Beloved Love & Relationship podcast makes live debut
Dragon Dreaming
Multi-stage EDM/live band fest fires up again
Troy Cassar-Daly
Keeping the fires lit
Hell Herons
CBR spoken word + EDM supergroup's new LP
Mail: 36/97 Eastern Valley Way Belconnen, ACT 2617
Publisher ABN 76 097 301 730 Pty Ltd
Managing Editor Allan Sko E: allan@bmamag.com
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Allan Sko
Article Design
Marty Baker & Allan Sko
Entertainment Guide Editor Allan Sko
Social Media Manager Angel Nash
Columnists
Jannah Fahiz, Josh Nixon, Alice Worley (Farewell!), Chris Marlton, Allan Sko + introducing Aegipan Samara Wickrama
Writers Nigel Featherstone, Max Stettner, Vince Leigh, Allan Sko, and Jen Seyderhelm ISSUE #546 RELEASE DATE Thursday, 29 August
EDITORIAL DEADLINE Friday, 16 August
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Wednesday, 21 August BMA is independently
Harrison Whalan and Imogene Blake are an exciting new double-bass and vocal duo springing from the ANU School of Music. Bonding over their shared love of double-bass and vocal ensembles such as Australian duo Kristen Berardi and Sam Anning, and American singer-songwriter group Lake Street Dive, the two have been performing together and honing their live craft ‘n’ chemistry for over three years at various venues around Canberra, encapsulating a broad range of genres such as jazz, funk, folk, and pop.
WHO: Lakeside At 5 ft.
Harrison whaLan & imogene Blake
WHAT: Double bass ‘n’ vocAl jazz duo
WHeRe: TuggeRs Arts Centre
WHen Friday, 26 July
UPCOMING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
ESSENTIAL TREMORS is an exploratory music + art series supporting local and international creators navigating the boundless nature of sound.
Curated by Angus Andrew of Liars, the series originated at Phoenix Central Park in Sydney,
2022 with an all-Aussie line-up. Since then, ET has expanded to Beijing, NYC, Tokyo, Akron and Canberra. ET returns with deep expressive performances from Hantu (Narrm) and Sally Golding (Ngunnawal Country). Says Angus: “There is magic in live performance which remains unique to this world. It’s an experience as yet un-synthesised. I support artists taking risks in that medium. It’s an emotional and financial investment unparalleled. ET intends to highlight the underexposed and diverse. To provide a roving point of convergence for emerging and left field artists where they can perform, connect and thrive.”
Formed in 1971, The Bushwackers have a storied career spanning over five decades. The band has released 26 albums, won three Golden Guitar Awards, been inducted into the Roll of Renown, and published six songbooks. Known for their energetic performances, they have captivated audiences across Australia and beyond, earning their place as one of the nation’s most celebrated musical acts.
7pm, $49 Adult / $44 Concession + bf via venue.
Robyn Martin w/ Caliko
@ Smith’s Alternative Friday, 23 Aug 6:30pm - 8:30pm
With ARIA chart hitting songs and national & international songwriting recognition in her back pocket from her releases with trio The New Graces, Robyn releases her solo album this spring. With a sound that is distinctly Australian, her music traverses a wide terrain from
deep pocket soul, mixed with heart warming, thought provoking folk sensibilities, to the occasional banjo driven hoedown singalong and a sprinkle of grungy angst rock.
With support Caliko.
Creatives in the Blank
Saturday 3 August 1:30pm-5:30pm 15 Moore Street, Canberra City
A gentle afternoon of chatting about art hosted by You Are Here at ‘Blank’ arts and community event space in the city!
With an artist talk by two Cahoots program alumni, producer advice sessions + time to hang with the creative community over a cuppa and snacks.
FREE EVENT!
To register for catering and accessibility purposes - scan the code!
Hello, and welcome to another Locality column! We may have frost on the grass, but I have events that are so gosh-darn hot you’ll forget about the winter chill.
The first I want to tell you about in this issue is one for the folk lovers.
Black Cypress creates a mystical sound by combining bluesy folk notes with pagan influence. This acoustic show will have fiddles, percussion, beautiful harmonies and stories of pirate lore.
And if you have yet to see this group, now is the time! One member about to move overseas for two years, and while there’s scope to continue writing from afar, they’ll not be performing together for awhile. So grab that ticket, fast!
This event will take place at Smith’s Alternative on Saturday , 20 July . The show kicks off at 3pm, tix are $20 ($15 concession) via the venue.
Smith’s Varietal is back for the *checks notes* 204th time!
A show for those who want to be surprised, each performer comes from a diverse artistic background. SV #204 is hosted by Meg Johnston (performance art/ drag king/fire performer) and at time of print will feature local singer/songwriter Tim Pearce , James Cahill & Co. , Tobias Price and more TBC. These varietal shows are open to anything and everything from origami to dance to burlesque, with each one unlike the other.
Head on down to Smith’s Alternative on Wednesday , 24 July , to enjoy the show. It starts at 7pm, and tickets are sold for $15 ($10 concession) via Smith’s website.
If you love local rock, then this one has your name on it. Reaper Radio at The Pot will have locals Slowbeard and Sonic Death Rays taking to The Pot Belly stage. They’re bringing their friends from Wollongong, Dead Creek , who recently released their debut album. This night of three different shades of rock music kicks off at 7:30pm on Saturday , 27 July , and tickets are a bargain $10 at the door.
Our very own Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers have teamed up with The Grogans for a tour they’re calling Fix it with Salt .
The two bands met in 2022 on another tour and have become good friends since! Last year, they teamed up to release a single called Salt , which can be found on TJJT’s debut album, I Love You , and now they’re touring the country, with Melbourne’s Kitschen Boy opening the show!
They’ll be hitting The Baso stage on Sunday , 4 August , from 7:30pm. You can get your tix now through Oztix for $56.10.
All aboard this music train! Full Steam Ahead! showcases a wide array of genres, from pop to jazz to prog rock to metal. Some great artists are performing: Voodoo Acid Space Kings , Nissan: Unstoppable , Fabulous Contraption , The Absentee , B.C. , ZZG , and Dead Lazarus . Tickets are $25 + bf via Humanitix (less than $4 a band! What a steal). This event takes place at Live at the Polo on Saturday , 17 August , from 4pm and will chuff on all night!
So grab your tickets and warm up amongst all that hot, hot action. Don’t let that cool winter air keep you from our toasty rocking local venues! - Jannah
Photo Credit Jamie Johnston
Meg Johnston
A new Canberra supergroup— comprising beloved author and muso Nigel Featherstone and poetry wizards Melinda Smith, CJ Bowerbird, and Stuart Barnes—setting spoken-word to evocative electronica? Imma shut up and find out more from Nigel himself!
Where did the band name come from?
A hell heron is a type of crocodile-faced dinosaur, which, like the bird, could catch prey in the water and on land.
It’s a gentle dig at the collective age of the band members and a nod to the fact that we’ll all be dinosaurs if we don’t get our environmental priorities right.
How’d this magical musical journey begin?
I’ve been a daily fan of music since childhood – the first single I bought was Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush (1978), and the first song I recorded off the radio was London Calling by The Clash (1979) – and I’ve been making music off and on since my teens.
Fast forwarding, in 2014, the Hume Conservatorium commissioned me to write the libretto for a contemporary song cycle (music composed by James Humberstone from the Sydney Conservatorium) titled The Weight of Light. This work was co-produced by The Street Theatre and had its world premiere in 2018.
That project led me to collaborate with Pete Lyon from The Cashews on The Final Hours, an EP reflecting on the tragedy of the Bali 9, thanks to an invitation from the Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
In 2019, I began working on a play with songs, for which I’m writing the text, lyrics, and draft music (more on this project soon; once again, I thank The Street Theatre).
In 2022, I founded Hell Herons, collaborating with eminent poetry wizards Melinda Smith, CJ Bowerbird, and Stuart Barnes. The Wreck Event is our first album.
Describe your sound/what you do:
We’ve aimed to set spoken word to evocative electronica. We’re not afraid of beats, noise, and field recordings, but we also want warmth and accessibility –sometimes.
What key tracks should people check out?
Our first single is Nocturnal, featuring words and an incredible vocal from Melinda Smith, a previous Prime Minister’s Prize winner for poetry. Frankly, it’s stunning.
Influences?
Hard to say! If pushed, we’re the lovechild of M83 and Arvo Part, with a bit of My Bloody Valentine somehow making its present felt.
Most memorable experiences?
With making The Wreck Event? I reckon it’d be having the album mixed and mastered by Kimmo Vennonen, thanks to support from an artsACT grant.
Kimmo went well and truly beyond, and every time he sent me a mix, I got goosebumps. Truly.
What is it that you love about the scene?
In terms of ‘scene’, I’m a bit weird because I’m a natural hermit, and I also move between the literary fiction world, the theatre world, and the music world.
Overall, I find most Australian artists to be humble, generous, and hard-working. Tell us of your proudest moments:
If I got hit by a bus this afternoon, I hope what flashes through my mind include The Weight of Light, my novel My Heart is a Little Wild Thing (Ultimo, 2022), and The Wreck Event
I’m stupidly tough on myself, but I reckon there’s some unashamed Life in those works.
What are your plans for the future?
Keep making art, with music increasingly prominent in my schedule. What makes you laugh?
Anyone willing to laugh at themselves.
What pisses you off?
Australians who deny the complexity –and darkness – of this nation’s history. Anything else you’d like to add?
I’ve been reading street mags like BMA since I was a teenager riding his bike to the local music shop to buy a Kate Bush single; a good 40 years ago, now.
I hope there’ll be the opportunity to do it for at least another four decades.
Where can people check you out?
The Wreck Event is available through all the main streamers as well as Bandcamp. We’re in the (very!) early stages of working on a live show. Insta is @hellherons, web is hellherons.com
Rapidly-rising punk rock stars and pride of Canberra, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, have further affirmed the camaraderie with genre-diverse outfit The Grogans by taking on regional Australia for their FIX IT WITH SALT TOUR. Their team-up on punk-power ballad & heartstrings tugger single Salt made the groups realise they had something special. Salt is laden with harmonies, showing off the vocal chops of Anna Ryan and The Grogans’ Quin Grunden, their voices bouncing off each other, creating a memorably melancholic build up.
BMA Bossman Allan Sko chats with TJ&TJT’s Scarlett McKahey
BMA ALLAN: Why not start at the beginning... Was the birth of your awesome foursome at the 2016 Girls Rock camp?
TJ&TJT SCARLETT: We started the band after a sleepover at Neve’s house in Year 9 after we watched School of Rock. We thought it looked stupidly easy to start a band, so we picked instruments and started learning covers first thing the following day.
We had our first-ever gig at our school’s Spring Fair (the setlist included a Nirvana cover, a Wombats cover, and an Angus and Julia Stone cover), and we went from there.
There’s a simple story behind such a mighty band name, eh?
It’s not that fun of a story—a family friend thought of it and said it as a joke when I was about 12. I do not know why it came back to me years later, but it’s served us very well.
Our alternate name was Dandelion and the Enigmas, so thank fuck we went with Teen Jesus instead.
How would you say your sound has evolved over the years?
We were caught in the crossfire of ‘90s grunge and indie pop when we started. We spent the first years trying to decide if we wanted to be more like L7 or San Cisco. A strange mix, especially when played by highly inexperienced and extremely nervous high schoolers who had to be chaperoned to shows by their parents.
Eventually, we landed somewhere in the middle in the “rock” category, but I love that we have an identifiable sound now. It’s taken almost a decade, but now we just want to sound like Teen Jesus!
And how has your songwriting content/focus changed?
Our songwriting topics have grown up with us. We’ve always had a lot of teenage angst, but these days, we’re writing more mature things to match our maturing lives.
Our album, I Love You, is very special to us for that reason. It has songs from 17-year-old Teen Jesus and songs from 23-year-old Teen Jesus. It hasn’t been a conscious shift, but our songs are sounding more mature all the time (minus Cayenne Pepper).
What have been the challenges and triumphs of reaching such fame and exposure at your ages?
