDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER SEX & CHOCOLATE FROM 1 pm

SunDAY 17th September Jason Delphin FROM 1PM

SATURDAY 30TH September McKenizie Band FROM 1PM

SunDAY 8th October Fire N Ice Band FROM 1PM

SunDAY 22nd October Lisa Hunt FROM 1.30pm

GRAND FINALS WEEKEND

GOLD FM TO SCORE $100 TO SPEND AT FISHOS DRINK SPECIALS, FOOTY FOOD + $500 CASH UP FOR GRABS!

AFL GRAND FINAL SAT 30th SEP NRL GRAND FINAL SUN 1st OCT

F I S H E R M A N ’ S W H A R F TA V E R N |

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7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise qtgoldcoast.com.au *The locals offer is available to residents of the Gold Coast and Brisbane, subject to availability before 31 October 2017

Father’s Day BBQ and Beer Fest Saturday 2 September (11am – 7pm) Wallaby Hotel, Railway Street, Mudgeeraba w: wallabyhotel.com.au/whats-on Pinksta Swaussyfire Sunday 10 September (12.30pm-4.30pm) Advancetown Hotel, Nerang Murwillimbah Road, Advancetown f: Advancetownhotel Equestrian Gold Coast Sunday 10 September - Showjumping Sunday 24 September - Dressage Mudgeeraba Show Grounds, 115 Mudgeeraba Road, Worongary f: EquestrianGoldCoastClub Wallapalooza 15-17 September (doors open 8pm) Wallaby Hotel, Railway Street, Mudgeeraba Free entry w: wallapalooza.com.au Somerset College Business Lunch with journo Peter Greste Tuesday 8 September (12.30pm-3pm) Bond University, Robina w: somerset.qld.edu.au/events Somerset College Celebration of Entrepreneurship 10-11 October w: somerset.qld.edu.au/celebration-ofentrepreneurship Morsels @ Mudgeeraba every Sunday (from 3pm) 19 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba f: morselstapasrestaurant www.som erset.qld .edu.au/ celebrat ion-of-e ntrepren eurship GUEST SPEAKERS

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SWEET REVENGE FOR BLACK RABBIT GEORGE “’Bring You In’ is a bit of a revenge song,” says Paul George, AKA Black Rabbit George about his latest release. It’s a steep contrast to prior single ‘Pray’. ‘Bring you In’ evokes a sense of mystery and desire with simple lyrics layered over Paul’s signature flamenco-esque guitar. And there’s another striking change too. The addition of drummer Adam Felton.

opposite, he told Blank Gold Coast. “I wanted to concentrate on the feel of the music more than the actual story of the lyrics.”

And while he’s trying to take it one thing at a time, there’s plenty on the horizon for Black Rabbit George.

Paul has told us before that writing doesn’t always come easy for him and he says in this instance the song just sort of landed “like that.”

“We've got a lot planned, tours, albums, books... I'm starting to feel comfortable within the music and I want to follow that feeling,” he said.

“We’ve been doing a lot of work together,” Paul said.

“Writing can seem to be a rather pained experience, it's a good sort of pain though when I feel I get it right.”

If you haven’t heard ‘Bring you In’, I implore you to do so. For a revenge song, it’s simply beautiful and Paul’s guitar work really shines. You can also see for yourself why he’s building a solid fan base across the folk genre to add to the legion of Tijuana Cartel fans at a bunch of gigs through September and October.

“I played all the other instruments, mainly guitar and bass... and there's quite a few tamborine tracks too.” “In the end I took the song to my writing mate from Tijuana Cartel, Carey O'Sullivan, he has a pretty amazing studio and he knows how I like things to sound.”

“I do practice writing, I'll try writing songs in different styles, I practice poetry and I've taken the odd creative writing course. Though at some stage I try to forget all that and just see what comes out naturally,” Paul said.

Black Rabbit George tour dates

“It all seems like such an endless process.”

Sunday 17 September 2017 - Nimbin Roots Festival, Nimbin NSW

“He hates folk music however, so it took a little bit to bring him ‘round.”

Not unexpectedly, Paul has discovered a new audience for his folk project.

Thursday 21 September 2017 - Beach Hotel, Byron Bay NSW

Paul says he wanted to create something a little sinister with this track, intentionally keeping the lyrics simple and ambiguous.

“There are a few that come from hearing Tijuana Cartel, but all in all it's like starting over again. It's hard to put your finger on exactly what defines the crowd, there seems to be a cross section of all ages.”

Friday 29 September 2017 - Wallaby Creek Festival, Rossville QLD

“I'd been listening to a lot of music in the Australian folk music scene and thought there was perhaps too many sweet sounding tunes, so I wanted to have a crack at the

Monday 2 October 2017 - Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra QLD Friday 20 October 2017 - Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna QLD

Image: Lamp Photography

John Maitland

Watergardens 21 August - 22 September 2017

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2017

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music reviews

ASHA JEFFERIES

FANNY LUMSDEN

KARL S WILLIAMS

LUKE HOUSELANDER

Asha Jefferies, The reigning queen of folk (and whatever else she feels like adding into the mix), has just released another cracking song called ‘Coburg’. It's a tell-all story of some time she spent in Melbourne in the winter of 2016 and some hardship she experienced while she was there. Now back in Brisbane, she's turned her experience into an exceptional song that goes above and beyond her previous releases. Clean electric guitar plucked by Asha starts the song off until drums and her vocals come in to give the song bigger feel setting the scene with soaring ‘Ohs’ and ‘Ahs’. There are also some hints of other electric guitar throughout the song that, again, makes it feel a little fuller and adds some more texture to the song. It's a big band production that is just subdued enough to let Asha's vocals shine through, making it one of her most mature releases yet.

