WED JA N 30TH 2013
ISSUE 1356 MELBOURNE’S ONLY DEDICATED CLUB MAG
DJ DON QUSA
MARCO VNED
ZEDS DEADCAN
AND MORE PLUS: NEWS, TOURS, CLUB PICS
Panama: Nostalgic Canal FOR MORE UP TO DATE NEWS GO TO BEAT.COM.AU
UPCOMING
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
ONTOUR JESSIE WARE [UK] Wednesday January 30, Prince Bandroom SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA [SWE] Thursday January 31, Sidney Myer Music Bowl Friday February 1, Sidney Myer Music Bowl KLUTE [UK], GRIDLOK [USA] Friday February 1, Brown Alley RIVA STARR [UK] Friday February 1, Billboard ABOVE & BEYOND [UK] Saturday February 2, Hisense Arena HOLY OTHER [UK] Tuesday February 5, Workers Club EL-P [USA] Wednesday February 6, Corner Hotel BUTCH [GER], EDU IMBERNON [ESP] Friday February 8, Brown Alley M.A.N.D.Y. [GER], MAXXI SOUNDSYSTEM [UK] Friday February 8, New Guernica JACKMASTER [UK], SHLOHMO [USA] Friday February 8, The Liberty Social KRUSE & NUERNBERG [GER] Saturday March 9, Colonial Hotel ULTRAMAGNETIC MCS [USA] Saturday February 9, The Espy BICEP [UK] Sunday February 10, Revolver Upstairs MACKLEMORE [USA], RYAN LEWIS [USA] Tuesday February 12, The Palace Saturday February 16, Corner Hotel BLAWAN [UK], MARCEL DETTMANN [GER] Friday February 15, Brown Alley LUNICE [CAN] Saturday February 16, Revolt Artspace JUDGE JULES [UK] Saturday February 16, Room 680. DAMIAN LAZARUS [UK], SUBB-AN [UK], SHAUN REEVES [GER] + MORE Sunday February 17, Brown Alley PICTUREPLANE [USA] Sunday February 17, The Liberty Social DIXON [GER], HUXLEY [UK] Friday February 22, Prince Bandroom BOK BOK [UK], L-VIS 1990 [UK] Saturday February 23, Revolver LINKWOOD [UK] Friday March 1, Prince Bandroom MOODYMANN [USA] Friday March 8, Prince Bandroom FANTASTIC MR FOX [UK] Saturday March 9, The Liberty Social GOLDEN PLAINS: MOODYMANN [USA], JULIO BASHMORE [UK] + MORE Saturday March 9 - Monday March 11, Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL: THE PRODIGY [UK], DIZZEE RASCAL [UK], BOYS NOIZE [GER] + MORE Sunday March 10, Flemington Racecourse ELI VERVEINE [SWI] Friday March 15, La Di Da Basement JULIO BASHMORE [UK] Friday March 15, Brown Alley THE DEMIGODZ [USA] Friday March 9, Prince Bandroom XXYYXX [USA] Friday March 22, The Liberty Social DANIEL BORTZ [GER] Sunday March 24, Revolver Upstairs ATARI TEENAGE RIOT [USA] Friday May 17, Billboard
Kruse & Nuernberg: Lovers & Fighters
Germany based DJ and producer duo Kruse & Nuernberg have a habit of creating some of the most interesting deep house. Creating remixes for the likes of Dennis Ferrer and Groove Armada would be amongst a few of their highlights along with the success of their Lovers ‘n Fighters EP. K&N are at no risk of becoming complacent with their dedication to spending five days a week in the studio, and you are sure to hear some unreleased gems at this day rave. It’s all happening at the Rooftop Garden Bar, Colonial Hotel on Saturday February 9 from 2pm.
REAL TALK
Who wants to be my date to David Hasselhoff at the Corner on Valentine’s Day? Tyson Wray
The Breakfast Club Birthday: M.A.N.D.Y. & Maxxi Soundsystem
The Breakfast Club have hosted a multitude of amazing artists since their first party with Danny Daze, including Tiefschwarz, Crazy P, and Catz ‘n Dogz to name but a few. Now they’re bringing a double bill of which I’m sure will bring a double dose of happiness. To start things off for 2013, co-owners of Get Physical Records and producers of quintessentially classic techno, M.A.N.D.Y are coming together with Maxxi Soundsystem; whose praises are sung loudly by taste makers like Annie Mac, Pete Tong through to Tim Sweeney. With New Guernica receiving renovations set to be revealed on the night, it promises to be a birthday that will be spoken of for years to come. It’s all happening on Friday February 8 at New Guernica.
The Demigodz: Apathy & Celph Titled
Julio Bashmore And T.Williams: House Heaven
Two of the best crews are joining forces to bring two of the best artists in electronic music. Julio Bashmore is one of the freshest talents coming out of Bristol, moving away from the bass heavy hotbox he grew up in to pursue his first love, house. His most recent work on labels like Dirty Bird, Soul Motive and Ten Thousand Yen, not to mention Battle For Middle You and instant classic Au Seve proving he isn’t just a flavour of the month. Joining Bashmore will be T. Williams whose innovative take on house will surely make a match made in house heaven. Confronting genre limitation on his weekly Rinse FM show and mastering the art of moving a dancefloor, T.Williams is a name you should get familiar with and quickly. The Operative and Novel present Julio Bashmore and T.Williams at Brown Alley on Friday March 15.
Rebel Rave: Without A Cause
After last year’s spontaneous stint at the Metro which went off without a hitch with a mere 24 hours notice, Rebel Rave returns – this time with a little more time on their hands. DJ, label owner and now musician Damian Lazarus is headlining what is set to be a crazy night. Along with Lazarus, Subb-an (Live), Shaun Reeves, Francesca Lombardo and Brohn, all heroes in their own right, will fill Brown Alley with sounds that will be old and some that are yet to be encountered. Come and rave on Sunday February 17 at Brown Alley.