Fame and exposure might be a stretch! But we are VERY proud of the work we’ve put in over the years. Seeing the years pay off and people receive our music so well has been amazing, so we are very grateful for everything!
Triumphs are meeting Dave Grohl and vodka cruisers; challenges are lack of sleep and white boys in mosh pits.
How did the collab with The Grogans come about!?
This one is embarrassing for us!
A year ago, we went on a tour with The Grogans, run by GUTS Touring, throughout Tasmania. We were all on a bus for the week, playing shows in Tassie’s most beautiful small towns, and we became absolute besties with The Grogans. When the tour ended, we went straight to our producer Oscar’s house to start recording the album, but we missed The Grogans so much that we chucked them on a song so we could hang out more (we also thought they’d sound fantastic on the song, which they do).
With the streaming/digital age seeing many declaring the concept of an album effectively dead, did you nevertheless find yourselves agonising over the LP track order?
Actually no! The track order was done and dusted in about ten minutes of messaging. We all knew that we wanted particular highs and lows throughout the album; we already knew that we wanted to open with Used To Be Fun and close with Kissy Kissy and the rest just fell into place.
The album also came about at the perfect time for us. While recording previous releases, we worried SO much about our sound being “right”, if people would like it, or if it would be played on the radio, etc.
When we started recording Love You, it felt like it was only for us, and we couldn’t care less what anyone else thought. It was hugely empowering and a sign of significant growth for us babies.
Two quick BMA Profile stables here: a) what makes you laugh, and b) what pisses you off?
a) Jojo Siwa b) Jojo Siwa Proudest moments?
But, honestly, it’s just because we are obsessed with them and want to hang out all day, every day, 4eva.
The obvious ones are releasing our debut album and opening for Foo Fighters, which are both absolutely ridiculous things to be able to do.
My favourites, though, were going on our first overseas tour last year in the UK and selling the whole frickin thing out, which was crazy—and then selling out the Metro Theatre in Sydney last year for our headline album tour, especially because my little brother’s band, Sonic Reducer, opened for us, which was highly emotional and wonderful for me.
Big wins all round!
What can folk expect from your upcoming August show? And what can we expect from TJ&TJT in the future?
Expect five hotties painting Belconnen red! We are the reigning kings of inner North-West Canberra and we will burn The Baso to the ground!
And we have our writing caps back on, so hopefully, there will be more music!! Everything is secret, but we have things cooking in the musical cauldron. The Teen Jesus and the Jean Teaasers + The Grogans FIX IT WITH SALT TOUR rolls into The Baso on Sunday, 4 August, from 7:30pm. Tix $56.10 via Oztix.
I’ll
I’ll Have
Have
What She’s
What She’s Having I’ll Have What She’s Having I’ll Have What She’s Having
Having
This is less an article and more a story; an informative and celebratory tale about the debut live show of long-running and much-loved podcast, Evolving Love, helmed by irrepressible Canberra power couple Abbey Mackay and Liam Budge.
But in its telling, it’s about much more than that.
Best to start at the beginning, of course, but this tale has many of those. So, let’s go with the Evolving Love moniker itself.
“Liam actually helped me with the name!” Abbey enthuses. “It just felt so right. It is evolving love, and we have an evolving relationship. We started as a monogamous couple and, through much communication, openness and sharing, we’ve developed this beautiful, involving and evolving connection.
“So the name just fit; it feels right.”
I met with Abbey on a bright ‘n’ chilly Canberra winter’s day, initially in the snug of the NFSA’s cafe—mere feet from the live podcast’s eventual home—before braving the cold for the betterment of audio recording. A good thing, too; we don’t want to miss a word.
You can easily distinguish Abbey in a crowd; a shimmering cascade of natural silver hair flows to her waist, and she has the warm smile and sparkling sapphire eyes that speak of a contented soul, one who is gleefully figuring out life, keen to share all that has been gained.
And share she does.
But before that, let’s ensure we’re all up to speed, shall we?
Ethical Non-Monogamy, or ENM, has been around in some form since humans were first invented. But only in the past few years has grown—evolved, if you will—into an accepted way of being.
Now, you may be familiar with ENM, an avid practitioner, on the cusp of trying, or have no idea what it’s about. As the name suggests, ENM is the practice of being romantically involved with multiple people who are all aware of and agree with each other. Helping to inform, guide, and hold a safe space for discussion of all things ENM is Abbey Mackay.
“Evolving Love Project has been a beautiful unfolding space for storytelling and sharing non-monogamous perspectives,” Abbey explains. “It started very small, in 2021, with a closed Instagram account where women could share their thoughts and experiences. Word of mouth saw the member base grow.” And grow it did; Abbey’s personal passion had tapped into something resonant.
“I soon realised there was a community connecting with my sharing,“ Abbey reveals. “I started writing longer-form articles on Substack and shortly after began hosting conversation evenings. Since then, Liam and I began the podcast.
by Allan Sko by Allan Sko
“It’s been a gradual opening up.”
Every bloom starts from seed, so I was fascinated to learn which of the two was bold enough to first plant the idea of ENM?
“We actually can’t remember!” Abbey beams. “We’re very playful and talk all the time; one day we realised we had these feelings of happiness and excitement at the thought of each other having a little bit more independence, intimately.
“We didn’t know at the time, but that feeling was compersion.” Ahhhh, yes! Compersion. A term I only learned recently. But why have a hack like me fumble through an explanation when we have an expert on hand to guide us?
“Compersion is the sympathetic joy felt upon your partner having a connection with somebody else, where you’re not the direct cause of their happiness,” Abbey explains. “Compersion is a really important component of non-monogamy. Without it, we’re left to navigate jealousy or trip over unspoken triggers.
“This is through an ENM lens,” Abbey clarifies. “So, if my husband is to connect with another woman, instead of feeling jealousy, despair, or rejection, you step back, and allow happiness and joy.
“And for some people, they experience arousal.”
Indeed, any number of emotions may been aroused in you, dear reader: intrigue, shock, delight, disgust, hope, a nodding recognition, or shades in between. Whatever they may be, that’s ok. After all, this deviates from the roadmap for life laid before us from an early age. You know the drill: Get born, get to school, get a degree or a trade; get a job, a partner, a mortgage; have kids, raise kids, retire from job, retire from life.
ENM acknowledges this narrative but dares to offer another.
“We’re programmed to this singular understanding of what romantic love is,” Abbey explains. “‘My one and only’, ‘I choose you’, ‘You are The One’... is in countless movies and media.
“I grew up watching Disney, we hit all of the rom-coms. Anytime there’s an outside love interest, it’s through the lens of an affair or infidelity. We’re only given negative association with anything extramarital. Even just the word can cause pain or be triggering.
“That’s why I talk about compersion,” Abbey continues. “It was the first thing I started writing about because it’s so key to understanding ENM. When hearing about non-monogamy for the first time, even if it’s not for you, to be able to understand compersion is such a big part of it.”
An in-depth exploration of these ideas can be enjoyed by the Evolving Love podcast, helmed by Abbey and Liam with an impressive line-up of special guests. The natural twinkle in Abbey’s eyes positively sparkle at the mere mention of Liam. There is real love there.
Bloody understandable, too. The man is a DISH. Former BMA cover boy, Liam Budge is the ultimate slashy, an erudite singer/ songwriter/theatremaker/photographer/filmmaker of a calibre that makes you look at your own life and go: “Huh... I guess I could be doing something more.”
He is also staggeringly handsome. My compersion cup overfloweth.
“We talk often; we’re big communicators,” Abbey beams. “As I’ve said, we started hosting these conversation nights. The catalyst for them—the need to do it—was having so many people reaching out to me.
“So, the writing came first,” Abbey recaps. “People connected with that and shared their own stories. I realised, in Canberra, there was need for a group that could converge for conscious conversations, whether they be ENM, curious about it, or practising polyamory for a long time.
“Then, through Substack and Instagram, I connected with people worldwide. So, we thought, we’ll start a podcast so that we can share these stories.”
At 44 episodes and counting, the next stage of its evolution is here with Evolving Love opening up further via a live podcast.
“We’re incredibly excited,” Abbey says. “It’s a beautiful opportunity to share the same space. We’ll answer questions and share our relationship experience and our journey.
“We feel comfortable to de-stigmatise non-monogamous relationships,” Abbey assures. “We’re in a fortunate and privileged position; with the love and acceptance of our friends and family, we feel comfortable to speak openly.
“We’re parents too, and we know people have a lot of questions about that.”
Ahhhh, yes! Children! Won’t somebody pleeeeeease think of the children? Surely rugrats rout all things ENM and plonk us purposely on the pathway of tradition once more. Not so, says Abbey.
“We believe that happy parents create the foundation for a happy family in a happy home,” she states. “We have a wonderful marriage, and our son has a joyful life.”
You may be burning with questions right now. Like, what’s wrong with monogamy?
“We don’t have anything against monogamy whatsoever!” Abbey enthuses. “Monogamy is a better fit for most people. Nonmonogamy can be wonderful, exciting, deep and meaningful; and it can be challenging, as all relationships are.
“Whether monogamy or non-monogamy, it’s just a different way of being together.
“But it is true that when you start exploring non-monogamy, it can put a magnifying glass on all aspects of your relationship,” Abbey continues. “So whether that be good or difficult, whatever’s going on, things usually tend to come to the surface.”
Further questions abound. Perhaps you’re intrigued but worried about coming along.
“It’s wonderful to learn about different ways of being,” Abbey says. “We have many people interested in what we write
about, and they are monogamous. Reading or listening to the Evolving Love Project has been beneficial for their monogamous relationship by exploring the foundation skills of communication and openness.
“It’s an interesting topic. So whether or not it’s for you, you’re more than welcome to come along.”
Or you may wondering if compersion actually exists; surely jealously is more safe and comfortable and not without its merits?
“It’s normal to have fears in a relationship,” Abbey says. “Jealousy is also normal. We’re not unfeeling creatures; of course things can come up. That has been something to explore over the years.
“But we have the skill set and self-awareness to sit with an emotion and ask why it’s coming up, to investigate it and decide whether it’s a real or perceived fear.
“We haven’t had any big issues because we have been exploring at a steady pace over years,” Abbey asserts. “We’ve been non-monogamous for ten years now. We never rushed in; everything was a discussion first. We would discuss hypotheticals, slowly dipping our toes in before gradually opening up at a pace that felt right for us.”
In closing this scintillating chat and its toothsome topic, the surface of which being only lightly scuffed, Abbey leaves us with further thought-food.
“A misconception around non-monogamy is that people do it because something is seriously lacking in a relationship,” Abbey says. “Of course, people approach nonmonogamy for many different reasons, and that can be a valid one. But it’s not everything.
“For us, exploring ENM makes us closer as a couple because we’re able to be so real with each other. Non-monogamy bonds us to one another.”
Abbey’s sparkle makes this certain; she is speaking her truth. It may be your truth, too.
Emotions stirred and questions summoned by all this? Abbey and Liam will be there to inform and share when the Evolving Love podcast goes live at the National Film and Sound Archive on 26 July at 7:30pm. See QR code for tix!
WITH ALICE WORLEY [ALICE.WORLEY@OUTLOOK.COM]
Hey friends, check out this extra-long spread! There is a reason for this, but we’ll get to that in the second half. For now, let’s chat about what’s happening. officially closed its doors, and we were all reminded how fragile the state of music venues is right now, not just in the ACT but across the country.
With thin profit margins and insurance costs so high due to COVID lockdowns, it can be hard to keep hope high that our remaining venues will make it through the next few years.
But you can do your bit to help ‘em simply by getting out there and supporting your remaining local venues. It’s the only way they can continue to keep you entertained and keep the local scene alive!
Reports of a new owner potentially carrying the sideway torch have been floating around. The Canberra Times reported that Andrew Heaney would be reopening the venue “soon”, so hopefully its doors will swing open again in the not-too-distant future. Fingers crossed that it not only does this, but the spirit inside will remain the same.
In the meantime, local watering hole and burger palace Squeaky Clean have committed themselves to eight weeks of free Friday night shows!
