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“The live format takes my show to the next level and I was always going to be doing that, I’m going to try and be on that next level.”

The 90s icon on his hit track, rap today, and being a gourmet chef.

Local:

MICF Roadshow

PG.20

food:

Pakington cottage

PG.30

ARTS:

COOLIO PG. 12

ballarat heritage festival

PG.35

18 / 05 / 2017 FREE

$15 ENTRY

Up Stairs DJ Residents Down Stairs RnB / Hip Hop

SAT 20TH MAY F E AT U R I N G

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JOHNNY CANIK & DJ CHANGO

JUNGLE

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RNB / HIP HOP

+ HOLMES JOHN

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D A Y S

PAW N & C O

PARTY WITH WEEKLY GUEST DJ’S & RESIDENTS - DOORS OPEN 10:30PM

Steve Camp, Marcus Pearsons, Nick Olden, Keith Evans, James Rogers, Simon One, Dj C, Marcel FORTÉ 664

$15 ENTRY

Up Stairs DJ Residents Down Stairs RnB / Hip Hop

SAT 27TH MAY F E AT U R I N G

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ZAC DE PETRO & DJ SMILEZ

JUNGLE

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RNB / HIP HOP

+ HOLMES JOHN

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PAW N & C O

PARTY WITH WEEKLY GUEST DJ’S & RESIDENTS - DOORS OPEN 10:30PM

Steve Camp, Marcus Pearsons, Nick Olden, Keith Evans, James Rogers, Simon One, Dj C, Marcel FORTÉ 664

Intro III

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Intro VII

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The Know Feature Story The Loop Local Feature

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News

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Food

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Creatives

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Reviews

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Columns Scenepix The Guide

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

So here we are. Another issue into the year and another issue closer to winter. With the temperature getting cooler, we thought we’d put together another issue of great content for you to read while bunkering up at home. And then, when you feel like venturing outside, we’ve featured a whole range of different events, places and businesses to enjoy.

Publisher Furst Media Pty. Ltd. Editor-in-chief Amanda Sherring

amanda@fortemag.com.au @amanda_sherring

Win! Win a double pass to see Dustin Tebbutt and Lisa Mitchell in Melbourne for their ‘Distant Call’ tour, in June.

To enter: Email your name, number, and code word ‘DISTANT’ to: amanda@fortemag.com.au.

This issue is a bit of a nostalgic one, with rapper Coolio on the front cover. It’s a resurgance of the ‘90s, and he’s performing at a show in Melbourne doing just that. We also speak with local muso Tim Hulsman, Wolfmother and Izzy Losi and pay visits to some local business Ms Bartronica, Pakington Cottage and The Deck. All in all, there’s a lot of reading to do to get through, so I’ll shut up so you can get started.

Glenn Lynch

glenn@fortemag.com.au

Editorial Assistant Talia Rinaldo Art Director Riley McDonald

artwork@fortemag.com.au

Interns Megan McNeel, Lucy Rollason, Helena Metzke, Chelsea King

Fortégram Tag us @Forte_mag or #Fortemag to be featured!

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talia@fortemag.com.au

Amanda & the Forte team

VIII Intro

Advertising Josh Dowling

@unfdcentral

Contributors Anthony Morris, Alastair McGibbon, Amanda Sherring, Chris Lambie, Dr John Lamp, Natalie Rogers, Paul S Taylor, Tex Miller, Wylie Caird.

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

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Intro IX

American funny man Jim Gaffigan to tour Australia in August

Ed Sheeran finally announces 2018 Australian tour dates

The US comedy mega star has announced a tour that will see him perform in Australia and New Zealand in 2017. The versatile actor, comedian, producer and author hits Aussie soil in August and is playing a show at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda on Friday August 18. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.

Our fave English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has pleased his fans yet again announcing a string of five new Australian tour dates for March 2018 in support of his latest album á. Tickets on sale Tuesday, 23rd May

New album, new tour for our boy Allday Following the April release of his highly anticipated second album, Allday is set for headline tours across the country. Supported by Japanese Wallpaper and Nicole Millar, Allday will hit the stage at Festival Hall in Melbourne on June 7.

Tickets via Ticketmaster.

10 The Know

Gang of Youths announce national tour After dropping another song from their upcoming new album Go Father In Lightness last week, local rockers Gang Of Youths have announced a national tour which will see them perform around the country between August and September.

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Snowtunes Festival is back and bigger than before Canberra stars SAFIA are headlining the first day of the festival in the Snowy Mountains, followed by Gang of Youths’ the following day. You’ll also see sets from the like of Drapht, Tkay Maizda and Nina Las Vegas.

Pack your skis and head down to Lake Jindabyne on September 1st and 2nd for an action-packed weekend.

Amy Shark announces new headline tour Following the success of her debut EP ‘Night Thinker’ and sold out national tour behind ‘Adore’, Amy has revealed she will be hitting the road again with sets across the country. Melbourne will be blessed with her presence on August 18 at the Corner Hotel.

Melbourne International Singers Festival School of Hard Knocks is presenting the 2017 festival that will see workshops and concerts galore throughout Melbourne. The festival will be held from June 18-12 at venues across the city.

AFI drop new album, announce first headline tour in over 10 years To mark the release of their fresh 2017, self-titled album, AFI have released a run of shows across the country. You can catch the rockers in Melbourne at Forum Theatre on September 10.

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COOLIO The 90s icon on his hit track, rap today and being a gourmet chef – Written by Talia Rinaldo

T

he ‘90s was a time of high-top sneakers, velvet chokers, Tamagotchis, loads of denim and the most iconic rap song of its time, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’.

Created by rap artist Coolio (formally known as Artis Leon Ivey Jr.), the 1995 track is in simple terms, a global phenomenon. This ultimate throwback track is a reflection of the life of a gangsta, combining rap, popular culture and inspiring lyrics.

Coolio made his mark in hip hop forever with this song in ‘95, with an unprecedented response from the public which still resonates today. The song’s creation also helped people through the rough times in their life, with its original meaning changing from what it was intended – according to the rap artist himself.

“It was a long time ago anyway, I had one view of what is was; a ‘hood song.

Then I found out that I couldn’t really do that anymore because it meant so many different things to so many different people that I just let it develop on its own and let it create its own space,” he says of the song which quickly became a social statement about ‘ghetto’ life.

“I actually believe that the song gave me some type of divine intervention because it just came, and it wasn’t something that I really had to think about. I wrote the song so quickly it was almost as if I always knew it.”

12 The Know

The live format takes my show to the next level and I was always going to be doing that, I’m going to try and be on that next level.

With the hit gaining worldwide attenThere’s not one particular moment tion, it comes as a surprise that it was that stands out more than others, winwritten in just under two hours. “I wrote ning a Grammy was just another day for it in an hour and a half or so, I mean me. I don’t look at moments like that, I it was written and recorded within four look at it as a whole. I try not to think about those in particular as more imporhours of me hearing it. It just happened tant than the others.” like that, I can’t really explain it.”

With Coolio’s thoughtful lyrics, disWith his holistic view on his music tinct verbal flow and its hook lifted from and career, Coolio proves he hasn’t given Stevie Wonder’s 1976 track ‘Pastime up on music, continuing to perform and Paradise’, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ is pow- tour worldwide with this year’s release erful and impossible to ignore, earning it of a five song EP ‘Long Live The Thief’. the name as the best rap song of all time. The first single released from the EP ‘Kill However, the 53-year-old straight outta Again’ discusses gang violence with the Compton explains a few swear words intention of forcing the nation to talk were removed as a “conscious choice”. about change.

“In the original, we did have a few curse “I don’t vary away [sic] from my beliefs words in there but in order for me to get very much and the things that I feel pasStevie Wonder to sign off on it, there was sionate about,” he says of his music, “Just a list of words that after he listened to it, because you might not see me doing these were the words that he changed and them [sharing his beliefs] when you first that’s what I had to do. But it’s equally as hear about me or when you realise that strong, it didn’t need them. Not at all.”

I’m still around, I just do my thing and With over 17 million records sold try to do it to the best of my ability. When it comes to recording, it’s kind of weird worldwide and eight studio albums almost, being able to still be around at behind him, Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum recording artist, the this time and still have a chance to be ‘90s star cites today’s West Coast rapper heard by the masses at any given point Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy performance in time because of the internet.”

[2016] as the “best Grammy hip hop perA survivor of tremendously challengformance of all time”, and reflects on his ing life lessons who is still embracing own Grammy award as just merely been creating music, Coolio is not only an artist known around the world as a musical part of something bigger. phenomenon, but also a cooking mas“I thought my Grammy performance was pretty good. But I feel like his ter of reinvention launching his book, [Lamar’s] jumps over mine by leaps and ‘Cookin’ with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 bounds – he’s an important artist.

Star Price’, in 2009 and filming his own cooking show ‘Cookin’ with Coolio’.

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“The new cookbook is almost ready, and I’ve already started recording episodes for the new show. I am absolutely a gourmet chef and I have a refined palette.

I like fusion – I fuse anything with black,” he laughs, “I be blazing, I do Blitalian [Black Italian], Blasian [Black Asian], I do whatever. There’s no rules for me.”

Taking time out from behind the stove, Coolio is returning to the Australian stage next month alongside a slew of other ‘90s favourites, including Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Color Me Badd, Tone Loc and Young MC for the ‘I Love the ‘90s’ Tour. However, this performance will be something different for the American rapper and those ready to reminisce, with the use of a live backing band performing both old hits and new ones.

“I chose to go with the live band feel more so than a DJ so it makes it a good combination, a good mix up I think. I try to do it as often as I can but it can get kind of hectic because you have to deal with more than just two or three personalities, I don’t really bring a lot of people on my own but because of how this tour goes we have absolutely need it, so we’ll figure it out as we go,” he says.

“The live format takes my show to the next level and I was always going to be doing that, I’m going to try and be on that next level.”

It probably goes without saying at this point, nostalgia will never die with this ‘90s show.

When & Where: Hisense Arena, Melbourne Wednesday June 7 Tickets: via ticketek.

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14 Feature Story

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Loop

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Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

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The Loop 15

Gimme Shelter Fundraiser

Husky Knows the Buzz

Gimme Shelter, Workers Club, Spinning Half and Diversitat have linked arms for Gimme Shelter, a grocery fundraiser for Geelong’s asylum seekers and refugee families. Dan Brodie, Freya Josephine Hollick and Riflebirds will be among the performers. All proceeds will be used to purchase supermarket cards to help vulnerable families with day-to-day living.

Workers Club, Geelong – June 23.

Husky has decided a tour is in order as they count down the days until the release of their new album early next month.

Punchbuzz is what you’re looking for, and according to the band it edges away from folk and heads for an indie-rock feel. The newie, the band’s third, was plotted while the band was living in Berlin, using it as a base for international touring commitments. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – June 17.

Melody Moon is Winging It Described as “a fresh breeze on the Australian alternative folk scene”, Melody Moon released her debut Living in a Society of Beggars album, Down to the Sea, in mid-2015.

With a healthy nod to ’90s alt-rock, Society of Beggars Last year she released the track takes the best bits of old and mixes it with modern ‘Wings Out Open Wide’, a “home on groove and goodness. An EP Called Night is their new wheels” solar-powered recording put release, an EP recorded with Lindsay Gravina (Roland down in her van. Her new EP is also S. Howard, The Living End) “that taps into the nostal- titled Wings Out Open Wide. Melody gia, comfort and energy of the night-time”. The Bridge, has shows at Bellbrae Estate on May Castlemaine – May 19; Music Man, Bendigo – May 21 and Torquay’s Quicksilver Bar 61 20; and The Loft, Warrnambool – June 3. on May 26 for the official launch.

The Northern Folk are Good Folk The Old Castlemaine Gaol presents The Northern Folk as part of a fundraiser for the Mittagundi Outdoor Centre, a refuge for young people (aged 14-17) from diverse backgrounds aimed at promoting self-reliance and self-esteem. The performance takes in the Old Gaol this Saturday night, May 20. The Northern Folk is an eleven-piece collective that makes their music using a little bit of everything.

Battle of the Bands

Pauly Fenech’s Comedy Spectacular

Looking for a way to get your music out to the masses and win $5000?

For the first time ever, Geelong’s Black Hatt Hotel will be hosting a Battle of the Bands.

Held over 10 weeks starting from June 23, bands will battle it out for their chance to win some serious cash. Heats will feature three to four bands a night and it will be the people’s choice as to who moves forward to the next round!

Bands of all styles are welcome, whether your acoustic, rock, alternative or folk, you have to be in it to win it!

Register before June 16 to secure a spot in the line-up by emailing kylee@blackhatt. com.au or go to the Black Hatt website.

After winning ‘Best Film’ at Tropfest (1998), Paul Fenech secured a deal with SBS that would deliver Pizza in 2000. Swift and Shift Couriers and Housos would follow. Following a sold-out run of Queensland last year, Fenech is back with a new stand-up show. Pauly’s Fat Pizza & Housos Comedy Spectacular is a two-hour show with Pauly & Franky Falzoni, plus a few other personalities. The Geelong Hotel, Geelong – June 1. 18+ only.

Totally Cool Totally Unicorn

Million Paws Walk

Totally Unicorn has been put in charge of warming things up for Frenzal Rhomb on their upcoming tour, and we wanted to give a thumbs-up to the lads for their new initiative. In celebration of their track ‘April 29 Brothers’, the Wollongong outfit has made up a nifty limited edition t-shirt, the profits of which will go to beyondblue. Details are available through farmer-theowl.myshopify.com. Music Man Megastore, Bendigo - July 27.

Seventeen locations across Victoria will take part in Million Paws Walk this weekend, Sunday, May 21, a day out for our furry little four-legged friends. Money raised will go towards the care of more than 28,000 animals that enter shelters each year. Participating locations include Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Daylesford, Geelong, Shepparton and Warrnambool. Registration details through millionpawswalk.com.au.

The Book of QMF Love With tickets for 2017’s Queenscliff Music Festival now on sale, a very cool item is up for grabs to keep you warm and cosy until the festivals rolls around. Then Dad Put Me on His Shoulders is a 112-page book covering the first twenty years of the festival. Compiled by local resident, researcher and author Sue Beeton, the book features 58 colour photographs and a forward by Sarah Carroll. Learn more through qmf.net.au.

Bendigo Writers Festival This month writing fans should begin to see preview announcements for the 2017 Bendigo Writers Festival.

Early bird tickets will be available at the end of the month, while the full program will be announced in early June. More than 100 writers will take in more than 80 sessions across the festival. The BWF takes place across August 11, 12 & 13, with further information available through bendigowritersfestival.com.au.

Miazma’s Abysmal Thoughts Alice Springs may not be at the top of your list when considering the country’s fastest-growing heavy metal scenes, but it’s up there alright. Across the Easter weekend, the Blacken Open Air Festival took place. One of the bands leading the metal charge is death outfit Miazma.

The band, who helped shape the festival, released their second album, North, last year. The Karova, Ballarat – June 7 & Music Man, Bendigo – June 8.

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This State We’re In

Face to Face with Leah Senior Following the release of 2015’s Summer’s on the Ground, Melbourne folkster Leah Senior will release her sophomore album, Pretty Faces, on May 26.

Recorded and produced by King Gizzard’s Joey Walker, the new release “pays homage to her dark folk roots while hinting at layers of pop and psychedelic undertones”.

The title track is out now. The Karova, Ballarat – June 9 & The Loft, Warrnambool – May 26 .

Batpiss are heading to Ballarat and Warrnambool Lauded Melbourne act Batpiss are continuing to charge through 2017, announcing new music and a tour to keep the momentum rolling. Their new single Paralyzed is a suzzy, driving beast – providing further proof of their strong position within the Melbourne rock scene. They hit Karova Lounge in Ballarat on Friday, September 1 and The Loft in Warrnambool on Saturday, September 2.

Hoodoo Gurus & You Am I Hoodoo Gurus and You Am I go together like a horse and carriage.

You can’t have one without the other. Between them, the band has just shy of twenty albums and a tidy collection of shiny ARIAs. Both bands also make two appearances in the 100 Best Australian Albums collection.

