Forte #586

Forte

ball ar at | bell arine | Bendigo | ca stlemaine | geelong | surfcoa st | warrnambool |

ISSUE #586 15 / 05 / 2 014

FREE!

RÜFÜS “ Life feels a little surreal at the moment...

It’s amazing, and we remind ourselves of that every day.” pg.19

BAND

pg.00

HANSON

pg.00

brant bjork pg.26

HANSON

pg.20

darren percival

pg.34

1984

pg.36

peking duck

pg.39

ALSO FEATURING: CherryRock, The Heart Sting Quartet, Larry Muluma, Meat Puppets, Ruby Rogers and heaps more!

10 0 % l o c a l ly o w n e d & o p e r at e d

Plus all the latest local entertainment news, music and movie reviews and all your favourite Forte columns!

available from 750+ outlets every fortnight

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in this issue:

forte issue #586 t h u r s d ay 15 m ay 2 014

fort e F R EE B IE S!

Ph: 03 5229 7969 PO Box 978 Geelong VIC 3220

W I N!

fortemag.com.au

enquires@fortemag.com.au Publisher

McNamara Publishing editor / DIRECTOR

Luke McNamara

luke@fortemag.com.au advertising

Abbey King

A

abbey@fortemag.com.au

Lucas Barnes

lucas@fortemag.com.au Art director

James Dulce editorial assistant

Belinda McIntosh Scene photographer:

Marianne Valitutti contributors

A

RĂœFĂœS pg.19

B

brant bjork pg.26

C

darren percival pg.34

D

1984 pg.36

E

peking duck pg.39

B

C

+ Hanson (pg.20), Ruby Rogers

(pg.34), Larry Maluma (pg.39), The Acfields (pg.39) and heaps more!

E

D

Win a double pass to see FRENZAL RHOMB at The Barwon Club, Geelong on Friday May 24th!!

Anthony Morris, Adem Ali, Alastair McGibbon, Amanda Sherring, Cameron Brogden, Cameron Urqhuart, Chris Cruz, Chris Lambie, Daniel Lock, Daniel Waight, Darlene Taylor, Dr John Lamp, Madelin Baldwin, Natalie Rogers, Oliver Friend, Paul S Taylor, Tex Miller, Wylie Caird, Xavier Fenell, Zach Broadhurst, Tony Montana

To enter all you have to do is email your name and mobile number to luke@fortemag.com.au

Rural Press (VIC) Printing, Ballarat

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bookkeeping by 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. Forte accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. Forte reserves the right to edit all articles and letters.

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Custom-Made Touring, Rish Publicity & The Music, by arrangment with Artist Voice, present:

S T S E REQU T! E S Y L ON

h s i e K Blackie Murray Ray

TH 0 3 ANNIVERSARY “IT’S NOT HOW IT USED TO BE” TOUR

Thursday 12 June Ballarat Karova Lounge with special guests Clowns & Dead Friday 13 June Geelong Wool Exchange with special guests Clowns & Wicked City Sunday 15 June Castlemaine Bridge Hotel with special guests Dead tickets on sale now at usual outlets 10 forte

APPLICATIONS DUE TUES 24 JUNE C O U R T H O U S E . O R G . A U

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Presentation Night Returns Presentation Night made its debut at The Corner last year, yielding a conversation between a footballer who loves music and a muso who loves footy. Well, it’s time to start tuning those guitars and warming up those pies because Presentation Night returns next month – and it’s a ripper. Putting on the football guernsey is Cameron Ling, while putting on the music guernsey is Paul Dempsey.

The Corner – June 4.

Saluting Jeffrey Lee Pierce

Looking Inside Your Soulfest D’Angelo, Common, Aloe Blacc (pictured), Mos Def, Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton, Angie Stone, Ngaiire, Musiq Soulchild, Leela James, Nathaniel, Ms Murphy, Miracle, DJ Trey are among those set to perform at the inaugural Soulfest, Australia’s first annual neo soul, jazz and hip hop festival. You would be hard-pressed to find a better line-up for your debut outing. Yarra Park – October 19.

Hit soulfest.com.au for further information.

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The third in a series of albums dedicated to Jeffrey Lee Pierce is out now.

Titled Axels & Sockets, Iggy Pop, Thurston Moore and Nick Cave have teamed up to cover Gun Club’s ‘Nobody’s City’, while Nick Cave appears on the album again, duetting with Deborah Harry on ‘Into the Fire’.

Pierce was a founding member of The Gun Club.

He passed away in 1996 from a brain haemorrhage.

A Pinch of Veruca Salt There is some good news, some great news and some cool news. The good news is that Veruca Salt reformed last year under their original line-up. The great news is that they’re set to tour Australia later

this year. Oh, and they also released some new tracks in celebration of Record Store Day. So it’s a win-win-win.

And they are working on a new album. So it’s a win-win-win-win. The Corner – September 26.

The Internet’s Own Boy Trailer Following rave reviews at Sundance, the first trailer for The Internet’s Own Boy, the documentary of late programmer and hacktivist Aaron Swartz, has been released. Swartz was involved in the creation of Reddit and RSS and dedicated his life to stopping the speechstifling Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act. On the evening of January 11, 2013, Swartz was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment. You can check out the clip online.

Double Trouble with Double J So, triple j’s new digital station Double J is up and running. Able to be streamed online, on your mobile via the ABC Radio App, or on your digital TV or radio, Double J will boast a full suite of programs, presenters and innovative music content. If you hit up doublej.net.au, you will also find feature videos, reviews, illustrations and a unique audio player.

It’s time to double your fun with Double J.

Earthcore 2014

The Gravity of I, a Man

Earthcore, Australia’s pioneering outdoor music, arts, culture and lifestyle experience, is celebrating its 21st birthday in 2014. Due to the conditions of the festival’s new permit, ticket sales are limited to only a few thousand this year.

And when your line-up includes 1200 Mics, Da Vinci Code, Blue Planet Corporation, Behind Blue Eyes, Victor Ruiz (pictured) and Day Din, you know those few thousand tickets will sell in no time.

In support of their debut full-length album, Melbourne’s I, a Man are playing a small number of shows around the country. The purveyors of rock-edged pop picked up four stars from the Sun. “Hypnagogic Melbourne dreamboats I, a Man know what they’re doing on this treasure-filled, sunshower-y guitars debut and will have you surreptitiously setting tasks that will go for three-quarters of an hour.” Shadow Electric – May 31.

The Tide Closes In July 18 will see the release of Lowtide’s self-titled debut album.

The eagerly-awaited album was recorded and produced by Gareth Parton, whose credits include Big Scary. From the presser: “Their reverb-drenched, richly layered and heavily textured sound brings to mind bands such as The Cure, Ride, My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. However, to categorise their sound as simply ‘shoegaze’ is to miss the point entirely.”

Meat Puppets Expand Their Tour

Yeo Tune & Tour

Basement Jaxx’s Tease

They may well be headlining the final CherryRock, but the Meat Puppets are set to make best use of their time in Oz by announcing a couple of further dates at the Ding Dong Lounge. On their May 27 show, the band will perform a short acoustic set, followed by a Meet ‘n’ Greet. The following night, May 28, a full band will take flight, including Curt Kirkwood’s son, Elmo Kirkwood.

There is a strong chance that you have heard Yeo’s track ‘Girl’. Released last year, the track made various ‘Best Of 2013’ lists, including TheRipe.tv, MAAMF, Tone Deaf and Canada’s Hilly Dilly. His new jam is ‘Kobe’, which at the time of writing was closing in on 50,000 plays on SoundCloud.

In celebration of the release, Yeo is hitting the road for a national tour. NSC – June 6.

As they continue to work on their next full-length release, Basement Jaxx (aka Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton) decided it was time to release a little teaser. That teaser is ‘Unicorn’. According to the wise man, the track follows suit of their 2013 hits ‘Back 2 the Wild’ and ‘What a Difference Your Love Makes’. Their upcoming album, due for release before the end of the year, will be their first since 2009.

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20 Years of the Jar In August of 1994, Bodyjar debuted at Richmond’s Great Britain Hotel, the year in which they would also release their debut album, Take a Look Inside. Yep, for twenty years Bodyjar have been entertaining us.

For twenty years they have been asking to turn it up while others have asked for it to be turned down. They’re a little older, none-thewiser, but they’ve still got it. The Corner – August 9.

I Still See You

There’s Always So Much More Two years ago, Against Me! frontwoman Laura Jane Grace first went public about her desire to live as a woman. Her transition is now being documented in a new reality series titled So Much More. The show follows Grace as she makes her transition from male to female, meets other transgender people and tours AM!’s album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues. At the time of writing there was no premiere date.

With the impressive cast of Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman and Dave Franco, the magician heist flick Now You See Me was a (arguably surprise) hit.

So what do you do? You make a sequel. According to Franco, the sequel will explore the tight-knit group of magicians away from the stage. The word is most of the cast will return, with Louis Leterrier once again set to direct.

Rock the Kasabian

Sequel Time: Joe Dirt 2 It looks as though David Spade is working on Joe Dirt 2. Spade gave the dirt (I know, I know) through a Reddit AMA. He said, in part, “We’re putting it together now … I just don’t want to burn the fans and want to make it good, so me and the other writer are combing through the sequel and trying to make it make sense and have good music and be funny within the parameters. So hopefully it will be soon, or it will be too pointless.”

Coasting Along Best Coast frontwoman Bethany Cosentino spoke with SPIN recently about the band’s forthcoming third album, letting them know that the album has been influenced by artists including Gwen Stefani, The Go-Go’s and Sugar Ray. The album, which at the time of writing has no release date, is produced by Wally Gagel. Best Coast released a mini album, Fade Away, last year.

album in 1992. 2014’s Get the Hell is their latest release. In the business for more than 25 years, this band knows a thing or two about a thing or two. Ding Dong Lounge – June 21.

And Now for Something Kooky Listen is the cleverly titled forthcoming album from The Kooks. Due for release at the end of August, the album is co-produced by frontman Luke Prichard and hip hop writer/producer Inflo. Pritchard: “With this record we didn’t do any rehearsing beforehand …

I’d write a song with Inflo or on my own, put it up and

we’d all play over it. There was a real freedom to the process.” They will release the album’s second single, ‘Around Town’, in June.

Robert Plant Signs On Robert Plant has marked his signing with Nonesuch with news of a new solo album. Due for release later in the year, the album will feature backing from the Sensational Space Shifters. On the signing: “I’m pleased to find such a reputable home for our renegade departures. The support and encouragement we have received has been strong and refreshing –

Turn It Up!” Nonesuch is the home to The Black Keys and Conor Oberst.

Anberlin’s Final Fling Another good thing comes to its end with news that Anberlin is calling it a day after 12 years, six albums and many world tours.

Australia has regularly been on the band’s touring circuit and it’s no different this time around, on this their final fling. The band announced their plans of a final album and tour earlier in the year via YouTube.

The Forum – September 9. The Getaway Plan will warm up the masses.

Supersuckers Don’t Suck

US rockers Kasabian have a new album out this June so it’s only fitting that they’ve announced an Aussie tour to win you over with it. The album, titled 48:13, is the band’s fifth release and comes after a three-year wait. Frontman Tom Meighan: “It’s direct.

It is what it is. Just listen to it. We’ve had the confidence to lay ourselves bare. Serge [Pizzorno] has stripped it right back. It’s unbelievable.” Festival Hall – August 9.

The self-proclaimed “Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World” is headed our way next month. Who is this band?

Supersuckers, but did you really have to ask?

Formed in 1988 as The Black Supersuckers, the band released their debut

Deez Nuts Has a Confession It’s time for a double dose of hardcore, with news that Melbourne’s Deez Nuts and Confession (pictured) have teamed up for a run of co-headlining shows next month. Both have been keeping busy: Deez Nuts have been busy with shows in Europe, while Confession have been working on a new album. Workers Club – June 27 & Arrows – June 28. * Note: their June 28 show at Arrows is all ages.

The Doctor Gets Terminated Matt Smith, best known for playing the eleventh incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who, has landed a role in Terminator: Genesis. The official press release read: “Smith will play a new character with a strong connection to John Connor, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, J.K. Simmons, Dayo Okeniyi and Byung Hun Lee.” Word is he will appear in every film of the trilogy.

FRI 9 MAY 2014

Trojan REST

AURA N

TS – BARS – ENTER TA I N M

ENT

SAT 10 MAY 2014

James Carrigg

FRI 16 MAY 2014 Friday night drink promos 5.30 til 6.30 and 9 til 10pm Saturday Night Bulmers Jugs Specials 7 – 10pm

Figjam

SAT 17 MAY 2014

Dear Ivy

GROVEDALE HOTEL 236-258 SURFCOAST HIGHWAY PHONE: (03) 5243 2814 | GROVEDALEHOTEL.COM.AU

FACEBOOK.COM/GROVEDALEHOTEL

TWITTER.COM/GROVEDALEHOTEL

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TODD McKENNEY sings

Peter Allen "Todd McKenney out shines the sequins on his shirts" Herald Sun

"Todd is, in a show of his own creation, magnetic, exciting, out there and above all memorable" Alan Jones 2GB

Sat 24 May

Entertainment Centre Bathurst bmec.com.au / 02 6333 6161

Fri 30 May

Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool lighthousetheatre.com.au / 03 5559 4999

Sat 31 May Performing Arts Centre, Frankston

artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au / 03 9784 1060 toddmckenney.com.au

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T H E f o r t n i g ht l y c a l e n d a r t h u r s d ay M ay 15 t h 2 0 14 t o t h u r s d ay M ay 2 9 t h 2 0 14

THURSDAY 15TH MAY BEAVS BAR: Amaya Laucirica with special guests (band room), Dave Anderson (main room) ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night KAROVA LOUNGE (Ballarat): DZ Deathrays ‘Black Rat’ Album Tour supported by Palms & Foam THE MAX HOTEL: Parmi All Day All Night $14, InnQUIZitive Trivia from 7.30pm till 10.30pm, amazing prizes, call to book your team’s spot THE SPHINX HOTEL: Schnitzel Night from $13 PISTOL PETES: Soul Slam EDGE: Live Music and DJs THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): The Bracelets, Salsa and Latin Street Dance Classes THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTLEMAINE): Rhath + Howl 9pm BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Night from 7pm BLACK HATT: Tradies Night 5-7 GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Kids Eat Free BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live and Local, $13 Pizza night EUREKA: Thirsty Thursday with Tigerlily, Katie Valentine, Katt Naill and local resident DJ’S ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Open Mic with Sam Fletcher MARTIANS CAFE: $20 International Night including drink BENDIGO SHOWGROUNDS: Bliss N Eso the ‘Circus Under The Stars’ Tour with Seth Sentry, Horrorshow and Ceekay Jones (USA) LORD OF THE ISLES: Trivia Night from 7:30pm

FRIDAY 16TH MAY CITY QUARTER BAR: Friday Unwind with live music then DJ ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Thank Guinness It’s Friday HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with DJs, Steve Camp, Simon One, Keith Evans, Marcel & more BEAVS BAR: Hayden Scott THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTELMAINE): Cash Savage & The Last Drinks EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ PISTOL PETE: Josh Dance

OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Benny Walker BLACK HATT: Shades of Jasper, Happy Hour 5-7 UNWINED CELLAR BAR (BELMONT): The Blueliners THE WOOL EXCHANGE ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX: Rufus THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Figjam THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): Tank Dilemma ‘Having said that, let me say this’ tour THE BARWON CLUB: She Rex, Lepers & Crooks THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Happy Hour 5-7, Meat Raffle & Members Draw THE LORD NELSON: Happy Hour 5pm-7pm THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat):Rod Fritz LIGHTHOUE THEATRE (WARRNAMBOOL): Great South West Dairy Awards BIRD ROCK CAFÉ (Jan Juc): Happy our 5:30-7:30 NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM (GEELONG): Seven Wonders Silent Film Festival (until 27th July) THE MAX: Trojan LAMBYS BAR AND RESTAURANT: Good Faces For Radio ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Eric Stribley 8pm BALLARAT LOUNGE ROOM: Fridays 6-8pm free

SATURDAY 17TH MAY BEAVS BAR: Steve Pianto THE BARWON CLUB: Altitude, The Electric Sunkings, Crossfire Hurricanes EDGE GEELONG: Live music and DJ ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Mr Hyde KAROVA LOUNGE (BALLARAT): She Rex THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Dear Ivy OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Matt Gurry HOME HOUSE: Milk Fed Agency DJ ShowcaseUpstairs: Mifs, Ross Horkings vs. Heath Renata, Travlos vs. TWhite Downstairs: The Best RnB & Hip Hop with Reque Visuals Sounds PISTOL PETES: Jarrod Shaw THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Dark Tempo Reloaded: Chris Dynesty featuring DJ’s Josh Brown, Matt Portner,

Blaine Hilton, Far Q (Joe Lacey), Scott Parsons GPAC: ‘Marvellous Music in May’ In The Mood Supper Dance THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTELMAINE): Amaya Laucirica UNWINED CELLAR BAR (BELMONT): Live Music THE NEWMARKET (Bendigo): Live Bands CITY QUARTER BAR: Live Music and DJ GEELONG RSL: Bizarre Gazzard Stage Hypnotism Show THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): Tommy Castles BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live Music DJRJMC and Happy Hour 5-7pm WHISPERS: Coming up: DJ’s including Aston shuffle, Andy Murohy, Ruby Rose, John Dahlback, Slice n Dice, Jam Xpress, New World Sound, Jack n Jill, Mic Newman, Apocalypto, John Course, Zoolanda, Jebu, Jane Daffy, Butters, Generik, Tigerlily, Hey Sam, Katt Niall, Fake Forward, Katie Valentine, Mike Metro, Valdalism, Benson, Courtney Mills LAMBY’S BAR & RESTAURANT: Live band Stellar MARTIANS CAFE: Matt Katsis THE MAX: Hey Charger ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Jimmy & The Mex 8pm

SUNDAY 18TH MAY CITY QUARTER: Perfect Sunday Sesh Live music and DJ from 4pm THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): Cider Sundays with live music in the afternoon EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live Jazz from 3-6pm and Parmi Night GEELONG RSL: $13 Carvery Lunch THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): Open Comedy Mic Night OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Sarah Wilkinson THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTLEMAINE): Kim Salmon 4-6pm BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Kids Eat Free 3:306:30, Steak and Parma Night, Happy Hour 3:30-5:30 THE BARWON CLUB: Sun Gold Replica, The Mudge Brothers LAMBY’S BAR &

RESTAURANT: Tryst ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Sunday O Suns 2pm, Lukey Luke, Mick Tinta, Eric Stribley, Geoff Pink, Scott Gration, Sam Flethcer RSPCA MILLION PAWS WALK!!! Get involved and celebrate pet ownership and animal welfare across Australia.