No word on the acts we’ll see past the July 5th show Degenerate and Stella Eve - but with a commitment to supporting local acts that have just lost yet another venue, this should prove to be a wholesome and talent-stacked series. Thanks so much to the owners of Squeaky Clean for recognising the need for another music space right now, even if it’s just to get us through the winter!
We said goodbye to our beautiful Slagatha Christie on 21 June at The Polo. Both fun and terribly sad, the room was full of warmth and good friends as the trio took the stage for possibly the last time. Seeing us all off with a version of Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House, we all had a little cry as we raised our lighters and phone torches.
The other acts - Drive Safe and Ruth Lorelle - got to share some personal feelings about how much the band meant to them, and I’ve mentioned before that my musical journey began watching them at old Transit Bar one night. They are a lovely bunch of incredibly talented people we love and will miss so much.
But they left us one final gift in the form of a spiffy new album - Beware of the Flowers - so cherish it by humming it in the grocery store or screaming it in the car on the ride home after overthinking the cost of living. However you love your music.
Local legends Sertra have announced a new track release, Resent, and with it comes the aptly titled launch party—Resentfest!
Resentfest will feature Big Reef, Body Shirt, Fearetical, Gina Ransome, Kilroy, Rental Snake, Scrambled, and Stockholm. It’s all going down at The Polo on Saturday, 3 August from 3pm until late and is absolutely stacked. Talk about value for money!
PUNK GIG GUIDE
12, 19 & 26 July + 2, 9, 16 & 23 August - Squeaky Clean Winter Series @ Squeaky Clean Bar
20 July - The Mighty Hoopsnake w/ The Black Trio and Aiday @ The Polo
2 August - Teenage Wrist: Still Love Tour @ The Baso
3 August - Resentfest: Sertra Single Launch w/ Big Reef, Body Shirt, and more @ The Polo
4 August - Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and The Grogans - Fix It With Salt Tour @ The Baso
7 August - SPY (USA) Australia Tour @ The Baso
15 August - The Belair Lips Bombs w/ Sesame Girl, Sonic Reducer and Mr Industry @ The Baso
Saturday, 24 August - Jebediah OIKS Tour w/ Magic Dirt @ The Baso
25 August - Dark Thoughts (USA) w/ Tombeau, Shock Treatment, and Scrambled @ Gang Gang
And now for another goodbye: from me... And now for another goodbye: from me...
That’s right, after over a decade contributing to BMA and about 7 years (give or take) writing the punk column, this issue will be my last.
Been doing this a hot minute now, and the time feels right to hand over the mantle to someone else, maybe even someone who can showcase a whole other side of the local punk scene that I have been less immersed in.
I have a lot to thank for my time writing for BMA. There are all the amazing bands I’ve seen, the interviews I’ve had the pleasure of conducting with some of my favourite musicians, and the friends I’ve made. But there’s also something about myself that is very different due to BMA’s influence over the years.
I initially started writing in this street press all those years ago as a way to force myself to be more social and to stop letting my anxiety get in the way of the community I wanted to be a part of.
I put my hand up to write gig reviews for BMA, not because I went to heaps of gigs, but because I was being held back by an anxiety that literally stopped me in my tracks when I would walk towards places like The Phoenix, The Magpies Club, and Acoustic Soup at the ANU Food Co-op.
I would get to the door, see all the people in there, and imagine their judgemental eyeballs shifting to me as I walked inside. It scared the crap out of me. And even if I got into the room, what then? I had no friends in there, nowhere to stand that I wouldn’t feel awkward and out of place.
space. I had to go in there and immerse myself in the experience of watching the bands.
And yeah, it was awkward and lonely those first few times, but after a while, people started to talk to me, and I started to get to know the people working the door or behind the bar.
The more I went, the more I felt comfortable and like I belonged. I cannot imagine feeling anxious going into any venues these days, local or otherwise, and my confidence has ballooned far beyond what I could’ve ever expected. Writing for BMA and forcing myself to have that accountability has completely changed my personality and quality of life.
I am tremendously grateful to have been given the opportunity to contribute to this awesome publication.
I’ve interviewed and hung out with some of my absolute heroes as a contributor, including Henry Rollins, Kram, and Louise Post (who said she’d say hi to Patty Schemel for me, and I absolutely melted).
I’ve met and been witness to some of the coolest shows on the planet. I’ve seen the rise and fall of so many bands and now venues as well. It’s been such a rich part of my life, and it’s made going to gigs a part of my DNA.
METALISE
[THE WORD ON METAL] WITH JOSH NIXON [DOOMTILDEATH@HOTMAIL.COM]
Coming In First
The absence of snow on the Brindies does not alleviate my winter fatigue. I’m over it. ESPECIALLY when so many bloody amazing shows are beckoning me out of the house.
Kings of Thrash return to The Baso on Tuesday, 23 July, featuring the talents of David Ellefson, Jeff Young and special guest Chris Poland of the seminal Big 4, Mt Rushmore Of Metal, Megadeth.
Supported by Thraxas, you will doubtless be enticed from your winter lair for an evening of classics from the ‘Deth back catalogue. Them tickets be on the Baso Oztix site.
UNFD-associated Wollongong metalcore outfit Alienist is on tour this winter and will pop by The Baso on Friday, 26 July. The sterling undercard will feature spellcheck compromising bands ALTVS, Synge, and Deathbeds.
The Love/Hate tour is named after the band’s UNFD-released EP, which hit the streams on 1 March. The team is bringing the works for a lap around the country in celebration. If it’s the modern metalcore you crave, then rip in.
If a slower, fuzzier evening is more your speed, then save yourself for the following evening (at The Baso... derrr) for the hotly anticipated evening of vile appariffons with Melbournites 100 Years War, Black Jesus, Religious Observance and fresh post-Wretch locals Street Trash bringing it to Belco.
The Eastern Exorcism tour brings a huge night of riffs on Saturday, 27 July, and just for the fresh cuts from
the new Religious Observance record 7 Years of Neglect alone, would be worth the price of admission.
Of course, the package offers even more enticing delights, so get along with that one.
Wednesday, 14 August, is a special one with Tom G Warrior’s Hellhammer being refreshed under the moniker Triumph of Death, hitting the town with none other than the mighty Witchskull in tow to make this an unmissable night of ‘80s grimness.
I caught Triumph of Death and Triptykon in Hobart a couple of years back, and I can not stress enough that if you hold any reverence for this material, it’s been done with more than just good service; it’s as vital as it was in the early ‘80s.
You really need this one on your list. It’s at The Baso, so get your tickets. You know what’s good.
Speaking of Witchskull, the guys are marking a decade as a band with a four-night residency on consecutive Saturdays at The Baso, covering each of their four studio albums in full, front to back. To whit:
5 October - Vast Electric Dark
12 October - Coven’s Will
19 October - A Driftwood Cross
26 October - The Serpent Tide
An early bird season pass for all four shows for 50 bucks is available—hit The Baso ticket site for the goodness.
You may as well camp there through Thursday as Friday night, the 16th, the doubleheader of the month lands at The Baso. Full of Hell and Thou have put out essential heavy new music this year. The fact you will be able to see them share a stage together on the same night— and a Friday night to boot— is so sick.
Tickets are available through United Front Touring. In the interim, check out Coagulated Bliss by Full of Hell and Umbilical by Thou to warm up for the big night.
This month’s big news was a new extreme music fest landing on us over two nights at The Baso on 27 & 28 September Essence Fest is run by a couple of super keen promoters who have put together an uncompromising festival of top-notch Australian talent.
Friday, 27 September, has Abramelin, Impetuous Ritual, Midnight Odyssey, Altars, Host, The Veil, Subterranean Disposition, and Delays Have Dangerous Ends.
When you recover from that bill, a doozy in its own right, the Saturday, 28 September eve showcases Spire, Whitehorse, Carcinoid, Convulsing, Sow Discord, Luman ad Mortem, Malignant Aura, Mondernte (Iceland), Soma Plume, Blood of a Pomegranate, Black Aleph, Blight Worms, Wicked Sisters, Sulphur Garden, Cheap Coffins, and Street Trash.
That’s an absolutely world-class package. Follow the Fest on the socials, and stay tuned here for more info and to get a ticket!
Our own Immorium is embarking on a national tour to mark the release of their Rose Water Black album, due on 21 July. The tour lands at The Baso on Friday, 30 August, but to prepare for the record, check out the track Withering (https://immorium.hearnow.com/ withering/) to rev you up for the big show.
Congrats, guys, and all the best for the album and tour.
A lot of cool new music and bands popping up around the place from all over the metal spectrum. In addition to the excellent track above, Aglo, the Star Trekthemed death metal solo project of I Exist alumni Aaron Osbourne, put out a new EP called Control & Torture Filth, a Canberra industrial project (filth7.bandcamp. com) slapped Useful Idiots across the Metalise desk in the last couple of weeks.
Melbourne’s The Eternal has returned with a killer new album, Skinwalker.
Potent power trio, Emu, dropped a preview of their upcoming full-length in the form of New Age.
Lastly this month a bit of indulgence if you will dear readers.
Pod People have been tinkering in the riff mines and are finally showing a return. We announced a partnership with French boutique label Black Farm Records, which will be putting the album out on vinyl in Europe in the very near future.
You can hear the first track, God Help You, from the album, entitled Oblivion, when it hits the social and national airwaves this week. Have a listen and check out the artwork at podpeopleoblivion.bandcamp.com
From the mouth
of Max Stettner, co-Director of Dragon Dreaming...
“The Dragon Dreaming Festival, ACT’s longestrunning, annual underground multi-stage electronic and live band festival, is a unique experience. Since 2008, we’ve delivered epic multi-day camping festivals, hosting cutting-edge underground international and domestic music, performance, culture, and visual and installation art across multiple fully immersive spaces.
In 2008, the Dragon Dreaming Festival was born in Cowan Forest, ACT, where the event was more doof than festival. After out-growing the Cowan Forest site in 2014, DDF searched for a bigger home for our growing community. It soon became clear that the ACT could not provide a site sizable enough to sustain our patrons whilst remaining consistently loud.
We not only found a new home, we found paradise. Since 2014, the shores of Burrinjuck Lake (50 minutes from Canberra) and the rolling hills surrounding Wee Jasper have been our forever home. The Wee Jasper community and Yass Valley have embraced the festival with open arms, and survey data show that the festival annually contributes around one million dollars to the region’s economy.
Once moving to Wee Jasper, the multi-stage doof was then able to grow to host up to 4500 festival goers. And importantly, we, Dragon Dreaming, were able to evolve into a unique festival experience where the elaborate immersive spaces are not just the stages but include:
- art galleries
- roving and staged performances
- knowledge and movement workshop spaces
- healing/massage space
- cinema
- kids space
- lake swims
- tree planting
- dedicated market area hosting tasty cuisine from around the planet
- great coffee
- over 30 clothing and jewellery stalls
- massive 6m high interactive sculptures
- full volume 24-hour sound on tuned systems with cutting-edge projection mapping, lighting and lasers.
It’s a choose-your-own-adventure scenario with toplevel medical, lifeguard and harm reduction support.
The 2024 Dragon Dreaming Festival is the next step in creating a peak festival experience for you and your mob. Our music team has put together our most cutting-edge line-ups of international and domestic –techno, house, minimal, D&B, broken beat, psytrance, progressive, funk, dub, jazz, and blues line-ups to date.
It has been a tough run for festivals throughout Australia over the past seven years, with COVID and draconian government policies, and sadly, we have seen the demise of many underground and mainstream events alike. Dragon Dreaming has traversed the rocky road with the added costs related to compliance, and the 2024 event is tracking well for a reduced capacity sellout. We recommend buying your tickets soon.”
“As a not-for-profit, the Dragon Dreaming Festival is deeply committed to fostering a strong community for artists, performers, educators, and activists.
“Our mission is to provide a platform for these individuals to showcase their talents and share their knowledge without any financial expectation by us, making everyone feel valued and part of something bigger.” - Natalie Barnes
THE DROP
[THE WORD ON EDM/DANCE MUSIC]
WITH AEGIPAN SAMARAWICKRAMA - AEGIPAN101@GMAIL.COM
Bass fiends, doofers, shoe-shakers of all varieties –
Chief Lunatic Pan here, resurrecting this column to report on all things happening in the EDM underground.
