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2 DAYS OF NON STOP MUSIC ONSITE CAMPING 2 STAGES
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS. All offers in this advertisement are part of a national sales program conducted by Yamaha Music Australia Pty Ltd and are valid only between 1st November 2013 and 31st December 2013 at participating Yamaha dealers. Not all products listed in this advertisement are available at all Yamaha dealers. While stocks last. The discounted prices displayed in this advertisement are only intended as a guide. The prices as set out or referred to in this advertisement apply for the duration of the program and are subject to change at any time. The Yamaha dealer participating in this promotion may not have sold these products in the past and where it has sold these products it may have sold them at more or less than the advertised price. Errors and omissions excepted. Only stands, stools and accessories outlined in the product description are included. Participating dealers may charge freight. Lifestyle images are for illustration purposes only. iPhone, iPod, are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
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IN THIS ISSUE
18
HOT TALK
22
TOURING
24
SHPONGLE
30
AUTRE NE VEUT, KURT VILE, WHITE DENIM
37
CUT COPY
38
INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH
39
THE THIN GREEN LINE FUNDRAISER
40
DALE WATSON & HIS
L
LONESTARS, KATIE NOONAN VS ANGIE HART
KATIE NOONAN VS ANGIE HART page 40
AUTRE NE VEUT page 30
41
PETER MURPHY, HELMET
42
GUITAR WOLF, PERIPHERY THE CRIMSON PROJECKT
43
CORE/CRUNCH!
44
MUSIC NEWS
50
ALBUM OF THE WEEK, SINGLES, CHARTS
PETER MURPHY page 41
WHITE DENIM page 30
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PUBLISHER: Furst Media Pty Ltd. MUSIC EDITOR: Ali Hawken ARTS EDITOR / ASSOCIATE MUSIC EDITOR: Tyson Wray INTERNS: Mimi Velevska, James Nicoli, Cassandra Keily, Patrick Carr MANAGING DIRECTOR, FURST MEDIA: Patrick Carr BEAT PRODUCTION MANAGER: Gill Tucker GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Gill Tucker, Patrick O’Brien, Hannah Powell COVER ART: Gill Tucker ADVERTISING: Ali Hawken (Music: Bands/Tours/Record Labels) ali@beat.com.au Ash Bartlett (Beats/Beat/Arts/Education/Ad Agency) ash@beat.com.au Aleksei Plinte (Backstage/ Musical Equipment) mixdown@beat.com.au Thom Parry (Hospitality/Bars) thom@beat.com.au Kris Furst (beat.com.au) kris@furstmedia.com.au Dan Watt (Indie Bands/Special Features) dan@beat.com.au CLASSIFIEDS: classifieds@beat.com.au GIG GUIDE SUBMISSIONS: now online at www.beat.com.au or bands email gigguide@beat.com.au ELECTRONIC EDITOR - BEAT ONLINE: Tyson Wray: tyson@beat.com.au
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GUITAR WOLF page 42 ACCOUNTANT: accountant@furstmedia.com.au ADMINISTRATION CO-ORDINATOR: Lizzie Dynon: reception@furstmedia.com.au ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: Luke Forester: accounts@furstmedia.com.au RECEPTION: reception@furstmedia.com.au DISTRIBUTION: distribution@beat.com.au Free Every Wednesday to over 1,850 places including convenience stores, newsagents, ticket outlets, shopping centres, community youth & welfare outlets, clubs, hotels, venues, record, music and video shops, boutiques, retailers, bars, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, hairdressers, recording studios, cinemas, theatres, galleries, universities and colleges. Wanna get BEAT? Email distribution@beat.com.au DEADLINES Editorial Copy accepted no later than 5pm Thursday before publication for Club listings, Arts, Gig Guide etc. Advertising Copy accepted no later than 12pm Monday before publication. Print ready art by 2pm Monday. Deadlines are strictly adhered to. CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Mary Boukouvalas, Ben Clement, Ben Gunzburg, Rebecca Houlden, Nick Irving, Anna Kanci, Cassandra Kiely, Charles Newbury, Richard Sharman, Tony Proudfoot. SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Christie Eliezer
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SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS: Patrick Emery COLUMNISTS: Emily Kelly, Peter Hodgson, Lachlan Kanoniuk CONTRIBUTORS: Mitch Alexander, Siobhan Argent, Bella ArnottHoare, Thomas Bailey, Graham Blackley, Chris Bright, Joanne Brookfield, Avrille Bylock-Collard, 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. © 2013 Furst Media Pty Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder.
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TORO Y MOI AND PORTUGAL. THE MAN Chill-wave leader Chaz Bundick, AKA Toro Y Moi, and Portland rockers Portugal. The Man are set to play a joint sideshow to coincide with their appearances at 2014’s Big Day Out. Bundick’s tunes began making the internet rounds back in ‘09 and have since seen him secure praise for a number of successful albums such as 2010’s Causers Of This, 2011’s Underneath The Pine, and his most recent outlet Anything In Return released this year. Portugal. The Man, released their seventh LP this year, Evil Friends. The album marks the bands first collaboration with producer Danger Mouse. It goes down at The Hi-Fi on Thursday January 23. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday November 29 through Oztix.
THE LUMINEERS America’s indie sweethearts The Lumineers have locked in a Melbourne sideshow to coincide with their appearance at the 2014 Big Day Out. It marks a swift return for the quintet, who earlier this year embarked on their debut Australian tour, selling out shows nationwide. They’ll hit The Palace on Thursday January 23. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday November 29 through Oztix.
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 18
ARCADE FIRE Big Day Out headliners Arcade Fire have just announced a Melbourne headline show. Having just released their fourth studio album Reflektor, the Montreal collective have spent the better part of this year under a shroud of mystery, performing pop-up shows around the world as The Reflektors. It will be their first visit to Australian shores since they appeared on the 2008 Big Day Out bill. Catch ‘em at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Wednesday January 22. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday November 29 through Ticketmaster.
BLUESFEST SIDESHOWS
BOOGIE 2014
Booyeah, a whole motherload of Bluesfest sideshows have just been announced. The Soul Rebels will play at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Tuesday April 15, Robben Ford and Walter Trout will play at the Corner Hotel on Friday April 18, The North Mississippi Allstars will play at the Corner Hotel on Sunday April 20, Suzanne Vega will hit the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday April 19 and Booker T. Jones with special guest Valerie June will hit the Corner Hotel in Friday April 25.
It’s time to Boogie! The 2014 lineup has just dropped and it is damn sweet. Announced for the 2014 festival are Gary Clark Jr., Pond, Jason Isbell, The Legendary Vic Simms & The Halfway Revue, Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk, The Frowning Clouds, Lindi Ortega, Bed Wettin’ Bad Boys, Machine Translations, Bloods, Saint Jude, Batpiss, The Mastersons, Teeth & Tongue, The Creases, Mustered Courage, Tift Merritt, Bad// Dreems, Warmth Crashes In, Day Ravies, The Bottles Of Confidence, The Ocean Party, Luke Legs & The Midnight Specials, Stella Angelico and the Boxwars spectacular. Tickets are on sale now from boogie.net.au. It goes down from Friday April 18 until Monday April 21 at Bruzzy’s Farm in the rolling hills of Tallarook.
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MUDHONEY MAJOR LAZER AND FLOSSTRADAMUS Major Lazer are going to tear the roof off The Palace this January with a little help from their friends in Flosstradamus. Together, they have let hoards of people know what’s up when they take the stage at Mad Decent’s block parties across the USA. It’s now time for them to bring the party Down Under. They’ll hit The Palace on Tuesday January 21. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday November 29 through Oztix.
Ahead of Big Day Out early next year, Seattle dirty rockers Mudhoney have announced a series of national sideshows. Birthed from the dingy clubs of Seattle back in 1988, Mudhoney is the product of a partial amalgamation of Pacific Northwest bands Green River (Rehab Doll) and the Melvins (Houdini, Tres Cabrones). Since their conception, the grunge masters have released a total of nine full-length albums. Mudhoney will be playing at the Corner Hotel on Wednesday January 22, tickets are available through the Corner.
THE 1975
LITTLE BASTARDS SNOOP DOGG Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion aka Snoop Zilla aka The Artist Formerly Known As Snoopy has locked in a Melbourne headline show. Snoop will be performing a selection of his greatest hits alongside a mix of his reggae tracks that he recently released after an inspiration trip to Jamaica. He’ll be joined by 21-yearold US hip hop sensation Mac Miller. They’ll hit The Palace on Wednesday January 22. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday November 29 thro`ugh Oztix.
Having recently toured nationally with Joe Pug, The Snowdroppers and The Beards, along with numerous festival performances including Boogie festival and BIGSOUND, and soon to be fresh off performances at Lorne’s Falls Festival and Ballarat Beer Festival, Little Bastards will be ready for their headlining show. The seven-piece outfit are currently working on their debut album and will be previewing a few new tracks from the upcoming release. Little Bastards will be playing The Workers Club on Friday January 17. Special guests are still to be announced and tickets can be purchased through the venue’s website.
Indie-rockers The 1975 are locked in to play a Melbourne sideshow to coincide with their appearance at 2014’s Big Day Out. The songs on The 1975’s self-titled debut album are gigantic pop-rock things made of teenage sing-along choruses and ‘80s drums. They’ll hit the Northcote Social Club on Wednesday January 22.
BETWEEN THE BAYS Between the Bays has announced the music program for its 9th year on the Mornington Peninsula. Tex Perkins with The Ape, Diesel, Daryl Braithwaite, The Basics, and Boom Crash Opera are all set to make appearances at the festival that’s known for its chilled out, family friendly vibe. Between the Bays goes down on Saturday February 22 in Moorooduc. Tickets are available on the festival’s website.
Define your genre in five words or less: Slacker country. What do you reckon people will say you sound like? Like the unholy trinity of Dinosaur Jnr, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Garth Brooks. What do you love about making music? The very, very occasional feeling you’ve actually produced something worth listening to. If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why? Hank Williams, so we could get nice and drunk together and I could perhaps convince him not to die so young so we could have more of his music. What can a punter expect from your live show? A little bit of country, a little bit of rock’n’roll and a lot of swagger. What’ve you got to sell CD-wise? Nothing yet. But we’re recording an EP in December for release early next year. When’s the gig and with who? Wednesday December 4 at the Grace Darling with the still-hip Ben Birchall and the unassumingly suave D. Rogers.
