Beat Magazine #1352 by Furst Media

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9TH MARCH 2013

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IN THIS ISSUE...

HOT TALK

TOURING

VAMPIRE WEEKEND

LOS CORONAS, PERFUME GENIUS

ARTS GUIDE, THE HOBBIT

ART OF THE CITY, COMIC STRIP

OZ HORROR

REVIEW, ARTSPACE

KING OF THE NORTH, BLIND MUNKEES, FLOGGING MOLLY

VAMPIRE WEEKEND PG 20

LOS CORONAS PG 22

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH

POLIÇIA

BEACH HOUSE

CORE/CRUNCH!

BLOOD DUSTER

MUSIC NEWS

ALBUM OF THE WEEK, SINGLES, CHARTS

THIS WEEK IN 100%:

NEW YEAR’S EVE

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SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Christie Eliezer SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS: Simone Ubaldi, Patrick Emery COLUMNISTS: Emily Kelly, Peter Hodgson. CONTRIBUTORS: Mitch Alexander, Siobhan Argent, Bella Arnott-Hoare, Thomas Bailey, Graham Blackley, Chris Bright, Joanne Brookfield, Tegan Butler, Avrille BylockCollard, Rose Callaghan, Kim Croxford, Dave Dawson, John Donaldson, Alexandra Duguid, Alasdair Duncan, Cam Ewart, Callum Fitzpatrick, Jack Franklin, Chris Girdler, Megan Hanson, Chris Harms, Andrew Hickey, Nick Hilton, Peter Hodgson, Lachlan Kanoniuk, Cassandra Kiely, Joshua Kloke, Nick Mason, Krystal Maynard, Miki McLay, Jeremy Millar, James Nicoli, Oliver Pelling, Matt Panag, Jack Parsons, Sasha Petrova, Liam Pieper, Steve Phillips, Zoe Radas, Adam Robertshaw, Joanna Robin, Leigh Salter, Side Man, Jeremy Sheaffe, Sisqo Taras, Kelly Theobald, Tamara Vogl, Dan Watt, Katie Weiss, Krissi Weiss, Rod Whitfield, Jen Wilson, Tyson Wray, Simone Ziada, Bronius Zumeris. © 2012 Furst Media Pty Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder.

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- FREE SHIT NYE2012 ON THE PIER Geelong’s prime venue, The Pier, will presents a perfect backdrop for New Year’s Eve debauchery of the classiest kind. We’re giving away a double pass to the NYE soiree which features entertainment from Andy Murphy and Rob Pix and local DJs, plus drinks, canapes, an afterparty pass to Lambys and best of all – a view of the ﬁreworks over Corio Bay, the best seat in the house. The party starts at 8pm, and the ﬁreworks will be on display at 9.15pm and midnight. Tickets are to the value of $99 Head to beat.com.au/freeshit for your chance to WIN.

Fantine

THE GARDEN PARTY Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2013 music festival hub, The Garden Party, will open its gates to the Melbourne public for a free one-oﬀ session, in celebration of Australia Day. What’s more Aussie than the suburban garden? The outdoor venue has been designed to evoke the Australian Dream, the perfect environment for music enthusiasts to celebrate our sunburnt country and vibrant culture with local musical talent and great food and drinks. This one-oﬀ session includes a lineup of some of Australia’s best musical talent, including Fantine, The Bearded Gypsy Band, plus more acts to be announced. Saturday January 26 – be sure to get in early.

EMMA LOUISE

BROTHERS GRIM & THE BLUE MURDERS The last five years have been a dust-churning, beer-swilling category five twister for Brothers Grim and The Blue Murders. The guys' solid reputation for electrifying live performances hasn't let up in that time, as after selling out their 2011 album launch they've moved from fat venue to ever fatter venue to some truly obese festival slots. Amongst their fans breathes a love of life, good times and camaraderie that is infectious. Catch Brothers Grim and The Blue Murders in the Espy Front Bar on Saturday 29 December for a free show, before they propel their anticipated second album into the world. Supported by Dirty York, Sheriff, and Violent Mood Swings. Free entry.

THE ROCK & ROLL GUMBO MEDICINE SHOW The Rock & Roll Gumbo Medicine Show sees a collection of some of Melbourne’s finest talents under the one roof at The Corner Hotel. The huge lineup includes: Charles Jenkins, one of Australia’s best loved songsmiths; blues woman Kerri Simpson; Kim Volkman, who channels the spirit of The Gun Club’s Jeffrey Lee Pierce through the devil’s blues; Suzannah Espie, whose voice was said to be “of the finest country-soul vocals you’ll hear in your life” by MAG; alternative country singer-songwriter and guitarist, Sherry Rich; the Blind Kiwi blues; and His Cigar Box Guitar. The Rock & Roll Gumbo Machine Show takes place at The Corner Hotel on Sunday March 3 from 1pm.

Fresh off the back of a three-month international writing stay in New York and a national tour with Missy Higgins and Gurrumul, Brisbane songbird Emma Louise is delivering an exclusive sneak peek of her debut album with a run of intimate shows in January. Playing with a full band, this will be Emma’s first major headline tour since July and also the first to preview material that is currently being captured on tape in the studio. It reaches the Toff In Town on Thursday January 24.

THE UV RACE After forming in 2007, The UV Race release their first album in 2009 through American garage punk label In The Red Records then released their second album, Homo, in late March the same year. During 2012 the band worked on a film, recording the soundtrack for a film, Autonomy And Deliberation, which was released in November, along with their next studio. Now the Melbourne band are back with a bang and are finally ready to launch the third full length album Racism and will be doing so at Ding Dong on Saturday February 2. Joining them are Deaf Wish, Peak Twins and The Clits to hail rock’n’roll.

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80 Lygon St. Brunswick East Ph 9036 1456

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TUES TRIVA

RETURNS 15 JAN!

KITCHEN OPEN DAILY FROM 11AM TIL LATE

COME IN AND

GET A BURGER GIG DETAILS SEE: theb-east.com

Define your genre in five words or less: We just capture the moment and play in moment, whether it’s soul, reggae, blues or funk. Someone is walking past as you guys are playing, they then go get a beer and tell their friend about you... what do they say? 'l like their groove. Hey l’II get you another beer.' What has been your favourite gig you’ve played to date? The Harbour Kitchen Docklands where we a had two hour set after a DJ set - it was a great combination. We laid out everything from Marvin Gaye, The [Rolling] Stones, James Brown, Herbie Hanncock... Everyone in the place had a great time. What inspires or has influenced your music the most? Collectively as a band we are so different with different ideas, influences and a melting pot of styles that keeps the momentum flowing. It makes it a fresh experience every time we play. What do you think a band has to do these days to succeed? As a group it’s all about the groove and keeping the synergy of friendship, respecting each other's strengths and giving each other room to make good soul food! Do you have any record releases to date? What? Where can I get it? We have some recordings from 12 months ago when we first got things up and running, however we are planning on returning to the studio sometime mid-year as our sound has really matured. Why should everyone come and see your band? Without a sense of community it's just a rehearsal. It’s one thing to get the notes right but you have got to feel every note. Every note has got something to say. Listeners will get that when they see us. The Rockerfellers are doin it live at Lucky Coq on Sunday December 30 from 4pm, free entry.

Beat Magazine Page 14

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BENNY WALKER Following the release of his Summer Sun EP, Benny Walker presents his latest full-length oﬀering, Sinners And Saints. Walker has joined forces with ARIA award winning producer Shane O'Mara (who has worked with the likes of Tim Rogers, The Waifs and Paul Kelly) at Yikesville Studios to create a record showcasing not only Walker's maturing as a songwriter but also his heartfelt and soulful vocals, backed by the perfect band of musicians. Join Benny and his band, and some very special guests, for the oﬃcial launch of Sinners and Saints at the Northcote Social Club on Saturday January 12.

THE COUNT WITH:

SEANY B

THIS WILL DESTROY YOU American outfit This Will Destroy You have announced their first ever Australian tour for next year. TWDY have carved themselves their own niche, creating an ambient form of instrumental post-rock. Their music has been featured in Moneyball, and in the Pentagon's addressing to the military brass during Hurricane Katrina. Their recent album, Tunnel Blanket, has been claimed to be the most beautiful stuff they have written, despite holding a morose introspection on tragedy and human grief. Known for their intense performances, This Will Destroy You will be playing at The Northcote Social Club on Thursday March 21 and Friday March 22. Tickets can be purchased through northcotesocialclub.com. Eagle & The Worm

Ten acts/artists everyone should know about: Parliament Funkadellic, Prince, Bill Withers, Tom Waits, Michael Jackson, Daft Punk, NWA, Lyrics Born, David Bowie, Cat Stevens, Leonard Cohen, N.E.R.D. Nine food items that you need to make a kickarse dinner party: Hot sauce, mangos, goats cheese, lamb cutlets, walnuts, rocket, gelato, Heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, a home delivery menu (in case it all effs up!) Eight possessions that define you: Is that a trick question? I never hold onto anything material long enough for it to define me…I will say, however, my portable BOSE bluetooth speakers are still the best money I ever spent. Hands down, bar none. They’ve provided a soundtrack to my erratic life all over the world. That’s probably the only ‘possession’ that I keep close when I’m home and away. Seven favourite movies/TV shows that go on your mix-tape: Coming to America, Suits, Scarface, Basquiat, Werid Science, The Fifth Element, Leon: The Professional. Six bad habits you can’t escape: Sleeping in, not sleeping at all, saying ‘you’re welcome’ really loud when people don’t say thank you, lighting cigarettes off the stove…wait, cigarettes are a bad habit themselves… so yeah, them. To tell the truth, I can resist anything… but temptation.

FEDERATION SQUARE SUMMER SERIES Recently celebrating its tenth birthday, Federation Square has steadily established itself as the cultural hub of the greatest city in the world (it's true). This January, they'll be putting on a weekly showcase of some of our ﬁnest musical talent with a run of free performances. The program for the Summer Series is as follows: performing on Thursday January 10 at 6.30pm are Eagle And The Worm and Oscar + Martin, on Thursday January 17 at 6.30pm are The Paper Kites and Vance Joy, on Saturday January 26 at 4.30pm are Diafrix and Chance Waters, and lastly on Thursday January 31 at 6.30pm are Hungry Kids Of Hungary and Asta. Head to fedsquare.com/events for more information on the Fed Square Summer Series.

Five people who inspire you: Pharrell Williams (musically), Terry Richardson (visually), Steven Spielberg (conceptually), Hugh Hefner (well… you know why), Jean-Michel Basquiat (artistically). Three goals for your music: Vent my soul, vent my funk, vent my quirk. Two live gigs you’ll never forget and why: Singing live in front of 35,000 people on the front lawn of Parliament House with Tv Rock. It was also televised nationally and my parents got to see me do my thing on a big stage in a big way. That was a surreal moment and one I will never forget. Crowd surfing with Bombs Away & DJ Kronic in Darwin earlier this year. Probably one of my top ‘live’ moments ever. It’s a total trip hurling yourself towards the crowd – it’s at that moment you think, “Well, they either love you or hate you right now and you’ll find out in one second when you hit a bed of hands or the cold, hard floor.” Happy to report it was all love. Amazing. One day left before the apocalypse and you: Find my family and hold them tight and tell them I love them. Then we all go loot a shopping mall together! The family that loves together, loots together. Haha. When’s the gig / release? Performing at Noir 5, Level 3 at Crown on New Year’s Eve. Going to be a massive night, five rooms and lots of awesome talent – get down there! Keep Talking, my new tune with Jamie Vlahos, is out now through Onelove on iTunes & Beatport! Remixes dropping in January. Buy it! Play it! Smash it!

CRIME & THE CITY SOLUTION After a 21 year hiatus, Crime And The City Solution have re-banded in 2012 and are set to tour Australia for the ﬁrst time early next year. Following numerous dissolutions and lineup changes over their 35 year history, the band are now reﬁned to perfection. Having just released a 'best of', and with a new album in the works, Crime And The City Solution are sure to bring the ruckus when they play The Hi-Fi alongside Sleepy Sun on Tuesday January 18. Tickets available through Moshtix.. CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU

Beat Magazine Page 15

HOT TALK

THE BIGGEST IN INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL NEWS

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presents...

Q&A

MATT GRESHAM

The Hi-Fi

Academy Mix It With The Best

vt Go ed d ss n u F ine Bus urses Co ow N n! e Op

Audio Engineering Courses Full Until Feb

THIS WEEK at The Hi-Fi Deﬁne your genre in ﬁve words or less: Folk, blues, electronic, indie.

Clairy Browne VS. Saskwatch Sat 29 Dec SELLING FAST

CHICKS ON SPEED

COMING SOON Best Coast (USA) Wed 2 Jan Blood Red Shoes (UK) Thu 3 Jan Marduk (SWE) Fri 11 Jan Django Django (UK) Sat 12 Jan

Chicks on Speed are known globally for their hybrid, explosive DIY aesthetic, present in their exhibition installations, video pieces, content laden fashion and music. Formed at the Munich Art Academy, they propelled themselves into the world of music, as a commercially functioning pop act, with a special mix of irony and electronic beats, merged with video, choreography and fashion, which was soon labeled Electroclash. This new live performance by Chicks on Speed´s pioneering core members Melissa Logan and Alex Murray-Leslie entitled DON’T ART FASHION MUSIC! A Performance Art Show! focuses on their new collection of self-made 'Objekt instruments' which act simultaneously as machine/instrument/sculpture, and fashionable technology, the logical result of their experiment: to blur the lines between art, fashion and Music. It's all happening at CRASS! Happening at The Tote on Thursday January 24. Tickets from the venue.

What do you think a band has to do these days to succeed? Work hard and never stop going for their dreams & goals.

SELLING FAST

Hypocrisy (SWE) Sat 19 Jan

SOLD OUT Childish Gambino (USA) Wed 23 Jan

Dub FX Fri 25 Jan (NGR)

Bracket Sun 27 Jan

Thee Oh Sees (USA) Thu 31 Jan Stereo Addicts Fri 1 Feb From The Jam (UK) Sat 2 Feb Yeasayer (USA) Wed 6 Feb SELLING FAST Kerser Sat 9 Feb

THE CLARKFIELD MUSIC FESTIVAL Following a successful debut last year, The Clarkfield Music Festival returns for its second year of fine country music. Last year's bill saw the likes of Nick Barker, Kim Salmon and Dead River Deeps perform; this year The Toot Toot Toots, Charles Jenkins and The Zhivagos and the charismatic Tim Rogers will be performing. The Clarkefield Music Festival is a fundraiser to build homes, and assist children and their families in Cambodia. This year sees all the money raised go towards a new school that was funded by last year’s festival. Other notables on the list include Sal Kimber, Mick Thomas and The Roving Commission; joining them for another year will be the Dead River Deeps. More acts will be announced soon. The Clarkefield Music Festival will be hosted on Sunday March 17 at The Clarkefield Hotel. More information, including ticketing prices can be found at facebook.com/clarkefieldmusicfestival.

BEN HOWARD After selling out his ﬁrst Corner Hotel show in just two hours, Ben Howard (who is visiting our shores for Bluesfest) has announced a second show at the same venue on Sunday April 7. Tickets are on sale now from the venue website.

Gin Blossoms (USA) Thu 7 Feb CANCELLED Grinspoon Fri 22 Mar Jose James (USA) Otep (USA) Fri 22 Feb Fri 26 Apr The Mark Of Cain Fri 15 Mar TIX + INFO THEHIFI.COM.AU

1300 THE HIFI

125 SWANSTON ST, MELBOURNE

Beat Magazine Page 16

THE WEDDING PRESENT Following their long-awaited maiden visit to Australia in 2012 UK indie legends The Wedding Present now return in 2013, playing two shows at the Northcote Social Club on Tuesday February 26 and Wednesday February 27. Tickets from the venue website.

Anything else to add? This is my only show in Melbourne and would love everybody to come.

Anything else to add? Recent arrangements have been made for a trip to New York as of March next year, to co-write with Rikk Angelori. Rikk is a songwriter/producer who is based in the U.S. He got in contact with me earlier this year after hearing some of my work and asked me to head over to record and album together. When are you releasing your single? The ﬁrst single Beautiful will be released on New Year’s Day. It will be available via iTunes and jueno.bandcamp. com for download. How long have you been gigging and writing? I began writing when I was 13. I started writing lyrics initially and I found myself expressing emotions on paper. I guess it grew from there. I formed a band called The People around the age of 16 and we were gigging up until October this year when I decided to work solo.

Damien Dempsey (IRL) Sat 16 Mar

What makes you happiest about what you’re doing? Connecting with new audiences and writing music.

Diamond Club, Level 15/123 Queen St, CBD. I'll be performing with my soul sister May Johnston. We will be performing originals as well as some old classics.

Following a critically acclaimed 14-date sold out tour of the UK and in line with a highly anticipated appearance at the upcoming Sydney Festival, The Frontier Touring Company have advised that the venues for Richard Hawley’s upcoming Australian tour have been changed. He will now be playing the intimate Hi-Fi on Tuesday January 29. Tickets are still valid at the new venue.

Crime & The City Solution (USA) Mon 18 Feb

Do you have any record releases to date? What are they? Where can I get them? The Recipe Album (to be remastered and re released 2013), Live @ Bar Orient, June and See The World albums from iTunes.

Q&A JUENO

RICHARD HAWLEY

Father John Misty (USA) Sun 17 Feb SELLING FAST

Andy C (UK) Sat Jan 26

When’s the gig and with who? The gig is Thursday January 3 at The Toﬀ with special guests The Sons Of May.

What inspires or has inﬂuenced your music the most? My family.

Alestorm (UK) Fri 18 Jan

SELLING FAST

What’ve you got to sell CD-wise? At the show we will have my recent studio album See The World.

How long have you been gigging and writing? Been gigging as a full time musician for the past 8 years and playing music for 10 years.

The Toot Toot Toos

E.S.G (USA) Thu 17 Jan

Against Me! (USA) Tue 22 Jan

What can a punter expect from your live show? I try to give an honest and soul ﬁlled performance that connects to everybody that hears me perform.

Tell us about the last song you wrote. Beautiful, which is the ﬁrst single I am releasing, was the last song I wrote. It was co-produced with local artist Harts, who's a real talent making waves as we speak. Beautiful is a song about someone who is out of your reach. When's the gig and with who? Next gig is on Saturday December 29 at the Blue

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What do you love about making music? It’s building something from the ground up. It’s creation from scratch. There is no better satisfaction that I could possibly get. If you could go on tour with any musician or band, who would it be? Prince by a long shot. He just pushes all barriers musically and performance wise. He is a genius and an inspiration for me. What makes a good musician? Originality.

HOT TALK

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THE BIGGEST IN INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL NEWS

AMANDA PALMER & THE GRAND THEFT ORCHESTRA The rescheduled dates for Amanda Palmer & her Grand Theft Orchestra's tour have been announced, with the band playing The Forum Theatre on Friday September 20. The tour was pushed back due to the illness of a close friend. All tickets purchased for the January show are valid for the new shows, and tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster. If you had tickets but are unable to attend the new show, refunds are from the point of purchase.

GOLD FIELDS Following the recent announcement of Gold Fields’ debut album release Black Sun on March 8 and an upcoming 2013 tour, the band have added an extra show on their upcoming East Coast Australian circuit. Tribal pulses, swirling synths, driving bass beats: the highly anticipated debut album by Ballarat ﬁve-piece electro-pop magicians Gold Fields is ready to be unleashed. Known for their pulsating live shows, Gold Fields will play The Toﬀ in Melbourne on Thursday January 31. Limited tickets are on sale now and available via Moshtix. They also play The Espy on New Year’s Eve and alongside Crystal Castles at Billboard on Tuesday January 22. Stonefield

COOL SUMMER FESTIVAL Mt Hotham’s Cool Summer Festival, boasting talented bands, 360 degree views, fresh air and endless rolls of misty mountains in every direction, have announced their lineup for next year, and it’s certainly living up to its title. 2013 will see the picturesque fest headlined by rocking Aussie sisters Stoneﬁeld, triple j unearthed favourites Loon Lake and Eagle And The Worm, Melbourne duo Dune featuring Jade McRae and awesome rockers Kingswood, alongside other fantastic festival favourites Lloyd Spiegel, The Miserable Little Bastards, Perch Creek Family Jug Band, Colonel Viper’s Whipstick Band and many more. Cool Summer will heat up Friday February 22 – Sunday February 24. Early bird tickets are on sale now and for a limited time you can nab a ticket for next year’s festival at last year’s prices. For the full lineup, accommodation options and other details head to their website.

Q&A THE THEGOVERNMENT SCARLETS YARD

Define your genre in five words or less: Punk without power chords. When’s the gig and with who? Gasometer Hotel Saturday December 29 with the Actor Buddhists and Glaciers $5 free albums on entry, our old album is around town as well. What inspires or has influenced your music the most? The swamps and Banksia woodlands of Perth, compulsive 1950’s style land clearing of bushland for electrical appliance showrooms, Black Flag.

triple J it seems like muzak disco is in. Name an interview question you wish someone would ask you, and answer it. What species do you think would inspire some decent musical imagery? To diverge from the Australiana; the Manned Wolf has an intense appearance that has led to its persecution through man’s fascination. Anything else to add? Come on down and metaphorically destroy the Gasometer hotel on Saturday we have T-shirts and you can have one if you ask us, cheers

What do you think a band has to do these days to succeed? If more bands wrote about the reality that is their speciﬁc natural environment and not this man made constructed farce there would be more interesting songs ﬂoating around. To get on

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Beat Magazine Page 17

TOURING

WHO'S ON TOUR, WHERE AND WHEN

For all the latest touring news check out beat.com.au

INTERNATIONAL FALLS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL Lorne December 28, Marion Bay December 29 PYRAMID ROCK FESTIVAL Phillip Island December 29 - January 1 PEATS RIDGE Glenworth Valley December 28 - January 1 TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB Festival Hall December 29 SHARON VAN ETTEN Corner Hotel December 30 LIMP WRIST The Bendigo Hotel December 31 SUMMADAYZE Sidney Myer Music Bowl January 1 MAXIMO PARK Corner Hotel January 2 FIRST AID KIT The Forum January 2 BEST COAST The Hi-Fi January 2 WILLIS EARL BEAL Northcote Social Club January 2 BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB Regal Ballroom January 1 BLOOD RED SHOES The Hi-Fi January 3 COSMO JARVIS Corner Hotel January 3 65DAYDOFSTATIC Corner Hotel January 4 THE CUBAN BROTHERS The Espy January 4 MARIAH CAREY Etihad Stadium January 5 THE HIVES The Forum January 6 SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS Corner Hotel January 8, 9, 10 BEACH HOUSE The Forum January 9 HOT CHIP The Palace January 9 THE VENGABOYS The Espy January 10 GARY JULES Corner Hotel January 12 DJANGO DJANGO The Hi-Fi January 12 NIGHTWISH The Palace January 14, 15 DAVID BYRNE & ST VINCENT Hamer Hall January 14, 15 WEEZER Sidney Myer Music Bowl January 16, The Palais January 17 CRIME AND THE CITY SOLUTION Hi-Fi Bar January 18 SUGAR MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL The Forum January 19 HUNX AND HIS PUNX The Tote January 20 A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS Corner Hotel January 20 SO FRENCHY SO CHIC Werribee Park January 20 THE KILLERS The Palace January 22 GARY CLARK JR Corner Hotel January 22 DEATH GRIPS Ding Dong Lounge January 22 CRYSTAL CASTLES Billboard January 22 OFF! Corner Hotel January 23 SLEIGH BELLS Billboard January 23 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE The Palace January 23 BAND OF HORSES The Palais January 23 CHILDISH GAMBINO The Hi-Fi January 23 JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD Corner Hotel January 24 CHICKS ON SPEED The Tote January 24 THE BLOODY BEETROOTS The Palace January 24 ALABAMA SHAKES The Forum January 24 ELVIS COSTELLO The Palais January 25 OSAKA MONAURAIL The Espy January 25 A DAY ON THE GREEN Yarra Valley January 26 BIG DAY OUT Flemington Racecourse January 26

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MOUNT EERIE The Toff January 26 WOODS The Tote January 27 RICHARD HAWLEY Hi-Fi Bar January 29 PERFUME GENIUS Northcote Social Club January 30 HIGH HIGHS The Toff January 30 JESSIE WARE Prince Bandroom January 30 THEE OH SEES The Hi-Fi January 31 SLEEP ∞ OVER The Liberty Social February 1 JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE Castlemaine Theatre Royal February 2, Corner Hotel February 3 ST. JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL Footscray Community Arts Centre February 3 DIVINE FITS Corner Hotel February 4 POLICA Northcote Social Club February 4 NITE JEWEL The Workers Club February 4 BAT FOR LASHES The Palais February 5 KINGS OF CONVENIENCE Hamer Hall February 5 CLOUD NOTHINGS Ding Dong Lounge February 5 HOLY OTHER Workers Club February 5 THE MEN Northcote Social Club February 6 JULIA HOLTER The Toff February 6 YEASAYER The Hi-Fi February 6 MS MR Northcote Social Club February 7 GIN BLOSSOMS The Hi-Fi February 7 DEER TICK, TWO GALLANTS Northcote Social Club February 9 DESCENDENTS Festival Hall February 9 DEER TICK AND TWO GALLANTS Northcote Social Club February 9, 10 DIRTY BEACHES February 10 DAVID HASSELHOFF Corner Hotel February 14 I AM GIANT Ding Dong Lounge February 14 SWANS Corner Hotel February 15 CONVERGE Billboard The Venue February 15 RINGO STARR Festival Hall February 16, 17 ALL TOMORROW’S PARTIES Westgate Entertainment Centre February 16, 17 FATHER JOHN MISTY The Hi-Fi February 17 NEIL FINN AND PAUL KELLY The Palais February 16, 18 EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN The Palace February 19 DR. FEELGOOD Corner Hotel February 21 NORAH JONES The Plenary February 21 HOW TO DRESS WELL Corner Hotel February 22 MY BLOODY VALENTINE The Palace February 22 JOSE JAMES The Hi-Fi February 22 BLINK-182 Sidney Myer Music Bowl February 26 LINKIN PARK, STONE SOUR Rod Laver Area February 26 THE WEDDING PRESENT Northcote Social Club February 26, 27 TOMAHAWK Billboard The Venue February 27 GARBAGE The Forum February 27 PUSCIFER The Palais February 28 CYPRESS HILL The Forum February 28

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH Melbourne Recital Hall February 28 BRING ME THE HORIZON/PIERCE THE VEIL Billboard February 28 SUM 41/BILLY TALENT The Palace February 28 SOUNDWAVE Flemington Racecourse March 1 DEEP PURPLE/JOURNEY Rod Laver Arena March 1 DEERHOOF Schoolhouse Studios March 3 THIN LIZZY Billboard The Venue March 4 KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Etihad Stadium March 5 FUN. The Palace March 5 ED SHEERAN Festival Hall March 5, 6 THE OFFSPRING The Palace March 6 CAT POWER The Forum March 7 THE STONE ROSES Festival Hall March 7 DINOSAUR JR The Corner March 7, The Espy March 8 PURITY RING Corner Hotel March 8 GOOD LIFE 2013 Flemington Racecourse March 8 WOMADELAIDE Adelaide’s Botanic Park March 8 –March 11 PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL Port Fairy March 8 – 11 TORO Y MOI Corner March 9 GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC Billboard March 9 GOLDEN PLAINS Meredith’s Supernatural Amphitheatre March 9 - 11 MXPX Corner Hotel March 10 WILD NOTHING The Tote March 11, The Toﬀ March 12 REDD KROSS The Espy March 12 BOB MOULD Corner Hotel March 13 NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE Rod Laver Arena March 15 JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION The Corner March 16 DAMIEN DEMPSEY The Hi-Fi March 16 THE JACKSONS Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre March 19 WANDA JACKSON The Corner March 20 THIS WILL DESTROY YOU Northcote Social Club March 21, 22 MUTEMATH Billboard March 22 RODRIGUEZ Hamer Hall March 22 ROBERT CRAY Hamer Hall March 24 FRED WESLEY Corner Hotel March 24 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Rod Laver Arena March 24, 26, 27 Hanging Rock March 30, 31 WILCO Hamer Hall March 27, 28 KITTY, DAISY & LEWIS Billboard March 27 BONNIE RAITT, MAVIS STAPLES State Theatre March 27 IGGY AND THE STOOGES Festival Hall March 27 ROGER HODGSON The Palais March 28 BYRON BAY BLUESFEST Byron Bay March 28 – April 1 EMILIE AUTUMN The Espy March 29 THE LUMINEERS The Corner April 2 DROPKICK MURPHYS Festival Hall April 2 BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA Hamer Hall April 3 ROBERT PLANT Rod Laver Arena April 3 THE SCRIPT Rod Laver Arena April 6 BEN HOWARD Corner Hotel April 6, 7 BIRDY The Palais April 8 PUBLIC IMAGE LTD The Palace April 11 MICK TAYLOR Ferntree Gully Hotel April 19, Corner Hotel April 20, 21 EXTREME The Palace April 19 BRYAN ADAMS Rod Laver Arena April 20 COHEED AND CAMBRIA/CIRCA SURVIVE The Palace April 21 BLACK SABBATH Rod Laver Arena April 29, May 1 DEFTONES The Palace May 17, 18

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STAN RIDGWAY Corner Hotel May 18, The Caravan Club May 19 P!NK Rod Laver Arena July 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, August 27 AMANDA PALMER & THE GRAND THEFT ORCHESTRA Forum Theatre September 20

NATIONAL CHILDREN COLLIDE The Espy December 28 CLAIRY BROWNE & BANGIN’ RACKETTES/SASKWATCH The Hi-Fi December 29 SPIDERBAIT, SOMETHING FOR KATE The Espy December 31 GOLD FIELDS The Espy December 31, The Toff January 31 NEW GODS Northcote Social Club January 11 ASH GRUNWALD The Espy January 11 COLLISION AT THE CORNER Corner Hotel January 12 TREVOR. A MUSIC FESTIVAL Churchill Island Nature Park January 12 BENNY WALKER Northcote Social Club January 12 JIMMY BARNES Trak Bar January 16 STICKY FINGERS Northcote Social Club January 18 BONJAH The Espy January 18, 19 TWELVE FOOT NINJA Corner Hotel January 18, Ferntree Gully Hotel January 19 EMMA LOUISE The Toff January 24 THE NECKS Corner Hotel January 29, 30, 31 TOKYO DENMARK SWEDEN The Espy February 1 ST KILDA FESTIVAL St Kilda February 2 – 10 THE UV RACE Ding Dong Lounge February 2 DEAD CAN DANCE The Palais February 6 THE PRESETS The Palace February 6, 7 STRANGERS Workers Club February 8 MY DISCO Corner Hotel February 8 SARAH BLASKO Hamer Hall February 14 RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL Echuca-Moama February 15 – 17 ROCK THE BAY FESTIVAL The Espy February 16 JULIA STONE St Michael’s Church February 20 THE SMITH STREET BAND Reverence Hotel Saturday February 23 BETWEEN THE BAYS Moorooduc, Mornington Peninsula February 23 LOON LAKE Corner Hotel March 1 TIM ROGERS/THE BAMBOOS Melbourne Zoo March 1 NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS Sidney Myer Music Bowl March 2 BIRDS OF TOKYO The Forum March 2 THE DEMON PARADE Workers Club March 3 MOOMBA The Yarra March 8 – 11 PETE MURRAY Ferntree Gully Hotel March 9, Corner Hotel March 15 PUSH OVER Sidney Myer Music Bowl March 11 CLARKEFIELD MUSIC FESTIVAL Clarkefield Hotel March 17 THE CAT EMPIRE Prince Bandroom March 20, 21 GRINSPOON The Hi-Fi March 22 BOOGIE 7 Bruzzy’s Farm, Tallarook March 29-31 THE SEEKERS Hamer Hall May 14

RUMOURS Madonna, AWOLNATION, A$AP Rocky, Baly Baby & Tricky Nicky = New Announcements = Beat Proudly Presents

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VAMPIRE WEEKEND BY LACHLAN KANONIUK

It’s been relatively quiet on the Vampire Weekend front since the 2010 release of Contra – the band’s well-received follow-up to their breakthrough debut. Anticipation has been steadily building for the outfit’s third album, with the first taste coming in the form of Unbelievers, which the band debuted on Jimmy Kimmel Live replete with skeletal Halloween makeup. Chances are Australia will be privy to more new material when the band tour this January as part of Big Day Out. Multi-instrumentalist and co-songwriter Rostam Batmanglij, who spent some of Vampire Weekend’s downtime working with recently defunct rap outfit Das Racist, lets us in on what’s in store for the upcoming album. “Definitely in the new year,” Rostam states, giving a broad target as to when we can expect new material. “There will be things that you can hear. I think we feel very good about it. There’s a spirit to it that we’re proud of. It feels like fresh ground for us. I think what’s defined us is this subtle complexity that’s always there,” Rostam states. “We’ve always driven toward simplicity, but with that underlying complexity that never leaves. I think what’s important in all of our songs that they exhibit these things. We’re not afraid of simplicity. On a more emotional level, I can say that we are hard on ourselves and we weren’t going to settle for a song that was just ‘good’ on this record, we wanted to rise above ‘good’ to be ‘great’.” Listening to the next crop of Australian artists rising through our airwaves, there’s a noticeable strain of Vampire Weekend’s influence shining through. It’s an effect that belies the groups relatively recent emergence. “Well it’s an honour. I wish any of them well, I wish any band well in making music. I think music is the most rewarding thing you can try to do and it’s the hardest thing that you can try to do. It’s not something that always comes naturally, that’s why I love it. There’s depth to it because of that. I guess I feel lucky and I feel honoured, and it’s something that I work on every day of my life. Personally, I have not heard many Vampire Weekend sound-a-like bands, but I’d be curious to,” Rostam states. Projecting a distinct, yet understated, visual aesthetic since their inception, Vampire Weekend ran into some legal trouble with the album art for Contra, with Beat Magazine Page 20

the subject of a vintage Polaroid launching a lawsuit claiming the image was used without her permission. As for the artwork for album number three, Rostam isn’t taking any chances. “Well we have an image that

“WE’VE ALWAYS DRIVEN TOWARD SIMPLICITY, BUT WITH AN UNDERLYING COMPLEXITY THAT NEVER LEAVES. I THINK THAT’S IMPORTANT IN ALL OF OUR SONGS THAT THEY EXHIBIT THESE THINGS.” I really love, and I hope we get to use it and get clearance. There’s some controversy in there. Well it’s not exactly controversy, but there are some hurdles in order to get the clearance. I do think it’s special and

DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION

hopefully we’ll be able to get it. Well I’ll say that there is the aesthetic shift with the music, and it signifies that. There’s a shift in tone and personality, and I think that it signifies that as well.” Extracurricular to Vampire Weekend, Rostam produced a track for Das Racist, plus appeared in their Michael Jackson film clip. Did their recent break-up surprise Rostam? “Yes and no. I think that when you start a band in college, there are changes that you can undergo – you might grow closer, you might grow apart. You might need to grow apart in order to get closer. That’s something I can relate to. I don’t know if it’s the end for Das Racist, and I don’t know what’s going to happen with them.” Like Das Racist, Vampire Weekend had their genesis in college. But where Das Racist combusted, Rostam feels that Vampire Weekend have grown stronger. “Me and Ezra have a songwriting partnership, one that over the course of the records has grown much stronger. In some ways, I feel like we’re leaning on each other more. The majority of the past records were the result of our songwriting partnership, and on this new record I feel like so much of what was written was an intertwining of us individually as songwriters. I guess we have grown closer.” As well as production work, Rostam has released solo material under the title Boys Like Us, plus appearing on the collaboration with Kid Cudi and Best Coast on the 2010 hit All Summer. As he explains, these outlets provide a musical respite from his full-time group. “I think the purpose is being able to breathe. The result is that I get inspired to make more music, rather than getting drained. I think if you listen to the songs that I put out on my own, or the song I collaborated with Kid Cudi and Best Coast on, I think it becomes clear that they’re inhabiting distinct worlds, in the same ecosystem maybe, but they have their own worlds. I think sometimes if you have a dream you have to chase it down. I think I’m inspired to write more music, and in the past year or so it’s been in the context of the band.” We can expect Vampire Weekend to be performing new material when they arrive in Australia for Big Day Out. Just how many new tracks we can expect to hear remains uncertain. “I think we’ll be playing somewhere between a couple and a handful,” Rostam reveals. VAMPIRE WEEKEND perform exclusively at Big Day Out in Melbourne on Saturday, January 26 at Flemington Racecourse, alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many more. Tickets are available from bigdayout.com.au.

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Beat Magazine Page 21

LOS CORONAS BY GARRY WESTMORE

We Australians could be forgiven for having a bit of an inferiority complex when it comes to our relevancy on the world music stage, as we are so often overlooked for big bands’ ‘world tours’ and too far away for smaller bands to make any kind of profit from. Spanish surf rock band Los Coronas in their 20 plus year career have yet to make it to our shores, but as it turns out this is not due to any harsh feelings towards us, or the usual tyranny of distance excuse we so often hear here in the antipodes. “If we haven’t played down under before, maybe we didn’t deserve it,” guitarist David Krahe tells Beat. “When you are gonna play in a country where there is a long surf culture tradition it’s harder to catch the attention of the people if you are coming from so far away.” Now we just feel awful that our tourism board have possibly intimidated the five Spaniards with the idea that we are all Mark Occhilupo look-a-likes born with webbing between our toes and surfboards under our arms. There’s more to Los Coronas’ absence than that though. “It’s hard to play out of Spain if you’re an r’n’r band, we’ve got everything easier as there are no language barriers for instrumental music but at the same time the instrumental r’n’r market has always been more limited than vocals market.” And fair point too. It’s rare to see an instrumental band top of the charts, let alone a foreign one that specialises in surf rock’n’roll tinged with traditional Spanish music and spaghetti western scores – genres that wouldn’t immediately spring to mind when you think of surf rock. “We love Ennio Morricone’s (composer for many of Sergio Leone spaghetti westerns) and Dmitri Tiomkin’s (composer for High Noon) music. You must bear in mind that movies like Sergio Leone’s The Good, The Bad And The Ugly or Once Upon A Time In Mexico were filmed in the south of Spain. We’ve been opening our shows with Tiomkin’s Theme From Rio Bravo for a few years, it’s a really dramatic theme, Mexican people call it ‘Degüello’, like the ZZ Top album, you can clearly imagine something tragic is going to happen [when you hear that theme].” Formed in Madrid in ‘91, Los Coronos (The Coronas if your Spanish is even worse than mine) have, as many instrumental bands must, built their reputation in a sizzling live show, one that they have honed in the last 20 years all across Europe and in particular Mexico, the litmus test for an instrumental band according

to Krahe. “[Mexicans] are really demanding when you are on stage. In Mexico there’s a great tradition of instrumental r’n’r and has been for a long time. They’re pretty close to the US so they’ve listened to the roots right from the beginning; The Ventures, Dick Dale, The Fireballs, Bobby Fuller Four, The Chantays. So people are demanding and experts at the same time.” When we suggest that from time to time Melbourne crowds can be accused of being, well, a hard bunch to impress and get dancing, Krahe seems untroubled. “I bet people from Madrid are much worse than Melbournians. We attach much importance to the groove factor – the rhythm section has to get people dancing, the trumpet contributes with the lyric and emotional factor and the guitars take responsibility to protect the bandmates. They create a wall of melodies, riﬀs, chaos, whatever. They are representing the epic factor in the band, like electric warriors playing rugby.” It’s this ability to entertain the masses live that has perhaps contributed largely to Los Coronas longevity, but certainly an ability to evolve has helped as well. “I think if Los Coronas would have repeated the same formula we wouldn’t have been able to develop our own sound,” Krahe citing the early ‘90s as their “learning phase,” whereby they were recreating the sounds of the genres masters rather than experimenting with them. They came into their own by adding trumpet; an aggressiveness to their sound, and by letting other inﬂuences seep in. As years have gone by they’ve found themselves moving more and more from the sea to the desert. So which

is the greater influence, genre, or landscape? “Our first albums were recorded in Madrid but the last two have been recorded out of our hometown, one in the north of Spain, El Baile Final, and Adios Sancho in Tucson, U.S.A. So I think the landscapes have been more influential in these last two albums than in the others. In the first recordings we were just trying to be loyal to the genre.” So where to next in the evolution of Los Coronas? “I hope to jungle-surf, like C.W. Stoneking. I recommend you see this bluesman, his music is primitive and real – an absolutely amazing artist.” It would seem that we Australians aren’t so hard done by after all, as despite none of us seeing Los Coronas play on our island continent, we will be getting the benefit of 20 years worth of musical evolution and live experience. Krahe assures us too that they won’t

be wasting the chance to impress us. “We’ll turn to our bull’s heart to play in order to get the attention of the Aussie public. We try to create a kind of tidal wave with our rhythm section and people only have one way to save themselves. They must take a longboard and enjoy the wave.”

shocking I don’t mind not censoring that but I never want to reach for it, because that feels phoney to me.” Given the intensity of his creative output you’d be forgiven for thinking Hadreas himself was a gaping wound. However, he’s composed and upbeat in conversation, indicating that his creative endeavours involve entering a diﬀerent plane of thinking. Unsurprisingly, Hadreas can’t simply slip into an ideally productive mindset whenever he pleases. “When I was trying to write my second album I rented a little house for a week so I could be alone and write and I didn’t end up writing anything at all. You can’t really force it. You can be more mindful and more observant about things and think more, but it seems like it just happens when it does.” In order to convincingly project his music’s evocative sensitivity when performing live, Hadreas sees no alternative but to let the music completely consume him. “I wonder if I could do it some other way but that’s really the only way that I know how to do it. I like

to watch people sing and do things where it feels like they’re really going for it. That’s pretty much the only thing I try to do. Also, I don’t really have any idea about what’s going on on-stage most of the time. I’ll watch videos of me and I’m making insane, really unattractive faces.” He admits that re-living his songs’ loaded emotional content can sometimes become overwhelming. “There’ve been a couple of times where I’ve gotten emotional and it didn’t help the song at all. I messed up and couldn’t play the rest of the song. That’s only happened a few times. There’s always just a tiny amount of distance. If there wasn’t then you wouldn’t be able to play the notes or anything.”

