Forte Issue #627

ISSUE #627

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b a l l a r at | b e l l a r ine | Be nd i g o | Pa n a m | c a s t l e m a ine | g e e l o n g | s u r f c o a s t | wa r r n a mb o o l

0 3 / 12 / 2 0 15

JAMIE

XX

Page 21 »

Performing at

Beyond the valley

british india

the loft dance & yoga studio

jimmy carr

pg.45

pg.51

PG. 27

ALSO FEATURING: Dallas Crane, APES, A Day To Remember, Josh Wade, Bondi Cigars and more.

pg.40

WEDNESDAY 2 DEC $50 Entry 8:00pm

FRIDAY 4 DEC

$12 + BF Pre, $15 Door, 8:00pm

SATURDAY 5 NOV $10 Entry, 9:00pm

SUNDAY 6 DEC $5 Entry, 7:00pm

LAGWAGON

SATURDAY 12 DEC

+SKEGGS / PINHEADS

DJ’s in the Beergarden: Duckfat / Merv / Yeh Nah

GLITTERGANG DJ’s in the Beergarden: Dylan Bauer

available from 850+ outlets every fortnight

8/1

JEBEDIAH

Hip Hop RNB Party: PCPS / DJ Shorty J

15/1

SUNDAY 13 DEC

TEST PILOT MOLLY

CONFESSION 19/1

FRIDAY 18 DEC

THIRSTY MERC

20/1

+THE FLATLINERS / MIXTAPE FOR THE DRIVE

HOCKEY DAD

FAMOUS WILL

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

$5 Entry,

$30 + BF, 8:00pm

SATURDAY 19 DEC $15 + BF, $20 Door,

GOOD FACES FOR RADIO

SUNDAY 20 DEC

DJ’S IN THE BEERGARDEN: BLACKWAVE / DYLAN BAUER / BABYGOGGLES

SATURDAY 26 DEC

$5 Entry

+ RACH BRENNAN

Vintage Sounds: Token / Stevie Lovecraft / Dylan Bauer

VEEPED XMAS PARTY FEAT: HIGH TENSION GOOD FACES FOR RADIO

THEE OH SEES (USA) MAKE THEM SUFFER 22/1

TERRAMAZE 24/1

STEVE SMYTH 30/1

DEAD CITY RUINS 7/2

ITHAQUA (JAPAN) 11/2

PUNK ROCK KARAOKE (USA) 9/3

ART VS. SCIENCE FRIDAY 11 DEC $5 Entry, 7:00pm

$15, 3:00pm

BOXING DAY SLAM FEAT: DALLAS CRANE / BOB LOG III / CHRIS RUSSEL’S CHICKEN WALK AND MANY MORE

ALL PRESALE TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE VENUE OR ONLINE AT WWW.OZTIX.COM.AU

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ed's note

forte issue #627 thursday 3 december 2015

Seven days since my last editorial and I feel like I’ve achieved nothing socially. Hell, work wise we put together a 60 pager with a feature in a week. A WEEK! If you can’t tell, it’s sent us all a little crazy here in the office. But craziness aside, we’re pretty excited to bring you our beer garden and alfresco feature, three days into the start of summer. There’s simply nothing better than getting outside, soaking in some Vitamin D and throwing back a few with mates. Isn’t that what summer is all about? Flick to page 27 and you’ll find some of the best outdoor drinking set ups in the region. Head down to any one of them this weekend and you’ll be sure to find the Forte team recovering from this back-to-back issue.

While it’s not quite Christmas yet, we feel like gaining Jamie XX as our cover star AND British India for our local cover story was a bit of a gift. There’s a lot of talent within these pages, from the musical kind to the business kind. And we hope that this bumper issue is somewhat of an early Christmas gift to you. Who knows, maybe it’s something to fill your Christmas stocking for the music fans out there?

FREEBIES!

Ph: 03 5229 7969 PO Box 978 Geelong VIC 3220 fortemag.com.au

enquiries@fortemag.com.au

See you in a fortnight (it feels so good to acknowledge that yes, we’re back to our normal schedule).

Publisher

Amanda & the Forte Team

DIRECTOR

Furst Media Pty Ltd

Luke McNamara luke@fortemag.com.au editor

tag us on instagram

Amanda Sherring

tag us @fortemag_ or #fortemag to be featured!

amanda@fortemag.com.au @amanda_sherring Art director

Riley McDonald

artwork@fortemag.com.au contributors

Win a double pass to Bluestone Blues Festival on December 31 – January 1 and get the chance to see Miss Whiskey, Mud Peas, the Andrea Marr Band, Louis King & the Liars Kulb and more.

@bluemurdertouring

Anthony Morris, Alastair McGibbon, Amanda Sherring, Andrew Pretorius, Cameron Brogden, Chris Cruz, Chris Lambie, Daniel Lock, Emily Hurst, Jessica Alves, Dr John Lamp, Kara Ready, Montana Agustin, Natalie Rogers, Paul S Taylor, Tex Miller, Wylie Caird, Xavier Fenell, Tony Montana, Jessica Morris, Jariah Travan

To enter email your name, mobile and code word ‘BLUESTONE’ to amanda@fortemag.com.au.

@odysseytavern @ladyluckclothingfair

@odysseytavern @street_life_festival

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

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KNOW

IN THE

Bloody Snow

t h e l a t e s t n a t i o n a l a n d INTERNATIONAL m u s i c & e n t e r t a i n m e n t n e w s

ACMI Get Anime Essential Next Month

From Studio Ghibli creations to the likes of Dragon Ball Z, Japanese animation is coming to the forefront at ACMI next month. Essential Anime will showcase three of Hayao Miyazaki’s classic creations in 35mm screenings, all with original Japanese overdubs and English subtitles.

The emphasis is on a tightly chosen selection of quality and iconic anime, including Laputa: Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke. Essential Anime runs at ACMI from Monday December 14 Sunday December 20.

Is he dead? Is he alive? A promotional poster for Game of Thrones featuring a bloodied Jon Snow and the words ‘April HBO’ do little to answer our questions. But the theories are flying around at rapid speed. While it may look like Snow plays a big role in the sixth season, with GOT, you never know…

Light Up the Theatre Only the best things in life seem to make the cut to be transformed into a musical (we’re still waiting for a musical version of everything Bill Murray) that’s why we weren’t surprised in the slightest with news of ‘Friday Night Lights’ getting musical theatre-ified. The high school football drama was a hit for many, and has become a revisited classic with its addition to Netflix. Original cast member Scott Porter (played Jason Street) will be returning in the musical as Coach Taylor. Stay tuned.

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QV Gets Screeny QV have become the latest addition to Melbourne’s outdoor cinema culture, announcing summer screenings in their deckchair laden central square. QV’s summer season will open with a free screening of The Devil Wears Prada, complete with pre-show entertainment in the form of acrobatic Christmas elves. Included in the program comes a petfriendly screening of Best in Show that encourages audiences to bring their dogs for a best-dressed pooch competition and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet with an introductory performance from the Royal Shakespeare Company. The QV Outdoor Cinema runs on Thursday - Sunday nights from December through to February. Head to their site for a full list of screenings and ticket details.

Alison Wonderland Lays It Out

Calm. Da. Faq. Down. Yes, the Wiggles are the greatest thing to happen since our childhood and, yes, they are reuniting the original line up for a one off pub show early next year. You may now lose your shit. Just before you’re completely lost to the world. The gig is also for charity, raising funds for their mate David Savage who was injured while serving in Afghanistan. Praise those primary (and purple) coloured legends. They are but gods in our eyes.

Taj Mahal Sighting in Melbourne In another Bluesfest sideshow, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Taj Mahal is set to take to the stage in Melbourne with an intimate solo show. Performing solo in Australia for the first time in 20 years, Taj Mahal will be bringing his ground-breaking fusion of traditional blues with sounds from Africa, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. In recent years, the Grammy Award-winning artist has collaborated with contemporaries including Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley, Blind Boys Of Alabama, Van Morrison, The Roots, Eric Clapton, Wynton Marsalis and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Catch Taj Mahal at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Wednesday March 30.

Tilde Announces Line Up Tilde New Music Festival have announced the lineup for their third incarnation. The festival is dedicated to the presentation and promotion of rarely-heard contemporary Australasian art music. Covering notated and improvised music, the sonic arts, and the intersections with other art forms including theatre, dance, performative and visual art, and literature, the 2016 event offers a low-cost and highquality, grass-roots festival with food, drink, installations, performances, visual art, discussion, and much more. The lineup includes Seedy V Grimes, Josten Myburgh/Jameson Feakes, Third Rail, Halfsound, Sam McAuliffe, Melanie Walters, Brigid Burke, Otiose and Stephen Roache. For its third year, the festival will run over three days and three sites: The Channel on Friday evening, Testing Grounds on Saturday and the Australian Institute of Music on Sunday.

It takes place from Friday January 22 - Sunday January 24.

Hit their website for more details.

One Wiggle Walks Into the Bar…

We all know Alison Wonderland can drop some sick beats, but we’ve just found out she can drop some even sicker truth bombs, recently taking to Twitter with this gem: “It’s funny & I’m generalising here but I don’t think DJ thots realise that they’re giving blow jobs to the nerds they ignored in high school”. Geeks really can rule the world.

Hey Arnold! Revisited ‘90s lovers eat your heart out as the ultimate television show turned film is here: Hey Arnold! Who couldn’t love the blonde haired football-headed youngster who grew up without parents in front of our eyes. In the forthcoming film, the question of his parents is supposedly set to be answered. Killed in a horrific car accident? Ultra-famous porn stars? Only time will tell.

Peeta Bread

We all love the kick ass role model that is Katniss and the equally kick ass and hilarious actress behind the character, Jennifer Lawrence, but we love whoever put together the ‘Katniss Sure Loves Pita’ clip that little bit more. This is like Ryan Gosling hates cereal but a trillion times better.

A Wilson in Melbourne

In Australia for his headline appearance at Bluesfest, Beach Boys frontman and chief songwriter Brian Wilson has locked in a Melbourne show to perform his career-defining album, Pet Sounds. The performance is a rare opportunity to see Wilson play Pet Sounds in its entirety, including what Paul McCartney described as “the most beautiful song ever written”, God Only Knows. Wilson will also perform a second greatest hits set, including classics such as Wouldn’t It Be Nice and Caroline No. Brian Wilson will play at The Palais on Sunday April 3. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Jezabels, We’ve Missed You

For a while there it seemed we couldn’t escape The Jezabels. They were at every festival, were every second song played on the radio and featuring in magazines left, right and centre. Then things went quiet, and we realised just how much we missed the band. But good news, they’re back.

2016 marks the return for the band with their third studio album, Synthia, and an accompanying national tour. The band play the Forum in Melbourne on February 26 with Eves the Behaviour as the support and the album to be released February 12. Photo: Cybele Malinowski Spiders in Melbourne

Gary Clark Jnr Confirms 2016 Melbourne Show

A Tangled Line Up Formerly known as French Fest, the newly christened Tanglewood festival is back with a large and diverse lineup.

Set to sell out, the event also boasts a new mainland location to help bring in 2016. The three-day festival will feature a stack of musicians including Spoonbill, Hypnotech, Tash Sultana, Reuben Stone, Dub Princess and DJ Wasabi. Tanglewood has kept its BYO policy, alongside two stages, a workshop and creation station, roving entertainment, on-site art gallery, healing space and market. Capping it off is a bar stocking solarbrewed cider and beer for when the summer heat becomes too much for your esky to handle. Snag up one of the last tickets to Tanglewood Festival, running From Wednesday December 30 - Friday January 1 in Thornton, Lake Eildon (1.5 hours out of Melbourne).

Gary Clark Jr has announced he will take to the stage for a headline show in Melbourne to coincide with his appearance at Falls Festival this January.

The Grammy-winning virtuoso guitarist, vocalist and songwriter is a regular visitor to Australia - selling out Sydney and Melbourne shows four times - and will bring with him his second full-length studio album, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim. Gary Clark Jr will play The Forum on Thursday January 7. For ticketing info head to Live Nation.

Australian rock stalwarts Spiderbait have clocked up 25 years of recording, writing and touring together. To celebrate, they’ve locked in a string of shows and a limited edition greatest hits LP. Off the back of a completely sold-out 2014 tour, Spiderbait have come a long way since their debut single Circle K went to #1 on the ARIA charts and took out the top spot in the 1991 triple j Hottest 100. Since then, the band have gone on to tour internationally and at some of Australia’s most iconic festivals, leaving a comprehensive discography in their wake. Rounding out the festivities is an anniversary edition double album, pressed in limited quantities to 180gm vinyl containing the band’s greatest hits. Expect Black Betty, Four On The Floor, Calypso and a slew of other careerspanning tracks. Spiderbait will be rocking 170 Russell on Friday February 26.

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T H E

f o r t n i g h t l y

THURSDAY DECEMBER 3RD

c a l e n d a r

EDGE: Live Music and DJ

GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Trivia

THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Abe Anderson

EUREKA: $5 Night

THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Josh Wade

HOME HOUSE: Dixie

GPAC: Daylight Saving

MAX HOTEL: Lukey’s Open Mic Night

KAROVA LOUNGE (Ballarat): Saturday Disney

Su Casa, Taqueria and Tequila

THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Thom

MAX HOTEL: Hey Charger

EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ

HOMEHOUSE: Prosd

OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Roast night

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night

MAX HOTEL: Wooshka

WORKERS CLUB: Rach Brennan

PISTOL PETE’S: Big Daddy’s Cajun Blues Party

EUREKA HOTEL: Eureka Thursdays with local DJs

ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music

GOLD DIGGERS: Happy hour 5-6

PELLY BAR (Frankston): Josh Wade

GPAC: Season Launch, Daylight Saving

PISTOL PETE’S: The Hornets

LORD OF THE ISLES: Trivia in the courtyard

SPHINX HOTEL: Blues Brothers Tribute Show; Mr Meaner

MARTIANS CAFE: $25 International Night including drink

SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC (Ballarat): Motor City Sounds

BABUSHKA BAR (Ballarat): Joshua Vuocolo BEAVS BAR: Live Music BIRD ROCK: Mexican Night; Mi Casa

MAX HOTEL: Parmi night, Trivia night NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB: Lagwagon ODYSSEY TAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music PISTOL PETE’S: LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS: Phil Trudy & Edgeley

THE SPHINX HOTEL: Schnitzel Night from $13 SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: Men From Earth WORKERS CLUB: Themed Trivia Thursday from 7pm

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4TH 13TH BEACH GOLF LINKS: Joe Camilleri & the Black Sorrows

BARWON CLUB: Hockey Dad BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Happy Hour

VILLAGE CINEMAS: Odyssey Film Festival WORKERS CLUB: Famous Will

SUNDAY DECEMBER 6TH BARWON CLUB: Trojan BIRD ROCK: Sunday Sessions $9 Pizzas CITY QUARTER: Perfect Sunday Sesh Live music and DJ from 4pm

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Asahi Seafood & Chips Night

EUREKA HOTEL: Eureka Thursdays with local DJs GOLD DIGGERS: Happy hour 5-6 LORD OF THE ISLES: Trivia in the courtyard MARTIANS CAFE: $25 International Night including drink MAX HOTEL: Parmi night, Trivia Night

MONDAY DECEMBER 7TH

THE EASTERN: Swigden, Wildeornes, Roundtable

CHERRY BAR: Cherry Jam Mondays

EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night

ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Thank Guinness It’s Friday

GEELONG RSL: Members Draw, over $3000 in prizes to be won!

GOLD DIGGERS: $14 parmi and rump steak night OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Parmi night

FRIDAY DECEMBER 11TH BABUSHKA BAR (Ballarat): Lily & the Drum

BELMONT HOTEL: Live Band BIRD ROCK: It’s Friday B!tches

OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Parmi night

EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ

THE SPHINX HOTEL: Meals for $11

ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Thank Guinness It’s Friday EUREKA HOTEL: Live DJs GOLD DIGGERS: Happy hour 5-6

KAROVA LOUNGE (Ballarat): Whoretopsy THE LORD NELSON: Happy Hour 5pm-7pm

GOLD DIGGERS: $14 parmi and rump steak night

MAX HOTEL: This’s For Abbey

BELMONT HOTEL: Live Band BLACK HATT: Local Bands THE EASTERN: WILD BIRDS FEST: The Reprobettes, Swim Team, Loose Tooth and more

of Dartness and Poker from 7pm

BEAVS BAR: Open Mic, Karaoke BIRD ROCK: Drink Specials, Ping Pong Challenge ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Trivia Night

$3000 in prizes to be won!

5pm. Live with live entertainment and DJ

GEELONG RSL: Steak Night $13

THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master

GEELONG RSL: Members Draw, over GOLD DIGGERS: $14 parmi and rump steak night

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9TH

CHERRY BAR: Cherry Jam Mondays

CITY QUARTER BAR: Friday Unwind from

HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with DJs

OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Parmi night

THE SPHINX HOTEL: Carvery from $17

BLACK HATT: Chubby Rae and the Elevators

TUESDAY DECEMBER 8TH

BEAVS BAR: Live Music

from 3-6pm and Parmi Night

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night

BEAVS BAR: Live Music

THE LORD NELSON: Happy Hour 5pm-7pm

BARWON CLUB: Glittergang

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live Jazz

MONDAY DECEMBER 14TH

HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with DJs

SATURDAY DECEMBER 5TH

EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ

5-7pm, Meat Raffle & Members Draw

GPAC: Parallax Dance Company Showcase

SAINTS & SAILORS (Portarlington): Live Music

Live music and DJ from 4pm

BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Happy Hour

THE SPHINX HOTEL: Meals for $11

PISTOL PETES: Andy Phillips & the Cadillac Walk

CITY QUARTER: Perfect Sunday Sesh

ROCHESTER WINE BAR (Rochester): Lily & the Drum

THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Jason Hoekstra

5pm. Live with live entertainment and DJ

ODYSSEY TAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music

BLACK HATT: Mud Peas

ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music

BARWON CLUB: $10 Parmis

MAX WATTS: Lagwagon

BIRD ROCK: Sunday Sessions $9 Pizzas

Thursday from 7pm; Marlon Williams

WORKERS CLUB: Josh Wade

MAX HOTEL: After Five

BEAVS BAR: Live Music

GEELONG RSL: $13 Carvery lunch

BIRD ROCK: It’s Friday B!tches

THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Fresh Talent

SUNDAY DECEMBER 13TH

GROVEDALE HOTEL: Jason Hoekstra

THE SPHINX HOTEL: Carvery from $17

GPAC: Daylight Saving

EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ

WORKERS CLUB: Themed Trivia

BELMONT HOTEL: Live Band

GOLD DIGGERS: Happy hour 5-6

Su Casa, Taqueria and Tequila

WORKERS CLUB: Olly Friend

from 3-6pm and Parmi Night

ELEPHANT & CASTLE: Live Jazz

ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music

GATEWAY HOTEL: Kasey Chambers

BIRD ROCK: Mexican Night; Mi Casa

Vonda Bouys & the Falsettos

GEELONG RSL: $13 Carvery lunch

BEAVS BAR: Live Music

EUREKA HOTEL: $5 Night, Live DJS

BEAVS BAR: Live Music

SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC (Ballarat):

THE SPHINX HOTEL: Schnitzel Night from $13

EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ

THE LORD NELSON: Sunday Funday Live Music

CITY QUARTER BAR: Friday Unwind from

BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Night from 7:30pm

SPHINX HOTEL: Tina Turner Tribute; Power-House

PISTOL PETES: Claude Hay

5-7pm, Meat Raffle & Members Draw

CHERRY BAR: Led Zeppelin Remasters Revisited

THURSDAY DECEMBER 10TH

ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music

THE GROVEDALE HOTEL: Levi & Cody

ODYSSEYTAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music

TUESDAY DECEMBER 15TH ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $20 Steak & Drink night GEELONG RSL: Steak Night $13 GOLD DIGGERS: $14 parmi and rump steak night OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Parmi night

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16TH THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm

PISTOL PETES: Andy Phillips & the Cadillac Walk

BEAVS BAR: Open Mic, Karaoke

WORKERS CLUB: Residual

BIRD ROCK: Drinks Specials, Ping Pong Challenge

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12TH BABUSHKA BAR (Ballarat): Burlesque BEAVS BAR: Live Music BELMONT HOTEL: Live Band

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: Trivia Night MAX HOTEL: Lukey’s Open Mic Night

from 8pm. Have fun win prizes book a table

EDGE: Live Music and DJ

GEELONG (52 Garden St): No Lights No Lycra

EUREKA: $5 Night

GEELONG RSL: Pot and Parmi Night $13

GEELONG RSL: Back to the ‘70s/’80s

OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): Roast night

GOLD DUST LOUNGE (Bendigo): Lily & the Drum

WORKERS CLUB: The Kite Machine

ODYSSEY TAVERN AND BREWERY: Live Music

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Jamie xx

Written by Amanda Sherring

jamie xx

As a 10-year-old Jamie Smith, aka Jamie xx, was fixated on his DJ uncles’ turntables. And while kids may lust after fast cars and fancy toys not within their reach, this gadget was one that was well within his and gifted to him when he was 10.

