Forte #688 by Forte Mag

BALLARAT BELLARINE

M U S I C

A R T S

C U LT U R E

E S T

BENDIGO CASTLEMAINE

GEELONG & SURF COAST WARRNAMBOOL

1 9 9 1

03.05.18

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LOCAL LEE KERNAGHAN

FOOD CAFE BEAR & SCOOBS 28 ARTS MINC FITNESS

Guy Sebastian

ONE OF AUSTRALIA BEST DJ/PRODUCERS

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AKA

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M U S I C

A R T S

The Know Feature Story The Loop Local Feature

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10 -11 12 15–19 20

News

21-27

Food

Creatives

29-31

Reviews

32-33

Columns

Scenepix

The Guide

This issue I’m writing this little note from a little corner in Launceston Airport… and there really isn’t anything more boring than sitting around at an airport, waiting for your flight, especially one the size of Launceston (no offence Tasmania). The only thing an airport terminal is good for is highquality people watching. In between the wait for Netflix to buffer the next five minutes of film, I found myself drawn to people from all different cultures, class structures and occupations; varieties of wealth and personalities. Where are they going? Who are they with? Are they happy? Why is she all alone? Where did he get that donut? So many questions that will forever go unanswered. While not quite as moving as the opening and closing scenes of the film Love Actually at Heathrow Airport, it came bloody close. This issue we have one of Australia’s most popular and successful male artists on our cover! Since entering our TV screens in 2003 and capturing our hearts from the moment he sung Stevie Wonder’s ‘Ribbon in the Sky’ in the idol audition, Guy Sebastian has forged a career on honesty, passion and success. Now, for the first time in two and a half years, he will be taking his band on the road with a hit-laden Then & Now regional tour, stopping by our very own Geelong! Guy had a chat to our very own Hannah Kenny so make sure to check it out on page 12. Further in this issue, we chat to Lee Kernaghan, one of Australia’s greatest country artists; Geelong’s resident muso Luke Biscan; our chat with Ruby Fields from on-ground at Torquay’s The Drop Festival; Byron metal masters Parkway Drive; American sledgehammer stoner metal giants Red Fang; Melanie Turnley, the brains behind Minc Fitness; Ocean Grove photographer Tal Lemmens, plus heaps more!

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Editor Talia Rinaldo

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Contributors Anthony Morris, Alastair McGibbon, Amanda Sherring, Chris Lambie, Dr John Lamp, Natalie Rogers, Paul S Taylor, Tex Miller, Wylie Caird. Advertisers and agents are advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility under the trade practices act. Advertisements are published in good faith and on the understanding that the content is legitimate and lawful. Advertisers and or agents submit advertisements at their own risk. The editor and creators hold no responsibility whatsoever for the content of the magazine in the case that it may offend. Forté accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. Forté reserves the right to edit all articles and letters.

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GRETTA RAY RETURNS

CHVRCHES ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE SHOWS

WITH NEW SINGLE ‘TIME’, EP & HEADLINE SHOWS

Already announced to be appearing at Splendour in the Grass in July 2018, synth-pop sensations CHVRCHES will also play two headline dates in Sydney and Melbourne on their anticipated return to Australia. You would have already heard their up-tempo lead single ‘Get Out’ that’s lifted from the band’s third studio album Love Is Dead, out Friday May 25. The Glaswegian three-piece will take in Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena on Monday July 23, playing their biggest Australian headline shows to date.

Forte favourite Gretta Ray is back! Just recently sharing ‘Time’, the first single to come from a forthcoming EP titled Here and Now, this is Gretta’s first piece of music for the year and is yet another example of her skilful command of language and impressive vocal ability. To celebrate the EP release, Gretta will be heading out her first headline tour of 2018 across five Australian states and in New Zealand. Catch her at The Corner Hotel, Melbourne – August 16.

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE RETURN TO AUSTRALIA

HUMAN RIGHTS ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL 2018

Queens Of The Stone Age will return to Australia and New Zealand on their Villains World Tour, performing nine huge headline shows for Frontier Touring throughout August and September. Currently in the midst of wowing fans on a massive USA run and returning to our shores off the back of dates in Japan, Queens Of The Stone Age are not to be missed. Arguably one of the best rock bands on the planet, and armed with their latest rock masterpiece in Villains, these will be the tightest shows you’re ever likely to see. They will be joined at all shows by Australian blues maestro C.W. Stoneking. It goes down at Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne – September 7.

Presenting the best films and artwork from around the world, Melbourne’s annual Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (HRAFF) will challenge, touch and inspire audiences from all walks of life. For a fortnight in Melbourne, and three weeks across the country, HRAFF exhibits a selection of contemporary cinema, music and fine art across themes of conflict and global people movement, gender equality, Indigenous rights, rehabilitation and retribution, and the environment. There will be screenings and events in venues across Melbourne: ACMI, No Vacancy, Footscray Community Arts Centre, the Immigration Museum, Fitzroy Library, Newport Substation, and Koorie Heritage Trust. It runs from May 3 – 17 2018. Check out the 2018 HRAFF program online.

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PAIN ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN TOUR FOR MAY

MELBOURNE’S NIGHTHAWK EMBRACE VIBRANT MUSICIANSHIP WITH NEW SINGLE

Swedish industrial metal titans, PAIN, will tour Australia for the first time ever in May 2018 in support of their eighth studio album, Coming Home (Nuclear Blast). Led by one of the most iconic and legendary figures in the extreme metal world, Peter Tagtgren, PAIN will crush every capital city on the map. Live, the band are unstoppable and will be delivering an inescapable sonic assault that demands your full attention and co-operation. Max Watts, Melbourne – May 25.

When Nighthawk first came on the scene in 2016, fans were excited at the prospect of new music from Motor Ace’s Patrick Robertson and Damian Costin. Add Flynn Wheeler and Rhys Thompson to the mix and you’ve got one killer band! Driven by escalating guitars and production, Nighthawk’s most recent and third single ‘Right Time’ is strong step into 2018 with an uplifting and upbeat sense of nostalgia. While they are currently hard at work putting the finishing touches on their long-awaited debut album, you can catch them hitting the live stage at Melbourne’s Cherry Bar on May 25.

FRANZ FERDINAND & MGMT ANNOUNCE FIRST EVER CO-HEADLINE SHOWS

SKEGSS ANNOUNCE 2018 NATIONAL TOUR

Two of the most prolific bands of recent times, Franz Ferdinand and MGMT, will join forces for a pair of special co-headline shows in Australia this July. These shows mark both Franz Ferdinand and MGMT’s first visits to our shores in five years, with a co-headline performance at Melbourne’s Festival Hall on July 24, as well as a stop at Byron Bay’s Splendour In The Grass festival. The combined firepower of Franz Ferdinand and MGMT in Melbourne this July is sure to be unmissable.

Bay shredders who have established

Slack-rockers SKEGSS are the Byron themselves as a force in an ever-growing Australian punk scene; and will unroll waves of their pure, unadulterated summery rock n roll with their very own national tour in support of their new single ‘Up In The Clouds’. This is the lead single from their upcoming debut album and pretty much sums up exactly what the album is all about – according to the guys anyway! Skegss will release their debut album through Ratbag Records later this year. For now though, catch them on the road for under 18s, all ages and 18+ shows across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide this June. The Corner Hotel, Melbourne – June 9.

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Australia’s most loveable Guy We chat to Guy Sebastian about his upcoming Then and Now tour and what life is like fifteen years after his Australian Idol victory WRITTEN BY HANNAH KENNY

U N D O U B T E D LY O N E O F A U S T R A L I A’S with music again. I think it’s honestly just because MOST ICONIC MUSIC SUCCESS STORIES, I’m getting back to who I am at my core,” he says G U Y S E B A S T I A N H A S S T O L E N M O R E with a glimmer of bewilderment. THAN A HANDFUL OF HEARTS ACROSS THE NATION AND BEYOND. FROM THE SHY Guy’s latest album Conscious, which was released BOY WITH CURLY LOCKS TO A GLOBAL late last year, took over two and a half years to SUPERSTAR IN A MATTER OF YEARS, GUY produce. With his mind focussed on the overall IS AN ALL- ROUNDER. AS ONE OF THE FEW sound and theme of the record, Guy believes his AUSTRALIANS TO GO PLATINUM IN THE songwriting in Conscious was a little neglected. US WITH HIS HIT BATTLE SCARS (2012), “In the last album I got a little bit too involved in GUY HAS MADE CERTAIN HE REMAINS A trying to create a sound. I was so obsessed on the HOUSEHOLD NAME IN POP. MAKING HIS production that I changed over to a program called WAY AROUND AUSTRALIA TO PERFORM A Ableton and I was really nerding out, concentrating SERIES OF INTIMATE GIGS IN REGIONAL more on producing than I was on the songwriting PARTS OF THE COUNTRY WITH HIS BAND, aspect of it. I feel like I’m back to doing what I love GUY IS EXCITED TO PLAY IN TOWNS THAT and I’m unashamed of it. I’m just having so much D O N’T R E C E I V E M A N Y V I S I T S F RO M fun,” he explains. CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS. To celebrate his incredible support team, Guy Two years since his last tour, Guy is incredibly wanted his Then and Now tour to be accessible to eager to strip back to basics and play some of his all Australians. Though he’s performed at some most popular songs as well as some new tracks prodigious venues in the past, Guy is determined he’s been working on over the last two months. to engross himself in an intimate setting to truly Currently sitting up in the mountains in Byron Bay, connect with his audience. “I think when you travel Guy was pleasantly surprised to reignite his love to these towns that don’t get a lot of touring acts, for songwriting. “Playing new music on this tour especially in the pop world where there aren’t a lot wasn’t the plan. I started writing a couple of months of musicians that go to these towns, they’re just so ago and no joke, I reckon I’m pretty close to having appreciative of it. I feel that energy from the stage a full album and that has never happened. I don’t and it inspires me. No one show is the same,” he know what it is. I feel really inspired and so in love says. “I did a tour not long ago and I played at Rod 12

Laver Arena. It was great, but you don’t get the same feeling in that kind of environment as you do in some of these smaller venues. It’s going to be intimate whether I like it or not so I’m really excited!” Kick-starting the tour on June 9 in Wollongong, Guy is bracing the winter cold and venturing around the nation. Having spent a lot of time down the south coast, beginning Then and Now in this part of the country is somewhat nostalgic for the 2003 Australian Idol winner. “I have a place down in Wollongong and my family and I holiday down there a lot. Wollongong is where I do my fishing and my surfing. My kids are obsessed with going on little adventures and outings. I think it’s going to be a nice place to start and rehearse the show. I’ll start there then head to towns like Shepparton, Albury and Maryborough - all up through Queensland and regional Victoria. Really pumped to get back down Ocean Road way, such a beautiful place to drive and tour,” he says. Though he’s amped to be going on tour, Guy is dreading the homesick blues. A family man at heart, Guy struggles being away from his two children Hudson (six) and Archer (four), as well as his wife, Jules. “I get massively homesick. It’s funny because it constantly changes. Before when there were no kids in the equation, I’d go on the road for months at a time with no dramas,” he recalls. “Jules would meet up with me at certain parts and then Hudson

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came and I was like ‘oh I can still do this’ because he was only a newborn. He’s at school now. I can’t tour as freely as I used to.” The shift in his priorities since becoming a father has been an emotional test for Guy, however he’s certain he was born to juggle both roles. “I know I was made to make music and I know I was made to write songs and to share my music with people, but there’s nothing I love more than being a dad,” he says. “I have a musical presence but it’s trying to achieve that balance of prioritising my purpose with what is really important in life as well. It’s a bit of a juggle, but I love it.” His friendly nature is a token of his humility, giving fans the reassurance that his international success hasn’t clouded his ability to recognise where his journey to stardom began. Enthusiastic to share his new music, Guy is most certainly sitting on cloud nine. “The songs I’m writing now are just totally me. I’m not trying to be anyone else. I feel really, super inspired with where I’m at, at the moment,” he says.

Guy will be performing at GPAC’s Costa Hill Saturday, June 16th. For more information, visit http:// www.guysebastian.com/tour/. Forte will see you there.

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LEE KERNAGHAN FRI 4TH MAY

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XAVIER RUDD CHASES THE STORM

STONEFIELD SET A COURSE

Xavier Rudd has a whole lotta touring going on this year. He’s playing in North America. He’s hitting up the UK. He’s got shows in Europe. And he has shows locally, in support of forthcoming ninth studio album Storm Boy (set for release May 25). Check out single ‘Walk Away’ beforehand, described as “the combustible poignancy of truth, ignited by music”. Costa Hall, Geelong – August 25.

Happy days are here for Stonefield fans. The Findlay sisters recently released Far from Earth, and they’re taking it for a spin. Now, the band was wooed by King Gizzard’s label Flightless Records so it may have you wondering what sound album number three has got going on. We are here to tell you that you will have to purchase the album in order to find out. The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 19.

BASKERVILLAIN FIND A GOOD BALANCE

↑↑ AMBERYSE & THE MOTION BELOW Double your fun with Amberyse and The Motion Picture as they enjoy a co-headlining outing at Geelong’s Workers Club on May 19. This is the second time the bands have gone on a road trip, this time in support of new singles ‘Heavy Hands’ (Amberyse) and ‘Wormtongue’. Both clips are available for your viewing pleasure. Adding a little flavour to the night will be me Noire, Emecia and Shopping Trolley Fist Fight.

GRAMPIANS GRAPE ESCAPE The Grampians Grape Escape (this weekend, May 5 & 6) is a festival of regional wine, food and music held in the heart of Halls Gap. Stalls, guest chefs, tastings, master-classes, workshops and cooking demonstrations will all feature. There will be plenty of cracking entertainment as well from Coby Grant, Nick Charles, Stringybark McDowell, Wanderers, The Settlement, Alice Skye, Grim Fawkner, The Kite Machine and more.

Brisbane’s Baskervillain will keep you guessing. Just when you think you know where to put them in terms of genre, they’ll throw you through a loop. ‘Bitter Pink’ is their new single, their first self-produced effort. From the band: “Bitter Pink is an ode to the bittersweet balancing act of life, reflective of the shifting challenges the band members had faced in recent past.” The Loft, Warrnambool – May 5.

THE END IS NIGH FOR BEN SALTER Ben Salter is a founding member of Giants of Science, The Gin Club and the three-time ARIA-nominated Wilson Pickers. He also goes okay as a solo artist with three releases to his name, the most recent being 2017’s Back Yourself. The final track on the album and the one that sees him on the road is ‘End of Days’. Saints & Sailors, Portarlington – May 11 & Major Tom’s, Kyneton – May 12.

GROOVIN THE MOO Groovin the Moo is here, and like Huey Lewis we have the news. Gates open at 10:30am with the first band hitting the stage at 11am. The final band finishes at 10:30pm. Be generous with your time, and please be patient. There are no pass outs. While ATM facilities are provided, keep in mind they are popular. Feel free to bring a sealed or empty plastic bottle of water. Make your final checklist with help from gtm. net.au. Photo by Jack Toohey.

DELLACOMA STRIKE BACK Sandwiched between international touring dates is a selection of local dates for Dellacoma as they eye off the follow-up to 2015’s debut South of Everything. It’s a different looking band these days but the ball game remains the same. They’ve been holed up in Dark Horse Recording Studio in the hills of Nashville working on the new release, so it’s a perfect chance to see how things are shaping. The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 12.

HORACE BONES ENTERS BEAST MODE

↑↑ LIZ STRINGER RETURNS HOME Liz Stringer has been spending time in Canada recording new music but will return to Australia for a brief visit next month. She has also spent time elsewhere, including a showcase at the Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City. The Bridge, Castlemaine – June 1. Stringer released her latest album, All the Bridges, in 2016. She’ll be joined by Kerryn Fields.

AROCKALYPSE 7

If you had a dollar for every time a band wrote a song inspired by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 1870 novel Venus in Furs, you wouldn’t have much. Still, if you enjoy a cold shower after listening to your music, you may want to check out Melbourne punks Horace Bones and their new single, ‘Sex Beast’. The Eastern, Ballarat – May 11; Music Man, Bendigo – May 18; and The Loft, Warrnambool – June 1.

The Loft in Warrnambool will host Arockalypse 7 across the June long weekend (8-10). Bands were put in a colosseum and ordered to fight it out in order to get on the bill. Coming out victorious were The Go Set, The Stiffys, Dr. Colossus, Rage Against the Sewing Machine, The Monaros, The Refuge, GinJan, Hollow World, The Ascended, Diving Headbutt and The 2nds. Get the full goods through facebook.com/theloftwarrnambool.

SAY, IT’S THE BAY CITY ROLLERS A bunch of sold out shows in 2017 shows Bay City Rollers fans are as crazy

Thursday 3 Andy Foster

Thursday 10 Andy Forster

as any. But if you remember the days of

Friday 4 Luke Biscan Geelong After Dark

Friday 11 Ryan Bell

a fan. The Scottish not-quite-tartan-

Saturday 5 Jeff Jordan Wednesday 9 Open mic Karaoke Luke Biscan

Rollermania and delirious screams and squeals, it’s a case of once a fan always teen sensations have lined up another run this year, and along the way they

Saturday 12 Luke Biscan

have a show at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre on July 12. A look at recent setlists shows all the favourites will

Wednesday 16 Open Mic Karaoke Luke Biscan

be busted out, including ‘Yesterday’s Hero’, ‘Give a Little Love’, ‘I Only Want to be With You’, ‘Shang-a-Lang’ and, of course, their #1 Australian, hit, ‘Bye, Bye, Baby’.

