BLANK - ISSUE 89 - AUGUST 2021 by Blank Street Press

12 AUG

FIRST LIGHT

FIRST NIGHT FEAST

EMMA DONOVAN, YUGAMBEH DANCERS, YUGAMBEH CHOIR AND MYORA STONE

CHRIS JORDAN DALE CHAPMAN

BURLEIGH HEADS

4ESYDNEY X BLEACH*

15 AUG

14 AUG

BRIGGS

SWING JAM

BURLEIGH HEADS

14 AUG

12 AUG SWING ON IN, BAARTZY’S BREW AND MORSE CODE

BURLEIGH HEADS

BURLEIGH HEADS 14 AUG

BURLEIGH HEADS

12 AUG

BURLEIGH HEADS

2021

FROM THE SEA FEAST

MASSIVE BAND BREE VAN REYK

BRENDA FAWDON

SOUTHPORT

19–21 AUG

SHE PREDICTED THE COLOUR OF THE SEASON

19–21 AUG

THE DOUBLE BACKED BEAST

JUSTENE WILLIAMS

RICK ROSER WITH KRISTIAN BAGGERSON

14 AUG

IN CONVERSATION WITH SOLUA MIDDLETON NAOMI MORAN DICK HOOLE

HOTA

ACOUSTIC LIFE OF SHEDS

LAST LIGHT

THE FARM

BURLEIGH HEADS

MUDGEERABA

22 AUG

A PERPETUAL STATE OF WHAT THE F#@K!!??

VERNON AH KEE

RENNY KODGERS

22 AUG

19–21 AUG

16 AUG

A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL WITH KERRY O’BRIEN RHODA ROBERTS AO WESLEY ENOCH AM

NORTH BURLEIGH

BURLEIGH HEADS

13 AUG

12-22 AUG

LIGHT FLOWER

A STOLEN SATELLITE

KEVIN O’BRIEN

13, 14 AUG

GLOBAL SUFRA FEAST

13 AUG

BEACONS

MULTICULTURAL FAMILIES ORGANISATION

VANESSA TOMLINSON LAWRENCE ENGLISH

VÉRONIQUE

SOUTHPORT

BURLEIGH HEADS 19-21 AUG 15 AUG

SURFING THE FRINGE

ALCHEMIC EROSION

19–21 AUG

TOWER DIVAS

FAMILY PORTRAIT

JASON HAGGERTY

AMOS GEBHARDT

HOSTED BY NADIA SUNDE

CURRUMBIN

HOTA

SOUTHPORT

13–14, 20–21 AUG

FIRESIDE

19–21 AUG

GRAN SLAM KILLER QUEENS BEN LEE ILBIJERRI THEATRE

19–21 AUG

FOLLOW THE BIAS

BIG CITY LIGHTS

GOGI DANCE COLLECTIVE

COLOURBLIND

BURLEIGH HEADS

EMBERS - FIRE MAKING WORKSHOP WITH RICK ROSER

BLISS

BETTY GRUMBLE

15 AUG 13–15 AUG

21 AUG

ABORIGINAL SONG AND LANGUAGE WORKSHOP WITH CANDACE KRUGER

12—22 AUGUST BURLEIGH HEADS, SOUTHPORT, MUDGEERABA, HOTA, CURRUMBIN

LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN

Your local stories Hey Blankers, As we enter in the final month of “winter” (lol), there are plenty of toe-tappin’, hand clappin’, thigh slappin’ events going on to warm your bones.

Managing Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Advertising & Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Content Coordinator & Photography: Simone Gorman-Clark TeamWriters: Anthony Gebhardt & Zac Fahey Graphic Designer: Heidi Glasson Distribution: Swingin' Safari Crew Contributors (print and online): Natalie O’Driscoll, Anthony Gebhardt, Zac Fahey, Marj Osborne, Anna Itkonen, Philippa Arrowsmith, Dani Teveluwe, Anne Janelle, Nikki Archer, Elle Navarro, Katrina Voevodin. Cover: Chinderah artist parthenopi poses with her artwork ‘pigface’ for SWELL 2021 by Ravel Acknowledgement of Country: We genuinely respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and play. We honour their elders past, present and emerging as well as the rich contribution that continues to be made to society through art, story and music. About us: Blank is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris, Chloe Popa, Amanda Gorman and Natalie O'Driscoll. Founded in 2013 we are an independent voice for local music, arts and lifestyle and we rely on advertising as well as our generous contributors to keep us ticking. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team. Editorial: news@blankstreetpress.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankstreetpress.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankstreetpress.com.au Follow us: Facebook/Instagram@blankstreetpress

Right on the doorstep is Bleach* Festival, which has done an extraordinary job of pivoting around border closures to ensure that our city’s flagship arts festival can continue to inspire, delight and provoke the masses in 2021. Check out our feature piece in this edition around the one-of-a-kind Feast With Us series that’ll be happening in August as part of Bleach*. It’s set to be pretty spectacular. Of course this edition’s cover event SWELL Sculpture Festival is just around the corner too, with an even bigger and better program of Gold Coast-wide satellite events, kids’ programs, artist talks, workshops and entertainment kicking off from 1 September, to complement the main spectacular outdoor gallery component at Currumbin Beach which will be available from 10 September. On a more serious note, we interview a handful of venue operators on the Gold Coast about COVID live music restrictions and the devastating impact they’ve have on our local industry, particularly in light of certain recent sporting events being able to go ahead. Local stakeholders have formed an industry alliance that you can read all about on pages 24 and 25. Of course there’s plenty of positive news as well. In an exciting turn of events, the

Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

Springbrook BioBlitz has released some impressive outcomes from last year’s efforts, including some brand new species discovered right on our doorstep. We are also able to announce the finalists for this year’s Gold Coast Music Awards! We chat to the winner of the main d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards prize about her artwork, our resident foodie Marj takes a taste of the Surfers Pavilion menu and we meet some cool dads who recently completed the gruelling Kokoda Challenge in the Gold Coast hinterland. Of course there’s a lot more to discover in this month’s packed edition. So get flipping! Until next month, stay well and take care of each other. Yours, Natalie O’Driscoll Managing Editor

Win an Open Day Scholarship worth $15,000! Southern Cross University is dedicated to your success. And that starts at Open Day, which is on now for a whole month until 15 August 2021.

To find out more and enter visit:

On c am Onli pus. n On n e. ow. scu. edu .au/o pen day

(fo r

scu.edu.au/opendayscholarship

CRICOS Provider: 01241G

Open D ay

As part of Open Day (for a month) we’re offering one lucky student a $15,000 scholarship. Check out your study options and get your entry in today!

This is Star, she’s studying Business at Southern Cross University.

Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

a mo h) nt

Rev it up at the Gold Coast Car Show The annual Gold Coast Car Show presents a huge display of cars, bikes, trucks and retro caravans alongside market stalls, stunts and fireworks over two wheely cool days this August. Gold Coast Car Show is a family-friendly event and runs at the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds on 14 and 15 August. Visit goldcoastcarshow.com.au.

Get festive at JW Marriott this Xmas SWELL Calls for volunteers Volunteering at SWELL is a great opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy the company of like-minded people and enjoy the creative and energetic atmosphere of SWELL. Many of the volunteers return year-after-year and are passionate advocates for SWELL and culture on the Gold Coast as a whole. Visit swellsculpture. com.au/working-with-swell to register your interest.

Bleach* is pure bliss Gold Coasters unite against gendered violence Gold Coasters will rally together in August and raise their voices about the epidemic of gendered and domestic violence in Australia. Gold Coast is a hotspot for violent crimes against women, with 23% of Queensland’s family violence orders being recorded here, despite our city being home to only 10% of the state’s population. The March4Justice Gold Coast Rally will take place at 10am on Sunday 8 August at Mick Schamburg Park in Miami, right near the North Burleigh Surf Club. Follow @march4justicegc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Dance the night away at BLISS, the party of the year, curated by the sensational Betty Grumble. Electronic music, queer performance art, DJs and new media intersect to create an unforgettable night at Dust Temple Currumbin. Betty brings an ecosexually-charged offering of possibility, protest and play. Dare to open your mind and take a sensual dive into this multidimensional extravaganza, and celebrate our ongoing existence as people, bodies, spirit and living poetry. Visit bleachfestival. com.au/events/bliss for tix.

Yes, it’s already time to think about booking your Christmas Party. Celebrate Christmas with magic and glamour and enjoy an evening of sophistication and elegance at JW Marriott Gold Coast’s grandeur event featuring the smooth stylings of Sex & Chocolate. Visit goldcoasttickets.com.au to book.

Give Australian cancer patients a hug The impact of restrictions and lockdowns are especially difficult for those fighting cancer, their family and friends. With suppressed immune systems, COVID-19 poses a strong risk to many Australians currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. For these cancer patients, the surge in COVID-19 cases has limited the number of friends and family they can see, created a risk to their compromised immune systems and could impact their ability to fight the cancer. Join Cure Cancer and The Big Hug Box to deliver 500 hug boxes to cancer patients across Australia. Visit thebighugbox.com.

Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

19Karen gets mini Petit four. Mini me. Sample size. Everything is better in miniature. This is the sentiment behind 19Karen’s series of mini solo shows featuring across three dates in 2021. A select group of artists will each feature four pieces that encapsulates their current artistic perspective. Artists include: Go Suga, Amber Kingi, Jayde Chandler, Leigh Pearson, Robyn Leoni Abbott and Todd Romanowyzc. Visit 19karen.com.au for dates and times.

SCU Open ‘Day’ goes virtual for a month This year Open Day at Southern Cross University isn’t just a day; it’s a whole month. Now live and online, the virtual Open Day 2021 provides access to special on-demand videos from each study area, live chat with study advisers, virtual campus tours, plus live online information sessions with the University's academic experts. Visit discover.scu.edu.au

westerleySWELL gets wordy

E D I U G G I G This year’s westerlySWELL features internationally renowned project WORDPLAY, by artist Emma Anna.

AUG 2021

S MONTH MUSIC THI SHARKS! FREE, LIVE T R UTHPO AT THE SO RAPTURE 6 AUGUST

MADE IN THE 80’S 7 AUGUST

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll - Photography by Rowly Emmett

SWELL Sculpture Festival’s satellite events have proven extremely popular with locals across the Gold Coast, and none more so than westerlySWELL, which takes place this year in picturesque Mudgeeraba and leafy Lower Beechmont. In 2021, westerlySWELL will showcase two literary inspired installations created by Australian/Colombian artist Emma Anna. Emma Anna’s project WORDPLAY is a celebration of the power of words, creative thinking, play and conversation. Her large-scale sculptures are created in reference to the popular word game Scrabble and commenced in 2008 with the seminal public artwork IMAG_NE.

PHOENIX RISING 13 AUGUST

DANCE ON 14 AUGUST

RUNES 20 AUGUST

EPIC 21 AUGUST

RUSH HOUR 27 AUGUST

RADIO CITY 28 AUGUST

MAGIC_L Mudgeeraba and AM_ZING Lower Beechmont will be the latest additions to this worldwide series. WORDPLAY is a nod to the game’s holy grail: the sevenletter word. In Emma’s work the public are the missing ingredient required to achieve this feat. A missing piece in each word / work is an invitation to the public to fill the space with their body or objects that resonate with the ethos and meaning of each word. The Village Green, Mudgeeraba and Syd Duncan Park, Lower Beechmont will proudly become the temporary home to these two new contemporary sculptures. Emma’s work will connect people, art and place by engaging the local community, and a secondary community of visitors and nearby residents, in active participation with the various components of westerlySWELL. From beach to hinterland, SWELL certainly connects with the most beautiful outdoor spaces in our fair city. The installations will run from 1 to 19 September 2021. The Village Green at Mudgeeraba will be activated from 9 am to 7 pm daily and Syd Duncan Park at Lower Beechmont will be activated on weekend mornings.

southportsharks.com.au Corner Olsen & Musgrave Aves, Southport QLD | 5532 1155 *Entertainment subject to change at any time.

Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

Irene Messia explores Ulysess’ Shipwreck for SWELL Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

The Gold Coast artist is creating three sandstone sculptures as part of a work that will explore the mythology of the sea for this year’s SWELL Sculpture Festival.

For Irene, a first time SWELL exhibitor, the thought of having tens of thousands of people view her work is an exhilarating one.

Ulysses, also known as Odysseus, is the legendary Greek king of Ithaca and the hero of Homer's epic poem ‘The Odyssey’ and Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’, as well as countless other famous stories. To Gold Coast artist Irene Messia, he symbolises a traveller; our own inner journey towards self-discovery.

“I am very honoured to be part of this great event,” she says.

Having already tackled the subject of Ulysses’ Shipwreck on paint and canvas, she decided to explore the subject with sandstone sculpture for the 2021 SWELL Sculpture Festival. “I’ve been working on these stones for almost five months now -- six days a week and six to 10 hours per day,” Irene tells us. “But I’ve probably been working on the concept for more than a year: studying, reading, drawing, thinking and thinking again. Researching the truth behind the piece.” For Irene, that truth is, in many ways, a reflection of her own journey. “Creating ‘Ulysses’ Shipwreck’ is giving me the chance to reflect on myself and on this existence,” she muses. “It is giving me the privilege to work with ancient stones, which have come straight from the earth after hundreds of millions of years. I’m learning how to communicate with the stones, learning how to work together; this piece is in fact a collaboration in that sense. “I also feel like I’m bringing my own sense of Greek and Roman mythology and philosophy to this piece.” With a mythical character as ubiquitous as Ulysses, Irene had to develop her own interpretation of him from the pieces that spoke most deeply to her, drawing a little from Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, but predominantly from ‘Divine Comedy’, written by the Italian Dante, a piece that Italian national Irene is particularly familiar with. “In both cases, Ulysses represents to me a thinker and traveller--a character fascinated by the unknown and dedicated to the search for something deep and authentic,” she explains. “But in the ‘Divine Comedy’, Ulysses is a character enriched with introspection, becoming a symbol of the thirst for knowledge that refuses to recognise limits. “So my work, Ulysses’ Shipwreck, represents those moments in life where we feel lost, which often forces us to look inward and examine ourselves. If we persevere through this journey of introspection, we can discover our true selves.”

“I think as an artist, it is a big opportunity to have many people see your work. It is great to have my piece exhibited in a public space, because I strongly believe that art should be for everyone, enjoyed by many and not just an elite.