If you’re the kind of cat who graces the Territory’s dancefloors on the regular, you may very well have spotted a paintedup life warrior enthusiastically worshipping at the altar of bass –that would be yours truly!
I am greatly honoured to write this column, and I’ll keep my ears and feet to the ground to bring you the lowdown every issue.
When it comes to my personal taste, it’s constantly expanding. Drum ‘n’ bass is my speciality, with psytrance a close second. But really, I’m keen on anything that puts a smile on my face and gets my skeleton a-thrashing.
Expect more diverse recommendations for tunes and parties as I broaden my musical horizons and discover shiny new things.
On that note, if you have any recommendations for gigs and releases across the EDM spectrum, please hit me up!
My goal here is to give you, the dear readers, the best run-down and gig guide I can manage within the space of this column, with the purpose of bringing bigger crowds out to all of the excellent events happening around town.
Getting more bodies through those doors means more doors will open, and we want nothing more than to see our scene grow, yeah?
Before we get into the meat and potatoes of what’s happening around town, how about we look at some notable national and international releases from the past few months?
Bo! Selecktah!
[aka Top Tunes For Titillation]
In May, local psy legend Mosscilator released his debut EP, Making Fools of Frogs, on Zenon Records Call me biased if you like, as Josh and I go way back,
but it’s one juicy, foot-stomping, multi-layered beast that I haven’t been able to get out of my head since it came out.
The UK’s ALB released the two-track single Lost Without U/Melancholy Remedy towards the end of June. Both songs feature the same beat but deliciously different stylings.
Brooklyn’s Dazegxd released his sophomore album, Exhibition Mode, on the same date. It is a genuinely creative 14-track album that showcases his influences in jungle, house, hip-hop, and deep house.
Maryland’s Nedaj hit the breakcore jackpot with State of Mind. The album has a neatly coherent sound, featuring pumping rhythms under ethereal synths and catchy but sparingly used vocal hooks.
Into darkstep? Forbidden Society’s Lonely Road should be in your playlists this month. It’s an excellent album for those long winter nights when you need something heavier to warm your spirit.
The wild card of the bunch is “Strawby Computer Entertainment Europe” by Strawberry Station, which came out earlier in June. It’s the most eclectic album on this list, featuring Future Funk, synthwave, and video game music elements. It’s one to bop to on those days when you are your most upbeat, happygo-lucky self.
Winter has well and truly taken hold in the Territory, and there’s no better way to warm up your chilly bones than to get out, get your feet on the floor and boogie with some tremendous human beings.
On Saturday, 27 July, Vision Entertainment is chucking on double-headliner FKING HOT at the Symonston Greyhound Track featuring Sydney’s Doctor Werewolf and Parker from the UK. Both acts are heavy hitters with chart successes and massive supports under their belts. This one is entirely indoors for those looking to escape the cold.
This one is for the die-hard bass fanatics – the Headz are Rolling crew are hosting another party at the Pot Belly in Belconnen on Saturday, 10 August, and this time they’re bringing a DJ who many people say is Australia’s greatest – Mark N, supported by
a list of local legends. Come at 10pm and expect to stay until sunrise because the Headz crew are well renowned for throwing some of the best parties in town, and all signs point towards this one being quite the rager.
Dragon Dreaming Festival might be kicking off in October when spring will be in full force, but on 24 August, they’re throwing an aptly-named warm-up party at The Vault warehouse space in Fyshwick. This one-night party will have a local and interstate lineup, performance and visual artists, and interactive art spaces. If this is your first time going down to The Vault, it’s quickly becoming one of Canberra’s most exciting venues, and you really can’t complain about legitimately fairly-priced drinks either.
Speaking of Dragon Dreaming, the line-up for the festival itself has plenty of international acts (including Mogwai, Dela Moon, Emiri, and more). Still, it also features some of the best and hardestworking local acts. Logman N Pstump will be bringing back the bounce, Headz are Rolling legends Tidy & Samwise will be carving it up with their unique sound, and Kazuki, who used to commandeer this very column.
The line-up now includes local dynamic duo Burley Bassweight, bringing Gammacell and Cetacean up to kick it with the big dogs. Over the past two years, this crew have been putting on some of the best events in the region, bringing in local legends like Loose Cannon, Pann, Solid Professor, and the UK’s Transforma, promoting community spirit and inclusivity in the scene. If you’ve never been to a Burley Bassweight gig, then you’ve been missing out – keep an eye on this column for details on their future gigs, and make sure you give ‘em some love at Dragon. That’s about it for the month ahead. Whatever is up and over that hill is sure to be a blast, though!
Alcest – Les Chants de l’Aurore
On their seventh album, French outfit Alcest graced us with seven blissfully ethereal and profoundly emotive post-black metal.
Aurora – What Happened to the Heart?
The most eclectic mix of sounds you’ll hear on a pop record. Aurora dabbles with bluegrass, EDM, and even bossa nova across 16 tracks. And my GODS; that voice! Wardruna
I’ve had Wardruna on repeat for longer than I care to remember. The Norwegian folk ensemble uses historical and traditional instruments while drawing lyrics from Norse sagas and poetry, all to incredible effect. Check out their Live @ Hellfest performance on YouTube and prepare to be entranced. They’re also touring Oz for the first time in January!
Before I go, remember: if anyone says Canberra is boring, THEY are the ones who are boring! We’ve got a great live music scene, an even better underground, and some of the friendliest people around. But maybe we should keep all that a secret. We don’t want to spoil it, now, do we?
I’ll see you on the dancefloor!
Finally, I might as well use this space to broaden the musical horizons of EDM fans in the same way that EDM broadened mine. So here’s a short list of nonEDM earworms that you might just get a kick
CRYING WOLF withCHRIS MARLTON
Water Market Wetter Than Ever: Pools are for Fools!
Nobody is born in a pool. Except for water babies.
The latest studies published by the Australian Financial Review have found that over 90% of all billionaires were born in water births. BMA Magazine’s financial genius, Chris Marlton, is digging up all the mud on how to turn water into financial wine with his latest Piggy Bank Prophecy.
Twenty years ago, the world’s water crisis made getting a good, cold drink of hard (soft) water difficult. Fast forward to 2026, and if you don’t own a dozen Olympic-sized swimming pools, you might as well be drowning.
It’s the modern-day Butterfly Effect, and not the type of butterfly you’re thinking.
Cocoons
There was a time in the not-so-distant past when the most important thing you could do for your unborn baby was ensure they were enrolled in the most exclusive private education institution in town.
Now, it’s swimming lessons.
The best swimming instructors in Australia are currently earning upwards of $80,000 a fortnight, teaching the trueblue blue-bloods of our sunburnt country how to stay afloat, both literally and metaphorically, which has proven to be the best way of ensuring they don’t end up liquifying their inherited assets when they spread their beautiful butterfly wings.
The latest trendy Primary Schools have already begun converting classrooms into swimming pools, with half of the day’s lessons to be conducted by Dolphin-Human Hybrid teachers.
Dolph Lundgren, the international spokesman for the DWU (Dolphin Workers’ Union), has requested that all DolphinHuman Hybrids be paid twice the pay of human teachers.
“We’re not asking for much,” he stated. “Just a place at the table—the hybrid-teacher education table.”
Branches
Highways and byways across our Great Southern Land have been expanded over the past three months… not by length, but by width. An AU$75 billion budget promise made by the newly elected Chlorina Party will ensure that every road in the country has at least two shade-clothcovered swimming lanes (four on major highways) replacing the nowredundant bicycle lanes of the past.
Prime Minister Mike Wreddle has said:
GOING
“We knew when the moon was partially destroyed by an asteroid on Boxing Day 2025 that the earth would become an oval shape and no longer a perfect sphere. The scientific speculation that the circular wheels on push-bikes would no longer function has proven to be accurate, so we took swift and decisive action by putting swimming lanes on the outside of all roads.
This is but the first step in ensuring that our growing population of water babies can get to where they need to.”
The Chrysalis That Popped
Pools prices have sky-rocketed in Australia’s new Capital City of Perth. When the moon was hit by Asteroid 8873-B, the entire eastern coast of Australia was changed forever, making Dubbo a coastal town and the new major shipping port in the region.
The Chlorina Party have put in place a new First Dive for First Time Pool Owners Grant, which gives new pool
SWIM
MMINGLY
buyers a one-off payment of $150,000 and 50% off their first 80,000 litres of soft (hard) water. However, young people don’t think it’s enough, with furious pool protests breaking out across Western
The Pool-Price-Protest Commission (PPPC, or the triple-P C), headed by Jasmina Quench, have decided to drink the pools of the rich as they sneak through the night with crazy straws up to seven metres in length. These crazy straws—colloquially redubbed Freedom Straws—allow the pools to be drunk from outside the fences and, therefore, the property lines of the pool owners. Currently, this practice does not violate any existing laws, though it has been reported as violating PPPC drinkers’ gastric systems.
“We drink cause we wanna!” said Ms Quench in a press conference at the beach yesterday afternoon. “I want a pool, but I can’t afford one, even with the First Dive for First Time Pool Owners Grant.
“These pools cost millions,” she passionately continues. “What’s $150k gonna do for me? I’m just gonna drink pools instead.
“If I can’t have a pool, no one can.”
Ms Quench’s brother, Boris Quench, has drunk the most pool water in the last month and has been diagnosed by the Country’s Head Water Doctor, Dr Ty Purr, as “Hyper-Hydrated.”
Dr Purr, a half-catfish, believes Boris is “three or four pools away from turning into a Human-Whale Hybrid.
“Which isn’t a bad thing,” he quickly adds. “We need more Whale Hybrids to teach at our new Aqua Universities.”
Dolph Lundgren and the DWU have failed to comment on the triple-P C’s behaviour, but they are believed to be funding a significant proportion of their crazy/freedom straw purchases.
Squid City
Four hours east of Perth is Australia’s newest metropolis, Squid City - the spiritual capital of all Octopus and Squid Hybrids in the Southern Hemisphere. A genetically modified clone of deceased comedian Bernie Mac, reborn with octopus legs, has been elected as the Mayor of Squid City and is arranging for secession from the “Driest muthafuckin’ Country I’ve ever seen!”
Mayor Octo-Mac has already shut down all seafood restaurants in the country, and his controversial deals with the Chlorina Party have earned him a fierce reputation in the world of politics, as has his former self’s reputation on the stand-up comedy stage. “I ain’t scared of you” is emblazoned on every jet ski licence plate in Squid City, and we, the financial advice team at BMA Magazine, completely believe it.
Bank It & Tank It
Sushi Andrews—granddaughter of Julie Andrews and the shark from Jaws 2, Bob Sharque—is the Managing Director of the WA Water Bank and Water Credit Union (WAWBWCU) and current majority shareholder in the new Federation of Aqua Australia. The WAWBWCU bought almost all the shares available when the Chlorina Party floated our country on the Global Fish Stock Exchange three months ago.
“If you’re not a fish, or a squid, or an octopus, or a watermammal, or a jellyfish… or a crab or lobster, um… or a waterfowl, or sea snake… or plankton… or ummm... algae of some sort, orrrrr some kinda hybrid of some or all those things I mentioned, then life is gonna become pretty tough over the next decade,” said Mrs Andrews in a press release late last week.
Prime Minister Wreddle is planning a meeting with the WAWBWCU to discuss the possibility of a treaty and a very large and very fun game of Marco Polo.
Chris Marlton is a comedian, writer, painter, and filmmaker. See www.linktree/ChrisMarlton for links to specials on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and tickets to live shows.
Canberra Theatre Centre presents Valence, a series of works that ignite the senses and challenge the perceptions of Canberran theatregoers (that’s YOU!).
Curated to captivate intellect and stir the soul, Valence brings together visionary artists who do all those good things that great art can do: exploring the now, pushing the boundaries of convention and inviting reflection and action.
And all while being thoroughly entertaining!