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THIS STATE WE’RE IN INDUSTRY UPDATES FROM MUSIC VICTORI A

BELIEVE IN THE PREATURES The Preatures have ordered the upsized combo, with the band lining up some 40 dates on their ‘Magick’ tour. The tour name, which shares its title with a song by the band, has been given a remix by guitarist/producer Jack Moffitt, which he describes as “like Magick without posh shoes on”. Karova Lounge, Ballarat – July 11; Tap House, Bendigo – July 12; Barwon Club, Geelong – July 14; and Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool – July 15.

WRITTEN BY SARAH DEBORRE, LIVE MUSIC PROFESSIONALS PROJECT MANAGER AT MUSIC VIC & PATRICK DONOVAN, CEO AT MUSIC VIC G’day music fans, Last week, Melbourne hosted the first ever Music Cities Convention in the southern hemisphere. Dozens of speakers from eight continents joined music industry, government and academics from all around Australia descended on Melbourne to discuss the best ways cities can support music. What makes a great music city?

JOSHUA HEDLEY IS SMOKIN’

Firstly, an organic music scene made up of wellrun venues, talented musicians and passionate fans. Secondly, an understanding from government about the make-up, contribution, and needs of a music city. Victoria is fortunate to have the support and backing from the State Government, which has invested $22.2 million over the last three years through its Music Works strategy. Further, Geelong and Ballarat are fortunate to have music strategies put in place by their councils, with input from industry advisory committees and the community.

He’s probably heard a ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ reference more than a few times, but when you’re good you’re good. First getting his hands on the fiddle as an eight-year-old, it would be another 20 years before Floridabred Joshua Hedley began writing his own songs. Mr. Jukebox is his debut album – a “beacon for ’60s honky-tonk devotees everywhere”, as his website describes. The Bridge, Castlemaine – July 21.

One of the key skills that underlines any music sector is the quality of songwriting, and Victorian songwriters have an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best local and international songwriters at the upcoming APRA AMCOS The Melbourne Sessions event at Kindred Studios on Friday 6 July 2018. For just $45 for APRA AMCOS members, you’ll be able to sit in on masterclasses and workshops with Grammy Award winner Warryn Campbell, Anna Laverty, Ben Abraham, Cezary Skubiszewski, Shungudzo (USA/ZIMBABWE), Dallas Frasca, Harvey Miller (Client Liaison), and Geelong’s own Adalita Srsen.You can book your place here online.

KRISTY COX STEPS ON THE GRASS Kristy Cox will be performing in several modes throughout the year, but the one that brings her to ‘In the Loop’ territory is the ‘Roots and Branches’ tour. The new voice in Australian bluegrass, Kristy’s album Ricochet is running hot. In 2017, she won ‘Bluegrass Recording of the Year’ from the Country Music Association of Australia. Saints & Sailors, Portarlington – August 18 & Goldmines Hotel, Bendigo – August 19.

It’s definitely worth having a look online at your local live music strategies and programs to find out how you can benefit. Keep an eye out for our 2018 Professional Development Program, which is free for MV members to attend and access to ensure you, your band, or business is up-to-date with the latest skills, info, and trends. Our Live Music Professionals business development program is about to pick up steam with its 2018 successful applicants announced! There was an overwhelming response to the program this year with 50 percent of successful applicants hailing from regional Victoria. They

include The Lost Ones Basement Bar (Ballarat), The Eastern (Ballarat), The Dart ‘n’ Marlin (Warrnambool), Theatre Royal (Castlemaine), Shedshaker Brewery Taproom (Castlemaine), The General Store (Mt Hotham), Grampians Music Festival, Common Thread Events (Birregurra), Macedon Ranges Music Festival and Grand Hotel Mornington. The program will officially launch at a new, to-be-announced, Melbourne music conference in early July. See you on the sticky carpet… Paddy & the Music Vic crew MV Member of the month Nigel Wearne (https://www.nigelwearne. com/) Nigel Wearne is a folk/country singer-songwriter, luthier, poet and gleaner. Equipped with personally handcrafted instruments, his music melds finger-style guitar, clawhammer banjo, folk and honest storytelling. Gleaning diverse influence from Kelly Joe Phelps, Townes Van Zandt and Sun Kil Moon, he tells stories of forgotten rebels, wandering poets, and his love of eggs. Nigel has toured extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand and he’s performed at a long list of Australian music festivals, including the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Cygnet Folk Festival and Illawarra Folk Festival. He’s also shared shows with the likes of All Our Exes Live in Texas, Lindsay Lou (USA), Jenny Mitchell (NZ), Tennyson King (CAN), The Davidson Brothers, Jordie Lane and the late great Billy Thorpe. Regional gig of the month Lucie Thorne (and The Yearlings) – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine Sunday 27 May, 4-7pm Lucie Thorne has earned her place as one of Australia’s most striking contemporary songsmiths. With eleven releases to her name – including her latest LP Everything Sings Tonight – and a prodigious touring schedule, Thorne continues to carve out an extraordinary creative career. Thorne conjures “exquisitely impressionistic… poetry in motion” with an intimacy and warmth for which her live shows have become so renowned. In the comfort of Castlemaine’s newly renovated live music gem The Bridge, you should do yourself a favour and dig some Castlemaine GOLD!

A farewell to local musician Gary Quick

sounds and effects, he created any mood from light, sympathetic backing behind the other band members to energetic solos - which can be anything from tonally melodic to just plain weird (or maybe creative?) WRITTEN BY JOHN “DR JOHN” LAMP His recent blues involvement was with The Housewreckers and Buxom Blues. I have a particular One of Geelong’s well-known musicians, Gary memory of Quicky up at the Wangaratta Jazz and Quick, passed away on the 17th of this month. Blues Festival, a few years ago. We were both regular Gary was a long-time supporter of Sleepy attenders, not only at the blues sessions, but also Hollow, and regularly played in the jam and at the jazz events, even the more experimental. with headliners. He shared concert billing Our limit was reached though at a session in the with artists such as John Farnham, Ian Moss, cathedral where a bloke did everything I could think Choir Boys and The Black Sorrows and was also of to an upright bass... except actually stroke the engaged as piano player for several local musical strings. On the way out, I ran into Quicky. We looked stage productions. at each other and shook our heads. Born with a passion and an ear for music, Gary Gary was also involved in recording, his ear (Quicky) began playing the piano at three years of for music allowed him to critically evaluate a live age and played his first public performance at age recording and work it up into a standard worth five. Classical training followed soon after, then he distributing. His Ararat relatives farewelled their also developed a love of rock, progressive rock and “fun-loving, courageous and talented musician.” fusion in his teenage years. In July 2017 Sleepy Hollow held a tribute to their Acts such as Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Yes, King “living legend.” It was a good roll up, and on that day, Crimson, Emerson Lake & Palmer and Chick Corea we heard performances from Derek and the Champs, became favourites and were still major influences Buxom Blues, Lounge Lizards, Blue Sunday, Sweet in his own playing style to this day. He became a Felicia & the Tradies and the HouseWreckers. jazz course graduate, with very eclectic musical Dearly loved brother of Jenny and Bruce McKay. tastes, with the addition of ambient, atmospheric, Adored uncle of Rob and Peta; Tanya and Baz; and experimental, improvisational, modern jazz and Donna and Tom. Loved Gruncle Gaz of Dallas, Cody bluesy rock styles incorporated into his playing. and Joel; Remi and Zac; and Jazzi and Zara. Quicky combined all of these styles into his He will be greatly missed, and we send best own playing. Using piano, organ and synthesiser wishes to his family and friends.

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2018 school list, and has groups coming from far and wide to see the work. The show is also available for general public – 11am on Monday May 14. Morning Showtime returns in May with a look 2017’s highly successful biography of Alfred Deakin. Called Deakin’s Women. Presented by Shirley Power and Colin Mockett, the narrative is highlighted with music from the times, giving patrons a good insight into the ladies who helped the man who shaped a nation. Tuesday May 15 at 10.30am. To round out the month we are very excited to bring Melbourne Theatre Company to Drysdale with a new work – Hungry Ghosts. How long is a piece of string if you tie one end to your home country and the other to your heart? A young Malaysian–Chinese woman leaves the security of family for the freedom of life in Australia. Part mystery and part dark comedy, Hungry Ghosts explores what it is to be ‘missing’ – from being absent at the family dinner table to the still-missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.

MAY AT THE POTATO SHED

DARKER HALF POSES A QUESTION Sydney heavy-hitters Darker Half have thrown out the question ‘Are You Ready?’ as the title of their upcoming tour. It also serves as a track from an album they’ve been slogging away at for the past few months. You’ll be hearing new material on the tour, and in another first the band has made some limited edition Australian tour t-shirts that will fancy up your wardrobe. The Barwon Club, Geelong – June 15 & Music Man, Bendigo – June 16.

KATANA CARTEL DROP A GRENADE

DON CLAUDE DEVIOUS: TWILIGHT DIES

Fuelled by a love of classic heavy metal and hard rock, Katana Cartel formed out of Melbourne in 2012. Their debut album, War Part 1, impressed and had scribes comparing them to Metallica and Motorhead. The ‘Grenade’ tour is their first Aussie run since the album’s release. Music Man, Bendigo – May 12. Joining them will be Stone Djoser, Callous and Vulture Culture.

Don Claude Devious is an epic rock musical journey; a collection of musicals and stories that take you to a future world, the remains of a world consumed by fire. The book and lyrics are written by Ryan Letizia and the music composed by Adam Parsons. The two have been writing together for half their lives since they met at high school in Geelong, Victoria. Now they’ve released the first single ‘Twilight Dies’ from their rock opera musical album which will be released later this year and will feature multiple people to sing the various different characters on the album with all but one being Geelong-based.

PBS RADIO FESTIVAL 2018

It’s just about time for PBS 106.7FM’s biggest membership drive of the year. This year’s Radio Festival is set to be the most delectable experience on the PBS calendar, and the station is calling on all listeners to Feast Your Ears on a membership to help keep the I WANT TO GIG YOU ALL OVER beloved station delivering tasty treats direct to your Rave Radio – Universal, Bendigo on May 5; Pony Face airwaves for another year of bountiful harvests. This – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on May 5; Cousin Tony’s way, you’ll be helping the station to continue to sow, Brand New Firebird – Barwon Club, Geelong on May 6; nurture, and grow some of the best musical produce Kid Congo & the Pink Monkey Birds – Theatre Royal, Australia and abroad has to offer. As always, PBS has Castlemaine – May 11; Touch Sensitive – Whalers a pretty irresistible spread of prizes to tantalize all Hotel, Warrnambool on May 12; Red Fang – Barwon who join up during Radio Festival, with every member Club, Geelong on May 15; and DZ Deathrays – The automatically entering the draw to win one of our Karova, Ballarat on May 17. major prizes, including a brand new, ride away, all new MORE FROM JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE Primavera 125 i-GET with ABS in brilliant white with red trim saddle courtesy of Peter Stevens Motorcycles, a He was out this way in October last year for Out on the Golden Plains Luxury Package including festival double Weekend and a handful of other dates, but it seems pass, luxury powered caravan, chartered transportation, there is something about Australia that has Justin food, beverage and gift shop pack, a handcrafted Maton Townes Earle wanting a little more. Not that there is S60 acoustic guitar with hard case, among other things. any complaining on our end, and clearly he finds it The 2018 PBS Feast Your Ears Radio Festival runs from easy going here as this will be his ninth visit. His latMonday 14 May until Sunday 27 May. est album is Kids in the Street. Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff – July 7.

CELEBRATE DIESEL’S 30 YEAR THANG

Geelong punters are in for a treat with well known singer/guitarist, Diesel gracing the stage at The Gateway Hotel on Friday May 4. The show will see Diesel ‘rewind’ through the hits of a 15-album career that has produced 35+ singles. You’ll catch him in solo mode for this tour, allowing him to roam even further into the “nooks and crevices” of his back catalogue as he trawls through the highways and back roads that have made him the journeyman of music he is today. “Get on the bus” and celebrate Diesel’s 30 year thang!.

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

JEFF MARTIN SHINES BRIGHT A long-time favourite of Australia, Jeff Martin has lined up a healthy batch of dates on his ‘Stars in the Sand’ tour. Fans will be able to pick up an EP exclusive to shows throughout the tour, a four-track number recorded in Morocco three years ago. Jeff: “Imagine The Ground Cries Out played on a rooftop overlooking the foothills of the Atlas Mountains alongside traditional Moroccan folk musicians.” Workers Club, Geelong – June 28.

Guitarist Wanted

Band looking for vocalist

Another busy month at The Potato Shed... The legend that is Roy Orbison will showcased here on May 12 with Issi Dye’s Tribute to Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers featuring Glenn Douglas, this will be a cabaret style show with table seating. One show only on Saturday May 12th at 8pm (sold out). Western Edge Youth Arts present the powerful work Caliban, an Australian re-imagining of The Tempest where Ferdinand is an oil baron, Prospera a scientist and Ariel is an artificial intelligence system with the power to save the world. This production is on the

This is a play for those who left home and never found their way back. Two shows at 1pm and 7pm on Tuesday the May 29. As we say, always something on at the Shed, we hope to see you here! Check out our webpage or Facebook for all the latest news and up to date information Phone your bookings through to 5251 1998.

LIGHT OF DAY 2018

BENDIGO ROCK FEST

Details are starting to flow concerning Light of Day’s Winter Gigs ’18. The Piping Hot Chicken Shop, Driftwood Café, Maggie’s Bar and The Olive Pit Deli will host performances across June 22 & 23 in support of Parkinson’s disease, through partnerships with Shake it Up Australia Foundation and Light of Day. Performers to date are Gallie and Dreamboogie. Keep updated through lightofdayaustralia.com.

If you have the devil inside, Bendigo Rock Fest hits Music Man on June 1 thanks to the good looking folk at Rocky Water Promotions. Coming at you will be Stone Djoser, Red Sea (NSW), Riff Raiders, Frank Bell Music, Smashed Pie (performing a set of hard rock covers), Little Rituals, The Jacksonville Trial, Spacegoat, Rockin Volts, Neo Relic, Kamikaze Nights and The Ravens (NSW).

GABRIELLA COHEN IS TICKLED PINK

LUCIE THORNE & THE YEARLINGS

Are you ready for a fun-loving splash of colour in your life? Gabriella Cohen is releasing her sophomore album next month, with a tour to coincide. In the summer of 2017, Gabriella moved to a farm in countryside Victoria to record Pink is the Colour of Unconditional Love (June 1), an album she self-produced with Kate ‘Babyshakes’ Dillon. The Bridge, Castlemaine – June 22.

Lucie Thorne and The Yearlings will take their wonderful music making ways to The Lost Ones Bar in Ballarat on May 24, Bendigo’s Old Church on the Hill on May 25 and The Bridge, Castlemaine on May 27. Thorne’s latest release is Everything Sings Tonight, but she is currently working on new material. The Yearlings is comprised of Robyn Chalklen and Chris Parkinson, a couple of lovers of alt-country Americana with South Australian touches.

JOSH DANCE RELEASES NEW ALBUM Geelongs Greatest Busker (well he did win the title in 2017!), Josh Dance has unleashed a new full length album “Too Windy for Busking”. Recorded at various moments throughout 2017, this album consists of 12 songs, mostly written by Josh himself, with a co-written song with local Kyle Taylor, and 2 covers. Recorded in mates living room by local engineer Austin Walsh, this album really showcases Josh Dances abilities with both guitar and voice, with a bit of harmonica to add to that bluesy feel Josh is known for. Too Windy For Busking is available on itunes, spotify, rebeat etc etc. You can also get yaself a physical copy if you email joshdance23@ hotmail.com

MY FRIENDS THE CHOCOLATE CAKE My Friend the Chocolate Cake will provide a mid-year treat for Bendigo, with the chamber-pop group set to kick off their ‘Winter Revival’ tour at The Capital on June 15. The band released The Revival Meeting to some pretty fine reviews last year. David Bridie: “We all get along pretty well after all these years. These new tunes still have that certain feel that makes us go ‘yeah, it’s worth all the effort’.”

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Drummer Wanted

MARK WILKINSON FINDS THE TIME Sydney singer-songwriter Mark Wilkinson performed some 100 shows in 2017. Going bigger and better, earlier in the year the songman released Wasted Hours. Mark: “I’ve always been interested in our relationship with time and it’s become a recurring theme in my songwriting … Wasted Hours is written about recognising and sharing those moments with someone you love.” The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 24 & Workers Club, Geelong – May 25.

ADAM BRAND SOLDIERS ON Come celebrate with Adam Brand and his twenty years in the game at the Colac RSL on May 12 and Bendigo’s Music Man on May 13. The former dental technician took a shot at glory and released his self-titled debut in 1998. The following year, he bagged three Golden Guitars at the Tamworth Country Music Awards. His journey today reads much like a country song, which you can hear on new track ‘Milestone’.

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BALL ARAT BLOG

THE MAVIS’S RETURN Limited tickets are still available for The Mavis’s and their hometown show at Ballarat’s Karova Lounge on May 12 as part of 20-year anniversary Pink Pills celebrations. Released in 1998, Pink Pills, their second album, received an ARIA nomination for ‘Best Pop Release’ and spawned well-known tracks ‘Cry’ and ‘Naughty Boy’. Original members Matt Doll, Beki Thomas and Nik Daniel will tour together for the first time in 15 years.

