ISSUE 1354
| 16 JAN 2013 | BEAT.COM.AU
MELBOURNE’S ORIGINAL AND HIGHEST CIRCULATING STREETPRESS
MAPS & SET TIMES INSIDE
CHICKS ON SPEED
HIGH HIGHS
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD
LOON LAKE
100%: CLAUDE VONSTROKE
THIS WEEK: LIANNE LA HAVAS, THE JOY FORMIDABLE, JESSICA JADE, ALESTORM, LAURA LOE, GOING SWIMMING, AIRCRAFTE, OH SUIVANT!, HERE LIES HENRY
2 CLUBS s 1 TICKET s DON’T MISS IT
SATURDAY 19 JANUARY
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MELBOURNE’S EPIC SATURDAY CLUB NIGHT
TATE STRAUSS | MATTY G | DJ NOVA | JOHNNY M FINLO WHITE | JOE SOFO
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7KH
&RUQLVK $UPV SATURDAYS ARVO JANUARY RESIDENCY
SATURDAY 19 JANUARY - 5PM
.LWFKHQ 6SHFLDOV
Mon - $12 Burger and $12 Parma +
OPEN MIC NIGHT Tues - Trivia Night Wed - $14 Porterhouse Steak
CHUCK JENKINS & THE ZHIVAGOS
LYRICAL GENIUS CHUCK JENKINS PLAYS FOUR BIG ARVO SESSIONS WITH VARIOUS MEMBERS OF THE ZHIVAGOS. GET DOWN TO A LEAST ONE OF THESE SHOWS ... YOU’D BE MAD IF YOU DIDN’T. THEN FROM
9PM
THE SHIVERING TIMBERS
)ULGD\ -DQ WK
A ROLLICKING RIDE OF ORIGINAL AND TRADITIONAL ACOUSTIC FOLK, BLUES & COUNTRY
THE MOLTING VULTURES (SA) THE MORRISONS THE PREHISTORICS (NSW)
SUNDAY 20 JANUARY - 5PM
THE BLACKEYED SUSANS (TRIO) T S
HE USANS RETURN FOR A SUMMER RESIDENCY TO PLAY FOUR MAJESTIC GIGS OF COUNTRIFIED ALT-ROCK. MISS THESE SHOWS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Band’s & DJ’s every Friday and Saturday night, Yee Haa ! Function Room Available Kitchen Open Every Evening
TEUSDAY’S IN JANUARY
LET’S GET TRIVICAL WITH SPECIAL GUEST HOST “QUIZZY AMPHLETT”
WED 16TH JAN
ZELUS
FRI 18TH JAN
THE QUARRY MOUNTAIN DEAD RATS + EATEN BY DOGS SAT 19TH JAN
HERMITAGE GREENIRELAND SAT 19TH JAN KAZ BANDMATINEE
SUN 20TH JAN
UNION ROYALE AVO RESIDENCY
WED 30TH JAN
CLUB SANDWICHCOMEDY NIGHT COMING SOON...
THE HARLOTSRES, VULGARGRADRES THE WIKIMEN, LA BASTARD, RORY MCLEOD
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IN THIS ISSUE...
14
HOT TALK
18
TOURING
20
THE KILLERS
22
ARTS GUIDE, HERE LIES HENRY
24
ART OF THE CITY, COMIC STRIP
25
OH SUIVANT!, LEO
26
BIG DAY OUT SET TIMES & MAPS, JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD
40
INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH
41
LIANNE LA HAVAS, HIGH HIGHS, CHICKS ON SPEED
42
LOON LAKE, LAURA LOE, JESSICA JADE
BIG DAY OUT SPOTLIGHT PG 26
THE DESCENDENTS PG 44
44
DESCENDENTS, THE JOY FORMIDABLE, ALESTORM
45
CORE/CRUNCH!
46
MUSIC NEWS
52
ALBUM OF THE WEEK, SINGLES, CHARTS
THIS WEEK IN 100%:
CLAUDE VONSTROKE
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THE JOY FORMIDABLE PG44
LIANNE LA HAVAS PG 41
PUBLISHER: Furst Media Pty Ltd. MUSIC EDITOR: Teagan Butler ARTS EDITOR / ASSOCIATE MUSIC EDITOR: Tyson Wray EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Nick Taras INTERNS: Alexandra Duguid, Dylan McCarthy, Spence Goucher, Daniel Bell, Jack Parsons, Lorna Thornton, Kate McCarten GENERAL MANAGER: Patrick Carr SENIOR ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR: Ronnit Sternfein BEAT PRODUCTION MANAGER: Pat O’Neill GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Pat O’Neill, Mike Cusack, Gill Tucker, Rebecca Houlden COVER ART: Pat O’Neill ADVERTISING: Taryn Stenvei (Music: Bands/Tours/Record Labels) taryn@beat.com.au Ronnit Sternfein (100%/Beat/Arts/Education/Ad Agency) ronnit@beat.com.au Aleksei Plinte (Backstage/ Musical Equipment) mixdown@beat.com.au Adam Morgan (Hospitality/Bars) adam@beat.com.au Kris Furst (beat.com.au) kris@furstmedia.com.au 0431 243 808 Jessica Riley (Indie Bands/Special Features) jessica@furstmedia.com.au CLASSIFIEDS: classifieds@beat.com.au GIG GUIDE SUBMISSIONS: now online at www.beat.com.au or bands email gigguide@beat.com.au
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MON 21 JAN
CABBAGES & KINGS
THE HOODANGERS
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SAT 19 JAN
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JUDGE PINO & THE RULING MOTIONS
GUERRE (SYD)
OSCAR KEY SUNG KANE IKIN SCISSOR LOCK (SYD) TIM SHIEL (TUNES BETWEEN SETS)
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54
GIG GUIDE
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LIVE
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.
THU 17 JAN
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THE MINUTE TAKERS FLUXX
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MAKE IT UP CLUB WEEK #2 OF
53
FRI 18 JAN
PLAGUE DOCTOR
RICHIE 1250 & THE BRIDES OF CHRIST 9pm / FREE ENTRY / OPEN TIL 5am LATE TUNES by JOE KOKOMO
& MORE!
7PM
7.30PM
BUDD
8.30pm / OPEN TIL 5am LATE TUNES by ANDY YOUNG FREE ENTRY AFTER MIDNIGHT
ENCORE PERFORMANCES: PURE POP’S SUMMER OF CLASSIC ALBUMS:
BLACK CAB perform SUICIDE’S 1st ALBUM MIKELANGELO WITH MEMBERS OF RECHORDS perform THE CRAMPS’ “DATE WITH ELVIS” SAT JAN 26 VULTURES OF VENUS ATOMIC BLISS WESTALL 66 WOLVES OF RAIN SUN JAN 27
(AUSTRALIA DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY EVE)
SUN 20 JAN
JIMMY & THE MIRRORS
PRETTY LITTLES, CHILD ROMEO KNIGHTS WILLOW DARLING DOORS 5.00pm
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COMING UP THU JAN 24 THE BEEGLES ON SIERRA PSYCHODAISIES FRI JAN 25
THE BREADMAKERS THE KAVE-INN THU JAN 31 MAN THE CLOUDS KINLOCH TOONS TOM MILEK FRI FEB 1 UNAUSTRALIAN (ALBUM LAUNCH) RECORD BOYS TOWNHALL
LIVE BANDS. GREAT FOOD. 12 SUMMER NIGHTS OUTDOORS. LET THE GOOD TIMES GROW. WEEKEND 1 FRIDAY 25 JANUARY
SATURDAY 26 JANUARY
SUNDAY 27 JANUARY
GET HERE & GET DOWN AT THE FUNK-OFF FABULOUS OPENING NIGHT
FREE AUSTRALIA DAY PARTY STARRING AUSSIE TALENT
ESSENTIAL FUNK & SOUL WITH THE ONE & ONLY KASHMERE STAGE BAND
FANTINE
DOORS OPEN 5PM
DOORS OPEN 2PM
DOORS OPEN 5PM
OPENING NIGHT
WEEKEND 2 FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY
SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY
SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY
TUNES & HOOKS WITH GOSSLING AND BRISVEGAS FAVES ART OF SLEEPING
A ROLLICKING PARTY IS PROMISED WITH THE LEGENDARY ANTICS OF THE GRAVEYARD TRAIN.
CAPTIVATING SONGS, ENDEARING TUNES AND THOUGHTFUL, HONEST LYRIC WRITING.
DOORS OPEN 5PM
DOORS OPEN 2PM
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WEEKEND 3 FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY
SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY
SUNDAY 10 FEBRUARY
YOUR SUMMER SOUNDTRACK: EXPANSIVE POP, ELECTRO-ROCK, DANCE-FLOOR HITS
ELECTRO / POP / SOUL / JAZZ.
SONGWRITERS THAT DEMAND ATTENTION – BOLD, PROUD AND BRILLIANT.
DOORS OPEN 2PM
DOORS OPEN 5PM
DOORS OPEN 5PM
WEEKEND 4 FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY
SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY
LEKMAN AND BAND BRING HIS WITTY POP & GORGEOUS TUNES TO THE GARDEN
SEXY, GRITTY POP & DEEP GROOVES. THIS WILL BE A HOT NIGHT… WHATEVER THE WEATHER
VS DARK-COUNTRY KING HENRY
DOORS OPEN 2PM
DOORS OPEN 5PM
DOORS OPEN 5PM
EAT AND DRINK IN THE GARDEN: WOOD-FIRED PIZZAS AND MATILDA BAY BREWING COMPANY BEERS & CIDER ON TAP
!"
S T U R T S T, S O UT H B AN K ( RI G H T N E X T D O O R TO M E L B O URN E RE C I TA L C ENTR E) YOU NEED TO BE 18+ TO ATTEND THE GARDEN PARTY
HOT TALK
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BLOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR SIDEWAVE
OF MICE & MEN SIDEWAVE Southern California rockers Of Mice & Men are on a mission and seemingly can’t be stopped; continuously dominating the stage whether they’re headlining, supporting, or leading sing-alongs at festivals around the world. They’re playing a Soundwave Festival sideshow at The HiFi on Tuesday February 26 with hardcore grit outfit Chelsea Grin, and ferocious UK metal band While She Sleeps. Tickets on sale Thursday January 17, available from thehifi.com.au.
GOLD FIELDS Following the recent announcement of Gold Fields’ debut album release Black Sun and an upcoming tour this year, 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 with special guests Twinsy, Elizabeth Rose, Rat & Co, and Andee Frost. Limited tickets are on sale now and available via Moshtix. They’re also set to play alongside Crystal Castles at Billboard on Tuesday January 22.
COUNTING CROWS Multi-platinum modern rock band Counting Crows today announce their long-awaited Australian theatre tour for 2013, their first national headline tour since 2004. Following the April 2012 release of their first new album in more than four years, Underwater Sunshine (Or What We Did On Our Summer Vacation), the American seven-piece head Down Under for a national tour beginning in Brisbane on March 27, and moving on to Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, before winding up at Sydney’s iconic Opera House on April 9. Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9am, Monday January 21. Don’t miss The Counting Crows live at Hamer Hall Saturday March 30. My Live Nation members can access tickets ahead of the general on-sale, during the pre-sale commencing midday Thursday January 17. Head to livenation.com.au to register.
Baroque American Electronica duo Blood On The Dance Floor have announced a sideshow to complement their appearance at Soundwave Festival this year. Following on from the success of their 2012 record Evolution, which peaked at number 1 on the US electronica charts and reached number 42 on the Billboard 200, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of Audio Pornography sometime this year. No word yet on whether or not Sophie Ellis-Bextor will join them for a wild duet of Murder On The Dance Floor, but if not, I’m gonna burn this goddamn house right down. Blood On The Dance Floor play Arrow On Swanston on Thursday February 28. Tickets through oztix.com.au.
SHIHAD JOIN BLACK SABBATH TOUR Black Sabbath – the band credited with creating heavy metal and one of the most influential bands of all time – will make their highly anticipated return to Australia this April for their first time in nearly 40 years. The tour has now become even bigger with confirmation that Australian (via New Zealand) rock royalty, Shihad, will be opening each show for Black Sabbath. Shihad have chalked up a number of enviable milestones during their 25 years as a band: they have released eight albums (four of which hit #1 in their home country), were inducted in the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame and have toured the globe multiple times. Now Shihad will kick off 2013 with a series of heady achievements, including the recording of their ninth album in Egypt and Spain with producer Jaz Coleman of Killing Joke, playing a number of festivals across Europe and, of course, fulfilling their boyhood ambitions to share stages with Black Sabbath. The Black Sabbath tour crashes into Melbourne on Monday April 29 and Wednesday May 1 at Rod Laver Arena. Tickets for both shows are on sale now. For complete tour and ticketing information, visit livenation.com.au.
ST KILDA FESTIVAL MYSTERY HEADLINER Oh Mercy, Ash Grunwald, Bluejuice, Loon Lake and dozens more have already been announced to play the 2013 St Kilda Festival, but who is the mystery headline act? The act in the prime sunset slot has yet to be announced, fuelling rumours and amateur detective guesswork on social media. (Festival producers say as much as they love him, it isn’t Tim Rogers.) Stay tuned to Hot Talk – we’ll let you know as soon as we find out. St Kilda Festival opens on Saturday February 2 and closes with the Festival Sunday spectacular on Sunday February 10. For further information, as well as the full Live N Local programme, visit stkildafestival.com.au. Beat Magazine Page 14
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RHYTHM OF AFRICA AT WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO
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The Beards
Werribee Open Range Zoo’s premier summer concert series, Rhythm of Africa, returns this February, promising to be one of the most sensational summer events ever offered at the zoo. Running on Saturdays and Sundays through February, Rhythm of Africa will feature live music, African-inspired food and drinks, African drum workshops, storytelling, games, dancing, hair braiding and face painting. And if you’d prefer to bring your own picnic hamper, there’s even a Hamper Watch to keep your picnic safe while you explore the zoo! About time someone stood up to our picnic thieves. Headlining acts this season include Melbourne’s original Afro beat heavyweights The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, Lamine Sonko and the African Intelligence, plus Musiki Manjaro, Kinshasa Express, Soukous Ba Congo and more! Entry is included in the general zoo admission price. It’s on every weekend in February starting on Saturday February 2. For more details visit zoo.org.au/Werribee.
YEASAYER SUPPORTS ANNOUNCED ROCK THE BAY Australia’s much loved and hairiest band, The Beards, return to Melbourne to headline Rock The Bay festival on Saturday February 16 at The Espy. Joining them are local heroes Electric Mary, Sydney instrumentalists and ARIA nominees Sleepmakeswaves, plus Bellusira, Engine Three Seven, King Of The North, Tim McMillan Band, The Khyber Belt, Moroccan Kings, Manatarms (Chile), Sleep Parade, New Skinn and heaps more. Thirty amazing Aussie bands over three stages. Check out rockthebayfestival.com for the full lineup.
DRIVE LINE It’s live, it’s local, and it’s coming out of your radio: Drive Live is set again to dominate the PBS airwaves for a second year from Monday February 4 to Friday February 8 during drivetime between 5 and 7pm. The drill: three acts, three studios, one drivetime show, for a full week. Featuring blistering live instudio performances from a bunch of local and international talent, it’s reasonably mega. Acts joining the Drive Live 2013 juggernaut include Lower Plenty, Brothers Grim, Spinning Rooms, Pony Face and The Townhouses. There’s a seriously large bunch more to be announced. The past roll call for Drive Live reads like a ‘who’s who’ of Australian independent music, including Twerps, Gareth Liddiard, Bog Log III, The Murlocs, and Graveyard Train. Members can RSVP from Monday January 25 so keep an eye on pbsfm. org.au to get your name on the door, or join the convo on #drivelive.
SLEEP OVER SUPPORTS Support acts for Texas band Sleep Over’s Australian tour have been announced! Joining them on the bill for their Melbourne show will be Rites Wild aka Stacey Wilson, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, Roland Tings aka Rohan Newman and Gothic-loving DJ Kate Fox. Don’t miss this oneFriday February 1 at The Liberty Social.
Brooklyn’s psychedelic experimentalists Yeasayer make a welcome return to Australia this month for national appearances at Laneway Festival and a string of headline shows. The band are pleased to announce that support for their show at The HiFi on Wednesday February 6 comes from Melbourne’s own Montero. Led by visual artist Ben Montero, the band features long time musical collaborator Gerald Wells on synthesizers, Chapter Music boss Guy Blackman on piano, Melbourne drumming legend Cameron Potts on the kit, local producer and bassist Robert Bravington and solo star sensualist Geoffrey O ‘Connor on guitar. Evoking the extended soundscapes and textures of '70s prog, Montero’s live shows are a delirious celebration of soaring melodies, lush instrumentation and dreamy glam pop. For tickets to Yeasayer’s Laneway sideshow, head to thehifi.com.au
MORE ACTS FOR AMP ALIVE The Coopers Amp are pleased to announce two new additions to the Amp Alive bill, as they welcome Jess Ribeiro & The Bone Collectors and Urthboy to the list of shortlisted acts for The eighth Australian Music Prize. Both acts will perform alongside fellow shortlisted artist Hermitude at the free event to be held in Federation Square on Friday February 1, hosted by adored Australian artists Clare Bowditch and Kevin Mitchell. More acts are set to be announced soon.
BLINK 182 SUPPORTS ANNOUNCED With 11 albums under their belt, and being one of the inspirational founders of the punk rock movement out of Southern California, The Vandals make their triumphant return to Australia in February. Not only will the lads be performing at the sold-out Soundwave Festivals but they will also be joining Blink 182 for their sideshows. Rounding out this killer punk bill, British rock‘n’rollers Sharks are a band with absolute heart that embellish their hardcore DIY ethics with the raw power of the soul. Blink 182’s Soundwave sideshows take place at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Tuesday February 26 and Wednesday February 27. Tickets for the second show still on sale at ticketmaster.com.au. CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU
Beat Magazine Page 15
HOT TALK
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FLOGGING MOLLY Infectious Celtic punks Flogging Molly have announced a Soundwave Festival sideshow alongside bare-bone punk rockers The Lawrence Arms, and Southern rollers Lucero. Flogging Molly have always defied categorisation, infusing punk rock with Celtic instruments – violin, mandolin and the accordion – and they merge blues progressions with grinding guitars and traditional Irish music. Flogging Molly, The Lawrence Arms and Lucero hit The Palace on Wednesday February 27. Tickets go on sale Friday January 18 on oztix.com.au and ticketek.com.au.
THE STORY OF BON SCOTT
THE XX After a fleeting 2012 visit to our shores, red-hot UK three-piece The xx have announced their return to Australia for their biggest tour yet. This April will see Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith bring their striking aural palette around the country once again. This will be The xx’s first Australian tour since the release of their sophomore LP Coexist, which we described as “hitting all the right pleasure buttons with the least amount of fuss, and is definitely one of the year’s finest". The xx perform at Festival Hall on Thursday April 4.
In celebration and commemoration of Australian rock legend Bon Scott, The Corner Hotel will host a special non-theatre production called The Story of Bon Scott – Hell Ain’t A Bad Place to Be this February. It’s been nearly 33 years since the AC/DC frontman died. His bravado, tenacity and outrageous style created the rock’n’roll presence of the Australian band, taking the Fremantle band from Australian icons to international ones. Hell Ain’t A Bad Place to Be will see Nick Barker portray Scott’s immigration from Scotland, his turbulent upbringing and what made him the man we remember. Including his stints in the Spektors, the Valentines and Fraternity. Hell Ain’t A Bad Place to Be will rock The Corner Hotel on Tuesday February 19, the precise 33-year anniversary of Scott’s death, at 8pm. Tickets can be purchase through the Corner Box Office.
SLEEPING WITH SIRENS SIDEWAVE MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK The journey continues with Motion City Soundtrack as they are in the midst of a career renaissance with their latest release Go, the most mature and developed album of their 14-year career. Go is a triumph in every way imaginable, from its tight thematic coherence and smart exploration of an emotionally complex topic, to its whip-smart arrangements and hook-filled song writing. Joining them will be The Early November and Deaf Havana. Be sure to head on down to The HiFi Bar, Monday February 25. 18+ event.
60 SECONDS WITH…
Post-hardcore quintet Sleeping With Sirens have announced a sideshow to their Soundwave appearance alongside Woe, Is Me and Memphis May Fire. Sleeping With Sirens will be showing off their critically-acclaimed new acoustic fivetrack EP, If You Were a Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack. Atlantan metalcore crew Woe, Is Me will provide Aussie fans the chance to hear the brilliance of Number[s] and Genesi[s] live, and high-octane band Memphis May Fire perfectly round-off this stellar bill. Sleeping With Sirens, Woe, Is Me and Memphis May Fire play The HiFi on Wednesday February 27. Tickets available from thehifi.com.au. Shannon Sol Carroll from
BAND OF FREQUENCIES
CHICKS ON SPEED Chicks on Speed is a leading-edge, multimedia art collective blurring the lines between art, music, fashion, new media technologies and performance. Over the past 15 years, Chicks on Speed have worked between the worlds of music, art & fashion, creating their own brand of Gesamtkunstwerk. In 2013 Chicks on Speed propose a new project, Scream, to merge science and art, through their Objekt Instruments, that work together with sensorial experiences, in sound and video pastiches, within an interactive spatial setting. The Scream performances and installation premiers this entire collection of Objekt Instruments, self-made Sculptural, wearable acoustic objects or fashionable technology, which have been developed over years of experimentation. Catch Chicks On Speed Thursday January 24 live at The Tote.
FREE SHIT WERRIBEE ZOO Werribee Open Range Zoo’s premier summer concert series, Rhythm of Africa, returns this February, promising to be one of the most sensational summer events ever offered at the zoo. Running on Saturdays and Sundays through February, Rhythm of Africa will feature live music, African-inspired food and drinks, African drum workshops, storytelling, games, dancing, hair braiding and face painting. We’ve got two double passes to give away.
Define your genre in five words or less: Progressive roots rock. What do you love about making music? Flashes of inspiration that then become songs. Locking into improvised grooves with good mates whilst taking people on an exploratory journey. I also love that through being an independent recording artist you get to have a go at almost every creative medium. Visual art, photography, film, graphics, writing, clothing - the list is only limited by our imagination. And time. Oh yeah..and budget..Ha. What inspires or has influenced your music the most? Apart from listening to all of the artists I’ve grown up with, the main influence for me is just staying true to my instincts. Living whole-heartedly. Living close to the ocean, knowing the tides and reading the weather. I definitely get inspired by throwing myself in the deep end whether that be in love or in the sea. 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? My shout! Tequila shots all round! Come and check out this band. Beat Magazine Page 16
What’ve you got to sell CD-wise? We released our second studio album Rise Like the Sun last October through Vitamin Records and we have been touring the nation bringing it to the people ever since. Finally it’s time to come down and hang out in Melbourne! When’s the gig and with who? We are playing on Saturday January 19 at The Workers Club with our good friends Saritah and El Moth. We are also at Veludo in St. Kilda on Thursday January 17 plus a secret gig on Tuesday January 22. What do you think a band has to do these days to succeed? In the immortal words of The Winnie Coopers, “I guess that depends how you measure success”. I reckon you have to grow your own vegies. Stay in touch with the family. Appreciate your good health. Accept the fact that we can’t please everyone so just make music we like to play. Stay true to our intuition and resist the urge to compare our lives with others. My father always said, “If you are constantly looking sideways at someone else’s life you’re not looking where you are going.”
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SLEIGH BELLS Brooklyn duo Sleigh Bells have been tearing it up with their latest album Reign of Terror. And now they are returning to Melbourne to headline a one-off I OH YOU party. We are giving away two double passes to Sleigh Bells, who will be joined by ferocious DZ Deathrays and I OH YOU DJs. GOLD FIELDS Ballarat five-piece Gold Fields have been super busy charming the socks off audiences around the US of A lately, but the boys are back this year, and have added an extra date to their upcoming east coast tour in their hometown. Thursday January 31 will see them take over The Toff In Town and we’ve got two double passes to give away. BONJAH Melbourne rockers Bonjah are geared to play The Gershwin Room at The Espy on the Victorian leg of their Australian Summer tour. Promoting their third and latest album, this is a show not to be missed and we’ve got two double passes to give away.
Head to beat.com.au/freeshit to enter.
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Beat Magazine Page 17
TOURING
WHO'S ON TOUR, WHERE AND WHEN
PROUDLY PRESENTS:
For all the latest touring news check out beat.com.au
INTERNATIONAL WEEZER Sidney Myer Music Bowl January 16, The Palais January 17 CRIME AND THE CITY SOLUTION Hi-Fi Bar January 18 MORNING AFTER GIRLS Ding Dong 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 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 ºº OVER The Liberty Social February 1 NOBUNNY The Tote 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 MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK The Hi-Fi February 25 BLINK-182 Sidney Myer Music Bowl February 26 LINKIN PARK, STONE SOUR Rod Laver Area February 26 KYUSS LIVES The Palace February 26 OF MICE & MEN The Hi-Fi February 26 THE WEDDING PRESENT Northcote Social Club February 26, 27 TOMAHAWK Billboard The Venue February 27 SLEEPING WITH SIRENS The Hi-Fi February 27 FLOGGING MOLLY The Palace February 27 SICK OF IT All The Espy February 27 GARBAGE The Forum February 27 PUSCIFER The Palais February 28 DUFF MCKAGAN’S LOADED The Espy February 28 BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR Arrow On Swanston 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
HIGH HIGHS The Toff January 30 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 Corner Hotel 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 Hotel 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 Corner Hotel March 16 DAMIEN DEMPSEY The Hi-Fi March 16 THE JACKSONS Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre March 19 WANDA JACKSON Corner Hotel 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 COUNTING CROWS Hamer Hall March 30 THE LUMINEERS Corner Hotel April 2 DROPKICK MURPHYS Festival Hall April 2 BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA Hamer Hall April 3 ROBERT PLANT Rod Laver Arena April 3 THE XX Festival Hall April 4 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 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 The Forum September 20
NATIONAL JIMMY BARNES Trak Bar January 16 BENJAMIN SKEPPER Corner Hotel 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 GOLD FIELDS Toff January 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 Talib Kweli, Crystal Fighters, Lindsay Lohan = New Announcements = Beat Proudly Presents
Q&A BLOOD LINE Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like? We don't even know how to label ourselves! We’re a metal band, full stop. We have elements of all the subgenres without being locked into one. Fast drums, breakdowns, guitar solos, brutal vocals – we have what your after!
Describe the best gig you have ever played. The third show we ever played, which was the final of Gunn Music's Espy Artist Showdown. We sold 70 tickets and played to over 100 people in the Gershwin Room. We had such great energy onstage and off with people jumping around and screaming out the whole set. We even got chants for "One more song!" If you could go on tour with any musician or band, who would it be? Being that all five of us have such varied tastes, picking one would be hard but I’d say Pantera if they were still going strong! They’re the one dominant band that we all love. Beat Magazine Page 18
WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES..... WWW.BEAT.COM.AU/TV
If your music was a chocolate bar, which one would it be, and why? Picnic. Deliciously ugly. We ain’t pretty but we taste so good. When are you playing live/releasing your album/ EP/single/etc.? Our launch for our debut single Lotion is Saturday January 19 at Revolver through Gunn Music and features a great lineup of metal and hardcore bands. We'll have the single for sale from then at any of our shows!
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Beat Magazine Page 19
THE KILLERS BY ALASDAIR DUNCAN
When you see him on stage with The Killers, Brandon Flowers is every inch the rock’n’roll star. He struts around with an almost preternatural air of confidence, working the crowd expertly between songs, and throwing himself bodily into anthems like Mr Brightside and All These Things That I’ve Done. Over the past decade or so, he and his band have become veterans of performing at festivals, and he can quite happily hold a crowd of tens of thousands in the palm of his hand as neon palm trees and oceans of LED lights flicker behind him. Offstage, though, it’s a totally different story. Before our interview, I’d heard that Flowers was a little shy and reserved in person, but I wasn’t at all prepared for my encounter with him. Flowers is polite and softly-spoken, his conversation punctuated with the occasional nervous laugh, and he seems almost bewildered at the level of success that he and the band have achieved. In the beginning, The Killers were renowned as the best British band ever to come out of Las Vegas, but since then, their music has come to reflect a dusty, nostalgic sort of Americana. I ask Flowers how he accounts for this shift in the music, and he tells me that it came with a shift in his own perspective. “I was still very young when we started out, and I think I was still searching for a lot of things, and my own identity being one of those,” he says. “I was obsessed with British culture and music, and then somebody put me on a plane,” he pauses to laugh, “and stuck me there, and I realised that you can fantasise about something as much as you want, but the reality is never going to be what you expect. You are who you are, and I was who I was.” This is the first of many times he’ll use this phrase or something similar, ‘I am what I am’ being a phrase method of explaining away awkward or uncomfortable topics. The Killers’ most recent album, Battle Born, taps this vein of Americana pretty deeply. From its cover art, which features a stallion and a sports car charging at each other on a dusty desert highway, to songs like Miss Atomic Bomb, whose lyrics draw on the classic American themes of hot nights and heavy petting, it’s all there. It seems that, in the early days, The Killers’ music was about trying to be as far away from home as possible, whereas now, they’re feeling pretty comfortable on their home turf. Flowers more-orless agrees with this assessment. “Since Hot Fuss, the music I’ve made has been a conscious effort to find out what exactly I am, and it draws closer to America, because that’s what I’m familiar with,” he says. ”I feel like I have more of a duty, and more of a - what’s the word? I guess I have more insight into America. I guess it makes more sense to me, because it’s where I’m from.” There’s a certain streak of sentimentality that runs through the music of The Killers – from their early smash When You Were Young through to a song Beat Magazine Page 20
like The Way It Was, they seem to constantly be reflecting on the past. There’s a dash of sadness behind the storming hooks, an urge to reflect on glory days and better times, and Flowers admits that, from an early age, he has always been the sentimental type. “Even when I was very young, I was like that,” he says. “I don’t know who I inherited that from, but I love to tell stories, and it’s inevitable that the stories end up having those sentiments. People appreciate that kind of honesty. What’s great about that is that as I grow and have new experiences, the meaning in songs starts to change – that’s true of the songs that I love, as well as the ones that I’ve written myself. I can start to appreciate them in a whole new way. I’m happy to be part of it all.” He pauses again, and then laughs. “It’s not always cool to be so sentimental, but I am what I am!” Brandon Flowers himself is quite a prolific songwriter – every two years since The Killers’ debut, he’s come up with another batch of songs. His debut solo record, Flamingo, arrived three years ago, and the songs were actually meant to be for the band, but when they decided they wanted to take some time off, he went again and recorded them anyway, with frequent collaborators like Stuart Price and Daniel Lanois in the studio. Songwriting, it seems, is in his blood, and I ask him if he is constantly working on new material. “I’m thinking about it all the time,” he says. “I got nothing on Bob Marley or Bob Dylan, these people that were extremely prolific. I think those are the kinds of people that keep me going, the kinds of people that I admire. Guys like that are always trying. They say that if you stop practising, you kind of lose it. I guess I worry about that.” If The Killers have embraced their American roots more fully since the early days, they’ve also embraced their changing audience. These days, the band play to sold-out arena and festival crowds, and the songs on Battle Born have a grand, anthemic quality, as if
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Flowers and company knew, on writing the songs, that they’d be playing to packed houses. When I ask the extent to which the size of the crowd affects the songwriting, Flowers is a little coy. “We’re pretty…” he pauses, “we’re accustomed to playing big shows, put it that way. We’re a very lucky band; I can definitely say that. We feel very honoured to get to play the shows we do.” After a hiatus of several years, the band are certainly thrilled to be out on the road playing to these crowds again. “The first shows back on this tour were a lot of festivals,” he says, “and the atmosphere was really celebratory. It’s been really great.” The Killers are especially excited to be heading to Australia again, where they will headline the Big Day Out tour over the summer. “Every time we’ve played in Australia, it’s been the summertime, so we’re very happy to be coming back,” he says. “You’re going to have four happy Killers!” During the Day And Age era, the band’s live show was all about Vegas flash and sparkle, but Flowers tells me they’ve toned it down a little since then. “We wanted something that was more crisp and simple this time,” he says. “There’s always so much made about the jacket that I’m wearing on stage and other things like that – the live show right now is more about us just being ourselves, I guess, and hopefully letting the music and the show do the talking.” As for his prowess as a front man – on the band’s last tour, he was as much an old-school Vegas showman as he was a singer, working the crowd like an old pro – Flowers is philosophical. “I feel really powerful right now,” he says. “Not to boast, but I feel really comfortable in my own skin. I’ve come to grips with what it means to be on stage, and embraced it.” The band’s bombastic sound, and their lyrics, packed with sinners, desperados, gamblers and other shady characters, definitely help him get into character. “There are a lot of elements of glam rock and pop in The Killers’ sound, and those things both lend themselves to showmanship – it’s not something we’ve ever shied away from, let me put it that way.” Before letting Flowers go, I have to get just one fan question in. Since the Hot Fuss era, my favourite Killers song has always been Andy, You’re A Star, a high school-set tale of sexual confusion and secret crushes. I’ve always been curious as to what inspired it, and now I finally have the chance to ask. “I think it came from…” he pauses once more, “I wouldn’t say that I was an outcast at school, but when you’re at school, it’s always the case that the more athletically-gifted kids, the popular kids, are somewhat glorified, and that frustrated me a bit. I guess I was trying to be ironic with that song, and that’s where it stemmed from.”
THE KILLERS play Big Day Out alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday January 26. Head to page 26 for maps and set times.
THE NEW ALBUM FEATURING THE SINGLES THE BOYS ARE BACK AND ROSE TATTOO OUT NOW PLAYING BYRON BAY BLUESFEST AND SIDESHOWS THIS MARCH/APRIL DROPKICKMURPHYS.COM | DEW-PROCESS.COM
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Beat Magazine Page 21
THIS WEEK: ON SCREEN Open-air cinema The Shadow Electric has well and truly started up again at the Abbotsford Convent and have a roster of special film events right across summer. One of these events is the screening of Australian docu-drama Hail. Adrift in a landscape of beauty and violence, ex-inmate Daniel P. Jones (playing himself) and his girlfriend, Leanne (Daniel’s real-life partner), struggle to find peace and security. Shot with a breathtaking, uncompromising style, this is the work of a visionary filmmaker – Australian auteur Amiel Courtin-Wilson – who will be part of a Q&A session at the conclusion of the film. Hail is happening at The Shadow Electric on Wednesday January 23.
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ON STAGE Charles Busch’s camp classic Psycho Beach Party follows the schizophrenic world of Chicklet, a Gidget-esque nerd with a dream to surf. When people in the town are attacked in strange sado-masochistic ways, it is up to the surf-bums and a B-grade horror star to find the culprit and save Chicklet from her potentially lethal sexual awakening. This production boasts a cross-gendered cast, sixties surf rock hits, and an appreciation of the perverse. It’s classic Busch meets the golden age of Hollywood and the homo-eroticism of Point Break. As part of this year’s Midsumma Festival, Psycho Beach Party will be happening at Theatre Works until this Saturday January 19.
ON DISPLAY Ebru marbling is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to smooth marble. The patterns are the result of colour floated on a viscous solution known as size, and then carefully transferred to an absorbent surface, such as paper or fabric. Over the centuries, people have applied marbled materials to a variety of surfaces. It is often employed as a writing surface for calligraphy and especially book covers and endpapers in bookbinding and stationery. Part of its appeal is that each print is a unique monotype. The Spell Of Colours is an exhibition and demonstration of the traditional Turkish art form of Ebru marbling by Oznur Ates and is happening at the Dockland Sunday Market, this Sunday January 20.
BEAT’S PICK OF THE WEEK:
Cirque du Soleil’s OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects’ home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion. When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It’s love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual. OVO is overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day the vibrant cycle of insect life begins anew. OVO is happening at Docklands from this Thursday January 17. Tickets are available from the Cirque du Soleil website, cirquedusoleil.com.
