ISSUE #608 ball ar at | bell arine | Bendigo | ca stlemaine | geelong | surf coa st | warrnambool |
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ton y joe w hite “ It’s a more intimate setting and that’s good with me. I hope to see you at the show man!” Live at The Barwon Club, Geelong on Thursday 2 April / pg.23
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forte issue #608 t h u r s d a y 1 9 M ARCH 2 0 1 5
You’ll have to bear with me a little bit, I’m still in recovery mode from Golden Plains. It may be over a week later but for a first timer it certainly tore me a new one, but you can read all about that in my review on page 54. Otherwise we have some pretty interesting stuff in this issue, perfect for that lunchtime read or for a lazy afternoon. There are still a few changes happening inside the covers here at Forte, so we’d like to introduce another one to you. We have a new travel writer – Kat the Wanderer – on board, who is currently living it up in London. Her first column takes a look at homesickness, something we’ve all experienced whether it was a our first camp trip or somewhere on the other side of the world. She’s also taken some pretty travel-envying pictures to go with her column, so make sure you flick to page 36 and have a look. While we may be welcoming a new person on board we'll also be fare-welling some Forte favourites. We'd like to thank Madeline Baldwin, our past travel columnist and Splinters columnist Adem Ali, for their incredible work. Adem in particular has been with Forte for a decade, so thank you Adem! Our writer and resident advertising guru Abbey King checked out the new club in Geelong called St James, no guesses on where it is, but it’ll certainly be changing some of your preconceptions on what clubbing is all about. There’s also an interview with Ball Park Music, Alison Wonderland and The Graveltones.
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Otherwise, I’ll see you next issue, or in 265 days at Meredith Music Festival. That’s not too long to wait to see Aunty Meredith again right? Amanda & the Forte Team
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perform, for those dying to get some Ed Sheeran will play Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on March 28, 29 and 30. Maybe you’ll get lucky?
Netflix Is Coming Down Under
No Banjos In Sight Mumford & Sons’ third studio album, Wilder Mind, is on the horizon (May 1) and this time around there’s no banjos in sight. The band have taken a step away from their iconic sound in Sigh No More (2009) and Babel (2012) and instead have adopted a panoramic and minimalistic approach to their writing, recording, texture and dynamics. “It felt completely natural, though,” says Ben Lovett, “like it did when we started out. It was very much a case of, if someone was playing an electric guitar, drums were going to complement that best; and, sonically, it then made sense to add a synth or an organ. We chose instruments that played well off each other, rather than consciously trying to overhaul it.”
A Much Needed Film Great Dane is a film about Dane, a man (named Dane) broken from a recent split from his girlfriend and suffering depression. It’s not a topic we all jump to see but it’s something we definitely
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should, and that’s the topic of male depression. There’s still such a stigma about the condition and that’s one of the main reasons this film is being created. The film is being created by Melbourne based writer, director and photographer James Cunningham, but they
need your help to get over the line. Donate what you feel to their pozible campaign and help stop the stigma of male depression. www.pozible. com/project/193141
Ed Sheeran and Friends For those lucky enough to
get their hands on some tickets to see Ed Sheeran - the 17-date show is completely sold out you’ll be pleased to know that Ed has confirmed buddies Jamie Lawson and Conrad Sewell will be touring alongside him. There may be still chances to see the three musicians
It’s time to say goodbye to the old social life you used to have and welcome the new world of Netflix to your life. That’s right, Netflix is coming to Australia. There will be three different price plans much like the US. Microsoft and Optus have already jumped in with their special deals, and with a few days still left until the launch (March 24) there’s bound to be a hell of a lot more. Time to set that TV up in your room, chances are you won’t be leaving it any time soon.
The Best News From Best Coast There’s a new Best Coast album on the horizon, the bands third to be more exact, and we’re counting the days (43 from publication). All we know is it’s set for release on May 1, called California Nights and 12-tracks of awesome. Singer/ songwriter/guitarist Bethany Cosentino talks of the inspiration behind the album: “If you have ever lived in California, you know what nighttime
here feels like. You know what the sky looks like when those epic sunsets begin, and you understand that feeling and the way things change when the sun finally sets. In LA, or maybe just personally to me, when the sun sets - I feel like there is a large sense of calmness in the air, and I feel like everything that happened to me prior in the day, whether crappy experiences or good ones, at night, it all goes away and I sink deep into this different kind of ‘world.”
Looking For a New Film Adaptation Remember The Fault In Our Stars and the many tears that were shed? Well, while there mightn’t be quite as much crying another of John Green’s novels is about to get the Hollywood treatment. Paramount have enlisted actress and filmmaker Sarah Polley to translate
Looking for Alaska onto the big screen. The story follows Miles, a young boy starting at a boarding school where he meets the beautiful and troubled Alaska Young, who captivates him and most of the other boys at school. Throw in a bit of tragedy and you have yourself a John Green story, it may be worth holding onto that packet of tissues.
Readings & Leeds Line Up It seems the universe is pushing for us Aussies to jump ship overseas and take part in the incredible international festivals this winter. The line up announcements keep pouring in, but we’ve got to say Readings Festival in England has taken our heart a little. Can you blame us when Mumford & Sons, Metallica, Royal Blood, The Libertines, Kendrick Lamar, Limp Bizkit and Deadmau5 are just a few (and we honestly mean that) of the stellar acts that feature on the line up. Maybe it’s time you booked that plane ticket, it’s summer over there after all and in August (28-30), plenty of time.
The Madonna Drought Is Over Hey Madge, we don’t want to sound bitter or anything but it’s been 23 years since your last visit. If we weren’t so thrilled at the recent tour announcement we’d have almost said it was too late. Madonna will tour Australia in support of her new album Rebel Heart, with shows across the country early next year and dates to be confirmed at the end of this month.
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The Ultimate Misunderstanding
Scarjo Makes Music, Apparently At first there was nothing but excitement at the news that Scarlett Johansson paired up with Ester Haim for a sugary pop group called The Singles. They’ve since released a single called ‘Candy’ and the mixed reviews have poured in there was even a cease and desist order put in - but really, we’ll leave the judgement up to you. Have a listen here: soundcloud.com/ federalprismrecs/ candy.
So Help Us Kanye Kanye West clearly likes his secrets. Details of his new album have been released by slow torcherous means, we love you Kanye but we need more! At this stage we know the new album is called So Help Me God and has a triangular like design. Well that image isn’t 100% confirmed, but we’re holding onto what little information we’ve been given. If it’s anything like the sassy, hyped-up album of Yeezus then we’re ready for it! Over to you Kanye.
Known for her songs telling tales on the Australian lifestyle, Courtney Barnett has recently been misinterpreted by American fans for her song ‘Depreston’. The track has a line in particular that states, ‘This place seems depressing / It’s a ‘Californian bungalow in a cul-de-sac’’. There just so happens to be a town called Preston in California and a bunch of Americans feeling a stab to their pride. Regardless, it isn’t about Preston, California, but a little bit closer to home. Aside from the misunderstanding, it’s actually a killer new track.
Joe Camilleri Loves His Record To be honest, Joe loving his records isn’t new information. But his role as ambassador for Record Day Australia is, and as of today it just became common knowledge. He’s led bands such as Jo Jo Zep, The Falcons and The Black Sorrows, with hits like ‘Hit and Run, ‘Hold Onto Me’ and ‘Chained to the Wheel’. We’d make a pretty safe bet that he’s released some pretty great records
into the world as well. The official Record Day is still a little while off, but put April 18 into your diary and wait until then to replenish your music collection.
Leonardo’s Split Personality In a movie called The Crowded Room, based on real-life figure Billy Milligan who used multiple personality disorder as a defense in court, Leonardo will play 24 different roles or “characters”. Two of the known characters Leo is set to play are Ragen, a Yugoslavian communist and Arthur, an uptight Englishman. Surely this is Leo’s chance for an Oscar, come on guys, 24 characters!
Sam Smith Cleans Out Enough with news on the Oscars, the Brit Awards is where it’s at. The annual awards night honours the best and brightest of British and Internations music talent. It mightn’t be the Grammys, but that’s alright by us. This year’s standouts were Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran. Sam taking home Best Breakthrough Act and the Global Success award while Ed scored the Best Album and Best Male Solo Artist.
Andy Bull Stampedes Through Aus Andy Bull is back, but I guess he never left? Dates have been confirmed for his Talk Too Much Tour which will take him around the nation this April/ May. With a list of hit tracks, multiple ARIA award nominations, polling in the Hottest 100 and being named as one of the hit acts of Laneway Festival there’s no reason not to see him, especially as this will be his last national tour before heading back into the studio. Andy Bull will play 170 Russell in Melbourne on April 17, this is one of those times where messing with the Bull is highly recommended. [photo: Dan Boud]
Tkay Welcomes The Mob After bringing her music to Laneway Festival, The Falls Music & Arts Festival and Beat the Drum it seems everyone still can’t get enough of the Adelaide rapper as her Sydney and Melbourne shows have sold out in rapid speed. Luckily, Tkay Maidza is of the caring variety and has added a new show for each of the cities. The new Melbourne date is April 23 at the Northcote Social Club, but you better get them quick. Tkay mightn’t be up for a third.
Lumpin’ Awesome News Oh, my glob. If the rumours are true, word on the street is that Warner Bros are working on making a movie version of Adventure Time. We’ve always thought the 10-minutes or so of the normal shows just aren’t quite enough so we welcome anything in the hour-plus vicinity. It’s rumoured that the
movie will take advantage of voice talents such as Neil Patrick Harris, Andy Samberg and George Takei who have features on the show. The movie will be produced by Chris McKay, who was one of the people responsible for The Lego Movie. Only question is, when will this all come to fruition, will it be any good and where can I get myself a Finn costume for the screening?
Eso Steps Out On His Own After 10 years in the spotlight as one third of hip hop powerhouse Bliss N Eso, Max MacKinnon (aka Eso) is stepping out on his own with his first ever solo material, single ‘Sunny Days’. The track comes 18 months after a decade long heavy drinking habit and the clarity in the track clearly represents his fresh lifestyle. With a laid-back ‘90s West Coast vibe the track really is the beginning of something great, stay tuned for more Eso.
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THE THURSDAY 19TH MARCH BABUSHKA BAR (Ballarat): Marta Pacek & The Jessica Stuart Few BARWON CLUB: This Fiasco, Tempest Rising, Red Bee, Let the Number Be X BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Night from 7:30pm BEAVS BAR: Jessica Stuart & Marta Pacek, Levi Anderson BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc) - Live and Local, $13 Pizza night BRIDGE HOTEL (Castlemaine): Peter and the Wolves EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night EUREKA: Thirsty Thursday with local resident DJ’S KAROVA LOUNGE (Ballarat): Kele LORD OF THE ISLES: Trivia in the courtyard MARTIANS CAFE: $25 International Night including drink MUSICMAN MEGASTORE (Bendigo): Bellusira, Abreact, Born of the Stone, Fields of Reign, Path of Destruction ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: 6pm Jazz n’ Blues PISTOL PETE’S: Close the Gap Benefit THE SPHINX HOTEL: Schnitzel Night from $13 SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: Jamie Pye
FRIDAY 20TH MARCH BABUSHKA BAR (Ballarat): Jessey Jackson BARWON CLUB: The Beards BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Happy Hour 5-7pm, Meat Raffle & Members Draw BEAVS BAR: Luke Biscan BELMONT HOTEL: Matty Orchard BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Happy Hour 5-7pm BLACK HATT: JJ
f o r t n i g h t l y c al e n d ar and the Blue Dogs BRIDGE HOTEL (Castlemaine): Aktion Unit, Hi-God People, Repellant, Pewter Snake Necktie THE CAPITAL (Bendigo): Peace Train: A Tribute to Cat Stevens CITY QUARTER BAR: Friday Unwind from 5pm. With live entertainment and DJ THE EASTERN: Live Music EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Thank Guinness It’s Friday GPAC: Whole Lotta Love: Led Zeppelin Celebration, GCMS Flinders Quartet THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Live band HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with DJs KAROVA LOUNGE (Ballarat): Crossfire Hurricane LAMBYS: Live Band THE LORD NELSON: Happy Hour 5pm-7pm MAX HOTEL: After Five ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music PISTOL PETES: Wilson & White SAINTS & SAILORS (Portarlington): Live Band SHENTON THEATRE: Richard the Third SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: Z Star
SATURDAY 21ST MARCH BABUSHKA BAR (Ballarat): Jemma Nicole, Katie Brianna with Baby Blue BARWON CLUB: Eye of the Enemy BEAVS BAR: Butters BENDED: Hayden James BELMONT HOTEL: Peter Chapman BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live Music and Happy Hour 5-7pm BLACK HATT: Home Grown Jamie & Tony, Flintlock, Red Door, Dipsticks BRIDGE HOTEL (Castlemaine): White Shoes and the Couples Company, Itchy Scabs
THE EASTERN: Live Music EDGE: Live Music and DJ EUREKA: $5 Night, Live DJS GEELONG RSL: Col Elliot THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Live Band HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE: Peace Train: A Tribute to Cat Stevens HI FI BAR: The Beards HOMEHOUSE: Mashdn Kutcher, Travlos, DJ Crunk INVERLEIGH: LEIGHFEST KAROVA LOUNGE (Ballarat): Jade Naidu LAMBYS: Live Band THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Dark Tempo MARTIANS CAFE: Little Buckley Festival MAX HOTEL: This Is For Abbey ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music PALAIS THEATRE (Melbourne): Whole Lotta Love: Led Zeppelin Celebration PISTOL PETES: Dog Gone South POTATO SHED (Drysdale): Pants Down Circus Rock SAINTS & SAILORS (Portarlington): Live Music SHENTON THEATRE: Richard the Third SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: Neil Murray, Rachael Taylor THORNBURY THEATRE (Melbourne): Z Star THE WORKERS CLUB (Geelong): Northeast Party House YARRA VALLEY ROCK BERRY JAM: Where’s Joss? Ross Wilson, Jon Stevens, Black Sorrows, Daryl Braithwaite
SUNDAY 22ND MARCH BIRD ROCK CAFÉ (Jan Juc): Kids Eat Free 3:30-6:30, Steak and Parma Night, Happy Hour 5-6pm CITY QUARTER: Perfect Sunday Sesh Live music and DJ from 4pm EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ
ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live Jazz from 3-6pm and Parmi Night GEELONG RSL: $13 Carvery lunch GROVEDALE HOTEL: Live Band LAMBYS: Live Band ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live music SAINTS & SAILORS (Portarlington): Live Music THE SPHINX HOTEL: Carvery from $17
MONDAY 23RD MARCH BENDED: Steak night ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night GEELONG RSL: Members Draw, over $3000 in prizes to be won! OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Parmi night THE SPHINX HOTEL: Meals for $11
TUESDAY 24TH MARCH BENDED: Parmi night BLACK HATT: Bachata Dance Classes ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night GEELONG RSL: Steak Night $13 OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Parmi night
WEDNESDAY 25TH MARCH BABUSHKA BAR (Ballarat): Karaoke THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm BEAVS BAR: Open Mic, Karaoke BENDED: Second chance & pub quiz BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Shit Trivia Mexican Night ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Trivia Night from 8pm. GEELONG (52 Garden St): No Lights No Lycra GEELONG RSL: Pot and Parmi Night $13 GOLD DIGGERS
ARMS: Spinning Wheel and a lot of Parmi’s from $14.50 OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Roast night PISTOL PETES: Food and Blues SHENTON THEATRE: Richard the Third
THURSDAY 26TH MARCH BARWON CLUB: Z Star BEAVS BAR: Andy Forster BENDED: Odd Mob (Is It A BAnger?) BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc) - Live and Local, $13 Pizza night BRIDGE HOTEL (Castlemaine): Jessica Stuart Few, Marta Pacek EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night EUREKA: Thirsty Thursday with local resident DJ’S GPAC: At Last: The Etta James Story KAROVA LOUNGE (Ballarat): The Rumjacks LORD OF THE ISLES: Trivia in the courtyard MARTIANS CAFE: $25 International Night including drink ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: 6pm Jazz n’ Blues THE OLD BAR (Melbourne): Super Best Friends OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Roast night SHENTON THEATRE: Richard the Third THE SPHINX HOTEL: Schnitzel Night from $13
FRIDAY 27TH MARCH BABUSHKA BAR (Ballarat): Glenn Musto BARWON CLUB: The Rumjacks BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Happy Hour 5-7pm, Meat Raffle & Members Draw BEAVS BAR: 2-Tone BELMONT HOTEL: Zane Carroll BIRD ROCK CAFE
(Jan Juc): Happy Hour 5-7pm BLACK HATT: House Wreckers BRIDGE HOTEL (Castlemaine): Lucie Thorne, Hamish Stuart, Jimmy Dowling CITY QUARTER BAR: Friday Unwind from 5pm. Live with live entertainment and DJ THE EASTERN: Live Music EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Thank Guinness It’s Friday EUREKA HOTEL: Live DJs GATEWAY HOTEL: Catherine Britt THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Live Band HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with DJs LAMBYS: Live band THE LOFT (Warrnambool): The Pigs THE LORD NELSON: Happy Hour 5pm-7pm MAX HOTEL: 3 On the Tree ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music PISTOL PETES: Jarrod Shaw SAINTS & SAILORS (Portarlington): Live Music SHENTON THEATRE: Richard the Third SIMONDS STADIUM: Mighty Cats Festival Season Launch 3-9pm SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: The Disco Rockers
SATURDAY 28TH MARCH BARWON CLUB: Brigitte’s Birthday BEAVS BAR: Corey BELMONT HOTEL: Cam Bryce BENDED: OFF Recording Showcase ft Andre Crom & Jay Lumen BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Live Music and Happy Hour 5-7pm BRIDGE HOTEL (Castlemaine): The Rumjacks THE EASTERN: Live Music EDGE: Live Music and DJ EUREKA: $5
Night, Live DJS GPAC: The 26Storey Treehouse THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Live Band HOMEHOUSE: TWhite, Samual James, Brendan Walker, Deejay Ak LAMBYS: Live band THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Midnight Alibi MAX HOTEL: Frequency ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music PISTOL PETE’S: Tom Dockray Band SAINTS & SAILORS (Portarlington): Live Music SHENTON THEATRE: Richard the Third ST JAMES BAR/ NIGHTCLUB GRAND OPENING: DCUP SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: B3 Breakout
SUNDAY 29TH MARCH BIRD ROCK CAFÉ (Jan Juc): Kids Eat Free 3:30-6:30, Steak and Parma Night, Happy Hour 5-6pm CITY QUARTER: Perfect Sunday Sesh Live music and DJ from 4pm EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live Jazz from 3-6pm and Parmi Night GEELONG RSL: $13 Carvery lunch GROVEDALE HOTEL: Live Band LAMBYS: Live band LORD NELSON: Sunday Funday Live Music MARTIANS CAFE: Tailor Birds ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live music SAINTS & SAILORS (Portarlington): Live Music THE SPHINX HOTEL: Carvery from $17 THE WORKERS CLUB (Geelong): Jake Clemons
MONDAY 30TH MARCH BARWON CLUB: $10 Parmis
BENDED: Steak night CHERRY BAR: Cherry Jam Monday’s ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night GEELONG RSL: Members Draw, over $3000 in prizes to be won! OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Parmi night THE SPHINX HOTEL: Meals for $11
TUESDAY 31ST MARCH BARWON CLUB: Bellusira, Audemia, The Soulenikoes BENDED: Parmi night ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night GEELONG RSL: Steak Night $13 OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs: Parmi night
WEDNESDAY 1ST APRIL BABUSHKA BAR (Ballarat): Karaoke THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm BEAVS BAR: Open Mic, Karaoke BENDED: Second chance & pub quiz BIRD ROCK CAFE (Jan Juc): Shit Trivia Mexican Night ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Trivia Night from 8pm. Have fun win prizes book a table GEELONG (52 Garden St): No Lights No Lycra GEELONG RSL: Pot and Parmi Night $13 GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Spinning Wheel and a lot of Parmi’s from $14.50 THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Richie Langford OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Roast night PISTOL PETES: Food and Blues
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Tony Joe White is a man that needs no introduction. Over the past six decades he has become a legend of the blues guitar, revolutionising the swamp rock sound and influencing a countless number of players along the way. Having grown up on the music of TJW, it was quite a moment to be able to sit down and chat to the man himself as he sat in his hotel room in Sydney on the Monday of the Labour Day weekend. Having arrived in Australia a couple of days prior to having a chat, Tony as you would expect was out and about on the waterfront that morning – which meant that our chat was delayed to a little later in the day. Talking about how good it is to be back in Australia, a sly smile appears on White’s face as we begin to chat.
