Forte #693

BALLARAT BELLARINE

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BENDIGO CASTLEMAINE

GEELONG & SURF COAST WARRNAMBOOL

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FREE MAGAZINE

12.07.18 LOCAL PETE MURRAY

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FOOD SWEETGEMS

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ARTS HUNTRESS

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Bloc Party

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$15 ENTRY

DOORS OPEN AT

JUL

40-42 Moorabool St Geelong 2

10PM

03 5222 7333 FORTE 693

Celebrity@homehouse.com.au

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$15 ENTRY

DOORS OPEN AT

JUL

40-42 Moorabool St Geelong

10PM

03 5222 7333 FORTE 693

Celebrity@homehouse.com.au 3

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The Know Feature Story The Loop Local Feature

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Gear Up Feature

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News

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Food

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Creatives

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Reviews

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Columns

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Scenepix

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Gig Guide

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Cheer up. Slow down. Chill out.

This is one motto I am loving at the moment, and it comes all the way from Byron Bay. If you’ve ever been to the coastal town in New South Wales then you would know what I mean. Whether you’re in Byron for a day or a week, you’ll come across carefree people dancing on the sand at sunset, locals strumming and chanting on the esplanade, and psychedelic campervans stuffed with surfboards, guitars and everything you might need to enjoy a decade chilling out on the beach. A town that is truly embracing the Australian haute-boho lifestyle, it’s the ultimate chill-out destination - especially in a time where there’s so much stress, conformity and hard-pressed opinions. As they say in Byron, it’s the vibe, and perhaps one we should be living by.

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

Publisher Furst Media Pty. Ltd.

FREEBIES

Editor Talia Rinaldo

This issue we’ve got two double passes to the Melbourne Guitar Show which is returning to the Caulfield Racecourse this August.

Advertising Josh Dowling

josh@fortemag.com.au

T O EN TE R : For your chance to take part in the celebration of the stringed instrument, with various performances, workshops, lessons and special offers, email your name, your number and the code word ‘GUITAR’ to talia@fortemag.com.au

This issue we have Bloc Party on our cover!

The English rockers are heading down under to perform their iconic debut record Silent Alarm live and in full this November, with four huge shows across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Released in 2005, Bloc Party’s full-length debut became an instant classic with bangers like ‘Helicopter’, ‘Banquet’ and ‘Like Eating Glass’. You won’t want to miss this! Further in this issue, we chat to Melbourne outfit Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, WinterWild’s festival director Roderick Poole, Australian singer, songwriter and pianist Abbey Stone, Melbourne artist Andrew Browne, The Living End’s Chris Cheney and we look at Geelong’s leading colour specialist salon… plus heaps more! We’ve also brought you guys a sweet little sound and music feature with some of the best local resources for musicians with equipment, sound production and recording studios. Remember Forte fam: Cheer Up. Slow down. Chill Out.

General Manager Glenn Lynch

glenn@fortemag.com.au

Editorial Assistant Helena Metzke Art Director Nathan Mossop

artwork@fortemag.com.au

Interns Hannah Kenny, Chloe Cicero, Lauren McKinnon.

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

@b.j.humphrey

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.

Talia and the Forté team xx @sprout_n_bean

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talia@fortemag.com.au

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@theslipperymackerel

OPEN DAY MARKET DAY Sunday 5 August | 11am – 3pm | City Campus Eat

See

Do

Food trucks

Pop-up market

Course information sessions

Sweets stalls

Course area displays and general information

Apply on the day

Barista coffee cart

K rock on-site with give-aways

Talk to teachers and students Competitions

Real skills. Real experience. Real outcomes.

City Campus - 2 Fenwick Street, Geelong thegordon.edu.au | 8373 9193 TAFE 3044

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THE PLEASURE GARDEN ANNOUNCE FIRST CROP OF ARTISTS Are you feeling the winter chills? Here’s something to warm you up! The Pleasure Garden Horticultural Society have planted their first crop of killer party-starters, beat-droppers and hip-hoppers for the festival’s Welcome to Wonderland edition this December. Get ready to warm your hands on some of the hottest acts right now, with the festival featuring Northeast Party House, Sampa The Great, Katchafire, Mad Professor, Nora En Pure, Spoonbill, Stickybuds, Deekline, Haiku Hands, Eva Lazarus, JFB, The Senegambian Jazz Band and Jamie Stevens.

The Pleasure Garden is set to take you on a musical journey this December 8.

INDIE-CON AUSTRALIA IS BACK Indie-Con Australia is back in Adelaide this July (26 & 27) and concentrates on the big issues pressing the independent music scene, and brings together the best and brightest of the industry, discussing everything from partnerships to smart marketing, streaming and indie repertoire and all the independent industry action. Speakers include pioneering indie legend Molly Neuman, Justin West from Secret City Records, Aussie expat Charles Caldas, Director of Legal and Commercial Affairs at WIN Charlie Phillips and Kill Rock Stars’ Portia Sabin. Australian speaker highlights include closing keynote from Hoodoo Gurus’ Dave Faulkner, Dom Alessio speaking from his new home at Sounds Australia, Spotify’s Tom Mee and Alicia Sbrugnera, and Victoria’s new music development office general manager Bonnie Dalton. Peruse the full speakers line-up online.

CHILDISH GAMBINO ANNOUNCES OPEN-AIR 2018 AUSTRALIAN TOUR

LEAPS AND BOUNDS MUSIC FESTIVAL KICKS OFF TOMORROW

Fresh from being announced for Canberra’s Spilt Milk Festival, Childish Gambino - the hip hop project of Donald Glover - has revealed he will make his way around Australia for a headline tour in select major cities. What’s more, he’ll be playing a string of open-air shows. It comes in the wake of his hit single ‘This Is America’ and 2016 album Awaken, My Love, and now with a fourth album expected to drop this year, it looks like Australian audiences will be some of the first to hear brand new music from Childish Gambino. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne - Saturday November 10 - (all ages).

From the Evelyn, to the Corner Hotel, to The Catfish, the annual Leaps and Bounds festival will move into Melbourne venues for a ten days of live music, spoken-word performances and cabaret shows to foster local talent. Tomorrow alone you can catch electronic duo Cosmo’s Midnight, Cash Savage, “dream-punk” locals Porpoise Spit and Melbourne rapper Daniel Elia, while other highlights for the festival includes The Peep Tempel’s Blake Scott, Moon Rituals, Lake Minnetoka, King Parrot, Tangents and Laura Imbruglia. With so many more acts on the books and some wholesome events including Queering the Pitch: Music from Beyond the Binary, Queer. Here. and the annual outdoor Smith Street Dreaming celebration of aboriginal culture and history, it’s going to be a big one.

Leaps and Bounds will be taking place between Friday July 13 and Sunday July 22.

WHAT’S ON

TOYS IN MY DREAMS Joshua Maxwell de Hoog Fri 13 Jul at 6:00pm $FREE ENTRY

THE NOSE THE NOSE Fri 10 & Sat 11 Aug at 7:30pm $35/$25

HUMAN Pascalle Bailey Fri 13 Jul at 6:00pm $FREE ENTRY

ALSO THIS MONTH: A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKS BY GABBY BARNES - WED 25 JULY AT 6:00PM | $FREE ENTRY + GIDDYUP NURSEE! - ONE NIGHT ONLY! FRI 3 AUG AT 7:30PM | $30 & $35 60 Little Malop Street Geelong www.courthouse.org.au courthousearts courthouseyoutharts 8

BOOK NOW WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD ON WWW.COURTHOUSE.ORG.AU OR OVER THE PHONE ON 5224 2815 FORTE 693

MELBOURNE’S DOGAPALOOZA FESTIVAL RETURNS

ANGIE MCMAHON ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER HEADLINE TOUR

Melbourne’s epic ‘Coachella for dogs’ festival

Having secured her status as one of music’s most important new voices across the globe, Angie McMahon is further proving herself with a series of headline dates this September. Since the release of her breakaway debut single ‘Slow Mover’ last year, the singer-songwriter has performed sold-out shows across Australia and the UK, in addition to high profile supports for Father John Misty, Alanis Morissette, The Shins, Angus and Julia Stone and more. Angie has also graced festival stages at St Jerome’s Laneway, Secret Garden, NYE of the Hill and will make her Splendour in the Grass debut this July. With her debut album now in its final stages and new music to be revealed shortly, you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss this. The Forum, Melbourne – September 6.

Dogapalooza is back for another year, after a soldout event last year. Lay about with every friendly doggo in at Burnley Park this November whilst sampling Melbourne’s finest artists, food trucks, and beer purveyors Moon Dog Brewery. Heading the music this year, they’ve got singer-songwriter and producer Hayden Calnin and DJ Lorde Florence Fleetwood on its (all-human) entertainment roster.

It’s not just a day of music fun with your doggos either; all proceeds from the festival will help support a number of doggo and non-doggo charities and organisations, including Oscar’s Law, Puppy Tails, Melbourne Animal Rescue, Greyhound Rescue Victoria, The Orangutan Project, Wildwood Shelter, Andara Wildlife Sanctuary and Little Wild Sanctuary. Early dog tickets are on sale now before full-price tickets go on sale Monday, August 6.

DZ DEATHRAYS ANNOUNCE MASSIVE 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

JOHN FARNHAM TO HEADLINE STELLAR A DAY ON THE GREEN LINEUP

How bloody lovely. Three albums. Two ARIA Awards. 10 years! This September, Queensland duo DZ Deathrays will celebrate their decadelong career with a tour of their biggest headline shows to date with a swathe of friends along for the ride, including Canadian punks PUP, and local acts including Press Club, Yacht Club DJs and Ali Barter. Across their three albums, DZ Deathrays have dropped hit after hit such as ‘Dollar Chills’, ‘Less Out of Sync’ and ‘Guillotine’.

Their most recent album Bloody Lovely, released earlier this year, cemented the rockers’ status as a staple in the Australian music scene, garnering critical acclaim the world over. 10 years of DZ! It’s set to be one for the ages. Catch them at The Forum in Melbourne on September 15.

Whispering Jack may be one of the most successful Australian albums of all time, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a record that is indelibly marked in Australia’s collective consciousness, an album that means so much to so many people. It’s also a record that you can relive this summer when John Farnham performs a special series of a day on the green concerts. Prepare to sing your little heart out to his anthem ‘You’re The Voice’ and other classic Farnhsy jams.

He’ll be joined by fellow Australian legend Daryl Braithwaite, as well as Richard Marx, Russell Morris and Bachelor Girl promising the day will entail a whole lot of reminiscing and singalongs.

A Day On The Green is going down at Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley on Saturday December 8.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday July 13 via Ticketmaster.

FRI 13 JULY:

SAT 14 JULY:

SUN 15 JULY:

SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

ACOUSTIC DUO SET

He’s a dapper gent who’s finger work is reminiscent of a young Hendrix. He’s a funkster, with riff styled acoustic originals and covers. Go on treat yourself.

A multi-instrumentalist and a lively entertainer Andy combines acoustic rhythms, unique sounding vocals and an impressive stomp box to create a unique sound.

Why have one when you can have two? Rach and Liam combine soulful vocals and playful and harmony based acoustic guitars for a killer night out with ya mates.

LEVI ANDERSON

ANDY FORSTER

RACH & LIAM

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GROVEDALEHOTEL FRI 20 JULY:

GARY THACKRAH SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

Gary, one half of The Plaidians, is a seasoned and experienced professional who meshes in a melodic fashion elements of rock, pop and electronica.

SAT 21 JULY:

LUKE BISCAN

SOLO ACOUSTIC SET If you like John Fogarty, Matt Corby, Neil Young, Nirvana, Lana Del Rey and Johnny Cash, you’ll love the vast musical influences of Mr Biscan.

SUN 22 JULY:

CRAIG SAYER

SOLO ACOUSTIC SET

GROVEDALEHOTEL.COM.AU 1300GROVEDALE (1300 476 833)

WEB. PHONE.

Craig has a diverse repertoire and an uncanny knack for playing the perfect song choices for any crowd. Come on down and experience this great local artist.

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Bloc Party to perform debut album ‘Silent Alarm’ in full for 2018 Australian tour Prepare to take things back to 2005 SOUND THE ALARM! FOR ANYONE WHO WAS A FAN OF THE MID 2000S ERA OF INDIE BRIT-ROCK, IT COMES AS GOOD NEWS THAT BRITISH BAND BLOC PARTY ARE TAKING IT BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN, PERFORMING THEIR CLASSIC DEBUT ALBUM SILENT ALARM IN FULL ACROSS AUSTRALIA FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. In the early 2000s, Bloc Party were just four Londoners emerging into a post-Strokes world buzzing with a newly discovered love of angular guitars. Led by Kele Okereke’s emotive lyrics, exploring socio-political themes alongside his own feelings of hopelessness and weariness, alongside the combination of guitars and electronics, Bloc Party drove centimetre perfect incisions into the bedrock of indie song-craft.

It was from here that the band unleashed their eradefining albums in early 2005. Silent Alarm was an immediate hit as it burned up the English and American album charts, inspiring breathless reviews wherever it was heard and even earning Bloc Party a Mercury Prize nomination.

Hit singles from the album, including ‘Banquet’, ‘Helicopter’ and ‘Positive Tension’, truly put Bloc Party’s technicolour ambitions on dazzling display as they joined bands like Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand in ushering in a new generation of English guitar bands to the world.

The album itself was a massive crossover hit with fans of rock and electronic music alike, helped in part by its release on electro producer Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak label, and thus the group quickly became favourites for Australian music fans with three of the group’s tracks making their way into the triple j Hottest 100 that year with ‘Two More Years’ coming in at #23, ‘Helicopter’ at #40 and ‘Positive Tension’ at #45.

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In the months that followed the release of Silent Alarm, the album went on to sell more than 350,000 copies in North America and over a million worldwide. The mighty album has since been heralded as one of the most influential and important of the decade, and despite being thirteen years since its release back in February of 2005, Silent Alarm still sounds as fresh, inventive and emotionally resonant as it did on its first release.

More than just your ordinary garage band; Bloc Party are a band that has left a legacy of scope, vision and incendiary pop songs for their fans to pour over for the past decade since Silent Alarm’s release.

The only thing truly separating the upcoming set from 2005 is the band’s line-up. While Matt Tong’s drumming and Gordon Moakes’ bass lines smash through the Silent Alarm album, they both left the band in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

Now with founding members Russell Lissack and Kele Okereke leading the charge, alongside new members Justin Harris on bass and Louise Bartle on drums, Australia will be given a rare opportunity to experience an album recently described by Complex Magazine as a long-overdue reminder of how urgent and exciting rock could be.

As the sound track for everything from all night raves to desolate breakups, Silent Alarm has earned a special place in the heart of its fans. Arguably, it could be called one of the best albums of all time, and one you won’t want to miss hearing live come November.

When & Where: Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne – November 27. Tickets via Secret Sounds.

To celebrate Bloc Party’s debut on our Aussie shores, Forte’s Chloe Cicero rounded up five of her all time favourite tracks from the English rockers.

Blue Light I remember going to see Bloc Party back in 2013, and this was the only song I knew because it had previously been on the OC… I have no complaints though because this is probably my favourite Bloc Party song. It’s a nice and serene track, on a somewhat restless album. The ambiguous catchy lyrics and hypnotic drum beats leave you wanting more.

Helicopter This is by far the most successful Bloc Party track going around. Somewhat like a rally cry, this song is fresh and inventive with “a classic fucking shit hot riff” according to our designer Nathan (he’s right). Front man Kele Okereke is repeatedly asking listeners ‘are you hoping for a miracle’.

Perhaps we are, and can the miracle can be found throughout this track…?

Ratchet This is a definitely a more ‘out there’ type of song for Bloc Party. Ratchet is a very unique party song, with a frantic math rock beat that makes you want to tear up the upstairs d-floor of Home House. This sarcastic and self-centred track is great to listen to, but really makes no sense at all.

Hunting For Witches Out of all the Bloc Party songs, this one probably has the most-catchy chorus. As well as being a well-structured song, it has influences from the war on terror back in 2005, sending the listener two very different lyrical messages.

Banquet This has to be one of the most pop songs that Bloc Party have done to date. The clever lyrics help make this song super catchy with a great rhythm and fast dance beat. The dual-guitar riff will easily be stuck in your head for weeks.

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B A L L A R AT BELLARINE

BENDIGO CASTLEMAINE

GEELONG & SURF COAST WA R R N A M BOO L

Pete Murray JULY 13TH LUKE BISCAN

JULY 14TH MR MEANER

JULY 20TH JACK WRIGHT

JULY 21ST TRAFFIC JAM

JULY 27TH CAM BRYCE

JUNE 28TH TEE & TWO BAND

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RUNAWAY WITH BELINDA CARLISLE

PISTOL PETE’S There is never a dull moment at Geelong’s Pistol Pete’s. The rest of the month has a lot on offer, but we’ll just focus on a few gigs.

Tomorrow, July 13, welcomes Geoff Achison.

One of Australia’s finest guitarists, Geoff was hired as lead guitarist by late, famed bluesman Dutch Tilders. He formed his own band in 1995. You also have Matty T Wall on July 20 and Greg Dodd & the Hoodoo Men on July 21. Hit pistolpetesfoodnblues.com. au for the works.

I would hope there are few among us who have, at some point, not wished to dance with Belinda Carlisle in the summer rain. The singer-songwriter is on her way to Australia next year in celebration of 30 years since the release of Runaway Horses. Georgia Harrison and Bryan Adams both appear on the album, which includes the tracks ‘Leave a Light On’ and ‘Summer Rain’. The Capital, Bendigo – March 1.

WISH UPON FLORENCE + THE MACHINE

IN THE KINGDOM OF HEMINGWAY Everyone needs a little psych-reggae in their life. Queensland’s Hemingway are braving what a real winter is like, heading out for a lengthy run in support of soon to be released EP Mystic Kingdom (July 17). As for the band, their mystical journey kicked off in 2015. They released their debut EP, Carnival of Freaks, the same year. Shamrock Hotel, Echuca – August 10. Local outfit Colour Court supports.

HAYLEY MARSTEN & ARNA GEORGIA Hayley Marsten and Arna Georgia have lined up dates with Bendigo’s Music Man on September 14 and The Loft, Warrnambool on September 16 where country is the hot menu item. Hayley has released two albums, her most recent being 2017’s Lonestar. She has a video for track ‘Money Can’t Buy Class’ out now. Building a name through various festivals, Arna released her debut album, Midnight Carousel, last year.

It looks like we’re off to a perfect musical start in 2019 with the announcement of a Florence + the Machine tour. The tour is in support of new album High as Hope, which was released at the end of last month. It’s the fourth album from Florence Welch and her brood and features Jamie xx, Sampha, Tobias Jesso Jr. and Kamasi Washington. Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong – January 19. Billie Eilish supports.

NOW WE’RE COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS Any takers for a night of sweet soul and dirty dance floor funk? Good news, Cookin’ on 3 Burners have a show at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on August 31. Being in a band for more than 20 years requires you to shake things up every now and again. In 2016, the band teamed up with French electronic music-maker Kungs for a version of ‘This Girl’. Reaching #1 in Europe, it was the most Shazamed dance track of 2016.

LENNON: THROUGH A GLASS ONION Lennon: Through A Glass Onion offers a performance like no other, paying tribute to the music and enigma of John Lennon. The performance is part concert, part biography, taking the life and accomplishments of the iconic musician and lacing the telling of his story with 31 of his most revered tracks including ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds’, ‘Help’, ‘Imagine’ and ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.

Geelong Performing Arts Centre on Thursday October 11.

THE AUDREYS CAN’T QUIT The debut album is often one a music fan holds most dear. The Audreys discovered this late last year when they took their 2006 ARIA-winning album Between Last Night and Us out for a spin.

The people said ‘yay’, the tour sold out. They then added more to their repertoire earlier in the year as part of a special Spiegeltent tour, and now they’re playing even more shows to keep warm the hearts of fans. The Bridge, Castlemaine – August 25.

WE DEMAND MORE WINTERWILD SEAN MCMAHON IN SOLO COUNTRY He has taken us to the outer with the MoonMen, across the plains with Western Union and been down but not out with Downhills Home, but next month Melbourne songman Sean McMahon makes good use of the month with a bunch of solo shows. Tanswells Commercial Hotel, Beechworth – August 4; Major Tom’s, Kyneton – August 11; and Taproom, Castlemaine – August 12.

THE OLD AND NEW WITH 360

We feel we should tell you about WinterWild as much as possible.

Apollo Bay’s dark arts festival is looking to be something special, with two weekends in August (1012 & 24-26) full of many, many delights. We mentioned Adalita last issue, but more music comes your way in Tropical Fuck Storm, Mesa Cosa, Sid O’Neil, Nina Buchanan, Alister Turrill, Post Percy, Golden Syrup, RVG and Mike Elrington.

Explore winterwildapollobay.com. au for more.

He who goes by the name 360 has announced another huge round of dates in support of 2017’s Vintage Modern. While a highlight of the album is track ‘Coupe de Gráce’ featuring Seth Sentry and Pez, the Melbourne rapper keeps on giving with a video for single ‘Money’.

Karova Lounge, Ballarat – August 22; Tap House, Bendigo – August 23; and The Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong – August 24.

SKYSCRAPER STAN DROPS SECOND SINGLE Skyscraper Stan is a songwriter lauded for his observational lyricism - a

Thursday 12 Andy Forster

Thursday 19 Andy Forster

cocktail of wit and grit delivered in a versatile baritone. Now, three

Friday 13 Jeff Jordan

Friday 20 Nick Tabone

album number two; Golden Boy. ‘Dole Queues and Dunhill Blues’ is

Saturday 14 Dave Anderson

Saturday 21 Ryan Bell

Wednesday 18 Open Mic, Karaoke Luke Biscan

Wednesday 25 Open Mic, Karaoke Luke Biscan

years after the release of a his debut record Last Years Tune and thanks to a wildly successful crowdfunding campaign he is set to release studio the second single from forthcoming album Golden Boy to reach the airwaves. Recorded at Woodstock Studios with Richard Stolz on the desk (Joe Camilleri, Husky), Dole Queues tells the story of a man turned monster by circumstance. It’s an eclectic track from Stan, that infuses some serious American gospel vibes. The dramatic tale is driven mostly

by Stan’s strong voice and we are loving it. The album itself 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.”