MONDAY 19TH MAY ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night LORD NELSON HOTEL: Parmi & Pot for $15 on presentation of student I.D THE SPHINX HOTEL: Meals for $11

TUESDAY 20TH MAY ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night GEELONG RSL: Steak Night $13 PISTOL PETES: Open Mic Night BLACK HATT: Bachata Dance Classes GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Kids Eat Free

WEDNESDAY 21ST MAY GEELONG RSL: Pot and Parmi Night $13 BLACK HATT: Cuban Salsa Dance Classes ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Trivia Night from 8pm. Have fun win prizes book a table BEAVS BAR: Karaoke, Open Mic & Dave Anderson THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Spinning Wheel and a lot of Parmi’s from $14.50 BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Shit Trivia and Mexican Night

THURSDAY 22ND MAY EUREKA: Thirsty Thursday with Tigerlily, Katie Valentine, Katt Naill and local resident DJ’S BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live and Local, $13 Pizza night THE MAX HOTEL: Parmi All Day All Night $14, InnQUIZitive Trivia from 7.30pm till 10.30pm, amazing prizes, call to book your team’s spot ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night

THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): Salsa and Latin Street Dance Classes GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Kids Eat Free ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Open mic with Sam Fletcher 7.30 MARTIANS CAFE: $20 International Night including drink BEAVS BAR: Christopher Coleman with special guests (band room), Andy Forster (main room) EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Night from 7pm THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTELMAINE): Papa Pildo & The Binrats plus Archer PISTOL PETE: Soul Slam THE SPHINX HOTEL: Schnitzel Night from $13 GPAC: The Governement Inspector (22nd-24th May) BLACK HATT: Tradies Night 5-7 THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): Dave Savage & Taylor LORD OF THE ISLES: Trivia Night from 7:30pm

FRIDAY 23RD MAY CITY QUARTER BAR: Friday Unwind from 5pm. Live with live entertainment and DJ BEAVS BAR: Luke Biscan HOME HOUSE: HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with DJs, Steve Camp, Simon One, Keith Evans, Marcel & more BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Happy Hour 5:30-7:30 GPAC: GCMS 2014Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Octet- Chamber Masterworks ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Thank Guinness It’s Friday ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Ben Dew 8pm OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Nat Allison EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ PISTOL PETES: Chris Wilson THE LORD NELSON: Happy Hour 5pm-7pm KAROVA LOUNGE (BALLARAT): Kingswood THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Blackwood Jack, Kashmere Club, Fire Alive- Friday BLACK HATT: Phil Para Band, Happy Hour 5-7 THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTELMAINE): Sol

Nation plus The Exit Crowd LAMBY’S BAR & RESTAURANT: Test Pilot Molly THE MAX: 3 on the Tree UNWINED CELLAR BAR (BELMONT): Lani Schwaiger THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Happy Hour 5-7, Meat Raffle & Members Draw THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): The Acefields LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE (WARRNAMBOOL): 75 Years on Buddy Holly in Concert BALLARAT LOUNGE ROOM: Fridays 6-8pm free

SATURDAY 24TH MAY Anglesea Golf Club: Roo Twilights, Featuring Jack Howard and the Ambassadors of Love CITY QUARTER: Live entertainment THE BARWON CLUB: Frenzal Rhomb plus special guests Front End Loader & Clowns THE NEWMARKET (Bendigo): Dead River with Sparrow and the Spark BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live Music DJRJMC and Happy Hour 5-7pm ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Shandelle Cooke Jazz EDGE: Live Music and DJ BEAVS BAR: Steve Pianto OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Cam Kettle ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Nick Deman 8pm HOME HOUSE: Upstairs- Who Killed Mickey (Billboard), Keesh (CloudNine) Downstairs: Georgia Sinclair PISTOL PETES: Chris Wilson THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Max Goes To Hollywood WHISPERS: Coming up: DJ’s including Aston shuffle, Andy Murohy, Ruby Rose, John Dahlback, Slice n Dice, Jam Xpress, New World Sound, Jack n Jill, Mic Newman, Apocalypto, John Course, Zoolanda, Jebu, Jane Daffy, Butters, Generik, Tigerlily, Hey Sam, Katt Niall LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE (WARNAMBOOL): You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown THE MAX: Trojan LAMBY’S BAR & RESTAURANT: Stellar GPAC: Darren Percival ‘Lovelife’ tour

UNWINED CELLAR BAR (BELMONT): Live Music KAROVE LOUNGE (BALLARAT): Drunk Mums with The Kremlings, Wod and Rick Moranis Overdrive MARTIANS CAFE: Revomatix THE BRIDGE HOTEL (CASTLEMAINE): Sun God Replica plus Grindhouse

SUNDAY 25TH MAY AC/DC LANE: Cherry Rock Featuring: Meat Puppets, Brant Bjork, Redcoats, Beast Wars, King of the North and many more!

BIRD ROCK CAFÉ (Jan Juc): Kids Eat Free 3:306:30, Steak and Parma Night, Happy Hour 3:30-5:30 CITY QUARTER: Perfect Sunday Sesh Live music and DJ from 4pm GEELONG RSL: $13 Carvery lunch THE SPHINX HOTEL: Carvery from $17 EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: Papa Pilko & The Binrats ODYSSEY TAVERN & BREWERY: Sunday O Suns 2pm, Geoff Pink ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live Jazz from 3-6pm and Parmi Night GEELONG RSL: $13 Carvery Lunch THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): Cider Sundays with live music in the afternoon BLACK HATT: Acoustic Avenue THE BABUSHKA CAFÉ AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): Free practice jam night THE BARWON CLUB: Hillbillies Southern BBQ, Dukes of Deliciousness LAMBY’S BAR & RESTAURANT: Adam 12

MONDAY 26TH MAY ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night BARWON CLUB: $10 Parmis LORD NELSON HOTEL: Parmi & Pot for $15 on presentation of student I.D THE SPHINX HOTEL: Meals for $11

TUESDAY 27TH MAY GEELONG RSL: Steak Night $13 ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night PISTOL PETES: Open Mic Night

BLACK HATT: Bachata Dance Classes GPAC: Take Over 2014 (28th-28th May) and Bethany Film Festival- The Hunt GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Kids Eat Free

WEDNESDAY 28TH MAY GEELONG RSL: Pot and Parmi Night $13 ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Trivia Night from 8pm. Have fun win prizes book a table BLACK HATT: Cuban Salsa Dance Classes THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Shit Trivia Mexican Night GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Spinning Wheel and a lot of Parmi’s from $14.50 BEAVS BAR: Open Mic, Karaoke and Luke Biscan BLACK SWAN (BENDIGO): Dead Letter Circus ‘The Inside’ Tour with guests Like Thieves

THURSDAY 29TH MAY BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live and Local, $13 Pizza night EUREKA: Thirsty Thursday with Tigerlily, Katie Valentine, Katt Naill and local resident DJ’S THE MAX HOTEL: Parmi All Day All Night $14, InnQUIZitive Trivia from 7.30pm till 10.30pm, amazing prizes, call to book your team’s spot ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night THE LOFT (WARNAMBOOL): Salsa and Latin Street Dance Classes BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Night from 7pm MARTIANS CAFE: $20 International Night including drink GIN & CO. SUPPER CLUB: Official Grand Opening Party 7pm EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ THE BABUSHKA CAFE AND LOUNGE (Ballarat): Curtis Why BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Night from 7pm GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Kids Eat Free

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RÜFÜS feature STORY Written by Natalie Rogers

Good music is a wonderful thing – great music can change your life. Just ask James Hunt, drummer for Sydney dance trio RÜFÜS. “Life feels a little surreal at the moment. Our debut album [Atlas] just went gold and we’ve been able to tour internationally. These are milestones we never saw happening eighteen months ago when we started writing the album. It’s amazing, and we remind ourselves of that every day.”

James, along with buddies Jon and Tyrone, has remained firmly grounded despite the fact they’ve spent much of the last two years in the clouds, flying from party to party around the world. Since the beginning of March, RÜFÜS have travelled to eighteen different cities across North America and the UK. “We’re extremely grateful to have these incredible opportunities, to connect with people on the other side of the world is a dream come true.”

Now it’s our turn, with the ‘Worlds Within Worlds’ national tour, so we sat down with James to discuss how making music can bring out an OCD, where to find cheap rent, and the gig that left him all a tingle.

“These shows are going to be a celebration of everything that’s happened in the last couple of years. At the start of the writing process for Atlas, we were just focused on making the kind of record

we would love and be really proud of. So we began putting a lot of time and effort into that, and soon I noticed we were showing signs of OCD and getting really anal about certain sounds,” James laughed.

“Luckily, at the end of it we were completely happy and we’d achieved exactly what we wanted.

“Thinking back on it now, our focus was so internal.

It’s astonishing to see the way the music has connected and resonated with people. That was something we hoped for but never expected. It’s been a crazy ride.”

Speaking of wild rides – be warned to expect just that if you’re lucky enough to see the guys in action this time round. These shows are selling fast for a reason. “We want to transport the audience to a completely different world with each track and embellish the journey we created with the album,” James explained. “We’ve been looking to reinvigorate our live show, step it up a little

bit with the use of lighting and other visual elements.

“We’re having a lot of fun with it, actually creating a new element and seeing how we can utilise it with the live instrumentation on stage.”

RÜFÜS have always tried to bring another perspective to their music through video clips, most recently with the release of their latest single, ‘Sundream’. The guys credited Jon’s little brother Alex with being the driving force behind it. “Alex has made all our film clips from the start. His insight is refreshing in how we see a song. He brings a different vibe which is always really exciting for us, and he’s very professional as well.”

Another mate RÜFÜS give props to is the man that fills their support slot – fellow Sydneysider, Hayden James. “He’s a really good songwriter, he’s got a keen ear for production and we love the sounds he’s creating. Hayden has a very original take on things and we appreciate that.

“He’s also a really good dude and probably the tallest man in dance music! It’ll be really cool travelling around with him. We got a sneak peek of his live show a few months back and it’s equally awesome. I don’t want to give too much away, but we thought if we could get Hayden on board we could plan a really cool night for people.

“We want to make those shows extra special for

our Australian fans because we’ll be saying goodbye for a few months. After the tour finishes in June we’re going away for about four or five months to do some writing in Berlin,” James continued. “The reason for Berlin is that, although we’ve only been there for a week collectively, we really connected with the place. It seemed to make a lot of sense musically and culturally.

“We met so many amazing people there, and also rent is extremely cheap … so we would actually be able to afford a studio of some kind to start writing a new album. I know it’s something we’re all looking forward to, getting back into a little studio and focusing solely on our music again, to get completely lost in the music we’re making.”

Until then James says they’ll be looking for inspiration everywhere: “Playing both the Big Day Out and Falls Festival was on our bucket list. The experience was incredible. The Falls show in Byron is my favourite show that I’ve ever played. My skin was tingling after it – the crowd was singing, it was out of this world! That’s why we can’t wait to play these shows.”

When&Where: The Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong – May 16 (two shows, including a matinee performance)

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Hanson Written by Natalie Rogers

Can you believe it’s been almost twenty years since three blonde-haired boys from Oklahoma MMMBop’d their way into the charts and the hearts of girls (and maybe a few guys) across the globe? Like The Beatles, every fan had their favourite – and now, thanks to a recent catch-up ahead of the Australian leg of their world tour, mine is the older, wiser and notably shorter-haired big brother, Isaac.

“Were extremely excited that we’re coming back to Australia so soon – it’s been only about two years since the Shout It Out tour. Last time we made a promise to everyone who came to the shows that we were going to get back down to Australia as soon as possible. We love to make good on our promises.”

Isaac quickly added, “Besides, it wouldn’t be a proper world tour without seeing you guys again!”

Anthem (out now) is the guys’ sixth studio album and I’m told that the sound on a few of the tracks was inspired by some home-grown rock heroes. “The opening track on Anthem, ‘Fired Up’, was influenced by your own AC/DC. Some people may be saying ‘What?! Hanson and AC/DC?’ But when you hear it, it makes a lot of sense … and it was so much fun to play some raucous rock ’n’ roll!”

Isaac went on to say how a breakdown in brotherly love and flared tempers were the catalyst for some of the more “aggressive” sounding tracks.

“I will say, going into this record was definitely a challenge and we found ourselves more worn out and even more frustrated with one another than ever

before.” Isaac explained: “We had a very ambitious plan for this album release and when it didn’t work out it triggered a lot of tension and ultimately there was a need for a brother/band hiatus. It was close to six months before we actively started working together again on the music,” he recalled.

“We needed that time apart from one another. We realised people said things that they didn’t mean out of frustration and exhaustion. We had to let the dust settle a little bit and make peace with one another – say a few ‘I’m sorrys’. But interestingly, the healing process actually translated into some really intense, fun and aggressive music. We found ourselves writing songs like ‘Fired Up’, ‘You Can’t Stop Us Now’, ‘Scream and Be Free’ or ‘Already Home’ – that’s about the grass not always being greener. Most of these songs are more autobiographical than I sometimes care to admit.”

I think you’d agree that Isaac, Taylor and Zac have grown into lovely guys and they’re genuinely talented musicians – the type of role models parents wish were around for kids these days (I don’t need to name names). All three are proud fathers, have their own record label (3CG Records) and are advocates for numerous charities and organisations working to stomp out poverty and AIDS in Africa.

“It might sound corny, but we’ve always believed in doing unto others as you would have others do unto you. We also started the ‘Take the Walk’ initiative where we do one mile barefoot walks before gigs and [we] donate a dollar for every person that shows up and walks with us. The purpose of doing that is to remind people that actions speak louder than words, because words ring hollow without action …

We’d love to do one in Australia.” Go to hanson.net to get involved.

“We always enjoy doing a meet and greet – we have a lot of fun. When people take the time to come and see us, it’s nice and makes us feel good. Then on the Wednesday night we’ll put on a full band show, playing songs that span our entire career.”

The Meat Puppets have become a family affair over the last few years, with Curt’s son Elmo joining the band in 2011. “It’s great having my son with us now – we’re in a very good place at the moment. We’re having a blast right now, a lot of fun playing together, and he fits right in because he grew up with music all around him.

“This will be his first time with us in Australia. I wish we had more time but I always try to make the most of it and stay awake on the tour bus.

It’s only a short tour, though I’m not complaining!” Curt assured me.

“This tour was a long time in the planning and now it’s getting close I’m very excited. We’re looking forward to seeing the Hard-Ons again – they played with us the last time we were in Australia, but that was a very long time ago. I hope we can catch up and have some fun.”

Fun seems to be a priority these days for the seasoned rockers, and it seems

Curt plans to spend the summer in the sun working on some new material.

“We’re looking forward to taking most of the summer off after this. There’ll be a lot of sitting around while I try to come up with something new to record, then we’ve got some US stuff planned, and we’re thinking about going to England in the fall.

“It’ll be a good year ahead, but we’ve got to get through this

When&Where: The Palais Theatre, Melbourne – August 9

Here’s one more tasty titbit about the talented trio – and chances are, if you remember when ‘MMMBop’ was first released you’d be of drinking age – Hanson have become beer makers! So if you like nothing better than kicking back listening to classic Hanson tunes with a couple of brewskies – do it with ‘Mmmhops’, their very first craft beer. “We’re very much in the business of brewing our own beer. I guarantee we’ll be sending it down to you as soon as possible – we’ll keep you posted!”

Meat Puppets Written by Natalie Rogers

The Meat Puppets are the original band’s band, loved and respected by some of the world’s most influential musicians. In their career spanning over four decades, they’ve caught the eye of rock ’n’ roll royalty like Flea, Henry Rollins and the late, great Kurt Cobain, who personally invited the Puppets to appear alongside them at the now legendary gig, MTV Unplugged in New York, back in ’93.

Now, more than twenty years on the Meat Puppets are returning to our shores for the first time in two decades – and we’re in for a treat. As well as co-headlining AC/DC Lane’s CherryRock, the Puppets will play two very special shows at Melbourne’s Ding Dong on May 27th and 28th.

In a rare opportunity, I sat down with frontman and Meat Puppets’ founder, Curt Kirkwood, where the quietly-spoken singer talked about his love of playing acoustic, the joy of having his son as a bandmate and why he’s hoping to catch up with the Aussie band, Hard-Ons. “I’m really looking forward to playing these Melbourne shows – it’s been so long since the last time and I have no idea what to expect!” Curt laughed. “I’m very excited. I love playing acoustic stuff, it’s always so fun. That’s what we have planned for the Tuesday night.”

Also in store for lucky Puppet fans will be a ‘meet and greet’ with the band, and the chance to view the 30+ piece art collection by Curt’s brother and Puppets’ bassist, Cris Kirkwood.

When&Where: Ding Dong Lounge – May 27 & May 28.

The band is also headlining CherryRock tour first. It’s crazy being out on the road, somewhere different every night – we never know what will happen! Hope I see you there, and thank you Australia for your support!”

CherryRock 2014 / A Word with James Young Written by Tex Miller

If you’re still debating about whether or not to go to CherryRock 2014, well get your shit together. The festival is on in a few weeks’ time and it’s the last time that it is going to be run in AC/DC lane due to planning redevelopment. I recently caught up with James Young who is the co-owner of the festival to find about the evolution of the festival since starting out in 2006.

“I’d like to make it known that this is the last CherryRock in the current incarnation. We are getting pushed out of AC/DC lane and that is a little bit sad, but by hook or by crook I’ll see if I can’t reinvent us and take the festival to another location around the city. It’s going to be sad though not being in AC/DC lane where it used to be that rock and roll wasn’t noise pollution.”

The original idea for the festival was thought up by Cherry Bar regulars Ruby and Razzle and in the first year, as you would expect, there were a few grey hairs on people’s necks; however, it soon built momentum and formed into the festival you see today. “There was a niche in the market that we were catering to and it was something that the public wanted. We decided to make it an annual event and the original purpose of the festival was to somehow live out my dream of getting AC/DC to play in AC/DC lane. It hasn’t happened yet, but we are still holding hope... you just never know with these things.”

