BLANK - ISSUE 91 - OCTOBER 2021 by Blank Street Press

DION PARKER REFLECTS ON A SWELL DECADE

NATURALLYGC WORKSHOPS www.eventbrite.com.au OCTOBER 1 ABORIGINAL ART AND CULTURE, HINTERLAND REGIONAL PARK 9am – 10am | FREE Join this interactive indigenous workshop with storytelling, didgeridoos, emu feather hair decorations, ochre painting and more. Suitable for ages 5 and above (must be supervised) and adults. OCTOBER 3 MANDALA NATURE ART AND CRAFT, MUDGEERABA MUSIC CENTRE 9am - 10am Enjoy some nature art and craft using interesting objects borrowed from nature to craft a large group Mandala, specifically themed to suit different threatened species on the Gold Coast.

OCTOBER 5 HINTERLAND COMMUNITY BAND – ‘HINT OF SWING’, MUDGEERABA MEMORIAL HALL 11:30am - 12:30pm This FREE event will take you back to the sweet sounds of the swing era with full 18-piece ensemble. Make a day of it and support the many food and beverage options in Mudgeeraba. Facebook.com/lovethatsound/ OCTOBER 13 & 17 GC TECHSPACE OPEN NIGHT TOUR, OLD POST OFFICE, MUDGEERABA GC Techspace have a community tour on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month. People of all ages and experiences can come together to access tools, equipment, share knowledge and learn. Bring your laptop and any projects from home.

Meetup.com/gctechspace/ OCTOBER 3 WHO LIVES IN A HOLLOW, MUDGEERABA MUSIC CENTRE OCTOBER 14 – DECEMBER 11 NS 2021 PERFORMANCE 11am - 12pm ACADEMY PROGRAM, FIRTH PARK NETBALL COURTS Presented by Green Heroes, this workshop focusses on the importance of tree hollows for NetSpirit is hosting these many native wildlife species workshops and programs, teaching kids to be aware of creating unforgettable ways to provide habitat and safe netball experiences. Equal shelter in their own backyard.

opportunities for all players to come and train with specialist coaches to learn and develop their skills. For more information on the Program and tickets email netspiritnetball@gmail.com OCTOBER 24 MUDGEERABA LAWN BOWLS CLUB ANNUAL CHARITY DAY To support participation of a Club member in the Riverina Redneck Rally. This is a fundraiser event for ‘Country Hope’, a charity dedicated to developing support programs and services in response to the needs of country families. $15 gets you lunch and a fun afternoon of bowls Facebook.com/ MudgeerabaLawnBowls/ Club/events

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OCTOBER 31 AUSTINVILLE LANDCARE GROUP, AUSTINVILLE CONSERVATION AREA 8am - 10am NaturallyGC Beaches to Bushcare Program along the upper reaches of Mudgeeraba Creek. If you enjoy being outdoors, being part of a community and would like to make a difference to our natural environment, then this is for you. No experience is necessary to join. Eventbrite.com.au - search Austinville Valley Landcare NOVEMBER 6-7 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 NOVEMBER 20 WALLAPALOOZA, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS Gold Coast’s longest running independent festival is ready to ROCK the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds on Saturday 20th November. Expanding the event to this venue will give thousands more live music fans the opportunity to spend the day experiencing some of Australia’s greatest headline acts, whilst also experiencing amazing local talent Jam-packed with stacks of your favourite Aussie bands. Headlined by iconic rockers Grinspoon and featuring The Butterfly Effect, Dead Letter Circus, 28Days, Bodyjar, DefFX and more. oztix.com.au

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CRICOS Provider: 01241G Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

Your local stories Hey Blankers, Spring has sprung! What a time to be living on the Gold Coast, eh? Although to be fair there’s never really a terrible time to be living here.

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, Simone Gorman-Clark, Pip Andreas, Anna Itkonen, Prudence Clark, Catherine Coburn, Naomi Middlebrook, Nikki Archer, Dani Teveluwe, Anne Janelle. Cover: Dion Parker with his artwork ‘Acid’. Photography by Simone Gorman-Clark @simonegormanclark 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

Last month’s Gold Coast Music Awards edition celebrated some of the epic musical talent on the coast in the lead up to what was a fabulous awards ceremony at HOTA, Home of the Arts. ICYMI, jump onto the GCMAs Facebook or Insta for plenty of glamorous snaps from the day and the recorded livestream, too. And in case you’ve been living under a rock, we’ve included the handy list of winners for you in this mag, too. This edition sees us celebrate another great event from last month, with local artist Dion Parker featured on the cover. Dion took out the main prize at this year’s SWELL Sculpture Festival, and his story will have your laughing, cheering and maybe even tearing up a little. Be sure to check it out. In other news this month, we chat to Brisbane’s coolest rockers Dead Letter Circus ahead of their upcoming set at Wallapalooza, meet one of the wickedly delightful cast members from Dracula’s, get the goss from some local filmmakers who are killing it OS, suss out an 80s dance party at HOTA - the likes of which you’ve never seen before, champion the Gold

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Coast women transforming used coffee grounds into gardening gold, give you the heads up on the spookiest Halloween event in town and get a little Mediterranean with our food reviews. Enjoy! Hot tip: If you’re out and about and looking for a bite, coffee or some live tunes on your weekend, maybe pop down to Cooly and support some of the border businesses down there if you can, eh? Until next month, stay well and take care of each other. Yours, Natalie O’Driscoll Managing Editor

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Jem Cassar-Daley at HOTA

Paradise. There are two options for eager race-watchers: The Grand Ballroom three course luncheon and beverage package, featuring live music and fashions on the field, or Traditional JW High Tea in the Tamborine Gallery, featuring a menu created by the culinary team using local ingredients sourced from the Gold Coast Hinterland and a luxury beverage package including bottomless Moet Chandon. You’d better book early at goldcoastttickets. com.au.

Indie artist Jem Cassar-Daley has announced a tour of Queensland with a full band in tow. Show dates kick off on October 29 at HOTA, where attendees will have the chance to hear Jem belt out her debut solo single ‘Letting Go’, that's already acquired her national love, including an add to Unearthed Radio. Tickets at hota.com.au

Theatre-makers have searched puppy playgrounds high and low to find local canines with barkworthy ‘tails’ to tell. From an 80-kilogram dog with his own bedroom, a dogfluencer with more followers than you, and a national champion with fur to die for, hear from their companions in this hour of uplifting – and tear-jerking – theatre. Let’s Be Friends Furever hits the stage at HOTA on 29 + 30 October as part of WONDER. Tix at hota.com.au.

Distillery Road Markets in Eagleby will transform every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to showcase some of the most outstanding local food, art and music with the launch of their weekend markets. From German Sausages to Paella, popcorn and ice cream paired with beautiful tunes from local musicians, visitors are in for a real treat. For more information, and details on how to become a market stall holder, go to drm.market/weekend-markets

Restless Dance Theatre hits Gold Coast

Stories in the Key of GC returns

Host your Melbourne Cup function in style this year at JW Marriott Surfers

Bicycle Queensland recently announced the return of its city to coast cycling event, the ‘Downer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge 2021’. Celebrating its 16th year, the iconic gathering returns on Sunday 17 October, inviting Australians of all ages to join in one of the country’s most revered mass participation rides. This year, attendees can sign-up for one of three distances—the classic 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast, 40km from Brisbane to Logan, or 60km from Logan to the Gold Coast. Visit bq.org.au to enter.

CBD Live to host Hindley Street Country Club

After a gut wrenching, last minute COVID-19 lockdown cancellation of this year's festival, and with further uncertainty for the coming months, the team at Botanical Bazaar have picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and are excited to announce Botanical Bazaar 2022 for 6 and 7 August 2022 at Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang. Get it in your 2022 calendars now!

Melbourne Cup at JW Marriott

Downer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge

Distillery Road Markets open up to weekend fun Let’s Be Friends Furever

Botanical Bazaar returns in 2022

Desh and comedy writer Marni Little strutting the HOTA stage on Saturday 30 October. Tix at hota.com.au.

This intimate storytelling night has taken the coast by storm since its creator, Gold Coast musician Fletcher Babb, first brought it to life in 2019. Now another fascinating evening of storytelling awaits, with King of Pop Normie Rowe, comedian

Restless Dance Theatre, one of the only arts companies in Australia to employee artists with a disability, will be taking up residency at HOTA, Home of the Arts in October, for three daring, emotive and innovative public shows: Seeing Through Darkness (7-8 Oct), Michelle’s Story (8 Oct) and Ecoute Pour Voir (9-10 Oct). Catch this vibrant and eclectic South Australian company while you can. Tix at hota.com.au.

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Not your average covers band, Hindley Street Country Club have developed a national reputation for being simply one of the best cover and tribute groups around. In demand all over the country, they are making a Gold Coast stop when they play at CBD Live above RSL Club Southport on 12 November. Tix at cbdlive.sales. ticketsearch.com.

Get the low-down on local festivals, gigs, theatre, art, comedy, eats, drinks, amazing humans and more by joining our e-list for a-list news.

Valley Fiesta returns! It’s all fiesta, no siesta this month, with the return of one of Brisbane’s biggest annual parties, Valley Fiesta from 28-30 October.

E D I U G G GI

OCT 2021

S MONTH MUSIC THI SHARKS! FREE, LIVE T UTHPOR O S E H T T A

GAME OF TONES 1 OCTOBER

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll Photography by Dave Kan & Terry O'Hagan

RED ROCK 9 OCTOBER

REVERSE 2 OCTOBER

MADE IN THE 80’S 8 OCTOBER

5TH AVENUE 15 OCTOBER

AUSSIE PRIDE 16 OCTOBER

More than 20 venues across Fortitude Valley will come alive over three days to feature more than 100 artists including hometown heroes Hope D, rapper Nerve and Beddy Rays. In addition, Gold Coast talent will feature heavily on the bill, with Being Jane Lane, Buttered, DVNA, Ella Fence, Jesswar, Lotus Ship, Nice Biscuit, Pure Milk, Radolescent, Saint Lane, Siala, syrup, go on, Verum, VOIID and more hitting the stages over the course of the epic event. And if there wasn’t another reason for music-lovers to rejoice, the Valley’s Brunswick Mall will also transform into a Music Marketplace on Saturday 30 October, with vinyl swaps, vintage clothing, pop-up DJs and more.

SACCHARO 22 OCTOBER

MIRROBALL EXPRESS 23 OCTOBER

THE SWITCH 29 OCTOBER

GAGA TRIBUTE 30 OCTOBER

Powderfinger guitarist and Valley Fiesta ambassador, Ian Haug, said, “I’ve been to nearly every Valley Fiesta over the last 24 years and every year is wildly different - the venues are varied, the bands are diverse and the Brisbane audiences are excitable. What could go wrong? I love the music scene in the Valley." With past appearances from acts like Flume, Alison Wonderland, Cub Sport, The Preatures, Hayden James and Dune Rats, Valley Fiesta continues to play a monumental role in building the Australian music scene over the past 24 years.

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

Tickets are on sale now via valleyfiesta.com.au. Valley Fiesta runs from 28 to 30 October 2021. Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

NEWS TAP ON

by o you t t h g brou

The People Speak: Euca takes home the gong Words by Anthony Gebhardt | Photography by James Wills & Simone Gorman-Clark

The People’s Choice Award is always one of the most hotly anticipated and talked about gongs at the Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMAs), with previous winners including Being Jane Lane, Elska and Baltimore Gun Club. And this year’s worthy winner was sassy singer-songwriter Euca, a pocket dynamo whose oeuvre hits the sweet-spot between heavenly melodies, brawny riffs and a ‘keep it real’ emotional integrity. Renowned for her lyrical storytelling prowess, her pop-rock stylings have racked up almost half a million Spotify streams for her debut single ‘Not Champagne’, while her follow up singles ‘I Hate The Way’ and ‘Spite’ have kept her firmly in the spotlight over the past 12 months. And while her current output is relatively recent, she’s actually been involved in the music caper for quite a while already, as she explains. “I graduated from Music Industry College (MIC) in 2014 and released an EP under an alternate synonym, but I absolutely loathed it and it turned me off writing and recording for a long time. I continued working as a wedding singer and musician, and when I became super comfortable, I got back into writing and met a really meh bloke who inspired

my first two singles. When they did as well as they did I was mind blown, and it got me hooked right back into artistry. I am so bloody excited about where I'll go as Euca, but I try to just take it one song at a time.”

