February ‘15
free
LOVING YOUR LIVING CLARE BOWDITCH ON SELLING OUT, WITHOUT SELLING OUT
issue #018
MUSIC
Tiki Taane Benny D Williams Double Lined Minority Peter Hook
FOOD
Hard Rock Cafe Flannery’s Refuel Depot Can Tho Kitchen & Bar
BOOKS
Amnesia Bitter Greens Cherry Bomb Here Come the Dogs
ENVIRO
Environmentally Speaking Beautiful & Dangerous Animal Farm
CULTURE
Boston Marriage Miss Pearl Store Birdman Arj Barker
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA www.BLEACHFESTIVAL.com.au
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Bluesville Station Release New Album Gold Coast based Blues / Rock band Bluesville Station have just released their new 2015 recording ‘Rolling Stock’. This is album seven recorded and produced here on the coast at Woodland Hills Studios at Bonogin, Lee Carroll producer. The band appear at major Blues Fests around the country including Blues On Broadbeach. The band will be performing thier new tunes and station classics next at the Nimbin Hotel and the Lennox Point Hotel Friday and Saturday Feb 13 and 14.
#018 FEBRUARY 2015 Guest editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Design: Chloe Popa, Blunt Pencil Studio Advertising: Amanda Gorman Music Coordinator: Mella Bunker Money Coordinator: Phillippa Wright Environment Editor: Mic Smith Subeditor: Cody McConnell Cover story: Natalie O’Driscoll Contributors: Jay Annabel, Emily Russell, Andrew Scott, Emma Ballard, Naomi Edwards, Chloe Pickard, Amy Mitchell-Whittington, Natalie O’Driscoll, Marj Osborne, Christie Ots, Liz Ansley, ‘Sly’ Steve Griffin, Emily Norman, Sarah McEwan, Kyle Butcher, Jake Wilton, Nathan James, Benny D Williams, Tiffany Mitchell, Terry ‘Tappa’ Teece.
A NEW NAKI release The Energy Brainchild of Gold Coast composer/producer Ben Jammin, A NEW NAKI is preparing for an overseas tour following the launch of its latest single, The Energy; a melodic rock ballad now available for free download from www.anewnaki.com. “Basics” - Nick Millen’s New Exhibition Using chalk, black & white acrylic and wood, Millen has created a series of painted objects. The paintings are diverse and range in their subject matter. The works are expressions of brightness, chaos and raw energy brought into order by the application of hand built frames.This will be Nick Millen’s first solo exhibition outside of Melbourne. 30 Jan 2015 6pm – 9pm, Holly Gallery, Miami QLD, 16b Brakes Crescent 4220. BluesCorp
Acknowledgement of Country We show our respect and sincerely acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this Land and their Elders past and present. Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Blank GC is an independently owned and published magazine, with all of our writers contributing their time pro-bono to boosting the cultural scene on the Gold Coast. Founded in 2013 with the goal of busting those boring stereotypes which have surrounded the Gold Coast for decades, we rely on advertising to keep us in the fray. Opinions expressed herein, are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publishers or of the writing team.
Hunter Hayes. Visit www.bluesfest.com.au for the full announcement and line up
BluesCorp Perform Original Rock’n Blues Last year saw rocking success for Bluescorp, and with the band currently in the process of recording their third album, you can expect big things from this Gold Coast foursome in 2015. Corp perform a free live show at Southport Sharks on Saturday, January 31 from 8.30pm. Bluesfest Makes it’s Sixth Artist Announcement! Director Peter Noble shares his excitement: “We have such an exciting sixth announcement in what is a watershed year for Bluesfest. A genuine new superstar of Blues & Roots music - Hozier, Celtic legends The Waterboys, New Zealand’s all-star music collective Fly My Pretties on their first ever Australian festival appearances, lots of great new Blues artists, and to top it off - Country Music’s hottest new artist,
Bobby Alu – Tour and Download Bobby Alu, back from a solo international tour schedule that would have lesser men freaking out, has opted out of a summer holiday [easily done when your life is one long summer holiday], instead reuniting with his band - highly respected QLD musicians Paulie B (The Beautiful Girls, George), Stewart Barry, Richie Seymour & Hua Hillman - to release and tour his latest suite of songs, collectively entitled Bay Sessions. Fans can stream it on Soundcloud. Catch Bobby Below. Feb 20 – Motor Room, Brisbane QLD - Free Feb 22 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads NSW - Free Mar 1 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour NSW - Free Coast Acoustics Music Club – Open Mic 28th February 2015 Sadie and Jay will perform with their percussionist as a trio at Country Paradise Parklands, 231 Beaudesert Rd, Nerang, between 4-5pm, after the open mic (1-3.30pm). Entry is $5 for members. Jams are held on 2nd Saturday of the month, at Country Paradise Parklands and 3rd Tuesday of the month at All Sports Club, Leagues Club Drive, Nerang. DZ Deathrays – 3 Shows Sold Out Still with a trail of destruction behind after the Lorne/Byron/Marion Bay Falls Festival dates, DZ DEATHRAYS have today announced that 3 shows on their Get Rich or Drunk Tryin’ tour next month with Bass Drum Of Death and Hockey Dad have sold out. To keep up with demand, the Brisbane thrashers have added 4 more shows to their tour, 2 of them in Brisbane. Sunday 15th March – Music Industry College, Brisbane (Under 18, Daytime show) Sunday 15th March – Brightside, Brisbane Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au Warm Up for Earth Frequency Festival Firstly, a massive hip-hop double headline show with Chali 2na & Grandmaster Flash on January 2nd, the return of the mighty Funk Hunters on January 9th, and on February 8th, Harmonic Spaces, which is the visionary art wing of EFF will be joining forces with Sonic Temple to bring you Harmonic Temple - a night of visionary art and sacred sonics - with Damon Soule, Leo Plaw, Mark Lee, Desert Dwellers, Kalya Scintilla and more. Full details at www. earthfrequency.com.au
El Grande Festival 2015 Announces Lineup El Grande Festival expands for its 4th iteration March 20th-22nd - the event is now a 2 Day Festival at the Grand Hotel in Gladstone on Saturday and Sunday and this time, Brisbane also gets a taste of the grandiose event at the Hi-Fi Bar on Friday night. This time around the 3 day, 2 city event features headliners 28 Days, DZ Deathrays,Dream On Dreamer, Tiki Taane (NZ), D At Sea, Voyager, Sydonia, Ezekiel Ox,Drawcard, The City Shakeup and many more local artists from Gladstone to Brisbane and everywhere in between. Brisbane’s event on Friday 21st March - El Grande #BNE - will be a fiesta of heavy rock goodness. Becoming The Boss of Busy – February Think Tank The first Think Tank for 2015, where war will be waged on wasted time, procrastination will be told to pi**off, and some pretty cool tips to maximise brain activity will be shared. 16th February 2015, Bond University, Robina. Register at www.eventbrite. com.au/e/think-tank-get-your-sht-togetherfor-2015-tickets-15131013268. fRETfEST
fRETfEST Gold Coast music company fRETfEST is calling for the return of COUNTDOWN.... ...and now they’re one step closer to their aim, with an announcement today! The local music company has secured Friday nights at the $23million Helensvale Cultural Centre’s 200 seat Auditorium with their new program, called ESCALATE, heralding a return of the bandstand era. Commencing Friday 30th January, 7pm, this venture will bring young bands and original music artists together in a purpose built community centre to help stimulate development of the local contemporary music industry, says fRETfEST director, Al Buchan. What’s On At the Gold Coast Arts Cinema? Playing already is Into the Woods, Disney’s new fantasy musical starring Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp. This film is a modern twist on several of the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. The Imitation Game is an intense and haunting portrayal of a brilliant, complicated genius Alan Turing, who under nailbiting pressure helped to shorten the war and, in turn, save thousands of lives. The Water Diviner is Russell Crowe’s epic adventure tale, set in Turkey during World War I. ‘There are plenty of moments which
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remind you of the power cinema can exert when emotion and spectacle are in sync’ Sydney Morning Herald, who gave the film four of five stars! St Vincent and Mr Turner are in last days, so don’t miss out on your chance to see these incredible films, and let’s not forget Birdman which is now showing. Expressions of Interest are now Open for the Gold Coast Folk Music Festival The Gold Coast Folk Festival will be held 19-20 September 2015 at Country Paradise Parklands in the Gold Coast Hinterland. We are looking for up to 20 acts with a mix of local, intrastate and interstate artists. Previous years have included Wes Carr, Hanneke Cassel (USA), John Schumann, the Bushwhackers, Round Mountain Girls, Michael Fix, Hat Fiz and Cara, The Company and many more. For more information or to apply, please see the festival website www.goldcoastfolkfestival.com.au Connect with national Landcare leaders The Gold Coast Catchment Association presents a free Gold Coast Landcare Leadership Retreat for students aged 16-25 to get involved in local environmental projects, organisations and lead a cause they are passionate about, and inspire other youthful heroes. This is an exciting opportunity for Gold Coast students to be inspired and connect with experienced and highly-regarded environmental leaders. Applications are now open for this free retreat and will close on the 18th February. Apply at goldcoastcatchments.org Waterwise Gardening Workshop Gold Coast Permaculture Market St, Carrara behind Back Page Sports Bar Saturday 31 January 10am-12am Come and listen to Greg Plevey from Wormtec show you how to reduce water usage in the garden, the relationship between micro organisms, organic matter and ph levels in a healthy garden, how to minimize negative impacts on your garden plants and soil.
Music Festival line-up this morning as the event rolls out a week of announcements. They’ll be performing on the festivals newly-announced Future Live stage, which, sponsored by Pringles, will host Drake, 2 Chainz, Example, Sigma and others.
ing the noserider event, logger, SUP Surfing & Racing and amateur surfing divisions. On the land there will be a music festival, lifestyle market stalls, art, cooking demonstrations, car displays, movies and more. More info at australianlongboardopen.com
The Gipsy Kings celebrate 25 years Jupiters Hotel & Casino is delighted to be celebrating The Gipsy Kings’ 25th anniversary tour with a performance at Jupiters Theatre, Gold Coast on Sunday April 5, 2015. The Gipsy Kings will raise the roof of Jupiters Theatre with the dance-ready sound that has sold 25 million albums in their third ever tour of Australia. Tickets can be purchased via ticketek.com.au, calling 132 849 or at the Jupiters Box Office from January 15, 2015.
Mass Sky Raid Drop New Single and Announce Tour Dates Mass Sky Raid’s new single, Enemy, will probably make them more friends than opposers. The vast, grand scale rock track takes them to another sonic level - and now it’s time to release it and take it on tour. Enemy is released online everywhere on Thursday March 5th and the Enemy Single Release Tour kicks off on Friday March 13. For more information, head to massskyraid.com.
Jodi Martin’s Saltwater Jodi’s honest folk/roots style, evocative of Jack Johnson and The Waifs, has taken her to far-flung corners of the globe and seen her heralded as ‘one of Australia’s most talented singer songwriters’ by The Weekend Australian. Jodi’s stunning new album ‘Saltwater‘ was co-written with folk legend Arlo Guthrie, during a songwriting road trip travelling from one end of the United States to the other. See Jodi at the Byron Theatre on Friday 30th January from 7:30 pm. Tickets ($20 adult, $17 con) available from www.kupromotions.com.au. Laneway 2015 Playing Times & Maps Have Landed Time to start frantically planning your mad dashes between stages at Laneway this year – the playing times and maps for all five Australian dates have been released. Laneway’s Brisbane leg will be opened by Unearthed winner JOY., Mansionair, Peter Bibby and Future Classic up-and-comer Eves The Behaviour. Big names such as Royal Blood and Courtney Barnett are set to play as the sun sets over the RNA showgrounds, with fan favourites Flight Facilities closing down the festival before midnight.
Chinese New Year Festival 2015 To celebrate the new lunar year in the Chinese calendar Gold Coast Chinatown is set to come alive with colour, cuisine and cultural entertainment when we celebrate the inaugural Chinese New Year Festival. Saturday 21st February 2015, 3pm – 9pm, Young and Davenport Streets, Southport (Gold Coast CBD) Hilltop Hoods
Hilltop Hoods Join Future Lineup Multi-platinum local hip hop trailblazers the Hilltop Hoods have joined the Future
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World’s Best Longboarders Lining Up For Australian Open At Kingscliff Entries are now open for longboard and SUP surfers to compete in the World Surf League (WSL, formerly the ASP) Longboard Qualifying Series at this year’s Australian Longboard Surfing Open, to be held at Kingscliff – March 25th to 29th. The fiveday event is set to take Australian longboard surfing to a new level of fun and entertainment with not only the WSL LQS Men’s & Woman’s divisions but much more includ-
Trinity Roots
Trinity Roots New Album and Tour After the successful Australian release of their single Haiku in 2014 Trinity Roots are now ready to kick-off the new year by announcing an Australian tour in support of their heavily anticipated third studio album (set for release early 2015). Supported by the self-proclaimed guitar-wielding banjoslinging freak Karl S. Williams, these shows are set to be a journey for the senses. TRINITY ROOTS ALBUM TOUR (With Special Guest Karl S. Williams) 19th March - The Zoo, Brisbane,QLD 20th March - Currumbin Creek, Tavern Gold Coast,QLD Will Sparks
Will Sparks Headlining Soaked Melbourne-export Will Sparks will return to Australia to headline the Soaked Pool Party at Ramada Couran Cove Island Resort in February. Sparks will join more than 27 deejays in a stellar line-up rivalling some of the summer festivals. Tickets are $75 including boat transfers. For tickets, information and a full line up visit www.soakedluxurypoolparty.com.au. Swell Sculpture Festival: 2015 Entries Open Artists are invited to submit entries for the 13th annual Swell Sculpture Festival at Currumbin Beach, Queensland 11 - 20 September 2015. Exhibiting up to 55 sculptures, Swell Sculpture Festival supports full freedom of expression for all forms of sculpture and encourage submissions with entry open to all artists nationally and internationally, working in any medium. Entries close march 6, 2015. Visit www. swellsculpture.com.au/artists/artists.php for entry information. Climate Reality Event This interactive event will bring together a panel of experts to present the latest scientific data and discuss both the issues and the solutions to the spectre of climate change. 6.30pm, 25th February 2015 at Soundlounge, Currumbin RSL. 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin. Live music, bar and delicious food available. Doors Open 6pm. RSVP essential: Gecko 5534 1412 or office@ gecko.org.au. Sand Safari Brings Disney Friends to Surfers Paradise For two magical weeks from February 13 to March 1, the Surfers Paradise Foreshore will come to life with a sand-tastic display of sculpting talent as part of the 2015 Sand Safari. For more information, please visit www.surfersparadise.com. Send your news to news@blankgc.com.au.
LOVING YOUR LIVING: CLARE BOWDITCH ON SELLING OUT, WITHOUT SELLING OUT scientists saying they don’t know if the left-brain and right-brain thing exists. But yes I am a chaotic, creative type who has had to learn the nuts and bolts and strategic thinking, and find language that works for me around marketing and making money in order to survive. And I had to grow to respect those who work on the business side of music in order to have a career. I release through a label. I work with managers. I have assistants. You have to learn to slot yourself in the left brain anaylitical world to survuve as a musician. I think it’s important.” I am curious as to where she managed to the learn the skills necessary to successfully work on the business side of her music. She answers energetically. “I’m lucky that I have (husband and manager) Marty Brown who basically covers the whole deal. Networking. When we do our talks at Bleach* we’ll find it in the room together, that’s why we’ll be doing the morning tea. Also I’ve had the luxury to talk with people like Paul Kelly and John Butler, Christine Anu and Debra Conway. We’re so lucky cause we’re in the soup together and we can ask each other questions. A lot of people feel very isolated from that.” The three main pieces of advice that Clare finds herself giving out to musicians regularly are along the same lines. She tries to make people understand that it is possible to make a living doing what you love doing without losing your integrity. She also insists on the importance of being in the company of people who are trying to do the same thing. Thirdly, she hints at the need for practicality. It can be a bit difficult to know where to start when you’re speaking with Clare Bowditch: Musician, songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, educator, mother and collaborator. An ambassador with the Australian Performing Rights Association, she has also previously won the coveted Best Female Artist award at the ARIAs as well as Rolling Stone’s Woman of the Year for her contribution to culture, and recently finished up a recurring role on the hit Channel Ten series Offspring. Still, she managed to find time amongst her hectic schedule to have a chat with Natalie O’Driscoll about what’s coming up in the Crazy World of Clare. I had recently read an article by another publication during which Clare had given the interviewer a hug at the beginning of it. I expressed my jealousy and disappointment over the fact that I only got to speak with her over the phone. “Naw”, says Clare. “I’ll give you a virtual hug.” [Makes squeezing noises]
Instantly cheered, I continue. Bleach* Festival, the Gold Coast’s largest arts and cultural festival, is coming up in March and Clare has signed on to be an Artist-in-Residence. I ask her if she’s excited about it all. “I can’t wait!” She seems genuinely thrilled. “The reason we said yes in the first place is because it’s right up my alley in that it combines the things that I love the most. One: Entertaining people. Two, reminding people that they are creative, and three, being useful to creative people with their careers by giving them good practical hints – so it hit all the bullseyes.” Clare’s love project Big Hearted Business aims to do all of the above, providing advice and skills to creative musicians on how to treat music as a business as well as an art form. I ask Clare if she would call herself a predominantly right-brained person. “You know there’s been all this fluffy stuff lately about
“Really ask yourself. Where do you want to be in five years? And answer honestly.” I ask about artists who may envisage themselves becoming the new Beatles within that time frame. “You know, the chances of becoming a huge worldwide success are very slim. I don’t know that anyone has done a conclusive study of it but it takes enormous resiliance and a long apprenticeship. Iggy and Lorde stories are two in a million. But Lorde has been in development since she was 12. Iggy moved to the US as a teenager. These are not people who have just appeared, these are people who have done their long apprenticeship and are now doing the rest of it in the limelight and really, I just pray to god they’ve got the right people around them.” Clare believes it is important that people understand the difference between that kind of success and being able to make a living doing what you love.