Although the bands are hand-selected by Mr 20 forte

“ ...the original purpose of the festival was to somehow live out my dream of getting AC/DC to play in AC/ DC lane. It hasn’t happened yet, but we are still holding hope... you just never know with these things.”

Young, and so he is a little biased when it comes to picking the crop of the 2014 line-up, it is a rocking set of acts that will definitely make you want to grab a cold beer and set back to listen to some of the best rock around. “Well, we’ve got the three international acts that will be sensational. Meat Puppets haven’t played in Australia in 20 years and were Kurt Cobain and Nirvana’s biggest inf luence, so that’s a big thrill to have them along.

“CherryRock is all about showcasing the best local rock acts so to have Redcoats, King of the North and many bands that people don’t know yet, it’s going to be a big day for both celebration and musical discovery. Normally I come out of CherryRock with bruised shoulder blades from all the pats on the back.”

Amongst putting on another

fabulous year of CherryRock and finding another venue for the future, Mr Young is also now the owner of Yah Yah’s, Cherry Bar and the bar opposite AC/DC Lane, which will now be called Evie. “It’s not so much that we are buying every live music venue in town, it’s all about preservation these days after all the shit with the liquor licensing and noise complaints. I am very passionate about keeping these venues running and giving all of the amazing bands in Melbourne the opportunity to play.

“We’re considered one of the best rock and roll cities in the world yet down in the trenches we’re fighting the battle to keep them running. It’s all about live performance now physical CD sales are down. It’s going to be an interesting time to see where we can take these venues into the future.

“Come down to CherryRock and stand in AC/DC lane with the cobblestones beneath your feet with an ice cold Melbourne bitter in your hands knowing that you’re making a lot of noise whilst the shadows of the last corporate building fall down around you.”

When&Where: AC/DC Lane, Melbourne – May 25

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JOHN WALLER

gin & CO. SUPPER CLUB

mick griffin

"...every other hour I’m writing music, recording music, playing music, rehearsing music, doing publicity for music: it pretty much consumes my life at the moment." pg.24

"It’s all about late nights, people celebrating, and for people in the industry of hospitality or finishing a show, there’s now a place you can grab a late night drink and a snack" pg.29

" We’re all so nice and polite and PC. I get sick of being reined in for saying it how I see it and booking bands with attitude, fuck that! You know this is rock ‘n’ roll, this isn’t polite." pg.33

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The Failure of Propagandhi In support of their latest release Failed States, Canadian punkmen Propagandhi will swing by Geelong as part of their Australian tour. Performing a show with NOFX way back in 1992, NOFX frontman Fat Mike signed Propagandhi to Fat Wreck Chords. The band would release their debut, How to Clean Everything, in 1993, spending the next few years on the road and releasing smaller releases. Failed States, their sixth effort, was released in 2012 and won the band some of the best reviews of their career. If you’re a punk kinda guy or girl, you know what to do. The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 31.

brant bjork “ I love being an artist, expressing how I feel and how I see the world. I really enjoy the creative exchange.” pg.26

REMi Goes a Round with Tyson Melbourne lyricist Remi “REMi” Kolawole is better known simply as Remi. Remi started writing rhymes in 2010. Producer Sensible J took note, introducing him to the words of Phonte, Black Thought, Mos Def and Common. By 2013 REMi had become the triple j Unearthed Artist of the Year. His working relationship and friendship with Sensible J has continued, with ‘Tyson’ being the latest example. Following on from ‘Livin’’, the single is the second to be lifted from his forthcoming debut, Raw x Infinity (released June 6). The single, which has been receiving some fantastic press, was inspired by “Iron” Mike Tyson at the height of his powers. According to press, the single is a little darker than previous efforts. In an interview with Acclaim Magazine’s Alex Weiland, REMi gave an insight into his writing process. “We just go into the studio and try to make dope songs.

Nothing’s ever too weird. If it doesn’t fit, we’ll just start a project that it will fit on. We like weird shit because we listen to a lot of it! As for radio-play, that shit doesn’t even cross our minds. As soon as you start making music for anyone other than yourself, you’ve lost.” The Karova, Ballarat – July 10.

The Fearful Dave Graney

Mildura’s One Night Stand

Referred to as Australia’s “Cryptic Rock Voyager”, the stylish Dave Graney is currently on the road in support of his new album. Released at the beginning of the month, Fearless Wiggings is his sophomore solo release. Slow going for a man who has been in the game for as long as Dave?

Hardly, as the songman has released over two-dozen albums with bands including The Moodists, The Coral Snakes and The mistLY. The Bridge, Castlemaine – June 12 & The Piping Hot Chicken Shop – June 13.

The regional city of Mildura gets a heavy dose of music this weekend with triple j’s One Night Stand set to get down and dirty. Illy (pictured), Dan Sultan, Violent Soho, The Jungle Giants and RÜFÜS will be joined by local unearthed outfit WZRDKID for the all-ages event.

Helping to bring music to a remote town or city, the first One Night Stand was hosted a decade ago in Natimuk, Victoria where performers included Eskimo Joe, The Dissociatives and Grinspoon.

Port Pirie, Collie, Sale and Alice Spring have followed, with Dubbo hosting last year’s event.

The Nowingi Place (Hugh King Drive) – May 17.

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Serving the Sol Nation There’s no shortage of bands that fuse together sounds; few, however, do it as joyfully as Sol Nation. “Take a large melting pot, fill it half way with reggae, add a dash of East Timorese folk song, a punch of Cuban Salsa, a sprinkle of Latin dance, three parts Afro-beat, twoparts tropical rhythm, a sprinkle of Brazilian samba, fill with funk and stir” is how we are greeted on their official website. At its heart lie the talents of Paulo Almeida (The Dili Allstars), Colin Badger (Painters and Dockers) and Deline Briscoe (The Briscoe Sisters), three members of Melbourne’s rich music scene. Says Paul Almeida: “It’s about having a good time, having a dance, and enjoying the global mixture of music that we’ve found here in Melbourne.” The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 23.

The Rising Sun God Replica When Link McLennan (singer, songwriter and guitarist for the Bakelite Age/Meanies) and Lochie Cavigan (Bakelite Age) came together once again, there was a seismic shift in the music world.

With an aim to take the best bits of ’60s and ’70s rock and fuse them into a heavy garage psych band, Link and Lochie knew that there was one piece of the puzzle missing.

So, Tim Pickering was rounded up and branded, and Sun God Replica was born. They released their debut 12”, Primitive Clockwork, in 2011.

The album scored some warm buzz, but they had more in them. What’s a band to do then but knuckle down on some more sweet tunes? The result is The Devil and the Deep, and it’s a nugget of rockin’ ‘n’ riffin’ gold. The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 24.

Two Voices, One Show Kiyomi Vella and Ben Hazlewood have teamed up for a handful of shows along the east coast.

Viewers of The Voice would be familiar with both these names. Vella caught the ears of Joel Madden and Seal with her Blind Audition of ‘1234’. A member of Team Joel, Vella would make top two. Her new single is ‘Alien’, a track described as an “upbeat song with dark vibes”.

She will be joined by guitarist Kai Chen Lim. Ben Hazlewood has been performing since the ripe old age of five and writing his own music since he was 12.

Another favourite of The Voice, Ben’s new single is ‘Loveless’. The single is from his EP of the same name, a release containing songs about love, loss, heartbreak, friendship, anger and growth. The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 15.

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Port Fairy Artist Applications The Port Fairy Folk Festival is already eyeing its 2015 outing by opening its Artist Expressions of Interest applications. Everything you need to know about applying can be found through the festival’s website listed below.

Next year the festival will enter its 39 th year and will take place from March 6 through to March 9. Festival Director Jamie McKew on 2014’s event: “I am always amazed at how the festival transforms from a paper-based plan to a truly magical musical experience and we all give thanks to the artists, punters and volunteers for working that magic.” Please note that applications close on July 31 and that any applications received after this date will not be accepted. Check in on portfairyfolkfestival.com for further information.

Hangin’ at The Loft The Loft is one of those venues you can always rely on when it comes to supporting live music.

The Warrnambool treasure continues to deliver the best of the best, including next’s month Arockalypse, for which you will find a blurb in this edition of TOTT. As well as that, there is a whole lot taking place this month, kicking off with The Bracelets tonight, May 15. On May 16 you have the funk-f lavoured sounds of Tank Dilemma. Their new album, Having Said That, Let Me Say This, is going along very nicely. On May 17 Dark Tempo presents a killer show headed by Chris Dynasty. A stack of DJs including Josh Brown, Matt Porter and Scott Parsons will also be on hand. Blackwood Jack, Kashmere Club and Fire Alive team up on May 23, while Max Goes to Hollywood bring their star power on May 24.

The Dark Side of the Backsliders In 1986, Dom Turner, Rex Hill and Peter Burgess formed the Backsliders out of Sydney.

Dom and Rex had spent the early part of the 1980s dividing their time playing around Sydney as a blues duo, as well as Chicago-style blues bands The Goldentones and The Stumblers.

Following a visit to the US, Dom and Rex began rehearsing a new concept, bringing along Peter, who was known to the guys through other projects, for the ride. They chose the name Backsliders, a term prominent in Southern American gospel traditions that has a meaning associated with the concept of blues music being the devil’s tunes. Peter retired from the band

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Castlemaine Jazz Festival

The Love Life of Darren Percival When Darren Percival landed a spot on the first season of The Voice, he had $18 in his bank account.

After finishing runner-up on the series, it’s safe to say things are travelling a little better. From playing tiny gigs to singing at Carols in Melbourne and outside the Sydney Opera House on New Year’s Eve, Percival is a success story of TV talent shows.

He is also proof that hard work and determination can pay off. Following the release of Happy Home and Tribute to Ray Charles, Percival is thrilled to present album number three, Lovelife. Darren is touring the album and fans can look forward to hearing new songs and old favourites, as well as a mix of classic songs from artists including The Beatles, Elton John, The Bee Gees and Norah Jones.

Drama Theatre @ GPAC – May 24. in 2000, but Dom and Rex jam on. Dark Side is the name of their newie. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – May 30.

Winters is Coming for VSC Tim Bettinson is behind Vancouver Sleep Clinic, one of those young, talented musos that you can’t help but be impressed by. Not solely because of his age, but because of the way he crafts his songs and goes about business. Tim grew up listening to his old man’s Eagles and Fleetwood Mac records, but it wasn’t until he heard Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago and the Sigur Rós album Valtari that he had his light-bulb moment. Tours with London Grammar and Daughter are early wins for a career that has only just begun.

As for the name, Tim explained that to online publication Tomatrax: “When I first starting writing for this project, I felt like it could be the type of atmospheric music that people could fall asleep to.” Winter is his debut, and this is VSC’s first headlining run. Star Bar, Bendigo – May 16.

We touched on the inaugural Castlemaine Jazz Festival a couple of issues back, but it sounds like such a cracking occasion that we’ve decided to take a closer look at proceedings. The idea for the festival came about through a conversation between regional musicians and the Melbourne Jazz Jammers, a Sunday afternoon session at the Leinster Arms Hotel where “musos and audience alike can get together to share the joy, passion and talent that is the Melbourne jazz scene”. Performers include the Jude Parsons Trio, the ade ishs Trio, The Wild Bunch New Orleans Party Band, Cheap Frills, Ruby Rogers, The Silver Bell Jazz Band, the Tim Nelson Band, Vida Petrini, Malt & Rye, Paul Van Ross Trio, Standing Tall, Peter Bennett Trio, the Robbie Melville Trio, the Daylesford Swing Band, Geoff Sayer and Moodswing. A host of venues have also signed up for the event, including The Cumberland, The Bridge, The Comma Bar & Bistro, Lot 19, The Newnorthern, Public Inn and Run Rabbit Run. The Castlemaine Jazz Festival takes place the Queen’s Birthday weekend, June 7 and 8. Tickets are $40 for a day-pass and $75 for a weekendpass, with deals for concession card holders and those under the age of 18. Hit castlemainejazzfestival.com.au for further information.

Queenscliff Fundraiser The Queenscliff Music Festival may be a little way off yet but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little entrée. Taking place next month, the Emerging Artist Grant Fundraiser will serve up the most wonderful of talents in Stonefield and The Bombay Royale. 2013 Emerging Artist Grant recipients Yirrmal & the Yolngu Boys and The Sweethearts will also perform.

Now, not only is the gig a chance to catch some tunes, but it also serves to kindle financial support for the next crop of Grant recipients. The Emerging Artist Grant Fundraiser is an example of the relationship between the festival and the community that hosts it. You are able to support this by making a ‘Friend of the Festival’ donation, which in turn secures you invitations to the festival’s Annual General Meeting and QMF afterparty. From the QMF website: “The Grant aims to kick-start the careers of local musicians in the regions of Geelong, Barwon South West and the Bellarine Peninsula. It is open to budding artists and is based on artistic merit and potential for sustainability beyond the funding period – there is no age limit. Importantly, it provides a platform for artists in the region to access recording time, new equipment or the right mentor for management or marketing.” Point Lonsdale School Hall – June 14.

Letters of Bec Laughton Brisbane’s Bec Laughton is currently on the road in support of M&R, her sweet new EP. Bec has roots in jazz, being trained at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. However, her old man worked as a theatre director, so Bec was introduced to different music flavours as she grew up. It therefore comes as little surprise that her new EP has a little of this and a little of that. Our own Tex Miller gave his opinion of the EP last issue: “This release features a lot of electronic instrumentation that I can hear, in parts, drawing comparisons to Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Flume on a very chilled out level. Saxophone melodies and funky guitar are all part of an unbeatable lush sound that will pull you up and out of the heaviest weekend, or help you relax in downtime.” The Vine, Bendigo – July 4.

The Acfields’ Stolen Heart While car trips can often be a thing of nightmares as a kid, Dan and Hannah Acfield made the most of the miles by harmonising with each other. Despite living in different cities (Dan lives in Brisbane, Hannah in Melbourne), the love of music they shared as youngsters continues to this day. Between them they have released five EPs and toured both nationally and internationally.

Hannah was a MusicOz finalist three years’ running, while Dan’s track ‘Red, Yellow & Blue’ earned him an ‘Indie Act of the Week’ on rage. Following such successes as individual artists, the siblings decided it was time to pool their collective talents. ‘Grabbed Me by the Heart’ is their latest effort. Load it up and have a listen. Babushka, Ballarat – May 23.

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It’s Not So Hard-Ons So, who here is over the age of 30? How does that feel? I bet it feels nice. Like a comfy pair of jeans. On June 20, 1984, a group of teenagers strapped on their gear and busted out a hybrid sound that would later be responsible for several speaker deaths. Calling themselves the Hard-Ons, the band’s origins can be traced back to Western Sydney’s Punchbowl.

They would release their debut EP, Surfin’ On My Face, in 1985, a release which would kick off a run of 17 consecutive #1 listings on the Australian independent music chart. In celebration of 30 years in the game, the band is touring the country where they will be playing tunes from their 1984-1993 period.

The Karova, Ballarat – June 12; The Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong – June 14; and The Bridge, Castlemaine – June 15.

Dreaming of Cairo The past 12 months has been a blur of touring, festival appearances and recording for Brisbane four-piece The Cairos.

Now fans get to see the result of the band’s hard work with the release of their debut full-length album, Dream of Reason.

The band was certainly in good hands when it came to the album, bunkering down with Nick DiDia, whose credits include Pearl Jam, RATM, Stone Temple Pilots and Bruce Springsteen. Said vocalist and guitarist Alistair Richardson of the recording process: “We had a lot more time to write the album.

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Hailmary, the Rock is with Thee Okay all you rockers and rollers out there. It’s time to listen up. Perth natives Hailmary are releasing their new EP Navigate the Sunrise tomorrow (May 16) and they have lined up a healthy slab of shows to spread the good word. Who are Hailmary? They’re the hard rock answer to your prayers. Since stepping onto the stage of Rock N Load back in 2012, the band has clocked over 120,000kms in the air. A while back they caught the attention of Jeff Tomei (Skid Row, Jerry Cantrell) who produced the band’s debut.

Tomei is back again, with the band playing a much greater role in production this time around. To help them on their quest to bring hard rock back to the forefront of the Australian music scene, the band has taken to Pozible. A stack of awesome rewards are up for grabs including signed copies of their new EP, limited edition tour posters and one-on-one music lessons. At the time of writing, the band was at just under four-fifths of their goal. From Pozible: “It means a shitload to us, both as a band and as people, that you have taken the time to click on the link and read about how you can be involved, and we thank you for that.” Music Man Megastore, Bendigo – June 20. They’ll be joined by Massive, Black Aces and Rabid Zulu.

And really got to nut things out the way we wanted.” The band is set to tour Oz in June once they return from a visit abroad which takes in dates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Beav’s Bar, Geelong – June 29.

Inside Dead Letter Circus Brisbane’s prog-rock darlings Dead Letter Circus are repaying regional Australia fans for their faith in the band with an extensive runs of shows. The announcement came off the back of the release of new single ‘Insider’, the latest single taken from their 2013 album, The Catalyst Fire. The single marks the third in a trilogy of singles off the album, with ‘Lodestar’ and ‘I Am’ being the other two. Black Swan,

Bendigo – May 28 & Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads – May 30.

Hanna at the Chicken Shop Comfort food and good music go together as well as, well, comfort food and good music. An Ocean Grove institution, the Chicken Shop has a piping hot show coming up.

Closing out the end of the month is Ross Hannaford.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s finest guitar players, ‘Hanna’, as he is affectionately known, is perhaps best known for serving time in Daddy Cool. But really, that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Last year he filled Forte in about how Steve Cropper has been a driving influence. “The notes he plays just mean so much.

It’s a blues attitude and his choice in notes is just incredible; always perfect and sounding fresh.” Ross

will be joined by Ben Hendry for a “two-piece you can dance to” at The Chicken Shop on May 31.

Queens of Noize Bendigo’s Music Man Megastore has put together another beefy show for the music faithful. Taking place on May 31, the awesome Queens of Noize makes another appearance, with Neurotik Trendz, Rapid Zulu, Tequila Mockingbird, Necron 99, El Montez, Brace for Whiplash, Animal Hands and Femme Noire set to go about business. Neurotik Trendz has a history that goes back over 20 years. First founded in 1993, the band has been on and off since. Back on the road for a couple of years, the band has shared the stage with Grand Perceptor, My Left Boot, La Bastards and Fearless Vampire Killers among others.