WRITTEN BY GLEN ANDERSON

The Lost Ones is a place you must visit if you haven’t already. The perfect introduction night is Friday May 4 when The Audreys will play from 8pm. The duo have just bowled over their Between Last Night & Us tour and had so much fun that they have decided to get back out on the road again, and Ballarat folk have the opportunity to catch them live at one of the town’s great venues. Playing their laid-back ballads and alternative country folk, the gig will be an absolute ripper. The venue really does some great things and well worth a mention is The Wild Game Feast which will take place on May 25.Tickets are $180, but you will dine from an amazing menu of yabbies, chestnuts, quinces, pheasant and duck, fallow venison and hare. The feast will be served in the Gallery so get in early for this unique event. The Mavis’s are making a trip to Ballarat after announcing a 20th anniversary tour. Back in the days of Recovery and Rage, singles ‘Naughty Boy’ and ‘Cry’ were often on rotation if you rolled in the door at 4am after a large night on the sauce! I’m not

NICOLE MILLAR DISPLAYS MANNERS Do you remember Peking Duk’s ‘High’? Taking out the #2 spot on triple j’s Hottest 100, the track features the vocals of Nicole Millar. In 2016 she entered the solo world with EP Tremble, and on the first day of June the Sydney music-maker will make available her debut full-length album. Excuse Me is the name to remember. Nicole will kick off her tour at Ballarat’s Karova Lounge on June 8.

sure too many bands would be able to brag about going on tour with Kylie Minogue, but this trio have that notch etched into their belt. ‘Pink Pills’ was a real pop masterpiece and it continues to be loved and praised by their die-hard fans. The gig will be on Saturday May 12 at Karova Lounge, and tickets are selling fast. Only $20 to get in which is great value. Another interesting gig at Karova will be Middle Kids who are based in Sydney, but will be on a national tour when they make their way to Karova Lounge on May 25. ‘Lost Friends’ is their latest release and the sounds of Blondie take you back to eye-liner, black denim and hips that move and shake! They have a really infectious sound and they will be firing on all cylinders by the time they hit Ballarat, so make the effort to see these guys as they are an outfit really on the rise. Nicole Millar and British India are also locked in to play at Karova over the next few months, so although the temperature is about to drop, the action around town is still pretty hot. Get in to Billy’s Bistro down on Main Road for a great coffee if you need a quick hit on your way to work. Lovely friendly staff too. Adios!

THE SILENCIO SHAKE THINGS UP Is the world ready for acousticdriven prog-rock? You betcha! Formed as a solo project by Jan Nicholas Blom, The Silencio extended to a full band in 2014. Anathema is the band’s 2017 debut album, and also the name of their latest single. The accompanying video apparently features a few Easter eggs for fans to discover. Karova Lounge, Ballarat – June 6.

CAFE & CATERING

Heathcote on Show The place to meet your friends for wine, food and fun WRITTEN BY ALEESHA COOTS

Who will you be taking to Heathcote on Show this Queen’s Birthday weekend? Mark it in your calendar, gather your crew, book your accommodation and make a weekend of the annual Heathcote on Show. A well-renowned showcase of the wine, food and fun that Heathcote has to offer over the Queen’s birthday long weekend (June 9, 10 & 11), Heathcote on Show gives you the chance to explore all the things you love and expect - exclusive tastings, gourmet food, master-classes, music, new releases, and more than 20 cellar doors open just for you. Rightly established as one of Victoria’s most popular festivals, Heathcote wineries and traders are at-the- ready to show off the region’s many wineries, restaurants, pubs and breweries and many historic and natural attractions. Alongside award-winning artisan winemakers, a new craft brewery, recreational attractions and lots of music, wine food and fun on offer, there are some additional festival attractions that should

not be missed. On Saturday night, indulge in a ‘Mid Winters Night’ at Munari Wines featuring great wine, food from soul M’8s food truck and three fantastic bands keeping everyone entertained, or check out The Shiraz Republic who will be showcasing their greats wines and craft beers along with live music and mouth-watering burgers from their burger bar on Saturday and Sunday. Channel your inner wine connoisseur, and swirl your glass with samples of new release wines, enjoy a unique one-on-one experience to meet with winemakers and producers and/or attend wine making master classes, take part in a wine glass experience and check out the vertical tasting at Pop Up Cellar Doors in the High Street to the sound of live music. Whether you are a wine newbie or an experienced taster, these attractions are sure to be a hit. Heathcote, located in Goldfields region of Victoria, is just a 30 minute drive from Bendigo and around two hours from Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong. With so much to see and so much to do, all they are missing is you. When & Where:

Heathcote On Show @ Heathcote, Victoria– Queen’s Birthday Weekend (June 9 – 11, 2018) Visit www.heathcoteonshow.com.au for more info

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LEE KERNAGHAN Continuing his sell-out 25th anniversary tour Boys From The Bush WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN

“WHAT I’VE ALWAYS DONE OVER THE YEARS IS I’VE GONE OUT IN MY ’79 SERIES LAND CRUISER UTE AND I’VE TRAVELLED. I’VE BEEN THROUGH SO MANY TOWNS AND MET SO MANY PEOPLE AND THAT IS WHERE MOST OF MY SONGS COME FROM, THOSE EXPERIENCES. F O R M E, T H AT I S W H E R E T H E HEART AND SOUL OF THE MUSIC COMES FROM.” It’s not uncommon to hear country songs that feature anecdotes of hittin’ the road in a Ute or ‘Chevy’. But for Lee Kernaghan, it’s more than just a story; instead, it’s been a big part of his life since he was a child. “It really began as a young teenager when I was touring with my dad. My dad, Ray, is an Australian country singer as well and we toured all around Australia back in the late 70’s,” Kernaghan explains. “I was exposed to a lot of things that most kids wouldn’t normally get the chance to experience and one of them was music. It was day-in, day-out on the road and that’s where my love of country music came from. 20

“On that particular tour, when I was 13 years to someone after the show and you’ll ask them go out there and sing to people and play songs old, we toured in caravans and played in town what they do for a living and they say, ‘Lee, I milk that do mean so much to them is a great privilege.” halls,” he laughs. “It’s something that stays with cows’,” he laughs. you for life, travelling through the desert. There Speaking of touring, Kernaghan will be hitting the was a period where we actually took six months “I remember being up in the North West of Victoria road on his 25th anniversary of ‘Boys From The out from school; my brother, two sisters and I. It during the millennial drought and I met a farming Bush’ and will be stopping into Bendigo Stadium wasn’t school of the year but it was pretty close. family after the show and this farmer said to me, and Geelong’s Costa Hall this June. The things that we didn’t learn in the classroom, ‘Lee, if you look over there into the distance you we picked up in life experience.” can see the place that I grew up, the place that my “I’ll be coming into Costa hall to play all the hits dad grew up on and the place that my grandfather with a huge production show, and The Wolfe Being a touring musician at age 13, it’s no surprise grew up on, but, after five years of no rain we Brothers are coming with me; they have just that Kernaghan decided to pursue a career in couldn’t hang on any longer and we lost our farm. released their newest album which got number music. Now having performed solo for 25 years But my wife and my two little girls are depending one on the country charts. and having sold over two million albums within on me and I will never give up no matter what it Australia alone, the journey is yet to slow down takes’,” he continues, “And I shook his hand and “Costa Hall has been one of the landmark concert for Australia’s most beloved country act, who is I knew that his story was the ‘Spirit of the Bush’, events over the years as far as my shows go,” he currently working on a new album to be released and that was turned into a song, which became continues. “I think I’ve seen more Ute’s and fourwheel drives in the car park of Costa Hall than at later this year. a major fundraiser for drought relief.” any other show I’ve played at!” “I’m doing a lot of songwriting at the moment,” Fundraising is something that Kernaghan has Kernaghan explains. “All of my songs are about done extensively. Having raised millions of dollars When & Where: the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met a long for drought, flood and bushfire relief as well as the way, and the experiences that I have had. It initiatives to fundraise for ambulance, schools One Hot Country Night Festival @ all began with ‘The Outback Club’ and ‘Boys From and hospitals nationwide, it was well deserved Bendigo Stadium, Bendigo - June 2 The Bush’ a short quarter of a century ago. One of when he was crowned 2008’s ‘Australian Of The the things I’m really passionate about is writing Year’, but Kernaghan remains as humble as ever, Costa Hall, Geelong – June 7 songs about our country, about our people and simply going out there to perform for the love of it. Lee will also be performing at Shoppingtown way of life. Every single song that I’ve released over the years has been another chapter in my life.” “So many people out there not only know the songs, they have lived them as well,” he smiles. Speaking about his lyrical influences, Kernaghan “That is one of the things which makes me love elaborated: “It might come from having a yarn country music so much; it’s real, it’s about ‘us’. To FORTE 688

Hotel, Doncaster – June 8, Macs Hotel,

Melton – June 9 & Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights – June 10.

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Charlie Cole Drops Debut Raised by parents working in the Melbourne pub scene of the 1980s is going to change you. It is going to put something in your soul. Meet Bendigo’s Charlie Cole and her band, Cat City. Shit to Lose is their debut album, recorded in a single day in a local dry cleaner in 42-degree heat. It is meaty rock and roll that will have you packing your car, flipping off the boss and leaving town for a better life. And if you like your life just as it is, there is still room for the album. We chat to Charlie in celebration of the release. Hi Charlie, thanks for chatting! What’s the inspiration behind your debut record? Being pissed off. I’m not going to lie, that’s how I cope. If something really bothers me, I can write some chords and lyrics and have a musical tantrum. It’s like an exorcism for me. Everyone processes their emotions in different ways and this album was my coping mechanism. Where did you derive your influences from in developing the lyrics and sound for the album?

I love all music. But personally my musical influences are generally any tough women that have existed in the music industry since it began. I love Ronnie Spector, to Joan Jett, Lady Gaga to Dolly Parton. I worship the RAMONES as much as I idolise Motorhead. My influences in life are the people who face adversity and charge through it regardless of the odds. My heart belongs to rock and roll at the end of it all though. That wall of guitars and loud amps along with a good hook and steady rhythm section. Something you nod your head with and blow off some steam too. Lyrically, I like to spit venom. There’s not much difference between my personality in life or in music. I don’t suffer fools and I don’t fuck spiders. How did ‘Shit to Lose’ come about? I’ve been playing music for 14 years and always in bands with my friends. I like to be the boss, and I didn’t want to compromise any more. I realised I’d written a lot of music and I wanted to do it my way. It may sound conceited but I wanted to release music the way I hear it, feel it and write it. Having said that, I could never have done it without the guys in my band. Shit to Lose is an expression of everything I

have witnessed in my life. Lust, loss, grief, racism, narcissism, insecurity, materialism and a love story about a Mexican. Why is it important to you to celebrate women in rock and roll? I think Everyone should be celebrated. But let this be known, it can be difficult at times being a woman with a backbone in the music industry. As soon as you put your foot Down, you can be labelled as difficult, a bitch, hard work or a diva. Many in our industry will write you off immediately because you’re a woman. I want the industry to understand that being a jerk to the ladies is nothing more than their insecurities being projected onto us. The reality is, music is for all people so it can be made by all people. I don’t have a chip on my shoulder about having to work harder at times because of my gender. I’m just as good as the next the guy, I don’t want a fucking trophy because of what’s between my legs. Let’s try to end the gender divide and acknowledge we are all doing our bit. The music industry in Bendigo is looking a little dim. How do you think this fractured culture can change? Well said. Firstly, we need to get behind the venues. Venture out and watch a band you’ve never heard of and take a chance. Bring back Australian pub and live music culture. In Bendigo we have a large metal and hard rock scene that can only be supported by basically one venue and we are in fear of losing said venue. If it goes, we are about to isolate a very large community of musicians who need a place to play. What happens to them and their ability to have creative expression? Secondly, we need to support the youth of our city in pursuing their musical ambitions. More youth programs, access to instruments and music equipment, areas for them to play and practise to foster their talent. Lastly, I want the people of our city to embrace creativity as a way of life and stop writing off the artist’s dream. You weren’t put on the earth to pay bills and mow lawns. Music is a gift - whatever floats your boat. Don’t be told it’s a wasteful dream because if it fills your soul, you’re heading in the right direction.

The annual Australian Hi-Fi & AV Show returns to Melbourne WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO

The Chester Group is celebrating 20 years of organising Hi-Fi & AV Shows with its 2018 show in Melbourne from 19–21 October. This year the event will be held at the prestigious COMO Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel in South Yarra and will see more than 200 brands on display from heaps of exhibitors such as Yamaha, Dynaudio, Pioneer, Dali, Rega, Audio Note UK, Prism Audio and more. You will also be able to see leading distributors from across Australia including BusiSoftAV, Indi Imports, Synergy Audio Visual, Krispy Audio, Absolute High End, Audio Marketing, Powermove, Sound Gallery and Audio Magic – just to name a few.

Release: Shit to Lose is out now. This year, to entice new visitors and expand the audience, the Chester Group is offering an early-bird special on all tickets: buy one get one free, whether

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DR.

COLOSSUS

T R AG I CA L LY LO S T T H E I R D R U M M E R AND GOOD FRIEND NATHAN ‘BUDDHA’ JOHNSTON. AFTER MUCH DELIBERATION, THE GUYS HAVE DECIDED IT’S TIME TO GET ON STAGE AGAIN AS DR. COLOSSUS AND PLAY SONGS FROM THEIR DEBUT R E CO R D T H E DA N K I N H O N O U R O F NATHAN. WE CHAT TO MIKE FINDLAY ( BASS ) AND JONO COLLIVER ( GUITAR & VOCALS ) AHEAD OF THE SHOW. Hi guys. We were very sorry to hear about the loss of your bandmate Nathan. How has this motivated you to keep going and release new music? Mike: Thank you. It was so unexpected. A massive shock to all who knew and loved him. When Jono called an told me, music and the bands future was the last thing on our minds. It

was/is just so incredibly sad. Jono was touring so we didn’t get to see each other in person for about four days. When we finally caught up, after a lot of tears, beers and laughs about the good times, we talked music. We were unsure of the future of Dr Colossus, but we both agreed we had to keep playing music together. How did the decision come about to reform? Mike: After we said farewell to Nath we started talking about it. These songs that Nath helped write and record needed to be played, it helps the memory of him live on. So the idea of a tribute show to Nath came up - a show to celebrate his life and his talent for the fans of him and the music he helped create. There was only one choice really to sit in Nath’s position; Josh Eales. One of Nath’s oldest mates and a drummer he truly respected. Jono then asked his brother Joel to play lead guitar. Not only because he’s an incredible musician, but I believe it’s also so Jono can spend more time with his brother, which is really awesome. Our mutual love and respect for Nath and the preservation of his memory is our motivation. All profits from the two shows will go towards Nath’s wife Kate’s ‘Trek For Kindness’ raising funds for a charity close to Nath and Her heart, Edgar’s Mission – can you tell us a bit about this cause? Jono: Nath shifted to become totally vegetarian in the last few years and became quite an advocate for the humane treatment of animals. He and his

wife Kate really warmed to Edgar’s Mission which is a non for profit animal sanctuary for rescued farm animals on the outside of Lancefield. These are animals that have been deemed as ‘useless’ or ‘unprofitable’ in an agricultural sense and face being destroyed without care or humanity. Kate and Nath loved the work they do and from what we can gather, the folks at Edgar’s Mission really welcomed the two of them into the family. What can we expect from the show? Jono: Geelong is getting a special treatment. It was Nath’s home town (although he was Portland born) and The Barwon Club was basically his home-ground. So we’re pulling out all the stops. Playing Dr. Colossus songs that we haven’t played live in a very long time and re-inventing some of the others. We’re also bringing along some great bands, Two Headed Dog, Cracked Tapes (Nath’s other band reforming to launch an EP), and a secret band we will announce very soon. Have you guys got any plans for the rest of the year? Mike: We have a few shows coming actually. People seem to be really excited the wheels are spinning again. And quite rightly so. The rehearsal have been totally rad. Personally I would love to see a single recorded in honour of Nath. We have a couple of ideas brewing there, but I don’t want to give too much away. Thanks for the quick chat guys! Is there anything else you want to add? Jono: Thank you to everyone who has been supportive of the band both while Nath was alive and since his untimely departure from the world. It was the reason we did what we did, and the reason we continue to do so in his honour. We’d love to see you at a show to share some yarns about the great man and bring the community closer together. Much love. When & Where: The Barwon Club, Geelong – June 8. Tickets onsale today at Oztix or from http://tinyurl.com/nathanbc

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one, two or three day passes. The 2 for 1 special can be purchased online up to 31 July 2018. If you thought that was good, one of the major incentives for visitors are the significant prizes on offer such as an Astell & Kern portable audio player valued at around $5000 and attendees will be blessed with a performance from one of Australia’s finest folk singer/guitarists, Mary Webb, at the Australian HiFi & AV Show every day in the Claremont Suite. Roy Bird, CEO of the Chester Group, said this year is shaping up as one of the best ever held in Australia and the Group remains committed to the industry. “The luxurious venue, the large number of significant international brands and exhibitors, the 2 for 1 offer, and the high level of prizes available will be a huge attraction for local and interstate visitors to the show,” he says. When & Where: The COMO Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel, South Yarra – October 19 - 21 Tickets can be purchased at https://www.chestergroup.org/ australianhifiavshow/2018/tickets