JJ

“I’d been wanting them for so long. I didn’t really know what DJing even was, I just loved the object and I used to play my parents records on them. And it was just after they gave it to me that I learnt what mixing was and what DJing was,” he says.

“I never really imagined myself being a DJ at all, I was literally just obsessed with the object of the turntables and how they looked. There was never the goal to be a DJ – especially on stage in front of lots of people.”

Now well over a decade later, and with the release of his debut album In Colour, we’ve come to love the disco, house infused beats that he puts out. Just as The xx is iconic for pioneering a unique brand of pop (a band Jamie is in alongside Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim) the same can be said for his solo work.

“I’m always trying to make something different and that sounds like something I’ve not heard,” he says.

“Something that just makes me feel a certain way while still being interesting. But I’m also trying not to follow trends in dance music – things can sound stale in a matter of months. Just trying to do things…me.”

With all the hype that surrounds him, it’s clear that as Jamie strives for his music to replicate who he is, the same can be said for his representation in the spotlight.

There’s no act, no persona: he just is who he is.

Talking to me from his home in London at the end of a long run of interviews, Jamie answers each question honestly. And at times, his honestly comes through with him not knowing the answer to something himself. After all, life isn’t all about having the answers to everything.

Fun in life comes from the unknown, from discovering things you didn’t know existed. In ways, Jamie practises this (and thrives from it) on a daily basis in his hunts for new material at his favourite record stores.

“I just went to a couple of my favourite stores in London the other day and picked up some good stuff,” Jamie says.

“When I go to record stores I mostly pick up older things rather than new dance music. I got one from Joe Claussell, a disco song called ‘Everyman’ and it’s amazing, I’d never heard if before. Mostly I’m looking for things I haven’t heard before but if I come across something that’s been on my list for a long time I’ll get it.”

“Like Marta Acuna, ‘Dance Dance Dance’, which is a ‘70s disco record that is pretty hard to find.”

From the beginning as the lucky 10-year-old who was gifted a turntable, Jamie has had a love for old records. He played his parents’ on his first deck, and now he plays those he discovers at clubs, at home and in tracks he releases.

It’s part of what makes him unique in the dance music scene of today, and can be heard in several tracks in his release In Colour. Indirectly, he’s helping fuel a revitalisation for the love of indulging in the past through vinyl.

More directly, Jamie has passed on his love of vinyl to those close to him – particularly sharing it with fellow band members of The xx.

“I’ve definitely got them into disco,” Jamie chuckles.

“And just in general house music. In the UK house music has become really popular, and now it’s everywhere. But when we were 18 that was my main thing and I just loved house music in general.”

He loved it so much that Jamie would often head out to the clubs, not to get shit-faced or pick up, but to simply listen to the music.

“I used to go when I was 17 and I didn’t go there to get really messed up, I went there to listen,” he says, before quickly admitting a bit of dancing went alongside that.

So used to being the observer, Jamie soon swapped to the other side. And while he admits there are things he was nervous about (and still is), his many years of observing helped shape his performance today.

“My favourite DJs dance and it makes you really

PHOTO: Laura Coulson

“When I’m doing something new and playing something I’ve never played before that’s probably the best feeling ever.” want to dance too when you’re in the crowd watching somebody else dance. It wasn’t exactly the most natural thing for me at the start but when you’re listening to music that you love, you want to dance too and you just have to forget that there are a bunch of other people watching,” he says.

It begs the questions, does Jamie ever wish he could be an observer at his own gig?

“No, I think that would be horrible! I can’t watch or listen to my radio, TV or whatever – it just makes me feel uncomfortable,” he says.

It’s a feeling many of us share. Something that’s a little less familiar is the feeling of being the creator

behind new music…but that doesn’t stop Jamie from trying to share it with us.

“When I’m doing something new and playing something I’ve never played before that’s probably the best feeling ever. And then seeing people react to it, there’s no experience that seems to top that. I’m never sure whether it’s going to work, and then when it does work, it’s great,” he says.

“I just want [the audience] to get the same feeling I get when I hear new music that I love and with people that I love. I think that’s what dance music is all about.”

When & Where: Beyond the Valley, Lardner Park – December 29 - January 1

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voices of Boom Crash Opera’s Dale Ryder and Taxi Ride’s Jason Singh leading a band of top-flight players performing numerous Top 40 Hit Songs. Multi Platinum #1 Albums, ARIA Awards, and Sold Out Live Shows wherever they play Dale Ryer and Jason Singh will each take the stage to perform their bands’ biggest hits from the 80s, 90s and 2000s - three decades of home-grown hit songs packed into one electric live show that will ‘lift the roof ’ towards the end of the night.

Mick Thomas has been a staple of Melbourne fs music scene for well over 25 years. Raconteur, troubadour, balladeer and poet, Mick Thomas is best known as the Blundstonewearing frontman for Weddings Parties Anything. The Roving Commission re-unites him with original Weddo’s member Mark Wallace (‘Squeeze Box Wally’) on piano, accordion and backing vocals, complemented by a rotating JJ The Anglesea Music Festival schedule of talented performers.

(AMF) is a grassroots, communityChris Wilson (‘Crown of Thorns’) has been at the organised, not-for-profit event heart of blues and rock music in Australia since the ‘80s, as one of our finest vocalists, harmonica players and with a lot more to offer than a songwriters. Chris has appeared at every major Australian killer line-up of performers. festival and his performances always a highlight. He is quite simply as master of his craft.

AMF is now into its fifth year, and in 2016 has moved - And Chris will not be the only member of the Wilson to a new home in the idyllic natural amphitheatre family performing at the Festival. His sons Fenn and at the Ellimatta Reserve, Anglesea, and changed George Wilson will also take the main stage, having to a jam-packed one-day format: 45 incredibly impressed the judges at the ‘Best Foot Forward’ auditions diverse acts on five stages over 12 hours! for younger musicians at Geelong’s Oxygen College.

The organisers are providing a platform for Geoff Achison (who recently released an album with young local musicians and other music industry Chris Wilson, ‘Box of Blues’) is an internationally revered hopefuls, while Geelong and Bellarine/Surf blues guitarist, named one of the Top 10 eHot New Coast produce and crafts will be in abundance Guitarists f on the US scene by Guitar Player magazine. at the community market within the festival He is also a past winner of the Albert King Award at the grounds, and a series of music workshops will International Blues Festival in Memphis, USA. be run for budding musicians.

Jimmy Hocking (‘Screaming Jets’, ‘Blues Machine’) is also a winner at the International Blues Festival Challenge in Memphis, taking out the solo/duo performer category. Described as ‘the electric love child of T-Bone Walker, BB King and Jimi Hendrix’ Jimmy With Mick Thomas (‘Weddings, Parties Anything’) is a consummate performer with guitar or mandolin in and his hot new band The Roving Commission as lead hand, and one of the ‘must-see’ acts in blues today. act on the main stage, the festival takes on a distinctly Andrea Marr is the third Anglesea Music Festival ‘rootsy’ character. performer to represent Australia at the International The Bellarine Peninsula’s own Chris Wilson, along Blues event in Memphis! She has been delivering her with Jimmy Hocking and Geoff Achison add to the bluesy brand of feel-good, high energy original funk, groove, flavour, along with Cleveland Blues from Queensland, blues and soul music around Australia and the US for local blues veteran Wayne Jury, renowned blues/country 15 years. She is a winner of the VIC/TAS Female Artist chanteuse Kelly Auty, festival favourites 19 Twenty and of The Year and Blues Performer of The Year Award. She funk, groove, blues and soul diva Andrea Marr. will be performing with the full (and funky) Andrea Fans of rock and pop haven’t been ignored, with the Marr Band in Anglesea.

Anglesea Music Festival Lineup overveiw.

19 Twenty are winners of the Blues at Bridgetown Festival’s People fs Choice two years running. Their blues and roots performance is rowdy, fun - and absolutely not to be missed.

‘We are so proud of the line-up this year,’ said AMF Director, Karren Stoneham. ‘We believe this is one of the strongest and most diverse group of performers to appear in Australia at a one-day community festival.

‘It’s going to be a fantastic day and night of music for young and old alike, in a beautiful setting. We would love to see music lovers secure their tickets early. They will save money, ensure they don’t miss out - and it would certainly help us with our planning!’

When & Where: Ellimatta Reserve, Anglesea – January 23

The Line-up

Apes JJ

Ben Dowd isn’t worried about stage fright.

In fact, he’s more concerned by its absence.

“It’s good to be nervous, I think,” the Apes frontman says from the confines of a van that’s bound for their final gig supporting glam rock megastars The Darkness. “[It’s more worrying] when you’re playing three or four nights a week and it starts to feel like clockwork. [Nerves] make you excited.”

It’s a solid attitude to have, particularly given Apes have hit one of their most successful periods since their inception in 2011. Not only have they secured support duties with a group of The Darkness’ size, they’ve just released their scintillating new single, ‘Dimension’, the first track from an as-yet-untitled new album.

Such successes couldn’t have come at a better time. “If we struck the right chord as a band straight off the bat, we wouldn’t be ready to deal with [it],” Dowd says. By his account, the band has collectively reached a newfound maturity. “It’s taken us time to get the really massive party modes out of us … When we first started out, we’d be going on tour for two weeks and we’d look at it like a two-week bender.”

With that attitude, every second or third show Apes played in their early days was a disaster. “It’s pretty easy to get lost [in the drinking]. It’s not sustainable. And you lose sight of why you’re doing all this kind of stuff.”

Despite those early setbacks, Apes stuck with it, releasing

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Written by Joseph Earp

scorching tune after scorching tune, and growing together in the process. Indeed, in many ways, the Melburnians are closer now than they have ever been. Dowd talks about “riding the energy” of his bandmates while they are up onstage, and, for the first time ever, they have begun to write music as a group. Guitarist James Toohey will be singing some songs on the new album, and Dowd isn’t going to be the only one writing lyrics this time. He is upfront about the fact these changes took some getting used to.

“Everyone’s been putting in,” Dowd says, “which can be a bit hard during that process … A lot of people [clashed].”

Eventually, however, the band adapted, and ultimately reached a breakthrough. “Everyone’s got the best interests of the music [in mind]. It’s been a big thing for us to do that.”

Dowd is reticent to give an exact date for the album’s release, not wanting to create a self-imposed deadline he worries he might miss. But diehard Apes fans need not fear. “[It’s] actually mostly recorded already,” Dowd says happily.

“It’s a lot closer than we might give off.”

If ‘Dimensions’ is anything to go by, the new work may well be the band’s best yet. The brash, psych and glam rock-indebted single nonetheless has the trembling, emotive subtext that any long-term Apes follower will know and love. But ‘Dimensions’ aside, one can still be excited about the forthcoming record based simply on Dowd’s obvious love for what he does.

“When we’re onstage it never feels like a job,” he says. “When you have an eight-month break and you haven’t played live, you’re dying to get back out there. Sittin’ in a van for 12 hours, talking shit and playing Celebrity Heads…” There’s a pause, and then his voice goes low and wistful. “You just sit at home wishing you were doing that again.”

When & Where: The Workers Club, Melbourne – December 4, The Workers Club, Geelong – December 5, The Loft, Warrnambool – December 19 & Karova Lounge, Ballarat – December 24

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in the

t he bes t s o urce f o r l o c a l m usic & e n t er t a i n m e n t n ews | b a l l a r a t | b e l l a r i n e | B e n d i g o | c a s t l e m a i n e | g e e l o n g | s u r f c o a s t | w a r r n a m b o o l

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“...We just love to play and it’s been pretty well documented that we will play anywhere that will have us!”

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PG. 42 »

would you like to contribute interesting content for forte magazine / online?

We are always on the lookout for writers, so if you’re interested in making some extra cash, email: amanda@fortemag.com.au

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Music to a Tee

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their ‘Kooks & Spooks’ tour will be Skegss and The Pinheads. One Cool Cadillac Skeggs hail from Byron Bay and 50 Push Ups for a Dollar is Over the next couple of Friday nights (December 4 & 11), their EP. The Pinheads, meanwhile, hail from Wollongong Geelong’s Pistol Pete’s will play host to Andy Phillips and the Cadillac Walk. Originally from New Zealand, Phillips and I Wanna Be a Girl is their EP. Join in on the fun at The hopped around for a little while before settling in Melbourne Barwon Club, Geelong tomorrow night, December 4.

– first it was Sydney, then London. It was a trip to Austin in

Eternal Flame

2013, however, that inspired him to seek out some musos and lead their cause. While you will hear hits by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Cream, Stevie Ray Vaughan, ZZ Top, Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Hendrix, you’ll also hear a good dose of meaty originals. Check out their debut EP, Power of the Rabble. (Another performance takes in Bendigo’s Goldmines Hotel on December 13.)

Across Land & Sea

A highlight on the Surf Coast music calendar is the Music to a Tee series, which plays its final round on January 22, 2016. And oh what a final round it is, with Backsliders, Stephen Cummings, The Band Who Knew Too Much, Tim McCallum, The Carers Choir and Growland set to perform. Rod Quantock will serve as MC. For those unfamiliar, the series is put together by the Karingal Foundation, which was launched in 2012 as part of Karingal’s 60th anniversary. Karingal is a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services for people with a disability or mental illness, older Australians and those disadvantaged. The Foundation is raising funds to build Geelong’s first fully inclusive community centre, the East Geelong Community Centre – and Music to a Tee plays a key role. To the music, and the Backsliders is one of Australia’s finest-ever blues outfits. Self-described as playing a “Delta blues wall of sound”, the band with notch up 30 years in 2016. The band released their thirteenth album, Dark Side, in 2014. Further information on the Foundation can be found through karingal.org.au. You’ll also be able to pick up tickets through the site. (There is also a Music to a Tee concert on December 4 featuring The Black Sorrows, which you will find a blurb for in this issue of ‘In the Loop’.)

Star-crossed Lovers Founded by Kevin Orr, Romeo Moon represents “a shared love of music, friendship and positivity”. The band started jamming in 2013, making noise in the dark studios that rattle Melbourne’s inner suburbs. Within a few months, their debut EP was written, recorded and ready for pressing. Wander is its name, and it comes heavy with nostalgic recording techniques and vintage instruments. While you’re checking out the band, give a touch of time to their ‘Walking’ / ‘Give Everything’ collaboration with Jason Galea. 20 limited edition, handnumbered and signed copies of the single are available in both red and blue print. Their Bandcamp page is where to go for that. The Loft, Warrnambool – December 5.

Off the Beaten Track Robyn Davidson and Raimond Gaita will take in an evening of story at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal this Saturday night, December 5. In 1977, Davidson set off from Alice Springs for the west coast with the companionship of a dog and four camels – Dookie (a large male), Bub (a smaller male), Zeleika (a wild female), and Goliath (Zeleika’s son). While she had no intention of writing about her journey, she was persuaded to write an article for National Geogrpahic, the popularity of which led her to write a book, Tracks. Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver starred in the 2013 film adaptation. All proceeds from the conversation will go to fighting the development of a chicken processing factory on the Moolort Plains.

My Dad’s in a Band

Despite some healthy touring and a recent visit to the US, Hockey Dad has enough in them for one final 2015 fling.

Formed by mates Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming, the lads’ name is a reference to a video game played by Bart and Milhouse in The Simpsons. Armed with fuzzed-out surf pop, they released their debut EP, Dreamin’, mid-2014.

Their latest track is ‘Can’t Have Them’. Joining them on 26 forte

Eternal Return is the new album from songbird Sarah Blasko. And you know what the means? It is touring time. Eternal Return is Blasko’s fifth album, but first full-length release to be recorded in Australia. Her only other Australian-recorded release was her 2002 debut EP, Prelusive. The album is lush with a retro-electronic vibe and ’80s nostalgia, all wrapped up in a big loveinspired hug. She says on her website: “I got interested in old synths again, which I haven’t been for a few years.

Growing up as a kid in the ’80s, a lot of my favourite pop records were synth-based, and lot of my favourite love songs were written in that era.” Gary Numan, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson are among the album’s influences, as well as Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen. The title, meanwhile, is a nod to the “concept that the universe has been recurring, and will continue to recur, in a selfsimilar form an infinite number of times across infinite time or space” (Wiki). Otherwise known as ‘Eternal Recurrence’, the concept was popularised by Friedrich Nietzsche and is regarded as one of his most important thoughts. But as romantics, we at Forte dig the whole love thing. Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – April 22.

With a home-schooling background, Ziggy Alberts was writing and surfing from a young age. In 2011, he decided to teach himself the guitar, releasing his debut EP, Feels Like Home, the following year. He would release a short album in 2013, before spending much of 2014 on the road. He then kicked off 2015 in style, releasing his debut full-length release, Land and Sea. He has supported the likes of Ash Grunwald, Nick Saxon, Benjalu, San Cisco, Daniel Champagne, Dustin Thomas and Mat McHugh and is no stranger to touring abroad, either. Ziggy will perform an all-ages show at Torquay’s Surf Coast Shire Grant Pavilion on December 5. Summer and the tunes of Ziggy go down pretty well

The Power of One

We gave this a little mention last issue, but we feel it deserves a bigger mention. In what is a massive win for the city, Cat Power will swing by Bendigo next year as part of an intimate series of solo theatre performances. Born Charlyn Marie “Chan” Marshall, the name Cat Power originally served as the name for Marshall’s first band.

The story there goes that back before their first gig, with a name yet to be finalised, the singer-songwriter was standing at a payphone attempting to come up with a name. She saw someone with a ‘Cat Diesel Power’ hat, and so that became the name. Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley spotted Take a Long Drive her supporting Liz Phair in 1994 and would produce Punk, hardcore and mathcore come together in perfect her first two albums, Dear Sir and Myra Lee. She released harmony when it comes to Melbourne’s DriveTime Commute. Sun, her ninth album, in 2012. As for her relationship Their live show is pulling in the crowds and has helped the band land supports with the likes of Chelsea Grin, Norma Jean, Make with Australia, it was back in 1997 when the GeorgiaThem Suffer and Belle Haven. An EP is on the way in 2016, but born singer-songwriter made her first visit to our shores, you can start your daily commute by listening to ‘Sharkitect’. and we have Dirty Three drummer Jim White to thank From the band: “With filthy punk guitars, metal-influenced levels of technicality and a singer with more personality than for that. She has since performed at festivals and events a randy Bob Hawke, Sharkitect is the fresh mutation of the including Meredith, Golden Plains, MONA FOMA, DriveTime Commute pandemonium.” Music Man, Bendigo – Sydney Festival and PIAF. This is something special. The December 11 & The Loft, Warrnambool – December 12.

Capital, Bendigo – February 10.