Beat Magazine Page 22
HERE LIES HENRY BY JOSH FERGEUS
“Here Lies Henry is a monologue that goes for 75 minutes non-stop. There’s no other characters, there’s no set – that sounds like a really obvious thing to say but you just take things for granted,” says Matthew Hyde, star of the acclaimed new version of the cult one-man play by Canadian playwright Daniel McIvor. “You’re just there completely and utterly by yourself, all you’ve got is the text, your voice, your body and your imagination. That’s hard. The director Jason [Langley] has made it very stark – it’s just a character in a spotlight talking. There’s nowhere to hide. There’s no costume, nothing.” “To be quite honest at the very beginning I just saw it as another acting job and I was just happy to be working with Jason so I just said yes. I think it was the second day of rehearsals when I started thinking, ‘Oh my god this is just something completely different’. There are a few practical cues – a music cue or a sound cue, the
FREE SHIT HERE LIES HENRY
Henry seems a bit anxious – he is a man with a mission to tell us something we don’t already know. But who is Henry and why does he have such a compulsive aversion to the truth? Here Lies Henry challenges the conventional relationship between actor and audience and spins it completely on its head in a powerful exploration of purpose and humanity. Provocative and uncompromising, this compelling comedy/drama about life, love, lies and the body in the next room is as elusive as it is enlightening and as profound as it is laugh-out-loud funny. It’s running as part of Midsumma Festival, and we have a few double passes to give away.
very obvious ones. I’ll know where there’s a bit of a break coming up where I can have a bit of a breather for a second, but for a lot of it you actually can’t. The character is talking directly to the audience the whole time. It shatters that fourth wall. The character is begging for the audience to respond and they do –
OPEL MOONLIGHT DJANGO UNCHAINED
CINEMA:
Come on, it’s Tarantino. The filmmaker behind classics such as Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill and Inglourious Basterds (that’s a bingoooooo) returns with Django Unchained, starring Leo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx. Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained is the story of a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz. Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. The unorthodox Schultz acquires Django with a promise to free him upon the capture of the Brittles – dead or alive. It’s on at Moonlight Cinema on Tuesday January 22, and we have some double passes to give away.
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they respond vocally, they respond in many different ways. That’s what was so terrifying. Not knowing how the audience were going to respond. When you finally, eventually get that response then all the timing and the stuff you’ve prepared goes out the window because you’ve just got to go with what they’ve given you.” The production came about as a result of the friendship between Hyde and his director Jason Langley. “We’d worked together before in a production where we were both acting. If I’m quite honest I’d never heard of McIvor. I went to go and see a one-person show with Jason, and it was kind of average to be honest. It made Jason go, ‘I know an even better one-person show than that’ and he mentioned Here Lies Henry. He just mentioned it to me in passing without even the slightest hint of doing it. I looked it up online and bought a copy. I called him the next day. It’s an amazing text. As soon as I read it I pitched the idea to him and it went from there. “Jason had directed a one-person show previously and so he had very strict rules about how the rehearsal was going to operate. He said we were only going to rehearse for no longer than four hours. With a cast of ten you’d do a full day, maybe eight, nine, ten hours, but when it’s just the two of you it’s just too intense. He laid the ground work and said that anyone at any time could call time out if we needed a break, a breather, if it was just too much. I think it’s testament to how well we work together that we got through it so well.” Henry, the character at the centre of the play, has an almost compulsive aversion to the truth – a characteristic which Hyde thinks makes audiences examine the way they relate to the world. “The character says at the very beginning, quite openly, that he’s a liar. A self-confessed liar. Jason and I had these huge conversations at the beginning of rehearsals about why people do that. You do it, I do it. People do it to make themselves more interesting. Sometimes, as in the case of Henry, reality can be too harsh and too confronting. He’s someone who is incredibly troubled and really not very well. Slowly over the course of the play these little pieces of himself keep coming out. You can see why he might create this fantasy and why he might have an aversion to the truth. In the case of many people they create a fantasy in their head to keep the distance from that reality. But I think first and foremost it’s usually to make themselves feel more interesting. It’s something we all do. Don’t we all want to be liked? Don’t we all want to be funny and interesting?” Hyde will be performing Here Lies Henry as part of this month’s Midsumma Festival. “The theatre I’ve seen in Melbourne has been of an incredibly high standard so I’m very excited to be a part of that. Anyone who likes their theatre short, sharp and intense, I’d definitely suggest coming along.” Here Lies Henry will run at Theatre Works, St Kilda, from Tuesday January 22 – Sunday January 27.
CARAVAN BURLESQUE The legendary pop-up salon that has critics and audiences worldwide in raptures – Finucane & Smith’s Caravan Burlesque – will transform the ornate, early 20th Century glamour of Northcote Town Hall into a den of jaw-dropping cabaret, seductive spectacle, sultry songs and underdressed sirens, Bollywood and sizzling jazz moves, wild circus, gothic queens and exotic live art. Darebin City Council celebrates its brand new contemporary arts presentation program Speakeasy at Northcote Town Hall with a riveting performance by Finucane & Smith’s Caravan Burlesque running from Thursday January 31 to Saturday February 9. We’ve got five double passes for opening night on Thursday January 31 to give away. Hit up beat.com.au/freeshit to win.
Produced by Multicultural Arts Victoria in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne and proudly supported by the City of Melbourne and PBS 106.7FM
d e r e t s a m Re s h t y M St Kilda Rd Terrace, Hamer Hall | 6-7pm
UNIFIED GECKO FT. CHOI
J-AZMARIS FT. WANG ZHENG TING
November 23
December 21
ALWAN FT. NATHAN SLATER & VINOD PRASSANA
CUMBIA COSMONAUTS FT. LAMINE SONKO & AMADOU KALISSA
January 18
February 15 multiculturalarts.com.au
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Beat Magazine Page 23
THE COMIC STRIP
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CHECKPOINT COMEDY: EUROTRASH Charlie’s back and radder than ever in twenny 13. Tonight! Michael Chamberlin (Skithouse) hosts a huge lineup including Celia Pacquola (Laid), Luke McGregor (Scumbus), Ryan Coffey, Daniel Connell and more! For just $5. You’re welcome. So come fill yourself with cheap piss and put your continence to the ultimate test as some pretty damn rad comedians spit funnies into the business end of a loud stick. Check in 8pm tonight at Eurotrash Bar, CBD. Get down early for a seat.
FELIX BAR COMEDY Dave Hughes (Nova FM, Before The Game) headlines Felix Bar Comedy this Wednesday night! It’s sure to be a massive, massive night with one of the biggest names that comedy has produced in this country! Plus they’ve got Mike Goldstein, Harley Breen, Asher Treleaven and more! It’s happening tonight at 8.30pm for only $12, at Felix Bar, St Kilda.
JEANNE MOREAU
CONSTELLATIONS It’s captured the hearts of London’s West End with its Royal Court debut last year, and now the acclaimed play is here. Constellations is coming to the Melbourne Theatre Company for an Australian premiere. Written by Nick Payne, who won the Harold Pinter Award for it, the play details the tale about bee-obsessed Roland and theoretical physicist Marianne. Akin to the film Sliding Doors, the pair constantly keep meeting in new circumstances. It’s a story of déjà vu, love, friendship and freedom. Constellations is playing at the Fairfax Studio from Friday February 8 – Saturday March 23 with an opening night on Wednesday February 13 at 8pm.
SAMPLER
THE DARK PARTY As part of The Famous Spiegeltent season, the Arts Centre Melbourne will present The Dark Party, a sideshow that will tantalise, shock and horror. Considered the brainchild of The Dirty Brothers (Shep Huntly, The Great Gordo Gamsby, Pat Bath) the sideshow will feature car batteries, crushed glass, dangerous items that will leave you pondering their sanity, and how they did it! Inspired by early cinema, The Dirty Brothers will integrate some serious expressionism into their work. The Dark Party has been a hit overseas, including France, Portugal, Belgium and London’s Royal National Theatre. The Dark Party will enchant you from Thursday February 7 – Saturday February 16, with shows playing every night at 9pm except for Mondays.
OUTSIDE Giving you some reasons to leave your back door unlocked, Outside is an exhibition turned house party that promises to change the way you look at your lounge room, as part of 2013 Midsumma Visual Arts program. Presented by the Gertrude Association and inhabiting an unused space on Melbourne’s Peel St, Outside will feature the works of Andrew Atchison, Nadia Combe, Lauren Dunn, Arie Rain Glorie, Amy-Jo Jory, Kali Rose, Jonas Ropponen, Salote Tawale and Yandell Walton. Exploring houses as potent symbols of belonging and hinting at a variety of queer ideas, the exhibition is a complex system of individual and collective storytelling using video, sculpture, photography, performance, installation and projection. Pop down to 12 Peel St, Collingwood, from Thursday January 17 until the closing party on Sunday January 27.
BUS PROJECTS BUS Projects will have a new gallery space for the new year, announcing its relocation to a former paint factory in the heart of Collingwood. The new premises, transformed and redesigned by John Wardle Architects lie at 25-31 Rokeby Street, Collingwood. Hoping to provide a new centre for Melbourne’s contemporary art community, they will incorporate three gallery spaces, a small screen space and two spaces devoted to studio residencies. In the countdown to the space launch in March with exhibition Thank You Very Much, BUS Projects will present its Summer Series program of events, comprising an “Art Bar” in collaboration with Meyers Place Bar and an art market. More information will be released in coming weeks, so keep an eye on busprojects.com.au
Beat Magazine Page 24
Claire Hooper (Good News Week) returns to Melbourne and headlines this Thursday at Five Boroughs Comedy! Plus they’ve got Mike Goldstein (Perth), Tommy Little, Asher Treleaven, Rob Hunter, Karl Woodberry and more! And their special unannounced guests are so great, and so frequent, you don’t want to be a dickhead and miss out! Find out this Thursday January 17 at 8.30pm, for only $13 at Five Boroughs (upstairs), CBD. Dinner is now available before the show, downstairs.
COMMEDIA DELL PARTE
CONFINED 5
NOT A VERY GOOD STORY La Mama presents not a very good story, the new and exciting play by acclaimed May Jasper (May & Alia do Pirates! (Of Penzance), Murder at Warrabah House). In a tale of love, telemarketing and cleaning ladies, and reality, Jasper’s character Stephanie will transport you to the call centre where she discovers the courage to break from the shell of her shyness. Stephanie will explain why she risked everything to save the life of the person she loved. Through the use of an overhead projector and diagrams, not a very good story is an understatement. not a very good story will be playing at La Mama from Thursday January 31 – Sunday February 10.
SILENT Critically acclaimed and The Scotmans Fringe First Award play Silent is coming to Melbourne for a limited season. Filled with trademark black humour, Silent illustrates the tale of Tino McGoldrig – a homeless man who might be insane, or not. Through the device of silence, 21-year-old veteran of Irish theatre Pat Kinevane breathes life into Tino McGoldrig, a character inspired by silent movie star Rudolph Valentino. Kinevane times his movements and rhythms to old silent movies, creating a story through physical movement and expression. Silent will be playing at the Southbank Theatre from Thursday February 7 – Sunday February 10.
ROLLER DERBY SAVED MY SOUL Roll up to Gasworks Arts Park for the Premier Midsumma Exhibition Roller Derby Saved My Soul, a photographic exhibition of babes in action and their adoring fans. The exhibition was conceptualised by fine art curator Tracey McIrvine and captured by photographer Zina Sofer. It journeys beyond blading bouts to explore the culture of camaraderie, female empowerment and character that underpins the unique sport. Catch the derby on display in the Gasworks Foyer Gallery during Midsumma until Sunday February 3.
STAGEARTXPOSED FESTIVAL Melbourne’s dynamic StageArt production company is proud to uncover an incredibly talented lineup for its inaugural StageArtXposed festival. Aiming to turn the spotlight on the high calibre of emerging and innovative Australian artists, the festival’s artistic directors Katherine Armstrong and Robbie Carmellotti have expanded its lineup to nine works. Following the P2P (palm to palm) journey of a single dollar coin, Girls Uninterrupted will kick things off with Good Value. Sugartown, Wild Eagles Fly Alone, Rumour Has It – Sixty Minutes Inside Adele, Swan Dive, High As A Kite, Melba and Life of Piaf will follow. Cass Mitchell will wrap up the festivities, with an intimate live performance on Friday February 15. All productions will take to the stage at Chapel off Chapel, checkout the StageArt website for full lineup details: stageart.com.au
CONFINED, number five, is the newest exhibition to open at the St Kilda Town Hall Gallery this month. It’s an exhibition dedicated to the artwork of Indigenous criminals. The project, which has run for four years already, encourages Indigenous Australians who have been incarcerated or are currently imprisoned to create artwork for the exhibition. CONFINED is a key feature to Melbourne’s oldest annual Indigenous cultural festival: Yalukit Wilum Ngargee. CONFINED serves as a therapeutic release for the individuals, giving them the chance to express their ideas and thoughts beyond prison bars. CONFINED 5 will be on display from Thursday January 10 – Friday February 8 at The Gallery in St Kilda Town Hall. Admission is free.
COMEDY AT SPLEEN This Monday, it’s yet another incredible lineup down at your old mate Comedy@Spleen! They’ve got the UK’s Gordon Southern hosting, with guests Scott Dooley, David Quirk, Xavier Michelides, Karl Chandler, Tommy Dassalo, Michael Williams, Anne Edmonds and more! It’s this Monday January 14, 41 Bourke St, CBD, at 8.30pm. It may be free, but they appreciate a good gold coin donation at the door!
CHECKPOINT COMEDY: LUCKY COQ
THE BUTTERFLY CLUB The Butterfly Club has announced that it has achieved its $130,000 target and will be relocating from South Melbourne to the inner city. The campaign garnered critical support from the Ron and Margaret Dobell Foundation and The Campbell Foundation along with hundreds of fans. Its success will mean a new 80 seat theatre in one of Melbourne’s little known laneways Carson Place. The Butterfly Club will remain at its current location at 204 Bank Street, South Melbourne for the next four weeks, before a series of events to highlight its relocation. This will include a Final Countdown Gala on Friday February 8 and a final series of special guests, which will precede the Cocoon Cabaret season. Featuring international acts at the new venue, the season will take flight on Sunday February 16. Checkout the Butterfly Club website for full lineup details and checkout the new venue from Sunday February 16.
This week at Commedia Dell Parte they have Harley Breen headlining a stacked lineup for your enjoyment with This is Siberian Husky, Simon Keck, Sarah Jones, Kelly Fastuca, David Ferrier and Jon Bennett as MC. 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 8.30pm, George Lane Bar, St Kilda.
Melbourne’s newest comedy room keeps kicking. Don’t miss out on its return next Tuesday when Melbourne’s best comedians head southside and make it rain at Lucky Coq. This lineup will be littered with special guests. Plus The Coq’s famous $4 pizzas. Want more? Free entry. Done. Check in next Tuesday at Lucky Coq, cnr High St and Chapel St. Kicks off 9pm.
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Hand Held Gallery presents a very special exhibition. Entitled Sampler, the exhibition is purely dedicated to the art of tapestry. Curated and created by Mardi Noawk, the exhibition unravels the concept of the 21st century tapestry. Through this archaic art-form, Noawk illustrates its ability to tell stories and fashion tales of the modern world through references to popular culture. Noawk pays tribute to the wool itself, blending colours and creating austere pixelated images. Tapestry has been an imbued form of storytelling in European history for centuries. It captured the battle of Hastings, and The Crusades, while ancient tapestry captured the coronation of emperors and kings. So let Noawk tell you the modern story through her tapestry. Sampler will be exhibited at the Hand Held Gallery from Thursday January 24 – Saturday February 16. Admission is free.
FIVE BOROUGHS COMEDY
As part of their Focus on... series, ACMI will be hosting its first season of the year with a focus on French actress Jeanne Moreau. Jeanne Moreau is known for her involvement in avant-garde, French New Wave films that excite, titillate and invoke thought. In ACMI’s first Focus on... for 2013 the cinema will show a series of eight films that launched the star to stardom. Kicking off the season will be Elevator to the Gallows, a tale about a wife’s schemes to murder her husband. A fitting film for Valentine’s Day obviously. Elevator to the Gallows launched Moreau’s career internationally, landing her roles in La Nouvelle and The Lovers, an epiphanic housewife story. Focus on... Jeanne Moreau will be featured at the ACMI from Thursday February 14 – Tuesday February 26.
PONYDANCE Coming direct from Ireland to delight dance lovers and haters alike, Ponydance will be busting a move in the Spiegeltent this February. An Adelaide Fringe 2012 Award winner, Anybody Waitin? is an over the top dance comedy combo following a group of friends out on the pull. Deirdre is waiting for Paula, who is waiting for a man, while Bryan is just waiting to be included. The cast of three is extendable to thirteen depending on the audience’s willingness to participate in Paula’s quest for passion. Head out on the town from Friday February 7 until Monday February 10 at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Famous Spiegeltent. Tickets and information can be sourced through artscentremelbourne.com.au
THE TRIP The Famous Spiegeltent are returning for another year and have announced their much anticipated headliner: The Trip. Heralding from Berlin, The Trip is a brash, wild and sultry show of circus performance, including a contortion act inside a disco ball. A disco ball. Could it not get better? Sure can. It boasts some of the world’s most amazing artists, including David Pereira, who is an acrobatic for Cirque du Soleil in his spare time. The Caesar Twins will be joining Pereira with their ‘Wheel of Death’ and fishbowl routine. It’s a collusion of burlesque, pure skill and utter entertainment. The Trip will be part of The Famous Spiegeltent from Tuesday February 12 – Sunday March 3.
ARTS NEWS, REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS ONLINE – BEAT.COM.AU/ARTS
LUKE MCGREGOR
What’s the worst sex story you’ve ever had happen to you or have heard about? That my parents had sex once. What’s the funniest heckle you’ve heard? Once before I’d even reached the stage a guy yelled out, “Get off!” so I just stood there off stage looking at him and he said, “Nah...Go on”. I got up and he said, “Get off!” What is the meaning of life? I’m saving it for Twitter, hoping to get heaps of retweets and followers out of it. What’s the deal with politics? I think very soon politics will be exactly like the X-Factor, including voting via text message. What’s the worst movie you’ve seen this year? My parents’ sex tape. They accidentally left it in the case of my copy of Men in Black 3. If you could choose your gender which would it be and why? Female, then back to male so I can use what I’ve learned on the dating circuit. Where can we see you perform next? Checkpoint Charlie tonight at Eurotrash. Where can we follow/stalk/find out more about you? Twitter: @LukeWMcGregor.
OH SUIVANT! BY KATE MCCARTEN
A young Belgian electrician wakes up early one morning for another day of manual toiling, and instead decides to chuck in the spark plugs and whatever else an electrician uses before running away to join the circus (well, circus school). He becomes a street performer and acrobat, living the life heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d always envied. And in the circus store where he buys all his juggling balls and bright red noses, the keeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter takes his fancy. Whilst suďŹ&#x20AC;ering a broken collarbone from a stunt gone wrong and hence not able to juggle, our Belgian acrobat persuades the keeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter to come to his house and teach him to play the piano as beautifully as she can. The date was set, but the lesson was never given. Instead, they fell in love, and a year later developed a circus routine that they could tour together: he, the acrobat and she, the pianist. This is the true story of Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irque and Fien. A decade later and the pair are ďŹ nally bringing that original show, Oh Suivant!, all the way down to the stages of Melbourne. The original development of Oh Suivant! was as unexpected as its resulting success. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irque was looking for a new performance idea after having spent the previous few years touring solo routines. His wife Fien, who was at that point uninvolved in Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acrobatics remembers, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Actually the creation of the show happened at the house, in the kitchen. He started playing with the
spoons and a cup and a table and balancing on a chair. Then it came to the music, we had this piano in the house, and it was just all very spontaneous.â&#x20AC;? A spontaneity that the show has managed to keep even after ten years all across the world, due in part to the fact that there is no particular narrative. It is a situational performance that really could just be a circus artist at home, playing around in his environment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; juggling, jumping and precariously balancing on the most dangerous perch he can ďŹ nd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; while his wife plays the piano to soundtrack his antics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was made especially without [a storyline],â&#x20AC;? Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irque explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very visual. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very interactive with the public. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of participation, a lot of playing with the audience, a lot of improvisation.â&#x20AC;? However, Oh Suivant! is strictly, intentionally and entirely non-verbal. It is a show which harks back to the time when slapstick reigned supreme and Chaplin was
LEO
BY KATE MCCARTEN
Berlin-based acrobat and performer Tobias Wegner and his team have just begun a two month Australian tour of their critically celebrated one-man show, Leo. Playing over the next two weeks at the Arts Centre before taking on Adelaide Fringe Festival next month, Leo is the tale of a man, delving in to the intricacies of life and humanity while drawing and dancing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; inside a box. Selling out shows across the world for the past 18 months, Circle of Elevenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leo has finally found itself on our shores, and like its titular character, the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creator and sole performer Wegner still seems to be wondering if this is all really happening. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I totally fell in love with this genre [of performance] at the age of ten, when I attended a birthday party and the person performing there was the head of the local kids circus school,â&#x20AC;? Wegner recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After this birthday party, I absolutely wanted to join the club.â&#x20AC;? It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anything too serious at that age, just an extra curricular activity he enjoyed doing a couple of times a week, but Wegner was one of the lucky few who discover their passion and their niche at a young age. He attended a circus and performance university in Brussels until 2003. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And ever since, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved in diďŹ&#x20AC;erent projects and diďŹ&#x20AC;erent performing genres actually; a couple of dance things and also acting in theatre plays. But mostly circus, of course.â&#x20AC;? The original concept of Leo actually came to life in 2008 as a short comedy skit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I developed this character [Leo] and created a little clown act for Circle of Eleven, which actually started as a six minute little thing, but already with this inverted gravity idea,â&#x20AC;? says Wegner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After a one year run, [Circle of Eleven] asked me if I was up to create a whole show for Leo, and they would put a creative team together. So we started creating the piece between Berlin and Montreal in early 2010.â&#x20AC;? The creative team is an eclectic bunch consisting of a couple of Germans, a French Canadian, an AngloCanadian and a Mexican. This cross-continent team managed to overcome the distance and create magic together, because after Leoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere at Edinburgh Fringe Festival that year, the show picked up three awards and has been on the road ever since. Wegner reports the latest count of performances to be 185, from Iran to Zimbabwe, New Zealand to Poland, Canada to Germany, and now, ďŹ nally, Australia. Because it is free from the constraints of dialogue, Leo is easily portrayable to people all over the world. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the content of the show that makes it particularly relatable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no text, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pretty clear story of this character,â&#x20AC;? Wegner explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We follow [Leo] for one hour and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty obvious what happens to him. In the beginning heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just sitting around, and then he discovers that actually the gravity is coming from a diďŹ&#x20AC;erent angle today, and actually sometimes there is no gravity at all. Everything he knew about how to behave in space is put into question, but he gets very innovative with the new situation and ďŹ nds a way to cope with it. He draws himself some companions and this actually discovers some hidden talents within him.
But like every human being he exaggerates and at some point he loses track of what he created. Those cute little drawings become monsters and follow him and persecute him. He just wants to leave this little box, [not just because of the monsters] but because he discovered a new aspect of his personality and he wants to head oďŹ&#x20AC; to new shores and use what he has discovered about himself. The box is a metaphor for our personalities, which can be very limiting. Everybody knows that feeling when you want to just leave yourself behind you and make something new. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hybrid, a very contemporary expression,â&#x20AC;? Wegner says when asked to deďŹ ne Leoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance genre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is acrobatics, there is dance, there is drawing. There is a section which is an animation kind of thing using video projections. I play live music. A lot of clowning, mime, physical theatre. It really is a crossover.â&#x20AC;? So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not anyone who can play the demanding role of Leo, but Wegner and his team are indeed on the hunt for new Leoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to keep up with the huge demand for the performance throughout the world. Wegner happily concedes that the 300 shows booked this year is too much for one man, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really taking care to ďŹ nd talented people who can play Leo, because there really is enough work for them.â&#x20AC;? And, Wegner hopes that Leo will be able to go on successfully without him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think another year [as Leo] at least,â&#x20AC;? he says while discussing his future, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but I hope the show will have an even longer life. Time will tell me the moment when to leave this project behind, but I will always stay attached to it.â&#x20AC;? Despite the busy and very international year ahead, Wegner is particularly excited about coming to Australia. But like most Europeans at this time of year, the main draw card is the weather. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to it, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just so great,â&#x20AC;? he smiles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This weather here [in Berlin], you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine how depressing it is. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to escape. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ready for the sun.â&#x20AC;?
king of the mountain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak in the show,â&#x20AC;? Fien explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but actually itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much better that way. In the beginning, with the other shows, [Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irque] spoke and it added a certain charm. But when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more important to be visual and more involved. People get more involved, because they need to see you and they need to be there.â&#x20AC;? Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irque agrees, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I prefer to have contact with the public using mime and body gestures [rather] than with text. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much more rich.â&#x20AC;? Melburnians are actually lucky to be able to see Oh Suivant! at all. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irque and Fien rarely tour the show. Their newest production, Carrousel des Moutons, is what they usually perform these days. In fact, their Oh Suivant! shows in Melbourne will likely be some of the last. And then work can begin on developing something new again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the ďŹ&#x201A;ight to Melbourne, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to have enough time to think about it,â&#x20AC;? Fien says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and to write a lot of things down. By the time we come back [to Belgium], we can start making material and practising.â&#x20AC;? Although, spending as much as one third of each year performing means the development process will take a few years yet. By that time though, perhaps their young daughter Whoopi might be old enough to join her mum and dad on stage. Fien lights up when she speaks of the daughter the couple adopted only two years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was three days old when we went to [get her from] the hospital, and she has been with us all the time since. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been travelling with us since she was ten days old, she
must have seen the show hundreds of times by now.â&#x20AC;? Naturally, Whoopi is their biggest fan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always helping,â&#x20AC;? Fien gushes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very into acrobatics at the moment. When Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irque starts warming up, she sits next to him doing all the warm ups as well.â&#x20AC;? So watch that adorable space. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irque and Fien (now with Whoopi in tow) have taken their act across lands and over seas, from Ghana to Japan to Spain and almost everywhere in between. But after ten years, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their ďŹ rst trip to this corner of the globe, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re as excited about seeing Australia as they are about seeing the sun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Belgium itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raining and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cold and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re announcing snow storms for this weekend,â&#x20AC;? Fiend squirms, â&#x20AC;&#x153;so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so happy to be on a plane, going to the sun.â&#x20AC;? I warn them, 40 degrees isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cracked up to be. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not excited for the people, not for the culture, but for the weather,â&#x20AC;? Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;irque jokes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But no, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very looking forward to it. We do a lot of [audience] participation and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to how Australians will react: are they intelligent? Are they wild? Are they shy?â&#x20AC;? Another warning: Australianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are deďŹ nitely not shy. Fien laughs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all like the Australian friends that we have then.â&#x20AC;? Oh Suivant! will run until Sunday January 27 at The Arts Centre, Fairfax Studio.
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Leo will run until Sunday January 27 at The Arts Centre, Fairfax Studio.
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Beat Magazine Page 25
BIG DAY OUT 2013 SPOTLIGHT
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD BY DAVID WILD
GETTING HOME FROM MELBOURNE BIG DAY OUT: TRAINS: EXIT AT GATE #6 - RAILWAY ENTRANCE FOR BIG DAY OUT TRAINS AT FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE STATION. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU TRAVEL HOME BY TRAIN. TRAINS FROM RACECOURSE STATION LEAVE EVERY 4 MINUTES UNTIL 11:30PM. THERE WILL BE ENOUGH TRAINS FOR EVERYONE. STAY ON THE PLATFORMS, ANY PERSON ENTERING PROHIBITED AREAS OF RAILWAY PROPERTY WILL BE ARRESTED & PROSECUTED. TRAMS: EXIT AT GATE #1 - MAIN GATE, FOR NEAREST TRAM STOP, (NUMBER 30) ON EPSOM ROAD FOR TRAMS TO CITY, #56 & #57 - TRAM RUNNING EVERY 5 MINS UNTIL 11:30PM. TAXI / PARENT PICK UP: ON EPSOM ROAD, NEAR MEMBERS DRIVE. CUBATRON
ATM
“I like playing music. I don’t want to work in a coffee shop,” says Jamin Orrall, drummer and one half of American lo-fi rockers JEFF The Brotherhood. That statement pretty much sums up Jamin’s (like Jamie, but with an ‘N’) laidback attitude to the band he started with his brother Jake when he was only nine years old (Jake is the elder by two years). It just so happens that that band is now selling out gigs across the world and is being touted by the likes of The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach as the next big name in music. No biggie. When we chatted, Jamin was “chilling in his truck” back home in Nashville, Tennessee, a few days before he and his bro were due to jet over for their tour of Australia. The last time they were here, in late 2010, the brothers had a blast. After a few raucous shows in Melbourne they befriended Aussie music agent Indra Adams and ended up dragging him along for their subsequent tour around the US. Jamin is rather excited to see what his Melbourne friends have planned for him when he returns to Oz. The rest of us will get the chance to see JEFF play songs from new LP Hypnotic Nights. It is the band’s seventh album, although many only became aware of The Brotherhood upon the release of 2009’s Heavy Days. (Prior to this, Jamin found success in post-punk fourpiece Be Your Own Pet.) Recording their latest was the first time the brothers have worked with a producer, none other than Auerbach himself. The Black Keys guitarist
approached the band’s manager, asked to work on one song, and ended up staying on for the whole project. The result is an accomplished album full of songs about good times and simple pleasures. Having smiled to lyrics such as “I wanna cool out and get wasted” (on Sixpack) and “I want a place where I can smoke meats/Where I can drink and swim in the creek” (on Country Life), the final track is a somewhat unexpected version of Ozzy Osbourne’s contemplative Changes. Swapping piano for a synthesiser and adding gospelstyle backing vocals, the brothers saw the song as an ideal inclusion. “I can’t remember if it was mine or Jake’s idea, but we both talked about it and decided to do it because a lot of stuff was changing in our lives,” explains Jamin. “We signed a bigger deal, started working with a producer, became more confident. We just thought it seemed appropriate.” The “bigger deal” is the one JEFF signed with Warner, after releasing previous material on its own Infinity Cat label. Is the major label influence stifling at all? “They don’t put very much pressure on us. They don’t feel like they really have to, because when they signed us we were already making records and putting them out every year and touring our butts off. We work with them on everything we put out but it’s up to us in the end.” What about other pressures, those of living up to the hype, and of making Dad proud (father Robert Ellis Orrall was a successful singer-songwriter and has written for the likes of Taylor Swift)? “I don’t really think about that stuff. I just play.” It’s hard to imagine much can dent Jamin’s relaxed demeanour but he gives a hint of the potential for JEFF to disintegrate as other successful groups built around siblings, like Oasis or Nashville’s own Kings Of Leon, have. “Yeah, we fight a lot. Not fist fights, we just argue a lot. Over everything.” While Jamin insists the pair are still good friends, it’s nice to get a bit of time apart. “We don’t really hang out much when we’re home,” he says. That is hardly surprising when you work as hard as JEFF do – they’re notorious for putting in the hard yards and deserve a break. “We’re going to have a little more time off this year. We did 180 to 200 shows last year.” But Jamin concedes that JEFF The Brotherhood’s success cannot all be put down to graft. “I consider myself extremely lucky,” he admits, modestly, before revealing there was never a grand plan hatched between the two Orrall boys to be rock‘n’roll stars. “I was always making music with my brother because it was the easiest thing to do because we were always together growing up. We never tried to get people to hear us until a few years ago. We liked the stuff we were playing and we were both at changing points in our lives, we wanted to do something else. So we just figured, fuck it, we’ll just try it and let’s see if it works out.” It sure seems like it has. JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD play the Corner Hotel on Thursday January 24 and Big Day Out at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday January 26 alongside The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more.
Beat Magazine Page 26
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FEBRUARY
AUDIO INJECTION [USA] Friday January 18, Brown Alley MOULDY SOUL [UK], MISTER ROGERS [UK] Friday January 18, Brown Alley PLEASUREKRAFT [USA] Sunday January 20, Revolver Upstairs CRYSTAL CASTLES [CAN] Tuesday January 22, Billboard THE BLOODY BEETROOTS [ITA] Thursday January 24, The Palace SOUL CLAP [USA] Friday January 25, The Liberty Social CLAUDE VONSTROKE[USA], JUSTIN MARTIN [USA] Friday January 25, Brown Alley 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 SASHA [UK] Sunday January 27, Chasers DERRICK CARTER [USA] Monday January 28, Alumbra JESSIE WARE [UK] Wednesday January 30, Prince Bandroom SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA [SWE] Thursday January 31, Sidney Myer Music Bowl Friday February 1, Sidney Myer Music Bowl KLUTE [UK], GRIDLOK [USA] Friday February 1, Brown Alley ABOVE & BEYOND [UK] Saturday February 2, Hisense Arena HOLY OTHER [UK] Tuesday February 5, Workers Club EL-P [USA] Wednesday February 6, Corner Hotel BUTCH [GER], EDU IMBERNON [ESP] Friday February 8, Brown Alley 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 JUDGE JULES [UK] Saturday February 16, Room 680. DAMIAN LAZARUS [UK], SUBB-AN [UK], SHAUN REEVES [GER] + MORE Sunday February 17, Brown Alley PICTUREPLANE [USA] Sunday February 17, The Liberty Social DIXON [GER], HUXLEY [UK] Friday February 22, Prince Bandroom BOK BOK [UK], L-VIS 1990 [UK] Saturday February 23, Revolver
UPCOMING
JANUARY
ONTOUR
MOODYMANN [USA] Friday March 8, Prince Bandroom FANTASTIC MR FOX [UK] Saturday March 9, The Liberty Social GOLDEN PLAINS: MOODYMANN [USA], JULIO BASHMORE [UK] + MORE Saturday March 9 - Monday March 11, Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL: THE PRODIGY [UK], DIZZEE RASCAL [UK], BOYS NOIZE [GER] + MORE Sunday March 10, Flemington Racecourse ELI VERVEINE [SWE] Friday March 15, La Di Da ATARI TEENAGE RIOT [USA] Friday May 17, Billboard
REAL TALK That heatwave was rough. I am not built for climate change. I do not want to be a puddle when I grow up. Tyson Wray
The XX: Coexisting
After a fleeting 2012 visit to our shores, red-hot UK three-piece The xx have announced their return to Australia for their biggest tour yet. This April will see Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith bring their striking aural palette around the country once again. This will be The xx’s first Australian tour since the release of their sophomore LP Coexist, which we described as “hitting all the right pleasure buttons with the least amount of fuss, and is definitely one of the year’s finest.” Though their last visit was relatively subdued, The xx’s Melbourne performance proved to be more than worthy of the preceding hype. As with last visit, tickets are expected to be snapped up in a brisk fashion. We advise you to get in quick. The xx perform at Festival Hall on Thursday April 4.
Judgement Sundays: Ibiza Comes To Melbourne
A legendary night of the Ibiza clubbing scene, Judgement Sundays is heading our way for some summer lovin’. Headlined by British DJ/producer/ radio host Judge Jules and starring production guru Sean Tyas along with Marlo, Judgement Australia will be one of the most memorable nights of summer. Catch it on Saturday February 16 at Room 680.
Boiler Room: Stream Of Awesomeness Boiler Room – the well-respected live streaming initiative that showcases sets from world-renowned artists on the web – has announced the lineup for its tour of Melbourne. In conjunction with its appearance at Sugar Mountain Festival, Boiler Room will feature Cut Copy DJs alongside Roland Tings, Naysayer & Gilsun, Tornado Wallace, Andras Fox, Bamboo Musik, Zanzibar Chanel and Out of Focus DJs at The Bottom End on Sunday January 27. Tickets are on sale now through Moshtix.
Slaughterhouse: Murder On Dance Floor
Slaughterhouse are coming to Australia for the first time ever. Slaughterhouse herald from all over American boasting the talent of Royce da 5’9, Joe Budden, Californian Crooked I and Joeel Ortiz. Despite their individual successes, Slaughterhouse has met its own Billboard success with their debut, welcome to: Our House, peaking at #2 on the US Charts. In tow will be LA lyricist ScHoolboy Q, and Australian hip hop group Full Tote Odds who will perform work from their debut Place Your Bets. Slaughterhouse will be playing the Palace Theatre on Friday March 1.
Holy Other: Otherworldly Sounds
Holy Other is like his music. Enigmatic, atmospheric and meticulous. The Manchester producer, known for his enrapturing tunes, has announced a one off sideshow for his St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival debut in Melbourne next year. Holy Other creates a world of melancholic introspection about modern love, embracing a subtle house sound ridden with repetitive twists. It has earned the artists critical acclaim nationally and internationally. Holy Other will be playing at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival on Sunday February 3.