STEVE BOYD’S RUM REVERIE Celebrating their debut album Hoodoo Hipshake WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO

After sharing stages with the likes of Bob Dylan and Ray Charles in the ’90s, Steve Boyd took a lengthy hiatus before returning to the music world with Steve Boyd’s Rum Reverie, a self-described “big, bold and brassy” number. With New Orleans swagger, a large cup of soul, a spoonful of blues, and a dash of jazz noir, the Reverie released their first effort in 2016 with their debut EP Healers and Howlers, which came to be nominated in The Age Music Victoria Music Awards ‘Best Blues Album’ category that same year. It’s been a few years now, and the band have spent time performing at 2016 Leaps and Bounds Festival, 2017 Port Fairy Folk Festival, and a residency at Melbourne’s iconic Cherry Bar during 2017. Now kicking off 2018 the very best way, the Reverie are finally celebrating the release of their debut album, Hoodoo Hipshake, created using the same formula, the same studio and the same sound engineer as their EP. “We had such a good experience with that, we just wanted to milk it further and stretch it to an album project,” vocalist Steve Boyd explains, before

commenting on the evolution of their sound. “The sound has certainly grown along with the personnel as well,” Boyd explains. “The EP was basically just a five piece; no keyboards, just two brass. It was pretty guitar-based, a bit raw and bluesy set up. “This time, it’s naturally morphed into more of a big, almost gospel soul group,” he continues, “Now we’ve got a brass section, a Hammond organ, a three piece horn section, we have second guitars now and again, and we use a few different people. It’s like a big review.” As the brainchild of life-long friends Paul Fiddes (drums) and Boyd, conceived over many nights listening to old vinyl records, the pair have gone on to create a sound is heartfelt and raw, drawing on influences from everyone from Al Green to Bo Diddley in their latest release to create a bigger and bolder sound. “We have quite eclectic musical tastes and we tend to listen to a lot of different stuff so I think that’s really evident on the album,” Boyd says. “There are the blues and roots musical stylings, and we infuse African American gospel, soul and even a little bit of old school jazz. I think those elements have been explored a little further on the album too. It’s very roots-based and it still comes under the blues and roots umbrella comfortably, but we’ve probably stretched out and explored some of those other musical influences a little more than we did on the EP.” With a city-based launch last month at The Spotted Mallard, Steve Boyd is bringing the Rum Reverie and their debut album to Pistol Pete’s for a regional launch this month, which Boyd insists will be one hell of a party. “Get on down! If you enjoy your blues and roots music and you like the idea of a big brassy fun gospel soul style review with original tunes and highly skilled musicians, get on down and have a party with us.” Join the Forte crew, and come support Steve and the Reverie down at Pistol Petes. When & Where: Pistol Pete’s Food n’ Blues, Geelong – May 13 (3pm – 6pm)

RED FANG Bringing a stoner sludge avalanche in all its Rockn-Roll glory to Geelong American sledgehammer stoner metal giants RED FANG are returning to Australia this May, so hold onto your beard, because things are going to get messy! We chat to vocalist/bassist Aaron Beam about the upcoming tour supporting their latest album Only Ghosts. Hey Aaron thanks for having a chat with us. You’re returning to Australia this May, are you looking forward to that one? I’m so excited that we are coming back again. It’s been a while and I think this one’s going to be a real good one alongside Drunk Mums, so it will be nice to have some friends to come out with us for the whole thing. It will be cool... and we like that band too! Well that’s always a good thing! What can Aussies expect from the show? Well I haven’t seen Drunk Mums so I don’t know what they will be doing, but from us it’s always pretty close to the same thing. The thing that inspired us in the beginning was just playing these sweaty basement shows around Portland or wherever else we were from, and we have always approached songwriting and the way we play shows the same way - whether we are playing on a festival stage or in a little club. We always just try to bring that same attitude to the show that we did when

we were actually playing basement shows in a club. You guys are coming to Geelong which you have previously performed at The Barwon Club. Do you remember the gig at all? Absolutely, I remember that club well. That particular venue [Barwon Club] has much of that kind of basement show vibe to it, but I also remember hearing that it’s one of the rowdier towns in Australia and I remember that being the case. There was a couple of shows that were really packed out and people were getting pretty rowdy and having a good time so we are really looking forward to coming back there. Well you can definitely expect the same response! You’ve got your six-date tour which looks pretty packed which actually follows your US tour. It seems you guys are constantly touring?! Ever since we all left our day jobs in the beginning of 2011, we actually have to tour to make money. I mean we all love touring and that’s what’s so exciting to me about this band; we’re just making music that really felt like some of the best music I’ve made in any band, and I’d never actually been on a US tour before before I joined this band. You guys formed a while ago and have four albums behind you now, are there plans of making a fifth album? Oh absolutely. At this point we have an avalanche of riffs that we’re just trying not to get buried under right now. Every time I pick up the bass, I write a new riff so I’m trying to slow that process down, I don’t want to actually slow it down but there’s so many riffs that it’s really hard to sift through them in my mind and start crystallising things into actual songs. It’s easy enough to write a riff, but it’s not necessarily easy to turn it into something that sounds like a coherent piece of music. When & Where: The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 15 (Tuesday) Tix via www.tickets.destroyalllines.com

venues throughout the town. Our personal favourite part of the weekend comes with displays of Celtic martial arts and the resident Vikings who settle in for the weekend to present traditional Vikings practices of wrestling, animal hide curing and iron mongering. Make sure you visit them in front of The Club Room at some point over the weekend, you won’t regret it! With all the music, art and entertainment, you can’t forget about The Folk Market, bursting with fine food and fresh produce from a wide range of food trucks, along with delicious local wines, craft brews and spirits from Victoria’s bespoke distilleries. Here you’ll find all the regular delicious festival food, along with a range of delicious cultural tastings. This market is adjacent to the festival and free to the public, so non-ticket holders can get amongst it. This event truly transforms Portarlington’s foreshore and surrounding haunts into a bustling winter-wonderland. With an easy 90-minute drive out of Melbourne to the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, and with the festival right on our doorstep, there’s no excuse to miss experiencing Australia’s premier Celtic Folk festival. Rug up, put your winter woolies on and dive head first into this Celtic affair.

National Celtic Festival

regard alongside festivals such as Celtic Connections in Scotland and Celtic Colours in Canada, and features artists punters would see at festivals such as Queenscliff Music Festival. Celtic folk with a twist “We’re got a band called Altan who are performing as part of their 30th anniversary, and they are legends of the Irish trad scene so that’s WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO definitely a highlight for all the die-hard trads,” McAlinden smiles. “We’ve got old favourites coming back to the festival, as well as new When it comes to Celtic Festivals, a few things spring to mind: people to introduce,” she continues. “Damien Leith is back again for Haggis, Irish dancing, pipes and drums, Vikings, kilts, Gaelic his third time, and Paul McKenna is coming back this year with his poetry.. It’s all that and a bit more at The National Celtic Festival whole band; they’re a great young contemporary trad band and they’ve that’s set to shine amidst the sparkling Portarlington foreshore got an amazing reputation so it’s great to be able to introduce this this June long weekend. young act from Scotland.” Boasting crowds of over 15,000 and performances across 14 stages, They join an already exciting and eclectic line-up of musical the festival is the premier Celtic gathering in Australasia and it’s easy showcases including some of the very best locals featuring folk singerto see why it with its breadth of artistic talent, rich in culture. songwriter Maria Forde, fiddler Declan Simpson and flute player Beth The festival attracts some of the best and most diverse Celtic Folk McCracken accompanied by Trouble In The Kitchen guitarist Benno acts from across the country and the globe, bringing with them a twist Stephenson, and traditionalists Catherine Fraser Trio, along with of blues, classical, country, jazz, indie, rock and much more for this vibrant string three-piece Telenn Tri, multi-instrumental powerhouse years celebration. The diversity of this festival gives the National Celtic Claymore, trad-folk icons Trouble in the Kitchen, and Señor Cabrales Festival a distinct edge, attracting audiences from all walks of life. who will take you to Scotland via Spain! Showcasing high profile acts and unearthing new talent in the local Along with the focus in diverse genres of music, the festival delves and global folk music and arts scene, festival director Una McAlinden deep into the culture to include countless comedy, dance, literature, reveals the quality of the programming sees the festival held in high medieval sports and theatre troupes for festival-goers at a range of

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When & Where: WG Little Reserve, Newcombe Street, Portarlington – June 8 – 11

Tickets: via trybooking.com. Weekend Prices: $170 | $70 Youth Weekend Festival + Camping / Ferry packages available online. Day Tickets also available.

WRITTEN BY DANIEL JUBB

Much-loved Geelong muso Luke Biscan has spread his wings and released a stunning new video for “Jaws Of The Jungle”, premiered via YouTube and VEVO. The song was released via his EP last year, but after giving the production value a shot in the arm, Biscan has returned to release an equally well-produced video to accompany the epic tune’s re-release. With a long-standing presence in the local Geelong music scene, Luke’s star status has been steadily on the rise and has culminated in an opportunity to collaborate with some well respected producers on the video. “The idea happened to be something I could pull off on a limited budget with local guys and local settings, which was all total happenstance,” Luke says. “Frank [Mcmanus] is a podcast host and salt merchant and Jesse [Leaman]

Opening festivals, awkward handshakes, recording hungover and never shitting in port-a-loo again CO-INTERVIEWED BY HELENA METZKE AND TALIA RINALDO PHOTO BY OPUS IMAGERY

caught up with indie punk rocker

Ruby Fields The Drop

following her opening slot at the first ever festival, in

“I love playing at Pistol Pete’s. Places with a bit of intimacy to them appeal to me and I feel like my music style is better suited to that type of venue at times,” she says. “Pete’s caters for a lot of different musicians. I feel my music is very accepted there, whether it be originals or covers.” Aiming to appear at as many gigs as she can, Georgia has been exploring both Geelong and Melbourne. “I played at an awesome art exhibition in Fyansford

The Geelong kid on the jazz block

for the very talented Louise Woodmansey and in Clifton Hill at Some Velvet Morning which was super awesome. The little groovy venues are my favourite,” she confesses. Appearing at a good handful of venues

Nineteen-year old Georgia Rodgers is bringing a new soulful level to jazz infused blues, understatedly tapping into the Geelong and

wasn’t allowed to swear either, so in my head that’s all I was focusing on… I was just repeating in my head ‘don’t swear, don’t swear, don’t swear.’ You recently released your six-track EP. First off, congrats! Can you tell us a bit about where you sourced your inspiration from for the tracks on it? Because I was around 16, 17 when I wrote them, I think I heard triple j when I was a bit older – and I’d already been writing songs forever, but I was like ‘this is the direction I want to go in.’ I always wrote poems and everything, so the writing part comes so easily – I just needed a bit more direction, with guitar tones and everything. So, after hearing artists like Courtney Barnett, I was like, ‘okay, something like this – this is cool, this is empowering.’ Once I had that general direction, I started writing and the words came so naturally – they’re all things I’ve gone through in my life. And what was the recording process like for you? My drummer actually recorded everything. It’s not one of those band projects where the drummer did it – he’s actually a professional recorder. He originally recorded for Guy Sebastian. What happened is he was recording our stuff – and I went, ‘do you want to give your take on the drums a go’ and he went, ‘yeah, sure’. Following that I was like, ‘you’re great, let’s play in a band together!’. He’s about 32, my bassist is 34 – he’s played in The Vines and everything, so he is worldly… and I’m just this 20 year old, but somehow they’re just like my brothers and it worked out. We’ve been together for a year – it’s like a relationship – and recording is literally just that. We know how to mix, record, produce and all that. Then all that’s left is to send it off to get mastered by someone else, but I’m always hungover when we record… So, In the EP, there wasn’t one take that was actually a single take, I stopped and vomited through every single one of them. Do you have any festival survival tips you swear by? Be an artist, so you can have access to airconditioning. You know what, at Splendour for example, I’m never going back without a Gold Bar pass – I’m never shitting in a Port-a-loo again.

Release: Your Dad’s Opinion For Dinner out now.

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sense for me to see what’s out there in the local music music communities are offering and what I can offer

WRITTEN BY HANNAH KENNY

intimidated as a musician.”

No stranger to the guitar, Georgia has mastered her expertise through fifteen years of uninterrupted practice. Though her instrumental skills are nothing short of exceptional, it’s Georgia’s edgy voice techniques that segregate her from other musicians in the community. Her extraordinary relationship with the guitar is harnessed by the waves of complex mood that ooze from her vocal cords, quietening the noise within a room full of chatter.

Very modest about her talent, Georgia believes her vocal ability has only been fine-tuned in the last few years. “I haven’t actually been singing for too long. I was always pretty shy and scared about singing, so I’d say I’ve been singing confidently for about four or five years,” she explains. “Singing is sort of weird for me because it’s so different from playing guitar as there is nowhere to hide, which has been a great challenge for me. of a performance as appose to just playing the guitar.”

Watch Jaws Of The Jungle via YouTube and VEVO.

trying to make her way through some larger crowds. “I think because I have grown up in Geelong it makes

them,” she comments. “It’s always good to feel a little

Singing brings out a lot of emotion and deeper aspects

It’s sure to be worth the wait.

and events around Geelong, including Ocean Grove’s The Mex and Queenscliff Musical Festival, Georgia is

community, but I want to see more of what other

Melbourne music scene

During the month of March, Georgia played a series of

Her unique style does make categorising her into a genre a little difficult, but Georgia hopes her audiences appreciate her versatility. “I get asked what genre of music I play so often and I always freeze for words. My music is bluesy and a little bit jazzy, but I guess whatever people want to make of it. Blues is timeless. Being such a versatile style of music, I think I fit comfortably into the genre but I try not to put it too narrowly. I find younger and older crowds enjoying my music so I must be doing something along the right track!” she laughs. Georgia’s incredibly cool personal style mirrors her distinctive approach to music, a match made in heaven that is unintentionally establishing her musical identity. To learn more about Georgia and to find information detailing her upcoming gigs, head on over to her Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaRodgers-1517970628462298/

B o e yd v te

Torquay. How was the set? How did you enjoy it? It was a good time! We were nearly told to play only one more, when we still had two to go because we were running out of time – which happened last time and I was like, NOPE. We didn’t get to play P Plates last time… so we started P Plates and someone was like, ‘that’s it’ and I went ‘not this time, I won’t talk shit, I’ll just get straight to it. And how have you found The Drop experience so far? It’s been a really fun experience – and I’m good mates with Holy Holy, Dune Rats and San Cisco. I haven’t hung around with SAFIA much, but knowing all the others makes for a good time. The only thing that sucks is I don’t surf whatsoever and I had to do a live interview on the front of where all the pros are, which made for a bit of an awkward time. Half way through the interview, I thought she was going in for a hand shake, but she actually wasn’t… and I was just standing there holding her hand. I wasn’t even drunk – I wasn’t pissed – and that’s the problem, that’s why this happened. I

blues community, Georgia loves the warm atmosphere within the space.

’s

Ruby Fields

Pistol Pete’s. Arguably the heart of Geelong’s niche

Jaws Of The Jungle

gigs each Tuesday evening at Geelong’s home of blues,

Luke Biscan

is an indie film maker and musician. I approached them both, pitched the idea, and they were into it. I got lucky.” Luck has nothing to do with the finished product however which displays a foreboding and uncomfortable story in the best possible way. The beautiful locale on display sets a breathtaking backdrop that only accentuates Biscan’s haunting, yet biographical lyrics. “There is a story, and I’m still trying to figure out how much of it is ethical to express publicly,” he muses. “But, I can say that the lyrics are certainly autobiographical, and far less abstract than you might imagine. It’s been an adventure to say the least.” Yet as breathtaking as the video is, Luke is still not convinced with his own acting chops. “The process was new to me, I’m not an actor, and I had to play a character. Luckily, this was kinda easy because I was playing a dead man so no Oscars for me,” he laughs, “However, Frank, he was a total natural. His presence really brought a sense of believability to the visual that was key in making the picture feel authentic.” With self-deprecation aside, the dynamic shown on screen is palpable between the performers and paints a positive picture of what lay ahead for Luke Biscan. Luke is quick to heap praise on his fellow collaborators, pointing out the work behind the camera as being just as important as what happens in front of it. “On the filming and editing side, working with Jesse was effortless. It’s basically just like hanging out,” he continues, “that is the vibe you get from him, then he sends you an edit and you realise that he’s a serious talent.” With the first video heralding a new trajectory for the softly-spoken musician, the real question turns to when we might be lucky enough to hear the long awaited full album. “Soon! The songs are done, we’re just wrapping up a couple of mixes and getting the hard copies produced,” Luke assures us, “then we’ll be sure to announce a release date with some shows.”

r e Rev

SOPHISTICATED DINGO'S TOP 5 DOG BREEDS

festival of Vesak, is an attempt to bring all cultures together, boosting peace and understanding. Visitors to the festival can walk through the Peace Park and interact with different light installations and sculptures and travel from one stage to the next experiencing multicultural performance. Spend time browsing market stalls, eating delicious vegetarian and vegan food, and enjoying a variety of music and dance. We’ll light up The Great Stupa with an animated light show and spectacular fireworks on both nights.

The event runs from May 18 – 20 at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo. For more information, head to https:// www.stupa.org.au/illumin8.