The Train Has Arrived

Carousel Queen

Jessey Jackson is a ‘one-woman band’ from the Surf Coast.

She received her first guitar at the age of seven, though things didn’t really take at first and by the age of 11 she had forgotten all but half-a-dozen chords. Older and wiser, and with some healthy encouragement from family and friends, Jessey picked up the guitar again at the age of 25. This time it took, and in 2010 she took to the inaugural Anglesea Music Festival and performed her first professional gig. Harmonies, electronic percussion and several guitars have since been added to her act. Her new album, Carousel, features Andrea “Bam Bam” Norden, Bob Gillett, Peter Langley and Steve Summer has arrived and that is as good a reason as any to Thew. Inverleigh Hotel – December 5.

grab a ticket for an experience on The Blues Train. And boy is the experience a beauty. You have four different themed carriages with different seating configurations. On every show you are treated to a solo act, a duo, a trio and then a full band, each offering an intimate concert for just 50 people at a time. Each event includes three intervals for rest and refreshment, plus a meal at the historic Queenscliff Railway Station. At the time of writing, limited seats were available for their December runs, but things are looking pretty good for their January and February runs. Hit up thebluestrain.com.au for who’s on show.

Into the Bush Featuring Jenny M. Thomas, Chris Lewis and Dan Witton, Bush Gothic performs tales of Australia’s dark history retold.

Think songs of criminal women and convict men, treachery and transportation that have been ripped from the Australian songbook and put back together in strange and beautiful ways.

They were once known as Jenny M. Thomas & the System.

When their debut album, Bush Gothic, was met with much love, they decided that to be a better fit. The songs remain as strange and beautiful as ever. With assistance from The Lonely String Quartet, the band’s new album, The Natural Selection Song Book, is now available. Old Castlemaine Gaol, Castlemaine – December 6.

THE SUMMER OF FORTE

BEER GARDEN & ALFRESCO FEATURE

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The summer of forte

Beer garden & alfresco feature

How to order a beer around the world

Just think of this for a second: we’re currently in the last month of the year, and looking back at those 11 months behind us, how much time did you spend with your friends and family? Actually sitting together and enjoying each other’s company? Some can answer that question with a firm belief they’ve spent too much time, but others may take a different stance. One of the best places to get out and enjoy your company and surroundings is at one of the many beer gardens and alfrescos in the region. And that’s just one of the many reasons why we’ve put together this here feature on some of the best outdoor spaces on offer throughout Geelong and the Surf Coast.

Who knows, maybe you took this copy of Forte with you as you jet-set around the world? In that case, this here run down of how to order beer around the world will come in very handy.

In Geelong, let alone Australia, we’re lucky that our summers can rarely be beaten and our beers are in abundance. Other countries mightn’t quite understand our affinity with getting a group of mates together, downing a few bevvies and watching as the sun goes down, but hell, that’s the way we are and have been for a long while. So hopefully in this feature you’ll find a place to do just that. And as they say in Italy, ‘Una birra, per favore’.

Amanda & the Forte Team

English

‘Bia, vinaka’

(Ay bee-ah, plee-z)

(Bee-ah, vee-naka)

German

South African

‘Ein Bier, bitte’

‘En Bier, asseblief’

(Ine bee-ah, bitt-uh)

(A ebeer, ah-suh-bleef)

Spanish

Indonesian

‘Una cerveza, por favour’

‘Tolong, satu bir’

(Oo-na their-veh-tha, por fa-vor)

(Toh-long, sa-too bee-ah)

French

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Fijian

‘A beer, please’

Polish

‘Une bière, s’il vous plaît’

‘Poprosz jedno piwo’

(Oon bee-air, seel voo pleh)

(Po-pro-she Yed-no-pee-vo)

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Belmont Hotel

The Juke at The Grovedale Hotel

Feel like you’re on top of the world, as you take in all the sights from the Belmont Hotel’s famous roof top terrace!

Let’s face it, if you’re heading to a beer garden this summer, you want assurance that you’ll be sipping on some great quality beer. Joel Taylor, co-owner of the Grovedale Hotel, can assure just that as the Juke is one of very few venues in Victoria taking on the duo tank initiative of Carlton Draught, which gives you the freshest beer possible.

The duo tank system takes away the need

to something you would have seen in The Block.

to pasteurise the beer for preservation – like

The fully retractable roof means on lovely summer

in beers on tap – instead, every glass

days The Juke is flooded with natural sunlight, and

poured from the tank will be fresh from the

on the colder, windy summer days - or when the

breweries – basically beer as it should be.

“They take it straight from the brewery, put it in a tanker, drive it down the highway The Belmont Hotel has something to suit all of

pint of Bulmers for $6. The van upstairs also

your needs – whether it’s a sit down meal in their

sees a resident DJ every Friday night.

sizeable bistro, a function in their upstairs function room, relaxed drinks in the lounge, a few cold

The pub offers an impressive menu of pub favourites and speciality dishes. One of the

ones and a meal at the bar or taking in the sun

highlights for regulars are Monday nights, the

on their rooftop terrace or balcony. There’s even

famous Parmi night where you can choose your

something for the Melbourne Bitter fans, with the

favourites from ‘around the world’ for just $13.

beer on tap a new addition to the venue and one of the few in the region lucky enough to get it.

The terrace features a number of different

There’s also a number of local and imported beers, from the tap or the fridge, on offer at the venue. The wine list has been carefully

seating options, with wide bench seating catering

selected and features quality wine from

for large groups and smaller bar tables. Choose

down the road and all around the world.

to sit in the sun or shaded by one of a number of umbrellas scattered through the area. There’s also a funky retro-caravan and separate upstairs bar to escape the hustle of the bar downstairs. The space has also seen the addition of a sandpit for kids, making it the perfect spot to bring the whole family.

The Belmont has live music in the bar on Friday and Saturday nights, with Sunday sessions on the terrace from 4pm on Sundays in Summer and a chance for you to get a

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The Belmont Hotel is open from 11am till late every day, with the kitchen open for lunch and dinner each day with all day meals on Sundays.

77 High Street, Belmont, Victoria 3216 Phone: 5243 2802

southerly change rolls through – the roof can be closed over, meaning it’s your spot for all conditions.

Completing The Juke Garden bar experience

and fill our tanks up. The same day it’s

is live music played on Friday, Saturday and

brewed, we’re serving it,” he says.

Sunday nights as well as a extensive bar menu,

Though if you’re not a CD fan, Joel has opened up the craft beers on tap, with ciders and even more beer available in the fridge as well, so there’s plenty to choose from regardless of your preference.

Though the real charm lies in the decor

think sliders, ribs and fried chicken burgers.

Another drawcard is the huge art mural by street artist Mike Makatron. Featuring a large cyclindrical piece and a large wooden ship, the artwork is a point of difference in

of the beer garden, which Joel designed and

beer gardens around the region and makes it

sourced himself. “I just kept buying stuff and

worthy of a spot in a laneway on Melbourne.

we got to a point where the interior designer was like, ‘You have to stop buying stuff, we’ve got enough stuff’. Then we sort of just put it all in here and it all worked,” Joel says.

Red and yellow oil tin seats are scattered across the venue as well as a quirky collection of antique chairs, providing pops of colours and ample seating. A large wooden planter box sprouts beautiful greenery from the centre of the space with a large communal table placed beside it – made from wood from the Point Lonsdale pier and supplied by Williams & Campion in North Geelong.

If sitting in a group isn’t your thing, intimate seating lines the far wall next to a large wall garden, similar

The Juke is at The Grovedale Hotel, 236 Torquay Rd, Grovedale VIC 3216 Ph: 5243 2814 www.grovedalehotel.com.au

Odyssey Tavern and Brewery

THE bush inn

Just out of town and at the gateway to the Surfcoast is a hidden gem. Halfway between Geelong and Torquay sits Odyssey Tavern and Brewery, the original and the best craft beer restaurant in the region. Locally owned and operated, the venue showcases craft beer and cider and matches it with quality meals and music. It is one of Geelong and the Surf Coast’s most unique dining and drinking experiences. One of, if not its main strength, is its amazing outdoor/beer garden area.

For a great night out look no further than The Bush Inn. The pub is home to one of the CBD’s finest beer gardens for those cold drinks on the warmer days and nights! The bar even has TAB facilities for those feeling a little on the lucky side.

It’s a claim that gets thrown around all the time,

Odyssey Tavern and Brewery is a venue for all

but to say Odyssey boasts one of the best outdoor

seasons, but it shines brightest in summer. The

areas in Geelong is no understatement. It’s large

craft beer experience and stress free environment

and welcoming outside area has it all; bench

will offer you and your friends an amazing escape

seating and undercover tables that span the open

in summer. To top it all off Odyssey showcases free

window area, long wooden tables that could seat

live music all weekend & during summer in the beer

20 of your mates in the sun and a lush grassy area

garden weather permitting along with occasional

with kids play things - all of which are enclosed

all day events - to keep you entertained in the sun.

by fencing. The sprawling outdoor area has an

Odyssey offers a casual, unique and

amazing vibe and is as equally suited to drinks

warm environment for all to enjoy!

with friends in the sun as it is for a family catch

Make it your meeting place!

up with the auntys, uncles and grandparents.

At Odyssey groups of any size can eat from an amazing menu, with a huge range of food available.

Beers can be picked from the fridge or on tap.

While they may have quite a few craft beers at their disposal, including a pale ale (The Calypso) and other seasonal brews of their own, it’s all about quality over quantity with the owner Grant sourcing only the finest in craft beers. The joy of sitting and chatting about different beer flavours enriches the experience, beyond sitting sipping the same lager you have been for years. Local & international wine is also on offer to cover all bases!

611 Surfcoast Hwy, Mt Duneed 5264 1333

The spacious beer garden features a number of different seating options, with tables

day and you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice!

The Bush Inn is open Monday to Saturday

undercover, in the sun or shaded under an

from 11am until late, lunch is available

umbrella –­ the perfect setting no matter

from noon until 2pm. Dinner is served from

how many friends you’ve come with.

Tuesday to Thursday from 6-8pm Friday

The Bush Inn are also one of the few bars in the region, and the only bar in the CBD, to have Melbourne Bitter on tap – a classic beer that can be enjoyed by all in the great outdoor or indoor facilities.

Staff are friendly and helpful, led by owners Luke and Adam Richardson, you will feel right at home at the Bush Inn. Each Friday night they run

and Saturday nights dinner till 8.30pm

The Bush Inn is located at 58 Corio St, Geelong VIC 3220, just off the bay end of Moorabool Street.

Ph 5229 5194 www.thebushinnhotel.com

the spinning wheel and raffles with great prizes to be won including meat packs and drink cards.

Meals can be eaten outside, and with a large selection of great value quality dishes you won’t be disappointed by the menu at The Bush Inn! From your traditional pub food, to the more speciality dishes with an array of salads, pastas, risottos and a whopping six different steaks to choose from!

They have two speciality nights, $14.50 steak night on Tuesday and $13.50 Parmi night on Thursday as well as roast special lunch and dinner every day the Bush Inn are open for $15.

Bookings are encouraged as they fill up fast!

Lunch specials are also now available each

Live Music on the Rooftop Terrace from 5pm Sundays with all-day meals!

Live Music every Friday & Saturday in the Bar Open 7 Days Have your next function at The Belmont!

77 High Street, Belmont PH: 03 5243 2802

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El Niño Is Your Friend

The Barwon Club

Written by Alexander Lightfoot

Chances are when you think of the venues in Geelong with the most impressive beer gardens, The Barwon Club is up there. An icon in itself, the venue has been serving locals since 1990, and it doesn’t seem like things are slowing down.

Has anyone else noticed it’s getting hot in here? Like spring was seriously hot. And if spring is hot, you just know that summer is going to be face-meltingly intense. While you’re probably, much like me, not thinking too much about why you’re wearing a lot less layers a lot earlier, it’s actually thanks to our friend El Niño, who is paying us a visit this summer.

So, without getting all sciencey on you,

outside with a beer in hand is inexcusable

basically some stuff happens in the central

any other time of year, but when it’s 35+

and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, where things get either colder or warmer – El Niño

degrees outside, it couldn’t be more right. ++ When the power goes out and you’re

The newly expanded Barn and beer garden

Though if cider’s not your thing, there are plenty

offers punters a chance to escape the rush of

of beers on tap and in the fridge and a decent

happens to be the latter. Warm seas in the ol’

forced to head out to your local shopping

inside, a true sign the venue is still alive, with

selection of wines for those feeling a bit fancy.

PO mean that things get a helluva’ lot warmer

centre or pub (we used the word forced

a variety of different seating options. Seek

Traditional bar dishes are served up seven nights

here. There’s a lot of doom and gloom about

very lightly) just think of the money

shelter under the Barn where large tables sit

a week, with various specials on throughout.

the weather phenomenon, but we’re here to

you’ll be saving on power. All those

along the wall or walk a bit further and enter an

get you lookin’ on the bright side of life.

beers will more than balance out.

open space with considerable bench seating.

++ Cooking snags just got kinder on the ++ Clothes are expensive, with this weather

With huge acts regularly playing the band

The Barwon Club already have a massive summer in store with Thirsty Merc, Vepped Xmas, Boxing Day slam, Jebidiah

environment, keep the BBQ under cover

room, a juke box blasting tunes in the outdoor

you’ll be getting around in next to

and throw a sheet of metal down and

area and regular DJs playing inside, there’s bound

nothing. Just think of the savings!

you’ll have juicy sausages in no time.

to be something to gain your interest whatever

for a summer session with friends, all that’s left is

day of the week you choose to roll up to the BC.

for you to head down and see what it’s all about.

++ Hot weather is the perfect time to have something with ice; whether that’s water, beer or just ice itself. Cold is good. ++ Lounging in your Y-fronts in a kiddy pool

++ When you’re sweating all over is there really a sweat patch? Didn’t think so.

The good times continue on Sunday night with drinks specials on ciders. This is the perfect way to enjoy the sun whilst nursing a hangover from the Saturday night before or a way to make the weekend last a little bit longer.

and heaps more already penciled in.

The Barwon Club easily has everything covered

Monday-Friday 11am-10.30pm; Saturday 11am-late and Sunday 3pm-midnight 509 Moorabool St, Geelong Ph: 5221 4584

forte 33

Elephant & Castle

The Ultimate Beer Pairings

It’s not often you can sit down to dine with the likes of James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Raquel Welch and even the Queen gazing down at you. Purchased earlier this year by locally ­ born and world­ renown celebrity photographer Darryn Lyons the Elephant & Castle hotel has fast become one of Geelong’s major attractions due to its stunning refurbishment and home to one of the country’s most­ prized photographic collections, Images Of Our Time. The exhibition features over 120 iconic photographs adorning the walls of the bistro and function room that can be viewed at your leisure or purchased.

Here’s the predicament: you’ve been at the bar for a while, you’ve found your beer and stuck to it for the past two hours. But now it’s dinnertime. Not wanting to ruin the perfect taste your chosen beer has given you, you look at the menu in confusion. That’s where our ultimate beer pairing comes in. We’ve picked the classic foods so you can stick to your classic beer. Cheers.

Anything Cheesey (Pizza, we’re looking at you)

Chicken (most commonly in Parmi form) and Pasta

Surprisingly, all beer types blend well with

With how good a Parmi tastes (provided it’s been

cheese as the carbonation in beer creates

made how it should) you don’t want your beer

a lighter acidity and lifts the fat in cheese

to overpower that perfectly balanced flavour.

off the palate. Though if you’re brave in the

So, by no surprises, stick to light beers. Again

cheese department (anything with strong

a Belgian Blonde ale is good or perhaps try

cheeses like goat and blue) pick an equally

a wheat beer (provided it’s not too hoppy).

brave beer like a darker lager or ale.

Inside the menu is the finest on offer, created by

with a variety of traditional parmis, steaks, fish

award winning executive chef Damien Beggs. The

dishes, soft taco and beef burger sliders on offer.

menu takes advantage of the fresh and quality

Elephant & Castle is easily a venue that

produce of the region, with a wine menu of equal

has the best of both worlds, the fine-dining

quality available at the Elephant & Castle.

classy experience of inside, or a casual

Outside in the beer garden, earthy Red Gum tables are scattered around the space with plenty of umbrellas to go round. The beer garden is considerably more relaxed than the venue inside, and is the perfect location to enjoy numerous beers and ciders on tap and 12 other ciders by the bottle.

The space, that comfortably fits 100 people, looks over a quiet park located just minutes from the city - the perfect distance. Eating from the bar

night out in the beer garden with friends.

Fried and Delicious (KFC, chips, all the good things in life) Fries have a (generally) subtle flavour, so it’s best to get a beer that’ll cleanse

So there you have it, a few things to drink alongside your dishes. Just be sure to keep this copy of Forte handy for any menu-beer ultimatums.

your palate without getting rid of the salty goodness you got the chips for to begin

Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm

with. Belgian beers are best, so try a Belgian

Fri & Sat 11am - Midnight

Blonde ale or lager, a light German lager or

Sun midday - 11pm

a Stella Artois if we’re getting specific.

158 McKillop St, Geelong 5227 3707 www.enc.net.au

menu gives you the chance to enjoy the classics,

Top 10 tips for a beer garden session 1 // Get your rounds/ shouts in order!

2 // Always have your sunnies on

3 // Get the longest table available

4 // Steer clear of the TAB 5 // Keep up the water at and Pokies various intervals

6. Have Jeans in the designated driver’s car

If you join a round you must assess whether those you are going in on the partnership with are trustworthy or not. Are they fickle? Will they leave when it’s their shout? There is nothing worse than shouting a round only to have your comrades leave prior to their turn, or have someone include their partner in half way who happens to drink pints of top shelf liqueur.

It’s self explanatory really, always wear your sun glasses or your eyes will ‘glare out’ half way through your second drink and people will think you’re hating their stories, when in fact your brow is farrowed due to the extreme rays flooding your eye balls.

Most venues will have at a least one long table, get there early and claim it.

This will include maximum numbers of people in the banter, limiting the chances of getting stuck listening to one person’s relationship issues all day long!

You’ll be spending enough on drinks, so don’t get sucked in by the one mate claiming, ‘I have some hot tips’ attempting to lure you into the TAB area of the venue. You can rest assured he will be sitting on the end of the table depressed, refreshing his Sports Bet app hoping the money he just lost will magically reappear in his account.

As much as you “know the bouncers” at every club in town, you’re not getting into the club in your board shorts.

Make sure you consume water throughout the day to avoid passing out on the dance floor when the cover band starts after dinner is done.

7. Eat something

8. Wear one of those floppy black Meredith festival hats

9. Don’t hit the shots before sundown

10. Keep your shit together

Time can very easily get away from you as the afternoon progresses, but you must stop and order from the bar menu. It will both enhance your performance as the sun sets and prevent you from acting like a tool, it will also limit your hangover.

So you can look like every other super cool hipster in the beer garden and people will think you’re a festival goer

Most venues won’t let you anyway, but steer clear of the shots during the hotter parts of the day, it never improved anything or anyone. There is a place and a time for a shot with friends, the middle of the afternoon with the sun beating down after a few ciders around 2pm in arvo isn’t it.

Drinking in a beer garden usually means day drinking, which means you’re going to be under the weather by 9pm.

This leads to people often acting like tools. The heat and dehydration from drinking mixed with a visit to town afterward can sometimes be a recipe for trouble, so keep your friends in check. An old adage we like to use at Forte is “dick head behaviour will attract dick heads”. So keep that in mind after a long day drinking in the sun.

34 forte

The Geelong Hotel

Black Hatt

Over the years the Geelong Hotel has taken many forms. It’s been the Bended Elbow, the Yarra Hotel, and Bended but it’s now known as the newly renovated industrial, yet modern, bar to help see you through the week. The Geelong Hotel has simply taken an old Geelong classic and made it better, and that sentiment is echoed throughout the venue design, menu and general workings.

