BALLARAT BELLARINE
M U S I C
/
A R T S
/
BENDIGO CASTLEMAINE
GEELONG & SURF COAST WARRNAMBOOL
C U LT U R E
08.03.18
FREE
LOCAL
SCARY MOVIE/WHITE CHICKS STAR
SHAWN WAYANS
LIVE
US COMEDY LEGENDS 2018
STAND UP TOUR
JOHN BUTLER TRIO
20
FOOD: PARADE ESPRESSO BAR
41
ARTS THE UMBILICAL BROTHERS
46
2
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FRONTIER COMEDY BRINGS THE HOTTEST AUSSIE & INTERNATIONAL COMEDIANS TO MELBOURNE!
Alex Williamson ★★★★ ★★★★
“modern comedy at its finest” All About Entertainment
“Hilarious. Keen eye, wicked mind, razor-sharp tongue” Herald Sun
WED 28 MAR - SUN 1 APR AT ATHENAEUM THEATRE frontiercomedy.com/AlexWilliamson AlexWilliamson8
LooseAussieBloke
ShooterWilliamson
★★★★
“Great jokes. Rapid-fire, high energy, potty-mouthed, he is also an excellent ad-libber”
FRI 20, SAT 21 APR THE COMIC’S LOUNGE
HERALD SUN
J O S H WA D E
“wildly hilarious”
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J A M I E A Z Z O PA R D I
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CRAIG LOW NAME DROPPING WITH LOWIE
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@LowieLive_ @LowieLive
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L IS E” HOLON KIL V IE I W O L “
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THU 29 MAR - SUN 22 APR (EXCL. MONDAYS) AT THE UPSTAIRS LOUNGE @ HAIRY LITTLE SISTA FRONTIERCOMEDY.COM/CRAIGLOW
“SUBLIMELY UNEXPECTED... HAD THE AUDIENCE IN STITCHES”
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THU 29 MAR – SUN 22 APR IMPERIAL HOTEL
“an hilarious array of one-liners... brought a roar of appreciation from the crowd”
(excl Wed)
The West Australian @TitusOReily
frontiercomedy.com/titusoreily
SHAWN WAYANS LIVE
FRI 11 MAY AT PALAIS THEATRE
f Star o
RY SCAV MO IE and
shawn_wayans
FRONTIERCOMEDY.COM/SHAWNWAYANS
★★★★★
“COMEDIC GENIUS... A MUST SEE COMEDY SHOW” IMPUL SE G A MER
TUE 10 - SAT 14 APR AT THE COMIC’S LOUNGE FRONTIERCOMEDY.COM/PAULYFENECH
★★★★
“TESTAMENT TO WHY FENECH’S POLITICALLY INCORRECT COMEDY HAS LASTED 15 YEARS ON TELEVISION AND EVEN WON HIM A LOGIE” THE MUSIC
FOR MORE INFO ON ALL OUR SHOWS GO TO
SUPERCHOCTV
HOUSOSTV
FRONTIERCOMEDY.COM
FRONTIERTOURING
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71 YARRA ST GEELONG
UPCOMING GIGS
THUR 8 - LEIGH KEAST 8PM FRI 9 - PEARL JAM OZ 9PM SAT 10 - VIPER 9:30PM SUN 11 - THE HEY RIDE 3PM, THE MARKS BROS 7-10PM THUR 15 - RACH BRENNAN 8PM FRI 16 - REDLINE 9PM SAT 17 - PLATFORM 9 3/4 6PM, FALSE CAPER 9:30PM SUN 18 - ACOUSTIC RED 3PM 6
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2018 •
Saturday
17th March 10am – 1am •Inflatable Pub •Food Trucks •Bands & DJ’s
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I have an announcement. PH: 03 5229 7969 2/105 Skene St, VIC 3220 enquiries@fortemag.com.au
I’ve fallen in love again…
M U S I C
/
A R T S
/
C U LT U R E
No, this one won’t break my heart. I’ve fallen in love with wine. It’s not that I didn’t ever not like
FREEBIES
it, it’s just now I’ve found so many more reasons
The Know Feature Story The Loop Local Feature Autumn Eats
10–11 12 15–19 20 23 - 32
to love it, and every time it grants me more fabulous memories, new friends, incredible experiences and yes, sometimes a bit of a headache. Wine drinkers might get a bad rap for being pretentious, but this wine drinking girl is no stuffy elitist. I’ll be the first to admit I’m just as happy swigging straight from the bottle in bed as I am sipping champagne in a swanky restaurant. Even better news? Wine makes you live forever (Well, red wine has antioxidants, but it’s still probably healthier than a 6-pack) and it’s a totally acceptable day drink. And night drink. And plane drink.
News
33–43
Okay now I sound like an alcoholic, I promise I’m
Food
44
Moving on before I start reaching for my glass, let
Creatives Reviews
46–47 48–49, 53
Publisher Furst Media Pty. Ltd.
Win a family pass to the Silver Circus at the Geelong Showgrounds. Running from Wednesday March 28 to Sunday April 15, you choose the performance you wish to attend. Offering jaw dropping entertainment for the whole family with a lineup of stunning international artists, LasVegas style illusions and captivating production techniques, you’d be mad not to enter. The family pass gets you 4 tickets (2 adults/2 kids) and valued at $120. For all show details visit www.silverscircus.com.au
T O EN TE R :
For your chance to win a pass, email your name, phone number and code word ‘CIRCUS’ to talia@fortemag.com.au
not… I’m just in love.
Columns
50
be blessed with his quick-wit and raw humour.
Scenepix
52
Blind Man Death Stare, indie electro duo Boo
The Guide
54
Further in this issue, we chat to Melbourne punks
josh@fortemag.com.au
General Manager Glenn Lynch
glenn@fortemag.com.au
Editorial Assistant Helena Metzke
Interns Perri Digby, Steph Downing, Hannah Kenny, Daniel Jubb, Ellen Muller.
ducer and comedian Shawn Wayans on our cover
lia this May for a solo stand-up tour where we’ll
Advertising Josh Dowling
artwork@fortemag.com.au
This issue we’ve got American actor, writer, pro-
Movie and Scary Movie 2! He’s heading to Austra-
talia@fortemag.com.au
Art Director Nathan Mossop
me tell you about this fortnights issue!
– best known for his roles in White Chicks, Scary
Editor Talia Rinaldo
FORTÉGRAM Tag us @Forte_mag or #Fortemag to be featured!
Seeka, local artist Demi Monique, Australian roots
@thismuchtalentoz
and jam band John Butler Trio, three piece SAFIA, funny man Ross Noble, Australian comic duo the Umbilical Brothers, newest coffee spot Parade Espresso Bar plus of course, heaps more.
Peace and good vibes.
Talia and the Forté team xx
@getshortybarbershop
@joelr_sim
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.
BOOK YOUR 2018 FUNCTION WITH US!
MISSY HIGGINS ANNOUNCES ‘SOLASTALGIA’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR THIS MAY
ANGIE MCMAHON RELEASES ‘MISSING ME’
Beloved
music scene for self-proclaimed slow
Australian
It’s been an enthusiastic entry into the
singer-songwriter
Missy Higgins will launch her long-
mover, Angie McMahon. Angie released
awaited fifth studio album Solastalgia
her first single ‘Slow Mover’ late last year
with an Australian tour this May. The
which made a triple j Hottest 100 debut,
eagerly anticipated set will feature cur-
landing at #33, whilst also garnering
rent hit single ‘Futon Couch’ and sees
support in the online world - receiving
Higgins explore fresh territory both soni-
almost 2 million plays on Spotify and
cally and lyrically. She will be joined at all
features on Apple Music. ‘Missing
shows by special guest Gordi. Kicking
Me’ is the second taste of music from
off in Queensland at Brisbane’s QPAC
Angie’s upcoming debut album, which
Concert Hall on Friday 4 May, the tour will
she is currently co-producing with
go on to visit Toowoomba, Wollongong,
Alex O’Gorman. 2018 will see Angie
Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide before
unleash a string of new singles, tour
wrapping up with a special hometown
locally and internationally and release
show at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on
her debut album. Catch her at The
Sunday 13 May. Tickets via ticketmaster.
Gasometer, Melbourne on March 14
com.au.
and Corner Hotel, Melbourne on July 6.
PEKING DUK ANNOUNCE 2018 AUSTRALIAN TOUR
CITY CALM DOWN ANNOUNCE ECHOES IN BLUE TOUR
In light of their new single ‘Wasted’, Aussie electro boys Peking Duk will be taking their antics out on the road. Sonically propelled by Peking Duk’s renowned production flair, ‘Wasted’ is another signature popinfused-electronic tune, with over 1 million ARIA units sold. Having previously sold over 25k tickets on the Clowntown Tour, the dynamic duo will be bringing their catalogue of electro pop hits to select capital cities across the country. Rolling out some of their biggest hits with a backing band and a yet-to-be-announced lineup of special guests, you can expect things to get wild. They’ll hit Festival Hall, Melbourne on May 12. Tickets via pekingduk.com.
City Calm Down is one of the most dynamic bands currently making music in Australia. Ten years after forming, with a new album up their sleeve and over six million streams on Spotify, plus a decade of touring behind them – including multiple sold-out headline tours and major Australian festivals (Laneway, Splendour In The Grass, Falls, etc.) – City Calm Down have forged a reputation as a fierce live act not to be missed. And now they are celebrating their long-awaited release of their album with a tour across Australia and New Zealand this June! Before heading out, City Calm Down will also tour the UK and Europe in May 2018, including appearances at festivals The Great Escape and Gold Sounds. Catch them at The Forum in Melbourne on June 15. Tickets via citycalmdown.com.
SPHINX
THE SHOWROOM
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
APPEARING LIVE ON WED 23RD MAY
THE CAZBAR SAT 24TH MARCH
SAT 10TH MARCH
WOOSHKA
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SPHINXHOTEL.COM.AU FORTE 684
2 THOMPSON RD NORTH GEELONG
FLIGHT FACILITIES ANNOUNCE 2018 ‘THE RETURN FLIGHT’ TOUR
POOL HOUSE PARTY SET TIMES HAVE ARRIVED
Following a milestone year with climactic
The
releases to match, Flight Facilities have
at Coburg Velodrome is less than
just announced The Return Flight tour – a
two weeks away and now the play-
special run of intimate shows to kick off their
ing times for the heaving line up are
trajectory into 2018. This tour will see the
here! Headlined by none other than
duo of Hugo Gruzman and Jimmy Lyell hit
The Smithies who will be joined by
up dates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
renowned heavyweights Ecca Vandal,
and Perth between April and May, before
The
they jet off to New Zealand, the US and
Fuck Storm, Astronautalis (USA), Bec
Canada which has been announced off the
Sandridge and more. Gates open at
back of their latest single ‘Need You’ - an
11am, and some times to make note
impeccably polished and fluent new stride
of include Press Club at 2:40pm, the
from last year’s highly triumphant and col-
Bennies at 6.15pm, Astronautalis at
laborative “Stranded”. Exhibiting their cap-
4.45pm and of course, Ecca Vandal
tivating and ever-dynamic live show, Flight
at 5.15pm, The Smith Street Band at
Facilities will be stopping by 170 Russell,
8.30pm. Start planning the day ASAP.
Melbourne May 1. You can also catch them
Check it at Coburg Velodrome – March
at Groovin The Moo this year.
17, www.poolhouseparty.com
TODRICK HALL WILL BRING HIS WORLD TOUR TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN JUNE 2018
Z STAR DELTA ARE BACK FOR THEIR FOURTH AUSSIE TOUR
inaugural
Bennies,
Pool
Tired
House
Lion,
FRI 9 MARCH:
SAT 10 MARCH:
SUN 11 MARCH:
SOLO ACOUSTIC SET
SOLO ACOUSTIC SET
SOLO ACOUSTIC SET
One voice, one guitar, one stomp box – and many happy ears. Della the pro has supported legendary artists Jimmy Barnes, Guy Sebastian, Dragon and many more.
Tropical
Are the rumours true? Yes, it appears that Zee’s love affair with Australia knows no bounds. Z-STAR DELTA, the much sought-after explosive soul rock duo, are back for another scorching tour. If you love The Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, Gossip or The White Stripes, you’re going to fall head over heels with these guys. While there’s only two of them on stage, they’ve got everything you want – and then some! Insane stage presence. You won’t want to miss this. Trust us. Catch them at Chillout Festival in Daylesford on March 11, The Gasometer Hotel in Melbourne on March 13 or at Baha in Rye on March 17.
Broadway actor and Streamy Award winner Todrick Hall will bring his world tour Todrick Hall American: The Forbidden Tour to Australia and New Zealand in June 2018. The tour will feature a brand-new storyline with new songs, costumes, and production and will travel throughout North America, Europe and Asia before reaching Australia/New Zealand. Todrick last visited Australia in 2017 with his sold out Straight Outta Oz tour. Catch him at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne on Wednesday 13 June. Tickets on sale via www.tegdainty.com.
DELLA
Party
LUKE BISCAN
If you like John Fogarty, Matt Corby, Neil Young, Nirvana, Lana Del Rey and Johnny Cash, you’ll love the vast musical influences of Mr Biscan.
JACK WRIGHT
Jack crafts lush melodies and up beat percussion filled with soul and passion. You can look forward to hearing influences from the likes of John Butler and Andy McKee.
* FRIDAYS
7PM-8PM *
ESPRESSO MARTINIS
— $10 —
GROVEDALEHOTEL FRI 16 MARCH:
BEN DEW
SOLO ACOUSTIC SET Ben provides all the beats – from smooth vocals, clean acoustic rhythms, slide guitar, stomp box and tambourine, prepare for a night of berserk feet tapping.
SAT 17 MARCH:
DELLA
SOLO ACOUSTIC SET One voice, one guitar, one stomp box – and many happy ears. Della the pro has supported legendary artists Jimmy Barnes, Guy Sebastian, Dragon and many more.
SUN 18 MARCH:
GOOD FACES 4 RADIO ACOUSTIC PARTY SET
GROVEDALEHOTEL.COM.AU 1300GROVEDALE (1300 476 833)
WEB. PHONE.
GF4R are the ultimate party animals - a four-piece high energy rock & pop band covering the likes of Bon Jovi, Blink 182, Dragon, The Killers and Trading Places.
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SHAWN WAYANS: BRINGING HIS QUICK WIT TO STAGES IN 2018 WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO
Known and loved by audiences for his quick-wit, raw humour and through his starring roles in White Chicks, Scary Movie and Scary Movie 2, American actor, writer, producer and comedian Shawn Wayans is set to hit Aussie shores in May this year. “I am very excited, it’s my second time there. Last time I had a blast so I’m looking forward to coming back,” Wayans reveals, who was last in the country in 2013 performing a double act with brother Marlon Wayans across Australia and New Zealand. This time however, Wayans will be hitting our comedy stages solo. “Well I just didn’t want to pay Marlon so I’m coming to get the money by myself,” he jokes before continuing, “No, Marlon is busy doing stand-up and I’m doing stand-up on my own too. I like to talk for more than 15 minutes, and when we were here together we had to cut our time down a lot so this time I get to be on stage a little longer and explore some things that I’m working on... One day we’ll come back together.” When you hear the last name “Wayans”, you automatically know that laughter will be involved.
That is how the comedic family built their empire. In particular, Shawn Wayans made his acting debut in his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans’ feature film I’m Gonna Get You Sucka (1989), joined the cast of the Emmy Award winning comedy series, In Living Color, and then created and starred in the sitcom The Wayans Bros alongside brother Marlon from 1995 to 1999. This signalled the beginning of a very long and successful career in TV and film for Wayans, including starring in and even writing films such as Scary Movie, Scary Movie 2 (directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans), Little Man, White Chicks, Dance Flick and Don’t Be a Menace. Despite been surrounded by plenty of in-house influences, with older brothers Keenen Ivory, Damon, and younger brother Marlon competing for laughs, Wayans admits that comedy was always a choice rather than a pre-determined career. “There wasn’t ever any pressure; I chose to do this, it’s not like someone was standing over me punching me in my leg telling me ‘you gotta be funny’,” he laughs, “I wasn’t bullied into humour. It was something I actually had the ability and the desire to make people laugh, so I went with that. My brothers just showed me what to do with my comedic thirst.”
With a strong thirst for comedy, Wayans has always kept stand-up as a priority throughout his successful TV and film career, referring to comedy as his own type of workout. “It’s my gym,” he says of his long tradition of frequenting comedy club stages to condition his skills. “People go to the gym to get abs, and their chest and muscles, and you do stand-up to keep your brain strong, sharp and quick, and I find for me, it helps me with any other project I’m doing whether it be film or TV, or writing. It just keeps me sharp for that. That, and the fact that it gives me a high. You’re not just seeing people laugh,” the comedic genius continues, “you’re feeling them laugh, you feel it so it’s that energy that I love.” Clearly a man of many talents, Wayans keeps himself busy year after year with continuous projects, including creating The Boo Crew animated specials for Nickelodeon along with his brothers and sisters. “In my head, it’s ‘Charlie Brown meets Fat Albert with a hip hop twist’, about nine kids growing up in Boo York City of all different nationalities all playing together and going through the trials and tribulations of life growing up in Boo York,” he explains. “Our mission is to teach kids
life lessons through humour and music.” Comedy is always on Wayans mind, guaranteeing you to be in for a few laughs at his hilarious and energetic live solo shows in May 2018. “I’m excited about coming back,” he reveals, “They [stand-up sets] are energetic. It’s funny actually, off stage I’m pretty reserved, but once I
get on stage I turn up.” Tickets are still available to see this comedy legend live, so make sure you grab some!
Centre and Regal Theatre for Perth Comedy Festival, before wrapping up at the Enmore Theatre on Friday 18 May for Sydney Comedy Festival.
The legendary comic will kick off his 2018 Australian tour at The Star Gold Coast on Thursday 10 May, going onto Melbourne’s Palais Theatre, Adelaide Entertainment
Tickets via ticketmaster.com.au
IMAGE FROM WHITE CHICKS (2004) 12
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www.thedropfestival.com @thedropfestival
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BENDIGO CASTLEMAINE
GEELONG & SURF COAST WA R R N A M BOO L
JOHN BUTLER TRIO
DEAN COCKERELL & BRAD HUNT
FRI 9TH MARCH
ST PATRICKS DAY
JACK WRIGHT SAT 10TH MARCH
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY
STANDING ROOM ONLY
BETTS & BOON FRI 23RD MARCH
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←← GOLDEN PLAINS FESTIVAL Have you printed out your Little Golden Booklet for the Golden Plains Festival? It will come in very handy when mapping out your GP adventures. But hey, if you like to fly by the seat of your pants that is cool. Just don’t complain if you lose your friend Tom. Gates open at 8am on both the Saturday and Sunday of the festival. We know you’re keen, but be warned that roadblocks are in place Friday night. Get it all through goldenplains.com.au.
PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL Dance your cares away and save worries for another day because the Port Fairy Folk Festival is here. Gates open at 5pm on Friday, March 9. From March 10-12, gates open at 8:30am. As is the usual custom, you will need to exchange your ticket for a wristband. The festival ticket and exchange is located inside the Southcombe Sports Stadium, Campbell St. A program is available for download through portfairyfolkfestival.com.
ALL ABOUT DEAN RAY It takes guts to leave your Queensland family home at the age of 16 and head for Melbourne, but a young man has got to do what a young man has got to do. Music was it for Dean Ray, who reached a wide audience when he came in runner-up on the sixth season of The X Factor. He has released a couple of albums, with 2017’s The Messenger the latest. The Workers Club, Geelong – March 9 & The Loft, Warrnambool – March 11.
RED HOT SUMMER TOUR
↑↑ CHILLOUT FESTIVAL The Hepburn region becomes the LGBTI capital of Australia across this weekend, March 8-12. First held in 1997, the ChillOut Festival is the biggest and longest-running Country Queer Pride event in regional Australia. The program is available through the website below and features opening night’s ’80s disco, Saturday’s bush dance and Sunday’s parade and carnival day. That address is chilloutfestival.com.au.
HOON DO IT THEIR WAY
At the time of writing, limited tickets remained available for the Bendigo leg of the Red Hot Summer Tour, which swings by the Bendigo Jockey Club on March 17. The man himself, John Farnham, leads an all-star Aussie cast of The Black Sorrows, 1927, Baby Animals and Daryl Braithwaite. Gates open at midday and will go ahead rain, hail or shine. No pass outs are available. John Farnham will perform from 6:30pm.
If police reality TV shows have taught us anything, it’s that the word ‘Hoon’ is not a favourable one. But Wollongong outfit Hoon is out to prove it is not a dirty word. Kicking off in 2014, the band has gone from playing parties to touring Indonesia. Hoon released their self-titled debut album last year. It features stopmotion collage track ‘Nature Boy’. The Eastern, Ballarat – March 10 & Music Man, Bendigo – March 16.
FEAR THE REAPER Your sleepless nights reminiscing about the golden era of thrash metal are over. There is a band for you and their name is Reaper. Influenced by the power of Motörhead, Judas Priest and Megadeth, the Wollongong band took out first place in the 2017 Wollongong University Band Competition. Following the success of single ‘Kill Them All’, the quartet pushed out their debut EP Run in Fear. The Loft, Warrnambool – March 16.
PIPING HOT COSMIC PSYCHOS The Cosmic Psychos are at it again. The blokes you can trust have announced a whopping tour in support of forthcoming newie Loudmouth Soup, due for release early next month. It is their first album to be released independently on their own label Go the Hack Records and features the track ‘Feelin’ Average’. Barwon Club, Geelong – March 30; Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – April 1; and The Karova, Ballarat – April 24.
A TOSS OF THE COIN What’s the most you’ve ever lost on a coin toss? Whatever you call, you’re going to come out a winner here. The Coin Toss tour brings together Charging Stallion, Dumb Punts, Mini Skirt and Pist Idiots in a wonderfully democratic tour. Egos are thrown out the window and guitar picks are shared, with the line-up decided by the toss of a coin. Geelong Bandroom, Geelong – March 17. Please gamble with your band line-up responsibly.
STEAMROLLER @ MALDON The Maldon Made Foundation has put together a collection of ripping shows throughout the year under the SteamRoller name. Jeff Lang is up next, where he will acquaint himself with the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum on March 17. Regarded as one of Australia’s finest roots musicians, Jeff Lang released his thirteenth studio album, Alone in Bad Company, last year. Skip Sail supports.
I SAW THE LIGHT
↑↑ ZEOLITE DROP THEIR SECOND Sermones Mortis is the new second EP from Tasmanian-bred, Melbourne-based metallers Zeolite. From the band: “Using the time away from the road for writing and reinvention, we have a slew of new material up our sleeves and can’t wait to show it to you all!” The band is also one to have made history, becoming the first death metal band to play at The Falls Festival. Music Man, Bendigo – March 9.
Easter Sunday is all about the tunes. Geelong’s Barwon Club has put together a humdinger of a show on April 1 called I Saw the Light. Deer Tick is going to be there, all the way from Rhode Island. Fellow USofA acts include The Smoking Flowers and Justin and the Cosmics. Local artists include Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, Freya Josephine Hollick, Localles and Nathan Seeckts Band.
THE SOUTHERN RIVER BAND There was a time when The Southern River Band played to only a handful of people at WA’s The Thornlie Tavern. Now, the West Aussie band is playing festivals all around this fair country. Released last month, new single ‘Cigarettes (Ain’t Helping Me None)’ is described as “two and a half minutes of dead set, good time rock’n’roll music”. Catch them at Geelong’s Workers Club on March 29.
HORIZONS EDGE ANNOUNCED AS NATIONAL SUPPORT FOR ROSS THE BOSS Melbourne power metallers Horizons Edge have signed a global deal with record label Dinner For Wolves and will release their long awaited third studio album, the follow up to their well received 2015 opus, Heavenly Realms, on April 20. The exciting young band will be bringing their brand of music to Melbourne alongside the legendary Ross The Boss who will be playing a full set of Classic Manowar songs! Catch them at The Croxton, Melbourne – April 28.
16
FORTE 684
THIS STATE WE’RE IN INDUSTRY UPDATES FROM MUSIC VICTORIA
THE UNPREDICTABLE MADE IN PARIS Three is good company when it comes
WRITTEN BY NICK COOPER, OPERATIONS AND PROGRAM MANAGER AT MUSIC VICTORIA & SARAH DEBORRE, LIVE MUSIC
to the new three-track EP from Sydney
PROFESSIONALS PROJECT MANAGER
DJ, producer and label curator (Upon Access) Paris Forscutt, better known out there in the music world as Made in Paris. Erratic features tracks ‘Erratic’ and ‘Dispatch’, plus a remix of the latter by The Journey. The title track has
G’day music lovers,
workshops, masterclasses, and industry conferences,
2018 has started with a bang, and we have plenty of
with access to invaluable networking opportunities.
exciting news about what Music Victoria has been up
Applications are open until 3 April 2018, with
to in regional Victoria so far this year.
Victorians of all backgrounds (who meet the eligibility
From 9 to 11 February 2018, we took 12 leading
already received support from the likes
music industry representatives on the third Victorian
of Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola and Chris Fortier. Bloom, Geelong – April 7.