And they have done it all while maintaining their lovely grunge sound.

These shows absolutely kill every time they come around, so get to it.

Step Inside Martians Café Known for putting on great music as much as they are a good feed, Martians Café has a few fantastic shows to see out May. On May 17 you have Matt Katsis (pictured). Born and raised in Melbourne, Matt, after much nagging, scored his first guitar at the age of nine. In 2012 he clocked up over 80 shows; last year, more than 100. His debut is Barebones.

On May 24 you have Revomatix. Also hailing from Melbourne, Revomatix is an original funk and soul band. Disrespect is the name of their debut. And on May 31 you have Dreamboogie. Named after the Langston Hughes poem ‘Dream Boogie’, this hot, hot, hot blues band is one of the best in the business. What a perfect way to take the chill out of the air! Keep an eye on martianscafe.com.au for gigs and news.

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Bring on the Blues

Beware the Arockalypse It’s time to stock up on your supplies because next month something big is coming. Something that will rattle the foundations of one of the finest live music venues in Victoria – Arockalypse is back, and I hope you are ready.

Taking place at The Loft, Warrnambool from June 6 to June 9, Arockalypse is one of the biggest and meanest local live music celebrations you’re likely to come across. We’ll be giving it a little more space next issue, but for now here’s a teaser. Among those performing will be Dallas Frasca (pictured), Sex On Toast, The Harlots, Aurora Jane, The Go Set, Jack Jack Jack, Sun God Replica, The Pretty Littles, Blue Heat, The Hidden Venture, Alfa Tides, and King Evil, Mick Ferguson and Jordan Locket. Holy hell! Hit theloftbar.com.au for more.

In the lead up to 2014’s Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival, various venues around Bendigo will play host to showcases. The Rifle has the gig on May 25.

The fourth showcase of the year features the fine talents of Benny Walker (with band in tow), Rhythm Kings, Sleepy West (aka Joel English), Dave Diprose, BERT (aka Albert Skipper), Oozin’ Blues, Old Buzzard Medicine Show, Louise Adams, Sherri Parry, Salvador, Andy Garlick, David Turpie and Drifter (aka Noah Grosz).

Inheriting his passion for music from his dad and grandfathers, Walker was the tender age of 12 when he formed his first band.

He released his self-titled debut in 2008. Tickets are a steal at $10 for adults and $5 for those under the age of eighteen.

(Free for children under the age of 12.)

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The Audreys Go Regional Back in March when The Audreys announced they would be touring their new album ’Til My Tears Roll Away, regional fans may have been left disappointment that they were left off the touring schedule. Well, things have changed. The charming blues-folk-rock favourites have added a handful of regional dates, including a gig at The Vine, Bendigo tonight, May 15, and the Kyneton Town Hall on June 13. ’Til My Tears Roll Away saw Taasha Coates and Tristan Goodall once again team up with Shane O’Mara, their long-time partner and friend who was at the helm of their ARIA winners Between Last Night and Us (2006), When the Flood Comes (2008) and Sometimes the Stars (2010). The album was recorded at Adelaide’s Mixmasters studio and is said to be a grittier affair than previous releases.

Keep an Eye on She Rex

Happy Birthday Frente!

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Frente!’s big birthday celebrations kick off this month. You see, Marvin the Album, the band’s debut album, is celebrating its 21st birthday.

And as anyone who has attended a 21st would know, it is a time of quiet reflection and subtle celebration. Way back in the nineties when grunge was king, along came this little quirky acoustic-based pop outfit. They were like a warm hug for every mopey, dirtylooking-haired, doc martin-wearing, tee shirt-over-long sleeve-wearing boy and girl.

Featuring tracks including ‘accidently Kelly Street’ and ‘Ordinary Angels’, Marvin the Album sold over one million copies worldwide. At the 1993 ARIA Awards Frente! would win Breakthrough Artist – Album for Marvin the Album and Breakthrough Artist – Single for Ordinary Angels.

Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – May 24.

On the Road with Kingswood With the lads compiling a stack more stories for their band bio thanks to their date with Groovin’ the Moo, Kingswood will now take a step back from the festival stage for a run of smaller shows.

The Melbourne fourpiece has been on one hell of a ride since first putting their little rock outfit together. 2013 was a particularly big year, with the band supporting Aerosmith, playing a national tour with Grinspoon and taking in Groovin’ the Moo, Big 24 forte

To be able to support names including Wolfmother, Stonefield, The Preatures, Dune Rats, Children Collide and Regular John, you gotta have the goods.

Enter She Rex, a genre-fusing four-piece where the good times roll. Tone Deaf and Rolling Stone are among those calling the band one to watch in 2014. And if you check out their new single ‘The Heist’, it’s easy to see why.

The Sydney band is one half of a Sydney double-act set to show Victoria their NSW neighbours can still deliver. The other is Lepers & Crooks, an anthemic-style five-piece that hit the ground running in 2012. The band is currently writing and recording their debut album; however, single ‘Her Kiss’ is what has made them hot property. The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 16; The Karova, Ballarat – May 17; and The Vine, Bendigo – May 18.

Pineapple, Festival of the Sun, Golden Days and Big Day Out festivals.

In between all this, the band also found the time to record their debut album in Nashville with producer Vance Powell.

The album is due in the first half of 2014. The Karova, Ballarat – May 23. * Note: the band is also part of the glory that is Splendour in the Grass.

at Boogie Festival and White Night, Jess is set to perform a string of more intimate shows, including one at The Bridge, Castlemaine on June 12. Her band features Marc RegueiroMckelvie (guitar and synth), Damian Sullivan (bass and synth), James Harvey (drums and vocals) and Jade McInally (vocals and percussion).

Teeth & Tongue Face Gridlock

Frenzal Rhomb & Friends

From Rolling Stone to The Age and from online publications to the man (and woman) on the street, just about everyone seems to have a kind word to say about Jess Cornelius, the woman at the heart and soul of Teeth & Tongue. March saw the release of Grids, the third album from the genre-bending songbird.

In her promotion of the album, Jess recalled how the album became a tougher slog than expected. “Every time I make an album I swear it’s going to be a quick, easy, straightforward affair, but that doesn’t ever seem to happen,” she said. “When I came back from the USA at the end of 2012, I had a bunch of new songs that I’d written for the tour, and somehow the demos turned into the beginning of this new album, although it would take an entire year before we got close to finishing it.” Still, it is done now and is picking up some warm press.

Following performances

Can you think of a more perfect way to spend an evening than with Frenzal Rhomb, Front End Loader and Clowns?

Of course you can’t, silly thing. In 1992 a bunch of louts from Sydney formed a little band called Frenzal Rhomb.

Despite offending one out of three people since, they are still going strong to this day. Front End Loader has them beat by a year, forming in 1991, also out of Sydney. Like their buddies Frenzal Rhomb, they have seen it all, done it all, and drunk it all. For the occasion they have decided to invite Melbourne’s Clowns to warm things up. The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 24.

Music and Film Collide There is a fantastic show taking place at the Ballarat Mechanics Institute later this month which combines the music of Crystal Mercy with the films of Richard Bell. Starting out as a fiery femme fatale rapper under the pseudonym Lady Lash,

Crystal has discovered her inner blues/jazz voice, which she now incorporates into her music. August 2013 saw the release of her debut album, The Fisherman’s Daughter. Gary Foley will present the works of Richard Bell. Gary arrived in Redfern in 1967 and became involved in the “black power” movement of the suburb. In 1972 he cofounded the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Richard Bell, meanwhile, is responsible for the short feature Two Brothers, as well as feature film, Eighteen. This show is presented by the AFS Survival International Film Festival. BMI, Ballarat – May 23.

With a Rebel Yell – More, More, More Are you satisfied yet? No? Well, here is a little more for all you gluttonous music lovers. Cash Savage brings the music love to The Bridge, Castlemaine on May 16, while Amaya Laucirica hits the venue on May 17. Morning after Morning also has a date with The Bridge, Castlemaine on May 29.

Jarrod Shaw and Ivan Zar will take care of your blues when they check in at Sleepy Hollow Blues Club on May 25.

Adelaide’s Squeaker hits Bendigo’s Music Man Megastore on May 16.

Drunk Mums hit The Karova, Ballarat on May 24 with a bunch of mates. The BordererS have a date with COPACC on May 17.

SURF COA ST

John Wall e r Written By Daniel Waight

Lorne’s John Waller is one of the Surf Coast’s renaissance men of music, seemingly doing almost everything involved with music all at once. He plays in several bands, is constantly writing, recording and performing music, and he teaches music at Lorne-Aireys Inlet P12 College.

The amount of CDs and records played in his house by his family while he was growing up was the spark that began his love of music. He learned guitar at an early age and music has since become the major thing in his life.

“Music is everything at this point,” John says.

“It’s my job. I teach music, and I love that, and every other hour I’m writing music, recording music, playing music, rehearsing music, doing publicity for music: it pretty much consumes my life at the moment. On weekends I usually spend most of the time inside a dark room either mucking around with recordings or rehearsing. It’s definitely a driving force in everything I do.”

John currently has three bands on the go. He has played with indie group Second Hand Heart for about seven years, who are about to release their first album, Tides.

“They write really, really interesting indie-folkrock music,” he says. “It’s kind of unexpected, some of the stuff, but it just seems to really capture the imagination of everyone in the group. We sort of just go in this direction and before we know it we’ve arrived somewhere we didn’t think we would. And it sounds good, we think.”

He also plays with Rat & Co, a predominantly Melbourne-based group who are about to release their second album, Binary. John describes their sound as “ambient, electronic acoustic music”.

And he plays with Brother James, a ’90s rock-style band featuring a number of musicians from the Surf Coast. They are also currently working on an album due for release this year. He says he tries to be economical with what he plays in each of the bands so as to add only what the music needs.

“Generally I do lead guitar in all the bands,” he says. “I think what I bring is an extra voice, and it doesn’t have to be a loud voice. I just try and make sure that whatever’s said means something to the music. And I try and teach my [students] that. It’s not about how much or how little you play, it’s what you say. What are you trying to tell me through your instrument?”

His life has now come full circle. Having grown up and attended school in Lorne, he now teaches music there, something he never considered when he was younger. But now he’s there, he’s throwing himself into the role and is really enjoying working with the kids and fostering an interest in music.

“The biggest thing I see at the moment, for the bands, is teamwork and kids being in different social groups. Seeing that develop and seeing the friendships develop, that’s really, really rewarding.

Before they’ve even stepped on the stage or done anything, to see them build those positive relationships that they might not have otherwise [is great].”

With so many different projects happening at once, he says it can sometimes be overwhelming.

But he has no plans to give any of them up any time soon.

“All I really care about is making music that people enjoy. If I can continue to do that, I’ll be happy. I think that’s all that matters.”

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Brant Bjork local feature STORY Written by Natalie Rogers

Here at Forte we love punks – particularly Low Desert ones. Enter the incomparable Brant Bjork and his hand-picked band of rockers: “I’m excited to come back, man. It’s pretty obvious I love Australia, so I’m bringing some good buddies of mine and together we’ll bring some serious rock!”

Encouraged by his last trip Down Under, with rock juggernauts Vista Chino for Big Day Out 2014, Brant wasted no time assembling an arsenal of seasoned musicians he describes as his “most ideal unit yet”. The line-up consists of Bubba Dupree (Void, Hater) on guitar, Dave Dismore (Che, B’last) on bass and Tont Tornay (Fatso Jetson, Chuck Dukowski) on drums.

“This will be our first run of shows together and I can’t wait to play the new material we’ve been working on. In fact, we’re recording an album right now – I just finished in the studio about an hour ago. It was time to stop for the evening so I’m just kicking back – it’s all fun, good times ahead! I hope to have the record out sometime in August, but you’ll definitely hear new stuff at these shows,” Bjork promised, “but of course I’ll play a handful of older tracks, too.”

Bjork is the first to admit he’s no new kid on the block. He met his future Kyuss bandmates – John Garcia (Vista Chino) and Josh Homme (QOTSA) – in high school during the mid-eighties, where they bonded over their mutual love of Jimi Hendrix and Black Flag.

At thirteen years old Bjork knew he’d found his future and adopted the sentiments of legendary jazz icon Duke Ellington to become a musician – with no plan B. After leaving Kyuss due to creative differences he floated around lending his considerable talent in all facets of musicianship (including songwriting and producing) to various projects, most notably Southern Californian rock outfit Fu Manchu, before founding the first of his independent record label El Camino (now known as Duna Records).

In 1999, after five records and years of endless touring, Bjork took the inevitable step and released his first solo record, Jalamanta.

Bjork performed all the tracks and mixed the record himself in a week of sessions, dropping all the drum tracks in one late-night session.

The end result was so well received that Bjork left Fu Manchu and put together Brant Bjork and The Bros.

Together Bjork and his bros have recorded ten releases on his own labels, Duna and Low Desert Punk, while touring around the world.

Every bit the renaissance man, Bjork admits he couldn’t choose just one artistic outlet. “There’s not a specific element that I love the most, what I love the most is the big picture. I love being an artist, expressing how I feel and how I see the world. I really enjoy the creative exchange. Yes! That’s it! That’s what I love most of all.”

To bear witness to the exchange first-hand, and be part of Aussie live music history, catch Brant Bjork and his Low Desert Punks at the last ever CherryRock in AC/ DC Lane alongside alt-legends The Meat Puppets (who coincidently are in town to play their first Australian shows in over twenty years). “I love The Meat Puppets, I’m a huge fan. They’re an amazing, awesome band. I really look forward to playing with them and meeting the other acts.”

Bjork seemed interested to find out more about the other bands on the line-up, so I felt a duty to mention some friends of Forte, including King of the North, NZ’s Beastwars, long-haired lady killers Drunk Mums, and Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk.

“You sure know how to put on a festival down there, and I love hanging out with other bands. At the Big Day Out this year, it goes without saying I had a wonderful time – the crowds were great. We had a lot of fun hanging out with other bands like the Deftones, and we spent a lot of time with the guys from Mudhoney. They’re wonderful people.

“All in all it was an amazing experience though, I must say,” Bjork reminisced. “I remember at the start of the tour I heard that one Australian referred to the Big Day Out as the Big Day Off …

I didn’t quite get it then but by the end of the tour I completely understand what he meant. There were quite a few days off and I’m certainly not complaining, but when you have that much time off, especially surrounded by other musicians, you can have a little bit too much fun! You know what I mean?” he laughed.

“But I’d love to do it again, and I’m very grateful … maybe with my new band, who knows?” Bjork pondered. “I appreciate that you guys love rock ’n’ roll music, and I’ll see you soon.”

The FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands

The FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands competition showcases young musicians from around Victoria, giving them the opportunity to perform, gain local exposure, and win their way to a spot on the Push Over festival line up. There’s also a bunch of cool prizes they can win from our generous sponsors.

Regional heats are hosted by FReeZA

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Committees each year from February to August, with the winners going on to compete in Regional Finals from October to December. The Grand Final is held at the annual Push Over festival in March. Each FReeZA Committee that hosts a heat is supported to ensure that FReeZA Push Start is not only a platform for young performers, but a

When&Where: Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne – May 29 & The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 30

platform for young event organisers and promoters alike. The Geelong Heat for 2014 will be on Thursday 7th of August. Details for local prizes and how to get involved can be found at www.courthouse.org. au For more info on the statewide comp please go to www.thepush.com.au The current series of the FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands has commenced across Victoria. If you’re in in a young band and looking for the chance to perform, gain local exposure, and win your way to grabbing a spot on the Grand Final line up along with winning a bunch of cool prizes, then check it out.

What type of bands/ acts can enter?

The FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands competition is open to any style of music, including bands, soloists, duos, hip hop artists, electronic acts, acoustic acts, etc.

It is of most benefit to artists performing original material.

What are the guidelines for entry?

The following are general guidelines: • All band members must live, work or study in Victoria.

• Half of the band members must be 21 years of age or under, with no members exceeding 25 years of age at the time of

the first heat event.

• Any act that has won a heat event and competed in a Regional Final in any previous year is not eligible to re-enter.

• The band or its members must not have a recording, publishing or distribution deal.

• At the discretion of the FReeZA worker, the band must live, work, study or recreate in the City or Shire where their heat is held.

Entry is free of charge, but participants must cover all costs incurred by travel and accommodation.

INFO: Geelong Heat 2014 - August 7.

For more details see courthouse.org.au

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Gin & Co. SUPPER CLUB

restaurant feature Story and photos by Danielle Shaw

On an otherwise quiet spot on Aberdeen Street is where you’ll find Gin & Co., Geelong’s newest night-time establishment. Iridescent lighting and handpicked vintage furnishings help Gin & Co. achieve an atmosphere of both old-world aristocracy and a 1920s speakeasy.

The Supper Club combines a late-night bar with a dining venue that caters until midnight and offers sweet and savory sharing foods, each priced at eight dollars.

Previously trading as Irish Murphy’s, Gin & Co. has undergone an extensive transformation under the guise of local Geelong sisters, Hannah and Victoria, and their family. At twenty-one and twentythree years of age, the ladies have created a timelessness typified by several of Melbourne’s late-night establishments that line Spring and Collins Streets. The renovations took full f light a year ago when Hannah decided to re-stain the bar. “It’s a nice, dark mahogany now, but it took so long, about three weeks in total. We just decided afterwards that ‘Hey, we have to really do this now!’” says Hannah.

The lounge and bar opened three weeks ago, yet still isn’t quite finished as the girls consider Gin &Co. their work in progress and say they will continue to add unique and quirky pieces along the way.

Hannah and Victoria offer Gin & Co. as ‘a place to go after dinner and before a nightclub’. “It’s a place you can go to relax and have a good drink. It’s all about late nights, people celebrating, and for people in the industry of hospitality or finishing a show, there’s now a place you can grab a late night drink and a snack,” says Victoria.

They’ve started with a small team of family members that the girls will expand with the clientele. Electro-swing, a fusion of swing and 1920s jazz with contemporary beats, echoes through the old building, her charm and character strengthened by the renovations. The girls tell me the music has been a hit, with patrons often asking for artist names and Shazam-ing.

In addition to this all-hours entertainment, Gin & Co. host a classic movie night on Tuesdays, when half the bar is converted into a comfortable cinematic experiencing, rivaling Gold Class in food, drink and service. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Breakfast at Tiffany’s have been hits so far, while the size and layout of Gin & Co. allows for patrons to continue drinking and chatting the night away in several corners of the building during the viewings.