There is a new girl kicking up the dust in country music land and she is filling halls from Adamooka to Tullamore with her upbeat alt-country tunes. Search for Fanny Lumsden on YouTube and you’ll meet a number of quirkily produced, apricot-hued 80’s style music videos, with titles such as ‘Totem Tennis and Soapbox’, sonically archiving regional past-times that are ohso-familiar. Back to September 2017 and Ms Lumsden and her Thrillseeker band members will be releasing their second album, ‘Real Class Act’ to a road train of followers.

‘Blood To Give’ is the striking new number from much loved Gold Coast musical journeyman Karl S Williams. The track presents Karl’s oeuvre in a slightly grittier light – it’s still unmistakably him, but subtly readjusts his musical template to bring to the fore a more scuzzed-up portrayal of his inner junkyard muse. It commences with a stinging, dirt laced guitar riff as Karl taps out the rhythm and emotes the real-deal blues, before stomping forth on a roughed up and righteous garage-blues trip. Half way through things get introspective and dreamy for a bit, before the track barrels on home, once again on the back of ‘that’ delightfully insistent riff – good luck getting it out of your head.

Packed with energy and enthusiasm, Luke Houselander’s latest musical offering has been picked up by fans here and abroad since its recent release. Raised on a steady diet of blues, roots and rock, the six track record oozes charm from the get-go, showcasing the unapologetically eclectic selection of songs that Houselander is known for at his live shows.

Coburg

Asha's vocals seem to get better with each song and ‘Coburg’ is no exception, dripping with emotion but also a fierceness that was dormant in her last few songs. It shows a different side to what we've heard from her before. We know she can be angsty from her first track 'Kiss My Ass', and we know she can transport us into a lullaby state with her track 'Honey Save Me From My Falsehoods' but this songs offers up a different side. It's a little dangerous and a little alluring but ultimately it's a song that demands attention, showing her fans and anyone else that will listen, that she's here to stay. You can catch Asha at The Northern in Byron Bay supporting the Pierce Brothers on 7 September or in Brisbane at the Wooly Mammoth on 8 of September. Like her on Facebook at @AshaJefferiesmusic to keep track of the release. Emma Whines

Real Class Act

‘Elastic Waistband’ shows us sweet yet strong high vocals with lyrics making mundane stuff sound like magic. “Time is kind of strange/and all your shit gets re-arranged/I’ve never been so thrilled about/ elastic waist bands and sitting on the couch.” The reflective track ‘Watershed’ has Kate Miller-Heidke top note moments with generously long upright bass grooves, compliments of Dan Freeman. There is a definite likeness, personality and song savviness similar to US country twinkle star Kasey Musgraves. Lumsden confidently creates MGM grand musical numbers of little town observations. This is what we need in Australian country music right now; original instrumental intros and vibrant music production swirling with clever lyrics that are too good to throw away. Real Class Act will be released 22nd September, while the 6th Annual Country Halls Tour will see Fanny and her husband Dan travelling in their mustard coloured Millard through to 2018. Catch her if you can. Tiffany Mitchell

Blood To Give

The track was produced and recorded with aplomb by the renowned Matt Redlich, whose credentials include working with Holy Holy, Ball Park Music, Emma Louise and Husky. A track to put some pep into your loins as well as fire in your belly, it's quite possibly Karl’s' finest recorded musical moment to date. In the words of the man himself: “It is to be played loudly and I hope that if people sing and dance along they will find that their burden is made lighter for a little while.” Amen.. Anthony Gebhardt

Ready to come home

The record opens with ‘The Last Stand’, an instrumental track that heavily draws from his folk roots side. With its bright warm guitars and the spacious feel of instrumentation Houselander kicks things off by taking us on a journey that feels like a ‘Choose your own adventure’. In a quick shift of pace we dive right into the heavier rock sound of ‘Trouble’, a song about the consequences of your actions. With punchy drums and driven electric guitars this track is an amalgamation of the great rock artists who came before. With a killer guitar solo thrown in the mix this song is nothing but ‘Trouble’. Title track ‘Ready To Come Home’ captures the balance between rock and roots with its energy and twang. The introspective lyrics are paired with a surprisingly fast pace tempo. ‘Pills N Whiskey’ really drives home the blues rock influences of his songwriting. Twangy electric guitars and gritty vocals showcases the diversity of the track on the EP. Houselander’s personal favourite ‘I Am The Wolf Man’ feels like something out of a desert day dream with howling winds and wolves embedded amongst hazy guitars, setting the scene for the moody, brooding lyrics. Rounding out the record is a cover of ‘Are You My Sunshine,’ included on the record due to its popularity amongst fans at Houselander’s live shows. Having recorded and produced the record completely himself is a huge effort and no mean feat. Mixed by Benny D Williams, the EP lives and breathes the Gold Coast, from the songwriting to those involved in its creation. This record has something that will appeal to anyone who loves roots and rock. Catherine Gunther