LOS CORONAS play The Pyramid Rock Festival taking place on Phillip Island between Saturday December 29 and Tuesday January 1. They also play the Summer Of Soul in Mossvale Park on Sunday January 6, The Toﬀ In Town on Tuesday January 8 and Tuesday January 15 and MONA FOMA on Wednesday January 16.

PERFUME GENIUS BY AUGUSTUS WELBY

On his two albums as Perfume Genius, Seattle’s Mike Hadreas depicts emotional desolation, drug addled self-destruction and the struggles faced by homosexual men. His fragile pop music has an encouraging eloquence, recalling the bleeding heart hope of Elliot Smith and the naïve gaze of Daniel Johnston. Hadreas clearly has no reservations about giving too much of himself away and explains that extracting from his lived experiences is a rewarding approach. “Personally I don’t mind sharing anything, no matter how embarrassing or how it may make me look. Mostly just because when I do share in that way I feel a lot better afterwards and the stuff that I make feels important to me.” The songs on 2012’s Put Your Back N 2 It are brutally honest, but the lyrics are not simply biographical exposes. For example, 17 refers to body image issues experienced by gay men, and to emphasise the matter Hadreas employs a metaphor of a body stuffed into a violin, covered in semen, and hung up on a fence. Hadreas elaborates on the observational perspective that allowed him to draw this lurid image. “When you see it in someone else it’s so clearly bullshit. They have these specific criteria for how they think they’re supposed to look that are either unattainable or are completely...just crazy. I think with gay men, part of it is when you’re young and you realise you’re different so early you try to hide it. You have this secret and you don’t want it to be known, [so] you have to look like you don’t have it; you have to look like a ‘man’, or what you think a man is supposed to look like. Everything becomes very superficial because it’s all about what’s being seen and it’s not really about you or what’s going on.” He refers to his own experience to highlight what’s required to overcome such damaging self-scrutiny. “It’s not about what you look like at all. I’ve noticed

when I come to terms with things, when I feel more proud or more comfortable in my own skin, a lot of that bullshit of body image issues or drinking or whatever - those things fade away.” It’s very diﬃcult for any individual to comprehend their own self-loathing. Hadreas agrees that hearing bleak personal fears acknowledged in a song provides a sign of hope. “I think everybody, when they have some deep fear or deep shame, it’s a very lonely feeling. You feel like you’re the only person that feels that way ‘How could anybody feel as terrible as I do?’ or ‘be as terrible as I am’ - and that’s not true. A lot of stuﬀ like that for me, once I truly feel it and let myself feel it, then it goes away a little bit.” Despite the glimmers of consolation it may extend, 17 comes with no ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ resolution. “When I wrote that song I played it for my boyfriend and he was very worried about me. I played it to him and he was like, ‘What the hell is wrong with you, are you ok?’ But sometimes I need to be that dramatic or that grim about something because I need to let it bubble up so that I can kind of puke it out and then breathe a little,” says Hadreas. Perfume Genius’ vivid imagery boldly underlines human vulnerability, but Hadreas says his intention isn’t to paint exaggerated emotional pictures. “I never want to try to be shocking. If something is

“I THINK EVERYBODY, WHEN THEY HAVE SOME DEEP FEAR OR DEEP SHAME, IT’S A VERY LONELY FEELING. YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE THE ONLY PERSON THAT FEELS THAT WAY - ‘HOW COULD ANYBODY FEEL AS TERRIBLE AS I DO?’ OR ‘BE AS TERRIBLE AS I AM’ AND THAT’S NOT TRUE. A LOT OF STUFF LIKE THAT FOR ME, ONCE I TRULY FEEL IT AND LET MYSELF FEEL IT, THEN IT GOES AWAY A LITTLE BIT.”

Beat Magazine Page 22

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PERFUME GENIUS will make his Australian debut appearance at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival in Melbourne on Sunday February 2, plus play an intimate headline sideshow at Northcote Social Club on Wednesday January 30 with special guests, Wintercoats.

“Matt’s music has a soul and energy that captures me every time I see him play.” John Butler

LIVE AT THE TOFF IN TOWN THURS 3RD JANUARY with special guests

the sons of may

Level 2, Curtin House, 252 Swanson St, Melbourne Tickets $15 +BF from www.thetofﬁntown.com.au or phone 1300 438 849 www.mattgreshammusic.com

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Beat Magazine Page 23

THIS WEEK: ON SCREEN Probably the biggest film of the year is set for release today: The Room 2 The Hobbit. Filmed in a special 48 frames per second 3D format, it’s a visual/storytelling masterpiece, and the first in a trilogy of films based on Tolkien’s acclaimed fantasy novel. Peter Jackson, when he’s not making cigarettes, is a directorial genius, and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is another brilliant instalment in The Lord of the Rings legacy. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey comes out on Boxing Day. Everybody will see it, and if you don’t, people will think you’re a loser.

WITH TYSON WRAY. GOT THOUGHTS, NEWS, GOSSIP, COMPLAINTS OR CAT PHOTOS? EMAIL TYSON@BEAT.COM.AU OR SEND BY CARRIER PIGEON BEFORE FRIDAY 12PM.

ON STAGE Romeo & Juliet is a metaphor for my relationship with tasty cheese – tasty cheese, I love you, but nobody wants us to be together. Not my doctor, not my girlfriend, nobody. Come along and share a passion that has lasted over 400 years. Snuggle up with the one you love or bring the whole family for a night of passion and conﬂict under the stars. Glenn Elston’s stunning new adaptation of Romeo & Juliet will bring the splendour of Shakespeare Under the Stars to life with this fresh and dynamic version of the greatest love story ever told. It’s on at Royal Botanic Gardens from now until March. Check out shakespeareaustralia.com.au for more info.

ON DISPLAY True fact: apart from the ones that are professional golfers, many species of seahorses are monogamous, and they mate for life. Cute right. Melbourne Aquarium next week launch Seahorse Pier – a brand new exhibit housing the largest collection of seahorse and seadragon species in the world! Fuck yeah! Experience a phantasmagorical rainbow of stunning colours and weird and wonderful creatures in their new, mystically–themed underwater wonderland. The exhibit is also home to Melbourne Aquarium’s internationally-recognised weedy seadragon breeding program and new state–of–the–art seahorse breeding facility. Launching today until Australia Day, Melbourne Aquarium will also become a school holiday fun zone with daily interactive presentations, animal feeds and heaps of exciting seahorse art and craft activities.

BEAT’S PICK OF THE WEEK:

THE HOBBIT:

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY BY ALICIA MALONE

On hearing how director Peter Jackson described him as a real-life Hobbit, Martin Freeman laughs. “He can talk!” he scoﬀs. “Peter is the person who is closest to a Hobbit. And unlike a Hobbit, I did leave home for 18 months – he didn’t!”

War Horse, one of the most sought-after stage shows of all time, is coming to Arts Centre. Since its world premiere in London in 2007, War Horse has won numerous prestigious awards including two Laurence Olivier Awards, five Tony Awards and many more. Nick Stafford’s stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s book tells the heart-wrenching story of Joey, the beloved horse of a boy named Albert, who is sold to the cavalry at the outbreak of World War I and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. The performances features astonishing life-size puppets, created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. Actors, working with these dynamic puppets, will lead Australian audiences on an emotionally charged journey through history. It opens this week and runs until March.

Beat Magazine Page 24

He has a point. Freeman, the star of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, spent a year and a half in Jackson’s native New Zealand shooting three prequels to the hugely popular Lord Of The Rings trilogy. That series remains the highest-grossing film franchise ever, winning a record 17 Oscars. “Everywhere I walk is my face!” laughs Martin. “If I translated that into thinking I’m responsible for the film I’d go mad. Fortunately, the star of the film is the film. And Peter. But I would like a ring of power. I’d use it to be invisible and get in and out of this hotel.” Freeman is going to need that ring even more once An Unexpected Journey is released in cinemas worldwide. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s children’s book The Hobbit, this first film introduces us to a younger Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) who is perfectly happy in his boring life at home, until Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen) ambushes him with a pack of dwarves and convinces him to come on an adventure. “Martin was always our first choice for Bilbo,” admits Jackson. “Bilbo is written in a very English style – slightly fussy, suspicious of adventures and other people, doesn’t want to get into danger. We wanted to find an actor who could do the dramatic parts of the role but also have the comedy. We did have a problem that by the time we were green lit, Martin was on a TV show and not available. I went into a real panic; I couldn’t imagine anyone else doing it. So we did something no-one does: we started shooting with Martin, and we stopped so he could shoot the show. That’s how badly we wanted him.”

That risk was certainly worth it, with Freeman impressing everyone on set, including veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen. “I remember quite late into the shoot, I was standing behind the camera feeding him lines, and I watched him do the same passage over and over again, and every time, he did it differently. I was in awe; I couldn’t see how he did it. Martin’s a brilliant comedian and I wouldn’t mind taking acting lessons from him, but he said, ‘Oh, I’m not going to give you any tips…’” McKellen is one of the few actors reprising their roles from The Lord Of The Rings, but for a time he wasn’t sure if he’d come back. The Hobbit suffered major production delays, partly due to MGM Studio’s financial difficulties and partly because of a change in directors, with Peter Jackson unsure he wanted to do it. “I had to buffer myself in case the film was never made, by thinking up all the reasons why I wouldn’t want it,” admits McKellen. “Like, ‘I won’t have to live away from home for 18 months.’ Or ‘I won’t have to revisit a part I’ve already played.’ But in the end a friend said to me, ‘Ian, the fans aren’t going to care that you’re going to be inconvenienced somewhat by going back to Middle Earth. They just want you to be in the film.’ I don’t think that had ever been said to me before about any part I have played – that there were an awful lot of people who wanted me to do it. And I realised I wanted it myself. I just couldn’t have John Hurt coming in, putting on a beard!” As to why fans are so invested in the films, Jackson

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thinks it’s to do with the realism Tolkien created. “What Tolkien does is make fantasy feel authentic, making it feel like part of history, even though it has these creatures. Somehow it feels real in a way that a lot of fantasy doesn’t.” And this time around, the films will feel even more real, with Jackson utilising a new high-resolution 3D format, making the images look so clear, it’s as if you’re peering into a window rather than onto a flat screen. “This format is a gift, a tool I can use to make you feel part of that world,” says Jackson. “But of the 25,000 cinemas around the world screening The Hobbit, only about 1,000 of them are going to show the new format. We just want to see what the response is. It’s a very different look, there’s a reality to it that takes some time to get used to.” Andy Serkis, who reprises his role as Gollum, also worked with the new format as Second Unit Director. “I think it’s brilliant. It’s invigorating, totally immersive and the level of detail is unparalleled. It will shock and upset people, but it’s new, and things always shock and upset people when they’re new. Kids used to playing video games will not even think about it for a second, because they’re used to looking at incredible clarity and receiving stories at that level. Our generation is in love with the old format because it’s what we’ve grown up with, and how we see film. But that will change.” Something that isn’t likely to change is how beloved Serkis’ Gollum character is. The actor admits, “On a daily basis people come up to me and talk about Gollum. I’m on the Tube in London and people talk to me, start doing their impersonation or ask me to do Gollum. It’s just become part of my life, bizarrely.” Sir Ian McKellen agrees that the fans’ connection with his character will probably never end, admitting, “I suppose if I have a gravestone it will say ‘Here Lies Gandalf’ and I can imagine the newspaper headlines, ‘Gandalf has died’. But they’d be wrong because Gandalf never dies…” he says, with a wink.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey opens in cinemas nationwide today.

CINEMA —

Berberian Sound Studio M Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines CTC Laurence Anyways MA15+ Urbanized CTC

$6 Before Six

See any ﬁlm in our Long Play summer season before 6pm and pay only $6!* Thursday 27 December 2012 — Sunday 3 February 2013 www.acmi.net.au/ﬁlm

* excluding public holidays

ACMI Cinemas Federation Square Melbourne

FOR MORE ARTS NEWS, REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS VISIT BEAT.COM.AU

THE COMIC STRIP COMMEDIA DELL PARTE Commedia Dell Parte is back for 2013. Take that Mayan calendar! We are kicking the year oﬀ with a marvellous line-up of Melbourne Comics. Joining your host Sean Ryan we have Tommy Dassalo, Karl Chandler, Brad Oakes, Trav Nash, Tony Besselink and Leon Hady. The room runs on a ‘pay as you like’ basis, so come along and have a great laugh, then pay what you believe the show is worth on the way out. Commedia Dell Parte runs every Thursday, from 8.30pm at the George Lane Bar, St Kilda.

FELIX BAR COMEDY

HOTHOUSE

DON QUIXOTE In September, the Australian Ballet announced that Don Quixote will open the 2013 ballet season for the company. Three months later, we’re now privy to what to anticipate from this Spanish classic. Don Quixote illustrates the tale of Kitri, who had an inherent case of cold feet. Through restrained, precise movements, the lead dancers Natalia Ospiava and Ivan Vasiliev will articulate the tale of Kitri and Basilio, and their passionate love for two nights only in March. Osipova and Vasiliev are acclaimed ballerinas superstars from Russia, in case you were wondering. All other performances will be presented by the Australian Ballet. Don Quixote will showcase 13 performances from Friday March 15 – Tuesday March 26 at the Arts Centre. International ballerinas, Natalia Ospiava and Ivan Vasiliev will join the cast on Saturday March 16 and Monday March 18.

The Australia Centre for the Moving Image is offering places in its program Hothouse: Tall Poppies Grow Here, an intensive one-week program to nurture ten of Victoria’s best young filmmakers. Hothouse will grant students from years 10 – 12 the opportunity to experience a fast-paced studio environment, while receiving hands on experience with industry specialists and ACMI staff. Keynote speakers will be featured in the program, helping aspiring filmmakers to network. ACMI sees the program as a way to inspire, encourage and help nurture budding filmmakers, while allowing them insight into professional filmmaking and tertiary film study. Applications for Hothouse: Tall Poppies Grow Here are now open; application kits can be found online. Applications close Monday February 25.

4000 MILES

THE BOX BROWNIE YEARS

This February, Julia Blake joins Red Stitch ensemble members Tim Ross and Ngaire Dawn Fair in the Australian premiere of the critically acclaimed 4000 Miles, a powerful tale that explores the relationship between a grandson who can’t face his life and a grandmother who struggles to remember hers. After suﬀering a major loss on a crosscountry bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. The two are worlds apart; Leo is a new age lefty and Vera is a challenging old style Jewish leftist. 4000 Miles looks at the honest and prickly relationship, spanning a 70year age gap, between a grandmother and her grandson who despite their diﬀerences, attempt to seek solace from loss. Directed by Mark Pritchard, and written by awardwinning American playwright Amy Herzog, don’t miss 4000 Miles when it premieres on Friday February 8 and runs until Saturday March 9. There are preview screenings on Wednesday February 6 and Thursday February 7. Tickets through redstitch.net

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Photography will host a collection of Robert Rooney’s photographs during his days at Swinburne Technical College, entitled The Box Brownie Year 1956-58. Robert Rooney is an Australian artist esteemed for his adept conceptual art immersed with influences of postmodernism, the abstract and suburban life. He is an exceptional artist and his budding photographs show this. Rooney’s collection of black-and-white photography captures the innocence of Melbourne’s suburban stress, schoolyards and lifestyle, while still capturing a self-aware consciousness fraught with danger. Photography wise, it truly shows his journey as over those years. Complementing the exhibition will be a recent film entitled The Quadrangle 1956 (2009), a film created from Rooney’s photographs during this year. The Box Brownie Years 1956-58 will be exhibited at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Photography from Wednesday April 3 – Sunday May 19. There will be an opening night on Thursday March 28. Admission is free.

BLAK Bangarra Dance Theatre is considered Australia’s premier national Indigenous performing arts company, and next year the company returns with Blak, an expression of autobiographical stories. Through Bangarra’s young artists, Blak captures their experiences, their cultures, and their transition into adulthood. It solidiﬁes the innate connection that these youths hold with Indigenous culture, language and heritage. This year saw a lucrative success, and recognition for the company with 123 performances over 19 cities, including Sydney and New York. Bangarra Dance received various awards too, a Helpmann, Arts Hub and Australian Dance award. During NAIDOC week the company was awarded Artist of the Year. Blak will be performed at the Arts Centre from Friday May 3 – Saturday May 11. Tickets can be purchased through the Arts Centre.

FRANKSTON WATERFRONT FESTIVAL Frankston will be hosting their Waterfront Festival this January. The Waterfront Festival is one of the highlights of the Frankston year. It boasts an array of activities including canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and out rigging. Sponsored by Boost Juice, including other various coffee vendors, the event will include a Beer and Wine Garden as well as heaps of food. On the Saturday night the pyromaniacs come out as the council lights the sky. That’s right, fireworks kiddos. Coupling this will be an array of Australian artists who will performance renowned songs across the weekend. The Frankston Waterfront Festival will be held at the Frankston Waterfront from Saturday January 19 – Sunday January 20, with fireworks unveiled on the Saturday night. Admission is free.

Bored on Boxing Day? Sick of Christmas? Come down to St Kilda to see a cracking lineup when there’s nothing else to do in Melbourne! We’ve got Jeﬀ Stilson, Harley Breen, Xavier Michelides, Karl Chandler, Josh Earl and more! And it’s all in sunny St Kilda! It’s happening this Wednesday December 26 at 8.30pm for only $12!

DANNY BHOY Entitled Dear Epson..., the Scottish comedian’s 2013 tour will be a satire about the representation of letters. Sounds boring? It’s probably not. Bhoy is known for his intelligent wit that satirises popular culture alongside human experience. He has innate timing, deliverance, and knows how not to milk a joke for too long; this has made him a regular visitor to Australia since debuting in 2003. Bhoy hosted the Sydney Comedy Gala earlier this year, to much acclaim. He’s also been compared as “the stand up equivalent of Bill Bryson”, which is a grand compliment. Therefore, Dear Epson... tickets should be on your to-do list. Dear Epson... will be playing the Arts Centre Playhouse from Tuesday April 2 – Monday April 31. Tickets are available via Ticketek.

RUSSELL PETERS Prepare yourself. Russell Peters is returning to Australia next year. Renowned for his comedic social commentary, the Canadian giant returns to Australia for his world tour, after selling out faster than Madonna in Dubai. Peters guarantees that there will be no old material, rather new material that’s comparable to his old stuﬀ. Therefore, it’s guaranteed to be a laugh. The Notorious World Tour will feature Peters’ friendly tour DJs, as well as video cameras and screens for close-ups of Peters’ dynamic face. Peters is one of the world’s highest earning comics, known for turning morose, tentative subjects into witty skits that resonant something more. The Notorious World Tour with Russell Peters will be showing at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday March 7. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketek.

SUPANOVA Supanova Expo have delivered a Christmas gift to pop-culture fans, announcing a brand-new SupaStar guest in the expo’s celebrity lineup for April’s events in Melbourne and on the Gold Coast. David Hasselhoff, star of Baywatch, Knight Rider and countless TV specials, is a veritable small-screen institution. In recent years, his popularity has grown with Generation Y audiences due to his reputation as an Internet meme known simply as ‘The Hoff’. This is a pretty hilarious and awesome addition to Supanova – a celebration of popular culture, encompassing TV and film, geekery, gaming and gadgetry, collectibles, comics, cosplay and much more. Guests already announced inclide Eliza Dushku (Bring It On, True Lies) Natalia Tena (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones), Sam Jones (Flash Gordon, Ted), Vic Mignogna (anime actor from Fullmetal Alchemist, Bleach) Garry Chalk (voice actor, Optimus Prime from Transformers) Dave Gibbons (artist of the seminal comic book, Watchmen) Greg Cipes (Ben-10) and more. Supanova will run at the Melbourne Showground on Saturday April 13 and Sunday April 14.

Beat Magazine Page 26

THE WAYAN BROTHERS

SHUT UP AND PLAY THE HITS Last year LCD Soundsystem announced their retirement. In celebration, and as a tribute to their fans, they performed one last show at Madison Square Gardens in New York and ﬁlmed it. Shut Up and Play the Hits became this performance. Consisting of a concert ﬁlm and documentary that explores the man behind the band, James Murphy, Shut Up and Play the Hits is a must see for any LCD Soundsystem fan. The Shadow Electric Open Air Cinema had a successful debut season last year. Shut Up and Play the Hits is one of the follow-ups to this. Table tennis, food, booze and music spun by Animal Dancing DJs will be provided, as well as a scenery they didn’t have to pay for. Shut Up and Play the Hits will screen on Sunday January 6 at The Abbotsford Convent at 12pm. Tickets, including a full 2013 program, can be found through 2013.shadowelectric.com.au

ARTS NEWS, REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS ONLINE – BEAT.COM.AU/ARTS

Comedy stars Shawn and Marlon Wayans, the team behind classics such as Scary Movie 1 & 2 and White Chicks, will tour Australia for the first time in 2013. Shawn and Marlon Wayans made their acting debut in 1989 in brother Keenen Ivory Wayans’ feature film I’m Gonna Get You Sucka, before joining the cast of the Emmy Award winning comedy series, In Living Color. Other credits include their own sitcom – The Wayans Bros. – as well as Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in The Hood and Little Man. Also their brother Damon Wayans starred in the hilarious/cult/critically-panned film Major Payne as the tough drill sergeant Major Payne – what a name for a drill sergeant! If I were one of his cadets, I’d be like, “Payne is dishing out the pain today! Am I right fellas! The Wayans Brothers perform at The Athenaeum on Friday May 10 and Saturday May 11.

OZ HORROR CON BY NICK TARAS

“It is going to be more than an experience, an adventure in horror — an immersive experience — a visual and multi-sensory interaction with smells and sounds. It’s not your typical walk around and buy stuff type of convention, although you can do that as well of course. It’s more interactive, more immersive,” explains Steve Dillon, the spookmeister behind the upcoming Oz Horror Con. The convention is a comprehensive three-day horror experience that aims to transcend mere observation and instead absorb its participants into the paradoxically amusing world of horror. As Dillon is hinting at, true horror is felt when the mind is unable to comfort itself in knowing that the phenomena taking place is merely an illusion. For example, in the final episode of John Safran vs. God, Safran famously receives an exorcism by preacher and exorcist Bob Larson, and the authenticity of his frightening reaction is still ambiguous to this day. This is why films such as Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project market themselves as based on real events. Similarly, Oz Horror Con has also been designed to allow visitors to partake in the terror. “One of my missions from the start was to try to bring together all these subcultures and subgenres of horror and paranormal – we’ve got a big paranormal following as well; the Australian Paranormal Society, Paranormal Guide and all sorts of people are interested in that. We’ve got great novelists coming; these are award-winning Australian authors and artists. The Australian Horror Writers Association have been right with us from the start and that’s been great, that lends the whole thing a lot of kudos and prestige and because we really respect those guys. “Different types of vendors will be selling different things and offering different services. We’ve got about 15 guests who’ll be speaking on different topics and a few more interactive, entertainment type of activities will be running throughout the weekend as well. There will be zombie surprises everywhere, all kinds of madness, and evil clowns lurking about hopefully, just causing mayhem.” Part of the reason that Oz Horror Con looks to be successful and engaging is the fact that Dillon and the organisers are horror geeks themselves. You can tell by the excited tone Dillon’s voice shifts to when I bring up the guests that this is a convention made by actual horror lovers. “The idea’s been in mind for a long time, and I was at a convention earlier this year and to be honest, it wasn’t a great experience for the vendors, the attendees, even the guests weren’t comfortable with the event. And it was very large and it just wasn’t what I felt a fan convention should be. And so that sparked a thought: ‘Let’s do what I’m passionate about – horror – and let’s merge that with the whole pop culture/cosplay thing’. You’ll see me dressed as Pinhead at different conventions, and I’m photographed a hundred times, so I thought that a lot of people are into this stuff, let’s give it the right avenue for them to explore it. “We did have Ramsey Campbell as our guest of honour but unfortunately Ramsey can’t make it but he’s promised to make it to another one – that was due to health reasons, and we’re hoping Mark Patton will come to the next one. But then last week I announced three new guests – Shane Briant – he’s from the classic Hammer House of Horror, been in a couple of Frankenstein movies, and of course

“ IT IS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, IT IS INTERACTIVE AND FULLY IMMERSIVE” The Picture of Dorian Gray which is an absolute classic. “[Australians] are quite renowned for our horror movies, and we do have an awful lot of talent. Aaron Sterns, who’s the co-writer of Wolf Creek 2, he’s doing a speech called Back at the Creek, and he’s also writing Wolf Creek One, the book, a prequel to Wolf Creek. We will have quite a few women authors, so one of the topics on the table is Women in Horror – it might end up being called something different. It’s encompassing: graphic novelists, artists, we’ve got some performers doing some interactive skits, it’s crazy. It’s amazed me that nobody else has really focused on it in the past. Tattooists and tattoo artists and body ink is largely based on horror, so let’s hope those guys really embrace the convention and come along and support it. “We’re gonna have lots of people sitting at tables, who are published authors and graphic novelists, and you can talk to these people. It is up close and personal, it is interactive and fully immersive, and some things we haven’t even mentioned or put up on the website are we’re having an art gallery, so I’m trying to encompass horror as a genre even across fine art or horror art. We’ve got people making body parts and people selling fur coats and animal skins – it’s going to be wacky.” To help conjure a terrifying vibe, Oz Horror Con will be set in the spooky cellars underneath the Donkey Wheel House. “The [mini convention] in October was actually held in the Royal Melbourne Hotel, which is haunted and it’s got some cells and we had the paranormal people do workshops and explore cells, and that was really well received – the atmospheric dungeon feel of the place. The cold, barren, bleak, distant realms of some of the other venues didn’t really appeal anymore, but I wanted to make this larger but intimate and atmospheric. I looked around and the cellars just leaped at me as the obvious choice. It’s got a great history, a great feel and vibe, it’s got tunnels and hidden corners where we can hide zombies in window frames and behind curtains.” From films to paintings to the launch of a Lin Carter graphic novel, Oz Horror Con is the first large, fully-focused-onhorror convention that Australia has seen. “Come so we can scare the living daylights out of you. Come along, have fun, meet people, do stuff, let the inner demon out.”

Oz Horror Con runs from Friday January 18 – Sunday January 20 at Donkey Wheel House on Bourke Street in the CBD. Check out ozhorrorcon.com for more information.

ARTS NEWS, REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS ONLINE – BEAT.COM.AU/ARTS

Beat Magazine Page 27

THE MT BULLER SCULPTURE AWARD The Mt Buller Arts Association are currently hosting The Mt Buller Sculpture Award. The exhibition will showcase the 20 ﬁnalists’ work at Mt Buller Sculpture Park. It’s a biennial event that sees the prize-winner presented with $100,000, but it’s not just for the artists. People vote for the People’s Choice Prize, a $10,000 prize provided by Foodworks. The winner of the Mt Buller Sculpture Award will be announced on Wednesday February 20 at Mt Buller Sculpture Park, with all works judged by Doug Hall. The biennial event will create Australia’s ﬁrst mountain-top sculpture park. The Mt Buller Sculpture Award exhibition is currently being hosted at Mt Buller Sculpture Park until Monday April 29. Admission is free.

LOUISE BOURGEOIS AT HEIDE

Heide Museum of Modern Art are showcasing the brilliance of Louise Bourgeois. Running until Monday March 11, 2013, and presented in the main galleries – Heide III – Louise Bourgeois: Late Works is the ﬁrst exhibition in Australia to survey the work of this profoundly important artist since her death in 2010. Focusing on the ﬁnal 15 years of Bourgeois’ career, the exhibition examines the use of fabric in the artist’s works, and includes 18 sculptures,

Beat Magazine Page 28

two suites of fabric drawings, watercolours, embroidered texts and lithographs never before seen in Australia. Central to the exhibition is Spider – one of the artist’s famous Cells sculptures which is dominated, enclosed and protected by a gargantuan spider – a recurring and powerful motif in the artist’s work. Louise Bourgeois and Australian Artists, running until Sunday April 14, is the second exhibition presented in Heide II, and reveals the enormous inﬂuence of Bourgeois locally. The exhibition examines the works of artists who share Bourgeois’ compelling combination of abstraction and ﬁguration, her psycho-sexual themes and surrealist sensibility. Del Kathryn Barton, Janet Burchill, Kathy Temin, Pat Brassington, Brent Harris, Carolyn Eskdale and Patricia Piccinini are just some of the Australian artists represented. For more information, check out heide.com.au

FRESHLY BAKED GALLERY In an innovative take on the art gallery, Freshly Baked Gallery decided to create an art gallery that is purely online. Through the use of highresolution photography, technology and a userfriendly layout, Freshly Baked Gallery provides the everyday gallery experience in your home, minus all those people. Artist biographies, artwork and pricing information can be easily found. The mouse and the keyboard allow you to move through each artwork in admiration, while a megaphone pictogram gives you the option of background music. It’s a new way to culturally educate people, taking an experience like Flickr or DeviantArt and turning it into something more professional. Of course, if you did want to take someone, Freshly Baked oﬀers the option of inviting a friend. Considered too cool for words, check out freshlybakedgallery.com now.

ARTS NEWS, REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS ONLINE – BEAT.COM.AU/ARTS

NEW OLDS

It is a common perception that creativity is dead, that we merely engage in innovation; New Olds – Design between Tradition and Innovation, RMIT Gallery’s latest exhibition, is here to unravel that for you. New Olds is the brain child of German designer, sometimes curator, Volker Albus. During expeditions to India, the designer became aware of the Indian’s penchant for Western inspired themes. Enlisting the help of 57 artists from around the world including Germany and Europe, Albus curated a collection of works that explore what is ‘new’ and ‘old’. It sees the convergence history, culture and ideas illustrated through various artistic mediums. New Olds give context to imagination, innovation and creativity. New Olds – Design between Tradition and Innovation will be exhibited at RMIT Gallery until Saturday March 9.

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DECEMBER/JANUARY

FALLS FESTIVAL: SBTRKT [UK], COOLIO [USA] + MORE

Saturday December 28 – Tuesday January 1, Lorne TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS [UK] Saturday December 29, Corner Hotel LET THEM EAT CAKE: KERRI CHANDLER [USA], THE GASLAMP KILLER [USA] + MORE Tuesday January 1, Werribee Park SUMMADAYZE: THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS [UK], M.I.A [UK], MARK RONSON [UK] + MORE Tuesday January 1, Sidney Myer Music Bowl MARCELLUS PITTMAN [USA], PSYCHEMAGIK [UK] Tuesday January 1, The Bridge KRAFTY KUTS [UK], A-SKILLZ [UK], CAMO & KROOKED [UK] + MORE Tuesday January 1, Brown Alley ASTRIX [ISR], ANGY KORE [ITA], MIN & MAL [ITA] Tuesday January 1, Royal Melbourne Hotel SBTRKT [UK] Wednesday January 2, Billboard DE LA SOUL [USA] Thursday January 3, The Espy RUSTIE [UK], ROSKA [UK], XXXY [UK] + MORE Friday January 4, Brown Alley CHAPELIER FOU [FRA] Saturday January 5, The Toff In Town HOT CHIP [UK] Wednesday January 9, The Palace PLEASUREKRAFT [USA] Sunday January 22, Revolver Upstairs CRYSTAL CASTLES [CAN] Tuesday January 22, Billboard THE BLOODY BEETROOTS [ITA] Thursday January 24, The Palace CLAUDE VONSTROKE [USA], JUSTIN MARTIN [USA] Friday January 25, Brown Alley SOUL CLAP [USA] Friday January 25, The Liberty Social RAINBOW SERPENT: GUY J [ISR], CHRISTIAN SMITH [SWE], PETER VAN HOESEN [BEL] Friday January 25 - Monday January 28, Lexton BIG DAY OUT: THE BLOODY BEETROOTS [ITA], KASKADE [USA], CRYSTAL CASTLES [CAN] + MORE Saturday January 26, Flemington Racecourse WOLFGANG GARTNER [USA], PROXY [RUS], HUORATRON [FIN] Saturday January 26, Royal Melbourne Hotel 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 ABOVE & BEYOND [UK] Saturday February 2, Hisense Arena HOLY OTHER [UK] Tuesday February 5, Workers Club EL-P [USA] Wednesday February 6, Corner Hotel JACKMASTER [UK], SHLOHMO [USA] Friday February 8, The Liberty Social 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 DAMIAN LAZARUS [UK], SUBB-AN [UK], SHAUN REEVES [GER] + MORE Sunday February 17, TBA PICTUREPLANE [USA] Sunday February 17, The Liberty Social DIXON [GER], HUXLEY [UK] Friday February 22, 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

REAL TALK

I am most likely totally drunk as you are reading this. Happy holidays, y’all. See you on the other side. Tyson Wray

Lunacy: With Lunice

Lunice Fermin Pierre II has taken over the asylum because his sound is crazy, his vibe is inconceivable, and his appeal boundless. In a little over a year, Lunice had managed to capture the attention of the world, with an eclectic sound and out-of-the ordinary production capability. He’ll be featured by The Operatives as part of Espionage at Revolt Artspace in Kensington on Saturday February 16. Joining him will be Dizz1 with a full love band, along with Cosmo, A13, NAM, JPS and more.

Summer Beats Soundsystem: Captain Hook

Just added to the extraordinary Summer Beats Soundsystem bill, for an epic finale set, is Israeli progressive trance star Captain Hook. From the people who brought you Earthcore, St Kilda Festival and Brunswick St Festival dance music stages, Solar Empires’ next summer spectacular lands New Year’s Day. Captain Hook will join country-mate Astrix, Italy’s Angy Kore’s and Min&Mal, local lads Suntribe, DJ Ozzy, Mishchief, Ben Evans, Tech Aid, Pakman, Killa, Lucca Tan, Robert Anthony, Punkz on Junk, Herc Kass, Chris Meehan, Ken Zo, Miss Behaviour, Jules Plees, Psydtrak and Adam Small! It’s on at Royal Melbourne Hotel on New Year’s Day. Check out solarempire.com.au for more information.

Combine three of Melbournes prolific dance party crews with three visionary international artists and you have a formula for a party that is unbeatable. Loud, Riot and Solar Empire to bring you one of the biggest names in electro, Wolfgang Gartner, hot on the heals of his latest album release alongside Russian heavyweight Proxy and Finish overlord Huoratron. Surrender yourself at RMH The Venue on Saturday January 26

Grouse: Pictureplane

Pictureplane has a compelling way of merging deep blend house, noise, synth pop, darkwave, psychedelia, world music and trippy new age space-time theories into emotionally compelling soundscapes. With music that is deeply emotive and with an unconventional punk rock-like approach, Pictureplane is bringing all of this to The Liberty Social. With local support from Romy whose ‘90s house flavoured music is a nostalgic delight and Roland Tings, a man renowned for an incredible live show the show is set to be an aural delight. It’s all happening at The Liberty Social on Sunday 17 February.

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

EDITORIALDEADLINE - 2PM FRIDAYS NO EXCEPTIONS UP TO DATE

To celebrate the fact that we are still on Earth and able to chow down on delicious bird seed and worms, two of the most talented and current electronic musicians in the world will be migrating south to our sunny shores: Marcel Dettmann and Blawan. Marcel played a fantastic sold out show just a year ago with his fellow European Deutscher buddy Ben Klock and the same can be said for Blawan with Pariah. Brown Alley will never be the same again. Support comes from Child, Darius Bassiray, Audixx, Jacob Malmo and more. It’s on at Brown Alley on Friday February 15.

Espionage: Spies, Lies and Highs

The team behind Espionage – The Operatives – have put together a belter of a lineup set to sneak into Liberty Social in February. LA’s Shlohmo has rocketed onto the industry’s radars in recent months with his lofi, psychedelic mix of abstract hip hop, bouncy synthfunk, breezy trip hop, and what sounds like lost Mo’ Wax gems from an alternate future. He’ll be joined by the very talented Jackmaster, Silent Jay, Able8 and more at Liberty Social on Friday February 8.

Heating Up: Boiler Room

Since its beginnings in March 2010, Boiler Room TV has hosted a long list of elite artists, revolutionising the way we listen and experience music. A household institution already, Boiler Room TV is a series of small invite-only DJ sets and live performances broadcast live onto the Internet. Hosting the biggest and most exclusive names in dance music including Jamie xx, Lone, Caribou, Jonti and James Blake, Boiler Room TV is finally making waves in Australia. Boiler Room TV will broadcast live for Sugar Mountain Festival on Saturday 19 December and at The Bottom End on Sunday 27 January.

DJ Profile: FLIP3000 (aka FLIP3k)

Tekstep: Gippsland Wonderland

The infamous Tekstep crew is back with a three-day celebration of beats and bass in the beautiful Victorian bush. Friends, good music, massive soundsystem, camping, fishing and bushwalking. Drum and bass, breaks, dubstep, reggae, dub and bass/breakbeat music from a huge selection of Melbourne’s finest and most passionate DJs and crews. What better way to spend a weekend? The beautiful, lush venue for this event is located two hours from Melbourne and features plenty of camping space, rivers, fishing, bushwalking tracks, toilets/showers and even cabins/beds for those who like their luxuries. Artists confirmed so far include Dub FX, MC Pab, Hans DC, Safire, Finna, Citizen.com, Matty Blades, Kodiak Kid, C:1, Roln, Beatski, SpinFX, Raider, Lickweed, Heartical Hi-Fi Outernational, Stryker D, CTOAFN, J Chau, (Twisted Audio National DJ competition winner), Lex, Frederick and more. It’s on from Friday February 9 Monday February 11 in Gippsland.

Electric Owl: Blade Runnin’ with Marcel Dettmann and Blawan

Party Profile: No Frills NYE With Hands In The Air Man

Lockdown: Jail Rave

RESPONSIBLE:

Based in Manchester but originally from Wolverhampton, Fantastic Mr Fox has been producing since the age of 14, gradually taking elements from a variety of genres and adding them to his sound. Following releases on Hemlock and Black Acre Recordings, he was asked to support Mercury music prize winners The XX on their American tour, alongside Warpaint and Zola Jesus. Now, he’ll be rippin’ and tearin’ at Espionage in March, alongside Fugitive, Sean Deans and Edd Fisher. It’s on at Liberty Social on Saturday March 9. More information to be released soon.

Where’s the strangest place you’ve woken up? On top of a rooftop of a high rise apartment building in Hong Kong. Describe yourself using the title of a song. Club Therapy - Peace Division What was the weirdest thing you believed as a child? Cemeteries were always situated in the middle of town. Thanks dad. The most awkward moment you’ve had as a DJ? Having your equipment die mid set is not fun. Standing in front of a crowd trying to cool down the overheated amp by fanning it with my vinyl is up there. Rocking up to a gig and having forgot to pack your laptop – stupidest thing I’ve done recently. What would be the worst dance track in the world to be tortured with on repeat? Watch MTV for two minutes and pick a song at random - Anything Pitbull, LMFAO or Swedish House Mafia. What’s the most played record in your bag? Serato Control Record? This year has been a bit of a Justin Martin year – anything off Ghettos & Gardens. What question would you like to ask an omniscient, all-knowing being before you die? Can I watch a highlights reel of my life? If you hadn’t made it as a DJ, what job would you choose to work in instead? Anything where I’m not in front of a computer all day. A photographer, or maybe a real estate guy. Having a collection of dapper work suits would be nice. When and where is your next gig? What’s Doing?! at on Workshop Saturday December 29, Tribe NYD at Brown Alley on Tuesday January 1 and No Parlay Boat Party on Saturday January 19.

