Forte #689

BALLARAT BELLARINE

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17.05.18

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LOCAL SPIT SYNDICATE

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FOOD SHE’LL BE APPLES

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ARTS GRACE & MARIE

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BENDIGO CASTLEMAINE

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DEF_002_FORTE_FP.qxp_DEF_002_FORTE_FP 7/5/18 10:46 am Page 1

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!

VER Y S P ECI A L GU ES T S

THU 08 NOV ROD LAVER ARENA Ticket info at livenation.com.au 6

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Welcome back music lovers!

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

This issue, I’m going to be serious for just a

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moment (just this once, I promise) and touch on the topic of homelessness. Every night, thousands of Australians experience homelessness. It’s

The Know Feature Story The Loop Local Feature

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News

21-27

Food

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Creatives Reviews Columns

30-31 32-33 34

Scenepix

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The Guide

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something that we almost become complacent

FREEBIES

with, we know there are people sleeping on the street, we walk past them every day, but nothing changes. It doesn’t have to be that way... This year

We’ve got some double passes to see Hereditary - the chilling story of one family’s terrifying ancestry and the sinister fate they seem to have inherited. Starring Toni Collette and Gabriel Byrne, Hereditary creeps into cinemas June 7. While this one’s not exactly a family flick, a double pass to this could make for the perfect date night!

I’m representing Forte Magazine and taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday June 28th to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society to support Australians in need. For one night, I’ll be sleeping outside in the cold as part

T O EN TE R :

someone who usually sleeps in multiple layers,

To enter email your name, the code word ‘HEREDITARY’ and your number to talia@fortemag.com.au

bed socks, and multiple blankets, this is a real eye opener... As a team (with a couple of amazing

Editor Talia Rinaldo

talia@fortemag.com.au

Advertising Josh Dowling

josh@fortemag.com.au

General Manager Glenn Lynch

of an eye-opening experience to raise awareness and bring home the realities of homelessness! As

Publisher Furst Media Pty. Ltd.

Geelong women), our aim is to raise $5000… If

glenn@fortemag.com.au

Editorial Assistant Helena Metzke Art Director Nathan Mossop

this is something that you think you’d like to help with, the link to donate is below. We’re not asking

artwork@fortemag.com.au

for millions, perhaps just that $5 morning coffee. https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/

Interns Hannah Kenny, Daniel Jubb, Chloe Cicero, Aleesha Coots, Lauren McKinnon.

taliarinaldo

FORTÉGRAM

Now back to the music! This issue we have

Tag us

Melbourne outfit Mammal, who following their

@Forte_mag

triumphant reformation in August last year, have returned with their first new music in eight years,

or

as well as news of an Australian headline tour. The

#Fortemag

rock quartet will be kicking off their tour at Bloom

to be featured!

in Geelong next month. Check out the feature on

@hannahkenny_

page 12 and make sure to get along to the event – it’s going to be wild! Further in this issue we chat to Brisbane five-piece WAAX, hip hop duo Spit Syndicate, guitar pop trio DMA’S, Geelong-based rockers MDRN LOVE, we look at The Ballarat Heritage Weekend, Geelong’s answer to gorgeous hand poured soy candles and a local meal delivery service - plus heaps more!

Keep it regional friends.

Talia and the Forté team xx

@mincfit

@paradeespressobar

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.

THE HARBOUR AGENCY PRESENTS

SKYSCRAPER STAN DOLE CUES AND DUNHILL BLUES SINGLE LAUNCH

KAROVA LOUNGE BALLARAT WITH JAMES KENYON AND GEORGIA SPAIN

MAY 31 WORKERS CLUB FITZROY

WITH CAITLIN HARNETT AND WILL COYOTE

JUNE 2 WORKERS CLUB GEELONG

WITH CAITLIN HARNETT AND MAE UDARBE

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ALICE IN CHAINS ARE BACK Signalling the bands first new release in FIVE years, Alice In Chains has unleashed ‘The One You Know’, the first track from the band’s upcoming album. The yet-to-be-titled album is the third straight Alice In Chains studio release recorded with producer Nick Raskulinecz and engineer Paul Figueroa following 2013’s The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here and 2009’s Black Gives Way To Blue, both of which achieved commercial and critical success. Currently on a worldwide trek that will take them across North America and Europe, they remain one of the most successful and influential American rock bands of all time.

Check out the track today!

AWAKEN I AM DEBUT THEIR FIRST SINGLE WITH NEW VOCALIST

Australia’s AWAKEN I AM continues to break genres with the release of ‘Dissolution’, their newest video and single for 2018. ‘Dissolution’ is not only their newest track, but also features Aussie producer RIDLEY (Jimmy Stevenson) on vocals after the departure of long time vocalist Adam Roger Douglas, and truly sees the band delve into deeper sounds.

“This song is a chance for me to get some closure and say some things I never had the chance to say. The new sound and imagery symbolizes taking a step forward, leaving the past and old ways behind,” explains drummer Luke McKenzie. Catch them supporting Escape The Fate in Melbourne on May 30 (sold out) & May 31.

CHER ANNOUNCES HER FIRST AUSTRALIAN TOUR IN 13 YEARS

THE WHITE ALBUM – THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

The worldwide superstar and icon will make her highly-anticipated return to Australia this year, celebrating one of music’s most phenomenal and enduring careers, now spanning more than 50 years and six decades. Bouyed by the amazing response to her March visit to celebrate the 40th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Cher is returning Down Under after a 13 year absence. Fans need only wait just few months longer before the awardwinning actress and recording artist will perform arena spectaculars this September and October in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, Adelaide and Perth. Tickets for Cher’s Here We Go Again Tour will go on sale from 10am Friday, May 18.

It’s one of the most successful Beatles events ever staged in Australia. Following two sold-out tours, in 2009 and 2014, Chris Cheney (The Living End), Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon), Tim Rogers (You Am I), and ARIA Award-winning solo artist Josh Pyke are reuniting for a special 2018 tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ White Album (Beatles’ selftitled ninth studio album). They’ll perform the White Album from start to finish – with a few surprises along the way – while being backed by a 17-piece rock orchestra, led by musical director Rex Goh, with guitars, strings, horns and two drummers. And don’t stress, they’re not pretending to be The Beatles - this is a celebration, not a tribute band. Catch it at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on July 13 & 14.

Tix via www.whitealbumconcert.com/

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BARKLY BARKS DOG FESTIVAL RETURNS

MONEY TALKS FOR MAR HAZE

Psych-rock four-piece Mar Haze has a new EP for you titled Good Money. The Sydney-siders dropped the release late last month, fresh with rock, synth, dub, groove and a bunch of other flavours explored on the five-track release. Frontman Pat Kelly: “We spent a lot of time writing and fine-tuning each track until we got them to a point where we were all happy with the finished product.”

Complete

with

a

pooch

parade,

Dachshund Dash and dog trivia! A real community fave, the Barkly Barks (a very cute dog festival) returns to Brunswick for its third year. Held Sunday 27 May 10am – 3pm, the FREE event will bring its much-loved dog parade back, this year including a Dachshund Dash to its 10 categories covering everything from Best in Show to Best Costume. There’s Dog Trivia, Awkward Portraits, Obedience classes, a doggy day

spa,

along

with

Melbourne’s

only dog-friendly food truck, Canine Wellness Kitchen food truck! There will also be pop-up stalls and live music entertainment, competitions and workshops. Go on, you know you want to.

FRANZ FERDINAND CELEBRATE FIFTH RECORD WITH AUS TOUR

HIGH TENSION ANNOUNCE 2018 ALBUM TOUR

Glasgow quintet Franz Ferdinand remain one of the UK’s biggest exports of the last two decades, and will perform in Australia on the back of announcing a huge world tour and dropping fifth record Always Ascending. Their 2004 self-titled debut album immediately propelled them to major global commercial and critical success, taking home the 2004 Mercury Music Prize as well as seeing their anthemic single ’Take Me Out’ chart in the top ten across the world. Fresh off the back of the UK leg of their world tour and currently performing in the USA, the quintet are looking razor-sharp ahead of their Australian shows including a performance at Splendour In The Grass, along with co-headline shows with MGMT in Melbourne and Sydney.

To celebrate the launch of their brutal new album Purge, out June 15 on Cooking Vinyl Australia, Melbourne’s High Tension have just announced that they will embark on a headline tour of Australia next month. Purge is already being declared as their most fierce work yet - brimming with frustration, fear, and rage, and while tradition would suggest heavy acts only lose their intensity with each record, the opposite is true of High Tension.

They’ll kicking off the tour in Hobart with a performance at Dark Mofo’s Night Mass, then play headline shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. The Tote, Melbourne – July 7.

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WILL GARDINER Will’s music is perfect for a relaxed atmosphere, yet has the versatility to get everyone on the dance floor.

His covers range from Johnny Cash classics to Ed Sheeran.

ABE ANDERSON Abe’s acoustic mastery plus stylistic clean vocals in covers and originals equal your next cold-pint-in-hand big night out.

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RACH BRENNAN SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

‘Female Artist of the Year’ Rach is a country/folk songstress with a soulful voice that delivers playful and harmony based songs that induce toe tapping.

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STEFFII

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Stepping out of the wilderness WRITTEN BY HELENA METZKE

IT WAS IN THE LATE MONTHS OF 2009 THAT AUSTRALIAN ROCKERS MAMMAL A N N O U N C E D T H E I R S P L I T A S A B A N D. T H E S TAT E M E N T R E L E A S E D R E A D, “D U E TO LO N G S TA N D I N G P E R S O N A L, P O L I T I CA L, M U S I CA L A N D B U S I N E S S DIFFERENCES, MAMMAL HAS DECIDED IT CANNOT CONTINUE AND IS NO MORE”.

A L L P R E V I O U S LY P L A N N E D TO U R I N G ARRANGEMENTS WERE CANCELLED AND THE BAND AS WE KNEW IT DISSIPATED. Forming in March of 2006, Mammal very quickly rose up the ranks of the Australian music scene and went on to earn a highly-esteemed reputation as a live band. Consisting of members Ezekiel Ox (vocals), Pete Williamson (guitar), Nick Adams (bass) and Zane Rosanoski (drums), the four-piece were best known for their tracks ‘Hell Yeah’, ‘The Majority’ and ‘Nagasaki in Flames’, which received regular airplay on triple j.

You know what they say about too much of a good thing though, right? Too much of a good thing in too short an amount of time can sometimes become excessive, or harmful – which appears might have been the case for Mammal.

“When we were touring back in the day, when we started out, like most bands do, we would do the 12-seater van with a trailer, or even at one point we took out a Ute with a gear trailer on it, just to try and do things as cheaply as possible,” explains Pete Williamson, guitarist of the band.

“We drove one day from Melbourne to Sydney, played a show in Sydney that night, got back in the van, drove to Maroochydore overnight and then drove home again, back to Melbourne,” he recounts. “And that’s the sort of stuff that even the best of friends 12

are going to hit a wall doing, because you just get so fatigued. “It’s great when you’re young, but you can’t do it forever.”

says Williamson of how the decision to reunite arose. “We’re playing better than we ever did before,” “We’d matured and we were at this point where we exclaims Williamson regarding the forthcoming were all loving the music still.” tour. “Some people say we used to get so excited we would rush tempos and things live, you know, you’re Eight years having passed, it would seem our “We’ve got this chemistry with each other that you jumping around and you’re going wild – and I’m not dreams of a possible Mammal reunion were slowly only get with a small handful of people once in a saying we won’t be jumping around and going wild dwindling. That is, until the unthinkable happened lifetime, if you’re lucky,” he continues, “It’s hard to now, but everyone has actually just matured better and the boys announced they would be returning find people that you’ve got chemistry with musically, as musicians. for one hell of a reunion show, in their home town as a collective. of Melbourne during late 2017.

“There are no bad vibes in the band – not that we “You could go and play with a guy down the street, ever played shows with bad vibes in the band – but “I guess it had been in the back of our minds, but then to find that third guy and that fourth guy when a band is back on track and positive and the wanting to do at least a proper farewell show,” says and have it all mesh together, that’s a very special chemistry is gelling, it just seems to translate in the Williamson. “When the band broke up, we never did thing. We’re all from such different backgrounds and songs and the mood live.” a farewell show, we just disbanded and there wasn’t lives, but when we come together and we’re playing really a good vibe around it.” music, we’re all on the same page.”

Williamson invites all extended Mammalian family members, near and far, to “come down and catch a The show – which was intended to be a one-off – was Mammal will be setting out on their national tour Mammal rock show” and join the band in celebrating an absolute success, with tickets selling out within in June of this year and they’ll be bringing Brisbane their return. mere hours of going on sale. Mammal were quick to heavyweight funksters Osaka Punch and Melburnian add another three shows to follow, yet the question hip-hop artist Fresh Violet along with them.

Release: Community with bonus track Virtue still remained whether the band were truly back.

Signalling is out now via iTunes and Spotify To accompany the massive news of not only their “We decided we’d play the one show and that show reunion, but their forthcoming tour also, they’ve When & Where: went incredibly well,” explains Williamson. “There further come bearing gifts in the form of new music. was just this massive vibe – the chant from the crowd Mammal recently announced the release of their Bloom, Geelong – Friday 8 June before we went on was insane – it felt like we were first single ‘Community’, which comes paired with Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – Friday 29 June Metallica or something. It was really unexpected, but bonus track ‘Virtue Signalling’. we just felt that love so much from the fans and then The Croxton, Melbourne – Saturday 11 August we spoke to our booking agent and we said, ‘let’s do Self-produced by Mammal and recorded in Melbourne by engineers Tyson Fish and Simon a few more shows’.”

Smith, the Double A-Side Single release was mixed Well, those few more shows have now become a tour, and mastered by legendary producer Machine (Lamb with Mammal announcing earlier this month they of God, Clutch, etc.). are back and better than ever.

Williamson says the band are “really excited to get the “Enough years pass by and a lot of other projects groove on with this one [‘Community’]”, as they’re and bands come and go… And you just hit this “yet to successfully play it live”, with the Geelong show point where any kind of past resentments, hate, or set to be the first time punters will have the chance negative feelings towards the project fade away,” to see and hear the track performed in the flesh.

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BENDIGO BLUES & ROOTS FUNDRAISER

SKYSCRAPER STAN MOVES FORWARD

There is another Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival fundraiser coming up in July. This time it is The Golden Vine on hosting duties, with the July 15 event welcoming Jarrah Thompson, Messin’ ’Round, Wayne Jury, Spiritus, William Alexander, Ben J Carter, Dave Diprose, Mariah McCarthy, Pat Ward, Jarrod Shaw and Sons of The Blues. Keep up to date through bendigobluesandroots.com.au.

‘Dole Queues and Dunhill Blues’ is the new single from Skyscraper Stan, single number two from forthcoming album Golden Boy. The album was funded thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Skyscraper Stan: “I set an ambitious target for the Pozible campaign because I want to make an ambitious album, I’m not sure if I ever believed we would get there.” Major Tom’s, Kyneton – May 25 & Karova Lounge, Ballarat – May 31.

CASUAL WORKFORCE RELEASE DEBUT DOUBLE EP

VINTAGE CROP COMES OF AGE

↑↑ MORE FOR BLIND MAN DEATH STARE Whether Blind Man Death Stare need a break from recording their second album with Jay Whalley, or he from them, matters little as the real winners are the fans who will get to see them on tour. They’ve also booked some European dates where they’ll take in Punk Rock Holiday and Rebellion Fest, but we reckon it would be considerably cheaper to see them on their local run. The Barwon Club, Geelong – June 22.

Casual Workforce is a bold new alt-rock band from Melbourne. The brainchild of Mike Russo, Casual Workforce was a solo project that has recently morphed into a three-piece live band with drummer Scott Thornycroft and bassist Matt Burton and who have now released the dynamic EP ‘Different Sides’ to life. With two sides and 10 tracks, this dynamic effort is a serious earworm that takes influences from Crowded House and Silverchair to Nick Cave, Queens of the Stone Age and Bowie. Check it out kids.

Do you want to take a stroll down the path of sarcasm and fun-poking? The twelve-track, rapid-fire New Age is the first fulllength release from the Vintage Crop gang, a bunch of easy-going twentysomethings from Geelong.

The word on the album is that it strays from the garage leanings of the band’s 2017 release towards a grittier sound. Barwon Club, Geelong – May 25 & The Eastern, Ballarat – June 15.

STANKID’S INNER CHILD EP LAUNCH Local musician Stankid is set to release his EP “Inner Child” in one massive night featuring support from rock’n’roll band The Burbs, local groovers Naked Meadow and singer/songwriter Demi Monique.

Hailing all the way the Queensland, the now Geelong-local is ready to release the four track EP. Backed by a four piece band, predominantly influenced by punk and blues, expect everything from reggae to thrash as Stankid delivers new flavours with every track at the launch at Geelong Black Hatt on Saturday May 26.

PAPA PILKO & THE BINRATS FIND TIME Forte was pretty lucky to spend a little time with voodoo soul and alt-country rock’n’rollers Papa Pilko and the Binrats earlier in the year, and now we’re pretty happy to spread the word about their ‘Right on Time’ tour. The sizzling Sydney six-piece follows up their ‘Surrender’ tour with new track ‘Right on Time’, described as a “no nonsense explosion of raw energy in its simplest form”. The Bridge, Castlemaine – May 25.