XXYYXX: Teenage Riot
In an era rife with producers in their early teens, XXYYXX (real name Marcel Everett), stands out with his exquisite sampling and songs that speak to a deeper, more mature listener. With a cult following on the internet and the release of an LP in 2012, Marcel is opening up a realm in music that is both fresh and innovative yet all from the humbleness of his bedroom. Songs that speak to the human condition; loneliness, love and heartbreak are all etched artfully in his music. Catch XXYYXX at The Liberty Social on Friday March 22.
RESPONSIBLE:
The Demigodz, the super crew made up of Apathy and Celph Titled, are embarking on a national tour and have Melbourne in their sights. Made up of Apathy, whose introduction to the world on Jedi Mind Tricks’ Psycho-Social LP is only matched by Celph Titled, making his debut with Equilibrium and Walkmen. Sparking the attention of fans and music critics alike since their first appearance in the late ‘90s, Celph Titled and Apathy’s solo careers have exploded. Successful solo albums, group projects with Jedi Mind Tricks/Army of the Pharaohs, Linkin Park/Fort Minor, Get Busy Committee, Buckwild of D.I.T.C. and their touring reach has crossed international regions from Canada, Europe and here in Australia. Devout and very patient fans will be excited to hear that after ten years, Ap and Celph are finally releasing new music with the focus now on their new album KILLmatic which is set to be released March 5. Catch The Demigodz at Prince on Friday March 29.
EDITORIALDEADLINE - 2PM FRIDAYS NO EXCEPTIONS UP TO DATE
DJ Profile: Francis Inferno Orchestra
Where’s the strangest place you’ve woken up? Panorama Bar. Describe yourself using the title of a song. One Tony Lockett. What was the weirdest thing you believed as a child? Growing up with so many baseball movies coming out as a child, I thought playing the game would be magical. It’s not, it’s terrible. The most awkward moment you’ve had as a DJ? Watching three full glasses of rum and Coke being poured into my friends record bag. What would be the worst dance track in the world to be tortured with on repeat? Anything under this American ‘EDM’ banner is pretty bloody woeful, especially repeated. What’s the most played record in your bag? It’s hard to put it down to one, probably something by Soundstream. What question would you like to ask an omniscient, all-knowing being before you die? Can I have a pair of Google Glasses already? If you hadn’t made it as a DJ, what job would you choose to work in instead? A weatherman. When and where is your next gig? The Bottom End/Survivor on Saturday February 2 as part of residency every second Saturday, Funf pres. Smallpeople boat party on Saturday March 16 and also a European tour midyear.
Party Profile: Friends With Benefits
Daniel Bortz: We’ve Run Out Of Bortz License Plates
Born in Berlin, brought up in Bavaria and now producing deep beats, grooves and tracks in Augsburg, Daniel Bortz is now on his way to Melbourne to share his thirst for reinventing music and sampling R&B in ways others would never have thought to do. While bootlegs have been a surefire way to kill one’s career, Bortz has taken the risk and ran with it, whether it be ‘80s new wave, ‘90s West Coast hip hop, disco or dance. With an infallible knack for reducing things to the simplest of forms, he prides himself in his ability to read a crowd and to get them dancing whether it be to Whitney Houston or Phoenix. Catch him at Revolver for the Summer Series on Sunday March 24.
Sound Lounge Series: Ali B, Son Of Kick And Flagrant
Returning by popular demand and following the success of the Sound Lounge series held in the Hamer Hall foyer last year, Arts Centre Melbourne present Sound Lounge Nuit Blanche as part of the White Night Melbourne program. The event will continue the Sound Lounge story while embracing its original philosophy to offer a cross genre musical experience with a laidback atmosphere in a very unique Melbourne space. The DJs set to perform include the UK’s Ali B, countryman Son of Kick, as well as a DJ Flagrant VJ show joined by Heavy Innit DJ team AFFIKS & A13 peddling their signature mix of dubstep and grime. Sound Lounge Nuit Blanche is on at Hamer Hall’s Foyer on Saturday February 23.
Hermitude: Out Of Their Shell For A Third Show
Managing Editor: Ronnit Sternfein ronnit@beat.com.au Editor: Tyson Wray tyson@beat.com.au Listings: club/promoter submissions clubguide@beat.com.au - now online at beat.com.au - it’s free! Production: Pat O’Neill art@beat.com.au Typesetting: Rebecca Houlden Cover Design: Pat O’Neill Advertising Senior Sales: ronnit@beat.com.au (03) 8414 9710 Taryn Stenvei taryn@beat.com.au Fashion and Beverages: Tegan Butler tegan@furstmedia.com.au Ph: 03 8414 9732 Deadlines: Editorial Friday 2PM – absolutely NO exceptions. Club photos Monday 9AM (email only clubpics@beat.com.au). Advertising artwork Monday 12PM. Photographers: Callum Linsell Contributors: Rezo Kezerashvili, Miki McLay, Shane Scott, Simon Traspier, Brian Rotide, The Knowledge, Ellen Devenney, Dan Watt, Aaron Ralston, Birdie, Liam Pieper, Simon Hampson, Chad-Michael Michaelson, Mikolai, Reuben Adams, David Edgley. Publisher: Furst Media, 3 Newton Street Richmond 3121 Ph 03 9428 3600 www.beat.com.au
2.
