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Feature Story

The Loop

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How the flippin’ heck is it nearly December? Honestly, what the actual fuck!

20 21-29 30

Beer Feature

31-35

Creatives

40-41

Reviews

42-44

Columns

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The Guide

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While I’m semi freaking out that the year is almost over (and that it’s almost Christmas and I haven’t even put a dent in my shopping list, RIP me), I’m also absolutely stoked with 2019 so far, and even more excited about the year to come!

WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH STUDIOCANAL TO GIVEAWAY 10 DOUBLE PASSES TO ENTERTAINMENT MURDER MYSTERY, KNIVES OUT WHICH RELEASES 28 NOVEMBER. STARRING DANIEL CRAIG, CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER, JAMIE LEE CURTIS, DON JOHNSON, TONI COLLETTE & MANY MORE, THIS IS A FRESH, MODERN TAKE ON THE CLASSIC “WHODUNNIT”!

It would be easy to take this time to point out missed goals, time wasted, and many of life’s other disappointments (we’re still hurting from KISS and Metallica’s cancelled Aussie tours), but the music industry is fast-paced and there’s just simply no time to dwell, especially when there’s a slew of damn fine tours, festivals and gigs coming up over the summer.

Publisher Furst Media Pty. Ltd. Editor Talia Rinaldo

talia@fortemag.com.au

General Manager Glenn Lynch

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TO E N T ER EMAIL THE CODE WORD ‘KNIVES OUT’ TO TALIA@FORTEMAG.COM.AU, ALONG WITH YOUR NAME AND NUMBER!

Sales Executive Matt Wilkinson

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Creative Director Nathan Mossop

Speaking of, this issue we’ve got Polaris on our cover ahead of Unify Gathering 2020! Returning to South Gippsland for the third time, the Sydney-siders are touted as one of the most exciting live acts in the Aussie heavy music scene – and for very good reason. Having just announced the details of their highly anticipated second studio album, The Death Of Me, their slot at Unify is sure to attract one helluva mosh.

artwork@fortemag.com.au

Interns Bert Seaton, Jess Sercombe, Thom Devereux FORTÉGRAM Tag us

Further in this issue we chat with legendary guitarist and ex-Megadeath member Marty Friedman, The Beautiful Girls frontman Mat McHugh, Melbourne born/Swedish based electro artist Ninoosh, Los Angeles punk rocker Bad Religion, Perth muso and self-proclaimed shitstirrer Stella Donnelly, plus heaps more.

@Forte_mag or #Fortemag to be featured!

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Talia & the Forte team!

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PH: 03 5229 7969 2/105 Skene St, VIC 3220 enquiries@fortemag.com.au

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Contributors Anthony Morris, Alastair McGibbon, Chris Lambie, Dr John Lamp, Kim Price, Renee Abbott, John Foss, Alex Callan, Paul S Taylor, Tammy Walters, Daniela Koulikov, Lynette Walker, Kim Cooper, Wylie Caird, Chris Michaels, Chloe Cicero.

Advertisers and agents are advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility under the trade practices act. Advertisements are published in good faith and on the understanding that the content is legitimate and lawful. Advertisers and or agents submit advertisements at their own risk. The editor and creators hold no responsibility whatsoever for the content of the magazine in the case that it may offend. Forté accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. Forté reserves the right to edit all articles and letters.

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PARKWAY DRIVE ANNOUNCE NEW DOCUMENTARY, ‘VIVA THE UNDERDOGS’

BEN FOLDS ANNOUNCES ONE-OFF SHOW WITH THE MSO

Byron Bay metal legends Parkway Drive have announced the forthcoming release of a brand new film Viva The Underdogs, ahead of their 2020 tour of the same name. Due to hit Event and Village Cinemas for one night only on January 22, the feature-length documentary follows Parkway Drive’s 15-year journey from small-town surf-rats to international headliners on the world’s biggest metal music festivals.

From seeking out surf spots and sleeping on the streets during their first international tour, to evolving their sound and setting new benchmarks in metal with every album release, the five high school bandmates have always done it their own way. You’ll be able to see it at Village Cinemas at Sunshine, Knox, Southland, Jam Factory, Fountain Gate, Werribee, Morwell, Albury, and Bendigo.

US music icon Ben Folds will join Australia’s leading orchestras for a national tour, touching down in Melbourne for a one-off performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in March next year. Known for his musical versatility across the pop and classical genres across his slate of solo albums, records with the Ben Folds Five and numerous collaborations, Folds has travelled the globe performing with some of the world’s best orchestras for over a decade, and currently acts as the National Symphony Orchestra’s artistic advisor in Washington! Ben Folds will be rocking out with the MSO on Sunday, March 22 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Tickets are on sale now via the MSO’s website.

THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE’S LARGEST PUBLIC ARTWORK HAS BEEN UNVEILED IN MELBOURNE

BOOTLEG RASCAL ANNOUNCE 15-DATE BENDER

Melbourne street artist Kitt Bennett has joined forces with award-winning Melbourne street art network collective Juddy Roller to create the Southern Hemisphere’s largest public artwork. The mural, named Revolution, combines Bennett’s passion for producing large-scale works with the latest in satellite technology. The mural, which takes up 9,000 square metres of space at Port Melbourne’s Fisherman’s Wharf precinct, is also the world’s largest independent produced work of animated ‘gif-ti’, which is a term used to describe GIF-style street art designed to be viewed online. The ten 30-metre figures are meant to come together to form individual frames of a moving animation.

The story behind Revolution will be shared in an animated video at the same time as a new exhibition hosted by Juddy Roller on Friday, December 13.

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Sydney party-starters Bootleg Rascal have revealed they’ll be heading around the country on a massive 15-stop circuit. The duo will be making appearances at a handful of regional towns in addition to a few capital cities and joining them on stops throughout the tour will be A.GIRL, Alex Hosking, The Bambuseae Rhythm Section, Deadshowws, Drop Legs, Fresh Violet and more stellar acts. The duo has also curated some special entertainment to take place in between artist sets with the ‘Bobby Dazzler’s Sideshow Alley’, featuring a slew of “totally cooked” crowd participation games, including Pinger Piñata, Wheel of Misfortune, Pin the Toupee on Trump and Nah Yeah or Yeah Nah. Catch them at Sooki Lounge, Belgrave – January 9 & The Grand, Mornington – January 10. Tickets for Bootleg Rascal’s national tour are on sale now via the band’s website.

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‘NIKE BY YOU’ HAS LANDED IN AUSTRALIA Nike fans rejoice!! Moving off the internet, Nike has brought its customisation service, Nike By You, into a physical Australian retail space for the first time (which comes along with an extreme makeover of the Nike Melbourne Central store).

You might know NBY by its previous name, NIKEiD, but both iterations have long provided creative sneakerheads with the option to own a shoe they’ve pretty much designed themselves using the best products. In-store personalisation is now available across both sneakers and apparel, with the option to add ink printing or heat-pressed badges to tees and bras, laser engrave your initials into your AF1s and add a range of coloured laces and customised accessories to your kicks. Fancy AF. Nike By You can be found at the Nike Melbourne Central Store.

THE IMMIGRATION MUSEUM IS HOSTING A SEASON OF DANCE-INSPIRED EVENTS This summer the Immigration Museum’s galleries, courtyard, and Long Room become dance-floors for spontaneous movement, choreographed action and works-inprogress with its ‘Summer of Dance’ season, showcasing diverse talents, communities, and genres. Programs include a daily Dance Reel (from December 2), the all-inclusive dance party Let’s Dance! on December 8, Amrita Hepi: In Residence from December until February, Pacific Essence: Tales of a Migrant Plantation on January 23, Rainbow Effect on January 31, Latin Valentine for the love birds on February 14, Play On presents Park Jiha (Korea) + Moopie on February 21, with it all wrapping up on February 29 with Leaps + Beats. Full deets at museumsvictoria.com.au/ Photo by Jacqui Manning.

IRON MAIDEN HAVE ANNOUNCED THEIR AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES

AN OUTDOOR BED CINEMA IS POPPING UP IN ST KILDA

Following a recent sneaky teaser on social media, the mighty Iron Maiden have revealed they’ll be coming back for a run of dates in May of 2020 with special guests Killswitch Engage.

The UK outfit’s Legacy of the Beast world tour has visited 39 countries around the world since it kicked off last year. All up, they’ve played to nearly two million fans so far, and now it’s our turn with Iron Maiden promising to deliver their biggest production ever when they touch down in May – which is a huge claim considering the stunts they’ve pulled off in the past. “It’ll be four years since we were last in Australia, so we’re delighted to be making a return visit to present the Legacy Of The Beast Tour to all our fans there!” says Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson. They’ll hit up Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne on Saturday, May 9 & Monday, May 11. Tickets via Ticketek.

Sydney sensation outdoor cinema Mov’in Bed, is landing on 4000 sqm of sand, with St Kilda’s set to host the first beach bed cinema in the world – with an exclusive beach club! Think 150 comfy beds, premium pillows, cozy blankets and the big screen. They’ll be screening a whole range of movies too, with latest flicks Joker, Last Christmas, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, as well as the classics like Jaws, Gladiator, Pulp Fiction and Dirty Dancing. Can it get any better? Well yes actually. Before each movie, you can enjoy the beach club sunset sessions from 5pm to 8pm and during the movie, you can get food delivered straight to your bed. Balmy summer nights have never looked so good! 45 magical nights under the stars, it all kicks off on Friday January 4 right up until February 23. See you in Bed!

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POLARIS PERFORMING AT

“We’ve done so much that I never thought we would do in our band’s career ever, and on top of that, every tour and show seems to be getting bigger and better in some scale.”

I first saw Polaris in 2016 at Wrangler Studios; the room was tiny, sweaty and dark; the lineup featuring Polaris, Justice for the Damned and I, Valiance was stacked. The crowd was going mental for the live premiere of their sophomore EP The Guilt & The Grief and there was an overwhelming sense of awe. I got the vibe that everyone in that room - all 100 of us - wholeheartedly believed that this was our last chance to see Polaris in a setting like this before they blow up and the rest of the world catches on.

While that thought ended up being correct, I don’t think anyone expected Polaris’ rise to success to be this rapid.

Within the space of three years, the Sydney fivepiece have gone from selling 100 tickets to headlining venues like the Forum; and they are no longer finding themselves down the bottom of festival lineups, but instead as headliners of festivals such as UNIFY Gathering, Victoria’s annual heavy music festival, alongside huge international acts such as The Ghost Inside and previous tour mates Architects.

And if you thought their popularity couldn’t get any more frenzied, it has, because the lads have just announced their second LP The Death Of Me, out February 21, 2020, and the internet has gone haywire.

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“It’s been extremely overwhelming,” reflects the groups lead vocalist Jamie Hails. “If you gauge it from two years ago when we released The Mortal Coil and the response we got at shows compared to the response we are getting at shows now - whether that be a support tour or as a headliner - it’s ridiculous. The response to the album has just been through the roof and it’s still doing things for us now which is crazy.

“We’ve done so much that I never thought we would do in our band’s career ever,” Jamie continues, “and on top of that, every tour and show seems to be getting bigger and better in some scale.”

A truer word couldn’t be spoken, especially considering the recent announcement of The Death Of Me coincided with details of an Australian national tour that proves to be by far their biggest yet, this time ticking off large scale venues like The Tivoli in Brisbane, Astor Theatre in Perth and The Forum in Melbourne.

“That venue is ridiculous,” Jamie says, in reference to the Forum. “We had the privilege of playing there on In Hearts Wake’s Ark tour [in 2017].

“I remember walking in to load our gear after driving overnight from Adelaide and we were sleepless and tired and just not ready for a show at all, and when we walked in I was like ‘what the fuck is this place?

What do you mean we are playing here? It’s way too beautiful of a theatre to be hosting metal shows’, and now we are headlining there which is blowing my mind!

I still can’t get my head around the fact we are playing there,” he reveals.

“So many venues on this tour are amazingly renowned and they have so much history; it’s so cool that we can now be a part of that. I can’t even put it into words how excited I am.”

With The Death Of Me being released next February, so far the only indication fans have to go off is the slightly more stripped back ‘Masochist’, the newly released single.

“I was very nervous to release ‘Masochist’ first,” states Jamie, “mainly because it isn’t exactly a heavy song by any means so I was expecting people to think we have gone soft… but if anything, we are exactly the same.

“When the guys were writing the song, I remember Dan [Furnari, songwriter and drummer] saying that he wanted the chorus to be different from what you’d expect based on what the song is about.

“We do like to do that with a lot of our songs and throw a spanner in the works and do the unexpected.

It’s not a slow song at all; there is a lot of riffage in it but it’s not the standard bouncy and jumpy riffs like ‘Lucid’ or ‘Regress.’ I really like that, it gives it a lot of contrast,” he continues.

“If you look at The Mortal Coil, no two songs were the same to the next song and if I can give away anything about The Death Of Me, it’s that it’s largely the same.

There’s a bit for everyone. ‘Masochist’ is obviously a bit of a surprise to our sound, but I think it’s a good indication that the album may not necessarily be what you expect. Some songs are heavy, some songs are more emotional, some songs are more melodic.

“I just can’t wait for people to hear it.”

You can’t wait?

TRY BEING US JAMIE. I BET WE WANT TO HEAR IT MORE THAN YOU WANT US TO HEAR IT. Well, seeing as I’m not one for delayed gratification, it seems like there is only one chance to catch a glimpse of new material before it’s released... all you have to do is make your way down to UNIFY Gathering for their headliner set and bang, problem solved.

I’ll catch you in the pit in Jan. UNIFY GATHERING TAKES OVER TARWIN LOWER BETWEEN THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 AND SUNDAY, JANUARY 12. VISIT UNIFYGATHERING.COM WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN

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UNIFY GATHERING 2020 LINEUP ARCHITECTS THE GHOST INSIDE NORTHLANE POLARIS SILVERSTEIN TONIGHT ALIVE & FRIENDS MAKE THEM SUFFER STRAY FROM THE PATH DEAR SEATTLE VOID OF VISION ANTAGONIST AD KNOCKED LOOSE TIRED LION KUBLAI KHAN TX THE BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT EAT YOUR HEART OUT BETWEEN YOU AND ME THE BRAVE DIAMOND CONSTRUCT COLUMBUS TAPESTRY SLEEP TALK CAGED EXISTENCE SOMETHING SOMETHING EXPLOSION

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THE LOOP

B A L L A R AT BELLARINE

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BENDIGO CASTLEMAINE

GEELONG & SURF COAST WA R R N A M BOO L

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QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL

ROD STEWART IS PERFORMING IN GEELONG IN 2020

For those well-organised and lucky souls with tickets to the sold out QMF, there are some things you are going to want to know. Yes, you will need to take your ticket to the Wristband Exchange, located near the front gates. The action begins at 5pm on the Friday of the festival (November 22) and at 11am on Saturday and Sunday. All the dos and don’ts are common sense, but you can get confirmation through qmf.net.au if in doubt.

Legendary singer and songwriter, Sir Rod Stewart, returns to Australia for an eight-date tour across the country, playing both arenas and a day on the green winery dates, performing for the first time at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong on Saturday, October 31. At the very top of his game, with 50 years behind him as a solo performer, Stewart is one of the bestselling music acts of all time, with more than 250 million records sold worldwide during a stellar career that includes an incredible 27 Top 40 hits in Australia, including four number one singles, plus seven number one albums. Tickets go on sale on Friday, November 22. Photo by Penny Lancaster

COMING UP AT PISTOL PETES Your local Blues and Roots kingpin has a truckload of shows coming up ads the weather warms. Why not support live music whilst getting a great feed of Southern American style food to compliment the music and drinks over this weekend? Kicking things off on Friday (22nd) is Dave Riley, a Mississippi native who will be playing authentic Delta Blues. Highly regarded, he is sure to give some quality start-of weekend vibes. $10. On Saturday the 23rd, Pistol Petes welcomes Kristen Lee Morris. Morris’ special blend of Blues that draws on Country and Folk has been referred to as Austraslias very own Swamp Lord. $10. Jules Bolt will combine his talents with Andrew Houston round out the weekend on Sunday the 24th with some New Orleans Style Blues. Support your local music venues!!

IT BEGINS WITH A MOVEMENT

ROSS WILSON & THE PEACENIKS From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and as a solo artist with no less than 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit as a singer, songwriter and producer, Ross Wilson is one of Australia’s most awarded, respected and well-known artists! Twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Wilson has written hits for Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham and Joe Cocker, and produced smash hit albums for Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Skyhooks and Screaming Jets. Head to the Palais-Hepburn to see an absolute solid gold legend of rock and his full band ‘The Peaceniks’ perform all his hits on Saturday December 7.

“Ever ything begins with a movement. Dance is a movement.

Raving is a movement. Change is a movement.” Welcome to the house of Movement, an allday party hosted by Geelong’s Barwon Club on November 23.

Headliners Market Memories, DJ Kiti b2b Chiara Kickdrum, Laura King and Recluse will be joined by a stack of locals including Dirge, Hudson b2b Hansen, Jake Davis and Fletcher Carroll.

NEIL MURRAY AND SARAH CARROLL AT THE LOST ONES Acclaimed singer-songwriters NEIL MURRAY and SARAH CARROLL bring their uniquely Australian storytelling and character-filled performances to Ballarat’s premier venue, The Lost Ones, as part of their south-west tour this November. Neil is promoting his current release Blood and Longing, while Sarah is featuring songs from her new EP, Medicine, which promises to combine deep emotion, keen observation, dry humour and excellent musicianship for a show that is not be missed! The Lost Ones, Ballarat – November 29. They’ll also be performing at The Piping Hot Chicken Shop on November 30. Photo by Ferne Millen

GO GET MUM NEED A HAND Moving house is generally a pain in the backside – particularly when the person moving has nothing packed, nothing more than a hatchback and always seems to be busy when the heavy stuff needs moving. But there is something special about it, too.

That moment of reflection on all the good, bad and in-between that has transpired within. Go Get Mum’s new single ‘Moving Day’ capture this. The Bridge, Castlemaine – November 24.

NANCIE SCHIPPER RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘TAKE OUT THE TRASH’

SEARCHING FOR LITTLE LORD STREET BAND

VS SYDNEY FC DECEMBER 1ST 4:00 KICKOFF

The past twelve months have been busy for Nancie Schipper. Now Schipper is ready to drop her latest single, ‘Take Out the Trash’. Written in early 2019, the indie pop/ rock track tackles the topic of mental health. Produced

by John Castle (Vance Joy, Angie McMahon), the song has a pretty chill vibe about it.The song is simple in the sense that it doesn’t need any more to it. Schipper’s clear voice bring the catchy chorus to your ear, a steady drumbeat adds a backbone, and harmonising backing vocals tie it all together nicely. It is easily the type of song you’d find yourself humming along too, its melody infectious. Geelong Workers Club on January 11.

There is no rest until the end of the year for The Little Lord Street Band as they continue on their merry way in support of new single, ‘Where Are We’.

Originally formed as a wedding request, the now five-piece altcountry band is a collection of singers and songwriters who have made their mark in Perth’s indie, roots and Americana scene. Pistol Pete’s, Geelong – November 28 & Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon – November 30.

FALL AND RESIST SOLDIERS ON Fall and Resist are coming for you again when Too Metal for Meredith hits The Eastern, Ballarat on December 14. Describing their music as a “mongrel of sorrowful melody and hostile aggression”, Fall and Resist released the album Fading Cinders late 2018.

Moving forward as a five piece, they’ve got newbie Aaron Thomas taking on guitar, leaving Frosty on vocal duties alone. With Demonhead, Distorta, Blood Mountain and EyeOhCane also set for the stage, TMFM is going to be so loud, so heavy and so furious that it will put your head in a spin. You’d be a fool to miss it!

FANNY LUMSDEN’S COUNTRY BASH Alt-country singer-songwriter Fanny Lumsden and her husband, Dave, have been making it an annual duty to tackle regional Australia on their Country Halls Tour for several years now. A reliable vehicle is a must, with more than 150,000km undertaken – and counting. Earlier in the year she won a Golden Guitar for her song ‘Electric Waistband’.

Newham Mechanics Institute Hall, Newham – December 7 & Globe Theatre, Winchelsea – December 13.

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LLOYD COLE TAKES A GUESS After more than three decades in the game, songman Lloyd Cole still has a few tricks. As he says: “I’m starting to think that old age could be a lot more fun than middle age. Because really what have we got to lose?” Perhaps this played a part in his new album Guesswork, an eight-track album recorded largely in his attic. Lloyd returns to Australia following a sold-out run in 2017. Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – December 7.

ÁINE TYRRELL TAKES IN SOME FRESH AIR Áine Tyrrell has her passport in order as she gets ready to head for the Folk Alliance Conference early next year, but like any good performer a little warm-up gig has been lined up for Uniting Church, Queenscliff on January 15. Although currently Australian-based, the singersongwriter wrote and recorded her latest album, Return to the Sea, in Ireland. It features the 2018 International Songwriting Competition finalist, ‘In This House’.

GREAT AUSTRALIAN BEER FESTIVAL Can a festival that calls itself great have a mediocre line-up?

Not around these parts. The Great Australian Beer Festival, due to raise a glass at Geelong’s Johnstone Park on January 18, has announced just who is going to be supplying tunes – and you are probably going to love every one of them. Sneaky Sound System, Kim Churchill, Kite Machine and The Run will be joined by the 2019 Geelong Best Busker, Gary Jones.

DRAGON’S 20/20 VISION Forget your ‘go to the bar and it’s all over’ gigs. New Zealand-bred and ARIA Hall of Fame inductees Dragon is heading out for their 20/20 Tour, where fans will hear long-time classics, almost forgotten gems and personal favourites, all played out across two, twenty-song sets. With hits including ‘April Sun in Cuba’, ‘Are You Old Enough?’ and ‘Rain’, it’s sure to be a night to remember.

Barwon Club, Geelong – February 1.

