Forte #733

#733 13.02.20 FREE

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12+ EVENT

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Food & beverage supplied by Pistol Pete's, West End, Workers Geelong, Poke Me, Hot Chicken Project, Sober, Tomadachi, Caruggi, The Continental, Mav's, Uncle Donut, Twisted, Geelong Cellar Door, 18th Amendment, Beav's Bar, The Arborist, Blackman's Brewery & Southern Comfort.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY Gartland, Batman Investments Group, Music Workshop, Barwon Water, Go Traffic, Go Protective Services, Marquee Guy & Corio Waste Management Group FORTÉ 733

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toni childs a music retrospective

BALLARAT HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE

MARCH 22

WERRIBEE

KYNETON

WYNDHAM CULTURAL CENTRE

TOWN HALL

MARCH 28

MARCH 31

tickets on sale now

BALLARAT BOX OFFICE

03 5333 5888

WERRIBEE BOX OFFICE 03 8734 6000

KYNETON BOX OFFICE 1300 888 802

VIP EXPERIENCE: WWW.TONICHILDS.COM 6

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733 M U S I C

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A R T S

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C U LT U R E

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Feature Story

The Loop

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Local Feature

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News

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Gear Up Feature

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Food

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Creatives

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Reviews

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Columns

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The Guide

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FREE SHIT

Sir Rod Stewart is undoubtedly one of the greatest popstars of all time.

From his early days with the English rockers Faces, to his hugely successful solo career to his various albums of big band covers, Stewart has sold over 250 million records worldwide, performed for millions of fans on six continents and earned countless of the industry’s highest awards, among them; two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, GrammyTM Living Legend. He even holds the record for the largestever free gig of all time, where he performed for an estimated 4.2 million in Rio de Janeiro on New Year’s Eve back in 1996. Last year, the legendary singer-songwriter even celebrated 50 years as a solo artist with one of his biggest UK tours ever! Like I said, one of the greatest popstars of all time. And now this iconic artist is bringing his incomparable catalogue to Australia for an eight-date tour across the country, playing both arenas and a day on the green winery dates, and performing for the first time at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong this October.

To celebrate his Mt Duneed debut, we thought we’d pay homage to Sir Rod, his lengthy career and his distinctive raspy singing voice by using a vintage shot for our cover! Enjoy!

Further in this issue we chat to US Death/ Grind Masters Cattle Decapitation; Maryland hard rockers Clutch; Melbourne indie-folk singer-songwriter Didirri; First Nations, Yorta Yorta artist DRMNGNOW; BMX biker Matt Whyatt; American actor James Marsters, who played Spike in the TV series Buffy The Vampire Slayer; Bendigo desert rock, psych metallers Vessel; Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of a Tony Hawk Pro Skater Cover Band) and soooooo much more!

BETTER START LIMBERING UP TO HIT THE MOSH PIT STAT. DOWNLOAD IS RETURNING TO MELBOURNE (WITH A NEW HOME AT MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS) ON FRIDAY MARCH 20 AND LEADING THE FESTIVAL ARE QUINTESSENTIAL SAD BOYS OF PUNK, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, WHICH IS SURE TO DELIGHT BLACK-EYELINER-LOVING MILLENNIALS EVERYWHERE! ALONGSIDE THIS EXCLUSIVE SHOW, DOWNLOAD WILL SEE THE LIKES OF DEFTONES, JIMMY EAT WORLD, CLUTCH, ALESTORM, HANDS LIKE HOUSES, IN HEARTS WAKE, NEW YEARS DAY, CLOWNS, AMONG MANY MORE TAKE TO THE STAGE.

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

Publisher Furst Media Pty. Ltd. Editor Talia Rinaldo

talia@fortemag.com.au

General Manager Glenn Lynch

glenn@fortemag.com.au

Sales Executive Matt Wilkinson

matt@fortemag.com.au

Creative Director Nathan Mossop

artwork@fortemag.com.au

Interns Chloe Cicero, Jess Sercombe, Aparna Pitale FORTÉGRAM Tag us @Forte_mag or #Fortemag to be featured!

Keep it regional fam.

Talia & the Forte team!

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

@goldroses3550

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@samanthasharpemusic

@strangeunit

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, Adrian Aloi.

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.

AVAILABLE AT DAN MURPHY'S AND BWS NATIONWIDE FORTÉ 733

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FAITH NO MORE ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE TOUR

ANDY KING IS THE NEW FACE OF EVIAN WATER

Marking their first Aussie tour in 23 years, Californian rockers Faith No More will hit Australia for a massive headline tour in May. As well as being their first shows down under since 1995, these shows will also be their first international gigs since 2015 when Faith No More hit the road ahead of releasing their last album Sol Invictus. The band also announced they’ll be donating $1 from every ticket sold to their Australian shows to Animals Australia and state fire services in affected areas, including NSW Rural Fire Service, Country Fire Association VIC, and Rural Fire Brigades Association QLD. Legends. They’ll be joined by Melbourne’s RVG on support for the tour. Catch them at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne on Saturday May 16.

Finally. ICYMI, event producer Andy King became the unexpected hero of Netflix documentary Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened and in instant internet sensation when he revealed how far he was willing to go to get water to the doomed festival – and that was agreeing to give a customs officer a blowjob in exchange for water shipments for the festival. Thankfully, the water was released without King having to go through with it, but his heroic actions were certainly not forgotten. In honour of the one year anniversary since the documentary was released last month, Evian decided to repay King’s willingness by honouring him with his own custom Evian water bottle. The slogan?

“So good you’d do anything for it.” Amazing.

JOSH PYKE PARTNERSHIP IS BACK FOR 2020

NEW URBAN ART FESTIVAL CAN’T DO TOMORROW LANDS IN MELBOURNE

Josh Pyke, in conjunction with APRA AMCOS, is bringing back the Josh Pyke Partnership for a seventh year in 2020, awarding a lucky Australian musician with a $7500 grant to kick-start their music career. In addition to the financial reward, the winning artist will receive mentorship from Josh Pyke himself, Gregg Donovan (Wonderlick Entertainment) and Stephen Wade (Select Music). The partnership requires the winning artist to establish and execute a business plan, which will outline and support the progression of their music career.

To enter, applicants must not be signed to a recording or publishing company and must submit a business plan outlining how they would use the $7500 grant via www.joshpyke. com/jp-partnership/. Entries are open now, and will close at 5PM on March 31, 2020. The winner will be announced 5 June, 2020.

A city that knows no boundaries, Melbourne has become the cultural capital being home to some of the most progressive and electric street art in the country. It makes sense then that the city would host Australia’s largest showcase of urban and street art, Can’t Do Tomorrow, which will see over 100 street artists, musicians and collectives transcend on Melbourne’s iconic multi-level warehouse, The Facility for 10 days in February. Within the festival, you can see and buy the work of notable names and emerging talent from the urban art scene, feast your eyes on a bunch of legendary artists taking over walls in Unlimited, feed your brain with an international Talks and Workshop program, and listen to some of Melbourne’s top DJs in bars and secret spaces across the festival venue.

The festival runs from Thursday 20 February to Saturday 29 February. For more information, head to cantdotomorrow.com.

NEW SINGLE 'WE'RE HOME' OUT FRIDAY 6 MARCH PERFORMING AT PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL MARCH 7 + 8 10

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WE LOVE THE NEW EMOJIS FOR 2020 Nothing has revolutionised communication quite like the advent of emojis. Whether it’s a smiley face, a cheeky kiss, the eggplant or even the smiling poo, for many of us emojis have become a routine way of communicating through our texts, Facebook messages and emails. Well, thanks to the team at Unicode Consortium, more than 100 new emojis are coming to a phone near you later this year. The release offers a variety of new gender-inclusive symbols, among them a gender-neutral person and a mustachioed man wear wedding veils, a gender-neutral person in a tuxedo, as well as gender diverse figures bottle-feeding a baby.

Other highlights include the transgender flag, Ninjas, the dodo and the woolly mammoth (both extinct), a smiling face with a tear, fondue, and bubble tea, the pinched ‘Italian hand’, an incredibly cute seal and a worm.

YOU CAN GET ALL YOU CAN EAT GNOCCHI THIS MONTH Ah, gnocchi. The key to our potato-loving hearts. Who would have thought a simple pillowy soft potato parcel paired with some meaty ragù would be so amazing, and when you get the real deal, the homemade stuff that melts on the tongue… oh boy. If you’re feeling all these feels too you’ll be stoked to know that Mamma’s Boy Trattoria in Brunswick is dedicating all of February to bottomless bowls of it. For just $30, you can dig into as many fluffy pillows of handmade gnocchi as you can in two hours, with the choice of a traditional bolognese, a simple napoli, or a creamy Spinach and Mushroom sauce. Bottomless Gnocchi is available for lunch on Saturday or Sunday or dinner from between Tuesday and Friday, but bookings must be made in advance.

Visit www.mammasboy.com.au/

EBONIVORY & GLASS OCEAN TEAM UP FOR THE AFTER DARK TOUR

MELBOURNE NOW HAS A ‘SAW’ INSPIRED ESCAPE ROOM

One of the fastest rising acts of the burgeoning Australian progressive music scene, Ballarat’s Ebonivory are teaming up one of the scenes most prominent bands, Sydney’s Glass Ocean this February and March for a co-headline tour. The bands are set to take to the stage in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, with all proceeds from the Melbourne show going directly to Wildlife Victoria and the CFA for Bushfire relief. “We’re extremely excited to be touring with our friends in Glass Ocean; they were a strong influence of mine several years ago that restored my faith in making my particular brand of unique music and have owned the stage every time I’ve seen them perform,” says Ebonivory lead vocalist Charlie Powlett. Lock in March 6 at The Workers Club, Melbourne to witness one of the best nights of Australian progressive music this year! Tickets from wildthingpresents.com/tickets

Do you want to play a game? Hailed as one of Melbourne’s best escape rooms in South Yarra, Rush Escape Game has turned to the Saw horror film franchise to create an escape room for its second venue in Hawthorn – so much so that they’ve rated this one 18+... seriously. Coined ‘Hacksaw’, this live-action puzzle stays true to the spirit of the original films, testing your daring nerve and critical thinking as you sift through (mock) blood, sharp objects, and dead bodies in a confined space decked out to resemble a dingey bathroom complete with a shower and toilet. We’ve heard you actually start this escape chained up. Oh boy. If you’re game, you can book via www.rushescapegame.com.au.

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A Day On The Green The Royal Family of Australian Festivals

SINCE AUSTRALIA DAY 2001, A DAY ON THE GREEN HAS SEEN FESTIVAL PROMOTERS R O U N D H O U S E E N T E RTA I N M E N T, I N CONJUNCTION WITH LIVE NATION, PLAY THEIR CARDS WELL TO BRING SOME OF THE BIGGEST ARTISTS AROUND THE GLOBE TO VICTORIA, BUT LATELY, THEY’VE BEEN PRODUCING A ROYAL FLUSH. MOST RECENTLY AUSTRALIAN MUSIC ROYALTY COLD CHISEL REUNITED FOR THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT ALONGSIDE THE KING OF AUSTRALIAN MUSIC PAUL KELLY, AND THE FESTIVAL HAS BOASTED A NUMBER OF STARS WHO HAVE RECEIVED A KNIGHTHOOD INCLUDING SIR TOM JONES, SIR ELTON JOHN, AND STING. FGDFGDGDFGDFGDFHGD Engraving his name into that A Day On The Green alumni list for a second time, and debuting at Geelong’s Mt Duneed Estate, is Sir Rod Stewart who will be making his way to Australia in October. It didn’t take a lot of convincing to get the ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?’ heartthrob to return down under.

“We’ve done nearly 500 shows and artists now know what a Day On The Green is – they know they are going to get high-quality staging and production and 12

an event that is delivered where punters are going to be back to the original versions to deliver nothing but It Well’, ‘You’re in My Heart’, ‘Sailing’, ‘Forever Young’, happy and it means a lot. It also means a lot to us that the hits the way they were intended: rocky and with a ‘Infatuation’, ‘Some Guys Have All The Luck’ and the masterpiece that is ‘Maggie May’. managers and promoters trust us with big performers hint of sex appeal.

Atop of this musical mountain, his two inductions like Rod, Fleetwood Mac, Elton, and Chisel. They know “All of [the ADOTG] artists have been around for a long into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (solo and with they are going to be looked after and presented properly time and have a lot of massive back catalogue of songs the Faces) are perched alongside Grammy Living and it comes across that way when you are at the show,” and when they tour they put on great shows. Rod is no Legend proclamation, his Brit Award for Outstanding festival promoter Michael Newton comments. exception, he has so many songs that not many people Contribution to Music, and his shiny star on the Like a fine wine (supplied by the A Day On The Green realise. When he puts on a show he has an incredible Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was also the first recipient venues, of course), Rod Stewart gets better with age. band like Elton with really incredible players and it’s of the Diamond Award from the World Music Awards for Having just hit a whopping half a decade milestone as just song after song. He plays a lot of old stuff from the a solo artist in 2019, Stewart celebrated by blowing the ’70s,” Newton says. over 100 million records sold worldwide. And that’s not even half of the long list of accomplishments the man UK away on his summer tour and triumphantly taking “Those guys have been around for a while and have has made but we won’t bore you or give you any more over the US during his touring circuit and acclaimed played so many times that they have it down to a fine multi-year residency at Casers Palace in Las Vegas, and reasons to buy a ticket to the already fast-selling show. art. It will be a lot of fun!” he sold out LA’s Hollywood Bowl three times over for a As one of the best selling music acts of all time, landmark reunion with his former bandmate, Jeff Beck. with more than 250 million records sold worldwide Support announcement are on their way, but we He was also honoured by Warner Music with across an mindboggling career which saw him claim promise you won’t want to miss this royally huge something almost as noble as knighthood; an album 27 Top 40 hits in Australia, including four number performance at Mt Duneed Estate on Saturday 31 titled You’re in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal one singles, plus seven number one albums, nine October 2020.

Philharmonic Orchestra which pairs classical vocal number one albums and 26 Top 10 singles in the UK, Feature photo by Penny Lancaster tracks from Stewart’s hits with heavenly arrangements and 17 Top 10 albums and 16 Top 10 singles in the US, Front cover photo by Allan Warren performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. For make no mistake Stewart has a few hits to his name. the Day On The Green series and Stewarts The Hits Tour, Accolades include the aforementioned ‘Do Ya Think Written by Tammy Walters Stewart along with his revered band will be reverting I’m Sexy’, ‘Hot Legs’, ‘Tonight’s The Night’, ‘You Wear FORTÉ 733

@KAIJUBEER FORTÉ 733

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Finally, an ad you can lick Note: licking ad not guaranteed to give full flavour.

Twisted Dessert Bar Find Your Happy Place With Dessert 122 Moorabool Street, Geelong

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THE LOOP

B A L L A R AT BELLARINE

BENDIGO CASTLEMAINE

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

FROM THE CREW THAT BROUGHT YOU THE MILL MARKETS, POWERHOUSE AND THE MALTHOUSE...

Geelong’s unique creative heritage and exciting designdriven future will be showcased at the first ever Geelong Design Week in 2020.

More than 80 events will explore new

better ways of doing things.

ideas and challenge what is possible.

Don’t miss your chance to be part

See exhibitions, performances,

of the first ever Geelong Design

screenings, symposiums and pop-up

Week and see why Geelong has been

installations by local and international

globally recognised as a UNESCO City

design experts and discover new and

of Design.

Program details and book tickets at geelongdesignweek.com.au FORTÉ 733

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RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL

MAYBE YOU KNOW HOLY HOLY

Hey ho, away we go with the Riverboats Music Festival. Upon arrival at the RMF Aquatic Reserve, ticketholders will need to exchange their ticket for a wristband. This is your pass to come and go as you please, so don’t lose it.

A program will be available at the gate. You can bring your own food and soft drinks, but leave the alcohol at home. There is no ATM on site, but plenty around town. Do your lastminute check through riverboatsmusic.com.au.

Following on from legendary performances at Falls Festival this summer and two places in the triple j hottest 100 (‘Maybe You Know’ #61 and ‘Teach Me About Dying’ #50), Holy Holy have just announced a regional tour of Australia this April, including a stop at the iconic Torquay Hotel on April 3. This small run of regional dates mark their last before they return to the studio to start work on their fourth album.

THE BLACK SORROWS BECOME CITIZENS It is now more than three decades since Joe Camilleri started The Black Sorrows on a peaceful Sunday afternoon at Melbourne’s Café Neon. Citizen John marks the 21st album from the band, while for Joe it marks his forty-ninth. Often performing more than 150 shows a year, they could do this whole thing with their eyes closed. Macedon Railway Hotel – February 29 & March 1 and The Palais, Hepburn Springs – April 4.

REV UP FOR COUSIN TONY’S BRAND NEW FIREBIRD

WHO KNOWS ANNA CORDELL? One day after releasing her debut EP Nobody Knows Us, singer-songwriter Anna Cordell will take her tunes to Kyneton’s Major Tom’s on February 15. If good things take time, Nobody Knows Us is going to be really, really good. Anna took almost a decade’s break from music, dedicating her time instead to raising five children and working on her clothing label. The album takes inspiration from the folk writers of the ’60s and ’70s.

VS BRISBANE ROAR MARS STADIUM, BALLARAT

FEB 16TH 4:00 KICKOFF

Between releasing their sophomore album (New Romancer) and touring the UK, including The Great Escape Festival, Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird had a beauty of a 2019. They have decided on another local run before heading to SXSW. Frontman Lachlan Rose: “The momentum and ethos of Cousin Tony is only growing stronger and more joyous and we’re stoked to be along for the ride.” Workers Club, Geelong – February 15.

FARA CELEBRATES SCOTLAND As part of the Year of Scotland Australia festivities that will take place throughout 2020, Scottish quartet Fara will be a guest of the popular Ararat Live series on March 4. Jennifer Austin, Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie and Catriona Price are three fiddle players and a pianist, as well as childhood friends. Their latest album, Times from Times Fall, celebrates the community that inspired them to become musicians.

LOST TRADES FAIR Created as a platform for career artisans and traditional tradespeople to share their skills, the Lost Trades Fair will take place across March 7 & 8 at the Bendigo Racecourse. The weekend also includes workshops in wood, metal and clay, while fairgoers can also learn techniques in carving, plaiting, textiles, netsuke, metal decoration and silver. Further information is available through losttrades.info.

LENNON: THROUGH A GLASS ONION More than 25 years ago, John Waters and Stewart D’Arrietta first performed Lennon: Through a Glass Onion at Sydney’s Tilbury Hotel. It is testament to their talent and the respect they show the songs that the show is still going, not to mention the adoration the music world still has for John Lennon. More than 30 songs are performed as part of the part-concert, partbiography show. Kyneton Town Hall, Kyneton – February 21.

SNUGGLE UP TO PONY FACE Hey hip cats, do you want to hear what Pony Face have been up to recently? The band is heading to The Bridge in Castlemaine on March 13, where they’re going to road test a new set of material that will be made available for release later in the year.

According to the word on the street, the set “promises kraut disco punk goth-inspired bangers with a side order of some fucking bangers”. Bring your friends.

A WORD WITH WOODY PITNEY

VS CENTRAL COAST MARINERS GMHBA STADIUM, GEELONG - MARCH 1ST

WOMEN OF WIT 5

Hear Me Out is the new EP from Woody Pitney, a folk/pop singersongwriter from Melbourne who caught an international eye after his song ‘You Can Stay’ featured on a commercial for Germany travel company weg.de. Woody: “It’s been an absolute marathon getting this bad boy finished and it feels like I’ve been through hell and back to be able to release new music, but here we are.” Workers Club, Geelong – February 22.

ALL EYES QUIRKS

ON

We’re up to the fifth edition of Women of Wit, and it just gets funnier. Delivering some of the finest women comics to Bendigo, the series started out as a way for locals to showcase their talents and has since become a soldout event. Appearing at the Engine Room Theatre on March 6 will be Simone Amohanga, Cath Styles, SarahJane Fawcett, Prue Blake, Jacqueline Mifsud, Emma Holland and Danielle Walker.

ZINDA FESTIVAL Bendigo’s Rosalind Park will host the multicultural Zinda Festival next month on March 14 in a free event that kicks off Cultural Diversity Week. Meaning alive and lively in a number of languages, Zinda Festival celebrates the music, dance, food and cultures that contribute to central Victoria. There’s still some finishing touches taking place, but you can keep an eye on zinda. org.au for further information.

LITTLE

Life has got to be a little frustrating for a young band at times, what with getting stopped by security as they check your ID and all. But if that is the price to pay for getting to perform your tunes, it’s not so bad. Little Quirks is a band of two sisters and a cousin, a trio who grew up in regional NSW and played around on their parents’ instruments. Cover My Eyes is their EP. The Bridge, Castlemaine – February 28.