"I genuinely believe in the power of art, and that art can contribute to society and enrich all our souls.” For SWELL, Irene is meshing the classical methods of her Italian heritage with the contemporary vibe of the Australian art scene, bringing a fresh voice into the mix of eclectic artists on offer at this year’s event. She discusses the differences between the two art worlds. “The art scene is obviously very different here than in Rome and Italy in general, which is more classical with its large, historical monuments and famous museums. But the art scene here is very fresh, which is more genuine in a way. This type of art is very important.” As to whether this particular piece is a robust representation of her work to date, Irene is clear. “I think it speaks about my research as a human being first and then as an artist. It is not the first time that I use Ulysses as an archetype but my concept of this figure is constantly evolving. It evolves with me and with the vision I have of our reality and existence. “It is also representing the journey that I am taking right now in creating these art pieces,” she continues. “The laborious effort of carving sandstone by hand can be overwhelming for both the body and mind. I believe these three elements work together in order to make a work of art: the body, mind and soul. You need to practice on those three constantly. Every day. I think this is the only way you might be able to one day create a masterpiece--through constant dedication and discipline.” Irene is inviting audiences at SWELL to reflect on who they are and their place in the world through her work. Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

The main SWELL Sculpture Festival runs on Currumbin Beach from 10 to 19 September, with workshops, artist talks, guided sculpture walks, SWELL Kids Elements and much more on offer. Community events include westerlySWELL and northerlySWELL which run from 1 to 19 September, and easterlySWELL which runs from 10 September. SWELL Small Gallery runs at Dust Temple Currumbin from 5 to 19 September. Visit swellsculpture.com.au for more

“Considering what is happening in the world right now, I feel something similar is happening to many of us,” she says. “In a world where we are constantly connected, these moments of forced solitude can be scary but also valuable for reflecting and asking ‘Who am I?’ ‘Where am I going?’ and ‘What is the meaning?’ “Ulysses’ Shipwreck is an invitation to find our true selves, to be able to free ourselves from any false realities and embrace authenticity.”

IT’S SMOKE & CHAR MONTH AT YAMAGEN Spoil yourself & all your senses with a visit to Smoke & Char month at Yamagen at the QT Gold Coast this August. For the entire month, Yamagen is fired up with a theatrical menu of Smoke & Char dishes you need to see to believe. With a long history of creating mouth-watering Japanese cuisine, you won’t be surprised that Executive Chef, Adam Lane has thought up these masterpieces. Main course dishes include Hay smoked Kingfish with charred witlof and orange and Apple wood spoked Tuna with wasabi apple oroshi, pickled fennel, celery heart and crispy nori. Make sure your camera is set to ‘burst mode’ as you won’t want to miss this incredible scene as your dish is served in front of you with a trail of smoke setting up the flavours which are about to ignite your taste buds. As for cocktails, the art of cocktail-making is taken very seriously at Yamagen. First up is Shinobu's Revenge, a combination of Pure Malt Japanese Whisky aged in Mizunara oak with a burnt orange infusion, Aztec chocolate bitters and applewood smoke. Then there is Breakfast at Yamazaki's, which combines the flavours of Cigar infused Yamazaki Whisky with chocolate, fresh espresso and raspberry. Yamagen’s dessert menu has also been spiked with our crowd favorite Smoking QT chocolate cigar. We strongly recommend reservations for August, the perfect excuse to ignite the group chat. Visit yamagen.com.au for more. Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

Bleach* Feasts: Not your average dinner party Words by Natalie O’Driscoll - Photography by ArtWork Agency

As part of its immersive cultural offerings in 2021, Bleach* Festival is presenting a unique, curated trilogy of dining experiences under the stars at beautiful Justins Park in Burleigh Heads. A dinner party like you’ve never experienced before, the Feast With Us series will satiate guests’ appetites; not just for food, but for community, music, arts and culture, over three very individual evenings. The events kick off on 12 August with First Night Feast, hosted by First Nation Chefs Aunty Dale Chapman from My Dilly Bag and Chris Jordan from Three Little Birds. Guests will experience the vibrant flavours of the bush and enjoy a showcase of the cuisine of the oldest living culture in the world, while surrounded by the gorgeous sights, sounds and smells of Burleigh Beach. Friday night 13 August sees Global Sufra take over the dining tables. Created by an eclectic group of women from the Multicultural Families Organisation, the evening’s menu will celebrate the hearty and flavourful foods from the hosts’ home countries of Eritrea, Egypt, Lebanon/Syria, and Bosnia. Co-host Omnia Ahmed has been in Australia for eight years after emigrating from Alexandria, Egypt. Over the years she has worked hard to learn English and is now studying to be an Allied Health Assistant, keen to give back to her community. Food has long been a passion of hers, and she is excited for the opportunity to bring

her Kabsa – a spiced rice dish with lamb – to the eager dinner guests.

passionate sense of community, as well as the rich spices of her native Egyptian cuisine.

“Cooking makes me extremely happy especially when I see people eating and enjoying my food,” says Omnia.

“In Alexandria we spent a lot of time in a big group of friends and family we rarely spend time alone,” she says.

“I love to look in people’s eyes after they have tasted my food and I can see the happiness within them. This is extremely satisfying to me. I am extremely excited about this opportunity to cook for the Bleach* Festival. [It] makes me feel like I belong within the Gold Coast community and that I am valued as a person.”

“We love music and dancing and we get most of our pleasure from being with other people and food is always a big part of these gatherings. I hope that the guests will have a similar experience to this at the Global Sufra Feast and I am looking forward to meeting them.”

Omnia says a meal in Egypt is about the coming together of loved ones, as much as it is about the food.

“Food is not just about eating, it’s about bringing our immediate family together every day to eat, talk, share stories and laugh,” she tells us. “In Egypt we use food as a way to show love and respect to each other. We live as a community who support each other and our neighbours are like our family.

The final feast is From The Sea, taking place on Saturday 14 August. Hosted by passionate real food advocate, author and chef Brenda Fawdon of Picnic Real Food Bar, the menu will feature locally sourced organic and seasonal produce direct from the growers of the Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley, married with locally line-caught, seasonal and sustainable seafood. Delicious and nourishing, the menu will connect deeply to place with the wintry hues of sunset on the Coast – purple, pink, gold and red.

“This is the main thing that I miss since being in Australia far away from my family.”

Across all three nights diners will be allocated seats, sometimes next to intriguing guests from a range of connected organisations and institutions across the Gold Coast, encouraging bridges between cultures, new friendships, and unexpected conversations.

Omnia hopes to provide the gathering at the Global Sufra feast with a taste of this

Even the feast décor comes packed to the brim with stories.

Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

Event decorations were made in part by emerging local artist Norton and his company Retritus, which specialises in slow fashion and textile art using natural materials and botanical dyes. Norton is creating four botanically printed silk flags that will be used for the First Light event at Bleach*, and then repurposed during the festival as hangings at the Feasts. “These silks will be botanically dyed using Australian native plants that grow prolifically across the Gold Coast including the Gold Coast floral emblem wallum banksia,” he tells us of their connection to the Gold Coast. In addition to the hangings, Justins Park will be set aglow each night by Light Flower, an interconnected light installation by Indigenous architect and designer Kevin O’Brien, while the dining tables have been made by small familyowned, environmentally conscious timber business Wooden Anchor, based in the Northern Rivers. Musical guests for each night will also tie into the themes of the Feasts, rounding off a true feast for the sense, and a deep exploration of culture and place. Feast With Us runs from 12 to 14 August at Justins Park Burleigh, and tickets are limited. Visit bleachfestival.com.au to book, and to check the entire event program.

Local filmmaker achieves international acclaim Words by Philippa Arrowsmith - Photography by Tegan Hale

In April of this year, director Josh Hale of Halestorm Productions premiered his sophomore feature film ‘House of Inequity’ at the Gold Coast Film Festival, after being postponed a year due to COVID-19. This premiere signalled the beginning of a whirlwind success for Josh and his team, winning numerous awards from various film festivals including Gold Coast Film Professional of the Year, Best Director, Best Feature Film and Best Horror Feature. We sat down with Josh Hale to further discuss his passion for filmmaking, the inspiration behind the multi-awardwinning film ‘House of Inequity’ and what’s next for the talented local director. You premiered ‘House of Inequity’ at this year’s Gold Coast Film Festival, can you give us a little insight into the film and what influenced you to make it? The short synopsis is: a day trip takes a turn for the worse when a group of friends investigate an abandoned house. Nightmares quickly become a reality when they’re forced to face their own personal fears and survive a night in the House of Inequity. However, I like to sum it up as: we took a bunch of good looking people, and killed them creatively… Just as all good horror films should do. I’m a big horror fan and wanted to create a cool little throwback gore-based horror flick similar to the ones I would rent from the video store while growing up.

• Best Feature, Best Cinematography and Best Director at the Hollywood Blood Horror Festival. • Best Horror Feature at the Los Angeles Film Awards. • Best Horror, Best Director, Best Movie Poster and Best Debut Performance (Parker Little) at the Vegas Movie Awards. • Best Director award at the LA International Horror Film Festival. • Gold Coast Screen Professional of the Year. Hale is about to embark on a US film festival run for ‘House of Inequity’. Find Josh on Facebook and Instagram: @josh.hale, @houseofinequity and @550_studios.

‘House of Inequity’ is a gore-horror film, however your debut feature was a mockumentary comedy… They’re quite contrasting genres, do you have a favourite to direct? I honestly do not have a favourite genre. Rather than put myself in a box, I’d just like to be a storyteller. The genre doesn’t matter, as long as I like it and I have something to say or an idea to entertain. I enjoy making the audience laugh but I also love watching the audience squirm. I think I’m just enjoying the ride. What was your favourite part about directing ‘House of Inequity’? My favourite part of this film was working with a team of super talented, wonderful people that I call my film family. As we shot the film entirely on the Gold Coast, a majority of the team are Gold Coast-based creatives. I discovered some fantastic local up-and-coming actors and built a wonderfully talented lead ensemble cast, with many of them making their feature debut on this film. Our crew were also incredible. There are so many people to thank, everyone who worked on this film was amazing. ‘House of Inequity’ is winning numerous awards at film festivals around the world. Tell us more about that. We have been very blessed to have our film and some of our team acknowledged. We are winning awards in many categories, indicating that our team on this film was top notch. I am so thankful to be acknowledged by an industry that I have worked so hard to be a part of. Not bad for a low budget indie horror film from the Goldy. Awards ‘House of Inequity’ has won so far: • Best Feature Film, Best Special Effects and Best Gore at the Independent Horror Movie Awards. Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

MEET ALISHA TODD Alisha Todd’s indie folk pop sound has been beautifully crafted by years of travelling, soul searching, studying music at Southern Cross University, and saying yes to every opportunity that comes her way. You’ve probably heard her stuff on Triple J with Scott French, the other half behind the indie pop duo GENIIE BOY.

Well, I watched this Coldplay documentary recently. The elevation I got when I watched them perform at their stadium tours and the integrity within the band was genuinely inspiring. That’s what I’d love to create, a team and family around me that get to go on a journey together to amazing venues and shows, and build an empire.

We sat down and spoke to Alisha about chasing her dreams, yet somehow ended up talking about creating new COVIDsafe seated dance moves. The sit-down shopping trolley anyone? Don’t worry, we left that bit out. Here’s the good stuff…

Bless! If you had one piece of advice for musicians currently studying at Southern Cross University, what would it be?

How did it all start for you? I always had a passion for singing and then my mum purchased a guitar for me when I was a teenager. Growing up in Gympie, the state school was really musically focused. There was a country music program and the teachers would help with all sorts of things like put us in bands and take us to the Gympie Muster. Imagine the sky is the limit. What’s your dream goal in the music world?

Try and do some soul searching first and figure out what kind of artist you want to be. That way, you’ll know what questions to ask and get the answers that will help get you to where you want to be. Look at your future goals as a musician and form the right connections accordingly. There are so many platforms where you can put out your music these days. What one means the most for you? I think when we put out a music video and upload it to YouTube, that is the most rewarding because we completely created the whole package. Every time we get

a YouTube video comment it feels like a massive achievement because they’re usually from people we don’t know, and it’s like okay so this is working, it’s getting out.

is exciting! The latest single from it is called ‘Bad Company,’ and it has to be my favourite, it’s very dancy.

So what’s next for Alisha Todd and GENIIE BOY?

You can keep up to date with Alisha Todd’s work at @alishatoddmusic and @geniieboy

Well GENIIE BOY has a 6-track EP coming out at the end of August, which

Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

Art Lovers get romantic Words by Anna Itkonen

Art Lovers Australia art gallery in Southport is treating Gold Coasters to an exquisite collection of modern-day romantics this August. The Romantics exhibition includes work by seven mostly Gold Coast and Brisbane-based artists with one Sydneysider in the mix. The artists include Franko, Llewellyn Skye, Sangeeta Mahajan, Rachel Prince, Natasha Zraikat and Andrea Edwards, and Jeska Valk, who has also curated the exhibition. Jeska described her inspiration for this exhibition and the beginnings of her fascination with Romanticism. "I have fond memories of creating with my mum as a child,” she said. “She would share her knowledge of art history and her artistic skills. When I was older, we travelled to France together, where she taught me about the master painters of the Renaissance and Baroque era. Artists like Titian, Vermeer, Frans Pourbus and Leonardo da Vinci.

"Travelling through the South of France to Aix-en-Provence, I was able to admire the luminescent scenery that once inspired Impressionist artists such as Renoir, Monet or Cezanne,” Jeska continued. “Art became an addiction. I was intrigued by the artist's interpretation, detail and view of times past. This exhibition explores those ideas and suggestions together with powerful, contemporary pop art.” The Romantics is a fascinating exhibition of artworks from photography focused on the human condition, to multi-discipline abstract pop art. It includes atmospheric and emotion-filled landscapes alongside imaginative, realist oil paintings and energetic floral and nature motifs. As true romantics, or just like them, these artists study the notions of strong emotions, the ever-present awe of nature, the importance of imagination and the celebration of the individual. "My painting practice is a love affair and reflects the powerful emotions that drive

my practice. I am in love with paint, colour, texture, absolutely everything about painting," Llewellyn Skye said. "I am pleased to be part of this exhibition, especially in a time like this when passion, the wonder of nature and a celebration of beauty is so important and welcome!" "It has been a pleasure to watch the exhibition come together," said Nancy DonaldsonKnight from Art Lovers Australia. "The way Jeska has depicted the elements of Romanticism through the art of these contemporary artists. It is interesting to see the passion and methods of the old masters been reflected in the works of these exquisite Australian artists. This is a real treat for the Gold Coast art-loving community to see." The Romantics opens on 7 August at Art Lovers Australia art gallery at Unit 14, Brickworks Annex, 19 Warehouse Road, Southport.

SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB WEEKLY DINNER SPECIALS MONDAY

$15

PASTA LA VISTA NIGHT

Chef's selection of assorted pizza or pasta served with garlic bread from

$15

TUESDAY

TUES YOUR PARMI NIGHT

Choose from a selection of parmi's styles, served with chips & salad

$15

WEDNESDAY

CURRY IN A HURRY NIGHT

Chef's choice of curry served with rice & matching accompaniments

$20

THURSDAY

BARRAMONDAY on a THURSDAY NIGHT

Crumbed or grilled Barramundi served with chips & salad from

$15

SUNDAY

$15 - Members | $20 Non-Members

CLASSIC SUNDAY ROAST NIGHT

Plated Sunday roast served with all the trimmings

1 Macarthur Pde, Main Beach Q4217 | +61 7 5591 3500 | southportyachtclub.com

Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

The Burn wins the D’arcy Doyle prize Words by Anna Itkonen

Teazer celebrates life with new mural Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

A new eye-catching mural in Tugun has a heart-warming story behind it. Renowned international street artist Teazer, with the help his creative protegee Jet Tiplady-Aldertona, has created a new mural on the Gold Coast Highway, adjacent to the Tugun Community Village Hall. Designed and commissioned by aged care and disability care provider Feros Care, the colourful, pop-art-style artwork highlights Feros Cares’ Grow Bold brand ambassadors, like quadriplegic world adaptive surf champion Barney Miller. Another special portrait on the far-right of the wall is Feros Care aged care resident Nina Marzi, who is 100 years old. “When you get to my age, you don’t expect a groovy street artist to paint your face on a wall,” Nina Marzi says. “However, the amazing Teazer has, and I am overwhelmed and in love with it. It looks fantastic and I hope Gold Coasters head down to Tugun to visit it.” Renowned international street artist Teazer says the artwork celebrates fellowship, richness of life and people feeling supported and loved, as well the inspiring Nina’s 100th birthday. “Nina is such an inspiration, with her youthful and fun spirit, aging gracefully and with such a positive approach to life!” “It was also great to create a beautiful piece of art with my budding artist and mentee Jet Tiplady-Aldertona, who lives with autism,” he says.

“Jet, now 20 years old, wouldn’t leave the house a year before we started working together. We have now been working together for 18 months and I can already see a great change in his confidence with social interactions and his capability to complete creative tasks. “It’s been rewarding to be a positive role model for him, encouraging his talents and ambitions for street art and watching him make positive and healthy changes. “He is great fun to bring along on projects, and it’s so rewarding to see his confidence and capability grow. He is so full of fresh ideas and ambition!” Jet and Teazer spent more than 20 hours on the project from Saturday 10 July 10 to Tuesday 13 July . Feros Care spokeswoman Tarnya Sim says the agency is excited to show off their new Grow Bold mural to locals and holidaymakers. “It’s beautiful, just like our clients,” she says. “We hope everyone visits it.” The mural on the corner of Coolangatta Road and Boyd Street is also resistant to graffiti, which is fortunate, as the wall was previously vandalised when it was a feature piece during the 2018 Commonwealth Games. To check out more of Teazer’s artwork, head to @_teazer_ or feroscare.com.au.

Local artist Seabastion Toast has been awarded the $10,000 D’arcy Doyle prize for Landscape for the second time. Her painting The Burn was selected unanimously by the judges, who also awarded her highly commended in the portraiture category.

“I have spent the COVID period upskilling my portraiture skills and style. I get together with a group of Gold Coast based artists and we paint a live model together. Having a group of other artists around me is absolutely essential for my mental health and my art.”

“The Burn is my response to my immediate environment. The Black Summer affected everyone one, directly or indirectly,” Seabastion said.

Seabastion won the prestigious award previously in 2014. Since her graduation in 2000, she has received numerous accolades including the Hanger Award and the Clover Prize as well as the two D’arcy Doyle Art Awards, which honours the legacy of one of Australia’s finest landscape artists.

“The recovery of these communities and wildlife areas has been exacerbated and eclipsed by the covid pandemic. I wanted to create an artwork that somehow responds to this ongoing crisis.” Seabastion described her inspiration behind the winning art work. “Last winter we had an uncontrolled fire burn threatening our house. While the scale was nothing compared to the Black Summer, it did have a significant impact on my thoughts. I wanted to channel that into my paintings.” “While the act of painting is not a statement in itself for me, the physicality of putting colour on the canvas endlessly fascinates me,” she continued. “It is the connection with the painting at a specific time, with specific emotions and feelings. “I use compositional and technical ways to slow down the viewer, or speed them up. I like to communicate with the viewer and have an effect on them,” she said about her art.

Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

“I first won the [D’arcy Doyle] award almost ten years ago and have entered it ever since,” she told Blank.

“Awards and prizes like this are essential for artists. In addition to the recognition, they help artists to take on the next challenge. It gives us the financial backing to let our art evolve.” Seabastion currently works on a body of work for Andrea Polson gallery with a solo exhibition planned for later this year. She has also just been accepted the biennial Naked & Nude Art Prize at the Manning Regional Art Gallery. Follow @seabastiontoast for more.

Gold Coast Music Awards 2021 Finalists

Finalists Announced for 2021 Gold Coast Music Awards ARTIST OF THE YEAR

sponsored by Southern Cross University Casey Barnes Eliza and the Delusionals

Words by Elle Navarro and Natalie O’Driscoll

Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMAs) has just announced its finalists for 2021, and we’ve got the scoop right here. Now in its seventh year, this year’s awards saw the team flooded with nominations, which the hardworking judges narrowed down to 50 finalists across the nine awards categories. Winners will be announced at a sizzling red-carpet event at Home Of The Arts on Saturday 4 September. Among the hottest finalists were award-winning hip-hop artist Jesswar, enigmatic indie-rockers Peach Fur and international country music star Casey Barnes, with each act earning finalist positions in more than four categories, including the coveted Artist Of The Year gong that Casey Barnes will be defending following his win last year. Several first-time finalists were also recognised, including acoustic sensation Beckah Amani, chasing Breakout Artist Of The Year after a huge Queensland Music Award win and Tones and I support slot; as well as freshly formed indiepop duo, Geniie Boy and First Nations artist-fronted hitmakers Selve and AYA J. “For a year that saw the music industry gutted with uncertainty, reduced venue capacities and cancelled events, Gold Coast’s musicians and our beloved venues have outdone themselves. “While we can only give away a small number of awards, we really want to acknowledge the immense achievements of everyone who nominated,” said Gold Coast Music Awards chairperson, Samantha Morris. Despite a tough year for the industry, the exceptional entrants made judging tough too with

more than 650 received this year.

nominations

“Each category was passionately debated by judges and for the first time, we even released the judging shortlist to acknowledge the quality of talent in the region,” continued Samantha. “More and more Gold Coast artists are growing into national and international experts, including our alumni: Amy Shark, Hollow Coves, Eliza and the Delusionals, Jacob Lee and Wolfmother’s Ian Peres. It’s exciting to have seen and supported their progression over the years and we can’t wait to see what this year’s crop achieves in the future,” she said. Organisers and industry are looking forward to the Awards’ return this year following the 2020 event’s inevitable cancellation, before it went on to stream virtually to more than 29,000 music industry and fans, setting a precedent for online music award presentations nationwide. Shifting from the iconic Surfers’ Paradise Beachfront, this year the Gold Coast Music Awards will be a key component of the inaugural SPRINGTIME, a free 3-day festival, bringing the hottest Aussie music acts to the Coast, including Ruel, Sycco, Ball Park Music, Hermitude, Ali Barter and more. The Gold Coast Music Awards ceremony will take place Saturday 4 September at Home of the Arts (HOTA), Gold Coast, in conjunction with SPRINGTIME festival.

Hollow Coves Jesswar Karl S Williams Mass Sky Raid Peach Fur

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

sponsored by TAFE Queensland Ella Fence Fletcher Babb Harry J Hart Jackson Dunn JVMIE Lindsay Waddington Majelen Mitch King

BREAKOUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR

sponsored by Griffith University and the Queensland Conservatorium

LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR

sponsored by Gold Coast Music Busby Marou Casey Barnes

Beckah Amani

Donny Love

Buttered

Hussy Hicks

Daste.

Jesswar

DOOLIE

Karl S Williams

Greatest Hits

Peach Fur

Jesswar

Selve

Peach Fur

Tijuana Cartel

Rave Radio Rene Le Feuvre

SONG OF THE YEAR

sponsored by Burleigh Brewing Co.

Peach Fur - Preloved

Baltimore Gun Club – Universe City Beckah Amani – Standards

GOLD COAST MUSIC PRIZE

sponsored by Friends of the Arts Chloe Styler EUCA

boWsER - Supersonic

Girl and Girl

DENNIS. – What You Do ft. Professor Paul

Harry J Hart

Eliza and the Delusionals Sentimental

Liv Heyer Pure Milk

Jesswar – Venom Selve – The Pink Hotel

Selve Talia Rose

Tijuana Cartel – Minimal Stuffing Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

Faces of the Gold Coast

Hanging with The Edit Suite

Celebrating our people because people matter

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

Words by Anne Janelle

Gold Coast photography, film and video production company The Edit Suite have carved out an industry-wide reputation for high quality, professional work over the last six years, and have built up a long-standing relationship with many of the coast’s movers and shakers, including the Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMAs). Helmed by Josh and Kara Hamilton, The Edit Suite has contributed hugely to the local visual and entertainment landscape and is about to embark upon yet another GCMAs adventure in 2021. We caught up with Kara ahead of the event to see just what the hard working team have been up to. You’ve recently done an incredible video with last year’s Gold Coast Music Prize winner Dennis. Can you tell us a bit about the production? For the second year in a row, The Edit Suite team contributed a video production package worth over $5,000 and as a result we were so stoked to work with the incredibly talented award winner, Olivia Dennis aka DENNIS. There were two of DENNIS.’ songs that needed creative visuals and we decided to conceptualize ‘Stuck In My Ways’ because we really liked the baseline and driving lyrics and knew we could create something epic with that. Throughout the pre-production process, The Edit Suite collaborated with DENNIS. on the storyline for the music video which has a strong focus on a female character looking for her home. This visual prospect of Jumpinpin at Stradbroke Island has always been at the back of our minds and we felt that this was the perfect opportunity to finally shoot something out there! Our inbox was flooded with people asking “where is this?” and “how do we get there?” so that was a bonus to highlight such an awesome location as well. The whole team was super happy with how the music video turned out; it delivered on the key storytelling elements we wanted to put across and aligned beautifully with DENNIS.’ creative vision for the song.

Touching wood here, but how are you feeling about finally getting back into the saddle and doing the music awards live this year? Our whole team is just ecstatic to be involved with the awards again this year and have all of our fingers and toes crossed that the event will indeed be live! It’s no secret that the music industry has taken a massive hit over the last 18 months. This is why we’re so eager to help local musicians thrive again by contributing our videography and live streaming services to the event. Plus, with the music awards being a part of the SPRINGTIME festival this year (which has an insanely good lineup we might add), the event is sure to be next level. Is there anything coming up you’re particularly excited about? There’s so much to be excited about for the next 6 months! With many organisations and events leaning more into the virtual space, we’re really looking forward to offering our creative live streaming services to help successfully deliver that content to broader audiences. We’ll also be continuing our partnership with Tourism Australia providing photography and videography for the incredible National Experience Content Initiative, which has already taken us to a number of amazing places throughout Queensland, which we’re so grateful for. With a strong focus on the Brisbane region, the next few weeks on this project will see us climbing bridges, exploring museums, whale watching and camel riding so stay tuned! The Edit Suite are proud partners of the Gold Coast Music Awards 2021. Visit theeditsuite.com.au for more. To read the full interview, head on over to blankgc.com.au.

Music begs you to notice it. I wonder why. Perhaps it's the world shouting at us, revealing something intrinsically glorious about itself. In any case, for all the tabs open in our brains these days, it's a sweet thing to power them down for a while and be attentive to feel the explosive power of a musician's soul. Meet Georgia and Will. Together, this brother and sister duo are known as The Genez. They're young and inspiring creatives who aren't quite sure where the path is leading but they follow adventure anyway. You will normally find them busking at shopping centres and markets all over the GC however online live performances now seem to be the go. They shared: "We've been surrounded by music all our lives. We love it so it has been a pretty natural progression to play together. We write original songs and it's a pretty 'soulful' style so the dream is definitely to record an EP someday. “Yeah, to release music and have people enjoy it is the ultimate. We're so inspired by the poetry of lyrics and it really is a privilege to perform. There's nothing like the feeling you have when you get over your nerves and can just enjoy the experience. “It's not always easy though. Busking can be a tough gig at times but we just ignore any negative feelings that creep in sometimes. Who knows where we will end up in the future. We just intend to go with it and see where it takes us". Thanks so much guys. Keep creating. Keep dreaming. Don't give up on the tough days. The Gold Coast is behind you. Perhaps it's because somewhere inside us all, if we lean in, we resonate deeply with the words of Heinrich Heine... “Where words leave off, music begins” and there's nothing more soulful than that! Follow @facesofthegoldcoast for more.

Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

Meet you at the Markets Part 5: Rob and Di Words by Dani Teveluwe

Gold Coast Music: Taking Things To the Next Level in 2021 Words by Anthony Gebhardt - Photography by Danny Santangelo

Since 2018 Gold Coast Music, located in the heart of Southport, have been steadily establishing themselves as one of this city’s premier stores for the supply of musical instruments and all things muso-gear related. Run by dynamic duo Stewy Fairhurst and his wife Tamara, the store stocks everything from the standard rock clobber of guitar, bass, drums and keyboards through to more niche instruments such as ukuleles and even jaw harps. Despite all of the challenges of COVID, the past 12 months has been one of solid expansion for the store, as Stewy explains. “We have grown massively! We are really stocked up with everything across the board. We now have the largest retail drum selection from Brisbane to Newcastle and it's getting larger, with new brands being added all the time. “Our brands in general have increased and we’ve now added PRS, Jackson, Martin, Nord, Tama and Ludwig to the already cool brands we have. “The past 12 months has been kind to us with sales increasing big time! There have been challenges (and there still are challenges with shipping), but all in all our business has been booming.” While business has been solid for retail music and instrument stores, plenty of other businesses and professions within the industry have been doing it tough since the onset of COVID, with live music and hospitality venues hit particularly hard. The lack of government support compared to other industries and a perceived inequitable playing field between the arts/ entertainment and sporting arenas is a situation that doesn’t sit well with Stewie. “The governments need to support the entertainment industry like they do with

sport. It doesn’t make sense to allow a packed sports stadium of up to 70,000 people but music venues can't have more than 100 people... it's not right at all.” In addition to the huge array of guitars for sale, Gold Coast Music also have a very special ‘display only’ item in the store, which is well worth an admiring visit, in the form of an original vintage Gibson guitar which was once used by none other than rock and roll icon Elvis Presley! Says Stewie of the story behind it: “The guitar is a Gibson J200 which was owned by Elvis Presley and it is the guitar that he used to take on the road and play on the tour bus. Elvis signed the guitar and gave it to his aunty as a gift. We have all the paperwork from Graceland and Gibson to certify the authenticity and the signature has been verified as well.