Playing in an animal related band is a tough gig ya know? Along with all the scrutiny you cop in trying to hold up all the creature loving artists before you, often you are forced to represent a cute little ball of fluff that is in so many ways much better than you as a person anyway. So here we have our five favourite breeds of K9-spiration, if you will. I’m not sure if you’d like to have them as a pet but stuff it, get it in ya... Dingo Tough to domesticate but a noble companion to all

ILLUMIN8: FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AND PEACE Two days of celebration and enlightenment for the soul ILLUMIN8 is held at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion just outside of Bendigo, Victoria. Measuring 50 metres high and once completed 50 metres tall, it’s the largest pagoda in the Western world. A monument to Buddhist traditions and values, it is a symbol for peace a harmony amongst all beings. For anyone searching for inner peace, or a feeling of togetherness, belongingness and connectedness, ILLUMIN8 is the festival for you. Now in its sixth year, ILLUMIN8 has evolved out of the very successful Festival of Light which has seen thousands of people flock to Bendigo for the multicultural celebration of peace and harmony inspired by Buddha’s life. This year sees the festival held across the entire weekend and coinciding with the Buddhist

Cousin Tonys Brand New Firebird In support of their eagerly-awaited debut album, Electric Brown, Melbourne outfit Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird are hitting the regional road, which will see the five-piece perform headline shows in Ballarat, Geelong and Bendigo. We chat to singersongwriter Lachlan Rose ahead of the gigs. Hey guys! Congrats on the release of your debut album Electric Brown. How have you found the reaction to the eagerly-awaited album? The immediate reaction to the singles, clips and shows for Electric Brown have been incredibly overwhelming. Having particular songs out in the world can be a wild experience but having a whole body of work that people can take their time with is very special. That relationship with our music seems to intensify and become much more substantial. Tell us about your album process, how long has this one been in the making? Did you encounter any massive challenges throughout? Like most debut records, we really took our time with Electric Brown. The whole recording process spanned over six or seven months. It was riddled with little challenges, namely a handful of entire songs that had to be discarded half way through, but your ability to work through those challenges of course makes the record something else entirely and you look back very grateful for all the mistakes and trials. The album has a very rustic vibe, with old school instrumentation, production techniques

We also welcome home the internationally known Jade Buddha for Universal Peace after his nineyear world tour. Consecrations of the Jade Buddha will take place at ILLUMIN8 on Friday May 18 (from 9am to 5pm) before being unveiled over the weekend. This is the largest Buddha carved from gemstone quality jade in the world, with the size and beauty of the statue making it a wonder of the world.

weathered souls. Sophisticated Dingo Tough doggy appropriated for the white-collared community. Soft Dinga What ya dingo turns into when it’s a little late come Fridee/Satdee night... Dingo

Now you know what it’s all about, the only thing you need to do is plan your travels and buy your ticket. They’ve got a few different options too, catering to every need. Whether you’re after a day pass, a weekend pass, concession prices or accommodation packages, there’s something to suit everyone. Taking place just outside Bendigo, getting there is all part of the fun as well. Car parking is made easy, with the option of pre-purchasing tickets ($5 a car, easy peasy), while coach buses will be running to and from Bendigo Train Station – The Great Stupa throughout the weekend. The fee is gold coin donation on boarding the bus, each way. If you’re coming from Geelong or Melbourne, trains will be running on their regular schedule to the Bendigo Train Station over the weekend. Head to trusty old V/Lline for all your scheduling deets.

Deserved two mentions because we named the bloody band after these bad boys. Wallaby Not technically a K9 but as a quintessential Australian animal we think they’d make a great pet to have around the home. These two cheeky little doggoes are sick of your smashed avo, craft beer and buzzfeed articles about the yoof and their inability to save money - and they’re telling you where to go in their trash punk single, ‘Yuppies’. Check them out at The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne - May 17.

In a time of resilience and pragmatic approaches, we couldn’t think of a way for people to come together and celebrate peace and harmony.

and songwriting style, what have been the main influences behind the album? The list of influences on this record is almost endless. But we were listening to a lot of Brian Eno projects at the time, as well as this great German band called Klaus Johann Grobe. Their balance of spacey synths and great songwriting really inspired the sound for me. You’re currently on a huge east coast tour of the country, with stops to come in Ballarat, Geelong and Bendigo. How do you find getting out on the road? What’s the dynamic like? When we started the band years ago, I think I had a really innate sense that this was only going to go the distance if we were truly close friends who loved each other. I’m proud to say we are all so close now, and we adore taking time to travel and play our music together. It might be a honeymoon phase, but right now it feels like we could do this forever. With sold out shows in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, it’s quite a feat for your first tour. What are the most important aspects for you when on stage/live gigs? Our priority with performing is that we always make an effort to immerse ourselves in the crowd and get to know the people coming to the shows. If they’ve connected with our music they’re inherently connected to us as people, so we love getting to know everyone. I also have a mantra I say to the band right before we start - “Just have as much fun as you can”. It’s simple, but so it should be. With your album now all done, are you going to enjoy the fruits of your labour, or are you always looking towards the next thing? I can’t really say what we’ve got cooking just yet, only that it’s cooking. I’m always writing and it doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing. If you’re enjoying the record, come down to a show and cop the live execution of it, it’s a different beast.

When & Where: Karova Lounge, Ballarat – May 4 The Barwon Club, Geelong – May 6 Gold Dust Lounge, Bendigo – May 11

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their debut album Human Is. “This time, we went away for 10 days in a house in the Grampians overlooking Mt Sturgeon. We had this farm stay with floor to ceiling windows overlooking this massive long sweeping valley,” Jenkin explains. “Cam would go down and write lyrics during the day while I’d be making music up in the house and then he’d come back at about five or six in the afternoon and we’d crunch together what we did for the day. We went down with maybe three or four songs, but majority of what you’ve heard on the album has actually been fine-tuned while we were down at the Grampians. “I think it’s worth it for our kind of process because it just means that we’re finishing up with WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO something that’s really uninhibited, and this way it means we get to go out and be out in nature... and Calling in from a swanky high rise in everybody loves a bit of a weekend away anyway.” Docklands, it’s corporate meets musician with As for the final product, Human Is bridges the Melbourne’s Nick Jenkin who takes time to chat space between ambitious studio project and dance to Forté about the latest effort from his band floor masterpiece with effortless stride, fuelled with In Capital. ‘80s synthpop hooks and irresistible beats. Covering Born and raised in Melbourne, In Capital was a a tremendous amount of creative ground with formed at a house party over a mutual love of overarching themes of the universal travel through music and has since grown into a fruitful musical life, sorrow, mortality and everything in between, partnership and friendship between Jenkin and Jenkin touches on the premise that each song band mate/film-maker Cameron Ford. As producers, continues on from the last, yet takes you somewhere writers and musicians, their instant and lasting entirely new – from the synthwave perfection of chemistry has been the key to everything. With ‘Afterthoughts’, to the gentle, rising strings of first common goals, yet differing tastes in music, the single ‘Little Architect’. duo have a unique approach to the craft (being “With the album, if you listen to it as individual entirely self-run) which sees them hauling away to songs, some of them might sound completely create their music. removed from one another, but they’ve actually been sequenced in a way that makes it a listening “We tend to go away and just plonk ourselves in just really picturesque locations, we don’t really like experience that you want to have from start to recording in studios per se,” Jenkin explains. “Studios finish,” Jenkin explains. can stifle creativity and productivity; you’re in there “There’s some heavy stuff in there emotionally,” for such a small amount of time that you need to go he continues. “I wouldn’t consider it a breakup there with songs that are in the state where they can album, but it does deal in the existential stuff and be taken to the next step. This [hauling away] means relationships; it’s a universal language that you can we don’t have the pressure of doing that. We can go tap into to capture the heart strings of people, and down with ideas and then workshop them for two it flows in that way too.” weeks at a time and just see what comes out of it.” First travelling to the Otways for five days to Release: Human Is is out now. produce their first EP, the duo most recently isolated themselves in the Grampians for 10 days to produce

IN CAPITAL

All about that jazz The City Of Stonnington Cordially Invite You To The Stonnington Jazz Festival This May WRITTEN BY HANNAH KENNY

In a massive 10 days of music and art, Stonnington Jazz celebrate their 13th year on the Melbourne events calendar with a program that is dripping in a variety of artistic mediums. Returning as artistic director, Chelsea

Wilson has devoted many hours to compiling this year’s program, incorporating contemporary dance, visual art, film and spoken word to deliver a unique experience to ticket goers.

With

so many incredible jazz artists

within the community and beyond,

Stonnington Jazz

provides a creative platform for musicians and industry professionals to gather and commemorate the growing landscape of this reputable genre.

We chat to artistic

director Chelsea about her hopes and goals for the event.

What motivated you to return as artistic director? I really love the Stonnington Jazz festival, it’s one of my favourite events on the Melbourne cultural calendar. There’s a few things I really love about it. Firstly, that it promotes all local music. I think it’s incredible that the city of Stonnington supports homegrown, artistic talent. As jazz is a niche genre, which is often underrepresented in mainstream media and events, it’s important we recognise it. Australia have

some of the best jazz artists in the world so this festival is close to my heart in the way that it shines a light on some of the most talented performers in Australia. It’s an honour to curate the line-up. How does this year’s program differ from last year’s? I think one point of difference this year is that I really wanted to play with bringing in other artistic mediums to the jazz genre. I wanted to incorporate different elements of film, spoken words and lighting. Jazz is a real improvisational genre and the music reflects the surrounding environment and how musicians interact and play with each other is a real signature of jazz. I wanted to provide an opportunity for musicians to collaborate with art forms. I think jazz listeners generally are a pretty open minded crew. I think people who go and see jazz gigs like all kinds of music and all kinds of things. I hope it’s a program that continues to build awareness of the great talent that we have in the area and around Australia. You’ve had some huge names in jazz sign on to perform over the course of the festival. What does it mean to have Judy Bailey a part of the program for the first time? I’m really excited. Judy Bailey is an icon of Australian jazz and it’s fantastic to have her as a part of the program. Not only is she doing a show for us and bringing her band with her from Sydney, she’s also doing a performance workshop for us so people can head along to that and learn from her directly which is pretty amazing. Anything you’re super pumped for? The professional development series is something I’m particularly really excited about. It’s an incredible opportunity for musicians, people working in the music industry, people who want to enter the music industry or media to come along – it’s going to be a really excellent day of networking, panels, forums. Channel your inner Bleeding Gums Murphy, tighten those jazz shoes and make your way to this exciting event.

Stonnington Jazz runs from May 10 – 20. For more ticketing and event information, head to stonningtonjazz.com.au.

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moments that you think, ‘I never thought Parkway would go in that direction’. We just wanted to make sure it wasn’t cheesy with hooks thrown in for no reason. It is legitimate music that we wanted to push.” With songs such as ‘Wishing Wells’, ‘The Void’ and ‘Prey’ already having been released as singles, McCall spoke of the difficulties in selecting songs to act as representatives of what’s to come on Reverence. “People will probably ‘get’ ‘Wishing Wells’ as it’s one of the heaviest songs on the album in terms of chugging intensity, whereas ‘The Void’ is the simplest song on the album and the rest is very, very varied,” he says. “It’s not completely unrecognisable; the whole thing still sounds like Parkway from start to finish On their most sonically but there are now so many different characters of Parkway that had never been delved into. adventurous album yet “That was the biggest problem with releasing WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN singles for this album; there wasn’t a specific song that would give people an impression of what the When Parkway Drive released IRE in 2015, album will sound like because no matter what we Australia’s metal scene was shook. With the Byron put out, people would say ‘what the fuck?” Bay five-piece being renowned for pretty much With Reverence aiming to push the boundaries establishing metal music’s prominence within the of their musicality, the most surprising addition, nation, it took a lot by surprise when they changed ‘The Colour Of Leaving’ finds itself as the albums their own sound so dramatically. Luckily though, the emotional closer. change was embraced, with legions of fans worldwide “I can’t even begin to explain that one to be flocking to their new-found stadium metal sound. honest; you’ll get it when you hear it,” remarks With album number six now approaching, it McCall. “All of these songs were written at a time seems the Parkway lads are continuing to push the when we were going through incredible amounts boundaries of their sound, as elaborated by Winton of tragedy and that song was written in the very McCall, the groups lead vocalist. direct wake of those horrible events. They are lyrics that I wrote within the hours of losing very close “I think we had the same idea. When we started friends and family, and it is just what happened to it [the album], we all decided that we weren’t going backwards on our sound and that we would keep be the result. trying something different and we were all on board “This record is a documentation of a very with that,” McCall explains. significant point in our life, so it seemed poignant “This time around the goal was to highlight to put that song down even though it was very hard to actually sing the lyrics,” he continues. “I can’t individual characters of songs and to find that unique spark in each song and then to build upon explain the song, but you will know it when you hear it.” that,” he continues, “it might not be something we had ever done before, but as long as we made it the Reverence is released on May 4 via Resist centrepiece of the sound, we were happy. Records/ Cooking Vinyl Australia. “We ended up with ten songs that sound quite different from each other but every song has

PARKWAY DRIVE

refined talent before she left. Following a buzzing opening performance from Sydney dance duo Moza, Styrke graced the stage in a sequined, translucent boiler suit as she bounced around to her reggae-inspired ‘Borderline’. The Swede immediately grasped everyone’s attention and held onto it with such confidence for the entire show. After spotting a fan in the front row holding a copy of her debut, self-titled album from 2010, Tove ecstatically yelled “It’s baby me!” in clear disbelief that her music was as influential and well-regarded across the globe as it really is. A short spiel in her high-pitched talking voice later, and she was straight back into smashing out the new singles from her forthcoming third album, Sway. The repetitive, catchy hooks and distorted ukulele riff of ‘Say My Name’, as well as the soft, jumping percussion of ‘On the Low’ had everyone in the crowd swaying and dancing together. One major aspect of Tove Styrke’s live show is her supporting band, comprised of two extremely talented musician-friends. Between them, almost every sound including percussion, guitars, keys and backing vocals was constructed and performed live on stage. For an electronic-pop artist, this was not only rare but also incredibly impressive – making the whole night both more personal and grounded. Where: Howler, Brunswick In addition to blessing her newer fans (myself included) with her recent hits, Tove Styrke satisfied When: Thursday April 12 long-time fans by dropping some of her favourite Supported by Moza tracks from the 2015 LP Kiddo, including soft yet pacing ‘Ego’ and the Taylor Swift-resembling Reviewed by Zach Edwards anthem ‘Even If I’m Talking Loud It Doesn’t Mean Fresh from joining Lorde on her U.S. tour I’m Talking To You’. In a move that all levels of in March (and now preparing to support Katy fandom could appreciate, she then performed her Perry through Europe in May), it’s no wonder stunning cover of Lorde’s ‘Liability’, with a clear love Tove Styrke is making waves, building a loyal and gratitude to the Kiwi megastar who brought following across the globe. The Swedish electro- her along on tour. pop singer brought her bubbly, energetic set to Never before have I seen so much power, energy Australian shores for the first time, playing only and genuine talent sustained by such a petite two shows before darting back home (after an artist, clearly demonstrated as she rounded out excellent Like A Version appearance on triple j an incredible show with one of her latest singles, Breakfast the following morning). Thankfully, ‘Changed My Mind’. Tove Styrke ticks all the right we managed to head along to Melbourne’s boxes – and she is deservingly on her way to Howler to get a glimpse of Styrke’s stunning, becoming the next huge pop-superstar.

Tove Styrke: Swedish futurepop sensation makes her Australian debut

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MOTHER’S DAY IN THE VINES

Spoil your mum this Mother’s Day by treating her to a special day in at one of our regions amazing wineries. There are plenty to choose from and they’ll all help to make it a memorable day for your loved one! Clyde Park Head to Clyde Park for a three course lunch. From 11am onwards treat your mum to a delicious meal, live music, photo booth and wine tasting. With plenty of arts and crafts for the kids, it’s a day the whole family will enjoy. Bookings are essential via 5281 7274 or email events@ clydepark.com.au.

Basils Farm Treat Mum to a special three course menu, served banquet style for all to enjoy! Your guest of honour will also receive a beautiful rose to take home. But if you can’t make it to lunch, why not book in for breakfast and take in the views over Swan Bay! Basils Farms full breakfast menu is available every weekend from 8am-11am. Bookings essential via online www.bailsfarm. com.au.

Marty @ Oakdene Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day at Marty @ Oakdene with a delicious three course lunch and dinner menu. Children under the age of 12 will be able to dine from the usual two course children’s menu, which also includes a soft drink or juice. Bookings essential via 03 5255 1255 or email restaurant@oakdene.com.au.