PAUL GRAY This issue we pay respects to Paul Gray, lead singer of the 1980s Australian pop band Wa Wa Nee who has passed recently away following a battle with myeloma. The musician, singer, song writer, pianist, musical director, producer, and all rounder, Paul is most known for fronting Wa Wa Nee, who had success in the 80’s, even cracking the American charts, with the most famous hit being Stimulation. He also worked on Hollywood movie soundtracks and with Bardot, Kate Ceberano, Rani, Jon Stevens, Nissan Cedrics, C.D., Tina Arena, Damien Leith, Countdown Spectacular, Marcia Hines, Renee Geyer, Anthony Callea , Human Nature and many more. However, his work success doesn’t personalise him. He has been described often as being “one of the loveliest blokes in the industry,” and as charming, thoughtful, compassionate and heartfelt. He really was a genuine man; full of talent, consistent potential and kindness. Benevolent is something he was, and surely will be credited for, for years to come. Forte, and many others value his contribution to the Australian musical landscape and he will be dearly missed by many, many people.

SARAH BLASKO FINDS FOCUS

↑↑ ISAAC BUTTERFIELD IS IN GOOD HEALTH The order the following have been placed, is not necessarily in order of importance. It’s just good to know. Isaac Butterfield says some funny things. He has a hell of a lot of YouTube subscribers. He also has a beard. He has been doing the stand-up thing for a few years now and after working out the best bits, he’s decided to take his ‘Bad for Your Health’ tour on the road. Music Man, Bendigo – June 28.

Tickets remain available for Sarah Blasko’s performance at Bendigo’s Capital Theatre on June 21. The show will shine a light on the songwoman’s sixth album Depth of Field, released earlier in the year.

Much of the album was recorded throughout a two-week residency at the Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Ryan Downey supports. His album is titled Running.

REMEMBER, REMEMBER ANDREA ROBERTSON Thursday 17 Andy Forster Friday 18 Jeff Jordan Saturday 19 Luke Biscan

Wednesday 23 Open Mic Karaoke Luke Biscan Thursday 24 Andy Forster

Wednesday 30 Open Mic Karaoke Luke Biscan

Tie a piece of string around your finger because Andrea Robertson is heading out in support of new album, Remind Myself, released last year. Based in Ocean Grove, the hard-working singer-songwriter was a recipient of the Queenscliff Music Festival’s Emerging Artist Grant in 2017. She also runs the adult music group, Ocean Grove Acoustic Sessions. The

Friday 25 Sunday 20 The Engagement, Jeff Jordan Nick Tanone & City At Midnight Saturday 26

Loft, Warrnambool – May 19; Martians Café, Deans Marsh – June 3; and Handle Bar, Bendigo – June 15. She is not to be missed!

Dave Anderson

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NUMBERS WITH LANKS

STA MP OU T AND ABOU T

He has teased us with a bunch of EPs and singles and now Will Cuming, better known as Lanks, has given up his debut album, twentyseven. Many readers would know the significance of the number which helped drive the album.

The album features track ‘My Own Mystery’ featuring Ngaiire, as well as a family touch with the sleeve codesigned by Lanks’ grandma, Valda Cuming. The Bridge, Castlemaine – August 24.

TIME AFTER TIME STAMPSY IS THE MUSIC DIRECTOR AND DRIVE ANNOUNCER AT K ROCK IN GEELONG I didn’t own a watch two years ago... then I was given one as a gift. It has a gold face with a brown leather strap. It was a beautiful and thoughtful gift that I graciously accepted.

Then it sat in its box for two months; it sat on my bedside table as I left for work every day.

When I started following The Minimalists, I began quantifying my possessions and that was when I decided that if I wasn’t going to wear the watch, I had to re-home it. But it was a gift, you can’t re-gift a gift, right? While I was halving my T-shirts and deciding which one of the three black jeans I would donate, I kept the watch.

CHILL OUT WITH THE BENNIES We live in a world where it can be difficult to focus. I mean, you’re reading this but your mind is wandering elsewhere. Perhaps by design, perhaps not, The Bennies latest album clocks in at around 22 minutes. But where Natural Born Chillers may lack in playing time, it makes up for in super-fun happy times. The band is heading around the country with Gooch Palms and Young Offenders. Workers Club, Geelong – July 7.

I first wore it to a work function and bloody hell it was uncomfortable. It felt like a foreign object was wrapped around my wrist, constricting my entire body from my left arm. Why did I need a watch when my phone is a permanent extension of my hand? I persevered.

Whadda ya know? It didn’t take long to develop a watch tan. My wrist felt naked when I took it off at the end of the day. I would tun the car around if I left the house without it. It was so stylish! I could wear it to work with my beads from Mexico (name drop) or dress it up with my Mimco bracelet (there I go again).

ILLUMIN8 The five-tonne Jade Buddha for Universal Peace is a highlight of Illumin8, a three-day festival that celebrates peace and harmony inspired by Buddha’s life. Taking place at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion this weekend, May 18-20, Illumin8 offers a walk through the Peace Park and interaction with light installations, Buddhist activities, market stalls and vegetarian and vegan food. Full details are available through stupa.org.au.

These locals are kick-starting their music industry career with the Live Music Professionals Program WRITTEN BY PHOEBE BERNARD

Music Victoria has selected their triumphant applicants for the Music Works, Live Music Professionals Program 2018. This esteemed program is free and means to boost the management skills and quality of Live Music in Victoria as well as ticket sales for the applicants individual companies.

The extensive program is for diligent independent promoters, band bookers, venue managers and owners, and includes free professional advice and teaching. Last years program alone reported a 35% increase in sales and 80% improvement in skills and business activities.

This year’s program saw close to 70 applications made, coming from all over the State of Victoria.

Some of the nearby successful participants to this year’s program include Adam Connally from The Lost Ones Basement Bar, Ballarat; Evan Read

But over time (pun intended), it seems my watch took over my life. It became my Achilles heel.

When I was nervous I would play with it. When I was thinking about my next appointment I would look at its shiny face. I would watch the second hand go around and around as I planned the day.

I became less productive and I overestimated the time I gave each task because I kept watching time go by.

from Shedshaker Brewery Taproom, Castlemaine; James Donovan, The Eastern, Ballarat; Samuel Pyers from The Dart and Marlin, Warrnambool, and Timothy Heath, Theatre Royal, Castlemaine from the venue stream, as well as Carly Aldred from Grampians Music Festival and Fiona Brandscheid from Common Thread Events, Birregurra being successful from the independent promoter stream.

The 20 participants, chosen by Live Music Experts are matched to coaches, for one on one training along with attending a number of industryrelated conferences, workshops and masterclasses, all aimed to bolster their business skills and aid them in creating sustainable long-term live music businesses. Coaches this year include those from The Corner Group, 170 Russell, Deathproof PR, Karova Lounge, Sanicki Lawyers, Social Reasons, White Sky, and many more!

Sarah Deborre, Live Music Professionals Project Manger, expresses her excitement and optimism in regards to the applicants and overall success of the program. We had so many amazing applications from all over Victoria which demonstrates the massive need for a program like this. I’m buzzing from the overwhelming positive reactions from our successful candidates and I can’t wait to get the program started!”

We congratulate these regional legends for taking the time to apply and being a part of strengthening Victoria’s live music sector.

Make sure you keep an ear out for the sound of quality Live Music from our future experts! For more information head to musicvictoria.com.au/LMP

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The Loft are back with AROCKALYPSE 7 WRITTEN BY LAUREN MCKINNON

It’s that time again so get ready to rock! Once a year for the past few years (seven to be exact), when the universe comes together in perfect harmony, when enemies become friends, when there is no bad but only good, when everything tastes like chicken, Arockalypse takes place at The Loft in Warrnambool. It is a time when things are truly at their most excellent.

Being massive local supports and even bigger supporters of the music industry as a whole, The Loft will again host Arockalypse 7 across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (8th-10th).

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, Lemonbait, Rage Against the Sewing Machine, The Alamo, The Monaros, The Refuge, GinJan, Hollow World, The Ascended, Diving Headbutt and The 2nds.

In the time I could have written two further emails, I was having an internal debate. “I still need to have lunch, plan the show, go to the post office”. My focus had shifted, the watch lost its purpose. It was becoming the enemy.

Then I was told that my reliance on my watch had begun to impact on my workmates. They interpreted my pensive mood as rude. When I was in an appointment, my guest rushed through our meetings when they thought they were holding me up. I was glancing at my wrist… again. Over the last month my anxiety levels had risen. I had become more impatient with meetings blowing out and people running five minutes late.

So, I took off my watch.

That suffocating weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I’m no longer constricted by time.

I set alarms to take my tablets and I set calendar reminders for my meetings. I’m already feeling more optimistic and productive, now stopping in the kitchen to talk about the weekend rather than race back to my desk.

So now the watch is only for special occasions.

However, I still don’t have time for mundane conversations and people having a whinge. I may have a smile on my face, but I don’t have the patience behind it.

(Give Stampsy some love on the socials @ StampsyKROCK on Facebook, @lee_stamps on Insta)

The Loft continue to support our local legends, as this year’s line up sees an all aussie lineup of rock gods! Let us fill you in on what’s to come.

Friday night is Metal Night from 8pm -1am where we get to rock out to the likes of Hollow World, The Ascended, Nameless, Diving Headbutt and The 2nds.

Saturday 8pm - 1am we have the “Local Line Up” with Rage against the Sewing Machine, The Monaros, The Refuge and Gin Jan. Then on Sunday, last but certainly not least, we get not one but TWO alternating stages, the main stage and the acoustic stage! The acoustic stage will host some of the districts finest playing 20 minute sets for you. The Main Stage with be hosting our headliners The Go Set, The Stiffys, Dr Colossus, Lemonbait and The Alamo.

As ones to support local bands time and time again, The Loft are a Forté fave, drawing from Warrnambool and surrounds for musical and artistic talent and then nurturing and supporting this. This isn’t about putting on Australia’s chart-topping artists, and we wouldn’t want that. Here, you can be sure to always find amazing local bands. There is really something for everyone at this festival!

This is one you don’t want to miss! Get your tickets through theloftwarrnambool.oztix.com. au/ 17

POLARIS ANNOUNCE ‘DUSK TO DAY’ REGIONAL TOUR

Ashman, Jing-Xuan Chan and Bernard Sam – bring their lived experiences and highly-skilled acting to a story that will resonate with every young person finding their place in the world.

Fresh off their sold out national tour supporting their latest release, The Mortal Coil, Polaris have entered 2018 with the Australian metalcore torch held high in their hands.

There’s no signs of slowing down as Polaris are thrilled to announce the ‘Dusk To Day’ regional tour in July with special guests, Sydney’s heavy five-piece, Justice For The Damned.

They’ll be stopping by Geelong’s Barwon Club on Friday July 13. Get your metal horns ready and grab yourself a ticket to what promises to be one of the most mosh-sweaty tours of 2018.

Director Petra Kalive says, “Hungry Ghosts is about finding your place in the world. Jean’s rich and provocative dialogue speaks to anyone who understands what it’s like to feel different, not quite fit in, and question where is home.”

Hungry Ghosts at The Potato Shed

THE ENGAGEMENT HEADS FOR HOME The Engagement continue their regional tour with shows at Geelong’s Beav’s Bar on May 20, Daylesford’s Spa Bar on May 26 and The Loft, Warrnambool on June 2. The five-piece electro-pop outfit has a new single in ‘Home’ (featuring Hayley Beatson). The track has received some solid attention, reaching the number one position on American Independent Radio Station Music Mafia Radio.

Audiences outside of Melbourne will be able experience the same full-scale production that metropolitan audiences see, complete with all the production elements expertly designed by the creative team.

The performances will be at The Potato Shed on Tuesday May 29 at 1pm and 7pm. Tickets for Hungry Ghosts can be booked at any of the Customer Service Centres around Greater Geelong, or purchased over the phone on 5251 1998.

The Potato Shed is proud to present Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of Hungry Ghosts on Tuesday May 29, direct from its World Premiere at MTC Headquarters last week.

A plane falls out of the sky. A large sum of money falls into someone’s pocket. A young woman falls in and out of place and home. Hungry Ghosts is a new Australian play by Jean Tong that interlaces the disappearance of flight MH370 with political corruption scandals in Malaysia and one young woman’s fury against injustice and fate. Three of Melbourne’s most exciting young actors – Emina

SILENCE THE UNKNOWN HEADS OUT Adelaide metalcore outfit Silence the Unknown is heading out with their debut EP Rejects, with a show lined up at Bendigo’s Music Man on May 19. They won’t be the only ones showing off new material on the night. Melbourne’s Naberus recently released the single ‘Hollow’ and should have their new album available late June. Also performing are Primitive, Haunted Steel, Arkeon, Svcred and Hollow Haven.

BLUES GUN MATTY T WALL ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM Matty T Wall, the authentic Blues-Rock bloke from Western Australia is announcing his new twelve track album, ‘Sidewinder’. With the musical producer Bob Cleamountain at his side, the new album is set to show all sides of Matty T Wall, who is regarded in particular for his “slick guitar skills”, his all consuming Australianness, and as “one of the best things coming out of the Aussie scene in a long while”. Sidewinder will be available in store from July 2. You don’t want to miss out on this cracker of an album!

ONE COOL CAT CANTERI Cat Canteri pays homage to her community and its people on new album Inner North. To help her with the album, she collected a fine bunch of souls in Justin Bernasconi (The Stillsons), Isaac Barter (Sal Kimber & the Rollin’ Wheel) and Justin Olsson (Oh Pep!) who together form The Hipster Proof Fence. Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo – May 19. Cat and company will be joined by Sherri Parry and Well into Winter.

BENDIGO PUNK & HEAVY FEST Rocky Water Promotions presents Bendigo Punk & Heavy Fest at Music Man on May 26. Kicking off at 2pm and bashing and crashing into the wee hours of the following morning, the mega line-up includes Flangipanis, Trash Lily, Flogs, Words of Elizabeth,

Udder Ubductees, Capital Enemy, The Murderballs, Admiral Ackbar’s Dishonourable Discharge, Maverick, The Shorts, The Miyagis, Stoned to Death, Anticline, Honest Lives, Motovilikha, Maggot Bath, Svcred, The Creeks, Headlopper, Rogues, Disillusioned, Born Heavy, Letters to Amara, Northwood, Slydekrieg, The Commonly Insane, The Clinch, Rare Olives, Janet and the Dammits, Wax Cactus, Slack Guy Cacti and Don Berzerk.

VOCAL RANGES FESTIVAL Kyneton plays host to the Vocal Ranges Festival this weekend, May 19 & 20. Singing workshops, live performance, sing-alongs, festival choirs and storytelling all play a part in the festival. Performers include Mission Songs Project, Liz Frencham, Ian Stapleton, Polly Christie, Jen Hawley, Dr Darren Wicks and Suzanne Sandow. Everything you need to know can be found through vocalrangesfestival.com.

COMEDY ROADSHOW

For individual use only, not for commercial purposes.

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The inaugural Queenscliff Low Light Festival takes place this winter. Keep toasty as the town opens its doors to art exhibitions, film premieres and screenings, spoken word and literary readings and music performances across four weekends – June 22-24, June 29-July 1, July 6-8 and July 13-15. With such a huge program, the best thing you can do is place a hot water bottle on your lap and check out lowlightqueenscliff.com.au.

MIC CONWAY 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

THE OUTDOOR TYPE GIVES WARNING

Vaudevillian trickster Mic Conway is celebrating his 50th Anniversary as a performer with a show highlighting his career throughout, from Captain Matchbox and Circus Oz to now. Music, mayhem, magic, juggling, comedy, fire and mirth are thrown together to create this unique show which has won the hearts of thousands of 3 to 93 year olds.

Mic will be accompanied by guitar virtuoso and multiinstrumentalist Matthew Fagan aka Lord of the Strings! and other special guests along the way on a whirlwind tour throughout Victoria in May-June. Check it at The Guildford Hotel Music Hall on May 18, The Art Gallery of Ballarat on may 19 or at the Torquay Bowls Club on May 26.

Things have slowly been building for The Outdoor Type, the creation of Zack Buchanan. The past year or so has been particularly kind, with the band cracking the Top 40 Triple-A charts in the US and performing their first international shows. They have also been recording their debut album with John Castle (Vance Joy, Josh Pyke). Before we get there, there is new single ‘Don’t Be Fooled by Me’. The Bridge, Castlemaine – June 16.

TRUE BLUE JOHN WILLIAMSON

We’re taking another look at the National Celtic Festival, which settles down in Portarlington from June 8-11.

International artists include Brid Harper & Dermot Byrne, Paul McKenna Band, Senor Cabrales, Maggie Carty & Máirtín Staunton and Altan, while locals include Maria Forde, Amber, Telenn Tri, Catherine Fraser Trio, Claymore, Fiona Ross, Siobhan Owen, Zeon and Trouble in the Kitchen. Get it all at nationalcelticfestival.com.

Seeking a Biographer

I, VALIANCE BREAK FREE After a long silence in the 18 months prior, I, Valiance have a new single in ‘I Am Fr33’, the first instalment of a three-part record. And because they are such good sorts, the band is opening the door to anyone who wishes to remix the track, for a chance to have it appear as a bonus track on their next album. Get more on that through their Facebook page. The Loft, Warrnambool – May 24; Music Man, Bendigo – May 25; and Workers Club, Geelong – May 27. This tour is the next dose of the ‘Clowncore’ Carnival coming to venues across the country.

THE CHATS DO IT THEIR WAY

NATIONAL CELTIC FESTIVAL

It has all been go, go, go since Australia caught wind of The Chats and their ditty ‘Smoko’. Following a performance at Cherry Fest and shows with Cosmic Psychos, the pub-punks are hitting the road for their first headline tour. Who knows what to expect when a band dubs the tour ‘Do What I Want’, but one thing for sure is they have a bunch of new tunes for you. The Barwon Club, Geelong – July 7.

Male looking for players to form a band

Drummer Wanted

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Keyboard player with ability to improvise,

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Rhythm guitarist, lead guitar, drums

blues rock. Gigs are waiting

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girl group from the early 2000’s,

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Contact Josh 0430 971 319

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rock genre with a bit of grunge.