Open to all finalists, each year the People’s Choice winner receives a one-off, unique trophy, this year designed by contemporary sculpture artist Clayton Blake, with whom the brewery was delighted to work with again.

This year also saw craft beer legends Burleigh Brewing, soon to celebrate their fifteenth year of operation, step up to sponsor the Award. The brewery and their iconic Tap House in Burleigh have long championed local live music, over the years playing host to a multitude of up-and-coming Gold Coast acts including Lily Budiasa, Ella Fence, Ondre Davis, James D Khan, Benny Whiskey, Alby Damn and Braiden Penwarn.

“Clayton is an amazing artist who previously featured in our ‘Live Your Passion’ series. We love the storytelling and abstract approach he brought to creating this trophy. It's truly a work of art and it has been an awesome experience collaborating with him again.”

Speaking recently with the Burleigh Brewing marketing team, it’s clear that getting behind live music and local talent is something that the brewery holds in high esteem. “Supporting the local community is a key value for all of us here. We're always looking for ways that we can do our bit, whether through our Brewing Local Artist's initiative or having those distinctive connections with local acts. There is so much homegrown talent around, we're just stoked to be involved.” Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

With a hot field of finalists to contend with, Euca was over the moon to have received the vote of the local music going public, as she explains; “It was wild honestly. I kept flip flopping from feeling like I had it in the bag, to thinking there was NO possible way I could have actually won, so to hear my name read out was awesome.

I personally think ‘People’s Choice’ holds a value to it that the other awards don't - you're the one the PEOPLE wanted. It's the best!”

As well as the bragging rights and kudos, Euca was also rapt to take home the hand sculpted trophy. “It's my favourite. I was gushing over it to Clayton for ages before I even realised he was the artist!! It's going to go somewhere with a nice window sill so the pretty neon pink can reflect colourful light into my place.” And as we (hopefully) transition out of the worst of the pandemic, Burleigh Brewing will be looking at ramping things up again at the Taphouse with live music. “Our hearts hurt for all those in the music industry who have been affected financially and emotionally by the current climate. We have some good pals, Peach Fur and Chutney (who absolutely killed it at this years Crafted Beer Festival, those guys know how to throw down some Burleigh Bigheads!) who recently elected to play a show out in Warwick in response to uncertainty surrounding venue restrictions for live music on the Gold Coast. We'd love to work more with them both and we've been keeping up with a few other local bands – stay tuned!”

Muertos revived: Meet Onyx Meet the delightfully wicked cast behind Dracula’s Cabaret. Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

Iconic Broadbeach dinner theatre institution Dracula’s Cabaret has honed its oeuvre over the years down to a razor’s edge blend of genderbent comedy, dark fascinations and sinful musical delights. And of course, where would this renowned brand be without their wonderfully cultish cast of worldclass, hand-picked performers? We thought we’d take a closer look at some of the members that make up the naughtiest and most outrageous performance troupe on the Gold Coast, starting with Onyx – aka Gold Coaster James Smart. In demand all over the world, James is a spirited all-round performer with a passion for choreography and drag performance. He is no stranger to Dracula’s, having previously performed in shows Nine Pints and Dracula’s: The Resurrection Tour, and now features in the

revived and refreshed version of day-of-the-dead-themed extravaganza Muertos. We dove under James’ skin to get to the bloody, beating heart of the matter. Can you describe a career highlight? Well one would absolutely be travel. I've worked and lived in Singapore, Japan, Dubai and China. They were such culturally rich experiences and helped to broaden my world view. Another highlight would absolutely have to be the 'Draculas Resurrection ' touring show at The Palms at Crown in Melbourne. I was working with such a brilliant creative team, cast and crew and I got to sing my father’s alltime favourite song ‘Stairway to Heaven’ onstage in front of him and my family and friends. Epic.

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What sets Dracula’s apart as a place to work?

Is there anything else you’d like people to know?

Dracula’s is a fabulous combination of quirkiness, campiness, comedy and powerful music. As an artist, you dream of shows where you can hone in on your personal style and show your skills. The benefit of it having moments of improvisation and interaction with the audience always keeps us on our toes and ensures every show is different.

I would love if people could come check out Dracula’s and see what were made of. Muertos has just been revamped with some all new cast members and will be running until early 2022, when we will have an exciting new show for everyone. Please come check it out and go out and support the arts so we can get the industry thriving again!

Why should people come to see Muertos? As you arrive you will be treated to some truly unique and quirky decor. This is the only restaurant you will find that has a ghost train, insane abusive waiters, amazing cocktails and a show that will make you laugh, most likely arouse you and will showcase some world class Australian talent. All wrapped in one.

Dracula’s Cabaret, currently featured a refreshed version of Muertos, runs from Tuesday to Saturday with tickets starting at just $99 for a Ghost Train Ride, three course meal and full show. Get amongst it at draculas.com. au. To read the full interview, head on over to blankstreetpress. com.au.

Dion Parker reflects on a swell decade Gold Coast artist Dion Parker has taken out the main prize at the 2021 SWELL Sculpture Festival for a bronze sculpture of his iconic canine character Li’l Dusty, on his tenth showing at the beloved arts event.

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

The $15,000 SWELL Sculpture Award, sponsored by the Neumann Family and judged by Elishia Whitchurch, was bestowed upon Dion Parker for his latest Li’l Dusty creation, entitled ‘Reflection’. The bronze dog lay reclined on a bench seat, face to the sun, in a pose reflecting the opposite bronze sculpture ‘Sun Spirit’ by Frank Miles, a permanent fixture at Currumbin foreshore since 2006. Also known colloquially as the Sunbathing Lady, the famous ‘Sun Spirit’ statue was a longtime inspiration of Dion’s. “I’d see SWELL down there before I ever entered, and thought how amazing it was,” recalls Dion, who remains “bloody shocked” by his win. “I’d always been creative and always wanted to be an artist, but I kept thinking ‘I’m not an artist, I’d never get in’, and

every year it would come and go and I’d just be there wishing I could be an artist. “But even when SWELL was over, I’d go down for a surf and I’d see the Sunbathing Lady there, and she was this reminder – ‘C’mon Dion, you want to do this, at least try’.” At the same time Dion was building boats for a living and sketching on scrap timber throughout his lunch breaks, with all his colleagues telling him he was wasting his time in the boatyard, as he was clearly an artist. “People would be like ‘What are you doing here?’ My answer was always ‘I don’t know’.” One day the signs pointing towards his true vocation could no longer be ignored, and in 2011, Dion mustered up the confidence to apply for SWELL, and got in. Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

His first piece, entitled ‘Breach’, was a whale breaching out of the water, made from a lineup of bent steel poles. It was an optical illusion that could only be seen from one angle, and was an ambitious engineering project for a first-time sculptor. “I made a scale model of it, at 30cm tall and it was 13 poles,” Dion recalls. “Then I traced each one on grid paper and scaled it up to the size I wanted it - I think the tallest pole was 3m - and laid out plywood in my garage, then bought myself a pipe bender and spent a couple of months bending each piece into shape. “I made the base and sat each one on the base and it actually worked!” I point out that even ten years later, he still sounds incredulous about it.

“I’ve got my dad to thank for that,” Dion laughs. “He was a builder for thirty years and I was just gonna have a go and bend them and see what happens, and dad was like ‘There’s a simpler way to do it if you work it all out’. He was the one who encouraged me to do it mathematically and use the grid technique and it worked perfectly.” ‘Breach’ was well received by the SWELL crowds and the organisers, boosting Dion’s confidence. “I told myself that year, if I can do it once, I can do it ten times. This year was my tenth time, so it was the realisation of a long-term goal.” What a year to take out the main prize! Of course, this was not Dion’s first taste of success at SWELL. In 2018, he and fellow Mint Art House artist and collaborator Andrew Cullen also took out the main prize for their inspired wire sculpture ‘Prickles The Unhuggable Bear’. “That was such a highlight,” says Dion.

“I thought it wasn’t gonna get any better than that, but I guess winning it on your own might just be a tiny bit sweeter, especially winning with a character that I’ve created that’s so personal to me. “The timing was so personal to me as well. I really couldn’t have asked for a better year. I was already feeling a little bit emotional about reaching this goal that I’d set myself so long ago and it all seemed to come together.” Dion is known around the Gold Coast, if not necessarily in person, then at least by his distinctive artwork, especially the character of Li’l Dusty, who has taken on a life outside of bronze and appeared in animation, kids’ books, street art, resin, walls, posters, and even on incredibly cool merchandise for your wicked local street press Blank, which can currently be bought at The Merch Desk [shameless plug! #sorrynotsorry – Ed].

and they said that Dusty sounded kind of cool. Then I just added the Li’l later.” When asked to describe Li’l Dusty’s personality, his creator muses: “I guess at times he can be a li’l bit cheeky. He’s loveable and innocent in his own way.” Is he actually Dion, I wonder? “He’s definitely become a self-portrait,” he acknowledges. And for those who recognise that cheeky glint in Dion’s eye, that would come as no surprise. As for how many times he’s peed on fire hydrants, Dion is keeping schtum. “Hey if I’m doing that I probably don’t remember it the next day,” he laughs. Thanks to SWELL Sculpture Festival, Li’l Dusty, the support of the City’s movers and shakers and a combination of hard work, talent and perseverance, Dion’s rollercoaster of a decade has seen him realise his dream of becoming a full-time artist. He’s currently based out of collaborative arts hub Mint Art House in Burleigh, where he regularly works with the other inhouse artists. Dion looks back on his time with SWELL. “While emotionally this year of SWELL would be my favourite, my first one is also so important because it was what changed my life in the direction that I wanted to go,” says Dion. “From entering SWELL I met you guys at Blank and ended up doing the Gold Coast Music Awards and met and worked with so many other artists in the creative community.

My life has changed in so many ways for the better over the last ten years.” A decade worth reflecting on, indeed. You can follow Dion @holyshititsdion and even nab your own Li’l Dusty to take home.

Not bad for a faceless canine that was whipped up in clay while Dion was waiting for his partner to get ready for a night out. “I think it was 2014,” says Dion. “My partner and I were going out, I had a little ball of sculpting clay and I knew I had half an hour so I made this little dog with his leg cocked. I thought it was pretty cool so when we got home I made a little fire hydrant for him to be weeing on.” And history was made. BOOK NOW, SCAN HERE!

Dion moulded and reproduced the dog, started exploring the character and making variations. In 2015 he made a near life-sized version for a solo exhibition at Dust Temple which was sold to couple who asked the character’s name when they came to pick it up. “He didn’t have one yet. So (Dust Temple owner) Isla Wilson asked them what they were going to call him, Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

Local film ‘Lessons’ garners international audience Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

Short film ‘Lessons’, created by Gold Coaster Summer Brown and shot by well-known local filmmaker Jude Kalman, is making waves overseas, most recently having been shown at the City of Angels Women’s Film Festival in Los Angeles. The Gold Coast short was extremely well-received amongst the American crowds, and already has two additional upcoming international festival showings scheduled, an incredible coup for these emerging local filmmakers. ‘Lessons’ is a searingly honest portrayal of a family violence scenario, from the point of view of the children in the family. The kids in it discuss the “lessons” they have learnt as a result of living with a violent and volatile father, with dark and frightening visuals of the home environment as the backdrop of their storytelling. Jude tells us the story is reflective of Summer’s own experiences. “Summer is a survivor of domestic violence and wanted to tell her story,” Jude explains.