Situated in the backstreets of Geelong, Black Hatt is a hub of entertainment and one of the cities best kept secrets. With friendly staff and extensive opening hours, Black Hatt is the kind of venue that after your first visit you’ll find yourself returning to at all hours of the day.

Boasting a sophisticated feel inside, rich with history of the late 1800s venue, several years ago saw the addition of the new beer garden. steaks and all through the week you can pick up a

Located conveniently adjacent to the main

seating options, catering for those who want a

lunch special for $15. The Geelong Hotel is about

room, it makes it the perfect spot to sit with

more formal dining experience to the casual sit

much more than just heading out to any old bar,

friends, have a drink and watch the live bands

down with friends at a bar. It’s clean, spacious and

it’s about the experience and the staff at the venue

who perform on Friday and Saturday nights.

has little nods to Geelong with pictures from the

are more than capable of helping you create that.

Adding to the appeal of the beer garden is its

Inside the venue there’s a variety of different

past and present. One level up and things only get better with the beer garden. The space, which features ample seating and standing, is the ideal location to spend your summer. Better yet, there’s a considerable drinks menu (featuring many cocktails)

Where: 69 Yarra St, Geelong When: Mon-Fri 11.30am-late Contact: 5223 2946

5221 4469 Mon-Sat 8am-1am Sun 10am-11.30pm

disabled accessibility, protection from the weather and heating and cooling options. There are several seating choices and privacy around the corner should you want to escape the excitement of inside.

When bands aren’t taking up the stage in the main

to decide upon, making it the perfect spot for a few

room, there’s also a mechanical bull, affectionately

Coronas, some banter with mates and some lazy

known as Henry, that comes out on occasion

afternoon tunes as the sun sets. Live music also

for the ultimate challenge. The venue also has

plays throughout the weekend on various levels.

a jukebox, pool table and ATM located on site.

Service is speedy, the staff know what they’re

54 Little Myers Street, Geelong

Happy hour is on Friday night from 5-7pm as is

talking about and both those things combined

the meat raffle with all proceeds from the raffle

make all the difference in the world when eating

going towards the Royal Children’s Hospital.

out. The menu features classics with a twist and

The annual Royal Children’s Hospital fundraiser

made from only the best ingredients. There’s

is also coming up, which involves live music,

pizzas to share, a kick-ass parmi to eat alongside

a hot rod and bike show all day and all night

your beer and oyster specials on the Friday night

at Black Hatt raising money for the hospital.

($1 each from 5-7pm) to kick off your weekend.

With various beers on tap and in the fridge, the

If oysters aren’t your thing, Tuesday night is $10

only thing that’s missing is a dish to eat alongside

pizzas, Wednesday is $15 parmis, Thursday is $15

it...though it won’t be long until that’s a reality as a menu with a difference is soon to hit the venue.

forte 35

Top Five Regional Beers

The Lord Nelson The Lord Nelson’s new beer garden opened in January 2014 and has been a resounding success.

With the hand made bar, nautical relics from the past and the bright sunshine, it has taken its place as the most popular Beer Garden in Geelong.

The area has multipule seating arrangements with a number of booths, tables and stools – some are undercover and others in the sun or shaded by umbrella’s – the options are endless.

1 // Prickly Moses

2 // Southern Bay Brewing 3 // Forrest Brewing

Chainsaw Wheat Beer

Hop Bazooka IPA

Silvertop

The name pretty much gives it

Perfect for those entering the

Made from Australian Ella

away, but this IPA is big on the

craft beer world, this Kolsch

Hop, this one is on the

hops. For those who aren’t a fan

style, light-bodied ale has

The beer garden has its own bar, so there’s

signature cocktails are sure to become famed attractions at the historic drinking establishment.

more subtle scale in regards

of the hoppy flavour, maybe steer

an equally light honey malt

no need to keep running inside to grab a drink

to the malt flavouring

clear of this one as it isn’t making

flavour with some fruity hop

and there’s even a number of big screens

but brings it home with a

any apologies for its strength.

aromas thrown in. This is one

so that you’re able to watch all of your

stronger hop flavour.

Southern Bay Brewing have been

you could easily drink all night.

favourite sports while you sip your beer!

You can’t go past the food at The Lord

mastering beers for a long while now, so give this one a go.

Nelson. The kitchen specialises in steaks, tapas

on the decks or casually listening to some of the fantastic live musicians that frequent the space.

high quality, fresh, local produce is arguably their greatest strength, with the kitchen serving outstanding, world class meals at affordable prices.

The menu features five premium certified aged steaks, a selection of seafood, meat and vegetable tapas, a signature Parma and more. The menu is

5 // Odyssey Tavern

Mervyn Pale Ale

CALYPSO PALE ALE

Brand new for the brewery, only launching

It’s a favourite at the tavern itself and was

just last week, this one is perfect for those

heralded as the audience favourite at the Great

summer days. The fruity, juicy and hoppy

Australian Beer Festival in 2014. Made with

number is great for summer and fits the

NZ and US hops, it’s a little bit unique and the

Torquay brewery location well. If only you could

perfect thing to drink this summer. Ah, refreshing.

take a pint down to the beach with you...

available for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

The bar features two Lord Nelson beers, “Three Sheets” Pale Ale and “Old Admiral” Old Ale from Australia’s oldest pub brewery, the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel in Sydney. In addition, there are over 26 local and international beers, an extensive list of over 100 wines, a selection of ciders and spirits including British Navy Pusser’s Rum, “The Original Admiralty Rum” affectionately named “Nelson’s Blood”. Furthermore, The Lord Nelson’s

CENTRALLY LOCATED VENUE WITH BEER GARDEN LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS

HAPPY HOUR

FRIDAYS FROM 5-7PM MEALS COMING SOON!

Monday to Saturday Open from 8am till late Sunday 10am-11.30pm 54 Little Myers Street, Geelong Ph: 5221 4469

36 forte

regions best DJs! The sound system and acoustics are incredible, whether you’re breaking it down

and traditional pub meals as well as a variety of sweets for dessert. Their chef’s focus on selecting

4 // Blackman’s Brewery

Sundays in Summer are a must with the fortnightly ‘Sunday Funday’, featuring some of the

The Lord Nelson is located on the corners of Malop & Bellerine Streets Open from 11.30am-late 7 Days a week Phone: 5222 8756 www.thelordnelson.com.au

IN THE LOOP

IN THE LOOP (CONTINUED from pg. 26)

No Shame about Ray

X Factor viewers were quick to fall for Dean Ray, with the gifted alternative-blues singer-songwriter eventually taking out runner-up. However, his time in music stretches back to before he was born, with his mum slinging bass while pregnant with the future star. He took up drumming initially, but that didn’t feel right. At 13, he discovered the guitar. He released his self-titled debut last year, which has since gone Gold. Dean: “I’ve been called mysterious, intense, confusing, crazy and captivating. But at the end of the day, I’m just a guy with a guitar and a story to tell.

Live and love…” The Capital, Bendigo – December 17 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – December 18.

including The Reprobettes, Swim Team, Loose Tooth, Freya Hollick and Zarah Phillips-Williams. According to their website, The Reprobettes met at the Melvin Correctional Facility for Women in 2012. Joining forces, their sonic power was enough to blast through the prison walls to freedom. They have been kicking musical arse and taking names since. Another story has it that they formed after bassist Jemma Ives posted an online ad seeking bandmates for a ’60s-style all-girl outfit. Choose your own adventure there. Either way, the end result is the same: bad to the bone fuzzy guitars, deadly ’60s surf rhythms and screaming vocals. Now, listening to tunes all day is tiring work, so the sweethearts at The Eastern have decided to throw in a BBQ to feed the masses. Keep an eye on facebook.com/easternballarat for gigs.

There’s an Art to It

Wild, Wild Life

A Drop of Cider Just a stone’s throw outside Daylesford you will find Musk, and it is here you will discover a 30-acre property housing Daylesford Cider, an orchard grown on strictly organic principles. A winner of the Victorian Minister of Tourism’s Encouragement Award, the venue has a couple of laid-back sessions coming up this month. On December 5, early risers will be able to enjoy the toe tappin’ sounds of Family Farm from 10a.m. On December 20, Sunday evening is handed over to the alternative country sounds of Arkie T Williams.

Weaving song with story, Arkie sits comfortably among the likes of Gillian Welch and Patty Griffin. There’s plenty for the little ones to do, too.

A Child of Mine

Acfields of Gold When it came to childhood car trips, siblings Dan and Hannah Acfield spent more time harmonising than they did fighting.

After spending some time performing as solo artists, they came to the decision that two Acfields were better than one, and set about making some tunes together. In 2012 The Acfields released their debut, the double A-side ‘After You’ / ‘Sorry I’ve Taken So Long’. The EP Turning a Page would follow, as would tours and supports alongside the likes of Joan Armatrading, The Trouble with Templeton, Josh Pyke, Lakyn Heperi and Vika & Linda Bull. Now you can feast on their self-titled debut. Martians Café, Deans Marsh – December 4 & Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet – December 5.

would surpass cassette tapes as the preferred medium for recorded music. In the Sydney suburb of Newtown, Frenzal Rhomb was created following an experiment in which someone seeking to increase the power of punk rock convinced some young slackers to take part in some virtual reality punk rock-enhancing experiments. The band’s latest album is 2011’s Smoko at the Pet Food Factory.

Some bands churn out album after album; for others, they like to take their time. Four years after the release of their debut album The Experiment, Art vs Science have released their second album, Off the Edge of the Earth and into Forever, Forever. The band will take to the road next year for a generous amount of dates, including outings at Geelong’s Barwon Club on March 9 and Ballarat’s Karova Lounge on March 10. From the band: “It’s the biggest tour we’ve done in some time so we’re most excellently psyched. We’ll be playing a bunch of stuff off our new record plus the oldies mates. Excitement!

Coming along for the ride will be our pal KLP (Live).”

They’ll also be living it up at The Falls festival.

Caught Up in a Frenzy

Born before the Sun is the new album from Altiyan Childs, and Bendigo is on his touring warpath with a date set for Music Man on February 11, 2016. As you may well recall, Childs won the second season of The X Factor Australia in 2010.

His self-titled debut would become a hit. Following that, the smooth sailing hit rougher waters. At the beginning of 2012, Childs was found guilty to having methamphetamine and marijuana in his system following an incident in November 2011. There was also the falling out with former mentor Ronan Keating, as well as a departure from Sony Music Australia.

Still, you don’t come this far without being able to take (and give) a few punches.

Sleep Now and Forever 30+ years in and The Black Sorrows remain as popular as ever – and Joe Camilleri as cool as ever. The band released two limited edition 12” vinyl LPs this year, Endless Sleep (Chapter 46) and Endless Sleep (Chapter 47), a tribute to the likes of Lou Reed, JJ Cale, John Coltrane, Captain Beefheart, Hank Williams and Skip James. The album’s title is the name of a 1958 song

by Jody Reynolds. Joe Camilleri: “I tip my hat to the spirit of these artists who have inspired me and give the songs another opportunity to be heard … I’m a disciple and it’s a bit of soul food.” The band will take to 13th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads on December 4 as part of Music to a Tee.

Drummin’ Into Town Having been described as “Contemporary Bluesy Rock and Roots”, “honest, raw and energetic” and “a guitar and drum duo with an exciting rich melodic sound”, Lily & the Drum are heading to Ballarat, Bendigo and Rochester to show us why everyon’s talking about them.

First performing four years ago the duo thought their collaboration may be a limited thing, but the growing fan base and support they’ve received has proven otherwise. Make sure you head along to their show to see what all the hype is about.

When & Where: Babushka Bar, Ballarat – December 11, The Gold Dust Lounge, Bendigo – December 12 & Rochester Wine Bar & Tavern, Rochester – December 13

A Night with Tas Pappas

The Eastern, Ballarat has put together a humdinger of a show this Saturday night, December 5. They have put together a crackerjack show. They have put together a The mighty Frenzal Rhomb decided to add an ‘In the sockdolager of a show. It’s a real ripper, a corker, a ripsnorter. Loop’ date to their ‘Friendless Summer’ tour, taking in It is difficult to not sound at least a little cheesy when saying I am talking about the mini-festival Wild Birds Fest, a Lorne’s Lorne Hotel on December 10. Cast your mind former professional skateboarder Tas Pappas lived life like celebration of all things female musician. Solo acts, duos back to 1992 for a moment, if you’re old enough, and the a rock star. But that’s the story. Born Tasou Micah Pappas, and full bands from Ballarat and Melbourne will perform, first Big Day Out is held in Australia. CDs, meanwhile, Tas, along with his brother Ben, became fascinated with

forte 37

Quick bites

IN THE LOOP

Mellow Yellow They’re young and they’re talented and they’ll make you wish you had learned an instrument when you were younger. Meet The Mellows, a little Warrnambool band with a big progressive folk style. JB Hi-Fi dig ’em, honouring the band with a ‘Best Mainstream Track Featuring Male Vocals’ award. Towards the end of last year they released their debut EP, Whispers of Silence. The Loft, Warrnambool – December 4.

Good Vibrations Geelong’s Workers Club will play host to The Soulenikoes’ final gig for the year tomorrow night, December 4. Formed in 2006, the band has transformed their sound over the years into the progressive rock we know today. Make sure you pick up their Good Vibes EP as a stocking stuffer.

They will be joined by Torquay/Geelong outfit FORMILES and Melbourne/Geelong outfit Insygnia.

A Good Friend to Have Having recovered from their Queenscliff Music Festival date, Olly Friend will perform a couple of smaller shows as part of their ‘7” Vinyl’ tour, taking in Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet on December 4 and Workers Club, Geelong on December 12. Originally the solo project of Geelong lad Olly Friend, Olly Friend is now a happy family that includes Nick Rushbrook, Tyler Crimmin and Brady James. As We Grow Older is their latest EP. It’s Raining, Pa Harry Coulson’s Rain Dogs is the combined powers of Harry Coulson on guitar, James Thompson on drums and Glen Davidson on bass. They play jazz, Jim, but not as you know it. Why take my word for it, though. The trio recently landed a nice little four-week residency at Castlemaine’s Old Castlemaine Gaol that will come to its cliffhanging final episode on Saturday, December 5.

A Funny Thing Happened

skateboarding at an early age. Not an uncommon thing That Bittersweet Feeling by any measure, but his (their) talent sure was. From early Songbird and storyteller Kasey Chambers is taking her on, Tas dreamt of dethroning the king of skateboarding, ‘Bittersweet’ tour back on the road for a final run of shows, paying particular attention to regional areas. Bittersweet is the one and only Tony Hawk. At the age of 15, Pappas the name of her latest album, her tenth overall and first in headed for the US with his big dream, doing so again at four years, while the tour follows a successful US mission in the age of 16. At 17, he was living there. In 1996, Pappas August. You may also recall that Chambers recently underwent vocal surgery, from which she has now fully recovered and, did the unthinkable (at least to many outsiders): he beat according to reviewers on her US tour, is sounding better than Tony Hawk at the Hard Rock Café World Championships. ever. Kasey: “I wanted to have an experience making a record And he did so with a busted rib. With the fame came drugs, that I had never had before. I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted to be excited.” She’ll be performing at Gateway Hotel, and coupled with an attitude that didn’t play well with Corio tomorrow night, December 4. others, he found himself on the outside. Those familiar with the Pappas story will know how deep and dark (and Bellarine Busking Competition ultimately tragic) it goes, and that this blurb gives it little Tune those guitars and re­write that second verse; the Bellarine Busking Competition is looking for those with a taste for the justice. For those not familiar, check out the 2014 doco stage. Sponsored by Riley Family Buildings, entry nominations All This Mayhem. Tas will appear at The Karova, Ballarat are now open for the event, which will take place next year at on December 17 for what is sure to be a fascinating night the Crackerjack Family Fair. Three major cash prizes are up for grabs. Entry nominations close February 21, 2016. All of story and Q&A. performers will be notified of performance times by February Punk, Thy Will Be Done According to their Facebook page, the Western Sydney suburb of Colyton is known for “its low cost housing, lack of anything to do and sun-baked streets”. However, it gave enough to inspire Ramonescore and ’60s pop lover Tim Obradovic to start a band called Colytons. Their line-up has changed a bit since their 2002 formation, but their blend of the sounds and styles of the Ramones, The Shangri-Las, the Beach Boys and the Hard-Ons has remained. The punk rockers will warm up for their Nevermind the Warp’d spot with a glorious gig at Bendigo’s Music Man tomorrow night, December 4.

Nevermind the Sideshows, The Revengers, Ivory Knives and The Filthy Hacks will be there as well.

Cloud Nine is one of Melbourne’s biggest and hottest Saturday night magnets, with a rotating roster of local and international DJs tearing it up from basement to rooftop.

From time to time they like to share the magic, and so Cloud Nine will invade The Bluestone, Ballarat on November 27. Duane Bartolo, Press Play, Ridvan and Teddy Cream are your lucky stars. We can dance if you want to.

You need not be a Masterchef fan for this event, though it certainly helps, what’s important is how much you love food. Two people who share a love for what’s dished up are Jacqui and Ashleigh, past contestants of Masterchef. On December 13 the Daylesford Cider Company will play host to the duo, who will then cook a 4-course lunch. Guests will have the chance to chat with Jacqui and Ashleigh, meet likeminded guests and take home a personalised limited edition bottle of cider.

Summer Sundays

The Christmas Gringo

On Cloud Nine

Street parties are the best parties, and Quban know this all too well. Branching out into the adjacent car park on December 12 the venue will be throwing the perfect party to welcome in summer, and heads up, this ain’t no siesta. Prepare to stay up late, be alert and dance through the night along to DJs Silversix, Butters, Jack Love, Jacob Malmo, Isaac Fryar, Kids Table, Baby Goggles and Bec Grenfell. Oh, and did we mention this outdoor boutique festival complete with cocktails will be happening one day a month for summer? Perf !

Masterchef Pop-up Lunch

Hector replugged

Full of Beans

Josh Wade was just 13 when he began posting videos.

Today, he is listed in the Top 100 Australian YouTubers, with more than 180,000 subscribers. His growing fan base and early success inspired him to create a stand-up show, which he debuted at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2014. He sold out 33 shows.

Workers Club, Geelong – December 6 & The Loft, Warrnambool – December 9.

Eclectic, earthy, funk­injected, original jazz and blues’n’roots – what more could you possibly want in a night out? It’s time for you to shake hands with Hey Gringo, a multi­award winning outfit formed by Daryl Roberts (Spectrum, Blackfeather, Jimmy Witherspoon) in 1993. It is music that will get your temperature rising.

The band will play Geelong’s Sleepy Hollows Blues Club’s Christmas party on December 13.

25, 2016. Terms and conditions will be sent upon nomination.

Please note that the competition is open only for those aged 14 and over. Geelong singer­songwriter Hannah Reeves took out honours at this year’s event. Hit pointlonsdalebowlsclub. com.au for nomination forms.

Ain’t No Siesta!

Combining guitar and French horn has never sounded sweeter, with The Bean Project combining elements of folk, jazz and singer-songwriter genres. Formed out of Belgrave by Ben Langdon and Bryce Turcato at the beginning of 2014, the brass-clad acoustic duo won the 2014/15 FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands and has performed with names including The Twoks, The Woohoo Revue and 8Foot Felix.

While influences stretch from The Cat Empire to Johnny Cash, the duo has been described as “the odd marriage of Cake, City and Color and Kings of Convenience”. Saints and Sailors, Portarlington – December 12 & The Loft, Warrnambool – December 13.