This tour is about as rock and roll as you are gonna get. Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – July 28.

Written by Nick Cooper, Operations & Program Manager of Music Victoria.

G’day folks, Welcome to Column #10 of ‘This State We’re In’ – something of a milestone! How goes it in Music Land? Pretty great, I hope. Half of the MV crew recently snaked north up the Calder Highway for Groovin The Moo in Bendigo and were treated to an awesome, fresh and even local line-up - from worldconquering hard rock (The Darkness) through to deep electronic acts, and everything in between. It was awesome to see Bendigo-bred stoner-grunge act and triple j Unearthed artist Tusk repping the locals, tidy work. Be sure to check out their dirty, sweaty, classic sound. According to local press (at least on Spotify) Snakehips (UK) was the most played artist on the GTM line-up across Australia, however local fans preferred the creamy German tones of Milky Chance. Oz favs included Tash Sultana, The Smith Street Band, Amy Shark and PNAU. We have just wrapped up our annual Membership Drive, which saw us grow to over 1500 members (!), increase benefits for members across the state, including new discounters in Ballarat and Geelong.

Remember anyone can join at any time, so make sure you check out all the great benefits, new discounts, and our events program (free for MV members). As an artist or corporate member, you get the chance to be featured in this column, and artists can have a recent track added to our Spotify playlist – The Big V. Our social media, PR and marketing master-class at Workers Club Geelong a couple of weeks ago was a massive hit, and was totally booked out. Sorry if you missed out, and thanks to Forte editor Amanda Sherring, Surf Coaster Jess Carroll (Inmocean) and Bolster Digital for sharing their tips and mad skillz.

Hope you are all staying warm as the temperature drops to sub-Arctic. My tip – fill your calendar with great local gigs and get your boogie on!

See you in the moshpit.

↓↓ Member Moment: The Yard Apes Ballarat rock’n’rollers are well-known around the place for their fast, heavy, and riffy offerings and awesome live show. They will be back in your faces as part of Sydney-siders Los Tones on their East Coast tour. Three votes for funnest band artwork – The Yard Apes. See them at The Eastern on 3 June 2017. Thanks for being a Music Vic artist member!

↓↓ Gig of the month: Polish Club Fri 2 June 2017, Workers Club Geelong

OK, this is a BIG one. Well worth locking this gig into your social calendar ASAP, if you haven’t yet signed up as a member of Polish Club (figuratively speaking), get onto it! This power rock’n’soul two-piece will be running the awesome venue PA through its paces into the night to celebrate the national release of their debut album ALRIGHT ALREADY. Don’t get left behind.

Coops and the Music Vic crew

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Geelong Comedy Showcase A big night of laughs is in store for GPAC on June 10. Headlined

by Dilruk Jayasinha and Fiona O’Loughlin, a healthy local contingent will also represent, including Jonathan Shuster with CJ Fortuna, Sonia Di lorio, Blake Everett, Peter Jones, Joseph Green, Jacqueline Mifsud, Sequanna Mallinson, Aidan Taco Jones, David McDonald, Hamish Paterson, John Dore and Blake Freeman.

Your MC is Ben McCarthy.

A Night with Lisa Miller Celebrated songwoman Lisa Miller has sung alongside Billy Bragg, Tex Perkins and Tim Rogers, toured with Neil Young and Nick Cave and appeared in RACV’s ‘If you need me’ campaign.

Next month she will perform the second of three gigs in the Birregurra Music Salon Winter Series. Accompanying her will be her longtime right-hand man, Shane O’Mara. Birregurra Christ Church, Birregurra – June 10.

Paul McKenna On his solo venture to the National Celtic Festival Written by Alex Callan

The Radiators Keep the Heat The Radiators is a band that keeps on keeping on. Formed in 1978, the band would perform more than 300 shows throughout their first year. Signing with Warner Brothers, The Radiators released their debut, Feel the Heat, in the first half of 1980. Impressively, the band sold some 6000 presales. They have slowed down only a touch, performing around 100 shows a year. Gateway Hotel, Corio – May 20.

DEAD Will Keep You Awake

Breakwater Hotel The Breakwater Hotel is Geelong’s cosiest beer bunker in town. Finding new life six years ago with a renovated kitchen and bar, the pub has established itself as an friendly, affordable pub with a country atmosphere.

Renowned for having the ‘coldest beer in Geelong’ (perfect for when the summer weather hits), the traditional hotel boasts a standard pub menu, offering weekday specials from Tuesday to Friday – think steaks, parmi’s, pasta’s and curries paired with a pot for under $20.

With hospitality in its DNA and TAB facilities along with the Thirsty Camel bottleshop, a beer garden and occasional live music, this humble pub is your go-to for an Aussie pub fare, afterwork drinks and delicious mid-week dinners.

Where: 57 Tucker St, Breakwater When: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm Ph: (03) 5221 5587

You can make a great deal of noise as a two-piece, as fans of Castlemaine’s DEAD know only too well.

Released at the end of last month, We Won’t Let You Sleep is the third in a series of four albums called ‘The Trilogy’. The album features a guest appearance by Kevin Rutmanis (Cows, Melvins). DEAD will be joined

by Sydney’s Meat Cake and Lethal Sound Division at The Eastern, Ballarat tomorrow night, May 19.

Send your info to: enquiries@Fortémag.com.au For individual use only, not for commercial purposes.

18 The Loop

When & Where: National Celtic Festival, Portarlington – June 9–12

Music Slam #9

Justin Bernasconi Caught Barefooted

What U Put Up With is the debut EP from Melbourne acoustic punk trio Kat O & The Collectables. The band is new to the scene – having kicked off in August of 2016 – and perform Kat’s “I wear my fucked up heart on my sleeve” originals. Songs are filled with observational humour and pop culture references. You can check out the video for their track ‘Lost Opportunities’ online. Babushka Bar, Ballarat – June 24.

With the Queen’s birthday weekend approaching, the extended break means that it is time for another instalment of Music Slam, the massive multi-day event at Bendigo’s Music Man Megastore. Sorry folks, that’s about all we have at this stage other than you can once again expect some 100 acts to perform across the weekend. We’ll do our best to bring you more when we have more, but for now keep an eye on facebook.com/ musicman.bendigo.

Pinching bits and pieces from delta blues, Appalachian bluegrass and English folk, Justin Bernasconi was raised in a small Cambridgeshire village. When he arrived in Australia in 2004, he found a home with The Stillsons. Following three acclaimed albums, he released his debut solo album, Winter Pick, in 2014.

His new album is Barefoot Wonderland and features Jeff Lang and Cat Canteri among others. The Bridge, Castlemaine – June 2.

Ararat Live Calendar

Has Anyone Seen Brook?

The Celibate Rifles Fire Off

Kat O & The Collectables

There are three stellar shows coming your way at Ararat Children of the Sun, Tom Walker & His Sick Individuals, Live over the next few months. June belongs to Mick The Burbs and Yes Yes Whatever have teamed up for Thomas, who will perform a bit of a “Best Of’ show. June the magical ‘Where’s Brook’ tour. If things are to be 16 is the date. July belongs to The Settlement, who will believed, the tour is named after Brook, lead singer of The perform in support of their upcoming album, Stand in Burbs, who failed to turn up to the photo-shoot due to a dislocated shoulder he suffered at the hands of an all-toothe Middle. July 27 is the date. September belongs to songman Shane Nicholson. September 6 is the date. gnarly skateboarding mishap. Workers Club, Geelong – May 19 & Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet – May 20.

Hit up facebook.com/AraratLive for more.

Bass player

CL ASSIFIEDS

2016 may have been the biggest year yet for The Paul McKenna Band - celebrating their 10th year together as well as releasing their fourth studio album Paths That Wind to immense critical acclaim and touring festival circuits and sold out shows worldwide. Now the Scottish folk act is taking some well-deserved time off to immerse themselves in their side projects and it seems there is no slowing down for front-man Paul McKenna who has been showing a different side to his music, performing it purely solo.

“The band had been together for 10 years as of last year and I think we all just wanted to have a little bit more space to try and do other things. But we definitely still wanted to keep the band going in some capacity so I’m doing some solo stuff and some more writing in the case of other members,” McKenna says.

“It’s a little bit different, it’s definitely lonelier.

When you’re driving six hours by yourself it’s definitely not as enjoyable as when you are surrounded by four other guys all having a laugh, so it’s a bit tough in that sense. But the musical side of things

is a lot more free. I have a lot more opportunities that I can now do, but have never been able to with a band. I have definitely missed them when I’ve been on the road on my own.”

After already having a stacked year playing shows everywhere from Europe to America, Glasgow’s McKenna will be briefly returning to Australia to perform a one-off show as the headliner at this years National Celtic Festival; which comes as no surprise after the legions of fans that adored his set at 2015’s Woodford Folk Festival.

With a line-up comprised of many Scottish folk acts that McKenna has previously established camaraderie with, he is extremely eager to head over and check out the Celtic Festival to which he’s heard many positive reviews about.

“I know quite a few of the other acts, just from my travels. When you’ve been playing in a particular genre of music for over 10 years you get to know a lot of other acts that are on the road, so I am looking forward to catching up with them in the downtime between playing,” he says.

“But in general I’m really excited! It’s a festival that I have heard a lot about and have been keen to come over for a few years now and I am really looking forward to it. I’ve heard nothing but excellent things about the Celtic Festival so I cannot wait to see how it is!”

Bass player looking for experienced gigging original rock and roll band. influenced

by Duff Mckagan, Paul Simonon and Ronnie lane. 0420420924

Guitarist and drummer looking for musicians to start high school band Influences include: Metallica, Black Sabbath, Nirvana, Violent Soho. Looking for 15-16 year old musicians (vocalist, lead guitarist, bassist) to play rock music. Covers and originals. For more info, please call Zac on 0410711446

Being able to say you have played with bands including Ramones, Radio Birdman, Nirvana and The Sugarcubes is one-upmanship at its finest. Formed out of Sydney in 1979, The Celibate Rifles released their debut album, Sideroxylon, in 1983. It is considered one of the finest debuts by an Australia band. The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 26. The band will perform two sets – one acoustic and one electric.

Drummer looking for band

Seeking Position with Band

Bass Player

Drummer available (Geelong area) for playing/Jamming.

Covers or originals. Blues rock is my main style but I’m into lots of different music. Any age is okay, just as long as you can play.

Contact Josh on 0430971319

On the lookout for more projects, styles such as indie rock/ alternative rock or metalcore anything hard and indie folk. Hit me up I play guitar and drums.

I want to play electric guitar in an indie band or drums in metal, rock or indie rock. If anything you see catches your eye text me or call Joel on 0414628813.

Bass player with extensive touring and recording experience looking to play blues, funk, rock, jazz based music in a working band or close to. Buzz 0499232857

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Ball arat Blog

Julien Baker Steps Out It’s not just Splendour ticket holders who will be able to enjoy the sounds of Julien Baker, with the Memphis songwoman announcing a generous amount of sideshows. This is her second tour our way, following last year’s run in support of her 2015 debut, Sprained Ankle. At the beginning of the year she signed with Matador and released new material including ‘Funeral Pyre’ and ‘Distant Solar Systems’.

The Karova, Ballarat – July 13.

KLP Holds the Key She is the hostess with the mostess of triple j’s House Party and knows more about starting a party than most. She is DJ, muso and singer-songwriter Kristy Lee Peters, but she swings by the name of KLP. Following her KLParty tours in 2015 and 2016, KLP is hitting the road with her new ‘Mix Match’ tour. Joined by a heap of special guests along the way, the party kicks off at The Karova, Ballarat on May 26.

Written by Glen Anderson

As cool southerlies start to chill locals to the core, hibernation is about to set in for many up here in the Rat. Do not despair however, as there are still plenty of shows worth getting out to see.

Easy Browns Truckstop Chicken Jam Band (say that with a mouth full of maltesers!) have just smashed out their first full length album titled Evil. Describing themselves as a weird three piece punk band, they have evolved into an amalgamated monster of funky punk junk with driving forces of pure rock and roll madness! You may just have to witness this mouthful in person on the 19th of May at Karova Lounge. Tickets are only $8.

On my travels around town recently, I spotted a ‘must see’ event. DYLAN esque ( the Bob Dylan story) is coming to town on June 10 at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts. The twohour event will feature all of your favourites like Blowin’ In The Wind, Rolling Stone, Lay Lady Lay and Hurricane will all be played on this wonderful

night. Tickets can be purchased at www.wcpa.com. au or have a look at the website if you need more info at www.dylanesque.com.au.

Melbourne based French gypsy jazz band Ultrafox are playing at Suttons House Of Music on May 19.

It`s been a good year since the trio came to Ballarat, so get on down to support these guys. It`s a bargain to get in at $10. Mick Thomas will play the following night and this will be a night to remember.$35 to get in to see one of Australia’s best singer/songwriters.

Raised By Eagles are the support act and I can highly recommend these guys. Having punched out two albums in the space of two years, they are currently in the process of recording their third. Going for a bigger more electric sound with the new record, it’s exciting times ahead for the country rock pop group from Melbourne. Described as being “the kind of songs you fall in love with on first listen” by songbird Liz Stringer, makes the night even more inviting.

On the gastronomic front, the Red Door Pizza in Buninyong do a nice gourmet pizza and home made pasta is now on the menu also. Open from Wed-Sun, the café is decked out beautifully and settling in for a glass of red and some fine Italian fare is easy done here .

Winter’s Eve The Eastern in Ballarat will do their best to break the upcoming chill of winter with a big, hearty stew of a show on May 27.

Warm yourselves up to a line-up featuring Field, Holy Serpent, El Colosso, Merchant, Swidgen, BØG, Motherslug, Agonhymn and Witches Child. Further details are to be announced. As with last year, the venue will be accepting donations for the Soup Bus as well as donating part of the door.

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The Loop 19

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow h e tim e o f year has come to brace ourselves, fellow Australians.

Our stomach muscles have a rather large work out ahead of them, as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow buckles up to hit the road. Set to deliver the most refreshing and belly-achingly funny acts from Australia’s largest comedy festival, the show will feature everything from stand-up, to slapstick, sketch and even song.

With a cast of Australian stars, as well as talented newcomers and international performers, each show is sure to have something to tickle everyone’s fancy – covering all comedy bases. And best of all? The MICF Roadshow allows for many laughs to be had in the convenience and comfort of your home (or nearest by) town, with a large string of regional shows. Some places of note that the MICF Roadshow will be paying visit to are Ballarat, Bendigo and Stawall – but the list definitely does go on.

Aussie comedian Tom Ballard, who has toured with the MICF Roadshow in past years, has shed light on what he feels the main difference is between regional shows and big city crowds.

“The major difference is their (the crowd’s) level of excitement about the gig, to be honest. For a lot of these crowds, the Roadshow is the only live comedy they’re

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seeing all year, so they’re PUMPED. If they get on board with your dickheadedry, it’s exhilarating”, he said.

So, which charismatic larrikins can you catch on the MICF Roadshow this year, you ask? Well, let me drop you some names.

Adam Hess (UK), DeAnne Smith (CAN/USA), Nath Valvo, Sharul Channa (SING) and Sam Taunton (MC) can be caught performing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat on May 24, Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo on May 25, and Stawell Performing Arts Centre on May 27.

If your stomach muscles are braced and your cheeks ready for what will no doubt be an endless fit of laughter and cheeky grins, grab your tickets soon.

Written by Helena Metzke

Adam Hess UNITED KINGDOM

A stand-up comedian and described as a ‘general cheekyguy’ from London, Adam is also an actor and TV writer. Adam was a Foster Best Newcomer nominee in 2015 and although he didn’t win, it is said that it was quite a big deal for him – but he also got a trophy regardless and was sure to make the most of the free food at the ceremony.

Sam Taunton (MC)

Aussie comedian Nath Valvo is quickly becoming a favourite for many comedy lovers and enthusiasts, on a global level.