TONY JOE WHITE FEATURE STORY Written By teX miller
“I’ve walked a couple of miles this morning and watched the fisherman catch some fish and that’s how I have enjoyed the morning man! To be completely honest with you, it’s great to be out here in Australia because we have just come out of some really bad weather back home. It was really cold and there was a lot of ice and snow down in Tennessee and it was right behind us when we caught the plane to come over. So we went from that to now 85°F (29c) and man this is really lucky. We have been in a real cold snap since November so it’s a welcome change to be out here and in some nice weather,” Tony says. Hoodoo, the latest studio album from Tony Joe White, is a groovy blues guitar album. With just guitar bass and drums and a little overdubbing, the sound that is produced by three guys is quite remarkable and very enjoyable to listen to. The main reason to the ease of listening of this record is through the process that White took when recording. In 2015, the majority of recording studios use digital recording techniques with Protools and then send it off to mastering. However, there is a minority that still record reel to reel and use the old school methods to achieve the sound that they are after. Although it may seem like a laborious task and a timely process, the end result is often debated as a much warmer and organic tone. For Hoodoo, the old school method was used as White explains. “The recording was at my studio in Franklin, Tennessee, and is built inside an 1800s house with a lot of wood in it and great acoustics. It’s still the old 16track tape reel to reel and these were some songs that I had been working on for quite a while. I would call my drummer and bass player at any time of the day and night – which was good because I didn’t feel any constraints of people looking over my shoulder all the time. The songs were recorded quite like how I wrote em’. I wrote them sitting by the river with a campfire and everything in the studio was live and raw. I’d only play about 20 or 30 seconds and then hit record and see what happens. It was amazing seeing how they played with just their hearts having never heard the songs before. The songs on Hoodoo are mostly first takes with very little overdubbing.” Having listened back through White’s extensive back catalogue before the interview, it’s easy to hear that he is a truly great songwriter and able to match simplistic yet truthful and intriguing lyrics with bluesy licks and grooves. One of the centrepieces off the new release is ‘The Flood’ which hit Nashville back in 2012. “That was nearly three and a half years ago now. When it hit Nashville, I was playing in Memphis that night in a blues club and we got up the next morning and tried to make our way home, the whole interstate was closed from Memphis to Nashville and usually a three and a half hour trip turned into an 11-hour commute. When we got into Nashville, most of the recording studios were all flooded out. Just like the song says, ‘Drum sets stuck in the mud and guitars floating down the river.’ The ceiling in my studio is 11 feet high and the water was right up to it. It was one foot from leaking into the next floor up, which houses all my guitars. It was a pretty scary experience,” he says. A few weeks ago Tony got up on The Late Show with David Letterman to play his 1969 classic track ‘Polk Salad Annie’ with the Foo Fighters. It’s an epic five minute performance and available to watch on YouTube. The opportunity to perform came through White’s involvement in the Foo Fighters mini series for their latest album Sonic Highways. “Dave (Grohl) had come about five months earlier down to Nashville to film that episode for the series. We did about two days of talking and playing guitar and hanging out and then about four months later he called and asked if I would do the Letterman show with them. Letterman usually sits behind his little desk while the artist is performing but he came over and said it was one of the best he’d seen on the show,” White says. With so many classic tracks such as ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’, ‘Undercover Agent For the Blues’ charting well for White over the years, you may begin to wonder whether the commercial success creeps into the writing process. “You can’t tell if a song is going to be a hit. You’ve just got to feel the song and let it out.” One of the dates on this month long tour of Australia is the Barwon Club on April 2. With support from Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk, Tony can’t wait to play a smaller more intimate venue. “That show will be good I think – I love to play little club shows. It’s a more intimate setting and that’s good with me. I hope to see you at the show man!” I booked my tickets months ago. When&Where: Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne – April 1 & Barwon Club, Geelong – April 2
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Ball Park Music
When & Where: Groovin’ the Moo, Bendigo – May 2
Written by Jessica Alves
If you’re an avid listener of the indie pop-rock genre, Ball Park Music is a band you’re likely all too familiar with. The Brisbane band have come leaps and bounds in their seven years of playing shows and writing music, having developed three albums, self producing their third, and planning to do the same with their fourth – of which they’ve already began writing.
It wasn’t long ago that the band was asked to fill in an empty set at Groovin’ The Moo in 2012 after American hip hop artist Chiddy Bang decided to pull out of performing at the festival last minute. Three years on and they’re now headlining at the festival, having picked up a bunch of tricks along the way. I got to sit down with guitarist Dean Hanson to have a chat about the plans for their set. “I have very fond memories of the first time we played at Groovin’ back in 2012,” Dean tells me. “It’s still one of my favourite tours that we’ve ever been a part of.” It’s not difficult to see the gratitude that the band has collectively, for the experience of playing at the festival and the experience and knowledge it gave them. “It was kind of the first touring festival that we’d ever done as a band and back then we were super green and hadn’t done too much touring or anything,” he says. “We learned so much from that tour from watching other bands. We would stand on the side of the stage and
watch and see all of their musical equipment, and all of their gear, and all the big crew that they had, and we would have never dreamt of ever being able to have any of that stuff.” The good news for fervent Ball Park Music lovers everywhere, the band has made a solid name for themselves in the Australian music industry, being able to say now they they’re living out their dream. It would be fair to say that they can be predicted to remain relevant for some time to come. Their set at the festival is said to take place around sunset at each location, and to run for around 50 minutes. “We’ll be super keen to get on stage and play old songs and new songs. Given that we’ve got about 50
minutes, we should be able to fit it all in,” Dean says, enthusiastic to be performing in Australia after their current tour which is taking place in the US. Through all of their success and growing fan-base, the group have still managed to stay so humble about their fame, and still get excited about playing on big festival stages.
“When we first started playing as a band you play on these tiny little stages and try to cram five people onto this tiny little box. Sometimes when you’re playing in a little venue, you might be a metre away from one of your band members and then you’re on a festival stage all of the sudden and your nearest band member is like 10 meters away from you, and you’re like, ‘What the hell?!’”
The band will be playing all six shows at Groovin’ The Moo, a festival in itself that is not one to be missed, with a band whose talents are so evident on their records, but really come to light in the flesh.
Alison Wonderland Written by Amanda Sherring
Things are about to get real for the Sydney based DJ and producer. Her album is due out in a day and she’s certainly feeling it. “I’m excited but I’m really nervous,” she adds with a quick grimace. “I dunno, it’s an album, it’s my album!”
And it certainly is, as it’s something she’s laboured and loved over for a long time, especially in the lead up to it’s completion. “I was up for 48 hours finishing mixing my record, and when I say up for 48 hours I didn’t have any sleep, but I had way too many coffees and the only thing I ate was chocolate chip cookies. It got to about 11pm and I realised that I’d finished it. I was in a room by myself and I had a bit of a cry,” she adds with a laugh. “I went out that night and it was really crazy. I ended up playing a show that night and one of the decks cut out while I was playing so the music just stopped. I got on the mic to everyone and said, ‘Sorry, I feel really socially weird tonight I haven’t slept in two days and I just finished my record. Can someone give me a hug?’ Then all of a sudden like 80 people came on stage and we were all hugging. The music came back on and I started playing again and it was just the most amazing experience, it was crazy.” While the moment may have been a rare experience, the general friendly vibe of Alison Wonderland’s gigs are a firm reality, and something that she enjoys watch
unfold at each and every show. “I feel like at my shows it has become more of a community thing, and it makes me really really happy,” Alison says. “At my warehouse tour that I did last year a lot of people connected when we were there and were writing under my Instagram pictures or on Facebook that they’d met each other there. They were there for the music and just to have a good time, and I don’t want anyone to be there because they feel they have to be there, they should be there because it makes them happy. The only reason I want people at my shows is because of that.” The ethos that Alison runs by has also led her to a rather unusual entry to her album launch gigs. To attend one of the events
Release: Run is available March 20 from all good retailers
fans need only to buy her new album, Run, and get to the doors first – as the gig will be an intimate setting there are only a set amount of spots. While she may be nervous about the album, it’s simply because she cares so much about it, and creating it with friends only doubled those feelings. Whether
The Pretty Littles
you get into the launch gig or not, be sure that Alison will keep creating music and there’ll be plenty more unusual chances to see her again. “I’m not doing it to impress anyone. I’m doing it because it’s the one thing that I really connect with while I’m doing it and what I really love doing. When
I perform it’s equally important for me as it is for the audience so I just try to be super real about it,” she says.
When & Where: The Gasometer, Melbourne – April 2
Written by Amanda Sherring
While there are musicians and bands in this world with one goal in sight: to get famous, and with management pushing for the goal to be achieved it can be quite hard to maintain a level head in the industry. Though if there’s a band that’s making music for the pure joy of it, The Pretty Littles are they.
“We’ve kind of just kept going on the same kind of path and not overly pushing but just playing gigs because it’s fun,” drummer Will says. Even the competition between fellow bands in similar genres isn’t there, and instead when they find something they love the band often shares it on social media. “It’s kind of this weird thing but there’s so much ego in bands when you’re playing around, which is just unnecessarily there. So it’s good when you meet a band that actually likes your music,” he says. “When they’re friendly people you just want to promote them and share their stuff around. We just like telling people if our friends are doing a new film clip or have a new album. We’re stoked for them so we want to tell everyone about it.” Sharing the love is clearly working for the four-piece as at each launch gig to date they’ve played to a full crowd. “When you set up a launch gig you’re sort of wondering if anyone is going to come or if your friends still care that you’re still in a band. So you never really know if people are going to come and fill it up. But 24 forte
each launch we’ve played has been so good because it’s just full of people,” Will says. With one coming up at the Gasometer for new track ‘Man Baby’ – which is a “full tilt pop” song featuring the likes of DixPix on guest vocals – we’re sure the tradition will follow on. One thing’s for sure is that no matter how the band are feeling on the day, they’ll put on a great show and get you sweaty and looking like shit – like only the best gigs do to you. “At our last launch which was at the Tote Jack was really sick. He had an upset stomach and wasn’t really feeling well and everyone was crowd surfing and getting really sweaty and he was just getting sicker and sicker through the gig,” he says.
“All of a sudden he just walked off the stage and had a massive spew all over his guitar cases. No one could see it because he was off the side, but I was just sitting there still playing along and I just looked at him and he was pale and shaking his head at me, and I thought, ‘What are we going to do?’”
“He got back on and ended up finishing. I think because there was so much energy in the gig he got through on adrenaline but afterwards he was just completely spent.” If that’s a not a sign for dedication to your craft then I don’t know what is. Make sure you head down
to their next gig for a chance to see one of the most honest bands going around tear you a new one.
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Bendigo Record, Comic and Toy Fair Following its successful debut last year, the Bendigo Record, Comic and Toy Fair has returned bigger and better with a couple of dates in 2015 – the first being this Sunday, March 22. Held at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre (Prince of Wales Showgrounds), the event is a popculture paradise for collectors. Forte was lucky enough to have a chat with creator Peter Pascoe recently, which hopefully you checked out. One of the things he is particularly pumped about is the Melbourne Graphic Novel panel, which has expanded this year. The fullsize TARDIS will also make a return, and they’ll be plenty of Japanese vinyl to pick through as well. Hit facebook.com/ BendigoRCandTFair for a sneak peek.
The Weekend Arrives In 2010, a bunch of dudes broke free from their rut to form Northeast Party House. Combining the exhilaration of dance music with pop hooks and rock backbone, the band struck gold with their track ‘Dusk’. Since then, fans have been hoping for something with a little more bulk. Produced by band members Sean Kenihan and Malcolm Besley (who has also put his touch on releases by Snakadaktal and The Holidays), Any Given Weekend is their debut – a release which aimed to capture the thrill of their live show. The album is an ode to partying – the good, the bad and the ugly. We’ve all been there before – even YOU! The Workers Club, Geelong – March 21.
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The Ultimate Guitar-off
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Is there really anything better than seeing two guitar legends do their thang? Well, there is, simply make it a showdown between the two talented musicians and you have yourselves a perfect gig. Who are these two guitarists I hear you asking? The one and only Jimi Hocking and Geoff Achison, two of Melbourne’s most successful musicians. Jimi played lead guitar for The Screaming Jets and received best male artist at the Vic/Tas Blues Awards in 2008. Geoff won the same award but in 2012 as well as numerous others. They’ll both be playing your favourite rockin’ blues and oz guitar classics and if that isn’t enough – surely it should be – Chris Wilson will make a special appearance. This gig is a one off and who knows if they’ll both come out of it alive. Just to be safe make sure you head down to the Barwon Heads Hotel on April 2 for your chance to see them work their magic. Whose side are you on?
Two is all it takes for the terrific sounds of Microwave Jenny. Describing their music as “pop/folk/love”, this duo just happens to be the husband and wife team of Tessa and Brendon Boney. Ah yes, this is a tale of love and music. It is a tale of a gal from Woy Woy and a fella from Wagga Wagga, both of whom travelled to Sydney for gigs. It was backstage at one of Tessa’s where the pair met. Music swelled, eyes sparkled, hearts pounded, and their story took shape. Music was written and gigs were played, including a cool little tour where they played in 20 nominated houses in six states. Halfway through this adventure they married. Some say love, it is a river… Babushka Bar, Ballarat – April 16.
Deans Marsh Festival This Sunday, March 22, the Deans Marsh Festival will once again celebrate the rich and diverse hinterland community of artists, craftspeople, local producers and musicians. At the time of writing the festival was still putting the final touches in place, but we do know there will be plenty of activities, including storytelling, bush poetry, snake handling, frog displays, working dogs and horses, the famous dog high jump, Jack Russell races, market stalls, pioneer games, great food and live music. The festival takes place across the Deans Marsh Oval, Community House and Community Hall. Further information is available through deansmarshfestival.com. au. The Deans Marsh Festival is in its 19th year.
The Fangs Are Out Please make feel welcome Portland’s Red Fang, who will be touching down in Australia shortly for their first headline tour. While the heavy-hitting band did take in Soundwave in 2013, this tour casts the spotlight firmly on them. The band released their latest (and third) album, Whales and Leeches, in 2013. Metal Injection: “Red Fang forged their sound into the new stoner rock benchmark, and will be regarded as their best full album to date. Kick back with a PBR and enjoy.” The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 9. Please note that the first 100 payers at each show will receive a free limited edition tour poster, which you will be able to collect from the merchandise table. 26 forte
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Perfect Alibi If there is one thing worth preaching about, it’s rock and roll. And Midnight Alibi preaches it as good as anyone. To them, rock and roll ain’t what it used to be – but that is something they want to change. They’re down’n’dirty rock’n’rollers, who’ll play anywhere, anytime. Formed in 2012, the band released their first EP, Tease, within a few months. A year later, they released their debut full-length, Dead, Broke and Rockin’. Their latest release is Preach It, which you can pick up for a cool $10 through their website. The four-piece released the EP towards the end of last year, at the only venue that could host such rock – Melbourne’s Cherry Bar. The Loft, Warrnambool – March 28.
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Simply Divine With their blend of thick, driving rhythms, atmospheric layers, intricate solos and powerful, emotive vocals, Divine Ascension has struck a loud chord with metal fans. Part of the band’s appeal is frontwoman Jennifer Borg, whose voice once heard is not easily forgotten. They formed out of Melbourne in 2007 after guitarist Robb Inglis placed an ad in melband. Drummer Luke Wenczel was first to spot the ad, and the others were soon to follow. Divine Ascension was chosen as they name – it was the only one everyone agreed upon. The band has released two albums in 2011’s As the Truth Appears and 2014’s Liberator. Metal Obsession’s Jonathon Besanko had this to say about their latest work: “There is so much happening on this record, but none of it ever feels bloated or lost. The richness of content on Liberator is its strength, not its burden. Whether it’s in the consistently impressive vocal showing of Jennifer Borg, the emotionally impacting keys of David Van Pelt, the symphonious overtures, or the gorgeously melodic solos and guitar work, Liberator is a feat of imagination and musical ingenuity. An album worthy of every piece of praise it’s given.” Music Man, Bendigo – May 15 & The Barwon, Geelong – May 30.
One Man Party Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke lands in ‘In the Loop’ territory tonight, with a date at The Karova in Ballarat. The tour supports his second album, Trick, released towards the end of last year. Recorded in London and New York, the album, the follow-up to 2010’s The Boxer, saw Kele dive headfirst into electronic music, scoring a good chunk of warm press in the process. Speaking with online pop culture magazine PopMatters, Kele said: “Making this record gave me more confidence to sing in a lower register. With Bloc Party’s music being so high energy and high strung, my vocals reflected that, so singing in a lower register or a gentler, more masculine tone was something I’d not really done so much.”
Australia, Meet Canada Autumn is alive with the sounds of “modern day gypsy” Marta Pacek and the “amazing charming” Jessica Stuart Few, who have teamed up for a string of dates. Marta grew up on the outskirts of Canberra and began her career writing and recording with Mark Seymour. Last year saw the release of her third full-length release, Voodoo Dolls & False Alarms. The Jessica Stuart Few is a mixture of Joni Mitchell-esque lyrics with heavy grooves on Japanese Koto (13-stringed harp), guitar, bass and drum, fused together for an eclectic indiefolk sound. This will be their debut Australian tour. Beav’s Bar, Geelong – March 19; Music Man, Bendigo – March 25; and The Bridge, Castlemaine – March 26.
Just a Little Folky The Bendigo Folk Club has a couple of international lovelies coming up you may wish to turn your attention to – or affection to if that is your thing. The Whitetop Mountaineers are set to perform on April 10. The duo is the old-time country baby of Martha Spencer and Jackson Cunningham. They’ve become quite the favourites here, having toured Australia on four previous occasions. Jackson handles the guitar, mandolin and claw hammer banjo; Martha handles fiddle, guitar and banjo. There is even a little high energy Appalachian dancing thrown in. The Whitetop Mountaineers released their latest album, Fees Ridge, in January. The Bombadils hail from Canada, and they have a date with the venue on May 1. Coming together through a shared curiousity of Celtic and bluegrass traditions, the quartet has been described as “cinematic folk” and “chamber folk” by those closest to them. The quartet released their debut, Fill Your Boots!, in 2012. Their new release is Wandering Feet. * In last-minute news, the UK’s Chris While and Julie Matthews perform tonight, March 19. One of England’s most successful contemporary folk and acoustic musical partnerships, the duo has released seven albums as a duo. Their latest is Who We Are. [photo by Susan Roark]
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Finding the Right Tempo Are you familiar with Dark Tempo? Well, have a seat and let me buy you a beer. Dark Tempo is a small Warrnamboolbased event organiser dedicated to delivering a wide range of dance music. While you will often find a headliner, Dark Tempo also encourages and supports local talent through their fresh and exciting dance parties, one of which will hit The Loft, Warrnambool this Saturday night, March 21. In a show dubbed Psychedelic Fantasies, Dark Tempo will welcome Sensualise, Vthekid, Trippy Technology, Scott Parsons, Mi5, NoRBit, Formationz and FAr-Q. You can check in on the Dark Tempo crew through facebook. com/darktempo1.