Panama are set to head on their first national tour this year on the back of their It’s Not Over EP released on Future Classic. A sound that brews up nostalgia, Panama are responsible for euphoric pop flavoured by the ‘80s. The band recorded their EP in LA with super producer, Eric Broucek of DFA Records fame as well as getting Holy Ghost/Hot Chip drummer Jimmy Orso to lend a hand. After a hugely successful 2012, where they received the all important tick of approval from Hype Machine with a #1 spot, big things are to be expected from the boys. Head down to see what all the hype is about at the Workers Club on Thursday February 14 with support from City Calm Down, Collarbones and more.
Hermitude fall nothing short of being one of the most exciting Australian acts right now. They already have a whirlwind career under their belts, from releasing their very first EP limited to 300 copies to taking out the FBi SMAC Awards for Best Live Music Act and Best Song. Having sold out all their dates in record pace on their Villain Tour, the duo have added a third and final show to their schedule. They might as well be dubbed the busiest act while they’re at it, squeezing in performances at Earth Frequency Festival, UTS O Fest and Big Pineapple Festival. If you’re itching to see them perform, you better be fast with the final round of tickets selling fast. Get a glimpse of Hermitude at the Corner Hotel on Thursday February 21.
DJs/live acts playing: DJ Matt Rad Sell it to us: Drown your single sorrows with your single opposite in the lead up to Valentine’s Day and see how the night unfolds. The rules: ladies bring that man to whom you’ll never say ‘I do’, and guys bring the date who’s a really good mate. Wallet damage: $35 per head includes canapés, oyster shooters and a welcome cocktail. Live DJ and drink specials until 1am. Where: The Botanical, 169 Domain Rd, South Yarra. When: Saturday February 9, 8pm.
Party Profile: Cymatic Society
It sounds like: A kaleidoscopic mash of funk filled dub hoppy glitchtasticness. DJs/live acts playing: Dysphemic, Wasabi, U-Wish, SK, Zuluflow, Missile, Kymaera, Alt Esc Del (visuals). Three records that’ll rock the floor: Dysphemic and Miss Eliza – Scripture Sickness, Wasabi – Persian Paradise, Elissim – Eye C And one that you’d rather die than play: Riff Raff – Sleepless in Seattle Sell it to us: This night don’t needa be sold, it’s absolutely free! And a massive mix of styles crammed into one night. Many original productions being played, along with live MCs and turntablism, all accompanied by Alt Esc Del’s amazing visuals. Eight incredible acts for the price of none! The bit we’ll remember in the AM: Having your head split sideways from the aural mastery of Dysphemic. Crowd specs: B-boys and B-girls! No heels or loafers. Wallet damage: Free! Where: Loop, 23 Meyers Place. When: Saturday February 2 (10pm-late). Cymatic Society is a monthly event running at Loop the first Saturday of every month.
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DJ
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bimbo@bimbodeluxe.com.au THE BIG MAG FOR CLUB CULTURE
3.
KERSER
“I don’t want some kid to listen to those old tracks and then wanna go and try drugs. That was never the intention, I was just writing about my life; I wasn’t picturing a 13-yearold kid listening to those songs.”
NO REST: BATTLE AND CURSE Aussie hip hop has always played it fairly safe. The sound itself, within the mainstream anyway, has become more and more pop-driven and there has never been any Biggie Smalls-type slayings or senseless violence – until recently. An MC by the name of Kerser appeared a few years back armed with a street sound, bitterly humoured lyricism and a truckload of baggage and it seemed as though things were changing. Hell, there was even a drive-by shooting at Ferntree Gully Hotel last May with Kerser the target but luckily, they had a shitty aim. Despite the image that precedes him, and the lyrical content of his music that occasionally pushes beyond the edge of good taste, the Sydney-based MC’s latest album No Rest For The Sickest is doing surprisingly well on the ARIA chart, while topping the ARIA Urban chart. Even Kerser is shocked at the commercial success his latest offering has enjoyed, and under any hardtalking boasting lays a young man in love with music and just trying to get by. It all started when Kerser was 11-years-old in Campbelltown (not exactly the Sydney suburb they put on postcards), rapping along to Tupac who eventually moved from idol to influence. It wasn’t long before Kerser figured out he could write his own raps and by 18 he was recording his own songs. “I think a lot of Australian hip hop artists had that whole happy, BBQ vibe which was good for its time,” Kerser says. “A couple of years ago I was really into it but I think from the YouTube views I’ve got and other stuff like that, it’s clear people are getting sick of it all.” This street versus suburban hip hop war culminated
4.