For those that don’t know, what exactly is No Frills NYE and how did it get started? No Frills NYE started four years ago, we got sick of these over charged parties over crowded venues and they are usually not as good as it sounds on paper. So we decided to do something about it. The first one was more of a party for our immediate friends, and over the year friends of friends, regulars and locals have made it their little tradition to spend NYE with us at Lucky Coq. We are opening our doors as per usual 11.30am and closing them at 3am, there will be no cover charge, free pool table, free BBQ (during the day) no inflated prices no super star DJs (just our favourite ones). You’re known now as the mascot for No Frills NYE, how does one become a mascot, are you appointed or did you dance your way into it? Funny you ask, I actually danced my way in, as a matter of fact this is how they’ve spotted me, I was standing in the crowd dancing like a fanatic, hands in the air. One of the staff came up to me and told me I was the representation of what one should be on NYE; happy, dancing, a little crazy and always a smile on. In the time you’ve been involved with Lucky Coq and No Frills NYE, are there any crazy moments that stick out? Every time I’m on the dance floor, it’s a memorable moment. You’re not a fan of overcrowded venues or expensive drinks, how does No Frills NYE counteract those concerns and help the cause? Lucky Coq is one of these joints, no pretention just good intentions; it’s one of the only venues on Chapel Street that’s not charging on the door at NYE. They are keeping their prices low so it doesn’t hurt your wallet! What do you think are the ingredients to the perfect NYE party? Good music, good people and make sure you’ve got a drink and a few girls around you for the count down! What kind of music can people expect and is there a genre that really gets you going on the dance floor? Hip hop, R&B, soul, funk and a heap of party tunes will be played upstairs from 7pm and electro, house, disco downstairs from 9pm. Are there any specific moves you like to break out or do you just go where the rhythm takes you? Always go with the rhythm and in the air shaking my dancing pants. Can people expect to see you at Bimbo Deluxe the next day, or are you leaving up to the last minute? Yes you will, it’s only a quick ride to the north side, I’ll probably swing home for a quick nap and then it’s party time on the roof top of Bimbo Deluxe! Free BBQ, DJs and sunshine, nothing wrong with this. And this year they have a massive surprise for us but I can’t say much more than he is a DJ and it’s going to be huge!

THE BIG MAG FOR CLUB CULTURE

100% NEW YEAR’S GUIDE SUMMADAYZE

ORALE

MAD HATTER NEW YEAR

When is it? New Year’s Day Where is it? Sidney Myer Music Bowl Who’s playing? The Chemical Brothers, M.I.A, Knife Party, Maya Jane Coles, Fedde Le Grand and heaps more. What sort of shit will they be playing? The latest and greatest party tunes, from house to techno to dubstep to trance and a whole lot more. What’s the crowd going to be like? The usual Summadayze crowd of champions. What’s the wallet damage? $133.95 plus booking fees. Where can we get tickets from? Ticketmaster.

When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? Lounge Who’s playing? Moonshine, Matt Radovich and Mugen. What sort of shit will they be playing? Tasteful bounce strappin’ club music. What’s the crowd going to be like? Tastefully bounce strappin’. What will we remember in the AM? That sex usually takes place behind closed doors. What’s the wallet damage? $15. Where can we get tickets from? At the door! Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? Where else would you be?

When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? Plan B, 274 Bridge Rd, Richmond Who’s playing? DJ iLLpRintz What’s the crowd going to be like? Dressed up like Alice And Wonderland. What’s the wallet damage? Free. Where can we get tickets from? Plan B. Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? Come join us for an awesome time! $20 beer bucket and Sangria special all night long!

PLATFORM 28’S NEW YEAR’S EVE 1920S PARTY When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? Platform 28, 82 Village Street, Docklands Who’s playing? Jack Newman and Georgia Sinclair . What sort of shit will they be playing? Commercial house, top 40 and party favourites . What’s the crowd going to be like? Mid 20s-40s . What will we remember in the AM? Fabulous costumes, great drinks, awesome atmosphere. What’s the wallet damage? $140 – four hour drinks and nibbles package. Where can we get tickets from? Call 9670 9933. Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? Awesome atmosphere – the party others wish they went to!

NU-DISCO NU-YEAR’S EVE

NO FRILLS NYE

When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? Beer DeLuxe Federation Square. Who’s playing? Kasey Taylor, Dublin Aunts, Jason D’costa, Kultrun, Andrew Slattery, Mark Santa, Scotty D, Nathan Fuller and George Shakalakka. What sort of shit will they be playing? Celebrate New Year’s Eve by grooving all night long to wild disco beats from Melbourne’s best DJs playing nu-disco, deep house, classic and funky tech house beats. What will we remember in the AM? Your name. What’s the wallet damage? $30 or $120 with drinks package Where can we get tickets from? Phone Jason( 0450 997 126), Adam (0410 621 421) or email nye2012@beerdeluxe. com.au

When is it? All day and all night on New Year’s Eve. Where is it? Lucky Coq, 179 Chapel Street, Windsor, over two levels. Who’s playing? Your mum and some of our favourite DJs. What sort of shit will they be playing? Electro, house, disco (downstairs); hip hop, R&B, soul, funk (upstairs). What’s the crowd going to be like? Mix crowd of friends, local regulars and a bunch of broke people. What will we remember in the AM? Depends on what you’ve been “drinking”, taking pictures might be the way of reviving the memory in the early morning. What’s the wallet damage? None, free entry, no inflated prices. The damage will all depend on your ability to drink/ eat. Where can we get tickets from? No need for that. Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? Because we will be finishing 2012 in a massive kaboom!

LET THEM EAT CAKE

RIVERLAND’S NEW YEAR’S EVE

When is it? New Year’s Day Where is it? Werribee Park Who’s playing? Flying Lotus, Kerri Chandler, Theo Parrish, The Gaslamp Killer, Mathew Jonson, Pearson Sound and many more What sort of shit will they be playing? House, techno, hip hop, breaks, dubstep, glitch hop, and everything else that makes you move What’s the crowd going to be like? Totally up for it! What will we remember in the AM? That you were part of the first Let Them Eat Cake Festival experience. What’s the wallet damage? Final tickets are on sale check letthemeatcakenyd.com.au for up to date prices. Where can we get tickets? See above. Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? Let Them Eat Cake is a New Year’s Day offering a boutique electronic music festival. Dress for the

When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? Riverland Bar Who’s playing? Liz Millar and Anthony Pollard. What sort of shit will they be playing? Funky house with a splash of commercial dance and R&B. What’s the crowd going to be like? Relaxed, excited, friendly, up for a party. What will we remember in the AM? Watching the fireworks from our outdoor decks. What’s the wallet damage? $156 (or $146 for groups of 10+ in one transaction). Where can we get tickets from? riverlandbar.com Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? Drinks, food and dancing under the open sky at all at one of Melbourne’s most iconic venues, what more could you want?

garden party of your life as we roll out a cornucopia of the world’s finest DJs and live performers, art installations, food fit for a queen, and a royally decadent atmosphere. Journey far from the maddening crowds to a spectacular garden site full of sound systems, secret cocktail bars and a queens ransom of arty treats. Your new year is born in unimaginable pleasures. Let us eat cake.

KHOKOLAT BAR NYE

SOCIETY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE

TRIBE NYD

When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? Khokolat Bar, 43 Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD Who’s playing? Damion De Silva, AK, K Dee, Durmy, Jay Sin, Lightning, Yaths, Halfcuts and Fallacy. Hosted by Estelle - Big Brother finalist 2012. What sort of shit will they be playing? R&B, old school, and commercial anthems What’s the crowd going to be like? Lovers of R&B and alcohol. Who else? What will we remember in the AM? Probably nothing after a long night of dancing, drinking, and listening to the best tunes What’s the wallet damage? $25 pre-sold tickets, $30 guestlist, $35 general admission at the door. Where can we get tickets from? Through restless.com. au via PayPal, or call 9426 0800 for credit card payments.

When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? Society Restaurant Who’s playing? Derek {K}, Jules Jay, Tony Crea, Todd Watson and Christina James. What sort of shit will they be playing? House music, party tunes and R&B. What will we remember in the AM? Great night with great music What’s the wallet damage? $130 per head standard package (includes canapes, selected spirits, imported beers, premium wine, champagne and unlimited cocktails). Where can we get tickets from? societyrestaurant. com or Mark on 0435 951 412.

When is it? New Year’s Day Where is it? Brown Alley Who’s playing? Krafty Kuts vs A-Skillz, High Contrast, S.P.Y, Logistics, Camo & Krooked, Pyramid, Specimen A, M-Phazes, Flagrant and many more! What sort of shit will they be playing? Lots of funky beats and big basslines! What will we remember in the AM? Dancing with your Tribe and the layout. What’s the wallet damage? $80-$90. Where can we get tickets from? Moshtix, Polyester Records, Alley Tunes and Brown Alley. Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? We are converting the venue into a massive three layer tribal themed playground featuring a unique interactive decor setup, cutting edge lighting displays and mind bending visuals.

SUMMER BEATS SOUNDSYSTEM When is it? New Year’s Day Where is it? RMH the Venue, 629 Bourke St, Melbourne. Who’s playing? Astrix, Min&Mal, Angy Kore, Suntribe, DJ Ozzy, Mish’Chief, Ben Evans, Tech Aid, Pakman, Killa, Lucca Tan, Robert Anthony, Herc Kass, Punkz on Junk, Chris Meehan, Ken Zo, Miss Behaviour, Jules Plees, Psydtrak and Adam Small. What sort of shit will they be playing? Absolutely killer techno and trance. What’s the crowd going to be like? Fun for the whole family, even your mum. What will we remember in the AM? What was I thinking again? What’s the wallet damage? Second round $55, final round $75 then more on the door Where can we get tickets from? solar-empire.com.au Give us one final reason why we should we start

FLASHBACK TO THE ‘80S When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? Botanical, 169 Domain Rd, South Yarra Who’s playing? Plastic Fantastic What sort of shit will they be playing? ‘80s. What’s the crowd going to be like? People ready to throw down some retro dance moves. What will we remember in the AM? 20% will remember how good I made their night and 80% per cent wouldn’t remember a thing as they will be passed out Where can we get tickets from? At the door or thebotanical.com.au Give us one reason why we should we start off 2013 here? If you want to dance, dance, dance and feel electric then you really should come along, as not only will you be hearing the hits you love but it will also entice you into an ‘80s web and pass onto you some tracks you either forgot or need to bond with.

10.

off 2013 here? Why?! Really, you need to ask why? Here’s why! At our NYD party you will find no spiritual enlightenment whatsoever, absolutely no true love and not a single ounce of cosmic awareness. What you will find however is a epic onslaught on all your senses, the destruction of all your New Year’s resolutions and a long, long repeated “I’m never going out again” inner speech that last well into the following week and beyond!

THE BOATBUILDERS YARD’S NEW YEAR’S EVE When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? The Boatbuilders Yard Who’s playing? DJ Mad Hatter. What sort of shit will they be playing? Funk, soul, reggae, afro beat, Latin, disco, culminating in modern electronic beats. What’s the crowd going to be like? 25-45. What will we remember in the AM? An epic night of fireworks, tall ships, slide shows, and dancing. What’s the wallet damage? $156 including booking fee. Where can we get tickets from? Online at theboatbuildersyard.com.au Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? Best view of Melbourne fireworks and no other party has a DJ on a historic ship!

COVER STORY

MELBOURNE CENTRAL LION TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY When is it? New Year’s Eve, 9pm Where is it? On Level 3 Melbourne Central, 211 Latrobe St. Who’s playing? BOUNCE, DJ Jono Earle and DJ Johnny Gurr. What sort of shit will they be playing? House, top 40, some ‘90s and classics thrown in plus R&B in the back room What’s the crowd going to be like? Fun loving and ready for action! What will we remember in the AM? That foxy guy/gal dressed in green who shouted you a traffic light shot and danced the night away with you. What’s the wallet damage? $25 pre-sale. Where can we get tickets from? Tickets from the bar, or on the night at the door. Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? Heaps of fun. Live music and giveaways all night!

HEAVY INNIT + SPACEWALK’S NEW YEAR’S EVE RAVE

ROYAL DERBY HOTEL’S NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALL

When is it? New Year’s Eve. Where is it? Laundry Bar Who’s playing? 2Fuddha, A13, Able8, Affiks, Arctic, Baddums, Big Baby Justin, Boomba, Carmex, Chronic Sans, Elliot, Gingus Khan, Jelly Fish, Kodiak Kid, Lady Banton, Nam, Onetalk, Polat, Rachel Haircut, Sizzle and Spinfx. What sort of shit will they be playing? Dubstep, footwork, grime, drum and bass, trap, hip hop and dancehall. What’s the crowd going to be like? Non-muscular and shirt wearing. What will we remember in the AM? Hopefully how to get home. What’s the wallet damage? $10. Where can we get tickets from? On the door.

When is it? New Year’s Eve Where is it? Royal Derby Hotel, 446 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Who’s playing? Andy Pala. What sort of shit will they be playing? Retro house funk. What’s the crowd going to be like? If it’s anything like our locals, some seriously fun party-harders. Mainly 25 and older. What will we remember in the AM? The masks. The glitter. The glory What’s the wallet damage? $10 on the door after 9pm. Where can we get tickets from? You can email enquiries@royalderbyhotel.com.au or call 0411 099 908. Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? You will meet the love of your life (this is not a Mayan prediction)

NOIR 5 When is it? New Year’s Eve – 9pm until dawn. Where is it? Level 3 (Fusion and Co.) Who’s playing? Timomatic, Helena, Seany B, Brooke Evers, DJ Tuini, Ed Coleman. What sort of shit will they be playing? House, R&B, commercial dance, ‘90s mash ups and old school. What’s the crowd going to be like? Smart and sexy. What will we remember in the AM? The epic five places which you partied all night long at and the view of the Yarra River fireworks. What’s the wallet damage? $60. Where can we get tickets from? Ticketek. Give us one final reason why we should we start off 2013 here? Noir 5 will be the biggest New Year’s event in Melbourne. With five places to party, over 20 DJs and a view to die for from the Studio 3 deck overlooking the Yarra River fireworks, Noir 5 is not to be missed.

THE BIG MAG FOR CLUB CULTURE

11.

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

WEDNESDAY26TH COQ ROQ 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

MIDNIGHT SOUL ENSEMBLE 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

SOUL ARMY

MIDNIGHT SOUL ENSEMBLE

EDEN SATURDAYS Smashing it every week at Melbourne’s hottest looking venue! Top 40 dance, house and R&B 9-3am, then electro from 3am - 5am. DJ Ontime, DJ Ryza, Scotty Erdos and Azza M. $15/$20, free entry after 4am. Eden, 163 Russell St, Melbourne

LOUNGE-CLUB 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. LoungeClub happens every weekend from 10pm and it’s free entry. Lounge, 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne

FIRST FLOOR SATURDAYS 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

HOT STEP

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

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

LAUNDRY WEDNESDAYS

SATURDAYS AT ONE TWENTY BAR

Deep, dark, minimal dubstep and drum and bass. Laundry Bar, 50 Johnston Street, Fitzroy

THURSDAY27TH 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

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 Celebrate Thursday night at Co. with club classics and dance floor anthems. Co., Crown Entertainment Complex, Lvl 3, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank

FRIDAY28TH 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 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

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, Fitzroy

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

PANORAMA 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

RETRO SEXUAL FRIDAY DJ Grandmaster Vicious spins Fitzroy’s finest mix of ‘80s and ‘90s pop, rock, new wave, hip hop, disco classics and cheese to please plus dance floor anthems from then to now. One Twenty Bar, 120 Johnston St, Fitzroy

SATURDAY29TH

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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

STAR SATURDAYS Star Saturdays - smashing it every Saturday! Phil Ross, Scotty Erdos, DJ Ontime, LC, Nick James, Dane Gains, Ryan Hamill, Deja, Phil Isa, Nixon, Azza M, Scotty Nix, DJ Ryza, C Dubb, Alex-J, G-Funk, Dylisco, Achos, Az, Shaggz and guests. Star Bar, 160 Clarendon St, South Melbourne

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

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

SOUL ARMY 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

SUNDAY30TH 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

SUNDAE SHAKE Our Signature serve. Each and every Sunday we play host to a self professed vinyl junkie caught between the golden years and boogie wonderland. A mouthful? Perhaps. Phato Amano perfectly sets the mood for an audio-adventure that redefines the dance floor weekly. Our Sunday aficionados Agent 86 and Tigerfunk stir up a full cream shake to the flavour of your liking. Forget everything you thought you knew about losing yourself to the grooves. Bimbo Deluxe, 376 Brunswick St (Cnr Rose St), Fitzroy

NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY Time to awwwwwn down. The biggest two partying days of the year are here and there are so many damn parties on that we can even begin to list them all. Not sure which to pick? Slide on back to page 10 and have a look at our round up of all of the parties that we think you should lose your shit at. Bonza!

WEDNESDAY2ND COQ ROQ Rocking Wednesdays at Lucky Coq are rotating DJs Lady Noir, Agent 86, Kiti, Mr Thom, Joybot and guests giving you

ESSENTIALS

SATURDAY5TH EDEN SATURDAYS Smashing it every week at Melbourne’s hottest looking venue! Top 40 dance, house and R&B 9-3am, then electro from 3am - 5am. DJ Ontime, DJ Ryza, Scotty Erdos and Azza M. $15/$20, free entry after 4am. Eden, 163 Russell St, Melbourne

LOUNGE-CLUB 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. LoungeClub happens every weekend from 10PM and it’s free entry. Lounge, 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne

FIRST FLOOR SATURDAYS

Deep, dark, minimal dubstep and drum and bass. Laundry Bar, 50 Johnston Street, Fitzroy

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

THURSDAY3RD 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

FUN HOUSE Celebrate Thursday night at Co. with club classics and dance floor anthems. Co., Crown Entertainment Complex, Lvl 3, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank

FRIDAY4TH 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

FORBIDDEN

SOUTH SIDE HUSTLE

DJ Grandmaster Vicious spins Fitzroy’s finest mix of ‘80s and ‘90s pop, rock, new wave, hip hop, disco classics and cheese to please plus dance floor anthems from then to now. One Twenty Bar, 120 Johnston St, Fitzroy

LAUNDRY WEDNESDAYS

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

RETRO SEXUAL FRIDAY

Forbidden’s venue is going to wow all those that attend through its state of the art sound and lighting system, an amazing balcony overlooking Russell and Bourke Streets and is located in the heart of the city. Forbidden will feature some of the hottest DJs in Melbourne including Anyo, Rufio, Stefan C, Alex Da Kid, Galo, Timmy Edgell and Azza-M. Forbidden is the hottest place to be on a Friday night – the location has just changed. Free entry applies to everyone between 8pm – 9pm and happy hour will run for 3 hours! Eden, 163 Russell St, Melbourne

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

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

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

SUNDAY6TH 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

MONDAY7TH 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

TUESDAY8TH 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

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EDDIE HALLIWELL BULLET: IN BANGKOK From his humble beginnings as a bedroom DJ in Lancashire, international trance kingpin Eddie Halliwell has come a long way. Named Mixmag’s DJ of the Year twice, hosting Fire It Up Radio, which reaches 13 million listeners worldwide and holding residencies in some of the UK’s top clubbing brands, including Goodgreef and Gatecrasher, Eddie Halliwell will soon be returning to Australia to play next year’s Summerdayze festival. 100% caught Halliwell back in the UK, fresh off the release of his new single Bullet In The Gun and a nightmare flight to Bangkok. Just back from playing the Superbeat Music Festival in Bangkok and straight into interviews, Halliwell explains the events behind his recent Twitter posts and why he nearly missed the gig due to flight delays. “I just got back [from Bangkok]. Had a nightmare with flights and scheduling. I was connecting through Finland… and the flight had been cancelled and it was all going to be rescheduled the following day at eight in the morning.” Luckily, a connecting flight to Bangkok and a prodigious amount of disgruntled Tweets saw Halliwell to the gig, days before the release of his single. With a hectic schedule since his Bangkok gig Halliwell has been gradually obtaining feedback from his remix of the classic Bullet In The Gun, released last Wednesday. Halliwell has been grateful to hear it first from fellow DJs. “I’ve not seen too much of it but [I’ve had feedback] on Twitter, messages from people enjoying it,” he says. “Most feedback I’ve been getting has been creeping and crawling out of the DJs. Getting some good feedback from the DJs that have been playing it.” Featured alongside Halliwell on the single is remixes from fellow DJs Gary Maguire and Refracture. Though Halliwell

had his track listed alongside theirs he admits that the process behind Bullet In The Gun was segregated, with Halliwell not having contact with the other artists. “Everyone was doing their own sort of thing. I mean I was just one of the people asked to do the remix.” Though Halliwell admits he believes the segregation allowed him to bring his own interpretation to the song. “I tried to just put the sound in of now and from the other productions that I’ve done… [I took] the sounds that people seemed to sort of enjoy in the sets that I play and bring it into that remix.” For Halliwell, road-testing a track is an essential part of finding what works and what doesn’t. “To date, I’ve been fortunate to have the time to road-test things. Which, to be honest, is very important for me,” he admits. “The more and more you get into production you get deadlines and might not have that opportunity to do it but I think by playing stuff out it gives you such a different feel from working on something in the studio.” Having a chance to road-test some new material at Summerdayze on New Year’s Day, Halliwell compares the advantages of the festival gigs to smaller, intimate gigs. “I like both… I like the intimate gigs because people can see what you’re doing. You’re very close to your audience,” he says. “But on the flipside to that, if you play a big track on a big stage the reaction can be phenomenal. So they’re two completely different gigs, but I like them both.” Shaun Cowe Eddie Halliwell [UK] plays Summadayze on New Year’s Day, Tuesday January 1, at Sidney Myer Music Bowl alongside M.I.A. [UK], Knife Party [AUS] and more.

ASTRIX SUMMER BEATS: ASTRAL AVI The year just gone has been an exciting one for Avi Shmailov. “I’ve been touring a lot and while in the studio, I started exploring different streams of psychedelic and progressive trance,” he says. “The result was that all my recent releases have been different from one another and the feedback and appreciation I got from fans and fellow producers has been so huge that I decided to keep this kind of ‘unpredictable’ music-making and just keep rolling with music as I go along!” Indeed, captivated by the sounds of psy and trance from an early age, the youngster felt it had the right dose of elements that appealed to him: “it was the power of the bass and the emotion of the uplifting melodies. I am a very emotional guy and I find techno a bit too cold for my personal nature. I do love to be influenced by it, but for me, trance is a story telling kind of music and that’s the kind of soundtrack that I prefer to produce at the studio for my fans. Trance music has evolved a lot since the early Goa days but in a way, I try to keep that spirit in all my tracks as it represents a soundscape that I never get tired of and would like to keep inside, all my music while enhancing my technical skills and production values all the time.”

For the lad, a move from Georgia in the former USSR to Israel was a family decision made when he was very young. But all for good reason, because he suggests that at the moment, the local trance scene in Israel is booming. “There are some of the best party vibes I have ever experienced here – even when comparing to other hot spots around the world,” he describes. “There is a new generation of partygoers and crowd here which is very pure, and when they return the love to you while playing, it’s elevating and overwhelming. I am very happy that our home base of Israel has been growing in such a fine manner, as it is the source of our power!” In the studio too, Avi has remixed some tracks for Juno Reactor, Sub6, Easy Riders & Symbolic; he has also collaborated with other local legends Infected Mushroom – the track titled Astrix on Mushrooms will be out on their upcoming Infected Mushroom & Friends EP in January 2013. “I also released the opening track on Ace Ventura & Rocky (aka Easy Riders) compilation New Order 3 as well as two digital EPs and a few free download mixes of my Trance for Nations sessions. Also in the oven is a special two-track project together with the mighty D-Nox!” Keeping busy in

DJ ILLPRINTZ ILL SKILLS: BANGKOK BEATS From his formative days on the competition circuit through to residencies at venues such as The Lounge and Republika and his years living in Thailand, DJ iLLpRintz has been forming quite the résumé. The seasoned Melbourne native, real name Luke Ryley, emerged in 2004, a time when the sound of breakbeats still wafted through local venues, before the large scale proliferation of EDM and clubbing brands. “There were a lot of smaller parties being thrown by amateur promoters and/or DJs, and warehouse parties were really popular,” explains the congenial Ryley. A music lover and “failed guitarist”, he gravitated towards DJing thanks to his love for hip hop and was further inspired to get behind the decks by the instant gratification that comes with it. “As I started to play gigs it became more about the enjoyment and challenge of making people dance.” It was at this time he first learned about the challenges of being a DJ and the skills needed to truly keep a crowd moving. “As most DJs will tell you, getting the floor going and keeping it that way can be a lot harder than it seems.” Evolving his style over time, iLLpRintz has brought in more electronic vibes into his live sets and can now be heard blending hip hop with electronic sounds. These party-rocking skills will be in full effect as he takes over the decks at Plan B in Richmond this New Year’s Eve, performing an expansive nine-hour set. “I get the opportunity to really dig deep into the collection and not only play what’s hot right now, but also get through a lot of the classics from a few different genres,” Ryley enthuses. Always looking to ride positive waves, the veteran DJ has played NYE gigs at numerous venues since getting started. “I’ve been really lucky over the years playing every year for as long as I can remember. I’m looking forward to playing at Plan B this NYE, it’s one of the best

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venues in Richmond.” One of the ingredients that makes Ryley such a unique and complete DJ entity is the three years he spent living and performing in the party centric Thailand. Navigating his way around his new surroundings, he became an established promoter and performer. “Bangkok has an amazing nightlife once you scratch the surface and find the hot spots.” In his time there he linked up with many fellow DJs and industry types, and more importantly met his future wife. Thanks to Thailand’s notoriously humid climate, Ryley also became strongly acquainted with the phenomenon of the rooftop party. “The parties we organised were thrown on some of the lushest rooftops Bangkok has to offer.” As lovers of music and dance, it wasn’t difficult to attract locals (and tourists) to his events, drawing 300-plus people through Facebook promoting alone. “The great thing about organising a party over there was if you invited people, they would come.” When not on the rooftop, he experienced another uniquely Thai phenomenon, the full moon party. Ryley rocked Koh Tao, an island near the full moon party central of Koh Phangan. “Playing New Year’s Eve on the beach there, with people out on the sand as far as the eye could see was a highlight.” Ryley manages to sandwich studio production work in between the gigs and a day job. The owner of the Digital Labs imprint, he’s currently looking to finish off a couple of half-done projects. “It’s near impossible to find time. If I’m not at work I’m preparing for a DJ gig. I’m on holidays now so hopefully it’s a chance for me to get back into the studio.” Andrew ‘Hazard’ Hickey DJ iLLpRintz [AUS] plays at Plan B in Richmond on New Year’s Eve, Monday December 31. FEATURES

the studio it seems is all part of the arrangement. Finally, he describes how he is returning to Australia for what will be his fifth visit. “It’s a magical country Australia! I do love coming over there and experiencing that ‘other side of the world’ vibe; it’s really far from Israel and I always develop expectations along the long journey there but I am happy to report that so far each visit has been rewarding and fulfilling and my gut feeling tells me this coming New Year’s Day party will be a gig to remember, so I would like to thank Spiro and Peter for their ongoing support and professional vision. Keep it real!” And expect with that, the man’s set will be built entirely from his own edits, productions and remixes. “My sets are 100 per cent my own music,” he professes with pride. “That includes remixes and collaborations as well as can be expected. I start more progressive and build up to fullon mania, depending on the length of my set. I am very happy with the journey that I present but I wouldn’t say that I mix too many genres as I feel that it’s all about trance in events where I play, from deep and progressive to full on and psychedelic; but you wouldn’t catch me playing a commercial club anthem or a monotonic techno prison – trance music is the soundtrack of my life!” RK Astrix [ISR] plays Summer Beats Soundsystem at Royal Melbourne Hotel on New Year’s Day, Tuesday January 1, alongside Captain Hook [ISR],Angy Kore [ITA] Min&Mal [ITA],DJ Hal [UK],Suntribe [IND] and more.

A.SKILLZ TRICKATECHNOLOGY: TRIBAL WARFARE A.Skillz, aka Adam Mills, recently got his two sons’ names tattooed onto his forearms. The UK DJ and producer is well known in the breaks world, having started out smashing out sets at FabricLive, Spectrum, Chew The Fat, Supercharged and more. 100% chats with the ever-so-friendly gent about James Bond, his friendship with Krafty Kuts and returning Down Under. Adam Mills is legendary in the breaks scene. The UK DJ and producer is known for his unique mixing and scratching, fierce productions skills and ability to fuse funk, hip hop and breaks into his party-rocking, reputable sets. Now, punters will get another opportunity to see Mills smash out another epic set alongside UK DJ and producer and long time collaborator Krafty Kuts at Tribe NYD. “I’m so happy I get to come back again because I was not expecting to, it’s only the fact that we’re [Krafty Kuts and A.Skillz] doing it together that it sort of gave me the opportunity to come back. It’s a real privilege to be invited back,” Mills says down the line from the UK, having just got up for the day. Mills is in the midst of putting together a DJ mix with Krafty Kuts in the studio and preparing edits for their forthcoming tour Down Under. However, punters shouldn’t expect to hear a strictly TrickaTechnology set when the lads play Tribe. “We got booked for this gig last year and someone decided to put on the flyer that it was a TrickaTechnology show; we didn’t decide to start touring it [TrickaTechnology], we just did a gig together and went about playing it at the same time and then other people saw the way they presented that name and they just started using it and then people started calling it the ‘TrickaTechnology sound-system’ or whatever. “So it’s not like we’ve been working on an album together or anything like that. We’ve put together a few tracks together for an EP which hopefully we’re going to drop before we come out to Australia. We actually just remixed TrickaTechnology – just a track – we thought it’d be a thing worth doing so we’re just finishing that up at the moment.” Krafty Kuts and Mills recently made a 50 Years Of Bond mini mix and Mills says there may even be some Bond edits running through their set at Tribe. But first, Mills needs to actually see Skyfall to maintain credibility. “It’s unbelievable that I haven’t actually seen it [Skyfall] which is so bad because I feel like I put all of that work into that Bond mix!” he says, chuckling. “And the crazy thing is, I live right opposite the cinema and it’s on ever single night. It just seems to me that I don’t quite get around to doing it. When something’s on your doorstep, you always go ‘I’ll go next week’... maybe if I’m lucky I’ll get to see it on the flight over to Australia. I’m actually desperate to see it. I know Krafty has seen it and he loved it. To be honest, I do like the more recent ones, I like them all but I think Daniel Craig is the absolute man; I think Casino Royale is a brilliant film. We’ve been starting our shows with a couple of little Bond things actually. We’re working on our intro today and what exactly we’re going to do but there will be a few little Bond moments in there.”

“We got booked for this gig last year and someone decided to put on the flyer that it was a TrickaTechnology show; we didn’t decide to start touring it [TrickaTechnology], we just did a gig together and went about playing it at the same time and then other people saw the way they presented that name and they just started using it and then people started calling it the ‘TrickaTechnology soundsystem’ or whatever.” But, even if Mills doesn’t get to see Skyfall on the flight over to Australia, it won’t be able to dent his tour experience Down Under; after all, Australia is one of his favourite places to tour. “Honestly, I think some of my most fondest memories – and I’m not just saying this – are actually in Australia when we [Krafty Kuts and A.Skillz] first came over together the first time,” he says. “That, for me, was a massive jump from not doing loads of gigs to my first [big] show. It probably would’ve been Breakfest actually back sort of ten years ago and that was probably one of first times coming out doing a really big show with Krafty together. That was actually one of the most bizarre shows because it’s so hot and there were bugs everywhere and they were going crazy all over the decks. I’ve never seen anything like it and it was like 40 degrees. I know it’s totally normal for you guys but for us, it was bizarre and you know, the first time there at the amphitheatre and it was absolutely insane.” Aside from Tribe, Mills is currently working on an EP to be released early next year and is hoping to really get his label Jam City off the ground too. “I’ve been working with a few people to put out an EP – not really big names – much more people that I’ve found through my travels and I have got another track coming out with Nick Thayer which is going to be on the label that he’s signed to, OWSLA, as part of his EP on that. Because I’ve got Jam City, I’m probably going to put my own EP out on that,” he says before chatter about a forthcoming Canadian tour and several remixes which are on the agenda. “It’s just prioritising what’s important.” Annabel Maclean A.Skillz [UK] plays Tribe at Brown Alley on New Year’s Day, Tuesday January 1, alongside Krafty Kuts [UK] and more.

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FEATURES

FLYING LOTUS LET THEM EAT: LAYER CAKE It’s four o’clock in the morning, and I’m about to call Steven Ellison — better known as Flying Lotus. I’m aware of two things: a) it’s far too early to be awake, and b) if I weren’t so tired I probably would be quite nervous. Ellison picks up. After some confusing introductory chitchat in which I accidentally introduce myself as writing for Beat Radio, Ellison says abruptly, “You sound like you’re stoned.” After a long pause, I awkwardly try to explain it’s really because it’s four in the morning and I’ve only just woken up and might be a bit out of it and it’s all due to the fact that the interview slot was originally planned for Australian time but I’m actually in France at the moment and... “Four in the morning? What the hell are you doing calling me at four in the morning? You could’ve called any time today and you waited until four in the morning to call. You’re crazy.” Ellison is laughing and then we’re both laughing. I’m crazy. Well, at least the ice is broken, sort of. I assure Ellison that I haven’t been smoking marijuana prior to our interview, and neatly segue into my next question. Does Ellison have any plans to move state, after the recent successful ballots in Washington and Colorado? “No. I mean, it’s just weed, man. I don’t need to move to Washington to get high. In fact, I feel like it’s gonna take off in California. It’s only a matter of time. It pretty much feels legal here anyway for the most part.” So what’s Ellison up to right now? “I’m just kinda in the lab at the moment. Just playing around with ideas. I know I’m happy.” For a notorious perfectionist like Ellison, being “in the lab” is just the start of a long and meticulously albumwriting process. As well as each track being honed to the point of excellence in its own right, a lot of the work lies in making sure the album fits together and flows in a certain way. “I spend so much time on that. Because a lot of the things I make here, they’re just drafts until it’s time... like, I really like this, it’s time to develop it. So I sit on a lot of drafts. And when I believe it, then it becomes something. “The place I always pull from is my childlike innocence, or enthusiasm, really, more than innocence; my enthusiasm for the arts and being a fan of art of music. I really love to play with that. I’ll never forget what it’s like to be a fan of stuff. When I get into something I really go in, like, it becomes my world for whatever length of time I’m into it. I get obsessive about shit. “Right now, I’m obsessed with manga. I’ve been reading a lot of manga like a fucking 14-year-old American boy. I’m reading manga like it just came out. It’s awesome. I’m really into it at the moment.” With that in mind, it’s more than likely Ellison will have a few manga comics in his carry-on when he flies over later this month for a brief Australian tour. He’ll be debuting his brand-new live show, Layer 3, for the Let Them Eat Cake festival on New Year’s Day. If I were running the festival, I’d probably jestingly refer to it as his “Layer Cake” show. But I’m not, so I’ll be quiet. Ellison reveals that the concept of the show is something he’s been mulling over for a while — it’s just taken a while to make it happen. “It’s funny, because this is a show that I imagined happening maybe like two or three years ago. To me, it always seemed very simple. But a lot of the people around me were like, I don’t know if that could work, it seems really difficult. And there were a few people around who tried to make it way more grandiose than it needed to be. Once we just simplified it the way it was meant to be, it came together really quickly. The show was kinda developed within two months of working on it. After having this idea for so long, it was like, ‘how the fuck did we wait so long to build this thing?’ “The way it works is there are two projections that are happening, and I’m in between the projections. There’s a rear-projected screen and a front-projected screen and with the imagery that we have on them, it gives the appearance that there’s a 3D show happening in front of you.” It all sounds pretty complex, especially given that both screens are actually programmed on-the-fly. Ellison explains that ... “Yeah, well it is. I’m really lucky with the show because some of my really good friends are working on it. It really helps things because they know my style and my sensibilities and they know the things that I like. We all talk about the same visual references so it makes the communication really easy. They even know the way I dance around on stage and they know certain things that I do and they can play off of it. Ellison cites inspiration from 2001: A Space Odyssey and “a lot of really cool visual shows”, mentioning fellow electronic trailblazers Nosaj Thing and Amon Tobin. Anyone who’s witnessed Tobin’s ISAM show can testify to its sheer magnitude of scale. But the tradeoff is that it doesn’t feel much like live performance. For most of the show, Tobin is hidden from view, and when you can see him, it’s like watching a wizard weaving magic spells in a huge, distant castle — albeit a brilliantly-luminated psychedelic castle. With Ellison, however, the up-close-and-personal aspect of his show wasn’t something he wanted to neglect. He admits, “[Layer 3] definitely is more of a separation. But I still come out and show my face and stuff. I think people like to watch me, so I wanted to give them something to look at.” I look at my watch: our interview time is up. I find myself asking that oh-so-clichéd last question, “Where would you be if you weren’t making music?” “Oh God,” laughs Ellison. “I’d probably be depressed, wherever I was. I’m already depressed, so I’d be really depressed. You know what, man, here’s the thing. I am depressed because I know I can be doing more. That’s a fucking depressing feeling, knowing that I’m only doing the bare minimum. I feel like there’s so much I can tap into, so much I can do, and that is depressing as fuck to me.” For a few moments, I’m lost for words. Here is Flying Lotus — a true prodigy of electronic music, who has collaborated with scores of talented artists and musicians and a few months ago realised his fourth studio album to near-unanimous approval, as well as keeping up a hectic touring schedule and pioneering a ridiculously cool new live show — here is Flying Lotus telling me he isn’t doing enough and is depressed. It’s a bit surreal. I tentatively suggest to Ellison that perhaps it’s a good thing that he isn’t doing more, lest he actually cause his listeners’ heads to explode. Maybe it’s a good idea to be gentle with us. “But just like… what if I could do MORE!?”, Ellison almost shouts back at me, and then laughs. “Fuck that. I’ll be gentle when I’m dead, bro. I got work to do.” Morgan Richards Flying Lotus [USA] plays Let Them Eat Cake at Werribee Park on New Year’s Day, Tuesday January 1, alongside Kerri Chandler [USA], The Gaslamp Killer [USA] and more. FEATURES

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LET THEM EAT CAKE

SLOW MAGIC IMMORTAL TRIANGLES: ASTRAL SOUNDS Slow Magic resides in complete anonymity – no first or last names, and no clues as to his whereabouts. (“I wish I could tell you where I am right now, but it’s a bit of a secret,” he says. “Somewhere in America…”) It’s hard to fault his decision to remain shrouded in mystery; the obscurity manages to strip away any audience’s association with the person behind the decks, while simultaneously emphasising the esoteric beauty of his productions. It’s complex and beautiful, dreamy synth and sample music; sequencing that runs on choppy half beats, which bustle and flow through a heady brew of R&B via instrumental wash. It’s no surprise that Slow Magic’s sound is so in demand that its maker barely sleeps. When we speak, he’s just stepped off a plane from a European tour – his third this year. “I have gotten very, very good at sleeping on airplanes,” he laughs softly, “but

nothing beats getting home and really resting. I think I probably slept for more than 14 hours last night, and that’s great because I’ve got a lot of ideas and half-started songs that I needed to work on… There’s something very solid and reassuring about getting home, and seeing all my equipment ready to go.” Those half-started songs will form the basis of a soon-to-bereleased second album, due in early 2013. His debut album, Triangles Will Never Die, was released earlier this year via LebensStrasse Records (Love Echo, Violetness) and is only available online all the physical copies of the vinyl and CD have been snaffled up by keen listeners the world over. It’s a glorious mélange of drugged-out synths and wavey vocals that beg at the edge of the ear. “You like the vocals?” the artist asks, sounding slightly surprised. “I always worry about it, because often they’ll be

PEARSON SOUND REBIRTH OF AN ARTIST: PIERCING SOUND Pearson Sound – it’s the kind of vague artistic name that leaves everything open to interpretation and David Kennedy says he likes it that way. “It could be three old German dudes making techno,” he says with a laugh. The last time Kennedy was in Australia was 2010. At that time he was still transitioning from being known as Ramadanman to his new name, Pearson Sound. “I haven’t worked as Ramadanman for over two years; time has moved on,” he says. Kennedy’s original name was a project very much associated with his roots in the dubstep scene. “I never tried to move away from dubstep,” he reflects. “I think what I like about Pearson Sound is that it is quite a vague name. It’s a more abstract name and I think it’s a more serious name. I have definitely preferred having that ambiguity with what I’m making now.” It’s a fitting change for an artist who has never been tied down by genres or trends. Kennedy plays everything from house to techno, footwork to dubstep and his productions have been played by DJs across the spectrum of styles. This year has been a great time for Kennedy to take stock of things and shift gears, coming off the back of constant touring in 2010 and 2011. Part of that activity was promoting his installment in the wellrespected Fabric mix series. “There was a lot of touring and press around that. I’ve had quite a bit of time off this year. I’ve been taking it quite easy and not taking on too many shows.