Who Ya Gonna Call? No doubt you’ve all heard the expression ‘it’s the journey, not the destination’. I mean, out of all the street press readers out there, you are by far the smartest. For former Bellevue frontman Jimmy Kyle, who now works under Chasing Ghosts, this is indeed true. For many years Kyle had a musical home in hardcore. In 2010, however, a new chapter was started – Chasing Ghosts. In 2011 he welcomed his new direction with his debut solo album, Confessions from a Phone Booth. Produced by Andy Beck, the album featured appearances from Bill Chambers, ARIA Hall of Famer Robbie Suitor and Tyron Ross of Mourning Tide. The Karova, Ballarat – March 28.
Bendigo Queer Film Festival It’s festival number 12 for the Bendigo Queer Film Festival. Founded in 2004 by Chris Walters in collaboration with the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, the BQFF provides cultural and artistic opportunities
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to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people living in Central Victoria and is recognised as a significant event by the LGBTIQ community. Opening night is Friday, April 17. Taking place at Eaglehawk’s Star Cinema, it’s all about the 1970s. Dress in your best ’70s threads and enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival. Screening will be the German film I Feel Like Disco. April 17-19. Christine Nixon is 2015’s guest patron. Hit the website for more info.
Bring Home the Bacon Slow-dance country music is one way Pork Chop Party has been described; horny suicidal music is another. And Anto Macaroni and Pinky Blue are the ragged souls behind it all. Early last year the pair released their debut 7˝ The Suicidal Sounds of Pork Chop Party, a release that came with the unofficial warning: This album contains lethargic genius which may offend some people. They followed it up soon thereafter with Illuminations for Jumpers, Pokers and Chokers. The Castlemaine duo has made local venue The Bridge their home throughout the month of March, gracing the stage for five super Sunday shows. Get in on it before their time runs out.
Slam Dunk Punk It is gonna be an extra Good Friday at Ballarat’s Eastern on April 3 when their Garage-Punk Blowout serves up some of Ballarat and Geelong’s finest. The Living Eyes are going to be there. If you don’t already love them, you will after this gig. The Geelong quartet, who recently signed with Flightless, will use the opportunity to launch their second album, Living Large. Rick Moranis Overdrive will be there. The party-starting punksters had a little
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slumber following the release of 2011’s Honey, I Ate the Kids but they’re back in action and ready to go. Lime Lagoons will be there. They’re a bratty, jangly garage rock outfit that will steal your beer and shoot you a cheeky smile as they do it.
Mind in the Guttermouth Tickets remain for Guttermouth’s show at Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on April 5. You see, they’re trying to make amends. Back in 2013 the band toured Australia for what was supposed to be the final time. Things did not go swimmingly. A show at Ferntree Gully Hotel received a good share of negative feedback with reports indicating that many in attendance left less than 30 minutes into the band’s set. Things only went downhill from there. Frontman Mark Adkins has since stated he has his “shit together” and is bringing the band back for a shot at redemption. You gotta give credit where credit is due. Tickets are available through The Drunk Promoter.
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Wham Bam, Thank You Ma’am Bam Margera is heading to town with his band Fuckface Unstoppable. You may remember they made a mission out this way in 2013, apparently having such a good time they have promised to get “balls deep” in Australia once again. Perhaps not all that surprising, Bam got in a spot of trouble. Here is how he related his police run-in to Time Off ’s Ben Doyle: “Basically, I found out that a year ago at Soundwave, I was at that very same hotel and I decided to do a few paintings in my room and I spilled a little bit of paint, and they decided to charge me $5000. So I paid the bill, and when I checked into the same hotel a year later, which was last night, I wasn’t too fond of that … Oh, I asked for an adaptor and the guy wouldn’t bring me up one, so then I walked downstairs and he wasn’t doing anything really, expect for making faxes. I was like, ‘You’re making faxes to people that aren’t even here; you should care more about your customers at your hotel’. And the next thing you know the police show up and now I’m not allowed back there, but all my stuff is there so I don’t know how that’s going to work … I’ll just stay at some random houses as far as I’m concerned.” The Barwon, Geelong – May 14.
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Dirty Bluegrass Swine Have you ever caught yourself thinking, ‘I love John Farnham’s You’re the Voice, but it could do with a wild yodelling makeover’? Have you ever caught yourself thinking, ‘I love Olivia NewtonJohn’s Physical, but it’s just not unnaturally desperate enough’? Have you ever caught yourself thinking, ‘I Love INXS’s Devil Inside, but it could do with a whole lot more devil inside it’? The answer to all of these questions is, of course, yes. It all sounds pretty cool indeed, and that is exactly what you are getting on The Pigs’ Home Brew: 13 Aussie Classics, the new release from the bluegrass darlings. You may even hear some of these newies when The Pigs hits The Loft, Warrnambool on March 27.
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The Untouchable British India British India will welcome Nothing Touches Me at Geelong’s Worker’s Club on May 30. The gig is one of 18 dates, the final of the run, in celebration of the band’s fifth album which dropped only a matter of days ago. Formed out of Melbourne in 2004, the band released their debut album, Guillotine, in 2007. The album won the Australian Independent Record (AIR) Award for Best New International Artist, while leading to appearances at all the major Australian festivals, including the Big Day Out, Splendour in the Grass, Golden Plains and Homebake. As for their new release, the album was written in Melbourne throughout 2014, with recording taking place between Berlin and their hometown. According to press, the album captures the essence of the band’s earliest singles while also pushing forwards to new sounds. Frontman Declan Melia: “We’re looking forward to releasing and touring our new album. We like taking bands on the road who challenge us to step up, which is why we’re taking Grenadiers and Tired Lion, they’re both blistering live bands. Unbroken Expanse are buddies of ours from NT, a real force to behold and the ultimate party band. It’s going to be a great tour!”
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What’s Your Friend Status? Often the best thing about a new album, aside from the release itself, is the tour that follows. And thankfully, with their new release Status Updates our mates the Super Best Friends are heading around Oz for a pretty incredible tour. They’re set to hit the Karova Lounge on April 15, the Black Swan Hotel on April 16 and a Melbourne show at the Reverance Front Bar on April 18. What’s better yet is they’ve got a pretty sick beanie to support the release and a pug shirt that comes with pre-ordered vinyl albums, so deck yourself out in gear and get to one of these gigs, pronto! We’re sure it will be status update worthy as well, so you’re social media acount will thank us for it too.
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With a style reminiscent of Gillian Welch, Sarah Jarosz and Lucinda Williams, Americana songstress Jemma Nicole made her first musical steps as part of the duo Pretty Radio. After six months of performing, the duo made it to the Top 100 of 2011’s X Factor auditions. It proved to be a golden year, with Jemma going on to place second in ‘Songwriting’ at the South Australian Country Music Festival. In 2013, she made it to the semi-finals of the International Songwriting Competition. Soon it came time for Jemma and her musical partner to go their separate ways, allowing the singer-songwriter to release her debut EP, Kill Your Ghost. A full-length is expected in 2015. Babushka Bar, Ballarat – March 21.
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Los Chicos, Party Time
Darkc3ll Out to Destroy
Finding the Right Tone
Oh what a night you have in store at Geelong’s Barwon Club on April 5, my friends. Los Chicos will be the king on the throne on a night which will also welcome Spencer P. Jones & the Escape Committee, Powerline Sneakers, Midnight Woolf, The Kremlings, Macondo Blowout, The Dipsticks, Wet Lips and Gonzo. The five-piece country-punkrock-soul-gospel machine known as Los Chicos has been going strong for more than a decade, with their latest release being 2013’s In the Age of Stupidity. For those groovin’ on down to Boogie #9, you’ll be able to catch them there as well. This will be their third visit to our shores, a trip which will also see them get to work on a new album. Pretty cool, hey?!
While comparisons to KISS have been made – even their followers are dubbed ‘Army of Darkness’ – industrial rockers Darkc3ll are their own breed of animal. The band was part of the 2014 Soundwave lineup, an opportunity that has paid off big time for the band. They’ve also clocked up 10k hits on Facebook. “Never did we image our page would reach a milestone like this. We just set out to make good music and share it with friends. You guys have helped the dark machine become so much more. The energy, enthusiasm and support ya’ll give back is so amazing and we cannot thank you enough,” was their response. Their new release, Devolve Destroy, drops April 1. The Barwon, Geelong – April 25.
Have you heard the one about two Aussies forming a band in London? Jimmy O (guitar and vocals) and Mikey Sorbello (drums) met in the famous Tin Pan Alley. Three days later they played their first gig at the 100 Club. Their self-titled debut was recorded not too long after. Going by the name of The Graveltones, the two-piece is all about heavy blues rock and roll. As well as their selftitled release, a second EP, Limited Collection, was released in 2013 – a year which also saw them receive a nomination for the ‘Best New Band’ award at the Classic Rock Awards. Now they’re gearing up for the release of their debut full-length album, Don’t Wait Down. Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet – April 4.
Hey Now, You’re an Allstar
On the Americana Highway
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360 Allstars has been described as a radical urban circus, a place where two world champion breakdancers, a basketball freestyler, a Roue Cyr artist and live music comes together. The production features celebrated international artists from UK, Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Australia and NZ in a theatrical performance that explores all forms of rotations. The first thing you should do is hit up YouTube to get a better idea of what 360 Allstars is all about. The second thing you should do is make a date. Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – April 28; Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – April 30; and Eastbank Centre, Shepparton – May 2. More can be found through onyxproductions.com.
Peep Show The year is coming along nicely for Melbourne rockers The Peep Tempel. Their second album, Tales, was shortlisted for the tenth annual Coopers AMP (which was taken out by Remi, for those who missed it), while their calendar has a couple of festival dates and a healthy chunk of smaller shows marked down. Speaking with The Sydney Morning Herald last year about his second time around, frontman Blake Scott said: “The actual music, and enjoying it and feeling comfortable with what I’m doing is important, and I had the realisation that if I wasn’t enjoying making music then there’s no point doing it. So this has reinvigorated me.” Eastern Station, Ballarat – June 6.
Jammin’ with Phil Wiggins Widely regarded as America’s foremost harmonica virtuoso, Phil Wiggins is on his way to the Piping Hot Chicken Shop for what is sure to be a major highlight of the venue’s time. Phil was born in Washington, D.C., after his parents had moved from Titusville, Alabama in 1941. However, Titusville would remain a major part of Wiggins’ life. Many childhood summers would be spent there, while it also proved to be a major reason for developing his strong connection with the blues. Perhaps no musical relationship was greater than that he shared with the late John Cephas, a 30-year partnership where they became America’s
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premier blues duo. The Piping Hot Chicken Shop, Ocean Grove – March 28.
Eddie Boyd & His Boys Eddie Boyd & the Phatapillars have been described as a lot of things, but the thing that tends to follow them around is “dirty”. Not in a cleanliness way, as more hygienic men you’re not likely to find, but in terms of their music – “dirty John Butler”, “dirty Jack Johnson” etc. The Blues Mountain-bred trio took out the Bluesfest Busking competition last year. They have performed at festivals including Sydney Blues Festival and Corrimal Blues Stomp, while sharing bills with the likes of Wolf Mail, Chase the Sun, Claude Hay, Marshall Okell, Lloyd Spiegel and The Rumours. On April 1 the band will release A Lover and a Fool. The Loft, Warrnambool – April 25. Alex Bowen supports.
Welcome Home, Dustin Tebbutt For two years singersongwriter Dustin Tebbutt called Sweden home. There he lived and worked, wrote and recorded, sculpting what would become The Breach. In an interview with The AU Review last year, Tebbutt said of his move: “I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with winter and with the Northern Hemisphere. I think it’s something that’s innately part of our culture. A lot of fairytales and movies, and when you’re a kid references from that point of view, and even as an adult, there’re so many cultural influences.” The Breach was received very warmly here, thanks in large part to its titular track
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and ‘Bones’. The Karova, Ballarat – March 27. This will be his first headlining show in these parts.
including one at The Bridge in Castlemaine on May 8.
The End of the Road
Hard rock/prog/metal trio Red Bee has made a lot of fans since the release of their debut EP in 2008. This was helped in no small part by the release of 2012’s debut full-length release Ictus. Fans are no doubt on to it already, but for those curious the band has just delivered the twotrack release Chokehold. From the presser: “Bearing their trademark slabs of riffage, insane polyrhythms and an all-powerful spine of rhythm, Red Bee have opted for a more organic and expansive sound for both tracks. Diverse and unforgiving, Chokehold snarls and roars at every turn with surprising light and shade in its structure.” Music Man, Bendigo – March 20.
In pretty crummy news, Inca Roads has been forced to cancel its 2015 event due to insufficient interest and membership sales. Cofounder and Director Daniel Camilleri: “This is extremely saddening for our team, you the bands, the people who have supported Inca and made it their favourite little festival. Ultimately we do this for the love of it, as volunteers, solely to provide an incredible weekend of Australian and Melbourne music for those people that care.” The boutique festival, which limits ticket sales to just 650, was supposed to take place in the Greater Ballarat Region from March 20 through March 22. Refunds should have been issued to those who purchased tickets.
Hugh Round of Applause In 2006, singer-songwriter Thomas Hugh was invited to tour Australia. The Texan liked what he saw, so he did what any rational person would do – he moved here permanently. Fusing new-folk and indie pop, Hugh’s latest release is Sum =. The release has a heart in both Melbourne and Austin. Hugh: “I’ve been away from Austin for a few years now but the first thing I do when I get there is hit a cool blues bar like the Continental Club and drink beer made in Texas. There’s nothing quite like it, but Melbourne is a great city with its own character. Of course, the traffic is just as bad.” Thomas has a few shows coming up,
Red Alert
I Can Give You More The Bridge, Castlemaine hosts Aktion Unit, Hi God People and Pewter Snake Necklace on March 20, Lucie Thorne (with Hamish Stuart) on March 27 and The Rumjacks on March 28. Geelong’s Barwon Club has Goatwhore and Psycroptic on March 20, Eye of the Enemy on March 21, The Rumjacks on March 27 and Tony Joe White on April 2. Jake Clemons will be at The Workers Club in Geelong on March 29. Catherine Britt checks in on Gateway Hotel, Corio on March 27. The Eastern in Ballarat welcomes Fraudband on March 21 and Dave Graney on March 27, while Ballarat’s Karova Lounge welcomes Jade Naidu on March 21. Sophia Kinston pulls up a seat at Martians Café, Deans Marsh on March 28.
Marta Pacek Written by Amanda Sherring
“All it is booking a flight and making the decision to go – that’s as simple as it is. I think it was exciting because I was running away from, I don’t even know what I was running away from really, I guess running away from comfort,” Marta says.
What started with the move from the outer suburbs of Canberra to the bustle of Melbourne, Marta soon escalated things with relocating to Toronto, Canada and New York for three years respectively. Though there was an initial push from Mark Seymour’s management for the young songstress to originally move to Canada – a very minor push mind you. “I never ever dreamed I’d get the opportunity to leave Australia actually. I got that opportunity to move to Canada from Mark because his management in Canada liked my music. So it’s really Mark’s fault that I went to Canada in the first place,” she adds with a laugh. “But I just got there and I loved being in a foreign country and being special because I had an accent – it was just so exciting being different. I dunno, I kind of fell in love with that and got addicted to that special treatment.” Almost seven years since her first distancing from home and Marta couldn’t be happier to be back in Melbourne, a place where her creative talents flourished early in her career. However, like every good traveller Marta has brought something back from her time overseas in the form of 28 forte
friendship with fellow musician Jessica Stuart. The friendship was a bit slow to start but now the musicians couldn’t be closer, in fact, Jessica will be sleeping in Marta’s bed when she heads to Melbourne to start their tour together. “We met through the folk scene in Canada and we just knew the same people but we’d never actually hung out until she toured here. When she toured here it was a really nice surprise as we got along so well. We both had this intellectual love affair and we were both like, I can’t believe we turned out to be friends because we had been in the same scene in Canada for so long but never hung out,” Marta says. With such a strong connection the tour was a no-brainer for the two, and factoring in Jessica’s unusual
signature instrument of the 13 string Japanese floor harp, something that Marta admires from afar. “I wouldn’t dare touch it! I’d be too terrified to touch it as that instrument is just a work of art. It looks beautiful, it sounds beautiful and it’s one of the most unique sounds in the world,” she says. “And when she plays it in a contemporary context it’s just like wow. She’s unique as there are not many artists I know that play a centuries old instrument in a contemporary context. Of course she also has a strong connection with the instrument having spent a long time in Japan as a child and her mum passing on that instrument that’s like a real family heirloom.” Aside from a strong friendship with a like-minded musician, Marta also gained some insight into the industry and what it really takes to stick around. “You just have to work hard at what you do and believe in yourself. You’ll find your people and your music will find it’s home. If you’re writing from a place of truth it’ll have integrity and people will relate to it,” Marta says. Marta Pacek and The Jessica Stuart Few play Beav’s Bar tonight, with things kicking off around 8pm.
When & Where: Beav’s Bar, Geelong – March 19 The Retreat Hotel, Brunswick – March 23 The Music Man, Bendigo – March 25 The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine – March 26
Revolution
L I V E M U S IC Imogen Brough 2014 has been inspiring for Imogen, with the release of her debut single ‘Heart’ and ‘Love Is Like A Match’. Both of these exciting new tracks got into the Top 100 on the iTunes pop charts within hours of being available. The video clip to ‘Heart’ was filmed up in a mystical forest in Hillsville and helps capture the pure beautiful and passion the song is about. At home on stage, Imogen and has been playing extensively all around Melbourne and Geelong. She has recently supported the likes of Lisa Mitchell, Michael Paynter, Brian Kennedy and Daryl Braithwaite. In June 2014 Imogen collaborated with the wonderful Damien Leith, writing music together. Her song ‘Heart’ was picked up as the theme music for the new Vidal Sassoon online add in America as well. Imogen will soon release her second EP, with the help of her Pozible Campaign! Due to be released in early April 2015.
ROCK OFF MND What better way to Rock Off a wretched disease than organize a concert with great live music and donate all funds to much-needed research to find a cure? At the age of 53 local Geelong health worker Jenny Simko was fit, enjoying life, happily married for 30 years and a proud mother of 3 wonderful children. On the 7th of August 2014 Jen was given devastating news that would change her life forever. After ten months of medical tests Jen was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which the
nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow undergo degeneration and die. Jen has been a registered nurse for over 30 years having dedicated her life to helping people, and never expected to be needing care at this stage of her life. It’s hard for those close to her to reconcile why this has happened to someone like Jen, however MND does not discriminate. It is a
cruel disease that kills over 100,000 people globally each year. Rock Off MND is an event inspired by Jen, and together with her family and friends are determined to raise as much money as possible with all funds raised being donated to vital MND research. The night is a celebration with great live music from Imogen Brough, Revolution and local Geelong party band Madhouse who have all kindly donated their time
to support Jen. The fully licensed event is being held within Deakin University’s Waterfront Courtyard on Saturday 28th. Tickets are $50 and a few local businesses including this publication, have offered their support. Please join Jen for a fantastic night of entertainment or donate generously in support of this great cause. Visit www. rockoffmnd.com.au for more information and all March ticketing.