TV HAZE ENJOY THEIR DAYS A couple of days ago TV Haze supported The Lemonheads in Melbourne. That’s sure to leave you feeling pretty good, and no doubt that warm, fuzzy feeling will carry them through to a show at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on April 14. In further good news, the band has a new album coming out next month titled Circle the Sun. Single ‘Maple Leaves’ is out now, so do yourself a favour and take it for a spin.
Brisbane outfit The Jungle Giants Songman James Reyne will bring along Josh Owen for a string of intimate shows in duo mode, as his ‘A Crawl to Now’ show weaves around regional Victoria. The 90-minute show will take in a career spanning more than 20 albums and will include all your Australian Crawl favourites. WPAC, Echuca – April 20; Echuca Paramount – May 5 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – May 18.
musicvictoria.com.au/lmp for more details.
Music Crawl. The ‘Crawl saw our guests take in 39
Finally… Music Victoria’s annual Membership Drive
performances from the region’s best artists in 22 venues,
is set to launch in March 2018, did you know that you can
from Birregurra, Port Fairy, Warrnambool, Deans Marsh,
save bucketloads on touring, rehearsals, advertising, and
along the Great Ocean Road from Lorne to Aireys Inlet,
even record shopping, by becoming a member? Please
and on to the Bellarine Peninsula (Queenscliff, Point
consider supporting us – the organisation that supports
Lonsdale, and Ocean Grove), and finally to Geelong.
your music community – by becoming a member, from
Whew…
just $33 (individual membership). We live and breathe
Highlights were aplenty, and included a very special
JAMES REYNE ON THE CRAWL
requirements) encouraged to apply. Visit www.
music.
performance by Archie Roach at Tower Hill Reserve (near
See you on the grass/sticky carpet/D-floor.
Port Fairy/Warrnambool), awesome local showcases at
Coops, Sarah & the Music Vic crew
The Loft, Warrnambool, the Piping Hot Chicken Shop,
Member of the month:
Ocean Grove, and Workers Geelong, attending a sold
Karova Lounge, Ballarat
out Jerkfest Vol. 4 at The Barwon Club Hotel, a stirring
Bucking the trend, and firmly one of Victoria, and
breakfast performance by Mark Lang (Skipping Girl
Australia’s, best and most committed regional live music
Vinegar) at Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, and our very
venues, Karova Lounge is a deserved ‘member of the
own Al Parkinson chilling the Birregurra Christ Church.
month’. Constantly pushing the limits by featuring the
The ‘Crawl was such an amazing opportunity to
freshest, emerging bands (see Lowtide – Fri 23 March
showcase local talent, venues, and uncover and develop
2018), Karova is also dedicated to supporting Australia’s
live music opportunities. All involved developed their
finest (see Cosmic Psychos – Tuesday 24 April 2018).
professional networks and regional knowledge, and are
Get on down to Karova this month and discover your
pumped to do more business in regional Victoria. Special
next favourite artist, or support an all time fav. Thanks,
thanks to local promoters and venues, Moyne Shire, City
Karova, for being you!
of Warrnambool, and City of Greater Geelong, and of course Creative Victoria and the Victorian Government, for supporting the Victorian Music Crawl. Check out our Regional Page for more info and resources on touring
Regional gig of the month: James Ellis and the Jealous Guys @ The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine – Sunday 4 March 3-5pm. James Ellis and the Jealous Guys is a country band from Melbourne, Australia, and are bringing their full-
this great state. Applications open Friday 2 March 2018 for Live
band honky tonk show to Castlemaine for the first time.
Music Professionals 2018 – a free professional and
With a debut album It Ain’t Texas (But It Ain’t Bad),
business development program for independent
recorded and mixed by Roger Bergodaz (Lost Ragas)
promoters, venue owners, venue managers and band
and mastered by Adam Dempsey, to be released through
bookers. Successful applicants will be matched with
Blind Date Records in 2018, get thee to The Bridge Hotel,
some of Victoria’s most experienced music industry
Castlemaine for a bona fide honky tonk hoe down.
professionals for one-on-one coaching sessions in key
Free entry. YES!
business-based areas. Participants will attend tailored
DAVE GRANEY and The mistLY
PERFORMING AT THE GEELONG CLUB AT 74 BROUGHAM ST, GEELONG
Kick-start your music industry career with the Live Music Professionals program APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Thanks to Music Victoria, this vibrant program has been created to help create a sustainable live music sector. Live Music Professionals encourages independent promoters, venue owners, venue managers and band bookers to develop their businesses alongside industry professionals -- all for free. Successful applicants in this program will be matched with and taught by some of Australia’s most skilled industry professionals like the 2017 coaches: Publicist and manager Carolyn Logan, owner of The Tote and Bar Open Jon Perring, Groovin The Moo festival booker Richard Moffat, manager and co-producer of the Hills Are Alive Festival Aidan McLaren, and Alex Zaccaria of digital marketing agency Bolster.
The program has been designed to strengthen Victoria’s live music sector by fostering successful music businesses and giving participants the opportunity to attend specialised workshops, masterclasses and conferences while also having access to invaluable networking opportunities. Sarah Deborre, the project manager for Live Music Professionals, says this program will assist in strengthening the presence of live music in Victorian communities. “If we can build the skills of the people who are already actively involved as independent promoters or working with live music in a venue, then we can help them create a more sustainable business, that, will surely have a positive impact on live music in general,” she says. “If we can connect the people who are passionate and already putting on gigs or festivals in their communities around Victoria, then that in it itself will be such a benefit for the live music circuit. We really want to work with people from right across the state.” Live Music Professionals will run from July to November and is free for all accepted applicants. Applications are open until April 3rd with Victorians of all backgrounds who meet the eligibility requirements encouraged to apply.
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IAN MOSS MEETS IAN MOSS If the Australian music scene was a street, Ian Moss would have his private parking space. He’s been doing his thing for many, many years and now releases his new self-titled album – his first solo album in nine years and first of all original material in 22 years. Eastbank Performing Arts Centre, Shepparton – November 3; Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – November 16; and Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballarat – November 17.
NAN’S BIRTHDAY Bendigo’s Star Bar welcomes Nan’s Birthday number six on March 29. Melbourne beat-maker Alice Ivy is going to be there. The alter-ego of Annika Schmarsel, Alice is touring her debut album I’m Dreaming. Who else do you have? Angie McMahon, who must be feeling pretty good after landing the #33 spot on triple j’s Hottest 100 for ‘Slow Mover’. KLLO, Jack and the Kids and JVMANJI will also be in attendance.
More fantastic events coming up at the Potato Shed Tonight we have The Young Folk - direct from Ireland! This one off event also features special guests Andy Irvine (Ireland) and Luke Plumb (Aus) – just one show tonight March 8th at 8pm. Tickets at the door. We have a great Rock and Roll Morning Show on in March - featuring the HIP CATS – taking you through the hits of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s – that’s 10.30am on Tuesday the 13th.
GOLDFIELDS MUSIC FESTIVAL Labour Day weekend (March 9-12) welcomes the Goldfields Music Festival. Every day is a winner, with performers including The Bottlers, Ramshackle Army, Cheese Excursion, Grim Fawkner, Trash Lily, Steph Bitter, Sherri Parry, Four Lions, Bill Barber & the Revelators and Pat Ward. Local produce stalls, traditional and international food stalls and arts and craft stalls also feature. Newstead Racecourse is the place to be.
MELBOURNE INVASION It’s time to see what bands Melbourne has been hiding. Furious George, This Life I Live, He Who Seeks Vengeance, Verona Lights and Strict Vincent all have a date with Bendigo’s Music Man on April 14. Influenced by the likes of Thy Art Murder, Of Mice and Men and Trivium, He Who Seeks Vengeance are relative newcomers to the hardcore scene. They formed in 2016 and released their debut EP, The Kid’s Got Alligator Blood, last year.
COUSIN TONY’S BRAND NEW FIREBIRD They call themselves Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, a hell of a band name if ever there was one. They’re also bringing a disregarded colour back in vogue. Last year the band scored a residency at the Evelyn Hotel and showcased at BIGSOUND. Already a hot ticket, the band has coughed up their debut long-player, Electric Brown. The Karova, Ballarat – May 4; Barwon Club, Geelong – May 6; and Hotel Shamrock, Bendigo – May 11.
EASTER BLUES BENDER 2017 The Ocean Film Festival is going on tour, taking in dates at Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on March 22 and Village Cinemas, Geelong on March 23. Showcasing more than two hours of footage taken above and below the surface of the water, the selection of short films celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers that make the ocean their home. Further information is available through oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au.
360 ALLSTARS AT THE ULUMBARRA THEATRE A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a radical urban circus. Boasting a stellar international cast, including the two-time World Champion BMX Flatlander, two World Champion breakdancers, an internationally acclaimed basketball freestyler, and an exceptional roue cyr artist, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. Add to this a stunning live soundtrack performed by award winning master musician Gene Peterson and chart topping vocal loop artist Sam Perry, coupled with spectacular AV projections, 360 ALLSTARS is as aurally exciting as it is visually astounding. The show will run from Friday March 30 – Sunday April 1.
GROOVIN THE MOO ADDS SIX NEW ACTS TO THE LINEUP Groovin The Moo organisers have added six rising acts to their 2018 lineup, after holding a competition on triple j Unearthed. One fresh act has been added to each of the festival’s locations for 2018, with the Bendigo leg opened by one-man-band Daniel Aaron. This lineup additions join previously announced Groovin The Moo acts like The Amity Affliction, Ball Park Music, Grinspoon, Portugal. The Man and Public Service Broadcasting.
Seeking Position with Band
CL ASSIFIEDS Send your info to: enquiries@fortemag.com.au For individual use only, not for commercial purposes.
18
Band looking for Keys
Class Clowns returns on the 14th of March with a free performance at 2pm – come a support the new upcoming comedic stars. Vegas style cabaret returns on Saturday March 17 with LATONGA II – from Industry Dance – presented in cabaret style with tables and licensed bar– this is an action packed non-stop wild show! Ending the month we have a great original play The Zipper – a comical look at heart bypass surgery and the aftermath in the Emerald Village retirement centre. Four shows on Friday 23rd and Sat 24th March. Check out our webpage or Facebook for all the latest news and up to date information. Always something on at the Shed, we hope to see you here! Book on 52511998 www.geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed
COASTAL JAM AND UNO PRESENTS A VERY GOOD FRIDAY
BIG LEAGUE ANNOUNCE SXSW SHOW AND US TOUR
We’re catchin’ waves this Easter Weekend – after two sold-out shows in Lorne, Torquay’s favourite venue gets a mini-festival makeover courtesy of UNO and Coastal Jam. Torquay’s largest weekend of the year is now getting a party of similar magnitude. After hosting the likes of Late Nite Tuff Guy, Maribou State, Touch Sensitive, CC:DISCO!, Benson and John Course, the Coastal Bunny is brining Paces (DJ Set), Benson (Falls Festival 2018), Mimi (Triple J) along with local legends this Good Friday. For those who are unaware, the Rip Curl Pro happens on the Easter weekend every year, and the town is buzzing. Partying with a purpose, a percentage of ticket sales will go towards the Good Friday Appeal! It will go down on March 30 from 2pm.
In the past two years indie rockers Big League have emerged from the exploding music scene in Melbourne, Australia and have steadily grown their reputation with a prolific number of releases and head turning live shows. Big League supported the recent release of the debut album “I thought thunderbolt” with a string of well received video releases and packed release shows. Since the album release Big League have enjoyed critical acclaim from media outlets such as Beat, The Music and Happy Mag along with sustained play on the ABC’s RAGE program, PBS and more. With momentum growing the band has been selected to showcase at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas which they will follow with a West Coast US tour.
↑↑ LOCALLY GROWN FUNNIES Melbourne International Comedy Festival showcases will continue in March at Infusion Café in Moorabool St. In the weeks leading up to the popular festival, Locally Grown Funnies will host two nights at the Geelong venue, where punters will get the chance to preview these hilarious shows for only $5. On Friday March 16, Stevie Stix is the headline act, with RAW finalist Sharon Andrews MC’ing and an array of local talent in support. Saturday the 24 sees Comedy Town descend upon Infusion, with a bunch of Melbourne comics showcasing their talents. Shows start at 8pm, with dinner available from 7pm. Tickets available at www.trybooking.com/TUNO
Male looking for players to form a band
Drummer Wanted
Great keyboard player wanted
On the lookout for more projects, styles
Ocean Grove based originals band
Looking for a drummer to play
Keyboard player with ability to improvise,
such as indie rock/alternative rock or
Zeffa is looking for a keyboard player.
Rhythm guitarist, lead guitar, drums
blues rock. Gigs are waiting
playing original Prog rock, Jazz Fusion,
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Contact Josh 0430 971 319
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Influences include The Black Crowes,
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band or drums in metal, rock or indie
for a team player who can commit to
Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Stone
experienced, any age ok, auditions will
rock. If anything you see catches your
regular rehearsals and gigs. Vocal ability
Temple Pilots, Soundgarden, Pearl
begin in January for Band performances
eye text me or call Joel on 0414628813.
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Experimental styles. Band has both CD and vinyl releases and have played inter-
BALL ARAT BLOG
MIDDLE KIDS REMINISCE Following on from their self-titled debut EP last year, Middle Kids have announced a tour in support of their recently released debut fulllength album, Lost Friends. Vocalist Hannah Joy: “In a time where a lot of division is growing, we want to be part of the conversation that unites people around certain ideals that are universal, like hope and love.” They’ll be heading to the US once local dates are done and dusted. The Karova, Ballarat – May 25.
WRITTEN BY GLEN ANDERSON
It’s the best time of the year here in the Rat with some beautiful mild days and cool nights. We must make the most of it though because soon the chill of the Sou`Wester will remind us all of what Ballarat is infamous for. Friday March 23 sees Lowtide make their way to Ballarat. Southern Mind is their much awaited new album that will hopefully be available on the night. ‘Alibi’ has already been lifted from it and ‘Elizabeth Tower’ is the latest single to be released. Their dreamy pop sound reminds me of The Cure with some guitar sounds thrown in from The Church. Pretty cool sound for a three piece and it’s only $7 to get in. Amberyse are a metalcore band from Geelong who have just put out an EP Born Too Familiar. Frontman Jayden Andrews has a real frenzied energy and their blend of heavy/melodic riffs will surely keep the crowd rocking when they come to town on Saturday 31 March. There will be several local acts to support on the night including Anticline, Upon World’s End, Nerve Band and Haunted Steel. Entry is only $10.
ALEX THE ASTRONAUT & STELLA DONNELLY Alex the Astronaut and Stella Donnelly have teamed up for a bunch of dates next month, including spots in Forteland. Both artists kicked major goals at last year’s BIGSOUND, where they were introduced to each other. Alex the Astronaut had the highest attended showcase, while Stella Donnelly took out the inaugural Levi’s Music Prize. The Karova, Ballarat – April 27. They are also playing the Tap House, Bendigo on April 28.
There are still tickets available for the Thundamentals gig on March 25 (Sunday). The band are doing a weekend double-header and the Saturday show is sold out already. A couple of really cool things happening at The Lost Ones Bar & Art Gallery - one is a Scotch Malt Whisky Tasting Masterclass, and the other is a Wine & Pleasure Night. This is an exclusive five course dinner married with tailored international and Australian wines. The night goes from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on April 19. Tickets are available at www. tickettailor.com. The Lane (down the side of The George Hotel) can sort you out from early in the morning until late at night. Making great coffee and cake for most of the day, you can then drink the afternoon away in the beer garden. It is a great little room for the solo acoustic performers that play there regularly, and Friday and Saturday are the way to go if you feel like getting amongst it. The Sporting Globe has really kicked on since opening up over a year ago. Local hosts Anne and Richard will welcome you with open arms and pour you an ice cold froffy. If you can’t find your favourite sporting event on a screen in the place, you ain’t lookin’ hard enough!
WRAPPED UP AT THE EASTERN It’s back! Wrapped Up returns to The Eastern on Saturday, April 7th for a full day of fantastic bands and good times. Hitting the stage will be The Stevens, Jess Ribeiro, Lower Plenty, Woollen Kits, Deafwish, UBIK, The Stroppies, Hot Topic, Skivvy, Wild Bloom, and Odd Jobs DJs on the line up this year. It kicks off at 3pm and entry is an easy $15 on the door.
2018 MOUNTAIN TO MOUTH EDITORIAL GEELONG’S OWN MULTI -AWARD WINNING EXTREME ARTS WALK, MOUNTAIN TO MOUTH2018 ( M~M2018), RETURNS FRIDAY 4 AND SATURDAY 5 MAY 2018.
LETHAL SOUND DIVISION USE THEIR MUSICAL TALENT AS A PLATFORM FOR A GREATER GOOD THE BENEFIT EVENT THAT’S TAKING ALL PROCEEDS AND GIVING THEM TO A WORTHY CAUSE
WRITTEN BY HANNAH KENNY
Local boys Lethal Sound Division are just one of the
headlining acts set to appear at Karova Lounge on Field Street in Ballarat this April. With a selfless determination to raise awareness about the global charity, Free The Slaves, Lethal Sound Division as well as Butterfunked, Embe, Trucks, Dal Santo and Tsugnarly are drawing attention to the initiative through music in an aim to donate a generous portion to the cause. Founded in 2000, ‘the antislavery pioneers and innovators’ that operate Free The Slaves recognise that slavery still exists despite our deep wish for it not to. Using a community-based strategy that is scalable and can be mirrored in countries where slavery is prominent and lifethreatening, Free The Slaves freed 1,123 people from slavery
in 2016, a remarkable result. Putting one foot in front of the other by constantly pondering on new ways to hinder and suppress slavery, we can see why such a benefit has been organised. Using their pop/rock sound to invite locals and visitors in, Lethal Sound Division hope to raise a decent amount of cash to donate to Free The Slaves before their tour around Australia and New Zealand. Entry fee is only $5 – a great excuse to see some live music whilst also contributing to the betterment of mankind.
In the tradition of Wadawurrung, M~M creates a contemporary songline traversing the City of Greater Geelong and the Borough of Queenscliffe. Your adventure awaits!
You choose the distance. You choose the challenge. You can start or finish at any of the 12 Songline Stations on the walk. M~M2018 begins at the You Yangs, crossing the industrial heartland of Geelong before arriving in the City Centre to collide with Geelong After Dark, a night of edgy and unexpected arts. At dawn the next day, follow the Barwon River through rolling Bellarine farmland, along ocean beach to reach the Barwon Heads river mouth at sunset for a spectacular closing ceremony. The route is marked with site specific artworks commissioned for M~M2018, bringing people together through shared experiences of extreme arts that celebrate the land, our place in the land and communities residing within. Gather your friends and family and join your local community to discover and uncover connection to land. Register to walk at www.mountaintomouth.com.au
For more information about the event as well as set times, follow this link https://www.facebook. com/events/945850035572118/. Forte will see you there!
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JOHN BUTLER TRIO Creating magic WRITTEN BY HELENA METZKE
HITTING THE ROAD, AUSTRALIAN RO OT S A N D J A M B A N D J O H N BUTLER TRIO WILL BE SHARING T H E I R M AG I C W I T H R E G I O N A L VICTORIA DURING MARCH OF THIS YEAR. THE TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT HAS COME ACCOMPANIED BY THE MUCH WELCOMED NEWS OF THEIR F O RT H CO M I N G S E V E N T H S T U D I O ALBUM. No strangers to hitting the road, Australian roots and jam band John Butler Trio will be sharing their magic with regional Victoria during March of this year. The tour announcement has come accompanied by the much welcomed news of their forthcoming seventh studio album. Titled one of our most exuberant acts, lead vocalist and guitarist John Butler lists the ingredients which are necessary to exuding this energy and excitement – and ultimately contends that these are the secret recipe to creating magic on stage. “Being on the road is really regimented, which is kind of what I like about it,” he begins, “I drink lots of water and get lots of sleep, I make sure I feed myself the right food at the right time, I meditate twice a day and hopefully go for a 20
run. And just 45 minutes before the show I’m quite calm and just warming up my vocals and hanging out with my band.” “There’s a whole bunch of energy that goes into being able to make magic at a certain moment,” he continues, “As we all know, good times and magical moments seem to be quite random – you don’t know when they’re going to come. “I’m in the business of trying to make these moments happen at a certain time and so it takes this focus of energy to make sure at 9.30pm when the lights go on, that I’m able to go out and be this super version of myself . It’s like I put my cape on and do my best.” John Butler Trio began working on new songs while touring internationally throughout last year and John says the new album is “being mixed at the moment.” You heard it – straight from the horse’s mouth. With a catalogue of acclaimed tracks spanning decades, one might only wonder how John Butler Trio go about choosing their set-list for any one given show. And with new tunes to be showcased at their upcoming string of performances, John expresses the dismay he experiences in the process. “I don’t like it [choosing the set-list for a show], it’s really difficult. I want to bring all the
children to the playground, but only some of them can come and it’s like I’m saying to the kids that I love one of them more than the other,” he laughs, “And when I make a new album it’s like, ‘OH NO, there’s going to be even more kids left behind!’” “I tend to maintain this headspace where I go, ‘If I were to go to, I don’t know, say I’m going to go to a Rage Against The Machine concert, I want to see Bulls On Parade, I want to see Killing In The Name’,” he explains, “So I think about that with my audience and think about the songs they’ve built these relationships with and I make sure those songs are in. “But my biggest focus is making sure that at least just under half of my set is new songs, so that my audience can continue to grow with me... otherwise you can get into playing your greatest hits and then your audience never moves with you.” While John Butler Trio continue to lead fans on a momentous journey alongside them, John admits he has begun to think about the bigger questions, such as why it is he does what he does.
personal thing, but the minute you show it to the world you feel like you’re stranding naked and you’re hoping that everybody is going to like this music that you’ve given.” “You feel very vulnerable and of course you want people to like it, but why do you want people to like it – that’s the question, WHY? Is it just to stroke your ego? No, it’s not that,” he continues before concluding, “I’ve boiled it down to something that’s kind of simple and ridiculous and beautiful – and it’s just to give people the chills. “I know when I look at a piece of art, or I watch a great movie, or I hear a story, or watch a concert and I get the chills, I feel like magic is happening – and that’s why I get on stage, in the hope that I’ll give people the chills.” John Butler Trio will be accompanied on tour by MAMA KIN SPENDER, the exciting new collaboration between ARIA-nominated Mama Kin and multi-instrumentalist/producer Tommy Spender. When & Where: Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballarat March 21
“I’ve been thinking about this a lot over the Ulumbarra Arts Centre, Bendigo – March 22. last couple of years and I’ve been asking myself, ‘What is it that I do?’, ‘What is it that I want?’, you Visit www.johnbutlertrio.com know, ‘What am I really wanting out of this?’,” he explains, “You release music and it’s a very
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Neighbour
the artistic hub of Newtown’s south end, in amongst burgeoning furniture workshops and art studios.
WRITTEN BY DANIEL JUBB
“We just want Neighbour to be a destination for people to come, where everyone knows each other and
As autumn unfolds, the leaves start to turn and there’s a noticeable chill in the night’s air - its all about quick and easy comfort food from here on out. Lucky for you, we’ve put in the hard yards and given you a quick-pick guide to eateries around the town who can offer the very best autumn dishes that will leave you wanting more, whether that be Thai food or a
Open seven days a week, Neighbour is the café Newtown has been waiting for. Situated in the Boom Gallery just off Pakington Street, it has been likened to the Picker’s Union as a destination café that offers an experience unlike any other in Geelong.
meal special from The Sphinx.
you can just chill out all day,” he smiles. Neighbour boasts a menu that is seasonal by design. With the aim of offering a wealth of culinary delights, including everything savoury and sweet. Sam describes co-owner and head chef Will Moyle as a perfectionist
We’ve also thrown in some of our favourite beer and wines too, because life is all about balance.
Neighbour, which launched in September last year, is the brain child of Sam Zaid and Will Moyle who are
who constantly studies his craft and isn’t afraid to experiment with dishes to excite the tastebuds.
no strangers to the rigours of hospitality, having earned their collective stripes at a wealth of venues including
While enjoying their successes is a part of the plan,
Coffee Cartel, Little Green Corner, Hot Chicken Project
the boys are already thinking about the bigger picture.
and Terindah Estate, as well as various bars overseas. “It’s been nice to have a little bit of success behind us
Don’t let the season pass without taking full advantage of what’s available in our humble town!
Although the majority of their experience lies in bars
now, so we could extend the kitchen space to produce
and restaurants, Sam, who moved from Tasmania
more food.” But what about the future for Neighbour?
three years ago after recognising Geelong’s enormous potential, relishes the new opportunity. “It’s really been
“Well, gaining a liquor license is next for us. But
a breath of fresh air.”
collaboration is important to us as well; we’re looking to pair up with local artists, furniture makers and clothing
And a breath of fresh air it is!
Enjoy!
labels to bring that destination feel to the area.”
The high ceilings and industrial décor is accentuated
Talia & the Forte Team.
with natural light and a meticulously chosen playlist
Neighbour is located at 11 Rutland Street, Newtown
of music accentuates the chilled-out vibe. Alongside
and is open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, Saturday 9am
the adjoining Boom Gallery, Neighbour is situated in
to 4pm and Sunday 9am to 3pm.