www.blankgc.com.au

Image: Stuart Chapman

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The way it should be

PAUL KELLY Life Is Fine

Paul Kelly is a national living treasure but even his most ardent fans may have been feeling a little perplexed of late with his most recent releases being anything but conventional. 'Conversations with Ghosts' was poetry put to music; 'Spring and Fall' was an album dedicated to the idea of a song cycle, 'The Merri Soul Sessions' featured guest vocalists singing Paul’s songs; 'Seven Sonnets and a Song' were Shakespeare’s sonnets set to music; while 'Death’s Dateless Night' (with Charlie Owen) – was an album dedicated to funeral songs. ‘Life is Fine’ is chock full of three minute melodic pop gems, strident little rockers and songs of wistful reflection on love and loss. It’s humorous, hummable, poignant and provocative. It’s vintage Paul Kelly. Already 'Life Is Fine’ has drawn comparisons to his classic albums from the 80s like ‘Gossip’ and ‘Under The Sun’. The songs bear the mark of a man whose youthful spirit and wonder have been supplanted by an older soul looking back on what he has lost in songs like the sublime ‘Petrichor’ (with stunning slide guitar from Lucky Oceans) and opener ‘Rising Moon’. Regret and yearning have always been the stock tools of Paul Kelly’s trade, but even as he enters his seventh decade he still finds so much optimism and zest for life. Even when he’s exploring the delicate affliction that is man flu with Vika Bull superbly channeling Bessie Smith, Paul Kelly can’t leave sex out of the picture: “He’s off his wine and bread, he even said no to head!” ‘Letter in the Rain’ is pure Paul Kelly. An evocative tale embracing nature and religious imagery with a gentle reflection on the fragility of lost love over the sweetest melody. While ‘I Smell Trouble’ is all atmospheric menace. The title track is based on a poem written by Langston Hughes but as always Paul manages to make those words sound like his own. And as he hits the upper registers of his range in delivering the last lines his heart is singing. And through all of life’s ups and downs we go on. Just be thankful Paul Kelly is on that journey with us. Trevor Jackson

NIGHTQUARTER WARMS US UP FOR BIGSOUND Emerging out of the dunes and into the lights… Gold Coast’s live music scene is taking centre stage at BIGSOUND and NightQuarter is throwing a party to celebrate! BIGSOUND 2017 will be the second year Gold Coast has flexed its musical muscle at the international showcase event. An impressive number of artists are repping the Gold Coast at Bigsound, including a huge lineup at Gold Coast's Bigsound 2017 Showcase. So, NightQuarter is throwing its weight behind some of the acts appearing at BIGSOUND to get you warmed up for Brisbane’s massive music

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DROP IN FOR A TASTING PADDLE OR BOOK A TOUR... Monday Open 10am–5pm Tours 11am / 3pm Tuesday Open 10am–5pm No Tours Wednesday Open 10am–5pm Tours 11am / 3pm Thursday Open 10am–5pm Tours 11am / 3pm Friday Open 10am–5pm Tours 11am / 1pm / 3pm Saturday Open 12–6pm Tours 12:30pm / 2pm / 4pm Sunday Open 12–6pm Tours 12:30pm / 2pm / 4pm To book, head to our website – stoneandwood.com.au/book-a-tour

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Two of Gold Coast’s brightest rising stars will join one of BIGSOUND’s headliners on Saturday 2 September. Everyone’s talking about Clea, and the Brisbane artist has a massive showcase at Bigsound and will headline Gold Coast’s warmup party. Her debut EP has garnered her rotation on Triple J and she’s definitely one to watch this year! Jesswar is repping the Gold Coast in a big way at Bigsound, with three showcase performances across the Festival. Jesswar’s control over the microphone is reminiscent of some of the greatest MC’s to ever grace the mic. She brings unwavering energy and a myriad of party songs to the stage. Being tipped as one of the hottest up-and-coming artists in Australia has only made her more in-demand this year. And finally, Ella Fence will be representing Gold Coast at the city’s music showcase at BIGSOUND as well our humble warmup party. She has a new live show with a band of multiinstrumentalists and will no doubt continue to wow audiences with her chanteuse-like approach to electro-pop-drama. NightQuarter’s BIGSOUND warm-up party takes place on Saturday 2 September. $3 entry at the gate with myriad food options and good vibes aplenty. The warmup party is being presente in partnership with Gold Coast Music Awards and Blank GC. Samantha Morris

GOLD COAST’S BIGSOUND WARMUP PARTY NIGHTQUARTER, HELENSVALE SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER www.blankgc.com.au

LUKE HOUSELANDER IS DREAMING BIG WITH ‘READY TO COME HOME’ BENNY D WILLIAMS

MY GOD! AMELA JOINS FORCES WITH BAD PONY

Luke Houselander has been bringing his eclectic mix of rocky blues to the Gold Coast for years, with his new EP ‘Ready To Come Home’ featuring crowd favourites we know and love. Having recently launched the record at Currumbin Creek Tavern with a cracking live show we sat down with Luke to find out the story behind the songs on this deeply personal record.

By day Amela Duheric is a music teacher. As an artist, known simply as Amela, she plays six instruments and has her music played on radio across the globe. At 16, she was spotted on YouTube by an American manager and travelled to Los Angeles to record five tracks and a video clip. After showcasing at Bigsound in 2016 she signed a global publishing contract.

“Every song is about me, I don't have any love songs on this record. [They are] all just songs that resonated with me the best when I was recording and what some trusted friends advised I should record. It’s literally a 25 minute snapshot of my journey so far,” Luke said of the six songs featured on the EP. Having described the record himself as epic, eclectic and energetic, Luke’s songwriting draws from rock, folk and blues to drive his music home. “I have to keep it interesting for me and I find different bands inspire different elements to come out in my own. Artists like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Oasis influence my songwriting [as well as] local legends BigFellaLinc and Dan Hannaford.” Written and produced from start to finish having full control over the music was important from the get go. “I wanted to try and do what I could hear in my head for each song. [There is] nothing more liberating and challenging to get the sound of a full band onto a CD and realise you played/ programmed all of the parts, it’s something I always wanted to do.” When asked which song was his favourite Luke was quick to mention ‘I Am The Wolfman’, which feels like the soundtrack to an epic desert adventure. “When I got the final version and listed to it cranking in my car I got goosebumps and a crazy good feeling. My best memory so far is that my mates heckle cover bands around the Gold Coast and Brisbane and keep yelling out ‘Play Wolfman’.” Catherine Gunther