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GEELONG’S BEST BUSKER Have you heard the word about Geelong’s Best Busker 2020? Of course you have, because you are awesome.

But we’re giving it to you again because the competition is awesome. Little Malop Central will host three heats plus finals throughout February, kicking off with heat one on Tuesday, February 11. Heat two takes place February 14, while heat three takes place February 18.

The finals are locked in for February 21.

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STINKY MIKE’S 40TH BIRTHDAY BASH

STAMP OUT AND ABOUT

You’re only forty. You’re not dead yet. Stinky Mike is turning 40, and the best years are still ahead. There is also one meaty celebration taking place at Geelong’s Barwon Club on February 29 to celebrate the occasion. The mighty DickLord will be there, one of the best at last year’s River Rocks. Playing their first show in three years, Bitter Sweet Kicks will fire things up, as well as Two Headed Dog, Grindhouse and Dr Colossus.

TH E ISSUE WITH THE V DAY MIX TAPE Why don’t we make mixed tapes anymore? With one finger on play and one finger on record, you would illegally capture that one song for that special someone. Totes cute, right?

It was a thoughtful (insert cheap) way to tell that hot guy you had the feels for him. You could express how you really feel about that girl you’ve been crushing on, using someone else’s more eloquently written words. Not spluttering “I fink youse speshell” after one too many Midori Illusion shakers.

PARTY IN THE PARKING LOT

I think I worked out why we don’t do it anymore. I mean, an “I made you this Spotify playlist, but it’s not premium so you can’t skip the ads” is def not romantic.

Eight hours to work, eight hours to play, eight hours to sleep, eight bob a day. A fair day’s work, for a fair day’s pay. The Labour Day weekend is approaching, and while many will enjoy an extra day off without paying too much attention to its origins, The Inn Hotel in Geelong is getting in the spirit with Party in the Parking Lot. CC:Disco! will be among the entertainment, which will kick on for a respectful eight hours. March 8 is the date.

Music is deceptive. They have underlying meanings or aren’t about what you think they are about. Like this.

BRUNO MARS – “MARRY YOU” Bruno is one sexy Hawaiian man with a voice that makes your bits melt. But the song is about a hasty shotgun wedding that’s described as “something dumb to do” after one too many mojitos. It’s not the right song to declare a lifetime commitment.

BON IVER – “SKINNY LOVE” Shut. The. Front. Door. This is a break-up song. A seriously rough breakup. “I tell my love to wreck it all / Cut out all the ropes and let me fall”. Don’t tell them it’s over before it began. You don’t want to give them trust issues.

AIREYS INLET OPEN MIC We’re a month away from 2020’s Aireys Inlet Open Mic, and you have every right to be more than a little excited. Taking place from March 13 through March 15, the festival will host well over 100 acts of all sizes and sounds. A hugely popular feature of the event is the yearly Special Mystery Guest, a very special someone who closes out the festival. For a closer look at what is going down, hit aireysinlet.com.au.

JAMES BLUNT – “YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL” Old mate Blunty has publicly admitted his first ever single is far from romantic. He once told HuffPost “It’s about a guy who’s high as a f----- kite on drugs in the subway stalking someone else’s girlfriend

when that guy is there in front of him and he should be locked up or put in prison for being some kind of perv.” Don’t be that creep.

DIDO – “HERE WITH ME” Ummm, awks. It’s about waking up after a heavy night of drinking and sexy time and finding out that your one-night stand has cleared off without leaving a number. Like Sam Smith “Stay With Me”, don’t be that stage 5 clinger after one hot night of bumping uglies.

THE LUMINEERS – “HO HEY” Think about this the next time you sing “I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart”.

The song is about jealousy. I have liked all your IG photos and know where you meet your best for coffee on a Sunday so I can ‘randomly” bump into you creepy. ‘Ho Hey’, more like ‘UmmmK stay away’.

TAYLOR SWIFT “YOU BELONG TO ME” Not cool Tay Tay, not cool. She is declaring herself the only one qualified to be her best guy friend’s sweetheart. Even though he already has a girlfriend.

She is moving in on someone else’s relationship.

Do you want to sound like a homewrecker? The answer is no.

So, what song can you put on a mixtape? Ginuwine “Pony”. The message is obvious. No confusion here.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Stampsy is compiling her mixtape on the socials IG @lee_stamps and FB StampsyKROCK

A JUICY FESTIVAL IS ON THE HORIZON Making its debut in March, Lemonade Music Festival is Gippsland's newest live music offering and it's kicking it all off with a fruity lineup! Bringing big city festival style to the humble town of Sale, Godfathers of Aussie hip hop Hilltop Hoods are set to headline the first ever Lemonade. With 25 years behind them, multiple ARIAs, multiplatinum sales, countless tours, and festival appearances, half a billion global streams and songs cemented in Australia’s DNA, you can bet they’ll be rattling the keys to the Kingdom!

Joining Hilltop Hoods for Lemonade will be Safia, Wafia, Art vs Science, Slowly Slowly, Mammal, Jesswar, Alice Skye, Josh Cashman (originally from Sale), Butternut Sweetheart, Daniel Spencer Band and Desert Alien (from Cowwarr). It all goes down at Stephenson Park on Sunday 8 March, during the Labour Day long weekend. Tickets are on sale via Moshtix.

DROWNING IN FILTH Perth industrial metal groove outfit All This Filth are opening up on their new single, ‘Drowning’. The newie is about frontman Brendan Preston’s depression and marks the band’s first full-length video. Brendan: “I think a lot of people can relate and connect to the song and that’s why we’ve decided to do this as our first video clip for the Misery Season album.” Misery Season, meanwhile, is set for release March 29.

THE GROOVIN THE MOO 2020 LINEUP IS HERE

RIFF RAIDERS ARE A DREAM Melbourne’s own classic rock champions, Riff Raiders, are headed our way with their second album – Rock’n’roll Daydream, due out March 24. Rock’n’Roll Daydream features eleven tracks that successfully show off Marty Powell’s song-crafting, guitar and production talents. He’s not even a wanker about it. They’ll be sharing their first taste from the album with their double A-side single Loaded Gun/Best Day Ever with a show at Bendigo’s Golden Vine on Saturday February 29. Supports from Spacegoat and White Devil Detroit. With live shows renowned as an epic journey of rock with frisson-inducing guitar solos, fist-in-the-air anthem vibes, twin guitar harmonies and the unrestrained energy of frontwoman, Jenni Powell, this should not be missed.

Set to kick off in April, Groovin The Moo has unleashed a juicy AF lineup for this year’s run. Bringing a slab of iconic acts to the stage, this year’s festival boasts names like Kelis, Sugarhill Gang, Darude and Supergrass, along with a slate of contemporary international acts including AJ Tracey, Bhad Bhabie, Maxo Kream, YBN Cordae, Blanco Brown, Clairo and Channel Tres. There’s loads of homegrown talent on the bill too, with Gang of Youths, The Cat Empire, The Veronicas, Tones and I, Slowly Slowly, Dope Lemon and loads more set to hit the stage for the festival. GTM will roll into Bendigo on Saturday May 2.

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WRITTEN BY WYLIE CAIRD

THE KITE STRING TANGLE IS COMING TO GEELONG

HAVE WE GOT MORE FOR YOU!

2019 marked a breakout year for The Kite String Tangle with a shift to a harder, darker, more electronic sound, alongside a residency in Berlin, sold-out headline Australian shows and performances at some of Australia’s biggest regional Festivals. Now he’s kicked off 2020 with the announcement of forthcoming album C()D3X and a national album tour which will see audiences cram the dancefloor for The Kite String Tangle’s new darker, electrifying shows across capital cities and select regional towns – including our very own Workers Club in Geelong on Saturday June 13. Photo by Cybele Malinowski.

Eves Karydas – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 14; Mason – Barwon Club, Geelong on February 14; Something Krook (with friends) – Barwon Club, Geelong on February 15; Fieldsy – The Vine, Bendigo on February 15; Mahalia Barnes – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on February 15; Ingrid James – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on February 16; and Cash Savage and the Last Drinks – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 21.

MINNESOTA & BROOKLYN VISIT OZ

INTRODUCING THE BELL STREETS

If watching people open things is anything to go by, YouTube has a certain power. The Other Favourites is the duo of Carson McKee and Josh Turner, a Brooklyn-based outfit known in part for their popular performances on YouTube. Reina del Cid is a singer-songwriter and leader of the Minnesota outfit of the same name, known for her YouTube series, Sunday Mornings with Reina del Cid. Barwon Club, Geelong – April 22.

We’ve become familiar with Nick Batterham (The Earthmen, Blindside, Cordrazine) and Josh Meadows (The Sugargliders, The Steinbecks) over the years through their various projects, and now a relationship that stretches back to the early nineties is getting a fresh start. The Bell Streets is their new project, and ‘Fragile’ their first single. The Melbourne/Castlemaine band is aiming to release ten tracks throughout 2020.

THEY’RE STILL SCREAMING

JESSE DAYTON SALUTES TEXAS

Almost 30 years later, I still don’t know what happened when you knocked upon my door. ‘Better’ by The Screaming Jets is one of those gotta have additions to any Aussie road trip compilation. But they have plenty more. The band is continuing their thirty-year anniversary run with more dates, reaching out on their Sunshine and Hurricanes tour to places they were unable to visit the first time around. Gateway Hotel, Corio – May 8.

It’s a while away, but we thought you should know that Jesse Dayton is heading to Australia for the first time.

The Texas-based Americana songman has been playing his jams for more than three decades, during which time he has released eleven studios albums. Last year he mixed things up, compiling ten cover songs and releasing the album Mixtape Volume 1. Barwon Club, Geelong – August 14 & The Eastern, Ballarat – August 16.

MARDI GRAS STREET MUSIC FESTIVAL There will be good vibes all-around when Little Malop Street is taken over by the annual Mardi Gras Street Music Festival. Channelling the spirit of New Orleans, the event, which takes place on February 23, features a music special at Pistol Pete’s. Steve Boy’s Rum Reverie will be there, a band packed with New Orleans swagger, a healthy serving of soul, a splash of blues and a pinch of jazz noir.

Music practice space wanted

For individual use only, not for commercial purposes.

2020’s Apollo Bay Seafood Festival kicks off tomorrow, Friday, February 14, with the annual ‘Ocean to Plate’ seafood gala dinner, this year hosted by Alejandro Saravia. Harbour Day, which takes place the following day, is the festival’s main event. Kicking off at 10am, festival-goers will be able to buy their product straight from those who caught the catch. A full program is available through apollobayseafoodfestival.com.

BIRDWATCHING WITH ROB SNARSKI Starting out his musical life playing a 120-button accordion gifted to him by his Grandmother, Rob Snarski took up the guitar in his teens and formed his first band, Chad’s Tree, in the 1980s. Towards the end of that decade, he became a founding member of The Blackeyed Susans. Major Tom’s, Kyneton – February 29.

SuperGirly has supported Sir Elton John on his Australian tour, performed for Madonna, Queen, The Spice Girls, Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, Mick Jagger and even the Duchess of York. She’s done sketch comedy with Jennifer Saunders, Sting and Kenneth Branagh. Had her own sitcom on the BBC. So what’s next? She’s coming to The Palais Theatre Hepburn March 14th with POP RIVALS - an all-singing, allglamour LAUGHFEST that skewers the tabloid-shifting celebs and pop-singers - right through their shallow hearts to the tune of their own songs. Joined by Ana Mitsikas who can sing up a storm, play like Liberace, and is nearly as glitzy, for a side-splitting night full of music and comedy that will have you screaming, laughing and wincing all at the same time! Look out Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper there’s a new pop duo in town.

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

We’re looking for someone who is

waterfall.walshe@gmail.com for details

guitarist on two piece with a focus on

have hair, must have strong vocals.

theatres – just a space that’s both

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

CBD would be ideal. Contact

Soul on 0402310353

play most weekends is important.

Call Kit 0427999107

Sam on 0407347444

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PALAIS-HEPBURN PRESENTS SUPERGIRLY

Drummer / percussionist/ Kongo player wanted

I’m looking for a cheap/free

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

APOLLO BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Poison City Records have all the right ingredients for Country Daze 2020, in what will be the third instalment of the Castlemaine-hosted event. The Bridge kicks things off on Friday, February 21 with the likes of No Sister and Majestic Horses. On Saturday, Theatre Royal opens up to Cash Savage and the Last Drinks, Moody Beaches and much more. The Bridge will then host a lazy Sunday. Grab all the details through poisoncityestore.com.

With a mixture of vocal harmonies, five-string banjo, fiddle, banjo ukulele and mountain dulcimer, Cat & Clint have been crafting Appalachian mountain musicinspired tunes for more than a decade. Late last year the duo released their third album, The Days That Used to Be. The album features an impressive 21 tracks. The Taproom, Castlemaine – February 23. Later, the duo performs at Daylesford Cider on April 21.

House of Song relives Marcia Howard’s over 30-year career as a singer/songwriter in the Australian music industry.

Through story and song and film, Marcia retells her story, including her years as a member of the iconic Australian band, Goanna. Part concert, part sing along. Joined by musicians Matiss Schubert and Marcia’s son, Liam Gubbins, Marcia will share the inspirations that have consistently informed her song writing and performance. Marcia’s songs explore the background to her compelling story. The show will include the song "Save The Rivers", written at the Yaama Ngunna Corroboree Festival in central NSW in October for the Ruby Hunter Legacy Mothers' Milk Bank Charity and the rivers. See it in Torquay on February 15 and at The Tap Room in Castlemaine on February 22.

CL ASSIFIEDS

COUNTRY DAZE 2020

CAT & CLINT & NUMBER THREE

MARCIA HOWARD'S HOUSE OF SONG

BET ON BLUES ROULETTE A multiple nominee in the American Blues Foundation (Memphis) Blues Music Awards, Fiona Boyes will join the Blues Roulette clan as a special guest for three big shows, including Geelong’s Pistol Pete’s on February 14. You can also catch them at the Ballarat Beer Festival.

A Melbourne blues institution, ‘no charts, no rehearsal, no safety net – just the blues’ is how Blues Roulette play the game.

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IN LOVE WITH YOUR ETERNAL CRUSH It’s a small world, they say. Joey Jean and Jackson Holliday began collaborating via email, after reaching out through Instagram. Months later, they bumped into each other at a party where they discovered they were actually neighbours.

Forming Eternal Crush, Gab Strum would join the project last year and spearhead their debut EP. ‘Lucifer’ is the first single, inspired by the Drive soundtrack. Volta, Ballarat – February 14. Photo by Nelly Skoufatoglou.

BALLARAT BEER FESTIVAL

B END IGO AU G O GO

The Ballarat Beer Festival is happening this weekend, folks. Craft beers and ciders, regional wines, food trucks and music will all play a part on the day, that day being February 15.

So, who is playing? You have Michael Meeking, Blues Roulette, Alan Boyle, Nathan Beretta, Amber Gamblers, Libby Steele Band, Jess Parker & the Troubled Waters and Bitches Brew.

Get it all through ballaratbeerfestival. com.au.

Even the unpredictable inclement weather couldn’t dampen the buzz and excitement surrounding the inaugural Gold Roses altcountry music festival, staged at Handle Bar earlier this month.

Local roots rockers Four Lions were joined by Melbourne-based honky-tonk collective James Ellis (another homegrown product) and The Jealous Guys; singer-songwriters Katie Bates (accompanied by guitarist/fiddler Hamish Davidson of The Davidson Brothers), Kate Alexander and Hana Brenecki; and Geelong troubadour Nathan Seeckts.

Festival director Shann Lions – also the frontman for Four Lions – was thrilled with the response to the bill, which featured some of Victoria’s finest musicians working across alt-country’s associated genres. “I was so happy with the turnout of Central Victorian alt-country lovers who packed out my local watering hole,” Lions says. “The acts – all handpicked – were superb. I truly am excited about building this into something special each year on the local calendar.” Never one to rest on his laurels, Lions says planning has already started for next

MAJESTIC HORSES SADDLE UP Majestic Horses continue on their Victorian tour and team up with Melbourne’s eclectic post punk quartet CHESS, and local Ballarat band Meraki Minds for one night only on Friday 28th February at The Eastern. The team will see Kellie Lloyd (Screamfeeder) Monika Fikerle (Love of Diagrams/ Chess/ Crash Material) and Andy Hayden (TV Haze) launching the single ‘SIGNAL’. Their album, Away From The Sun, is out now on Kasumuen Records.

year’s festival. “The line-up for Gold Roses 2021 is almost worked out and will build upon this year’s success,” he says. “It’s onwards and upwards!”

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ Abbey Road album, some of Australia’s best-loved musicians are bringing Abbey Road Live to Ulumbarra Theatre on Thursday, February 20.

ARC, which comprises self-confessed Beatles tragics Kram (Spiderbait), Mark Wilson (Jet), Davey Lane (You Am I) and Darren Middleton (Powderfinger) — will perform Abbey Road in full, from start to finish. It will be followed by a second set comprising a selection of Beatles hits from throughout their storied career. Joining ARC on stage will be special guests Ash Naylor (Paul Kelly, Even and Rockwiz), Linda Bull (The Black Sorrows, Vika and Linda Bull), Brett Wolfenden (The Pictures, Jim Keays), and James Fleming (Eagle And The Worm, Bob Evans). Tickets available from livenation.

Also happening in and around town in the next fortnight: Irish singer-songwriter Fieldsy brings her alt-Celtic rock show Hey Irish to the Golden Vine on Saturday, February 15. With special guests. From 9pm. Melbourne-based heavy doom purveyors DROID will be performing songs from their debut album Hyperreality at the Golden Vine on Saturday, February 22. Supported by Jack Harlon and The Dead Crows and Vessel. From 7pm.

Travelling up the highway as part of a national tour, Melbourne-based folk/blues/country singersongwriter Nathan Power will launch his new single Wildfire at Handle Bar on Saturday, February 22.

From 6pm. He will be followed by fellow Melbournebased folk-rock-soul singer James Franklin and his band, performing in Bendigo for the first time as part of The Coming Of Kid tour. From 7.30pm.

Axedale Tavern features a host of local artists this month, including Hey Mister on Saturday, February 15, from 6.30pm; David Knight on Sunday, February 16, from 1pm; and Ben Whiting on Sunday, February 23, from 1pm.

Contact: nettee136@gmail.com

Written by Lynette Walker

SAT 29 FEB 2020 Pakington Street 9am - 5pm www.pakofesta.com.au

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THE GARAGE

FROM THE SAME CREW THAT BROUGHT YOU THE MILL MARKETS, POWERHOUSE AND THE MALTHOUSE COMES THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE CHAIN OF GROOVY SPACES – THE GARAGE, FEATURING STACKS ON STACKS OF VINTAGE GEMS, GALLERY AND ART WORKSHOPS.

Still in its beta stages, The Garage only opened up just this January after three months of renovating the old car repair shop into a brand spanking new vintagewares space. So if you were walking past like I was the other week wondering “where the heck did all that street art come from out of nowhere!?” well now you know it’s because something groovy just fell on your doorstep.

Even while stalls and shipments are still coming in, getting organised and shuffled around, the venue is already full of a wide range of vintage treasures, alternative fashion labels and designer works and art pieces.

Much like the Mill Markets, it’s worth coming in just to wander around and get a little lost having a gander at all the cool knick-knacks and funky clothes you wish your grandparents never tossed. Every month is a new $20 pop up sale, so definitely keep an eye out for bargains on some new threads, records, homewares and all kinds of other vintage-ware.

Just on the horizon, Pako Festa will be a huge day for the folks at The Garage with huge shipments coming through, some street-art workshops for any aspiring artists out there who need a few tips and tricks on wielding a spray can and even some other stalls for Artisan studios. It’ll definitely be a day to mark in your calendar to come have a suss, there’ll be a little something for everyone.

A weekly Sunday market is also in the works where regular and temporary stallholders can come together to sling their second-hand gems alongside some good food, coffee and music.

In future, The Garage will also be functioning as an art gallery, function space and music venue.

With so many exciting developments on the horizon, definitely keep an eye on The Garage and their socials so you don’t miss out on any of the cool shindigs they put on and come check them out on Pako Festa to get the real vibe of what it’s all about, be there or be square.

The Garage is located at 77 Pakington Street, Geelong West. It’s open seven days a week from 10am-6pm.

Written by Jess Sercombe

Describing The Garage as ‘another Mill Market’ would be an understatement for this new project space however with plenty of plans brewing up for the venue.