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STA MP OU T AND ABOU T N O BABY ON BOARD

NEVER GONNA GIG YOU UP MASTIN – Workers Club, Geelong on July 13; Didirri – Karova Lounge, Ballarat on July 13; CC:Disco! – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on July 14; Suicide Swans – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on July 14; Ben J. Carter – The Vine, Bendigo on July 15 & The Taproom, Castlemaine on July 22; Joshua Hedley – The Bridge, Castlemaine on July 21; and Mid/West (with Narcopaloma and The Louds) – Beav’s Bar, Geelong on July 27.

STAMPSY IS THE MUSIC DIRECTOR AND DRIVE ANNOUNCER AT K ROCK IN GEELONG

FOLLOW THE HOLLOW MAJORS

I wouldn’t turn to a pregnant woman and say “Oh, you’ll change your mind one day and decide you don’t want kids”.... So why do you feel the need to tell me I WILL want kids one day? Just because we’re biologically built for it, and our mum did it, doesn’t mean we all want to. Or have to.

You might call this selfish; having children is also selfish. You are choosing to bring someone into this world for your wants and needs. You want a little you to love, cherish and complete your family unit.

Someone to spew on you, pee on you and tell you they hate you when you grounded them for sneaking out of the house.

I don’t btw.

“But you’re great with kids. You’ll make a great mum one day”... No I won’t. A parent needs to be wholeheartedly invested. My heart is not in it.

That is not fair on me and that is not fair on my unfertilised eggs. Therefore, that is the most selfless thing I can do.

Proud Mary, Help Me Mary, Along Comes Mary, Tough Mary, Mary in the Morning, Mary Don’t You Weep, Crazy Mary, Now Mary, The Wind Cries Mary… This Mary is a real character. Anything anyone else can do, former cover band, now original outfit The Hollow Majors can do better. ‘Mary Jane’ is their new single. Workers Club, Geelong – July 27. They will be joined by local act Trick Gypsy and Ballarat outfit Sound Mountain.

I LOVE kids. I’m sooooo on their level; I adore their imaginative minds and their squishy faces. I’m the Aunty everyone wants and that my nephews Josh, Cooper and Roman are constantly taking advantage of. Trampoline park? Sure. And a frozen drink? Ok. With chicken nuggets? Don’t tell your mother!

JUST A TOUCH SENSITIVE

I continued with my kid free stance into Year 9 biology. We were watching the horror film “The Miracle of Birth” (FYI - this documentary is a form of torture AND contraception). While the graphic images were burned into our retinas for all eternity, other boys and girls in the class were not discouraged. Once the video (it was the 90’s) finished, my friends excitedly revealed they would have two, three, four kids! Meanwhile, I was rocking back and forth under the bench with the built in Bunsen Burner tripod, mentally dissecting the analogy of what happens to your lady bits during child birth... “It’s like a watermelon exiting an orange”.

But I’ve never had a maternal instinct.

When I was four years old I turned to my mum and proclaimed, “I’m not having kids”. I then went back to brushing my Cabbage Patch doll’s hair. Her name was Annie and she had red hair and freckles waaaaaaaay before Ed Sheeran made it famous.

There is not a lot you can get for free these days. Well, legally speaking. However, because Touch Sensitive is such a sensitive dude, he has lined up a bunch of free dates. The project of Michael Di Francesco, Touch Sensitive got people talking with tracks ‘Pizza Guy’ and ‘Show Me’. He released his debut album, Visions, last year. The producer/muso/DJ gets down with it at Torquay’s Torquay Hotel this Saturday, July 14.

Little Creatures is hosting a Winter Wonderland WRITTEN BY AINE KEOGH

Whilst many folk don’t dare brave the cold at this time of year; Little Creatures is giving everyone no reason to stay home with their Winter Wonderland fest! Doing what they do best down at the brewery, the Creatures crew is turning their humble home of booze into a white wonderland that will knock your snowcovered socks off.

Complete with snow machines, jumping castles, snowflake skaters, live ice sculptors, magicians, fire performers and heart-warming live music, and let’s not forget single batch brews, Little creatures has

you totally set for some wintery fun.

The brewery will be showcasing their specialty beers from their winter seasonal, “The Fuggle is Real” stout and their more recent single batch, the hop-packed Winter IPA, as well as a specially created Spiced ‘tastes-like-Christmas’ cider.

On top of The Canteen’s brand new winter menu, there’ll be wintery warming treats from Beef Chilli Con Carne, to “Poutine” loaded fries, and Chocolate Fondue... you won’t be thinking about the winter chill while indulging in these treats!

Set to take place Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of July, the live entertainment, food and beverages will be rolling out from midday each day, and heading well into the evening and best of all… entry is free!

What better excuse to get out of the house?

Come and join the fun at Little creatures Village, 221 Swanston Street, Geelong.

Queenscliff Music Festival has announced its first line up of homegrown heroes WRITTEN BY AINE KEOGH

It’s that time of the year again – the annual Queenscliff Music Festival is coming around once more, and judging by the first acts announced it’s going to be another awesome affair (and probably sell out so don’t say we didn’t warn you)!

So who is making their way to the humble coastal town??

First up, we’ve got internationally adored suburban pop poet Courtney Barnett will close out this year’s festival on Sunday 25th November,

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I’m not pointing fingers, I’m not telling you off. I’m just tired of people making assumptions. I’m getting older but there is no clock counting down; time is not running out. I haven’t hit snooze. I just have different priorities to you.

I want to travel, I want to love and nurture my nephews, I want to build a long and rewarding career in the media and I want to invest in a relationship on a deep level... that is important to me. After 30 years, I still stand by my decision. Finding the “right guy” won’t change my mind, and if they try to, then they’re not the man for me.

Please don’t question my life choices. You don’t need to understand it; you just need to be supportive and acknowledge that my decision is valid. I have the right to live child free just like you have the right to spawn a watermelon… child, I meant child.

Stampsy’s on the socials – StampsyKROCK on Facebook, lee_stamps on Instagram.

bringing her band, fan favourites and latest hits to the Queenscliff stage. The 30 year-old ARIA award winning singer-songwriter and left-handed guitarist has been winning fans the world over with her observational lyrics and delightfully deadpan delivery, performing everywhere from The Tonight Show to Conan and touring extensively since late 2015.

The late great Indigenous Australian musician Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu will be honoured with a special live performance of his final album Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow). It will be brought to life by a 16 piece orchestra from the Australian National Academy of Music and feature an array of very special vocalists and performers.

Other Australian artists jumping on board the Bellarine bandwagon for 2018 are country music darling Kasey Chambers, iconic indie favourite The Whitlams, dreamy art-pop artist Sarah Blasko, hiphop crew The Herd and Milk Records troubadour Fraser A. Gorman. Good gosh!

Now looking to the International acts, we’ll be seeing performances from Hawaiian based musician and Jack Johnson record label buddy Donovan Frankenreiter, whose surf-rock style has earned him song credits in movies and sponsorships with Billabong, and Japanese funk orchestra Osaka Monaural, who have been dubbed “one of the hottest funk bands on the planet”.

QMF pride themselves on appealing to people of all ages and tastes, so they’re thrilled to add hilarious Australian trio Tripod to the line-up to please lovers of music and comedy.

Also a family friendly festival, they’re excited to announce sibling singer-songwriters The Little Stevies will not only be on the bill as a band, but as the very popular ABC Kids favourites the Teeny Tiny Stevies too as part of the kids entertainment program.

For a first lineup announce, we are already beyond keen for this one!

The 2018 Queenscliff Music Festival will be held from Friday 23 – Sunday 25 November. Full details and tickets are available through qmf.net.au.

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BENDIGO BLUES & ROOTS SHOWCASE

P E R F O R M E R W I L L TA K E YO U B AC K T O T H E HALCYON DAYS OF AUSTRALIAN ENTERTAINMENT WITH A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE THROUGH HIS

The next Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival showcase/fundraiser takes place this weekend, July 15. This time it is The Golden Vine on hosting duties, with the 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. Get it all through bendigobluesandroots.com.au.

LIFE STORY. ISSI WILL PRESENT A SHOW WITH A DIFFERENCE: AN ‘UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL’ TYPE OF PRESENTATION, IN AN INTIMATE STYLE AND LOTS OF LAUGHS WITH ISSI DYE –MR PERSONALITY WITH A CAPITAL P!

G E T YO U R Q U E S T I O N S R E A DY A S I S S I W I L L C H AT A N D A N S W E R Y O U R Q U E S T I O N S I N BETWEEN PERFORMING SOME OF HIS MOST MEMORABLE SONGS, INCLUDING ‘ONE LAST KISS’;

THIRD STRIKE FOR ATLAS & THE ATTIC

‘PERSONALITY’; ‘I WONDER WHERE YOU ARE’ AND ‘I’M COUNTING ON YOU’. ALSO INCLUDED WILL BE SOME AL JOLSON SONGS THAT FEATURE IN HIS

It’s time to show Atlas & the Attic a little love can go a long way, with the Brisbane outfit heading out for their first east coast tour this month. The indie rock band formed last year and not too long ago released their new single, ‘Hidden’. It is the third single from the band in their relatively short life, following on from ‘Together as One’ and ‘Mountains’. You can catch them at Bendigo’s Music Man on July 20.

Legend of the Australian Cabaret Circuit returns to the Potato Shed ISSI DYE, ONE OF AUSTRALIAN’S LEADING ORIGINAL CABARET STARS, WILL PRESENT THIS MONTH’S MORNING SHOWTIME PERFORMANCE AT THE POTATO SHED TUESDAY JULY 17 FROM

HEAR MAJA ROAR Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Maja is on a journey of self-discovery with her new single, ‘Woman I’ve Become’. Maja: “Woman I’ve Become’ is about being okay with not being the person you want to be yet, but knowing that you’ll get there … It’s like I know I have a long way to go but I’ll get there... in my own time.” Handle Bar, Bendigo – July 20 & Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo – July 21.

BABY BLUE ENCOURAGE CHAOS

KELLY AUTY FRENCH CHANSON SHOW

Led by Rhea Caldwell, Melbourne’s Baby Blue is the hard to resist combination of ’70s garage with a hint of doo-wop and blues. Having only released their debut EP last year, the band hasn’t played the waiting game with the release of new EP, Do What You Like. The Bridge, Castlemaine – July 13 (with Georgia Spain and band) & The Eastern, Ballarat – August 4 (with Cool Sounds and Seagull).

The next SteamRoller gig takes place at the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum this weekend, with Kelly Auty stepping out for a Bastille Day celebration on July 14. While the event has a French flavour, Kelly is renowned for her versatility, dancing across gospel, RnB, soul, rock and country. In 2009 she released the album Mademoiselle Chante, an album that takes the listener on a journey through the streets of Paris.

DIVING HEADBUTT, HEADBUTT, HEADBUTT

WINTER SESSIONS CANCELLED

Well, it’s one for the money, two for the show, three sets to get ready now go, cat, go. The rumours are true, local wonders Diving Headbutt are playing three sets at The Loft, Warrnambool on July 14. Can you believe that?

More machine than band, surely. The deal is bassist Elijah will begin the night with an acoustic set, before the band unleashes two sets of hard rock goodness that will unite patrons as one.

Unforunately due to unexpected circumstances, The Winter Sessions series has been cancelled. This now brings an end for now to the Winter Sessions for 2018 and leaves some great memories for those who did attend and enjoy at the amazing Chapel On Little Ryrie!

Congrats to all the headliners Raised By Eagles, Adam Harpaz and Matt Joe Gow; and supports James Ellis, Sideshow Brides, Lozden, Famous Will, Alister Turrill and Jed Rowe. Until next time...

THE OCEAN GROVE TAPES

WINTER WARMER

A drummer invites you to their basement. What do you do? Rolling with the heavy stuff, Melbourne’s Ocean Grove released their debut album, The Rhapsody Tapes, earlier in the year. Impressively, the band wrote and produced the album themselves in the basement of drummer and jack-of-all-trades Sam Bassal. Workers Club, Geelong – July 14. They’ll be ably supported by The Beverly Chills and Amberyse.

You have two options for Winter Warmer, the joint venture of Poison City and Bedroom Suck Records. One is taking a round-trip, departing The Tote and dropping in at Kyneton’s Major Tom’s and Chewton’s Red Hill Hotel en route to The Bridge, Castlemaine on July 15. Or you can just buy tickets for The Bridge alone.

Either way you have the wonderful Jaala, Loose Tooth and East Brunswick All Girls Choir. Like Parker Lewis, you can’t lose.

KAROVA LOUNGE TURNS 14 Birthday parties can be a drag, what with having to leave the house and rejoice in mirth with long-time friends. But Ballarat’s Karova Lounge is no ordinary friend. They are there when you need them. They never bitch behind your back. And on July 14 they turn 14. The rockin’ venue has invited Dewey and the Panel Beaters, Wax Nomads, Butterfunked and Barry Sunset to play.

And you’re invited, too. Yes you, you funky cold medinas.

For individual use only, not for commercial purposes.

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PROJECT THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY JOHNNY O’KEEFE TRIBUTE SHOW, A HOMAGE TO THE GREAT J O’K. FULL OF GREAT SONGS AND STORIES, WITH SPECIAL ARCHIVE VIDEO - SOME GREAT FUN AND ONE NOT TO MISS! A MORNING WITH ISSI DYE AT THE POTATO SHED, MORNING SHOWTIME SERIES, 10:30AM TUESDAY

10:30AM IN ISSI DYE: THE PAST AND THE PRESENT.

JULY 17. MORNING TEA PROVIDED.

W I T H OV E R 50 Y E A R S I N ‘T H E B I Z’, A N D S T I L L

G E T YO U R T I C K E T I N P E R S O N AT T H E POTATO

TO U R I N G T H E U K A N D A U S T R A L I A R E G U L A R LY,

SHED, OR BY CALLING 5251 1998, OR AT ANY CITY

ISSI’S EXPERIENCE AS A SEASONED ALL-ROUND

OF GREATER GEELONG CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE.

MIGN ROADSHOW

EDDIE SPAGHETTI RETURNS

No Stairway! Denied! The Melbourne International Guitar Night Roadshow makes its way to The Loft, Warrnambool on August 8 with Thomas Leeb leading the way. An Austrian percussive and fingerstyle guitarist, his album Desert Pirate was voted as one of the most essential albums of the last twenty years by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Brisbane’s Van Larkins and Melbourne’s Phisha are also on the line-up.

Everybody’s got that pal they turn to whenever they need a party, and for a long time Eddie Spaghetti, of Supersuckers, has been that guy. Revelling in the center stage spotlight and the wallop of thousands of PAs for thousands of shows across the land, Eddie’s learned how to coax the inner life of the party out of all of us.

His solo career is an extension of his life-long love of roots music, but full of pop hooks and wiseguy humour delivered with a brain, a heart, and a beer. Catch him at The Eastern, Ballarat on August 18.

WARPED IN THE WILD While at times we look more favourably on history than it might otherwise deserve, 1991 was a cracking year for music. Nevermind, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Badmotorfinger and Use Your Illusion I & II were among the albums released, while locally Benny Watkins and Cris Wilson formed Warped out of Geelong. Get your hands on their newie, Bolt from the Blue. The Bridge, Castlemaine – August 10. Hoss and Grindhouse will be there as well.

IVAN OOZE IS HEADING REGIONAL Melbourne’s Ivan Ooze is fresh out of the lab with new track Deserve, a collaboration with renowned producer Plutonic Lab and Kingswood’s guitarist Alex Laska. Deserve is the first track from his upcoming EP due out later this year. Now signed to Cooking Vinyl Australia, Ooze’s mission is to make hectic hooks, deliver schmick production and push the experimentation. Taphouse, Bendigo – August 10 & Karova Lounge, Ballarat – August 11.

THE WAIFS IRONBARK 25TH ANNIVERSARY REGIONAL TOUR CONTINUES The Waifs have always had an affectionate, close relationship with fans in regional Australia, thanks to relentlessly touring every corner of the country over the past 26 years. Late last year they made a promise to return to those regional areas in 2018 that missed out on dates during their Ironbark 25th Anniversary Tour in 2017. It’s a promise they have kept, from Townsville to Frankston, Noarlunga to Warrnambool, they have you covered. They’re heading to Warrnambool’s The Lighthouse Theatre on October 7 and GPAC in Geelong on October 10.

From the solo project of Chevaunne Keleher to a full band, alternative pop outfit Mihra released their debut album, Hoping for Gold, in 2016 Their follow-up album, Girl and Her Symbols, is coming, teased as a concept album detailing “an individual dream from a month long period of keeping a Carl Jung inspired dream journal”. Single ‘New Horizon’ is out now. Workers Club, Geelong – July 20 & The Loft, Warrnambool – August 4.

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BALL ARAT BLOG

LOOBS WRAP IT UP When Alex and James of LOOBS met at university, they bonded over Pavement, Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth. Instead of a blood pact, they decided to do the only thing they could and start an indiegarage pop band. A couple of EPs later the band caught the attention of Poison City Records, where the band released the single ‘Dandelion’. Following that, the band released Bubblewrap. Relieve your stress at The Eastern, Ballarat on July 20.

WRITTEN BY GLEN ANDERSON

The Ballarat Winter Festival is upon us again and there is plenty to keep the kids away from burying their heads in electronic devices. What could possibly be better in the middle of winter than having a pie competition? Federation University Tafe are conducting this gut warming event and you can vote for your favourite pie and share your pics on Instagram using the hashtag #pieballarat.

There will also be Bastille Day celebrations on July 14 from 7pm-11pm at the Ballarat Mining Exchange. Entry is $50 and the band La Mauvaise Reputation will play their hot jazz and gypsy swing.

There is also a a French DJ. Tres Bon! Christmas in July will light up Main Street with the winter wonderlights on display at night too if you have the courage to brave the chilly night air!

July 13 will see Warrnambool artist Didirri play at Karova Lounge. On a recent interview on ABC FM, the young charismatic writer from the ‘Bool was saying how overwhelming his latest success had been. Must get along to this one so I’ll hopefully see you there! It’s $20 to get in.

Friday 27 July has WA bad boys The Southern

BALL PARK MUSIC & SAN CISCO Finally, after years of wondering what could be, Ball Park Music and San Cisco are hitting the road together. Ball Park Music’s Sam Cromack: “We’ve been dreaming of putting a tour like this together for years. Discussions between bands often get kick-started for an idea like this, but we’re so happy to see this tour actually come to fruition.” City Oval, Ballarat – October 20. The cherry on top is a performance by Ruby Fields.

River Band. Pretty cool bunch of lads; these guys say they are a product of their surroundings and have no real way of describing their sound, other than “A Rock`n`Roll Dance Party”. Sounds like a grand way to spend a Friday night in Ballarat.

Word from Simon down at The Lane is that The George is about to undergo a bit of a renovation. In other good news for beer drinkers of the Rat, The George now has their own GB Lager on tap. Quite honeyed on the palate and light in colour, it is an easy drinker this brew. Around 4.2% in alcohol and a really nice drop to session on. Well done to Simon and the crew at The George.

Looking ahead, 360 is coming to Karova on Wednesday August 22. After his epic #1 ARIA album Vintage Modern and subsequent National Tour, 360’s trademark charm, sharp raps and sonic guitars will hit the town, with long-time collaborator PEZ as the support act. It’s $35 to get in, but it might be wise to get your tickets early.

The Cabaret Club still has live music through the winter months and Shane Gilbert will do his thing on Friday 13 July. Folk, rhythm ‘n blues and rock tunes… with the odd original thrown in. Rick Price is coming to this venue on October 20, so that one is worth putting into your diary and getting along to.

RED HOT SUMMER TOUR 2019 The Red Hot Summer Tour line-up has been announced, and it is heading for Ballarat’s North Gardens on January 27.

Dust off the leather pants for the majestic glory of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Don’t hate yourself for loving them. Leading the Aussie charge, Jimmy Barnes will be there to do what he does best. Also on the lineup are The Living End, Diesel, Chocolate Starfish and Richard Clapton.

Port Fairy is hosting the annual Vinyl Swap Meet An afternoon of swapping, selling and spinning Unlike a lot of Victorian coastal towns that shut up shop over winter, Port Fairy have embraced the colder months and introduced the Port Fairy Winter Weekends, which sees a number of events run across the town over four weekends in June and July. Opening the door to visitors looking for an adventure, the last weekend for 2018’s Winter Weekends sees a number of fun events, including the Port Fairy’s Vinyl Swap Meet which returns for its second year this July.

Attracting sellers from Mt Gambier, Geelong, Hamilton, Portland, Port Fairy and Warrnambool, the meet will see local collectors, crate diggers, musicians and vinyl hoarders, all coming together through a mutual love of vinyl.

With a total of 11 stalls already locked in, you’ll be able to browse through more than two thousand rare and essential vinyl, spanning genres including

pop, indie, jazz, soul, funk, prog, blues, doo-wop, punk, metal, soundtracks and a truckload more.

Some sellers even bring along their retro and preloved turntables and sound systems to sell as well so if you’re a vinyl newbie, this could be the perfect place to start.

Along with being able to peruse a whole lot of vinyl, there will also be local DJs spinning all the classics and the bar will be serving food and drinks all afternoon.

At a time when the music industry is undergoing major change and evolution thanks to the internet, this is a chance to celebrate everything that’s still great about being a music fan and enjoy that sense of satisfaction you get when holding the real deal in your hands.

The Vinyl Swap Meet goes down at the Port Fairy Bowls Club. Bowls Court (off James Street) on Saturday July 21 from 1pm – 6pm. Gold coin donation on entry.

This event is proudly sponsored

by Prehistoric Sounds

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pete murray On being his own worst critic WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN

WHEN PETE MURRAY’S ALBUM I got to the end I realised that it is a really good FEELER DROPPED IN 2003, IT album and that I should be proud about it.

SEEMED DESTINED TO BECOME AN “It was at that moment that I realised I had to AUSTRALIAN CLASSIC. SCORING stop trying to beat it with my other albums and IMMEDIATE HEAVY ROTATION ON to just embrace it for what it is; a classic Aussie THE RADIO, PETE MURRAY WAS album,” Murray continues. “People talk about it and they still love it. Even when I go around the ONE OF THE FEW ARTISTS WHO world people still love it, so, it is what it is. There MANAGED TO TRANSCEND THE TIES are a lot of songs that I still play live off that OF HAVING A COMMERCIAL OR AN album and I absolutely still love to play them.”