T H I S S TAT E W E ’ R E I N I N D U S T R Y U P D AT E S F R O M M U S I C V I C T O R I A

Hello Forte readers, This month, Music Victoria have been immersed in the Geelong region running workshops and consulting with local industry and musicians on the current music landscape.

We delivered a Venues Day in partnership with City of Greater Geelong, where local live music venues came together to share opportunities and challenges with each other, and learnt from a fantastic bill of speakers throughout the day.

Shaun Adams from The Espy was the MC for the day, and we heard a keynote speech from Al O’Neill of River Rocks Festival, and an incredible bill of speakers followed talking all things audience data and development, booking regional/CBD venues, all-ages gigs and grants, production and live music legislation updates.

We returned to Geelong the following week to run a Meet The Locals event in partnership with APRA AMCOS. We had an established panel of speakers, label owners and musicians comprising of Billy Gardner (ANTI FADE Records, The Living Eyes), Jo Syme (Hotel Motel Records, Pieater, Big Scary), and Owen McKern (Program Manager at PBS FM).

The panel was moderated by Sara Glaidous (Writer Services Representative at APRA AMCOS) and Ash Bartlett (Membership & Professional Development Manager at Music Victoria), and there was plenty of useful advice shared with musicians and emerging music industry professionals in the room. It was wonderful meeting local musicians and hearing firsthand about the current state of play of the Geelong music scene - we look forward to continuing the conversation!

We will be returning to the Geelong region in 2020 with two workshops for musicians delivered in partnership with City of Greater Geelong.

Finally, ‘This Must Be The Place’ Queenscliff is just around the corner, taking place on 23 November as part of Queenscliff Music Festival. A fantastic

lineup of speakers has been assembled, consisting of Neil Morris (Victorian Music Development Office / DRMNGNOW), Ro Flack (Ditto Music), Chris O’Neill (APRA AMCOS), Al Parkinson (Apple Jack Music) & Steven Nichols (Spinning Half/ The Workers Club Geelong). We hope to see many of you there! Check out the event page at facebook.com/ events/981839668823705 ‘til next time, The MV Team REGIONAL MEMBER MOMENT Bendigo Bank Bendigo Bank is the retail banking arm of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Group, and Australia’s fifth largest retail bank. It’s also the only Australian bank which is a Music Victoria member – demonstrating its support and passion for the Victorian music industry. We’re proud to once again welcome Bendigo Bank as a sponsor of the annual Music Victoria Awards. The three winners of this year’s Best Regional/Outer Suburban award categories will each receive a $3,000 cash grant from Bendigo Bank towards the development of their music career. To learn more about Bendigo Bank, and its products and services, visit its website at bendigobank.com.au REGIONAL GIG OF THE MONTH Blaze Festival Barwon Club, Geelong – Saturday 7 December Featuring an all-Victorian line-up, the Barwon Club’s Blaze Festival looks to showcase some of the state’s best in underground metal and punk music.

It also features local thrashers Desecrator, heavy metal act Dreadnaught plus ska-punk group The Resignators. Be sure to keep an eye out closer to the date to catch the announcement of the main headliner. You can see the full line-up and purchase tickets at facebook.com/BallaratBlaze

DANDECAT ‘Kaleidoscope Mind’ - Out now

EP LAUNCH • Wednesday 27th November • The John Curtin Hotel • 29 Lygon Street, CARLTON, Melbourne • Doors at 8:30pM W/ support from amazing local acts TAPES & Purr Usual FORTÉ 728

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WRITTEN BY WYLIE CAIRD

SUNNYBOYS KEEP SHINING

of their careers so far, and what it means to exist in the music industry today.

It’s nice to have something to look forward to, and in 2020 Sunnyboys will do the rounds to celebrate the release of Sunnyboys 40. The eight-track album features the re-release of the band’s 1980 debut 7”, including the original version of ‘Alone with You’. Frontman Jeremy Oxley: “You can’t keep a good band down. These new and revitalised songs take it back to the reason behind the band in the first instance.” Torquay Hotel, Torquay – February 7.

Participants also have the opportunity to tailor their career development by choosing to jump into small round-robin group sessions with respected music industry professionals, including Chris O’Neill from APRA AMCOS, Neil Morris from Victorian Music Development Office/DRMNGNOW, Al Parkinson from Apple Jack Music (The Teskey Brothers), Ro Flack from Ditto Music and Steven Nichols from Workers Club Geelong.

THE EXPLOITED KEEP THE SPIRIT ALIVE Slam down three Irn-Brus because it is time to smash your head on the punk rock that is The Exploited. Formed by Wattie Buchan, Big John Duncan, Dru Stix and Gary McCormack in 1980, the Scottish-born punk rock band released Punk’s Not Dead the following year. Proving the point, the album became the number one independent release of the year. 40 years on, they’re still not dead. Barwon Club, Geelong – March 27. Castlemaine on November 21.

This Must Be The Place comes to Queenscliff

MOVEMBER COMEDY NIGHT

KAVISHA HEADS HOME

Laugh it up for a good cause, as the Movember Comedy Night hits The Engine Room, Bendigo this Friday, November 22. Performers include Matt Stewart (who replaces David Quick), Greg Larsen, Adam Knox, Ash Greblo, Cody Jones, Poppa and Luke Morris. $5 from every ticket will go towards supporting prostate cancer research, testicular cancer awareness, suicide prevention, and depression treatments. Don’t shave that mo!

ARIA-winning singer-songwriter Kavisha Mazzella is saying goodbye to Castlemaine and heading back to her original home of Perth. A tough goodbye will be made a little easier as Kavisha performs a farewell show of original and traditional Italian songs steeped in humour, poetry, social justice and the spiritual. She will be accompanied by Jack Norton and Matthew Arnold, along with MC Jan Wositzky. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – November 30.

IT’S GOLD CHISEL Cold Chisel are unquestionably one of the most loved and respected bands in Australian History. They produced not only some of the greatest and most wellknown Australian anthems, but they performed with a truly unique sound and an unparalleled energy. To play a tribute show to this legendary band would require far more than just a bunch of guys playing these well loved songs. It would require a group of fine musicians that could recapture the sound, the energy and the anthems with great authenticity, which is precisely what GOLD CHISEL has done for well over a decade now. See it at Manchester Arms Hotel on December 14.

DARYL BRAITHWAITE, FIVE DECADES ON Daryl Braithwaite has lived a long, full musical life. It is five decades and counting, in fact, stretching back to when he joined Sherbet at the age of twenty-one. In 1988 he released Edge, his second solo album and one that took him to the top of the charts. Despite having some fifteen Top 40 singles, it would feel wrong to not mention his monster version of the Rickie Lee Jones track, ‘The Horses’. Gateway Hotel, Corio – November 29.

THE MAN OF DAVE STEEL Although he performed in bands before and after, Dave Steel came to prominence as a founding member of Weddings Parties Anything where he lent his songwriting and instrumental skills to the band’s first two albums. He boasts several albums as a solo artist and works as an instrumentalist and co-producer for partner Tiffany Eckhardt. Dave hits the Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club on November 29 for a COPACC outreach concert.

MAJESTIC HORSES KEEP THEIR DISTANCE Kellie Lloyd (Screamfeeder), Andy Hayden (TV Haze) and Monica Fikerle (Love of Diagrams, Crash Material) are Majestic Horses, a new power trio who have dropped their debut album, Away from the Sun. The album was completed in Easter 2019, although all up it took some five years to materialise. Major Tom’s, Kyneton – November 29. They will be joined by Michael Beach.

celebrate his 75th birthday and 50th year in the industry.

It’s the super fantastic Tim McMillan and Rachel Snow The Winding Back tour is not so much saying goodbye Show. Tim, a fingerstyle guitarist with a knack for a good as saying he’ll be taking it easier. Riverlinks, Shepparton story, and Rachel, a stellar violinst, are a Germany- – June 21; Herr Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat – June 23; based duo originally from Melbourne who deliver some Lighthouse Theatre, Ballarat – June 25; Ulumbarra 120 concerts annually. Local shows are coming your Theatre, Bendigo – June 26; and Costa Hall, Geelong way. The Lost Ones, Ballarat – December 11; Ocean – June 27.

Grove Hotel, Ocean Grove – January 26; and The Palais, DENTAL PLAN RELEASE ORCHID/ Hepburn Springs – February 7.

For individual use only, not for commercial purposes.

BROKEN THINGS

SETTING THE RIGHT EXAMPLE You may take a few hits along the way, but you have to find what makes you happy. Elliot John Gleave, better known as Example, spent time with Ministry of Sound and Sony before deciding the best way to do his best was to start his own label via AWAL/Kobalt. The aim remained the same: “I just wanted to keep things simple, and do what I love doing – big club bangers which tell a story.” Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool – December 14.

A NIGHT WITH NICK BARKER Hopping from band to band as a bass player, Nick Barker found more solid ground when he joined The Wreckery in the mid-eighties. He was on the move again before the decade was out, switching to lead guitar and vocals when he formed Nick Barker & the Reptiles. Following a couple of albums, he was off and running as a solo artist, dropping his debut, Damn Mermaids, in 1996. Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon – December 14.

BLUESTONE BLUES FESTIVAL The Sleepy Hollows Blues Club has dropped the goods for this year’s Bluestone Blues Festival, a highlight to end the year if ever there was one. New Year’s Eve features Brian Fraser & Dave the Bastard, The Jump Cats, Nathan Beretta Band, The Detonators and Geoff Achison & the Souldiggers, while NYD features Dog Gone South, Amnesia Blues Band, Shane Pacey Trio and Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine.

JOHN WILLIAMSON WINDS IN BACK John Williamson will double-up on celebrations next year as he takes his sounds of Australia on the road to

Dental Plan from Melbourne have dropped their new double A side single ‘Orchid/Broken Things’. Working with Alicia Bognanno of Nashville indie rockers Bully (Sub Pop Records), the two tracks are a taste of what’s to come next as Dental Plan prepare to release more music over the summer. Catch them at The Bendigo on November 29 supporting Off With Their Heads.

WORK’S NOT DONE FOR BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA Few musical groups carry the kind of musical weight than that of The Blind Boys of Alabama., the five-time Grammy-winning gospel group eight decades in the making. First singing together in 1939, they have collaborated with Tom Waits, George Clinton, Peter Gabriel and Willie Nelson among many others. They recently collaborated with Marc Cohn on Work to Do. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – March 11.

THIS MUST BE THE PLACE WILL TAKE PLACE AT QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23RD BETWEEN 10AM – 1PM. WHILE THIS TAKES PLACE AT TIME OF THE QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL, A FESTIVAL TICKET IS NOT REQUIRED.

MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS LINEUP Aunty Meredith has added the icing on top of the festival cake, announcing four extra acts set to take over the Supernatural Theatre in December. Just added to Meredith’s class of 2019 are Brooklyn hip hop duo Dead Prez, Tassie dance outfit Close Counters, rapper Hooligan Hefs and producer River Yarra. The newly announced acts join a huge lineup made up of Liam Gallagher, Briggs, Amyl and the Sniffers, Julia Jacklin, Cate Le Bon and more. Wannabe ticket holders can try their luck at Aunty Meredith’s ticket resale service on the festival website.

SOUTH WEST SOUNDS SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE Championing the musicians and gigs taking place in South West Victoria, South West Sounds has put together a showcase for Seanchai Irish Bar in Warrnambool on Saturday, November 30 featuring Owen Ellemor, Sleuth, Russ Goodear MC, Minami Deguchi, Gabby Steel, Fiona Kershaw & Shar, Ruby Mckenna, Krystal Orion, The Bruce Campbell Collective and Ben Witham & The Betty Band. From folk to alternative rock and soul music, you’re in for a diverse range of sounds. What’s not to like about that? Doors at 1:30pm. Tickets $10.

IT’S CAPTAIN FIGHTING MACHINE Captain Fighting Machine is the new project led by Conor Macdonald and will be touring the East Coast on the back of the release of their debut self-titled album - a collection of songs that explore the tension between bleakness and hope, while confronting grief and the enormity of life. Treading the path laid

by Jason Molina and Mark Linkous, David Berman and Will Oldham, Captain Fighting Machine capture the spirit of life, drawing the listener in and clinging tight, cause we all need to have each other’s back. The Eastern, Ballarat – November 29 & Shedshaker Brewery, Castlemaine, December 1.

SINGER/SONGWRITER WANTED

Female guitarist/ vocalist wanted

BASSIST/SINGER NEEDED

space to practice music in.

Drummer / percussionist / Kongo

Looking for a female singer lyricist/

Looking for a female guitarist/vocalist

work on a Glam/Hard Rock/Metal band with. Must be male, must

Looking for a bassist/singer to

Keen to use sheds, garages, sporting

player required for band ‘Intrepid Soul’.

songwriter for a recording project. Email

to work with experienced rhythm

clubs, churches, schools, community

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waterfall.walshe@gmail.com for details

guitarist on two piece with a focus on

have hair, must have strong vocals.

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committed to regular rehearsals once

lyrics and harmony, tasteful selection

Contact Glenn on 0407563638

of alternative and classic rock, country,

suitable and that won’t disrupt others.

a week, and to join us with open mics

Any day of the week – I

and paid gigs, who likes singing if

soul, R&B cover songs, some originals.

have a wide availability.

possible, and will join us in songwriting.

Ability to play reasonably accomplished

Within 30 minutes of the Geelong

Contact Marie from Intrepid

lead guitar essential. Availability to

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play most weekends is important.

Call Kit 0427999107

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This is a rare and exciting opportunity for likeminded individuals from the music community to come together and discuss the ins and out of the thriving music industry.

Drummer / percussionist/ Kongo player wanted

I’m looking for a cheap/free

Send your info to: enquiries@fortemag.com.au

The workshops will see highly acclaimed artists Merpire and Al Parkinson provide insight into how they got their start in the music industry, highlights

TIM MCMILLAN & RACHEL SNOW

Music practice space wanted

CL ASSIFIEDS

The Push and Music Victoria are taking over Queenscliff Brewhouse this November with This Must Be the Place – a free, catered and allages music industry professional development workshop aimed at artists, music fans and music industry practitioners seeking valuable knowledge about the music industry.

“We’re excited to celebrate Queenscliff Music Festival and the surrounding local and emerging music culture this November. We hope this professional development workshop will increase skills and networks of local musicians, music fans and industry practitioners,” said Lou James, The Push’s Music Industry Pathways Coordinator.

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THE GOOD BAD BANGS Three is the magic number for Bad Bangs, a gritty garage rock trio out of Melbourne who have recently released the single ‘Too Much’. The band released their debut EP Grow It Out last year, since releasing the single ‘Crush’ in 2019. Playing their favourite regional venue, Bad Bangs hit The Eastern, Ballarat on November 22. They will be joined by Purr Usual, Foggy Notion and The Thing from Spring. Photo by Izzie Austin

SPILT MILK Spilt Milk makes its debut in Ballarat on the last day of the month, which is exciting indeed, but there are some rules. Make sure your name is on the ticket. If it doesn’t match to your ID, you will not be allowed in. Smoking is allowed in designated areas, but no vapes or e-cigs are allowed. For those travelling, a comprehensive guide (as well as an extensive FAQ) is available through spilt-milk.com.au. Most important, the festival kicks off at 11am. Photo by Jordan Munns.

NATHAN SEECKTS IS ALL HEART Following some teaser small releases, songman Nathan Seeckts released his debut full-length album The Heart of the City earlier this year. ‘Sirens’ is the latest track to be released as a single. Until the end of November, all sales of the single through Bandcamp will be donated to a local Geelong charity. The Lost Ones, Ballarat – November 30. Nathan will also be performing at the Queenscliff Music Festival.

GRETTA ZILLER COMES IN SECOND For a few years now, Gretta Ziller and Andrew Swift have dropped in on those on holiday as part of their Great Australian Country Music Showcase. And all the while, people have patiently hoped they would record together. ‘Second Hand’ has arrived, a single penned by Gretta that has turned into a duet with her touring buddy. Gretta hits The Lost Ones, Ballarat – December 5. Joining the night will be Michael Waugh. Photo by Mitch Power Music.

BENDIGO AU GO GO W R I T T E N B Y LY N E T T E WA L K E R

Organisers were thrilled with the response to the ninth edition of the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival, staged earlier this month, saying the “best weekend in Bendigo” went off with a bang.

The festival has always been a showcase for the cream of local musicians, but it also welcomes artists and audiences from interstate and overseas, including acts from New Zealand, Germany, and Canada this year.

Festival director Colin Thompson said he was overwhelmed with the continued support from punters – both the local contingent, which represents 54 percent of crowds across the weekend and the out-of-towners who make the pilgrimage to Bendigo every year. He reserved special praise for the locals who ensure the festival runs smoothly across its four days.

“The positive feedback that our volunteer crew receives is so greatly appreciated,” Thompson says.

“The time and energy that is generously donated by the army of volunteers who bring this festival to fruition every year is really heart-warming.”

As always, it was the local musicians who

shone brightest on stages across town. Singerguitarist Sherri Parry commandeered the stage at Ulumbarra on the Friday night, with her support slot temporarily stealing the spotlight from roots veteran John Butler. The following night it was fellow local stalwart Grim Fawkner, with Alister Turrill, who set the stage for folk-pop purveyors The Waifs.

Much-loved local attraction The Blues Tram was riding the rails all weekend long, with musical offerings courtesy of Geoff Achison, Cass Eager, Owen Campbell, The McNaMarr Project, Anna Scionti, Charlie Bedford, Geoffrey Williams, and Buddy Knox.

Festival organisers are not ones to rest on their laurels and are already looking ahead to next year’s 10th anniversary edition of the festival, which will be staged from November 12 to 15.

“We’ll be back to do it all again next year for the 10th anniversary,” Thompson says. “In pubs and parks, balconies, bakeries and bars, theatres, churches, wineries, laneways, basements, and in the most unexpected nook... you will find music. Lock it in your calendar now.”

Happening around and out of town during the next fortnight: Sydney art-pop protagonist Montaigne brings her Complex album tour to Tap House on Thursday, November 21. From 8pm; tickets $35 from www. moshtix.com.au Accordionist Rowan Blackmore launches his album Amis D’Hiver at the Golden Vine on Saturday, November 23. Support from Flora. From 7.30pm; entry $5.

Singer-songwriter Graeme Connors brings his From The Backcountry album tour to The Capital on Saturday, November 23. From 7.30pm; tickets $54-$69 from www.bendigoregion.com.au Lucy Harrison, who took out first place in the Busker’s Day competition staged earlier this year, returns to the Axedale Tavern on Sunday, November 24. From 1pm; free entry.

Singer/guitarist Grim Fawkner plays his roots/blues/ country melange at Heathcote’s Palling Bros Brewery on Sunday, November 24. From 2pm; free entry.

CONTACT: NETTEE136@GMAIL.COM PHOTO BY ADRIANNA GRUBELNIK

THE SLOW PACE OF RILEY CATHERALL Riley Catherall is an Americana singersongwriter based in Melbourne who released his debut EP Venture in Vain last year. The EP captures the first few months of living in Melbourne, after leaving Canberra and the stability of home life behind. A full-length album is now in the works (he is working with Bill & Kasey Chambers), but first is his new single ‘Pray That I Won’t Be Long’. The Lost Ones, Ballarat – December 7.

NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 20TH & 27TH NOV HIP HOP CLASSES FRIDAY 22TH MR.MANIFOLD AND THE RESOLUTION GENRE: ELECTRO/POP WITH DJ SAASTA SATURDAY 23TH FRANK SULTANA (NSW) THURSDAY 28TH STEVE POLTZ (US)

IT’S A SORE POINT

FRIDAY 29TH BEARLESQUE BEARTOPIA

From the Best Coast of the Great White North, Vancouver’s Sore Points are heading to Australia in support of their new record on Slovenly Recordings! A bonafide banger from the get-go, it smacks down with a snarling four songs in six minutes wallop, steeped in that radical moment in time where late 70s UK punk and early 80s Ami-hard core collided. From the opening, ear-piercing squeal of “Not Alright,” to the deadly squall of feedback and brain-bashing pummel on “Not Coming Back,” Sore Points fork over breakneck kicks in spades, and guarantees your own rock’n’roll kicks for days.

The Eastern, Ballarat – December 12.

DECEMBER FRIDAY 6TH SUNDAY LEMONADE (DUO) SATURDAY 7TH ROSS WILSON & THE PEACENIKS SUNDAY 8TH FREEZA SHOWCASE-DAYTIME SHOWCASE FRIDAY 13TH THE OLD MARRIED COUPLE PRESENTS A ‘VERY VAUDEVILLE CHRISTMAS’ VARIETY SHOW. SATURDAY 14TH A SWINGING BELLA XMAS SUNDAY 15TH BAKERS DAUGHTER (ALYCE PLATT) FRIDAY 20TH KENNY JOE BLAKE-ALT COUNTRY SATURDAY 21ST CLUB 54GOLDEN DISCO HITS SHOW !! 10 PIECE DISCO BAND !!

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ALMOST TWENTY YEARS AGO, A SYDNEY ROOTS BAND THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS—ALSO KNOWN AS MAT MCHUGH TO MOST— TOOK AUSTRALIA’S INDIE MUSIC SCENE BY STORM. BEST DESCRIBED AS A MELTING POT OF SUNNY SURF SOUNDS AND REFRESHING REGGAE UNDERTONES, THEIR DEBUT EP MORNING SUN QUICKLY BECAME AN INSTANT HIT WITH MUSIC LOVERS AND SURGED THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS INTO THE INDIE MUSIC SPOTLIGHT. Originally recorded in three hours for $300, it was pressed as a ‘demo’ and something to ‘hand out to friends’, and now said to be one which established the band’s unique aesthetic. The Goodtimes EP (a collection of early live favourites) followed that same year.

This was followed by the band’s first full-length album, Learn Yourself, which went on to become a groundbreaking success, with both albums having gained critical acclaim and now being Gold Certified.

With a knack for creating heart-on-the-sleeve songs and well on the way to a constant worldwide journey, The Beautiful Girls went on to release EP The Weight Of The World in 2004, and four more albums: We’re Already Gone (2005), Ziggurats (2007), Spooks (2010) and Dancehall Days (2014).