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STELLAR FOLK, BLUES & ROOTS MUSIC FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE PLUS WORKSHOPS, THEATRE FORUMS AND MORE

C.W. STONEKING

RHIANNON GIDDENS (USA)

PATTY GRIFFIN (USA)

DAN SULTAN ELEANOR MCEVOY (IRL) THE EAST POINTERS (CAN) ARCHIE ROACH H THE MAES

COOL OUT SUN H GRACE PETRIE (ENG) MĀMĀ MIHIRANGI & THE MĀREIKURA (NZ)

+ MANY MORE

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL EVENT:

HARRY SHEARER

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA (USA)

INTRODUCES

A MIGHTY WIND

TICKETS ON SALE BOOK NOW www.portfairyfolkfestival.com International Boutique Conference Comes To Geelong Arts Precinct KEYNOTE SPEAKERS from AUSTRALIA, CANADA & USA INDUSTRY PANELS Showcase artists: ALICE SKYE • CHARM OF FINCHES • COOPER LOWER • FENN WILSON + many more

MARCH 2-4, 2020 | GEELONG PRESENTED BY FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL

REGISTER NOW WWW.FOLKEXCHANGE.ORG

Gala Opening and Presentation : FAI Lifetime Achievement Award To Jamie McKew PLUS

WITH

THE EAST POINTERS • GINA WILLIAMS & GUY GHOUSE SHANE HOWARD & FRIENDS + MANY MORE

The ExChange is a micro-conference produced annually by Folk Alliance International, a non-profit based in Kansas City, USA. Past editions have included events in Ireland and Sweden.

The Australian edition is proudly supported by Creative Victoria, City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Music Victoria, Victorian Music Development Office, Sounds Australia, Folk Alliance Australia and Woodfordia.

PFFF2020_FullPage_TheMusic_Jan20.indd 1

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The famed Pako Festa Parade begins at 11 am on the intersection of Waratah and Pakington Streets and ends on Autumn street, lasting for around an hour. It is at 12pm that the entertainment is brought onstage.

There are several stages set up, with an assortment of performances lined up; the West Park Stage, Bank Of Melbourne Stage, Family Entertainment Precinct West Town Hall, Petrel Hotel Stage and Geelong Folk Music Club Stage will be hosting a number of performances to impress and entertain the crowds of admirers.

The streets are coloured with new and exciting ethnic dances. In 2020, for instance, the performances of the Andalucia Spanish Dancing Group, Caribay Dance Group and Linas- Geelong Lithuanian Dance Group are to be seen. And these are just to name a few!

Let’s not forget the amazing music that will echo the air! Beyond Nirvana Music Aus and their range of typical Bollywood to ghazals and beyond, The Quick Sixes with their rock n’ roll as well as Super Mande Percussion!

PAKO FESTA A flash of pink, red, purple here. A splash of gold, white and orange there. A bright blue sky above. A symphony of vibrant and varied music echoing all around. Tempting fragrances beckon your nose, making your mouth water! That and so much more. Yup. That’s just a small glimpse of the Pako Festa for you.

Starting in 1983, where it attracted a crowd of 12,000, Pako Festa has become the largest free celebration of cultural diversity in Australia, now attracting at least 100,000 enthusiasts come to experience several different cultures in one place on a single day.

Proudly hosted by Diversitat, a not-for-profit

Food stalls from innumerable places are lined up along the street. Foods from a variety of countries, such as France, Lithuania, Nigeria, Russia, India, Indonesia, Scotland, Italy, Iran, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Greece and many more are lined up…a chance, a true feast for your taste buds. How about some nice Ćevapi Pie, a Bosnian treat? Have it with meat, cheese or (especially for vegetarians) have a combo of cheese and spinach! Bigos and Kopytka from Poland will surely make you hungry for more! Let’s not forget the snowcones and Yakitori Chicken Skewers from Japan! And for all you butter chicken lovers, your wish has been granted too! But one of the most unique

association, the festivities take place along Pakington Street, the multicultural heart of Geelong, and hosts the union of 35 separate ethnic community groups, along with 50 local community groups, including

qualities about this is the fact that many stalls give their recipe cards. Now one needn’t wait to experience the same delicacy for a year. Rather, you can visit the world in your very own kitchen.

THE EXCHANGE IS BRINGING THE FOLK TO GEELONG This March, Geelong will become the home to folk, roots and indigenous musicians when the music community gathers for The ExChange, the International Folk Music Conference which will elevate Australia’s independent folk music community.

A global conference for music industry networking, planning, and international market development with a strong focus on partnership, professional development and music export opportunities, The ExChange is presented by US-based Folk Alliance International (FAI) in partnership with the Port Fairy Folk Festival in the lead up to the iconic annual seaside festival (which goes down on March 6 – 9).

Come March, the international event will bring a number of industry personnel, presenters, topquality national and international folk acts from all over the world to numerous Geelong venues for three nights and two days. With a focus on economic development, industry partnerships, professional development, sector strategy, First Nations artist panels and performances, the conference is designed for all members of the industry and those

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schools, bands and sports clubs, in celebration of diversity, colouring the area in its unique brightness and excitement.

Pako Festa prides itself as being a free event; it is also access friendly allowing people of all abilities to share the enriching experience of multiculturalism. When you come for Pako Festa, you are guaranteed to leave the fest with a smile on your lips, a song in your heart and a skip in your step.

It all kicks off on Saturday 29 February at 9am.

Be sure to check out more details of events on www.pakofesta.com.au.

Photo by Chrissie Francis Photography Written by Aparna Pitale

interested in folk music and culture.

The speakers and panellists of the highest calibre set to take over the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre during the day include the likes of Bonnie Dalton from the Victorian Music Development Office; Chloe Goodyear from Woodford Folk Festival; Glenn Dickie from Sounds Australia; Lisa Shwartz from Philadelphia Folk Festival, USA; among many others.

At night, a series of showcase concerts will be held throughout the arts and culture precinct of Geelong which will see a number of Australian artists performing, including Alana Wilkinson, Alice Skye, Benny Walker, Charm Of Finches, Cooper Lower, Emily Wurramara, Fenn Wilson, This Way North and William Crighton – just to name a few.

There will also be performances from a number of exciting international artists including Canada’s The East Pointers, Celtic pop singer/songwriter Eleanor McEvoy, NZ’s Soulful Hollie Smith, and Nashville singer-guitarist Will Kimbrough.

Alongside the panel discussions and showcase concerts, there will also be a host of development opportunities for the folk music industry, as well as an electric opening night gala event. Hosted by Derek Guille, the gala will feature the presentation of Folk Alliance International’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr Jamie McKew, Founding Director of Port Fairy Folk Festival, alongside performances by Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse – 2020 Port Fairy Artists of the Year, The East Pointers (CAN), Shane Howard and friends, and special guests. The gala event will raise funds for the Cobargo Community Bushfire Recovery which has been set up by the township following the devastating fires in the Southern NSW region leading to the Cobargo Folk Festival being postponed.

A visual arts exhibition, The Force of Folk, will also be presented at Platform Gallery, and run for the duration of The ExChange.

The ExChange takes place in Geelong from 2-4 March and is for all folk music lovers, industry and general public. For tickets to the gala event and further information visit folkexchange.org/ register/

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FRI 21 FEB ESPY BASEMENT, MELB SAT 22 FEB MAX WATTS, MELB FRI 28 FEB YOUNG ST SUPPER CLUB, FRANKSTON

SAT 29 FEB GOLDEN VINE BENDIGO ALBUM LAUNCH FRI 3 APRIL CHERRY BAR, MELB WWW.RIFFRAIDERS.COM

SHEDDING THE BLUES Whether we’re neck deep in Uni assignments or simply working hard, we find ourselves fantasizing about kicking back, laying in the sun and doing absolutely nothing. It’s a nice idea, isn’t it? So, what happens when retirement finally dawns? It surely must feel nice the first few days, weeks, months and even years. But humans are run by a sense of purpose. We need something to look forward to every day as we get out of bed. Doing absolutely nothing “sounds” great, but everyone has to battle the sense of purposelessness that slyly gets comfortable on our lap, it’s purr getting louder as time passes.

The topic of mental health ideally includes all ages.

The spotlight, however, is frequently shone on the newer generation. Shedding the Blues aimed to shine some light on those who have concluded a majority of their time on the workforce, or are approaching such a time. With the aid of music, it connects several men to unite, discuss as well as create music.

The positive reception of the concept on October 2019 proved that a constructive path can be paved with music as the loving thread. The initiative, which was supported by Queenscliff Neighbourhood House and Bellarine Community Health is scheduled to launch at Queenscliff RSL Hall on Friday 21st February 2020 at 10.00 am. And what’s more? There’s a barbecue! Music and food. What could be better?

Des Gorman, the coordinator of Shedding the Blues, pointed out that music is a great medium to promote “healthy social interactions” and keeps improving our “cognitive capacity” even as we age.

During active work life, we are generally in touch with not just the latest trends and news but also with people. As rightly identified by Gorman, social isolation usually accompanies retirement. This initiative provides an avenue for connecting with other music lovers.

The Honourable Libby Coker, the federal member for Corangamite, will launch the initiative, local councillors and community leaders present to show their support. The event will kick off with works of Gary Banks, local singer-songwriter.

Having performed in Ireland, he also devotes time to numerous sessions run by Shedding the Blues members. Other local musicians will also grace the event such as Peter Corcoran from the Hips Replacements, Ian Zierk from Southern Light Music as well as John Matlen from Slyde Back, a local blues band.

The tagline for the event, “hitting the right note for men and their music” encourages folks to understand music, its variations and perhaps even take the opportunity to learn an instrument. Men are encouraged to bring along a partner and a mate.

The more, the merrier!

Those interested can contact Des Gorman 040756391 or email desgorman@ bigpond.com. It’s the perfect balance of mental health and fun!

Written by Aparna Pitale

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DIESEL

Australia’s guitar wizard, Diesel, extends his Sunset Suburbia tour to include a run of regional and rural towns across Australia. Marking some new territory for the ARIA and APRA winning artist and some old favourites including the Gateway Hotel in Geelong on Friday 21 February 2020, Mark Lizotte, better known as Diesel, is excited to extend touring gaze.

“It’s a big country so it shouldn’t be any surprise that you can spend a lifetime sifting through it, it’s massive,” Lizotte laughs.

Titled ‘Greatest Hits & Sunset Suburbia’ Solo Tour, the tour is fairly self-explanatory. It will see Diesel take to the stage on his own for a no smoke and mirror performance of his greatest hits from his colossal nearly four decade spanning career, snaking tracks off his last 2019 double EP releases, ‘Sunset Suburbia Vol I and II’.

“I guess the show is stripped back because it’s only one person on stage but it’s a pretty full noisy sort of show [laughs] because I make a lot of sound with the guitar and I’ve grown into the idea of pushing it more and more and more. When I started doing solo shows I was like, ‘well how does this work’, ‘do I sit down?’, ‘do I play an acoustic guitar?’ but actually I feel more comfortable standing up than this whole sitting down thing, and making it more laid back and introspective, that’s not me. I want to just do

my thing. It’s almost like how I played in my room when I was 13, like standing up and imagining that I was in a band and I had an amplifier that my brother gave me so I played really loud,” Lizotte explains.

“But it’s very exposed. People have actually said after a show that they didn’t know what a lyric was but now they do because it’s stripped back and can actually hear what I’m saying. It’s an interesting and raw experience.”

Narrating his experience growing up in suburban Perth and Sydney, the poignant lyrics within Sunset Suburbia that are centred around family should be heard as they will surely resonate with the regional audiences.

“As much of it is about my life and growing up in the suburbs – there’s definitely an element of that in the album – but there are other things too that have just happened recently like using my own family and kids as a muse as well, and my travels and seeing them going through things that I have been through but their doing it in their own way – that’s inspiring to me.”

Sunset Suburbia was originally a trilogy series, recorded over 4 sessions throughout 2019. With the two volumes out into the music universe to a fan frenzy reception, Diesel and his team decided to roll the third instalment into an album instead. That album is due out mid- 2020.

While an album is forthcoming, the airy process for recording around an EP series resided with Lizotte more so than the pressure of album recording and it seems like he rediscovered his creative flow.

“I did, and it definitely became more normal with this I guess pulling things out of thin air approach,” he says. “Having done albums the other way which is going in and doing the whole thing in one row, I’m not saying I won’t do that again or I don’t like that but I sort of prefer having the breathing gaps in between I have to say.”

See their Sunset Suburbia songs in their full glory alongside the hits of Diesel at The Gateway Hotel, Geelong next Friday!

Tickets at dieselmusic.com.au/ Written by Tammy Walters

FIVE MINUTES WITH BENDIGO’S VESSEL Hey thanks for chatting to Forte! First up, can you describe Vessel in a few words?

Fuzzy bluesy desert rock with a few twists!

Congrats on the release of Vessel’s new album Vagabond Blues.

Can you tell us about the process of pulling this one together?

Thank you! Ideas for this album came about after living abroad and travelling extensively a few years back. Moving home and transitioning back into the Australian way of life inspired some of the lyrics, including the title track. It felt familiar to be back in some ways, but like I was a foreigner coming to Australia in others. Very strange!

You’re also releasing it on vinyl, which is rad for the music lovers.

Why was vinyl an avenue you decided to invest in? Is it something that’s always been an interest for you?

It was always a goal to release our previous album Nostalgia on vinyl, which came out back in 2016, but we were never able to make it happen.

It is a format that really lends itself to the genre; fans around the world really seem to love it! There are some fantastic and thriving underground labels putting out excellent music and they are selling really well on

the songs much more perhaps than other festivals.

The audience comes with you on the journey.”

Goanna was at the height of its powers as a band from the late 1970s to 1985, but there was always a fairly amicable revolving door of band personnel who added their magic to the live shows and recordings.

“The Goanna period was a very powerful time for five or six years in terms of commercial success.

‘Solid Rock’ is now this iconic Aussie song. But I guess it was just a small part of my musical life.

I’ve written over 250 songs and they are all very important to me.”

SHANE HOWARD

As with everything Howard does his music is often a reflection of the times we live in and his hopes or fears for the future. Heading into 2020 those fears are gathering momentum unless we all change our thinking.

Growing up near Warrnambool surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful water oasis was just the tonic for Shane Howard to foster his deep love for the country and the environment he lived in. That understanding and love has “We’re facing extinction. And living in catastrophic continued with Howard, from great Aussie band times, particularly in terms of my children and Goanna now living on a “beautiful wetland”. grandchildren. There are billionaires destroying the world and it seems worse now than say the 1980s.

Howard’s music is timeless – who hasn’t heard We’ve known about problems but have failed to act.

‘Solid Rock’ and not considered a higher purpose, and a spirituality about this golden country we “I feel that the world is led by gangsters. Those live in? people with lots of money and vested interests.”

Howard will return to the stage (not that he’s ever really left it) early next month at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, a place just up the road from his house, and a festival which has a special place in Howard’s heart.

Goanna sprung up around Geelong and Howard had much to do with the formation and nurturing of the Folk scene in the region.

“Geelong is and was a very vibrant musical community with so many bands here and that would come through like Paul Kelly, Australian Crawl. My Mum was born in Port Fairy so I’m deeply connected here,” he says. “The audiences there really listen to

vinyl, so it is a world we wanted to be a part of. I hoped that it would expose us to new audiences and get our music into some different ears!

In terms of lyrical content, we believe a lot of it comes from travelling, with subjects surrounding racism, conservative governments, organised religion, and climate policy. Can you tell us a bit about that?

Going a bit deeper into what I touched on before, returning to Australia at the end of 2015 after a couple of years away was a bag of mixed emotions. At the time, there were right-wing groups all over the media and Pauline Hanson was back on the scene. It did not feel like the country I had left behind at all. In the years that followed, we’ve seen the horrors of the Catholic Church on trial and Australia an embarrassment on the international stage with regard to climate policy. Having experienced life away from Australia I’ve felt like we’ve moved backwards instead of forwards in many ways, and that really bled into some of the songwriting.

Is there a song on the record that is particularly special or meaningful to you as a musician (we get that’s like choosing a favourite child but still!)?

The songs vary from personal to observational and there is a narrative one in there as well. I think The Void Tempest is the most personal and it is the longest song on the album as well (which might be turning into a theme given our last album!). I can’t say it is a favourite though, too hard to choose!

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Howard’s world view may be bleak, but is shared by many it seems. And while our leaders continually fail to lead by example, Howard will continue to make socially important music and continue to call out bad behaviour which puts us all at risk.

The 44th Port Fairy Folk Festival takes place on the Labour Day Long Weekend from 6-9 March 2020, in Port Fairy, Victoria. Tickets to the Port Fairy Folk Festival are available now at www. portfairyfolkfestival.com Written by Chris Michaels

We understand Vessel began as a solo project. What was the process in it evolving to a desert rock, psych metal band? Is the crux of Vessel still the same?

It evolved into a band making this new album! I hadn’t taken any Vessel songs to the stage before, and while putting Vagabond Blues together it felt like a good time to consider making the jump. Maybe because of the strength of some of the songs, I was just itching to play them with a live band. The crux is still the same, it’s my baby, my vessel for creativity (get it!?), but working with a consistent vocalist in Mason and forming a live band has given it more legs!

What are some of Vessel’s main influences?

Sabbath have always been my biggest musical influence since I was a youngling. The juxtaposition of heavy, scary riffs with danceable grooves and bluesy licks just gets me. Aside from that, I hear a bit of my love of post-punk and goth in there (The Sisters of Mercy anyone?), and of course, the psych-rock of Monster Magnet is something I aspire to!

I’ll give a shout out to some newer underground bands that are really inspiring too such as Samsara Blues Experiment, Black Pyramid and Egypt. Some of my favourite music of the last decade right there.

Is the band more at home live on the stage, or in the studio/ jamming?

I love listening to albums and digesting aural art, and when it comes to Vessel nothing pleases me more than when a song comes together sonically on a recording. That said, we’ve had a lot of fun putting a live set together since finishing the album!

You'll be launching the album at The Golden Vine in Bendigo on Friday the 13th of March with Melbourne bands 29 Bones and Peeling Sun in support. What can punters expect from this gig?

It will be awesome to share a stage with old mate Brock from 29 Bones again, the first time in 8 odd years! We’re really looking forward to hearing his powerful pipes! Peeling Sun is one of Melbourne’s best up and comers and I think they will help merge the metal and desert rock sounds together on the night with their heavy grunge sounds. From us, we just want to share our new music, and we’ve put a couple of covers together for the night as well because we just want to have fun with it!

Now with the album out, what are plans for 2020?

More shows where possible, and hopefully working on an EP or something like that later in the year! And if the vinyl goes well, maybe we will finally look at getting Nostalgia pressed as well!

Catch Vessel at The Golden Vine in Bendigo on March 13.

Photo by Mason Jordan

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“Two years later I’m in the studio… the phone rings and it’s the person I had felt cut off from that year I skipped Christmas. They said they had felt the same, and had found it hard to open up as well. And that they were skipping Christmas this year.

“I instantly remembered the half-written song I never finished, and suddenly it all made sense,” he continues. “‘Raw Stuff’ instantly falls into two parts. The first half is my side of miscommunication, and the second my reaction to hearing they felt the same.”

With heartbreaking words about miscommunication and oneself being the biggest hurdle, ‘Raw Stuff’ builds to a final crescendo keeping listeners holding onto every beat.

To coincide with the release of arguably his most emotive song yet, Didirri has announced a string of shows after he returns from the United States and Canada.

THE RAW SIDE OF DIDIRRI Melbourne indie-folk singer-songwriter Didirri has found his way deep into our hearts with his stripped-back melodies, lyrics delving into our inner thoughts and his deep, soulful voice.

His latest release ‘Raw Stuff’ is yet another example of the wordsmith’s talent as it tells of a situation from two different perspectives.

“For the first time in my life, I was skipping Christmas.

Though I was pursuing my creative goals, I was far from my family and friends,” Didirri says. “It was difficult to open up to someone I cared about back home. I couldn’t explain the mixed bag of emotions that was weighing me down so I gave up on the song quickly... It didn’t feel finished.

Hayley Mary, the former Jezabels frontwoman has much on her plate currently. Her debut EP, The Piss, The Perfume, is creating a lot of interest and there are gigs galore coming up to show off these exciting new tunes.

But with the country currently being ravaged by fire and flood and everything in between, Mary feels slightly uncomfortable being in the middle of a heavy promotion period with so much destruction going on.

“It does feel strange with a backdrop of the whole country burning. Feels quite weird doing so much self-promotion. But when you are successful, you can end up helping more in these situations.”

It seems for Mary, the constant promotion, interviews and early feedback from the tunes has left her with an excitement that is hard to temper.

But being a solo artist does come with a whole new lot of problems and responsibilities.