ALTERNATIVE FOLLOWING. THERE Looking back to these very critical eight years, WAS NO QUESTION; AUSTRALIA AS Murray now finds his attitude of the time slightly A WHOLE FELL IN LOVE WITH THE 11 amusing.

SONGS OF ACOUSTIC GROOVES AND “It’s funny; I had to apologise to Paul McKercher.

BLISSFUL SONGS. But there was one Australian who didn’t understand the albums hype, and believe it or not, that person was Pete Murray himself.

“When Feeler came out, I’d never listen to it from start to finish. I’d get a few songs in and I couldn’t bare to listen to it,” he laughs.

“Eight years later I get this random text from Darren Middleton from Powderfinger saying, ‘Hey mate, just listened to Feeler, what a great album!’ and I thought, ‘what is the big deal about this album? Maybe I just need to listen to it start to finish without turning it off.’ So I did, and when 18

successful I just couldn’t understand why anyone “Since I did the last album, Camacho, I started would like it. After a while I just relaxed on that listening to a lot more electronic music to gauge thought and stopped criticising and decided to a vibe of what is happening in that area,” Murray listen to it as an actual album and not as my own continues. “I wanted to get away from what I’m work. That is probably the best thing I ever did.” well known for and Camacho has got the best reviews since Feeler, which has been a really Now with a new attitude, Murray returned to his great compliment. Some fans have even been acoustic roots after stripping things back for his saying they prefer it to ‘Feeler’, which is a huge 2017 release Camacho, and is now working on benchmark to beat. new material again.

“I am starting to get into electronic music more “[The new songs are] a little bit more acoustic, but and even with the next album, I have been using I think I have also written one of my first ever a lot more beats and loops to make my backing songs in an ‘open G’ that I play with a slide too tracks.” so I’ve been really happy with the groove there,” he smiles. “I want to keep it a bit more acoustic Finding his new sound, Murray also commented because I have really been straying away from the on the stripped back stage set-up he will be taking acoustic guitar for the last two albums, trying to on his regional tour. get away from ‘Feeler’ again, but I am happy to go back there now and it’s feeling nice.”

“On this tour especially, we are touring as a three piece, so two guitars and a bass, and then we have Dabbling into the realm of electronic music as a stomp box, loops and beats off ableton, and then well, Murray’s single ‘Heartbeats’ recently scored some loops on the guitar. Touring with a threeitself a remix from Peter Mayes of the revered part army will be nice; it’s a much cruisier vibe.” dance act Pnau.

He produced that album for me and he did an absolutely amazing job, but at the time I just think I was experiencing something completely different to what he was experiencing,” he reveals.

“If it weren’t for him, that album would not have been as popular or as successful as it should have been. He kept a lid on my sound as well. At that point I wanted to be a lot rockier, but Paul knew exactly how that album should sound and if it weren’t for him it wouldn’t have been nearly as “I wrote the song when I had a dance beat that I successful as what it was.” thought would work as the backing track, but as I did the album it just didn’t pan out that way. So Looking back in retrospect Murray concludes, for that song to be remixed by Peter Mayes from “I just caught the post album blues and at the Pnau, a guy who actually makes dance music was time that was a new thing for me. I felt pretty a great option. I think it turned out really great; disappointed with it as an album and when it got it was nice to hear it.

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When & Where: Gateway Hotel, Geelong – July 26

GEAR UP Welcome to Forté’s Gear Up Guide a local guide to the top music tech and tuition.

We all know there is so much more to music than just the artist that is performing it. There is also the plethora of experts and professionals behind the scenes making every sound and every moment perfect.

The following few pages have some of the best resources for both established and emerging artists – from audio/ visual experts, instrument specialists, music studios to rehearsal studios and music tuition for both the young of age and young at heart. .

It’s all things sound at Forté – let’s turn it up a notch.

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MINI MAESTRO Nurturing Confident Learners Here at Forte we understand and appreciate the importance of music, and Mini Maestros is the amazing educational music program that will help children to foster an appreciation of music to last a lifetime.

Learning music is unlike learning anything else.

This is because making music involves multiple components of the central and peripheral nervous systems including those associated with gross and fine motor skills, emotions, memory, intellect, paying attention, processing expectations and rules, relationships, creativity and cultural values.

Learning music promotes whole-child development as it helps children develop speech and vocabulary, listening skills, motor skills, social skills and cognitive skills.

Mini Maestros is a structured program and it is this structure that creates a safe platform from which learning can occur, combining music and joyful discovery to encourage confident and happy learners, through singing, dancing, playing percussion instruments and musical games which aim to stimulate the children’s creativity and imagination. With locations in both Geelong and Bendigo, Mini Maestros offers fun and educational music classes for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers, aged six months to five years of age.

Each lesson contains many opportunities for children to practise various gross motor skills such as jumping or hopping. Fine motor skills are practised through the use of finger plays with younger children and the playing of percussion instruments with the older children. As well as introducing musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, dynamics, form and notation, the program develops the whole child by encouraging children’s speech development, listening skills, social skills and physical skills.

What’s more, music making is a real superfood for a child’s developing brain. By stimulating whole brain development within a social context, Mini Maestros create self-reliant, confident and well-rounded learners who are familiar with the classroom experience and prepared for school.

PREMIER AUDIO AND VISUAL SERVICE

PA, LIGHTING, STAGING AND VISION SOLUTIONS

A ROSTER OF SOLO ACOUSTIC ACTS, ORIGINAL BANDS AND DJS

For more information, head to www.minimaestros.com.au/

FUSED ENTERTAINMENT

CONTACT 0430080791

deep, accurate bass response, it’s not hard to see why online reviewers, top audio engineers, and cult followers agree that the M-Series is an unmatched combination of audio and build-quality that gets the job done. Hour after hour, year after year.

It’s pure, it’s professional and it’s all about performance. These are the headphones you won’t want to take off.

What’s more, they also have swivelling earcups to allow for easy, oneear monitoring and are collapsible for space-saving portability. It’s a little added bonus, but it’s the little things like this that keeps us coming back to Audio-Technica.

These babies are also available in two limited editions, one with rich red earcups and a touch of gold – an instant classic, or the bright blue earcups with a dark ring for those who like to make a statement.

Whether you’re a professional musician, audio reviewer, or just your everyday music lover, these headphones are definitely worth a purchase.

For information on the full range of M-Series headphones go to audiotechnica.com.au.

Audio Technica From the studio, to the street. No compromise.

We love our audio technology here at Forte, so for us, it comes as no surprise that many spend their life devoted to designing and building the ultimate equipment to help us relive our favourite music memories in their purest form.

One of these devotees and simultaneous heroes includes Audio-Technica, worldwide group of companies creating highperformance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers and electronic products for home, travel and professional use. From high-quality earbuds to wireless headphones and gaming headsets, Audio-Technica will have you hearing sound in a whole new way by experiencing huge ranges of frequencies through powerful driver diameters and connectivity.

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Creating solutions for everyone; when it comes to raw sound quality, nothing beats the sense of scale a pair of decent over-ear headphones can provide. Audio-Technica excel here, with headphones specifically made for audio engineers, guaranteeing the most ‘accurate’ sounds in terms of mixing – for both hi’s and lows.

Long heralded by online reviewers and top audio professionals, praised by top audio engineers and backed by a cult-like following of serious music fans, Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50x offers an unmatched combination of audio and build quality for exceptional performance both in the studio and beyond.

Featuring the same coveted sonic signature as its predecessors in the M-Series, the ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on the go. With the added feature of detachable cables, contoured earcups seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed. And the pro-grade materials are durable, yet comfortable, providing an unmatched experience for the most critical audio professionals.

With exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with

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retail, licensing, film and television, multimedia, advertising, media and music theory. It’s through these, students gain a wide range of knowledge in all subjects; and this prepares students when choosing to develop on any one single skill plus use another skill in music to gain income in the music industry.

The qualifications are accredited nationally and recognised internationally, so wherever your life takes you, your qualification will be behind you – and they have tons of graduates who are living proof of this.

The Australian Guild of Music Education Music Courses and Public Examinations for Real Musicians 49 years, more than 3860 students graduated, more than 300 current enrolments and more than 4000 exams conducted; The Australian Guild of Music Education is one of the most comprehensive music and speech education providers in Australia.

Based in Kooyong, Melbourne, the non-profit organisation has 49 years of experience that is concentrated into its courses. For those interested in gaining employment in music generally, AGME offers Certificate II, III and IV courses in Music Industry. Following this, prospective students can also enrol in a Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Music Industry, which is followed by the Bachelor of Music degree.

Regardless of what course you choose, The Guild’s aims are to set their students on a path towards long-term careers in music, specifically in the fields of recording, live performance, music

With high qualified and experienced teachers, AGME’s facilities are just as extensive and as advanced as its staff, featuring a concert hall and two state-of-the art of the art recording studios along with small class sizes to ensure quality contact.

The great thing about AGME is that they also cater to those outside of Melbourne. All of AGME’s courses are available to be undertaken either by distance or by attendance, which is great news for musicians throughout the country or in remote areas who can simply maintain weekly contact via MOODLE e-learning through chats, forums and messaging.

The Guild also specialise in public examinations for music and drama, ranging from introductory to advanced. These exams are open to anyone, with students of registered teachers receiving discounts on entry fees.

The courses they teach, and the ways they teach them, are practical and in step with current industry practice, developing the courses for the in-demand jobs, in close collaboration with industry, and ultimately, give you the qualities and qualifications employers seek.

For more information head to guildmusic.edu.au.

DONT POKE THE BEAR Rehearsal Room sessions - $65.00 Every week night – 6pm – 10pm Saturday and Sunday - 11am – 4pm

All bookings are made online @ www.dptb.com.au

Studio Sessions available by appointment 4 hour sessions $330 8 hour sessions $660 Or $110 an hour *engineer included in price

Call 1300 650 892 to discuss your booking today

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7/9/2018 3:01:47 PM

A true acoustic piano at its heart, these self-playing pianos allows you to record and realistic playback those recordings with the piano’s keys, pedals and hammers recreating your performance in exact detail.

YAMAHA PREMIUM PIANO CENTRE Uniting technology with tradition Yamaha have come a long way since their establishment 130 years ago. In the 130 years, musicians, engineers and the Yamaha team have carefully crafted instruments and more specifically, pianos, intertwining tradition, innovation and elegance.

Now, the team wanted to take their expertise a step further and have opened Australia’s first Premium Piano Centre right in the heart of Melbourne; a purpose-built location to audition and showcase their full range of Premium Pianos, ultimately reinventing the experience of auditioning a piano prior to purchase.

Among an unrivalled collection of Yamaha premium pianos, including the brand new SX Series grand pianos, is the iconic Disklavier collection of selfplaying pianos. The ultimate hybrid - uniting technology with tradition - this collection adds a. world of possibility to the popular musical instrument

With unlimited potential, the modern Disklavier system is made up of a true acoustic piano which incorporates fiber optic sensing systems, advanced solenoid controls, and state-of-the-art computing technology. Play the Disklavier like a standard piano or utilise the reproducing system and choose from thousands of songs available from Yamaha’s extensive library (and controlled via smartphone or tablet app), or just pick a station from Yamaha Piano Radio and listen.

First and foremost, it’s a piano built for the student. The Disklavier was originally conceived and crafted as a tool to empower music education, improving learning with visual masterclasses, piano performance analytics and distance learning – just to name a few.

One major benefit is that with the extraordinary technology the piano has, remote lessons allow students to play the piano, and another Disklavier piano (anywhere in the world) can repeat that performance exactly how it was plated. Empowering students to audition anywhere around the world, the Disklavier is making music education more accessible which we can support 100 per cent. It’s also got Integrated SILENT Piano™ technology which allows students to listen, learn and play without being disturbed or disturbing others at the touch of a button.

Not a student? That’s okay because this piano also has a place in the home, at work or in the recording studio.

For artists, it offers ultimate flexibility with its wide range of uses for performers, composers and recording engineers. These include the ability to share piano recordings with other Disklavier users and take musical collaborations, rehearsals and

writing sessions to another level; studio time made more productive with ultra-accurate performance reproduction; it can generate digital sounds or can be used as a keyboard controller so you can find even more inspiration, and it’s got the ability to record and critique your own performances. Disklavier gives artists the tools to grow and evolve into better musicians.

But maybe you’re not a student nor are you a budding musician, that’s okay; the Disklavier can also just breathe new life into your home entertainment experience. Simply choose from thousands of readily available songs from our extensive library or pick a station from Yamaha Piano Radio and put your entertainment on autopilot; it’s the perfect experiential centrepiece for any environment. For the love of music, just sit back and enjoy the beautiful piano solos or piano ensemble performances, fully enhanced by vocals and backing instrumentation.

Engineered at the intersection of artistry and technology, the Disklavier collection is a modern interpretation of the player piano, but it’s so much more, and you can see it for yourself at The Yamaha Premium Piano Centre.

Visits are available by appointment only, giving institutions and musicians the freedom to trial pianos in an exclusive, acoustically treated atmosphere. These appointments involve a oneto-one consultation with a Yamaha expert and offer exclusive access to Yamaha’s master craftsmen for insights into each piece’s engineering.

Throughout the sessions, customers will have the opportunity to audition the incomparable repertoire of premium pianos, and performance recordings and small recitals are also available on request.

The Yamaha Premium Piano Centre is located at 17B Market St, South Melbourne Visit au.yamaha.com/pianocentre for further information

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INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IF YOU’RE A UNIVERSITY STUDENT WHO LOVES WRITING, MUSIC AND WANTS TO SEE IN THE INS AND OUTS OF PUBLISHING, WE WANT YOU. GET IN CONTACT VIA TALIA@FORTEMAG. COM IF YOU’D LIKE TO INTERN AT FORTE.

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a regional store. As I wandered through the labyrinth of rooms many familiar names were on the shelf’s and in the cabinets.

In the electric room was a great range of Fender guitars and basses, Ibanez, Schecter and Gretsch among others. Keyboards, recording gear, mics in another room, pedals cabinets with a good range of old familiars and new boutique lines.

The acoustic room was well stocked with key brands like Maton and Martins as well as your more budget friendly quality brands. The drum area out the back saw a full range of Pearl kits as well as brands like PDP and Gretsch. There was also a good range of skins and accessories.

With repairs on offer, music lessons, and pa hire, even workshops with pro players available this regional store is a hive of activity.

Maybe the pronounced “death” of the local store is premature, and Muso’s Stuff seems a good example of this.

Muso’s Stuff is located at 115 Mitchell St, Bendigo.

Muso’s Stuff It would seem in this age of ever increasing homogenisation of the retail landscape that the local independent retailer was a dying breed. As business gets increasingly corporatised and more disconnected from the communities from which they sprung, it’s been no secret that the retail industry has in general found it

tough going against the headwinds of general consumer malaise and the rise and rise of internet shopping. With the arrival on our shores of global juggernaut Amazon one would wonder whether the writing is on the wall for my local store.

So with my smartphone firmly in my back pocket venturing into Muso’s Stuff music store in Bendigo was a bit of a surprise. Walking into the store I was struck by the extensive range of musical equipment on display for

most suited to your project. We need to establish what you want and prepare in advance for mix down time if required. We are really flexible and will always try to accommodate your personal requirements. On the day, the engineer will be on hand upon arrival to help you load in, set up equipment and test levels, then it’s time to make magic happen.

Tell us how rehearsals work?

Basically we offer rehearsal sessions 7 days a week. We have weeknight slots from 6-10pm and weekend slots, both Saturday and Sunday for 11am – 4pm. Sessions cost a flat rate of $65. You book online, we send you an entry code and you can make as much noise as you want, in our clean, modern, sound proof rooms. Sessions are especially busy on weeknights so it’s good to book at least a week in advance for your sessions. There is also a kitchen, large shared dining area and out door smoker section for you convenience.

The Bear is an artist hub, it is constantly growing, get down and make yourself known and get involved.

The studio is located at 40 Gordon Avenue Geelong West.

Visit their website dontpokethebear.com.au for more info.

Contact them on 1300 650 892 or email info@dptb.com.au

don’t Poke the BEAR Don’t Poke the Bear is a full service musicians hub in Geelong, providing world-class recording studios, acoustically designed rehearsal studios and sound hire. Forté chat with Don’t Poke the Bear about the artist hub.

Hey thanks for chatting to us. First up can you give us a run down on what Don’t Poke the Bear is all about?

Don’t Poke the Bear is an all-purpose music facility located on Gordon Ave. We cater for band rehearsals, studio recordings and we offer somewhere for bands to shoot their music videos or have meetings. It is a state of the art facility and like nothing else on offer in the region.

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We offer rehearsal spaces and recordings seven days a week (subject to availability).

Who would this facility best cater for?

The facility is perfect for bands and musicians who are recording an EP, demo, a single song or album, or for bands that have gigs coming up and need a space to rehearse. Not only is the facility an awesome place to refine your craft, it’s also a great place to hang out and network. The halls are always busy and bustling with a range of artists and the facility is very down to earth and everyone is welcome – once a band comes once, they almost always become regulars.

What can people expect when they come down for their first recording session, what’s the process like?

People can just call or enquire online and from there, we will assess the sort of outcome you are searching for, then we can schedule a time and date and we will work with you to ensure you have the engineer

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Fused Entertainment FUSED ENTERTAINMENT, THE CREATION OF DANIEL FUSELLA, A VETEREN OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, BOTH ON STAGE AND BEHIND THE SCENES, IS A ONE STOP SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR EVENT ENTERTAINMENT NEEDS. THEY OFFER EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE IN HIGH QUALITY AUDIO AND VISUAL SERVICES, AS WELL AS SUPPLY AND OPERATE THEIR STATE OF THE ART PA, LIGHTING, STAGING AND VISUAL SOLUTIONS – MAKING THEM ONE OF THE LOCAL LEADERS OF AUDIO AND VISUAL SERVICES. FUSED ENTERTAINMENT ARE KNOWN FOR OFFERING A TAILOR MADE, CUSTOMIZABLE EXPERIENCES TO EXCEED ANY CLIENT’S EXPECTATIONS, WHICH HAS EARNED THEM A HIGHLY PRAISED REPUTATION IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. THEY ALSO SUPPORT LOCALS, TAKING CARE OF AWESOME LOCAL EVENTS LIKE COASTAL JAM, MACEDON RANGES MUSIC FESTIVAL AND 2 WORLD’S FESTIVAL. NEXT TIME YOU’RE ORGANIZING A GIG OR ENTERTAINMENT EVENT, BIG OR SMALL, CONSIDER FUSED ENTERTAINMENT, THEY’LL BE SURE TO LEAVE YOU SATISFIED. PH: 0430 080 791

Thirty years ago, inspired by the dynamic between teacher and student, between performer and listener, and between past and future, Yamaha combined our experience in traditional acoustic crafting and our affinity for innovative engineering. The result was a musical instrument that is truly the apex of professional piano reproducing systems — the Yamaha Disklavier.

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motels available, this entire town is completely catered to bringing you, your family and friends the ultimate blues experience. If you don’t know where to start, there’s a whole list of possible options on the Echuca-Blues website which you can find here, winterblues.com.au/ accommodation/.

As we near closer to the festival, it’s possible that hotel and motel rooms will have been booked! In this case, we recommend checking out Airbnb where you’ll find a range of different private rooms, entire houses, cottages and apartments that are still available for the long weekend.

The best thing about Airbnb, is that there’s a number of entire houses still available for that weekend, meaning you can round up a whole crew and just split the cost. It’s best to get in early though!

If you have left it a bit late and you do need to stay in an area a little more remote, the festival even offers courtesy buses who will pick you up from the surrounding areas.

Forte’s Guide to EchucaMoama Winter Blues Festival 2018

WHO TO SEE With over 60 artists lined up for the festival across 25 stages and three days, you’ll be blessed with sounds from some the most talented blues musicians Australia has to offer. While the festival is set up so you can sample many of the acts across the venues, it can still seem a little overwhelming to decide on who to see. We’ve picked a few performers who offer something a bit different to the bill: 19-Twenty The Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival has been going An infectious riff and groove based blue-billy-grass-rockin’- roots band, for just short of two decades (celebrating 19 years this the 19-Twenty lads have been performing their high-energy sonic-party year!), and still stands as one of the best blues festivals this nationally, headlining sell-out shows and festivals seven times around side of the border. For those in Forte territory who are yet Oz and performed gigs throughout Europe. Performing anywhere and to experience the wonder that is the Winter Blues Festival, everywhere, this straight-up 100% independent act have been gaining we’ve put together a little bit of a guide for you. new music fans/fiends from their live shows.

Matty T Wall GETTING THERE Western Australian Blues-rock up-and-comer Matty T Wall is undoubtedly one of the most inspired musicians of this generation.

There are a few options to take on your travels to Echuca. For those inclined, a roadtrip is an essential part of the experience. And as a rough The last few years had seen Matty built himself a solid reputation, 2.5 hour trip from Geelong, it’s quite a scenic country route of regional releasing his debut album Blue Skies in 2016 which went #1 on the Victoria. Be sure to stop off in Heathcote and sample some of the great iTunes Blues chart. He recently released his second album, Sidewinder, which seriously packs a punch consisting of 12 bluesy, rock fuelled tracks, wineries. For those in regional Victoria, V/Line is both a convenience dominated with transfixing guitar slingin’. Armed with a powerful album and inconvenience. A bus service and train runs through V/Line from various town centres. Visit the website to find out your best stop (www. full of variation that could well be imagined to blow the roof off any blues bar, Matty is one you should put on your list. vline.com.au ). Lastly, while flying may seem like the best option, the Charlie Bedford closest airport is Tullamarine in Melbourne, so seeking out one of the This one is definitely worth a look! Charlie is a 17-year-old blues above transport methods is still needed. And really, flying is only great guitarist and vocalist from Melbourne. Over the years, he has played for those interstate. with and been mentored by some of the biggest names in Australian Blues such as, Geoff Achison, Sweet Felicia, Jimi Hocking, Andrea Marr, WHERE TO STAY One thing to remember though is booking accommodation ahead Russell Morris and Lloyd Spiegel to name a few, and has performed at the of your trip is a must. With a bunch of caravan parks, hotels and ‘International Blues Challenge – Youth Showcase’ in Memphis 2017 and

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LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL Take in up close and personal performances from some of Australia's finest blues artists as you ride through the streets of Bendigo aboard an historic tram.