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“There are a lot of people in the middle who are not hitmakers but they are making a living doing it”, she continues.
KINGS OF SUMMER
“I’ve never had a conventional hit but I live a very comfortable life. I would have literally fallen apart under the limelight that Lorde and Iggy have, I’m far too sensitive.”
Chase City’s single has earned them a well-deserved reputation as Hobart’s unofficial kings of the summer anthem. The vivacious party track has had airplay from Triple J, and Channel V has nominated the song’s accompanying video as one of their ’Discover’ entries for January 2015 alongside Brisbane’s The Kite String Tangle. Liz Ansley got to know a bit more about the promising quartet ahead of their tour Broadbeach gig on January 25th.
I ask Clare for some of her own song suggestions to play through headphones to the baby I’m currently baking. “Ah, mazel tov!”, she cries. “I had a bad weekend once and wrote an entire lullaby album in two days, it’s just sitting there on the computer and I wish at moments like this I could give it to you!” As do I, certainly. However, satisfied with the list of babyappropriate songs from her back catalogue with which she provides me (I’m raising a Clare fan, obviously), I finally give in to my curiosity surrounding studio album number eight, coming up in 2015. I’m hoping she can tell me anything about it all. “I wish there was a sneak peek but we’re in the very early stages. I have 168 sketches of songs in there. I hope to find 12 that are decent and that’s the stage I’m at. A lot of them are half-finished and lot of them are thow-awayable. It’s the same for every album. It’s a process of sorting and then I’ll know more, but we’ll head into the studio and get working on the demos and I’d be surprised if it wasn’t ready to go by the end of the year.” Clare’s performances and workshops at Bleach* Festival are outlined below. Blank will definitely be catching a few of them. And I’ll get that hug, dammit. Clare performs at Mudgeeraba ‘Picnic in your Patch’ Saturday 14 March 6pm Picnic in your Patch Mudgeeraba Clare on the Couch Friday 13 March 7pm Dust Temple 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin FREE - RSVP rsvp@bleachfestival.com.au Performance Workshop with Clare Bowditch Saturday 14 March 10am – 1pm Tugun Progress Hall, Golden Four Drive, Tugun Bookings absolutely essential; participants must be available for the evening performance FREE - RSVP rsvp@bleachfestival.com.au BHB Morning Tea Sunday 15 March 9.30am – 12pm Rabbit + Cocoon 23 Hillcrest Parade Miami $55 per person (including booking fee)
You’ve been getting a lot of love from Channel V lately, what’s that been like for you? Were you expecting such a huge response? It was completely unexpected. We always thought you had to be a global act to be played on there but turns out we were wrong. It’s very cool to see the reach the song has been getting! The tour kicks off in a few days, how are you all feeling about it? We are all so very excited. This release has been in the pipeline for 6 months and to finally have it out and be on the road is going to be awesome! Can you tell us a bit about how Chase City came to be? We started out 2 years ago & decided on doing a more popbased band. Our first 6 months were spent holed in a studio working on an EP, which sometimes became very tiring. We have been reaping the rewards since though. What do you guys get up to when you’re not making music? Any other hobbies/passions/jobs? Our guitarist Peter is an electrician, Michael (drums) does Outdoor Education guiding around Tasmania, Jeremy (bass) is an architect and Tarik (vocals) sets up an inflatable jumping castle venue for kids. We all have a bunch of different hobbies, but most of them are sports. The video for I Lost Myself is a lot of fun and definitely eye-catching with its fast-paced party timelapse. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind it? The director had this vision of a top down shot with a spinning camera that zoomed in, but after the quote we decided it was too pricey. From that we somehow moved onto having a time-lapse film. Seeing as we love house parties, we decided to throw one! 2015 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Australian music – what Aussie release(s) are you most looking forward to?
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Really looking forward to the new San Cisco album. Their latest single, Run, really blew me away. Also looking forward to some debut releases by Hockey Dad & Ayla who were two artists I really enjoyed through 2014. Hoping to see Last Dinosaurs and Sticky Fingers back with some new stuff in 2015. You’ve supported a bunch of seriously great bands in the past, including British India and Sticky Fingers – but if you could support anyone in the world, who would it be? Our ideal support is The Wombats. They inspired us heavily early on, and we got a chance to hang with them at Falls Festival last year and they were really nice dudes. What are your plans for the year, after the tour wraps up in March? We are back at Studios 301 in Byron with Magoo working on some new material. Expect a tour shortly after.
watching Garfield when she was really too young to understand what was happening. “There was a scene where Odie gets lost and they played this sad music and she just cried and cried, no idea what was actually happening, it was just the music that made her feel that way. That’s something I never forget.” For years, Benny has worked the singer / songwriter scene on the Gold Coast. One of a cast of thousands, he acknowledges that sometimes it’s a really tough gig. “There are so many people doing the singing and guitar thing around, some do it better than others, but yeah it can be tough to stand out. It’s really hard to get people out of their houses too, with their surround sound and huge TVs. You have to create a reason for them to come out and listen to live music.” His use of technology in his live sets is what is really starting to get him noticed, and it’s only been happening for the past couple of years. “You play a three to four hour set with just your voice and guitar and by the end of it you get so sick of hearing it yourself. Then a couple of years ago I saw this guy using a harmoniser at a gig and I was like ‘wow’ right away. I’ve always felt that harmonies make songs, so I ended up getting a digitech one that could put four other harmonies over your voice, and the looper.”
VAMPIRES TO VOCALTRONICS When it comes to musical journeys, Gold Coast live fixture Benny D. Williams has definitely done the hard yards. Before 10 years of age, he began piano lessons, but wasn’t a fan. “I had one of those teachers who would smack your knuckles if you got something wrong, so it wasn’t much fun.” As a result, Benny put aside playing music for a while, until he turned 15.
2015 is looking pretty exciting for Benny. Not only is his reputation growing among live music fans on the coast, but he has he been accepted into Griffith to do the Bachelor of Popular Music. In addition, he also plans to record and release an album. “I guess the single will be its own entity, but the album will bring together a whole bunch of different sounds to challenge people’s listening ability and their perception of music.” 6th February at the Burleigh Brewery, Benny D. Williams will be playing a three-hour set from 5.30pm – 8.30pm and launching his new single. Entry is free. Natalie O’Driscoll
“Basically, I got interested in girls,” he remembers, “My mum had a really nice nylon string guitar and my dad had a really nice steel string one, so I just picked them up and started playing.” From the beginning, genre-defying Benny strived to be original. “I never started learning other people’s songs. I started writing my own songs from the get-go, because I wanted to express my teenage heart, you know? I was a very sensitive teenager. What I would do though is sit there at night recording my favourite songs on the radio and I’d lock my bedroom door and sing along constantly. I’d say singing is probably my primary instrument, and everything else comes after that.” Working as a kitchenhand and then finally wait staff at the long-standing theatre restaurant Draculas, Benny’s fate was sealed the night that one of the performers called in sick. Fortunately, Benny knew the show as well as all the staff did, and he was asked to fill in.
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SESSIONS
MUSIC * CULTURE
IN THE VILLAGE
“From that point on I was doing an understudy role, and I was also doing the technical stagemanager understudy as well, cause I was keen to do anything. They actually put me through singing and dancing lessons cause I sucked, really... I even did ballet for a while... Then I ended up doing Draculas for like 12 years.” In Benny’s music, you can hear a melange of wide-ranging influences and genres in one set. Benny credits the music his parents listened to with helping to develop his current style, with Hot August Night by Neil Diamond getting a special mention. “My style really is so diverse, it’s hard to describe, one minute I’ll go from eastern to kind of a tribal African thing and then I’ll go back to a techno vibe, then it will all mash together in one song! Then there’ll be a country thing, and a blues thing. For a while it really concerned me. I thought ‘I’ve gotta nail down my style. What’s my style?’. Recently I’ve decided why do that? Everyone’s taste in music is so varied, and there’s a time and a place for all sorts of music... I used to think I was alienating an audience [by not sticking to a genre], but now I think I’m actually opening it up to everyone, because there’s something there that will appeal to most people.” Benny believes very strongly that music is a feeling. He recounts a story about his daughter
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U MME R I M E IT’S FREE!!!
FEBRUARY 6TH 13TH 20TH 27TH
FRIDAYS 5.30pm - 7.30pm
THE LYRICAL + JACKSON JAMES SMITH MATTY ROGERS + ASHLEIGH MANNIX NICOLE BROPHY + RUBY BOOTS JULIA ROSE + HUSSY HICKS
CUDDIHY PARK
CNR RAILWAY & SWAN LANE • MUDGEERABA
b ank
Proudly supported by
CITY OF
Gold Coast
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HOME GROWN Hockey Dad is made up of childhood friends Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming from NSW town, Wollongong. These dudes have been killing it on the music scene after scoring a place as a finalist in Triple J’s Unearthed High Competition and playing The Falls Festival, Byron Bay over New Years. Billy recently sat down to have a chat with Sarah McEwan.
How long have you and Zach known each other for? I’ve known Zach since we were five, been putting up with his shit for that long. We used to just muck around with music for a long time, but only really started getting serious with Hockey Dad in the past two years. I only finished school last year and Zach finished a few years back, we only had just finished our Bad Dreams tour the day before my English exam. I was in Adelaide and was really hungover, but I made sure I got into uni. Now you guys were finalists and Triple’s Unearthed High Comp, how did things change after that? Yeah it definitely gave us such a push, people just starting liking it, so that was cool for us. Being at Falls was sick, we were on the stage for the New Years countdown with Alison Wonderland, no idea how we got there but we were just boogying up a storm. How was your own set at Byron Bay’s Falls Festival, you would’ve been stoked to play the biggest stage, The Village.
Was so rad, we had a few Wollongong friends dancing in the crowd, but was cool to see people kinda spread out in our set, under trees and dancing around, and yeah playing such a massive stage, we felt so small with it just being Zach and I, but yeah loads of fun. Now Hockey Dad are supporting DZ Deathrays in Febuary and March, getting keen? Yeah, we’re so excited, but as equally as excited for Bass Drum Of Death too, who are also supporting, they killed it, so good. We scored the chance to tour with the DZ [Deathrays] guys from just hanging out with them really, super relaxed. You guys recorded your E.P Dreamin with Tom Iansek from Big Scary and #1 Dads, how was that? He’s really good to work with, and looking forward to working with him again, but he’s just so busy at the moment, he’s just killing it.
COMING SOON
February SAT 14 FEB
C.W. Stoneking FRI 20 FEB
FEB
SCOTDRAKULA THE BRIAN EMO & DONNY LOVE
J Mascis
FRI.06
FRI 27 FEB
TOMMY FRANKLIN
with special guests Adalita
Mick Thomas & The Roving Commission
in March FRI 6 MARCH
Jake Clemons FRI 13 MAR
Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell with special guests Jesswar & Scott Dalton
THU 19 MAR
Juzzie Smith FRI 20 MAR
Greys + Salvadarlings + The Dandelion FRI 27 MAR
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FEBRUARY 30th Jan / $10 entry / 7.30pm JAHKAYA + Mañana + James D'Khan + Hans Solo 6th Feb / $10 entry / 7.30pm Ever Since Darwin + Xens Arrival + Reskale + CONTINUUM + WORLD LINES + Laura Mardon
THU.12
13th Feb / $10 entry / 7:30pm "HER SHE'S" Special Event for the Girls in Music Katie Who + Elle Steele + Feat + Being Jane Lane + Ella Fence
YES SIR NOCEUR
14th Feb / $10 entry / 7.30pm CORNERSTONE + Stav + Elston Gunnn + The Silencio + Mentally Twins
FRI.13
20th Feb / $10 entry / 7.30pm Siv + Holistic + Inhailed + Decryptus + The Cilikis
RAD ROBICS
EP LAUNCH
THOMAS VON PARTY [MULTI CULTI/ THE UNIVERSE]
SAT.28
21st Feb / $15 entry / $10+bf Presale THE RUMJACKS National Tour + Local Support Artists 27th Feb / $10 entry / 7:30pm Boned + Kenny Slide + Kobrakai + Maiden May + Jemma Lee Mention this ad at the door for your chance to win a $50 Currumbin Creek Tavern voucher.
My Friend the Chocolate Cake
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THE LEGENDARY PETER HOOK While this man hardly needs an introduction, we’ll briefly go over the background of his busy music career. Joy Division. New Order. That’s right, our very own Kyle Butcher had a chat with the legendary, one-of-a-kind Peter Hook about his role in inspiring musicians for the past three decades, the feud with New Order vocalist Bernard Sumner and his upcoming tour to Australia with his band The Light, where he will play New Order’s seminal albums Low-Life and Brotherhood in full.
evocative of a period, and what we’re trying to do is recreate that period. I’m not pretending to be Joy Division, and I’m not pretending to be New Order – I’m celebrating these records as I heard them and as I hear them.” We could have talked all day to Peter Hook, simply due to the wealth of knowledge and stories he surely holds. Fortunately, Peter Hook will be over in Australia soon to show us just why these albums are truly timeless. Peter Hook and The Light are playing The Tivoli on Wednesday, February 18. Tickets available via Ticketmaster for $71.00 + BF.
“To be able to give the records the respect they deserve is wonderful. It’s funny, on Brotherhood in particular, Bernard [Sumner] wanted to go all electronic, and I wanted to be all rock, so we actually split the rock tracks on the A Side, and all the electronic tracks on the B Side. Then, I loved the rock, and hate the electronic. Now, I love the electronic, and I’m thinking ‘Oh my God!’ At least maturity has given me that. They are great songs to play.” Peter Hook is clearly ambitious. The last time Hook touched down in Australia he played Closer and Unknown Pleasures in full, and so he thought it was time to bring New Order’s early albums down to Australia. Playing two iconic albums each night wasn’t enough to satiate Hook, so he added a selection of New Order favourites to the repertoire, along with a supporting set of Joy Division hits. Hook spoke gleefully about the upcoming tour and his chance to reconnect with the earlier tracks. “When I moved into playing the New Order stuff I was reluctant to move away from the Joy Division songs again, because I didn’t want to lose it again. When we play New Order, we support ourselves as Joy Division, and when we play Joy Division, we support ourselves as New Order. My son writes the Joy Division sets for each night, and believe you me, I walk on stage and I see the set and I’m like ‘f**king hell!’ [laughs]. Some of them are very exciting, depending on how many you haven’t played for a long time. We’re also able to change the New Order set quite a lot as well, because there are so many A-sides and singles we wrote so it is quite exciting.” Hook is no stranger to writing outside lyricism. He has crafted two books outlining his music career and a third is on the way, detailing the rise (and internal fall) of New Order. Despite being the close friends since the age of 11, lead vocalist Bernard Sumner and Hook have fallen out of touch quite publicly over the last few years, with multiple legal disputes being up in the air. Sumner reformed New Order without Hook, and allegedly left Hook a dismal slice of the royalties from New Order. Although this only happened in the last four years of the band’s 35 year lifespan, there is no doubt the topic will be mentioned in his upcoming book. “I’m doing the re-writes at the moment. Luckily for me, Bernard’s book on New Order was, in my opinion, so full of sh*t that I think I read more fact in The Hobbit (laughs). In my opinion, Bernard played his role in New Order down in his book to have a go at me, to try and convince the fans that I am a b*stard!” Along with members of Monaco, Peter Hook’s son Jack Bates fills out the band known as The Light. Peter Hook heads the band of course, however the interesting thing is that Bates steals the role as bassist in the band, which creates a very fresh experience for the founding member of Joy Division and New Order. “I am in a pretty strange position here. We play music from two bands that my bass lines exist in, but I’m not the one playing the bass lines! He [Jack] does very much remind me of me when I was younger, and I do have some spooky moments when I look at him and hear the music at the same time. Music is so powerful, especially when it is played live. It is also so
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JULIA RISING 2014 was a huge year for Gold Coast songstress Julia Rose, with a 31 stop tour, festival play, recording and releasing. With a three octave range and unique and charming personal performance style, it’s no wonder she’s been in such demand. Julia Rose is looking forward to kicking back a bit in 2015, but still has a few tricks up her sleeve. Natalie O’Driscoll caught up with her to get the low down.
Congratulations on your performer of the year award at the Queensland Pride Awards! What did it mean to you to win that? Yes it was very exciting. It was humbling. I felt like I’ve put in many years in the music industry so it was lovely to have been voted as performer of the year. Did you win a prize? A trophy. I recommended that they make a prize next year, like $5000. [laughs] But then won’t someone else win it, and reap the benefit of your suggestion? Oh yeah, I didn’t think of that! They can call it the Julia Rose Award then – I’m kidding! Who are your top five Gold Coast artists, currently? Oooh yep I’ve got it. Felicity Lawless, Hussy Hicks, CC the Cat, Kim Churchill, Tijuana Cartel. So we know you sing, play the bass and the piano. Any other instruments? I played the saxophone for ten years. I wanted to play the violin in grade 3 and they said no, and put me onto the saxophone. I get by, I’m not as good as I’d like to be. Have you ever met a hero? I think when I was a kid the first hero I ever met was Cathy Freeman, just randomly at an airport. I’d just watched her win her famous run back in the nineties and she really really made an impression on me. Did you get a pic? No well this was before the days you could just whip out a smart phone unfortunately and take one.