Luke Houselander’s EP ‘Ready To Come Home’ is out now. 50

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Never one to dream small, Gold Coast soulman Benny D Williams planned to release a single every month this year. It didn’t quite work out the way he’d expected. “I’ve got like three that I want to release over the next month but it’s just a timing thing,” he tells us. “There’s no point rushing it, they need to be done right. I didn’t see the point in forcing things out for the sake of getting something out every month.” January this year saw Benny release ‘Blue’, a “weirdo, psychdrenched, trip-hop number” according to the man himself. In February, fans were treated to ‘Free Falling’, a stompin’ twelvestring blues track, while March saw the release of the laid back acoustic ‘Way To Burn’. No one could accuse Benny of getting boring, at least. “Variety is the spice of life,” says Benny. “I like a heap of different styles of music so I make different styles of music based on the heart in the moment. I feel confined and rigid within a specific genre.” It may have been a long five month wait for eager fans, but now Benny D is set to release his fourth track this year, ‘Sambalese’. And, of course, it’s from a different genre entirely to the other three. “It's a fast spitting Afro rap with a catchy backbeat that gets the hips swinging and the smiles brimming,” Benny describes. “It’s one of my most popular songs from my live set that I just had to bust out on the airwaves for general consumption. There's flavours of dancehall dub, crazy delay, wild synths and tribal harmonies that's road tested and proven to make you boogie with a ridiculously fast vocal delivery straight outta 80s Bronx.” We can’t wait. Benny will be releasing ‘Sambalese’ on 28 September to coincide with his daughter’s birthday, and following up with an east coast tour throughout October and November. In the meantime, you can get your BDW fix on Spotify, or live at the Coolangatta Sands on 3 September, 9 September on the SWELL Sounds stage, or The Avenue on 10 September. Natalie O'Driscoll

With two EPs under her belt and as a recent finalist berth in the Gold Coast Music Awards, Amela is now embracing a transition from acoustic/ folk roots, to sharp, polished pop. And collaboration is driving that transition. ‘Cold’ saw Amela collaborate with North Queensland producer Clovr, resulting in triple j love and just-released track ‘My God’ sees Amela collaborate with Sydney’s indie-rockers Bad Pony. Amela is excited about the recent gear-shift. “I feel like pop music has always been my true love,” she said. “I’ve been really loving candy pop radio songs this year and also pure house electronic music so I’m interested in incorporating these elements in my songwriting.” Between writing and recording new music, Amela is also growing her own music school – Nightingale – where she’ll focus on more than just private music lessons. “I've noticed a growing interest in young adults who want to learn more about contemporary music,” she told Blank Gold Coast. “In particular, how to make their own version of songs, how to sing and play the guitar at the same time and develop their musicianship and performing skills.” Currently teaching from her home studio in Guanaba, Amela is hoping to find a permanent home in Helensvale (where she went to High School) and contribute to the growing hub developing there. “My underlying aim is for Nightingale to be a place where musicianship and artistry skills are developed and nurtured. However the main target audience for Nightingale is young adults looking to develop their musicianship skills and artistry, perhaps already playing in bands or looking to do further study in music or the industry,” she said. Samantha Morris

More: nightingalegc.com. Listen: soundcloud.com/amelamusic.

SIX SEED ARTISTS YOU NEED ON YOUR PLAYLIST

TESLA COILS: They were winners at the Gold Coast Music Awards this year with their unique take on electronica, where the realms of science fiction and the 80s collide. Bringing together haunting vocals and sci-fi lyrics of aliens and the end of the world, this eccentric industrial duo won’t stop until their music has spread across the galaxy. SEYKA:

SEYKA, the new project by songwriter Kasey Thompson, is a pop rock powerhouse that brings together delicate vocal style, jangly guitars, pop production and gritty rock influences. Having performed at popular venues and festivals around the country she shows no sign of slowing down, recently supporting The Vanns and gearing up to release her debut EP.

The SEED program has been discovering and showcasing some of the best upcoming acts Queensland has to offer. Griffith University rolls out the SEED program to help its Bachelor Popular Music students adapt to the LUCALION: Finding that his love of music industry of today's world where music outweighed his love of cooking this artists are producing themselves more former Junior MasterChef Australia turned and more, where traditional labels are singer, songwriter and producer has hit electronic pop scene with debut single on the decline, where online promotion the ‘Magic’. With his delicious dance tunes has never been easier and competition Lucalion is serving up music far tastier than is increased as a result. To make it as an anything seen on MasterChef. artist requires more than the degree – it requires a solid head start. Seed provides JOSH KING: When blues and pop unite that head start. Josh King stands at the front with his modern

Pictured: Seyka

So let us introduce you to six of our favourite SEED artists for 2017.

take of folk story-telling. Taking inspiration from John Mayer and Ed Sheeran, Josh King has spent countless hours in the recording studio tracking his debut EP, which is set to be released later this year.

MØNIQUE:

Daring Alt-Pop songstress MØNIQUE is a newcomer to the scene but with her refreshing and fearless take on pop she’s quickly making a name for herself. Influenced by an array of sounds her music will take you on a journey, packed with swelling guitars, warm punchy drums and rich vocals that hold a surprising depth of sophistication.