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Sat 14 July – Alister Turrill + Sherri Parry Sat 11 August – Luke Watt + Cat Canteri Sat 8 Sept – Justin Bernasconi + Kelly Brouhaha Sat 13 Oct – White Lightning + Jess Parker Festival Trams 9-11 November - Artists TBA

Limited tickets are available for $35 each from the Bendigo Visitor Centre on 1800 813 153 or at: www.bendigotourism.com/bendigo-blues-tram /thebluestram

2018 representing the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society. Charlie is a fresh act on the festival scene, representing the next generation keeping the blues alive! He’ll get your feet tapping and leave a smile on your face!

You’ll also witness sounds from up and coming Blues powerhouse Bill Barber, ARIA award winning blues legends Collard Greens and Gravy and, of course, Australia’s best blues guitar player Geoff Achison. That’s not even a quarter of the acts though, truly proving this festival is the place to be for heart-starting blues and roots music.

THE AFTER PARTY Closing the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival is the annual Wrap Up Party. Held at The Star Hotel On The Wharf, the party will be featuring two special international acts, The Turner Brown Band, all the way from the USA, will be performing their only show of the 2018 festival, along with support from Z-Star Trinity from the UK. This is the only ticketed event for the entire weekend, but we can promise you it’s worth it.

EAT & PLAY Most importantly, the festival is about exploring the town and immersing yourself in Echuca as much as into blues music.

If you’re between acts, don’t forget to take your time and really explore the heritage centre of the city. Aside from the beautiful Murray River as the backdrop, the paddle steamers are an absolute must – with daily and overnight cruises, and then finish it off at the Echuca Heritage Sweet company for every lolly you can imagine. Don’t forget to travel across the border into Moama as well, with this tiny town offering plenty to keep you there for several hours.

Pat a donkey. You heard right, the river-town is about much more than just blues music and paddlesteamers. At Tongala Donkey Shelter more than 350 orphaned, neglected and surrendered donkeys are taken care of that you can give a bit of TLC of your own.

As for the food, Echuca Moama and district offers the very best for those who appreciate good wine and food. You will be spoilt for choice with more than fifty eateries gracing the twin towns. Chinese, Italian, Indian, Greek, Thai and Western cuisine all available. Our contemporary restaurants are second to none and a selection of pubs offer tasty counter meals and a large range of cafes ensure a delightful day-time menu, while baked goodies from one of our bakeries are sure to impress. There’s also a number of wine bars for festival goers to kick back at between acts! it.

There is no better way than spending a winters weekend at The Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival from July 26th – 29th.

You can view the full artist lineup, the list of participating venues and the weekend schedule online at winterblues.com.au.

singer-songwriter from Gherang, a small area just outside Geelong. Creating versatile music falling under pop, RnB, alternative and soul, he has a passion for experimenting and trying new things.

Making music since he was 14 years old, the now 20 year old Oxygen College student is a regular on the gigging circuit in Geelong. His most recent single ‘Seen It All’ featuring Lordholani is a reflective and soothing track with its minimalist production which adds in a slight electronic beat throughout. Noah has some serious potential - he even jetted over to New Zealand back in February for his first gig with Auckland Openair Cinema. We can’t wait to see what he’s got in store for the acoustic sessions.

Noah will also be joined by Joni Gardner, who is another sensational talent on the Sunday lineup.

Specialising in using different instruments to loop using a loop pedal, Gardner enjoys putting a spin on classic songs, as well as playing music from wellknown looping artists such as Ed Sheeran and Tash Sultana. He recently supported This Way North at Courthouse Youth Arts and dropped a pretty impressive cover of Meg Mac’s ‘Low Blows’.

There’s nothing like some smooth acoustic The talent doesn’t stop there though. Other local sounds to help you unwind, especially when legends taking to the stage include Luke Parker they’re teamed with a few drinks. Luckily, you and Lara’s Elise Scacco on Tuesday July 24, while don’t have to search too hard to find some top-notch live tunes around town this winter rounding out the winter sessions on Friday night, you’ll find Daniel Gittens and Tom Robb providing because The Deck have cherry picked a handful of new and emerging local talent for their the tunes to kick-start your weekend. As if you need Winter Acoustic Sessions. Regardless of taste, more convincing, you can also score $10 pizzas on we think you’ll find a little something to whet Tuesdays and Friday nights is Steak Night.

Along with this lineup, you can also check out your musical appetite this winter.

Lukeys Open Mic Nights (LOMN) on Tuesday Kicking off the winter acoustics on Saturday July 14 is local artist Stevie Burr. Stevie dropped August 7. Pioneered by Surf Coast musician Lukey Luke, who has a passion for performance art, live his debut EP Got A Story last year and sees the music and entertainment, the open mic night is musician channel all his thoughts and energy into designed to give amateur artists a place to hone writing songs that span alternate rock, blues and their art and for more seasoned performers to try even a bit of country. Just by listening to his debut single and title track ‘Got a Story’, it’s no secret out new material in front of a live audience. We love that Stevie pours his heart and soul into his music, live entertainment, and nights like these keep the LIVE entertainment flame burning like it is. creates poignant music that delves deep into the realities and struggles that come with everyday life.

The Deck Geelong is located at 2 Expect real lyrics and catchy tunes.

Gheringhap street Geelong. For table Your Sunday session is now sorted with Noah bookings call (03) 5229 5504 Vernon and Joni Gardner sharing their tunes on

Winter Acoustic Sessions at The Deck

August 19 from 4pm. Noah is an up-and-coming

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Five minutes with Riley Catherall

JAZZ, DUBSTEP AND WONDERMENT Winter entertainment in Ballarat A hub of live music and entertainment, Ballarat in winter is set to be filled with the sounds of warming tunes reverberating throughout the city streets as it comes to life with a series of concerts, events and festivals celebrating the wintertime.

We’ve come up with a three-day itinerary to inspire your winter visit.

Day One Get set to rock the night as part of the fourth annual Ballarat Winter Festival Laneways Lumieres. This year’s offering is a uniquely Ballarat DubStep immersive light and sound installation igniting all of Alfred Deakin Place and the adjoining Police Lane. Experience the Lumieres as they explode to life every hour on the hour, and dance the night away to the beat of some of Ballarat’s favourite musicians.

WINTERWILD FESTIVAL Far from your average festival, WinterWild is the festival embracing winter head on. Held over two weekends with two different themes, Death (August 10-12) and Birth (August 24-26), WinterWild is igniting Apollo Bay with flames, music and dance to welcome the winter solstice. We chat to festival director Roderick Poole ahead of the event.

Let’s talk about WinterWild Festival, the afterdark winter festival. What was the original idea behind bringing it to the coastal town – a town primarily marketed as a summer destination?

Apollo Bay was really knocked around by the aftermath of the 2015 Christmas Day bushfires.

Wye River and Separation Creek were hardest hit and there were over a hundred homes lost, but in the wake of the fire, local businesses all along the Great Ocean Road had a major slump. Some great minds got together and thought of ideas to turn this around and one thought was to hold a winter festival. This idea caught on, and a certain local rebellious streak came into play. Why don’t we base this festival around fire? Let’s fight fire with fire! Locals gathered, got excited and so began an energetic rush to light a fire.

This year WinterWild sees two themes this August – Death and Birth. Can you give us an overview of what this means?

What do Birth and Death mean? Everything!

Every day we’re faced with the possibility of Birth

Day two Drive to Sovereign Hill and be mesmerised by the light, colour and sound of the Christmas in July: Winter Wonderlights experience. You’ll be immersed in a festive experience and magical winter wonderland complete with Christmas treats, faux snow, carols, and grand-scale projections on the Victorian-style buildings.

Day three Hit up one of several live music venues such as Karova Lounge (which will celebrate its 14th birthday in July),The Cabaret Club or The Lost Ones Basement Bar to catch some of the finest music acts from Ballarat and beyond.

The Winter Festival program will also feature The Jazz Series events, bringing the night to life with a diverse range of smooth jazz tunes. Artists on the bill include the Sam Boon Saxophone Legends, Philias Fog Trio, Andrea Keller, Julien Wilson, Paige Duggan, Ade Ishs and eMotion Band, the Georgia Brooks Swingtet and many more! You’ll be excused for thinking you’ve entered the realms of a New Orleans jazz bar.

For all the details, visit ballaratwinterfestival. com.au

and wouldn’t be here without Death. Or is it the other way around? The festival is about all things elemental and primal. When it comes down to it, nothing is quite as primal as Death and Birth.

Perhaps they’re not talked about over the water cooler every day, but they’re always lurking there under the surface. This festival is all about peeling back this surface and seeing what lurks below; it might not always be pretty, but it will certainly shake things up.

How do you go about programming the festival? What are you looking for when deciding on the events?

The first stage of programming I call the Kid in the Lolly Shop phase. This is where you dream big and want to grab what might turn out to be the unobtainable. That’s where Tropical Fuck Storm fits.

We dreamt of having Gareth Liddiard here last year, but then he went and formed a new band especially to fit with our latest WinterWild themes. That’s what I call a headline – they’re the best Australian band going around a the moment. No question. The second and subsequent phases are all about digging around in the strange dark corners of our culture and talking endlessly and dreaming and making unlikely connections. There are disappointments, near misses, unlikely detours and uplifting triumphs.

Then suddenly, one day, you see a festival program growing out of the ether. Call that an unreliable guide to festival programming, if you like.

Back for its second instalment, what did you take away from last year that you’ve applied to this years festival?

The most obvious thing we learnt was that people got it. They embraced the themes and had a hunger for adventure and for a walk on the wild side. I’ve been involved in performance for more years than I care to admit, and I’ve always found that Australian audiences love to get their dose of arts in unusual places. A long time ago, I made the decision to give up trying to harass audiences into theatres and took my performances outdoors. I’ve never looked back. Australians don’t always feel comfortable in theatres and traditional venues. Take them outside or into an unusual location and they open up and are far more willing to take on new ideas and risky

Hi Riley, thanks for chatting to Forte. First up, can you give a quick intro to our readers about your music?

Thanks for having me! I’m an Americana inspired singer songwriter living in Melbourne. I write self-reflective songs about things I’ve been through, and sometimes about things I make up.

How did you originally get into music?

My mother was a piano teacher and my dad taught himself guitar and would play songs to me when I was a kid. I must’ve shown an interest because they threw me into classical guitar lessons when I was about five. I grew up and discovered a love for the likes of James Taylor, John Mayer and Tim Freedman from The Whitlams. After toying with a bit of Jazz and Blues and teaching guitar throughout college and after school, I eventually discovered a beauty in simplicity and started listening to a lot more folk and country music. The Americana thing is only a recent endeavour.

Hailing from Canberra, you now call Melbourne home. As the home of music, what were the main drivers to make the move to the city?

I think once I started doing a few shows up and down the East Coast and down here in Melbourne I realised that although Canberra was a fantastic city to grow up in, if I were serious about a career in music I needed to head to the big smoke.

How are you finding the music scene in Melbourne? Did you face any challenges in making the move?

Moving to Melbourne was incredibly humbling, there are so many talented artists down here. I

ventures. Acting on this, the festival has at its centre an early evening outdoor program that is free, in a public place and involves lots of fire. Who wouldn’t go for that?

Being from the local, regional area yourself, what importance do you see in having festivals of this scale in a regional town like Apollo Bay? As soon as we finished the opening performance down on the foreshore for the festival last year, I felt something in the town change. Locals were surprised by the event – surprised and uplifted. This led to a sense of pride. Apollo Bay was the small town that roared. From here on, the locals have buzzed with anticipation about what would come next. This buzz is infectious and has given a lift to the community in all sorts of positive ways. That’s got to be a good thing, surely?

We know it’s always a tricky question, but the highlights/events that are a MUST see?

I knew you’d ask that. These events are my children, and you’re asking me to name a favourite!

I’d encourage everyone to get down to the foreshore and see the DogWatch program. Each evening of the festival sees the huge brazier on the foreshore lit, along with a performance event created by local artists. The Sacrifice is the one taking place on the first Saturday and it will be awesome. It takes the form of a procession leading to a sacrifice and a confrontation with Death. We’re not dealing with small beer here, it’s all about the big themes! And if I’m allowed one more, I’d say Feastiality. It combines my three passions of food, performance and the great outdoors in a way that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat, it looks like it’s going to be a fun festival! Any last words?

I encourage people people to leap into the water.

It might be jarringly cold, dark and unruly, but you’ll eventually emerge and wonder why you ever hesitated in the first place. Don’t look away, make the leap! Laugh at Death.

Winter Wild runs between August 10 - 12 and August 24 - 26. Visit winterwild.com.au for more information.

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didn’t do much for the first 12 months or so except go to shows and then go home and write. I found that really inspiring; seeing people doing exactly what I wanted to do. It also helped that everyone in this town is really lovely and the community of artists are really supportive. Studying music down here allowed me to meet a heap of like-minded people which was also helpful.

You recently launched your single ‘Watered Down Man’, a brutally self-reflective track about wearing a coat made of whiskey whilst shuffling through the streets of Melbourne. What’s the story behind the track?

I came up with the ‘watered down man’ concept after maybe one too many nights out on the town and started to approximate just how much money I’d spent on alcohol and just what drinking your body weight in alcohol actually achieves. I guess it’s an ode to the person I was when I first moved here – drinking too much and losing track of the weeks instead of contributing to society and doing something worthwhile.

Tell us about what you’ve been working on recently?

Trying to get through a Bachelor of Arts. I’ve been working on enhancing my ability to write songs in other genres and just learn the specific techniques used in different styles of music. I think there’s always things that you can take from other genres that translate into what I’m trying to achieve in the Americana stream – things maybe you haven’t thought about before, or a way of approaching writing that’s a little different than anything you’ve tried.

What’s next for Riley Catherall?

I’m organising the second release at the moment, called ‘Robin’, which should be out in about two months with plans to have the whole EP out by the end of the year…. Hopefully. Once I release this new track, I’ll be looking at doing a bit of touring to promote the EP. Then I guess I’ll just write and write, try and do more shows and eventually work on a full-length record.

Release: Watered Down Man is out now.

$5K PRIZE, 2 FOR 1, AND MUCH MORE AT THE AUSTRALIAN HI-FI & AV SHOW Purchase a ticket to the Australian Hi-Fi & AV Show before July 31 and you not only can take advantage of a 2-for-1 ticket special, but you also go into the draw to win a FANTASTIC Astell & Kern SP 1000 Copper portable audio player worth $5,000.

Whether you purchase a one, two or three day pass to this year’s Show, which is being held at the prestigious COMO Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel in South Yarra on October 19 - 21, you receive an equivalent ticket absolutely FREE. The big names are already confirmed including Yamaha, Meze Audio, KLH, Q Acoustics, Rockna, Pure Audio, Krispy Audio, BusiSoft, Advance Audio, Definitive Technology, Halcro, Synergy Audio and Loewe to name but a few.

A major attraction at the Australian Hi-Fi & AV SHow is Mark Döhmann’s Vinyl Masterclass to help music lovers get the best from their analogue music system in the events suite at various times over the full three days of the show.

More details can be found at: www. chestergroup.org/australianhifiavshow

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Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Standing at the edge of the void of the big unknown, and finding something to hold on to WRITTEN BY TOM PARKER

Signings to two of the world’s most dynamic record labels in Sub Pop and Ivy League, slots at Primavera Sound and Coachella, rave reviews from revered commentators the world over and yet the members of rising tough-pop band Rolling Blackouts Coastal

Fever still remain well and truly humble.

When Europe and North America aren’t flailing their arms for their services, the Melbourne five-piece will be touring the local dwellings that first believed in Angeline, their joint EP with fellow rockers You Yangs or Talk Tight – the record that ignited the rumble.

And yet above all that, the command of a 9-5 hasn’t diminished – for band founders Fran Keaney, Joe White and Tom Russo, global relevance hasn’t curtailed their modest undercurrent.

“I don’t think there’s been a point where we’ve given in to complacency.

Melbourne garage darlings Baby Blue talk their EP, tour vans & digging deeper Catapulting to the forefront of Melbourne’s indie-garage scene with an impressive catalogue of stand-out singles, fledging Melbourne fourpiece Baby Blue have well and truly cemented their place with their EP Do What You Like. We chat to the endearingly honest Rhea Caldwell ahead of their Do What You Like EP Tour.

Hey thanks for chatting to Forte!

Congratulations on your sophomore EP Do What You Like! Can you give us a bit of an overview of the EP, how was the recording process?

We recorded it with Paul Maybury at A Secret Sound Location studio in Fairfield. It was really fun.

Paul is a mad scientist with a lot of analogue gear.

Your music is very 60s surf rock infused, where do the majority of the influences come from?

I listen to a lot of music from the 60’s and 70’s and grew up with it so I think it’s fairly ingrained in my way of thinking about songs and Fabian, who played lead on the recordings leans towards that style of guitar playing so together we put a lot of that flavour on the EP. This EP comes a year on from your first EP In My Mind which has back to back hits which is an impressive effort. What do you feel has

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Sounding an end to Rolling Blackouts’ biggest international jaunt yet, Primavera’s Porto crowd were blessed with servings from all corners of their discography, from the seminal classic ‘Clean Slate’, to the majestic ‘Fountain of Good Fortune’ to the pulsing ‘Talking Straight’ – an overture for the band’s next chapter.

The band’s debut album mutates the helter-skelter backbeats that we’ve come to love on Talk Tight and The French Press and renders it in a stunning mirage of heightened jams.

Track one and album epic, ‘An Air Conditioned Man’, is an undisputed highlight, yet as Keaney describes, it was almost a track that never came to be.

“The first song, ‘An Air Conditioned Man’, is one I’m really proud of.

We had this jam going for a little while which we all really liked but we couldn’t work out what the song wanted to be and where it would go.

We tried a few different things, but none of it felt natural.

“The idea of this jam was it would be more like a mood, the whole song was a mood. It took us a little while but we eventually found the natural intuitive thing for the song. Sometimes the intuitive thing happens the first time you play the song but sometimes it takes quite a while to find,” Keaney says.

“Quite often, if you don’t find the intuitive thing early, if the song doesn’t feel itself early on then you’re probably going to lose it. You’re We’ve been given a chance that so many bands would be pumped with, probably not going to be able to get back into that mind frame that you but we don’t want to rest on our laurels, we just want to keep making were in when you created it in the first place as the concrete can set a good songs,” Keaney says. bit. But we were able to get back in there and reopen it.”

For White and Russo, ‘Exclusive Grave’ stands at the fore with its “We’re still all working part-time jobs and not a lot has changed for us in a way. I don’t think we’ll be a band that drive around in Mercedes’, serendipitous tale and infectious pop sensibilities. “I remember recording ‘Exclusive Grave’, which is one of Tom’s original songs. I probably not a whole lot is ever going to change really.”

Their methodology is repetition and consistency – maximising minutes remember the take that was the take. It was night time up in Bellingen on the stage and in the studio is the key to Rolling Blackouts’ success. and we were blasting it out into the forest just before we’d had any Most recently, their single ‘Mainland’ took them on a global crusade – complaints, the doors were still wide open and it was like a real party,” 50-odd shows in two months across 11 countries, traversing over 12,000 White says. “That one take that really worked, it was just like ‘Wow, kilometres. They ventured from the decadent plains of Coachella across that was definitely it.’” the country through Nashville and stopping over in Canada, before If Rolling Blackouts’ EPs hadn’t etched their peerless brand of motorik bookending their US run in New York City. pop into alternative rock folklore, then Hope Downs carves their incision Leapfrogging across to Brighton for UK’s popular Great Escape with a sharp obsidian blade. Comparisons to the Go-Betweens and the music festival, they then visited Paris, Amsterdam’s London Calling Triffids won’t lament, nevertheless, there’s a melodic inimitability that and Berlin before concluding their whirlwind journey at Primavera, a thrusts Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever into their own lonely corner, where no band has tread before. titanic moment for a still burgeoning quintet.

“When a show comes through you’re like ‘That’s just a theoretical thing, When & Where: that’s a date in the calendar.’ But when we got to playing Primavera, it The Workers Club, Geelong, - October 12 was on another level,” Russo says.

“It was probably the highlight of the tour. When we were playing Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever’s debut album the last song, I was having an out-of-body experience – ‘I don’t know Hope Downs is out now via Ivy League. whether I’ve had more fun than this, I think this is about as fun as it gets.’” Keaney adds.

changed with the second EP? Oh thanks so much! I think I’m starting to dig a bit deeper into my psyche and discover the direction I want to go in with our sound. I’m starting to trust my opinions and intuitions a lot more. We recorded this EP with Paul too, and it was so great to have someone external to the band looking after us and having some long dedicated days to get it done. It left a lot more room to think about the sound and finesse everything. We also had our own bass player this time around so we recorded the backing tracks for the instruments live which was super nice.

More on that, were there any challenges in releasing the second EP within a year?

Sure! There’s always challenges. I’ve been really lucky to meet a lot of great people along the way and expand our team though so some of the load has been lifted from my shoulders this time around.

I don’t think that any challenges that have come up have been for the worse. Things are definitely changing, I’m getting more comfortable in my own skin and the project is growing which is great news.

You’ll be taking your music on tour this July and August which is exciting! What are you most looking forward to about the six-date tour?

I just bought a tour van!! So I think we’re all looking forward to stretching our legs a little this time around; we have done our share of squishing into a station wagon. Other than that, I’m really looking forward to the shows, hanging out with the band and catching up with friends in each city as well as meeting new friends.

For Baby Blue, are you most at home in the studio or on the stage?

Stage 100%.

What comes next for Baby Blue?

I’ve been sitting on a bunch of songs and have just started revisiting them so I guess an album??

We might have to work on getting a grant this time though...eeep!

When & Where: The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine – July 13 The Eastern, Ballarat – August 4

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Ready to drop a few bombs Bombs Away on their debut album Fragments WRITTEN BY HANNAH KENNY

An unintentional blend of dance and pop, Queensland duo Stretch and Tom, A.K.A Bombs Away, are as proud as punch of their first album.