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PHIL PARA BAND 6.00PM
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THE COUNT with JASON SINGH
GROUPLOVE AND CSS Grouplove are teaming up with CSS for a Big Day Out sideshow in January. Love them or loathe them, Grouplove are a damn good time – that one’s inescapable. Their latest big hit, Ways To Go, only kept the party going from debut album Never Trust A Happy Song. And they’re bringing CSS along with them for a fun-lovers’ night of nights. It goes down at The Hi-Fi on Thursday January 23. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday November 29 through Oztix.
JULIAN MARLEY Julian Marley will treat Melbourne to the very special Marley brand of roots-reggae at a show this January. With three albums to his name and numerous collaborations with the legendary Lauryn Hill, the musician, producer, and humanitarian has built a reputation for transcending genres from R&B, hip hop, dancehall, and roots-reggae. Catch Julian Marley & The Uprising Band at the Espy on Friday January 3. Grab your tickets via the venue’s website.
DEVANDRA BANHART Avant-garde songwriter and performer Devendra Banhart has announced a Melbourne headline show for next year. Born in Texas and raised in Venezuela, Banhart is known for his eclectic taste in music that spurs his extravagant folk tunes and stream-ofconsciousness lyrics. Earlier this year, Banhart released his eighth studio album, Mala, which features the single Für Hildegard von Bingen, a tribute to the 12th century saint of the same name who was a composer and linguist. Devendra Banhart will perform at the Prince Bandroom on Thursday April 17. Tickets go on sale through Oztix on Monday December 2.
THE REVERENCE NYE It’s time to get frisky at The Reverence Hotel this New Year’s Eve with their sweet lineup of punk-rock artists. Featuring the Rise of The Rat, who pay tribute to the guitar harmonies of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Stockades, a rising post-hardcore band right out of Melbourne, Tigers, and thrash punks: Join The Amish. Mid Youth Crisis will lead the bill with their brand of melodic curveball punk. Other highlights of the night will include DJs and Mexican food all night. So grab your sombrero and head down to The Reverence Hotel if you dare. It all goes down on Tuesday December 31 (uhh, duh). Tickets are on sale through the Reverence.
FAT FREDDY’ S DROP Off the back of their sold out national Blackbird tour, Fat Freddy’s Drop return to satiate Australian fans unprecedented demand for the band’s lauded live show. With all shows selling out in record time on their previous Australian tour fans can expect more of the same, with these shows undoubtedly being one of the hottest tickets this coming summer. The Freddy’s boys will return this March to play some of the countries most beautiful outdoor venues, including appearances at Melbourne Zoo Twilights on Saturday March 8 and Golden Plains on Sunday March 9. Tickets available from the venue’s website. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 20
Ten bands everyone should know about: ZootWoman, Jellyfish, The Grays, Rufus, The Gap Band, Third Eye Girl, Army of Anyone, Andreas Johnson, Bottle of Smoke and Electric Mary. Nine things that you need to make a kickarse dinner party: Vodka, chips, BBQ, friends, music, laughter, more vodka, wine and more wine. Eight possessions that define you: Guitars, microphone, my gym membership, my iPhone, my house, my car, my football and my wife (ha ha). Seven favourite movies/TV shows that go on your mix-tape: Sons Of Anarchy, Family Guy, Storage Wars, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Survivor, Terminator 2 Judgement Day, and Independence Day. Six bad habits you can’t escape: I don’t have many bad habits but potato chips covers all six. Five people who inspire you: My mum, my dad, my wife, my kids and Prince. Four things that turn you on: My wife, Harleys, women in general, mud wrestling. Three goals for your music: Touring, to support my family and a Grammy would be nice Two live gigs you’ll never forget and why: Playing at Wembley Stadium - amazing looking off the stage and seeing ‘Wembley’ spelt out with the seats; and Atlanta Rock Fest with Red Hot Chilli Peppers. 140,000 people. Indescribable. One day left before the apocalypse and you… See if I can fly. When’s the gig / release? My first solo album, Hummanequin, is out now. The launch is at The Toff In Town on Wednesday December 4.
LIONAL RITCHIE AND JOHN FARNHAM Give your mother the best Christmas present this December, with tickets to the joint tour of Lionel Richie and John Farnham next year. It’s very hard not to know who these two music icons are — unless your parents have lived in a cave, and birthed and raised you in that cave for the past 50 years — with Lionel Richie (Dancing on the Ceiling,Can’t Slow Down) being a five-time Grammy Award winner and the adoptive of famed reality TV star Nicole Richie, and John Farnham (Whispering Jack) being an inductee of the ARIA Hall of Fame, back in 2003. Richie recently released his tenth album, Tuskegee, which rose to the top of the Billboard Chart and sold over one million copies. Tuskegee pays homage to Richie’s humble beginnings in Tuskegee, Alabama. This tour will be the first time Farnham hits the Australian road since 2011. Lionel Richie and John Farnham will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday March 16. Tickets will be on sale on Friday November 29 through Ticketek.
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JAKE BUGG Following a stand out performance at Splendour In The Grass 2013 and a sold out run of sideshows, Jake Bugg is heading back to Australia in 2014 for a headline show in Melbourne at the Palace Theatre on Thursday April 17. Bugg returns to Australia with a fresh set of tunes, with his sophomore album Shangri La released worldwide on November 15. Shangri La comes just over a year since Bugg’s self-titled debut album went straight to number 1 in the UK, sending him into the record books as the youngest solo male to debut at the top of the UK charts with their first release. Jake Bugg will be joined by special guests The Creases and The Growl (acoustic). Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday November 29. For more info visit secret-sounds.com.au.
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JASON SINGH Former Taxiride vocalist and songwriter Jason Singh is set to release his long anticipated solo album titled Humannequin on September 20 through Ambition Records, distributed through EMI Music Australia. The first single to be released from Humannequin is Hold On Forever; a big sounding multiformatted pop rock dance track that once again displays Jason’s innate sense of melody and classic songwriting ability. Jason will launch his new album Humannequin with a special performance for his Melbourne fans at The Toff In Town on Wednesday December 4. We have 3 x doubles passes with a CD to give away. . Head to beat.com.au/freeshit to win.
THE ESPY NYE Whether you’ve made New Years plans or not, The Espy has you set this December with their final lineup announcement. In addition to their extraordinary bill of Australian talent, mega-machine eight-piece Eagle And The Worm, White Summer, Lurch & Chief, House of Laurence and garage rockers The Harlots will be joining Something For Kate, Bodyjar, Dallas Crane, Medusa boys Kingswood, The Basics, The Delta Riggs, Massive, The Deep End, Black Aces, Virtue, The Black Alleys and The Ugly Kings. It all goes down at The Espy on Tuesday December 31. Tickets are available through Oztix.
I AM GIANT
PAGE HAMILTON
For the last few months I Am Giant have been calling Biarrtz, France their home while recording their sophomore album, the highly anticipated follow up to their critically acclaimed debut The Horrifying Truth. Co-produced by Forrester Saville (Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus, Helmut), bassist Paul Matthews and drummer Shelton Woolright, the first single Razor Wire Reality will be released on December 6 via Sony Music. To celebrate the release of the single, I Am Giant have announced a short tour of Australia. Catch them at Ding Dong Lounge on Friday February 7 with tickets available through Oztix.
Experience a rare opportunity to listen and learn from one of the great guitarists and musicians of modern times. Noted for his contribution and ongoing influence to heavy guitar music and film scores, Page Hamilton (Helmet) will be running a musical clinic where he will run through concepts and techniques that make up his unique sound and which will also include an audience participated Q&A session. It all goes down on Tuesday December 17 at Whole Lotta Love Bar with tickets available through the venue’s website and over the bar.
KINGFISHER Brisbane 6 piece Kingfisha have been laying down weighty reggae and dub to eager audiences for going on 6 years now, in the process, they have cemented themselves as one of the undisputed must see acts on the Australian roots scene. Their reputation was further solidified when national broadcaster Triple J added Piece Of The Puzzle, the second single from their self titled debut album, to national rotation late last year. Now, following a four month sabbatical during which Forrest (courageously) took his partner and two young children away on an extended trip around Europe whilst the rest of the band kept themselves busy with other projects, Kingfisha have announced their Fallen Empire Tour, their final shows for 2013. Catch Kingfisha at The Workers Club on Saturday December 21.