Revolution
Imogen Brough
Revolution are a five piece band formed in Geelong in the twilight of 2012. Last year was a breakout year for the boys having recently won
the Barwon South West Regional final of the ‘Freeza / Push Start Battle of the Bands’ and the Emerging Artists award as part of ‘Foot in the Door’ at the Queenscliff Music Festival. Mixing crafty song writing with crisp vocals and tight, beat driven riffs, their indie style perfectly demonstrates the bands unique sound. Revolution released their first EP in September 2014 which features four original tracks perfected on stage and in the studios and with songs spanning genres from indie rap to festival anthems, the guys are looking forward to rocking out at Rock Off MND.
Madhouse Madhouse is a brass driven party band that’s been going strong now for over 18 years with a range of sounds from R&B, to early 80’s U.K. influenced music. Added to that, their set includes a wide repertoire of old and new Top 40 disco/dance music that picks up elements of rock for capping off any night of partying. Renowned for their entertaining and energetic live shows, be prepared for a serious work-out on the dance floor (more like a ‘pump class’ at your local gym!) as the Madhouse boys love to party and are looking forward to giving you a dose of Madhouse mayhem
At Last: The Etta James Story with Vika Bull Written by Natalie Rogers, Photo by Lightbox Photography
Vika Bull has enjoyed an extraordinary career. Although she is probably best known for creating unforgettable harmonies alongside her sister Linda as part of The Black Sorrows, she has been making waves in the Australian music industry for almost 30 years. “I’ve been very lucky in my life – we’ve done some amazing things,” she smiles. Together Vika and Linda have worked with just about every Australian musician worth their salt and toured with countless international artists. She was invited to perform for Nelson Mandela and for the King of Tonga’s 75th birthday. Over the years Vika and Linda have set the benchmark for professionalism and raised the bar for ‘backing singers’ everywhere. Add to that, recording with Iggy Pop and performing inside the bullring at Pamplona, and you could be fooled into thinking that absolutely nothing could faze this incredible lady – that is until she was
asked to portray her idol in At Last: The Etta James Story. “At first I thought, ‘OK, how am I going to do this!?’” Vika says candidly. “She’s one of my favourite singers to begin with, and now she’s definitely number one. She has influenced so many people with the sheer power of her voice. The way she sang, that’s how she expressed herself, so for me the idea of telling her story was kind of scary!” she laughs refreshingly. Vika is the lead narrator of the story that chronicles the life of the iconic wife, mother and soul singer born Jamesetta Hawkins, in the wake of the Great
“ This show is an emotional ride, especially when you see people out in the audience crying but people cry for different reasons both happy and sad.”
Depression in 1938. Etta James, as she became known after being taken under the wing of Johnny Otis in the early ‘50s, endured a long and successful career but was tragically plagued with ever-growing addiction problems. “She had such a different life to me. Very interesting and fascinating – but a pretty hard life too. We start from birth and go right through until she passed away three years ago. When you listen to all her material you can hear how her voice has developed and changed over time and you can hear her life experience in her voice when she’s singing. She was very real and honest and that’s what I like about her.” Vika will be joined by some of Australia’s consummate musicians: “John McAll - he’s our musical director and he plays piano in the show. Dionn Hirini plays guitar and we do a duet together because Etta did a few duets.
Anton Delecca is on saxophone and Davey Porter on the drums – he plays in another band called Electric Mary. Ben Gillespie plays the trombone and also duets with me, and Chris Bekker plays bass. They’re all fantastic, amazing musicians and very supportive.” Etta’s best loved songs all have their place in the show – ‘Tell Mama’, ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’, ‘Something’s Got A Hold On Me’, and Vika’s personal favourite ‘Sunday Kind Of Love’. “That song is featured when her husband Artis Mills comes back into her life,” she sighed. “This show is an emotional ride, especially when you see people out in the audience crying - but people cry for different reasons both happy and sad. So many people have ‘At Last’ as their wedding song and they get pretty teary and I think ‘Oh god, you’ve got to hold it together!’ It’s difficult,” she says, “but I love it!”
When & Where: GPAC, Geelong – March 26
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Café C B LUE D OO R E S PRE S S O What used to be an unused garage has now been turned into a quaint and cosy coffee shop. Enter through the aged blue door and you’ll find a clean interior with glossy white tiles on the far wall, white brick lining the walls and intimate seating arrangements each with a wood finished table. “It is rustic with concrete floors, old brickwork and a cute little kitchen out the back. The mood and style is a wee bit French provincial, but in essence it is a modern, cool and contemporary fit out,” says part owner Johnny O’Brien. “The name draws its inspiration from the big lovely rustic blue door that is a feature on the front facade of the cafe and ‘espresso’ pays homage to the wonderful world of coffee.” Located in a quiet part of Newtown, just off Skene St, the cafe is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Pakington St and Shannon Ave. Also part of the cafes charm is that is was built in part of an old butchers building. The facade remains mostly the same serving as an hode to part of Geelong’s history.
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Culture
The cafe sits 20 people, with options inside and out, and will happily put something together for takeaway if you’re in a rush to work or dropping the kids off at school. Coffee will be served courtesy of Seven Seeds from Melbourne with Mork hot chocolates, specialty tea, cold juices, soft drinks and milkshakes for the young at heart. Meals will be made from locally sourced produce, something the owners strongly believe in, with all day breakfast and brunch on offer at the cafe. There’ll be homemade muesli, granola, pancakes, an abundance of sweets, egg and bacon rolls, salads, sandwiches and a famous banana bread all to mull over on the menu. There’ll also be a broad selection of vegan and vegetarian options for those who need it. Blue Door Espresso welcomes anyone searching for a break, even your furry friends who need an outing. There’ll be free bubbachinos for your little ones and doggy biscuits for your four-legged friends. Blue Door Espresso is all about creating a positive atmosphere, something they’ll easily achieve with the history from the building and the delicious treats on offer. The cafe isn’t quite open yet but the rustic blue door will be open from Friday 20th of March. Look for the blue door at 2A/105 Skene St, Newtown Monday to Friday 7am till 4pm.
ADVERTISE YOUR CAFE HERE! CALL ABBEY ON 0431 898 745
Saturday & Sunday 8am till 2.30pm
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St James Written by Abbey King
Geelong will welcome another new live music venue at the end of the month, with the opening of St James. Many people would know the space by previous names including Blue Martini, Statik or even Escalation, however the new owners are looking to bring not only a fresh face to the venue but also a fresh sound. We spoke with venue manager Ken Fountain and entertainment manager Brendan Yuen to find out a bit more.
Brendan Yuen, Entertainment Manager
“We are doing something different in Geelong. It’s always been so commercial here and people are pretty much sick of the same scene, sick of the same music, so we wanted to open up a venue that’s pretty much unique and custom. So from the interior design and decor all the way through to the acts that we have and the atmosphere, it’s going to be something a bit different,” Ken says. “Brendan’s booked some great headline acts for our opening nights and we are continually working on bringing some big international acts too. So pretty much every week here there is going to be something different and we are possibly looking into every three to four weeks having a major headline act here.” St James is looking to be open from Thursdays to Sundays and with its 7am license wants to bring something new to the area - which is situated amongst other venues including Beav’s Bar, Eureka, Pistol Pete’s and fellow new music venue, The Workers Club. “We are looking to cater for a number of different groups with Thursday night for the uni crowd and our bigger events on Saturday nights, then we are also looking at catering for the after work crowd on a Friday with Sunday sessions later down the track,” he said. Entertainment manager Brendan Yuen has spent the last couple of months securing some big name acts and has endeavoured to bring Geelong some options that are a bit different. He has already secured some big names with beatmaster, D-Cup scheduled for opening night as well as the likes of Kid Kenobi, Monkey Safari and Paces all booked in for the first month. “We want to build the culture here. Geelong’s got a scene of just going out and getting smashed. We think with The Workers club, we’ve also got some live music that we won’t be really trying to compete with them, we would love to work with our neighbours to build this area up and make it the music precinct of the region. We want to establish ourselves as a venue that people want to come to week in and week out and not get bored of the same thing time over and over,” he says. St James is located at 5 James Street in the Geelong CBD, it opens on Saturday March 28 and promises to be a night unlike any other. Head to their facebook for further information www. facebook.com/stjames.au
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LOCAL FEATURE STORY Written by Amanda Sherring
It’s 9am in the UK and Frank Turner couldn’t be more awake. Frank Turner is a man who likes to keep himself busy, between launching his new book, rehearsing for a tour and performing various DJ sets, he managed to fit me into his schedule to talk about his upcoming tour of Australia. We sort of accidentally took quite a lot of time off in the last six months, which really wasn’t part of the plan. The scheme I was working towards for the new record got sort of bogged down and that meant that we hadn’t really toured properly recently,” Frank says. “So we’ve been in the studio for three days rehearsing and the last couple of days have been a bit like, ‘Oh my gawd, how do these songs go again? How do you play guitar?’ But it’s all coming together well.” With over 20 shows set for across the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand over three months, you can’t help but wonder how do you prepare yourself for such a large touring schedule? “Well you know I try to do my laundry,” he adds with a laugh. “But previously we’d never been off the road for more than a few weeks in the past eight or nine years. In the last six months I haven’t really done too well living off the road, I just don’t know how, so I’m very excited to be returning to the road as it feels like I’m returning to normality.” This trip to Australia will see Frank do a couple
shows away from the CBD lights, as he’ll be heading to Byron Bay, Newcastle and Geelong. It’s something he wishes he could do more, but doesn’t necessarily notice the difference between the rural and city crowds, it’s simply about getting out to those who can’t get to him. “I’m not sure if there’s a hard and fast rule which is exactly what makes it interesting. I remember playing in Hobart one time and that was just awesome, it had to be one of the best crowds I’ve ever played for,” he says. Aside from the upcoming tour of his music, Frank is soon to tour his new book The Road Beneath My Feet in a matter of days, something that’s sure to be a new experience. “I’ve been writing the book which is a new and interesting – yet gruelling – experience. It’s all memoirs – I suppose that’s how you describe it,” Frank says. “It’s been interesting because, like a lot of people, writing a book was something I just figured I’d be able to do, and I thought it probably wouldn’t be that much
of a challenge. I work with words and I’ve written articles before, but to sit down and actually write a book is crazy hard to do. So I’ve got a new-found respect for anyone that writes books for a living.” As it is a memoir it’s hard to know just what to expect Frank has divulged in his book. One for being honest, as reflected in his last release Tape Deck Heart about a bad breakup, chances are the book will give you a newfound insight into the musician. “There are different levels of alarm bells that I suppose kick in with being revealing and exposed, the obvious stuff I guess is you’ve got to think of whether you want to sing that stuff in front of a room full of strangers,” he says. “Thankfully the studio environment is quite different from the live environment so it enables me not to really think about that. Because I think rawness and honesty in life is the point – at least to me. I think if you were trying to hide things and censoring yourself then I think you would make less interesting art. “There’s also the level where you’re a writer and you think do I really want to say this about myself ? If it makes me weep, it really makes me believe that it’s worth putting in an album and saying.” With an album like Tape Deck Heart that did receive a little bit of criticism, or just given it’s general candid nature, you can’t help but wonder does Frank
wish he could take it back? And how does it reflect on his next release? “Part of the natural creative cycle I think for anybody is to be pretty down on the last thing that you did while you’re working on the next thing,” Frank says. “You’re sort of consumed by criticism and what you could have done better the next time around, so it’s partially that and there will also be days where I’ll be like, ‘Did I really just put that album out there?’” Despite any regrets, Frank is excited about the next release which will be a much more positive album. “It’s quite a nice sense in a way that the new record I’ve written – that will be out in the summer – isn’t about self doubt, blaming yourself or break ups, and all that kind of thing. It’s actually been quite liberating to write about more upbeat things,” he says. There’s a high chance some of the new songs will be played in the upcoming tour and as Frank tells me, if you miss him this time around he’ll be assuring his visits to Australia are a little bit more regular. When&Where: The Corner Hotel, Melbourne – April 12 & 15, The Barwon Club, Geelong – April 16
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FROCK IT E v e r y o n e L o v e s A W ell D r e s s ed M a n
Written by Katherine Reynolds www.katthewanderer.com | facebook/katthewanderer | @katthewanderer
Written by Jessica Alves | @jessicazalves
You know that feeling you get when you’re walking around the city streets and you see a business man? Dressed in his well tailored suit and tie, black dress shoes polished so well that you could see your face in them, and his hair and beard perfectly groomed, there’s just something about him that makes him stand out amongst the sea of men. Why is that? What is it about a man wearing a crisp shirt, that makes him so much more appealing? Is it really that rare in todays wayward society, to find a man of such style and sophistication? In the great words of Carrie Bradshaw, “Why is it that putting a tie around a man’s neck is sometimes even sexier than taking it off ?” Don’t get me wrong, if you’re not a business man or you don’t have a valid excuse to wear a nice suit every day, I’m certainly not singling you out. This one goes out to all the guys out there that care about how they look. There is nothing I love more than a guy in a well fitting clean (emphasis on the clean) white v-neck tee, an open flannel shirt, well worn dark wash jeans, maybe even a denim jacket and some chelsea boots. There it is, the formula for all guys on what to wear
if you have no idea how to wear clothes. Although, I’m sure you don’t really need the help, as I’ve seen so many men who have more style than some women. But it seems so often that I’m seeing guys (and girls, but thats a different column) on the street in tracksuit pants and thongs. Now, I said I like suits, but tracksuit pants don’t quite cut it, for me anyway. What I have also noticed is how defensive and sensitive people can get when you question exactly why they chose to go with trackies over jeans. In my confusion, I decided to go to Facebook, and post an open letter to all my male Facebook friends, about why on earth so many males make this decision. I surprisingly got a few responses from both men and women, defending tracks and the men who don them. I had one friend explain to me that, because her significant other works day and night shifts, he feels it is “his right to feel comfortable in trackies”. Which I can totally get behind, because who doesn’t enjoy the odd lounge around at the house on a Sunday? However, I believe there’s a reason tracksuit pants come under the category of ‘lounge-wear’. It’s because they’re meant for the loungeroom. In saying all of that, at the end of the day, my message is to always wear whatever is going to make you feel the best about yourself, so of course this is what I’ll encourage here as well, even if I don’t understand it.
Dealing With Homesickness When Travelling Travelling is a remarkable adventure that many of us are lucky enough to experience at one point in our lives. Feeling the unknown, embracing the unusual and experiencing all of the highs. However, the one thing that is rarely spoken about is the lows. What about not enjoying yourself ? What about getting ill? What about feeling homesick? Even though homesickness is completely normal, it’s still a major issue for a great deal of people when they’re abroad. Obviously it’s not as exciting to talk about when being compared to a bungy jump in New Zealand or soaking up the sun on a pristine beach in Greece, am I right? Having been living abroad for almost three years now, I’ve had my fair share of homesickness along the way and
have to admit, I’ve spent evenings on my laptop longing to book the next flight back to Melbourne. Been there, bought the T-shirt. Whether you’re travelling for a short or long period of time, holidaying or are living abroad, here are some of my tips that will hopefully encourage you to overcome and deal with homesickness when it strikes. TALK ABOUT IT - Keeping a feeling as deep and temperamental as homesickness solely to yourself will only lead to it getting much worse. So, let it out! Get it off your chest and free yourself of the daunting feeling – you’ll feel a whole lot better for it. Anyone you talk to will know exactly how you feel and would have without a doubt been in the same situation as you in the past.
HAVE A GOOD CRY Emotions are bound to get out of control in these kinds of situations, and it’s cool. You’re cool. Everything is totally cool! Shedding a few tears and having a moment is completely alright and is another way to let it all out. You might even feel like a new person afterwards, ready to take on the world and make the most of your travels! LOVE YOUR NEW SURROUNDINGS - If you’re going to be in a certain destination for a while, it’s probably best to learn to love it a bit more. However, don’t be disappointed if you don’t love it straight away – everyone’s different and these things take time. It will definitely never be home, yes, but it’s a new kind of home and one that’s essential to your time overseas. EXPLORE - Get out of the house, take your mind off the homesickness and get involved! Make new friends, be confident and be brave! You could go on a walking tour, attend a party at your hostel, check out museums, try new food or explore a new area of the city. Getting out is half the battle in the first place! KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE - Being alone and taking on a new challenge abroad is something to be incredibly proud of, so make sure you remember that! You’ll grow as a person and learn so many amazing new things about yourself – you won’t recognise yourself anymore! There are so many advantages to your situation – so try your best to keep a positive mind. You wanted to travel for a reason, so don’t let homesickness hold you back!
21 and 22 March 2015 More than 90 artists across 31 art, food and wine venues in the scenic Golden Plains. From basket weaving to chainsaw sculpting there is something for everyone!
www.artstrail.com.au Art supplied by Vida Pearson @ venue 25.
Enquiries: 5220 7111. 36 forte
FREE entry to all venues.
MINI CLASSIFIEDS Send your info to editorial@fortemag.com.au Individual use only, not for commercial purposes DRUMMER WANTED! Any age is ok, as long as you can play. Call 0430971319 Bass Player Wanted for dynamic (gigging) blues rock three-piece. Contact 0430971319 for more info. Bass Player Wanted Experienced Bass player required for established working covers band: think Blondie, Free, Cream, SRV, CCR, Fleetwood Mac, Garry Moore and popular ‘60s/on wood bands.Own gear and transport a must. rehearsals at Ocean Grove. Call Ray on 0418512975 for more info. Singer wanted for original band doing a mix of retro styles - soul, funk, latin rock, gospel,
R&B, groove based stuff. Over an album's worth of material already written, studio recordings, gigs etc. Looking for the right voice so drop us a line and we'll take it from there! ben@ bellemusique.com.au Experienced 22 y/o singer, songwriter, guitarist looking for a drummer, bassist and lead guitarist to start up an original rock band based in Geelong. Inf luences: QOTSA, Sublime & Dave Grohl. Contact Tom at: 0487067083 Heavy metal/death metal vocalist & lyricist looking to join a band. Have original material ready to go. 0432959094
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE! CALL LUKE ON 0422 809 042
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Whole Lotta Love Q&A
Starring in the upcoming Led Zeppelin tribute, Whole Lotta Love, Melbournite Jimmy Couples is no stranger to the Aussie rock scene. His soaring vocals are often compared to the great Robert Plant, making him a fitting inclusion to this tribute show. We caught up with Jimmy to find out a bit more about the show which comes to Geelong on March 20.
Hi Jimmy, thanks so much for taking the time to chat to Forte! Where are you and what are you up to at the moment? Great to hear from you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; busy, busy, busy working in the studio! As a regular on the rock scene, is it safe to say youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a fan of Zeppelin? From the minute I heard Led Zeppelin at the age of 17, I was mesmerised. The sheer power and mix of blues, folk, Celtic and Egyptian scales was like nothing Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d ever heard before. What is it you love about the band? Do you have a favourite Led Zeppelin album? I like the fact that the band could make you love a song so much without having to follow the normal song writers formula. For instance, you hardly ever heard a chorus in a Led Zeppelin song, yet the song always got stuck in your head. As for favourite albums, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s between Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti. It must be pretty great knowing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a part of such a well-respecting and long-running national show? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m greatly honoured to be part of this show and love the opportunity to perform at such a high level in some of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest theatres with the amazing Joseph Calderazzo and the amazing musicians and vocalists he puts together for the shows â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I consider myself very lucky to be one of them. Are you nervous at all to be paying homage to one of the most influential bands in the world? Quite simply; yes. Reasons why â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very, very challenging to sing Led Zeppelinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s songs. Robert Plant is one-in-a-million. Are you happy with the songs youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be performing and was there much competition for songs between
Pictured: Jimmy Cupples When&Where: GPAC - March 20
the other singers? Very happy to be singing those that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m singing in the show and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always good to hear people sing songs that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sang previously â&#x20AC;&#x201C; part of the challenge is to learn songs that you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t performed before. It makes it a lot of fun. The show does go for three hours, do you have a favourite part at all? I love it when all of the singers come
together to sing the classic â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Whole Lotta Loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Do you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be doing more shows like this in the future? Fingers crossed I will be considered always after every show to be a part of this great show again. And why should people come along and see the show? I believe out of all of the Led Zeppelin tribute shows, this is certainly
one of the biggest, one of the classiest and one that goes into great depth to pay homage to Led Zeppelin with the different vocalists and musicians chosen by Joseph Calderazzo.