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Just trying to write some music basically. I just needed a bit of time out and some space to get back into writing music so it’s been a good year actually. I have written a lot so it has been productive too.” So does that mean we’re going to get an album from Pearson Sound in 2013? “I don’t have any plans to,” says Kennedy. “I would just like to get some music out there I think.” Part of his challenge has been to keep his productions fresh. “I was trying to find a new sound to work with because I had become known for one particular sound and style. So I wanted to switch things up a bit this year. I think that’s important.” It’s another advantage of the ambiguity that Pearson Sound offers him. “I think it means that if you get known for one particular style of music or whatever then there can be a lot of people who assume your stuff sounds one way or another. If you come with something fresh then people can maybe be a bit more open-minded and then when they find out you have done other music then they’re like, ‘Ok, cool. I’ll go and check that out as well’.” There is still a sense of artistic continuity between Ramadanman and Pearson Sound though. Kennedy’s attention to detail, percussive switch-ups and often minimal, stripped back approach are all there. “I guess it’s just the way I make music,” he says, “and it’s still me making the tracks. I haven’t radically

FEATURES

done a capella... but I do think that sometimes limitations can push you that little bit more. “Because I’m touring so much right now, I’m just embracing all of those limitations,” he continues. “I start most of my songs on the road, do a lot of remixing, and there’s even these iPhone apps that I’ve been using which make for more of a fun challenge. It’s actually a lot of fun to create remixes, because there’s already something solid there for me to work with on my laptop. Remixing on a pair of headphones in an airport is less than ideal, but I do get to visit some of the same changed how I do it so there will be those similarities between my older stuff and my newer stuff.” That approach involves a highly critical attitude about composing his own tracks. “I’m very much a believer that if it’s not adding anything then just get rid of it. Having fewer elements means it’s sort of decluttering your tune and giving space for elements, either frequency wise or rhythmically. If you have fewer sounds in the track then it will be easier to get it sounding good so I’ve always been interested in stripping it back. “I mean, sometimes you will start a track and an hour later you will start with none of the original elements you started with which is quite fun sometimes. You’ll wonder – how did I get to this point?” Kennedy agrees that all the touring has been a positive experience though. “Yeah definitely. I think maybe a few years ago if I was having technical problems or whatever then I think I would have reacted a lot worse to it than I would now. Whereas now, having played in so many conceivable situations – the decks not working for example – that if anything does go wrong I just deal with it a lot better. I still manage to concentrate and not let it affect me. “I think, when you’re just starting out and you’re playing in front of hundreds of people you have a bit of a meltdown and you can’t play. Whereas now you just have to take a step back, take a deep breath and say, ‘Look, there’s nothing I can do about this. Let’s just try and enjoy the show still’. “You have got to remember that it’s about the music you are playing and if in a worst case scenario you couldn’t mix between two tunes you can still put on a record. People can still have a good time. You just have to remember that. I can be my own harshest critic sometimes but a lot of people just want to hear the music.” Simon Hampson

cities more than once, and then I can meet up with people I’ve met before and see what ideas they have,” he says. “It seems like every time I tour, the quality of the people I meet and experiences I have just increases.” Benjamin Cooper Slow Magic [USA] plays Let Them Eat Cake at Werribee Park on New Year’s Day, Tuesday January 1 alongside Flying Lotus [USA], Kerri Chandler [USA] and more.

Pearson Sound [UK] plays Let Them Eat Cake at Werribee Park on New Year’s Day, Tuesday January 1, alongside Flying Lotus [USA], Theo Parrish [USA] and more.

THE BIG MAG FOR CLUB CULTURE

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MAYA JANE COLES BIG THINGS: MAYAN PROPHECY Twenty-five year-old English producer and DJ Maya Jane Coles tells 100% that her tour to Australia is set to round out her biggest year yet. “I’ve had fans wanting me to come over for a long time now,” she explains. “So I’m really glad I get to take in so many places across the country on this run.” After her profile exploded in 2010 with the track What They Say, Coles has spent the last two years playing at some of the biggest clubs and festivals around the world. Her productions range from deep house to techno, through to dupstep and chillout – all with a skilful use of heavy bass – and it means that no one knows quite what to expect next. “I listen to a lot of music from all genres,” she explains. “I always try to put my own slant on things. I never want to limit myself by putting down boundaries before I start a track. Usually I’ll just go for it and not have a genre or specific style planned out, and cliche as it sounds, it’s more about where my emotions naturally take me.” Coles has just released her first EP in 12 months, Easier To Hide – the inaugural release on her own label, I Am Me. The title track is taken from her debut album which is scheduled for release in the first half of 2013. All four of the tracks were written, produced, engineered and mixed by her own hand. On top of all those things she also designed the artwork for the EP! “I always produce, engineer, play and mix all my own productions and the artwork I enjoy doing too. There’s definitely less time to spare but I will always want my music to really be my music so I will always find the time.”

Just don’t single her out solely for being a woman in a male dominated industry. “I think it should definitely just be about the music,” she reflects. “I don’t want to be good for a girl at production. I just want to be judged as a producer on my music and that alone. I just hope as more women start producing and DJing it becomes less of a novelty and so the ‘woman DJ’ thing fades away.” Coles was surrounded by music when she was growing up and her father even did the artwork for a Killing Joke album. That rich experience and her family’s encouragement has supported her chosen career. “I think they saw how determined I was to make it and how much time I spent working on production. I’m lucky to have super openminded parents, and they totally understand what I do.” The wide variety of genres and styles that Coles plays in her DJ sets have been one factor in her popularity. “I’m really happy that so many people seem to like my music. My influences are very diverse and I like making lots of different types of music and playing out tracks that don’t just come from one place. “So I guess that in itself gives more entry points into my music than if I just made one niche sound. My sound will definitely always evolve, I never want to just stay in one place.” That evolution will be encapsulated in Coles’ biggest statement yet. “My album lands in March time and that will be the biggest reflection of my work so 2013 is going to be a really special time for me. I’m really happy with it so it’ll be great to have it finally out there and see what everyone else thinks about it.”

Coles’ other projects have seen her work across a range of genres. Nocturnal Sunshine, her other solo name, is focused more on dubstep. “I’ve been focusing on my album recently but there will be more Nocturnal Sunshine releases in the future for sure and then eventually an album for that too.” Her duo with Lena Cullen, She Is Danger, has been quiet due to her other commitments. “Lena and I haven’t been in the studio for some time as we’re both focusing on solo projects.” Apparently that one hasn’t been put to bed yet though. “You’ll just have to wait and see,” she says mischievously. “I toured quite a lot in 2012 and it took me out of the studio more than I would have wanted.

helped though. “I bought a few new synths and some new monitors for Roska 2. I wanted to get all the tracks sounding as clear as possible. Listening to people like Geeneus, Zinc and Pinch as well from Tectonic and getting feedback from those guys on the project definitely helped it progress much more.” However, new gear can lead to new distractions. “I had the Moog Slim Fatty for about a year and I only used it on two tracks. Every time I went to use it I just found myself messing and messing, finding new sounds though! I wasn’t actually getting anything out of the product itself so I just got rid of it in the end. “I bought a MicroKORG in summer and I have been using that constantly on a few tracks. I did a remix for Example a few months ago and that was the first track that I used it on. I try to use stuff that sounds right straight away. If I start messing about then I get too carried away and then I won’t make anything. “It’s all a learning curve and it’s all trial and error,” reflects Goodlitt. “As time has gone on I have learnt new things and picked up new things. Working more and more with vocalists over the last few years has helped me a lot too. All these little things are a big learning curve but if you’re willing to learn it goes really well. Roska 2 was definitely

my favourite for looking in-depth at a track and making it sound really good.” Roska tunes – often identified by his signature ‘Roska’ vocal motif – have their own style but there is this pressure in dance music to continually come up with new sounds. “It’s difficult,” confesses Goodlitt. “There are people that have a certain, signature sound but then you have people who want to evolve as well. So it’s a difficult one. Then you have trends with sounds. Like, what was called UK Funky at one stage was half none existent but it’s still existent because of specific producers that are still there. So it’s not a theme but individual.” Working on different labels has helped Goodlitt represent different sounds. “You have someone like myself who has like a signature sound but if I make anything in a different genre you can tell it’s my tune. Like when I do stuff on Tectonic you can still tell it’s me but there’s a different vibe. I think it varies from producer to producer though.” He believes that it’s good to have an identifiable sound. “A lot of people do go through trends where they make a specific sound and then they have to move away from it. I find that you don’t have a home when you do that and you end up moving from house to house. Each to their own to be honest and it’s good to evolve but you should have some edge where you have your roots embedded in that project or the projects.” Goodlitt’s record label, Roska Kicks & Snares, has had a huge year in 2012. “We have done quite a lot this year so I think we’re going to go quiet for a little bit – until the second half of next year basically. Then we’re going to kick things off again. We’re going to chill out for now. It give me a chance to breathe for a bit and sort out my own music!” It also gives Goodlitt the time to work on his new album for Rinse. “It’s quiet in January which is cool because I have to finish some stuff off. I’m writing for my third album already

ROSKA RECONNAISANCE: KICKS & SNARES Watching the growth of an artist is a fascinating journey. Wayne Goodlitt, better known to his fans as Roska, tells 100% that the last year has been the culmination of learning from his debut album and the triumphant release of his follow-up, Roska 2. “The first album was a landmark for me in saying, ‘I’m here’, but definitely I think, doing all the pre and post production, I have done my favourite work on Roska 2,” he says. Goodlitt was previously lumped in with the ‘UK Funky’ label. However, wIth Roska 2 there is a sense that Goodlitt has balanced pleasing his audience with representing himself as an artist. “I know what you mean,” he agrees. “When you play out so much you realise the different styles that you can pull off and what people are into. You start to read people a bit more. You find yourself experimenting as well and bringing new things in there. With Roska 2 I just had that vibe of experimenting a little bit more.” With that diversity came the challenge of deciding what to include on the album. “I think the most challenging thing was probably when I was trying to put it all together. With Roska 1 and Roska 2 they’re both like, in a weird way to explain, they’re both colourful. There are so many different styles involved in Roska 2 that I think it was kind of hard to narrow it down.” The purchase of new gear and some friendly advice

Production is my first love so I will never get enough of it. It has been tough trying to keep a steady balance to both. Sometimes I wish there was two of me!” For now, she is excited about touring Australia. “I’ve heard that the crowds give a lot back to the DJ and that of course that always helps to raise your game when you’re playing!” Simon Hampson Maya Jane Coles [UK] plays Summadayze at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on New Year’s Day, Tuesday January 1, alongside M.I.A. [UK], Eddie Halliwell [UK] and more.

and I have finished my first single so it’s probably going to be an EP with Rinse and then in the summer an album should be out basically.” It leaves us waiting to hear the next Roska dance floor hit and thirsty for his Australian shows. Simon Hampson Roska [UK] plays Espionage at Brown Alley on Friday January 4 alongside Rustie [UK], Doc Daneeka [UK] and more.

FAKE BLOOD RED HOT: BLOOD CELLS One-time electronic music man of mystery, UK producer Theo Keating aka Fake Blood doesn’t just take pride in throwing his audience curveballs – he believes it’s his duty. He achieved this with his recently released Fake Blood debut, the at-times dark and menacing Cells, and is set to do it during his upcoming Summadayze set. “I’ve been really happy with [the response to Cells]. And I’ve also quite enjoyed that some tunes have thrown a few people,” Keating says. “There’s definitely head scratching moments, which is part of the fun, I think; you’ve always got to be pushing people in weird directions to make it more interesting,” he says. Keating has been wilfully defying expectations since he first emerged almost 20 years ago as a member of hip hop and electronic music duo The Wiseguys. After also releasing music as DJ Touché and The Black Ghosts (a collaboration with former Simian vocalist Simon Lord), Keating’s Fake Blood alter ego first emerged in 2007 for what was supposed to be a one-off remix of one of his own tracks – The Black Ghosts’ Any Way You Choose to Give It. However, requests for Fake Blood remixes soon followed, and buzz around the project grew. When Keating released Fake Blood’s first original song in late 2008, Mars, it became one of the year’s biggest club anthems – and led to much speculation about Fake Blood’s identity. This wasn’t a stunt on Keating’s part, though; he simply wanted people to focus on the music. In early 2009, he revealed to Mixmag that he was the man behind Fake Blood. “All of that stuff, none of that was engineered; there was no PR, no management – that was just me doing nothing,” Keating says. “It was a good laugh but I had to stop it at a point where, I didn’t want it to become the defining thing, like a gimmick. It was just, ‘Okay, enough of that now’. I had to make it more about the tunes.”

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A number of EPs, singles and remixes followed over the next few years, leading to the release of Cells in November. “I think it just felt like the right time, because I’ve done three EPs and a bunch of remixes, and people were familiar with me and my sound,” Keating says. “As I was doing that, I kind of had these other ideas for tracks and things that, I think, it felt I needed an album to show these slightly darker ideas… I think at this point it was like, ‘Well, people kind of know me, or think they know me, so now it’s time to mess with that a little bit’.” Although singles like Yes / No and All In The Blink are up-tempo dance floor pleasers, Cells is a menacing album at times, with Keating’s darker ideas manifested on sinister synth-heavy songs like London and Phantom Power. Listening to the album, it’s not surprising that one of the projects he was working on at the same time was an alternate soundtrack for cult horror film Suspiria. Keating’s no stranger to horror – his godfather, Alan Gibson, directed episodes of the legendary Hammer Studio’s House of Horror television show, and he was exposed from a young age. “I remember as a kid, one of his things was on TV and I wanted to watch it, so my mum and dad said, ‘Yeah, you can watch it’, but they were a bit uncertain whether it was appropriate, because I was only eight,” Keating says. “It terrified the crap out of me, and I’ve never forgotten it. I guess it also sparked that initial interest.” This interest enabled him to branch out on Cells. “I think with an album, the whole point is you don’t just play it safe. You don’t just do ten songs that follow a formula that you know is time-tested or you know is going to work. The whole point of an album is you have this space there to try other things out and to experiment or to try ideas and take a few risks,” he says. “Why not have fun and experiment or do some other stuff, show other sides of what you’re into? I think that’s part of the fun, and in doing FEATURES

that, sometimes you can throw people, but it’s up to you.” After he finished Cells in October, Keating took a short break, but quickly returned to the studio to work on what he describes as the “seeds of what could be Black Ghost tracks”, as well as a few remixes and a song for his next EP. “I can’t take breaks for very long because I start going a bit crazy,” he says. “You never stop, you just take your foot slightly off the gas, and then you want to get back into it.” Keating’s open-minded approach to his work in the studio also extends to his DJ sets. He says that he believes DJs have a responsibility to use their platform to expose audiences to new music – rather than just the hits they can hear in any given club on any given weekend. “I just want to play the best music, and play music that you might not know. I wanna play those tracks that you

think ‘where the hell is he getting this music?’ The tracks that you’ll hear tomorrow,” he says. “Each set I play is completely different to the one before… I decide what I’m going to play when I’m standing there, looking at the people in front of me. It’s very much a spontaneous DJ set, as it should be – responding to the crowd and having fun and taking risks.” Joshua Hayes

Fake Blood [UK] is playing Summadayze at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on New Year’s Day, Tuesday January 1, alongside The Chemical Brothers [UK], Knife Party [AUS], M.I.A. [UK] and more.

All day and night Mon 31 Dec NYE

THE BIG MAG FOR CLUB CULTURE

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LUCKYCOQ

BARONETWENTY

PURPLEEMERALD

BIMBOS

STRIKE

HOOHAA WORKSHOP

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100% CLUB PICS

BE.AT.CO

THURSDAY27TH

FACTORYATKHOKOLATBAR

RHYTHM-AL-ISM

DE LA SOUL

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

After the huge success of their 20th anniversary tour in 2009, venerable hip hop legends De La Soul have announced their return to Australia. Still going stronger than ever, De La Soul bring to their live shows one of the most respected canons in rap history, featuring the landmark debut 3 Feet High And Rising and De La Soul Is Dead. Don’t miss your chance to catch the iconic trio in the live setting. The Espy, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda

FRIDAY28TH

RHYTHM-AL-ISM

FAKTORY 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

KHOKOLATKOATEDATKHOKOLATBAR

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 Mack’s 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 5 years of doing our do and bringing that Red Love! Red Love, Level 1, 401 Swanston Street, 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

RHYTHMALISMATFUSION

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

SATURDAY29TH 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 Dee, Jay Sin and weekly guests playing R&B & ol’ skool sounds strictly for the urban elite. Khokolat Bar, Basement, 43 Hardware La, Melbourne

REDLOVE SATURDAYS

REDLOVE

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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

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

FRIDAY4TH FAKTORY 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

LIGHT 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 Mack’s 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 5 years of doing our do and bringing that Red Love! Red Love, Level 1, 401 Swanston Street, 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

SATURDAY5TH 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 Dee, Jay Sin and weekly guests playing R&B & ol’ skool sounds strictly for the urban elite. Khokolat Bar, Basement, 43 Hardware La, Melbourne

REDLOVE SATURDAYS

NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY No idea which of the gazillion parties to attend this New Year? Never you fuss! Flick on back to page 10 and have a squiz at the biggest and best parties going down. Stay safe!

URBAN

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FLOGGING MOLLY BY JOSH FERGEUS

The last time I spoke to Dave King, he was sitting in a quiet corner of a hotel lobby, circa 2005, a little under the weather, and loudly complaining about the price of drinks in Melbourne. This time the Flogging Molly vocalist and lyricist is decidedly more chirpy. “I’m in a pretty good situation in my life right now, and I want to share that with other people. I want to share the joy around,” says King, a few days after celebrating his 51st birthday while gigging in America’s heartland. “We just came back from Brazil and a tour down there. Tonight we’re playing Kansas City.” Last year, Flogging Molly released their fifth album, Speed of Darkness, which reached number nine on the Billboard charts and number three on the independent charts in the US. The band have embraced a darker, less effusive feel for this record, written in the basement of King’s house in Detroit which he shares with his wife and bandmate Bridget Regan. “The whole band were down there,” King reminisces. “We hung out in the basement coming up with stuff. We’ve always worked like that. Every song we’ve ever recorded we’ve always written together. That’s very important. But it was at a bad time in the US, just as a lot of bad stuff was starting to happen. Everywhere you went you’d come across empty houses and people out of work – it was really sad. But even when you get very sad situations they can also be full of hope.” It was this sense of light and dark, hope and despair, which coloured Speed of Darkness. “We never sit down as a band and say, ‘This is what the songs are going to sound like’, because the songs have a life of their own,

you know?” says King. “I think any band worth its salt should feel like it’s growing, like everything else. In between sessions I’d walk the dog around the neighbourhood and it was really sad to see so many houses abandoned – four, ﬁve, six on every block. Now when we walk that same stretch they’re pretty much all full, which is great. Things do change. As long as we change with them, I think that’s really important. I haven’t been back to Ireland for six or seven months now so I’m not as in tune with what’s going on there, but Bridget and I are headed back for Christmas so I guess we’ll see.” Quizzed about the impact of the recent US Presidential elections, King is skeptical of the real impact. “It’s weird. What I don’t understand about the way the American system works is that in Ireland and England the Prime Minister of the day has control of the Parliament. In America you can have a Democrat President and a Republican controlled Congress. There’s no real progress because all they seem to do is ﬁght and bicker and noth-

ing seems to get done.” Having been duly warned by a diligent music journalist about the state of politics in our home girt by sea, King is heading out with Flogging Molly to play Soundwave Festival in 2013. “We love playing festivals. Ever since we started playing in Europe we’ve enjoyed being a part of them, watching them, knowing what’s going on. It’s also a great way to build a tour. Australia for example is such a big country. It’s a great way of getting out there to many, many people. And the atmosphere at festivals like Soundwave is always great. “We’ve never got to play with Metallica before,” states King, who has his own metal credentials having spent years playing in a band with Motorhead’s ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke. “But we always get to meet a lot of great people at festival shows. It’s always nice to do a tour like the Warped Tour for example. You get to hang out with a lot of old friends. We’ve been so lucky playing with Green

Day and so many great bands over the years.” And what’s next for Dave King? “Bridge and I are going back to Ireland for Christmas. My mother turned 90 years of age this year so we’ve got to back and take care of family now.” The story goes that King’s mother called him inside once when he was a child to watch David Bowie perform Starman on television, which was to be a major musical inﬂuence. “She loves her music, she got me involved in music initially. It’s hard though because she can’t really hear anymore. She has no idea that we’re in a band called Flogging Molly and can’t really make sense of what we’re doing. Our house in Ireland is down in the country though, so Bridge and I will bring her down there to hang out for Christmas and drink whisky.”

years. “Danny’s come from a very disciplined sort of background,” Higgs explains. “He wasn’t so much into his rock when I met him, he was into prog. He’s a very technical player. He’s been playing drums since he was nine and he’s been one of those dudes who’d practise like four to seven hours a day.” Higgs met the drummer at music college in Adelaide, but the guitarist’s electronics knowledge has been autodidactic. “I have built a lot of the stuff myself, just sort of stuffing around. You’d be amazed what you can do with a soldering iron, YouTube and a few friends.” Through feedback from audiences and others, Higgs has learned that it’s the enormous sound that the two guys manage to produce which crowds are responding to. Chuck in the guitarist’s vocals – which don’t get as much attention as his gear but sound something like a more passionate Josh Homme – and Leo on backup vox and you’ve got a bloody force to be reckoned with. It’s not all fire and brimstone, though; Higgs knows the importance of bringing people together. Allow me to leave you with this bit of wisdom which he apologised for delivering off-topic, but which fits in nicely with the religion/doomsday theme of this

article; “This is my deﬁnition of religion. Everyone’s looking at a painting, like a canvas. And you’re going ‘I see yellow’, and then I’m going ‘No, I see green’, and someone else says ‘No, I see blue’, and someone else goes ‘I like that but I might throw a bit of yellow in there’ and they’re all killing each other over what fucking colour they think they can see. I think the next step in our evolution is eradicating religion. It will happen eventually because it’s prehistoric, man. I mean you go to Arab countries, and they’re still stoning chicks. They’re doing shit that they did two thousand years ago and it’s like dude, it’s time to start running with the times. And that doesn’t mean, you know, making Facebook events about stoning chicks.” Word.

ing up your own life, not the one sold to you online or over the counter. It’s a sarcastic snapshot of the world,” he says. In the current creative economy, where no one wants to pay for anything at any point on the assembly line, Blinkmunkee’s take on marketing is unique without being annoying. For them, it seems to be more of a statement about how people consume art than a focused, economic strategy. “For the most part sheeple want the biggest, shiniest, loudest thing that is cool right now,” he says. “They want it downloaded on their cloud before they even really know they want it, and then they want the next biggest thing right up its arse. So we take the approach of doing what we do, putting it in places that people who want to find it can find it and enjoy it. We don’t talk up stuff or try and convince people to validate our art, we just do what we

do. Which I guess makes us pretty unique.” Despite the character-driven performances, gorillamarketing and tongue-in-cheek approach to the industry as a whole, Blindmunkee take things seriously in as much as they’re always working with the next twelve month lining up to be no diﬀerent. “2013 is looking very bright and shiny in Munkee land,” he says. “There’s lots of touring here and overseas, we are doing our New Single Every Six Weeks again, latest one, G.P.S, is up blindmunkee.com.”

FLOGGING MOLLY are playing Soundwave Festival at Flemington Racecourse on Friday March 1 alongside Metallica, Linkin Park, Blink-182 and more.

KING OF THE NORTH BY ZOË RADAS

It isn’t a reference to Game Of Thrones and it isn’t a salute to Brunswick, either. Andrew Higgs, one half of the truly gnarly rock outfit King Of The North, says the name of the band comes from a biblical story which somehow (not of his own volition, understand) filtered into his ears when he was in church as a lad. “It’s a prophecy,” the laidback and lovely Higgs explains. “It’s about the world powers towards the end of time; there’s always been a king of the south and a king of the north. And at the revelation times - the end of the world - the king of the south would be the present world power and the king of the north would be an unknown enemy that rises up. When they come to do battle, it brings about the apocalypse.” How ﬁtting that Higgs and bandmate Danny Leo were playing to support The Datsuns at The Espy last week on the very night of the world’s supposed doom. “And we were playing when it was supposed to be happening,” Higgs shouts incredulously. “Someone said 10.17pm, someone else said 10.20pm - I was looking at the clock above the front of the stage - 10.16pm, then I look up, 10.17pm, then I looked up again and it was 10.19pm, and I was like, ‘Fuck, it could still be 10.20pm.’ But I was pretty optimistic.” As we all know the world didn’t end but King Of The North were instrumental in rocking the living shit out of the venue that night. “I was saying to [band booker] Gavin when we were watching The Datsuns from the top of the stairs, ‘Look at that mate, it’s like the ‘90s down there. It should look like that a lot more in here,’”

he recounts. The crowd were certainly a mess of wheeling limbs, which is just how King Of The North like it. Adelaide-born Higgs teamed up with drummer Danny Leo after the two experimented with the guitarist’s innovative triple-split-rig guitar set-up, and what began as a side project quickly became the real deal. “We’ve done really well man, I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished; this is our first real year as a band,” he says. Higgs organised an east coast tour in November of last year and then things began heating up. “We scored a residency in January for The Retreat and one at The Espy in February straight off the bat, and that’s when Danny went, ‘Fuck it, I’m moving. This is it,’” he says. “I was playing my solo shit, Danny was in like 10 bands back in Adelaide and he was living quite comfortably off being a sessional drummer. Then we just got together and he got to do what he wanted, which was to bash out some friggin’ solos, and I got to play some massive riffs. We just went, this is fun. Why can’t we do this seriously?” Higgs’ clever home-cooked guitar set-up meshes perfectly with Leo’s incredible drumming talent, a talent honed through rigorous practise during his formative

King Of The North play their first gig of the new year on Saturday January 12, at Collision At The Corner, alongside Barbarion, Bugdust, Riot In Toytown and many more.

BLINDMUNKEE BY KRISSI WEISS

Melbourne metal/hip hop/electro maniacs, Blindmunkee, have been spreading their mammalian love via gorilla marketing tactics all around Melbourne. They appeared on the scene a couple of years ago but in the past year, stickers, street art, impromptu (and uninvited) television appearances and a stroll into the world of graphic novels has seen the band stepping down from the tree of up-and-coming and into the upright world of notoriety. Top ape, Stu Munkee, is winding down from a hectic year and allowing himself some Festivus time. (OK, the primate-based metaphors are now over.) “This is the first weekend in a while that I haven’t been in my little black box cooking up Munkee magic,” Munkee says. “So I took some time to do some festive things, drinking, laughing, and spending.” Munkee seems deliberately vague when asked about the band’s beginnings along with obvious resistance at any attempt to tear the veil of their cross-media brand. “[How we started] is something that we get asked a lot, probably because we’re not your normal band/brand,” he says assuring me that answers will come; they’ll just be in the form of a graphic novel. “We are in the middle of ﬁnishing Blindmunkee...The Movie and the trailer will be in cinemas mid Feb. The comic is the tie into that and it answers all of the ‘where did you come from?’ questions.” It’s hard to tell what answers are serious and what are simply taking the piss but that’s all part of Blindmunkee’s charm. This is never more obvious than when he’s asked about the group’s chaotic approach to

marketing. “Wayne Peters and his alter-ego Reginald B. Munkee keep a lid on all the crazy stuff and help us funnel it into things that make sense, if it wasn’t for them we’d just be four weird blokes making noise in a basement,” he says. “Reggie gets out and about quite a bit; he’s been on the telly a few times sticking his head in where it’s not really wanted. He’s been punched by a few ‘well known celebs’ for dry humping legs. We’ve also had quite a lot of complaints from ‘graffiti watchers’ about the amount of Munkee head stickers that fans have stuck up and we actually had a box confiscated by police before a show.” So what part of the band’s music is serious and what part is a complete mock-up? “Our music is about thinking, questioning and mak-

DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION

BLINDMUNKEE plays with guests Jenarium: Rise Of The Sun and Death Of Art at Revolver on Saturday January 5. Beat Magazine Page 53

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH

WITH CHRISTIE ELIEZER * STUFF FOR THIS COLUMN TO BE EMAILED TO <CELIEZER@NETSPACE.NET.AU> BY FRIDAY 5PM

MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS & GOSSIP

MADONNA’s MDNA TOUR HIGHEST GROSSING OF 2012 The biggest tour of 2012 was Madonna’s MDNA, which grossed a staggering US$228 million, reported Billboard. She sold out all 72 shows and drew 1,635,176 fans. She caused controversy brandishing a fake gun onstage, ﬂashing a boob in Turkey, handing out pink anti-homophobia wristbands in Russia, feuding with the French rightwing, pulling out of Australia, and urging fans to support victims of Hurricane Sandy by baring her arse yelping “Get over my naked arse and give me some money”. Runner up was Bruce Springsteen who earned $198 million. The rest of the top ten list was Roger Waters ($186m), Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil ($147mi), Coldplay ($147 million), Lady Gaga ($124 million), Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw ($96 million), Van Halen ($54 million), Jay-Z & Kanye West ($46 million) and Andre Rieu (46 million).

360 SPLITS FROM BOOKER 360 has parted with his booking agency New World Artists, with his manager Rae Harvey of Crucial Music taking over those duties. No reason was given.

BISSET NEW GM OF CBAA The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia announced Jon Bisset as its general manager from February, taking over from Kath Letch. Among his high level executive posts, Bisset served as CEO of the Public Relations Institute of Australia, the Council on the Ageing (NSW), the Fundraising Institute Australia (deputy) and GM of operations for Netball Australia.”

60 SECONDS WITH…

DANNY WALSH BANNED

Define your genre in five words or less: Rockin’ Fitzroy country, Reservoir blues. If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why? I can travel back in time to visit one of my musical heroes? Do you reckon Jimi Hendrix might show me his stuff? Can we go now? So, someone is walking past as you guys are playing, they then go get a beer and tell their friend about you... what do they say? They wouldn’t go and get a beer, they’d come inside and listen! And have a beer. That’s why playing next to the window of The Labour in Vain (Fitzroy) is such a hoot. It happens all the time. Which band would you most like to have a battle/ showdown with? Lonesome, led by local outlaw Johnny Livewire. The battle would take place at high noon, right outside the saloon. I’d cut him down before the midday sun even began to glisten off his oversized belt buckle. Actually, Johnny is also our bass player, so I’m only joking. Peace. What’s the strangest place you’ve ever played a gig, or made a recording? We played a gig on the 86 tram last year. It was hard to keep rockin’ when we rounded a bend, but we managed to get the passenger’s toes tapping in the end. Then there was the gig in Christiana; a strange old hippy area in Copenhagen. I played in a little café which didn’t sell any alcohol, but somehow by the end of the night the folks seemed to be passed out at the tables. I like to think they were just drunk on rock’n’roll. When, and why did you start writing music? I started writing music around 2005 after catching Mia Dyson play a fuzzed out lapslide guitar at Port Fairy Folk Festival. I decided I had to learn lapslide guitar too. At that time I was immersed in R.L. Burnside’s music, so I started making up my own songs on the slide guitar. Some of my first songs are on the new album. Do you have any record releases to date? What are they? Where can I get them? Funny you should ask! Our debut album has just been mastered and it’s set to be released in 2013. It’s called Rolling On. We’ll be launching it early in the year, so watch this space.

Beat Magazine Page 54

KUCYK EXITS MUSHROOM Michael Kucyk A&R Manager for Mushroom Music Publishing has left to move to Sydney. “Michael has been an integral part of the publishing company for the last eight years, he will be greatly missed and we wish him all the very best on his new adventures,” said GM Adrian Murray. A&R Director Linda Bosidis will be looking to ﬁll this position in early 2013.

RAINSBURY JOINING ETIHAD STADIUM Etihad Stadium announced that Glen Rainsbury is joining as Event Sales Manager on Monday January 14. Rainsbury, currently Event Manager at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, will with CEO Paul Sergeant to expand live entertainment at the venue which recently hosted Coldplay and 60,000 of their fans. The 55,000 Stadium is launching the 18,000 arena-mode, ﬁrst with Mariah Carey on Saturday January 5, followed by two Kiss concerts in March.

SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA SET NEW AUSSIE CHART RECORD Swedish House Maﬁa set a new chart record with ‘Don’t You Worry Child’. It’s spent 14 consecutive weeks at #1 on the ARIA Club Chart – the longest running #1 club track in Australia. The now triple platinum single defeated Spiller and Sophie Ellis-Bexter’s ‘Groovejet’ #1 spot for 13 weeks in 2002.

THINGS WE HEAR * Ke$ha’s Die Young has been pulled from some US radio stations following Sandy Hook school shooting. It was being played to 167 million listeners until then. She tweeted that she understood why, saying “I had my very own issue with ‘die young’ for this reason. I did NOT want to sing those lyrics and I was FORCED TO.” It is uncertain who forced her to. * Justice Crew’s Boom Boom has been certified five times platinum. * Odd Future have hit out at a lawsuit by a 17-year-old fan that he was roughed up by the band after he jumped onstage at a gig in San Antonio. The rap collective claim that the fan threw the first punch, and sent media tweets supposedly from the teenager’s account where he allegedly acknowledged he threw the first punch and boasted of the money he’d get from suing them. * After relocating to Sydney because of the media heat surrounding his legal woes, is manager Glenn Wheatley thinking of moving back to Melbourne? * Ball Park Music and their management Mucho Bravado have splitski. * From next month, smoking will be banned at Tasmania’s music festivals. * Meat Loaf is to quit live performances after his UK tour: not before time, wept those who endured him at last year’s AFL Grand Final. * The APRA awards are returning to Melbourne in 2013. * The Pirate Party has applied to register to contest Senate seats in Victoria, NSW and Queensland in next year’s Federal elections. * Nirvana reps denied the band is about to go on tour. Bassist Krist Novoselic recently said he was open to a tour with David Lee Roth out front. * New research commissioned by the UK’s Musicians’ Union suggests that 60% of musicians have worked for free over the past year, and more than half of professional musicians get paid less than £20,000 (A$31,000) per year. * For The Fallen Dreams had to drop out of Destroy All Lines’ The Atticus Boys Of Summer tour, replaced by San Francisco’s First Blood to join Deez Nuts, Comeback Kid and Hand Of Mercy on the 11 dates. Meantime, Amanda Palmer’s tour is rescheduled to September.

WARNER MUSIC DIGITAL REVENUES SOAR Warner Music Group’s full year losses fell by 45% to $112 million (down from a $205 million loss in 2011) as it made more money from digital sources as subscription and streaming services, internet radio and downloads. These grew by 13% to $925 million ($820 million last year) and now represent 33.3% of its global revenue from various divisions. In the US, digital made up 53.8% ($489 million) of its revenue, marking the ﬁrst time digital represented over half. In the US, single track downloads were up 5.8% and digital albums up 14.6%, an increase in 20.5 million track-equivalent digital albums. WMG’s total revenue for the ﬁscal year dropped 3% to $2.78 billion. The company reports a cash balance of $302 million and a total longterm debt of $2.21 billion. It posted a decline in its Artist Services and Expanded Rights due to the decline in its European concert promotion. WMG’s biggest sellers included Michael Bublé, Kobukuro, Flo Rida, Tatsuro Yamashita and fun.

iiNET PULLS OUT OF ISP TALKS Australia’s third largest internet service provider (ISP), iiNet, has pulled out of talks with music and ﬁlm companies. The talks over the past 12 years centred on ISPs helping copyright owners to curb piracy on their networks by providing information. But iiNet’s chief regulatory oﬃcer Steve Dalby says it is not the ISPs’ jobs to be dobbing in (our words) their customers. Consumers infringe, he said, because entertainment companies don’t provide content in time and at reasonable cost – and iiNet will return to talks when this happens.

COOPERS AMP: LIVE SHOW, FIRST SHORTLISTED ALBUM The Coopers Amp revealed Hermitude’s HyperParadise as the ﬁrst album in its shortlisted nine. It also announced that as part of its expansion, it will hold a free live event in Melbourne’s Federation Square. It will be on Friday February 1 at 6pm. Hermitude, along with the other nine shortlisted acts will perform at Amp Alive, hosted by Clare Bowditch and Kevin Mitchell. This year’s removal of the entry fee saw a 150% rise in artists nominating their releases.

12-12-12: FIRST DISTRIBUTED

$50

MILLION

The producers of the star-studded 12-12-12 concert distributed the first $50 million to victims of Hurricane Sandy. A claimed two billion watched it worldwide on pay-as-you-watch, 19 million of them in the U.S. Other monies came from ticket sales ($36m), sponsorships, donations and merchandise auctions. The digital album is out through Columbia, with the physical version to follow. But due to the baby boomer-themed acts, it didn’t generate much excitement on social media. The six hour show generated 1.5 million comments, says social media tracker Bluefin Labs, compared to 13 million during the Grammys and 12.8 million during the MTV Music Video Awards.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS #1: WANNA WORK AT MUSHROOM MUSIC? Mushroom Music Publishing has a gig as a full time assistant/administrator to join them between February to August (parental leave position). It’s an exciting opportunity for an experienced oﬃce administrator to gain music industry experience. Based in Albert Park you’ll assist the Managing Director, do various PA/ Administration related tasks, and coordinate the dayto-day functions of the oﬃce. You need to be highly organised, attuned to learning and following established systems within their business, be able to work with an experienced team in a busy and dynamic environment and have a proven record of ‘hitting the ground running’. A keen eye for detail is vital. To apply, email Cover Letter and CV to info@mushroommusic.com.au by January 10.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS #2: WANT A SONY MUSIC REP AT YOUR GIG? Sony Music is oﬀering bands, DJs and solo acts the chance to be included in its guide to the hottest summer events. Head to Summertainment at facebook.com/ SonyMUSICAU or facebook.com/sonyaustralia. One of its A&R team will attend the gigs deemed most interesting and exciting by an unsigned act. You have until end of February to list your event.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS #3: WANNA DJ AT BIG DAY OUT? Big Day Out is giving undiscovered DJs the chance to play the Red Bull No Noise Nightclub. Compile a 15 minute mix spanning at least three genres, then upload to Soundcloud. More info on FasterLouder and InTheMix sites.

YES PLEASE TO WINTERCOATS The Yes Please label signed Melbourne violinist/artist James Wallace’s solo project Wintercoats for ANZ. The EP Heartful, out in February, is preceded by single ‘Halogen Moon’. The Cascine label is releasing it around the world.

SONIC FORGE RAISES 3,000 This year’s metal Sonic Forge Festival raised $3,000 for Center of Hope orphanage in Haiti. James L. Lipscomb of the Center wrote, “Because of everyone’s eﬀorts, our children will have classroom supplies and regular meals each day of school. We thank you for your remarkable generosity.”

VALE RHETT WALKER A pioneer of FM radio in Australia, Rhett Walker, passed away last week. Born in New Zealand to an American mother and English father, he got started in radio in Sydney and worked for a time in America. In 1969, he returned to Australia, turning 3AK into a rock station with the classic phrase “where no wrinklies ﬂy”. During this time he also managed blues rock band Carson and produced singer Broderick Smith’s single ‘Going Down To The End Of The World’ He later turned 3AK intro an encompassing soft rock format where everything, including the ads and the DJ patter, melted into each other. He did a similar thing at Perth’s 6PR, shifting it from 7% share to 18.3%. He was instrumental in FM radio’s arrival, as the ﬁrst GM for FOX Melbourne. He became a Professor at Latrobe University in Business, Economics and Law and completely turned his back on the music and radio industries.

NUMBER’S UP #1: AMITY HEADLINES PUSH 21ST BASH Push Over celebrates its 21st birthday at Myer Music Bowl on Monday March 11. The hardcore, metal, hip hop and breakdance bill is headlined by The Amity Aﬄiction with DZ Deathrays, Violent Soho, Northeast Party House, Dream On Dreamer and Millions. It features the FReeZA Push Start Grand Final with nine new acts and the Push Underground Hip Hop Showcase.

WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES..... WWW.BEAT.COM.AU/TV

LIFELINES Engaged: Deadmau5 proposed to celebrity-tattoo artist Kat Von D via twitter (he has 1.8 million followers), and she accepted. Dating: according to tabloids in Sydney and London, Russell Brand struck up a “steamy” friendship with MTV’s Kate Peck after meeting at the ARIAs. Splitting: has manager Jason Trawick warned Britney Spears’ family he’s breaking their affair, so they’re prepared when he breaks the news to her? Split: Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard and She And Him’s Zooey Deschanel have divorced after three years. Injured: 24 stitches to Marilyn Manson’s ear after a brawl in Switzerland. Injured: ACT rugby team Brumbies revealed Nic White needed surgery on a fractured jaw after he was king-hit at the Foreshore music festival in Canberra on Saturday November 24, and cleared him of wrong-doing saying it was unprovoked. Hospitalised: Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn in New York after a cab struck him in his groin; he had a hernia operation last month. Ouch! Arrested: a 24-year-old man who travelled from Wisconsin to get into Taylor Swift’s home in Nashville on her birthday. She was not home. She has recently complained of her worsening stalker problems. Jailed: ex-Bury Your Dead guitarist Eric Ellis for 20 years for alleged involvement with the Guardians gang, inspired by TV’s Sons Of Anarchy. In Court: Queenscliff recording studio owner Xenofonda Tzaninis, 29, was fined $600 and convicted after pleading guilty in Geelong Magistrates’ Court to possessing cocaine and prohibited weapons. Police said they found cocaine in a drawer in the studio, and also two ninja stars which he said was never intended to be used as weapons. Both were confiscated. In Court: Ian Watkins, singer of Welsh band Lostprophets appeared before Cardiff magistrate charged with sexual offences against two young children, making kiddies porn and animals porn. In Court: James Blunt settled his legal action against News International over News Of The World’s phone-hacking, accepting “substantial” damages. In Court: Giorgios Karounis appeared in Burwood Local Court (Sydney) over a warrant from Finnish authorities that he claimed to be George Young of The Easybeats (elder brother of Angus’n’Malcolm) and allegedly sold AC/DC to a Finnish jazz festival to the tune of €50,000 in 2003. The Sydney Morning Herald said he’d just finished a five-year, three-month sentence for fraud in Silverwater prison when he was arrested on this charge.

NUMBER’S UP #2: MY DISCO CELEBRATING 10 To celebrate their tenth anniversary, My Disco will play a special show at The Corner on Friday February 8 where they will preview new material. They’ll be joined by friends and musicians they admire such as New War, Standish/Carlyon, Max Crumbs, Absolute Boys and “a special guest” to be announced. My Disco started out as a short-term project, playing two all-ages shows to launch a demo cassette. They’ve gone on to play 30 countries and released three albums. Their fourth album is out in September through Temporary Residence and a single in April through a North American label.