The programme features:
- fellow former Gorman House dweller David Finnegan and his slippery, subversive take on a classic radio play, 44 Sex Acts in One Week
- Eliza Sanders’ part-dance theatre, part-live improvisation, part-performative lecture Manage Your Expectations
- queer black comedy and drag extravaganza about power, privilege, and high school debating Trophy Boys
- Betty Grumble’s eco-feminist explosion of art, politics, love, and anger in Enemies of Grooviness Eat Sh!t (one of the finest titles put to stage).
Daniel Clarke, former Head of Programming at Canberra Theatre and key in Valence’s creation said of the occasion:
“We are so excited to bring these five shows to the capital, with the very best of theatre, dance, performance and frankly, works that refuse to be defined,” spake he.
“Our role here at Canberra Theatre Centre is to capture the zeitgeist of the country’s artistic landscape and ensure that our audiences are experiencing the very best of what is being presented in other major cities, all while staying connected to vital, visionary and mind-blowing artists.”
Clarke goes on to explain a key driver to Valence’s existence.
“Currently, there’s no major performance here,” he says.
“With Valence, we have hand-picked shows presented at major arts festivals both nationally and globally, alongside work that audiences and critics have not been able to stop talking about since they premiered,” he continued.
Celebrating the powerful chemistry between performers and audience alike, Valence invites viewers to confront
uncomfortable truths and embrace the possibilities of transformation through collaboration and connection.
“We are especially proud of the Canberran artists – David Finnigan, Marni Mount, Charley Allanah and Eliza Sanders – who live or have lived in Canberra and forged successful and inspiring careers in the arts. It is a joy to be presenting their works to audiences in their hometown,” added Clarke.
With the creation and implementation of Valence serving as a fitting final legacy of Daniel Clarke’s role, the lofty mantle now lies at the feet of the Acting Head of Programming, Delia O’Hara.
After a thrilling and informative chat with her, I can happily assert that it is a duty she seems more ready to seize.
Quick to pepper her prose with praise for Daniel Clarke throughout, O’Hara expands on Valence’s genesis with the benefit of fresh eyes:
“It’s driven by the notion of being a capital city on par with Sydney and Melbourne in terms of artistic importance,” she says. “To bring together a selection of some of the very best that you would otherwise have to go to another city to see.”
And of those fine Canberra talent involved?
“That was deliberate,” O’Hara heralds. “The choice was made to select works with a strong Canberra connection and demonstrate that the work’s calibre is equally good.
“In the long term, the theatre wants to play its part in providing more opportunities for local artists to present their work on the national stage.”
Further to flying the flag for Canberra talent, there were other criteria for selection.
“The name, Valence, is a bit of a clue,” O’Hara teases. “In chemistry, the term describes the number of connections an individual component can make to others.
“And so, in this context, within each of these works are multiple connections that each audience member might make to their own life; something they’ve thought about, a challenge they’ve had, or something that made them feel joyous.
“It may even open them up to something they previously had no connection to.
“There’s also a big focus on differences and subverting assumptions,” O’Hara says before adding somewhat selfdeprecatingly: “Sounds like the notes in an art gallery!”
Seizing this piece of personality poking through the professional presentation, I asked O’Hara what she, personally, was most looking forward to.
“I’m looking forward to the variety!” she enthuses. “They’re all so different from each other.
“I’m really looking forward to Jurrungu Ngan-ga, or Straight Talk, as goes the translation of that local Indigenous work from the community involved in doing the work. It’s a reflection on the First Nations people of the country, and its intention is to just speak the truth, to talk straight. There is still a lot of truth-telling that we need to do in this country, so I’m thrilled that we can bring that work here.
“At the other end, I’m really looking forward to 44 Sex Acts because it just sounds absolutely hysterical,” O’Hara continues. “I love a good comedy. And… Whew! All of them, really! “O! Trophy Boys! Now, that’s all about subverting your expectations,” O’Hara enthuses, alluding to what was said before. “I think that will reveal a lot, with relevant subject matter that will resonate with everyone.
“And I think I’m one of the few people who have not seen Betty Grumble before!”
In true PR style, dear O’Hara has gone on to list every play. And who can blame her, with such varied wonderfulness on offer? Well, I say ALL, but she missed one.
Oh, no, wait a minute. I lied.
“I saw a work-in-development recently directed by Charlie Allanah of Manage Your Expectations, which was amazingly moving,” O’Hara reveals. “What I saw was the work in its very early stages. So I’m really looking forward to this one, too, especially as it was created and developed locally.”
With bold ticks in many boxes, O’Hara quickly adds another critical checkmark.
“It’s entertaining as well!” she effuses. “Even with the series topics. Artists are making this accessible in how they’re presented, so you don’t have to go away feeling miserable because you’ve had an entertaining, good night.”
O’Hara is equally quick to expand on this point.
“I should clarify, Jurrungu Ngan-ga isn’t a comedy,” she says.
“By entertaining, in that case, there’s the dance and the music involved that will be enrapturing.”
This is all well and good, of course, but there’s a Cost-of-Living crisis going on at the moment, and, worthy though the cost may be, theatre can be prohibitively expensive for many of us.
“We’ve deliberately tried to make the works affordable by not pricing them at the top rates that touring shows might ask for,” O’Hara says. “So, we hope that people can afford to go.”
But how is this so, my curiosity probes? Big theatre attracts costs which need recovering!
“We invest in work,” O’Hara explains. “Further to being a hire venue, it’s part of our role to support the whole ecology in many different ways. We have a full-time producer who works on educational focused works for young people and a full-time producer who works on new works and development.”
A new life enters O’Hara’s voice, a passion clearly piqued.
“It’s an essential to our role to engage with the theatremakers and performers in the community, look to the next generation, and expose as many people as possible by providing them access to live performance. We can’t be guaranteed to break even, but there are other criteria for success.
“I’m not saying that we don’t care about the money!” she adds. “But if we found that we made a small loss but it was available to more people, and those people gained something meaningful from the experience, that’s a success.”
Curiosity sated, excitement generated; to close this happy chat, I asked Delia O’Hara if there was anything else she’d like to add before we parted ways.
“I’m just thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to you because I really am excited about the works,” she says. “It’s not easy to put this together or start something new—and all credit is owed to Dan and the rest of the team.
“We’ve got some very talented people here who care passionately about live theatre performance.”
Valence occurs from July to September 2024. Tickets via Canberra Theatre. Concession prices are available, plus save up to $125 with 3-show & 5-show options.
By Jen Sendenhem
In July 2022, Troy Cassar-Daley's Mum, Irene, died unexpectedly while he was on tour in Perth. With his lighthouse gone and just a couple of years after losing his Dad, Troy understandably lost sight of what was in front of him. Then, one day, what he does best—seeing a story and turning it into a song—returned from an unexpected location.
He was preparing to clear his Mum's home in the NSW Clarence Valley, in Gumbaynggirr Country, her people's land. Troy felt torn between that loss and the growing distance between him and his wife, the excellent Queensland radio announcer Laurel Edwards. Standing between those two fires that both needed air, he was inspired to create his 13th studio album and record it in the kitchen, lounge, and surroundings of his Mum's home.
I have followed Troy throughout his career and booked tickets to see him in Gundaroo in August as soon as they were available. When he released Some Days, the fourth single from that 13th album he called Between the Fires, I watched the video filmed on the porch of his Mum's place in Halfway Creek.
Midway through, something happened that made me gasp while every hair stood on end. I paused, returned to the clip, and started watching it again. I swear to you that I saw the spirit of his Mum open the screen door while he sings, then stand in front of Troy.
I felt bashful asking Troy if he'd noticed it, too. But it seems I wasn't the only one.
"When I first viewed the clip, I didn't watch it too closely because I was a little bit too upset," Troy reveals. "In the meantime, my auntie and cousin had been ringing and ringing me, trying to get in touch.
"When I finally answered, they said:
'Your mother walked through that door, and possibly your father. Just watch it again so you can see how it swings open.'
"That whole recording, I felt Mum's presence every hour of every day.
She definitely had a hand in this record."
There's something about Troy Cassar-Daley that resonates with people. Between the Fires is currently #1 on the Australian Country Album Chart and #2 on the ARIA Album Chart, the highest spot for an Australian artist this year. He's won 5 ARIA and 3 APRA Song of the Year awards, plus an incredible 40(!) Golden Guitars. Yet he treats every gig as if he's doing it just for you, for the first time:
"I think my songs being around for so long have played a small part in people's lives," Troy muses. "I'm looking forward to sharing some old and new ones with everyone.
"I always get nervous before a tour," he admits. "You’re sharing a part of you that people may not have heard before. That's how raw and honest this album is.
“Hopefully, folks who attend the show will take something away to store in their hearts for later use when not feeling so great."
Things have settled now for the CassarDaley family; if by 'settled' we mean crazy-busy and creative, of course. Troy and Laurel's daughter, Jem Cassar-Daley, is a fantastic singer-songwriter in her own right, recently winning Song of the Year and Pop Award at the Queensland Music Awards. She is often seen performing alongside her dear Dad. Meanwhile, their son, Clay, has followed Mum into the radio business.
"I've watched our children grow into adults and become happy people," Troy beams. "There's been no bigger pleasure in my life. The same is true for Laurel. We cherish that our kids love spending time with us, hanging out or going out to dinner, fixing cars, and having jams around our kitchen table and the piano. It's all very normal for us.
"I'm looking down the barrel of 55. I still feel like I'm 25. Maybe I'm immature. But
sometimes, I sit in the centre of it all and take it in. I am a fortunate man.”
Add to this Troy’s recently upgraded EH Holden Daphne with which he loves to tinker and drive, and the Between the Fires Australia-wide tour.
"I'm looking forward to travelling with Laurel," he says in closing. "Spending as much time as I can with the kids, catching fish, and making sure there's no sign of dry rot in our old house.
"12 months will see us cover nearly every state and territory, and I feel more than ready to take it on again.
I'm always looking for another story to turn into another song somewhere on the road."
Troy Cassar-Daley plays at Tallagandra Hill Winery Gundaroo on Friday, 9 August.
Tickets are sold out. His Between the Fires tour continues till the end of November 2024.
SAM SLY BE WITH YOU
[ ]
Sam Sly redefines her take on contemporary pop yet again on her latest release, Be With You. Where previous tracks have utilised a ‘70s/’80s aesthetic, mirroring particular thematical concerns and focus, the new single sharpens that approach, as is perhaps evident from influences such as BENEE, Dua Lipa, and Troye Sivan.
If we consider Be With You as a taster of the six-song EP, the new collection promises to mark a significant evolution in her music—from writing style to production.
Be With You is a more brisk-paced offering than Sam’s previous releases, Palace and Witness. It blends a textured, introspective introduction with clear-cut pop verses that spotlight Sam’s commanding vocal abilities. The production is meticulously crafted and deliberate, embodying the cutting-edge polish that defines today’s contemporary pop soundscape yet maintaining a singular distinction due to an effortlessly arresting vocal performance.
The intro sets a reflective tone, leading into verses with Sam’s vocals at the forefront—a focal point of controlled emotional pull. A pre-chorus breakdown momentarily interrupts, adding a layer of anticipation before transitioning into a robust chorus.
Sam demonstrates her vocal versatility here, intertwining high notes with a hooky chorus, supported by a dynamically atmospheric musical backdrop and enveloping synths. The direct nature of the lyrical content fuses seamlessly with the melodic choices. The structure remains familiar yet
ADAM SCHRANZ FACT OF THE MATTER
[ ]
Hailing from Canberra, Adam Schranz is a multiinstrumentalist who attempts to defy the norms of contemp rock—a worthy artistic endeavour if there ever was one.
An independent artist with a penchant for blending diverse genres, Schranz creates an experimental and unfiltered sound with moments of finesse that give the work an enticing duality.
His musical development began with classical violin training, but his heart has found its true rhythm through the work of pop rock’s enduring torchbearers Queen, Bon Jovi, and Elton John.
This background and diverse influences underpin his approach to songwriting and performance. In 2022, Schranz released the single Charcoal Rose, followed by the 2023 album The Irrelevant Necessities. Each release showcased his ability to fuse these rock touchstones with myriad influences.