Opening hours are 4 p.m. until late Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with drinks served until midnight, and 4 p.m. until later Fridays and Saturdays, with drinks available until 1 a.m. Gin & Co. serve an extensive range of spirits and liqueurs, with a small but sophisticated wine list that includes a brilliant local Pinot Gris by Brown Magpie, a drop I couldn’t resist on my first visit to the supper club. Several beers are on tap at Gin & Co., setting them apart from many of Melbourne’s similar establishments, and cocktails are the main focus, with some personal twists on old favourites.

Then comes the food at Gin & Co., the simple homemade selections complement the bold drinks. Small sausage rolls, honey tarragon meatballs and mushroom and pea arancini are handcrafted

by Hannah and Victoria’s mum, amongst several other fineries, in the large kitchen. Fries are brought to life with wasabi mayo and the portions are perfect for a small snack or can be ordered together to make a meal.

After a brilliant few weeks in Geelong, Gin & Co.’s opening will be marked by a Grand Opening Party on May 29. Following this, the girls will begin to incorporate more specialty nights, such as burlesque.

In the meantime, grab a drink or a small bite to eat from the sisters and be seduced by the elegance of yesteryear. Check out ginandco. com.au for menus, contacts details and further information.

INFO: 30 Aberdeen St, Geelong. Ph: 03 5221 4335 Official Grand Opening Party - May 29

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THE grovedale hotel restaurant feature Written by Belinda McIntosh

The Grovedale Hotel’s back bar area has a whole new look to it after renovations have been made to remove the stage and change the look of the room while creating loads more space in the area.

The Grovey underwent their own ‘House Rules’ project, with demolitions starting Monday 5th and being near completion by that Friday the 9th. The adjustments have included the removal of the built-in stage, carpet, fixed furniture and the additions of a stud wall to frame the TVs for sports games, new furniture and fittings amongst the room.

The heavy timber dark look is now gone and a new fresh monochrome look has been applied to the room to create a modern feel in the area. New black high benches and white stools have been dotted amongst the room in-between lower tables with the same black and white scheme and hanging light fittings sit over the bar and tables. The new ‘cut-out’ dividers featured amongst the room have helped to create the more modern look and has given the room the feel of smaller more intimate sections amongst the large space. There’s now plenty of room for drinking sessions near the bar but also volumes of seating for those wanting to pick something from the bar menu.

The need for the renovation to be completed within a week saw tradesmen work early starts and late finishes every day to have it completed for the opening.

Despite not having every finishing touch completed by opening, manager Joel Taylor wanted to open to the public regardless.

“It was a push to get it done. We weren’t quite finished when we opened but we opened anyway.”

The idea for a change in the bar area came about six months ago after Taylor realised that the

stage was taking up a considerable amount of space, which could instead be used as dining space.

“This is a real sort of Sports Bar area and it wasn’t working that way.” The hotel has future plans for changes to the rest of their facility including renovations to their other Sports Bar on the west side and updates to their terrace area in the restaurant. Taylor said the new changes to the back Sports Bar “ties in with the rest of our plans here. We’ve got three stages of

renovations happening and this was the first most simplest job we could do. The other plans we had been working on for about four years.”

The new changes have been welcomed in creating the right feel and look in the area. The feedback from the public on new changes has been positive, with Taylor saying “It’s been fantastic, people have been really wrapped with it. It’s much more functional for what we want it to be.”

With renovations starting in the

other Sports Bar in three weeks’ time, The Grovedale Hotel has bigger and better things coming so stay tuned in the next few months to check out the changes. “It’ll add an extra element to the place. We’re looking for something different, something we don’t have, and that’s going to be it out there,” Taylor said.

If you’re a Grovey regular for the great gigs then don’t stress – the area will still be used for live entertainment, with two portable stages that will be interchangeable

with dining tables on Friday and Saturday gig nights. This Friday 16th, the hotel has Figjam playing at their launch party with promos and giveaways happening throughout the night. So get along to The Grovedale Hotel this weekend and check out the new changes for yourself.

They definitely don’t disappoint.

INFO: 236-258 Surfcoast Highway Grovedale / Ph: 03 5243 2814

The Grovey Re-Opening Party Friday 16th May Come check out the new bar this Friday and kick off your weekend with live music from FIGJAM. We will have drink promos, photo booths, promo girls and loads giveaways.

All Night!

Grovedale Hotel - 236-258 Surfcoast Highway, Grovedale Victoria 3216 grovedalehotel.com.au |

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B E N DIG O

Mick Griffin Written by Darlene Taylor

As a youngster living in working-class Blacktown, Mick Griffin’s love of music was ignited by some of Australian rock’s future icons, including a frocked-up Bon Scott when they appeared on Countdown. “Soon as I heard AC/DC for the first time I was a goner,” he says.

With substantial experience as a punter, Griffin became a more active supporter of the music scene a few years ago when he started writing reviews, taking photographs at gigs and playing songs by local acts on his programs on Phoenix FM 106.7.

In the midst of this growing involvement in the music community came a request for help from a musician whose lengthy career proved to be no guarantee when it came to his band getting booked.

Thus in 2012, while continuing his other endeavours, Griffin started organising shows, with the first being for Trevor Young’s post-Coloured Balls venture, Forever Young.

Although Griffin’s dedication to rock music is evident in the acts he books such as Rabid Zulu and Voodoocain, his commitment to original music overrides any devotion to genre and has seen him put performers like the often acoustic Old World Sparrow, the intensely indie (and unfortunately disbanded) The Blister Transistor and pop/rock chanteuse Aimee Francis on bills.

“Just because you’ve got bands playing in pubs, it doesn’t make it good when you’ve got people who’re doing uninspired versions of other people’s material,” says Griffin.

While holding harsh views about cover bands hasn’t always made the promoter popular with his peers, it’s this enthusiasm for new music, along with a commitment to giving gig goers choices, that’s evident in many of Griffin’s statements about what he does.

“I get people saying to me all the time I don’t like going out to see bands because there’s too many shit bands out there,” he says. “I don’t book shit bands full stop … that sounds arrogant, but the people I book they’re original, they’re creative, they have an obscene amount of quality control. They’re career-minded musicians,” he adds.

Griffin, who’s easy to spot at live music events as the denim-clad bloke wearing a baseball cap, isn’t likely to soften his language when it comes to expressing his views about music.

“We’re all so nice and polite and PC,” he says. “I get sick of being reined in for saying it how I see it and booking bands with attitude, fuck that! You know this is rock ‘n’ roll, this isn’t polite.”

A challenging attitude to overt political correctness aside, Griffin has demonstrated a commitment to gender equity through ‘Queens of Noize’, a concept that’ll have its latest outings on 31 May at The Music Man Megastore and 1 June at the Bendigo Hotel. In the past this event has given a stage to the likes of Dear Stalker, Tequila Mockingbyrd and a mohawked woman in a pink tutu named Krunchy McSlutface and her band, Strawberry Fist Cake.

“We live in a very testosterone-fuelled rock environment and there’s more to female musicians than just being the faux folkie that’s easy on the eye and bland on the ear,” he says.

As well as being scheduled to present a third show on community radio soon (‘Generation Rock’), Griffin’s focus is on finding compatible collaborators and other suitable venues, although in the latter case the lack of these locally might find him having to take himself increasingly elsewhere.

what ' s on i n th e rat ?

Written by Daniel Lock

Hello to all those more capable of writing a better article introduction than me. I hope you had an indulgent Easter, now here’s the list of upcoming live music where attendance may help you shed those chocolate calories you might want to have done without.

The Eastern lead the charge this issue with Shifty Dunbar (The Yard Apes, SWHAT) on at 7:30 p.m. followed by an open mic. The Karova come in second on the pubs and clubs alphabetical order list with an unbeatable mid-May introduction.

DZ Deathrays will be gracing the stage tonight, Thursday, May 15. The duo rocked the festivals earlier this year and they are now touring their recently released Black Rat record.

Supporting them will be Sydney band Palms and ill-researched band, FOAM. Tickets – $16.

On Friday, May 16 Babushka Bar start their weekend with Rod Fritz playing. Entry – TBC. The Eastern has The

Havelocks. Entry – TBC. The Karova are winding down after the previous night with an ’80s Party. Entry – $5.

And entering this list, The Main Bar has The Main Bar House Band playing with Liam Kealy on the Hammond organ. Entry – $10.

Saturday, May 17 has Tommy Castles bringing his brand of blues, roots and psychedelic surf to Babushka Bar. Entry – TBC. The Eastern has music elite Mick Trembath (Mick Dog’s Bone Yard, The Redans) playing. Entry – TBC. The Karova Lounge is hosting hip hop fusers Sydneysiders SHE REX on their co-headline tour with fellow big city slickers Lepers and Crooks. Tickets – $10.

Thursday, May 22 sees the warm-up for the weekend begin at Babushka Bar with Dave Savage and Taylor McKnight playing a gig together in celebration of something. You’ll have to attend to find out more. Entry – $5.

Meanwhile, up at The Eastern Shifty Dunbar introduces another

DZ DEATHRAYS

open mic night (I’m not certain whether that’ll be a permanent Thursday thing or not so watch this space for more info).

Friday, May 23 sees Brisbane family folk duo The Acfields play at Babushka Bar. Entry – $8. The Eastern will have DJ Brental spinning some tracks for the patrons to listen to during their first drink of the weekend. The Karova has Kingswood playing there May 23rd, with Apes and The Sinking Teeth in support. Tickets – $20.

The Main Bar has swamp rock, country blues duo Salty Dog playing for a stomp-boxing good time. Entry – $10.

Saturday, May 24 sees The Eastern hosting hard rock outfit Chinatown Angels, supported by The Love Bombs and 80

Hundred. Entry – TBC. Meanwhile, Karova Lounge add another big name to their month with Drunk Mums. The Kremlings, Wod and Rick Moranis Overdrive support. Tickets – $10.

The Main Bar has music star/songwriter/singer/ instructor and all-round entertaining nice guy Geoffrey Williams performing with whatever tools of the trade he utilises on this occasion. Joining him will be Anna Bilbrough.

That almost completes another fortnight of live music entertainment. Next issue will be out on Thursday, May 29 and so-far listed on the bill to play that night are Curtis Why at The Babushka Bar and an In2it Improvisation Night at The Main Bar. ’Til next time.

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The Heartstring Quartet Written by Tex Miller

One of the headline acts for the upcoming National Celtic Festival in Portarlington over the long weekend in June is a welcome return to Australia for Máire Ní Chathasaigh and the Heartstring Quartet.

Chances are readers probably haven’t heard of the group as of yet, but over the years the members have throughout contributing to different projects had the opportunity to work with the likes of Enya, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Elvis Costello, Rod Stewart and Spandau Ballet to name but just a few. When I got the opportunity to speak with Máire, harpist for the group, it’s 2:30 a.m. in England. Despite the late hour, she is excited as ever to return to Oz.

Comprised of two duos, this Australian tour is the first time for a while that the group will be playing together as a collective, the main reason behind this is that half the band live in England whilst the other half lives in Ireland. “We’re all doing different things at the moment. Arty is in France and Nollaig is playing a few shows, and we are getting ready and very excited to come back to Australia to play. It’s the first time that we’ve ever been to the Celtic Festival and we’ve heard some rave reviews from our friends that have played there in previous years, so we are really looking forward to jumping up at the festival and all the other shows we have lined up.”

Nollaig and Máire are sisters and have both been

“ we are really looking forward to jumping up at the festival and all the other shows we have lined up.” enthralled by music ever since they were small children learning the fiddle together. The years since have been filled with many positive experiences and been blessed with the opportunity to play with some of the world’s finest musicians. “We both started out playing fiddle together when we were young and when I was about ten years old I picked up the harp. Although Nollaig tried playing the harp, she really excelled on the fiddle, and we used to play music all the time to the point where my mother would plead with us to stop playing just for a little while. It was a very fun time, however, and we used to sing a lot. It was a very positive musical experience.”

From reading many articles on the internet, Ní Chathasaigh’s crowning glory was when she released the 1985 album, The New Strung Harp.

When&Where: National Celtic Festival – June 6-9

Revolutionary to this day, the acclaim which has followed since was something that Ní Chathasaigh had never dreamt of.

“Growing up in the household, I was playing a lot of traditional and classical music on the harp … I really wanted to play more Irish dance music which was a lot more fast and exciting, and because no one had done it before, I had to learn how to do it myself. It was a real statement to play that music in 1985, but

now everybody in Ireland plays dance music on the harp.”

If you’re still thinking about whether or not to go to this year’s Celtic Festival, what better opportunity than to see in the flesh Van Morrison’s lead guitarist in duo mode and with the Heartstring Quartet. It may be a while before we see this incarnation of the band back in Australia, so make the most of this opportunity whilst you can.

Darren Percival Written by Daniel Waight

Darren Percival is coming to Geelong on May 24 as part of his national Lovelife tour. The soul singer rose to prominence on the first season of Channel Nine’s The Voice in 2012, in which he was mentored by Keith Urban and finished runner-up. Already a professional singer prior to gaining fame, Darren says the experience on The Voice hasn’t really changed him at all.

“Success is measured differently by different people,” he says. “When people saw me on the show I’d [already] made a living out of being a singer so I felt pretty successful and I was pretty happy with the way things were heading and how my life was. I’ve certainly had my share of ups and downs, but I never really let not having any money get in my way. I was doing the work that I love.

“The main thing that happened was that people found out who I was. Obviously I was a bit busier there after the show because I had heaps of work to do; I had an album out and all those things were different. But I still sing no matter what. I’m still a singer and I will always work.”

The tour celebrates the release of Darren’s third album, Lovelife, which will be played through from start to finish as part of the show. It features a mixture of some classic covers and a few originals on the theme of love. He says he’s really pleased with how the record turned out.

“The Lovelife album started out around a song that I co-wrote with the producer, Paul Gray. We’ve worked together for 20 years this year. So we were going, ‘What are the songs that we’ve loved playing in the past 20 years that are on this theme?’ So we wrote a list and started demoing some of them and the album really became a

tribute to these amazing songs.”

Darren says he’s looking forward to playing at some smaller, regional theatres as part of the tour, many of which he has never visited before. He says audiences can look forward to an entertaining and interactive performance.

“We’re going to play the album all the way through. We’re then going to feature a few classics and songs I sang on the show.

And everyone’s a VIP on this tour so folks are going to be able to experience some parts of the experience they might not have before. Once they get into the theatre we’ll be having lots of fun with them and there’ll be lots of interaction. So it’s really going to be great. We’re really celebrating the audience, which is what I love to do.”

He also says he’s particularly looking forward to the concert at GPAC on May 24 and can’t wait to bring the show to his Geelong audience.

“I love that part of Australia, so I’m looking forward to doing that show. I think it’s going to be awesome. If anyone doesn’t have any plans on the night I’m in Geelong, they should just come along. It’ll be up close and personal that show – it’s quite a small theatre. It’ll be a great night and I’d like to encourage folks to come out and get along to see some great live Australian music.”

When&Where: GPAC, Geelong – May 24

Ruby Rogers Written by Tex Miller

Over the past twelve months, Ruby Rogers has become one of the biggest names in the Melbourne scene. From playing at jam sessions throughout many local pubs she is just one of the acts that is descending upon Castlemaine over the long weekend in June for the Castlemaine Jazz Festival.

“It’s the first year of the festival and it’s really exciting to be playing on the bill. The concept for the festival developed out of taking all the wonderful bands that play at the jam nights to the festival. I’m very excited for the organisers because it’s building up to be a great event. I was talking to Ted the other day, and there is going to be 50 bands and 200 musicians playing,” Rogers said.

Although the majority of the music in Ruby Rogers Experience is jazz, there is also a little bit of exploration into the grooves of the music, and at times it does get a little bit funky. “Jazz is a wonderful genre of music but there is a broad array of sounds being explored. Clunk Orchestra, another one of the bands I am playing with at the festival, put their own spin on jazz standards and at times it gets a little bit rock. People seem to think that jazz is fairly one-dimensional and it really isn’t. There are so many possibilities and anybody that comes to the festival will see that.”

Growing up as a teenager listening to the records of the day was a big influence on the start of Ruby’s singing career, as she relates. “In my twenties, we’d go out and party and have such a good time. We’d come home and put on Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin and then in the morning when the hangover kicked in, we’d listen to Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald. When I left home it 34 forte

was a very musical experience, and after going to many blues jams, I just started singing. It was very healthy listening to all different types of music in those days.

I listen to Hendrix now and I can hear a lot of jazz in his playing, I can hear the complexities to the music that I was unaware of previously.”

Giving up the singing for a while, Rogers took up playing the drums and in an absence of singers around eight years ago got back to leading the band. It would be a spectacle if Rogers were to get up behind the kit at the festival; however, that is unlikely to be the case.

With a line-up featuring Dean Constable on drums, Ben Hooper on keys, Ben Stewart on guitar and Avi Ganesan on bass, The Ruby Rogers Experience is looking to be a definite highlight at the upcoming festival.

In terms of what you can expect to hear from the setlist, there is a lot of different material from the likes of Koko Taylor, Miles Davis, Reneé Geyer, Marvin Gaye and Sharon Jones to name but just a few. This clearly illustrates Rogers’ belief that there is much diversity in jazz and room to hear things that you wouldn’t usually expect.

The band is looking at writing and recording in the next twelve months, so make sure to keep your eyes on their Facebook page for all the updates.

When&Where: Castlemaine Jazz Festival, Castlemaine – June 7 & 8

Forte Columns

trippy effect whenever the proverbial criminals freeze time that adds an extra-surreal vibe. If it wasn’t already obvious, Sex Criminals is most definitely not a kid’s comic – but it’s a damn good adult one.

Fraction and Zdarsky have a really unique, funny series that will get you hooked and signing up for a subscription as soon as possible.

pop culture!

Written by Anthony Morris

The future doesn’t just happen. Well, it kind of does – it’s going to be 2020 one day no matter what we do – but the specific kind of future we get is the result of decisions people make. Remember the NBN? That was going to be the future once, an Australia of high-speed downloads and streaming and interconnectivity. And now? Well, not so much.

The reasons why we don’t get one future instead of another almost never come down to cost; after all, loads of things seem to happen despite the cost, while others never do no matter how cheaply they could be done. It’s more about who’s making money: for example, you only have to take a quick look around to see that running a video store is no longer much of a money-making proposition.