MELBOURNE MUSIC HERALDING NEW YEAR The City of Melbourne commissioned a new Melbourne soundtrack to go with the ten-minute New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The soundtrack, to be broadcast on FM99.7, features TV and theatre composers Tim Prince & Susan Forrester of BlackMamaWhitePapa, Tjimba Possum of The Yung Warriors and Koori singer-songwriter Illana Atkinson. Cr Beverley PinderMortimer, chair of the Marketing Melbourne portfolio said, “Melbourne is one of the first cities in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve so we want the night to be a very Melbourne experience for the more than half a million people we anticipate will come into the city.” The City Of Melbourne has this year introduced official New Year’s Eve live sites at Treasury Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens and Docklands that will include free music, activities and multimedia effects leading up to the fireworks display. New Year’s Eve in the city is an alcoholfree event. Full details melbourne.vic.gov.au/nye.

ALICIA KEYS FACING LAWSUIT Alicia Keys is facing a lawsuit over her single Girl On Fire. US songwriter Earl Shuman claims a sample of his 1962 song Hey There Lonely Girl was lifted from the 1970 version by Eddie Holman without his permission. The alleged use was ﬁrst unveiled by the Showbiz411 blog.

POLIÇA BY SEAN DEVOTIONAL

Two years ago, Minneapolis-based collective Gayngs pulled just about every noteworthy Midwest musician together to earn a ride on the indie hype machine. After earning pride of place on critics’ end of year lists with debut Relayted, a collaboration between Minnesotans Channy Leaneagh and Ryan Olson is set to dwarf the band which brought the pair together. Poliça’s album Give You the Ghost has already found an admirer in Jay-Z and Leaneagh’s singing, notable for a judicious use of auto-tune while still retaining a dynamic use of her vocal range, has invited comparisons to Fiona Apple and Norah Jones. It might be a testament to the lengths music critics will bend backwards to avoid using the cliché “genre-defying”, but it’s also telling that Poliça’s maudlin and intricate electronica has been likened to other artists who’ve been able to attract near-universal acclaim. “I didn’t know Ryan very much or very well before Gayngs,” Leaneagh says of Olson. “I hardly knew him at all and that band was the place where we got to know each other. Ryan works on a lot of different projects with a lot of different people, and one day he said, ‘Hey, do you wanna make some songs together and just hang out?’ Me and a few people went over to his apartment, he played some beats and I just sang over them.” Leaneagh, a self-confessed introvert, says she was surprised how quickly the album assembled itself after the pair began working together alongside the other Minneapolis indie alumni who were assembled in Olson’s apartment. “I did have about four recording sessions with him for Gayngs, so I had experienced working with him before,” Leaneagh says. “But I’m very quiet and guarded, and he makes people feel comfortable. He’s one of the few people I’m not embarrassed singing in front of. He said, ‘Don’t be nervous around me, just sing.’ He pulls things out of people that they didn’t know they had in them. It was just one of those things where musically we work together really well; you just feel that with somebody. It’s crazy to me, when I listen to the record now. I didn’t even go into a nice studio. It was just the raw versions of my first instincts and our first time hanging out.” “I don’t work that fast normally but sometimes, working creatively, there’s people you start working with but it takes a bit longer. It doesn’t discredit the work, but sometimes there’s just that immediate explosion of work because you click so well with somebody. That’s the main thing about this record, it’s a documentation of two people just figuring each other out.” While Leaneagh says that Give You the Ghost is first and foremost a chronicle of her blossoming musical partnership with Olson, other interviews have alluded to the influence of a break-up bringing itself to bear in her contribution to Give You the Ghost. “The recurring theme of this record is ‘what in the hell just happened and who the hell am I anyways,’” Leaneagh claimed earlier in the year. With the benefit of hindsight in the time since the album’s general release, Leaneagh has allowed herself a more philosophical interpretation of her work.

“IT WAS JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS WHERE MUSICALLY WE WORK TOGETHER REALLY WELL; YOU JUST FEEL THAT WITH SOMEBODY.” “I don’t know if it’s the primary focus,” she says. “The wording of that seems a bit hilarious now! I think speciﬁcally after you break-up in a long term relationship, something you’ve given 10-15 years of your life to, you get out of it and there’s really a lot of self-discovery and a self-destructive path, but you’re also trying to rebuild yourself. I was at a low point. I had lots of fodder for heartbreak material. I played lots of songs that were angsty or emotive, that spoke to me in a certain way, that kind of naturally spoke to the emotions I was feeling and could dramatise.” While taking a more detached view of her work on Give You the Ghost, the singer says that being attuned to the more unpleasant things in her life is an essential to her work as a musician. “For me, it’s more of a challenge to write when things are going well,” says Leaneagh. “Even when I’m playing shows, we talk about in the band how we want to keep our mood backstage very low. If you’re very extravagant and too mentally well taken care of, I feel like it keeps you from getting to the place you need to be as an artist. You can still do it but it’s not enjoyable for me to express myself by dancing all over the stage. “In a period of that kind of loss, you can get really depressed but for me that wasn’t the case, I just felt like I had a lot to say.”

POLIÇA play the St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival at the Footscray Community Arts Centre on Sunday February 3 alongside Bat For Lashes, Chet Faker and more. Also playing a Laneway sideshow at Northcote Social Club on February 4. DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION

Beat Magazine Page 55

2012 WRITER’S WRAP UP

SO THE WORLD DIDN’T END. THAT’S A PLUS. HERE’S SOME OTHER GOOD SHIT THAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR. 4. Enslaved SOULFLY 5. The Path of Totality KORN TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Converse Acts of Destruction - Godzilla Bar 2. The Bamboos - Corner Hotel 3. Cannibal Corpse - Billboard 4. New Order - Festival Hall 5. Roots Manuva - Prince Bandroom HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Arriving in Melbourne. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Leaving Melbourne. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: I will return.

NAME: Tyson Wray SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Ambient/electronic TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 1. The Disintegration Loops (Reissue) WILLIAM BASINSKI 2. Luxury Problems ANDY STOTT 3. Music For The Quiet Hour SHACKLETON 4. Body DARLING FARAH 5. Head Tear Of The Drunken Sun DJ/PURPLE/IMAGE TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. Why Do U Feel MOODYMANN 2. Numb ANDY STOTT 3. New 4 U Andrés 4. Margeaux Part 1 KAHN 5. Margeaux Part 2 KAHN HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Paddington. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: The continued existence of guitars. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Obama outlaws guitars.

NAME: Thomas Bailey SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Electronica, indie-pop TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Pearls EP PEARLS 2. Down Under Nuggets: Original Australian Artyfacts VARIOUS ARTISTS 3.Tales Of The Australian Underground Vol. 2 VARIOUS ARTISTS 4. Magic Hour SCISSOR SISTERS 5. Commercial Music FABULOUS DIAMONDS TOP 5 GIGS OF YEAR: 1. Scissor Sisters - Hamer Hall 2. Turbonegro - The Hi-Fi 3. Royksopp - The Palace Theatre 4. The Bombay Royale - The Hi-Fi 5. Fabulous Diamonds - John Curtin Hotel HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Chin-waggin’ with Ana Matronic of Scissor Sisters about how excellent the drag scene in San Francisco is. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Not answering this question so that the editor had to. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Australian police oﬃcers and their dogs focus on preventing serious crime, rather than ruining some festival punter’s day with a bag of weed in their pocket. NAME: Adam Robertshaw SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Heavy metal. TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Epicloud DEVIN TOWNSEND 2. Resolution LAMB OF GOD 3. 12 Bar Bruise KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD

Beat Magazine Page 56

NAME: Simone Ubaldi SPECIALISED GENRE: Karaoke TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Fear Fun FATHER JOHN MISTY 2. Swing Lo Magellan DIRTY PROJECTORS 3. Diamond Rugs DIAMOND RUGS 4. The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do FIONA APPLE 5. Port Of Morrow THE SHINS TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Radiohead - Rod Laver Arena 2. Radiohead - Sydney Entertainment Centre 3. Radiohead - Sprint Center Kansas City 4. Radiohead - Scott Trade Centre St Louis 5. Sigur Ros - Harvest HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Getting cancer. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Less cancer-related perks than I expected. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: My dog stops irritating me CONTINUOUSLY with the stupid tennis balls he insists I throw for him while I’m trying to write my fucking music column. ARE YOU READING THIS, DOG? FIND ANOTHER BALL BOY, YOU CRAG-FACED PESTICLE.

NAME: Sean Sandy Devotional SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: ‘80s indie Australiana TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Zingers MILK TEDDY 2. Post Ending // Pre Completion USELESS CHILDREN 3. Big Time BITCH PREFECT 4. Hard Rubbish LOWER PLENTY 5. Toward the Low Sun DIRTY THREE TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Harvest - Werribee Park 2. Deaf Wish - Gasometer 3. …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - Sharky’s Bar, Phnom Penh

GRIMES - CORNER HOTEL by Ben Clement

4. Night Terrors & Zond - Liberty Social 5. Hot Snakes - Corner Hotel HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Accidental exposure to crunkcore. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Being subjected to an endless series of shitty expat bands in Phnom Penh, followed by daydreams of building a time machine and travelling back to Dublin in the 1970s to assassinate Shane MacGowan. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Skynet becomes self-aware, Tyson Wray becomes leader of the human resistance.

NAME: Lachlan Kanoniuk SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Henrywagonswave TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Electric Love DONNY BENET 2. Die Young COLLARBONES 3. Double Natural BOOMGATES 4. Hard Rubbish LOWER PLENTY 5. Visions GRIMES TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. Whispering Or Singing BOOMGATES 2. Overland (In My Mind) FORCES 3. Tonight I’m Getting Over You CARLY RAE JEPSEN 4. Nullarbor LOWER PLENTY 5. Way To War KIRIN J CALLINAN HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: YOLO LOWLIGHT OF 2012: FOMO MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Ratchetness enters the mainstream, talent shows based on twerking, pussy poppin’ dominate the ratings. NAME: Patrick Emery SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: The negative dialectics of garage rock and narcissistic corporate fuckwittery TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Spencer P Jones And The Nothing Butts SPENCER P

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JONES AND THE NOTHING BUTTS 2. The Spinning Rooms THE SPINNING ROOMS 3. Psychedelic Pill NEIL YOUNG AND CRAZY HORSE 4.Nothing But Nice Things CHRIS ALTMANN 5. Songs of the Third and Fifth MARK OF CAIN TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Endless Boogie - Tote 2. Seedy Jeezus - Tago Mago 3. Sunnyboys - Corner Hotel 4. Spencer P Jones And Kim Salmon - Old Bar 5. Baptism Of Uzi - Tote, Old Bar HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: The Fox News election night moment starring Karl Rove. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Commercial radio. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Gina Reinhardt to host a morning radio show specialising in hard, raw and high value rock.

NAME: Dan Watt SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: I’ve longed to be cool ever since high school. TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. WIXIW LIARS 2. 12 Bar Bruise KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD 3. Confess TWIN SHADOW 4. Haunted Man BAT FOR LASHES 5. A Thing Called The Divine Fits DIVINE FITS TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. No. 1 Against The Rush LIARS 2. Plagued Are My Thoughts LOVE MIGRATE 3. Flaggin’ A Ride DIVINE FITS 4. Muckracker KING GIZZARD & THE WIZARD LIZARD 5. Give Me Time EAGLE & THE WORM HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Hearing Kindness’s cover of The Replacements Swinging Party. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Alice from Masterchef. Her cutesy ‘hipster’ antics and her temerity to compare cooking ability to Isaacs Newton’s proliﬁc achievements drove me fucking insane.

MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Shaving cream will become the must have fashion accessory with some taking the extreme move to wear nothing but shaving cream. Viva la revolution.

NAME: Nick Taras SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Turkish hip hop TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Anastasis DEAD CAN DANCE 2. The B-Sides: The Bong Song, The Dong Song, The Ping Pong Song, The Lifelong Hong Kong Theme Song, and More SISQO TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. One Direction - Hisense Arena 2. Chelsea Wolfe - Northcote Social Club 3. Omar Souleyman - The Hi-Fi 4. Bosnian Rainbows - Corner 5. Backstreet Boys/New Kids On The Block - Rod Laver Arena HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: When Toadie from Neighbours moved in next door. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: When I was like, “eyyy Toadsta!” and he was like, “eyy…” (forgot me bloody name the old dog! MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Obama takes oﬀ disguise and turns out to have been Sisqo all along

NAME: Taryn Stenvei SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: ‘90s R&B, songs about drinking. TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Go Easy BLANK REALM 2. Visions GRIMES 3. Good Kid m.a.a.d. City KENDRICK LAMAR 4. Life NO ZU 5. 12 Bar Bruise KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. Losing You SOLANGE 2. Carly Rae Jepsen CALL ME MAYBE 3. Cleaning Up My Mess BLANK REALM 4. Forrest Gump FRANK OCEAN 5. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards TAME IMPALA HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Myspace’s triumphant return. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Shots, sort of. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: The Knife at Meredith. Imagine. NAME: Joshua Kloke SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Good time buddy rock TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Celebration Rock JAPANDROIDS 2. Long Slow Dance THE FRESH & ONLYS 3. Sunshine & Technology THE SMITH STREET BAND 4. Twins TY SEGALL 5. Double Natural BOOMGATES TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Restorations - Poison City Weekender, Corner Hotel 2. The Smith Street Band - The Tote 3. Feist - Palais Theatre 4. Dirty Three - Palace Theatre

5. Dan Mangan - Northcote Social Club HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Finally completing my Pearl Jam collection on vinyl. And driving some 6000KM across this country. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: The NHL lockout. Look it up. For Canadians, it’s damn devastating. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: If Pearl Jam comes to Australia I’m going to be very upset.

NAME: Zoe Radas SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Rock chicks and their feelings TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Money For Rope MONEY FOR ROPE 2. Eating For Two SARAH MARY CHADWICK 3. To The Dollhouse MELODIE NELSON 4. Lonerism TAME IMPALA 5. Sunshine and Technology THE SMITH STREET BAND TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Mutemath - The Corner Hotel 2. Band Of Skulls - The Corner Hotel 3. Ainslie Wills - The Toff 4. Vaudeville Smash - Northcote Social Club 5. Emma Louise - Northcote Social Club HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Speaking to Regurgitator’s Quan, one of Australia’s most charming natural wonders. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: One particularly livid outburst over a review. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Richard Kingsmill falls off his perch (either insider trading or snuff films) and after the ensuing scramble Taryn Stenvei becomes The People’s Leader.

TAME IMPALA - THE FORUM by Josh Mutch

3. channel ORANGE FRANK OCEAN 4. Flume FLUME 5. Until the Quiet Comes FLYING LOTUS TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Tame Impala - The Forum 2. Black Keys and Royal Headache - Sidney Myer Music Bowl 3. Hiatus Kayote - The Hi-Fi 4. DJ Quik - Prince Bandroom 5. Kimbra - Palais Theatre HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Spreading my seed in the US and Europe. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Coming home to depressing weather and expensive beer. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Streaming music chip for your brain.

2. I Know What Love Isn’t JENS LEKMAN 3. Some Nights FUN. 4. Gravel & Wine GIN WIGMORE 5. Something CHAIRLIFT TOP 5 SONGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Do You Still Care NOONIE BAO 2. I Love It ICONA POP FEAT. CHARLIE XCX 3. Some Nights FUN. 4. I Know What Love Isn’t JENS LEKMAN 5. Harlequinade EUGENE MCGUINNESS HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Dancing at Sam Simmons’ show About Weather. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Milking. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Gabbo is coming.

NAME: Tamara Vogl SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Hip hop/ neo-soul TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. good kid, m.A.A.d city KENDRICK LAMAR 2. channel ORANGE FRANK OCEAN 3. The Bravest Man in the Universe BOBBY WOMACK 4. Ceremonials (2011, but heaps of tracks still getting played this year) FLORENCE + THE MACHINE 5. Kaleidoscope Dream MIGUEL TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. Pink Matter FRANK OCEAN/ANDRE 3000 2. Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe KENDRICK LAMAR 3. Glory JAY-Z 4. Pyramids FRANK OCEAN 5. Swimming Pools (Drank) KENDRICK LAMAR HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Moving to Sydney. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: My birthday (shithouse) MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Jay-Z oﬀers me a job.

NAME: Rose Callaghan aka DJ Rosefacekillah aka Rose Before Hoes aka Rosie Rose SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Electronic TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. 1991 AZEALIA BANKS 2. World You Need a Change of Mind KINDNESS 3. channel ORANGE FRANK OCEAN 4. Devotion JESSIE WARE 5. It’s the Arps TODD TERJE TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Kindness and Tom Vek - The Hi-Fi 2. //This Thing// - Phoenix Public House 3. Toro y Moi and Washed Out - The Hi-Fi 4. The Horrors - The Forum 5. Chic - Golden Plains HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Roland Tings playing a set in my shed at our housewarming party. Offsetting our $704 fine by selling our Crystal Waters cover online, which ended up in the Bandcamp Melbourne Top 10. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: 50 Shades of Kony. The general populace finding out what memes are and ruining them ermagherd. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Paddington is promoted to CEO of Beat Magazine, while Tyson is moved to Chief Editor of Furst’s new publication The Paddington Post.

NAME: Bronius Zumeris SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Avoid categorization. Constantly express and challenge yourself TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. The Seer SWANS 2. Second Winter ED KUEPPER 3. Old Ideas LEONARD COHEN 4. The Something Rain THE TINDERSTICKS 5. Glad All Over THE WALLFLOWERS TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. Reboot The Mission THE WALLFLOWERS 2. Constellation Blues THE WALLFLOWERS 3. A Trick Or Two ED KUEPPER 4. Medicine THE TINDERSTICKS 5. Come Inside THE TINDERSTICKS HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: The sun rising. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: The sun setting. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: The world recognizes the majestic beauty of We Are Augustines.

NAME: Andrew ‘Hazard’ Hickey SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Trap wavecore TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Lonerism TAME IMPALA 2. good kid, m.A.A.d city KENDRICK LAMAR

NAME: Nick Mason SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Secret tracks TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. The Invitation To The Voyage MCGUINNESS

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EUGENE

The

NAME: Josh Fergeus SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Punk TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Heroes WILLIE NELSON 2. Push And Shove RY COODER 3. GRRR! THE ROLLING STONES 4. Hollow GRAVEYARD TRAIN 5. Antennas To Hell SLIPKNOT TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. The Scientist WILLIE NELSON

Beat Magazine Page 57

GOBLIN - MELBOURNE TOWN HALL by Richard Sharman

NAME: Kish Lal SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Electronic TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Passion PARA ONE 2. Pink FOUR TET 3. Until The Quiet Comes FLYING LOTUS 4. Lost Summer WHITEY 5. SSSS VCMG TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1.Goblin - Melbourne Town Hall 2. Danny Daze - New Guernica 3. Brodinski and Gesaffelstein - Survivor 4. Aphex Twin - Future Music Festival 5. Otologic - Meredith Music Festival HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Being in Gesaffelstein’s presence. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Gesaffelstein not marrying me. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Flared jeans will make a resurgence and it will be awful.

2. I Will Wait MUMFORD & SONS 3. Somebody That I Used To Know GOTYE 4. Got No Soul THE HARLOTS 5. Gangam Style PSY HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Doing the Nutbush with my brother at his wedding. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Doing the Nutbush. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: We’ll still be here.

NAME: Peter Hodgson SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Rock/metal TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. A Different Kind Of Truth VAN HALEN 2. Periphery 2: This Time It’s Personal PERIPHERY 3. Wing Beat Fantastic MIKE KENEALLY 4. Clockwork Angels RUSH 5. Vibrato PAUL GILBERT TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. Scarlet PERIPHERY 2. She’s The Woman VAN HALEN 3. Save Our Now DEVIN TOWNSEND 4. Swerve City DEFTONES 5. Enemies In Jail PAUL GILBERT HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Partying with Steel Panther and a bunch of pornstars. The dream is real, people, the Hollywood dream is real. Another highlight: Sitting around drinking coffee and casually playing guitars with Paul Reed Smith himself. Life is crazy sometimes. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Satchel wouldn’t share his OxyContin or pornstars. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Mustaine will finally get his wish of forming a Mustaine/Ellefson/Hetfield/Ulrich side project but they’ll forget to press ‘record.’ NAME: Cassandra Kiely SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Romantic TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Split LP PEAK TWINS/SCOTT & CHARLENE’S WEDDING 2. Desertshore/Final Report X-TG 3. Towards The Low Sun DIRTY THREE 4. New War NEW WAR 5. Bisch Bosch SCOTT WALKER TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Antony - Hamer Hall 2. Primal Scream - Meredith Music Festival 3. Dirty Three - Palace Theatre 4. New War - Northcote Social Club 5. Peak Twins - The Liberty Social HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Interviewing Blixa Bargeld was pretty incredible. Thanks Beat! LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Leaving the Mojave desert for a Melbourne winter. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: The Cuties will take over the world!

Beat Magazine Page 58

NAME: Krystal Maynard SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Garage/punk TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Oﬀ! OFF! 2. Meat and Bone JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION 3. The Only Place BEST COAST 4. Metz METZ 5. Zoo CEREMONY TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Refused - Palace Theatre 2. Black Lips - Corner Hotel 3. Turbonegro - Meredith Music Festival 4. Hot Snakes - Meredith Music Festival 5. Waaves - Corner Hotel HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Refused at the Palace. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: The death of MCA. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Pop will ﬁnally eat itself.

NAME: Joanna Robin SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Lyf TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Big Time BITCH PREFECT 2. Double Natural BOOMGATES 3. Hard Rubbish LOWER PLENTY 4. Won’t Let You Down LOWER PLENTY 5. Love This Giant DAVID BYRNE & ST. VINCENT TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Thee Oh Sees - Corner Hotel 2. Big Freedia - Tote Hotel 3. Twerps - Tote Hotel 4. Tune-Yards - Corner Hotel 5. Father John Misty Corner Hotel HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Filling in this survey LOWLIGHT OF 2012: FODMAPs MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: I’ll sleep with John Cusack.

NAME: Rod Whitfield SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Heavy/progressive/alternative TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Epicloud DEVIN TOWNSEND 2. Silent Machine TWELVE FOOT NINJA 3. The Dreamer’s Hideaway KLONE 4. The Time Traveller BREAKING ORBIT 5. Periphery II: This Time it’s Personal PERIPHERY TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Devin Townsend - The Forum 2. On the Virg – Darebin Arts Centre 3. The Tea Party - The Hi-Fi 4. The Butterfly Effect - Palace Theatre 5. Ne Obliviscaris - Corner Hotel HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Yet another magnificent year in music, locally and internationally. LOWLIGHT OF 2012: The Hawks losing the Grand Final. Shattered. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Australian alternative/progressive/heavy music gets played regularly on triple j and gets the international recognition it so richly deserves. NAME: Miki McLay. SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Eclectic-electronic TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Majenta JIMMY EDGAR 2. (III) CRYSTAL CASTLES 3. Out of Sync ASC 4. Music for the Quiet Hour SHACKLETON 5. Pacifica THE PRESETS TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. Electric Empire FEADZ AND KITO 2. Arcosphere ALASKA 3. Prism JACQUES GREENE 4. Echoes (Synkro Remix) TOKYO PROSE 5. Dead Sun BRITISH MURDER BOYS HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: twitter.com/whoisdubstep LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Missing Jimmy Edgar live because I had to babysit my dog. Uh. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Burial’s identity revealed; he’s your Dad.

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NAME: The Sideman SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Indie dance TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. World Music GOAT 2. Kill For Love CHROMATICS 3. Lonerism TAME IMPALA 4. Beard, Wives, Denim POND 5. Ekstasis JULIA HOLTER TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Mark Lanegan - Ding Dong 2. Antony - Hamer Hall 3. Thee Oh Sees - Evelyn Hotel 4. Boris - Corner Hotel 5. EMA and Yuck - East Brunswick HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Catching Prince play in Sydney LOWLIGHT OF 2012: The epic fail that was the Prince after show at The Hi-Fi in Melbourne MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: A ‘90s techno revival! NAME: Sam Wilson SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Deep Christian techno TOP 5 SINGLES OF THE YEAR: 1. Undun THE ROOTS 2. Bon Iver BON IVER 3. Street Halo/Kindred BURIAL 4. Carry Me Back OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW 5. They!Live BENJAMIN DAMAGE & DOC DANEEKA TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. dEUS - Corner Hotel 2. Steve Reich - Melbourne Recital Centre 3. Baths - Brown Alley 4. Antony - Hamer Hall 5. Cake - Harvest Festival HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: My new packet of highlighters LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Tony Abbott opening his damn mouth. Ever. MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: A new card will be added to the standard 52 card deck

NAME: Richie Meldrum SPECIALISED GENRE OF MUSIC: Electronic/hip hop TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: 1. Flume FLUME 2. Adventures in Your Own Backyard PATRICK WATSON 3. Visions GRIMES 4. The Heist MACKLEMORE AND RYAN LEWIS 5. Born to Die LANA DEL REY TOP 5 GIGS OF THE YEAR: 1. Amon Tobin - Syndey Opera House 2. Blawan and Pariah - The Liberty Social 3. 360 - Corner Hotel 4. Hot Dub Time Machine - Prince Bandroom 5. Mariachi El Bronx - Big Day Out HIGHLIGHT OF 2012: Cyril Hahn LOWLIGHT OF 2012: Psy MAKE A WILD PREDICTION FOR 2013: Meldrum’s Munchie Buster to sweep the country.

BEACH HOUSE BYALASDAIR DUNCAN

Baltimore dream-pop duo Beach House specialise in crafting lush and beautiful songs, their gauzy arrangements packed with gentle keyboard hums and haunting vocal melodies. Every two years or so, they release another amazing album – the most recent being this year’s acclaimed Bloom – although singer Victoria Legrand insists that there is no careful planning behind what they do. “Believe it or not, nothing we’ve done has ever really been planned out conscientiously,” she tells me. “That two-year cycle is something that’s happened very naturally for us so far – everything we’ve done until this point has been very natural, out of a simple desire to make records and go on tour; a simple desire to be a band. I can’t tell you what the future will bring, but I can say that we’ll continue releasing records as long as there’s enough inspiration and enough belief behind them.” This sense of the enigmatic is a big part of Beach House’s appeal. For example, when it comes to albums like Bloom and its acclaimed predecessor Teen Dream, Legrand says that the only influence that shaped the songs was life itself. “We make sure that we keep the doors wide open to all experiences. We’re not very jaded people, and I think that we try to approach everything we do with the band as if it’s the first time. Making music and touring is a very exciting life. I think your mind expands – you become a fuller person because of all the varieties of things that happen to you.” Legrand is a believer in the notion that everything is connected, and that everything she and bandmate Alex Scally do influences the music in some way. “We make our art and we live it,” she says. “It’s not a part-time thing, it’s everything that we do. It’s all connected.” Beach House often shy away from the spotlight, so I was surprised to hear one of their songs turn up on a recent episode of New Girl. When I ask Legrand why they said yes to the Zooey Deschanel sitcom, when they have famously said no to others in the past, she tells me that their philosophy, as far as licensing goes, is pretty simple. “We’re not that selective,” she says. “We don’t say yes to lots of things just because we feel like we have to [hold back]. If you’re an artist and you want to have a long career, I think it’s best to be wise in terms of how wide you spread your music. If you say yes to everything because you think that there’s no tomorrow, then maybe there is no tomorrow for you.” She pauses. “The only time we’re opposed to our music being used is if it’s for

something that’s in bad taste, or bad for people. We don’t want to support anything that’s evil, and I guess New Girl is not evil.”

“WE MAKE OUR ART AND WE LIVE IT, IT’S NOT A PART-TIME THING, IT’S EVERYTHING THAT WE DO. IT’S ALL CONNECTED” I ask Legrand how she sees the future of Beach House – does she see herself continuing to make music with the band for years to come? “I think music will always be part of my life and it will always be part of Alex’s,” she says. “Music has given us our lives, and so we’ll always be part of it. There are things we love outside of music, there are lots of things that have nothing to do with it, but I really believe in music, and I really think that it’s just something very special. Right now, it’s our most powerful way of expressing ourselves. I think it will always be part of our lives.” BEACH HOUSE play The Falls Festival taking place in Lorne from Friday December 28 – Tuesday January 1 (sold out) and in Marion Bay from Saturday December 29 – Tuesday January 1. They also play The Forum on Wednesday January 9. Bloom is out now through Mistletone.

Q&A RIOT IN TOYTOWN Riot In Toytown conjures up a cute, yet violent image. Is your music cute and/or violent? Defintely violent. Though, it’s mostly due to our drummer flailing around like a maniac and injuring himself on cymbals. As for cute, well our bass player is quite small. He’s like a miniature human. Some people might consider that cute. Musically – we’re slightly disgruntled. How did you come up with the name? Peyote. No, we struggled with names for the first year of our existence. In the end, Matt (bass) brought it into practice one day and it was the first name we didn’t hate straight away. It conjures some good imagery. As for what it means, only Matt may know, and probably has no idea. You’re about to launch your debut EP at The Corner Hotel as part of the massive Collision At The Corner festival. Which of the bands are you most looking forward to checking out? Defintely Barbarion. That clip for My Rock is legendary. We’ve played with the Voodoocain boys before. Their singer has a great voice. So that’ll be awesome too, no doubt. Who smells the best in the band? Two-way tie. Both our drummer and bass player have no body odour. We’re not sure they’re human. Having said that, Matt does like his protein. So, ok. Gangles wins.

Which band would you most like to have a battle/ showdown with? One Direction. Not much music would get played (thankfully) but who wouldn’t want to see a few of those kids decapitated with a nice crash cymbal or cleft in twain with a PRS. What song would you love for Riot In Toytown to cover? There are many. We’d like to do something a little left of centre. Something we can put our own stamp on, but I don’t want to give too much away just yet – oooh secrets. RIOT IN TOYTOWN play the epic COLLISION AT THE CORNER festival on Saturday January 12 at The Corner Hotel. They join Barbarion, Bugdust, King Of The North, Ten Thousand, The Charge, The Deep End and heaps more. Check out facebook.com/ CollisionAtTheCorner for all the info.

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CORE

PUNK, SKA, HARDCORE NEWS, REVIEWS AND GOSSIP BY EMILY KELLY: EK1984@GMAIL.COM

End of year lists. Not buying it. Not participating in an oﬃcial ranking of albums whose importance to me will shift throughout the next 12 months. Or even worse, forgetting to rank albums and then sulking in the realisation that I’ve done the artist a great injustice. It’s funny how you get an odd sense of importance when you rank other people’s art. Like they should be so lucky to have nabbed number one position on your poll (that’s what SHE said). So instead I’m going to give some simple shout outs to the albums that really shaped my year, pricked my ears (that’s what SH…. ahh nevermind) and were placed on repeat for days on end.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a local band cause a stir like The Smith Street Band did this year. Sunshine and Technology was a massive success, equaling – if not surpassing – the quality of the band’s debut release No One Gets Lost Anymore. The album also caught the attention of triple j and eventually the broader public. It’s really nice to see a band get the broad recognition they very dearly deserve but the planets aligned for these guys this year and it was a wondrous thing to behold.

CRUNCH! 2012 was a kinda cool year for hard rock and metal. It probably won’t go down in history as a 1967 or anything, but it was still pretty badass. Let’s take a look back at some of the notable releases and events of the year.

Pennywise and OFF! delivered some of the best straight-up, unabashed punk rock of the decade. Pennywise’s year was a confusing one: their decision to replace new guy Zoli with old singer Jim Lindberg still puzzles the shit outa me, whereas OFF! can always be trusted to deliver no-surprises pit-happy punk.

Hot Water Music (Exister), The Gaslight Anthem (45) Cancer Bats (Dead Set On Living) and Propagandhi (Failed States) also returned to our stereos this year, and they did not disappoint. None of these bands have ever produced a lackluster release in my opinion so it was reaﬃrming to see them deliver once again. Tasmania’s Lincoln LeFevre came out of nowhere this year to steal our collective hearts with Poison City release Resonation. Likewise The Japandroids were quite the surprise packet. Celebration Rock is a front-to-back banger that despite becoming incredibly popular in indie circles had more lo-ﬁ punk rock undertones than anything.

METAL, HEAVY ROCK, CLASSIC ROCK LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL GOOD SHIT WITH PETER HODGSON: CRUNCHCOLUMN@GMAIL.COM

MOST UNCOMFORTABLE EVENT

PERIPHERY

LONG HOLIDAY

Dave Mustaine oﬀending everybody with everything he said for about ﬁve months. The 20th Anniversary Countdown To Extinction remaster was pretty badass though.

Periphery have been spearheading the djent movement (along with bands like Tesseract, The Omega Experiment, Circles and the like), and they released a hell of an epic in the form of Periphery II: This Time It’s Personal. Featuring guest spots from Wes Hauch, Dream Theater’s John Petrucci and The Aristocrats’ Guthrie Govan, it’s a progressive, heavy tour de force. And as great as the band’s triple-guitar attack is, drummer Mark Holcomb is a real standout.

Check out the post-grunge sludginess of Melbourne’s Long Holiday. They have a pedigree which takes in Uncle Chunk and The Kissingers, and they ranked pretty highly in Rode’s band search halfway through 2012. Look for bigger things from these folks in 2013.

DEPARTURES AND ARRIVALS Who left who in 2012? Who joined what? Chris Amott left Arch Enemy (again). Howard Jones left Killswitch Engage and original singer Jesse Leach returned. Anvil’s Glenn Five walked. The Haunted kinda fell apart. Jeff Hannemann remained on hiatus from Slayer to recover from a spider bite that nearly tore his arm off. Mortal Sin called it quits. Queensryche split into two Queensryches and provided much tabloid fare. Glen Drover left Geoff Tate’s Queensryche without playing a note. Angra’s Eduardo Falaschi left. Ministry returned. Soundgarden put out a new album. Baroness took some time off after their bus fell 30 fucking feet from a viaduct near Bath, England. Anette Olzon left Nightwish, to be replaced on the road (and hopefully permanently because she’s awesome) by Floor Jansen (ReVamp). Megadeth ended their association with Roadrunner Records after five years and three albums. In 2012 we lost Ronnie Montrose, Deep Purple’s Jon Lord, Marshall Amplification’s Jim Marshall and Suicide Silence’s Mitch Lucker.

Death Grips, Diplo, Fiona Apple and Lana Del Ray were my random pop picks. Del Ray’s Born To Die, maligned as it was, was the most morose masterpiece of sultry tune-age I’ve ever heard. Death Grips proved some music is well and truly capable of genre-mashing beyond categorisation and Diplo and Fiona Apple made magical works of wonder that delivered more and more with every listen.

2012 saw me narrow my musical focus slightly towards the local scene. As glamorous as the international acts can be, there was a point this year (perhaps due to Smith Street’s success, perhaps due to getting a whiﬀ of a rather lackluster local vibe in New Zealand) where I realised Melbourne is totally, ridiculously spoiled when it comes to musical talent. Bands from around the country are falling over themselves to book a show in our venues and to draw even the most modest of Melbourne audiences. The eﬀect an impassioned Melbourne punter can have on their local scene is also not to be underestimated. I see friends throwing themselves into promoting locals bands for free. Keen to lend support, time, hugs and even just attendance wherever it is most deserved to ensure real talent doesn’t go unrecognised. That, my friends, is unique to only a handful of music scenes in the world. How lucky are WE? Enjoy your Christmas. Go see a band. Stand up the front. Fist pump with reckless abandon.

BLACK SABBATH Black Sabbath’s reunion was announced and then postponed, and then drummer Bill Ward withdrew due to a contract dispute, but in 2012 the mighty Sabbath roared again (with drummer Tommy Clufetos behind the kit) for a couple of shows. Guitar god Tony Iommi is reportedly doing well after his cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the lads are in the studio working on a new album due out in 2013. They also announced an Australian tour, but you probably already know that and have your tickets.

LAMB OF GOD BREAKOUT GUITARIST Ola Englund from Six Feet Under. Check this dude out on YouTube, especially his sweet Strictly 7 signature guitars.

Perhaps the suckiest thing to happen in 2012 has been the arrest of Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe in relation to the death of a fan who invaded the stage on multiple occasions at a gig in the Czech Republic a few years ago. Randy will return to the country for the trial in 2013.

VAN HALEN Nobody thought it would ever happen, but Van Halen ﬁnally released a new album with David Lee Roth, and it was far better than anyone expected (apart from maybe the lacklustre ﬁrst single, Tattoo). Part of the album’s success is that they dipped into the vaults and drew on material from their pre-fame days, as well as writing new material. There’s plenty of footage online from their 2012 US tour and it all sounds pretty badass.

TWELVE FOOT NINJA Twelve Foot Ninja ﬁnally released their debut long-player and it’s one of the crackingest albums of the year in Silent Machine – part metal, part lounge, part funk, progressive and melodic and heavy and creative and funny and intense… this is what a sherbet high sounds like.

AUSSIE BANDS TO WATCH IN 2013 Gay Paris, Redcoats, Long Holiday, Ten Thousand, Welcome To The Numb, Catacombs, Circles.

BLOOD DUSTER BY AUGUSTUS WELBY

Melbourne metal extremists, Blood Duster, celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Tote with their second annual “Destroy New Years!” event. In addition to eradicating 2012, the gig will be the official launch of Blood Duster’s new album, KVLT. Speaking to Beat, bass player/band founder Jason PC Fuller declares the band’s intention to make the last night of the year a tremendously reckless occasion. “I just want it to be so fucking good that The Tote burns to the ground. So that’s kind of what I’m saying, I just want to destroy the venue and everyone in it. That’s pretty much the goal of every gig, but New Years especially.” Despite these dangerous ambitions Jason explains that everyone is invited to partake in the craziness. “We just want to have a stupid party and have all our friends down. We try to host it more than a normal gig. We’re putting on a barbeque. We do a spit and there’s vegan food, so it’s not like a skimpy barbeque where you just put fourteen sausages on and the four fattest dudes through the door get it. We actually spend money and cook for a few hours.” The other bands on the line-up are all closely connected to the hosts and will surely enhance the unruly shenanigans. “Captain Cleanoff, they’re a grind band made up of members from all different states who are doing really good. Bat Piss are guys from The Tote who work behind the bar. Sewercide are a really young thrash band who are doing really good. Broozer are like a mix of Tool and death metal, aggressive and pretty technical. The thing that all those bands have in common is they’re friends in one way or another with Blood Duster, so it’s definitely going to have a real friendly vibe,”

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says Jason. Blood Duster’s new album KVLT (pronounced ‘cult’) landed a few months ago, so fans should have had time to familiarise themselves with the material prior to the launch. However, it’s actually impossible to hear the album. KVLT had limited vinyl release but the band mutilated the records so they couldn’t be played. They also destroyed the masters, thus preventing any chance of re-pressing. The unplayability of the album is largely a protest against the prevalent disregard for the craft and effort that goes into making music. “Music has been devalued by fuckin’ multi-nationals to the point where it’s more fun for us to not give you an album. We can make an album and destroy it; that way we get to own it. I’ve never done a deal with Spotify or any of those companies in my life, yet all of my stuff’s available for nothing. They get to make money from McDonald’s ads, or whatever, while the artist gets nothing. So, if you think our stuff’s worth nothing then fuck you, you can’t have it.” Jason clearly struggles to digest the fact that someone else is making money from Blood Duster’s music, while utterly ignoring the creators. “On the Blood Duster website there’s a link where you can

download the EP [SVCK, which accompanies the album] illegally. You can download the EP for free from a pirate site and you can see that it’s covered in ads. That’s there to show people what’s actually going on. It’s like we have to prove that we own the stuﬀ to get them to pull it down. Is the earth back to front? Did I miss something where companies are just allowed to do that? To me it seems really obviously stupid and mean spirited towards artists.” Jason highlights that this blatant laundering basically dismisses any rights of the musician. “If it was just us not making money, that’s cool we’d keep doing it, we’ve been doing that for years! But us doing it so someone else can proﬁteer it? Nah, you can go and get fucked. I think there should be laws in place to say that all these companies need to come to you and say ‘I would like to use your product.’ Not, ‘we’re going to use your product, you sort it out.’ That just doesn’t happen anywhere else on earth except the music industry.” KVLT’s punk rock release method states a refusal to be taken advantage of, however where will Blood Duster go from here? “It’s a hard one, do we just bow down and put out a record?

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It seems like such a boring thing to do now. People want it, but the value has gone. There’s so much stuff for free, no one has to put any time or thought into it, they just go ‘ok cool, I’ll put that on shuffle’.” The band has discussed a few similarly unyielding release strategies aimed to remind people to cherish the music they’re hearing. “We did toss up the idea of individually marking the record with who we wanted to have it, so if you make friends with us you get a record. Then having listening parties, just taking a copy and people can come down and listen to the record and we’ll put it on repeat, people can get into it and then we’ll take that copy home.” An easy remedy for the general public’s woefully diminished appreciation for recorded music is unlikely to emerge in the foreseeable future, which makes the Blood Duster’s ambition to ‘destroy new years’ sound like an urgent imperative. BLOOD DUSTER plays The Tote on New Year’s Eve alongside Captain Cleanoff, Batpiss, Sewercide, Broozer and more for 'Destroy New Years!'