Maybe you’ve heard of it or maybe you haven’t, but there have been a series of intimate free gigs at a backyard in Hector St, Geelong West – invite only. The Acoustic at Hector series have become a chance to celebrate local talent in a friendly, comfortable and inviting setting. The series have stopped for the year, but it’s set to get a whole lot bigger. On December 8 at Barwon Club in Geelong there Sunshine, good music and a handful of your closest will be a fundraiser for the series, though it’s for something mates; is there a better recipe for a good time? We don’t a little bit different. The team behind the event are hoping think so. Though, make it all free and you’re onto a to create a screening event of the bands to take place early winner. The Summer Sundays sessions at the Ballarat next year and a world class gig alongside it to get the Botanical Gardens are on for another year and boy does bands on the international scene. It’s ambitious and that’s it look like fun. Playing this year will be; Freya Josephine particularly why we love it. There’s a kickstarter campaign Hollick, Yuko Nishiyama and Quarry Mountain Dead to donate to (under Hector Replugged), otherwise head Rats on January 10, Brendan Welch, John McNamara and along to the event and do your bit. Performing on the the Reprobettes on January 17, Arkie T Williams & the night will be; Alister Turril & The Vagabond Brothers, Mudlarks, A Miner and Montaigne on January 24 and The Run, Four Rules Charlie, Formiles, The Kite Machine All Our Exes in Texas, Ari & Rhiannon and Thelma Plum and more. on January 31. So pack your picnic, some deck chairs PHOTO: Lachlan Miller and a banquet and get ready for a good time.

THE IPHONE GUY'S TECH TIP OF THE WEEK

Simon Says...

Christmas & New Year Closures Our stores will be CLOSED the following dates: Geelong CBD

Ocean Grove

Geelong West

25th-28th December

25th-28th December

24th-28th December

1st-3rd January

1st-3rd January

1st-3rd January 11th-22nd January

On behalf of all of us at The iPhone Guy we wish you a joyful Christmas and a Happy, Safe & Healthy New Year

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Ballarat 23rd-28th December 1st-3rd January

BALLARAT We Love Metal

IN THE LOOP

Mercy Mercy Me If you like a ukulele lady, you’re going to love Jane Cameron.

In July of 2010, the songbird picked up the little and lovely instrument for the first time. Cheaper than a sports car, she says, and so her midlife crisis was fought strumming away. She turned to Pozible to raise funds for her debut album The Mercy of the Tide, a goal she achieved easily. Recorded with Tristen Bird, the album was launched at Northcote’s Wesley Anne on August 21. She has supported Justin Johnson and performed at the Melbourne Ukulele Festival (2013/2014/2015), the Cairns Ukulele Festival (2014) and the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival (2014). Babushka Bar, Ballarat – December 4.

Sound of the Drums

Whoretopsy have a name only a mother could love – a cool as hell metal-lovin’ mother. Some call them sick and brutal; others call them disgusting and hilarious. We reckon they’re a little of all those things. They formed out of Melbourne in 2011 and have shared the stage with the likes of Dying Fetus, Origin, Decapitated, Suffocation, Obituary, Kataklysm and Cannibal Corpse. They go okay abroad as well, having performed at Indonesia’s Hammersonic Festival and Thailand’s Bang-Cock Deathfest. With all of that in mind, if you haven’t done so already it’s a good time to check out their latest slab of death metal, Never Tear Us Apart. The Karova, Ballarat – December 11.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 19 7PM, TICKETS $40

From the mean ’burbs of Adelaide come Lily and the Drum, a contemporary blues, rock and roots duo featuring Lily Higgins and John Yacka. Lily and John had been playing together in a rock-blues ensemble called Cosmic Storm. When Lily was called upon to play a few songs at a wedding in Darwin, John tagged along to provide percussion. When the pair then ventured to Bluesfest and witnessed a bunch of duos, they figured if everyone else was doing it they could as well. Their latest album is Welcome Change and it features appearances from Even Whetter and Erica Graf of Lazy Eye, Kevin Perks of Ironhorse and Steve Gregory of The Satellites. Babushka Bar, Ballarat – December 11.

Rock to the Beat Oh yeah, the Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival has announced its 2016 line-up and leading the way are UK outfit The Kingcats and all the way from the Netherlands, CC Jerome. CC got his start in the 1980s with The Bellhops and has worked with groups including The Ranch Girls and their Ragtime Wranglers, Kid Rocker and the Phantoms, The Backbeats, Lee Rocker, Pep Torres, Levi Dexter, The Specials and Gene Loves Jezebel. He has also played with the likes of Chuck Berry, Joe Houston, Billy Lee Riley, Big Al Downing, Joe Clay, Don and Dewey, Johnny Powers and Gene Summers. Ballarat – February 11-14. There is plenty more on offer than just music, so hit up ballaratbeat.com.au for full details.

What’s On Ballarat?

DATES OF NOTE JJ

Written by Alexander Lightfoot

While it mightn’t quite be Ballarat, 20 or so minutes away is close enough for me. Running next weekend, and right next door at Meredith, is the 25th annual Meredith Music Festival. It’s always a sellout show, but the festival isn’t about making money or getting to slap a ‘sold out’ graphic over its poster: Meredith is about the community.

As corny as it sounds, and trust me this will rank highly on the corny scale, over the past 25 years Meredith festival has formed its own little family. While past years have seen a few dickheads enter the festival (breaking the festivals very strict no dickhead policy) it still stands as one of the best festivals in the Australian music scene. Chances are, you will never see Meredith so full of life and just plain busy as you will on the weekend of Meredith festival (except of course when Golden Plains rolls around in March). So Ballarat locals, consider this column an lovenote to your neighbours lovely festival and a public service announcement to avoid the main roads in Meredith at all costs – that is if you’re not going to the festival.

JJ

JJ

JJ

Pop up lunch with Masterchef contestants Jacqui and Ashleigh at Daylesford Cider Company on December 13 70th Annual Jazz Convention for a week beginning on December 26 Early bird tickets are on sale for the Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival on February 11-14 Ballarat Carols on December 13

In the late ‘80s Tas Pappas (and his brother Ben) gobsmacked onlookers with their skateboarding skills.

They soon made the move from stuffing around at a Melbourne skate park to rivallring Tony Hawk in America and dealing with the many drugs, partying and general lifestyle that comes with the spotlight. In 2014 a film, ‘All This Mayhem’ was made of the brothers’ journey, and Tas is coming to Ballarat (Karova Lounge to be specific) on December 17 to have a chat about his life. Put it in the calendar folks as this one set to be an eye-opener on the skating scene of the ‘80s and ‘90s

20 WALLACE STREET, MEREDITH TELEPHONE 5286 ∙ 1100

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Written by Natalie Rogers

British India Over the last decade British India have become leaders in the indie music scene, something that’s reflected in the success of their four previous studio albums and fiercely loyal fan base.

Their fifth studio album, Nothing Touches Me, sees the four passionate Melbournians back where they belong – riding the airwaves and out on the road. I caught up with their affable front man Declan Melia during some well-earned downtime in Sydney this week. “I’m enjoying the beautiful weather while we have a few days off,” Melia smiles. He has a soft-spoken charm that puts you at ease and makes you believe he’d be just as comfortable discussing the works of Jean-Paul Sartre as he is in front of thousands of screaming fans.

JJ

“We’re all feeling really good. When we toured for Nothing Touches Me earlier this year the album was so new it almost didn’t feel real - whereas this time around we’re more used to the set-list,” he explains. “The material has already been tested and we know what works and what doesn’t. So we’re a lot less tense and able to enjoy ourselves more.”

People may be surprised to hear Melia express doubts about their music, but it’s their drive to produce albums that they can be proud of and what sets them apart from others in the pop/rock world today.

“I look at successful music, and sometimes the lyrics feel like they’re an afterthought,” Melia says. “You can get tricked into this mentality where you think that stupidity sells or that the lowest common denominator stuff is what it takes to get yourself heard on the radio or to get 80 million downloads.

“Our credo from the beginning is to always try to be the antithesis of that,” he continues. “Especially in this country, pop music should be intelligent and clever – we should aim a little higher. I hope we never fall into that trap – songs don’t need to be stupid to be accessible.”

Clearly Melia knows a thing or two about song writing as all five of their studio albums have debuted in the ARIA Charts Top Ten. However, life hasn’t always been so rosy for British India. Despite the success of their fourth album, Controller, in a 2013 interview with Forte Magazine, Melia revealed the band had almost reached breaking point.

“After the release of our third album Avalanche we all decided to take a holiday, but it was the worst thing we could have done. Shock [their former label] went broke and our studio got flooded. It felt like the perfect storm, and for the first time we had shocking writers’ block which has never happened before and it coincided

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with us moving into a new studio. So it was really hard not to get into a superstitious head-space about how the change in vibe had affected our ability to write and we got really fearful we wouldn’t get it back,” Melia says.

Not only did they get “it” back, they came back with a vengeance. Controller went Gold and they sold over 35,000 copies of the hit single ‘I Can Make You Love Me’, with that track earning them a place in triple j’s Hottest 100 for the fifth time. “The moment Controller came out it reaffirmed everything for us. It really did feel like the beginning of British India part two.”

“Especially in this country, pop music should be intelligent and clever – we should aim a little higher.”

With a new-found passion and dedication to the band, Melia says the weeks spent in their new studio working on their latest album were an incredible time. “The writing of Nothing Touches Me was just a dream. Everyone was in a really good headspace, the ideas were coming from all four members of the band. It was a real pleasure to write and it comes through on songs like ‘Suddenly’ and ‘Angela’.

They’re more joyous than anything we’d done in the past, and I think it was just reflecting the feeling of the band.”

While Melia seems happy and contented to soak up the sun, sand and sounds in Sydney during our chat, he admits his hearts lies closer to home in, Forte’s stomping ground, the Surf Coast of Victoria. They’ve planned to wrap up their year of touring with shows in Lorne, Barwon Heads and Mornington. “It’s a good way to cap

the tour off. We just look at it as a holiday at the end of the year. Lots of people are around the area for Christmas and we love the pubs there so we might as well get up and play a few songs!

“We don’t think of tours as big business ventures like planning some military coup to conquer target markets or anything, we just love to play and it’s been pretty well documented that we will play anywhere that will have us!” he laughs. “We just like to play as much as possible.”

The bands laidback attitude is one of the reasons they’ve amassed such a large and devoted following.

They’re able to connect with a small audience at an intimate gig or blow the speakers out at a sold out headline show. “It’s really important for us to retain the ability to do both. I don’t think anyone wants this band to become a stadium act that can only play with a big backdrop and the most deluxe amps, “ Melia says, “because our best shows these days hark back to when we were playing at tiny pubs and clubs when we were first starting out. We’re pretty comfortable going from playing the Forum in Melbourne to a small pub on the Surf Coast.”

When & Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – December 18, Lorne Hotel, Lorne – December 26 & Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads – December 29

British India

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Bondi Cigars JJ

It’s been five years since blues band the

Bondi Cigars brought their iconic sound to the Surf Coast. Returning as a headliner for Motor City Music Festival in March, front man Shane Pacey is keen to catch up with some old friends.

“It’s people generally that make a place special to me, rather than where the place is…we’ve got lots of friends in that part of Victoria.”

Naming festival Director Hugo T. Armstrong as one such friend who supported the group since their early days, Pacey and the band will be performing a mixture of new and old tunes for an audience who have eagerly awaited their return.

“The last time we were around that area was the Queenscliff festival which was about four or five years ago,” he says.

“So we’ll do some new stuff off our new album, we’ll be doing a lot of old stuff I think too, because people haven’t seen us for awhile. The best thing about [touring] is the actual playing itself. Getting on planes or sitting in tour buses for hours on end can get a little bit, you know, tedious.”

Recording their latest album Child in The Desert Earlier this year, it really came from the band’s need to create fresh material.

“I saw an interview with Tom Waits the other day where he said, ‘You write a whole bunch of new songs when you get sick of the old ones.’ I suppose that’s what inspired it,” Pacey laughs.

“If you’re playing a lot even when you’re improvising to fans, you do need new material just to breathe life into the

Written by Jessica Morris

band again. And it’s a bit tough for audiences if you play too many new songs on them all in one go. But it was just time to make another one.”

Choosing to record the album in an entirely different place also helped the band creatively. “We wanted to go somewhere else to do it, ‘Cause we’ve always recorded in Sydney. So this time we decided to go to Byron Bay. Why not?” he says.

The new set of songs has been specifically crafted for live performances, guaranteeing audiences a good time. “When we put out [a record], there might be about four or five tunes from it that survive and get put into the repertoire regularly. You know, it’s when you go see The Rolling Stones they might do two songs off their last album and the rest of it is full of old stuff…So they need to be pretty special to kind of make the cut,” he shares.

“From this one, we’re doing at least 80 per cent of it regularly. It’s been out for quite a few months now so that’s really good fun. It’s kind of designed to play live.”

A founding member of the Bondi Cigars since their inception over 25 years ago, Pacey has seen the band alter its sound and change its line up numerous times. Ultimately though, the spirit of the Bondi Cigars remains the same.

“We sort of started out as more of a blues band. And then as we got on and we sort of brought in other themes, other influences, and other people come through the band, we sort of absorbed all different things into the sound of the band.”

The Bondi Cigars will be playing at Motor City Music Festival on March 11- 13 at the Geelong Showgrounds.

Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com.au.

When & Where: Motor City Music Festival, Geelong Showgrounds – March 11-13

The 70th Annual Jazz Convention in Ballarat JJ Along with most other countries, the cultural contribution of the United States of America to the world in the first half of this century, viz: JAZZ, found in Australia an avid and receptive coterie of musicians and /or record collectors who took this music to their hearts and began to emulate it.

Whilst serving in the RAAF in 1944, musician Ade Monsbourgh wrote to his friend C. Ian Turner with the idea of running a ‘jazz convention’ after the war. This event would include musicians from other States. In 1946 a group of local jazz musicians and aficionados organised the first Australian Jazz Convention in Melbourne. This had attendance from both Victoria and interstate. The Convention has been held annually between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day at different venues, in every State over the last 70 years and is the oldest continuously conducted Convention of its type in the World.

Ballarat welcomes you as the Host City for 2015.

The aim of the Australian Jazz Convention is to encourage and promote jazz in Australia. However this does not mean that conventions are serious affairs. On the contrary, they are happy occasions where many hundreds of people from all over Australia and many from overseas meet to exchange ideas, play jazz together, make new friends and renew old acquaintances and where young musicians are encouraged to participate free of charge.

Dallas Crane JJ

After nine years away from the Australian

music scene Dallas Crane have released their fifth studio album, Scoundrels. Combining elements of all their previous releases, straight off the bat it is easy enough to say this is the best thing they have ever done. Forming as a band in the mid ‘90s, it was their collaboration on the track ‘Sit On My Knee’ with the legendary Jimmy Barnes that really put them on the map. Talking to lead singer Dave Larkin about the illusive return of the band given so many years away, Larkin speaks full of confidence about Scoundrels and the 2016 tour.

“It feels good to be back mate. There is no ridiculous timeline that we have to produce music by or expectations on our music anymore and that’s a really great thing I think. It’s been a really enjoyable experience piecing this album together. We spent so much time on the road previously, which allowed for less time to create new music and put out albums,” he says.

“That meant that we felt we really needed to up the ante with every release and to stamp our place in the music scene.

Having complete control over everything has been fantastic and definitely something we want looking into the future.”

Kicking off the album is the song ‘The Sunnyside’ in which Larkin heavily channels influence from the one, the only, Bon Scott. Sounding very much like AC/DC is good to see that Aussie rock is in good hands in 2015 in a world of electro

Events Welcome Night Party:

Workshops.:

Original Tunes Competition / AGM:

26th December. Welcome Night Party arranged at Jackson’s & Co Hotel 7pm – fin Raffle of Sponsored items. Supper provided.

27th, 28th, 29th. Workshops are to be conducted in the function room at the Mining Exchange from 9am -10am. Subjects will include playing and servicing woodwind instruments; the use of electronic equipment for music changes. Others TBA.Secure instrument storage is available in a room adjoining the Mining Exchange performance site.

30th December: The Mechanics Institute 8.30am – 4.pm for these two events.

Street Parade:

NYE Party. 31st 8pm-fin: Party to be held in the Function Room at the Mercure Hotel & Convention Centre Supper served.

Band Performance Program: 26th – 31st December In all performance venues, Expected band number in excess of 120.

Ballarat Art Gallery, Three Piano Recitals: This is a free, ticketed event. 4pm to 5.45pm on Sunday 27th / Monday 28th / Tuesday 29th Music Industry Trade Fair / Workshops / Secure Storage: Music Industry Trade Fair 27th – 30th 9am – fin.

Current merchants attending the fair are: Instrument sales; Australian Jazz Museum (CD’s/DVD’s); Music motif Aprons (raising funds for Women Cancer research); Ballarat Jazz Club; Musical motif Woodwork; South Australian Jazz Archives (CD’s); Fabulous Jazz Fans, Others TBA.

Monday 28th: Parade participants will congregate in a carpark off Sturt St near corner of Lydiard St North from 10am. The Street Parade will start at 11 am from corner of Sturt St and Lydiard St North, travel to Police Lane and conclude with a ‘massed band blow’ in Alfred Deakin Place.

NYE Buffet Dinner: 31st 6pm – 7.30pm: Dinner to be held in the dining rooms at the Mercure Hotel & Convention Centre This is a paid ticketed event.

Public Concert: Monday 28th: Public Concert (6pm – 9pm). Alfred Deakin Place. Bring own chairs.Other arrangements include, Wines for sale, Forge Pizzeria and Rotary Ballarat to provide food and soft drink.

PHOTO: Paul Livingston

Written by Tex Miller

beats and 1D wannabes. There have been many changes to the Australian music scene over the past 10 years and this time around with Scoundrels, Dallas Crane has utilised a lot more social media techniques than ever before.

“For this record, we turned our hand to crowd funding and we found out in 2015, it is really a non existant record industr,” Larkin explains.

“The whole Roman Empire of the record label seems to have dissipated in our absence. Artists are so DIY these days and you have to be. I think that the insecurity of not knowing whether the album was going to happen or not because we put it up to our fans was definitely an interesting thing. We wanted to reach as many people on social media as we could and we hit the target in nine days. We had reached 35% in just one day and from that point on we knew we were in good hands.”

If you have heard the record, you will definitely agree that it is sounding as ballsy and free as their other releases and Dallas Crane has hit the mark with Scoundrels. The guitar and drums combined with the vocals of Larkin give you a great feeling inside that Australian rock ‘n’ roll is still alive and kicking in 2015. Over the next few months and into 2016, the Crane is headed out to all parts of the country to play. With a gig at the Ballarat Beerfest in January 16 and the Barwon Club in Geelong on Boxing Day, it’ll be awesome to be moshing out to their rockin sound once again.

“Ballarat is gonna be a great show. We are playing alongside You Am I, who have just released a great record, so it’ll be awesome to catch up with them and everyone should come down and hear the new tunes for themselves.

Rock On Forte!”

When & Where: Ballarat Beer Festival, City Oval Ballarat – January 16

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The Loft Dance & Yoga Studio.

CLASSIFIEDS

Where: 7 Rutland St, Newtown Website: theloftstudiospace.com.au Contact: 0419 619 996

JJ You’re often told that to be a great dancer you have to start young. Though for Lyndel Quick, owner of Loft Dance & Yoga Studio in Newtown, she started later to the game and now champions how incredible dance is to undertake – regardless of your skill level or age.

Hi Lyndel, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?

I’m very well thank you, currently preparing for my Yoga Teaching Training exams in less than a week. I’ve been studying for the last 12 months in Melbourne. It’s been a wonderful journey but with a young family and work commitments, glad the studying is drawing to a close!

So how did you first come to owning the business The Loft and to be located at the beautiful studio in Newtown?

We’ve been operating from this space for over 12 years! I was initially looking for a space to use for my choreographic work and I always loved this old factory.

My grandmother actually worked here in the textile mill. There were only a few business operating when I arrived but I knew that one day we would get coffee down here and it would herald a thriving arts precinct! In the early days I used to offer only 1-2 classes. Now that my children are a little older I have been able to add a lot more classes to our timetable.

What kind of environment can attendees expect when they come to a class?

The Loft maintains a philosophy that dance and yoga is for everyone and everybody.