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TOURING
WHO'S ON TOUR, WHERE AND WHEN
PROUDLY PRESENTS
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INTERNATIONAL THE SEEKERS Hamer Hall, November 28 TUMBLEWEED Central Club Richmond November 29 JUSTIN BIEBER Rod Laver Arena December 2, 3 PASSENGER Palais Theatre December 4 METZ Howler December 5 IRIS DEMENT Thornbury Theatre December 5 INSANE CLOWN POSSE December 6 CAVE Kelvin Club December 6 MUSE Laver Arena December 6, 7 BON JOVI Etihad Stadium December 7 VAN’S WARPED TOUR TBA December 7 ALICIA KEYS Rochford Winery December 7, Rod Laver Arena December 8 STEEL PANTHER Sidney Myer Music Bowl December 8 KELPE Boney December 8 METRIC The Forum December 9 LEONARD COHEN Palais Theatre December 9 DEERHUNTER The Hi-Fi December 11 MAC DEMARCO Corner Hotel December 11, Shadow Electric December 16 HOPSIN The Espy December 12 PETER MURPHY Corner Hotel December 12 THE KVB Boney December 12 NILE RODGERS Billboard December 13 MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre December 13 - 15 TAYLOR SWIFT Etihad Stadium December 14 CITY AND COLOUR Sidney Myer Music Bowl December 14 THE PLOT FESTIVAL Palace Theatre, Ding Dong Lounge December 15 JOHN LEGEND The Forum December 16 MELVINS The Hi-Fi December 17 HELMET The Hi-Fi December 18 WAKA FLOCKA FLAME Billboard December 18 THE WAR ON DRUGS Northcote Social Club December 28 THE ROOTS Festival Hall December 28 TOM ODELL Corner Hotel December 28 FALLS FESTIVAL Lorne December 28 - January 1, Marion Bay December 29 - January 1, Byron Bay December 31 January 3
FUTURE OF THE LEFT Corner Hotel January 2 BEN CAPLAN Northcote Social Club January 3 THE CORRESPONDENTS Prince Bandroom January 3 JOHNNY MARR Corner Hotel January 4 WIZ KHALIFIA, A$AP ROCKY Festival Hall January 4 HANNI EL KHATIB January 5 VAMPIRE WEEKEND Festival Hall January 6 SOLANGE Prince Bandroom January 7 MOUNTAIN MOCHA KILIMANJARO Corner Hotel January 9 LONDON GRAMMAR Prince Bandroom January 9, 10 PARAMORE Sidney Myer Music Bowl January 12 SO FRENCHY SO CHIC Werribee Park January 12 THE JULIE RUIN Corner Hotel January 15 MONA FOMA FESTIVAL TBA January 15-19 JOHN GRANT Corner Hotel January 18 HALF MOON RUN Corner Hotel January 19 MAJOR LAZER AND FLOSSTRADAMUS The Palace January 21 THE 1975 Northcote Social Club January 22 MUDHONEY Corner Hotel January 22 SNOOP DOGG The Palace January 22 ARCADE FIRE Sidney Myer Music Bowl January 22 TORO Y MOI/PORTUGAL. THE MAN The Hi-Fi January 23 THE LUMINEERS The Palace Thursday January 23 GROUPLOVE AND CSS The Hi-Fi January 23 BIG DAY OUT Flemington Racecourse January 24 MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS Melbourne Zoo January 24 - March 8 WE ARE SCIENTISTS Corner Hotel January 25 KING KRULE Corner Hotel January 28 PARQUET COURTS Corner Hotel January 29 CHVRCHES The Forum January 29 MOUNT KIMBIE Corner Hotel January 30 CASS MCCOMBS Northcote Social Club January 30 SAVAGES The Hi-Fi January 30 ST JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL Footscray Community Arts Centre February 1 PERIPHERY, ANIMALS AS LEADERS Billboard February 2 AUTRE NE VEUT Northcote Social Club February 4 DRENGE The Tote February 5 FRIGHTENED RABBIT The Palace February 5 YOUTH LAGOON Prince Bandroom February 5
KURT VILE & THE VIOLATORS Corner Hotel, February 5, 6 THE NATIONAL Sidney Myer Music Bowl February 9 DAUGHTER St Michael’s Uniting Church February 10 LYNYRD SKYNYRD The Plenary February 11 DOLLY PARTON Rod Laver Arena February 11 JULIA HOLTER Northcote Social Club February 14 AUSTRA Corner Hotel February 15 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AAMI Park February 15 EMINEM, KENDRICK LAMAR, J. COLE Etihad Stadium February 19 OKKERVIL RIVER Corner Hotel February 22 MANGO GROOVE Forum Theatre February 23 SOUNDWAVE Flemington Racecourse February 28 NEKO CASE Corner Hotel March 2 PUBLIC ENEMY Corner Hotel March 4 BRIAN MCKNIGHT Palais Theatre March 5 CHARLES BRADLEY Corner Hotel March 6 PHOENIX Festival Hall March 6 MIKHAEL PASKALEV Howler March 7 FAT FREDDY’S DROP Melbourne Zoo Twilights March 8 PANAMA FESTIVAL March 8, 9 FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL Flemington Racecourse March 9 YO LA TENGO Corner Hotel March 9 POKEY LAFARGE Corner Hotel March 12 NEIL FINN Hamer Hall March 12 BILLY BRAGG Palais Theatre March 13 QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, NINE INCH NAILS Rod Laver Arena March 14, 15 BILL MEDLEY Palais Theatre March 15 LIONEL RICHIE AND JOHN FARNHAM Rod Laver Arena March 16 SEBADOH Corner Hotel March 21 ALLEN STONE Corner Hotel April 12 ERYKAH BADU Palais April 15 EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS Palace Theatre April 15 BLUESFEST Byron Bay April 17 – 21 JIMMIE VAUGHAN Corner Hotel April 17 DEVENDRA BANHART Prince Bandroom April 17 JAKE BUGG Palace Theatre April 17 KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND Palace Theatre April 18 IRON AND WINE The Forum Theatre April 22 STEVE EARLE Forum Theatre April 24 ELLIE GOULDING Festival Hall May 31 JAMES BLUNT The Plenary June 8
NATIONAL SHAUN KIRK The Evelyn November 28 SAL KIMBER & THE ROLLIN’ WHEEL Northcote Social Club November 29 JUNGLE GIANTS, TWINSY, MUSCLES (DJ SET) Prince Bandroom November 29 BATTLESHIPS Northcote Social Club November 29 THE MURLOCS The Tote November 29 ALEX LLOYD The Kelvin Club November 29, Ferntree Gully Hotel November 30 THE JUNGLE GIANTS Prince Bandroom November 29, Wool Exchange November 30 KID MAC Ding Dong Lounge November 30 PARADISE FESTIVAL Lake Mountain, November 29 December 1 DAVEY LANE Yah Yahs December 1, Worker’s Club January 10 BELLE ROSCOE Bella Union December 5 THE GIN CLUB John Curtin Bandroom December 6 CATHERINE TRAICOS Spotted Mallard December 6, Pure Pop Records December 8
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TUMBLEWEED Central Club
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PIERCE BROTHERS Northcote Social Club
SEABELLIES Northcote Social Club
SO FRENCHY SO CHIC Werribee Park
THE NATIONAL Sidney Myer Music Bowl
SASKWATCH Corner Hotel December 7 ROCKWIZ Palais Theatre December 8 BONJAH Espy Hotel December 14 CORRINA STEEL The Post Office Hotel December 12, Pure Pop Records December 14, Flying Saucer Club December 15 MIAMI HORROR Corner Hotel February 14 PIERCE BROTHERS Northcote Social Club December 15 POND Corner Hotel December 19 WAXHEAD Ding Dong Lounge on Thursday December 19 KINGFISHA at The Workers Club December 21 DARREN HANLON Northcote Social Club December 22 SEABELLIES Northcote Social Club December 27 NYE ON THE HILL TBA December 30 - January 1 NYE AT THE ESPY The Espy December 31 KARNIVOOL January 8, 9 JAGWAR MA The Hi-Fi January 16 LITTLE BASTARDS The Workers Club January 17 SARAH BLASKO St. Michael Uniting Church January 22 RIVERBOATS FESTIVAL Echuca February 14 - 16 IMMY BARNES Rochford Winery Yarra Valley February 15 JOSH PYKE Melbourne Zoo February 28 PETE MURRAY Forum Theatre March 15 SUNNYBOYS Forum Theatre March 21 HUNTERS AND COLLECTORS Palais Theatre April 11 MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD Prince Bandroom April 16
RUMOURS WILL EARL BEAL, PAUL McCARTNEY = NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
PROUDLY PRESENTS
APR
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MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD Prince Bandroom
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FRI DECEMBER 6 KELVIN CLUB, MELBOURNE with special guests Love of Diagrams and Cocks Arquette. Tickets on sale now from lifeisnoise.com, oztix and the venue.
SUN DECEMBER 8 BONEY, MELBOURNE WITH KELPE Plus Woody (Primary Colours/RRR) and Dan Dare (How High the Moon/RRR). Tickets on sale now from lifeisnoise.com and venue.
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SHPONGLE By Augustus Welby
Australian-born musician and DJ Raja Ram has certainly led an illustrious existence. A classically trained flute player, Ram moved to the UK in the ‘60s and co-founded the psychedelic rock band Quintessence. Quintessence had a successful run through the ‘70s but disbanded towards the end of the decade and in the ‘80s Ram started to explore the expressive possibilities of electronic music. Since then his chief focus has been psychedelic trance, which is heard on the Mystery of the Yeti concept album and with the group’s 1200 Micrograms and The Infinity Project. However, Ram is perhaps most widely recognised for the ambient psychedelia he and Simon Posford have been making since the mid-‘90s under the name Shpongle. On the cusp of his 73rd birthday, Raja Ram will be back in Australia to showcase the two sides of his late-career personality, headlining next week’s Earthcore 20th Anniversary event. “On the Saturday night I’m doing a Shpongle DJ set and then on the Sunday I’m closing the party with my fullpower banging set,” he says. “One is quieter, that’s the Shpongle set, and the full-on one’s going to be, I hope, where everybody takes their shoes off and gets crazy.” Although the comprehensive Shpongle live show won’t be on display at the festival, Ram assures that the Earthcore audience will still be treated to an immersive Shpongle experience. “When it says ‘Shpongle DJ set’, I’ll only play Shpongle music, from the last five albums. I don’t do any auxiliary instrument along with that performance. I’m just playing it on CDs – there’s nothing but my moustache and the creation that I’ve done with Simon Posford.” Shpongle’s fifth album Museum of Consciousness came out in late July and is characterised by the duo’s trademark calming eccentricity. The record is a densely layered artefact, featuring a number of extended compositions with titles such as The Aquatic Garden of Extra-Celestial Delights and Ram details the massive effort that goes into making a Shpongle record. “Our albums take forever to make. I can make a trance record in two weeks with 1200 Micrograms. With Shpongle I think the quickest we’ve ever done is three years, and that’s just to make seven tracks! It’s not because we’re slow, it’s because the music is incredibly intricate; we’ve got up to maybe 300 different layers of sound per track. It’s just extremely technical and complicated music.” Although Shpongle is a two-man project in the studio, executing the recorded sounds onstage requires an enormous assemblage of musicians and performers. Due to the complexity of the onstage arrangement Ram explains that Shpongle live shows are actually somewhat rare. “We do about three or four a year, big shows, because it’s too massive. The Shpongle full show is a mighty difficult beast to tame and put on because there’s just so BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 24
many people and it’s such a big production. Seventeen people onstage, acrobats and the whole business – it’s a giant show.” Museum of Consciousness has been well received by Shpongle’s longstanding supporters and the band’s curious universe continues to recruit new listeners. Ram relates that the record’s strong sales performance will send the entire touring lineup to some prestigious and unexpected locations across the globe.