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BONJAH Having recently announced their summer album preview tour, stopping in at The Gershwin Room at The Espy for two shows on Friday January 18 and Saturday January 19, the guys have now announced their string of wonderful supports. Guests on the night are indie folk favourites Tinpan Orange, Tom Tuena Band, Jack Stirling (The Joe Kings) and Johnnyville. Tickets are selling fast and on sale now from The Espy website.

FLYYING COLOURS After a cracking ﬁrst headline show at Yah Yah’s at the start of December, Flyying Colours will undertake their very ﬁrst residency at the illustrious Cherry Bar every Wednesday in January. With comparisons to classic British psych and shoegaze like My Bloody Valentine and The Stone Roses, the shows will be a great way to spend a balmy summer’s eve and are all free entry.

23 ANGLES OF ATTACK

THE BRASS KNUCKLE BRASS BAND The Brass Knuckle Brass Band is a New Orleans style street funk group from Canberra. BKBB has performed to great acclaim and signiﬁcant booty-shaking at the 2011 and 2012 Summer Rhythm Festivals, 2011 and 2012 National Folk Festivals and most rooms in Canberra large enough to ﬁt six horns, two percussionists and a singer. Playing at The LuWOW for their Falls Festival sideshow on Saturday January 5.

ROCK THE BAY On Saturday February 16, Rock The Bay Festival at The Espy will celebrate its ﬁfth year with a lineup that’s shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. Australia’s much loved and hairiest band, The Beards, will headline the festival along with local heroes Electric Mary, Sydney’s Sleepmakeswaves, Bellusira, Tim McMillan Band (returning from Germany), Engine Three Seven, King Of The North, The Khyber Belt, Sleep Parade, Breaking Orbit (NSW), New Skinn, Moroccan Kings, Manatarms (Chile), One, Sons Of Abraham and heaps more. Tickets are just $29+BF and go on sale now through OzTix, The Espy, Fist 2 Face, Polyester Records, Greville records, Karova Lounge (Ballarat) and The Nash (Geelong). Head to rockthebayfestival.com for the full lineup.

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HACKXWHORE Prepare yourself for a night of grind, groove and all out general brutality from all corners of the state on Thursday December 27 at The Bendigo Hotel. From Warnambool comes Severity, bringing their brand of crushing metal to the masses. Then to other side of the state from Latrobe Valley with their orchestrated chaos with a twist of madness is Avirus. Next in, from Melbourne, putting the “groove” in groove metal is Mastiff who have been thrashing Melbourne’s necks into submission since their inception. Last but not least, headlining off the back of their album launch as they embark on a national tour, Ballarat’s filthiest grinders Hackxwhore will be sure to tear you a new one even before they hit mid set. Some of Victoria’s best metal and grind bands from all directions of the state come together for Metalisha at The Bendigo Hotel on Thursday December 27. 8pm, $8.

Over the past year 23 Angles Of Attack have been spreading their unique sound of rock around some of Melbourne best live venues. Their original blend of unpredictable rock takes a listener on a journey from Sabbath-esque melodic rock to the soulful wailing of slower tunes reminiscent of Jeﬀ Buckley and then nose diving into synth laden rock epics. This local four-piece are set to release their debut EP Neon Queen early next year but before that the quartet will play their last gig for 2012 at the infamous Tote on Thursday December 27 along with fellow rockers Wolf Vs Fire, The High Drifters & The Smoking Aces for a night of pre-New Years Eve partying.

ASH GRUNWALD One of Australia’s ﬁnest live performers, multi-award winning Ash Grunwald, returns to Ferntree Gully Hotel on December 29. Joining Ash will be Rob Hirst (Midnight Oil, The Backsliders) on drums and Scott Owen (The Living End) on bass. Ash has been deservedly credited with bringing blues and roots to a new generation. His game changing ﬁfth studio album, Hot Mama Vibes, is neck-deep in the technological swamp of the 21st century. It’s also the most primal concoction of elemental junkyard soul to stomp through your speakers this year. Ash is now a 10 year veteran of live stages from Australia’s famed Byron Bay Bluesfest to the Montreux Jazz Festival. Don’t miss this rare chance to see Ash, Rob and Scott take blues to a new level again.

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LIZ STRINGER 2012 was a big year for Liz Stringer. With the release of her critically lauded fourth record, Warm In The Darkness, it was a year that involved a lot shows in a lot of places. A captivating performer, if you’ve not seen Liz in action it’s about time you did. The songs weave narratives of Australia, bringing our stories to life with some of the ﬁnest lyricism we are fortunate to have in this country. Liz’s voice is an instrument with the capacity to silence a room and keep it quiet. Catch Liz Stringer on Sunday January 6 at 4pm at The Drunken Poet.

THE JAPERS The Japers see themselves as a musical family who, like brothers, put absolute faith in each other creatively. This allows each member to safely place individual creativity in the hands of others. These ideals and this philosophy make Jape Squad’s music unique. For the listener, it is never clear what’s coming next because that’s the way it is for the band too. Do yourself a favour: get yourself Japed at The Vic Hotel on Friday December 30. 9pm, free entry.

MCALPINE’S FUSILIERS McAlpine’s Fusiliers expand upon the traditions of Irish and Australian roots music to form an intoxicating brew of original music. The band draws upon traditional sources such as The Dubliners and The Chieftains and combines them with more contemporary inﬂuences such as The Clash and AC/ DC. McAlpine’s Fusiliers play two sets at The Vic Hotel on Friday January 11 from 9pm. Entry is free.

BAD VISION Blindly stumbling through 2012 using only their aural and oral senses to guide them, Bad Vision have somehow managed to record a double A-side single and intend to pedal their proto punkinfused garage on every street corner a hobo has left for the taking. With enough pop leanings to stimulate some healthy serotonin production and enough raw noise to engage your primal urges, 112/Visions is brought to you on hot green wax, complete with digital download. Recorded in Captain B’s shakin’ shack and mixed and mastered by Mikey Young, Bad Vision launch 112/Visions with a party at The Old Bar on Saturday January 12 with help from The Kremlings, Rayon Moon and Messed Up. $10 entry.

OL’ TIMEY WEEKLY BLUEGRASS SESSIONS Craig Westwood (ex-Headbelly Buzzard, among other bands) brings his weekly ol’ timey music jam session across from The Lomond Hotel, its home for the past ﬁve years. BYO instrument or just hang out and enjoy the music in the beer garden. Every Saturday afternoon at The Vic Hotel from 4.30pm.

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COLLISION AT THE CORNER Collision At The Corner features ten of Melbourne’s best live rock acts sweating it out across The Corner Hotel’s two stages. Catch Barbarion, King Of The North, Ten Thousand, Bugdust, Empra, The Deep End, The Charge, Riot In Toytown, Voodoocain and Thick Line Thin Line on Saturday January 12, all for a mere $20+bf. Tickets on sale now via cornerhotel.com. Check out facebook. com/CollisionAtTheCorner for all the details.

THE EARS

LISA MILLER Meet The Misses is Lisa Miller’s seventh solo album. It reprises her own songs from the longunavailable first two albums Quiet Girl With A Credit Card from 1996 and As Far As A Life Goes from 1999. Despite her best efforts, Lisa has never been able to acquire the rights to those recordings and so they have languished in the vaults. The new album is not an attempt to recreate the old albums but rather to find a new way of looking at these songs. They were approached almost as if this were another of Lisa’s Car Tape covers albums, except this time all the songs happen to be written by Lisa herself. Don’t miss your chance to hear these songs live when Lisa does a special show at The Retreat Hotel on Sunday December 30 from 7.30pm.

HIPSHAKER LuWOW proudly presents Hipshaker: a night dedicated to searching for the best in underground dance music from the ‘60s. No groove is too obscure for them in their quest for the perfect vibe. From the funkiest R&B to the fuzziest beat, if it’s a dance ﬂoor killer it’s on the playlist. Hipshaker wants to give you something more, which is why they also have the pleasure of oﬀering the wildest bands blistering live R&B is the order of the day with The Bluebottles, an instrumental surf/garage band with reverb drenched twang and a splash of Latin rhythm. Delivering a sound that’s sure to set the pulses racing and the feet stomping while DJs spin the best in '60s soul, original R&B, early funk, mod, garage, freakbeat, psych and other dance gems. Saturday December 29.

The Ears were one of the leading lights of Melbourne’s notorious and much celebrated post-punk scene of the early 1980s. Musically, they were eclectic, veering from doom-laden romance to sweet ironic pop. It was loud, melodic and never complex. Sejavka was one of the weirdest and most chemically-challenged frontmen of the day, urging on a live act so full of chaos and lunacy that it could hardly fail to attract attention. Now, so long after, the band has exhumed their faith in madness and music. At every show they’ve wrung the last drop of energy from their crumbling bodies. With resuscitation, there has also come new music, Déjà Moo, an independently released, semi-live minialbum of seven new songs to be launched at The Tote on Friday December 28. Entry is $12.

TRANSIENCE Prog-rockers Transience are launching their second single, Recreate, with a night of tomfoolery and music at The Evelyn on Friday January 4. The incestuous love-child of several Melbourne bands, Transience began as an experiment of sorts. If you’re into prog, video games, HBO, dotted crotchets and MIDI synths, then this is probably all relative to your interests. Joining them are fellow Melbourne rockers Lung, Moroccan Kings and Sons Of Abraham. It’s sure to be loud, beer-soaked, and full of musical chaos. Head down at 8.30pm.

THE BREADMAKERS The Breadmakers hit the LuWOW on Friday December 28 to lay down their thumpin’ swamp pop in the temple of sin, shame and scintillation for post Christmas party that will make you shake, stomp, and wear out that aqua dance ﬂoor once again. You’ll also be able to relive the joys and agony of Christmas just two days later with LuWOW’s post-Christmas present swap table. Swap your unwanted presents for someone else’s crap! $5, members free, doors 8pm.

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SYDONIA PAT TIERNEY BARNARD DUO

SOMERSET

Brisbane singer/songwriters Pat Tierney and Somerset Barnard come from very diﬀerent musical backgrounds and upbringings but will join forces for their co-headline Boot’s & Board’s tour that will see them visit every state on the east coast of Australia. The pair will be performing solo acoustic shows as well as teaming up to put on an eclectic night of folk, blues, country and roots stemming from a shared love of inﬂuences such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley. Catch the duo when they play The Retreat Hotel on Thursday December 27 at 9pm with Sweet Felicia & The Honeytones at 10pm.

DAN TROLLEY Having just released his debut cassette Hours Electric, Dan Trolley from the garage punk band Mass Cult will be bringing his solo synth/punk show to The Tote Hotel every Wednesday in January. Armed with only a guitar, drum machine and sampler, Dan Trolley creates a wall of sound of layered synths, reverb drenched fuzz guitars and repetitive ‘80s drum machine. Taking on inﬂuences such as Jesus & Mary Chain, Sonic Youth, Lou Reed and Tubeway Army. Trolley will be joined by very special guests every week.

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If you don’t buy into what The Mayans have planned then you probably know where you’ll be heading for NYE. However, have you thought about how you’ll be spending the build up to your big event? Well, you could hardly go past Sydonia on any night let alone Saturday December 29 as you prepare to kiss 2012 goodbye. Throw in some equally satisfying sounds from the likes of Decimatus, Dive Into Ruin and Devoid Of All and your mind should be made up. All you need now is more details so it happens at The Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy and kicks oﬀ at 8.30pm and $15 will get you in.

DISPORO New South Welshmen Disporo are coming back to Melbourne, this time teaming up with Cabin Fever for a night of inside jokes, circle pits, footy shorts, beers and all round fun. Also joining the party are Clowns, Kremlings and Sewercide. This Sunday December 30 from 4pm at The Bendigo Hotel – think of it as a very fun pre-New Years training. $6 entry.

MR SPKR M R S P K R (Mr.Speaker) is manic front man of the dark and spooky party band The Queen’s Head but when he busts out an acoustic guitar and a vocal loop pedal his demeanor morphs from boisterous front man to delicate balladeer. It’s his last show for the year and he plans to go out with a bang bang he shot me down. Prepare your brain boxes as he takes to the stage with reckless abandon at The Great Britain Hotel in Richmond on Sunday December 30. Two sets, 8pm and it’s free.

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POST APOCALYPTIC SLAUGHTER Post Apocalyptic Slaughter is presented by Kiss Or Kill, Heavy Mag, All Things Metal and Sepsis Records. After the world turns to dust the week before, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be bringing the Post Apocalyptic Slaughter this Saturday December 29 to The Bendigo Hotel in Collingwood from 8pm. The lineup includes Belligerent Intent, Internal Nightmare, Whoretopsy, Harlott and Hybrid Nightmare. $10 entry. End the year with some brutality.

ALTA MATT GLASS & THE LOOSE CANNONS Matt Glass is a storyteller and his music, couched as it is in a timeless melodic style that has been likened to Paul Kelly, Jack Johnson and Ryan Adams, explores themes of love and loss with a rare and poignant universality. Matt Glassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; music is driven by his acoustic guitar and vocals, creating a blues-inspired brand of music with hints of folk and touch of reggae. Joining Matt on stage are The Loose Cannons, a talented band of musicians that help swell Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music and bring a bright energy to the show. Catch Matt and The Loose Cannons on Saturday December 29 in The Retreat Hotel beer garden from 4pm. Free entry.

THE NEXT TO NOTHING AESTHETIC The Next To Nothing Aesthetic is a new Melbournebased indie-soul ensemble, although any labelling of the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style is pointless as they have a tendency to blur the lines between musical genres. The two core members Freddie Hemara and Don Nadi (from the now legendary Melbourne club bands Patois and Cat) come from an elite group of Melbourne musicians that have no real interest in resting on the laurels of their past successes. But what they deďŹ nitely do share is a common desire to push new musical boundaries. They play a Sunday residency at Fog from 4pm.

ELECTRIC CULTURES Fallopian Tunes presents Electric Cultures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a showcase on contemporary experimental electronic music. The ďŹ ve distinct acts vary in method, from cosmic lounge to abrasive cacophony, industrious beats to tropical revelry. Electric Cultures is Kristian M. Roberts, Dick Threats, Big Yawn, The Dawns and Document Swell on Thursday December 27 at The Old Bar. $8 entry.Â

Stay Awhile is the debut EP by Melbourne duo ALTA. Singer/song-writer Hannah Lesser and producer Julius Dowson have combined their varied musical backgrounds to create ALTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique mix of organic vocals and sample-heavy/electronic beats. Julius meticulously melds smooth trip-hop beats that reference producers of the past while incorporating contemporary sounds resulting in ALTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fresh and distinctive sound. Hannahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice was born and bred on blues music. Its raw ability is simply soul shaking. Go see ALTA along with special guests Amin Payne, Flash Forest and Bee Ampersand at Laundry Bar on Saturday January 5. Receive a free copy of the EP on entry.

LLOYD SPIEGEL With 18 years, a bunch of albums and a swag of accolades to his name, Lloyd Spiegel is the most experienced young blues artist in Australia. Through these 18 years Lloyd has come to be regarded amongst the ďŹ nest blues guitarists in the nation and has played bills with up and comers such as Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Buddy Guy, apparently wiping the ďŹ&#x201A;oor with the lot of them. Watching Lloyd live is a treat to be savoured. Get down to The Drunken Poet on Sunday December 30 at 4pm for a lesson in the blues.

CHRIS ALTMANN Chris Altmann is a songwriter and multiinstrumentalist, originally from the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, and now divides his time between Melbourne, Toronto, and Nashville. Along his journey he has embraced many musical styles, from his ďŹ rst group, country-rock tinged The Drowners, to the more modern pop/rock sound of The Vandas, and onto a solo career steeped in early 1970s Americana. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss Chris on Sunday December 30 at The Standard Hotel at 7.30pm.

MONICA AND THE EXPLOSION

THE DEAD HEIR

Monica and The Explosion is Monica Welander, an acoustic punk rock artist from Kalmar, Sweden. Since the release of her debut album in 2007 she has been touring all around the world, solo or with a band, and she has aroused great interest and respect for her dynamic live performances and her songs wherever she has been.Â The sound is best described as â&#x20AC;?jukebox punkâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; acoustic rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;roll with attitude. She plays the Public Bar on Monday January 7.

Garage rock bands The Dead Heir and Two Headed Dog team up for a night of cool music at Yah Yahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Thursday December 27, entry is free. The Dead Heir is a band that has been years in the making. Finally ready to hit up the scene and play some ďŹ lthy garage tunes. Beginning late in 2011 as a three-piece, The Dead Heir has grown into a noisy, ever changing six-some. Now after months of fermentation, the band is looking to move out of backyards and friends kitchenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and break into Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underground scene. Two Headed Dog is a three-piece rock band hailing from the north eastern suburbs of Melbourne. You like fuzz? They got it. You like big loud drums? They got it. You like organ? They got it. Doors 5pm, music from 8pm, free entry.

LOPAKA Lopaka are hitting up The Reverence Hotel again on Thursday December 27 and this time they are teaming up with Heisenberg, Tim Lock and Space Cadet for a night of math rock. 8pm, $5.

THE GOVERNMENT YARD Perth band The Government Yard is touring the East Coast oďŹ&#x20AC; the back of their second album release The 500 Year Tenancy. The bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s songs centre around the plants, animals and forgotten histories of the Western Australian coastline.Â The band will be giving away free copies of their album upon entry to their show at The Gasometer on Saturday December 29. Support comes from The Actor Buddhists and Glaciers. The band recently earned the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indie Of The Weekâ&#x20AC;? moniker on Rage for their self-made shadow puppet clip about the explorer Francois Peron and areÂ just about to release more ďŹ lm related work for their new songs.

SEAN MCMAHON Sean McMahon, talented front-man of legendary Melbourne band Downhills Home and three-piece altcountry band Western Union will be playing a special solo acoustic show in the Retreat Hotel front bar in support of Lachlan Bryan on Wednesday January 2. Sean starts at 8.30pm and Lachlan is on at 9.30pm and entry is free.

SARAH CARNEGIE Sarah Carnegie returns to The Great Britain Hotel Sunday January 6 to perform her mix of soul, folk and pop.Â Her original creations are thick with acoustic guitar, angelic vocals, lingering lyrics and ďŹ&#x201A;oating harmonies.Â In the last few years Sarah has opened for Katie Noonan and has supported US singer/songwriter Jason Mraz.Â Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debut album, The Architect, builds from her organic vocals and guitar to a world of colour where the songs paint a picture, tell a story and leave a melodic imprint in your music receptor.Â Get your receptor to The Great Britain on Sunday at 8pm.Â Free.

AITCHES The Gasometer Hotel have the perfect antidote to your Christmas stress, with a killer evening of punk and rock goodness on Friday December 28. The triple j Soundwave comp winners Aitches unleash their pop/punk fury, supported by the awesome alternarockers Wolf Vs Fire, the sweet harmony ďŹ lled guitar driven rock/punk of FireďŹ ght and the hard, sweaty melodic punk rock of Crying Sirens. Head down and let the sweet sound of rock and the taste of fresh beer help you get over the disappointment of not getting the new bike you wanted for Christmas.

RASPECT RECORDS BOXING DAY BASH Raspect Records and New Dub City present two very special Christmas shows this year, one of which is a massive Boxing Day Bash tonight at Bar Open (Fitzroy), featuring SK Simeon, Zulu Flow Zion and special guest Sista Itations. As part of the Christmas festivities, New Dub City have released a brand new dub of their song Green, featuring guest producer Wayne â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lotekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bennett at the controls. The track is available as a download â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all proceeds of the song (as well as the album) during the month of December will go towards the Oxfam Christmas appeal. Doors at 9pm, free entry. Head to newdubcity.com for more details.

WEDNESDAY

MAJOR TOM AND THE ATOMS In just a year on the Aussie music scene, Major Tom & The Atoms have made big, bigÂ Atomic waves.Â Their explosive debut EP Shake It Til You Break ItÂ was immediatelyÂ picked up byÂ JJJ, PBS and RRR, earning glowing reviews and damaging ear-trumpetsÂ nationwide.Â Taking its cues and clues from the great rhythm & blues acts of yesteryear, theÂ Major Tom & The AtomsÂ sound is anÂ intoxicating brew of funky-tonk blues, spychedelic shoot-out tunes and howlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; growlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; jungle grooves. Major Tom & The AtomsÂ roll into The Great BritainÂ at the top of their game â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â a dazzling six-piece rhythm and blues orchestra exploding with passion andÂ a bag-full of brand newÂ ear-worms. Catch their free set with surprise support from 9pm onÂ Saturday January 5 at The Great Britain Hotel.

BLINDMUNKEE For months now, Melbourne dwellers have seen the stamp of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blindmunkeeâ&#x20AC;? throughout all mediums. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appeared online, on posters via guerilla marketing and even on a certain good morning news program but what exactly is it? In support of their upcoming release and graphic action novel, Blindmunkee will bring their madmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rock and alternative hip hop fused darkness to Revolver on Saturday January 5. Supporting them will be industrial/neo classical rockers Jenarium; Rise Of The Sun with their soundscape to the next century and Death Of Art.

DO IT IN A DRESS On Sunday December 30 three of Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest bands will â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do It In A Dressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the infamous Cherry Bar to raise money for the girls of Sierra Leone. Join Children Overboard, The Velvets and The Naysayers as they shake their frocked up groove things all over one of Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most notorious stages in the name of charity. The bands are donating all money that they make from the night (thanks to the amazing Cherry Bar), and urge you to go along and show your support. The aim on the night is to make enough money to send a girl in Sierra Leone back to school and to do this they need your attendance and your best dresses. So get in, get â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em out, donate, and dance the night away.

THURSDAY

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TUESDAY

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THE VAUDEVILLE SMASH VS SEX ON TOAST Witness “The Greatest Residency in History” as two heavyweights of the Melbourne live scene go head-to-head in a show that will be talked about for years to come. In one corner you have the discopop machine that is The Vaudeville Smash. Masters of the hook and the relentless groove, with their legions of fans and their spirit hands. And in the other corner there’s the synth-infused, falsetto love grooves of Sex On Toast, a nine-piece party that takes all that’s great from the greatest that ever were and makes it even greater. They play at The Evelyn Hotel on Monday January 7 at 8.30pm with special guests Howard, and the following Monday same time this time with A Art in support.

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FULL UGLY

MIDNIGHT WOOLF Yah Yah’s is thrilled that Midnight Woolf will be playing on New Year's Eve Eve. The show was originally scheduled for New Year's Eve but due to not being able to stay open past 1am into 2013, Yah Yah’s decide to have our little luau a day early so we can play a little later. Melbourne’s ﬁnest rock country garage punk rockabilly surf group Midnight Woolf will be headlining the party. The group recently completed a whirlwind tour of Spain, 15 gigs in 16 days. Midnight Woolf also released their new album I’ll Be A Dog. Midnight Woolf features the talented Sanchez brothers, Raul was in Magic Dirt and also fronts River of Snakes, Louis is a proliﬁc artist, and his distinct cartoon style has adorned many poster walls, album covers and more. Also playing on Sunday December 30 is Ballarat’s primitive garage rock’n’roll band who have a touch of country and surf, The Yard Apes as well Daylesford’s Humbug. Entry is $10 but every payer gets a free glass of champagne.

To kick off the first weekend of 2013, The Tote is bringing you a night of shoegazing rock’n’roll to get your head back into gear and facing the New Year. Via three of Melbourne’s masters of body and mind cleansing experiences, Full Ugly, Parading and Lowtide. Full Ugly have spent 2012 playing sweet jams off their debut album Spent The Afternoon. The album is full of delay and melody and live their sound is aimed at relaxing and making you feel good. Parading have spent 2012 writing and recording their debut LP and are ready to kick off 2013 live, showcasing their special brand of noisy and dreamy pop aimed right at your heart. The night will come to a head with Melbourne’s leader of the shoegaze experience, Lowtide. Also having just recorded their debut LP, Lowtide will close the night filling up every soul in the room with dreamy washed out rock’n’roll. Enjoy a night of new beginnings at The Tote on Friday January 4.

SHARON SHANNON Sharon Shannon has music at her ﬁngertips – literally! The accordionist from Ireland has achieved legendary status throughout the world and has made the much-maligned accordion “cool” in her home country. Renowned for her collaborations not just in Irish traditional music, but through all musical genres – hip hop, Cajun, country, classical and rap. In memory of Jill Meagher, 30% of all proceeds from both performances at The Spotted Mallard on Friday January 11 and Saturday January 12 will go to the Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) casa.org.au as a tribute to Jill’s life and enduring spirit.

LA BASTARD Riotous surf/rockabilly extravanganza La Bastard will welcome in 2013 on Friday January 4 at the LuWOW. With the band’s second full length album Tales From The Beyond slated for release on Oﬀ The Hip Records in mid-January, La Bastard will be warming up for their February album launch with in this double creature feature with the infamous non-tippers The Tarantinos!

SOMEONE ELSE’S WEDDING BAND In parallel with bands since the late '90s, the duo known as Someone Else’s Wedding Band keep themselves rather inclusive. Bass player Naf doubles up with percussive hockey pucks as drums as singer Jason accompanies with ukulele. Their musical inﬂuences range from Tom Waits to Sonic Youth to Weezer and back again. This broad spectrum inﬂuences their more many varied covers – folk-inspired to heavy delayriddled instrumental originals. Catch Someone Else’s Wedding Band when they play The Retreat Hotel on Friday December 28 with The Workinghorse Irons. Music starts at 9.30pm. Free entry.

BURN IN HELL After a European tour Burn In Hell are back in Melbourne to wreak drunken havoc upon us once more. They will be playing an afternoon show at The Reverence Hotel on Sunday December 30. This is boneyard music sung by drunkyard dogs, carny music for bearded women and two-headed men, the cabaret of the damned and the swamp music of the stranded and abandoned. Joining them for the festivities will be Postmasters Gambit, Samuel Tate and Marks Massive Organ. Get down at 3pm for music, beers, sun and pizza. Free entry.

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LAUNDRY BAR // January 5th // 9:00pm

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Beat Magazine Page 65

MUSIC NEWS

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SALT LAKE CITY

FLOUNDER After recording mid-year with acclaimed producer Andy Mak (Silverchair, Boy and Bear), Melbourne funk/rock outfit Flounder are set to release their debut EP Scratch. The young five-piece will cap off a year of hard work by launching their EP at The Grace Darling Hotel on Friday December 28. Scratch demonstrates the years of development the group has been through, and is bustling with tight grooves, singable melodies and strong musicianship, whilst always staying true to their rock roots. With support from newcomer groove outfit Crooks and Queens and rockers Chop Squad, the launch is not to be missed.

Eclectic and genre-defying are two terms bandied around when describing a new band with alarming frequency, but Salt Lake City genuinely ﬁt the bill. Their cinematic, classical and jazz inﬂuenced alternative musical storytelling makes you want to sit up and listen. Salt Lake City are a band that meander through genres, not afraid to dip their musical toes wherever they please with references to the intricacies of human tendencies and emotions. There is an experimental edge that is readily coupled with the acoustic guitar vein that runs through all their music. Joining them at Bar Open this Thursday December 27 are pals their pals Sammy Owen Blues Band and a very special guest. Doors 8.30pm, free entry.

THE SINKING TEETH The Sinking Teeth will be kicking oﬀ 2013 with an awesome show at The Reverence Hotel on Saturday January 5. Joining the boys to celebrate the New Year will be dirty, dirty rockers Sheriﬀ and everybody’s favourite new band Them Bruins. 8pm, $10.

THE AFROBIOTICS The Afrobiotics are a six-piece Melbourne-based band that breathe new life into the sound of West Africa whilst bringing a powerful message of resistance to the next generation of afro-beat. Mr Fantastic, a Senegalese griot musician who has recently migrated to Australia, chants out front of The Afrobiotics as guitars weave layers of rhythm and the hypnotic bass and drums ready the dance floor for a rapid crossfire between the organ and horns. This is afrobeat medicine administered directly to your soul. He is a “Culture Keeper” bringing traditional Sabar music and dance forms to the band’s compositions as well as a first hand afro-beat authenticity. The songs flip in and out of traditional tongue, street pidgin chants and English verse regularly punctuated by impossible percussion. Following on from their September residency, The Afrobiotics return to Bar Open for two shows to end the year with a bang. See them on Saturday December 29, doors at 10pm, free entry.

AUSTIN LUCAS Featuring three proliﬁc singer songwriters, Austin Lucas, Jamie Hay and PJ Bond, The Young Troubadours Tour will travel the East Coast of Australia throughout January 2013. Great artists in their own right, the three troubadours team up for a tour of intimate shows, which will see Austin Lucas and PJ Bond touch our shores for the ﬁrst time. They play the Reverence Hotel on Friday January 4 at 8pm. Costs $18.

MOOSEJAW RIFLE CLUB

NO ESCAPE FOR THE KING

Moosejaw Rifle Club are a three-piece folk/ country/bluegrass band from Melbourne. Layered three-part harmonies over mandolin, guitcho and guitar has their vast and stylish sound crammed into a nutshell. Their original song-smithery melds effortlessly with their more traditional influences appealing to a diverse audience of music lovers. The band have been honing their chops for a few years now and look forward to hitting the stage at The Retreat Hotel on Wednesdays in December.

No Escape For The King will be delivering hookladen new wave steeped in snowﬂakes, magma, and mountains of delay on Saturday December 29 at Yah Yah’s. Support comes from punk-pop trio Slacquer; think Blondie snogs Transvision Vamp at a Xmas party hosted by Weezer, with Green Day supplying the pickled onions and vol au vents. The line up will be completed by folk-rock tale tellers Stringfellow Hawke. Doors 5pm, bands from 9pm, free entry.

DISPARO Sydney’s Disparo are coming back to Melbourne for some shows before the end of the year. They will be bringing their super fast in-your-face punk rock to the Reverence Hotel on Saturday 29th December. Joining them will be CounterAttack, Cabin Fever and Goonbag Colostomy. Saturday December 29 at The Reverence Hotel from 8pm, $10 entry.

Beat Magazine Page 66

JOHNNY GIBSON

THE MELANOMADS

Johnny Gibson, born in Tasmania, came to Melbourne in the early 2000s. He has since been a hard-working drummer in such bands as The Swedish Magazines, The Currency, Reigning Men and Streams Of Whiskey. Johnny Gibson & The Hangovers perform at The Vic Hotel on Saturday January 12 with support from The Jackals at 9pm. Entry is free.

The Melanomads are off the leash and frothing at the mouth to play tracks off their debut LP Synthetic Voodoo, which was released digitally and on vinyl on 12/12/12. Hailing from Tromaville, they are a boiler suit wearing trio who look forward to partying with new friends and making hideous amounts of noise in a confined space. Saturday January 5 at The Public Bar.

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THE PRETTY LITTLES Knitting For Gran, Round The Corner and The Pretty Littles are a mix of indie and gritty pop with a bit more grit than pop. Their strengths lie in soaring vocals and clever lyrics delivered with delicious melodies and a rock solid beat. Can you dance to this music? Yes. Can you get lost in the psychedelic emotion? Yes. Will you walk away hot and sweaty? Yes. All three bands are getting great coverage on local and national radio stations. They have been touring the coast looking for waves and the fan base has been building. It will be Round The Corner’s highly anticipated debut gig in Melbourne at Revolver Bandroom on Thursday December 27, and The Retreat Thursday January 3.

INBETWEEN HANGOVERS PARTY The Evelyn goes hardcore for the night on Thursday December 27. Presenting the Inbetween Hangovers Party with some of Melbourne’s best upcoming metal/hardcore bands. The night is going to be full of break downs, sweet riﬀs and hard hitting vocals that’ll make you get up and move irate. All the bands (Ocean Grove, Fight The Avalanche, To Light Atlantis and Bloodbline) have been making an impact of their scene and want to show you what all the hype is about. Kicks oﬀ at 8.15pm.

JESSICA-JADE Talented singer-songwriter Jessica-Jade returns to Revolver Bandroom on Thursday February 14 with her full band to kick-oﬀ what is going to be another massive year for her after a hugely successful 2012. There is only so long an artist as talented and highly regarded as Jessica-Jade can go under the radar. With a win at the 2012 Maton Talent Search in Gympie, the release of her debut EP in March and an extremely polished support performance for Michael Paynter to end 2012 it will not be long until this young artist explodes. With support from the rapid rising talent that is Madeleine Jayne, and local indie rockers Cardinal it is once again going to be another lineup with quality talent from start to ﬁnish in true Roots Of Music Entertainment fashion. Tickets will be available online via Moshtix pre-sale for $9+bf or alternatively for $14 at the door.

ILDIKO, THE WHORLS Warm up to your New Year’s Eve with a night of blistering songs of anguish, love, lust and heartache from two of Melbourne’s up-andcoming bands, Ildiko and The Whorls. Ildiko will bring you sumptuously layered folk from their darkly brilliant album The Carousel Stray, while local three-piece The Whorls add some sweet and dirty new sounds to their already solid set of wailing, jangly rock’n’roll bliss. All this kicked oﬀ by talented out of towners Orwell with some Newcastle-infused blues. Don’t miss out. Sunday December 30 at The Evelyn Hotel.

DIRTY YORK Dirty York have earned a solid reputation in recent years as a hardworking, creative and charismatic old school rock'n’roll band. Hailing from Melbourne Australia, this seasoned six-piece blues/rock ensemble has inspired fans across the globe with their dynamic live performances, TV appearances and studio albums. In 2009 Dirty York released their debut album entitled Waiting On St George. The album was well received by rock, blues, southern rock and indie enthusiasts alike. The year 2011 saw the release of the ambitious Say Goodbye To Diamonds, a big old fashioned rock‘n’roll album with an underlying modern edge, receiving a plethora of praise and recognition both at home and abroad. Dirty York have recently completed a brand new album entitled Feed the Fiction which is due for release in early 2013. Yah Yah’s is very excited to have one of Dirty York’s rare live shows on Friday December 28, in fact it will be two long sets and entry is free. The incredible Adalita (ex-Magic Dirt) will be DJing afterwards. Doors 5pm, bands start at 9pm.

DROWNING HORSE This Friday night’s show at The Bendigo will cleanse you of unwanted Christmas cheer with a night of crushing fear. Western Australia’s Drowning Horse weigh in as one of the heaviest sludge bands in this land, if not all lands; Thrall bring blackened squalls from the Southern Isle; Greif Contest drag more ultra-heaviness from the Western state; and Von Einem stirs the pot of creep and crush electronics. Friday December 28, The Bendigo Hotel, 8pm. $10.

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JUKE JOINT PBS’s Juke Joint will be teaming up with the gang of rogues at The Old Bar to recreate the feel of a genuine Southern Juke Joint straight outta Clarkesdale on Saturday December 29 and The Retreat on Thursday January 3. Showcasing the best of Melbourne’s new blues scene including Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk (feat. Cosmic Psychos drummer Dean Muller), one man band maverick Rattlin’ Bones Blackwood, young nu-boogie ambassadors Catﬁsh Voodoo, contemporary retrobilly roots from Coral Lee and the Silver Scream and the enigmatic roots troubadour Guy Kable plus Juke Joint’s own Matt Frederick spinning tunes in-between the bands. Don’t waste the weekend between Christmas and New Year – get in training for your New Year’s Day hangover. The test will be a draw anyway, so spend your time wisely, ramble deep down into the Delta at one of Melbourne’s best bars and give yourself a taste of Mississippi in Melbourne. If you’re a PBS member, don’t forget to ﬂash your card at the door for a special member’s price of $10.

SWEET FELICIA HONEYTONES

THE

Oﬀ the back of their last wildly successful European tour and some time oﬀ, Sweet Felicia And The Honeytones are back playing at The Standard Hotel on Sunday January 6 at 7.30pm. Catch this rare appearance before Sweets heads back to Europe for a six month stint with local Berlin faves The Beez.

JUENO Jueno (Vittorio Murdaca) is a soulful cat from Melbourne, who writes and performs his own original music. An uncanny blend of soul, funk, gospel and rock, Murdaca has recently been working on an upcoming EP with local artist, Harts, with the ﬁrst single due for release and available for download through Bandcamp and iTunes from Tuesday, January 1. Upcoming shows to promote the release of the Beautiful EP will take place on Saturday, December 29 at the Blue Diamond Club before heading to the bright lights of New York to work with producer Richard Angelori.

LUKE LEGS & THE MIDNIGHT SPECIALS

STREAMS OF WHISKEY New Year’s Eve is a night of inevitable disappointment and failure. New Year’s Day on the other hand is much more manageable, no expectations, just a sore head to deal with and the realization that there’s a full year in which to recover. Streams Of Whiskey will be bringing all this and their arsenal of Pogues tunes and various other Celtic classics to the stage of The Drunken Poet to punch the New Year square in the jaw. Known to get a little raucous, a Streams show is always a great way to get the blood ﬂowing. The fun begins at 6pm on Tuesday January 1 at The Drunken Poet.

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LES THOMAS Melbourne country-folk songwriter Les Thomas approaches music with big ideas and powerful inspiration from the likes of Woody Guthrie, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Guy Clark and Mississippi John Hurt. Winning over audiences with humour, sincerity and great songwriting, this is an artist to put on your must see list in 2013. Appearing at The Victoria Hotel on Sunday January 13 from 5pm. Free entry.

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Much-buzzed Geelong-based band Luke Legs & The Midnight Specials deliver a performance layered by four-part harmonies with a touch of west-coast alt country. Their endearing live performances and family-band-style harmonies are coupled with quality songwriting and a highly acclaimed depth of lyricism. Since releasing their debut album Why Oh Why (My Caroline), the band went on to complete a 32 date sell-out national tour in early 2012 which included shows alongside Xavier Rudd, The Vasco Era and Jordie Lane, as well as appearances at many national festivals. With a new album on the way in 2013 they’re promising a sneak peek of these tracks as they prepare to launch their much anticipated sophomore album. Catch Luke Legs & The Midnight Specials on Sunday January 6 at The Retreat Hotel from 7.30pm.

Beat Magazine Page 67

SINGLES BY SIMONE BEST SINGLES OF 2012 1. FATHER JOHN MISTY

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings (Sub Pop/Inertia) The brilliant, unforgettable, epic song of the year is dark, funny and mesmerising, with a swinging beat and a pealing refrain that tears at your head with its spiky, suggestive undertones. Makes my throat feel like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closing over just a little bit.

2. THE SHINS

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Life (Sony) So subtle, but so life-aďŹ&#x192;rming, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Life is a gentle arm around the shoulder, with a reassuring melody that speaks straight to the heart and lyrics so sweetly meant they make you want to cry: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been down the very road youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re walking now/It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be so dark and lonesome.â&#x20AC;? Word, James Mercer.

3. FRANK OCEAN Thinkin Bout You One of the most distinctive, naked, unassuming love songs ever written, Thinkin Bout You is the highlight of Frank Oceanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brilliant, cerebral, stripped back album.

4. NICKY MINAJ

Starships (Universal) The chart pop song of the year sees Nicky rocking in some really fucking odd territory. The chorus may start out Ibiza pool party style, dance-lite and catchy, but hold your breath â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a monstrous warped beat kicks in to blow the roof oďŹ&#x20AC; this crazy-ass Minaj party.

5. DIRTY PROJECTORS

Gun Has No Trigger (Domino/EMI) A familiar but brilliant intensity in the backing harmonies rises to a hysterical peak in the chorus. Meanwhile, David Longstreth does something creepy and sensual with the melody, painting a scene of absurd and fruitless desperation with his singular, soul-shaking voice.

6. M.I.A.

Bad Girls (Universal) Another chunky, sulky single of taďŹ&#x20AC;y stretched beats and lazy, savage rhymes from the pint-sized would-be freedom ďŹ ghter.

7. THE XX

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Some Nights (Warner) This very mental mega-pop explosion managed to top We Are Young in ridiculous, body-shaking bombast, channelling the very best of Queen with the stomping beats of Brooklyn indie.

9. JACK WHITE

Love Interruption (Sony) A stellar acoustic cut from Blunderbuss with unforgettable lyrics: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want love to roll me over slowly, stick a knife inside me and twist it all around/I want love to grab my ďŹ ngers gently, slam them in a doorway, rub my face in the ground.â&#x20AC;?

10. DAMON ALBARN

The Marvelous Dream (EMI) Awash with poetic visions of Mother England, expressed in the sweetest honey croon and aching melodic drops against a softly strummed acoustic guitar. A haunting mess of abstract ideas, and in Damonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice, a bittersweet reminder of something young and beautiful that is lost.

Every Single Night (Sony) Every Single Night starts out harmless enough but then Fionaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice begins to tremble and snarl, carefully constrained against music that shudders and ďŹ ts. Her bristling, anxious energy is unchanged, still youthful, still sexy and as always, a little bit insane.

12. WIZARDS OF TIME

Littleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jingle (Hidden Shoal) This squelching, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;technicolour art-rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ditty has a mess of electronic noise in the foreground and a soul-lifting emotional undertone, reminiscent of Animal Collective but rougher and more spacious.

13. EMILY BARKER & THE RED HALO

Fields Of June (Walking Horse) This song is stunning. English folk punk artist Frank Turner joins Emily for a stormy country duet with all the makings of a classic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mythic lyrics, mournful voices and a slapping rhythm that pushes us forward against the tide of grim heartache.

14. LEONARD COHEN (Warner) Going Home Classic Cohen, with cleaner production, rhyming desperate yet graceful words about death and release against slight violin notes and whisper quiet backing vocals.