We are committed to providing the highest level of tuition delivered in a holistic manner. We have classes for absolute beginners right through to advanced levels.

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

For individual use only, not for commercial purposes.

Lead Vocalist Wanted for already established psych pop-rock band based in Geelong, wth over 12 months of gigging experience in Melbourne and Geelong. Female an advantage, but open to try anyone.

Hear live recordings at: zumamus`ic. bandcamp.com. Please contact us at: zumaofficial@gmail.com or 0432049239.

What’s your background in dance?

Comparatively speaking, I started my dance training very late at age 20; studying ballet, contemporary dance and theatre in Melbourne full time for six years. I guess that fs why I fm so passionate about providing a specialist adult dance and yoga studio here in Geelong. You fre never too old to start moving your body.

Beginner Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga class is perfect for those just dipping their toe in Yoga and Barre is a fun and energetic dance fitness class to get you moving but also developing technique from trained teachers. My favourite class is the Slow Flow Stretch class which is inspired by Yin Yoga where students hold poses for a longer duration, all set to an ambient music score surrounded by candlelight.

What have you found are the main benefits of practicing in dance regularly?

Dance and yoga offer so many benefits; from the purely physical aspects of building strength, toning the body, increased mental focus to an overall sense of joy and wellbeing. Movement gets people out of their heads. It fosters a shift from the outer world of to-do lists and external expectations to valuing and appreciating your inner life. Movement and breath work helps you to be more fully present which is also very beneficial to anyone suffering from anxiety and depression.

With all businesses there is the chance to grow and change, is there anything changing about The Loft in future?

Yes, there is lots happening at the studio! As I finish my Yoga Teacher training, we will be offering loads more Yoga classes to our timetable. We are also very excited to announce that we will be starting classes in the beautiful town of Inverleigh, 25 mins from Geelong next year. Another exciting development in 2016 is that we are teaming up with a wonderful Melbourne yoga academy who will be delivering an internationally accredited Yoga Teaching Training course (500 RYT) from our venue commencing in January.

One of the greatest things about The Loft is that it offers an array of dance and yoga options. Could you give us a run down of a few of the types you offer and what kind of person they’d suit (someone looking to build flexibility, core strength etc)?

We offer a range of dance classes – Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz styles with a number of levels to choose from, depending on your previous experience. Often we get beginner students who have always wanted to try ballet but for one reason or another missed out as a child. We also have advanced classes for those returning to dance after an extended break. Our

Lastly, for those who haven’t done any form of dance before may be intimidated by coming to classes, how does The Loft make those new to dance feel welcome and what classes would you recommend?

Our students and teachers are very friendly and welcoming. Yes, we will teach you correct technique and a strong foundation in dance but more importantly students are valued for wherever they are at. We also offer new students a complimentary class to make sure it’s the right fit prior to committing to the term.

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.

Geelong rock band looking for lead vocalist We are an exciting original rock band based in Geelong. We have a full band with committed members who practice weekly. We have done many gigs and are experienced musicians who need a singer to complete our line-up. Influences: Pearl Jam, Vance Joy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Silverchair, Rage Against The Machine, Nirvana, Foo Fighters. Search Aprils Sky on sound cloud for demos.Contact Ben if interested 0432 049 231.

Guitarist and bassist looking for drummer and lead singer to star in a ‘90s rock band playing Foofighters, Greenday etc. Must have own gear, transport, be committed, reliable and a team player. Rehearsals would be once a week. Any age/sex is fine. If interested contact Vic on 0417138825.

don’t Poke the BEAR. Written by Tex Miller

It wasn’t too long ago that there seemed to be a reasonable selection for rehearsal and recording studios in Geelong. However, more recently, there has been a noticeable lack of places to record your next EP or album. That was until don’t Poke the BEAR, located on Gordon Ave, opened its doors – offering the newest option for recording and rehearsal in Geelong.

JJ

From the street front, it’s a little bit of a treasure hunt to find, but as soon as you see the ‘don’t Poke the BEAR’ logo you know you’ve got it. Walking through the front door you are presented with a small foyer that requires a phone call to gain entry to the main facility.

Meeting me today to have a chat about the studios and give me a tour is Tom, who is dressed in a plain white T-shirt with a beard of a healthy length. I wouldn’t quite call him a hipster and, as a fan of the beard myself, I was definitely impressed and complimenting him on his growth.

Once you step inside you will be blown away. As Tom guided me through the facility you’re greeted with a narrow corridor that branches off into all of the spacious rehearsal rooms that are all available to hire; offering plenty of options for musicians in Geelong and beyond. Walking through the halls, it was quite overwhelming to see the state of the art facilties that don’t Poke the BEAR offer. If you’re a musician or creative type who knows the local area well, you’ll be left in no doubt that this facility is the first of its kind in Geelong, and chances are, it’ll be just the thing you fre looking for.

The main recording space is divided into a live room with a vocal booth and drum booth branching off to the side.

“There are plenty of options in terms of putting down drums to your live recording. If you are after a more isolated and professional sound to your drums, we are able to facilitate that,” Tom says. One of the main questions that was burning in me to ask was, how did the name come about?

“It was one of those names that just came about in the discussion of what we should call it. It was settled on by the CEO and from all the rumours of everyone on the team, he is ‘the bear’. I would really hate to find out what would happen if you were to poke him. So just don’t okay!?”

Tom jests as we move into the main control room.

Open for the best part of six months, don’t Poke the BEAR has been receiving a lot of comments that it’s quite exciting to see a fully fledged recording studio in the middle of Geelong. If you have been to experience the facility first hand, you will know exactly what I am talking about and if you haven’t I’d highly recommend you do.

“There have been a lot of comments about what it is that we are doing here. It’s very inconspicuous at the front and just says ‘don’t Poke the BEAR’. Now people know what we are talking about,” he says.

The strength of don’t Poke the BEAR is it is not just a studio, it is designed to be a full artist hub catering to all your needs, “We were excited about the opportunity to have a full service musicians hub that can offer everything from rehearsing, live sound equipment hire and recording all under the one roof ”he goes on to say.

“We hope that in the next five to 10 years we can become a mainplayer to recording and rehearsal in Victoria,” Tom says.

“I think the recording, rehearsing and hiring side of things will take off as more and more people get to know about it. It’s a very exciting time for us and definitely keep your eyes open on our social media websites for all the updates as they happen.”

Where: 40 Gordon Avenue, Geelong West Website: http://dontpokethebear.com.au/ Contact: 1300 650 892

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Bluestone Music Festival: Brian Fraser.

Written by Jessica Morris

JJ

Few music festivals can say they’ve ushered

in good tunes for two decades, but this year the Bluestone Music Festival is able to do just that.

Presented by the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club over the New Year’s break, acclaimed blues musician Brian Fraser has seen the festival develop since day dot, and the Bluestone Foundation Artist is coming back to perform this year.

“My mother and father were involved in the committee for the original festival which was 20 years ago. And we were involved quite heavily for a long time there; mostly myself in the past years,” he explains. “When it first started we wouldn’t have believed it’d still be going in 20 years time – which is has been. So it’s a special icon for us.”

With this year’s line up including Miss Whiskey, Mud Peas and the Andrea Marr Band, it is an opportunity for blues loving locals to set up camp and bring in 2016 with a fitting celebration.

“It’s grown up into a really great little festival…it’s been

at the same venue now for the last five or six years. It’s really established itself as a New Year’s Eve festival for the Geelong region, which is fantastic,” Fraser shares.

Performing on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Fraser is excited to bring some of his solo work to the stage.

However, he will be mixing it up a little.

“I’ll be doing a show with a harmonic player who I played with in a band called Turning Blue. We were one of the first band’s to play at the original Bluestone...And there’ll be a lot of finger picking stuff, and a lot of stuff that you know, I’m at the Blues Train regularly, so obviously I’ll be doing a lot of the Blues Train set as well. So yeah, a lot of good time music,” he says.

The harmonic player Brian mentions is Dave the Bastard, and he laughs as he talks about their set together.

“When you’re playing with Dave there’s lots of different dynamics! But no, it’s a lot of fun. I mean, we do shows from my solo set, but they’re a little bit beefed up I guess.

And Dave certainly adds personality to the song. So it takes it to a bit of a different place.”

It’s fair to say that Fraser loves blues music. Not only has he been performing it for decades, but it has been in his blood since childhood. “From a really early age I was listening to music that could have been called blues music.

Back then in the 60’s, popular music was really blues music, so I guess I grew up with that,” he shares. “I played music for a long time…and went and got a blues band together… so I just love the music, and it’s a great scene as well.”

More than just your average festival, when you talk to Brian about Bluestone, there is a real sense that this is family. Not just for him, but for many locals as well. “It’s going to be a great festival again with a lot of good music out at Murgheboluc. It’s a two-day festival, and people, if they happen to come across us, ought to have a look at it.

It’s a great music festival and has been for a long time. And hopefully it will be into the future as well.”

Packed with great music, good food and a bar, Bluestone Blues Festival in at Murgheboluc Oval on the Hamilton Hwy from December 31 – January 1. Tickets available at sleepyhollowbluesclub.org.au.

When & Where: Bluestone, Murgheboluc Oval – December 31 – January 1

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FROCK IT Reinventing Yourself Written by Jessica Alves @jessicazalves

Written by Katherine Reynolds

@jessicazalves

www.katthewanderer.com | facebook/katthewanderer | @katthewanderer

youtube.com/msbonvivants

The Best Cities to Visit at Christmas Time Every six months or so, I go though this weird, unexplainable phase in which I become completely unsatisfied with everything about my physical appearance, and I am convinced that I can not be the only one that experiences this phenomenon.

The expectations of self-presentation that I hold to myself are something that I value quite highly. I feel good about myself when I know that I like how I look, (strictly not to be confused with wanting others to appreciate how I look, although compliments are always nice).

Above all else, I like swapping up my standard routine. It makes me feel fresh and new – change is a great source of motivation for me. If you like change too, this one is for you.

There are big changes and small changes that you can make to switch things up. For example, a small and simple change that can be made is changing the way in which you part your hair. That might sound a little silly to start off with, but the place in which you position your part can change your whole face shape.

I constantly experiment with middle parts and side parts, in combination with styling my whole hair differently. I went as far as changing my hair colour and cut, which is definitely more permanent than some may be comfortable with, but if you’re eager then I implore you to take the plunge!

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You can also do things like changing up your wardrobe. Buy a new bag, or treat yourself to a new piece of jewellery or a statement piece of clothing.

Hell, a new pair of sunnies will do! Just make sure they stand out and make you feel fresh and new. If you shop around on websites such as etsy.com, you can find some super unique and one-off pieces that nobody else has that can help pick up your style too.

Another thing you can do is take a quick trip to Priceline and pick up a new lipstick. Go for a colour that you’ve never thought of wearing before. It really is astounding how easily a bright orange lipstick can pull you out of a rut. If lipstick isn’t your thing, you can also try winged liner or a bright nail polish.

One last way to help pick up your spirits is to try a new scent. Scents and smells can bring back the strongest memories. My theory is that wearing the same perfume all the time can sometimes make you feel like you’re living your life on repeat.

I have two signature scents that will always be my ol’ faithfuls, however trying a new perfume (particularly if it’s quite a bold or crisp scent) can really change up how you feel.

If all else fails, try not to be so hard on yourself.

Sometimes it’s as simple as being in a rut, for no good or rational reason and you might just have to wait it out. But, in the mean time, at least you’ll have lots of nice new things to play with.

As we all know, Christmas is such a magical time of year, and taking the time to travel overseas and see how other cities celebrate is an amazing way to start feeling a little jolly. You’ll get to soak up Christmas fever and embrace the craziness in another country. What more could you want from Santa?!

There are endless cities to choose from, and it’s all about personal choice. For me, as much as I love a summer Christmas, I can’t say no to a potentially white Christmas!

You’ll definitely be noticing a theme with my choices.

So, here’s a list of places I’ve loved to visit over Christmas, or are cities that are on my list for the next time I am wanting to experience a Christmas other than an Australian one!

NEW YORK, USA

New York can get pretty chilly at this time of year, but don’t let that deter you. We all know this concrete jungle doesn’t do anything in half measures, so you’ll be in for a real treat!

You’ll be greeted with cheerful faces, a splashing of snow, Christmas lights all over the place, and impressively decorated department stores. Not to mention unbelievable ice skating opportunities in Central Park!

PARIS, FRANCE

The city of love is seriously gorgeous during winter. Paris definitely knows how to charm, and transforms into a city covered in fairy lights and decorations. The ChampsElysées is wonderfully decked out and hosts a classic Christmas Market at the end of the famous street.

LONDON, ENGLAND

My love for London grows much stronger over Christmas time. Sadly it doesn’t usually snow over Christmas, but it is terribly cold! The London charm intensifies and the classic architecture of the city comes to life. Oxford Street and Regent Street are always laden with beautiful lights, and the Christmas festivals and markets are not to be missed.

Going to a pub on Christmas Day is always a hoot, too!

MUNICH, GERMANY

The Bavarian capital is known for its easy going (and beer flowing) nature, and it continues over the festive period.

With live music and a hundred-foot-tall Christmas tree taking the spotlight in the Marienplatz, there’s a constant flow of traditional markets, mulled wine and delicious gingerbread to keep your Christmas needs satisfied.

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Prepare yourself for the cold if you’re heading this way over Christmas! Iceland’s capital offers a beautiful traditional Christmas, with very interesting and slightly strange Christmas traditions.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

This lovely city is awfully beautiful at any time of the year.

Add winter and Christmas to it, and it’s even better! The Scottish know how to celebrate, so expect nothing less than impressive fireworks and holiday light shows.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

This stunning, Gothic city with beautiful buildings is wonderful at Christmas. With dazzling Christmas decorations and endearing markets in Old Town Square, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

As much as the classic Aussie Christmas is almost unbeatable, there’s nothing wrong with skipping a nice warm Christmas, for a cosy cold one! The world is a good-looking place at Christmas time!

Forte Columns

too heavy to hug Written by Paul S. Taylor

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

With only a week between columns not much has happened in the metal world in the past seven days. Considering every single f*cker who claims to be a metal writer (me included) is gearing up to out metal, out hipster, out obscure, generally out-do everyone else with their list of best metal albums of 2015, there isn’t even much to report on about what’s being reported about. And when there’s no news you have to search for it, or make it up: The rumour has been confirmed as true by Kirk Hammett that members of Metallica discussed firing Lars Ulrich, back in the ‘80s. Yep, that’s the news and it’s true. News some 30 years old is news.

Oh, here’s some more news. Tool’s Adam Jones says the band is currently working on new material and they might have material for 20 potential song ideas. This news is about 9 years old, this band have been working on their follow up to their last album pretty much after that album dropped.

From old news to new news, Philip Anselmo is working on yet another new musical project. I say musical because he’s always going on about doing shit to do with wrestling? I don’t know. But yeah, this new project is a death metal band by the name of Metraton Nganga. No shit. What’s odd is this guy has a truck load of projects all kinda on the go at once; Down, Superjoint (Ritual? Not anymore apparently), some black metal band called Scour, and I dunno probable more too. Oh, yeah the Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, how could I forget that one? The thing is, if you’re going to try to do a whole bunch of projects, at least have one of them that’s really kick arse, in this case Down. Tick. Next, ditch the rest of the shitty projects so you don’t embarrass yourself by releasing the likes of that horrendous, god awful Walk Through Exits Only pile of shit. Cross.

In other news

Congratulations to King Parrot for being nominated for the 11th AMP (Australian Music Prize) Award.

Each year an Australian artist or group of artists is awarded The AMP, any artist has the opportunity to be shortlisted and potentially to win – regardless of record sales, genre, level of public recognition or record label affiliation. The winner will be announced in January 2016.

Nightwish will play only one show per capital city on their Endless Forms Most Beautiful Tour 2016 and the Melbourne show will be at The Forum Theatre on Monday January 11.

Soundwave 2016 will be held on Thursday January 26. Bands announced thus far are Disturbed, The Prodigy, Deftones, NOFX, Bullet For My Valentine, Public Enemy, Soulfly, L7, Frenzal Rhomb, Lordi, Moose Blood, Dead Letter Circus, Refused, Failure, Northlane, Bring Me The Horizon, Devil You Know, Hatebreed, Frnkiero and the Cellabration, Killswitch Engage, Ill Nino and Metal Allegiance.

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

The Night Vibe

Blues news

Written by Tex Miller

Written by John (Dr John) Lamp

thenightvibe.com.au

Proudly presented by the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club

Over the past few years, I have been lucky enough to attend some fantastic concerts all around the world. Radiohead and Coldplay are definitely two of the bands that were bucket list opportunities and memories that I will never forget as long as I live. One of the most enjoyable experiences about going to see one of your all time favourite bands, is discovering the wealth of talent they have backing them. Support slots at big concerts aren’t really held in the same regard as the main event, yet it allows you to discover some pretty killer music along the way. Whilst I have not be lucky enough to see the two bands I’m about to talk about, I’m able to happily rant about their killer debut records and the follow up releases over the past couple of years.

I first stumbled upon the indie guitar pop sounds of English pop group The Rifles back in the day around (2007 or 8) upon when they released their debut record, No Love Lost. Sounding equal parts like Blur mixed with Franz Ferdinand, I was immediately captivated by the polished and instantly energetic and charismatic sound that the band had. One of the things about this record is that the majority of the songs on the release go for about three minutes or so, which takes the full playing time to just over about 30 minutes or so. Whether you are a music listener that listens to the full album journey or skips and chops and changes, this album is sure to change your mind about things.

It’s funny to think about how you fall in love with certain albums and then get lost indulging in other new sounds and as a result your favourites can get shelved for a while. Admittedly, I have completely forgotten about this album, however, upon listening to it from start to finish, the original reasoning this was the only album I listened to for six months became immediately present. Throughout the 11 tracks there is an energy that other bands at the time (Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes and Franz Ferdinand) were also hitting upon.

Even if you just listen to this record for one song, make that song ‘Spend Lifetime’.

Killer brit pop that you probably haven’t got around to checking out.

Another band to do a similar thing, is the New York City group The Postelles. Their debut self-titled album was produced by Albert Hammond Jr. from The Strokes and showcases they were a band on the rise.

Having toured with the likes of The Kooks and Kings of Leon and, whilst the band has not ever toured Australia, they have played on the bill at Coachella. So if that is any indication of how brilliant they are, then you should definitely check them out. It’s indie guitar pop that is sure to make you swoon and smile in no time. From seeing some videos on YouTube, The Postelles are the kind of band to dress in tight indie stovepipes and play vintage guitar equipment.

It’s like every kid’s dream to be in a band like that, whereby you tour around the world playing shows to thousands of people. This album is full of wonderous pop gems that are sure to put a smile on your face – no matter what you are going through. These albums have both been tested on roadtrip collection playlists and they work out very well. The wind in your hair travelling down the open road, summertime is coming and this should definitely be on your Spotify playlist.

There are more albums that I have rediscovered over the past couple of months, so be sure to check out The Night Vibe column over the next couple of weeks, especially ahead of the big day that is soon upon us, you’ll all need ideas. I’ve got suggestions, simple. Until next time.

Ho, ho, ho … well that’s enough of that, but there’s no escaping it! Sleepy Hollow Blues Club’s present to itself this year is Hey Gringo!

Hey Gringo is an eclectic, earthy, funk injected, original jazz, blues ‘n’ roots band who have been delivering unique, irresistible live performances for nearly two decades.

This multi award winning band of seasoned, outstanding instrumentalists, singers and songwriters, have notched up four critically acclaimed albums, toured extensively, both nationally and internationally and have performed with some of the biggest names in the global music arena.