Having dabbled in the music game for quite some time, the boys are thrilled to be dropping and touring their album Fragments, which has reached #12 on the AU overall iTunes charts as well as #2 on the AU Dance iTunes charts since it’s release.

Hey guys congrats on the debut album! So how did you guys get into music?

Tom: We were always into music. Sketch is older than me so he was always playing guitar when I was a kid and I would come along and try to join in. We got into music production very early, back when software was baby age.

Sketch: We actually had to steal software from Myers. We used to go shoplifting to get the software.

Myer, if you’re listening, we will give you five per cent of our next single.

What inspired the name of the debut album Fragments?

Tom: Good question. I think the songs themselves are derived from a lot of different facets of our lives, a lot of fragments of our lives – they encapsulate different things. Overall, the album doesn’t have a specific theme so I think the word fragments describes that very well.

The single ‘Let You Down’ went viral went it dropped earlier this year, being added to over 11 New Music Fridays on Spotify and hitting #12 on the iTunes Dance Chart. What does it mean to you to have received such awesome feedback before the album even dropped?

Tom: We’ve been locked away for so long, writing and producing and doing all the backend, working with the record label to get everything ready, so when we finally get to see the reaction and hear from people about how it’s affecting them and how they like it or the things they can take from it, it makes it all feel worthwhile.

You have a pretty hearty following on social media. Anything you want to say to your fans?

Sketch: Not really, just keep clicking like, commenting and tagging all your friends.

Tom: Basically we like doing that kind of stuff because it’s real time. We can make something in the morning and then we can put it up that night, whereas with a full album, it might take six months to come out or even a single might take six months to heard by people but we can make something on socials and get that creative vibe going by that night.

It feels really cool to interact with that group of people directly.

Fragments is a 13-track journey that delves deep into the familiarity and growth in songwriting and production Bombs Away have experienced throughout their career spanning eight years.

When & Where: Home House Nightclub, Geelong – August 23 Fragments is out now on Central Station Records

LENNY KRAVITZ Spreading Love Through Music WRITTEN BY ALLISON KUGEL

This July will see five of Australia’s most Twenty-nine years after releasing his debut album, Lenny Kravitz is still letting love rule, but with an eye towards societal strife that continues to go unchecked. The multiGrammy award winning musician brings forth a conscious body of work with Raise Vibration, his eleventh studio album, out September 7.

You’ve said you were born to make music.

Can you share your earliest memory where you became aware that music was going to be your life?

For me the pivotal moment was going to see The Jackson 5, live at Madison Square Garden, when I was six years old. I was in the first grade. I had already been intently listening to their record.

But I went to the show, and the next morning that was it! I was completely sold. I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

What was it about The Jackson 5 that resonated with you?

Number one was the music. The music was incredible. The music that was made by these kids was not elementary, it wasn’t bubble gum as they used to say back then about young artists. This was very sophisticated, high-level music with the best musicians, the best producers, and [Michael] was one of the best singers who ever lived and who ever

Bones and Jones Going somewhere wonderful WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN

How bloody exciting has the last six months been for Bones and Jones?

The five piece hailing from Torquay and Geelong released their debut album Living Given, which scored triple j airplay, as well as getting them listed in the stations ‘Top 5 Victorian acts to keep an eye on’. On top of that, the up and comers found their way across Australia for a nation-wide tour and have somehow still managed to find the time to get back into the studio to record a new single.

I’m now questioning if exciting was the right word; busy may have been more suited. Either way, the local lads have been absolutely killing it and getting the attention that they well and truly deserve.

Speaking with the groups relaxed keyboard

will live. The level of interpretation and feeling and vocal range… it was a perfect storm for me, the way everything came together. On top of the music, the presentation and the showmanship were top level and soulful, and these were people that I could identify with. They looked like me. I had the same hair… there were so many things that came together in my mind.

Your upcoming album is called Raise Vibration and the first single, It’s Enough, is a call-to-action anthem about political corruption and social and racial injustice. Was writing It’s Enough a form of therapy for you, and a way of turning hopelessness into empowerment?

I react to the world. I actually recorded the song twice. I was trying to find the direction for the record.

The way the song started, the first version of It’s Enough was a full-on guitar, bass, drum, punk rock song. It had an angry tone to it, because that felt like the proper reaction. And then I thought about it and ended up changing it and finding this groove, which is the polar opposite of what it started out as.

I found that by being calm and by being centered and by being quiet, it was more effective. It brought out a whole new feeling in the song, and I think it enables the listener to hear the lyrics even better.

On September 7, the day the new album, Raise Vibration, is released, what are those days like for you, when a new album drops?

When I’m finished with an album, I’m at that place where I let go and I’m excited that I’m finished.

It’s always exciting getting a new project out. I hope the people who enjoy my music will get something beautiful from it and will relate to it. As far as the rest, in terms of how well it does, sales and all of that, that’s all great, but the main thing for me is that I expressed myself authentically to who I am, who I was at that moment in time, and that it represents me well. That to me is everything. That’s a success.

LEGS ELECTRIC Legs Electric summon the spirit of the golden days of heavy rock – overcharging ‘70s bluesbased riffs with a full-power vocal attack and a live show worthy of Sunset Strip. In just a few years, the ladies have chiselled their name in stone as one of the most electrifying, must-see bands in their home city of Perth. We chat to drummer Kylie Soanes on all things Legs Electric.

Congratulations on the upcoming release of Two Sides. Can you tell us a bit about the recording process? We know you worked with Ken Watt and Joel Quartermain.

We loved working with both Joel and Kenny.

Both are great friends of ours and that always helps with feeling comfortable in the studio. We recorded ‘Wanna Riot’ and ‘Strange Addiction’ with Joel at Wasteland Studios in Perth. It’s the studio Eskimo Joe owned. We went through a lot of pre-production with Joel and created all these new ways to play the two tracks and experimented with the melodies and that was something we had never done before. Laura and Abby were the guitarist /bassist on those tracks, which is the older line up of Legs Electric – “the originals”.

I’ve known Kenny for over 15 years and he has always been a great mentor for me so recording with him has always been so much fun! Kenny is all about ‘just let it happen, relax and go with it’. I have recorded with Kenny previously, but this was the first time Elana and Erin have worked with him. Kenny loves to experiment with sounds and that’s exactly what we did you can hear it in our track ‘Kingdom’.

Release: Raise Vibration is set for release September 7 via BMG. Photo Credits: Mathieu Bitton, Mark Seliger

player/singer/guitarist/bassist (most of the band are talented multi-instrumentalists) Bailey Bates, Forte found out what’s next for Bones and Jones.

“We have a 7” coming out that Jasper [the groups lead vocalist] has recorded for us. We recorded that at a place called Waves Music in Torquay, which is where we all work. We were lucky enough that our boss let us go in there for a night. We stayed up until 4:30am recording which was a bit tough, and then we all had to wake up at 6:30 the next morning for work so that was pretty tough,” he laughs.

“This single, which is called “Social Anxiety,” is a bit of a similar sound to the Living Given album, garage with a bluesy vibe and a lot of harmonica.

This is going to be our last shot at that sound and for our next record, which we are going to record next month, will be very acoustic with a lot more piano and stripped back sounds.”

With the new sound being a welcomed change that was slightly indicated to on Living Given’s final song “I’m On My Way”, Bates expanded on the new material.

“I wrote that song a few days before we went into recording [the last album] so it was one of the newer ones anyway,” he says. “We just realised once we

were recording that we all really liked that sound.

We still have upbeat boppy songs, but they are all a lot more stripped back, which is to be expected when you’re using acoustic sounds.”

With the bands own Jasper Jolley recording their previous album, Bates spoke about the decisionmaking process the band will go through before entering the studio again.

“We recorded down at Jaspers house for the last album. We all absolutely loved how it turned out but we are thinking of doing something different for this album. We are just weighing up our options at the moment.”

“I think it’s because Jasper recorded his own solo album as well and I guess both of those releases have a bit of a lo-fi quality, which we really liked for the first album and it suited it a lot. But I feel because we are going for a more stripped back sound we wanted more refined/studio type of sound more than a lo-fi vibe.”

Speaking of Living Given’s response, Bates explained, “It was awesome, we got lots of great feedback which we were all super happy with. At this point we are all just happy making music and we enjoy that people seem to like listening to it, it means a lot to us. So, I guess we will just keep doing what we are doing and hopefully it takes us somewhere wonderful.”

And it seems as if their music has in fact been taking the band “somewhere wonderful,” with the lads performing a headline position at the Melbourne Changes Music Summit event last week, as well as getting an extremely impressive interview with a manager of SXSW. Speaking of the band gaining more traction through festival appearances such as Changes and QMF, Bates commented “It’s so crazy, it’s been so much fun. To be able to play on the same stage as so many awesome acts and then to get to go watch them play after you is just incredible.”

Bones and Jones will be doing a single launch for Social Anxiety (and it’s B-side, ‘Baggy Frown’) at The Curtain on the 11th of August.

Seriously, catch these guys while you can.

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We used this Led Zeppelin reverb sound (Redd47) on one of the guitar tracks which sounded so cool.

‘Shine Right Through’,’ Kingdom’ and ‘Dark Paradise’ was recorded with our new line up so this is why the EP is called Two Sides. It’s two sides of Legs Electric – the old line up and the new.

The EP’s first single, ‘Dark Paradise’, is referred to as ‘Legs Electric in perfect summary.

What’s the story behind it?

‘Dark Paradise’ was actually based on a riff my sister Abby had mucked around with a few years ago and Laura grabbed it and made it sound heavier. It was after we went to Black Sabbath when they played with Rival Sons so that show had a big influence on us. A ‘Dark Paradise’ refers to being stuck in something toxic.

We’ve seen a lot of new music come out of Perth in recent times. How have you found the Perth music scene during your time as a band?

The Perth music scene is forever developing.

The one thing I love about Perth compared to other states of Australia is that we have such a diverse music scene, every band is different from the next.

There are also more women out there kicking some serious ass in the music industry and that’s great to see. I grew up around the Hyde Park Hotel punk rock days – my first ever show was on that beer stained, sticky carpet on the floor. I loved it – I miss that place so much. But there are other venues like one of my newer favourite skate shop and now live music venue The Hell Hole that are giving us a bit of variety in a venue.

What are you most looking forward to about getting on the road?

We have never played Adelaide before so that is always exciting, new place, new venues. Frankie’s is always such a good time and we can’t wait to hit the country town Wollongong up again and of course rock ‘n’ roll city, Melbourne. It will just be great to be on the road – it’s been a while.

When & Where: Last Chance Rock N’ Roll Bar, Melbourne – July 28 Whole Lotta Love, Melbourne – July 29.

Release: Two Sides EP out July 13

MODELLING DIVERSITY The genU Fashion Show This year, the Geelong Small Business Expo in pioneering an exciting runway campaign to promote more diversity in the models we see every day, with the aim of changing the face of fashion and modelling, whilst also supporting local small businesses throughout Geelong.

You will get the chance to see beautiful models with disabilities, cancer survivors, local politicians and celebrities, of all ages, sizes and colours gracing the runway whilst former Australian Idol contestant Kim Cooper performs and BayFM’s Daryl Reader MC’s.

“Beauty in those who cannot see, and beauty in those who cannot see their beauty,” says Samantha Krajina, organiser of the Geelong Small Business Expo. Not only the two-legged, and two- wheeled kind will be gracing the runway, but also the four-legged in our friends from Guide Dogs Australia as we represent beauty in more than what we can aesthetically see.

Students who are currently studying their Diploma of Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services) at the Gordon have been given the chance in their first big job, to gain valuable hands on experience to go towards their qualifications.

This show features an all local team of stylists, models, beauty services, hairdressers, creatives, talent, handmade items and more.

Support the local small businesses around Geelong and come along to watch this one of a kind fashion show.

This unmissable fashion show will be held on Saturday July 28 at the Federal Mills Park at 2pm.

Entry is FREE to all.

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Abbey Stone

“Jeff got me up to sing with him, and my microphone wasn’t even switched on but I had a little bit of a jam with him up there, and as my On unusual beginnings and the biggest mum and I were leaving the day, my manager ran after me and he said ‘Margaret from Fender has just ran up to me asking if we can sign you’. guitar show in the southern hemisphere I was like, I’ve never picked up a guitar in my life and I looked at him, absolutely shitting myself, and he was just like, ‘well you’re going to WRITTEN BY TALIA RINALDO have to learn now’.

The Melbourne Guitar Show is back again this year with another Signing the deal with Fender, Stone has been working with the the massive lineup of performers and guitars on display, and Melbourne World’s leading guitar manufacturer ever since. artist Abbey Stone is pretty stoked to be part of the show for the “I love that they’re so supportive of just music in general. I didn’t even second year in a row. know how to play guitar and they wanted to nurture me; you don’t really “It’s really exciting,” Stone beams, “this time I’m there for a full day get that any more,” she reveals. “But that is how I got into guitar. I feel on the Saturday, doing the set on the main stage and then I’m with the kind of bad telling that story though; most people don’t stumble across boys at Link Audio and the guys over at Fender as well - just showing opportunities like that, but it’s really made me want to work even harder people what they do and the relationship they have as companies with at it because I’ve got these incredible people who are really supporting their artists; how we all work hand in hand, and how we have to work me and I don’t want to let them down, I don’t want to let myself down.” hand in hand. It’s really cool.”

With a blend of pop, soul and rock music, the now 24 year old has spent Endorsed by Fender at the age of 15 before she had ever even plucked the past few years honing in on her craft between New York, Nashville, the strings on a guitar, Stone’s story has a very unlikely beginning. Los Angeles and Australia, writing and recording her own music, as well Attending a Fender Guitar event in Melbourne back in 2009, Stone as performing headline sets, playing venues such as the iconic Bluebird was invited to join Jeff Martin, lead singer and guitarist of the iconic Cafe, Antiques Archaeology in Nashville as well as the Apollo Theatre in Canadian band The Tea Party on stage. Not one to pass up a golden New York. Stone has also made a name for herself with support slots for opportunity, Stone accepted. artists such as John Farnham, Andy Grammar, Leo Sayer, 10CC, Renee “I didn’t actually play guitar at all at this stage,” she laughs. “I had Gayer, John Stevens, The Black Sorrows, Russel Morris, Daryl Braithwaite one! I had a little acoustic guitar that I got as a gift a couple of years and The Badloves – just to name a few. beforehand, but I never picked it up.

Releasing her five track debut EP Doorways in 2014 which saw Stone

BIGSOUND 2018 GETS FATTER Now in its seventeenth year, BIGSOUND Festival is your annual opportunity to discover the future of Australian music. Running over four September days and nights, Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley comes alive with a global gathering of musicians, industry, brands, media and music lovers. The festival-meets-conference has been ground zero for all-stars like Flume, Courtney Barnett, RÜFÜS DU SOL, DMA’S, A.B. Original, Methyl Ethel and so many more - we highly recommend you get along because it just gets better and better every year.

Following on from a massive first round announcement of speakers in May, BIGSOUND continues to cement its reputation as the country’s biggest discovery event for new music, with the unveiling of the first round of live acts, welcoming 75 of the best of tomorrow’s hottest Australian acts.

Showcases from Australia’s most buzzworthy live acts, including The Chats, Eliott, Cable Ties, Asha Jefferies, yú yī and more, sit among a long list of Australia’s future headliners. Other must-see acts include Eilish Gilligan, Tyne-James Organ, Moaning Lisa, and T$oko. For all you metal-heads, hip-hop hooligans, and folk fanatics; ARTERIES, Kwame, and Georgia Mulligan front a wave of their genres’ up-and-comers.

New Zealand act Wax Chattels, Indigenous duo The Merindas, dream pop act Pool Shop and iconic Australian musician Ella Hooper also help round

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out a long list of fresh acts for BIGSOUND Festival’s first announcement.The festival will also see return sets from a small selection of BIGSOUND favorites including Blank Realm, Olympia, Gabriella Cohen and Oh Pep! While Brisbane outfit Blank Realm will be using the event as the world premiere for new material, Olympia and Gabriella Cohen are also set to make return appearances with fresh work under their belts.

It doesn’t stop there, BIGSOUND also welcomes Australian music legend Paul Kelly for a keynote interview. Reflecting on both his career and the future of Australian music, Paul Kelly will educate and inspire both those new to the industry and veterans needing a reminder of why Australian music is the best in the world. And once the patriotic sentiment clears, seminal US punk label Fat Wreck Chords will crash the party with Lagwagon’s Joey Cape and label founder Erin Kelly-Burkett heading downunder for a presentation set to rock the house.

BIGSOUND will also lead change through a partnership with Support Act, Levi’s ® and Access EAP to present an exclusive workshop helping delegates identify mental health issues, learn to manage them and create strategies to help others.

A practical session run by trained clinicians, the session will be a first for the industry and is another step towards breaking down the stigma of mental illness in the music community, following on from the recent launch of Support Act’s Wellbeing Helpline.

Find the full first artist lineup at the BIGSOUND’s website.

Tickets for 2018’s BIGSOUND are on sale now.

collaborating to co-producers and session musicians in Nashville, she followed this up with her sophomore release ‘Complete’ in 2017 where she took things into her own hands.

“As a young musician, your first experience recording properly isn’t necessarily in Nashville on Music Road and with an incredible producer.

I felt like I was very spoiled by doing that, it was so cool for me to learn how to do things in that sense,” she explains. “When recording the second EP, I ended up doing the opposite thing and figuring it out for myself; learning how to work the studio on my own, and take that kind of approach.”

Now, drawing on experiences from her previous releases, the young musician is spending her time working on her third EP in her Melbourne based studio.

“Next time around I want to incorporate both experiences; I’ve had the best of both worlds and learnt different things from both experiences,” Stone explains. “I’m still writing the next project though. Honestly, so many things change and you never know musically what’s going to happen. You spend hours in the studio and come up with so many different things. The next things I do, I definitely want to take aspects from both experiences and include new things like co-writing, other musicians, and getting fresh ears on all the material and just having fun with it.

“I just really want to get stuck into writing fresh songs that sound different to what I’ve written in the past,” she continues. “There’s an excitement in changing things up a little, and I think that’s something everyone should strive to do in everything really.”

With her next performance being at the Melbourne Guitar Show, it is an exciting opportunity for any music lover, and an opportunity that isn’t wasted on Stone.

“It’s really just getting a bunch of like-minded people in the same room and just allowing them to explore their creativity,” she says of the upcoming event. “There’s not really a place people can go to have a look at what’s coming out and what’s on offer. Everything is in one spot; everyone goes there with the same intention which is just to be creative for the day and see what comes out of it.

“It’s such a cool environment and everyone is so positive. It’s just really nice to be apart of it and I’m so glad I get to come back and do it again because I had a great time last year,” she smiles. “It’s honestly just people wanting to have fun with music and that is the most exciting thing to me; I can’t wait to go back.

Abbey Stone will be performing at the Acoustic Stage at 11am on Saturday August 4.

Don’t miss the Melbourne Guitar Show at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday August 4 and Sunday August 5. Tickets via www. australianmusician.com.au/melbourne-guitar-show/tickets/

American singer and rapper T-Pain – which

FLO RIDA Celebrating the 10th anniversary of iconic floor-filler ‘Low’ WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO

A DECADE ON FROM RELEASING ONE THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HIP HOP ANTHEMS, US R A P P E R F LO R I DA W I L L B E R E T U R N I N G TO A U S T R A L I A F O R T H E F I R S T T I M E I N F I V E Y E A R S TO C E L E B R AT E T H E 10T H A N N I V E R S A RY O F H I S I C O N I C F L O O R FILLER ‘LOW’. THE ‘LOW 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR’ WILL LAND IN AUSTRALIA IN JULY, WITH TWO SPECIAL SHOWS IN MELBOURNE A N D B R I S B A N E W H E R E FA N S W I L L B E ENCOURAGED TO ‘GET LOW’, ‘WHISTLE’ AND PUT THEIR HANDS ‘IN THE AYER’ ALONG WITH THE OTHER ICONIC HITS FROM THIS FLORIDA RAPPER’S BACK CATALOGUE. Since breaking out of the gate just over a decade ago with the seven time platinum hit ‘Low’ that features

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also spent 10 consecutive weeks on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 – this Miami-based rapper has unleashed an undeniably amazing string of recordbreaking and multi-platinum certified smashes.

One’s that we can’t deny getting down to include ‘Club Can’t Handle Me (Feat. David Guetta)’, ‘My House, ‘Good Feeling’ and ‘Wild Ones (Feat. Sia)’.

First appearing on Flo Rida’s debut 2008 album Mail On Sunday, ‘Low’ helped carve out the ultimate career path which has included more than seven multi-platinum singles, several #1 hits, sold out shows in America, Europe and Asia as well the opportunity to collaborate with artists such as Sia, David Guetta, Akon, T-Pain, Pitbull and Australia’s own Jessica Mauboy.

Of the tour, Flo Rida says, “I’m looking forward to returning down under to party with Australian Family, it’s been too long.”

Flo Rida will be performing at The Forum, Melbourne on Tuesday July 31.

Tickets available from www.mjrpresents.com

MELBOURNE SINGERSONGWRITER NATALIE CAROLAN HAS EMERGED FROM AN EXTENDED BREAK Without having to over adorn her vocals, Melbourne-based artist Natalie Carolan’s unique sound melt into her honest and melodic driven songs. Now she’s back with her latest selftitled EP, which is an all parts beautiful, powerful and vulnerable alt/pop four track EP that’s been three years in the making. We chat to Natalie about her EP, her influences and the future.

Hey Natalie, you’re new self-titled EP has just been released. Can you tell us a little bit about that one?

Hello! Yes - it’s a four tracker, which has been several years in the making. I’ve worked alongside some very musical and clever thinking producers to create the EP; the first two releases, ‘She’ll Know How It Goes’ and ‘Time’ were produced by the talented multi-instrumentalist, James Saunders; and the second last release, ‘I Won’t Move’ by stunning pianist/composer Luke Howard and the magnificent drummer producer Gareth Thomson.

The final track on the EP is a solo song I recorded last summer called ‘Into Myself’. I think it sounds a little sad and heartbreaking, but the lyrics are actually all about your loved ones guiding and encouraging you to be yourself (which can be really difficult).