“She wanted to honour her kids in what they also had survived. Listening to her story, her life; my heart broke. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room as she recounted some of her experiences. “I was honoured to have been approached and was keen to come alongside and help Summer tell her story through film.” Having met through Brett McCallum, Executive Producer of ‘Lessons’ and a mutual friend to both, Jude and Summer set about figuring out how to tell the story in a way that was both impactful and also mindful of the difficult content. “Domestic violence is not a pretty subject and we walked the fine line of showing the harsh realities of it, keeping in mind the audience's sensitivities,” says Jude. “Both the script (intentional use of voice over) and the filming schedule broke up scenes. This was to give space for all of us to digest the heavy emotion of it and also to separate any abusive scenes from the children. “Any scenes that had children in it, a parent was on standby close to the set. “The abusive scenes between Mum (Ilana Collins) and Dad (Andy Sparnon) were hard on both cast and crew.

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Andy, an actor and writer, is actually a very chilled out, kind and fun guy I could see it took a bit out of him to play this character so at the end of each intense scene, we hugged it out and tried to have a laugh.” Summer hopes the film will have an extended life, due to its critical content. “Right now the short film is being shown exclusively in festivals around the world and we hope this will leverage a transition into an education program in Australian schools in 2022,” she says. For now, locals who would like to see the film can subscribe to an online viewing at the following festivals: City of Angels Women’s Film Festival, LAMPA Film Festival, Poe Film Festival.

2 8 - 3 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1 150+ ARTISTS

Get spooked in Surfers this Halloween Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

Throughout October, Cavill Lane Surfers Paradise will play host to an evil residency debut called The Haunted Passage, designed especially to help you to get your Halloween thrills on. Running on select Friday and Saturday nights throughout October (and of course on Halloween night!) The Haunted Passage includes a horrifying Haunt Maze, a thrilling 20 minute escape room, a five minute puzzle experience, FREAK virtual reality, Horror and dark art for sale, scare performers, carnival games, laneway bar and themed gifts, enabling you to curate the terrifying evening of your choice!

21 VENUES

F E AT U R I N G

This atmospheric showcase is designed to transport you into a haunted passage influenced by horror films and haunted attractions, for an experience of an immersive event.

M O R E

Tickets on sale now at valleyfiesta.com.au

Within the Haunted Passage event, organisers have designed an eerie Haunt Maze running from 5 to 9pm on select weekend nights from the 15 to 31 October. Be warned: The haunt is dark, confined, full of surprises and most definitely not for the faint-hearted. There are plenty of culinary experiences and authentic street food options to indulge in as well as for you to grab a drink during event hours. Disclaimer: Some areas will have conditions and age restrictions. Entry is free though individual attraction charges and conditions apply. For more details check out cavilllane. com.au/the-haunted-passage

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M E D I A PA RT N E R S

A N I N I T I AT I V E O F

PRESENTED BY

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Selve Take Out 2021 Gold Coast Music Prize Words by Anthony Gebhardt | Photography by James Wills

The Gold Coast Music Prize is one of the most prestigious accolades bestowed upon an artist as part of the Gold Coast Music Awards, offering a year-long industry support package to an artist expected to make great strides over the coming twelve months. Last year the inaugural award was taken out by electro indie-pop starlet DENNIS. And 2021 saw another worthy winner take out the honour in the form of psychtinged art rock collective Selve, fronted by enigmatic lead singer and Jabirr Jabirr man, Loki Liddle. This year the Award was proudly sponsored by the Friends Of The Arts Foundation (FOTA), a not-for-profit organisation that has been active since 1968 in providing grants and youth programs to promote and encourage visual and performing arts. As part of their mandate, ‘The Friends’ are dedicated to supporting emerging young musicians on the Gold Coast, with FOTA spokesperson and president, Ian Kennedy, elaborating on the organisation’s ability to step up and support the CGMA’s this year; “The Friends have watched the GCMAs grow over recent years and have wanted to be involved in some capacity. Our charitable objectives include promoting, encouraging and fostering artistic and cultural pursuits and music is one of the central pillars of artistic and cultural endeavour on the Gold Coast. “We received a generous bequest last year which has finally enabled us to step up and provide support we weren't in a position to provide before. I hope that this prize will give Selve the industry insights, support and contacts to take them to the next level in terms of their growth and success as musical artists.” For Ian and ‘The Friends’, getting behind artistic endeavours in these pandemic addled times is something that should be mandated from the top down. “Live music deserves to receive the level of support from Government that sporting events have, such as providing special concessions for quarantining visiting

artists, easing of restrictions on crowd numbers and underwriting the costs of booking events into the future. “Rapid antigen testing may become a part of the toolkit for holding live events. In the mean-time businesses who continue to trade successfully as a result of the changed domestic needs arising from the pandemic can step up and provide corporate support for artists and events. Music is not a luxury. It is at the heart of our culture and our mental wellbeing and ought to be treated with no less importance than is accorded to sporting events.” The Gold Coast Music Prize is specifically tailored to help the winning artist reach their goals over the coming twelve months. It includes paid performance opportunities, PR and marketing support across a number of different mediums, networking contacts with key music industry personnel and video and image capture, to name but a few of the exciting opportunities coming the way of Selve. For Reece Bowden, one of the Selve collective, taking out the honour was somewhat surreal and unexpected. “We were quietly thinking we might have taken out the music video award for our song 'The Pink Hotel' so I'd kinda got a few stray thoughts together for something to say if we won that one. So I was taken a little by surprise when we got called up for the GC Music Prize and as such ended up rambling about various things with my band mate Creation Saffigna. But I reckon we did alright!” For Reece, the potential provided by these opportunities is already the source of much anticipation. “Well, as with any journey of this nature, networks become more and more important. To receive this prize and have access to opportunities and industry professionals we wouldn't otherwise have, is obviously huge. “We're yet to really formulate a game plan, but given that we've got a pretty large backlog of material that's going to be released across next year, I'd wager that we'll try to see what support we

can get with things like marketing, management opportunities and music videos. Very exciting!” And there’s plenty in store in the world of Selve over the coming twelve months, as Reece explains; “We're chipping away at finishing off a pair of EPs we wrote and played a lot throughout the last year or so. At the same time we've also started work on what will be our first full length album, made up of newer material. And that's about 40% done!

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“We are very happy with the new material and the pending shows that we are lucky to have coming our way are very exciting ones. We're also super lucky to have a really great home studio, so I guess the plan is to keep writing, recording and playing and see where that takes us.” Follow @selvemusic to see how their musical journey continues with the help of the 20201 GCMA Gold Coast Music Prize, sponsored by Friends of the Arts.

Dead Letter Circus Ready To Detonate At Wallapalooza

With all of the COVID-related impacts on live music performance, you guys must be itching to get up on stage and play at Wallapalooza in November!? How have you guys handled the lack of scope to get out there in front of a crowd over the past 18 months? Going full glass is half full here, we'd never taken a break since 2006 and had been in a cycle of touring, writing, touring so this was the forced break I think we all needed to refresh and reboot.

Words by Anthony Gebhardt

In what ways have you all kept busy during these trying times? We've all put some much-needed time into our lives outside of the band, which is very easy to become unbalanced. So we’ve had some solid unbroken time with loved ones and undertaken some other cool projects. And our Drummer Luke Williams has become a star on the psy-trance scene as Mr Licka, exploding some pineal glands in the ‘doof world’ around the world! As well as yourselves there's a bunch of other killer bands playing the Wallapalooza bill - are there any other acts on the bill that you've shared stages with before or who you're particularly looking forward to seeing? Playing with the Grinners (Grinspoon) and The Butterfly Effect is always awesome, as well as all the killer local acts, whom a bunch of are our mates. I'd say some fun times will be had both in front and back of stage haha!

For more than fifteen years, Brisbane heavy alt-rock juggernaut Dead Letter Circus have powered their way to the summit of the Australian rock landscape as one of the most renowned and hardest working acts on the scene. With five albums under their belt and a reputation for delivering a killer live show, the band have been relatively quiet over the past few years by their standards, a combination of the band needing some rejuvenation time as well as the obvious impacts to live music as a result of the pandemic.

But that’s about to change in November, with the band stepping back out on stage as part of the iconic Wallapalooza festival (the Gold Coast’s longest running independent music festival), where they’ll tear up the stage in conjunction with a stack of other killer rock acts such as Grinspoon, Bodyjar, Smoking Martha, These Four Walls, Mass Sky Raid, The Wrath, and The Molotov. In the lead up we chatted with Dead Letter Circus frontman Kim Benzie.

Huge shout out to the Wallapallooza crew for stepping up and making this festival happen at this moment in time. If we've ever needed some positivity and unity, it's now. The tribal energy you feel when dancing together at a music event is going to be some sweet medicine for the anger and division we're experiencing as a people right now. Is there a particularly memorable show that you've previously played on the Gold Coast that springs to mind? The Goldie is always wild, good people who don't hold back with throwing their energy around. We've played a bunch of Coolie shows which were epic and some sweaty as fuck Shark Bar shows that were a little too memorable. Basically, a show at the Gold Coast is a party you have no choice to subscribe to, so you may as well do it right. You guys have been relatively quiet on the new music front lately. Are you working on any new material at the moment and if so when can we expect to hear it? Usually we'd be on album cycle now, but (as previously mentioned) due to taking a little ‘refresh’ time, we're only just starting to talk about this now and share some ideas. How is 2022 shaping up in the world of Dead Letter Circus? I can only speak personally in saying that whilst I've enjoyed a break from music for a year while the world got weird, I'm super keen to get back to pulling tunes down from the ether and sharing some sweaty space with like-minded people on our travels again. Dead Letter Circus are one of the epic acts appearing at Wallapalooza 2021, being held at the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds on Saturday 20 November, with final release tickets on sale now through Oztix.

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Olivia Italian Eatery

Green Olive Italian

The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre Ph: 0478 808 802

29 Peachey Rd, Ormeau Ph: 07 5546 7025

Words and photograph by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast

Olivia Italian is a little piece of Italy in the heart of Robina.

of pizza, pasta or salad for $15 and party packages for $35 per person.

Owner Sara Artoni’s father, Cesare, always had a dream of coming to Australia. Instead, it would become his daughter’s dream to fulfil after Cesare passed away when Sara was 17 years old. Soon after, Sara left her home in Bologna and made her way to Australia, where she met her husband Gianluca.

“I’m so proud of the food we make, so much so that if I’m busy I order takeaway from our own restaurant,” Sara says laughing. “Our kids love it.”

The couple’s vision for Olivia Italian Eatery began in March 2020 as a deli stall on the ground floor of Robina Town Centre. Filled with delicious Italian food, the Olivia deli shop is a favourite ‘go to’ takeaway spot that also introduces people to the food served in the upstairs restaurant. But it’s upstairs that the real magic happens, where the feeling that you are in a welcoming Italian trattoria in a village somewhere in the Italian countryside is best felt. Opening in October 2020, Olivia Italian has weathered the rough times and come through the other side. Sara is a welcoming host. It’s Gianluca’s version of family recipes that she is showing off – simple well-made food all made from scratch. Fresh pasta is made using a machine they imported from Italy, the pizza and pasta options including gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. From antipasto platters (which are great for large groups) to arancini and salads, spaghetti marinara to lasagne, and Nutella pizza to pizza fritti (deep fried pizza dough served with sweet dips), there’s something for everyone, including lunch specials

Fully licensed, the restaurant brews its own beer, imports prosecco from Italy and is well known for its delicious signature cocktails and affogato, the true conclusion to any Italian meal. As fabulous as the food is, though, to Sara it is people who are the beating heart of her restaurant. “I’m also proud to have created a working environment that is safe and protected for our staff,” she says. Sara is proud of the dream she and Gianluca are making together, tears welling in her eyes as she speaks of her dad and what he taught her. “He would have been very proud,” she says. “He owned a large trucking business but, despite that, he was a very humble man. “‘We have to start first with the lines on the ground,’ he would say, referring to the chalk line destinations marked out for each of his trucks. ‘Use your heart. Sit down with people and look them in the eye. Admit it when you are wrong’.”