His latest track opens with an inviting guitar flourish that quickly morphs into a rock-flavoured riff, creating an immediate hook. The initial disjointed rhythmic blends set the stage for a trip through Schranz’s soundscape. The verse, stripped back and raw, features Schranz’s voice at its most vulnerable.
His delivery has a particular unpolished swagger, a nod to his influences while forging his own path. The full band sound kicks in as the prechorus approaches, delivering a payoff with a lone vocal line that propels us into the chorus. Here, a focused hook is suitably complemented by counter
contains unexpected elements as the second verse echoes the first’s strengths, enhanced by vocal harmonies.
The song’s architecture cleverly builds towards the chorus’s return, where the hook reassures and entices melodically and connects emotionally through the narrative.
In an unconventional twist, the track doesn’t revert to the expected after the second chorus, instead moving into a bridge that rivals the chorus in hook factor. It then concludes with a musical interlude, drawing from the bridge’s momentum and finishing on a contemplative note.
Be With You is a solid piece in Sam Sly’s expanding catalogue, demonstrating her skill in marrying lyrical sincerity with musical sophistication. It’s a track that respects pop’s traditions while injecting a personal flair, reflecting Sam’s artistic identity without succumbing to overdone theatrics - VINCE LEIGH
guitar work, demonstrating Schranz’s propensity for weaving intricate musical parts and arrangements.
With its bumpy groove and guitar riff, the re-intro bridges the second verse, which introduces more instrumentation, adding depth and texture. Verse two builds on the established theme but with enriched layers of sound, leading into a pre-chorus now fortified by backing vocals, enhancing the melodic and emotional impact.
With its venomous lyricism, the chorus cements the track’s thematic core, exploring the concept of confronting harsh truths with a kicker line that resonates: ‘psycho horror from the ‘80s.’ A breakdown featuring atmospheric guitar tones provides a moment of introspection before launching back into the chorus.
The resolution of the track comes in the form of a psychedelic-tinged guitar solo, a fitting conclusion that leaves us in a state of reflection. Schranz’s previous work laid the groundwork with their edgy performances and production.
Fact Of The Matter pushes these elements further, showcasing an ability to blend a piercing narrative with a rich collage of sounds via an indie rock palette. Schranz has produced a track that enhances his growing discography and invites listeners to delve deeper, promising more genre-defying work.
VINCE LEIGH
HYG
HOPELESS YOUTH GROUP
[ ]
In the world of contemporary prog rock, HYG expertly navigates the interplay of shadow and light with a sophisticated, deft touch. Emerging from a year of turbulence, the band has crafted a sound that resonates with introspection and rebellion.
Hopeless Youth Group was meticulously recorded in the ethereal landscapes of the Blue Mountains, a fitting backdrop for the sonic journey that lies within. The album opens with Awareness, a nine-minute odyssey encapsulating the band’s prowess, weaving brooding soundscapes with controlled chaos. The track unfurls with a hallucinatory ambience, punctuated by mellotron musings and intensified guitar quarter notes, setting a meditative yet dynamic tone that lingers throughout the album.
Tunnel Vision shifts gears with its upbeat groove and immediate vocal presence. The song’s rock-focused energy is complemented by a filtered vocal effect that adds a moody layer, culminating in a musical climax marked by strategic accents and key riffs.
parts and occasional drum fills. The track’s dynamic shifts from jazz-inflected passages to dramatic rock crescendos, exemplifying the band’s engaging prog stylings.
What You’ve Found, the album’s final single, features a soothing vocal hook set against a solid bass riff and drum groove. The repetitious nature is enhanced by guitar chord flourishes and background vocals, building to a half-time embellishment that offers a satisfying twist.
Fear of Death begins with a solid rhythm section and gradually morphs into an avant-garde rock adventure. The indie aesthetic is confirmed as the band adds touches that push the track into new experimental territories.
Tu Vas Quand introduces a definable vocal melody supported by guitar stabs and a turn-around drum feel. The chorus stands out amid spacey synths and low-end buzzes, adding to the track’s otherworldly vibe.
Happy introduces a measured pulse, a scattered bass part and a roaming vocal leading into an expansive instrumental foray. The interplay of vocals and instruments is a testament to the band’s ability to balance restraint with exploratory zeal, keeping the audience keen.
Waves showcase HYG’s versatility. Drums and synths create a hovering, cyclic heartbeat interspersed with clean guitar
SONIC REDUCER SKEWBALL
[ ]
Sonic Reducer, a quartet of 20-year-olds from Canberra, has crafted a sound that doesn’t merely seek attention—it compels it with an almost insolent assurance. Their debut EP, SKEWBALL, packs 16 minutes of raw, unfiltered energy, tackling themes of toxic masculinity, insecurity, dating, and class systems with germane and commendable honesty.
In just a year and a half, Sonic Reducer has achieved an impressive list of milestones. They’ve played the Metro Theatre twice, toured with Cosmic Psychos, released a full EP, and sold out every headline show they’ve put on. Signing with Lonely Lands Artists and winning Best Live Voice at the National Live Music Awards adds to their rapidly growing CV.
The new EP kicks off with Between The Wire, a 2.03-minute burst of post-punk revival intensity. A bass intro segues into straightahead riffing, with narrowly EQ’d vocals navigating alongside classic punk chord shifts and accents.
The track’s foundational bass remains the cornerstone, adorned by urgent guitar phrasing, while the lyrics dive into the cynical hedonism of youth poised on the brink of adulthood’s inevitable disenchantment.
Finally, we have Geneva, which closes the album with a more intimate vocal approach and evolves into an energy-laden track. The vulnerability of the vocal performance merges seamlessly into an extended musical refrain, providing a compelling finale to the album.
HYG’s debut album crackles with energy, delivering a blend of ethereal soundscapes and relentless, beat-driven experimental rock that is nothing short of invigorating.
Strung Out features another bass intro, a spitting vocal, and another frantic pulse. The focused verse ventures into the band’s contained arsenal, with vocal elements playing a pivotal role in the overall mood and power. The fervour of this track underscores the EP’s thematic exploration of insecurity and societal pressures.
Stay Out kicks off with a fast drum roll that sets a frenetic pace. The track presents a more fractured verse cycle, with cleaner guitars that retain a restrained strength. This piece exemplifies the band’s ability to balance chaos and control, offering a glimpse into the turbulence of young adulthood.
One Of The Lads is driven by bass and drums into a semi-spoken verse, leading to a chanty, gang vocal—irony noted—that refreshingly declares a refusal to conform. The isolation is palpable, and the revelations are expected. Perhaps one of the most potent tracks, it bears the band’s lyrical preoccupations and disdain for societal norms.
Closing the EP, Wife In the City features an insistent bottom-end riff layered with undulating guitar lines. This underpinning creates an intoxicating blend of influences, hitting the nerve punk was always meant to hit. The track encapsulates the band’s enticing energy and, more importantly, the band’s inviolable promise - VINCE LEIGH
KIM YANG
FT. KAPA ARKIEH H.O.M.E.
[ ]
Kim Yang’s musical journey, inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Bon Iver, is a testament to the power of vulnerability and strength. Her songs, a reflection of her personal experiences with love, life, and mental health, resonate deeply with listeners, forging a strong emotional connection.
Yang’s accolades are many. Since 2019, Kim has released two EPs, received artsACT grants, and is regularly featured on Double J and triple j. Her 2022 vinyl tour wowed East Coast audiences, and she has shared stages with many ARIA winners.
This year, Kim Yang has been focusing
testament to her dedication and passion for her craft. She has also been collaborating with a diverse range of artists, including Katie Wighton, for her upcoming release.
And with H.O.M.E., she recently met and collaborated with Asian-Canadian artists at the Jade Music Fest in Vancouver, a collaboration that promises to bring a unique and exciting sound to her established music.
This new track captures the complex emotion of finding a sense of belonging far from home.
Kim and Kapa Arkieh (an artist celebrated for prowess in the acting and music spheres) co-wrote and co-produced the folk-pop-rap tune with Dennis Law, featuring other artists on the chorus.
H.O.M.E. begins with a steady, guitardriven pulse, anchoring Kim Yang’s vocal in the heart of this multi-layered, uplifting track. It opens like a conversation, a smooth verse melody that leads us into a pre-chorus and then into a resonating chorus—sectioned into two stirring melodic parts.
Simple, accessible, and with as robust a contemporary indie-pop hook as you will ever find.
After the first chorus, Kapa Arkieh’s rap takes the spotlight, infusing the track with a gentle urgency that flows effortlessly back into more chorus iterations. The textures here are rich: an organic sonic backdrop, unobtrusive drums and percussion, refined guitar lines, and voices swelling in and out, reaffirming the lead vocal.
The song’s power, post-Kapa’s rap, rests squarely on the chorus. And it retains this power, holding our attention, thanks in no small part to Kim’s vocal approach—infinitely digestible, with a melodic structure imbued with single-syllable nuances and cadences of yearning.
H.O.M.E. is an affirmation of sorts, with each sonic layer thoughtfully crafted, each note evidence of Kim’s ability to blend her vulnerability with an emboldening strength.
VINCE LEIGH
THU 18 JULY
[Screening] Howl's Moving Castle
The Wizard of Oz meets anime magic in this heartwarming fantasy adventure from Studio Ghibli. 1pm, $12/10 via NFSA NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
Jazz Junction
An evening of jazz presented by the ANU Community Music Centre's Jazz Combos and Girls Jazz+ programs, with two separate concerts to enjoy! 5:30pm & 7:30pm, free THE ATHENAEUM, ANU SCHOOL OF MUSIC
The Girl Who Glows By Zeeko & Jo Turner
An awesome musical adventure about a girl who glows. She is not alone. 6pm, $22 - $35 + bf via venue THE STREET THEATRE
[Screening] The Magnificent Seven John Sturges translates Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai into a gunslinging Western. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
Bombshells
Joy, drama, crisis, fear, revelation – there are times where you have to remain cool and calm on the outside. The inside, meanwhile, is a flailing monologue of personal pep talks, perish-the-thoughts and perpetual panic. 7:30pm, from $30 via theq.net.au
THE Q - QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Zambezi Sounds Band
African traditional and contemporary grooves with a healthy dollop of Reggae for good measure. 9pm, tickets $20/$15 concession via the Smith's website
SMITH'S ALTERNATIVE
FRI 19 JULY
[Screening] Lilo & Stitch
Extraterrestrial experiment
Stitch and young Hawaiian orphan Lilo find unlikely connection (and much chaos) in this treasured Disney animation. 1pm, $12/10 via NFSA website
NFSA ACTON
The Girl Who Glows By Zeeko & Jo Turner
A magical musical adventure story told by three incredible musician/singer/actor/ puppeteers called Zeeko. They make Luna’s story come alive in this part pop concert, part theatre show, part foley studio and part audio-visual playground. Help Luna discover something truly important. 6pm, $22 - $35 + bf via venue THE STREET THEATRE
[Screening] Escape From Mogadishu
Diplomats from South Korea and North Korea are thrown together in an attempt to escape war-torn Somalia in this blockbuster action thriller. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA
NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
Frostbitten Weekend
Melbourne's own slamming death metal outfit, Algor Mortis, hit the cold winter roads for a frostbitten weekend of chugs, blast beats and moshing. With Bifurcation (SA), Post Human (ACT) + local supports TBA.