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rvice
$14 $12
AUTHENTIC THAI IN THE REGION Kanitar Thai Restaurant and Jai Thai When you’re hungry for delicious Thai cuisine in Geelong and Lara, ARANI Thai Restaurant is well-renowned for their incredible authentic dishes serving the Geelong community with three separate venues. With a clear high demand for their dishes, ARANI management opened sister restaurants Kanitar along Malop Street in 2015, and continued on to open Jai Thai in Lara. Rotating the cooks between the three venues, you can be sure the food is consistently amazing and to the high standard you deserve, and allows you to get your ARANI Thai fix at any of the three venues. If you’re more open to trying something new, we recommend trying the stir fried chilli, garlic and sweet basil (Pad Grapow), the tangy and spicy stir fried noodle (Drunken Noodles) or the Chef’s special which offers a seafood combination served on a sizzling hot plate. There’s also a range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options, with a specific menu designed to make it a smooth ordering process for all... now there’s no stress on the dietaries. With most mains priced at around $15.50, these prices are a steal and have stayed the same since opening, a credit to the restaurant in keeping customer value and quality as their
number one priority. Full licensed and even allow BYO at all venues – meaning you can bring your favourite bottle of red for just a $4 fee - perfect. While you get to enjoy the same food and the same menu at all restaurants, each venue differs in the vibe and experience you get. ARANI is very modern and contemporary and has been a popular spot for a number of years due to its intimate size - it’s small on space, but assuringly big on sharing and warm Thai hospitality. Kanitar however is perfect for larger groups and families, boasting large open spaces, comfy chairs and a relaxed vibe where you can sit back with a glass of wine well into the evening. Jai Thai is a whole new feel altogether, which encompasses a rustic theme, concrete, brick and render – you wouldn’t think it was a Thai Restaurant – that is until the food hits the table of course. It’s not remotely authentic looks-wise, but nor is it trying to be and that’s why we love it. Now on board with EatNow, Uber Eats and menulog, Thai nights should be on the cards for you this Autumn. Whether you want to dine in, takeway or get delivery, all you need to do now is download the delivery apps or go old schhool and pick up the telephone. What we can promise is that it’s Authentic Thai done right. ARANI Thai Restaurant 136 Malop Street, Geelong (03) 5222 1737 Monday – Friday 11am – 2:30pm (3pm if busy), 5pm – 9:30pm Saturday 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9:30pm Sunday 5pm – 9:30pm Kanitar Thai Restaurant 39 Malop Street, Geelong (03) 5229 1562 Tuesday – Sunday 5:30pm – 9:30pm Jai Thai 14 The Centreway, Lara (03) 5282 8577 Tuesday – Friday 4pm-9pm Saturday & Sunday 4pm – 9pm
AMPED
The place to dine, drink & dance AMPED is the Geelong bar where you are guaranteed to dine, drink and dance – either separately, or all at the same time. Either way, it is sure to be a good night! Ran by two local music lovers, Shel and Shane Turley, Amped aims to keep live music alive in the Geelong region and to have it accessible to all ages with everyone, young and old, welcome in the venue. While we are all about the music (and with live music from Thursday to Sunday, it’s hard not to love that), it’s the food that has us excited. For when the hunger strikes, AMPED has a range of smaller snacks such as pizza, nachos or even the best selling – and Shel’s personal favourite - Potachoes (a combination of wedges and nachos, served with sour cream, bacon and all sorts of other goodness) to get you through. If you’re after something a bit bigger, AMPED are known for their meals being large and loaded - so there’s no chance of leaving hungry. You might like
to try the burger, or even one of their four parmigiana options (Regular, Mexican, Meatlovers, Hawaiian) which will leave you completely satisfied. Thursday’s you’ll get a parmi for $14 too so why not pop in! With good meals comes great drinks – and AMPED offer some delicious creations, including Turlz Espresso Martini, the Golden Gaytime cocktail and even Strawberry Freddo Shots. Alongside the delicious food, Amped comes complete with security to ensure everyone has the best night possible (and gets home safe), along with free parking from 5:30pm, a rooftop area to kick back with a drink, and the venue itself is decked out with colourful wall art, artist portraits hung on the walls, a VIP lounge area with a photo wall and fun props, as well as two fully stocked bars - Amped really is the perfect venue for a night out. Whether it be for a music packed night out, a work function or even just a meal, AMPED is the place be this Autumn.
AMPED Bar is located at 71 Yarra St, Geelong. You can also find the venue on Facebook. Ph: (03) 5221 1634
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The Royal Hotel Meredith
meredith.com.au The Royal Hotel Meredith is well known for its music and gigs, but their food is also something worth talking about. With a high rotation menu –updated on an almost weekly basis you can be sure the best quality and freshest food is being served up daily. A recent change of head chef & new Autumn menu is proving very popular.
For the most part, the meals served are pub style – a number of classic dishes proven to be successful, served Royal Hotel style. One of the most popular and ever present is the chicken parmigiana, often with a unique take – for example you can currently get a Godfather parmi; a traditional parmigiana with an Italian take – served with a bolognaise sauce. The Steak sandwich is also a very popular (and large!) dish very much loved by patrons. More recent additions include a tasting plate – which, considering the regions reputation with cheese, is popular with a lot of the ingredients
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locally sourced. Another recent addition that has proven itself very popular is the pulled pork burger served on a brioche bun with a side of golden chips With a senior’s menu where each meal is $14 and a kids menu where meals are all $12 & includes a soft drink or juice & dessert, the Royal Hotel Meredith is a family friendly destination for a good feed and the chance to try something new each visit. The Royal Hotel Meredith Hotel has a variety of seating choices to suit each and every diner, with choices of the dining room that seats around 50 people, the undercover deck outside, the public bar, sun filled beer garden and TAB room, there is a chance to match your seating to your meal & mood. The Royal Hotel Meredith really does have something for everyone, and often manages to combine quality music and food together in a charming and elegant venue. It is a place well worth checking out, whether stopping by Meredith on a larger journey or making a special trip out. Bookings are recommended, especially for groups.
Mon - Fri 8 - 4 // Sat 9 - 4 // Sun 9 - 3 11 Rutland st. Newtown ph: 0438 897 450 @neighbour_geelong
Where: 16 Wallace Street Meredith When: Mon – Tues 3pm – late; Wed – Sun 11:30am – late Ph: (03) 5286 1100 Site: www.theroyalhotelmeredith.com.au/
neighbourgeelong.com FORTE 684
Experience the new Cellar Door New Release Wine Launch Celebrations Labour Day Long Weekend
Open 7 days - 10.30am - 4.30pm 190 Scotchmans Road, Bellarine To book a table, phone (03) 5251 3176 www.scotchmans.com.au FORTE 684
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1.Thermometers aren’t necessary For the pros, Big Moe reveals that your sense of touch speaks for itself rather than the numbers on a thermometer. A thermometer may say the meat is cooked but Big Moe says the feel and the jiggle of the meat is the key to knowing when you’ve achieved the
An ideal weekend indulging in quality beer, live music and delicious food WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO
If you love the country, live music and beer, this festival is for you! The fourth annual High Country Hops Festival is back (woo), and will be held at the Bridge Road Brewery in Beechworth, Victoria – one of the most beautiful parts of the region. This festival is all about celebrating the craft beer that gets produced after the yearly hops are harvested, with a nice bit of scenery along the picturesque High County Brewery Trail. For the first time this year, all eight brewers in the regions will be showcasing their products; so prepare your tastebuds and your beer gut, and get ready to try a range of craft beers from Black Dog Brewery, Blizzard Brewing Company, Bright Brewery, King River Brewing, Rutherglen Brewery, Social Bandit Brewing Co. Sweetwater Brewing Company and of course, Bridge Road Brewery, who just had their pale ale place 9th in Gabs Hottest 100 Craft Beers.
smoke can affect the flavour of your meat. For instance, thin blue smoke leaves your meat packed with pure smokey flavours, while black smoke will make your meat taste like a boot.
they know that each type of wood chip creates a unique smokey
9. Anyone can be a barbecue Judge
flavour and is crucial for creating the right taste for your cut and
Anyone can get involved in the world of competitive barbecue and if cooking isn’t for you, give judging a try. All judges have to do
3. Barbecuing served in competition is not the same as what you’d get in a restaurant Competition barbecue is a whole other world and most meat served at barbecue competitions are ultra rich with very strong
is sit through a short half day judging course with the Australasian Barbecue Alliance and get their accreditation and taste 30 courses of barbecue! Sign us up! 10. Knives should not be overlooked
syrup based sauces. Big Moe reveals this is because barbecue
Big Moe says the right type of knife is critical in getting the
competitors create flavours aimed towards what the judges are
perfect piece of meat. Low quality knives can increase the workload
looking for. Still sounds mouthwatering though!
and diminish the quality of the final product. Moe also says judges
4. Climate affects cooking
at competitions pay attention to the cut and the presentation of
Barbecue competitors know the conditions they cook play a very
the meat so it’s critical to have a high quality knife.
important role in barbecuing. Big Moe says competition barbecue is very dependent on the climate - humidity, wind and rain can have a big effect on competitors’ cooking and flavours. 5.Barbecuing is a marathon Big Moe reveals that barbecuing is not a speedy process or even an easy one. It requires constant attention and consistency is key. Moe says consistent turning and basting is reflected in the flavour of the meat and the judges can definitely tell. 6. Rub and marinade flavours are tested Most barbecue competitors use dry rubs or marinades on their meat, Big Moe let us know that the flavours in each rub or marinade are carefully chosen by the cook. Moe says the flavour profile of the meat is so important, the cook usually tests how these rub flavours will taste with finishing sauces. 7. Injecting brisket is a common practice Big Moe reveals that pitmasters often inject their briskets with
oils and aromatic qualities of the hops. What more could you want? Looking back, the festival was first developed back in 2014, as a way to bring together the craft brewers and hop growers of the High Country Region. This region is well known for its beautiful scenery, unparalleled bike paths and of course, its region known artisan breweries. Now, the High County Hops Festival has turned into a well-loved and well-known event for all ages, not only perfect for beer enthusiasts, but also popular with families, young couples and holidayers. Attractions at this year’s festival include a petting zoo and jumping castle for both the little ones, and the big ones wanting to get in touch with their inner child. Adults can also look to enjoy hop flavoured gin and beer icecream. You can also expect to find a large range of local food producers and a popular musical line up, including performances from The Beez (Saturday) and the Kissin’ Cousins (Sunday) The Annual High County Hops Festival is free to enter, but there are limited tickets available to be purchased for paid hourly tours and a beer tasting, which can be purchased online at via eventbrite. The festival opens on March 24 at 11am, and finishes March 25 at 8pm, so make sure to keep the dates free now.
This year’s festival will also see the launch of the first Australian Wet Hop Craft beer, which can apparently only be produced once a year, making this year’s festival unique and not to be missed. With only a 24-hour window to create this product, and give it a fresher and hoppier flavour, this is definitely one to try. Festival founder Ben Kraus said that each harvest creates unique characteristics and since the hops haven’t been processed of pelletized, the beer will contain more of the essential
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Among barbecue competitors, smoke is not merely a cooking
Big Moe reveals that choosing the right type of wood chip is
type of meat.
HIGH COUNTRY HOPS FESTIVAL
8. Smoke is an ingredient, not a cooking method
2. The type of wood chip affects the taste a must do for all those barbecuing. Among those in competition,
Big Moe Cason, the renowned king of barbecue, has spent over 10 years travelling the world perfecting his award winning ribs, sauces and brisket, and now he’s coming to Melbourne to share his mouth watering expertise. In preparation for the muchanticipated return of Meatstock 2018, Big Moe has cleared the smoke to reveal ten juicy facts about the art of barbecuing that you can really sink your teeth into.
sounds, Big Moe says this is normal and comes in handy during competitions when time is limited.
method but rather an ingredient. Big Moe says that the type of
perfect piece of barbecue.
BARBECUE BARON BIG MOE REVEALS THE 10 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT COMPETITIVE BARBECUE
a marinade to deliver flavours deep into meat. As strange as this
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When & Where: Meatstock @ Melbourne Showgrounds – March 17 & 18 2018 Tickets are available from www.meatstock.com.au and cost $35.00 per day or $55.00 for a weekend super pass, with children under 12 entering free with every adult.
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sight, the rustic cellar door instantly strikes your curiosity. Inside the setting is light filled and homely, with an intimate tapered roof and lengthy wooden L-shaped bar which wonderfully creates an opportunity to chat with fellow wine enthusiast about their experiences. Heading outside, the terrace is decked out with bricks, a number of outside settings, umbrellas and a picturesque view overlooking the immaculately maintained vineyards, accompanied by Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline, makes a perfect (and spacious) backdrop to enjoy a glass of your favourite drop with your favourite company.
Scotchmans Hill
Now that you’ve got an idea about the pure ambience and charm of the most renowned winery on the Bellarine, it’s also worth noting this world-class outfit produces some wonderful cool-climate reds and whites of several varietals, and they offer the full range of their estate grown wines for tasting at the cellar door with knowledgeable staff on hand.
The soul of the Bellarine
making sure you get the very best out of the experience – even if you’re still learning the difference between your pinot gris from your pinot noir. Let’s be honest though, when you think of wine, you think of cheese… or specifically, you think of a big, beautiful cheese platter on the table, glowing with all types of cheeses, perfect fruit and crisp crackers. The opportunities and mouthfuls are endless. Scotchmans Hill understand and value this, with their delectable platters on offer for visitors to kick back and indulge in two of life’s greatest culinary pleasures. Think a selection of Drysdale Goats Cheese, Mersey Valley Cheddar, Apostle Whey ‘Bay of Martyrs’ blue cheese, Otway Walnuts, Manzanillo Grove Olives alongside Barwon Valley Ham, Cabonossi, Prosciutto and rounded out with La Madre sour dough, Lavosh crackers and even some luscious dip. Are you drooling yet? On top of their mouthwatering platters, they are now serving light lunches featuring seasonal, local produce with offering such as the smoked chicken wrap, fresh salads, local pork on La Madre charcoal brioche buns and the standout reuben sandwiches. Perfect if you are in need of a afternoon snack to go alongside that bottle of award winning 2016 Scotchmans Hill Chardonnay. . While summer may be gone, don’t put away those floppy hats just yet; round up your favourite crew and honour the most beautiful season of the year with a trip to Scotchmans Hill.
With the sun still peeking through the trees or amongst the cool of the mid-afternoon breeze, delightful sunny days, clear nights, and the occasional shower of rain, Autumn weekends are made for a trip to a winery.
The Scotchmans Hill winery and Cellar Door is located in Drysdale, Victoria, Australia; the vineyard is 75 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD, and only 20 minutes from Geelong.
We know that wine, according to Ernest Hemingway anyway, is one of the most civilised things in the world, and if you’re sitting on a shaded patio outside your favourite cellar door, sipping a glass of their finest product and taking in the charming Australian countryside that surrounds them, it’s certainly hard to argue.
For more information head to www.scotchmans.com.au/
Enter, Scotchmans Hill, a leading local winery in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula that has been producing cool climate wines since 1982 and rated among James Halliday’s Top 100 Australian Wineries.
Whether you are a wine newbie or an experienced taster, wine tasting is a fun way to learn about what you like and don’t like. It’s the perfect opportunity to try new wines, and Scotchmans Hill have the knowledge to make sure you find the perfect drop just for you.
Leading the winemaking team for 30 years, Chief Winemaker Robin Brockett is known for his consistent winemaking, and has been instrumental in the development of the vineyards and winemaking style of Scotchmans Hill, a style well-known and well-loved by locals and tourists alike. A trip to Scotchmans Hill is a chance to enjoy some excellent wine in an iconic and beautiful area. With a humble charm and initial cottage
During the wine tastings, the staff (and self-confessed wine affectionados) are approachable and informative; you are literally treated as a long lost friend. It’s their job to know everything about the wines they’re serving and trust us when we say, they do. Not only do they tailor a tasting to your individual needs, whether you’re into whites or reds or only prefer the sweet stuff, the staff will keep it fun as well,
Juan In A Million for breakfast and lunch. Rating are good for this place, but even if they weren’t I was sold on the name alone. Donuts The states takes donuts seriously and there are a few places you can go to get a good fix of deep fried happiness. There’s Voodoo Donuts on 6th street. They make donuts that look like they should be displayed more than eaten. They certainly aren’t made to be eaten easily, but they do taste amazing and you’ll be so mesmerised by the glistening jewels on them that you’ll find it hard to order less than a box worth. One thing better than extremely complex donuts is extremely simple donuts. And sometimes at 2AM you don’t need to be bombarded with options, you just want the hot sugary goodness to be inside you. Little Lucy’s is your saviour here. Open till 2:30AM and they come in small or big bag. But in reality, the only option you want is large.
Top Five Eateries at SXSW You’re in the states and in Texas, so you got double the awesome to try at SXSW. Austin is a great city with amazing food culture and with a gazillion people there, everyone selling food is going out of their way to impress you. It won’t be hard, they do good food. Here are my tips based on our last visit and new places I’ve researched that I’ll be hitting up this year!
BBQ Release: Single ‘Simone’ is out now, with their album OK so you’re in Texas of course you are going to try some BBQ. I even managed to convince three vegetarians to accompany me to several BBQ ‘Cancel The Future’ to be released March 23. joints. Couldn’t make em eat any but you’d be surprised how many BBQ places cater for vegetarians. There’s a place called Franklins which boasts 4-5 hour long lines. Don’t wait in line for hours for BBQ in Texas. BBQ is great everywhere in the state. My fav place was Ironworks in the city centre. Quick lines and good brisket. Great homely authentic vibe there and they have pictures on the walls of all the American presidents that have eaten there too. Awesome! I’m definitely gonna take home some of that BBQ sauce too. It was outstanding! Ruby’s BBQ was a little further out in the college district but had great vegetarian sides and options. Salt Lick is kind of like a chain restaurant, but damn it’s also very good. And you can get it at the airport! Two thumbs up. The difference between good BBQ and great BBQ for me was the sauce and the sides. Try the Texas toast too. It’s just fried bread. But sometimes you just need it in your life.
Southbites Trailer Park Food trucks are awesome. A whole park worth of them even more so. Last time we were at SXSW they had a truck called Happy Lobster Truck that sold lobster rolls which I’ve been dreaming of ever since. You will find everything your heart desires at a food truck park. Go forth and explore!
Tex Mex So Texas used to be Mexico. Go history! So they have this amazing Texas USA/Mexico hybrid food there. It’s delicious. If you’ve had far too much BBQ (likely) you’ll need something a little more fresh to get you through the rest of the day. I didn’t keep track of all the Tex Mex places I went to but I just found a place that I really want to go called
Melbourne’s Pretty City are soon bound for the wild vibes of Texas and SXSW but before the band departs, Johnny Rock is giving us his top five eateries at SXSW.
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P – Terry’s American diners are cool. They just are. And this place is new but taking all its ques from the 60s diners of old and breathing new life into it. You’ve heard of In and Out burger and Shake Shack, now get some P-Terry’s. They have skin on shoe string fries, simple menu and everything is dirt cheap. The architecture is almost worth the price of admission alone. Pure mid-century modern gold!
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KAIJU! Beer & Food
With Summer gone and Autumn at our doorstep, it’s the perfect time to get to know some great Victorian beer to see you through. Enter, KAIJU! - a fun, bold and distinctly comic-book style line of hop-centric beers. While we love beer, we also love food so we’ve outlined some pairings for KAIJU! beers to ensure you get the absolute best drinking experience this season! KAIJU! Krush Kaiju Krush Tropical Pale Ale has a super-clean malt profile that allows the shipload of juicy tropical fruit flavours to arrive on the desert island of your palate unhindered. Fresh and mooreish. A perfect summer beer. Perfect for: charcuterie, anything with a high salt content, blue cheese/strong cheese KAIJU! Robohop Golden IPA The lightest beer from the hop-masters at KAIJU! Robohop Golden IPA explodes with citrus, passion fruit and grassy notes, a proportion of wheat malt gives a crisp impression on the palate while still allowing the flavour to linger. Perfect for: spicy foods (Asian and Indian) KAIJU! Metamorphosis IPA Metamorphosis is a West Coast American IPA with a slight English twist. Brewer Nat Reeves wanted to beef up the hop intensity while maintaining balance in this beer, so he looked to the slightly sweeter, darker malt profiles of the English IPAs. The result is this bitter and beautifully-balanced IPA. Perfect for: rice, Indian cuisine, fudge, apple anything, caramel, cinnamon rolls, cinnamon sugared donuts. KAIJU! Hopped Out Red KAIJU! Hopped Out Red wafts of dank hops layered over biscuity-
The Sphinx A taste of Egypt situated in the heart of Geelong, the family-owned Sphinx is a premier venue for food and entertainment this Autumn season. With an exterior you can’t miss, The Sphinx Hotel is like nothing else in the region, especially with Pharaohs Bistro. Offering both indoor and outdoor dining, the menu boasts some old favourites, classics and something a bit special for you to treat yourself! The Sphinx offer an A-La-Carte menu for lunch and dinner seven days a week, as well as daily specials and kids meals. The menu boasts a range of dishes, including calamari and oysters to kick off your dining experience, along with a variety of mains including delicious pastas, steaks, chicken, veal and lamb dishes and even a section dedicated to seafood. There truly is something for everyone at The Sphinx. Monday and Tuesday nights sees a range of meal specials starting from $12, including Spaghetti Bolognaise and Roast Vegetable
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toffee notes make this one of the most aromatically complex beers around. This complexity follows through to the pallet, showing balanced sweetness and intensity without a hint of alcohol, and a nice, long bitterness to round things out. Perfect for: cheeseburgers, fish & chips, kebabs, pizza. The earthier the flavours, the better. KAIJU! Aftermath Double IPA This beer is one of the biggest hop explosions you’ll find. Ludicrous amounts of dank, piney, caramelised orange and bright citrus aromas lead to a pallet that is almost impossibly well-balanced given the huge bitterness. The sheer weight of hops and malt on the palate extends the bitterness fully from the front to the back of the palate, finishing hugely long and satisfying. Perfect for: steak, anything with caramel, cheesecake, cannoli KAIJU! Cthulhu on the Moon Black IPA This one delivers beauty from every angle. A malt bill rich in specialty malts delivers beautiful malty, chocolatey, roasty complexity that is perfectly met by a gorgeous herbaceous hop profile. The palate is full and incredibly satisfying, with flavour intensity and bitterness balanced on a knife’s edge. Perfect for: Japanese, Mexican and creole foods. KAIJU! Where Strides the Behemoth Double India Black Ale This black ale is probably Australia’s hoppiest beer, with 30 grams added per litre produced, the huge, roast, chocolate, coffee and malty intensity still assert themselves alongside the huge, dank hop character in this truly extraordinary drink. The palate is fully saturated with flavour intensity that can’t be adequately described, only experienced. Perfect for: marinated and smoked pork/beef ribs, beef brisket, cheddar/Gouda/mixed nuts Golden Axe Apple Cider Golden Axe Apple Cider uses only freshly-crushed Victorian apples to maintain fruit flavour. A crisp, refreshing style with aromas of freshcut apples, straw and blossom. A vegan-friendly, gluten free cider with just enough sweetness to carry the flavour while leaving you wanting more. Perfect for: fruit salad, anything with berries, pumpkin, squash and spinach/rocket. It’s the ultimate Sunday sessions drop. Burgers, snags, steaks, lamb chops, you name it - all work well with this line of beer. So round up the crew, grab the deck chairs and the gas heaters and kick back with these pairings to say goodbye to summer. Find and adopt your KAIJU! of choice at your local bottle shop or head to www.kaijubeer.com.au for stockists.
Penne for $12, Chicken, Mushroom & Bacon Risotto or a Thai Salad for $14, Flathead Tails and Lasagna for $16, and Chicken/Veal Schnitzel or a Seafood Basket for $18. You won’t find specials like that anywhere! The Sphinx also offer Steak Night on Wednesday from $18 where you can choose between a Porter house and a Scotch Fillet, and then it’s Schnitzel Night on Thursdays from $14. Here you can choose from chicken or veal and have as is, or turn it into a parmi with a variety of topping available. Finish up the week with their famous Sunday Carvery which gets you a three course meal for lunch and dinner for just $20. The Sphinx Hotel is the perfect place to socialise with friends, enjoy a mouth-watering meal, or catch a live band, and with 43 years experience, you are guaranteed the perfect night.
After a one-year hiatus, Fromage a Trois Cheese Festival is wheeling back into town this April. Cheese lovers, rejoice. Fromage a Trois Cheese Festival is returning to the grounds of Werribee Park Mansion for a gourmet picnic, with food from a variety of local producers. Set in one of Victoria’s most picturesque outdoor settings, the Gardens will come alive with roving entertainment, lawn games, and live music as you sip and feast the afternoon away. With expert tips and tricks from renowned cheesemongers, your fromage knowledge will go from zero to connoisseur as you sample your way
Where: 2 Thompson Rd, North Geelong
around the festival. Bring your own picnic basket, purchase a ready made hamper, or curate your own tasting plates in the ‘Build Your Own Picnic’ pavilion. Select from a range of gourmet cheeses, fresh baguettes, figs, quince paste and cured meats, or for something more substantial, there will be a selection of heartier dishes available, from freshly made gnocchi and crispy-based pizzas, to gloriously decadent fondue. Exhibitors include Maggie Beer, Maker & Monger, Milk the Cow, and Frencheese. Coldstream Brewery, Willie Smith’s Cider, Pops Premium Popsicles and Blue Pyrenees Estate will also make an appearance. Pre-order your hamper to be in the running to win one of five $50 voucher from Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder. Sweet dreams are made of cheese! When & Where:
Werribee Park Mansion, Werribee – Sunday April 8 Tickets via www.eventbrite.com.au
WANT TO BE IN OUR NEXT FOOD FEATURE? GET IN TOUCH!