They’re still out there if you know where to look,

but the days of there being one on every street are long gone. If you get your news from the internet, you’d be blaming this state of affairs on the internet: everyone’s doing streaming and high-speed (pirate) downloads these days, and video stores can’t compete with that.

But hang on a moment – we don’t really have that in Australia, and with the NBN fading away it’s not all that likely we will any time soon. Depending on who you believe, either Rupert Murdoch had the current Federal Government nobble the NBN so streaming wouldn’t become a threat to his Foxtel interests, or … well, none of the other theories are all that plausible really, considering the alternatives to Labour’s NBN model were rubbished by just about everyone with any technical knowhow.

And as for it being too expensive? It doesn’t seem like the current government has actually saved any money by gutting it, considering all the crying poor they’re doing. But the point is, we don’t have an NBN and the person who (probably) stopped it isn’t really selling a rival service to video stores. So why are they all dying out if the internet isn’t to blame? Well, even our rubbish internet is still good enough to provide a handy alternative to leaving the house.

blues news Written by John (Dr John) Lamp Proudly pesented by The Sleepy Hollow Blues Club

A profile of an amazing blues player…

One of the things about blues is its amazing international flavour. Take Ivan Zar. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt and migrated to Perth in 1963.

At an early age he taught himself the harmonica and Delta blues style guitar. Five years after getting to WA, he formed his first band, King Biscuit Co. At about the same time, he started writing his own songs. When asked about his local influences once he replied, “Sorry to say none as I got into traditional American roots music.”

After playing in several bands, in 1975 he formed a band called The Elks which introduced him to the mainstream of the Chicago style of blues. This was the first band that took him touring the south west of WA, and Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. What kicked it all off was an invitation extended to Ivan Zar (harmonica) and John Hood (guitar) to get a group of musicians together to perform at a birthday party in Cottesloe, Western Australia.

Since then he has supported B.B. King, Rory Gallagher, Joe Cocker and Ike & Tina Turner either as a solo performer or with one of his many subsequent bands, which is a pretty damn impressive line-up of international artists. Back home, he’s played with The Black Sorrows, Paul Kelly, Bondi Cigars and Cold Chisel. He’s also known for touring throughout outback WA, playing in pubs, Koori communities, schools and many royal shows.

His career spans releases on vinyl, cassettes and CDs, too numerous to mention. His material is even available as a boxed set. The themes in his music include material on Australia, Africa and standards as well. One of his albums, Refer to Drawer, is now a sought-after Australian blues album by blues aficionados. His first

CD, Track me Down, received the ‘Outstanding Recording Award’ in 1995 at Blues at Bridgetown.

He was the winner of West Australian Music Industry Best Song in 2000 for ‘Burnin’ Love’.

Since then, Ivan has continued to play and promote the blues and has worked with younger upcoming blues musicians. A recent band he fronted was Ivan Zar & the Doo Daddies.

Primarily noted for his raw and passionate rhythmic country blues, thrashing his trademark Dobro, Ivan is equally at home fronting a Chicago combo on harp and vocals.

So here we have a bloke born in Egypt, raised in West Australia, fascinated by and playing that fat Chicago blues, playing alongside international acts, and captivating local audiences. I’d have to say that this sort of career is not unique – give or take an actual birthplace.

The universal appeal of blues music makes it instantly welcome all over the world. A good solid background in the genre is a great investment for a travelling musician – here in Australia or overseas. Some of our players, such as Rob Tognoni, have successfully carved out a career overseas. In Rob’s case, he lives and plays in Europe. Others, like Rory Ellis, seem to have the touring worked out so they have summer down here, then summer in Europe! Dallas Frasca, Sweet Felicia and Fiona Boyes are all regulars at touring overseas.

Anyhow, Ivan will actually be at the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club, Sunday 25th May, appearing with Jarrod Shaw.

Come down and check them out.

le monde entier Written by Madelin Baldwin

I mentioned a while ago when I booked this South East Asia trip that I would be flying Malaysian Airlines* – that, of course, before the awful unexplained disappearance of MH370.

But today I boarded my MH flight for the first time, and it was terrific!

It’s difficult to tell if it is any different

Just as importantly, while online services are also taking down DVDs in the USA, here DVD sales, while not as strong as they once were, are still doing reasonably okay. And as anyone who buys DVDs knows, unless you desperately need to see a new release film or TV series as soon as they come out, discounting rapidly brings the price down to a point where buying is better value than renting.

And if you still really want to rent something? A lot of supermarkets and shopping centres now feature those Hoyts DVD rental kiosks where you can rent new releases for a couple of dollars. They’re basically rental vending machines, and like vending machines in a lot of other areas over the years, they’re able to undercut or replace regular stores thanks to their small size and lack of staff.

It’s the worst of both worlds: you still have to leave the house to rent movies, but the stores have still closed and the jobs are still lost. Welcome to the future…

to travelling with them before, but I can only review my own experience.

Check-in was easy, and we got the very first row of economy. Our checkin girl said the flight was ‘light’, so seating wouldn’t be a huge issue. Little did we know that on a 330+ seater plane, there was probably a maximum of 45 people! Had it been another airline, I’m certain they would have cancelled the flight, but unfortunately I suppose Malaysian Airlines don’t have such luxuries at the moment.

Malaysian Airlines (for the sake of faster writing, I’ll refer to them as MH from now on) is a five-star airline, and one of the few. Even though I am five foot, the leg space in economy is great! We had our choice of fire exit, bulkhead and numerous rows of four seats for a good sleep.

The seats have a cradle recline feature, so even if you are not blessed with the space we had, you’d be comfortable!

On some part due to the emptiness of the flight (I’m sure) was the incredible hospitality. The air stewards were interested, friendly and continued to top up my wine until I had to say no (even in holiday mode. The flight was at 7.40 a.m. – don’t judge). I could literally count the people in my area of the plane on both hands, so we were waited on fantastically! The seat-back TVs weren’t working for new releases on movies, but everything else was functioning perfectly. We had a main meal, drinks and snacks throughout the flight, including a chicken and potato dish just like my grandma’s!

KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) has a few different areas and we had to get the aerotrain across to another terminal building. There is loads of duty free, but apart from that there didn’t appear to be anything special (like the butterfly enclosure in Singapore Airport). There also wasn’t a food court anywhere that I saw, so that was a bit inconvenient.

The airline has clearly taken a huge hit since the disappearance of MH370, and with no explanation in sight, I imagine that this will be a continuing trend for the time being. I have first-hand seen the reaction as a travel agent to the response of ‘Do you have a particular airline you want to fly?’ as “Any but Malaysian!” Obviously you can’t blame people for this reaction, and even the lure of discounted airfares I fear won’t help for the time being.

Underneath it all though, MH display the typical Asian hospitality, are super comfortable to fly and offer some great fares worldwide.

All in all, the flight was great, transit was smooth and easy, and I can’t rate MH high enough! * Malaysian Airlines did not endorse this story.

too heavy to hug Written by Paul S Taylor

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

Late last month with little to no fanfare the 2014 Revolver Golden Gods Awards were held in L.A. and telecast – or netcast – online. If you watched at home then you’d have witnessed the shambles where there were long awkward silences, the long cut to the feed, the terrible sound, the lengthy technical issues before Guns N’ Roses’ hour-long set, and when Joan Jett and Taylor Momsen were asked to perform their rendition of ‘I Hate Myself for Loving You’ for a second time straight after they finished. Considering Momsen screwed up her lines the first time, it appears giving her a second chance to rectify her performance wasn’t offered out of the kindness of the producers’ hearts but because shit wasn’t ready for the show to continue due to poor organisation. Also, Deep Purple beating Black Sabbath for ‘Comeback of the Year’, and possibly the biggest f*ck up of all: an incorrect identification of a recently passed musician during the in memoriam interlude (the screen suggested Warrant singer Jani Lane was in Motörhead).

But what of the awards?! I hear you scream. ‘Best Vocalist’ went to Josh Homme; ‘Best Live Band’ went to Rob Zombie; ‘Dimebag Darrell Best Guitarist’ went to Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance; ‘Album of the Year’ went to 13 by Black Sabbath; ‘Song of the Year’ went to Five Finger Death Punch; and the ‘Paul Gray Best Bassist Award’ went to Chris Kael from Five Finger Death Punch.

The award of note for our purposes was ‘Best New Talent’ which went to Twelve Foot Ninja. While they’re technically not a new talent in the definition of the word “new”, they are new to audiences who aren’t Australian, so that’s a bonus. I’ll be voting for Alchemist or Destroyer 666 for next year’s best new talent. Another small slither of a saving grace to the Golden Gods was Slayer’s surprise performance at the beginning. But yeah, it was all downhill from there.

After watching the Golden Gods, later that night I watched The Logies because I hate myself and I have no self-esteem and I couldn’t be bothered getting up from the couch to get a knife to slit my wrists so I figured watching The Logies would deliver me the same result. After surviving the Golden Gods and witnessing a low-budget, lowtalent, deluded awards show which was pretty well spot-on in the organisation department, I felt even sadder that the perception within our metal community when it comes to events is ‘Who cares?

All metal heads are drunk or stoned and don’t care about organisation at award shows as long as they see performances by bands that are cool. It’s not like any of them have jobs or houses or pets or girlfriends and they all live at home with their parents anyway’.

In other news…

Mastodon’s new single, High Road, is available now from iTunes.

Story of the Year will be at 170 Russell on Sunday, June 29.

Corrosion of Conformity and special guests Lo! will play 170 Russell on Sunday, July 20.

Veruca Salt will play The Corner on Friday, September 26.

Body Count will release their new album, Manslaughter, later this year.

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

pulp Written by Cameron Urquhart and Alastair McGibbon

Alastair: Hey kids! Cameron is away for the next few weeks, so you’re getting a double dose of my ramblings. I hope you all had an excellent Free Comic Book Day on the 3rd – I missed out on my chance to partake in the greatest day of the year, but if I’m lucky you might see a breakdown of some of the tastier choices next time around.

Now, on to the comic of the week!

One of the things I like most about the ‘minor’ publishing houses (and that’s becoming a loose term these days) is that for the most part they tend to stay away from the whole ‘capes and cowls’ thing.

Because they deal primarily in creator-owned comics, you see a lot more in the way of out-there, even experimental stuff, as well as all the explicit content that the Big Two definitely wouldn’t allow.

Sex Criminals, by Matt Fraction (Hawkeye, Satellite Sam) and Chip Zdarsky (Prison Funnies, Monster Cops) definitely falls into the ‘explicit’ category, so anyone under 18 should probably stop reading right about now. But hey, who listens to writers anyway?

You might remember me talking last column about how Image is nominated for 20 different Eisner awards – Sex Criminals is one of those nominated titles, with nominations in the ‘Best Continuing Series’ and ‘Best New Series’ categories.

As the name suggests, Sex Criminals is about sex … and it features some criminals. The thing is, though, that they’re not initially criminals: Suzie is a librarian, and Jon is a banker/repressed actor.

What’s unique about them, though, is their secret: when they orgasm, they can freeze time. They both use their gift for different reasons. Suzie uses it to get some peace and quiet as a teen, and tries to understand what on Earth is happening. Jon, on the other hand, used it to steal pornography as a child, and to poop in his horrible boss’ favourite pot plant. They meet at a party, and on discovering that they share the same ability, they become a couple.

Suzie’s favourite place – her library – comes under threat of closure by a bank, and she is determined to save it. So, they do what any good time-freezing couple would do – they decide to rob a bank, using their ability and Jon’s knowledge of the inner workings of banks.

Obviously, Sex Criminals is a little weird. It’s one of the more interesting and original titles I’ve read recently – I mean, who would’ve thought to combine sex and the ability to stop time?

What really makes Sex Criminals work is its humour. It’s not afraid to be silly – again, we’re talking time manipulation-meets-sex here – but it’s also pretty darn sweet, despite the sexual overtones.

While sex certainly plays a big part in the story, what really makes the story great is the relationship between Suzie and Jon. Fraction’s writing is a big highlight of the story – an already great scene with Suzie singing ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ by Queen is made all the better by Fraction’s explanation of why they can’t show any of the lyrics. Zdarsky’s art is excellent, too; there’s a fantastic

Punk!

Written by Chris Cruz

Wowsers! Did you guys know that The Distillers almost made a new album together a couple of years ago? Crazy! Apparently the band went into the studio with Black Flag guitarist Greg Ginn, but the situation just wasn’t working, and nothing came of it.

Speaking of Greg Ginn, his band Black Flag is continuing its revolving door policy with brand new bass player Tyler Smith stepping in after the departure of Dave Klein, just months after the controversial joining of new vocalist Mike Vallely, who usurped Ron Reyes during the band’s run on Hits & Pits this past December. Hmmm.

The band’s Victimology tour kicks off soon, no word of Australian dates as of yet, but I’m feeling pretty underwhelmed by it all.

Speaking of Hits & Pits, 100 new tickets to the Hi-Fi Bar show in Melbourne have just been released.

Get yours NOW if you don’t already have one. Unwritten Law, The Casualties and Face to Face on one bill? Be still, my beating heart!

The official first round of announcement of bands has been made for the Tasmanian leg of the home-grown punk/ ska/hardcore/thrash festival Up The Punx! and it’s sounding pretty sweet! K-Mart Warriors, Admiral Ackbar’s Dishonourable Discharge, Hopes Abandoned, Fatty Esther and Public Liability, amongst others, will destroy the Brisbane Hotel in Hobart on Saturday, June 21st. Melbourne show details as they come to hand.

Joe Young, founding guitarist of the wildfully influential and incredible Antiseen, has sadly passed away. No word on the cause of death. He was 54.

Las Vegas punk rockers New Cold War have just released their self-titled debut five-song EP and it has a bit of a Strike Anywhere vibe, if that tickles your testes.

Billie Joe Douchebag (wait, is that how you spell Armstrong?) recently played guitar for The Replacements at Coachella this year. Cool? Ummm .. You decide!

We all know us punk rockers dig a good horror movie, but sadly, you can’t always believe the hype surrounding them. This is most certainly the case with the new Australian movie The Babadook.

Rave reviews from film festivals and print media the world over had me salivating for the Melbourne premiere I was lucky enough to be invited to, but sadly, the film was underwhelming at best. Very small cast, overly simple story, pacing issues and a bad edit left me feeling like I wasted an entire evening. Fans of Tumbleweed and the Meanies, however, will notice that the appearance of the Babadook is ripped off from those bands’ tee-shirts and record covers.

Avoid, like I should have done.

May 27 sees the release of Leave a Light On, the brand new album from the awesome 7 Seconds, via Rise Records. forte 35

Refining the Palette

'1984' by George Orwell Adapted & Created by Shake & Stir Theatre Co feature arts STORY

The critically acclaimed production that stunned audiences in Brisbane in 2012 hits the road for a four-month National Tour and arrives in town for a strictly limited season.

George Orwell wrote 1984 in 1948 as a prediction of our future and 66 years on the themes resonate deeply, making the novel a reappearing title on many “must read” book lists.

“The parallels between what Orwell explored and what we are experiencing in the 21st century are frighteningly accurate – and not just in politics but in many facets of modern living.”

Co-Artistic Director and CoAdaptor Nick Skubij says.

“How he managed to depict facing (and what we’d do to avoid) our biggest fear is also something we were really keen to explore.” Skubij continues.

The contemporary relevance is not the only scary aspect to the production. “It’s our aim to keep the story as dark, twisted and grotesque as it can be – it’s Big Brother meets Saw 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 – we are blurring the lines between

reality and horror.” Skubij states.

The story is set in Oceania; a Nation perpetually at war, where cameras watch every move and Thought Police patrol the streets in search of traitors. A place Winston Smith calls home. By day, Winston is an editor at the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history to align the past with the radical political agenda of the ruling party and its illusive leader, Big Brother. By night, Winston pursues a forbidden love affair with the mysterious Julia in an attempt to rebel against the oppressive regime set down by the party and maintain some control over his otherwise totally controlled life. When Winston and Julia are discovered, they are violently separated, detained and prepared for conversion.

From the team that brought you Animal Farm, this new stage adaptation brings George Orwell's final novel screaming into the present.

“Following the success of our Animal Farm National Tour last year, we are thrilled to be presenting another production that is just as visceral, thought provoking and appealing to audiences of all ages around the country once more.” Skubij said.

WHEN&WHERE: Her Majesty's, Ballarat - May 31 & June2 GPAC, Geelong June 5, June 6 & June 7 COPAC, Colac June 11 Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool June 13 The Capital Theatre, Bendigo - June 20 & June 21

Work on Paper by Bianca Brant

GENIUS & AMBITION: The Royal Academy of Arts, London 1768-1918

Golden Plains Heritage Trail Art and the Narrative this is a group exhibition about the story within an artwork by local, new and emerging artists. Each artist has presented their work with a narrative, a story about or behind the piece. Works range from Artist books to prints, paintings, photographs and installations. This is a unique opportunity to see how and why each of these fabulous

Twelve Angry Jurors Presented by Torquay Theatre Troupe Directed by Geoff Gaskill A young man stands accused of fatally stabbing his father, and his fate now lies in the hands of his peers, twelve men and women from all walks of life, each with his or her own agenda, fears and personal demons. It is a 36 forte

pieces came to be. This is an ‘off the wall’ exhibition. When an artwork is sold the purchaser can take it off the wall and the exhibiting artist can replace it with a new work.

WHERE: ETCH Gallery and Studios,

215 Moorabool Street, Geelong

Discover hidden gems with guided historic walks and rare photographic and memorabilia displays throughout the Shire.

Townships involved are: Linton, Smythesdale, Steiglitz, Meredith, Lethbridge and Inverleigh.

WHERE: Various venues

around Golden Plains Shire

WHEN: Until 31 May

WHEN: Saturday 17 May. 10am-3pm

INFO: www.etchgalleryandstudios.com

INFO: www.visitgoldenplains.com.au

‘pressure cooker’ drama that sets the twelve jurors in a room during one hot summer’s day. They hold the life of an (unseen) accused man in their hands.

Initially it seems the case is open and shut. Then doubt creeps in. By the end we are left with the lingering suspicion that though our “twelve good men and true” of the jury may be unanimous we, the audience, are not so sure. It is a story about conflict, loyalty,

right and wrong, prejudice and the desire for revenge.

But most of all it is about a search for that most elusive of things – truth.