You may have seen Nath on popular television programs The Project, ABC’s Breaky Show and ABC’s Comedy Up Late. Nath is described as an absolute ‘crackup’ – in true Aussie lingo style.

A stand-up comedian and described as ‘one of the most exciting new voices in Australian comedy’, Sam has also been a Christmas tree farmer, digital media specialist and an attempted acoustic wedding singer. He is said to be attempting to pay back the $728 he currently owes his mother in E-Toll fees.

Sharul Channa SINGapore

DeAnne Smith CANADA / USA

For ticket info and a full list of tour dates visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au/roadshow

Nath Valvo

An award-winning CanadianAmerican comedian, DeAnne has performed all over the world, as well as having made TV appearances in several countries. DeAnne is also a writer and self-identifies as a trouble-maker. She is also said to really, REALLY like toast...

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A stand-up comedian from Singapore, Sharul will be the first Singaporean woman to have ever performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. From humble beginnings doing local mic-performances, Sharul is now performing internationally – having travelled to an impressive list of countries for comedy shows.

When & Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat – May 24, Ullumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – May 25 & Stawell Entertainment Centre – May 27

Ms Bartronica A nostalgic arcade bar experience Written by Glenn Lynch

Mortal Kombat, Ninja Turtles and Street Fighter? Mario Kart, Smash Brothers and Golden Eye? A pinball revolution has hit Australia, and Ms Bartronica have come to the call, with all the above and more on offer with a combination of pinball machines and affordable drinks right in the heart of Geelong.

Josh Egan, co-owner of Melbourne game havens Bartronica and Pinball Paradise, bought a slice of retro gaming, along with tasty cocktails to Ryrie Street around 12 months ago, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

On entry, you are greeted by something unlike anything else regional Victoria has to offer - a wall of arcade machines, with the latest addition being Time Crisis II proving to be a big hit. How ‘gnarly’ would it be to revisit the days when you would save your pennies to go and play the four player arcade Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but have had the money to complete the bloody thing? Well the dream is a reality here!

With nearly all games being only $1, it really is a step back to the 90’s! But now, you can drink whilst enjoying the gaming experience, especially with $6 Pints for happy hour from 4-6, the ever popular Espresso Martini, well-priced Furphys and Coronas and a vast selection of spirits. This is the perfect place to start the night, or simply continue the fun.

If you are on the hungry side, you can get food delivered from the mighty Johnny Burger as well so no need to leave your position.

Listen out:

Society of Beggars

For me though, the highlight was the pinball machines! An avid player in my youth, I regularly visited Bendigo arcades such as Vibes, Uncle Sams, Rechters and The Hall of Revolution. The first pinball I really got into was ‘Time Warp’, back in 84 at The Golden Vine Hotel. Over the years, the likes of Indiana Jones, The Twilight Zone, Guns N Roses, The Addams Family, KISS and many more gobbled up plenty of my money. There’s just something about knocking down those targets, hitting that silver ball up the ramps, or seeing an extra ball icon light up that gets the blood flowing.

Before I left, I just had to play the latest addition, a Ghostbuster pinball - and boy does this thing light up! Trapped under that glass, Slimer and The Marshmallow Man are waiting for you to hit the right targets to reveal themselves for a new challenge. Sitting right next to Ghostbusters, is the hard to find Back to the Future pinball, and a couple of classics, including the ever popular Pin-Bot. All absolutely fun to play in their own right. I had to play all of them after getting my arse whooped by Sub Zero. Sorry, no “Lui Kang Wins” for me (sorry if you don’t understand that last line!)

With theme based trivia nights on Wednesdays, Console Tournaments on Thursdays, function space available and an ever-changing selection of games, things never remain the same as Ms Bartronica aim to keep it fresh and exciting for the patrons. One visit is never enough!

There is nothing like the real thing, and Ms Bartronica deliver that in spades.

Where: 159 Ryrie St, Geelong When: Wednesday to Saturday 4pm – 1am Ph: (03) 5221 3725 Site: www.facebook. com/msbartronica

Once the tour has wrapped up what’s next on the cards for the band?

Sleep. No more sausage and egg mc muffins. Ship Magic Alex (our main roadie and frothy extraordinaire) back to Adelaide, and then probably write a whole new batch of tunes and start this chaos machine up again.

Catch them at The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on May 12, The Music Man Megastore, Bendigo on May 20, The Loft, Warrnambool on June 3 and Cherry Bar, Melbourne on June 9.

World Cider Day celebration promises a day of warm winter fun

Let’s Mingle Awakening their inner matchmakers and tossing tinder to the side, Single Let’s Mingle invites you to Geelong’s Singles Party of the year!

This one is perfect for those of you sick of the swipe-right dating sphere - all the confusing emoticon lingo or the bland conversations behind a phone screen, or worse still, matching online with people who are not who they say they are – unfortunately it happens!

Well lucky for all of us, Single Let’s Mingle is a series of Single Parties for over 25s that

It doesn’t have to be all about finding your forever either – it’s also a great excuse to make some new friends, extend your social circle, or just a night out for drink and a dance.

And thanks to the colour coded wristband on arrival, it’s clear who is single and ready to mingle – and this means you can bring your loved-up friend for that moral support if you need. This means your wingman of course, so pick that selfless friend that you can count on.

The event ticket includes beer, wine, sparkling and soft drinks (from 8pm to midnight), great food with shared

canapes and platters, and entertainment thanks to the wonders of a live band Good Faces 4 Radio and a DJ. With prizes, give-aways, a red carpet on arrival and Rebecca Madden as an MC, this is a party not to be missed.

It’s time to laugh, chat, have fun, dance & say…

When & Where: The Pier, Geelong Saturday, May 27 Tickets: $125 and you can book online via www.o-tix.com/event/ singleletsmingle Keep up to date ahead of the event via their socials: Facebook: singleletsmingle

The EP is produced by legend Lindsay Gravina. What was it like working with him?

He told us a horror story of when he was working on the Living End’s first album, that he made their drummer at the time do so many takes that they had to drag him out half dead from the studio. So that scared the crap out of us, as it would anyone, but once we got in there we gelled incredibly well. This EP has as much of his blood in it as ours for sure.

Has their been any interesting experiences from the shows that you’ve done so far?

We recently played at the Phoenix at Canberra, and almost everything that could’ve gone wrong did. Yianni our singers voice was shot, there were feedback issues and I broke a guitar string in the last song.

She’ll be Apples!

goes beyond the confines of that cheeky phone app. It’s all about getting back to the basics, meeting and connecting with people in the flesh.

What does it feel like to have ‘An EP Called Night’ out in the world?

It feels great. We’ve been working towards this for a very very long time, and it feels like the most complete piece of work we’ve put out there and we’re all proud of it

The Bellarine is set to host a massive under cover winter celebration - all in the name of cider, local fare and top musical talent. World Cider Day this June will see Wallington’s Flying Brick Cider House come alive with a fantastic array of food, cider, wine, beer, kid’s fun, as well as the biggest Tribute Show ever to hit the region.

Flying Brick Cider Co is the first in Australia to join forces with the organisers of World Cider Day - a concept which originated last year in Europe and is gaining momentum across the globe with the phenomenal international love and growth in cider consumption over the past few years.

Since the whole day revolves around a ‘tribute’ to the humble apple, it would seem only appropriate (and fun) to keep the whole tribute theme happening when it comes to entertainment. Kicking off at 11am, five of the most popular tribute bands in Australia will be performing throughout the day – literally the ultimate Tribute line up.

First cab off the rank is Athol Guy & the Seekers Story. Celebrating Australian music royalty in this incredible journey through the life, times and songs one of Australia’s most treasured musical icons, this is a show that has enjoyed a trail of sell out performances around the nation - wonderful for all ages and virtually impossible not to be swept away in a magical wave of nostalgia. Even those who say they can’t resonate a tune will feel compelled to sing along.

The timeless musical brilliance of Fleetwood Mac will then be showcased as the celebrated TUSK takes to the stage. A delightfully intimate musical journey through all the Cat Stevens classics is next.

Not only does Ron Vincent bare an uncanny resemblance to Cat Stevens, his hauntingly beautiful vocals and performance style have been described as one of the most authentic, entertaining and exciting shows honouring this artist the world has ever seen. Follow that up with Ramble Tamble

– the Australian Creedence Clearwater Revival Show, renowned and loved for their vibrant performances which encapsulate the body and soul of the Creedence legend. World Cider Day revellers will also get to bop along to top local cover band, Test Pilot Molly. And that’s just the entertainment!

Cider Making demonstrations will allow people to come behind the scenes on a rare adventure to explore, taste and learn about crafting boutique ciders from fresh fruit at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

New release ciders will be on tasting and on the pour throughout the day as will a couple of cheeky cocktails the Flying Brick team have been busily devising! Ever had a hot mulled cider? Possibly one of life’s great delights – grab one and warm your soul.

On the nourishment side of things, there will be food – and lots of it – for anyone and everyone.

There will be a huge selection of delectable edibles from a range of food stations – paella, local lamb sliders, cuttlefish, pork rotisseries, BBQ chorizo, fish & chips, signature Flying Brick platters, apple pancakes and of course, apple fairy floss.

Kids will be happy too with the Kid’s ‘CORE’ner will feature a fab ROCK UP climbing wall, face painting and balloon artists.

Perhaps the warmest news of all is that World Cider Day Celebration tickets are only $20 (or else $25 per person on the day) with kids under 12 FREE (accompanied by an adult).

The World Cider Day Celebration will be held at Flying Brick Cider House, 1251 Bellarine Highway, Wallington on Saturday, June 3, 11am – 9pm.

Book online via: www.cidercelebrations.com.au

Insta: single_lets_mingle_xo FORTÉ 664

NEWS 21

Wolfmother on their most diverse album yet Written by Alex Callan

“The way I see it is, you can put us anywhere and we will make the best of the situation and try to connect with whoever the audience is. Our music appeals to a mainstream audience, it’s not a niche market.”

After being thrown immediately in the spotlight due to their esteemed 2005 self titled debut release gaining over 1.5 million sales worldwide, it has been a crazy ride for Sydney act Wolfmother. With extensive line-up changes over the last decade, the band stripped it back to basics for their 2016 release Victorious, with front man and founding member Andrew Stockdale writing the album completely by himself.

“I always start with a riff. I do the riff and then the drums and then the bass and then the vocals last. When I do the vocals, I don’t have lyrics written yet, I kind of just improvise on the microphone and sing, just make believe words and make believe sounds and then I write down what I think I’m saying and it just turns into a song,” Stockdale says.

“I have tried writing songs about specific things: I wrote ‘Save the Whales’ for a Sea Shepherd thing,” he laughs, “I also wrote a song once called ‘Let's Hear It For the Mothers’ as a Mothers Day song. You can definitely start with a theme and then write around that theme, but you can literally try anything when you’re writing. Those kinds of songs seem a little bit too literal and just don’t have that kind of magic like when I don’t force it around a theme. I find it a lot more compelling when it’s more of a stream of consciousness.”

Drawing inspiration from all sorts of genres, Victorious proves to be one of Wolfmother's most diverse albums yet, from the guitar heavy riff of title track ‘Victorious’ to nostalgia

Where’s Brook?

We had a chat to Tom Walker (Tom Walker and the Sick Individuals, The Burbs, Yes Yes Whatever) and Matt Bourke (Children of the Sun, TWSI) about the up and coming ‘Where’s Brook’ tour. This is what they had to say…

Why the name for the tour?

During the photoshoot we had no idea where Brook [lead signer of The Burbs] was and couldn’t contact him. We found out later he’d been in hospital with a dislocated arm after trying to pull some next level manoeuvres on his skateboard.

Where’s Brook now?

Still unsure on the whereabouts of Brook. Hoping he turns up in time for the tour.

Can you tell me a little bit about the bands involved?

For sure! There are four bands involved. Tom Walker and the Sick Individuals, a slacker grunge band from Geelong/Melbourne heading on their first interstate tour. Children of the Sun, garage/ indie rockers famous for their pyjama parties and pissing off neighbours. The Burbs, recently signed to Piquant Records, these guys are leaping their way up the Melbourne music scene. Yes, Yes, Whatever rose from the ashes of Oscar Galt & The Eventual Somethings, playing their first ever shows as a part of this tour!

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I think people really underestimate regional areas; there are a lot of people spread out across our land that came out in droves if you play close to where they live. They are usually guaranteed to be great shows.

that fuels tracks such as ‘The Best of a Bad Situation’. It is apparent that Victorious, much like Stockdale’s approach to lyrics, doesn’t follow a specific theme.

“I think with ‘The Best of a Bad Situation’ I was listening to a lot of early Rod Stewart and I wanted to write a song like that. With ‘Pretty Peggy’ I thought, ‘what if I do a Lumineers [American act] kind of song’ and then I made that,” he says. “Victorious’ was a lot more Wolfmother/Dio rock opera sort of approach, but sometimes I’m just searching through YouTube and I find a song that I think ‘I wouldn’t mind writing a song like that’ and kind of use it as inspiration.”

In support of Victorious, Wolfmother will be embarking on the ‘Gypsy Caravan’ tour around Australia playing a stack of rural shows.

I hear you guys share members.

Is it true that there are only nine people between the four bands?

Yeah, it’s insane. Some members are in three of the bands so it’s going to be a test of stamina getting through the night! It’s astounding that even though there are so many crossovers in members, each band has their own unique style and sound.

What can we expect at these shows?

Some great original music!

Between the four bands, there are some outstanding songwriters and musicians. We are also doing a Weet-Bix challenge that involves the bands having to eat dry Weet-Bix on stage if they make mistakes. Could be entertaining.

Four Geelong bands going on tour together, and you’re all good mates, is this just an excuse for a big party?

Yeah a super mega party!! It’s also a really good chance for people who have heard about the bands, or who have mates who play in the bands to get a showcase from a group of very different musicians all in one night!

Where and when can we catch these bands?

The Worker’s Club, Geelong

May 19

Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet

May 20

Old Bar, Melbourne

May 24

Edinburgh Castle, Adelaide

May 26

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According to Stockdale, rural shows are a lot of fun to play due to the diversity of crowds and venues that may not often get live acts to their town.

“I think people really underestimate regional areas; there are a lot of people spread out across our land that came out in droves if you play close to where they live. They are usually guaranteed to be great shows.”

When & Where: The Wool Exchange, Geelong – May 19

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NEWS 23

Woodend Winter Arts Festival

CIRCLE CIRCLE’s Radi Safi on sharing music with the world again Written by Talia Rinaldo

Sydney- based rock outfit turned production project, CIRCLE, has been MIA over the last few years. Following the success of their 2012 single ‘Fashion Me A Drum’, CIRCLE took an indefinite hiatus with singer Radi Safi confessing that they all just got busy with a little thing called life.

“I got really busy with other work related stuff and I guess the story that I was telling myself which is kind of true – I was so musically fulfilled because it was so music oriented already – I was the founding editor of Happy in Sydney, so that had been an engrossing few years getting that off the ground,” he says.

Despite considering himself musically fulfilled, Safi has now embarked on a solo project experimenting with and testing newly-found waters, as seen in his latest dreamy single Thylacine.

“I guess I always wrote – I didn’t really stop writing music but really it had been longer than I thought, so I wanted to put some new stuff out.

“There are a couple of older members helping out on bits and pieces, but it’s essentially become a bit of a solo project. The band is still there, but it is very much a production project,” he says of the single which delivers a transcendent melody over a punchy synth-bass, accompanied by mashed-up marsupial samples.

“I mean Dan, Dan Shaw, who has played Bass in CIRCLE for forever, definitely helped out on it – and if you listen very carefully, you can hear Bec Shave’s docile backing vocals, but it’s very different to the way we did other stuff as a band. Getting in the studio and rehearsing and putting down a song – this is more like a cook it until it’s right type thing.”

Despite working as more of a solo artist on this venture, Safi admits his personal preference is being part of a collective, as opposed to going solo.