When: Mon – Sun 8:30am – 4:30am Ph: 5278 2911 Site: www.sphinxhotel.com.au
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2018
Izzy Losi and the auracles
The Hot Springs
planb
AIREYS INLET
OPEN MIC
MUSIC FESTIVAL
MARCH 16-18 3 DAYS 8 STAGES 140 PERFORMANCES
SPECIAL MYSTERY GUEST ADMISSION FREE
Pub licencing requires that all children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. After 10 pm the venue is strictly 18+ .
Mixed up everything
aireysinlet.com.au
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of his discomfort in being so direct. A religious assumption about this track would be the obvious one to make of a man raised in a god-fearing state who then moved South to Florida, known for biblical loyalty… and swamps. Previously an angry atheist and now a calmer agnostic, the song instead looks at the concept of power within society. Astronautalis is direct in a rabbit hole kind of way thanks to his deep thinking and humble nature, his lyrical prowess perhaps takes more consideration for decoding than he may think. “I always consider myself a rapper, so it doesn’t matter to me if I am writing more of a ballad you can put a beat under it and speed it up and it’s a rap song. But I think ‘Cut The Body Loose’ is the first rap album that I’ve made. It was definitely a concerted effort to fall in love with rapping again and the craft of rapping.” For such a self-assured album, which is perhaps a listener’s perception as opposed to reality, Astronautalis is a man constantly searching. From rap battles, to Greek mythological references and now an album which could see him found. However, it is more likely the case that the sculpture has been chiselled down to its true beauty and he can go forward with the confidence we hear but he is yet to fully embrace.
Cutting Loose with Astronautalis WRITTEN BY JAMES MAC
Ah sub-genres, the Hugh Jackman of music. Somehow omnipresent yet totally irrelevant to the art. ‘Swamp Rap’ is what Texan-born, Minneapolisbased rapper Astronautalis has be labelled with. Whichever silver haired exec decided on this one just handed Andy Samberg a golden ticket for an SNL character.
MARY WEBB Captivating and unique WRITTEN BY DANIEL JUBB
Incredibly complex and enchanting Adelaide artist, Mary Webb is one worth taking note of. She recently released her new album Love Like Planets, a spectacular body of work that explores the complexities of modern relationships and personal rediscovery and is currently taking the new album on the road. We chat to Mary ahead of her album launch. Hey thanks for speaking with Forté. You recently released the single ‘Gecko Fingers’, how have you found the reception so far? Really positive. I think people are feeling connected to the song in their own ways and I think it is relevant to those family relationships and friends as well so I think there is that kind of topic connection. Also just the sounds and the catchiness of it is going down well and the clip that goes with it I think really captures something beautiful about it so I’ve had a really nice response to that as well. It comes off your new album Love Like Planets. How was this album as an experience for you? The last full-length record that I made, my
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On a more serious and artist-focussed note, Astronautalis has, at 36, found his feet as a rapper with his fifth release, ‘Cut The Body Loose’. Despite incessant denials from the rapper, the album feels tight through in its poise and a message clear and concise, which in itself scared the former battle rapper. “I think I’m more direct and I feel like I had a lot to say, probably too much to say, in my early records. I felt like I was more comfortable about being direct about what I said now. The other albums operated in allegory or code or told someone else’s story and now I just want to make myself uncomfortable,” he says. ‘Running Away From God’ is the stand out track thanks to its sureness despite Astronautalis speaking
“You know I’m not a trained musician, I came up as a battle rapper. That’s not an artform, that’s more of a craft or sport. Now this is my fifth record and looking back my first two records were just me ripping other people off. The third record was when I finally worked out my own voice and my own sound and I feel like I spent the third, fourth and fifth record really honing that sound. ‘Cut The Body Loose’ felt to me and still feels to me like the real polished jam.”
SXSW approaching with Jarred from Bad Pony We received an email in the middle of the night back in September. It was an invite from SXSW for us showcase at the world’s biggest music conference in 2018. I was crashing on Sam’s (guitar) couch at that point in time and I ran into his room, jumped on his bed and woke him up by screaming ‘DUUUUUUUUUDE WE GOT SOUTH BY!!!’. It has been a lot of preparation since that day – organising visas, saving for flights and accommodation, sorting out a single release and PR for while we’re over there. Recording and writing manically so we have as much material possible to take over. Here are some things that I’m particularly excited about: Choons (Obviously) 2000+ artists – holy hell! Apart from Aussie faves Gang of Youths and Castlecomer, I’ve been pouring through Spotify playlists and the SxSW website and have these artists on my ‘Need To See Live’ List: DYGL (Japan), Catholic Action (Scotland), Jerry Williams (UK), John Jacob Magistery (Canada), Emily Wolfe (USA), Tiny Ruins (New Zealand), Noms Galore. Southern Hospitality I’ve only passed through Texas once on a stop over. And as all stop-overs go it was quite a shitty time so I’m so sure this will be far, far better. I’m already getting great vibes from the locals, our Air BnB host is an absolute legend – he’s requested partial payment in the form of a 6 pack of Aussie beer. I would also like a cowboy hat, cowboy boots with spurs and at least one night of line dancing accompanied by whisky. Opportunities The main point in going over is to work our asses off – play the shit out of our showcases and meet a lot of people we can potentially work with. It’s pretty exciting that a majority of the western world’s music industry
When & Where:
folk will all be in the same at the same time so we have
Pool House Party, Coburg – March 17
to make the most of it! This is the first time we’ll be
Laundry Bar, Melbourne – March 18
so I’m excited for some quality time with those lovely
Tickets via www.astronautalis.com
travelling with our management team at ArowAgency, humans too.
Release: ‘Knife’ is out now.
debut album, was like five years ago or more and it was very stripped-back and acoustic and really basic. I feel like the song writing has really evolved since then and for me it was a real learning experience just working with a band because I normally play solo. For me that represents exploring a new direction, as well as recording it in the U.S where I got to play with some amazing musicians from Portland, Oregon. They are from a different musical culture over there, so just learning the ways that they work and the way that they think and what their industry was like was really interesting. Your last two releases, “Love Like Planets” as well as “Forest Floor”, both seem to have an ethereal yet folky connotation to them. Is that your intended sound and feel? I do think of myself as a folk artist primarily and I do like that kind of atmospheric space to think about things and kind of get lost in it. I like a lot of different styles of music but when I come to create my own music it’s usually not frantic. You said this was your first time working with a band. Did recording this album make you think you would like to continue that? When working with other artists, you want to make sure you click, but I feel like it offers a different feel to the performance for other people and for me as well. Just bouncing off other people and their energy is kind of more fun in some ways. I think it alleviates some pressure from being the one person who has had to create every single moment whereas with a band someone can decide when an instrument needs time to shine or where a guitar solo should go. It means that the audiences attention is drawn from one place to another and its not always on you to kind of be front and centre. When & Where: Album Launch @ Wesley Anne Hotel, Thornbury – March 17
Miles might have been singing the chorus but just going “nah nah nah nah nah nah,” Ossington explains.
THE DEAD LOVE Nah, nah, nah, nah – Hell Fuck Yeah WRITTEN BY JAMES MAC
The Dead Love have played the long game and as much as bass player Clint Ossington avoids the term, they’ve taken the DIY route. From booking, to recording and mixing and undoubtedly negotiating their rider. As the pulse of post-punk (or whichever sub-genre tickles your pickle) began beating again thanks to Violent Soho catalyst we have been blessed with good times and heavier beats. Goodbye flower crowns… The Dead Love’s online description reads like the most honest Tindr profile ever; playing tunes and drinking booze. In between discussions of ‘shit grunge’ being a genre, supporting Cold Chisel and the mastering the ideal level of intoxication while working, Clint talked us through their new single ‘Original’. “We tend to say “nah nah nah nah nah nah nah” a lot, it’s one of those inner-band banter things y’know? We were just fucking around and I think
Tickets available on the door $20
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Take a guess at what the chorus is… but it works. There are literary devices which could be utilised to dissect why this is so but it’s best left to Clint. “I mean look at Gwen Stefani – Bananas. People have got to be able to sing along and it has to be fun.” This shit is Nah Nah Nah. N. A.H. N.A.H. N.A.H. “Stevie [vocals] brought in the majority of that, he just had a riff and a melody, and it was pretty much the crux of the song. It was fully one of those bangers that we just started banging out in the room, I was like dude that rules it’s so fun,” he explains. Despite their goon-like attitude to life, the band have been writing long enough together and take the process seriously to put out tracks worthy of the audiences they are earning while touring with the likes of DZ Death Rays, Dune Rats and You Am I. “I think you can tell when it’s heavier that it’s a track where I’ve played a pretty integral part of writing it. But he’s (Stevie) been in a prolific writing phase recently for this record and bringing in the core of it then we just bring in the grooves or the harmonies. But if it’s a great vibe in the room and a great song then we’re gonna work it until it’s done.”
Release: ‘Ordinary’ shares the same level of larrikin layers as the band but class clowns can still be the tightest band even while ‘business drunk’. The Dead Love are to beer what The Bennies are to weed. Photo by Brandon Lung
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AIREYS INLET OPEN MIC FESTIVAL In a busy month for festivals, Aireys Inlet Open Mic is not to be forgotten. WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO Now in its 11th year, the Aireys Open Mic Music Festival is set to take over this coastal town from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 March, with over 140 acts happening across nine different stages. The whole idea behind the festival is to give artists a chance to perform in front of an appreciative audience and to encourage a love of music. From full rock bands to solo acoustic acts and with an annual attendance at over 5000 across the three days, you know this year’s festival is going to be MASSIVE!! Since the festival first began it has seen an explosion in the number of local bands popping up – especially amongst the younger generation who have grown up with this chance to see great music in their own backyard each year. A huge range of musical tastes are catered for
THE DROP BEARS
– and if you’re not into one act you can move to a different stage or wait around for the next one. You’re sure to find a new favourite act to follow. And all of this for FREE! Though organisers do encourage you to pay what you think your experience was worth with all funds going to the running of future events. This year too we’re encouraging you to support the artists (who all play for free) by snapping up some merch in the merchandise tent set up at Aireys Pub. A huge highlight of the Festival each year is the coveted closing act slot reserved for a Special Mystery Guest – a much-loved annual tradition. The identity of the guest is always a closely guarded secret but with the likes of Colin Hay, Tim Rogers, Dan Sultan and Tash Sultana having dropped in for a set in past years, you can bet it’s going to be someone great. You can expect to see bands such as 10 High Fly, All For Darcy, Brett Franke, Chloe St. Claire, Dal Santo, Hey Mammoth, Lights Out West, MDRN LOVE, Om & The Pea, Something Stupid, The Featherheads and Yes, Yes, Whatever.
Performing at Aireys Inlet Open Mic Festival The Drop Bears are a majority Geelong based band formed in 2014, by members that would look quite familiar to Geelong punters. Having played literally thousands of gigs over the last 15 years at Geelong venues in bands such as The Voodoo Surfgods, The Pop Tarts, The Nirvana Show, The Breed and Metric, and with possibly the most booked soloist on the surf coast as their rhythm guitarist (Craig Sayer) this well oiled outfit has been making waves in the last couple of years in the punk scene with two coveted tour slots with USA punk legends Unwritten Law and Grunge Gods Everclear, not to mention their own Headline packed out east coast tour last year and a string of now legendary festival appearances. After the recent tragic and sudden death of founding member, friend and bass player John Healy, only a few months ago due to an aggressive brain cancer, the boys this year have been asked to come back and headline the Aireys Inlet Open Mic Festival where they blew away the audience in 2017 to rave reviews, even out-reviewing
With a line up like that, this is a music festival not to be missed. The full program should be up and running, so take a look at aireysinlet.com.au.
of it in 2016 and in 2017 at the start of the year we actually finished recording it and now we’ve just been sitting on this finished project for almost a year,” he explains. “So for us, it’s a big relief to finally get it out there and have people hear it and to start playing the songs live. “It was a bit of a record where we thought ‘let’s just do a total rock record.’ We didn’t want it to slow down too much; we wanted it to be 100 miles an hour the whole time. Something that you can put on at parties but also listen to it on your way to work or whatever.” Scoring triple j’s feature album and no. 4 on the Aria Charts, ‘Bloody Lovely’ has already become a serious contender for Australia’s best rock release of 2018, and it seems like everyone has been taking the time to enjoy it except for the band itself who are already hard at work on its follow up. “We have a bunch of new demos,” Parsons says. “We really don’t want to waste another four years WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN in between albums again so we thought we should get it together a bit. We are writing as a three piece I was going to start out by saying how huge 2017 now as well with Lachy who has played guitar with was for Brisbane lads DZ Deathrays, but, the truth us for three years on stage, but we decided it would is, every year since their 2008 inception has been a be awesome if he jumped in and started writing ‘huge’ year for the band and 2018 is already shaping with us.” up to be no different. But we will have to wait a little while for the Coming off playing the entire Falls Festival, DZ next album considering DZ have a huge touring have already supported The Foo Fighters, released schedule ahead of them, including the ‘Bloody their third full length album, as well as announcing Lovely’ Australian tour which features an absolutely a massive nation wide tour. So how has Shane stacked line-up. Parsons, the groups bass player and lead vocalist, “We really wanted to put together a solid punk been handling it all? rock line-up for this tour and we wanted to get “It’s been awesome;” he responds, “We were bands from as far around Australia as possible and stoked about Falls Festival, we have always wanted I feel we got that covered; Boat Show is from Perth, to do the whole tour of that festival so it was really, These New South Wales from Sydney and Clowns really awesome to do that. The Foo Fighters support from Melbourne. I’ve met them all before here and was again awesome, we didn’t have much time for there but I’m sure we will end up all being good that one to sink in, they asked us the day before it buds, it should be great!” was announced and of course you say yes to sharing a stadium with The Foo Fighters. It’s all been a cool When & Where: little runway for the album launch.” The Karova, Ballarat – May 17 With ‘Bloody Lovely’ in the works for nearly Support comes from Clowns, who three years, Parsons spoke of how the albums happened to warm up the masses release was a “big relief” for the band. for Foo Fighters in Melbourne. “It’s one of those things where we started
DZ DEATHRAYS Bloody Lovely
writing it in 2015, started recording bits and pieces 36
BLIND MAN DEATH STARE It All Comes Crashing Down Under Since releasing the debut record ‘It’ll Grow On Ya’ via Arrest Records, Melbourne punks Blind Man Death Stare haven’t stopped! With a 40 date debut album tour of Australia, NZ and Asia, playing alongside bands like The Bennies, The Meanies, Teenage Bottlerocket, The Cutaways and Flangipani’s and finishing off the year with a national tour with super best friends Guttermouth... the insanity just hasn’t stopped for these guys. Now they’re teaming up with German skate/thrash punk rockers Straightline for a 13 date tour this month. We chat to lead vocalist and drummer Parker ahead of the tour. Hey thanks for chatting to Forte Mag. You’ll be kicking off your 13 date Australian tour soon with Straightline, how did that come about and why now?
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festival headliner and current ‘it’ girl superstar Tash Sultana. Very unlike any band going around at the moment, The Drop Bears wear sixties style thin legged pants and thin chequered ties and deliver some very witty stage banter, high energy, fast paced yet groovy punk guitar riffs and are best described as a cross between the Easybeats, Nirvana, Eagles of Death Metal and the Kinks with a sprinkling of Grinspoon thrown in. In a current music market currently best described as a folk rock clone war, The Drop Bears deliver a solid kick in the right area, which brings with it a deep breath of fresh air. Frontman Pete Vanda, a veteran of many punk/ Grunge gigs as singer for the Australian Nirvana Show and the Poo Tarts is one of the best in the business and says the boys are itching to get back to the surfcoast after some massive shows at Torquay in 2016 and Aireys last year. The Drop Bears are the Headline act on Fri March 16th at 9:30pm at the Marquis Stage at Aireys Inlet Open Mic Festival. And will be filming the show for Guitar Gods and masterpieces on 7Mate. Get there early to see heaps of other amazing artists from 5:30pm and all weekend.
It starts real soon and I’m pumped as to see Ze Germans slay it down here. They’re a great bunch of blokes and have a killer live show so I look forward to spending time on the road with them. That’s how the tour basically came about. I was looking for a band we like and want to party with, to come tour Australia with BMDS early 2018 - the universe spoke and boom it all fell into place. As two epic and energetic bands, what should we be expecting from this tour? I’d say heaps of dumb shit is going to happen as it always does when we go on tour, so I highly anticipate it will be just the same, if not worse. Someone is bound to get tied up or arrested or off on some wild journey or some crazy shit. The shows are going to be fast, furious and entertaining... there may or may not be a beer bong. What are some of your favourite places to play on tour? Anywhere and anywhere! I like going to new places we haven’t toured yet because the unknown is always exciting. But then I like going back and catching up with old mates. So far my faves have been Malaysia Penang and Kuala Lumpur especially. WA is really nice and I like the North Coast of Sydney, we had fun up there on the tour with Guttermouth. We are really looking forward to getting back to Geelong and Ballarat and showing Straightline around our home state. I like everywhere to be honest. Once the tour has wrapped up what’s next on the cards for the band? Once this tour is done we’ll continue to work on the new songs for our next album. We’re demoing tracks now and go into the studio with Jay Whalley and Dan Antix at the start of June. I’m also in the middle of booking our maiden Europe Summer Tour. We are already confirmed to play Punk Rock Holiday, Rebellion Fest and more so the rest of the year is going to be busy as always. Should be fun! When & Where: The Eastern, Ballarat – March 15 The Barwon Club, Geelong – March 18
Tickets available from blindmandeathstare.com
JAMES BLUNDELL Heading to Meredith WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO
highly praised by critics. His 2005 comeback album “Deluge” proved that this singer still had plenty to offer, especially with hit song “Postcards From Saigon”, which was recognised with numerous awards. In March 2012, James was announced as the inaugural inductee into the Country Music Channel Hall of Fame by long-time friend, Lee Kernaghan. The induction also included tributes from country stars
Icon. Legend. Controversial. Rebel. These are just a
Catherine Britt and Travis Collins whose renditions of
few of the words used to identify the one and only James
classic Blundell songs further reinforced his influence
Blundell. There is so much enthusiasm and honesty in
on a generation of Australian performers. 2014 was a
one person, which is what makes him one of the most
rebirth of many for James Blundell. He spent the year
instantly liked and recognised artists in Australian
focusing on writing new material and began working
music.
PHOTO BY BARRY DOUGLAS
with a new booking agent and record label to help plan
James Blundell is hands down one of the most
2017 marked Blundell’s 30th Anniversary in music
successful musicians to come out of Australia, he singlehandedly shaped modern Australian country music by
and saw the launch of his fourteenth album, “Campfire”.
infusing his musical influences, lyrical insight, and his
The concept of the album was unearthing songs with
empathy for the average working man.
great stories and telling them the way you would around
Back in 1992, James found mainstream success
a campfire. The songs have been stripped to their core,
thanks to the smash hit single “Way Out West, which
allowing the stories to breathe and the emotions take
was done with former Australian Crawl front man James
flight. Blundell brought together tracks recorded
Reyne. This track came #28 on the ARIA charts, before
by Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, The
climbing all the way up to #2 just a month later. His
Wallflowers, The Eagles, Cold Chisel, Bob Dylan, Paul
platinum selling album, “This Road”, came in at #28 on
Kelly and John Cougar Mellencamp. Other guests on the
the ARIA End of Year Albums Charts, above massive acts
album also include The Wolfe Brothers, Anne Kirkpatrick,
such as Madonna, AC/DC, and Roxette.
Tania Kernaghan, Paul Costa, Cameron Daddo, Hamish
James was the first young Australian country singer, to sign a major record deal in Nashville, which has since
DAVE GRANEY
for the next chapter of his career.
Set to Play Geelong’s Secret Garden WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO South-Australian artist Dave Graney and his band The MistLY are performing Sunday March 11 at Geelong’s best kept secret, a manicured private garden. Presented by The Events Foundry, the night features gourmet food, fine local wines and craft spirits, ciders and beers alongside the special performance. Dave Graney is known for his laconic, witty humour and insightful writing style. He plays guitar and sings with his band, The MistLY featuring Clare Moore on drums/vocals, Stu Thomas on bass/vocals and Stuart Perera on guitar/vocals. “The camaraderie of the band is really great, I don’t know why you would stop being in a group, you would if it was really miserable or if you drank too much and got depressed or you measured success by other people’s values or something,” Graney smiles. “You are more on the backroads than on the main highway in my experience, and you do enjoy it. We just love playing music really, and also there’s no retiring in music; you just have to work on that.”
Davidson, Lawrie Minson and newcomers Jonny Taylor, Abigail Grace and Liam Kennedy-Clark.
been followed by Keith Urban, Catherine Britt and Kasey
Through his latest album, this aussie legend delivers
Chambers. As well as his own success, he has also written
great songs in a simple, yet exciting way, to bring a touch
smash hits for Lee Kernaghan, Slim Dusty and Jimmy
of magic to those long, hot summer nights.
Little. He has also received multiple CMAA Awards, double platinum, platinum and gold sales awards, and has been nominated multiple times for ARIA Awards, and won once. His career was nothing short of phenomenal: with
When & Where: The Royal Hotel Meredith, Meredith – March 18
Tickets via www.theroyalhotelmeredith.com.au
help from a chain of platinum albums and top 10 chart success. Like so many other artists, Blundell refused to be put into a musical box, and after numerous label meetings, he walked away from the music business. James went on a six year hiatus busking around Europe, and it was during this time that this hit songwriter became re-inspired and wrote new music, which were both lyrically and musically different. These new songs may not have been as popular as previous hits but were
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Graney has been writing and performing music since the late 1970’s with The Moodists and The Coral Snakes. “Clare and I have done all kinds of gigs together, we left behind that kind of thing; of a band doing one thing years ago,” he explains. “I do like bands that do their thing and hone it down, but we more like the jazz workshop or something... we go out and do different instrumentation with other gigs as well.” His charismatic personality is both flamboyantly enigmatic and engaging and he easily delights audiences with his witty rapport and laconic style. He is best known for his 1994 album Night of the Wolverine and for declaring himself King of Pop in 1996 after being awarded an ARIA for Best Australian Male Artist that same year. He also known for his third book, “Workshy”, where Graney reveals the lengths he has gone to avoid anything that really feels like work. In slacking off, Graney became one of the hardest working musicians in the industry, constantly evolving, reinventing, staying one step ahead of everyone. “We’re looking forward to performing a set of gold from our 30 album career in this beautiful postcolonial garden on a lazy summer’s day. Come along comrades and join us,” Graney says. Dave Graney will perform at Geelong’s Secret Garden (74 Brougham St, Geelong) on Sunday March 11. Book your tickets here https://www.trybooking.com/UEGB
Entries Close: 22 APRIL 2018 Exhibition: 8 JUNE - 26 AUGUST 2018
#C E LE BRAT ET H ESCARF
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“The last couple of months we had the longest break we’ve probably had since things kicked off for us, at the back end of 2017 we had about five months off. In that time obviously, we’ve been writing and experimenting, developing as many ideas as we can and refining them,” he says. “Not all songs start the same way, some come from a sound we like or some are more simple where I sit down at the piano and start a chord progression or a melody starts happening when I jamming or noodling around. But there are some songs where I’ll be walking along, and I start singing something.” What Ben may call weird, others may call multifaceted with an unpredictable nature. Tomato/Tomato. SAFIA’s albums are the phoenix in the fire, where on the first listen you don’t know what’s going to rise from the ashes on the next track. Weird, multifaceted and exciting. “Songs like that, the ones that just start in your head can be the most fun. Like on the last record, ‘Over You’, were waiting in a venue for an hour before we could sound check and started doing this funny Russian Melody. That ended up being the guitar riff, I started singing as a joke put the phone on to record.” Three months later the guys were working in London with producers where they faced the challenge of having to write a song a day. Towards the end of the mammoth week-long writing session they found their minds somewhat strained, which is where weird has an upside.
SAFIA
“With us creativity is pretty interesting. We’re all competent writers and producers, we’ll all have various outlooks of where the song could go. Sometimes that’s good, sometimes that’s hard to navigate through,” vocalist Ben Woolner explains. “Because we’ve known each other for years and years, since primary school, we know how to work together. Once we hit about 50% of the song we come together and put our own pieces into it until it’s done. I think that’s why we end up with songs with so many layers and bits to them, the weirder it is the more likely we are to grab it.”