It's pretty cool that we have such an amazing guitar on display and we let customers get their photo taken with it, if they want. It's a long story about how we acquired it, but in the early 80s Priscilla Presley had an auction at Graceland because they needed money to keep Graceland afloat and a lady from Australia went to the auction, bought the guitar and brought it back to Australia, so as far as we know this could be the only guitar owned and signed by Elvis in Australia.” Whether you’re a fully-fledged music industry type, a musical hobbyist or simply someone with a curiosity for all things music related, Gold Coast Music, located at 53 Nerang Street Southport, is definitely worth a visit.

Rob and Di are avocado specialists. They grow them, pick them, sort them and sell them. These avocado aficionados can even make you a custom pack, telling you the exact day your avo will be ready to join your toast and fetta. Last month Blank magazine caught up with Rob and Di to chat about farming, the markets and life in between. You will find Rob, Di or their son Malcolm at many of the local Farmer’s Markets scattered around the coast and beyond, selling their high-quality produce to locals - regularly selling out. Farming is a family affair, three generations living on their family home and farm for over 50 years. Di, a local Goldy gal, was born on the property which is now their livelihood and home. Rob and Di have been married and partners in crime for 49 years, after being set up by their mothers, they wed in 1972. Six years after marrying they bought Di’s parents farm in Tallebudgera Valley, which was at the time producing bananas and feeding dairy cattle. In ‘78 they planted new guinea cavendish bananas, transitioning to lady finger bananas in the late 80s. In 1983 after challenges with panama disease, they decided to transition to avocado farming, their banana plantation nourishing and growing their avocado trees. By ‘91 they were primarily avocado farmers, selling to local agents who would

Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

distribute their produce to local fruit shops and green grocers. Unfortunately selling to agents was not financially feasible, the market price constantly changing with demand, the farmer often getting paid long after their produce has changed hands, losing majority of the funds through fees and charges. Barely being able to make ends meet, Rob and Di set up a stall at the local farmers markets in ‘98, abandoning the agents, profiting directly from their firstclass avos. Naturally, they were a huge hit at the markets, customers often getting to their stall at the wee hours of the morning to secure their delicious fruit. This decision to sell at the markets was not only financially rewarding but also allowed Rob and Di to form beautiful friendships with the local market goers. Rob will admit, “We’re not cheap, but we offer a first-class service with a top-quality fruit. We’re specialists, we’ve done this for donkey’s years, and we know our fruit inside out back to front. We grow it. We pick it. We ripen it and we sell it.” The pair truly are avocado experts, happy and open to share their knowledge and produce with others. Catch them at the Burleigh, Palm Beach and Brisbane Powerhouse Farmer’s Markets Saturday mornings and at HOTA Markets of a Sunday.

HERITAGE GOLD COAST PART 4: NERANG Words by Nikki Archer Photography by Nikki Archer and Friends of the Nerang National Park

Hey, do you want to know a secret? It’s Nerang. This humble residential suburb is bucking the universal trend of concrete grey urbanisation. The Nerang River flows through various parklands and hidden historical gems. Let me fill you in... bring the kids... Exploring our Gold Coast heritage, I often consider ‘place’. In Australia, the Burra Charter (2013) gives guidance in recognising cultural significance. It defines ‘place’ to mean: “...a geographically defined area. It may include elements, objects, spaces and views. Place may have tangible and intangible dimensions.” ‘Placemaking’ is a collaborative process of creating or maintaining places. Environment plays a key role. Nerang has always been the green river heartland of the Kombumerri clan. Dreaming stories speak of Nerang cultural hero, Gowanda, a white-haired dingo trainer. Local lore says after he passed away, he returned as a white dolphin. Children spotted him splashing in the waves at Main Beach. In 1842, it was the children of timbergetters who were the first Europeans to venture into Nerang from Tweed. Edmund Harper and William Duncan, both aged 14, made friends with Aboriginal locals. They became remarkably fluent in both dialects. For European settlers, forests provided an abundance of valuable timber. Cleared areas were fertile for sugar and cotton. The waterways used for transporting passengers, timber and other produce out to Southport and up to Brisbane.

community visit to learn about Yugambeh history. Preece House hosts events on Sorry Day, Reconciliation Day and NAIDOC Week. Ceramic House (1918) is a living museum, replete with authentic period furnishings and artefacts. Cuppas are still made in the original kitchen over a century later! As home of the Visitor Information Centre, Nerang may not be such a local secret, after all! Find out more at 48 Nerang St. I ask about Nerang National Park. Serendipity in full play, I’m told that this is another passion project of the association; the community working together to drive its gazettal and management plan. I catch up with Jessica Lovegrove-Walsh, founder of Friends of the Nerang National Park. Jessica explains the heritage values of the mosaic eucalypt forest and dry rainforest. Heritage listing is as an ‘Aesthetic Precinct’, being a backdrop to suburbia. Scarred trees and other artefacts have been found in the park. Walking trails offer the opportunity to enjoy the biodiverse area and celebrate Kombumerri culture. The annual Drumley Walk is dedicated to local indigenous hero Billy Drumley. In the early 1900s, Billy regularly walked from Beaudesert to Southport (approx 70kms) to check on his sister and her family. The trail is also dedicated to all who have strived to make their community a better place. Join the Friends on Sun 8 Aug. For more info check out facebook.com/nerangnationalpark

Today, along the river, in the heart of this green heartland is Bischof Pioneer Park. At the entrance sits a fitting piece - the hull of the ‘Maid of Sker’. This paddlesteamer was Nerang's main transport vessel from 1893 until the early 1930s.

Another shining example of placemaking through collaboration is Country Paradise Parklands. As ‘Paradise Country’, this former horse stud farm was a popular hinterland attraction. City of Gold Coast purchased the 13.25ha site in 2011 for community benefit. Organisations like Healing Hooves, OzHarvest and Nerang Men’s Shed call it home. Visitors love wandering through the community garden.

Further along the grassy expanse are two early cottages - lovingly restored to original condition. Behind the restorations and ongoing maintenance is the Nerang Community Association. Behind the association is the local community. A spokesperson tells me, “people come here and feel a sense of place”.

Look for the oldest surviving building of Nerang, the old two-cell Nerang lock-up built in 1880. Relocated from Price St, it’s the second building in Nerang, built not long after the first - the pub. Coincidence? The publican was a lady with keen business nous and strong fortitude...and a close friendship with the local constabulary.

Locals use Preece House (1948) as a community space. The main rooms exhibit the Aboriginal Portrait Gallery. Striking, museum-quality photographic portraits are almost indescribable. I stand mesmerised, humbled and reverent at the ‘Wall of Kings’. Schoolkids and the wider

The kids are sure to appreciate the parkland’s centrepiece - the recent $2.8m water feature playground upgrade. Surrounded by a reconstructed creek bed, a windmill fortress stands pride of place. 231 Beaudesert-Nerang Rd, Nerang countryparadiseparklands.com.au/

Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

Surfers Pavilion

Tucker Casuarina

30/34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise | Ph: 07 5620 1012

480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina

Words and photograph by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast

Say ‘Pav’, think Pavilion. Surfers Pavilion, to be exact, the new hot spot in Surfers Paradise. Party goers and diners alike are jubilant that this iconic waterfront venue has been brought back to sparkling new life. Located on Ferny Avenue with uninterrupted waterfront views, the site of the former Helm Bar has been transformed into a slick Californianstyle coastal dining and function venue. Tastefully decked out in pastel shades of duck egg blue and pale pink, it’s the wide water views of Nerang River that grab our attention. The building faces west to the hinterland, maximising sunset vibes, but also captures northerly and southerly vistas of long stretches of river. Water and seafood go together and, fittingly, Surfers Pavilion showcases a great range of locally sourced seafood. You can choose your own seafood delights from the menu or dine on oysters from the interactive oyster and champagne station just inside the main entrance. Featuring a wide range of dishes from small bites, burgers and club sandwiches to share plates and mains, there’s great food to suit every occasion. We dine in a group and share plates, but you could just as easily enjoy a traditional meal there with your partner or friends, dine on a poke bowl for a getaway lunch or

linger over an antipasto platter with beers with your mates. There’s a frosé station supplying drinks to accompany your kingfish sashimi, enjoy a beer on tap, or live it up with a bottle of Moet Ice shared over a girls’ lunch of small dishes. The pinnacle of our dining, though, is the signature Oceanside Seafood Platter. Comprising two huge decadent platters of hot and cold seafood and a separate stand of chips, the seafood is both abundant and sparklingly fresh. A half lobster thermidor graces one side of the hot platter, surrounded by char-grilled bugs, garlic king prawns, white wine mussels and crumbed whiting, while the cold platter features kingfish sashimi, oysters, smoked salmon, freshly cooked prawns and sauces. Direct boat and jetski access will soon be encouraged further with the construction of a substantial mooring outside the venue. Yes, there is parking under the venue, but why drive when the light rail station is only a block away and Uber even closer! Whether you want an impressive place to hold a business lunch, a venue to show off to international visitors, a romantic dinner at sunset or a rowdy Sunday session with friends, this is the venue that is casual and lively with waterfront views. It’s a top spot. Got to #LoveGoldCoast !

A journey into the country to check out the Gold Coast’s food bowl and the Northern Rivers will not only provide you with fresh local produce to take home, but also fuel for the journey and inspiration. A stop at the right local café or restaurant can turn a daytime adventure into a perfect road trip, an experience to be treasured. Tucker, at the Commons in Casuarina, is one such eatery. Opened in April 2018, Tucker is owned by Nick Pearce, founder of Blackboard, with business partners Phil Czerwonatis and Jordan O’Brien. Tucker is a display showcase of the best of local: “Tucker is our local community focused cafe. We are serving up produce focused 'Tucker' and celebrating what this beautiful Northern Rivers region has to offer,” the team tells us. What we find is a ‘100-mile table’ and what an apt name ‘tucker’ is, binding together connotations of local and native food with classic and iconic Aussie heritage. Sourcing the best local produce from surrounding farms and artisan producers, most of Tucker’s menu is made in house, while still featuring some exceptional local artisan producers on their menu: Bread Social sourdough and pastries, Heven-Yah gelato, Shroom Brothers mushrooms, Husk Distillery gin and of course ethically sourced Blackboard Coffee Roasters coffee, to name a few.

Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

The all-day menu features some top dishes including Shrooms Brothers mushies with scrambled eggs on Bread Social sourdough sprinkled with Persian feta and chives, a local favourite on the menu, House made granola with maple-glazed nuts and oats, chia coyo, nashi pear compote, strawberries and yuzu, or Green eggs with oregano and red onion vinaigrette, salsa verde and cress on a slice of gluten-free housemade quinoa chia loaf. Whole food, prime ingredients, a garden of colours and textures on every plate including elements of interest and surprise. Lunch is catered for with a range of dishes on sourdough or tartines, as the French would say, as well as several burgers. Go light with smoked rainbow trout with crème fraiche, dill, pickles and capers or hit a Kamikaze burger filled with karaage chicken, kimchi, pickled zucchini and miso mayo, all made in house. Known staples are given a fresh modern twist to become new classics. Beautifully presented with care and attention to flavour combinations and seasoning by the team of chefs, this is inspirational dining. Every piece of Tucker’s well-conceived design and food adds up to form the story of our cultural landscape in a way that few have done. “This is who we are,” Tucker tells us, “our land, our food, our artisan creators. Come and join in the feast.”

Gold Coast ‘Legendaddies’ conquer local Kokoda Challenge Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

Springbrook BioBlitz discovers new species on the Gold Coast Words by Natalie O’Driscoll - Photography by Narelle Fowler from DWWFAUNA

The most recent Springbrook BioBlitz has recorded extraordinary results, with the addition of many new species to the Gold Coast Flora and Fauna database. The Springbrook BioBlitz, run by local conservation organisation Watergum, was held 4 to 6 December 2020. Over 350 citizen scientists went out on a mission for 48 hours together with experts and scientists to gather data on Gold Coast’s local biodiversity, with stunning results. From the 47 surveys conducted during the BioBlitz, 645 species in total were recorded. Of those, 80 significant species were recorded. Significant species fall under the categories of Vulnerable, Near threatened, Endangered, Critically Endangered, City Wide significant and Marine. In addition, three range extensions were also discovered. Range extensions indicate a significant increase to the area that some species are known to occur. Of the overall results, 130 new species have been added to the Gold Coast Flora and Fauna database. Watergum President Wal Mayr said these additions will contribute significantly to the City’s knowledge of the local environment. “These are first-time records for these species that have been provided to Council’s corporate biodiversity database, which is a significant achievement by citizen scientists!” Perhaps most excitingly of all, BioBlitzers uncovered four undescribed species; three spiders and one vine. These new discoveries still need to through a rigorous process to be given an official name. “There are still a number of samples and specimens waiting to be identified so these numbers may continue to grow over the next few months,” said Wal.

“We couldn’t have completed this event without the incredible support of our community including survey leaders, survey assistants, organising team, basecamp team and sponsors and partners.” The Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Hugh Possingham attended the Bioblitz and said it was wonderful to share the weekend with so many enthusiastic citizen scientists. “Collecting information about wildlife over time will be useful to scientists and decision makers in the future, to examine trends and changes in where species live. Observing changes in wildlife from citizen science helps us form environmental policy and make management decisions around issues like fire and pests,” said Professor Possingham. This event was supported by the Queensland Government, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast Division 9, Seqwater, Regen Australia, Bushnuts, MRA Environmental, Envirosphere and Habitat Environmental Management. Watergum’s Bioblitz will be back in February 2022 in Numinbah Valley and will once again include a weekend of wildlife surveys where attendees will have the rare opportunity to assist field experts and scientists in their comprehensive documentation of the Rainforest’s spectacular flora and fauna. A dedicated kids’ program will also be added in 2022 to make this an even more family friendly event. Watergum is a leader in community science, supporting member groups and individuals who are involved in the hands-on restoration, maintenance and protection of the Gold Coast’s natural areas. Visit watergum.org/gold-coast-bioblitz for more.