in a rap battle with none other than bad-guy-turnedgood rapper 360, generating an insane amount of YouTube views. Debate still rages over who won but the Kerser camp considered it a clear win by knockout. It was a great publicity stunt for two rappers that were about to embark on respective national tours and while the fans were suckered in by the venom of it all, the shit talk was hilarious. 360 got it going before the battle saying, “I’m gonna fuckin’ destroy the c*#t, let’s be honest.” While Kerser promptly responded after the battle saying, “I didn’t like some of his [360] tactics in the battle – he twisted the truth a lot and I thought that was a bit dirty.” Although it’s a far cry from The Waitress Song, it seems like everyone’s twisting the truth here. With his growing success has come some genuine hate (and the aforementioned bullets) but Kerser is dealing with it all as best he can. Someone was always going to take the eastside/westside shit seriously – angry young punks. Somehow though, Kerser’s a really humble guy, more humble than might be expected as he paves the way in a style of hip hop that is usually full of boastfulness and conceit, and seems to be putting his career first. “I do get some shit on Facebook and my YouTube channel but as soon as it appears I have people working on those pages that just delete and block the users straight away,” he says. “They can go and have their say on blogs and other places but these are my spaces for my fans so they can enjoy what I do. We try to eliminate it but honestly, I don’t let it get to me and you can’t stop it. Plus the more things grow for me COVER STORY
the more it’s gonna happen, I know that.” The mention of having “people” begs the question of whether Kerser is being watered-down or censored in some way as his profile grows. After all, someone did try to shoot him and even if it was all for show, Kerser’s profile is continuing to grow and with it, his economic value. People have a stake in him now. “Not at all,” he says. “If I sensed that anyone was trying to curb me or change me I wouldn’t be a part of what they’re doing. A big part of joining Obese was that I keep total creative control and I think things would be quite obvious to my fans quite quickly if I had a team telling me what to say or do.” While gimmicky, offensive raps have always been around, Kerser at least acknowledges that some of what he says is simply to rile people up. “If I’m taking shots at other rappers or other music artists, that’s never personal, that’s just a tactic to turn a lot of heads, ya know?” he admits. “But when it comes to my personal stories, I never make stuff up to get attention; if I spill my heart it’s all true. I’m prepared for most stuff to come out about me and I write about a lot of it but I’d prefer, when I talk about my upbringing, that my mum and dad aren’t looked down on. They tried to do the best they could and I want to keep my family life separate to the media.” Even though Kerser stands by his opinions, he has grown up over the past few years and admits that he has a few regrets. “On the first album there was a lot of drug talk and party talk and funny shit but now when I write a track I actually think about what I’m gonna say,” he says. “I’m still gonna do the comedy
tracks but I’ll make it clear it’s a joke. I’m taking a more mature approach to things, I think things out and there’s more pressure. I get comments every day from young kids anywhere from the age of even 13 telling me they look up to me and I don’t want some kid to listen to those old tracks and then wanna go and try drugs. That was never the intention, I was just writing about my life; I wasn’t picturing a 13-year-old kid listening to those songs.” Kerser predicts that as the face and tone of Aussie hip hop changes, the violence that has plagued so much of the US scene might find its way here. “Those people that were making that BBQ, party music had a different upbringing to the people that are writing this gutter, street sound,” he says. “People are just expressing what’s really going on in their lives so there’s nothing wrong with that but there’s a street essence to it all where you’re watching you’re back. This style of music isn’t about portraying an image but you’re talking about real stuff and it brings out that street mentality in other crews where they’re like ‘Fuck that and fuck you’. I think as this grows there’s gonna be a lot more violence that’s for sure. Once I’m on stage though, I’m not thinking of that shit at all. I’m just so pumped to be there.” Krissi Weiss Kerser [AUS] plays The Hi-Fi on Saturday February 9 with an under 18s show at 3pm and 18+ at 7.30pm. No Rest For The Sickest is out now through Obese Records.
THE BIG MAG FOR CLUB CULTURE
5.
WEDNESDAY30TH
FRIENDS WITH
BENEFITS 2013
SATURDAY2ND
COQ ROQ
CYMATIC SOCIETY
Rocking Wednesdays at Lucky Coq are rotating DJs Lady Noir, Agent 86, Kiti, Mr Thom, Joybot and guests giving you nothing but the best new wave, punk, brit pop, bong rap and hair metal. Coq Roq takes place every Wednesday from 8pm with free pool downstairs from 9pm as well as drink specials. Roq out! Lucky Coq, 179 Chapel St, Windsor
Cymatic Society returns with a monster lineup to send your senses into harmonic bliss. This free monthly event returns to Loop featuring the incredible sounds of Dysphemic, Wasabi, U-Wish, SK, Kymaera, Missile, Zuluflow and Alt Esc Del on visuals. 10pm until late. Loop, 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne
MIDNIGHT SOUL ENSEMBLE
LOUNGE-CLUB
Whether it’s a DJ on the one’s and two’s side by side with a drummer hitting the skins while jammin’ away into the night, or soul singers gracing our humble stage performing Erykah Badu tribute songs over wonky future beats, or hip hop DJs cuttin’ up Serato records, we got the mid-week party. You know you wanna. Free entry Lounge, 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Dazzling disco lights? Check. Big dance floor? Check. Stage to dance on? Check. Music all night long? Check. We got Melbourne’s finest purveyors of music. You’ll get funk, boogie, disco, house, Latin, afro, techno and much more. Lounge-Club happens every weekend from 10PM and it’s free entry. Lounge, 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne
SOUL ARMY
It’s house, electro, dub, anthems, disco and funk with guest DJs Genetix, B-Two and Oohee rocking til the break of day. Doors open 10pm with $5 basics til midnight! First Floor, 393 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
With more flavour than a chocolate pizza, the Wednesday Soul Army throws down raw, uncut funk next to smooth soul grooves and rare blue jams. Bring that special lady because when the boys lay down the love it could be the difference between ‘we’re just friends’ to ‘let’s get it on’. PBS stalwarts Vince Peach and Miss Goldie accompany Prequel and Black Diamond Kicks weekly. Free. Bimbo Deluxe, 376 Brunswick St (Cnr Rose St), Fitzroy
LAUNDRY WEDNESDAYS Deep, dark, minimal dubstep and drum and bass. Laundry Bar, 50 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
FIRST FLOOR SATURDAYS
HOT STEP Google Hot Step and you’ll get a bunch of Vietnamese game reviews and Balkanese dances on YouTube. But that’s nothing like what you can expect to find within the confines of Bimbo on a Saturday night. Developing thick and heavy but altogether groovy, enjoy an eclectic mix of fairy floss funk, doom disco and monk movement minimal every week. Free. Bimbo Deluxe, 376 Brunswick St (Cnr Rose St), Fitzroy
SATURDAYS AT ONE TWENTY BAR
THURSDAY31ST BIMBO THURSDAYS Tigerfunk brings with him his full band of travelling gypsies, hipsters and middle class executives, all of whom are prepared to deliver the most excitement you can have this side of the weekend. Bimbo Deluxe, 376 Brunswick St (Cnr Rose St), Fitzroy
DJ CKass will take you on a musical journey to the retro sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s, followed by Top 40. One Twenty Bar, 120 Johnston St, Fitzroy
SOUND EMPIRE Co. At Crown’s Saturday night party Sound Empire this week features mega sounds from resident DJs Tate Strauss, Miss Sarah, Nova, Johnny M, Matty G, Dean T, Joe Sofo, Marcus Knight, Dinesh, Chris Ostrom, B-Boogie and Sarah Roberts. Co., Crown Entertainment Complex, Lvl 3, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank
FREE RANGE FUNK Funk up your Thursday nights with Free Range Funk at the Windsor favourite Lucky Coq. Grab a couch early and enjoy one (or more) of their famous $4 pizzas from 7-11pm. Meanwhile DJs Who, Agent 86, Lewis CanCut and special guests tempt you into the night with their eclectic bag of treats. Setting the mood early is delightful jazz, deep soul, and funk. Later it’s fruity disco, choice house, and hipster dance drops. Free entry every Thursday. Lucky Coq, 179 Chapel St, Windsor
FUN HOUSE
NO RED ROSES
Celebrate Thursday night at Co. with club classics and dance floor anthems. Co., Crown Entertainment Complex, Lvl 3, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank
NO PINK CHAMPAGNE
FRIDAY1ST
TEMPERANCE SATURDAYS DJ Marcus Knight & DJ Xander James drop sexy house, dance and drum and bass all night from 8pm. Free entry. Temperance Hotel, 426 Chapel St, South Yarra
TEXTILE Saturdays at Lucky Coq tick all the boxes so start your night early and stay til close! Famous $4 pizzas from 7-9pm (that’s dinner sorted) then from 9pm spread over two levels with DJs playing hip hop, funk, disco, house and electro. Rotating guests on both levels keep the tunes fresh. Free entry. Lucky Coq, 179 Chapel St, Windsor
WEEKEND The brain child of the creative kids at 360 Agency and Seven Nightclub. The Weekend is here to put a smile on your dial every Saturday night. We want you to join the family. Dancing from 10pm weekly. Seven, 52 Albert Rd, South Melbourne
GET LIT Get Lit every Friday night with Mugen & D’fro slicin’ n dicin’ over jiggy beats and underground anthems. Bounce to the ounce, and get yer “drank” on! And kids remember one thang, in the wise words of Lady: this pussy be yankin! YOLO. Free entry. From 10pm. Lounge, 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne
CQ FRIDAYS
NO PROPOSALS
The weekend starts here! Get on down for after work drinks from 5pm with DJs Marcus Knight, Mark Pellegrini, Nick Van Wilder & DJ Anferny getting your weekend started right. 5pm til 3am. CQ, 113 Queen St, Melbourne
DEFINITELY NO PARTNERS
SOUTH SIDE HUSTLE The perfect Sunday soundtrack with DJs Askew, Peter Baker, Booshank, Paz, Miss Butt, Junji, Disco Harry and guests. They will be laying down disco, afro beat and deep house til 3am. For lovers of good music - South Side Hustle. Lucky Coq, 179 Chapel St, Windsor
STAR BAR SUNDAYS The original and still the best Sunday in Melbourne. Star Bar, 160 Clarendon St, South Melbourne
FIRST FLOOR FRIDAYS A journey of international music from all over the world; past, present and future rhythms incorporating afro, soul, funk, world and deep house elements! First Floor, 393 Brunswick St, Fitzro
Drown your single sorrows with your single opposite in the lead up to Valentine’s Day and see how the night unfolds. The rules: Ladies bring that man to who you’ll never say ‘I do’, and guys bring a date who’s only a really good mate.
SATURDAY 9TH FEBRUARY, 8PM AT THE BOTANICAL $35 per head includes canapés, oyster shooters and a welcome cocktail. Live DJ and drink specials until 1am.
FREEDOM PASS Friday’s at Freedom with 2 premier clubs, 5 huge rooms, 10+ local and international DJs blending their unique sets across countless styles of tunes – vocal house, smooth R&B, electro and commercial top 40. Throw in a few sexy podium dancers, a world-class lights show and drink specials, the Freedom Pass is your personal ticket to a night you won’t soon forget! Fusion, Crown Entertainment Complex, Lvl 3, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank
FRIDAY NIGHT LOFT PARTY Kitty Schmidt couldn’t find quality dance music in Fitzroy so she’s decided to open up her bedroom doors. Living above Melbourne’s stalwart lesbian/gay Libation Bar, she’s now throwing a monthly party in her boudoir. Come into her renovated upstairs loft, cocktail bar, dance floor and smoking terrace. With quirky house, deep disco and erotic electronica being spun by Marvin Roland, Mr. Pyz and Kitty Schmidt DJs. Libation, 302 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
PANORAMA
WWW.THEBOTANICAL.COM.AU – O3 9820 7888 – 169 DOMAIN ROAD SOUTH YARRA VIC 3141
6.