“I THINK WE’VE CREATED A NEW GENRE WITH THIS MUSIC BECAUSE CERTAINLY NOBODY ELSE IS DOING IT IN THE WORLD AND WE’VE HIT UPON A VERY RICH SEAM OF MINERALS AND JEWELS THAT WE CAN DISTRIBUTE.” “This will certainly be our biggest seller worldwide and because of it we’re getting some phenomenal offers coming in around the world to play at various events. The venue in America called Red Rocks, which is an amphitheatre in Colorado – around 12,000 people outdoors with a view of the Rocky Mountains and the sunsets. It’s the best venue in America without doubt; we’re going out there in May next year. We’ve got Russia and Israel and many things really taking off for us.” Shpongle’s popularity has been on a steady incline since the release of their 1999 debut Are You Shpongled? Although at a glance their music might appear to have merely niche appeal, Ram reports that their unique genre fusion attracts fans from a wide range of ages and cultures. “Children like it, grandparents like it – I went to my dentist the other day in London and he was playing it. Trance music and all the other genres are in a very limited corral of people listening to them. With Shpongle, it seems to have an amazing crossover and wherever you go in the world, whether it’s India or Australia,
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people are sitting on their hammocks or sitting around in their living rooms playing Shpongle.” The fact that their music transcends the usual demographic boundaries is a true vindication of the experimental impulse that gave rise to Shpongle in the first place. Ram reveals the genesis of Shpongle’s sonic idiosyncrasies. “We just wanted to do something that we heard in our heads and try to recreate that psychedelic experience without the use of drugs. So we had to delve very deep into our own psyche and consciousness to extract that information and then realise it and manifest it through music, which is quite difficult. You may have a great idea but to put that idea out and make it musical is quite a challenge.” Despite this admitted difficulty, Ram goes on to state his belief that Shpongle have achieved something musically unprecedented. “I think we’ve created a new genre with this music because certainly nobody else is doing it in the world and we’ve hit upon a very rich seam of minerals and jewels that we can distribute.” Shpongle’s specific yet almost intangible artistic vision – to aurally project the sensations of a psychedelic trip – evidently necessitates a crafty creative approach. Ram indicates that their songs largely stem from feeling rather than technique. “We often go into the studio and we don’t work on a musical level, though we’re both trained classical musicians. I’ll say, ‘Look there’s a shimmering lake up in the sky and something comes out of the water, a Goddess, and then we have a conversation,’ and so forth. It’s very visual imagery but we convert that into sound. It’s a strange way of working for sure,” he explains. The results are indeed fascinating and Museum of Consciousness possesses the capacity to lure in and intoxicate the listener. Ram is pleased about the band’s everincreasing following but accruing a massive fanbase was never their major intention. “It’s artistically satisfying and that’s what we set out to do. I’m thrilled that people love it and it’s selling and it’s on a snowball effect, but that really wasn’t the motivation behind it,” says Ram. “The motivation’s really to make something with me and Simon that really excites the both of us and we can find some new directions to go in every album and then share it with the world.” The Shpongle organism continues to evolve and Ram is very excited to return to his home country and share the latest Shpongle sounds with the Earthcore audience. “I’m just thrilled to be able to come back and share it with my fellow Australians and have a great time and meet everybody again. It’s an amazing privilege and I want to say thank you to Spiro who is the best promoter and I’ll do my very best to make it a great show for you all.”
SHPONGLE plays at Earthcore’s 20th Anniversary which runs from Friday November 29 – Sunday December 1 in Pyalong, Victoria. He will also play at the Earthcore 20th Anniversary encore show at Brown Alley on Friday December 6.
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THIS WEEK: ON SCREEN The Shadow Electric open air cinema at the Abbottsford Convent has well and truly kicked off their 2013/2014 program. This week will see screenings of Before Midnights, MIFF: Shorts, Blues Jasmine, To Die For, The Stone Roses: Made Of Stone and Night Train To Terror. Check out shadowelectric.com.au for the glorious entire program, tickets and more information.
With Tyson Wray. Got thoughts, news, gossip, complaints or cat photos? Email tyson@beat.com.au or send by carrier pigeon before Friday 12pm.
ON STAGE Inspired by the sensationalism of mainstream media, NSFW (Not Safe For Work), the newest production from Lucy Kirkwood, will expose the ‘do-or-die’ attitude of glossy magazines akin to ABC’s successful series Paper Giants: Magazine Wars and Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo. Full of money, sex and Photoshop, NSFW narrates the story of Aiden, an editor of men’s magazine Doghouse, and his attempt to find an amateur page three girl from their readership. Quirky, funny and stimulating, NSFW is currently on at Red Stitch Actors Theatre until Saturday December 21.
ON DISPL AY The Australian Tattoo and Body Art Expo will return to Melbourne for its third year of special guests, entertainment, and of course, tattoos, late this November. Featuring everything from burlesque performances to a kids’ corner, this year’s expo will welcome guests from around the world, including pinup model Sabina Kelley and tattoo artist Randy Engelhard. Get inked from Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
PICK OF THE WEEK Next month, in commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Melbourne Theatre Company will present The Death Of Kings by Colette F Keen, a verbatim production that delves into the HIV/ AIDS pandemic of the early ‘80s. Told through the narrative of four gay men in their 20s and 30s, and a charismatic ‘ringmaster’, The Death Of Kings will illustrate the trials and triumphs of the living in the gay community during this time. Based off interviews taken by Keen, sales for The Death Of Kings will be donated to Living Positive Victoria, a not-for-profit organisation that supports and represents Victorians living with HIV. The Death Of Kings will be performed at the MTC on Sunday December 1 (World AIDS Day). Pick up tickets through mtc.com.au.
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THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE By Alicia Malone A little over a year ago, The Hunger Games, a movie flippantly described as “the next Twilight”, did something very un-Twilight…it won critical praise and box office success. The movie, based on the first of the Hunger Games book series, scored great reviews for its cast – a mix of young stars and established actors – as well as for its dark themes and political message. Now comes the sequel, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which delves deeper into those themes. Katniss ( Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta ( Josh Hutcherson), victors of the last Hunger Games, are sent to compete once more by President Snow who wants the world to watch as Katniss, a symbol of hope in a dystopian future, is destroyed. “Huge, and emotional,” is how Lawrence describes the sequel. “We see so much more of the world – everything is more elevated. The stakes are much higher. It’s a lot more heightened and more emotional.”
“I really feel like this is a thriller,” agrees Elizabeth Banks, who reprises her role as Effie Trinket, escort of Katniss. “The whole second half I was on the edge of my seat, anxious the entire time, even though I know how the story ends! It was very tense. I love that.” Though the film is intense to watch, the cast says the mood on set was exactly the opposite. Woody Harrelson, who again plays Katniss’ mentor Haymitch, says every day on set was a joy. “I love it. This is the most fun film I’ve ever worked on – it’s like going to work in a playground. I look forward to going to work. And it
17TH JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL: WATCH JAPAN UNFOLD By Alicia Malone What can Melbourne expect from the film festival this year? Melbourne’s lineup boasts a host of internationally acclaimed dramas, Australian premieres, two guest directors, Mr Shinsuke Sato (Library Wars) and Mr Satoshi Miki (Ore Ore (It’s Me, It’s Me)), wacky ‘only in Japan’ titles, many ‘hot right now’ films plus a selection of silver screen classics (free admission). Are there any special guests? Yes. Two award-winning directors will be coming to Melbourne. Director Shinsuke Sato will appear for a very special screening of his latest film, Library Wars, at 8:45pm on Tuesday December 3 at Hoyts Melbourne Central. The film is a live-action sci-fi adventure adapted from the bestselling novel and anime series originally written by Hiro Arikawa. In addition to introducing his film, Sato
will engage in an insightful Q&A session with audiences immediately following screening. Director Satoshi Miki will be attending the Melbourne screening of his latest film, Ore, Ore (It’s Me, It’s Me) at 6pm on Friday December 6 at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI Cinemas). Peter Krausz, Film Critic, Film Journalist and Broadcaster will host a special Q&A session that follows immediately after the screening. How has the festival gone in the other states around the country so far? The festival was proud to appoint a cultural ambassador for the first time in its history, NRMA Western Sydney Wanderers soccer star Shinji Ono who made a special appearance on opening night. Sydney hosted the international premiere of ‘Don’t Lose Heart’ that actress Kaoru Yachigusa and director Yoshihiro Fukagawa
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really starts from the Queen Bee, Jennifer, down. She sets this tone of anything goes. It’s fun and wild. Her sense of humor just keeps everybody laughing, the cast and the crew, everybody.” “Two people really set the tone,” agrees new cast member Jeffrey Wright, who plays Beetee, a fellow Hunger Games contestant. “Firstly Francis, who is very unassuming, collaborative, and gives a lot of freedom. And then Jennifer who just takes advantage of that freedom to be as insane as she possibly can! Josh Hutcherson too. The two of them make Laurel and Hardy look boring and humorless. But then once the cameras roll, they focus on the task, which is really impressive. I’m still not convinced that the two of them aren’t actually 75 year olds, because they are far more sophisticated than folks of that age should be.” “It’s Woody who gets us into trouble,” Lawrence laughs. “Josh and I are crafty at being bad; like we’ll be bad but then when they start rolling we’ll get it together. And when someone else is goofing off camera I can hold a face, I will not crack. Woody on the other hand is the worst, he will just lose it.” Since the first Hunger Games hit the silver screen last year, Lawrence received her second Oscar nomination, and won, for her role in Silver Linings Playbook. Though Lawrence insists her life hasn’t changed, Francis explains how her Oscar experience found its way into the sequel. “The first time she was nominated was for Winter’s Bone, and it was like the first Hunger Games – you’re 17 years old going to all these parties and you’re a deer caught in the headlights. The second time she went back, for Silver Linings Playbook, it’s similar to Katniss going back into the games; she’s a veteran, has done it all before, and sees it differently. The first time was one thing, but this is an entirely different game.” The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is open in cinemas now.
were present for. The festival has been well received by each city’s audience so far, reaching both Japanese communities and other nationalities, with feedback rating films as ‘excellent ‘to ‘very good’, and extensive engagement on social media platforms and in person. Does the screening schedule offer something for everyone? Explain. The 2013 program does have something for everyone! Through the program, the films will ‘unfold Japan’ where audiences can discover the different facets of Japanese cinema and culture with old and new titles, tear-jerkers and comedies, action and art house plus free classic screenings Now in its 17th year, what makes the Japanese Film Festival so successful? The success of the festival to date is due to several factors. We have always believed in a mainstream approach, screening the very latest films from Japan (some still playing in theatres in Japan), plus screening the films at very accessible venues, making it very accessible to a wide audience and range of demographics. With the festival’s long history, we have a large amount of returnee guests as well as new guests, proving the interest year-on-year as well and continued patronage. Where can we see the films? Films will be screened at both Hoyts Melbourne Central and ACMI. And buy tickets? Tickets can be purchased directly at the box offices or online through the Japanese Film Festival website via the book now button on individual film pages or on cinemas websites: japanesefilmfestival.net.
The Japanese Film Festival runs from Thursday November 28 - Sunday December 8. Head to the official website at japanesefilmfestival.net for more information.
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THE COMIC STRIP CRAB L AB COMEDY
For more arts news, reviews and interviews visit beat.com.au
RED STITCH ACTORS THEATRE
The Red Stitch Actors Theatre has announced eight plays for its exciting 2014 season, including two world premieres, two Australian premieres, and four plays never before seen in Victoria. In its 13th season, Red Stitch is known for bringing Melbourne must see contemporary plays from around the world. This year’s season is no different, with acclaimed film and theatre director Nadia Tass set to direct two productions and the birth of a new partnership with ARTHUR. Out of Water, This Year’s Ashes, Belleville, Grounded, Glory Dazed, Eurydice, The Flick, The Mesh, and Surprise Me will make up Red Stitch new Artistic Director Ella Caldwell’s inaugural season. For dates and ticket information, head on over to their website.