Twelve brave Gold Coast dads have vanquished the gruelling Gold Coast Hinterland trek, the Kokoda Challenge. The men, who met through the popular Gold Coast dads-only fitness group Legendaddy, set out on a gruelling 96km trek on Saturday 17 July, all in the name of charity. They battled thick bush, crossed six creeks, and despite chillingly cold conditions, they walked day and night to finally cross the finish line just before lunchtime on Sunday 18 July.  Stopping only for quick toilet and food breaks, this 35+ hour trek through the Gold Coast Hinterland is one, only the strongest in body and mind manage to complete. Remarkably, under the guidance of their training coordinator Mike Lang, all four of the Legendaddy teams made it across the finish line. “We definitely had some hairy moments, but we pushed on and solidified some incredible friendships through the process,” said Mr Lang. “This is an experience none of us will forget any time soon.” Helping the teams along the way was a cheer squad and support crew, driving between checkpoints and preparing food, massage stations, wound care and even cutting the toes out of shoes to soothe swollen feet. Throughout the course, Kokoda history signs are located at every checkpoint to educate participants about the history of the Kokoda Campaign in 1942. The Legendaddy support crew was led by kilt-bearing funny man and long term Legendaddy, David Gustaffson. David's wife Monika also completed the 96km along with the Legends.

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“That was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” shared Monika, after crossing the finish line sore and tired. One of the Legendaddies included Emergency Nurse and father-of-two, Ranjith Mudigere Chandrappa. Ranjith conquered the 96km trek despite living with subclinical hypothyroidism which makes it difficult to shift weight. “I was just so happy to have made it to the end. I don’t think I could have walked another step,” said Ranjith.  This year the event, run by Kokoda Youth Foundation saw over 3,000 people take on the 48 or 96km course.  Being a registered charity, the Kokoda Youth Foundation relies on the donations raised from these events to fund their selfdiscovery programs provided to local teens. Just one of the youth programs provided by the funds raised is the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) a 14-month personal development and life skills program that helps inspire kids to reach their full potential and discover who they really are. The Kokoda Youth Foundation also runs other programs that aim to help disengaged youth remain in the education system and improve their employment prospects for life after school. “We are delighted to report a record number of donations exceeding $1 million from this year’s Kokoda Challenge events” says Chief Executive Officer, Johllene Elson.

Gold Coast Villages: Broadbeach Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

We just love how all the little villages of the Gold Coast have their own distinct personalities. So we thought we’d check in with you folks and find out just where you love to stop and shop when you’re pottering around your local precinct. First cab off the rank was Burleigh – you can check that one out over at blankgc.com.au. For this month’s edition we asked you about your fave places in Broadbeach. Unsurprisingly, there’s plenty of food in the mix:

Madisons Café Broadbeach Murasaki Teppanyaki

Aloha Bar and Dining

Beatniks Records

Pink Flamingo

Not just a lovely little place to stop for your morning (award winning) coffee and a bite to eat, Madison’s also does bespoke celebration cakes, event planning and catering for those special events.

This hidden tiki bar in the heart of Broadbeach might be tiny but it packs a big punch with its range of tasty food and cocktails. Be sure to book ahead if you want a table.

A longstanding Broadbeach institution, Beatniks is an independent music store that specialised in new and pre-loved vinyl, collectibles and audio equipment. These guys know music.

The Pink Flamingo Gold Coast brings a night full of worldclass performances in cabaret, burlesque and cirque to the precinct several nights a week.

Experience the art of Japanese teppanyaki being executed right in front of your eyes at Murasaki Teppanyaki – just call it dinner theatre!

The Oasis Broadbeach

Elk Espresso

Fashion, fitness, footwear, food and fun. Big enough to have everything you need but not a behemoth that takes two hours to traverse.

Home of the Gold Coast’s most ‘Gram-worthy breakfasts, Elk Espresso is guaranteed to have a line out the front the whole time it’s open!

Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium Gold Coast

The Italian Connection Pizzeria

Japanese craft beer brewed onsite and delicious dumplings, including dessert dumplings. Absolute heaven.

New-ish to the Goldy, this mafiathemed pizzeria brand is bold, beautiful and boss-worthy, with an eclectic menu that’s made with love.

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NEXT MONTH WE’RE TAKING A LOOK AT MUDGEERABA! KEEP YOUR EYE ON OUR @ BLANKSTREETPRESS SOCIALS ‘CAUSE WE’LL BE ASKING YOU WHERE YOUR FAVE MUDG HAUNTS ARE FOR THE NEXT EDITION.

AN INEQUITABLE PLAYING FIELD: THE STATE OF LIVE MUSIC IN 2021 Words by Anthony Gebhardt

As society continue to grapple with the ever-changing parameters around COVID flare ups, the live music and hospitality sectors in particular are bearing the brunt of the debilitating effects of restrictions and lockdowns on their businesses and livelihoods. While the need to enforce social distancing restrictions to help ‘stop the spread’ are understood, one sticking point for the industry is the apparent inequity between how music and entertainment venues are allowed to operate in comparison to other large-scale gatherings such as sporting events in relation to these requirements. The recent State Of Origin rugby league match at Cbus Stadium, which was attended by more than 26 thousand people, was an event that rankled many music and hospitality operators, who have concurrently had to operate at bare levels of attendance (or have had to cancel events entirely). With sporting stadiums having both outdoor and indoor areas, the sight of throngs streaming open slather into the arena, milling together in closely confined spaces such as food and drinks lines before taking their seats and cheering wildly in close proximity to each other,

was a source of bewilderment and frustration for those operating under severely limited capacity restrictions. With the threat of escalating COVID community transmissions lurking ominously, live music and hospitality venues are potentially required to operate under the crippling ‘four square metre rule’ at the drop of a hat. This legal requirement stipulates that venues are only allowed to cater for one person per four square metres within their premises, with dancing prohibited. Effectively this limits venue capacity to around a quarter of what they could normally cater, which has resulted in events either being severely compromised or cancelled altogether, often at extremely short notice. The level of support afforded to the arts and entertainment sectors seems to be inversely proportional to the literally Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

billions of dollars that the sector pumps into the economy annually, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of people that work to support it. An undervalued commodity that doesn’t line the coffers through gambling revenues, may be the response of those of a more cynical (or realistic) outlook. The fact is, the lack of meaningful government support combined with these crippling and confusing limitations are rapidly sending many live music venues to the brink of extinction. We managed to get the combined insights of three key live music venue operators, namely Kim Ferguson of Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Emma Milikins of Miami Maketta and Michael Salay of Burleigh Bazaar. Here’s what they had to say on some of the key issues and points of conjecture in relation to venue capacity restrictions.

From a revenue/viability perspective, how have the COVID restrictions (in particular the four square metre rule) impacted your venue? “As most people are not aware of live music margins, they would probably be shocked to know that break even usually sits at around the 70 – 75% margin. With the one per four square metre rule we can legally only have 25% of our capacity. Anyone can do that maths!!” (Emma Milikins: Miami Marketta)

“Even with our large open space it significantly reduces income for us and for event organisers who rely on numbers for profit. It also affects which acts we can book. And the constant back and forth between per metre restrictions does not allow any form of planning, as you risk cancellations.” (Michael Salay: Burleigh Bazaar)

“The one per four square metres completely decimates any licensed venue. There is no way to functionally cover costs for businesses on this capacity, this is across the board. For live music venues, licensed venues and events this capacity is so crippling. Each week that these restrictions are enforced on our businesses we lose thousands of dollars in general expenditure, let alone the lost ability to earn and the tens of thousands of dollars in lost turn over. One per two square metres, which is what it is currently at, is also just as bad. For small venues under 200sq metres there is no difference in patronage between one per four or one per two. For venues such as ours it literally sees us with 112 patrons. Live music venues are based around short stints of performance, usually four – five hours of performance, at a full capacity. We do not have big commercial kitchens or pokies that see our patrons sitting there for half a day to create an income stream. If we can’t have our capacity watching shows for those short stints, there is no viable way to operate. People come, they enjoy a show, they purchase drinks and then they leave when the show is over. With the limitations shows have to be cancelled, tickets refunded, staff shifts are cancelled and their employment for the week is cancelled. Bands, artists, production teams, managers, booking agents all lose out on work that they have been working on for six months. The music industry works six months in advance, the preparation for a show takes that long to book, facilitate, market, sell tickets etc. When a show doesn’t go ahead, all that work is unpaid for. Hours upon hours of work that is never reimbursed. The unseen worker is a huge thing within the arts industry, there are thousands of people struggling to put food on the table right now because of these capacity restrictions. The short, sharp three to seven day lockdowns are manageable, sure they are terrible for business, but the extended business restrictions trade is decimating to businesses. We have now had four weeks of all our shows being cancelled, meaning literally zero income over the month of July.” (Kim Ferguson, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse)

Have the relevant govt/legislative body given you a satisfactory explanation in regards to the discrepancy between how live music and the arts are policed as opposed to the leeway afforded to sporting events when COVID flare ups occur? “No! They say when directly asked that there is no comparison. I would like to ask the Health Department how the sporting industry were advised (or who advised them) and can we apply the same procedures to licenced music, ie move artists into bubbles (with their families) to avoid lockdowns.” (Emma Milikins: Miami Marketta)

“I have not found any explanation which makes it clear why a sporting event is an acceptable event but a music event is not. There is a common rule which states seated/ticketed events with allocated seating are fine at full capacity, but I don’t see how a venue with a bar could police this and create allocated seating.” (Michael Salay: Burleigh Bazaar)

“Not really, QMusic have advised that they are working with Arts QLD and QLD Health to come to a resolution for businesses, however it’s not coming fast enough. There is no factual information given to us provided by the government in relation to indoor / outdoor venues and the spread of COVID. There has been no factual information surrounding standing / sitting given to us either. Both things we are now requesting from the government to help explain to us why our industry is being constantly crippled. But it’s not necessarily about the comparisons between sports and arts, we are stoked that sports are going ahead, we just want to be given the same freedoms to operate before our businesses have to close their doors forever. I can’t express the seriousness that these prolonged restrictions have on our businesses. Venues are dying, we are the back bone of the music industry eco system. When we die, there is nowhere for bands to perform, agents to book, sound techs to work on, or up and coming artists to cut their teeth. Something needs to happen and fast because come 12 months a lot of licensed venues will no longer be here.” (Kim Ferguson, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse)

On a practical level, what would you like to see happen to ensure the long-term viability of live music venues while lock downs inevitably continue to be sporadically enforced? “We pitched a subsidy program to the government, that if we are legally only allowed to trade at 50%, then we should be subsidised the other 50%, but this concept did not gain any traction! We would really love the Health Department to work with us to come up with a solution, if the football can work out a way, why can’t we!?” (Emma Milikins: Miami Marketta) Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

“Recently there was an organisation of business owners formed on the Gold Coast, to start pushing a bit harder to get these answers that we want. What do we want? We want full capacity, with ensured check ins, contact tracing (this is already the best regulated industry at enforcing this, as we have licensing requirements to do so) and if required mask wearing within venues. If restrictions are imposed they need to be at a level that is viable for businesses to survive, which is three per four square metres. This is what we need. And this is what we need fast. Sure there has been some funding provided by the government, but when you break down the amounts that venues are receiving it’s only a short term band aid that’s festering a much larger wound that cannot and will not be healed until the restrictions are changed for venues. Another long term solution would be to create an artist / creative industry border pass, as they have done for transport / sports etc, so that artists can safely cross borders and perform interstate when there are restrictions in place. This would stop the decimation of thousands of jobs every time a border closes and gigs are shut down. I want to make it clear venues are abiding by regulations and doing our best to work with the restrictions, we don’t want to work against licensing and QLD Health, we just need them to better understand our industry and provide us with a solution that works for them and our industry.” (Kim Ferguson, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse)

Whilst the perceived inequities are frustrating, the struggling arts sector has at least received one piece of positive news recently with the announcement of a State Government support package through the government’s Live Music Support Program to help offset operational costs for eligible venues, as well as programming and artist fees. And in another recent development (as outlined in Kim’s response above) Gold Coast business owners impacted by reduced crowd capacities have united to establish the Independent Entertainment Industry Alliance, calling for the Queensland Government to provide certainty for the sector. Meeting for the first time recently at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, the Alliance (driven by many ‘hidden’ sector professionals such as booking agents, road crews, cultural media, artist managers and event coordinators), is developing a unified proposal to establish a roadmap to full capacity trading for the live music and entertainment sector, putting forward a raft of practical measures to ensure that venues aren’t crippled to closure, while at the same time ensuring that public health is not compromised. We’ll leave the final word with Kim on getting things on a fair dinkum, even playing field; “It’s so positive that Queenslander’s can safely enjoy large sporting events, and we’re simply asking for the same consideration for the arts. We know Queenslanders are just as passionate about music and live entertainment as they are about football.” IMAGE: The first meeting of Entertainment Industry Alliance

the

Independent

Michelle Obama sends Griffith student global

Jakeycakes: Free Spirited Baby

Words by Anthony Gebhardt

Queensland Conservatorium pop music student Cat Gallagher got a taste of global stardom when one of her songs was picked up by former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama as part of her annual College Sign Up Day campaign. Penned as part of an online collaborative project between music students from the Queensland Conservatorium and Vanderbilt College in the US, the song was featured on Mrs Obama’s social platforms to mark National College Signing Day earlier this year. Mrs Obama’s social accounts have more than 80 million followers, giving the young songwriter a remarkable platform for her work. “I got a call out of the blue, and just couldn’t believe it,” she said. “This song is very close to my heart, so to be able to share it with the world is incredible. “This is a massive opportunity for me to reach out to a global audience and expand my musical community.” During COVID lockdowns last year, a number of Queensland Conservatorium popular music students collaborated with their peers across the globe, creating new music with singer-songwriters at the Vanderbilt College Blair School of Music in Nashville. Third-year Bachelor of Music student Cat Gallagher co-wrote a soaring gospel and soul infused song about overcoming struggle and heartbreak – a message that might resonate with millions of people around the globe who had their lives upended by COVID. “Her Troubles, His Pain” was a joint effort between Cat and Cam Robinson, a human resources and organizational development major at Vanderbilt College. The track was

mixed by fellow popular music student Liam Brimble. “We both love gospel and soul music, so straight away we had that connection,” she said. “It was a great chance to learn from each other, and I think we came up with something really special.” The Honours College student said creating original songs during pandemic was a chance to put into practice the songwriting and studio skills taught in the popular music course. “For me, it was a great chance to take what we’ve been learning over the past couple of years, and take it for a test drive,” she said. “I’ve never collaborated online before, and we were on different time zones, from completely different worlds, writing to pretty intense deadlines, but music was always the middle ground.” Popular Music lecturer Caleb James said the cross-continental opportunity had exceeded all expectations. “It was supposed to happen in-person, with a contingent of our students heading to Nashville,” he said. “When COVID hit, we had to move it online, but despite the challenges, we couldn’t be prouder of the results. “The whole of the Con is built on musical collaboration, because that’s how the industry works. “We have been blown away by the success of this first collaboration and are planning for this to become an annual project.” Applications for study at the Queensland Conservatorium are now open, see griffith.edu.au/conservatorium-auditions for more information.