Mt Duneed Estate Enjoy a three course meal prepared by Mt Duneeds in-house team of Chefs. Receive a complimentary glass of sparkling for Mum on arrival. Bookings essential via 5266 1244 or www.mtduneedestate.com.au

CAFÉ BEAR AND SCOOBS; EASY LIKE A SUNDAY MORNING W H E T H E R YO U’R E I N N E E D O F A B U S I N E S S - F R I E N D LY B R U N C H O R A L AZY C E N T R A L S U N DAY H OT S P OT, NORTH GEELONG’S CAFÉ BEAR AND SCOOBS IS NOW THE BEST SPOT FOR SUNDAY BRUNCHIN’ AFTER EXTENDING THEIR TRADING HOURS TO BE OPEN ON THE DAY OF REST FROM 9AM TO 2PM. As a treat to those who are seizing the morning on a Sunday (as opposed to the rest of us who are most likely still in bed), this quaint café have you sorted. Whether you’re up for the breakfast tasting plate, complete with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, bacon, poached egg, spinach, avocado, feta AND a breakfast trifle – served with crusty bread; the baked eggs with Win’s famous tomato-based baked beans with a spicy grilled chorizo sausage; or if you’re more of an eggs Benedict fan... the team make it worth getting out of bed for. Well known as the dessert kings, Mark (Bear) and Dave (Scoobs) also have your Sunday sweet tooth covered with the options of indulging in red velvet pancakes - complete with ice cream, berry coulis

and chocolate sauce, to-die-for French toast; or the caramelised banana waffles. This is one place you’ll want to break your diet for… plus it’s a Sunday, there’s no judgement here. And no stress if you happened to go out the night before, or you’re just loving spending that extra time between the sheets. With a breaky menu available until 2pm, you can stroll in just in time for the afternoon sun. We do love a place that gives a sleep in option! All day lunch and deli options are also on offer (think a Ploughman’s Platter, hamburger with the lot, lasagne, croissants, pies and quiches), along with a sweep of delicate, wondrous homemade sweets that will slay you (they’re known to make amazing French Vanilla slice and mouth-watering cupcakes); it’s easily one of the best pick-me-up spots this side of Geelong. If you ever find yourself asking what’s better than a Sunday morning sleep in, the answer is a Sunday spent with an excellent coffee in one hand and a spoonful of something delicious in the other at Café Bear and Scoobs. It’s well worth it. Where: 1/18 Thompson Rd, North Geelong Ph: (03) 4208 1130 When: Monday – Friday 7am – 3pm, Saturday 8am – 3pm & Sunday 9am – 2pm. Site: cafebearandscoobs.com.au

Geelong’s answer to private dining

Terindah Estate Treat your mum to a ‘most special’ day at Terindah Estate! Celebrate in style and spoil your mum with a gourmet three course luncheon at Terindah Estate complete with a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival. With live Music from 1pm to 4pm, it will be an afternoon of delight. Bookings essential via 5251 5536 or via email events@terindahestate.com.

Remember a few issues back we spoke to Callum Macpherson from Bottles & Barrels and he touched on some exciting developments to come? Well here it is – and it is boasting a serious rustic meets jungle vibe.

opened up their new private dining room. With a stunning wooden dining table, warm fairy light bulbs and plants cascading from the ceiling, the intimate room is perfect for groups for up to twenty guests. It’s no extra cost to book the room and they have a set menu at the ready for all your enjoyment.

Bottles and Barrels is located at 132 Aberdeen St, Geelong West and Perfect for any special occasion, is open Mon – Sat 8am – 3pm and Geelong’s trendy liquor haven has Sunday 8am – 2pm.

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everywhere instead of walking, junk food, late nights drinking and partying, I got sick of constantly feeling sluggish and unmotivated. Once I gradually introduced exercise into my daily routine, it completely changed my life for the better.” Mel’s personal experience with exercise inspired her to share this knowledge with other women in the hope of changing negative attitudes towards physical activity. “I think a lot of people associate exercise purely with weight-loss or changing the way their body looks so when they join a gym, start a new diet or a new exercise regime, the motivation behind that is predominately to look a certain way. My focus has always been on getting women to realise that it’s so much more than that,” she says. “What someone looks like doesn’t necessarily indicate how healthy or fit they are.” Though she’s only been in the personal training industry for five years, Mel has created a sound reputation amongst her dynamic girl squad. Julia Bole, one of Mel’s many clients, believes the new Minc Fitness space exhibits a powerful energy. “The studio has a vibrant atmosphere for all kinds of women to feel empowered in. Mel’s positive personality can motivate any woman, leaving you feeling like you can’t wait to get back and do it all again,” she comments. To ensure variety, Mel mixes up her routines on a daily rotation. “Each day is a different style of training, specifically created for females at any stage in their fitness journey whether that be beginner or experienced,” she says. “All sessions are a full body workout and are always different.”

Healthier, stronger, fitter and happier women We chat to Melanie Turnley, the brains behind Minc Fitness WRITTEN BY HANNAH KENNY

Having recently opened a fitness studio on Bellerine Street, Melanie Turnley is the definition of a goal kicker. Beginning her brand in 2013, Mel’s identity has grown beyond her belief. An incredibly friendly face in the Geelong fitness community, Mel continues to empower women of all ages, shapes and sizes in an

all-encompassing, non-judgemental environment. Originally running her boot camp styled sessions on the waterfront, Mel was eager to relocate and establish a studio where her long-time clients could thrive in a positive fitness realm. “To have my own space that caters to females of all ages and abilities in terms of exercise has always been my dream since I first started working in the industry. I want women to feel like they are a part of a community that is supportive and inclusive, a place where they can become the fittest, strongest and happiest version of themselves,” she explains. With a determination to demonstrate to women that fitness is more than just looking good, Mel found herself emerged in the field despite the fact that she hasn’t always been interested in physical activity. “I wasn’t naturally drawn to physical activity as a child. I used to dread physical education classes and thought of exercise as a chore. After finishing high school and going through the motions of driving

– absolutely perfect for those on the move. Simply tap earcup to answer calls, play/pause music, and increase and decrease volume; swipe to skip to the next or previous music track. The headphones’ noise-cancelling functionality is driven by a four-microphone (two in each earcup) multi-feedback system for wide-range performance that greatly reduces environmental noise. You bloody beauty!

THE VERY BEST OF AUDIO-TECHNICA Guaranteed to improve your life We’re all about audio technology here at Forte, so for us, it comes as no surprise that many spend their life devoted to designing and building the ultimate equipment to help us relive our favourite music memories in their purest form. One of these devotees and simultaneous heroes includes Audio-Technica, worldwide group of companies creating high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers and electronic products for home, travel and professional use. From high-quality earbuds to wireless headphones and gaming headsets, Audio-Technica will have you hear sound in a whole new way by experiencing huge ranges of frequencies through powerful driver diameters and connectivity. Here we’ve narrowed down a few of our favourites.

For the gamers Designed for the serious gamer who values the natural sound and feel of open-air headphones, the ATH-PDG1 headset delivers powerful, detailed audio and long-lasting comfort. This one isn’t for the amateurs, designed with large 40 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils and equipped with a flexible, 6” boom microphone with 1.2 m cable(which can be detached and replaced) for crystal-clear in-game voice communication with other gamers. This is capped off with a lightweight, honeycomb aluminium casing to create a natural, spacious sound that keeps your ears cool even under the most intense gaming fire. Plus, with super soft velour earpads and headband, you’ll stay comfortable no matter how long you play. You can’t get much better than that. Oh wait, yes you can. The 1.2 m smartphone cable lets you transform this gaming headset into any everyday pair of on-the-go headphones, perfect for answering calls and controlling audio and video on smartphones and other portable devices. Win win! For the vinyl connoisseurs Get your classic albums off the shelf and onto your smartphones with this beauty. The AT-LP60-USB stereo turntable comes equipped with a USB output that allows direct connection to your computer and it features a built-in switchable phono preamp that enables it to be connected directly to a computer, home stereo, powered speakers and other components that have no dedicated turntable input. With its impressive performance, easy operation, and unbeatable price, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is the ideal turntable for anyone looking to get into vinyl.

For the professionals When it comes to raw sound quality, nothing beats For the travellers Freshly added to the Audio-Technica lineup, The ATH- the sense of scale a pair of decent over-ear headphones can provide. Audio-Technica excel here, with headphones ANC700BT QuietPoint® wireless over-ear headphones specifically made for audio engineers, guaranteeing the most combine Audio-Technica’s proprietary active noise-cancelling technology with Bluetooth® wireless technology and ‘accurate’ sounds in terms of mixing – for both hi’s and lows. It’s pure, it’s professional and it’s all about performance. The convenient touch and swipe controls built into the earcup

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The lowdown: Monday: HIIT-FIT (high intensity interval training) Tuesday: BODY-FIT – Bodyweight training Wednesday: BOX-FIT – Boxing Thursday: STRONG-FIT – Strength training Friday: CARDIO-FIT – Cardio and abdominal training Saturday: MINC-FIT – a mix of everything throughout the week Sunday: ZEN-FIT – Yoga For information on how to sign up, visit Mel’s online accounts Website: www.mincfitnessgeelong.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mincfitness Instagram: @mincfit

Congratulations on your studio Mel! Talia, Helena and myself will endeavour to get off the desk chair, put the donuts down and head into Minc Fitness.

ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on the go. Contoured earcups seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed. And the prograde materials are durable, yet comfortable. Find out why online reviewers, top audio engineers, and cult followers agree, M-Series is an unmatched combination of audio and buildquality that gets the job done. Hour after hour, year after year. These are also available in two limited editions, one with rich red earcups and a touch of gold – an instant classic, or the bright blue earcups with a dark ring for those who like to make a statement. For those on the run Music without the restraints, these wireless babies are perfect for the serious athlete who demands prolonged comfort and a high level audio performance to soundtrack their intense workouts. The ATH-SPORT3 are THE ultimate in-ear sport headphones. Featuring a flexible but secure ear hanger design and soft silicone housing for added comfort, these in-ear headphones sport 10mm drivers that deliver dynamic and detailed fidelity. To control the air flow and produce rich bass sounds when out running, a waterproof IXP5-certified duct has been fitted along with integrated stabilisers to minimise any sonic distortion. Yep that means they can withstand exercise in the rain or during an intense workout AND they can also be washed under a running tap after a long workout or run. All that’s left to do is hustle for the muscle. For the musician Audio-Technica’s new AT2020 is unashamedly a ‘no frills’ mic, with basic standmount and a soft zip-up vinyl case. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. Ultimately, it’s a great first choice for somebody setting up their first home recording studio. It naturally adds some spark and air to your signal path which is the ideal tool for producing quality demo’s on a budget. Available in Black (AT2020-BK) and White (AT2020-WH).

Check out further deets and explore the massive range of products online at https://audio-technica.com.au/.

Tal Lemmens; the local photographer turning energy into art WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO

The sea is a captivating subject for artists with its inconceivable size and raw power. Tal Lemmens is an artist who thrives on this; he is the Ocean Grove-based surfer and bodyboarder who captures the arresting beauty of the open waters through his hypnotic ocean wave photography. Growing up in Warrnambool, Tal was inspired to pursue photography after stumbling across old film photos of his father’s surf trips. “Dad would show me photos of all his trips and while you’ve got these photos that are 10-20 years old, they still really tell a story,” Tal explains. “He would often go to South Australia, and within those photos, you could see it would look so dry, dusty and baron, and I really liked the way it could capture the story and the emotion.”

Finding himself up close and personal with the sea and its power, the last few years have seen Tal hone in on photographing the ocean, taking breathtakingly beautiful photos from within powerful waves. “I always loved taking photos of the ocean; particularly showing people what we’re out there doing, some of the things that you deal with and the adversities that are a part of that. “I started off taking photos of surfers and bodyboarders, but now I like taking more artistic shots,” he explains. “I like really dark, moody tones, and scenes that portrays a bit of emotion. There’s a lot of different elements, but for me, I strive for something that has a story behind it. I want to create an image that stirs up some emotion in people,” he continues, “either making them go ‘wow, that’s beautiful’, or ‘wow that looks cold’.” Despite teaching himself the ins and outs of photography, Tal has well and truly established himself as an avid Ocean artist. His passion and skill can be seen through a variety of shots on Instagram (@tallemmens) and via his website, with his most compelling compositions revealing up-close views of the water and the waves with white-capped crests, swirling colours, translucent tubes and crashing tides frozen in time. “I shoot a mixture of styles, both land and in water,” Tal explains. “I generally prefer shooting from the water

The Altona Beach Film Festival (ABFF) is a non-profit community run short film competition, open to the world and committed to encouraging creativity and community building in the inner west suburbs of Melbourne. Returning for its fourth year, this year is proving to be particularly pawsome with the exciting announcement that all films submitted must relate to this year’s theme of ‘Pets’. Think teachers Pet, Pet loves, Pet hates, clever pets, lots of pets, exotic pets, PETrology, PETite – the options are endless and it’s completely up to the film makers imagination.

The Altona Beach Film Festival; fostering a vibrant and creative community

As for the finer details... documentaries, animation, horror, comedy, drama all concepts, stories and themes are encouraged by the ABFF; films can be less than, but no longer than seven minutes long, and films can be made on phones, cameras, iPads and/or computers. The world of technology really has no boundaries, just as long as it relates to PETS then you are in with a chance. ABFF encourage all age groups, all degrees of experience and wish

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because that’s the perspective that most haven’t seen, and there’s only a small niche of people doing that.” Heading out into the water with only a pair of flippers and a very strong waterproof housing for his camera, Tal will spend hours floating in the salty sea chasing that perfect shot while getting pounded by bone crushing waves, over and over and over again. The waves he shoots can be dangerous, but his love of the water keeps him coming back for more. “I think a big part of it is I’m lucky that I have surfed and bodyboarded so I can understand the ocean a bit; you learn to read it and interpret what the wave might do,” he reveals. “In terms of photography, you want to capture that moment that people don’t see, so you’re looking at all these different elements of the ocean, like whether the waves are going to collide. There’s a whole thought process behind it. “Lately the drive for me of getting a photo that’s real sick really pushes me to get through [any dangers]. You do what it takes,” he continues. “It’s that thing in the back of your mind, ‘yes this could be an amazing photo’.” Looking to photography as an escape from his daily stressors, the 26-year-old has isolated his skill to being a hobby, which is perhaps why his work remains so unique and so different, driven by the sole motive of creating a beautiful image of an incredible moment in the ocean. “I like to think of it [photography] as my interpretation of the ocean,” he explains, “that’s why I haven’t pursued it as a full-time gig; if I’m pressured to get the shots and chase certain swells then it could probably kill the love of it for me. I like just picking up when I want to and doing it for myself. Sometimes that will mean I don’t take photos for four or five months too, and that’s okay. “When I think about photography, it’s my kind of meditation,” he continues. “If you think about when you’re taking a photo, you just have your camera in front of you; you’re literally just looking in the present moment, you’re not thinking about your bills, dinner, any other hassles. You’re literally just frothing out on the waves and just hoping the shot comes out. “It’s a real detachment from any stress. That’s why so many people find that connection to the ocean.” It’s this connection between Tal and the ocean that has resulted in an array of breathtaking wave imagery, capturing those unique moments where the water loses gravity and delivers its raw power. Check out Tal’s collection online at www.tallemmensphoto. com, via Instagram or check them out in various cafes around Torquay and Ocean Grove.

to create a community event where friends, family and the public can enjoy the films on the big screen. Entries for the festival are now open and close June 30 2018. All entries will be shown at the ABFF Gala Award Presentation and Film Screening Event on August 18 at Altona Theatre, Civic Parade, Altona. Tickets on sale early August, screening times to be advised. Entries must be sent to 3 Seagull Ave. Altona on USB or Disc in MP4 format. Now all that’s left to do is run along and make your film!

Reimagine—the world according to children’s books WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO

R E I M AG I N E —T H E WO R L D ACCO R D I N G TO CHILDREN’S BOOKS IS A SELECTIVE S U RV E Y O F A U S T R A L I A N C H I L D R E N’S LITERATURE AND BOOK ILLUSTRATION, SHOWCASING SOME OF THE MOST ACCLAIMED AND LOVED INDIGENOUS AND NON - INDIGENOUS ILLUSTRATORS OF THE PAST TWENTY YEARS. Reimagine provides an opportunity to explore how children’s books are able to introduce young readers to complex ideas about contemporary humanity. “One of the revelations of working on this exhibition has been the sheer range of material diversity and stylistic approaches deployed by illustrators as they find precisely the right medium to give visual life to a story,” says Geelong Gallery Director Jason Smith. One such illustrator featured in the exhibition includes Melbourne-based artist contemporary Tai Snaith, who worked with clay, paper and paint to create the images for the stunning picture book Slow Down, World. Taking four framed originals from Snaith’s book, along with a number of other illustrators and artists, the exhibition is a chance for children to discover vivid, imaginative and original artworks from picture books. “It’s bringing really imaginative artworks that are illustrations to the public within an art context, but it’s so that kids can come see it as well,” Snaith explains. “It’s quite rare for a show of picture book art to be presented in an art gallery; usually it’s in different kind of contexts but it’s great.” Snaith’s book, Slow Down, World details a whimsical journey towards mindfulness, from a fast-paced metropolis to the greener, magical places of a young

girl’s imagination. “It’s just exploring what might happen if we slow down a bit,” Snaith reveals. “The message for kids is just to take a bit more time in what they do, but also to stop and use your imagination, daydream and look at the magic in things; take a bit more time to enjoy life.” Serving as a timely reminder for children and adults alike to slow down, stop and appreciate the world around us, Snaith actually chose clay as her medium to slow down her own creative process. “Part of the reason I started using clay in my work was because it just made me feel a bit more present in my practice,” Snaith explains. “When I use clay, I feel a lot calmer and getting your hands dirty is a really good way of being mindful in your own body. “There was the added bonus that I was totally addicted to my phone and Instagram, so I found that when I was working with clay, I had longer periods of time where I couldn’t actually touch my phone,” she continues. “It was another way of restricting myself from being obsessed with social media and just being present in the real world instead. I talk to my kids a lot about that; about mindfulness and basically just being present in your life, rather than being distracted. I guess I was thinking a lot about that as a parent and as an artist in my own life, and then often my picture books do come out of what I’m experiencing in my own life, or the journey I am on to figure out what life’s all about.” Alongside Snaith’s work, you’ll find an exceptional, major new work by local illustrator, Robert Ingpen who brings together a universe of some of the most recognisable characters from the history of children’s stories and nursery rhymes; Shaun Tan’s exquisite paintings for The Rules of Summer; and Dee Huxley’s Look See, Look at Me following the story of family life in an Aboriginal community – just to name a few. Through the works of Australian illustrators and authors, telling our own stories as well as universal tales, Reimagine—the world according to children’s books activates the dynamic connection between reading and seeing, and promotes literacy, perception, creativity, and diverse ways of seeing the world. The exhibition will continue at Geelong Gallery until Sunday 27 May.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY Thanks to Gifts For The Geek Free Comic Book Day is an annual event founded on the belief that for every person out there, there’s a comic book that they’ll love. Every year, on the first Saturday in May (May 5th), the industry comes together to give away free comics and encourage fans, both old and new, to flock to the best place in the comic book community: local comic shops.