16. JAI PAUL

Jasmine (XL/Remote Control) A seductive tremor of Prince-inspired funk by feted London producer Jai Paul. Muddy synth makes you lean in close, jarred Vangelis-style beats keep you on your toes and Jaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whispered falsetto hooks you in place.

17. ROBERT DELONG

Global Concepts (Liberator) Robert Delong is a Seattle-born man child who makes music using Wii remotes and Sega Genesis controllers. With these scraps of plastic and metal, plus drum pads, synths and MIDI interfaces, he crafts big, soupy bass beats and warped, spinescraping accents; hunks of fun time electro to make you stamp your feet, met with epic, heartfelt vocals.

18. PLAN B

Lost My Way (Warner) Plan Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest single is a ferocious mix of seventies soul, UK rap and Rage Against The Machine-style political punk grandstanding. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roughly assembled but visceral, the old soul refrain pitch-shifted against a new set of backing vocals, skittering cymbals, DJ Shadow-esque drops of piano and deďŹ ant rap that verges on hysteria.

19. LOWER DENS

Brains (Domino/EMI) Brains is a lush, simmering brew of muted indie rock vocals and chugging glitch, an overwhelming kind of song that drowns you in a sea of sound and tickles you with the detail.

20. SPIRITUALIZED

Hey Jane (Domino/EMI) Layers of guitar and vocal build conďŹ dently until singer Jason Spaceman returns like a distorted, warbling choirmaster, leading the song in clattering rounds to a sweet, carnivalesque peak. Unexpectedly great.

BEST AUSTRALIAN SINGLES OF 2012 1. BOY & BEAR

Big Man (Universal) Demure, bittersweet and beautiful, Big Man has some of the most memorable lines Dave Hosking has yet written, including this one: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I fell in this position, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still teach my kids pride, because failureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a part of it all. And if failure donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt, then failure donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work.â&#x20AC;?

2. HUSKY

7. ANGUS STONE

Bird On The BuďŹ&#x20AC;alo (EMI) A West Coast desert rambler, a hazy, peyote cowboy shuďŹ&#x201E;e under endless blood orange skies. The rhythm slaps, the electric guitar spirals and Angus sings like Dylan, relaxed and reborn.

8. THE CHEMIST

The Woods (Liberation) Aching and bombastic, but also sweet and heavy, this burst of melody and atmosphere that will make you shiver. Triumphant and beautiful stuďŹ&#x20AC;.

Spray Paint Or Praise (Create/Control) Raising the ghost of Amy Winehouse, Spray Paint Or Praise has a sensual, grimy core; a slinking, degraded swing that is littered with Spaghetti Western guitar parts, drunken bass and shimmering organ notes.

3. THE RUBENS

8. NORTHEAST PARTY HOUSE

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Ever Want to be Found (Ivy League) A gutsy blend of Cream and Hendrix-style psychedelia and a dirty garage rock sensibility. Singer Elliott Margin toys with the listener, dropping notes in lazy around the beat while the lead guitar squirrels around a spacious and memorable riďŹ&#x20AC;.

4. DZ DEATHRAYS

Cops Capacity (I Oh You) The Deathrays explode and contract in their feral minimalist fashion, gunning the lead guitar and slapping the drums, hoisting up a wall of sound then cutting it oďŹ&#x20AC; unceremoniously, all twitchy, screamo and irritable.

5. KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZZARD WIZARD

Deat Beat (Flightless) Mangy, loose, electric garage rock from a band with enough members to form their own country. Go the Gizzard.

6. JUAN ALBAN

Superhuman (Independent) A lovely preview, a milky thread of sadness in the vein of Damien Rice that swells with stoic courage in the chorus.

Beat Magazine Page 68

11. FIONA APPLE

Pascal Cavalier (Stop Start/Remote Control) With a wet slap of drums on the downbeat and some unashamed eighties synth chord hopping, plus a killer new soul vocal by singer Zach Hamilton-Reeves, this is one impressive single.

9. 360 Child (Filth Collins Remix) (EMI) Melbourne rapper 360 gets a spine-rippling dubstep makeover by Sydney producer Filth Collins â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the track has booming beats and stadium-scale waves of warped robotic noise that fuse together in epic and joyful explosions.

10. SONGS

Alone When Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m With You (Pop Frenzy) A superb and violent blast of noise from local four-piece Songs. The vocals sit deep under a sub-atomic hum of guitar and a splattering slap of drums; a blaring, girlish rebel call causing waves under the blanket of noise.

WORST SINGLE OF THE YEAR PSY

Gangnam Style (Universal) This song has no redeeming features at all. The whole world is awash with idiots.Â Merry Christmas.

FOR MORE REVIEWS GO TO BEATTV.COM.AU/REVIEWS

TOP TENS COLLECTORS CORNER / MISSING LINK 1. Total Control SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE 7â&#x20AC;? 2. New Season NEW SEASON 3. The Beatles STEREO VINYL BOX 4. Toy Love SINGLES & DEMOS 5. Kromoson LIVE FOREVER 6. Godspeed You! Black Emperor ALLELUJAH, DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T BEN ASCEND 7. Ian Rilen & The Love Addicts FAMILY FROM CUBA 8. Pig Destroyer BOOK BURNER 9. Roskopp MUTILATION, VOODOO, DEFORMITY & DEMISE 10. Bitter Sweet Kicks/Vice Grip Pussies I AM/ HOT SHOT

WOOLY BULLY 1. Four Girls WOOLEN KITS 2. Live at Missing Link UV RACE / EDDY CURRENT SUPRESSION RING 3. Work it Out TWERPS 4. Deep Thuds SPACINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 5. Go Easy BLANK REALM 6. Vengeance, Man KING BLOOD 7. Zingers MILK TEDDY 8. Racism UV RACE 9. Reality Is Grape CHEATER SLICKS 10. S/T JONNY TELAFONE

ARIA 1. Thrift Shop MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS FEAT. WANZ 2. Scream & Shout WILL.I.AM FEAT. BRITNEY SPEARS 3. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t You Worry Child SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA FEAT. JOHN MARTIN 4. I Knew You Were Trouble TAYLOR SWIFT 5. Locked Out Of Heaven BRUNO MARS 6. I Love It ICONA POP 7. Best Night JUSTICE CREW 8. Little Talks OF MONSTERS AND MEN 9. Beneath Your Beautiful LABRINTH 10. Troublemaker OLLY MURS

3RRR SOUNDSCAPE 1. Heartbreaker EP ALICE RUSSELL 2. Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors BIG BOI 3. In Our Heads HOT CHIP 4. Disk.151 YLEM 5. Jessica Pratt JESSICA PRATT 6. 10: A Decade Of Feral Media VARIOUS ARTISTS 7. Higher THE HORRORS 8. Lucifer In Dub PEAKING LIGHTS 9. El Baile Final...LOS CORONAS 10. The Narcissist II DEAN BLUNT

BEATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOP TEN SONGS ABOUT RESOLUTIONS 1. Changes TUPAC 2. First Day Of My Life BRIGHT EYES 3. Feeling Good NINA SIMONE 4. Start All Over MILEY CYRUS 5.Revolution THE BEATLES 6. Starting Over THE BLACK LIPS 7. Changes DAVID BOWIE 8. Happy New Year ABBA 9. Gonna Make It Through This Year THE GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS 10. Blakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got A New Face VAMPIRE WEEKEND

BEST DISCLAIMERS OF 2012, AS DECIDED BY SIMONE 1. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not saying Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a genius. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m saying Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m like a genius, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to use a belt. 2. SURPRISE. Still here. Guarding the throne with a large plastic fork and some touchable bubbles. 3. I went to MONA in Hobart last weekend, along with every other prick from Melbourne who fancies themself cultural. Saw some penises and a PJ Harvey show. Sometimes we are all such a bunch of smug hipster cunts, it really makes me giggle. 4. Have you ever noticed that the lyrics to Chain Reaction by Diana Ross include a fairly clear reference to digital penetration? A diďŹ&#x192;cult thing to learn mid-karaoke. 5. You have no idea how hard it is, pretending to be reasonable.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR (ACCORDING TO BEAT) Hey planet Earth. We agree. It’s a bloody good album. We’ve tallied up the top releases from our esteemed stable of writers and Tame Impala’s Lonerism has got the gold. The full top ten albums list is to the right. Here’s what we had to say about this one when it took our Album Of The Week earlier in ‘12. In recorded format, Perth band Tame Impala is primarily the work of Kevin Parker, with some minor contributions from the established live lineup. In the lead up to the band’s second LP, Lonerism, Parker spoke of an aﬃnity with pop-music that inﬂuenced his songwriting. However, he has not reneged on his former adventurousness in favour of the short and snappy. Lonerism is not compositionally straightforward, but there’s certainly more breath in the lungs than on the band’s debut Innerspeaker. Lonerism is like a cinematic take on the pop music. As it develops, heady musical displays and depictions of self-exclusion and the limits of will-power unfurl, however the album is also an exercise in imagistic movement. On album opener Be Above It, the phrase “gotta be above it” is chanted in rhythmic unison with machinelike drumming. This cogs-turning foundation facilitates the outward freedom of Parker’s lead vocals. He enters, in John Lennon voice, expressing the enchanting melodic/ lyrical compound “I know that I’ve got to be above it now”. Vibrating guitar chords arrive in the latter part of the song like beams of light accentuating the lucid resolution. Endors Toi is a rousing alert, employing a melodic siren call to capture your attention. Paradoxically, the French title translates to ‘Go To Sleep’, spoken as an order and the song can be interpreted as a transitional platform leading you into a new world of consciousness. This notion is enhanced by lyrics such as “day is done/But a new one’s just begun”. The journeying guitar sounds that distinguished Innerspeaker’s sonic terrain are still prominent on Lonerism. Mind Mischief and Music To Walk Home By owe debt to ‘60s psych-blues, and Elephant gives a nod to the genre’s evolution into ‘70s classic-rock and the rougher tangents of ‘90s stoner-rock. Despite the spacey psychedelic impression, Tame Impala’s music is

no whacked-out accident. Parker has often stressed the calculated nature of the music he makes and the liberal dollops of phaser, reverb, delay and extensive panning central to Lonerism’s sound are implemented to make a particular impact. The vast variety of synthesisers that join the guitars at the fore of many tracks on Lonerism provide a shimmering complement to the album’s thematic suggestions. The two most melodically seductive tunes, Why Won’t They Talk To Me and Feels Like We Only Go Backwards, convey anxiety at individual stagnation and the inaccessible feelings of others. However, synths pour out of the speakers, inciting fantastic imaginings and relieving the pressure. Similarly, juxtaposing the keyboard led tilt of section-A with the bass wandering langour of section-B in Apocalypse Dreams furthers the song’s discussion of being prepared for activity yet hampered by contemplation. The pairing of remote lyrical sentiments and listenerinclusive animation on Tame Impala’s second LP is done to dazzling eﬀect. Lonerism is an illustration of how Parker’s deliberative approach to songcraft allows key ideas to be successfully emphasised without having to tightly encase their captivating magnitude and comprehensively explored without meandering into incoherence. AUGUSTUS WELBY

ALBUMS

Best Track: Keep On Lying If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Supernature GOLDFRAPP, Sweet Heart Sweet Light SPIRITUALIZED, My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts DAVID BYRNE & BRIAN ENO In A Word: Porthole

FOR MORE REVIEWS GO TO

BEAT.COM.AU/REVIEWS

ELECTRIC EMPIRE

AIRILEKE

Changin’ EP (Social Family Records.)

Weapon of Choice (Wantok)

Changin’ is a suave interpretation of traditional soul music, touched by gospel and pop elements. The release is a teaser: a selection of three studio tracks and a single live recording from a show in Sydney. It follows up the band’s successful self-titled release of 2010, and in turn is a strong lead-in to bigger things. Musically, the record wastes no time, capturing attention with a spacey guitar lick and immediate groove provided by a beautiful drum sound. It takes something special to grab a listener’s attention immediately. More than this, it takes something very special to hold a listener’s attention for the duration of a recording. Each track of the short EP oﬀers a swelling ride of smooth and emotional music: from the upbeat swing of Taking It High, to the sweet and dynamic croon of Love. The title track vividly showcases raw vocal talent, a gospelchoir adding panache and vitality to select moments. The band is comprised of multi-instrumentalists, songwriters and producers, and both the professional musicality and the long-standing relationships in the band are wonderfully evident in the sound produced. The EP preserves a vivid live energy, while being atmospheric and built from the ground up with memorable melodies, and skillfully embellished with rich harmonies. Look out for Electric Empire. They’ve built global repute over recent years, playing key festivals and support slots for respected international artists (Glastonbury, Aloe Blacc, Mayer Hawthorne, Fat Freddy’s Drop), and have received strong reviews from notable critics (including Q Magazine and Rolling Stone). There is only one complaint to be made about Changin’: Best Track: Changin’ that it isn’t a full length. Every listener will be left If You Like These, You’ll Like This: AL GREEN, wanting more. MAYER HAWTHORN In A Word: Soulful JEREMY MILLAR

EFTERKLANG

Piramida (4AD/Remote Control) Since their formation in 2000, Copenhagen’s Efterklang have been gradually morphing into a more concise, traditional pop-rock band. The fear is that they will soon become Coldplay (isn’t all always?). Luckily they haven’t lost their adventurous streak on their fourth long-player, Piramida. If you’re finding it hard to place the percussion that opens the beautiful opener Hollow Mountain, it’s because they’re striking against a fuel tank in a ghost town situated somewhere between Norway and the North Pole. The location is Piramiden, a former mining town. The band spent nine days there and came away with an extensive amount of field recordings. These found sounds are integrated gently throughout the album and the disquieting, isolated mood carries over into the songs and production. That’s about where the experimental nature of Piramida ends; paradoxically, it’s the band’s most accessible album. The first half is especially strong, with Hollow Mountain standing out as an early peak. Apples sounds like a lost Shearwater classic, Sedna drifts by on its sad, seductive “taking me over” refrain, and Told To Be Fine has a lulling, centered vocal cast against shifting, shuffling rhythms, evoking Arthur Russell. After this opening quartet of songs, things get looser and somewhat less memorable, but the hook-laden Best Track: Hollow Mountain If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Asleep In The high-points of this atmospheric album make it well Back ELBOW, Rook SHEARWATER, Burst Apart THE worth seeking out. ANTLERS CHRIS GIRDLER In A Word: Serene

Papua New Guinean and Australian producer extraordinaire Airileke Ingram has created an incredibly eclectic and electrifying album that fuses traditional Melanesian sounds with an innovative selection of modern beats and samples. The album features talented musicians such as the drumming group Paluai Sook Sook from Rock Island and vocals from artists such as Wanchef, Telek, The Rumwaropen Sisters and MC Dadiigii. Highlights include the volcanic Death Metal Jungle which manages to incorporate an orchestral sample from Stravinsky’s The Rite Of Spring and a suitably apocalyptic sample of those mischievous eardrum-annihilators Cannibal Corpse, the mysterious and deeply atmospheric Dolphin which features chants from the Chambri Lakes in Sepik province and Simbu Province and the pumping Jump Outa Babylon which is propelled by chunky, addictive rhythms and adrenalised by dexterous vocals. As with all releases on the Best Track: Death Metal Jungle Wantok label Weapon Of Choice is a top-notch If You Like These, You’ll like This: The Straits album worthy of your immediate attention. VARIOUS ARTISTS SIMONE ZIADA In A Word: Innovative

WILLY MASON

Carry On (Fiction Records/Universal) Without being lush Willy Mason’s third album, Carry On, sounds much more mediated than his earlier releases. This could the influence of British producer Dan Carey, whose recent credits include Chairlift, Bat For Lashes and M.I.A. The wide deployment of mechanical drums and subtle inclusion of keyboard overdubs are a novel enlargement of Mason’s palate. What stands out most of all, though, is an increased confidence, which has enabled Mason to inject more of himself into this record. There’s craft and delicacy in the songs’ refined lyrical sentiments and poised arrangements. Record centre-piece Restless Fugitive implements a sombre traditional-folk melody, while the pulse of the song gives it a contemporary immediacy. Mason’s spacious vocal delivery and corresponding guitar lines suggest both empathy and a touch of pathos. A festering tension is created by insistent bass playing and distorted guitar outbreaks; a reflection that rambling restlessness may lead to something grave. There are moments when the time and place of recording is surpassed by the visions of suffering and shared consolation that are evoked. Questions of how to find a home or a sense of belonging in the confusing world recur throughout Carry On. Home seems elusive on Show Me the Way To Go Home, as he confesses “Sometimes I laugh at things I don’t find funny/And I want to find a way to go home” while on Restless Fugitive he surmises “heaven’s in the town that borne me”, and with Into Tomorrow he does away with regressive nostalgia, gazing ahead, “Just watch and wait until the landscape unfolds into tomorrow”. Ultimately an understanding is reached that sitting confidently in your own skin will provide a home you can take with you, even as you roam far and wide. Carry On continues Willy Mason’s heretofore incorporation of conventional blues and folk motifs, but he’s managed to re-invigorate the formal structures for his own emotional purpose. Best Track: Painted Glass If You Like These, You’ll Like This: On The Beach NEIL YOUNG, Wild Mountain Nation BLITZEN TRAPPER, Hawk ISOBEL CAMBELL & MARK LANEGAN In A Word: Resilient

FOR MORE ALBUM NEWS AND REVIEWS GO TO WWW.BEAT.COM.AU

AUGUSTUS WELBY

Beat Magazine Page 69

GIG GUIDE WEDNESDAY DEC 26

THURSDAY DEC 27

JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS

303 BIG BAND + BEN CARR 303, Northcote. 7:00pm. DIZZY’S BIG BAND Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 9:00pm. $14. GET THE FUNK OUT - FEAT: ED & FERG Gertrudes Brown Couch, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. HUE BLANES Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm.

23 ANGLES OF ATTACK + THE HIGH DRIFTERS + THE SMOKING ACES + WOLF VS FIRE Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. CAMP CAMP REVOLUTION + DJ BROOKLYN QUEENZ( + GLITCH Toﬀ In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $10. DROWNING HORSE + AGONHYM + DEAD RIVER OF HEAVEN + GRIEF CONTEST The Public Bar, Melbourne. 8:00pm. FIERCE MILD + FIFTH FRIEND + PROLETARIAN RIOT + THE WHORLS Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm. HACKXWHORE + AVIRUS + MASTIFF + SEVERITY Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $8. HUMBUG + BUCK JR + FREYS HOLLICK + TILLER Idgaﬀ Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. INBETWEEN HANGOVERS PARTY - FEAT: OCEAN GROVE + BLOODLINE + FIGHT THE AVALANCHE + TO LIGHT ATLANTIS Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10. LEADLIGHTS Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 9:00pm. LOPAKA + HEISENBERG + SPACE CADET + TIM LOCK Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $5. SALT LAKE CITY + SAMMY OWEN BLUES BAND Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. THE DAWNS + BIG YAWN + DICK THREATS + DOCUMENT SWELL + KRISTIAN M ROBERTS Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $8. THE DEAD HEIR + TWO HEADED DOG Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. THE LAUGHING LEAVES + CHRIS BROOKS & THE NEIGHBOURHOOD + SINGING FOR HUMANS + THE MODERN AGE Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. THE MURDER RATS + MURDERBALLS + ROAD RATZ The Vineyard, St Kilda. 11:00pm. THE PRETTY LITTLES + KNITTING FOR GRAN + ROUND THE CORNER Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm. $7. TYGER & ME Prince Public Bar, St Kilda. 8:00pm.

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS COLLAGE - FEAT: CHEETSTREET + ROYAL MERCURY + WACO SOCIAL CLUB Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. JUSTICE CREW + KATE ALEXA Melbourne Zoo, Parkville. 8:00pm. LINCOLN MCKINNON Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. MASSIVE + CITRUS JAM + THE HIGH SUBURBAN & THE LONELY COWBOY Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm. $10. SUN GOD REPLICA Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. THE PARKING LOT EXPERIMENT + OSCAR KEY SUNG + YAMA BOY Toﬀ In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $10. THE PRIMARY + LUDWIG VAN DJS + SPERMAIDS + YOU PEOPLE Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK BOXING DAY BLUES - FEAT: GEOFF ACHISON + CHRIS WILSON Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $22. KOOKY KARAOKE - FEAT: FRED NEGRO Prince Public Bar, St Kilda. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC Dancing Dog, Footscray. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. OPEN MIC Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 10:00pm. OPEN MIC Thornbury Local, Thornbury. 8:00pm.

NEW YEAR’S EVE New Year’s Eve. A time for you and da boyz to jump off that forklift and enjoy a bloody fucken beer or two eh (not like we don’t during the week eh fellas!!!) This year, mate, I tell ya one thing, you can’t go wrong!!! You’ve got Pyramid Rock for all you Egyptian stoners, Falls Festival for all you trippers (coz ya fallin’), Summadayze for all you who want to keep the party rockin’ like a forklift with some shaky suspension, Let Them Eat Cake for all you lovers of fun times like when you’re doing doughies on the forkie, The Espy New Year’s celebration with Aussie legends Spiderbait – mate, you can’t go wrong! So drink up, have a boogie, and remember to party like it’s the end of human operated forklifts (apocalypse).

JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC ALWAN Claypots Tavern & Fair, St Kilda. 9:30pm. JACK JACK JACK Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 10:00pm. JAKE SAVONA BAND 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10. MOTOWN THURSDAYS Fashion Lounge, Melbourne. 5:00pm. OVEREASIES Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 8:00pm. REVEREND FUNK & THE HORNS OF SALVATION Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $10. SYZYGY Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. THE SCOTT TINKLER TRIO Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK GABRIEL LYNCH Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. KING LUCHO Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 9:00pm. LOOUNGE THURSDAYS Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. OPEN MIC Acoustic Cafe, Collingwood. 7:30pm. OPEN MIC Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9:00pm. OPEN MIC Balaclava Hotel, Balaclava. 7:00pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: VAN WALKER Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 8:00pm. SWEET FELICIA & THE HONEY TONES + PAT TIERENY & SOMERSET BARNARD DUO Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm.

FRIDAY DEC 28 INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS ARMOURUS + A SLEEPLESS WINTER + CARDINALS + NOSFERATUS + THE CITY AT NIGHT Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. $10. CHARLOTTE NICDAO + JAMES MOLONEY + OH PEP! Wesley Anne, Northcote. 2:58pm. CHILDREN COLLIDE + DAMN TERRAN + THEM BRUINS + UDAYS TIGER Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $25. DIRTY YORK Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. DROWNING HORSE + GRIEF CONTEST + THRALL + VON EINEM Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $10. FALLS FESTIVAL Falls Festival Site, Lorne. 12:00pm. FLOUNDER (EP LAUNCH) + CHOP SQUAD + CROOKS & QUEENS Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $5. JARRED Idgaﬀ Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. KODIAK THREAT + BATEMAN + CABIN FEVER + DISPARO + DJ RIPITUP The Public Bar, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $8. POST CHRISTMAS PUNK ROCK FRENZY - FEAT: AITCHES + CRYING SIRENS + FIREFIGHT + WOLF VS FIRE Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. PROJECTO INSPERADO Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. PURPLE TUSKS + KUJO KINGS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. SKYSCRAPER STAN & THE COMMISSION FLATS + DJ DRAW 4 + GARETH EUNSON & THE BIG SMALL + SIB Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10. SOMEONE ELSE’S WEDDING BAND + DJ SEAN SIMMONS + THE WORKINGHORSE IRONS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9:30pm. SPENCER P JONES Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:00pm. SUB ATARI KNIVES (HEAR LIFE SPOKEN TOUR) + DIALYSIS + THE QUARTERS + TSC Pier Live, Frankston. 7:00pm. $15. TEN THOUSAND + KILL SHOT + NIGHT WOLF Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $13. THE BREADMAKERS The Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $5. Beat Magazine Page 70

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

THE EARS + BRONWYN BONNEY + GOLD TANGO Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. $12. THE HARLOTS Elsternwick Hotel, Elwood. 9:30pm. THE PUBLIC OPINION AFRO ORCHESTRA + MICHAEL BADGER + SCATTER SCATTER SOUND SYSTEM + THE MARABOU PROJECT Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. THE TROUBLE WITH TEMPLETON + ALI BARTER + DIRT FARMER Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $15. THE UNMISTAKABLE Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm.

JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC THE JAMES SHERLOCK TRIO Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. THE TEK TEK ENSEMBLE Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. TRIO AGOGO 303, Northcote. 6:08pm.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK GATOR QUEEN & J GOODY GOODMAN Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. INTO THE MYSTIC - FEAT: JOE CREIGHTON The Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 8:30pm. $23. LLOYD SPIEGEL’S 2012 BREAKUP PARTY - FEAT: LLOYD SPIEGEL DUO + ALISTER TURRIL + LLOYD SPIEGEL BAND + LUKE WATT Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 8:00pm. $15. THE NAPOLEONIC CODE 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. TONY KOPA Prince Public Bar, St Kilda. 8:00pm. TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION - FEAT: DAN BOURKE Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 6:00pm.

SATURDAY DEC 29 JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC CLAIRY BROWN & THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES VS SASKWATCH + CLAIRY BROWN & THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES + SASKWATCH The Hi-ﬁ, Melbourne. 9:00pm. $35. MA NA Open Studio, Northcote. 5:00pm. QUEEN BEAVER Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. UPTOWN END OF YEAR PARTY - FEAT: ALL STAR BAND Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS ASH GRUNWALD + ROB HIRST + SCOTT OWEN Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully. 8:00pm. $27. BANG - FEAT: SUMMERSET AVENUE + BRIGHTER AT NIGHT + I AM EVEREST Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $20. BELLIGERENT INTENT + HARLOTT + HYBRID NIGHTMARES + INTERNAL NIGHTMARE + WHORETOPSY Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 7:00pm. $10. BITTER SWEET KICKS Prince Public Bar, St Kilda. 8:00pm. BROTHERS GRIM & THE BLUE MURDERS + DIRTY YORK + PHIL PARA + SHERIFF + VIOLENT MOOD SWINGS Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. BY A THREAD + DJ EVIL MAIDEN + JEKYL + MIDNIGHT ALIBI + MOMENTS APART Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm. $12. CHINATOWN ANGELS LIVE RECORDING + MUSCLE CAR + PALACE OF THE KING Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $13. CLAMPDOWN Rochester Castle Hotel, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. COSMO JARVIS Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 8:30pm. $20.

DISPARO + CABIN FEVER + COUNTERATTACK + GOONBAG COLOSTOMY Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $10. FALLS FESTIVAL Falls Festival Site, Lorne. 12:00pm. HIPSHAKER - FEAT: THE BLUEBOTTLES The Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10. JAMIE & BRANT + BEE + DATING SUMMER + LEEANNE RODGERS + MATT WALLACE Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. JUKEJOINT SHAKEDOWN - FEAT: CHRIS RUSSELL’S CHICKENWALK + CATFISH VOODOO + CORAL LEE & THE SILVER SCREAM + DJ MATTHEW FREDERICK + GUY KABLE + RATTLIN’ BONES BLACKWOOD Old Bar, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. $10. LIONESS EYE + MACKA + THE FUZZ BIRDS Idgaﬀ Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. MOTHERSLUG + HOPES ABANDONED + JESS PORTER + OUR BEST LAID PLANS + RABID ZULU Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm. NO ESCAPE FOR THE KING + SLACQUERS + STINGFELLOW HAWKE Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. PYRAMID ROCK FESTIVAL Pyramid Rock Festival Site, Phillip Island. 12:00pm. QUINCE + HONEY BADGERS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 5:00pm. SPYKITE + DJ FANTA PANTS + SENTIA Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 10:00pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: FRED NEGRO Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $10. SYDONIA + DECIMATUS + DEVOID OF ALL + DIVE INTO RUIN Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $15. THE AFROBIOTICS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. THE DINGOES + ROSS HANNAFORD + STEVE HOY Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8:00pm. $38. THE F100S Union Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. THE GOVERNMENT YARD + GLACIERS + THE ACTOR BUDDHISTS Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. THE MERCURY THEATRE Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 8:00pm. $10. THE UNMISTAKEABLE + COLD HARBOUR + HIGH FANGS + THE HYBERNATORS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS + CITY CALM DOWN Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:30pm. $35. TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB + THE JUNGLE GIANTS + THE VACCINES Festival Hall, West Melbourne. 8:00pm. $70.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK ALEX BURNS & JEN HAWLEY BAND Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. BARRY SAVAGE & THE LITTLE CAESARS + THE MOCKINGBIRD Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 9:00pm. GALLIE & SHANNON BOURNE Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9:00pm. GEOFF ACHISON & THE SOUL DIGGERS Elsternwick Hotel, Elwood. 9:30pm. GHETTO GHETTO + CASSINI + DJ WHORE-ALLSUMMER The Public Bar, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $8. LOCAL REVOLUTION 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. MATT GLASS & THE LOOSE CANNONS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 4:00pm. RPG RADIO + KHRISTIAN MIZZI & THE SIRENS + SHELLEY SEGAL 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. SARAH CARROLL & THE PSYCHEDELIC WILD MEN Union Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm. THE VANGUARDS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm.

MARIAH CAREY If you’re not sick of hearing Mariah Carey’s voice after Christmas because your fucking mum won’t stop alternating between Mariah Carey’s Christmas album and Michael Bublé’s Christmas album, then this is the gig for you! Carey is a pop superstar, a diva, and my uncle Darren said that while he was in a coma once, his body flew to Heaven and he said they played Mariah Carey in the public toilets there. Bloody weird eh! Mariah Carey plays Etihad Stadium on Saturday January 5. SUPERNATURALIST - FEAT: DEAD FOREST INDEX + AMIRA H + CREAKS Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. THE DINGOES + ROSS HANNAFORD + STEVE HOY Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 3:00pm. $35. THE IN THE OUT + DEEP FRIED DIRT + SUZIE STAPLETON Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 5:30pm.

JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE The Horn African Music Lounge, Collingwood. 7:00pm. GREEN’S DAIRY ANGEL ENSEMBLE Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. JAMES REYNE + BAD BOYS BATUCADA + MS BUTT + THE DALE RYDER BAND Espy, St Kilda. 5:00pm. QUINCE JAM JAZZ 303, Northcote. 7:30pm. $5. SONYA VERONICA & HUGH STUCKEY Lui Bar, Melbourne. 3:00pm. THE BEN CARR TRIO Open Studio, Northcote. 5:00pm. WINDJAMMER BRASS ENSEMBLE 303, Northcote. 2:30pm. $5.

BROWNHORN ORCHESTRA Prince Public Bar, St Kilda. 8:00pm. BURN IN HELL + MARKS MASSIVE ORGAN + POSTMASTERS GAMBIT + SAMUEL TATE Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 3:00pm. CHILDREN OVERBOARD + THE NAYSAYERS + THE VELVETS Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. COOL DRINKS + MOON DICE + TOTALLY MILD Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. DISPARO + CABIN FEVER + CLOWNS + KREMLINGS + SEWERCIDE Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 3:00pm. $6. FALLS FESTIVAL Falls Festival Site, Lorne. 12:00pm. ILDIKO + ORWELL + THE WHORLS Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $8. IMPERIAL C + DJ DIABETIC + ECHS INCOGNITO + MC SPITS + MIZTRAY Idgaﬀ Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. $15. MIDNIGHT WOOLF + HUMBUG + THE YARDS APES Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. PAT TIERNEY + SOMERSET BARNARD + SWEET FELICIA & THE HONEY TONES 303, Northcote. 7:30pm. SEX ST + AENEAS + CURSING TOMORROW + RPM Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm. SHARON VAN ETTEN + GRAND SALVO Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $42. SUMMER SUNDAY SESSION - FEAT: ASH H KING Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 8:00pm.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK SEAN MCMAHON’S WESTERN UNION Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 4:00pm. CHRIS ALTMANN Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. CHRIS RUSSELL’S CHICKEN WALK WITH DEAN MULLER Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. DETONATORS Wheelers Hill Hotel, Wheelers Hill. 8:00pm. DUCK MUSIQUE + MARTY KELLY & AUBURY MAHER Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 5:30pm. HEATHER STEWART TRIO Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 4:00pm. JIMI HOCKING Bay Hotel, Mornington. 4:00pm. LISA MILLER Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm. LLOYD SPIEGEL Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 4:00pm. MELBOURNE UKELELE KOLLECTIVE 303, Northcote. 3:00pm. MOMENTS NOTICE Wesley Anne, Northcote. 4:00pm. MR SPKR Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: ANDY KENTLER Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 8:00pm.

THE PUBLIC BAR OPEN 2PM - 3AM, WED - THU OPEN 2PM - 7AM, FRI - SAT

74 JOHNSTON ST FITZROY 9417 4155

www.theoldbar.com.au OPEN EVERY DAY 2PM - 3AM FREE WI FI

WEDNESDAY 26TH DECEMBER

CLOSED THURSDAY 27TH DECEMBER

DROWNING HORSE (WA)

AGONHYM, GRIEF CONTEST (WA), DEAD, RIVER OF HEAVEN 8PM $10 FRIDAY 28TH DECEMBER OPEN UNTIL 7AM!!!

CABIN FEVER, DISPARO, BATEMAN 8PM $8 DJ DAN LEWIS SATURDAY 29TH DECEMBER

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS

Brighton-based duo Blood Red Shoes are making their Aussie debut this New Year’s at Pyramid Rock. As well as the festival appearance, the two-piece will bring their wild live experience to Melbourne for a headline date. Laura-Mary Carter and Steven Ansell have recently released their third LP as Blood Red Shoes, entitled In Time To Voices. It’s been declared that anything can happed at one of the bands live shows. Be prepared. Blood Red Shoes perform at The Hi-Fi on Thursday January 3.

238 VICTORIA ST, NORTH MELBOURNE

KODIAK THREAT

SUNDAY DEC 30

BLOOD RED SHOES

GHETTO GHETTO

CASSINI, GUEST 8:30PM $8 DJ WHORE-ALL-SUMMER SUNDAY 30TH, MONDAY 31ST, TUESDAY 1ST JANUARY

CLOSED

WEDNESDAY 2ND JANUARY ‘SUZUKI NIGHT MARKETS’

THEM BRUINS

CITY VS COUNTRY, NUN OF THE TONGUE 8PM FREE THURSDAY 3RD JANUARY

THE NIGHT PARTY THE DEAD HEIR + GUESTS 8:30PM $6 FRIDAY 4TH JANUARY OPEN UNTIL 7AM!!!

WORKINGHORSE IRONS THE JACKS, DIRTY HARRIET & THE HANGMAN 8:30PM $8 CHERRYWOOD DJ’S SATURDAY 5TH JANUARY

KIERAN P WEST & THE MELANOMADS - LAUNCH HIGH FANGS, A GAZILLION ANGRY MEXICANS 8:30PM $5 DJ RACHEL BAXTER SUNDAY 6TH JANUARY ‘IN MUSIC WE TRUST’

APES

CONTRAST 2PM FREE MONDAY 7TH JANUARY

MONICA & THE EXPLOSIONS (SWEDEN) FREDDY FUDDPUCKER, ELI CASH 7PM FREE TUESDAY 8TH JANUARY

TBC

7PM FREE

FREE POOL ALL DAY AND NIGHT CHEAP JUGS TIL 8PM

for bookings: bandbookings@theoldbar.com.au

Thursday 27th December

THE DAWNS BIG YAWN, KRISTIAN M. ROBERTS, DICK THREATS, DOCUMENT SWELL

8PM $8

Friday 28th December

SKYSCRAPER STAN & THE COMMISSION FLATS SIB, GARETH EUNSON & THE BIG SMALL DJ DRAW 4

8:30PM $10

Saturday 29th December

PBS PRESENTS JUKEJOINT SHAKEDOWN: CHRIS RUSSELL’S CHICKENWALK

RATTLIN’ BONES BLACKWOOD, CATFISH VOODOO, CORAL LEE & THE SILVER, SCREAM, GUY KABLE DJ MATTHEW FREDERICK (PBS) 7PM $10

Wednesday 2nd January

SWAMPLANDS

SEYMOUR HOLLOWS, GUY KABLE

8.30PM $8

Thursday 3rd January

SOFT NO

THE LONELY DRONE & VORD, PIONEERS OF GOOD SCIENCE, ZAC KIELLER

8PM $8

Friday 4th January

DON FERNANDO DRIFTER, BMX RAY (BRIS) DJ RIPITUP

8:30PM $10

Saturday 5th January

CUNTZ - LAUNCH

BITS OF SHIT, JACKALS, HYPERBOREA DJ WHORE-ALL-SUMMER

8:30PM $10

Sunday 6th January

CLINKERFIELD

ANTARCTICA, SAD TROPICS DJ DRAW 4

8PM $6

Monday 7th January UNPAVED PRESENTS SONGWRITER SESSIONS W/ DAMON SMITH, MATT GREEN, MANDY CONNELL & MORE. BBQ, CHEAP JUGS ALL NIGHT

Tuesday 8th January - TBC

8PM $5 8PM FREE

CLOSED: Wednesday 26th December Sunday 30th December Monday 31st December Tuesday 1st January

band bookings: bandbookings@theoldbar.com.au

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

Beat Magazine Page 71

TUESDAY JAN 2 JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC

JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC

MONDO FREAKS + DJ KNIGHTLIFE Lui Bar, Melbourne. 2:00pm. $35.

GATOR QUEEN & J GOODY GOODMAN + RATTLIN’ BONES BLACKWOOD Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. RED X Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

ALWAN Claypots Tavern & Fair, St Kilda. 9:30pm. DAVID REX TRIO 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10. DE LA SOUL + DJ MANCHILD + REMI + SOLILOQUY + THE BROW HORN ORCHESTRA Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $58. MATT GRESHAM + THE SONS OF MAY Toﬀ In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $15. OVEREASIES Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 8:00pm. SOULSHAM Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $10.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS

OPEN MIC Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:30pm. OPEN MIC Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm. STREAMS OF WHISKEY Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 6:00pm.

BEATEN BODIES + KOOYEH + UP UP & AWAY Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10. BLOOD RED SHOES + DAMN TERRAN + UDAYS TIGER The Hi-ﬁ, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $42. JUNK COMPANY Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $5. NOIR + DIVINE FLUXUS + THE VOUCHERS The Vineyard, St Kilda. 11:00pm. ROUND THE CORNER + THE PRETTY LITTLES Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. SOFT NO + PIONEERS OF GOOD SCIENCE + THE LONELY DRONE & VORD + ZAC KIELLER Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $8. SYSTEM OF VENUS + 4TRESS + ALANA PORTER + RETURN TO YOUTH Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. TEENAGE LIBIDO + THE CHURCH OF HYSTRIA + THE FACTORY Idgaﬀ Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. THE DROOLING MOUTHS OF MEMPHIS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. THE SWELL + AIRCRAFTE + THE RANT Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm.

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB Hailing from Ireland, three-piece Two Door Cinema Club returned only weeks ago with follow-up album, Beacon. The relentless touring after the success of platinum selling debut Tourist History, meant the recording of their second effort strongly reflects on their time on the road. Announcing a Falls sideshow, they’ll be joined by The Vaccines and Brisbane outfit The Jungle Giants. This killer bill hits Festival Hall on Saturday December 29. SWEET FELICIA & THE HONEYTONES Union Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm. THE BONA FIDE TRAVELLERS Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 6:30pm. THE NUDGELS Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 4:00pm. TOM REILLY Bar Open, Fitzroy. 7:30pm.

MONDAY DEC 31 JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC APOCALYPSE 2012 Red Bennies, South Yarra. 7:00pm. DIVINA PROVIDENCIA Felix, St Kilda. 9:00pm. LAMINE SONKO & TUMBARUMBA + LAMINE SONKO + TUMBARUMBA The B.east, Brunswick East. 9:00pm. $15.

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS BLOODDUSTER + BATPISS + BROOZER + CAPTAIN CLEANOFF + SEWERCIDE Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 7:00pm. BLUELINE MEDIC + INITIALS + THE BENNIES + THE SMITH STREET BAND Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $15. CHANT DOWN SOUND + AL GOOD + ANDY ITES + APPRENTICE + ARMAGIDEON TIME + KAVINDA + QUASHANI BAHD + SISTA ITATIONS + SISTA SARA + SK SIMEON + TROUBLEMEKKA Mercat Cross, Melbourne. 10:00pm. $20. CHARLES JENKINS & THE ZHIVAGOS + CHRIS RUSSELL’S CHICKEN WALK Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. CHRIS ALTMANN Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:00pm. $15. CURTIN HOUSE PARTY - FEAT: EAGLE & THE WORM + GRIZZLY JIM LAWRIE John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:00pm. EINSTEIN TOYBOYS Musicland, Fawkner. 8:30pm. $25. EL MOTH Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. ELECTRIC WAR BABIES + CALADONIA + SIERRA LEONA Idgaﬀ Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. $5. FALLS FESTIVAL Falls Festival Site, Lorne. 12:00pm. FLYING SAUCER NEW YEARS EVE PARTY - FEAT: BILLY MILLER & THE LOVE BROTHERS + THE SUBSTITUTES The Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 8:00pm. $27. LIMP WRIST + INFINITE VOID + RATSAK + SHIT WEATHER Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. PONY FACE + CHELSEA DRUGSTORE + DJ ADALITA Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm. SPIDERBAIT & SOMETHING FOR KATE + SOME-

Beat Magazine Page 72

THING FOR KATE + SPIDERBAIT + APES + DJ PONY + DUNE RATS + EMPRA + GOLD FIELDS + HUNTING GROUNDS + KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD + KINGSWOOD + MAGIC BONES + REGULAR JOHN + THE DEMON PARADE + THE MERCY KILLS + THE MURLOCS + THE SMOKES + WHITE SUMMER Espy, St Kilda. 7:00pm. $60. THE PRAYER BABIES Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. $15. VICE GRIP PUSSIES Prince Public Bar, St Kilda. 8:00pm. YACHT CLUB DJS + ALL THE COLOURS + TONE DEAF & MIDNIGHT RUN DJS Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $25.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK CHRIS WILSON + SARAH CARROLL & HER PSYCHEDELIC WILDMEN Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8:00pm. $25. CLAYMORE Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury. 7:00pm. $20. NEW YEARS EVE AT THE BRUNNY Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm. SPOONFUL Post Oﬃce Hotel, Coburg. 10:30pm. THE IN-HOUSE BAND-O-RAMA Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:00pm. THE MISERABLE LITTLE BASTARDS + THE NATIVE PLANTS Union Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm.