Mac Miller: Broad Beats Derrick Carter: Chicago Sounds
Enigmatic Chicago house icon Derrick Carter has announced that he will be returning to Australia, performing in Melbourne later this month. At the forefront of Chicago’s house movement since the mid-‘90s, Derrick Carter has since grown to one of the most recognised and respected names in the world of house – touring internationally near nonstop for almost two decades, having begun his DJ endeavours at the age of nine, spinning disco records at family reunions. Derrick Carter will be performing at Alumbra in Melbourne on Monday January 28.
Pittsburgh prodigy, Mac Miller, is making his debut in Australia next year. The 19-year-old who is known for his sass, smooth rhymes and reflective lyrics has been creating his rapper identity through the internet over the past few years. Miller’s penchant for freestyle earned him YouTube success, propelling his singles Donald Trump and One Last Thing to international attention. Watching Movies With The Sound Off will be the American’s debut album next year, which Miller will perform during his shows. Mac Miller will be playing at The Palace on Thursday February 21.
Atari Teenage Riot: Revolution Action
It’s about fucking time: digital hardcore legends Atari Teenage Riot are coming back to us. Sweet, sweet Atari. The crew, formed in Berlin in the ‘90s, broke apart in 2001 but have been revitalised with a new lineup. Bringing their wild mesh of hardcore punk and thrash metal with techno and drum and bass, along with highly political lyricism, Atari Teenage Riot play Billboard The Venue on Friday May 17.
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Bok Bok And L-Vis 1990: Night Slugs
Since its formation as a club night in London, headed by Bok Bok and L-Vis 1990, Night Slugs is now one of the most respected labels in the world of bass. Along with the release of Night Slugs All Stars Volume 2 this February, Bok Bok and L-Vis 1990 will headline a historic night at Revolver on Saturday February 23.
Ultramagnetic MCs: The Bronx
After almost 30 years in existence, hip hop legends Ultramagnetic MCs will be hitting the Espy Front Bar next February. Established way back when in the Bronx by Kool Keith, the group released their legendary debut album Critical Beatdown in 1988. Next year they will be making their debut appearance on Australian shores. Don’t miss them on Saturday February 9 at the Espy Front Bar.
Darkbeat & Brown Alley Presents: AN OFFICIAL 2013
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EARLYBIRD TICKETS NOW ON SALE mo sh ti x. co m. au or br ow na ll ey .c om
Friday 25 Jan 2013 @ Brown Alley th
FOR TICKETS & MORE INFO GO TO WWW.BROWNALLEY.COM - 10PM TIL LATE. 585 LONSDALE STREET, 9670 8599 - www.dirtybirdrecords.com TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE @WWW.MOSHTIX.COM.AU & IN STORE AT ALL MOSHTIX OUTLETS, PROFILE MUSIC & STORE DJ
THE BIG MAG FOR CLUB CULTURE
3.
CLAUDE VONSTROKE
“I am listening to new music every single day. I am really dialed in to what kind of sound I want to put out.”
BEWARE: DIRTYBIRD BILLIANCE
4.
Claude VonStroke is still going places. Partying, touring, producing, running a label and all associated activities continues to take up a significant portion of his time – in fact all of it – but there is little else the man would be rather doing. “I just got back from Holy Ship!” he says. “It’s a rave cruise that goes from Florida to the Bahamas with about 50 DJs. It was pretty mental and really fun! Right now though, I’m in LA mixing a cover mount CD for our Dirtybird issue of Mixmag and getting work done on my third album.” So how did the teenager who was classically trained to play the cello make the move to the bass drivers and the mixing desk? “It really was a long process,” explains VonStroke. “Basically, I dropped the cello the second I could afford a sampler because back in the day, they used to cost a ton of dough! So I started off making hip hop beats, and then I gradually got more and more into electronic music. My kit has changed dramatically over the years but I notice that the less stuff I have the better the music is, so I like to keep my options open, but not too much! Admittedly, I failed many times before things worked out for me.” Fast forward a whole lot of years and VonStroke has now worked across multiple genres – as well as under a number of different aliases – but he feels like he is settled now, to the point where things are moving with momentum. Indeed, his Dirtybird imprint continues to release consistently good music, while VonStroke is back in the studio, working on a follow up to his acclaimed 2009 LP, Bird Brain. Timing wise too, things are about right. His debut LP Beware Of The Bird was released in 2006, so it’s fair to say we are due for album three, being 2013 and all. And luckily, our speculation around timing is spot on: “I am working on another album right now,” he chimes. “I am really hoping to have the new album completed for the fall of 2013.” That makes it later this year, but fans will surely not be disappointed for he is once again hoping to mess around with the rule book. “I’m working on a number of different genres, I have to say. It won’t all be house music, that’s for sure. Another bit of trivia is that we have a pretty huge tour starting this year for the label. It’s going to be called Dirtybird Players and I will also have another artist tour towards the end of next year as well.” Vibe wise, expect the parties to get down and dirty – much like any time VonStroke takes to the stage. “Because our sound is bass heavy house music and influenced mostly by hip hop, funk and drum and bass, we felt it had to have that dirty vibe,” he describes. “But the name Dirtybird was in fact named after a free BBQ at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco!” So it seems then that with a combination of being a little free spirited – as well as having a love for the sound of grime – the label and its legacy were born. “For us it was a bit of a combination actually,” describes VonStroke. “It started out from a distaste for the popular electronic music scene in San Francisco around 2003. My friends and I wanted to hear something different and less polished than the vocal influenced house that was popular in the area at about that time.” So in between touring, producing, running a label and some associated A&R duties, one wonders where the man finds the time. “It does seem like a big operation,” he admits, “though a lot of people help me these days. But to be honest, it wasn’t like that for the first seven years when I did almost everything myself. I still do 100 COVER STORY
per cent of the A&R and art approvals nowadays, but I’ve had to step back from some of the other jobs on the label side just to be able to tour properly and make music. I also have a wife and two kids so you can imagine once you add touring and producing to that mix, it does get a bit hectic!” No less, one cannot help but be impressed that he continues to hold down a family as well as run a mini musical empire – least of which, one that presents him with the requirement to stay current and fresh. Funnily enough though, it is not staying abreast of the latest trend, or even pushing boundaries that VonStroke struggles with. Surprisingly, it’s an issue of time. “That is the hardest thing,” he says. “I don’t actually have enough of it, but keeping things relevant is the easy part. I am listening to new music every single day. I am really dialed in to what kind of sound I want to put out. Even staying motivated becomes an issue only on the production end because I find producing to be a slow process; realistically for me it is like that sometimes and I just get fed up with it. Right now though, I’m feeling like I’m really inspired to make some music but there are still lulls where I don’t want to go near the studio!” That said, the man of the moment is rather looking forward to his upcoming working holiday in Australia – and likewise, he is looking towards experimenting in his sets, and going into different directions. If nothing else, he is enjoying being spontaneous and unpredictable, preferring to do things in his own way, but even freedom comes with its compromises. “I do actually wish I had a few more killer edits right now,” he says in jest. “That might be something I start working on again soon! I’ve noticed recently in my travels that I’m relying a lot on more solid grooves; like super funky stuff rather than necessarily big bangers. I find it more satisfying to get a room to go off to a really ill groove. In my opinion, anyone can get people to jump up and down with a huge banging noisy track. In all, I’m enjoying my work a fair bit more right now. It’s a tricky question, this one of genres.” Now whether his is an opposite approach to what is going on the industry right now, VonStroke can’t be sure. He accepts that more recently, DJs have purposely moved across genres to keep the punters guessing, yet he questions whether it’s the correct approach. “I see some DJs doing this, but not as many as you would think. People do sort of get really caught up in their niches. Other than that, I don’t spend too much time thinking about it. I also like to do inside jokes and keep it light sometimes but I don’t want the set to be jokey or silly. I think that musically you can do whatever you want as long as it sounds good and people are getting down!” Otherwise, VonStroke is rather chuffed to have taken the time off to get down to Australia. Proudly, he describes his setup as much the same, but musically, he is pushing a slightly changed-up sound. “The music is different,” he says. “But I am really looking forward to the tour. I always have such a great time out there. It’s hard to believe that I have been coming out to Australia every year for the last seven years. Time flies when you’re having fun!” RK Claude VonStroke [USA] plays at Brown Alley on Friday January 25 alongside Justin Martin [USA] and J.Phlip [USA].
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THE BIG MAG FOR CLUB CULTURE
5.
FRIDAY NIGHT LOFT PARTY
WEDNESDAY16TH
verse and it’s called Wonderlust! As luck would have it you can come and experience the effects of this strange new phenomena every Thursday night at The Carlton! Carlton Club, 193 Bourke Street, Melbourne
FRIDAY18TH
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
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
WAH WAH SATURDAYS Just when you thought Wah Saturdays couldn’t get any better, this week Rob Pix (Beng) kicks off a new rotating residency down Waratah place. Get down early to avoid the queue or alternatively you could come down very late for the infamous recovery kicking off at 4AM! Wah Wah Lounge, 185 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
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
SATURDAY19TH 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
COQ ROQ
LOUNGE-CLUB
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
Dazzling disco lights? Check. Big dance floor? Check. Stage to dance on? Check. Music all night long? Check. We got Melbourne’s finest purveyors of music. You’ll get funk, boogie, disco, house, Latin, afro, techno and much more. Lounge-Club happens every weekend from 10PM and it’s free entry. Lounge, 243 Swanston Street, Melbourne
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 With more flavour than a chocolate pizza, the Wednesday Soul Army throws down raw, uncut funk next to smooth soul grooves and rare blue jams. Bring that special lady because when the boys lay down the love it could be the difference between ‘we’re just friends’ to ‘let’s get it on’. PBS stalwarts Vince Peach and Miss Goldie accompany Prequel and Black Diamond Kicks weekly. Free. Bimbo Deluxe, 376 Brunswick St (Cnr Rose St), Fitzroy
LAUNDRY WEDNESDAYS Deep, dark, minimal dubstep and drum and bass. Laundry Bar, 50 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
THURSDAY17TH 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
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
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
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
The original and still the best Sunday in Melbourne. Star Bar, 160 Clarendon St, South Melbourne
SUNDAE SHAKE
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
FORBIDDEN
HOMECOMING
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
In the grand tradition of past Saturday nights at the Prince of Wales, it will regain it’s rightful place on the pantheon of Australian dance music playing host to the best and most exciting EDM locally, nationally and internationally. Local residents include Generik, Oskar, Swick, Tranter, M.A.F.I.A., Streetparty DJs and Clip Art, and scheduled guests The Aston Shuffle, Tonite Only, The Swiss, Luke Million, Parachute Youth, Louis La Roche, Alvin Risk and more. In addition, Homecoming has prepared a veritable roster of exciting drinks and cocktails to fuel the fun, including Fresh coconut cocktails, Dr. Pepper, Electric Lemonade, Tecate, Thai-style Buckets and Bubble Cup cocktails. Prince Bandroom, 29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
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
Slow House Thursdays is just what Brunswick has been missing. Get down to the latest Thursday spot at Noise Bar, find a space with your bros and get into the as DJs Same O, David Bass and James Hurt spin bass laced tunes ‘til the early hours of the morning. Noise Bar, 291 Albert Street, Brunswick
WONDERLUST Fate, karma, the yin and the yang, the balance between chaos and order or divine intervention? A new spiritual high has emerged from the cosmic energies of the uni-
8.
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
MONDAY21ST 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
TUESDAY22ND 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
SATURDAYS AT ONE TWENTY BAR 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
PANORAMA
SLOW HOUSE THURSDAYS
SOUTH SIDE HUSTLE
STAR BAR SUNDAYS
FIRST FLOOR FRIDAYS
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
SUNDAY20TH 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
GET LIT
FREE RANGE FUNK
Celebrate Thursday night at Co. with club classics and dance floor anthems. Co., Crown Entertainment Complex, Lvl 3, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank
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
FIRST FLOOR SATURDAYS
HOT STEP
FUN HOUSE
SOUND EMPIRE
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
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
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 ESSENTIALS
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
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
MELBOURNEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EPIC SATURDAY CLUB NIGHT
AUSTRALIA DAY
SIZZLES WITH THE HOTTEST
AUSTRALIAN FEMALE DJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S! BROOKE EVERS | JODY MCLEOD FEMME | SAX ON LEGZ JANE DAFFY | 5FT2 | VAMP
SATURDAY 26 JANUARY 2 CLUBS | 1 TICKET DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS IT!
LEVEL 3 | CROWN
WWW.COATCROWN.COM.AU
To enhance the safety and welfare of all patrons, Crown promotes the following conditions of entry: Dress standards apply. Customers must be 18 years or over and submit their driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s licence or other photo
FNC13383
WWW.FUSIONATCROWN.COM.AU
NATHAN FAKE FULL STEAM AHEAD: FAKE TECHNO As he prepares to arrive in Australia once again, it's hard to believe Nathan Fake's magnum opus Outhouse came out ten years ago. Despite misconceptions about his age, the now 29-year-old purveyor of synth-laden atmospheric techno is steadily becoming one of the industry’s stalwarts. Fake's career took off unexpectedly back in 2003 when Outhouse was picked up and released as a 12 inch on James Holden's then fledgling Border Community record label. Outhouse was only their second release. The song, the perfect soundtrack to a rave in a haunted house, still stands the test of time all these years later and is a testament to Fake's distinctive style. The release of the legendary Sky Was Pink remix by James Holden came soon after, solidifying his “hot newcomer” status. “James just really liked the original. We never expected it to be this massive hit. It's nice that that record has reached so far but it's so old now – it's eight years old. People still go on about it which is nice but it's kind of annoying because I've had loads of records out since then,” he laughs. The friendship between Fake (his real name, funnily enough) and his mentor Holden still continues to this day. Fake puts his hand to the odd remix himself now and then, reworking the likes of our own PVT, Annie and a little band called Radiohead for their TKOL RMX 1234567 album (Thom Yorke is a fan). Many DJs completely change their sound over time in line with trends and changed tastes but Fake has stayed true to his original aesthetic over time and with his 2012 album, Steam Days. Although he may have matured and added in a few more bells and whistles, this album is in keeping with the emotive quality of his work over the last decade, albeit with a slightly harder edge. The new album, with incredible tracks like Iceni Strings, Neketona and Paean (including the awesome Lone remix) is his
most impressive work to date. Steam Days is his third album, following the mini-album Hard Islands in 2009 and Drowning in a Sea of Love in 2006 (featuring The Sky Was Pink). Using an analogue tape machine in his London studio he has attempted to achieve a grittier sound. “For the last two years I've been playing around with tape. It's quite an interesting effect because you can get weird sounds from tape that you can't really get through digital means. I used a lot of that on Steam Days, playing around with different tape recording techniques.” His first time back in Australia since an under-appreciated set at Meredith Music Festival in 2009, Fake is looking forward to returning. “[Meredith] was really good. The location is amazing. It was quite cool to see some of the outback because I only ever stay in the city.” This time he'll be playing at a very different kind of festival, Rainbow Serpent. The festival's psy-trance roots, while different to his own sound, aren't as foreign as you might think. “It's kind of fun the whole raver scene in the UK, with all these free parties going on. Where I'm from in Norfolk, you get loads of illegal psy-trance parties on the beach. They do these weird parties where it's been the same crowd for the past eight or nine years.” Fake remains coy on the topic of whether he is going to be playing any sideshows during his visit, although he will be spending the week in Melbourne between Rainbow Serpent (Sunday January 27) and shows the following weekend in Perth and Sydney. As for his live set, Fake plays live using a simple set up of laptop with Ableton and a couple of midi controllers, as displayed in his recent Boiler Room set. “It's all stuff off my new album with a few old bits and pieces chucked in. The live set sounds like a raved-up version of the album pretty much.”
He says the live set changes a lot from the sound of the album. “I'm using Ableton when I play live but when I'm in the studio I use Cubase and random bits of hardware and software. I find the live set sounds quite different to the recorded stuff.” He likes to mix up his sets depending on the crowd, so no two sets are the same. “Musically it's actually totally improvised. It's all set up on my laptop so I can go in different directions because it's fun playing different kinds of shows. A festival is quite different to club shows. Last month I was on tour with Orbital doing the support slot. It's quite different as I was playing really early evening so it was quite mellow – much different to playing a rave at 4am.” The producer, who is often compared to other UK electronic artists Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada, has managed to attach a real emotive quality to his productions. Some are sad
and melancholy, some uplifting, many build slowly and create that feeling of going on a “journey”, as corny as that may sound. “My favourite music is sad music,” he jokes. “A lot of it is quite sub-conscious. I like to think my music is quite visceral. I'm into a lot of different textures and moods and stuff. I like to play with lots of contrasting textures and sounds which is what makes it sound quite rich. I don't think too much about what a track is feeling like or what mood it's going to have. “The stuff you write when you're not thinking about it is usually the best stuff.” Rose Callaghan Nathan Fake [UK] plays alongside Guy J [ISR], Prometheus [UK] and more at Rainbow Serpent Festival which runs from Friday January 25 to Monday January 28 in Lexton.
AFRICA HITECH 93 MILLION: SMILES FROM FANS Aussie girls have always struck a nerve with foreign men. Often smitten by their down-to-Earth demeanor, many men have fallen victim to their charm, humour and kindness. That’s probably the biggest load of shit I’ve ever spun as a writer, but it was certainly the case for Mark Pritchard and Steve Spacek, better known as Africa Hitech. The duo, who met in the UK, later learned through a mutual friend that they were both living in the same country halfway across the world. They both married Australian girls and made the big move Down Under around the same time. Now they stand at the intersection of an eclectic diaspora of electronic styles. The result is a synthesiserfuelled syncopated bass explosion. With the acknowledgement that all electronic music stems from African musical traditions, Spacek and Pritchard have formed a musical partnership that knows no boundary in terms of style, drawing from soul, dub and acid to UK garage, grime, techno, house and Jamaican dancehall. 100% speaks with Africa Hitech about their successful solo careers, how they teamed up, and the Australian music scene. While their first tastes of dance music were different, Africa Hitech have mastered their art. Mark says he came across electronic music via Science Fiction soundtracks and was lucky to hear Chicago house music and Detroit techno when he left school. Steve reminisces on his encounter with Donna Summer’s I Feel Love marking his exposure to the genre at the tender age of five. “[It was playing on a] massive reggae sound system in my school hall,” he says, “This was during the holidays at play school – southeast London style!” Around 1990, both men began dabbling in the early beginnings of their music careers. Mark says, “I worked with
Tom Middleton and from that, various names came [including] Reload, Global Communication, Jedi Knights.” Steve created the ambient group Spacek and worked with a conglomerate of hip hop gods including Common and the late J. Dilla. “[J. Dilla] was one of the most humble and gracious peeps that I have ever met in the industry,” Steve says. “He was a real joy to be around. He was all about trying to make great music. He wasn’t into scenes or bullshit. I walked into his apartment, who he was sharing with Common at the time, to pick up a beat. When I walked in he was flipping it saying, ‘Yo Spacek! I can’t believe you’re here.’ That blew my mind. He was so humble and appreciative.” After collaborative work together in the early 2000s, fate would have it that both Mark and Steve wound up in Bondi. “We met Aussie girls in the UK and moved here at the same time,” Steve says. “All I really knew about Australia was from Neighbours. When we had our first kid I said we should go where my wife is from so she can be comfortable. I was a bit scared because it was so far away and I’d never really been there.” Their earlier collaborative work proved the two were on the same wavelength when it came to making music. “I heard the first Spacek single Eve via a mutual friend. I was blown away by that record,” Mark explains. “It was way ahead of its time. Steve has a really unique voice and is the most talented musician I have worked with. I suppose we have very similar roots into music and we are both striving for something new. So when we both ended up ten minutes from each other on the other side of the world almost eight years ago we started working straight away.” Since then, Africa Hitech has put out two EPs on the globally respected Warp Records. Their style flirts with elements of dubstep,
grime and funk with a hard hitting and encompassing edge. “We are open to all music,” Mark says. “We just want to hear fresh things and also get inspired by music from the past.” Steve adds, “It’s nice to try and visit different places within music.” Despite having different exposures to dance music, the duo shares the same perspective on African rhythms. “As soon as you start making modern dance music, you start touching on African music,” Steve says, “especially the rhythms, arpeggios and mantra type melodies. You can start with any of the genres and trace them back to Africa. Our thing was to really be conscious of that fact whilst making 93 Million Miles [and to] always maintain that raw tribal swing, mixed with a bit of beautiful tech.” Both Mark and Steve have separate projects they continue to work on. Steve has been busying himself with a solo album and Mark is returning to a Harmonic 313 project. “I’ve been working on it for a while in the background and I am trying and get it finished in June ready for release in September,” Mark says.
Having lived in Australia for nearly eight years, Africa Hitech has good insight into the Australian music scene. “Now the dollar is strong, even more people are coming out which is great,” Mark begins. “Whatever type of music you are into, you can find people doing good parties in that style across Australia. Sydney suffers from a shortage of medium sized venues and great sound systems though.” Due to play the No Parlay VIP Boat Party and Shed4 Party, Melbourne will see Africa Hitech grace our stages once more after a hiatus due to the pair gigging overseas. Tamara Vogl Africa Hitech [AUS] play No Parlay Boat Cruise and Shed4 Party on Saturday January 19 alongside Kid Kenobi [AUS], Ben Browning [AUS] and more. The No Parlay Boat Cruise leaves from The Victoria Star, Central Pier Docklands while the No Parlay Party is held at Shed4, South Wharf Docklands.
DARSHAN JESRANI DISCO: DEVOTION Darshan Jesrani is one of the foremost electronic producers of the past decade, and with his best bud Morgan Geist, is part of the forward-thinking disco duo known as Metro Area. He is also renowned as a DJ, however, unlike many beat-makers who get behind the decks, he views these as two very separate areas of expertise. “I don’t like that producing music and DJing have become conflated,” he tells me. “Many talented producers have bored dancers to tears. I’m not talking about the kind of crying on the dance floor that one reads stories about from the clubbing days of yore, mind you,” he continues. “I’m talking about actual, palpable, hopeless boredom, because of a complete lack of awareness of how, or what music, to play at a party. Conversely, there are many great DJs who should never, ever make records.” As Metro Area, Jesrani and Geist rose to acclaim as part of the same wave of disco and punk-funk purveyors that included the likes of LCD Soundsystem and the DFA Records crew. Their releases, while only sporadic, are uniformly excellent, and I ask Jesrani how often he catches up with Geist, and indeed, if there’s anything new for them on the way. “We’re good, long-time friends so we’re always in touch,” he says. “We tend to meet at least weekly for lunch. We’ve finally decided to finish a new album,” he continues, “but the only thing is that it’s not an album of music, per se. It’s a photo album called Metro Area – Out to Lunch, which chronicles our various lunches over the past two years. It features such hits as Empanada Café in Corona, Queens, Golden Mall in Flushing, and ends on a refined note with Jean Georges.” Jesrani is not the most prolific of producers, and he takes a
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while between releases, all of which makes his collaboration with Tracey Thorn all the more special. A few years back, when the Everything But The Girl singer released a solo album, he contributed in the form of the sublime disco-house hybrid It’s All True. As for how this collaboration came about, he tells me that it was a complete accident. “Tracey and I have never met,” he explains. “I was in Berlin staying with Sasse Lindblad of Moodmusic, and we were just jamming at his studio, which was in his apartment at the time. Ewan Pearson came by and got down with us. Ewan was in the middle of helping put together Tracey’s album and played her a demo of what we’d done that day.” The singer liked what she heard, and decided to write lyrics around it. “I mocked up string parts and had them recorded when I came back to New York,” he explains, “then I sent them to Ewan in London, who mixed the whole thing, and it became a single!” In his capacity as a DJ, Jesrani travels the world a lot, although his busy schedule sometimes prevents him from indulging in the crate-digging he so loves. “A lot of my visits to cities revolve around the gig itself, with not much extra time to do anything else,” he says. “When I stay somewhere for a few days I might get a chance to find some music.” He has, however, made a few interesting discoveries of late. “I have some friends in Berlin who are pretty deeply involved in the second-hand record store scene, and one of them turned me on to a crazy, electronically-produced East German Schlager song called Mingo. It’s from the early to mid-‘70s, and my friend tells me it’s about a monkey – I’m gonna take his word for it because I understand very little German.” FEATURES
The technology available to DJs has changed a great deal over the last decade, and I ask Jesrani what, from his perspective, has been the biggest shift. The question gives him pause. “I’m not sure,” he says. “I mean, there was always a chance you’d hear really shitty music at the club, because plenty of bad music was pressed to vinyl records, but now you get to hear really shitty music which also sounds like complete shit because it’s played back from MP3s. I also hear a fair amount of good music which is ruined because it’s played from MP3s.” In short, he says, the proliferation of digital formats has led to a proliferation of mediocre music and unremarkable DJ sets not that he wants to be a grumpy old man about it. “Please don’t be taken aback by my hatred of MP3s!” he laughs. “It’s the necessary flip side of my complete devotion to music. Philosophically-speaking, it has to exist. I’m really a lot of fun, I swear. Let’s party!”
Disco music represents extremes of emotion – it can be euphoric and also very sad, often at the same time – and before I let him go, I have to ask Jesrani what it is that has drawn him to disco music for all this time. “I’d have to say, it’s the stylistic range as well as the emotional,” he says. “Disco can take on many different forms – electronic or earthy, futuristic and sleek, or folksy. The only constant requirement seems to be that it is dance-oriented music and, classically speaking, embodies its original ingredients – African American, Latin and European influences.” Alasdair Duncan Darshan Jesrani [USA] plays alongside Lindstrom [NOR] at the Prince Bandroom on Friday January 25.
PURPLEEMERALD BIMBOS
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LIGHTATREDLOVE BE.ATCO.
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100% URBAN PICS
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THURSDAY17TH MOTOWN THURSDAYS Kick start your weekend with Melbourne’s newest Thursday night! Motown Thursdays caters to all true music lovers. Join us on an eclectic musical journey of soul, funk and disco through to early R&B. A live Soul Band features some of Melbourne’s most talented musicians; Carmen Hendricks, Laurent Soupe, Duncan Kinell and Aaron Mendoza just to name a few. DJs keep the records spinning into the early hours; residents are Reg-e, Lee Davies, Kalepe, Dinesh, Suga, Rubz and Alwin Rafferty. Join us around a big, shiny disco ball or two, for free entry, soulful tunes, drink specials all night and a dance floor full of friends! Fashion Lounge, 121 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
RHYTHM-AL-ISM Start the weekend early with Fusion’s Resident DJs. Music for your funkin’ soul. Special guests every week! Fusion, Crown Entertainment Complex, Lvl 3, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank
FRIDAY18TH 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
SWEET NOTHING FRIDAYS 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 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 five years of doing our do and bringing that Red Love! Red Love, Level 1, 401 Swanston Street, Melbourne
THE LOOSE GOOSE The Loose Goose is focused on providing a wonderful array of cocktails and offers a great CBD location to lounge and relax in while overlooking busy Flinders Lane. A small plates menu is available to graze on whilst trying our delicious cocktails from the classics to contemporary, beer on tap and a wide range of beers, wines and spirits. Every Friday evening DJ Jumps of The Cat Empire will take to the decks at the bar spinning his rare afro Latin funk vinyl collected from around the world from 6.30pm until late. Papa Goose Cocktail Bar, 91-93 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
PEANUT BUTTER WOLF SUGAR DADDY: STONE THROW AWAY
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
ULTRAMAGNETIC MCS After almost 30 years in existence, hip hop legends Ultramagnetic MCs will be hitting The Espy. Established way back when in the Bronx by Kool Keith, the group released their legendary debut album Critical Beatdown in 1988. This will be their debut appearance on Australian shores. Saturday February 9, The Espy, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda
MACKLEMORE AND RYAN LEWIS
SATURDAY19TH 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 Saturdays is all about solid classics from the ‘80s, ‘90s and into the ‘00s! Dropping beats of retro pop, disco classics, old school funk, and certainly some of that old school R&B and house to kick! RedLove Resident DJs Phil, HB Bear and Da Gato bringing down the house every Saturday night. If you’re looking for quality service, music to rock, sumptuous drinks and just a cold hard good time; look no further! Red Love, Level 1, 401 Swanston Street, Melbourne
SHAKA SATURDAY The newest R&B Superclub Shaka Saturdays grand opening is set to hit Melbourne over two massive weeks. The northern suburbs newest, freshest club playing all of your favourite R&B, hip hop, old skool and reggae. Shaka Saturdays is showcasing Australia’s newest and favourite R&B DJs, including DJ C-RAM bringing video mixing to Melbourne and special guest hip hop band Yellow Cake. Set at one of the most amazing venues Melbourne has to offer with two levels, good music, great ‘Shaka’ atmosphere and cheap drinks, we are hoping to pack it out and create a night for people to remember. Level 2 The Club, 2 Arthurton Rd, Northcote
UPCOMING
Chris Manuk, better known as Peanut Butter Wolf, may not be a household name to most, but anyone who’s had even a passing interest in hip hop over the past 20 years has likely felt his influence, whether they realise it or not. The founder of Stones Throw Records, home to cult figures like Madlib, J Dilla and Dam-Funk, he has been bringing some of the biggest names in underground hip hop to our ever appreciative ears for years now. His own musical career could have been an entirely different tale altogether though. “It was just something I couldn’t imagine you know, a 20-year-old person dying. One minute he’s healthy and the next minute he’s gone. I lost my friend and my music partner all in one and it just made me really vulnerable.” As Manuk discusses the loss of his collaborator and close friend Charizma, who passed in December of ’93 as the burgeoning duo were gearing up to take off, you get the sense he lost much more than just a friend and musical companion. “I have so much belief in him and I, and what we were going to do together, and to be stripped of that didn’t make any sense to me at all,” Manuk says. “We worked all day long together and to have somebody taken away from you that you knew so well it was like a part of me left with him. I basically fell under a depression and didn’t really want to do anything and I found eventually making music helped me heal the loss of losing my friend. I thought that he and I were going to be a group forever and then I had to really re-think like, ‘What am I going to do with my life now?’ and I didn’t really want to be another group with somebody else so I decided I’d work behind the scenes and do the label thing.” Doing the label thing lead to Manuk starting Stones Throw Records in ’96. The label’s debut release was My World Premiere by Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf. Three years since its recording and the death of Charizma, the world finally got to hear their music. “It felt great. His family was into it, they were really supportive of me,” Manuk says, explaining that the Charizma legacy lives on too. “Actually there’s guys doing a documentary on my label at the moment and a large part of that is my partnership with Charizma. I just uncovered a 20-minute video interview that a guy had done in Oakland and he gave me the footage like three weeks ago. I’d never seen it even though it was from ’92, 21 years ago. Just to be able to get my hands on that footage and to be able to give it to Charizma’s family is awesome.” Stones Throw really took off towards the end of the
Touring Australia for the first time since 2009, El-P will be bringing beats from Brooklyn and promoting his critically acclaimed 2012 album Cancer For Cure when he visits early next year. Wednesday February 6, Corner Hotel, 57 Swan Street, Richmond
Seattle hip hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have announced their debut Australian tour. Macklemore released his debut record, The Heist, in early October to critical and commercial acclaim, with an excellent review in popular rap publication XXL complemented by the record reaching number 1 on iTunes in the US and number 1 on the Australian iTunes Hip Hop/Rap Charts. Macklemore will be accompanied by producer Ryan Lewis, who he teamed up with in October 2010 to create the VS. Redux EP. Tuesday February 12, The Palace, 20-30 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Saturday February 16, Corner Hotel, 57 Swan Street, Richmond
MAC MILLER Pittsburgh prodigy, Mac Miller, is making his debut in Australia next year. The 19-year-old who is known for his sass, smooth rhymes and reflective lyrics has been creating his rapper identity through the internet over the past few years. Miller’s penchant for freestyle earned him YouTube success, propelling his singles Donald Trump and One Last Thing to international attention. Watching Movies With The Sound Off will be the American’s debut album next year, which Miller will perform during his shows. Thursday February 21, The Palace, 20-30 Bourke Street, Melbourne
CATCH WRECK Australian hip hop event Catch Wreck have announced the lineup to their mammoth show this coming March. Headlining is Queensland’s Lazy Grey featuring Jake Biz and DJ DCE with a cast of other household names such as Brad Strut, Maundz, Simplex (Terra Firma), K21, Fluent Form, Raven, Mata & Must, Smiley, BackYard Funk and Def Men Walking with DJs Slap 618 (Obese) and Heata (HG) on mixing duties for the evening. Friday March 1, Prince Bandroom, 29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
‘90s as Manuk proved an astute talent finder, leading to a string of groundbreaking underground hip hop recordings. “When I first started working with some of them nobody had heard who they were. With Madlib in particular he was an unknown when I worked with him and when I heard him I thought, ‘How can this not be known? This is the best thing I’ve ever heard’. Take Quasimoto for example, that was just something he did for the fun of it and when I first heard him he said, ‘Oh you won’t supposed to hear that. I’m embarrassed’ and they turned into this cultish thing and people get a tattoo of Quasimoto or Lootpack, who were the other band Madlib was in at the time. That just reminds me how passionate people are to get something permanent on their body like that.” As Stones Throw became a full time venture his earliest passion as a beat producer took a back seat. It’s never fully gone away though according to Manuk. “I kind of go back in the studio, I did what was supposed to be a remix but became a cover of a song called Go Bananas, this old electro song from the early ‘80s that was kind of unknown. I actually just started making hip hop beats again, Homeboy Sandman was asking me to make some tracks and kind of inspired me to get back in the studio and see if I can still do it. I’ve been coming up with some good stuff, it’s just finding the time when I’m doing a lot of travelling and a lot of stuff for the label.” Having seen every trend and style of hip hop across the past two decades, when Manuk talks about where the genre is at you shut up and listen. “Some artists are dumbing down their work and some are coming from the heart who are just simple lyrically and that’s kind of just what people like to hear and they embrace those artists. It was that way even when I was doing it. My influences were like Ultramagnetic MCs and they never sold a lot of units. The hardcore heads kind of knew who they were.” The big, bad wolf of the hip hop underground has spoken. Ryan Butler Peanut Butter Wolf plays the Sugar Mountain Festival at The Forum on Saturday January 19 alongside Action Bronson [USA], Naysayer & Gilsun [AUS] and more. He will also be speaking at the Stones Throw Records Q&A at the Rooftop Cinema on Sunday January 20. URBAN
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INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH
LIFELINES Born: First child, daughter Violet Marlowe to Kings Of Leon drummer Nathan Followill and wife, singer-songwriter Jessie Baylin. Born: Son for Nova drive show host, Tim Blackwell, and wife Monique. Expecting: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian could make up to US$10 million in media deals based around the birth of their baby. She fell pregnant after West took her to Rome to celebrate her 32nd birthday. Engaged: Janet Jackson, 46, and Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana, 37. It will be her third try after singer James DeBarge and dancer René Elizondo. Split: Rapper 360 and fiance Crystal Bale, who runs the online store Crystallou. “We had a wild, unforgettable time together but both agree that right now is just not the right time for us,” he said. Split: Taylor Swift and One Direction’s Harry Styles after just 65 days. They went on a romantic holiday in the Caribbean but flew out after a huge argument. In one week she wrote five songs about the break-up. Married: Deni Hines and financier Daniel Moses after 18 months. Ill: Doc Neeson has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, requiring “immediate intensive radiation and chemotherapy treatment which will continue for the next six to seven months,” The Angels said. Ill: US soul singer Bobby Womack, 68, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, suffering from great memory loss, including lyrics and names of associates. Ill: Wilko Johnson of Dr. Feelgood has terminal cancer of the pancreas, and has chosen not to receive any chemotherapy. His manager says, “He is currently in good spirits, is not yet suffering any physical effects and can expect to enjoy at least another few months of reasonable health and activity.” Arrested: Chris Selby, guitarist of US metal band Oblivion Myth, for murder after allegedly dangling a woman off a third story balcony during an argument. In Court: Rapper Fat Joe, for evading paying $1 million worth of taxes. Died: Lee Dorman, 70, bassist with ‘60s psychedelic band Iron Butterfly (‘In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida’), found dead in his car in California. Died: Ministry/Revolting Cocks guitarist Mike Scaccia, 47, collapsed and died while performing at Ministry singer Bruce Corbitt’s 50th birthday.
MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS & GOSSIP
with Christie Eliezer * Stuff for this column to be emailed to <celiezer@netspace.net.au> by Friday 5pm 360, ME, LEAD MELBOURNE TO SXSW
Melbourne-based 360, and ME are among the latest of 20 Victorian acts invited to play the 27th annual South By Southwest Music Festival and Conferences in Austin, Texas. Altogether 70 plus Aussies have been invited. Others from Victoria are Feenixpawl, Jackson Firebird, Clairy Browne & the Bangin’ Rackettes, Vance Joy and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard. Other acts in the latest round of invitations include Sydney’s Jonathan Boulet, The Falls, Papa Vs. Pretty, Kirin J Callinan, The Tom Fun Orchestra and Jack Carty, Adelaide’s The Beards and The Audreys, plus Brisbane’s Dead Letter Circus and The Trouble With Templeton, joining 2000 bands from 50 countries playing the event. In addition, more than 600 Australian creative industry professionals will attend the music (March 12-17) plus film (March 8-16) and interactive (March 8-12) festivals and conferences which will in total draw close to 50,000 delegates from more than 50 countries.
PARROTS: “INTENSE DISLIKE” OF DANCE MUSIC Parrots have an “intense dislike” of dance music, says a new study in the Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal. The University Of Lincoln got three African grey parrots and blasted music to them. Léo, Zoé and Shango had individual tastes, but they all hated dance music. Dr Franck Péron said, they bobbed along to rhythmic beats of U2, UB40 and Joan Baez and preened themselves to classical music. But The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers saw pollies go a-cracker. Peron said, “The electronic dance music was not appropriate for them. We had the radio on in the office and when it was a very fast beat, they started to scream - not in a friendly, communicative way but in a distressed, scared way. They seem to like pop music when there is a voice.”
VENUES #1: NEW BAND BOOKER FOR THE TOTE
Nicci Reid is new band booker for The Tote, effective immediately. She can be contacted at nicci@baropen.com.au. “Nicci is very experienced and a widely respected music industry professional with loads of ideas [and] we are very excited to have her on board,” said Tote co-owner Jon Perring. Reid previously booked The Empress and The Workers Club, is a director of the Sugar Mountain festival and runs tour promoter Wing & Gill. Reid takes over from Amanda Palmer who this month begins as a state licensing representative for concerts and events for APRA. Perring paid tribute to Palmer, saying she “charted The Tote’s music program through five turbulent years including its 30th birthday, its closing and its re-opening. She has done an incredible job.”
VENUES #2: NEW BAND BOOKER FOR PRINCE BANDROOM
Shaun Adams is the new band booker for the Prince Bandroom in St Kilda. He is also booker at Ballarat’s Karova Lounge and manager of Yacht Club DJs and Twinsy. He takes over from Jamie Bennet (ex-Rocket Bar, Adelaide) whom industry speculation says will be Revolver’s new booker.
VENUES #3: NEW BOOKER FOR BARWON CLUB Geelong’s Barwon Club has a new band booker in Al O’Neil, who used to run The National before it closed last November.
VENUES #4: YARRA HOTEL OPENS TO MUSIC
Singer songwriter Mick Thomas, Greg ‘Clanger’ Kleynjans, (ex-The Grace Emily, Adelaide) and three other investors are behind the re-opening of the 150-capacity Yarra Hotel in Abbotsford. They’re essentially running it as a top grade pub with a music format that includes singer songwriter sessions and low-key late night sets by big names. On Friday
February 8, Ramblin’ Van Walker Band and Toronto’s Ron Hawkins (look for him to be joined by a couple of Weddings Parties Anything members) will be christening the new stage and PA. Tickets through http://www.mickthomas.com/ tickets.html.
VENUES #5: WOOL EXCHANGE One of Geelong’s legendary venues, The Wool Exchange, is opening up to live music again in February under the name Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex. Gigs are being booked through local venue booker Steve Nicholas, contactable via info@spinninghalf.com.au. The first show back is by Ash Grunwald on Saturday February 9. The venue hit its heights in the ‘80s showcasing The Oils, Icehouse and The Gurus, but later went through name changes including Red Square and The Exchange. The venue was taken over by new management some years ago who initiated a threepart plan, first re-establishing it as a restaurant and function venue, and now with live acts.
VENUES #6: MUSIC FINISHES AT THE FLEECE Thursday night music at The Fleece has ended after three years, as the hotel has changed hands. The last show featured MLC with Gary Brown and Georgina Ward, Mae Parker and John Houghton with The City Of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band performing Long Way To The Top.
VENUES #7: THE BIRMINGHAM CLOSES LIVE MUSIC The Birmingham in Fitzroy has closed as a live music venue after five years of fighting liquor licensing and noise complaints. They posted on Facebook, ‘’Despite our best efforts to reignite our live music program, we have unfortunately fallen over too many hurdles and ran into too many obstacles.’’
VENUES #8: THE PALAIS, HEPBURN SPRINGS The Palais in Hepburn Springs closed on Sunday January 6. Managers Matthew Goodison and Korrina Glen explained that despite renovations to the 1926 art deco regional building for a June 2011 re-launch and being able to pull major acts, they couldn’t financially keep going. The last straw came last month when the pair tried to negotiate their lease, but the building’s owner opted to sell it and go to auction with vacant possession. Just before the closure, local promoter Duane McDonald told The Advocate that acts including Renee Geyer, Ross Wilson and The Black Sorrows had not been paid, to which Goodison invited promoters to contact him.
VENUES #9: AND GEELONG’S THE WRONG CROWD Geelong’s The Wrong Crowd has closed. A recent article in The Geelong Advertiser, quoted various live music venue operators on how the local scene had dipped. Its owner Richard McLean, who opened it as a sophisticated venue with high class drinks and a commitment to local acts, said “There hasn’t been a scene at all for a while now, as far as I can tell,” adding that many punters “wouldn’t even pay $5 to get in the door” and cited that a US artist had recently drawn just 15 people, ten of these from Melbourne. The venue was earlier put on the market with a $90,000 price tag.
THINGS WE HEAR
* Tour Talk: The Polyphonic Spree let slip they’re here for Splendour. Anthrax’s set on Soundwave will be without guitarist Rob Caggiano, having left last month officially to concentrate on record production. Swedish heavy metal band Hypocrisy angrily cancelled their tour this month blaming their Australian agency Oceanic Sharks for not getting their work visas in time. Swedish outfit Icona
Pop who were here for Summadayze, plan to return in September and Shihad have joined the Black Sabbath tour. * When Select Music celebrated its 7th year and 16 new signings, they corralled 27 acts for a mini-festival. The night also raised $12,000 for charity, Beyondblue. * Lily Allen’s new daughter Marnie will most likely become a heavy metal fan. Her husband Sam Cooper played Pantera tunes while she gave birth. * Not all New Years Eve countdowns were a blast. At Falls Festival in Tasmania, The Flaming Lips roared the new year in for 16,000 punters with confetti cannons, huge balloons, psychedelic visuals and frontman Wayne Coyne crowdsurfing inside a giant bubble. But minutes later the Lips’ set went silent when a punter decided it would be a “wheeze” to pull the plug on their power generator! In the meantime, some genius at Radio KO FM Newcastle pressed the wrong button and the station introduced its listeners to…2012.
TWO MORE FOR AMP The Coopers Amp revealed that My Little River by Darwin’s Jess Ribeiro & The Bone Collectors and Smokey’s Haunt by Sydney MC Urthboy have been added to the shortlist of the 8th Australian Music Prize. Both, along with fellowshortlisted Hermitude, play Amp Alive at Federation Square on Friday February 1.
BIG DAY OUT REMAINS ON GOLD COAST Big Day Out is remaining on the Gold Coast after giving the Queensland state government a fright. From next year, its home, Parkland, is being turned into an athlete’s village for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. After an alternate site suggested by BDO was nixed by the Government, BDO organisers said it would be leaving the Gold Coast, much to the chagrin of local council and tourism officials as three quarters of the 45,000 punters who attend the Coast show come from outside of the area, and pump millions of dollars into the local economy. Townsville, Cairns and Mackay put up their hands to host it, while BDO spoke to Woodfordia, home of the Woodfolk Folk Festival (which drew 113,000 last month), and temporarily Splendour In The Grass. BDO CEO Adam Zammit said he wouldn’t look at Byron Bay (home of Splendour, Bluesfest) but would be speaking to authorities in Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour. But by last Friday, a meeting with Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey saw the QLD Government strike a deal to keep BDO there for five years. A new site will be announced this week.
MINOGUE, MANAGER, SPLIT
Kylie Minogue and her manager of 25 years, Terry Blamey, have split. Blamey, who was running middle of the road booking agency PACE in Melbourne when Minogue signed to Mushroom, guided her to international success. Last year Minogue celebrated her 25 years in music. It’s understood she’s taking a short break from music (her label Parlophone was sold to Universal Music as part of its EMI buy-out and is now to get a new owner) while she dabbles in acting. Her roles so far have been strictly B-grade.
27 AUSSIE ALBUMS IN 2012’S HOT 100 27 Australian albums featured in the ARIA end of year Top 100 Album Chart in 2012. Of the 27, two were in the Top 10 – Karise Eden’s double platinum My Journey at #6, and Guy Sebastian’s double platinum Armageddon at #9. In the Top 20 were Hilltop Hoods at #13 with Drinking From The Sun, The Sapphires soundtrack at #15, 360’s Falling & Flying at #17 and Keith Urban at #19 with the platinum The Story So Far. Top seller in 2012 was five times platinum The Truth About Love by Pink, followed by the 3 times platinum opus by One Direction, followed by Adele, Michael Buble and Ed Sheeran.
NEW WORLD, CRUCIAL, SPLIT
The departure last month of 360 from the New World Artists agency has spilled over to other acts on 360’s management company Crucial Music. Last week New World decided to drop Crucial’s other acts The Living End, Children Collide, Gyroscope and Hunting Grounds from its roster.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR JAZZ AWARDS Nominations for the 2013 Australian Jazz Bell Awards are open until Wednesday February 13. Nomination forms and guidelines from bellawards.org. A new category, for most original Australian jazz album, has been introduced. The others cover best Australian jazz vocal album, contemporary jazz album, traditional jazz album, jazz song of the year, jazz ensemble, young Australian jazz artist of the year, and an induction into the Graeme Bell Hall of Fame “in recognition of an outstanding career.” Each category winner gets $5,000. The awards are held on Thursday May 2 at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne.
SONY, BMG, TEAM TO GET PARLOPHONE Four years after dissolving their partnership, Sony and BMG are teaming up as a one-off to try and buy the Parlophone label from Universal. To appease regulators when it bought EMI for US$1.9 billion, Universal had to promise to get rid of some EMI labels. The most prestigious was Parlophone whose acts include The Beatles (although Universal is jolly well keeping them), Coldplay, Gorillaz, Blur and Kylie Minogue. Twelve companies are interested in Parlophone, including Warner Music, and a team-up of music millionaires, Idol franchise founder Simon Fuller and Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell. Sony and BMG will divide the bands if they are successful.
Enrol. Gig. Compose. Collaborate. Record. Launch. Tour. Get signed.
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LIANNE LA HAVAS BY DAVID WILD
She would never admit it, but British chanteuse Lianne La Havas must be used to praise by now. Her first LP, Is Your Love Big Enough? was named iTunes Album Of The Year and nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in the UK. So when I spoke to Lianne hours after the BRIT Awards (her homeland’s equivalent of the Grammys or the ARIAs) nominations were announced, was she surprised and disappointed to be absent from both the Best British Album and Best British Female categories? Amy Winehouse has been posthumously shortlisted, for Pete’s sake. “No, I wasn’t. I’m happy for everyone who’s got an award. It’s obviously very competitive just generally releasing an album. It’s no problem.” Very gracious, but coming from someone who has previously confessed that she would like to win a Grammy one day, not entirely convincing. Born in South London 23 years ago to Greek and Jamaican parents, Lianne has a distinct sound that falls somewhere between r’n’b and folk. She has been compared to artists as diverse as Bon Iver and Sade, but Lianne sees herself as a soul artist in the truest sense. “I like to think that you can hear all these different influences in my music, although I do consider myself a soul artist. Soul music is something that should, literally, come from your soul and your heart, and I’m doing that. “Hopefully I’m coming across as myself. I like to think that no one else is doing what I’m doing. I’m making quality music in a nice way and whoever likes it likes it. That’s all I can ask for really.” There can be no dispute that the album’s subject matter and the frankness with which it is delivered are straight from the heart – the depth of emotion is what makes it such an intriguing listen. And plenty of people do like it. Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon invited Lianne to tour the US with
his band after they appeared on the same TV show, Prince asked her over to his house for a jam session and Stevie Wonder showed up at a gig. Lianne is honest enough to acknowledge that validation from the industry and fans, famous or otherwise, is important to her. “It means a lot. It feels like people are listening and liked [the album]. You know, someone liked it! But particularly being nominated for the Mercury Prize was amazing... a lot of my favourite artists have been nominated in the past so you feel like you’re kind of part of something really special. And it was a great evening.” Search for Lianne singing Gone at the Mercury Awards on YouTube. It’s an exquisite performance, but can I sense a hint of nervousness? “Yeah! Performing to my contemporaries and the rest of the music industry, all in one room?! It was nervewracking but amazing.” La Havas wrote most of the tracks on Is Your Love Big Enough? with producer Matt Hales, aka Aqualung, who had a hit with the haunting Strange And Beautiful some ten years ago. Lianne claims it was the closeness of bond and total trust between the pair that allowed her to pour her heart into the record. One of the standout tracks on the LP and a perfect
example of its candour is the quirky Age. Backed by just her guitar, Lianne playfully recounts the tale of starting a romance with an older man. I want to know how old “old” is. She says the age gap was 14 years – not quite old enough to be her father, then, as she suggests in the song, but we agree she is allowed some artistic license. The two are no longer together but in typically honest fashion, Lianne reveals how important the subject of the story was in her life. “Things were getting pretty busy for me and I kinda just had to make a choice. We’re still best friends. It was quite recently, last year, we broke up but it was a decision that was mutual and for the best. I consider him one of my biggest, biggest inspirations. He was a musician as well and he was the first person I would play things to so he was
around for the whole entire album-making process and I’m very grateful for that.” Despite working flat out for much of the last year La Havas has already started to think about her next album, gathering ideas about subject matter and where she might like to record it. And, thankfully, there’s no suggestion that she will be less forthcoming next time. “The way I feel most compelled to write is when it’s something about my own self and my own life that I need to discuss using music... and it just makes me feel better.”
and I know that you can’t just write another song which is like one of your previous songs,” says Chang. “You’ve got to write what you feel, what you think is good, what feels right. In that respect we got the better of it, and it’s been really exciting. Some of the biggest challenges for us were to stop making things complicated and just really distil the simplest version of the arrangement or song that we could. The minimalist approach for us was always the best. We’d often find ourselves starting to complicate things, but it was always nice to find ourselves naturally just taking things back to basics. It made things exciting. We could just stand back and let the core idea come out and shine a bit.” Although originally from Sydney, the band now resides in Brooklyn, playing regularly to ever-expanding audiences across New York. “I didn’t know what to think of moving here.
I’d been here briefly before, but Brooklyn is a really big place, there’s so many different areas. It’s just so lovely - there’s just amazing restaurants, amazing bars, and this fun, young energy that’s just around. It’s very cosmopolitan. But I can’t wait to come back to Australia, to be around not only my friends and family but to be in the culture as well. I miss the friendly interactions that Aussies have. I miss the culture.”
particular outlook, however, has its roots in Germany – Murray-Leslie met band-mate Melissa Logan while studying art at Munich Academy – and in many ways, they remain tied to the place. “It’s funny,” Murray-Leslie says, “I’m Australian and our drummer for the tour is also Australian, so now two thirds of the band is Australian, but a lot of the time, people still write that we’re German. When we studied there, we had an incredible time,” she continues. “We had a really great opportunity there to develop our skills and our work, and we had a lot of support from different cultural bodies. I identify with the culture, too. Germany has a great history of the arts and culture, so definitely, I identify with the mentality there. They’re great, free thinkers.” A few years back, long-time member Kiki Moorse departed Chicks On Speed, leaving just core members Logan and Murray-Leslie. In spite of the loss, the group are still going strong, and are taking on new collaborators all the time. “Currently, we’re working with an electronic drummer named Erica,” Murray-Leslie says. “She approached us and asked if she could play in the live show and we liked her style. We’re constantly taking on new members,” she continues, “bringing in new skill sets and different types of creativity. It
depends on the project, but usually we meet people through friends or agents.” The constant changes, she says, make life in Chicks On Speed exciting. “We’re constantly moving forward, finding new people and new ways of working,” she says. “It’s all about how far we can stretch an idea, from music to media to architecture to any other art form!” A few years back, Murray-Leslie mentioned to an interviewer that she has archived every piece of material associated with Chicks On Speed since its inception in the ‘90s – if that’s true, then she must have quite a collection. “Oh yeah, we archive everything!” she tells me. “We have big hard drives of material, huge archives of fashion with thousands of outfits, and we pay huge storage costs to keep them there. We have our own archive, and we’re waiting for the opportunity to show it all. We do exhibit a lot of pieces, we take them out of the archive and send them around the world to galleries. We could start our own museum with all of them – a new type of school!”
LA HAVAS’ debut album Is Your Love Big Enough is out now. LIANNE LA HAVAS plays The Corner Hotel on Friday January 25.
HIGH HIGHS BY JOSH FERGEUS
“We’ll try and keep the arrangements really simple and the melodic lines really clear but at the same time we want a cavernous wash of sound and colours around the core parts,” says Oli Chang, one half of Australia’s own High Highs. “We really like playing with synth parts opening and closing around the guitars and vocals, rather than having smashing loud drums. We like cinematic splashes of cymbals. We like to go into a dreamscape sort of set and take people there with us, within the songs but also between the songs. That’s what we hope to try and do.” That’s the show Chang and vocalist Jack Milas are bringing to Melbourne and their native Sydney at the end of January as they release their debut LP, Open Season. “If it was up to us we would have released it a while ago but it was a process to finish it. In terms of style, Jack and I feel really strongly that instead of writing something we think will be fashionable at the time and at the risk of it going out of fashion later, we should try really hard to write really good songs which will sound good to us in five or ten years. The idea is for it to stand the test of time”, Chang reveals. When asked about the development of their first LP, Chang reflects that it was an organic, more than a planned development. “We knew we wanted to keep momentum, keep the ball rolling and keep some energy happening around the band but there wasn’t a master plan. The plan we did have was always changing as different opportunities presented themselves and as things came up. As we went from point A to point B to point C, things just kept changing. The only plan we had really was to keep forging ahead.
“There always has been a feeling that something good was going to happen,” Chang says about the success of their previous release, a self-titled EP. “It’s just a funny thing. Jack and I have worked on other things and other projects before and they’ve been really fun, but with this one we really felt like we were approaching it from the right place and for the right reasons. We were approaching it with good sense, and trying to keep the logistics solid. There’s always been a good feeling and a good energy around the band and the music. “We write the songs together, we turn up and we play them together on one instrument each. It’s very organic, Chang muses. We’re often in a rehearsal space and just start jamming on something or writing something new – the process is very natural. It’s natural and so it feels good. So I am glad that this is the project that seems to be going well. It just feels good to play, it’s not a chore.” But did the success of their debut EP put Chang and Milas under even greater pressure? “People may go ‘we want to hear another song that’s like this on the album’ – but Jack
High Highs play St Jerome’s Laneway Festival on Sunday, February 3, as well as a headline show at The Toff In Town on Wednesday, January 30 with support from City Calm Down. Tickets are on sale now through Moshtix. Their debut album, Open Season is out January 25 through Fine Time/Sony Music.
CHICKS ON SPEED BY ALASDAIR DUNCAN
Chicks On Speed trade in raucous electro pop, but the music is just a gateway drug into their eccentric world. Fashion, film, media, art – the voracious collective chew it all up, swallow it and then regurgitate it in all kinds of challenging configurations. Their newest project, SCREAM, is currently underway, with a series of shows and residencies leading up to an eventual album release. “The new album is going to be out in a couple of months,” founding Chicks member Alex Murray-Leslie tells me. “We’re going to be playing some of our new songs, showing some new videos, and using our collection of object instruments to create a whole lot of sounds,” she says of the group’s upcoming performances. “The shows are essentially a sneak preview of what’s to come – one thing that we’re especially excited about is the app that goes along with the album.” The app is a key part of the album, and Murray-Leslie tells me that the key difference between this and previous Chicks releases is that it works on multiple layers. “The visuals are really strongly connected to the audio,” she says, “so whilst making sounds, we’re also showing the video. That’s what you’ll see with the app – you get an audio-visual space you can play with. Inside the app is a concentration of art performance work.” The idea of presenting pop music in this way is still relatively untested, and the band are very excited to be entering the fray. “We like to think that there are three apps in the world,” she says with a laugh. “You have Björk, you have Brian Eno, and you have Chicks On Speed. The music app is going to peak with us, basically.” The album also includes some new collaborators, although Murray-Leslie is reluctant to tell me who, as some of them, she insists, are “wanted people”. She won’t be drawn into who, although teasingly, she says that police and governments may well be interested, and that the album
has a definite “political edge.” Inherent in Chicks On Speed is a voracious appetite for anything new – for new ways to look at the world, and for new ways to present their art. The group often have a manifesto, although they have admitted in the past that said manifesto changes constantly. I ask Murray-Leslie where it currently stands, and thinks about it for a minute. “We contradict ourselves all the time,” she laughs. “There are a lot of paradoxes in what we do, that’s all part of the reason why it changes a lot. I think, at the moment …” she pauses again, “I don’t know. I think it’s just constantly changing. I think, okay, we could say that the latest manifesto is ‘Don’t’. It’s all about encouraging you to do the things you shouldn’t do. Don’t art, don’t fashion, don’t music, don’t get married, don’t have kids. It’s basically a play on the Fluxus manifesto.” With a career that spans more than a decade, Chicks On Speed are world travellers – their membership spans nations, and they have lived and performed in a host of cities. Their
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CHICKS ON SPEED play at The Tote on Thursday January 24. Beat Magazine Page 41
LOON LAKE
BY ZOË RADAS
“Shaky feet but solid ground / Everyone’s on Valium and there’s no one around” was an anthemic line for my 2012. Loon Lake’s single Cherry Lips invited listeners into their lazily hip-shot world of guitars, jeans, bare feet, simple drums and telling dumb stories while sitting astride the twisted branch of a tea tree. That last bit is because the five-piece are skilled at taking your hand and pulling you down the dunes with them, in a way many other indies try to capture. Loon Lake are about to play a headline show with some great supports before knuckling down to track their first full length release, some songs from which have been tentatively written already. “The whole band’s going away next week for a week of writing, and then a couple weeks after that I think we’re going to try and hit the studio,” explains Sime Nolan. The guitarist has been recording his own demo ideas in a little recording area in his room and will then take them to the band, a process he says each of the guy’s practise. “[We’ll] record the basic demo of the track individually, and then if people like it we’ll push it. The week away is basically to get away from everything and play music as much as we can in an isolated spot. Then after that, hopefully we’ve got a big chunk of songs that are ready to go.” The boys have been touring pretty hard around the festival circuit, chalking up Falls and Southbound most recently. “They’ve both been really good festivals, like really well looked after. And we felt we were really well received. We were blown away with the audiences at all three shows,” Nolan says, with his words pretty smartly backed up by the wide-lens photos online depicting crowds that are just seas
of excited eyes and smiles. He is also keen to talk about the other bands they got to see, rating SBTRKT as killer amongst other greats sets from Hot Chip, Beach House and Flume. “I met Coolio actually, [drummer] Nick [Nolan, Sime’s brother] and I got a photo,” he says with a guffaw. Nick’s considerable producing clout was illuminated with a remix of Cherry Lips, part of a collection of four mixes of the track which the band made available on SoundCloud a few weeks ago. Nick’s is a syncopated little pugilist of a version, with dotty synths that complement the quirkiness of singer Sam’s vocals (Sam is also a Nolan, making up the sibling triumvirate). “[Nick is] right into that stuff actually,” says Sime. “He loves hip-hop a lot, but he does a lot of production stuff. He hasn’t really tried to put it out there but I reckon it’s really, really good. I rate it really highly.” The other mixes were proffered by Clubfeet, DCUP and Jad Lee, artists which the band sought out to work with. “We’d previously met Clubfeet at a show one day, and I was really impressed with their songs, so they did one for us,” says Sime. “My favourite was probably Nick’s. He basically produced [the original Cherry Lips], as well. Sam wrote the song really quickly and then
Nick got home one night and did all the drums on Garage Band, and then we just did it in the studio, bit by bit.” Part of Loon Lake’s beach daze appeal is their film clips, which often utilise sweet hand-held footage of the boys knocking around together. “They’re iPhone clips really,” says Nolan. “We try and take heaps of little videos, Sam does [them] on tour, and lots of photos and stuff. Because obviously, you don’t know how long this time will last and [they’re] good memories to have.” One particularly homemade video was the original and unofficial Cherry Lips, which featured a bunch of photos of girls’ pouts and other random stuff accompanied by text reading ‘This is not the real video unless the one we are getting made is shit’, ‘Go out, dance, pick up, eat a souvlaki, dance, dance, dance’ and other sage advice. It’s quite amusing. “Sam did that because we didn’t want to have just a still shot,” Sime laughs. “We didn’t have the actual clip made before [the song] came out... and we wanted to have something on YouTube. Film clips, for me, [are] the hardest part of being in the band. It’s hard work; it’s
hard to get them right, to get everyone to agree.” One thing Loon Lake do all agree on is their plan for the year. After the Cool Summer Festival at Mount Hotham they have a headline show at The Corner, something Sime is super pumped about. “Really good bands are supporting us, both are bands that we all like: Eagle and the Worm and Split Seconds,” he says. “We’re putting a lot of time into it and making sure we’ve got a fair bit of new material to play to the people who turn up! It should be a real good night.” After that, “the main emphasis for the next four, five months is to work on this album”, and with the momentum these dudes have garnered over the last 12 months, it’s sure to be something special.
do have some random auditions but they really do go out and look for something I think,” she says honestly. “Imagine if out of everyone they did audition they didn’t really have anyone who was able to win, they probably wouldn’t have a show,” she laughs and then goes on to clarify. “You still have to go through the audition process, so it’s not just a guaranteed way in, but they offer you to come and audition and they’re saying that they think you might have something.” Loe’s talent is unquestionable and her motivation is unwavering but the one problem she faces is the reality that she exists within the cracks of the Australian music industry. She is neither entirely indie nor plastic commercial. She writes her own music but it’s filled with pop and grit, heart and soul. She’s never been on Neighbours. Despite all of these things, she looks set to overcome these hurdles with ability and will. “It would probably be easier for me if I could label myself as completely commercial or completely indie,” she admits. “There seems to be a divide in Australia within the music industry. If you’re an indie band it seems
to be easier to play in that genre of music because there’s more venues available to you. Then if you’re in the commercial label, there’s complete radio airplay…There’s a lot of stuff on commercial radio that just gets repeated and it comes from the US. I definitely think, though, that there’s a gap in the industry for someone who makes pop music that doesn’t follow a particular formula or trend or something like that. If Australians start to support more artists from Australia within that commercial genre, there would be space in the market. So many other artists just aren’t willing to do it because it is so difficult. Even though what I’m doing is hard, I don’t want to jeopardise my own taste in music or my originality just so I can have a career. I want to do this right for myself and my music.”
sound as well, instead of just saying ‘It should sound like that.’ They’ll actually show you. It just opens up your mind a whole lot more,” she explains. As for her live band, Bruce has enlisted trusted friend Bradley Green to aid in picking out the best musicians for the sound she wants to create. “It’s really hard because a lot of people have got other commitments and things like that,” she says of using uni friends in past setups. “To get everyone to the one place to have a rehearsal, or even just do the gig, is really hard. [Green] plays guitar for Daniel Merriweather, so he’s getting a band together for me which is going to save me a lot of drama! I’ll just rock up to the rehearsals and show them all the songs,” she says cheekily. Bruce will begin the 14-hour drive to Tamworth on Friday, returning to the town whose music college she was granted a place in 2009. “They have probably about 20 people who attend the college for two weeks. They have people like
Kasey Chambers and Adam Harvey and all these really wellknown country artists, or even radio hosts and producers and publishers,” she says. “They come in and they mentor you and they give you advice. It was a great experience. I have many friends [from the college] that I still keep in contact with to this day and they’re doing really well, musically.” Bruce is a study in how to leverage the kinds of excellent opportunities that are offered out there for young and talented musicians, in keeping your head level and in making meaningful connections with those around you who share your passion.
LOON LAKE play the Cool Summer Festival on Sunday February 24 followed by a headline show at The Corner Hotel on Friday March 1.
LAURA LOE
BY KRISSI WEISS
Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Laura Loe is truly eclectic in both art and life. Born in Borneo, her father is Chinese-born Malaysian while her mother is originally from Texas. She is about to release her debut, self-titled EP; an edgy collection of pop-infused songs with the kind of spunk artists like Emeli Sande or Pink manage to bring to an often yawn-worthy genre. Her pipes pack a powerfully, pitch-perfect punch and for now, she’s trudging along the well-worn path of an independent artist. Incidentally, she was a semi-finalist on Australia’s Got Talent 2012 but she looks set to defy Australian talent show folk-lore and actually have a successful career on her own terms. There’s been a few, yes, but not many *cough* Wes Carr, *cough*, Casey who? With two degrees behind her and an enviable level of motivation and drive, Loe is excited to be able to put all of her energy into music at this point in her life. “It was always something that I wanted to do, really, so it’s been great to be able to focus on it for this past year and to get some progress with it as well,” Loe says. “I’ve always wanted to be completely within music and although there are other things I want to pursue in the future, music is the main thing at the moment.” So why Australia’s Got Talent? “I was never really interested in doing a TV show to begin with,” she says. “What actually happened was that I had a YouTube channel that had gotten a significant amount of views and one of the casting agents saw me and asked me to come to an audition. At that point, I had already planned to release an EP, I already had people on board to produce it but I thought it would be a great way to get my name out there so that when the EP came out I’d
be able to get some traction with it,” she says continuing. “If you do become a winner on a show, if you haven’t had any prior experience within the music industry it can be very difficult to be placed in that position. Everyone’s telling you what to do, everyone’s taking control over your career and I can see why many winners don’t have enough experience to be able to keep going with it. Regardless of the fact of whether you have a manager, or a label, you still have to do all the work. Talent isn’t all that’s important about being in this industry. The show and the placing that I got was perfect for me to meet people, get my name out there and access people that I wouldn’t have been able to before.” Maybe it’s a well-known fact, but casting agent? Aren’t those talents shows just awash with hidden and undiscovered talent that wander in off the street with a chest full of glorious melody and an arm full of emotional baggage? At least that’s what the ads say. “I think that, well they definitely
LAURA LOE will be launching her self-titled debut EP with Jake Edgley and Laura K Clarke at The Order Of Melbourne on Tuesday January 29.
JESSICA-JADE
BY ZOË RADAS
Jessica-Jade Bruce’s take on her blooming career is unprocessed, direct and full of appreciation for the people she’s collected into her circle of accomplished buddies. After winning the Maton Talent Search and recording her debut EP in Nashville last year, the 22-year-old with the long brunette locks will be playing a headline show next month before performing a series of gigs for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The guitarist’s bio is written in the first person, and details her love of fellow female country and folk artists as well as her wish to be the best performer that only she herself, uniquely, can be – despite a less than awesome start: “[There were] group [guitar] lessons in school. My teacher turns around like a few weeks in, and [says] ‘Oh look, you’re just too slow for this group, so you can just not play the guitar, you can just sing for the rest of the kids so that they can keep up.’ And I was so shattered! I was like, ‘My teacher says that I’m shit,’” she laughs. Motivation and a genuine enjoyment of the instrument’s possibilities propelled her forward, thankfully. “I taught myself. I went on YouTube, and looked online, and I just played along to songs,” she explains. “It’s something that I enjoy; it’s my way of expressing myself.” Bruce’s voice is rich and sonorous, and she could have chosen any instrument to accompany the innate skills of those pipes. However she bee-lined for the guitar at 15 after witnessing a schoolmate perform, and declared her intent to her family. “I went home that day and said to my dad, ‘Uh, I really want to learn the guitar. Like, I want to be a rockstar’,” she laughs. “We went Beat Magazine Page 42
out the next day. I got all my savings that I had in my little moneybox and went and bought my first electric guitar.” It was also during high school that Bruce had her first contact with Sydney producer Matthew Fell, who, along with Nashville-based but Australian-born Sam Hawksley, would end up creating Bruce’s EP The Steps We Took. “He contacted me,” she says, “but I was doing high school, I had no money. So I was like, ‘No, I can’t afford to do any recording this year, or at the moment, but hit me up in a few years time and I’ll definitely be keen.’ So when I really wanted to get something out I contacted him and he was like ‘Look, we’re doing this deal where we’re taking a few artists over to Nashville to record with the musos over there, and we’re splitting the costs’,” she says. Fell and Hawksley are talented musicians in their own right, and Bruce speaks warmly of their participation in creating her record. Stand out track Next Time contains a subtle slide guitar, played by Hawksley, and Fell contributed bass and backing vocals among other parts. “It’s really handy because they can actually put their creativity and their ideas into the
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JESSICA-JADE plays various dates at the Tamworth Country Music Festival from Friday January 18 - Sunday January 27, and Revolver Bandroom on Thursday February 14.
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Beat Magazine Page 43
THE DESCENDENTS
BY PATRICK EMERY
When The Descendents’ iconic lead singer Milo Aukerman decided to take leave from the band for the second time in 1985 to indulge his interest in biochemistry, drummer Bill Stevenson decided to recalibrate the rump of The Descendents into All. It was a band name that reflected the philosophy with which Stevenson and Aukerman had carried into The Descendents. “At its simple best, ‘all’ is the total extent, the utmost possible,” Stevenson says. “You end up with the idea of never settling for what’s okay. You can see ‘all’ as a corrupt concept because you can see it as greed. But greed assumes scarcity, whereas ‘all’ comes from the perspective of abundance,” Stevenson says. In 1978, Stevenson had joined guitarist Frank Navetta and bass player Tony Lombardo to form the first incarnation of The Descendents. “At that point we had maybe ten songs, some of which ended up featuring on Milo Goes to College,” Stevenson says. “We started out with this mid-‘60s r’n’b hybrid with a Ramones influence, and a bit of a surf influence.” Like many of its contemporaries, The Descendents were blessed with a level of enthusiasm that was inversely proportional to the band members’ musical competence. “We made it up as we went along,” Stevenson admits. “And we also had to learn to play our instruments!” In 1981, The Descendents recruited Milo Aukerman to take on lead vocal duties; within in a short period, Aukerman’s distinctive bespectacled appearance and excited vocal delivery would come to define much of the band’s aesthetic. With the self-aggrandising assistance of local scenesters like Rodney Bingenhemier and Kim Fowler, and the catalytic assistance of The Ramones, the Los Angeles punk rock scene was slowly but surely bubbling to the surface. While bands such as The Gun Club and The Germs walked the precipice of punk rock danger (The Germs’ troubled lead singer Darby Crash would die of a heroin overdose in 1980 in a bizarre
suicide pact with his girlfriend, while The Gun Club’s Jeffrey Lee Pierce spent much of his life in a drug-induced haze), The Descendents were as straight as their music was fast. “We only knew our own way,” Stevenson says. “We were still living at our parents’ houses. We didn’t want to be part of the heroin scene, so we didn’t do any of that.” Notwithstanding musical and lifestyle differences, Stevenson acknowledges that there was a community of punk rock musicians in Los Angeles at the time. “The thing that I cherish the most about that time was that there was a lack of a common musical philosophy,” Stevenson says. “While we all turned up to the venues wanting to hear music, we weren’t playing the same riffs or songs. There were as many different styles as there were stars in the sky.” The Descendents’ 1982 album, Milo Goes to College, captured the zeitgeist of LA skate punk. With 15 songs crammed into 22 minutes, the album became an instant classic, its themes of teenage nihilism reflecting the faux philosophical concerns of a generation of disaffected teenagers – not to mention providing the foundation for the LA skate-punk sound. (About five years later, Christian Slater would use the 30-second drivethrough takeaway
food frenzy Weiner Schnitzel as the catalyst for teenage insubordination in the 1987 film Pump Up the Volume.) The title of the record was far from ironic – shortly after the album was released, Aukerman left the band to study biochemistry, an academic passion that he has continued to pursue (Aukerman went on to become a member of the highly selective club of punk rock musicians with a PhD). The Descendents continued on briefly without Aukerman, before the band was placed on ice while Stevenson took up drumming duties with fellow LA punk rock band Black Flag. In 1985, Aukerman rejoined The Descendents to record the band’s second album I Don’t Want to Grow Up. Shortly after, Aukerman returned to his studies, thereby setting the pattern for The Descendents’ sporadic reformation and recording schedule over the next 20 years. New albums followed in 1995 (Everything Sucks) and 2002 (Cool to Be You), with the band’s tours crammed in between Aukerman’s academic commitments. When Stevenson was diagnosed with a brain tumour a few years ago – a serious, life threatening condition that was complemented by the onset of diabetes, and complicated further by Stevenson’s increasing obesity – Stevenson was forced to dig deep to overcome his significant health problems. While it might be assumed that his personal
philosophy would have provided him with the inner strength to recover, Stevenson prefers to pay tribute to his medical advisors. “My health problems were overcome by a combination of good luck and excellent doctors,” Stevenson says. “I had one doctor who shepherded me through, and another who was a brain surgeon who sawed my head open twice to remove the tumour.” With his health now restored, and his weight now back to more acceptable levels, Stevenson is almost glowing. “I’m 49, and I haven’t felt this good since the late ‘70s,” Stevenson says. Stevenson is equally philosophical about the current state of music. “I think we go through waves all the time,” Stevenson says. “Music is like a river – it goes through turns, and there are little pools where music builds up. To assess music by decades is too obtuse – it’s better to do it by month, or even by day. When people say music was better back in the day, then they’re saying that they’re old, not that the music is no good anymore. Only boring people get bored.”
because it gives the lyrics and the melody a lot of focus. Some of the songs have stayed like that, they’re more stripped back - more than some of the tracks on The Big Roar. But some of the other songs have turned into more bombastic, aggressive tracks as well. They’re different records, but I would hope to be saying that! I think something would have gone drastically wrong if we churned out the same record!” she concludes. Another, sad event in Ritzy’s life also helped to shape the way the album sounds. “I lost my grandfather just before we went into the studio to record this album,” she reveals, “so I had this massive nostalgic trip, I went back to all his favourite records almost. A lot of barber shop, a lot of Al Johnson, Perry Como, Frank Churchill.” The band have already done a brief tour of Australia back in 2011, and while they have heavy commitments across the UK and Europe in the coming few months, Ritzy has great memories of that tour, and is hopeful and confident that they will return to our shores in the not too distant future.