“There are a lot more bills as a solo artist, and you

“It’s been a dream of mine to play at the Lighthouse since I was very small,” he says. “I really want to do something special for that show. It will be an experience that’s for sure.”

Tickets are now on sale to see Didirri live at Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on April 24 or at Howler, Brunswick on April 26 through his website. The songman is also heading across to SXSW. Written by Kim Price Photo by Ivana Martyn-Zyznikow

DRMNGNOW

Without doubt one of the most thought-provoking artists in the land at the moment, First Nations, Yorta Yorta artist DRMNGNOW is absolutely electrifying. Packing content exploring Indigenous rights and culture in a hip hop sound that fuses with experimental electronic elements and indigenous language use, he’ll be bringing it all to the forefront in the beautiful Grampians National Park in February as part of the Grampians Music Festival. We chat to DRMNGNOW (aka Neil Morris) ahead of the festival.

Congrats on being included on the Grampians Music Festival lineup. Have you ever visited the Grampians (Gariwerd) before and/or the festival?

Yes, I first visited Gariwerd in 2012. It was a very special experience and left a lasting impression with me in terms of the power of the place. It's a place of high significance on so many levels for first nations peoples.

A place that has powerful links far beyond its own physical location in its connectedness to far more than meets the eye.

You will be performing alongside Julia Jacklin, Ecca Vandal, These New South Whales, Maddy Jane, Elizabeth, Clypso and many more.

Any artists, in particular, that you’d like to see/or that you have seen and recommend punters check out?

Miiesha is one of my favourite artists ever to come out of this land.

Everything she has released so far, from the audio to visual aspects, has been alongside the most fulfilling music I have ever heard. That all from an artist that is only 12 months deep into releasing and two singles. Truly special and a must-see act at the Grampians for all.

You’ve landed on a tonne of festival lineups in recent times – Land of Plenty, Live N Local, What do you like about performing at festivals (vibe, crowd, set etc.)? On the other hand, is there anything

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HAYLEY MARY

Alongside a show at Howler in Brunswick, Didirri will headline his hometown of Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre.

have to sell yourself a lot more. I feel proud of myself though. With great power comes great responsibility.

I have done the democratic band thing in the past.

Now I have to try and be in control,” she says.

“When you make a mistake as a solo artist, and it is just you, you can only blame yourself.”

Mary's journey to this new EP has seen her ditch, well try to at least, the way things were done in the Jezabels, and the method of creating music.

“I started writing songs with an acoustic guitar to start; picking my roots up again and in a way going back to my childhood dreams.

“I've also learned some good lessons, like the degrees of success, means you feel like you've never really succeeded.

“You can get caught up in certain shit.”

Mary spent a year in Scotland, the old country, to refresh and also get back to the roots of what she enjoys. And it was that environment that not only inspired her musically but gave her a new sense of identity.

“I wrote a lot in Scotland – a substantial amount.

I got a cafe job there and just went back to basics. I did feel like I needed to get on with writing songs quickly though to avoid spending too long in the cafe.

“I wrote five tracks in a month in the end. I sent them off to record company I Oh You and they liked them and signed me.”

For the title of the EP Mary took her experiences of briefly living above a pub as the title - “I was living above a pub and that was just a track. It basically comes from that.”

The Piss The Perfume is out now through I Oh You Records, and stay tuned for some gig announcements soon heading deeper into 2020.

Written by Chris Michaels

you perhaps don’t particularly love about festivals as well? indigenous platform? What would you like to see next?

One thing about festivals is, for the most part, they are outdoors, and I feel like a lot of people's are currently listening and taking action in terms of grasping the full sense of importance country and necessity out on country. For me, that in itself heightens the stakes immediately for festivals. The way I feel and interact with a space at the festival of Indigenous platform. Next, I would like to see more indigenous-led immediately takes on extra layers and much more raw experience, initiatives and the whole music industry getting behind that to ensure potentially one of a deep spirituality and sense of exchange that can it happens. Back in relation to festivals, it makes no sense there are occur in all settings, but being on country, makes it different and so it countless festivals every summer and there's next to nothing in terms should feel different. That said, a sense of being responsible to and being of Indigenous-led. It's got to change. I'd like to see companies that run plugged into very powerful things is clearly apparent for me at festivals. music businesses in this land work with a diversity of First Nations First Nations artists truly are integral to the cultural fabric and integrity peoples to contribute to the supporting of building of Indigenous music of festivals, and I've been very grateful above all to continue sowing seeds industry (whatever that can look like). Indigenous song was a critical of songlines on every single festival I have played at. What an honour. part of lore and responsibility on this land for 60,000 plus years. We I don't resonate with festivals being constructed as purely monetarily never ceded that. If you acknowledge country, you’re also acknowledging focused ventures. I find it appalling that the world of music which has this. We need action now to be put to this from everyone. We are not long proclaimed its ability to liberate, still plays into capitalism as an add on extra on our own lands. Our people's voices are of sacred much as the worst capitalists out there. That's effectively exploitation spiritual significance. of Indigenous lands, which in effect is no better than the Liberal You’ve since followed up that track with five other singles government's actions on that front, given expansion rights to mining surrounding Indigenous culture, including the recent single companies. Using sacred Indigenous lands (which is the site of all ‘Survive’. What does creating music mean to you? Is advocating a festivals) as a playground for privileged debauchery is horrendous to major driver in the creation of these songs? me. I don’t resonate with festivals that don't bother to do some due Before stepping into releasing music I had worked in spaces of diligence in acquainting themselves with the custodians of the lands advocacy and implementation of cultural programs on many levels their event is held upon. I don't like that festivals continue to not make from work with youth to protecting some of the sacred sights on my it a critical priority to book indigenous acts. We are not just another ancestral country of Yorta Yorta. For me, this music is but a continuum artist. First Nations artists add an element to festivals that just can't of that but to a different demographic. But above that, advocacy is not exist without First Nations artists. even a thought process for me so much as it is merely the compass that It’s been two years now since you launched DRMNGNOW with guides me as directed by ancestors. What I'm doing is not a new thing the song ‘Australia Does Not Exist’. Looking back now, how have for Yorta Yorta peoples. We have known no way other than to stand up you evolved as an artist in that time? and fight since day dot of colonisation setting in here. So advocacy is I would say that my evolution has been largely in the sphere of live in the creative process, but I guess, it’s always about that feeling that performance. Before ‘Australia Does Not Exist’, I hadn't performed hip comes to me, that I take as deep responsibility with every single piece I hop in any kind of way remotely like I have in the past two years. I put together. It needs to have the particular feel for me to know its right went from pure instrumentalism, and minimal singing as an artist, to to develop a particular piece. performing at festivals at large scale festivals and such as a hip hop artist If you could collaborate with any other person for your next within 12 months. It is a trip, but it's ultimately meant as a performer, my track, who would it be? energy has evolved drastically needing to be a much more of an outward I’d love to do something with Miiesha, Thelma Plum, Jimblah, Zach artist. In the past, I had been incredibly inwards facing, and very much from Electric fields, the Merindas’ Kee’ahn on her solo work, Bumpy on for deep reasons that meant a lot and still mean a lot to me. So taking her solo work - many First Nations artists from different places as well. on that change which is nigh on inevitable to one degree or another The list is long! within hip hop has definitely been a process that I’m still adjusting to with every single performance. It’s a precious balance. And really beyond Catch DRMNGNOW at the Grampians Music Festival on February this, there are things about doing this work that have changed me as a 28 & 29. Visit grampiansmusicfestival.com to secure your tickets. person forevermore. You just can't write and release the songs that I do and have that not change you... it runs deeper than I can put into words here. My work is for more than we can see and feel.

More on that, how have you seen the music industry evolve in terms of bringing attention to the importance of country and

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BIRDMAN: OR THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF A TONY HAWK PRO SKATER COVER BAND The story of Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of a Tony Hawk Pro Skater Cover Band), a group that play songs from Tony Hawk Pro Skater (“Only one through four – no spinoffs”) is inherently Australian. Born out of piss-taking and reminiscence for a 90’s childhood, the Sydney-based group intended to only perform once for the amusement of themselves and a handful of others. Mainly themselves.

Despite the novelty of the concept, there is an authenticity to Birdman that can only be explained by the 1999 phenomena of Tony Hawk Pro Skater.

However cliched it may be, it still holds true that it was more than a game for a generation. For those unacquainted with the OG of PlayStation games, there are a few important things to know. Whether the language you spoke was kick-flips and 540s or circles and squares, the game brought people together. In the late 90s, it didn’t matter whether you skated or just loved Rage Against The Machine, this was a game for every flavour of kid. Sim’s (bassist) own experience of the video game

speaks volumes to its consequence on an entire era of youth.

“The beauty of the game was that, for me, I had a massive injury as a kid. For a long time, I couldn’t walk properly, I couldn’t jump or ride a bike. So the game was a great outlet for me to be able to skate. It was so freeing at the time because I could do all the tricks and fly, I could skate in the most passive way possible but it meant so much”.

Over a decade on and a joke text between devout gamers sparked the happiest of accidents into real life.

“The text I got from Josh [guitarist] wasn’t even the suggestion of the band. It was purely the band name. I wrote back ‘I’m in’” Sim explains.

As a veteran of the music scene, he pulled together the rest of the band on the premise of a name “so terrible it’s great”.

“Then we accidentally got our first festival. A friend of mine on social media saw me post about the name of the band and sent me a message asking if we’d like to play Secret Garden Festival.”

And so begin the parallels between Birdman and Australia’s own skating icon, Steven Bradbury. After lucking their way onto a festival line-up, the band garnered the attention of triple j and other outlets leading to a now infamously short performance at Vivid Sydney.

“It was the first night of Vivid and the first show in a series called The Basement Parties. The whole point of them was to re-invigorate the Sydney music scene. It was basically our second show and we knew it

was going to go off. Of course, the beautiful twist or irony and fate is we get shut down four songs in by the venue because of noise complaints by residents and neighbours. They were complaining during soundcheck, so that was a red flag” Sim laughs.

Despite their one-night-stand intentions, the internet had other ideas for the now poster boys of Sydney’s lockout laws and now the most niche of cover bands were en-route to San Diego to open for Bad Religion.

“It all started because we’d just tag Tony in every social media post.

We just kept at it and at it. He liked a couple of photos and we thought we’d peaked at that point. Then I got up one morning and opened our Twitter and Tony Hawk had followed us. So we screenshot that, posted it on social media and tagged him” Josh and Sim recount over each other.

Then came the message that kickstarted their journey - “What’s your set-list?” After a series of back and forths with Tony and his team, the guys found themselves opening a sold-out show and performing with The Hawk in San Diego.

“The benchmark for the trip was ‘everything is fucking amazing’. But what really blew me away was the genuine sincerity and hospitality.

He invited us over to his indoor skatepark and we hung out with him and his crew. We were like “don’t you want to hang out with all the real people?”” Sim says.

If you didn’t know the story behind Birdman and the video game that changed their world, you’d be forgiven for not realising the depth of the band’s values. Granted, humour and self-deprecation sit pretty high on that list but inclusivity beats them out.

“The great thing specifically about the game’s soundtrack is there were a tonne of different genres. It introduced us to music we hadn’t heard before and I think that’s what draws people to our gigs. Yeah there’s a novelty to it but in the end everyone just wants to thrash out to Guerilla Radio” says Josh.

There can be a tendency to saturate childhood memories with more than a hint of rose. To look back on your formative years as being, at the least, better. But when a game brings together thousands of strangers to enjoy themselves during the most divisive time in recent history you have to agree that 1999 really got something right.

“It’s a case of let’s start a circle pit by all means but if someone is down everyone gets around them and picks them the fuck back up because we’re all in this together. It’s just everyone getting to live like they’re 19 again”.

You can see a very special acoustic performance by Birdman: Or the Unexpected Virtue of a Tony Hawk Pro Skater Cover Band at Forum, Melbourne April 13, as part of An Evening with Tony Hawk.

Written by James Mac

MINDLESS JOY WITH LOSER

HOT CHIP

English band Hot Chip will be heading to Australia in March for a series of unique shows, showcasing their new album A Bath Full Of Ecstasy – their seventh. Synthpop and alternative tunes would describe Hot Chip most accurately, although, with their live shows (as Aussie fans will see), anything can happen.

Formed in 2000, the members of Hot Chip compliment their band work with partnerships and DJ sets outside of the cosy confines of the band environment. It all helps to keep things fresh. And as a band who don't keep too much of an eye on sales, they are free to create unhindered.

“We don't tend to do very well commercially,” begins around musical guru Felix Martin. “But we do always strive to make an album commercially viable. We want the LP to be in the charts.”

Unlike most bands with strong personalities, Hot Chip does allow for some joint decisions and decision making. “Everyone had a veto. We tend to be heavily Democratic.”

The band head to Australia in March for a

also a tech-head. “I’m making a conscious effort to step away from the phone this year but I’m my own worst enemy. I love technology and will be the first in line for the new iPhone,” he laughs.

This heavy, introspective exploration takes place over 12 cleverly constructed tracks, however, is filtered through a lens of uplifting and energetic 4/4 beats, singing guitar solos and some Californian groove. Four singles are already out in the stratosphere including the confetti ‘Get It All Out’ which would sink perfectly into an early 2000’s high school teen-drama. It followed the August release of mosh-driven anthemic jam ‘Out of Luck’ with its punchy 5 stroke drumming to round out the final chorus chants. ‘Golden Things’ closed out 2019 for LOSER with their most infectious track to date and this stellar opening verse line to go with it, “I’m not worried about golden things / I find the truth in what the struggle brings”. Oomph!! Finally ‘Lazy’, which depicts depression and anxiety in its raw essence, launched LOSER into this next decade in the best possible way.

With another eight songs ready to be unveiled, Mindless Joy is shaping up to be a defining debut album for the young Melbourne rockers, and will add to their already vigorous live shows.

“We definitely did write with the live show in mind,” Maxwell admits. “We thrive on the stage and want to see our crowd have the time of their lives in the mosh pit, hopefully singing these tracks back to us.” Restless Noise, Mindless Joy, we see a trend here with album titles and from what they’ve served up already, Endless Fun seems fitting. “We already have the title for the next album and unfortunately it doesn’t continue along the ‘less’ path,” Maxwell says, breaking our hearts. But regardless you’ll have endless fun with Mindless Joy. The record is out February 14 or Valentine’s Day for all of the romantics out there (the date is sheer coincidence).

However, it will make for a killer Valentine’s Day gift so get on it.

From Restless Noise to Mindless Joy, LOSER are anything but less.

Consisting of formers members of The Bennies, The Smith Street Band and Grim Rhythm, LOSER have swept through the Melbourne music scene off of the back of their gut-punching self-titled track of 2018 off of EP Restless Noise and gargantuan support slots with Violent Soho, Ruby Fields, Fucked Up and Slowly Slowly, and playing BIGSOUND and Til The Wheels Fall Off. Now, the five-piece are dropping their debut self-aware album, Mindless Joy. Across the LP, guitarist, Tim Maxwell, explores the role of modern technology in society and social interactions and relationship we have with the endless void of the scroll, whilst also analysing his desire to maintain freedom on a creative spectrum, even if it means never reaping commercial success.

“It’s about our relationship with technology and the impact it has on my own mental health, anxiety and depression,” Maxwell explains. “It’s about how invasive the black mirror is in our personal lives and the attachment issues and obsessive behaviours that centre around it. We’re communicating through a screen and not having meaningful connections, but it’s the age we live in and it’s not going to change anytime soon.”

This is echoed perfectly through the title track with lyrics, “You can’t ignore the fate that lies ‘Mindless Joy’ by LOSER out via Domestic La within your hands/ We’re working on our minds to La Friday 14 February 2020. change our future plans”. But Maxwell does admit Written by Tammy Walters that while he does fall in the technology trap, he is

long-awaited return and have high expectations for this set of shows.

“I can't remember a show in Australia that wasn't sold out. We've been playing these tunes for a while now so the past few gigs have been very enthusiastic.

We're at the top of our game.

“We always seem to get very good crowds and they're always up for it and get involved with the music.”

After the Aussie dates, the lads head to Europe for more shows and a chance to possibly do some more writing.

“It's what we do. It's our profession.”

And lucky for us, it is.

Catch the boys at Forum in Melbourne on Saturday March 7 & grab ahold of the new LP. Photo by Ben Sullivan Written by Chris Michaels

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CLUTCHING ONTO DOWNLOAD LINEUP For many Australians growing up in the era of MTV reality series and prank shows, Jackass and its spin-off Viva La Bam, which delved into the outrageous lifestyle of pro-skater Bam Margera, were vessels of music greatness and introduced commercial markets to rock bands across the world. From the Finnish love metal gods, HIM, Cradle of Filth, galactic lords, GWAR, Bloodhound Gang, all the way to their resident band, CKY, lead by Margera’s sibling Jess, Viva La Bam was a musical awakening.

Making an appearance in the infamous 2005 ‘Groundhog Day’ episode for a post sled competition celebratory concert upon a ski slope were Maryland hard rockers, Clutch.

“It was a madhouse. Those guys are every bit as crazy as they make themselves out to be on TV,” drummer Jean-Paul Gaster recalls. “We used to play at a little club there called Rex’s, it was just this little sports bar – this was back in the early ’90s – and there was this group of kids who were skateboard kids and they were huge fans of the band and they would bring us these videos and it would be VHS tapes of these guys doing stuff like skating and talking shit and doing these pranks and it turns out that those kids were Bam Margera and the crew that become Jackass…They were fans of the band and Bam was a huge advocate for the band and really helped us out in a lot of ways and we were very happy to get on the ski slope. I’m not sure we would do that today.”

The following year the four-piece made their debut down under and a decade later they played their biggest Australian tour across the East Coast in conjunction with Meredith Music Festival, with Aussie legends Cosmic Psychos in the support passenger seat. In 2020, their popping by our sunburnt nation as part of the Download Festival entourage, touching down in Melbourne Friday 20 March.

“Australia has always been very embracing of our music and that’s different for us; I remember the very first time we went to Australia the clubs were packed. The fans are very passionate and knowledgeable of music too. We’re really looking forward to being back.”

Clutch are not strangers to the Download Festival circuit. They shared the stage with Def Leopard, Slash, Whitesnake, Slipknot, Tool, Trivium, Slayer, Smashing Pumpkins and Lamb Of God in what can be only be described as “Huge!”

“The last time we played Download it was the first time we played the main stage and it’s a completely different ball game when you’re playing the main stage. I think we had done Download UK three times prior to that and playing the main stage is an incredible experience. It was beautiful and very inspiring the way they championed us,” he says.

Since New Year the band have been on a welldeserved break, focusing their time on writing new material and dabbling in covers and rerecording as part of the Weathermaker Vault Series, in which they have re-imagined Willie Dixon’s ‘Evil’, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Fortunate Son’ and ZZ Tops ‘Precious and Grace’, and freshened up their monumental tracks ‘Electric Worry’ and ‘Spacegrass’.

“The Vault series is just an opportunity for us to jump in the studio and record maybe two or three songs in a very casual way,” Gaster says. “But it’s been fun doing some covers; it’s something we didn’t really do.”

You’ll be able to hear these tracks live on the big stage at Download Festival March 20 in Melbourne.

Written by Tammy Walters

NGAIIRE

After a three year hiatus from stage and studio, singer-songwriter Ngaiire prepares to hit the road with a new set of tunes. Released late last year, her single 'Shiver' was shortlisted for the Vanda and Young Global Songwriting Competition. The captivating track is a sample of things to come with an upcoming album and national 'Take Over' tour. Rising in the ranks from backing vocalist (Blue King Brown, Paul Mac), Ngaiire now rules centre stage with powerhouse vocals and natural charisma.

Calling from her home base of Sydney, Ngaiire laughs at my 'Welcome back!' greeting. Among matters to sideline her career, the PNG-born artist experienced medical treatment and the birth of her son.

“It was a forced hiatus,” she says. “But I think everything happens for a reason and I feel good. I had started working on the song 'Shiver' about two and half years ago. A lot has changed around me but the record has stayed on course, even before I had my baby. The meaning has maintained its aesthetic and the reason why we started writing it.”

Dedicated to her late grandmother, the track was written around the mourning period. “I started writing it with Will Cumming (aka 'Lanks') when I'd returned from PNG doing a research stint for the album. I finished it with Jack Grace who I produced the rest of the album with. It's been a very collaborative process. Lanks' music has a definite stamp, production-wise as well.”

'Shiver' launches with kicking electro beats,

Ngaiire's smooth and soaring vocals accompanied by tight musicianship with slick production. “It delivers a bridge between past work and evolving influences. Coming up as a young artist, I was very much about an acoustic, soul, folk [sound]. Things started to change as I started getting into other music being made by people around.”