Heading to The Drop WRITTEN BY JAMES MAC
SAFIA didn’t knock when they came into our shared musical consciousness, but the soothing and anthemic tune ‘Listen To Soul, Listen To Blues’ didn’t kick the door down either. The Although ‘weirdness’ plays a large part in their creative endeavours, brooding track felt like something you’d known for yours, or taking time to seek out normality and ground themselves has offered perhaps it fulfilled the need you didn’t know you had. Since then, the band a chance to re-group before releasing their new single the three piece have gone from strength to strength, somehow ‘Freakin Out’. without ruining the broth as all members are producers.
L EY L INES T O U RING P RES ENT S
“I pulled the phone out and the guys there were like “woah, we like that!”. So, it turned into this weird soul-hip hop almost circuslike track.” SAFIA will be joining the likes of the Dune Rats and San Cisco on The Drop Tour, which follows the WSL Pro tour to Australia’s best surf spots. “Playing live, that’s where all the weirdness and sporadic stuff makes a lot more sense.” When & Where: Torquay Common, Torquay – March 31 For The Drop Torquay head to moshtix, phone 1300 GET TIX (438 849), or local outlets (visit our website for a full list of outlets in your area).
accompanied by the experience of motherhood, themes of movement and even motocross, lead to an intrinsically beautiful collection of songs which weave through country blues and pay homage to her early passion for old school R&B. “Where I live in the States I’m incredibly isolated over here – we live out on a farm in the middle of nowhere and it’s surrounded just by wilderness. That isolation has played a huge part in my writing,” expresses Vikki. “As a singer, I’ve always listened to a lot of R&B – like the great soul singers – and I love belting it out you know, but I realise I don’t write R&B songs,” continues Vikki, “I pretty much write country-based folk songs, but I have this sort of soul sensibility I think in the way I deliver stuff.” Now fronting her own Trio, Vikki will be joined by Heath Cullen and long term The Waifs bassist, Ben Franz. “I think what I realised is that stepping on stage with my sister, we’d lean on each other in a lot of ways that we aren’t even aware of,” says Vikki, “And WRITTEN BY HELENA METZKE initially I was thinking, ‘Oh, this is a really big step for me’, but when I got into rehearsal with Heath Vikki Thorn is stepping out and taking stance and Ben – the guys I’m playing with – I just thought, on her own two feet for what will be the very ‘This is great. This is going to be so much fun!’ and first time in her musical career. of course, this is what I do and I’ve got no reason After 25 years spent singing and touring as one to be nervous outside of that context.” third of highly esteemed Australian folk rock band, And while Vikki is caught up in the whirlwind The Waifs, Vikki has found her own voice and is and excitement that is her solo journey, she set to head out on her debut Australian solo tour acknowledges she doesn’t stray too far away from this March. her roots. “I figure I’ve been doing it for 25 years and I’ve “Some of the stories that have come out [in my only really ever stepped on stage in The Waifs and music] are about the people and this place that I live it felt about time to do something else,” explains in,” she explains, “And I guess that comes out of The Vikki. “The Waifs have actually just wrapped up our Waifs ethos, there’s still a lot of storytelling in there, 25th anniversary and it felt a little bit like a now or but it’s just more about my current experiences as never moment, because it’s something I’ve thought a mother and a woman living out of Australia, in a and talked about for a very long time. crazy hick town.” “I write a lot of songs that aren’t part of The Waifs narrative and that’ve come pretty much out Vikki Thorn will be joined on stage at her of my time living here in the States and becoming a Castlemaine show by Abbie Cardwell, a long-time mother and all those things that aren’t as relevant influence of hers. in The Waifs music.” Said to have found her own voice deep in When & Where: the canyons of Utah, Vikki tells us locality plays Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – March 14 a large role in her musical storytelling. This,
VIKKI THORN Stepping out and standing on her own two feet
MARCH 15 • BALLARAT THE EASTERN
MARCH 18 • GEELONG BARWON CLUB
w/ NORTHWOOD & TSUGNARLY
w/ KEGGIN • SOCIAL HAUNTS & THE HALF PINTS Tickets from:
www.blindmandeathstare.com 38
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MAMA KIN SPENDER
Magnetic - nine exquisitely-crafted tracks of joy, hope and love, with a little science thrown into the mix. “I wrote the third song ‘Underground’ after I had listened to a Radiolab podcast about Mycelium, which is the
Bringing the collective, collaborative and chaotic, inviting you to traverse the golden magnetic
secret web that exists under the ground in forests. Like
WRITTEN BY NATALIE ROGERS
really clear vision of my fingers reaching underground
This week, all eyes will be on Adelaide’s iconic Botanic Park as it becomes a backdrop to some of the most exciting Australian and international acts. “WOMAD has become such a premier event. The artists you’ll see there and the performance level that you experience is second to none,” says Mama Kin, one half of Mama Kin Spender. “And the way they look after artists, no festival looks after artists like that. Not that it’s a competition, but if it was they would win!” she laughs. “I went there [WOMAD] first as a punter. I remember sitting under a tree while watching a band and whispering to myself - like I was almost afraid to let it leave my lips - ‘I wanna do that’, and it was about ten years later that I first performed there, and I performed on the exact stage. I’m getting chills as I’m talking about it,” Mama Kin says. “It was such a profound moment,” she adds. “So to be returning there now as an established artist in the middle of a project with a really dear friend to this event, which I have so much respect for, it just feels like such a cherry on top.” Over recent years, Mama Kin and her long-time friend, producer/collaborator
present - it’s very gratifying and I appreciate the fact that at my age I’m still able to do it. I’m going to be 48 this year and I feel like I’m 28, and that’s a good place to be. “I’m going to be playing anything from ‘El Rodeo’ [And the Circus Leaves Town, 1995], ‘Green Machine’ [Blues For the Red Sun, 1992] and ‘Gardenia’ [Welcome to Sky Valley, 1994], just to name a few.” Despite years as the leader of multiple rock outfits, and after two successful solo albums, 2014’s John Garcia and The Coyote Who Spoke in Tongues last year, the Arizona-born singer was looking for a new adventure. “When I was first approached about maybe doing some acoustic shows I thought it was a decent idea, and I ran it past Ehren. Then we got into the rehearsal room and all of a sudden it was such a good idea after all,” he laughs. “I remember thinking ‘Wow! OK we’re a lot more exposed’. We developed these songs from full blown guitars, bass and drums to something so singular and it was really challenging. “It was challenging because there’s one guitar and one vocal, and that’s it,” he adds. “There’s no effects on the vocals at all, although there may be WRITTEN BY NATALIE ROGERS a little bit of house reverb in there, it’s essentially just dry - and it’s difficult. There’s nothing to hide Imagine a scenario where the master of behind and it’s a totally different take on the music, desert rock, John Garcia, wants to quench your but I thought that Ehren and I were up to the task thirst with a cocktail or two. “When we play - and it has turned out great.” we want it to be like you’re in our living room. John Garcia and Ehren Groban will play the Ehren Groban, my guitarist, has a place in Palm Barwon Club, Geelong and Melbourne’s Cherry Springs and we chill in his living room and play Bar in April. “Over in Europe we would have people these songs, so we want these shows to be like come up on stage and we’d pour them cocktails and us inviting the audience into our living room, we’d tell stories. We want people to relax,” he says. if only for a weekend, to jam out and to have a “This is supposed to be an evening with us - we want drink with us.” people to come up on stage with us and sit on the Invigorated from a highly successful run across couch. I’ll pour you a drink and we will jam out. Europe, the man touted as the pioneer of desert/ That’s exactly what it is and that’s exactly what we stoner rock, thanks to his years as the front man and will do.” founding member of Kyuss, Slo Burn, Vista Chino and Unida, is bringing his best mate and his renewed When & Where: passion for performing to an intimate venue near The Barwon Club, Geelong - April 19 you this Easter. Cherry Bar, Melbourne – April 20 “I’ll always be known as the singer from Kyuss
Adding to the buzz that surrounds Mama Kin Spender is the release of their debut LP, Golden
an information super highway that trees use to share proteins, carbohydrates and nutrients with other trees so that they can support each other. “I live really far away from my family so I had this and towards all the people that I love and their fingers reaching underground towards me,” she explains. “I was really struck by the way that we love each other
JOHN GARCIA
and support each other in seen and very unseen ways, and that it’s not always on the surface.” Other tracks like ‘Dotted Line’ have themes of unity and equality. “’Dotted Line’ was written right before
Performing acoustically in Australia for the first time ever
the plebiscite happened - it was written as a homage to marriage and as I was writing it, it was also sending a nod to the right to gay marriage,” Mama Kin says. “So it’s a mix of a celebration song and of a political stand. When we were recording it and when we first started to perform that song the plebiscite was in full swing, so it felt really important to sing it every night and be like ‘We stand with you’.”
When & Where: Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballarat – March 21 Ulumbarra Arts Centre, Bendigo – March 22.
You can also catch the luminous Mama Kin Spender at WOMADelaide from March 10 to the 12th.
Tommy Spender, have garnered themselves a loyal following as they played to packed halls and concert venues around the country, often backed by a local community choir. “Every time we’d meet a new choir we’d meet the excitement again. We’re performing with 24 singers at WOMAD as part of the Gospo Collective.” Led by choir director Virginia Bott, Adelaide’s famed Gospo Collective will appear alongside the duo with Mama Kin on the stand-up drums and Spender on guitar.
and I’m very proud of my background,” Garcia says. “I still enjoy playing these songs both past and
– from psychedelic rock group, Tame Impala. Other prominent names to watch out for also include rising Perth talent Stella Donnelly, Hottest 100 Shortlisted post-punk group Househats, locally revered Melbourne DJ Pjenné known for her distinct blend of soul and house, and alternative groups Dianas, and Suss C**nts. This lineup, teamed with the idyllic scrubland location which surrounds the festival on the private hillside farm property – the ‘Bambra Bowl’, heightens a sense of seclusion and ones intimacy to the music away from civilisation; as well as making for a decent ‘going bush’ road-trip. “I’ve definitely been to more relaxed festivals,” Wade laughs. “From our perspective, it’s very action packed because we’re trying to fit in as much new music as we can get out there, but from a punters perspective, the feedback is always a super relaxed vibe that feels more like a massive house party. I think it’s probably a good thing that people get that comfy and homey vibe from the event,” he says. After all, who doesn’t love a massive house party spanned across three days and two nights? Regardless of their festival’s ever-growing popularity, By The Meadow organisers have maintained their intimate aesthetic over the years by staying true to their small beginnings and involving WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO local businesses. “I’d put it down to the fact that we haven’t forced it too far; the Returning to the stunning Otway Hinterlands region for its fifth year, By The Meadow music festival is the three-day and first festival was initially only ever meant to host 50 people, and it two-night celebration of Australia’s contemporary music scene ended up being 150. We set the expectations and growth as being – and its lineup is an exciting testament to the sheer diversity of quite slow and steady and let it grow organically rather than going out and blowing a whole heap of money on a lineup that we might local talent which forms our thriving music landscape. The festival’s announcement late last year of their first act – not sell,” Wade says. “And after five years, you get a feel for what the people want to see electric group with powerful live-performance presence, Billy Davis and the Good Lord, was an incredibly promising indication of a strong and what they want you to present so it’s important that we’ve let programme: making the release of the entire list of performers to be it grow on its own and taking notice of what people are reacting to, and feeding off that is a big part of our success.” included greatly anticipated – and it hasn’t disappointed. A big part of this success comes down to By The Meadow hosting Set to be held from 6 – 8 April, the final lineup consists of 25 acts and features an impressive selection of talent spanning across an array of regionally focused food and craft beer stalls including genres which when clustered together for the festival will uniquely vegan friendly options, with a huge focus on pride of place, and the complement each other make for an unforgettable auditory experience. team are proud as punch of what this place has to offer. “Growing up in the Colac area, the festival location was a no brainer. “Ultimately it stems from the music we like; we’re booking that and hoping that it’s what the punters want as well,” explains festival With wine on sale at the bar that is made 10 minutes down the road, organiser Cameron Wade. “Ideally, it’s our dream lineup that we and beers from 15 minutes down the road, and restaurants from can afford and present. This year we have a big focus on upcoming Lorne, Colac and surrounds, there’s so much that fits with this local Australian music, and in particular Victorian music. We also like music event.” From the beach, they’ve got Rogue Wave Brewing supplying the showcasing bigger bands who have put out strong albums and who beer, they’ve got Heroes Vineyard supplying the wines alongside Curry we think are worth filling those top spots on the bill.” Pulling out the big guns for their fifth birthday party, headlining made with extra love plus a few other South-East Asian favourites artists include emerging talent Tiny Little House with their recent from Colac’s Coconut Pop-Up and Pete’s Woodfire Pizza from Aireys debut album Idiot Proverbs, New Zealand’s Fazerdaze, and GUM Inlet. For those of you that can’t function without a big cup of coffee,
BY THE MEADOW
Visit www.tickets.destroyalllines.com
you’ll be pleased to find Apollo Bay’s Hello Coffee, a fine roaster of specialty coffee beans to help heal your soul, or if you just need to cleanse, you’ll find a range of healthy and delicious smoothie bowls and juices at Torquay’s Smoothie Tank. As well as Rogue Wave’s froffies and Heroes wines, LAZY will be hard at work perfecting their cocktail menu for this year’s festival. Crowd favourite includes ‘Escape To The Country’ which will be back, ft. lemon, ginger, vodka and hand-picked rosemary. You beauty. “With so many people coming down from Melbourne to come to the festival, it’s really good for local community because they’re getting a lot of exposure; the restaurants, the wine, the beer and everything that we sell is local, and some of the acts there will be local – it’s getting the Melbourne audience down to look at things that these regional areas have to offer.” Oh, and the festival is a BYO event as well. What more can you really ask for in a festival? They’ve covered it all.
A three-day, two-night, oneway trip to paradise
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Public tickets are now available but the complete three-day pass is limited to only 900 tickets so head to the By The Meadow website fast and come celebrate the festival’s fifth birthday as an Easter getaway. Get your shit together soon if you’re keen to go. For more information go to www.bythemeadow.com When & Where: Bambra, Victoria – April 6 – 8.
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The Geelong girl who took Facebook by storm with her rendition of Crave You by Flight Facilities UP AND COMING LOCAL ARTIST DEMI MONIQUE HAS HER SIGHTS SET ON ADVANCING HER CAREER IN MUSIC ONE SOUL WRENCHING PERFORMANCE AT A TIME
WRITTEN BY HANNAH KENNY
She’s
spent her whole life singing and now
she’s doing whatever she can to make sure her show-stopping voice is heard by the masses.
Demi Valitutti, known by her stage name Demi Monique, wowed social media fiends with a raw clip of her
The Workers Club. Her moody voice in alignment with her piano hands exudes emotion beyond her years, proving her notable worth as a naturally gifted live artist. Working towards pursuing a professional career in music, Demi has dedicated the last few years to honing her skills in an environment that celebrates young musicians in the local community. “I studied for two years at Oxygen College in Geelong, where I got to collaborate with a bunch of talented musicians. It was lot of give and take, and I experienced heaps of things for the first time, such as working in a studio and trusting in other people’s creative input,” she says. Demi’s humility in crediting others for her performing at
Shaun Kirk Howlin At The Moon WRITTEN BY JAMES MAC
Without truly understanding what Shaun Kirk has endured to reach where he is now, it would be tempting to make a divine proclamation, after reaching for your biblical thesaurus, of a revelation or rebirth. However, the closest component in this story to a theological tale is of the demons Kirk has been fighting for a handful of years. His cyclical struggles are more positive than vicious these days. The birth of his new single, ‘Howlin’ at The Moon’, was born from a cluster of personal ordeals including his girlfriend unexpectedly leaving the country for an extended period to his own tumultuous inner conflicts.
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74 Kings
success is a token of her genuineness. Having composed and written music from a young age, it’s clear to all those who know her that her hauntingly beautiful vocal ability is the essence of her talent. “When I was younger I used to write every day, whether it was a story or an essay about stuff I had really strong opinions on. These days I enjoy writing about the darker side of love and exploiting stuff that initially feels really shameful. Lyrics usually take time to unravel, whereas composing feels the most natural to me. I just want honesty to be at the forefront of everything I do,” she says. Honesty is certainly a trait Demi prides herself on, as she claims her recent establishment of a social media identity has been a difficult test of personality. “I did struggle with self-promotion for a while though, because it felt a bit pretentious and I’m also a massive perfectionist, which are things I’m trying to get over,” she says. Demi has graced audiences at a handful of acoustic gigs at venues such as Door Gallery Café and Bean and Base, as well as Festival of Sails last month where she played a set with her brother who drums for her. With music on her mind, Demi has some creative projects on the go that she’s nervously excited to share with fans and newcomers. “I’ll be releasing some material later this year. It’s scary because it’s my first body of work, but I’m really proud of it. There’s also a music video coming.” Demi Monique will be playing at Bean and Base later this month on the 17th with her brother on the cajon and her boyfriend on guitar. You can also catch her supporting Lady Midnight at Open Studio in Northcote on April 14.
BRINGING HARD HITTING GROOVE ROCK TO TOWN
74 Kings are the four piece from South Western Victoria who have a passion for fat fuzz grooves with hard hitting riffs and evocative vocals that elevate the soul to another level.
Developing their sound from a variety of diverse influences, for the Kings,
the journey into the world of rock and or roll has begun.
- what do you love about live performances? Is this something you guys will aim on doing more often? For sure, we have all been playing for years but it was the first time that we had played at The Workers Club. It’s a great live music venue and as it only has the two spaces, it helps channel people into the main room which really increases the energy of the show. You’re also performing at Aireys Inlet Open Mic Music Festival which is exciting. Is there any bands you’re looking forward to seeing? It’s so great to have been accepted, we have been
We chat to Brendan Laidler ahead of their EP launch this month.
heading down the last couple of years as punters, Jake
Hey guys, thanks for chatting to Forte Mag!
think the best part about Aireys is the dynamic range of
Tell us a little about the band - how did you come together? Well, it started as a jam down at Greenman in Ocean Grove between Chris and Brendan (bass and drums) a couple of years ago, who after a little while put the feelers out for a guitar player. We had some amazing players come through but we settled on Old Salty. After a little bit of honing the three piece sound we went on the search for a vocalist, with the intention of remaining a one guitar band. The first night Jake turned up, a decision was made instantly by Chris that he was in! I think after two weeks Jake had managed to strap the guitar on during a jam and we all realised at once how much the second guitar really added to the dynamic the band was looking for. You guys are launching your EP this month at The Workers Club, what can people expect from the EP? It’s a blend of heavy in your face guitars with a big low end, to some goovier laid back sounds and dynamics. We think it’s just a good representation of what 74Kings are all about. Describe the process of how the EP came together - have you been working on this for some time? We headed to Coloursound Studios in Altona for the
has played there in various forms over the years and we artists and the surprises you get venturing around the different venues hearing all the amazing performers just doing their thing! It’s such a great vibe. We really want to catch Om & the Pea who is opening for us at our EP launch on the 23rd and it’ll be cool to catch Deaformites, who are really starting to find their sound! What are the future plans for 2018? At the moment, we are super focused on the EP launch and the release of the Mr Black video clip, but it’s always important to keep looking ahead, so we have started pre-production for the next recording. Hopefully that will be released later this year, along with our next single release and clip, and of course we are looking forward to playing plenty of shows in and around Geelong and Melbourne. Thanks so much for chatting - any words of wisdom for punters coming to the gig? Get on down early, it’s going to be a great night of local Geelong music, with some really cool supports; Om & the Pea and Chromatic Addict. Oh and when we hit the stage... be ready!
When & Where: The Workers Club Geelong - March 23
drums around 12 months ago, then managed to do the rest ourselves at our homes. We had the help of a good friend David Lauritsen engineering, with Matt Robins
To find out more about Demi and to listen to her music, head on over to her Facebook and Instagram (@demimonique) for updates on future releases.
of Coloursound providing the final mixes. It was a long slog to get it all together, but we are rapt with how it came out and cant wait for people to hear it. You performed at the venue early last month
“It ended up being related to what I’d been going through for the last couple of years which was some pretty serious battles with my mental state. It fascinated me that you can be stuck in these vicious cycles and be unaware of it. It’s not until we become aware that we’re in that cycle that it all starts to make sense. But there are positive cycles too and that’s where I’m at now,” he explains. ‘Howlin’ at The Moon’ engages the natural human instinct of having to have the song worked out in the first few seconds. Where’s it going to go, and which pigeon hole does it fit in? It doesn’t, which says so much about its purpose and the place in which Kirk was in when he wrote it. Even the writing process took unexpected turns as he chiselled down to what the true core of the song was. “It’s actually not a happy song, it’s pretty dark lyrics and has a pretty dark story behind it so why
should it feel steady? It shouldn’t. So, it really needs to be unsteady for those lyrics to cut through more and that’s something I’ve started to really dive deeper into over the last couple of years,” Kirk explains. “It’s meant to feel unsteady, it’s something I’ve been working on a lot in my music recently. People talk about rules in music, like there must be four bars here or there. Then I thought, no that’s kinda shit. Fuck that, I’m putting three bars here and one bar there,” he light-heartedly says. Kirk’s hiatus from music brought him to a place, personally and creatively, which allowed him both freedom and self-acceptance to work with in his writing. The instability contrasts the confidence and tightly wraps the song into a story not just of hindsight but also what may come. “I’ve spent time learning about values and goals and I’ve realised how much more important it is to stick to your values than to chase your goals. I’m at a stage where I’m more confident to chase the sound I want. I think early on when you’re an artist you do a lot of stuff for other people and you can end up going down a path which may not feel like yours. I think I’ve grown up a bit and I’m more confident to speak up,” Kirk recounts. The single’s instability is balanced, to perfection, with Kirk’s confidence to distil his pain through the structural roving into the song. He is far from claiming self-discovery. Instead the last few years, as volatile as they may have been, have offered Kirk the map to his own path which he recognises as ongoing and yoyoing. ”Everything that I’d ever produced before ‘Howlin’ at The Moon’ was just searching, just floating in the water and hoping for something. I wouldn’t say that I’ve now found anything, other than some sort of formula that’s working for me. It’s exciting times.” When & Where:
Major Toms, Kyneton – March 23 Saints & Sailors, Portarlington – March 24 Byron Bay Bluesfest - March 29 - April 2
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Sean Kemp FLICKA INDEPENDENT REVIEWED BY PERRI DIGBY
Flicka is Sean Kemp’s newest EP. It is essentially five songs of melodic, guitar and lyric heavy, music inspired by life. Each song on the five track EP has some form of message or meaning, from the opening song ‘Breaking on Me’, a song about relationships and love, to the final song ‘RUOK’, a song about mental health struggles and overcoming them. Described as a folk-acoustic- pop trio Sean Kemp and his team of Kirsten Glover and Drew Kemp create a unique sound, in a style that suits them, and helps them stand out from their peers. With each song telling a story, the songs on this EP are straight from the heart. This is something that translates across to the audience – creating music that carries the audience away and allows for them to add their own meaning to the songs. Depending on who listens to each song, another story is formed.
Check him out online at www. facebook.com/SeanKempMusic
BOO SEEKA NEWTON FAULKNER Hit The Ground Running WRITTEN BY HANNAH KENNY 11 years since the days of blasting Dream Catch Me as soon as it received some air time, in his sixth studio album, Faulkner’s sound is as refined as it is soulful, with tinges of modern blues intertwined in each of the 14 tracks. The frontrunner of the album, ‘Hit The Ground Running,’ explores the dynamic ranges of Faulkner’s powerhouse voice as iconic tones of intensity and softness take the listener on an emotionally captivating journey. Noting that the track is all about delivering a positive message of victory over misfortune gives listeners cause to believe that the entirety of the album also draws on the significant symbolism of Hit The Ground Running. The lyrics additionally communicate that you must defy the odds in order to make something grand of yourself, an empowering memo by Faulkner.
Despite the minimalism of the record, the multitalented Aussie incorporates his finesse of guitar playing with his complexly beautiful voice to deliver a new take on the sound he is so well-known for. The record is a token of Faulkner’s musical growth and maturity, further demonstrating how his strong influence on the blues scene in Australia has landed him a set spot at Bryon Bay’s Bluesfest this April. Coinciding with the announcement of some upcoming tour dates, Faulkner is sure to pleasantly surprise audiences when he belts out his eloquently pure melodies, a technique he masters so effortlessly. ‘Alright’ and ‘Don’t Understand’ explore how love can inhibit our way of thinking, whilst other tracks like ‘Never Alone’ keep in theme with the uplifting vibe of Hit The Ground Running. The nostalgic element of listening to Newton Faulkner is incentive enough to give his new album a whirl, however memory-triggering alone won’t be the only reason why you’ll love this album. Faulkner has heaps of upcoming shows with tickets still available online. Catch him at The Corner Hotel, Melbourne on April 4 at 7pm and at Byron Bay Bluesfest March 29-30. Release: Hit The Ground Running is out now.