You’re so musical. Can you tell me a bit about your musical background? I started singing and playing piano at age 5. My family are ALL musicians. I didn’t pick up the bass until I was 18 so, that came later. But I’ve been singing the whole time. Whenever someone has such a unique sound and presence, I’m always curious about who they would consider to be their influences. Because I grew up learning classical music, I had a lot of exposure to that kind of vocal stuff. It wasn’t until later until I discovered bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Eilen Jewell, who’s amazing. PJ Harvey was a big influence. I can hear shades of Kate Bush sometimes when I listen to you. I looove Kate Bush. There are multiple influences I haven’t said but yeah, she’s amazing. We used to do a version of [sings] “Heathcliff, it’s meee Cathyy..” Wuthering Heights? Yes! That’s it. I couldn’t remember the name.
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You played a few festivals on tour in 2014. Did you have a favourite? Good question. Yup. Island Vibe was pretty amazing. Just the proximity to the beach, and it was a kind of community run festival and usually when that’s the case it’s quite organic. And there was lots of support for local acts which was also really exciting. What does your ideal 2015 look like? Mainly it’s just finishing the album. We are looking to have it done by the end of the year and then tour in 2016. 2014 was so mega it will be good to have it just a little bit slower and put as much love and energy into it a possible. We’re hoping to release the next single mid-year. Julia will be a featured artist at an upcoming Mudgeeraba summertime Session. Keep an eye on their facebook page for details.
ACOUSTIC MASHUP TOUR Tiki Taane, effectively dubbed the New Zealand ‘King of The Dubs’ is set to make his mark on the Australian music scene this March with his Acoustic Mashup Tour, affectionately referred to as the Tiki Tour by his fans. Having spent 24 crazy years immersed in an ever-changing and unstable industry, Tiki has remained true to his unique blend of dubstep, reggae, and contemporary rock/pop, hitting Double Platinum with
his single Always on My Mind in 2007 and continuing to have his name etched into the New Zealand Music Charts with further singles and album releases.
This is what Tiki hopes to bring to his Australian Tour, “Bro, I’m doing something that not many are trying, all live on the spot, on edge kind of stuff.”
It all started in 1991 for Tiki. It was a Legalise Marijuana gig in Christchurch and our man was 15 years old. “My band was called Cultivation… I remember being so excited [and I] had the best time of my life, even though we played mostly to our mates in a half empty room. I don’t think I would change a thing, it was perfect.”
On embracing the Australian music scene, Tiki says he is excited for us Aussies to witness his styles and live performances.
He continued to bring his unique spin to music as a member of Dub/Reggae band Salmonella Dub until the year 2007 when he embarked on his solo career, with a few collaborations with other artists and musicians on the side. In his latest album With Strings Attached, Tiki is supported by Shape Shifter, and an 18-piece orchestra, in a live recording at Wellington’s Old St Paul’s Cathedral. The album takes listeners on a journey that shows off Tiki’s ability to transcend musical genres and integrate his contemporary style with those of classical music to create a stunning musical masterpiece. As Tiki told us, he loves the feeling he gets when he hears something so awesome it simply must be made and played. “That’s what really influences me when it comes to mashing up all those styles… That whole experience of recording a live album in front of an audience [and] film crew inside a church with a string orchestra [and] Kapa Haka group was overwhelmingly awesome and scary. But I loved every moment [and] I’m so happy that it was captured.”
“Well I don’t actually know if the Australian scene even know I exist to be honest. I don’t have distribution [and] I doubt my music gets played much on TV or Radio, but in saying that I continue to sell out shows year after year. So if there are any Aussies out there in the scene who wanna’ get down with my shizzle then I will gladly [and] happily embrace you!” So Australia, get ready this March for Tiki Taane, his guitar, his loop pedal, and epic live mash ups and remixes of everything that Tiki has to offer. Brisbane | Woolly Mammoth | March 13 Gold Coast | Miami Marketta | March 15 Byron Bay | The Northern | March 19 See more tour dates and details on Tiki Taane Tikidub Productions Facebook Page.
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GON’ ELECTRIC Sly Steve gets caught up in the laidback, summertime drawl of travelling bluesman CW Stoneking ahead of his national tour. So it’s been a while since we heard some new tunes from you (Jungle Blues 2010), what’s been happening? Well, I took off to do some more touring for the Jungle Blues rekkid (sic). In 2010 we decided to go to Europe and spent half the year there, then we moved there the next year for a couple of years. Did a lot of touring and stuff like that. I wanted to play on the electric guitar, took me a few years to get me to sound any good on it, just stuff like that. How did you find leaving Australia, was that your first move overseas? Yeah it was pretty good, we were living in England so it was a bit cold you know, days were real short so that was probably the worst thing about it, but no we had a really good time there. We’ve been digging the new record Gon Boogaloo, you’ve got a run of dates coming up in the new year? Yeah we’ve got the run through Feb and then we’re back over to Europe again in May. Bit warmer for you by then? (laughs) Yeah well on the road is different to living there, having to take the kids to school in the morning and all that. Will you be taking the full band with you for the upcoming dates? Well I’ve got a different band then I’ve been usin’ the past, I had the same band since about 2008 for Jungle Blues. This is a new band that I’ve put together just for the new rekkid. But we haven’t got sick of each other yet, speaking only for myself. I don’t know how everyone is keeping it together so good but I’m not so sure how things will look after Europe. It’s a seven week tour with four days off. Wow, that’s a real effort. How do you keep the vibe going on the road, is there some tunes you like to play or take a
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good book with you? No I don’t have anything extra I do, it’s pretty much just hoping the gigs are good, that’s about all there is to it. The thing with touring like that is that you get in the zone pretty good, rolling to another joint every day, get your routine set up an everyone gets real good at it. The shows come out real good from doing that you know. It may have taken a while for the release of Gon Boogaloo but it didn’t take too long to record it down it in Victoria, how did it all come about once you got in the studio? I could only get the full band together for two days, originally we were going to do it to four track, we always planned to do it live, but yeah we did it in two days. We did it primitive. There was only two microphones in it, straight to two track tape. We weren’t able to do any overdubs or anything even if we had wanted to. Basically one mic in front of the entire band and the four backing singers and then I had another one to sing into, just so we could make sure to keep the lead vocal up. For Jungle Blues you had J Walker, from Machine Translations, behind the panel producing, did you get him involved this time or who did you work with behind the scenes? No, just went to this studio, this young fella named Alex Bennett he’s got a cool little studio in Castlemaine. He just set it up last year, he’s into old stuff and I was looking to do something live and he was comfortable to do that which a lot of guys aren’t. So we just went down there and it worked out real well. You’ve released this again through your own label King Hokum Records, how did you get your own label together? I always did everything myself anyway, I did all the recording I handled everything. My first record I got talked
into you know, ‘get a label even if it’s a small one, it’ll be better than none’. So my first record I let it go out on a label and they kind of screwed it up quiet bad, it was just annoying. So eventually I managed to get away from them and then I had some distributors with Shock at the time and they were keen to distribute my stuff so then that’s what I did and made it King Hokum records. Ain’t no point to cut a label into it, cause I don’t need the money off em’ to record, I just do it myself. The new album brings the electric guitar to the fore, how did you pick up the electric? I heard some music that I liked with it. I used to tend to write songs with it and I’d come up with musical bits you know, music melodies, designed for instruments not for the singing I mean. Dish it out to the band, then I just started to think that I should try and play it. Like I said I heard some rekkids that I liked with electric guitars, like some old gospel music and they all used it. Took me a few years you know it’s quite different, takes a bit of controllin’. You can’t just go at it. Gon Boogaloo is out now on King Hokum Records and CW Stoneking plays The Soundlounge on Saturday February 14.
IN BED WITH ART OF SLEEPING Christie Ots caught up with Caleb from Art Of Sleeping to find out what they have planned for 2015, how they spend their down time and what inspired their single, Crazy. Currently down in Armidale after ringing in the New Year at Falls Festival in Byron, the band is still riding the Falls high. Composed of Caleb Hodges (Vox/Guitar), Jean-Paul Malengret (Drums), Jarryd Shuker (Keys), Patrick Silver (Guitar) and Francois Malengret (Bass).
In 2013 one of our writers caught up with the band at Splendour in the Grass and the band mentioned they were excited to see Frank Ocean, who ended up pulling out last minute. This year at Falls Festival, Art Of Sleeping paid tribute to the absentee artist by covering his track Lost.
“Falls was pretty hot, but it was amazing,” Caleb says.
“I was really disappointed that Frank Ocean didn’t show up,” he says.
“The festival was probably some of the best shows that we’ve had, the set at Byron was especially awesome! There was such a great vibe, everyone was out ready to party, and we road tested a few new songs, which went really well.” Speaking of road testing, the band’s single, Crazy, debuted November 24th 2014, however the song was first played at Splendour In The Grass 2013. “Road-testing really is a perfect method to test new songs. It wasn’t a conscious decision, we had just written Crazy and it’s really fun to play. The reception to the song was really great, even when people hadn’t heard it, so it was a definite for recording when the album came around.” With lyrics like ‘Watch me, I’ve been here for days. Oh and I feel so cold when you’re gone. It’s when you walk away that I go crazy and now I’m wasting all my love on you’, I was curious as to what had inspired the song. “My manager won’t like me saying this,” Caleb says laughing, “but he was going through a tough time. I’m a bit of a people-watcher and I was noticing a few people around me going through a tough time. I was thinking about some of things people had said to me and a spark went off. I wrote the song in one day and sent an acoustic demo to our manager and it went from there.” With a punchy melody and echoing vocals Crazy has been a massive hit for the band so far.
“It was a last minute decision [to play Lost], we were talking about our set and we have a lot of new music coming out this year and we needed one more song – one that everyone knows. Our set was at three and everyone is pretty ready to party by then and someone suggested a Frank Ocean song. We had been jamming to that a few days before and it went really well.” Following on from their 2012 EP Like A Thief, the band spent a lot of time touring and writing. Having had no money last time the recording experience was a fast-as-possible in and out experience. The bands latest recording was done at Airloft Studios, north of Brisbane, and the guys once again worked with Yanto Browning. “We just get along really well with him,” says Caleb, “and we wanted to track Crazy and get it out there.” However the guys make sure to take a break and have some fun when writing. “We’ve done so many writing trips recently; we will rent out these houses and strip the house of furniture to make a massive jam room,” Caleb explains, “It’s really fun, we’ll go out there and write and jam, but you get sick of playing music all day. We take our ping-pong rackets out there and everyone is really competitive. Jarryd our keyboardist is super competitive and if someone beats
him at something he has to keep playing until he can get one up on them!” Laughing as he explains how the band makes up games and sometimes creates equipment to play with it is clear the band incorporates fun into their creative process. Caleb attributes the bands sound to their vastly different inspirations, which contributes to their unique sound, however one thing they can agree on is which band they would love to tour with next. “We could have a three-hour argument internally on that,” he says laughing, “but I think three out of the five of us would say The Black Keys. Just because we have all been inspired by their music and the same music they have been inspired by. I think that would be a really amazing experience.” The band recently worked on their new songs with Tom Iansek from #1 Dad’s and says the new music is their current priority. “Our main goal is just getting on the road, introducing people to our new music and reconnecting with people. Australia is our priority; there is a super strong connection with people who enjoy music here. This is going to be a massive year for us! Last year we were just laying low and writing and then Falls was the start of our year. We will be touring the country quite a few times, and we have a few International things planned this year. We have so much new music it’s ridiculous, so we will just be releasing music this year.” Thank God we can expect more new music, as all fans new and old are eagerly anticipating the sophomore album. In the meantime you can catch the band on their Crazy tour.
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album reviews
BOBBY ALU
DUBFX
Returning from a massive tour with blues and roots legend Xavier Rudd, Bobby Alu has recorded and filmed his summery six track E.P Bay Sessions in Byron Bay’s Inky’s Studio. He’s just about to embark on his national tour for release of his E.P, kicking off in WA and making his way to the east coast for the annual Bleach Festival. Bobby has supported the likes of The Beautiful Girls and as mentioned before Xavier Rudd and has returned to the studio feeling rejuvenated and inspired to lay down some new tracks for our ears. The release of the first single from the E.P, My Style, is all about self-acceptance, ‘I hope that you don’t mind, cause this is my style and it’s been here a while’. The single stimulates inner peace and automatically soothes the soul, Bobby’s soulful voice and self-empowering lyrics create a positive aura for the listener.
The latest album release from DUBFX is called Theory of Harmony and it’s jam packed with all the depth, beats, buzzes, bass lines, delays and face-melting synths we’ve come to expect from this incredibly talented solo performer. From the get go, you’re dropped into an ocean of sci-fi-tranced sounds with a brief intro presumably designed to assist you in shaking free the shackles of reality. From there, the dub train rolls out of the station with a selection of delicious up-vibe tracks. Actually, the whole album has of an extremely positive nature. Lyrically, DUBFX has always had a refreshingly idealistic outlook on life. Providing insightful and sincere commentary of present-day humanity and what we could all be if we work together. Some tracks are like introspective mantras; beautifully motivating on a personal level.
You’re sitting by the beach with your mates cracking open a few beers watching the sun setting on a summery afternoon; that is the kind of imagery created throughout Bobby’s music. Song five, Something is a super groovy and propitious song that is bound to make you shake your hips, full of loved-up lyrics and infectious harmonies. Mana, meaning an impersonal power is a beautiful and powerful instrumental piece that breaks up the other tracks nicely. The composition and combination of instruments soothes the soul as you get lost in the music, it also allows Bobby to show off his epic ukulele skills.
From a compositional point of view, this guy is the master of half-time beats and grooves. Horn sections reminiscent of acts like Salmonella Dub, King Tubby and old school dancehall ska music. Brilliant use of delays and reverbs, take you on a sonic interstellar adventure, before dropping back to sweet, clean, soul grooves. Then onto some pure and fresh impossibly quick-drum jungle tracks. DUBFX is far from a one trick pony. It’s obvious his own musical tastes are very refined and wide. This is reflected in the variety of styles of songs.
Bay Sessions
Bay Sessions is a beautiful collection of uplifting and diverse instrumentals and solicitous lyrics. Bobby’s approach to music encourages individuals to embrace their quirks and pure individualism. It’s not very often that music makes you feel so positive about yourself these days, but Alu does a fantastic job of making you smile and high-five yourself. After playing the monumental Blues and Roots Festival, Byron Bay’s Bluesfest back in 2011, Bobby Alu has been a much-loved artist all over Australia and internationally ever since. You can catch him on his own turf at this year’s Bleach Festival in March. Sarah McEwan
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EMMA AND THE HUNGRY TRUTH
Theory of Harmony
He’s definitely expanded his production values of late. Live, with the introduction of a five-track looper and a drum machine for some tracks. In the studio, this guy has a mighty fine grasp of music production. All the sounds are clear and perfectly placed in the stereo spectrum. I’m pretty sure he does the majority of his recording at his home studio, but the quality definitely doesn’t reflect that. Usually, I’m the kind of listener that needs to build a relationship with an album before I can rave on about it, but this one was comfortable from the first listen. Check it out if you like drum and bass, dub, bush doofs, trance, The Prodigy, UK Grime and all those sorts of things. Benny D Williams
Feast
When a band has been recruited by Brian Ritchie to play at the Festival of Music and Art (MOFO) at MONA in Hobart you lean into your screen a little more. Emma & the Hungry Truth is led by Emma Dean on vocals and violin, who stamps ‘cutting edge’ like a red haired version of Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, channelling the woodland nymph look. The band looking like they have similarly stepped out from Sydney Long’s art-nouveau pagan paintings. The first song - Always The Last To Know on their debut EP Feast, has sucked me in right at the piano plinkin’ intro. We can hear depth of sound with weaving string arrangements and a tinkling glockenspiel. The chorus, ‘My heart... I am always the last to know,’ is pure pop. Barks Like An Animal begins with the chords of a melancholic organ and ramps up with Emma Dean’s high vocal register. She is often likened to the legendary Kate Bush and equally so Kate Miller-Hiedke, but less operatic. This is a sermonic song, but definitely not tedious. Bite of My Broken Heart lures you with Emma’s deep alto tones and the band’s vocal harmonies. Time changes and key changes abound - Broken Heart is the token ‘Queenesque’ anthem song hidden in the middle of the EP that really explodes. Written by Emma Dean like all the songs on the EP, the instruments are being manipulated to their creative potential, forming a tight arrangement. Piano anthems aside, I Am Fire contrasts this time solely with Emma’s vocals and the driven repetitiveness of the tribal drums accompanying the lyrics, ‘I’ll pick you an apple, I’ll pick you some fruit, open up I’ll feed you the Hungry Truth.’ The latter lyrics being the name of the next title — The Hungry Truth. A song bursting with rock sound reminiscent of Chrissie Amphlett - added with the rawness of the thumping high hat, drums and rhythm guitar. Let Us dance With Our Fear ends with a pop/ musical styled number that bops along then cleverly contrasts to a floaty Bowie-inspired ‘Starman’ intermission, then back for another pop flourish to finish. Feast is a sublime mix of body moving pop and rock; there is no need for any indie, alt or folk hyphens here. Tiffany Mitchell
KITTY DAISY AND LEWIS Kitty, Daisy Lewis the Third
In 2013 the three-piece band, siblings Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, were invited to play Bluesfest. But before they had even picked up their instruments — they had blown it with a large portion of the crowd. It was a straggly start; dragging their bodies around the stage they greeted us with: “Hello we have just arrived off the plane from the UK and we have colds…” Um Okay? Bluesfest punters looked at each other with similar eye rolling thoughts. After reading rave reviews about their rockabilly/ R&B/jazz styles, the music presented that day remained repetitive and nonchalant. Their January 2015 released album; Kitty, Daisy & Lewis the Third is familiar with their loved R&B numbers, noted with revived London music influences, adding funk and ska to the mix. Painted with the favourite moods and emotions of each sibling, Daisy Durham is rockin’ the snare drums with her rockabilly ballads. Lewis favours the blues tunes, playing piano and guitar, while Kitty Durham, contributing on drums, piano and accordion, harks for the jazz numbers. The first track, Whenever, is pure KDL - a fusion of jazz and blues sass. Baby Bye Bye is a strolling bluesy saloon swingin’ door track sung by Lewis, with string ensemble layers, rhythmic guitars and Kitty and Daisy singing backup vocals. The smooth orchestral Never Get Back is their most intelligent song, and should be selected for the opening or closing soundtrack of a slickly directed motion picture. Feeling of Wonder must be their PR described ‘disco’ number. Produced by and featuring The Clash’s Mick Jones on guitar, this is more classic Jamiroquai-esque London funk, even the song title gives it away as very ‘Jay Kay.’ Another London influence is heard on the track Turkish - a huge nudge to the sounds of the English Ska band, Madness - the band that formed in 1976, one of the token sounds of the early 80’s, originating just down the road from KDL’s Kentish Town roots. The crash of cymbals in the intro takes us to the upbeat ska genre, and its love of a swaying tenor sax led brass section. Kitty, Daisy and Lewis the Third is not only redeemed in generous musical numbers (twelve) and the multi-instrumental talents of the siblings — but takes their playing if we can borrow a Madness title ‘one step beyond,’ reliving their music fans with a much loved revival of London sounds. Tiffany Mitchell
MARILYN MANSON
MITCH KING
MR FLABIO
Marilyn Manson is no stranger to creating albums on the dark fringe of genres, and The Pale Emperor is no different. Although the album doesn’t contain a cover like its predecessor Born Villain and earlier albums, this album boasts some incredible tracks from the dark prince of the 90’s.