“A band is way better, especially if everybody is vibing off the song. A band is like a family, you all

A vibrant, traditional and thought-provoking world-class showcase get along (hopefully) and it’s really good. We have had our moments,” he laughs, “but time with a band is like four or five other artists who all have a similar, or the same, creative goal – and are all coming together to work on one thing. It’s a pretty powerful experience, and it’s more fun.”

Toying with cheeky demos over the last few years, Safi, who launched the influential Sydney music publication Happy Mag and Enmore Audio, is excited to delve back into the muso side of the music scene – despite the challenges of being previously known merely as a writer.

“It’s more expensive”, he laughs. “It’s more of an investment on every front, but that’s also a good thing. There was also this really weird kind of hump that I had to get over and that was a lot of people knowing me for something else [Happy Mag] and now having them come across my musical work.”

On top of CIRCLE being back with a renewed sense of vigour, Safi confesses that there is more to come with a definite EP on its way – along with a brand new project in the works.

“The EP won’t be a big deal. It’s just kind of a getting it out there, almost like a purging exercise – eager to be done with it. I like it but I’m eager to share it,” he says before confessing, “I’ve already moved on to my next project which is a lot leaner – it’s still very much CIRCLE, but it’s a bit more traditional and instrumental. Getting to the heart and soul of sound in a way, with simpler sounds and relying on the strength and sound of a song and melody, rather than other elements.”

Release: Thylacine is available on Itunes and spotify

W r it ten by Chel s ea K i n g

Over the Queens Birthday weekend, the town of Woodend is combining literature, arts and music for the 13th time at their unique Winter Arts Festival.

With both international and Australian artists, Woodend will become a hub of thought provoking and challenging performances and events over the long weekend.

Forté is here to give you a run-down of what not to miss at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival this year.

For the full program or to book tickets, visit woodendwinterartsfestival. org.au

When & Where: Woodend – June 9–12

Image: Quinta Essentia, exlusive from Brazil

Literature If you have ever dreamt of writing a memoir, a personal essay or even starting a life blog, then author Spiri Tsintziras is here to help. We all have a fascinating story to tell, and memoirist Spiri Tsintziras will be holding a workshop for early and emerging writers to give them the tools to continue on and improve their writing journey.

There’s a chance for kids to get involved as well with beloved author Mem Fox visiting the festival. At the Woodend library on the Saturday morning, the award-winning author will be reading her very own enchanting Possum Magic. Adults are more than welcome to tag along too of course for one of Australia’s most loved picture books.

Arts The Macedon Ranges potters are back again to display their works at the at the Woodend Community hub. The exhibition will run over the whole weekend including a variety of functional and sculptural works. Moreover, there is an open invitation for anyone to meet the artists on Saturday afternoon.

Right around the corner, the Macedon Ranges art group will also be exhibiting. During the festival, the Woodend Bowling Club will be displaying art from many local talents. There’s also an opportunity to take solace from the cold weather and come in for a free coffee and to chat to the artists.

Music & Film To top everything off, there will be several live music performances scattered across the weekend. Tony Lee, who received the Australian National Piano Award will be performing a handful of songs at the St Ambrose Hall.

Encompassing the diversity of events over the weekend, a silent film, Earth by Alexander Dovzhenko, will be displayed at the festival. The 1930 film depicts the lives of Ukraine farmers during a time of rising political tensions. To accompany the film, Stefan Cassomenos will be playing the piano live in the St Ambrose hall.

To celebrate this annual event, the will be a free fireworks display on the opening night at Buffalo stadium and with several food trucks, this is definitely the place to start your weekend.

Have you tried the internet yet?

Well you should because we’re on it! www.fortemag.com.au

24 NEWS

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24 MAY 2017 HER MAJESTY’S BALLARAT BALLARAT

25 MAY 2017 ULUMBARRA THEATRE BENDIGO

27 MAY 2017 STAWELL PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE STAWELL

Adam Hess (UK)

Adam Hess (UK)

Adam Hess (UK)

DeAnne Smith (CAN/USA)

DeAnne Smith (CAN/USA)

DeAnne Smith (CAN/USA)

Nath Valvo

Nath Valvo

Nath Valvo

Sharul Channa (SING)

Sharul Channa (SING)

Sharul Channa (SING)

MC: Sam Taunton

MC: Sam Taunton

MC : Sam Taunton

BOOKING: 03 5333 5888

BOOKING: 03 5434 6100

BOOKING: 03 5352 2181

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NEWS 25

Izzy Lozi and the Auracles On change, adult life and sticking to what she knows Written by Molly Slater

It may have been five years, but Izzy Losi and the Auracles are bursting back into the music scene and are ready for all it throws their way.

Fronted by their songwriting and piano playing vocalist Izzy Losi, the Geelong trio have just released two singles from their forthcoming EP ‘The Only Constant Is Change’.

This is the first time the band has released new music since their debut, ‘Outlast The Storm’ in 2012 which featured five songs. Coming as a nice surprise to Izzy and the Auracles, the first single from the new EP, ‘Change’ reached number one on triple j’s Unearthed charts.

“Last time we released was five years ago so we kind of weren’t sure, but we’ve been on again, off again, actively doing things and I started a mailing list when I started gigs years and years ago. I guess I underestimated that we do have a bit of a fan base already and it’s not like it’s the first time we’ve ever released so I think that’s helped a lot,” Izzy says.

Last year, she took a step back from her full time ‘traditional’ job as a teacher to focus on getting back into the music scene, and says that the transition was quite daunting to begin with, but knows it was something she had to do.

“As soon as I decided, I was like ‘am I doing the right thing’. I hadn’t really been keeping up with it [the music scene], which makes me a little bit sad, but now I want to work on educating and showcasing musicians…it’s definitely worth it.”

When writing for ‘The Only Constant Is Change’, Izzy drew on her personal life during her time away from the music scene and her journey into adulthood to produce the powerful ballads that are on the EP. “The time that I’ve taken away from music, I’ve had big things happen to me in my life that helped

I’ve always done everything by the book – gone to uni, been this model citizen and I realised that it’s not actually what I wanted.

me develop as a person and getting into adult life.

Being serious about adult life kind of showed me that I rushed into it. I’ve always done everything by the book - gone to uni, been this model citizen and I realised that it’s not actually what I wanted.”

According to Izzy, she found her authentic sound by sticking to what she knows and staying true to her inner musicianship, rather than swaying towards what she believes is most popular now with electronic music.

“I’ve always just done what I know, which is singing and playing piano. I’ve mostly written everything on piano and I think that makes a lot of point of difference. My influences are artists that are generally in the genre of singer/songwriter/folk kind of thing and storytelling.”

tour constantly. And we don’t have a big song on the radio, so…” he laughs.

Coulter has had to learn such lessons the hard way, fudging his way through his fair share of business decisions, tour schedules, and meetings with execs over the years. “For a lot of musicians, their brains are wired towards being creative and making music, not geared towards being a manager or an accountant,” he says.

“A lot of bands need to have a team around to make that work. But if you’re DIY, as we are to a large extent, you need to work that out yourself. I’ve been in bands for ten years, and I’ve worked out that sort of stuff along the way. I have learnt how to get your song out, how to tour, how to route out a tour,

how to find places cheaply – all that stuff. It’s a rich tapestry of fuckery.”

Of course, often that level of fuckery forces you to make some pretty tough decisions – not all of which you are going to necessarily get right. “The only way to learn is to make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are minor, and you can take a kind of c’est la vie attitude, and other times they’re catastrophic and you have to stack everything back up again.”

But no matter how bad things might occasionally get, Coulter is bolstered by the relationship he has with his bandmates. “I’ve heard the analogy many times in interviews with bands that being in a group is like being married to several people at the same time,” he says. “It’s a corny thing to say, but it’s true.

Continuing to reach new heights, the band have several EP launch shows coming up this year, as well as a performance at this years Queenscliff Music Festival so get on down and support a fantastic local act who are nothing short of success.

When & Where: The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 21, Musicman Megastore, Bendigo – May 26, Karova Lounge, Ballarat – June 1 & Uniting Queenscliff, Queenscliff – June 10. Izzy Losi will also be performing solo at Flying Brick Cider Co on June 23.

Grenadiers On Balancing Music With A Day Job, Tough Decisions And The Importance Of Band Chemistry Written by Joseph Earp

Jesse Coulter is feeling a little bit seedy. “I just woke up and tried to force myself through a hangover,” the Grenadiers frontman says. “We played a show in Brisbane at the Crow Bar last night. But I’m just getting some breakfast now.

I think I have managed to get myself through the worst of it.”

One can imagine that Coulter’s hangover rebound skills will be getting a workout over the next few weeks – his band are touring all the way through to the latter half of May, playing a series of shows across the country to promote their crushing new single Suburban Life.

“We’re just doing weekend tours,” Coulter says. “I think that’s the way it goes for a lot of bands. Most bands have to work to earn a crust in addition to making their music, so they have to fit in a tour with the day job. Plus, nobody really wants to go out and see a band on a Wednesday night.”

As well as an eminently watchable frontman, Coulter is also a veteran of the music industry, and knows all too well what is required of an establishing band looking to carve a little space in the scene for themselves. Namely, he understands that bands have got to tour. “The thing is, if you’re a European band or a North American band you can just tour constantly,” Coulter says, almost a little enviously.

“Like with America, by the time you’ve finished doing an entire tour of the States – if you go to everywhere in America – then it’s time for you to start all over again. It will have been eight months since you started. And it’s the same with Europe – you can non-stop tour.

“But it’s not like that in Australia. There are only five places you can play that have a population of more than a million people. In Australia, [to make it] you either have a big song on the radio, or you

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“Maintaining one relationship is hard enough, so maintaining a marriage-like relationship with two or three other people is a struggle sometimes. There are ups and downs, but there is also an implicit trust that comes with being in a band. If you don’t have that, then you’re going to be in trouble,” Coulter says.

“You either want to have that solid trust, and those brotherly, sisterly relationships, or you want to have a shitload of money so you can afford to stay away from each other.”

When & Where: The Workers Club, Fitzroy - May 19

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Pakington Cottage A reinvented favourite Written and photographed by Amanda Sherring

↑↑ Geelong Wholefoods reopens with new location After closing its doors recently in town, Geelong Wholefoods has reopened with a completely new look and location. The cafe part of the business opened May 1, boasting a minimalist feel with crisp white tiles, some greenery and featured woodwork. You can find the new venue at 70-72 Mercer St, Geelong.

After looking for opportunities to create a social enterprise in Siem Reap, Cambodia, mother and son duo James and Tracy Skilbeck decided to do something a bit closer to home.

Within around eight hours of the Cottage cafe going on the market and a call from James’ business broker, the pair had found the perfect location to make their socially conscious business dreams a reality.

“We came and sat down with the owners for three hours, had a big chat with them and we said, ‘Let’s do it’. We could see it had a lot of potential,” James says.

Before taking over the business late last year, James worked hands-on for three weeks with the previous owners and staff in gaining a full understanding of the Pakington Street favourite – what worked and what didn’t. From there the mother-son duo were able to apply what they’d hoped for the venue, as well as what they’d learnt would be best for the customers.

As a result, the newly renovated space boasts a homely feel, a fresh coat of paint, a new look menu catering to dietary and allergy needs and an emphasis on supporting local. Remnants of the old cafe remain

↑↑ Blackman’s Brewery has created an espresso martini kölsch beer Partnering with Cartel Coffee Roasters and Long Miles Coffee, Blackman’s Brewery has created an espresso martini kölsch. The coffee beans come from Burundi in Africa which have been sourced and roasted by locals Cartel Coffee. The beer launches at the GABS event in Melbourne on May 19-21 but will also become available as a mixed six pack at Dan Murphy’s in the coming weeks.

The Deck Geelong Written by Talia Rinaldo

↑↑ Vietnamese flavours come to Barwon Heads Opening six months ago in a heritage listed cottage in Barwon Heads, Hanoi Kitchen is the newest Vietnamese restaurant in the region dishing up flavour-packed meals six days a week. Reminiscent of a traditional Vietnamese eatery, the space is cozy and inviting featuring dishes inspired

by Hong’s hometown – including the delicious and hugely popular pho – with an emphasis on sharing plates. It’s located at 37 Hitchcock Avenue in Barwon Heads.

↑↑ The Federal in North Geelong is officially open After having one hell of a launch party, The Federal in North Geelong is officially open for business. The menu focuses on modern Australian and Meditteranean cuisine, with such items as coconut and mango french toast, slipper lobster and whitefish linguine, caramalised fig pizza and many more. You can find The Federal at 13 Mackey Street in North Geelong

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With fresh faces, a fully refurbished bar, taps primed and ready to pour, and a kitchen firing up the ovens, The Deck has had a major make over and is ticking all the boxes with what the new owners have in store.

Formally known as Geelong’s Max Hotel, it was when the team behind Shepparton’s The Deck (a restaurant/bar for diners and party-goers alike) saw the space on the market, that they sent manager Jarrad Anders down to offer Geelong a brand new watering hole with a difference.

Originally from Sydney, Anders previously helped get The Deck in Shepparton up and running, making him the perfect candidate for this new venture and complete remodel of the live music venue along the Waterfront. “We took over end of January and then we started renovating a couple of weeks into February and it’s sort of still ongoing, but the main chunk of it is done now,” he says.

In a historical hotel dating back to 1854, it was given the ultimate refresh with the brand new wooden style décor, bigger fridges (which means more room for beer), and patched up floors, all in the hopes of making it more manageable and more inviting to the public.

with menu favourites the eggs Benedict, the burger and original corn jacks still available to order.

With the concept of the business originally inspired by Tracy and James’ connection with a young Cambodian man, the Geelong cafe is currently working on partnering with a charity focused on helping the Cambodian community.

“I met Somnang a couple of years ago in Cambodia and he just came across as a really hard worker. But just like a lot of people in Cambodia, he had been dealt with a hard hand,” Tracy says. “The scale of the poverty there is just mind-numbing.”

Pakington Cottage also stocks Thank You water and soap, Who Gives a Crap toilet paper and donates leftover food to Spare Meals Geelong.

“They just do the most incredible job. If we don’t have food leftover on a Monday or a Friday, I’ll just take $50 out of the till and be like, ‘What do you need?’” Tracy says before adding. “We’re just trying to look after this area as much as we can.”

With Tracy and James both passionate about good food and good company, James in particular honed his skills making his way through university

With a change in looks also comes a change in the offerings with longer opening hours, crazy good themed Thursday Uni Nights, open mic nights, RnB Friday Nights, and massive Saturday night events.

“Saturday night is when we are starting to do events, we have a few Melbourne DJs coming up, but then we also have a few bands booked as well,” Anders says.

DJ’s who have already been spinning the decks at the venue include both local and Melbourne acts including Myles Mac, Planet D, Duckfat, Marley Swain, and more recently Teddy Cream and Brad Smit, with upcoming talents Courtney Mills and Josh Shoe this weekend.

Already looking to upscale their current DJ booth to cater for live bands and even bigger DJ acts, the guys at The Deck have big plans in motion, with talk of a ‘Drag Bingo’, hosting a ‘Social Salsa’ dance event, weekly functions, and even interstate events. “We’ve been talking to a hip hop group from Sydney and bringing their One Day Sunday here which has been pretty big in other cities. It looks like 99% it will be coming here, so that will be a Sunday thing.

“We are just sort of testing the waters at the moment. We are still very much in the trial and error stage right now and just trying to see what people want. We didn’t come here to bring Shepparton to Geelong because that’s just not how it works – we are just trying to find our own niche at the moment.”

While located directly across the road from Deakin’s Waterfront Campus, don’t be fooled. The Deck is not just a uni pub, also offering after-work drinks to Geelong CBD workers just as much as any other patron of Geelong. “Uni students only have so much to spend each week, and the same with the office people. They don’t go to work 9-5 to spend every cent of it here. We’re just trying to find something sustainable so tapping into each market each day and finding other demographics as well is our aim.”

As for the food, the guys at The Deck are offering the good stuff. With $10 lunch specials Monday to Friday, along with a few different dinner specials, the meals are complimentary to the laid back vibe and drinking experience. “At the moment we are doing cheap Tuesday night with a $10 menu, Wednesday night burger and fries night and Thursday night

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while working at Aireys Inlet’s A La Grecque and ensures his passion lies in good customer service.