ROYES: With a kind of raw honesty that is lose these days ROYES’ music will bring you into a world of quiet chaos. She will leave you pondering life’s greatest mysteries as her resounding lyrics and melodies help to carve her own path in the Alt-Pop Rock scene. Catherine Gunther

THE SEED SERIES COMES TO A CLOSE FOR ANOTHER YEAR WITH A PARTY AT MIAMI MARKETTA ON 27 SEPTEMBER. NOT SURPRISINGLY, THE FREE EVENT WILL FEATURE SEYKA, JOSH KING, MØNIQUE AND ROYES LIVE.

HANGING FIVE WITH MITCH KING 2017 has been an extraordinary year for young Gold Coast roots artist Mitch King. He has performed at events such as St Kilda Festival, Byron Bay Bluesfest and Blues on Broadbeach, released his sophomore EP ‘Southerly Change’ to high praise and has a new single coming out in September. Natalie O'Driscoll hung five with the talented musician ahead of his upcoming tour. Hey there Mitch! Hard to believe but we haven’t chatted since last year’s Blues on Broady. What have been some of the highlights of the last year for you?

Congrats on ‘Southerly Change’. How does it represent a musical evolution for you compared to ‘A Life Under the Sun’?

Selling-out my first headline shows, playing internationally and ‘Southerly Change’ debuting at No2 on the iTunes Blues Charts in Jan 2017. So, it’s been a sweet year.

I feel I’ve maintained a positive vibe with ‘Southerly Change’ and have explored and experimented deeper and further with new ideas. I brought in a few other musos to spice it up a bit and add some extra depth. Eliza-Jane Doherty featured on the track ‘Thrive’ – this went down an absolute treat.

You’ve played quite a few festival stages by now. Do you have a fave, if so which one and why? It’s difficult to pinpoint just one festival, but I’d probably have to say Blues on Broadbeach and Palm Creek Folk Festival are stand outs for me. Blues on Broadbeach – big crowds and attentive audiences. Palm Creek is such a down to earth festival and by the end of the weekend, everyone is everyone’s best friend.

Tell us about some of the tracks on ‘Southerly Change’ and what inspired them.

This basically gave me the fuel that I needed to reignite the song and ‘Southerly Change’ was born. What’s next for you? I have a new single ‘Burning’ which is coming out in September. For me this is where all my excitement lies at the moment. I’ll be heading out on the road to promote the song with a National Tour. The first show will be at Mandala’s Arts Café, Gold Coast on the 22 September. Can’t wait.

There is a bit of a funny story behind the song ‘Southerly Change’. I was writing this tune and I got to a brick wall. It was around a few weeks later that I got a ticket from the fuzz (details which I won’t go into). www.blankgc.com.au

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SHORTCUTS TO GLORY MATT OKINE My fondest memories of my son’s childhood are the things we did together. During school holidays we’d catch trains, visit parks and playgrounds and spend hours watching big machines on worksites. In between, we’d cook. Sitting in his high chair at the kitchen bench, my son would help with the cooking – mashing banana to go in a cake, cutting up tomatoes with a plastic knife, grasping tiny handfuls of ingredients to add to a bowl. Eighteen years later, as he left home to go to university, I presented him with a handwritten ‘cut-and-paste’ recipe book of his favourite dishes, complete with notes, his reminder of the time we spent together in the kitchen. Leafing through the newly launched Shortcuts to Glory, it’s a published alternative to my handwritten book. The accompanying recipe book to the TV show hosted by comedian Matt Okine, Shortcuts to Glory is “…the ultimate cookbook for anyone leaving home, becoming independent, or just wanting to impress with minimal kitchen stress.” Over thirty well-known chefs contributed to the cookbook, including Adriana Zumbo, Colin Fassnidge, Neil Perry, Justine Schofield, Christine Manfield, Jill Dupleix, Stefano Manfredi, and Mark LaBrooy (Three Blue Ducks). Millennial-friendly with its flexible soft cover in a ‘squarish’ manageable size, Shortcuts to Glory is printed on semi-gloss paper with multiple illustrations presenting steps for each of the 43 recipes in the book. Following a 50-page textbooklike introduction to the basics of kitchen, fridge and pantry, recipes are divided into ten sections such as ‘The Basics’, ‘Last Minute Meals’, ‘Date Night’ and ‘Feed an Army’, following the 10-week TV series. Not just a cookbook, but also a ‘start up’ guide for beginning cooks, there’s a genuine humility borne of Matt Okine’s own experience. Admitting that when he moved out of home his ‘diet consisted almost entirely of packet noodles, canned tuna and toasted cheese’, it didn’t take him long to discover that he had inherited his father’s love of cooking. “Shortcuts to Glory is all about… getting down to the nitty-gritty: good, healthy meals, prepared quickly, that look amazing and leave you with a bunch of budget remaining in your back pocket.” While beginners will treasure instructions on how to boil an egg, or recipes for pimped-up noodles, spaghetti bolognese and cake in a mug, even as an experienced cook, there are recipes I’ll dig into, such as sticky lamb ribs, a decent chicken soup or slashed roast leg of lamb. My single criticism is that I’d like to see more recipes per section, omitting each recipe’s replicated ‘final photo’. Above all, it’s the attitude of this book that I most admire. It’s enabling for the beginner cook, encouraging them to look past the takeaway easy fix: “Have fun!...Be brave, take risks and trust your tongue, for not every tastebud is the same,” Okine urges. “Bon appetit, legend!” Marj Osbourne 54

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CAFÉ CATALINA

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, 10/11 Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Highway, Southport