It is said that Justice is blind. But with this play it is also about how she may be deaf and dumb too.

WHERE: 16 Price

Street, Torquay

WHEN: 15-23 May INFO: www.

ttt.org.au

PHONE: Marie

5261 9035

Some of the finest examples of British art will travel to Australia for the first time in March 2014.

Close to 100 works from the Royal Academy of Arts, London, featuring revered works by J.M. W. Turner, Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable, John Singer Sargent, Henry Fuseli, John Everett Millais, John William Waterhouse and Sir Joshua Reynolds will be showcased.

CONTROL – Daniel Bushaway Control is an ongoing photographic series observing the infrastructure used to extract, conserve and ultimately control water. Daniel is preoccupied with vast landscapes manipulated to facilitate mass consumption - so we have water at the turn of a tap.

The series was shot on a 4 x 5 largeformat camera during the summer 2009-12 in the Andalucian Basin,

The Royal Academy of Arts was considered the primary art institution and the leading venue for the study and display of art in Great Britain and Europe until at least the beginning of the 20th century. As such, for ambitious Australian artists, exhibiting at the Royal Academy was considered paramount for developing reputation and renown. To complement the works on loan from the RA, 30 significant works by Australian artists such as Nicholas Chevalier, Tom Roberts, John Longstaff, Rupert Bunny, Arthur Streeton, E Phillips Fox, Margaret Preston, Agnes Goodsir and William Dobell who were educated, then exhibited and subsequently gained reputation through the RA have been included.

The exhibition will draw on the wealth of the Royal Academy collections ranging from paintings and sculpture to works on paper and historic books. Australian works drawn from collections across State galleries in Australia will sit alongside these masterpieces. The Royal Academy has existed for 245 years and this exhibition will focus on a key period in the institutions history, the ‘long 19th century’ from 1768 to 1918.

WHERE: BOOM Gallery, 11

Rutland Street, Geelong WHEN: Until 24 May

INFO: www.boomgallery.com.au

The Government Inspector Belvoir and Malthouse Theatre Nikolai Gogol was a nutcase.

Bonkers. And in between bouts of nuttiness he just happened to write what are unquestionably the two funniest plays of the nineteenth century, Diary of a Madman and The Government Inspector.

Allegria A spectacular display of textile works by Michelle Mischkulnig. Be prepared to be amazed by the colour and joy of her gorgeous works of art, framed pieces, decorator items and wearable gems.

WHERE: Bendigo Art Gallery,

WHERE: Eagles Nest Gallery, 48

WHEN: Until 9 June

WHEN: 3-30 May

INFO: www.royalacademybendigo.com

INFO: www.eaglesnestgallery.com.au

PHONE: 5434 6088

PHONE: 5289 7366

42 View Street, Bendigo

Spain and regional Tasmania, Australia. The locations have been chosen for waterways that have been diverted on an awe-inspiring scale, to majestic, yet unsettling effect. The colour photographs are rendered with striking clarity of detail.

Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet

Ever since then, actors and directors have been using his plays as a leaping off point for their own journeys into theatrical madness. Now, a new generation of comic geniuses sink their teeth into The Government Inspector. Under the direction of the ever-inventive Simon Stone (Death of a Salesman), this ridiculous, laugh-outloud comedy will take a mad-cap turn toward twenty-first century Australia.

It may not entirely resemble the play Gogol wrote in 1836, but this new Government Inspector is an implausible masterpiece for our implausible times.

WHERE: GPAC. 50 Little

Malop Street, Geelong WHEN: 22-24 May

INFO: www.gpac.org.au TIX: 5225 1200

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Inside Splinters

Written by Adem Ali

“ The Meet & Greet Profit Margin” ARTPOP BALL HOLY HELL MOTHER OF GOD THIS COULD BE HER BEST TOUR YET

ADORE DELANO TOURING AUSTRALIA She will be here in July. PARTY!

BIANCA DEL RIO TOURING AUSTRALIA Date tentative but the tour has been confirmed!

or

AVRIL LAVIGNE What a basic bitch.

AVRIL’S ‘HELLO KITTY’ VIDEO What a basic bitch.

AVRIL LAVIGNE’S MEET AND GREET PHOTOS Yup. Basic bitch.

It would be a safe assumption to make that during my late teens and early 20s I spent more time than is perhaps considered normal waiting outside of stage doors after gigs, waiting for a glimpse at (or, on more occasions than most, a photo with) the artists I had just watched play a gig.

There was a period of time where my success rate in ‘stalking’ these stars literally sat at 100 per cent. I would go to a gig and I would wait patiently after it, often for more than three hours, for my moment with these exceptional artists. There were even times an act so special to me were visiting Australian for only a promotional tour, with no actual live gigs booked, that I would trek to anywhere from radio stations across Melbourne (Take That) to hotel car parks in Prahran (Girls Aloud) just to get that little window with these megastars.

Meeting the Arctic Monkeys and having Alex Turner tell me he fucking loved my Girls Aloud tee-shirt sits highly up there, as does being centimetres away from Blondie’s Deborah Harry as she climbed into her car and my best friend copped a feel of her hair.

Moloko’s Róisín Murphy casually finishing her cigarette off with me as she then proceeded to give me a hug and a kiss for waiting around for her was fabulous, as was having Scissor Sister Ana Matronic applaud my “Albino Cher” teeshirt – that ranks pretty highly, especially as she then announced to us all that the Albino era of Cher’s career was her absolute favourite.

This was years and, really, a lifetime ago, and to this day my friends and I often talk of Albino Cher and her obvious inf luence on modern pop culture.

The cold weather, sometimes freezing, and always uncomfortable surroundings as I waited never put me off. I had a steely determination in regard to these meet and greets, and although I was always certain I would meet whoever it was I planned on ‘camping out’ for, there was still an exciting and undeniable rush in the lead up. It’s a good feeling, especially when the artist

in question treats you like a human being, so it is of no surprise to see that, in the last five or so years, the ‘meet and greet’ experience has now become a marketing and revenue generator. And boy, what a revenue generator it is.

Some may blame Lady Gaga for the meet and greet revolution, and although I believe she may have had a major inf luence over it, it is still people like 20-year-old-Me that has

driven this ‘movement’ into the adrenaline downer we see today.

Back in 2008, Gaga started her career by freely handing out meet and greet opportunities to almost everybody that attended her early gigs; and, shortly after, it was an act expected of others.

Now in 2014, that very experience can cost you thousands of dollars. Miley Cyrus’ current US tour offers a near 2k meet and greet opportunity; Gaga herself has a 1.5k meet and greet ticket on offer for her upcoming ARTPOP Ball shows in Australia; and the phenomenon now extends to RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants performing shows across our country. For anywhere between 40 and 50 dollars you will receive less than 15 seconds ‘air time’ with your chosen Drag Star, a photo taken by a ‘professional photographer’ (that you won’t receive for anywhere between 24 to 72 hours), and a ‘glass of champagne’ upon arrival. I don’t know about you but I almost prefer the waiting around in cold, dark alleyways.

No meet and greet situation is as baff ling or hilarious as the most recent Avril Lavigne shows in Brazil. The pop star (who should have been put out to pasture over a decade ago) charged her ‘Super Fans’ $400 a ticket for a great view of her show and a meet and greet opportunity after. With each patron instructed not to touch or make any physical contact with Lavigne during their interaction, you can only imagine how awkward all of the photos that were taken look. The event caused such a commotion via social media like Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook that the Avril meet & greet has already turned into a popular meme – one that doesn’t look to be going anywhere at time of print.

So why, if she has no interest in making any physical contact with her fans, would Avril Lavigne even ‘okay’ a meet and greet scenario to then take to every single date of her current World Tour? It all boils down

to money – and truckloads of it.

Because the meet and greet has now become such a trend, with artists like Rihanna, Katy Perry and even Britney Spears jumping on board, it is now – sadly – used purely to generate even more revenue for a seemingly greedy artist. The opportunity may have a monetary price attached to it now, one that could definitely be viewed as Extremely Excessive, but I would still prefer to pay 1.5k for a Gaga or Rihanna meet and greet and know I will have an incredible interaction with physical contact, over a $400 ticket for Avril Cunting Lavigne where I will basically be required to stand at least 40-feet away from her just for the money shot to be taken.

But seriously, why on earth would you even want to meet Avril Lavigne anyway?!

“It’s the 20th anniversary of Naomi Campbell’s babywoman this year. Deluxe edition please.”

Twitter’s @TheRichardEric’s proposal for one of the greatest albums of all time sounds like a great idea to us.

Like us on facebook! facebook.com/fortemagazine

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Larry Maluma Written by Tex Miller

It’s been a long journey from Zambia to Australia for Larry Maluma, and finally after ten years his eleventh album, Ndakondwa (I’m Happy), is hitting the shelves. Since coming to Australia in 1985, Maluma has had the opportunity to work with the likes of Paul Kelly, Diesel and Nicky Bomba to highlight but just a few collaborations. In the lead up to the release of Ndakondwa, Maluma speaks animatedly about this set of tracks.

“We are releasing this album finally which is very exciting, and I think I mentioned in my press that it got lost along the way. It got wiped accidentally and I almost forgot about it. Luckily I got my engineer Robin Mai to make a copy of it when we were working on my eighth album in the original session [and] years later I discovered them whilst I was recovering with a broken arm from falling off a scooter, sitting around with nothing to do. I put on the disc of rough mixes and was surprised by what I found. It’s been a while to put together but it is something that I am really very proud of and hope that all my listeners will agree.”

Over the years Maluma has produced most of his own music and after getting all the demos together heads to a producer to get a second opinion. With the help of Robin Mai, who has produced the majority of John Butler’s records, Maluma has created a fantastic set of reggae tunes. “Robin’s got a very good ear and is one of the most acclaimed producers and engineers in Australia, as I am sure you are aware. It is great to work through different ideas with him and I hope to continue to work with him in the future.”

“ ...my journey has been a very liberating experience and one that I wouldn’t swap for anything in the world.”

With some money in his pocket and a desire to make it as a musician, Maluma headed out to Australia in the mid-eighties to hit the big time. Easier accessibility to recording studios and musical instruments meant that it was a positive experience for Maluma ever since he touched down. “In Zambia there was no real big studios like in Australia and the closest music shop to my house was three- to four-hundred kilometres from my house. Everyone was looking to head overseas and record and sign to a label if they could.

“I came here to enhance my career and it’s been a long ride, and although I’ve had

release: NDAKONDWA (I’m Happy) is out now via Safari Music not much support from anyone, my journey has been a very liberating experience and one that I wouldn’t swap for anything in the world.”

Having worked with the majority of the Melbourne and Australian music scene, Maluma feels very lucky to have such an amazing band of musicians around him. “To name drop just a little, I’ve worked with Diesel, Vika and Linda Bull and Nicky Bomba, and the thing that is great about these

musicians is that they bring something special to the table.

“The way that my music works is that I record all the parts mainly in my studio and then send them to the musicians to learn. It makes it a lot easier when we head into the studio to lay the songs down.”

It’s been a charmed career for Maluma thus far and with 11 albums and no signs of stopping just yet, be sure to check him out around the traps when you can.

Peking Duk Q&A

The duo with the delicious name has had one hell of a year. It has been so good, and so busy, that we found ourselves very fortunate that they could spare us some time.

Then again, that is just what makes Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles such good guys.

Hello lads, last time we spoke you were about to come to Geelong on tour and things were really starting to heat up. How have the 12 months since then been for you?

Adam: Absolutely crazy and sweaty … We never in a million years would have imagined we would end up with a platinum record and a song that would get to #5 on the ARIA Charts. Stuff that dreams are made of !

You are currently touring for Groovin’ the Moo. Are things getting crazy on the road?

Reuben: Groovin’ the Moo has been mental, the crowds we have been playing to have been massive … annndd sweaty. It’s been really good bro’ing down with all the other artists.

Unfortunately Adam missed out on the artist day off on Magnetic Island because he slept in.

Where are you currently and what are you up to?

Adam: We are currently at home in Sydney but tomorrow we get back on the road and travel to Geraldton, before Bunbury Groovin’ the Moo! How have the crowds at different areas treated you so far? Was Bendigo a good one?

Reuben: Bendigo was massive, we could tell they really appreciated a good tune or two!

It was cold though. Cold … but sweaty.

You also did BDO which must have been massive. How was that?

Adam: Big Day Out was another great festival tour where we made friends with lots of rad dudes. Some of the responses we had for our set time of midday were just crazy.

You guys rode the buzz of your track ‘Mufasa’ that caused a bit of a stir. Do you think the track hit a nerve with all the Lion King fans who were kids in the ’90s?

Reuben: Haha, the title of the track was just a little thing that the song’s tribal elements reminded us of.

How was working with Laidback Luke?

Adam: He was one of the most professional guys we have worked with so far. His attention to detail left us in awe! We both love a good party track which is why this came together so well.

I know you are probably getting sick of being asked, but you did mention working on a full-length last time we spoke. How is that coming along?

Reuben: Still working on it and still in the studio. We want to make sure it’s full of some really great tunes that all our fans can get behind. There’s lots of awesome people we are working with to turn our ideas into reality!

When&Where: The Eureka Hotel, Geelong – June 8

You guys are coming back to Geelong, this time to light up the Eureka. Looking forward to visiting G-town again?

Adam: Geelong is always a crazy time – I’m sure this time it will be something next level! We hope to see lots of sweat and singing along.

What is it that you love about Geelong most?

Reuben: We have had plenty of nice coastal drives down to Geelong and beyond to Falls Festival … there’s

that. And then there’s the awesome people.

What do you have in store for Geelong peeps who will be attending the Eureka date this time around? Anything special?

Adam: They might get to hear a little sneak preview of our next single. ;) Anything you would like to add?

Reuben & Adam: All of our favourite people in G-Troit – make sure you get down to Eureka and we will have a delightful time.

The Acfields Q&A

From harmonising on car trips in their childhood to harmonising on stage in their adulthood, music has always played a key role in the lives of the Acfield siblings. Although they travel well as individual artists, when they team up it makes for something special, as we discovered.

Hello guys, thanks for taking some time out to have a chat to Forte Magazine. First of all, can you introduce your lovely selves and tell us your profession in life?

Hello! We’re Dan and Hannah Acfield, known as ‘The Acfields’. We’re a sibling duo who write and perform music together heavily featuring vocal harmonies.

Obviously you guys are from a musical family, being a brother and sister team. How did music make its way into both of your lives? Was there a musical parent in the house?

Both our parents play guitar, sing and write music. For most of our childhood we didn’t have a TV, although they made an appearance every now and then. Music was a big part of our household. It goes back generations on both sides of the family.

You guys reside in different parts of Australia – Dan (Brisbane) and Hannah (Melbourne) – yet you still manage to make tunes together. How do you go dealing with the distance issue?

Lots of sound files getting sent back and forward, long sessions sharing ideas on speaker phone. Honestly, it can be difficult at times. We speak a LOT on the phone and have regular ‘team meetings’. During our writing phase for the album we emailed each other a new song every two weeks.

We came up with an agreement that if the song wasn’t submitted by Sunday night midnight, there was no coffee or tea allowed for the following fortnight! Ruthless I know. We also set time aside to meet up and write together.

Tell us about you new single, ‘Grabbed My Heart’. Was this one of the tracks you guys did in Mornington?

We recorded everything but the vocals for this track in a friend’s house on the Mornington. Hannah got sick so we did the vocals in a studio in Brisbane over Christmas.

Actually, we recorded the vocals simultaneously in different vocal booths with a glass window so we could see each other. It’s the first time we’ve recorded the vocals that way. Normally you layer the vocals one at a time.

You guys have released a lot of stuff as solo artists. What was the catalyst to joining forces?

We were both heading in the same direction separately. Originally we recorded a couple of songs together as a bit of an experiment and it grew from there. It made sense to pool our resources! There is something special that happens when we sing together. We’re better together.

How would you describe your sound? Has

When&Where: Babushka, Ballarat – May 23

either one of you had to make concessions in your styles to compensate or fit with the other? (A bit of sibling rivalry from time to time?)

Folk/pop/alt-country would describe us. Dan tends to write songs that are a bit ‘rockier’. And in the studio I have been known as the ‘Rock Nazi’. However, I think without Dan I’d probably be more country.

Folk is a nice middle ground.

And briefly, the forthcoming album? When is that due and how is working on that ATM? The album is mixed and mastered with a few final tweaks to go.

It’s out September 1. The album is self-produced, which was a first for

us and really fun. It’s exciting – we think it’s the best thing both of us have done. We’ve worked hard on the songwriting, the production and making sure things were done exactly how we wanted.

The big tour starts soon and you will be in Ballarat. Are you excited about touring together?

Touring is always fun! Playing live is always a highlight for us, we love meeting new people and sharing our music. It’s our first time in Ballarat so we’re looking forward to it.

What do you have in store for those attending the gig at Babushka?

Think delicious harmonies, new songs and a couple of oldies. forte 39

FORTE

scenepix Photos by Marianne Valitutti

Beav's Bar

Grovedale Hotel

Grovedale Hotel

Geelong RSL

Geelong RSL

The Max Hotel

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Edge

Edge Slate Pool Lounge

Slate Pool Lounge

The Barwon Club

CQ

The Barwon Club

The Barwon Club CQ

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FORTE

scenepix Photos by Marianne Valitutti

Lambys

Lambys

Lambys

Eureka

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Lambys

Eureka

Forte Scene Pix

Eureka

the max hotel's PHOTO OF THE WEEK ! *******

* contact the hotel to claim your prize!

The Max Hotel

Home House

Home House

Home House

Elephant & Castle

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Film Reviews

Films reviewed by Anthony Morris

Chef Jon Favreau (who also directs) is Carl Casper, a chef at a fancy L.A. restaurant. He works hard, he likes his food – fat jokes abound, at least early on – and he likes his son.

Maybe Carl’s single, it’s hard to tell – the film literally cares so little about his private life it takes maybe half an hour to tell us that the reason he keeps dropping his son off at his mother’s place isn’t because he works late, but because they’re divorced. It’s a low-budget film, so Favreau clearly pulled some strings and his buddies from the Iron Man films – Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey, Jr. – each have cameo roles.

Downey plays Casper’s exwife’s ex-husband, who seems to be some kind of construction guy who just happens to own an old taco truck; Johansson plays the hostess at the fancy restaurant Casper works at.

Casper literally seduces her with food: she’ll only go home with him if he offers to cook.