Pair their passions with the fresh, expansive menu and Pakington Cottage is a venue that’s good for you and the community to eat at.

Where: 359 Pakington St, Newtown When: Mon–Sun 8am–3pm Site: www.pakingtoncottage.com.au Ph: 03 5229 1599

Parma night,” Anders says, “We might have a look at changing it up and shuffling the nights around a little bit, but it’s pretty much where we are going with it.” The guys are also offering their time-poor customers the chance to pre-order their lunch break simply by giving them a call first.

With the food hot, rest assured the beers are cold – and cheap, with the guys getting drink specials for before and after Geelong home footy games, along with $5 Coronas to sit by several big screens to watch the AFL and NBA games (with an even bigger screen soon to be on its way). And don’t sweat it about having to go home early, with the guys licensed to 3am every night – “for better or for worse”.

Get your hands around frosty pints of beer, pop in for a look and cheers the boys for giving the people a sweet new spot to go.

Where: 2 Gheringhap St, Geelong When: Mon 11am – 7pm, Tues 11am – 10pm, Wed 11am – 10pm, Thurs 11am – 3am, Fri & Sat 11am – 3am, Sunday 11am – 9pm Phone: (03) 5229 5504 Online: www.facebook. com/thedeckgeelong

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Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever On their recent EP, roughing it and plans of a debut album Written by Chelsea King

In between local and international tours, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever (RBCF) have been killing it following the release of their most recent EP ‘The French Press’, with the band even managing to find time to film a quirky little music video for their latest single ‘Sick Bug’. The clip sees the boys play on a country tennis court, and features the infamous Chewy dog who has appeared in three of their videos now. “‘The French Press’ video clip we sort of all did ourselves with our friends and we sort of wrote the vision for that and put together ourselves. This one [Sick Bug] we just put in the hands of Marie Pangaud. We had to go overseas the next day so we had a morning to film it,” electric guitarist and vocalist Tom Russo says.

“We went out to a friend’s house out in the bush about an hour out of Melbourne with no real plan.

We flew a drone over and got some shots from the top and played around with a few things. It was really easy and fun.”

The band has just recently come back from performing on an intense schedule at SXSW (South by Southwest Film Festival), touring with Tennis and playing some of their own shows in the U.S – they even managed to make it through playing seven gigs in four days. On a few occasions, the boys had to rough it and sleep on yoga mats on the floor of a dorm just to get by.

“We didn’t really know what to expect, but it was definitely a lot better than any of us could have imagined. It was great bonding with the band. We saw a lot of cool music. I think it helped us get really tight as a band because you’ve just got to get up, set up in five minutes and play,” Russo says, “We then

Tim Hulsman On a record based on love’s complexities and an upcoming Geelong gig Written by Alex Callan

After causing a lot of buzz with his 2014 release Dead Man’s Garden, Geelong based singer Tim Hulsman is back with his long awaited sophomore release Get Loved. With the albums lyrical content tackling all things love, Hulsman’s soaring voice highlights truly how diverse of an emotion it can be and the different ways it can impact our individual lives.

“I wanted to come at it from a whole heap of different angles. When I was writing the album and collecting the songs for it I just realised how many different ways love can affect you. There is a love song on there, but there is also a love song for my guitar - it’s not just about people,” Hulsman says, “There are a lot of main areas of love that you face throughout your life; romantic love, love for something like a hobby, family love and that unconditional aspect of it, love for friends and your social community and also loss, because sometimes love doesn’t work out. I feel we are constantly dealing with some aspect of love in our life; it affects us in some kind of way whether it is a positive or a negative. Even addiction is a type of love, you can love something so much that you can’t live without it and that again can be a good or bad thing.

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played our own headline show in New York at this great little club in Brooklyn called Baby’s Alright.

Again, we didn’t know what to expect for our own show but it ended up selling out. Everyone was so nice and it was an amazing time.”

Once they wrap up touring Australia for their latest EP, RBCF are heading to Europe and the UK together for the first time. After getting a lot of love on UK radio, the boys have already sold out a couple of London shows and signed an international deal with Sub Pop - who the boys met with on the recent trip to the States.

“They pretty much treated us like family. We went out for dinner and drinks a lot and played a really great last show in Seattle with everyone from Sub Pop down there. We signed with them sort of late last year and it was a bit unusual because we’d never met with any of them personally, we’d just talked with some of them through email. They just signed us on the back of the demo songs we sent them.”

Additionally, the boys have also signed to I OH YOU’s new management label Converge. RBCF are one of the first bands to team up with Converge, alongside The Belligerents. It was actually I OH YOU’s Johann Ponniah who first took interest in the band some time ago.

“A few years ago we just put out an EP - pretty much just recorded it ourselves - and put it out on the internet. Johann had heard it somehow and got in touch. We’d heard of a few I OH YOU bands before but never met him. We talked to him a bit and ended up agreeing for him and Scott Armstrong to manage us. We’ve since become really great mates. They’re great guys. They do things for the right reason.”

From here, the boys are planning to knuckle down and finally release their debut album, somehow managing to find time in their touring schedule to write new music.

“We’ve done a couple of EPs, but we’re really excited to be putting together an actual long player.

Essentially the two EPs were just collections of singles. This one, we’re approaching it like a unified body of work.”

When & Where: Karova Lounge, Ballarat - June 2 & The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine - June 3

Alice Skye An artist with no shortage of inspiration or passion Written by Talia Rinaldo

Alice Skye is the modest and passionate Aboriginal Australian singer/songwriter from Horsham who, without the pairing of vocals and piano becoming her inspiration and focus from a very young age, actually planned to become the next Cathy Freeman.

“As a kid, I was really into running and sport. Cathy Freeman was my idol, I just told everybody I was going to be the next her when I was really young,” she laughs. “But I always, always played piano. When my sister started playing piano I just immediately wanted to copy her when I was four or five. I've always had that influence around me. I loved it so much, but it was never a goal or an idea that I would be doing it one day, it just happened.”

Now based in Melbourne, music has definitely turned into a career for Skye who is now experimenting with new sounds, playing with a live band for her upcoming gig at Narana Unplugged III - a performance for Rock For Reconciliation next month.

“I've been playing a lot more gigs with my band rather than being by myself so I'm excited for this one in particular because we've written a whole lot of new songs - it's going to be fun to play some songs that we've never played for a crowd before,” Skye says, confessing the support from a band has been a real stepping stone for her confidence.

“It's really scary to be on stage by yourself, and not have that on-stage support. These are boys I've known since I was four and we've grown up together back home, so if I was going to play with anyone, I couldn't imagine it being anyone but them,” she says. “It just gives me more of a chance to do more than one thing; I really like writing by myself and playing piano, but it can limit you in terms of what sound you can produce so it's nice to have drums and guitar to have a bit more of a contrast between songs.”

“It wasn’t an intentional theme, it just kind of showed itself, and then once that theme showed itself it became a big part of the refining process. I had a lot of songs written for the album and then some just didn’t end up working with the overarching theme.

It’s not like I sat down with Get Loved as a title and then wrote the album. I do write about love a lot, but I’m not really interested in writing sappy love songs.

I just find the subject itself and the complexities that it brings to human interaction very intriguing. I also write about death a lot, which is kind of the end of the spectrum.”

In support of Get Loved, Hulsman will be touring around the country playing a stack of shows, as well as stopping in for a gig at Geelong’s Kubo Studios.

“I’m really excited about the Geelong show. We have The Sequels playing with us as well and they are an awesome band - I saw them play with Residual a few weeks ago and they were fantastic. It’s going to be a really good night. I’m hoping quite a few turn up for it because it would be really cool to have a packed crowd and a good vibe down at Kubu. It’s a great place with a really cool warehouse vibe there. I love the vibe of it, and it’s not just the average pub gig.”

When & Where: Sutton’s House of Music, Ballarat – June 2, Sooki Lounge, Belgrave – June 4 & Kubu Studio, Geelong – June 9

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At Narana, Skye will be joined by the likes of Benny Walker (with claims of a possible onstage duet), Nathan Seeckts, Rach Brennan and Lyndon Morgan for an event focusing on creating positive dialogue and action on issues of National Reconciliation.

“I'm fortunate enough to be asked to be involved, especially when it's something like Rock for Reconciliation because that's something really close to home for me and it's similar people from similar backgrounds. There's this kind of unspoken understanding of each other from the beginning.”

Since the beginning of 2015, the 21 year old has had two tracks featured triple j's Unearthed and was one of eight winners of the Alukura Songwriting Competition, chosen to record at the CAAMA Music studios in Alice Springs for her very first release 'You Are the Mountains'. CAAMA knew they were onto a good thing, asking the young artist back to record an EP which has now turned into a debut album, with her first single set for release on July 7 coinciding with her late father's birthday.

“I just had too many songs. It was really bizarre.

In the lead up to me going back to Alice Springs to record with CAAMA I was so nervous. I only had three or four songs and I wanted to have more than that just in case some weren't as good, or just so we could maybe cut it down to the best four. I ended up having 10 when I got there, and wrote a couple more while I was there, so I think we've ended up now with eight recorded – so it's definitely an album instead of an EP,” she says.

“It worked out really well and I actually ended up going back to Alice Springs again to work on a couple more. I really fell in love with Alice Springs as a place - it's stolen a piece of my heart. I was just so excited to go back and do something that I loved which was just writing and recording music.”

When & Where: Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Grovedale – June 3 from 12pm Image by Danny McShane

Toe To Toe On The Importance Of Discussing Politics And Bringing People Together Written by Anna Rose

The honest and heavy messages spread throughout Toe To Toe’s latest album Rise Up make it an easy release to fall in love with. “I think a lot of our albums can get to the stage where we beat people over the head too much, so with this one we wanted to beat them slowly and make them like it,” says vocalist Scott Mac. It’s slow effective torture Mac agrees, with the video for the lead single and title track carrying some very cool anarchist animations and an epic colour scheme. Toe To Toe do have a clear agenda for what they want the people of Australia to rise up against.

Themselves.

“That video and the song, people are tagging us as [being of] certain political movements and sides, and it’s definitely not about that. This band is more about the individual standing up for themselves, not the collective thought.

“It all fell into place and looked a certain way, ‘Rise up out of you grave today/chained to the world/we’ve got to break away,’ that’s the sort of stuff I’m thinking about, how do we get out of this? It’s not as politically motivated as it may seem.”

Though political motivation is the impression Rise Up gives with its sound, lyricism and imagery, as Mac says, he’s not taking sides per se – Toe To Toe’s take is more that of the individual’s stance on the world. “We’re living in very, very interesting times but we don’t hitch our stuff to any side or any movement. Toe To Toe has always been about you, your own rights and standing up for yourself.”

A potent message, Mac is clearly disenchanted with the world. “It’s not going real great at the moment is it – did you notice that too?” he laughs.

“I’m quite into politics, I’m more into discussion of it, not quite either side of it. It’s hard, my whole thing, I’m into the philosophy of the discussion, I’m

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not into ‘This is the way it’s got to be and you’re stupid if you don’t believe that.’ I’m more about, ‘So what do you think about this?’ That’s me.

“I think one side has a lot of emotion and the other relies on facts and statistics – those two ideologies.

I describe myself as straight down the middle, some things are right, some things are wrong.”

Perhaps there is some personal political undertone in the new album but nevertheless, the lyrics for Rise Up are powerful indeed. Mac explains he firmly believes there’s power in people to make change.

“If we still believe in democracy we have to make it work a little bit better. Again for me, the power is the

power of discussion and debate. To me, we’re really undermining ourselves as a species by not being able to talk about things.

“The parties, just vote them out – believe it or not, the Sex Party has better policies than anyone else, they’re just calling themselves that so everyone’s ears prick up, they’ve got other things going on. It’s a strange time in politics and the world at the moment.”

For Toe To Toe’s upcoming tour, it’s Mac’s hope that the band’s audience are filled with people of different opinions, beliefs, colours and creeds. “That’s what we’ve always been about, that was my upbringing.

To me it’s normal – all this talk of exclusion, are we worse people, are things worse or are we being told things are worse? Is there an industry in that?

“We like all shapes and sizes, black, white or pringle, whatever tickles your fancy, we’re down with everyone.”

When & Where: Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne – June 3 Release: Rise Up is out now via Golden Robot Records.

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children of the sun the burbs tom walker and the sick individuals yes, yes whatever

NBZ UI THE WORKERS CLUB, GEELONG .": 5) AIREYS PUB, AIREYS INLET .": 5) OLD BAR, MELBOURNE .": 5) EDINBURUGH CASTLE, ADELAIDE FORTÉ 664

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The Hot Guy: The story behind the frothy romantic comedy novel Forté chat to the co-authors and film critic duo Mel Campbell and Anthony Morris on their first novel ‘The Hot Guy’.

Congratulations on the recent release of ‘The Hot Guy’. Tell us a little bit about what readers can expect from the novel?

Anthony: Hopefully a lot of laughs – it’s a romantic comedy, but as I am in no way romantic, we really doubled down on the comedy side of things.

Mel: Lots of madcap antics, popculture parodies, frequent coarse language and adult themes.

Both of you are well-regarded writers and critics – is this the first novel that either of you have written?

Anthony: I have written a couple of (unpublishable) novels in the past. Working with Mel was a lot more fun. We basically just tried to make each other laugh, and hopefully that comes through in the finished product.

Mel: Writing a novel has always been my idea of ‘proper’ writing.

I’ve tried and abandoned lots of novel projects, mainly because I was over-thinking the process.

Getting anxious about whether I could do ‘literary’ writing – whether I could be an ‘author’ and not just a journalist and critic.

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Anthony, how have you found moving from reviewing films, into long-form novel writing? Has there been any difficulties associated?

Anthony: Not really, though my (and Mel’s) film reviewing experiences come through pretty heavily in the book.

There are a lot of jokes about bad movie trailers in there.

What was the inspiration behind the story idea that is now ‘The Hot Guy’?

Mel: As film critics, we’ll often find ourselves in the foyer afterwards, picking apart what worked and didn’t about the film, and cracking jokes about the plot and characters. ‘The Hot Guy’ came out of a lot of ‘what if…?’ scenarios.

Tell us a bit about the main characters in the novel, Adam and Cate. Who or what was it that inspired you to give them the characteristics and features that each of them have?

Anthony: Adam was always going to be hot, but we soon realised if he knew how hot he was he’d probably be a jerk.

Mel: We didn’t want Cate to be your standard quirky romcom heroine with a glamorous fantasy job. We wanted her to have a humorous approach to life, but also a sense of vulnerability because people are rejecting her for what she feels is her authentic self.

And how did the concept of ‘The Hot Guy’ and writing it together come about?

Anthony: We’d spent so much time talking together about stupid movies, it just made sense to write the book together.

Mel: Plus we knew talking about this kind of thing was fun, so the only work we had to do was just writing it all down.

Were there any joint madwriting sessions had between the two of you?

Anthony: They were all joint writing sessions! We quickly realised the best way to make sure we moved forward with the project was to be in the same room encouraging each other.

Or just coming up with bad jokes the other would refuse to put into the manuscript.

Mel: We like to text each other “BLAZE IT” at 4:20pm every so often. Wait, that’s probably not what you meant by ‘joint mad-writing sessions’…

To our understanding, the novel has a couple of ‘hot and heavy’ scenes. How did the two of you approach and manage the co-writing of sex scenes?

Anthony: I was fine with writing the sexy stuff, but it quickly became clear that my idea of ‘sexy’ wasn’t exactly sexy.

Mel: For us, what’s sexy is two people realising they can be themselves together – that they understand each other and don’t have to pretend, or play games.

What’s something that every good sex scene needs in a book?

Anthony: Brevity? It also helps if you can figure out a way to make things seem sexy without resorting to mechanical descriptions. Or descriptions of machinery in general.

Lastly, how did you find writing together? Can we expect a follow up?