If there’s an eatery with a top location, this is it: Café Catalina, overlooking the Broadwater, adjacent to the expanded Broadwater Parklands leisure area, the Rockpools play and picnic area and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, host for the Commonwealth Games swimming and diving events. Yet, in many ways, much like its namesake, Café Catalina is a bit of a hidden secret. You could pass by on the Gold Coast Highway and not realise that there’s a café located in the complex. It’s an obvious location for this dual role venue: a café offering a simple menu to swimmers on one side and a fully operating formal eatery on the other. With a menu divided into breakfast (until 11.30am) and lunch (from 12 noon), on Friday to Sunday lunch spills over into evening. A large bar overlooking an alfresco area serves drinks and beer on tap to diners, with live music livening up a Sunday afternoon session. With Chef Prashan in the kitchen and seasoned chef Laurence Griffin as consultant chef (ex-Salty Plum and Liquid Amber), the menu is in very capable hands. Perched almost on the water’s edge with stunning views, Café Catalina is just the place to enjoy seafood, and the dishes we tasted were magnificent: Hervey Bay scallops with intriguing smoked tomato and black olive butter; Grilled barramundi with parsnip purée, broccolini and a gorgeously rich lemon caper burnt butter sauce; Atlantic salmon with a halo of rich salsa of zucchini, capers, raisins, pine nuts, fennel and olives… The seafood is magnificent: plump fresh pieces cooked to perfection, served with delicious complementary sauces. Our meal is an absolute delight. But seafood doesn’t comprise the whole menu. There are many other dishes suitable for a range of occasions. How easy it would be to share arancini while listening to live music or with Friday afternoon drinks, to share a green papaya salad for lunch, followed by a Kingaroy slow-cooked crispy pork belly. Don’t forget dessert, either. Besides the cakes in the cabinet, Crème brûlée is a winner, as well as Banana pudding with whisky caramel and ice cream. With quaint, almost cottage-like deco (open picture frames and wallpaper naming the beaches of Australia), this is a perfectly ambient spot to meet. Its large wood-framed bi-fold windows show off a stunning view, making it a romantic haven for couples to enjoy a leisurely meal, ladies to catch up over coffee, or as a wedding or function venue. Don’t let it stay a secret! Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast foodgoldcoast.com.au

MR BROWN’S TUCKSHOP 5/7 Brown Street, Labrador We love discovering the little secret places that locals frequent. They may not be big or hip. All they need to do is hit the mark of their demographic, be true to their charter and serve the people. That’s Mr Brown’s Tuckshop to a tee. In the surprisingly busy ‘no name’ Brown Street shopping centre in Labrador, we find this little café, home of partners Chee Yap and Rob Barker. Yes, it’s the same Chee and Rob we first met at Vice Baby, a popup Asian diner in the garden behind Miami Rice. The pair had moved up from Melbourne intent on bringing better coffee to the Goldie. They were the first to bring bao to the coast, with many an afternoon and evening enjoyed in the rangy backyard of Chee’s dad Alan’s restaurant, dining on recycled furniture under beach umbrellas. So, what happened? “The goal was always for us to have our own place,” Rob tells us. But the journey to find it took some time, the couple settling on Labrador as an under-serviced suburb for food and coffee. Mr Brown’s is a humble establishment. Surrounded by a hairdresser, laundromat, Aldi, Halal butcher and a newly established pizzeria, they’re in the middle of an affordable housing area with Metro student accommodation directly behind the shops. The retro refit of recycled pallets and furniture (ex-Bonita Bonita) is brightened by sunny yellow walls and green plants. ‘Sunny days start here’ yells the wall behind the counter. Cheeky smiles and quick hellos shout out that the only attitude here is friendly! “We’re a tuckshop for big kids,” says Rob. “Chee likes to know what’s in the food she eats, so we make almost everything in house. Our bestsellers are the burrito, burgers and jaffles, as well as Amazonian açai bowls, especially in summer.” With prices ranging from $10 - $16 for a meal, their prices are right on the mark. Hearty and tasty it is, but don’t think that well-priced equates to ordinary. Not this pair! Jaffles are filled with Mac ‘n’ cheese, laced with speck and truffle oil, or Roast mushrooms with goat’s cheese and caramelised onion ($8). Burgers are on brioche with a 200g burger. Tuckshop beans come with smoky ragout, two poached eggs, crumbled feta and toast ($14.50) and there’s even Pulled pork with smoky cheese and kimchi at $8 for the Korean students. GF and V are clearly marked. There’s also a cabinet to go with Raw delight cakes, fudge brownies, croissants sourced from Nobu’s Vioneserrie Lab, bread from Wildbreads and donuts from The Pastry Emporium. The fridge is stocked full of local drinks including ‘Flat Earth’ Kombucha. An evening menu is on the way, Rob tells us. But it’s the coffee that has won over Mr Brown’s loyal customers; Five Senses coffee roasted in Melbourne, and for that we’re eternally grateful. Another little place to bring quality coffee to Labrador. Another light to shine on ‘the dark side’. Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast foodgoldcoast.com.au