The alluring vocals of Mitch King teamed with an eclectic mix of relaxed acoustic, blues/folk vibes, and the occasional dirty electric guitar swell is what makes A Life Under The Sun an album that simply demands to be listened to over and over. With smooth transitions between genres of music like blues, folk, and country, the album is a coastal road trip on a perfectly sunny Australian day.
Mr Flabio - aka Tim Oxley - has a strong musical heritage. Hailing from Kingscliff in Northern NSW, Tim is the youngest sibling of the Oxley family, with big brothers Peter and Jeremy as founding members of the1980’s rock group the Sunnyboys. Like his brothers, Tim has talent galore. A drummer, bassist and guitarist, Tim wrote every track, played all instruments and sang all the vocals on We Will Riot.
One of the highlights of the album is Under the Sun. This track brings together elements of water, sun, bongos, didgeridoos, acoustic and electric swells, not to mention the magic of Mitch King’s vocals and lyrics. Picture a writing style that is a mix between Evermore, James Blunt, and a little piece of something else that brings the music a very distinct Australian-ness. This track is one that captures your heart from the start and takes you on a journey through Mitch’s eyes under the sun. Contrasts between eerie chord progressions and uplifting vocals and percussion will guarantee you becoming lost in this song.
As a 17 year old, Tim moved to Sydney and formed his first band, The Humdingers, a fun power-pop group, and since then has played in many bands - always writing - and honing his talent.
The Pale Emperor
Manson manages to fuse his iconic, dirty riffs with a range of other styles throughout the album. Manson’s lyrics still focus around religion and the dank and depressive, but that’s not a bad thing. His ability to gradually transform his music is one that all bands should take note of; so they aren’t crucified for sounding the same every album, or for changing too quickly. The Pale Emperor opens with Killing Strangers, and it is one of the strongest tracks on the album. The guitar work is catchy without crossing over to pop territory, and the track holds a strong groove throughout the entire song. Manson’s vocals are coarse and add an edge to the track the rest of the album seems to miss. While the album doesn’t enthral the listener like Manson’s earlier album Antichrist Superstar, it does have its moments. It doesn’t have the truly gritty feel of Manson’s earlier work, but the aging rock star is no longer in his angst-filled 20’s. Another standout is Birds of Hell Waiting, which connects with his earlier, more visceral work. It opens with a deep soundscape of foreign noises underpinned by a brooding bassline. The track moves along with a sludgy pace, just the way Manson’s best work sounds. Marilyn Manson managed to create shock with each of their albums, and it was always going to be hard to up the ante, and people believed they had reached that point, but The Pale Emperor screams that they have more to show us. Marilyn Manson will be playing Soundwave Festival around the country in February/ March, stopping in Brisbane at RNA Showgrounds on February 28. Kyle Butcher
A Life Under the Sun
RALPH TOWNER, WOLFGANG MUTHSPIEL, SLAVA GRIGORYAN
We Will Riot
A second highlight and a contrast to the easy listening folk sounds of this album is found in Good Life. This track is found in the latter part of the metaphoric coastal road trip that Mitch King’s album takes you on- the part that finds you driving slightly over the limit, speakers up, with the windows rolled all the way down. Dirty electric swells, and old school radio mixed vocals are at the core of this track. Listening to this song and not tapping your foot is a feat not accomplished by this reviewer. A Life Under the Sun simply put is a wellbalanced work from Mitch King that provides listeners with a beautiful varied range of genres, and takes them on a distinct Australian coastal journey. You can view a sneak peak of the album on Mitch King’s YouTube Channel: A Life Under the Sun- Mitch King Full Album. Emily Norman
We Will Riot is melodic and fun, harking back to the Seattle sound with touches of Nirvana, Mudhoney and the Lemonheads. The lyrics create a pretty cool commentary on modern life in the modern world, with just a touch of angst. Plenty of balls and great guitars abound, and a raw drive and rock, which seems to run in the family. Softer touches appear with songs like Rock n Roll Girlfriend, and then the full Mr Flabio sound jumps down your throat with tracks such as Rock On. To be honest I was not sure on my first listen, but on each since, the album has grabbed me. It rocks, grinds, and gets that toe tapping. It is very reminiscent of the inner-city Sydney sound bouncing around the suburbs in the late 1980’s. With seven good tracks, I am looking forward to catching Mr Flabio when he tours early in 2015. Terry Teece
Travel Guide
Three internationally acclaimed guitar artists, Towner, Muthspiel and Grigoryan have collaborated once more on their album Travel Guide, recorded on the ECM label. Classical guitar cult followers enjoyed the reunion on their recent Australian tour, Travel Guide, where the three guitarists played in halls such as Hobart’s MONA, Melbourne Recital Centre, Sydney City Recital Hall, Brisbane Powerhouse and a packed Byron Bay Community Centre theatre. This is not the first recorded meeting for the three classically trained masters of guitar. In 2008 they produced From a Dream under the group MGT. Indeed it was a dream album, a highly played (well from this writer’s JVC player it was!) chilled out union of contemporary and improvised acoustic and electric guitar. The From a Dream album sleeve sums up their musical union we are fortunate to hear again on Travel Guide; “Music is a miraculous generator of possibilities. It is a language that can reach into far cores of the globe to merge diverse musical backgrounds, personalities and nationalities.” Towner, an American, who possesses a recording career of 30 years, is an acclaimed 12-string and classical guitarist. Muthspiel, born in Austria and now an American citizen is an internationally recognised guitarist and composer within the jazz and classical music scene. And Grigoryan, who has a loyal following in Australia and also the Artistic Director of the Adelaide International Guitar Festival, is the humble classical guitar maestro. Khazakstan born and Australian raised Grigoryan is often touring with his younger brother Leonard, but this year playing with the musical innovator and his hero Towner. Described as an “international summit meet ing” by ECM, Muthspiel and Towner wrote five compositions each on Travel Guide. The track The Henrysons written by Muthspiel is seven minutes of delicate reminiscent music. Classical guitars weaving the lyrical notes in the foreground accompanied by the mindful pianissimo electrical guitar of Muthspiel, giving depth on piano like chords. There aren’t any guitar solos on this album. What is highlighted on this album, are three guitarists who tread lightly around each other’s playing, sharing the protagonist’s role. Tiffany Mitchell www.blankgc.com.au
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CAUGHT IN THE CEASEFIRE Renowned for their high energy pop punk music, Gold Coast’s Double Lined Minority are announcing their National Tour and the release of their EP Caught in the Ceasefire this month. Emily Norman touches base with band member Eddie Salazar, chatting about DLM’s upcoming EP, and their onstage and offstage antics.
PANDA BEAR
Panda Bear meets the Grim Reaper Not even irony can save Panda Bear, aka Noah Lennox, with this album title. Panda Bear’s lyrics, let alone his music compositions, hardly circle the theme of death or even dark explicit tones. Fellow Animal Collective band mate Avey Tare’s latest Slasher Flicks record was a more thoughtful indication of death compared to Panda Bear’s pouncing rhythmical record. Lennox, born in New York, resided in Baltimore, now lives in Portugal with his wife and two children; a clutter-free, picturesque beachside estate. Now, more than ever on a Panda Bear record, the quiet beach life makes it’s way into the music. Constant samples of swirling waters and seagulls in the background whirl into a custom-designed floral-washed wallpaper on opening track Sequential Circuits. It’s the fascinating moments of spacious resilience and hostility found in most Panda Bear tracks on this album that speak the loudest. Tropic of Cancer is a meditative reflection to the psychedelic dub that litters the majority of these Grim Reaper tracks. Always referenced for his choirboy hymns, Tropic of Cancer acts as a well-earned moment of quiet contemplation. Lennox’s cathartic, yet sometimes monotonous droning repetition in the instrumentation, has always been a counter point to his intelligent and soaring vocal harmonies. The more melodically cluttered tracks on Grim Reaper serve as a paradoxical vision of his adopted hometown of Lisbon, Portugal. Which is somewhat surprising, given the excess of the music Lennox makes with its umpteen layers of vocals and dense thickets of rhythm. Previous singles Mr. Noah and Boys Latin lock in an early groove and ride it throughout, slowing building until the song’s final coda. Given the song’s robust and ambitious planned repetition, the slightest rhythmical adjustment or extra sample spurred into the rumbling waters feels like a triumph of musical complexion. Several listens deep into Grim Reaper, those minute alterations become something you yearn for and eagerly await its presence — reminiscent to a 30-minute behemoth Swans track. “I feel like the point is to reveal more of your life to other people, and my instinct is to go the opposite way,” Panda Bear revealed in a recent interview with Pitchfork. Another idiosyncratic response to his own music which revels in some hefty personal matters — recalling his father’s death on his 2011 solo record Tomboy and again here on Grim Reaper with Tropic of Cancer. It’s Lennox’s passion for his family and beachside estate in the heart of Portugal which make his music much more relatable and vivid to any psychedelic pop outing he can get away with. Jake Wilton
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Your upcoming EP Caught in the Ceasefire showcases the best of DLM’s pop/punk style, what was DLM’s favourite track to record and why? I think re-creating “Voodoo” in the studio was definitely the most fun we’ve had so far. Especially because we got to experiment with sounds and ideas unheard in our previous releases.
desperation we decided to chuck a bunch of random words into a hat and pick it out. We promised to use whatever we pulled out. ‘Double Lined’ was picked out and then followed by ‘Minority’. We tried again after it and it was like ‘53 Dead People Lickers’ and DLM didn’t seem so bad after all. And we stuck with that promise ever since.
You have an awesome presence on Social Media platforms, entertaining your viewers with band antics and challenges, what is the quirkiest thing DLM has done over the past few years? We’ve released a mashup cover of a handful of local bands in the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Can’t say I know any band that’s done something like that. It was pretty fun.
Describe the past year for DLM in 10 words or less. A tantalizing taste of what is to come in 2015.
You recently played at Bands in the Park and had a sold out concert last year, how have these gigs compared to your first ever gig as DLM? Our first gig was in this community hall we hired out and decked with our own PA and lighting system. It was so DIY and all our friends loved it haha. In comparison to what it is now, you can say our production has skyrocketed! Do you have any pre-show rituals or habits? We have to break something before we play to prevent the ‘DLM Curse’. If we don’t, something WILL break during our set. How and when was Double Lined Minority’s band name established? While we were still forming the band in highschool, we spent days deciding what we should name the band. Out of
Along with the new EP for the New Year, are there any New Year Resolutions that the Band have made? We would want to release more music and travel more than the previous year. Where does DLM see themselves in 5 years from now? Celebrating with our 10 Year Anniversary Tour. [Laughs] Is there a message you would give to any other aspiring musicians? Believe in your own craft, people can see through halfhearted art. What are your upcoming gigs and EP are launch details? Our tour announcement will be on February 5th! Can’t really say anything now but we’ll touring nationally with our new EP.
THE BEST OF THE BEST
Falls Music and Arts Festival 2014 Byron Bay We had so much fun down in Byron Bay at Falls Music and Arts Festival 2014. How much fun? Well, between stellar sets from Wolf Alice, Alt-J, John Butler Trio and a surprise guest jumping on stage with Aussie rockers Spiderbait, I think it’s safe to say we had the time of our lives!
they had a definite throwback feel to their visuals. When the guitars sent out their first notes, it was more than confirmed that this band was fusing the new with old and creating an epic psychedelic jam on stage in front of a busy tent. The crowd was in sync with the musicians, dancing along in time to their tracks. The band was clearly enjoying themselves, with smiles frequenting their faces numerous times throughout the set.
without the slightest hitch. Their set was consistent from start to finish, and I can safely say looking back that this was my favourite set from the last day, and one of the best performances of the entire festival. I hope their debut LP explodes and they find themselves down in Australia again sooner rather than later!
Empire of the Sun @ Valley Stage, Day 3.
Vance Joy @ Valley Stage, Day 3.
As I walked over to the Valley stage, I heard people joking that Vance Joy would just play Riptide for his 45 minute set, since, according to them, “he has no other songs”. I’m sure that by the end of the set, Vance Joy well and truly proved them wrong. He shyly stepped out of a puff of smoke into the public eye and wasted no time before getting into a song. He spoke very little to crowd, simply allowing his music to do the talking for him. Many of the fans knew every lyric, and the others who didn’t appreciated the music all the same. As Vance Joy struck the opening chords of Riptide on his ukulele, the crowd cheered briefly then became almost silent before joining him in singing the song in full. Vance Joy closed the set with This Mess Is Mine, and wished the crowd a happy New Year.
Empire of the Sun closed the Valley stage with what could be best described as an ‘out-of-this-world’ performance. Luke Steele materialized on stage in his Alien lord outfit while dancers swirled around him in their sea themed costumes. Standing On The Shore got the crowd going, and each song afterwards kept them dancing until the final notes of Alive. There’s not much I can say about Empire of the Sun live, it’s a show you have to experience, not read about.
John Butler Trio @ Valley Stage, Day 4.
After listening to John Butler for over 14 years, the stars finally aligned and I got the chance to see this inspirational Australian musician hit the stage for the first time. My family was on a holiday in Perth when we first heard John Butler Trio emanating from a tinny CD player in a cafe, and my parents immediately loved it. We ended up with a copy of his second album, Three, before we left the west coast of Australia. Since then, my love of John Butler Trio’s music has grown, and I am ecstatic to say that their performance did not disappoint. Even though the genres (and the people attending) varied quite widely at Falls Music Festival, everyone there knew the lyrics to John Butler Trio’s songs, and so it came as no surprise that tracks like Zebra became a massive singalong. Ocean threw the crowd into complete silence, but they did cheer as each section of the beautiful track ended to show appreciation for the exquisite composition.
alt-J @ Valley Stage, Day 4.
Wolf Alice @ Forest Stage, Day 4.
The four piece have felt a fair bit of love in Australia from independent stations, and for good reason. Tracks like She, Moaning Lisa Smile and Fluffy are brilliant and are one of the many reasons that I decided to see this band. They opened with Storm before treating the crowd a few songs later to a beautiful cover of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game. Ellie Rowsell’s vocals were spectacular, and she pulled off intricate melodies
alt-J had the distinct pleasure of closing the festival, and they sure did close it in style. Their light show matched Radiohead’s incredible performances and massive hits like Left Hand Free, Hunger of the Pine and Fitzpleasure overrode the fact that the men didn’t move an inch from the positions they walked out onto. The crowd craved Breezeblocks as the band trawled through their two albums, seeming too eager to wait and see when it would be played. As the set drew to a close, the anticipation was high. alt-J gave the fans what they wanted, and they danced on for another four minutes of bliss.
Moses Gunn Collective @ Forest Stage, Day 2. As the group walked out covered in glitter (not chrome),
Spiderbait featuring Stephanie Gilmore @ Valley Stage, Day 4.