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Influences include The Black Crowes,

nationally (Canada,UK) Must be GOOD,

with some occasional paid gigs.

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501 or nic_wal8@hotmail.com.

Jam, Rolling Stones, Ben Harper.

around Victoria. Register now for audi-

Aireys Inlet Music Festival, along

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

QUEENSCLIFF LOW LIGHT

Melbourne outfit Gradual take their rock attitude to Ocean Grove’s Piping Hot Chicken Shop on August 4. One of the band’s tracks, ‘We Fall Slowly’, has been used in the film Family Values - The Rise of Anthony Morelli, written by actor and musician Rob Liotti. Their new single, their first for the year, is ‘Open up Your Heart’. You’ll be able to chase that one down a touch later in the month.

Almost 50 years ago, John Williamson released the song With the main event done and dusted, a highlight of ‘Old Man Emu’. The “silly” song (his words) spent five the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the weeks at number one. Across some 50 albums, more Comedy Roadshow, an opportunity to sample some of than 20 Golden Guitars, three ARIAs and four-million the best bits of the festival that was. There are still a albums sales, his most loved song, however, arguably few dates to come in Forte territory. Eastbank Centre remains ‘True Blue’. So beloved is the song, Hey True Riverlinks, Shepparton – May 22; Ulumbarra Theatre, Blue would serve as the title of his autobiography.

Bendigo – May 23; Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – July 26.

– May 24; and GPAC – June 30.

Guitarist Wanted

CL ASSIFIEDS

GRADUAL OPEN THEIR HEART

Would like to write originals also. If

tions (Geelong area) with John Castellain

interested call Craig - 0404 054 045

on 03 53823484 or mobile 0421255053

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BALL ARAT BLOG

DOUBLE TROUBLE WITH THE YEARLINGS AND LUCIE THORNE Lucie Thorne & The Yearlings bring an

WRITTEN BY GLEN ANDERSON

intimate double-bill concert to The Lost Ones Basement Bar on Thursday May 24.

Lucie Thorne has earned her place as one

The year is whizzing by and we have been gripping on to the last of some mild weather, but we are about to chill down real soon. Karova Lounge are still putting on plenty of artists and one of Australia’s fastest rising stars Baker Boy trots into town on Friday 18 May. With his famous catch-cry “Come Marryuna - let’s dance”, the sounds of Baker Boy has been ringing out on triple j’s Hottest 100. Word is that a couple of deadly dancers will have the crowd pumping with some synchronised moves, and if you get along to this one, expect a high energy show packed with some bangin’ tracks. It is only $20 to get in.

Regular visitor to Ballarat, Skyscraper Stan, will return to the Goldfields on Thursday 31 May. Telling stories in his own way, the singer-songwriter from Melbourne has a real knack of capturing the audience with his candid, accessible style of music.

Bringing a loaded guitar case with new single ‘Dole Cues and Dunhill Blues’, the track is on the slightly darker side of Stan’s repertoire.

Lost Ones are putting on the Ballarat Acoustic

of Australia’s most striking contemporary songsmiths with eleven releases to her name and a prodigious touring schedule, while South Australian sweethearts The Yearlings make music that exudes raw beauty, honesty, intimacy and passion, and have built a reputation for their evocative songwriting, keen harmonies and mesmerising live performances. Don’t miss this intimate affair.

MIDLIFE WITHOUT THE CRISIS With a healthy nod to Can and Herbie Hancock, Melbourne’s Midlife released their debut single, ‘The Magnificent Moon’, late 2017. The near nine-minute track opens the band’s debut album Phase, which was released in February.

The band’s members have a background in improvisation, with listeners treated to a combination of jazz, psych and disco.

Karova Lounge, Ballarat – May 19.

Sessions for local musicians to get along with a guitar, voice or even just your ears if you want to just have a listen and a night out.

Son Of Gunzel will appear at Cabaret Club on Friday May 25. Recently formed, the members have come from various bands such as Saskwatch, The Woohoo Revue, Guy Sebastian and Dorsal Fins. You can expect loose-times soul, blues and party jazz.

The mighty Lloyd Spiegel is coming back to town on Saturday June 23, so pencil that into your diary and get along to support the Cabaret Club which has been shooting the lights out as a relatively new venue in the area.

If you are new to town and you don’t know the Rat very well, you can go along on the Hidden Treasures walking tour. From 9am until 2pm on Saturday May 19, you will be taken through the streets of Ballarat, discovering laneways, cafes, fashion, food and fun facts along the way.

Here is an interesting show to go and see. Local performers will play one song from every year since 1918! The gig will run over the course of two evenings at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute. The best thing about this one is it’s free to get in. It goes down Friday 25 May and Saturday 26 May. It might pay to register online if you would like to attend.

WINTER’S EVE For the third time, Winter’s Eve fronts up to the oncoming winter months with a night of doom, black, sludge, punk and extreme tunes. The Eastern in Ballarat is your warm and cuddly host, May 26 is the date, and $15 is the charge. Hawkmoth, BØG, Agonhymn, SORE, ANKL, Sloven, Affordable Repayments and Hexreign will provide the comfort and joy. Donations will be greatly appreciated and forwarded to the Soup Bus.

Understand Ice Find information you need and start understanding the effects of ice addiction WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO

Do you, or do you know someone who needs help overcoming ice? Well now there’s a new help website, which is aimed to help rural and regional Victorians understand all aspects of ice.

With ice-related ambulance attendances growing in Victoria over the recent years, it’s time to take a new approach. Something needs to be done. The use of ice, which is the crystalline form of

methamphetamine, is tearing families apart, and parents and friends don’t always know where to turn.

Understand Ice is where these people can go, providing nonjudgemental and credible information about ice. The new site is designed to be easily used with a smart phone, appearing just like an app, with clear and easily accessible advice and steps for young people aged 19-24 who are at risk of using or experimenting with ice, as well as advice for their friends and family.

The campaign itself has been developed by Penington Institute, a not-for-profit organisation working with people affected by drug use.

Penington Institute actively supports the adoption of approaches to drug use which promote safety and human dignity – and looks to address the complex issues related to drug use with knowledge and compassion, which CEO John Ryan makes comment on. “The site provides useful support information for parents to have practical conversations with a loved one who has started or is thinking about starting to use the drug. The site includes information about the warning signs that a young person’s ice use is becoming a problem.

“Understand Ice fills the wide gap between shock campaigns about ice and advertisements for expensive rehab services,” he continues.

“The site’s information is easy-to-understand and highlights practical actions including links to health services. It aims to reduce the fear and anxiety for families and friends.”

Dr Shaun Greene who is an emergency physician, clinical toxicologist and medical director of the Victorian Poisons Information Centre at Austin Health, has been providing medical advice to the project, saying that, “this is not a ‘just say no’ campaign but nor is the site condoning ice use. We know that ice is a growing problem for young people – that’s a fact.”

Former ice user Brooke has shared her story, indicating the dire need for a website like Understand Ice: “If I had a website to go to when I was using ice that was simple to understand and that gave me where to go or to talk to someone or about my symptoms, or where to get treated, it would have made an incredible, incredible difference on my using I think.”

There are a number of ways you can access help and support if you feel like you need help with regard to ice, depending on what type of help you feel that you need, how urgently you require it, and whether you, or someone else is at immediate risk.

With tailored information to suit your needs, this website is designed to help you begin your journey to understanding the effects of Ice addiction

There’s a new rehearsal room in Geelong FOUNTAINHEAD REHEARSALS IS GEELONG’S NEWEST REHEARSAL ROOM. LOCATED IN BREAKWATER AND EMPHASISING CLEAN COMFORT AND GREAT SOUND, FOUNTAINHEAD PROVIDES A CREATIVE ATMOSPHERE AND FRIENDLY SERVICE. Offering air conditioning, free tea and coffee, ambient lighting, fridge and amenities, Fountainhead has been a popular choice since its birth in early April this year.

“I’ve been wanting to contribute to bands and artists reaching their potential in a small way,” says owner/manager Joel Robinson.

“Offering a comfortable space for good practice is very important and I’m confident that’s happening here.

“Over the first month I’ve had some really good feedback and regular bookings, and there’s room for more - whether you’re after a regular time-slot or a spontaneous jam!”

You can contact Joel at any time for rates and bookings on 0418278716, search the business on Facebook, or check them out on Instagram @fountainhead_rehearsals

The site is now available at www.understandice.org.au

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SPIT SYNDICATE No time to waste WRITTEN BY HELENA METZKE

ARIA AWA R D - N O M I N AT E D AUSTRALIAN HIP HOP DUO SPIT SYNDICATE HAVE GOT FANS RILED UP WITH THEIR MOST RECENT OFFERING, ORBIT. RELEASED JUST LAST WEEK, ORBIT WILL STAND AS THEIR FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM AND COMES LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER THE CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED ONE G O O D S H I RT H A D U S A L L F LY. TITLED THE MOST PROGRESSIVE WO R K T H E P OW E R H O U S E D U O HAVE PRODUCED TO DATE, WE ARE TOLD THAT THE CATALYST FOR THIS ALBUM CAME OUT OF A VERY S P E C I F I C N OT I O N – A N OT I O N THAT HAS GREAT IMPORTANCE.

“Time – that’s really the catalyst for this album,” begins Jimmy Nice, one half of the Sydney-based duo. “Just knowing that there’s not too much time that we have – in general – but especially not that we have to waste.

“That’s the reason why we’ve jumped back so quickly since our last album,” he continues, “It’s really just the zone we’re in at the moment – being on the front foot about everything and not over thinking it.”

20

With such a heightened consciousness for time, we’re making the songs – they’re in our family, our or rather a lack thereof, accompanied by complete close knit little circle of friends – or sometimes and utter respect for the notion itself, one might it’s a matter of certain things screaming out to wonder if and how this might be reflected within certain artists,” says Jimmy. “Like, the title track Orbit. Jimmy explains that given both he and crew ‘Wonderland’ – that just sounded like something member Nick Lupi’s mindfulness toward the that Turquoise Prince would just do so well on; subject, they were able to truly capture a feeling it was so fitting for him.” in this production.

If fans weren’t appeased and intrigued enough “What we really wanted to do with the process, already, along with the release, the boys have also as I mentioned, was not to overthink it and let slide that they will be embarking on a massive really capture a feeling,” he says before further 20-date national tour in celebration of the album. explaining, “You can’t really do that over a period Set to kick off on May 19, Spit Syndicate will be of two and a half years, or however long it took to hosting their trademark One Day-style block get the last record out – it just doesn’t make sense. parties in the likes of Sydney and Melbourne, which we’re told will serve as a warm-up for “So we made the choice to set it [Orbit] as 10 songs what is promised to be their most explosive live and turn it around quickly, so we could have it performance yet. truly represent what we were and are feeling at Expanding on exactly what these One-Day-style the moment.” block parties are, for those who have not yet been What is commonly known and accepted about lucky to attend one (ahem), Jimmy tells us “these experiencing a feeling, is that it is fleeting. parties were grown out of the West of Syndey,” Feelings fluctuate, they come and go and are often where Spit Syndicate hail from. reflective of what is happening in an individual’s life at any given time. The quick turn over Spit “And they were initially born out of a necessity to Syndicate have achieved between releases leads have a place where people can come and kick it on us to prepare for what might be their most honest a Sunday and listen to good music and dance,” he work to date. explains. “We just wanted to bring this energy and attitude to the tour – which is exactly what those Featuring guest appearances by Tuka, Turquoise parties are – so we thought we’d combine the two.”

Prince, imbi the girl and Kai (Jackie Onassis), the duo pride themselves in delivering collaborations A career now spanning a decade, Jimmy and Nick have worked tirelessly over the years to which are “organic and natural”.

“These people have probably been around when cement themselves as one of Australia’s most FORTE 689

respected and beloved hip-hop outfits. Orbit is their first record to be released via One Day Entertainment, gaining them independent status – an achievement they hold close to their hearts.

“Having a great creative output is key for us and this is the first record coming out through our own label – One Day Entertainment,” smiles Jimmy, “Which just makes us want to work harder every time around and produce something of merit every year.”

“I just can’t stress enough that we don’t have the luxury of wasting time,” maintains Jimmy. “It’s almost like how people feel when a new year rolls around and everyone has these grand aspirations and they seem to dwindle as the year progresses, but really you need to wake up every day and grind at it.

“And that’s how we treat the music – that’s how we treat every facet of our lives.”

When & Where: Karova Lounge, Ballarat – Thursday 21 June Workers Club, Geelong – Friday 22 June The Corner Hotel, Melbourne – Saturday 23 June Release: Orbit is out now via One Day Entertainment

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years dating back as far as the gold rush era,” Brayden proudly exclaims. “Ballarat has seen many different eras of facial hair throughout the years, from the large full beards of the 1800s to the distinguished moustaches of the 20th century.

“We are also well known for our freezing cold winters, which is one of the many great reasons to grow some facial hair.”

The brilliant beards of the Ballarat region (nay, the entire country) will be showcased as part of the upcoming Ballarat Heritage Weekend Beard and Stache Competition.

Held at the city’s iconic Hop Temple, the competition will give entrants the chance to win in their share of $1000 in cash and prizes and be forever immortalised in facial hair folklore.

Attracting a range of demographics, Brayden says the event welcomes all ages and all facial hair-enthusiasts.

“The beautiful thing about competitive bearding is that even though the competition can be fierce, everyone still has fun without taking it too seriously,” he says.

“Those that compete will be recorded in Ballarat’s bearded history and will receive a signed certificate of participation from the Mayor of Ballarat. (But) most importantly, we want everybody to have fun, and that’s not hard when you’re surrounded by plenty of good food, good drinks, good entertainment and good beards.”

The competition is just one of many events being held throughout the weekend of May 26 and 27. The 2018 Heritage Weekend will also celebrate the evolution of technology over the last century, while continuing to pay tribute to Ballarat’s unique landscape, streetscape and history with a range of events including virtual reality tours, horse-and-carriage rides, vintage fashion shows and classic car displays.

Beards, Rivalry And Passion At The Ballarat Heritage Weekend It was in 2014 following a few Sunday beers that Brayden Dorney and his fellow bearded mates came up with an idea that would change Ballarat forever.

Five minutes with Tinpan Orange Tinpan Orange are one of Australia’s most loved brother-sister outfits. With the ethereal and mesmerising Emily Lubitz at the helm, joined by her brother, guitarist Jesse Lubitz and violin virtuoso Alex Burkoy, the trio’s heavily stylised dark-folkcountry music combines the highest levels of song craft with an aching, sweeping romanticism. We chat to Emily ahead of their show with The Sound Doctor on Saturday 26 May at Anglesea Memorial Hall.

Hey thanks for chatting to Forte. How are you and what have you been up to?

I’m well thank you. I’ve just been buying cake - it’s been a good morning.

How is it different playing in Australia compared to abroad ? Which do you prefer ?

Much is the same but much is different. It also differs quite a lot whether you’re playing in Spain or Germany or Canada. We have been touring in Germany a lot the last few years and they are a wonderful crowd. The crowds are very respectful and the venues look after you very well. I think there is more of a culture of touring musicians over there

22

“We decided that the comradery between bearded blokes is magic, and “The Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition and the Ballarat Heritage there needs to be a way to find more of it,” Brayden recalls. “It doesn’t Weekend are like peas and carrots and we thank the City of Ballarat matter where in Ballarat you are or who you are, there is always a for hosting the Ballarat Heritage Weekend, which is such a fitting friendly nod exchanged when crossing paths with another beard.” event for our unique competition,” Brayden says.

It was at that very moment that the gentlemen in question founded the Ballarat Beard and Moustache Union (also known as the BBMU), a group which aims to unite people of all backgrounds under the banner of facial hair appreciation.

“There is a strong history of great facial hair throughout Ballarat’s

so the system is set up to look after the musos.

That said, we LOVE our Australian crowds. We Love our Aussie festivals, some of them feel like home.

Do you think you would ever add any more people in to the band ?

Sure! But not at the moment... we are really enjoying the efficiency and congruence of the trio, fewer things can go wrong.

You’ve never performed with Lucy and the Diamonds (members of local band Lucy and the Night Sky) before – what is it like to not know your support act?

Exciting - especially when you trust the promoter to have good taste. We are looking forward to hearing Lucy and the Diamonds.

You recently went on tour, how was that ?

It’s been a busy couple of years.. a few national tours and a bunch of Europe tours. We’ve had fun.

We have been touring for 11 years and we still kinda like each other.

What can we expect at your upcoming gig in Anglesea ?

A bunch of improvised bits from Alex, some stories from me and some sly jokes from Jesse. And songs, many songs.

Tickets are on sale now for this night of heavenly harmonies and masterful musicianship.

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Ballarat Heritage Weekend runs from May 26 – 27 from 10am – 5pm. For more information about the Ballarat Heritage Weekend program of events, head to ballaratheritageweekend.com

the world/robots taking over – it’s quite bizarre.

had never previously shared these things about my life

“In terms of them being dark, I guess that’s a pretty

so it was nerve-racking - but now it’s out, I feel total

easy way to describe us,” she continues. “We are having

relief both internally and externally.

a lot of fun though; a lot of the songs are also sort of

With two independent releases already behind

tongue in cheek or good analogies of things that we

you (Holy Sick and Wild & Weak), how are you guys

are going through. Sometimes it comes across as being

approaching the upcoming album? Any different

pretty doomsday, but it’s also just one way of trying

process, attitudes etc.

to come to terms with what the hell is going on in the

I guess each time it has been different - working

world today.”

with new people is always refreshing. I think we’re all

Playing together for less than a year, Tropical F#ck

TROPICAL F#CK STORM On their debut A Laughing Death in Meatspace WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO

was lot more conceptual as a whole, now the new stuff

last year on their Homeric American adventure touring

feels more like a stream of consciousness, exploring

with mates King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard and Band Of Horses, before spending the summer recording their new album. With their first Australian tour well underway, there’s definitely a lot of productive work going on for the supergroup.