The band was formed by Daryl Roberts (Spectrum/Blackfeather/Jimmy Witherspoon) around 1993 and has seen a fluid lineup of amazing musicians including the likes of Nicky Bomba ( John Butlet Trio/Bomba/Melb Sca Orchestra) who engineered and co-produced the first three albums. It has also included at one time or another Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool/ Mondo Rock), Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool), Spectrum, Broderick Smith (Dingoes/Carson), Kevin Borich, Neale Johns (Blackfeather) among others.

Their repertoire includes boogie piano, smoking organ, hot sax, steamy harmonica and quirky guitar, over a layer of irresistible rockin’ roots and rhythm. With album number five just released as a ‘best of ’ tribute, highlighting songs from the bands exceptional career and guaranteed to reinforce why Hey Gringo are still one of the most popular, sought after bands of the Australian festival and venue circuit.

The session will also feature the jam session Sleepy Hollow has made popular with experienced and learning musicians.

So get to Sleepy Hollow’s Xmas Party for a sensational evening of good music and entertainment with Hey Gringo, Sunday 13th December. Check Facebook for details. January 5th and 6th brings Blues Boot Camp back to the Bellerine.

Blues Boot Camp is a fun and challenging two day and one evening highly interactive workshop, where participants will gain both theoretical and practical music industry skills from trained and experienced music industry professionals.

Blues Boot Camp is designed for all instruments and is for ages 12 to 25 years with an intermediate ability level for instrumentalists and beginner to intermediate level for vocalists. Group tuition and ensemble coaching is provided, culminating in an ensemble performance in the evening on Thursday January 7, 2016.

The experienced, professional tutors have the knowledge to deal with and answer questions on every aspect of performance and the business side of music in a practical and useful way. Tutors include Wayne Jury, Tim Neal, Sarah Carroll, Kelly Auty, Michael Pollitt, David Robertson & Chris Wilson.

While having knowledge of the rules and theories of music is important, the ability to express yourself is equally so.

Through Blues Boot Camp participants will gain a basic understanding of the mechanics of the blues and gospel forms of music as well as practical ways to apply this knowledge to modern forms of music.

Blues Boot Camp encourages freedom of expression, combining knowledge and emotion, and fosters cooperation and team building. For an amazing, and educational experience head over to www.bluesbootcamp.waynejury.com.au and register before 18th December.

Punk!

Pulp

Pop Culture

Written by Christopher Cruz

Written by Alastair McGibbon

Written by Anthony Morris

You’ve gotta wonder what on earth is going through the mind of a professional songwriter when they rip off a relatively unknown song and sell it to a mainstream recording artist. I mean, do they think nobody else in the world has ever heard the song they’ve just ripped off ? Hot on the heels of One Direction being accused of ripping off pop punk superstars, New Found Glory with their hit, ‘Steal My Girl’, comes internet outrage that the most recent Reece Mastin single, ‘Shut Up And Kiss Me’, bares a striking resemblance to ‘Give Up The Grudge’ by Canadian pop punk outfit Gob – which was actually a minor hit here all the way back here in 2012. And yes, the similarities are gob-smacking. Mastin, who rose to national prominence after winning X Factor Australia back in 2011, has struggled to maintain any sort of relevance.

Indeed, ripping somebody else’s song off is not the way to go about building any sort of good will for your career. I’m just surprised it’s taken people this long to notice!

But seriously, what can you expect from a reality talent show winner? Especially a show that now features a f*cking clueless Guy Sebastian as one of the judges. Jesus Christ. Just change the channel already.

I mean, remember Lee Harding? The OTHER “edgy” guy, famous for his stint on Australian Idol? The one who wore a Misfits shirt on the show, and when asked what his favourite Misfits song was, admitted he didn’t know any? Yeah. The less talented (and far more embarrassing) Adam Lambert? That’s why.

Seriously, the wait for the second official Soundwave line-up announcement is just getting ridiculous. It’s less than two months away, and ticket sales are slow. And by slow, I mean, is ANYBODY buying a ticket, besides stoner metal heads that just wanna go because it’s what you do?

Please. But seriously, I’m worried. Without the Big Day Out, our options are already pretty limited...

I must admit, I’m undecided about buying a ticket myself. Which is weird, because I swore I’d never go to another Soundwave after the last one! Two whole days of watching dickheads get sunburnt to buggery and paying $50 for T-shirts.

Saw two amazing movies last week, both punk rock AF (look it up!): American Ultra, a killer movie about a young sleeper agent who gets activated, and The Last Witch Hunter, starring Vin Diesel as an immortal, well, witch hunter. Both highly recommended. Go see ‘em! Heard great things about The Martian, too, especially in 3D. Just gotta get past the fact that it stars Matt Damon. No easy task!

And just like that, the year is almost over. Can you believe it? Since when is it December already? Jeez Louise. Here’s to an interesting festival season (I may or may NOT be speaking sarcastically) and to the start of a (hopefully) killer new year! Love ya’s!

Well hello again! It’s that time of the week again where I carry on about comics. Hopefully by now those of you that are still at school/uni have finished by now and you’re on holidays – now the year is over, there’s plenty of time to read comics, right? Ah, if only! This week, I wanted to talk about one of the more recent DC animations: Justice League: Throne of Atlantis. I figured that considering we’re gonna be seeing a lot more of the Justice League sooner rather than later (especially with DC’s massive list of movies on the way), it made sense to give them a bit of attention. It certainly helps that there’s a lot of material to work with!

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is set up as a direct sequel to 2014’s sort-ofreboot Justice League: War, which saw the Justice League’s formation to fight against intergalactic tyrant Darkseid in an adaption of the Justice League: Origin story by DC legends Geoff Johns and Jim Lee. Throne of Atlantis is another story written by Johns, and while the movie is a somewhat loose adaption, it’s still a good movie.

Throne of Atlantis serves as an introduction to and origin story of Aquaman, one of the founding members of the Justice League in the New 52 reboot that the movie is adapted from. Why Aquaman wasn’t in the first movie escapes me – especially considering the comic has this awesome scene where he gets some massive sharks to chow down on some Parademons.

Despite being AWOL for the first movie, Throne of Atlantis thrusts Aquaman into the spotlight very quickly.

While Arthur Curry is mourning the death of his father, a US submarine is mysteriously destroyed, and its payload of missiles is stolen. While trying to make sense of his abilities – super strength, near invulnerability and incredible swimming prowess, among others – Arthur is set upon by assailants that attack from the ocean and murder the one man that may have had the answer to all of his questions. He is joined in his fight by the Justice League and a mysterious woman named Mera, and is drawn into a rapidly brewing war between the surface world and Atlantis.

Arthur is torn between embracing his destiny as ruler of Atlantis and his life on the surface – assuming, of course, that he can survive the terrors of the deep first.

Throne of Atlantis has its ups and downs – for example, the voice cast is stellar (Nathan Fillion is Green Lantern!) but the plot is a bit iffy. I feel like Throne of Atlantis wasn’t properly adapted; the origin story was shoehorned in, and is easily the weakest part of the plot. The actual comic story took place after Aquaman had become an established hero, and the two sides to the story don’t mesh very well; the inclusion of the Justice League doesn’t sit well, and they’re almost superfluous to the overall story.

Those gripes aside, it seems clear that DC are following a trend that I first noticed in Batman: Assault on Arkham a while back: their animations are finally catching up to the comics and avoiding censorship. The stories are gradually getting darker, and the bifurcation of an Atlantean – in addition to seeing people impaled by icicles – shows that DC aren’t wearing kiddy gloves anymore. I wonder if it’s a sign of things to come? Despite a few gripes, Throne of Atlantis is a solid movie, and a worthy sequel to Justice League: War. If you’re a DC fan, it’ll be right up your alley.

For a while now the only real question around Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been, “How excited should we get about it – really excited, or super insane excited?”

It’s already pretty clear how excited the movie business is, with cinemas basically clearing the decks by mid-December so the new film can have a week all to itself bringing in audiences before the Boxing Day releases. How much money can a new Star Wars film make? Especially one that, at least according to all the information currently on hand, is working flat-out to give the fans exactly what they want? You’d have to assume a box office payday north of a billon dollars is well within its – and studio Disney’s – grasp, which sounds impressive until you realise that there are reports that The Force Awakens has already raked in a billion dollars – in toy sales.

In fact, according to some estimates, Disney can expect to bring in anything up to five billion dollars in Star Wars-related merchandise sales over the next year, which does tend to put the real point of the film(s) in sharp relief. Ironically, pretty much every accusation levelled against original Star Wars creator and director George Lucas about how he steered the series off a cliff boils down to an accusation that he put toy sales first. By the time The Empire Strikes Back was released it had become clear that whatever money the films were bringing in was being dwarfed by toy sales, and Lucas was happy to go along with it. Out went downer elements like killing off Han Solo; in came toy-friendly elements like the Ewoks. But if toys are what destroyed Star Wars (okay, Lucas totally forgetting how to direct by the time of the prequels came around may have played a part), what makes anyone think Disney are going to treat the franchise any differently? In fact, considering just how much money Disney makes from merchandising – those amusement parks aren’t charities – and just how important it is for merchandising that characters remain unchanged (when was the last time Mickey Mouse did anything – and yet Disney still keeps making money off of him), pretty much the only thing the fans have to be happy about is that Disney will be better at exploiting the merchandising side of things than George Lucas was.

Disney knows their business well, and their business is as much or more about selling toys as it is about making movies: Pixar may still have a reputation for smart, entertaining animation, but it’s the merchandising-friendly Cars (and the sequels and spin-offs) that Disney wants. Likewise the Marvel movies are build around characters that can be sold: there’s a reason why the bad guys barely get a look-in with Marvel movies, and that reason has a lot to do with how few lunchboxes you can sell with the Red Skull on them. So those new Star Wars movies? Expect a lot of cool robots, cool spaceships, cool outfits, cool vehicles, cool gadgets and cool lightsabres. Cool stories where cool characters do things that maybe aren’t so cool? Maybe not so much.

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Refining the Palette

Josh wade

Few topics are off limits for comedian Josh Wade. His crass, irreverent videos have caused waves on YouTube and taken the 20-year-old to dizzying heights since he began 7 years ago. “It’s sort of like if Borat was bogan, and if Stifler was Australian, if they had a child and he was on a stage, I think that’s what people would come to expect [from me]. But there’s sort of some intelligence behind it. I think it’s very smart and very stupid at the same time,” he shares.

JJ

Taking to stand-up comedy in local pubs when he was a teen, his inspiration came from the most unlikely place.

“I was a 13-year-old boy, sitting in Townsville of all places, somehow I connected with at the time, a 45-year-old lesbian woman living in the United States,” Wade says.

All jokes aside, though, Ellen had a significant impact on the comedian during a pivotal point in his life. “That dead set was a moment for me. I knew what stand up comedy

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≈≈ Odyssey Film Festival

≈≈ Movies by the Bay

Written by Jessica Morris

was, I’d just never sat down and watched it. It was on TV, and my parents were going through a divorce at the time, and I remember laughing so much I was crying,” he says.

While his love for Ellen did lead to a few awkward moments (“The first few gigs that I did, all I did was memorise these Ellen jokes!”), he soon adapted his own comedy routines, evolving into his now infamous bold, indiscreet humour.

“Normally these guys that are drinking at the pubs, they’re there because they are trying to escape their 13, 14,15-year-old kid at home,” he says about his early days.

“So I realised, for them to like me, or for them to listen to me, I had to speak like them. I had to be like them. I had to swear, you know. I had to really grasp that, I suppose, that inner Bogan.”

Gaining inspiration from the people around him and “general stupidity”, Josh is outlandish on stage, but his personal life is a different story. “Really, I hate life in general. I spend a lot of time sitting and just people watching,” he explains. “I mean, I don’t have friends; and that’s sort of out of my own choosing.”

Citing Russell Brand and Joel Creasey as comedians he admires, he now lives in the Gold Coast after trying his hand at life in Los Angeles. He tells me a story about a particular fight he had in Hollywood with an ‘Instagram model’.

“I remember leaving this place and sitting in this back alley, crying my eyes out. And I was so depressed, and I’m thinking, ‘Careful what you wish for’, because this is not, this is not really what I wanted,” he says.

Saying he’s been on a “spiritual journey” over the past 12 months, the moment dramatically changed his life and comedy. “I craved the attention, I craved all these different things. And then once I got it, it was like, ‘Oh…I don’t know if I really like this.’”

With a new goal in mind, 2016 looks set to be the biggest year yet for Wade as he anticipates comedy festivals, and plenty of new projects.

“I’m trying to now still speak the way that people relate to, but about things that I actually really feel passionate about. I’m lucky; I’ve achieved what my wildest dreams were, which was to become a comedian and tour. Now the rest is just cream on the cake and I can really just say what I feel,” he says.

Tickets available at joshwade.oztix.com.au.

When & Where: The Pier Hotel, Frankston – December 5, The Workers Club, Geelong – December 6 & The Loft, Warrnambool – December 9.

Films aren’t just about watching things explode, or slapstick humour, they can also be a chance to celebrate emerging talent. Odyssey Film Festival is the best chance to do just that, as it celebrates select films made from Year 11 and 12 students from schools across the region. Even better, you can get a bit of a power trip as you vote for the best film. Tickets are $5 and the first 150 include a free small popcorn or choc top. ≈≈ Cirque Africa

The Christmas tree is up, so too are the lights through the city and we’re all feeling the spirit that comes along with it. Adding to the Christmas activities this year are the free movies screened at Steampacket gardens. First up is Home Alone tomorrow night from 7pm. Hit up www. geelongaustralia.com.au to find out the rest. ≈≈ A Market In Time for Christmas

Been to Africa? Not a worry. Cirque Africa is the show from Africa that’s 100 per cent African, 100 per cent energy and 100 per cent fun. The show goes for two hours and is a fun filled night for the whole family with live music, acrobats, plate spinners, dancers, contortionists and more. What’s even better is it’s all in a fully air conditioned tent.

Nothing beats luxury with an incredible show. The show runs at the Geelong Show Grounds from December 16 to January 17.

As soon as the year clocks over to December, it’s time to get serious about your Christmas shopping. The Piccadilly Christmas Market serves as your final nudge to get into gear, and held on December 5 & 6 at Deakin Waterfront, the market has plenty of jewellery, clothing, home wares and more to fill those stockings at home.

R efi n i n g t he Pa l e t t e

Jimmy Carr Written by Amanda Sherring

JJ

In a battle of wit and words, Jimmy Carr

would win every time. Heck, he was just crowned as the Roastmasters Invitational Champion for his uncanny ability to think on his feet, and the teenage Jimmy in the schoolyard surely wouldn’t have been far behind.

“I think that’s always where I started. When I was at school that was a big part of that kind of banter and taking the piss out of each other was a huge part of my upbringing,” he says.

“I think that was a thing everyone did. [I’d never win] in terms of fisty cuffs but I always had something to say, I think I got my nose broken a couple of times in the process, but I lived.”

Despite his smart-aleck behaviour growing up, comedy wasn’t the first choice for Jimmy, or at least, it wasn’t the most accepted. One career in marketing later and at age 26 Jimmy jumped ship to the unruly world of laughter and risk – or as Jimmy puts it, he joined the circus.

“I’ll be honest with you, I think it was sort of depression that did it. I had kind of a quarter life crisis and I didn’t like my life in my mid 20s,” he says honestly on why he made the change.

“I was working for a big oil company in marketing and it was kind of a good job. I had a nice life but it wasn’t very exciting and I just wanted to join the circus and do something ≈≈ Taste the World

All over the world there are so many different dishes, treats and flavours to indulge in, but tasting the real deal can be tricky without going there yourself. That’s where the Food of the World Festival at Diversitat Wholefoods comes in. Spilling out into the laneway adjacent with an alfresco dining set up, the festival takes you to Italy, France, Morocco, India, Ukraine, Iran and Brazil without leaving the comfort of your home.

The event happens on December 4 from 6pm.

exciting with my life. And that’s how I got into comedy. So I didn’t get into it to be on TV or to make lots of money and be a big star, I just did it because it’s like joining the circus.”

And a circus it has been, as Jimmy has worked on TV shows Distraction, Big Fat Quiz of the Year and 8 Out of 10 Cats and guest appeared on QI, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You amongst many others and all while juggling the many comedy festivals and tours he does each and every year.

Given his unique (though ultimately classic) style of comedy, each set means he can pump out a hundred or so individual jokes. On asking Jimmy just how many he thinks he’s created in his career, he quickly does the maths and throws out 2,500 – a ballpark figure. Though of course that amount doesn’t count the many hundreds that didn’t make the cut.

“Half the time you don’t know what’s going to be funny until you get in front of the audience. The audience regulate comedy – they tell you what is and isn’t funny and what is and isn’t offensive. The audience is the genius,” he says.

“I think Lenny Bruce said it first and he’s absolutely right, it’s this weird thing where the collective mind decide if it’s funny or just offensive. Sometimes you think, ‘Oh that’ll be really funny they’re going to love that’ and then you get nothing.”

Other times there’s the moment where Jimmy may put down a joke thought of as socially offensive, the crowd laugh but it’s quickly followed by gasps from the audience as they ≈≈ A Race for the Spartans

With Run Geelong been and gone, the Spartan Race at Simonds Stadium is your next best chance to challenge yourself. Featuring a 6km plus course, the circuit will include never before seen chanllenges and obstacles, set to get your muscles working in no time. And it’s a chance to get the littlies muscles going too as the event has a Spartan Kids Race suitable for 4-12 year olds. This one’s set for December 5.

laugh and instantly question their decision to do so. It may sound unusual, but for Jimmy, those gasps are what give him the biggest thrills in his job.

“You don’t choose your sense of humour, you don’t choose what you laugh at. It’s pretty much like your sexuality it pretty much just chooses you,” he says.

It begs the question, does Jimmy ever get offended by anything himself and let out a similar gasp of surprise? “I don’t get offended by anything,” he adds with a laugh.

“Though I’m often offended by people’s point of view; whether it’s their personal point of view or social point of view, but I’m never offended by jokes – they’re a different thing.”

Occasionally those gasps he creates may follow on with media backlash, but he’s become known for his comedy style and as a result only attracts fans who get what he does, and then love him unconditionally for it.

Joining the game later than some comedians, many may wonder when the “day” will finally come for Jimmy to hang up the mic, but you’ll be assured to know that won’t be any time soon. After all, there are far too many Australian summers and tennis seasons for him to enjoy.

“I think I’ll die with my boots on and do it to the end,” he says.

≈≈ Match Off

Remember the time you saw Alice playing croquet with flamingoes in Alice in Wonderland and it looked oh so cool? Well, there’ll be no misusing animals in this match of croquet, and instead its paired with some incredible live music and food and beverage options. At the Royal Croquet Club in Melbourne it’s basically a festival around the sport. Held from December 10 to 20 at Birrarung Marr in Melbourne, there’ll be performances from Touch Sensitive, GRMM, Alpine (closing party ft.), Running Touch (Live) & Lucille Croft, PACES & Poolclvb, Nina Las Vegas and KLP (Live). Oh and did mention it’s free?

When & Where: Hamer Hall, Melbourne – January 25 & 26 and Costa Hall, Geelong – January 29

≈≈ Bendigo Street Festival

Get out and explore Bendigo with the free events that are taking over the CBD as part of the Bendigo Street Festival. Held on December 5 and kicking off at 11am, there’ll be a series of light projections, collective launches, collaborative art installations, table tennis in the street, foodie walks and so, so much more. The best tactic: take it block by block.

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A Day To Remember JJ

When Jeremy McKinnon was getting in

trouble at school and working at a local supermarket in his hometown of Ocala, Florida, only in his wildest dreams did he imagine that a decade later he would be the head of an independent record label and the founder of one of the fastest-growing alternative music festivals in the US – all while holding down his day job as the leader of a band with loyal fans on every continent.

“It’s surreal!” says McKinnon, the vocalist in A Day To Remember. “It was a slow burn in the beginning, but now life feels like we’re on a rollercoaster ride that never stops.

We’re so fortunate – we’re just a bunch of friends having a good time, travelling the world and growing together.”