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forte 37
Bellusira Written by Amanda Sherring
While Australia is seen as the golden country for many, for Melbourne rock band Bellusira the States is where they’re making a name for themselves in the industry.
“We’d only been there eight months and we’d got a record deal. It just goes to show there’s so much more opportunity for our genre of music over there. We got a booking agent right away, we got a label right away, I guess in this country no one really knew what to do with us, we were either too heavy or too commercial,” lead singer Crystal Ignite says. “Australia is great for us obviously but there’s only so much you can do with a small population. Over there they love their rock, it gets played on commercial radio and there’s just more of it and more of a market. We can kind of tour and play five to six nights a week, which is what we’re doing – it’s the dream I guess.” Rock bands leaving Australian shores to set up camp in America isn’t an uncommon occurrence, and especially when Bellusira is a female fronted band – something that is yet to become a normality in Australia – the opportunities are far greater overseas. Though while the band are pursuing green cards to call Los Angeles home, Crystal assures me they won’t forget about Australia or their fans and regular tours will be scheduled. “We want to keep coming here to keep everything up in Australia and not forget about Australia either. We’ll definitely try and get back at least once a year and then we can visit our family and friends and tour the country,” she says. Aside from the next tour we can look forward to a new release from the band with six new tracks and some already released in Australia. There are already plans with a follow up and something that Crystal says has a lot more dynamics than in their previous tracks. “I think the album after this one – which we’re writing now – will be a little bit more influenced by what we’re surrounded in. I think that one that we did – which is coming out this year – is a little bit influenced, like we wrote synth parts and put a bit of an electronic sound in there too,” Crystal says. “The next album is more developed and even better again. We’ve been listening to a lot of new music and it’s great to be exposed to so many new styles and genres that you can’t access in Australia.” After their few shows in Australia the band are set for a mammoth tour throughout America, beginning only a few days after landing back in the continent. “I just wish we had a little bit more time because we’re just going to be so busy, it’s going to be so rushed to try and see everyone. We’re just going to do it all and say meet us here, there’s just so little time to see everybody,” she says. We wish the band luck in their American endeavours, until next time.
38 forte
When&Where: Musicman Megastore, Bendigo - March 19 & Prince Band Room, Melbourne - March 20
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The Graveltones
When&Where: Cherry Bar, Melbourne – March 27 & The Retreat Brunswick, Melbourne – March 2
Written by Tex Miller
The Graveltones have always been a band to keep it simple. With two members, two instruments, and a bloody killer live show, they have been turning heads since their humble beginnings in London in 2011. Fast forward on four years and the duo has toured all throughout Europe and are about to release the follow up to their debut album Don’t Wait Down. Having been on the road with his best mate travelling and playing throughout Europe, when it comes down to it there are no suitable tour stories for print – due to the raucous and unpredictable nature of their live show. But as Mikey Sorbello relates it’s good to be back in the Southern Hemisphere. “I’m bloody great mate, I’ve been tanning and I think right now, I’m winning at life. Five years in London does stuff to you mate! This is the best feeling in the world, I’ve had my hands in the air just like I’ve won a race. I went to the beach and stuck my head in the sand for a solid couple of minutes.” Over the next few weeks, the duo will play shows in Melbourne, Brisbane and at the Airey’s Inlet pub. After this little tour, the band will head back to Europe to play some more shows. Talking about the new album, there is a different producer at the helm and a different sound that the band has found. “We recorded 21 songs for this album and we could have kept going. We have another album all
ready to go. We’ve got some of the best sounds we’ve ever made and we kept it to something really raw. We changed a few of the songs as we recorded but it was very first or second take kind of thing,” he says. “We wanted to capture the energy that we have in a live show on record. I think that although there has been some speculation about whether the second album will be better, we have brought our A-game to this recording and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.” The origins of the band start out in Tin Pan Alley, aka Denmark street in London’s west end, which boasts such a musical heritage. “I worked next to the Giaconda dining room and Jimmy worked across the road, it was a very natural and organic thing that we’d get to playing
music together. It’s where the Rolling Stones met and where Sex Pistols recorded their album. There is so much musical history in that street, it’s quite mind-blowing. It was the catalyst for what has happened since and it was cool for the band to start in that place.” From looking at the few of the live clips on YouTube, you need to see The Graveltones live. Having played at
What makes us different to other circuses is that we try to integrate humour into most of the things that we do. Another unusual aspect is that we perform a very broad range of circus disciplines for a circus with only four performers. Also, like many other modern circuses we are animal free. We only focus on the incredible things that humans are capable of. The members of the Pants Down Circus all graduated from National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) together in 2009, so you have obviously all become great friends over the years? I’ve known Idris since well before we went to NICA, we’ve been great friends for many years. It wasn’t until a couple of years after graduating NICA that the four of us started working
together. Hannah and Caz specialised in doubles trapeze and it all happened without much effort at the start and now it’s four years later already! You have each travelled the world with your amazing skills, what has been some of the more memorable places you’ve enjoyed most? There have been many memorable places. Last year we went to the remote town of Newman, WA. Singapore was a lot of fun, although incredibly humid and slippery for acrobatics! Edinburgh Fringe is one of my favourite festivals but a lot of hard work to promote the show as the festival is extremely competitive. My favourite place is still Brunei Darussalam. I still keep in touch with some of the people I met there. It’s an amazing place cut into the jungle of Borneo. You performed last year at the world famous Edinburgh Fringe, how did it feel to perform at such an event and be awarded 5-stars for your efforts? Edinburgh was exhausting! It’s a four week long festival with over 3000 shows competing for audiences. We did fairly well. There are many opportunities to promote your show and we ended up doing more promo performances than actual shows. What can audiences expect from the show, who would you recommend getting along? Audiences can expect high energy acrobatics and classic rock music. We’ve tried to create a show that will appeal to a broad range of people. If you like AC/DC you’ll love the show and if you don’t like classic rock we think that the circus acts should be engaging enough. Call 03 5251 1998 to book.
Melbourne with all the students shops and food smells, the angular form of the state building with the Aboriginal Flags on approach flapping full of pride in the Canberra breeze, the iconic seafront of Surfers Paradise. We’re loving Australia! You’ve recently done a videoshoot in Cooper Park, Sydney, which looked incredible. How was that experience? The experience was extraordinary and very spiritual. Cooper Park is so alive – the feeling was like being inside an omnipresent energy field. Whilst we were filming ‘The Devils Relief ’ – a cathartic driven blues track – the light suddenly went from day to dusk. I looked up and there was a storm above us, the wind was blowing through the forest with a rage, I was strumming away
on acoustic guitar howling my lungs out with Seb tranced out on slide guitar and aboriginal Sean in deep droning didgeridoo delta. All through the music seance thunder broke and lightning ravaged the sky, we got to the end of the tune and it was just otherworldly – it felt like the forest and nature and us were all bellowing in a primal sound explosion. I’ve never experienced anything like it – pure earth body soul shattering synchronicity and vibration. It was epic...and then the rains came! Able to let us in on what the videoshoot was for? It was filmed for the music series Surrounded By Trees by Bondi based film director Trevor Thomas (runmonkeyboyrun productions). Your gigs are known for being high energy but you can also mix it up with some slower sets, do you have a preference between the slow and fast songs when performing live? I don’t have a preference, it’s all about the energy in the room, the band, the audience, the space, the unpredictable flow that anything could happen here ,especially when it’s about connection. Life is a spectrum of light and dark – I like our concerts to reflect that. Your crowd generally get pretty involved too, even helping to fund your new album, is it humbling when they’re willing to give back a little bit? Absolutely! We were thrilled with the success of the campaign and very grateful to everyone. The fans totally made this new album possible. I’ve loved the experience of getting to know them better, making bespoke items for them – personalised ringtones, custom-design Z-Mala energy beads, paintings. Unleashing the creative juices outside the
Download festival and all throughout Europe, their highly energetic show makes it a must see experience. Sounding like a cross between the Black Keys, The White Stripes and Queens of the Stone Age, these guys are one of the coolest bands I’ve ever had the privilege of talking to. “We can’t wait to get back up on home soil and play. As I chat to you I’m walking through the Queen St. Mall and
Brisbane is looking mighty fine today. If you don’t see us this time around we should be back for more shows in September, but we bring the party, so see you on the dancefloor man!”
Pants Down Circus Q&A
The Pants Down Circus will be rolling into town with a performance at the Potato Shed in Drysdale. The show is performed by four very refined artists who are coming off the back of a successful showcase at the Edinburgh Fringe and are currently finishing up at the Adelaide Fringe. We caught up with one of the stars, acrobat Joshua Phillips. Hi Joshua, thanks so much for taking the time to chat to Forte, where are you at the moment and what are you up to? Right now I’m in Adelaide for the Fringe. It’s the fourth year in a row that Pants Down has done the Adelaide Fringe. Seven shows a week for a whole month! As an acrobat, could you please tell us a bit about how you got into performing and what it is that you do? I did a juggling workshop when I was 15. After that I slowly built up more skills and started performing in theatre shows in my hometown of Goulburn NSW. I then went on to train at circus schools in New Zealand and Melbourne. My main skill is the balancing ladder, performing acrobatic tricks on a ladder is hard to describe, it’s best seen performed live. Pants Down Circus is a rather unusual name, how did it come about and how is it different from other circuses? We settled on Pants Down Circus as a name after trying to find a name for weeks with no success. We thought that it’s unusual and memorable, easy to find on the internet and just silly. It’s a bit confusing however when people think that there will be stripping.
When&Where: Potato Shed, Drysdale - March 21
Z-Star Q&A
Rolling Stone Magazine have proclaimed z-star as having the new sound of heavy soul and rock ‘n roll, and we can’t help but agree. They’re the band who seemed to skip the “emerging” status and jump straight to bigger things, one of those being a tour around Australia. We had a chat with Zee Gachette, lead singer of the band, on what they’ve discovered for their first time in Australia and playing for fans in their lounge rooms.
Hi Zee thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte, how are you and what are you up to at the moment? Absolutely awesome thank you! We’re on our first ever Australian tour and it’s been a roller coaster ride playing music, writing new tunes, enjoying the sunshine ‘n surf and meeting lots of friendly folks. You’ve had a few gigs around the place, have you discovered anything interesting in the places you’ve visited (aside from the haunted house in Castlemaine)? So far we’ve been to Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and now Brisbane. Every city/region has its own energy. Apart from the more touristic days out (Opera house etc) we’ve loved just cruising around exploring the towns and suburbs checking out the architecture, street art and music. In Sydney, the Chinese New Year celebrations were incredible with the Terracotta warrior lanterns and fireworks, the Coogee to Bondi run, Darling Harbour, the red golden sands of Palm Beach and rolling surf of Manly, the majestic Gum trees in Daylesford, the buzziness of downtown 40 forte
studio and stage. You also did a few loungeroom shows for them, was it strange playing in someone’s house? Not really, we just got to know one another even better! Plus, we always had a lot of people there – only fans with big lounges pledged for that – so it was more like an intimate club/ party experience. Not one fan and their dog, which might have felt weird! We did shows in London, Paris, Rome and St Petersburg. We just hung out, had some drinks and played music ‘til the sun rose, and sometimes even had breakfast together the next morning before setting off. Thanks again for having the chat with us, is there anything you’d like to add before we finish up? If you’re up for some dark tales ‘n wild mind blowing earth shattering BluesRockPsycheSoul shebang come check us out at our upcoming shows.
When&Where: Baha Tacos, Rye – March 19, Suttons House of Music, Ballarat – March 20, Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne – March 21 & The Barwon Club, Geelong – March 26
Forte Columns
LOL!
PULP Written by Alastair McGibbon
too heavy to hug
pop culture
Written by Paul S Taylor
Written by Anthony Morris
Could this be the year we get a Tool album? If you look at the internet is the right places you’ll more than likely have seen articles about how Tool have laid down their tracks in preparation for Maynard to go in and add vocals. Rumour has it the band have been in legal battles with insurance companies and other parties about royalties or some shit. Maynard also recently sold his god-awful Hollywood Hills mansion, dabbled in wine making and fronted Puscifer on their two albums which have both been released after Tool’s last album, 10,000 Days in 2006. 2006, that’s about nine years ago. Imagine if your wife gave birth to your first child the day after 10,000 Days was released. Your child’s whole life, all nine years of it, crawling, walking, day care, play group, kinder, first day of prep, first day of grade one, first day of grade two, first day of grade three, maybe first day of grade four, birthday parties, maybe another child being born in there somewhere, maybe the sad loss of a parent due to losing a cancer battle, all of this, has happened in the nine years since Tool’s last album. The world has changed in nine years. Facebook rules the lives of the mundane whingers, Twitter rules the lives of the egotistical self-proclaimed geniuses (sic, I don’t care), Instagram rules the lives of the narcissists and design try-hards, people pirate shit all the time and it sounds like all we do now is walk around looking at tiny devices in our hands all the time without really connecting to people in the physical space in the now. We don’t communicate in person, we communicate through technology and when we do communicate in person the discussion more than likely leans to, “Did ya see my pic on Insta, how sick was it?”. That’s just the most obvious stuff. That’s the sort of shit that has changed in the past nine years. Knowing Tool and the likes of ‘Aenima’, ‘Vicarious’ and ‘Rosetta Stoned’, the guys have nine multiplied by infinite to influence them. Let’s hope the new Tool album drops this year before the clock strikes ten years and then they’ll have been relegated to the recent past.
One of the more surprising films out this month is Insurgent, the sequel to the recent young adult science-fiction thriller Divergent. It’s not surprising because of anything going on in the film itself – seriously, if you’re surprised by anything in a mainstream film these days you need to get out a lot more, as the formula for them has been refined to Hollywood’s idea of sure-fire perfection. But it is the first movie franchise based on a young adult novel to make it to a second film since The Hunger Games. Remember The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones? The Giver? Beautiful Creatures? The Golden Compass? There have been a lot more misses than hits when it comes to creating a YA series these last few years (though last years Maze Runner also managed it, with a sequel on its way), which gives you an idea of just how hard it is to do considering all those films were based on novels with successful sequels (more than one in most cases). But no sooner has a franchise jumped that first hurdle than they’re faced with another: how do you make sure the second instalment isn’t a let down? If you’re one of the recent hits, you manage it by changing as little as possible: it’s no surprise that The Hunger Games’ second instalment was basically a re-run of the first film. And even that doesn’t always work: the second Twilight film was generally seen as a big step down from the first, as the few quirky touches of life the original had were replaced by a dull fealty to the original (and we can look forward to something similar from quasi-Twilight spinoff Fifty Shades of Grey now that the success of the first film has encouraged the author to be even more hands-on with the sequel). But the real problem these series face isn’t meddling authors or nervous studios wanting to play it safe. Ever since the Harry Potter series turned into a freight train delivering sacks of cash to J.K. Rowlings’ house, authors and publishers have been looking to replicate that success. People aren’t writing and publishing young adult novels because they have a burning desire to tell a story; they’re doing it to make money. So instead of planning out a multi-book series with various twists and turns spread across books and with big revelations worked out well ahead of time, the idea is to come up with a first book so gripping and compelling that everyone – readers and publishers – will demand it becomes a series. Anyone who’s ever told a story knows that coming up with a beginning is a whole lot easier than figuring out a great ending: throw in a bunch of mysterious this and unexplained that and you’ve got a story that sucks people in and leaves them wanting more. It’s delivering on that “more” that’s the tricky bit: with at least one more book in the series (and Hollywood increasingly fond of splitting the final novel in a series into two films) Insurgent doesn’t mean the Divergent saga is even close to the finishing line.
In other news
Psycroptic with special guests Goatwhore will play the Barwon Club on Friday March 20 and Melbourne’s Wrangler Studios on Saturday March 21. Mastodon will play Festival Hall on Friday March 27. Gallows will release Desolation Sounds on Friday April 10. The Ocean will play The Evelyn Hotel on Saturday April 18. Suffocation and Decapitated will play the Corner Hotel on Saturday May 9. Motley Crue will play their final tour Melbourne show at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday May 12. The Black Dahlia Murder will play three shows at the Northcote Social Club, one of Saturday June 20, an all ages show on the arvo of Sunday June 21 and 18+ evening show on Sunday June 21. Machine Head will play 170 Russell on Tuesday June 23. 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
blues news Written by John (Dr John) Lamp
I’ve got a question for you. What do you think of when you imagine the future? Do you think of a bright, shiny utopia a la Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek? Or do you think it’ll be the opposite – a grim, dark, war-torn future like that of the Warhammer 40,000 franchise? Personally, I think it will all end up like the world of Transmetropolitan – weird, hedonistic and ultimately a whole lot of fun. Arguably the ever-excellent Warren Ellis’ (Hellblazer, Gravel) magnum opus, Transmetropolitan is a sci-fi journalism epic, set some time in the 23rd century – though the exact date is never stated, and the main character openly admits that no one knows what the date is anyway. Set in The City – an unnamed, sprawling metropolis that comes across as a cross between New New York and Mega City One . It’s not quite as grim as the realm of Judge Dredd, though, or as light-hearted as New New York – rather, it’s somewhere in between. Phillip J Fry would be out of luck in The City – “Revivals” from cryogenic stasis are led out to the world, and then left to their own devices and ultimately ignored. Cultural “Reservations” are established for the sole purpose of preserving past civilizations. Some people convert to “foglets,” clouds of nanomachines that make anything from particles in the air and can spread thin enough to be invisible. The City is a Mecca for sex, drugs and violence, permeated and driven by a culture of self-interest. Stuck in the middle of it all is Spider Jerusalem, infamous Gonzo journalist and all-round arsehole.
Dragged back into the chaos of the city by a stack of unfulfilled contracts, Spider is out of cash, out of ideas and hates living in the City. The toxic atmosphere is a writer’s dream, and if Spider can stand being in the city, he’ll make a fortune. Transmetropolitan has quickly become one of my new favourite comics. Spider’s crusade for truth against a city at war with itself is both funny and awe-inspiring – it’s really quite telling when the bloke trying to save the City is a drug-addled, grade-A wanker that openly hates the City and its inhabitants. The City itself is an excellent setting – the mishmash of debauchery, politics and sci-fi allows for some of the most engaging (and messed up) stories I’ve read in a while. The inhabitants of the City are just as colourful and entertaining – Spider encounters everyone from trans-species preachers to drug-addicted home appliances in his wanderings, and does his best to piss them all off in the process. Spider makes for an excellent antihero, and his encounters with the general public are one of my favourite things about the series. Transmetropolitan provides a raw, unfiltered take on where humanity will end up and it was great to see how journalism evolved to cope with the new, constantly self-absorbed lifestyle. Spider’s brash, irreverent style is a fantastic foil for the slick, alien culture of the City, and the sheer weirdness of City life is a welcome change to the usual sci-fi tropes. It’s not going to be a series for everyone – I admit that Spider’s arsehole-y demeanour can be offputting at times – but it’s definitely worth checking out.