“Literally, I feel like we just recorded the last song a few weeks ago,” she smiles. “We started only playing together less than a year ago. Gaz had been thinking about doing something different from the Drones for a little while, and then got in touch with me and I reckon it was September when we performed our first show.

There’s nothing subtle about this band.

Consisting of members of The Drones, High Tension and Harmony (Gareth Liddiard, Fiona Kitschin, Lauren Hammel and Erica Dunn), Tropical F#ck Storm is their name and A Laughing Death in Meatspace is the name of their swanky debut album.

In the lead up to the album drop, Tropical F#ck Storm made it known they weren’t here to replicate their original bands with sweltering singles ‘Chameleon Paint’, ‘You Let My Tyres Down’ and of course ‘Rubber Bullies’, the crushing finale and the closing track on their debut album. With a focus on electronic drums and synth sounds, the moody and dark singles were a pretty good indication of the album to come, fitting in with their psychedelic theme.

“The album is fairly psychedllic, dark, and feels classic ‘Gaz [Gareth Liddiard] songwriting’ in terms of content, and going into pretty detailed descriptions,” explains guitarist and keys player Erica Dunn, known for her place in bands Palm Springs, Harmony and Mod Con. “There are some really oddball songs; I think one of my favourites off the album is a track about a USSR soviet chess champion, but it sort of ties into the end of

MDRN LOVE Bringing their EP home for one last gig WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO

2017 was a massive year for Geelong rock outfit MDRN LOVE. After successfully regrouping, renaming, touring and dropping a debut single within a year, MDRN LOVE rounded off the year with the release of their self-titled debut EP. Formerly known by the name of Revolution, MDRN LOVE have wowed fans and established themselves as a band capable of breadth and versatility with the release, boasting punchy guitar driven rhythms, emotionally driven songwriting and hints of new-age synth.

“It’s the first EP we’ve released as MDRN LOVE, so in the lead up to release day it was a bit nerve racking anticipating how people would react,” rhythm guitarist Riley Harman admits. “Thankfully, we’ve received lots of really positive feedback which has inspired us to want to jump back in to the studio and get our next EP out as soon as possible.

“With digital sales and streaming services, it’s allowed us to reach listeners we’d never thought possible,” he continues. “Our music has been sold and streamed in over 70 countries and our debut single ‘Bring Me Down’ even made into the top #30 on the iTunes charts in Romania!”

With the previous year filled with many impressive accomplishments and highlights, MDRN

getting faster and more efficient at writing. Wild & Weak

Storm have been on a rollercoaster; spending the end of

“It’s been pretty pedal to the medal ever since in a short period of time, but it’s been heaps of fun,” she continues. “It’s just great being amongst other bandmates who are just mega inspired and really into whatever creative idea comes up onto the table and really just interested in making really original music; it’s just awesome.”

AUSTRALIA’S MOST ELECTRIFYING PUNK BAND WAAX ARE HEADING TO GEELONG Brisbane five-piece WAAX are one band to watch.

Having just come off the back of a massive 18 months, they’ve toured with the likes of Fall Out Boy, Violent Soho, Dune Rats, and Ecca Vandal, as well as playing their own shows and festival slots around the country.

With two independently-released EP’s Holy Sick (2015) and Wild & Weak (2017), as well as barnstorming singles like ‘Same Same’, ‘Wild & Weak’, ‘I For An Eye’, and recent single ‘Labrador’, this band is hot on our

As for the album title, the band coined this one to the malignant affliction visited upon cannibals, and a euphemism for reality utilised by Silicon Valley employees. “The basic premise of that is that ‘meatspace’ is what the Silicon Valley refers to the real world as, opposed to the digital world. I think it’s a fun and terrifying concept for a writer to think about, in terms of human existence being referred to as a meatspace. A laughing death is a reference to what happens to you when you get mad cow disease actually,” she laughs.

“It’s kind of another dark observation about humanity and the state of the world. I think when you get mad cow disease, you actually die laughing.”

radar. Now, they’re kicking off on a massive 12 date tour throughout May and June. We chat to vocalist and powerhouse Marie DeVita ahead of the shows.

Hey, thanks for chatting to Forte! How are you and what have you been up to recently?

Hey! Thanks for having us! Well, we kicked off our Labrador Tour on the Gold Coast over the weekend and it was a bloody excellent show- can’t wait til the next one! Before that, we were on tour with Biffy Clyro and had wonderful time. I guess we’ve been jumping around Australia pretty much every week.

You recently released the fresh track ‘Labrador’, which deals with some heavy emotions and issues surrounding depression and body image. Was it

When & Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine – May 26

difficult to approach these topics?

everything including my past which was uncharted territory before ‘Labrador’.

In the past 18 months, you have performed more than 60 shows (slots with Violent Soho, Dune Rats, and Fall Out Boy, festivals, headline shows etc), what’s been the highlight?

Yeah, that’s a tough question. I had such different and enriching experiences at all those shows in different ways. Playing Qudos Bank Arena with FOB - literally 12,000 people was absolutely nuts and terrifying but unforgettable. And getting a tattoo backstage on the Dune Rats tour was a good one, I also got lost on a boat with Chris (guitar) and James from Soho at the Dunies afterparty - but that’s a whole other story... good times.

With all that experience on stage, there’s an obvious love for it. What’s most important to you when hitting the live stage?

No. 1 rule: you gotta have fun. That’s what keeps you going. We’ve spent half a decade doing this and it never gets old because we have fun. And it’s where I feel most myself - I can be as wild as I want and scream as much as I want. I love going on journeys with the audience; it’s so emotional and beautiful.

Thank you guys so much for answering some questions! Any last words?

Thank you!! Last words... we won’t tolerate shit behaviour at our shows, we expect it to be a safe and happy environment for everyone. Look after your mates and be respectful, cheers! See you at The Barwon Club

yew!

When & Where: The Barwon Club, Geelong - June 13

It always is - especially leading up to release day. I

LOVE continued their momentum with a myriad of shows over the last few months celebrating the EP, including a slot alongside fellow Geelong band Residual and Melbourne’s mesmerising Didirri.

Now Harman, alongside his bandmates Jack Harman (vocals), Nic Tutone (lead guitar), Daniel Siketa (bass) and Dom Alvaro (drums), are wrapping up their debut EP tour with a homecoming show at the Geelong Band Room.

“We launched our EP at the Geelong Band Room in December last year as a one off show when it became available for sale and streaming,” explains Harman. “We had such a great turn out and reaction from the crowd that night that it inspired us to want to get back there and close out the tour in our home town.”

This will be the last show from the Geelong boys for the next few months as they prepare to jump back into the studio to record their follow up EP, which Harman says will stand as a huge step forward for the young band and see them take on new approaches and exciting challenges.

“Our sound has matured since the last lot of recordings. This time we’re confident of tracking live which will hopefully bring a whole new dimension to our music,” he continues. “We’ve had the chance to road test a heap of new tracks on the tour and gauge what songs we think will make the cut for the next EP. We’re anticipating EP #2 will be a huge step forward for us and we’re really looking forward to getting it to our fans and followers as soon as it’s done.”

To farewell the guys as they venture back into the studio, they will be joined by Mistaken for Strangers, alongside DJ sets from local legend Cal Robertson, Good Brother and Coco Du Ma. There will also be an after party exclusively for ticket holders (on the roof top terrace of the Geelong Band Room, weather permitting). So get on down, bring your friends and help MDRN LOVE celebrate the end of what’s been a fantastic tour.

When & Where: Geelong Bandroom, Geelong – June 2

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Castlemaine Jazz Festival 2018

June 8th to 11th Over 80 Bands, 6 Stages Theatre Royal, MAurocco Bar, The Bridge Hotel, ANglican Church & Old Castlemaine Gaol FOR MORE INFO & tickets www.castlemainejazzfestival.com.au

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CC:Disco on PBS Radio Festival 2018 WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN

If you got 100 people in a line and asked all of them what their favourite feature of radio is, there is a high chance most will answer ‘it’s free’.

That may well be a fair answer in some cases, but it is also the answer that people have fooled themselves into believing for decades.

Whilst stations such as The Fox and Nova may have commercial funding backing them, it’s the beloved community stations such as Melbourne’s PBS (106.7fm), that so frequently get taken for granted with many tuning in without taking the time to sign up for a subscription.

Well, if that’s you, now is your time to turn it around because yet again, PBS alongside their local sponsors, have dug deep to put up some unbelievably good prizes for this years PBS Radio Festival.

By subscribing to the station, you’ll be giving yourself the chance to be in the running for some insane prizes such as a ‘Golden Plains Luxury Package’ and a chance to win an all new Primavera 125 i-GET courtesy of Peter Stevens motorcycles, alongside many other amazing prizes.

But outside of prize incentives, why is it important to support your local radio station? We caught up with the beloved disco queen of Melbourne and host of

Togar; the Geelong producer making major waves in the electronic music scene WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN

If you are a fan of Geelong’s nightlife scene, there is a 100 per cent chance you have encountered Togar. Whether you’ve seen him playing week in, week out at clubs such as Bloom, Uno and Basement, or killing it on the doof scene, there is no denying that he has put in a lot of hard work mastering his craft over the years.

But, what you probably didn’t know is that he has also been working extremely hard behind the scenes to get his producing up and running. Now a week from the release of his debut EP ‘Slow & Pretty,’ Tory Garwood, aka Togar, is set to make major waves in the electronic music scene.

Speaking of ‘Slow & Pretty’, Togar is seriously stoked about what’s to come.

“I’m pretty stoked about it,” he beams. “I’ve worked really hard on it for about a year and I feel that since I have been making music, these are the three tracks that will help to push me forward to convey the sound that I have been trying to craft for so long.

That’s kind of what ‘Slow & Pretty’ is meant for, for the traction to start happening a bit more and to hopefully

Smoke and Mirrors on PBS, CC:Disco to chat about the impact that PBS has had on her life from both a professional and musical standpoint.

“PBS is a really big part of Melbourne for me. I lived in Mexico when I was a kid and when I moved back to Australia I was living in Sydney, so I thought, bugger it, I’m going to go to Melbourne, where I literally knew one person,” she explains.

“After I moved here I ended up getting a job at PBS. Admittedly, I had never heard of PBS before and I did my interview the morning after a Daft Punk concert so I hadn’t actually been to bed at all in preparation.

I don’t know how I got that job, but that was in 2007 and then I ended up working in the offices for the next 4-5 years and I just fell in love with the station.

“I honestly don’t know what I would have done without PBS being a part of my life,” she continues.

“When I moved, I really just wanted to meet people who loved music and had similar interests to me, and all of the people at PBS blew me away. I have loved every moment of the last 10 years.”

Emphasising community value, CC also expanded: “PBS is basically YOUR radio station. We take listener input very seriously and we try very hard to make it as enjoyable for all of our listeners. So if you are enjoying it but you’re not paying for it, that isn’t a great thing.

You can get something for free for a long time, but at the end of the day you need to do your bit and chip in, it’s really not an expensive thing to do and it does feel really good to be a part of a music community.”

If you’d like to learn more about PBS, they will be hosting their annual PBS Radio Festival from now until the May 27. Forté are big supporters of PBS and we strongly urge all readers to check out the festival and get onto a subscription.

“Compare it to a night out on the town... Look, we’ve all been there, spending between $200 to $700 on a night out. This is something you can put your money towards that is a membership for a whole year and the amount of music you’d consume would far exceed that night out.”

PBS Radio Festival 2018: Feast Your Ears run from May 14 – May 27 2018.

Visit www.pbsfm.org.au/signup

The Paul McKenna Band Performing at the 2018 National Celtic Festival Glasgow’s The Paul McKenna Band have built a solid international reputation for their outstanding live performances and carefully crafted four studio albums, including latest release Paths That Wind (2016). This year, The Paul McKenna Band are back for a 13 date tour of Australia with shows across Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and ACT culminating in a series of shows at this year’s National Celtic Festival in Portarlington. Calling in from Scotland, Paul McKenna chats to Forté ahead of the trip down under.

Hey Paul, thanks for chatting to Forté. How are you and what have you been up to recently?

I’ve just come back from Canada on tour, and now we’ve just been in the recording studio starting on a new album. We started working on it at the very beginning of the year, just doing all the arranging and writing and just trying to get as prepared as we could knowing that it was going to be a busy first half of the year, so by the time we did go into the studio, we had the bare bones of it together. We’ve just started properly and so far, so good.

That’s great to hear you’ve got a new album in the works. How will this album differ to the last release Paths That Wind?

There might be a few different sounds on this on. We’re still going to sound like us, but there’s a lot more original songs on this album and it’s 100

per cent songs this time too; we’re not doing any instrumental music so there’s a couple of changes.

What has influenced the inclusion of more original songs on this upcoming album?

Ever since day one we’ve always tried to include a few original songs on each album, and gradually over the course of four albums so far, we’ve been increasing the number of original material each time. When it came to this one, it just seemed like the right time to do mostly originals… there’s still a couple of other people’s songs there, but mostly original material. It just seemed like it was the right time.

You’re heading to Australia with the band for 13 dates which is exciting, what’s has brought you back to Australia?

We’ve only been to Australia once with the band; I came over last year on my own. Since our very first visit back in 2016, we’ve always wanted to come back. It’s a great place, great music scene and from our experience, everyone seems to receive our music pretty well and we just have a great time.

We’re pretty excited to get the opportunity to come back on this tour. We’re really looking forward to bringing the whole band there [Celtic Festival], with a bigger sound and a bigger arrangement and more vocal harmonies.

You’ve performed at many Celtic Festivals around the world, what do you enjoy about these celebrations in particular?

Each one is unique, each one has different things that draw people in and draw the bands and artists in. People are always in good sprits at these festivals; everyone is there for a good time, everyone is there because they love Celtic music or they have some sort of affinity with it so you’re off to a good start right away. They’re always just really good fun places to be so any time we can get to one, especially one like this National Celtic Festival, it’s always very exciting for us.

When & Where: The National Celtic Festival @ WG Little Reserve, Newcombe Street, Portarlington – June 8 – 11

help my sound to expand in the future.”

Expanding on why he chose the three tracks that comprise the EP, he said, “I chose these three songs because they are so different from one another. It gives me the freedom in the future to make a down tempo track, or to make a house track or make a break-beat with lounge percussion. It’s given me the means to make whatever I want from her on in.

“I don’t want to be bound by any specific sounds that are associated to genres, so because of that I wanted it to be a pretty varied EP,” he continues. “My plan for all of my music is to constantly hit different sounds and emotions so that I’m never stuck in a spot being tied down to one sound, and I think ‘Slow & Pretty’ is allowing me to do that.”

With ‘Slow & Pretty’ being released through label up and comers, Clipp.art, Togar drew mention to his love of the family dynamic’s that are found with DIY labels.

“Clipp.art was really random when it happened.

I had been posting a lot of things on Instagram and Clipp.art had randomly followed me and I discovered that they were a new, up and coming House/Electronic music label. From posting gigs that I was playing, they offered me if I wanted to play one of their first shows with Coeo and DJ Boring, which I was never going to say no to.

“I feel really good about them. They are still up and coming, but they are putting in a lot of effort to create a real family dynamic within the label, which I’m really into as well, I’m really into the community side of music.”

In support of his EP release, Togar will be headlining a launch party at Geelong’s own Bloom the week before he jets off to play ‘Why Not Festival’ in Darwin alongside the likes of CC:Disco and Sleep D. Speaking of his launch party he excitedly said, “I think it’ll go really well. There is a stacked line-up for the night and it includes some people who were pivotal in helping me get too where I am, so it should be an unreal vibe!”

You can catch Togar this Saturday at Bloom, Geelong at 10pm. Check out his FB at www.facebook.com/togarmusic/

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AVIVA IS BACK WITH LATEST SINGLE ‘BRN’ Travelling between LA & Sydney, and fresh from a slot at Groovin The Moo and national support to Tonight Alive, Australian independent recording artist AViVA has been killing it! Since October last year, AViVA has garnered over 24 million streams across all platforms, catapulting her name into the alternative YouTube underworld of Nightcore and the gaming community, and now has unleashed her latest single ‘BRN’. We have a quick chat to the Aussie dark pop powerhouse.

Hey thanks for chatting to us. Your new single ‘BRN’ is being described as a battle cry, what was your thought process when writing this song?

It’s a very personal song. It really was designed to be a reminder to people to stand up for who you are and to be that person unapologetically.

You spend your time split between LA and Sydney, do you have a special or favourite place to go to and write songs?

My favourite place to write songs is in my studio, surrounded by my things. I’m a Taurus... we like our things, not because we’re possessive. I can

DMA’S Avoiding the ‘second album syndrome’ with their stunning release For Now WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO

DMA’S MADE A HUGE IMPRESSION WITH THEIR 2016 DEBUT ALBUM HILLS END, WHICH BECAME A GOLD SELLING SMASH, DEBUTING IN AUSTRALIA AT #8 AND #36 IN THE UK, TAKING THEM TO COACHELLA, LOLLAPALOOZA, GLASTONBURY, LATITUDE, TWO READING/LEEDS FESTIVALS, AND MULTIPLE GIG POINTS INBETWEEN. NOW SYDNEY’S TIMELESS GUITAR POP TRIO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY RAISED THEIR GAME WITH THEIR NEW ALBUM FOR NOW - A GLORIOUSLY UPLIFTING ALBUM OF BEAUTIFULLY HONED, PASSIONATELY EMOTIVE ROCK’N’ROLL SONGS.