It’s not often that someone opens a restaurant as a tribute, but that’s exactly what Green Olive Italian is. Only a year after their restaurant Garlic Clove Indian opened during Covid, exVersace and Kokum chef Merchant Sabir and his wife Dolly have opened their second venue, Green Olive Italian on the western side of Ormeau. At first glance, Italian is not an obvious choice for an Indian born and raised chef, however there’s a story behind each plate that I’m sure you’ll appreciate. “After completing my chef apprenticeship at Taj Hotels, the most prestigious worldwide chain of hotels based in India, I decided to travel so that I could increase my culinary skills,” Chef Merchant explains, adding that Australia was his chosen destination. After many unsuccessful job applications, on a whim, the owner of Camelot Pizza agreed to give him a trial in the kitchen. It was his first time working in a pizza shop, thrown headlong into the action of the kitchen. Fresh produce arrived every morning and every day they made their dough in readiness for the nightly rush. Shown how to cook pizza, Sabir was both a quick learner and an enthusiastic worker.

long I had made friends, established myself, and my English had improved.” Chef Merchant’s knowledge of Italian cuisine expanded when, just over a year later, he worked at Andiamo’s in Conrad Jupiter’s Casino (now The Star), refined even further during his three years at Palazzo Versace under Head Chef Steve Szabo. Insatiably curious, Sabir’s thirst for knowledge also led him to realise the importance of Italian food to the Australian public as our favourite non-Asian cuisine. Sabir and his wife Dolly chose the growth suburb of Ormeau to open their restaurants, Garlic Clove Indian bringing us the food of their homeland, and Green Olive Italian, both situated close to the highway in small suburban shopping centres off major thoroughfares. “We’re finding that our two businesses bring customers to each other,” Sabir tells us, the bonus being that while they draw diners from the same local area, their different but complementary cuisines mean that they are not competing for business.

“These are the lessons I am teaching my kids,” Sara tells me. “That is why he would be proud.”

“I rode my bicycle 4km to and from my flat and work, balancing my daily free pizza (my sole meal of the day) in one hand on the way home as I rode, using the journey to memorise skills and recipes I’d learned that day.” he says.

While pizza will always be a crowd favourite, it’s well worth trying both pasta and main courses at Green Olive. There is so much deliciousness at Green Olive Italian; tasty, generous portions of great Italian food at very keen prices. Besides food, it is the charming, gracious service from owners Dolly and Sabir that makes this such a gem of a place.

NOTE: Blank was a guest of Olivia Italian Eatery.

“My time at Camelot Pizza provided me with a start in a new country, and before

NOTE: Blank was a guest of Green Olive Italian on one occasion.

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Seed the ground, green the earth Words and Photography by Catherine Coburn

There are endless memes about coffee bringing people together, but who would’ve thought that this delightful caffeinated drink would lead to the start of a composting revolution on the Gold Coast called Seed the Ground? In a playground in Talle Creek over half-priced coffees, a friendship was formed between Nat Lidgerwood and Jess Maxted after they realised they had shared interests in the environment, conservation, growing their own food and they also lived 200m from each other. Jess reported that as they sipped on their coffees “we started wondering where all the coffee grinds waste was going”. That thought led to the creation of Seed the Ground, a composting initiative that aims to enable people to do small bits at home that will ultimately make a huge difference in greening our fair city.

Climate Change has become one of the most important issues for Australians, with 80% of the population believing climate action needs to occur immediately. For many of us it can be daunting knowing where we can start, but there are plenty of small things that you can do at home.

TOP FIVE TIPS FOR STARTING YOUR OWN COMPOSTING REVOLUTION FROM HOME: • Have two composting caddies under your sink, one for “browns” and one for “greens” • Browns bin – For collecting toilet rolls and other paper • Greens bin – For your organic waste, ensure to chop up your scraps so it composts quicker • Check out the Sharewaste website • Come to a Seed the Ground workshop

Seed the Ground have started training volunteers and are looking for more! Get in contact with them via their Instagram @seedtheground.

After some investigation, Jess and Nat discovered that a café will generate three tonnes of coffee waste a year. “We were growing a lot of food and a neighbour was using natural systems, which planted the seed for us with using coffee grounds”, reported Nat. As they thought about what to do next, they simply decided “Let's just start!”. They soon secured a space near Miami Marketta where they set up the Miami Compost Hub. Currently they collect coffee grinds and food waste twice a week from six local cafes, a salad bar and fruit shop. These goods are then added to their compost pile, called a lasagne, which they nourish with water and turn twice a week. The end result can be used to grow fruit and vegetables in, with Jess and Nat hoping to sell this nutrient-rich compost in the near future along with their currently available beloved red wriggler worms, which they bundle up in used coffee sacks from KoKo Coffee Roasters. Their goal is to have little hubs everywhere that are relevant to those suburbs, with centres at Burleigh and Helensvale in the works. There are also plans to start native bee farms and what Nat terms “guerrilla composting” where they can connect to community gardens. They would also love to help others to take up composting, educating the community about circular economy and how we can use waste and close the gap. Something they have found is that organic waste, which is entirely preventable, contributes to 5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. By simply composting our food scraps and paper we can make a difference. “People don’t realise that you can compost meat and bones. Our kids now scrape their food waste into the bin without being asked as it has become part of their routine,” said Jess. Seed the Ground is now taking their knowledge and imparting it to the community through workshops, with the Spring Local Table at Jandarra Farm kicking off their events, with more planned at several Biome stores. Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

Spring into HOTA for ten days of WONDER HOTA, Home of the Arts will light up with WONDER this Spring, during its new program of contemporary art and sound. Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

LET'S BE FRIENDS FUREVER! The ten-day program, running from 29 October to 7 November, will celebrate the life of our furry canine friends through world exclusive and brand-new outdoor work by Melbourne-based art studio ENESS – ‘Lost Dogs Disco’ – featuring 16 large scale inflatable and interactive dog characters, as well as pawesome presentation ‘Let’s Be Friends Furever’, which we feature separately in this edition. In addition, the event will play host to ‘NEON REMIX’ on 6 November, supported by City of Gold Coast and Southern Cross University. This ticketed music concert rounding out WONDER will throw back to a time where disco died, and post-punk of pop collided with new wave sounds to deliver a soundtrack to the 80s. Fusing together art and music, the concert will deliver a lineup of the Gold Coast’s brightest neon-infused musos in a supergroup of contemporary New Wave Synth Classics under the creative mastermind of Blair Condon (Miss Lucy). Featuring Blair himself, Mackenzie Brown (Miss Lucy), Matt McGuffie (Ivey), Ondre Davis (The Yams) and special guests, Millie Perks (Ivey), Tanisha Cook and Gemma Owens (The Oogars) as well as DENNIS., Neon Remix is an 80s party like nothing else you’ve ever seen, Blair tells us. “The way we’re going to be doing it is going to have the sound system set up as well as a traditional band setup,” he explains. “Different songs suit the different

stage format better. The girls will be guest vocalists for about a quarter of the set time.” The NEON REMIX team have crafted an intricate set up of 80s synths, keyboards and drum machines, that will be playing “live” through signals the team have partially pre-recorded on a laptop, as well as through real time electronic changes they’ll be making to the sounds of the instruments, and even some live instrument playing thrown in for good measure as well.

many people have done this sort of thing before. “I notice quite a bit of an eighties resurgence,” Blair continues. “Especially in the last five years. I think ‘Stranger Things’ and the aesthetic in that has something to do with it. Even the biggest pop artists too, like The Weeknd, his latest song has instruments all from the eighties.

It’s quite a complicated and mindboggling affair, and it’s unlikely that Gold Coast audiences will have experienced its ilk previously.

“It’s that plasticky sound. I think the 80s will stick around for a while because of the way that electronic music and pop music are currently morphing.”

“I reckon it’d be nice to see a good mix of people in the audience,” muses Blair when we discuss original 80s vs the current 80s vibe resurgence.

As for why people should check out this fresh new event?

“It’ll be cool to see people who grew up in the 80s come to the show and see what we can do to the songs.

I don’t think they’re going to know what to expect, especially in terms of the sound system part of the set which is what I’m most excited for, I don’t think

“I’d say it’s just something familiar yet fresh with this set. It’s a new twist on a covers show, it’s almost like a DJ set with not just the standard DJ setup. “I hope people will have an open mind with what’s to come. The Gold Coast doesn’t get a lot of touring acts, even before COVID, and nothing like this sort of thing. Come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised. It’s shaping up to be pretty cool.” NEON REMIX hits the Outdoor Stage at HOTA, Home of the Arts on 6 November. Visit hota.com.au for all the WONDERful goodness on offer this Spring.

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Real dogs, real stories, unreal theatre. Dog lovers unite! HOTA will be transformed into a dog park this October as besotted owners and their beloved pooches take to the stage, sharing stories of love, loyalty and laughter. Theatre-makers The Good Room have searched puppy playgrounds high and low to find local canines with barkworthy ‘tails’ to tell. From an 80-kilogram dog with his own bedroom, a dogfluencer with more followers than you, and a national champion with fur to die for, hear from their companions in this hour of uplifting – and tear-jerking – theatre. Featuring video bits and live interviews with owners, vets and trainers, it’s the ultimutt live dogumentary for anyone who loves dogs. From poodles to pugs, hounds to dames, it’s puppy love that’ll leave you howling. Presented by Home of the Arts and The Good Room, Let’s Be Friends Furever runs over three shows on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 October as part of this year’s WONDER at HOTA. Performance contains adult themes and coarse language, haze effects and explores themes of grief and loss. Recommended age 12+. Tickets at hota.com.au. More on WONDER in this edition.

with the iconic Matt McGuffie (Ivey) and we can’t wait to share it with the world. You’ve been quite active from a writing and recording perspective lately. Has this been a by-product of the current COVID climate (and its associated impacts on other performance aspects)? And do you have more new music in the pipeline over the coming few months? Like all artists, COVID had a huge impact on me. I was scheduled to play at some festivals which were all cancelled. I also worked part-time in a music studio which had to close doors and I lost my job. It’s been heartbreaking to watch the music industry suffer like this. An upside to my newfound unemployment is that I get to spend all day in my home studio working on my music and I’ve accomplished more than ever. My latest track ‘Friends’ is out on October 1 and I’ll be following up with more singles before the end of year, including a refreshingly lightheaded Summer pop bop written with Matt McGuffie in November. You’ve been involved with the music industry for a while but have only recently started releasing music under your own name. Are you enjoying the artistic freedom that this entails, and where do you envisage you’ll head with things, musically speaking, in the future?

Getting Friendly With Erin Foster

I started releasing music when I was 16, which found me on this never-ending trajectory of artistic development and self-improvement. It’s funny when I get introduced as a new artist because I’ve been hanging out on the sidelines for ages doing my own thing. I’ve released music under various monikers over the years, most recently as Karamilk. Irrespective of my performance name though, I just love music. All things music. I am very committed to my self-sufficient ethos, which like all good things comes at a price, because I am self-funded. In the immediate future I can’t wait to get back to doing shows and I’m planning to drop a bunch of tour dates the moment the borders allow it. Erin Foster’s captivating new single, ‘Friends’, is out now.