Extraordinarily talented young multiinstrumentalist and singer-songwriter Jakeycakes has just dropped his new single, a sprightly blues rock belter by the name of ‘Free Spirited Baby’, which serves as a precursor to his upcoming debut self-titled EP, scheduled to come out in September. At just eleven years of age it’s fair to say that he’s somewhat of a musical prodigy, proficient on 12 different instruments (including all forms of guitar, piano, drums and harmonica) as well as creating and producing his music (both originals and a swag of covers) in his own home studio.

My mum is right into music (mostly 80's) and she is also a line dance and ballroom dance teacher. She always had music videos playing in the house as well. I think that influenced me a lot. Dire Straits is another big influence. I wear my trade mark wrist bands (Mark Knopfler style) most places I go and tend to stress if I haven't got something around my wrists. Heck I even wear wrist bands at night. Must be a comfort thing haha! Do you have a favourite aspect out of writing, producing or performing?

We recently chatted with Jakeycakes to find out more about the creative process behind ‘Free Spirited Baby’, how he got into music, what he has in store for the rest of the year and what he gets up to when he’s not immersed in his muse.

I love expressing myself and get a buzz from performing. The artist Prince is a legend to me as he was not only a multiinstrumentalist but also wrote songs for other artists. I would like to do that. I love producing too, as I like using my creative skills for my vision in mind.

Congratulations on your new single, ‘Free Spirited Baby’. Can you put us in the picture on what inspired the track and how it came together?

What else is happening for you, musically speaking, for the rest of the year? And where would you like to take your music over the next five years?

I wanted to write a song that people could dance to. My last song was slow. In fact, it was called ‘Going Slow’.

Some big events are happening for the rest of 2021. The School Of Rock has been a fantastic journey. I’ve loved playing the role of the lead guitatist Zack, doing an American accent and some dance moves. The Ekka Country Music Showdown is coming up. I’ve been selected as a finalist for the Gympie Music Muster in August and a finalist for the VDM Country Music Festival and I’m also going down to Tamworth next year.

‘Free Spirited Baby’ is influenced by a 60's - 80's musical style and in particular the Supergroup the Travelling Wilburys song ‘Dirty World’. One day I just started the riff, then developed the melody and thought about how I wanted it to sound. The lyrics are basically about a girl who is a free spirit and has left me. How did you get so proficient at all of these aspects of the musical process and who are a few of your primary influences? I play 12 instruments all up and always do the lead vocals and my own harmonies. My favourite instrument is guitar.

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In September my self-titled EP will be out and I will work on my album next year. I am a very relaxed person and am happy with whatever the universe has in store with me. I want to keep writing and doing originals. I would love to play Wembley, but wouldn't mind being an airline pilot either. Free Spirited Baby, the new single from Jakeycakes, is out now. To read the full interview, head on over to blankgc.com.au.

The Honey Sliders shout it from the rooftops at Soundlounge Words by Anthony Gebhardt

Rocking four piece The Honey Sliders, boasting a pedigree of some of Brisbane’s finest musicians and led by talented allround good bloke Danny Widdicombe, have been paying reverential homage to a swag of their all-time favourite albums since 2013, tackling everything from Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Axis: Bold As Love’, Neil Young’s ‘On the Beach’, The Band’s ‘The Last Waltz’, The Rolling Stones’ ‘Sticky Fingers’ and The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’.

expect to hear on the night and how he’s been coping with the challenges of the pandemic.

This time around the band have once again set their sights on an iconic Beatles moment, choosing to reinterpret the Fab Fours’ famed final live performance, when they played to a bunch of bemused passersby on the rooftop of their Apple business headquarters on a freezing London day in 1969 (before the local constabulary politely shut things down after 42 minutes of raw, unfiltered rock abandon).

We decided that we should focus on the Beatles' late period recordings as a framework for the structure of our 'other' set. When The Beatles stopped touring in 1966, their recorded output was prolific and prodigious in its inventiveness. I don't want to give anything away, but we take the audience on a trip of our favourite Beatle songs from 1966 through until the end in 1970. It was a joy to work on these tracks and we're proud of what we've achieved. The crowds that have seen this show all comment on the unexpected and surprising song selection. If you love psychedelic Beatles, you'll love this. Our bass player is also a talented graphic designer and has created a movie that plays an equal part

Gold Coast fans will get to see The Honey Sliders re-enact this magical performance at the Currumbin Sound Lounge on Friday 20 August and in the lead up we managed to chat with Danny about the upcoming show, what other Beatles related treats we can

You’ll also be playing a selection of iconic Beatles numbers on the night in addition to the Rooftop concert performance. Was it hard narrowing down the set selection and is there any particular period of the Fab 4 that you’ll be focussing on for this part of the set?

to the music in the presentation of this concept show. It's definitely a case of turn on, tune in and drop out.

environment’. One of the tracks was nominated in the contemporary classical genre at this year's Qld Music Awards!

How have you been coping (artistically and personally) with the challenges of COVID? And have you been pursuing any other musical related opportunities that you may not have otherwise considered prior to the pandemic?

The biggest issue for me at the moment is the unwavering government support for sport, while the arts are left to fend for themselves. If this Rooftop Concert in August is cancelled or has heavy crowd restrictions in place, I can guarantee that you won't see the same limitations placed on football. On a positive note, I'm excited to come back to The Sound Lounge who have been hosting us in Currumbin since we took our Neil Youngs 'On the Beach' show there in 2014. The public have been so supportive of live music and I know that the Rooftop Concert will be a night to remember.

This pandemic just keeps evolving and so do the issues that surround it - for everyone. In my case, the lockdown in 2020 was a chance to take a breath and concentrate on other projects I wouldn't normally have time for. But it was also scary in the early days of the outbreak because it seemed like nobody really knew much about what we were dealing with. I have lung disease, so my partner and I completely locked ourselves away from mid March. I made a collaborative album of ambient music with my long time musical comrade Ant Aggs he sent me snippets of piano tracks and I arranged them into long tunes and added pedal steel - we called the album Face - and described it as 'space music for a lockdown

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The Honey Sliders interpretation of The Beatles Rooftop Concert (in addition to a swag of classic tracks for the encore) is sure to be one of this year’s musical highlights, so be sure to ‘Get Back’ to the Currumbin Sound Lounge on Friday, 20 August for what will be one of the live highlights of 2021. To read the full interview, head on over to blankgc.com.au.

Stranger Days for Mako Road Mako Road spill about their just-released debut album ‘Stranger Days’ and upcoming Australian tour.

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

Beloved kiwi four-piece Mako Road have just dropped their long-awaited debut full length album ‘Stranger Days’, a groovy, eight track indie-rock record that has already spawned a slew of hit singles including ‘Surfing on Mars’, ‘Helicopter’ and Don’t Keep Me Waiting’. Produced by band members Connor Jaine and Rhian Ward, engineered by James Goldsmith (Mermaidens, Beastwars, Into Orbit) and mastered by Chris Chetland (Savage, Snoop Dogg, Lorde, Drax Project, Scribe), 'Stranger Days' is now available digitally through the usual channels and on vinyl through the band’s website. Packed full of the band’s signature psychsurf grooves and hooky melodies, Mako Road’s fourth and latest single ‘Anywhere You’d Like to Go’ dropped the same day as the album, along with a snappily edited video of the boys doing what they do best on various festival stages. The clips perfectly encapsulate the group’s tight-knit bond and captivating stage presence which have seen them comprehensively adopted by Australian music lovers. This proud independent act from Christchurch has been making waves across the globe since their debut, with a whole bunch of sell out live shows and festival sets under their belts, and their previous single and EP releases seeing tens of millions of streams online.

October and November see Mako Road head off to tour ‘Stranger Days’ throughout Australia and New Zealand. We shot a few questions to guitarist Connor ahead of the upcoming shows.

We went away for a writing session in the beautiful lake Taupo and grinded the songs out there. Lots of coffee and jogs. Some of the songs were brewing for a while but most of them we wrote at the lake.

I loved the shots of band huddles in the ‘Anywhere You’d Like To Go’ vid. How would you describe the relationship between the band members?

Definitely a challenge but always fun. We put a lot of thought in to trying to make a coherent body of work, so it was a bit of process in trying to sift through the stuff we already had and seeing whether it fit the concept for the album. But also trying to balance all that with not over thinking it too much!

It started as friends but after sharing so much time and space together it’s definitely a bit more like brothers. Long hours on road and late nights can exhaust everyone and sometimes we get a li’l grumpy with each other, but there’s always laughs and smiles. A bit like a li’l family! AWWWWWWWWW. You all look so comfortable on the stage. What was your most memorable live music experience together? Oooooo we got stage-charged at a gig up in Mangawhai and Rhian (our singer) got taken out by a couple of crowd members, which is fun. Tell us a bit about the process of creating your debut album. Did things go as expected, was it fun, challenging, and were there any cool stories from the process?

You must be feeling the love from your Aussie fans! Do you think it’s the surf vibes that resonate so strongly with Australian audiences, or something else? Yeah definitely reckon its surf vibes. I think it comes down to having quite a similar culture and love for tunes that suit the sunshine yanno!

QUICK HANG FIVE 1. Biggest musical influence: Oooof no single influence but I personally love the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 2. Artist you would most like to collab with on a track: Matt Corby would be a buzz.

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3. Favourite song from your new album: I like ‘Lost My Tongue’. Think its funky and weird. 4. Dream stage, venue or event to play: Glastonbury. But would love to play any international festival. 5. Most embarrassing public moment: Spitting out some chat while on stage and getting crickets as a response. Have you thought about what’s next for you guys, after the release and tour? More tunes! And then more tours! Hoping to get overseas but I think that’s a while off now. Is there anything else you’d like people to know? Thanks for listening to our tunes! Love you lots x Now the important part for Aussie fans: The original Mako Road ‘Stranger Days’ tour dates (Aug/Sep) are being rescheduled to October and November. So if you missed out on tix the first time, it’s definitely worth hitting up the waitlists so you can be notified first about new dates and venues. Visit makoroad.co.nz to put your name down.

Opening Hearts with NIDALA Words by Anthony Gebhardt

Nidala Barker (aka NIDALA) is an Indigenous singer-songwriter of mixed heritage (born to an Aboriginal father and Polish/French mother) who has traversed a diverse and inspiring life journey across her tender 26 years. Having travelled extensively in her formative years she undertook many varied forms of expression, from social justice law to organic farming. Relocating to the Byron Bay area (Bundjalong country), ultimately she settled upon music as a means to fulfil and inspire, releasing her self-made debut single, ‘Howl At The Moon’, in 2019. Described as making music “for open hearts and raised fists” she recently hooked up with a three-piece band (Matthew Collins on lead guitar, Charity Turner on drums and bassist, Scott Finch), to record her moving new single ‘One Of Those Days’, an ode to giving yourself permission to slow down and rest. The track is the first taste of her upcoming debut EP, a carbon neutral project with an underlying message of reconciliation. We recently chatted with NIDALA to learn more about her music and journey. Congratulations on your soulful and moving new single, ‘One Of Those Days’. Did the song come to you easily? And was it a cathartic experience for you to come up with it based on its subject matter? Thank you! The song in its basic ‘girl and guitar state’ came to me in less than an afternoon – I think I was in such need of hearing what the song had to say that the lyrics were in a way already written, and the tune just came to support that message. As for the catharsis side, I’d say it was more self-soothing, because at that time everything in the world was so intense, I just longed for gentle simplicity and permission to rest. And once that need was fulfilled, I opened the instrumentation up to collaboration with my amazing band, and it evolved into the track it is now. The song is the first taste of your upcoming debut EP ‘Colours Of My People’. How is the EP coming along, and how do the other tracks on the EP compare stylistically and thematically to One Of Those Days? All the tracks are recorded and finalised, and that feels pretty major to me! Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

Stylistically there is a fair bit of variation throughout the EP. Being my debut EP, I wanted to play with different styles because I figured that offering variety in the songs would allow a variety of people to engage themselves in my music. Which leads us into the theme, that is reconciliation and connection! The first three songs on the EP are about deserving rest, and struggling in the dating world, and the frustration at your body not performing how you want it to – essentially they’re about the human experience, and my reminder that we have so much more in common than what we are being told. The last one is my love letter to Indigenous knowledge and an encouragement for all of us to heal the trauma in our history so that we can thrive in our communities, in our mental health and with our planet. Has music always played an influential part in your life, and who are a few of your formative musical influences who have shaped your journey?

Music feels like an essential part of my life – and it’s always been that way. My father is a musician and much of our childhood was spent touring with him. When we went to places where we didn’t speak the language, music was our tool for connection and our way to understand the place and its people. As I grew up, music became a tool for me to understand my own feelings and sing them to others when I couldn’t quite speak them. Today music is my tool to change the world! And in terms of influences, it’s musicians who used their music in the same way – ranging from Billie Holiday to Thelma Plum, Lauryn Hill to Midnight oil, or even Bob Marley! What inspires me is seeing how regardless of genre or point in history, we are able to create a sense of unity and meaning by creating a shared experience through music. NIDALA’s moving and soulful new single, ‘One Of Those Days’ is out now via Bandcamp and Spotify. To read the full interview, head on over to blankgc.com.au.

Buttered Deliver Brilliance

Nathan Ortado’s Dreamy Guitar

We Are Iso Bring The Party Beats

Chutney Evolve Their Sound Dani Teveluwe Puts A With now over a year since their Smile On Your Face first release, Chutney are starting

Buttered just seem to be getting better with every release and have graced us with another brilliant single this month ‘It Don’t Matter’. Self-assured songwriting, crisp minimalistic production and smooth as silk vocals shine brightly through this four minute jam to deliver a depth of sound that they have claimed as their own. World-class stuff here from one of the Gold Coast’s most exciting new(ish) acts.