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remember where everything comes from, or who gave it to me and when. It’s hard to feel alone when you have mementoes and trinkets you treasure around you. Inspiration is everywhere!

What message do you hope to send to listeners through your music?

That being different and weird and unique is beautiful. Two days ago I said to someone ‘I’m weird.’ And they said ‘I know, I’ve figured that out by now!’ And I was really happy about that.

It means I’ve been completely honest with myself and I’m doing that I believe I’m leading my example.

Showing people it’s okay to fly your freak flag!

Your previous single ‘GRRRLS’ has over 25 million streams online, how awesome do you feel?

I think that it feels pretty damn awesome!

So, you have created you own brand of music, that combines elements of rock, pop, punk and emo, what bands did you grow up with and draw an influence from?

I draw influence from everything! Growing up I was surrounded by different music- Frank Sinatra, Lena Horn to The Smiths and Kate Bush... I wanted to absorb all the music I was surrounded with. In the end, for me, it always comes back to the feelings the music can induce... Gymnopedie no.1 by Eric Satie makes me feel just as much as This Is How I Disappear by MCR! Listing five songs, what is your ultimate pop/ punk playlist?

5 songs isn’t much of a playlist but for my ultimate sad grrrl playlist I’d have to have a few of these...

‘What You Do To Me’ – Don Broco ‘You and I’ – Pvris ‘Heavydirtysoul’ – Twenty One Pilots ‘Gangsta’ – Kat Dahlia ‘Disappear’ – Tonight Alive, Lynn Gunn Thanks for chatting, any last words?

Come check out the tour, we’ve got 3 more shows in Melbourne and Adelaide!

Thanks so much.

Release: ‘BRN’ is available now on Spotify, iTunes & Google Play.

WEST THEBARTON The seven-headed soul-rock hydra straight outta Adelaide WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN

What do a legal clerk; a radiation therapist, a public servant, a marine biologist and a tattoo artist have in common?

They are all about to drop one of Australia’s best punk-rock releases for 2018. If you hadn’t clued on, I’m talking about West Thebarton, the Adelaide punk rock outfit who are about to release their highly anticipated debut album, Different Beings Being Different.

According to charismatic leader figure, gravelvoiced frontman Reverend Ray, there is a certain amount of pride that comes along with this record.

“The songs on the album are the best songs that any of us have ever written in our career, so we just really want to get it out. The album itself really captures a moment in time for us,” he says.

Speaking of the albums recording process, which amazingly was done in one week, Rev Ray discussed what led the seven piece to hiring Dylan Adams (Sticky Fingers, DMA’S) as the producer, as well as how the bands sound has developed over the last few years.

“We put a lot of thought into it and that is why we got Dylan Adams,” he explains. “When we were starting off we were just a garage punk band and we were really just aspiring to sound like Ty Segall or someone like that. But as our music tastes grew so did our music. Dylan had done a lot of stuff on

Since its release back in April, the critical 25 minutes, I always knew it was a really special acclaim for DMA’S on For Now has been song,” he explains. “I was already excited about widespread, including debuting at #7 on the the song, but when we came to record it with Australian ARIA Album Chart, #13 on the Official Kim, Nathan wrote that riff with Kim and told me Album Chart in the UK and claiming triple j’s he wrote the outro, and watching it evolve was Feature Album of its entire week of release, really, really special. The best DMA’S songs are alongside a barrage of positive reviews and a when we collaborate like that and we all put in visibility online. our two cents; that’s when we get the best results.”

Recorded with producer Kim Moyes (who’s Since their beginning, the three-piece went also a member of The Presets), this studio release from unknowns that had never played a live marks the follow-up to DMA’S debut album and show together to having their debut EP land just bedroom recording Hills End, which spawned outside the top 10 of the iTunes albums chart hits like ‘Delete’, ‘Lay Down’ and ‘Step Up The – in just a few weeks. As a band that was never Morphine’. intended to play live on stage, created solely as a “It has been different [to Hills End],” reaffirms recording project, Took is now looking forward to DMA’S guitarist Johnny Took. “Having Kim the tour in support of their second album, and in involved is cool. We really love working with him turn, their biggest national tour to date. and he is one of a kind; he is a massive talent. Me, “Because we started as a studio/bedroom Tommy and Nathan, we’re best friends, but we’re recording kind of band, I think there’s always also very different in lots of ways and I think he going to be something special about that and [Kim] has a really good temperament to really get the creative process that comes with that,” Took the best out of all of our different personalities. begins. “But to be honest, I’m looking forward “It’s definitely not the same record, we wouldn’t to playing live now now because well for one, we want to make the same record. It’s lush and pop aren’t as poor as we used to be so I don’t have to but in a good way, it’s really warm. We knew the share a bed with the other guys any more – which songs were good,” he continues, “but Kim helped is great. And the gigs are better,” he reveals. a lot with some of the beats and the synth sounds “We did a couple of years of some pretty which we were doing; we were mucking around torturous touring and we played some great with our guitar tones a lot more and our pedals, shows and we had some amazing experiences; and the sounds we were pulling from the guitars. playing some bucket-list festivals, but we also In my mind it’s not too different.” played some pretty weird ones. Like playing to Two years on from their first album, Took, seven people, or even four people at one gig. At alongside Tommy O’Dell (vocals) and Matt Mason that time, it was playing all those gigs that made (guitarist and backing vocalist) have grown and us a really good live act.” matured as songwriters and musicians, receiving critical acclaim for recent singles ‘Dawning’, ‘In Raise a glass and prime your ears – not to The Air’ and title track, ‘For Now’, as well as again mention your heart – for DMA’S gloriously receiving the Liam Gallagher tick of approval with uplifting second album, For Now, out now. the single release ‘Break Me’. In a band blessed with three songwriters, the creation of ‘In The Catch their live show at The Forum in Melbourne Air’ remains Took’s favourite single so far; a on June 9. Tickets via dmasdmas.com beautiful ballad, with sweeping production, and daydream-inducing lyrics that shine a light on the band’s much-loved talent for pop writing.

“When that song was written, it was about four years ago and I wrote it on the piano in about

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the DMA’S EP and we loved that sound so we got him down from Sydney for a week to record with us.

“At the time we just wanted to make a big sounding record,” he continues. “Because there is seven of us, we wanted to make sure that no one was hidden in the sound and there wasn’t just the one guitar riff being played by multiple people. I guess really what we have come out with is a pub rock album that doesn’t really sound punk rock at all.”

With Different Beings Being Different putting a focus on each individual member of the band, Ray also touched on the misconceptions that many have expressed about the seven piece.

“It’s really weird; when we started everyone was like, ‘do you really need four guitars? Do you really need the same riff played by four people?’ And I’d always say, ‘come to a show man, that’s not really what we do’.

“All seven of us have heaps of pride in what we do so everyone plays different stuff and we make it work. It’s so much fun,” he smiles. “I’ve been in bands before where I’ve written songs and everyone else just plays along to what I’ve written and that’s good fun, there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s so good when you just have to worry about your own part because you know that everyone else has ownership over their own role in the band.”

In support of Different Beings Being Different West Thebarton will be hitting the road on a huge Australian tour before heading off overseas to play the esteemed Readings Festival.

“I think everything that we do hypes us as a band.

We never thought we would get this far so to be able to go and play some of the amazing shows we have had to opportunity to be a part of. We just want to go where our fans are, so, we love that people both within Australia and overseas are enjoying our music. It’s so humbling, I can’t wait to see how it all goes with these upcoming shows!”

Release: Different Beings Being Different is out on May 18 When & Where: Northcote Social Club, Melbourne – June 10

Hen’s Women In Red Playlist ‘She’s gonna cause you so much drama…’ it’s a sultry warning from songwriter Hen, delivered with confidence, on her new single ‘In Red’. The latest from the Adelaide artist is an empowering pop tune that celebrates strong women while breaking down the stereotypes surrounding the ‘hot girl’.

‘The Woman in Red’ is an image that has been used throughout various decades of music, film and pop culture to exoticise and fetishise women - it’s the associated image with sexuality and an unapologetic ownership of feminine sensuality that once would have painted a woman as a harlot or any kind of manipulative. Now, these traits are ones of strength, traits that Hen has brought to record with her new music.

In celebration of the release, Hen has given Forté her ultimate Women In Red playlist.

Just a girl – No Doubt Just One of the Guys – Jenny Lewis Bad Reputation (Live) – Joat Jett Your Mama Won’t Like Me – Suzi Quatro Machine – Oh Land Girls Like Girls – Hayley Kiyoko Lady Powers – Vera Blue, Kodie Shane Liability – Lorde Blank Space – Taylor Swift Run The World (Girls) – Beyoncé

You can follow this playlist on Spotify at officiallyhen.

Release: In Red is out now.

8–11 June 2018 WORLD CLASS MUSIC • FOLK MARKET • JOUSTING TOURNAMENTS TRADITIONAL VIKING PRACTICES EG. DEER-HIDE CURING • GORGE ON A BUFFET OF CELTIC DELICACIES ENJOY A PLATE OF BOXTY, HAGGIS AND BLOOD PUDDING • BELLARINE-BREWED MUSSEL STOUT LOCAL WINES, CRAFT BREWS AND SPIRITS FROM VICTORIA’S BESPOKE DISTILLERIES

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THE WAREHOUSE GEELONG’S NEW

KID ON THE BLOCK WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO

Check out the hottest new wedding venue space in Geelong. The Warehouse Geelong is located right in the centre of Geelong and has only been open for a month or so, but by the looks of the venue, it is clearly going to be popular.

The Warehouse, sitting a stone’s throw away from the Geelong CBD was built in the 1920’s. Designed

by ZWEI architects from Melbourne, this vintage warehouse has some real character, with exposed timber trusses, six meters high ceilings and 250 square meters of original polished concrete floors.

Don’t let the facade fool you, the interior of this building is anything but rugged.

The space comes complete with banquette seating, tables and bentwood chairs. It has also been fitted with fully functioning heating and cooling that will create a very comfortable experience. With the ability to cater for guests from 20 up to 120 and a cafe and bar area to allow for third party catering, this venue is the absolute perfect place to enjoy your special day.

She’ll Be Apples No time for meal prep? No sweat! She’ll Be Apples will get dinner on the table in no time WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO

YO U’V E WA L K E D T H RO U G H T H E DOOR AFTER A FULL DAY AT WORK O R S C H O O L. C H A N C E S A R E YO U’R E P RO B A B LY N O T G O I N G T O J U M P E C S TAT I CA L LY I N TO T H E K I TC H E N, F I N E LY D I C E V E G E TA B L E S W I T H A FLOURISH AND CREATE FRESHLY-MADE MONGOLIAN LAMB STIR- FRY ( BUT IF YOU DO, PLEASE SHARE YOUR WAYS WITH US ).

Although toast or instant noodles might cut it sometimes, having a nutritious dinner is important, which makes it difficult when you’re less keen on the kitchen and more keen to be on the couch, in your comfies, with your favourite show, wine in hand.

One great option for busy, time-poor people is meal delivery, where you can choose from fabulous chef-inspired dishes made from the finest produce that are ridiculously convenient and freakin’ fresh.

Enter, She’ll Be Apples. Packing a serious punch, this local dinner service is all the things you love: fresh, seasonal produce and complete with big flavour.

Running for a whole month, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie’s Rocky Road Festival is making a return this May.

Also an exciting part of this new refurbishment is that they also offer on-site Airbnb boutique apartments – the perfect addition to your wedding needs, or if you’re just after somewhere luxurious to stay. One in particular is the ‘Hearne Apartment’ which has been perfectly designed for both short and long-term boutique accommodation. This one is Geelong meets New York, which is one of a kind and completely accurate. This space is fixed with heating and cooling, bedrooms, a lounge room, and a kitchen space. It is perfect for a night away, close enough to walk anywhere in the Geelong CBD, but quiet enough to have a great night sleep.

The Warehouse is located at 5 Little Ryrie Street, Geelong. Email them today for wedding packages and start planning your magical day.

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Geelong-based couple Nicholas Schultz and explains. “It’s our ability to cater to groups (by offering Kahani Motiani have creating a business that takes servings for 2, 3, and 4), and the communal element which their love of preparing meals in advance, and has goes beyond a neat little individual serving that makes us turned it into a service that delivers delicious dinners different from other providers.” right to your door. Simply put, ‘She’ll Be Apples’ is As for how it all works, it’s all too simple: “You place the answer to the question on everyone’s lips, an order via the online order form on our website. We ‘What’s for dinner?’, designed especially for time- buy all the ingredients and make your meals from scratch, poor individuals and families in Geelong who could including every pastry and every sauce. Once freshly prepared, we immediately freeze the meals, giving them a benefit from these pre-prepared meals.

“She’ll Be Apples means she’ll be right. It’s all good. shelf life in your freezer of 3-6 months,” the couple explain.

We’ve got your dinner sorted,” the couple explain.

“Most are fully cooked and simply need to be defrosted “It’s also got a colloquial, down-to-earth, Aussie feel and then heated following the packaging instructions. to it, and that’s us. We’re not fancy pants chefs, or Other dishes such as our cannelloni and cottage pie come juice-cleansing fructarians, we’re just two regular fully prepared, uncooked for you to pop straight into the young people who love straightforward, quality oven on those extra hectic, late-decision kind of nights.

The final step of reheating or preparation is generally as food that genuinely tastes yum (and doesn’t rob you blind).” easy as boiling rice or toasting a garlic bread. We deliver With a passion for wholesome, straightforward twice a week to Geelong and surrounds, and we arrange and quality food, Nicholas and Kahani have created a time that suits you best. Our aim is to have your freezer a mouth-watering and sensational menu that draws stocked with dinners for your week (or month!) ahead.” a lot of influence from Kahani’s mum Tanya, a former If your times is short, your stress is high, and you’re owner of both a Melbourne café and a personal eager to gain back some sense of control in your life, She’ll catering business with over 15 years’ cooking Be Apples is for you. experience.

For the rest of this month, She’ll Be Apples is “Some of our family favourites on the menu are celebrating their launch with a special offer - $20 off all based on her best recipes, and her guidance has been first orders over $100. You just need to use the promo code incredible,” explains Nicholas. “With travel a close “LAUNCH IT” in the online order form on their website. second to our passion for food, we’ve also drawn Check them out online at www.shellbeapples.com.au, inspiration from different cuisines we’ve sampled on trips both individually and together, from street food follow them on Insta (@shellbeapplesus) and on Facebook. in India to dining out in Italy. We’ve tweaked existing recipes and are coming up with our own creations more and more (particularly in the new specials).”

Some of their best dishes include the Sri Lankan Paneer Curry, a smooth Chicken Korma, Hungarian Beer Goulash, Sweet Potato-topped Cottage Pie and even Nonna’s Lasagne. These main dishes come as a 300-450gm per serving and offers four different serving options (from serving one or two, to even serving a large family), guaranteeing you a meal that is filling, explosive in flavour, full of nutrition, high in protein and as low fat as possible – you couldn’t ask for much better than that!

“Our customers so far have largely been families – mums with a number of kids or chores to attend to. But also lots of couples and young working professionals just a little too tired to cook,” Kahani

THE SURF COAST’S ROCKY ROAD FESTIVAL IS BACK

Although we are already halfway through May, the good news is the festival runs for the entire month (yes, there’s still time!). At this epic month-long festival, the European Chocolatiers will be giving the classic Aussie Rocky Road treat a makeover and create 31 different flavours of the treat which will take form as hand made blocks, bars, truffles, ice creams and desserts using couverture chocolate with seasonal and exotic ingredients.

For the Rocky Road devotees, they’ve also

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got a few special Rock Around the Block Classes which kicks off with a Rockin’ Hot Chocolate, samples of six different Rocky Road flavours, a Rocky Road ice cream treat and then the chance to create your very own Rocky Road block to take home (you will have to book for this!)

Anything that celebrates marshmallow, nut, cherry and chocolate creation of the Rocky Road sounds like a pretty good time to us.

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie is located at 1200 Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae. Find out more information by visiting the Facebook page or the website.

love about this weekend?

Go on, stock up on your favourite drops in the lead-up to the cooler weather and enjoy an afternoon appreciating the picturesque sights on the property.

The Scotchmans Hill Barrel Hall Wine Sale runs Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May, 10am - 5pm at Scotchmans Hill Winery: 190 Scotchmans Road, Drysdale.

SCOTCHMANS HILL’S EVER POPULAR BARREL HALL WINE SALE RETURNS It’s well known that we are fans of a cheeky wine or two... but we also do enjoy a sale, especially when the sale comes at the hands of our beloved winemakers who decide it’s time to clear-out the warehouse.

Yep, it’s back. Scotchmans Hill are bringing back the Barrel Hall Wine Sale this weekend (Saturday May 19 and Sunday May 20).

Located at the winery inside the big, beautiful barrel hall, the sale will feature fantastic case specials on bin ends, export overruns and a few cleanskins. Due to popular demand, Scotchmans Hill’s Mystery Dozens will be on offer, too. Pinot noir, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc and an award-winning back-vintage shiraz will be among the wine varieties available for sale, with free wine tastings available both days.

The ever popular sale (for obvious reasons) is a first in best dressed situation, so you’ll want to head in early so you don’t miss out!

A massive wine sale, the opportunity to see barrels of wine up on the racks aging for bottling, free tastings, the gorgeous smell of vino upon entering the barrel hall... honestly what’s not to

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trying to decide what style to get on top.

Luxe on Chester @luxeonchester Instagram may be a haven for selfies and humble brags, but it’s also an excellent place to get your daily dose of beauty. Luxe on Chester is a busy, boutique, home beauty salon created by award winning, Diploma qualified beauty and skin therapist, Bec Connolly, and her instagram is a treat! You’ll be blessed with product pics, relatable life quotes and inspo, tanned beauties, as well as supportive pics of other local creatives... what a legend.