It’s clear The Beautiful Girls have had a colourful career; and to celebrate almost two decades of drawing in crowds with a sound often compared to like-minded artists as Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, and Mason Jennings, McHugh’s decided to pull together his favourite tracks from the band’s large, critically acclaimed body of work.

Embracing the classic pre-CD model of a hits record, Seaside Highlife: Greatest Hits, Volume 1 distills the band’s five studio albums, as well as the debut EP, down to a tight 22 tracks, including an acoustic version of 2018 single, ‘Beautiful World’.

While some best of’s can somehow manage to ignore a band’s actual appeal, throwing in big-selling hits and ignoring the rest, the best (and most authentic) greatest 20

hits collections capture the true essence of the artist.

With the likes of ‘Periscopes’, ‘Morning Sun’, ‘Let’s Take The Long Way Home’, and ‘Until My Kingdom Comes’ making the cut for McHugh, the reflective selection of tracks successfully stand on their own as a complete album.

“Seaside Highlife is representative of a particular era of the band,” McHugh explains, “and a stepping-off point for the next one. That’s why we put Volume One in the title. It was like, ‘okay, let’s put a stamp on this one and then let’s see what happens in the next 20 years, and see what kind of records we make there.

The band’s still touring, there’s still music being made.

It’s definitely not like a bookend; it’s just a really nice memento of a nice era.

“If you listen to the first track and all the way through, there’s a big artistic growth in there, in all regards. But it doesn’t discount the early songs either. They’re simple, but they’re cool too. It doesn’t all sound the same. It’s not like all of our records sounded like each other.”

Conscious of selecting tracks from each record, McHugh found the balance between including both well-known songs, as well as songs he felt held artistic weight, as well as allowing his fans to have their say while reflecting on the first part of a monumental career.

“I wanted to include everyone’s favourite and my favourites too,” McHugh says. “There was a lot more work in that than I thought there would be. It was very tricky. And there’s still some that are left off that I still feel like I should have put in there.”

Not only will the Seaside Highlife compilation represent the music of The Beautiful Girls at its best, but it also stands as their first official album release on vinyl. The dreamy vinyl double-LP will be available for pre-order on album release day, December 5, and will be with fans in the flesh early 2020.

“Since I was a teenager, I collected vinyl of a lot of my favourite acts and I loved the artwork and I love the experience of it. And often I would just collect it and

I might not even listen to it. You know, I just wanted to have it as a souvenir of the band and look at it and on special occasions, I’d get it out and play it. It really is a memento of something that you love and it’s very physical and it’s cool. It’s art, it’s a piece of art.

“It just felt like a nice time because people are always asking for vinyl and wanting that physical connection to music,” McHugh continues. “The people that love music, they really still want that connection. So it seems like vinyl is just the best candidate, and I feel like it’s not always easy, being independent, to get all of our records everywhere physically, you know? So I feel like, if you’re in a record store and there’s only going to be one record in there, the one to go for would be some form of compilation.

“I’m not opposed to the idea of just going back and remastering and putting all the back catalogue out on vinyl as well. This is kind of just the start of that phase I think.”

For a band celebrating a good 20 years in the industry, The Beautiful Girls are just as relevant now as they ever were – and to prove it, they’re hitting the road this Summer for 19 dates across the country.

“It’s a bit of a summer tradition to have The Beautiful Girls go out on the road. We did a summer tour last year for the release of a new single, and then the one before we did a kind of Learn Yourself anniversary tour, playing that record,” McHugh explains. “It’s all been pretty stripped back in recent times, it’s just been light and easy, and I just thought the pressure was mounting with people asking for vinyl, and all the reasons I’ve mentioned why it’d be good to do a greatest hits, I thought we should tour that, because that’s too good of a thing not to get behind.”

Taking to a number of coastal venues, McHugh going the whole nine yards with this tour and bringing out an expanded six-piece lineup – guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and a horn section to perform the complete album in order, as well as adding in some songs off

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other records every night.

“I really wanted to do it in a proper way. You know, I wanted to take the big extended lineup and have horns and keys because there’s a lot of detail in the records, particularly as they get on in our history. And I didn’t just want to do stripped back versions of those songs.

I wanted to do them as close to the recorded versions as we could,” McHugh explains.

“We’ve all played these songs before on the respective tours, but the songs change over time into their own little things. What I want to do is kind of really get it back to how the recorded versions were,” McHugh explains. “So everyone’s doing their homework; we’re listening and writing notes and then we’re just going to go hard in rehearsals for a while, and then the tour spans over a couple of months. It’s going to be monstrous – it’s going to be like a travelling circus,” he laughs.

Spreading the love to the surf coast, The Beautiful Girls will be bringing their laid-back and spacious folkrock into The Torquay Hotel on Saturday, January 11, taking to the very same stage they performed to a soldout crowd last summer.

“We love it; we can’t miss it. It’s part of our summer staple,” McHugh smiles. “Any town near the beach where there are waves and surfers and skaters and beach rats, it’s kind of home turf, you know? Like there’s a lot of international touring all year, but it just feels like home. You get down there and it’s just a completely natural environment.

“It’ll be perfect.”

YOU CAN PURCHASE TICKETS VIA EVENTBRITE. RELEASE: THE DREAMY VINYL DOUBLE-LP SEASIDE HIGHLIFE: GREATEST HITS VOLUME I (DIE! BOREDOM/MGM) WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER ON ALBUM RELEASE DAY, DECEMBER 5.

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plan to go to the studio to record an album. Our manager booked us in there telling us it was in a beautiful castle so I think we were actually more excited to be exploring the Rohrsdorf Castle! But when we met the engineer Arno Jordan and saw the beautiful studio everything fell easily into place and we had the whole album finished in 5 days.

With eight months out of the year spent overseas – what is it that brings you back to Australia?

We love travelling and it’s a dream to be able to make a living from music but one of the hardest parts of being on the road is missing our family and friends back in Australia. There really is no place like home which is why we are so happy to be able to spend the summer with our loved ones It’s been a busy year for Melbourne duo and also explore and perform in new places in our Tim McMillan and Rachel Snow who spend own beautiful country.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about eight months of the year based in Germany and performing across Europe, with over 100 performing live on your journey so far? concerts in Germany, Italy, Iceland, Poland, We’ve played all sorts of concerts in all sorts of Japan and the UK. Together Tim - a percussive venues from clubs, theatres, a treehouse, mines, fingerstyle guitarist and outlandish storyteller, folk festivals, living rooms and we’ve even toured and Rachel - an exceptional violinist and with Motorhead legend Phil Campbell. What we’ve accomplice in Tim’s whimsical narrative have learned is that every stage no matter the size can be gained a reputation for performing entertaining a thoroughly rewarding experience. We’ve learned sets full of lively music, entrancing vocals and to modify our set for each situation and it is such a great feeling to win positive reactions and responses a good slice of humour. We chat with the duo from the contrasting audiences. ahead of their upcoming Aussie summer tour.

First up,can you describe your music in five words?

Any last words?

Fingerstyle Goblincore Celtic Folk Metal We’re very much looking forward to coming home to Australia and can’t wait to share the music from With more than 100 concerts overseas, did a particular city/country stand out as a highlight? our new album!

Each country brought some wonderful experiences! Iceland definitely stands out as the WHEN & WHERE: scenery is breathtaking and some venues were so WESTERNPORT HOTEL, SAN REMO – DEC 1 remote it was almost like being on another planet!

We would come in from a long journey to find a THE LOST ONES, BALLARAT – DEC 11 warm and cosy atmosphere with welcoming hosts THE MUSICAL GARDEN, BENALLA – DEC 13 and a super friendly audience.

Tell us about your new album ‘Reveries’ - how OPEN STUDIO, MELBOURNE – DEC 20 did this one come together?

PALAIS-HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS – FEB 7 It came together quite spontaneously. The pieces have been coming together over a year or so THE WORKERS CLUB, MELBOURNE – MARCH 13. between touring with different inspirations from all the beautiful places we visit and the kind people who we meet along the way. But we didn’t really

TIM MCMILLAN & RACHEL SNOW

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA WRITTEN BY RENÉE N. ABBOTT

With insightful ingenuity, vibrant views and a powerful perspective, the motivational Blind Boys Of Alabama guide us with amazing grace through a visionary performance to be seen by all the senses.

As passionately proclaimed by current vocalist and Road Business Manager Eric ‘Ricky’ McKinnie himself, “The boys are back in town”; and the boys will most certainly arrive with ardour in Australia for the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Brunswick Music Festival, among other notable performances, in 2020.

With the traditional interpretation of the word ‘Gospel’ translating to ‘Good News’, there is an immense resonance of faith amid all of the Blind Boys’ songs; and it is admirable that the band has consistently chosen faith above all other commercial temptations; while still remaining a dominant success. As Ricky concurs, “Yes; I feel like when people can see the good in you and see how your music is relevant throughout

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GRAMPIANS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2020

Setting up in one of Australia’s most picturesque national parks next February, the Grampians Music Festival (GMF) is bringing the Valley Stage back to the stunning paddock location in Halls Gap in 2020 on February 28 & 29 in what will be a display of outstanding Australian up and coming musical talent, boutique beer, wine and spirits, global cuisine and dancing in the dirt.

Last year saw some of Australia’s most impressive new artists grace the Grampians stage for its third edition, including the likes of Sampa The Great, Wafia, Slum Sociable and Angie McMahon, highlighting the festival’s strong focus on up-andcoming Australian artists who are distinctive, exciting and above all, supremely talented.

Now the GMF team is thrilled to finally lift the veil on its anticipated 2020 lineup, serving up some of Australia’s best names to ensure that the next installment is going to be unforgettable.

Leading the charge on the 2020 bill will be one of Australia’s brightest exports and songwriters, Julia Jacklin. Having just made global headlines for her recent live duet with Lana Del Rey, Jacklin’s 2019 has gone from strength to strength as she’s continued to establish herself as a world-class performer.

Joining Jacklin at the Grampians Music Festival this year, a variety of artists who are all killing it in their own lanes come together to shape what is looking to be easily the biggest year of the festival

the years”, that he and the band are encouraging others to adopt their trust in God as well.

With a chequered configuration of various members throughout the years, the Boys have been collectively performing since the beginning of World War II; with several astounding transitions witnessed over the generations; both musically and historically. As Ricky recounts, “It’s been an amazing career; and I think...every step of the career...I think I’d just leave it like it is.”

One of the most encouraging elements of the band is their openness to embrace the condition of blindness, and to expose disability in a positive manner; actually interweaving it into their performance as a whole. Without sight itself, the Boys obviously have a profound insight into musicality; and seem to display an augmented sense of emotional engagement with the music, enabling each member to completely unite with the messages and narratives conveyed. Ricky philosophises “Well...one thing we have learned is that what’s from the heart reaches the heart”; which is an obvious result of each of the Boys’ emotive performances.

Having developed acute methods by which to gauge audience response and the harmoniousness of the present atmosphere, the Boys would undoubtedly have sensed the fervour of Barack and Michelle Obama grooving and manoeuvring appreciatively to their White House performance; and Ricky reflects “You can definitely feel the vibe from

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yet, including Ecca Vandal, These New South Whales, DRMNGNOW and Maddy Jane. That’s barely scraping the surface of the announcement, but it sure is a fiery example of the representation of star talent on this year’ Grampians Festival lineup.

“I’m very proud of this lineup and what it says about the Grampians Music Festival,” says festival director Carly Flecknoe. “We are blessed to have this much talent on our bill! Julia Jacklin has hit her straps both here and overseas, and her fromthe-heart songwriting style is pure magic. Alongside Ecca Vandal and These New South Whales rounding out the top of the bill is a blend of an incredible mix of the artists that are making waves in Australia at the moment. It’s going to make for a very special weekend.”

It’s clear they’ve got the love of discovering music at the heart of GMF. Differing to the standard festival program which has multiple bands across multiple stages at the same time, The Grampians Music Festival sets itself apart with only one stage, allowing punters to enjoy all the genre-spanning up-and-coming musicians who take to the stage.

So all those acts we’ve just mentioned… you will be able to see EVERY SINGLE one of them. There’s no trying to work out a schedule and compromise who you see – and that’s why we absolutely adore it.

It sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? A sunny weekend away with mates and music. A showcase of the best new bands making music all over the country. Local produce, beer, and wine. Big mountains, huge sounds, and a beautiful, chilledout vibe. What’s not to love? All that’s left to do now is to round up the crew and secure your tickets!

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW, INCLUDING CAMPING AND SHUTTLE OPTIONS FOR PUNTERS WHO WANT TO ENJOY THE FULL GRAMPIANS EXPERIENCE. PACKAGES INCLUDE 2 DAY AND SINGLE DAY FESTIVAL PASSES, INCLUDED IN THE VARIETY OF OPTIONS ON OFFER FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO KICK ON AND CAMP OUT UNDER THE STARS. VISIT GRAMPIANSMUSICFESTIVAL.COM/

the audience when the audience responds...you can definitely tell when you’re moving somebody.” Quite justifiably, Ricky recalls that performing for the President of the United States “was one of the greatest experiences that we could have had...it was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to do that”.

Boasting an impressive spectrum of accolades, including five Grammy Awards, Ricky imparts that “the one that I’m most proud of is the Lifetime Achievement Award that was given by the National Academy Of Arts; but that’s because when you are a black, blind quartet...and your peers can appreciate your music...a lifetime achievement award is one of the highest awards you can get; and it really tells it has all been worthwhile; and that’s the one that I really think a lot of”.

With similarly esteemed co-collaborators including stellar names such as Chrissie Hinde, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt and, of course, the superb Willie Nelson, Ricky compliments ”we appreciate each and every one of them; everybody brings something different to the table – we would do it with every one of them one more time”. According to Ricky, the Boys’ rewarding musical partnership with Willie Nelson “was great – we had opportunities to sing a song This Old Bible, and I tell you what – it was a great experience”.

When we look at the evolution of Southern Gospel music, from the foundational Jazz age of Jelly Roll Morton; Freddie Keppard; Fats Waller; infused through Thomas Dorsey’s melange of jazz, blues and Gospel messages, the Boys incorporate such a rich cultural heritage into their genre. Ricky agrees that the Southern style is a constant which he would like to resound in the Boys’ music for some time, explaining “yes, I started the non-profit organisation that’s called the Traditions Cultural Arts, and the goal is to preserve and promote legendary music; and that’s what it’s all about...we want that to go on and on; for people to be able to respect; be able to appreciate the legendary music.”

Sharing a reciprocal relationship across many genres, the Boys note that many contemporary artists are beginning to extract elements from the valuable resource of Gospel music. As Ricky observes, “Well, they started a long time ago...RAP music came from really from what the Gospel people would have called Jubilee; and we were singing Jubilee long before there was RAP music; so it all goes hand in hand.”

With an aim to produce and project messages of love, tradition, and unity, Blind Boys Of Alabama “just sing Gospel music to make people feel good”.

WHEN & WHERE: PORT FAIRY MUSIC FESTIVAL, PORT FAIRY – MARCH 6-9 THEATRE ROYAL, CASTLEMAINE – MARCH 11.

KIKX ARE BACK CHRISTMAS WITH THE OLD MARRIED COUPLE

Laydee Bombay (and Boylesque star Lord Lovat if you’re lucky enough to go to the Hepburn Springs gig), a live band, stunts, and more yuletide silliness than you can shake your candy cane at for a night of toots, hoots and naughty gifts to boot. There will even be a special appearance from strongwoman Aleksandra the Great just to level up that Christmas cheer!

Christmas is coming. Just in case you didn’t know. And chances are you’re either in Camp 1, excited, counting down the days, and your decorations are already up; or you’re “A Very Vaudeville Christmas takes the idea of in Camp 2 where you quietly swear under a Christmas concert in an entirely new and your breath every time someone ‘helpfully’ outrageous direction. This certainly is not Carols reminds you how many days there are to go. by Candlelight.”

Whether you’re in Camp 1 or Camp 2, The Old Married Couple has your festive season sorted with A Very Vaudeville Christmas – a night of music, dancing, tease, stunts and laughs!

The vintage-styled novelty folk, jazz duo will fill your stocking with cheer as they share a night of distinctive 20’s inspired Dixieland toots and hoots with some extra special Christmas treats thrown in – tis’ the season after all!

These treats include two hours of devilishly delightful Christmas burlesque from the stunning

Time to Jingle your bells and deck the halls, this will be a Christmas to remember.

WHEN & WHERE: THE PALAIS, HEPBURN SPRINGS – DECEMBER 13 HARES AND HYENAS, MELBOURNE – DECEMBER 14 PIANO BAR, GEELONG – DECEMBER 17 GET YOUR TIX AT WWW. THEOLDMARRIEDCOUPLE.COM

the old KIKX sound by adding keyboards and computer sampled industrial sounds which give our sound a harder edge which take the songs to another level beyond the hard rock 1980’s KIKX sound. It took over 18 months to record as we played and experimented with new sounds, more ideas and more digital tracks, just because we could.

What led to the decision to record these past tracks over writing new ones?

We decided that those old songs were still relevant and that in some cases the lyrics of those songs were more relevant today than they were back in the day when they were written in 1980. For instance, the song ‘Computer Girl’ which incidentally was written and performed by KIKX at least a year before the Mi Sex ‘Computer Games’ hit single, I sing about a girl I met at school who is obsessed with her computer, predicting what is now so prevalent in our society – the constant obsession and use of mobile phones.

In another song ‘Picasso’, I sing the line “Are you for the Vatican”, “No thanks No Catholics for me” is my response to the crimes perpetrated by Catholic priests on innocent child victims back in the 1980’s.

Now in 2019 with the conviction of Pell and the demise and loss of trust in the church generally this song is more pertinent today than it ever was when it was written. KIKX were a thinking band of artists well ahead of their time.

What does a KIKX gig look like these days?

We are a runaway high energy rock band, powered by drums and bass that are right up there in the mix with plenty of guitar sounds and riffs. We are endeavouring to achieve subtleties and the dynamics, making each track interesting including touches of middle eastern sounds and Lee Beckworth has bought a keyboard which he aims to use in a spot during his ‘French Curves’ song.

Long disbanded Geelong band KIKX are back and have just released an album, with 11 tracks written back in the day, and recorded in the now.

We chat to vocalist and guitarist Monty Osewald.

Hey thanks for chatting to Forte Mag! First up, tell us about the conversations that led to re-activate the band following a reunion gig.

Was it a fairly quick decision?

KIKX members rarely associated since the demise of the band in 1981. But after making those initial contacts in 2017 (all KIKX members were in agreement except for ex-drummer Chris Lawson and ex-guitarist John Phillips, and new additions included Nat De Palma on drums, special guest guitarist Garry Quince and Susan Wheatly on backing vocals), we organised our first rehearsal and there it was, the old KIKX energy still there, the same as ever. It was fun to play again and we jumped at the opportunity to play live in front of an audience, lurching into full bore rehearsals in preparation for the 2018 Geelong Musicians Reunion gig. After that gig, it was a simple decision to go ahead to record YOU CAN WITNESS KIKX AT THE DOOR and create the ‘Lost Poets Now’.

GALLERY CAFE/STONE VAULT STUDIO IN Congrats on the release of Lost Poets Now! FYANSFORD ON DECEMBER 7. TICKETS CAN BE Were there any changes to the original tracks?

PURCHASED VIA TRYBOOKING.COM/BGQJM The song arrangements from 1980 have been TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO THE SHOW, EMAIL altered slightly but are basically the same songs, as ‘KIKX’ WITH YOUR NAME AND NUMBER TO we had played them in the early 1980’s. However, on TALIA@FORTEMAG.COM.AU this Lost Poets Now CD release, we have expanded

This process is present in her recently released debut album ‘Gypsy Song’ and especially with her second single ‘Because I was Born a Girl’ which goes into the discussion of being a woman in today’s world. Camille described the content of the song as “recognising that patriarchy still exists within our culture and that it is a system that not only limits women’s opportunities but it is a system that is limiting human potential as a whole.”

Along with the empowerment that comes with becoming aware of these things and the opportunity to challenge it.

This approach to tackling such large issues has had her labelled by many as “a politically and environmentally minded poet”, a label that she doesn’t mind at all. She explained that what she really does with her work is “I write poetry and music that examines life and the world that provides this life.”

CAMILLE BARR

In regard to her writing process, she stated “I always begin with the lyrics that tell a story and then I just let the music develop around the direction given within the story” then working with her producer Sefi Carmel to perfect the sound.

WRITTEN BY BERT SEATON

Her collaboration with Sefi has continued and “[Music] is something that I have always Camille is far from finished with music. She will be releasing a few more songs to finish off her wanted to do,” explains Camille Barr, who has recently made the transition from poetry EP and then onto working on an album. All while to writing music, in what she describes continuing on learning to play the piano and as a “natural progression” - a progression “exploring her singing voice” which are relatively that she explains is quite a common one. new things for Camille, though you wouldn’t know it.

The transition stemmed from her interest of storytelling through poetry, where for her, “adding music is a way to enhance the use of rhythm to make the story more memorable”

RELEASE: ‘BECAUSE I WAS BORN A GIRL’ IS OUT NOW.

Camille’s poetry and now her music is very political in content and takes aim at areas including gender equality and happiness, aiming to somewhat explain the complex issues that they are. “I also really enjoy how both poetry and music can declutter complex concepts, easing the way for sharing knowledge.”

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FUNKFEST’S 2020 LINEUP ALICE SKYE THANDO KATTIMONI THE SEVEN UPS THE PUBLIC OPINION AFRO ORCHESTRA LIV CARTLEDGE MARK HOGG THE GOODS THUNDER FOX DJ EDDY

FUNKFEST IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE SUMMER FESTIVAL CIRCUIT The best thing about funk and soul music is that both have a genuine way of getting listeners in a good mood. With syncopated rhythms and the melodic grooves of funk, and the punch-you-inthe-gut emotion of soul, funk and soul spans an incredible range of styles within, making it – in our opinion - the perfect basis for a festival.