THE WHITE ALBUM: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Four of Australia’s greatest male vocalists come together once again, for what is one of the most successful Beatles events ever to be staged in Australia.

WRITTEN BY HELENA METZKE

The Beatles, also known as ‘The White Album’ due its distinctive plain white sleeve, is the ninth studio album by critically-acclaimed rock band,

English

The Beatles.

50 years on, the album remains a renowned work of art, which continues to be celebrated around the world. Returning for the third time, following two sold-out tours in 2009, and 2014, Chris Cheney (The Living End), Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon), Tim Rogers (You Am I), and Australian singer-songwriter Josh Pyke, are reconvening to once again honour The White Album.

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2014. “Ciara writes a lot of the music, then I write the lyrics, but I see Ciara as an amazing songwriter in her own right because she is just so talented,” Baron-Gracie says.

Prior to the EP, your last release was your debut back in 2016, in that two years have you been working solely on this project?

I actually started the process of making the EP in 2015, but it coincided with the creation of my album, I Sleep, so it got put on the back burner for a little while. I spent 2017 getting back on track with the EP and also writing a lot of music and thinking about what I’d like to be creating next. I find it hard to work on one thing at once!

The music clip for ‘I Wont Move’ is beautifully choreographed and executed. Can you tell us a bit about the meaning behind the song and how that correlates with the clip?

Whilst I’m doing a bit of freestylin’, my friend, Bailey O’ Connor is the talented Dance Hall and Hip Hop dancer who takes the cake for the most incredible moves! We did a few takes of her and it was all made up on the spot! We met through me attending her weekly dance classes in Melbourne; I couldn’t get enough of her! The song is really about meeting someone you really like and feeling very vulnerable, knowing you’re entering into something that could be amazing, but you could also be left feeling quite hurt if it doesn’t go the way you’re hoping. I came up with the video narrative with my lovely friend and Video Editor, Elissia Hocking, which echoes and further explores the meaning within the song.

You have a hauntingly beautiful voice that would remind me of singers like Emma Louise or London Grammar. Where do you draw your influences from?

Oh, thanks! I try to sound like myself as much as possible, but unless you abandon listening to music altogether, others will always influence your overall sound. I do really enjoy the singers you mentioned. There is just an endless supply of music nowadays, and I love tucking into as much as I possibly can, from a lot of different styles. I really love understated, alt/pop, folk singers like S. Carey, Bon Iver, Susanne Sundfor and Chris Martin but am also attracted to singers and instrumentalists like Ella Fitzgerald or Miles Davis who not only had complete control over their instrument, but knew their stuff inside out, musically speaking.

“It still has something to offer,” begins Chris Cheney, lead-vocalist and guitarist of The Living End. “It’s not nostalgia – it’s not great just because it’s a nostalgic record – I think it still pushes the boundaries, it’s still odd and fascinating, and it’s powerful.”

“It’s got everything in there,” he says. “Take something like ‘Black Bird’, surrounding human rights movements, or something like ‘Piggies’, which looks at confronting authority.

“And then you’ve just got these weird and wacky, beautiful songs woven in between.”

Cheney was approached some years ago by Tim Woods, promoter of The White Album Concert, when the notion of the tour was initially put forward to him.

“There was a bit of hesitation at first, because I’d never really done anything like this before,” explains Cheney. “And I think playing something like a Beatles song – one song here and there is okay – but to do an entire performance, well, the last thing I wanted to partake in was a tribute band or a covers act.”

“But when I found out that Phil, Tim, and Josh were involved, it was like, ‘Okay, this isn’t just going to be a cheesy cover band,’” he continues. “I realised this was something where we were all hopefully going to bring something unique to the table, and it’s been absolutely magical, which is why we’re now doing it for the third time.”

Performing The White Album in full, from beginning to end, Chris, Phil, Tim and Josh maintain they are not imitating the works of John, Paul, George and Ringo, but rather celebrating them.

“There are enough Beatles covers bands out there, who sing in Liverpool accents and pretend they’re The Beatles,” expresses Cheney. “And that’s just not our kind of thing, really.”

“We all come from different backgrounds, and it’s obviously been something that has reacted well among audiences; us putting our own stamp on it,” says Cheney. “But in saying that, it’s sacred material, and it’s something you don’t want to stuff up.

“We’re very aware of where we’re treading, and we’re just giving it a different spin; we’re not adding to it, and we’re hopefully not taking away from it.”

In 2015, bassist Charlie Wood and guitarist Hugo Silvani joined the two friends to complete the current line-up. “We have so much fun, we’re always getting giggly together, and Ciara and I have such a strong bond it feels like we’re part of each other.”

PALE WAVES MAKE THEIR AUSTRALIAN DEBUT WRITTEN BY NATALIE ROGERS

Known for their intensely personal lyrics and dark new-wave energy, Pale Waves sound is refreshingly honest and emotionally raw at times, and with so much of themselves invested it’s no surprise that sometimes their songwriting sessions aren’t smooth sailing. “To be honest we have had a few disagreements but I feel like that’s what makes a song great, you know?” Baron-Gracie says.

Despite being named as the 2018 winners of NME Magazine’s ‘Under The Radar’ award, Manchester’s own indie-pop goths, Pale Waves, “If everything was easy then I don’t think our songs have made quite a splash in the last 12 months. would be as interesting as they are. Our last fallout So to celebrate, we caught up with lead singer- was over a guitar solo on a song we have called songwriter Heather Baron-Gracie on the eve of ‘She’. Ciara and I were arguing about it in on tour their first trip to Australia to chat about their in Sweden - but eventually we wrote an amazing upcoming debut LP, living their dreams at just guitar solo. So I guess arguments aren’t as bad when 23 and how having a row can help make a record. it ends in something so good,” she laughs.

“If all goes to plan you will soon be seeing a lot more of Pale Waves’ world. This will be our first album so we’re still getting used to everything.”

Believed to be called My Mind Makes Noises, the highly anticipated release should drop sometime during our springtime.

“It’s really exciting having so many tracks ready and knowing we’ve put everything we have into it, but it’s kind of scary at the same time,” says BaronGracie. “We’ve worked on this for so long and and it’s full of our most precious and private thoughts. Now I can’t wait for people to hear it because it shows a different side to us as songwriters.”

Pale Waves found life when Baron-Gracie met drummer Ciara Doran while both were attending the British and Irish Modern Music Institute in

Widely regarded as the most influential band in music history, it was commonplace for The Beatles to break genre boundaries. Drawing from an extensive pool of influences, the four-piece experimented with a variety of genres, including pop, rock, folk, and blues, just to name a few.

“The main thing I’ve drawn from them [in my own musical career] is that it’s okay to have diversity in your music – it’s okay to have lots of different influences,” says Cheney. “And so I guess I’ve tried to sort of channel my influences, the same way that they did theirs.”

“They weren’t afraid to borrow ideas from other people, and they wore their influences on their sleeve,” he says. “And I like to think I’m trying to channel The Beatles influences as well, when I’m performing my set of tracks off The White Album.

“If I’m playing something like ‘Back in the U.S.S.R’, I know that Paul McCartney was influenced by a cross between Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys, you know, that sort of vibe, that real ‘50s rock n’ roll, which is my kind of background.

“We really try and get into the essence of what The Beatles were trying to do, and we’re not just copying their version.”

Backed by a 17-piece orchestra, which is led by musical director Rex Goh, the ensemble will feature guitars, strings, and horns, as well as two drummers, causing the concert to be a true spectacle.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, The White Album continues to hold its mark in history, as one of the most progressive works of its time, and titles The Beatles as true geniuses of their craft.

“I seriously pity anyone who is just like, ‘I’ve never really listened to The Beatles,’ or, ‘I’ve never paid much attention to them’, because I think you’re really missing out,” expresses Cheney wholeheartedly. “There are a lot of great bands out there, and they’re just one of them, but to not have a knowledge of their work, or to not have any Beatles records in your collection, is a bloody tragedy.”

When & Where: Hamer Hall, Melbourne – July 13 and 14

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After the success of their EP, All The Things I Never Said, earlier this year, Pale Waves have spent the last few months working alongside a tight-knit crew that they trust, at home in the UK. “We are in the same studio with the same producer and the same engineer we’ve used in the past. I’m really particular about who we work with and who we’re surrounded by, especially when we’re writing and recording because it’s such a fragile and personal process. It’s only the band and two other people,” she adds. “It’s a really close team - we don’t have any secrets.”

When & Where: The Evelyn, Melbourne – July 12

NEW RETRO DANCE PARTY FOR BALLARAT There’s a new retro themed dance event coming to Ballarat this July 28.

Offering a fun and funkadelic night out for everyone, 20th Century Countdown is the new event targeting the 25-55 year old’s looking for an alternative to current options in the Ballarat entertainment space - perfect for those not wanting to go to the club at all hours of the night, and if you’re after something a little more fast pace than the pub.

Inspired by a 90’s London club night, Starsky and Hutch, everyone is encouraged to deck themselves out in the fashion from the decade they were born, though certainly not compulsory. Think full skirts, slacks from the 50’s, flares and florals from the 60’s and 70’s, big hair and bright colours of the 80’s and 90’s grunge and dance wear.

Stylus DJ (yes that is the correct way around!), will be putting his spin on all our favourite hits as we countdown from the 1950’s to the year 2000. There will also be a huge audiovisual projection counting down the memories on the Minerva room giant screen.

20th Century Countdown is a chance for Ballarat to get their groove on with friends, family and strangers, as they don their dance shoes, pack their smile and groove their way into the night.

The event will be held at the Mechanics Institute Minerva Room on July 28 from 7.30pm to 1am. There is beer, cider and wine available at bar prices (sorry no spirits).

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brownies, macarons as well as lollies and chocolates of your choice, and they can all be made to suit your flavour and colour preferences.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

What sets you aside from other cake businesses?

I have a slightly different range than some others, like my fried donuts. I always try and find something that will fit into the customers idea or style and make it as perfect as possible for them. I really love the look on a customer’s face when I open up the cake box and they can finally see what I have created for them.

Munich Brauhaus, The Bavarian and The Bavarian Beerhaüs will deck their halls, jingle their bells and bring Christmas to July from Saturday, 21 July to Wednesday, 25 July.

What is the most challenging thing about making cakes?

When things don’t work how I want them too and how they’re intended. The time that they take can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s worth it when you get the end result.

On Saturday, 21 July, Munich Brauhaus, The Bavarian and The Bavarian Beerhaüs will be transformed into Santa’s workshop with colourful Christmas decorations and joyful carols played from open until close. In the true

How can people go about ordering from you?

They can head to my website www.sweetgems.com.au and fill out a contact form, and then ill respond and we can begin to work together to create something great for your event. People can also message my Facebook page with any enquiries.

spirit of Christmas, diners wearing their daggiest sweater will have the chance to win a $100 bar tab on the day.

Guests can also celebrate with a Bavarian Christmas platter ($58), which comprises of a whole herb-roasted chicken, seasonal roasted vegetables and beans sprinkled with almonds, as well as pretzel dumplings with mushroom ragout, mashed potato and cranberry sauce.

This hearty winter warmer caters for two people and is available from Saturday, 21 July, to Wednesday, 25 July.

A delicious spiced winter ale, with fruit cake flavours of cinnamon, orange peel, vanilla, ginger, raisins and port, is available at all Bavarian restaurants from Saturday, 21 July, to Wednesday, 25 July, and is the perfect accompaniment for this festive feast.

SweetGems Meet the Gem behind the cakes WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO

science at Deakin. I was injured a few years ago and I started baking lots and it eventually grew into a business. I really love to cook and bake, and even throughout school all my subjects were based around food. I have actually auditioned for MasterChef previously for a couple seasons and made it to the short list of the top few hundred in Australia.

CAKE; EVERYBODY LOVES CAKE. NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE (WE IN GENERAL, NOT ME) PROFESS TO LOVE CLEAN-EATING, LOW-CARB OR PALEO, WE’LL ALWAYS FIND ROOM, OR EXCUSES, FOR CAKE. SO IN SAYING THAT, LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO GEMMA WALMSLEY, THE LEGEND BEHIND SWEETGEMS CUSTOM CAKES AND BAKING - BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NOT EAT CAKE.

Your cakes are amazing, are you a self-taught cake artist or did you study all of these skills?

I am completely self-taught! I usually just watch videos on Instagram and YouTube and then attempt them and surprise myself with the outcome. I grew up with a Mum and Nonna who also love to cook and bake, so I was forever in the kitchen helping them and learning from them. I also love Pinterest and I am forever getting ideas from there.

Hey Gemma, thank you for talking to Forte. Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and how you got started?

Well, I am currently studying food and nutrition

What can people order off you?

I offer custom cakes, cupcakes, fondant cookies, fried donuts, macarons, and OTT (OVER THE TOP) gift boxes. My gift boxes contain a mix of cupcakes,

What is your favourite thing to make?

I have a lot. I really like doing cupcakes because their delicious and there is a lot of opportunities to make so many different designs. I love being able to try new designs and flavours. My all-time favourite flavours would have to be a chocolate mudcake with a salted caramel sauce and a vanilla cake with Swiss Meringue Buttercream You can find SweetGems online at www.sweetgems. com.au, on Facebook and on Instagram (@sweetgems_)

Bookings: http://www.thebavarians.com/.

OH HOW WE LOVE OUR BEER… AND OUR WEDNESDAY JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT BETTER WITH NEWS OF A NEW BEER BAR THAT’S POPPED UP IN TOWN!!

LOCATED AT 86 LITTLE MALOP STREET, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF GEELONG’S CBD, BIG EARS IS SOON TO BE OUR NEW LOCAL! T H E B E E R L I S T C L A I M S TO B E A N E V E R E V O LV I N G C O L L E C T I O N O F S T E L L A R F I N D S, R A N G I N G F RO M LO CA L LY M A D E SMALL BATCH CRAFT BEERS TO BOUTIQUE T R E A S U R E S F RO M S O M E O F T H E O L D E S T BREWERIES ACROSS THE GLOBE.

There’s a new bar in town

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A R R I V E O N YO U R OW N A N D WO R K YO U R WAY THROUGH THE CURRENT LIST ( OR ASK FOR ADVICE IF YOU’RE THAT WAY INCLINED ), POP IN FOR A CHEEKY PINT AND SUB ON YOUR LUNCHBREAK, BRING A GROUP IN FOR

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DINNER OR SWING BY FOR A NIGHTCAP. THAT’S ALL WE KNOW SO FAR, BUT WE CAN TELL THE BEER WILL BE COLD AND THE BALLS ( MAMA JULIE’S HOUSE MADE MEATBALLS ) ARE WARM… YES MEATBALLS! YOU BEAUTY! BEST PART IS IT’S UP TO YOU TO PERFECT YO U R P L AT E. C H O O S E YO U R B A S E, S I D E S, BALLS AND SAUCE AND THEY DO THE REST WHILE YOU WAIT WITH A BEER. THEY’VE ALSO GOT A CAREFULLY SELECTED CO N C I S E W I N E A N D S P I R I T S M E N U – S O IF YOU’RE NOT INTO BEER, NO FRET! ALL THE SPIRITS ARE MADE IN VICTORIA AND THE WINE LIST IS A SELECTION OF LOCAL GROWERS AND PRODUCERS.

CHEERS, BIG EARS! NOW, WHO’S UP FOR A PINT?!

CHAS COLE CELLARS As assuredly as a Laissez-faire adherent wanting a tax cut, beer, wine and spirit lovers want choice.

Chas Cole Cellars (next to the Pivotonian Cinema) has got things covered.

Alongside almost 40 bays of wine, 30 fridge doors, four bays of spirits, a choice Fine Wine Room if you’re looking to treat someone (plus a charcuterie deli and artisan chocolate section to treat yourself!), the breezy, informed staff proudly stock one of the better craft beer ranges in G-Town.

There’s local brews, popular hops, lesser-known fare and cult faves with cinematic designs.

Chas Cole is located at 395 Moorabool Street, South Geelong.

GEELONGS FIRST LANEWAY BAR DEDICATED TO CRAFT BEER WE’VE GOT 10 ROTATING TAPS FEATURING OUR FAVOURITE AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLUS BLACKMAN’S BEERS BREWED IN TORQUAY.

Whisky, Wine & Fire Keeping warm in winter used to be a challenge, not any more with one of this season’s premier festivals - Whisky, Wine & Fire.

A showcase of small producers and distinguished brands of fine produce - Whisky, Wine & Fire will feature talks by leading wine and whisky makers that will be complimented by music, gourmet beverages and culinary delights.

Held across four winter nights in various areas of Caulfield Racecourse, Whisky, Wine and Fire will be sure to warm up your winter.

Tickets are $15 online ($20 at the gate) and includes souvenir Whisky Wine and Fire Glass and complimentary first tasting of select whisky or wine on arrival.

It all goes down Thursday July 19 – Sunday July 22.

WE LOVE GOOD BEER! DENNY’S PLACE, GEELONG - DOWN THE LANE OFF LITTLE MALOP.

Head to their website for more details - www. whiskywineandfire.com.au

tactics and homework won’t help you in this game.

It’s free to enter, you can win some sweet prizes, and they also run some tempting specials including $14.9 MVP parma, chips & salad! Plus $8.9 pints & jam jars! Game on. The Sporto is at 175-177 Ryrie St, Geelong.

Maybe you’re more of a theme sorta trivia goer…

Head on down to Worker’s Club in Geelong each Wednesday night for an array of TV and film themed nights. Past themes have included titles such as Friends, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, 90s TV Shows and Jurassic Park and the battles kicks off at 6:30pm with a 6pm arrival. There’s also the occasional Thursday night round so keep an eye on their socials.

Worker’s club is located at 90 Little Malop Street, Geelong.

The best pub trivia nights in Geelong WRITTEN BY AINE KEOGH

Have you been relentlessly studying in this cold winter weather in hope that a trivia night might come along, offering your chance to shine? Well, study no longer because Geelong is booming with trivia fun at an array of some of the finest bars, pubs and restaurants.

You’re fully recovered from the weekend. Work hasn’t totally fried your brain yet. And you’re in need of a feed. Lucky for you, Murphys have started their topical Trivia sessions every Tuesday night kicking off from 7pm. So far they’ve had Friends, Harry Potter, Seinfeld and How I Met Your Mother.

If that doesn’t grip you, don’t forget it’s also parmi night... $15 classic parmi is just what you need to fuel the brain for a round of some hotly contested trivia. Murphys are located at 30 Aberdeen Street, Geelong West.

Another Wednesday night trivia tradition to get around is Jackpot Trivia at the Elephant and Castle weekly. Kicking off at 7:30pm, this one incorporates five categories of nine questions and BIG prizes.

Jackpot trivia can be enjoyed alongside $20 pot and parmi deals so grab a team and make your way down! The Elephant & Castle is located at 158 McKillop Street, Geelong.

Thursday comes around and you’re still reminiscing about all the trivia fun from Wednesday… what do you do? Head to Lord of the Isles for Trivia night Thursdays in the courtyard of course! With free entry and great prizes, head on down and take a look at the new courtyard menu as you prepare for some mind bending questions. Find Lordies at 3 west Fyans street, Newtownh incorporating them into your winter itinerary.

This is just to name a few of the great trivia events on around town but make sure to keep your eyes peeled because the fun never ends!

Gather your crew and put your wits to the test at The Sporting Globe on Wednesday nights! Good

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31 at 7.30pm The Sammy J Songbook Of course the headline act is in our highlights!

WHAT’S ON AT COURTHOUSE YOUTH ARTS

Comedian, author and songbird Sammy J is heading to Lorne with a bag full of songs and a heart full of love. He’s toured the world, won awards, and can currently be seen every Thursday night on ABC TV. Don’t miss this chance to spend an intimate evening with one of Australia’s favourite skinny men (second only to Mr Squiggle).

Catch Sammy at Cumberland Resort, Auditorium, Saturday September 1 at 7.30pm

LORNE’S FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS IS BACK

COMING UP IN THE COURTHOUSE YOUTH ARTS GALLERY WE HAVE TWO SOLO EXHIBITIONS OPENING ON FRIDAY THE 13TH FROM 6PM - 8PM. IN THE FRONT OF THE GALLERY WE HAVE PASCALLE BAILEY’S DEBUT SOLO SHOW ‘HUMAN.’ THIS SHOW ANALYSES THE EXPERIENCES OF HUMANNESS, FOCUSING ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN LOGIC AND EMOTION. ‘HUMAN.’ THOUGHTFULLY EXPLORES THEMES OF LOVE, MENTAL HEALTH AND SELF PERCEPTION. PASCALLE BAILEY IS A TORQUAY- BASED ARTIST WHO IS CURRENTLY STUDYING ART CURATION AND HISTORY AT MONASH UNIVERSITY. SPECIALISING IN INK AND FINELINER STUDIES, PASCALLE EXPLORES THE MEDIATIVE QUALITY ART- MAKING BRINGS THROUGH THESE MEDIUMS, AS WELL AS THE VISUAL CONTRAST OF ARTISTIC TECHNIQUES. AS A FORMER VISUAL ARTS INTERN AT CHYA, PASCALLE PLACES AN EMPHASIS ON THE PROCESS AND CURATION OF WORKS.

WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO

Random Ditching the top hat and bunny for Tinder and beer, this is the hilariously modern magic show you didn’t know you needed. With sold out festivals and over 20 million hits on social media, it’s easy to see why Dom Chambers has become the revolutionary new king of Australian magic.

Lorne Hotel, View Room, Saturday September 1 at 8.45pm Acts of Absurdity; a circus, magic and comedy spectacular

OPENING IN THE BACK OF THE GALLERY SPACE IS A SOLO SHOW BY THE PROLIFIC JOSHUA MAXWELL DE HOOG ENTITLED ’TOYS IN MY DREAMS’. THIS SHOW FEATURES ONE LARGE PANORAMIC PAINTING OF A DREAM JOSHUA HAD IN WHICH ALL THE TOYS HE WASN’T ALLOWED AS A KID WERE CONTROLLED

BY HIS MIND IN AN EXPANSIVE BATTLE OF LIFE AND DEATH. HE WOKE ENTHRALLED AND INSPIRED TO PAINT, AND HAS SPENT THE LAST MONTH DELVING BEYOND THE DREAM. THE DARKEST WORK YET FROM THIS YOUNG ARTIST.