7pm, $25 + bf via OzTix THE BASO
SAT 20 JULY
The Girl Who Glows By Zeeko & Jo Turner
Enter a world of rapping platypuses, operatic tortoise frogs, mystical curlews, and a beautiful wonderland of phosphorescence. With plenty of twists and turns and songs and jokes, it’s magical, joy-filled, playful and just a little bit scary. 11am, $22 - $35 + bf via venue THE STREET THEATRE
$8 Collection Selection | The Club
A flailing VFL club is the setting for a scathing satire of Australian masculinity and sporting culture in this Bruce Beresford classic, adapted from David Williamson’s stage play. 1pm, $8 via NFSA
NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
[Screening] Uproar
Sport, politics and identity collide in this heartwarming New Zealand coming-of-age comedy-drama starring Julian Dennison. 6pm, $16/12 via the NFSA website
NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
Midwinter Triple Header
Shake the midwinter blues with Australia’s premier (and only) ecology-themed punk band The Mighty Hoopsnake, funk-punk aficionados Aiday, and Jazz Manouche string shredders The Black Owl Quartet. 6:30pm, $15 via Humanitix or $20 on the door
LIVE AT THE POLO
Royale with Cheese Ultimate 90s Rock Show
Australia's Premier 90s Rock Show, Royale with Cheese, return to The Baso Canberra on with the Ultimate 90s Rock Show. 7pm, $51 via OzTix
THE BASO
Abbalanche
Whether you’re an ABBA aficionado or just someone looking for a fun night out, Abbalanche is your ticket to an unforgettable time! 7:30pm, from $49.90 via theq.net.au
THE B - QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Koi Kingdom Album Launch
Boundary-defying compositions and instrumental virtuosity, Koi’s third and most ambitious self-titled album is a tale of transformation and resilience. 7:30pm, $25 + bf via venue THE STREET THEATRE
Canberra Blues Society
Present - Chase The Sun Chase The Sun is back with a national tour, new music, and a show for lovers of loud guitar blues and blazing hard funk via cranking '70s southern rock. 8pm, CBS members $27/GA $30 (inc bf) via CBS website, $35 on door
HARMONIE GERMAN CLUB
Busted - Stoner Rock & Punk
It's the loud late show with Slowbeard busting out epic stoner rock and Matriarch firing up fiesty femme punk. 9pm, $15 & $10
SMITH'S ALTERNATIVE
SUN 21 JULY
Book Club at the NFSA
| Crazy Rich Asians + Discussion
A genre-shaping cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing rom-coms of all time. The film is followed by a discussion with special guest Mimi Kwa in conversation with Qin Qin. 1pm, $20/18 via NFSA NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
The Girl Who Glows By Zeeko & Jo Turner
An awesome musical adventure about a girl who glows. Help Luna discover something truly important. She is not alone. 3pm, $22 - $35 + bf via venue
THE STREET THEATRE
MON 22 JULY
Kings of ThrashWake Up Australia Tour
Featuring David Ellefson, Jeff Young and super special guest Chris Poland of Megadeth!!! 7pm, $54.95 via OzTix
THE BASO
TUE 23 JULY
Oh, What A Night!
An exhilarating, family-friendly musical revue featuring the dynamic songbook of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons! 8pm, from $49.50 via theq.net.au
THE B - QUEANBEYAN
PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
THU 25 JULY
Yunggabilli First Nations Open Mic Night
The Yunggabilli Open Mic Night for emerging First Nations is an opportunity to perform in a safe and nurturing space, try out new work and jam with other musos. 5:30pm, free entry
TUGGERANONG ARTS CENTRE
[Screening] Life Is Not a Competition, But I'm Winning
Created entirely by women and queer people and set in the Athens Olympic Stadium, this hybrid documentary tackles the rigid gender rules in competitive sport. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA
NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
Rum JungleChauffeur Tour
The Chauffeur Australian Tour sees the band hit an impressive 22 cities to share the sound described by the foursome themselves as "a hammock swinging between two palm trees, overlooking the ocean" and a "relaxed reggae-rock style". 8pm, $18.28-$30.32 via Moshtix
UC HUB
Lakeside at 5Harry and Imogen Duo
Relax and unwind by Lake Tuggeranong to the sounds of Harrison Whalan and Imogene Blake, an exciting new doublebass and vocal duo springing from the ANU School of Music. Bonding over their shared love of double-bass and vocal ensembles, they encapsulate a broad range of genres including jazz, funk, folk, and pop for the next instalment of Tuggeranong Art Centre’s monthly jazz series. 5:30pm, entry by donation on the door
TUGGERANONG
ARTS CENTRE
Lies N’ DestructionNIGHTRAIN Ready To Crash & Burn Tour
This nationwide tour ignites a flame of nostalgia, meticulously recreating the raw energy and iconic soundscape of Appetite for Destruction, Guns N' Roses' landmark 1987 debut album. 7pm, $40.30 via OzTix
THE BASO
Alienist - The Love/Hate Tour w/ ATLVS & Synge
Wollongong metalcore band
Alienist and UNFD present The Love//Hate Tour, the band’s first tour since signing with international record label UNFD and releasing their debut EP Love/Hate. 7pm, $29.60 via OzTix
THE BASO
San Cisco - Under The Light Regional Tour
Indie pop royalty San Cisco are hitting the road touring regional Australia in support of their fifth studio album, Under The Light. 8pm, $67.08/$30.32 via Moshtix
UC REFECTORY
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap | The Crow + Live Performance
A beloved Gothic favourite underscored by a blistering soundtrack, including The Cure, Stone Temple Pilots and Rage Against the Machine. Starring Brandon Lee, The Crow is a tale of devastating romance and revenge. 8pm, $16/14 via NFSA
NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
SAT 27 JULY
[Screening] Oliver!
Orphan Oliver Twist captures hearts in this classic Oscarwinning musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel. 1pm, $12/10 via NFSA
NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
[Screening] Kairos + Q&A
A star gymnast with Down syndrome takes up boxing and is forced to reckon with his own identity after a violent incident at training. With Q&A with writer-director Paul Barakat and lead actor Chris Bunton. 5pm, $20/17 via NFSA
NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
Eastern Exorsicm Tour
100 Years War, Religious Observance and Black Jesus join forces to embark on a crusade across the East Coast. With Canberra square in their sights, local maniacs Street Trash join in the fray. 7pm, $20.40 via OzTix
THE BASO
[Comedy] Anthony Locascio – Pappou
Anthony Locascio is one of Australian comedy’s rising stars. Blending sharp joke writing with musings on his ethnic background via effortlessly gripping storytelling. 7pm, $35
FUN TIME PONY
Round Up!
A Country Club Night
Canberra, get yer boots on! ‘Cause Round Up! is rollin’ into town with the rootenest, tootenest, gosh-darn Country Music Club Night around! 7pm, $22 via OzTix
THE BASO
Front Porch Presents -
Reaper Radio at The Pot Spice yer winter up via a rockin’ night out with Slowbeard, Dead Creek (Wollongong) and Sonic Death Ray. 8pm, $10 on door
POT BELLY BAR
Boondall Boys + The King Hits + Undermines
Boondall Boys, ft. Mad Macka from Cosmic Psychos, join with high energy garage rockers Undermines and nitrousfueled boppers The King Hits. When too much music is barely enough! 9pm, $20/$15 via venue
SMITH'S ALTERNATIVE
SUN 28 JULY
[Screening] The Seven Year Itch
The classic Hollywood comedy which created the most famous image of Marilyn Monroe. Yes, THAT one. 1pm, $16/12 via NFSA NFSA'S ARC CINEMA
WED 31 JULY
In the Footsteps of the Afghan Muslim Cameleers: Shaping the Birth of Australia Exhibition
Discover the extraordinary journey of the Afghan cameleers, the hidden heroes whose contributions shaped the foundation of Australia. 10am for VIP ticket holders, 11am for General Admission. $49 VIP, free for general admission via Humanitix
MURA GADI GALLERY, LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
The Sunshine Club
The Sunshine Club, a place where all people are welcome to come together, laugh, romance and dance the night away. 7:30pm, from $30 via theq.net.au
THE Q - QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
FRI 2 AUG
Vinyl Lounge
Vinyl lovers rejoice! Bring your treasured vinyl records and hear what’s spinning on the NFSA turntables at our monthly listening party. All genres and decades welcome, along with your favourite music stories. 5:30pm, $5 via NFSA NFSA ACTON (THEATRETTE) Tri-Age
Three generations, three different nationalities, three varied musical backgrounds. When guitar, bass, and drums combine, 3 IS the magic number. 6:30pm, $10 via venue
SMITH'S ALTERNATIVE Teenage WristStill Love Australian Tour
Los Angeles-based alternative rock duo Teenage Wrist make their first ever trip to Australia this August. 7pm, $56 via OzTix THE BASO
Yt DiNGO
A moonlit night, a dance pit with no rules, cloudy lungs, and Yt DiNGO’s drool on the mic, howling metal melodic vocals, poetic rhymes, and unorthodox dancing. 7:30pm, $18.28
UC HUB
SAT 3 AUGUST
International Blues Music Day 2024
Canberra Blues Society marks the 12th International Blues Music Day with nine fantastic acts on two stages. Hot Rod display from midday, busking & specialty market stalls from 1pm. Music from 3pm. $25 to $45 via CBS website
HARMONIE GERMAN CLUB
Creatives in the Blank
A gentle afternoon of chatting about art hosted by You Are Here at Blank arts and community event space in the city! Featuring an informal artist talk, free producer advice sessions, cups of tea and snacks! 1:30pm, free BLANK - CIVIC Machine on a BreakLimbo Launch Party Machine on a Break is celebrating the launch of her first single of 2024. Limbo is an anecdote about being unsure of what would happen to her - would she live or die. With supports DSM-6, Alpha Cult, and Dead Weights Dreaming. 7pm, $25 via OzTix THE BASO
Ainslie SalonEssential Tremors
Curated by Angus Andrew of Liars, Essential Tremors is an exploratory music + art series supporting local and international creators navigating the boundless nature of sound. Ft. Hantu (Naarm) and Sally Golding (Ngunnawal Country). 7pm, $33/$16.50 + bf via Humanitix
AINSLIE ARTS CENTRE
Wish You Were Here
Oz Pink Floyd tribute band Run
Like Hell celebrates the 50th anniversary of the release of Pink Floyd’s ninth studio album Wish You Were Here. 8pm, from $40 via theq.net.au
THE B - QUEANBEYAN
PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
SUN 4 AUGUST
Canberra Big Band Collective presents Winter Ways
Canberra Big Band Collective features Blamey St Big Band playing Beatles hits and In Full Swing with classic swing and a new vocalist debut. 4pm, $25 via Trybooking (concession and family tickets available)
LIVE AT THE POLO
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers + The GrogansFix it with Salt Tour
Rapidly-rising punk rock stars Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers + genre-diverse outfit The Grogans take on Regional Australia for their Fix It With Salt Tour. They are joined by Kitschen Boy. 7pm, $56.10 via OzTix
THE BASO
WED 7 AUGUST
SPY (USA) Australian Tour
Last Ride Records presents: SPY (USA) live in Australia. Bay Area hardcore punk band Spy will head down to Australia for the first time in August 2024, fresh off the back of their 2023 Satisfaction LP. 7pm, $35.20 via OzTix
THE BASO
Ensemble Offspring - Light and Matter
Ensemble Offspring’s octet with Jane Sheldon perform a visceral Australian premiere and a classic from a recently departed icon. 7:30pm, $35 - $45 + bf via venue
THE STREET THEATRE
Llewellyn Series | Beethoven 9
This programme defies Canberra’s winter with a celebration of the human spirit. We open with a world premiere of Daughters of Elysium by Miriama Young. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony concludes the concert, marking its 200th anniversary. 7:30pm, $16118 at cso.org.au/concerts/ beethoven-9
LLEWELLYN HALL, ANU SCHOOL OF MUSIC
THU 8 AUGUST
[Screening] Stray | Spotlight on Ari Wegner
A relationship develops between two strangers on a journey in the mountains of New Zealand. Part of a four-film spotlight on pioneering Australian cinematographer Ari Wegner. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
Llewellyn Series | Beethoven 9
This programme defies Canberra’s winter with a celebration of the human spirit. We open with a world premiere of Daughters of Elysium by Miriama Young. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony concludes the concert, marking its 200th anniversary. 7:30pm, $16-118 via https://cso.org.au/concerts/ beethoven-9
LLEWELLYN HALL, ANU SCHOOL OF MUSIC
The Offering
The multi-award-winning Australian author, poet, and rapper Omar Musa, and the internationally renowned American cellist and composer Mariel Roberts bring a dramatic seafaring monologue to the stage with The Offering. 7:30pm, from $30 via theq.net.au