Words by Anthony Gebhardt

Indie bedroom-pop practitioner Erin Foster has swiftly followed up on her recent collaboration with Ashley Martin (of Eliza And The Delusionals fame), delivering a moody, electro-pop gem in the form of her brand new single, ‘Friends’. Once again coming to fruition in Erin’s home studio, the track taps into a heartfelt emotional vulnerability cocooned within a dreamy, synth driven soundscape.

in my life and a common anxiety - longing to fit in and be accepted. It’s also a good example of my selfproduction. For me being an indie artist means finding ways to get stuff done. Maybe I’m just pedantic but I feel a strong need to control all aspects of my music, from the production through to the aesthetics of a release. In the past, when I haven’t had total creative control, I’ve found myself feeling disappointed and disingenuous.

We recently chatted with Erin to gain an insight into her creative muse and where she’s headed.

In saying that, I still love working with others. Recently I’ve teamed up with some incredible musicians and gotten exceptional results, like when I worked with Ashley Martin (Eliza & The Delusionals) on ‘Sometimes (Alternative Version)’. Ashley is an absolute master of his craft and the whole collaboration came to fruition quite naturally. I really wanted to add guitars to the track but not distorted rock guitars. It had to be consistent with my soundscape and Ashley knew how to achieve what I envisaged. Recently I also completed a new song

Your latest single ‘Friends’ follows on from your collaboration with Ashley Martin from Eliza & The Delusionals on your last track ‘Sometimes’. Do you prefer producing on your own or working with others? ‘Friends’ has actually been about two years in the making and I’m super proud to finally get it out. The lyrics are a bit darker than usual. They represent a certain time

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MEET MATTYMADEIT Matthew Grey, who follows the stage alias ‘Mattymadeit,’ is a multi-talented producer, instrumentalist, writer, dancer, and Southern Cross University music student. We spoke about discovering Gold Coast’s sound, working on a film soundtrack, and why it pays to be nice to everyone you meet! You’re a producer who is savvy with numerous instruments and electronically as well. Is it essential to have a skillset in both these days? It’s not a must, but I think it certainly makes you more valuable. I find that a lot of what I’m doing as a producer is basically playing the whole rhythm section for a vocalist, but in a lot of cases I find myself doing everything digitally. What sort of projects have you been working on recently? Well I just finished scoring a full soundtrack for a film! It’s called

‘Western Culture’ with a production company in the Gold Coast, and it was almost 30 songs which was about a year’s worth of work. Wow, how did that even come about?! I actually worked with the Director’s partner five years ago at a Gold Coast theme park and we spoke about working together but nothing eventuated from it. Then I got a call out of the blue last year asking if I’d be interested! I’m definitely a believer that certain opportunities are meant for you, so you’ve got to be prepared to say yes when they come around. It's a bit of a testament to be as cool as you can with people because you don't know what they might have to offer you. What can we expect next from Mattymadeit? I’m about to work with a bunch of new local Gold Coast artists. I’m really trying to help bolster a

sound and a community around the Gold Coast/Brisbane area for up-and-coming fusion music. I want to bring the jazz players and put them in the same room as the rappers to try find common ground. We all live in the same place so there's bound to be something cohesive. What made you decide to start studying music at Southern Cross University 10 years after highschool? I’m already a freelance producer so I’m just enlarging my skill set and deepening my understanding of all things music. How you apply the knowledge you receive is up to you. It’s certainly provided a lot of new connections and opportunities. Find out more about Southern Cross University’s music program at scu.edu.au/music

Renewal art exhibition opening in Southport Words by Anna Itkonen

Renewal of nature, renewal of art or renewal of our way of life – the upcoming exhibition at Art Lovers Australia gallery in Southport evolves around the notion of renewal and brings a selection of art by twenty artists to the gallery. The art work in this temporary exhibition consists of streetscapes, landscapes and seascapes all with a strong connection to nature. The exhibition explores the challenges of our time and the way the art has changed as a response to it. “The idea for this exhibition came from being locked inside and having that option of going outside and connecting with nature taken away,” exhibition curator Jeska Valk from Art Lovers Australia said. “The absence of that option has made the connection to nature

and our surroundings even more important. The situation has strengthened and renewed many artists’ connection to landscapes.” Thematically the artworks vary from bushfire scenes to lush or barren landscapes, from underwater self-portraits depicting the artist’s connection to water to Indigenous celebration of the native flora and fauna. “The Indigenous artists in the exhibition, such as Bianca Gardiner-Dodd and Brad Turner, depict the coastal connections of their people and the surrounding elements,” Jeska described. “The colours derive from nature; the earthy tones of the soil and the deep blues of the water. These traditional dot paintings have a strong and proud cultural connection to the indigenous culture of the area.”

‘Coastal Connection’ by Bianca Gardiner-Dodd

Kellie North, a contemporary selfportrait artist and a photographer, and Kate Owen, an abstract artist, are examples of artists approaching the same motif through other viewpoints and with different means. “I am a visual artist with a deep desire to connect to nature, to my audience and to myself. [In my photography] I play with nature, movement, light and texture, Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

to create evocative, figurative images, which are connected to the subconscious,” Kellie said. “The work I create comes through my subconscious from a love of the unique space around me, and the desire to share this. It’s important to me that the work lifts and heightens people’s mood and experience of the world around them,” Kate Owen described her art.

“What I hope a visitor takes with them after seeing this exhibition is a renewed sense of appreciation; appreciation of the artwork, the nature around us, and the life that we have,“ Jeska summarised. Renewal opens on October 9 on Saturday at the Art Lovers Australia gallery in Brickworks Annex, 19 Warehouse Road, Southport.

The Courage Collective Words by Pip Andreas

The Courage Collective is a new initiative created by Zoe Maras, owner of artist management agency 97 Joyride, and artist and educator JESA. Zoe and JESA have together created a new event that provides a safe, diverse and inclusive space for women and non-binary people in the music and arts industry, while celebrating their contribution to the arts. Covid has delayed the gathering that was meant to be held at The Zoo in Brisbane this year, so it will now go ahead in April 2022. Blank had a chat to JESA about the event. What can we expect from the events? Expect a beautiful cross-section of female and non-binary inclusive music, art and education. We’ve got an incredible line up of South-East Queensland and Northern NSW female and non-binary musicians, live visual art and an informative panel of diverse music industry experts from performers to managers to label owners and mentors. We invite everyone to come and celebrate the many voices of the music community, listen openly and connect with one another. What was the thinking behind starting the event? The thinking behind beginning The Courage Collective is far from glamorous.

Zoe and I are both feminists and care deeply about equality, safe spaces and mental health especially for women and

non-binary people within the music industry. With Jaguar Jonze’s and hundreds of other stories coming to light along with our own personal experiences in the music industry we felt exhausted, burned out and deflated by the continuous conversations around the impact this was having on ourselves, our careers and our peers who we could see struggling with the same issues. There became a point where we decided to recreate this anger, rage and frustration into action. We initially wanted a women’s circle - basically a space to share our stories with those who understood, a way to find solidarity with a select member of music industry people and friends we felt comfortable to share with. Although we realised that as young women growing up in the music industry, we would’ve loved to attend an open event that wasn’t about business or trauma bonding but about the celebration of us, our stories and many others so that’s when The Courage Collective event began to really take shape. Anything other than events in the future for The Courage Collective? I truly feel this is only the beginning for The Courage Collective and cannot wait to see how it evolves. For now, we’ve got amazing things in the work including the event in April 2022 and Merch available on The Merch Desk. If you want to stay updated follow our social media and keep your eyes peeled… can’t say too much. Visit fb.com/thecouragecollectivecrew for updates. To read the full interview, visit blankstreetpress.com.au.

All the GCMA 2021 winners The 2021 Gold Coast Music Awards announced talented winners across ten categories on Saturday 4 September, celebrating the region’s creative gold with thousands of national livestream viewers and the hundreds of Queensland musicians, music lovers and industry folks who attended the glamorous red carpet event at Gold Coast’s Home Of The Arts (HOTA) theatre. Following a performance with Tones and I and two Queensland Music Awards this year, a standout was singer-songwriter and first time Awards nominee, Beckah Amani, whose smooth vocals and honest conversation about racism in single ‘STANDARDS’ earned her the Song Of The Year award, while the track’s Triple j and NIDA supported clip also earned her Video Of The Year. “’STANDARDS‘ is my most vulnerable work. Turning this reflective poem into a song and releasing it was both liberating and important for me and my people, and the recognition today is super encouraging as an emerging artist,” said Amani. Australian/Fijian hip hop artist Jesswar won the impressive Breakout Artist Of The Year nod after a busy year of releases and tours; while ARIA chart topping country music star Casey Barnes took out the top gong, defending his Artist Of The Year title despite impressive competition from the city’s many international exports. “The last two years have been pretty tough but we’ve also worked harder than ever as a team, so it’s nice to have that recognised and to get together as an industry and celebrate. Amy, I’m coming for you!” Barnes joked, referring to Amy Shark’s Hall Of Fame status after her three consecutive Artist Of The Year wins.

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Also presented with iconic Skull Murphy trophies today were psychedelic surfrockers Peach Fur, for Live Act Of The Year; and multi-instrumentalist and producer Scott French, for Musician Of The Year. Meanwhile the soulful blues record ‘Lifeblood’ by Karl S. Williams took out Release Of The Year; and cool community hub Mo’s Desert Clubhouse went home with Venue Of The Year. Decided by popular vote, the People’s Choice Award saw Euca win a stunning hand sculpted trophy by artist, Clayton Blake; while the career-defining Gold Coast Music Prize went to alt-rock band, Selve, providing 12-months of performance, media and mentorship opportunities. “We’re still overwhelmed that the Awards actually happened. It was devastating when our presenting partner, SPRINGTIME Festival, had to postpone, but to have 500 musicians and music lovers in the room was magic,” said GCMA director, Chloe Popa. “With incredible performances by Beckah Amani, Karl S. Williams, DENNIS., Mass Sky Raid and daste., we feel like the event summed up what we know and love about this city: unwavering support, a rich arts scene, musical hits and a touch of glitz.” The Gold Coast Music Awards ceremony took place midday-4pm, Saturday 4 September at Home of the Arts (HOTA), Gold Coast, in partnership with SPRINGTIME Music Festival. Miss all the action? Never fear. You can re-watch the livestream on the GCMAs Facebook page. The Gold Coast Music Awards is produced by Blank Street Press and proudly supported by City of Gold Coast and Major Events Gold Coast.