NEIL HAMBURGER AND DR EL SUAVO
FIVE BOROUGHS COMEDY BROWN CLASS CINEMA
Brown Class Cinema will be returning to Melbourne with two new fascinating films this December. Built on the mantra of “beanbags, titties and micro waved lasagna”, Brown Class Cinema is known for showcasing a variety of though provoking and evocative films, including past Australian hit Snowtown. This year Brown Class Cinema will present Time Zero, a film that delves into Polaroid film and the famed Impossible project, and Wonder Woman, a film that deconstructs the female characters, including their tropes, within pop culture. Time Zero will be screened on Sunday December 1 at 5pm and Wonder Woman will be screened on Tuesday December 3 at 6.45pm; all films will be at Speakeasy Cinema, courtesy of Brown Class Cinema.
RAW COMEDY
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MELBOURNE FILMOTECA
ALAN DAVIES
Fun fact: Alan Davies is one of the most affable people in the world. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this legend is returning to Australia next year with his new tour, Little Victories. A stand up veteran of 25 years, Davies is known for his appearances on Jonathan Creek, QI and Whites where his virtuosic story-telling and sharp wit shine. It’s been two years since Davies graced Melbourne and Little Victories promises to be as insightful, hilarious and endearing as his 2012 encore shows in Sydney. Alan Davies will be performing at The Arts Centre on Friday March 14. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
In just a couple of months Public Bar Comedy has become known for red hot shows with Melbourne’s finest comedians and packed crowds. Tonight one of Australia’s best, Celia Pacquola, returns to the Public Bar stage along with Melbourne favourite Michael Chamberlin, Sydney’s acid tongued Rhys Nicholson, the LA based Adonis Ash Williams, Jason Chatfield and triple j’s Kryan Wheatley.. It all kicks off at 8.30pm sharp and they won’t keep you out late.
It’s double headliner madness at LOL Comedy this week with Asher Treleaven and Ronny Chieng at the Portland Hotel on Wednesday November 27 and the Provincial Hotel on Thursday November 28. At The Local in Portland Melbourne on Tuesday December 3 it’s Claire Hooper and Michael Chamberlin. Tickets from: lolcomedy.com.au or at the door.
TOLEDANO AND VIVIAN COOPER SMITH
Registration for the 2014 RAW Comedy competition has opened. Presented by Melbourne International Comedy Festival, RAW Comedy is Australia’s largest comedy competition and has launched the careers of some on Australia’s greatest comedians, including Josh Thomas (Please Like Me), Chris Lilley (Summer Heights High, Angry Boys, Ja’mie: Private School Girl), Claire Hooper (Good News Week) and Tim Minchin. Successful entrants will battle each other for the opportunity to compete in So You Think You’re Funny? at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2014, as well as garner attention for their brand of humour. Applications for RAW Comedy heats open on Monday November 25. Dates and venues for the heats, application forms and more information can be found through rawcomedy.com.au soon.
PUBLIC BAR COMEDY
LOL COMEDY
American funnyman Neil Hamburger will once again be teaming up with Dr El Suavo to serve up a dose of ‘anti-comedy’ on an Australian tour beginning next month. Neil Hamburger is described as the hardest working comedian in existence, performing up to 399 shows a year internationally. He’s toured as the hand-picked opener for Tenacious D, Tim & Eric, and Faith No More and his most recent album, Live At Third Man, was produced by The White Stripes’ Jack White. Earlier this year, Dr El Suavo performed at Adelaide’s Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival and since has been travelling and lecturing as part of his role as world ambassador for YMCA. His debut DVD Your Part Of The Show Now! and debut album by Dr El Suavo & The Freaks of Nature, Rise Of The Fruity Asses are both being finalised and set for release next February. Neil Hamburger and Dr El Suavo will be playing The Toff with ventriloquist Sarah Jones and comedian Jean Lizza on Sunday December 1 and Northcote Social Club with Dane Certificate’s Project Magic Show and DJ El Pimpo on Sunday December 15.
After their successful exhibitions at Edmund Pearce, the gallery has announced they will now be representing the work of Phillip Toledano and Vivian Cooper Smith. Phillip Toledano is a British photographer living and working in New York. As an artist, he works across mediums from photography to installation. Toledano has five monographs published on his artistic practice and the work from his series The Absent Portrait was recently shown at Paris Photo 2013. Vivian Cooper Smith’s art practice began with installation, sound, performance and text before he found photography. In recent years, his work has used the materiality of the photograph, in particular re-working the photographic surface, overturning traditional understanding of the photograph. Edmund Pearce Gallery is located at Level 2 Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston St, Cnr Flinders Ln.
Another huge night tonight, with Sydneysider Rhys Nicholson headlining an all-star awardwinning batch of Australia’s best. MCed by Geraldine Hickey and featuring Barry Nominee John Conway, RAW winner Jonathan Schuster and Gibbo winner Simon Keck plus heaps more. Doors at 7.30pm, only $5.
Melbourne Filmoteca and AWSA are proud to present their special event of the year with the overpowering documentary Son Of The Clouds - The Last Colony followed by an evening of tapas, drinks, music and dance performance. For the film Alvaro Longoria partnered with Academy Award winner Javier Bardem for his directorial debut. This compelling documentary brings to light the political and human rights issues facing the people of the Western Sahara, and the responsibility of Western powers to restore peace to the region. The film examines the current political turmoil and the failed policies, namely realpolitik, which have generated tremendous instabilities in the region. It takes place at ACMI on Tuesday December 3 from 7pm.
WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES... BEAT.COM.AU/TV
Hannah Gadsby headlines Five Boroughs Comedy this Thursday. Plus there’s an almighty lineup including Rhys Nicholson, Harley Breen, Michael Chamberlin, Tegan Higginbotham and more. It’s all happening this Thursday November 28 at 8.30pm at Five Boroughs Comedy, 68 Hardware Lane (upstairs), city, all for only $12.
COMMEDIA DELL PARTE Jason Chatfield hosts an amazing lineup at Commedia Dell Parte this Thursday, which features Alasdair Tremblay Birchall, Xander Allan, David Boyle, Lisa-Skye, Matt Harvey and Simon Cumming. The room still runs on a ‘pay as you like’ basis, so come along and have a great laugh, then pay what you believe the show is worth on the way out. Commedia Dell Parte runs every Thursday from 8.30pm at the George Lane Bar, St Kilda.
COMEDY AT SPLEEN Mondays at Spleen are always a full house and a great night. This week looks like another cracker with Bart Freebairn hosting. Plus there’s a surprise guest, along with Anne Edmonds, Dilruk Jayasinha, Sami Shah, Aaron Gocs and heaps more. It’s on this Monday December 2, 41 Bourke St in the city at 8.30pm.
For more arts news, reviews and interviews visit beat.com.au characterised most British punk rock of the same era, the Good Vibrations bands lived up to their label’s namesake. “A lot of people associate punk with London, with the Sex Pistols, with that whole kind of scene...For us, Belfast really stood out against that in a way. It wasn’t about dissatisfaction, it wasn’t about anarchy, it was really about the opposite in many ways. It was about kids whose most radical wish was to have a normal life.
GOOD VIBRATIONS By Ian Barr Good Vibrations is a chronicle of a particular time and place whose broader context is no stranger to cinematic representation: the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland that originated in the late ’60s, known as The Troubles. But the particular milieu it depicts is the punk rock scene of late ’70s Belfast, fostered by the legendary local record label and shop of the film’s title, founded by Terri Hooley (Games of Thrones’ Richard Dormer), and the film itself is a buoyant comedy in the vein of Michael Winterbottom’s Tony Wilson/Factory Records chronicle 24 Hour Party People. Lisa Barros D’Sa – who co-directed with Glenn Leyburn – explains that Hooley’s story was close to her as a local. “I grew up in Belfast, and Terri’s very much a local legend in Belfast and Northern Ireland – the stories of the music that he got out into the world, and also he just has a very richly lived life. And also the courage he showed, sticking his head above the parapet in some very dark times.�
But more than just being a remarkable figure, D’Sa felt it was the universal resonance of his story that lent itself to the biopic form, however loosely the film fits the genre (it’s as much a biopic of Hooley as 24 Hour Party People was of Tony Wilson). “Not only was [Hooley] an extraordinary man living through some pretty extraordinary times, but there was a real universal story there, about youth and resistance and the power of music to defy even the darkest of times. So I think that’s why we thought it would bridge the gap between being a great local story and something that could speak to people hopefully around the world.� Unlike the Thatcher-inspired indignation that
“A lot of the songs from bands like Rudi and The Undertones and The Outcasts, they’re singing about things that are so much more simple and innocent than we would associate with our idea of punk‌ they’re singing about some girl they might fancy on a bus. What they’re hoping for is to go out and listen to music on a Saturday night. You know, very simple things that are to do with being young. Because those were the experiences that were really denied to them by the very dark events that were happening on their doorstep. That’s what Terri was trying to live and trying to offer to a lot of the young people, an alternative way to do with music and being young and being alive. So I think that’s the distinction.â€? Additionally, D’Sa posits that Hooley’s story has added resonance given the ways in which music is disseminated and consumed today. “Terri, like a lot of music lovers, was obsessed with the idea of the physical object of a record‌The Good Vibrations shop back in those days was a place to sell music, but more importantly, it provided a community space for a lot of kids. It was a place where they could get together and be likeminded together. And I think that’s the case still with local record stores, many of which are under threat and now and trying to survive. It’s a different era, but there’s certainly things that have been lost in that transition to our new way of doing things.â€?
Good Vibrations screens as part of the British Film Festival on Friday November 29 at the Palace Cinema Balwyn and on Saturday November 30 at the Palace Cinema Como.
CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU
SONS OF THE CLOUDS: THE LAST COLONY
Director: Duration: Year: Country: When: Time: Where: Tickets:
Alvaro Longoria 80mins 2012 Spain 3 Dec 2013 7.00pm ACMI Cinemas Full $25, Concession & ACMI members $20
This compelling documentary brings to light the political and human rights issues facing the people of the Western Sahara, and the responsibility of Western powers to restore peace to the region. SPECIAL EVENT Join us after the screening for a special Q&A session, followed by an evening of delicious Spanish tapas, drinks, music and a exciting performance at ACMI’s Optic Bar.