LITTLE BITES NEW GASTRO-PUB MALT HOUSE TO JOIN THE KITCHENS

PAPERCUP COFFEE 3/201 Ferry Road, Southport and 1/16 Frank St, Labrador

Like the majority of the population, we are going to assume that you cannot face the day without your morning caffeine fix. We get it, and so does Papercup Coffee who look to brighten your day with “Brews, Bites and Blooms” in their new and bigger location in Southport. The space is a Scandi design lovers dream, all clean lines, wood accents and bright, airy spaces. If you had a bad case of the Mondays when you entered, it would soon evaporate with the comforting scent of coffee mixed with the aforementioned blooms and ‘True Love’ mural by Matt Vergotis on the wall, guaranteeing to cause your lips to move into that upward position known as a smile. Owners and newlyweds Zoe and Glen Hordern opened the Labrador branch of Papercup Coffee in October 2015. As SoPo residents, they saw the space left vacant by the closure of Nandos in the Ferry Road shops and jumped at the chance to open a larger branch of Papercup. “Papercup is about coming in, grabbing a coffee and something decent to eat quickly,” Zoe informs us. “With the Southport shop being larger, it means we can have some more food and experiment with new things”. With a well-established relationship with Blackboard Coffee, it is no wonder that their seasonal espresso blend is on offer at Papercup during our visit. As a piccolo, the milk chocolate flavour is smooth with a berry sweetness and nutty taste that will make you wish you had ordered more than one coffee. What sets Papercup Coffee apart from most cafes is their offering of two different coffees on the grind. As Zoe points out: “You go to a pub and have options with beer, but not coffee shops with coffee.” Proud Mary’s Angel Wings was the obvious choice for Zoe and Glen when looking to expand the Papercup Coffee offerings, as they had an excellent experience at the Proud Mary café in Collingwood. The Angel Wings espresso has an alluring, super sweet scent of crushed blueberries, which follows through in the flavour of the coffee with an initial kick that grips the tastebuds. The optimal way to experience the blend is in a long black. The initial aroma is like juicy berries on a vine, with the coffee itself having a brightness and sweet candy kick, similar to a crème brûlée. With an app that can allow you to order online to make your visit as quick as possible on your morning commute, Papercup Coffee Southport is open 5:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and 6:00am to 3:00pm on weekends. Whilst their Labrador branch is open 5:00am to 3:00pm every day.

GOLD COAST BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL Organisers of the first Crafted Beer & Cider Festival have announced the first round of brewers who will be taking part. With over 100 brews from more than 20 brewers, Crafted Festival is treasure trove of flavours from around the country. Launching Saturday November 4, Crafted Festival shines a beacon on local brewers from the Gold Coast, South East Queensland and interstate, in an afternoon and evening celebration of all things beer and cider. With many artists to join the entertainment line-up, DJs and some extra surprises still to be announced, Crafted Festival is shaping up to be a dream sundowner session. All info and tix are available at craftedfestival.com.au. Hop to it.

THE STAR ANNOUNCES NEW NAME AND MENU FOR ZEN The Star has announced a new name and menu for much loved Chinese restaurant Zen. Known now as Imperial at The Star, it will be the seventh new venue the property has unveiled as part of its ongoing transformation. The physical makeover of the restaurant, currently underway, triggered the name change and revitalisation of the restaurant’s menu that highlights traditional flavours, ingredients and cooking styles from various regions of China. Integral to the menu development of Imperial at The Star is internationally trained Chef Song Yao Su, Executive Chef of Asian Cuisine at The Star Gold Coast. The venue is expected to open midSeptember. Visit thestargoldcoast.com.au.

Enter: Malt House at The Kitchens. A brand new dining concept that's taking its cues from Europe, this restaurantmeets-bar has been taking shape behind closed doors for the past few months, and is now adding the finishing touches before it opens to the public in the coming weeks. Dubbed as a gastro-pub (think top quality restaurant food being served in a casual pub-style setting), Malt House is set to be a popular addition to The Kitchens' dining portfolio, particularly with those whose idea of a perfect day out involves sipping on a cold brew and enjoying gourmet fare. In case the name didn't already give it away, Malt House will specialise in all things beer – with an impressive selection on tap and an even bigger range of the bottled variety. For more information visit thekitchens.com.au

JAMIE OLIVER'S COOKING PROGRAM IN NERANG Following its time in Burleigh Heads, Jamie's Ministry of Food Queensland Mobile Kitchen will next visit Nerang. The kitchen classroom on wheels will be setting up in Nerang from Monday 9 of September at Country Paradise Parklands. The home cooking program includes Jamie's hints, tips and shortcuts for preparing healthy food from scratch using fresh ingredients. Based on Jamie Oliver's beliefs about cooking and the associated impact on healthy living, the basic home cooking course will deliver hands-on cooking classes led by a team of dedicated Food Trainers and local volunteers and covers information on ingredients, shopping, budgeting, meal planning and food preparation for basic cooking. Bookings are open now jamiesministryoffood.com.au.

FOOD EMPORIUM 3/45 James St, Burleigh Heads 07 5520 0704 Open 7 days

Catherine Coburn www.blankgc.com.au

KARL S WILLIAMS Over the past 18 months much-loved rootsy junkyard troubadour Karl S Williams has been somewhat of a transient musical journeyman, dividing his time between Melbourne and his original base on the Gold Coast. He even spent a bit of time in Tasmania at the start of the year. I ask him first up where he’s currently located, and what he’s been up to so far this year. “I’m back here (on the Gold Coast) at the moment, and have been for the past three or four months, which has been nice. So far this year has involved a lot of planning really. I started working with a new manager towards the end of last year. We set about applying for some grants, and there’s a bit of work involved in making those applications. But we managed to get a touring grant, which has resulted in the tour we’re about to embark on.” This upcoming run of gigs will encompass 15 dates across various festivals and headlining shows, and I ask Karl if there’s any particular shows he’s looking forward to playing in particular. “I’m definitely excited to be playing the Caloundra Music Festival. It’s got a pretty cool line up, and I hear good things. And I get to play the Northcote Social (in Melbourne) again. I did a residency there last year so it’ll be good to be back. And I’ve got a bunch of shows in Sydney, where I haven’t played in two years. I guess I’m looking forward to all of the shows in one way or another! As a headlining tour it will be the biggest one I’ve ever done. And I’m bringing the band along as well. I’m currently set up as a four piece, but for this tour we’ll be playing as a trio, in the interest of keeping it a little bit simpler. It’ll be nice to have that extra guitar in there.”