I’LL HAVE A SLICE OF PIE TO START WITH WRITTEN BY SAM YOUNG

You may see it as sarcasm or you may see it as satire. Whichever way you view it, Jonathan Pie speaks his mind. Although the man behind Pie may not be a political animal, he does know how to play one. Tom Walker, creator of Pie, was a struggling actor before he decided to put together some clips of him portraying an angry political reporter on YouTube. One of his clips went ballistic and overnight he had himself a career. Kind of. Not knowing too much about political satire, he had to learn it on the job. When he started out in 2015, Trump didn’t exist. Brexit didn’t exist. He has definitely grown into it while the world has gone mad with Trump fever. Trump has been good to Tom. He has helped him build his career. Over the next three years, Tom continued to rant about many topics. Everything from slushy snow instead of the real issues to dog owners getting on the wrong side of the law by teaching them commands that insinuate hate crime. Thrown amongst all of that you’ll hear Trump, Theresa May and even Australia’s Barnaby Joyce getting obliterated. All in a believable news report. Some people out there and certain publications still believe he is a genuine reporter. Tom believes that after a few views if they still don’t see it as satire, something is a bit mad. All the credit must go to Tom and his writing partner Andrew Doyle for producing quality material. The two friends have different political views. When it came to the Brexit vote, one liked the idea of staying and the other opted to call for a departure. All this does is help them find a positive balance for their comedy. Bouncing off each other with contrasting comedy gems. From small clips to the stage, Pie will make you laugh.

Writing their second stage show has been more interesting for the pair as it is longer and people know more about Pie. Reworking some scenes specifically for Australian audiences, Tom hopes their will be something for everybody in his new show. Political rants, growth and of course the next Royal wedding. Roll out the red carpet, here comes Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Jonathan Pie. To be successful you have to have a bit of luck on your side but, you still have to have a solid foundation of hard work and in Tom’s case, amusing observations, otherwise his talent would go nowhere. Tom recognises that Pie wouldn’t have happened without the internet, without social media and YouTube which is bizarre because he spends most of his new stage show berating social media but, it has given him a career. The comedy community is slowly accepting him as one of their own. Although he has become an overnight success, Tom has walked the long and winding road to get Pie to where he is. In this line of work, it appears that journalists appreciate what he does and politicians seem to stay in their little sumptuous office suites. The closer you get to power, the further you get from reality. Gough Whitlam may have been happy to have a beer with you during his tenure but, in 2018, you’ll be ‘fortunate’ to see a politician out during election week. Tom continues to be grateful for the slice of pie, or the stroke of luck that fortuitously fell on his plate. Looking ahead, Jonathan Pie’s next move could be even bigger. Keep an eye out for him on the big screen. You never know when he might start pointing at you during one of his rants, whilst attending a relaxed Gold Class viewing. It is either that or Pie runs for Prime Minister. He may fire all politicians and start a dictatorship. So for now Great Britain, and the world that has enjoyed a slice of pie, be thankful that he continues to speak freely as a political satirist. After all, he is a comedian playing the role of reporter. The perfect way to say something, without saying it yourself. When & Where: Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne – May 25 & 26 Tickets via ticketek.com.au

This marks the 13th FCBD for Gifts for The Geek and once again will be giving away five free comics to every person who stops by. No strings attached! For those who are only just starting their comic book journey, no stress. There are plenty of introductory resources available – simply check out Free Comic Book Day websites, and social media comes with plenty of recommendations and introductory guides for a range of comic book topics, genres and franchises. Undoubtedly Gifts for The Geek will also have some of their own favourites to recommend.

Whether you’re an avid fan or a comic book newbie, it is well These are the hubs of our community, where fans can come worth swinging past the store to pick up a free comic book. The together and discover new comics, make lifelong friends, and store has plenty of other things to check out while you’re there – a wide range of band merch, records, T-shirts and comic book find a sense of commonality. merchandise are also available, along with a number of comic Major publishers such as DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark books and graphic novels for those wanting to take home more Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite than one story from the day. Entertainment, and Image Comics put out free comics for fans to enjoy at the more than 2,300 local comic shops participating Gifts for the Geek is located at 153in Free Comic Book Day world-wide . 155 Ryrie Street, Geelong. FORTE 688

REVIEWS

FILMS REVIEWED BY ANTHONY MORRIS

LOVELESS

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

UNSANE

BREATH

LAST FLAG FLYING

In modern-day Russia, a married couple are pulling apart. Both Zhenya (Maryana Spivak) and Boris (Aleksey Rozin) are both in new relationships; their rare times together are spent arguing, with their twelve year-old son Alyosha (Matvey Novikov) not so much in the middle as wandering down his own path. Then Zhenya realises he’s missing (and has been since the night before); for the police this is a simple missing person’s case that they’re in no rush to solve. Alyosha’s disappearance brings his parents back together, though the arguing rarely stops. A volunteer group specialising in missing children takes on the case; a trip to check if he’s with Zhenya’s estranged mother just results in more angst. The parents hold onto hope, but it seems increasingly dire, and those who saw director Andrey Zvyagintsev’s earlier film Leviathan know that a happy ending probably isn’t on the cards. As a look at a crumbling relationship and at a heartless Russia where the old values are increasingly irrelevant, this is powerful stuff.

The hook with this, the biggest Marvel movie ever, is that it’s the culmination of the last decade of Marvel movies all 19 of them. It’s definitely big, but it’s really just another “everyone teams up to fight a really big bad guy” movie, and while it delivers on the “big”, the “fight” side leaves a bit to be desired. The story contains a lot of moving parts around a very simple core: giant space bad guy Thanos (a CGI’d Josh Brolin) is after the Infinity Stones - six magic gems that when put together into the Infinity Gauntlet will enable him to kill off half the universe. As these gems are scattered across the universe (well, two are on Earth, which is handy), Thanos and his underlings make a variety of largely self-contained attempts to get ahold of them. That means despite the extremely large cast of characters, most of them are clumped together in relatively manageable groups for their individual clashes with Thanos, which works largely thanks to a strong performance from Brolin. Sadly, the fights are firmly average, which means the big appeal here is just seeing the whole gang together – and wondering which one’s will make it out alive.

Sawyer (Claire Foy) has a new job in a new city and it isn’t really working out. Maybe it’s because she’s kind of abrasive; maybe it’s because she gets startled at nothing. She sees a counsellor about it, and (literally) before she knows it she’s been committed to a mental institution. At least it’s only for overnight observation – until that whole “reacting at nothing” gets her in more hot water. It seems she’s seeing the face of her stalker – the reason why she moved towns – where he couldn’t possibly be. Or maybe he really is there and she’s not crazy – just in a whole lot of trouble. Steven Soderberg shot this on an iphone, which is more a salute to the quality of iphone cameras than anything all that visually interesting, but as a psychological thriller this is gripping from start to finish. Soderberg clearly isn’t a fan of America’s health system (Sawyer is basically entrapped by a scam), providing a bleak backdrop to a relatively straightforward story. It’s not the stalker side of things that’s really scary here, though it definitely has its moments; it’s the way that once you’re considered unwell, usually acceptable behaviour suddenly becomes proof that you need to be locked up.

It’s the 70s, and for West Australian coastal town teens Pikelet (Samson Coulter) and Looney (Ben Spence) the world of riding around on their bikes is gradually making way for the bigger, wilder world of surfing. Looney (as his name suggests) throws himself into it headlong, maybe in part to escape a grim home life; Pikelet, who’s more of a thoughtful introvert, still finds the waves compelling. They come to the attention of local surf legend Sando (Simon Baker, who also makes his directing debut here), who’s more than willing to take them under his wing. But are they ready for the adult world he offers, with risks and dangers they can barely comprehend? This adaptation of the Tim Winton novel gets a lot right, especially the surfing side of things, and the performances from the two teens – both of which had never acted before (Baker wanted to teach surfers to act, not actors to surf) are excellent. It’s as a comingof-age tale that this gets a bit murky, especially once Sando’s disgruntled skier wife (Elizabeth Debicki) appears on the scene, and the story’s refusal to resolve many of its plot points is a little frustrating. It’s a strong debut from Baker; hopefully he gets the chance to do it all again.

When former US Marine Larry “Doc” Shepard (Steve Carell) turns up at the shabby bar owned by Sal Nealon (Bryan Cranston), he’s after more than just a reunion with an old Navy buddy. Doc’s son has just been killed in Iraq, and he wants Sal and their comrade Richard Muller (Lawrence Fishburne) to go with him to collect the body. For Sal (still a blabbermouth drunk) and Richard (once a hellraiser, now a Reverend) it’s an odd request: they haven’t seen the meek and introverted Doc in thirty years, and when they did they were escorting him to the brig for a two year sentence. But he’s a friend, and the road trip that follows turns out to be longer and more emotional than they expected. Director Richard Linklater’s semi-sequel to 1973’s The Last Detail (it doesn’t strictly follow the first film) is largely a chance for the main trio to talk amongst themselves: it’s a buddy comedy, only the buddies are still haunted by Vietnam and the American military. The chemistry between all three is excellent, so while there’s not all that much to the story (it’s set in 2003 so a major subplot involves their first mobile phones), the characters are people well worth spending time with.

RECORD WATCH

Music From The Jungle Book

NATHAN JUDAS PRIEST - Firepower.

Various Artists

STAFF PICKS

The Jungle is jumpin’ with musical favourites from the Disney Classic animated film!

TALIA SIMPLE PLAN - No Pads, No Helmets... Just Balls.

Enjoy songs like “The Bare Necessities,” “I

GLENN

Wan’na Be Like You” and more!

HERESIARCH - Death Ordinance.

*Limited quantity of 7500.

LAUREN

Available from Gifts For The Geek.

GOLD LINK - At What Cost.

155 Ryrie Street, Geelong.

DEATH OF STALIN

LADY BIRD - BUBS

MAY WED 2: 1.00PM; FRI 4: 6.00PM; SAT 5: 9.30PM; MON 7: 5.30PM; TUES 8: 3.30PM; FRI 11: 9.15PM; SAT 12: 1.00PM; SUN 13: 3.15PM; MON 14: 8.00PM; TUES 15: 11.00AM, 8.00PM

MAY TUES 1: 2.00PM

DEATH OF STALIN - FUNDRAISER MAY WED 2: 6.00PM LADY BIRD MAY THU 3: 3.30PM; SUN 6: 6.00PM; MON 7: 11.00AM; WED 9: 6.40PM; FRI 11: 3.30PM; SUN 13: 1.00PM

LOVELESS MAY THURS 3: 11.00AM, 5.30PM; FRI 4: 1.00PM, 8.30 PM; SAT 5: 2.30PM, 7.00PM; SUN 6: 3.30PM, 8.00PM; MON 7: 3.00PM, 7.45PM; TUES 8: 1.00 PM, 8.30PM; WED 9: 4.15PM, 8.30PM; THURS 10: 1.00PM; FRI 11: 11.00AM; SAT 12; 5.30PM; SUN 13: 7.30PM; MON 14: 11.00AM, 3.30PM; TUES 15: 1.30PM

NT LIVE 2017-18 SEASON: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF MAY SAT 5: 11.00AM, WED 9: 11.00AM PHANTOM THREAD MAY TUES 1: 6.00PM; WED 2: 3.30PM; FRI 4, MAY: 3.30 PM; SUN 6: 1.00PM THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE MAY THURS 10: 11.00AM, 5:15PM; FRI 11: 1.30 PM, 7.15PM; SAT 12: 3.30PM, 8:00PM; SUN 13: 11.00AM, 5.30PM; MON 14: 1.30PM, 6.00PM;

CNR. MOORABOOL & VERNER ST. SOUTH GEELONG | WWW.PIVOTCINEMA.COM.AU 32

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TUES 15: 4.00PM; WED 16: 4.00PM, 6.00PM THE SONG KEEPERS MAY TUES 1: 4.00PM; WED 2: 11.00AM; THURS 3: 1.30PM, 8.00PM; FRI 4: 11.00AM; SAT 5: 5.00PM; SUN 6: 11.00AM; MON 7: 1.00PM; TUES 8: 11.00AM; WED 9: 2.30PM; THURS 10: 3.30PM; FRI 11: 5.30PM; SAT 12: 11.00AM; TUES 15: 6.00PM THE SONG KEEPERS - FUNDRAISER MAY WED 16: MAY; 8.00PM

tour was a guaranteed must-see and I’m sure a giant bucket-list tick for many, as it was for me. The very moment this six piece titan took to the stage you could tell you were in for something special. The moment Plant hit his first note you could hear a collective gasp around the Palais Theatre as it began to sink in what we were hearing (and seeing). Opening the set with Led Zeppelin track

STEVIE BURR

‘The Lemon Song’ and throwing straight into

Got A Story

Plant hits ‘Turn it up’ and ‘The May Queen’,

Independent

the band masterfully took the audience on a journey through not only their own catalogue, but traditional 1930’s blues numbers from the likes of Bukka White, while still pleasing the crowd with more Led Zeppelin classics ‘That’s The Way’ and ‘What Is And What Should Never Be’ peppered throughout. Still showing clear influences of Middle-Eastern music, Southern blues, English folk and the 70’s Chicago sound, Robert Plant and The Sensational

Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters Where: Palais Theatre, St Kilda When: April 2 2018 Reviewed by Jared Mawdsley

Blues Fest is no-doubt known across

Space Shifters are a world-class show, crafted by second-to-none, placing upcoming artists

world-class musicians. Throw in Robert’s soaring

and bands alongside some of the most

vocals, (which I might add, have not faltered after

renowned and talented names in the music biz.

a career spanning 50 years) and you’re left with

Many artists also choose to tour sideshows

awe-inspiring songs, performed to perfection.

coinciding with the main festival held in Byron Bay, and

Tracks like ‘Carry Fire’ and ‘Rainbow’ were

this year we were blessed with a true music

superbly played. Closing the night with an encore

legend: Mr Robert Plant and his band The

including a Zeppelin Medley ‘Bring It On Home/

Sensational Space Shifters. Playing eight shows

Whole Lotta Love/Santianna/Whole Lotta Love’

across the country, starting in Sydney, this tour-

got the Palais on its feet before their final bow and

de-force stopped by Melbourne to play two

shook the walls of the old Theatre.

shows on April 1 and April 2 at the The Palais Theatre in St Kilda.

This was a great close to a highly enjoyable night in the presence of a legend who with his

Reviewed by Chloe Cicero

By listening to his debut single ‘Got a Story’, it’s no secret that local artist Stevie Burr pours his heart and soul into his music, going deep into the realities and struggles that come with everyday life. This song (also the title of the EP) boasts an indie rock vibe and sends the listener a message that no matter how hard life can be, there is always something to look forward to. The song begins getting straight to the point: “Well I’d like to tell a story ‘bout a broken troubled man, he grew up, who grew up on the wrong side of town, life was pretty tough while he was growing up, his family fell to pieces, brothers, sisters all split up...” before Burr launches into an inspiring story of a man who has been fallen down, but who manages to turn it all around and gets back up. Spanning alternate rock, blues and a bit of country, the songs on his album were written during a tough time in Stevie’s life when he unfortunately lost a few people close to him, but instead of falling into a hole of grief, he stayed focused on making music, and channelled all his thoughts and energy into writing some amazing songs, with ‘Got a Story’ being just one of them. The four tracks hit home with real lyrics and catchy tunes. Here at Forté, we are hopeful for a future album release.

Australia and the World as one of the premier

From the very few that haven’t heard Robert

festivals for artists across the globe to

Plant (and his old band - Led Zeppelin) to the

showcase there stuff on a platform

die-hard fans of all things rock AND blues, this

STRINGY AND MOLLY

MALLRAT

COOPER LOWER

CASUAL WORKFORCE

Dancing with the Dust Devils

In The Sky

The Mysteries of Midnight

Different Sides

Independent

Dew Process

Independent

Reviewed by John “Dr John” Lamp

Reviewed by Hannah Kenny

Reviewed by Talia Rinaldo

Written by Aleesha Coots

They say that with digital equipment you can get a professional job anywhere. Dancing with the Dust Devils is living proof. Ken (Stringybark McDowell) Terrington and Cheryl (Molly Millions) Firth live in one of the dustier parts of South Australia, and, from the liner notes, this CD was recorded by Stringy “in our Ruddy Shed powered by the sun.” Stringy is a Geelong original, and a founder of the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club who also recorded the first Bluestone Festival at Inverleigh. His style of blues is raw, unencumbered by any overproduction and often on instruments he has made himself. Most tracks on the album have been written by Molly and his good self, with an RL Burnside track and one by Trent Reznor. If that name seems familiar, think Nine Inch Nails. So, the CD itself. The first impression is strikingly clear melody, then Stringy’s instantly recognisable voice come through. There’s also a great instrumental (for want of a better word) track called ‘Peppertree Squeak’ – definitely make sure you hear that one. This CD has some subtler more melodic material. Have a listen to Wild or Hurt. This is a worthy addition to Stringy and Molly’s work. Pick up a copy at Pistol Pete’s on May 10.