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AUTRE NE VEUT By Lachlan Kanoniuk “And I said / Baaayyaaaybyyyyy.” Delivered with straight-faced, R&B-drenched sincerity, the opening strains of Play By Play reign as one of the most captivating moments on record in 2013. By and large one of the tracks of the year, the opening song of Autre Ne Veut’s Anxiety paves the way for an album that navigates a tightrope between pristine pop and forward-thinking subversion. Speaking from his Brooklyn living room, the solo project’s progenitor Arthur Ashin speaks on finding fuel for creative desire, album art copyright headaches and imbuing satire in pop. “I think that any particularly salient emotion – by emotion I don’t necessarily [mean] as primary emotion, it could be something as simple as ambition – you do need that as some sort of engine, or maybe fuel is the better analogy,” he says on whether the album’s title was in fact a motivating artistic force. “I do think that anybody who decides what they want to dedicate their life to doing needs that massive amount of motivation. I think for this particular record, anxiety was the fuel I was able to parlay into making the music. I think there are plenty of people with severe anxiety that can be crippled by it as well, so it’s not necessarily in of itself a creative tool. It’s one of a plethora of options to motivate yourself to do something.” Anxiety’s cover art was originally set to feature Munch’s iconic painting The Scream, but come release time, the
artwork featured an empty frame instead. “It was primarily a European copyright issue, although I actually do prefer it aesthetically without The Scream. I think it articulates the idea at least as well without the actual image in the frame. But the notion and inspiration for the cover art as it tied into the title and theme of the record was quite tongue-in-cheek. The AP [Associate Press] had an image, that was almost identical, of two art handlers presenting The Scream for sale at Sotheby’s; I believe it was then sold for $120 million [US]. It was the most expensive piece of art ever sold, although it was just trumped by the Lucian Freud triptych,” he says, referring to the $153 million price tag of Francis Bacon’s Three Studies Of Lucian Freud that went under the hammer mere hours before our interview. “The idea was to take what is effectively an antiquated
trope image of existential anxiety developed in the 20th century, and place it in a more anxiety-provoking framework of market capitalism, and the relationship between those things and art within the context of art as a product. That symbolic business card for what is ultimately its business, which is business itself. It also ties into the way I make music, which is to take extremely popular notions of music – top 40 pop and R&B – and attempt to reframe that and work against these tropes, while ratifying them simultaneously. It’s all part of the same picture.” On the surface, Anxiety can be appreciated purely as a slick pop artefact. But also present within its layers are wry, enveloping aural touchstones to blur the barriers between established conventions and more forwardthinking ideas. “I’m not into comedy, but I’m super into satire. In popular culture there is that conflation where satire often ends up being funny, that guffaw-funny satire. But for me satire is this incredible, classical narrative
tool. I think it’s of the heart of avant garde practice in general. To me, the avant garde takes society as you see it and fucks with it, that punk rock attitude toward canonical norms. There’s an earnest appreciation for top 40 pop, but also the history of pop music as opposed to real rock’n’roll. One of the trademarks of pop music is how it innately synthesises a lot of trends into a package that’s palpable not because of its influence, but because of this sheen that’s superimposed on top of the influences. Pop has always experimented with bizarre ideas. Some of the most memorable songs have been from producers like The Neptunes and Timbaland, who actually do really fucking weird shit and are visionary in the way they don’t simply recreate what other people have done.”
“Even if somebody doesn’t get something you put out that’s a little rough and they give it a bad review, you can get upset at first but it’s almost better because you’re like, ‘Well you don’t get it but it doesn’t really matter.’ You don’t want somebody kissing your butt forever, because there’s some bubblegum shit that’s really popular,” he explains. Tenaciously pursuing one’s artistic aims, particularly in the face of heightened external expectations, requires substantial self-confidence. Rather than adopting a modest attitude, Vile strives to harness the strengths of his idiosyncratic creative identity. “I want to destroy. I’m quietly competitive. I love so many artists but I definitely just try to push the envelope. There’s this place in there that’s my own style that you can hope to do different than anybody else could do,” he says. Despite realising that one is responsible for a particular strand of musicality, every musician is still at risk of falling into a routine way of operating. Vile explains
that he compulsively seeks out new territory. “I get obsessed with new music all the time and it definitely, through osmosis, comes in there, but it’s about channelling it through yourself. You’re always going to naturally go new directions unless you get disenchanted and become a parody of yourself or lose interest.” Vile’s determined self-belief is vindicated by the timeless quality of his compositions, which continue to reveal themselves on repeated listens. However, looking ahead, he can’t completely circumvent self-doubt. “Generally I’m just pretty confident… that doesn’t mean I’m not going to freak out on the next record and get self-conscious or paranoid.”
surprisingly complicated math-rock fiddliness, and while the new album’s still upbeat it’s also more classically structured, drawing on influences that have them sounding, to Australian ears at least, surprisingly like Powderfinger at times. “You can be mellow in those tunes even though they’re upbeat, I agree with that for sure,” Jenkins says. “They’ve leant themselves a little bit more to some space. We’ve started tying some of ’em together so we would block medleys out. Lately we’ve been interested in putting together medleys of songs, we were going like, ‘Let’s put four songs in a row from four different albums.’ We’ve been trying to have some fun like that, mixing that into it. It’s just the more material you have the more you get to paint with.” Two of the songs on Coriscana Lemonade were recorded with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco after White Denim supported them on tour. They travelled to Chicago to work in the Loft, Wilco’s studio, and recorded A Place To Start and Distant Relative Salute, which laid the foundations for how they’d work on the rest of the album.
“If someone wanted to do an overdub [Tweedy] would say like, ‘Picture this person on stage playing this, is this someone that’s in the band actually playing the part or is this filler?’ It showed the need to think about overdubs in a more limited kind of sense, then also to really hone down what was integral to each track. I wouldn’t say [he’s] a minimalist or anything like that but he’s really got a refined sense of purpose for each instrument and each voice on a song.” After that they travelled back to Texas and built their own studio in a house overlooking a cliff. Inspired by the open floor plan of Wilco’s they created something similar, although with a vital Southern touch. “Barbecue. We barbecued a lot of meat out there on the patio. That was pretty essential.”
AUTRE NE VEUT plays St Jerome’s Laneway Festival on Saturday February 1 at the FCAC and The River’s Edge, Footscray, as well as the Northcote Social Club on Tuesday February 4.
KURT VILE By Augustus Welby In order to appeal to the flittering whims of broadband-era attention spans, many artists are being encouraged to focus on releasing finely trimmed singles and consequently the relevance of the album continues to dim. However, a converse trend has emerged in recent years, with a number of musicians seemingly taking the album’s depleting capital as an impetus to explore the expressive capacities of the comprehensive format. The latest record from Philadelphia’s heartland-rocking slacker-dude Kurt Vile is certainly unfettered by commercial norms. Wakin’ On A Pretty Daze, Vile’s fifth record, comprises lengthy songs unpacking the possibilities of simple chord progressions and is distinguished by Vile’s droll existential musings. Releasing an 11-track 70-minute record in 2013 is a gutsy move and Vile admits he encountered some doubts along the way. “There’s always obstacles and different meltdowns of over-listening and trying to figure it out,” he says. “You definitely have meltdowns where you think the whole thing is not going to work out even though there’s potential. Ultimately I was going for something big and epic, shooting for something a little different – [trying] to grab ‘em by the balls a little bit.” After a string of lo-fi releases, Vile’s 2011 LP Smoke Ring For My Halo brought him to the attention of a broader chunk of the music listening populace. Wakin’
On A Pretty Daze’s layered production and effortless pace is a departure from Smoke Ring’s more refined composition, indicating that Vile wasn’t interested in cashing in on the previous record’s winning formula. However, he understands that this sort of artistic turn can be unsettling to listeners. “Ideally I want people to freak out about it, but I know it’s a challenging thing. I’ve heard it enough, I’ve listened to it over and over so I know all the nooks and crannies. Other people hear it the first time and it’s usually different than my last one, which they might have liked, then at first they think they don’t like it but it’s really just because you’ve got to listen. It takes multiple listens to get it all,” he says. Vile’s critical reputation has gone from strength to strength with each album release, which indeed would be a major confidence booster. Yet, Vile dismisses any yearning for critical flattery.
KURT VILE & THE VIOLATORS play St Jerome’s Laneway Festival on Saturday February 1 alongside Four Tet, Frightened Rabbit, Warpaint and more at FCAC & The River’s Edge Footscray. They also play the Corner Hotel on Wednesday February 5 and Thursday February 6.
WHITE DENIM By Jody Macgregor White Denim have an advantage at the South By South-West conference, what with being Texas locals, and have played there several times. Austin Jenkins, the Southern garage rock band’s guitarist, is telling me the annual festival transforms Austin – the city where it takes place, not the guy I’m talking to – into a frantic flurry of people racing from stage to stage each day, and things can get pretty hectic for the bands as well. Soon after joining White Denim in 2010, Jenkins played 11 shows with them over the course of three days at that year’s festival. “We played in a giant Doritos vending machine one time,” he casually adds, as if that’s not the most amazing detail. As South By Southwest attracts more and bigger corporate sponsors, the stages get more outlandish. The ‘Doritos Jacked’ stage was over 17 metres high and had the band playing in the bottom section of a vending machine – the bit where your chips comes out – with three levels above that where packets of Doritos bigger than people hung from pegs, like you could buy one for $3.50 and then live like a king. “It’s almost like a Vegas kind of spectacle,” says Jenkins. Cramming in almost a dozen shows like that over three days isn’t easy, but fortunately the showcase sets tend to be a bit shorter. “Sometimes they’re so short that they’re over before you realise they really happened,” Jenkins says. “Yeah, I’d say pacing yourself is a good BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 30
thing. Usually it’s hot as all hell when South By Southwest hits as well. You’ve got to make sure that you have a healthy mix of water as well as beer and then I think the adrenaline’s pumping so hard that it just rolls you through it.” Those live shows earned them a reputation for no-frills rocking out. Wasting no time, they’d barrel through their songs one after the other, with plenty of energy. “It’s not like GG Allin-crazy or anything like that,” Jenkins says of their live show, “but we used to not stop playing at all. We would just play continuously for however long the amount of time was so if there was 45 minutes we would play 45 straight.” They’ve learned to slow down a little in the three years since, however. “Now we’re putting more pauses into the set just to give us a rest. It could be pretty assaulting at times I guess.” They’re helped in that by the mellower songs on their latest album, Corsicana Lemonade. In the past they tended towards blues-rock blasts with diversions into
DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION
WHITE DENIM play Falls Music & Arts Festival in Lorne from Saturday December 28 – Wednesday January 1. They also play the Corner Hotel on Sunday January 5. Corsicana Lemonade is out now through Downtown / [PIAS] Australia.