Bucking the trend for summer festivals, Lorne’s

Performed by Varietyville, two ʻmust seeʼ artists

Festival of Performing Arts (FOPA) is back again and

of outrageously funny proportions combining their

with a killer program in tow. Proving that the coast

talents into one incredible show! Bite sized morsels

is where it’s at, this year sees a breadth of events that

of masterful magic, chaotic clowning, preposterous

showcase some of Australia’s best cabaret, sideshow,

physical feats, musical mayhem, hilarious hi-jinks

circus, theatre, comedy, visual art and music events.

and much more. Starring award-winning, five-star

Chair of the Festival Committee, Peter Spring, reveals

internationally renowned physical comedian Daniel

that a revitalised local steering committee was remounting

Oldaker aka “Dandyman” and the inimitable magic

the festival after its year-long hiatus. “Locals and visitors

& comedy impresario Rani Huszar “Foxy Moron”.

will see Lorne at its best, with affordable entertainment

Suited to ages 6 and up, but enjoyed by grown-ups too.

for all ages, from shows for kids (that grown-ups will love) to shows for adults and a late-night piano bar,” he says.

“It’s a great weekend away to enjoy Lorne.”

BOTH SHOWS ARE RUNNING FROM JULY 13TH UNTIL AUGUST 10.

This one is perfect for the budding musos in the area.

great weekend away in Lorne? We’ve rounded up a few of

Winding up the FOPA festival, they’ve got an open mic

the highlights from the first round of acts... but keep your

afternoon where you can strut your talents or sit back with lunch and a drink to enjoy the talent or terror of the brave

Opening Gala

souls stepping up to the microphone. Either way, this is

Experience highlights of shows from across the festival

the perfect wrap up the festival.

in one extravaganza of music, magic, cabaret and comedy, hosted by the incomparable Sammy J. Featuring Nancy

YOURS IN ART, CHYA.

FOPA Open Mic

With a little bit of everything, who can say no to a

eyes peeled for more to come.

THE CHYA GALLERY IS OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY FROM 9AM – 5PM AT 60 LITTLE MALOP STREET, GEELONG. ALL EXHIBITIONS ARE FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

See it at the Lorne Hotel, View Room, Saturday September 1 at 11.30am

Sinatra: You Only Live Twice, Random, The Vegetable Plot, Trevor Jones and more, the opening showcases the best of the best.

Cumberland Resort, Loutitt Bay Room, Friday August

The Lorne Hotel, Beer Garden Sound Stage, Sunday September 2 from 1pm

The festival runs from Thursday August 30 to Sunday September 2. Tickets for the festival start at $10, and are available at www.fopa.com.au

LITTLE BLACK CAMPER This one is all about luxury glamping... in a caravan! Little Black Camper is a labour of love from one of our favourite local ladies and it is a stunning option if you’re considering a mini escape. Equipped with a coffee machine, luxury linen, wifi, netflix, games and a king bed, it’s all you need! All you have to do is choose a location (Torquay, Jan Juc, Lorne, Ocean Grove, Anglesea – just to name a few) and the camper will be at your campsite when you arrive. You bloody beauty.

YOUR NEXT WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAY WRITTEN BY AINE KEOGH

PENUMBRA: NAZRI NOOR

sardonic wit before the real action quickly unfolds.

Dust enters a secret society -The Lorica - with departments known as ‘Hands’ (for those adept in combat), ‘Eyes’ (surveillance) and ‘Hounds’ Urban Fantasy (investigation). ‘Wings’, like our baffled hero can Amazon / Kindle Unlimited pass through shadows. Known to the government, these reclaimed souls have a lot of work to do in Reviewed by Chris Lambie and out of the mortal realm.

“As I lay there on the altar bleeding out of the True to the genre, there’s intrigue and crime gash in my chest, with a six-inch knife stuck in with a restrained splattering of blood’n’guts along my heart, it occurred to me that I really must the path. Colourful sidekicks Prudence and Bastion have fucked up.” (Chapter 1) initiate Dust in good cop/back cop fashion. High Tolkien, Rowling, Lucas, Roddenberry. All priestess Thea schools him with a tough love associated with a cracking yarn, iconic characters approach. This prequel introduces Noor’s Darkling and enduring works that begat series engraved into Mage urban fantasy series. While it works alone, the zeitgeist. The common feature that reels me in the cliff-hanger ending guarantees the reader will however, is the invitation to enter a another stand- want more. alone world.

After shunning fiction in my recent years as a I’m no Trekkie, not a gamer (despite my Nintendo reader, I read ‘Penumbra’ hungrily, hanging out for glory days) and abandoned The Force many episodes the next instalment. The first full-length follow-up ago. But as a fledgling reader, I wanted to dive down ‘Shadow Magic’ is now available. It’s a potential the rabbit hole on the way to Pooh Corner and any franchise with serious ‘legs’. I wonder, who might other fanciful authored realm. play Mr Graves on screen? And is the current scope California-based author Nazri Noor’s strange of CGI up to the task? A delicious prospect.. new world has lured me back to fiction. As aspects of this environment are revealed to hero Dustin Graves Free download of Penumbra is available at (‘Dust’) the reader is likewise intrigued and nazrinoor.com seduced. His hard luck back story is told with

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Winter can be a dreary time of the year. You might be tempted to just not leave the house, or if you do, opt for a guaranteed warm hotel room... but that’s no fun! Make the most of our stunning regional outdoors and hidden luxuries that will promise a holiday like no other – without the cost of an exxy hotel room. We’ve rounded up a few of our all-time favourites that you should consider if you’re looking to get away.

TWILIGHT GLAMPING Too cold to camp? Twilight Glamping are Great Ocean Road’s premium pop up accommodation service. Whether you want a luxury get away, or have an event or function in mind, Twilight Glamping’s Bell tents are sure to make your getaway one to remember. Decked out with interiors including queen or single beds, linen, towels, cushions, rugs, blankets, rechargeable warm light USB lantern and chairs, and that’s just the start! You wont have to worry about the frosty morning chill along the Surf Coast. What’s more, Twilight Glamping can deliver bell tent/s within serviced areas and they offer set up, pack up and washing or linen and cleaning. Need we say more?

Check it out for yourself at www.twilightglamping. com.au.

Suss it out further on Instagram @littleblackcamper HIRE A KOMBI Travel back in time with a vintage inspired roadtrip, brought to you by ‘Hire a Kombi’! Adventure down the Great Ocean Road in a stylish, 1970’s Volkswagen Kombi camper and watch the beautiful coastal scenery from your tailgate and soak up your surroundings as the sun goes down on one of Australia’s most loved and iconic roads in the midst of winter. You can travel with a group anywhere you like... plus you’re also kept nice and cosy on the inside so that’s definitely a win.

Check them out at www.hireakombi.com AIRBNB IT Okay we know, some of us just aren’t made for the camping life. If this is you, Airbnb’s are a great way to still have a chilled, down to earth weekend experience. Providing a free for all platform for all houses, condos, apartments, castles, houseboats, tree houses, barns, mansions, caves (caves!) – in any given city, all around the big wide world, Airbnb is the way to go. So many options, so much variety, you may just have your best holiday experience ever... plus it’s usually a lot cheaper than a hotel anyway.

Peruse a variety of options via www.airbnb.com.au

Huntress Hair Religion New name, same magic Like finding the perfect skin routine, nail colour or (the mother) foundation, finding a hairdresser you love going to is a real test. Especially if you’re starting fresh in a new suburb. There’s no stress here though, because we have found the very best.

Let us introduce you to Huntress Hair Religion.

Formally known as Raw Edge Hairdressing, Huntress is the brainchild of awarded hairstylist and successful salon business coach, Caitlyn Menzel, and has grown to become Geelong’s leading colour specialist salon since its humble beginnings in 2010.

Famous for their beautiful blondes, creative colours and perfect pastels, along with years of astonishing service, Huntress have a passion in making strong, amazing women look like beautiful huntresses.

Because of this, the recent name change couldn’t be more perfect for the empowering salon and the work they do.

Designed to be all about the comfort and relaxation of the client, the Huntress team not only deliver five star service to each and every individual, but also provide an exceptional experience from the moment you enter the salon, to the moment you bounce out the door looking and feeling amazing like the god damn beautiful huntress you are!

That’s what we love about Huntress; whether you get creative colour, exceptional styling, foiling, lightening or balayage, they not only focus on making you feel and look amazing but they also give you the tools, the products and the know-how, of how you can recreate that salon-fresh finish at home, in between your appointments. Now you leave the salon with a confidence that doesn’t expire once the product washes out and curls drop the next day.

With a team of fourteen talented humans, the salon is confident in meeting the needs of their clients. With a wealth of experience amongst the team – including hairstyling for New York Fashion Week and editorial shoots – the salon offers a full range of services with ease and professionalism. They embrace all the qualities you want from your hairdresser; fashionforward, highly trained, experts of our trade and they’re always upskilling, learning new techniques, and bringing them back to clients to achieve hairgoals.

Taking on the ethos of doing things differently and focusing on social responsibility, Huntress was Geelong’s first sustainable salon, with environmentally conscious products that are exclusive to salons, and mostly Australian made. All products in the salon used are cruelty-free and vegan – even the colour - adding another element to the socially conscious space. As a result, the salon has been awarded on a regional

and national scale, also receiving the Australian Hairdressing Council’s Gold Accreditation and the only one awarded in the region. They were also the first Green Accredited hair salon in Australia.

Alongside all this (yes there’s more!!), they have VIP memberships available, as well as lay-buys, Zip-pay and SalonPay (like AfterPay for your hair), along with a new style bar on every Friday and Saturday, where people can come in before they go out and get their hair done in blow-waves and up-styles.

It’s clear the Huntress hairdressing team motivate each other to get creative and to become the best in their fields, learning the latest in trends to bringing them to Geelong – just have a look on their socials and you get a feel for the supportive and positive vibe this salon thrives on. The Devil may wear Prada, but if she lived in Geelong, we bet she would leave her fringed-bob in the capable hands of this amazing team.

Not only did the salon complete a complete re-brand, but in doing so, the team have also introduced a barbershop dedicated to the males in their lives.

Ensuring that the salon and barbershop stood side by side, they chose a name that reflected this and the empowerment of both men and women.

Enter; Hunter Barbershop.

Located 50 metres down the road from its female counterpart, Hunter Barbershop is dedicated to those with a busy lifestyle and the need for quick hair solutions with walk-in appointments; thus instant gratification (however they do cater to those who prefer a more organised sort of schedule with the option of making an appointment online).

With timeless and classic touches to the interior, both children and men are welcomed into a masculine and timeless space. With all the elements and prestige of an old barbershop, the interior boasts class combined with a blend of excellent service and a modern approach of talented stylists who keep up with the trends in men’s grooming and styling.

Here, the team know there are only two things that are truly timeless: great advice, and the appeal of a well-groomed man. So, their experienced barbers will give you a style to bring out your true inner boss man, while you chill out and enjoy a Furphy, Cider or coffee.

The ideal place for a trendy, professional cut and style, at Hunter Barbershop ensures every big and small detail is a fusion made to create a high-end, luxurious atmosphere and experience, but at an affordable price, a price for everyone’s budget. A place where everyone can walk into and feel like royalty, without spending more than planned... what more could you possibly want?

Entrust your locks and prepare to be transformed with Huntress Hair Religion and Hunter Barbershop.

2018 Geelong contemporary art prize T H E 2018 G E E L O N G C O N T E M P O R A RY A R T P R I Z E I S A L O N G - S TA N D I N G S I G N AT U R E E V E N T T H AT A S S I S T S WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE G A L L E RY’S CO L L E CT I O N W H I L E FOSTERING AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS AND CONTEMPORARY PAINTING PRACTICE IN GENERAL. From the late-1930s, the Gallery has awarded acquisitive prizes variously for paintings, watercolours and prints, sponsored by a variety of individuals and corporate supporters. In the mid-1990s, the Geelong Art Gallery Foundation established a contemporary painting prize—the Geelong contemporary art prize—with the aim of showcasing the work of contemporary Australian practitioners and enriching the Gallery’s permanent collection of contemporary Australian art through the acquisition of a winning work.

Earlier winners of the Gallery’s painting prizes are now amongst some of Australia’s most highly regarded and notable artists such as John Young (2000), Dale Frank (1999), Janenne Eaton (1998), Lindy Lee (1997), John Nixon (1996), Dick Watkins (1991), Peter Tyndall (1989), Richard Larter (1980), Janet Dawson (1978), Peter Booth (1970), and Sydney Ball (1967). Their winning works have become some of the most significant and muchloved paintings in the Gallery’s collection.

This year the $30,000 acquisitive award goes to Melbourne artist Andrew Browne for his evocative, narrative-rich, and skilfully executed painting, The awakening 2017. An outstanding example of Browne’s established practice, the painting brings together a number of his enduring interests including landscape, natural phenomena, light, and the anthropomorphic potential of the spaces we inhibit.

In his artistic statement for the painting, Browne explains, ‘The awakening suggests a scenario as if on some cusp between dreaming and jolting consciousness. Less an unfolding narrative, and more a loaded and theatrical collision of symbol.’

“It’s kind of a malevolent kind of dream like piece; it could just be a bad nightmare,” he adds.

Working on the painting for a number of years prior, it was purely the timing of the acquisitive prize and biennial exhibition that encouraged Browne to submit his piece.

“When the entries were called for that prize, it just seemed like the ideal context for it. It hadn’t

Huntress is located at Shop 6 & 7, 164 High Street, Belmont.

Hunter is located at Shop 2, 152 High Street, Belmont.

been exhibited before, and it has been in my studio for some time while I was carefully building the picture,” Browne explains. “It just felt everything fit; it was exactly the right picture for the right context, the right scale for a gallery contest, and it was my first time entering the competition.

“I was more curious though,” he continues. “A few people had seen it in my studio and a few didn’t like it particularly, and others really did so it inspired people to engage with it whether that be negatively or positively, and I thought that was really interesting.”

Working primarily in paintings, but also in photography and graphic mediums, the 58-yearold Melbourne artist has exhibited widely over the last three decades in both solo exhibitions and group shows. Along with been shortlisted for a number of prize exhibitions, Browne also has his works represented in a number of significant Australia-wide university and corporate collections, as well as many public and institutional collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney.

As his first work to be acquired by the Geelong Gallery, Browne is humbled by the outcome of entering his painting in the acquisitive award and biennial exhibition.

“For an artist like me in their mid-career, it’s just a really nice affirmation that there’s still an audience and there’s still an appreciation for what you are doing,” Browne admits. “As a young artist, you just jump in feet first and work really hard and establish a presence and the line of enquiry in your work, and then often you get to middle age and it’s just days, weeks, months and years in the studio, working away, and something like this – an acquisition prize like this - it just reaffirms that you are on the right track and there’s an appreciation and some regard for the work.

“Often, even if you are selling work, it’s something like this where there’s really stellar judges like Justin Paton [Head Curator, International Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales], Rebecca Coates [Director, Shepparton Art Museum] and Lisa Sullivan [Senior Curator, Geelong Gallery] who are highly regarded people in the art world,” he explains. “That’s an added bonus; these people look at a lot of art and whose whole lives are thinking about art, and they award you a prize… it’s just great.”

Selected from over 550 entries from around the country, Browne was one of 36 works by leading and emerging Australian artists who were shortlisted for the 2018 Geelong contemporary art prize. With a focus on the diversity of contemporary painting practice in Australia, the exhibition features works across a broad range of subjects, genres and stylistic approaches such as landscape, the built environment, portraiture, still-life, social commentary, and abstraction from such artists as Natasha Bieniek, Seth Birchall, Amber Boardman, Andrew Browne, Jon Campbell, Nancy Constandelia, Yvette Coppersmith, Ann Debono, Troy Emery, Emily Ferretti, Patrick Francis, among others.

The 2018 Geelong Contemporary Art Prize collection (including the 36 shortlisted works) will be exhibited until August 19 at Geelong Gallery. Free entry – open daily 10am to 5pm.

2018 Geelong contemporary art prize until 19 August Showcasing the best of contemporary Australian painting practice, this $30,000 acquisitive award and biennial exhibition feature works by Natasha Bieniek, Seth Birchall, Amber Boardman, Andrew Browne, Jon Campbell, Nancy Constandelia, Yvette Coppersmith, Ann Debono, Troy Emery, Emily Ferretti, Patrick Francis, Nyarapayi Giles, Peter Graham, Camille Hannah, Katherine Hattam, Euan Heng, Gregory Hodge, Carissa Karamarko, Madeleine Kelly, Mason Kimber, Anna Kristensen, Darren McDonald, Laith McGregor, Fiona McMonagle, Amanda Marburg, Sam Martin, Tully Moore, Jan Murray, Louise Paramor, Sally Ross, Huseyin Sami, Andrew Taylor, Kate Tucker, Sharon West, Bradd Westmoreland and Alice Wormald.

Geelong Gallery Little Malop Street Geelong VIC 3220 T +61 3 5229 3645

Free entry

Open daily 10am – 5pm Drop-in tours: Sunday between 2pm – 4pm

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Exhibition sponsors Dimmick Charitable Trust

Fiona McMonagle Princess (detail) 2017 oil on linen Courtesy of the artist and Sophie Gannon Gallery, Melbourne, Hugo Michell Gallery, Adelaide and Olsen Gallery, Sydney

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FILM REVIEWS

TWO IS A FAMILY

BY ANTHONY MORRIS

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP

When French ladies’ man Samuel (Omar Sy) finds himself holding the baby – literally – after a one night star, he figured he’ll just fly to his partner’s home town of London, drop his daughter off with her grandmother, and be on his way. Life doesn’t work like that: eight years later he’s a successful stuntman in the UK with a regular gig and a sassy daughter named Gloria (Gloria Colston) who’s the light of his life. Then his ex – improbably named Kirsten Stewart (Clemence Poesy) turns up again and wants her daughter back, and it’s off to the courts they go. The comedy in this comedy-drama tends a little towards broad laughs and easy stereotypes, but there’s no denying the warmth of the bond between father and daughter throughout the middle stretch of this film – and when things kick firmly into tear-jerker mode in the final act, there won’t be a dry eye in the house.

The secret to Marvel’s success when it comes to super-hero movies has been to keep things diverse, so it’s no surprise that after the last doom-laden Avengers movie they’ve served up perhaps their lightest, lowest-stakes movie to date.

There’s a lot going on in Ant-Man and the Wasp – plots include Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) waiting out the final days of house arrest, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) wanting to shrink down into the micro-verse to rescue his longlost wife (Michelle Pfiffer), restarting the romance between Lang and Pym’s daughter / fellow shrinking super-hero The Wasp Hope (Evangeline Lilly), a sinister arms dealer (Walton Goggins), a vanishing villain named Ghost (Abby Rider Forston) and Lawrence Fishburne because why not – which goes some way towards hiding the fact than not a lot of it means a whole bunch. Being one of the few Marvel heroes with a distinct super-power means the action here seems a lot fresher than usual, and the whole shrinking thing is played for repeated laughs – which usually land better than the proper jokes, with are hit-and-miss at best. As a lightweight caper movie with a retro feel, it’s a breath of fresh air… until the next Marvel doom-fest comes along.

MARY SHELLEY

BACK TO BURGUNDY

You don’t need to know much about the life of Mary Shelley – author of Frankenstein while still a teenager, wife of famed poet Percy Bysshe Shelley – to know there’s enough material for a half dozen decent films in there. So why this particular one is so limp and ineffectual remains a mystery. Most of the bare bones of her early life is here: the daughter of philosopher and bookseller William Godwin (Stephen Dillane), Mary (Elle Fanning) had a strained relationship with her stepmother (Joanne Frogatt), was shipped off to Scotland where she met Shelley (Douglas Booth), who then followed her back to London (but forgot to mention he was already married) where they – and Mary’s step-sister Claire (Bel Powley) – set up house despite a lack of funds. And yet this film never manages to find the spark that would animate this drama, preferring instead to lumber through the usual biopic steps to explain Frankenstein’s origins (they go to an electricity-based magic show, Mary feels rejected by those around her, etc). Even proto-rock star Lord Byron (Tom Sturridge) can’t get this moving, and while Fanning is always engaging in the lead she only ever hints at the inner fire that should be raging through the author of a novel like Frankenstein.

When his father falls terminally ill, black sheep Jean (Pio Marmaï) returns to the family vineyard after close to a decade away. There he’s reunited with his siblings, the welcoming Juliette (Ana Girardot), and the more reserved Jérémie (François Civil). Jean doesn’t expect to stay long, but his father’s death leaves the estate in a precarious position: Juliette has the wine-making skills but not the confidence to back up her decisions, while Jérémie has married into a wealthy local family where wine-making is pure business (and he’s living with his wife in the family shed). As the seasons turn and the wine-making cycle begins again, Jean realises he still has a connection to his native Burgundy, but with his own troubled family half a world away in Australia, he’s trapped between two worlds with no clear path out. At times verging on the documentary with its extensive look at all aspects of wine-making (it was filmed over a full year: everything from pruning vines to harvesting to squashing grapes is shown), writer-director Cédric Klapisch celebrates the traditions while not shying from the hardships.

This pleasant family drama isn’t about high stakes; its richly detailed setting is what provides most of the pleasure.

RECORD WATCH

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New album from The Bamboos has a kind of

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Modern Vintage feel to it. Vocalist Kylie Auldist has been gifted with an amazing voice. Backed

GORILLAZ - The Now Now.

by an amazing array of musicians this is upbeat good time soul funk music. Tracks like “Lit Up”,

JOSH

“Pony Up” and “Stranded” are world class.

Available on limited white vinyl.

LOSERS - How To Ruin Other Peoples Futures.

For fans of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Cookin’ On Three Burners, Ann Peebles

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Available at Prehistoric Sounds Warrnambool

INCANTATION - Onwards To Golgotha.