TUESDAY JAN 1 JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC MONDO FREAKS + DJ KNIGHTLIFE Lui Bar, Melbourne. 2:00pm. $35.

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS GATOR QUEEN & J GOODY GOODMAN + RATTLIN’ BONES BLACKWOOD Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. RED X Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK OPEN MIC Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:30pm. OPEN MIC Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm. STREAMS OF WHISKEY Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 6:00pm.

THURSDAY JAN 4

WEDNESDAY JAN 3 INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS BEST COAST + BLEEDING KNEES CLUB + BORED NOTHING The Hi-ﬁ, Melbourne. 7:30pm. $42. CARP + ELLIOTT WOOD + THE PEEKS Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $5. COLLAGE Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. DAN TROLLEY + BILLY LONGFACE Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. FIRST AID KIT Forum Theatre, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $59. FLYYING COLOURS Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. KIM SALMON Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. MAXIMO PARK + GLASS TOWERS Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. $50. POISON FISH + MASTER_BETA + PLASTIC SPACEMAN + TWO HEADED DOG Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. SWAMPLANDS + GUY KABLE + SEYMOUR HOLLOWS Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $8. THEM BRUINS + CITY VS COUNTRY + NUN OF THE TONGUE The Public Bar, Melbourne. 8:00pm. WILLIS EARL BEAL + COURTNEY BARNETT Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:00pm. $35.

JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC BOHJASS 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. DIZZY’S BIG BAND Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 9:00pm. $14.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK COSMO JARVIS + EIRWEN SKYE Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. $31. DIANA’S BOW + PRETTY CITY + REMZELK Penny Black, Brunswick. 8:30pm. LOOUNGE THURSDAYS Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. OPEN MIC Acoustic Cafe, Collingwood. 7:30pm. OPEN MIC Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9:00pm. OPEN MIC Balaclava Hotel, Balaclava. 7:00pm. RONIT GRANOT Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: JOSH FONTAINE Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 4:00pm.

FRIDAY JAN 4

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS

CLARE BOWDITCH + ROYAL JELLY DIXIELAND BAND Melbourne Zoo, Parkville. 5:30pm. LACHLAN BRYAN + SEAN MCMAHON Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:30pm. MADRE MONTE + ARAKATAKA Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $8. MANDY CONNEL Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. OPEN MIC Dancing Dog, Footscray. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. OPEN MIC Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 10:00pm. OPEN MIC Thornbury Local, Thornbury. 8:00pm. WINE, WHISKEY, WOMEN - FEAT: ANNA STRUTH + FREYA HANLY Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm.

65DAYSOFSTATIC + SLEEPMAKESWAVES + THE TOWNHOUSES Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:30pm. $45. ABOMINATVM TRINITAS - FEAT: PERSEVERANCE + HORDES OF THE BLACK CROSS + SANGUINARY MISANTHROPIA Central Club Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. $10. AUSTIN LUCAS + JAMIE HAY + PJ BOND Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $18. BUGDUST + HUMANS AS ANIMALS + LOW FLY INCLINE + UNAUSTRALIANS Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $13. CHARLOTTE NICDAO + JAMES MOLONEY + OH PEP! Wesley Anne, Northcote. 2:58pm.

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

317 BRUNSWICK ST. FITZROY 03 9415 9601 BAROPEN.COM.AU

99 SMITH STREET FITZROY / 03 9419 4920 / YAHYAHS.COM.AU BOOKINGS: MARY@BAROPEN.COM.AU

WED 26 DEC

FRI 4 JAN

RASPECT RECORDS BOXING DAY BASH FEAT.

UNIFIED GECKO

NEW DUB CITY SISTA ITATIONS ZULU FLOW ZION SK SIMEON 10PM / FREE

THU 27 DEC

SALT LAKE CITY

SUN 6 JAN

10PM / FREE

SON OF SET SOOKY LA LA HONEYBONE

SAT 29 DEC

9PM / FREE

AFROBIOTICS

FRI 11 JAN

MON 31 DEC

NEW YEARS EVE FEAT. EL MOTH 9PM / FREE

TUE 1 JAN

GATOR QUEEN & J GOODY GOODMAN (NEW ORLEANS, USA)

NO ESCAPE FOR THE KING

STRINGFELLOW HAWKE, SLACQUER 9pm / FREE ENTRY / OPEN TIL 5am

SEEDY JEEZUS

CAPTAIN CLEANOFF, BROOZER BATPISS, SEWERCIDE

BOXING DAY CLOSED THU 27 DEC

23 ANGLES OF ATTACK

WOLF VS FIRE THE HIGH DRIFTERS THE SMOKING ACES FRI 28 DEC COBRA:

KITTY ROCK BUMP N GRIND BURLESQUE BANDROOM:

THE EARS

SAT 29 DEC FRONT BAR

10PM / FREE

QUINCE

SAT 12 JAN

BANDROOM:

THE UNMISTAKABLE

AWESOME TAPES FROM AFRICA PARTY FEAT. BRIAN (USA)

RESIDENCY

HONEY BADGERS

HIGH FANGS COLD HARBOUR THE HYBERNATORS

SHIMKOVITZ

10PM / FREE

SUN 30 DEC FRONT BAR

THE IN THE OUT

THU 17 JAN

GUERRE

OSCAR KEY SUNG 8PM / FREE

SUZIE STAPLETON DEEP FRIED DIRT

FRI 18 JAN

WED 2 JAN FRONT BAR

WED 2 JAN

SAT 19 JAN

JUDGE PINO & THE RULING MOTIONS 10PM / FREE

8PM / FREE

FRI 25 JAN

9PM / FREE

BLOOD DUSTER

(CRIME & THE CITY SOLUTION)

FEAT.

10PM / FREE

THE DROOLING MOUTHS OF MEMPHIS

MON 31 JAN / NEW YEARS EVE

GOLD TANGO BRONWYN BONNEY

COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS KYLIE AULDIST

8PM / FREE

THU 3 JAN

MIDNIGHT WOOLF 8pm / OPEN ‘TIL VERY LATE!

RATTLIN’ BONES BLACKWOOD

MASTER_BETA PLASTIC SPACEMAN TWO HEADED DOG

SUN 30 DEC / NEW YEARS EVE EVE

THE YARD APES, HUMBUG

THE HOODANGERS

POISON FISH

(2 SETS)

SAT 29 DEC

DORKUS MALORKUS

THU 10 JAN

7PM

DIRTY YORK 9pm / FREE ENTRY / OPEN TIL 5am

PURPLE TUSKS

VON EINEM

FRI 28 DEC

10PM / FREE

7PM

AKTION UNIT

9pm / FREE ENTRY

DUB THE MAGIC DRAGON

FRI 28 DEC

SUN 30 DEC

TWO HEADED DOG

SAT 5 JAN

JACK GOODLET PHOEBE&SCHINA

10PM / FREE

THE DEAD HEIR

10PM / FREE

9PM / FREE

KUJO KINGS

THU 27 DEC

THE SEVEN UPS 10PM / FREE

SAT 26 JAN

SOL NATION 10PM / FREE

BOOKINGS: FANTAPANTS@BAROPEN.COM.AU

DAN TROLLEY RESIDENCY

BILLY LONGFACE THU 3 JAN

THU JAN 3 & 10

BEATEN BODIES (SOUL TROUPE / SYD)

FRI JAN 4

FREUDIAN SLIT MILDLIFE, SMILE SAT JAN 5

WILL & THE INDIANS

JONESEZ, JODY FRI JAN 11

GRAND RAPIDS DEAD RIVER THE OL’ FAITHFULS

SAT JAN 12

PAUL KIDNEY EXPERIENCE

w/ MANI NEUMEIER ON DRUMS (GURU GURU / ACID MOTHER’S TEMPLE)

SWAMP MOTH THU JAN 17

ROYAL CHANT FRI JAN 18

PLAGUE DOCTOR SAT JAN 19

BUDD

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

SYSTEM OF VENUS

4TRESS RETURN TO YOUTH ALANA PORTER

FREE BBQ 7pm

FRI 4 JAN

LOWTIDE PARADING FULL UGLY

SAT 5 JAN

“DEVIL’S KITCHEN” KING PARROT

MAMMOTH MAMMOTH CHAINSAW HOOKERS WICKED CITY KIDS OF ZOO CLAGG RIVER OF SNAKES MY LEFT BOOT THE SUREFIRE MIDNIGHTS BODIES DON FERNANDO AGONHYMN BMX-RAY WINTERRUN WE ARE GAMMA SUN 6 JAN

“DEVIL’S KITCHEN” RECOVERY SHOW AGONHYMN

MY LEFT BOOT CHAINSAW HOOKERS SONS OF THE IONIAN SEA COMING UP: LOVE OF DIAGRAMS THU 10 JAN BARRY SAVAGE AND THE LITTLE CAESARS 5 - 7PM / FRONT BAR / SAT 12 JAN CHUCK’S WAGON (ALBUM LAUNCH), DEN HANRAHAN, THE BLACK HILLS SUN 13 JAN

TIX ON SALE NOW FROM OZTIX.COM.AU: DEVIL’S KITCHEN SAT 5 JAN CBT (GER) FRI 11 JAN STOMPY & THE HEAT SAT 12 JAN HUNX AND HIS PUNX SUN 20 JAN

WOODS (USA) SUN 27 JAN WARPED (21st BIRTHDAY) FRI 8 & SAT 9 FEB DIRTY BEACHES (CAN) SUN 10 FEB WILD NOTHING (USA) MON 11 MAR

71 JOHNSTON ST. COLLINGWOOD . 03 9419 5320 . WED - SUN / 4pm ‘TIL LATE BAND BOOKINGS: AMANDA@BAROPEN.COM.AU

WWW.THETOTEHOTEL.COM Beat Magazine Page 73

CITY VS COUNTRY + DJ ADALITA + MAX GOES TO HOLLYWOOD Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9:30pm. COCHLEAR KILL + A MAN CALLED SON + AUTOPORTRAITS + HOLY LOTUS Gertrudes Brown Couch, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. DON FERNANDO + BMX RAY + DRIFTER Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. EBOLAGOLDFISH + CHAINSAW HOOKERS + CLOWNS + STREET FANGS Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $8. FREUDIAN SLIT + MILDLIFE + SMILE Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. HAWKSLEY WORKMAN - FEAT: HAYKSLEY WORKMAN + NICHOLAS ROY Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:30pm. $25. I.I + APART FROM THIS + FEATHERWEIGHT + TERM FOUR Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. LA BASTARD + THE TARANTINOS The Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $5. LOWTIDE + FULL UGLY + PARADING Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. SASKWATCH + DJ MIKEY YOUNG Baha Tacos & Tapas Bar, Rye. 8:00pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: BLACK CAB Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 4:00pm. TRANSIENCE (RECREATE LAUNCH) + LUNG + MORROCAN KINGS + SONS OF ABRAHAM Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $8. UNIFIED GECKO Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.

Collingwood. 1:00pm. DUB THE MAGIC DRAGON Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. KIM CHURCHILL + STEVE SMYTH Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury. 7:30pm. $15. LEGIONS + COLOSSUS + REINCARNATION + THORNS Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. MALICHOR + ORDER OF ORIAS + PERSEVERANCE + SCARS OF SODOM Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. POLO CLUB + REMI + WINDSOR THIEVES Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $12. REINHARDT Idgaﬀ Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. SASKWATCH + DJ MIKEY YOUNG Baha Tacos & Tapas Bar, Rye. 8:00pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: PONY FACE Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 4:00pm. THE KNIVES OF NEPTUNE + ALKAN ZEYBEK & THE LESSERMEN + ON SIERRA Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 10:22am. $8. THE PRETTY LITTLES + KNITTING FOR GRAN + MERRYGOROUNDS + ROUND THE CORNER Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. THE SINKING TEETH + SHERIFF + THEM BRUINS Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $10. WILL & THE INDIANS + JODY + JONESEZ Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. WITCHGRINDER + PARTY VIBEZ + STONE REVIVAL Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $13.

JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK

8 FOOT FELIX Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. THE PUTBACKS + BRASS KNUCKLE BRASS BAND + SOUL SAFARI 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10.

ANDREW HIGGS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 4:00pm. BEATEN BODIES + THE SEVEN UPS Penny Black, Brunswick. 9:30pm. COLD HEART Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm. FAMILY FRIENDS + MATT KELLY + MINPINS + SEA LEGS RUM Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $5. JIMI HOCKINGS BLUES MACHINE Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:30pm. MAJOR TOM & THE ATOMS Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 9:00pm. STEVE THEW Saints & Sailors Cafe, Portarlington. 7:30pm. THE BRASS KNUCKLE BRASS BAND The Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK BLACK CEASAR Penny Black, Brunswick. 9:30pm. KIM SALMON The Resurrection, Melbourne. 4:30pm.

SATURDAY JAN 5 JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC AN EVENING WITH ROSS WILSON The Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 8:00pm. $33. PROJECTO INESPERADO Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. TRIO AGOGO Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm.

INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS BANG - FEAT: ELECTRIK DYNAMITE + AURAL WINDOW + TEN THOUSAND Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $20. BLINDMUNKEE + DEATH OF ART + JENARIUM: RISE OF THE SUN Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm. $12. BORED NOTHING (ALBUM LAUNCH) + MILKSHAKE + MINING BOOM Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 4:30pm. CHILDREN OVERBOARD + DJ SHAKY MEMORIAL + THE CHARLIES Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 10:00pm. CITY VS COUNTRY The B.east, Brunswick East. 9:00pm. CLAMPDOWN Rochester Castle Hotel, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. DEVIL’S KITCHEN - FEAT: KING PARROT + AGONHYMN + BMX-RAY + BODIES + CHAINSAW HOOKERS + CLAGG + DON FERNANDO + KIDS OF ZOO + MAMMOTH MAMMOTH + MY LEFT BOOT + RIVER OF SNAKES + THE SUREFIRE MIDNIGHTS + WE ARE GAMMA + WICKED CITY + WINTERRUN Tote Hotel,

SUNDAY JAN 6 INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS 80 ACES + KASHMERE CLUB + RED EAGLE Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. AIRCRAFTE + HOLLOW EVERDAZE + PIGS PORKEN Toﬀ In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $5. CHRIS ASSAAD + LUKE LEGS & THE MIDNIGHT SPECIALS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm. DEVIL’S KITCHEN RECOVERY PARTY - FEAT: MY LEFT BOOT + CHAINSAW HOOKERS + SONS OF THE IONIAN SEA Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 3:00pm. KYLE TAYLOR + BONNIE CRAFTER + JAKKSEN FISH + JOE FORRESTER + TIM WOOD & THE DIRTY SHOES Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 3:00pm. MIRINDA + EUPHORIA + EVANDERA Idgaﬀ Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. MOLE HOUSE + 100 + + ANGEL EYES Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. RIFFAGE ON THE HIGH SEAS - FEAT: DUKES OF DELICIOUSNESS Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong. 12:45pm. $20. SWEET FELICIA & THE HONEYTONES Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. THE HIVES Forum Theatre, Melbourne. 8:00pm.

CLASSIFIEDS 33c PER WORD PER WEEK (INC GST) • Send your classified listing information to Beat Magazine at 3 Newton St, Richmond 3121 with a cheque, money order or credit card number (including expiry date and name on card, NOT AMEX or DINERS) (1.5% surcharge on Visa and MasterCard) OR deliver it yourself with cash OR you can email your classifieds to us - classifieds@beat.com.au with credit card details • DEADLINE IS THURSDAY 5pm, prior to Wednesdays publication • Minimum $5 charge per week. We do NOT accept classifieds over the phone - sorry.

MUSICIANS WANTED

FIRST AID KIT The unforgettably harmonic First Aid Kit return to Australia this summer following a sold-out tour earlier this year. This one time I was riding the forklift with da boyz and me mate Dazza crashed and started bleedin’ everywhere, so I was like, “Oi we need a bloody first aid kit” and me other mate Robbo was like, “How about this eh, boys!” and played this band, it was a fucken riot! Bloody ripper call but Dazza almost died of laughter (blood loss). First Aid Kit have since released their second successful full-length, The Lion’s Roar. For their third Australian tour, the Swedish sisters – made famous by their YouTube Fleet Foxes covers – will welcome the new year in their most compelling settings yet. First Aid Kit play The Forum Theatre on Wednesday January 2. Beat Magazine Page 74

ACOUSTIC ACTS WANTED FOR FRIDAY NIGHT SPOTS IN FITZROY. Solo/Duo/Groups send an email with pics or samples to drink@the86.com.au. Bar split is paid, summer dates available.

JJAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE The Horn African Music Lounge, Collingwood. 7:00pm. NUDIST FUNK ORCHESTRA + BAD BOYS BATUCADA + DJ ROCK LANDERS + THE DALE RYDER BAND Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. TANGO RUBINO Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK BROOKE RUSSELL &THE MEAN REDS Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. HARMANIAX Penny Black, Brunswick. 5:00pm. JIMI HOCKING’S BLUES MACHINE Daveys Bar & Restaurant, Frankston. 3:00pm. LIZ STRINGER Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 4:00pm. SARAH CARNEGIE Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. STRINE SINGERS John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:00pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: GALLIE Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 4:00pm. THE DAVIDSON BROTHERS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 4:00pm.

MONDAY JAN 7 INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS THE VAUDEVILLE SMASH VS SEX ON TOAST + SEX ON TOAST + THE VAUDEVILLE SMASH + HOWARD Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $6.

JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC DIVINA PROVIDENCIA Felix, St Kilda. 9:00pm.

TUESDAY JAN 8 INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS COLLAGE Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. JAIL BIRD JOKERS Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:00pm. $8. LOS CORONAS + THE BLUEBOTTLES Toﬀ In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $15. NEIGHBOURHOOD YOUTH + FARROW Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $5. RED X Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. WORKINGHORSE IRONS + DIRTY HARRIET & THE HANGMEN + THE JACKS The Public Bar, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $8.

JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC MAKE IT UP CLUB Bar Open, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $57.

ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK

+ BEAT PRESENT... whatson@thepush.com.au

ACCESS ALL AGES Wednesday December 26, 2012 With Ruth Mihelcic

So the world didn’t end on Friday, obviously because you’re still here reading this column… take it as a sign that a higher power wants you to be around to experience the glory of Push Over 2013 when it takes over the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on March 11. The least you can do to be thankful for your survival is head over to thepush.com.au and buy tickets for you and all your other survivor friends. Then let The Amity Affliction, DZ Deathrays, Velociraptor, Dream On Dreamer, and Northlane among many, many more fantastic Australian acts destroy what’s left of your eardrums. Last week we welcomed a new member to The Push team – Jason Morrison! From band and tour management at Fetch Agency and running his own record label AthensCo, Jason joins us as an Artist Support Officer who will now be coordinating the FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands competition in 2013. If you’re in a young band, keep an eye out once it all starts up again in the new year. For the literarily apt among us, there are a few writing opportunities on the close horizon that you may want to take advantage of. The first is that the Melbourne Writers Theatre (MWT) is actively seeking new members including writers, actors, directors and producers to join their monthly meetings at the La Mama Courthouse in Carlton. You need to apply by December 31 and can find more info at www.melbwriters.org.au or by emailing melbournewriterstheatre@gmail.com. The second is online art/life/music/fashion/ beauty/entertainment magazine Blaire looking for student/emerging writers and individuals who are keen and willing to attend interviews with stars, musicians, actors and authors for features. Go to www.blairemagazine.com to fill out an application form by the end of December if that sounds like something you’d be interested in. If you’ve got lots of opinions and are looking for a place to share them and make a difference, why not consider joining YACVic’s Youth Reference Group? The YRG is a group of young advocates aged 12 -25 who work with YACVic to take action on issues facing young people. You have until January 7 to apply at www.yacvic.org.au. Want to have your songs heard by music industry greats and share in over $240,000 of prizes? The APRA Professional Development Awards are conducted every two years and offer cash, travel, education and recognition to eight music writers in the early stages of their careers. There are a bunch of categories you can enter, and applications close January 11. For more info check out apra-amcos. com.au.

LAURA K CLARKE + TRISTEN BIRD Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:30pm. OPEN MIC Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:30pm. OPEN MIC Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm. LEONA Idgaﬀ Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. $5.

Moomba Festival is back next March and it needs some enthusiastic volunteers to share their talents, experience and knowledge! Contact Simon Mott on 9658 9556 or email volunteers@melbourne.vic. gov.au by January 20 to score yourself some work behind the scenes.

MUSIC MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION www. drumsrecords.net, P.O. Box 1187 St. Albans VIC 3021 Australia

How is everyone spending their New Years? With so many festival and local community options, you pretty much have no excuse not to get out and enjoy the night and see a few ﬁreworks. Be good to your friends, stay safe and have fun. From all of us here at the Push oﬃce, Happy New Year everyone!

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCED BAND BOOKER WANTED. If you’re experienced in booking bands and want to work with an experienced well known venue booker at a great venue in Melbourne’s music heartland then send us an email. Let us know a bit about yourself, what type of bands you’ve booked, where, contacts you have and how long you have been in the game and importantly what you may be able to bring. Be quick. Send email to: shimgapi@gmail.com

ALL AGES TIMETABLE Saturday December 29 Two Door Cinema Club w/ The Vaccines, Festival Hall, 300 Dudley Street, West Melbourne, $70, ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100, AA

FLAUNT IT. Internationally acclaimed producer of profeminist erotica looking for conﬁdent, adult women to smash the stereotypes and earn good money ($400 and up). Don’t overlook this til you’ve found out more about it. Jessica 9495 6555 or www.feck.com.

Wednesday January 2 Bombay Bicycle Club, Festival Hall, 300 Dudley Street, West Melbourne, 7:30pm, $69.90, ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100, AA

SERVICES

WE WANT EVERYONE Promoters, Bands, DJs Revitalised bar, The Barley Corn, has reopened its doors 7 days a week and we want YOU. Call Jesse 0411 803 579

DJ AGENCY SEEKING EVENT MANGERS, promoters and party organisers to work with. Text 0411 024 794

TUITION

Friday January 4 Music in the Park w/ Balkan/Gypsy/Swing/Brass extravaganza with The Woo Hoo Revue and Rown Blackmore, Rosalind Park, Pall Mall, Bendigo, 7pm – 9pm, Free, yobendigo.com.au, AA

FREE VENUE HIRE - Fully stocked bar - Huge capacity, whole venue or partial. Call Jesse 0411 803 579

PAUL HENDER DRUM SCHOOL PTY LTD. Students wanting to learn please contact Paul (03) 8786 3421

BATTLE OF THE BANDS. Registration now, starts Wednesday the 28th and every Wednesday after for 8 week (less the 26th & the 2nd). First prize: recording time in a studio. Call Jesse 0411 803 579

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

6 ,* $7 * / 76 $/ 9(1 *% ( ( 7+( )5( ( $5

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Wed. Dec 26th - Thu. Dec 27th:

-CLOSED-

8pm: Freya Hanly 9pm: Anna Struth

Fri. December 28th:

6pm: Trad. Irish music session with Dan Bourke & Friends

05 63.5

Sat. December 29th:

* + + ! %

9pm: Gallie and Shannon Bourne

0$-25 720 7+( $7206 *8(676

Sun. December 30th:

)520 30

4PM: Lloyd Spiegel

*,% + ! %

6.30PM: The Bona Fide Travellers

6$5$+ &$50(*,(

Wed. January 2nd: wine, whiskey, women

Mon. December 31st:

. "#0 **&)+$ %+*

-CLOSED-

Thurs. January 3rd:

8pm: Open Mic Poetry, Storytelling and Song Fri. January 4th:

6pm: Trad. Irish music session with Dan Bourke & Friends Sat. January 5th:

9pm: Floyd Thursby Quartet Sun. January 6th:

$A@ 0*

Tues. January 1st:

3,==$ 327

6pm: Streams of Whiskey Stripped Back at the Poet

)5(( 322/ $// 1,*+7 +G7* 0*

056 60,7+u6 75,9,$ 3,==$ 327 30 . % * 0*

23(1 0,& 1,*+7 )520 30 &+85&+ 67 5,&+021' ZZZ JUHDWEULWDLQKRWHO FRP DX

SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU

4PM: Liz Stringer 6:30PM: Cat & Clint Tues. January 8th:

8PM: Weekly Trivia The Drunken Poet, 65 Peel Street (directly opposite Queen Vic Market), Phone: 03 9348 9797. www.thedrunkenpoet.com.au

Beat Magazine Page 75

BACKSTAGE THE PLACE FOR MUSICIANS

for more information or ad bookings call Aleksei on 9428 3600

COURSE PROFILE

COLLARTS – MUSIC PERFORMANCE

This issue we caught up with Mr. Ian Harvey, the Chief Operating Oﬃcer of leading music and entertainment college Collarts. Providing courses in Audio Production and Creative Industries Management, we delve deeper into their acclaimed Contemporary Music Performance degree and see why this course and why Collarts is being revered nation wide. Firstly, where is your campus located? Collarts is located at 55 Brady Street South Melbourne, right on the edge of Melbourne’s creative industries and entertainment precinct. Why should prospective students around the country consider studying at Collarts? Firstly, we’re located in Melbourne which is fast becoming the heart of the Australian entertainment and music industry, where the opportunities for exposure are boundless. Collarts prides itself on producing industry ready graduates, young musicians, producers and managers who have the skills, experience and conﬁdence to join the music or entertainment industries and create a career. Our students learn through a practical approach that combines the use of state-of-the-art equipment and access to teachers and trainers who have themselves maintained their industry connections. At Collarts it’s really important for us to encourage students to creatively express themselves and create the ideal learning environment to help them pursue what they love. What skills can students hope to acquire from the Contemporary Music Performance degree? There are four things that a Collarts student can expect to gain from their studies. Firstly, Collarts trains its students to be musicians and musical. A Collarts student should be able to perform in any style or genre when asked. While all students have their favourite style or genre, the secret to establishing a career in the industry is being competent,

Toyland

Recording Studio

Toyland in Northcote for recording bands, singers or any other audio project Recording, Mixing and Mastering Call Adam Cal on 9482 2111 or 0412 060 664

www.toyland.com.au

flexible and willing to work when work is offered. The second aspect, is their skills as a vocalist or instrumentalist. Our students are confident performers on their instrument. Some will also develop skills in songwriting, composition and music production. The third aspect is less obvious but as important as being able to play. A careers as a musician is far more complicated than just being able to play an instrument or sing. Most musicians also need to be able to run a business the business of themselves. So along with the musicianship and the performance skills come a range of skills in time and personal management, financial management and law, marketing, promotions and publicity. These are core skills no less important than being able to play well if they are to be successful. Finally, Collarts students will benefit from meeting a range of music industry professions during their course. This exposes them to the true depth and breadth of the industry and helps them begin to form a range of industry contacts. What kind of positions or roles will graduates be qualified to work in? Many students use their studies as a foundation to the career they dream of as performers, songwriters and producers. Developing these aspects of an individuals career will take some time following graduation. In the meantime our graduates will be working with a variety of bands or as a soloist. Some graduates will join organisations in the industry working in production or management, while others will look to develop a teaching practice or continue on with further musical studies. How is the music performance course structured? The Contemporary Music Performance degree is a two year course. It combines academic studies with solo and ensemble performance activities. Fundamentally it is a practical hands on course, where students have the ability to select from a range of electives that can

HIRE PROFILE

Any speciﬁc projects or productions students will have the opportunity to participate in throughout the duration of the course? Students will be involved in a series of live performance showcases, the creation of video clips and other activities that bring together performance, production and management. Studio gear and facilities available for learning and production? The heart of the Collarts production facility lies in its DigiDesign Icon equipped studios. Abelton, ProTools and Logic DAW’s are used. The sound labs are Mac

Points of diﬀerence between other music performance course providers and Collarts? The Collarts Industry Placement unit commences during the second year of the degree program is especially valuable to students. During this unit students get to spend real time working in the industry alongside professionals or being mentored by leading players and performers. Preparing industry ready graduates requires students to spend some meaningful time working in and not just on the industry. Payment options: Collarts is a FEE Help approved institution meaning that some or all of your fees can be deferred until your course is complete. Intake Periods: Classes start for 2013 Trimester 1 on February 4th. Trimester 2 2013 classes start on May 21st. Phone: (03) 9281 8888 Website: www.collarts.edu.au

Location: Melbourne / Sydney / Gold Coast Established: 1996 What exactly do you provide for hire: Staging for all manner of events, such as full concert staging, instrument risers for musicians such as drum riser, keys risers, risers for backing vocals, choir risers, DJ tables. In addition to music related staging we provide stages for fashion shows, product launches, corporate events, ﬁlm & television, outdoor events, pool stages and custom designs based on client request and scope of venue/location.

What sets you apart from other hire companies? Megadeck stages are the industry standard and stages are simply referred to as Megadecks. Our lightweight, versatile and modular staging systems means that it can go anywhere, over anything and its simplicity means anyone can use it. Any favorite sound or lighting packages: Dry hire package with stages starting from $90 for 7 day use.

Who are the teachers for this course and are there any guest lecturers involved? The Collarts team is led by Dr Raf Marcellino, an awarded composer and musician. The program leaders include Dr Paul Doornbusch and Gene Shill, who are noted specialists in their respective ﬁelds and are internationally renown. Supporting these three College leaders are a range of specialist trainers in a variety of instruments and vocal training, songwriting, composition and music production including Mark Amato, Jonathan Zion, Duncan Kinnell amongst notable others.

equipped and the production and back line are from leading manufacturers including Fender, Yamaha, Kawai, Soundcraft, Mackie, Ampeg, Roland, Shure, Sennheiser and Neumann.

MEGADECK STAGING SYSTEMS

What events can you cater for? Megadeck caters for the full spectrum of customers ranging from those hosting a backyard party through to national tours and high proﬁle musicians/ artists/ & high end companies.

provide either increasing specialisation or added industry awareness.

Artists and companies you have worked with? Big Day Out, Future Music Festival, Parklife, Harvest Festival, Mercedes Fashion Week, The Australian Open, Arts Centre Melbourne and Sothebys Australia. Pick up and or delivery of equipment available? Full service of delivery/set up, dismantle/return, partial service of delivery/pick up only or self-service where customer can pick up/ setup and return within 7 days. Insurance available when hiring equipment? All equipment comes with Public Liability insurance

with cover up to $20,000,000 as well as Workers Compensation when Megadeck assembles or dismantles staging. All staging is backed by Test safe Australia. Extras: Range of various shaped stages such as rounds and angles as well as transport ramps, disabled access ramps, handrails, drapes, stage skirting and steps.

Phone: 86893516 Website: www.megadeck.com

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571 High Street Preston VIC 3072 Tel (03) 9471 1023 Fax (03) 9471 1919 Internet: www.jamhutstudios.com

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EQUIPMENT HIRE Vocal PA’s from $80, ampliﬁers and drumkits available.

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LIVE

Photo: Charles Newbery

MISSY HIGGINS

Tuesday December 4, Palais Theatre

It’s been a while between drinks for Aussie songstress Missy Higgins, but it seems the break has done her good. At her hometown gig, she appeared at once cool, calm and collected while also showing oﬀ some pretty talented mates she’d brought along for the ride. Her new album, The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle, shows a fuller sound for Higgins and one that is much less reliant on piano. This came into play just one song in, as Hidden Ones, a slow builder impossible not to tap along to. More new material followed with the upbeat Hello Hello and melodic Set Me On Fire before live favourite Peachy returned the popular back catalogue with vigour. Then, as a carpenter reaches reassuringly for his tool belt, she returned to the grand piano. A string of oldies but goodies ensued, namely This Is How It Goes and Where I Stood, the latter sparking attention not only from its chart-topping status but famed spot on US drama Grey’s Anatomy – a fact the jovial Higgins was only too quick to point out. Then came the animal noises. Pulled from the new album, Watering Hole, transported the audience into the far reaches of Africa, a bluesy backdrop fueling gospel-tainted harmonies and the odd safari cry here and there – from the stage and the crowd. Encouraged by Higgins herself, the fully seated crowd allowed themselves to little up (just a little) and as a result, successive songs were piqued with the odd dog bark or monkey screech. An interlude came in the form of Higgins’ co-writer, producer, back-up vocalist, bass player and sometime support act, Butterﬂy Boucher, an artist who

made a break for it herself several years ago but didn’t gain much commercial exposure in Australia. Clearly a working relationship, Higgins shared many credits with Boucher through the set and even requested she sing Higgins’ favourite Boucher song, Warning Bell, for the audience. The woman is clearly talented and it is great that now her name should once again get a chance to rise to the surface. Another support act that shared the stage during Higgins’ set was blind Aboriginal singer, Gurrumul, who added his breathtaking vocals to one of her newer singles, Everyone’s Waiting. Edgy single, Unashamed Desire, was also a gig highlight and brought the somewhat subdued crowd rushing to the front of the Palais for the last few songs. A ﬁrm non-believer in encores, Higgins played right through her overtime and gave the crowd a “disco number” in Let The Love In and old favourite, Scar, which didn’t get quite as rousing a reaction as it did on its ﬁrst release. And it’s not surprising – she seems has largely outgrown her earlier years and it seems her fans are more than willing to jump in the car and come along for the ride. JEN WILSON

LOVED: Perfomance of Ten Days and her fab new 'do HATED: Not much DRANK: Vino

BOOMGATES, THE CLITS Friday November 16, John Curtin Hotel The Curtin was littered with bearded men and mullet haired women in a range of flannel, jumpsuits, tattered caps and underground band tees. The Modern Lovers and Pavement were pumping through the speakers attuning the squashy room for the scruffy everyday honesty set to spread itself out across the stage. The Clits are incumbents of the Geelong garageclass of 2012 and the three-piece really are at garage level. There is a fine line between scrappy charm and awkward ineptitude and there were a few times when the ‘human touch’ justification couldn’t salvage the three members’ disparate contributions. Bored Stiff is one of the peak points on Anti-Fade’s New Centre of the Universe compilation but it was afflicted by the band’s crumbly coordination. They did settle in as the show progressed and the last handful of fragile-yet-snappy tunes sounded quite confident. It’s hard to tell whether this was because they’d practised these songs more, or luck decided that things could now click. Either way, it was enough to draw the growing crowd right up to the stage, which is a rare sight at these gatherings where music lovers often do everything to act unimpressed. When Boomgates hit the stage The Curtin was at sold out capacity and there was no slice of breathing room whatsoever. The Melbourne five-piece is an assemblage of members from a set of bands that are fairly ramshackle in essence. Interestingly Boomgates sound is more controlled than their respective ‘day-jobs’. Boomgates could be construed as a side project, but this should not connote a ‘mess around’ project. The fact the members don’t have their hopes desperately invested in this band creates a relaxed ethos, but it was clear that everyone on stage was really involved in what they were playing.

Beat Magazine Page 78

Brendan Huntley has a great voice. He sings in deadpan Aussie accent, but it’s not oﬀhand speaksing. He locked in with the songs’ lyrical content with a compelling compound of melodic consistency, manic need and uncouth originality. Boomgates have a calmer, more autumnal sound than Huntley’s other band, Eddy Current Suppression Ring and his onstage character complied. I expected him to be a rampant stage president but he was reasonably casual, focused on optimising his vocal performance. Dick Diver drummer Steph Hughes straps on a guitar in Boomgates and tonight proved herself to be well equipped in this role. Her vocals have a central role in Boomgates too and the two voices made a cosy pair. Whispering or Singing even tempted the margins of romance – recalling The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York. Rick from Twerps exceptional bass work gave a melodic boost to the jangly tin-shed guitar playing. Drummer Shaun Gionis (formerly of Trial Kennedy) maintained a tough energy, which conferred with the ‘you must hear us’ intensity that Huntley brought. As the show progressed Huntley’s crazy eyes appeared and a possessed look came to glare in front of us. The only way to escape intimidation was to imitate the corruptive ecstasy. AUGUSTUS WELBY

LOVED: When Huntley asked the crowd for a harmonica and had his wishes met HATED: It was probably a set-up (he didn’t specify what key) DRANK: Sparkling ale

NICKI MINAJ

Wednesday December 5, Rod Laver Arena

I have to admit that the opportunity to enjoy the aural and aesthetic wonders of Nicki Minaj of a Wednesday evening held a certain appeal for me. You could even say it got my heartbeat runnin’ away. I couldn’t wait to hear that boom badoom boom, boom badoom boom bass. The whole experience was oddly surreal. My pal Hannah summed up our mutual sentiments nicely when she said “that was weirdly fantastic, but once was enough.” Gazing out into the oddly sparse crowd of Minaj appreciators and impersonators, it was a sea of uniformly and impossibly short skirts and fluoro wigs. The evening could be described as a spaceship spectacular with the crowd initially roused to attention by an ‘incoming transmission from Nicki’. Landing on stage in all her unblinking otherworldly glory and threatening to put her dick in yo’ face, she opened with Come On A Cone. Throughout the show there was a constant assault of lights, obscenities, booty shaking back up dancers and even merchandise fired upon fans from T-shirt guns (the first time I have ever witnessed one used in the real world). The crowd was certainly stimulated, even as Minaj repeatedly disappeared from the stage for extended periods to up the outrageousness of her attire. Like their idol they were small and scantily clad, the meagre response received from a call out for those over 18, confirmed they were mostly underage. While for me Minaj doesn’t seem the ideal role model, she imparted some wise words upon her young flock. “Be in school, be smart and don’t give your cookies away to every Tom, Dick and Harry.” It was all very affirming, Nicki was “so proud of us”.

TURBONEGRO

JO ROBIN

LOVED: Watching Jack from Mornington’s dreams come true when he and his Barbie bling necklace were called up on stage and got their time to shine. HATED: The extended periods of obnoxious MCing during costume changes. DRANK: Water.

Friday December 7, The Hi-Fi

The Turbojugend of Australia have waited patiently since 2003 to see the Kings of Death Punk. Unfortunately the past few years have seen the Norwegians part ways with their troubled singer Hank Von Helvete. Reaching out to the international Turbojugend they were able to find a replacement in ex-Dukes of Nothing frontman Tony Sylvester, and a new album entitled Sexual Harassment was released. Presenting themselves with a new vocalist whose style is vastly different to the iconic Von Helvete is a big gamble, but given The Hi-Fi was bulging at the seams it is one that has paid off. It’s always a joy when the support act isn’t one that is simply endured and forgotten, and as Turbonegro specifically sought Bayswater boys Bugdust out to open for them there were high expectations. Expectations which were met, hit with a ’79 Charger and left bleeding in the moonlight. If Tony Iommi gave Lemmy and Johnny Ramone a blues guitar lesson, and they all got shitfaced later I am nearly certain Bugdust would happen. Bluesy and heavy, they are what rock bands used to be about before eyeliner and fringes took over. Speedqueen and Mexican Death Squad were stand out songs and are definitely worthy of your time. As this was likely the first time everyone had seen Turbonegro perform with their new singer, it made sense for them to open with a new track. The new song Hello Darkness proved that while the voice of Turbobegro has changed, the sleaze hasn’t

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While showmanship abounded, not all that much singing actually went on. There were a few slower ballad numbers midway through, which momentarily gave the impression that Minaj might have vocal skills as rounded as her voluptuous booty. Closer inspection revealed that the talent was in fact sourced from two less manufactured backup singers. Minaj interjected their rather impressive performances at points, mostly with “yeah” or “Nicki” or “yeah, Nicki”. Superbass and Va Va Voom elicited squeals and got a stadium of feet shuﬄing, but it was a long time between Nicki’s touchdown and my ejection out into the cold night air. Somewhere around the third costume change, I started fading. I was holding out for of Starships and as the closing number it reinvigorated my soul. A lot of Minaj’s show was like watching a space age Barbie spit out sexual innuendo, which, to be honest, is pretty entertaining. Some other highlights included Minaj’s nonsensical banter with her fans and the most impressive display of twerking I have seen since Big Freedia was out.

gone anywhere. Classics All My Friends Are Dead, Wasted Again, Fuck The World and Get It On all sounded like they could have been originally written with Sylvester’s lower, more scratchy voice in mind. Having said that, the ﬁrst nine tracks only featured one pre-Sylvester song. Typically bands with such hardcore fan-bases wouldn’t receive such a play particularly well, but the Norwegians incorporating one Brit are excellent entertainers. And as excellent entertainers tend to do, they save the best until last. From the tenth track onwards Turbonegro dished out nothing but old school, and particularly surprising was the inclusion of two encores. The latter concluded the show with Are You Ready (For Some Darkness), I Got Erection, a cover of Pere Ubu’s Final Solution and Tony Sylvester half naked in British Royal robes, to round out the setlist at 21 songs. 21 songs which show beyond doubt that Happy Tom and Euro Boy have kept the credibility in a band whose most famous song is about necrophilia-inspired arousal. OSCAR SCHIESSER LOVED: The tiger face tattoo adorning Tony Sylvester’s ample stomach. HATED: The half naked, hairy backed guy who fell on me. DRANK: Beer of some sort.