Wow. That’s all I can say. Kram has been touted as a god of Australian rock, but this show was beyond impressive. I’ll explain why later, but there was something just as awesome… a “world first”, as Kram put it. Six time Surfing World Champion Stephanie Gilmore slid out on stage to play a track with Spiderbait on her own shiny Converse guitar. The smile she came out with never left her face, and she seemed to be enjoying the experience more than everyone else. She kept perfect time, moved around as much as anyone on stage, and overall was a spectacular addition to Spiderbait. After they wrapped up the song, Kram inducted the audience into Spiderbait as members, but that was not all. Kram’s antics stretched from running around on stage in wide circles while Whitt and Janet built up a song that made the huge audience go silent. In addition to all that, he rearranged the crowd because there were “too many guys” in one section. Their set was incredible. Kram certainly knew how to work the audience, getting them to fill in the melodies t hroughout the whole set. Janet’s vocals were superb, and Whitt’s guitarwork was flawless. They threw in a quick cover of 99 Luftballons, which everyone in the crowd both young and old knew, before closing with Black Betty. When Spiderbait played Splendour in the not too distant past, Dan Sultan joined them on stage for a song. Now, with Stephanie Gilmore added to their list of special guests, I wonder who will be next. This was just a small selection of our Falls experience. If you want to read more, jump on our website (www.blankgc. com.au) to hear about the hat fashion along with more highlights from Falls Music and Arts Festival. After an incredible New Years like this one, you can lock in our attendance for another incredible Falls festival this year! Kyle Butcher Photography by Jake Wilton www.blankgc.com.au
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Cafe, Surfers Paradise, 3.00pm Summery Sangria DJs| Treehouse on Belongil Byron Bay, from 2.30pm – late JOZA, Greg J Bryant, Dan Hannaford, Waterside Events, Currumbin RSL, FREE Entry, Doors open 3pm Jackson James Smith | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Wednesday 4 February Open Mic Night | The Loft Chevron Island, 8.00pm
GIG GUIDE JANUARY Wednesday 28 January Open Mic Night | The Loft Chevron Island, 8.00pm Kirra Huddy + Jemma Lee | Bambu Palm Beach Open Mic Night | The Loft, Chevron Island, 8pm Thursday 29 January Gavin Doniger | Nimbin Hotel Kim Churchill | Beach Hotel Byron Bay The Maslows “Acoustic” + Jennifer Cole + Kaddie Meanin | The Loft Chevron Island, 8.00pm TJ Quinton | Treehouse on Belongil Byron Bay, 7.30pm Friday 30 January Kiara Jack & The Jills | Bangalow Hotel Hailey Calvery + Josh Lovegrove | Summertime Sessions in the Village, Cuddihy Park, from 5.30pm Resonance | Burleigh Brewery Gavin Doniger | Bambu Palm Beach Jahkaya + Mañana + James D’Khan+ Hans Solo | Currumbin Creek Tavern, 7.30pm theM. + Grant Curruthers + Davina | The Loft Chevron Island, 8.00pm The Bellows | Treehouse on Belongil Byron Bay, 7.30pm Skin Deep | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm Jodi Martini | Byron Theatre, 7pm Burleigh Brewery Brew Jams, From 5.00pm Saturday 31 January Isaac Paddon and the Tides | Sheoak Shack Fingal Kiara Jack & The Jills | Billinudgel Pub Dean Gray Duo (covers) | One50 Public House, 1.00pm The Rectifiers | Miami Marketta Elbury “Acoustic” + Amy Stonehouse + Sarah Shah |The Loft Chevron Island, 8.00pm Shiny Shiny Artist Residency | Treehouse on Belongil Byron Bay, 7.30pm Smooth Groove | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm
FEBRUARY Sunday 1 February Jeffrey Hoad | Sounds of Sunday at Hard Rock
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Thursday 5 February Gold Coast Songwriters Night | The Loft Chevron Island, 8.00pm Friday 6 February Benny D Williams Single Launch | Burleigh Brewery Brewhouse Bash, from 5.00pm Luke Houselander + Jemma Lee + Jessie RyanAllen | The Loft Chevron Island, 8.00pm Eilish Ellen | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm Mick Buckley & The Hepcats, Surfers Paradise RSL, 8pm The Lyrical + Jackson James Smith | Summertime Sessions, Mudgeeraba, 5.30pm Scotdrakula + The Brian Emo + Donny Love | Elsewhere, Surefers Paradise Ever Since Darwin + Xens Arrival + Reskale + CONTINUUM + WORLD LINES + Laura Mardon | Currumbin Creek Tavern, 7.30pm Saturday 7 February Chocolate Strings | Miami Marketta Phil Barlow and The Wolf | Sheoak Shack Julie Hayes + Peter Sivright + Jadey Peterson | The Loft Chevron Island, 8.00pm Gentle Jazz | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm Sunday 8 February Eilish Ellen, Tim Stokes, Free Like Me | Waterside Events, Currumbin RSL, FREE Entry, Doors open 3pm Jeffery Hoad | Sounds of Sunday at Hard Rock Cafe, Surfers Paradise, 3.00pm Tuesday 10 February Spoon | Hi-Fi Brisbane Thursday 12 February Tommy Franklin + Rad Robics | Elsewhere, Surfers Paradise Friday 13 February Bluesville Station | Nimbin Hotel, Nimbin Big Fella Linc | Burleigh Brewery Beaten Bodies | Miami Marketta Benny D Williams | Bambu Palm Beach Eleea Navarro | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm Matty Rogers + Ashleigh Mannix | Summertime Sessions, Mudgeeraba, 5.30pm Yes Sir Noceur EP Launch | Elsewhere, Surfers Paradise “HER SHE’S” Special Event for the Girls in Music Katie Who + Elle Steele + Feat + Being Jane Lane + Ella Fence | Currumbin Creek Tavern, 7.30pm
Burleigh Brewery Brew Jams, From 5.00pm Saturday 14 February C. W. Stoneking | Soundlounge Currumbin Rumba Fuego | Miami Marketta Akova | Sheoak Shack The Swamp Stompers Stepping Stones Tour, with The Eagle Junction| The Milk Factory South Brisbane, 8.00pm Benny D Williams | Coolangatta Hotel Hot Jazz & Swing Kings | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm CORNERSTONE + Stav + Elston Gunnn + The Silencio + Mentally Twins | Currumbin Creek Tavern, 7.30pm Love Stinks Anti-Valentines Party | Hard Rock Cafe, Surfers Paradise, 7.00pm Sunday 15 February Benny D Williams | Seagulls Tweed Heads Will Sparks | Soaked Luxury Pool Party, Ramada Couran Cove Island Resort, 11am Jeffery Hoad | Sounds of Sunday at Hard Rock Cafe, Surfers Paradise, 3.00pm C. W. Stoneking | Byron Theatre, Byron Bay 13 – 16 February Earth Frequency Festival: Beats Antique + The Opiuo Band + Dub FX + Perfect Stranger + Desert Dwellers + Electrypnose + Spoonbill + Submarine + Talpa + Andreilen + Grouch + Tijuana Cartel + more | Ivory’s Rock Thursday 19 February The Swamp Stompers Stepping Stones Tour, with Torsten Gustavsson |The Rails Byron Bay, 7.00pm Friday 20 February J Mascis + Adalita | Soundlounge, Currumbin Bluesville Station | Lennox Hotel Bobby Alu Bay Sessions Tour | Motor Room Brisbane Benny D Williams | Mandala Arts Cafe Mermaid Just Kirra | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm Nicole Brophy + Ruby Boots | Summertime Sessions, Mudgeeraba, 5.30pm Siv + Holistic + Inhailed + Decryptus + The Cilikis | Currumbin Creek Tavern, 7.30pm Burleigh Brewery Brew Jams, From 5.00pm Saturday 21 February Mr Speaker | Sheoak Shack The Rumjacks National Tour | Currumbin Creek Tavern, 7.30pm Benny D Williams | Taps Mooloolaba Leigh James | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm
sions, Mudgeeraba, 5.30pm Mick Thomas & The Roving Commission | The Soundlounge, Currumbin Boned + Kenny Slide + Kobrakai + Maiden May + Jemma Lee | Currumbin Creek Tavern, 7.30pm Burleigh Brewery Brew Jams, From 5.00pm Saturday 28 February The Twine | Miami Marketta Method | Sheoak Shack The Swamp Stompers Stepping Stones Tour |The Hotel Brunswick, 8.00pm Benny D Williams | The Loft Chevron Island Smooth Groove | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm Thomas Con Party + Multi Culti/The Universe | Elsewhere, Surfers Paradise
MARCH Thursday 5 March Vance Joy + #1 Dads | Arts Centre Gold Coast Friday 6 March Eilish Ellen | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm Jake Clemons | Soundlounge, Currumbin Burleigh Brewery Brewhouse Bash, from 5.00pm Saturday 7 March Future Music Festival: Avicii + Drake + The Prodigy + Afro Jack + Martin Garrix | Brisbane Showgrounds Dubarry | Sheoak Shack Benny D Williams | Coolangatta Hotel Gentle Jazz | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm London Grammar, Brisbane Riverstage Sunday 8 March Sarah Frank | Nobby Beach SLSC Bobby Alu Bay Sessions Tour | Bleach Festival Coolangatta Benny D Williams | Genki Cafe Palm Beach Friday 13 March Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell with Jesswar and Scott Dalton | Soundlounge, Currumbin DZ Deathrays Get Rich or Drunk Trying, with Bass Drum of Death + Hockey Dad | The Brightside Brisbane Clare Nella | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm Mass Sky Raid | The Cooly Hotel Burleigh Brewery Brew Jams, From 5.00pm Saturday 14 March Tupenny Opera | Sheoak Shack Eleea Navarro | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm
Sunday 22 February Sarah Frank | Bambu Palm Beach Bobby Alu Bay Sessions Tour | The Hotel Brunswick Friday 27 February Round Mountain Girls | Miami Marketta Skin Deep | Chevron Renaissance, 6.30pm Julia Rose + Hussy Hicks | Summertime Ses-
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Environment
NSW CASH FOR CONTAINERS SCHEME TO REDUCE MARINE DEBRIS The sight of a plastic bottle lying on a beach in New South Wales may soon be a lot rarer.
all plastic, which would extend the benefits of a CDS much more widely.
The New South Wales government is planning to implement a container deposit scheme (CDS), involving a 10 cent refund for every beverage container.
“But a CDS is certainly a good start – both for its direct impact on plastic, and the likely awareness that it generates.”
Suggested ways people can return their rubbish include: reverse vending machines, collecting depots and collections at schools or charities. NSW environment minister Rob Stokes said the government recognised litter as a serious problem and had informed industry representatives it preferred a CDS. “Independent advice states that a state-based scheme, using reverse vending machines and targeting containers that are predominantly consumed away-from-home, will be both cost efficient and effective.” “Importantly, it will also complement, rather than compete with, our existing kerbside recycling system. The Government is currently working with the community and industry to refine the design principles of a CDS to protect the environmental health of our parks, rivers, beaches and towns.” According to the CSIRO’s three-year-long survey of Australian shores - the Marine Debris Project - 75 per cent of rubbish in the ocean is plastic, and production is rising due to more industrialisation and demand. Surveyors also found 40 per cent of waste found along beaches was bottles and the Clean Up Australia organisation has estimated that one in three pieces of rubbish in Australia is a beverage container. Dr Chris Wilcox, one of the scientists involved in the project, said that once in the sea, plastic beverage containers have both physical and chemical negative effects to marine animals including leaching toxins soaked up from the environment around them. “An animal’s digestive system then causes these toxins to be released,” he said. “In some cases the toxins appear to mimic natural hormones, making them dangerous to animals at very low concentrations.” Project findings also indicated that South Australia’s scheme was effective in reducing bottles going into the sea but not their lids as there’s no deposit placed on them. “ Personally, I believe that a mix of CDS and targeted marketing to change attitudes to litter could make a significant impact on the amount of plastic lost into the environment,” Dr Wilcox said. “It is also worth considering the use of deposits beyond beverage containers. “We could have a plastic surcharge that is refundable on
The Australian Food and Chief Executive Gary Dawson said in a press release that a national CDS scheme would cost Australian taxpayers $8 billion.
The scheme comes as welcome news to the Tweed Heads Environment Group Inc, who manage Landcare projects in the Tweed Heads area.
“In contrast, industry is proposing an alternative National Recycling Action Plan that would make it easier for Australians to recycle litter at their work, at home and in public places including parks, breaches, sporting grounds and shopping centres,” he said.
“Where there is council maintenance, there appears to be little problem (with litter),” Secretary Richard Wagner Murray said.
“Importantly the National Recycling Action Plan would not cost the taxpayer a cent.”
“However there appears to be considerable litter dropped from boats which collect in mangrove areas and in other public areas where there are insufficient waste disposal bins.”
South Australia’s CDS has been running since 1977, and the Northern Territory since 2012.
Other scheme supporters include the Boomerang Alliance, an organisation formed of groups such as Clean Up Australia and the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and NSW’s Local Government Association, who have released a report that the scheme could save local councils up to $23 to $62 million per year in recycling costs.
A poll conducted by Greenpeace and the Boomerang Alliance in 2013 showed that support for a CDS in Queensland was at 85 per cent. Victoria’s and Tasmania’s governments have already ruled out implementing a CDS, both citing cost to the taxpayer.
Boomerang Alliance National Convenor Jeff Angel said the 10 year push for a CDS in NSW was the right choice.
The Queensland government stated in 2013 that it would not introduce a container deposit scheme in order to keep costs low for Queensland families.
“It’s (CDS) been proven in over 40 jurisdictions around the world to be the best way to clean up bottles and coke litter,” he said.
“Plastic production is doubling about every 11 years, thus between 2003 and 2014 we made as much plastic as was made from the time it was invented until 2003,” Dr Wilcox said.
“It grows the recycling industry.”
“And looking forward, we will make as much again between 2015 and 2026 as we have made up to now. Thus we need to rapidly improve our custody of plastics to avoid its increase in the ocean.”
Tweed Shire Council is supportive but cautious of the scheme, with the shire’s Waste Co-ordinator Rob Dawson saying he wanted to know more details. “It may have a detrimental effect to kerbside recycling,” he said. “We might need to move them (kerbside pick up services) back to three or four weekly services.” He was also concerned that the state government may pay for the scheme for a couple of years, creating a community expectation then leave council to pay for it.
Chloe Pickard Pictured below: A bottle parade in Manly NSW last April raising awareness of plastic pollution. Deposits for plastic bottles in neighbouring NSW could reduce estimates that one in three pieces of rubbish is a beverage container.
“So it could save us money, but we’d need to see the structure of what the state government is offering.” Byron Shire Environmental Programs Officer Lloyd Isaacson said the scheme would beautify and improve the shire’s open spaces and beaches. “Any financial benefit that may arise will not be known until further details of the scheme are released by the State Government.” CDS’s are not without critics, as packaging and beverage organisations have all spoken out against a national CDS scheme.
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Environment
ENVIRONMENTALLY SPEAKING ON POLLING DAY Blank’s environmental reporter Amy Mitchell-Whittington canvassed all the Gold Coast candidates to hear their stance on the environment. These were the responses she got. BROADWATER
Suburbs of Paradise Point, Hollywell, Coombabah, Runaway Bay, Biggera Waters and parts of Labrador, South Stradbroke. KWON, Daniel The Greens So far Mr Kwon has collected 16,000 cigarette butts through community projects in order to educate people on single use plastics and businesses on sustainable cafe initiatives. Mr Kwon has also been directly involved in Landcare and was a key volunteer at last years GC Biggest Tree Planting day. Mr Kwon is also an advocate for sustainable water management and practices, ensuring he saves every drop at home with buckets everywhere. TOLAND, Penny - Australian Labor Party Penny Toland stands by her party’s ruling in 2006 that saw the rejection of any development at Wavebreak. She said the majority of people she has spoken with reject the proposal entirely. Ms Toland also says further development on Wavebreak Island and surrounding areas should be halted as these areas provide shelter and food sources for the diverse marine and avian life found in this area. Specifically, Penny wishes to help protect “Curlew Island”, the sandbank just to the south of Wavebreak, from development and disruption such as jet skis and the dumping of rubbish as the sandbank is home to curlews and other migratory birds.
BURLEIGH
supporters of the Save our Spit and Save our Broadwater campaign. His wife worked as secretary for the campaign before joining Mr Wain in support of his election campaign. Mr Wain’s daughter is an ecologist.
HART, Michael LNP Michael Hart has in the past managed to secure $360,000 to restore ponds at David Fleays Wildlife Park, as well as build a new $32,000 aviary there. Mr Hart has also donated around 3000 reusable shopping bags to Boomerang Bags in order to cut the use of plastic bags in Burleigh.
REES, Kristian - Palmer United Party DONOVAN, Ben- Family First Party GRAVENALL, Deborah - One Nation STUCKEY, Jann - LNP (Incumbent since 2004) WYATT, David - The Greens
Suburbs of Miami, Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Waters and parts of Reedy Creek, Varsity Lakes and Palm Beach. Covers 32 square kilometres.
POWER, Jane - The Greens Jane Power’s driving focus is to ensure any further development at the proposed Boral quarry site in Tallebudgera Valley is immediately stopped. Ms Power also believes that renewable energies need to be at the forefront of the energy economy. HISLOP, Gail Australian Labor Party Gail Hislop has long campaigned for the Ocean View track to be repaired and reopened to the public. Ms Hislop strongly opposes any developments on Wavebreak Island and the Spit and has campaigned to ensure that Burleigh to Kirra is considered as a world surfing reserve. Blank endeavoured to contact all electoral candidates. The following candiadates were uncontactable or did not provide any information relevant to their stance on the environment.