Brining the party beats this month are newcomers We Are Iso with their second winner of a single since forming in the wake of Covid-19. ‘LOVE N’ TRUST’ draws clear inspiration from local heavyweights RÜFUS DU SOL and channels the diverse vocal flow of Hayden James to deliver a solid dance floor ready club banger. Taking it’s time to get truly underway the track hits its stride just before the one minute mark with a groove-heavy chorus drop that will be sure to get your body moving. Complete with a high-energy video clip that builds perfectly with the intensity of the track, ‘LOVE N’ TRUST’ is an impressive package from the young duo.

Nathan Ortado has released the first of a flurry of singles this month with the laid-back guitar driven dreamer ‘Angel’. Produced by Gold Coast production stalwart Guy Cooper, the track builds nicely with the help of layered ambient harmonies and rich guitar sounds to create a soundscape of true relaxation. With another five singles to come before the end of the year we’re looking forward to more soul soothing sounds from Nathan Ortado.

to really find their place within the Gold Coast music scene, developing a solid following and continuing to evolve their sound. Their latest offering ‘Talk’ is the band’s most mature release to date, continuing their brit-rock influences but experimenting more with production and shifting into Oasis territory with some insanely catchy chorus melodies. Written about looking out for your mates when they’re having a hard time, ‘Talk’ is accompanied by a classic tongue and cheek classic Chutney style video clip that is well worth a watch.

Jade Bares Her Soul

After teasing us for over a year with new material, local songstress Jade Soul has finally delivered her earthy debut EP ‘Before The Alchemy’. Moody electric guitars and rich reverb laden vocals wash beautifully across the opening three tracks before the EP takes a wellpositioned turn into a more up beat indie-folk sound on the closing two. Filled with emotion and deep reflective lyrical content it’s clear that Jade Soul has poured her heart into this release and the world is better off for it.

Music teacher and solo artist Dani Teveluwe has released her third single of 2021 this month with the guitar driven slow jam ‘Movin’ On’. Written in just ten minutes, the song came to Dani as an artistic stream of consciousness and can be felt in the easygoing nature of the melody and the carefree delivery of the track as a whole. Building from just a guitar and vocal into a full body of sound rich with layers, ‘Movin’ On’ is a simple but beautiful piece of music that will leave a smile on your face. Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

Jaz Sebastian’s Theatrical Journey

These Idle Hands’ Alt-Country Beauty

Radolescent Get Loose In Surfers

Haba Dudes Keep Things Chill

Jaz Sebastian has introduced himself to us this month with the David Bowie-inspired pop-rock track ‘LAZER’. With a history as a filmmaker and musical theatre performer Jaz does well to bring drama into his songwriting here, engaging the listener with his powerful vocal and theatrical songwriting techniques. Written about a dystopian hero's journey to self-awareness and discovery it’s the kind of track that would fit perfectly to the credit roll of a sci-fi action movie.

Gold Coast’s favorite loveable ratbags Radolescent are back with their second single of 2021 with the party starting skuzzy punk anthem ‘Home’. Written about an especially loose night roaming the streets of Surfers Paradise, the track’s thrashing drums and fuzzy guitars clearly channel the bands influences (and tour mates) Dune Rats and Beddy Rays while giving a nice local flavor, telling unashamed stories of growing up on the Gold Coast. If you like what you hear check out the bands latest EP ‘Excellent People’.

After releasing one of the strongest albums of 2020 with their heartwrenching alt-country beauty ‘Petrichor’, These Idle Hands have returned with the first single from their forthcoming sophomore record ‘The Moon Is Low’. Slow tempo acoustic guitar, emotive strings and a lyrically weighted baritone vocal set the scene for yet another thought provoking track from this talented local six-piece. Visit the bands Facebook for more unreleased teasers and videos from their upcoming record.

Haba Dudes have gifted us with album number nine this month; a mostly low-fi solo effort by the outfits lead vocalist Mark Boulle titled ‘Japanese Eggs’. The album opens with the rollicking ‘Pickup Sticks’ featuring backing vocals from Mark’s four year old daughter before sliding into another classic Haba Dudes low-key reggae Jam ‘Baby Be Seen’. Overall, the 13 tracks offer a solid split between Jack Johnson-esque coastal folk and island vibe acoustic reggae. ‘Japanese Eggs’ is a nice relaxing start to finish listen that would pair well with a cup of tea and a hammock on a lazy afternoon.

The Vinyl Ground’s Art-house Expression

Harry J Hart Brings Guitars To The Front

Heavy Wax’s Feel Good GENIIE BOY Keeps Us Party Anthem Of The Year Pleasantly Confused Gold Coast’s newest party band Heavy Wax are continuing their positive, uplifting vibes with their soul-disco throwback ‘Ain’t No Turning Back’. Lyrically exploring the need to question one’s perspective and look at a situation through a more positive mindset, and musically sounding like it could fit on any good 70’s discoparty playlist, ‘Ain’t No Turning Back’ might just be our feelgood anthem of the year. So press play, get out your corduroy flare pants and hit the dance floor.

Geniie Boy are continuing to ride the wave of success generated by their heavily praised first two singles with the release of a third cracker this month titled ‘Bad Company’. Once again keeping us pleasantly confused at every turn with their dynamic songwriting, ‘Bad Company’ mixes flavors of indie, folk, rock with a splash of electronica to create a truly unique outcome. Beautiful thought provoking stuff here from one of the Gold Coast’s most exciting new outfits.

Saint Barae’s Winning Collaboration

JVMIE Toughens Things Up

Jakeycakes is a free spirited baby alright

Erin Foster Has You Crying On The Dance Floor

The Vinyl Ground is an allencompassing artistic project by Melbourne-turned-Gold Coast musician / film-maker Jazz Milburn. ’Drop On By’ is a unique expression of her Covid-19 lockdown experience taking the listener into fictional dream like state through its genre defying sound and arthouse style accompanying video. Refreshingly different, The Vinyl Ground ’Drop On By’ is miles apart from anything else being released on the Gold Coast this month and well worth the experience.

After teaming up with fellow Gold Coaster SOFT NYLON for his previous single, Saint Barae is continuing his run of winning collaborations with his latest offering ’Snow’ alongside upcoming Brisbane beat maker Silkless. A jarring rhythm reminiscent of early Flume is backed by an array of wonky synth sounds and Saint Barae’s unmistakable, effect riddled vocal to create an onslaught of emotional creativity. If you’re a fan of FKA Twigs then you’ll love this new collaboration as the project was said to have been born out of inspiration from her ‘Magdalene’ album.

Harry J Hart brings guitars to the front in his pop-rock gem ‘Who We Are’. Channeling the dramatic energy of Silverchair’s ‘Diorama’ record, Harry J Hart displays some impressive vocal range and strong songwriting skills. Written around the idea of watching a relationship breakdown, ‘Who We Are’ is one of those complete packages that expresses emotion both through its musicality and its lyrical content. Easily his strongest release to date.

Since returning to her home on the Gold Coast from the USA at the beginning of the pandemic JVMIE has been a welcome addition to our wonderfully diverse music scene here on the Gold Coast. ‘Oxygen’ sees JVMIE teaming up once again with American songwriting partner in crime Lionel Cohen to deliver a tougher, more driving sound than their previous works. Finding impetus in destructive, obsessive love the tracks off kilter beat and quirky analog synths give a sense of uneasiness that is brought to life with JVMIE’s lyrical content and percussive vocal delivery.

Gold Coast primary school student Jakeycakes is continuing to find his sound with the garage blues/rock inspired single ‘Free Spirited Baby’. Co-written with his mum, ‘Free Spirited Bab’ sees Jakey takes the lead on almost all of the instrumentation including guitars, lead vocal, harmonies and percussion. Complete with a well-made accompanying video featuring Jakeycakes flaunting his front-man swagger, ‘Free Spirited Baby’ is the youngster’s strongest release to date. Check out our interview with the young man himself in this edition. Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

Karamilk’s Erin Foster has released the follow-up to her debut single since launching her solo project earlier this year. ‘Sometimes’ is a synth soaked electro-pop slow burner written about love unencumbered by real life, delivered as an internal monologue laced with romantic desolation. With influences like The Weeknd Erin seems to channel that emotive pop sound that carries a driving rhythm while still managing to play with the heartstrings. It’s the kind of song that will have you crying on the dance floor and we love it.

Send your music, press kit and a high res photo to newmusic@ blankstreetpress. com.au Curated monthly by Zac Fahey

Sunday 1 August

Lima Mañu - Maggie Choo Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose Zac Hubbard - Hotel Brunswick Fat Albert - The Coolangatta Hotel Kent Dustin - Choofas Smokehouse & Seafood Karuah - Currumbin RSL Kevin & Nuz (Koi Boys) - Koi Floorburners - Precinct Brewing Luke Morris - Currumbin RSL Kate Mckay - Bine Bar & Dining

Monday 2 August

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

Scott Day-Vee - Hotel Brunswick

Benny D Williams - Currumbin RSL

Kent Dustin - 4 Pines Coolangatta

Greer Sullivan - Currumbin RSL

Rob Rhodes - The Coolangatta Hotel

Harry Nicols - Hotel Brunswick

Phoenix Rising - Southport Sharks

Alter Egos - The Coolangatta Hotel

Naomi Connell - The Crafty Cow

Naomi Connell - Dune Cafe

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

Ondre Davis - Burleigh Brewing Co

Custard - Miami Marketta

Nudge Nudge Wink Wink - The Billinudgel Hotel

Benno & Kesh - Currumbin RSL

Hammer & Thongs - DJs Kylie Rose, Reif Hand and Cunning Stunts residents Dale Stephen & Lord Sut - Currumbin RSL

Greer Sullivan - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Made in the 80's - Southport Sharks Kit Bray - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Steven Michael - The Coolangatta Hotel

Benny O'Dwyer - Bine Bar & Dining

Zak Keenan - Precinct Brewing AGENT 77 - The Coolangatta Hotel

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

No Right Turn - The Coolangatta Hotel

Tahlia Matheson - Currumbin RSL

Runes Band - Southport Sharks

Ben Amor - Currumbin RSL

Brett Gannon - Bine Bar & Dining Killer Queen Experience (Tribute) - The Coolangatta Hotel

Gregg Peterson - Precinct Brewing

Nick Waters - Precinct Brewing

Bronte Eve - Pioneer Country

Matthew Armitage - Burleigh Brewing Co Naomi Connell - Currumbin RSL Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose

Steven Michael - Currumbin RSL Reverse - The Coolangatta Hotel Michelle Rau - The Coolangatta Hotel

Luke Yeaman - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Matt Musella - Bine Bar & Dining

Monday 9 August

Carly & Roo - Bine Bar & Dining

Kent Dustin - North Burleigh SLSC Humblét - Eddie's Grub House Naomi Connell - JW Marriott Brett Gannon - Precinct Brewing

Wednesday 11 August

Maddy Breen - Bine Bar & Dining

Mark Bono - The Coolangatta Hotel Zak Keenan - Precinct Brewing Naomi Connell - Dune Cafe

Kate Mckay - Bine Bar & Dining

James D'Khan - Currumbin RSL Kent Dustin - Choofas Smokehouse & Seafood Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose

Thursday 12 August

Yasmina Despot - Roosevelt Lounge Nick Waters - Bine Bar & Dining

Emily Brieger - Currumbin RSL

Saturday 7 August

Sunday 15 August

Kent Dustin - The Henchman

Strictly Acoustic - The Coolangatta Hotel LBX Duo - Currumbin RSL

Wednesday 25 August

Andy Jans-Brown & Cozmic - Hotel Brunswick

Mono - Currumbin RSL

Nebula - Vinnies Dive Bar

Friday 20 August

50 LgE - Hairy Mother Of God, The Fat Bastards - Vinnies Dive Bar

Dear Doonan - Miami Marketta

Rapture - Southport Sharks

Monday 23 August

The Honey Sliders - Soundlounge

Brett Gannon - Bine Bar & Dining

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

Greer Sullivan - Bine Bar & Dining

South Wall - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Kate Mckay - Bine Bar & Dining

Jake Hobbs - Bine Bar & Dining

Nick Waters - Bine Bar & Dining

Greer Sullivan - Bine Bar & Dining

Thursday 26 August

Maddy Breen - Bine Bar & Dining Yasmina Despot - Roosevelt Lounge Drapht - Miami Marketta

Friday 27 August

Justin Jones - The Coolangatta Hotel Nick Waters - Precinct Brewing Jason Delphin - Eddie's Grub House The Good Band - Miami Marketta

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

Ben Whiting - Hotel Brunswick

Brad Johns - The Coolangatta Hotel

Kent Dustin - 4 Pines Coolangatta

Stephen Lovelight - Eddie's Grub House

Clowns - C.O.F.F.I.N + THE UNKNOWNS - The Coolangatta Hotel Rush Hour Band - Southport Sharks

Saturday 21 August

Disco Disciples - The Coolangatta Hotel

Kate Mckay - Bine Bar & Dining

Dani Teveluwe - Currumbin RSL

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

Rick Barron - Burleigh Brewing Co

The Hitmen - Currumbin RSL

Kate Mckay - Bine Bar & Dining

Megan Core - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge Brett Gannon - Precinct Brewing EPIC - Southport Sharks

Saturday 28 August

Zak Keenan - Precinct Brewing

Lima Mañu - Maggie Choo

CURIOUS - Sharks Lloyd +++ - DJs Lord Sut & Dale Stephen, + Master African Drummer Gabriel Otu - Soundlounge

The Jacks Band - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Living In The 70s - The Coolangatta Hotel

GinBuggs - Hotel Brunswick

Josh Hamilton - Hotel Brunswick

Matt Musella - Precinct Brewing Matt Collins - Currumbin RSL

Friday 13 August

Matt Musella - Bine Bar & Dining

Yasmina Despot - Roosevelt Lounge

Kate Mckay - Precinct Brewing

Blakboi - Tom Avery - Burleigh Brewing Co

Greer Sullivan - Precinct Brewing

The Smashed Crabs - The Coolangatta Hotel

Sky Eater - Hotel Brunswick

Kevin & Nuz (Koi Boys) - Koi

Kent Dustin - North Burleigh SLSC

Thursday 19 August

Maddy Breen - Bine Bar & Dining

The Bennies - The Wrath - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Sarah Grant - Hotel Brunswick