“I sincerely hope so,” she says, “we had a really, really good time last time. We genuinely have so many happy memories from that. We did some shows of our own, and we were out with Temper Trap who are a great, sweet bunch of guys, and we went up to do Splendour. We just had that really fun, really busy but exciting couple of weeks. We’ve wanted to repeat it for so long, but just logistically we haven’t managed to. I sincerely hope that this [Northern] summer we manage a trip back - we definitely want to. “I think, in terms of the dates, we’re looking at coming back early our summer, your winter, so we need to try and figure that out at some point and come for your summer. It’s not like us Welshies get a lot of sun!” she laughs. “We could definitely do with some extra help when it comes to sunshine. So we’ll definitely have to try and factor in an Australian summer tour at some point.”
“Because it is stupidly far away!” he states emphatically. “Most bands film their live DVDs really close to home, but we thought, ‘Fuck it, lets do it somewhere different’. Expect lots of footage of us vomiting inside aeroplanes, vomiting in hotel lobbies, vomiting on stage, and falling asleep.” So Aussie Alestorm fans had better have plenty of ale and mead, and go off their nuts for the camera, or the band will hang you from the ‘yard arm’. It’s a frenetic tour, with virtually no days off, and the band are unlikely to be able to relax or drink in the summer sights, sounds and smells of Australia while they are here. And the rest of the year looks very busy for them as well. They head straight to Germany for another big tour, and a first for them, and then to even further flung places. “I’d love to have a few more days off, but time is money unfortunately,” he laments. “We couldn’t really afford to do nothing for a day in the middle of the tour, what with the cost of crew and gear and hotels. But hopefully we’ll get a couple of hours to sit on the beach.
“Aye, it’s gonna be great!” he enthuses regarding the German tour. “First headlining tour of Europe, and about time too. Germany ain’t gonna know what hit it. After that, we’ve just announced a tour of Latin America for early April, which is rad because it’s a part of the world we’ve barely touched on. After that, it’s the usual summer festivals, then maybe we’ll head back to the USA. Depends if they still want us!” At some stage, the band even plan to squeeze in beginning work on their next album. Chris believes there’s plenty of juice left in the band’s pirate metal tank. “I think when the stress of this DVD is out of the way, I’m gonna start writing album number four. Expect surf rock anthems and blastbeats. I’ve got enough crappy pirate music left in my head for this to go on forever!” he laughs.
THE DESCENDENTS play Festival Hall on Saturday February 9. Support comes from Bouncing Souls, Frenzal Rhomb and Bodyjar.
THE JOY FORMIDABLE
BY ROD WHITFIELD
A band that has been making considerable waves around the world in the past few years is Welsh alternative rock act The Joy Formidable. Early 2011 saw the release of their debut album, the aptly titled The Big Roar, which charted across the globe and received a very positive reception from fans and critics alike. They are a band with a big sound and some big ideas and ambitions, and those waves could be about to become tsunami size with the imminent release of their sophomore album, Wolf’s Law. The band were on a promotional tour of the States when they called in for a chat about the new album and their future plans, and feisty lead vocalist and guitarist Ritzy Bryan was in high spirits, despite the cold in Boston. “It’s fookin’ freezin’ here!” she informs us, in her strong Welsh lilt. “I bet it’s hot where you are, go on, rub it in!” she laughs. “Go on, what temperature is it where you are?” she inquires. Little did she know that we are suffering in record temperatures and there were bushfires running wild all over the nation as we spoke. “Oh man, I’m sorry to hear that,” she sympathises, “maybe cool is best!” The new album has come up an absolute treat - big, bold and powerful, but highly varied at the same time. It was apparently a five-to-six month writing and recording process, and was generally a happy, smooth and energising experience for all involved. And what’s more, they got to work with one of the most legendary producers in music history, and Ritzy’s passion for the project was flowing out of her. “From the very beginnings of its conception in November 2011, right the way through to mixing in April, it was totally exciting, and it fired up a lot of energy. I had a great time making that record,” she enthuses. “We had a great time
working with Andy Wallace, I think he’s one of the finest collaborations we’ve ever had in our careers. We absolutely loved meeting him and working with him. He’s ridiculously talented and really nice. So it’s been a real pleasure. Now we’re just fookin’ excited to share the new songs, it sounds great live, the songs are becoming their own live beast” And so how would you compare the album to the debut? “They’re different records,” she states. “We’re proud of both, but I think this record definitely has different instrumentation to the first record. Over the course of 12 months we started playing more piano. You have to pass the time in the [tour] bus somehow, so I’ve been doing a lot of scoring, and different types of composition. And that definitely seeps into the new record. “The writing approach was quite different as well,” she continues, “in the sense that on this record we stripped everything back to a piano or an acoustic guitar, and that was kind of an exciting new approach to the songwriting,
THE JOY FORMIDABLE’s new album Wolf’s Law will be released on Friday January 18.
ALESTORM
BY ROD WHITFIELD
Make no mistake, despite the in your face pirate orientated vibe of this band’s lyrics, music and image, they are actually just four drunken metalheads from L.A, which is actually about as ‘pirate’ as Melbourne. But that’s okay, they are simply playing a role that their many fans across the planet absolute love and find very entertaining. They are very happy to play up to the image, as Aussie fans will see very shortly when they hoist anchor and set sail for these land lubbin’ shores. The band’s vocalist Christopher Bowes, in true tongue-incheek style, says that he and the band have some mixed feelings about their upcoming Australian voyage (me hearties!). “Partly excited, partly terrified,” he reveals. “Being the Northern European barbarians that we are, any temperature above about 15 degrees kills us and makes our skin turn bright red. I don’t plan on going outside at all, what with this ridiculous heatwave you’ve got on.” Of course, if you press hard enough, the truth comes out: “(mocks cough awkwardly) Oh yes, L.A. That’s where we’re from. We all live in pimp mansions in the Hollywood hills. We can cope with anything,” he laughs. This will not be the band’s first appearance in Australia, and he also has some fairly mixed memories of previous jaunts Down Under. “Extreme tiredness, extreme drunkenness – basically nonstop partying for the entire week,” he recalls. “I don’t think we’ll be drunkenly racing baggage trolleys down the hills Beat Magazine Page 44
of Brisbane at 3am this time round; our drummer Pete suffered a broken foot after doing that the last time we came. But it was all worth it!” It has been around two years since Alestorm plundered our shores, and so for the punters who have never had the pleasure of catching these high sea bandits in concert before, you can apparently expect a rollicking, barnstorming good time, but one that could possibly be injurious to your person. “Sexually transmitted diseases, liver failure, broken limbs,” he says, when asked what we can expect from an Alestorm show, “and a damn good time! It’s just a big stupid party pretending to be a metal gig.” The other surprise that the band have in store for the scurvy dogs from Down Under is that they are bringing a film crew and shooting their first ever live DVD in this country. It seems strange to drag a crew all the way out here when they could more easily and cheaply do it in the States, but Chris tells us that this is the very reason they chose to do it here.
DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION
ALESTORM’s ship pulls in to dock at The Hi-Fi on Friday January 18.
CORE
CORE GIG GUIDE
PUNK, SKA, HARDCORE
Wednesday January 16: Weezer, Cloud Control, Ball Park Music at Sidney Myer Music Bowl
NEWS, REVIEWS AND GOSSIP BY EMILY KELLY: EK1984@GMAIL.COM
Thursday January 17: Weezer, Cloud Control, Ball Park Music at The Palais Theatre Right Mind, Summer Blood, Feverteeth, High Tide at The Reverence Home Invaders, Freddy Fudpucker, Freak Magnet at The Bendigo
While She Sleeps DESCENDENTS
Silverstein have announced that they’ll be in our country shortly after the release of their seventh album This Is How The Wind Shifts which is released on February 8 via Roadrunner. You can see Silverstein play at The Corner Hotel on April 18 with special guests Issues. Tickets are on sale now. The Australia Day celebrations at The Reverence have added Outright, Anchors, Little Shadow, Ride The Tiger and Army of Champions to their Saturday lineup and Darren Gibson and The Union Pacific to the Sunday lineup. Tickets are still available.
CRUNCH!
More Soundwave sidewaves were announced last week. This February if you missed out on tickets to the Melbourne festival you can also see Of Mice & Men with Chelsea Grin and While She Sleeps at The HiFi on February 26. And finally, pencil in a Motion City Soundtrack headlining show with support from The Early November and Deaf Havana. For Today’s guitarist Mike Reynolds has left the band after his wildly unpopular Twitter rant last week which saw him quite dutifully inform fans that homosexuality is a sin. Safe to say the band is pretty cooked now, even after Reynolds was hastily replaced with long-time friend Sam Penner (from In The Midst Of Lions).
METAL, HEAVY ROCK, CLASSIC ROCK LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL GOOD SHIT WITH PETER HODGSON: CRUNCHCOLUMN@GMAIL.COM
SABBATH & BOWIE DROP NEWSBOMBS It’s been quite the week for the sudden revelation of super well-kept secrets. First David Bowie announced his first album in ten years, The Next Day, which will be released in March. Bowie was widely believed to have completely retired from music, so nobody expected this at all. Turns out he had been working on the project in secret with producer Tony Visconti, who name checks previous albums Scary Monsters and Heathen as hints of where the material leans. Then on the weekend Black Sabbath announced that the drummer on their forthcoming album 13 is Rage Against The Machine/Audioslave’s, Brad Wilk. Wilk takes the place of Bill Ward, who is sitting out the reunion on grounds of a contract dispute. Some fans are all, “Dude, if Bill’s not involved then I’m not listening,” but as someone who digs Sabbath’s Tony Martin-era albums (most of which included only one original member, Tony Iommi), the thought of three original Sabbath members playing together on an album and onstage is pure luxury.
OFF! will return to our fine city next week and they’ve just announced that Bloody Hammer and Bat Piss will lend local support for the show at The Corner Hotel on Wednesday January 23.
The Smith Street Band – not content with a 14 date national tour - decided to add a couple more shows to their already massive run this summer. Geelong will now get their own gig on Sunday March 3 at The Barwon Club with The Bennies, Japan For and Nathan Seeckts.
ORANGE GOBLIN JOINS KYUSS LIVES! BILL
The mighty Orange Goblin have joined the Kyuss Lives!/Red Fang road show, which hits The Palace on Tuesday February 26. Orange Goblin have been a fixture on the world metal circuit for the past 17 years and are currently working A Eulogy For The Damned, their seventh and some say best studio album. Tickets are on sale now.
Lost Prophets singer Ian Watkins was denied bail and made a court appearance in Wales last week after being charged with underage sex offences. Lost Prophets have been totally quiet across all social media fronts since Watkins’ initial arrest in December.
Friday January 18: Twelve Foot Ninja, Circles at The Corner Hotel The Bennies, The Gun Runners, Kill The Matador, Foxtrot, Kings Cup at Gertrude’s Brown Couch Vic Roller Derby Fundraiser featuring The Ramshackle Army at Revolver Upstairs Deez Nuts, Comeback Kid, First Blood, The Bride, Hand Of Mercy, Free World at Ringwood Community Center Northlane, In Hearts Wake, Endless Heights at Neil Wilson Pavilion, Wodonga Alestorm, Barbarion, Orpheus at The HiFi Bar Saturday January 19: Rise Of The Rat, Tearaways, Son Of Set, Road Ratz at The Reverence Wil Wagner, Lincoln LeFevre, Isaac Graham, Ben David, Lucy Wilson at The Reverence Hotel Deez Nuts, Comeback Kid, First Blood, The Bride, Hand Of Mercy, Trainwreck at The Corner Hotel Northlane, In Hearts Wake, Endless Heights at Mechanics Institute, Ballarat Twelve Foot Ninja, Circles, The Diecasts, Jekhyl at Ferntree Gully Hotel The Snowdroppers at The Espy Electric Dynamite, Dead City Ruins, Taberah, Rocket Queen at The Bendigo Sunday January 20: A Place To Bury Strangers at The Corner Hotel Monday January 21: Austin Lucas, Jamie Hay, PJ Bond, Lucy Wilson at The Public Bar Northlane, In Hearts Wake, Endless Heights at Kulcha Shift, Warnambool Tuesday January 22: Against Me!, The Smith Street Band, Fear Like Us at The HiFi Bar Death Grips at Ding Dong
CIRCADIAN PULSE RELEASE DEBUT
Check out Circadian Pulse’s debut EP, In The Blink Of An Eye. You can listen to a couple minutes of a teaser on Soundcloud, download it via Bandcamp or purchase a physical copy (Australia only). The material sounds great - driving progressive metal with epic melodies and great musicianship. They list their influences as Dream Theater, Fate’s Warning, Queensryche and Symphony X, so if you’re a fan of those bands, you’ll be a fan of this one! Check them out at circadianpulse.com
FLOGGING ANNOUNCED
MOLLY
SIDEWAVE
Flogging Molly, The Lawrence Arms and Lucero will play a couple of sidewaves during Soundwave season, including one at The Palace on Wednesday February 27. Tickets go on sale Friday January 18 at 9am.
ANTHRAX DRAFTS SHADOWS FALL GUITARIST
Huh. Despite former guitarist Dan Spitz seeming to enthusiastically campaign for his old job back on Twitter, Anthrax has enlisted Shadows Fall guitarist Jon Donais to fill in for a departed Rob Caggiano. Donais will be on board when Anthrax play Soundwave.
STEEL PANTHER RETURN TO THE STUDIO
Steel Panther have begun working on their third album (technically their fourth, if you count Hole Patrol which was recorded under the name Metal Shop). I’m going to see them next week in LA - just braggin’.
RETURN OF THE SOUNDIES
The Soundies - the Soundwave Promo Music Video Awards - returns in 2013. Soundwave artists have created some of the best videos to promote their appearances on the Festival; re-creations of famous movies, dodgy acting, hilarious stories… the bands have spared no expense and time in creating these brilliant videos! Shaun James of Foxtel Music Channels, says “We love big innovative ideas. We’re delighted to again partner with Soundwave in 2013 and to bring Australia the next instalment of ‘The Soundies’. The award offers artists the chance to further showcase their creativity and talent and we know that the videos that roll in will be phenomenal!” Channel [V] is presenting the awards, with the winning band getting presented with the award in Sydney. Voting will begin on Monday January 21 via vmusic.com.au.
VOYAGER SCORE RAGE HONOUR
Congratulations to Aussie prog legends Voyager, who came in at #26 on Rage’s Annual Top 50 with the video for The Meaning Of I.
HYPOCRISY TOUR CANCELLED
Hypocrisy was cancelled last week at pretty much the last minute, with the band issuing the following statement: “Hey to all our Australian fans, it’s with sad, angry and pissed mind that I’m trying to find words to write this. Oceanic Sharks Booking Agency Sydney, Australia hasn’t yet provided us with flights or working visa for this tour and we’re forced to leave next Monday January 14. We have asked time after time after time, and even put up a deadline to deliver that, but he has failed to do so for three months now. I can only hope you get your money back for the tickets you bought, and that a real booker from Australia will invite us soon so we can finally go to your country. Not really a good start of a new year. Hope to see you soon!” Oh well, at least we have their new album End Of Disclosure coming out in March. CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU
Beat Magazine Page 45
MUSIC NEWS
YOUR COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL GUIDE
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JUDGE PINO AND THE RULING MOTIONS
THE WHORLS Get ready for a journey across the live music spectrum. This Saturday at The Penny Black catch two very different sides of the musical coin when The Whorls and Bloodhound take to the stage. Rising rapidly through the Melbourne music scene, The Whorls headline with their splendid blend of raunchy, driving rock ‘n’ roll. The dynamic three-piece will be playing their customarily ragged, high-energy tunes and some striking new material. Their one-hour set provides a gritty, groovy soundtrack for a great night out. Making up the more downbeat half of this unique lineup, fellow Melbourne group Bloodhound opens the evening with singularly powerful songs that will both transfix and move you. Singer Laurence Szucs’ remarkable songwriting reveals a depth of talent and imagery you have to hear to believe. This brilliant line-up is playing free of charge at arguably Brunswick’s best live venue. No excuses. Get on down, Saturday January 19 at 9pm.
With the recent resurgence in Lover’s Rock, you gotta come see Melbourne’s answer to it: Judge Pino & The Ruling Motions! A Bar Open staple for a long time now, these guys are shit hot. Hit sessions for the people. Soaring high to fly and reaching deep bottom ends, Judge Pino & The Ruling Motions are here to stay. Bringing you the digs from vintage Jamaican sounds of the 1970s, rocking out Dancehall, Lover's Rock, Reggae Rockers hits with bonus live Dubs and mad improvisations, these men are here to move you and groove you. Get out to your classic Fitzroy live music local, to get down with the JUDGE sound, Saturday January 19. Doors 10pm. Free entry.
How many artists have truly released a song for the people? Dylan? Yeah. Lennon? Sure. Psy? Gangnam Style, really? Piss off. Well, I Am Duckeye are releasing ‘The People's Song’ of 2013. A little infectious masterpiece/ tour de force entitled Punching Dicks (or for the European markets, Punchen Dix): a song of uniting equality through crippling humiliation and unequivocal retribution. Never before has a song both spoken so broadly for the working class and idle hands of the bored inbred upper class alike. I Am Duckeye proudly presents the single/DVD launch of Punching Dicks at The Gasometer Hotel on Saturday January 19. Be there to pay $15 entry, or presale via Oztix. com.au, and bask in all their heavenly glory.
GHETTO PUSSY Gutter-mouthed digital punks Ghetto Pussy will be flashing their collective gash at The Tote on Thursday January 24 in support of Euro-trash icons Chicks On Speed (Germany). Punters lucky enough to catch Ghetto’s set during their last visit to Melbourne are still scrubbing themselves, downstairs, with Ajax. Get ya pre-sales via thetotehotel. oztix.com.au.
LACHLAN BRYAN
FEVERTEETH
The Wildes frontman Lachlan Bryan spent 2012 playing major festivals, supporting the likes of Steve Earle and John Hiatt and touring the USA. He’s written a pack of new songs, and will debut them, along with a selection of outlaw country classics, each Wednesday in January (apart from the January 23) in the Retreat Hotel front bar – with help from a different special guest each week (including Sean McMahon, Bill Jackson, Ange Boxall and Tobias Hengeveld). They’ll be taking requests. Free entry!
Melbourne’s newest hesh lords Feverteeth are playing this Thursday January 17 at The Reverence Hotel. Joining them are old school hardcore outfit Right Mind, tropical party rockers Summerblood and pop punkers High Tide. All that for only $5. Show starts at 8.
PUBLIC BAR WEDNESDAY Things are heating up at Public Bar this Wednesday January 16 with Max Savage, Leon Thomas and Cisco Rose set to burn up the stage. Doors at 8pm. Free entry!
TOM BUDGE After roaming the corners of the Earth for two years, Tom Budge returns to The Great Britain Hotel in Richmond to play solo for another special night. If you enjoy lyric-driven Australian folk music with a darkly humorous bent, this is sure to please. Live performances are rare so don't miss out, it could be another two years. He will be gracing the stage Sunday January 20 at 7.30pm. It would be both foolish and unwise to miss this one. Free entry.
FREDDY FUDD PUCKER Freddy Fudd Pucker shakes off the seemingly inevitable Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to play a fast brand of folk/ thrash this Thursday January 17 at The Bendigo Hotel. Shows are high-energy, chaotic and at times funny. The border between performer and audience blur making every show memorable. Freddy Fudd Pucker is a genuinely unique act not to be missed. No gimmicks, no bullshit. Joining Fudd Pucker are garage-grunge duo Freak Magnet, and brand spanking new act Home Invaders.
Beat Magazine Page 46
I AM DUCKEYE
BLOOD SWEAR AND BEERS Blood Sweat and Beers has always been about supporting Australian music; whether it be punk, metal, country, or anything else showcasing real musical spirit. Glory Days aims to showcase the best and brightest singer songwriters that Australia has to offer, in an environment that they can collaborate with other artists. Call it a Revival Tour rip-off, call it whatever you like; head down and enjoy the best of Australian music from Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band, Melbourne), Lincoln LeFevre (Hobart), Isaac Graham (Sydney), Ben David (Adelaide) and local support Lucy Wilson. All this is happening in The Reverence Hotel band room on Saturday January 19. Get down early as this is bound to sell out. 8pm, $12.
OLD BAR SATURDAYS Saturdays at The Old Bar are heating up with a lineup sure to make you weep with admiration. Catch Bone, Batpiss, Gentlemen and Human Grooming, followed by DJ Kezbot spinning you into the wee hours of the morning. Saturday January 19. Be there or be triangle! Doors at 8:30pm. Tickets $10.
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AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE REVERENCE For a few years, the Australian punk rock community has gotten behind a sure-fire goodvibes Australia Day event to raise money for three very worthy causes. In 2013 it will spread across both days of the Australia Day weekend and move to Melbourne’s new favourite watering hole – The Reverence Hotel. Deathproof PR is proud to announce the second installment of bands: Saturday January 26 features Outright, Anchors, Little Shadow (QLD), Ride The Tiger (TAS), Army Of Champions (QLD), and Sunday January 27 lends the stage to Darren Gibson and The Union Pacific. All proceeds for the Australia Day Weekend at The Reverence will go to The Refugee Council, Oxfam and The River Nile Project. In other words, your hard earned cash will benefit three amazing organisations, more than deserving of your support. Tickets on sale now with a limited amount of two-day passes are available at inkandlead.bigcartel.com for only $25 buckeroos.
RISE OF THE RAT Get a Rise at The Rev! Get ready for some harmonised guitars and social commentary delivered with flair and ferociousness. It's been a long time coming, but Rise Of The Rat (ex-HBlock101/Dead Things) will finally launch their debut album Grim Industry in the front room of The Reverence Hotel in Footscray on Saturday January 19. This will be a show not to be missed. Why? Because joining them on the night will be The Tearaways and The Road Ratz. Kicks off at 8pm for a measly $10.
ELECTRIK DYNAMITE There once was a time where 'heavy metal' was not about how low your tuning was, how brutal your vocals were or how much double kick action the drummer could belt out. Once upon a time, heavy metal encompassed more - the passion, the conviction, belief in the god of metal... oh, and the hair! That time was the '80s. Six souls were born from the wombs of '80s heavy metal, these six souls are Electrik Dynamite! They are aching to play their first show of 2013 this Friday night at the Bendigo! With a smoking support cast including the awesome Dead City Ruins, all the way from Tassie , Taberah and locals Rocket Queen!
LIVINGSTONE DAISIES What happens when two of Australia’s best songwriters team up through their mutual love of Scotland’s Teenage Fanclub to create sun-drenched harmonised guitar pop? Liz Stringer and Van Walker, along with Cal Walker and Michael Barclay, join forces to form The Livingstone Daisies, a band of four incredible voices, harmonising and rocking out in equal measure. The Daisies are launching their debut album, Don’t Know What Happiness Is, on Friday February 22 at The Northcote Social Club and will be available on deluxe vinyl, CD and digital download. Joining them on the night will be Sydney alternative icons The Aerial Maps.
UNION ROYALE Union Royale is the coming together of three tried-andtested road soul dogs opening the songbook and taking a reckless spin. This surely can't be a bad thing when combining Shane Reilly (Tex Perkins, Blue Sun) on pedal steel and vocals, Simon Burke (Mia Dyson, Something For Kate) on keys, and Toby Lang (ex-Audreys, Kate Nash) on drums. Expect to hear Buck Owens to Bowie – drenched in pedal steel of course. These intimate Sunday sessions are free for one and all at The Spotted Mallard from 4pm.
ZELUS Zelus is a new jazz trio from inner city Melbourne made up of Earl Armstrong (electric guitar), Sean Connolly (bass) and Michael Julian (drums) who enjoy sharing their musical passion with their audiences through their diverse repertoire. Their original compositions draw from many influences such as jazz, funk, blues and Latin with a strong improvised spirit. Zelus also feature a fresh perspective on classic and modern Jazz standards and Blues tunes. Zelus perform a free show at The Spotted Mallard on Wednesday January 16 from 8pm.
PUBLIC BAR THURSDAY Public Bar are offering a tantalising bill this Thursday January 17 with acts including The Laughing Leaves, The Attics (who are launching their EP) and Contrast. Doors at 8:30pm. Tickets $8.
EL MOTH With the nights finally warming up and those sweet summer vibes rolling our way, El Moth are stoked to announce that they'll be playing the infamous Evelyn Hotel every Tuesday night in January and February. Expect some guest musicians and epic jams, and of course the mood-elevating blend of reggae, funk, rock and hip-hop that the lads are known for. What better way to celebrate the summer than to have a kick arse two month party at the Evelyn? No better way, I hear you say. Good. Tuesday nights will feature a booty-shakin' set from drunken-reggae-funky-punksters El Moth with great support acts Band Of Frequencies, Lee Rosser and Tim O’Connor. 8.30pm.
LARRY MALUMA After 28 years in Australia, ten albums, sixteen music video clips under his belt and being honoured in new book Zambian Music Legends, African roots reggae artist Larry Maluma will celebrate his tenth studio album release BAKAINDI (Ancestors) with one of his rare performances at The Thornbury Theatre in Thornbury on Saturday February 23. Celebrating his tenth album, he’ll be joined on stage by his band, The Roots & Herbs, who specialize in African roots reggae, plus other special guests. Tickets $15+bf from oztix.com. au, or $20 on the door.
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. Catch him every Wednesday in the bandroom from 8pm.
FIGHT THE AVALANCHE From grave to stage! Celebrate your survival at this post apocalyptic show at The Tote on Thursday January 17. A brutal line up consisting of Fight The Avalanche, Oedipus Rex, Harbour The Hostage and Blood Line will be showing you what it means to be alive, with heavy and hard-hitting tracks they were prepared to take to their graves. Doors at 8.30pm, $10 entry.
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 disco-pop machine that is 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. Vaudeville Smash and Sex On Toast go head-to-head Mondays in January at The Evelyn Hotel from 8.30pm with support from Flounder.
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QUARRY MOUNTAIN DEAD RATS Taking it back to a simpler time where the pickin’ was fast and the banjo was king, The Quarry Mountain Dead Rats hail from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. They bring their raw and gritty version of bluegrass kicking and hollering to The Spotted Mallard on Friday January 18. They establish an 'old mate' affinity with their audiences while delivering a kick-you-inthe-face live show, setting the tone for a sing-along, drink-along, foot-stomping good time. Support from Eaten By Dogs. 8pm, $15 entry.
BARLEYCORN HOTEL RE-OPENING After a brief hiatus and a changing of the guard, the long respected Barleycorn Hotel re-opens it's doors to rock'n'roll once again. Returning with it is the first punk show of 2013; catch Strawberry Fist Cake, The Murderballs, Admiral Ackbars Dishonourable Discharge, No Ones Home and Anarchy In The Ukelele as they dirty up the place once again with brute power. However, this isn't just your standard run of the mill punk show, punters will also be the first to witness snippets and trailers from the forthcoming Australia independent film SADO and the launch of Strawberry Fist Cakes new video clip taken from the movie. The whole shebang goes down this Saturday January 19 and it's all absolutely free.
VICTORIAN ROLLER DERBY LEAGUE FUNDRAISER Australian Celtic rockers The Ramshackle Army, Melbourne country rock band City Vs Country, and alt-country star Andrew Swift have been enlisted as musical support for the Victorian Roller Derby League Fundraiser at Revolver Bandroom on Friday January 18. After their first trip to the USA, the Victorian Roller Derby League Allstars went from being an unranked team to the 11th in their region. To keep competing and taking Australian roller derby to the next level in the world league, The Allstars need to get back to the USA. The VRDL is a completely grass roots not-for-profit organisation that needs your support to keep The Allstars a prominent global player, so they’re throwing a fundraiser party to celebrate the massive year they’ve had and to raise funds for a huge 2013. Keep an eye out for the Allstars themselves skating around all night and get in early for prizes and give aways. Presales $15+bf on sale from moshtix.com.au, or $18 on the door from 8.30pm.
THE MOLTING VULTURES + THE REPROBETTES Adelaide garage merchants, The Molting Vultures are heading across the border once again for three shows across Melbourne in January 2013. The MV’s play their own brand of '60s inspired surf garage, with plenty of fuzz guitar, swirling organ and Theremin thrown in for good measure. Hot on the heels of their fourth release Get On Board (Off The Hip Records), they hook up at The Great Britain Hotel on Saturday January 19 with local garage band The Reprobettes, bringing their all-girl garage growlers to the delight of the masses. 9pm, free entry.
CHRIS WILSON Chris Wilson has been an essential part of the blues and rock music scene in Australia since taking the stage with The Sole Twisters over twenty years ago. Stints with Harum Scarum, Paul Kelly and The Coloured Girls followed, and by the end of the '80s Chris was renowned as one of our finest vocalists, harmonica players and songwriters. A master of his craft, Chris’ voice, presence and talent are as big as the country he inhabits. Catch the man himself this Saturday January 19 at 9pm at The Drunken Poet.
Hobsons Bay City Council presents
summer sounds 2013
Sunday, 20th January, from 2.00pm Mark Seymour and band with special guest Laura Lethlean Logan Reserve, Pier Street, Altona
Sunday, 27th January, from 2.00pm Mia Dyson with special guest Hayden Calnin The Rotunda, Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown
Sunday, 3rd February, from 2.00pm The Kutcha Edwards Band
with special guests Sherry Rich and the New Folk Heroes
The Rotunda, Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown
ALL CONCERTS ARE FREE TO ATTEND For further information contact the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre on 9932 4310 or visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU
Beat Magazine Page 47
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BACKWOOD CREATURES Backwood Creatures are Jeb Cardwell, Grant Cummerford and Tim Burnham. With a thunderous rhythm section accompanied by ripping guitar riffs and searing vocals you’ll be in psychedelic- swamp, blues, rock heaven! Catch Backwood Creatures this Friday January 18 at The Retreat Hotel from 11pm, following the awesome Matty Green Band, 9:30pm. Free entry. Open till 3am with DJ Adalita.
KYNETON MUSIC FESTIVAL Ready for one jam packed weekend? Kyneton Music Festival will turn its town’s historic buildings, bluestone churches, old watering holes, art galleries and cafés into live music venues. With over 40 bands, including Mick Thomas, Stonefield, Ramblin Van Walker Band, Major Chord, Perch Creek Family Jugband, Cherrywood, The Dead Salesmen Duo, The Resignators, Nigel Wearne and the beard & stash comp, Beardfest, they will take the stage from Friday March 1 till Sunday March 3. Weekend pass is $45. For more info head to kynetonmusicfestival.com.au
MOTION PICTURES Motion Pictures is an eclectic five-piece band set to play every Wednesday at The Evelyn Hotel this January. Together they create vivid stories and picturesque soundscapes, infusing colourful vocal harmonies with catchy riffs whilst soulful lyrics touch the core and fill you with a sense of nostalgia. Support on the night comes from Andalucia and Jack Griffin. Catch them this week on Wednesday January 16 from 8.30pm.
SULTAN Sultan is the coming together of some of Melbourne's top performers of Middle Eastern music. The band is made up of traditional and non-traditional instruments and explores the ancient sounds of Anatolia and The Old World. Their performance is truly a journey from the shores of the Black Sea to the Arabic peninsular and North Africa. The music conjures the desert winds and the smell of spices and can be accompanied by either traditional dancers or exotic belly dancers. Instrumentation: Baglama, Bozouki, Bendir, Darbuka, Davul, Req, Ney, Guitar and Saxophone. Catch Sultan when they play the Retreat Hotel beer garden this Sunday January 20 from 4pm.
SHERRY RICH Sherry Rich has been a formidable part of the Australian Music Scene since her days as lead singer/ songwriter of the infamous all girl garage rock band Girl Monstar. Her singing style and attitude has been compared to Christine McVie, Joan Jett, Bonnie Raitt and Peggy Lee and her songs from an eclectic range of projects – The Rich Family, The Grapes, The Grievous Angels and The Mudcakes - have been internationally released on vinyl and CD, used in TV and movie soundtracks and recorded by major artists in Australia and the US. Sherry lived and worked as a songwriter in Nashville from 1998 to 2008 and is now based in Melbourne. Her ‘lost album’ recorded ten years ago in a Chicago loft with the late Jay Bennett, members of Wilco and legendary steel player Al Perkins is called Dakota Avenue and was finally released in March 2012 through Sydney label Longtime Listener. Catch Sherry playing songs from her new album at The Retreat Hotel this Sunday January 20 from 7:30pm. Free entry!
Beat Magazine Page 48
60 SECONDS WITH…
GOING SWIMMING
Define your genre in five words or less: Carport lush punk. 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? “I give up… I will never be that devilishly handsome.” How long have you been gigging and writing? Long enough to know that Shane Keith Warne is the greatest spin bowler of all time. (around six months). What has been your favourite gig you’ve played to date? It’s kinda cheating because it was four shows, but our Tote residency ruled. We had great bands join us, all our mates came to shelve some pints and then we put on a big ol’ BBQ on the last night. Which band would you most like to have a battle/ showdown with? Slipknot would be pretty epic. Imagine facing up to those dudes…we would have to rock two sets of pull ups for that one. What inspires or has influenced your music the most? Probably chicks. I suppose we’re also influenced by all the other great bands out there that we love listening to, but mainly just chicks.
NORTHCOTE BEACH PARTY The summer heat is here and its time to slip into your swimming trunks and head to the Northcote Beach Party - a co-headline tropical treat starring the exuberant and irresistible sounds of Flap! and the surf and western stylings of Mikelangelo and the Tin Star. Also featuring the sultry St Clare, Tas Fleming's Hawaiian Trio and go-go action with Go Girl Gadget Go Go! Northcote Beach Party happens on Friday February 8 at Northcote Social Club. Tickets are $15 at the door.
TULLY ON TULLY Inspiration comes from a different location for every artist, a special place where an idea sprouts and grows into something tangible. The origins of Tully on Tully’s latest single Stay, initially a poem, sprung whilst in a pocket of park in Carlton, Melbourne. Featuring Hayden Calnin's vocals, Stay is Tully on Tully’s second single from their debut album following on from Naked last year which earned Triple J rotation, community radio airplay with 3RRR, FBi Radio, SYN. They'll be launching it at Ding Dong Lounge Friday January 25 and Karova Lounge, Ballarat on Friday February 8.