Grace & Marie Geelong’s answer to gorgeous hand poured soy candles WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO

H A N D - P O U R E D I N G E E LO N G, G R AC E & M A R I E WA S F O U N D E D O N A LOV E F O R A L L T H I N G S CA N D L E - R E L AT E D. A F T E R YEARS OF SEARCHING FOR HIGH QUALITY, AFFORDABLE AND BEAUTIFULLY SCENTED CANDLES AND NOT BEING ABLE TO FIND ONES FEATURING ALL THREE QUALITIES, G R AC E & M A R I E WA S C R E AT E D U S I N G O N LY T H E F I N E S T I N G R E D I E N T S OFFERING A VARIETY OF FRAGRANCES, IN A SELECTION OF BEAUTIFUL GLASSWARE T O D I S C O V E R A N D E N J O Y. F O RT É ’ S C H L O E C I C E R O S P O K E T O C A RT I E R FINESSE, OWNER OF GRACE & MARIE SOY CANDLES ABOUT HER CREATIVE VENTURE. Hey thanks for chatting to us! First off, tell us, how did you get started?

I’ve always been really obsessed with candles and it wasn’t really until I was spending lots of money on them and had a tub full in my house because I had so many that my partner had the idea to make them myself. I bought a candle making kit online to give it a go, then in November I had surgery and my mum was down and I couldn’t do much, so while mum was here I thought she could help me get started. It was close to Christmas so I though I’d gift them to people and then I started posting about it on my social media.

Afterwards I had people asking me to make custom orders for them and it kind of took off from there.

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As Daisy Does @asdaisydoes Whether you need to brighten up your day or your living room, flowers are the way to go.

What’s happier than a fragrant burst of colour and texture? Well local florist As Daisy Does has you covered. From wedding flowers and native flowers to fiddle leaf figs and indoor plants, Daisy’s shed in Newtown has some serious character. Posting photos of flower fields, ethereal arrangements, and opulent centerpieces, it’s hard not to smile when you come across one of Daisy’s posts. This flourishing feed is an instant mood booster.

What products do you supply?

My most popular products are my individual candles which are available in a number of scents. I also have gift boxes that can be personalised with custom labels and names on the box itself. At this stage this is all of my range, however reed diffusers and melts might be added at a later stage. It’s important not to overwhelm people with too many choices.

Where did you get the inspiration for your name?

It’s completely personal. Grace is my sisters middle name, Marie is my middle name and both names go back to our grandparents and great grandparents. I wanted the brand to be personal, coming from the heart; I wanted the name to show how much love and devotion goes into every aspect of this brand.

What sets you apart from other candle businesses?

One of the main things is that I make everything myself. I hand pour all the candles at home and I design all the labels. I’m also trying to make the brand as environmentally friendly as possible, with all packaging being recyclable I limit plastic use.

The soy wax is 100% natural and the oils are also environmentally friendly; they aren’t tested on animals, and are made in Australia. Another thing is that I’m trying to reduce waste, so I offer refills for returning customers and clients, who receive a discount when they return used Grace & Marie jars.

What’s your all-time favourite candle scent?

If I’m going for a sweet scent, vanilla caramel always tops the list, or if it’s a fruity one it’s a tie between Grapefruit, Lime & Coconut; or Coriander & Orange.

Whether it’s to create a certain mood, leave a room filled with wonderful aromas or to create a calming environment, ‘Grace & Marie’ candles aim to bring a little love, calm and light to your life.

You can find Grace & Marie online at www.graceandmariecandles.com

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@asdaisydoes

Our Fave Creative Businesses in the Region Regional Victoria is one damn creative space, and if you’re in need of further proof, just have a look at what the region has to offer. These are a few of our favourite creative instagrammers you should definitely be checking out...

Kissy @feelingkissy Kissy is the Geelong-made, boutique accessory brand by designer Amie Hall, and is all about handmade fashion pieces with bold uses of colour and pattern. If you’re after a splash of colour to your feed, this is one page you are going to adore...

Oh, and the earrings are stunning as well!

Rex & Ross Barber Shop @rexnrossbarber Is there anything more satisfying than seeing a fresh skin fades, razor parting or buzz cuts? We don’t think so! Barbering is a timeless art that should be celebrated by men everywhere and Geelong’s Rex & Ross Barber Shop are one of our fave hair-cutting heroes. You’ll be treated to barbershop candids, end results, the occasional Harley Davidson and the right amount of inspiring quotes – plus it’s a pretty good reference if you’re

Cactus Clothing @cactusclothing Founded by Thomas Grigg, Cactus Clothing Co. is a Geelong-based local label representing a unique take on modern surf and street wear.

Being the local go-to for all things street, it’s no surprise that their Instagram is the holy grail for some laidback streetwear aesthetics. Featuring a good sprinkling of street and surf themed shots and some trendy lads, you’re sure to be inspired.

How You See It Art @hysi_art Mandy Dollery is the local artist is best known for her quirky characters and custom pet portraits! Working with acrylic on canvas, pen and ink on watercolour paper, resin on plywood and posca pen on surfboards, Mandy has a quirky fun style that shines through each individual art piece.

Whether you love a bit of visual arts inspiration or you just enjoy really fun pet portraits, this is the instagram feed for you! If you need more convincing, it’s also not uncommon to scroll past a super cute little Dachshund painting... amazing. @hysi_art

Music to your ears - literally, thanks to Cochlear More than 3.6 million Australians are suffering from some form of hearing loss, but many will wait months or even years before seeking professional help. To try and shorten the time it takes for people to take action, Cochlear has launched a content series featuring new audio tool, Hearprint, to raise awareness of the impact and prevalence of hearing impairment in Australia.

We chat to Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Sydney Jennie Brand-Miller who took the concept of the Glycaemic Index to the world after living with progressive hearing loss for more than 20 years.

Hi Jennie, thanks for chatting to us! Jennie, you said that being fitted with a Cochlear implant was a pivotal moment in your career.

Can you give people who don’t know a little overview of how the Cochlear implant works?

This is my lay person’s understanding. In a normal ear, the little

Gazing Skywards At The Violet Precipitation WRITTEN BY SAM YOUNG

The colour purple is often associated with royalty. Purple is also a strong force that can represent creativity, peace, grandeur and magic.

So it naturally made sense that Prince and his unique charisma was drawn to all things purple.

Andrew De Silva has been involved in the music scene since he was a teenager. Learning the ropes in the early nineties with R’n’B outfit, CDB. A different time to be a musician. He had to take an unscheduled hiatus in 1998. He never lost his passion or focus and returned to the music scene with plenty of ambition.

You may remember him from winning Australia’s Got Talent back in 2012. It was here that he was able to showcase his unique style and find his voice again.

Knocking down doors in the process.

Andrew had been singing Prince songs all his working life in bands. One month before Prince passed away, Andrew was performing in Albury. When the news came through that Prince had joined the great gig in the sky in April of 2016, the show took on a whole different meaning. He wanted to keep his music alive. The show is about friendship. Prince was about the music and the musicianship. It has always been about the music.

He began to round up Australia’s best musicians that he had the pleasure of sharing the stage with over the past twenty years. They also happened to be massive Prince fans. The crew spoke about putting on a purple revolution show on a bigger scale with more

hair cells in the cochlear (a snail-like organ in our ear) covert sound waves into electrical signals that travel up the auditory nerve to the auditory cortex, the part of the brain that interprets sound and language.

Unfortunately, in a deaf ear, the hair cells have lost their functionality.

A cochlear implant replicates the job of converting sound waves into electrical signals using an electrode implanted in the cochlear. It also processes sound waves so that language is clear and annoying environmental noise is minimised.

How are Cochlear implants different and arguably better then hearing aids?

Unlike hearing aids, which simply turn up the volume for all sounds around the wearer, Cochlear implants accommodate an individual’s unique hearing needs by recalibrating their ears to the world around them to restore their hearing. They are able to compensate for damaged parts of the inner ear, and work to provide effective, long-term solutions for people with moderate to profound hearing loss.

It’s been said that our hearing is as unique as our fingerprint, with everyone hearing the world differently. Is there an easy way people can discover more about their own hearing?

purple in the air. Not a moment of hesitation passed.

They all agreed. Roll out the purple carpet.

The first show after Prince left us earthlings, the band put on a hugely emotional show. The crowd loved it. Andrew feels that the difference between this show and some other tribute shows is that they aren’t trying to be like him, or imitate him in any way. It’s just great musicians with the love of the artist.

It takes Andrew back to 1989. The first time he witnessed his raw energy live. This was a time where Prince had just put out the soundtrack for the amazing movie that was, BATMAN. The Batdance was taking over the streets and happy pants were in vogue. He was wondering how does one man play all these different instruments. Looking at him as some kind of genius.

Leaving that concert with a realisation that his music makes you feel really good. He brings people together.

It was a strange feeling remembering that concert as he was living in the latest moment. 2016 saw Prince take his Little Red Corvette for a trip up north to see David Bowie waiting for him at the door. Prince nearly came back to earth after Leonard Cohen joined them.

Whispering to Prince ‘That’s No Way To Say Goodbye’ in his ear. Sir George Martin, producer extraordinaire, thought it was a great opportunity let Prince know he had some friends he’d like to introduce him to.

Prince once turned up late to Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival back in 2008. In typical rock star style, he arrived in a helicopter. The small man, draped in purple walks out. Grabs a white guitar and begins a riff that goes for thirty minutes. The crowd is in awe. That is Prince.

Andrew has decided his method of transportation to his next venture. One thing for sure is the spirit of Prince will be in the room.

So put on your raspberry beret and get ready to dance when the sky is painted purple and the clouds open up with torrential rain on the first of June and beyond.

When & Where: Purple Revolution: A Tribute to Prince @ Palms At Crown, Melbourne – June 1

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Cochlear has just launched a content series featuring its new audio tool, Hearprint, to raise awareness of the impact and prevalence of hearing impairment in Australia. The audio tool has been designed in consultation with audiologists and sound engineers and works by adjusting audio frequencies through series of user inputs. It is then able to calibrate all online content to its audience’s unique hearing ability. My story has actually been turned into the world’s first piece of content that can be calibrated using the Hearprint tool. It’s pretty cool, I’d really encourage people to give it a go.

Our audience base are great lovers of music, and I know you are too now you are able to enjoy it to its full.

Absolutely! Music was important to me as a child. I had piano lessons and passed Grade 6 exams. My father took me to symphony concerts at Sydney Town Hall. As a teenager in the 1960s, I loved pop music, especially the Beatles. But as my hearing loss progressed, I gradually lost interest in listening for enjoyment. Music came back to me soon after I had my second implant. I found a very marked difference between having one versus two implanted ears... like chalk and cheese, especially when it came to music. Now I adore listening to all the music that I missed out on – all sorts, from jazz to classical. Spotify is a godsend and my favourite way to relax.

More than 3.6 million Australians are suffering from some form of hearing loss, but many will wait months or even years before seeking professional help. How does Hearprint hope to encourage people to seek professional help?

It’s really important to swallow your ego and see a professional as soon as you notice that you are not hearing as well as you used to. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to make the adjustment. You get used to a quiet world. If the brain is not stimulated, the nerve pathways wither (use it or lose it). Research also shows that our mental performance also declines as a result of not hearing/not understanding what is being said. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression. We don’t hesitate to get glasses when our vision declines. We need to apply the same reasoning to hearing loss.

It is wonderful that Cochlear have made this accessible to everyone, and for free. Where should people go to access this great tool?

Anyone can discover their unique Hearprint and watch my story in full at www.hearprint.com You are making a huge difference to people lives, I’m sure this will benefit a lot of our readers, thank you so much for chatting to us Jennie!

Discover your unique Hearprint and watch Jennie’s story in full at www.hearprint.com

Revival Records

the music industry has experience of late – in the best possible way.

Vinyl lands in Port Fairy

You’ll find everything from David Bowie, The Beatles, Midnight Oil, Gene Simmons to Black Sabbath, Meat Loaf and Pink Floyd, among many many other talented artists and bands.

If you’re lucky, they also have quality secondhand turntables occasionally in stock, perfect for those wanting to kick-start their vinyl love but not spend a ridiculous fortune.

There really is nothing quite like listening to music on vinyl. There’s a reason the format has hung on after all these years, despite being bulky and expensive. Revival Records celebrates this appreciation and unlike digital music sites, the team take serious time to assess the stock and in turn provide their customers with exactly what they are looking for.

D O YO U E N J OY A N E A R N E S T R I F L E T H RO U G H V I N Y L? D O YO U C R AV E T H AT S E N S E O F S AT I S FACT I O N YO U GET WHEN HOLDING THE REAL DEAL IN YOUR HANDS? IS FIGHTING FOR THE LAST COPY OF SOMETHING, RATHER THAN BEING AMONGST THOUSANDS OF DOWNLOADERS, SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO? Well Port Fairy have the perfect place for you.

Opening at the beginning of March this year, Revival Records is the small but unassuming record haven, and the passion project of Portland couple Ross and Rhonda Colley.

After years guaranteeing customers a massive selection of vinyl records in Hobart and Cairns, the couple returned to the south-west and so brought their passion to Port Fairy.

Stocking everything from pre-loved vinyl records, CD’s, DVD’s, books, sheet music to prints and merchandise, the suitably named Revival Records is a clear reflection of vinyl resurgence

Whether you’re young and new to the format, or you’re a bit older and have always collected vinyl, this is one shop you should check out.

Revival Records is located in shop 3, 27 Sackville Street, Port Fairy.

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REVIEWS

FILMS REVIEWED BY ANTHONY MORRIS

THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE

CARGO

LIFE OF THE PARTY

TULLY

CHAPPAQUIDDICK

Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki’s latest deadpan comedy tackles the big issues: refugees, racist violence, running a restaurant. Travelling shirt salesman Waldemar (Sakari Kuosmanen) is fed up with his life. He leaves his wife, sells off his shirt stock, gambles at a high stakes poker game and uses his winnings to buy a shabby restaurant. Meanwhile, Khaled (Sherwan Haji) arrives by sea and promptly turns himself into claim asylum. He’s a Syrian refugee looking for his sister, and when the Finnish government denies his claim he escapes from the detention centre, lives on the streets, and is found by Waldemar, who gives him a job. Sympathetic to his plight, the restaurant crew help him with forged papers while he continues his search, but will he find his sister before the police – or racist thugs – track him down? It’s a warm, funny, but always clear-eyed look at the struggle refugees (and those sympathetic to them) face. It’s also Kaurismäki’s funniest film in ages.

It’s zombie time in the West Australian outback, and for Andy (Martin Freeman), partner Kay (Susie Porter) and their infant daughter Rosie, slowly drifting downriver on a houseboat seems like the best way to avoid the creatures roaming the bush. But when a string of events leaves Andy a solo parent and infected, he has just forty eight hours to find a safe place for his daughter.

And with the countryside filled with flesh-eating monsters (these zombies have faces covered in a honey-like goo and they bury their heads in the ground when not hunting) and the surviving humans killing the infected on sight, he’s got his work cut out for him. This sombre film’s main plot follows a long trend for slow burn zombie films (anyone remember the recent Schwarzenegger film Maggie?), but the real appeal is the post zombie apocalypse outback, where the surviving whites are already planning for the next stage of exploiting the land (fracking may have released the infection), while the indigenous community are culling the zombies and finding a way to make a new start – aside from Thoomi (Simone Landers), a young girl on her own quest to try and save her own infected father. It’s a smart, sometimes shocking film that’s a worthy addition to the crowded zombie field.

When she’s dumped by her husband two minutes after they drop their daughter off at college, Deanna Miles (Melissa McCarthy) bounces back fast.

Unfortunately her method of bouncing back is to sign up for college alongside Maddie (Molly Gordon) and finally get her degree in archeology. Deanna’s good-natured but cloying efforts to be “one of the gals” soon makes her the center of attention, especially among Maddie’s somewhat quirky peers; clearly there’s going to be big trouble ahead. But this film – a reworking of the 80’s Rodney Dangerfield classic Back to School so bland it’s hard to figure out why they bothered – is so determined to avoid any trace of drama or conflict it feels like all involved would rather be making some kind of “you can do it!” inspirational text for middle aged women looking to restart their lives. The mother-daughter friction promised by the set-up never materialises, no-one has any problem with a mature-age student basically taking over the campus, while both the classroom drama (it turns out Deanna’s not great at giving presentations) and some minor sorority hassles are barely speed bumps in her relentless victory march towards a big party. If only they’d bothered to throw in a few jokes.

Marlo (Charlize Theron) is nine months pregnant, which would be enough to deal with even if she didn’t already have two kids – “quirky” son Jonah (Asher Miles Fallica) and daughter Sarah (Lia Frankland) – and a husband (Ron Livingston) who works hard but doesn’t help out much around the house. Her well-off brother Craig (Mark Duplass) has a suggestion: they hired a night nanny to take some of the strain with their kids, and he’s happy to help them pay the costs. Marlo isn’t impressed until her third child is born, everything gets harder, she’s not sleeping, and before she knows it she’s called the number and Tully (Mackenzie Davis) is at the door. She’s a wonder, getting everything sorted in no time. She’s also a bit of a free spirit, in a way that makes Marlo realise how much she’s left behind for her current life, and… well, in some ways that’s pretty much it for Tully. Writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman (Juno, Young Adult) focus on really nailing the grind of motherhood and Theron is brilliant as a woman worn down by exhaustion, but story-wise this largely spins its wheels until a conclusion that makes the film less that it might have been.

Unlike Cody and Reitman’s previous collaborations, this isn’t essential.

After the deaths of John and Bobby

RECORD WATCH

TALIA

Courtney Barnett - Tell Me How You Really Feel

THE AMITY AFFLICTION - This Could Be Heartbreak.