Kate Mckay - Bine Bar & Dining

Zak Keenan - Bine Bar & Dining

South Wall - Hotel Brunswick

The POOR - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Brad Johns - The Coolangatta Hotel

Dan Hannaford - Hotel Brunswick

Remedy Duo - The Coolangatta Hotel

Greer Sullivan - Precinct Brewing

Jake Hobbs - Precinct Brewing

Nick Waters - North Burleigh SLSC

Kent Dustin - 4 Pines Coolangatta

Game of Tones - Southport Sharks Zak Keenan - Bine Bar & Dining Maddy Breen - Nightcap Nobbys

Friday 1 October

Belligerent Goat - Stoker, Bricklayers, and Selkie - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Michael Hickey - The Local at Paradise Point Samir Shah - Currumbin RSL Alivan Blu - Tully John & Liza Jane + Make The Moon - Miami Marketta Ondre Davis - Burleigh Brewing Co Greer Sullivan - Bine Bar & Dining JAB Band - Currumbin RSL DJ Jack Rabbit - Nightjar

Karl Peters - North Burleigh SLSC

Naomi Connell - JW Marriott

Nick Waters - Bine Bar & Dining

Hayden Andrews - North Burleigh SLSC

Cal Creelman - Currumbin RSL

Benny O'Dwyer - Nightjar

Lily Budiasa - The Scottish Prince

Rick Barron - Burleigh Brewing Co

Tijuana Cartel - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Lily Budiasa - Burleigh Brewing Co

Mono - Currumbin RSL

Dani Teveluwe - Currumbin RSL

DJ Jack Rabbit - Nightcap Nobbys

Zak Keenan - Precinct Brewing

Monday 4 October

Nick Waters - Bine Bar & Dining

Zak Keenan - Nightcap Nobbys Benny O'Dwyer - Bine Bar & Dining

Ondre Davis - Frida Sol

Sunday 10 October

Kent Dustin - The Henchman

Tuesday 5 October

Wednesday 6 October

Lily Budiasa - The Cambus Wallace

Nick Waters - Precinct Brewing Maddy Breen - Bine Bar & Dining Zak Keenan - Nightcap Nobbys

Thursday 7 October

Kent Dustin - The Lucky Squire Kate Mckay - Nightjar Greer Sullivan - Nightcap Nobbys Zak Keenan - Bine Bar & Dining

Brad Ledwidge - North Burleigh SLSC Naomi Connell - Currumbin RSL Jason Delphin - Burleigh Brewing Co Bobby Alu - Hotel Brunswick Red Like Fire - Frida Sol DJ Jack Rabbit - Nightjar

Friday 8 October

Saturday 16 October

The Ninth Chapter - Hotel Brunswick Justin Jones - The Coolangatta Hotel

Stella McIvor - Currumbin RSL Aussie Pride Band - Southport Sharks Matt Musella - Nightcap Nobbys Resonance - Currumbin RSL The Lyrical - Hotel Brunswick McKenzie Band - The Coolangatta Hotel Brooke Supple - Currumbin RSL

Made in the 80's - Southport Sharks

Jake Hobbs - Bine Bar & Dining

Bunny Racket - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Kent Dustin - Nightcap Nobbys

Zak Keenan - Bine Bar & Dining

Mark Sheils - The Coolangatta Hotel

Katie Who - The Scottish Prince

Kent Dustin - Nightcap Nobbys

Zak Keenan - Precinct Brewing

Ooz - Hotel Brunswick

Sunday 3 October

Dan Hannaford - Hotel Brunswick

Venue Aid - The Lonesomes, The Dharma Chain and Zooid - Mo's Desert Clubhouse Kate Mckay - Precinct Brewing

Benny O'Dwyer - Nightcap Nobbys

Matty Sax - Frida Sol

DJ Jack Rabbit - Nightcap Nobbys

The Big Duo - The Coolangatta Hotel

Zac Hubbard - Currumbin RSL

Maddy Breen - Nightjar

Marshall - Frida Sol

Cory Hargreaves - North Burleigh SLSC

Tuesday 12 October

Freddie Fresh Prince - Nightjar

Wednesday 13 October

Maddy Breen - Bine Bar & Dining

Michael Hickey - The Star Gold Coast Brooke Supple - North Burleigh SLSC SAMETIME - Sellma Soul - Mo's Desert Clubhouse Pia Pressure - Frida Sol

Naomi Connell - Markets In The Meadow

Thursday 14 October Kent Dustin - Nightjar

Zak Keenan - Nightjar

Saturday 9 October

Red Rock - Southport Sharks

Mo's is hosting... Elixir, Luke Marshall, Trey Good, Freesoul, MATTYMADEIT and Friends, Billy Risk - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Greer Sullivan - Nightjar

Greer Sullivan - Bine Bar & Dining

Kent Dustin - Bine Bar & Dining Benny O'Dwyer - Nightjar

Friday 22 October Zak Keenan - Frida Sol

DJ Jack Rabbit - Nightcap Nobbys Captain Wow Duo - North Burleigh SLSC Kate Mckay - Nightjar Saccharo - Southport Sharks Steven Michael - The Coolangatta Hotel Maddy Breen - Bine Bar & Dining Matt Musella - Precinct Brewing Kent Dustin - 4 Pines Coolangatta Never Ending 80's - The Coolangatta Hotel

Lily Grace - lily grace live - Bobs Beer

Maddy Breen - Nightcap Nobbys

Maddy Breen - Precinct Brewing

Zak Keenan - Bine Bar & Dining

Sunday 17 October

Eliza & The Delusionals - Miami Marketta

Naomi Connell - The Village Markets

Wednesday 20 October

The Dirty Channel - Hotel Brunswick

Naomi Connell - JW Marriott

Matt Musella - Bine Bar & Dining

Tyler Vivian & Scotty McGregor - Nightjar

Jake Hobbs - Nightcap Nobbys

Kate Mckay - Nightjar

Monday 11 October

Tuesday 19 October

Thursday 21 October

Steven Michael - The Coolangatta Hotel

Ben Whiting - Hotel Brunswick

Zak Keenan - Nightcap Nobbys

Barnes Storm - The Coolangatta Hotel

Late For Woodstock - The Coolangatta Hotel

Hannah May - Bine Bar & Dining

Kate Mckay - Nightcap Nobbys Reverse - Southport Sharks

Zak Keenan - Nightjar

Monday 18 October

Tyler Vivian & Scotty McGregor - Nightjar

Saturday 2 October

Fifth Avenue - Southport Sharks

Lisa Hunt - The Coolangatta Hotel

Harry J Hart - Raw Deep; Georgia Hoareau - HOTA Basement

Rick Barron - The Coolangatta Hotel Matt Armitage - Hotel Brunswick

Kate Mckay - Nightcap Nobbys

Jason Delphin - The Coolangatta Hotel

Hannah May -Nightjar Fat Albert - The Coolangatta Hotel

Friday 15 October

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Benny O'Dwyer - Nightcap Nobbys Blakboi - Tom Avery - Burleigh Brewing Co Kate Mckay - Precinct Brewing James D'Khan - Bine Bar & Dining

Saturday 23 October

Phoenix Rising - The Coolangatta Hotel Rick Barron - Burleigh Brewing Co Mirrorball Express - Southport Sharks Zak Keenan - Nightjar Casey Fogg - The Coolangatta Hotel Benny O'Dwyer - Bine Bar & Dining Kent Dustin - Mr P.P.'s Deli and Rooftop Kent Dustin - Precinct Brewing Kate Mckay - Nightcap Nobbys

Kent Dustin - Bine Bar & Dining Emily Brieger - Currumbin RSL

Sunday 24 October

DJ Jack Rabbit - Nightjar

Maddy Breen - Precinct Brewing

The Smashed Crabs - The Coolangatta Hotel

Cory Hargreaves - North Burleigh SLSC

Freddie Fresh Prince - Frida Sol Zak Keenan - Nightcap Nobbys Common Ground - North Burleigh SLSC

Saturday 30 October

Zak Keenan - Precinct Brewing

Jake Hobbs - Bine Bar & Dining

Rob Fitchett - The Coolangatta Hotel

Pink Zinc Presents - Hotel Brunswick

Kent Dustin - The Lucky Squire

Hannah May - Bine Bar & Dining

Karma County - Soundlounge

Matt Collins - Currumbin RSL

Lily Budiasa - Burleigh Brewing Co Matt Musella - Bine Bar & Dining

Monday 25 October

Luke Pauley - Currumbin RSL

Kent Dustin - Bine Bar & Dining

Kate Mckay - Nightjar

Zak Keenan - Nightcap Nobbys

Benny O'Dwyer - Nightcap Nobbys

Tuesday 26 October

Freddie Fresh Prince - Nightjar

Sunday 31 October

Strictly Acoustic - Nightjar Kent Dustin - 4 Pines Coolangatta Braiden Penwarn - Burleigh Brewing Co

Wednesday 27 October

Strictly Acoustic - Bine Bar & Dining Mo's is hosting... Full Flower Moon Band & Nice Biscuit - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Kate Mckay - Bine Bar & Dining Maxwell - Frida Sol

Hannah May - Nightcap Nobbys

Hockey Dad - THE GROGANS - The Coolangatta Hotel Kent Dustin - Nightcap Nobbys Rory Switzer - Bine Bar & Dining Ladyhawke - Miami Marketta Greer Sullivan - Nightjar

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

Friday 29 October

Benny O'Dwyer - Nightjar

The Switch - Southport Sharks Kate Mckay - Nightcap Nobbys

Michael Hickey - Pearls Bar First Beige - With Special Guests elsewhere Devilskin - The Coolangatta Hotel Zak Keenan - Bine Bar & Dining Strictly Acoustic - The Coolangatta Hotel 19-TWENTY - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Talented local songstress Candice Dianna has just released a soulful new single in the form of a reggae/r&b infused gem which goes by the name of ‘Love Peace Help The World’. The song serves as a tribute to her nephew Josh, who passed away in tragic circumstances in 2017. And in an exciting development for her musical aspirations, the song has been licenced for use by a new TV program called ‘Project You’, currently being filmed in Melbourne. We recently chatted to the vibrant and spiritually aligned chanteuse herself to gain an insight into the new number, as well as what’s in store for her moving forward.

Living In The 70s - The Coolangatta Hotel

Ondre Davis - Frida Sol

Words by Anthony Gebhardt

Wolfie - North Burleigh SLSC Maddy Breen - Bine Bar & Dining

Thursday 28 October

Love Peace Help The World: Candice Dianna

SCAN FOR GIG DETAILS.

Congratulations on the release of your sweet new single, ‘Love Peace Help The World’. Can you put us in the picture as to how the track came about and the creative process that brought it to life? Well actually, I found the greatest thing on earth early last year (when I was making my track ‘Flow’) which is that you can purchase backing beats online! Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

This cut down the studio/ programming process so much for me, which was great because I really love the creative process of writing the lyrics, the melody and singing. For me, this was huge because it saved me a massive amount of time and money. Every musician has a strong point and it’s usually the thing that they enjoy doing the most. For me, that is not programming ha ha! So, I found a beat which I used for the track ‘Love Peace Help the World’ when I was sifting through all the beats for sale out there in the World Wide Web. It’s a lo-fi track made by Danneybtracks on YouTube. After I downloaded the track, I listened to it on repeat and let the words and melody come to life by speaking naturally from the heart and soul... telling a story; my story, our story, our family’s story and Josh’s story. I understand that the song has been licenced by a new TV program being filmed in Melbourne called ‘Project You’ – you must be excited by that!

What will this opportunity mean for you?

This is huge for me! It’s so strange how the world works and how things come about... I’ve always wanted to work in the recording studio and I’ve always loved television and film. The TV show will be airing on Channel 9 and then Netflix so you can imagine from a career perspective how big this is for me. Not to mention the team that I have connected with and how incredible they are, with their purposeful vision in this world. Candice Dianna’s moving new single, ‘Peace Love Help The World’ is available now via Apple Music. Be sure to check out the video to the song on YouTube, which was shot in the pristine surrounds of Murwillumbah. To read the full interview, head over to blankstreetpress.com.au.