MERMAID BEACH
Suburbs of Broadbeach Waters, Florida Keys, Clear Island Waters, Mermaid Waters, Mermaid Beach and parts of Robina and Varsity Lakes. The electorate includes the campus of Bond University. PEAD, Gary - Australian Labor Party Gary Pead is a trained leader with the global Climate Reality Project Corp and is also the Gold Coast founded Indonesian Rainforest Foundation. For over forty years Mr Pead has considered himself an activist for sustainable practises and climate change issues. STEVENS, Ray - LNP (Incumbent) (Blank called but call wasn’t returned) MP Ray Stevens has been criticized in recent months for being an investor and advisor to a consortium of businessmen in the proposed Cableway through Springbrook World Heritage Area. “I’ve been to both integrity commissioners and they’ve both come up with the same answer in terms that I can, as long as I take no role in the lobbying for the project,” Mr Stevens told the ABC. Blank endeavoured to contact all electoral candidates. The following candiadates were uncontactable or did not provide any information relevant to their stance on the environment.
BARTON, Verity - LNP Verity Barton was the only LNP state MP to oppose the Wavebreak Island development project last year, stating the proposal did not reflect community wishes. Ms Barton has also voiced her concerns regarding dredging in the area, sayng the development needs to be not only economically viable but also environmentally sustainable.
BAYNES, Susan - Family First Party MAC ANALLY, James - Palmer United Party
CARACO, Alex - Palmer United Party GREEN, Simon - Family First Party WAINWRIGHT, Helen - The Greens
CURRUMBIN
SOUTHPORT
Blank endeavoured to contact all electoral candidates. The following candiadates were uncontactable or did not provide any information relevant to their stance on the environment.
WAIN, Ashley Australian Labor Party Ashley Wain says the proposed Gold Coast surf reserve is a “no brainer” as it not only protects the shoreline but ensures a continually viable tourism industry, which is an economic driver for the Gold Coast. Mr Wain and his family are long-time
HOLZBERGER, Rowan - Australian Labor Party Rowan Holzberger grew up on sheep and cattle farms in Broken Hill and understands the importance of looking after the environment to ensure future prosperity. Mr Holzberger is against further Wavebreak Island developments, particularly the proposed development of carparks
BALLANTYNE, Stuart - Family First Party JAVANMARD, Amin-Reza - Independent POLLOCK, Phil - One Nation SOKOLOV, Gueorgui - Palmer United Party
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Suburbs of Coolangatta, Bilinga, Tugun, Currumbin, Currumbin Waters and parts of Palm Beach. The electorate also includes the more rural Currumbin and Tallebudgera valleys.
Suburbs of Arundel, Parkwood, Ernest, Molendinar and Southport as well as parts of Ashmore and Labrador.
on the mainland adjacent to the Island. Mr Holzberger is against energy privatisation and believes renewable energies need to be developed further to ensure not only a more environmentally sustainable outcome but also a more economically viable one. MACKECHNIE, Matthew Independent “I do not support the Wavebreak Island Project. I believe we should leave Wavebreak Island, The Spit and The Broadwater as is, so that residents can enjoy these natural areas today and for future generations. “I would like to see solar energy be made standard in any new dwelling that is built in Queensland. If this needs to be legislated for then I fully support such an initiative.” Blank endeavoured to contact all electoral candidates. The following candiadates were uncontactable or did not provide any information relevant to their stance on the environment. STANTON, Nicole - Palmer United Party MAIZEY, Petrina - The Greens MOLHOEK, Rob - LNP (Incumbent since 2012) -Assistant minister for planning and reform
SURFERS PARADISE
Surfers Paradise itself as well as Benowa, Broadbeach, Bundall, Paradise Waters, Main Beach, the Southport Spit and parts of Ashmore. LANGBROEK, JohnPaul - LNP (Incumbent since 2004) -Minister for Education, training and employment Mr Langbroek has delivered on $95,000 grant to Healthy Waterways in order to fund a litter Clean Up program across four catchments including the Nerang River. The grant is a part of the LNP Government’s Everyone’s Environment Program. BLUNDELL-THORNTON, Josh Australian Labor Party 1. Broadwater Development: Myself and Labor are opposed to the ASF development. It simply does not stack up environmentally or economically. The threat to dolphins, fish and other marine life is simply too great. 2. Development of National Parks: I am a strong supporter of protecting our National Parks. This means I supported the former Labor Premier Peter Beattie in his banning development in them. This is important now
as Ray Stevens MP and crew push for their cable car development. National Parks are not just tourist attractions, but important environmental areas that must be protected and maintained for present and future generations. 3. Great Barrier Reef: The actions of state and federal LNP in dumping and dredging in the GBR has to be stopped. It is Labor’s policy to actively protect the reef. Below are some policy announcements specifically for the GBR: • boosting annual funding for water quality and environmental sustainability programs by allocating an additional $100 million over five years • reducing nitrogen run-off by up to 80% in key catchments such as the Wet Tropics and the Burdekin by 2025 • reducing total suspended sediment run-off by up to 50% in key catchments such as the Wet Tropics and the Burdekin by 2025 • constituting a high-level taskforce with representatives from local government, conservation groups, primary producers, tourism operators and leading scientists to determine the best possible approach to meet our strict targets • fight to ensure the Federal Government provides at least a commensurate increase in funding to Great Barrier Reef protection programs Blank endeavoured to contact all electoral candidates. The following candiadates were uncontactable or did not provide any information relevant to their stance on the environment. GARDNER, Stephen - Palmer United Party SCOONES, Jonathon - Family First Party HUNT, Helen - The Greens
COOMERA
Covers all of the Gold Coast City Council and a part of Logan City, east of the Pacific Motorway, west of the Broadwater and Coombabah Creek and south of the Logan River. It extends from Helensvale in the south along the Pacific Motorway to Eagleby. Other major centres include Steiglitz, Jacobs Well, Hope Island, Helensvale and those parts of Coomera, Pimpama and Ormeau east of the Motorway. WISBEY, Chris The Greens Mr Wisbey said there are many small but no less important environmental issues across the Gold Coast Region however the Boral Quarry at Reedy Creek, the proposed Cruise Ship Terminal / Casino on the Broadwater and the proposed Springbrook Cableway are by far the biggest threats to locals. “The current LNP members for Burleigh and Currumbin have simply given up on their promises and commitments made last election relating to the Quarry,” he said. “There is prevailing stink of impropriety over both the CST / Casino Broadwater and Springbrook Cableway Projects.
“You can absolutely expect that if elected I would be working hard to create alternative options to redress the inadequate positions of the major parties on the environment and other key areas of economic concern.”
Centre and parts of Reedy Creek, Robina and Carrara. The electorate also includes the Advancetown Dam, the major water source for the Gold Coast, and Springbrook in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Blank endeavoured to contact all electoral candidates. The following candiadates were uncontactable or did not provide any information relevant to their stance on the environment.
LEADER, Georgi - Australian Labor Party Georgi Leader believes the decline in environmental protection standards needs to be brought to attention and will aim to ensure that the degradation of environmental standards does not occur in her electorate.
MCCREADIE, Brett - Australian Labor Party MORGAN, Shirley - Palmer United Party CRANDON, Michael - LNP (Incumbent since 2009) O’BRIEN, Cathy - Family First Party
GAVEN
Covers the suburbs of Gaven, Pacific Pines, Nerang, Highland Park and parts of Carrara. O’BRIEN, Ben Family First Party “The main issue my electorate of Gaven is concerned with is the cruise ship terminal at the Spit” Mr O’Brien said. “Personally I’m not in support of the cruise ship terminal and I don’t want to see that area destroyed, it’s a lovely area for families and the public to go to of a weekend and on holidays to enjoy something that should always be available to everyone, which is our lovely beaches. “Family First believes in a more balances approach to economic and environment issues. The building and expansion of anything will always involve building on land and impact on the environment, particularly new communities in rural areas etc. “However, development should always be weighed against the damage to the environment, and particularly for special or wellloved areas that are used by the community (that doesn’t exclude other reasons by the way), the government should think very long and hard before making a move. “In fact, in this sorts of areas, it should look at other options of less environmental impact first, before considering those areas of special importance.”
BRISBANE, Roger - The Greens Mr Brisbane has a history in town planning, surveying and engineering. His experience has given him a broad knowledge of the development industry from regulatory and private sector perspectives. He believes in
stopping the Gold Coast “Super Quarry” at Reedy Creek; increasing accountability and transparency in the legislative process by re-establishing an Upper House; protecting National parks and World Heritage areas such as Springbrook and the Great Barrier Reef from inappropriate development and/or degradation; opposing the Cableway; reducing coal use and focusing on renewables and keeping public assets in public hands. Blank endeavoured to contact all electoral candidates. The following candiadates were uncontactable or did not provide any information relevant to their stance on the environment. FIGUEROA, Benedict - Palmer United Party BATES, Ros - LNP (Incumbent since 2009) SHERWOOD, Bill PETERSEN, Chris- Family First Party
Blank endeavoured to contact all electoral candidates. The following candiadates were uncontactable or did not provide any information relevant to their stance on the environment. CRAMP, Sid - LNP MARCINKOWSKI, Adam - Palmer United Party RIORDAN, Michael - Australian Labor Party DOUGLAS, Alex - Independent (Incumbent since 2009) IVORY, Chris MCPHERSON, Toni - The Greens
MUDGEERABA
Covers the southern rural hinterland of the Gold Coast and a collection of suburbs west of the Pacific Motorway and Robina Parkway. Major suburbs include Merrimac, Worongary, Mudgeeraba, the Robina Town www.blankgc.com.au
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Environment BEAUTIFUL AND DANGEROUS Walking through the average nursery on the Gold Coast can send shivers down the spine. Especially for those who know that the exotic-looking plants with pretty flowers or multi-coloured speckled leaves may soon find a home among the gumtrees and natives. Often those sought-after exotic plants can climb over garden fences and take hold in bushland causing environmental damage costing millions. Known also as exotic plants, garden escapees, non-natives or introduced plants, weeds are a big environmental issue on the Gold Coast throughout natural areas and along waterways. It’s a headache for those who understand the serious impacts weeds cause; out-competing natives by carpeting, blanketing, strangling and killing native plants, trees and forests. The more you know about weeds the more they can ruin the aesthetic of your Gold Coast bush-walks or rainforest drives. Yet, there’s a simple solution. Don’t buy weeds. Or if you still want that speckled-patterned pest plant ensure it’s securely planted in a pot and cannot escape your garden. Weeds are costing Gold Coast ratepayers millions of dollars. To avoid the risks check out native nurseries like Regen Australia which propagate local provenance seed, so you can be assured their plants are local natives. To date, Regen Australia has propagated over 2 million plants that have been planted across the Gold Coast, including coastal dunes, waterways, bushland, rainforests, mangroves and saltmarsh. The diversity within the nursery will surprise you, especially the specialist species for high ecologically significant environments.
Every resident has a story more interesting than an X-Factor contestant and I got to meet many of them individually. There was Isabella, a newborn lamb rescued from the side of a highway. Isabella was dumped there after being born on a livestock truck.
The benefit of planting natives doesn’t stop at the garden fence. Planting natives instead of weeds will ensure all gardening or larger re-vegetation projects are more of a success as natives are suited to the local climate. They also create habitat for Australian wildlife.
I met the lovely Mary, a twenty year old cow - which in cow years is about ninety! Many dairy cows never live past six as they are replaced by younger mothers and discarded. Mary is a beautiful old girl, clearly annoyed by the flies and loves her role as grandmother of the herd. Each member of the herd takes part in raising the family and they even have a babysitting roster between them. And who said cows weren’t smart?
So next time you see a pretty flower think twice. Switch to planting native plants by visiting Regen Australia’s nursery located at 178 Gooding Drive, Merrimac. For more information please visit – regenaustralia.com.au
Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty are chickens rescued at just six days old. Despite some initial respiratory problems, all four are doing well and demonstrating outgoing curious personalities.
Naomi Edwards
ANIMAL FARM Recently I had the pleasure of jumping into what felt like a delightful book. The book was George Orwell’s Animal Farm. It was a magic to visit a farm like no other. A farm without confined enclosures or cages, without genetic or forced breeding and without hormones, so farm animals can grow normally and live naturally. The residents of this beautiful farm in Dayboro are free to roam and do their own thing and none of them ever have to leave home. Each animal has a name, is treated as Buddhists would call a ‘sentient being’ given food, water, shelter, love and respect. While a couple of animals clearly ruled the roost , the farm isn’t self-run like the book, it’s run by Farm Animal Rescue a non-profit organisation with a primary goal to change the way people see farm animals.
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Within this little farm animal society there are many other friendly cows, bulls, sheep, goats, clever pigs and chickens with their own unique personalities and interesting background story. It was a real treat to get up close and personal with these animals and learn more about the places and situations they had escaped and more about what really goes on behind the doors of the animal product industry. It was wonderful to see how they live naturally and thankfully there was no Stalin character among them. This place of safety and sanctuary for rescued farmed animals is well worth a visit and it’s just ninety minutes from the Gold Coast. Visit farmanimalrescue.org.au for information. Emma Ballard
Food & Drink THE HARD ROCK CAFÉ Cnr Cavill Ave & Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise Joe Cocker’s death left a hole. It was another one of the legends gone, another jigsaw piece of my life experience which had fallen off the table. I’m not a ‘cult’ sort of person, but the legends of rock and roll hold significant meaning to me. Many of them are attached to life experiences and people: friends who attended concerts with me and little incidents, times and music marked by particular songs. So, I become a disciple when I climb the stairs to their temple: the Hard Rock Café. It’s been over forty years since the first Hard Rock Café opened, and thirty-five since legendary musician Eric Clapton donated a guitar for restaurant owners Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton to mark his dining spot, but 70,000 guitars later the café itself has become a part of rock and roll history. There’s a lot of mileage and countries between the redneck Tennessee of Tigrett’s homeland and the business’ present day philosophy. The restaurant is situated in Jim Cavill’s former Surfers Paradise Hotel. It was the first hotel in the suburb formerly been known as ‘Elston’. Once the ‘Birdwatcher’s Bar’, the outside verandah remains, serving the same purpose, I’m sure! The inner restaurant revolves around a central circular bar, its wait staff jiving and pouring beneath a huge globe and the motto: “Love all, Serve all”. Everyone is welcome, irrespective of age, sex or race. There’s a caring, sharing attitude here, with a part of the downstairs shop’s profit going to charity, an altruistic streak practised by founder Tigrett. Love and service it may be, but there’s a hell of a good time going on at the top of the stairs. It’s party central, with groups of friends and families of all ages buzzing with the music; even some solo diners. Let’s face it, no one could feel alone in such an upbeat place!