PIATTO words / rk
Brothers Davide and Alessandro Piatto are kicking back in their mini home studio as they take the call in Italy - the other end of the world – and a long way away in any language. “We are just relaxing here,” describes Davide. “We are still in love with music; especially the early techno and trance scene from the ’90s.” And while the brothers suggest there isn’t much of a scene in their native homeland at present, they admit there are a lot of young producers and artists doing some very interesting things. “There are some good things happening here,” explains Davide. “They are good as producers but unfortunately, there are really very few good clubs that can host them. That is why I love to play outside my country; the people tend to be more open minded and they just love to dance - and they don’t care to show how finely they are or are not dressed.” Historically, the brothers were both involved with music going back some three decades. Davide continues: “I just used to play guitar with friends in the ‘70s,” he explains. “When a couple of them asked me to found a ‘new wave band’ as they needed a bass player, things were on. We called the band N.O.I.A. and
started to play a unique kind of electronic music, thanks to first affordable drum machines and synths.” In kind, his brother – followed a similar path – but approached things a little differently. “I spent my childhood playing the electronic instruments of my brother and it was inevitable that I would fall in love with music,” giggles Alessandro. “When I was 11 I founded my first band and later I became a DJ, playing mainly punk and new wave music around the mid 1980s.” Musically then, the lads are still pumping out EPs although less prolifically than they did in previous years. “We are thinking about going back to our roots when techno and house was more ‘friendly’ and not as aggressive as it is today,” justifies Davide. With that, their label too is kicking along and their release pipeline remains strong. Alessandro explains: “I found the label Italo Business in 2006 when I met DJs Dandi and Ugo – and as the executive producer of a track I made, I asked them to make a remix. At that time everybody was sick of the way the mainstream house music labels worked, so we decided to give life to a low budget record company and release our stuff together. Our idea
was and still is to give a chance to unknown or not so popular producers, to show their talent in making new electronic music.” Otherwise, the brothers aren’t particularly preoccupied with genres or fads, rather preferring to play through the music in their own, seemingly uncharted way. “We are not the kind of people that care about specific genres. Over the last few years, we have played different kinds of music, from blues to punk, from trip hop to techno. As far back as in 1981, I recorded some tracks, later to be released by Mario Boncaldo and Tony Carrasco going under the name Klein + M.B.O, with releases such as Dirty Talk considered to be the amongst the first Chicago house records,” Davide professes proudly. “And in the meantime, I will continue to run my band N.O.I.A, and make the music the world calls Italo Disco. My brother and I will still do dance music under different nicknames as well, but we are also working on several hard-rock/punk albums with a couple of indie bands too. We just make music; sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not so good - but honestly I don’t know how to define it.”
electronic - urban - club life
Finally, the brothers are chuffed about the opportunity to get to Australia for their inaugural tour. “Our set is a little different,” surmises the affable Allesandro. “We don’t play back-to-back as such because Davide is not a DJ. When we play together though it’s a really wild live set; I like to play tracks through my laptop and a couple of controllers, rearranging techno and house tracks with loops, effects and funny mash ups. And I always like to change my sets up during a new gig. Also, I always try to catch the crowd and to understand their feeling. In the last few months, I’ve really slowed down the BPM and included more songs with a really nice hook. It seems to be working.” Piatto plays at the Earthcore 20th Anniversary alongside Ace Ventura, Perfect Stranger and more, which takes place from Friday November 29 - Sunday December 1 in Pyalong, Victoria. facebook.com/piattomusic
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UPCOMING
DECEMBER
N OV E M B E R
on tour BOYS NOIZE [GER] Billboard, Friday November 29 EARTHCORE: ANGY KORE [ITA], PERFECT STRANGER [ISR] + MORE Friday November 29 - Sunday December 2, TBA FUNKINEVEN [USA] Saturday November 30, The Liberty Social SHPONGLE [UK], RAJA RAM [UK] PERFECT STRANGER [ISR] + MORE Friday December 6, Brown Alley INSANE CLOWN POSSE [USA] Friday December 6, The Hi-Fi LE1F [USA] Friday December 6, Roxanne Parlour STEREOSONIC: DAVID GUETTA [FRA], ARMIN VAN BUUREN [NED], CALVIN HARRIS [UK] + MORE Saturday December 7 - Sunday December 8, Royal Melbourne Showgrounds PSYCHEMAGIK [UK] Saturday December 7, New Guernica JON HOPKINS [UK] Thursday December 12, The Hi-Fi RØDHÅD [GER] Friday December 13, Mercat Basement MEREDITH: TIM SWEENEY [USA], DERRICK MAY [USA] + MORE Friday December 13 - Sunday December 15, Meredith Supernatural Ampitheatre DERRICK MAY [USA] Saturday December 14, Howler MIDLAND [UK] Sunday December 22, Revolver Upstairs STANTON WARRIORS [UK], S.P.Y [UK], MC LOWQUI [UK] Friday December 27, Brown Alley LET THEM EAT CAKE: JAMES HOLDEN [UK], FLOATING POINTS [UK] + MORE Wednesday January 1, Werribee Mansion DANNY TENAGLIA [USA], MORGAN PAGE [USA] Wednesday January 1, Shed 14 KOLOMBO [BEL] Sunday January 19, Revolver Upstairs MAJOR LAZER [USA], FLOSSTRADAMUS [USA] Tuesday January 21, The Palace SNOOP DOGG [USA], MAC MILLER [USA] Wednesday January 22, The Palace BIG DAY OUT: SNOOP DOGG [USA], MAJOR LAZER [USA] + MORE Friday January 24, Flemington Racecourse RAINBOW SERPENT: DONATO DOZZY [ITA], MICHAEL MAYER [GER] + MORE Friday January 24 - Monday January 27, Lexton HENRIK SCHWARZ [GER], DANNY DAZE [USA] Friday January 24, Brown Alley AVICII [SWE] Sunday January 26, Melbourne Showgrounds MOUNT KIMBIE [UK] Thursday January 30, Corner Hotel ST JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL: XXYYXX [USA], MOUNT KIMBIE [UK] + MORE Saturday February 1, Footscray Community Arts Centre XXYYXX [USA] Tuesday February 4, Corner Hotel. YOUTH LAGOON [USA] Wednesday February 5, Prince Bandroom EARL SWEATSHIRT [USA], DANNY BROWN [USA] Thursday February 6, The Palace MK [USA] Sunday February 9, Revolver Upstairs DJ SHADOW [UK] Thursday February 13, Prince Bandroom EMINEM [USA], KENDRICK LAMAR [USA] + MORE Wednesday February 19, Etihad Stadium FLYING LOTUS [USA] Friday February 28, The Forum BRUNO MARS [USA], MIGUEL [USA] Tuesday March 4 & Wednesday March 5, Rod Laver Arena GOLD PANDA [UK] Friday March 7, Corner Hotel GOOD LIFE: DEADMAU5 [UK], KNIFE PARTY [UK] + MORE Friday March 7, Flemington Racecourse MAITREYA: DICK TREVOR [UK], YAHEL [ISR] Friday March 7 - Monday March 10, Sealake GOLDEN PLAINS: PUBLIC ENEMY [USA], FLYING LOTUS [USA] + MORE Saturday March 8 - Monday March 10, Meredith Supernatural Ampitheatre FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL: DEADMAU5 [UK], KNIFE PARTY [UK] + MORE Sunday March 9, Flemington Racecourse BATHS [USA] Saturday March 22, Corner Hotel DARKSIDE [USA] Friday April 4, The Palace
tour rumours
Marcus Worgul, Marcel Dettmann, Cassy, DVS1, Mario Basanov, Detroit Swindle, Legowelt, Redshape, Will Saul, Rustie, Jacques Greene, Kito, Reija Lee, Marcel Vogel, Andrew Weatherall, Smallpeople, Skudge, Roman Flügel, Silicone Soul
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insane clown posse wo o rrd d s / t yss on o n w ray ay
Love ‘em or (much more likely) loathe ‘em, Insane Clown Posse are a global phenomenon. In a career that has spanned over two decades, the self-proclaimed “most hated band in the world” have sold over 11 million records (all without commercial support) worldwide, successfully ran their own music festival for over a decade and even sued the FBI. But perhaps the most intriguing notion of the ICP world is the devoted and almost cult-like subculture that they’ve spawned – the face-painting Faygo-swigging ‘whoop whoop!’-hollering Juggalos. “There has never been anything like it in the history of rock’n’roll. Period,” explains Violent J proudly. “They’re not like any other type of music culture. They’re not like hippies. They’re not like Justin Bieber’s fucking Beliebers, or whatever the fuck they’re called. Juggalos come from all walks of life. They’re scrubs, they’re poor people and they’re hillbillies. There’s also policemen and other hard-working good people. There are good apples and bad apples in the Juggalo world. Juggalo is a sub-culture that has no boundaries to who they let in because everyone is invited. Everybody is included, nobody is excluded. Juggalos will accept you if you’re fat, if you’re nerdy, if you’re ugly. It doesn’t matter. You can be a Juggalo and not be judged. Juggalos are clowns. Therefore, no clown is too clown-y to be a Juggalo. “When they’re together – whether it’s at one of our concerts with hundreds of Juggalos or our yearly gathering with thousands of Juggalos, there are never any fights between Juggalos,” notes J of their kinship. “They come to the shows early so they can be in line together. So they can sing together and so they can chant together and share Faygo and share whatever they want. Nobody gets treated like a stranger or a newcomer. Everybody is accepted and they’re totally friendly. A lot of people have met their best friends at
news
laughs. “The last time I was in Australia I got with three chicks! We went out after the shows and we’d go to bars, and we’d meet hotties, and we’d bring ‘em back to the hotels. It was great. But it was also devastating. In the morning I’d be like ‘come to the show tonight!’ and they’d be like ‘I can’t I’ve got work’ and I’d be like ‘come on takeoff work and come to the show, please hang with me!’ and they’d be like ‘look, we had a good time, it was fun, but I have to go.’ I felt really used!” Directing his thoughts towards their upcoming Australia tour, J explains that it’s the passion and reciprocated respect of the Juggalos that is fuelling their return. “We can’t stand airplane flights. We hate ‘em, we hate ‘em,” he details fervently. “It’s a 17-hour flight over there but we’re doing it because there are Juggalos that are dying to see us. And on top of that, when you tour Australia you have fly to every fucking night! There’s no tour bus! I’m so fucking big that I can barely fit in an airplane. But I’m doing it for the Australian Juggalos. A lot of Australian Juggalos come over here for the Gathering Of The Juggalos and they’re always asking ‘When are you coming back? When are you coming back?’ Well you know what. We’re coming back next month. We’re doing it for the Juggalos.” Whoop whoop!