SUNDAY3RD
ESSENTIALS
Start your weekend on a good note with Panorama Fridays at Lucky Coq. DJs Matt Rad, Mr George, Tom Meagher and Phato A Mano transform the upstairs area into one hell of a house party with Hip Hop, Funk, R&B, Disco and House. Meanwhile, downstairs gives you a secluded wind down atmosphere with cult films as background visuals and quality cocktails to sip on. Let the new coqtail list wash away a crappy week! Lucky Coq, 179 Chapel St, Windsor
MONDAY4TH IBIMBO Have you always wanted to be a DJ but been cruelly cursed with tone deafness and a general inability to version excursion? Well Bimbo Deluxe saves the day once again.. All you need is an iPhone and you’re set. Just download the free ‘remote’ application from the app store, log into the Bimbo DJ wireless network and you choose which song plays next. Bimbo Deluxe, 376 Brunswick St (Cnr Rose St), Fitzroy
TUESDAY5TH BIMBO TUESDAYS Bimbo Tuesday’s have long been the discerning DJs midweek breath of fresh air. An opportunity to indulge in, and to each parade their individual takes on music. A night where by the weird and wonderful is not frowned upon but rather celebrated. Resident selectors Matt Radovich, Andras Fox and Henry Who draw from a colorful array of sounds that warm your midweek blues. From 8pm, free. Bimbo Deluxe, 376 Brunswick St (Cnr Rose St), Fitzroy
COSMIC PIZZA NHJ and friends host every Tuesday night upstairs at Lucky Coq. Playing uneasy listening, freaked out bass jams, romantic comedy disco, tropi-jazz, soundtracks and shit you won’t hear on the other nights. Lucky Coq, 179 Chapel St, Windsor
ZEDS DEAD MARCO V
DECLASSIFIED: SOUNDS
THE ART OF: SOCIAL ACTIVITY With the third volume of his popular The Art Of compilation already released, legendary Dutch electronic DJ Marco V is happy with the results. “I’ve done a lot of mix compilations in the past, but on this one I really wanted to show the people a reflection of my DJ set — the energetic stuff that I always play in the clubs,” he says. With remixes of artists like Fedde le Grand, Digitalism and Punk Ninja — to name just a few — it’s definitely a diverse collection of tunes. “There’s a few older tracks, and a lot of new stuff on it, but still, it’s a lot of music I play in almost every set, so it gives a good reflection of what you can expect when you see a Marco V DJ set.” With modern technology saturating the DJ landscape these days, showing diversity and building a brand is important for a DJ’s survival. “A mix compilation is a big help,” agrees Marco. “I think it’s important, because people like to link a DJ to a track, a concept or to a label, also label nights. It’s really the thing of the moment right now so yeah, I think it’s really important to have a link to a few things.” Social media is important to him as well. “The thing that I like about social media is that it’s so direct, you’re so connected now with people that like your music. Before you had to go through management and everything — you’re so connected now with people that like your music. It’s so easy, but I don’t like to spit out a lot of information. I’m in the studio you know.” Marco is a big fan of his Australian supporters too. “In general, the crowds in Australia are one of the best in the world,” he says. “They’re passionate about the music. When I play my own tracks, you already get a good crowd reaction
because they know them. That’s great as a DJ, because you don’t have to play the ‘same old same old’ stuff. It’s not always about the big tunes in Australia, it’s an educated crowd.” It’s probably just as well that we’re musically educated, with more music than ever before being mashed together. “I don’t know if there is a tech-trance scene at the moment, or a trance scene. At the moment the whole music scene is so blended — what’s called house is so trancy at the moment. Even the trance productions are more house influenced.” But that ever-diversifying nature of music is something that suits Marco. “It’s something that I always liked. If you’ve been longer in the scene, you like more diverse stuff. It’s also a reflection of my mix CDs and my DJing; it’s about every style of music. That’s what I like.” Clearly at ease with what he’s achieved, Marco will remain busy throughout 2013. “I got a couple of new tracks, some vocal tracks, some collaborations. I get a lot of inspiration when I’m DJing. My DJ sets are my biggest inspiration for producing music.” And that’s why his The Art Of releases are doing well, because essentially, it’s him doing what he loves most. “It’s fantastic as a DJ, when you play one of your own tracks and people go nuts — it’s what you work for in the studio.” Carlos Hurworth Marco V Presents T.A.O Vol 3 is out now through Central Station Records.
Canadian school boys DC (Dylan Mamid) and Hook (Zach Rapp-Rovan) used to wile away the hours making old school hip hop beats in Mamid’s parents’ garage under the moniker Mass Productions, releasing one album, entitled Fresh Beets. Ten years on and they’ve discarded hip hop for a new, bass heavy sound and a new name – Zeds Dead – a reference to Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. “We were kind of just making one style of hip hop more or less, really sampled bass, old school hip hop,” Mamid explains from his Toronto studio. “Then it just got to a point where we started listening to all sorts of different types of music. We were huge hip hop heads but then we started getting into drum and bass and electro house and wanted to start doing different electronic stuff that was so different to the hip hop stuff that we’d been doing that we thought we’d create a group that could use all of those different sounds.” This change in direction has seen the duo dropping some twisted, heavy bass, messing with glitchy sounds and turning up the BPMs in a way that would most easily be referred to as dubstep, but to Mamid the idea of genre is redundant. “We are definitely most often classed as dubstep and we are definitely lumped in with the dubstep scene and culture and that makes sense,” he concurs. “Our first tracks that were really big and popular were dubstep but for us, it just happened to be one place along the way where we were just happening to make dubstep. And obviously we still make it, but when we started Zeds Dead, we never had the intention of just making dubstep. It’s kinda just a musical journey, we keep moving. And it’s funny because we started the group because we wanted to be a group that did different stuff, not just one style of hip hop, and now it’s like we are almost coming back to making hip hop as Zeds Dead with the skills that we have learned through becoming electronic music producers and the maturity that’s come along with it.” Another thing the pair have developed since forming Zeds
Dead in 2008 is Bassmentality, a club they founded with The Killabits that started as a string of underground parties, which later turned into a force to be reckoned with. “We had just started DJing and were just starting to get a buzz around Toronto and wanted a place to play where we didn’t have to play dirt cheap for promoters at shitty parties, where we could control the environment and hone our skills. We made it free – we just wanted to have a good party, it wasn’t about wanting to be promoted and make money, we just wanted to become comfortable with rocking crowds. And it sort of just grew along with the scene – and as Zeds Dead grew, so did Bassmentality. It was cool and before we knew it, it got super crazy.” ‘Super crazy’ is a term that could easily be referred to their new instrumental EP Hot Sauce, out last week on Mad Decent, full to the brim with jarring breaks and electro-disco vibe. “It’s the most experimental EP that we’ve done so far. We almost called it The Experiment In Bass because there’s different kinds of sounds that we’re messing with. Three of the five tracks in there, I wouldn’t know how to classify or put a genre name on. Some of it is somewhat similar to our last EP, particularly Rumble in the Jungle. There’s some 135BPMs and weird sort of house inspired tracks, but apart from that I can’t really classify it.” Zeds Dead are coming to Australia for the Future Music Festival tour, where Mamid says he and his partner in crime will be getting hard and dark with their live set. “It’s really intense with lots of energy. It definitely errs on the harder side of things, we like to mix it up a lot and throw as many different genres in there and basically just rock out and have a party.” Jo Campbell Zeds Dead [CAN] play Future Music Festival at Flemington Racecourse on Sunday March 10 alongside The Prodigy [UK], Dizzee Rascal [UK], PSY [KOR] and more.