HERITAGE GOLD COAST PART 6: BEYOND THE GRAVE Words and Photography by Nikki Archer

The stories of our past are found in the most unusual places. Sometimes in our final resting places. Gravesites can give detail of life as much as death. Their location and environment are as informative as the plaques that may mark them. The earliest of burial places on record are in the heart of the city. Early Europeans documented the Kombumerri people as being healthy, relaxed and friendly. Nature was bountiful and life was comfortable in paradise. In a land starkly different to their homelands, the first Europeans struggled to adapt. Survival was often dependent on the life skills and good nature of Aboriginal people. It is therefore surprising that local Indigenous heritage was largely unknown until a gruesome discovery in 1965. New properties in Broadbeach had used infill from nearby wetlands. With erosion, a grisly discovery emerged as human remains, shells and stone artefacts began to surface. Laila Haglund was the only archeologist in Queensland. At 31 years old and six months pregnant, Ms Haglund was tasked with the excavation. She found there was little to no knowledge or advocacy of Indigenous heritage in the

area. This burial site had ongoing use for thousands of years - even after European settlement, as evidenced with shovel markings in some spots. Somehow this site had been ‘lost’. From this, Queensland Government requested Ms Haglund draft the first state legislation for Indigenous heritage which was enacted as the Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1967. It took until 1988 for the remains of over 150 people to be reinterred back in Kombumerri Park, Broadbeach. The earliest Europeans to connect with traditional custodians were timbergetter lads, William Duncan and Neddy Harper. Together as boys in the 1840s, they had become well acquainted with local Indigenous families, language and customs. As men, Duncan was based around the Gilston area and Harper set up his namesake wharf in Surfers Paradise. Their humble gravesites speak volumes of the lives they led. William Duncan’s grave is purportedly behind council offices in Burleigh. Over time its markings have disappeared. Nearby in the council gardens sits a seemingly haphazardly-placed

gravestone. William's daughter, Sarah, was the first Caucasian child born in the area. Sadly, fate took her life at the tender age of 18 months old. William was working away at the time. His wife Rose buried the infant with the help of local Aboriginal women. Neddy Harper’s grave sits at a traditional campsite overlooking the Nerang River. Neddy lived comfortably amongst Aboriginal locals, participating in ceremonies and corroborees. Appropriately, Neddy now rests on the high ground of a midden mound in Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach. Not far away, another midden mound hosts early settler graves. The Gold Coast Historic Museum sits on the site of the area’s earliest sugar mill. Prior to the mill’s construction in the 1860s, Bundall was a place for Kombumerri campsites and ceremonies. Volunteer, Craig Porter, explains that, “there was a bora ring just behind here. This area was actively used in Aboriginal culture.” Craig tells me about the dearly departed buried on the midden mound. James Stuart was an engineer for the sugar plantation. Here lies his daughter Emily, who died as a one-year-old. With her, her mother who tragically passed away a

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mere 10 months later. Sugar mill workers hand-chiselled an inscription on a timber crucifix. Over the last century, memorial plaques of descendants have been added. In the warm daylight of Spring, there is a sense of peace in the shady reprieve of this littoral rainforest sanctuary. Craig shows me blooming orchids including the endangered Lesser Swamp Orchid (Phaius australis). He points out the rare heritage-listed 300 year-old Tuckeroo and Ribbonwood trees. “Experts have declared these the largest on the Gold Coast growing in sand”, says Craig. A fitting resting place for these early pioneers. In a fast-growing city, the gravesites of our earliest ancestors sit hidden in sanctuaries amongst the bustle. Strangely, it is through death that these peaceful places continue to give history life. Check out the Gold Coast Historic Museum at 8 Elliott St, Surfers Paradise. gcmuseum.com.au

Ziggy Alberts: Freedom Searcher Words by Anthony Gebhardt | Photography by Janneke Storm

LIFE IS TOUGH – BUT SO ARE YOU Words by Naomi Middlebrook

“Life is full of curveballs,” according to local legend Briony Benjamin. Briony has become known as a passionate change-maker, creative storyteller, producer, videographer, actress, keynote speaker and most recently, an author. Early in her career she assisted changemaker organisations such as World Wildlife Fund, Get Up and The Climate Council by creating and sharing entertaining content that not only engaged large audiences, and we’re talking in the millions, but also made a significant difference in relation to some of the most challenging issues facing the future of our planet. From there, Briony’s life took another turn and she found herself living and working in Sydney as Executive Producer of Video at Mamamia, Australia’s largest independent women’s media group. She created countless short clips that launched her as a viral video creator and producer. Briony also featured in several the videos and her mischievous personality ensured viewers were captivated – again, in the millions! “I should have been on top of the world, but the only thing I ever felt ready for was bed!” says Briony. At the young age of 31, she was in a seemingly permanent state of feeling sick, utterly exhausted, and “basically feeling crappy all the time.” She was told she was stressed, she should learn to meditate, get more rest. It was only through the persistence of Briony’s worried parents that she insisted her GP

refer her to a specialist. It was then she encountered the greatest curveball of all: stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “It was the shock of my life! Cancer certainly wasn’t on my vision board!” The diagnosis sent Briony down a path of shock, tears, endless medical appointments, IVF, egg harvesting, chemo and nausea, loss of her long, beautiful hair – nothing she expected in her wildest nightmares. The perpetual storyteller in Briony saw her keeping a video diary of her cancer experience and whilst going through chemo she even made a clip, ‘With and Without Hair’, which she hopes will encourage viewers to listen to their bodies and put their health first. Once treatment was behind her, and she was on the slow path to wellness, Briony created a short video ‘You Only Get One Life’, and it was no surprise that it quickly went viral leading to a publishing deal. Her book ‘Life is Tough – But So Are You’ was launched on the Gold Coast last month and has become a huge success. It is a unique story about much more than illness. It is a story of recovery, life lessons, coping in crisis, being kind to yourself, plus great tips on how to support family and friends who have been hit with a curve ball. Briony is now three years in remission and hitting those curve balls out of the park. Follow her @briony_benjamin, fb.com/ BrionyBvideos and brionybenjamin.com.au.

Self-made Northern NSW singersongwriter Ziggy Alberts is one of this country’s most admired performers, building an ever-swelling following over the past decade off the back of his burgeoning indie-folk sounds and rapturous live performances, honed from his formative days spent busking on the streets of Byron Bay. Having been home-schooled until the age of thirteen and involving his family in many aspects of his career, his trajectory has been somewhat defined by his unique upbringing. But music is just one side of the creative equation when it comes to Ziggy’s talents, having recently set up his own publishing company, Commonfolk Publishing, and putting out his very first literary work, a collection of self-penned poetry entitled ‘Brainwaves’, a clever reference to both the cerebral aspect of his writing and his deep love of the ocean. The work is a meditative and reflective expose into Ziggy’s experiences, emotions and inner thoughts, gleaned from both home life as well as his time on the touring and travel trail. Ziggy’s poetry, encapsulated within the framework of modern day living, touches upon themes such as stillness, purpose, trust and the time-honoured theme of love, conveyed in his own frank and unique style, while at the same time also being deeply relatable. While standing separate to his music and song lyrics, he’s recently blended his literary and musical worlds by coinciding his latest regional shows with an intimate series of book launch events.

I understand that you were a published writer before you were even a musician!? Have you gone back and used any of your poems/writing as part of your song writing process or do you treat them as separate entities? From about the age of thirteen, I wrote on and off for different surf magazines and freelance journalism was definitely a passion of mine. Music took over my life in 2011 when I first picked up a guitar. Sometimes my poetry and lyrics overlap, but for the most part there is a healthy separation between the two! What role has your unique upbringing played in allowing you to develop into the well-rounded creative performer and person that you are today? I don't know about well-rounded (ha-ha) but my upbringing played a massive part in my preparedness to do things differently, and I think allowed me to "be me". From a music perspective how is the rest of 2021 shaping up for you? I've just played a bunch of awesome soldout shows, and want to keep sharing my new album 'Searching For Freedom'. Ziggy Alberts first self-published book of poetry, ‘Brainwaves’, is available now via his Commonfolk Publishing imprint. Keep an eye on his personal website, ziggyalberts.com, for all the latest on his upcoming tour and performance dates. Visit blankstreetpress.com.au for the full story.

We recently got Ziggy to share a few thoughts on his new literary journey.

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Gold Coast scientist explores carbon credits Carbon might be the problem, but it’s also the solution, says ‘Environmental Cowboy’ Khory Hancock.

The race against time to prevent irreversible climate change damage continues to be a major global crisis – and whilst carbon dioxide is ultimately the problem, Australia’s Environmental Cowboy is proving that ‘mining’ carbon back out of the atmosphere could also be our best chance at fixing it. Environmental scientist Khory Hancock, who is better known as the Environmental Cowboy, is on a mission to empower and enable businesses to integrate profitable carbon projects into their current practices through the regeneration of forests, oceans, and soils. Working with carbon and farmland management company Upscale Carbon, Khory is overseeing projects from reforesting cattle stations in the outback to koala offsets on the Gold Coast, with a focus on making natural resources more financially valuable when they remain intact. This is done through the creation of carbon credits, and it’s a concept that flies in the face of the current narrative that acting on environmental issues is too expensive for even big businesses to implement. The concept of making carbon credits a profitable commodity is one that Khory is determined to bring to the fore. Khory explains,

“When you simplify it, there are only two real solutions to climate change – renewable energy and carbon farming. “Carbon farming is basically a way to ‘mine’ or draw down the carbon dioxide from the

Meet you at the Markets, Park 6: FurrTrition

atmosphere causing climate change using the power of nature’s regeneration process; mainly through photosynthesis in plants. “There are different scientific methodologies that allow us to do this under current government climate policies and all of them aim to build better soil health, improve ocean health, and by planting or regrowing forests on cattle stations instead of cutting them down. It’s rapidly reversing the damage we have done at scale, and at a profit.” All of these methods safely store carbon, which is calculated using ‘carbon credits’ - a financial product with the associated environmental value attached. This credit can be traded just like a traditional share, meaning that regenerating nature and reversing climate change is now profitable. “Putting a value on carbon is a gamechanger in tackling the global climate crisis and provides the opportunity to shift the focus of the economy from degeneration to regeneration of nature,” Khory says. “We can scale up the natural regeneration process using these methods at a rate fast enough to counteract the 10 years we have left to avoid catastrophic and runaway climate change”. Khory’s work is incredibly timely and imperative given the findings of the recently released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on climate change, which clearly highlighted the need for urgent, large-scale changes if we are to shift the balance on global warming over the next decade. Visit khoryhancock.com and @environmental_cowboy for more. Visit blankstreetpress.com.au for the full story.

Words & Photography by Dani Teveluwe

I’ll be totally honest, it was my furry who first led me to Furrtrition. Owners of a successful pet food and supplies business, FurrTrition, Jeff and Lynn, work and live from a place of passion and purpose; ensuring they serve top quality treats to our beloved ‘furries,’ allowing them to live their happiest, healthiest and tastiest lives. Blank caught up with Jeff and Lynn to learn about their story and discover how these ex-café owners began making waves in the space of pet nutrition. First a head chef, and later café owners, Jeff and Lynn first started making nutritious pet meals treats in 2007 after taking the health of their gorgeous daschund Seska into their own hands. Their furry had been suffering from pancreatic issues and providing her with high quality nutrition had accelerated her healing. Knowing they were onto something, they began to sell their nutrient-dense treats at their café, the Lunch Basket in Mermaid Beach. Lynn is the mastermind behind their delicious and nutritious treats, stating that, “the predominant thing we wanted to do was to make sure that all of our products weren’t just an empty calorie treat, that they actually did something for the animal, whether it was increasing protein, helping with muscle stiffness and aches – we wanted all of our products to have a naturopathic benefit to it.”

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This they did. Jeff and Lynn pride themselves on their high-quality products with everything locally sourced and prepared by an esteemed chef – so know by supporting FurrTrition, you are well and truly shopping local. When you chat with Jeff and Lynn it is obvious that they are not in this for the money. They are really driven by empowering people to provide better nutrition and food for their pets, and the countless beautiful relationships they have formed with their clients and their beloved furries echoes this notion. Lynn fondly told me that often, “FurrTrition is the first port of call to announce pet news, from a new addition to a sad loss. It’s beautiful to be a part of our customers’ lives and have that relationship with not only them, but also their furry.” FurrTrition has been servicing local markets since 2012. They sell a range of pet treats, which they can tailor to your pet’s dietary requirements or needs, from pet soup – a gentle and nutritious meal that is excellent for furries with sensitive stomachs through to low fat, high protein treats. Catch Jeff or Lynn at your local farmer’s markets - Emerald Lakes on Thursdays, Burleigh Heads on Saturdays and the Nerang Markets on Sundays, or once a month at the Makers Markets in Raby Bay. I guarantee your day will be lightened by their kind and positive approach to business.