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Performing at Grassroots Victorian music festival mainstay The Hills Are Alive WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN
Think about how daunting jumping into any new Now imagine being in Boo Seeka, the indie electro duo who profession with a lack of experience can be...
went from forming a band to being out on the road within three weeks.
learning as much as we can, that’s what anyone else in any band should do,” he explains. “We don’t want to have any restrictions or limitations on our creativity or capabilities. The more that we can do and get our head around makes things a lot more open for us. Sometimes we will be in the studio and Ben will be on a keyboard or a synthesiser, things that he has no idea how to use, but he will still come up with some really nice melodies and vice versa for me with the guitar.” The result of this collaborative nature between the two-piece have been noticeable, with the group’s first album, Never Too Soon, becoming a staple for triple j and helping to sell out a whopping 26 date Australian tour. “We didn’t really know what to expect,” remarks Sam. “We had only started as a band a few months before we started working on the album and we had changed so much as people and as musicians over those two and a half years. It’s not as if there was a lack of synchronisation on the record, but, it was more so we just had no idea what to expect because we were putting so many different aspects of ourselves and our style onto that album. It’s a style that I still feel as if we are creating and expanding so recording was a bit of a whirlwind.” Taking no time off, Boo Seeka have already busily been in the studio expanding their sound for their follow up release. With new music in the works, Sam also mentioned that Boo Seeka have been in the studio with another Australian act, but unfortunately he could only offer up a clue as to who the artist may be. “I’ll give you a really cryptic one; what do you eat when you’re hungry?” If anyone figures out this clue, please contact Forte immediately.
“I hadn’t played drums or keys when we started this band, I’d only ever played guitar so I kind of had to pick all of that up on the spot,” laughs Sam Croft. “ I hadn’t even used samplers or anything, so that was the first piece of gear I bought, an old MCC Sampler and that was my live setup for our first ever show, just a sampler and one keyboard.” This vastly differentiates itself from Sam’s current stage setup, which has been accurately described as a “Bermuda Triangle of electronic When & Where: equipment.” Learning as they go, the lads in Boo The Hills Are Alive @ The Farm - 10 mins Seeka quickly made a name for themselves as an from Loch Village | 20 mins from Wonthaggi enigmatic live act due to their incorporation of | 95 mins from Melbourne from Friday soulful vocals and trip-hop melodies. 23 March to Sunday 25 March. “It is very important for both Ben and I to be Tickets via www.thehillsarealive.com.au
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LISTEN OUT: DIVIDE AND DISSOLVE Divide and Dissolve, Takiaya Reed (saxophone, guitar, live effects) and Sylvie Nehill (drums, live effects), are a heavy two-piece from Melbourne who create music designed to decolonise, dismantle white supremacy and empower people of colour and Indigenous people the world over. Their new album Abomination is a culmination of their experiences over eight instrumental tracks, drawing inspiration from their ancestors, rivers, forests and bodies of water. We chat to the duo. Congratulations on the release of the single ‘Resistance’! What has the response been like so far? It seems very positive. We are super proud of our work. It’s so incredible to hear people say that the music is unlike anything else out there. We can’t wait to share Abomination (the album) with everyone. Basic [debut LP] was a pretty big success! What were some of your favourite things that came off the back of it? We learned a lot about ourselves as musicians and are so excited to learn so much more. It has been amazing to be able to share the music from that album with lots of people. In London we got a chance to play Decolonise Fest. Basic won The Age Music Victoria Award for best heavy album. The best things that could possibly come from making the album are Black and Indigenous people feeling a sense of empowerment.
Is there an artist you are most looking forward to meeting, or hoping to meet at SXSW? Really excited to see Yamantaka/Sonic Titan. You’re also supporting US band Poliça on a couple of their US shows. How did that come about? We first connected with Polica after they posted about one of our tshirts which says ‘destroy white supremacy’. We will be playing at 1st Avenue and Thalia Hall with Polica which is exciting. Can’t wait to meet them and share music. What are you most excited about this year’s journey to the US? Getting to play music every day. How lucky we are to be able to do this? We can’t wait to see all the wonderful people. SXSW is surely going to be an experience. We are just excited to be doing what we are doing and feel extremely grateful for all the loving support we have in the so-called United States.
SLEEPING WITH SIRENS
Thanks for chatting with us! What comes next for Divide and Dissolve? So much is happening. Back to so-called Australia in April. Heading to Europe later in the year. It has already been a massive year, so we are so excited to keep this up and to keep on elevating.
Returning to Australian soil for their Gossip World Tour WRITTEN BY PERRI DIGBY
Release: Abomination via Dero Arcade
Sleeping with Sirens are coming back down under in 2018, touring their latest album Gossip. Last time the band were here, back in 2015, they sold out their entire Australia tour – showing just how loved they are down here. Sleeping with Sirens are an alternative rock/ metalcore band from Florida USA and have been making tunes together since 2009, rising to fame with the success of their song ‘If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn’ from their 2010 debut album, With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear. Over the years they have created a diverse range of music, from ballad style songs to more traditional punk. Recently the bands song Legends served as the theme song for Team U.S.A.’s at the Winter Olympics.
You are some of the few Australian’s performing at this year’s SXSW! What are you most looking forward to about the festival? Really looking forward to performing and meeting new people!
Sleeping with Sirens are known for front man Kellin Quinn’s high vocal range, with soul striking vocals alongside catchy riffing. Sleeping with Sirens are also a band that connects people through their music, using Quinn’s vocals to create an intimate environment for fans in all their music; from the slower ballads to more up-tempo beats. Their latest album, Gossip, contains many of the elements they are known for, and it has been called their boldest, brightest and best album yet. Of Gossip Kellin Quinn says, “It has an authentic sound that we’ve been working towards all this time.”. The album is the result of ten years of making music, heading towards a unique sound that belongs solely to Sleeping with Sirens, and it shows in the music. Ultimately, the risks yield Sleeping With Sirens’ boldest, brightest, and best work to date. “No matter what anyone says, I want to encourage listeners to take risks of their own,” Kellin leaves off. “Our band took a chance. We’re going to back it. That’s all you can do as an artist. This is my diary. It’s who I am.” The Gossip World tour will see Sleeping with Sirens head to Australia and New Zealand at the end of April for this leg, before heading over to Europe to finish the tour. You can catch Sleeping with Sirens at Melbourne’s Festival Hall on Sunday April 22nd. Tickets via mjrpresents.com
GEELONG’S 80KM EXTREME ARTS WALK
4–5 May 2018 Register Now
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EARLY BIRD PRICES UNTIL 16 MARCH
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BASHKA
CROSSFAITH On the latest in a series of innovative releases
Japan’s finest electro-metal warriors Crossfaith are going from strength to strength, especially with their most recent release Wipeout. With synths that sound like guitars, guitars that sound like laser beams and bleeding-edge beats throughout, it’s the sound of a band who have carve out their own new identity with every release. We chat to frontman Kenta Koie in celebration of the release. Hey thanks for speaking with Forté. You have very recently released your new EP ‘Wipeout’. How have you found the reception to be so far? It’s actually 50/50, I don’t care too much about negative stuff because they all listened to our music at least. Also, we got a lot of new fans from this EP too. Our EPs after Xeno navigate us to the next record, which we’re working on now. I know that our fans want to listen to heavier stuff, and the new songs are very intense and aggressive, and at the same time they will give you feelings. Can’t wait to share them with everyone! You are releasing three separate editions of ‘Wipeout’. What is the thinking behind that? I’ve been talking about the inside since I’ve
MOZA Gold WRITTEN BY NICK HARRISON
MOZA, made up of Cam Nacson and Toby Chew Lee, are making waves in the growing and uniquely Australian electronic scene. With their background as live musicians in pop, folk and rock bands, the pair place a strong importance on their live show with fiery lights, live instruments, huge tracks and and an emphasis on a passionate, honest and engaging performance. Now they’ve just dropped their new single ‘Gold’ which will be supported by an east coast tour this month. We chat to Cam in celebration of the track. First of all, congratulations on such a wonderful track. It’s addictive, punchy and beautiful. Did the production of ‘Gold’ affect you both in any emotional way? Did you feel tired or energised after the release? It was a really good feeling. Sometimes things can run really quickly and sometimes things can
started writing lyrics and Wipeout is more about output from the inside. Don’t hesitate about the future because there’s no way to escape it. That’s the attitude of this song, and it’s our attitude for making music and playing music, hence this is EP number three of current of the series and it’s like the final stop to next album. You guys have been going since 2006. What has changed and what has stayed the same since your early days in Osaka? We’ve all moved and live separately in Tokyo now, actually. Living in Tokyo makes it hard to find the time to see each other. When we were in Osaka, it didn’t take more than five minutes to see each other. But we’ve been together for over 10 years now, so I know what everyone is the band is thinking without speaking to them. Our minds, attitude and stance are still on the same page, which is definitely the one thing stayed the same. Crossfaith has been regularly releasing EP and LP features, is there a reason you prefer these smaller releases to full-sized albums? Well, we wanted to keep releasing new music constantly. Even though we’re touring all over the world, it’s quite hard to play for all our fans in every city every year, so releasing several EPs instead of an album was our way to reach as many fans as possible whose cities we couldn’t get to. Release: Wipeout is available now on all digital services.
take a lot of time with your writing. This particular song we started co-writing it with Jarrah McCleary from Panama and he laid down some piano for us, we kind of jammed it and it was really nice. I’m usually the pianist out of the two of us, and to have someone else come in and give us some ideas on the production, it was really dope. It gave us a bit of an opportunity to focus on other things within the song writing which is really cool. It wasn’t emotionally draining, it was a nice release at the end of it to have written something that was really special. The production of Gold is really amazing, and it blends really well with the vocals. Which one of you did the vocal track? Were the piano and vocals recorded together? That’s me, yeah. In the recording process, we like to have some chords to work with, it helps inspire the melody and the lyrics. I generally like to go with chords, usually with a piano or a guitar, and then melody and then lyrics. I know it works completely differently for everyone, but to me that’s what helps inspire the next piece, and the chords help inspire the melody, and then melody inspire the rhythm of the melody, and the rhythm of the melody inspire the lyrics. Did you and Toby have any specific influences that inspired you when you were writing this track? For this particular track, in writing sessions, especially when you’re writing with other people, you go through some reference tracks and with Jarrah we actually had great new methods of going through and saying “What do we like specifically about all these tracks we are listening to at the moment?” I honestly can’t remember what tracks we were listening to. I think there was a Crooked Colours track that we were listening to. It’s really important to us when we’re listening to go “Cool. We really like that. How can we do it in our own way?” and kind of steer away from the common occurrence of borderline copying. We really want to stay away from that. I think it was a Crooked Colours track we were listening to. In your upcoming tour, do you plan to play keyboards and sing at the same time, or are you going to have a production-heavy backing?
and we are preparing a new set for WOMADelaide. Some songs from the album will be played but the new style of us playing will be incorporated so it will be something new for the crowds.” Melding together dancefloor Touching more on the new material he continues, music with Middle Eastern “The advantage of the electronic side of things is that it helps flow; it gives you much more versatility. Traditional music Sound wise we are now aiming for a much bigger sound. We also chose a set that is progressive and WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN eases people towards the end when it explodes, so, we are actually building a set with the new sounds One of the coolest things about the era of modern and a lot of energy.” electronic music is the samples that are used; it’s To strengthen the link between Eastern now quite common to listen to a produced track and Western musical influences, Bashka also that incorporates samples of Latin or European incorporates an MC who acts as an interpreter of traditional music to really amplify the sound. sorts to Western audiences. Although, in the case of the Melbourne based band “We do talk about what the songs are about Bashka, the traditional soundscapes are created between each other so his rapping parts are always relevant to the song and act to describe what the through the use of intricate instrumentation to truly enhance their electronic experience. Turkish parts are saying. But our music is very Featuring members of Unified Gecko, a primarily collaborative and interactive, it’s not just one style. traditional Turkish band from the ‘90s, Bashka aims It’s very natural, we don’t have one formula that we to flip what Western audiences know of Turkish apply, it’s a bit more progressive.” music by making it an eclectic mix of hip-hop and With their first acclaimed album already under funk, as explained by the groups founder, Murat their belt, Bashka aims to release their follow up Yucel. within the next three months. But, until then, it’s “Unified Gecko was a live band in the ‘90s and we only the lucky few attending WOMADelaide who played mostly traditional Turkish songs with reggae get a sneak preview of the new material. If you are and funk elements; Bashka is more electronic based headed along, you won’t want to miss it! and is mostly original tunes with hip hop elements,” he says. WOMADelaide 2018 will be held from “Bashka incorporates traditional instruments 9 – 12 March in Botanic Park, Adelaide, South mixed with non-traditional influences. I use a lot Australia. For more information and tickets visit of live samples and Ableton to do live effects and www.womadelaide.com.au. we also use Saxophones and traditional instruments. It’s a balance of East and West, electronic, acoustic and traditional. We do try to show two sides of everything.” With the groups 2016 release ‘Fihi Ma Fihi’ being nominated for one The Age’ Music Victoria awards, Bashka have gone on to amaze crowds worldwide with their unique blend of exotic Turkish-based electro and are now preparing some new material to be premiered at this years WOMADelaide festival. “Being a musician for a long time, you like to keep rolling all the time,” Yucel says. “You want new things, new sounds, and new music. So since the first album we have actually written a lot of new songs
Toby and I are really all about playing everything live. We do still run tracks through production equipment as an electronic duo, but we trigger everything ourselves. I play keys, Toby plays guitar, I sing live and Toby sings live every now and then. He also talks on the mic and makes people laugh, which is cute. It’s definitely as live as we feel is engaging with the audience. We’re not up there being musical geniuses or anything like that, because I don’t think it’s as engaging. So we definitely everything that’s the most engaging for the audience. I definitely think that when it comes to playing it live, it’s the simple, but emotional elements that make it connect. So when you’re sitting down and listening to a song in a room by yourself and you’re listening through your headphones, you have the time and the brain power to go through the content and go like “Oh right. That lyric maybe he means this by that.” Whereas, in a live setting, it’s all about that instant connection, and Gold’s chorus really connects with people, even if they don’t know the lyrics, and I think that’s what we’re really proud of. This upcoming tour is going all along Australia’s east coast, are you ready for it? Do you have a specific show you’re looking forward to? We’ve had a bit of experience touring with previous bands we’ve been in and I’ve toured the US doing 42 shows in 38 states for 2 months, so this is nothing compared to that. We’re super excited. We love touring. Everything that we do is about making it viable for us to tour and play live. We’re from Sydney West, so playing at Oxford Arts Factory [OAF] is place that for so long we’ve always wanted to play and now we’ve got to play there so many times and it’s still one of our favourite places to play and party at after gigs. We’re definitely looking forward to that. Brisbane and Melbourne are such passionate crowds and even though they’re not our hometowns, it’s always a good time there and they’re always so respectful and make us feel at home. Just super keen to see how it goes. When & Where: The Penny Black, Melbourne – March 23
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STAFF PICKS Josh Blackstar by David Bowie The last album created by the legendary David Bowie right before his passing Blackstar is a testament to Bowie’s ability to craft powerful narratives within his music. Featuring haunting tracks like Lazarus that document his transition beyond our world, Bowie managed to create poetic artwork out of his own Death - that is truly the mark of a master artist and makes Blackstar an album you must hear at least once. Glenn As the flower Withers by My Dying Bride Early 90’s doom masterpiece that set the standard. Beautiful, yet miserable. Whist mostly slow, morbid and heavy, the violin adds a certain beauty that no others could replicate. Later albums wimped out on the metal side of things, but early 90’s My Dying Bride is a must for any Death/Doom fanatic. Talia Blend Inn by Hockey Dad This one is the ultimate Summer record, perfect for chill out sessions and casual drinks – nothing to hate about that. Faves are ‘I wanna be everybody’, album opener ‘My Stride’ and of course ‘Join the Club’. One listen will take you on a getaway filled with surfing, skating, and rock & roll. Nathan Chaos Of Forms by Revocation This 2011 Revocation album is my most played album of the last month and that usually happens once or twice a year since it came out.
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WHAT’S ON IN THE VINES TERINDAH – SUNDAY SESSIONS Terindah Estate are continuing their Summer Sessions - Live on the Lawn, until the end of April.
Relax on the lawn or take a seat on the roof top lounge with a glass of wine, whilst enjoying live music performed by some of Geelong’s best local artists! The Deck Bar is open from 10am to 4pm serving a casual menu and The Shed Restaurant will be serving lunch from 12pm. FREE entry and entertainment all afternoon!
Parade Espresso Bar
March Line-up includes:
Ocean Grove’s hip new coffee stop
Sunday 11th - Mr. Meaner Trio Monday 12th (Labour Day) - BLUE WAX Wedding and Function Duo/Trio Sunday 18th - Jamie & Kymba Duo Sunday 25th - Mcrobin Friday 30th (Good Friday) - BLUE WAX Wedding and Function Duo/Trio
MUST VISIT CELLAR DOOR – “APPELLATION” AT CURLEWIS Their new cellar door and tasting room “Appellation”is a must visit, providing a wine lovers experience not to be missed. The cellar door is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am – 4:30pm. You can enjoy food platters with your wines or chosen craft beers. Enjoy beautiful vineyard views in relaxing surroundings. Curlewis Winery is located in Curlewis, nestled on the Bellarine Peninsula.
WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO
Melbourne’s roasters and baristas are some of the most accomplished, inventive and technical on earth. It seems with each passing month there’s a new brewing technique, new frothing gadget or a shift in the idea of what good coffee actually means. What Melbourne does, the rest of the world often follows. Lucky for us, one such barista decided to make the coastal move two years ago, and bring what he knows of the Melbourne coffee scene to a humble cafe on Ocean Grove’s well-know Parade. Located at the entrance of the plaza, 27-year
Allira from She Takes Photos Creating magic for everyone
Hey FOODIES!
But this stew is enough to make a meat eater love vegan food, the perfect winter warmer (for when winter arrives) and the perfect carb filled dinner for a lazy sat night dinner. I thought I’d share the recipe below with you guys.
Another sweet issue is upon us and I’m sitting here sipping on coffee thinking about how interesting this year has been so far. LETHBRIDGE WINES 2018 Picking Day Vintage 2018 is upon us and Lethbridge Wines is asking for your help. Get your friends together and head down to Lethbridge Wines to help pick a block of Pinot Noir! Followed by some delicious lunch and wine to celebrate the harvest! It goes down on Saturday 24th March from 9am. Register your interest via www.lethbridgewines.com events page.
old barista Eugenio Houston-Child opened Parade For interior aficionados, Parade Espresso Bar has Espresso Bar late last year and has since joined the its aesthetic down pat, using all local trades to serve as ranks of cafes defining the future. The only thing left an energetic, vibrant and breath of fresh air to Ocean for you to do is to pop in and decide how you like your Grove’s cafe culture in a space that previously housed coffee. the franchised specialty coffee house Gloria Jeans. Serving Campos Coffee for all your cappuccino and The simple, contemporary timber fixtures in this espresso needs, the charm of this coffee stop is that it’s cafe are complemented with splashes of greenery and created on the conviction that we need, more than ever, displays of Cameron Rosin prints along the walls. It’s places of community to enjoy expertly brewed coffee. modern and it’s minimalistic which is everything you “Because we don’t have a kitchen, the real focus could want from an espresso bar in a coastal town. is coffee,” Eugenio explains. “I’ve had so much “It’s very relaxed and laidback,” Eugenio explains. experience in Melbourne, I can really bring forward “We’ve got a really nice magazine wall and a communal that Melbourne coffee scene, including filter coffee, table where there’ll often be four or five people having cold drip, single origins and decaf beans. their coffee and reading.” “Our specialty is the single origin that we use, and Parade Espresso Bar is the perfect place to sit for that’s designed for black coffee; so your long black, hours with your MacBook Air, while you sip your skinny short black, macchiatos. We use that also for our cold cappuccino and indulge in the very best pastries from drip and our filter coffee and we change the single Ket Baker. Check it out, you’ll thank us for finding you origin every week.” a new favourite place to get your caffeine fix. Here, you can tell that this cafe is a labour of Parade Espresso Bar is located at 71 The Parade inside the Ocean plaza in Ocean Grove and is open love, and is equally loved by the locals. Alongside meticulously providing consistently smooth coffee, seven days a week from 7am. Eugenio emphasises that they are big supporters of local business, stocking Downtown Cold Pressed Juice, Check them out on Instagram @paradeespressobar Gluten Free by Isaac donuts, Ace Cookies, Rainbow Cakes Geelong cupcakes and now Ket Baker pastries, just to name a few. “We’re working with all the small local businesses which is really good; we’re supporting them while they’re supporting me,” he smiles, “The toasties and the panini’s are from Ocean Grove’s Italian Delicatessen, we get our fruit and veg from the fruit shop, and all the other treats are all from smaller base suppliers which are all local as well.”
I definitely feel as though this year is a year of change for everyone and there has been lots of new and exciting things happening or about to happen. With this indecisive weather I have been in the kitchen a lot cooking lots of “winter warmers” because summer is... WHERE? My freezer is chock full of frozen food at the moment which is convenient for someone like me who is always on the go.
3 cups of chopped sweet potato 1 brown onion 1 tin chickpeas 1 tin lentils 2 tablespoons of curry powder Sprinkling of veg powder 1 big can of diced tomatoes Fill 1/2 the tin of tomatoes with water and pour in Salt and pepper Slowly cook this until all veggies are soft. I add a delicious amount of cooked veggies on the side as well as a large portion of rice YUM! Happy cooking. Follow Allira’s food and lifestyle photography on Instagram via @Shetakesphotos_
My most recent fave I have been cooking has been a hearty meat like “vegan” stew. Yeah I know meat and vegan in the same sentence sorry eek!!
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WHAT’S ON
HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL
LATONGA II
THE ZIPPER
TUESDAY 13 MARCH 10.30AM
SATURDAY 17 MARCH 8.00PM
23 MARCH 1.00PM & 7.30PM 24 MARCH 2.00PM & 7.30PM
$15
41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale VIC 3222 www.geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed potatosheddrysdale potatosheddrysdale
$35, $30 (Conc)
$26, $22 (Conc)
BOOK NOW WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD ON 5251 1998 OR AT ANY CITY OF GREATER GEELONG CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE.
THE RADICAL URBAN CIRCUS WHERE STREET MEETS ELITE Good Friday 30 March, 7pm Easter Saturday 31 March, 3pm and 6pm Easter Sunday 1 April, 4pm
Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo Adults $20 • Children $15 • Groups 4+ $15 each
Book now | www.gotix.com.au FORTE 684
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beloved show Speedmouse is back after been performed across countless countries. Now, Dave is keen to be back on the road with fellow Umbie, Shane Dundas. “I can’t wait! We’re doing Speedmouse and we’ve done it so many times, that each time we do it we replace parts of the show with new things, just to keep ourselves and the audience kind of interested... more so ourselves,” he laughs. “But now we’ve done it so many that the show is pretty much a new show for anyone who knows the DVD; there’s so many parts of the show now that are completely different from the original that we probably should call it a different name.”
The Umbilical Brothers Speedmouse WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO
So you finally got that hot date you’ve been eyeing for a long time. You have your outfit ready and your hair is on point. Only one problem - you don’t know where to go. Lucky for you Dave Collins, better known as The Umbilical Brother with the hair, encourages you to bring your date to their upcoming show ‘Speedmouse’, promising the best first date you’ll ever have. “You go together, you have a great time, you’re both laughing, and then after the date you laugh about what you were laughing about at the show, it’s just the perfect first date,” he laughs. First developed and performed in 2001, The Umbies’ most
What’s on in the arts Geelong after Dark Geelong after Dark returns to light up the streets, venues and laneways of the Geelong CBD on May 4. The event was created as part of the Mountain to Mouth walk, a multi award-winning biennial extreme arts walk that clocks in at 80km. It’s a little early for details, but you can keep up to date through geelongafterdark.com. au. Further information on M~M is available through mountaintomouth.com.au.
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so far won a couple of BAFTAs, an Emmy, the Critics’ Choice at Edinburgh and the Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performers, and have performed in 37 countries with six different shows. To say they’ve found their calling is an understatement, and Dave credits the variety in their shows as the reason they’ve continued performing for as long as they have. “Because we have six 90 minute shows, we’re not doing the same show all the time,” he says. “We get most of our work outside Australia, and depending on what country we are in that depends on what sort of show we are doing; we’re not ever stuck with doing the one show forever and ever and ever. We are constantly mixing it up.” Despite admitting a love for mixing it up in regards to the show, Speedmouse is the show Dave feels most comfortable in, and gets excited each time the two get to stuff around on stage together.