THE Q - QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
FRI 9 AUGUST
Aces High PresentsLegacy of the Beast
Aces High will be performing the Legacy Of The Beast in its entirety, a show hailed as Maiden’s most extravagant and visually spectacular ever, and it sure is a spectacle not to be missed! 7pm, $45.40 via OzTix
THE BASO
Complexant - The Last Rite
Australian Initiation
South Coast blackened deathcore outfit Complexant presents the band’s debut headline Australian Tour showcasing the band’s current discography, in full, for the last time. With able supports Lycanthrope, Deathbeds, Post Human, and A World In Colour. 7pm, $23.35 via OzTix
THE BASO
[Screening] Oldboy
A man has just five days to seek revenge after being mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years. 7pm, $16/12 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
Judas Priestess (USA)
The world's only all-female tribute to Judas Priest heads down under for the first time ever! 7pm, $59.90 via Moshtix
UC HUB
WTF Welcome To Friday feat: The Wildfires
Enjoy a Friday knock off beverage and a delicious meal while enjoying the sounds of The Wildfires as they rock your world at The Canberra Irish Club. 8pm, free entry
CANBERRA IRISH CLUB
SAT 10 AUGUST
[Screening] Annie
The musical adaptation of orphan Annie’s rags-to-riches story is a classic for the whole family. 1pm, $12/10 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
[Screening] Shayda
An Iranian mother seeks refuge in a women's shelter with her young daughter in this bold new film from writer-director Noora Niasari. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA NFSA ACTON
Felicity DowdDebut EP Tour
A nomadic troubadour and storyteller spinning tales and melodies across the country… Felicity Dowd is headed to Canberra on her Debut EP Tour! Australian Folk Youth Artist of the Year 2024, this riser is not to be missed! 6pm, $20 each + Kids Under 12 free
SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE
Telenova
Telenova unveil their biggest tour yet with the Time Is A Flower International Tour. The tour comes alongside the announcement of their debut album of the same name (out 16 August) and the release of brand new single, Power. 7pm, $39.99 via Moshtix
UC HUB
The Crooked Fiddle Band Come down to Smith's Alternative Bookshop to help The Crooked Fiddle Band launch
their new album The Free Wild Wind And The Songs Of Birds 8:30pm, $25/$20 conc via venue SMITH'S ALTERNATIVE
SUN 11 AUGUST
[Screening] He Died With a Felafel In His Hand | Book Club at the NFSA
A tragicomic portrait of sharehouse life, adapted from the Australian grunge lit bestseller. Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival. Discounted Australian Grunge Lit triple pass available. 1pm, $12/10 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
Twist & Shout: A Salute to 50s and 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll
An international tribute celebrating the hits of the rock ‘n’ roll legends of the ‘50s and ‘60s. 2pm, from $39.90 via theq. net.au
THE B - QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Wild Voices Music Theatre Presents - Variety Is Back, Baby
A concert that will surprise, delight, and entertain. Singing, dancing, acting, piano - solos, duets, ensembles - in a genrebusting program. 5pm, $30/$15 performers via venue
THE STREET THEATRE
Andrew HamiltonJokes About the Time I Went to Prison
In 2021, Andrew spent four months in two of Sydney’s maximum security prisons for the supply of psychedelic drugs. He had a great time. 7pm, $40 via OzTix
THE BASO
TUE 13 AUGUST
Hellhammer Performed by Tom Gabriel Warrior's Triumph Of Death Hardline Media are beyond pleased to present the music of Hellhammer performed by Tom Gabriel Warrior’s Triumph Of Death, live in Australia. 7pm, $66.25 via OzTix
THE BASO
THU 15 AUGUST
Wellspring - Latin Thrills
Explore Latin American politics, history, boundaries of the personal and political, the role of precarity, and the transnational impact of the genre. 5:30pm, free, bookings via venue open 1 August
THE STREET THEATRE
Full of Hell & Thou
Australian Tour
Death grind outfit Full of Hell will make their long-awaited return to Australia and New Zealand this August along with Baton rouge sludge/doom greats Thou. 7pm, tickets $71.40 via OzTix
THE BASO
The Belair Lip BombsJerry Can And A Van Tour
Get ready for an unapologetically loud and raw experience as The Belair Lip Bombs take their gritty sound on the road for a no-frills East Coast tour, presented by Yours and Owls and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. With supports Sesame Girl, Sonic Reducer, and Mr Industry. 7pm, $21.45 via OzTix
THE BASO
FRI 16 AUGUST
[Screening] The Man Who Sold His Skin
A refugee who sells his body to a famous artist as a living canvas confronts the price of freedom. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
SAT 17 AUGUST
[Screening] Bran Nue Dae
A joyous musical road trip with an all-star cast, including Jessica Mauboy and Ernie Dingo. 1pm, $12/10 via NFSA NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
Full Steam Ahead!
All aboard! This epic musical adventure is ready for departure! This event will take you through a thrilling landscape of prog rock, pop, jazz, metal and more! Book your seat, drop off your luggage and get ready! Tickets please! 4pm, $25 + b/f via Humantix LIVE AT THE POLO
[Screening] Noise
A police constable works the night shift after two horrific crimes in suburban Melbourne. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
King StingrayRegional Run
King Stingray's Regional Run is making a stop here at the UC Hub in August. Come down to get a taste of their new album which is still in the works! 7pm, $56.87 via Moshtix
UC HUB
Pink Pony Club
Presenting Pink Pony Club: a special place where boys and girls can all be queens, every single day. Expect to hear Superficial DJs playing your favourite pop anthems all night long! 7pm, $22 via OzTix
THE BASO
Triptychs - Live From The Nation’s Capital Sydneysiders Triptychs invade the heart of the nation for a night of abrasive and blistering post-punk at The Baso, alongside Bodyshirt, Sertra, and The Wardens of Sound. Don't miss the band's first naive steps outside the NSW border. 7pm, $18.40 via OzTix
THE BASO
SUN 18 AUGUST
[Screening] Monkey Grip | Book Club at the NFSA
A nuanced reflection on love set against the gritty reality of 1970s inner-city Melbourne. Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival. Discounted Australian Grunge Lit triple pass available. 1pm, $12/10 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
TUE 20 AUGUST
The Queer Variety Show
Come to Smith's Alternative for a variety night, featuring queer and disabled performers. 7pm, $20/$25 via venue
SMITH'S ALTERNATIVE
THU 22 AUGUST
[Screening] Zola |
Spotlight on Ari Wegner
A stripper’s wild journey into Florida’s underbelly, based on a real-life viral Twitter thread. Part of a four-film spotlight on pioneering Australian cinematographer Ari Wegner. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA
NFSA (ARC CINEMA)
Northeast Party HouseEnhancer Tour
Untitled Group and triple j present Northeast Party House’s Enhancer Tour 2024 with special guests, Sachi. 7pm, $66.06 via Moshtix
UC REFECTORY
FRI 23 AUGUST
Lakeside at 5:
April Rose Mills Trio
Don’t miss Canberra’s newest jazz vocal sensation April Rose Mills, when she teams up with guitarist Michael Larsen-Collins and bassist Eric Ajaye for Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s Lakeside at 5. 5:30pm, entry by donation, on the door
TUGGERANONG
ARTS CENTRE
[Screening] Lady
Macbeth | Spotlight on Ari Wegner
Florence Pugh shines in this masterfully shot film that crackles with seductive tension. Part of a four-film spotlight on pioneering Australian cinematographer Ari Wegner. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA website
NFSA (ARC CINEMA)
Tribute Show - Nine Inch Nails + Metallica + Deftones
A huge night of all your favourite tracks from Nine Inch Nails (performed by The Bends), Metallica (performed by Slaytallica) and Deftones (performed by the Tone Defs). 7pm, $29.60 via OzTix
THE BASO
Frenchy - Embrace the Chaos Night #1
Have a night of laughs at the UC Theatrette with Frenchy. 8:30pm, $72.18 via Moshtix
UC THEATRETTE
The Mersey Beatles
From the beautifully designed costumes, replica instruments and that brilliant era-defining Mersey sound, The Mersey Beatles stunning live stage show is a gloriously presented hit-packed celebration of The Beatles. 7:30pm, from $49.90 via theq.net.au
THE B - QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
SAT 24 AUGUST
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
An eccentric inventor builds a flying car and takes his children on a fantastical adventure. 1pm, $12/10 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
Jebediah with Special Guests Magic Dirt
To celebrate the release of Jebediah's eagerly anticipated sixth studio album and first new release in 11 years, OIKS, they're heading out on the road for a national tour with very special guests Magic Dirt. 7pm, $71.40 via OzTix
THE BASO
Frenchy - Embrace the Chaos Night #2
Come down to the UC Theatrette for a night of laughs with Frenchy! 7:30pm, $72.18 via Moshtix
UC THEATRETTE
The Country Superstar Experience
Get ready for The Country Superstars Experience, where the spirit of the Wild West meets the best of country music! Join us for a boot-stompin', hattippin' party like no other. 10pm, from $20 via FIXR
UC REFECTORY
SUN 25 AUGUST
Head On + Discussion with Anthony Mullins | Book Club at the NFSA
A gripping dive into class, culture and sexuality in 1990s Australia. Followed by a discussion with screenwriterauthor Anthony Mullins, exploring Australian grunge lit. Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival. 1pm, $20/18 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
Skeletal RemainsFragments of the Ageless Australian Tour w/ Anoxia
Old School Death Metal Force of Destruction Skeletal Remains will make their return to Australia this August 2024 to blaze you with a live experience of their latest crushing album Fragments of the Ageless. 4pm, $47 via OzTix
THE BASO
Between You & Me x Teenage Joans - 1800 Painless Tour
What do you get when you put Australia’s effortlessly cool pop-rock bands Between You & Me and Teenage Joans together? You get this anthemic co-headline tour hitting regional cities this August/ September! 5pm, $39 via OzTix
THE BASO
Dark Thoughts (USA) w/ Tombeau, Shock Treatment, Scrambled
Dark Thoughts is an incredible Ramones-style punk band from Philadelphia, PA making a stop in Canberra on their Australian tour. Their truly astonishing output over ten years is must listen! This is one for the Canberra history books. 6pm, $30 + bf via Humanitix
GANG GANG
TUE 27 AUGUST
Boston Manor w/ Sunbleached
The Blackpool based British rock band Boston Manor have announced headline Australian shows this August off the back of supporting Australian alt-rock icons Trophy Eyes' headline tour. 2:30pm, $69.90 via OzTix
THE BASO
WED 28 AUGUST
Memory Film: A Filmmaker's Diary + Q&A with Jeni Thornley | $8 Collection Selection
Jeni Thornley looks back on three decades of personal and political filmmaking. Join us for a post-screening Q&A with director Jeni Thornley. 6pm, $8 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
The Southern River BandD.I.Y Album Tour
7pm, $45.40 via OzTix
THE BASO
THU 29 AUGUST
[Screening] What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?
A classic take on sibling rivalry and a pivotal film for Hollywood stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. 6pm, $16/12 via NFSA
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
FRI 30 AUGUST
Immorium
Poised to wear that crown of World Class Metal next in Australia, it's melodic death metal band Immorium from ACT as they announce their firstever tour of Australia in August 2024. 7pm, $24.50 via OzTix
THE BASO
RedHookBreaking Up With Tour
It's been 16 months between Soju shots, but this August and September, Sydney/Eora-based alt-rock powerhouse RedHook will be supersizing the party at their biggest headline shows to date. 7:30pm, $40.53 via Moshtix
UC HUB
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap | A Nightmare on Elm Street
If Nancy doesn’t wake up screaming, she won’t wake up at all. Includes an introduction and live performance by Venus Mantrap, local drag artist and culture warrior. 8pm, $16/14 via NFSA website
NFSA ACTON (ARC CINEMA)
Midwife Crisisa trial show
Sarah Stewart is a seasoned midwife who is going to be dishing dirt on life, love, and the Labour Ward. Supported by Caitlin Maggs and Jelin Jiang. 8pm, $15 via venue