Hard Rock Cafe @ Surfers Paradise
It’s also rock and roll heaven up here, a bit of Memphis in a museum, the walls plastered with memorabilia of all sorts: framed rock star jackets, guitars, photos, art works and more – a treasure haven demanding to be explored. Huge screens face outwards from the bar so the fans can watch the greats perform. I draw my eyes away from Jimi Hendrix long enough to check out the menu. We begin with the Jumbo Combo platter, best shared as an entrée between three or four people. It contains a warm spinach and artichoke dip rarely seen here, bruschetta, onion rings, southwest skins and Rockin’ wings, one of the café’s signature dishes, made the same in every Hard Rock Café worldwide. Smoked in-house, they’re smothered in Hickory BBQ sauce, the finger licking, chin dribbling glaze on many dishes. It’s a smoking hot start to the meal, but not as hot as the action in the kitchen, with orders yelled out and dishes lining up on the counter to go. Open this summer from breakfast until late, the floor was abuzz with hundreds of covers. It’s a frenetic hands-on experience for staff, who race past with meals for their assigned tables. We’d been introduced to our waitress on entering the restaurant, and she popped back consistently to see how we were doing. Like many of the wait staff, she was necked with a bevy of cool badges; collectibles which many of the staff wear. Friendly and bright, zany and edgy, she’s one of a troop overseen by Operations Manager Steve Walkinshaw, who’s holding together the edges of this pumping floor. Taylor’s on the bar tonight. This is a blue hair week, her colours changing as she follows the rainbow. Mocktails for the kids, cocktails for the grown-ups, the top shelf are keepers - you can take the glass home! Drinks of many colours exit the bar and dance cross the floor. Everyone’s happy. It’s that kind of place! Even though there are salads and burgers on the menu, meat is definitely the main event, a paleo heaven full of rich flavours achieved through slow cooking and the best sauces. Our shared main arrives. It’s a Trio Combo of Hickory-smoked ribs which fall apart at a touch; BBQ Brisket, rich and gamey after roasting for 14 hours; and Pulled Pork (hickory marinated then
slow cooked for 18 hours, hand pulled off the bone) with chips and coleslaw as sides. Be warned: this American-sized platter would be suitable to end a day in the surf (or large enough to serve a family!) As if we haven’t eaten enough, an Oreo cheesecake appears, glorious in all its decadence. One bite and we know she’s worth taking home – a treat to be devoured later! Somehow we find our way down the stairs, but not without a stop in the Hard Rock shop to collect my first guitar badge. It’s for you, Joe. You’re beautiful! Thanks for the memories! Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews at foodgoldcoast.com.au NOTE: Marj was a guest of the Hard Rock Café
CAN THO KITCHEN AND BAR 5/465 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay “Memories framed on the wall last a lifetime in our hearts.” When Tara and Vien decided to renovate their restaurant Can Tho Kitchen (pronounced ‘Gung Turh’) in Runaway Bay, they travelled back to their roots. It was a journey that they decided to share with their patrons. Their home town, Can Tho, is ever present. Besides the restaurant’s name, there are Mekong Delta echoes in the menu: our food arrives in little courses to share, there’s an abundance of seafood as well as pork, the flavours of Vietnam accenting every dish. “We want to welcome you into our home through traditional Vietnamese flavours from our kitchen recipes.” “Vien uses Mum’s recipes, adapted where necessary for the
Hard Rock Cafe @ Surfers Paradise
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Food & Drink Australian palate. You’ll notice that the tables are smaller... We want people to eat the way we eat at home, sharing dishes, having a drink and taking time to relax and talk around the table,” Tara tells us. “Forget about the idea of an entrée, main course and dessert. Just order what you want and the dishes will arrive one or two at a time for you to share.” That’s exactly what we do. First, our Softshell crab arrives, four crunchy parcels sitting on mounds of fresh pickles with a ‘4 elements’ dipping sauce (10). Neatly arranged on a beautiful oblong dish, I realise how much contrast improves the presentation and flavour of a dish. There’s an element of surprise as the decadent crab is accompanied by the tang of vinegar! Next come six handmade Chilli steamed dim sim smothered in a tangy sweet sour chilli sauce (9). This is a sensational dish, one of my favourites of the evening. The dim sim yield to the fork with just a touch, and there’s real depth to the sauce. Addictive! Labelled ‘Viet taco’ (16) on the menu, the traditional Banh Xeo (or Vietnamese pancake, this one the ‘beer added’ version) is filled with prawn, pork belly and bean sprouts. As the pancake is made on rice flour, this dish is one of the glutenfree options noted on the menu! It’s food to feel and touch. We section off pieces of pancake, wrapping them in a lettuce leaf filled with mint; the best way to achieve the contrast of textures that’s a crucial element of this dish. Pork is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine, more so than here. Pork and prawns cooked together in a clay pot is, for us, an unusual combination, yet a traditional Vietnamese staple (22). Slow simmered in caramel palm sugar with fish sauce and chilli, it’s a delicious and substantial dish. I find myself sweeping up the dregs of sauce with some rice, not willing to let any of it go back to the kitchen. Our dessert of Mung bean with coconut cream and ice-cream has a texture of soft nougat. Like many Asian desserts, it’s really interesting, and not too sweet. We noticed this trend in Bali as well: the balance has swung towards ‘savoury’ in many
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desserts. Adventurous diners will really enjoy this dish. Now with a liquor license, there’s a range of wine by the glass or bottle (30 – 42), beer (including Beer Hanoi), spirits and cocktails available. It’s reminiscent of steamy nights in Saigon as you tuck into a Mekong Delta, or the Saigon Mojito – Mount Gay Silver rum with fresh lime juice, mint leaves and soda muddled with seasonal fruit (15). BYO wine only is also an option at $8 per bottle. While the food and bar menus carry the flavours of Vietnam adapted for our shores, the concept is reinforced by the restaurant’s refurbishment. The simple restaurant which Tara and Vien opened in 2002 is unrecognisable today. With the help of graphic artists Frank and Mimi, the walls and branding of the restaurant plunge us into a stylised rendition of the family’s life story. The lush vegetation of their homeland in the Mekong Delta (the ‘rice bowl’ of Asia containing the world’s largest inland fishery and the largest tiger population in the world), is overlooked by an imposing image of Emperor Quang Trung (one of Vietnam’s most powerful and popular leaders, who overthrew the Chinese and reunited Vietnam). The long voyage across the sea is documented by family photos and a stamp commemorating the day Tara and her Mum arrived on our shores, coincidentally Tara’s second birthday: “Australia 16 – 04 1981 Viet-Nam”. There’s extraordinary care and attention paid to detail: full bunches of flowers on the table, material and stamped rice sacks brought back from Vietnam on a recent trip, gorgeous plates from ‘Made in Japan’, the drinks menu featuring first day stamp envelopes from Tara’s uncle, simple burnt timber-topped tables paired with replica 1930s vintage Xavier Pauchard Tolix Stools... Everywhere it’s old and new together: old and new homeland, family recipes with a modern twist, stories of self and family presented to a new audience, an ancient heritage presented as a 21st century work of art. So it seems fitting for me to ask Tara and her mother, Ngan Nhan, to pose in front of their image, a mural from a photo taken so long ago when Tara was a tiny child. It’s Ngan Nhan’s presence: her recipes, her heritage and protective care of her daughter (and now of her grandchildren) which we feel most strongly in Can Tho.
Can Tho Kitchen @ Runaway Bay
Looking around these walls, I’m reminded of the advice to ‘Surround yourself with the people and things you love.’ As we share a meal together, we are included as part of this family. We also begin to appreciate the people and experiences which they have loved, we bear witness to their culture and traditions, their values and their lives. “...when friends and family gather, all good things should be shared.” Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews at foodgoldcoast.com.au NOTE: Marj was a guest of Can Tho Kitchen and Bar.
FLANNERY’S REFUEL DEPOT Shop 18, Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Ave., Robina “Have a positive attitude towards your goals, open your heart to other people, and take care what you put into your body,” Ironman Trevor Hendy is preaching to the converted at the opening of Flannery’s Refuel Depot in Robina. Tony Denoon and Suzy Fogarty opened their franchised Flannery’s Natural and Organic Supermarket at the Easy T Centre Robina in 2006. It’s one of the most beloved Flannery’s stores on the Gold Coast, with attractive displays and great service. As their passion for healthy living grew, they saw the need for a fully organic store with food to go, and so, after 18 months of planning and development, the Refuel concept was born as an extension of the Flannery’s brand. When invited for a visit, we found the store brimming with goodness: shelves packed with fresh organic fruit and vegetables, fridges stacked with raw cold-pressed organic juices, salads and ready to go meals and raw sweet treats, while smoothies and coffees are made to order. It’s a one stop shop for everything organic to buy, pick up or make and take; the first of its kind in Queensland.
Flannery’s Refuel Depot @ Robina
I grew up with the notion that our body was a temple to be treated with care. Translated into adulthood, for me that means that this is the vehicle I’m using to travel the journey, so I want it to go as well and as far as possible. Fortunately, many others share this quest for good fuel. The shop is frequented by people interested in health and convenience. We all want to be healthy, but by the time we fit in work, other duties and social life, how much time is left for ourselves? Convenience! I think back through the week to the quinoa salad I made a few days ago. Somehow that single cup of quinoa had stretched over three days until the chooks enjoyed the dregs. It never seems possible for me to make just a small amount of something, even when I only want a taste, and I’m allergic to throwing food out. The time investment in shopping, soaking, activating adds up, all for that single bowl of salad I wanted in the first place. How much more convenient it would be to pick up a bowl which had just been made, to try new healthy food, while breaking down the cost and convenience barriers! At around $20 for a lunch and juice to go, it’s a walk in, walk out operation, handing over the dollars in exchange for goodness and their time (not mine)! I especially like the cold pressed organic juices to go ($8.95), so I tried several combinations from the taster tub before making my choice. The juices keep for four days in the fridge, so they’re a great takeaway as well. I asked Chef Matt Dixon (ex Gwingana and RPR’s) about the depot’s clientele and menu: “We get a whole range of people here who want to be healthy: serious athletes, those into crossfit, surf lifesavers and personal trainers, people who have had cancer and choose to eat 100% organic, and families interested in a healthy lifestyle.” As I get a quick tour of the kitchen he tells me, “We make all our own ferments and pickles, sushi is made daily, and at the end of each day staff take home the leftovers! [Lucky staff!] Here – take a look at this vegan labneh. It’s made from coconut! [Where else could I sample this product to know whether I like it or not, without the laborious time investment of making it!]
Lifestyle & Culture
THAT BOY NEEDS THERAPY Writing about mental health triggers within me equal parts joy and dread. I feel privileged being blessed with an opportunity to generate more chatter about mental health issues, but fall quickly into a pit of impending doom. I feel exposed before even sharing any of my own difficulties. I feel ashamed if I’m not brave enough to at least experiment with being vulnerable. I feel insane as this conflict begins. Eventually I laugh at myself and put my fingers to the keys. I reflect with a smirk that first day I sat opposite my GP and suggested that I might be a bit f*cked in the head. I giggled... he frowned... but it was a most important ice breaker. On that day just over four years back I sensed that my mind was distorted. Mutated if you will. A growing dissatisfaction with my reality and a numbing disconnection with those who I loved so dearly. I was self-medicating with booze and cigarettes. These days I eat more Maltesers than is strictly good for me, but self-medication is no longer an issue. The journey over the past four years and adaptation to fresh lifestyle choices has been so profound that I am excited about this commitment to sharing the positive news from a growing culture and awareness of emotional, mental and spiritual health. Let me hear you say ohmmmmmmmmm. Just kidding. Chanting is weird. Tip number one. There is sooooooo much help available. There are psychologists and psychiatrists and counsellors and holistic health coaches and spiritual gurus galore. At least one of these fine folk is sure to be of benefit (maybe group sessions are your calling? That’s a whole other article). This is a money back guarantee. Like teachers at school, some mental health professionals - though well qualified and of good intention - simply will not ever reach us. I have
tried and moved on from such individuals. But there will be one who remindes you of that one teacher everyone can remember who seemed to have a certain gift. I’ve sat with at least one therapist who I shall forever remember fondly for the self-awareness I was able to accomplish under their care. So how do you know if therapy is for you? Well most people will probably grow tired of a niggling physical ailment and eventually see the doctor or physiotherapist. But how many are likely to grow tired of a niggling emotional knot? You know the type: the girlfriend you can’t stop yearning for. Maybe the family dog which passed suddenly from this life? Or maybe you just don’t feel right. Whatever the cause, the first step seems where most of the conflict occurs. A question most likely pondered is “Am I weak or a failure if I see a shrink?” Why not act first? Seek the help and decide for yourself after a few sessions what you believe the answer to be (Did you know that a lot of these professional services are free?) Tip number two. You don’t have to live this way. There are solutions. In describing a recent bout of depressive thinking and behaviour to a friend, he shared with me the sunshine analogy. How it is to walk outside and see the sun but not to be able to feel its warmth. Or the infuriating fact that everybody else seems to be joyfully basking in the sun. They are asking you why you can’t just “cheer up”. Sound familiar? Don’t panic. Therapy is the new black. As people once shared stories at the water cooler about their favourite personal trainer, now they are sharing details of their favoured mental health care worker. My guy is nicknamed Jesus. He smells like clouds. Peace. Andrew Scott
As we come into summer, we’re moving into a different range of produce, so some of our products will change. There will be summer puddings, for example, cold rice puddings with pineapple, mango, ginger and fresh coconut. Every morning I come to work and there’s the smell of green, the smell of freshness as I enter the shop. The best thing about working here is that we have been really well received by the general public.” Matt smiles. Behind us, staff at the ‘liquid assets’ station are busy making fresh protein smoothies, a customer is handed an açai bowl and the baristas are pumping out coffee to go. It’s fair trade organic coffee from Kiva Han Roasting at Mermaid, a smooth flat white with a good crema and no hint of bitterness; one of the best we’ve had in a while. It’s true that health and convenience don’t come cheap. But neither does ill-health! In financial terms, it’s about investing in assets, not liabilities. “Head, heart, body,” Trevor Hendy reminds us. I’ve got the first two sorted. Now, about that walk... Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews at foodgoldcoast.com.au NOTE: Marj was a guest of Flannery’s Refuel Depot.
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BLANK PAGE THE NARROW ROAD TO THE DEEP NORTH
AMNESIA
BITTER GREENS
Richard Flanagan
Peter Carey
Kate Forsyth
Winner of the 2014 Booker, this book is marvellous. I haven’t read anything else of Richard Flanagan’s, but after reading this, I’m excited to read his other works. It’s always difficult as an ‘amateur’ reading a prize winner because you never know how it compares to the runners-up. In other words what set the winning book apart from the competition. If the press can be believed, this year’s winner was significantly better than the next best entry. The book tells the story of Dorrigo Evans, born into a working class Tasmanian rural settlement around the time of World War One. He ends up going to university to study medicine, but then along comes World War Two and he finds himself enlisted. Serving in the Middle East, he ends up in Singapore and is captured as part of the surrender. The book spends a long time describing his time in a Japanese POW camp, where POWs are put to work on construction of the infamous Burma railway: while the book is fiction, it is based on historical events. Evans’ rank means he is spared some of the backbreaking physical hardship, but he is not spared the starvation, the exposure to disease or the overall psychological horror of the experience. There are some very confronting scenes described in the POW camp, including the beating to death of one of the POWs at the hands of the Japanese, and Evans’ performing surgery on another prisoner on a makeshift operating table without any anaesthetic. These are balanced against some stunningly written scenes towards the end of the book. The Burma railway is a metaphor for how we often live our lives according to a plan, like we’re on rails, but then something massive (like war) comes along and shocks us off that rail onto a different one. The title of the book comes from a Japanese book of the same name, revealed in a discussion between two Japanese army officers in the POW camp. According to the officers, it “summed up in one book the genius of the Japanese spirit”. And in Flanagan’s hands, the narrow road is clearly the railway itself. I wouldn’t suggest from the plot outline above that this book is simple. It isn’t. There are storylines that weave in and out of each other, and the reader is constantly surprised. This book is described so well, and the prose was such that I could vividly picture most scenes. It isn’t often I think this, but I hope someone makes a good film adaptation of this book. Jay Annabel
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I’ve only ever read one Peter Carey novel before, the sublime Oscar and Lucinda. Unfortunately, Amnesia, Carey’s 13th novel, is nothing like Oscar and Lucinda. Amnesia is a magnificent disappointment. The central character, Felix Moore, is a veteran of the Australian press corps, reporting on politics for most of his chequered career. Set against the backdrop of backroom intelligence shenanigans around the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975, and against the foreground of a colourful and somewhat unethical property developer, this book should have been right up my alley. Through the first third of the book, references abound to various shady activities that may or may not have occurred in real life, but which are chronicled at length in John Pilger’s A Secret Country. Not to mention the many references to high-profile players in Australian politics in 1975. By at about the one-third mark, the set-up was perfect, and I was expecting fireworks. Sadly, it was a complete fizzer. At the start of the book, we learn that a computer worm has been unleashed into the system of the company that runs Australian and US prisons. Cell doors are unlocked, and prisoners escape. Around the halfway mark, the book takes a sharp turn, and turns into a reminiscence, told through Moore, of Gaby, who is suspected of unleashing the worm and is now in hiding. It tells of her teenage years, her crush on a computer nerd, and how they discover hacking. It tells of their years of schoolyard ostracism (born of their own feelings of superiority, I think), which inexplicably lead up to political ‘hacktivism’ in the form of exposing an agricultural chemical company, which has been illegally dumping chemical waste into a sewer. So there’s a fair amount of good material in the mix – the 1975 bits, the teenage angst bits, and the activism bits. But I felt these three elements had been inelegantly mashed together, and none of them are brought to any satisfying resolution. Some of the very best literature seamlessly weaves interconnected storylines together, but in this case, finesse was left at the front door. This novel should have been a complete page-turner, but I had to force myself to finish it. By the time the meaning of the book’s title is revealed, right towards the end, I no longer cared, and I wished I had amnesia. Jay Annabel
A mix of historical fiction and dark fairytale, Bitter Greens, written by Kate Forsyth, expertly weaves the stories of three women over a 200-year period in French and Italian History. Banished from the court of the megalomaniacal Sun King Louis XIV, Charlotte Rose de la Force must give up the trappings of her wealthy existence and submit to the harsh life of a Catholic nun. During her time at the convent she is comforted by an elderly nun who tells her the tale of a young girl whose parents sold her to a witch for a handful of bitter greens. Charlotte Rose de la Force was an actual historical figure and author of many books, not the least being her version of the old Italian tale La Persinette (Little Parsley), which would later be adapted by the Grimm Brothers into the well-known Rapunzel story. In Bitter Greens, Forsyth gives an explanation as to how Madamoiselle la Force may have come by the story and uses facts of her partly known history to describe the beauty and terror of life at court. The stories of Rapunzel and the history of the witch who held her captive are told separately, with three time frames running concurrently throughout the novel. Forsyth does an excellent job of maintaining tension in all three stories. At the same time she pays enough attention to detail to bring the settings of Absolution era France and Italy to life for the reader. At 550 pages and with frankly confronting content at times, Bitter Greens does not make for a light summery afternoon read. However it is an extremely rich and satisfying historical novel with enough emotional payoff to ensure the reader feels abundantly compensated for the time spent devouring it. Natalie O’Driscoll
CHERRY BOMB
HERE COME THE DOGS
Jenny Valentish
Omar Musa
If Jenny Valentish’s debut novel, Cherry Bomb were a song it would be a dance floor banger. A rock journalist and former member of a few bands herself; Valentish is fully qualified to be writing about the Australian music industry, fame and all its flaws. Cherry Bomb charts the success of fictional pop punk band The Dolls. The two members are cousins, Nina and Rose Dall. While the main characters are teenagers, The Dolls are playing in the very adult world of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Written from Nina’s perspective, the badass guitarist with no fear, Cherry Bomb is full of attitude. Nina is the rock n’ roll half of The Dolls, “The Richards to her Jagger.” She’s tough; she sleeps around, shaves her head, and at one point rips her shirt off during a show to throw it to the audience. Her cousin Rose is the air-kissing darling diva of The Dolls with the songstress voice and outrageous backstage Mariah Carey-esque requests. The girls idolise their aunt, famous 80s pop star Allanah Dall and willingly live in her shadow, copying her style, her clothes, her sound, and her addictions to booze and men. The story begins while The Dolls are still in high school. They begin playing in a small lounge bar and living in Parramatta, and follows as they walk the red carpet at the ARIAS, record their album, hit it big with their song Fight Like A Girl, tour Australia and the US, and navigate interviews, photo shoots and videoclips; tweeting and instagramming everything as they go. Be warned, readers older than Gen Y may tire or have trouble with the endless pop culture references. From name dropping artists like Ke$ha, Goyte, The Veronicas, Good Charlotte, and Fall Out Boy to referencing emo vampires, Boohoo.com, Tumblr, and Geordie Shore; Cherry Bomb is youth culture beamed right back at its audience. Plus there are endless tips on how to take a good selfie (double or triple filter photos via an app and the best cameras for selfies have a flip-out viewfinder). Cherry Bomb could have easily been a shallow and insubstantial read, however Valentish has added layers and twists enough to create a more complex character out of Nina than her obsession with what everyone is wearing would suggest. A soundtrack listing includes hits by artists like The Runaways, Blondie, the Ramones, Lana Del Rey, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to accompany each chapter. Unfortunately the list is badly placed at the back of the book and many readers will probably discover it after they have finished the story and miss out on listening to the carefully selected songs.