Anthony: It was a whole lot of fun.

And we’d love to do a follow-up!

Buy more copies so we can!

The Hot Guy is available now at all good retailers.

A cartoonist on why she does what she does Written by Lucy Rollason

Having great ideas pop out of thin air is something that comes naturally to me, and drawing cartoons is a way of expressing them - I have so many ideas that I will even write them into my phone calendar so I don’t forget them and turn them into art pieces for ‘It’s Cartoon Time’.

The first cartoon I ever drew was called “The Future”, where I drew an old man talking to a young boy and the boy had a problem hearing him. I think the irony in that is that a lot of elderly people have hearing problems, and the younger generations are starting to lose hearing too from playing loud music often. I remember showing the cartoon to my mum, and she laughed and said ‘that’s really good, you should do more’. I spent that day drawing more cartoons, and about a week later had enough to start up a Facebook page which I now add to every few days.

I chose cartoons as a way of expression because visually you can tell a story so much more vividly than by word of mouth. I can portray my ideas in the way that I want them to come across. I edit them with computer software to tweak them and to make them stand out that little bit more.

Drawing cartoons is my passion, and I’ve had lots of positive feedback. Usually the biggest response is “that’s funny” or “they are really clever”. A lot of people say they can relate to my humour and the puns I use. I try to be as literal as possible - it’s just how my humour works. It is better to have at least three puns in the one cartoon, just so there is more to keep the audience entertained with.

For example, I drew a cartoon about a Cat Cafe, where the crockery read “enjoy every meowful”, and I had the coffee available in “de-cat”. That one

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was popular. I had one person tell me that I had a cult following in Hobart, and a lot of people tell me that they look forward to the daily cartoons. It only takes about 10 minutes for me to draw one, and then editing is about five minutes, so I fly through them pretty quickly.

In drawing cartoons, the ones relevant to what’s happening in the media always get the biggest response because that’s what people can relate to.

My best selling cartoon was one I did about Donald Trump, where I had trump being “grilled” by the heat of the public. People commented about how they agreed with my cartoon, and it had heaps of likes and shares. I think it was popular because it got people talking. Cartoons that are controversial do generally cause conversations on certain topics. Some cartoons more than others get people talking, and obviously I am never hateful or racist in my illustrations - I believe this is stepping over the line. However, I do like to spark debate. There is a line between conversational pieces and hateful messages.

I think there should be more cartoonists out there, drawing is a way of expressing views and ideas about society and the world. My main inspiration and idol is Australian cartoonist Michael Leunig who I follow regularly. I draw cartoons similar to him, although a lot less philosophical but I put my own style into them. I am also a fan of Mark Knight, I think his work is individual and funny.

There aren’t many careers for cartoonists, but it would be great to see more opportunities for people who want to draw their own content. Ultimately I will use my cartoons and push them towards something big. I see big things for ‘It’s Cartoon Time’ in the future.

See more at www.facebook.com/ itscartoontimefolks

Ballarat Heritage Weekend Exploring the mysterious side of Ballarat’s past Written by Chelsea King

There’s no town quite like Ballarat, and the annual Heritage Weekend is back again to prove it.

The final weekend of May is dedicated to celebrating the town’s unique landscapes, street-scape and history. Held in the heart of the CBD, the weekend will highlight the mysterious side of Ballarat’s past, focusing particularly on the 1950s.

Around every corner there will be notable speakers, heritage experts, live music, magic, mystery, beards, books, beers and vintage and fun. We’ve highlighted some of the events from the action packed, albeit mysterious weekend.

When & Where: Various locations, Ballarat – May 27 & 28 For the full program run down or to book events head to www.heritageweekend.com.au

Vintage Fashion In honour of the fabulous fifties, Charlotte Smith will showcase vintage 50’s fashion at the Mining Exchange. The elegant Darnell collection will be displayed on the catwalk by local models featuring flirty, romantic and feminine short and long gowns and stunning accessories. Furthermore, join guests Jacinta Tynan and Tara Moss in conversation as they discuss the importance and the empowerment of fashion as well as their journey to stardom.

Séance & Murder Delving into Ballarat’s mysterious past; visitors can board The Begonia Princess paddle-boat for a mystery tour of Lake Wendouree and hear the sad stories of some intriguing drownings, deaths and murders that occurred in the murky waters of the famous lake. If ‘bodies in the lake’ isn’t your thing, there is an opportunity to participate in a traditional Victorian séance. Head down into Craig’s Royal Hotel to watch a medium attempt to contact

the dead and raise the spirit of the one and only Ned Kelly. This one’s not for the faint-hearted...

Ghost Tour Ballarat is saturated in Australian history, making it a perfect opportunity to spend an evening exploring the dark and paranormal side of the town’s early days. This Ballarat Ghost Tour will take you many underground buildings, back alleys, and through the remains of the old Ballarat Gaol, where there was the second highest number of executions in Victoria.

A Mystery Trail There is also the opportunity to get involved in the action yourself at the Heritage Weekend. You can pick up a detective booklet from the Mining Exchange and explore some of the town’s incredible heritage buildings.

Solve puzzles in each location to narrow down the list of suspects to find out who stole the statuette. Perfect for uncovering the Sherlock Holmes in all of you.

Doctor Blake This is one of first opportunities to go behind the scenes of The Doctor Blake Mysteries. A brand new coach tour will take you to many of the filming locations with chances to take plenty of photos. Alongside some Ballarat history there will also be commentary on classic episodes of the hit ABC TV series.

People’s Choice Awards and plenty of prizes up for grabs.

Register your beard now!

This event has something for everyone, with a range of food, drink and market stalls. Come along and enjoy the fun.

A bit of Burlesque If dark and mysterious isn’t for you, then there is still plenty of light-hearted entertainment over the weekend. ‘Diamonds are forever’ is a naughty and funny burlesque show about undercover agents and double-crossing dames.

And of course, a Beards & ‘Stache Competition Back by popular demand is Ballarat’s Best Beard & Stach Comp. Held at Hot Temple with special guests The Nelson Twins (Australia’s Got Talent), there will be four categories, including

An inspiring women’s speaker and workshop event is coming to Geelong

Arj Barker is heading to Geelong, Bendigo and Warrnambool

A new collective for women of all ages has launched in Geelong and it’s holding an event full of inspiring workshops and speakers on July 15. The Glitter Project aims to ignite the passions of women and help them find their own “glitter project”. ome of the many workshops include unleashing your creative potential, creating a happy home and finding your purpose.

Speakers at the event include personal stylist Renee Enright, illustrator Tina Mose, raw food chef Eileen Sims, Louise Viveiros, life coach Nicole KnoxGray, Geelong Women in Business’ Samantha Krajina and many more.

Popular comedian Arj Barker is heading on tour again, and he’s been so kind as to take a detour from the metro cities and give regional towns some love. Last in Geelong on May 20 last year, he stops by Geelong Performing Arts Centre on August 31. He also pays a visit to Bendigo on August 25 and Warrnambool on September 2. As well as generously visiting regional towns, Arj is donating $1 from every ticket to Doctors Without Borders.

A Fat Pizza & Housos comedy show is heading to Geelong Following a sold-out run of Queensland last year, Paul Fenech is back with a new stand-up show. Pauly’s Fat Pizza & Housos Comedy Spectacular is a two-hour show with Pauly & Franky Falzoni, plus a few other personalities. It goes down at the The Geelong Hotel in Geelong on June 1. 18+ only. Tickets via Oztix.

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Duckfat finds its new home Previously located at Shop 2, 3 Dowsett St, the new retail space on Bellerine Street will feature a large range of vintage home wares from shelves, to mirrors, chairs and everything in between. Duckfat has also partnered with local florist As Daisy Does for the new location, offering creative bundles to add the finishing touches to your home. The store is known across Geelong for helping decorate some of the region’s most popular eateries, such as Sober Ramen, the ‘FRESH’ sign in Cartel Coffee, King of the Castle and more. The store is now located at 25 Bellerine Street, Geelong.

CREATIVES 35

Films reviewed by Anthony Morris

Reviews

↑↑ Personal Shopper

↑↑ John Wick: Chapter 2

↑↑ Snatched

↑↑ Alien: Covenant

↑↑ Don’t Tell

Maureen Cartwright (Kristen Stewart) is a personal shopper: a person whose job it is to go around and collect clothes for her celebrity client to wear. But there’s another reason why she’s haunting the streets of Paris – he brother recently died here, and with them supposedly mediums able to contact the dead, she’s desperate for him to get in touch from the other side. But when she starts getting mysterious text messages, are they the contact she’s been waiting for, or something sinister in the physical world? As much about a mood of vague unease than anything more concrete, this almost-a-thriller, barely-a-ghoststory film is sustained largely by the force of Stewart’s performance as a woman yearning for something she believes in but can’t quite give herself over to. Her restraint is perfectly in tune with this film’s subtle rhythms; those expecting jump scares should continue to shop around.

The first John Wick ended with hitman Wick (Keanu Reeves) seemingly having completed his mission of vengeance.

Not quite: while he may have exterminated the crime family that stole his car and killed his dog, he’s not the kind of guy to let anything slide – and so the first fifteen or so minutes of this sees Wick battling more Russian mobsters to get his car back… even if it’s in pieces. That extended sequence is a coda to the first film; when Italian mobster Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio) then turns up on Wick’s door wanting to call in a favour – he wouldn’t have asked, but after all the carnage it seems clear that Wick’s back in business – we get a whole new reason for Wick to gun down dozens of henchmen one by one. The story is very thin and a little shaky – it’s just less fun for Wick to be the hunted rather than the hunter – but it more than makes up for it with some fun world-building (most notably the stylish way Wick equips himself for the job D’Antonio wants him to do) and a string of extremely stylised action sequences where Reeves displays admirably stunt skills. The first John Wick was a revelation: this one cements the franchise as an action classic.

When she loses her job and her boyfriend in quick succession, all Emily Middleton (Amy Schumer) has to look forward to is a pre-booked holiday to Ecuador. Unfortunately, thanks to her being something of a horrible person, no-one wants to take her ex-boyfriend’s place; eventually she persuades her ultra-cautious mother Linda (Goldie Hawn) to tag along.

Unsurprisingly, they’re promptly kidnapped (Emily having hooked up with a local stud who spends his days looking for wealthy tourists), and when they manage to get free they’re stuck in the middle of the South American jungle with an armed gang after them and freedom a very, very long way away. Surprisingly, it’s the pre-kidnap material that’s the funniest stuff here, as Schumer gets to riff on her ditzy white girl persona with Hawn as a solid straight man. It’s not that the scenes in the jungle are bad – a tapeworm-removal sequence is definitely memorable - but in trying to balance an action-adventure story (complete with Christopher Meloni as a jungle guide who isn’t all he seems) with laughs often the laughs take second place. Hawn and Schumer have solid chemistry though, and while the inevitable bonding scenes are laugh-free at least there’s never any doubt that there’s a bond between them.

The year is 2104, and the colony ship Covenant (fifteen crew, 2000 colonists, all in hypersleep) is on its way to settle the planet Origae-6. They never get there: when a solar flare hits while the ship’s solar sails are extended during a recharge cycle, synthetic crewman Walter (Michael Fassbender) wakes up the crew to tackle the emergency.

Not all of them make it: during repairs crew member Tennessee (Danny McBride) picks up a strange but clearly human signal. With the signal coming from relatively close by, new captain Oram (Billy Crudup) overrides the concerns of his 2IC Daniels (Katherine Waterston) and sets a course for the strange signal’s source. This is, of course, a very bad idea. As a sequel to 2012’s Prometheus, this largely abandons the big questions about humanity’s origins for what often feels like a straight Alien reboot. With over a dozen crew there’s plenty of fresh meat for the slaughter here, but meat is all most of them are as even with a leisurely-verging-on-slow opening this never gets around to giving any of the characters any real character.

It’s a near-fatal flaw: without anyone to care about the rapid dispatch of some and the lingering doom hanging over the rest carries very little weight, splattering around gore with no real suspense.

When she was eleven Lyndall (Sara West) was abused by one of her teachers at a prestigious Queensland prep school. Ten years later her life is a shattered mess. With her abuser (Gyton Grantly) dead by his own hand when the truth came out, she wants to take the school to court for allowing it to happen. Solicitor Stephen Roche (Aden Young) is the only one who’ll take the case – despite his hostile past with the barrister (Jack Thompson) who’ll be handling it in court – but with the Anglican school system well-practised at buying people off to keep these cases quiet, what hope does she have of seeing real justice done? Based on Roche’s memoir of the real-life Toowoomba abuse case, this is a solid, unsurprising tear-jerker that wisely (considering the relative lack of suspense around the end result of the case) focuses as much on the characters as it does the courtroom twists and turns - though for courtroom fans there are plenty of last minute discoveries and judges murmuring “I’ll allow it”. West’s performance as the devastated but defiant Lyndall stands out amongst a universally strong cast; even Martin Sacks in a small role as her largely silent father is memorable.

The Film Wrap Record Watch

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword:

Tiny Giants

– Riverside on Blue Vinyl

Singles Simply Summed 01.

Aurelia Are We Losing

Surf coast’s latest exponent of Psych rock, first release on vinyl for this energetic young trio, who are awesome and tight live. much more than riff and repeat!

Mesmerising, Bjork, soul

02. Batpiss Paralyzed

For fans of: Wooden Ships, Animal Collective, King Gizzard.

Gritty, shred, build-up

03.

Jess Kent

Available at Real Music Geelong

Trolls Sugary, diss, rhyme

www.pivotcinema.com.au

36 Reviews

Pork Pie: This New Zealand road trip saga is a fun charmer – though why does every NZ film these days seem to end with a massive police chase?

Things to come

A Man called Ove

Personal Shopper

Land of mine

The salesman

May thu 18: 1.00pm, Fri 19: 5.15pm, Sat 20: 4.30pm, Sun 21: 11.00am, Mon 22: 6.00pm, Tue 23: 11.00am, Wed 24: 6.30pm, thu 25: 5.15pm, Sat 27: 1.00pm, mon 28: 7.00pm, tue 29: 11.00am, thu 31:1.00pm

May thu 18: 3.00pm, Sat 20: 2.15pm, Mon 22: 11.00am, Tue 23: 3.00pm, thu 25: 7.30pm, wed 30: 3.30pm, thu 31: 3.00pm

May thu 18: 7.30pm, Fri 19: 1.00pm, Sat 20: 8.30pm, Sun 21: 9.00pm, Mon 22: 1.30pm, Tue 23: 5.15pm, Wed 24: 4.30pm, 8.30pm, thu 25: 1.00pm, fri 26: 5.15pm, Sat 27: 6.45pm, mon 28: 12.45pm, tue 29: 7.00pm, wed 30: 11.00am (MUMS), thu 31:11.00am

May Fri 19: 9.15pm, Sun 21: 3.00pm (FINAL)

May Mon 22: 8.00pm, Wed 24: 2.15pm, mon 28: 2.45pm (FINAL)

Frantz

2016 | Biography | 1h 43m

2016 | Drama | 1h 42m

Cnr. Moorabool & Verner St. South Geelong

Director Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Man from UNCLE) doesn’t seem like the logical choice for a King Arthur movie, so it’s no surprise this is a mash-up of fantasy spectacle and his more standard street-level action.