PUNK!
Soundwave right now. Besides, chances are pretty good that most of the bands on the 2015 line up will also be on the 2016 or 2017 line ups. How many fecking more times can we have Faith No More, All Time Low, Slipknot, New Found Glory, Steel Panther et al shoved down our throats? Thanks to Soundwave, I’m sick of the frickin’ lot of ‘em. Seriously. Enough. Did you guys know that there was once a Facebook page/petition to get Rancid to tour Australia? There was! And it was completely ignored. Did you remember to get your copy of the One Last Time In Stereo compilation CD at the Brunswick Hotel on the day? It was limited to just 100 copies, cost only $10 and featured tracks from Forte territory acts The Half Pints and Hopes Abandoned, as well as a slew of interstate and overseas heavy hitters, including Sparklefight and Rehab For Quitters. Ace keen! If you didn’t, good luck time travelling back to March 8 to get one... Did you guys know that Jess from Handball Deathmatch is now playing guitar in Sydney outfit Batfoot? Coz he is. If you dig Ramonesy pop-punk and haven’t yet checked them out, despite my constant urgings, you should be ashamed of yourself. Wollongong punk rockers and all round top blokes Topnovil are currently wowing them in Europe. Good to see Aussie punk rock getting out there and getting amongst it! The Dickies are touring! Catch them at the Evelyn Hotel on April 16. Old school heads would be CRAZY to miss out. Support comes in the form of the one, the only...Nursery Crimes! Holy shit! More next time, kids, so don’t forget to come back!
Written by Christopher Cruz
NOFX have had to pull out of an extensive South American tour due to personal family issues, but promise to reschedule as soon as they possibly can. Don’t forget, ‘80s punk icon Billy Idol blitzes Melbourne on Tuesday March 24 at Margaret Court Arena, with special guests Cheap Trick. Do NOT miss out! I’m gonna break with protocol this issue (coz I’m a loner, Dottie, a rebel) and talk about a NON punk/hardcore/metal type festival. The Future Music Festival swung through Melbourne on March 8, and I have to hand it to the promoters- it was one of the best music festival experiences of my life. The music may not be every punk rockers’ idea of a good time (although I certainly enjoyed it). The layout of the event, the level of security, the facilities provided, the diversity of food available made the experience incredibly enjoyable, and AJ Maddah and the Soundwave crew could certainly learn a few lessons from the Future crew and setup. For starters, two of the four main stages were in huge marquees, providing welcome shelter from the sun and a cool, breezy place to dance and hang out. There was a killer foam party (hello, who doesn’t like jumping around in a pit full of bubbles?!) and the outdoor main stages were breathtaking in scope and presentation. I’ll be back next year without question, which is already more than I can say about
Proudly pesented by The Sleepy Hollow Blues Club
Well, the Motor City Music Festival has come and gone. It will take a week for my feet to get over it but as for my liver … I have to give full marks to Hugo and Desiree and their team for getting this together. The mix of bands were amazingly good. There were many local bands, some from just up the road, and even overseas. Well, Gwyn Ashton divides his time between Geelong and the UK these days. Hopefully next year will be bigger and better. Now, if you missed all that, the next big gigs are really something. On March 22, The Justin Yap Band is at Sleepy Hollow Blues Club. The line up is a mix of seasoned hands and young guns that deliver a seamless meld of blues, soul and funk. Forgive yourself if you are drawn to the Delta. Justin’s longtime friend Louis Goutos on drums brings a deft touch to his kit and as a multiinstrumentalist brings an extra dimension to his playing. Dean Sanelli is on bass and provides cool and tasty lines to keep things tight. Ollie Rolfe on the Hammond brings an extra ‘purr’ to proceedings. Justin’s reputation as a formidable guitarist in the Australian blues scene is growing ; cutting his teeth with bands in Malaysia and Melbourne, his playing has developed a virtuosic yet vocal character, displaying a maturity not normally heard in someone his age. Combined with the raw and sultry vocals of Nardia Brancatisano, who has captivated audiences in Melbourne and overseas, the Justin Yap Band has a tight and exciting sound not to be missed. The line up in the band has matured since they last played Geelong, back in late 2013, and it will be very interesting to see how they have developed. I wouldn’t miss it! At the beginning of April, the 2nd to be precise, Jimi Hocking and Geoff Achison are appearing at the Barwon Heads Hotel with special guest Chris Wilson. This concert should go off in a big way. Let me put it this way, at MCMF Geoff and Chris opened on Saturday and filled their stage – people were not going to miss this one. Add Jimi into the mix and you had better get on to trybooking now if you want tickets. Jimi is calling this a “guitar showdown,” which is a good summary of what you can expect. He’s probably best known for his work with The Screaming Jets.” Geoff has just racked up 20 years playing the blues. To celebrate this he has a CD/DVD release which is a must have. If I have to introduce Chris Wilson to you, where have you been sleeping? This is going to be big. Two of Australia’s best guitarists and harp playing that makes angels cry! Speaking of maturing, this column marks a year in Forte. It’s amazing how these things creep up on you. I hope these columns have been of interest, and helpful. See you at a gig soon!
THE NIGHT VIBE Written by Tex Miller thenightvibe.com.au
If I’m going to be completely honest with you, there was a time whereby I was a little ‘naive’ about going to gigs. Up until last week in fact, I was unsure about what was going on with my musical life. Don’t get me wrong, I love live music and there is nothing I find comfort in more than sitting back with a drink in hand and listening to a good live band, however, up until recently I was blinded by the age of discovery. Now if you’ve just started reading this, you are probably wondering what the hell I am prattling on about, however I am talking about going to gigs on a whim, on a hunch that whatever you find there is going to be amazing. It all started for me, back when I was living in London in 2011. Noel Gallagher (from Oasis fame) was just about to release his debut solo record with his new band the High Flying Birds and to say I was excited would be an understatement. For those that know me intimately, I am the biggest Oasis fan and in fact they are one of my all time favourite bands, and being a Noel fan more than Liam – due to the songwriting credits that Noel has: ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ actually the whole back catalogue – bar two songs in the late ‘90s that Liam penned but were never successful. I was interested to see what Noel had spent a good two years writing and planning. Included with the album is a making of documentary that goes for half an hour explaining all about the recording of the album and what happened when Oasis split. Anywho, Noel was performing on Later with Jools Holland and performing his new song, ‘Everybody is on the Run’. From that very first moment when the guitar kicks in, I was hooked. Having tried to enter some competitions to get free tickets to see Noel perform live and failing, this was the only way I’d see the man perform for the moment. I kept the episode stream running on my laptop and what came out next really blew my mind. It was a singer songwriter by the name of Michael Kiwanuka playing his song ‘I’m Getting Ready’. To this day, that tune brings the biggest shivers down my spine. From the soft acoustic guitar tones to the silky smooth vocal track, it is a blissful listen. I had to see this guy perform and having known none of his back catalogue, I booked tickets to see him. Going out on a whim felt great, I knew that I was in good company and as he was playing 45 minutes from home and tickets were only £8 – I couldn’t go wrong, it was literally a no brainer. Packed into the town hall – with a capacity of 120 people – the music was incredible and it was a truly special moment. The main argument of this weeks column is that you should take a risk and head out to a band that you’ve never seen, because who knows whether they are going to be your next favourites or not. Recently, Winterbourne came to Geelong and played at Beav’s Bar. After getting tickets, I headed along, having never heard the music, I bought both their EPs and a signed poster and I would say that it was a great investment. Having heard reports from all my friends after they supported Patrick James a few years back, I was pleasantly surprised and it was like Déjà vu with the Michael Kiwanuka moment all over again. Now, I realise that I may be preaching to the converted already – if you read Forte, you definitely love going to gigs – but if you’re still a bit iffy about going to that gig with your friends because you don’t know the band, do it. You definitely won’t regret it. Living in such a technology driven age, you can google a song or two on your smartphone before seeing them hit the stage with their live intensity. Get out there and support a scene of up and coming bands, who knows where they will be tomorrow. forte 41
Refining the Palette
Streetface 4: Ordinary Extraordinary Young People of Geelong
Geelong Goes Green
Photographs by Natalie Evans Photography (www.natalieevansphotography.com)
Geelong buildings are now covered with giant portraits of local young people as part of the City’s celebrations for National Youth Week (10-19 April). Each of the 16 young people featured Ainsley (pictured), age 22
I wanted to do something about human rights issues and social injustice, so I first volunteered in East Timor then Kenya for two months. When we first walked into the village it was really shocking to see the poverty. I noticed the only extra-curricular activities were sports, so I started an art class. We cleared out a room and on my last day we did a mural and organised for some shelves to be donated and that became the library. They’ve got nothing but they are the loveliest, friendliest people and they kept thanking us for what we were doing. What they’ve given back to me is amazing.
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in STREETFACE have fascinating stories and were chosen by the City’s Youth Development Unit to celebrate the achievements and diversity of our local young people.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons said he loved the idea of STREETFACE which was partly based on the Humans in New York project. “STREETFACE celebrates the young
people of Geelong in a positive and artistic way through photographs and their individual stories,” said Mayor Lyons. “I believe both art and youth should be celebrated in
communities and photographer Natalie Evans has captured this beautifully.” The City’s Youth Portfolio holder Jan Farrell said “Each person featured in STREETFACE has a great story. Whether it is working in the UN, volunteering in East Timor, overcoming disability or preserving Aboriginal language.” “The STREETFACE project first began in Geelong in 2010 and was a joint project with The City of Greater Geelong and Diversitat. “The project was first introduced at PakoFesta in 2010, the following year it was featured at the UCI World Championships and after that portraits were placed around the Geelong region,” said Cr Farrell. Cr Farrell said over the years the theme of STREETFACE has changed significantly. This year’s theme of “ordinary extraordinary young people is reflected well in Natalie’s work.” “Every year I look forward the celebration of National Youth Week across Geelong and hope everyone enjoys this year’s version of STREETFACE.”
There’s a new cleansing detox program to hit Geelong and the Surf Coast and they’re doing things a little differently. 3 Days Away, Wholefood Juice blend entirity of all fruits and vegetables to capture 100% of the nutrients, a few herbs and spices are then thrown in to help your body cleanse, rejuneate and re-energise. They have a three day program for only $40 delivered straight to your day, eating - or should we say drinking healthy was never so easy. Visit their Facebook page for more or call 0433 564 669.
Scott No Cancer Scott Beyer recieved his shock diagnosis of a rare non Hodgkin Lymphoma called Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma (AITL) in December 2013, starting his fight against the illness soon after. Treatment isn’t cheap and that’s why they’ve organised the fundraiser, Scott
Cut and Coffee You’ve probably seen the little caravan parked at King of the Castle by now and the immaculately groomed men that come out of it. That little caravan just so happens to be The Resident Barber pop up, which is in the perfect spot for a relaxing snip. So if you’ve been umming and ahhing about getting a haircut, and fancy some good quality coffee, then head down as the barber will only be there for the rest of this month. When&Where: King of the
Castle (24 Pakington St, Geelong West) - Mon - Fri 7am-3pm; Sat Sun 8am - 2pm
No Cancer, at the Pier Geelong on March 27. Take part in a night of silent auctions of amazing experiences and items, with special appearances from sports stars, celebrities some live music and door prizes. Tickets are $75 and while they include entertainment and light fingerfood, the main reward is helping Scott Beyer in his crusade against non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Tickets can be purchased from www.trybooking.com/GXOD When&Where: The Pier, Geelong - March 27
Refining the Palette
ETCH Gallery ‘Navigating the City’, the first solo exhibition for Susan Rice-Bellman challenges the viewer visually through shape and perspective while using charcoal and her fine tuned drawing skills to produce large scale cityscapes. Whereas the intimate photographic images interpret place as abstract forms and architecture. RiceBellman’s art raises questions associated to the over-development and consumption of the natural landscape by humanity.
Richard the Third If you’re a lover of Game of Thrones, Walking Dead or House of Cards then this adaptation of Richard the Third is for you. Giving a twist on the Shakespearean classic director Christine Davey talked to Forte about the rich script, modern soundtrack and planning murders. If there’s anything you need to expect it’s that this show will blow them all out of the water.
Hi Christine, thanks so much for taking the time to chat to Forte, where are you and what are you up to at the moment? When&Where: Until I’m at home right now - I have a farm with March 31 at ETCH llamas (yes really, I’m a llama farmer), and Gallery (215 Moorabool I am busy doing social media publicity for St, Geelong) Richard The Third. Production started on the play some months ago, how has the process been going Duo Solo Exhibitions: and are you ready for the first performance Steve Salo and Brian on March 20? The rehearsal process is going really Pieper well. The show is fast and furious and Artists Steve Salo and Brian Pieper we’ve been thinking up interesting ways to are presenting concurrent solo commit murder. For the purposes of theatre, exhibitions at Metropolis Gallery, of course! Yes, opening night is on March kicking off the gallery’s exciting 20, and it’s all hands on deck as everyone 2015 calendar of exhibitions. The furiously memorises lines, fits costumes, exhibitions Steve Salo: Passerby sources props - it’s all go! This is a fabulous and Brian Pieper: On the Street cast of local actors - some experienced, some are linked by the artists’ particular not - but everyone has the common goal of interests in everyday people and presenting exciting, entertaining theatre. places. There’s only a few days left to This period in the rehearsal process is always get a glimpse of the incredible peice exciting, tinged with a lot of nervous energy. (the exhibition ends on March 21) Richard The Third, is one of Shakespeare’s so make sure you head down. better known plays, for those who are a little When&Where: Until March 21 - Metropolis Gallery, 64 Ryrie Street less familiar, could you tell us a little bit about it? This is one of Shakespeare’s most Kelly remarkable plays. On one level it’s a story Fast moving and action packed, about royal brothers fighting over the throne Kelly sheds a new light on of England. On other levels it’s about power Australia’s most infamous cult plays, lust, greed, ambition, love, death - and heroes. Brothers of the same blood the whole damn thing. Think Game of and name, but with very different Thrones meets House of Card meets Walking perspectives. Dramatically Dead and you get the idea. Richard himself entwining fact, theory and myth, is the anti-hero - we know he’s horrible, we Kelly is masterfully balanced know he’s evil, we know he’s a vicious liar, with light and shade, and the cheat and murderer, but.....there’s something quick-fire banter between the about him that we can’t help but admire. He characters resonates with a rough might be awful, but at least he’s honest! There but irresistible brand of Australian is so much rich, muscular dialogue in the play. humour. Richard, for example is called a bunch-backed When&Where: GPAC, Geelong toad, a rooting hog, a bottle-backed spider! - April 15-18 If anyone hasn’t seen Shakespeare before, this is a great play with which to start. It is so colourful and fast-paced, and funny and The Babadook shocking - sometimes all at once. Your version however, has a modern twist, Local independent cinema the what does this mean exactly? Pivotonian will have one last We’ve cut the script back to its essentials, screening of horror movie The made it more accessible to a twenty-first Babadook, directed by Jennifer century audience. We’ve added a set which Kent. The film tells the story of will hopefully evoke discussion. It centres a single mother, plagued by the around a destroyed world - a rubbish tip - a violent death of her husband, if you miss this one they also have screenings of land where everything, including life, is easily battles with her son’s fear of a Rosewater, Citizenfour, What We Did on Our discarded. This isn’t traditional Shakespeare monster lurking in the house, but Holiday and Human Capital amongst others. at all, so forget about tights and pointy shoes. soon discovers a sinister presence This is Shakespeare with power drills and all around her. You can catch the When&Where: The Babadook screens at The film on March 24 at 7pm, but Pivotonian Cinema (57 Pakington St, Geelong West) pitch forks. We’ve got fantastic music to
accompany the action - Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, Elbow, Hozier, Ethel Merman, Lorde it’s a hoot and a half. Skin Of Our Teeth is one of the regions finest production troupes, how was the auditioning process for this particular show? I love the audition processit’s always fabulous to see the talent on display, and we have so much of it in the region. At SOOT we are all about creating a team, not just a bunch of actors, so it’s all hands on deck - all the actors help in finding costumes, bits of the set, props etc, so the audition process is as much about gauging levels of dedication as it is about talent. We are creating a theatre company, so collaboration is not only important, it’s essential. Could you tell us about some of the actors? Our cast is made up of 15 extraordinary actors - from ages 14 through to...well let’s just say, late 60s. They come from
all walks of life. One of our actors is a scientific researcher at CSIRO. Another works in a book shop. We’ve got kinder teachers, special ed teachers, baristas, retirees, students, all sorts. As to the talent on offer - well, it is truly remarkable. These people can act, sing, play the piano accordian....... it’s all happening. As to the guy playing Richard himself - well that’s Steven Georgiadis - a very experienced actor and director in the region. He’s doing such a fine job in this big, big role and that’s with poles, and gaffer tape stuck to his legs (you’ll have to see the show to find out what that’s all about). Shakespeare theatre is often quite lengthy, how long does each performance run and
does that include an interval? Each show runs for approximately 2.5 hours including interval. We’ve got wine and coffee available as well, for the perfect nights entertainment. Who would you recommend coming to see the show? Hopefully the show will appeal to heaps of people - young, old, new to theatre, experienced theatre-goers, students of Shakespeare, or anyone who is a teensy bit tired of the same old thing. This is definitely Shakespeare, but not as you know it. If you are unsure about seeing a Shakespearean play in the flesh, trust me, this is going to be a run ride. When&Where:
Shenton Theatre, Geelong - March 20, 21 & 25-28
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Of Lines and Colour: Saabira Razac Written by Amanda Sherring
As human beings we’re all a little curious at how others see the world. Saabira Razac is no different, and part of the reason behind creating her art is to play with how we see shapes and images. “Sometimes I find that art gives you too much but if your eyes can draw that line without it being there, that to me says something else,” she says. “[My work is] a highly representational figure done in a more abstract way. So giving you a little bit of information but you know exactly what you’re looking at as soon as you see it. It is a lot more difficult to get that out of you but that’s what I aspire to.”
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Looking at each artwork it really makes you wonder what Saabira sees when she looks at the world. Using strong line work, shading and blocks of colour isn’t something that she came by recently, and has been a habit from her early days in art. “I guess it was just the way I saw how things were. I liked shadows and highlights and doing it in a very minimalist way so you can get as much information with little detail,” she says. A recent trip to the Powerhouse opened up a new opportunity for Saabira, and a new type of displaying her art. “I went on Australia Day and I was just entranced with how much beautiful work was there,” she says. “You can tell that the artists aren’t just run of the mill or off
the street – they want to show something, there is meaning behind everything.” By the end of the visit she’d been in contact with the owner and soon after booked a time and a space in the old building to call her own. Now a few months later, a 7ft figure takes up a concrete column in the middle of one of the open spaces. Coloured with salmon and fleshy tones, the imposing woman lies folded over herself reaching for the floor, hair a mess. “I’ve never personally seen myself as a street artist – I’ve never really done that kind of work. But when you see something that is definitely constructive and great you have to stand and appreciate that,” Saabira says.
While there’s a sense of achievement in creating something new, Saabira gains her own joy from her art classes in which she teaches new art techniques to those who may have previously had none. “I think in a way it’s helping them break out of their comfort zones,” she says. “It builds their confidence as well because they start coming to you with ideas and saying, ‘I saw this and it looks really cool, can we do this?’” Saabira’s art classes run once a week for four weeks with a different art technique covered over each course. To book or for more information email sibsie1@gmail.com. To simply view her work for purchase or curiosity visit www.facebook.com/SaabiraR.