Merinda Davies’ conversations with the forest Words by Natalie O’Driscoll | Photography by Ellamay Fitzgerald

Gold Coast artist Merinda Davies has created a truly green piece of art: inviting the public to help grow a micro-forest in Surfers Paradise, on Kombumerri Country. Using plant species native to the region, the forest will become a ‘paradise’ people can enjoy in the future. A soundscape created for the forest will filter through speakers, utilising tones and sounds similar to the electric pulse language of the trees. Merinda Davies will be situated in the centre of Surfers Paradise in residency at Cavill Lane during the development of this first-of-a-kind artwork entitled ‘Conversations with the Forest’, where she will run a series of workshops, public talks and host an open studio where the community will be able to engage in the piece in progress.

my early memories are of propagating and planting trees and spending a lot of time in forests, it feels like it's a part of my DNA. Then a few years ago I went to a symposium on environmental field recording and Monica Gagliano was a key speaker. She spoke about her research which showed how trees are able to listen and change their behaviour based on what they hear, this really inspired me and set me on a path exploring her research and other people's writing on this subject.

We caught up with Merinda to find out more about the project.

Then a couple of years ago I was a participant in a workshop run by choreographer Katina Olsen, we were outside under some big old trees, I was lying on the ground in a kind of meditative state when a really clear vision of the artwork formed in my mind. Then the next day I found out that where Surfers Paradise is now, only 100 years ago was a dense littoral rainforest teeming with a diverse ecosystem of plants.

Tell us about the public’s responses to the project so far.

Since then I have continued to research and refine the concept.

I have been overwhelmed with the positive responses to the project, from people stopping by for long chats about the project and concepts behind it, to people dropping me off seeds and even a rare native orchid and as I am sitting here someone just popped their head into the studio read the artist statement and proclaimed 'Conversations with the Forest, how good is that!' before getting on with his day.

What is your vision for the future of ‘Conversations with The Forest’?

I think that people are excited by the prospect of bringing back some of the forest in Surfers, surprised to come across my artist studio in the centre of Surfers where I am beginning to grow the plants for the future forest. In conversation with people who live here I have found a willingness to be part of the project, to help plant the forest when it gets to that stage and a longing for more access to nature spaces in the city. It’s such an inspired idea. Where did it come from? Thank you, I honestly feel that it came from the trees. As well as a kind of accumulation of different points in my life, as a kid where I grew up my parents were and still are regenerating land that was damaged because of cattle farming,

My hope is that once it is installed into a public space it becomes a permanent place for connection, for deep listening, and a blueprint for how we can regenerate city-scapes. The forest will outlive me and those who plant the trees. My hope is that it not only connects the trees, fungi and ferns into a forest network but also brings other species and humans together into a multispecies community who can share the forest space. Is there anything else you’d like people to know? I would love to invite people into the studio to see the forest as it begins to grow, to share in a conversation, to leave a message for the future forest. The studio is at 8-04 Cavill Lane, Surfers Paradise and I am open to the public on Wednesday - Friday, 12-5pm. You can also book a time outside of this through the online portal: conversationswiththeforest. online. To read the full interview, head over blankstreetpress.com.au. Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

India Dupriez’s Perfect Pop Package

Girl And Girl Pave Their Own Way

Atticus Chimps Bring Heavy Vibes

MAD Moves On

Sycloner’s Stunner

LUUDE Stays Out Late

JVMIE’s Awake Alright

Akurei’s Experimental Vibes

Gesticultions’ Adventurous Collection

Vanessa Lawless’ Gold Coast Special

India Dupriez has collaborated with an all-star cast of hit makers to craft the edgy-pop, faith-driven anthem ‘Pray’. Led by India’s stunning vocal, the track features all the bells and whistles of catchy modern production including well timed choir moments and big glistening synths to deliver a near perfect pop package. Super slick stuff here from India Dupriez.

Prolific party starter Luude aka Christian Benson aka one half of electronic duo Choomba has all aspects of a big night covered with his new EP ‘6AM’. Written during a stint of lockdown, the EP was crafted to reflect three different phases of an evening, the loose fun energy of getting rowdy at a pub with mates (‘Wanna Stay’), the dance vibes of being at a crowded club (‘Butters' and 'Arms’) and the emotional kick on tunes for how you’re feeling at 6AM (‘Bridgewater’ and ‘Glenorchy’). Another excellent release from LUUDE that is sure to skyrocket his current success on streaming platforms even higher.

Since their first offering in 2019, Girl and Girl have continued to pave their own way stylistically on the Gold Coast music scene and just seem to get better and better with every release. Their latest single ‘Sex On The Internet’ draws clear influence from postpunk pioneers Talking Heads, Joy Division and Nick Cave while adding a unique modern twist through the lyrical content and classic accompanying video. Fantastic stuff here from this oneof-a-kind local band.

After returning to the Gold Coast from her home in Hollywood as COVID was locking down the world in 2020, JVMIE has cemented herself in the local scene while continuing to collaborate abroad. Her latest offerings come as a part of an album by UK electronic cult sensation Genix titled ’199X’ which is picking up some serious traction on the UK dance charts right now. The album opener ‘Until I Find You’ is a drum & bass party starter while ‘I’m Awake’ sees JVMIE sit more comfortably in her recent style of down tempo electronica. A great example of how working musicians can spread their wings while mostly confined to their hometowns.

Atticus Chimps are bringing the heavy vibes to this fantastic mix of new music with their polished single and badass accompanying video for ‘Liquid Percussion’. Huge guitars and thunderous drums are led by gravelly rock vocals, sewed together with a driving synth sound and slick production reminiscent of pop-rock hero’s Lincoln Park or Muse. The stunningly shot video is simple yet effective, delivering a message of pure hatred that fits the perfectly with the track.

After releasing three consecutive EP’s in the latter half of 2020 Akurei has taken some time year to experiment with new sounds, resulting in a more upbeat flavour to his latest offering ‘idk why the light’s on’. With a programmed indie rock rhythm reminiscent of Darwin Deez or Block Party but without the rough edges, the track is smoothed by Akurei’s honey soaked vocal and glistening production. The first of more upcoming releases in the same vein Akurei has us excited for what’s to come. Blank - issue #91 - October 2021

MAD returns with her first release of 2021 with the chill R&B / soul vibes of ‘Puppet’. Led by an intimate looped guitar part and driven by a programmed beat, the raw production suits the honest lyrical content about moving on from young love. Accompanied by an equally intimate music video featuring MAD, a pink tracksuit and a microphone the track does well to encompass her look and musical style in one well-presented package.

With an uncanny knack for paving his own way in the music industry, Graham Ashton’s latest record under his Gesticulations moniker ‘Threadbare’ is an adventurous collection of collaborations that refuses to be labelled. Ranging from the earnest spoken word folk style opener ‘Where Did You Go’ to the rollicking garage thrash of ‘Good Problem’ each track features the strong influence of the collaborator with the only real constant being Ashton’s thundering vocal and clever wordplay.

Over ten months in the making, Sycloner have been busy perfecting their sound on this stunner of an EP ‘Window Shopping’. With the opening track lulling the listener into a false sense of security before delivering a sonic punch in the face around the one-minute mark, the EP continues to surprise and delight at every turn. Other highlights include the slinky, alt country / rock jam ’Neuro Dècor’ and the acoustic driven power ballad ‘Overman’.

Vanessa Lawless has followed up her 2020 debut with the powerful new single ‘Dead Leaves’. With folk/roots at its core the track’s strong chorus and layered production gives it a pop edge that continues to build up until an almost rock-inspired crescendo at the four-minute mark. Truly Gold Coast-made, the track was brought to life by the local dream team combination of Benny D Williams on production and Paul Blakey behind the mastering decks.

Love Level’s Candice Dianna’s Stunning EP Powerful Debut Tribute

After string of successful Candicea Dianna is channeling releases over RnB the vibes past on twelve some serious her months of single our favourite new powerfulone new ‘Love Peace outfits Love World’ Level have just gifted Help The . Inspired by us debut EP. thewith finaltheir words left self-titled by Candice’s Describing as a took mix late nephewtheir whosound tragically between Japanese James his own life at the House, age of 17, the Blake andreleased Glass Animals, the EP track was on the one-year is low-key electronica at itstofinest. anniversary of his death help With production spreadsubtle his message further.tweaks Truly giving every ownCandice unique stunning stuffsong hereitsfrom flavour, Dianna. the five tracks are gelled together by the duos stunning vocal dynamic. World class stuff here from Love Level.

Harry J Hart’s PopGENIIE BOY Deliver Rock Belter On Hype Harry J Hart has made a

huge All-star Gold Coast statement with the collaborative climatic first project GENIIE have been single from his BOY forthcoming EP on a tear since releasing ‘Make It Easy’ . Beginning withtheir just first single earlier this yearvocal, and a guitar part and Harry’s have now dropped the song quickly their buildsfantastic into a debut EP titled ‘If You fully-fledged pop-rock belterHave with Something Say’. Oozing with the help of To masterful production the of musical proficiency and kind cleaver instrumentation. that earned one half ‘Make It Easy’ has of poptheatduo its (Scotty French) the Gold core, channeling both2021 the singer Coast Music Award songwriter sound forofMusician Dean Of Theand Year the dynamic Lewis the and anthemic rock of vocal of Alisha Todd,stuff the here EP Sheppard. Impressive blends stylesJ Hart. of folk, indie, soul from Harry and rock offering an impressive body of work that well and truly lives up to the hype.

Jamie Wandering Blind’s 50 LGELane’s Authentic Lust Is In The Air Dancefloor Sanctuary Swaggering Introduction It seems that lust is in the air Vintage Rock Jamie Lane has given us another 50 LGE bring guitars to the taste his their forthcoming album front ofwith latest vintage with ready single rock the EP dance-floor ‘Loaded’. The opening ‘Sanctuary’ . Encouraging us to tracks ‘Coachella’ and ‘World’ pause and reflect on then’ peaceful, offer straight up meat potatoes joyful times our lives track rock n’ rollin while thetheclosing is an mix uplifting breath air two things up of a fresh bit with that not only displays Jamie’s the instrumental surf vibes of talent as and a producer also ‘Hooked’ the punkbut attitude showcases his .eccentric vocal of ‘Raising Cain’ Without much style seems to fit to perfectly of anthat online presence speak with hispreferring unique sound. of and to release their material on vinyl, 50 LGE are as authentic as they come.

Satisvibes Bring Erin Foster Strips The Summer Vibes Things Satisvibes Back are holding onto

the Erin Foster us the summer vibeshas withshown their reggaedepth her talent month fueled ofdebut singlethis ‘Beautiful with beautiful Kaos’. aBased aroundstripped a classic back oneversion of herformula, single from drop reggae theearlier track this ‘Sometimes’with . This pushesyear along confidently the alternate still incorporates help of a version tactful horn section and sparse elements and smooth electronic dub production. The first Erin’s unmistakable vocal but single from a forthcoming EP that introduces the duewonderfully was put on hold to border intricate electric guitar Kaos’ playing of restrictions, ’Beautiful puts Eliza And The Ashley Satisvibes backDelusionals’ on track, with a lot Martin. unlikely and an more in An store for fansmatch in 2021. interesting change of direction here for Erin Foster. See our chat with Erin in this edition about latest solo effort ‘Friends’.

Wandering are this month withBlind yet another introducing us intimate trackthemselves here fromtolocal this month with their guitar favorite Doolie. ‘Woke Up Feeling driven, vintage-indie Dramatic’ offers the sounding signature single ‘Candidate’ . With clear downtempo R&B/electronica influences indieearned pioneers production from that has the The Pixies, track is acclaim simple young artistthenational in structure, commandingly anditsmillions of streams over the honest its delivery catchy past fewinyears. Writtenand about the to the core. Written as an with ode feeling of infinite possibility to and a newmiscommunication lover, ‘Woke Up Feeling missed opportunity, ‘Candidate’ Dramatic’ is another strong carries a sarcastic swagger that release set to build upon Doolie’s will haveprofile. you hooked from the growing opening line.

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