GOING SWIMMING The Grace Darling Hotel is proud to host Going Swimming for their EP Launch on Saturday January 19. Going Swimming is the culmination of four likeminded young souls from Melbourne who, together, produce a distinctly brash brand of rock n' roll. United through a shared love of 1990s children’s television shows, Russian literature and white spirits, the oftdescribed ‘surly scally-wags of surf punk’ play music to strut and swing to, with lyrics that suggest that the party is loose, but their morals are looser. Combining swaggering vocals, snarling guitars, obnoxious bass and frenetic drums, Going Swimming want nothing more than to dance and drink you into submission. Supports include The Pretty Littles, Rayon Moon and Darts. Entry $10. Doors at 9pm.
LIZ STRINGER Melbourne based songwriter and multi instrumentalist Liz Stringer had a busy year in 2012 releasing her fourth critically acclaimed album Warm In The Darkness, completing four national tours and receiving nominations for two Age EG Awards and official selection for the Australian Music Prize. Catch Liz when she plays the Retreat Hotel this Thursday January 17 at 9pm, with fellow songstress Monique Brumby, 10pm. Free entry!
What do you think a band has to do these days to succeed? Incredible songwriting, a killer live set, beautiful bone structure and a dash of modesty. Or just a sex tape. (Watch this space.) Do you have any record releases to date? What? Where can I get it? Our first release, The Shark Attack EP will be available for free download at goingswimming.bandcamp.com, or you can shell out some clams for a sweet arse 10” vinyl edition, ya tightarse. Why should everyone come and see your band? Because we are shit hot, we wear awful shirts, we dance a lot and our banter isn’t as awkwardly bad as it used to be. We also have inflatable palm trees. How many other bands out there are rockin’ inflatable palm trees? That’s what I thought. When are you playing live/releasing your album/EP/ single/etc? We’re throwing a beach party on Saturday January 19 at The Grace Darling (114 Smith St, Collingwood), with help from our friends The Pretty Littles, Rayon Moon and Darts, so borrow your Dad’s Hawaiian shirt and come get lei’d with us.
YEO Better grab your dancing shoes for this one. On Saturday February 9 Yeo is bringing his fourth album Sell Out, and whether your musical tastes are for the spicier end of jazz and funk, or you prefer the straightup sugary rush of bubblegum pop and hook-laden R'n'B, this guy’s got your dish. Think James Blake’s intimate prism of future garage songcraft combined with the playful work ethic of Prince and Chet Faker’s blue eyed jams, seasoned with a lick of Pharrell Williams’ cocky colour. With Brisbanite Dot.AY’s experimental Chipmusic jams and Melbourne party-starters Francolin joining the party, it’s sure to be one hell of a knee-bender. It's happening at The Toff. Tickets $10 doors 7.30pm.
KAZBAND Kazband presents fiery acoustic entertainment in the delectable surrounds of The Spotted Mallard. With music spilling over the balcony of Brunswick, Kazband rolls out dance tunes from the east of Europe and the west of Coburg. Composer and violinist Karen Kyriakou teams up with Jason Day (clarinet), Stephen Stanisic (accordion) and Luke Richardson (double bass) bind together to deliver Gypsy-esque and klezmer-ish flavours of summer. The Spotted Mallard 4pm, Saturday January 19. Free entry.
HERMITAGE GREEN Irish Band Hermitage Green have announced an Australia tour for January 2013. Hermitage Green have had an exceptionally busy few weeks, selling out Whelans (Dublin) and releasing their debut single Golden Rule. The Hermitage Green play The Spotted Mallard this Saturday January 19 from 8pm. $10 entry.
MOONEE VALLEY DRIFTERS We’re talking crucial country & roots music here, and the Drifters have been mixing various styles and originals for 27 years. Putting together vocal passion, chops, and swingin’ tunes, their music is roots, whether it's western swing, hardcore country, cajun, blues, and rockabilly, but it's always played in their authentic crucial country style. Catch the legendary Moonee Valley Drifters when they play the Retreat Hotel front bar this Saturday January 19 from 4pm followed by The Hired Guns, 7:30pm. Free entry.
RAINBIRD Rainbird’s single launch at The Evelyn Hotel on Saturday January 19 is one night of pure hard psychedelic rock you do not want to miss. Hailing from Melbourne, Rainbird played at some huge shows in 2012 and with their first interstate show under their belt, they’re ready to kick off 2013 with a bang. Apache Medicine Man shall be using the night to launch their new single and will be showcasing some kickarse new material never before performed live, and opening the night are The Feel Goods and Purple Tusks. Doors at 8.30pm.
THE EXOTICS MATT SONIC & THE HIGH TIMES From the middle of a cloud at the top of Mt Hotham, to 42 degree heat at Big Day Out, from a wild Boogie Festival, to poolside in sunny California, the High Times live up to their name, gig after gig. Australia’s best psychedelic hard rock act, Matt Sonic & the High Times return from a restorative 6-month hiatus to accept on invitation to co-headline The Retreat Hotel this Saturday January 19 alongside Cut. This won't be a night for the faint hearted. Free entry. Bands kick off at 10pm in the band room.
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The Exotics get all steamy in the sultry interior of the LuWOW's Forbidden Temple for a hot to trot boogie and wild twanging tunes. Also featuring Burlesque Exotica from Ginger La Minge and The GoGo Goddesses with Bruce 'Fez' Milne spinning raunchy 45s. It’s on at LuWOW on Friday January 18, $5.
SICK DAWG Sick Dawg is a new alternate culture emerging in the underground Melbourne Scene. Bringing all things weird, interesting, colourful, dark, electric, confronting, film, music, and art together. For a little appetizer you can come down to The Liberty Social this Thursday January 17 for an Official Sick Dawg collaboration party.
“There are few solo performers who can captivate an audience for two and a quarter hours. Salena Jones has a rare quality that allows her to breathe new life into well worn standards, the lady was superb” - THE STAGE
Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime experience, Salena Jones at Dizzy’s Jazz Club Dates:
T H E A N I M AT O R S CLIP LAUNCH T H U R S
2 4 t h
J A N
THE WORKERS CLUB w i t h S Q UA R E H E A D a n d 1 9 T H C E N T U RY S T R O N G M E N
Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th of January 2013 Tickets: $25/$20 Special Offer: Dinner and show (including 2 courses, coffee and admission) $80.00 Bookings: Call Dizzys on (03) 9428-1233 www.dizzys.com.au 381 Burnley St Richmond Victoria
s i n g l e ava i l a b l e f re e d ow n l o a d : t h e a n i m a to r s. b a n d c a m p. co m
CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU
Beat Magazine Page 49
MUSIC NEWS
YOUR COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL GUIDE
For all the latest news check out beat.com.au
MATTY GREEN BAND
MASSIVE Massive are the loudest band you will ever hear. And Friday January 18 sees the band headlining the Bendigo hotel to help raise funds for their national tour in February. Witness one of Melbourne's fastest rising rock bands as this will be their last show before the release of their debut album. Tix available from the bands. With support from Destroy She Said, Killshot, and Hypermania.
CERES Known for their raucous and untamed live show, Melbourne lads Ceres return to drench The Evelyn Hotel in heavy rock twisted with '90s punk. Joining them will be sunshine punk band Skyways Are Highways who've somehow been compared to a can of Red Bull, and topping the night off are pop kids Nebraskatak. Entry is a measly 6 bucks with beers at $2.50. The Evelyn Hotel, Thursday January 17, 9pm.
The Matty Green band has been busy developing their sound into a style that is all there own. Summoning influences from Little feat to Buddy Miller To Wilco to Tom Waits, Matty's music has always come form the heart, whether he is backing other artists or singing his own tunes. And this is what you will experience when you witness one of his live shows. Matt will be playing the Retreat Hotel this Friday January 18 at 9:30pm with the mighty Backwood Creatures, 11pm. Then stick around till 3am while DJ Adalita takes over and plays her favourite tunes. Free entry!
DEAD WATER CITY Steeped in tradition with a hint of urban spice, Dead Water City bring their brand of country to the Retreat Hotel in Brunswick this Tuesday January 22. Featuring Tim Murphy (Mojo Juju) on acoustic and Niko Downey (The Decoys) on electric guitar and lap steel Dead Water City deliver their smokey crooning tunes based on the age old themes of living, loving and losing and taking inspiration from the days when Nashville still had its soul. They’ll be kicking off at at 8:30pm in the Retreat front bar. Free entry!
OLD BAR FRIDAYS Head on down to The Old Bar Friday January 18 to catch an awesome lineup of bands including The Stiffys, Them Bruins, Rayon Moon, Mightiest of Guns and capping off the night, DJ Ripitup. Doors at 8:30pm. Entry $10.
TASMANIAN BUSHFIRES BENEFIT The Tote will be hosting an impressive array of bands this month, in support of those affected by the Tasmanian Bushfires. Acts including Witch Hats, Tom Lyngcoln, The Bulls, Monique Brumby, Miles Brown, Mike Noga, Midnight Caller, Matt Bailer, Ivy St, Hayley Couper and Blackchords, DJ Suicide Jockey and more! A BBQ will be cooked by popular Tasmanian AFL footballers and all proceeds will go directly to the Red Cross. Head on down to the Tote Monday January 28 at 1pm and lend your support to this great cause.
THE HIRED GUNS With 5 singers, 4 songwriters and hundreds of songs to choose from for any given show, The Hired Guns explore cosmic American music, honky tonkin' country, '70s valve-driven rock 'n' roll via band-inspired vocal swapping and sparring together with - lately - New Orleanian rhythms at their weekly song writing circle and regular gigs around town. The song's the thing. Catch the Hired Guns when they play the Retreat Hotel front bar this Saturday January 19 from 7:30pm, following the Moonee Valley Drifters, 4pm. Free entry.
FEVERTEETH Melbourne’s newest hesh lords Feverteeth are playing this Thursday January 17 at The Reverence Hotel. Joining them are old school hardcore outfit Right Mind, tropical party rockers Summerblood and pop punkers High Tide. All that for only $5. Show starts at 8pm.
LAURA LOE Laura Loe, a semi-finalist on the most recent series of Australia's Got Talent, has released an EP consisting of four original songs that was produced by Glenn Scott at The Wick Studios in Brunswick. While the EP is already out on iTunes and Spotify, her official launch party is set to be on Tuesday January 29 at The Order Of Melbourne where she will perform songs off her debut EP and also an array of other original material. Jake Edgley, a budding Sydney-sider and Laura K Clarke, a local Melbourne talent, are supporting Laura Loe on her big night. Loe's catchy melodies, full band, powerhouse vocals and sassy stage presence is sure to be spectacular. If you like good singers, pop tunes and a little soul, then you can buy your tickets online at lauraloemusic.com or hop onto her Facebook page, LauraLoeMusic.
MOSÉ After completing their first ever three-city tour of the US, Mosé + The FMLY are back in Melbourne and ready to capture 2013. We could talk about the past and reminisce on the achievements and accolades that were consistently awarded to the hip hop outfit, however, what good would that be. January is the first cap off the rank for FMLY, and The Toff In Town plays host to a night that is about to really get the new year started. In tow are the ultra-funky Mix Method, hip hop super kid Marcus and alternativeyet-funky dudes We The People. It’s a night of real variety, which is really how gigs should be. Get a little bit party at The Toff on Saturday January 19. 8pm, $10 on the door.
CELLOJOE & UNDERSKORE ORKESTRA Come to the Bendigo Hotel on Tuesday January 22 at 8 pm for a stellar night of beatbox & cello, Balkan, and hot club jazz featuring two international acts from the USA: CelloJoe & Underskore Orkestra as well as Melbourne favourites Ultrafox. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes! The good times meter is going to register off the charts! $10 at the door.
BOWTIE Canada's BowTie are playing at the Bendigo Hotel! They are stoked to be playing at one of Melbourne’s great live music venues. They will be joined by their great friends Steeplejack who they met at Harvest 2012. They enjoyed their set so much they just had to organise a show with them in 2013. SteepleJack will be playing an acoustic set to suit the bill. They are also very excited to be playing with the awesome Sarah de Haan and her band. So come down on a lovely Sunday arvo for some friendly indie folk/pop.
TESSA LYES Four passionate singer/songwriters with blues in their veins, folk in their hearts and songs that twist and turn like you've never heard before. You’re in for a treat full of great songwriting on Sunday January 20 at The Toff. Tessa Lyes, an alternative/ folk artist from NZ drawing comparisons to the likes of Florence And The Machine, is performing at The Toff as a part of her summer tour. She’s joined by Tane Emia-Moore who performs energetic indie rock’n’roll songs, as well as a sombre bag of blues and ballads. Davy Simony has influences that span from Jack Johnson to Angus & Julia Stone to The Beautiful Girls, his work defined by a grounded and heartfelt style of songwriting. Rounding off the bill is Anthony Young, an accomplished performer with a soul/ rock vibe full of tasty rhythms, excellent lyrical manipulation and melodies. Doors at 7.30pm, $10 on the door or $5+bf from moshtix.com.au. You can also catch Tessa Lyes at Revolver Upstairs on Thursday January 17 with Lauren Glazer and Anthony Young. $10, 7.30pm.
LA BASTARD Surf/rockabilly/'60s extravaganza La Bastard are back. Having quickly earned a reputation as one of Melbourne's wildest live bands - with antics ranging from playing on tabletops and bars to entire crowds storming the stage – La Bastard now deliver their sophomore album Tales From the Beyond. Recorded with Paul Maybury (Rocket Science) at Secret Location studios and mixed by Jesse Booher (Looma), the new album infuses La Bastard’s energetic, reverb-drenched classic sound with a sultry, moody underbelly. La Bastard will launch Tales From the Beyond, Friday February 8 at The Spotted Mallard with The ReChords and Cherrywood as supports. Tickets are $12 at the door.
THE BAREBONES Taking inspiration from greats such as Wilco, Neil Finn, Neil Young and You Am I, The Barebones are an alternative rock band with a taut backbone of guitar, augmented by waves of piano and organ. The Barebones shift seamlessly from stripped-back acoustic to stomping rock’n’roll blending in country, folk and noise-rock influences. Barebones perform at The Vic Hotel this Saturday from 9pm, support from Tex & The Moon Band.
Q&A APACHE MEDICINE MAN
Define your genre in five words or less: Proggy bluesy super-fuzzy rock!
single Evil Woman from our upcoming debut EP set for release later this year.
What do you love about making music? Wow. Being a medium between the collective unconscious and the human race. Expressing deeply rooted emotions through sound, poetry and energy. The list is endless and increasingly dramatic!
If you could go on tour with any musician or band, who would it be? My little brother’s band Horsehunter. They are sludgy/ fudgy/doomy/droney goodness. They have been causing quite the stir in the underground stoner/metal scene and they are the coolest bunch of dudes over this neck of the woods. Besides, I'd like to be able to say that I toured with them BEFORE they were making records with Matt Pike haha.
What do you hate about the music industry? The fact that there's no MUSIC in the INDUSTRY! Besides, even the term "music industry" is an insult to the art-form. As if music can be traded for money. What kind of fluoride laced hogwash have those reptilian bastards been feeding us?! I'm sorry, David Icke slipped me a roofie the other night and I haven't felt the same ever since. What can a punter expect from your live show? The most brutal yet infectiously melodic wall of FUZZ that ever escaped the clutches of a power trio. Oh, and boobs. Lots of boobs. When’s the gig and with who? Saturday January 19 at The Evelyn with Rainbird, The Feel Goods, and Purple Tusks. A heavily psychedelic night that will see us (the main support) digitally launch our second Beat Magazine Page 50
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Tell us about the last song you wrote. The latest song we have written is going to be performed live for the first time at this Saturday’s Evelyn show. It's part one of a two-parter inspired by Ancient Sumerian mythology. It tells the tale of their goddess Inanna (who is also represented by the celestial body Venus) in her journey into the underworld. It sees her murder by the queen of hell who's also her older sister and later her resurrection and return to Earth as the goddess of spring. It seemed a fitting story as it symbolises a lot that I've been thinking about lately and also that I wrote the main instrumental theme on the night of the transit of Venus last year.
60 SECONDS WITH… THE ANIMATORS
THE SWELL The Swell are a young rock-based instrumental trio established in Melbourne. Their music is influences by the elements of the tempestuous ocean; serene, foreboding and thunderous, but most importantly their music is approachable. There is something for everybody to enjoy within The Swell sound. Prove us wrong. Support on the night is provided by the indie rock sounds of Vintage Cinema who are a heaving riff machine and ready to tear it up for their first 2013 show. Check out this exciting ensemble at The Great Britain Hotel on Thursday January 17. 8pm kick off and entry is free.
ANNA’S GO-GO ACADEMY Anna’s go-go classes are great fun, an excellent cardio workout, and have been described as “inspiring”, “a retro hit parade…everything from Elvis’s Jailhouse Rock to AC/ DC’s Jailbreak, and a “high energy dance party with the hostess with the mostest. Every Thursday night at The Vic Hotel from 6pm
Define your genre in five words or less: Rock with a piano What do you love about making music? Everything! What’s not to love about doing something you dreamed of as a kid or wished for in every daydream in high school?! We love the process of making records and writing, but probably playing together live on stage is the biggest buzz. We are very much a ‘live’ band when we get going… 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? “Did they just cover Radiohead and The Pussy Cat Dolls in the same set?!” When are you playing live/releasing your album/ EP/single/etc? We are launching our brand new film clip for our latest single We, Not the Giant at The Workers Club on Thursday January 24. We are currently head down, bum up in the studio working on our debut LP. What advice would you give to bands that are new on the Melbourne music scene? Be nice to your sound guy/girl.
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THE LIKEDEELERS The Likedeelers are a three piece dance ready rock band excited to be taking the stage at Yah Yah’s on Thursday January 17, alongside the emerging talents of the Minute Takers and Fluxx. The gig is free, so don’t be shy. Doors 5pm, live music starts at 9pm, free entry!
PLAGUE DOCTOR Plague Doctor are back at Yah Yah’s playing their first show back for 2013 and they have some brand new material. Last time they played Yah Yah's everyone in the room was dancing and grooving to their way out their soul funk garage tunes. They will be joined by the ideal dance floor conspirators for the occasion by the ever alluring Richie 1250 & the Brides of Christ. Come see Plague Doctor kill a Tyrannosaurus on stage, Friday January 18 at Yah Yah's! We promise! Come and down and get messy. Free entry. Doors 5pm, bands start at 9pm. Free entry.
SONIC ATTACK
THE OLD GUARD
Sonic Attack are back at The Vic Hotel this Friday January 18 from 9pm. Inspired by the alternative, progressive, space rock bands of the '70s and beyond – specifically Hawkwind, don’t miss this free show.
Dreamland Recordings presents ‘The Old Guard’, a night of local music legends coming together in united sonic meltdown Featuring Budd, Warwick Brown, Bravo Canyon and All Good, head on down to Yah Yah's this Saturday January 19. Doors 8.30pm, $12 entry. Late tunes by Andy Young. Free entry after midnight. Open ‘til 5am!
SALENA JONES Dizzy's Jazz Club is honoured to host such a superb act as Salena Jones. Growing up in New York in the company of musicians who would become the legends (Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzie Gillespie, Bud Powell, Wes Montgomery, Chico Hamilton, Stan Getz), Jones is glamorous and beautiful with a distinctive voice and relaxed style. Salena Jones has met and sung with a breathtaking array of great jazz names; her photo album shows her arm and arm with everyone from Betty Carter to Cab Calloway, Billy Echstine, Vic Damone and Lena Horne. With her beautiful contralto voice, singing jazz standards, blues, latin and contemporary songs, Salena Jones has met critical acclaim for her perfect pitch, natural swing and her interpretations of stylish songs. Don’t miss out on this oncein-a-lifetime experience, Salena Jones at Dizzy’s Jazz Club on Friday January 25 and Saturday January 26. Tickets $25, or a special offer of dinner and show (including 2 courses, coffee and admission) for $80.00.
YOUR COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL GUIDE
THE NAYSAYERS The Naysayers are rocking out at The Empress in Fitzroy tomorrow. Joined by local stars, Tequila Mockingbyrd, they will be wrapping up their residency with their brand of garage-mod goodness. They have about 30 copies of their debut EP left, and they are giving them all away, so get in early! Doors at 8pm. Free entry.
MONIQUE BRUMBY ARIA Award winning singer/songwriter Monique Brumby is on the cusp of releasing her fifth studio album. Will a new sound combining guitar based pop/rock with electro beats and synths, Monique will be road testing her new tunes with her 5 piece band this Thursday January 17 at The Retreat Hotel. Special guest is songstress Liz Stringer. Music kicks off at 9pm. Free entry!
BLOOD LINE Gunn Music productions presents: Blood Line Lotion single launch with guests bury the fallen, my favourite episode & three story goat recorded at legion studios (scar the surface, jack the stripper), blood line are launching their first single lotion at Revolver Upstairs on Saturday January 19. This is set to grab the attention of many, showcasing the band's diversity and refusal to be labelled into a sub-genre. Two live tracks taken from their competition-winning performance at Gunn Music's Espy Artist Showdown have been included to show off the atmosphere and energy of their live set. Heavy hitter's Bury The Fallen, My Favourite Episode & Three Storey Goat are joining the bill. Presales $12+bf on sale from moshtix.com.au, or $15 on the door from 8pm.
PT BLUES Pt Blues and Standard Deviation 68.8 are going to be rocking the front bar at The Reverence Hotel on Sunday January 20 from 3pm. Get some beers and Mexican food and enjoy some awesome blues bands for free.
CHARLES JENKINS Charles Jenkins is one of the true treasures of our city, a songwriter and performer that deserves the world’s attention. His most recent album, Love Your Crooked Neighbour With Your Crooked Heart, has been widely praised as one of last years finest and continues a run of releases of staggering quality. If you haven’t heard the record, buy it. If you haven’t seen him live, do so. It’s a privilege to watch Charles ply his trade and we are all better off for the existence of his songs. Get down to The Drunken Poet at 4pm this Sunday January 20 and see for yourself.
HELLOCLUBFEET.COM
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Beat Magazine Page 51
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
COLLECTORS CORNER MISSING LINK
TORO Y MOI
Anything In Return (Mistletone/Inertia)
WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY RESIDENCY
MOTION PICTURES ANDALUCIA JACK GRIFFIN ENTRY $5, 8.30PM
THURSDAY 17 JANUARY
CERES
SKYWAYS ARE HIGHWAYS NEBRASKATAK ENTRY $6, 9PM $2.50 POTS, $5 VODKAS!
FRIDAY 18 JANUARY
DR. DEXTER AND RUBOSS THE PRIMARY DJ LITTLE FELA ENTRY $5, 8:30PM
SATURDAY 19 JANUARY
RAINBIRD
APACHE MEDICINE MAN (SINGLE LAUNCH) THE FEEL GOODS PURPLE TUSKS ENTRY $13 DOOR, 8.30PM
SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER MATINEE
FALSE ECONOMY ROSLYN HEAVY CALADONIA ENTRY $5, 2PM
EVENING SHOW
SARAH EIDA
JONATHON DEVOY RAZORS OF OCKHAM DAMN THAT RIVER ENTRY $12, 8PM
MONDAY 21 DECEMBER DUEL RESIDENCY
THE VAUDEVILLE SMASH SEX ON TOAST FLOUNDER ENTRY $6, 8.30PM
TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER RESIDENCY
EL MOTH
BAND OF FREQUENCIES (QLD) LEE ROSSER & TIM O’CONNOR ENTRY $2, 8.30PM
COMING UP
TIX AVAILABLE THRU MOSHTIX: THE VAUDEVILLE SMASH (MONDAYS IN JANUARY) EL MOTH (TUESDAYS IN JANUARY) MOTION PICTURES (WEDNESDAYS IN JANUARY) ADAMNOTEVE PARTY (JAN 24) JUSTICE & KAOS (25 JAN) CHILLY WACK LABEL LAUNCH (JAN 27) OH, SLEEPER - USA(FEB 7) MASSIVE – ALBUM LAUNCH (FEB 9) SQUARE SOUNDS FESTIVAL (FEB 15 + 16) XENOGRAFT/KETTLESPIDER/BEAR THE MAMMOT – SPLIT EP LAUNCH (MAR 16) DEMON HUNTER + I, A BREATHER – USA (MAR 30)
Chaz Bundick has indicated that he’s okay with the term ‘chillwave’, but it sounds like he has been wriggling his way out of this category and toward a more extroverted sound since the release of his previous album, 2011’s Underneath The Pine EP and miscellaneous tracks released in the interim have him appeasing his restless soul further, and impending album Anything In Return has been slated as his ‘pop’ album. After one listen, it’s clear that it has more in common with his dancefloor-oriented side project Le Sins than his earlier Toro Y Moi material, and is a well-judged melding of these two worlds. It’s clearly a bid to shift from a cult figure to a chart-topper, though this mostly successful balancing act between a crisper, commercial sound and the Bundick of old should ensure that his former audience come along for the ride as well as invite a new audience in. Anything In Return is Bundick’s finest recording yet, with the first half of the album a near flawless run of songs. At first So Many Details seems like an odd choice as lead single, as it’s slower and more subtle than the majority of the album, though this gently drifting R’n’B cut with a dark edge has a heady, seductive power to it that stays with you. Clustered around it are direct, unambiguous party tracks, taking their cues from house music, r’n’b and hip hop as much as pop music. Rose Quartz has a hypnotic, circular feel, the sampled “I feel weak” vocal looping along with gentle house beats and ascending synths. Cola has a similar, dream-like repetition, with its lyric “It’s imperfect, it’s not forever.” The lyrics throughout Anything In Return are grounded, realistic, sometimes even pessimistic. This is not always in keeping with the wide-eyed fantasy world that’s the backbone of most mainstream pop, but this friction helps to keep it in check as a Toro Y Moi album. Even when things seem
1. Rough End of the Stick LP VARIOUS 2. Live at Missing Link LP UV RACE / EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING 3. White Walls LP/CD WHITE WALLS 4. Split 7” EXTORTION / JED WHITEY 5. Bish Bosch LP/CD SCOTT WALKER 6. Mutation, Voodoo, Deformity or Disease CD ROSKOPP 7. Land of Rape and Honey LP MINISTRY 8. Number of the Beast pic LP IRON MAIDEN 9. Glorius Barsteds LP COSMIC PSYCHOS 10. Ambivalence LP PIN GROUP shiny and happy, there’s a self-conscious wink and a nudge within the pop trappings. It’s only later in the album that things get a bit wobbly, with the overtly pop Cake coming off like a boy band hit gone wrong; the Bieber-esque lyric “She knows imma be her boy forever” is tiresome from the moment it begins. You can forgive that Bundick has never quite mastered the art of an album filled with songs that hit a consistent high when he’s taking such brave steps in new directions with each release. Rest assured, there are enough superb sounds on the California-flavoured Anything In Return to make it an essential soundtrack for summer. CHRIS GIRDLER Best tracks: So Many Details, Studies, Say That If You Like These, You’ll Like This: FutureSex/ LoveSounds JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, Within And Without WASHED OUT In A Word: SexyBack
WOOLY BULLY RECORDS 1 Rough End of the Stick (LP) VARIOUS 2 Four Girls (LP) WOOLLEN KITS 3 Aloha (LP) CUNTZ 4 Work it Out (7”) TWERPS 5 Mingo (7”) THEE CORMANS 6 Go Easy (LP) BLANKREALM 7 Silver & Gold (7”) SOUTHERN COMFORT 8 Live at Missing Link (LP) EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING / UV RACE 9 Scene From A Marriage (7”) TOTAL CONTROL 10 Vacation (7”) NITE FIELDS
OFF THE HIP 1. Aloha LP CUNTZ 2. I’ll Be A Dog LP/CD MIDNIGHT WOOLF 3. Cut Sleeves LP BITS OF SHIT 4. Luminous Groove 8xLP ROBYN
SINGLES BY SIMONE This week I tried a thing where I listened to Land Of Make Believe by Bucks Fizz before each single to make things sound better by comparison. Too late, I realised that nothing sounds good compared to Bucks Fizz. Except maybe S Club 7.
FEELINGS
Intercourse (Select Music/Inertia) Feelings is the new stage moniker of Simon Berkfinger, frontman for the sadly defunct Philadelphia Grand Jury. Members of Dappled Cities and Art Vs Science join Berk on Intercourse, a song co-written by a member of the also defunct, Yves Klein Blue. With so many Aus-indie luminaries attached, an otherwise blah “sexpop” number becomes an indictment of our national music scene – the best our best and brightest can come up with is a second-rate, slow-trailing emulation of Mika’s starburst bubblegum pop. Meanwhile, with a title like Intercourse you can just imagine the lyrical heights we’re scaling here, the dumb twang of a musical joke that isn’t funny. “I like to do it so hard and feel every part in intercourse,” Berk sings repeatedly. We need a new word to describe this kind of tongue-in-cheek sexual showboating, something between yuck and lame.
NEW GODS
Razorblades (Liberation/Mushroom) Newly assembled, New Gods features Dominic Byrne and Adrian Beltrame from Little Red, Richard Bradbeer from Eagle And The Worm and Dale Packard from Ground Components. Razorblades is a strange brew from their debut EP, a mid-tempo rock tune with psych rock and shoegazer accents. Backing harmonies swell upwards, electric guitar notes fall in noodling little circles, lead vocals drift moody and distant. The hook bursts beautifully from these layers of noise, giving shape to something that is otherwise kind of aimless.
RY FEAT. ALLDAY
Working Late (The A&R Department) Ry opens his cruising electro pop/rap tune by saying his own name. “Yeah,” he says, “Ry.” I sort of stopped listening after that.
DAVID BOWIE
Where Are We Now? (Sony) David Bowie’s first single in ten years is awful, a trembling ballad in which the thin white duke is transformed into a milky-eyed old man. It isn’t just bad, it’s a depressing reminder of the inexorable passage of time and the inevitability of death. “As long as there’s rain, as long as there’s fire, as long as there’s me, as long as there’s you,” he mews, voice slight and uncertain, seeming to anticipate the time when everything will end, including his own glorious career. On the other hand, this is not the first piece of garbage Bowie has committed to tape, so we’re also business-as-usual. Beat Magazine Page 52
TOP TENS
BIRDS OF TOKYO
Lanterns (EMI) Perth’s premier heart-on-sleeve musical act follows the very successful This Fire single with Lanterns; a sweet, Snow Patrol-style stadium rock hymnal. Ian leads the band through the vague but hearty chorus: “On we march with the midnight sun, we will light our way with our lanterns on.” No idea who is marching or why they couldn’t just take a bus but I salute this noble, self-important parade because the theme music is all tremulous and inspirational.
CITY CALM DOWN
Sense Of Self (I Oh You/Mushroom) Melbourne’s City Calm Down turn out a satisfying electropop single with Sense Of Self, as polished and hook-driven as anything by Midnight Juggernauts or Miami Horror. The beats are thick and glassy, the vocal is deep and melodic, the synth swells to a dramatic scale. A derivative but pleasurable number lifted from their Mountain EP.
DUCKTAILS
Letter Of Intent (Domino/EMI) A ponderous electro-pop concoction from Ducktails (a side project for Real Estate’s Matthew Modine). Taken from the album The Flower Lane, Letter Of Intent is breathy, boring and overburdened with moving musical parts. The song needs less noise, less atmospheric eighties cocktail drama and way more of a hook.
PETE MURRAY FEAT. FANTINE
Blue Sky Blue (Sony) Pete Murray returns to the fore with an album of white surfie blandness called Blue Sky Blue – The Byron Sessions. The lead single reunites us with Pete’s sensitive new age bogan aesthetic, his cruising, semi-comatose vocal style and his predilection for rhyming couplets. The lyrics have something to do with blue skies.
SINGLE OF THE WEEK MILLIONS
Cruel (Stop Start/EMI) With a debut EP and three successful singles behind them, Brisbane’s Millions launch the title track from their second EP. The sauntering jangle pop of Cruel draws on Alex Turner’s retro chic Shadow Puppets style and The Strokes in their quieter moments – in fact I’m wondering if I wrote Millions off as a Strokes cover band last year. Can’t quite remember. If so, I take it back – this fresh-faced garage four-piece is something special. Their guitars are warm and sharp; their singer is subtly disenchanted; their songs are clever. There isn’t much to Cruel, an understated verse and a sailing doowop chorus, but it sticks.