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LATE NIGHT TALES Friendly Fires The latest edition of the ultimate ‘after-hours’ compilation comes from UK 3-piece, Friendly Fires. Reaching deep into their record collection to compile the ultimate late-night soundtrack, the CD features tracks from the likes of SBTRKT, Junior Boys, Melody’s Echo Chamber, Dennis Parker and Iron Galaxy, as well as an exclusive track from Friendly Fires themselves. “A Must Have” Mixmag “The Rolls Royce of Compilations” GQ Magazine
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THE ART OF Marco V
The latest instalment of Marco V’s “T.A.O (The Art Of)” has arrived. One of the most inventive, diverse and creative minds in electronic music, Marco V traverses techno to trance, progressive to tech-house. T.A.O Vol 3 is hand-picked by one of the most sought after DJ/producers working today. Features exclusive mixes from Marco V, Fedde Le Grand, Zedd, Hard Rock Sofa, “Chop Suey sounds like an album from another universe – Digitalism & Hook n Sling. and maybe it is” –David Quantick.
The pioneer of the bootleg, cut-up mixing and the master of the audio-visual DJ show, DJ Yoda’s star-studded debut album ‘Chop Suey’ presents hip hop and dance in his trademark fashion. Features appearances from Boy George, Man Like Me, Scroobious Pip and Action Bronson.
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VONYC SESSIONS 2012 Paul Van Dyk Featuring masterpieces from renowned producers (including Arty, Cosmic Gate & Jes, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Judge Jules, Alex MORPH & Lisa Lashes), VONYC Sessions 2012 combines the best of Paul van Dyk’s weekly worldwide radio show of the same name with an eye cast firmly into the future.
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Dee, Jay Sin and weekly guests playing R&B & ol’ skool sounds strictly for the urban elite. Khokolat Bar, Basement, 43 Hardware La, Melbourne
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Kick start your weekend with Melbourne’s newest Thursday night! Motown Thursdays caters to all true music lovers. Join us on an eclectic musical journey of soul, funk and disco through to early R&B. A live Soul Band features some of Melbourne’s most talented musicians; Carmen Hendricks, Laurent Soupe, Duncan Kinell and Aaron Mendoza just to name a few. DJs keep the records spinning into the early hours; residents are Reg-e, Lee Davies, Kalepe, Dinesh, Suga, Rubz and Alwin Rafferty. Join us around a big, shiny disco ball or two, for free entry, soulful tunes, drink specials all night and a dance floor full of friends! Fashion Lounge, 121 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
This is it. Faktory Fridays are open for business at Melbourne’s home of R&B, Khokolat Bar. Where else? Damion De Silva, Ken Walker, Durmy, K Dee, Simon Sez, Yaths and Jacqui Dusk spinning all night long. Khokolat Bar, Basement, 43 Hardware La, Melbourne
LIKE FRIDAYS Like Fridays at La Di Da serves up R&B and electro house across two rooms giving you a fun filled end to your week. DJs Dinesh, Dir-X, Sef, NYD, Shaun D, Shaggz, Broz and more. La Di Da, 577 Little Bourke St, Melbourne
LIGHT RHYTHM-AL-ISM Start the weekend early with Fusion’s Resident DJs. Music for your funkin’ soul. Special guests every week! Fusion, Crown Entertainment Complex, Lvl 3, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank
We celebrate everything that has made Light at Red Love, kicking off with our after work drinks session from 4pm. Our DJ lineup includes each and every one of the Daddy Macks who have helped lead Light into our 5th running year of old school R&B. Harvey Yeah, Ripz, TMC and Stel Kar locking down that Old School Flava with
guest appearances by G.A.K. & The Seminar of Funk and Nick K. It’s all happening this Friday as we celebrate five years of doing our do and bringing that Red Love! Red Love, Level 1, 401 Swanston Street, Melbourne
THE LOOSE GOOSE The Loose Goose is focused on providing a wonderful array of cocktails and offers a great CBD location to lounge and relax in while overlooking busy Flinders Lane. A small plates menu is available to graze on whilst trying our delicious cocktails from the classics to contemporary, beer on tap and a wide range of beers, wines and spirits. Every Friday evening DJ Jumps of The Cat Empire will take to the decks at the bar spinning his rare afro Latin funk vinyl collected from around the world from 6.30pm until late. Papa Goose Cocktail Bar, 91-93 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
SWEET NOTHING FRIDAYS DJ Marcus Knight and DJ Xander James spin hip hop, R&B and house tunes all night from 8pm. Free entry and early drink specials. Temperance Hotel, 426 Chapel St, South Yarra
THE NICE UP Tom Showtime presents The Nice Up. All flavours of hip hop, ghetto funk and reggae niceness provided. Sailor Jerry nice up the cocktails, Dos Blockos nice up the $5 beers. Fridays done proper. George Lane Bar, 1 George Lane, St Kilda
SATURDAY2ND KHOKOLAT KOATED All new experience, same great location with a fresh koat of Khokolat. Restless Entertainment reloads your favourite Saturday night party. Damion De Silva, K
REDLOVE SATURDAYS RedLove Saturdays is all about solid classics from the ‘80s, ‘90s and into the ‘00s! Dropping beats of retro pop, disco classics, old school funk, and certainly some of that old school R&B and house to kick! RedLove Resident DJs Phil, HB Bear and Da Gato bringing down the house every Saturday night. If you’re looking for quality service, music to rock, sumptuous drinks and just a cold hard good time; look no further! Red Love, Level 1, 401 Swanston Street, Melbourne