NATHAN

Milk! Records / Remote Control

THRICE - Beggars.

The much anticipated second solo album since 2015’s successful debut Sometimes I Sit And Think.... On first listen you can tell Courtney has taken her time and perhaps even struggled with this one. Tell Me How You Really Feel starts with the melancholy ‘Need A Little Time’ then onto the rockier single ‘City Looks Pretty’ Featuring guest vocals by Kim & Kelley Deal (The Breeders) on ‘Crippling Self-Doubt’ and a ‘General Lack of Confidence’. It’s certainly a darker offering. Put it this way, there’s no songs about the benefits of buying organic vegetables. But still great lyrics nonetheless.

STAFF PICKS

JOSH KARNIVOOL - Sound Awake.

LAUREN ARCTIC MONKEYS - Favourite Worst Nightmare.

For fans of The Breeders, Kurt Vile and Jen Cloher.

Available from Prehistoric Sounds Warrnambool

GLENN

& The Amazing Mill Markets Newcomb

BEHERIT -The Oath Of Black Blood.

AURORE MAY THURS 24: 11.00AM, 6.30PM, 8.15PM; FRI 25: 3.15PM, 7:15PM; SAT 26: 2.00PM, 6.00PM; SUN 27: 12:45PM, 2.30PM, 6.15PM; MON 28: 1.30PM, 5.30PM, 7.30PM; TUES 29: 2.00PM, 6.30PM, 8.15PM; WED 30: 11.00PM, 8.15PM

AURORE FUNDRAISER MAY WED 30: 6.30PM

DEATH OF STALIN MAY TUES 15: 11.00AM, 8.00PM; WED 16: 11.00AM; THURS 17: 8PM; FRI 18:

3.00PM; SAT 19: 5.15PM; MON 21: 1.00PM; TUES 22: 3.00PM; WED 23: 11.00AM; FRI 25: 1.00PM; SAT 26: 8.00PM

ISLE OF DOGS MAY THURS 17: 1.30PM, 6.00PM; FRI 18: 11.00AM, 7.15PM; SAT 19: 3.00PM, 7.30PM; SUN 20: 1.30PM, 8.00PM; MON 21: 6.00PM, 8,00PM; TUES 22: 11.00AM, 7.30PM; WED 23: 1.30PM, 6.00PM. THURS 24: 4.30PM; FRI 25: 5.15PM, 9.15PM. SAT 26: 4.00PM; SUN 27: 8.00PM; MON 28: 3.30PM; WED 30: 4.30PM

LOVELESS MAY TUES 15: 1.30PM; WED 16: 1.15PM; THURS 17: 11.00AM; FRI 18: 9.15PM; SUN 20: 11.00AM; MON 21: 3.30PM; WED 23: 8.00PM; MON 28: 11.00AM; TUES 29: 4.00PM;

MET OPERA 201718 SEASON: COSÌ FAN TUTTE MAY SAT 26: 10.00AM; TUES 29: 10.00AM

THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE MAY TUES 15: 4.00PM; WED 16: 4.00PM, 6.00PM; THURS 17: 3.40PM; FRI 18; 5.15PM;

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

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SAT 19: 11.00AM, 9.30PM; SUN 20: 3.40PM; MON 21: 11.00AM; TUES 22: 1.00PM; WED 23: 3.40PM; THURS 24: 2.30PM; FRI 25: 11.00AM; SUN 27: 4.15PM; WED 30: 12.45PM

THE SONG KEEPERS MAY TUES 15: 6.00PM; FRI 18: 1.00PM; SAT 19: 1.00PM; SUN 20: 6.00PM; TUES 22: 5.30PM; THURS 24: 12.45PM; SUN 27: 11.00AM; WED 30: 2.45PM

SONG KEEPERS - FUNDRAISER MAY WED 16: 8.00PM

Kennedy, the spotlight – and many Americans political hopes – shifted to the last surviving brother, senator Teddy Kennedy (Jason Clarke). His presidential aspirations were sunk in mid-1969 when he crashed a car into a lake at Chappaquiddick, fled the scene, gave conflicting reports of what happened, didn’t report to police for 12 hours and then engaged in a massive cover-up that, among other things, made it unclear as to whether his young female passenger in the car – Mary Jo Kopechne (Kate Mara) - had died in the crash or had drowned while the senator wandered around. With a lot of conflicting facts to work with (Kennedy’s post-crash behaviour makes next to no sense), director John Curran never tries to “solve” the mystery of what Kennedy was thinking or planning, and barely tries to nail down his personality beyond him being under enormous pressure (that he didn’t ask for) and somewhat less competent than he assumes, which leads to some quality comedy later on as the highpowered cover-up constantly unravels.

Clarke’s sad, wistful performance makes Kennedy a sympathetic, sometimes pitiful man despite his massive incompetence and a possibly callous disregard for the woman he killed. This lays out all the facts, yet the mystery remains.

Forte’s top five acts from Groovin’ The Moo 2018

With live vocalists, playing everyone’s favourites, and of course their new track, ‘Need You’, it was hard not to get caught up in their live synths. Not forgetting their roots and how they came to be, remixes of covers were also thrown into the night, with the crowd loving every minute of it!

The duo also unveiled their brand-new song, ‘All Your Love’ featuring Dustin Tebbutt, for the very first time with Tebbutt playing acoustics live.

Announcing that they were “shitting themselves” to play this for the crowd, they went ahead, and of course nailed it! Seriously, what can’t these guys do?

Coming back for their well-deserved encore, the duo ended with what was everyone’s favourite, ‘Crave You’, leaving their audience on a high and only wanting more.

Sounds like this short tour was just the warm up to oil the cogs, with the duo announcing that they’ll be back during the year with something even bigger! Don’t miss your chance to see them on their next tour.

Written by Helena Metzke And there was sun! Hallelujah. That’s right, Bendigo

the mid-afternoon.

Pavey left the audience basking in the good vibes and energy needed to kick on into the remainder of the groove.

3. The Amity Affliction – The Amity Affliction is an Australian metalcore band from Gympie, Queensland, who has truly captured our hearts and tugged at the strings since forming in 2003.

absolutely turned it on with the sunshine at this year’s

The boys took to the Cattleyard stage just after 3pm,

Groovin’ The Moo festival. For my fellow well-seasoned

which appeared to be just the right time to take the energy

Groovin’ veterans, it will be known that sunshine and

at the Moo up a notch or two. Fans of the band flocked to the

Groovin’ the Moo – particularly at the Bendigo leg of the

stage to get their daily dose of heavy – and that they did. It

festival – don’t tend to go in the same sentence, so it

wasn’t long before the band’s leads Birch and Stringer were

feels necessary that this rare and wonderful occurrence

calling to the crowd for a circle pit – and it can confidently

is acknowledged and appreciated.

be said that the crowd indeed delivered.

Weather aside, this year’s Groovin’ the Moo brought

If any one band on the day had the audience screaming

with it yet another impressive lineup of both national

back their lyrics word for word, it was well and truly Amity.

and international acts. Known for its diversity in its

2. Grinspoon – Grinspoon is an Australian rock band

featured acts, this year was no different, making the

from Lismore, New South Wales. Having formed in 1995, it

task of picking a top five somewhat challenging.

was perhaps one of the more anticipated acts of the day, as

Never one to say no to a challenge though – and after careful consideration and deliberation – Forte’s

Flight Facilities: The Return Flight Tour

Pavey’s sheer vocal talent, and tracks which feature more sonic elements, the performance was the perfect lead into

the desire for nostalgic tunes which remind us of younger days and simpler times, cannot be denied.

top five acts from Groovin’ The Moo 2018 are as follows:

As the sun set on the Prince of Wales Showgrounds and

5. Baker Boy – Baker Boy, otherwise known as Denzal

punters reached for their jackets, for a moment we might

Baker, is an up and coming artist who was raised in the remote

have been concerned about the inevitable forthcoming chill

areas of the Northern Territory. He is the first indigenous

that would set over Bendigo come night fall; that was until

rapper to rap in Yolngu Matha language (representative of his

Grinspoon brought the heat with their set on the Triple J

Arnhem Land bloodlines) to break out into the mainstream.

stage.

The second act for the day to take to The Cattleyard

Grinspoon delivered a true spectacle for audiences – one

stage, it was barely midday, yet Baker Boy still managed to

that threw it all the way back to the ‘90s, sped it up to current

bring with him an unparalleled energy. A true performer, he

day, then threw all the way back again. If a bucket list band

incorporated a series of impressive raps and dance moves into

on the lineup were to be named, it would without a doubt

Where: 170 Russell, Melbourne

his set, which had the crowd jumping in unison regardless

be Grinspoon.

When: Tuesday May 1 2018

of the hour.

Reviewed by Patricia Bove If you were one of the lucky ones who managed to score a ticket to one of Flight Facilities ‘The Return Flight’ (very few intimate concerts) then you’ll know just how amazing it was! Performing at 170 Russell Street in Melbourne, the electronic producer duo that is Hugo Gruzman and Jimmy Lyell had a sold-out Melbourne show, performing only to those who managed to get a one-way ticket to their flight.

1. Duke Dumont – Adam George Dyment, commonly

Baker Boy sincerely is the definition of a multi-talented

known by his stage name Duke Dumont, is a British musician,

artist, who has a clear goal to inspire younger generations to

songwriter, DJ and record producer. Taking to the Moolin

embrace their culture, as well as become leaders within their

Rouge stage toward the end of the night, at 8.30pm, Dyment

communities – and boy, does he know how to work a crowd!

brought the party like no other.

4. Vera Blue – Vera Blue, also known as Celia Pavey, is

Wandering through genres of Deep House, Tech House

a Sydney-based singer-songwriter who has taken the music

and Nu-disco, he had the crowd in a steady heave as he

scene by storm since emerging. Talk about Lady Powers! The

delivered hit after hit, until we experienced our first cannon

fiery redhead hit the Moolin Rouge stage at 1.20pm and she

drop of wondrous confetti for the night. That paired with the

absolutely lit the crowd up.

With a set list which danced back and forth (quite literally – the girl has moves!) between intimate tracks which expose

big tunes, the incredible lighting show and the vibe that was in the air, made for a set which punters wished would never end (until our feet began to give out, of course).

PARKWAY DRIVE

BONES AND JONES

THE GLITCH MOB

TESSERACT

Reverence

Living Given

See Without Eyes

Sonder

Resist Records/ Cooking Vinyl Australia

Rinsed Records

Glass Air Records

Kscope

Reviewed by Alex Callan

Reviewed by Alex Callan

Reviewed by Phoebe Bernard

Reviewed by Alex Callan

The most impressive facet of Parkway Drive’s discography is their sheer ability to consistently create unique soundscapes that no one else in Australia is doing. Now embracing more of a European stadium metal sound, Parkway have yet again shattered the expected illusion of what they ‘should’ sound like.

Opening with ‘Wishing Wells,’ Reverence delivers ten entirely diverse and complex tracks that as a lifelong PWD fan left me shocked in the best possible way. With ‘Pray’ delivering an earth shattering breakdown and ‘In Blood’ being the dose of vintage Parkway that old school fans will flock too, it’s songs such as ‘I Hope You Rot’ that truly highlight the unique new sound that PWD have mastered.

Tracks such as ‘Absolute Power’ and ‘Shadow Boxing’ showcase more of a ‘nu-metal’ sound, with Winston McCall’s vocals varying from everything to screaming, singing and rapping. ‘Chronos’ highlights the extent of their sonically huge sound with visceral guitar shredding throughout the 6-minute epic whilst ‘The Colour Of Leaving’ does the opposite, being the slowest and quite possibly the most emotional song the band has ever written. Reverence is an absolute triumph of an album and shows just how much Parkway is still on top of the game.

After seeing Bones and Jones shred the stage at When you can understand the music without any last years QMF, it was such an exciting surprise when context - no words - just feeling the sound, it becomes they announced their debut album, Living Given, and more than sound and more than feeling.. like a build up. let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Living Given Then it has to release through the individual instrumental highlights exactly what Bones and Jones are as a band, because it’s beyond seeing and hearing them. the perfect reminder of what has previously come Enter, See Without Eyes. A mix of electronic voices, through Geelong’s local scene contrasted with their and sounds; grating, vibrations, deep rooted and unique style that can only act as an indication of where purposeful. The swirling of soft and deep, constant the scene is heading. effervescing levels, textures that are heard, and felt. Each With a sound reminiscent to The Frowning Clouds, track has a different vibration. A different emotion, and Living Given gives listeners 11 varying songs that work different theme. They all connect inadvertently with incredibly well as a whole. From the mellow psych vibes situations and thoughts that cannot be labeled. of ‘Dissipate’ and ‘Tookems’ to the bluesy harmonica The Glitch Mob are a trio from L.A and are the on ‘Wasting Time’, Living Given is truly a diverse album masterminds behind this art. They combine remixing that aims to capture a range of influences on the band, with electronic, permeating the soul with each second. leaving them open to go in any direction they want for Moving the songs forward effortlessly towards a brilliant album number two. drop. The vocals are an asset that travels through the Rounding off with the beautifully melancholic ‘I’m space between the outlet, and everything being sung, On My Way’, Living Given truly exceeds being a good is said with a precise purpose. With such precision its album by a local band, and instead is just a great album almost sharp. Tracks like ‘How Do I Get Invincible’, and in general. If Living Given is any indicator, Bones and ‘Keep on Breathing’, are softer variations of the electronic.

Jones have an incredibly impressive future ahead of They electrify and entice with every single beat. them, so check them out while you can. They’ll be This atmosphere continues through the entire album, performing at Geelong’s Barwon Club on June 2. and each song enticing with its own right. Everything you hear, is exact and sounds to clean to be real. It’s ignorable, and indescribable. Listeners need to be remind to “keep on breathing” while listening to this mix.

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Returning for their fourth full length LP, UK’s progressive metal juggernauts TesseracT have proven yet again just how beautiful metal music can be. As with many progressive metal albums, Sonder is extremely thematic, with the seven songs flowing seamlessly into one another contrasting sounds of elegance with very sinister undertones.

From the visceral opening of ‘Luminary’, listeners are thrown into a well of technical off-kilter riffs and disorientating atmospherics all blended together with Dan Tompkins incredible vocal range. One of things that really highlight the technical skill of TesseracT is their sheer ability to know when to ease off. It’s so common to come across prog-metal acts who try to highlight nothing but technicality, but it seems that TesseracT have enough confidence with their musical ability to know when technicalities are better left out.

As seen with the almost trip-hop ‘Orbital’ being the interlude for the mind-bending ‘Juno’, TesseracT don’t just make impressive songs, they make entire albums. Sonder is not an album that you can simply skim over; it is instead an album that requires your utmost attention so that you can fully embrace how unique it is. If you are a fan of any progressive metal acts, Sonder is one you absolutely have to check out.

Catch TesseracT at 170 Russell in Melbourne on September 14.

33

POP

WRITTEN BY ANTHONY MORRIS

There’s a lot riding on the shoulders of Deadpool 2. That seems odd to say considering no-one really expected the first Deadpool to be all that big of a hit and it’s not like there’s been much of a shortage of superhero movies over the last decade anyway.

But with the prospect of a Disney takeover of rival studio Fox – home of a handful of Marvel comics properties, including the failed Fantastic Four films and the X-Men movies and their spin-offs (Logan, Deadpool) - and the other major superhero franchise in Warner’s DC titles struggling aside from Wonder Woman, it may not be too long before superhero movies at the cinema reflect what’s on comic book shelves: two main companies and not a lot else. Which is a problem, because one of those companies (DC) can’t seem to get their movies to work and the other (Marvel) seems to have thrown away a lot of the goodwill generated by their last few films with an Avengers movie that has failed to satisfy a lot of people for a lot of different reasons.

The relevant complaint here is that the most recent Avengers movie feels a little too much like a disdainful cash grab, the kind of power move a studio makes when they know you’re going to be coming along for the ride so they can focus entirely on what they want to give you – a series of advertisements promoting characters they’ll be putting into future movies where audiences can but hope they get to do something slightly more interesting. It’s been a reminder that Disney has always been a company with both eyes on the marketing prize, and the moment they think that marketing and storytelling are in conflict storytelling is heading out the door. Which is a concern, because at the moment they’re leading the superhero market, and the superhero market is what’s keeping Hollywood ticking over.

Avengers: Infinity War has already made a billion dollars and it’s barely a movie in any conventional sense; if Marvel decides that the thing that’s making them all the money is simply smashing popular characters together, then that’ll be the movies we get for the next decade. But the surprise success of the first Deadpool showed that superhero movies with old-fashioned virtues – characters, jokes, memorable action, a halfway decent story – could also bring in the crowds. And that’s why Deadpool 2 is so important.

If it fizzles out, then the first one was a fluke and we can all go back to figuring out ways to make superhero movies more like watching three hours of commercials.

If it’s a hit – and more importantly, if it’s the kind of hit that has people leaving the cinemas glad they saw it – then it means there’s room for a variety of approaches to superheroes beyond the mighty Marvel movie manner. Which is important for movies in general, because while having maybe ten superhero movies come out a year doesn’t sound like much, when those ten movies make up 80% of the conversation about movies, they really need to mix things up a little or movies themselves are going to seem kind of boring.

And with everything else out there competing for our attention, “boring” just isn’t going to cut it.

PULP

WRITTEN BY ALASTAIR MCGIBBON

So, here we are again, folks – another week, another world-ending crisis, and another Pulp facing you down like a rampaging Thanos a finger-snap away from the end of the universe. It really is a great time to be a comics fan – there’s some seriously great content going around at the moment, and our favourite Marvel characters are going great guns on the silver screen, with plenty more to come. Speaking of great content, I’ve got a cracker of a book to talk about this week – Curse Words volume 1, The Devil’s Devil, written by one of my new favourite authors, Charles Soule (Daredevil, SheHulk) and drawn by Ryan Browne (God Hates Astronauts).