She recalls listening to her mother's CD collection as a child. “She had a warped mixture at the time. In PNG, buying CDs is very expensive. You had to look hard to find ones that weren't pirated. I listened to Mariah Carey, the soundtrack of 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', Deep Forest and Bob Marley. I'd sit in front of the CD player or radio and mimic Mariah.

Then I discovered Jeff Buckley and that just turned me upside down.

While echoing elements of Ngaiire's nu-soul, roots and R&B origins, 'Shiver' suggests huge Pop potential for a wider audience. “I've think I've got better at writing pop melodies, writing with other people and learning how they piece together a song.

I think there'll always be a part of me that wants to be slightly quirky, left of centre. Because that's probably the type of person I am. But I really appreciate what it takes to write a traditional pop song.

People who do that are really clever. 'Shiver' isn't necessarily a pop song but I guess there's something in it that still connects with people and you have to give it some time to settle and make sense.”

The new band line-up features two bass, keys and a drummer. She's excited to join the WOMADelaide line-up. “It's my favourite festival in Australia. I always have such incredible experiences I don't' get at any others. A lot of the music they bring over is very kind of raw and appeals to the essence of what makes you a human. That stuff that gives you goosebumps. The whole atmosphere of community, the family vibe. Usually, I hardly go out at festivals, just happy to hang in the green room.

But WOMAD makes you want to be a part of it.”

WOMADelaide 2020 will be held from 6-9 March in Adelaide, South Australia. Tickets can be purchased www.womadelaide.com.au Written by Chris Lambie

time there are things that can be done to turn things around but I don’t think that that’s necessarily in our DNA, I think we’re a self-destructive species,” Travis says.

Whilst the lyrics within Cattle Decapitation tracks may be prophetic or confronting, they may conjure images of the apocalypse in the listener’s mind, Travis describes the lyrical content from his perspective. “Our lyrics have a lot of tongue in cheek, a lot of irony, heavily deep with metaphors. Some things should be taken lightly, some things should not, some of it’s art; kind of a bit of a mixed bag. A lot of it’s meant to make you stand back and look at yourself or your fellow man and keep it in the back of your mind, or the forefront of your mind. I’ve gotta talk about something so I feel like I’d rather do something a bit more relevant instead of just fantasy, which there is a lot of fantasy in this stuff.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom for the band as they are well aware of the fires that have ravaged parts of New South Wales and Victoria over recent months. So, good guys Cattle Decapitation have decided to raise funds for Cobargo Wildlife Sanctuary during their Australian tour.

Travis explained how it’ll work. “We’re going to be offering an upgrade for VIP meet and greet tickets; come early, see the band do soundcheck then hang out with everybody after (the show) for a bit. One hundred percent of the profits of the meet and greet part of the ticket goes to Cobargo Wildlife Sanctuary,” he says. “We’re also doing a T-shirt that is only going to be sold online and we’ll be donating one hundred percent of the profit of that T-shirt to Cobargo as well.”

CATTLE DECAPITATION

Australian tour, but I did keep it in the back of my mind and I did ask him about the lyrical themes.

The lyrical themes running through Death Atlas focus on how humanity is ruining the earth and what can be done to stop this from happening.

“I try to keep everything relative to current events. The weird thing is When celebrating New Year’s Eve at a friend’s place it got to the with this record and the last one, The Anthropocene Extinction, we point in the night where people began choosing songs and I thought released that record and like two weeks later, the word Anthropocene it would be good to play ‘With All Disrespect’ by Cattle Decapitation. was trending all over the place and there were stories and new clips and The track is from their eighth studio album, Death Atlas, and was links and everybody’s tagging us freaking out and saying we’re prophets released only a month prior to new year’s, but I had listened to and all of this bullshit,” Travis tells me while laughing. the album so much I just figured everyone else loved the band’s The new album also covers fires and disease as a way of reducing the brand of death metal and grindcore as much as I do. The reaction world’s population. “We have the song called ‘Bring Back The Plague’ of others at that party reminded me how out of touch I am with non-metal fans. Also, a couple at the New Year’s Eve party had and literally we put out the song and I think the next day or some crazy kids stranded on the beach in Mallacoota during the Gippsland shit, two days later, there was all these outbreaks of bubonic plague fires, so I didn’t want to, you know, play a song by the band about within China and places like that and now we’ve got the Coronavirus. fires and stuff. I didn’t mention this story to Cattle Decapitation We didn’t make this shit up, it’s happening. The virus part is a big time vocalist Travis Ryan when I caught up with him prior to the band’s bizarre coincidence, I feel like these are the end times but at the same

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Travis went on to explain why the band felt the need to help out in their own way. “We felt weird after everything that’s been happening to come over there [Aus] and have fun and play metal without doing something.

We had to do something coz it was just so devastating and seeing all the news and being this far over [at home in the USA] and feeling helpless about the whole thing, it just sucks. It just doesn’t make sense for us to have a record like this and then come over there without fuckin’ trying to do something for somebody so we looked at a bunch of organisations who needed help. We wanted to stick with a more mum and pop organisation, we believe in working locally and as grassroots as possible, so we’re going with Cobargo, they look like they really need it.”

Cattle Decapitation will play Melbourne’s Max Watts on Wednesday, February 19.

Photo by Pablo Montano Written By Paul S Taylor

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It’s easy enough for you or your band to record each track, but this service goes the extra mile to produce a sound for you that will appeal to a wider listening demographic, and will work until you’re happy with the final track.

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The high-performance ATH-M20x is tuned flat for accurate audio monitoring across a wide frequency range. Your studio experience is enhanced with superior sound isolation and comfortable deep ear cups for extended sessions. Engineered with prograde materials and robust construction, the M20x excels in studio tracking and mixing.

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If this wasn’t enough reason to work with Deepswell, they also work closely with charities. 20% of all sales go directly towards the purchase of musical instruments and equipment for children whose families cannot afford them. Currently, Deepswell are sending drum heads and cymbals to Hosea, a young drummer located in The Philippines.

If you need any more persuasion to look to It is an immense amount of work to become a successful musician. Long hours, hard work, Deepswell Audio for all your mixing needs, little reward for a long time. From picking up just head to their website and check out the an instrument (or singing) for the first time, to ‘Portfolio’ section to get an idea of the services being happy with the way you sound, to the next that they offer. If you have any more questions big step: recording. I, for one, have countless or queries, feel free to contact Stewart on Voice Memos saved in my phone, trying different 03450 45036. lyrics and sounds, looking for a sound far better than my old iPhone 6 is capable of. Even if you have got the pieces and software required to record each track you want for a song, the next process is an even bigger challenge: mixing.

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relaxed atmosphere.

With 20 years of audio experience, there are an impressive roster of artists that have worked with the studio – who are some of the most memorable?

Bodyjar – Very recent, but they were one of the first bands to take me on tour as a guitar/drum tech and monitor engineer at 20, so it's great to come full circle with them. Adalita – The first gigs I ever sneaked into underage regularly was Magic Dirt (and Something for Kate) so it was great to work with Adalita in the studio. The Smith Street Band – Recorded two albums with TSSB, but the 2nd one was out in a remote house made from 100-yearold train carriages for a month or so. I made a new friend in USA producer/ muso Jeff Rosenstock too.

The gear used on this album was some of the first Hey, thanks for talking to Forte mag – Can you to end up at Holes and Corners. The Bennies – I've tell us a bit of the history of Holes & Corners worked on three albums and an EP with these guys Recording Studio? and they always have me in stitches.

We opened the studio in South Melbourne in What advice would you give to someone 2015, when a former studio I worked at in Brunswick wanting to get out of the bedroom and into closed its doors. Our aim was to provide the best a studio? What should they be equipped with gear and sound, in a convenient space for both coming into a proper studio? bands and freelance engineers to record in.

Know what you want out of the recording - promo Tell us a bit about yourself and your expertise to get gigs, new single for a bigger audience, album that people can utilize at Holes & Corners. for radio and touring. There are so many different I've been working in audio for a little over 20 years aims and budgets for bands/solo artists at different now, starting out mixing live bands at the Barwon stages. Get in touch with your engineer and work Club in Geelong, then on tour and in the studio. The out the best approach long before the date booked. last 15 years I have been solely recording and mixing Can you tell us a bit about the experienced in the studio, with many genres, but primarily punk, engineers that offer their services? rock, metal and the many variations of those.

We encourage experienced freelance engineers What are the best features about Holes & to book our studio for their projects, and have Corners studios? What would you say separates had some great sessions from outside engineers it from other studios? since opening in 2015 including Will Putney (USA) We have the best quality gear you can buy – from - The Amity Affliction/ Northlane/ In Hearts Wake, the expensive tube and ribbon mics all the way down Andre Eremin (AUS) - Luca Brasi, Kyle Black (USA) to Mogami cable looms throughout. What separates - Cold Ground and Mike Deslandes (AUS) - Lincoln us is that we also have a huge collection of classic tube LeFevre/ Pagan. amps, guitars, basses and drums. Most other studios that provide all this are in a higher price bracket Holes & Corners is located at 50-52 (Our "dry hire" rate is $350 per day - BYO engineer). Gladstone Street, South Melbourne. Visit Personally I've played drums, guitar and bass for www.holesandcorners.com.au/ or book via nearly 25 years, so I'd like to think I can offer some holesandcorners@gmail.com great insight into recording these while keeping a

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M50xBT FROM THE STUDIO NO COMPROMISE. The award winning ATH-M50xBT harnesses the legendary M50x studio sound for an exhilarating wireless listening experience, with exceptional clarity and deep, accurate bass response - truly bringing the sound of the studio, to the street.

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band are keen to practise on a Sunday morning, the DPTB crew have you sorted! Weeknight slots run from 6-10pm and weekend slots, both Saturday and Sunday for 11am – 4pm, with sessions costing a flat rate of $65.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it does! Alongside being an awesome place to refine your craft, it’s also a great place to just hang out and network. The halls are always busy and bustling with a range of artists and the facility is very down to earth and everyone is welcome – once a band comes once, they almost always become regulars.

DON'T POKE THE BEAR As a musician, recording your music is your final chance to fine-tune how you want to the world to hear you. The best way to do this is through a world-class recording studio, but when it comes down to it there aren’t too many on offer in the Geelong region. That is, until Don’t Poke the Bear came along, offering a professional recording studio and rehearsal studio space unlike any others in the city.

Located on Gordon Avenue in Geelong West, Don’t Poke the Bear is an all-purpose music facility catering for band rehearsals, studio recordings and even offer somewhere for bands to shoot their music videos or have meetings. It’s perfect for bands and musicians who are recording an EP, demo, a single song or album.

Keen to record? All you need to do is call or book online, and from there, the team will assess the sort of outcome you are searching for, and work with you to ensure you have the engineer most suited to your project. On the day, the engineer will be on hand upon arrival to help you load in, set up equipment and test levels, then it’s time to make magic happen.

The team will even send you an entry code to get into the studio, so if you’re just there to rehearse you can make as much noise as you want, in their clean, modern, sound proof rooms.

FYI – sessions are especially busy on weeknights so it’s good to book at least a week in advance for your sessions.

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DRINKS FOR A BALMY NIGHT Okay so, its official, summer is here, and do you know what rhymes with summer? That’s right, alcohol! We have put together a list of local summer thirst quenchers, perfect for a warm and balmy night.

ROSÈ FROM BASILS FARM Made from from Bellarine Pinot Noir fruit with a splash of Viognier, Basils Farm Rosè is easily one of our favourite summer tipples.

Completing your palate with flavours of sour cherry, hints of strawberries and wild raspberries, this clear, bright wine’s perfection comes in its fresh acid finish. What comes next is a glass (or straw) to devour it.

RIESLING FROM PATRICK OF COONAWARRA’S ESTATE RANGE If you’re looking for a clean and balanced bottle of happiness at the end of a hot and busy day, look no further. The 2018 Patrick Estate Riesling has an intense aroma of lime blossom, and citrus freshness, and it’s guaranteed to make your heart sing.

KAIJU! GOLDEN AXE CRISP APPLE CIDER This one’s as crisp as biting into a fresh apple! 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.

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO ORIGINAL CIDER An easy choice for a delightful and satisfying drink now beverage on a hot day. Vanilla notes, creaming soda-like toffee complexity, and fresh apple sweetness. The Original Apple Cider from Flying Brick sounds like dessert in a bottle.

JUICY BANGER BY BLACKMANS BREWERY Called the ‘Juicy Banger’ the brew is an IPA with the body of a dry lager, hence the term they’re using for this one, the Indian Pale Lager. As they say, “It’s BIG on aroma and juicy flavours with the crisp finish of a Lager.

It’s a banger and we can’t wait for you to wrap your lips around it.”

FURPHY BEER AKA REFRESHING ALE BORN IN GEELONG A refreshing ale that is Geelong born and brewed, as well as using 100 percent Victorian hops and malt. Beginning with a clean and crisp sip, balancing fruit and malt flavours, to then finish with a smooth and refreshing taste. It just perfect for those balmy nights!

ROSEY AND THE RABBIT VIA THE BELLARINE DISTILLERY This is literally heaven in a bottle. Rosey has aromas of butterscotch, caramel and sun dried apricots. The ex-Pinot Noir barrels have imparted a sweet red berry perfume and a soft buttery mouthfeel.

WHITE LIGHT VODKA ORIGINAL (WWW.WHITELIGHTVODKA.COM) A light citrus note, with a subtle hit of vanilla, it is no surprise that the Original is a crowdpleaser, complete with a silky and creamy long finish. Best served over ice, with something fizzy, and fresh lime.

Now, all there is to do is to head down to your nearest bottle’o or stockist, then return home, put your feet up and drink up.

Written by Chloe Cicero

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THE SUGAR HAVEN OF GEELONG Just imagine. It’s a cold winter’s day. You’re hungry. How about a hot brownie? Too busy to eat it? Well, what would you say if a delectable liquid brownie popped up in front of you? Sounds interesting? A cosy little joint in Geelong, Twisted Dessert Bar is a go-to place for anyone who has a sweet tooth. “If you’re feeling Frownie, grab a Brownie” is not only the perfect tagline but also sends a sound message on “R U OK?” day.

On a hot sunny day, one can go in for an iced frappe, or an iced long black or even an iced chocolate. The Pav Sandwich is an absolute must-have if one ever comes across this cute place. “Finally, a sandwich without crusts” is the perfect description of the same.

Decked with fresh fruits, this sugar delight is just what one needs for a celebration, whether it be big or small.

In a rush? Well, have the PavScream to “takeaway and enjoy the night”.

Sunshine comes in not only through the windows; the staff wear a warm sunny smile, their greeting as sweet as their dessert. Craving a fruity drink? Try their Strawberry Daiquiri or Pineapple Spritz on a pleasant summer evening, overlooking the gorgeous sunset! Or how about a nice Mars Bar Cup Chaser?

There are several options for tea, Coffee- including Irish Coffee- as well as hot chocolate. “Our Birthstone is a coffee bean” stands true to their claim as the rich, creamy warmth travels down your throat, cosying you from head to toe.

An absolute hit with the locals, they have a strong bond with innumerable of their regular customers.

Celebrating their customer’s birthdays further cements the shared connection. Moreover, the joint gives out samples to volunteers for feedback to ensure it satisfies the customers’ taste buds. Their famous Waffles with fruits, apple cinnamon, and even

pumped in your veins! It’s rightly given the title of liquid gold.

Need some grub to curb your hunger? Whether it be Southern Fried Chicken or House Pickled & Spiced Zucchini Chips, their famous Eggs Benedict and Sambal Chili Eggs, you’re definitely in for a treat. At Sodi’s, they know just how to combine flavor and health in the perfect package! A Sticky Pork Belly Salad, Southern Fried Tofu and Zucchini Fritters with beetroot hollandaise…have your pick!

Disappointment is a word that is as good as nonexistent in the Sodi dictionary.

They’ve also rightly identified their House Chocolate Ganache Donuts as the right fit for that mid-week pick me up. It’s the go-to place for cheesecake lovers, Housemade White Choco cheesecake ganache French Toast decked with chocolate brownie and raspberry coulis, perhaps their simple but power-packed Smashed Avocado with a twist of housemade lemon curd…the only trouble at this place? Making a choice! …#sodinotsorry! It’s a playground for anyone with a sweet tooth!

After a nice long walk, it’s the place to pamper Ever been walking your dog in complete your pooch, and relax for the evening. Let your contentment and the sweet, strong fragrance darling fuzzball enjoy his “puppycino and chill” of coffee grabs you by the shirt and almost drags while you enjoy a warm meal. And the best part? It’s you towards it? Your feet begin to turn in that open seven days a week! Grab your Ocean grind and direction. No matter the weather, who wouldn’t perhaps a fresh Lemon Curd Donut. Ugh! I can barely enjoy some delicious caffeine to kickstart one’s stop myself from running into the store myself! day? You tie your fuzzball outside. You’re about The Café has won many hearts, both people and to head inside when your sweetheart whimpers pooches, in a short span of just over one year, having to accompany you. And that’s the moment, opened its door to customers in September 2018. you’re torn between two loves. Puppy or Coffee? No wonder they have been highly recommended Well, have no fear, Sodi is here! Named after as the Best Licensed Café, at Golden Plate Awards. the owner’s beloved chihuahua, Sodi caters to not only your tastebuds but also your pooch’s. Located at 149 Pakington Street, their trading The café has combined the two ingredients of love hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm and on and produced many masterpieces. We’ve all been the weekends 8am to 4pm! This place surely to cafés where coffee, muffins and cupcakes are has rewritten the definition of love. “the Shiz”. But have you ever heard of a “pupcake”?

Call on 0415 659 002 and grab a muffin or two!

How about a puppycino? Sounds interesting! Well, it sure is. It’s a dream come true for all coffee and Written by Aparna Pitale dog lovers. Grab yourself a nice, hot cup of Ocean Grind - their specialty - and cruise through your daily chores; have some yummilicious enthusiasm

GET A CUPPA WITH YOUR PUPPA AT SODI

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Nutella keeps attracting customers in heaps, known on Facebook as #Waffle_Wednesdays. For those who prefer gluten-free, there are delicious treats laid out just waiting to be on your plate! A perfect example, their gluten-free orange cake. Ever heard of Donut pudding? No matter your answer, trying this one out is a must.

A sense of social responsibility is also seen as the eatery contributed to helping those affected by the bushfires through the medium of cupcakes, announcing that all tips and cupcakes sales from January would be donated to the amazing services who aided the bushfire victims.

No matter your preferences, the Twisted Dessert Bar has something for everyone.

Twisted Dessert Bar is located at 122 Moorabool Street, Geelong. Visit twisteddessertbar.com.au Written by Aparna Pitale

Boost Juice will be serving up your favourite smoothies and juices on the Valley Floor, and Great Coffee Moments will be keeping you caffeinated so you don’t miss a thing!

There are of course boozy options for the adults, with producers offering a range of high-quality beer, gin and cocktails for you to sip on throughout the festival. Patient Wolf Distilling Co. will be returning to the Grampians Music Festival as an official bar partner for the third year running. The Southbank (Melbourne) based boutique distillery specialises in gin and will be serving up a gorgeous menu of tailored cocktails for your Grampians festival experience!

EAT, DRINK, DANCE, REPEAT AT THE GRAMPIANS MUSIC FESTIVAL Away from the bustling cities and hidden between the hills this February will be the annual Grampians Music Festival. The two-day event boasts an array of Australian artists, as well as a range of local food and drink producers offering something for those of all ages to enjoy.

After just releasing their food and beverage offerings, Carly Flecknoe from GMF said “there are glutenfree and vegan options available”, and it seems that there is really something for everyone.

If you’re hungry to try some international cuisine there is plenty to be found. European Barbeque Catering (Turkish Gozleme) offers traditional Turkish food, and there are a range of Indian specialities on offer from Ballarat’s Masala Valley.

There are hearty, mouth-watering options from Kebab King, and you can’t go past a classic pizza from We’re Fired Up – Wood Fired Pizza. For those with a sweet tooth, Gelati Co has dessert sorted, with delicious ice cream to cool you down.

If gin isn’t your first choice, Melbourne based brewing company Moon Dog Brewing Co. is also returning to the Grampians Music Festival for their second year, and will be slinging up their most interesting and delicious beers across the weekend.

SUPER DOG FRIENDLY WITH HOUSE MADE ‘PUPCAKES’ & PUPPYCINO’S (LACTOSE FREE MILK W BACON DUST) ALL DAY BREAKFAST & LUNCH MENU THAT SUITS ALL DIETARY NEEDS INCORPORATED WITH MODERN AUSTRALIAN CAFÉ STYLE FOOD

There will also be free drinking water available so you can stay hydrated after dancing along to the crafted music line up, and punters are encouraged to bring their own refillable drink bottle.