Still guaranteed to be full of the stuff you love best, Speedmouse is a live action, fast paced, rewind, slow motion, frame-by-frame adventure where these two hilarious legends create the impossible out of a microphone and a unique physical ability that has no equal. One such section of the show is the crowd favourite finger wars; a section which now features brand “It is so much fun to be so comfortable inside our show. new fingers. We’re not this comfortable in the newest show, Not Suitable For Children, which we are just about to take to overseas in May,” “Now we give each other completely new fingers,” he chuckles. Dave explains. “Well we are comfortable with it, but we aren’t “We do still do the thing where the audience yell out different stuffing around as much as we are here; this is the show that sports and they can yell out whatever they want. The other we are so comfortable with that we can just go in any direction night someone yelled out Quidditch, and we had to do bloody and we know that we will be there for each other, but better Quidditch so we were riding on fingers like brooms, it was than that... we know the audience are with us as well. hilarious. We are still to this day getting ones that we’ve never had before which is incredible because we’ve done the show “And because they know the show so well, a lot of people you know, tens of thousands of times.” really don’t mind,” he continues, “in fact they want us to stuff around. And when we have license to stuff around it’s jut the It’s during these shows with the audience involvement, that most fun show for everybody. It’s just really fun!” you notice the quick wit from Dave and Shane, as they respond on the fly in unison and are very much on the same wavelength. Find that hot date, book your tickets and prepare for a night of quality laughs with The Umbilical Brothers. Tickets via www. “This is something we’ve always had and that’s one of the umbilicalbrothers.com or from the venue. reasons we call ourselves The Umbilical Brothers; we needed a name that suggested we were linked because we’ve always When & Where: had that innate connection into one another, that we just know Kyneton Town Hall, Kyneton – April 5 where the other one is going and it’s just always been there and hopefully it will stick around for a few more years,” he smiles. GPAC, Geelong – April 6 “We’re still quite young, it’s only been about 27 years. But it’s been there the whole time, we’re very very lucky to have found that.” The duo are an international comedy phenomenon who have
Comedy Roadshow A highlight of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the Comedy Roadshow, an opportunity for those not making the journey to sample some of the best bits of the main event. Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura – April 28; COPACC, Colac – May 9-10; Kyneton Town Hall – May 12; Eastbank Centre Riverlinks, Shepparton – May 22; Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – May 23; Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – May 24; and GPAC – June 30.
Warrnambool Comedy Festival If you are looking for a little levity in your life, the Warrnambool Comedy Festival is heading your way this month. You have Dirty Angel Comedy to thank, Warrnambool’s best venue for stand-up comedy, who wished to provide a platform for budding stand-up comics. Local comedians will be joined by those from Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. There is a lot more happening, so take a look at facebook.com/dirtyangelcomedy. March 15-18.
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Eastbank Centre Shepparton – April 7 Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – April 14
ROSS NOBLE The king of improvisational comedy is back WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN
READY, STEADY, KNIT! Entries now open for Scarf Festival 2018 E N T R I E S A R E N OW O P E N F O R T H E NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM’S ANNUAL SCARF FESTIVAL! TAKING INSPIRATION F RO M T H I S Y E A R’S T H E M E – L I V I N G O N T H E L A N D – S CA R F M A K E R S A R E BEING ENCOURAGED TO INCORPORATE NATURAL AND/OR BUILT LANDSCAPES AND THE PLACES WHERE PEOPLE LIVE, WORK AND PLAY, INTO THEIR DESIGNS. National Wool Museum Director Padraic Fisher said the competition, now in its 15th year, celebrates textile artists from across Australia and from around the world. “Anyone can enter the Scarf Festival – from school children to beginner crafters to accomplished
“There is a bit of a fashion for stand-up at the moment in which people think the show has to have a theme or they have to be explaining a narrative, but for me, I’m not too bothered about that kind of thing. If you want to tell narratives, then make a film,” says Ross Noble, the king of improvisational comedy who is returning to Australia with his brand new show, El Hablador.
artisans from Australia and abroad.” City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Bruce Harwood said the Scarf Festival will attract a huge crowd to the National Wool Museum for this eclectic annual showcase of scarves, designed by well-known crafters and artists. “This is such a unique festival and the only one of its kind in Australia. The festival will bring visitors from across Australia to see this incredible collection of scarves, which use a range of textiles.” Scarves can be entered into any of 11 categories, which include 100% wool, colour, knitted, woven, crocheted, felted, menswear, sustainability, extreme, and special categories for primary and secondary students. Scarf makers can submit entries up until the closing date of Sunday 22 April. Winners will be announced on Friday 8 June, with the exhibition running until Sunday 26 August.
To find out more about the competition and how to enter, visit geelongaustralia. com.au/scarffestival.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Ladies rejoice. WRITTEN BY HANNAH KENNY
Noble’s style of stand-up can be classified by one word: random... and that’s exactly how he likes it. “I just want my stand-up to be really funny so that’s what I do. I come on and be funny about nothing in particular,” he laughs, “That’s what’s great about stand-up; it changes depending on each night. It’s not like seeing a play or a film where people watch it passively, I want people to swept away with it because it’s constantly something new.” Considering a majority of Noble’s work heavily relies on audience interaction and improvisation, it’s no surprise that each show on a comedy tour ends up completely different from one another. As he explains, this spontaneous and unique style of comedy was something he adopted early on in his career. “What I do now came out of how I started and the strange environments I was performing,” he says. “I used to host a comedy show and I also did outdoor gigs and busking where it was all about
reacting and building up a crowd somewhere outside. On top of that I did a lot of TV warm ups. All of those things coming together helped me to get good at performing while going with the flow.” Throwing himself into diverse situations is something Noble has continued throughout his career by delving into many different facets of the media and entertainment industry. Most recently venturing to the stage to play Igor in the West End Production of Mel Brooks’ ‘Young Frankenstein’, this role won Noble the award of Best Supporting Actor at this year’s ‘What’s On Stage Awards’. When asked about the award, Noble took his opportunity to call out the naysayers. “I was doing a lot of press for the show when it started and all the journalists would say, ‘oh so you’re in a musical, do you sing?’ and you sort of go ‘that’s what a musical is...’ Then they find out there’s dancing involved so they all go ‘oh, so do you sing AND dance?’ It’s as if they had never seen a musical before,” he expresses. “Maybe it was because they were suspicious I was doing one; I’m not too sure. But it’s kind of nice to win an award and go ‘yeah, I’m pretty good at it.” Now unrestricted by scripts and directors, Noble will be venturing back down to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo as part of his 15th tour of Australia, after having previously selling out the last 14. “We always have a good laugh down in Geelong,” Noble reminisces. “I remember last time I went to get food and had an excellent burrito before the show so I might have one of them again.” When & Where: Kyneton Town Hall, Kyneton – March 14 Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Ballarat – March 16 Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – March 17 GPAC, Geelong – April 11
state of mind? On Sunday evening, in her acceptance speech
as well as leading research trials to discover the best
Existing as the chair of the Scientific Advisory
for best actress at The Academy Awards, Frances McDormand
preventions, cures and treatments for the disease
Committee for the Breast Cancer Trials group, Prue
ended her thanks with two words “inclusion rider.” The
that affects so many women not only in Australia,
is also involved in international trials where research
amount of Google searches for this term skyrocketed
but around the world. The Breast Cancer Trials group
is being done on premenopausal women with breast
overnight, with many unaware of what The Three Billboards
has evolved greatly over the years, with more women
cancer in the hope of improving the outcomes for
star meant when she concluded her acknowledgements. To
in medicine becoming involved.
young women suffering from the disease. The Breast
condense its meaning and explain it briefly, “inclusion rider”
“The Breast Cancer Trials group was initiated
Cancer Trials group are a fascinatingly inspiring group
is a contractual condition that actors and actresses can weave
around 40 years ago, back in 1978. It was actually
of oncologists who are doing their bit in establishing
into their movie deals to ensure a range of diverse individuals
initiated by a group of men at the time. I don’t think
a future with no breast cancer for the women of
are signed in both a film’s cast and crew.
there were any women particularly involved, it wasn’t
Australia and the world.
It’s the one day of the year women can’t be (or perhaps they
Like many award recipients before her, Frances
an era when there were many women working as
To learn more about the Breast Cancer Trials
refuse to be) derided for their union; the tightknit sisterhood
McDormand used her A-list status to draw attention to a large
medical oncologists. It was basically a small group that
group, visit their website www.breastcancertrials.
of imperishable feminism. A common misconception
problem – the gender gap. Gender gaps exist even within the
got together and decided to try and work as a team to
org.au.
associated with the term feminism is that women view men
glitz and glam of the Hollywood world, reiterating the very
develop research activity for breast cancer,” Prue says.
From everyone here at Forte, we would like to
as a lesser power to them. Let me clarify - this is not true.
real fact that such a divide unfortunately remains within
Prue believes celebrating all women is important
commend Prue and her crew at the Breast Cancer
Feminism preaches the need for equality, acceptance and
practically all employment settings. Though this is a sad truth,
as women play such a crucial role in the community.
Trials group on their amazing progress in breast
recognition on mutual grounds.
Australian women in the field of medicine are “kicking ass”
“I think that it’s really important to acknowledge the
cancer research. And to all the women in our growing
Let’s talk great women!
in breast cancer research, proving to females everywhere that
role that women play in society generally because they
community, we also wish to show our gratitude to you.
Women are nurturers, carers, lovers, incredibly HARD
women are indeed needed in society.
play many different roles and I think when you look at
We are constantly learning of phenomenal women in
WORKERS. For years, females have tried to sever the ties that
Associate Professor Prue Francis is just one of the many
people who work for example in a research field, often
the creative world, and it’s our absolute pleasure to
bound them to the misbelief that women aren’t as able as men
women involved in the Breast Cancer Trials group, the largest
these people are juggling a lot of different aspects
feature these extraordinary faces in the magazine.
in the workforce. The empowerment women feel from the
oncology research body in Australia. Alongside Professor
in their lives; patient care, research, other family
simple human right of equality is a fleeting of happiness that
Sherene Loi, Professor Kelly Phillips, Associate Professor
responsibilities. Often people are busy and have a lot
money cannot buy – but let’s consider how great it would be
Clare Scott and Associate Professor Sarah-Jane Dawson, Prue
of balls in the air at once so it’s important that we
if this momentary lapse of joy transitioned into a permanent
and her team work directly in treating breast cancer patients
acknowledge that,” she says.
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Happy International Women’s Day! Love always, Forte xx
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REVIEWS
FILMS REVIEWED BY ANTHONY MORRIS
↑↑ HAPPY END
↑↑ RED SPARROW
↑↑ 12 STRONG
Writer-director Michael Haneke isn’t exactly someone you turn to for feelgood viewing, but Happy End’s take on well-off European values feels a little more playful than films like Amour and Funny Games. The story centres on a wealthy French family facing a variety of problems: an accident at one of their company’s construction sites has critically injured a worker; the ex of one of the sons is in hospital after a suicide attempt so his daughter in now staying with him (the daughter actually poisoned her mother); and the family’s aged patriarch repeatedly tries to kill himself. But there are wider problems too, with the European refugee crisis simmering in the background until the family’s black sheep brings it to the fore. It’s a well-crafted look at the darker side of humanity, full of characters whose only connection to each other is anger and resentment. But it never gives in to bleakness; Haneke for once seems to be having too much fun to let his usual bile drown his cast.
Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) is the prima ballerina at the Bolshoi Ballet until an on-stage accident (note: not an accident) ends her career. Her options to support her ill mother (Joely Richardson) rapidly narrow; working for her sleazy security chief uncle (an extremely Putin-like Matthias Schoenaerts) becomes the only way to keep from being thrown out onto the street. Once she agrees to his offer she’s dropped into a nightmare where the only way to stay alive is to become a Sparrow, a spy trained to use sex as a weapon against the enemies of the state – enemies like CIA agent Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton), who’s been booted out of Russia for blowing his cover. Nate is a spy who cares too much, and when the high level mole he was handling won’t make contact with anyone else he’s sent back to Europe to re-establish contact – and Dominika is sent to “make contact” with him. The only reason to see this slickly made film is Jennifer Lawrence, and she’s great – unfortunately her character is largely a blank slate, which makes the film’s focus on sex (mostly violent and nasty) seem a bit more dehumanising than even the film intends. It’s serious and silly at once; only Lawrence keeps it together.
It wasn’t all that long ago that American war movies were all about the high cost of war on the troops. Forget that: these days (well, since American Sniper) war movies are all about brave men getting the job done with their heads held high… which is generally kind of dull unless the actual fighting side of things is well handled. 12 Strong tries to get across some of the flavour and tactics of fighting in Afghanistan in the very early days of the war against the Taliban – it’s the based-on-a-true story of a US special forces unit sent to team up with an Afghan warlord little over a month after 9/11 – but it rarely manages to feel like anything more than just another war movie. Some of the flaws aren’t the film’s fault; putting highly trained US military into battle against farmers with guns means that the Americans are going to be killing a lot of guys who can’t shoot straight. But with a cast of interchangeable characters (Chris Hemsworth stands out because he’s the handsome boss; Michael Shannon stands out because he’s old) and battle scenes shot with zero excitement or flair, this really needed to bring Afghanistan to life to be even remotely memorable. It doesn’t.
↑↑ GAME NIGHT
↑↑ IN THE FADE
The most satisfying thing about Game Night – the kind of solidly competent comedy that doesn’t come along anywhere near often enough – is the way it’s clearly been put together by competent professionals. In recent years American movie comedy hasn’t so much been dominated by improvisation as overwhelmed by it, with film after film coming off as little more than a thin framework of events through which the performers move making up their dialogue as they go. Fifteen years ago it might have felt fresh and funny; now it just feels like a rip-off, a movie length event put together by people who can’t be bothered planning beforehand. So while Game Night really isn’t all that special – it’s basically a “one crazy night” story where three couples think they’re taking part in a fake kidnapping only it’s really a real one – the fact that most of the comedy comes from clearly scripted scenes, well-shot visual jokes and running jokes that have to be written beforehand makes it feel like a breath of fresh air. It definitely doesn’t hurt that the jokes are mostly pretty funny and the film itself is just on the right side of silly; it’ll be nobody’s all-time favourite film, but it’s fun while it lasts.
It starts out like any other revenge thriller: a young woman’s family is killed in a bomb blast that is clear wasn’t random and she wants revenge. But this German film takes things in a different direction: while Katja (Diane Kruger) is clearly both grieving and someone not willing to take things lying down, more than two thirds of the story takes place before we get to the revenge side of things. First she has to grieve is a series of emotionally blunt and raw scenes, then there’s the lengthy trial, which is full of the kind of angry moments you’d expect when a side that’s obviously guilty gets to plead their clearly bogus case. And yet, this isn’t a film where the courts are incompetent – they’re just required to take reasonable doubt into account. And throughout it all Kruger’s slow burning anger makes the inevitable revenge something we want almost as much as she does. Which is the point: when the time comes to take the law into her own hands she’s the one who sees the ramifications of her actions – she holds back when we just want her to start with the vengeance. It’s not a particularly insight film, but it’s smart and satisfying in a straightforward way.
RECORD WATCH
Eddy Current Suppression Ring Primary Colours
It’s been 10 years since Primary Colours first blew us away, now Eddy Current’s back catalogue have been re-issued on Goner Records! This stone cold classic sounds as good now as it did then. Minimalist punk rock meets warm and funny lyrics meets soaring guitar chords. Absolutely essential!
Available in store at Record Low in Castlemaine or online at recordlowonline.com
GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT & BAMI 2017 | DOCUMENTARY | 1H 56M MAR THU 15: 11.00AM; FRI 16: 7.15PM; SUN 18: 3.00PM; MON 19: 1.45PM; TUE 20: 3.30PM
NT LIVE 2017-2018 SEASON: YOUNG MARX MAR SAT 17: 11.00AM; WED 21: 11.00AM
FACES PLACES 2017 | DOCUMENTARY | 1H 30M MAR THU 8: 11.00PM; SAT 10: 1.15PM
THE BBQ 2017 | COMEDY | 1H 27M MAR THU 8: 4.00PM, FRI 9: 4.00PM; SAT 10: 3.15PM; SUN 11: 6.00PM; MON 12: 1.00PM; WED 14: 8.30PM; THU 15: 6.00PM; FRI 16: 5.30PM; SAT 17: 3.00PM; SUN 18: 1.15PM; MON 19: 6.00PM; WED 21: 3.00PM
THE SQUARE 2017 | DRAMA/COMEDY | 2H 31M MAR THU 8: 1.00PM, 8.00PM; FRI 9: 11.00AM, 8.15PM; SAT 10: 9.00PM; SUN 11: 3.15PM; MON 12: 3.00PM, 8.00PM; TUE 13: 1.30PM; WED 14: 3.15PM; FRI 16: 9.30PM; SUN 18: 5.15PM;
MON 19: 11.00AM; WED 21: 4.45PM
HAPPY END 2017 | DRAMA | 1H 50M MAR THU 8: 6.00PM; SAT 10: 5.15PM; SUN 11: 11.00AM; MON 12: 11.00AM; TUE 13: 6.30PM; WED 14: 11.00AM; THU 15: 1.15PM; FRI 16: 3.30PM; MON 19: 4.00PM; TUE 20: 11.00AM
SWEET COUNTRY 2017 | THRILLER | 1H 53M MAR FRI 9: 1.45PM; SAT 10: 11.00AM; MON 12: 5.45PM; TUE 13: 4.15PM; WED 14: 6.00PM; THU 15: 3.30PM; FRI 16: 1.15PM; SAT 17: 4.45PM; SUN
CNR. MOORABOOL & VERNER ST. SOUTH GEELONG | WWW.PIVOTCINEMA.COM.AU 48
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18: 11.00AM; TUE 20: 1.15PM;
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI MAR FRI 9: 6.00PM; SUN 11: 1.00PM; TUE 13: 8.30PM; WED 14: 1.00PM; FRI 16: 11.00AM; SAT 17: 7.00PM; SUN 18: 8.00PM; TUE 20: 9.00PM;
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME 2017 | DRAMA/ ROMANCE | 2H 12M MAR SUN 11: 8.00PM; TUE 13: 11.00AM; SAT 17: 9.15PM
‘Runaway Renee’. All class axeman Liam Hopkins really shines on this song and it was one of the songs of the night. Fuller’s songs have a charm and familiarity that have you wondering whether you have always known them, and #1 Song has you tapping your foot and singing along with its sweet chorus. There is even a slight Oasis influence on the Brit pop number ‘No More Chances’, which is another highlight for the night.
Wesley Fuller When: Thursday February 1 2018 Where: Karova Lounge, Ballarat Reviewed by Glen Anderson If Wesley Fuller’s strides are anything to go by, the twenty or so people who have fronted up on a school night to Karova Lounge in Ballarat, are in for a sonic delight. Fuller commands the stage wearing grey and red pin striped flares that would make Brian Jones envious. Opening with ‘Someone To Walk Around With’ from his latest release Inner City Dream, the band is clearly well oiled after being on tour for the last month or so.
Zac Crosier sticks fat on the bass with Wolfenden’s beats and James Fleming is a real stand-out on keyboard. Melvista rips with its Beatlesque like melody and poppy chorus that is quite infectious. Slightly disappointing that there was a small turnout to see such a gifted band who really put on a great show. Please come back to Ballarat as soon as possible Mr. Fuller and band. Those of us that went along loved it.
Fuller has a rock solid outfit behind him with Brett Wolfenden driving the beats, and stylish lead guitarist Liam Hopkins lickin’ the riffs at just the right time. ‘Biggest Fan’ has a riffy, tight Bowie-like groove and it’s pumped out straight after the opener. Two songs in and these guys are impressive! Although Fuller brags about missing the peak hour traffic in Ballarat, he clearly hasn’t missed the mark with his latest release. Plucking songs from his Melvista EP, the only downside to tonight’s show was that it didn’t go for long enough. The title track from the album Inner City Dream delights the locals with its swirly power pop melody and catchy keyboard hook. ‘Better Of Me’ has a real Ringo Starr feel to it and it breaks up the set beautifully before the impressive
↑↑ THIS WAY NORTH Vol. 2 Independent Reviewed by Daniel Jubb
↑↑ SATTWA ARISING
↑↑ WHAT SO NOT
↑↑ HARRY JAMES ANGUS
Paradise County
Not All The Beautiful Things
Struggle With Glory
Independent
Sweat It Out
OP/Vitamin Records
Reviewed by Daniel Jubb
Reviewed by Hannah Kenny
Reviewed by Chloe Cicero
Highly respected EDM producer What So Not, formerly known for his collaborations with Flume, has taken a solo direction in his music career, imprinting an iconic individualised mark on the electronic dance scene. After wowing fans with his EP Divide & Conquer in 2016, What So Not continues to mirror his layered style in his debut album Not All The Beautiful Things, delivering a three-dimensional sound that leaves listeners with a lingering desire for more. What So Not’s craftsmanship is undeniable in this album, incorporating synths, vocals and drops in an unpredictable yet harmonious rhythm, creating an effective flow in and out of each track, a rare capability in the EDM field. Steering away from the generic conventions of electronic music, What So Not brings something incredibly different to the table, featuring artists such as Skrillex, Slumberjack and BUOY. The album feasts on an uninterrupted deep and moody vibe, reaching new heights beyond his previous works with a theatrical noise that challenges the typical tempo of EDM. The album encompasses many emotions with finesse and poise, a credit to the development of What So Not’s thought fueled and anomalous vibe. His album isn’t out until March 9th, but you can check out his single on the album “Be Ok Again” (which we alerted your attention to on December 12) on YouTube and Spotify until then.
Struggle With Glory is the brand new album by Australia’s Harry James Angus. This album is another impressive step in the musical journey for the Melbourne-born musician, who continues to cross musical boundaries, transporting the classic GrecoRoman myths into a surreal world of old time jazz and gospel music. Harry James Angus has come far from the freshfaced, but committed teen taking his first tentative steps on the path to jazz. Finding critical and commercial success on stages and charts across the globe with Australia’s beloved The Cat Empire, the jazz disciple, trumpeter and sublime vocalist has succeeded in branching out with a number of acclaimed projects of his own. Struggle With Glory signifies an important chapter in Harry’s development and a step closer to realising his ideal musical vision. This album takes a significantly different approach to the loud, brash Latin infused sounds of The Cat Empire, Struggle With Glory steps back into more of an old fashioned style of playing, both constrained and confident in its delivery, with a jazz integrity heavily connected to where Harry found his musical beginnings. This album is brimming with tragedy, pathos and high drama as these ancient tales coming to life against a glorious blend of traditional jazz and gospel tropes, sublime playing and an enveloping warm production.
The second EP released by Melbourne duo This Bendigo product David Turpie, better known as Way North, entitled Vol. 2, is a vibrant and must-have Sattwa Arising is a literal one-man band with new EP soundtrack for weekend road-trips and weeknight Paradise County hitting our airwaves with beautifully lounge-room dance parties. mastered instrumentals and a clear eclectic sound that Recorded in Toronto, Canada during 2016 and 2017 is a pleasure for the senses. with producer Derek Downham, the six-song collection Lead single ‘Sunburst’ as well as ‘Her Garden’ and is a good indication of the band’s steady evolution from ‘She’s The One’ are acoustically impressive tracks that rootsy rock that typified the band’s first EP Vol. 1, to speak to the range in which Turpie operates, with lyrics the new vibe of groovy, alt-pop synth rock that exudes and soft melodies that offer tremendous range. from this new offering. A heavier tone is taken with ‘Jesus Gonna Make My Track ‘Head Above Water’ is an all-encompassing Dying Bed’ which boasts a dirty, grungy riff along with song that boasts an unparalleled guitar riff that tambourines and loaded lyricism that harkens back to speaks to Leisha Jungawalla’s immense skill with the the 90’s grunge movement. axe while ‘Make It Work’ is a fan friendly sing along The new EP Paradise County is a clear progression with a funk undertone. Second single ‘Pressure’ can be in sound as Sattwa Arising deploys a heavier and described as grungy pop while lead single ‘Nothing to more pointed sound to great success. Performing Say’ is an ethereal and melodic piece that highlights every instrument for David meant doing basic guide the need to be still and live in the moment. tracks followed by a day of drumming, then guitar, bass, If anything, Vol. 2 is a perfect example of growth vocals, keys and overdubs for every track on the EP and perfectly highlights a band that has grasped a himself. Although the work was intensive, with the wealth of genres seamlessly. The sound this band emits help of Four4ty Studios in Melbourne, the various make you forget this is a two-piece, such is their raw sounds were brought together in amazing unison. energy and talent. Do yourself a favour and check it out.
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WRITTEN BY ALASTAIR MCGIBBON
BLUES NEWS
WRITTEN BY JOHN (DR JOHN) LAMP
TOO HEAVY TO HUG
SURFBEAT
WRITTEN BY ANTHONY MORRIS
POP
PULP
WRITTEN BY PAUL S. TAYLOR
BY JOHN FOSS
One of the more annoying aspects of Australian culture’s increasingly tighter links to the US is that when they sneeze, we catch a cold. One day SBS is promoting their broadcast of the new television reboot of Heathers the day after it begins in the US, the next they’re quietly cancelling it as the US network has decided to postpone it in the wake of the recent school shootings.
Hey everyone! It seems like the theme of
The Blues Train is such a part of the blues backdrop down here that it’s hard to believe that there’s anyone who has never been on it. I was completely disillusioned as far as that goes just recently when I explained it to a colleague who was looking at going on it in the near future. At the same time that this happened, Hugo (Blues Train Impresario!) mentioned a line-up that was coming in the near future and it sounds good, so listen up. Here’s how it works: The train starts from Queenscliff, and there are four passenger carriages. It runs up to Drysdale and back with one stop on each leg of the journey. That’s the simple bit of the description. Your ticket allocates you to a particular carriage, but that is literally the start, at each stop you move up one carriage – four parts to the journey, four carriages so you get to see it all.