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HITCHCOCK 5. Easy Action LP ALICE COOPER 6. Tales From The Beyond CD LA BASTARD 7. Persecution Blues 10” POWDER MONKEYS 8. Off! LP OFF! 9. Third Test Pressing Box BIG STAR 10. Don’t Tell A Soul LP THE REPLACEMENTS
JAGERMEISTER INDEPENDENT MUSIC CHARTS 1. Holdin’ On FLUME 2. HyperParadise HERMITUDE 3. Sleepless FLUME FT JEZZABELL DORAN 4. Clair de Lune FLIGHT FACILITIES FT CHRISTINE HOBERG 5. Awkward SAN CISCO 6. Young and Dumb CHANCE WATERS 7. The Way You Are PEKING DUK 8. On Top FLUME FT T.SHIRT 9. The Festival Song PEZ 10. Dear Science SETH SENTRY
AIRIT NOW CHARTS 1. Strangers GUNG HO 2. Plastic BRENDAN SKINNER & THE RELEVANT ADVICE CLUB 3. Last Cigarette SUE RAY 4. Diaspora (feat. Guerre) THE TOWNHOUSES 5. We Like You When You’re Awkward (Kyson Remix) SLEEPMAKESWAVES 6. What I Know THE HARLOTS 7. Silver to Gold ALAN KELLY 8. Thanks to You STOMPY AND THE HEAT 9. Days Of Boredom LOWRIDER 10. I’m A Dreamer DIAFRIX
BEAT’S TOP TEN SONGS ABOUT KILLING 1. Killing In The Name Of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE 2. Killing An Arab THE CURE 3. Killing Me Softly ROBERTA FLACK 4. Kill You EMINEM 5. My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama FRANK ZAPPA 6. MindKilla GANG GANG DANCE 7. Killer Queen QUEEN 8. Serial Killa SNOOP DOGG/LION 9. Killer Crane TV ON THE RADIO 10. The Killing Of Georgie ROD STEWART
ALBUMS
CHRISTINA AGUILERA
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EX COPS
True Hallucinations (Shock) It may be winter in New York but this Brooklyn quintet has captured summer in their debut album. Not just the stereotypical happy summer days, but the long hot nights, the heartbreaks, the mistakes, the real summer. True Hallucinations is mellow and a little sad, in a nostalgic way, but the choruses open up with powerful energy. If you were going to pigeonhole Ex Cops you could say they’re an easy going Jebediah or you could draw flattering similarities with The Shins. The chords are simple, the drums are punchy and the melodies catchy, so at first it seems like standard indiepop. This is because it’s not an in your face album. It just swirls around the back of your head then penetrates your psyche until you’re humming along. You could play this as background music to a sunny afternoon, cold beers situation but you could also seek it out deep into a Melbourne winter to warm you up. James, You Are A Lion, I Am A Lamb and Spring Break are all radio worthy; they’re short, sweet and weightless until anchored by sentimental guitar lines. The reverb used throughout the album creates a smooth transition from song to song and contributes to the warm atmosphere. The album takes its foot off the pedal towards the end for a couple of ballads and never really picks up the momentum again. Despite that it’s a brilliant debut, as bands often stick Best Track: James their best material together for their first release, but If You Like These, You’ll Like This: THE PAINS OF this is a cohesive, conceptual album. BEING PURE AT HEART In A Word: Nostalgic SCOTT GARY WILLIAMS
THE WEEKND
REDCOATS
Redcoats (Universal) In the midst of the psychedelic revival of the early 21st century, I pondered whether its emergence reflected the dearth of spirituality in the western world, and the desire of the segments of the population to search for meaning within an artistic context. “Bollocks”, retorted those around me – it’s a no more than a cyclical thing, and it’ll be gone, return and disappear again as generations come and go. Given the swing from psychedelia to screamin’, ball-huggin’, riff thrashin’ ‘70s rock that’s happened in recent years, they’re right. Blues-based heavy rock, after all, took up the slack as the kaleidoscopic dreams of the ‘60s psych generation gave way to the pummelling marriage of power chords, Marshall stacks and cocaine-fuelled egos that underpinned the Sabbath-Zeppelin generation. It’s within that historical lineage that Redcoats can be found. Redcoats do a mean line in riffage – the power packed into the opening track Raven would get you from here to Birmingham quicker than Ozzy Osbourne could imbibe a gram of cocaine. On Death Of Ecstasy the spectre of Buffalo hangs just out of view; Mr Young is intense and indulgent, in that Jimmy Page double-guitar sort of a way. House Of Luna channels Soundgarden at their darkest hour, Evergreen charts a path from the pubs of Sydney to the grassy fields of the English heavy metal countryside and One Hundred Seasons could be the soundtrack for a century of suburban football biffo, where every fight is settled to the dulcet sounds of Rose Tattoo. Serpent Charmer gets lost hanging out with Hawkwind without the right drugs, Running Games sprints and flails excitedly and the noodling and caressing of Worlds Between is an ideal foil to the pounding of the record’s final track, Mean Money. It’s a tough journey, Best Track: Raven. albeit not always enlightening. But that’s not necessarily If You Like These, You’ll Like This: SOUNDGARDEN, a bad thing. LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH. In A Word: Riffage. PATRICK EMERY
THE WALLFLOWERS
Lotus (Columbia/Sony) Christina Aguilera could never be labeled a trendsetter. More, a trend appreciator. She certainly doesn’t break any boundaries and prefers to attract headlines by putting on weight or piercing several parts of her body. She does, however, have a magnificent set of pipes (“mutant”, as they say in her first feature film Burlesque) and can whip out a bloody catchy pop song if she wants to. Her latest album, Lotus, sees her lagging behind in the urban/pop/dance scene populated by the likes of J. Lo and Nicky Minaj. Once you get past the hideous cover art, you will find several upbeat club tracks just perfect for the dance floor – in particular Army Of Me, Your Body and Let There Be Love (absolutely no correlation to the Beatles classic, may it be noted). The other, more urban influenced tracks like Cease Fire unfortunately translate more like Rihanna b-sides. Don’t you be gettin’ too gangsta on our asses, Xtina. But it wouldn’t be a Christina Aguilera album without some lung-busting power ballads – the highlight being Blank Page, where Aguilera invites a love to fill the pages of her, well, blank page. No-one ever said she was original, either. Duets with country star and The Voice co-stars Blake Shelton and Ceelo Green also make an appearance, although they are nothing to write home about. There is no doubt Lotus will provide Aguilera with a few more notches on her belt of hits, but it is a little disappointing that she continues to recognise the pop trends just a little late. She also continues to sing about self-determination and not caring what anyone thinks while simultaneously forgetting to dress herself for the camera, so clearly someone’s thinking Best track: Let There Be Love and caring about their audience. Not that there’s If You Like These, You’ll Like: RIHANNA, JENNIFER plenty of fans who’d disapprove. LOPEZ, NICKY MINAJ In A Word: Typical JEN WILSON
Glad All Over (Columbia/Sony) A rejuvenated Jakob Dylan reconvenes The Wallflowers after a seven year hiatus. Maybe that is the penance to serve for trying to tackle, with some aplomb mind you, Bowie’s Heroes. The offspring of Bob, and his band are up to their - count ‘em - sixth album. This recording is unlikely to be surpassed by The Wallflowers with its consistently hook-driven Americana. Clash man and gun for hire, Mick Jones, makes his finest cameo since Aztec Camera on two songs, Misfits And Lovers and Reboot The Mission. The latter tune reintroduces the band and roll calls its members, but one can only wonder how valued the drummer feels when his finest moment is that “he jammed with the mighty Joe Strummer”. Kudos for jamming with an icon but it was only a jam session after all. Anyway, this pair of songs invoke the rebel dub spirit of The Clash and the funkier moments of Big Audio Dynamite. Some lyrical osmosis is obviously at work as Dylan junior displays some Dylan senior lyrical gifts. Have Mercy On Him Now could almost be interpreted as a request from the senior to the critics to maintain a dignified view when assessing junior’s work, “Keep it simple keep it straight/ All the pitches right up and over the plate/ And even give him a break.” With Glad All Over, it seems there should be no critical slayings as this record is solid, if not ground-breaking. And ironically, the sparkling demeanour seems confined to the title as the songs are not generally glad. Constellation Blues is a hook laden winner. It is Springsteen, Dylan senior and Steve Earle in equal measure. “You can tell a few things about the soul of a town/ From the blood of the men gone into the ground.” All the while, the ghost of Warren Zevon lurks in the shadows. It is like Jakob Dylan is holding up a mirror to the soul of Uncle Sam and does not applaud the reflection. Love Is A Country is an interesting analogy on human relationships, resolutely concluding that, “Love is a country that won’t be overcome.” Befitting any product bearing the Dylan name, Glad All Over is a Best Track: Constellation Blues strong listen both lyrically and musically. However, while If You Like This You’ll Like These: BOB DYLAN, it is steeped in tradition, it is burdened by it at points BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, WARREN ZEVON, STEVE because the air becomes a little stifling. Maybe seven EARLE, GIANT SAND more years is just the tonic. In A Word: Reinvigorated BRONIUS ZUMERIS
Trilogy (Universal) Marking the first commercial release from Canadian artist Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, Trilogy compiles the triptych of mixtapes released during a mercurial spurt in 2011. In essence, the set is repackaging material which has long been freely available. In that sense, Trilogy’s greatest triumph is its avoidance of cynicism. Tracks have been remastered, a bonus song supplements each respective disc, and only a singular concession has been made in terms of sampling rights (Aayliah’s Rock The Boat is no longer present on What You Need). It’s more fan-service than pandering to the uninitiated. House Of Balloons, the first instalment of the trilogy, still holds up as the strongest. There was a small degree of diminishing return with the subsequent initial releases of Thursday and Echoes Of Silence, but this aspect is diminished when presented as a holistic package of a remarkable oeuvre. The Weekend opens Echoes Of Silence by achieving the impossible – superiorly covering MJ’s Dirty Diana with D.D. Jackson’s misogynistic paranoia is transposed into something resembling pussy-fatigue. It’s also a showcase of Tesfaye’s capability to sing his heart out like a motherfucker, sounding eerily like the King Of Pop himself. Academy Award-winner Juicy J sums it up in the declaration during in the spoken word coda of Same Old Song – “Listen to that shit man, The Weeknd music make ladies’ panties get wet.” A resolute toast to a remarkable 2011, the stage is now set in 2013 for The Weeknd’s first official studio LP. Best Track: The Morning If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Take Care DRAKE, Kaleidoscope Dreams MIGUEL In A Word: xo
LACHLAN KANONIUK
CHRIS ALTMANN
Nothing But Nice Things (Ridin’ High Records) When Chris Altmann upped stumps and headed across the Pacific, Melbourne’s loss was North America’s gain. Two years later and Altmann is back, with a new album that confirms he’s one of Australia’s most impressive songwriters and performers. Nothing But Nice Things has got it all: from the satirical and sardonic observations on the cannibalistic behaviour of the music industry in the title track, to the slick and steady bar room Merle Haggard-esque boogie of I Told A Lie to the ghosts of The Band wafting through the uplifting gospel of Walk On (You’re Slowly Heading Home), this is a record that refuses to put a foot wrong. Some People is the ‘70s Tennessee-meets-Californian rock track for the lost generation of cocaine-addled record label executives, Carrodus’ Mountain View Hotel finds literary inspiration in the darkest, most nefarious bowels of social behaviour and Silent Treatment is so beautiful and elegant it should be gracing the cover of Vogue with a rose between its teeth. Living It Up returns country rock to its rightful humorous and amorous origins, Whole Wide World throws you down on a pile of hay and takes you to places you’ve never believed existed. I Know It Isn’t Right is a tale of happiness lost to the ogre of emotional dysfunction and Lukewarm Heart is tougher than a Massey Ferguson tractor, and more graceful than Scarlett O’Hara. A friend of mine reckons Chris Altmann should be a superstar. If such an accolade derives from the presence of objective artistic attributes, rather than a cheap platitude spat out by the malnourished fat cats of the entertainment industry, then Altmann’s career is destined for wonderful things. But if that doesn’t happen, Chris Altmann will remain a legend, and Nothing Best Track: Nothing But Nice Things But Nice Things will go down in history as one of If You Like These, You’ll Like This: THE BAND, the great country rock releases of the modern era. MERLE HAGGARD, JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE. In a word: Country. PATRICK EMERY
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Beat Magazine Page 53
GIG GUIDE WEDNESDAY JAN 16 JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC ADAM RUDEGEAIR TRIO Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. BOHJASS + UPAS MILITIA BIG BAND 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. COMANDO BAND Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 9:00pm. DIZZY’S BIG BAND Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 9:00pm. $14. TAL COHEN TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. THE COMANDO BAND Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 9:00pm.
INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS BENJAMIN SKEPPER + DJ EDD FISHER + DJ SIMON WINKLER + TAKAO ISHIZUKA + VJ TOMOYA KISHIMOTO Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $32. CABBAGES & KINGS + OH PEP! + SEEDY REED Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. COLLAGE - FEAT: DANCING HEALS + HUMANS AS ANIMALS + JULY DAYS + THE TWOKS Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. DAN TROLLEY + MACHINE + NATHAN HOLLYWOOD Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. FLYYING COLOURS + DOS HERMANOS Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. ICEHOUSE The Palms, Southbank. 7:30pm. $89. IVORY JUNCTION Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 7:00pm. LACHLAN BRYAN + ANGE BOXALL Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:30pm. MADRE MONTE + RAS JAHKNOW Workers Club, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. MOTION PICTURES + ANDALUCIA + JACK GRIFFIN Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $5. RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND Festival Hall,
West Melbourne. 8:00pm. $130. SANDCASTLE + THE SWELL + MNATTB Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $5. SHANGRI LA - FEAT: DICK THREATS + CHAIRMAN MEOW Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: JULIA STONE Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 4:00pm. WEEZER Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne. 6:30pm. ZELUS Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:00pm.
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK
Nadéah
CELLO JOE + CHARLIE MCGEE Gertrudes Brown Couch, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. EVELYN IDA MORRIS & SARAH MARY CHADWICK Some Velvet Morning, Clifton Hill. 8:00pm. HELEN CAT & CO Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. KIM SALMON Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. MAX SAVAGE + CISCO ROSE + LEON THOMAS The Public Bar, Melbourne. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC Dancing Dog, Footscray. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. OPEN MIC Thornbury Local, Thornbury. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC Grind N Groove, Healesville. 7:30pm. OPEN MIC Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 9:00pm. RORY MCLEOD + JACK GRAMSKI Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 7:30pm. $25. RYAN WEST + ATOLLS + ELEPHANT + THE INFANTS Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $6. THE SPOILS The Resurrection, Melbourne. 7:30pm. WINE WHISKEY WOMEN - FEAT: FEE BROWN + JAYNE WEST Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm.
THURSDAY JAN 17 INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS ARMOUR US + A SLEEPLESS WINTER + PARADISE FOUND + TO THE AIRSHIP Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm. $5. BAND OF FREQUENCIES Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 10:00pm. BREAKING TRADITION + THE PITY’S Gertrudes Brown Couch, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $5. CERES + NEBRASKATAK + SKYWAYS ARE HIGHWAYS Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $6. DA BOM Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 5:00pm. DOS HERMANOS + BJ MORRISZONKLE + MADE FOR CHICKENS BY ROBOTS Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10. E.S.G The Hi-fi, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $61. FIGHT THE AVALANCHE + BLOOD LINE + HARBOUR THE HOSTAGE + OEDIPUS REX Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. $10. FREAK MAGNET + FREDDY FUDPUCKER + HOME INVADER Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $10. GUERRE + KANE IKIN + OSCAR KEY SUNG + SCISSOR LOCK + TIM SHIEL Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. HOWARD + ANDALUCIA & EMRAH ISTREFI + KOALA KINGS + SEA LEGS RUM Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. ISLYM + BOMBS ARE FALLING + LOSER DENIAL Idgaff Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. $5. JIMMY BARNES + JACKSON FIREBIRD Trak Lounge Bar, Toorak. 7:30pm. $65. JUDE PERL + AL PARKINSON + BROADWAY SOUNDS John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:00pm. LIFTED BROW LAUNCH - FEAT: JOHNNY TELAFONE + EARLY WOMAN + TIM COSTER Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $10.
SO FRENCHY SO CHIC IN THE PARK Francophiles prepare to indulge in an atmosphere unlike any other Melbourne has to offer. So Frenchy So Chic returns for 2013, tailored to create a unique garden party a la mode atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. The festival features a lineup of four highly acclaimed artists of a distinctly Gallic demeanour, the perfect soundtrack to a sophisticated day in the park. Aside from the musical showcase there is the promise of a gourmet selection of foods, so hampers and picnic blankets are welcomed. Other activities at the festival include painting, drumming classes, puppet shows, games and more. Better yet, So Frenchy boasts a family friendly environment with children under the age of 12 granted free admission. Experience the music, the food, the wine and the fun of a day in the French countryside without leaving Melbourne. So Frenchy So Chic is on at Werribee Park this Sunday January 20, featuring performances from Nadéah, Revolver, Mélanie Pain and Carmen Maria Vega. MAJOR TOM + ELIZA HULL + ILUKA + THE TWOKS Espy, St Kilda. 8:30pm. RECREATION - FEAT: BAM: DJ SET + CARLOS TURNER + SMOKING TODDLERS + WEDNESDAY THE RAT + YES TESLA Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $13. RED X The B.east, Brunswick East. 9:00pm. RIGHT MIND + FEVERTEETH + HIGH TIDE + SUMMERBLOOD Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $5. SWEET CITY + HI-LIFE WEDDING + REPLIKATOR + VULTURES OF VENUS Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. THE LAUGHING LEAVES + CONTRAST + THE ATTICS The Public Bar, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $8. THE LIKEDEELERS + FLUXX + THE MINUTE TAKERS Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. THE NAYSAYERS Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:00pm. THE SWELL + VINTAGE CINEMA Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. THE WORLD AT A GLANCE + SHUT UP JACKSON + TALONS LIKE ANTLERS + TWOSON Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $5. WEEZER + BALL PARK MUSIC + CLOUD CONTROL Palais Theatre, St Kilda. 6:30pm. $117.
JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC ALWAN Claypots Tavern & Fair, St Kilda. 9:30pm. MAE COLLARD TRIO Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8:00pm. $14. OVEREASIES Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 8:00pm. PETER GEOGHEGAN’S STRAIGHT AHEAD 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10. SOL HAUS & THE SPOKESMEN Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:00pm. THE DANNY FISCHER BAND Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. THE JOSH KELLY QUARTET Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $15.
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK 8 FOOT FELIX Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 5:00pm. DAN WATERS Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm. FED SQUARE LIVE - FEAT: THE PAPER KITES + VANCE JOY Federation Square, Melbourne. 6:00pm. HOUSE OF LAURENCE + JACK STERLING + THE
BALACLAVA HOTEL 123 Carlisle Street, St Kilda East VIC 3183, Ph: (03) 9531 2709 www.facebook.com/BalaclavaHotel, Twitter: @BalaclavaHotel
- T H U R S D AY N I G H T -
- F R I D AY N I G H T -
OPEN MIC
LIVE ORIGINAL ARTISTS FROM 9PM
REGISTRATION 7PM
DRINK SPECIALS FRIDAY NIGHTS: 4pm – 10pm $5 Coronas, $5 Kopparberg Cider Bottles, $8 Cocktails, $8 Mountain Goat Pints MONDAY NIGHTS: 5pm – 9pm $12 Mountain Goat Jugs TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY: 5pm – 9pm $6 Mountain Goat Pints
FOOD SPECIALS MONDAY:$12 Curry Night. TUESDAY:$12 Parmas and Burgers. WEDNESDAY: $15 Steak Night THURSDAY: $12 Parmas and Burgers. SUNDAY:$12 Roast of the Day
Beat Magazine Page 54
SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU
HOUSE OF STAIRS Penny Black, Brunswick. 8:30pm. JAMROOTS Baha Tacos & Tapas Bar, Rye. 8:00pm. LOUNGE THURSDAYS Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. MONIQUE BRUMBY + LIZ STRINGER Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. NAOMI JONES & THE BAREBONES Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC Acoustic Cafe, Collingwood. 7:30pm. OPEN MIC Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9:00pm. OPEN MIC Balaclava Hotel, Balaclava. 7:00pm. OPEN MIC Barleycorn Hotel, Collingwood. 7:00pm. RONIT GRANOT Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. SEYMOUR HOLLOW Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: KIM VOLKMAN Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 4:00pm. SWEET JEAN + DUKE BATAVIA Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:30pm. $12. TESSA LYES + ANTHONY YOUNG + LAUREN GLEZER Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7:30pm. $5. THE MULTITASKERS + SHELDON KING Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. THE WHITE TREE 29th Apartment, St Kilda. 8:30pm. YVETTE AUDAIN Some Velvet Morning, Clifton Hill. 8:00pm.
FRIDAY JAN 18 INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS ACOUSTIC SESSIONS - FEAT: COOKIE Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 5:30pm. ADDICTION LOCAL BAND NIGHT Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 8:00pm. $10. ALESTORM The Hi-fi, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $58. BIG VOLCANO + MODERN AWARENESS + SHUT UP JACKSON + STYX & STONZ Barleycorn Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. BONJAH + JACK STIRLING + TINPAN ORANGE + TOM TUENA BAND Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $20. CHARLOTTE NICDAO + JAMES MOLONEY + OH PEP! Wesley Anne, Northcote. 2:58pm. DAMN THE TORPEDOES + DICKFINGER + FALCONIO + THE FUCK UPS + THE OLD LADIES Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. DUNE + MANOR + THE RAFFAELLAS Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10. EINSTEIN’S TOYBOYS Musicland, Fawkner. 9:00pm. $10. EMMA RUSSACK (SINGLE LAUNCH) + AMIRA.H + FATTI FRANCES + JESSICA SAYS Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $8. GREENGREENGREEN The Public Bar, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $8. ICEHOUSE The Palms, Southbank. 7:30pm. $99. IN TONGUES + CAT OR PILLAR + SHIPS PIANO + STOCKADES Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $12. JAMES D SMITH Prince Bandroom, St Kilda. 7:30pm. $20. METAL MAYHEM - FEAT: INVOLUNTARY CONVULSION + BLACK LIST + HEADLESS + INFAMOUS 506 Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. MIKE NOGA BAND + DAVEY LANE Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 10:00pm. MURDER RATS + DEATH BY SIX + TOECUTTER Idgaff Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. PLAYWRITE + CROOKED SAINT + KIKUYU + TESSA & THE TYPECAST + TIN LION Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. SCHOOL OF RADIANT LIVING + EXHAUSTION + SPITE HOUSE Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $8. SONIC ATTACK Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. STICKY FINGERS + LYALL MOLONEY Northcote
Social Club, Northcote. 8:30pm. $11. SUSY BLUE Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. THE GREAT WESTERN + MARK SINTON + TRACK & FIELD 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $8. THE HOODANGERS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. THE MOLTING VULTURES + THE MORRISONS + THE PREHISTORICS Cornish Arms, Brunswick. 8:00pm. THE MORNING AFTER GIRLS Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $14. THE RUINER + RIVER OF SNAKES + WICKED CITY Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $13. THE SNEAKY WIZARDS (EP LAUNCH) + DON’T CALL ME TONY + ELECTRIC WAR BABIES + GREGOR FRIDAY Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $12. THE STIFFYS + DJ RIPITUP + MIGHTIEST OF GUNS + RAYON MOON + THEM BRUINS Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10. TWELVE FOOT NINJA (ALBUM LAUNCH) + CIRCLES + MIKE MILLS + WASABI GIRLS Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:30pm. $18. VICTORIAN ROLLER DERBY FUNDRAISER - FEAT: ANDREW SWIFT + CITY VS COUNTRY + ROLLER DERBY ALL STARS + THE RAMSHACKLE ARMY Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm. $15.
JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC MARY MASS & THE ROGER CLARK QUARTET Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 9:00pm. $20. PLAGUE DOCTOR + RICHIE 1250 & THE BRIDES OF CHRIST Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. QUARRY MOUNTAIN DEAD RATS + EATEN BY DOGS Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:30pm. $15. TARA MINTON Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $20. THE FEM BELLING QUINTET Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. $20. ULTRAFOX Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $25.
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK BACKWOOD CREATURES + MATT GREEN BAND Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9:30pm. CAVANAGH & ARGUS Some Velvet Morning, Clifton Hill. 8:00pm. CITRUS JAM + KALLIDAD Penny Black, Brunswick. 9:30pm. CRAIG WOODWARD’S FLYING ENGINE STRINGBAND Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. JIMI HOCKING’S BLUES MACHINE Micawber Tavern, Belgrave. 9:00pm.
60 SECONDS WITH...
AIRCRAFTE
Define your genre in five words or less: Tight, verb-heavy and angst-ridden. Why should everyone come and see your band? Because we are doing something different; we aren’t just jamming overdone messy rock’n’roll riffs or hammering out boring indie jungle beats with lyrics about the joy’s of life and hanging out with friends. We try to connect with the audience on an emotional level and create a particular mood for each song. Do you have any record releases to date? What are they? Where can I get them? We’ll have a single out early this year, but in the mean time we have two demo tracks that we recorded with our old bass player. You can download them via our Facebook page or the triple j Unearthed website. We recorded them with the very talented Malcolm Besley, who we’ll be doing our single with also. Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like? Funnily enough, I don’t think that any two people have ever compared us to the same band. People seem to find it difficult locating our influences and pigeonholing us into any one genre, which suits us just fine.
PUGSLEY BUZZARD Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. SIMON HUDSON Some Velvet Morning, Clifton Hill. 8:00pm. SPECTRUM TRIO Ivy Lounge Bar, Olinda. 8:00pm. SPENCER P JONES Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:30pm. ST. ANDREWS OPEN MIC & JAMM NIGHT St Andrews Hotel, St Andrews. 8:00pm. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: REBECCA BARNARD Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 4:06pm. THE BENNIES + FOXTROT + KILL THE MATADOR + KINGS CUP + THE GUN RUNNERS Gertrudes Brown Couch, Fitzroy. 6:00pm. $10. THE EXOTICS The Luwow, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. $5. TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSIONS - FEAT: DAN BOURKE Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 6:00pm.
What’s your favourite song, and why? Climbing Up The Walls by Radiohead. The lyrics are haunting, it oozes the most dark and intimate vibes, is delicately crafted and produced (to say the least) and it always lingers for days after hearing it. The perfect song. What advice would you give to bands that are new on the Melbourne music scene? Write music that you love, not music you think people want to listen to. Nothing is more rewarding than people digging music that means something to you, and not just something you’ve churned out to get a crowd moving. When are you doing your thing next? Thursday February 21 at Yah Yah’s, Smith Street, Collingwood. If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why? Too easy, John Lennon. It wouldn’t even matter if he hated it, anything he said would be useful. Most of our songs are about women, heartbreak and depression anyway, so he might actually enjoy an Aircrafte show.
SATURDAY JAN 19 JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC HETTY KATE Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. $25. PUTA MADRE BROTHERS + SNAPPY YABBY & THE SNAG PARTY Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:30pm. $13. QUINCE JAM Open Studio, Northcote. 4:30pm. SOLQUEMIA + MATT GLASS Open Studio, Northcote. 8:00pm. $25. TARA MINTON Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $20.
BONJAH In preparation for the release of their eagerly awaited third album, four-piece blues/rock/soul band Bonjah are set to smash The Espy’s Gershwin Room on Friday January 18 and Saturday January 19. Having recently played to thousands at JuWi Festival in Germany, Bonjah will likely give their fans a taste of what’s to come by scattering brand new tracks throughout their set, along with old favourites from their criticallyacclaimed albums. Catch Bonjah with special guests on Friday January 18 and Saturday January 19 in The Espy’s Gershwin Room. Tickets $20+bf from espy.com.au.
TWELVE FOOT NINJA Progressive/experimental rock band Twelve Foot Ninja are coming back home to Melbourne for a run of shows, much to the appreciation of their loving fanbase. 2012 was a gargantuan year for the band, with their debut LP Silent Machine receiving rave reviews from everywhere and much love from youth national radio. So jump off that forklift and make sure you catch these bad cats when they play The Corner Hotel on Friday January 18 and the Ferntree Gully Hotel on Saturday January 19. SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU
Beat Magazine Page 55
Hunx and His Punx
SUGAR MOUNTAIN
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS
Endeavouring to merge the spheres of visual art, music and big ass blow out parties, Sugar Mountain’s boutique festival experience is happening this weekend in Melbourne. For the third time the festival will showcase a uniquely curated selection of fresh talent across three stages. Artists hail from both local and international settings with a range of cutting edge musicians such as Action Bronson, Naysayer & Gilsun, Hunx and His Punx and Peanut Butter Wolf, and visual artists including Antony Hamilton, Kit Webster, Kris Moyes, and many more. The orogeny occurs this Saturday January 19 at the Forum Theatre.
The trio of Brooklyn noise-rockers A Place To Bury Strangers bring their deafeningly commendable sound to our city for an impending headliner at The Corner. Having experienced a slew of lineup changes since their conception 12 years ago, the band is now settled into as harmonious a state as a decidedly raw act can be. Having been compared to acts like Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, the live show will struggle to disappoint. APTBS will showcase their 2012 success, LP Worship, as well as older material at the Corner Hotel this Sunday January 20.
THE BARNEY MCALL TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $25. TRIO AGOGO Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. YVETTE JOHANSON & THE JOHN MONTESANTE QUINTET Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 9:00pm. $20.
INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS ADAM EATON BAND Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 10:00pm. ANARCHY IN THE UKELELE + ADMIRAL ACKBAR’S DISHONORABLE DISCHARGE + NO ONE’S HOME + STRAWBERRY FIST CAKE + THE MURDERBALLS Barleycorn Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. AUTOPORTRAITS (EP LAUNCH) + BEN HUTTON + NEW ESTATE + THE OCEAN PARTY Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $6. BAM MARGERA (F**KFACE UNSTOPPABLE TOUR) Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. BAND OF FREQUENCIES (ALBUM LAUNCH) + EL MOTH + SARITAH Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10. BANG - FEAT: BELLUSIRA + EMPIRE + REMISSION THEORY Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. BONE + BATPISS + GENTLEMEN + HUMAN GROOMING Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10. BONJAH + JOHNNYVILLE + TINPAN ORANGE + TOM TUENA BAND Espy, St Kilda. 6:00pm. $20.
BOYS OF SUMMER TOUR 2013 - FEAT: DEEZ NUTS + COMEBACK KID + FIRST BLOOD + HAND OF MERCY + THE BRIDE + TRAINWRECK Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $36. BUDD + ALL GOOD + BRAVO CANYON + WARWICK BROWN Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. CLAMPDOWN Rochester Castle Hotel, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. DICE + POSEIDON + RUBBER DUB Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 8:00pm. $5. DIVINEY (U18 SHOW) + FOR OUR HERO + NEVER EVER Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 12:30pm. $25. ELECTRIK DYNAMITE + DEAD CITY RUINS + ROCKET QUEEN + TABERAH Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $12. ESPERA + COLOURED CLOCKS + GIRL IN THE FIRE + HEMERA + JESS PALMER + KINGS & QUEANS First Floor, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. GOING SWIMMING (EP LAUNCH) + DARTS + RAYON MOON + THE PRETTY LIARS Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $10. GUNN MUSIC - FEAT: BLOOD LINE: SINGLE LAUNCH + BURY THE FALLEN + MY FAVOURITE EPISODE + THREE STORY GOAT Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:00pm. $12. HUMANS AS ANIMALS + DUBMENTIA + GLASFROSCH 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10. I AM DUCKEYE (EP LAUNCH) + DECIMATUS + THE
BERKSHIRE HUNTING CLUB + THEY Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $15. ICEHOUSE The Palms, Southbank. 7:30pm. $99. JACKSON CREEK BOOGIE BAND Musicland, Fawkner. 8:30pm. $10. JOSEPH PAUL + PLANES + THE BATTERY KIDS + THE HONDAS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. JUDGE PINO & THE RULING MOTIONS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. MATT DWYER & THE DYNAMITES The Luwow, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. $10. MATT SONIC & THE HIGH TIMES + CUT Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 10:00pm. MICK PEALING & THE PRAIRIE OYSTERS The Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 8:00pm. $25. POTATO CAKE - FEAT: DEAD RIVER + BRICKS ARE HEAVY + LIQUOR SNATCH The Public Bar, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $10. PRONTO Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 5:00pm. RAINBIRD + APACHE MEDICINE MAN + PURPLE TUSKS + THE FEEL GOODS Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $13. REEDS OF THE TEMPTRESS + EMPIRES FALL + NICOLAS CAGE FIGHTER John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:00pm. RISE OF THE RAT + ROAD RATZ + THE TEARAWAYS Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $10. SEVERITY + A VIRUS + BESOLATED + COLD RED MUTE Idgaff Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm.
SLACQUER + CHARM Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 6:00pm. STRAWBERRY FISTCAKE + ADMIRAL ACKBARS DISHONORABLE DISCHARGE + NO ONES HOMETEARAWAYS + ROAD RATZ + SON OF SET + THE MURDERBALLS Barleycorn Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. SUGAR MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL - FEAT: ACTION BRONSONHTRK + ESG + HUNX & HIS PUNX + KIRIN J CALLINAN + KRIS MOYES + LAUREL HALO + PEANUT BUTTER WOLF + WOODS Forum Theatre, Melbourne. 5:00pm. $123. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: THE HELLHOUNDS Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 8:00pm. THE ART OF LATER + SEEDY JEEZUS + THE BALLS + THE UNDERHANDED Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. THE HIRED GUNS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm. THE MOLTING VULTURES + THE REPROBETTES Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 9:00pm. THE SNOWDROPPERS + APES + EATEN BY DOGS + KING OF THE NORTH Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. THE STRAIGHT 8S + THE F100S Lucky 13 Garage, Moorabbin. 8:30pm. $10. THE VENDETTAS + INDIAN MYNAH + THE JACKS Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:00pm. THE WHORLS + BLOODHOUND Penny Black, Brunswick. 9:00pm. TWELVE FOOT NINJA Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully. 8:00pm. $21.
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Skipping Girl Vinegar
Grey Ghost UÊS oliloquy
Benny Walker (solo)
Tom Francis UÊSol Nation and more 3 stages of awesome nonstop entertainment U Free music event ww
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facebook.com/greaterdandenong
Saturday 26 January 3pm–9.30pm
Dandenong Park Cnr Pultney and Foster streets, Dandenong
Beat Magazine Page 56
SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU
WIL WAGNER + BEN DAVID + ISAAC GRAHAM + LINCOLN LE FEVRE + LUCY WILSON Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $12.
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK KAZ BAND Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 4:00pm. ACOUSTIC FOXX + DEAR STALKER + JMS HARRISON + MICHAEL YULE Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10. ALEX LEGG St Andrews Hotel, St Andrews. 1:00pm. CHRIS WILSON Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9:00pm. CORAL LEE & THE SILVER SCREAM Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. EMMA HEENEY + BEN MASON + GEORGIA FIELDS Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10. GLENY RAE VIRUS & HER PLAYBOYS Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. HERMITAGE GREEN Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:00pm. $10. MOONEE VALLEY DRIFTERS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 4:00pm. OL’ TIMEY STRING BAND Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 4:30pm. RICHARD PERSO Grind N Groove, Healesville. 7:30pm. THE BAREBONES + TEX & THE MOON BAND Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. THE BROKEN SWEETHEARTS + NICOLETTE FORTE + TESSA LYES Chandelier Room, Moorabbin. 8:00pm. $10.
SUNDAY JAN 20 INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS + PEARLS Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. $35. ANARCHY AT DAWN + OMNIVIUM + PORTRAITS OF AUGUST Espy, St Kilda. 5:00pm. BAM MARGERA (F**KFACE UNSTOPPABLE) - FEAT: F**KFACE UNSTOPPABLE Pier Live, Frankston. 7:00pm. $30. BEERSOAKED SUNDAYS - FEAT: THE SNOWDROPPERS + CLINKERFIELD + RATTLIN’ BONES BLACKWOOD Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10. CELLOJOE + PERMACULTURE 303, Northcote. 3:00pm. CREAKS + FIRST LOVE + HAMBURGER LADY + SISSYSOCKS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. DAN PARSONS + LUKE BRENNAN Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 7:00pm. FALSE ECONOMY + CALADONIA + ROSLYN HEAVY Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 2:00pm. $5. FINAL AXCENT Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 8:00pm. HEADSPACE + BAD BOYS BATUCADA + MS BUTT + THE DALE RYDER BAND Espy, St Kilda. 5:30pm. HUNX & HIS PUNX + DJ RITCHIE 1250 + UV RACE Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 6:00pm. $25. MASSIVE + DESTROY SHE SAID + HYPERMANIA + KILL SHOT Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $10. MATT KELLY Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:00pm. PT BLUES + STANDARD DEVIATION 68.8 Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 3:00pm. ROSS HANNAFORD & THE CRITTERS Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 3:00pm. $15. SARAH EIDA & THE GARDEN OF EIDA + DAMN THAT RIVER + JONATHON DEVOY + RAZORS OF OCKHAM Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $12. SKY & STONZ + 4TRESS + BLACK FUEL + HEDONISTIC PLEASURE Idgaff Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. SO FRENCHY SO CHIC IN THE PARK - FEAT: MELANIE PAIN + CARMEN MARIA VEGA + NADÉAH + REVOLVER Werribee Park Mansion, Werribee. 12:00pm. $77. SUMMER OF CLASSICS - FEAT: HENRY MANETTA & THE TRIP Pure Pop Courtyard, St Kilda. 8:00pm. THE JAILBIRD JOKERS + FOLEY + THE DIECASTS + THOMAS DAVEY Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm. THE MOLTING VULTURES + COLD HARBOUR Lyrebird Lounge, Ripponlea. 8:00pm. TOM BUDGE Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 7:00pm.
60 SECONDS WITH...
ROGER CLARK FROM DIZZY’S JAZZ CLUB
Describe what Dizzy’s is about and where you’re located. Dizzy’s is a unique jazz venue in Melbourne as it offers both fine dining with table service for a great show or one is able to come for show only and use our friendly bar service. Dizzy’s is really about a complete night out where food, wine and service is tops while enjoying the best jazz artists from Australia and overseas. Have you got any exciting shows we should be heading along to? One great show coming up that should not be missed is Salena Jones who is now domicile in the UK – originally USA – and she is coming to Dizzy’s after completing her Japanese tour. Salena has sung with Louis Armstrong, Hank Jones, Ray Brown, Sarah Vaughan, Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Burrell, Dudley Moore, Roy Budd and Toots Thielemans, Tom Jones, Antonio Carlos Jobim, the BBC Big Band and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Over the last five decades, since arriving from America, Salena Jones has been a central figure on the British jazz scene and, from her base there, she has conquered the world. Salena has played everywhere: throughout Europe, South Africa, South America, to Canada and the US, and widely throughout Asia, where she has appeared in Japan at last annually since 1978 (and where they call her the “Queen of Jazz” and the “Beautiful Voice of Swing”). Salena is appearing at Dizzy’s on Friday January 25 and Saturday January 26. Have you got any news to share? Some late news on Dizzy’s as we go to press is that Dizzy’s has just undergone some renovations to upgrade comfort plus a new sound system to make the venue world class. Can we get a good feast at Dizzy’s? The food at Dizzy’s is as good as it gets, just ask the musos who dine there and they will rave about it. There is a very comprehensive menu starting with oysters if you like them right through ending in sticky date pudding and ice-cream, but the steaks and Atlantic salmon are hard to beat. What’s the most memorable show you’ve hosted at Dizzy’s? One of our most memorable nights was a theme night
WED 16 JAN RESIDENCY
DAN TROLLEY w/ GUESTS
NATHAN HOLLYWOOD MACHINE THU 17 JAN
FIGHT THE AVALANCHE Salena Jones with the Dizzy’s Big Band – James Bond! The 23-piece band did 20 James Bond tunes with three singers and a narrative of James’ missions. All our guests had to come as Bond or one of his adversaries, and the women as Bond girls. The big band all had guns and there was laughter and pandemonium . What makes a great Jazz venue? Ambience is what makes a great jazz venue and sound. Check out Dizzy’s! Dizzy’s Jazz Club is honoured to host Salena Jones on Friday January 25 and Saturday January 26. Head to dizzys.com.au for more info.
OEDIPUS REX HARBOUR THE HOSTAGE BLOOD LINE FRI 18 JAN
DAMN THE TORPEDO FALCONIO DICKFINGER THE OLD LADIES THE FUCK UPS
SAT 19 JAN FRONT BAR / 5 - 7PM:
PRONTO
+ GUESTS
BANDROOM - 8.30PM
JOSEPH PAUL THE HONDAS THE BATTERY KIDS PLANES
SUN 20 JAN SELLING FAST!