Making its way to Victoria’s Alpine Valleys this February (for the first time ever), FunkFest is here to fulfil all your funk and soul desires over the span of three glorious days.

Priding itself as being the only music festival in Australia dedicated to these two genres, Funkfest will be crammed with marvellous musicians, fantastic fun, delicious digestible delights, beautifully bountiful beverages and awesome activities for mini-groovers.

With music at its heart, there will be something to suit a wide range of groovy tastes. Heading to the inaugural Funkfest in 2020 are singer-songwriter Alice Skye, R&B star Thando, Melbourne groove outfit The Seven Ups, and The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra.

WAYNE JURY’S BLUES BOOT CAMP RETURNS FOR 2020 WRITTEN BY THOM DEVEREUX

Calling all aspiring blues musicians! Summer is coming around again, and with it comes the 2020 Bellarine Blues Camp. A celebration of the creative output that is music, Blues Boot Camp is for musicians of any instrument aged 12 to 25. A range of local and international artists will head to Drysdale’s The Potato Shed January 7-9 for the camp’s 10th anniversary.

From beginners to experts, Blues Boot Camp is a brilliant opportunity for enthusiastic aspiring musicians to take the next step in developing their skills and sound. Across a variety of workshops hosted by experienced and accomplished tutors, those headed to the camp will learn a history of the blues, new skills, and techniques, and get a chance to display their new tool kit in a final showcase.

They’ll be joined by plenty more funky fresh acts, including the likes of Thunderfox, Izy, The Lachie Doley Group, Vaudeville Smash, Liv Cartledge, Kattimoni, among others! We’re already preppin’ our dancing shoes – this will be a festival of absolute groovin’.

With an aim to become a leading festival for families, the weekend will be free for those under 16 years of age with Connected Circus coming to the event and bringing fire twirling, a fluorescent play space, and circus skill workshops to look after the smaller groovers attending the event.

While the music is enough to get us there, the location has truly locked us in, setting up at a unique space at the Feathertop Winery in North-East Victoria’s Porepunkah, complete with breathtaking views of Mt Buffalo.

A whole weekend ticket will set you back only $230 (which looks like the perfect Christmas present, hey mum?), and there’s even day passes available too, with a plethora of accommodation options in nearby Bright (well-known as one of Victoria’s High Country’s most picturesque village), and a shuttle bus running regularly between Bright and the Festival site.

If you’re looking to splash a little extra cash, the festival’s VIP package will land you luxurious bell tent accommodation, a private shuttle bus between the campgrounds and the festival, and exclusive access to parties, breakfasts and private amenities.

Sounds pretty damn good to us!

MANCHILD

WRITTEN BY BERT SEATON If you enjoy your retail therapy with a side of fresh air and picturesque surroundings, SpringFest Ballarat – Market Sunday is for you!

A bundle of fun for the whole family, the annual six-kilometre market, spanning along the Lake Wendouree foreshore, features over 530 market stalls full of delicious food, beverages, art and craft, clothing, jewellery, plants and flowers, perfumes and much more.

MISS GOLDIE DAVE BOOTS KASPAR DJ RELAXATIVE VAUDEVILLE SMASH THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP IZY FAT PICNIC GEOFFREY WILLIAMS ERIK PARKER

There is also plenty of entertainment and activities to excite everyone. With live music, a vintage car display and a sports zone, where you can learn to develop a new fitness regime or visit the western bulldogs to try out the inflatable road show, and plenty more.

Some highlights at this year’s SpringFest Ballarat will include the Peter Stevens MG Show-nGlow/Vintage Car Display, PETstock Pet Corner, Grampians Central West Waste & Resource Recovery, Spring Garden, RACV Goldfields Resort Children’s Wunderfest, and the Strong Man and Woman Battle of Ballarat #3.

BACK TO FUNK FUNKFEST 2020 TAKES PLACE FROM FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14 TO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16 AT THE FEATHERTOP WINERY, POREPUNKAH. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE VIA OZTIX. VISIT WWW. FUNKFEST.COM.AU.

the past decade, also bringing this camp to Echuca for the Winter Blues Festival. Jury has been playing for over 40 years and has shared the stage with stars such as BB King, Buddy Guy and Albert Collins. Tim Neal is the Camp’s resident Hammond Organ expert and has recorded over 40’s CDs with both Australian and international artists. Neal also currently plays with the fusion band Checkerboard Lounge. Premier female musicians Sarah Carroll, the Ukulele Queen of the Bellarine, will coach vocals and choir, guitar and ukulele while Sweet Felicia will pass on her vast bass knowledge while sharing her stage show experience. Student-become-teacher Ethan Farmer, percussion genius Dave Robertson, and intercontinental poetry slam champion Benjamin ‘IQ’ Sanders will reach into their huge depths of Blues knowledge to educate any young musicians that attend. Other tutors include Michael Pollitt, Buddy Knox, Tom Farmer, Andrea Robertson, Andy Baylor, Bob Spencer, Sandy Brady, Dave Steel, Jimi Hocking, Fenn Wilson, Kelly Auty, and Anna Scionti.

This year, SpringFest Ballarat is helping contribute to a more eco friendly Earth by being a ‘no single-use plastic bag event’ so remember to bring your own bags along to take home your goodies!

IT ALL GOES DOWN ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24 FROM 10AM – 4PM. PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NORTH GARDENS RESERVE AND NEARBY VICTORIA PARK, WITH A FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE TO AND FROM THE LAKE.

is locked in to headline the line-up for the Australia Day long-weekend event.

Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1999, Clapton started his recording career in 1974 and has gone on to release more than 20 albums, selling more than one million copies. Clapton will be a special part of the festival’s entertainment taking to the Regatta Village stage following the popular fireworks display on the Sunday night.

Other Regatta Village performers over the weekend will include Screaming Jets’ lead guitarist Jimi Hocking who will bring his love of the blues to Geelong, with his band Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine, while INXSIVE the INXS Tribute Show will also treat INXS fans to some of Australia’s classic rock songs from the eighties and nineties.

CELEBRATE AUSSIE ROCK AT FESTIVAL OF SAILS

Registrations are now open for Blues Bootcamp 2020. The two days and one evening camp costs a total of $170.90, and consists of two jam-packed days of workshops, practising, and games before a live performance by the entire ensemble and other groups that develop over the camp, for families, friends, and absolutely anyone to see.

Batten down the hatches, the 2020 Festival of Sails is making its return.

As one of Australia’s oldest sporting events (and the largest keelboat regatta in the southern hemisphere) the Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s Festival of Sails has played a key part in the Victorian and Australian yachting calendar since 1844, attracting more than 300 entries, 3,000 competitors and 100,000 visitors annually to Geelong to experience the incredibly competitive and diverse event.

If you’d like to take the next step in your music career, or just want to pick the brains of these blues geniuses and veterans, make sure to sign up to Bellarine Blues Boot Camp 2020 to join in the 10th anniversary celebrations.

VISIT WWW.BLUESBOOTCAMP.COM.AU/

A highlight each year for us here at Forte though is most definitely the live music program which will see as many as 30 different artists performing live across two stages, over three days! So who can we expect to rock the Geelong waterfront this Australia Day long weekend?

The 2020 Bellarine tutors include a spectacular line-up of Blues musicians experienced in just about every style and instrument imaginable. Event Facilitator Wayne Jury has grown the program over

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BALL ARAT’S FAMOUS ANNUAL SPRINGTIME EVENT IS BACK

Featuring a distinctive rock ‘n’ roll flavour in 2020, renowned Aussie singer/songwriter Richard Clapton

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Along with our headline acts, there will be dozens of other must-see performances, including local artists, spread out over the long weekend so festival-goers can bring a picnic and settle in for the afternoon including Geelong-raised singer Michael Stangel, Geelong’s Ethan & Ivan, as well as Melbourne performers Bernadette Novembre, Miss Lizzy & The Night Owls and the McNaMarr Project.

While Regatta Village performances are free, wristbands are required from 5pm. Tickets are limited and must be booked. The full entertainment schedule for the Festival of Sails, including performances in Steampacket Gardens, will be announced soon so keep your eyes peeled – it’s renowned for being top-notch!

THE FESTIVAL OF SAILS RUNS FROM SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 TO MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020.

FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT FESTIVAL OF SAILS, VISIT WWW.FESTIVALOFSAILS.COM.AU

NINOOSH OPENS THE FLOODGATES Melbourne born, Swedish based electro artist Ninoosh has released her ethereal soundscape of an album with Floodgates. As well as creating experimental and ever-changing music, Ninoosh is the founder of Synth babe records, which is all about inspiring and empowering women and non-binary to get into electronic music. We chat with Ninoosh (aka Anya Trebala) following the release!

Congrats on your first full-length album Floodgates. Can you tell us a bit about the process of pulling this together?

Aw thank you so much. Well, this album has grown from experimentations in Ableton I found on my hard drive through to full-blown songs that have evolved quite organically. I worked with a number of talented artists to help me record and mix the album including Aphir, Ok Sure, Sod Off and Mila Dietrich. I am still not 100 percent confident with my production skills, but working on this in the new year with more training! I also loved what the artists brought to the songs. A local trumpet player Unni Zimmerdahl and the Vindla String Quartet here in Malmö added their magic as well. I love how classical instruments blend with electronica - it gives the sound far more depth and feeling. I envy the way Unni plays the trumpet - I played as a kid and feel I could have been awesome if I had just stuck with it! I also was blessed to have a studio inside a silo factory with views of the Baltic Sea, so that really

inspired my sound - nature and water through to harsh industrial sounds. I love carving the sound.

What has been the greatest challenge in putting out your first full-length?

I think to make something that is cohesive and flows well. My songs are fairly diverse and go from mellow ambience through to harsh sounding industrial pieces so it was a bit tricky to make the songs flow! I also think there is so much energy poured into making a full-length piece that when you finally get it out there it makes one feel a bit flat.

But playing live helps get fresh feels with the songs.

Which bands have influenced your sound?

Definitely Fever Ray, The Knife, Gotye and in my early years Pink Floyd. Although I do still love Pink Floyd! They have such a timeless sound.

We understand you’re based in Sweden. What influence has this had on your music?

The winters are LONG and so dark (sunsets at 4pm!) so it gives the chance to cosy up in the studio.

I also lived in the countryside for a few months, which gave me the chance to breathe and create.

Malmö is a vibrant little town and I have gotten some sweet opportunities, like supporting Zola Jesus and being sent to Iceland for a festival, so I’ve had the chance to develop as an artist and my sound.

Do you plan on coming back to Aus any time soon?

Yes! In the summer for a few months. I’m doing a residency last MESS in January, which is like a synth library in Melbourne, which should be a dream - all those awesome synths to play around with will be great. I’ll be working on the next few releases while in Aus! Let’s talk about the Ableton Live selfconfessed obsession. What do you enjoy most about using this?

It’s the software that keeps on giving really. I find it incredibly therapeutic to just dive in and make new things. My Push 2 is also my main instrument when I play live, along with my vocal pedal and synths. It’s kind of like an intimate relationship!

RELEASE: FLOODGATES IS OUT NOW VIA SYNTH BABES.

“My favourite track to play is probably either ‘Die’ or ‘Tricks’… ‘Die’ was a really hard song to write.

We did it over the space of two years and it was my first proper song where I tried out more electronicbased instruments, playing with a drum machine and doing all of that kind of thing, so it was a real challenge for me doing that song and it almost didn’t make it! We recorded it on the last day we had with the studio and almost didn’t make it into recording, which is so funny now since it’s one of my favourite songs to play and get everyone moving to. But then my favourite song to write was Lunch because we had a big group of people in the studio with us singing the backing vocals and it just felt like a big family event finishing that one-off, I look back really fondly on that one. I find it hard to play live though which is really interesting!”

The rest of the album is also amazing, of course.

WRITTEN BY JESS SERCOMBE Traversing a wide range of relevant topical It was only two years ago around the middle discussions, Stella can be cheery and upbeat at of 2017 when Stella Donnelly released her times, but there’s an underlying darkness to the album. While recording the album over in Fremantle, debut EP Thrush Metal which was met with critical acclaim, especially for the EP’s bold and “it was a really dark, stormy winter – and I know confronting track ‘Boys Will Be Boys’. Since then, people will be like what do you mean, stormy in Stella has been busy popping up all over the Perth? Whatever – but it just happened to be the place; touring the globe and scooping up oodles craziest storm, I think it hailed like six days in a row of Aussie awards including triple j’s ‘Unearthed or something? It was really cold and I just remember Artist of the Year’. having this weird haunted feeling the whole time.

Now after a swathe of international shows So I wanted to capture that in the album cover, throughout 2019, Stella will be returning home to make it look like a bit of a b-grade horror with the grace Laneway Festival for its full circuit for the subtitles as well to make it look like a weird show first time which is a bit of a teen dream come true on SBS that you turned on at 3am and you don’t know what’s going on.” for the artist.

“I played at the Fremantle Laneway, but I’ve never As for the music itself, “I cover a lot of different done the full tour, I’m really excited,” she beams. subjects and themes in the album and overall most “It’s always something I’ve wanted to do. Even when I of the songs I’ve written are about discomfort. was really young and I would go to Laneway Festival Whether it’s discomfort in what’s happening in I was like ‘this would be the best festival to play ever’ society, or whether it’s discomfort within my own so 18-year-old me is also super excited!” relationship, or not being able to see the one I love Punters coming along to see Stella can certainly or going through a break-up, I think the whole expect to get a good earful of her latest album album covers discomfort quite easily.”

Beware of the Dogs. ‘Watching Telly’ and the album’s CATCH STELLA AT LANEWAY WILL BE namesake track are big hits for sure, but make sure COMING TO MELBOURNE ON SATURDAY, you listen out and cheer extra loud for ‘Die’ and FEBRUARY 8. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ‘Lunch’ as well, having been particularly fond tracks AT LANEWAYFESTIVAL.COM/MELBOURNE/ for Stella to perform and write respectively.

STELLA DONNELLY IS HEADING TO LANEWAY ’20

and that’s when I started playing dobro for the very first time. That was when we were truly bitten by the music bug.”

The accomplished musicians practice a range of instruments with Megan playing the dobro and lap steel guitars and dabbling in keys, while Rebecca’s skills lie with violin, piano, banjo and guitar, drums, percussion and she once took some cello lessons. The sisters believe the best part of playing music, is the dive into the unknown and the unknown of the end result.

“We educated ourselves very gingerly and badly most of the time but that’s part of the beauty of making music, especially nowadays when all the barriers of entry are just down,” Rebecca explains. “Figuring out how to play a part that feels right may take you a bit longer because you’re kind of stumbling in the dark and that’s half the battle.

“In self-producing our last two records, Megan and I really took on control and a sense of ownership. We were willing to accept we did not know the right or the best way to do something but we always did it in a way that felt authentic to us and to me that’s what carries the most.

“We want to keep digging into the core of who we are as people.”

Channeling their energy into producing raw, bluegrass, Americana music, the genre-bending duo admit they unknowingly fell into the blues scene.

“The fact we’ve been making music for so much of our lives means there was a lot of ‘prep work’,” Rebecca says. “But falling into the blues was something that happened very quickly. I think it was sort of mystifying because having grown up in the southern United States, blues, roots, and American music was something we were so accustomed to hearing and we’ve deeply immersed in those traditions.

“But I do think there was this need to chill out; I think especially from me as a singer, there’s always like this driving force to be pretty and to sing pretty and to have everything sung just right,” Rebecca continues.

“And when we started digging deeper into the blues, I really felt this shift in myself of ‘it’s really not about being pretty, you just need to be real’.”

WRITTEN BY KIM PRICE “We’ve always played under the broad umbrella of the blues music, Larkin Poe are heading our way and the southern-United States although we have wandered a little bit,” Megan adds. “Through rediscovering the blues and remembering where we come from, that’s sister duo could not be more excited to hit up the Bluesfest stage and bring their sideshow to Melbourne’s Corner Hotel. Growing really been a homecoming from us in a really beautiful way in the past up surrounded by music, Rebecca and Megan Lovell found their two years.”

The Nashville-based sisters write a lot of their music together and find groove after experiencing it first-hand.

“Our sound is sisterly harmonies first and foremost; on top of rock it as a way of healing and comprehending scenarios of life. music that is very much inspired by the southern United States,” Megan “Songwriting I feel is a muscle, it’s something you have to do; if you says. “We went MerleFest for the first time and I remember being so don’t channel a lot of energy into it you’re not going to much back out,” struck by bluegrass music. I was blown away by the improvisation, joy, Rebecca says. “It’s been one of the great pursuits of my life and I really people dancing and the energy in the music. do love songwriting and I really cherish the moments Megan and I are “I’d grown up playing classical music and you’d basically stick to what’s able to write together and we can intertwine our souls into something on the page so this was very foreign,” she continues. “I think that’s when that sounds like Larkin Poe.” we really were enthused about the idea of dropping classical lessons Today the sisters are known for their rich guitar and raw vocal sound

LARKIN POE

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and their YouTube cover series. But most of all, the Lovell’s hope their music can connect with people transcending genre barriers.

“I think initially we started our cover series just as a way to practice,” Rebecca says. “People were so excited by the cover videos and of course when you get that kind of response you keep chasing that and it felt like a cool means to connect with our fans.

“When you’re asking people to join you on a journey of your own original songs, sometimes it’s nice to make it easy for people to do a song everyone knows and is nostalgic. It really is such a great tool.

“Of course pop music is King here in the United States as I’m sure it is around the world, that is the main source of music which is awesome.

But there is a bit more of a return to the music that is steeped in a bit of a tradition like the Blues and Americana. I think something that deep American music does so beautifully is it puts you in a space and really grounds you in a way that may be a pop singer or a rock tune might not.”

And while you may not be able to imagine working, touring and aligning your life so closely with your siblings, for Rebecca and Megan, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We have learned over the 28 years since Rebecca was born how to work together really well,” Megan shares. “There was a period of time in our late teens, early 20’s where we were figuring out who we were and that was a tougher time. Now we’ve moved into adulthood, we really cherish the relationship we have and it’s definitely the axis around which everything else turns.”

“There’s a multi-channel of communication running between siblings,” Rebecca adds. “It’s not just the words you speak, it’s the eye movements and the shared memories and the ‘oh I knew you when you were three years old’ type connection which can cut both ways.

“In a lot of ways, it’s such a strength to perform together, write music together and collaborate artistically because there is this sister intuition.

But by the same token if it gets out of control it can be the opposite. But we love each other too much for that.”

LARKIN POE WILL BRING THEIR BLUESFEST SIDESHOW TO THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE ON APRIL 16. VISIT WWW. BLUESFESTTOURING.COM.AU/

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MARTY FRIEDMAN’S MUSIC FREEDOM WRITTEN BY TAMMY WALTERS

Legendary guitarist and ex-Megadeath member, Marty Friedman makes his solo debut down under. With a career spanning three decades, one third being with Megadeath in the nineties, the American, Japan-based, guitarist is set to wow audiences across five cities, including a sold-out Melbourne show, with his critically praised and influential guitar technique.

“We’re pumped for it! This is my first time ever to take my band from Japan to Australia. We’ve been everywhere else and it’s just about time that we went there. As excited as I am, my band are even more excited because for Japanese people who grow up playing music and rock music, it’s very, very rare for them to get to go to Australia ever so this opportunity

GOOD THINGS, BAD RELIGION WRITTEN BY TAMMY WALTERS

Good Things come to those who wait so they say, but the annual punk rock festival is delivering some bad bands to their lineup. Well, one in particular, and by bad, we’re talking in the name department. Punk veterans, Bad Religion are making their way down under for Good Things this December bringing with them their 17th studio album, Age Of Unreason.

“The album sounds fast and it sounds new but it’s remarkable to me that it retains the seeds of Bad Religion’s essence. It could be only one band that has made this album so that’s remarkable the continuity but at the same time, we get multiple generations of people and fans at our shows. We have fans that have grown up with us as well as young kids who just decided to go punk last year and those younger kids really are gravitating towards the new album,” says frontman Greg Graffin.

Age of Unreason comes six years after their 2013 release of Christmas Songs but packs just as much punch as fan favourites No Control and Recipe For Hate, with the political and social messages the band are known for remaining ever so relevant.

“It’s depressing when the warning signs that Bad Religion have written about for so many years start to come true and that is what was going on in those last 18 months [of the writing process]. We were in our element and it just felt natural and it was unfortunate, so we just did what I think we do best

is a big first for them and I’m really glad that I get to be the one that gets to take them there,” Friedman says. “Hopefully we’ll have a really great time and we’ll be able to come back to Australia on a more regular basis.”

For those guitar enthusiasts who took a leaf out of Friedman’s book, get you’re shredding fingers ready.

Friedman notoriously improvises, not only on guitar but with his sets. An amp and guitar will sit side stage ready for those waves of opportunity that present.

“I like to do crazy things like bring audience members up on stage to jam sometimes. I get the feeling that there are a lot of good guitar players out there in the audience and Australia is probably going to be one of the places that that is the case,” Friedman explains.

“I happen to know there are a lot of great guitar players in Australia. I judged a guitar contest when I was doing my Inferno album and I believe that the winner of the contest or one of the top guys was from

IT’S NOT ONE TO BE MISSED. THE SHOW AT BENDIGO HOTEL, MELBOURNE ON DECEMBER 13 IS SOLD OUT, BUT TICKETS TO THE SECOND MELBOURNE SHOW AT THE EVELYN HOTEL ON DECEMBER 15 ARE AVAILABLE VIA OZTIX OR PINNACLE MUSIC.

and that is writing songs that have some sort of a hopeful sound or a hopeful feeling without pulling any punch and trying to enlighten people into what is going on,” he says. “You can’t expect too much change in a small amount of time. You have to look at it generational. I think we have the potential on the brighter side of things. When Bad Religion started in 1980 we lived in a much less inclusive society, I think that we can say that good things are happening.”

More good things are still to come, not only in the political and social landscape or with the festival of the same name, but in the band celebrating their 40 year anniversary this coming year, commemorating the occasion with a book and either a documentary or live concert. They also recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of No Control mid-tour with Good Things alumni, The Offspring, who also happened to celebrate a massive 20th birthday for ‘Smash’ while they were in town last year. Look at that full-circle moment!

“The Offspring, we kind of consider them our offspring because we took them out on some of their earliest shows and we gave them exposure in some of the places that we had already built up a following and we’ve been friends ever since. And so we consider them a younger generation Bad Religion style but of course they went onto achieve greatness on their own and I think whenever you can tour together it’s a really special occasion,” Graffin says.

Will the band pull an Offspring and play No Control in full for Good Things?

“Our fans in Australia don’t get to see us very often so not only do we have new material but they haven’t seen a lot of our catalogue because we don’t come very often. When you have as many albums as we do, and this is album 17, we feel obligated to give people who have been with us for so long, a good mixture of our entire catalogue.”

guitar and started singing. I went to rock school at TAFE and started gigging and things went from there.”

Money well spent at TAFE one would suggest!

“I’ve been trying to make my songs broader. They are very personal and focus on diary entries that are really personal. I talk about experiences and how they affected me. With my mental health problems, music really has been the saviour. Now I find a lot of people approach me for help so it’s turned around a lot.”

THE BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT WRITTEN BY CHRIS MICHAELS

SECURE YOUR TICKET AT GOODTHINGSFESTIVAL.COM.AU/

Inspiring others to work through problems, to create music that helps with that, and giving the voiceless a voice is what Blanco does best. Her merry band of fellow rockers and groovers seem to agree, and their musical chops helped create such a fine piece of work as I’m The Reaper. Now brighter times are on the horizon.

But that doesn’t mean that the band and Blanco, in particular, aren’t collectively shitting themselves over their up-coming gig at Good Things.

Few bands have made such an immediate “For our first headline album shows I was vomiting I was so nervous. But it is a mixture of nerves and impression with the debut album as The Beautiful Monument have with I’m The Reaper. excitement. With the band, we all tend to have equal input and we’re all very open-minded to different The recent release has garnered high praise for the things. And most important of all we are all best hard-rocking alternative chicks from Newcastle and friends. We’ve found our happiness. the icing on top is a soon-to-happen showing at the Good Things Festival in Melbourne on December 6. “For the Festival I just want it to be a day to remember.”

For the album, chief writer and singer Lizi Blanco mined the depths of her soul to come up with lyrics that stay with you long after the playout ends.

A sufferer of debilitating mental health issues, Blanco wrote from the heart – the only way she knows how to. And to think she had to have it pointed out to her just how good a singer and performer she is.

WE’LL SEE YOU WITH YOUR FADED BAD RELIGION TEE IN THE MOSH AT GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL MELBOURNE, FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER AT FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE.

WWW.MATTHEWBENTLEY.COM.AU

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Australia and I just remember that the bar is pretty high down there.”

Along with his insight into the guitar and metal world of Australian music, Friedman also has a deep appreciation for one particular Australian music icon; Geelong’s own, Chrissy Amphlett.

“I was a huge fan of the Divinyls. Chrissy Amphlett is such a one of a kind. There was no one like her before or after. It’s so sad that she’s not with us now but she left behind so many great recordings and I think it’s a really awesome very Australian type of project.

There’s nothing like it anywhere else. That leads me to the question of there must be other artists now that are just as impressive down there that the rest of the world would love to hear and I’m sure I’m going to discover a lot of that when I’m down there.”

Australian music, however, sits in a different realm to that of Japan. The musician, music columnist and media personality, cites the music and culture as a partial reason for his move to the country, and has even dipped his toes into the sonic collisions of pop meets metal that Japan presents on ‘Marine Bloomin’’.

“In Japan, I think there is a lot less fear of trying something that is strange. If you look at the concept of Baby Metal, especially when they started, it was young girls singing over the top of very, very real heavy metal music. Experimentation is encouraged in Japan and the result of that is that there is a lot of interesting fusing of metal into pop music in Japan.”

While ‘Marine Bloomin’ is not likely to appear on a setlist, what we can expect are soul-lifting guitar solos across Friedman’s massive catalogue, and possible nods to his Megadeath days.

“I really had no idea I could sing. I really just wanted to be a cool emo rocker. I started playing bass then

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There’s no real chance of that not happening. The band are primed, ready and keen to rock.

WE’LL SEE YOU WITH YOUR FADED BAD RELIGION TEE IN THE MOSH AT GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL MELBOURNE, FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER AT FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE. SECURE YOUR TICKET AT GOODTHINGSFESTIVAL.COM.AU/

WWW.

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ingredients from the indulgent gelato itself. Clearly, they’re catering for all sweet tooths across the board – and we’re not mad about it.

FOOD & BEVVIE NEWS

Not only is the product bloody delicious, but the shop itself is super cool, boasting a vibrant atmosphere with a lively purple, lime, and black colour palette, and a 365-days-a year opening policy, making it the perfect place for a get together with friends, family, partners, colleagues – you name it.

SHANNON PIZZA HAS A SWEET NEW MONTHLY SPECIAL

It’s clear that it’s not just the gelato that drives this business, but it’s about the colours, the textures and the nostalgia that comes with it. As the brains behind the gelatery, Joe, explained, “it’s about the kids; making them happy and giving them a bit of an experience”. As self-confessed kids at heart, we’re pretty stoked with this addition to the regional ice cream scene.

If you’re hankering for a pizza loaded with flavor, colour, and spice, Shannon Pizza have you covered with their November monthly special – Sweet Chili Chicken Pizza!

With relatively simple ingredients (tomato sauce, cheese, chicken, onion, pineapple, garlic and oregano), this pizza is taken to the next level with a drizzle of Sweet Chili Sauce for a sweet and tangy kick of flavour!

Every bite is deeelish – especially with that added pineapple sweetness and salty cheese? *kissy fingers* WHERE: 146 SHANNON ST, GEELONG WEST WHEN: 5-9PM EVERY DAY EXCEPT TUESDAYS SITE: WWW.SHANNONPIZZA.COM.AU PHONE: 5229 6169

OUR HEART MELTS FOR AUGUSTUS GELATERY

delight that is Augustus Gelatery with a new store just opening up on Gheringhap street.

Handmade fresh in Essendon each day, there is a massive selection in-store with 36 different kinds of the Italian treat, including all your favourites and some unique ones that you’ve just gotta try. Cotton Candy, fig and almond, espresso, bacio, tiramisu, strawberry cheesecake, and choc hazelnut fudge just to name a few. We can promise you’ll transport yourself to Italy with just one lick no matter what you decide!

WRITTEN BY BERT SEATON

In sorbet territory, you’ve got all the usual suspects – mango, strawberry, lemon, watermelon, and As soon as the temperature jumps up a few raspberry, along with dark chocolate, green apple degrees, it’s instantly perfect ice cream weather. and passionfruit options!

After all, there’s no greater time to get a cone of something soft, cold and delicious, with There are also delectable vegan options which include the sticky remains on your fingers for hours. peanut butter and jelly, coconut and mango, pistachio, and salted caramel, and for those not wanting a coned Melbourne has been crazy about it for some time, icy treat, there are also amazing handmade cakes (we but now it’s Geelong’s turn to indulge in the artisan spy Lemoncello Delight) and ‘crazy shakes’ made from

PARADE ESPRESSO BAR HAVE WON THE 2019 GOLDEN PLATE AWARD FOR STATES BEST COFFEE

Open from 11am until 11pm, it’s perfect for those early-morning sugar hits, as well as the late-night cravings and post-dinner dates, especially as the nights are finally starting to warm up – just look for the neon green sign on the street.

But say you don’t want to leave the comfort of your perfectly air-conditioned house? Well, fear not, the icy legends do take home tubs and are on Uber Eats, meaning someone else can bring the world of scrumptious wonderment to you!

With a full three months of summer ahead, we encourage everyone blessed with a sweet tooth to search out some of the best ice cream Geelong has to offer. I know I’ll be heading in to try the dark chocolate sorbet…

AUGUSTUS GELATERY IS LOCATED ON 41 GHERINGHAP STREET, GEELONG.

WINES THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK THIS CHRISTMAS

A good coffee is more than just a necessary morning routine – it’s an art. An art that has evolved over time to become one of man’s most beloved rituals, and there’s some damn fine coffee shops around the region renowned for producing some of the best coffee in the world.

It’s the festive season and your calendar is filling up with endless social commitments.

You know, the standard dinner with the in-laws, BBQ catch ups with friends, accountant Carol’s Kris Kringle and the joyous encounter with crowded shopping centres to buy last minute, meaningful Christmas gifts.

This in itself is stressful, but let’s not forget the added pressure of doing all of the above without breaking the bank. There is a solution though.

One word, four letters… WINE! The universal gift of love, understanding and simplicity. Who doesn’t appreciate a bottle of your favourite drop? Better yet, great wine doesn’t always have to come with the premium price tag, so without further ado, we give you our favourite drops from Patrick of Coonawarra’s P-Series, a range that only requires a $20 note per bottle.

P-Series by Patrick NV Chardonnay Pinot Noir - RRP $19.00 A sparkling with stonefruit, melon and tropical fruit sweetness. With the added bonus of nutty complexity, clean acidity and creamy texture.

P-Series by Patrick Rose 2019 – RRP $19.00 This rose embodies floral aromas and berry fruit flavours, leaving you with a vibrantly coloured wine to sit back and enjoy.

P-Series by Patrick Sauvignon Blanc 2018 – RRP $19.00 An easy drinking Savvy B complemented with aromas of green melon, grass and pineapple sage.

P-Series by Patrick Shiraz Cabernet NV – RRP $19.00 A robust savoury style blend with hints of spiciness, subtle oak and smart tannins.

One that has our heart is Parade Espresso Bar in Ocean Grove, who have just won the Golden Plate Award for States Best Coffee for the second year in a row, as well as being finalists for best-unlicensed cafe, and best front of house.

What a bunch of legends!

Serving Campos Coffee for all your cappuccino and espresso needs, the charm of this coffee stop is that it’s created on the conviction that we need, more than ever, places of community to enjoy expertly brewed coffee. Parade Espresso Bar will satisfy the palate of even the most snobbish of coffee drinkers… and they’ve got the award to prove it!

Big congrats to Eugenio and the team!

PARADE ESPRESSO BAR IS LOCATED AT 71 THE PARADE INSIDE THE OCEAN PLAZA IN OCEAN GROVE

VISIT WWW.PATRICKOFCOONAWARRA. COM FOR LOCAL STOCKISTS. PHOTO BY JAYDEN OSTWALD

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YOU BLOODY BREW-TY As we enter the warmer months, a cold brew is something you crave. Here at Forte, we know that while Summer demands the boozy escape that a tropical cocktail can provide, we also know that beer has its place in the sun too and nothing beats the satisfaction of a frosty, perfectly poured pot of the amber nectar at the end of a long, hot day.

So because we have your best interests at heart, we have put together a little feature of a few special brews, and breweries across the region that will be your go-to when the summer sessions begin to call... you’re welcome.

BLACKMANSBREWERY.COM.AU KAIJUBEER FORTÉ 728

KAIJUBEER.AU 31

While beer lovers are in for a treat, so are the music lovers! Headlining is Sneaky Sound System, a household name in Australia since the mid2000s, with massive hits UFO, Pictures and I Love It spearheading their 3x platinum self-titled album.

Kim Churchill and local bands The Kite Machine and The Run will also be performing on the day.

There’s just something about a cold beer and a live band… we can’t wait.

the boundaries and dabbling in sour, fruited and barrel-aged styles. “We’re hoping to get the distiller operational soon. Hopefully we’ll have some gin, vodka and our own whiskey in two to three years.

“We’ve spoken to Worn Gundidj about using ingredients from Tower Hill and incorporating the local ingredients from our doorstep.”

The current amber drops available include; a crisp clean lager, fruity mid-strength pale, new world pale ale, tropical sour beer, smooth caramel oat stout and a light-bodied hoppy lager.

In typical GABF style, there are also a few obscure flourishes alongside all the craft beer enthusiasts.

You can expect to find wandering cabaret acts, a piano bar with comedy, a wacky dance-off; even find yourself judging the best beard competition.

If beer doesn’t tickle your fancy, a range of majorly locally-sourced wine, spirits and cocktails are available.

“It’s no longer just a back-yard BBQ brew with brewers keen to create new and inventive flavours,” says festival director Michael Ward. “GABF to me, is all about exploring and discovering good beer and there will be 40 interactive themed bars providing over 200 beers and ciders to taste on the day.”

GREAT AUSTRALIAN BEER FESTIVAL TIX ARE THE IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESSIE The Great Australian Beer Festival (GABF) and beer lover’s paradise returns in January with a new home in Geelong’s iconic Johnstone Park for the first time, and we can’t think of a better present to give someone! They’ll thank you at Chrissy and then again after they’ve had a blast at the fest.

Now entering its eighth year in Geelong, the Great Australian Beer Festival (previously held out at the Geelong Racecourse) attracts a crowd of around 5000 for an afternoon of craft beer tasting and education, brewing demos, top local food and live music, with breweries attending from around the country, including 13 from the Geelong region alone!

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A LOOK INSIDE NOODLEDOOF BREWERY COMPANY

GABF overflows with fun, from the moment you set hands on your tasting glass, ‘til the time you’re tipping back your last beer of the day, and this new, central location – just a short walk from Geelong station – will offer easier access for visitors and has plenty of accommodation and nightlife options for those kicking on afterward. How good’s that?

WRITTEN BY KIM PRICE

Nestled 15 minutes outside Warrnambool is a small town boasting the funkiest new boutique brewery in the south-west.

IT ALL GOES DOWN AT JOHNSTONE PARK, GEELONG CBD – JANUARY 18, FROM 1PM-8PM. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA WWW.GABF.COM.AU.

Noodledoof Brewery Company is the dream come true for best mates Sam ‘Noodle’ Rudolph and Alex ‘Doof’ Carr.

The past year has seen the duo put in the hard yards and earn themselves a cold beer after converting the former garage into the stylish brewhouse with six traditional and inventive beers of tap, a menu catering for all and plans for expansion already.

“The idea is to have a rotating tap list where our beers will be continually evolving,” Alex says. “We’ll have three or four traditional beers and a few pushing

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Chef Adam Porter created the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with scrumptious gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options including macaroni and cheese arancini, a range of toasties and sticky Korean beef ribs among many others.

To turn a dream into a reality has been a whirlwind for the mates, but after opening their doors, they’re only looking forward.

“It’s been a long year,” Sam says. “But when I look around at the finished product I think ‘wow, look what we’ve done in a year’.”

NOODLEDOOF BREWERY COMPANY ON COMMERCIAL ROAD, KOROIT IS OPEN THURSDAY – SATURDAY FROM 7AM-11PM AND SUNDAY 7AM-5PM. PHOTO BY KYRA GILLESPIE

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KAIJU KRUSHING IT With the summer at our doorstep, it’s the perfect time to get to know some great Victorian beer to see you through. Enter KAIJU! – a fun, bold and distinctly comic-book style line of hopcentric beers.

While we love beer, we also love food, so we’ve outlined some pairings for KAIJU! beers to ensure you get the absolute best drinking experience this summer!

KAIJU! Krush Kaiju Krush Tropical Pale Ale has a super-clean malt profile that allows the shipload of juicy tropical fruit flavours to arrive on the desert island of your palate unhindered. Fresh and moreish. A perfect summer beer.

Perfect for: charcuterie, anything with a high salt content, blue cheese/strong cheese KAIJU! Robohop Golden IPA The lightest beer from the hop-masters at KAIJU! Robohop Golden IPA explodes with citrus, passion fruit and grassy notes. A proportion of wheat malt gives a crisp impression on the palate while still allowing the flavour to linger.

Perfect for: spicy foods (Asian and Indian)

AN ALCOHOLIC ADVENT CALENDAR IS ALL YOU NEED THIS CHRISTMAS Cheers to 24 days of booze!

Are you the type that looks forward to Christmas all year round? Love the lead-up and countdown to Christmas!? Well, we’re here to help amp up your pre-Xmas excitement this year with news of a local boozy advent calendar that you can get your hands on!

Local Geelong business, Bottles & Barrels, known for its wide range of beers, ciders, and wines, have put together a beer advent calendar. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.

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KAIJU! Hopped Out Red KAIJU! Hopped Out Red wafts of dank hops layered over biscuity-toffee notes make this one of the most aromatically complex beers around. This complexity follows through to the pallet, showing balanced sweetness and intensity without a hint of alcohol, and a nice, long bitterness to round things out.

Perfect for: cheeseburgers, fish & chips, kebabs, pizza. The earthier the flavours, the better.

KAIJU! Where Strides the Behemoth Double India Black Ale This black ale is probably Australia’s hoppiest beer, with 30 grams added per litre produced, the huge, roast, chocolate, coffee and malty intensity still assert themselves alongside the huge, dank hop character in this truly extraordinary drink. The palate is fully saturated with flavour intensity that can’t be adequately described, only experienced.

Perfect for: marinated and smoked pork/beef ribs, beef brisket, cheddar/Gouda/mixed nuts Golden Axe Apple Cider Golden Axe Apple Cider uses only freshly-crushed Victorian apples to maintain fruit flavour. A crisp, refreshing style with aromas of fresh-cut apples, straw and blossom. A vegan-friendly, gluten free cider with just enough sweetness to carry the flavour while leaving you wanting more.

Perfect for: fruit salad, anything with berries, pumpkin, squash and spinach/rocket. It’s the ultimate Sunday sessions drop.

The good news is all the beer (except the cider) goes with Aussie BBQ, but is up to personal opinion of course. Burgers, snags, steaks, lamb chops, you name it – all work well with this line of beer. So round up the crew, grab the deck chairs and kick back at the ultimate summer BBQ. FIND AND ADOPT YOUR KAIJU! OF CHOICE AT YOUR LOCAL BOTTLE SHOP OR HEAD TO WWW. KAIJUBEER.COM.AU FOR STOCKISTS.

Essentially, each day of the month of December you get a new craft beer to try. Not only are you drinking responsibly, but you’re also sampling a number of craft beers that you’ve either always wanted to give a go, or that might otherwise fly under your radar!

So while we may be entering the craziest time of year, there is some solace for you (or whoever gets gifted one of these – guaranteed best friend/child/ partner status).

YOU CAN PICK ONE UP FOR $99 AT BOTTLES & BARRELS ON 132 ABERDEEN ST, GEELONG, BY CALLING 03 5229 5693 OR CONTACTING CAL ON MANAGER@ BOTTLESANDBARRELS.COM.AU.

03 5229 5693 · info@bottlesandbarrels.com.au 132 Aberdeen Street, Geelong West VIC 3218 bottlesandbarrelsgeelong @bottles_and_barrels

r u o n i e to b e r u t a e f t nex HOW TO ORDER BEER AROUND THE WORLD

Who knows, maybe you’re currently jet-setting around the country, stuck on how to order a beer and thought you’d hit up your handy, local street press? In that case, this here run down of how to order beer around the world will come in very handy.

French ‘Une bière, s’il vous plaît’ (Oon bee-air, seel voo pleh) Fijian ‘Bia, vinaka’ (Bee-ah, vee-naka)

English ‘A beer, please’ (Ay bee-ah, plee-z)

South African ‘En Bier, asseblief’ (A ‘beer, ah-suh-bleef)

German ‘Ein Bier, bitte’ (Ine beer, bitt-uh)

Indonesian ‘Tolong, satu bir’ (Toh-long, sa-too beer)

contact glenn on 0407 563 638 or matt on 0478 814 926

Spanish Polish ‘Una cerveza, por favour’ ‘Poproszę jedno piwo’ (Oo-na their-veh-tha, por fa-vor) (Po-pro-she Yed-no-pee-vo) FORTÉ 728

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That instant when a needle touches vinyl is perhaps the definitive sound of analogue. Since 1963 Audio-Technica has been that connection! In 2019 the revolution continues with an all new turntable range and a new level of emotion and connection between you and your music.

Fore more information go to audio-technica.com.au Follow us @AudioTechnicaAU

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A festival for business and creativity.

Celebrating 10 Years of Australian Innovation.

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Pause Fest is an independent, industry-driven movement with a mission to bring diverse intelligence together to fuel the next generation forward.

We’ve been dubbed as 'Australia's SXSW', 'Octoberfest for business' and 'Woodstock for digital natives’.

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JOE CAMILLERI & THE BLACK SORROWS SUNDAY 29 DEC

RAILED FRIDAY 27 DEC TO 3 JAN

KATE CEBRANO SUNDAY 12 JAN

TEX PERKINS & MATT WALKER THURSDAY 16 JAN

ADULT EVENT ^

THE LISTIES MAKE YOU LOL! FRIDAY 3 & SAT 4 JAN

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN AND UNCANNY XMEN SUNDAY 5 JAN

YUMMY DELUXE TUESDAY 14 JAN SUNDAY 19 JAN

ROSS WILSON & THE PEACENIKS FRIDAY 24 JAN

FAMILY EVENT ^

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A LOOK AT THE NEW AND IMPROVED GEELONG ARTS CENTRE

and performance studios, designed to keep Geelong’s city centre as a cultural hub for arts and performance.

limited and patchy pubescent stubble. Anyone is able to sign up and raise money for Movember, with over $102 million raised in 2018.

Seamlessly blending the old and the new, a highlight is the striking translucent façade comprising of over 2,400 square metres of U-Channel glass, revealing a delicately restored heritage church - once hidden from public view behind the former Band of Hope building.

Movember is a movement tackling some of the most serious health problems men of today suffer. Around the world, there are 9.9 million men currently living with prostate cancer, while testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer found in men aged 15 to 39. The campaign also raises awareness of mental health issues and depression in men; globally, there is one man dying by suicide dying by suicide every minute of every day.

Trusted in the hands of the international design practise HASSELL and one of Australia’s largest private construction groups, Kane Constructions, these redevelopments responds to the changing needs of Geelong as a growing city region and Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design, echoing the Clever and Creative strategic direction of the City of Greater Geelong and driving the growth of the region’s creative capability.

“Our creative community is the heartbeat of our arts centre and we’re delighted to welcome Geelong and the region to the incredible new spaces,” says For the past few decades, Geelong Arts Centre Geelong Arts Centre CEO Joel McGuinness. “We (previously known as Geelong Performing hope our Ryrie Street building will empower the community to be bold and develop works that drive Arts Centre, or GPAC) has offered a unique mix of theatre shows and events that educate, the national and international arts conversation.” enlighten and bring together like-minded people.

ART LOVERS IN REGIONAL VICTORIA NOW HAVE A MILLION MORE REASONS Thanks to the Victorian Government, with some philanthropic support, the last two years have TO CELEBRATE. GEELONG ARTS CENTRE IS LOCATED AT 50 LITTLE MALOP STREET, seen the arts hub undergone a $38.5 million GEELONG. VISIT GEELONGARTSCENTRE.ORG. redevelopment to help reinvigorate the centre and keep it as a primary location for both international AU/ and local performances.

With art and community, growth in activity, innovation, outstanding spaces and people at its heart, the new and improved Geelong Arts Centre is finally completed, injecting a renewed sense of artistic energy and excitement into the region.

BEARDS FOR BROS AT BOTTLES & BARRELS WRITTEN BY THOM DEVEREUX

Ah November. It’s that time of year again, the flowers are blooming, the sun is out (four days of the week), and the streets aren’t full of kids on school holidays yet. It’s a beautiful time of year in Geelong; a time to stop and smell the roses, or in Callum MacPherson’s case, it’s time to get his ID out again.

Anyone is able to take part in Movember. It takes only minutes to sign up at Movember.com to raise money, or to donate to the cause or anyone you know that is taking part. Plus it’s an excuse to grow that filthy handlebar moustache you’ve always dreamed of.

CALLUM MACPHERSON HAS ALREADY RAISED OVER $1,100; TO ADD TO THIS TREMENDOUS EFFORT HEAD TO HTTPS://AU.MOVEMBER. COM/MOSPACE/14078925.

You might recognise Callum from Bottles & Barrels, one of Geelong’s premier café, wine and craft beer stores on Aberdeen Street. You may, however, not recognise him anymore. To celebrate the beginning of Movember, Callum shaved off his signature beard to start fresh for the month. Looking younger than ever, he is doing his part to raise awareness for the dads, brothers, sons, and mates in everybody’s lives.

Callum is one of over 90,000 Australians taking part in Movember – the month-long campaign that raises money and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Each November, men across the globe grow (or try to grow) mustaches and beards of various lengths, quality, and style. From full-blown lumberjack beards, 70s porn mustaches, to very

The redevelopments now see a brand new foyer and bar spaces, ‘Creative Engine’ - a creative industries co-working floor - and four purpose-built rehearsal

grey when it comes to rules and boundaries, “right and wrong”. There is no one way to do it because we are all so different. That’s humanity! How boring would it be if we were all the same?

So do I have an answer?

Clearly no. I do however think that aside from that, really the most important thing is that you’re being authentic, real and vulnerable with those closest to you in real life. THAT is the black and white topic we should really be talking about. Because that is what truly matters.

THIS HOT MESS Realness in the “Real World”

I’ve been contemplating lately the importance of honouring your personal values and boundaries online, whilst not being pressured to share more than your comfortable with (or less if that aligns with someone else’s values more than your own).

As a newly diagnosed “micro-influencer” (yup, that’s a thing, and apparently I am one!) people often have an opinion to share with me about what is right and wrong when it comes to “authenticity” online.

How far is too far? When does privacy become not being “real” online? Do influencers have the right to be somewhat private with their “stuff” in the same way others do with their regular coffee girl when asked “Hi mate, how ya doing today?”, and we answer, “good thanks”, even though that day you might not be so good? Or do they resign that right when a certain amount of people hit “follow”?

Where is the line?

My thoughts?

To be honest, I just say go with your gut and hope that others are doing that too. And then understand that there will be a difference between your values and boundaries and theirs... so be gracious about that. Sharing (or oversharing) on social media is SO

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Recently, during a walk along the beach with a close girlfriend of mine, I opened up about a part of myself I wasn’t proud of; something I was really struggling with. A moral “faux pas” if you will. It was hard. I was embarrassed, but I knew I had to be open about it. It turns out, she is wrestling with the same thing!

I was bloody shocked! I never thought this would be something that someone as amazing as her would struggle with. But it was. And it was by sharing my humanity that I was reminded that we are all – shock horror – human. And I, therefore, felt the shame lift. I felt lighter.

It didn’t mean I was “excused”, but I sure as hell was no longer alone. And the only reason I got that sense of relief was because I chose to be vulnerable with her, which then, in turn, allowed her to be with me. It was a beautiful moment and we are now even closer for it. But it took that step of courage on my behalf for us to get there.

So I guess I say all this to say, this week Forte crew, think less about what you’re sharing online and if it’s “right or wrong”, and instead focus on ensuring you’re being real, honest and authentic in your day to day life with those closest to you.

At the end of the day, that is what truly matters.

SENDING MY LOVE! KIM XX

WHERE: PREHISTORIC SOUNDS HOW MUCH: $32

THE MUSO’S GIFT GUIDE WRITTEN BY THOM DEVEREUX

Struggling to work out what to gift that one musical person if your life? Too many CDs and records to choose from? Here’s our guide to the perfect pressies you can find in Geelong without breaking the bank.

WHAT: GUITAR STRING JEWELLERY WHERE: TOURBUS ENTERTAINMENT HOW MUCH: $30 - $60 It’s difficult to find guitar-inspired jewellery without branching into bulky earrings and necklaces with heavy, sculpted pendants. This new twist on guitar jewellery, exclusive to Tourbus Entertainment, turns guitar strings into wearable items. One standout item is the 12-string Silver Bracelet. Featuring twelve real electric guitar strings joined by a flash, stainless steel magnetic clasp, this handmade bracelet steals the spotlight. The guitar string jewellery range includes a variety of bracelets and earrings, including electric and bass strings.

VISIT WWW.TOURBUSENTERTAINMENT.COM.AU WHAT: KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD – POLYGONDWANALAND (LP)

WONDERLAND WONDERLAND SPIEGELTENT SET SPIEGELTENT SET TO TO HOST SUMMER SUMMER THRILLS HOST THRILLS IN BARWON BARWON HEADS IN HEADS This summer, Wonderland Spiegeltent will once again be taking up residency on the foreshore of Barwon Heads, with their spectacular program of live entertainment, which includes circus, cabaret, comedy, burlesque, music and family shows by the sea. This summer fun program will be running from December 20 – January 27 and is full of unmissable shows.

The Wonderland Spiegeltent invites audiences to step back in time and recapture the magic from the Golden Age of circus and travelling entertainment.

For the families, Circus Wonderland is returning with a brand-new stellar line up full of spectacle, fun, and fantasy. With the aim to keep everyone on the edge of their seats and astound the audience with their

Psychedelic rockers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard released five albums in 2017, the fourth of which, Polygondwanaland, was distributed for free.

That’s right, free! Prehistoric Sounds took advantage of this, and exclusively printed the album in vinyl format! Limited to only 75 copies, Zenith Records in Melbourne were commissioned to bring the 10 track album to life on record. Ranked by Pitchfork as the 17th of 20 best rock albums of 2017, any record collector would be begging for this one!

your loved musician’s life by picking up a strap from the Jacquard series by Ernie Ball. All with lengths adjustable from 104 to 183cm, these Polypro straps have embroidered leather ends to ensure longevity.

Forté’s colour picks include Morning blossom, Midnight blossom, and Indigo orchid.

VISIT WWW.TOURBUSENTERTAINMENT.COM.AU WHAT: CLASSIC ROCK T-SHIRTS WHERE: TORQUAY VINTAGE HOW MUCH: $35 - $75 Dark Side of the Moon. Abbey Road. Rumours. As soon as you see these iconic album covers, you know them.

And who wouldn’t want your favourite album on a Tee? Torquay Vintage has a huge variety of classic rock band shirts. Covers, bands, even old tour tops from all your favourites: AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Kiss… you name it!

VISIT WWW.PREHISTORICSOUNDS.COM.AU WHAT: WAX WASH SPRAY WHERE: WAX WASH HOW MUCH: $30 If you’re like me, you will fiercely argue with anyone that even approaches the topic that vinyl trumps any other form of music (no, I’m not trying to justify how much I spend on records). But there is nothing more annoying than when you’re jamming out to an LP and you hear those annoying pops and crackles overcoming your beats. This is often due to an excess of montan wax ester leftover from the production of the record, but fear not – there’s a solution. Wax Wash is an Australian made record cleaner that’ll not only clear off this excess, but also leave your records looking slick and new.

CHECK IT OUT AT WWW.WAXWASH.COM.AU/ WHAT: ERNIE BALL GUITAR STRAPS – JACQUARD SERIES WHERE: TOURBUS ENTERTAINMENT HOW MUCH: $35.45 ($49.05 RRP) As if it wasn’t hard enough to work out which type of guitar you want (don’t get me started on the colour of the guitar), the guys at Tourbus have just added another difficult decision to your list: what colour strap should I get? Take this difficult choice out of

sideshow antics performed by a mesmerising cast of world-class circus acrobats, who always manage to deliver hilarious and thrilling circus fun for all ages.

Opening Friday, December 27 right up until Friday, January 3, Railed is the western-themed circus spectacular, combining the trademark physical talents, finely chiseled bodies and hilarious comic timing of the Head First Acrobats. Prepare yourself for when bare-chested circus meets bare-knuckle bar fights. A racy heart-stopping display of the finest acrobatics by the most ridiculous storytellers in the circus.

For those who love their cabaret, Yummy Deluxe will be making their Barwon Heads debut at the magical Wonderland Spiegeltent, taking the troupe’s acclaimed first show YUMMY to a whole new level.

The feature-length spectacle will feature highly choreographed dance numbers as well as funny, surreal and touchingly raw performances from a whos-who of widely acclaimed drag artists. It’s a high energy show that celebrates the feminine in all its forms and will be running from Tuesday, January 14 until Sunday, January 19.

If you’re looking for a laugh, The Listies are serious about being silly. Formed in 2008 by professional idiots Rich Higgins and Matt Kelly, they are now the most sought after live comedy act for kidults (kids and their adults) in Australia. To date, they have written eight award-winning and critically acclaimed live shows, recorded two audio CDs, and published two books - all of which have been making audiences laugh all over the world. There are just two dates for this one; Friday, January 3 and Saturday, January 4.

If you’re perhaps looking to add some live music to your calendar over the summer, there’s a couple we’d recommend getting yourself to.

First up on Sunday, December 29, Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows will take to the stage. A cool 21 albums down the line, Joe Camilleri’s The Black Sorrows are at the peak of their game with Citizen John, the new album with its roots in the familiar terrain of sweet, platinum radio rhythm and blues and dark reflections of modern times. Get ready for this one night only performance!

If spending the evening with an Aussie soul singing legend tickles your fancy, lock in Sunday, January 12 when Multi ARIA award-winning artist Kate Ceberano

DROP INTO TORQUAY VINTAGE AT 31 BAINES CRESCENT, TORQUAY. WHAT: VINTAGE CDS WHERE: REDISCOVERY BALLARAT HOW MUCH: $5+ We’ve all got a favourite CD. That first So Fresh CD your parents have you for Christmas fifteen years ago, maybe an old compilation album that been stuck in your car for longer than you can remember.

Whether it’s an album that means a lot to someone, or one that was lost years ago, there’s a good chance Rediscovery have it. Currently stocking over 30,000 CDs, if Rediscovery doesn’t have what you’re looking for then they’ll try, and will, find it. As well as CDs, they also stock a range of vintage cassettes, vinyl, music, and posters. We’re sure you’ll find a new album or single for anyone here!

VISIT WWW.REDISCOVERYCDS.COM/ MERRY CHRISTMAS YA FILTHY ANIMALS.

comes into town. Having been in the business for over 35 years - writing and performing both jazz and pop music - with seven Platinum and seven Gold albums to her name, Kate’s work, craft and vision are now imbued in our collective DNA. Kate Ceberano is a bona fide national treasure, possessing one of the great voices of her generation – it will be a night of nights!

Speaking of legends, the list continues with Ross Wilson taking to the stage on Friday, January 24. From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and as a solo artist with no less than 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit as a singer, songwriter, and producer, Ross Wilson is one of Australia’s most awarded, respected and well-known artists! Twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Wilson’s live performances are legendary. There will also be performances from powerhouse 80s bands Kids In The Kitchen and The Uncanny X-men on Sunday, January 5; Tex Perkins and Matt Walker on Thursday, January 16; and Kings of Queen – A Queen Extravaganza will see Scott Carne, Tim Watson, and Lee Harding perform a slew of killer Queen hits on Sunday, January 26.

While most of these events are family-friendly, sometimes you just need something a little bit more risqué. Well, get ready for Debauched at the Wonderland Spiegeltent. Presenting a night of joyously entertaining cabaret, sideshow, astounding circus and sexy burlesque with a variety of International and Australian superstars, this is a riotous variety show like you’ve never seen before.

Combining death-defying thrilling acts and hilarious moments that will shock and delight, you’ll absolutely love it. This one runs from Friday, January 3 until Saturday, January 11.

If that’s not enough for you, there’s also more shows to be announced so keep your eyes peeled!

WHAT’S ON IN THE ARTS THERE’S A MASSIVE WAREHOUSE SALE GOING DOWN THIS WEEK Love brands? Hate spending lots of money on beautiful things? You’re gonna want to read this. Geelong will see a huge branded warehouse sale go down, and it’s here to cure your branded-fashion woes. Promising nothing over $30, you will be saving big bucks on all your favourite brands including All About Eve, St Goliath, Silent Theory, Jorge, NXP, Wrangler, Lee, Stussy, WNDRR, Abrand, Thrills and heaps more of the Edge Clothing faves. There will be Eftpos and ATM available onsite too so you don’t need to worry about loading up on cash! It all goes down at Stage II Clothing located on Barwon Terrace (18 Crown Street South Geelong) on Friday, November 22 from 12pm – 9pm, and on Saturday, November 23 from 9am to 4pm.

GEELONG JAPANESE SUMMER FESTIVAL 2019 Returning for its second year, the Geelong Japanese Summer Festival is the best place to celebrate the fascinating Japanese culture.

Stretching over three distinct areas, there is a Zen area with bonsai, zen performances and workshops including calligraphy, and flower arrangements, a Reiwa area which is home to market stalls including sweets, spices, sauces, and games like Japanese Chess, while outside you will find the food vendors with plenty of tasty treats including ramen, Japanese Beer, Gyoza and Harajuku style crepes. Here you’ll find a main stage which will host Japanese drumming, Cosplay and dance. It all goes down at Diversitat Northern Community Hub in Norlane (behind Bunnings) on Saturday the 30th of November from 9:30am.

“HELP ME FIND MY FUREVER HOME” SKYE. Skye is a young (1y 8m) Staghound X who has been with us since August. That’s a long time in dog days!

She is a friendly, affectionate and good to handle dog but needs to always maintain calmer behaviour.

Being a large dog, with very little training, Skye would be best suited to a home with an experienced strong handler, no children and no pocket pets / poultry / cats.

Do you know someone that might be a fit for Skye?

Microchip: 956000006449645 DAB - 45, CoGG Source ID: BR102648 HEAD TO WWW.GAWS.ORG.AU/ TO ADOPT YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND. BY OFFERING YOUR HEART AND HOME TO A RESCUED ANIMAL, YOU’LL NOT ONLY BE ENRICHING YOUR LIFE — BUT SAVING THEIRS! TO MEET YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND, VISIT GAWS AT 325 PORTARLINGTON ROAD, MOOLAP.

BOOK NOW AT WWW. WONDERLANDSPIEGELTENT. COM.AU/BARWON_HEADS

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REVIEWS BY ANTHONY MORRIS

PROMISED

CHARLIE’S ANGELS

THE REPORT

FORD VERSUS FERRARI

OFFICIAL SECRETS

The year is 1953, the place is Melbourne, and five year old Robert and newborn Angela have just been arranged to be married. Angela’s parents (Tina Arena and Paul Mercurio) have their misgivings, but Robert’s father isn’t an easy man to say no to. Cut to 1974, and Angela (Antoniette Iesue) has her sights set far beyond her suburban horizons, while Robert (Daniel Berini) is just back from studying law at Oxford. Angela’s love for another man means nothing; she’s still expected to follow through on her parents’ agreement. But it turns out what seems straightforward twenty years ago is a lot more complicated now. With a charming attention to period detail and some strong performances, this does a first class job of capturing the feel of Melbourne in the 70s – a time when the city was slowly waking up to the possibilities of a wider world.

This latest reboot of the tried-and-true 70s concept is a salute to how resilient that concept actually is: most franchise (cough Terminator cough) would start flailing after a failed TV series and a second movie in 2003 that killed off most peoples’ desire for a third.

Writer-director-star Elizabeth Banks makes it work by keeping it simple and (relatively) low key (not having the budget of a big blockbuster probably helped), with a story that largely sticks to the basics: when scientist Elena (Naomi Scott) uncovers a way her company’s big invention (some kind of battery) can be turned into a weapon, she also discovers her bosses don’t seem to care. Enter Charlie’s Angels – well, two of them (it’s now a global organisation), as loose cannon Sabina (Kristen Stewart) and former MI6 agent Jane (Ella Balinska) lead the investigation, only to discover things are a lot more deadly at the power company than they first seemed.

Charlie’s Angels itself might be bigger – there are at least three featured Bosleys (Patrick Stewart, Banks and Djimon Hounsou) – but the action sequences rely more on smart filmmaking than big explosions, which puts the focus firmly on the (largely fun) characters and a consistent female empowerment message. It’s a satisfying yet forgettable addition to the franchise.

An in-depth look at the lengthy investigation into the CIA’s ‘enhanced interrogation’ techniques post-9/11, The Report delivers exactly what it promises: numerous scenes where senate investigator Daniel J. Jones (Adam Driver) sits in a windowless basement going through files. Yet somehow, it turns out to be one of the most compelling political dramas of recent years. Thank (in part) star power, as Jones’ increasingly single-minded deep dive into the CIA’s torture tactics across a decade means there’s plenty of scope here for big names in supporting roles. Annette Benning plays his boss; Jon Hamm is a White House insider who eventually becomes a roadblock.

Numerous flashbacks illustrate Jones’ exploration into exactly how the CIA got so deep into the torture business, featuring flustered agents played by Michael C Hall and Maura Tierney.

Writer-director Scott Z. Burns deftly juggles the various storylines, keeping things building to a head across the board as he cuts from the CIA’s growing realisation that torture doesn’t work to the various political efforts to suppress Jones’ report to Jones’ growing frustration and single-mindedness. It’s a thriller that gets its power not from twists and turns, but from the slowbuilding awareness that the horrors we’re being shown are just business as usual for a global superpower.

To get the basics out of the way: This gearhead take on the battle to win the 1966 24 hour race at Le Mans is a thoroughly satisfying mix of character study and racetrack action, as director James Mangold wrings tension out of car design details and corporate powerplays while leads Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon, often in a cowboy hat) and Ken Miles (Christian Bale, using his natural UK accent) winningly just want to be left alone to enjoy the thrills of car racing. On that level, it gets just about everything right; it’s a totally entertaining film for the dad and the dad at heart. But this is also a film that sets itself up as the underdog versus the big guns… only smug corporate Ford is positioned as the underdog and Ferrari (a company that starts the film out bankrupt) are the big guns.

The facts of the story – well, the facts so obvious the film can’t ignore them – is that the petulant entitled son of Henry Ford threw cash at the problem of winning Le Mans, then managed to largely screw over the people who did the real work. It’s a feel-bad story buried just under the surface, and it leaves a scratch in this film’s otherwise immaculate paintwork.

It’s the season for revisiting the lies and cover-ups around the Iraq War, as this (coming on the heels of The Report) tells another true story of governmental deceit, this time from the UK side of things. It’s 2003, and Katharine Gun (Kiera Knightly) works as at GCHQ as basically a government eavesdropper, going through bugged conversations for useful information.

But when she gets a US memo asking for blackmail material to swing an upcoming UN vote to make the seemingly inevitable Iraq War legal she turns whistleblower, leaking it to a friend who eventually gets it to the press. This, as you might expect, does not impress the government, and soon she’s right in their sights. As with The Report, a big-name cast gives a straightforward story star power, with Matt Smith, Matthew Goode and Rhys Ifans playing journalists trying to verify the leaked memo, Jeremy Northam and Tasmin Grieg as members of the establishment, and Ralph Fiennes as the big gun lawyer Katharine finally finds herself needing.

The story gradually expands beyond Katharine but she remains central to it, with Knightly’s performance – veering between all-too-human worry and a firm determination – keeping things on a human scale. It’s a compelling, at times infuriating, watch.

wax wash presents

record watch North Mississippi Allstars - Up and Rolling The album, ‘Up And Rolling,’ heavyweight 150 gram, black vinyl.

In 2017, Wyatt McSpadden found an old roll of film and tracked down members of North Mississippi Allstars to share his forgotten photographs. The images were so profound and so beautiful that they would come to inspire the latest recording, Up And Rolling. The images inspired the band to ask, ‘What did the music sound like that night in 96? What does Mississippi music sound like now?

Available at Tourbus Entertainment, 65 Yarra Street, Geelong.

STAFF PICKS TALIA • ARCHITECTS - HOLY HELL NATHAN • BLACK SABBATH - PARANOID GLENN • DESTRUCTION - ETERNAL DEVASTATION MATT • LIV CARTLEDGE - TIMBER EP BERT • THE MURLOCS - YOUNG BLINDNESS GEORGE MCFLY • MARTY & THE PINHEADS 42

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KENNEDYS CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL: THE BEST LITTLE SHINDIG VICTORIA HAS TO OFFER WHERE: KENNEDYS CREEK PUBLIC HALL GROUND, KENNEDYS CREEK WHEN: OCTOBER 25 – 27 2019 REVIEWED BY ALEX CALLAN PHOTOS BY KIRSTY RENEE If the speculation is true and this is actually Kennedy Creek’s last year, you’ll find me at the festival site in the last weekend of October 2020 crying my eyes out.

DON’T STOP IT. Fuck me, it’s actually one of the best little shindig’s Victoria has to offer and if you haven’t been before you have missed out. Not you are missing out. You Have.

All that aside, if it was KC’s last year they threw an absolute party for it.

Hideous Sun Demon has been making some solid waves in the Melbourne music scene since relocating down a year or two ago. Being one of the first acts of the arvo, the vibe was high. The weather temporarily

cleared up, the fire pits were going, and Hideous were busting out tracks like ‘Antithesis’, what’s not to love? I really appreciated how much heavier Hideous are live; it almost felt like a different band to the recordings with Vincent Buchanan-Simpson’s manic stage presence being a huge factor in getting the crowd going early.

Loure was a really nice change-up for the evening delivering a set of groovy party tunes. Reminiscent of acts such as Folamour, Loure took the musicality to another level by using a full-band setup to create jazz orientated techno tracks. Really one to keep an eye out for!

GL delivered some falsetto pop for the headliner slot of the Friday night. Super dancy with heavy bass and the crowd loved it. Really great for a festival show.

Sunnyside is one of my favourite bands in Melbourne. Ushering in the new wave of techno orientated jazz, they are honestly just phenomenal at what they do. And then I was blindsided. Sunnyside’s set (which ended up being extended an extra half an hour because of how good they were) was fully comprised of unreleased songs, so I’m now tipping a new album is on the way. But as a performance, it was impossible to fault and easily the crowd favourite of the weekend with their proficiency and fluency being next to none. Honestly, I feel like Sunnyside could have played for six hours and the crowd would have still loved it. Keep an eager eye out for their new material as well; it’s more dance-orientated than what’s been previously released but so incredibly fun.

I can’t wait for it to drop.

FORTÉ PICK

I’d go as far as saying that Dr Colossus are the best Simpsons themed doom-metal outfits out there. KC was no exception with the group of larrikins donning Stone-Cutter outfits for their set (unfortunately, none of the band members went to the extent of wearing the stone of triumph.) I remember interviewing Jono in the lead up to Kennedys who confessed that he was a little bit worried about being the only heavy act on the lineup. Chatting to punters throughout their set, I can confirm people were loving a dose of heaviness for their Saturday arvo. Shredding through tracks such as ‘66&6’ and a ripping cover of Kiss’ ‘Detroit Rock City’ the crowd was in awe, with their set also being extended halfway through - a request that the band was very surprised by. “We’re gonna play longer and we’re gonna play better”, they joked before bursting into ‘Excellent’. It was just such an honor to see the lads back on stage tearing it up.

Everyone knows I love U-Bahn, I haven’t kept that a secret. But I love it when they are on festival lineups because in the best possible way, they are weird and I love that. It’s always so interesting seeing people in the crowd be swayed throughout their set and KC was no different. With ‘Beta Boyz’, ‘Turbulent Love’ and ‘Right Swipe’ all being early additions in their set, it was mainly the newer material I kept an eye out for. In conclusion, their new songs are rad. Allowing the songs to be much more drawn out gives the band members moments to add in their individual quirks, and it leads to a really great dynamic which I feel will flow beautiful on an album. Lachlan’s stage presence is immaculate, as is Zoe’s who seems to bounce between Korgs on every side of her, delivering a hugely different sound with each of them. If you are yet to see U-Bahn, MAKE SURE that you see their set at Meredith and come find me if you regret it... you won’t.

WVR BVBY was the undiscovered act that really blew me away. Furthering the techno orientated jazz vibe adopted by a few acts on the lineup, WVR had a bit more of a psychedelic approach, similar to Mildlife. With a horn section including trombonists, their sound was huge and was ruled by incredibly impressive fills and technicality. I was really in awe of how great they were.

All in all, keep Kennedys going in 2020.

KILNS You Can Bet Your House On Me Catch Release Records Reviewed by Thom Devereux

Right from the get-go, Kilns rip into a bright and heavy electric sound on ‘Brain on Fire’, with the snares and cymbals pumping away behind. You get your first taste of front-man Mickey Cooper’s gentle vocals, flowing along, almost spoken. You’re then hit with the band’s first single, ‘Go Slowly’. Bright and lively from the first notes, the riff slides from the guitar to your ear. Catchy and surfy, this one will have you tapping your foot away before you even realise.

Kiln’s most recent single, ‘Split’, gained attention on triple j unearthed. Backed with a crunchy and grungey rhythm, this track has an alt-country vibe about it. In the final minute, the cymbals crash together, waves of overlapping lead and backing vocals reaching your ears.

‘So Close’ showcases brilliant harmonies for its chorus, the lead guitar standing out with a hypnotically catchy riff while ‘Pinky Finger’ has its own sound, this time an indie, lo-fi feel that’s slower and chill.

‘Risk’ is the final track of the release, low and slow.

You can hear a hand climb down the guitar neck, and back up. The band comes together one final time, guitar crying out brightly, drums crashing, Cooper’s smooth vocals dropping seamlessly through keys. And like that the album is over, the band’s laughter heard as the album fades to close.

Kiln aren’t just a band, they’re four mates with music chemistry you can hear.

MEAT

FENN WILSON

KANYE WEST

CATHERINE TRAICOS

An Acquired Taste

Ghost Heroin

Jesus is King

Nobody Could Hear Us

Pissfart Records

Independent

Getting Out Our Dreams II / Def Jam Recordings

Independent

Reviewed by Liam McNally

Written by Renée N. Abbott

Reviewed by Darby-Perrin Larner

Reviewed by Chris Lambie

Melbourne garage rockers MEAT have dropped a prime cut in the form of their debut EP ‘An Acquired Taste’. MEAT are well-known around Melbourne gigholes for an intense live show, and their six-track EP does well to capture their frantic sound.

The thing hits you like a ton of bricks as it opens up with ‘Anxiety’, wild guitars and a driving beat rock you around in the chorus while the vocals, sunken back in the mix, paint paranoid pictures before they open up in the chorus, screeching like a caged animal as they attempt to break through the rest of the noise.

‘Surgery’ follows in much the same vein, with good attention to dynamics in the way the chorus shifts your attention to the vocals around the gaps in the big guitars. You also get a nice little soundbite of Danny DeVito at the end reminding us that what we’re consuming is “Human Meat”.

After that is ‘Who You Are’, the lead single off the EP, which shows off their mad guitar work and makes you wish that speed limits on highways weren’t a thing.

‘EFT’ rounds out the release, it sees the group slow down half a BPM before they end with one last wild wall of manic sound. Then they whisper in your ear about meat juice. Very nice.

‘An Acquired Taste’ is a super promising first release, and I’m also happy to finally look them up online and not only get recommendations to nearby butchers.

The controversial dilemma of Nature Versus Nurture holds considerable relevance in the case of Fenn Wilson; as from inky depths of a midnight voice, he seems to project a timbre of instinctive resonance quite akin to his Father, Chris Wilson.

However, while reflections of both genetic enrichment and childhood influence are seen in the steely sheen of his expression, Fenn Wilson contributes many an angle of individuality to his newest collection of stirring songs. While painting his electrified strings with a muddy George Ezra pitch, Fenn perpetuates a minimalist portrayal of emotional subjects through his slowly sliding soliloquies.

Many of his pieces ease metallically into vocal crescendos related unapologetically with his signature execution of carefree dryness, and the flickering chords of songs such as ‘Mirrors’ merge occasionally with twinkles of piano and gentle orchestral allusions.

Fenn’s title track reverberates like a lingering whiskey sip in the darkness, and the lights of his strums fall upon the pungency of his delivery.

Reflecting the execution of Iggy Pop and possibly the mood of Live, the piece ‘Wall Fall’ occasionally echoes Pillar Of Davidson in a chordal and melodic sense; with patches of whispered guitar propelling the piece towards its evolution. A brooding union of strings and vocal ponderings, the album maintains musical cohesion throughout its entirety.

Religion has long been a vehicle for justificationbigotry, oppression, and emancipation. It’s not a new whip for Kanye to take for a spin either. Since “Jesus Walks”, Kanye has dropped clues throughout his career of a reckoning of sorts. On Yeezus he told us he was a god. Now on Jesus is King, he works for god.

It would be blasphemy to compare this in the context of the old Kanye. This is no longer pink polo rap. Kanye hasn’t dealt in rap per se since minimal oppus Yeezus, at least not lyrically. Instead, he’s focused on soundscapes.

Building on Kanye’s foundation stones, soulful flips, “808s and Heartbreaks” auto-tuned soliloquies and left-field features, Jesus is King is a short-lived church service. But time is his economy now. That’s important for a man whose name is on a multi-billion dollar company. “Runaway” is nine minutes long, “Use this Gospel”, the longest song on Jesus is King, is just three and a half minutes.

We all expected Kanye to emerge from one of his most trying times with something as earthmoving, and sea parting as he did with “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” after a self-imposed exile. But Kanye doesn’t serve our expectations. He keeps telling us that. “No more livin’ for the culture, we nobody’s slave” he raps on “Closed on Sunday”.

Now on his new mission, delivering on so many fronts, it’s a shame the music has become a periphery for Kanye. But by god does he still make blessed beats.

Success can indeed be the sweetest revenge. On this, her eighth studio release, Traicos ‘moves on’ with perhaps her most poignant collection of odes.

Her sublime sculpting of words and music bids ‘Good riddance’ to a thankless lover.

Simmering guitar ignites opening track ‘Fire’ before a change of tempo extinguishes the angry flame. While her vocals are breathy with candid intimacy, they never reduce to the ubiquitous ‘little girl’ delivery offered by many.

As a sole songwriter, performer, arranger, and producer, Traicos brought in long-time collaborator producer Nick Huggins(The Dirty Three, Bonny Billy) to mix and master. Dark folk-pop smacks down the old ‘It’s not you, it’s me’ mantra.

‘In The Light’ rises from the shadows with layered vocals. Shuffling rhythm and meandering melody close the conversation on the joyful single ‘And I Ran’.

Traicos balances the ups and downs in elegant style.

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SLOWLY SLOWLY PROVE TO BE ONE OF THE MOST INTRIGUING ACTS IN THE COUNTRY WHERE: THE TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY WHEN: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 PHOTO BY @PATTOHARA REVIEWED BY THOM DEVEREUX Slowly Slowly headlined a night of four acts at the Torquay Hotel last Friday night. Jack Parsons and Dover Island warmed the crowd before grungy, hairbanging rockers Loser opened for the headlining act.

As Slowly Slowly took to the stage they were met with anticipating whistles. The best word that comes to mind to describe this band is ‘animated’.

As they opened with ‘Sunburnt Shoulders’ front-man Ben Stewart, guitarist Albert Doan, and bassist Alex Quayle switched positions several times. Stewart is clearly in a place he loves, his eyes flashing around the room, grin painted to his face.

The moshing began for ‘Aliens’, the audience yelling the chorus along with the band. By the electric break, it was hard to tell whether to band or the audience here moving more. As the pre-chorus of ‘Creature of Habit Pt. 2’ came around, the entirety

of the room seemed to belt along “Olly olly oxen free not sorry!”, fists pumping with each word.

“There’s such a big vibe in this room” Stewart announced before taking a neck from the bottle of red he’d bought onto the stage. Slowly Slowly seem at home; their garage rock and punk sound come to life brilliantly. They sound just as good as on record, but bring movement and personality to the set, as well as rocking as hard as they can.

Their cover of Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’ was well received, having been performed by the band for triple j’s Like a Version in April. From the opening, slow chords the audience swayed along, by the closing minute a single lighter hung in the air among several mobile phone lights.

The band rewarded long-time fans with tracks like ‘Hey You’ and ‘PMTWGR’ from their debut album Chamomile. ‘Death Proof’, also from their debut release, saw the lights dimmed, the audience shouting an emotional chorus over the band’s vocals.

Stewart holds his microphone intimately, switching between speaking into it like a lover and shouting into it while vamping away at his guitar.

By the start of the song that everybody seemed to be there for, ‘Jellyfish’, the crowd went crazy. Everyone compacted as close as they could to the stage, people crowd surfed, beer was sprayed everywhere imaginable. This single song captured the entire energy of the band and their following perfectly.

Amid their final songs Stewart grabbed the mic to let the crowd know “I really love this show, you guys are fucking great!”. ‘Dinosaurs’ barely required live vocals; the audience sang for the band, hands swaying in the air together, drummer Patrick Murphy belting away. Slowly Slowly closed explosively with ‘Ten Leaf Clover’ from 2018’s St. Leonards. The mosh erupted for the drop, and the closing two minutes saw Stewart crowd surf from the stage before literally hanging off the ceiling’s scaffolding, managing to sing the entire time.

Afterwards, Slowly Slowly made time to hang out with those that had come for the gig. These guys are pretty down to earth, still humble and repetitively thankful to anyone that supports them. Their tracks were louder and hard-hitting live, the lyricism full of shouted emotions and the stage never still.

RIVER ROCKS 2019 WHERE: THE BARWON CLUB, GEELONG WHEN: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9 PHOTO BY WILLIAM ADAM RUSS REVIEWED BY LIAM MCNALLY River Rocks returned to the Barwon Club over the weekend, keeping punk and hard rock flowing through G-town for the 12th year running. The sold-out event hammered through twenty-two bands across two stages, over twelve hours.

The Fangin’ Felines were an early highlight if you made it in by lunchtime, with screeching guitars that fit the name pelting away alongside lead singer Carrie’s powerful vocals.

The Veebees played next out the back, and the crowd members not lucky enough to cram under the roof copped a bit of afternoon rain. Their brand of true-blue heavy punk – with song names like ‘Drive Thru Bottlo’ and ‘Whaddya Reckon Reckon Bout Me Ute’ – must be hot enough to protect the fellas from the cold though as frontman Norro paraded around the whole set in either footy shorts or a Hawaiian skirt.

The Tremors killed it, they also had a vocalist that made you put your ciggie out halfway to duck in and pay attention, and right after them Dicklord smashed it too. They on the other hand, played outside and were so raw that you felt like you needed to chainsmoke to fit in with their sound. I’ve never heard the word ‘cunt’ sung with such pleasant vibrato until I heard them perform ‘C U Next Tuesday’.

Pinch Points were awesome too, so good in fact

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that a woman in her mid-fifties turned to me in their set and said: “Hey I didn’t know you millennials could actually make good music!” Which is, you know, pretty condescending but still a pretty big compliment.

Dr Colossus approached the stage with a lit candelabra donned in stonecutters robes, setting the scene before they ripped the stage with their Simpsons-themed metal. A niche I’m hoping we all get to see grow.

Painters and Dockers were brilliant, the first of the nights 80’s heavy line-up. Still mad energy, and plus – trumpets! How often do you get to see trumpets at river rock?

Cable Ties came on indoors as the sun went down outside, and were mental. They played a set of mostly new tracks, and closed with ‘Same For Me’, which absolutely killed and was one of my favourite tracks of the day.

The Meanies were one of the iconic Melbourne acts of the night, and their 90’s fast-paced punk blitzed through the crowd. Setting the tone for the sweaty, glazed eyed mosh pits that would consume the front third of the audiences for the rest of the night.

And speaking of sweaty moshes, Stiff Richards kept that energy pumping, they destroyed. Their frontman was in a frenzy, spending as much time singing mid-crowd surf as he did on stage in a set that more than held its own against a lot of the more seasoned acts of the night.

Los Chicos brought Spanish madness. They have this thundering bounce to their sound that had the whole place shakin’ and movin’ as their singer moved through the crowd climbing and dancing on whatever he could, tables, speakers, people, you name it.

Australian punk royalty Hard-Ons closed the show, and even though everyone was looking a bit dizzy from their twelfth hour of beerin’, there was no falling down early if it meant missing these blokes, they killed in a perfect crescendo to a wild day.

Come Monday my ears are still ringing, and my head still hurts, but these are all symptoms of another very successful River Rocks. God help the committed souls that managed to party through rehab.

CONRAD SEWELL JAN 30TH

POP

PULP

BLUES NEWS

TOO HEAVY TO HUG

WRITTEN BY ANTHONY MORRIS

WRITTEN BY ALASTAIR MCGIBBON

WRITTEN BY JOHN (DR JOHN) LAMP

WRITTEN BY PAUL S. TAYLOR

Not so very long ago, television series didn’t need to have an end game.

They didn’t even need a second act: you came up with a premise, every episode made that premise clear, and you told the stories that came from that premise.

You know, police dramas where they investigate a fresh murder each week, family sitcoms – the shows that millions of people still watch today. But people rarely talk about those shows because there’s not all that much to say about individual episodes; episode 13 of season seven of Blue Bloods might be a standout, but it’s still a bunch of New York cops dealing with cop stuff.

What prestige drama offers viewers is change (or the illusion of it).

Things happen, people change, the cast of Mad Men at the end of season five are clearly different people than they were at the start of season one – and if they’re not, it’s because of clear dramatic reasons, not the show hitting the reset button at the end of each episode.

On the one hand, this approach makes drama a whole lot more dramatic; the stakes become a lot higher once it’s clear that things actually can change on a show.

People can die, relationships can end, locations can blow up; each week is edge-ofyour-seat time.

On the other, when anything can happen the writers have to sit down and figure out what’s going to happen. They can’t just say “the Midsomer Murders team uncover another murder” and break for lunch – they have to come up with exciting twists and shocking developments that flow naturally from what’s come before.

Maybe this won’t be a problem in the future, what with Netflix seemingly deciding to axe everything after two or three seasons (any longer and the shows stop bringing in new subscribers, which is all Netflix wants from a series) but for now it’s the kind of thing that can make or break a series.

For example, Wentworth season seven wrapped earlier this year (it’s out now on DVD and blu-ray), and in a lot of ways it just keeps on keeping on – which is what you want from a series that is arguably Australia’s best long-running drama.

Being about a (woman’s) prison means it can cycle in new characters when the old ones run out of story (there’s only a handful of original cast members left), burning through some storylines for maximum drama while leaving others as slow burns across entire seasons. It took a little while to find its feet, but from season 2 on it’s been remarkably consistent, and consistently entertaining.

Meanwhile, science-fiction series The Expanse has just released its third season on blu-ray and DVD, and it’s safe to say this brooding tale of life in space as a war threatens between the solar system’s inner and outer planets has gone through some changes since season one. It started out as something of a space noir mystery, complete with a space detective in 40s-style hat; no spoilers here, but by season three it’s nothing like that. Starting from the start is the way to go; season three makes it more than worth the trip.

Hey there, Pulp peeps! Another week has rolled by, and that means that it’s time for Pulp to awaken in its ancient, forgotten tomb and rise to inflict terror and/or joy upon the world at large.

With that in mind, this week’s comic is sure to inspire the latter. Sometimes in comic book land the stars align, and you get the perfect combination of writer and series. This week’s book is one of my favourite combinations and an absolute delight: Tom Taylor’s Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. For those of you who may not be aware, Tom is a Melbourne-based comic writer that’s written for both Marvel (Superior Iron Man) and DC (DCeased), as well as some excellent creator-owned titles.

Peter Parker’s life is, as always, complicated. Whenever his life takes a step in the right direction, there’s always a personal crisis, or an earthquake or a new supervillain on the rampage. All the while, Pete’s trying to pay his rent, get his washing done, and help out his older neighbours.

Pete loves his neighbourhood, and while his career as Spider-Man has a tendency to leave it in ruins, he does his best to keep everyone safe. When his new neighbour leaves two fugitive heirs to an underground empire in his laundry basket, Pete is drawn into a conflict that threatens all of New York. As he navigates the politics of an utterly alien empire, Pete has to deal with a threat to his very core: Aunt May has been diagnosed with cancer. With the centre of his universe in peril, one wrong step could see the end of his relationship with his aunt, or the end of New York City.

It wouldn’t be a Spider-Man book without a whole lot of drama and calamitous events, and the first volume of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Secrets and Rumors, is no exception. I think any writer that picks up a Spidey book must be contractually obliged to make Pete’s life continually worse and worse. Aunt May has been a constant presence in SpiderMan books since the very beginning, and to threaten to take her away (no matter how insincere the threat may be – it is Marvel after all) seems like one hell of a transgression. What interested me most about this book is Taylor’s take on Pete’s daily life. Writing light, day-to-day events seems to be an area in which Taylor really shines, and he is able to make even the simplest of interactions seem sweet and heartfelt. Of particular note is the backup story, featuring Spidey’s newest sidekick – Spider-Bite. Spider-Bite – a.k.a. Nathan – is a young cancer patient who just wants to spend time with his hero, and Pete is more than happy to make his dreams come true.

It’s a hell of a tale, and really tugs at the heartstrings.

As this is another Marvel #1, the artwork – drawn primarily by Juann Cabal, with assistance from Yildiray Cinar and Marcelo Ferreira – is passable, but I wouldn’t call it a feature of the book. As I expected, I gravitated more to Taylor’s writing than anything else, and while the overarching story of underground empires was interesting, the exploration of Pete’s day-to-day life is far more interesting.

All up, this is a book for any fan of Spider-Man. There are enough callbacks and appearances from other heroes to tide over any Marvel buff, and Taylor proves his worth once again with a fantastic take on one of my favourite heroes of all time.

This year, Blues Music Victoria instituted a set of awards for blues artists. One of these awards is the Peoples’ Choice Victorian Blues Legend.

The award for 2019 and the inaugural Peoples’ Choice Victorian Blues Legend award went to Chris Wilson.

Of course, here in our region we have always known of Chris as a legend, his colleagues also knew this, and now the wider blues community of Victoria has spoken.

Speaking after the award, Sarah Carroll said, “Last night, the good people of Victorian blues bestowed this tremendous honour upon our darlin’, Chris. Kerri Simpson made the most beautiful speech and Fenn accepted on our behalf with his father’s customary thoughtful brevity.

“We couldn’t be prouder. Thank you to Blues Music Victoria for a very special ceremony.”

Meanwhile, Fenn Wilson has taken his next step in this musical dynasty.

On November 14, Fenn released his debut album Ghost Heroin, but prior to that, he released the second single from it – ‘Lost My Way’.

People are hearing Tom Waits and Jeff Buckley in his voice, but I can also hear his father, Chris, in his tone and phrasing. The first single off Ghost Heroin, ‘Eye On You’, was warmly received by the music industry, lovers, and critics alike.

As this goes to press, Fenn is premiering Ghost Heroin on the 2019 Queenscliff stages, having received the 2018 Queenscliff Music Festival’s Emerging Artist of the Year award which partly funded the release. He’s been described as captivating audiences, holding them in the palm of his hand solely with the dynamism of his voice.

Sleepy Hollow’s headliner for their November gig on the 24 is Rod Paine and the Full Time Lovers.

Many years ago, Rod Paine (Vox/harp), Dave Birtwell (guitar) and Tony Harwood (elect/double bass) emerged from retro blues outfit The Redliners, and with the addition of Ray Tully on drums formed the smokin’ hot, Rod Paine and The Fulltime Lovers.

Their gutsy, raw blues sound smoothly transverses their acoustic, country, Chicago & folk blend blues making always for one hell of a low down dirty, smokin’ hot gig.

With one of Australia’s best blues guitarists, a killer rhythm section of twenty years’ experience playing together and the vocals and harp playing of blues veteran, Rob Paine, along with cool influences of Lazy Lester, Slim Harpo and Jimmy Reed thrown into the mix, it’s little wonder that the Fulltime Lovers ‘down and dirty’ vibe hits you in the face each time you catch their totally awesome gig.

These guys are seasoned pros and have rolled their way through the Australian blues scene for over a quarter of a century, thus migrating the right corridors while earning their ‘chops’ through the blood, sweat and tears of playing ‘the blues’.

They won the 2013 Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society Blues Challenge and went on to represent Australia at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee.

Expect to hear a post-war electric blues combo with dirty undertones, swinging rhythms and rumbling shuffles served up to appreciative audiences everywhere they go.

A pretty full-on fortnight there. Head down to Sleepy Hollow Blues Club on the 24th and check out Rod Paine. It should be a great session.

Welcome to THTH, Forte’s premier source of all things heavy, hard, fast and metal.

Well, it appears the Download line up was announced earlier than I anticipated and let’s be honest, it’s a pretty poor line up for a heavy metal festival. Sure, Deftones are playing but I suspect that’s so they can promote their new album which is due out next year. And yeah, Testament and Carcass and Disentomb will be playing too, but, seriously, what the fuck is going on with My Chemical Romance being the headliner? Times have changed, we’re not living in the emo past of 2006. Same with Jimmy Eat World, seriously? Their one hit was out like back in 2001. Go back further in time and you’ll remember Bodyjar, another pop-punk band from the ’90s, yeah. Shit, I feel like this is a total joke of a festival. The bill says there’s more to be announced but I feel like this first announcement was literally the organisers scraping the bottom of the barrel and asking absolutely any band from the past if they wanna come to Oz to do some shows under the banner of Download.

Other Download festivals around the world will literally be pointing and laughing at this excuse of a festival right now. Whilst you generally have to take the bad with the good, the good here is so far outweighed by the bad that I reckon no one will go to see, say, Baroness because folks might be drawn to nostalgic freakshows like Ministry! I can’t wait to see who else is announced for the festival and more importantly, I can’t wait to see how few punters show up.

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In other news + KING will release their new album Coldest Of Cold on Friday, November 22. + Metal in the Mountains 2019 featuring Dr Colossus, Blunt Shovel and more will be held at the Beechworth Memorial Hall in Beechworth on Saturday, November 30. + Wolves In The Throne Room will play the Corner on Saturday, November 30. + Good Things festival featuring Trivium, Karnivool, Parkway Drive, Enter Shikari, Thy Art Is Murder any many more will be held at Flemington Racecourse on Friday, December 6. + Crowbar will be at Melbourne’s Max Watts on Saturday, December 7. + Opeth will play the Palais Theatre on Friday, December 13. + Obituary will be at Melbourne’s Max Watts in Saturday, January 18. + Geoff Tate and his band will play Operation Mindcrime in its entirety, plus more, at Melbourne’s Croxton Bandroom on Saturday, February 1. + Okilly Dokilly and Dr Colossus will be at the Corner Hotel on Saturday, February 15. + Cattle Decapitation will play Melbourne’s Max Watts on Wednesday, February 19.

SURFBEAT WRITTEN BY JOHN FOSS

SUMMER’S COMING Our beaches have been bathed in some beautiful sunshine lately. It has been fantastic to drag the boardshorts out of winter storage, give them a shake and put them back on for another season of summer fun in the sun.

As the ocean warms up thoughts quickly turn to surfing and that age-old question; ‘should I get a new board for summer?’ This question has bothered surfers for decades.

The surfboard you have been riding all winter has a few dings, your mate has got a brand new quad made from some spaceage material and has been raving about it for weeks. Do you cave in and order a new board or summer?

I ordered a new custom mal from NMC Surfboards in Barwon Heads last summer (shameless plug). It has been fantastic and the best thing I have done in years. We also have a great little quad Fish which I was really looking forward to riding until the 12-year-old, surf-mad daughter spotted it and I have barely been on it since, so I could justify a new Fish….hmm decisions, decisions.

I have always picked up surfboards locally. I figure if you’re going to surf the Surf Coast then get a board from a local shaper who a/ knows the local conditions and b/ usually makes a damn good board (support local business). Every town on the peninsula and Surf Coast has a couple of good local shapers you could be contacting now to get that order in before Christmas.

Sure you will pay a bit more for a locally shaped custom board but ‘hey’, you’re keeping someone in a job and it would be a terrible thing if the art of surfboard shaping was lost on our coast. Shapers also employ glassers, graphic artists and ding repairers so when you buy a surfboard locally you are supporting quite a vibrant cottage industry (not to mention the local surf shops which carry stock boards and will also have relationships with a bunch of shapers).

Forget that crap that comes out of China. Why would you buy a surfboard made in a factory hundreds of kilometres from the ocean shaped by someone who has never surfed? Sure the boards might be cheap but really are you going to get what you want in terms of performance and durability?

Buy local... time’s running out and order books will be filling fast as Christmas approaches. Get on the phone now to your favourite shaper before it’s too late!

Come summer when you wax-up that new board for the first time and walk down the sand marveling at the shine on the nose and how light it is, you will know you have made the right decision.

+ Download Festival featuring Deftones, Carcass, Testament, In Flames, Lacuna Coil, and not much else, will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds on Friday, March 20. + Blacken Open Air festival will be held over Easter weekend, 2020. Easter Sunday will be April 12. Handy to know if you’re looking for cheap flights to NT well in advance. + Iron Maiden will play Rod Laver Arena on Monday, May 11. + Check out this edition’s of THTH’s Spotify playlist by searching for playlist: THTH727 or by searching spotify:user:TooHeavyToHug

If you have any news about local metal bands, shows or albums, let THTH know by emailing to tooheavytohug@ hotmail.com or get in touch via Twitter at @TooHeavyToHug

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THE GUIDE CROXTON BANDROOM: MONTAIGNE

ANALOGUE ACADEMY: LIFE DRAWING

THE BARWON CLUB: MYSTERY SEA CREATURE EP TOUR

THURS 21ST

THE DOOR GALLERY CAFÉ: GHANAIAN NIGHT OF MUSIC AND FOOD

THE ESPY: OPEN MIC

BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER

THE EASTERN: SALAD BOYS, MEDICO, HMS ASH

VALHALLA BREWING & TAPROOM: POETRY NIGHTS

THE BERGY SELTZER: RUDE RUM

EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ

THE DECK: DISNEY TRIVIA

THE ELEPHANT & CASTLE: GYPSY – THE FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE SHOW

THE EASTERN: HIP HOP SUMMER PARTY EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ THE ESPY: THE BASICS, ALEX WEYBURY FORUM MELBOURNE: TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: RAPUNZEL: A TANGLED PANTO GOLDEN VINE: BENDIGO PUB CHOIR

FORUM MELBOURNE: TASH SULTANA

WED 27TH

ESPY: BANDS BACK IN TOWN, REDFERRIE, H/D FORUM MELBOURNE: RENDEZVOUS GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: RAPUNZEL: A TANGLED PANTO GEELONG REVIVAL MOTORING FESTIVAL 2019 GOLDEN VINE: ROWAN BLACKMORE

FORUM MELBOURNE: TASH SULTANA

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: LEO SAYER

THE JOHN CURTIN HOTEL: DANDECAT, TAPES, PURR USUAL

GEELONG JAPANESE SUMMER FESTIVAL 2019

MELBOURNE MEMO MUSIC HALL: MARTIN BARRE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF JETHRO TULL

HOME HOUSE: TEDDY CREAM, CRYSTAL CARTIER

PIANO BAR GEELONG: B*TCHES WITH BALLS!

PIANO BAR: WHAT’S THE T DRAG TRIVIA, LOCALLY GROWN FUNNIES

GROVEDALE HOTEL: MADZ GOT RICH HOME HOUSE: TRAVLOS, MACKIE

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL: THE BEASTS, ADALITA

PISTOL PETE’S: B3 BREAKOUT

LAMBYS: BEDROCK, ABE ANDERSON, LIAM BLACKWELL

BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER

SPORTING GLOBE: FRIENDS TRIVIA TAPROOM: CLARE BOWDITCH THEATRE ROYAL: STEVE GUNN, TINY RUINS, ANDREW TUTTLE WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: SWEETHEARTS SOLO SESSIONS FRI 22ND ANALOGUE ACADEMY: MOTHER: SPECTRES, TRAUMA, AND THE POST-INDUSTRIAL NARRATIVE BEAVS BAR: RYAN BELL THE BARWON CLUB: THE DIECASTS, SALTY BONES, SOUTH ATLAS, EDDIE EXAMPLE BLOOM: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL NIGHT THE BRIDGE HOTEL: AMPLIFIED 2.0 CORNER HOTEL: KILTER THE EASTERN: BAD BANGS EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJS ESPY: BRITISH INDIA, THE DEAD AMIGOS VS RUDE RUM GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: RAPUNZEL: A TANGLED PANTO

MELBOURNE MUSIC WEEK NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB: OCEAN SLEEPER OLD BAR: RUDE RUM PALAIS-HEPBURN: MR. MANIFOLD AND THE RESOLUTION, DJ SASSTA PISTOL PETES: DAVE RILEY QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019 RECESS: FABULOUS FRIDAY SPORTING GLOBE: ACOUSTIC FRIDAYS THEATRE ROYAL: JOE PUG TORQUAY HOTEL: MONTAIGNE VALHALLA BREWING & TAPROOM: LIVE MUSIC WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: DANIEL AARON DUO SAT 23RD AIREY’S PUB: TENNYSON KING BARWON CLUB: MOVEMENT – ALL DAY PARTY BEAVS BAR: RYAN BELL BELMONT HOTEL: ESPRESSO MARTINI FESTIVAL BLOOM: JAMES ZABIELA THE BRIDGE HOTEL: BENCH PRESS, WORLD TURTLE WORLD, STOP THAT MAMMOTH

THE ESPY: SAN CISCO, PESTS IN THE BASEMENT FORUM MELBOURNE: TASH SULTANA

MURPHYS: BITTER SWEET

LOST ONES BALLARAT: WHISKEY SOUR MASTERCLASS PALAIS-HEPBURN: STEVE POLTZ

OLD CHURCH ON THE HILL: ART AS CATHARSIS SHOWCASE

PISTOL PETES: LITTLE WISE & THE LITTLE LORD STREET BAND DUO

PALAIS-HEPBURN: FRANK SULTANA

ROD LAVER ARENA: KHALID

PIANO BAR: LADIES LUNCH & HENS AFTERNOON

THEATRE ROYAL: PAUL KELLY ON ‘LOVE IS STRONG AS DEATH’

PISTOL PETES: KRISTEN LEE MORRIS & THE DIRTY SNAKES QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: THIS MUST BE THE PLACE QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019 SPHINX GEELONG: HEY TONIGHT – CREEDENCE TRIBUTE SPORTING GLOBE: 456 SATURDAYS WORKERS GEELONG: NOVEMBER REIGN SUN 24TH BARWON CLUB: NAUTICAL MILE, BEARCLAW CAMP, LETTERS TO AMARA, A NEW WAY HOME, MATTY ORCHARD

MACEDON RAILWAY HOTEL: ANNA SMYRK

THE EASTERN: MAJAK DOOR

OK MOTELS

170 RUSSELL: ONEFOUR

LAMBYS: ADAM 12, TROY BARRETT, DJ JO JO

THE CORNER: MARTIN BARRE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF JETHRO TULL

MELBOURNE MUSIC WEEK

GOLDEN VINE: NINE NINE HOME HOUSE: HARDSTYLE VS MINIMAL CLOUD NINE GEELONG

THE CROXTON BANDROOM: G FLIP

MANCHESTER ARRMS HOTEL: SOUL CONTACT

GEELONG REVIVAL MOTORING FESTIVAL 2019 GROVEDALE HOTEL: DELLA

THURS 28TH

THE LOST ONES BASEMENT BAR: POSTCARDS FROM EUROPE

ARKING DOG: GUITAR BAR THE BRIDGE HOTEL: GO GET MUM CAPTAIN: DR DAYTIME EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ THE ESPY: ANDY SAUNDERS THE FOX AND THE HEN: SUNDAY SESSIONS FORUM MELBOURNE: LAUV GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: MUSIC BOX – A CLASSICAL BALLET WITH A COMMERCIAL TWIST GEELONG REVIVAL MOTORING FESTIVAL 2019 THE GOOD BEER BAR: TEQUILA, TACOS & BEER GROVEDALE HOTEL: CRAIG SAYER GOLDEN VINE: THEY WRITE STUFF LAMBYS: ANDY FORSTER, LIAM BLACKWELL THE LOST ONES BASEMENT BAR: SHON D MURPHYS: KIM COOPER & FAMOUS WILL ONE ELECTRIC DAY WERRIBEE PIANO BAR: PITCH PLEASE PISTOL PETE’S: JULES BOULT DUO QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019 THE ROYAL HOTEL MEREDITH: ROSS WILSON SAILORS REST: SUNDAY ROOFTOP PARTY TERINDAH ESTATE: SUNDAY SESSIONS TUES 26TH

FRI 29TH

GROVEDALE HOTEL: MICHAEL MONEA LAMBYS: BEDROCK, JAMES KERNICK, ZACH VALENTI THE LOST ONES BASEMENT BAR: NATHAN SEECKTS, GARETH LEACH MANCHESTER ARRMS HOTEL: ROCK AGENDA MAVS ZORBA NIGHT MURPHYS: COPYCAT KILLERS PIANO BAR GEELONG: LADIES LUNCH PIPING HOT CHICKEN SHOP: NEIL MURRAY AND SARAH CARROLL PISTOL PETE’S: FRANK SULTANA AND JULIAN JAMES SPHINX HOTEL: THE MADONNA SHOW SPILT MILK BALLARAT TORQUAY HOTEL: NO SCRUBS: 90S + EARLY 00S PARTY WARRALILY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR SUN DECEMBER 1ST BARWON CLUB: SALTED FISH BEAVS: LUKE BISCAN, DJ CHICKEN & CHIPS THE BRIDGE HOTEL: WELCOME TO SUMMER DAY PARTY

170 RUSSELL: BOB MOSES

CORNER HOTEL: LIME CORDIALE

BARWON CLUB: CROSSTRACK, BOUND BY HOUND, SOMETHING KROOK, HMS ASH

THE DOOR GALLERY CAFÉ: NEIL MURRAY & SARAH CARROLL

BEAVS BAR: DAVE ANDERSON

THE EASTERN: BRODIE AND THE OXY CLINIC, BROAD ARROWS & GROVE

BLOOM: ON REPEAT: ARCTIC MONKEYS NIGHT THE BRIDGE HOTEL: LOST RAGAS THE CROXTON BANDROOM: G FLIP THE EASTERN: CAPTAIN FIGHTING MACHINE EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ ESPY: THE CASANOVAS FESTIVAL HALL: JUICE WRLD GATEWAY HOTEL: DARYL BRAITHWAITE GISBORNE GOLF CLUB: GOLD CHISEL GROVEDALE HOTEL: RACH BRENNAN DUO LAMBYS: ADAM12, ABE ANDERSON, DJ JOJO LOST ONES BALLARAT: NEIL MURRAY AND SARAH CARROLL MAX WATT’S: BENEE MURPHYS: RICHARD HOLLAND OLD BAR: ZUMA PALAIS-HEPBURN: BEARLESQUE PISTOL PETE’S: THE HORNETS

EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC THE ELEPHANT & CASTLE HOTEL: WILL & OSCAR DUO THE ESPY: BARKING MAD FESTIVAL X THE FOX AND HEN: SUNDAY SESSIONS LIVE MUSIC GMHBA: WESTERN UNITED V SYDNEY FC GROVEDALE HOTEL: NICK TABONE LAMBYS: LUKE BISCAN, LIAM BLACKWELL THE LOST ONES BASEMENT BAR: VICTORIANA GAYE PALAIS-HEPBURN: CHILLOUT WORLD AIDS DAY BAKE OFF PIANO BAR: PITCH PLEASE! SOUTH GEELONG FARMERS MARKET THE TAPROOM: CAPTAIN FIGHTING MACHINE MON 2ND FORUM MELBOURNE: CARLY RAE JEPSEN

THE ROYAL HOTEL MEREDITH: TRISTAN J ROSS

THE ESPY: A NIGHT OF BETTER CONVERSATION: DISAGREEMENT

TORQUAY HOTEL: PIERCE BROTHERS

THE FORUM: CARLY RAE JEPSEN

VALHALLA BREWING & TAPROOM: FRANK BELL & STEPH BITTER WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: PINK WOOL PRESS SAT 30TH

TUES 3RD THE ESPY: OPEN MIC WED 4TH

AIREY’S PUB: MAJA

ANALOGUE ACADEMY: OUT OF THE HAT

ANALOGUE ACADEMY: GRAND PINE, GEORGIA RODGERS, HASSALL

FORUM MELBOURNE: THE TEMPER TRAP

BARWON CLUB: PHAEDO, EASY BROWNS, FRUIT LOOPS, NOT BADD, BOOB & MINTDADDY BEAVS BAR: JEFF JORDAN BLOOM: OFFICIAL SPILT MILK AFTERPARTY

BEAVS: OPEN MIC, KARAOKE, LUKE BISCAN, PIANO BAR GEELONG: B*TCHES WITH BALLS! STAY GOLD: GTF SIDESHOW: POPPY THE TERRACE OCEAN GROVE: CHRISTMAS IN THE GROVE

STRINGS AMPS SHOES ACCESSORIES

VINYL CLOTHING GUITARS DRUMS

65 YARRA STREET GEELONG 0352983481

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THE ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: GLITTER GANG THE ESPY: SOC POP #41: BABYCCINO, SANTA FE DRIVING RANGE, TRACE DECAY

GRAPEVINE GATHERING

THE LAST CHANCE ROCK & ROLL BAR: RUDE RUM

EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJS THE EASTERN: MEAT, LYMES, SHOCK FRIENDLY, LUFTMENSCH

BEAVS BAR: OPEN MIC, KARAOKE, LUKE BISCAN

MELBOURNE MUSIC WEEK

SPHINX HOTEL: QUEENS RISE

THE DOOR GALLERY CAFÉ: DAVE STEEL AND ROSS SMITHARD

FORTÉ 728

FRI 22 NOVEMBER:

SAT 23 NOVEMBER:

SUN 24 NOVEMBER:

SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

DUO ACOUSTIC SET

SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

DELLA

One voice, one guitar, one stomp box – and many happy ears. Della the pro has supported legendary artists Jimmy Barnes, Guy Sebastian, Dragon and many more.

MADZ GOT RICH With Madeliene on vocals and Richard on guitar a great night is guaranteed. Their repertoire covers a range of top 40 hits as well as classics from over the decades.

CRAIG SAYER

Craig has a diverse repertoire and an uncanny knack for playing the perfect song choices for any crowd. Come on down and experience this great local artist.

* FRIDAYS

7PM-8PM *

ESPRESSO MARTINIS

— $12 —

GROVEDALEHOTEL FRI 29 NOVEMBER:

RACH BRENNAN DUO DUO ACOUSTIC SET

MICHAEL MONEA SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

Influenced by John Mayer and Jack Johnson, Michael delivers a unique performance that will be perfect for an audience who are looking for a relaxed atmosphere.

SUN 1 DECEMBER:

NICK TABONE

SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

GROVEDALEHOTEL.COM.AU 1300GROVEDALE (1300 476 833)

WEB. PHONE.

Nick is a hard working musician and perfectionist. A great example of this was as a contestant on X Factor as he made it all the way into the top 24 artists.

SE L FA LI ST NG !

Rach and a frequently changing guest accompanist will combine soulful vocals and playful and harmony based acoustic guitars for a killer night out with ya mates.

SAT 30 NOVEMBER:

SAT. 30 NOVEMBER FRI. 22 NOVEMBER

90s & Early 00s Party

The Dreggs & Nick Saxon

SE L FA LI ST NG !

Montaigne

No Scrubs:

SAT. 7 DECEMBER

SAT. 11 JANUARY FRI. 3 JANUARY

The Murlocs

SUN. 5 JANUARY

Ruby Fields

The Beautiful Girls

GET YOUR TICKETS FROM: torquayhotel.eventbrite.com WE ARE RENOVATING BUT WE ARE OPEN! PHONE. (03) 5261 2001 ADDRESS. 36 Bell Street, Torquay WEBSITE. torquayhotel.com.au torquayhotel PH: 5278 2911

SPHINXHOTEL.COM.AU FORTÉ 728

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