SHAKA SATURDAY The newest R&B Superclub Shaka Saturdays grand opening is set to hit Melbourne over two massive weeks. The northern suburbs newest, freshest club playing all of your favourite R&B, hip hop, old skool and reggae. Shaka Saturdays is showcasing Australia’s newest and favourite R&B DJs, including DJ C-RAM bringing video mixing to Melbourne and special guest hip hop band Yellow Cake. Set at one of the most amazing venues Melbourne has to offer with two levels, good music, great ‘Shaka’ atmosphere and cheap drinks, we are hoping to pack it out and create a night for people to remember. Level 2 The Club, 2 Arthurton Rd, Northcote
GAPPY RANKS Gappy Ranks, the UK’s number 1 reggae/dancehall export, will be hitting our fine shores with the I Love Dancehall crew. Gappy Ranks was born and raised in Harlesden to Caribbean parents. Early support and recognition of this rising young talent (who had made his studio debut with the Ruff Cutt Band aged 11), came from local sound system operators and pirate radio stations and soon led to his link up and studio baptism with Stonebridge stars Suncycle Crew. Since then, Gappy Ranks has become an international star following the release of Mountain Top, Heaven In Her Eyes and Stinkin Rich. Laundry Bar, 50 Johnston St, Fitzroy
DJ DON Q TRAP MUSIC: DETROIT WARRIOR Hailing from D town – or Detroit if you prefer, DJ Don Q is bouncing back from a gig he had last night. “I’m recovering from it; there was a lot of ladies and a lot of spirits flowing! I got the chance to play a bunch of joints I haven’t played in a while too so overall I would say it was a great night. The crowd was very receptive as well.” While his hometown can be a little hardcore with all the violence and crime he suggests is going on, he admits for him it was easy avoiding getting caught up in it all. “Sports and music were my only alternatives,” he professes. “I did both, but the music was calling me! Detroit is basically a music mecca – all sorts of genres can be heard all over the city – and sometimes at the same venue! I grew up around a bunch of bars so I heard nothing but great music pouring out of these places. I would walk around the house singing Kiss or listening to John Lennon records. Even seeing hardcore drug dealers riding around in expensive cars playing house or techno music wasn’t considered odd or strange.” He even reminisces for a moment about how even his mom would throw parties and get togethers where he would DJ. “I would put on the songs and take a look to see what was going on. If the people who were there started dancing, I would get excited and be like, ‘Yeah, I’m doing a good job!’” And years later, the tour DJ for super group D12 is moving onwards and upwards, embracing the scene in the only way he knows how. Studio-wise, the man claims he is keeping things flowing as well, but not so much that things become routine and boring. “I try to spice it up with some cuts and scratches or a slick remix. And now that I’m making beats, I try to incorporate an exclusive song or remix that can shake things up when I play. That’s the whole thing with hip hop – it’s just great music! “The first time you hear hip hop it steals your soul. Your face gets all screwed up and you lose control of your arms and neck and you just start nodding your head to the beat. It’s uncontrollable! You have to have it all the time – like a drug! So you experiment with all four-corners of hip hop – whether it’s rapping, being a B-boy and break dancing or graffiti and being a DJ. I suck at rapping – even if Eminen wrote me a
rhyme and Dr. Dre made the beat, I would still suck – that’s how bad I am!” At least he’s honest. Musically, Don Q is playing some sets of pretty diverse music at the moment – and rather enjoying it. “Man, the world wants to move these days, so there is a lot of dance music but the crowds also love a bit of hip hop – guys like Big Sean, Young Jeezy, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. The scene in Detroit here too is big so playing songs from within the large local scene is a must as well. For me personally, I’ve fallen in love with trap music. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a cross between dubstep, EDM, and south style beats. I’ve even started producing it myself.” And with that, he explains that it isn’t impossible for the kids to kick start a career in music. It’s about determination and commitment. “You have to practice and practice,” he says. “Study your craft and learn from the best. When I was 16 I used to sneak into clubs and just stand at the DJ booth all night long! No girls, no dancing, just watching the DJ! I would go home and mimic the set until I had it down. Then I would make changes to certain cuts to fit what I liked. I was sincerely dedicated to being good at being a DJ. I think that’s the attitude you need if you want to succeed in any form of music.” Finally, he shares a few words on his return to Australia for another round of tour dates, this time minus Eminen and D12. “I had a ball last time I was out there. But don’t expect things to be different this time,” he chimes. “Expect to dance and have fun; I don’t know about you, but I’m coming to party! There is a lot of great music out there and I want to make sure people experience as much of it as time will allow – all while drinking a beer as well!” RK DJ Don Q [USA] plays Chelsea Heights Hotel on Friday February 1 alongside Yung Warriors [AUS] and The Bandit [AUS].
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