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Dustin Tebbutt Q&A
His dreamy indie/folk/pop tunes have us dreaming of travelling the world, and it’s no wonder as the young musician fancies a bit of exploration himself. We had a chat with Dustin about taking adventures, his time in Sweden and his love for Thom Yorke.
How are you and what are you up to at the moment? I’m really good thanks! I’ve been writing a lot of music and today I’m tinkering away in the studio.. there’s some new sounds and space coming into the mix, which is fun. That and I’ve just started trying to surf! our clip for ‘Bones’ was in an incredible location but I saw you’ve been doing a bit more location scouting, is it for another music clip? Yeah, there’s always a few things at the back of my mind that I’m working on. I was in search of the right beach to do some test shots and see if this idea that I’ve had for a song would work. I think I found the spot! Do you enjoy taking little adventures like that and discovering new places? Absolutely, even just getting on the open road for a few hours. I grew up in the country and, although I love living in Sydney now, it’s always nice to get back to some space. Sweden must have been a pretty incredible experience too, I imagine that time would have been full of adventures! Yeah that was a big one! It seems a world away now, but there were so many unbelievable moments from that time.. I met a lot of amazing people, and grew so much.
Do you think living there has really shaped your music? I really do, I met a few musicians over there that I learnt a lot from, and not just musically, but just new ways of seeing things. A lot of that was from subtle cultural differences. The landscape up there is amazing too, and I really fell in love with the natural environment, the dramatic seasons, I feel like a lot of that has changed the sounds and moods I use now. I love that you share other artists’ music on your Facebook page too, do you think it’s important to share the love? I think sharing music is awesome. That’s the only way I find new stuff – other people putting me onto it – so when I find something that really connects it just seems right to let people know about it.
You seem to share a bit from Thom Yorke too, is he a favourite musician of yours? Yeah, definitely! Both Radiohead and Thom Yorke are big influences on me. They’ve managed to keep growing and pushing their creative boundaries over so many years.. I really respect that. I understand that you used to make your music quite privately, does it feel good to be putting it out there and having people receive it so well? Yeah, it does! It takes it to a new level, both playing live more and getting feedback from the recorded stuff. I try not to ever think about how it’s going to be received when I’m making new stuff but once it’s done, that act of sharing it is really exciting. Have you noticed much of a change in your performances in the past 12 months? Yeah, I’ve changed quite a lot actually – just getting more comfortable on stage really. It’s a bit of a process putting a show together, and every night it is a different beast. You test things out and sometimes they work other times they don’t. 12 months ago though I was doing a lot of solo shows now it’s more of a band vibe. Well we look forward to seeing (and hearing) much more from you in 2015, and thanks for the chat! Is there anything you’d like to add before we finish up? No, that’s all, good! Oh, I did just come across this album by a band called Clogs. It’s one of the guys from The National collaborating with a bunch of people, including Sufjan Stevens. Definitely worth checking out! Looking forward to the show, and thanks for the chat!
When&Where: Karova Lounge, Ballarat – March 27
Samual James Written by Kara Ready
After mixing the new Ultra Dance 2015 compilation, Melbourne-based DJ Samual James is establishing himself as one of the country’s biggest artists to look out for. Describing the opportunity to mix the soundtrack alongside fellow Aussie DJ Will Sparks as “out of the blue”, Samual lists Ultra as the record label that “I really wanted to work with pretty much since I started”. After being sent a list of around 60 tracks to choose from, Samual whittled it down to what he thought were the 18 best songs for Australian dance music lovers to enjoy. “I just tried to keep my CD a mixture of tracks people are gonna know as well as tracks that I really like personally and really enjoy playing in my own live sets already,” he says. Perhaps a testament to the rise of Australian dance music in recent years, the 2015 Ultra mix features around 20 tracks by Australian artists over two discs. This exposure of local talent is part of the reason why Samual thinks the country’s DJ culture has blown up recently. “Coming up in Melbourne, there’s so many DJ’s and producers, but only in the last two years have the bigger artists really been discovering all the talent that is in Australia,” he says. “So it’s really good to see so many Aussie’s on such a big CD like this, given that it’s Ultra.”
Alongside the release of the Ultra Dance compilation Samual will be playing in clubs all around the country, including a set at Geelong’s own Home House. No stranger to the Geelong crowd, Samual has played at the local club several times before, describing the shows as: “Incredible... every time it’s wallto-wall packed out”. However, this time he says that partygoers can expect something a little bit different from his set. “I’ll be playing a lot of the tracks that are on the CD’s and a few tracks that I wouldn’t normally play in my sets… I’ll be testing a lot of new stuff from me that will be coming out later in the year so everyone can look forward to that,” he says. One thing fans can
When&Where: Home House, Geelong - March 28
count on is that the set will include his new track ‘Mumbai’, which is currently climbing its way up the ARIA club tracks chart and at the moment sits at an impressive number six. For Samual, the best part of releasing a new track is seeing the reaction he gets from the crowd when he plays it at a club. “People start to get to know the track so well that when
you’re mixing it in they kind of catch onto it and you see people start to get their phones out and tell their mates… It’s so cool to get a response like that and I’m stoked with how well it’s done,” he says of ‘Mumbai’s success. Having just played Stereosonic 2014, something he describes as “one of the best experiences so far in my career”, Samual James looks like he’s gearing up for an even bigger year ahead. With more new tracks on the
way, that will undoubtedly cement his presence as one of Australia’s favourite DJ’s, one thing is for sure, Geelong partiers don’t want to miss his set at Home House later this month.
Peace Train: A Tribute to Cat Stevens Due to overwhelming demand, Darren Coggan will return for national encore performances of his critically acclaimed portrait of Cat Stevens in Peace Train – A tribute to Cat Stevens, touring Australia and New Zealand from January – September 2015.
Since its debut performance at the Wagga Civic Theatre back in 2009, Darren Coggan’s Peace Train, has gone on to inspire many others, playing to standing ovations in the most prestigious venues in Australia including The Sydney Opera House. Peace Train is a night of music and story-telling which will strike a chord deep inside the heart of anyone who longs for something more, a journey back in time, recreating the sights and sounds, seeking out the man in the music and telling the story behind the songs. Cat Stevens defined a generation with songs that the whole world sang along with. These timeless songs including ‘Moonshadow’, ‘Wild World’, ‘Peace Train’, ‘Where Do the Children Play’, ‘Father & Son’, ‘Morning Has Broken’, and many more continue to unite the world, bringing people together in the name of love and peace. “2015 is set to be our biggest year to date aboard the Peace Train. We start our year in Tamworth at the Country Music festival, move into Sydney’s State Theatre on Valentine’s Day for a Valentine’s Day 46 forte
celebration of love and peace and then roll out across the country through Tasmania, WA, Darwin, QLD, NSW, Vic and SA. This will be our third lap around Australia aboard the Peace Train and it’s been a wonderful journey,” said Darren Coggan. Back in the ‘70s, Cat Stevens was the ultimate rock star. Talented, charismatic, with a seemingly endless succession of beautiful melodies streaming from his imagination, the international singing star had everything. He sold more than 60 million albums, earned enough money to last several lifetimes, and enjoyed all the trappings of fame. But he wanted more out of life. So at the height of his career he shocked the world by taking his
last bow. The music stopped and Cat Stevens was no more. Darren Coggan takes the audience on a ride of discovery, back through the joys and the sorrows, the triumphs and the pain, in a celebration of the life of one of the most inspiring and prolific singer songwriters of our time, Cat Stevens. The underlying theme of out show is that we all have the ability to make changes in our lives, should we not be content with who we are or where we are,” said Darren Coggan. Darren Coggan has toured extensively with stage shows Grease – The Mega Musical, Happy Days – The Arena Mega Musical, and Shout – The Musical Of The Wild One. He has appeared regularly on TV, including several guest appearances on Channel 7’s All Saints and currently is a presenter on Sydney Weekender. He has also been awarded two Golden Guitar awards at the CMAA Country Music Awards in 2001 and 2008. Get on board the Peace Train as Darren Coggan traces the path of a man who never stopped wondering about how to make the world a better place.
When&Where: The Capital Theatre, Bendigo - March 20 & Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat - March 21
Inside Splinters
Written by Adem Ali
DESIGN DECADE OF A
From top: Gabriella Cilmi, Girls Aloud, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Sneaky Sound System
2OO5-2015 The final ever Inside Splinters I dedicate this, the final ever Inside Splinters, to my incredible Grandmother Sabiha, who passed away one year ago this week. Her, along with my glorious Mother Azra, Father Ismail, Aunty Amra and Uncle Azi, helped shape my insane passion for music from a very early age. My Grandmother was so into her music that she blew up about seven (although, to be honest, we lost count eventually so I’d guess it may have been more than seven!) pairs of speakers for her stereo; she just refused to believe there was a limit to the volume capacity, a trait I have definitely inherited from her. I would get ready to go to school and Mum and I would, more often than not, hear my Grandmother’s music blaring through the air – and from streets away. Without her guidance, love and teachings, I would probably not be here, talking about my second biggest love in this world; pop music. I owe everything to her, to my entire family, so I dedicate this to the memory of Sabiha on the anniversary of her passing, but also to whatever the future may hold.
GABRIELLA CILMI
I’ve been writing Inside Splinters for just under 10 years; I found out I would be writing the column at the end of 2005 and took on ownership of the column in 2006. It has been a true honour to write about pop music to a (surprisingly!) eager readership, and I have loved every keystroke of my time penning this glorious, editorial column. I remember the first Splinters I ever wrote for Forte clear as day; I sat at my laptop, cigarette in mouth, thinking I was the secondcoming of Carrie Bradshaw – it was pretty exhilarating. Following Cyclone’s departure from Inside Splinters, when I took it over I really tried my best to incorporate her formula with a bit of my own; Splinters was essentially a column that talked about what was news in the RNB, rap, dance and pop worlds. Eventually, I threw most of the RNB and rap into the bin and turned the column
into a full-blown, pop (and often dance) inspired editorial.
‘Give It 2 Me’
Over the last 10 years, there have been an exceptional list of pop stars featured in the column. Regular readers will know that the artists with the most mentions have been my two music Queens; Madonna and Lady Gaga. Madonna is an obvious choice, as too was Gaga, who was an unknown artist for the first two years of my run with Splinters yet somehow managed to have probably the most columns written about her. It’s not a surprise, especially as I was technically the very first Australian journalist ever to interview Lady Gaga; two months before ‘Just Dance’ exploded and turned her into a Megastar.
‘Living For Love’
To celebrate, and to say Goodbye to you all, I have put together a little playlist that (QUITE ROUGHLY) summarises the last 10 years of Inside Splinters.
‘Love Me Coz You Want To’
GIRLS ALOUD
‘Call The Shots’
GOSSIP
‘Heavy Cross (Fred Falke Remix)’
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE ‘What Goes Around (Comes Around)’
LADY GAGA
‘Bad Romance’
LADY GAGA ‘Gypsy’
MADONNA MADONNA McFLY
‘The Heart Never Lies’
PURPLE CRUSH ‘Reductive’
RACHEL STEVENS
‘I Said Never Again (But Here We Are)’
ROGUE TRADERS ‘America’
SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM ‘Big’
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR
‘Heartbreak Make Me A Dancer’
SUGABABES
‘About You Now’
THE SATURDAYS ‘All Fired Up’
Think of it as my final gift to you all; the Perfect Splinters Pop Playlist to comfort you in the wake of our eternal absence. Right, I guess it’s time to start saying my goodbyes! First and foremost, I need to thank Cyclone Wehner, whose column this was when I took it over, and Clare Dickins, my incredible friend and one-time editor, who first introduced me to Cyclone and the job opening at Forte Magazine nearly an entire decade ago. A thank you needs to be sent Clem Bastow’s way as well. All of these incredibly talented women believed in my writing at a time when even I, perhaps, didn’t believe in it myself. I would also like thank the editor’s I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years here at Forte. In order of appearance; thank you to Phil Hickey for being the first editor to give me free reign on what I wrote about, to Brigitte Stone, who nourished my talent and believed in me perhaps moreso than any other editor ever did; I owe a lot to you my darling. You were always so passionate about music and the magazine, and always believed in whatever it was I was banging on about each fortnight - I will never forget you! And finally, to Luke McNamara, who has been the absolute definition of a complete Champion since he started at Forte; thank you for everything mate. Special mentions must also go to Anton and Amanda also. Without sounding like an Academy Award winner, I need to also thank my entire family, especially my mother Azra who has been the #1 supporter of my writing since I began toying with the idea in high school. You are the greatest! I also need to thank my two best friends, Ben and Michelle, who played a
major part in the creation and timeline of the Inside Splinters radio show; also a big thank you to Jasper and Gribby, who also volunteered some of their time toward the Splinters reign of the FM dial. Remember when there used to be an Inside Splinters radio show all those years back? Gone but certainly not forgotten. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank you, my loyal readers. You may not know it, but each email, internet comment, tweet or facebook message from you guys has meant the world to me, even when it wasn’t constructive! To know that I was able to reach out to so many people with my Passionate Pop Musings has left an undeniable mark on me; you are all truly wonderful people! The journey doesn’t end for me here, obviously. I currently edit the Aussie-based music blog AudioOut. com.au, and have plans to make a radio-wave comeback, hopefully before years end. I’ll also not be leaving Forte forever; you’ll still see my occasional pop postings appear, just in smaller doses. It’s not me that’s going anywhere, just the column! Anyways, stay classy regional Victoria. Hopefully I will catch your attention over at AudioOut.com.au, or play your favourite song on the radio in the near future. Until then, this is Adem with an E and Inside Splinters signing out; Forever! Xo Follow @AdemWithAnE on Twitter, and visit www.AudioOut.com.au for more Pop Appreciation!
forte 47
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eureka
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48 forte
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the max hotel
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forte 49
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50 forte
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forte 51
Film Reviews
Films reviewed by Anthony Morris
Insurgent
‘71
When we last saw Tris (Shailene Woodley), Four, (Theo James), Caleb (Ansel Elgort) and Peter (Miles Teller), they were on the run from Jeanine (Kate Winslet), who had taken control of the faction system that runs the futuristic (yet ruined) city that is all that remains of humanity. Actually, the ending of Divergent was the rare example of a young adult franchise wrapping things up enough to function as a proper ending if things don’t go well, yet open enough to keep going if the box office stars align. But it means this takes a while to get going, as our heroes hide out briefly with the hippies of Amity faction before the gleefully murderous Eric (Jai Courtney) tracks them down – it seems Jeanine has found a box left by the mysterious Founders that can only be opened by someone divergent (someone who could belong to more than one faction), and with Tris at the top of that list the only way she’s going to survive is if she figures out a way to fight back. The first hour or so is a mish-mash of feuding factions and shock twists
The year is – well, you can probably guess that – and freshfaced UK soldier Gary Hook ( Jack O’Connell) is on his first routine patrol in Belfast with his woefully under-prepared unit when he is separated from them in a riot. Lost behind enemy lines – the streets are little more than a grim maze – and hunted by a growing number of groups that want to make him a statistic, his story methodically expands into a wide-ranging look at Northern Ireland’s Troubles. With at least four separate paramilitary groups here, plus the army and the brutal local cops
held together largely by Woodley’s performance as the violent and selfloathing Tris, with only a couple of dream sequences to provide some visual spark. The second hour focuses more on a series of virtual reality tests Tris has to endure, and suddenly the film comes into focus: in a world where everything is fake to some extent or another (and intentionally or not, the various hurdles she has to jump through in the real world certainly don’t feel all that serious or believable), her emotional journey
is what really counts. That’s not particularly well handled either – the romance between Tris and Four is largely taken for granted – but it works well enough to hold things together. The cast is largely stuck with two-dimensional characters – only Naomi Watts as a rebel leader and Teller playing an out-for-himself sleaze get much to play with here – but some of the visuals are striking, and if the film doesn’t have the impact of the first instalment, there’s always the next one…
Chappie There are few things in life – well, movie-going life at least – than seeing an “all-new” movie and realising it’s just a bunch of stuff from other films bolted together. We already have plenty of sequels and reboots out there for people who want more of the same: if you get the chance to tell a new story, take it. Of course, that’s not how the movies work. The closer you are to something that’s worked before, the more likely it is that you’ll get the funding to tell your tale. So with Chappie what we get is around 60% Robocop, maybe 30% Short Circuit (“number five is alive!”) or any one of a dozen other “creature learns to feel” stories, and 10% Terminator 2’s “guns are bad” message. Which would be just fine (they’re all good ingredients after all), if director Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium) actually knew how to tell a decent story. The future is next year, the mean streets of Johannesburg (300 murders and violent assaults a day) are now patrolled by humanoid robots called ‘Scouts’. #22 is heading for the trash when inventor Deon Wilson (Dev
The problem with almost all Australian comedies is that Australian comedians aren’t the kind of people you want to look at on a big screen for 90 minutes. Leading man Carl Barron aside, Manny Lewis is a perfectly competent romantic comedy that contains absolutely no surprises. From the way that you know the relationship between stand-up Lewis (Barron) and Maria (Leeanna Walsman) is going to explode in the third act because of a secret one is keeping from the other – OK, Maria is a phone sex operator that the lonely Lewis has been calling up, and when they meet in real life she doesn’t tell him even after she recognises him as one of her clients – to an ending that involves one character chasing down another to prevent them from leaving forever. Director Anthony Mir does a
Unfinished Business Patel) decides to download his first ever artificial intelligence program into him – right at the moment when a pair of gangsters (rappers Die Antwoord) kidnap him in the hopes of getting him to shut down the police robots. #22 – now named Chappie – is basically an infant but he’s going to grow up fast and the gangsters’ plan is to lead him into a life of crime. Meanwhile Wilson’s workplace rival (Hugh Jackman) has created a giant killbot of his own (it’s basically Robocop’s ED209, only human controlled), and Chappie just might
be what he needs to take the Scouts off the streets. Chappie is yet another reminder that CGI can do pretty much anything, and the numerous action sequences are first rate. The scenes where the gangsters try to bring Chappie up wrong are pretty funny in parts – Die Antwoord’s Ninja and Yo-Landi are halfway decent actors – but with a story that stumbles and staggers around without ever building tension, this never becomes much more that mildly interesting. Chappie does look dope in those gold chains though.
Focus Nicky (Will Smith) is a con man at the top of his game, Jess (Margot Robbie) is a streetwise hustler who wants to up her game, and the only thing you really need to know apart from that is this: do they have decent chemistry together? Fortunately for the rest of the film – which is the usual twist heavy con-artist deal, though more professionally put together than Now You See It and not as genuinely surprising as David Mamet’s classics of the genre, Home of Games and The Spanish Prisoner – they do, though it’s hard to pin down exactly how much of that comes from good writing. Wisely, both leads are playing to type: Smith is the smooth, confident man in control – reminding us along the way that he’s pretty much the only actor left from his generation who can play this kind of leading
Manny Lewis
Vince Vaughn’s gradual onscreen shift from hard-partying jerk to worn down family man reaches some kind of peak in Unfinished Business, a film that seems to only have a vague idea of what “funny” is, but knows exactly what it feels like to be a harried middle-aged man in a world rapidly passing you by. A year ago Dan Trunkman (Vaughn) quit his job selling the metal equivalent of sawdust to start his own company selling the tiny shreds of scrap metal. Now he and co-workers Tom (Tom Wilkinson) and Mike Pancake (Dave Franco) are finally about the seal a deal big enough for them to shift out of Dunkin’ Donuts and get their own
Top Five
man, Leonardo DiCaprio off playing character parts and Tom Cruise being no one’s idea of a dream date these days – while Robbie is basically playing a broader but sweeter version of her Wolf of Wall Street character. Most of the sparks flying between them involve her being funny or him being cool as he suckers her with various cons, so while it’s not exactly a realistic depiction of a relationship
you’ve paid to see attractive people being charming while enjoying each other company and that’s what this delivers. Plus various supporting characters swearing in what seems to be a semi-improvised fashion, which gives them a life this kind of film doesn’t usually bother with. It’s charming and fun: just don’t expect to remember any of it in the morning.