WELCOME TO THTH, Forte’s premier source of all things heavy, hard, fast and metal. Korn frontman Jonathan Davis is looking to release a solo album later this year. That’s right, the man who has built his career as the voice of Korn has decided to release a solo album. According to reports, this album has been in train for the past ten years and apparently it’s completely different to Korn. Now, I don’t know about you, but 1) I can’t imagine Davis doing vocals with anyone except Korn plus 2) Korn’s last albums since, what, a hell of a long time ago have been rather shite and Davis’s lyrics are all generally pretty introspective and whiny and all round shit which equals 3) this is just a massive fuck up waiting to happen. And you know what, I kinda can’t wait. It’s like a planned disaster we can all book tickets to, or a freak show we can all look at and gasp in fear once the curtains have been raised. I mean, it’s not like Davis is any sort of musical visionary like, say, Thom Yorke, who released a pretty killer solo album, no, we’re talking about Davis here who is most famous for attracting angry teens to his tunes. Let’s see what he decides to sing about as an adult, let’s see who he’s targeting his album towards.
Q U I C K S I X E S… S U R F RO C K A N D ROLL The QUICK SIXES have been playing their own brand of surf tinged, primal rock and roll up and down the coast lately.
this week is “organised chaos” – I’ve spent the better part of the last week moving house, and despite my relatively meagre collection of possessions, it seems like my life has become a whirlwind of boxes and car trips. It seems appropriate that this week’s comic matches that theme. This week, we’ll be discussing Mother Panic, one of the more interesting (and that’s saying something!) titles from DC’s Young
Similarly, for those who saw the trailer for Annihilation in cinemas, much of the appeal of the film looked to be director Alex Garland’s lushly surreal visuals on the big screen – so when the distributor, clearly worried they wouldn’t make their money back on an arty science fiction films, sold the international rights to Netflix in 2018’s version of sending the film direct to DVD, suddenly what we’d been offered was no longer on the table.
Animal imprint, written by Jody Hauser (Faith) and drawn by Tommy Lee Edwards (Turf, The Question) and Shawn Crystal (Arkham Manor). Young Animal titles seem to take pride in being off-kilter and odd – not unlike Shade, The Changing Girl (see the last edition of Pulp!) – and Mother Panic is no exception. Not unlike Bruce Wayne, Violet Paige lost her parents at a young age. Her mother was diagnosed with early onset dementia when Violet was a child, and her father died
Fortunately Annihilation – which is available on Netflix from March 12th – still looks good on the small screen… but still, maybe try to watch it on the biggest screen your bandwidth allows. The story is fairly straightforward, even if where it leads is not: an alien impact of some kind has created a region known as “Area X” and various teams of explorers have been sent in with extremely mixed results. A member of one such team is Kane (Oscar Isaac), who returns home to his scientist wife Lena (Natalie Portman) after a year away, remembers nothing of what happened to him there, and immediately becomes extremely ill.
in a hunting accident amongst mysterious circumstances. With her mother in care, her father gone, and her lawyer brother not wanting a young girl in his life, Violet was sent to Gather House, a supposedly affluent boarding school. Upon arrival, however, Violet’s life well and truly took a turn for the worst – she was trained, tortured and experimented on, until the old Violet was gone and a tough-as-nails warrior remained. Now, years later, Violet is all grown up, and as is tradition for wealthy socialites in Gotham City, she ventures out at night – as the whiteclad, high-tech vigilante Mother Panic. Unlike the legendary Batman, however, Violet’s intentions aren’t as pure - Violet intends to hunt down every single person responsible
He’s the first person to ever make it out; Lena decides to join the next expedition in the hope of finding a cure for her husband, only to instead find a whole lot of very weird stuff. There’s been more than a couple of recent films that have fallen into the gap where they’re not really worth paying cinema prices to see but the visuals are the best thing about them, and presumably there were concerns this might come across as more of the same.
for her tortured youth. On the surface, Mother Panic sounds like a rip-off Batman, with a few tweaks. While there are absolutely similarities – it’s set in Gotham, and both Batman and Batwoman make appearances – the main differences make themselves apparent from the very beginning. Mother Panic is a story primarily about revenge – Violet has no intentions of being a hero; her focus is on finding and punishing her targets rather than fighting any particular villain. There’s also a strong
It’s a fine line between being suggestive and being frustrating, and that line isn’t in the same place for everyone – and as this is a film in large part about what it’s like to encounter something that’s truly alien, head-scratching comes with the territory. In a way, the frustrating thing about this film (especially now that it’s on Netflix) is that it doesn’t go far enough: while films like 2001 and Stalker are obvious comparisons, they work because they suggest that encountering the truly alien would be bizarre, awe-inspiring, terrifying and so impossible to understand that they might just seem kind of dull.
emphasis on family; a lot of time is spent exploring Violet’s relationships with her parents, as well as dropping hints about her relationship with her brother. Mother Panic’s art is masterfully handled by Edwards and Crystal. While the two artists have fairly different styles – Edwards’ art is more dark and gritty and favours realistic caricatures, while Crystal’s characters are more stylised and slightly twisted – both styles blend well, and help reinforce Mother Panic’s distinctive style. Despite its similarities to established superhero books, Mother Panic does manage to feel different to your regular fare, which is a remarkable feat for a book set in Gotham City – although
Rather than just letting the existential terror of encountering something we can’t understand do its work, Garland throws in a bunch of scary monsters – which, to be fair, are undoubtedly scary and effective in their own right. But for a movie that was supposedly too arty for Australian audiences to see in cinemas, this feels a little too much like a regular Hollywood project: perhaps on the big screen the often stunning visuals might have helped put back some of the mystery and awe this is so clearly striving for.
traditional Bat-Family books try to be different, more often than not they seem to retread old ground. All up, I was quite satisfied with how Mother Panic was presented – Houser gave
There is a fifth carriage – it has the bar, and gets rolled out at each stop for refreshments! The date that Hugo mentioned is Friday March 23, and the line-up is definitely worth it! In Car A is Chris Wilson and Jimi Hocking. I shouldn’t have to describe Chris to people from Greater Geelong, but Forte does travel further afield. Chris Wilson has been an essential part of blues and rock music in Australia and by the end of the 80s, was established as one of Australia’s finest vocalists, harmonica players and songwriters. Jimi Hocking has played with The Angels and The Screaming Jets, but for the past twenty years has been playing blues, either solo or with the Blues Machine. He took out the solo/duo award at the International Blues Challenge at Memphis. Car B has Wayne Jury, who has over 30 years of performing and working behind the scenes in Sydney where he gained Wayne much respect as a singer/songwriter. I mentioned him in the last column for his work with up and coming blues players. His latest CD, Restless, is the best he’s done. In Car C, we have the Claude Hay Band. He comes from the Blue Mountains near Sydney, and blends slide guitar, sitar, bass and drums to create music that invokes the best of stomping traditional blues, hard rock and booty-shaking funk, all delivered with chops to burn and a vocal range to match. His 2010 album Kiss the Sky got excellent reviews, not just here, but in the USA; five out of five stars from Cashbook Magazine and other regular reviewers were equally impressed. Car D, the Dance Car, has Kings and Associates who have truly developed into one of Australia’s most uniquely new and exciting neo blues acts. Within two short years The Kings had quickly become a regular at Australian festivals including Mordi, Blenheim, Echuca, Semaphore and Bendigo, along with premier venues such as the Cherry Bar (Melbourne), Lazybones (Sydney), and the Gov (Adelaide).
enough story progression to keep things interesting, and the gelling styles of Edwards and Crystal made the art a consistent,
Don’t muck about, with a line-up like this, these tickets will go …
engaging affair. Mother Panic is a good option for readers wanting something a bit more modern and in-your-face than traditional superhero stories – chances are that like me, you’ll be hooked pretty quickly.
Proudly presented by the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club 50
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In other news ++ DOWLOAD 2018 will be held on Saturday March 24 at Flemington Racecourse. The one day festival will be held across four stages and feature 29 bands. Line up includes Amon Amarth, Limp Bizkit, Gojira, Arch Enemy, Psycroptic, King Parrot, Ocean Grove, Mastodon, and many others. ++ Primordial will release their new album Exile Amongst The Ruins on Friday March 30. ++ Behemoth will release their new live DVD/ Blu-ray Messe Noire on Friday April 13. ++ John Garcia, the founder and voice of Kyuss, will perform an acoustic set Melbourne’s Cherry Bar on Friday April 20. ++ A Perfect Circle will release their new album Eat The Elephant on Friday April 20. ++ Wiegedood will release the closing episode of their trilogy; De Doden Hebben Het Goed III on Friday April 20. ++ Tesseract will release their new album Sonder on Friday April 20. ++ Satyricon will tear Max Watts to shreds on Thursday April 26. ++ The Contortionist with special guests Sikth will play Max Watts on Thursday May 3. ++ Dimmu Borgir will release their new album Eonian on Friday May 4. ++ The Direct Underground Fest will feature Ihsahn, Belphegor, Dioletian, Wiegedood, Encircling Sea and Revocation will be held at Max Watts on Sunday May 6. This is your last chance to see Ihsahn live in Aus so get in quick. ++ Ihsahn will play to a sold out crowd at Max Watts on Monday May 7. Hopefully a second show will be announced. ++ Cradle Of Filth will be at 170 Russell on Friday May 11. ++ Sepultura with special guests Death Angel will play 170 Russell on Tuesday May 15. ++ Pain will be at Melbourne’s Max Watts on Friday May 25. ++ The Ocean will release their new album Phanerozoic in two parts, the first part to be released in October, and the second part to be released next year. Phanerozoic will pick up off where Precambrian left off some ten years ago. ++ 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
I spoke with lead singer and guitarist Dave Cameron about surfing and the band; “Having grown up on Sydney’s northern beaches I got my first fiberglass board at 14 after progressing from boogie board and foamie,” he says. “In my teens I fell in with a local boardriders crew at Long Reef Beach (north of Dee Why) which was a great place to cut my teeth surfing the nearby reef breaks like Whiterock, Makaha Point and Butterbox. There were some wild times skating the ramp and drinking beers in the carpark and seeing local punk bands at many wild parties held at the surf club.” Seeing other bands soon inspired Dave to start his own band: “I joined my first band in high school. We played covers of AC-DC, The Cult, Sunnyboys etc. Then progressed to thrash punk metal band called MERGATROID who played gigs with bands like Tumbleweed, Hard-Ons, Nursery Crimes, Massappeal and Hellmenn. Since then I have gradually mellowed a little to a more bluesy, psychedelic surf rock style but always with a punk edge.” The Quick Sixes bass player (Phil Smurthwaite) and keyboardist (Phil Honey) are both multi-instrumentalist musos who continue to perform in jazz, classical, orchestral etc as well as tutoring / teaching. Both guys surf and “Smurf’’ loves big powerful waves and regularly surfs remote reefs like Boneyards and also surfed the famous ‘’Cloudbreak’’ in Fiji recently. Drummer Rick is new to bands but he is also a surfer from way back and has a great collection of rare surfboards and vinyl record collection including 60’s stuff and aussie bands like the stems, birthday party, scientists etc.” Surf music has been a key influence on the bands music: “Surf music is at the core of the band and the sound is intertwined into most of the songs. We play some of the classic surf covers like ‘Pipeline’, ‘Wipeout’ and also have some originals with obvious surfing metaphors like ‘ROGUE WAVE’. To me, surf music is typified by pounding drums and that classic reverb drenched tremolo guitar sound, which kinda sounds like a moving swell as the lip throws over and the wave starts to tube,” he explains. “I was originally attracted to surfing and surf music had an underground cult vibe and appealed to ‘counter culture’ like hippies, stoners, drop-outs and outcasts and was all about exploration, freedom and self expression. Surfing has since become much more mainstream and corporate and has lost that cult appeal. Despite this the music of that original era lives on and the QUICK SIXES style references the energy of those early days.” You can find out more about QUICK SIXES and their music by going to bandcamp, Facebook or go to www. thequicksixes.bandcamp.com Keep an eye out for their next CD later this year!
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SAT 21ST APRIL
SAT 14TH APRIL
Ball Park Music: Live Where: The Forum, Melbourne When: Friday March 2 2018 Reviewed by James Mac Photo by @kavanaghodowdphotography REVIEW PREFACE: For those who read my articles (thanks Mum) you’ll be aware that there are a handful of supposed ‘tools’ I avoid. The first, already broken, is writing in first person. Secondly, I am not one for live reviews but in this case, the second rule can also be broken. Following in this vein, third and finally, comparisons to other bands is a no-no, which for those outside of the journalism fraternity is a formal term for ‘don’t do it’. As a Brit, puns are my ‘Forte’ (you’re welcome). As are self-deprecation, sarcasm and dry irony. However, I have since learned that perhaps like most other journalists there may be underlying Freudian issues, I’ve mentioned my Mother already, consider yourself warned. Oh, and there’s an Usher reference coming up too, so things just got real filthy. Ball Park Music opened their show like The Klaxons dragging you into their red room to teach
you a lesson. Was it the spanking from drummer Daniel Hanson with his Taylor Hawkins-esqsue sky high stickwork or his brother and guitarist Dean’s relentless chest-pounding riffs? Every single punter loved submitting to the heavy handedness and they know it. Observing bassist Jen Boyce was a pleasure in itself, even her four string gave more than a tickle to say the least. Her encapsulating set-long smile, whether derived from absorbing the throngs of fans singing every word back at her or because of her natural luminous energy, it was an imperative part of the show and an utter joy to share. Lead man Sam Cromack, ever the gentleman even with his penchant for utilising ‘fuck’ in all its splendid forms when talking to the crowd, apologised for a chest infection as if it were a hindrance to his performance. There was no inkling of such an issue, only showmanship and the silken tones fans have loved from day one. His voice, the soothing ointment in the whole affair, was nothing but astounding. Granted, even he handed out a dominating lashing during ‘Hands Off My Skin’, from their latest album Good Mood. Never judge a Cromack by its cover. Christian Grey references aside, although the show, as promised by Cromack, was heavier than the recordings it felt just right. Intentional or not, there was a sense that the show had two distinct halves which mirrors the band’s approach in their
album production; side A and B of a vinyl. Their theatrical finesse polished the glorious rawness of their show to a perfect level where it glistens but still stings in a good way. Coincidence or dry humour drove the choice to play the first track of their new album, The End Times, as the encore; a track about the potential end of the world. As with Ball Park Music’s releases the show had tints of searching for normalisation and unity, which they offered and found in a packed-out Forum Theatre. “Melbourne you’re fucking amazing” Cromack announced, stopping mid-song. “I’ve sung this song thousands of times and it’s so easy to lose the meaning but you singing the chorus with me
really reminds me why I wrote it. Thank you.” As if the band could be any more genuine. Leaving the venue, spanked or not, you’re left feeling like they at least held you afterwards. Part of you wishes them stadium-sized success but the other wants to selfishly keep them as your casual lover… with a couple of thousand other howling people. Ball Park Music’s live show is the glitter you can’t get out of your hair for days after a party you probably wouldn’t tell your boss about. A band on the street but a freak on the stage.
Photo Review: Grampians Music Festival Where: Halls Gap, Victoria When: February 2 – 4 2018 Photos by Cameron Cook
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GUIDE
EATING OUT MONDAY
ELEPHANT & CASTLE:
$23 Steak & Drink night
GOLD DIGGERS:
$10 Lunch Specials
OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (HEPBURN SPRINGS):
THURS 8TH
AMPED: LEIGH KEAST BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER CHILLOUT FESTIVAL EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ HOME HOUSE: UNI NIGHT FT. DEAKIN JUGGERNAUTS GIVING OF THE SHIRT POTATO SHED: THE YOUNG FOLK, ANDY IRVINE, LUKE PLUMB PISTOL PETES: BEN WATERS, DEREK NASH WENDOUREE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS: JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR
FRI 9TH
AMPED: PEARL JAM OZ BARWON CLUB: REV. PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND, DJ PCPS BEAVS BAR: JEFF JORDAN BRIDGE HOTEL: RECORD LOW PRESENTS: OPEN DECKS NIGHT CHILLOUT FESTIVAL CITY QUARTER BAR: LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND DJ EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJS ELEPHANT & CASTLE: TRENT HAMILTON GOLDFIELDS MUSIC FESTIVAL GROVEDALE HOTEL: DELLA HOME HOUSE: HOMEHOUSE FRIDAYS PARTY WITH DJS THE INN HOTEL: FOOD TRUCK FUNDRAISER KAROVA LOUNGE: SAINT IVORY PISTOL PETES: SAMMY OWEN BLUES BAND WENDOUREE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS: JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR WOMADELAIDE 2018 WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: DEAN RAY
SAT 10TH
AIREYS PUB: LEVI & CODY AMPED: VIPER BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL BARWON CLUB: DJ PINKY BEAVS BAR: LIVE BAND BLOOM: 009 CHILLOUT FESTIVAL ELEPHANT & CASTLE: WOOSHKA EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ GOLDFIELDS MUSIC FESTIVAL GROVEDALE HOTEL: LUKE BISCAN HOME HOUSE: SAMMY BOYLE (CANDY APARTMENTS), RNB DJ
KAROVA LOUNGE: ARIAN LANE PISTOL PETES: LEROYZ HAMMOND TRIO PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL THE SPHINX: MR MEANER
OLD CASTLEMAINE GAOL: JOHN MCSHERRY AND DONAL O’CONNOR
EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ
PISTOL PETE’S: JESSIMAE PARKER
GROVEDALE HOTEL: DELLA
BARWON HEADS HOTEL:
HOMEHOUSE: LIVE DJ
ELEPHANT & CASTLE:
MEATSTOCK MUSIC AND BARBECUE FESTIVAL
GEELONG RSL:
MURPHYS: ST PATRICKS DAY STREET PARTY
IRISH MURPHY’S:
THEATRE ROYAL: VIKKI THORN
WENDOUREE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS: JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR
THURS 15TH
AMPED: RACH BRENNAN
WOMADELAIDE 2018 THE WORKERS CLUB: THE RUMINATORS, CROCODYLUS
SUN 11TH
BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER THE EASTERN: STRAIGHTLINE, BMDS, NORTHWOOD, TSUGNARLY GPAC: HART
AMPED: THE HEY RIDE BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL BARWON CLUB: NICK TABONE ACOUSTIC SET BEAVS BAR: LUKE BISCAN BLOOM: UNO PRESENTS LABOUR DAY EVE FT. DR PACKER CITY QUARTER: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ FROM 4PM
HOMEHOUSE: UNI NIGHT FT. ALEX DYSON PISTOL PETE’S: CHRIS WILSON DUO, FEN WILSON WARRNAMBOOL COMEDY FESTIVAL THE WORKERS CLUB: LOWERCASEPOETRY
FRI 16TH
ELEPHANT & CASTLE: MARCH BLUESFEST
GOLDFIELDS MUSIC FESTIVAL GROVEDALE HOTEL: JACK WRIGHT HOME HOUSE: LADIES NIGHT LABOUR DAY LONG W/E THE INN HOTEL: LABOUR DAY EVE FT. SET MO THE LOFT (WARRNAMBOOL): DEAN RAY PISTOL PETES: HOUSEWRECKERS PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL
AMPED: REDLINE BARWON CLUB: GOOD FACES 4 RADIO, SHOW US YOUR 90’S, A DISCO STOLE MY BABY BAR OPEN: THE BLACK SWAMP BEAVS BAR: LUKE BISCAN CITY QUARTER BAR: FRIDAY UNWIND FROM 5PM. LIVE WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND DJ THE EASTERN: THE JIM MITCHELLS EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ
WENDOUREE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS: JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR
GROVEDALE HOTEL: BEN DEW
WOMADELAIDE 2018
INFUSION: STEVIE STIX
HOME HOUSE: HOMEHOUSE FRIDAYS PARTY WITH DJS
MON 12TH (LABOUR DAY)
BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL CHILLOUT FESTIVAL GOLDFIELDS MUSIC FESTIVAL PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL WOMADELAIDE 2018 THE DECK: LUKEYS OPEN MIC NIGHT PISTOL PETE’S: GEORGIA RODGERS POTATO SHED: HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL
WED 14TH
PISTOL PETE’S: HURRICANE HEARN WARRNAMBOOL COMEDY FESTIVAL
ULUMBARRA THEATRE: ROSS NOBLE WARRNAMBOOL COMEDY FESTIVAL THE WORKERS CLUB: TIMBERWOLF
SUN 18TH
AIREYS INLET OPEN MIC FESTIVAL BARWON CLUB: STRAIGHTLINE, BMDS, KEGGIN, SOCIAL HAUNTS, THE HALF PINTS CITY QUARTER: PERFECT SUNDAY SESH LIVE MUSIC AND DJ FROM 4PM EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC GROVEDALE HOTEL: GOOD FACES 4 RADIO LEURA PARK ESTSTE: JOHN BUTLER TRIO, MAMA KIN SPENDER THE LOFT: DIDGERIYOGA MEATSTOCK MUSIC AND BARBECUE FESTIVAL
SAT 17TH
AIREYS INLET OPEN MIC FESTIVAL
Pizza Night $23 Steak & Drink night Steak Night $13
GOLD DIGGERS:
$15 Burger or Parmi $15 Parmi Night
THE SPORTING GLOBE:
$15.90 Angus Rump or $19.90 Porterhouse
WEDNESDAY
GEELONG RSL:
Pot and Parmi Night $13
GOLD DIGGERS:
$25 Express Lunch
IRISH MURPHY’S:
$15 Burger Night
OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (HEPBURN SPRINGS):
Frugal Foodies $20 menu
THE SPORTING GLOBE:
$14.90 MVP Parmas & $8.90 Pints + Jam Jars
THURSDAY
BARWON HEADS HOTEL:
Parmi Night
ELEPHANT & CASTLE: $22 Seafood & Chips Night GOLD DIGGERS:
Happy hour 5-6
IRISH MURPHY’S:
$20 Steak Night
OLD HEPBURN HOTEL (HEPBURN SPRINGS):
Frugal Foodies $20 menu
THE SPORTING GLOBE: $14.90 burgers, &15.90 Jugs
FRIDAY
BAR 61 TORQUAY: Burger & Beer Happy Hour 5 - 7 BARWON HEADS HOTEL:
Steak Night
ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Thank Guinness It’s Friday! GOLD DIGGERS:
Happy hour 5 - 6
PISTOL PETE’S: WHITE LIGHTNING
IRISH MURPHY’S:
Happy Hour 5 - 7
ROYAL HOTEL MEREDITH: JAMES BLUNDELL, THE HILLBILLY GOATS
THE SPORTING GLOBE:
Double Desserts Buy 1, Get 1 Free
THEATRE ROYAL: USTAD VILAYAT KHAN
TUES 20TH
PISTOL PETE’S: GEORGIA RODGERS
WED 21ST
THE WORKERS CLUB: KARISE EDEN
TUESDAY
POTATO SHED: LATONGA II THE SPHINX HOTEL: THE ROCKER
BEAVS BAR: OPEN MIC, KARAOKE, LUKE BISCAN
SATURDAY
BAR 61 TORQUAY:
Burger & Beer Happy Hour 5-7
THE SPORTING GLOBE:
SUNDAY
GEELONG RSL:
$20 Bud, Heineken 3 & Sparkling Buckets
$13 Carvery lunch
IRISH MURPHY’S:
$15 Fish & Chips
PISTOL PETE’S: JESSIMAE PARKER WENDOUREE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS: JOHN BUTLER TRIO, MAMA KIN SPENDER
AMPED: THE STELE, FALSE CAPER
BEAVS BAR: OPEN MIC, KARAOKE, LUKE BISCAN KYNETON TOWN HALL: ROSS NOBLE
LIVE ON THE HILL (BAIRNSDALE): JOHN BUTLER TRIO, MAMA KIN SPENDER
WENDOUREE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS: ROSS NOBLE
TUES 13TH
PISTOL PETE’S: DEAK HARP
AMPED: ACOUSTIC RED
AIREYS INLET OPEN MIC FESTIVAL
GEELONG SECRET GARDEN: DAVE GRANEY
ELEPHANT & CASTLE: ST PATRICK’S DAY STREET PARTY
Frugal Foodies $20 menu
THE SPORTING GLOBE: Half Price Wings, Ribs & Pints
TRIVIA
BARWON HEADS HOTEL:
Trivia Thursday Night from 7:30pm
ELEPHANT AND CASTLE: Trivia Wednesday from 8pm
BARWON CLUB: JELLY MAMMOTH & FRIENDS, DJ BLACKWAVE
GOLD DIGGERS ARMS:
BEAVS BAR: JEFF JORDAN BLOOM: LIVE DJ
LORD OF THE ISLES:
THE BRIDGE: PUB FOOTY PARTY IN THE GOLDFIELDS
WORKERS CLUB:
Trivia Wednesday Night Trivia Thursday Night in the Courtyard
Themed Trivia Wednesday Night
UPCOMING GIGS @ THE ROYAL SUNDAY 18TH MARCH
FRIDAY 23RD MARCH
SUNDAY 25TH MARCH
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
NAT & CROMMY
CORY HARGREAVES
TIME: 8PM | FREE ENTRY
TIME: 2PM | FREE ENTRY
JAMES BLUNDELL
THE HILLBILLY GOATS TIME: 2PM | TICKETS $30 ALL TICKETS ARE BOOKED BY CREDIT CARD OVER THE PHONE ON 5286 1100. 54
OPENING HOURS MON–TUE: 3PM–LATE | WED–SUN: 11.30AM–LATE 16 WALLACE STREET MEREDITH VIC 3333 | PHONE: (03) 5286 1100 FORTE 684
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