2015 | Drama/Comedy | 1h 56m

Country doctor

2016 | Drama/Comedy | 1h 42m

May thu 18: 5.30pm, Fri 19: 11.00am, Sat 20: 6.30pm, Sun 21: 7.00pm, Tue 23: 1.00pm, thu 25: 11.00am, fri 26: 3.15pm, Sat 27: 11.00am, mon 28: 5.00pm, tue 29: 3.15pm, wed 30: 1.15pm FORTÉ 664

2016 | Mystery/Drama | 1h 50m

2016 | Drama/History | 1h 53m

May Fri 19: 3.00pm, Mon 22: 3.45pm, fri 26: 11.00am, Sat 27: 4.45pm (FINAL)

2015 | Drama/History | 1h 41m

Met opera – la traviata

May Sat 20: 11.00am, Wed 24: 11.00am

A street cat named bob

May Sun 21: 5.00pm, fri 26: 1.15pm, tue 29: 9.00pm, wed 30: 6.00pm

2016 | Drama/Thriller | 2h 5m

Eagle Huntress

2016 | Sport/Adventure | 1h 41m

May Tue 23: 7.15pm, Sat 27: 3.00pm, mon 28: 11.00am, tue 29: 5.15pm, thu 31: 7.30pm

Berlin Syndrome

2017 | Drama/Thriller | 1h 56m

May thu 25: 3.00pm, fri 26: 7.15pm, Sat 27: 8.45pm, mon 28: 9.00pm, tue 29: 1.00pm

genres, in particular the uptempo nature of the keys is what leaves it feeling a little bit lost in the overall EP. Nonetheless, lyrically (“I am nothing more than someone you disposed of long ago... change is the only constant we have”) and vocally, it still holds true to the rest of The Only Constant is Change.

PREMIER REVIEW

Izzy Losi and the Auracles The Only Constant is Change Independent Reviewed by Alexander Lightfoot

The addition of the cello on ‘Nothin’ On Me’ is the perfect pairing to Losi’s vocals. Particularly with the emotion expressed in this track, the cello pushes those feelings along tenfold. As a result it’s a powerful song that sets Losi as one of the finest female vocalists coming out of the region.

Change is the track on the release with the biggest beat, but it’s also one that sticks out as being very different from the other five tracks. It pushes the envelope on the rock-pop

Photography by: Lauren McIntosh

It all ends in a fitting way (unless you’ve gotten the vinyl with the bonus track, A Little Too Close) with Losi’s vocals carrying the instruments and the track overall into a musical climax.

All of a sudden things stop. And the track slowly weaves its way through your ears. It’s a clever choice for this particular song, and as a result it sits as one of the most engaging on the release.

Hold out for when the other band members chip in harmonising alongside Losi to the song’s climax. Props to the drummer for really bringing it at the end too.

Where the band’s strengths and appeal really lies is when they put Losi’s vocals at the forefront, with a gentle beat, piano and even some cello (as they have done with this release). With a performance set for Queenscliff Music Festival later this year, we can see this may just be the release to project them on to bigger and better things.

cd r eviews

It’s been a little while since we’ve heard from local band, Izzy Losi and the Auracles, and with this release their sound has matured. Another thing that’s a change from

past releases (fitting we talk about change with the EP title), is the mesmerising depth of Losi’s voice.

Groovin’ The Moo

↑↑ San Cisco

↑↑ Screamfeeder

↑↑ Clowns

↑↑ Frenzal Rhomb

The Water

Pop Guilt

Lucid Again

Hi-Vis High Tea

Island City Records

FOUR FOUR

Poison City Records

Fat Wreck Chords

Reviewed by Chelsea King

Reviewed by Tex Miller

Reviewed by Tex Miller

Reviewed by Chelsea King

It’s been fourteen years since Screamfeeder have released an album and to be honest, it’s like they’ve never left. Opening with the anthemic ‘Half Lies’, their new album sounds as bold as they ever have.

From Brisbane, Screamfeeder has toured the world many times over and with this new set of songs, it seems that there is a renewed sense of energy and charisma to show.

Kellie Lloyd and Tim Stewart who are the main writing force behind Screamfeeder, have definitely brought it to the table with songs such as ‘Got A Feeling’, ‘Alone in a Crowd’ and ‘Sonic Souvenirs’.

After a few listens of the album, I couldn’t see to shake the melody to ‘All Over It Again’ from my mind.

Infectious and catchy as hell, this album is one that will be stuck in your mind for days. Without realising, you’ll be driving along or in the middle of the supermarket, and melodies from all across Pop Guilt will instantly come back to you. It’s all down to brilliant song-writing.

Sounding like the soundtrack to your friend’s high school party, this is an album that surprises you with melodies again and again. Ballsy guitar and sweet rock vocal melodies make Pop Guilt an album to bring a smile to your face again and again.

It seems a little strange that you’d open a record with a six minute track, but if were talking about Melbourne punk collective Clowns new album Lucid Again, which we are, then it totally works fine. It’s a slow build to the middle of the chorus, but then the band kicks into over gear and it sounds a little bit Brian Jonestown Massacre-y, and maybe to a lesser extent Tame Impala.

Their previous album Bad Blood took out the #1 spot for Triple j’s Short Fast Loud album poll back in 2015 and it’s easy to see that this is a band on the rise. With more to say than ever, this album is loud, abrasive, rough and ready to go. Thundering drum and psychedelic electric guitar greets your ears as you delve into ‘Like a Knife At A Gunfight’. There’s a lo-fi 70’s tinge to this punk rock but it’s definitely one to entice you further and further into the moshpit. Stevie Williams vocals are full of conviction and emotion and the band sounds as tight as they have ever been.

It’s no surprise reading that Clowns have supported NOFX and Rise Against, because with their third album they have delivered a highly charged set of nine tracks set to explode. There’s only one way to listen to Clowns impressive new album Lucid Again and that’s loud.

Frenzal Rhomb have well and truly mastered the art of punk rock with their ninth studio album ‘Hi-Vis High Tea’. The band has somehow managed to cram 20 songs into a 30 minute album, each song packing its own punch. Hi-Vis High Tea is a concept album, with narratives scattered throughout the many songs.

It’s difficult to believe that more than half of the band was in hospital sometime prior to this immaculate record. Drummer Gordy has only recently got his cast off his broken arms, albeit the sounds on this album are stronger than ever. Songs such as ‘Waiting for the Postman’ continue the notion of comical situations in which this album was birthed. ‘School Reunion’, is a fast paced song with a repetitive chorus that is over before it even began, embodying the band’s latest album. The drums carry the humorous lyrics not only on this track, but the whole album.

While it could be easy for songs to get lots in such a long track list, Frenzal Rhomb manage to make each song as engaging as the last. Frenzal Rhomb are on tour for this album and you can catch them in Bendigo at Music Man on the 27th of July.

Fremantle’s San Cisco are back again with the surf pop sounds we’ve come to know and love. Much like their previous records, San Cisco’s third album The Water is dance friendly, however this is easily the band’s most refined piece of work. The Water was made over a six-month period and features ten punchy tracks, accentuating each member’s strengths.

‘Hey, Did I Do You Wrong’ is one of the first singles from the record and is hard not to love. The music video for this track features footage of the band on the road, with plenty of golden hour shots to accompany the whimsical song. The eponymous track, while still upbeat, has fragile undertones as main lyricist Jordi Davieson continues to write about relationships.

This track slowly fades into nothingness, commenting on the changing nature of relationships. Songs like ‘Waiting For The Weekend’ carry this album into a dreamy haze that only San Cisco can take you to. It becomes apparent through the sentimental lyrics of these tracks that the band has matured from when they first released ‘Golden Revolver’ in 2010 after they graduated High School.

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Reviews 37

pop culture

pulp

blues news

too heavy to hug

SURFBEAT

Written by Anthony Morris

Written by Alastair McGibbon

Written by john (dr john) lamp

Written by Paul S. Taylor

By John Foss

When it comes to movies that left us wanting more, Blade Runner is… a tricky one. It’s not like there was a lot of story left over after the credits rolled, but with it being perhaps the first film to really drive home the idea of multiple versions – when it was first released on DVD it came in a box set with five different edits thanks to fans that had been obsession over various cuts – it’s hard to say there was ever really a definitive version. And with the 80s currently being Hollywood’s favourite decade to strip-mine for nostalgia, the sequel no-one was ever really asking for is now one of the most anticipated films of the year. Or is it?

With the first full-length trailer being released a week or so ago fans finally got a chance to see what’s in store – and “see” is the operative word, as much of the original Blade Runner’s impact boiled down to a series of stunning visuals. Unsurprisingly, the trailer looked great, with a range of new locations – most noticeably a desert that seems to have become the home of original Blade Runner Deckard (Harrison Ford) – appearing alongside the traditional neon-and-rain (now with added holograms) Los Angeles where current cop K (Ryan Gosling) operates.

But already the nits are there to be picked: considering Blade Runner 2049 advertises itself as taking place thirty years after the first film, why does LA still look like it did in the first film? It’s not like the original (set a bit over 30 years in the future) gave us a LA anything like the thencurrent version – why haven’t the changes continued? But maybe the film itself will explain that, you think, and that’s an even bigger problem: much of the charm of the first film is the way it tells a very small story in this big crazy setting, and this trailer doesn’t seem to be advertising the same kind of film.

The first Blade Runner is about a cop tracking down what are basically escaped criminals (though their crime is being artificial), with a subplot about what the replicants want and some subtext about how Deckard’s job has dehumanised him to a point where he might be a replicant. By modern standards it’s startlingly simple: the film’s charm comes from the way, with such a slight story to tell, it can afford to linger on all the amazing sights it has to offer. It doesn’t get bogged down in explanations or shock twists: the whole “is Deckard a replicant” has zero bearing on the story and is only hinted at in an offhand way twice.

But this new trailer seems, like most modern films, to be stuffed with story, hinting at mysteries and explanations the story simply doesn’t need. It’s like someone in the 1970s making a movie set today about the dark secrets behind the iPhone: the replicants in the first film were memorable because they seemed wonderful to us but were taken for granted by the future. We sided with them because for us the novelty hadn’t worn off: sadly when it comes to sequels novelty is often in short supply.

38 COLUMNS

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another edition of Pulp, where we journey into the land of capes, cowls and impermanent life-and-death cycles for your enjoyment (and mine). I must admit, I was caught on the back foot this week; the weeks are absolutely flying by, and I could’ve sworn that I’d only written my last column a few days ago. With that being said, there’s still plenty of comics to talk about, so let’s get stuck in! This week, I’ve picked up Judge Dredd: Mega City Zero, written

by Ulises Farinas (Judge Dredd: Mega City Two, Amazing Forest) and Erick Freitas (Amazing Forest), and drawn

by Dan McDaid (Jersey Gods).

Judge Dredd awakens to find the unthinkable has happened: Mega City One, his home, is gone. He’d been investigating a series of mysterious disappearances in a mega block, but has since woken up in a grassy plain, with the only signs of civilisation being an overgrown and dilapidated settlement. With all signs of the world he knew gone, and the local populace ignoring his commands, Joe Dredd has to come to terms with the fact that here, he’s just a regular guy. With his resources – and patience – running low, Dredd struggles to come to terms with his new surroundings, and resolves to get to the bottom of what happened to Mega City One. Despite being a Judge Dredd fanboy, I found Mega City Zero hard to get into. It’s not due to the whole fish-out-of-water scenario - Farinas worked on Mega City Two, a series I read a while back with a similar theme – but it’s more to do with the characters and society Dredd encounters.

Early on in the story, Dredd attempts to arrest three children for a variety of reasons (including eyeball-plucking) and they then follow him for the rest of the story.

Unless they’re there to humanize Dredd, they seem pretty tangential and irrelevant; they’re just there, and don’t have much to do except provide exposition. Beyond them, the general population is a mish-mash of weirdness that is even less appealing.

I found myself sharing Dredd’s frustration as I read through the story; the book’s weird, and not in a usual 2000AD/Judge Dredd fashion. I suspect that’s the point; Dredd is in an utterly unfamiliar scenario, out of his depth and on the back foot all at once. I suspect that I would appreciate it more given the opportunity to read more of the story, but to begin with, I wasn’t particularly invested in the new world the writers had created. However, once the mystery picked up, and Dredd started to piece things together, I found myself invested in his search for the truth. If Farinas and Freitas had gotten to the meat of the mystery quicker, I probably wouldn’t have had as hard a time getting into it all.

While I came away from the first volume wanting more, I got the distinct impression that Mega City Zero is in it for the long haul (and sure enough, it’s a multi-volume story. I’m going to keep an eye on it; I want the story to be good, but the first volume didn’t really grab me until the end (probably helped by the throwback to Pug Dredd of Mega City Two). The best thing to do is pick up the book and judge (heh, couldn’t resist) for yourself – it’s still Judge Dredd, after all, the grandpappy of weird sci-fi – this is its bread and butter!

proudly presented by the sleepy hollow blues club W h o can f o rg e t that amazing Bluestone when Sammy Owen did an impromptu set with Greg Dodd and the Hoodoo Men to cover the absence of a band? The two of them were an inspiration and produced a sound much talked about. Now we have a chance to revisit that sound as Greg and Sammy come together again as SHBC May headliners.

Greg Dodd has been playing blues guitar for some years now, after first hearing the genre at eighteen.“From the minute I heard blues music, I was hooked. The blues to me seems different to a lot of other forms of music as it seems like it’s coming straight from your soul,” he says.

As well as regularly playing gigs in and around regional Melbourne, Greg has toured extensively around Australia, playing at almost every major blues festival.

In 2013, Greg represented the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society as a Blues Performer of the Year in Memphis TN at The International Blues Challenge performing at B B King’s Club as a semi-finalist.

Greg’s band Greg Dodd and The Hoodoo Men is described as having a Chicago style sound, influenced by the greats of the windy city. The other half of that session was Sammy Owen.

Sammy comes on givin’ lip like your younger brother after a night on the turps.

He’s all cheek and twists and a wry smile to keep you fooled. Then he launches into some of the best driving blues you’ll hear.

He jumps and jives like a young George Thorogood - he shreds, his lyrics tease, and soon you’ll be yellin’ for more.

Sammy Owen is a left hander electric guitarist. Sammy focuses on writing original songs with his band to create their own contemporary, funky, energetic blues sound. The two of these blokes together, with the band hard behind them turned into one of those duels, with each trying to push the other further. What a night, don’t miss this revisit to that.

There’s also some excellent news on the local front. Buxom Blues Quartet are finally set to release their self-titled debut EP at the end of May – almost a year to the day from the band’s first rehearsal.

While the band definitely salutes blues masters past with the inclusion of three classic evergreens, two brand new originals, penned entirely by singer/songwriter Kayleen Gibbons spooned into the mix.

As Kayleen explains, “The new songs have their foundations firmly in blues, but there’s a floating layer of soulful jazz across the top. Or maybe that’s just the way I sing – I was raised squarely on jazz and I’d class myself as a soul woman who met up with the blues further on down the track.”

Each musician – all with backgrounds and musical upbringing as varied as their hats – personally chose a song each for the album that they live to play. So, Greg Dodd with Sammy Owen at SHBC on the 28th, and BBQ’s pre-release launch on 20th May at Pistol Pete’s.

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

If you’re like me and you spend time checking ALL the metal websites, you’ll probably have seen an update about the new Tool album where the update is Tool won’t release an album this year (neither will A Perfect Circle, apparently).

And quite frankly, I’m sick of the “yes there’ll be a new Tool album, no there won’t be a new Tool album” back and forth clickbait shit. But I’m quite possibly the biggest sucker for Tool click-bait ever and I don’t even know why because I can’t remember the last time I listened to a Tool album in its entirety. Even writing about Tool is annoying me and thinking of you reading about Tool is annoying me even more.

So, I have a proposal. For all of us out there sick of waiting for a new Tool album, sick of the click-bait, sick of the daily thoughts about a new Tool album and the daily questioning of what a new Tool album may sound like. My proposal is that when the new tool album drops, we all ignore the absolute shit out of it for like, six years - minimum. Tool have fucked us all over, so let us all fuck them over back and ignore their new album when it finally lands. Don’t tell anyone, don’t listen to it, don’t buy it, don’t download it illegally, hell, don’t even upload it for other people to download illegally, don’t see them live, don’t buy their merch. Then, six years after the new album has dropped we pay any attention to Tool or their new, six year old album. It’s what Tool would want. Also, if you really want to see Tool live, see the next best thing - Third Eye at Ballarat’s Karova Lounge on Saturday August 26.

This is the last time you’ll ever see me write about Tool, forever, or maybe I’ll review their album six years after it is released.

In other news Below will release their new album Upon A Pale Horse on Friday May 19.

Dragonforce will release their new album Reaching Into Infinity on Friday May 19 and the band will play 170 Russell on Wednesday June 21.