Mallrat’s sound in this EP is dreamy, mixing harmonious melodies with serene vocals, the perfect contemporary lullaby music. The Brisbane bred nineteen-year-old has proven her notable worth as a mature lyricist, using meaningful words to electrify the mood of her unique tone, drawing listeners in when they’ve had a dreadfully gloomy day. The EP features her popular track Better which scored place number 46 on triple j’s 2017 Hottest 100. Having recently toured The States, Mallrat is certainly making her mark on the international music scene. Inspired by the likes of Allday, Drake and Kanye West, In The Sky is hip-hop infused, with a pleasant, dainty female finesse. Coming off the back of her last EP, Uninvited, Mallrat’s music production is notably more refined, a credit to her fast track to musical adulthood. The leader of the EP, Groceries, a companion track to Better, showcases the simple beauty of the acoustic guitar blended with handclaps, overriding the cliché associations attached to “happy music.” A life goal was achieved for Grace upon completion of this record, as she recorded track UFO with long-time idol and friend, Allday. With a national tour on the horizon and sold out shows, it’s most definitely worth giving this EP a listen even if you’re not familiar with her music.

Cooper Lower’s third album is a beautiful display A bold new alt-rock band from Melbourne, Casual of exactly who he is as a musician: original, thought- Workforce, has released their debut double EP provoking and meticulous. With heart-cracking vocals, ‘Different Sides’. With two sides and 10 tracks, Lower brings soul and vitality into each of these five this dynamic effort is a serious earworm that takes influences from Crowded House and Silverchair to Nick tracks and distinguishes himself as an unique and gripping artist. Cave, Queens of the Stone Age and Bowie. Opening the album with ‘Mysteries of Midnight’, The brainchild of Mike Russo, Casual Workforce has morphed from a solo project into a three-piece live Lower launches into his signature acoustic-guitar slapping technique, which he blends with slower and band with drummer Scott Thornycroft and bassist Matt sombre tones and alluring lyrics for the duration of the Burton and has since brought the dynamic EP to life. song. From Side A, the guys dive straight in with opener Assured but unassuming, Lower maintains a stripped- ‘Surrounded’ which immediately introduces listeners back, home-grown feel with a voice that is simultaneously to the spine tingling post grunge/progrock sound and powerful and gentle as he weaves his way through each moody vocals from Russo. Third track ‘Your Fix’ has a bit of swagger about it, with the vocals and textured guitars song. With each new verse in ‘Wanderlust’, Lower leaves his listener questioning the story behind it, proving oozing confidence. It’s a feisty track that packs a punch. Side B continues the grunge rock nostalgia, opening his pronounced adept as a lyricist. The first line in with ‘The Flag’ which is fuelled with vocal arrangements the chorus is hauntingly beautiful in itself; “With a wanderlust heart and a troubled mind, it’s no wonder you that cut to the core, maintaining the moody lumbering can’t understand....” suggesting darkness surrounding blues aesthetic that you were introduced to on Side a relationship with someone who has the desire to A. They’ve also produced a killer music-video for this discover all of the unknown. “You could play the victim, first single ‘The Flag’ which sees an eccentric blend of infect yourself with something you believe in,” further stop-motion animation and puppeteer work that truly showcases the chaos of ones often tortuous emotions. sets this band apart. The album is an elegant showcase of Lower’s obvious The EP captures a 90’s alt rock sound; textured technical abilities and musical finesse, from his good guitars, hooky bass lines, and haunted-harmonic sense of rhythm and melody to his polished song vocals that see all the songs flowing together to create structure. It’s not too early to say this album will be one an overall intriguing listening experience of the grunge rock album. of my favourites for the year.

band, proved why he is just that... a legend.

FORTE 688

POP

WRITTEN BY ANTHONY MORRIS

What do you do with a film that’s all about death? Not some weepie where a much-loved actress plays someone slowly dying of cancer – a film where killing off characters is the point of the whole exercise? In a way it’s kind of a strange thing to focus on: movie characters are all just fictional creations, and as such even when they’re dead as a doornail it’s no big deal to bring them back. When even a character who was such a huge dead as Sherlock Holmes can come back from the (fictional) death, then clearly (fictional) death is only as permanent as the people writing a character want it to be – and even when the creators promise a character will remain dead forever and ever that’s not exactly a promise you want to rely on. J K Rowling might say that various dead Harry Potter characters will never return, but Harry Potter has made a lot of money for some very large corporations; who’s the say when Rowling is gone whoever gets the rights to those dead characters won’t decide they’re worth more alive? And then there’s places like the Marvel Universe, where (in the comics at least) even characters supposedly dead forever – Captain America sidekick Bucky being the most obvious example – have had their eternal slumber disturbed for the sake of a decent story. So Avengers: Infinity War is kind of a weird one, with two clear tiers when it comes to death: there are the characters who are killed off in various dramatic fashions (the “real” deaths) and then a range of characters who turn up their toes in a fashion that is clearly something that leaves open the option of them getting better. It doesn’t exactly devalue the dramatic stakes, but it is kind of strange that, with this second option on the table, that the film doesn’t do more with it. If you’re going to kill off a bunch of people in a way that means they’re probably not going to stay dead – seriously, Marvel’s isn’t going to kill off their biggest earners – why not have a little fun with it? Usually when it’s working towards this kind of ending a movie would have characters making big choices and facing life-changing situations of ever-escalating insanity until the audience finally realise that what they’re watching is so serieswrecking that it’s going to have to be undone. Because going over the top and having everyone pash or slap each other or murder their parents is the fun part of this kind of thing; if you’re just going to have everyone going along as usual and then suddenly everything is different (until it isn’t), then there’s no real point because you’re just going to undo it all anyway. Of course, maybe Marvel has something truly different planned, and things (in their movies) really will never be the same again. Though as the all-new status quo is still going to involve selling toys and putting characters on doona covers, it’s difficult to see how they’re going to do that if they can’t put those characters into movies. Especially as Marvel is so precious about their character it won’t even have some fun with them before killing them off.

PULP

WRITTEN BY ALASTAIR MCGIBBON

The days keep rolling on, and all of a sudden, BAM – here we are again, another edition of Pulp looming large like some kind of brooding antihero! It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting here carrying on about comics – and I have no intention of letting an issue of Forte go by without chipping in about the latest and greatest titles out there. I’m a little late to the party with this week’s title, though – it came out in 2016 to critical acclaim, and while it was on my “to-read” list, I’ve only just gotten around to it. This week, I’m talking about The Vision volume one, Little Worse than a Man, written by Tom King (Batman, Mister Miracle). While my exposure to The Vision pretty much begins and ends with Paul Bettany’s portrayal in the MCU, I found myself pretty invested in this latest caper. The Vision is an an extraordinary being. Created by the villainous Ultron to destroy the Avengers, he turned on his would-be master and joined them in defeating him. As a synthezoid – a form of android – Vision has superhuman strength and agility, the ability to fly, and the ability to alter his density, allowing him to phase through objects. Despite all of his miraculous abilities, however, Vision only wants one thing – to be normal. Much like Pinocchio, this (former) puppet wants to be human. Returning to the lab he was created in, Vision creates the thing he believes will help him gain normality – a family. Constructing a wife, Virginia, and twin children, Vin and Viv, Vision moves to the suburbs of Arlington, Virginia. As Vision adjusts to life as a civil servant, so too must his family adjust to their new surroundings – the children have to adjust to going to school and dealing with teenagers, and Virginia has to deal with navigating the complex social circles of suburban America. While they’re determined to be the family next door, suburbia has other ideas. I wasn’t sure how to approach The Vision. I knew it was popular, but I knew next to nothing about the character. Marvel tends to rely on its long and storied history, and despite reboots, there’s often plot points carrying over from story arcs decades ago that can effect the heroes in the present (looking at you, X-Men). Thankfully, Tom King is pretty damn good at what he does. With the barest bit of background info, you get the broad strokes, and it’s enough to set the scene. Seeing Vision come to grips with his new responsibilities – primarily being the caregiver and moral guide to several newborn synthezoids with his exact power set and strengths – is fascinating, and King’s exploration of everyday Americans’ reaction to Vision’s newfound existence is really compelling. Vision wants to be human/ normal so badly that he literally constructed a family. That kind of obsession never ends well, and all it takes is a few misunderstandings and overreactions to threaten his entire existence. As the story unfolds, you really start to understand the depths of Vision’s obsession, and its effect on him; it quickly becomes apparent that Vision will do just about anything to ensure that his dream remains a reality. Little Worse than a Man is one of the best superhero stories I’ve read recently, and if it didn’t star The Vision I’m not sure you could

BLUES NEWS

TOO HEAVY TO HUG

SURFBEAT

WRITTEN BY PAUL S. TAYLOR

BY JOHN FOSS

On April 22, the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club held a tribute session for one of Geelong’s well-known musicians, Gary Quick, who passed away on the 17th. Gary was a long-time supporter of Sleepy Hollow, and regularly played in the jam and with headliners, especially The Housewreckers and Buxom Blues. He will be greatly missed and we send best wishes to his family and friends. There’s an obituary for him in this Forte. Also in this Forte, you’ll find a review of Stringybark McDowell’s latest CD “Dancing with the Dust Devils” which he has issued as Stringy and Molly. As you probably know, Stringy and Molly have been living in the dustier parts of South Australia, many miles from conventional civilisation (understandable!) and have recorded this themselves, using their own setup and solar power. The best news is that they are going to be in town in the coming month and will be launching their CD at Pistol Pete’s on May 10. I, for one, will be looking forward to catching up with them, and hearing the CD material live. Yes, the benefit of being a hard-hitting journalist is that I get that stuff to play with before the rest of you. I won’t go into it too much here, because you can go and read the review, but you know what Stringy and Molly are like – the performance is the thing. Now, a new band and a new venue. So here’s the pitch: “Immerse yourself in the heart of the Blues brought to you by Mountain Grey! With the fire roaring sit back and enjoy the lyrical poetry…” Now that’s a high bar, but good for this time of year, we are rapidly heading into the “roaring fire” season, well, inside and behind a grate at least. Mountain Grey are from Deans Marsh, and consist of front man Mike Robinson Koss (lead vocals/harmonicas/lyrics), Steve James (guitar/vocals), Luke Hynes (upright and electric bass) and the Reverend Kev Foster (drums/percussion/vocals). I take absolutely no responsibility for the veracity of the clerical qualification! They like to focus on a profound appreciation for all things nature (even in its bleakest and “wintery” forms), capturing an honest and genuine soul of real blues. Steve brings some incredible vintage guitar tones and owns a suave “New Orleans-esque” bluegrass/ragtime style of playing, which is accompanied seamlessly by the dexterous, sharp and precise bass-work of Luke. All backed by a man who resonates soul, the Reverend Kev from behind the drums bringing an equally creative yet tight complexity tying together the whole overall mix! From what I can see, they have looked from Deans Marsh mostly towards the coast with quite a few gigs in the Otways and at the Lorne Sculpture Biennale. This seems to be one of the few times they have looked towards the urban landscape of Geelong. Mountain Grey is playing at the Baker Street Studios, Old Papermills Fyansford on Sun May 6. So Mountain Grey at Fyansford on the 6th, and Stringy and Molly at Pistol Pete’s on the 10th.

WELCOME TO THTH, Forte’s premier source of all things heavy, hard, fast and metal. To follow up on last week’s issue, the Corey Taylor episode of The Therapist is currently available online at SBS on Demand and at times it’s a somewhat fascinating interview. I did catch other episodes of the show too and from what I’ve seen, there’s some pretty heavy shit going on, especially with Katy Perry. If you’re looking to understand art, artists, inspiration or your own personal battles, go no further than this show. Next issue of THTH won’t be on this topic, promise.

MEN IN GREY SUITS 2 Sharks were back in the news again recently. Our mainstream media loves a good shark attack. They come at it from all angles, lots of stock footage of huge sharks and nasty gashes. Sharks… we love talking about them, but hate having an encounter.

WRITTEN BY JOHN (DR JOHN) LAMP

even classify it as one. It’s the classic fishout-of-water scenario, but the key difference here is that there’s four fish, and they all have the power to level city blocks. It’s well worth the read if you haven’t picked it up already – suburbia has never been so interesting!

Proudly presented by the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club FORTE 688

In other news ++ Geelong has a brand new and exciting rehearsal space by the name of Fontainhead Rehearsals where a focus on ambiance and modern comforts contribute to the creative atmosphere. Get in touch via Facebook or Instagram (IG @fountainhead_ rehearsals) and check ‘em out! ++ Pantera have teased the release of a fourth volume of their infamous and hilarious home videos. No date set yet. ++ Dimmu Borgir will release their new album Eonian on Friday May 4. ++ Diocletian will play Melbourne’s Max Watts on Sunday May 6. ++ 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 Oz so get in quick. ++ Ihsahn, with special guests YLVA, 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. ++ Sevendust will release their new album All I See Is War 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. ++ Jonathan Davis will release his solo album Black Labyrinth on Friday May 25. ++ Heavy AF - the heavy mini music fest will feature Boris The Blade, Nothing, Hollow World and others and will be at the Bendigo Hotel on Saturday May 26. ++ Alien Weaponry’s debut album Tu will be released on Friday June 1. ++ Immortal (without Abbath) will release their new album Northern Chaos Gods on Friday July 6. ++ Devildriver will release their new album Outlaws ‘Til The End, an album of country tracks done in the Devildriver style, on Friday July 6. ++ Deafheaven will release their new album Ordinary Corrupt Human Love on Friday July 13. ++ The Pantera set and Soulfly set from Dynamo 1998 will be released on Friday June 22. ++ Machine Head will rock the Forum Theatre on Saturday July 21. ++ Satyricon’s Australian tour has been postponed and the band will now tear Max Watts to shreds on Thursday September 6. ++ Tesseract will play 170 Russell on Friday September 14. ++ 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

Sharks were in the news because two surfers near Margaret River were attacked on the same day while a few kilometres away the world’s best surfers were gathered for the Margaret River Pro. After the first attack, they had a pause in proceedings then sent the surfers back out. After the second attack later in the day they called the entire contest off after a number of Brazilian surfers complained about the potential shark threat. Surfing social media went into meltdown…. should event organisers have stopped the event, should they have kept running? Kelly Slater came out supporting the event organisers, the WA Tourism Minister said that the surfers should just get back in the water and surf, and on and on it went. Western Australia has a lot of sharks and a lot of shark attacks. Victoria also has a lot of sharks…. but has only seen one death from a shark attack in 150 years. Plenty of close encounters including sharks (and three in the one day recently… a mate of mine had a shark follow him to the rocks at Point Addis and there was a minor attack at Winki Pop). Western Australia is the badlands of sharks. 15 deaths in 17 years makes this one of the riskiest places in the world to surf when it comes to encounters and attacks. Theories abound as to why the sharks in WA are more likely to attack then here in Victoria. There is much discussion about the correlation between the number of attacks and number of whales washed up/beached in Western Australia. Washed up whale carcasses are often left to rot on remote beaches or buried in the sand (and occasionally blown up with dynamite… but that’s another messy story). Fluids from the carcass leach out into the sand and end up in the ocean. It has been documented that sharks will keep coming back to these beaches where whales have been buried for years, attracted by the seeping fluids (a common occurrence in Western Australia and parts of New South Wales). So what’s the answer? The last two times I visited WA I didn’t hit the water. As much as I love a surf and the ocean, the idea of becoming victim number 16 just did not appeal to me. On the other hand, there is a theory that if authorities were to dispose of the dead whale carcasses in a more effective manner then the sharks wouldn’t be hanging around. Either way… the rules are the same. Don’t surf near dead whales, don’t surf at dawn/dusk and don’t pee in your wetsuit… sharks can smell you from miles away!

From the studio, to the street. No compromise. Long heralded by online reviewers and top audio professionals, and backed by a cult-like following of serious music fans, the ATH-M50x offers an unmatched combination of audio and build quality for exceptional performance both in the studio and beyond. For information on our headphones, turntables and microphones go to audio-technica.com.au Follow us @AudioTechnicaAU

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HOME HOUSE: REECE LOW, DJ SMILEZ

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MURPHYS: BLUE WAX

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MUSIC MEMO HALL: DR FEELGOOD

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THE WORKERS CLUB: AUGIE MARCH

THE EASTERN: HORACE BONES

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SUN 6TH

GOLD DUST LOUNGE: COUSIN

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DAY WITH NADIA ROSE BAND

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ADAM BRAND

FRIDAYS PARTY WITH DJS

MON 7TH

SUN 13TH (MOTHERS DAY)

GROVEDALE HOTEL: BEN DEW

BRAND NEW FIREBIRD PALAIS THEATRE: BELLE AND SEBASTIAN

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