HUNX AND HIS PUNX UV RACE
USA
DJ RITCHIE 1250 FROM 6.00PM / BBQ
TIX ON SALE NOW FROM OZTIX.COM.AU: CHICKS ON SPEED THU 24 JAN WOODS (USA) SUN 27 JAN NOBUNNY (USA) FRI 1 FEB WARPED (21st BIRTHDAY) FRI 8 & SAT 9 FEB DIRTY BEACHES (CAN) SUN 10 FEB WILD NOTHING (USA) MON 11 MAR COMING SOON: WED 23 JAN: DAN TROLLEY RESIDENCY FRI 25 JAN: ‘IF IT’S CATCHY BENEFIT SHOW’ 2 LITRE DOLBY, SWIRL, SINGING FOR HUMANS, KHANCOBAN MON 28 JAN: TASMANIAN BUSHFIRES BENEFIT: MIKE NOGA, WITCH HATS, MATT BAILEY, MIDNIGHT CALLER, TOM LYNGCOLN (NATION BLUE), THE BULLS BLACKCHORDS, IVY ST, HAYLEY COUPER MONIQUE BRUMBY, MILES BROWN (NIGHT TERRORS)+DJ SUICIDE JOCKEY)+BBQ!
JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE The Horn African Music Lounge, Collingwood. 7:00pm. GRAND WAZOO Royal Hotel, Mornington. 3:00pm. JACK JACK JACK + THANKDO & BELLA JABARA Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 4:30pm. SUNDAY SESSIONS - FEAT: DJ RELLIK + THANDO/ BELLA JABARA & JACK JACK JACK Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 4:30pm. TANGO RUBINO Wesley Anne, Northcote. 4:00pm. THE BARNEY MCALL TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. TRIO AGOGO Open Studio, Northcote. 4:00pm.
FREE TOTE BBQ EVERY SATURDAY! 71 JOHNSTON ST. COLLINGWOOD . 03 9419 5320 TOTE OPEN: WED - SUN / 4.00pm ‘TIL LATE BAND BOOKINGS: NICCI@BAROPEN.COM.AU
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK AINTREE SWEET Penny Black, Brunswick. 5:00pm. CHRIS RUSSELL’S CHICKEN WALK + DEAN MULLER Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 3:00pm.
WWW.THETOTEHOTEL.COM SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU
Beat Magazine Page 57
TUESDAY JAN 22 + BEAT PRESENT...
INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS
GOING SWIMMING Melbourne locals Going Swimming are releasing their EP this Saturday like most people do, with a party. Except these self-described scally-wags encourage their party-goers to embrace the Going Swimming surf punk theme, which means Hawaiian shirts, obviously. Chuck in a bunch of inflatable pool toys, alcohol and music that’ll make you want to smoke a spliff on a surfboard, the EP launch at The Grace Darling cannot not be a good time. Originally uniting through a shared love of ‘90s children’s television shows, happy vocals, mean guitars, obnoxious bass and frenetic drums are all finally available in one shiny new EP. Come celebrate its birth. Supports include The Pretty Littles, Rayon Moon and Darts, all for just 10 bucks. Doors at 9pm. DAVID COSMA DUO + CHARLES JENKINS Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 4:00pm. GRIZZLY JIM LAWRIE + KAT ARDITTO Workers Club, Fitzroy. 3:00pm. HELLHOUNDS Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. IN MUSIC WE TRUST - FEAT: THE STARRY FIELD + BRENDAN SKINNER & THE RELEVANT ADVICE CLUB + DARREN GIBSON The Public Bar, Melbourne. 3:00pm. JAM SUNDAYS Musicland, Fawkner. 5:00pm. JIMI HOCKING + ANDREA MARR BAND Gh Hotel, St Kilda. 5:00pm. $20. JIMMY & THE MIRRORS + CHILD + PRETTY LITTLES + ROMEO KNIGHTS + WILLOW DARLING Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. $10. LILY & KING + KEN MAHER & TONY HARGREAVES Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 5:30pm. MARISA QUIGLEY St Andrews Hotel, St Andrews. 3:00pm. MATTY GREEN BAND Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. MICK BEARD Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm. OPA 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $5. PHIL PARA - FEAT: LLOYD SPIEGEL Bay Hotel, Mornington. 3:00pm. ROESY + EALEY & TYERS + ROB IMLACH Chandelier Room, Moorabbin. 5:00pm. $10. SHERRY RICH Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm. SLEEPING BAG Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm. STEEPLEJACK + BOWTIE + SARAH DE HAAN Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 4:00pm. $10. SULTAN Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 4:00pm. TESSA LYES + ANTHONY YOUNG + DAVY SIMONY + TANE EMIA-MOORE Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $5. THE RECHORDS Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 4:30pm. THE TAYLOR PROJECT + RUNNING AWAY WITH THE CIRCUS Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 7:00pm. $2. UNION ROYALE Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 4:00pm.
60 SECONDS WITH...
MONDAY JAN 21 INDIE, ROCK, POP, METAL, PUNK & COVERS ACOUSTIC SESSIONS - FEAT: JOSH BLAU Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 7:30pm. MONDAY NIGHT MASS - FEAT: FATTI FRANCES + MATTHEW BROWN + WORNG Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:00pm. THE VAUDEVILLE SMASH VS SEX ON TOAST + SEX ON TOAST + THE VAUDEVILLE SMASH + FLOUNDER Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $6.
JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC DIVINA PROVIDENCIA Felix, St Kilda. 9:00pm. LEBOWSKIS - FEAT: THE LAURA NICHOLS TRIO 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. THE ALLAN BROWNE TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15.
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK AUSTIN LUCAS + JAMIE HAY + PJ BOND The Public Bar, Melbourne. 7:00pm. $15. CHERRY JAM Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 6:30pm. THE SHIVERING TIMBERS Union Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. UNPAVED SONGWRITER SESSIONS - FEAT: ALYSIA MANCEAU + ALICIA ADKINS + ALISTAIR CARR + DAVID WYHOON + ELIZABETH BARKER + SHAUN FEELEY Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $5.
JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN & WORLD MUSIC EL MOTH + BAND OF FREQUENCIES + LEE ROSSER + TIM O’CONNOR Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. MAKE IT UP CLUB Bar Open, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. THE BUDDY LOVE TRUST Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8:00pm. $14. THE ROYAL JELLY DIXIELAND BAND Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $10. THE STEVE HEATHER TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. TIARYN GRIGGS Open Studio, Northcote. 9:00pm.
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY, BLUES & FOLK HELLHOUND BROWN Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. OPEN MIC Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:30pm. OPEN MIC Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC Wesley Anne, Northcote. 7:00pm. RENATO VACIRCA Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. THE BLACKEYED SUSANS Union Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm.
TESSA LYES
Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like? I get all interesting kinds of suggestions. Some you wonder how the hell they came to that conclusion, and others seem a little more obvious. NZ Musician Magazine did a recent feature article on me and I think they sum it all up pretty well. “The shades of Florence and the Machine that filter through much of her vocal delivery drops away and her melancholic wail takes a step closer to the effortless authenticity of someone like Patti Smith.” If you could assassinate one person or band from popular music, who would it and why? It’s sad how much this question excites me. With so many excellent assassination candidates in the popular music scene today, to choose just one is such a battle. But I’m sorry Justin Bieber. It’s gonna have to be you. Why? Isn’t it obvious? What’ve you got to sell CD-wise? My recently released debut EP Imaginary Lover. This is how I describe the record: “This record is a journey through
my over thinking mind who more often than not, finds itself trapped deep in thought over analysing the beauty and the darkness this life constantly throws at us. It’s a keepsake of emotion that swims in love, suffocates in pain, and teaches us to live again.” When are you playing live? I’m in Melbourne for a month playing at some amazing venues alongside some even more amazing musicians. From Thursday January 17 to Saturday February 2, I have a pretty full on schedule. Revolver Upstairs on Thursday January 17, Chandelier Room (Moorabbin) on Saturday January 19, The Toff in Town on Sunday January 20, Veludo (St Kilda) on Tuesday January 22, Some Velvet Morning (Clifton Hill) on Wednesday January 23, Festival of Sails (Geelong) on Saturday January 26, Old Bar (Fitzroy) on Tuesday January 29, Babushka Bar (Ballarat) on Friday February 1 and Mavis Brown’s (St Kilda) on Saturday February 2. [I’ll be playing] alongside some talent such as Tane Emia-Moore, Davy Simony, Kyle Taylor, Lauren Glezer and Anthony Young. Head to my website for all tour dates and lineup: tessalyes.com
CLASSIFIEDS
RHYTHM GUITAR, KEYS, BACKUP VOX NEEDED! Kilby’s the name. Melbourne based. Sounds like light/ dark indie rock. Listen: triplejunearthed.com/Kilby. Email: kilbytheband@gmail.com - Must have dedication/ good gear/love for music!
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.
SERVICES DJ AGENCY SEEKING EVENT MANGERS, promoters and party organisers to work with. Text 0411 024 794
MUSICIANS WANTED
FREE VENUE HIRE - Fully stocked bar - Huge capacity, whole venue or partial. Call Jesse 0411 803 579
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.
MUSIC MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION www. drumsrecords.net, P.O. Box 1187 St. Albans VIC 3021 Australia
BATTLE OF THE BANDS. Registration now, starts Wednesday the 28th Dec and every Wednesday after for 8 week (less the 26th Dec & the 2nd Jan). First prize: recording time in a studio. Call Jesse 0411 803 579 Beat Magazine Page 58
ACOUSTIC SESSIONS - FEAT: TESSA LYES Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 7:30pm. AGAINST ME! The Hi-fi, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $55. COLLAGE Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. CRYSTAL CASTLES + GOLD FIELDS Billboard, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. DEAD WATER CITY Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:30pm. DEATH GRIPS Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. GARY CLARK JR + FRASER A GORMAN + THE MURLOCS Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. JOE PERNICE & NORMAN BLAKE + SEJA Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:00pm. $40. LINK MEANIES AMAZING JUKEBOX The Public Bar, Melbourne. 7:00pm. MELBOURNE FRESH - FEAT: JAIL BIRD JOKERS + DIAMONDS OF NEPTUNE + GRIM HOUSE Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:00pm. $5. NEIGHBOURHOOD YOUTH + SQUAREHEAD Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $5. RED X Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. THE BRUNSWICK DISCOVERY - FEAT: WOLVES OF RAIN + COLDHANDS WARM HEART Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm. THE KILLERS Palace Theatre, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. ULTRAFOX + CELLOJOE + UNDERSCORE ORKESTRA Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $10.
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
If your music was a chocolate bar, which one would it be, and why? Black Forest. It’s a bit of everything fused together. And tastes sooo good! NZ made Cadbury chocolate of course. What makes a good musician? To me a good musician should be a good conveyor of emotion. Without this, no matter what skills you have, it’s a lifeless performance no one wants to see.
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 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. 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
TUITION PAUL HENDER DRUM SCHOOL PTY LTD. Students wanting to learn please contact Paul (03) 8786 3421
SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU
whatson@thepush.com.au
ACCESS ALL AGES Wednesday January 16th, 2013 With Ruth Mihelcic
There’s still a few weeks left of holidays so you’d better get out and enjoy your free time while you still can! Join us tomorrow when we throw the next installment of Federation Square Live featuring The Paper Kites and Vance Joy from 6pm.
Velociraptor Got your Push Over tickets yet? For the low, low price of $40 you’ll be served a generous helping of The Amity Affliction, DZ Deathrays, Violent Soho, Velociraptor, Dream On Dreamer, Northlane, Millions, Northeast Party House, Allday, Thy Art Is Murder, In Hearts Wake, Twelve Foot Ninja, Hand Of Mercy, Soliloquy, High Tension, The Sweet Apes, D At Sea, Lurch & Chief, and Brighter At Night across multiple stages at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on March 11. Ticketmaster has your tickets, get them ASAP. For those among us who love to move, check out Signal’s Breakdancing on Canvas program, a series of free, vibrant dance workshops and city based performance opportunities for young people combining dance and creativity. Work with facilitators JJ, Lenny and Arisa from Limbs2Riddims to learn hip-hop and breaking moves, then showcase them in a massive live performance as part of the Signal 37 celebrations on Australia Day. Workshops take place from January 23 to January 25, 1pm to 4pm at Signal, just behind Flinders Street Station. To register your place call 8696 5400 or inbox them on Facebook at facebook.com/signalarts. SYN is looking for a Digital Content Developer, and it could be you! If you’re an exceptionally talented person who’s available three days a week for six months (or possibly 12 months), then check this out. You’ll be responsible for programming SYN’s new digital radio channel with innovative youth-driven content, and will have the opportunity to connect young broadcasters based outside of Melbourne with SYN’s digital broadcast. For the full position description and to apply email gm@syn.org.au or call (03) 9925 4788 before applications close at 5pm next Wednesday. Another fantastic work opportunity is coming up at the Port Fairy Folk Music Festival, happening from March 8 to March 11, 2013. If you’re interested in volunteering as a “Face of the Festival” submit the form by January 25. Hilltop Hoods
Lastly the Hilltop Hoods and APRA have teamed up to give a career changing $10,000 to the most impressive emerging Hip Hop/Soul act in Australia. Creatively named the Hilltop Hoods initiative, the grant is open to any hip hop artist or group who has not yet released an album professionally/commercially. You can be of any age and also must be an APRA member, which you can do at apra-amcos.com.au. Applications open early this year, keep an eye out at the APRA site and at hilltophoods.com/hth. Don’t forget to send through your all ages music news and opportunities that you’d like to share here and on our website, email them to me at whatson@thepush.com.au
THURSDAY JAN 17TH
SEYMOUR HOLLOW ACOUSTIC FROM 8.30 PM
SATURDAY JAN 19TH
CORAL LEE & THE SILVER SCREAM FROM
5 - 7 PM
GREAT BRITAIN HOTEL THU 17 JANUARY
THE SWELL + VINTAGE CINEMA FROM 9PM
SAT 19 JANUARY
THE MOLTING VULTURES + THE REPROBETTES FROM 9PM
SUNDAY JAN 20TH
HELLHOUNDS 2 SETS FROM 5 - 7 PM
TUESDAY JAN 22ND
HELLHOUND BROWN ACOUSTIC FROM 8.30 PM
SUN 20 JANUARY
TOM BUDGE FROM 7PM
WEEKLY ASSORTMENTS MonDAYS
FREE POOL ALL NIGHT $10 PIZZA & POT
TueSDAYS
MRS SMITH’S TRIVIA $10 PIZZA & POT 9PM
WEDNESDAYS
OPEN MIC NIGHT 9PM
447 CHURCH ST RICHMOND 9429 5066 www.greatbritainhotel.com.au
THU 17th Jan
JACK STERLING THE HOUSE OF STAIRS HOUSE OF LAURENCE
8.30-9.15PM 9.30-10.15PM 10.30-11.15PM
Wed. January 16th: wine, whiskey, women
8pm: Jayne West 9pm: Fee Brown Thurs. January 17th:
8pm: Naomi Jones & the Barebones Fri. January 18th:
6pm: Trad. Irish music session with Dan Bourke & Friends Sat. January 19th:
FRI 18th Jan
KALLIDAD CITRUS JAM
9.30-10.30PM 10.45-11.45PM
SAT 19th Jan
BLOODHOUND THE WHORLS
9.30-10.30PM 10.45-11.45PM
SUN 20th Jan 5.00-7.OOPM
AINTREE SWEET
OPENING HOURS
9pm: Chris Wilson
MON-THURS FROM 3PM - LATE FRI-SUN FROM 12PM - LATE NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH ON FRIDAY!!
Sun. January 20th:
FOOD SPECIALS
4PM: Charles Jenkins 6.30PM: David Cosma Duo Tues. January 22nd:
7PM: Weekly Trivia
MONDAY $12 PARMA TUESDAY ALL PIZZAS $6 WEDNESDAY $12 STEAK THURSDAY $12 BEEF OR HALLOUMI BURGER SUNDAY $12 ROAST ALL DAY 420 SYDNEY RD BRUNSWICK, 9380 8667
FACEBOOK.COM/THEPENNYBLACK
The Drunken Poet, 65 Peel Street (directly opposite Queen Vic Market), Phone: 03 9348 9797. www.thedrunkenpoet.com.au SUBMIT YOUR GIGS TO GIGGUIDE@BEAT.COM.AU
Beat Magazine Page 59
BACKSTAGE THE PLACE FOR MUSICIANS
for more information or ad bookings call Aleksei on 9428 3600
STUDIO PROFILE
THE WHITE ROOM
18 Duffy street Burwood 3125 30m rooms s Air-con and ventilation in s 10everylargeroomand identical s PA/foldback combos at 1000w s Storage and amp/kit hire s Acoustic Engineer-designed soundproofing 2
PH: (03) 903 88101 M: 0417 000 397 Email: hydrastudios@bigpond.com
Name: The White Room - Melbourne’s green powered photographic and video shoot studio v s
Location: Kindred Studios, 212a Whitehall St Yarraville
a
s
Studio capabilities: The White Room has a 10m white infinity cyc and provides basic grip and lighting gear. Higher spec lighting and grip set-ups are available by arrangement. We also have current CS5 software and Final Cut Pro running on brand new Mac computers and a fast in-house wireless internet setup. All of this is powered by 100% accredited green power renewable energy. The White Room as an audiovisual presentation and forum venue has 2 x 5000 lumen projectors.
STORE PROFILE
Equipment: 3 x 5kg shot bags Black and white shot flats Apple Mac computer with internet access Power leads and boards Facilities: Multi purpose change and makeup room with clothes rack and mirrors, tea and coffee basin facility, fridge, stereo with iPod adapter, table and chairs, Internet access on request, 3 phase power, use of all Kindred facilities on negotiation. Artists you have worked with: We are regularly servicing fashion, portrait and other promotional and artistic based photographic shoots. Recent music video shoots include Sietta and Alexandra Jae just to name a couple.
In-house engineers: Cy Gorman is the artistic director and curator of the space as well as providing the in house photoshop and final cut pro tech support. Extras: Our rates are competitively priced and we also offer student and concession card holder discounts. We are also offering membership discounts to regular clients and artists.
Contact: Cy Gorman Phone: 0401 379 973 Website: www.thewhiteroom.net.au E-mail: cy@thewhiteroom .net.au
MUSIC SWOP SHOP
Established: 1982 Location: 145-147 Elgin St. Carlton. Melbourne.
THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS! CONTACT ALEKSEI ON 9428 3600 OR MIXDOWN@BEAT.COM.AU
Hours Of Operation: Mon – Fri: 11:07 am – 6:00 pm Sat – Sun: 11:07 am – 3:00 pm What is Music Swop Shop? We are a second hand musical instrument store that handles a wide variety of used items, from entry level to rare and collectable goods. The ‘Swop’ part of our name often lends itself to some confusion as we don’t actually swap instruments. It’s just too hard to change our name after 30 years of operation. Although many customers sell their instrument through us and then put the money towards another item in store, in that sense they’re swapped. How does it work exactly? We sell everything on behalf of others on consignment for a 20% commission. There are no time limits or hidden charges and customers can take their items back at any stage without incurring charges. How did you come up with the idea of a second hand consignment music retail store? We find consignment is the best way to get a fair price for any item. We don’t have any vested interest in anything so aren’t trying to buy for extremely low and sell for an inflated price. We keep an eye on current worldwide markets and keep our prices to what we think is reasonable and attractive. We walk the line keeping both buyer and seller happy. How has your website played a role in the business? A major help in the success of our store is our up-to-date website which is synchronized
with our database. So anyone can keep on top of everything we have in store, subscribe to categories, latch on to an RSS feed or get automatic notifications when something they are after comes in. Your point of difference? Most new retail stores only sell new gear, so what we get in here simply cannot be found anywhere else so easily. Our product range spans over the last one hundred years. Plus one can physically see, feel and hear what’s in store. We
welcome trial runs here and frequently encourage our customers to create as much noise (variations on the term ‘music’) needed and from every orifice necessary to make sure they’re happy with their purchase. Come on down and check us out, everyone else does! Phone: (03) 9348 1194 Website: www.musicswopshop.com.au
BACKSTAGE NOW RUNNING FULL COLOUR! Beat Magazine Page 60
BACKSTAGE: BEAT’S ONE STOP SHOP FOR MUSICIANS
TRAVEL PACK
cardboard sleeves
100 CDs duplicated with black text on silver or white discs
$99 ECONOMY DEAL
100x 2-panel cardboard sleeve with disc from
Travel Pack with white cardboard sleeves
$110
$2.75each
1000 SPECIAL
s
t
u
DAYTIME
d
$75
•
Large Format glossy posters A0, A1, A2
•
•
$65 for 100
BULK DISC SPECIAL
$450
84-86 Nicholson St Abbotsford Victoria, 3067 03 9416 2133
•
500 REPLICATED CDs - COLOUR PRINT
s
$ 4 0
AVAILABLE ROOMS
AVAILABLE
LOADING
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100%
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DRIVE-IN
$4.50each
100x glossy A3 colour prints
STICKERS 1” BADGES $60 for 100 2” BADGES $110 for 100 2” KEYRINGS $130 for 100 MAGNETS $45 per 100
R E H E A R S A L
R O O M S 11
100x 4-panel with full colour print clear tray and thermal colour printed CD
1000x CDs PRINTED COLOUR SUPPLIED INTO JEWEL CASE WITH 4 PAGE BK - SINGLE SIDED INLAY - BLACK TRAY
$1100
B A N D
posters
digipack
GREEN
PARKING
PROVIDED VENUE ENERGY
w w w . k i n d r e d s t u d i o s . c o m . a u
BOOKINGS 212A
PH:
WHITEHALL
(03) ST,
9687
0233
YARRAVILLE
3013
whiteroom M E L B O U R N E ’ S
G R E E N
P O W E R E D
PHOTOGRAPHIC AND VIDEO STUDIO Pro & Conc. Rates Available For Photographic, Music Video & Band Shoots Starting From $150 Multi-Purpose Change & Makeup Room Grip & Lighting gear available Communal Lounge & Wireless Internet Excellent on-site parking CONTACT: CY -ARTISTIC DIRECTOR- 0401 379 973 9687 0233 w w w . t h e w h i t e r o o m . n e t . a u
PA HIRE
Toyland
Recording Studio
Vintage, New & Second Hand Amps, Effects Pedals & Rigs
Huge Selection – All major Brands
Comprehensive PA systems delivered, set up and operated with crew. Compact, easy, sound systems you can pickup and assemble yourself.Components such as microphones, speakers and effects are also available separately. Lights also available. For details phone Mark Barry on 03 9889 1999 or 0419 993 966
www.bssound.com.au
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
571 High Street Preston VIC 3072 Tel (03) 9471 1023 Fax (03) 9471 1919 Internet: www.jamhutstudios.com Clean and fully ventilated rooms with professional equipment. Complimentary tea & coffee.
3 hr sessions from $40 6 hr sessions from $65 $60 per hour, ProTools HD with engineer
313 – 315 Whitehorse Rd BALWYN 3103 Phone: 03 9888 6899 www.eastgatemusic.com
EQUIPMENT HIRE Vocal PA’s from $80, amplifiers and drumkits available.
IMPLANT MEDIA
CD with 2 PAGE INSERT in PVC (sleeve)
SPECIAL!
100 - from $2.35 each 500 - $1.40 each 1000 - $1.08 each
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BACKSTAGE: BEAT’S MUSICIANS DIRECTORY
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LIVE photos by Ben Clement
MORRISSEY
Festival Hall, Wednesday December 19
Only the indefatigable Morrissey can deliver the line, “You open your eyes/And you see someone you physically despise”, from Let Me Kiss You, rip his shirt off, and nearly cause a riot when he hurls it into the audience. The man, it must be said, looked fit and amazing. ‘Holy crap, I’m watching Morrissey!’ This thought coursed through the mind of this scribe and, I’m sure, everyone else’s to boot in the sold-out Festival Hall as the last of the famous international playboys himself – armed with a stellar band – performed his first show on these antipodean shores in over a decade. And, my gosh, he brought the goods. The show was kicked off in style with a slam-bang rendition of Shoplifters Of The World Unite, one of many Smiths tunes that peppered the 90-minute celebration of everything Mozz. The setlist was a healthy what’s-what of some of Morrissey’s greatest musical moments, both solo and with The Smiths. Everyday Is Like Sunday shone like the pretty and darkly humorous gem it is, whilst How Soon Is Now? was transformed into a pugnacious and hypnotising corker, armed with angular guitars, bursting percussion and an almost fevered audience sing-a-long. “You say it’s gonna happen now,” he called, “but when exactly do you mean?” The crowd went batshit. The cheekily fabulous Ouija Board, Ouija Board followed on the heels of one of The Smiths’ most morose songs, I Know It’s Over – and it was moments like this that reminded one of Morrissey’s effortless diversity. Quite simply, his voice was a powerful force that, backed up by his talented band, filled the Hall effortlessly. Ever the militant vegetarian, Morrissey was bound to graphically tell us his opinion about eating meat at some point. Following a strange diatribe about the Royal Family
DJANGO DJANGO
(comparing them to, oddly enough, deposed Egyptian president Mubarak and the Al-Assad regime in Syria), the lights went deep red and the familiar abattoir sound effects of Meat Is Murder filled the room. Nightmarish scenes from factory farms – ghastly footage of chickens, turkeys, pigs and cows being tortured and brutally slaughtered in abattoirs and egg factories – were projected on a giant screen. The music was deep and throbbing, and when Morrissey bellowed, “it’s the unholy stench of murder,” it was an intense, visceral moment – and one that won’t be forgotten soon. But the highlight of the show was probably the interaction between performer and audience when we were treated to a low-key and gentle offering of Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want. A thrilling hush took hold as everybody’s voice rose pleadingly as one: “Lord knows, it would be the first time.” It was a magical moment, and Morrissey himself seemed to have been caught up in it. As the show was closed down with a raucous rendition of First Of The Gang To Die, the assembled masses made their way to the exits with pleased and faintly dazed faces. A living legend had just made a lot of people’s dreams come true, and the post-show chatter was filled with amazed comments about history having been made. I’d say they’d certainly gotten what they wanted, this time. And then some. THOMAS BAILEY LOVED: Seeing Morrissey! HATED: That bloke in front of me who screamed “Queen Is Dead!” between every bloody song. DRANK: Cider.
The Hi-Fi, Saturday January 12
Stacks of bodies sharing perspiration and anticipation were packed into The Hi-Fi for an evening of bustling indie-pop. Django Django’s followers represent more than just one ‘in the know’ sub-culture; fashion displays included floral patterns and tight denim as well as night on the town elegance and some more casual attire, allowing for maximum bodily elasticity. The Scottish foursome’s electronic infused art-rock was flappingly loud, but the sound was like an outstretched hand, not a thwack to the eardrums. Django Django’s psych-melodies, clever chord progression mounted on piles of synth, and rotating rhythms construct a world you can potentially lose yourself in. Utilising every available digit, tonight they efficiently charted the fibrous terrain discovered on their debut record. Whether it were forming a threeway keyboard belt or Frisbee-ing around percussion implements, each member was at all times contributing to the voluminous arrangements. Buzzing synths are the preeminent portal into Django Django’s curious universe and keys master Tommy Grace wove a foundation of patterned soundscapes. Intent focus was required from drummer Dave Maclean in order to execute the limb-slinging that comprises the songs’ rhythmic mobility. His agile drumming was enhanced by a track of sampled percussion and an array of maracas, vibraslap, coconut shells, and oversized tambourines, which were dexterously occupied by other band members. Singer Vinnie Neff was in top vocal form and his Telecaster clearly stated itself midst the bountiful percussion and bassy synths. Neff and bass player Jimmy
Dixon’s prevalent Pink Floyd harmonies gave an element of mystifying colour to the somewhat reticent vocal personality of songs such as Hail Bop and Firewater. In a recent interview, Neff told me that the songs are constantly evolving and tonight they elaborated on many songs with detailed electricity. The melancholy Love’s Dart was given extra punch by a humming synth backdrop, while the Dick Dale derivation Life’s A Beach was emphatically raw. Elsewhere the Krautrock-indebted psychedelia of Storm had a paper and pencil modesty, rather than cosmic grandiosity. The slightly kitsch Skies Over Cairo could have completely carried you to the celestial space evoked if it weren’t for the incessant beat reminding the body to get moving. They didn’t seek to enact an ecstasy fuelled club scene but the stomping Default certainly induced an outbreak of thrusting frivolity. It was evident Django Django relish the ambitious tasks that ask for their active attention, as the spontaneous freedom allowed the show to unfurl into something electrifying. AUGUSTUS WELBY LOVED: Their custom made shirts – dark blue with broad white brush strokes pointing in a different direction on each one. HATED: There was scarcely any breathing room inside the sold out Hi-Fi. DRANK: Firewater.
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB Festival Hall, Saturday December 29 It was a young and jubilant crowd that packed out Festival Hall to see The Jungle Giants, The Vaccines and good ol’ Celtic headliners Two Door Cinema Club. The latter haven’t been in Australia since their 2011 appearance at Laneway, but there was no love lost between them and the frothing audience. The band played tracks from inaugural release Tourist History, as well as more au courant tunes from second album Beacon (released late last year). In fact, they opened with lead single Sleep Alone which chugged off a rollicking setlist that barely slowed, except for The World Is Watching about three quarters of the way through. Still, there was absolutely no mawkishness – the moment you felt that sentimentality was creeping in, the three-piece would thrash out another good-timer. The 80-minute set was accompanied by a pretty cool triangular light show and a burst of white balloons at the end, kind of like the opposite of those Beat Magazine Page 62
carbon awareness ads from yesteryear. Rhythm guitarist Alex Trimble looked absolutely boggleeyed at the reception from the Hall, and although there was little stage banter, he did take the opportunity to say it was too long since Two Door had been in Melbourne. I think everyone agreed – I didn’t ask, because I was aware there were many starry eyes looking in opposite directions, chameleon style, and I don’t think their owners would have heard me above the rush of blood in their ears. And quite possibly down to their loins. ZOË RADAS LOVED: Band and audience properly psyching on one another’s enthusiasm. HATED: The bar there. Too hard to get to. DRANK: Beer.
photos by Richard Sharman
HOT CHIP
The Palace, Wednesday January 9
Hot Chip are the most prolific proponent of the electro crossover scene that began last decade. Their 2006 album The Warning is, for many, the most memorable moment of a scene that made of names like The Klaxons, The Bravery, Tom Vek and Hot Chip's now defunct DFA label mates LCD Soundsystem. When I first heard that Hot Chip would be playing at The Palace I was very happy because the tiered venue lends itself to great club shows. Tonight's show maintained this opinion. Hot Chip opened with Shake A Fist – the most dance-floor orientated moment from 2008's Made In The Dark. During this track, the custom built strobe light and massive bass subs shook patrons from the belly right up to the tops of their heads. The next track was Boy From School, the song that back in 2006 took Hot Chip from an indie disco oddity to supreme songwriters. It was nice to see Joe Goddard (the deep voice) and Alex Taylor (the soft voice) opposite each other again with only their synths between them; this was as opposed to Hot Chip's 2010 tour with LCD Soundsystem when Goddard appeared on a TV screen. The entire first half of the set was peaked with Over & Over and the first single from last year's In Our Heads, Night & Day, offering the greatest hands in the air moment. Night & Day features the memorable lines, "I don’t got no Abba/I don’t play no Gabba/I like Zapp not Zappa/So please quit your jibba jabba," a direct reference to the fact that both Taylor and Goddard are DJs with Goddard even DJing later this night as The 2 Bears at The Merkat Cross Hotel. However, the impact of their innate ability to design a set manifests as a respite at about the halfway point of the show with the tender Look At Where We Are. After this song, Hot Chip drag the tempo back up with How Do You Do that features an uplifting progression and
SUMMADAYZE
DAN WATT LOVED: The first five minutes. HATED: An at times muddy mix. DRANK: A bubble-cup I smuggled in under my wizard hat.
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Tuesday January 1
Upon arriving at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, I was greeted with beautiful weather and drunk muzzas rightfully outfitted in running shorts, bum bags and shirtlessness. First stop was the main stage where Kimbra soon delighted the relatively small audience with her streamer-inspired skirt, blue wig shoulder pads and aggressive femininity. Tinier than I thought, it was difficult to hear her strong voice on account of the sound issues. Nevertheless, right in the pit I had no problem hearing her and the energetic performance was a great start to the day. Up next was Adrian Lux in the Electrodayze area. There were many more people here providing for a good party atmosphere. Swinging by Housedayze to catch some of Disclosure’s set I was surprised to see how shy the brothers were onstage. Starting off with Control the crowd definitely seemed to gravitate towards the auxiliary stages as opposed to the main one, where Kimbra had been. Ticking towards 3pm the crowd was growing denser, and increasingly messier. I also suspect there was once a time when you could go to a festival without having an abundance of titties and butt cheeks shoved in your face. At the main stage everyone was awaiting Mark Ronson. When he stepped out, he seemed pretty unenthused. His set was spiced up by guest performances from Spank Rock, Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow and Melbourne’s very own Daniel Merriweather. Shifting from Sean Paul to Q-Tip to Jay-Z, Ronson employed multilayered bells, horns and synths to his mixes. Back at Housedayze, Hudson Mohawke was pounding an infectious and throbbing beat. Slashing synths and fast BPMs with the grinding and industrial feel of lofi and hi-fi timbres all complimented with a punching bass. Higher Ground had everyone losing their shit. Fedde Le Grand and Knife Party next graced the main stage. Now it was M.I.A.’s time. The stage was set up with lavish and bright textures and small tents. In the pit I was ready to get as close as
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quasi gospel style vocals, "How do you do it/That thing you do/You make me want to live again." A nearby flight attendant informs me that this song features on Jetstar's boarding music. At the completion of this song, Hot Chip's guitarist and un-appointed leader Al Doyle explains that this is their last show in a very long tour. The next song they bust into is Ready For The Floor that differs from usual with a super creepy intro of a slowed down, "Say it/Say it/Say it now," then shifting to a clear voiced Alexis, "Do it/Do it/Do it now." Maybe it was just my mind playing tricks on me but I am sure there was a synth flourish of from Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want To Have Fun throughout the song flourish. It would make sense considering Hot Chip's penchant for including ‘80s pop covers as part of their tracks. Tonight's inclusion of Fleetwood Mac's Everywhere was a highlight for many. Unfortunately, this was followed by my lowlight of the night, the opening song of the encore Crap Kraft Dinner. I love this song on record (2004's Coming On Strong) for its minimalism and profound lyrics but unfortunately a seven-piece Hot Chip, including live drums and percussion, took the song to place it should never have gone. Overall however, tonight's show with its light and music was a highly enjoyable experience and while a part of me wishes it was still just the five guys with synths and laptops I saw at The Prince back in 2007, I am glad they have become an almost totally live disco experience.
humanely possible to her. Stepping on stage in a flowing green turban laced with a gold band, a dead president jumper, multicoloured pants and bright yellow kicks, it was clear no one rocks Raghead like M.I.A. Experiencing similar mic problems to Kimbra, she swore under her breath a few times and called to have them rectified (to no avail [fuck]). Even when she stepped back to touch up her lipstick she oozed cool. It was after Bucky Done Gun that my world changed forever. Calling for people to get onstage, my friend and I exchanged looks of shock and joy before flooding towards the side stage. What ensued to be a stampede, it was very fortunate no one fell over, because they literally would have been crushed. Just as we made it the security were saying no more. Pleading with them, one security guard nodded and I began to hoist myself up. My friend was already on stage when another security guard grabbed my leg and tried to pull me back. When life gives you lemons you kick security the fuck off you and get onstage with M.I.A., which is precisely what I did. Eventually, I had to make my departure off stage, but the performance wasn’t done until she closed with Bad Girls. Playing the brilliant clip on the screen behind her the audience went wild, despite the bad sound. Nothing could live up to M.I.A. Not even The Chemical Brothers. The stage had been pimped out for them, but the epilepsy inducing lights they incorporated into their set were enough to leave me dizzy and nauseated. Weaving my way out of the crowd, and towards the city, it was fair to conclude that 2013 was gonna be my year. TAMARA VOGL
LOVED: Being within a one-metre radius of M.I.A. HATED: That I didn’t get to befriend her and suggest I join her entourage. DRANK: Water. Water. And more water.
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