And then there’s the alluring spectre of Brisbane’s BIGSOUND looming on the horizon. Having already been part of this music industry opus in previous years, I ask Karl how beneficial the experience has been for him in terms of raising his profile and growing his networks. “This year I’ll be playing a few showcase gigs across the event, one with the band and one solo. First and foremost it’s a really good time. I definitely get inspired by being there. A bunch of musicians, and venue people that you run into travelling around and playing shows are all in Brisbane for a week - it’s crazy! BIGSOUND has been really beneficial for me in previous years. In my first year I picked up a booking agent and a publisher came out of it the second time I played the event. I’m independent at the moment, so this year it’ll be great to maybe talk to some record labels about putting out the next album when it’s ready - fingers crossed” On the recorded music front Karl has been keeping a relatively low profile of late. But he’s just unleashed a brand spanking new single, entitled ‘Blood To Give’. It’s a cracking number, with some added grit under the fingernails musically speaking, while still unmistakably being a product of the man himself. I ask Karl if the new track came about as a process of organic artistic evolution, or if there was something more immediate and reactive in his musical world-space to elicit this subtle shift.

“The song has had a few lifetimes. It started a lot more traditional - the main guitar riff I thought of as being like a Pop Staples (classic American gospel and r&b musician) type of thing, with really heavy tremolo. I’d been thinking to bring a bit more skankiness to things.. get a bit more electrified and junkyard .For me it feels, in a lot of ways, closer to how things come out organically when I’m playing. Because I’m not really a very polished player, I don’t really do crispy clean, perfect blues, it’s gotta be a bit messy. And the producer I worked with, Matt Redlich, kinda just got that vibe straight away, without us really even speaking about it very much. There were also a couple of musical touchpoints, stuff I’ve been listening to..Alabama Shakes, the Doctor John album that Dan Auerbach did.” Talk then turns to when the long anticipated follow up to his much loved debut record, ‘Heartwood’ may be seeing the light of day, and how it’s shaping up stylistically. “It’ll definitely be eclectic. They’re not all garagey-blues tracks, there’ll also be some down tempo, countrified sounds. It’d be great if I can translate some of the ‘dirtier’ vibe from this current track onto the new stuff, and tie it all together when we come to make the album. My loose goal is, if not to finish something by the end of this year, then to at least get half an album’s worth of material down. It’s probably going to be spread out over a few sessions. Ideally I’d love to put something out early next year, although that may be a little bit audacious at this point. But certainly I’d like to release it sometime next year.” Be sure to catch Karl when he plays in our neck of the woods during September as part of his blockbuster East Coast tour. And check out the review of his killer new single, Blood To Give, also in this issue. Anthony Gebhardt

AFTER HITTING BIGSOUND, KARL S WILLIAMS PERFORMS AT SOUNDLOUNGE ON 15 SEPTEMBER.

www.blankgc.com.au

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FRI 1 SEP SAT 2 – 22 SEP SUN 3 SEP MON 4 SEP THU 7 – SAT 9 SEP THU 7 SEP FRI 8 – SAT 9 SEP SAT 9 SEP FRI 8 SEP SAT 9 SEP – SUN 5 NOV SAT 9 SEP – SUN 5 NOV SAT 9 SEP SAT 9 SEP SUN 10 SEP MON 11 – WED 13 SEP WED 13 SEP

MUSIC + DANCE PASIFIKA 2017 EVENT JAZZ ON SUNDAYS: MICHAEL KNOPF MUSIC DANCE ADULT CONTEMPORARY WORKSHOP + WORKSHOP PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ

2970

EVENT

MY HARP IN PARADISE

MUSIC

LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE

BALLET

A QUEENSLAND BALLET MASTERCLASS JUWSPA 2017 EXHIBITION OPENING JUWSPA 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD 2017 GOLD COAST INDIGENOUS ARTIST CAMP, SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND EXHIBITION 2017 GOLD COAST INDIGENOUS ARTIST CAMP, SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND OPENING ARTLAB CHILDREN OF THE ROAD

DANCE + WORKSHOP ART + EVENT

DIARY OF A WOMBAT

KIDS

LITTLE ARTLAB

KIDS + ART DANCE + PHYSICAL THEATRE

ART ART

ART + EVENT KIDS + ART MUSIC

THU 14 – SAT 16 SEP

COCKFIGHT

SAT 16 SEP

GLORIOUS!

THEATRE

MANA WAHINE

DANCE

JAMES MORRISON IN CONCERT

MUSIC PHYSICAL THEATRE

WED 20 – FRI 22 SEP SAT 23 SEP WED 27 – SAT 30 SEP

BLUE LOVE

WED 27 SEP

MOVIE REVIEW CLUB

FRI 29 SEP

GOLD COAST JAZZ AND BLUES CLUB MUSIC

FILM + EVENT

September '17

KARL S WILLIAMS

BIGSOUND bound, with Blood to Give

issue #048

BIGSOUND

BIGSOUND +

CULTURE

MUSIC

MUSIC +

Karl S Williams Jesswar Ella Fence Driven Fear Caiti Baker

Cub Sport Tina Arena Gold Coast warmup Bang On IVEY

Gold Coast Open House Opera on the Beach Blanc de Blanc SWELL Sculpture 2970 Boiling Point

Amela Benny D Williams Buskers by the Creek Live at Bond Hey Sunshine

Luke Houselander Coast Acoustics Hanlon Brothers Johan Danno Mitch King