Devin Townsend Project will return to Oz and play Melbourne’s 170 Russell on Wednesday May 24 which is sold out, but a second show has been announced at the same venue for Tuesday May 23.

Solstafir will release their new album Berdreyminn on Friday May 26.

Winter’s Eve 2017 featuring Holy Serpent, El Colosso, Agonhymn, Merchant and many others will be at The Eastern in Ballarat on Saturday May 27. A portion of the door charge will be donated to the local soup bus.

Sikth will release their new album The Future In Whose Eyes? on Friday June 2.

Anathema will release their new album The Optimist on Friday June 9.

Entrails will release their new album World Enferno on Friday June 16.

Igorrr will release their new album Savage Sinusoid on Friday June 16.

Goatwhore will release their new album Vengeful Ascension on Friday June 23.

Primordial will play Melbourne’s Max Watts on Friday July 7.

Tool tribute band Third Eye will be at Ballarat’s Karova Lounge on Saturday August 26.

Anathema will play 170 Russell on Wednesday December 6.

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

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Women Who Surf There was a time when you would go for a surf and it was rare to see a female in the water. For years you could count the number of female surfers along the Surf Coast on one hand, and women were banned from patrols ands competing at local surf life saving clubs.

From the middle of the sixties, Gail Couper from Lorne was one of the most prominent local surfers winning the prestigious Bells Beach Surfing Contest a record ten times.

Regardless of her success at Bells and other national surfing events, few women took up the sport until the turn of the century when surfers like Lisa Anderson, Layne Beachley and Stephanie Gilmore captured the imagination of a generation of young women and suddenly the ocean was full of female surfers riding short boards, long boards and anything they could get their hands on.

The increase of female surfers was matched by a growth of interest in the surf industry. Quiksilver launched their Roxy brand, Rip Curl started making decent wetsuits for women and surf contests started to offer serious prize money for female competitors.

In 2015 Gold Coast surfer Stephanie Gilmore was put on a million dollar a year contract with Quiksilver making her one of the highest paid female athletes not just in Australia but in the world.

Today women’s surfing is a major growth industry as more women hit the waves, more contests are added to the professional circuit and female surfers can be found on television selling everything from professional cameras to cars and watches.

Locally events like the Wild Women Who Surf contest held each year at Point Impossible go a long way to promoting women and surf culture and on the beaches it is not uncommon some days to see more women then men in the water.

My ten year old daughter caught the surf bug this past summer. All of her friends surf so a day at the beach for us can involve dragging multiple longboards down to the waters edge followed by a small gang of giggling girls who are super keen to catch a wave or two. Watch out boys…. the ‘Gidget’s are taking over.

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COLUMNS 39

#Fortéscenepix

black hatt

Th e h o t c h ic k e n project

barw on cl ub

cabinet bar

ge elong after dark

cap tai n

Karova Carpark Party When: April 29 Photos by: Chelsea King

40 Scenepix

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the elephant & castle

ms . bartronica

t h e in n

pia n o b a r

ms . bartroni ca

spo r t i n g glo b e

sla t e po o l lounge

w ool exchang e

t h e spo r t in g gl obe

wi nter’s caf e

the w ool e x c h a n g e e n t e r t a i n m e n t c o mpl e x

connect to people, places and events on socialpagesvip.com FORTÉ 664

Scenepix 41

The guide

Bosco Sash, Auntie Leo & The Backstabbers PISTOL PETES: Skronkadoodledoo, Chris Wilson, Shannon Bourne & Fenn Wilson SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: Ultrafox

WOOL EXCHANGE GEELONG: Wolfmother, The Bennies WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: Children of the Sun, Tom Walker & His Sick Individuals, The Burbs and Yes Yes Whatever

SA T 20TH

AIREYS PUB: Children of the Sun, Tom Walker & His Sick Individuals, The Burbs and Yes Yes Whatever BABUSHKA LOUNGE: GOD$ & Woy BARWON CLUB: Alt. Kin album launch

T HUR S 18TH BABUSHKA LOUNGE: Words Out Loud BEAVS BAR: Dean McInnes CHERRY BAR: Fulton Street COPACC (COLAC): MICF ROADSHOW THE DECK: Uni Night EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ GPAC: Dracula KAROVA LOUNGE: Eyes Wide Open, Winter Valley, Bury Me In The Autumn PISTOL PETES: Americana Nights with Little Wigtown SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: 15 Years Later

F R I 1 9TH AIREYS PUB: SHARK FEST: live music from Footy Footy Shark Shark, Straz, Something Stupid, Cave Canem, and Infinite Steps BARWON CLUB: Hip Hop RNB Party Night ft. Djs Pivot City Party Starters + Pinky BEAVS BAR: Dave Anderson BELMONT HOTEL: Live Band BLACK HATT: Plan B THE BRIDGE (CASTLEMAINE): Society of Beggars & Mild Manic & Tusk CHERRY BAR: Chris Wilson, Tequila Mockingbyrd, Cicadastone, The Dead Amigos, Cash, Hexdebt CITY QUARTER BAR: Live entertainment and DJ COPACC (COLAC): MICF ROADSHOW The Eastern: Dead EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ GABS 2017 festival GROVEDALE HOTEL: Della GPAC: Dracula HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with Djs IRISH MURPHY’S: Live music KAROVA LOUNGE: Easy Browns Truckstop Chicken Jam Band, Liam Widmer,

42 The Guide

BEAVS BAR: Jeff Jordan BELMONT HOTEL: Live Band CHERRY BAR: Black Sabbath Celebration The deck: Courtney Mills, Josh Shoe THE EASTERN: Primitive Calculators, Spotting, Lime Lagoons EDGE: Live Music and DJ eureka hotel: Melbourne Psytrance Invades Geelong GEELONG RSL: Sting/ Police Tribute GATEWAY HOTEL: The Radiators GABS 2017 festival GROVEDALE HOTEL: Sam Hanson GPAC: Dracula HOMEHOUSE: Johnny Canik, DJ Chango, Holmes John IRISH MURPHY’S: Zeon KAROVA LOUNGE: Blue Light Disco ft Champagne Internet, Pulsum, Edo Lang, Sedgwick LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE (WARRNAMBOOL): MICF Roadshow THE LOFT (Warrnambool): The 2nds, The Sleevehearts and Diving Headbutt LORNE HOTEL (LORNE): Pierce Brothers, Abe Anderson MUSIC MAN MEGASTORE: Society of Beggars OLD CASTLEMAINE GOAL: The Northern Folk PISTOL PETES: Buxom Blues Quartet QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: Craig Sayer THE SPHINX: Wooshka, BOOMBOX 90s Show, Mr Meaner SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: Mick Thomas THEATRE ROYAL (CASTLEMAINE): Felix Riebl TORQUAY HOTEL: MDRN Love UNO DANCECLUB: Set Mo

SUN 21ST BARWON CLUB: Five Buck Sundays and Days

Gone By, Izzy Losi and the Auracles, James Sidebottom, Agamas, Baronaqua BELLBRAE ESTATE: Melody Moon BELMONT HOTEL: Sunday Sessions CAPITAL THEATRE: Mick Thomas and the Roving Commission CHERRY BAR: Heinous Hound, Golden Age of Ballooning, Greenthief, Amber Isles, Bronze CITY QUARTER: Live music and DJ from 4pm GABS 2017 festival GROVEDALE HOTEL: Dean Cockerell KAROVA LOUNGE: Seth Sentry MILLION PAWS WALK OLD CHURCH ON THE HILL (BENDIGO): Jo Jo Smith PISTOL PETES: Barrelhouse Blues with Lounge Lizards

M ON 22N D CHERRY BAR: Cherry Jam Mondays

BEAVS BAR: Jeff Jordan BELMONT HOTEL: Live Band CITY QUARTER BAR: Friday Unwind from 5pm. Live with live entertainment and DJ CHERRY BAR: Chris Wilson, El Colosso, Field, Olmeg, Malcura The Deck: Social Salsa THE EASTERN: Harvest Smoke / Wrong Turn / Prehistoric Douche EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ GROVEDALE HOTEL: Levy & Cody GPAC: Sarah Blasko HOME HOUSE: Homehouse Fridays Party with Djs IRISH MURPHY’S: John Bracka KAROVA LOUNGE: KLP THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Leah Senior MEMORIAL HALL (ANGLESEA): Lisa Hannigan MUSIC MAN MEGASTORE: Izzy Losi & the Auracles

TUE S 23 R D

OLD CASTLEMAINE GOAL: The Laudanum Project Presents: The baby farmer

CHERRY BAR: Chasing Ghosts, Mild Manic, Youth in Asia

PISTOL PETE’S: Austin Walkin Cane (USA)

THE GASOMETER HOTEL COLLINGWOOD: Harry Jakamarra

QUICKSILVER BAR 61: Melody Moon

PISTOL PETE’S: Tex Miller

WE D 24T H THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm BEAVS BAR: Open Mic, Karaoke, Luke Biscan CHERRY BAR: Two headed dog, A Basket of Mammoths, Cloud, The Slugg IRISH MURPHY’S: Murphy’s Comedy Club vol 2 THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Archer old bar melbourne: Children of the Sun, Tom Walker + his Sick Individuals, The Burbs, Yes Yes Whatever QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: Bellarine Secondary Music Students PISTOL PETE’S: Tony J King

THU RS 25 T H BEAVS BAR: Andy Forster CHERRY BAR: Kattimoni THE DECK: Uni Night PISTOL PETE’S: Pistol’s Blues Roulette Mike Elrington SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: The Price is Wrong Star Wars 40th Anniversary Special

SOUND RECORDINGS (Castlemaine): Archer THE SPHINX HOTEL: Magic men Girls night out

SAT 27TH AIREYS PUB: Beachniks Trio BARWON CLUB: DJ Pinky BALLARAT HERITAGE WEEKEND

THE SPHINX HOTEL: BABBA, Mr Meaner ULUMBARRA THEATRE (BENDIGO): The Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda Bull, Colin Hay, Deborah Conway, Mental As Anything UNO DANCECLUB: CC: Disco!

S UN 2 8 T H BALLARAT HERITAGE WEEKEND BARWON CLUB: Five Buck Sundays!

BELMONT HOTEL: Sunday Sessions CHERRY BAR: Bluebirds, The Dead Pharaohs, Suburban Projects, The Juicy Texas Mortals CITY QUARTER: Perfect Sunday Sesh Live music and DJ from 4pm EDGE GEELONG: Live Music and DJ GEELONG TRADES DANCE HALL: Greg Dodd and the Hoodoo Men, with special guest Sammy Owen GROVEDALE HOTEL: Dean Cockerell GPAC: The Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda Bull, Colin Hay, Deborah Conway, Mental As Anything GPAC: Carl Barron THEATRE ROYAL (CASTLEMAINE): The Mae Trio PISTOL PETES: Sunday Soul Sessions with DJ Vince Peach QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: Chris Wilson, Blues & Roots Sunday Session

MON 29TH

BEAVS BAR: Jeff Jordan

CHERRY BAR: Cherry Jam Mondays

BELMONT HOTEL: Live Band

GPAC: Carl Barron

THE BRIDGE (CASTLEMAINE): Chasing Ghosts THE CARAVAN CLUB (OAKLEIGH): Celibate Rifles, She’s The Driver (Ex Violetine) THE EASTERN: Winter’s Eve 2017 featuring Field, Holy Serpent, El Colosso, Agonhymn, Merchant + more EDGE: Live Music and DJ GROVEDALE HOTEL: Luke Biscan HOMEHOUSE: Zac De Petro, DJ Smilez, Holmes John IRISH MURPHY’S: David Anderson THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Lazarus Mode, Tame the Sun, Saol PISTOL PETE’S: Dan Dinnen Trio

T UES 3 0 T H CHERRY BAR: Chasing Ghosts, Tim Smyth & The Holy Trash, The Die Casts THE GASOMETER HOTEL COLLINGWOOD: Harry Jakamarra GPAC: Carl Barron PISTOL PETE’S: Alister Turrill & Sean Patrick THE LOFT (Warrnambool): Daniel Champagne w support Cooper Lowe

WED 3 1 S T THE BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Master of Dartness and Poker from 7pm

QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: Matty Orchard

ULUMBARRA THEATRE (BENDIGO): MICF Roadshow

single let’s mingle party

CHERRY BAR: Two Headed Dog, Mannequin Death Squad, Fluff, THD Jam Band Extravaganza

Stawell entertainment centre: MICF Roadshow

GPAC: Ian Stenlake Stars In My Musical Life

FRI 26T H

BARWON CLUB: Celibate Rifles, She’s The Driver (Ex Violetine), Djs Eddie Example, Marley, Wallet Inspector

star search 2017

PISTOL PETE’S: Tim Hulsman

SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC: Diamonds Are Forever

QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: Bellarine Secondary Music Students

SWEETHEARTS PARTY @ SKILLED STADIUM THE SHAMROCK (ECHUCA): The Wildbloods

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MO ND AY ELEPHANT & CASTLE: GOLD DIGGERS: OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): THE SPORTING GLOBE:

$23 Steak & Drink night $10 Lunch Specials Frugal Foodies $20 menu Half Price Wings, Ribs & Pints

TUES D AY BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Pizza Night BIRD ROCK: Vegetarian Night ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $23 Steak & Drink night GEELONG RSL: Steak Night $13 GOLD DIGGERS: $15 Burger or Parmi IRISH MURPHY’S: $15 Parmi Night THE SPORTING GLOBE: $15.90 Angus Rump or $19.90 Porterhouse

WED NES D AY BIRD ROCK: GEELONG RSL: GOLD DIGGERS: IRISH MURPHY’S: OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): THE SPORTING GLOBE:

Steak Night, Drinks Specials Pot and Parmi Night $13 $25 Express Lunch $15 Burger Night Frugal Foodies $20 menu $14.90 MVP Parmas & $8.90 Pints + Jam Jars

T HUR S D AY BARWON HEADS HOTEL: BIRD ROCK: ELEPHANT & CASTLE: GOLD DIGGERS: IRISH MURPHY’S: OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (Hepburn Springs): THE SPORTING GLOBE:

Parmi Night Mexican Night; $10 Margaritas $22 Seafood & Chips Night Happy hour 5-6 $20 Steak Night Frugal Foodies $20 menu $14.90 burgers, &15.90 Jugs

FR I D AY BAR 61 TORQUAY: BARWON HEADS HOTEL: BIRD ROCK: ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: GOLD DIGGERS: IRISH MURPHY’S: THE SPORTING GLOBE:

Burger & Beer Happy Hour 5 - 7 Steak Night Friday Night Vibes Thank Guinness It’s Friday!

Happy hour 5 - 6 Happy Hour 5 - 7 Double Desserts - Buy 1, Get 1 Free

S AT UR D AY BAR 61 TORQUAY: Burger & Beer Happy Hour 5-7 BIRD ROCK: Friday Night Vibes THE SPORTING GLOBE: $20 Bud, Heineken 3 & Sparkling Buckets

S UND AY BIRD ROCK: GEELONG RSL: IRISH MURPHY’S: OLD HEPBURN HOTEL: THE SPORTING GLOBE:

Sunday Sessions: $12 Jugs & Pizzas $13 Carvery lunch $15 Fish & Chips Roast Rendezvous $10 Cocktails

BEAVS BAR: Open mic, karaoke, Luke Biscan

THEATRE ROYAL (CASTLEMAINE): Sarah Blasko

BABUSHKA LOUNGE: Nathan Seeckts with Andrew Swift

EATING OUT

TRIVIA BARWON HEADS HOTEL: Trivia Thursday Night from 7:30pm ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Trivia Wednesday from 8pm GOLD DIGGERS ARMS: Trivia Wednesday Night LORD OF THE ISLES: Trivia Thursday Night in the Courtyard the deck: Trivia Thursday Night WORKERS CLUB: Themed Trivia Wednesday Night Irish Murphy’s Trivia Tuesday Nights, 7:30pm

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The Guide 43