Chris Rock might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of the next Woody Allen, but with Top Five he stakes a pretty big claim to that title. Basically playing a more successful yet more downmarket version of himself (his big claim to fame is playing a gun-toting bear cop named Hammy complete with rubbish “It’s Hammy time” catchphrase), Top Five follows a single day in his life as he’s followed around New York by a journalist (Rosario Dawson) as he promotes his latest movie – a serious drama about a Haitian slave uprising that everyone but him knows is a stinker – deals with his upcoming wedding to a reality TV star, and hangs out with his friends from the old neighbourhood.
ROSEWATER Mar 19: 7pm / Mar 21: 5pm / Mar 23: 7.30pm / Mar 25: 9pm / Mar 27: 7pm
pretty decent job of making the setting (winter in Kings Cross) look cosy and romantic, the dialogue is basic but believable and, if it doesn’t do anything spectacularly right, neither does it do anything horribly wrong. Apart from the character of Lewis himself – his stand-up is mainly about depression, suicide and being tormented by his dad – he seems disinterested in his own life. He can’t connect with women because he sabotages every chance he gets, and he spends most of his time on the phone chat line complaining about his girlfriend’s flaws before adding “but I love her”. The film halfheartedly argues that he’s messed up because of his upbringing, but it’s a weird choice to have the lead in a rom-com seem like someone who needs serious work before he’s even ready for a relationship. Barron comes across as a pretty good actor though, hopefully that’s not just because he’s playing himself here. office. Then sleazy company head Jim Spinch ( James Marsden) brings their former boss and rival Chuck Portnoy (Sienna Miller) in to get a little competition going and now they’re off to Berlin to hang out in a sex parade… uh, seal the deal. Trunkman has painfully unfunny family woes, Mike Pancake is literally a special needs case and Tom, like all old guys in comedies, is a horny maniac who takes drugs – none of this is funny. But the idea of making a “comedy” that so nakedly appeals to crushed middleaged men by reminding them of how crushing their lives are is pretty hilarious if you think about it. Which means the best way to enjoy this film is by not actually going to see it. An all-star supporting cast (including Tracey Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer, and a bunch of big name comedy cameos) and a bunch of flashbacks to earlier, drunker times, doesn’t really hide the fact that this is a two-hander, but Rock is a joke-telling machine here and there are laughs to be found even when this takes the occasional turn for the serious. It helps to be a): a fan of Rock (his character isn’t really sketched in much early on, so if you don’t already like him it can be a struggle) and b): up with a lot of hip-hop and black culture references, while some of the more earthy jokes (there’s an entire riff on ass-play) can be c): a bit dubious. But if one bit falls flat Rock will win you back with the next. This is easily one of the top five comedies of 2015.
HUMAN CAPITAL Mar 19: 9pm / Mar 21: 2.30pm / Mar 22: 8.30pm / Mar 27: 9.15pm
Tickets: $10 concession $12 adult
CITIZENFOUR Mar 20: 9pm / Mar 21: 7.15pm / Mar 24: 8.45pm / Mar 26: 7.30pm / Mar 29: 6pm
Licensed Candy Bar
THE DARK HORSE Mar 20: 6.30pm / Mar 29: 1pm / Apr 1: 7.30pm WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY Mar 21: 12.30pm / Mar 22: 6.30pm / Mar 25: 7pm THE BABADOOK Mar 21: 9.45pm / Mar 24: 7pm WestFEST 2015 Mar 22: Come join us at WestFEST 2015! ELSA & FRED Mar 28: 12.30pm
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this could have been a confusing muddle, but the episodic structure gives each of the groups involved a memorable introduction. The Provisional IRA arrive by executing a defenceless solider, while the opposing Ulster Volunteer Force are first seen putting together a bomb. Director Yann Demange’s keeps things moving at a breakneck pace, but each sequence has its own unique tone. From the confusion of the riot to a frantic foot chase to the surreal horror after a pub bomb goes off, each sequence building on the tension until the pieces come together in a shocking yet ruthlessly logical climax. This is brilliant filmmaking, and a film not to be missed.
More movie times and info available online pivotcinema.com.au The Ukranian Community Hall, 57 Pakington St, Geelong West
t h e w ra p Seventh Son It’s time yet again for witches and monsters and dragons and brave knights and… aren’t the people who like this stuff all off watching Game of Thrones now anyway?
Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Everyone’s back! And while some of the thrill has gone, there’s still enough residual charm to make this a perfectly decent slice of “more of the same”.
Inherent Vice A shaggy dog tale about a hippie P.I. in LA circa 1970, this is less about solving the many complicated, overlapping mysteries as it is about capturing a stoned, vaguely paranoid vibe. It’s also pretty funny when it feels the need.
Fifty Shades of Grey Not as sexy nor as silly as you might have expected, this competently made and perfectly serviceable film works best when it’s simply about two people trying to figure out what kind of relationship they want. And not just “with or without whips” either.
Jupiter Ascending Sure, this space opera is big, crazy, nutty stuff, but who wouldn’t rather see a crazy film made by people (in this case the people who made the Matrix films) following their own vision even when it takes them down a dead end instead of a polished corporate comicbook property that just feels fresh off an assembly line?
Kingsman: The Secret Service A crude, brash, yet very entertaining (so long as you don’t think about it) Bond knock-off. This is a lot of fun yet somehow less edgy than it likes to think it is. So perfect for teenage boys of all ages.
Still Alice Julianne Moore plays a professor who has early onset Alzheimer’s. So bring loads of tissues and be prepared to spend the next week doing every memory test you can find.
American Sniper Bradley Cooper is a good ol’ boy who just wants to defend his country by shooting Iraqis in a biopic from director Clint Eastwood’s that delivers war movie thrills with a bit of nuance… if you look closely enough.
Birdman Despite what the trailers would have you believe, this isn’t a superhero movie. Rather, Michael Keaton is an actor (who rose to fame playing a superhero) trying to revive his career via a Broadway play. Much backstage hijinks (some funny, some thoughtful) result.
Music Reviews
Courtney Barnett
British India
Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
Nothing Touches Me Liberation
The critics are right, this is British India’s best release. The vocals are cleaner, as the producer encouraged lead singer Declan Melia to aim for perfection, the instrumentals are often quite complicated especially in ‘Suddenly’ and all the songs on the album compliment each other perfectly. With around a decade of experience in the industry the band have really managed to hone their craft. ‘Angela’ is a sweet little number that’s perfect to share with your lover, though there is no Angela in any of the boys’ lives, it was simply a nice name to sing. ‘Wrong Direction’ is simply a track that works. The crooning of Declan draws you in and is quickly backed up by a steady drum beat and guitar riff. It’s a bit of a magical track as it was captured in one shot in the studio in the moment, something that shines through in the song. Personally a highlight is
Milk! Records/Remote Control
‘Lifeguard’, it’s one of their softer songs but it’s an easy listen no matter where you are. ‘Spider Chords’ is deserving of a mention as well, though it’s really too hard to single out just one song as they are really best listened to as a
package. This is definitely one to pick up whether you’re a huge British India fan or not, it’s simply that good it could sway even the most disinterested of listeners. Written by Amanda Sherring
tracks, most commonly though in ‘An Illustration of Loneliness’. Having just played at Golden Plains, and with a massive headline tour in support of this record coming up, I highly recommend you head down to your favourite music store and pick up this CD.
She is a star on the rise and it is still cool enough to jump on the bandwagon at the moment. Witty lyrics, catchy pop hooks and simply great songs are all present on this album. Definitely one of my favourites of the year thus far! Written by Tex Miller
Influenced by Black Sabbath, these songs are heavy and have allowed Cornier to develop a new singing style – which he lays down throughout each of the albums tracks. If you like your music heavy, then this is an album for you. Cancer Bats
have delivered on their fifth release and you should check it out. Whether they will tour Australia on the back of this is yet to be announced, but keep your eyes glued to their social media for all the updates. Written by Tex Miller
Really there’s no better person to sum up the album than the man himself, claiming The Pale Emperor as, “dirty, like the dirt under my nails, like someone who has dug a grave”. This album will
easily stand against the critics, myself included, and please the Manson fans who have been counting the days for a new release. Written by Amanda Sherring
Cancer Bats
Mark with the Sea
Searching For Zero
When the Blood Runs Dry
Cooking Vinyl Records
Heart of the Rat Records
Gliding into my earphones with a healthy mix of noisy electric guitar is the opening track ‘Bows and Arrows’ from Mark With The Sea’s new album When The Blood Runs Dry. With the rollicking trashing cymbal crashes and Hammond organ tumbling along, although I haven’t had the opportunity to see Mark and the Sea live yet, they will definitely be on my list to see this year. Marc Oswin is one of the locals that has been playing around the Ballarat scene for many years now in different projects and bands, but by far this is the most exciting thing he has ever done. The second release from the band and the follow up to 2013s 13 Years, the choruses of the tracks that make up this album are catchy and something that if you listen to this album a couple of times, you will be singing along in no time. Regarded as a poetic and literal songwriter, the lyrics that make up this album are both intriguing
The first time that I heard ‘Avant Gardner’ by Courtney Barnett, I knew that she was built for success. Fast forward 18 months, and she is releasing her debut record Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit. Immediately I can tell that this is going to be a big album of 2015, and a few tracks will rank highly in the Hottest 100 next year. The first Australian to perform on Jimmy Fallon, this record is because of all the hard work that she has put in over the past couple of years. ‘Pedestrian at Best’ rollicks along with reverb rocking guitar, a kickarse rhythm section and the indie pop rock sound that she has developed over the past couple of years are all present throughout. Like ‘Avant Gardner’ the track to break her into the music world, her lyrical and poetic singing style is present throughout each of the
and enjoyable to listen to. One of the highlights of this album is ‘Fractured Parts’. From the reverb guitar lines and the soft acoustic tones, this tune has many layers to the sound producing something that is a new discovery every time. Having played in Geelong at
the Nightjar Markets recently, Mark with Sea is set to play a few shows over the upcoming months so make sure that you catch them and pick up this tremendous local release whilst you are at it. Written by Tex Miller
Winterbourne Beavs Bar, Geelong - March 12 Supports: Gordi
You may already love them, but I am definitely now a Winterbourne fan. Heading along to the gig, knowing nothing about them, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. When Gordi hit the stage with her acoustic electro vibes, I knew that I was in for a good time. Synth’s a-plenty, although she didn’t have any recorded music in the form of an EP, she is an artist on the rise to look out for. Quite possibly the best moment of her set in addition to her already astounding back catalogue, was her cover of ‘Is This How You Feel?’ by The Preatures. Slow bold and moody, it was a bliss chilled out electro cover and something that definitely has to be seen to be believed. Then the moment came for Winterbourne to take to the stage, blasting out ‘I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio’ by Stereophonics before getting into it, the bandroom at Beav’s was packed (surprising given a football game also going on) and what a special moment it was. Armed with perfect vocal harmonies, highlights of their set included ‘Steady My Bones’, ‘Hometown’ and ‘The Sand’. A surprise cover of their set was ‘Sunny Afternoon’ by The Kinks that could easily be included on a triple j Like A Version CD in the future. It’s not just about the music though, their stage show is also filled with great comedic moments such as ‘If you don’t know the words to this one… well just carry on with what your doing and drunkily sing-a-long, or something’ and ‘Anyone know what a tuned electric guitar sounds like? NO?...well good!” Thank you Winterbourne for gracing Geelong (the opening night of the tour) with your blissful acoustic harmonies. You have one new fan here and hopefully from reading this, you’ll head out to their next show in Geelong later in the year. Written by Tex Miller
“No More Bullshit” is what lead singer Liam Cornier of Canadian rockers Cancer Bats said about their latest album Searching For Zero. That was the philosophy taken throughout the whole recording process and I think that the mindset has led to a bigger, heavier album all around. The choruses are hookier, the screams more savage, riffs more vicious and the songs more powerful. Opening with ‘Satellites’ it is easy to tell right from the get go that Cancer Bats are a band that are well renowned for their electric live show. In the face of adversity with close friends passing away and non-stop touring, the 10 tracks that make up Searching for Zero are each as brutal and in your face as the next. Produced by Ross Robinson who is a massive producer in the heavier side of the Rock world – who has produced the likes of Sepultura, Slipknot, At the Drive In and Glass Jaw to name a few – the songs were in good hands right from the beginning.
Marilyn Manson The Pale Emperor Hell etc./Cooking Vinyl
It’s been a while since a truly great, dark new wave-inspired album has been released, and there probably isn’t anyone better to tick that box than Marilyn Manson. The Pale Emperor covers all the classic themes of power, drugs, sex, dependency, emptiness and violence, with ‘Slave Only Dreams to be King’ a notable track for the latter (physical and emotional). While Marilyn has said in interviews he is the most content he’s ever been with life, it shows through in a new way in his music. He’s more focused in this album and there’s not a single moment in the 10-track release that it wavers. Throughout the album there’s a slight bluesy-grunge feel flowing through the tracks. Standouts, though painfully hard to separate them from one another, are ‘Killing Stangers’, possibly the track with the strongest bluesy feel, ‘Deep Six’ and ‘Warship My Wreck’.
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Music Reviews
Golden Plains March 7-9
Holding the boot, visiting Aunty Meredith and eating at the Tuckshop are things that only Meredith or Golden Plains goers will really understand. As of last weekend I was finally welcomed into the fold of one of the best music festivals in Australia and these are now sayings I understand and try to use at every chance possible. Put simply, there’s a reason why so many musicians list Golden Plains as one of their go-to festivals, as it really is an experience unlike any other. My start to Golden Plains was an early one – with only one and a half hours sleep we rolled onto the camp site before the sun rose and the festival really began. One of the great things about Golden Plains is that there is so much to do beyond just watching music – though really that’s the sole reason you should come to the festival in the first place. There’s the Meredith Eye, giving you a reality check on just how big the grounds of the festival are, Inspiration Point, to watch the sunrise and set over the valley, the Ecoplex Cinema, volleyball nets, totem poles, on site massages and a number of bars to frequent. The highlight hands down for Saturday was easily First Aid Kit and, after seeing them the night before at The Palais in Melbourne, they certainly know how to back it up. Aldous Harding started the Sunday off with her nervous eyes and awkward stage habits but impeccable vocals. Next up was Banoffee, and she was someone I was eagerly wanting to see and more than paid off. With an 11am slot after a big night for many, the crowd packed close to the stage and were mesmerised by her unusual set up and ability to captivate us all. Following on from their triple j Like A Version, The Bennies did another TISM cover in their Golden Plains set and in hindsight were really deserving of a much later time slot. A bit of a unknown figure, Japanese band Soil & Pimp Sessions drew a crowd if not only for their unusual description of “death jazz”. Of course I couldn’t get away without mentioning the Village People. I don’t think it really mattered what kind of performance they gave, given everyone’s state they would have loved it no matter what they did. But there is a certain joy from singing and dancing along to the hits of ‘Macho Man’, ‘Go West’, ‘In The Navy’ and ‘YMCA’. Though what was up with how they do their ‘Ms’?? Put simply, Golden Plains (and Meredith) is one of those festivals that seem to play out through a hazy golden glow. That may be a corny thing to say, but you can only really understand if you get yourself there to appreciate the magic. Maybe it’s the alcohol, the family vibe or the sense of community, but I’ll definitely be coming back for more. Written by Amanda Sherring. Photos by Emily Hirst
Last Words
grog watch Written by Tony “It only rained once on the walk home” Montana
So last week I made a rookie mistake: I ran out of booze in the house. I don’t want to make excuses, but I’ve got plenty of them handy. For starters, I recently moved over to one litre bottles of vodka in a perfectly reasonable attempt to make it seem like I’m drinking less, just so long as I only measure my drinking in bottles. The only trouble with this new booze measuring system is that it isn’t quite as automatic as the old 700ml bottle one, in that now sometimes I go to my current bottle and realise that while I thought I’d left enough to tide me over in the bottom, what’s actually there isn’t going to do the job. Plus the litre bottles are slightly wider as well so it’s a bit harder to accurately measure
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how much I need to get me through a session – suffice to say my boozing has been a bit more erratic of late. But there’s also been an upside to this, as I’ve tended to tip the excess into my emergency bottle and just crack open a new one instead of just finishing off the old one first, which means that the emergency bottle has been fully stocked when I’ve had to hit it up to tide me over. Except that it seems the last time I needed it to tide me over I drained it, then the next bottle I drank I nearly emptied before passing out and suddenly there I was, stuck in my house after dark with no booze in the place. Well, there was booze, but threeyear-old bottles of beer hardly count because I’m assuming they’ve turned into bread by now. And there was a bottle of red wine someone gave me a few years ago but half the cork was floating in it so I figured it was probably something better suited to cleaning out the drains. So like I
said: no booze. Of course, in a major city in the 21st century this was hardly a serious problem – the local supermarket had a bottle shop section and they were open until midnight. The problem was, and is, that I am a cheapskate – though I prefer the term “I buy so much of this stuff you better believe that I keep both eyes out for a bargain” – and the local supermarket was and is a massive rip-off unless you’re buying beer by the fridge-full. The supermarket was 15 minutes walk away, and I’d be walking there because I’d had too much to drive, the buses had finished for the night and taxis cost money, but another 15 minutes walk past that was the nearest discount booze barn and it was still early enough for them to still be open if I left right now. So I pulled on some pants, put my wallet in those pants and hit the street. My plan was simple: walk to the cheap booze place, buy as much
booze as I could afford, and that’s when I realised that all I had in my wallet was cash, having taken my credit cards (and everything else) out earlier in the day while trying to find a way to put them in my wallet where they wouldn’t fall out because my wallet is falling apart because I spend all my money on booze instead of updating my wallet. But again, it was fine, I had enough cash (I checked) to get what I was after at the cheap bottle barn. Here’s something you may not know: walking sobers you up. And the more sober I got, the more walking all the way to the cheap bottle shop seemed like a bad idea. Surely, I kept telling myself, if I went to the supermarket they’d have to have something in my price range? Every single bottle of spirits there couldn’t possibly cost more than thirty dollars, could they? The problem was, I was now in an either / or situation: if I walked
the half-block out of my way to the supermarket to check, I wouldn’t make it to the cheap booze barn before it closed for the night. I could gamble that the supermarket would have something I could afford and get home half an hour earlier, or I could go with the sure thing of the booze barn but end up spending an extra half an hour walking the dark streets like a bum. Each step I took made me more and more convinced I didn’t want to take another. But what if the supermarket didn’t have anything I could afford? Was it worth taking that risk? Was it even a risk? Surely not even a supermarket would rip its customers off that badly? Bugger it: I wasn’t going to shuffle around an extra half hour when I could spend that time lying on my kitchen floor getting drunk. And guess what? When I went to the supermarket and looked on their shelves, what did I find but a metric shitload of overpriced spirits, none
of which I could afford. But all was not lost: there was a taxi parked out the front – could I get a taxi to the booze barn and still have enough cash left over for some cheap plonk? Let’s find out! So we raced to the booze barn, only we didn’t race we crawled because taxis suck and when I finally arrived and paid off the snail-like driver I didn’t even have enough money for the cheap booze. Plus I now had a half hour walk home. And I was sober. So yeah, that went well.
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