& The Mill Markets Newcomb

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TEA WITH THE DAMES

TWO IS A FAMILY

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THE BOOKSHOP THURS 12: 8:00PM FRI 13: 11:00AM SAT 14: 2:00PM SUN 15: 3:00PM MON 16: 5:20PM TUES 17: 2:00PM WED 18: 1:30PM, 6:00PM FRI 20: 3:00PM SUN 22: 5:30PM MON 23: 5:20PM TUES 24: 11:00AM, 6:00PM WED 25: 2:00PM, 8:15PM

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SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO Here’s the big take-away from this film: Mexico is literally Hell on Earth. Which, if you saw the first Sicario, isn’t much of a shock, but at least then the idea was that Emily Blunt’s straight-laced cop was slowly dropped into a meaningless nightmare; here it’s just nightmare all the way through. This time we just have Benicio Del Toro’s lawyer-turnedexterminator Alejandro and Josh Brolin’s extreme US-issue badass Matt Graver to impose some order south of the border – or at least, they would if only the pen-pushers in Washington would get out of their way. If you’ve ever wondered what a typical 80s action movie would look like if everyone involved took it very, very seriously, this is your lucky day. It even has a cute kid, in the form of Isabel (Isabela Moner) the daughter of an unseen cartel boss who becomes the centre of Graver’s scheme to set the cartels at each others’ throats. Still, those 80s action movies were fun for a reason. This isn’t as suspenseful as the first Sicario and it lacks some of that film’s visual flair, but the script (from returning writer Taylor Sheridan) serves up a number of tense sequences and enough moral murkiness to keep the plot twists coming. It’s an ultra-bleak B-movie.

The Teskey Brothers: ‘I Get Up’ Tour

We took our seats, Daniel Holdsworth and Tom Bamford came on stage, acknowledged the crowd and took their spots and the oh so familiar introductory notes were played. In came the next instrument, then the next, and before long, they were out of their seats, hitting this, switching that, hitting a drum or cymbal with a spare hand or foot, and at one particular point the headstock of the guitar had to be utilised for a cymbal hit. It was almost amusing in it’s delivery, and was teetering on the edge throughout the performance, which is to be expected when basically doing the decathlon of music.

A break between side A and side B entailed a brief chat with the audience before getting stuck into Side B, drums, obscure vocals, sailors ditty and all! A standing ovation from the sold out crowd and a quick chance to get up close and personal with the Tubular Bells wrapped the evening up.

It was a mesmerising sort of experience. Waiting for each instrument to kick in and waiting to see how they could actually get every bit in. Any mistakes were minor, and something I expected to be part of the show. How they manage to pull something of this magnitude off is a testament to the skill, imagination and dedication it required to play it as they did.

For those familiar with Tubular Bells, or those who wish to see something unique, I suggest you keep an eye out for the next time they are touring. A truly great show!

combined sound mesmerising, but also the husky voice by the lead vocalist Josh Teskey. In-between playing the guitar, Josh also added in some of his talent on the harmonica which had the crowd screaming for more! Josh is joined by Liam on drums and backing vocals, Sam on lead guitar, and their bass guitarist and backing vocalist Brendan, who is also named the conductor of the band and ‘The Professor’ on keys; nicknamed for being the professor of all things keyboards!

They also had support with the talents of Charlie on the trumpet and Nathaniel on the trombone. The sounds The Teskey Brothers create is like nothing else and needs to be heard around the world - it’s no wonder the crowd was screaming for them to come back for an encore. Luckily for everyone there, we got a chance to listen to one of their new songs, yet to be released ‘Forever You and Me’. They may seem like they’re new to the music scene, but they’ve been together for a decade, and in announcing that the Forum Theatre was their biggest crowd yet, rest assured you’ll be hearing of The Teskey Brothers a lot more in the future.

Tubular bells For Two

MOTEZ

KUREN

BAD JUJU

PP ARNOLD

Late Thoughts

Melting Conceptually

Hidden Desire

The Turning Tide

Sweat It Out!

ONETWO

Independent

Kundalini Music

Reviewed by Aine Keogh

Reviewed by Zach Edwards

Reviewed by Lauren McKinnon

Reviewed by John “Dr John” Lamp

The Forum, Melbourne Saturday June 30 Reviewed by Patricia Bove Photo by Nick Mckk The Teskey Brothers can only be described as a rare musical gem. A combination of indie folk, blues and soul, these guys absolutely warm your heart no matter what your style of music is. By ear, you would think they’re a bunch of older guys who have been playing in New Orleans their entire life, but up close, they’re in their twenty’s and from the Yarra Valley in Victoria.

Being able to watch The Teskey Brothers perform their debut album, Half Mile Harvest, live at their sell out concert left me hypnotised. Not only is their

Adelaide producer, Motez, is known and loved for his smooth club jams and off the back of his ARIA Gold record ‘the future feat. Antony & Cleopatra’, he’s back with his first releases of the year.

Motez’s new project, ‘Late thoughts’, showcases a smooth, sophisticated take on house with a deep vibe that could be best imagined at any club worth going to.

Opening the EP with ‘Visceral’, Motez brings together summery synth tones with syncopated beats, decorated with down pitched vocals to create a totally chic track. Motez’s second track, ‘Roll Out’ picks up the pace with a deeper, techno-electronic beat. Incorporating dreamy bursts of synth and deep, driving vocals, this track will send clubbers crazy even before the drop hits.

This EP has serious punch and sent me straight into festival/club desire. I can’t wait to see what Motez has in store and I can only hope it’s a lot more of what this ‘Late thoughts’ is.

Where: GPAC Drama Theatre, Geelong When: Friday June 22 Reviewed by Glenn Lynch Tubular Bells. An iconic record famed by some for being the basis of the theme music for “The Exorcist”. Those of us a little more familiar with it would fame it for being one long song, split into two for vinyl/cassette purposes and displaying a multitude of instruments, composed by one 19 year old lad from the UK. I grew up with this being played in the family household, so how appropriate that I took my Dad to go see two apparently sane men attempt to play this epic piece in it’s entirety. You see, Tubular involved a lot of layering of music, recording one instrument at a time. How can so many instruments be played a the one time to keep Tubular Bells faithful to the original?

We were about to find out...

Kuren’s Melting Conceptually is a wide-angled The six track EP ‘Hidden Desire’ from Melbourne Here’s one for the more youth challenged of capture of his production and songwriting understanding, band Bad Juju, is a fantastic debut for the boys!

Forte’s readership. In the 1960s – 70s (just lost 80% holding some of the most unique hooks and drops of The EP has a really mature sound while also of Forte readership!) one of the names in R&B 2018 so far. keeping a youthful feel. A mix of interesting guitar was Ike and Tina Turner, with their backing trio The After a spoken word introduction from fellow riffs and hooks, cohesive but I am never bored as every Ikettes. Pat (PP) Arnold was one of The Ikettes who Australian musician Ta-Ku, the 20-year old producer/ song has its own unique flavour and is later went on to a solo career, working and multi-instrumentalist launches his debut album with musically interesting. performing with Barry Gibb and Eric Clapton. the gradual intensity of ‘Virtual Connectives’ - a In England, PP was spotted by Mick Jagger who The EP opens with ‘Rejects’, my favourite track on lingering, percussive piece that will no doubt become a first listen. I’m getting some serious Cog vibes from immediately got her signed to Immediate Records. the vocals in the bridge and chorus, really developed Several huge hits followed, ‘First Cut is The Deepest’, staple of his live set.

Following this is the bouncing trap of ‘Flying Cars’, sounding progressive rock, also reminiscent of Thrice, ‘Angel of The Morning’ and so on… In 1968 she did some recordings, which disappeared during one of their reported influences and then when they which so perfectly compliments the raw scratching of Ivan Ooze’s voice; a huge hype track which lifts the organisational ructions in the music industry. She add the heavier metal vocals mixing it up, similar to vibe of the album to an absolute high, right from the has managed to locate them, fought for the right to The Amity Affliction. beginning.

The next song is ‘Moving On’, their first single own and release them, and that has resulted in this I think it’s a huge risk having some of the best with grunge and punk influences and a catchy hook, album The Turning Tide. tracks right at the start. Through the middle, the album currently on rotation at triple j. This is followed by Here are songs written by Steve Winwood, Van trails off with a few jarring tracks which are, although ‘Bloom’ an anthem, ‘Pressure’ a catchy more pop rock Morrison and Jagger, Richards. The sound is excellent instrumentally engaging, somewhat too simple to be and just as I remember from that era. If anything, it is tune, then getting heavier again with ‘Run Away’ and recognisable or timelessly enjoyable. Although, Kuren’s more clear and impressive. The songs are classics with rounded off with ‘Healer’ a softer, slower track, a nice ability to structure individual songs is brilliant; a real a couple of unfamiliar tracks. This is a time capsule end to the EP. The whole EP is really great music to listen to if testament to his musicality, despite his youth. from that era and an excellent addition to the music Thankfully the album revs back up to its expected you’ve got some pent up aggression, very cathartic library of that sensational sound. If you’re under 30 pace after a truly lovely piano-based interlude and the and infectious upbeat tunes you can’t not move to. and reading this, get a copy for your parents! softer, ‘Lose My Mind’. The succeeding track is by far After hearing this EP I am definitely a fan, these guys the standout - ‘Never Enough’ ft. Sam Phay. The dark are very talented band, one to watch for sure. Grab a and brooding crescendo toward such a heavy, head- copy, you wont be disappointed! banging drop matches Phay’s punching vocals; so far my favourite feature on an electronic track all year.

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WRITTEN BY ALASTAIR MCGIBBON

BLUES NEWS

WRITTEN BY JOHN (DR JOHN) LAMP

TOO HEAVY TO HUG

SURFBEAT

WRITTEN BY ANTHONY MORRIS

POP

PULP

WRITTEN BY PAUL S. TAYLOR

BY JOHN FOSS

Hannah Gadsby’s farewell to comedy Nanette has been going gangbusters the world over since it won the 2017 Barry Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. It won Best Comedy at the Adelaide Fringe, the Edinburgh Comedy Award, and a shed-load of glowing reviews from both UK and US critics as she’s toured the Englishspeaking world.

It’s now available on Netflix – though you almost certainly know that, considering the massive wave of attention and praise it’s been getting over the last few weeks. And rightly so: Nanette is an astonishingly powerful and well-crafted hour of stand-up, an absolute must-see for which words like “devastating” barely scratch the surface.

That said, if you’re desperately in need of the healing power of laughter, this may not be the show for you. In fact, a large chunk of the show is built around the idea that laughter is not the best medicine, and can (and often is) be used to hide some of the harsher truths of our society. These truths aren’t exactly news to anyone paying attention to the current state of our society – straight white men, hang your heads in shame – but they’re illustrated with a depth and power here that hammer them home hard.

In Nanette, comedy is described as being largely about first creating tension, then defusing it. But according to Gadsby, this artificial tension is fake; worse, it’s part of an abusive, manipulative relationship. She then proceeds to burn down the whole edifice in electrifying fashion, driven by an anger that’s clearly exhausting to deal with – and she’s been dealing with it for her entire adult life. This kind of material is an obvious drawcard in the age of #metoo, but her slam against comedy in general also scores serious points.

The idea that now is not the time for comedy – that today, things are simply too serious to be laughed at – is the real point where Nanette surfs the zeitgeist: it’s an extremely well-made and powerful piece of theatre that relentlessly demolishes the idea that comedy is anything more than lies that make people laugh under false pretenses. And at a time when comedy clearly has no impact on the outside world (it definitely didn’t stop Trump) and some of its biggest practitioners are hypocrites and molestors (thanks, Louis CK), is it any wonder Gadsby’s message resonates so strongly?

So while Gadsby is a skilled performer delivering material that’s clearly heartfelt, she’s also telling an audience that came to see a comedy show that what they came to see is bad and they should probably feel bad for being a part of it. You’d think that this might be a tough sell, but Gadsby knows what she’s doing: she also details a number of brutal experiences she’s had at the hands of white men, while pointing out that the white male-dominated art world (and by extension, our world in general) treats anyone who’s not a white male very poorly indeed. It’s not a big leap to conclude that this is the truth that comedy won’t let her say; in 2018, who wants to stick up for comedy after that?

Ladies and gents, welcome to yet another edition of Forte’s premium (and only) source of comic-related goodness! This week, I’ve picked up a comic from one of my favourite comic writers – Brian K. Vaughn, the man behind the smash-hit series Saga, the excellent superhero tale Ex Machina and classic series Y: The Last Man. This week’s comic is volume one of 2015’s Paper Girls, an 80s-centric, Stranger Things-style sci fi romp. Illustrated

by Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman), Paper Girls is an odd combination of 80s nostalgia and sci-fi, but with its own strange twists and turns that differentiate it from similar tales.

In the early hours of the morning after Halloween in 1988, four newspaper delivery girls – Erin, Mackenzie, KJ and Tiffany – are going about their rounds in the town of Stony Stream. Erin is new to Stony Stream, and has had some difficulties fitting in with the local kids, but eagerly tags along with the other paper girls when they rescue her from a potentially violent encounter with some local teenagers. A normal – if slightly traumatic – paper round soon takes a bizarre turn, however Tiffany is attacked by some kind of cyborg ninjas, alien dinosaurs emerge from a rift in the sky, and the people of Stony Stream are conspicuous in their absence, some vanishing before the girls’ eyes. Seemingly caught up in a war between two futuristic forces, the girls have no choice but to ride the wave of insanity in the hopes that they can all stay alive.

Paper Girls got weird fast. From the very first panels there’s odd religious references mixed with astronauts and demonic figures, before the reader is snapped back to reality and the mundane life of a paper girl. Once the real weirdness kicks in, there are a lot of questions to be answered, but Vaughn manages to drip just enough detail into the story to keep you hooked, with the hint of more to come just around the corner. It seems like there’s a lot going on that the girls simply can’t comprehend, and there are enough hints that there’s more to the conflict to keep readers interest piqued.

Chiang’s artwork is great, too; his character designs are excellent, and really capture the 80s aesthetic without being too over-the-top, which is a delicate balancing act. Chiang’s depictions of the weird and wonderful creatures the girls encounter are fantastic; there’s hints of old B-grade sci-fi that really up the “weird factor”.

While the comparisons to Stranger Things are inevitable – 80s chic meets sci-fi, after all – I think Paper Girls is a whole other beast. While Stranger Things is all psychic children, inter-dimensional monsters and D&D, Paper Girls is The Goonies, Back to the Future and Star Wars all in one. There’s definite similarities, but they’re different enough to avoid re-treading the same ground (not to mention the fact that Paper Girls came first).

All things considered, Paper Girls is a fun romp with a heady dose of 80s nostalgia. It’s not quite as engaging as some of Vaughn’s other works, but it’s still a really fun – if slightly weird – story that will draw you in with its off-kilter charm and likeable characters. If sci-fi weirdness and nostalgia sound like your thing, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.

Put the 22nd of July in your diary right now – paper or app, not a problem, just get it in! (Anyone remember Filofax?).

Sleepy Hollow has something a little different this month; instead of a single headline band, there are five and the common thread is ‘Women who play the Blues’. The afternoon features Suzanne Petersen, Andrea Roberson & Band, The Alice Effect, Sarah Carroll and Heyride.

Suzanne Petersen is an accomplished musician, lyrical poet and vocalist pianist of many years’ experience. She writes popular ballads with blues and soul influences and blues-based swing tunes.

A chance meeting and introduction to blues music occurred when she met Dutch Tilders in Sydney. This meeting destined her to live in Melbourne and tour with Dutch Tilders band as flautist and backing vocalist supporting acts like George Thorogood. In 1998 and 2001 Suzanne received awards from Unisong for original compositions.

Living in Ocean Grove has helped shape Andrea Robertson into the awardwinning singer/songwriter she is today.

With music that’s as natural as it is soulful, her vocals fuse together blues, roots, folk and country with a dash of rock; all with a highly appealing and slightly vintage vibe. Much like the ebb and flow of the ocean, her music is varying, emotive and thoroughly engaging. Andrea was one of the dual recipients of the highly coveted Queenscliff Music Festival’s Emerging Artist Grant in 2017. She was also the winner of the Ross Lipson Award at the Queenscliff Music Festival in 2016.

The Alice Effect is a five piece cover band who have been rocking the Geelong area since 2004.

It’s fronted by vocalist Jess Lewry. In the early 1990’s, Barry Lewis, Lloyd Cotton, Cindy Flanders and Vanessa Zorkau, all from the Shell Refinery Lab, got together for a jam, and the band Sirens was born.

Through various line-up changes, the band changed its name to Camel Train and then finally to The Alice Effect with its current line-up, that still includes Barry and Vanessa from the Lab, but also Jess Lewry, Paul Brooke and Greg Gosbell.

Sarah Carroll has performed at most of Australia’s high-profile festivals over a 25 year career, and is noted for her work with GIT, The Junes and The Cartridge Family.

Sarah has enjoyed supporting high-profile artists at home such as Kinky Friedman (USA), Mic Conway, Old Man Luedecke (Canada), Eddi Reader (Scotland), Renee Geyer, Tim Rogers, Monique Brumby and one of Australia’s finest songmen, Neil Murray. In the USA, she works with the likes of Anne McCue, Tommy Womack and Bill Kirchen.

Heyride consists of Kelly Goldsmith, Rod Hoe, Pino Pantano and Ian Wilson.

Kelly started singing in cover bands in the late 80’s, while her 90’s were spent working in all girl trio RAZZAMAJAZZ, a jazz/blues outfit that played extensively around Melbourne and Geelong for a solid seven years. She has since recorded alongside such great Aussie artists like Dave Steel, Marco Goldsmith and is on many albums as backing vocalist.

Five bands for the price of one! July 22nd at the Geelong Trades Hall Dancehall.

WELCOME TO THTH, FORTE’S PREMIER SOURCE OF ALL THINGS HEAVY, HARD, FAST AND METAL. The death of Pantera co-founder and drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott on June 22 shook not only the metal world but also the entire music world. Thirteen years after Vinnie witnessed the shooting of his brother, Pantera co-founder and guitarist Dimebag Darrell on stage during a Damageplan show, the brothers have now been reunited in heaven.

Pantera’s influence on heavy metal and music in general is immeasurable and will be forever lasting, and one of the reasons for this is the musicianship, chemistry, mutual respect, love of life and supreme understanding of that heavy groove both Vinnie and Dimebag created; a legacy they can truly call their own.

The second half of Pantera’s career, when Phil Anselmo joined on vocals, is when the band really began to take off with Cowboys From Hell and then every subsequent album until their final album Reinventing The Steel. This part of the band’s catalogue is brimming with sheer musical excitement and excellence, driven predominately by the Aboott brother’s groove and whilst it would be useless to point out tracks that stand over the rest, there are some that focus more on the groove than others. ‘Mouth For War’ is as anthemic as it is groovy and catchy, ‘War Nerve’ is another rolling groove thanks to both Vinnies drums and Dimebag’s guitars weaving amongst each other like two snakes coiled together.

But when the brothers wanted to create the heaviest, tearing and frantic music that just makes you question what you thought was possible with a guitar and set of drums they did with tracks such as ‘Suicide Note Pt. II’, ‘Use My Third Arm’, ‘Strength Beyond Strength’ and ‘Primal Concrete Sledge’.

If you haven’t yet, definitely re-watch all of the Pantera Home Video series for a reminder of how much the brothers loved having fun and, of course, partying hard.

RIP Vinnie Paul – the world has lost yet another amazing person far too early.

In other news

IT’S ALL IN THE NAME Surfing is a unique activity that attracts all sorts of people. Young, old, male, female, tall, short… basically anyone can surf as long as they have a passion for the ocean and love riding waves.

Surfing is also unique in that surf culture is littered with a wide array of nicknames. If you can stand on a surfboard, there is a strong chance you will soon be given a nickname. It has been a part of surfing for over a century.

Here is Australia we have always given our top surfers nicknames. Bernard Farrelly was our first World Surfing Champion. He started surfing as a kid dragging a huge 12 foot wooden surfboard down to the beach to ride waves. Someone called him ‘Midget’ and it stuck. ‘Midget’ would go on to become one of our greatest surfers.

Around the same time, a daughter of a Hollywood script writer was starting to hang out at Malibu Beach over summer.

She would come home and tell her father about the cool surfers she had met at the beach with names like Moondoggy, Lover Boy and the Big Kahuna. The writer (Frederick Kohner) wrote a novel based on her daughters experiences and called it ‘Gidget: the little girl with the big ideas’.

Gidget was a huge hit as a book and film.

It became a nickname that popularised surfing in the sixties.

Back in Australia, Robert Young was carving up the surf along Sydney’s Northern Beaches. His aggressive surfing style earned him the nickname ‘The Animal’. For some reason he was also given the nickname ‘Nat’. Nat Young, The Animal… not many people receive two popular nicknames.

Fast forward to the seventies and it seemed like every surfer had a nickname.

Gold Coast surfer Michael Peterson won every contest he entered for a period. He was simply know as MP, a nickname that would gain worldwide appeal.

Mark Richards won a heap of contests in the seventies and would go on to win four World Titles. His name was shortened to MR but he also gained the nickname ‘The Wounded Seagull’ for his surfing style.

Peter Townend won the first World Surfing Title in 1976 and earned the nickname PT. Wayne Bartholomew had a name that was far too long for most surfers and ended up being called simply ‘Rabbit’. Then there was Terry ‘Sultan of Speed’ Fitzgerald, Ian ‘Kanga’ Cairns, Greg ‘Da Bull’ Noll and Montgomery ‘Buttons’ Kaluhiokalani.

My favourite nickname of all time is still ‘Kong’ the name bestowed on a young Gary Elkerton from Queensland who destroyed waves literally for two decades as a professional surfer. He tried to get rid of the ‘Kong’ tag in the nineties and insisted he be called Gary but no-one bothered.

Once a Kong always a Kong… nicknames (and their origins) are what makes surfing unique.

Proudly presented by the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club 38

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++ Deafheaven will release their new album Ordinary Corrupt Human Love on Friday July 13. ++ Machine Head will rock the Forum Theatre on Saturday July 21. ++ Psycroptic with special guests Archspite and Hadal Maw will be at Max Watts on Sunday August 18. ++ Satyricon will tear Max Watts to shreds on Thursday September 6. ++ The Sword will be at Max Watts on Saturday September 8. ++ Tesseract will play 170 Russell on Friday September 14. ++ Sumac will release their new album Love In Shadow in Friday September 21. ++ Dimmu Borgir will headline their first ever Oz tour this October and their Melbourne show will be at 170 Russell on Wednesday October 17. ++ Parkway Drive, Killswitch Engage and Thy Art Is Murder will play Margaret Court Arena on Friday November 2. ++ 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

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#fortescenepix

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42

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