This year the festival has even more on offer, showcasing local creatives while giving festivalgoers a chance to buy a unique memento of their weekend away. “Don’t miss out on our I Made It Myself Market, with regional makers and upcyclers bringing their wares to the Valley Floor with jewellery, craft, upcycled fashion and plenty more,” Carly Flecknoe said.

With less than three weeks to go, now is the perfect time to rally your friends and organise your stay! Mark the 28th and 29th of February in your diary, as it is promising to be a fantastic festival in a picturesque setting.

Written by Chloe Waddell

MON - FRI 7 - 4 • SAT / SUN – 8 - 4 • 0415 659 002 • 149 PAKINGTON STREET

Monday - Friday 7.00am - 3.00pm Saturday 11.00am - 8.00pm 11 West Fyans St, Newtown 3220 Come in for Banh Mi & a beer!

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JAMES MARSTERS ON FINDING LOVE IN SPIKE James Marsters has joined many supernatural worlds over his 30 plus years in television.

But it is in Sunnydale where Marsters burst through our screens as the villainous love interest of Buffy Summers; Spike.

“Buffy was absolute heaven,” Marsters says. “I think we all realised we were part of something exceptional.

I think everyone involved from the props people to the set constructors, stunt crew and actors; everyone was bringing everything they had.”

Marsters remembers his days on the hit television show as intense. “(The creator) Joss (Whedon) is a task-master and he is not satisfied with ‘good enough’ so we would work

WHYATT’S RIOT He may not have walked away with the final rose on Angie Kent’s series of The Bachelorette but BMX biker, Matt Whyatt, sure won the hearts of the nation standing up in the face of misogyny to defend women around the world in an iconic showdown with the Noosa mayoral contestant. But after that moment, Whyatt was completely robbed, Kendrick Lamar 2018 triple j Hottest 100 style, of screen time entirely for the producers favouring drama over quality Matt and Angie time.

“I couldn’t believe it! I can’t believe they cut all of my stuff for Jamie’s drama but they just love the drama I suppose. I was too quiet and nice. I’d rather be the quiet and humble guy that didn’t get the 200K followers,” laughs Whyatt.

Even though his journey for love wasn’t meant to be, the show has allowed for Whyatt to focus on his one true love, BMX riding as a veteran to the Australian Nitro Circus team, building a profile for himself and expanding his passion for the sport.

“I’ve been cruising pretty much at the moment, doing my own thing and focusing on my own goals.

I’ve just started a personal training course and getting back into the Nitro Circus stuff and focusing on myself,” Whyatt explains. “I’ve been with them for 10 years so I’ll continue to ride with Nitro Circus as long as I can but it’s more after [the stint ends].

I’d love to help people through their injuries and have a bit of qualification behind me. After they’ve done with their physios I would love to get them back up to 100 percent with their training. I’ve been

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14-20 hours a day,” Marsters says. “We would start at 4.30am on a Monday and we would finish our week when the sun came up on Saturday morning.

“I remember being tired on a level I did not even know existed,” he continues. “But every time they called action it was heaven on Earth. Because when the words are that good, when the dialogue is that good and situations are that powerful, you just can’t buy it.

“When the writing is exceptional, you just give over to it and you’re made to look like a genius.”

Coming from a theatre background, the world of television was hard work for the young actor. Marsters shot to fame as Spike and recalls the days when he would only have 15 seconds to himself in public before crowds would begin to form.

“I came to Los Angeles with my nose in the air thinking I was a real actor,” he says. “And I quickly realised acting for the camera is an entirely different species than stage acting.

“Film is so intimate; it’s as close as a lover gets.

through a lot of injuries and had personal trainers help me so I want to dig into that part of the athletes’ life around injuries when I’m done.”

Injuries have been aplenty in Whyatt’s long and successful career with the Nitro Circus family including 30 dislocations to this shoulder in one year and multiple surgeries. It’s no wonder considering Whyatt pushes himself and the sport to its absolute limit, even pioneering a trick, the Whyatt Riot.

“It’s been a couple of years since the last surgery now but it’s all been worth every injury,” he says.

“It’s pretty awesome especially because we innovated that jump [Whyatt Riot], so ten years ago what we did on the massive jump would have been unbelievable but we’ve pushed it every year since so to look at it and be able to push it the limits year after year and still be at the top of the game and come up with tricks that no one has ever done before is pretty good to look back on. With my trick, I think it’s been six years and no one has done it yet and I’m adding to that still. I don’t think there are limits to the sport.”

To put that into perspective the now 28-year-old was only 17 when he turned pro in BMX, but it was a hell of a lot of work to get to his standard today.

The former Geelong boy was doing tail-whips before most kids could ride a bike.

“I lived in Ocean Grove and would catch the bus into Geelong and train it to Melbourne and there was a skate park with foam pits up there. That was every weekend for me pretty much,” Whyatt says.

Now living in Queensland, Whyatt will return back down south as the explosive, high adrenaline action sport, 2020 Nitro Circus World Tour hits Ballarat.

You saw some of his tricks on The Bachelorette red carpet; now see Whyatt take on the ramps at Mars Stadium Ballarat on Saturday 29 February.

Tickets at nitrocircus.com/tour/ Written by Tammy Walters

Everything is noticed.

“I had to admit that I was a beginner again which was really hard for me to do.

“My nose came down of the air pretty quick.”

As a method actor, Marsters consumed his life with Spike and when the show ended he shaved his head bald for charity on daytime television to rid himself of the peroxide blonde hair of the vampire and reveal his own brown locks.

“I climbed into the character of Spike and I don’t know that I really shed him until the show was over,” he says. “That can eat you alive because Spike is lonely and kind of pissed off all of the time.

“When I was doing Spike it was kind of low-grade depression.”

Looking back on the series, Marsters is proud of the legacy he and the crew made.

“Buffy was stating very clearly that women can fight back and women are powerful and I think it’s a really good story to give people,” he says.

“I’m a slayer too, I absolutely am.

“My favourite thing about Spike would be his love,” he reveals. “I remember Joss explained to me I was a soulless vampire who cared about no one. He turned his back and I remember thinking ‘forget that, if I play it that way he’s going to kill me off’.

“I learned earlier in any artistic endeavour you need to find the love and a way to connect with people.

“For Joss, vampires are a metaphor for all the things you need to overcome when you’re a teenager. They’re supposed to be silly, laughable and dangerous and that’s why vampires die. I respect that in Joss; he’s not interested in making evil look cool.

“But I was poor and needed the work so I found the love in Spike and Joss found a way to work with that.”

James Marsters will appear at Melbourne’s Supanova Comic Con and Gaming convention on March 7 and 8 alongside The Walking Dead stars Ross Marquand and Cooper Andrews, Charmed’s Holly Marie Combs and Brian Krause and stacks more.

CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY… WITH YOUR FOURPAWED SPECIAL SOMEONE Those we love come in all shapes and sizes. And no one will tell you that more than a paw-parent! So in celebration of Valentine’s Day, at Element Melbourne Richmond, your four-pawed friend is the star of the show (rightly so too).

For the entire month of February, the petfriendly hotel is offering a special ‘Furry Valentine’ package, including a nights’ stay in a Balcony King Room, free pet cleaning (a fee of $80 usually applies), a ‘pawsome’ treat on arrival for your furry friend, dog bed and toys in the room upon request, as well as a bottle of rosé (for humans, of course!).

Also on offer will be the hotel’s signature Doggy Degustation menu, featuring dishes like ‘The Good Dog’ (market fish with steamed carrot) and ‘The Quarter Hounder’ (pan fried steak with green vegetables). Dishes range in price from $8 (for an entrée) to $18 (for a main).

Talk about a treat!

The ‘Furry Valentine’ package is available to book from now until 29 February, for stays between 1 – 29 February, 2020. Visit elementmelbournerichmond.com to book.

Tickets are on sale now through Moshtix.

Written by Kim Price

ROLLING THUNDER VIETNAM

All along the watchtower, audiences are seeing Rolling Thunder Vietnam take the country by storm on a magic carpet ride through one of the most industrious musical eras of all time – The Vietnam War. The dynamite production propels a rock and roll river streaming with sensational songs – the current of which remains today as strong as the Mekong!

Like a bridge over troubled water, the energised and endearing enthusiast of the era Will Ewing tempers the turbulence and tempestuous trials of the Vietnam War through his vital and influential roles as Narrator and Musician. Playing the part of Mick since 2014, Will embraces the opportunity “to fill in the social and political context of the time”.

As Will encapsulates, “It’s an absolute hoot, to be honest. The show itself is a rollicking ride through the era. It’s an amazing soundtrack; the show is a lot of fun… people leave with an upbeat kind of smile on their faces; it’s got a lot of heart. It’s a concert drama, so it’s not quite a musical; but you know what – at the end of the day, it’s an Australian story… so it’s a real joy to tell this.”

A fortunate son whose musical childhood was

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nourished by The Beatles, Will shares a distinct familiarity with his current performance genre, encompassing an illustrious list of artists such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Gladys Knight, and Paul Simon. Will shares, “To be honest, I love The Letter – The Letter is such a beautiful song. Johnny, one of the characters, receives the letter; so it’s all about receiving – it’s also used as a reprise song because the audience just loves it by the end. I think it’s just such a fun number. Bridge Over Troubled Water… comes at a really pivotal moment in the show where the characters have found out something kind of quite devastating, and it brings out a lot of heart to the story with a beautiful song.”

An outstanding spark for Will is meeting the Vietnam veterans afterward, and seeing how deeply affected they are which “is quite something – they’re so appreciative, but obviously it’s affected them in a kind of beautiful way; so that’s something about the story that kind of gets me.”

Endorsed by Patron and Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, the production is “very much a story that supports the soldier; but doesn’t support the war.” Spotlighting several identifiable aspects of the War, the production promotes the importance of the Australian involvement in Armed Forces duty. “Speaking of commemorating the Australian story of Vietnam, although it wasn’t as big as America, it was still a significant contribution to that war; and we make sure that that is known; and although it wasn’t the big ‘rolling thunder’ level, it was still very much a contribution.”

Born to be wild, Rolling Thunder Vietnam is something “you kind of live and breathe”, and is undoubtedly the real thing in musical theatre.

See it at The Playhouse in Geelong on Friday March 13 and Saturday March 14. Tickets are available now on the Geelong Arts Centre website.

Written By Renée N. Abbott

KOMMUNITY YOGA Some like it hot and sweaty, some prefer it slow and focused, and some enjoy doing it to a soundtrack of big hip hop beats. No matter what kind of yoga you vibe with, simply participating in a solid, consistent practice can improve your strength, flexibility, coordination—and even your mental well-being.

While all of these benefits are appealing, it’s having a decent space to do it in makes all the difference and Kommunity Yoga is a fantastic pop-up studio to visit.

Founded by local yogi Alex Wall, Kommunity Yoga is located in Newtown at the beautiful multipurpose workspace The KO Creative Studio once a week. The spacious studio (which is actually the KO’s photography studio) is the perfect modern and architecturally designed environment to workout your body and recharge your mind.

“It’s just the perfect set up,” Alex explains. "People can enjoy the studio, have a cup of tea, look at the art, and see the exhibit if there is one, and then we go in the photography studio which becomes the yoga studio.

“It’s just so gorgeous,” Alex says. “There’s a big strip of windows above the top that look out some trees so it’s got this awesome natural night. It’s a beautiful space and that’s definitely one of the reasons why I wanted to do it there, but also they really foster that sense of community there. They do co-working, they run book clubs, wine nights, and plant sales and all these events where people who just like the same thing can just come together and connect. It’s really genuine.”

It’s clear that Kommunity Yoga ditches superficiality and instead focuses on something much more meaningful – community. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or someone new to the practice, by attending Alex’s class on a Monday night, you’ll instantly be made to feel welcome, cared for, and part of something greater than yourself.

“The whole idea is that it can just fit in with whatever else you do in life,” Alex smiles. “It’s cash only, once a week on a Monday and it’s just rocking up – there are no bookings required.

“It’s only $15 for a class and $20 for two classes. We donate 20 percent of profits of every class to certain charities each month, and some of it goes to The KO. Eventually we might do another day, but I really love that community vibe. I don’t really want to spread that over different times.”

Designed for all bodies and yogis, Kommunity Yoga is the perfect way to start the week with two 50 minute classes of non-heated yoga.

“Heated yoga of course has amazing benefits, but I like how you can do adjustments and connect with people in a non-heated session; you just can’t really do that when everyone’s sweating,” she says. “It just makes it a bit easier when you’re trying to do certain things; if you’re too sweaty, you can’t grab onto a toe, or try and balance on your hands, or just play with different shapes. These non-heated sessions just means you can be a bit more playful.”

The first class, Water Flow, begins at 5:30pm and includes flowy vinyasa with expansive and strengthening postures, to the soundtrack of upbeat and Lo-fi tunes and bookends of meditation and savasana. Earth Flow follows at 6:30pm, which is slow flow yang winding down into nourishing and restorative Yin postures and a long savasana. You can choose to do one class, or you can block out a

however you choose to express yourself with an abundance of music, theatre, circus, dance and pool parties, sporty pursuits, a children’s program and a stellar line up of performers.

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT CHILLOUT FESTIVAL It’s been a couple of years now since Australian’s witnessed a long and exhaustive campaign for marriage equality. Despite the controversial voluntary Australian Bureau of Statistics yes/ no postal survey, once all was said and done, revolutionary societal progression was made and Australia finally caught up with the multiple other countries who have recognised the LGBTIQ community since as early as 2001.

Though Australia hasn’t always supported this population from a legal standpoint, festivals like ChillOut have been loudly and proudly celebrating Aussie ‘queers’ for more than 20 years in our beautiful Victorian town, Daylesford. Existing primarily as an advocate for LGBTIQ rights, the festival embraces all things regional, just like Forte.

Some delights for the 2020 edition include fabulous parties, the longest line-dancing dedication to Dolly Parton, a Mad Hatters Dance Party, a Bette Midler tribute show, a ChillOut Bush Dance, Twilight Bathing, and the diverse selection of wellbeing activities on offer. As always, the festival will reach peak frivolity on Sunday when the much-loved ChillOut Parade takes over the town for a magical hour-long carnival parade.

Rainbow-lovers are invited to gather in Daylesford on Saturday 7 March to show support for Queer Country Pride in an attempt to break the Australian world record for the most people gathered to form a human rainbow. The attempt will be officiated by the Guinness Book of Records, which ChillOut Festival Director Michele Bauer says will be a collective symbol of solidarity and acceptance for the LGBTIQ community.

“It has been two years since marriage equality but we still have a long way to go on LGBTIQ rights.

The world’s largest human rainbow will be a grand global display, showing that Australians believe in diversity and continue to stand for equality.”

Returning now for its 23rd year for the March long weekend, ChillOut Festival will once again be taking over the town with a program as diverse as the queer community and its extended family of friends and supporters themselves.

The ChillOut Festival 2020 ambassador Katherine Wolfgramme, an out and proud transgender-woman, will also be present across the weekend discussing transgender rights and visibility in Australia.

Additional workshops and talks will be held across the Festival including a fundraiser for Raising Rainbows, a dedicated group raising awareness and empowering young LGBTIQ in regional Victoria.

Once again spreading its magnificent wings in Daylesford, the five-day festival will feature more than 50 events under the theme of ‘Through the Looking Glass - Alice in Spa Wonderland!’. If you’re an Alice, or a Red Queen, or perhaps even a pair of Tweedledees or Tweedledums, adventure awaits

ChillOut Festival is an inclusive, family-friendly event celebrating Australia’s positive display of unity. ChillOut Festival takes place in Daylesford, Victoria from Thursday 5 to Monday 9 March. Tickets and further information can be found at chilloutfestival.com.au

couple of hours on your Monday and give them both a go, allowing you to get the most out of your time with a holistic and balanced approach.

“I recommend people give them both a go, just because they are very different experiences,” Alex says. “Sometimes people might come to the Water Flow but it might be a bit too dynamic for them so that’s when the Earth Flow might be a better fit which a bit more about relaxation. It’s a lot more mindful, still great for the physical benefits, but you won’t walk away sweating.”

Blending mindfulness with movement, the pop-up studio is also just the right size to offer you tailored support throughout classes so you can go at your own pace and enjoy your yoga journey.

“Everyone is welcome. Men and women, all ages, all bodies, all abilities, absolutely everyone is welcome.

Every shape is possible, and we’re flexible with modifications of shapes.”

While the studio is open to people of all experience levels, if you’re new to the practice Alex recommends heading along 5-10 minutes early and air any issues you might have ahead of your very first yoga class.

Whether you're a newbie or a self-proclaimed yogi, find your balance at Kommunity Yoga. All you need to do is kick off the shoes, wear anything you feel comfortable in, bring cash and a mat (if you’ve got one, otherwise Alex has you covered), and rock up with an open mind.

Kommunity Yoga runs on Monday’s at 5:30pm and 6:30pm at The KO Creative Studio, 1/14 Lambert Ave, Newtown.

“HELP ME FIND MY FUREVER HOME” SEBASTIAN Sebastian, AKA Sebbie, arrived at GAWS after being found wandering the streets. Looking a dishevelled mess, it was evident that Sebbie had been wandering for quite some time and human contact was not something he was used to.

After two months in foster care, Sebbie is now ready to find his special someone.

He has learnt to feel joy and purr, found his voice to meow and even learnt how to play – even though he looks ridiculously awkward (but gorgeous) doing so.

He will need to live in a quiet home, with no small children, and have a lot of patience to love him unconditionally. He is extremely patient with other pets so other cats, and possibly dogs, wouldn’t be an issue.

If you would like to see Sebbie’s full journey in Foster Care – head over to Instagram account ‘she_hearts_ paws’ and look for the highlight SEBASTIAN. 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.

POPCULTCHA WAREHOUSE TO PUBLIC 2020 Popcultcha’s Warehouse to Public Sale is back, and this year is going to their biggest event yet! Over two days this weekend, the warehouse will be open for the public to peruse and purchase from an enormous range of scratch and dent, damaged packaging and overstocked products for unbelievable prices. In addition to opening the doors to the warehouse, the Popcultcha crew will be running their Vinyl Saturdays event on Saturday, with brand new Popcultcha Exclusive Pop! Vinyls!

Saturday will also feature food trucks, an incredible lineup of live music, an artist alley, coffee cart, cold drinks, kids activities and more throughout the day, so come for the toys and stay for the fun! If you don’t have Valentine’s plans (if you do, cancel them and come to this instead), head on down to Popcultcha HQ for the raddest day of the year!

THE NAKED MAGICIANS With a Las Vegas residency, a season on London’s West End, and seen in 250+ cities across the globe… Australia’s The Naked Magicians is undoubtedly the world’s funniest and naughtiest magic show…and they are coming to Geelong!

The creators and co-stars of this R-rated magic show are the two hot and hilarious Aussie performers who deliver worldclass magic and non-stop laughs while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile. Described by The Huffington Post as “the wildest night ever”, this tantalisingly satisfying magic show strips away the top hats, capes and magic stereotypes, bringing a whole new meaning to “now you see it”. Good magicians don’t need sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants. This show proves just that! See it at The Playhouse on Saturday May 2. Tickets via geelongartscentre.org.au/

TRASH CULT IS BENDIGO’S ANSWER TO UNPOPULAR CULTURE Specialising in “unpopular culture”, Trash Cult is a new store that brings together a curated collection of music from metal, punk, noise, hardcore, jazz, hip-hop, rare vinyl records, and books covering the genres of sex, drugs, street art and graffiti, film, music, skateboards, custom, underground cultures and more. For collectors of hard to find and obscure movies, there is a huge range of underground, cult, surreal and sub-grade films as well as CDs, VHS, audiocassettes, zines, comics and a world of oddities, collectables and vintage toys. Trash Cult, purveyors of unpopular culture, hosts an overwhelming variety of rare and diverse stock that has been carefully selected and is now open at 5A High Street, Eaglehawk.

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REVIEWS BY ANTHONY MORRIS

THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down’s syndrome, escapes his dour care home to hit the road and pursue his dream of attending wrestling school. Tracking him down is well-meaning carer Eleanor (Dakota Johnson); helping him stay one step ahead of her is a fisherman with his own set of problems, Tyler (Shia LaBeouf). Together they drift down through the Outer Banks of North Carolina, an area skilfully evoked by filmmakers Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. They wrote the role of Zak specifically for Gottsagen and he shines it in; the supporting cast might be the bigger names but this is his show from start to finish. There’s a strength in the film’s straight-forward nature, the almost myth-like story contrasting with the working class communities the pair pass through. It’s a sweet, good-hearted film that’ll draw you in.