Benny O'Dwyer - Bine Bar & Dining

Alex James Bowen - Boatkeeper & Lovegrove - Miami Marketta

EPIC - The Coolangatta Hotel

Rick Barron - The Coolangatta Hotel

Wednesday 18 August

Dance On - Southport Sharks

Sunday 8 August

Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose

Nicholas Hamilton - Burleigh Brewing Co

Bill Jacobi - Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe

Thursday 5 August

Friday 6 August

Budjerah - Miami Marketta

Tim Stokes - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Zak Keenan - Bine Bar & Dining

Amy Elise - Currumbin RSL

Lima Mañu - Maggie Choo

Tuesday 17 August

Zac Hubbard - Currumbin RSL

Lima Mañu - Maggie Choo Yasmina Despot- Roosevelt Lounge

Zak Keenan - Bine Bar & Dining

Saturday 14 August

Benny D Williams - The Deck Creekside

Nick Waters - Bine Bar & Dining

Wednesday 4 August

Blue Bone - Eddie's Grub House

Monday 16 August

Kevin & Nuz (Koi Boys) - Koi

Matt Musella - Precinct Brewing

Sunday 22 August

Felicity Kircher - Currumbin RSL Kevin & Nuz (Koi Boys) - Koi

Luke Pauley - Currumbin RSL

Kent Dustin - The Henchman Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

Jethro Andrews - The Coolangatta Hotel

Cal Creelman - Currumbin RSL Lily Budiasa - Burleigh Brewing Co Brooke Supple - Currumbin RSL

VULGAR DISPLAY OF 90'S - The Coolangatta Hotel Radio City - Southport Sharks Zak Keenan - Bine Bar & Dining

HOTA Gallery features William Robinson

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

Sunday 29 August

Kent Dustin - Choofas Smokehouse & Seafood Lima Mañu - Maggie Choo Jock Barnes - Currumbin RSL Phil & Tilley - Currumbin RSL Kevin & Nuz (Koi Boys) - Koi Kent Dustin - Bine Bar & Dining Bourbon Street - The Coolangatta Hotel Alby Damn - Burleigh Brewing Co Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose

Monday 30 August

Jake Hobbs - Bine Bar & Dining

Tuesday 31 August

Angus Kaftan - Currumbin RSL

Blank Gig Guide brought to you in partnership with Gigl. To list your gig visit gigl.com.au OR email gigs@blankstreetpress.com.au

SCAN FOR GIG DETAILS.

William Robinson’s 16-year creation series will be presented together for the first time in a major exhibition at HOTA Gallery from this weekend. Celebrating one of Australia’s foremost living artists and greatest landscape painters, this exhibition will see Robinson’s entire Creation Series, produced over 16 years, presented together for the first time. Robinson’s Creation Series is widely considered his master works. The series highlights the artist’s spiritual connection to the natural world and through their symphonic composition and his love of classical music. Curated by former GovernorGeneral and close friend of the artist Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, Lyrical Landscapes: The Art of William Robinson will feature these monumental multi-panelled other epic landscapes, including HOTA’s own The Rainforest. Brisbane born and raised William Robinson AO, has been awarded both the Archibald and Wynne Prizes and is celebrated for his monumental multi-perspectival canvases that transformed the way we view Australian landscape painting. In 1984 Robinson took up residence on a 208-acre farm on the western slopes of Beechmont in the Gold Coast hinterland. There, he would walk around and observe the surrounding subtropical rainforest, creating a time of reflection that revealed both the subtle pleasures and grand beauty of the natural world around him. These experiences inspired Robinson, a painter and pianist, to create works of art that twisted Australian landscape painting in a thoroughly new direction, creating

unforgettable art that speaks to his deep fascination with Queensland and New South Wales landscapes. One of the first works that inspired the series is the hero of the Gold Coast’s Collection, Robinson’s five-metre painting The Rainforest. Depicting Botan Creek in the Beechmont rainforest as it flows into a waterfall, and descends into the Coomera River, Robinson’s painting is a meditation on a landscape where time seems suspended. This is also realised in Robinson’s majestic Creation series, a suite of seven works that are a symbolic nod to the seven days of creation in the Bible. The elusive sense of spirituality embedded in Robinson’s painterly landscapes is balanced by the practicalities of composition that he explores, challenges and inverts. Through re-imagining perspective, Robinson places the viewer within, yet simultaneously above, the landscape, transposing the physical effect of being in a landscape into one of allencompassing reverence. Criena Gehrke, CEO said: “We are thrilled to present this opportunity to see the Creation series in its entirety within HOTA Gallery, the design of which itself was inspired by Robinson’s The Rainforest. As the second major exhibition at HOTA Gallery Lyrical Landscapes: The Art of William Robinson is a love letter to the Gold Coast, as much as it is a celebration of one of the greatest living landscape artists in Australia.” HOTA, Home of the Arts presents Lyrical Landscapes: The Art of William Robinson, the second major exhibition at HOTA Gallery from 31 July to 3 October 2021. Book your visit at hota.com.au. Blank - issue #88 - July 2021

Beenleigh Tavern’s million dollar transformation Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

The Beenleigh Tavern in Logan has just unveiled its spectacular new look after a $1.45 million renovation. The new-look Beenleigh Tavern will offer hearty meals, no-fuss drinks and live entertainment – making it the perfect venue for a pre and post shopping stop, after-work drinks, catch ups with friends and family gatherings. The sports bar will host frequent, big-ticket live music gigs and events, while ‘Thursday Night Live’ in the sports bar will bring open mic nights, karaoke, musical bingo and wild west karaoke. DJs and local artists will entertain on Friday evenings, and Saturdays will feature local bands and major touring acts. Guests will be able to relax over a pub meal and pint with the Sunday afternoon acoustic sessions. Major acts playing in the first few months include The Black Sorrows, Outshined, Dreams Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute, Diesel, Made In The 80s and Shannon Noll. Be sure to check out the website for touring dates and tickets. The bistro will re-open with a fresh new look and a new menu that offers pub classics, sharing

plates and good value. Low tables, comfortable banquettes, bistro bar, greenery and a kids play area will make the bistro a favourite spot to dine for the whole family. Highlights on the menu include Chicken Karaage with blue cheese mayo and Peking Duck Shanks alongside favourites like Bacon and cheese garlic bread, Parmies and Burgers. There will also be an extensive choice of grill dishes and healthy, delicious salads. Happy Hour will run every day from 4-6pm, with $6 schooners and house wine, and $7 spirits. Weekly Specials will include Parmy & Schooner on Mondays, Burger & Brew on Wednesdays, Publicans BBQ on Fridays, Kids Eat Free Monday to Thursday and Seniors Lunch every day. To celebrate the re-opening, the team is running a Welcome Weekend from 6 to 8 August, packed with food, music, drink specials, giveaways, entertainment and even 100 free parmies to be nabbed via the Beenleigh Tavern website beenleightavern.com.au. Get amongst it!

Must-catch local acts at Springtime 2021 Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

With so many captivating acts performing at the city’s newest festival in September, we just had to highlight a handful of Gold Coast acts that are absolute must-sees on your Springtime calendar. AKUERI Since 2018, Akurei has shared multiple releases independently, most recently in 2020 with a collection of short EPs through sumoclic - a new label co-launched with friend and collaborator Golden Vessel. In 2021, Connor has been quietly working on a collection of new songs for release in the latter half of the year. Akurei is the solo project of Connor Grant.

MOLLIE ROSE Only in art will a rose grow without a thorn, and Mollie Rose is no exception. The Australian/ English Artist has already achieved so much in her career. A model, social ambassador, DJ and performer - there seems to be no limit to her creative capabilities.

What to expect: A warm, intimate blend of electronic and alternative pop.

JAKE CARMODY Take what electronic music knows best, mix it with SPRINGTIME and great beats and Jake Carmody will do the rest.

Her unique style, captivating energy and musical talent have since gone on to grab the attention of music producers, designers and industry creatives alike, having worked with Jeffree Star, Brody Jenner, Tiffany & Co, Prada and Vogue, to name a few.

With a pair of piercing blue eyes, a record assembly to melt the hearts of many and a stage presence like no other, Jake Carmody carries the potential for a sure-fire future. Thumping first-rate dance music from club house, electro to trap and hip-hop, Jake strides into the DJ booth and intrinsically knows how to intensify the energy of any

What to expect: A wicked mix of dance, electronic, hip hop and pop

crowd. Known for his mastery in the club, his tunes are always on high demand across Queensland’s blazing venues from Electric Playground, Magic City, Sin City and Vanity. It’s in the studio where the anticipation arises for this young artist, cultivating electronic music after years of producing champion hip-hop bass lines. With a penchant for eclectic mash ups, the studio doors are locked and the tunes being attended to. What to expect: Club house and hip hop inspired by Diplo, Pharrell Williams and Mark Ronson

DASTE Local band from SPRINGTIME’s hometown, daste. are a trio from the Gold Coast who make chilled R&B/Soul music that can be likened to a mix between Tora, Parcels, Two Another and Leisure. Braxton and Tyler became friends in high school and then met Callum at a Popular Music degree at Griffith University. They quickly developed a connection thorough similar tastes in music, and after performing with a local band called ANNY for a few months they started playing around with a few ideas amongst them, and this inevitably led to the formation of daste. Over the last few months they have been busy working on their debut album ‘dusk / dawn’ and between now and then we can expect to see a collection of songs from that album, including their recently released singles ‘either way’ and ‘somebody like you’. What to expect: A mix of chilled r’n’b, soul, pop and electronic. Springtime is a FREE event that runs on stages across Surfers Paradise from 3 to 5 September. Hit up springtimegc.com.au for the full lineup.

IVEY Ivey are Millie, Lachie, Dante, Matt and Riley, five best friends from the Gold Coast that love making music together. The young band have been hustling their way through adolescence and the music industry, playing shows, writing music and navigating their

personal lives since 2013. Off the back of successful singles through 2018-2020, Ivey found themselves supporting the likes of North East Party House, Cub Sport and Lime Cordiale and performing to adoring crowds at Falls Music and Arts Festival (NSW), The Drop (QLD) and Yalls Fest (WA). What to expect: Super catchy indie-pop tunes

CHUTNEY Before they take the stage at Springtime, Chutney have already left an imprint within the South East Queensland scene, with their electrifying live shows and expressive song writing. All four members hail from separate local Gold Coast bands Augusta, Hot Coffee & the Blank - issue #89 - August 2021

Stingin’ Rogers, and combined in late 2019 to bring their love for lyrical indie rock together into a fully-fledged outfit. Impressively slick guitar lines, strong and memorable vocals, pounding drums and throbbing bass lines form the crux of this class lineup, all combined with a deep appreciation for high quality song writing and fan connectivity.

The four Gold Coast natives love to represent the laid-back lifestyle of their hometown, and you can expect to feel their infectious energy when seeing them live. Catching these boys is a must don’t miss the next big thing. What to expect: An electrifying, lyrical Indie rock show

AUGUST 7 BONOGIN VALLEY BUSHCARE GROUP, FIRTH PARK, SOMERSET DRIVE, MUDGEERABA In conjunction with the City’s Natural Areas Management Unit, this group is currently working on a project at Firth Park with the aim of planting 50,000 native trees along the creek. You can get involved in your local community by joining as a volunteer. Register on line to secure a spot and find out more about the event. For more information email naturallyGC@goldcoast.qld.gov. au or phone 5581 1537. AUGUST 14-15 GOLD COAST CAR SHOW, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS A huge display of cars, bikes, trucks and retro caravans. Market stalls both days. SATURDAY - Rev-it-Up Family Retro Day with Cars & Caravans from 50’s to 70’s bands, monster trucks, FMX stunts & fireworks. SUNDAY- everything on Wheels Show Cars, Bikes, Trucks, Caravans & more! https://goldcoastcarshow.com.au/ AUGUST 15 NATURALLYGC / MANDALA

NATURE CRAFT (KIDS WORKSHOP), MUDGEERABA MUSIC CENTRE 9:30 - 10:30am / FREE Presented by Green Heroes, learn how to make a large group mandala using interesting objects borrowed from nature (eg seeds, feathers, pebbles, plant matter, bark, grasses). Suitable for children 5-12 years. Adults and children must have a booking. Eventbrite.com.au/naturallgc AUGUST 15 NATURALLYGC / WHO LIVES IN A HOLLOW, MUDGEERABA MUSIC CENTRE This kids’ workshop focusses on the importance of tree hollows for many native wildlife species. Participants will gain a better understanding of hollows and why we need them. For ages 5 to 12 / FREE Eventbrite.com.au/naturallgc CAMEL RACES, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS The best camel racing event is coming to Mudgeeraba. Fun family entertainment with camel racing, camel rides, amusement rides, market stalls, food vendors and music. For more information on the event and ticket purchase

Facebook Camel Races Mudgeeraba

stalls, off-lead play area, food & drink, live music, fundraising raffle and more!

AUGUST 22 BLEACH FESTIVAL – ACOUSTIC LIFE OF SHEDS

Free entry. Parking available off Mudgeeraba Road next to Mosaic Church with donation to Swellsculpture.com.au the Animal Welfare League of Qld.

Take a tour of the hinterland to experience distinctly different performances in four iconic rural sheds, with a performance at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds. Picnic boxes available to preorder with your ticket. Tickets selling fast. For more information: Bleachfestival.com.au/events/ acoustic-life-of-sheds/

Pawsatthepark.com.au SEPTEMBER 1 - 19 WESTERLY SWELL – WORDPLAY, THE VILLAGE GREEN MUDGEERABA AND SYD DUNCAN PARK LOWER BEECHMONT 9am - 7pm daily

This event is all about WORDPLAY, showcasing two literary-inspired installations AUGUST 28 created by Australian/Colombian PAWS AT THE PARK, artist, Emma Anna. These MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS large scale scrabble inspired 9am to 1pm sculptures will be installed in Division 9 at two locations – Up to 100 doggie related market

The Village Green Mudgeeraba and Syd Duncan Park Lower Beechmont. The exciting program will include activations and artist talks.

SEPTEMBER 17-19 2021 MUDGEERABA AGRICULTURAL SHOW This year the organisers have loads in store to make up for missing the 202 show, with amazing vendors, livestock shows, horse shows, rides, wood chopping competitions, animals and fun for all. The Mudgeeraba Show society are proud and excited to present the first ever ‘Education Day’ featuring educational interactive activities and demonstrations. mudgeerabashow.org.au.

GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS X BURLEIGH BREWING CO.

People’s Choice Award Voting opens Thursday 19 August

MAKE YOUR CHOICE SIGN UP NOW TO VOTE - FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A VIP DOUBLE PASS TO THE 2021 GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS.