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BALLARAT 21 Sep - 6 Nov 2018
BOAA will be the largest showcase of Australian Art ever presented: > 150 artists Image: Micheila Petersfield TAS - Detail
> 65 curated solo exhibitions > Lakeside Sculpture Walk > Performance art projects > Outdoor installations
Info: boaa.net.au/boaa-music Tix: boaa.net.au/tickets
Dallas Crane Motor City Sounds Dan Brodie Lisa Miller The Mudcakes Geoffrey Williams DJ Sweatdreams
MUSIC
BALLARAT 21 Sep - 6 Nov 2018
BOAA music will be running alongside BOAA Art.
Los Locos | The Grapes Lisa Crawley | Baby Blue Vardos | Mexican Music Man Dayzed | SheWolf | Tiny Giants The Cartridge Family | Arian Lane
All music events are free with a BOAA Art pass
Stella Savy Avek Frers | deborahN Funky Miracle | Winterberries Ivy Streep | Well Strung Fox Company | The Intellectuals Hypertron Collidescope Ballarat Secondary School Bands
however some events have limited numbers so book /register now!
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The Know
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Feature Story
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The Loop
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Local Feature Spring Eats Feature
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News
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Food
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Creatives
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Say hello to sunny days and shivery winds, Spring is here! As we all get our warm weather groove back, it’s time to make the most of all that the region has to offer - great festivals, events, plenty of great exhibitions and theatre, and of course, the sun. It’s also the perfect time to start getting back into the things you love; the gym, brunch in the sun, day festivals, spring racing, rooftop bars, farmers markets, walks along the beach or outdoor BBQs. Say goodbye to those winter blues because it’s all happy days from here.
PH: 03 5229 7969 2/105 Skene St, VIC 3220 enquiries@fortemag.com.au
FREEBIES This issue we’re giving away two double passes to the Happy Wanderer Festival on November 2 - 5. Happy Wanderer Festival has built a following over the past six years for good times, great music, a sweet program of workshops, morning yoga and splashing around in the river.
This issue we have Byron Bay rockers Skegss on our cover. Having just announced their plans to hit the road later this year, they guys will be celebrating their long-awaited debut album, My Own Mess. The album, which drops September 7, is sure to one killer collection of tracks after years of righteous jams and summer anthems filling the airwaves and soundtracking your weekends.
T O EN TE R : Email your name, your number and the code word to ‘HAPPY’ talia@fortemag.com.au
REGURGITATOR 44-45
Columns
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Scenepix
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The Guide
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Further in this issue, we chat to UK progressive metal giants TesseracT, Geelong’s own The Kite Machine, Anthrax member and thrash metal legend Scott Ian, we take a look at Birregurra Festival and Art Show and local independent clothing brand The Pine Co, plus heaps more!
FORTÉGRAM Tag us @Forte_mag or #Fortemag
We also have a special Spring Eats feature this issue, highlighting all the places you should be trying this season. Bon Appétit!
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Contributors Anthony Morris, Alastair McGibbon, Amanda Sherring, Chris Lambie, Dr John Lamp, Natalie Rogers, Paul S Taylor, Tex Miller, Wylie Caird. Advertisers and agents are advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility under the trade practices act. Advertisements are published in good faith and on the understanding that the content is legitimate and lawful. Advertisers and or agents submit advertisements at their own risk. The editor and creators hold no responsibility whatsoever for the content of the magazine in the case that it may offend. Forté accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. Forté reserves the right to edit all articles and letters.
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@thevelvetaddiction
THE SUPERJESUS Triple M & New World Artists Presents
SUMO
20th Anniversary Tour PERFORMING AN EPIC 2 HOUR SHOW SPANNING OVER TWO SETS
05 Oct 2018 Barwon Club. Geelong 06 Oct 2018 Max Watts. Melbourne 10 Oct 2018 Taphouse. Bendigo 09 Nov 2018 York On Lilydale. Mount Evelyn SUMO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CD WITH BONUS TRACKS ALSO AVAILABLE thesuperjesus.com facebook.com/thesuperjesusofficial instagram.com/the_superjesus twitter.com/the_superjesus
CD /DIGITAL/RED VINYL OUT 17.08.18
The Superjesus A2 Sumo Tour Poster VIC v2 prepress.indd 1
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WRITTEN BY SHAE MCCORMACK AUSSIE CLASSIC TAKING CENTRE STAGE
NOT DEAD YET: LIVE!
Muriel’s Wedding the Musical is returning for another run of shows for Autumn 2019 and is headed for Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne in March next year before heading back to Sydney in June. With the cast list yet to be announced we do know the production will feature an original score by Kate Miller-Heidkie and Keir Nuttall as well as including your ABBA favourites. Tickets for the Melbourne season go on sale at 9am on Thursday 20th September from www.murielsweddingthemusical.com or ticketek.
Out of retirement, global music legend Phil Collins has announced that he is bringing his tour down under for 2019, after much success with tour dates around the UK, Europe South America and Central America. The Not Dead Yet: Live Tour is set to hit stages in Australia in January and February with confirmed shows in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. “I thought I would retire quietly,” says Phil of his return, “But thanks to the fans, my family and support from some extraordinary artists I have rediscovered my passion for music and performing. It’s time to do it all again and I’m excited. It just feels right.” The last time this music icon played in Australia was in 1995 so one can only assume tickets will sell out fast. AAMI Park, Melbourne – February 1. Tickets go on sale via ticketek.
RUBENS ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE TOUR
TIM MINCHIN IS BACK Returning with his first national tour since 2012, the aptly named BACK will be the internationally renowned award-winning musician, comedian, actor, writer and composer’s first Australian tour since returning to the country after more than a decade living overseas. It also marks the long-awaited follow up to his consecutive sold-out national tours of Tim Minchin Vs the Orchestra in 2011 and 2012. BACK is billed as “Old Songs, New Songs, F*** You Songs”, hinting at a set list of material from all corners of Minchin’s eclectic – and often iconoclastic – repertoire. With his most recent one-off show as part of Dark Mofo selling out in 15 minutes, this tour is bound to do the same. Catch him at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on April 5 & April 6. Tickets go on sale at 2pm Thursday, 6 September via livenation.com.au.
2018 has proven to be The Rubens’ biggest year to date with the release of their album, a mammoth worldwide headline tour across Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Europe, and most recently supporting P!NK on her massive 42-date sell out arena tour of Australia and NZ. Now Menangle five-piece The Rubens have just announced a headline tour for their third studio album Lo La Ru for this coming November and December. The boys will be playing a string of shows across the country including your big cities Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. They will be joined at all headline shows by special guest Little May with an additional opening support act in each state to be announced via a triple j Unearthed competition. Tickets are on sale now.
Ballarat
14–16 September
Regent Cinemas 49 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
Bendigo
5–6 October
Star Cinema Eaglehawk Town Hall, Peg Leg Road, Eaglehawk
Geelong
12–14 October
Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong The Pivotonian Cinema Cnr. Moorabool & Verner Streets, South Geelong
For session times & tickets, visit miff.com.au/travelling
Hitting the road with screenings across regional Victoria 10
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Supported by
MAROON 5 ARE BRINGING THEIR RED PILL BLUES WORLD TOUR TO AUSTRALIA
SPICKS AND SPECKS RETURN FOR A ONE OFF SPECIAL
Pop-rockers Maroon 5 have announced their return to Australia in 2019 as part of their current world tour, showcasing material from their sixth and latest album Red Pill Blues, which arrived in 2017. The album features collaborations with the likes of Kendrick Lamar (‘Don’t Wanna Know’), Cardi B (‘Girls Like You’) and SZA (‘What Lovers Do’). Already achieving three GRAMMY® Awards, they’ve become “the most successful group in the history of the Billboard Hot 100” with 12 Top 10 entries, sold over 36 million albums, 48 million singles worldwide, and earned gold and platinum certifications in more than 35 countries. They’ll hit Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on February 22. Tickets on sale at 11am Monday, September 10 via livenation.com.au.
This coming November not only brings ABC’s Aus Music Month, but also sees the return of Spicks and Specks for a one off special in celebration for Aussie Music. All the usual suspects will be retuning alongside your beloved host Adam Hills and your Team Captains Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough who are back for a one night only, hour-long special event. They will also be joined in the studios by Adam Briggs; one half of A.B. Original, Ricki-Lee Coulter and comedy stars Frank Woodley and Denise Scott.
BRING ME THE HORIZON ARE BACK
ANDERSON .PAAK AND TOTO HEADLINE FALLS FESTIVAL
After releasing their new track ‘Mantra’ late last month, the boys from the UK have spent the summer writing and recording their sixth studio album ‘amo’. Set to be released on the 11th of January, ‘amo’ is looking to be one of their most exhilarating, genre crossing albums to date. Not only is new music coming our way, but the multiplatinum selling legends have also announced they are headed for Australia next April as part of their World Tour. The British five piece are set to play Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Qudos Bank Arena Sydney and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (April 13 for that one). Tickets go on sale Friday September 7 via livenation.com.au.
Falls Festival has returned with a typically huge lineup for their 2018/2019 lineup, bringing some of the greatest acts from all corners of the globe to Australia. Leading the charge for its 26th year comes groove behemoth Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals alongside Catfish and the Bottlemen in their only Australian show. As well as Vance Joy, CHVRCHES and Interpol, Falls will also be blessing the rains with a set from legendary ‘Africa’ rockers Toto. Further highlights include Hilltop Hoods, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Jack River, Amy Shark, DMA’s, Mallrat, Briggs, and heaps more. In an effort to curb sexual assault and sexual violence at their festival, Falls Festival is doubling down on initiatives to keep their event safe by introducing sexual assault counsellors to all sites. Falls Festival goes down from December 28 - December 31 in Lorne, Victoria.
FRI 7 SEPTEMBER:
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SUN 9 SEPTEMBER:
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DARA HESSION Born and bred into a very Irish and musical family Dara has music running through my veins. His love of performing always makes for a night to remember to be sure.
ANDY FORSTER A multi-instrumentalist and a lively entertainer Andy combines acoustic rhythms, unique sounding vocals and an impressive stomp box to create a unique sound.
GROOVE JUNCTION Jace Excell and Isaac Walker are a musical duo that bring you the songs you love with soulful harmonies, tasteful guitar, smooth piano, and funky rhythms.
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SAT 15 SEPTEMBER:
DELLA
SOLO ACOUSTIC SET One voice, one guitar, one stomp box – and many happy ears. Della the pro has supported legendary artists Jimmy Barnes, Guy Sebastian, Dragon and many more.
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THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET MESSY AS SKEGSS RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM AND NATIONAL TOUR WRITTEN BY TAMMY WALTERS
THE ICE COVERED WINDSCREENS START TO DISAPPEAR, THE SUN ACCOMPANIES YOU ON YOUR DRIVE TO WORK AND LINGERS AROUND TO SEE YOU HOME, POPS OF COLOUR APPEAR IN YOUR GARDEN AND THE AIR FILLS WITH A FRESH, FLORAL FRAGRANCE. MOSQUITO REPELLENT RESURFACES FROM THE BACK OF THE BATHROOM VANITY ALONG WITH THE ZYRTEC FOR THE VICTIMS OF HAY FEVER. IT CAN ONLY MEAN ONE THING IN AUSTRALIA: ‘SPRING HAS SPRUNG’. If those indicators weren’t enough of a reminder, our favourite surf/garage rock trio from Byron Bay, Skegss, are waving the Spring flag high in the form of a 40 minute eargasm. Their highly anticipated debut album, ‘My Own Mess’, released through Ratbag Records, is out tomorrow (Friday 7 September) and provides the perfect soundtrack to welcome the warmer weather. ‘My Own Mess’ is anything but a mess. It feels familiar yet entirely fresh all at once perhaps due to the mix of classic surf rock and stoner rock that is has been showcased throughout Skegss discography. “I feel like it’s taken on a thing of its own where we’re not trying to sound like anything, we’re just trying to make tunes and it’s a good collaborative thing where Benny will show us one thing and we’ll work on it,” bassist Toby Cregan says. “Jon, Benny and I will work on it together and make it sound like something we all like.” Fans and critics seem to be liking the new tunes too having already been introduced to singles ‘Up In The Clouds’ and ‘Smogged Out’ which have both been on high rotation on triple j and community radio over the last couple of months. The station has also been drip feeding preview tracks from ‘My Own Mess’ this week with it being honoured the triple j Feature Album. “It’s our first album so I think it’s kind of easy for us. So we don’t have any expectations which works in our favour. I think we’ve always done that really; we’ve never put too much pressure on ourselves,” Toby laughs. “We just let it come out naturally.” Opening with ‘Up In The Clouds’ the three chord guitar intro automatically plunges listeners into a good mood that remains steady throughout the record. 12
You can’t help but want to get in the car and go down all of those songs down to I think it was like 20 that up years ago and they never got back to us and finally to the coast with friends with song titles like ‘Road we liked or something and then we demoed the 20 and they’ve come through. Can’t wait to meet those guys! Trip’, ‘Paradise’ and ‘Margarita’, and the surf-driven dwindled that down again once we got in the studio to We’ve seen them once playing in Canada and just tone to match. Rounding off the record are campfire thought they were awesome so we’ve always wanted record. We listened to all of the recordings and picked style singalongs ‘Need To Do’, title track ‘My Own to get them to come over.” which ones we liked,” reiterates Toby. Mess’, and ‘My Mind’. It’s no wonder then that much SCABZ, the self-proclaimed ‘shittest band out of With a cameo appearance from triple j alumni, Alex of the songwriting process took place post holidays and the Astronaut, who also joined them on stage at Newtown, NSW’ will be an additional support to the touring for the lads. Splendour in the Grass recently, this album is a product Australian leg of the tour, but if that solid lineup of collaboration, hard work and fun. “I think the thing that makes me probably the most of artists doesn’t make you say “Take My Money”, keen to write songs is being on the road and then then knowing it’s for a good cause will. Skegss have “It just took longer than anything we had ever done coming home; whenever I write songs it’s when and we just tried as hard as we could and had heaps of partnered with PLUS1 to donate $1 per ticket sold to I’ve gotten home from somewhere or I’ve just done the Mark Hughes Foundation for brain cancer research, fun in the studio. We never used to go into recording something. It’s usually when I’ve been away and I’ve a cause that is close to home. because we had never done it much but working with Jez [Jeremy from Pinhead] we got more comfortable “We’ve had some friends’ parents that brain cancer has taken in everything, I get back and straight away the first thing I do when I get home is pick up the guitar and doing it. We had two weeks, so lots of time to record affected, even some of the people in our team,” says play a couple of chords and try to make up a melody and Toby. “PLUS1 help pick the best charity for people to all of the songs so we were just having heaps of fun.” say whatever the fuck I feel like,” says Toby. Coming off of that epic set at Splendour In The Grass, go with so they helped us do that and they thought it the boys will be hitting the road, embarking on the The 15 track album, dwindled down from a 60 song was perfect for us.” catalogue, follows the success of their 2017 EP, ‘Holiday ‘My Own Mess National Tour’ with shows in Sydney, Snap up your ticket to see the boys energetic live Food’ which earned them a triple j Hottest 100 nod Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Fremantle and Perth. set before you miss out, and while you’re at it also for ‘Got On My Skateboard’. ‘My Own Mess’ mirrors This will be followed by an extensive UK and European head to the Skegss webshop to preorder your copy of the simplistic storytelling lyricism and infectious tour, hitting up an additional 18 cities. ‘My Own Mess’ on CD and on vinyl in vibrant yellow melodic hooks of the former, with a carefully crafted “We’ve always just wanted to try and play as many (complete with a 28 page zine designed by unofficial shows as we could and I think sometimes doing that fourth member Jack Irvin), and check out the limited and consistent collection of tunes. and keeping yourself really proactive and doing that as edition merch bundles they have on offer. “We always write songs, all the time, like any time of much as you can, can help build that fan base,” says Ben. For now it’s time to recruit your friends and start the day,” says frontman and guitarist Ben Reed. “Yeah not just in the evenings [laughs]. We’re allowed The shows have been selling out like hot jam donuts planning a weekend ‘Road Trip’ down to the coast to to do it whenever we want”, Toby interjects. at a Sunday market for the Australian leg. Melbourne ‘have a Margarita’ and veg out in ‘Paradise’. Skegss have your car playlist sorted! “So we just tried to write as many songs as we could, sold out the Croxton within a day of release as did Sydney and Brisbane, all three receiving second show for the first time ever, narrowed it down a bunch and demoed them,” continues Ben. “We were out at this announcements. Release: house in a place called Bucketty. We rented this house “It’s kind of for everyone our music- it doesn’t really out for five days and worked on it. We’ve never worked pigeon hole… I think that’s why our shows have sold ‘My Own Mess’, released through out, everyone is welcome there. We’ve got so much on the songs so much.” Ratbag Records, is out tomorrow “I guess we’ve never had as many songs as what we had, support along the way, even from having Twin Peaks on (Friday 7 September) like more than we can remember. We’ve been saying it’s the tour and all of our friends just backing us up. It feels 60. It would have been at least that many songs that good to be going out on the road again, that’s for sure.” When & Where: Benny would have demoed and then [he] showed me Chicago bred indie rockers, Twin Peaks, known for on the phone, just like texting it to me because we were hits such as ‘Making Breakfast’, ‘Wanting You’ and Croxton, Melbourne – October 20 living away from each other at the time. Then once we ‘Shake Your Lonely’, are making their way down under & October 21 (Under 18s). got that done we went and demoed with Jeremy from to join the boys on this tour; a lineup that has been in Pinhead, our friend there, and like Benny said, that’s the works for quite some time. “We’ve always been fans of them! We did hit them the first time we did that [demoed] and we narrowed 697
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LOOP
B A L L A R AT BELLARINE
BENDIGO CASTLEMAINE
GEELONG & SURF COAST WA R R N A M BOO L
BIRREGURRA
FESTIVAL & ART SHOW
2018
SEP 7TH ANDY FORSTER
SEP 8TH
SEP 13TH JUSTIN KEENAN SEP 14TH BLUE WAX BAND 697
THE GO SET 15
HAYLEY MARSTEN & ARNA GEORGIA
NO RUSH FOR GARRETT KATO
Hayley Marsten and Arna Georgia have lined up dates with Bendigo’s MusicMan on September 14 and The Loft, Warrnambool on September 16 where country is the hot menu item. Hayley has released two albums, most recently 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.
Born in Canada, singer-songwriter Garrett Kato found a couple of things while visiting Australia: Byron Bay’s acoustic music scene, and love. It should come as little surprise he calls Byron Bay home these days. Having toured with Jack Johnson, Bernard Fanning, Pete Murray and Kasey Chambers, he is now going it alone in support of his latest single, ‘Take it Slowly’. Engine Room, Bendigo – September 20.
HMM, YES, QUITE, SOPHISTICATED DINGO
ALTA ACCESS AND EXAMINE With their scamming of scammer days hopefully behind them (you should do a search for the story), ALTA is out and about and getting on with their musical life. The perfect cosmic combination of Hannah Lesser on vocals and Julian Dowson on production, the band has been busy touring the past year, notably a fine set at Splendour in the Grass. ‘Figured Out’ is their new single. Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool – September 15.
SHEWOLF ARE ALIVE SheWolF have broken on through to the other side. Three sisters who have been blessed with the power of rock make up the Melbourne trio, and The Other Side is their well-received debut. The album is three years in the making, though the spirit of music has been in them since they won their primary school talent contest with a Status Quo cover. Currently touring the album, SheWolF will perform at the Biennale of Australian Art Festival.
ALL OKAY FOR TAY OSKEE Hailing from Mission Beach, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tay Oskee spent some of his early years living amongst the Aboriginal people of North East Arnhem Land. His music is influenced by both, as well as artists including Fat Freddy’s Drop, John Butler Trio and Xavier Rudd. Tay is also the 2017 Bluesfest Busking Competition winner. His Black Smoke tour plays at The Loft, Warrnambool on October 13.
You will have to ask those closest to Sophisticated Dingo as to what makes them so darn sophisticated, as we’re just here to tell you they have released their debut EP Tastes Just Like the Real Thing. The Melbourne two-piece has been making such an impression with their self-proclaimed “trashy garage”, that you won’t believe it is not trashy garage. MusicMan, Bendigo – October 6.
ON BIRDCLOUD NINE If a band can go multiple rounds with the Cosmic Psychos and live to tell the tale, they have earned a few credits. Nashville-based country satire duo Birdcloud did just that, supporting the Aussie favourite on their Loudmouth Soup tour, in doing so finding the alcohol-fuelled courage to come back again. Barwon Club, Geelong – October 14. Joining the shenanigans will be the B-tastic Bitch Diesel and Baby 8.
MOODY BEACHES GET WEIRD It feels as though no one told you life was going to be this way. I mean, your job’s a joke, not to mention you’re broke, and your love life’s DOA. Fortunately, your weird friends will be there for you; for example, when the rain starts to pour. Released last month, Weird Friends is the debut album from post-punk/ grunge with kittens outfit Moody Beaches. Major Tom’s, Kyneton – October 5. The band also has a date with Castlemaine’s Country Daze.
LOVE STRIKES FOR AWAKEN I AM
DOOMSDAY FESTIVAL
Awaken I Am have announced a tour in support of their 2017 album Blind Love, and Kentucky’s Picturesque will be tagging along. Forte’s Alex Callan gave Blind Love four stars, saying: “Awaken I Am have delivered an absolute belter of an album and distinguished themselves as an act to keep an eye out for.” Picturesque released their debut full-length, Back to Beautiful, last year. Workers Club, Geelong – October 19.
It is coming for you. Featuring Japanese doom metal outfit Church of Misery, Doomsday Festival also acts as a showcase of Australia’s sludge, doom metal, psychedelic, stoner, post-rock and experimental bands. The line-up also features Witchskull, Seedy Jeezus, Los Hombres del Diablo, Holy Serpent, Subterranean Disposition, Neck Grip and Coffin Wolf. Barwon Club, Geelong – October 7.
Being brothers is working out okay for Louis and Oli Leimbach, the souls behind Lime Cordiale. They’re heading out on their Dirt Cheap tour, which may have a surprise or two in store. Louis: “This tour has got me so excited … We’re trying to finish a few tracks in the studio to release before any of it kicks off.” Tap House, Bendigo – December 13; Karova Lounge, Ballarat – December 14; and Barwon Club, Geelong – December 15.
LIME CORDIALE ON THE CHEAP
JOIN THE DEAD LETTER CIRCUS With their self-titled album due for release later in the month, Brisbane outfit Dead Letter Circus
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Thursday 6 Andy Forster
Thursday 13 Andy Forster
Friday 7 Jeff Jordan
Friday 14 Jeff Jordan
Saturday 8 Luke Biscan
Saturday 15 Dave Anderson
Wednesday 12 Open Mic Karaoke Luke Biscan
Wednesday 19 Open Mic Karaoke Luke Biscan
will see out the year with a tour. Kim Benzie: “We’re so psyched to finally give this album over to the people. Taking all these new songs on the road to some of our favourite places in Australia will be a blast! This is the beginning of a whole new chapter for the DLC family and we can’t wait!” Tap House, Bendigo – December 19 & Barwon Club, Geelong – December 20.
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STAMP OUT AND ABOUT
HEART TO HARTS While Harts revealed at Bluesfest that this will be the final year of musical life under the Harts name, his bags are not packed quite yet. ‘Wishfulness’ is his new single, another due to appear on his next album and follow-up to Smoke Fire Hope Desire. Harts: “Lyrically, Wishfulness is a song about being stuck in a rut, longing for something else.” The tour features a more buff live set-up. Torquay Hotel, Torquay – November 30.
NOT ‘APPY IN LOVE STA M P SY IS T H E M U SIC D IR ECTOR AN D D R I VE AN N OU N CER AT K R OCK I N G EELON G I’m ready to meet a guy who’ll ride the rollercoaster of life with me. We’ll sit in the front with our arms in the air; the wind blasting us in the face. So, I’m putting the “training wheels” back on (and the helmet, knee pads and elbow pads because it’s been so long, I’ve forgotten what to do) and I’m getting back out on the… gulp… dating scene.
OKTOBERFEST Shannon Noll returns to Oktoberfest Geelong in 2018. Early bird tickets have already sold out, but there is still time to hand over your hardearned Euros. A general ticket includes entry and a limited edition stein. Imagine your forearms after a day of lugging that around! More than 2000 people are expected to turn out for the event, which features entertainment, rides and food trucks. Oh yeah, and beer. Geelong Showgrounds – October 27.
Between you and I… a girl has needs. I want a lover. A friend. Someone who’ll hug me after a sh*tty day. A man who’ll challenge my thoughts and complement me. I don’t just mean “you look great in that dress!” (but I’ll take that too). I mean support me and be my ally. A man who’ll be my plus one to my bestie’s engagement party and will patiently carry my bags as we walk through Barwon Heads markets, buying more than we need because I want to support local business. How do you do it? I’ve dipped a toe in and tried “dating” apps but to be honest it’s left me feeling flat.
BOOST YOUR MOJO JUJU
Are you dealing with these kinds of “applicants” too? These are the profile photos coming up in my radius:
Boost your mojo with Mojo Juju’s new album, Native Tongue. Mojo has described her third album as being for her younger self. Mojo: “One of the most crucial elements in order to know who you are is to know where you’ve scome from, to know your roots. We’ve all heard it before but it really started to resonate with me.” She has teamed with PLUS1 for the tour. Workers Club, Geelong – October 21 & The Bridge, Castlemaine – November 8.
JOIN THE GEELONG WEST BRASS BAND Do you play a brass instrument? Are you looking for a way to get involved in the local community? Well the Geelong West Brass Band (GWBB) needs you! Always looking for keen brass and percussion players who can read music to join their energetic ranks, the a community based B Grade Band are hosting open rehearsals for anyone who wants to get involved. We chat to the hard-working and entertaining band about how to join and what you can expect. Hey guys thanks for chatting to Forte! You’ve got open rehearsals for interested players coming up soon! What’s involved with this? We are always looking for new players, and anyone interested is always welcome to turn up to a Tuesday evening rehearsal. However, we though it would be a great idea to have a couple of well promoted ‘Open’ rehearsals - on Tuesday 18 September and Tuesday 30 October. Each rehearsal is two weeks before a big performance and should give prospective new players a good idea of what we do. Players who want to come along are welcome to just come and listen, or to bring their instrument and have a play with us. What level of experience is required to join the band? Well, being able to play a brass instrument or percussion and read music are the most important requirements! However, the band is very supportive of players who don’t have a lot of experience, or perhaps have not played for a long time. Our musical director even offers lessons. We are really keen to recruit
Flipping the middle finger - when you put your middle finger in the air you’re not declaring “screw you society!” You’re being obnoxious. Oh look, I just swiped left with my middle finger. The Car - if I wanted to date a transformer I’d go on CarSales. If you’re convincing me you’re a “Hot Rod” and will “rev my engine”, you can tow that pile of junk to the closest second-hand dealer.
The In-The-Crowd - we all enjoy a game of Where’s Wally, but I don’t want to guess you out of a line up. In consumer terms, that’s misleading advertising. We just want you to make your terms and conditions clear before we proceed with transaction. We don’t want to ask for Wally and end up with Waldo. The Body - congrats, you have mastered the sit up, but have you failed to learn how to brush your hair? Why don’t you show your face? You’re happy to put an emoji over your d*ck. Are you wanted in four Australian states? If so, you shouldn’t be on social media. #justsaying The Gym Selfie - you’re damn proud of yourself for making it to the gym for the 623rd day straight, aren’t you? Pat yourself on the back. In fact, take a photo of yourself patting yourself on the back while at the gym and post that as your profile photo. This will show off your exquisite muscle definition (insert sarcasm here). Jog on. Oh wait, you don’t do cardio #facepalm. This won’t be my last desperate search for my Prince Charming to sweep in with my glass slipper, place me on his trusty steed and ride me off into the sunset. I gave up on fairy tales when I was 12 years old. I just think if you’ve met your partner on Tinder or Bumble, you’re the exception to the rule. So, it’s back to pubs and blind dates for me. I’ll have to make sure the velcro on my helmet is done up tight, cause it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Stampsy is on the socials so get around her @ lee_stamps on Insta & StampsyKROCK on the book!
teenagers and young adults who have maybe played at school. We are particularly looking for a kit percussion player who can read music and really drive a great performance. Players who play other non-brass band instruments, such as Trumpet and French Horn are also welcome, while you can’t play those instruments in the band, its not that difficult to transition to a cornet or a horn. The band has high quality instruments to loan to members. Do interested players need to bring anything along? Is it free? You don’t need to bring anything along, although, if you have your own instrument bring that. Mainly we are looking for people to bring energy and enthusiasm. The open rehearsals are free, and we generally encourage new plays to come along for 3 or 4 rehearsals before deciding whether to commit to joining the band. If you do join, there is a one-off joining fee of $90 to cover the cost of the band uniform and Victorian Bands League membership. The annual membership fee is then $60 and $40 for pensioners and students - just over $1.15 per week - not bad for a great time and some serious entertainment! What can people expect from joining the band? You can expect to form great friendships, be part of a really supportive group, and, of course to make amazing music! The membership of the band is really diverse, members come from all walks of life. We have school and university students, tradespeople, engineers, teachers, doctors, scientists, a pharmacist, a radiographer, and an optician with ages ranging from 15 to well over 70. To finish off, why should people get involved in the Geelong West Brass Band? There is really nothing like the sound of a great brass band in full flight, and being part of that as a player is a really magical experience. Anyone who has played in a group before will know this. If you have played before, even long ago, come along and remind yourself what’s great about making music with other people. Its also a great way to engage with and support your local community. Open Rehearsal goes down on Tuesday September 18 and October 30 at 7:15pm. Call/text 0478 594716 or visit www. geelongwestbrassband.com.au 697
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GAWURRA & WILLIAM CRIGHTON Stanley Gawurra Gaykamangu is a Yolngu performer who has won multiple National Indigenous Music Awards, including one for ‘Best Album’ (Ratja Yaliyali, which means ‘vine of love’). From the Riverina, singer-songwriter William Crighton made his debut Bluesfest appearance earlier in the year. He also released his second album, Empire. A splendid double bill takes place at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on October 20.
DANIEL AARON IS IN YOUR MIND Songman and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Aaron has been darting back and forth across In the Loop territory in support of his new single, ‘Mind Garden’. The good news is a couple of shows remain at Bendigo’s Handle Bar on September 21 and The Taproom, Castlemaine on October 5. Still in his teens, Daniel left a small rural farming community in Pyramid Hill in order to pursue music. Bendigo was his choice, a decision validated after he won a triple j Unearthed competition that saw him take to the stage of Groovin the Moo earlier in the year. If you haven’t heard the word, the loop artist, who has drawn comparisons to Tash Sultana, recently spent a little time with Forte. You can read the interview online.
CABARET AT THE POTATO SHED JOURNEY THROUGH THE DARK DELIGHTS OF THE CITY OF LIGHT AS THE PARIS UNDERGROUND CABARET SASHAYS INTO TOWN FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT DRYSDALE’S POTATO SHED.
The Paris Underground Cabaret will be a spectacular show, bringing together a diverse range of performers including magicians, dancers, singers, circus and burlesque artists for one show only in our region. The show features the magic of Madotti & Vegas, Australia’s most unique magicians, the beauty and
LOCH HART MUSIC FESTIVAL There’s a new festival in town. Loch Hart Music Festival takes place in November, a boutique festival that will be held in the heart of the Great Ocean Road. The line-up includes Last Dinosaurs, WAAX, Press Club, ORB, Ivan Ooze, IV League, Zoë Fox and the Rocket Clocks, Poppy Rose, Nancie Schipper and Localles. The festival takes place November 16-18, with further information available through facebook.com/ LochHart.Workers Club, Geelong – October 21 & The Bridge, Castlemaine – November 8.
CALLING OUT ALL ARTISTS TO THE DARK
the various goings-on meant that a bunch of material
OXY CLINIC & FRIENDS All you can do is ask. Rollicking country outfit Brodie and the Oxy Clinic will be a part of a musical session at The Eastern, Ballarat tomorrow, September 7. They figured they should ask Sound Mountain, who happily
GOING THIS WAY NORTH?
Norchy Springer, who said yes, but only if Sound
Like Bon Jovi, This Way North will sleep when they’re dead. For now, there are just too many people to
Snake Valley and Nervous Pedestrians, who went all
please with their sweet tunes. The two-piece of Leisha
Flavor Flav.
Jungalwalla and Cat Leahy released EP Vol.2 earlier in
What makes you feel alive? That is the question put forward on the website of Live.Love.Life, a five-day festival of wellness, regional food and wine, workshops,
Geelong – October 11. They will also appear at the
the forces behind the Daylesford festival, which takes
There is word going around that you can’t have a bad
place November 14-18, and is funded through the
time at a The Stained Daisies gig. Originally from
State Government’s Regional Events Fund. Further information is available through livelovelifedaylesford. com.au.
The Aints! set to release a new album a little later in
and James Brown. Remember, it don’t mean a thing if
with a collaboration of different artistic techniques and
it ain’t got that swing.
styles. You are encouraged to use the City as a blank
JARRAH THOMPSON KEEPS YOU GUESSING
Following the release of his 2008 debut album Stargazer, Jarrah Thompson spent the next two years touring solidly as he clocked up around 300 shows. Variety is the
THE LOST ART OF DAN BRODIE
spice of life for the singer-songwriter, who has recorded
CBGB in New York, The Exit/In in Nashville, The
an album in Brazil, toured as a duo with flautist Asha
Continental in Austin and The Olympia in Paris –
Henfry and collaborated with animator Helena Kampen
Dan Brodie has performed at all of them. Splendour
on a stop-motion music video. Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet
DIRTY RASCAL RELINQUISH THEIR
CROWN
2016. Playing rock and roll with a serving of swagger,
MEDITATIONS ON SAMSARA BLUES EXPERIMENT
We would like to remind you that Samsara Blues Experiment has a show at Geelong’s Barwon Club on September 13 as part of their debut Australian tour. The multi-genre band formed in 2007 as a psychedelic doom outfit, since expanding their sound across sev-
Dirty Rascal is a low-key supergroup with a power-
eral albums. Their latest release is 2017’s One with the
house sound. There is Andrew McSweeney, who has a
Universe, put out on Electric Magic Records, the label
discography which includes collaborations with Paul
founded by SBE key figure Christian Peters.
Kelly and Kutcha Edwards. Jerry Speiser co-founded Men at Work. Andy Dixon has played with the likes of
smothered samosa”. What are we to believe? The Dart
Little River Band and Geisha. John Fleming is a found-
& Marlin, Warrnambool – September 22.
ing member of Scared Weird Little Guys. Their debut is
the month. You see, back when Ed was with The Saints,
You Be the King. The Loft, Warrnambool – September 7.
Seeking a Biographer
Male looking for players to form a band
Drummer Wanted
Great keyboard player wanted
Looking for a guitarist for my acoustic
I’m looking for a biographer to write
Looking for a drummer to play
Keyboard player with ability to improvise,
CL ASSIFIEDS
duo band called Intrepid Soul for
a biography project of an Australian
Rhythm guitarist, lead guitar, drums
blues rock. Gigs are waiting
playing original Prog rock, Jazz Fusion,
gigs and someone to help me with
girl group from the early 2000’s,
and bass required. Blues and blues/
Contact Josh 0430 971 319
writing music to my originals. I
Bardot and its members, as a book
rock genre with a bit of grunge.
have a Facebook band page called
If you’re interested in this project,
Influences include The Black Crowes,
nationally (Canada,UK) Must be GOOD,
Send your info to: enquiries@fortemag.com.au
Intrepid Soul. Contact Marie on
please contact me on 0437 823
Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Stone
experienced, any age ok, auditions will
the FB page or on 0402310353.
501 or nic_wal8@hotmail.com.
Temple Pilots, Soundgarden, Pearl
begin in January for Band performances
Jam, Rolling Stones, Ben Harper.
around Victoria. Register now for audi-
For individual use only, not for commercial purposes.
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will have you swinging to the likes of Benny Goodman
the annual artists exploration will be filling the streets
rator, Chris Brodie.
NSW, the band has been based out of Melbourne since
Guitarist Wanted
streets of Geelong. Starting at 6pm on the 3rd of May
covers album Lost Not Found. Major Tom’s, Kyneton
accompanying tour as “coming in hotter than a Sriracha
Fans of The Saints will soon profit from history, with
from the wider Maryborough community, the ensemble
released a tidy six albums, the latest being 2017’s
their new single is ‘Try to Relax’. Yet they describe the
THE CHURCH OF THE AINTS!
September 15. A community-based band of friends
– September 8. Dan will be joined by longtime collabo-
Birregurra Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival.
THE STAINED DAISIES SAY RELAX
rations. The 2019 theme Heighten Your Senses will display sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell to the
in the Grass, Homebake, Big Day Out and Bluesfest – – September 15.
Ararat Hotel, Ararat – October 10; and Pistol Pete’s,
music and art. David Bromley and Kate Ceberano are
SteamRoller gig. The Maldon Vintage Machinery
Dan Brodie has performed at all of them. He has also
the year. The Corporate Moose, Mildura – October 5;
LIVE.LOVE.LIFE
THE MARYBOROUGH BIG BAND
Museum plays host to The Maryborough Big Band on
more information visit www.geelongafterdark.com.au
November 3. They will be joined by The Breadmakers.
Visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed
of interest from artists, artist collectives and collabo-
collaborating to create an unmissable experience! For
of material 40 years old. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine –
from the bar. Table seating and almost SOLD OUT book now on 5251 1998
Spring is in the air, and the time is perfect for another
a vital human expression. The celebration of artists
of Simultaneous Existence is the new release comprised
Bring a basket supper and purchase drinks
Geelong After Dark 2019 are looking for expressions
canvas and fill the walls with culture and creativity as
was left to collect dust. With a new band, The Church
said yes. With the ball rolling, the band asked The Mountain is playing. Testing their luck, they also asked
grace of aerialist, dancer and circus artist Hannah Trott, the rare skill of tap-dance king Monsieur Eden Read, as well as the dangerously charming and risque repartee of chanteuse Aurora Kurth. This is a night not to be missed! The Paris Underground Cabaret is being performed at The Potato Shed on Saturday 15 September at 8pm.
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Experimental styles. Band has both CD and vinyl releases and have played inter-
Would like to write originals also. If
tions (Geelong area) with John Castellain
interested call Craig - 0404 054 045
on 03 53823484 or mobile 0421255053
BALLARAT BLOG
B WISE, BE GOOD B Wise was born in Sydney, but his Dad was born in Nigeria. When he was little B Wise, he spent six months in Nigeria. It was while on a drive he heard Tupac’s ‘I Get Around’ come on the radio. And just like that, hip hop had another one hooked. His forthcoming album is Area Famous (September 14), a celebration of “the suburban streets where fibro and brick are intermixed”. Karova Lounge, Ballarat – October 13.
WRITTEN BY GLEN ANDERSON
Pretty City came to The Eastern recently to play some tunes from their latest release Cancel The Future. The tracks that grabbed me from the album were ‘Television’, ‘Piece Of The Puzzle’ and the rather bizarre song called ‘Boots’. The psych-fuzz rock band from Melbourne played to a smallish crowd, but they loved the show. Who better to bring than master gunslinger from You Am I, the unfairly gifted Davey Lane and his band as support act. Lane has been in W.A recently with his band and they are firing on all four tonight with a great set including ‘Biggest Star’, ‘Love Is Not An Option’ and ‘You’re the Cops And I’m The Crime’. If you haven’t ventured along to The Eastern, you must as the band room is a real gem and it is one of the few pub rock band venues around in Ballarat. Geoff Achison has just released an intimate eleven track album titled Sovereign Town. Due for release on August 25, there is no doubt most of the tracks will get a run if you can part with $23 and get along to the Cabaret Club on September 7. There is a stand-out
THE TEEN LIFE OF PRESS CLUB They recently spent a solid chunk of time with The Smith Street Band and now Press Club will take the knowledge gained from their daily music lessons out on the road. Truth be told, they could teach a few lessons themselves following some 60 dates in 2017 and the release of their debut album, Late Teens, earlier in the year. Karova Lounge, Ballarat – November 10.
track on the record also with Achison’s fabulous cover of Ben Harper’s great song ‘Walk Away’. Stage time is 8.30pm, but get along early for a few sherbets! The following night, the classic sound of motown and soul will ring out from Cabaret Club as Motor City Sounds do their thing covering the likes of James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes. $20 to get in and take note that there is a courtesy bus that runs from the top of every hour from 7pm with the pickup and drop-off point being out the front of the old Suttons House of Music. Hop Temple is still the coolest place in town where there always seems to be a cool vibe and a friendly atmosphere. There is even a meat tray raffle on a Friday night from 6.30pm. Happy Hour runs from 4-6pm and there are musicians playing on weekends. Saturdays from 1.30pm and Blues and Brews from 1.30pm on Sundays. Fans of Athletic Brewery received a fright a few weeks ago with a commotion in the brewery early one Wednesday morning, but word from Pete behind the bar is that it is still business as usual, so get down and have a few pints of the Pale Ale to support our local businesses. The sun is about to re-appear so it’s good timing for a cold ale.
RAINBOW SERPENT FESTIVAL 3 of Life, Altruism Live, Atacama, BEC, BLANCAh, Bluetech, Christopher Lawrence, CloZee, D-Nox, Eitan Reiter, Eluize, G.M.S., Kayla Scintilla, Marvel Years, Matador, Nakadia, Nanoplex, Oliver Koletzki, Patrice Bäumel, Patrick Topping, Perfect Stranger, Pixel, Pollyfonkia, Random Rab and Super Flu are among the line-up for 2019’s Rainbow Serpent Festival. Get all the details through rainbowserpent.net.
Do you play brass or percussion? Open Rehearsal For Interested Players. 7:15pm - Tuesday 18 September 2018. Call / Text 0478 594716 or visit us online.
Geelong West Brass Band Fairley Lodge, Cnr Hope and Weller Streets, Geelong West 3218 ABN 30 532 905 116 www.geelongwestbrassband.com.au facebook.com/geelongwestbrassband
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BIRREGURRA FESTIVAL AND ART SHOW RETURNS THIS OCTOBER SET IN THE BEAUTIFUL HISTORICAL electrifying funk-rock riffs from Forté favourites TOWN AT THE FOOTHILLS OF THE The Kite Machine and Cat Leahy’s Melbourne based super duo This Way North heading up OTWAYS, THE BIRREGURRA FESTIVAL Saturday’s main stage. AND ART SHOW – NOW IN ITS 19TH YEAR - CONTINUES TO SUPPORT You’ll also catch local alternative rock band THE COMMUNITY, WITH ALL MONEY Hold//Fire bringing a melting pot of heavy rock, alternative and punk influences to the stage, and RAISED GOING STRAIGHT BACK our darling local artist Rach Brennan and her band INTO IT AND BECOMING ONE OF THE ‘The Pines’ who will put on a captivating display of STATE’S ‘MUST VISITS’ WITH OVER catchy melodies and four-part harmonies. TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE EXPECTED That’s barely scraping the surface of the musical TO ATTEND. With high quality musicians from the area and further afield, delectable food and wine from the Otways region and a smorgasbord market of arts, crafts and local products over the weekend, this festival has celebrating community life at the heart of it and is looking to be the best one yet. “Our festival is a big deal for the community” says Festival Director Vicki Jeffrey. “It’s not-forprofit and volunteer run, and is the major source of fundraising for local community groups. Just about every local business and resident has a role to play and visitors to the festival have a wonderful experience and can see the enormous effort put in. Even Dan Hunter’s Brae Restaurant in Birregurra, voted No. 58 in the world, has donated dinner for two for the raffle.” The standout quality this year is the diverse bunch of talented performers who will entertain the crowds throughout the weekend. In what’s set to be a music-lovers treat, the festival will see three stages of great live music including 20
talent to grace the stages this year. Making the most of all the hidden musical gems the region has to offer, the Festival Entertainment coordinator Andy Forssman has put together a diverse live music line-up that rivals many of its regional (and even some its metropolitan) counterparts.
Offering visitors a unique chance to see some of the great talent from the local area, there will also be performances from Melbourne-based songwriter Nat Vazer, indie-pop & folk artist Nancie Schipper, Melbourne duo Jack The Fox, Murray McDonald from Cororooke is the lead singer and guitarist of punk band Japan For, Jess Skye, Lorne rockers Dr Sayers and the Other Guys and Victorian Blues, Jazz and Soul band Moonshine Blues. There’s even the OMM Kids Rock Choir who re-interpret classic rock anthems through performances that are energetic, unforgettable and relevant to people of all ages and kid’s entertainment dynamos The Mik Maks who have been wowing their young audiences all 697
over the country with their catchy country rock tunes, along with the beloved regulars Orchestral Manouvres in the Marsh, Birregurra Ukelele Collective, Colac Rock n Rollers and Colac & District Pipe Band. It’s not just the music that is drawing the crowds. Each year, the main street transforms into a vibrant market place selling all sorts of goodies from handcrafts to organic produce and loads of garden plants and displays. You’ll find everything from temporary tattoos, juggling equipment, books, beads and chains, to jewellery, candles, doggie treats, leather goods, and everything in between. There’s also plenty for the kids to do with face painting, an animal nursery and carnival rides.
opportunity to start or add to their own original art collection. That’s not all though. The Birregurra Festival and Art Show is more than just the music and the art; it’s also a showcase of volunteer power and community commitment. With momentum snowballing since being selected for Regional Arts Victoria’s Small Town Transformation program in 2016, the community has installed state of the art audio and visual technology, created a architecturally designed landscape, collaborated with artists and installed several public art installations, installed renewable energy sources, increased accessibility and given the community hub a considerable freshen up, along with securing more than $700,000 in federal, state and local government funding and private grants to improve their historical Mechanics Institute hall. This year’s Birregurra Festival will be the first opportunity for the small community of less than 800 to proudly show off what a bit of passion and thousands of hours of hands on commitment can achieve.
Whether you are an advanced foodie or just enjoy eating, there will be something new and enticing for you to devour within the festival’s gourmet food and wine precinct; bringing together the best of Otways produce and wineries with casual eateries and innovative food trucks for two days of foodie heaven. It’s the perfect place to relax with friends after some serious romping around They say a gold coin doesn’t get you all that much the festival and kick back with a few local brews, in life any more, but in the Birregurra Festival and vinos or gin as you indulge in an international Art Show world it gains you access to the whole array of cuisines. weekend of entertainment. It’s the Birregurra Art Show however which will mark the official start of the festival with a gala event held on Friday 12 October. With a prize pool of over $11,000, the art show is one of the most prestigious in the country regionally regularly attracts over 300 high-quality artworks from around the country which will be on display in the Birregurra Hall and provides visitors the perfect
The Birregurra Festival and Art Show in on the second weekend of October (13 & 14) and runs from 10am to 5pm. Check out all the details at www.birregurrafestival.com/
SPRing eAts IT MAY NOT FEEL LIKE IT JUST YET, BUT SPRING HAD INDEED ARRIVED. MARKETS ARE ALREADY BOASTING AN ARRAY OF FLAVOURSOME AND COLOURFUL EATS AND ALL THE LOCAL CAFES AND RESTAURANTS ARE JUMPING ON BOARD TO OFFER THE VERY BEST SPRING DISHES THAT WILL LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE. TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON, WE’VE PUT TOGETHER SOME PAGES FEATURING SOME OF THE LOCAL HEROES IN FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR YOU TO EXPLORE OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. ENJOY! TALIA & THE FOOD-LOVING FORTÉ TEAM.
12 OCT Heritage After Dark 20 OCT Heritage Uncorked Part of Bendigo Uncorked Week 1 week of local wine & food events
Details at bendigowine.org.au @Bendigowine 697
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Embark on a journey of discovery COME AND EXPLORE
1 7 + 1 8 N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8 30+ wineries nestled in laneways across the Macedon Ranges come to life this weekend to welcome you Tickets from $20 for a weekend of tastings. For Festival information and ticket sales visit:
www.budburst.com macedonrangeswine
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@macedonrangeswine
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IMMY OWUSU MAGIC BUTTER MACHINE
TONY MALONEY ALL HOPE REMAINS
Initial thought on the beer? It’s fruity like the label; not undelicious. Definitely fruity though, it’s like a light, tangy fruit – I like it though, and I like that can. It’s got everything I like which is strange for a pale ale I think.
Initial thought on the beer? You can tell it’s a pale ale straight away. I’m not a beer connoisseur just so you know but I do enjoy beer a lot, I drink a lot of it. There’s a fruity after-taste which is great, I’m a third way through the can and I could probably drink six of them no worries. It’s nice!
How does it compare to what you usually drink? Well usually I drink VB so this is a nice holiday from that. I don’t know if I could do a whole slab on this like I can with good old Vitamin B... but I probably could actually. I would probably drink this before I realise I’ve drunk the whole thing.
OUR LOCAL MUSICIANS DISCUSS KAIJU! KRUSH While we may love any beer here at Forté, the KAIJU! KRUSH is a tropical pale ale that boasts a super-clean malt profile that allows a shipload of juicy tropical fruit flavours to shore up on the desert island of your palate unhindered. Fresh and moreish, KAIJU! Krush is a drop that makes a perfect Spring drinking companion. It’s practically made to be enjoyed in the pool or by the beach. This issue we decided to let our local muso’s do the talking. We lured five musicians whose work we’re digging right now into the office to sit back and enjoy a can so we could pick their brains. Here’s what transpired...
If it was a song what would it be? It would be some crazy fruity song. I think if it were a song it would be a version of ‘Fruit Salad’ – the adult version of The Wiggles ‘Fruit Salad’. CAL SHORTAL BIN
How does it compare to what you usually drink? I usually drink Stella; I couldn’t change... But would I buy a slab of it? I probably would; if I was going away camping or something like that, this would be a good beer to take camping! I’d definitely take a six pack to jam session with the boys. If it was a song what would it be? With the graphics on it and the way it tastes and the fact I could definitely just smash six no worries, I’m thinking ‘Spider Pig’; The Simpsons ‘Spider Pig’. NATHAN MOSSOP KIN
Initial thought on the beer? I’m getting pineapple vibes, I don’t know why. How does it compare to what you usually drink? It’s way different! I’m actually about to go pick up a slab of VB.
Initial thought on the beer? I’m not a pale ale dude, but that’s good. It’s the most enjoyable pale ale I’ve ever had.
If it was a song what would it be? Is it The Wiggles who have that ‘Fruit Salad’ song?
How does it compare to what you usually drink? It’s very different, I usually drink lager however I do really enjoy this beverage.
LYS MAC BIN
If it was a song what would it be? Summer of ‘69 for me.
Initial thought on the beer? It’s yummy! I’m not really getting pineapple, I’m getting sweet notes though.
Find KAIJU! at your local bottle shop or head to www.kaijubeer.com.au for stockists.
How does it compare to what you usually drink? It’s got way more of a tangy after-taste. If it was a song what would it be? Sky rockets in flight... Afternoon delight!! It’s a bit like that song ‘Afternoon Delight’?
Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues
Chas Cole Cellars
Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues is the Southern feast you’ve been looking for this Spring. It’s the only place in the Geelong region where you can taste, smell, hear and actually feel like you are right in the middle of the Southern States – minus the travel fare.
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.
Drawing from passions of both blues music and the cuisine of the Southern States, owner Pete Raimondo has aimed on creating a true American experience since opening back in 2014, now creating a place you can go late at night for a full dining experience, or for quality food takeway while experiencing the true flavours of southern Louisiana. The menu consists of a range of ‘Vittles’ which are great for something to nibble on, a range of burgers and po boys, from the crispy Southern Chicken BLT, the tasty Mojo Burger, to the Shrimp Po’Boy, and then there’s Pete’s famous New Orleans style Gumbo. They’ve also got scrumptious eats like tender Pulled Pork, Jambalaya or Southern Style Chicken with your own choice of sides, or there’s sharing options like the Pistol Platter. There’s also no stress for those with the dietaries, as they have a range of vegetarian and gluten free options, including the Southern Style Tofu Burger or Jambalaya with Okra.
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 Cellars bring you the best from Australia, New Zealand and around the world, paying special attention to the region’s back yard; they love our local vineyards from the Bellarine Peninsula and Victoria’s Western districts. Don’t forget it’s also almost Grand Final party time - so drop into the Cellars and check out the huge range they have! There’s something for everyone... Browse our range at www.chascolecellars.com.au
Burger Inc Feeling like a fresh and affordable burger to satisfy your tastebuds? Hungry for an alternative option? Well, situated in the famous location at the stunning river end of Pakington Street, Burger Inc proves to be the ideal place to head for your next Burger Fix! The menu items are endless with 23 main burgers to satisfy your juicy cravings. We can guarantee that you will have trouble deciding between beef, chicken or vege then to decide on your topping - what a task! (But a very rewarding one at that, you really can’t go wrong!) From the classic cheese burger, to more of a personal taste (think the chicken burger with spicy salsa, sour cream, avocado and salad), Burger Inc have something for everyone’s palette. If your looking for a smaller option, the mini burger or fried chicken with a choice of sweet or spicy would be a good option. Alterations can also be made to any burger to suit your needs and wants, so just ask! While your at it, be sure to try one of their Milkshakes and make sure to get some Italian Herb Salt and Aioli with their fries! A lot of work goes into making these burgers, but they are made with love and will not disappoint! There isn’t a secret to them, they just use premium quality ingredients that are delivered fresh and cooked to order. Open seven days and you can call them on 03 5222 7776 and order your burger to pick up, it will generally take around 10 minutes!
With blues music as an overarching theme, there’s a staged area for live blues music, which is now hosted six times a week.
You can find them at Shop 1/328 Pakington Street in Newtown, or on Facebook.
Pete’s is the place to go to warm your soul, enjoy the hot food and live music with brews direct from from Louisiana. Pistol Pete’s is located at 93A Little Malop Street, Geelong or visit pistolpetesfoodnblues.com.au.
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Foodie Traveller WRITTEN BY STEWART CLARKE
Ratatouille and Couscous Fresh veggies are something we can all grow at home. Even if you live in a small house or apartment, there’s always a courtyard or a windowsill which the light can get to. Take advantage of this if you can and plant something to enjoy the fruits in future weeks or months, even if it’s just fresh herbs. Spring veggies, such as tomatoes, capsicum and eggplant are surprisingly easy to grow—just keep the water up in warmer months. Then you can whip up a delicious, nutritious ratatouille in no time that will impress your friends. Ingredients: Ratatouille 1 small eggplant 1 small zucchini 1 small brown or red onion ½ green or red capsicum 2 cloves garlic 1 can whole peeled tomatoes Fresh picked or dried mixed herbs ½ tsp cracked pepper ½ tsp sea salt 1 tsp sugar 1 bay leaf 1⁄4 cup olive oil
Couscous 1½ cups couscous 1½ cups veggie stock 1⁄4 onion sliced 1 rib celery finely sliced 2 cloves garlic ½ tsp fresh chilli paste 2 tblsp olive oil ½ tsp salt ½ tsp paprika For ratatouille: Slice onion and capsicum and chop garlic. In a medium saucepan, heat oil and add top three ingredients and stir with wooden spoon. Dice zucchini and eggplant to 2cm cubes and add to pan. Cook until all slightly browned, then add the tomatoes, breaking them up a little with the wooden spoon. Lower heat to simmer and add the seasonings, herbs and bay leaf. Cover and cook slowly for 15 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. If it becomes a little dry you can add some veggie stock or salted water. Let this sit while you prepare the couscous. For couscous: Place couscous in med/large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Bring veggie stock to the boil and pour over couscous and cover bowl with cling wrap. Slice celery and onion, and chop the garlic. In a frypan heat olive oil and add veggies. Fry to golden brown then add chilli paste and any favourite middle eastern spices you like such as, za´atar, sumac, cumin or coriander. Add to the couscous and stir through with a fork. Reheat the ratatouille. Spoon couscous into a bowl and top with delicious ratatouille veggies or serve family style in separate bowls. This is a vegan dish, but if you’re not vegan you can crumble fetta on top. If you are vegan, you can serve with avocado dip and corn chips. Vegalicious!
Stewart is a local chef and traveller of the region. Follow Stew’s adventures, dishes and recipes via https://foodietraveller361691779.wordpress.com/
NOW COOKIN’ MIDDAY TO MIDNIGHT FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
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the township, but Daylesford Cider also has a gorgeous cellar-door in the style of an English tavern, which sells this full range of cider (alongside other locally sourced beers, wines, coffee and soft drinks). With the Tavern’s high pitched ceilings, timber beams, flagstone floors, large open fireplace and furnished with beautiful, comfortable lounges, it could be deemed impossible to feel anything but complete luxury. The best news though? This cellar door is now open seven days a week, serving lunch Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Indulge in the delectable menu consisting of hearty dishes in the cooler months, and a lighter menu for the summer time which changes regularly; grazing platters, wood fired pizza, grilled meats, salads and more. What are you waiting for?! The cellar-door very much welcomes bookings, especially for groups of more than six, school holiday periods and weekends that they are hosting events and gigs.
CIDER SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER In the village known for its ambient rail way and natural mineral springs, Daylesford is also the home to Daylesford Cider… and it’s only a stones throw away from Melbourne making it the perfect place to visit this Spring. Ran by cider lovers and enthusiasts, Mackie and Clare, the team at Daylesford Cider have been making a range of ciders for 10 years now, for which they have won an impressive amount of medals.
The tavern is a stunning getaway on a stunning Spring weekend, and the landscaped gardens, courtyard and lawn games are perfect for those sun filled afternoons. There’s even some live music happening with an acoustic session featuring Embers Band, Saturday September 29th from 12:30pm-3:30pm. Whether you’re in desperate need of a holiday escape or simply want to discover more of Victoria’s beautiful country side, Daylesford Cider is a must on every cider lover or traveller’s to do list. Just give them a call to reserve your spot (03) 5348 2275. Daylesford Cider is open from Monday to Friday 11am – 4pm and weekends from 10am-5pm.
Not only do they produce a range of ciders made using the 17 varieties of English-heritage listed apples, grown organically on the farm just outside
Shop 1 / 328 Pakington Street, Newtown. 0352227776
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Mojito Mint, Lime, Mint! Does it really get and fresher? With the addition of rum, this drink will work perfectly for every weekend, matching the refreshment of Spring. Punch Bowls (filled with fruit of course) Combining the love of fruit with alcohol, a large batch of punch can be made in minutes. A great drink for hosting and can be personalised easily. The opportunities are endless! Pina Colada ‘Getting caught in the rain’ never tasted so good! A sweeter option with rum, coconut, pineapple and Bacardi. Sex on the Beach Served ice cold this classic mix of peach schnapps, cranberry and orange juice accompanied with a hit of vodka. If your feeling a little adventurous try tequila instead!
FIVE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD FOR SPRING WRITTEN BY BRITTANY ROBERTS It’s nearly springtime; the snow has melted, the sun is shining and the air is fresh. It’s also once again enjoyable to be outside with a glass of something cold in hand. As a time to change our drinking habits, here are some of our favourite drinks designed for simple, refreshing spring sipping. Gin and Tonic An iconic duo for every occasion! Local distillery Teddy and the Fox works amazing with a slice of lemon or lime for an extra flavour kick!
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NORLANE
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SHOULD YOU WISH TO BE IN OUR NEXT FEATURE, TOAST TO THE COAST IS BACK
CONTACT US!
WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO
DO YOU LOVE WINE AS MUCH AS WE DO? IF YOU DO, YOU’LL BE BUYING TICKETS TO THIS YEAR’S TOAST TO THE COAST WITH EARLY BIRD TICKETS JUST GOING ON SALE – SO MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON A WEEKEND FULL OF WINE AND HOPEFULLY SUN. THIS ICONIC FESTIVAL IS ONE OF GEELONG’S MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS AND SHOWCASES THE BEST WINES AND GOURMET FOOD FROM AROUND THE SURF COAST, MOORABOOL VALLEY AND THE BELLARINE PENINSULA.
GLENN 0407 563 638
TOAST TO THE COAST IS A TRUE CELEBRATION OF THE UNIQUE GEELONG WINE REGION AND IS THE PERFECT EXCUSE FOR A DAY OUT OR WEEKEND AWAY, ALSO INCLUDING FAMILY-FRIENDLY VENUES.
JOSH 0413 724 067
WEEKEND PASSES INCLUDE A COMMEMORATIVE TAKE-HOME GEELONG WINE GLASS, WHICH DOUBLES AS A PASSPORT TO FREE WINE TASTINGS AT ALL PARTICIPATING VINEYARDS. THIS YEAR’S EVENT IS SURE TO BE A SELL-OUT, SO MAKE SURE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EARLY BID OFFER WHICH ENDS ONCE THE FIRST 1000 TICKETS ARE SOLD, SO GET IN QUICK!! TICKETS VIA TOASTTOTHECOAST.COM.AU/ 697
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While sharing the rich indigenous culture of language, ceremony and customs, 2 Worlds Festival will also celebrate all genres of music, with multiple headliners including 10 Fly High, Above The Bit, Asanti Dance Theatre, Adalita, Alice Skye, Alister Turrill, Andre Warhurst, Andrea Robertson Trio, Ayleen O, Baker Boy, Dallas Woods, Darren Percival, DRMNGNOW, Elli Belle, Hold//Fire, Immy Owusu, James Rigby, The Maes, Monique Clare, Mountain Grey, Phia, Phil & Trudy Edgeley, Sarah Carroll Duo, Shane Howard and Yirrmal Duo, Steady State Massive, Tim Rogers, Todd Cook, William Crighton and Yirrmal and the Miliyawutj.
FIVE MINUTES WITH
With so many local and national musicians given the opportunity to showcase their talent and passion, the festival is the newest creative outlet whereby everyone can celebrate everything both cultures have to offer, in a highly inclusive and interactive event.
2 WORLDS FESTIVAL IS BRINGING CULTURES TOGETHER The 2 Worlds ‘Not For Profit’ Festival returns to the Fyansford Paper Mills and this one is set to be even bigger than the last! Hosted by The Marrma Rom Two Worlds Foundation, The 2 Worlds Festival returns again for its second year after its debut saw 1500 people attend. With the aim to bring cultures together in a fun, entertaining and interactive festival atmosphere, the event showcases a variety of indigenous and western performers, art, traditional and not-so traditional activities, and indigenous and modern multicultural food offerings.
ANTI-FADE RECORDS’ BILLY GARDNER WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN
The importance of a culturally significant location to both indigenous and western culture has meant the ideal location for the event is The Old Paper Mills in Fyansford. With its recent evolution as a future arts and events hub, this location will have longterm significance to culture in the Geelong region. Similarly the area is also culturally significant to the Wathaurong people, as a ceremonial ground.
New Centre Of The Universe Volume 3 is the latest installation from Anti-Fade Records featuring a stack of local artists. Being five years since the release of Volume 2, Forte thought it might be a perfect time to touch base with Billy Gardner, the man behind all things Anti-Fade. This is the third instalment of ‘New Centre Of The Universe and the first to appear on vinyl, congratulations you must be stoked on that! Thanks bud - yeah I’m super stoked about it. The record aspect of it (as opposed to a cassette) makes it a bit more exciting and accessible for everybody I think. Every band on this comp hasn’t appeared on either of the previous two compilations, why did you decide to showcase new artists? It has always been the plan with the comps to not cross over on any. It also has been five years since the last comp so naturally a lot of the bands and artists I asked were new, you know? Might do a punk one next so that should be pretty easy to keep bands fresh. How do you curate the release/how do you choose which bands will get a feature? I just asked the folks on there if they had a song they could spare - not necessarily an exclusive song
With the aim of creating a culturally significant event that raises valuable funds to expand the Marrma Rom Foundation, as well as bridging the gap of understanding between two cultures, by bringing them together and celebrating each other, the 2 Worlds Festival is one festival that should not be missed. It’s time to celebrate culture and walk in two worlds... The 2 Worlds Festival takes place at the Fyansford Paper Mills, Geelong – October 20. Visit www.2worldsfestival.org.au for all the details. Tickets on sale now.
With a promise of turning it up a notch with more headline acts, more stages and more activities. Just how big you ask? Well wait ’til you hear the killer lineup!
GEELONG FAVOURITES THE KITE MACHINE ARE BACK Geelong locals The Kite Machine are a funky bunch, brimming with energy and panache and have set the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons with their new single ‘Sinister Sound’. Like a brick wrapped in silk, ‘Sinister Sound’ takes heavy rock riffage and delivers it with such a sweet groove that you’ll gladly take the brain haemorrhage for it. Sending vibes similar to Muse, The Black Keys and Queens of The Stone Age, the verses expertly build up the anticipation to the chorus which pays off in spades. “We tend to get a little bit complicated with our song writing and get a bit carried away a lot of the time, but with this one [Sinister Sound], we really set out to write a song that was three and a half minutes and that has a whole bunch of hooks,” vocalist and guitarist Levi Anderson explains. “Essentially, it was like writing our version of a pop song,” he laughs. “The main influence for the sound was dabbled in the mode-synths that Liam plays in ‘Charlotte’; the solo section of that track had that and we thought ‘why not just do a whole song with it’. So we started with that and that was the foundation of that real fuzzy, electronic sound and then we just added on top of that. “I don’t think we’ll go full electronic any time soon
but it’s fun to just add in a couple of new things,” Levi adds, referring ‘Sinister Sound’ as just a taste of what’s to come. Anderson, along with drummer Kane Sherriff and bassist Liam Brennan have garnered quite a local following with their brand of funk rock over the past few years. Their 2015 EP, ‘LUNATICS’, had two singles top the triple j Unearthed overall charts, whilst the aforementioned 2016 single ‘Charlotte’ has topped over 300k streams on Spotify alone, marking the beginning of their astronomical rise on the Aussie music scene. Since then, they’ve been holed away working on new music and are ready to come out guns blazing. It’s their video clip for ‘Sinister Sound’ which has catapulted TKM into the spotlight, as an intense assault on the senses with everything from smoke, chaotic lights and killer cars. “Standing out in the middle of a field for a whole night in the middle of winter wasn’t a spectacular idea… but we think we got a pretty spectacular result,” Levi laughs. “It was made a lot easier by having Connor [Morel, Director/ Post Production] there; he was all over it and really pulled it together for all of us.” Alongside their fresh track and video, the riffdriven funk rock fun of The Kite Machine will be on full display next month when the band heads out for a few dates for their ‘Sinister Sound’ headline tour, which Levi describes as being their best tour yet. “We’ll be playing everything that we’ve recorded up until now and there’s even one or two new songs that haven’t been released yet, just to keep people on their toes,” Levi smirks, referring to their headline tour. If you’re into some seriously good music, keep your eyes peeled for new music to come and catch a fine band playing some seriously funky tunes at their upcoming dates this year.
JEN CLOHER Heading out for a run of intimate solo shows WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN Having brought out her first full-length LP ‘Dead Wood Falls’ in 2006, Jen Cloher’s career has been a long time in the making. It’s not as if her music lacked any quality in the past, instead it’s quite the contrary; her music has always been incredible, it just seems as if it’s been a slow ride getting to be in the position that she has, for so long, been well and truly deserving of. Touring America for the first time last year, Cloher has already found herself back there, touring twice less than 12 months since. “It’s been really positive” she says, “All of our shows [in the States] have sold out and we have been able to play some amazing festivals; it’s really gone above and beyond what I had ever expected or imagined.” Touching on the cultural differences of overseas Cloher expanded, “It’s been pretty interesting going to other countries to play music, because up until last year I had only ever played in Australia. I’ve been going to new countries and playing to people who may not speak English as a first language and experiencing different cultures and how those people respond to different songs and what people seem to connect to universally.
When & Where: Gasometer Upstairs, Melbourne – September 20 Halls Gap Hotel Halls Gap – September 27 The Loft Warnambool – September 29 Birregurra Festival and Art Show – October 13.
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but maybe an exclusive version of a song - like a demo etc. Went about that slowly over about a year and spent a few months trialling out different tracklist orders - that bit took a while but I’m happy with the order it ended up in. What is the aim of the comp? Is it more so to continue to facilitate a live music culture within the local scene or is it more so to highlight the local scene to a broader community? Mostly the latter - a bunch of tunes on there have never been performed live and I’m not sure if they ever will be. What labels other than Anti-Fade are associated with this comp? There’s a few Hobbies Galore related artists, Aarght records ones, few mixed international labels and also a couple of artists who’ve never released anything under a solo title before. Very stoked to include them. I notice that Volume 3 features a lot of musicians who are quite established in other acts doing solo or side projects, was there a particular focus on that for this Volume? I guess somewhat - but not really. It’s happening a lot these days (people making their own songs) and I’m into that. I guess it’s also a way of making it easy to not reuse the same bands as earlier comps. Was it intentional to slightly back off the punk vibe for this volume or was it more so the direction the bands where headed in anyway? Yep. For sure. I actually started compiling a different NC3 about two years ago with mixed genres and gave up. I culled it all (except one or two bands) and started the chilled one. I think it works much better keeping the genre somewhat themed. Are there many Victorian acts you may have wanted on this comp that you have your eye on for Volume 4? There are some that I wish I included on Volume 3 for sure!!! But I won’t put them on vol. 4 as that one will hopefully include all the punk bands that I didn’t ask for this round ha! Are there any talks of a possible event launch featuring all of the acts on the comp? Yep - it won’t feature ALL acts - but anybody interested keep September 15 free! Release: New Centre Of The Universe Volume 3 is out now.
“Having that experience has been an amazing thing for me,” she continues. “I’m in my 40’s so I never expected to be touring around the world this late in my life, especially not for the first time. When I started playing music, the dream was to tour around the world and to be in that position and being a bit older, it’s been a new and amazing experience.” In the spirit of trying new ventures and experiences, Cloher will also be heading across Australia on her first ever headliner tour as a solo artist. “It is actually my first time playing a solo headliner tour, which is kind of incredible,” she smiles. “I think in the past I have been a bit intimidated of walking out onto a stage by myself as a headline act, so I’ve just never done it before. But I think doing the international shows with Kurt [Vile] and Courtney [Barnett] last year; I got to play a good 20 shows over a month which gave me the experience and confidence to think about doing it later down the track. Now just feels like the perfect time because Courtney and Bones (who play in my band) are currently touring pretty hard with Courtney’s new album, so it seemed like a sweet time to go out and do it. “I’m really looking forward to the shows because it’s a different beast” Cloher continued. “When you play with a band you all walk out together to create something with each other on stage; where as when you’re solo, it’s just you so there is a very direct and immediate connection with the audience. “I suppose because it is more intimate, as it’s just a guitar and a voice, you listen to the lyrics a bit more and follow a narrative. Usually in a solo setting you hear a bit more about the song and what led them to writing the song or even just what they have been up too that day and if you’re into an artist it can be really fun seeing them open up like that, it’s something different.” When & Where: Melba Spiegeltent, Melbourne – October 4 & 5 Queenscliff Music Festival - November 23 – 25.
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would be where I am now; I’d be looking at one in my own house. Not that it hasn’t taken a whole lot of work, but it’s still really amazing to think that you can achieve your dreams and make them happen. We see that you live for and on the road, which would obviously be hard at times I’m sure – can you tell us a little bit about living on the road? Living on the road can really have its trials and tribulations and it can be really amazing as well. It’s lonely at times – you’re on the road a lot without family and friends and it does get too much sometimes. At the same time, you see things and meet people that you just wouldn’t if you weren’t in that job so it has its ups and downs. And you’ve travelled the world with your music – what sort of response do you find country receives across different cities and countries? The thing that I really love in particular about taking country music to different areas is that a lot WRITTEN BY AINE KEOGH of people don’t actually know what country music is. They label it in a certain way but then when you Aleyce Simmonds established her country open your mouth and start singing these songs they sounds at a young age in one of the most beloved go, “oh is that country music – we like that…” It’s a country music scenes in Australia (Tamworth) really wide-ranging genre and especially overseas – and she’s been rocking ever since. Whether it be in Norway and in England; our Australian country in country towns of Australia or townships of music sound was much more successful than Norway and England, Simmonds knows how to the guys that I was touring with. In Norway the tune her audience. I was lucky enough to have a audiences couldn’t even speak English but they were chat with the seven times Golden Guitar winner requesting a song of mine in the encore, even though ahead of her upcoming performance in Geelong. I already sung it, just because Australian music really Growing up in Tamworth, you would have been connects with them, which was really cool. brought up amongst a pretty strong country scene After such a busy year, it’d have to be asked – has this played a big influence on your music? What’s next on the agenda for you? I moved to Tamworth when I was about 12 and the Well this tour is wrapping up at the end of the live music scene here is really great. There’s lots of year and we’re gearing towards Tamworth festival. opportunities for people to get up with the band and And then next year we’ll try and figure out who to stuff like that. It wasn’t until that point - until I truly tour with and where we’re going to go. But I’ve been found the courage to get up in front of people and particularly looking forward to coming to Geelong I got my first guitar – that being immersed in that because – I’ve been coming to Geelong for about 10 culture was really great and inspiring. years now doing gigs - but there’s a great country You’ve taken out an array of awards, from Golden music following in Geelong and it’s really lovely to Guitars, to APRA awards, to CMC awards – would catch up with them. Because I have been coming you have ever thought you’d get to where you are? for so long now, the people that were originally No definitely not. I think you set out doing something music followers are now friends – I’m really looking because you love it and then it turns into a job or forward to it. whatever. Everyday I see my Golden Guitar and I look at it and think, ‘that’s that thing I thought about or When & Where: Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues, dreamt about when I was 12’. I never thought that Geelong - Thursday, September 13.
ALEYCE SIMMONDS
MR WILSON To The Lost Over the last year, Mr Wilson (aka Chris Will) has cultivated a reputation within the Geelong rap scene since the release of his album Drift. A budding wordsmith with an interesting perspective and take on the world, Mr Wilson now takes on the modern hip hop scene head on with his new 14 track album To The Lost. We chat to Aussie rapper about his album, his influences and the Geelong scene. First up, congrats on the release of your album To The Lost! Described as an album of loss, addiction and tough times, can you tell us a bit about these themes? Is this based on personal experiences or did you draw from other influences? To The Lost is most definitely about being broke and being too wasted to care/change that. I figured out a long time ago that no matter the steps I take, or the hours of effort I put into worrying about the future, life is happening while I’m busy making plans... so I just get fucked up, make the music that my ears want to dance to, and the rest of my problems don’t seem so bad. For instance, I fucked my life up yet again the other day worrying about what other people think of me, and if a track like ‘Between All The Sad Songs’ (track 11 on the album) had been playing when everything went down, things might have turned out differently.
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE LOST LANDS WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO Returning to Werribee this November, the Lost Lands is one festival you won’t want to miss. The Lost Lands has a pretty simple but important remit: to be a truly family-friendly camping event that focuses on getting the young people in our lives to engage positively with the best in music and art. That’s reason enough to go for us... but if you need a little more convincing, see below. The Music This is your chance to attend a more low-key type music festival inside the magical surrounds of Werribee Park. Over the course of two days, you’ll catch performances from headlining acts Kiwi legend Tim Finn, Brisbane indie kids The Jungle Giants, Aussie rockers You Am I, rapper Mallrat and singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke. Other names also include Arnhem Land MC Baker Boy, The Teskey Brothers, Jess Locke, Boo Seeka, Didirri, Alice Ivy and Amaru Tribe, among many others, illustrating the festival’s dedication to showcasing diverse talents. There’s arts and wonder to explore If you are a lover of art and unleashing your inner crafty side, The Lost Lands is the place for you with a number of installations, arts programs, comedy, performance, theatre and dedicated wonder ‘Lands’ to entertain festival-goers of all ages. A few
It took 12 months to produce a 14 track album - which is crazy considering I write two to three songs a week normally - but I used the time to craft something I am incredibly impressed with. This album follows your last release Drift. Did you take anything in particular away from that release in creating To The Lost? Any lessons or challenges? Comparing the making of those two albums is actually interesting for me, so thanks for the great question. Drift was written really quickly; life was stable back then. It was such an angry piece of work, full of songs questioning everything and everyone around me. It reflected the fact that inside, I knew things really needed to change in my life. To The Lost was an exploration of what happened when I gave away everything I ever cared about; my home, my family, the girl I thought I wanted to marry, the expectation of a stable 9-5 work day, they’re all gone, and I felt lost as hell... Still do occasionally. But the joyous thing, the truly blessed part of life, is that right this second I’m smiling. And whether this album or any others I release in the future are successful, I have an existence I can be content in. It’s not the easy thing to do; God it would be simple to go get a job as a chef again and make 80k a year that way, but I want more. I keep my own hours, answer to no one but myself, spend my time playing video games, writing music, and engaging with people that sometimes give me money to listen to my voice. Life is fucking grand. What can we expect from Mr Wilson next? Any upcoming gigs or performances? I have a cheeky little mix-tape I’m calling Logicallergy that’s occupying my time at the moment. I go on the road in a matter of days for an indefinite period with my music and no shows planned; more just travelling to promote along the way... although it’s guaranteed that you’ll be able to find me in a bar, park, shopping centre, performing arts centre, and wherever I am there’s a great chance I’ll have some speakers and a verse ready. Life is a gig, ya dig?
PHAEDO WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN If you’re into the Geelong gig scene, there is a high chance that you have heard the name Phaedo. Truthfully I’d be surprised if you hadn’t, I’d been seeing their name pop up for quite a while and finally caught the chance to see them at one of the Weathervane Sunday events a few weeks back and god damn, I was impressed. With super hard hitting psych riffs, punkish vocals and sometimes-sinister sometimes-melodic synth undertones, Phaedo is the perfect mix of Thee Oh Sees and Pond, but that’s not to sell them short, because they are well and truly doing their own thing and they are doing it bloody well. The band, comprised of Mitch Collins (Sex Ed), Dom Bell (Gymnastics in the 70’s), Kyle Lock, Holly Perkins (The Sweethearts) and Oscar Edginton, brought out their debut EP ‘Osmosis’ last year. Featuring album artwork from Geelong artist Aine Keogh, it was released on Weathervane Records and seems like a sure-fire win for an EP. Unfortunately, the band wasn’t too stoked with how the recordings turned out.
Release: To The Lost is out now.
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highlights include a Sleeping Bag Cinema screening classic family films and special cinematic delights; Gymkhana which will feature all the games your grandparents played (think egg and spoon, sack races, pass the parcel) and Bed Sheet Ghost Parties which involves throwing on bed sheet and enjoying all sorts of spooktacular activities. There’s also the esteemed acrobatic ensemble Gravity and Other Myths who will present their award-winning show A Simple Space; Laughter Yoga which is simply fun for everyone; and many more interactive and fun things to do. We can promise that you won’t be bored at The Lost Lands... It’s one for the family Lost Lands is the perfect family-orientated event, catering for kids and adults alike, making this festival the ultimate family experience. The Little Big Top features some of the best kid’s comedy, theatre and circus performers, while also having lots of interactive activities for families to participate in that will have the little ones jumping around with excitement. Kids can check out Doctor Hubble’s Bubble Show, run the show with face painting by kids, and partake in Games of the World - there’s even a chance for kids to make their own Frankentoy and to see live entertainment from Dirt Girl. And no worries about facilities because The Lost Lands have it all covered with baby changing tents complete with microwaves and change tables available for your convenience. You can also hire Rock and Roller Festival wagons for either daytime cruising or nighttime snoozing with your kids. You beauty! You get to save the environment In its mission to reinvent the festival experience for the next generation, The Lost Lands have a mission to become one of the first single-useplastic free music festivals in Australia by 2019, aiming to achieve 95 per cent of this target at this year’s two-day event. They take pride in the environmental consciousness of their community and have a successful ‘leave no trace’ policy which has resulted in a less than 1 per cent contaminated waste generated from their festivals.
The Lost Lands comes alive on November 3 & 4 at Werribee Park & Mansion, Werribee. Tickets are available through thelostlands.com.au and are on sale now.
“We weren’t really happy with the recordings,” reveals vocalist and guitarist Kyle Lock. “We were just really rushed, especially being in Year 12 at the time. We recorded it straight to cassette and then didn’t even end up getting cassettes because they wouldn’t of come in time for the EP launches. The recording is that poor that it kind of takes away from the songs a bit, and we have made those songs tighter since then so we will most likely end up putting the same songs on the album anyway.” With plans to re-record some of the early songs off the EP for a debut album, the band spoke about the deeper meaning to some of the unreleased tracks that will form a concept album of sorts. “It’s kind of like a personal concept album; it’s not as if it’s a full on concept album” states Oscar Edginton. “It’s about things happening around us, which is an important thing to write about I feel. It’s kind of my personal take on what’s happening around me,” continues Kyle. “I had a really rough time last year and my brain flipped out pretty massively and I felt as if I entered the spiritual realm in a sense, it’s all pretty heavy but it’s just what was going through my mind at the time. And Oscar just happened to be writing similar philosophical songs as well. There’s a lot of meaning behind the songs.” In terms of the bands hopes for the release and whether or not they feel bound to any specific label or sound Kyle responded, “The album we are working on at the moment is kind of post-punky/progressive but also pretty dark but I still want to make it have melodies that are a bit poppy. I just don’t want all our releases to sound the same, I want for every album to be distinctive.” A statement that’s mirrored by Oscar: “I’m all about just doing whatever the fuck you want to do. We all love what we are playing and if people don’t like it who cares, we like it so that means it’s successful. Each release is not a conscious choice; it’s just what we are feeling at that point in time.” With Holly still being in Year 12, it may still be a few months until fans get to hear the finished result of Phaedo’s debut album. If you can’t hold out until then make sure you catch these guys at a local gig, it’ll be well worth your time.
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W E D N E S DAY 6 FE B TH E FO R U M FRO NTI E R TO U R I N G .CO M P R E -SA LE : TH U R S DAY 6 S E P T TI C K E T S O N SA LE : T U E S DAY 1 1 S E P T L I LYA L L E N M U S I C .CO M
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VB HARD YARDS 2018 Backing live Aussie rock VB and rock and roll tours; you couldn’t find a better combination if you tried... and now you don’t have to. This October, VB are backing live Aussie rock and helping to make the touring dreams of three hard working bands a reality with their epic band competition. That’s it, VB Hard Yards is back again after last year’s inaugural run with bands like RACKETT, Shearin’ and Mini Skirt proved to be such a roaring success. It’s not easy out there. No one works harder than musos, and VB respects that. Offering up the chance to experience what it’s like to be on a proper national tour, the competition was simple. Entrants – bands from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria had to tell VB all about the hard yards they’ve put into their music, and why they deserve to win. The touring lifestyle doesn’t come easy; when your band is your side hustle and every spare hour is spent jamming, writing, rehearsing, and navigating the shark pit of promo, marketing, booking, planning, a bit of help can never go astray. Not surprisingly, there was a huge number of entries from all over Australia, with more than 600 hard-working bands each hoping to win a chance to go on tour with some big headliners. After narrowing the choices down to three bands from each of the
three states, VB – with the help of the public - picked one band from NSW, QLD and VIC, all of whom will cram into the tour van and hit four different cities on an epic jaunt, opening for some massive Aussie artists. After some serious competition, Queensland’s all girl punk rock powerhouse Being Jane Lane, New South Wales’ rockers Paper Thin and Victoria’s Claws & Organs all scored a spot in the tour van, becoming victors of the chance to play a series of free gigs with Alex Lahey in Melbourne, Tired Lion in Sydney, WAAX in Brisbane, and RAAVE TAPES in Newcastle this October. “I first saw a few people putting up Facebook posts and posters around, but it kind of took me a while to cotton onto it before I thought maybe we should get involved,” laughs Dave Crowe, guitarist of deeply grungey and ferocious Melbourne trio Claws & Organs. “We’ve done a couple of tours prior to this one; just your standard little East Coast fare. They haven’t been super great though,” he continues. “The first time going around I guess you kind of expect it to be a little light on; it’s your first time in these new places so you’re not going to necessarily have the same draw that you have in your own hometown, but it will be very exciting to be on this one because there’s some very, very big names on the tour!” Along with the $5k in each of the bands hot little hands and a bunch of all-paid-for rehearsal time, it’s the insane exposure the bands will be get - from sharing stages with successful artists like Lahey and WAAX and playing live to their huge, heaving audiences and fans - that will give each of the bands the ultimate leg-up in their careers. “It’s putting us in front of new people that may not have necessarily heard us first and foremost; so fans of the others winners and fans of the headline acts are all getting a chance to see us and hopefully liking what we do live,” Dave explains. “I’m pretty proud of our live show so hopefully that translates really well to these new audiences. “I think we’re a live band first and foremost,” he continues, “everything that we’ve recorded I’ve been happy with, but it always sounds better live I think.” Having spilled blood, sweat and tears on every
stage in Melbourne over the last five years earning them a serious reputation for their fierce live performances, the post punk rockers have proved they aren’t afraid of a little hard work - especially in the face of adversity - making them worthy victors of the VB Hard Yards competition. After the band nearly fell apart, they held on, found a new member and became their strongest iteration yet. “It’s definitely changed a little bit; I think our current lineup are all on the same wave length of what we want to be doing,” Dave explains of the music the band have been making since their drummer Miranda Holt joined the band. “We’ve all got the same sound in mind; I think that’s made the writing process a lot smoother. It’s definitely different; it started out as more of a garage-punk vibe, but now it’s a lot more angular and it’s got a few more weird ideas going in here and there.” Drawing influence from bands like Joy Division and Cure, to bands like Sonic Youth and Pixies, Claws & Organs are a favourite amongst Melbourne’s most devoted live music fanatics already and with a new LP just around the corner, it’s perfect timing for the Melbourne trio who are ready to get up off the floor at Yah Yah’s and get out on a tour. “We’re trying to play as many shows as we can; we’ve actually just finished recording an album so we’ve got a couple of songs on Spotify and iTunes now, and we’ll hopefully have another proper single out towards the end of year, fingers crossed,” Dave says. “We’re just trying to play as many shows as we can, but we’ll be playing it by ear. Hopefully the tour puts us in front of some people who might be keen on helping us out, but we’ll just see how it all goes.” All that’s left to do now is grab down an ice cold VB and get down to one of these gigs!
WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO
SOME OF THE BIGGEST AUSTRALIAN MUSIC ACTS WILL BE HITTING THE STAGE IN THE PARK, DURING THE 2018 MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL AT FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE. THIS STELLAR LINE UP WILL INCLUDE THE PRESETS, HAYDEN JAMES, AMY SHARK AND CONRAD SEWELL, WHO WILL BE ENTERTAINING MUSIC FANS AND RACEGOERS ALIKE ACROSS AAMI VICTORIA DERBY DAY (SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER), LEXUS MELBOURNE CUP DAY (TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER), KENNEDY OAKS DAY (THURSDAY 8 NOVEMBER), AND SEPPELT WINES STAKES DAY (SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER). MUSHROOM GROUP CHAIRMAN MICHAEL GUDINSKI, WHO HELPED CURATE THE LINE-UP, SAID THE PARK CONTINUES TO HOST THE BEST OF AUSTRALIAN MUSIC. “NOW IN ITS THIRD YEAR, THE PARK IS REALLY ESTABLISHING ITSELF AS A CREDIBLE MUSIC FESTIVAL OFFERING, GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH EACH YEAR.” IN ADDITION TO THE MAIN STAGE, THE ROTUNDA IN THE PARK WILL HOST VARIOUS PERFORMANCES ACROSS THE RACE DAYS. BOASTING POP-UPS FROM MELBOURNE’S HOTTEST FOOD INSTITUTIONS, MYER FASHIONS ON THE FIELD, AND ACTIVATIONS FROM OFFICIAL SPONSORS, THE PARK OFFERS A
Northcote Social Club with Alex Lahey, Melbourne – October 3.
MYRIAD OF FUN ACTIVITIES, THE PARK IS ONE OF
Register before Sunday, September 23 for your chance to be there via www. victoriabitter.com.au/hardyards
MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE. WITH A THE HOTTEST DESTINATIONS OVER MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL.
Entrance to The Park is free for all racegoers. Tickets to all four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival are available at flemington.com.au.
the last couple of years particular in Australia, prog metal has experienced a burst of energy, ideas and creativity, something Monteith has noticed too. “It is quite interesting,” he muses. “The band [Tesseract] started off as a solo project but the other players didn’t get involved until 2006 – back then it was still a new scene, it was very hard to get gigs. “It seemed at the turn of the decade it really started to kick off – our debut came out at in 2011 and I think Karnivool, their debut came out and they were a very big part of popularising the sound as well. “Since then it’s really taken off and there are loads of amazing and interesting bands all over the world – Good Tiger who are multinational, Skyharbour in India – then of course you’ve got the Aussie scene, Dead Letter Circus, Caligula’s Horse, Circles, who WRITTEN BY ANNA ROSE we’re taking out on tour with us, loads of great bands PHOTO BY STEVE BROWN on your side of the planet and yeah, it’s great to see it really picking up momentum and people getting For international bands, touring Australia in the into it.” last quarter of the year has its benefits. They’ve Though only four albums into their career, there are played festivals and toured in the northern already many bands in the genre who cite Tesseract as hemisphere all summer so by the time they major influences, a fact Monteith was unaware of but come Down Under, visiting musos are pumped pleased to hear all the same. “That’s amazing to hear,” and ready to rock with us – UK progressive metal he says humbly, momentarily forgetting the question asked of him. At this point in their career with their masters Tesseract are no exception to this fact. “We did some festivals in the early part of the popularity still growing with every new album and summer,” says rhythm guitarist James ‘Metal’ every tour, it is a strange thing for Monteith to hear that bands like Orsome Welles and Karnivool claim Monteith. “Download UK, Download Spain, and August has been downtime. We’ll be back into it Tesseract were one of the reasons for them getting probably the day before we leave for Australia! into music, particularly when Tesseract are still in It’s coming up quick. Off the back of their latest their relatively infancy, it having only been seven album Sonder, Monteith is excited to see Aussie years since the release of their debut album, One, and, audiences reactions when they hear tracks from the as Monteith says, the band still have a lot more to fourth studio album live for the first time this month. bring to the game. “I suppose there was that time “Before our European tour we had an American tour, at the turn of the decade where that post-industrial and we’ve been really pleased to the response to sound was a fresh thing, that’s probably what caught Sonder so far. Definitely one of our more immediate a lot of people’s ears because it was a new-ish thing. records. “We’ve tried to evolve our sound, make each record “Previously when we’ve had a new record come out different and explore different things, and I think it’s taken people a while to get into it, whereas people that’s how we’ve managed to continue to grow with seem to get into this quite quickly [It’ll] be interesting new audiences. If you compare Sonder to One, the to see whether Australian audiences respond in the sound is an evolution.” same way.” When & Where: When Tesseract started in progressive metal back in 2002, the genre remained relatively underground 170 Russell, Melbourne – September 14. while emo and punk-rock led the mainstream. In
TESSERACT
SCOTT IAN
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CUP CARNIVAL
When & Where:
Scott Ian needs no introduction at all; his life and achievements truly speak for themselves. That’s why we are so incredibly stoked for his ‘One Man Riot’ Spoken Word Tour which will be coming to Australia after his lengthy tour stint with Anthrax, who are currently supporting Slayer on their final tour. “The tour has been amazing man; the shows are huge with amazing crowds. People are really showing up for this, I mean, it’s Slayer’s goodbye tour and it’s going to last a little while but people are really getting into it,” Ian explains, expanding on his long running relationship with Slayer. “We had the Clash Of The Titans Tour that we did with Slayer and Megadeth in 1991 and that was the first time we teamed up in a big way,” he continues. “The Big 4 thing didn’t happen until 2010, but we have all been friends since… let me think…I met the Metallica guys in ’82 when Dave was still in the band, I met the Slayer guys not long after that, so we have all known each other a really long time.” With a friendship spanning multiple decades with Slayer, it will be interesting to see if there are any new stories that will pop up when Ian’s show does come to Australia. Telling his favourite stories from his life, the One Man Riot show will truly a special occasion for Anthrax fans and for Ian who expressed One Man Riot his love for Australia. “There’s a huge difference between me WRITTEN BY ALEX CALLAN actually telling a story and writing it; like in my “People ask me all the time ‘What’s the craziest autobiographies. There’s so much more detail when thing you have ever seen or been involved in?’ I’m on stage and there are so many other tangents and roads that I go down. It’s a really cool experience Everyone wants to know what the craziest man,” Ian reveals. “On top of that, I’m just so excited stories are. That’s what this tour is about. It’s just the stories of the craziest things I have ever at the fact that I get to come down and do this; it’s just amazing to me. I love doing these shows and been a part of.” being able to share this part of my life with people If you know who Scott Ian is, you know just how and the fact that I get to come to Australia to tell damn interesting that statement is. stories from my life is incredible to me. It’s not like If you somehow don’t know who he is, we are talking about a guy whose band Anthrax are not I get to come to Australia every six months so it’s a really big deal me being able to come down here. only part of the Big 4 (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth I’m really excited to get there.” and Anthrax), but are seen as the founding fathers of Trash Metal. Ian is a guy who pretty much invented the metal/rap cross over (Public Enemy & When & Where: Anthrax - ‘Bring The Noise’) and is an established non-fiction and comic book author as well as a TV star… I’m going to stop there, because truthfully
AUSTRALIAN STARS TO ENTERTAIN THE PARK AT MELBOURNE
Goldfields Theatre (MCEC), Melbourne September 26. Tickets via scott-ian.com/
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WAH BAH
The Salty Dog A café located right on the beach is perfect for you and your pup’s morning coffee. There’s nothing like soaking up the view over Fisherman’s beach with a selection of breakfasts, beverages and cakes. Salty dogs are always welcome.
GRAB A DRINK AT THE BAH!
Where: 50 The Esplanade, Torquay
WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO
There’s a new kid arriving on the
waterfront this Spring and their ready to give the ever-growing nightlife of
Little Malop Street a run for its money. Geelong’s new favourite nightspot Wah Bah, will be perched out on
Cunningham Pier, and is the cheeky, loud and boisterous younger sibling of the always popular Asian
Fusion restaurant, Wah Wah Gee. Head Chef John Hornsey has developed a menu based on Wah Wah
Gee’s all-time favourites, the forever
loved Bao Buns, and will be creating classics with a twist, such as nacho bao buns, a sloppy joe bao bun,
parmi bao bun and there is even a deep-fried ice-cream dessert bao
bun being tested in their kitchens. “We feature ten variations of bao
buns on our menu, plus the addition
of daily bun specials for our guests to sample” My Hornsey says. “If you’re
after something more substantial, you can always dine downstairs at Wah Wah Gee and then head up to the
‘Bah’ through the internal staircase
DOG FRIENDLY CAFÉ’S IN GEELONG WRITTEN BY CHLOE CICERO
Let’s be honest, a coffee date is fine, but it’s even better with your pooch. Manoeuvring your furry human can be toughest at the best of times, especially knowing when and where you can and can’t go. Here’s a little list of cafes who love those four-legged mates, with some taking that affection up a notch. So spoil your pooch this weekend.
Café Zoo Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere to pair with an extensive outdoor sitting area surrounded by tree’s, what could be more perfect for you and your furry best friend?
Where: 23 High Street, Drysdale Winifred’s Corner Shop Overlooking the stunning botanical gardens, and local Geelongians on their morning walk, and being named after the owners own doggy, Winifred’s is the perfect spot for you and your pup to grab a quick breakfast and coffee.
Where: 26 Garden Street, East Geelong
King of the Castle Reigning king of great coffee and desserts, Pakington St café King of the Castle is actually one of the best spots for dogs in Geelong. With plenty of space outside, many dogs have had a damn good time here. Oh, and their owners too of course.
Edge Eastern beach road has plenty of outdoor seating, making it a dreamland for people with a furry plus one. Factor in the close proximity of water and grass (two favourites for dogs) and the spot is worth the visit. Edge is worth mentioning for good food alone, but with a front outdoor eating area and deck along the side, it’s perfect for pets.
Where: 24 Pakington St, Geelong West
Where: 6/8 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong
Picket Fence The newest café to hit Pakington St, is Picket Fence is extremely dog friendly, with the backyard area expansive and perfect for sitting outdoors with your doggo’s when the weather is mighty fine.
Box Office This cafe is just off Pakington St, and conveniently operating out of a shipping container on a wooden deck makes it pretty darn dog friendly. Sit down with your pooch, give ‘em a pat and enjoy your coffee.
Where: 359 Pakington Street, Newtown
Where: 77 Preston St, Geelong West
The Pickers Union First up, this is one popular spot on the weekends. So, pack your dog in the car, head down to this out-of-thecity spot and fight for your prime outside possie. With dog bowls and delicious food, there’s something for all parties involved. The cafe can also do puppachinos if you ask nicely…
Where: 3 Mackey St, North Geelong Geelong Botanical Gardens Tea House This is the ideal place to go and enjoy a hot beverage with a scone, and then wander the grounds of Geelong’s Botanical Gardens with your four-legged mate.
Where: 40 Podbury crescent, Geelong [inside the gardens] Café Go While doggies aren’t allowed indoors or in the large outdoor area, there’s always a welcoming big bowl of water out the front and plenty of space to park your lil’ mate. It’s also located just outside the hustle and bustle of town and right near the gardens or beach (whichever your dog prefers to frolic around).
Where: 37 Bellerine St, Geelong Dogs are not allowed inside cafes due to OH & S issues.
where you can finish off your dessert and enjoy a beverage with a view.” Coming from an impressive background, with kitchen experience of two Michelin Star awarded
restaurants, Mr Hornsey is definitely the real deal. With the warmer
weather soon to be arriving, Wah Bah will play host to favourite DJ’s from Thursday – Sunday.
Just follow the neon set of lights
up the iconic pier and weave your
way upstairs, through the featured artwork that is sure to be a con-
versation piece – a homage to the greats of rock ‘n’ roll, including
Geelong born Chrissy Amphlett. Wah Bah opens to the public on September 6 from 8pm. Book online at www.wahbah.com.au Check it out at Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Beach Road, Geelong. Photos sourced from Wah Wah Gee’s socials.
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OPEN UP A LITTLE FOR MENTAL HEALTH
standing right next to our workmates but never asked them how their mental health was going.”
RUOK? Ambassador, Food For Thought Founder and chef Mal Meiers, will be attending as a guest speaker, as well as a guest chef preparing the night’s entrée. The Food for Thought charity WRITTEN BY AINE KEOGH birthed the idea of holding a fundraiser dinner – and what a fantastic idea it was. Founded in In the lead up to RUOK? Day this September, 2014, it intended to raise awareness of the help Little Creatures brewery has joined forced with available for those in need and to de-stigmatise Give Where You Live, RUOK?, Food for Thought mental health by creating conversations around and Bay 93.9, to establish a mental health the dinner table. awareness and fundraising dinner for Geelong. This will be a night not only of great food and Rachel Parker, founder of Surf Coast beer, but also a night of which will bring forth organisation Ocean mind, will also be the important of talking openly about mental attending as a guest speaker on the panel, health across the community. hosted by Bay 93.9 personality and beer lover, Mark Hyland, followed by a raffle of Kicking off with a pint of Furphy and canapés local experiences and restaurant prizes. upon arrival, a three course meal will follow (with each course prepared by different guest chefs Beginning at 6:30pm on Monday September 10, such) while a panel of guest speakers will discuss the fundraiser is set to be an evening of laughs, the importance of mental health and local raffle beer, food and crucial awareness. Tickets are just prizes will be presented, accompanied with local $65 from Eventbrite, which includes a pint of music from Hoody and Jack. furphy on arrival, canapés, a three course dinner meal, guest speakers and live music – so don’t miss Little Creatures head chef and guest speaker, out in being a part of such an important industry. Stephen Shing, explains the importance of Eventbrite ticket link https:// talking about mental health. “…10 years ago mental health was something never discussed openupalittledinner.eventbrite.com.au in a kitchen. We would spend 50 hours a week
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Tatjana Este George
With previous years posing as a tremendous success, this year’s set to be bigger and better than ever, with Emmylou MacCarthy, one of Australia’s most engaging presenters and fashionistas, as this year’s Fashions on the Field host and emcee. EmmyLou is the pinnacle of style, whether she’s hosting the red carpet at the logies, or walking down the street and is sure to pose as no less on the field.
the BOAA Band Wagon. The BOAA Band Wagon is a purpose built music truck providing a backline and sound staging for outdoor music events. Performances are scheduled every weekend at Lake Wendouree and St Andrews Grounds. Also featured in BOAA Music are a series of mid week lunch time and evening concerts at The Mining Exchange and special events will be held in the city’s premier historic venue, The Ballarat Mechanics Institute. The BOAA Pit Stops will also pop up in four locations over the six weeks, providing food and local beer and wines at the BOAA Music events With a program that has been designed to encourage overnight stays with two day or festival passes available, special events and exhibitions to get to also include the Living Sculpture Fashion Parade, BOAA Dark and the Lake Sculpture Walk that will see the renowned Lake Wendouree turned into an Once upon a time, about 10 years ago, Ballarat’s outdoor art gallery with 36 sculptures sited along its Biennale of Australian Art Festival (BOAA) 6-kilometre track. With its celebrated Regional Gallery (The Art Director Julie Collins had an idea – to create the largest showcase of living Australian artists, Gallery of Ballarat), significant public art collection, ever. An event that would help drive Ballarat’s growing contemporary scene, heritage buildings Renaissance as a city of arts and culture and and compelling natural environments, Ballarat is herald a coming of age for Australian audiences perfectly placed to host Victoria’s most significant and artists alike. Thus, the Biennale of Australian contemporary visual art festival. It’s clear that the Art (or BOAA as we like to call it) was born! scale and physicality of Ballarat will provide the ideal So what is BOAA? Simply, with 150 artists from “whole of town” gallery experience for audiences. across Australia and 65 curated solo exhibitions at 14 Located a 90 minute drive North West of central heritage venues, BOAA is the six week event that will Melbourne, BOAA is set to spark the imaginations be a remarkable destination showcase of visual arts, of its audience, including regional, interstate and Melbourne visitors, who expect boundary-pushing live music, and the region’s food and wine. definitions of visual and interactive culture. Free mini This year BOAA will include extraordinary pieces from multicultural artists, as well as works with a buses, bikes and solar powered rickshaws will also be strong indigenous focus. Exhibiting artists include, available as a mode of town transportation to add to Northern Territory’s Numina sisters; Western the visitor experience. Australia’s Abdul Abdullah and Ballarat’s very own With over 150 artists, 65 Solo Exhibitions, 30 Kim Anderson, with all works expressing subjective bands and musicians, three villages, ‘Kids week’, Australian stories of our past, present and future. A ‘Seniors week’, workshops, talks, 36 sculptures around Lake Wendouree, festival bikes and Rickshaws, minireal highlight is that no other exhibition has had the buses and pit-stops for when your hungry, there really mission to have equal representation of artists from each state and territory like BOAA has, and this is is something for everyone at BOAA 2018. what makes BOAA a truly national event. Alongside BOAA Art is BOAA Music: a fully Get all the fixings through boaa.net.au. It runs integrated, curated music festival highlighting from September 21 – November 6. contemporary Australian musicians and utilising
Competition stakes are high, with over $10,000 in prizes up for grabs, all happening in the “No Fuss Event Hire” Catwalk Enclosure. Set under the beautiful gums and overlooking the ranges of Pyrenees, the Enclosure offers race goers the chance to get nice and close to all the action, whilst also enjoying a DJ set and make use of the Elysium Retouch tent.
SPRING RACING IS BACK WITH THE AVOCA CUP WRITTEN BY AINE KEOGH
Located less than two hours from Melbourne, Avoca is a vibrant rural town located in the heart of Pyrenees. Operating for over 160 years, Ballarat’s Avoca Shire Turf Club knows just how to run a successful race day and is excited to announce the 2018 Blue’s Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup!
THE PINE COMPANY William Feather once said, ‘One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure’. ‘Escape The Ordinary’ brands the website and nothing could sum up The Pine Company more than this statement. Backed by 22 year old Geelong-byMelbourne entrepreneur Jordan Di Paolo, The Pine Co. was simply born through the love of design. With the focus of men’s fashion moving towards the minimalist but high-quality trend over the last few years, Jordan was well into his second year of studying Architecture and Construction Management at Deakin University when he decided to follow the dream of design with his very own clothing line. “I’ve always wanted to do some sort of clothing line; I did graphic design in high school and I was pretty passionate about it, but then I just never really had the time to do it,” he explains. “Then I got to uni and I thought that I may as well give it a crack.”
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BIENNALE OF AUSTRALIAN ART FESTIVAL
A patron for almost 30 years, Brad Fernando is passionate about the iconic event also, taking on volunteer roles in recent years, including Fashions on the Field judging. This year, he will be the face of this year’s cup. Fernando’s interest in horse racing has spanned for many years and has spent time working with Bart Cummings, trainer extraordinaire, at Flemington racecourse. Don’t miss out on a day of quality racing, dining, drinking and dancing, set against some of the most majestic scenery in Australia.
The Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup will be taking place on Saturday, October 20, with gates opening at 10:30AM. Admission starts at $23 for adults, with many hospitality, food and beverage packages available as well as camping at the racecourse. Head to countryracing.com.au/avoca for more information.
Beginning the label with just one simple product in 2016, Jordan stepped away from the brand briefly before re-branding his company in the early months of 2018, bringing forth a strong vision for the future at The Pine Co. With the same name, same designs but a reinvigorated passion, Jordan was ready to bring The Pine Co to the forefront of minimalist streetwear and pioneer slow fashion, innovation and superior quality in Geelong. Embracing the scenery around him, initially the forests of the Otways to now beaches of the Surf Coast, his visions became the inspiration behind his designs and saw The Pine Co. launch seven more products in the last six months. “Originally I didn’t really want to go with that surf theme as I was pretty interested in camping, adventures and the scenery in Lorne and the Otways. I was looking at that and that was where I generated my first idea, and it’s only now that I’ve been playing around with surf inspired designs.” Made with comfortable 100 per cent cotton, ensuring they’re both biodegradable and recyclable, the simple yet stylish unisex range was created with the adventurer at heart. The pieces can be worn whether you’re out exploring the open ranges, or if you’re at home surfing the web. Currently the line
consists of long sleeves, tees, hoodies and even a beanie, all tagged with similar branding. It’s the Royal Navy Script tee however that stands as the best seller so far and it’s not hard to see why. It’s simple, comfortable, stylish and is available for an easy $25. “That one has been the best so far. It’s a safe colour and it’s easy to wear; I actually just handwrote the embroid and scanned it onto the computer,” Jordan explains. “From there, they just sold so quickly. I sold about 50 of them in two or three weeks, I just couldn’t keep up. My housemates had to help me, and that really kick-started everything and allowed me to buy the hoodies with the profits. I sold 50 of them, and I still had 50 to go so everything from there was purely profit. It was a real confidence boost.” With the aim to create products that you can not only wear, but tell stories with, Jordan uses Instagram to promote The Pine Co’s vision of living, sustainable awareness and happiness and joy. The images not only show the brand’s clothing, but also images of men and women who embody the target buyer persona – adventurous, laid back, fun and awe-inspiring, which is a perfect representation of the brand’s essence -- in other words, its heart, soul, and spirit. With forward thinking fashion for a worthy cause, Jordan further explored The Pine Co.’s vision embarking on a new venture for his winter range, collaborating with Fight For Our Reef to safeguard the ocean and its marine life. 2015 had record-breaking temperatures, with devastating impact on the world’s coral reefs. For only the third time in recorded history, the world’s coral reef are experiencing a global “bleaching” event, and Australia is one of the many areas affected by this global warming crisis. Surprisingly, it isn’t the Great Barrier Reef facing the greatest threat this year, but Western Australia’s less wellknown coral reefs. The aim of Fight For Our Reef is to raise awareness of the major threats to the Reef including industrialisation, global warming and fertiliser run-off. Specifically, the campaign seeks to stop industrial port expansion, support strong laws and funding to cut farm pollution and turn down the
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heat on our Reef by investing in renewable energy. As part of the collaboration, The Pine Co. designed one limited edition long sleeve – the Scuba Ningaloo Reef long sleeve T-shirt - inspired by the striking, serene beauty of the reefs. Simply by purchasing or wearing the product, The Pine Co. (and its customers) are helping promote awareness and supporting the Fight For Our Reef organisation by donating 10 per cent of profits from the sale of that particular product. “The reef in Western Australia in particular is pretty damaged,” Jordan reveals, “it’s worse than the Great Barrier Reef at the moment; so I came up with a T-shirt design for it and I contacted them and asked if I could donated 10 per cent of my profits to them.” With a love of living life in the fast lane, Jordan will continue studying his double degree and travelling between Melbourne, Ocean Grove and Geelong for work while juggling the business, spending the rest of his free time focusing on ways he can grow his clothing brand. In particular, as we enter the warmer season, Jordan plans to design products that specifically cater towards female customers and embark on collaborations with other like-minded brands. “From now until the end of the year I want to focus on women. Because I’m just a one man show, I don’t really know that side as well, I get scared and I want to play it safe,” he laughs. “I would also like get into some sort of store. Right now I’m just selling online, which is satisfying but at the same time it’s not; I’m not engaging with the people who are purchasing my product and I’d like to be more hands on with people purchasing. I’ve actually never tried a market yet either so it would be good to go to a market and see people come up and approach and see what they’re responding to and go from there. “I’m sort of taking it as it comes, so just keep your eyes on our Instagram and website...” Shop online via www.thepineco.com.au and follow the Instagram page @thepinecompany
OZ KINK FEST 2018 A taste of what’s coming...
Strap yourself in and prepare for the ride; Oz Kink Fest is back once again bringing fetish enthusiasts, experts and retailers together for the kinkiest 10 days Melbourne has seen! Open to anyone over the age of 18, the Oz Kink Fest is an annual festival in September for the alternate and kink community of Australia, uniting all those of alternative lifestyles and sexuality groups. The festival offers a variety of opportunities, events and talented persons who present on a wide range of techniques and skills for all interests and kinks - whether they are a fetish fashionista, a curious newbie or an experienced and seasoned player. With 10 days of kink to explore and zero judgement, we’ve rounded up some highlights from the program. Fetish Expo A place to meet and socialise with others who have similar interests, and a place to fulfil your shopping fetish, the Fetish Expo is where you’ll want to be. With a unique trading and socialising environment, the expo features more than 60 local and interstate stallholders – with many specialising in toys for men, including major sponsors, Aphrodite’s Pleasure, Lucrezia and De Sade, Sanctuary, Sex Life Therapy, and Eagle Leather. Here, you’ll find everything and anything, from shoes to corsets or even whips and chains – whatever your fetish, you will find it here.
The expo also features performances every hour Saturday 22nd September 8pm – 2am (including a tempting live show by MenXclusive), Workshops, skill shares, Munches and more fantastic food, educational and community There will be plenty of complimentary events connection opportunities and a Grand Fashion running throughout the entire course of the ten Show which showcases some of Australia’s finest amazing days of Oz Kinkfest. The ultimate in alternative designers. If you’re not sure what you’re total sensory overload! Learn, share, socialise, and into, or you just want to dip your toes in and buy indulge. The workshops and skill shares are carefully yourself something pretty, than the Fetish Expo is curated, then presented by some of Australia’s finest and most knowledgeable fetishists. Oz Kink the event for you. Fest is committed to providing information and Saturday 15th September 12pm – 7pm environments that facilitate the opportunity for Fetish Expo After Party As the sun goes down prepare to party as the guest responsible individuals to consensually discover, DJ whips up the crowd’s enthusiasm while the many explore, engage, educate and enjoy the diversity and play areas will be kept busy. There will be play and delights within Melbourne’s Fetish Communities. dungeon areas to satisfy your kinky cravings (maybe Join in and learn how to have maximum pleasure even test out your day’s purchases) so dress up in with maximum safety. your finest fetish wear and party the night away. This Live Performances is a licensed event so you get to enjoy the bar too! Each event provides a line-up of some of Saturday 15th September 8.30pm – Midnight Australia’s most amazing alternative performers that leave the crowds wowed year after year. This Hellfire Resurrection Held at Chasers Nightclub in South Yarra, this year’s performers will not disappoint with acts is undoubtedly one of the best fetish nights in such as Melbourne’s booty poppin’ high kicking Australia! Promising an amazing night with some dance duet from Glitter and Snatch, MenXclusive of Australia’s kinkiest performers, go all out and Australia; Melbourne based Acrobatic Circus dress to impress in your finest fetish wear – seriously, Aerialist performerElina Skye; Melbourne based the dress code is strictly FETISH. Think leather, latex, sword swallower, sideshow performer, aerialist and goth, glam, burlesque and alternative, the list goes burlesque artist Elle Diablo; Sydney Dominatrix on. DJ Scott Anderson will be on the decks whipping Mistress Tokyo and contemporary performance up the crowd enthusiasm so you can get down and artist Paloma Negra; glamdrogynous drag deity dirty on the dance floor or get creative in the play Glitterfist; rope artist Garth Knight; pole dancer areas. There is also a quieter social chill out bar area Mark McLauchlan; fiery, fierce and sparktasical where you can explore the more intimate pleasures Sparkarella and many more. Check out them online the night has to offer. Dance, play, socialise and and prepare to be amazed! enjoy the night! If you have ever harboured any form of interest in the alternative lifestyle community this festival is the Friday 21st September 9.30pm – 3.00am perfect chance to learn more, and to discover people Klub Kunst Returning for a night of pleasure and pain, this with a wide range of interests. This is an opportunity one is not for the faint hearted. A more ‘traditional’ to try something, or several somethings for the first time, and a chance to play out any hidden desires, or warehouse style, hardcore play focused party, Klub Kunst will entice you on a journey in the ultimate even to attempt your biggest and/or deepest fantasy. surrounds for those who wish to play hide and When & Where: beat, breath taking(literally) performances and play equipment where ever you turn. Dress up, Various locations across Melbourne play, watch, play with each other, this is a night of – September 14 – 24 unrestricted play where anything goes with a strict fetish dress code which will be enforced. Find out more via www.ozkinkfest.com/
NASHVILLE LIVE IS HEADING TO GEELONG AND BENDIGO NEXT YEAR For the very first time in Australia, and direct from Music City, U.S.A, the hit musical production Nashville Live delivers the energy, glamour and magic of a night out in the home of country music directly to you and totally live! Nashville Live takes you back to the world famous Grand Ole Opry, through the history of country music from golden greats like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, through to the contemporary platinum selling sounds of Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Dixie Chicks and many more. It is a true celebration of the legends of country music and the stories behind the hits. Complete with a Grand Ole Opry style announcer revealing the hidden histories behind the biggest moments in country music, audiences can sing along and be moved to a mixture of classic solos, amazing duets and fantastic group harmonies as talented singers step up alongside the stellar live band to perform. Featuring performances in major capital cities and over 20 regional centres around Australia and with a cast of incredible international performers, Nashville Live is the closest you can get down under to the bright lights, the sights and the sounds of the world’s most famous musical city, the home of country music, Nashville! This trip through country music’s greatest moments is a night that will reaffirm the fact that there really are only two types of music, Country and Western! When and Where: Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – March 21 Costa Hall, Deakin University, Geelong – March 24. Tickets on sale Friday September 7.
WHAT’S ON
ANTIGONE 2018 ANTIGONE 2018 Fri 28 Sept at 1:00pm FREE EVENT
THE HOPE SONG THE HOPE SONG Fri 12 OCT at 7:30pm $25
CARPE DIEM CARPE DIEM Thu 25 Oct at 7:30pm $25
ALSO ON AT THE COURTHOUSE - CHYA DANCE PARTY TUE 25 SEPTEMBER - ART JOURNALING THU 4 OCTOBER THE SUITCASE SERIES: ATOMIC TUE 13 NOVEMBER 60 Little Malop Street Geelong www.courthouse.org.au courthousearts courthouseyoutharts
BOOK NOW WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD ON WWW.COURTHOUSE.ORG.AU OR OVER THE PHONE ON 5224 2815 697
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film reviews
SUMMER 1993
BY ANTHONY MORRIS
CRAZY RICH ASIANS
After the death of her mother, six year-old Frida (Laia Artigas) is left adrift. Not physically: her Barcelona family bustle around her clearing out the family house before sending her off to live in the countryside with her uncle Esteve (David Verdaguer), his wife Marga (Bruna Cusí), and their four-year-old Anna (Paula Robles). But her life has already been turned upside, and while her Uncle and his family clearly care about her, this is all a massive shift. What follows is a smart and sensitive look at a child (writer-director Carla Simon based her film on her own childhood) struggling through a difficult time and occasionally acting out. It’s not that she’s not in a loving environment; it’s just that she’s been through a lot and she’s just got to struggle through it as best she can. It’s a touching, heartfelt film that digs down into a dark place without ever getting gloomy.
American-born Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is a New York professor specialising in game theory (as you do) who doesn’t realise her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) belongs to an insanely wealthy family until they visit his hometown of Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. Wacky rom-com hijinks ensue! As is traditional, the leads are kind of bland: Nick’s personality is “occasionally shirtless nice guy” while she is “cheerful but slightly worried she’s in over her head”, but Wu and Golding have good chemistry together; they’re a fun couple to watch. This leaves the supporting cast to pick up the slack and they do it with gusto: Awkwafina as Rachel’s bestie steals just about every scene she’s in, everyone else ranges from serious confidants to sneaky bitches and then there’s Nick’s mother (Michelle Yeoh), who is the real obstacle as far as their happily ever after goes. Romcoms live or die by the obstacles they can throw up in the lovers’ path, and she’s an excellent one; while much of this highly entertaining film focuses on Nick’s family’s excessive wealth, it’s the scenes where the family’s values clash with Rachel’s more western independence that make this extremely glitzy film more than just frothy fluff.
JULIET, NAKED
THE MERGER
MILE 22
The rom-com is back! Well, the indie version at least, as this adaptation of a Nick Hornsby novel avoids the flash of Crazy Rich Asians for a love-key look at a loose love triangle between Annie (Rose Byrne), a small seaside town museum operator, her long-term boyfriend Duncan (Chris O’Dowd), a pop culture lecturer and obsessive fan of our third wheel, obscure US musician Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke), who vanished in the early 90s. When a stripped back demo version of Crowe’s most famous album Juliet turns up (titled Juliet, Naked), Annie ends up giving it a scathing review on Duncan’s fan site - where Tucker sees it and sends her an email agreeing with her. They strike up a pen friendship, Duncan has a half-arsed affair, and when Tucker - who has a whole line-up of kids from his younger days - ends up visiting London everything moves up a level. The plot hijinks flow naturally, as do the jokes, while the trio of leads are all excellent; O’Dowd provides enough sad sack charm to make his relationship with Annie plausible, Byrne is charming and sweet without being cloying, and casting Hawke is such an obvious stroke of genius it’d totally make the film – if everything else wasn’t just as much fun.
Troy Carrington (Damian Callinan) is a local legend for all the wrong reasons. A star AFL player (until he broke his leg running through the Grand Final banner) and environmental activist who got the local logging mill shut down (earning him the nickname “town killer”) he’s not exactly wellloved in his small country town. So when the local footy team looks set to close due to lack of players and an asbestos-filled clubroom, nobody – but especially not club legend Bull Barlow (John Howard) – wants Troy to take over. Thing is, Troy has the skills, the know-how, and after he meets Sayyid (Fayssal Bazzi), the plan: why not look to recruit new talent from the town’s rapidly growing resettled refugee population? The result for both Troy and the film is never really in doubt, but this warm and gentle crowdpleaser benefits greatly from a polished script from Callinan (who initially toured it as a one-man show), a wellused rural setting and a likable cast of relative unknowns. It doesn’t gloss over the frictions between refugees and conservative rural Australians, but it doesn’t dwell too deeply on them either; it turns out everyone’s welcome in this plucky band of wacky misfits – well, unless you’re a dickhead.
This really should just be a simple, straightforward action movie: Mark Wahlberg - here playing a motormouthed murder jerk literally nobody in the movie likes - and his crack team of CIA killers just happen to be in a made-up Asian country looking for what their boss memorably calls “fear powder”, when their source - Iko Uwais from The Raid movies - turns up and says he’ll let them know where the radioactive dust is so long as they get him out of the country right this minute. Problem is, the locals don’t want him to leave and they’re willing to start throwing around high explosives to keep him. And what’s the deal with that Russian plane flying around overhead? But director Peter Berg fills what should be a straight-forward 90 minute fight film with endless military jargon, a dozen badasses who only speak in threats even when they’re meant to be friends, flash-forwards to Wahlberg’s character (being even more annoying than usual) pontificating almost entirely in slogans and quotes to a military tribunal, and - eventually - some decent action sequences. It’s fast, frantic and occasionally thrilling; it’s probably not something you’d want to watch if you had a headache.
RECORD WATCH
STAFF PICKS
School Damage
TALIA
A To X (Chapter Music)
NORTHLANE - MESMA
NATHAN
School Damage’s second LP “A To X” continues with the bedroom indie pop rock sound not too dissimilar from the Dunedin Sound on NZ’s iconic Flying Nun label in the 80s. 15 short songs with only one cracking the three minute mark.
THE BRONX - V
JOSH STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN - COULDN’T STAND THE WEATHER
School Damage has some strong Geelong links with Carolyn being a member of Parsnip and Chook Race and Jake being in Ausmuteants, Frowning Clouds and many more local bands.
LAUREN DOPE LEMON - HONEY BONES
For fans of The Clean, Go Betweens, Tall Dwarfs
GLENN
Available from Prehistoric Sounds,
SUPERTRAMP - CRIME OF THE CENTURY
Warrnambool and The Mill Market, Newcomb
BACK TO BURGUNDY SAT 8TH 11AM SUN 9TH 3.20PM WED 12TH 5.15PM FRI 14TH 1.15PM SUN 16TH 3.30PM
BLACKkKLANSMAN THU 13TH 7PM FRI 14TH 9.15PM SAT 15TH 9PM SUN 16TH 6PM
BREAKER UPPERERS
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ON CHESIL BEACH
THU 13TH 5.20PM FRI
SUN 16TH 1.20PM
14TH 5.10PM SAT 15TH
WEST OF SUNSHINE
1PM SUN 16TH 8.30PM
& 9PM SAT 8TH 1.20PM SUN 9TH 1PM & 7.40PM MON
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10TH 11AM TUE 11TH 3PM
1PM & 7.15PM SAT 8TH
& 7PM WED 12TH 11AM
THU 6TH 1.30PM FRI 7TH
5.40PM & 9.20PM SUN
THU 13TH 1PM FRI 14TH
11AM SAT 8TH 3.40PM
9TH 11AM MON 10TH 4PM
11AM & 7PM SAT 15TH
SUN 9TH 5.40PM MON
TUE 11TH 11AM & 5.15PM
3PM SUN 16TH 11AM
SUMMER 1993
CNR. MOORABOOL & VERNER ST. SOUTH GEELONG | WWW.PIVOTCINEMA.COM.AU 44
THU 6TH 11AM FRI 7TH 3PM
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for their stage show which lead to one hell of an entertaining set! Front man, Jack Venables possesses the charm, childlike cheekiness and star quality that has the potential to sit him with the likes of Brandon Flowers and Brendon Urie. Tracks ‘How We Operate’, ‘Make The Call’ and ‘STONK’ translated well live with the funk infused hard rock making it near impossible not shimmy along, which is probably why the lads injected a cover of Salt n Peppers ‘Push It’ mid song and it surprisingly worked! ‘Eat Red Carpet’ from the 2012 Voodoo Love Machine was a highlight as it verges on a cover of a System of Down song with the on-stage theatrics from Vernables adding to the appeal.
MASTIN LIVE The Workers Club Geelong Friday July 13 Reviewed by Glenn Lynch Reece Mastin, or Mastin as he is now known, recently hit The Workers Club in Geelong. Backed with a solid band, he hit the stage to a predominantly female audience. Those expecting a ‘teeny-bopper’ show certainly would have got a surprise with more of a rock n roll show. Axe in hand, Mastin showed off some skilful guitar playing to compliment his very powerful voice. As a guitarist, I was surprised at how adept he was. One track he played even reminded me of Pink Floyd, such is the diversity of Mastin. Aside from playing songs from his latest album, he finished the night with a rendition of ‘Paradise City’, by Guns N Roses. If you thought that might be a surprise, imagine when he played ‘Stayin Alive’, but as a rock song, not disco!! Even though I prefer the hard hitting stuff, I preferred the Bee Gees cover; it was something a little different. For those who were expecting a ‘teeny-bopper’ gig, he did pull out one song from his well known past with ‘Shut Up and Kiss Me’. The ladies in particular lapped this one up! Whether Mastin is appeals to you or not, don’t mistake him for a pretty pop star, because on stage at The Workers Club he showed he is much more than that!
Following Slim Jeffries, the highly charismatic Osaka Punch took to the stage to deliver a stand out set, reinforcing that they are a band to watch! If you have seen any of their social media posts, you know these guys don’t take themselves too seriously. Same goes
8 years after they called it quits, we had high expectations for the Mammal comeback given their reputation for high energy and plain bizarre on stage (and in crowd) antics. What we got was anything but disappointing! With a ceremonial fist bump before taking to the stage, Mammal immediately commanded the crowds’ attention before kicking into new track, ‘Virtue Signalling’. The personal differences that split the band 8 years prior seemed as though it never happened- Mammal were as tight as ever- in sound, in stage presence and in group dynamic. This band is the epitome of the IDGAF attitude which serves as pure entertainment in itself but their passion for their music and the crowd is evident with their on stage antics. If there wasn’t a barrier between front man Ezekiel (Zeke) Ox and the crowd, he would be one of them. Hold that thought- it only took two songs before he was on the other side to get the crowd ramped up for ‘Dead’, and where he would stay for majority of the set. This show lacked nothing- disco ball helmets with light beams strategically bouncing off blinding the crowd, Zeke borrowing a faux fur neon light up jacket from a punter to parade on the bar counter for a song (he would then buy the jacket from the punter and use it as a prop at other shows), a Jimmy Barnes injection, ranting about employment rates and the political propaganda behind it and a full two minute drum solo. Did I mention this all took place within a one hour and fifteen minute set. While the entire set didn’t have a dull moment, song wise, ‘Community’ and ‘Smash the Piñata’ were clear crowd favourites. It was whirlwind but my god it was good to have the boys back!
GEOFF ACHISON
GRATITUDE AND GRIEF
THE AINTS
METRIC
Sovereign Town
Elixir Featuring Katie Noonan and Michael Leunig
The Church of Simultaneous Existence
Art Of Doubt
ABC Music
MMI
Kin Music dist. Universal
Reviewed by Aine Keogh
Reviewed by Talia Rinaldo
Mammal ft. Osaka Punch, Slim Jeffries BLOOM Geelong Thursday, 9 August 2018 Reviewed by Tammy Walters DOWN THE DARK STAIRWAY OF THE FORMER U N D E RG RO U N D M C D O N A L D ’ S T U R N E D ELECTRONIC MUSIC NIGHTCLUB, BLOOM, ECHOING BASS CAN USUALLY BE HEARD FROM THE STREET. THE BASS DROP TONIGHT WAS NOT THAT OF FAT MAN SCOOP OR JAX JONES, BUT INSTEAD FROM HARD ROCK OUTFIT, MAMMAL.
Jupiter 2 Records/Landslide Records Reviewed by Josh Dowling
Opening the night was Melbourne’s Slim Jeffries. It’s hard to put Slim Jeffries into a genre. Slim Jeffries sound like a love triangle between Brisbane threepiece, Good Boy, the Offspring, and Tame Impala. A perfect mix of that classic and heavy rock you would hear on Triple M, with a dash of psychedelic flavour. Their set was exactly what you would expect- high energy, youthful quick wit and banter between band mates, and an all together tight set, but because of their multi-genre core it was quite an excitable journey- a sentiment that would be consistent throughout the night.
Reviewed by John “Dr John” Lamp
Award winning Veteran Australian Blues and Roots virtuoso Geoff Achison has had an illustrious career built on the foundations of brilliant music and yet he has still somehow managed to release a new album of absolute gold - Sovereign Town. Geoff Achison’s craftsmanship on the new record is near flawless - the warm over tones on the opening track Skeleton kiss welcomes you to a collective of songs that are not only reminiscent of Eric Clapton’s musicianship but also J. J. Cale’s diversity. Produced by Ric Formosa and accompanied by Geoff at the renowned Pilgrimage Studio, Sovereign Town is lovingly constructed with contributions from the allstar line up of Geoff’s studio band that included Andy Fry, Dave Clark and Liam Kealy (and John McNamara on a few tracks) It’s a carefully crafted amalgamation of intimate, organic and warm narratives that are inspired by the early days of the Victorian Gold Rush and regardless of your alignment with blues music, its welcoming and well worth the time.
Australian punk rock icon and founding member of This is an extraordinary piece of work, and well seminal acts like The Saints and Laughing Clowns, Ed deserves five stars. Kuepper has been creating some of the most prolific Michael Leunig has beguiled us for many years rock music since the 70’s. The Aints was established with verses and drawings, each one of them churning as a spin off and has been recapturing the energy of our emotions and placing the duck squarely before us. the Saints since the 90’s. Katie Noonan inspires with her soaring vocals, and The 12 track album opens with ‘Red Aces’, delving diversity. Gratitude and Grief brings these two artists straight into horn-driven, fast paced rock, reviving together workshopping an album of parallel tracks – sounds classic to the Saints. The second, and title Michael reading his poem, then Elixir giving that poem track, encompasses Kuepper’s dark vocals, on-top a musical interpretation. of strong bass riffs – a perfect introduction to a true Over four years iconic Australian poet cartoonist punk rock album which will have you thrusting your Michael Leunig and the trio workshopped a selection of head back and forth. ‘You’ve Got The Answer’, the his work, it’s a truly collaborative album. Interpreting fourth track on the album, introduced keys, making 10 iconic poems by Leunig, Elixir combine spoken word for a busy compilation of sound that really works in poetry, vocals and sublime jazz improvisation. Does some strange way. it work? It’s calls to you and makes you stop in your As the album proceeds, a great deal of variation is showcased, from strong, adrenaline fuelled tracks, like tracks. Elixir started in Brisbane in 1997. The trio is headed ‘Elevator’ and ‘S-O-S ‘75’ to slower, darker tracks, like up by Katie Noonan, singer, songwriter, producer, ‘Demo Girl Part 2’ – highlighting the different eras such pianist, mother and fierce champion of the arts. Zac tracks have been pulled from. Wrapping up is ‘The Rise Hurren is a truly unique and distinctive saxophonist, and Falls of James Hoopnoch Eifel’, one of the shorter composer and improvisor and winner of the 2009 tracks, entailing upbeat and almost humorous tones National Jazz Award. Melbourne-based Stephen – a perfect goodbye to listeners. Magnusson is regarded by many as one of Australia’s The Church of Simultaneous existence really shows that the old school punks haven’t lost their touch in finest jazz guitarists. the slightest – in fact, this might just be one of my I wouldn’t dare suggest a standout track, you will favourite yet. I’ll definitely be playing this one to death. have to choose for yourself.
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It’s true; the Canadian rockers are back. As a band that are continuously revolutionising their sound and pushing boundaries with each new release, it’s no surprise their seventh album is completely captivating... especially considering it’s their first album since 2015’s Pagans in Vegas. Album opener ‘Dark Saturday’ kicks the album off in the very best way, bringing back the sound prominent on albums Live It Out (2005) and Fantasies (2009). Fuelled with surging distortion and buzzing synths, singer Emily Haines explores the disconnect between the spoiled and the self-made. With heavy guitars in full force and brought to the forefront, this one sees the band circle back to the Metric sound that everyone fell in love with. ‘Dressed to Suppress’ seamlessly infuses drums, vocals and guitars in a truly hypnotic way and sees the band again drawing influences from their old rock style and combine it with new electronic elements, while title track ‘Art Of Doubt’ takes the heavy road, that sees Haines put forth an eclectic display of raw and smooth vocals. Closing track, and simultaneously the longest sitting at six and a half minutes, ‘No Lights on the Horizon’ is the perfect slow-burning ending to the collection of massive riffs and driving rhythm. With it’s slow dreamy melody infused with elegance. Slated as the most Metric album the band has ever made, this is Metric unbound – and we are loving it.
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150+ AC T S 50 VENUES 4 DAY S november 8 - 1 1 2 01 8
FEATURING: THE BADLOVES • GEOFF ACHISON TRIO • LILY & KING • GRIM FAWKNER • TROY JUNGAJI BRADY • THE NORTHERN FOLK • HAILEY CALVERT • JOHN MCNAMARA SOUL BAND COLLARD GREENS & GRAVY • PETE CORNELIUS BAND • STRINGYBARK MCDOWELL • THE DEANS • TENNYSON KING (CANADA) • LAZY EYE • JUSTIN YAP BAND • BUDDY KNOX SHANNON BOURNE BAND • SPOONFUL • ABBIE CARDWELL • CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE • ALISTER TURRILL • CATFISH VOODOO • ELECTRIC BLUES COLLECTIVE • ARCHER • LOW DOWN RIDERS NARDIA ROSE BAND • THE BARREN SPINSTERS • ELENA B WILLIAMS • FU-CHING-GIDO (JAPAN) • JOHN FLANAGAN TRIO • MELBOURNE SINGERS OF GOSPEL • JACK THE FOX LIZ FRENCHAM CHUBBY RAE & THE ELEVATORS • RATTLIN’ BONES BLACKWOOD • JOEL HAVEA (GERMANY) • JO JO SMITH • WILSON & WHITE • GEOFFREY WILLIAMS • THE HOLLANDS! (USA) BACKWOOD CREATURES • WHITE LIGHTNING • THE BEAN PROJECT • LADY VALIANT • STELLA SAVY AVEK FRERS • TOMCAT PLAYGROUND • JIMMY DAVIS • WAYNE JURY • MATT BORG TRIO T.K. REEVE • BLUESTONE JUNCTION • BLUE SUNDAY BLUES BAND (FEAT: MARCO GOLDSMITH) • JESS PARKER & THE TROUBLED WATERS • THE ROYAL HIGH JINX • BILL BARBER THE MCNAMARR PROJECT • DR CRASK AND HIS SWINGIN’ ELIXIR • SMOKE STACK RHINO • JAMES KENYON • TULLARA • DAVID BLIGHT WITH MICK KIDD • SHERRI PARRY • RICHARD PERSO HARRY COULSON’S BLUE DOGS • SARAH WILKINSON • THE DJANGO FRETTS • ABOVE THE BIT • KARRIE HAYWARD • SAVANNAH ROSE • MAST GULLY FELLERS • CAT CANTERI CHARLIE BEDFORD • DANIEL AARON • JULIAN JAMES • TONY J KING • JARROD SHAW • SLIM FIT & THE LOW WASTERS • JARRAH THOMPSON • JAKAL • THE ETHAN FARMER BAND DOC WHITE AND GENTLEMEN’S RUIN • MONTGOMERY CHURCH • ALAWISHUS JONES & THE OUTRIGHT LIES • THE SEDUCEAPHONES • MESSIN’ ‘ROUND • PAT TIERNEY • MIDWEEK BLUES BEN J. CARTER • GUYY & THE FOX • THE STEVE BROWN BAND • SEAN ORR • MEZZ COLEMAN • SPIRITUS • ANDY GARLICK • THE BLUE DARTS • DAVE DIPROSE BLUES TRIO • MARIAH MCCARTHY ALANA JAGT AND THE MONOTREMES • WILLIAM ALEXANDER • COURTNEY ROBB & SNOOKS LA VIE • THE HUMBUCKIN’ PICKUPS • AARON POLLOCK • NIN-NIN • ANDREA ROBERTSON TRIO KAFOA MCCOY • QUADRIFID • CAT AND CLINT • GRACIANA HOLLAND • ERIK PARKER • STEPH BITTER • URBAN CREATURES • RHYLEY MCGRATH • BRANDON TRICKEY • THE FLANNOS DAN DUGGAN • ORANGE WHIP • TIMBAKAT • BYRON SIREN • GROOVE JUICE • PAT WARD • DOGGN IT BLUES • HIGHWAY 79 • OUT OF ABINGDON • LUKE HARRINGTON • BELLWETHERS • MAJA SONS OF THE BLUES • GREG STEPS • 40 THIEVES • ANDIE • ERICA HAWKEY BAND • NATION WILD • UNION STREET BLUES CLUB • TWO TEARS IN A BUCKET • HEATH ROBERTSON & BAND FUNK JUNKIES • UKE JOINT JUMPERS • PHIL & TRUDY EDGELEY • HONK TANK • JESS FAIRLIE • MIGUEL RIOS • MOONLIGHTING JUG BAND • THE JIMMY WILLIAMS XPERIENCE • JADEBYRD TEACUP RHINO • REPORTING TO CHARLIE • AMIGOS TRIOS • ERIN MANNIX • ECLECTIC UKELECTIX • NINA AND THE CAD • THE KING & THE EASY TRIO • TOM HEENAN • STU HARCOURT
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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
Once upon a time, keeping a television series going was simple. Actually, it still is if the television show is animated: does anyone really think The Simpsons is going to end when the voice cast start to quit or die? We’re going to be able to create a perfect artificial version of anyone’s voice given a big enough sample before those guys start to head for the door. But okay, aside from the specific nightmare that is never-ending animated series, these days it’s a lot harder to find ways to keep television series going. People now want real drama from the small screen, with real stakes and real changes – and that means real problems for long-running drama. Once you just kept running your core characters through variations of the same stories with the occasional big development (usually a wedding) thrown in when ratings struggled – and if you watch NCIS or Law & Order: SVU you know that kind of thing is still most definitely a thing. But whereas even a few years ago most of the big quality dramas were a kind of hybrid version of that kind of thing – things changed, characters developed, but there were also plenty of wheel-spinning episodes too – now audiences not only want things to happen, they want those things to mean something. Shows like The Sopranos and The Shield and Mad Men could run and run because while things can and did happen, they usually weren’t things that blew up the premise of the show; today we have series as different as Mr Robot (which recently confirmed that it’s next season will be its last) and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (which is also wrapping up this season) where each season has the characters in radically different places than the one before. This is why the mini-series is back too: a show like the recently wrapped Sharp Objects is meant to tell a story and move on… but that’s what people thought about similar female-led mystery Big Little Lies, and yet the second season is rapidly approaching there. That’s because while the surface of television has changed, the underlying reality hasn’t: finding a hit is hard, and you’d be a fool to let one go if you don’t have to. In Big Little Lies case they’re digging back into the book to develop material the first season skipped: sometimes, as is the case with South-of-the-Border cartel epic Narcos, the best move is to move forward and start again. Season one saw the rise of Carlos Escobar’s empire; season two was all about his fall. But just because your central and most compelling character is dead doesn’t mean the show has to end (obviously: season three is just out on DVD); the next season shifted focus to one of the supporting character cops, ditched the somewhat superfluous American DEA agent entirely, and moved the story onto the Cali Cartel bosses that came after Carlos. It was a smart move and it made for a great season: having nailed down how to tell this kind of sprawling crime saga, the creative crew could shuffle things without losing the show’s core appeal – crime, corruption and cocaine. That’s not the kind of subject matter you just walk away from: season four is on its way, rebooting the series again to look at the Mexican cartels.
Hey gang! It’s that time of the week again where I emerge from my selfimposed isolation to babble about comics until I get tired, have a brief nap, and then wander off into seclusion again like some kind of comic-centric bear. This week, I’ve stumbled back into the nice safe embrace of DC Comics and one of my favourite Bat-themed superheroes. No, not the big B-Man himself, but rather his black-and-red themed offsider – this week, I’ve got my hands on Batwoman, written by Greg Rucka (52, Detective Comics, Lazarus and a bunch of other cool stuff) and drawn by J.H. Williams III (Detective Comics, Sandman: Overture). Her promising military career cut short by intolerance and bigotry, Kate Kane has reinvented herself. No longer able to serve in the military, she has chosen a new way to serve the greater good: hunting down deranged criminals as the masked vigilante Batwoman. Inspired after a chance encounter with the legendary Dark Knight himself (unaware of his true identity as her cousin Bruce), Kate decides to don her own costume and fight the criminals infesting Gotham. When the Religion of Crime make their return to the streets of Gotham, they’re led by a madwoman styling herself after Alice (of Wonderland fame) from Lewis Carroll’s fairytale, who speaks in rhyme and wants to turn Gotham into her own twisted playground. However, deep beneath the madness and deranged theatrics, lies a long-kept secret, close to Kate’s own past. While casual readers might look at a title like Batwoman and brush it off as yet another Bat-clone, I’d definitely suggest actually picking the book up and having a read. While there are the inevitable similarities between Batwoman and your traditional bat-centric stories, Kate has her own flair and style that makes her stand out (and it’s not just the red styling on her suit – though I am a big fan of the red Bat-symbol). Batwoman stories are predominately dark – often more so than traditional Batman stories – and her approach to crime fighting contrasts with Bruce’s established methods. Her military background means that there are lines she’ll cross that Bruce won’t, as seen in the captivating Rebirth-era Detective Comics run. A big part of the appeal for this run is the art style; I loved J.H. Williams’ art style in Sandman: Overture, and it’s equally as fantastic here. His depictions of Kate – both in and out of costume – and of Alice in full nutjob getup are truly excellent. While the backup story – featuring a story that has simultaneous investigations run by Bruce and Kate – isn’t quite as interesting as the main story presented here, it’s still engaging enough to keep you hooked to the last page. If you’re looking for a seriously classic Batwoman story, check this run out – it’s one of my favourite Kate-centric stories, and I think it’ll appeal to any fan of the Bat-family.
It’s September and spring time is on us yet again. By now you should have the fruit trees pruned and ready for this year’s crop. You should also be getting ready for the Bluestone Blues Festival – it might seem like it’s months away, but that will go quickly. When you think about it, there’s a bit to do such as cutting back on the stubbies so you can pay for tickets, contacting mates to agree where you will camp this year and pulling out the camping gear for a once over. There’s nothing worse than pulling out the tent on the night and finding that you only have three tent pegs instead of the ten you need! The list of bands has been released at last. First up is Dollar 20 Blues Band, who have played SHBC in the past, from just up the road in Melbourne. Simon Kinny-Lewis Band has been making a name for itself here and overseas. Albums in the charts and a list of festivals that would take a fair amount of time to work through. Catfish Voodoo will be doing their Chicago style blues. Local band Blue Heat (well, most of them are in Geelong these days!) is well known and needs little in the way of introduction. Louis King and the Liars play down here regularly and will, I think be taking us through the New Year countdown. New Year’s Day has The Wayne Jury 4 leading off, followed by Rhythm x Revival who are making a bit of a splash. By now people should be awake enough to appreciate P.J. O’Brien, and the session will come to a blistering close with the McNamarr Project. The McNamarr Project is an interesting band with John McNamara and Andrea Marr heading it up. Stay up to date with info at https:// www.facebook.com/BluestoneBluesFest/ Australian blues guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, Fiona Boyes, is coming down again for a gig at the Piping Hot Chicken and Burger Grill in September. When you write about Fiona, it’s hard to stay away from superlatives or to fill up the article just using her awards and tour highlights, and that’s if all you report on is the past year. Anyhow (deep breath) 2017 The Age Music Vic award for “Best Blues Album,” performing at the USA Blues Music Awards in Memphis, where Fiona received 2 nominations for ‘Acoustic Album of the Year’ & ‘Acoustic Artist of the Year.’ The album those accolades refer to is ‘Professin’ The Blues,’ recorded at Skywalker Ranch California, with a 4 star review in Down Beat Magazine Jan 2017 issue and lead review in Blues Music Magazine USA. Enough! Fiona is simply one of the best, and that’s internationally, that we have right now. She spends quite a bit of time in Oregon USA, which limits her availability in Australia, this gig should not be missed. So, it’s time to get the camping gear checked and sorted for Bluestone, and don’t miss Fiona Boyes at the Piping Hot Chicken Shop on the 15th – she’s not around that often any more.
WELCOME TO THTH, Forte’s premier source of all things heavy, hard, fast and metal. It’s official, Slayer have announced their farewell tour will be extended to continue through next year and will include Oz dates! No official word yet about the dates. But in inspirational news, Aussie black metal band Ichor will release their debut album God Of Thunder God Of War on Friday October 5, 25 years after the band released their initial demo. Sure, main Ichor members Wraith and Diablore went on the create Nazxul after the initial Ichor demo in 1993, and Nazxul have been somewhat active since their inception, but this resurrection of a 25 year old band is inspirational for all past Aussie metal bands, especially in this era of the internet, to think about their own resurrections. And let’s not forget regrouping for tours to celebrate kick arse albums. I’m not looking at any band in particular, well, yes I am, I’m looking at you, Alchemist (and others).
PSYCHO KILLER... FIJI Psycho Killer is an early song by Talking Heads. The song came out in the midseventies and attracted a lot of attention because of its lyrics and stripped back sound. The song opens the 1984 live concert film STOP MAKING SENSE that features Talking Heads on tour promoting their new album Speaking In Tongues. The concert film is regarded as one of the best ever made breaking box office records across America. Psycho Killer features David Byrne wandering onto an empty stage with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and cassette player. He puts the cassette player down on the stage… hits PLAY and the song begins with a ‘tock tock’ drum beat. Selena Gomez sampled the drum beat from Psycho Killer in her 2017 hit song Bad Liar. Psycho Killer is almost 40 years old and a remarkable song for its time. It is also hugely popular in one highland village in Fiji. Thirty years ago I went to Fiji with my mate Phil. We ended up staying on the Coral Coast surfing a reef break out the front of our hotel and driving around the island in search of other waves (no internet then to tell you where the best waves were and the best waves on the island required boats and permissions). We soon got friendly with a few other travellers who would surf this same right hand reef break each day. It wasn’t the longest ride in the world or the best but being only a short 150 metre paddle out from almost directly in front of our Bure it was highly convenient and a lot of fun with a few reef sharks to keep us company. We ended up talking with a surfer from Newcastle who often arrived late just as the tide was about to get too high or too low. We asked him where he had been and explained that he had been ‘up to the village’ and he pointed to a village in the distance up in the mountains behind the beach. ‘The village chief is a mad Talking Heads fan and each day I have to head up to the village and play ‘Psycho Killer’ on my cassette player for him before I can come down and have a surf. He loves it… something about the beat he said.” We nodded heads. It is a great song… with a great beat. I’m sure David Byrne would be tickled pink to know his song is popular with the chief of a village in Fiji. I just wonder how long this poor surfer had to wander up to the village and play the song. Almost 40 years later it still has a great beat.
In other news ++ Whoretopsy, Nemesium and Requiem will play Geelong’s Courthouse at 60 Little Malop St on Friday September 7. ++ Pig Destroyer’s new album Head Cage will drop on Friday September 7. ++ The Sword will be at Max Watts on Saturday September 8. ++ Therion will play their first ever Melbourne show at Max Watts on Wednesday September 12. ++ Tesseract will play 170 Russell on Friday September 14. ++ Sumac will release their new album Love In Shadow in Friday September 21. ++ The Black Dahlia Murder with special guests Aborted and Zeolite will crush Melbourne’s Max Watts on Sunday September 23. ++ Anaal Nathrakh will release their new album A New Kind Of Horror on Friday September 28. ++ Ichor will release their debut album God Of Thunder God Of War on Friday October 5. ++ Behemoth will release their new album I Loved You At Your Darkest on Friday October 5. ++ Dimmu Borgir will headline their first ever Oz tour this October and their SOLD OUT Melbourne show will be at 170 Russell on Wednesday October 17. Fortunately, the band have announced a second show on Tuesday October 16. Get in quick before this one sells out as well! ++ Eye Of The Enemy, Fall and Resist, As Flesh Decays, Interitum and Distorta will all play Ballarat’s Eastern Hotel on Friday October 19. ++ Pig Destroyer will play The Arthouse on Tuesday October 30. ++ Parkway Drive, Killswitch Engage and Thy Art Is Murder will play Margaret Court Arena on Friday November 2. ++ Conan and Bell Witch be at Max Watts on Thursday November 8. ++ Sinsaenum will play Max Watts on Saturday November 10. ++ An Evening With Steven Wilson will take place at the Palais Theatre on Saturday November 10. ++ Amenra, YLVA and LO! will be at Max Watts on Saturday November 17. ++ The Metal in the Mountains 2018 day festival featuring I Am Duckeye, Grindhouse, Monarchus, As Flesh Decays, plus more, will be held at Beechworth’s Servicemen’s Memorial Hall on Saturday November 24.
Proudly presented by the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club 697
++ 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 @TooHeavyToHugknow by emailing to tooheavytohug@hotmail.com or get in touch via Twitter at @TooHeavyToHug 47
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19-TWENTY ALANA WILKINSON ALI BARTER ALICE SKYE AL PARKINSON AMISTAT BEN OTTEWELL (UK) THE BLACK SORROWS WITH VIKA & LINDA BOMBINO (NER) CARLA GENEVE CHARM OF FINCHES CHINA BOWLS (UK) THE COLLINGWOOD CASANOVAS THE COOL CALM COURTNEY BARNETT DAN SULTAN DONAVON FRANKENREITER (USA) ELLA TRINIDAD FRASER A GORMAN GRIZZLEE TRAIN GURRUMUL’S DJARIMIRRI LIVE HARRY JAKAMARRA (SMALL HALLS) THE HERD HORNS OF LEROY JEN CLOHER JESSE REDWING KASEY CHAMBERS THE LITTLE STEVIES MADDY JANE MADISON VIOLET (CAN) (SMALL HALLS) MIKE LOVE (USA) MONTGOMERY CHURCH OH PEP! OSAKA MONAURAIL (JPN) SARAH BLASKO THE SENEGAMBIAN JAZZ BAND SKINNYFISH SOUND SYSTEM STU LARSEN & NATSUKI KURAI TEENY TINY STEVIES THANDO THIS WAY NORTH TIM SNIDER (USA) TRIPOD THE TURNER BROWN BAND (USA) THE TWOKS VINCE PEACH WANDERERS THE WHITLAMS
23-25 NOVEMBER 2018
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GUIDE THURS 6TH AMPED: DEAN COCKERELL, BURLESQUE BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ GPAC: LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL MAX WATTS: SATYRICON PISTOL PETE’S: PISTOL PETE’S JAM NIGHT FRI 7TH AMPED: MASQUERADE PARTY BARWON CLUB: LONSTAR BEAVS BAR: JEFF JORDAN BLOOM: TOGAR AND FRIENDS BRIDGE HOTEL: APLEGATE + SECRET TOWNS THE CABARET CLUB: GEOFF ACHISON CHYA: HADAL MAW, NEMESIUM, REQUIEM THE EASTERN: OXY CLINIC SOUND MOUNTAIN EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJS ELEPHANT & CASTLE: LUKE BISCAN
PRESENTED BY
BRIDGE HOTEL: THE STYVOS AND DECOLONISER
COLLARTS OPEN DAY
ELEPHANT & CASTLE: WOOSHKA HOME HOUSE: MOJI, MACKIE
POTATO SHED: HELL SHIP QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: NARDIA ROSE DUO WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: WORKERS LOCAL LIVE MUSIC – FREE ENTRY SAT 8TH AIREYS PUB: DANIEL AARON AMPED: FAST LOVE
PISTOL PETE’S: ELECTRIC BLUES COLLECTIVE
BEAVS BAR: JEFF JORDAN BRIDGE HOTEL: LOOSE TOOTH, MOODY BEACHES, DIANAS AND DARK FAIR
QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: TROJAN THE SPHINX: 80S ENUFF
EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ
WORKERS CLUB GEELONG: WORKERS LOCAL LIVE MUSIC – FREE ENTRY
GROVEDALE HOTEL: LEVI & CODY GPAC: THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES
SUN 9TH
HOME HOUSE: HOMEHOUSE FRIDAYS PARTY WITH DJS THE LOFT: WORM MUSICMAN MEGASTORE: TEMPEST RISING’S BENDIGO BENDER OZKINK FEST PISTOL PETE’S: LOUIS KING & THE LIARS KLUB TRIO
GROVEDALE HOTEL: GROOVE JUNCTION
SAT 15TH
LITTLE CREATURES GEELONG RECORD FAIR PISTOL PETE’S: STEVE BOYD’S RUM REVERIE
LITTLE CREATURE DINNER FOR MENTAL HEALTH
EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ
BEAVS BAR: LUKE BISCAN
WED 12TH
THE EASTERN: FROOT LUIPS GATEWAY: NEVER ENDING 80S GROVEDALE HOTEL: DELLA GPAC: THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES HOMEHOUSE: JDG, CHERRY LOVE KAROVA LOUNGE: TRAVALLEY THE LOFT: SIMON MCCULLOUGH
BEAVS BAR: OPEN MIC, KARAOKE, LUKE BISCAN
THE LOST ONES BAR: BRODERICK SMITH
Stuart Leslie Foundation
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THEATRE ROYAL: HARMONY, SCOTT & CHARLENE’S WEDDING, BENCH PRESS AND PORPOISE SPIT SUN 16TH AMPED: DON FISHER THE BARWON CLUB: TINY GIANTS, THE SEQUELS, CLAMS BRIDGE HOTEL: SEAN SIMMONS & BRONWYN HENDERSON EDGE GEELONG: LIVE MUSIC GROVEDALE HOTEL: RACH & LIAM THE LOFT: ARNA GEORGIA & HALEY MARSTEN THE LOST ONES BAR: SUNDAY SESSION: HIGH HAVOC MURPHYS: ROOFTOP BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH OZKINK FEST PISTOL PETE’S: RYTHM X REVIVAL MON 17TH OZKINK FEST TUES 18TH MURPHYS: ROOFTOP CINEMA – MEAN GIRLS
THE DECK: BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH
POTATO SHED: MORNING SHOWTIME
THE SPHINX HOTEL: MR MEANER
AMPED: COUNTDOWN 80S
THE BRIDGE HOTEL: WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY GATHERING
MURPHYS: MOVIES ROOFTOP CINEMA – 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU
RECORD LOW: LUBULWA & CABLE TIES
F*CKBOYS THE MUSICAL
BEAVS BAR: DAVE ANDERSON
TUES 11TH
POTATO SHED: PARIS UNDERGROUND QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: JOSHUA BATTEN
AIREYS PUB: JARRAH THOMPSON BARWON CLUB: AFTER TOUCH, VACANT HOME & GUESTS
MON 10TH
BARWON CLUB: EDDIE EXAMPLE BLOOM: DYLAN GRIFFIN
BARWON CLUB: SAMSARA BLUES EXPERIMENT
MURPHYS: THE GO-SET
ELEPHANT & CASTLE: EMILY WILLIAMS – WHITNEY HOUSTON TRIBUTE
PISTOL PETE’S: LOS BARRACHOS
AMPED: VOO DOO FREAKS
MUSICMAN MEGASTORE: PETTY THIEVZ
KAROVA LOUNGE: ANTICLINE
NOCTURNAL CELEBRATES TOKYO
FRI 14TH
THE LOFT: CASH
THE EASTERN: CASSELLS, HARRI DALE, CANDI WADE
MURPHYS: ANDY FORSTER
QUEENSCLIFF BREWHOUSE: BELLARINE HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC STUDENTS
KAROVA LOUNGE: LADY SOUP & PEEKABOO
HOME HOUSE: HOMEHOUSE FRIDAYS PARTY WITH DJS
MOJOS POOL HALL: ABLAZE
PISTOL PETE’S: ALECYE SIMMONDS & BRAD BUTCHER
GROVEDALE HOTEL: ANDY FORSTER
BARWON CLUB: THE BEST OF YOU – A DAVE GROHL TRIBUTE
PISTOL PETE’S: LEROYZ HAMMOND TRIO
GPAC: THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES, BRING HIM HOME – SIMON GLEESON
EDGE: LIVE MUSIC AND DJ
GPAC: LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, OH THE PLACES YOU WILL GO
OZ KINK FEST FETISH EXPO
PISTOL PETE’S: BRIAN FRASER
BEAVS BAR: ANDY FORSTER
THE EASTERN: CRABB & GOYLE
MUSICMAN MEGASTORE: DROUGHT RELIEF CONCERT
GPAC: BRING HIM HOME – SIMON GLEESON
THURS 13TH
THE DECK: BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH
AMPED: WILD THINGS
THE LOST ONES BAR: CONJURINGS
BRIDGE HOTEL: WEDNESDAY TRIVIA
THE CABARET CLUB: MOTOR CITY SOUNDS
GROVEDALE HOTEL: DARA HESION
THE LOFT: DIRTY RASCALL
395-399 MOORABOOL ST, SOUTH GEELONG OPEN 7 DAYS (03) 52233322
OZKINK FEST PISTOL PETE’S: H.A BLUES- KEVIN HAY WED 19TH BEAVS BAR: OPEN MIC, KARAOKE, LUKE BISCAN BRIDGE HOTEL: WEDNESDAY TRIVIA F*CKBOYS THE MUSICAL THE LOST ONES BAR: BAR CHOIR OZKINK FEST PISTOL PETE’S: DARREN JACK BAND
PH: 5278 2911
SPHINXHOTEL.COM.AU 697
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