BIRDS OF PREY

RICHARD JEWELL

THE LIGHTHOUSE

EMMA

After the muddled events of Suicide Squad, Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) has been dumped by the Joker and become fair game for the many, many people she’s pissed off – including bad guy Black Mask / Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor). As for the “birds of prey” – that’d be Diana / Black Canary (Jurnee Smollet-Bell), Detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) – they’ve all got their own thing going on, which makes the first two acts of this a bit of a mess story-wise before everyone finally gets onto the same page.

Sensibly, the actual plot is extremely straightforward: everyone wants a diamond with a bunch of bank account details laser-coded into it, and when a character swallows it we have a reason for this search across a somewhat gritty Gotham City (think a sunnier version of the city in Joker) to run movie length as the good guys wait for it to be pooped out while keeping the swallower away from the bad guys.

The style is garish, the (many) fights are well handled, and both Robbie and McGregor go big in an entertaining fashion. Still, it’s hardly a classic: DC haven’t figured out how to make an ensemble movie work just yet.

Clint Eastwood’s been focusing on real-life “one man against the system” stories for a while now – think The 15:17 to Paris or Sully – and in taking up the story of Richard Jewell, the security guard who found a bomb in an Atlanta Park during the 1996 Olympic Games there, he’s definitely continuing that trend. Jewell (played here by Paul Walter Hauser) wasn’t exactly a loser, but for a bunch of reasons that the film doesn’t shy away from, he was a winner either: a failed cop who was fired from a campus security job for exceeding his authority, he was an over-confident yet socially awkward type working on the fringes of law enforcement by 1996.

His finding the bomb wasn’t quite an accident – his wannabe status made him more eagerly observant than most – and his accolades were well deserved until a desperate FBI (personified by Jon Hamm’s frustrated agent) and sleazy press (Olivia Wilde) teamed up to make him the prime suspect. It’s uneven and occasionally uninspired like many of Eastwood’s recent films, but Hauser’s performance is first-rate, Sam Rockwell as his lawyer is fun, and seeing sacred cows like the media and FBI painted as outright (almost cartoony) villains isn’t something you see every day.

It’s the 19th Century, and Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson) has a new job – working as a lighthouse keeper under the supervision of Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe). Two actors not always known for their subtlety playing characters trapped in a confined space for weeks at a time in a film directed

by Robert Eggers, the man behind that recent classic of slow-burn tension, The VVitch? Okay. But even if you think you know where this is going – and obviously there’s going to be a fair bit of madness swirling around the place – you’re still not going to be fully prepared for everything this has to offer. For one, the film (shot in 1.19.1 aspect ratio, making the screen a square like an old-timey portrait) is a surprisingly authentic look at the grim conditions faced by lighthouse keepers (in much the same way as Moby Dick is also a handy guide to how whaling actually worked). There’s plenty of drunken ranting, farts and grim meals; there’s also an ominous sense of the supernatural hanging over proceedings that leads to visions of mermaids and tentacles that may signal looming madness or something even worse. Both Dafoe and Patterson go to town here too – the screen may be small, but these performances are big in every way.

With absolutely no cares in the world, 20-year old Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) is free to spend her days in Regency-era rural England matchmaking and meddling in the affairs of those around her.

Unfortunately, she rather overestimates her skill and ability in this area, leading to heartbreak for her friends – especially teen orphan Harriet Smith (Mia Goth) - injury to those she thinks less of, and plenty of bickering with her frienemy George Knightly (a slow-burn Johnny Flynn) as she directs her romantic attentions towards the mysterious Frank Churchill (Callum Turner), who she has never met.

There’s no shortage of adaptations of Jane Austin’s 1815 novel Emma out there; this casts its net wide and pulls in a range of delights, from the picture-perfect set designs and lavish costuming to the spot-on supporting performances. The script retains much of the novel’s meandering charm too; the central romantic dilemma doesn’t surface until past the two-thirds mark, leaving plenty of space for Emma’s scheming to go awry. Holding it all together is Taylor-Joy’s performance as she keeps up a polished surface while letting Emma’s human frailties occasionally shine forth – she’s a snob, but she’s our snob.

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WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

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'WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?' was written, produced and recorded entirely by 17-year-old Billie Eilish and brother Finneas in their childhood home of Highland Park, Los Angeles.

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Thu 6th 11am & 8.40pm $15 Fri 7th 2.45pm S a t 8 t h 1 . 1 5 p m & 7. 1 0 p m Sun 9th 11am & 6.45pm M on 10th 2 . 4 5 p m Tue 11th 2.45pm & 6.30pm We d 1 2 t h 1 2 . 1 5 p m T hu 1 3 t h 1 1 a m Fri 14th 4.50pm Sat 15th 6.30pm Sun 16th 5pm Mon 17th 5.15pm Tue 18th 1pm We d 1 9 t h 4 p m

T hu 6 t h 2 . 5 0 p m Fri 7th 11am & 4.30pm Sun 9th 3pm M o n 1 0 t h 7. 4 5 p m Tue 11th 11am We d 1 2 t h 2 p m T hu 1 3 t h 2 . 4 5 p m Sun 16th 12.30pm Mon 17th 2.45pm Tue 18th 6pm

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T hu 6 t h 7. 1 5 p m Fri 7th 1.30pm & 7pm Sat 8th 9pm Sun 9th 5.30pm M on 10th 1.30pm & 6.30pm Tue 11th 1.30pm & 8.30pm Q&A Wed 12th 1 1 a m & 4 . 3 0 p m T hu 1 3 t h 5 .1 5 p m Sun 16th 11am M o n 1 7 t h 7. 1 0 p m Tue 18th 4.45pm

T hu 6 t h 1 2 . 4 5 p m Sat 8th 5pm Sun 9th 12.50pm Tue 11th 4.30pm We d 1 9 t h 6 p m FINAL

NE W A U S T R A L I A P e r i o d D r a m a 7 1 m i n s M A

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T hu 1 3 t h 8 . 3 0 p m Fri 14th 3pm & 6.40pm Sun 16th 7pm Mon 17th 11am Tue 18th 2.50pm We d 1 9 t h 2 . 1 5 p m T hu 2 0 t h 3 . 3 0 p m

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COMING SOON

Feb 20th H IS FOR HAPPINESS Feb 27th B E A T S Mar 5th IN MY BLOOD IT RUNS Mar 19th HONEYLAND 38

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PURVEYORS OF UNPOPULAR CULTURE 5A HIGH ST, EAGLEHAWK TRASHCULTSTORE@GMAIL.COM

THE GROWLERS

A roar from the crowd notified me that The Growlers had made their way to the stage. “Let’s get it on” lead singer Brooks Nielsen let out while the band picked up their instruments. “We’re here to fuck spiders” he continued, and with the crowd in laughter, they strummed into their first song, ‘Someday’, from their 2015 album Hung At Heart.

‘Brooks’s voice sounds good’ was the first thought I had.

Having not seen them live before, I was interested to hear how his unique vocals would sound; turns out, faultless with that raw rasp. From the outset he had a way of making you feel both relaxed and very intrigued.

He has a presence of someone who was truly born to do it. He doesn’t jump around or amp up the crowd, he merely sings with concentration, passion and a heap of nonchalance. Eyes closed and grooving slightly, with no shoulder movement, just head and arms.

He has you grooving and not wanting to look away,

like when you spot an interesting looking person who you can’t stop looking at, and you’re stuck trying to figure out their face. I was left trying to figure him out. Observing quirks like his excessive squinting, his chatter to himself between vocals – not missing a beat – and tying his own hands up with the cord of the mic. A unique dude with his own style.

‘Dope on a Rope’ was the next song that sticks in my mind with its playful riffs and catchy chorus, it had everyone singing and bopping along – a definite crowd favourite. This was followed by some songs from their latest album, and reason for the tour, A Natural Affair. A slightly dancier and poppier project than previous, especially with songs like ‘Social man’ that people dancing.

It’s a luxury as a band to have so much good music that the gig becomes a journey. You can slow it down and then speed it up, have a deep song and then one full of fun. The Growlers have earned this luxury and are able to fill a two hour set in this way, without a trace of monotony. Their set was brought to its heaviest point with ‘Vacant Lot’ allowing everyone to let off some steam.

The crowd showed its energy, taking it upon themselves to orchestrate into a crouch. With everyone down waiting for the chorus, smirks on faces, knees starting to ache. The chorus hit and prompted everyone to jump up. It was the peak of the crowd’s

WHERE: THE TORQUAY HOTEL WHEN: FRIDAY JANUARY 17 2020 REVIEWED BY BERT SEATON PHOTOS BY CAZ MICHALAK

MIJO BISCAN

TYSON HODGES TRIO

OH WONDER

Golden Moment

Self-Titled

No One Else Can Wear Your Crown

Independent

TH3 Records

Island Records

Reviewed By Tammy Walters

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energy, which was high all night, as everyone landed from that first jump, ready to throw themselves around.

Brooks, Matt and Kyle left the stage having not played a personal favourite ‘Going Gets Tough’. With no thought that they were actually finished, the crowd got into the encore chant anyway, “one more song” everyone chanted louder and louder, long enough that it started to feel as though they did leave. But of course, they returned, gifting us two more songs.

Playing ‘I’ll Be Around’ and ending right in the feelings with ‘Going Gets Tough’.

“We are done … damn”. Brooks told us full of disappointment, marking what was the end of the last song on the last stop of their Australian tour.

“I’m gonna miss you crazy assholes”, he said and put down the mic.

After six studio albums and over a decade of performing, it was a pleasure to see The Growlers perform such a polished and fresh set. It’s clear that the authenticity in what they do and the consistency of it has earned them true fans, who appreciate their work fully, and the room full of fans singing to every song on this Friday night is a testament to this.

SUNFRUITS Certified Organic Third Eye Stimuli Records Reviewed by Adele Shepherd

Listening to the Sunfruits debut EP, Certified Organic, it’s hard not to feel like running away to Spahn Ranch and joining the free love movement.

Sunfruits successfully manage to transport you to a whole other decade with this sun-pop, psychedelic rock, six-track EP. The Melbourne-based band have comprised an album of both playful and serious songs while keeping a consistent up-beat tempo and melody that keeps you moving, no matter the message.

‘Above the Clouds’ is the first track of the six-track debut EP. It’s a foot-tapping, head-bopping, instant classic that really lures you in, with anticipation of what will come next.

On the playful side of the lyrics, its second track ‘Sunfruits’ is filled with nostalgic imagery of purchasing Allens Sunfruits from the school canteen for just five cents each.

It’s not all fun, games and nostalgic lyrics though.

Sunfruits touch on the serious issues of social uprising, environmental collapse and willingness to change in its tracks ‘Forest’ and ‘Change’.

“Whatever You Want” is a personal favourite track on the EP. It’s one of the slower tracks on the album but remains consistent with the overall upbeat tone.

Certified Organic is out now and Sunfruits will kick off their EP tour in Melbourne at the Cactus Room in Thornbury on February 14th.

APPROACHABLE MEMBERS OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Love Thy Neighbour Independent Review by Tammy Walters

Gotye, Missy Higgins, Clare Bowditch, Tommy Emmanuel – just a few names of the people that Melbourne’s Mijo Biscan has been associated with over the years but the tread between them is much more than a support slot; it’s in the glorious music they create. In his debut album, Golden Moment, Mijo Biscan positions himself among these names as a distinguished songwriter, a remarkable composer and a respected musician.

While he had a decade of experience behind him as an established musician, Golden Moment offers Biscan his moment to shine. A contrast of symphonic delights, dramatic pops and brooding melancholia, Golden Moment is not just one moment, it’s a collection of moments that make for a beautiful story.

As an extraction of an Icelandic songwriting expedition, it’s no surprise that Biscan explores dark and personal spaces, but it’s how he shapes this emotion that is truly captivating. The production is so warm and rich overall but deeply haunting flashes have the ability to bring the chill as found on single, ‘We’ve Got The Numbers’ which explores freedom and control tug-of-wars. ‘Guilt Shame Horror’ sits upon Radiohead’s ‘Present Tense’ style guitar picking, while ‘You’ve Got Your Life’ showcases those delicate Jeff Buckley vocal quivers.

Recommended listening for fans of Augie March fans.

Central Vic’s own Tyson Hodges Trio released their self-titled debut album last month, an instrumental album hard to define with just one genre.

The album is hard-hitting from the get-go, launching into ‘The Palace of Sin’ with a dark, rock/ blusey riff. The double-tracked, electric lead flows with smooth riffs while the bass doesn’t just sit at the back, it leads in its own rhythmic way. Much like most of the album, this song would be incredible to see live.

The Oversoul is an epic, three-part piece beginning with resonating acoustic guitars, ringing hypnotically as a heavier lead brings it to a rock tempo. The acoustic guitars are beautiful here, and suddenly rocking notes slap you into Part II. Repeated funky notes overlayed in octaves keep you moving, notes soar before moving to Part III. A sweet smooth intro comes, the drums joining perfectly. Hendrix-like waves of notes bounce from the track.

‘Indigo’ is a personal favourite of the album, featuring a folky guitar into, warm and welcoming.

The track is well-played, sweet to listen to, and the perfect length.

The album is very impressive, particularly as a debut. It crosses genres, blending them seamlessly.

Yet it takes commitment to listen to; you have to want to listen to lengthy instrumentals. Very much for fans of Hendrix and Zeppelin, or those that enjoy instrumental prog rock.

The highly anticipated third album from British alt-pop duo Oh Wonder is a dreamy stroll through Approachable Members of Your Local Community the realities of love in the modern age. This album brilliantly back up their dreamy 2018 EP, If There’s is bursting at the seams with love and just when you Anything You Need, Please Don’t Hesitate To Contact thought it couldn’t get anymore rose coloured, you Us, which included catapulting tracks ‘Millennial find out that the bands two members, Anthony West Queen’ and ‘Love Thy Neighbour’. and Josephine Vander Gucht are in fact in love….. with Bursting in with ‘Small Change’, AMOYLC stretch each other. their socially conscious arm, taking legitimised pleas for political, social and environmental action and ‘No One Else Can Wear Your Crown’ opens slowly in a fashion similar to waking up next to a loved one. packaging it with hopeful charm. “TV’s a lair / This town’s on fire” and “Take it for granted / But it’s not It is warm, smiling and optimistic. The sweetly paired harmonies of duo continue to guide you carefully the same / I’m asking for a small change” ring truth through a maze of orchestral instrumentation, bubbly in our current landscape but they splatter it with synth and pulsating percussion. The feeling is hopeful positivity of pop grooves. The critical social gaze and buoyant with sweet lyrics sure to melt the very continues on ‘Internet’, an exploration into the wacky coldest of hearts. world of the online realm, offering up the comical line, Despite the energetic, joyfulness of the radio- “I’m gonna twerk on the internet”. ready singles ‘Happy’ and ‘Hallelujah’, there are some AMOYLC steer away from a concept album to really beautiful moments of quiet and soft. My personal introduce human connection stories of love and loss. favourite song from the album,’Nothing But You’ is one Dulcie join the Community for a luscious, shooting of these moments, it is a heartfelt yet minimalistic love star that is ‘Strangest Places’, the perfect contrast to song with the sweetest melody, a quiet retreat from the the follow-up track, ‘Fan Boy’. Both ‘Fan Boy’ and often chaotic electronic album.

‘Citrus Fruit’ sums up the suffocation and isolation of Reminiscent of a Postal Service or Death Cab for a broken relationship in a The 1975-esque way. Slight Cutie, this album inspires and captures love in a way pain in the vocals slips through the waves of synths only an early 2000’s Ben Gibbard project could. This to deliver a perfect breakup song. dreamy ten-song album is a welcome venture into Oh ‘On and On’ closes out the experience with some killer, roof punching beats and sparkly finishes, a big Wonders rose coloured musical world, a world where end to a bold EP. love is shiny and bright just like it should be.

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BLUES NEWS

WRITTEN BY JOHN (DR JOHN) LAMP

TOO HEAVY TO HUG

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WRITTEN BY ANTHONY MORRIS

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WRITTEN BY PAUL S. TAYLOR

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For a certain kind of film buff (me), having Michael Mann’s The Keep finally out on DVD is the biggest movie news this year.

Since its release in 1983 it’s been tough to track down – the new Australian release from Via Vision is literally the first time it’s had an official release on DVD, though bootlegs based on VHS copies have been doing the rounds for years – so to be able to just walk into a store and grab a copy is pretty astonishing.

But what about the movie itself?

Partly because of its obscure status and partly because it’s pretty weird (a horror movie with a Tangerine Dream soundtrack?), The Keep is one of those pop culture cul de sac’s film buffs can’t stop revisiting. While Mann’s lengthy career has covered a fair amount of ground, the idea of the director behind Heat and Miami Vice filming a straight-out horror movie – one set during World War 2 at that – seems just a little bizarre, and not just because Mann’s career has largely been focused on tough guy cops and real-life tales of heroism.

Whether you’re looking at his slick early 80s efforts (I say again: Miami Vice) or his later work pioneering the use of digital cameras on the big screen, Mann has always been one of Hollywood’s more distinctive stylists, more interested in modern alienation than supernatural terror.

It’s hard not to suspect part of the reason for The Keep’s obscurity is that Mann himself wasn’t all that keen to have it out there: only his second Hollywood feature (after the acclaimed crime drama Thief), it was a work-for-hire project with a thirteen-week shoot that was tough going even before it dragged out to 22 weeks. The result was a 210 minute film – which was a problem, as Mann was contractually obliged to provide a 120 minute version.

The ending was never properly settled, the special effects chief died before the effects were finalised, the trailer is full of moments cut from the finished film and – not surprisingly – it was a bomb at the box office. And yet it’s hard to deny that the cut down 96-minute version (which is all we have left) remains strangely compelling.

The story of a squad of German soldiers sent to investigate a sinister castle in the Romanian mountains only to find the Keep seems to have been built more to keep something in that keep invaders out, the mix of hard-bitten war drama and supernatural work together better than you might expect. Jürgen Prochnow is a warweary regular officer; Gabriel Byrne is a sinister SS officer sent in to take care of what he believes is partisan activity once Prochnow’s men start messing around with forces beyond their comprehension (and get zapped as a result). Meanwhile, Scott Glenn is a supernatural force on his own who arrives to - possibly – do battle with whatever’s inside the Keep (a force that has already lured a doctor played by Ian McKellan over to his dark side), and if you’re getting the impression there’s a lot going on here you’re not wrong.

The best approach is to just go along with the ride: there’s not a lot else out there like it.

Hey gang! Hopefully you’re all surviving between bouts of extreme weather – nothing says “fun times” like alternating between 40 degree days and cold, windy winter weather. Hooray for climate change! With all that fun stuff going on, it made sense to delve into a comic that would appeal to the idealist in me. When I think “idealist”, naturally ol’ mate Captain America comes to mind. This time around, I’ve picked up a Cap story written by one of the most lauded writers to pen the OG Avenger’s solo title: Captain America, volume one: Winter in America, written by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Black Panther) and drawn by Leinil Francis Yu (Secret Invasion).

For more than 70 years, Captain America has been a symbol of freedom, justice and the American way. He was a living symbol of the Republic, leading the charge of the US armed forces in WW2, and guiding the Avengers in the modern day. That all changed, however, when the nefarious forces of Hydra took over the United States – with Steve Rogers at their head. His life distorted by a sentient Cosmic Cube, Steve Rogers became the paragon of Hydra and successfully lead a coup that changed the fabric of America. With the world thrown out of balance, the remaining Avengers were able to bring a pre-Hydra version of Rogers back into reality, and this new Cap was able to cast down his evil doppelganger and restore the rule of law. With the United States recovering from Hydra rule, Steve must adjust to defending a country that believes he betrayed everything he holds sacred, and work with a government that no longer trusts him.

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ take on Cap comes after a hefty story arc. Nick Spencer’s Secret Empire arc was fairly divisive at its beginning – sections of the internet descended into apoplexy when Steve was revealed to be a Hydra agent – but I believe it eventually established itself as a storyline to remember. Winter in America picks up in the immediate aftermath of the Hydra occupation, with Steve wrestling with the knowledge that an aspect of him was responsible for definitively tearing the USA apart. Coates’ Cap is uneasy, doubtful and conflicted, and his constant, introspective internal monologue while trying to regain some semblance of normality is one of the highlights of the book.

Ultimately, Winter in America has a lot going for it. However, it’s not without fault. I found myself struggling to gel with or understand the book’s villain until the very end, and even once her identity was fully revealed I struggled to grasp her significance and follow her motivations.

Perhaps that’s due to my relative inexperience with Captain America titles, but I don’t think that aspect of the book was as well handled as Coates’ take on post-Hydra America. It’s possible that the political similarities to modern-day America made it easier to write about (Coates has worked as a journalist in the past), but the overarching villain but a bit of a sour note on what is otherwise a tense, introspective look at a divided country.