I don’t know very much about hip-hop, especially the Australian strand. I don’t particularly like basketball and I know almost nothing about graffiti culture. These things didn’t stop me at all from enjoying Omar Musa’s debut novel, Here Come The Dogs. Why? Because it’s an engaging story about suburbia and human relationships, and is exquisitely written. Musa is a rapper and a poet, so he knows his way around the language, and this talent is clearly on display in this novel. Dogs is the story of Solomon, of Samoan extraction, living in “the Town”. He was a basketball prodigy in his youth, and his life was to some extent mapped out until an injury destroys his career aspirations and forces him to rethink things. He hangs out with his half-brother Jimmy and an old friend called Aleks, of Macedonian background. The book tells the story of these three over a hot summer. It’s a book about people in their early 20s, living on the fringes of suburbia. All three are first generation Australians and one of the beautiful things about the book is how they each attempt to reconcile their heritage with hip-hop and Australia, all the while with the summer bushfire looming just over the hills. It’s also a book about people making mistakes and reflecting upon them, not necessarily in the most constructive way, but you get a faintly optimistic sense as the book closes that things will come good at some point in the future and that these people have possibilities and choices to explore and are not necessarily ‘trapped’ in suburbia. The book alternates between poetry and prose. I don’t know very much about poetry, I’ll admit, but Musa’s sparse, direct style reminds me a lot of Robert Lowell. That’s not to say Lowell and Musa have anything in common in terms of subject matter – they don’t – but there’s just something about Musa’s blunt yet beautiful way with words that reminds me strongly of Lowell. When Musa breaks into the poetic voice, you want to read every word, slowly, to absorb it completely. I know I didn’t get all the references to hip-hop, basketball or graffiti, so I probably didn’t get the full force of the book. However, I think I got enough of it to know that it deserves a very wide audience. If you’re looking for a fresh piece of Australian writing this summer, you’ll probably love this. Jay Annabel
Despite being too long and losing some momentum, Cherry Bomb is still a banger and readers will enjoy the fame trip viewed through Nina Dall’s boozey gaze complete with her ballsy narration. Emily Russell www.blankgc.com.au
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Lifestyle & Culture WOODSY GRABS SECOND SINGLE FIN CLASSIC After a weekend of mixed surf and weather conditions, awesome surfing and classic boards, the 18th Burleigh Boardriders Single Fin Classic wrapped up on Sunday afternoon with one of Burleigh Boardriders, Thomas Woods, taking out the Open division. It was a weekend when the waves seemed to vary like the variable winds; a top class field including 4 former WCT surfers, up to a dozen of the world’s top 100 surfers, red hot grommets, and locals that knew their classic single fin boards almost as well as they knew Burleigh Point. All were looking to win the prize of a Dick Van Straalen single fin and the glory of being crowned champion. It was fun, waves and sunshine on Saturday, a huge crowd in residence, but Sunday had bigger and better waves and more liquid sunshine for the punters who were there to check out surfing - a big crowd considering the weather - and the surfing did not disappoint. Three to four foot at Burleigh Point with only six surfers out. It was a dream with only six surfers to share Burleigh Point in the heats. Before the Open final it was the grommets’ chance to impress. The under 18’s were surfing boards almost three times as old as they were. Young Burleigh grommet Maddy Job, at 13 and 4’10”, was ripping in and along with his clubmate and under 16 Queensland Champion, Liam O’Brien. They were flying the flag for Burleigh Boardriders. In the final, North Stradbroke ripper Ethan Ewing showed them all how it was done, scoring the only perfect 10 of the
weekend from the judges. He scored a set wave, which he tore to pieces from out the back to the very inside of the rockbreak, having the spectators give him a hearty round of applause. Sheldon Simkus picked up 2nd place, the current Snapper Rock open champion. The rest of the field were left behind by Ewing. Burleigh boys Liam O’Brien and Maddy Job finished 3rd and 4th respectively, with Dan Sinclair and Korbin Hutchins finishing 5th and 6th. Then it was time for the Open men to take the stage. The heat started with Damien Healy opening up with some searing, driving, full-rail turns and ripping the wave apart all the way to the rockbreak. Just as he finished the wave, Burleigh Boardrider Thomas Woods took off on the best wave of the final, getting a solid tube for 4 seconds, before blasting a 100% committed closeout re-entry to have the locals on the point in a frenzy. Sol Bailey took off after Woods and grabbed a sweet tube as well, while Dru Adler snuck down to the end section to try and find some waves for himself. After the initial flurry the conditions went a bit quiet for the rest of the 30 minute final.
The rain poured down during the presentation, but the crowd watched on for the finish of an awesome weekend. Once again an event with no prize money but a hell of a lot of respect and glory.
Woods and Healy traded waves for the rest of the final, but it was Woodsy who got the win and took out his 2nd ever Single Fin Classic. A bit of an omen for Woodsy, as when Jay “Bottle” Thompson won the contest he qualified for the WCT that year. Occy had big wraps on Thomas on the microphone over the weekend as well, and was confident he would qualify this year.
Once again the Burleigh Boardriders Single Fin Classic was wrapped up for another year, and as every local knows, it is the best event held on the point, and it will be the one they can’t wait for next year.
The sheriff of Burleigh Heads, Dwayne Harris, led the minutes silence for the past Burleigh Boys, all the finalist on the stage behind him, with their single fins in hand. Everyone on the point showed great respect that was due to the missing soldiers of Burleigh Point.
Terry Teece
This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts.
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COSMETICS SIMPLY The aim of the Miss Pearl Store is simple: To bring back the good things that our grandparents got to enjoy. No chemicals, no nasty stuff, just living well. We spoke with the store owner Pearl Chattrabhuti about her unique products. How long have you been running the Miss Pearl Store? For about 8 months, but I pretty much opened about two years ago. It’s only recently that I’ve started pushing it forward with advertising and other things. How has the reception been so far? Great. Business is pretty much word of mouth and it’s been running quite well because people are more health conscious these days and especially for people with allergies, now they can get these products more easily on the market. Are you personally into the organic lifestyle? I’m not too fussed about it either way but I do have so many allergies: flowers, gluten and pretty much anything that
walks, so I wanted to find a product that is really good for myself and something that is made by real people and not mass produced in factories. Have you used all of your own products? I always test on myself before I send to the general public and if something doesn’t work then I do not order it. My mum used to used everything commercial until I sent our products to her and now her allergies are much much better and she can use makeup again without problems. Are your products vegan? Not everything is vegan but we also have people who are vegetarian and gluten intolerant, so we want to cater to everybody.
You can see the range available at: misspearl.com.au
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Lifestyle & Culture
BLANK SCREEN BOSTON MARRIAGE Boston Marriage, a new play by Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright David Mamet, is set to open on the Gold Coast on the 20th February 2015. Featuring a who’s who cast of Australian actors in its three lead roles, this female-only play is a departure from Mamet’s earlier work, which has featured a string of male protagonists. At the turn of the 20th century, two women who lived together without a man were termed as having a “Boston Marriage”. Mamet’s story centres on the various intrigues of the two main characters played by Amanda Muggleton and Rachel Gordon, and their maid played by Helen Cassidy. Ahead of the preview, Natalie O’Driscoll caught up with Rachel Gordon to chat about the production.
BIRDMAN Staring Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton ‘Popularity is the slutty little cousin of prestige’ - Mike Shiner Finally somebody has stood up and called into account the unending release of thoughtless drivel clogging up screen time in an industry once renowned for innovation and wonderment. Brilliantly written by Mexican director, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman doesn’t hold back the punches when illustrating the bastardisation of Hollywood film franchises and their insipid sequels. Riggan Thomas (Keaton) is an old school celebrity known strictly for his superhero persona, ‘Birdman’. A character he has grown to hate. Attempting to break out of the mould that has imprisoned him all his career, Riggan stakes everything he owns on his directorial, and performance debut of a stage play in the prestigious theatre district of Broadway, NY. Along with a talented ensemble of stage actors, Riggan sets out to prove his critics wrong; that he is in fact an artist and not just another Hollywood celebrity with a license to print unwarranted money. Meanwhile, Riggan is also desperately struggling to hang on to his sanity, while simultaneously juggling a tumultuous relationship with his ex-drug addict daughter (Stone), who also happens to be his personal assistant. Throw in over the top, egotistical support actor, Mike Shiner (Norton), and a couple of neurotic actresses, and you’ve got a melting pot of tension and suppressed rage, ready to go off at a moments notice. Shot as one continuous take, Birdman looks and feels as though it’s moving in real time, drawing the audience through the excitement of live performance, while also exposing gritty backstage secrets where the absolute best dialogue and comedy takes place in a plethora of award worthy performances. Truly outstanding! To top it all off - add a strange, oddly out of place staccato drumbeat for a score, and you’ve got a very unique film that really has no where to go but up. Critically acclaimed as a masterpiece, Birdman is turning a lot of heads, rivaling the brilliance of modern television screenwriting, without the luxury of multiple episodes to build on. Truly an epic feat of writing and performance, I couldn’t recommend this movie enough. Go see it NOW! Nathan James 30
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Are you looking forward to the show opening? Yes well the preview is on Saturday. It’ll be nice to have an audience! How long have you been rehearsing? Rehearsals started just before Christmas, so it’s been about five weeks all up, with a few breaks in between. We’re doing the tech rehearsal tomorrow to work out the lighting and everything and we get to try on our wigs for the first time, which is exciting. Can you tell me a bit about your character and the role she plays in the story? My character is called Clare. The show is about two women in a Boston Marriage which is a term they used to use to describe two women who lived together without the assistance of a man, and so that could be an umbrella term for a lesbian relationship or maybe just two independent women. Clare and Anna (Amanda Muggleton) have been in a lesbian relationship for a long time though, and my character asks Anna’s permission to use her house to enterain her new lover, so a lot of jealousy and lot of witty dialogue ensues. Did you know what a Boston Marriage was before you started the role? I’d seen a production of this play in Melbourne a couple of years ago and so I knew what it was from then. I really loved the script when I saw the Melbourne production and I’m a big fan of Pamela Rabe [who played Anna] so was a real treat when Andrea [Moor, the director] asked me to be in the Queensland production, so I’m really fortunate. Can you describe any of your favourite scenes or lines in the play? I don’t want to give too much away. I don’t have a favourite, it’s all really good. That’s a hard question. I love the scenes with Helen Cassidy she’s very, very funny. A LOT of humour in those scenes. It must be exciting to be working on a David Mamet piece. Well he’s renowned for his incredible dialogue. He was criticised for only being able to write for men, so in response to the critics he wrote this amazing play which has three incredible roles for women. It is such a treat to play these fantastic roles. Amanda and I play the couple and Helen who gets all the best lines - plays the maid who constantly disrupts and we’re really awful to her which is a huge source of amusement. Have there been any amusing rehearsal anecdotes that you’re allowed to share? It’s been a really wonderful experience in that the entire cast and crew has been female. Our director Andrea Moor is a very successful actress and award-winning director and she’s
doing really well. Our stage manager is also female, and it’s an all female cast, so there’s a lot of oestrogen in the room. We kind of became really filthy actually, quite debauched, because there was no need to act like ladies I guess! (laughs) Had you worked with Helen or Amanda previously? Only Andrea actually, as an actor. We did a David Williamson play together for the Queensland Theatre Company and I just adore her. She’s so talented, and I really wanted to work with her again. So between Neighbours, Home and Away, Blue Heelers, All Saints... you’ve sure done the who’s who of Aussie television. Are you taking a break from TV at the moment or is there something else in the pipeline? I’ve got a show I just shot before we did this called Winter, it’s premiering on Channel 7 in February, with Rebecca Gibney. I play her sister and that’s a really exciting new show for Channel 7 and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. It was wonderful to work with Rebecca she’s the loveliest person. She’s really talented but also just very generous. I loved you in the Moodys!! Ahh the Moodys!! It’s so funny. In the first series I had just had my first baby and in the second series I was 8 months pregnant and the wardrobe lady won an award, and I said she should have won it because I was 8 months pregnant, supposed to be playing this character who was desperate to have a baby, and she had to cover it up. So they had me standing behind other actors, wearing a loose fitting sarong, and all this stuff. DATE Fri 20 & Sat 21 February, 7.30pm VENUE Arts Theatre, The Arts Centre Gold Coast, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise BOOK (07) 5588 4000 or www.theartscentregc.com.au
ARJ BARKER WANTS YOUR PANTS OFF
Jupiters Hotel & Casino presents
With a star studded line-up of international and Australian comedians, Jupiters Hotel & Casino’s eighth instalment of their hit comedy series Laugh Your Pants Off on Friday March 20 is a must-see if you need a giggle, chuckle, cackle or rip-snorter of a good time. North America favourites Arj Barker, Joe Shaffer and Mike Wilmot will lead the international comedic charge at the one-night-only event, while Australian comedy stars Damian Callinan, Fiona McGary, Lindsay Webb, Joel Ozborn, Mark McConville, and hilarious trio Tripod will deliver some distinctly Aussie laughs. Managing Director Queensland Geoff Hogg said Jupiters’ popular Laugh Your Pants Offseries always offers up a stellar line-up of comedy and the latest bill is set to impress with a slate of top notch international and local guests. “Our consistently sold-out Laugh Your Pants Off shows continue to attract the very best stand-up comedians from around the globe, and series eight is no different,” Geoff said. Headlining the show is Arj Barker, Australia’s adopted son of comedy. Famous for his unique observations, heavy sarcasm and loud anger, Arj firmly established himself as one of the golden boys on the international comedy circuit when he won the coveted Perrier Best Newcomer Award at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1997. Since then he’s been honing his craft at sell-out performances around the globe.
TRIPOD
A regular on Australian television, having appeared in Thank God You’re Here, Spicks and Specks, Good News Week, The Project and Talkin ‘Bout Your Generation, Arj has also made numerous appearances on late night talk shows such as The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show, and plays ‘Dave’ on smash hit series Flight of the Conchords. Joining the entertainment is Canadian stand-up genius Mike Wilmot - a veteran on the comedy circuit, who is regarded as the king of creative crudeness. Mike will deliver a sidesplitting collection of stories about the idiosyncrasies of life, with a dose of solicitude and originality amongst the truths. Australian comedian Joel Ozborn will also keep you laughing with his physical style of comedy, and his flair for improvisation. Joel has built up a strong international following having toured his comedy shows around the world, and is a regular in comedy clubs and at comedy festivals across the nation. Damien Callinan, a multi award-winning stand-up comic, broadcaster, actor and writer, is best known for his roles on Skithouse and Before The Game as well as his regular appearances on shows such as Spicks and Specks, Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala and The Great Debate. Having performed on stages all around the nation and with a talent for character comedy, Damien is a drawcard act and guarantees to supply plenty of laughs. Australia’s favourite musical and comedy trio, Tripod, will present a unique musical experience guaranteed to bring a smile to all. Renowned for their high-octane performances, the three stars of the show, Yon, Scod and Gatesy, are regulars on both the music festival and comedy festival circuits, in Australia and overseas.
ARJ BARKER Plus Fiona McGary, Joe Shaffer
Lindsay Webb, Mark McConville
Damian Callinan
MIKE WILMOT
Joel Ozborn
FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2015 * * $ $ Show only 49 Dinner and Show from 59
Book now at jupitersgoldcoast.com.au
or 132 849 jupitersgc
PERFORMANCE MAY CONTAIN ADULT CONTENT AND COARSE LANGUAGE.
For more information visit www.jupitersgoldcoast.com.au
Subject to availability, change and cancellation. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times. *A $6.70 service/delivery fee and 1.95% payment processing fee applies to all internet and telephone bookings through Ticketek. Jupiters Hotel & Casino practises the responsible service of alcohol.
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life
*taking a closer look at life on the GC
free Issue #18 FEBRUARY 2015
ARJ BARKER
wants your pants off!
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