Meanwhile, Casper is so clueless about the internet he has to get his son to explain Twitter to him when he finds out a snarky critic’s bitchy review of his bland food has “gone viral”. Once on Twitter, Casper finds the critic who gave him a poor review, sends

th e wra p The Other Woman What happens when a seemingly charming guy is cheating on not one, not two, but three women at once? The usual mix of female bonding and lame revenge pranks, if this insipid and only marginally funny chore of a film is any guide.

Bad Neighbours Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are a couple with a young baby – and a frat house next door, which they’d be cool with (desperate as they are to seem “with it”), except they can’t party all night like the bros can. Tensions mount, and this already funny film just gets funnier.

him a snarky message, assumes it was a private message like it would be if they were texting, and goes to bed. Uh-oh: he wakes up the next morning to find half the internet calling him a jerk. Again, showing all the calm and restraint you’d expect from a heavily entitled creative

type, he calls the critic an asshole on Twitter and tells him to come back to the restaurant for Round 2. It doesn’t go well: Casper ends up throwing a fit that is promptly filmed and put on the internet, thus ending his career. Internet 1, Chef 0.

The rest of the story is pretty

straightforward – chef loses job, chef gets taco truck, chef rediscovers love of cooking via insanely greasy sandwiches – because every scene where someone is talking is a scene where the camera is not filming something sizzling on a grill.

It can’t be overstated how much

of this film is just watching food cook: there’s a toasted cheese sandwich here that could have been billed above the title it’s on screen for so long. If you like food and don’t mind the bare minimum of drama around it, this is worth taking a bite.

Belle

Young and Beautiful 17-year-old Isabelle (Marine Vacth) wasn’t all that impressed with her first sexual experience.

So, as you do, she decides to spend her holidays setting up shop in a local hotel and going to work as a high-class call girl. Well, it’s not quite as straightforward as that: she comes from a well-off French background so she’s not doing it for the money (in fact, she doesn’t even seem to care about the cash), she’s not exactly getting off on sexing up a string of old men, and it’s difficult to know for sure even if her prostitution is a reaction to her disappointing initial encounter with sex or whether she’s just doing it to see if she can get away with it. But that’s clearly the way director François Ozon (Swimming Pool) wants it, as we’re given no real window into Isabelle’s inner workings or motivations.

Split into four segments – summer, autumn, winter, spring – the invitation is there to view this as a young woman coming of age, but the film does little to back this reading – or any reading really – up. Instead, it often seems content to merely linger on Vacth’s body, providing the kind of dubious euro-sleaze that arthouse films are often accused of and expecting that the viewer will come up with their own justifications to fill in the gap – more like a yawning chasm – between what we see on the screen and what could possibly be motivating Isabelle. If you like to look, it’s fine; if you like to think, it’s a disappointment.

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In Georgian England, Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu MbathaRaw) stands alone. The daughter of a British naval officer and an African woman – both out of the picture (he off at sea, she dead) – she was raised to be a noblewoman by her uncle, Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson). Her birth means she’s a woman of high status who can’t just marry any old commoner, but the colour of her skin means she will never attract a husband worthy of her rank – at least, not until her father’s death provides her with a sizable inheritance that’s very attractive to the various penniless second sons of England’s autocracy.

Romantically she’s torn between an earnest but poor lawyer (Sam Reid) and a nobleman after her inheritance ( James Norton); meanwhile, a court case before Lord Mansfield examines the very idea of being able to insure slaves as “cargo” and threatens to tear down the commercial underpinnings of slavery itself.

Calling this ‘Jane Austin’s 12 Years a Slave’ pretty much sums up this film’s mix of romantic dilemma (the lawyer is even initially cold to Belle in the best Austin tradition) and examination of the evils of slavery, though Belle herself is much more noblewoman than slave here. While it doesn’t have the impact of either Slave or first-rate Austin, the production design is gorgeous and the legal drama that comes to dominate the film is compelling (if not exactly historically accurate).

Overall, the film is a little too straightforward and a little simplistic, but just by telling Belle’s (real life) story it shines a light on an aspect of the past that’s more than just black and white.

The Double After the success of his low-key but often very funny coming of age tale Submarine, a hard left into absurdist comedy probably wasn’t what many were expecting from Richard Ayoade. Yet that’s what the former IT Crowd starturned-director has delivered with The Double, based on the novella by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

Simon James ( Jesse Eisenberg) is a shy, befuddled office worker with a serious crush on Hannah (Mia Wasikowska) who lives in the building across from him. He likes her enough to hang around her at work, but is too shy to take it any further, which isn’t a problem for new employee James Simon (Eisenberg), who immediately starts winning over everyone at the vaguely sinister yet antiquated company where they work. Even Simon can’t escape the lure of James’

52 Tuesdays Billie (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) is 16. Her parents are separated, and while she gets along well with her dad (Beau Travis Williams), it’s her mum (Del Herbert-Jane) that she’s closest to. So when her mum announces that she’s going to transition to male and that with all the stresses and dramas that her journey will cause it’s better if Billie go live with her father for the foreseeable future, it’s a bit of a knock. It’s not a

Spider-Man 2: The Rise of Electro Spider-Man is back, cracking wise and slinging webs, and while most of the supervillain stuff here is kind of average, the relationship stuff between Spidey (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) makes it all worthwhile.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier The Marvel Movie Machine churns on with an effort that falls more at the upper scale of acceptable parameters thanks to some decent action sequences and a cast that are probably too good for this generic Marvel tale – you know, secret bad guy, everyone turns against the hero so he has to solve the conspiracy on his own … the usual stuff.

The Zero Theorem A new Terry Gilliam film is always good news. The Monty Python alumnus’s visual style is layered, very funny, and always a delight to look at, even when the story he’s telling isn’t quite up to the same level. Which has been a little too often of late, though to be fair misfires like The Brothers Grimm and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus weren’t entirely his fault. So having him go it alone and put out a low-budget indie film seems like a step forward, even if the end result is a little… uneven.

Here in another of Gilliam’s not-quite-futures – there’s very little here that’s actually futuristic, but everything has been turned up to eleven then tipped on its head à la one of Gilliam’s best loved films, Brazil – computer genius Qohen Leth (Christoph Waltz) demands to be allowed to work at home (an abandoned church) so he can wait by the phone for a call that will give his existence meaning. Management (Matt Damon) eventually agrees, with a catch: he now must prove “The Zero Theorem”, a formula (solved in this case via a video game style program) designed to demonstrate that all life is meaningless. Largely confined to the crowded spaces of Qohen’s church, the film’s single location is well handled, and various visitors – the sexy Bainsley (Mélanie Thierry), Management’s hacker son Bob (Lucas Hedges) – keep things interesting.

But the story (by Pat Rushin) goes nowhere, gesturing at profundity while the characters remain clichés shouting dull dialogue over the colourless Qohen. Still, even sub-par Gilliam is worthwhile. This remains a feast for the eyes, even while your mind goes hungry.

Transcendence Johnny Depp is about to create a self-aware super computer so terrorists kill him, but he uploads his brain, thus creating the supercomputer they were so afraid of.

And, as it turns out, with good reason. Which is probably the only good thing in this film.

total separation, though: they agree that Billie will visit once a week, on Tuesdays – which is how the film itself was made, with director Sophie Hyde only filming the actors once a week and keeping the script loose so it could change with any changes the actors – who were non-professionals – went through.

The end result holds together well:

charisma, taking tests and writing reports for him while he sleazes on to their supervisor’s daughter.

But when James starts making a move on Hannah, that’s when Simon’s had enough – only what can he do against a charming, more outgoing version of himself ?

Frequently funny (due in part to a string of cameos, including Noah Taylor, Chris O’Dowd and Chris Morris) but fairly lightweight, this is a diverting enough film that never really digs down into the psychological material it’s dealing with, preferring instead to focus on the surreal world (think Terry Gilliam) it’s set in. Eisenberg is excellent in his dual role, and really sells them as two distinct characters, but the split never really adds up to much: Simon remains a downtrodden guy, whether it’s the world or a version of himself doing the trodding.

the ups and downs of Billie’s mother’s journey never feel forced, and while Herbert-Jane isn’t the most expressive performer, her low-key style suits her character’s largely internal struggle.

Cobham-Hervey grows up in front of the camera over the course of the year and it’s effective enough as drama that it makes her subplot (involving a combination art project and sexual exploration with a couple of school friends) seem a little heavy-handed. But both mother and daughter’s struggles to find who they really are work well in unison.

This is a rare and satisfying example of a high-concept Australian film that actually has something to say about how people really do live their lives.

Divergent In a future where society is organised into castes based on temperament, one teenage girl can’t be so easily defined, which results in an above average (yet not quite Hunger Games level) story of rebelling against the system … mostly by jumping off speeding trains and climbing up the side of buildings.

Muppets Most Wanted The Muppets are back, and if this adventure isn’t quite as sharp and funny as their last one, at least the songs are still catchy. And even when they’re kind of lame, The Muppets are always still kind of funny.

The Grand Budapest Hotel Director Wes Anderson has lost none of his skill when it comes to gorgeous visuals in this story centred on a (fictional) luxury mountaintop hotel in Europe in 1932. But with Ralph Fiennes as the charming and quick-witted concierge and a story that’s best described as “a rollicking romp”, this is probably his most straightforwardly entertaining effort yet.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Music Reviews, Charts and New Releases

Larry Maluma what ' s n e w ?

Ndakondwa (I’m Happy) Independent

Turn Blue

Shades of Bob Marley, Yothu Yindi and Santana are all present within Larry Maluma’s eleventh studio effort Ndakondwa (I’m Happy). Like smooth Jamaican rum, throughout all of the tracks on the album are many stories explored through both English language and Maluma’s native tongue.

The Black Keys Rock’s biggest duo, The Black Keys, is back with a new album. The boys say they’ve really pushed their sound with this one, and it’s not like their last album at all.

Available now on Nonesuch Records.

Dream of Reason The Cairos I swear every second band I write about here is from Brisbane. The Cairos stunned us with their 2012 EP Colours Like Features and they’ve finally followed it up with a full-length LP. Available now on Island/Universal.

Unrepentant Geraldines Tori Amos The Cornflake Girl herself, Tori Amos has returned with her stunning fourteenth studio album. Over her twenty-year career she has proven to be one of the best songwriters in the business. Available now on Mercury.

The Beard Album The Beards The world’s foremost beard-related rock band, The Beards, has released their fourth album in eight years. Do I need to say any more?

Available now as an independent release.

Shine On Sarah McLachlan With her first album in four years, the most depressing singer in the world, Sarah McLachlan, is back to break your heart all over again. Available now on Verve.

Mikhael Paskalev

of humour was clearly evident through the whole set, kissing his guitarist and long-time friend Joseph on the cheek and The Howler, introducing his song ‘Come On’ as a “song about Chris Brown and Brunswick Rhianna’s loving relationship”, to Friday, March 7 which all had a bit of a chuckle, and even whipping out a trumpet.

When I heard that Norwegian As ‘Jive Babe’ began, everyone pop sensation Mikhael Paskalev started to dance as it was close was releasing his album What’s Life Without Losers in Melbourne to impossible not to get down when the oddly written and on the 7th of March, I rushed to crazily catchy song gets played. the computer to pick up some A handclap joined in by the tickets to the show at sweet new crowd was a massive highlight of venue The Howler in Brunswick. the night, along with Paskalev’s Before Paskalev hit the stage, ridiculous harmonica solo in ‘I indie ghost-folk trio Little May Spy’, which luckily lasted a bit warmed up the eager crowd. longer than the short recording Quickly snagging a front row to allow room for two more place, we really enjoyed the really well-played set by the band dubbed choruses and the harmonica solo.

Back-up singer Billie Van, who by triple j radio as “the one to has just released her own single ‘I watch in 2014”. Other than a few Let You Down’, was outstanding, minor bass amp issues that most along with the rest of Paskalev’s of the crowd didn’t recognise due interestingly dressed band. to the intoxicating harmonies, Coming back by himself after the girls from Sydney really the song ‘Dust’ for an encore, blew me away with their unique performing ‘Hey Joseph’, a song sound. Little May is definitely a written about his good friend and name to remember, as I have been how one day he will meet a girl and told their debut EP is set to be settle down, just showed off his released in the next few months. self-confessed “romantic side”.

When Paskalev did arrive at A brilliant live show, with Mikhael the microphone he kicked things even hanging around to have a bit off with a great acoustic version of a chat with fans afterwards. of ‘Susie’. The part-Bulgarian, Oliver Friend part-Norwegian’s cheeky sense

The most positive element to this album is that it works in both loud and quiet moments. Whether you’re holding a house party and need to bring the beats or if you’re in downtime and relaxation mode, these songs have many elements of light and shade and spread a positive message throughout the lyrics.

The highlights for me are either the opener ‘I Can See a Rainbow’ or ‘Light Up My Fire’, which celebrates the true reggae musician lifestyle. If you are a reggae nut or like funky guitar lines, look no further.

Tex Miller

Boy & Bear Costa Hall, Geelong Saturday, May 10

Boy & Bear over the last few years have been one of the most successful bands in the Australian music industry, winning five ARIA awards in 2011 with the release of Moonfire and being nominated for five more in just three years. The five-piece from Sydney recently embarked on a 29date tour around regional Australia with fellow musician Patrick James, who has recently completed the 10th anniversary ‘Feeler’ tour with Australian icon, Pete Murray.

James was a great way to start the night, playing as a four-piece rather than his usual set-up of two or three people. There was definitely a lot of inspiration from Boy & Bear and even Ireland’s Kodaline when James changed instruments from guitar to piano and did a bit of solo stuff. James is looking to be releasing some new music soon which will definitely be worth a listen.

When Boy & Bear hit the stage the mildmannered seated

audience erupted as the guys started playing their first song. Drummer Tim Hart had a rather minimal set-up which was a nice change from most bands you go and see these days. The boys were grouped together much more than they needed to be, only taking up about a quarter of the enormous stage that is Costa Hall.

Dave Hosking and Hart both took time to acknowledge the Geelong crowd for always supporting them from the start – and the crowd gave them all the love back, with one member of the audience shouting to Hosking that he had “The thighs of a Greek god”, to which Hosking was obviously very chuffed.

The fellas put on a great show and it felt like a very personal touch had been put into it because of the support shown by Geelong towards the band – so well done Geelong for making a band as big as Boy & Bear eager to play in our great little city.

Oliver Friend

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Forte Columns

grog watch Written by Tony Montana

Everybody knows that the big thing that holds back most of country Victoria – or at least, the parts of Victoria that Forte goes to – when it comes to having a good time is the fact that Melbourne isn’t really all that far away. Walk the streets of Geelong long enough and you’ll find some grump telling you that a town this size anywhere else in Australia would have its own television station – though usually you can shut them up by pointing out that a town this size anywhere else in Australia wouldn’t have its own AFL team because usually the only reason they want Geelong to have its own television station is so they can watch more footy.

And I’m not even talking about that – both Ballarat and Bendigo have their own television stations and all

that seems to do for them is a lot more commercial for farm equipment. I mean the kind of good time where you leave your house, team up with a bunch of mates and do something you all think is fun. No, not have an orgy. And I don’t mean the kind of thing you can only do in Melbourne like cruise the Yarra either. I mean just getting together down the pub or some bar or a café or somewhere and just hang out enjoy stuff. Maybe live music stuff ? Maybe even some kind of staged drama? I dunno, I’m a drunk so drinking counts as a good time for me. I’m just assuming other people like to do stuff while they’re drinking and it seems a lot like most of that other stuff is mostly in Melbourne.

Obviously, this makes no sense. All you need for a good time is a couple of mates and a metric crapload of booze, which sounds a little like I’m suggesting having a barbie is a good idea, which I am not. But if you have a mate who says ‘hey guys, come over to my place

for movie night, only obviously we’re hardly going to be paying any attention to the actual movies, they’ll just be on for us to make fun of when we’ve run out of other stuff to say’, then you’re pretty much set for life. Unfortunately, those guys are hard to find once you’ve drunkenly urinated in the corner of their lounge room a few times … which is why we have bars and clubs.

Again, if you can find a quiet pub where you and your mates can gather and talk shit without being disturbed by dickheads or loud music or pokie machines, you’re pretty much set for life. Or until the place closes down, which is almost certainly not far off because without dickheads or loud music or pokies a pub finds it pretty difficult to keep going in this day and age. Sure, maybe you can hang out at restaurants and have a “nice meal”, but that stuff costs serious money that you’ve probably already earmarked for booze. Plus, if you’re going to those places, the booze prices are through

the roof because they know they’re on to a good thing. People can walk out of a pub anytime, but once you’ve ordered a meal you’re stuck waiting for half an hour or so and what else is there to do but drink. So forget them: now where are you going to go?

See, this is why people end up going to Melbourne – at least up there you find enough like-minded people to make places where you can a.) drink and b.) hear each other talk financially viable. But that means that all the people who could make such venues viable in country towns aren’t in the country towns to make those places viable in the country towns, if you get my drift. Plus, once you make any kind of friends in Melbourne you soon discover that people in Melbourne have a vastly different idea of what “travel” is to people outside of the city.

Country folk: yeah, let’s drive 100kms for a good time. City folk: what, a 15-minute tram ride? Screw that.

So once you start going to

Melbourne and hanging out with Melbourne folk it’s hard to give that up for the local scene because suddenly all your friends are now Melbourne people and they ain’t coming around to your place any time soon. So what hope do local venues have? They have to appeal to dickheads and pokie fiends and sleazebags on the make – you do know they play music loud so you have to get close to someone to be heard, right? – and if you don’t fall into any of those categories the only real option you have left is to spend hours of valuable drinking time riding the rails to Melbourne. Or you could just move to Melbourne, but then you wouldn’t have any money for booze (or anything else).

What’s the solution? I say it’s this: State Government-funded low-key dive bars where people like me can have a quiet drink with our mates. There’s an election coming up and everything else around here is getting money thrown at it – why can’t the drunks get in on the action? Surely Geelong

has enough dodgy closed venues that Spring Street could cough up the cash to open up one or two of them for the drinkers of this city who just want to be left alone? Maybe find a spot near one of the train stations? That way we just might be able to lure some of those Melbourne types down here for a big night every now and again.

Tony “Long story short, I’m really sick of going to Melbourne to see my mates” Montana

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LAUNCHING THE KARINGAL APPEAL

EDDI READER

TIM McCallum

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48 forte

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