However, like many success stories, A Day To Remember haven’t gone without scandal. In 2011, they filed a civil suit against their label Victory Records, claiming they were owed more than US$75,000 in royalties. A lengthy legal battle ensued with Victory countersuing them for breach of contract, but in 2013 the court handed down permission for the band to release its fifth studio album, Common Courtesy, on its own label ADTR Records.

Written by Natalie Rogers

As to whether A Day To Remember will share anything else on their label remains to be seen, but McKinnon is optimistic.

“We’re always working on new material and I’m writing all the time, but there’s no final plan as yet,” he says. “We’ll see when the time comes, but we’re not opposed to the idea.”

McKinnon might be elusive about future recording plans, but a trip to Australia is days away. He says A Day To Remember’s return to Australia as part of the Big Ass Tour (which will see them co-headline with their buddies The Amity Affliction) could be looked upon as a trial run. Rounding out the bill are LA’s The Ghost Inside and Pennsylvania’s Motionless In White, making the Big Ass Tour a big fat mustsee. “Australians are always super welcoming and we’re excited to be coming back so soon,” he says.

In testament to the power of self-belief and perseverance, A Day To Remember are no strangers to our shores, with a decade on from their inception, A Day To Remember are this tour marking the sixth time they’ll play for Australian selling out arenas around the world. Common Courtesy audiences. While they’ve been known for their energetic and debuted at number one on the Billboard Hard Rock charts unpredictable live shows since the beginning, this year the and has been streamed over 50 million times. Now, having good folks at Alternative Press finally caught on and named come out the other side of a legal nightmare that could have them Best Live Band Of 2015. spelled the end for any band, A Day To Remember are one “It was so unexpected! We’d been nominated for a bunch of the most respected and popular bands in hardcore today. of stuff in different publications around the world but we’d Their secret to riding out the tough times is simple. never won anything, so when we did it felt awesome,” he “It might sound lame to some people, but talking is the key. says. “We put a lot of time and effort into doing something We air our dirty laundry to each other,” McKinnon laughs. special every time we do a big tour, so it was cool to see that “Sure, it made for a few awkward days here and there, but if people appreciate it.” you speak your mind to the people you care about, it really does help in the long run. You’ve gotta look at being in a band

like a marriage, and we’ve been married for ten long years. If you don’t talk about how you feel and about the problems that arise in all of the craziness, things are going to bubble to the surface in a negative and destructive way. Imagine what’s going to happen if you add success to that?

“We’re never been a band that’s had a problem with confronting how we felt in the moment. That’s why we’re still friends and that’s why we’ve been able to travel the world and live out our dreams.”

When & Where: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – December 17

Beechworth Music Festival There’s something ultimately a little bit more special about heading to a regional music festival, especially when it’s one like Beechworth Music Festival which involves the whole town in its festivities (even though the festival itself is at a certain site).

experience and the partnership just works – we pulled together the first festival in 2014 in just three months.

Hi Rikki, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte Magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?

Hi Forte, I’m really well and super busy with the festival, Christmas and summer just round the corner – I love the energy at this time of the year.

So it’s quite interesting the festival is located in the hills of the (now decommissioned) Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum, have you heard many stories from the asylum? Any worth sharing with our readers?

So many of the locals have either worked there over the years or have had relatives work there, my father and sister both did.

They all have different stories and many swear there are ghosts in most of the oldest buildings (my sister included) – it does have a fairly dark past so who knows! One of the things people can do is find out for themselves and go on a late night ghost tour while they fre up here – after our festival of course!

JJ

We imagine you must be busy in the lead up to the festival, are you able to give our readers a little run down of your role with BMF? And how did the creation of the festival first come about?

My role mainly organisational and logistics in the background while my partner Lex is more on the frontline – he curates the line up and everything to do with the site.

A long-held pipe dream of Lex’s, we discussed the dream into the very late of many nights whilst listening to vinyl and knocking back a couple of cold ones – we later chanced on the opportunity at Mayday Hills and just said to each other, ‘Let’s start a festival’, and we did! Lex has been an avid music fan, festival goer and involved in community radio since the year dot and is extremely passionate in regards to all his musical meanderings. I’ve got some organisational and (other) events

Beechworth Music Festival is great in the sense that it’s about much more than just the festival, it celebrates the town as well. How important is it for a regional festival to maintain this connection?

Super Important! The town, the community, the region – it’s the backbone of this festival!

We’re sure it’s a beautiful location regardless of history, what made it the perfect spot for BMF? It’s an intimate but open space on farmland with amazing views and sunsets. There’s so much room in the campground you can find your own space and it’s in a little valley that overlooks the stage and catches the sound – the music just floats through or you can get up close and really get into the music. The bar and food is close by and no queueing for anything. The former Mayday Hills farm is still a working farm but it’s just a minutes drive to the centre of town (less than 1km).

There’s so much history in general at Beechworth, what with Ned Kelly and it being a mining town, what would you recommend for first time visitors to check out?

The award winning Burke Museum, Ned Kelly Vault and historic precinct is the obvious best choice but there’s also amazing and isolated bush walks on the edge of town, great cycling, swimming in Lake Sambell and the fabulous food and wine culture of Beechworth. The list goes on and it’s all right in town.

And back to the festival, do you have any advice for those heading to BMF for the first time on how to get the best possible experience?

This year we have free camping on Friday and Saturday night so people can make the most of the long weekend. There’s great local food and a community run bar – it’s all about immersing into the local community. We want everyone to have a great and safe time. We’ve also engaged the best possible sound technicians and have already earned a reputation for quality sound production so people can really enjoy the music experience at our event.

PHOTO: Zo Damage

Thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte, is there anything else you’d like to add before we finish up?

Our Eight Ideals (on our website) were carefully thought out from the beginning. We are determined to stick to these and make sure we always produce an event with fantastic music that also supports local and up and coming artists and the local community.

When & Where: Madman’s Gully Amphitheatre, Beechworth – January 23

Ace Ventura JJ

Yoni Oshrat (aka Ace Ventura) is a big lover

of Australia and we love him right back. Also a big movie fan, we had a chat to Yoni as he made plans to head to Universal Studios in LA and, of course, plans for Rainbow Serpent Festival in the near distant future.

Hi Yoni, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?

I just woke up in my hotel room in Los Angeles. It’s 4am though, so I guess you can say I’m a bit jet lagged...

Last time we spoke you were in somewhere beautiful and exotic, what’s your view at the moment?

It’s still dark outside so I can’t see much...But as soon as it’s sunny I’m gonna hit Universal Studios for my Hollywood fix. I’m a serious movie fanatic and ain’t missing a visit there whenever I’m in town.

Given with your line of work it’s common to follow the summer and festival season around the world, do you dedicate a time of the year to have off/when is it?

Unfourtunatley I have never done that yet. I play every weekend, which is tough, both physically and productivity-wise, but no complaints as I still love it to bits. In the future I believe I will try that, as it would be awesome to sit down and focus on a project rather than a session here and a session there.

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You’ll soon be performing at Rainbow Serpent Festival, which you haven’t played before, have you heard much on what to expect from the festival?

With new festivals do you do much research before heading there or do you prefer to be surprised?

Oh yes I have heard so many things about Rainbow. It’s the favourite festival of some of my artist friends. No I don’t do research before usually. I know the general vibe of the scene in each country so I have a general idea. I do love being surprised, and the Aussies tend to do just that whenever I play in Australia.

Really looking forward to this one, long overdue!

What’s the biggest thing that sets off the Aussie crowd and gets them ready to party?

From my experience you guys are amongst some of the most festive crowds in the world. It’s just in your nature to come and have a good time no matter what, so it’s usually good to go by default. And when the music is good there is no stopping you from making a serious mess...love it.

You’ve been known for your incredible remixes, what’s your creative process of putting them together?

Do you constantly refer back to the original?

Well, if I dont have a general idea before even starting a remix then I usually don’t do it, as one has to bring a new take on the original otherwise what’s the point! Some people like making a whole new beast with very little elements of the original, while I think the best balance is to have the best of both worlds in there.

We understand you first started as a DJ playing to kids, who can at times be a tough audience to manage. What kind of things did you learn early on from working with that audience?

Hehe yeah that’s true. When I was around 14 I started doing kid’s parties with my friend Ryan. Our set up was two SL1200 technics turntables, an amplifier + 2 speakers and some cheap ‘90s lights and smoke machines....That’s where I first learned how to mix. It ain’t easy holding that crowd together, let me tell you! Slowly we upgraded to a more teenage audience in clubs in Israel, and that’s where we started playing more techno oriented dance music (mostly eurodance at the time like 2unlimited/Ace of Base/Ramirez and so on) until psytrance arrived in the scene and that’s where things really started to get interesting!

What are three elements that make a good crowd?

Good vibes, open minds and beautiful girls.

Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us, do you have any last words of wisdom to share with our readers?

No life changing message here, I’ll just say that I can’t wait to have my debut in Rainbow and come and play and dance with you guys. Next year also marks the 20th anniversary for Iboga records and I can safely say you are in for a BIG treat which Iboga and FM bookings are planning for this festival. See you soon down under me maties!

When & Where: Rainbow Serpent Festival, Lexton – January 22-25

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barwon club

barwon club

captain

home house

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beavs bar

captain

home house

beavs bar

eureka

odyssey

eureka

odyssey

pistol pete’s

slate pool lounge

THERE the max THERE hotel the max

pistol pete’s

the juke

slate pool lounge

the juke

the workers workers clubclub

the max

the workers workers clubclub

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Film and Music Reviews

Films reviewed by Anthony Morris

t he wr a p

films In the Heart of the Sea: Based on the true story of the whaling ship Essex, which really was attacked by a white whale (thus inspiring Moby Dick), this is basically what you’d expect. A solid, compelling real-life story that really needs the metaphorical aspects that make Moby Dick a classic.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay pt 2: The grim series about kids forced to fight to the death becomes a grim series about everyone fighting to the death as the war reaches its gripping, yet often pretty awful, climax.

Creed

By the Sea

Love the Coopers

Hotel Transylvania 2

More a Rocky reboot than a sequel, by focusing on a new fighter with his own issues – while largely sticking firm to the traditional Rocky formula – Creed revitalises the series by putting a new spin on the old clichés.

After an opening where a young Adonis Creed (illegitimate son of former Rocky foe Apollo Creed) is rescued from juvie by Apollo’s widow (Phylicia Rashad), he becomes a man (Michael B Jordan) who splits his time between a suit-and-tie bank job and pit fighting in Mexico.

Fighting wins, and he moves to Philadelphia to seek out Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to be his trainer. Rocky’s turned his back on boxing, but he can’t turn his back on Creed – still, can Creed live up to the heavy expectations that come with his name?

Director Ryan Coogler (Fruitville Station) spins the usual underdog boxing tale a different way, as Creed struggles to prove himself to himself rather than to society or his family – a struggle that feels more resonant in a world where the old bonds are often weaker. The usual training montages and fights continue to satisfy (Coogler shoots one fight as one long take), while Jordan and Stallone have an easy chemistry together and display real chops as basically the same character at different stages of life. The formula works.

If you’ve ever wondered exactly how to make a story about a couples’ low-key marriage woes actually watchable – if for no other reason than to sell that secret to the ABC to spice up their “quality dramas” – By the Sea has it sorted. Just make sure the couple is insanely good-looking.

It’s the early ‘70s or thereabouts, and a married couple – played by real-life married couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who also directs – are staying (“holidaying” isn’t exactly the right word) at a Mediterranean resort.

Roland’s a writer who can’t write and spends most of his days drinking; Vanessa’s an actress haunted by some unspecified event who spends most of her days staring off into space. But when a sexy young couple takes the room next door, a hole in the wall suddenly becomes the hottest entertainment option around.

The pacing is glacial and the story doesn’t exactly build, but there’s a real sense of two characters with a past trying to figure out if they have a future. Jolie’s made real strides as a director since Unbroken, giving this a real sense of languid despondency. Plus she takes full advantage of her attractive cast with a lot of close-ups that, if nothing else, are a lot more interesting to look at than the scenery.

Like all major holidays, Christmas is a time for movies where a whole lot of people have individual stories that may or may not come together for a big rousing conclusion. Love, Actually has had the holiday to itself for far too long; now it’s time for the extended Cooper family to stake their claim.

The cast includes Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Ed Helms, Amanda Seyfried, Marisa Tomei, Olivia Wilde and Steve Martin as the narrator; the storylines leading up to the big Christmas dinner include the parents only staying together until after the holidays, someone hiding his unemployment, someone else hiding her single status, a third someone hiding a crush on his waitress, and a fourth someone hiding a shoplifted brooch in her mouth.

There’s just enough of an edge to enough of the stories to keep this from getting too sappy. Even if this does feature “adorable” kids and at one stage the family dog is described as “eating his feelings” as he devours leftovers. The destination is never in doubt but this tempers the feel-good stuff with enough insight into aging, love, and family tension to make the journey satisfying in a comfortingly mild way.

Some studios – we’re looking at you, Pixar – make kids movies that are aimed more at what adults think kids want to see. Others make films like Hotel Transylvania 2, which is the kind of movie kids actually want to see – packed with dumb jokes and with a bare minimum of dull stuff like “learning” and “growing”.

The plot – hotel operator Dracula (Adam Sandler) is increasingly concerned that his new half-human grandson may not turn out to be a vampire, and thus takes increasingly extreme (and extremely silly) measures to turn him into a blood-sucking fiend – is basically an excuse for loads of sight gags about monsters acting un-monster-like, which has been a sure-fire comedy formula since the days of The Munsters and The Addams Family.

Director Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack) gives the visuals enough individuality to keep things interesting, while Sandler sounds more engaged here than his last three live-action films.

There’s a bit of a message about assimilation and moving with the times – Drac may seem oldfashioned but he’s totally hip compared to his dad Vlad (Mel Brooks) – but it never gets in the way of jokes about, say, the Invisible Man’s clearly fake Invisible Girlfriend, or the Wolfman’s tired acceptance of his army of wolfpack cubs.

AKoVA

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

Kingswood

Ellie Goulding

Porter Robinson

Independent

Paper Mâché Dream Balloon

Microscopic Wars – Deluxe

Delirium

Worlds Remixed

Flightless/Remote Control Records Reviewed by Amanda Sherring

Dew Process Reviewed by Amanda Sherring

Universal Music Australia Reviewed by Alexander Lightfoot

Astralwerks/EMI Music Australia Reviewed by Alexander Lightfoot

With this release, Paper Mâché Dream Balloon, being the band’s seventh album, they’re getting pretty close to double digits. If album’s were parralel to human life, I’d say with this seventh release, they’ve come out of the teen years and stepped into the experimental years of their 20s.

Lately the band have been producing somewhat dark and heavy material, but with this allbum comes a notable change. Done on nothing but acoustic instruments, it’s free-spirited, yet connected and experimental.

In the 12 tracks you’ll notice a few new instruments, as the band members picked up the clarinet, double bass, cello and other instruments they’d never played before. Opening number ‘Sense’ is soothing and slowly fades away as the rest of the album comes to the forefront. ‘Bone’ is a highlight for sure. It’s instantly uplifting and has the excitement heard in many songs throughout the ‘70s. That ‘70s-esque feel flows in and out through the album, but experimentalism is at the forefront of everything King Gizz seem to do. The music they create isn’t about appeasing fans, it’s simply to try something new, push their own boundaries and keep excitement throughout the whole process.

Well, they’ve got me excited about this one.

The first time around Microscopic Wars by Kingswood was incredible. And much like how a second serve of something good, like a delicious slice of mud cake, is always sought after, this deluxe edition of the album sits quite well with me. And there’s no guilty fat intake with this one either!

With this new edition, it comes as a 2CD pack, with seven extra songs – new studio cuts of ‘VLAD’ and ‘Baby Doll’ and live versions of ‘ICFTYDLM’, ‘So Long’, ‘Ohio’, ‘Suckerpunch’ and ‘Tremor’ from their sold out Melbourne Forum Theatre Show in March of this year.

‘VLAD’ sees one of the best returns to rock ‘n’ roll I’ve heard from the band. The guitars are low, dirty and the vocals match the raw intensity.

There’s even a nice little guitar solo thrown in.

‘Baby Doll’ is also a highlight, it really is quite hard to pick a favourite when no one quite does Australian rock like Kingswood are now. Even if you’ve got the original release, you’ll want this one for the chance to pretend you were at that Melbourne gig from the five live tracks.

Spectre: James Bond is back in his Bond-iest adventure for a while – only problem is, this somehow forgets to have fun with evil organisations and supervillain lairs, starting out strong but fading away before the finish.

The Dressmaker: A scorned woman (Kate Winslet) returns to her ‘50s outback town to wreck revenge via her sowing machine in the kind of broad Aussie comedy (think lots of flailing about and stereotypes) that usually stinks. Thankfully here – thanks in large part to Winslet – this works.

Secret in Their Eyes: Based on the Argentinean classic, this somehow manages to get pretty much everything wrong despite a largely similar plot. If you’ve seen the original, skip this; if you haven’t, track the original down.

CD’s

This Is Me Now Reviewed by Chris Lambie

Gold Coast troubadour AKoVA follows his 2014’s Earth Recruit with a fresh release of 10 life-affirming tracks. This Is Me Now delivers a taste of his earlier work amongst some new vibes in a variety of voices. His signature vocal style is reminiscent of ‘70s star Donovan, an early influence introduced by his dad. That’s what you hear on tracks including sparse, slow-burner ‘Free As A Bird’ and ‘Feelin’ It’.

The title track is a layered six minutes with staccato Spanish guitar, an eastern flavoured orchestral break and a typically AKoVA message of mindfulness - to ‘just be’, slow down and don’t sweat the small stuff. In contrast, ‘You Can Have Anything’ is a rocking celebration with a hearty chorus singing along. The ‘Peace In My Backpack’ is retro-trippy, bluesy and infectious with a nice infusion of soulful keys.

This one-man-band continues his mission to spread peace and optimism with acoustic rhythms and melodies and a generous serve of ‘get happy’.

Delirium by Ellie Goulding is a very fitting name for this release, as it isn’t until 30 seconds into the second song where her vocals actually come through. Everything before that is anthemic instrumental work, layered upon itself and transporting you into another state. At least, I’m pretty sure that’s what she was going for.

As you get further and further into the album, passing tracks ‘Aftertaste’ and ‘Something In the Way You Move’ it becomes more and more of a very ‘Ellie Goulding’ release. It’s exciteable, well-balanced and does a great job of making you want to dance and sing-a-long. ‘Keep on Dancin’’ is a favourite of mine for the unusual elements incorporated into the song. There’s whistling, slightly jungle-esque percussion and synth, and is a relatively new sound for Ellie.

For anyone who steers away from pop, this ranks highly in the sweet, sugary sound (in particular track ‘On My Mind’) but there’s nothing wrong with that. Pop is making a comeback in the industry and isn’t seen as so much of a black mark. Give this release a go, it crosses a few genre lines so it’s certainly one that will get you loving the genre in no time.

Okay, so Worlds Remixed has been out for a little while, but that doesn’t mean we can’t review it in this here issue of Forte. This time around the release is a hand picked selection of remixed songs of Porter Robinson by the man himself. It’s a trackby-track collection presented in the same order as the original album tracklist (from Worlds).

The release clocks at just under an hour and, I’d say, is a pretty good party album to throw on.

It pumps through all the tracks you’ve come to love from Porter Robinson (seriously, Worlds was such a gem). ‘Sad Machine’ by Deon Custom is a highlight, it’s punchy, layered with synth but still maintains the charm of the original track.

After all, that’s what remixing something well is all about – unless you’re reinventing an absolutely massacred original song. Noteable mention goes to Mat Zo’s take on ‘Flicker’. It’s low, building and all emcompassing when the beat drops.

For those who love Porter Robinson, this remixed release is still deserving of a space on your shelf next to the original as its his party stylings taken that one notch further – which is never a bad thing in my books.

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