New York City has just been turned on its head. A wizard has appeared in Central Park brandishing tremendous magical powers, and he proclaims that he’s going to save humanity from the dark force that threatens them all.

The problem? That “dark force” is his boss, and he’s meant to destroy the world. His name is Wizord, and he intends to show everyone that he’s the best wizard of all time – if only so he has somewhere to hang out that’s not a blasted hellscape. Unfortunately, Wizord’s former master has become aware of his new philanthropic lifestyle, and is pretty peeved about his apparent failure to destroy the world. Things are going to get worse before they get better, but Wizord’s pretty sure he’s got things handled – as long as no-one finds out the truth.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with Curse Words. I thought it could’ve been pretty average, but once I realised Charles Soule was at the helm, I was sold. Soule has quickly become a favourite of mine – I loved his run on She-Hulk a while back (despite its often piss-poor artwork), and his later run on Daredevil was pretty darn great as well. Who’d have thought that an ex-lawyer could write some excellent legal-centric superheroes?

But I digress. Wizord’s rogueish charm – as well as his excellent sidekick, a talking koala named Margaret (yes, you read that right) – made for a big part of my enjoyment, and while the inevitable magical battles between Wizord and his former allies made up a lot of the story, I had a blast reading about a wizard from another dimension messing around in New York.

If it wasn’t already obvious, Curse Words is a lot of fun. It’s not exactly designed to be a particularly in-depth, dramatic story like some of the other titles I’ve picked up recently – though is certainly has the room to explore that territory in later volumes – and it pretty much goes balls-to-the-wall action from about page 2. I get the impression that while the magical battles will likely continue, there’s going to be more serious consequences once the truth about Wizord’s presence on our earth starts to come out, and I think it’d be a treat to see how he’d try to weasel out of taking responsibility.

All things considered, I can’t actually think of anything I disliked about Curse Words, and that surprises me. There’s nothing that stands out as egregiously bad (not that I expected there to be), but neither is there anything that classifies as a minor gripe. I’m not saying that Curse Words is perfect – I’m sure that I could find something to criticise if I tried hard enough – but I had a blast reading it, and hopefully you will too!

BLUES NEWS

TOO HEAVY TO HUG

SURFBEAT

WRITTEN BY PAUL S. TAYLOR

BY JOHN FOSS

This fortnight I have a couple of things to share. Hot on the heels of the recent Cigar Box Guitar Festival at the Old Hepburn Hotel, Sleepy Hollow Blues Club has two exponents heading to Geelong this month. The band is Salty Dog, from Ballarat Victoria.

The nucleus of this band consists of multi award winning blues artists Steve Plater and Marion Turner, who have been clocking up thousands of ks around Australia since the 1990’s, performing regular shows every week at numerous venues as well as blues festivals in Australia and overseas, scooping up awards from their CD recordings, including the “Australian Blues Chain Awards.”

In Geelong they have also been seen regularly on the Hygeia Blues Cruises.

Steve pulls out some dynamic wicked guitar playing, and his expertise with slide guitar and other string instruments, has gained him recognition as one of Australia’s finest multi instrumentalists, and never ceases to amaze the audience with his performances.

Marion Turner is known for her power house vocals and harmonica, and is a sure crowd pleaser!

Their high energy blues act with a mix of classic rock is complimented with the recent addition of friend Ian Amor, a music colleague of many years in their previous band the Slide Devils.

Ian sits in on vocals and bass guitar (upright bass and cigar box bass). He toured with his own popular blues band “Big Blue” for several years and the rockabilly blues band The Blue Town Kats.

With the addition of Roger Knight on drums, they are sure to keep the groove going with his perfect timing and dynamic drumming! Be prepared to rock your socks off with their hot rockin’ tunes! Steve will have his own awesome sounding cigar box guitar creations and electric guitar collection - he may even have the odd cigar box guitar available for sale at the show!

Now something new for 2018. As winter enters its darkest weeks, Queenscliff is launching the inaugural Low Light Festival, bringing the finest international and local arts and culinary talents in a month-long celebration of all the senses.

The town’s public spaces, galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants will play host to a dazzling array of art exhibitions, film premieres and screenings, spoken word and literary readings and music performances.

Blues performers who will be there include Alister Turrill, Anna Sconti, Dan Sultan, Justin Townes Earle, All Our Exes Live in Texas, plus there will be Sunday Sessions on the Blues Train.

Low Light will also showcase warming meals and restorative drinks in welcoming surrounds. From degustation menus featuring locally foraged ingredients, to wine tastings and whiskey education, there’ll be a series of culinary options to whet every palette. Low Light can be enjoyed as a day trip or as a full weekend away. For those wishing to make a weekend of it, there will be events hosted each Friday through to Sunday, all within easy walking distance of the historic town centre. This winter, come and see Queenscliff in a different light.

Bookmark Salty Dog on May 27, and Low Light from mid June through to mid July.

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

I don’t feel like every year I get much older but with bands commemorating albums past, it’s like every year I’m reminded how old I actually am by bands who wanna celebrate past successes.

Sure I talk about bands remastering and re-releasing shit that’s 10 or 20 years old a lot, some of it welcome, some most unwelcome. It appears Korn’s Follow The Leader will turn 20 years old on August 18 this year and to celebrate their most commercially successful album they’ve teamed up with clothing brand Pleasures to release a line of Korn T-shirts and hoodies. Whilst the designs aren’t that great and the clothing brand is emblazoned across most designs, there’s sure to be many a fan out there who’s what, in their 30’s at least, looking to relive their youth with the disposable income they have now because this shit ain’t cheap.

For the most part I don’t like to wear metal merch or dress like a metalhead but I’m honestly not sure who would proudly wear new Korn merch as a presumably fully functioning adult, presumably with a kid(s), partner and job. Where would anyone wear new designer Korn merch, to their office job on casual Fridays to commit career suicide? Would people wear this stuff to the supermarket? To the pub? All in all, who wants to be seen to be Korn fan in public these days at all? This idea has failure written all over it. And to make things worse, the clothes aren’t even tracksuits!

G A R RY B I R D S A L L … S U R F I N G ARTIST I managed to bump into Garry Birdsall at the Australian Surfing Awards earlier this year. I have admired his artworks for over a decade so it was pretty cool to spend time talking with Garry about surfing, art and his experiences riding big waves at Bells Beach.

Garry is a goofy foot surfer who started surfing in the fifties at Cronulla Beach on Sydney’s southside. In 1961 a photograph of him riding a huge wave at Cronulla Point was used on the cover for The Atlantics hugely popular album BOMBORA. Two years later, Garry travelled down to Bells Beach to compete in the Easter Surfing Contest. Garry came second to Doug Andrew, an amazing effort for a goofy foot surfer during the sixties. The surf was small that Easter weekend but the locals said hang around... it will get bigger!

Garry: “As I drove to Bells Beach I could see big waves were rolling in. I thought to myself ‘Shit it’s big’ but I didn’t know how big. Pulling up the waves were stacked to the horizon… big cold waves marching in from the south. I grabbed my longboard and headed down to the beach and a couple of local surfers were watching and they yelled, ‘You going out?’ I looked around and yelled back ‘Fuck yeah!’

“I got to the sand and looked up at a really huge set rolling through, low tide.

‘Bugger… it looks bigger from the beach, why did I have to go and open my big mouth.’

WRITTEN BY JOHN (DR JOHN) LAMP

Proudly presented by the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club 34

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In other news ++ 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. ++ Candlemass will release their new album House Of Doom 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. ++ Guns N’ Roses will release their massive Appetite For Destruction Locked N’ Loaded re-issue box set with a massive amount of extras on Friday June 29. ++ Machine Head will rock the Forum Theatre on Saturday July 21. ++ Satyricon will tear Max Watts to shreds on Thursday September 6. ++ Tesseract will play 170 Russell on Friday September 14. ++ An Evening With Steven Wilson will take place at the Palais Theatre on Saturday November 10. ++ If you have any news about local metal bands, shows or albums, let THTH know by emailing to tooheavytohug@ hotmail.com or get in touch via Twitter at @TooHeavyToHug

“I waited for a break between sets and paddled out from the beach as fast as I could… but not fast enough. A massive set came thundering into the Bells bowl.

I put my head down and paddled as fast as I could… soon I was paddling up the face of a huge wave that broke as I reached the top. I got thrown backwards by the lip of the wave and got smashed as it broke. I managed to find my board and had to keep paddling out. I’d opened my big mouth on the beach and I had to catch one of those waves!”

Today Garry is a renowned surf artist.

His colourful painted artwork of surfings most iconic vistas (Bells Beach, Byron Bay) evoke memories of a time when surfboards were long and life was simpler.

Recently he has been painting a series of artworks featuring iconic surf life saving clubs around Australia. Once again tapping into surf culture at a historic and social level.

You can find more of Garry’s amazing surf art at www.surfart.com.au

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#fortescenepix

AUCTIONA

P I S T O L PETE

PISTOL PETE

AUCTIONA

PISTOL PETE

PISTOL PETE

B E A VS

BEAVS

B E A VS

BEAVS

PIANO BAR

THE ANGELS

PETE MURRAY

THE WOLFE BROTHERS

FRI 13TH JULY

THU 26TH JULY

SAT 4TH AUGUST

FIND US ON FACEBOOK 36

AUCTIONA

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Penington Institute’s initiative supporting young people at risk of ice use.

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37

GUIDE BLACK HATT: FUNDRAISER WITH

PISTOL PETE’S: MEMPHIS 199TH

BARWON CLUB: DJ PCPS

AMPED: JUDE MCGOVERN

THURS 17TH

VENDETTA AND FRIENDS

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

BEAVS BAR: DAVE ANDERSON

BARWON CLUB: SLOW TURISMO, ZUMA

BRIDGE HOTEL: STONEFIELD

PLATE UP BALLARAT

BLACK HATT: STANKID

BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER

CITY QUARTER BAR: LIVE ACOUSTICS

QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL

AND DJ FROM 4PM

BLOOM: LIVE DJ

THE SPHINX: CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH

CITY QUARTER BAR: LIVE ACOUSTICS

WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: 90S TV

AND DJ FROM 4PM

SHOW THEMED TRIVIA

THE EASTERN: WINTER’S EVE

BENDIGO HOTEL (MELB): AGAMAS, DROVA, BACKYARD MAFIA, ONE WEEK MORE THE DECK: SLOPPY’S TRIVIA THE EASTERN: HAP HAYWARD’S GUILTY PLEASURES EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ KAROVA LOUNGE: DZ DEATHRAYS PISTOL PETE’S: JOJO RAINWATER PLATE UP BALLARAT QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: SWEETHEARTS SOUL SESSIONS FRI 18TH AMPED: LASH BARWON CLUB: MISS JUNE, BATZ, PUBLIC HIGH, PALEO DISCO BEAVS BAR: JEFF JORDAN BENDIGO HOTEL (MELB): MORTE LONTA, MASSES, ENZYME, SISTEMA, EN DECADENIA, DOVE

THE EASTERN: PRIVATE FUNCTION ‘ROCK IN ROLL’ LP TOUR EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ

HOME HOUSE: MOJI, MIMI ILLUMIN8 FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AND PEACE

PISTOL PETE’S: ANDY PHILLIPS & THE CADILLAC WALK

THE SPHINX: RAK’T THE WORKERS CLUB: AMBERYSE, AME NOIRE, EMECIA (SA), SHOPPING TROLLEY FIST FIGHT SUN 20TH AMPED: NIRVANA TRIBUTE, THE STELE

BRIDGE HOTEL: MIDLIFE ‘PHASE’ LAUNCH

BEAVS: THE ENGAGEMENT, NICK

CITY QUARTER BAR: LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FROM 5PM

TANONE & CITY AT MIDNIGHT

EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJS

BENDIGO HOTEL (MELB): SABBAT, PERSECUTION,

GPAC: ANGUS & JULIA STONE HOME HOUSE: HOMEHOUSE FRIDAYS PARTY WITH DJS ILLUMIN8 FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AND PEACE KAROVA LOUNGE: BAKER BOY THE LOFT: BASS CAMP FT. COMBO! MURPHYS: ABE ANDERSON OLD CASTLEMAINE GAOL: DYLANESQUE PISTOL PETE’S: GERRY JOE WEISE

PISTOL PETE’S: SLATS AND THE THUNDERDOGS PLATE UP BALLARAT QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL FRI 25TH AMPED: PEARL JAM OZ BARWON CLUB: VINTAGE CROP, CIVIC,

BLACK HATT: ALL 4 DARCY BRIDGE HOTEL: PPBR

GROVEDALE HOTEL: GARY THACKRAH

GROVEDALE HOTEL: DELLA

HOME HOUSE: HOMEHOUSE FRIDAYS PARTY WITH DJS

ILLUMIN8 FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AND PEACE

KAROVA LOUNGE: MIDDLE KIDS

PISTOL PETE’S: BLUE SUNDAY

MAJOR TOMS: SKYSCRAPER STAN

PLATE UP BALLARAT

MURPHYS: PAT LOWERY

QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL TUES 22ND

MUSIC MAN MEGASTORE: I, VALLIANCE OLD CHURCH ON THE HILL: LUCIE THORNE & THE YEARLINGS POTATO SHED: YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN PISTOL PETE’S: WES LEE PLATE UP BALLARAT

PISTOL PETE’S: ETHAN FARMER BAND

QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL

AIREYS PUB: JOHN BRAKA

PLATE UP BALLARAT

THE WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: MARK WILKINSON

AMPED: EINSTEINS TOYBOYS

QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL

BARWON CLUB: MIDGETFIST, THE SEQUELS, EDDIE EXAMPLE BEAVS BAR: LUKE BISCAN BENDIGO HOTEL (MELB): SABBAT, DENOUEMENT PYRE, ANATOMY, LORNHAWK & OUTCAST

WED 23RD

SAT 26TH AIREYS PUB: BARBARELLA & THE MISFITS

BEAVS BAR: OPEN MIC, KARAOKE, LUKE BISCAN

AMPED: GROOVE NATION

BLACK HATT: AMBER MIC NIGHT

ANGLESEA MEMORIAL HALL: TIN PAN ORANGE

GPAC: FRANKLY SINATRA

BALLARAT HERRITAGE WEEKEND BANG: I, VALLIANCE

38

PLATE UP BALLARAT PISTOL PETE’S: WAYNE JURY POTATO SHED: BELLARINE DANCE FEST QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL THE SPHINX HOTEL: MR MEANER THEATRE ROYAL: TROPICAL F#CK STORM SUN 27TH AMPED: STANDING ROOM ONLY

BARWON CLUB: CHEAP SKATE SUNDAYS,

BLACK HATT: ACOUSTIC SESH

QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL

MURPHYS: DAYS BY GONE

BEAVS BAR: JEFF JORDAN

EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ

MON 21ST

HOMEHOUSE: LULU, DJ SHOOK

BALLARAT HERRITAGE WEEKEND

LUCIFER, BULLETBELT, ESKLATION

QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL

MARVELLOUS MEDICINE

CEREAL KILLER, SEX ED, LONSTAR

CITY QUARTER BAR: LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FROM 5PM

PLATE UP BALLARAT

SAT 19TH

THE LOST ONES BAR: LUCIE THORNE & THE YEARLINGS

IGNIVOMOUS, CEMETERY URN, METAL

PLATE UP BALLARAT

WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: THE ROLLERCANES

GPAC: RONALD DAHL’S GEORGE’S

THE LOFT: I, VALLIANCE

THE LOFT: A CUP OF GROOVE, ANDREA ROBERTSON

QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL

BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER

GPAC: FRANKLY SINATRA

MURPHYS: FOCK, STOCK + TWO SMOKING BADDIES

PLATE UP BALLARAT

AMPED: GOOD FACES 4 RADIO

CORNER HOTEL: JEREMY LOOPS

MUSIC MAN MEGASTORE: 2 YEARS OF SILENCE

EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ GROVEDALE HOTEL: RACH BRENNAN

BRIDGE HOTEL: MARK WILKINSON

KAROVA LOUNGE: MILDLIFE

BLACK HATT: CORTEN (COVER BAND)

GROVEDALE HOTEL: WILL GARDINER

THURS 24TH

GROVEDALE HOTEL: ABE ANDERSON

FORTE 689

LION ISLAND, COLD HARBOUR BLACK HATT: ACOUSTIC SESH BRIDGE HOTEL: THE YEARLINGS & LUCIE THORNE EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC GROVEDALE HOTEL: STEFFII GPAC: APIA GOOD TIMES TOUR PISTOL PETE’S: LEIGH SLOGGERT DUO PLATE UP BALLARAT QUEENSCLIFFE LITERARY FESTIVAL THE WORKERS CLUB: I, VALLIANCE, EATER OF THE SKY, ICONOCLAST, AMBERYSE, HOLLOW WORLD MON 28TH PLATE UP BALLARAT TUES 29TH POTATO SHED: HUNGRY GHOSTS PISTOL PETE’S: RHYLEY MCGRATH PLATE UP BALLARAT WED 30TH BEAVS BAR: OPEN MIC, KARAOKE, LUKE BISCAN BLACK HATT: AMBER MIC NIGHT PISTOL PETE’S: FENN WILSON PLATE UP BALLARAT

AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2018

TUE 24 july FESTIVAL hall ON SALE NOW!

NEW ALBUM LITTLE DARK AGE OUT NOW

PH: 5278 2911

NEW ALBUM ALWAYS ASCENDING OUT NOW

SPHINXHOTEL.COM.AU FORTE 689

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HEADING TOWARDS A SELL OUT