All things considered, Coates’ take on Cap was always going to be of interest after his lauded take on Black Panther. While I didn’t fully embrace some aspects of the book, its tense, politically-charged world was exactly what I signed up for, and if that sounds like your jam, I heartily recommend it.

Last issue, I mentioned the various fundraisers in the blues scene and I also mentioned Studio at 54 over in Ocean Grove. Well, here they are coming together.

On the 16th, Wayne Jury and Justin Brady are playing at Studio at 54.

Justin is a well-known Australian musician and former member of folkrock band Things of Stone and Wood. He is based down Mallacoota way, and as reported by The Age, his Karbeethong Hill home was destroyed by the fires and he was forced to seek refuge on nearby waters in his canoe, describing the situation as “apocalyptic”. Before taking to the water, Justin was able to save a violin, harmonica and mandolin.

“I lost everything pretty much,” he told The Age. “I built the house 25 years ago but only just recently, the last three months, I decided to live there as my base. Previously I had lived here but toured too.”

He continued: “I did a big rake up of all the leaves around the house but it’s a bush block. It’s gone.”

A prolific session musician and now music teacher, Brady has collaborated with John Farnham, The Black Sorrows, James Reyne and more over the years.

Here’s an opportunity to hear some great music from two exceptional musicians, and do your part as well by getting down to the Studio at 54 on February 16.

This month, Sleepy Hollow Blues Club is featuring Sweet Felicia and the Honeytones with Eddie Boyle.

Felicia is one of the stalwarts of the Australian blues scene and has toured extensively in Europe and North America.

Her amazing bass playing and powerful and soulful voice is her trademark, and not to be missed.

Eddie hails from Warrnambool, and my first encounter with him was at the late and lamented Loft down there playing at Blue Heat gig. As soon as I heard that harmonica, I knew this was a player to watch. I recently heard him at Pistol Pete’s with Catfish Gumbo – a great sound.

Felicia with Eddie should be a great gig, at Sleepy Hollow on February 23.

Now musicians are not the most wellheeled of people (I’ve even seen a band sharing one cigarette out the back of a pub.

Hard times indeed!) so some good news is the Battle of the Bands being hosted at the Black Hatt. So, bands, soloists, duets so here’s an opportunity to get your hands on a $2500 cash prize plus a gig. Contact them on 52214469.

Last but not least, we’re nearly at Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras! Pistol Pete, once again, is hosting his Mardi Gras celebration in Little Malop St on February 23 from 12 through to 8pm.

There’s a great lineup – Steve Boyd’s Rum Reverie, Hog Stompin’ Zydegators, Jules Boult & the Redeemers, Four Scoops, Crawfish Po’boys, Spiderjazz plus the Pistol Pete’s Mardi Gras All Star Second Line.

So, there’s three to choose from – Wayne and Justin on the 16th, on the 23rd Sweet Felicia with Eddie at Sleepy Hollow or Pistol Pete’s Mardi Gras afternoon.

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

One of the best things about the internet is that already this year I think I’ve found my new favourite meme page on social media; a Limp Bizkit meme page. As I scrolled through the page for an hour or so, laughing it up at the memes and comments and living in the past, I then found the need to check out the video clip for their track ‘Eat You Alive’ on YouTube coz it’s a rad track and the video clip is kinda cool, and then there were people commenting on the video clip saying they’re watching the clip in 2020, and then I was considering buying a red New York cap to pay homage to Fred Durst’s impeccable 90’s fashion.

Then after thinking about the hat I got to thinking, when the hell will Limp Bizkit release Stampede of the Disco Elephants?

It’s kinda like the last piece of the puzzle of albums everyone has been waiting forever for. We got Chinese Democracy in 2008 and Fear Inoculum last year, so surely Stampede of the Disco Elephants needs to be released this year to ring in the Roaring Twenties (except I’m sure the 20’s one hundred years ago was a lot more roaring than what we’re about to struggle through). Having said that, a new Limp Bizkit album would totally make this decade roaring, so take that 1920’s! Is the world ready for a new Limp Bizkit album considering their last album, Gold Cobra was released in 2011? I think so! This world needs something a little less serious and the kids these days sure do need to listen to music that is completely immature and puerile yet heavy, it’s good for the development of their humour. And then in 20 years time when they’re on social media looking at Limp Bizkit memes and then on YouTube watching old Stampede of the Disco Elephants clips they can comment asking if anyone still watching in 2040. A great future hinges on this album.

TROUBLE… A REMARKABLE SURF STORY One of the highlights of the recent Bells Beach Surf Film Festival was the screening of Chas Smith’s featurelength documentary TROUBLE: The Lisa Anderson Story.

The film explores the life of four-time World Surfing Champion Lisa Anderson who went from a 16-year-old runaway on bail in Florida to world surf icon who single-handedly raised the profile of women’s surfing to a global level, shattered stereotypes and inspired a generation of women around the world to not just get in the water but RIP! TROUBLE screened on the opening night of the Bells Beach Surf Film Festival this year and went on to win the festival’s prestigious BEST FILM award. It’s warts and all storytelling captured the imagination of the judges and audience and was a clear reminder that professional surfers are real people… not just walking billboards.

Writer/Director Chas Smith is one of the most respected surf journalists and he was stoked that his film won the award: “Bells Beach means so very much to surfing and to not only have Trouble screen on those iconic shores, but win, is a wildly great honour.

“Lisa Andersen is one of surfing’s most important, powerful figures. The ferocity, grace and beauty with which she surfed transcended the damned, typical “good for a girl” narrative. She ripped, plain and simple, fighting through all too human obstacles along the way.

“Thank you, beyond, for this award. For recognising both the film and the person and a simple, quiet, true story.”

For winning BEST FILM Chas Smith was given a cash prize by the Bells Beach Surf Film Festival. Chas was so moved by the fires that ravaged the Australian coastline in December and January that he decided to donate his cash prize back to the surf film festival and asked it be donated to a bushfire fund in Australia. The Festival subsequently increased the cash prize by 50 percent and donated it to Wildlife Victoria.

What a fantastic gesture from a great writer and filmmaker.

You can watch TROUBLE by heading to Vimeo and buying the documentary today.

For a small price, you can download one of the best surf documentaries in recent years that closely explores the life of one of the greats – Lisa Anderson.

In other news + 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. + 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. + Me And That Man will release their new album New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 1 on Friday March 27. + Blacken Open Air festival will be held over Easter weekend. Easter Sunday will be April 12. Handy to know if you’re looking for cheap flights to NT somewhat in advance. + Abysmal Dawn will release their new album Phylogenesis on Friday April 17. + Check out this edition’s of THTH’s Spotify playlist by searching for playlist: THTH731 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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THURS 13TH BARWON CLUB: NEURITIS, KATALYST, SLIMY & THE FISHSTIX BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ THE EASTERN: DONKEY VOTE ALBUM LAUNCH THE ESPY: GARAGE SALE THE LAST CHANCE ROCK & ROLL BAR: CLEAN CUT SOCIETY, MOUSE CANNON MAX WATT'S: STEVE LACY OLD BAR: VICTORY LAP ALBUM LAUNCH PIANO BAR: PIANO BAR'S GOT TALENT PISTOL PETE'S: THE LYRICAL SPORTING GLOBE: LIVE MUSIC WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: SOLO SESSIONS FRI 14TH APOLLO BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL GALA DINNER BARWON CLUB: MASON, VEXATION, ABU GRAIB, HEADLESS BEAVS BAR: LUKE BISCAN CORNER HOTEL: CREED BRATTON (THE OFFICE US) THE DOOR GALLERY CAFE: LIVE MUSIC THE EASTERN: BARRACOUTA ÍNDIGO GLOW' LAUNCH SHOW EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJS ELEPHANT & CASTLE: MARTY & DOC THE ESPY: THE TARANTINOS THE GATEWAY HOTEL: TRAVIS COLLINS GOLDEN VINE: DROID – HYPERREALITY TOUR GROVEDALE HOTEL: LUKE LEGS DUO THE LAST CHANCE ROCK & ROLL BAR: CICADASTONE, COLD SLEEP MANCHESTER ARMS: KARAOKE DRESSED IN DRAG MAX WATT'S: STEVE LACY MURPHYS: LIVE MUSIC NIGHTJAR FESTIVAL GEELONG OLD BAR: S:BAHN, LIGHT MAGNETIC, WINTERNATIONAL PALAIS HEPBURN: ROMANTIC ARABIAN NIGHTS

BRACKENDELL: MARCIA HOWARD'S HOUSE OF SONG, TORQUAY CORNER HOTEL: OKILLY DOKILLY, DR COLOSSUS

THE EASTERN: SUNFRUITS ÇERTIFIED ORGANIC EP TOUR'

GEELONG'S BEST BUSKER!

BEAVS BAR: LUKE BISCAN

THE ESPY: OPEN MIC

BENDIGO HOTEL: THE HARD ONS

EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ THE ELEPHANT & CASTLE: THE GLITTER GANG! THE ESPY: TREVALLEY 'BREAK FREE'TOUR GOLDEN VINE: FIELDSY

TORQUAY HOTEL: EVES KARYDAS VALHALLA BREWING & TAPROOM: LIVE MUSIC WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: TAPES: GET EVEN TOUR SAT FEBRUARY 15TH APOLLO BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL BALLARAT BEER FESTIVAL THE BARKING DOG: MARTY & DOC BARWON CLUB: SOMETHING KROOK, TRICK GYPSY, ICKY STICKS BEAVS BAR: JEFF JORDAN BENDIGO HOTEL: PUNK AT THE BENDI BLOOM: JOSH BUTLER, NOISA MIGOS TRIBUTE

PH: 5278 2911 42

BARWON CLUB: THE SMITH STREET BAND BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER THE EASTERN: HIP HOP AT THE EASTERN

MAX WATT'S: HYBRID THEORY (LINKIN PARK TRIBUTE)

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: DOUBLE DELICIOUS GOLDEN VINE: BENDIGO PUB CHOIR

OLD BAR: THE MAN FROM ATLANTIS

HANDLE BAR: HANDLE BAR COMEDY!

PALAIS HEPBURN: MAHALIA BARNES

THE LAST CHANCE ROCK & ROLL BAR: SNARK, OVEN GLOVES, VAUUS

PIANO BAR: LADIES LUNCH PISTOL PETE'S: BAG O'NAILS

MAX WATT'S: LIVE MUSIC

POPCULTCHA WAREHOUSE SALE!

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE: THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: DAN COCKERELL SPORTING GLOBE: 456 SATURDAYS SUN 16TH APOLLO BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL CONVERSATIONS

BENDIGO HOTEL: FIXATION SUNDAY'S THE DOOR GALLERY CAFE: MUSICIANS DAY WITH LUKE OÇONNELL & SAND EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ ELEPHANT & CASTLE: JESSSE VALACH THE GOOD BEER BAR: TEQUILA, TACOS & BEER

THE DOOR GALLERY CAFE: WAYNE DURY & JUSTIN BRADY

THURS 20TH

MANCHESTER ARMS: ROCK AGENDA

BELMONT HOTEL: SUNDAY SESSIONS, GOOD FACES FOR RADIO

VALHALLA BREWING & TAPROOM: POETRY NIGHTS

MAX WATT'S: CATTLE DECAPITATION, REVOCATION

THE LAST CHANCE ROCK & ROLL BAR: JAKE GEORGE, MENTAL CAVITY

BEAVS BAR: GRACE DRUMMOND, BEAVS DISC

CORNER HOTEL: THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: DOUBLE DELICIOUS

LAMBYS: BEDROCK, LUKE BISCAN, RESIDENT DJS

BARWON CLUB: MATTY ORCHARD

BLOOM: BABYLON IN THE PARK - PRE PARTY

PIANO BAR: LIVE MUSIC

BEAVS BAR: OPEN MIC KARAOKE, LUKE BISCAN

HOME HOUSE: DJ SAM WITHERS, VALENTINE'S TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY

BARKING DOG: GUITAR BAR

OLD BAR: PAINTINGS BY JACK MCCULLAGH

WED 19TH

GROVEDALE HOTEL: DAYS GONE BY

GROVEDALE HOTEL: CRAIG SAYER

THEATRE ROYAL: MAMA KIN SPENDER + MACAPELLA

SAT 22ND BARWON CLUB: COMPLETE (WA), BITTER BELIEEF, MANAZ III, OMAC, MYSC

PISTOL PETE'S: BLUES ROULETTE, ROSE BETWEEN THORNS

SPORTING GLOBE: ACOUSTIC FRIDAYS

TUES 18TH

VALHALLA BREWING & TAPROOM: LIVE MUSIC

CORNER HOTEL: THE NECKS ALBUM LAUNCH (NIGHT 2)

THE FOX AND THE HEN: SUNDAY SESSIONS

RECESS: FABULOUS FRIDAY

OLD BAR: JAZMINE MARY (NZ) HOOPER CRESCENT

THE DOOR GALLERY CAFE: THE GRAM-O-PHONIE BROTHERS

PIANO BAR: VALENTINES DAY SPECIAL, JOE FORESTA

QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: VALENTINES DAY

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QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER FRI 21ST BARWON CLUB: CULL (ADELAIDE), THE POPPIN MOMMAS, SACRAMENTO SWEATERS, FUTURE TONGUES BEAVS BAR: DAVE ANDERSON THE DOOR GALLERY CAFE: LIVE MUSIC CORNER HOTEL: THE AUTUMNAL PARK SHOW EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ ESPY BASEMENT: RIFF RAIDERS ESPY: LOADED GUN, BEST DAY EVER THE GATEWAY HOTEL: DIESEL

MANCHESTER ARMS: OLIVE

LAMBYS: ADAM12, LUKE BISCAN & JOUBIN THE LAST CHANCE ROCK & ROLL BAR: KNOCK OFF WITH YOU LEGENDS MAX WATT'S: THE SMYTHS (THE SMITHS TRIBUTE)

OLD BAR: HAVE /HOLD & FRANCO COZZO

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE: THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

PALAIS HEPBURN: INGRID JAMES & THE BOYS FROM PRAGUE

MURPHYS: LIVE MUSIC

PIANO BAR: PITCH PLEASE

NIGHTJAR FESTIVAL GEELONG OLD BAR: VETTY VIALS

SPORTING GLOBE: SUNDAY SESSIONS SUMMER SUNDAYS: BALLARAT BOTANICAL GARDENS TERINDAH ESTATE: SUNDAY SESSIONS MON 17TH CORNER HOTEL: THE NECKS ALBUM LAUNCH

GROVEDALE HOTEL: KIM COOPER DUO HANDLE BAR: NATHAN POWER, JAMES FRANKLIN HOME HOUSE: TYRON HAPI. SPICE LAMBYS: BEDROCK, LUKE BISCAN, RESIDENT DJ'S MAX WATT'S: RIFF RAIDERS MURPHYS: LIVE MUSIC PALAIS HEPBURN: AMAYA LAUCIRICA PISTOL PETE'S: DEVIL'S BREW 2ND ANNIVERSARY RE-LAUNCH QDOS LORNE: ESPANA EL VITO THE SPIRIT OF SPAIN

THE TAP ROOM: MARCIA HOWARD W SPECIAL GUEST LIAM (GUB) GUBBINS

GROVEDALE HOTEL: LUKE LEG'S DUO

PISTOL PETE'S: SPIDERJAZZ

GOLDEN VINE: DROID – HYPERREALITY TOUR

PIANO BAR: LOCALLY GROWN FUNNIES

THE LAST CHANCE ROCK & ROLL BAR: AYAHUASCA EYES

PIANO BAR COLAC: PITCH PLEASE

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: DOUBLE DELICIOUS

QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: HEATH ROBERTSON

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: DOUBLE DELICIOUS

MORGAN'S BAR & GRILL: SUMMER SUNDAYS – KIERAN T

EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJS THE ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: TOTALLY 80'S

OLD BAR: AL MATCOTT, SID O'NEIL, FREEDOM CLUB

LAMBYS: ABE ANDERSON, LIAM BLACKWELL

MAX WATT'S: BONGO'S BINGO

THE EASTERN: RAIDERS PLAY THE EASTERN

PALAIS HEPBURN: JAMES FRANKLIN PIANO BAR: LIVE MUSIC PISTOL PETE'S: BLACK SWANS OF TRESPASS (TAS) THEATRE ROYAL: COUNTRY DAZE THORNBURY LOCAL: SHERRI PARRY ALBUM LAUNCH TORQUAY HOTEL: CASH SAVAGE & THE LAST DRINKS

SPORTING GLOBE: 456 SATURDAY'S

THEATRE ROYAL: COUNTRY DAZE WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: WOODY PITNEY SUN 23RD BARWON CLUB: SALTED FISH DUO THE BARKING DOG: RIORDAN BEAVS: GRACE DRUMMOND, BEAVS DISCO BELMONT HOTEL: SUNDAY SESSIONS THE DOOR GALLERY CAFE: SOUL SISTER SWING EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC THE ELEPHANT & CASTLE HOTEL: LIVE MUSIC THE ESPY: RAW COMEDY THE FOX AND HEN: SUNDAY SESSIONS LIVE MUSIC GROVEDALE HOTEL: ADRIAN & NARDIA LAMBYS: ABE ANDERSON, LIAM BLACKWELL THE LAST CHANCE ROCK & ROLL BAR: CLEAN CUT SOCIETY, MOUSE CANNON MARDI GRAS STREET FESTIVAL MORGAN'S BAR & GRILL: SUMMER SUNDAYS – TWO DOGS OLD BAR: HAVE/HOLD, SALEEHA PALAIS HEPBURN: LITTLE WINGS (USA) PIANO BAR: PITCH PLEASE! SOUTH GEELONG FARMERS MARKET SPORTING GLOBE: SUNDAY SESSIONS ST. AIDAN'S ANGLICAN CHURCH: ESPANA EL VITO THE SPIRIT OF SPAIN THE TAPROOM: LIVE MUSIC TERINDAH ESTATE: SUNDAY SESSIONS WED 26TH BEAVS: OPEN MIC KARAOKE

SPHINXHOTEL.COM.AU FORTÉ 733

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FRI 14 FEBRUARY:

SAT 15 FEBRUARY:

SUN 16 FEBRUARY:

ACOUSTIC DUO SET

DUO ACOUSTIC SET

SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

LUKE LEGS DUO Luke & Michael play energetic shows of unique style. Enjoy harmonies, bangin drums and rhythm guitar by two.

You’re welcome.

DAYS GONE BY These likely lads combine with an ever-expanding list of the most well known songs to ensure they offer something for everybody to enjoy ... every time.

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 21 FEBRUARY:

LUKE LEGS DUO ACOUSTIC DUO SET

Luke & Michael play energetic shows of unique style. Enjoy harmonies, bangin drums and rhythm guitar by two.

You’re welcome.

SAT 22 FEBRUARY:

KIM COOPER DUO DUO ACOUSTIC SET

Kim and Jeffory enjoy playing a wide range of songs, from old school RnB mashups to your favourite pub classics. Expect a fun night out from this energetic duo.

FEATURE GIGS: Eves Karydas. > FRI. 14 FEBRUARY:

SUN 23 FEBRUARY:

ADRIAN & NARDIA DUO ACOUSTIC SET

Nardia Rose (vocals) and Adrian Montagnese (on keyboard) know how to pack dance floors by taking you on a journey through the 70s to today, performing all your favs.

LOCAL ARTISTS: > FRI. 14 FEBRUARY:

> SAT. 15 FEBRUARY:

7:30PM — BEER GARDEN 11:30PM — BAND ROOM

8:00PM — BAND ROOM

Moluck.

Jack Wright.

> SAT. 15 FEBRUARY:

> FRI. 21 FEBRUARY:

7:30PM — BEER GARDEN 11:30PM — BAND ROOM

7:30PM — BEER GARDEN 11:30PM — BAND ROOM

Coco Du Ma.

Cash Savage & The Last Drinks.

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

WEB. PHONE.

Moluck.

> SAT. 22 FEBRUARY:

> FRI. 28 FEBRUARY:

7:30PM — BEER GARDEN

7:30PM — BEER GARDEN 11:30PM — BAND ROOM

Party DJ.

> FRI. 21 FEBRUARY:

Moluck.

P. (03) 5261 2001

No Scrubs - 90s & Early 00s Party

W. torquayhotel.com.au

torquayhotel 36 Bell Street, Torquay

> SAT. 22 FEBRUARY:

> PURCHASE YOUR FEATURE GIG TICKETS FROM: TORQUAYHOTEL.EVENTBRITE.COM FORTÉ 733

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