Insane Clown Posse will hit The Hi-Fi on Friday December 6.
facebook.com/insaneclownposse
- head to beat.com.au for more
boys noize
off the record w i t h
our events. They’ve met their wives at our events. Some of them had no friends in their life before they discovered the Juggalo world and now they have 100’s of friends. It’s something to belong to. It’s something to be proud of. It’s a family. Everybody else looks down upon us, but like I always say, the colder it is on the outside the warmer it is on the inside. To be a Juggalo? It feels damn good.” Since first forming in 1989 both J and Shaggy 2 Dope have remained constantly active, with 2013 marking the release of their 12th studio album. “We had a good year. We promoted our The Mighty Death Pop! album and then went out on tour,” notes J. “On that tour we performed a lot of obscure and rare songs, we really dug into the crates to find some music that we had never performed live. A lot of really long-time diehard Juggalos were really happy with that tour because it wasn’t like anything that we had ever done before. We had a great Gathering. We also got a TV show over here in the States. We filmed the first season and have been picked up for a second. We’ve never had a TV show before, but we’ve got one now. That’s cool. It’s just another year down, y’know what I mean? Things are pretty damn good in the world of Insane Clown Posse.” Returning to Australia next month for the first time in over a decade, J recounts his previous time here fondly. “The one time we came to Australia about 10 years ago we had a great, fantastic time. It was bombastic,” he exclaims. “The Juggalos were at every show and they were chanting just like the American Juggalos. It was amazing – it was the least thing we expected. We thought we’d go over there and play to like 50 people a night, but it was nothing like that. It was just like touring the states. We had a great fucking time.” Besides from their performances, one of the highlights was J’s (apparently confirmed) belief that Australian women are the most promiscuous in the world. “I read that in Maxim magazine!” he
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I cannot recommend following the Cignall Frankston Twitter account highly enough.
major lazer and flosstradamus
Major Lazer are going to tear the roof off The Palace this January with a little help from their friends in Flosstradamus. Together, they have let hoards of people know what’s up when they take the stage at Mad Decent’s block parties across the USA. It’s now time for them to bring the party Down Under. They’ll hit The Palace on Tuesday January 21.
snoop dogg and mac miller
Ahead of their Melbourne Stereosonic appearance, Boys Noize have teamed up with Breach, Djedjotronic, Acid Jacks, Benson and Butters for an exclusive sideshow this November. Heralded as Beatport’s Best Electronic Act three years in a row and crowned by Rolling Stone as one of the top ten DJs in the world, Boys Noize will be bringing their sweaty hurricane sound to Billboard alongside house virtuosos Djedjotronic, Acid Jacks, Benson and Butters. It goes down at Billboard into a dance floor on Friday November 29 from 10pm.
let them eat cake As if you need any more reasons to spend New Year’s Day partying at Let Them Eat Cake, the festival has unveiled its massive local lineup. Headliners include Client Liaison, Mic Newman, Mike Callander, JPS, Silent Jay and Digital Primate, alongside Andy Hart , Myles Mac, Amin Payne, A13, Awesome Wales, Bee Ampersand, Boot Action, Chestwig, DJ Mark Free, Dylan Griffen, Edd Fisher, Fugitive, Hans DC, Isaac Fryar, Jacob Malmo & Oliver James, James De Bono, James Steeth, Jesse Young, Kate Fox, Kodiak Kid, Matt Turner, Muska & Nixie, Mzrizk, N?A & Jack Love, Nam, Sean Deans, Tom, Torren Foote, U-One, A13 and Vexta. Let Them Eat Cake’s sophomore incarnation goes down on Wednesday January 1 at Werribee Mansion.
dj shadow
Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion aka Snoop Zilla aka The Artist Formerly Known As Snoopy has locked in a Melbourne headline show. Snoop will be performing a selection of his greatest hits alongside a mix of his reggae tracks that he recently released after an inspiration trip to Jamaica. He’ll be joined by 21-year-old US hip hop sensation Mac Miller. They’ll hit The Palace on Wednesday January 22.
The legendary DJ Shadow has revealed a string of smaller, stripped back and more intimate shows for this February’s All Bases Covered Tour. With 28 years of experience under his belt, Shadow has been credited as a key figure in developing the experimental instrumental hip hop style. The pioneer’s upcoming tour sets will be structured to take crowds on a musical journey, incorporating unreleased productions and live remixes. Catch DJ Shadow at the Prince Bandroom on Thursday February 13.
electronic - urban - club life
flying lotus Flying Lotus has locked in a 2014 Melbourne headline show. No stranger to Australian shores, Steven Ellison attended 2003’s Red Bull Music Academy in Melbourne, and since then his cult following in Australia has grown to epic proportions. Last here for the inaugural Let Them Eat Cake festival, he’s now locked in a Melbourne headline show to accompany his appearance at the 2014 Golden Plains. He’ll be joined on the bill by Kutmah and Om Unit. He’ll hit The Forum Friday February 28.
soul kissed Melbourne’s newest soul night has arrived with an exotic cocktail of soul, disco, funk, and fun. Soul Kissed will feature the best local and international DJs playing a diverse range of re-edited soul and funk tunes together with disco classics. For their debut night they will feature DJ J’nett and DJ Lynton Carr. Soul Kissed will take place at the German Club Tivoli, Windsor. Come down early and have a traditional German dinner in the restaurant along with authentic beer. Opening night is Friday November 29 from 8pm.
electronic - urban - club life
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kelpe
lemaitre wo rds / tom kits on
Multi-instrumental Norweigan duo Lemaitre have snuck their name onto the bill for Stereosonic this summer, bringing their ideal mix of disco-infused sounds from their Relativity EP series. Sharing an interest in house-influenced production, Ketil Jansen and Ulrik Denizou Lund got together straight after high school to start the Lemaitre project, named after Belgian physics professor Georges Lemaitre. In four years, they have released as many EPs, with songs like this year’s Continuum earning considerable online attention and radio airplay. The feel-good nature of their music fits perfectly within a summer setting, as does their relaxed attitude despite swiftly making a global name for themselves. “We were influenced originally by Daft Punk and Justice,” says Jansen. “Now we like to think we’ve become our own little niche in a way…we didn’t have many expectations to begin with, but we were really confident in the music we wanted to make and are really proud of it so far.” “We’ve always made the music we wanted to make,” Lund adds. “We just find grooves and really don’t think too much about it.” The chilled vibe of the band shows they have the utmost confidence in their music and are simply doing what they love, bouncing off influences from music they enjoy and coming out with a disco-pop sound that appeals to music fans in general. Lemaitre’s formation came from the pair’s decision to commit to music for at least a year together to see where it went, and this early focus and drive has reaped rewards. “We decided to take a year off to do music,” Lund says. “It just went uphill from there and continued, so here we are.”
wo rd s / a ug u st u s we lby
As many musicians do today, they found a following early on through social media. “We just put our music out there from the start,” explains Lund. “We had a Soundcloud page and a Facebook page to feature our music. Pretty soon we got picked up by blogs, with a lot of help from the videos that our friend Joe [Johannes Greve Muskat] makes for us, and eventually we went to number one on iTunes.” Speaking about their career as if they just fell into it, it seems the duo best expresses themselves through the music they create together. Both sing and share duties on the various instruments, and on the electronic side of things as well. Choosing their name also came easily to them, since they like to reference science in their music and videos. “Georges Lemaitre came up with the Big Bang Theory,” Jansen says. “So from that, science has been a recurring theme in our music and visuals.” They will aim to produce an album in 2014 – or as soon as they have time to do so, what with hectic touring schedules and travel meaning they must balance playing shows and making new music. “Hopefully we can make an album next year, but we will need quite some time,” Lund says. “We are working [on] some stuff now which will be finished in time for Stereosonic, so we’ll see – we might premiere a few new tracks.” Lemaitre will play at Stereosonic which will take place over Saturday December 7 - Sunday December 8 at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds. facebook.com/lemaitremusic
London based DJ and producer Kelpe (real name Kel McKeown) is about to head to Australia for the first time. Kelpe’s debut EP The People Are Trying To Sleep came out way back in 2003, so an Australian visit has certainly been a long time coming. McKeown says that he wasn’t aware of his antipodean following until taking charge over the release and distribution of his latest LP Fourth: The Golden Eagle. “I’ve never really known if I had a fan base there at all really. It’s only really recently, since I’ve been self-releasing – I’ve literally been posting records out myself. Before, I didn’t really know whether there was anybody listening.” Autonomously releasing Fourth: The Golden Eagle is not any sort of rebellious move. McKeown has always had a decent level of control over his career and he’s quite comfortable having executive power. “I’ve never had a manager. In the end I think if the right person doesn’t come along, you’re better off doing it yourself,” he says. Given this longstanding independence, putting music out without the assistance of a record label seems to be a natural progression for McKeown. He explains that releasing his music in a DIY manner wasn’t always the plan, but it’s proving to be an advantageous decision. “It’s not been a lifelong dream but it’s working out quite nicely. The fact that I needed to release this album really made me like, ‘OK, I’ve got to do it.’ It’s been quite rewarding to do it that way and I’ve actually really enjoyed doing it.” Kelpe’s music has always drawn from a diverse array of genres, fusing glitchy electronica, low-key ambience and classic R&B to
carve out his own distinct identity. On Fourth: The Golden Eagle McKeown says he aimed to assemble the strongest features of his previous work into a confident and relatively accessible piece. McKeown started Kelpe as a solo venture and even though drummer Chris Walmsley (Psapp, Broadcast) regularly appears on stage with him, in the studio it remains largely a one man project. Despite this, McKeown indicates he would like to involve more people in the future. “I really like the idea of collaborating and I’ve been saying this for years, but I just find it so hard to actually finish things when it’s with someone else. When you’re on your own you can just go ‘alright, I’m going to get this done.’ Hopefully one day I’ll break out of it.” For now though, McKeown will make the long journey down under on his own and he explains his on stage approach. “Largely all the sounds are triggered by fingers pushing buttons, as much as possible really. I did go through a stage where everything was completely triggered, but there will be bits where I’ll leave a section to play for a minute or something, to just refresh. A lot of the time people basically think you’re DJing, so sometimes they just want to hear something that sounds good rather than looks impressive to the eye.” Kelpe will hit Boney on Sunday December 8 with Cave. facebook.com/kelpe.music
workshop
snaps bimbos
lucky coq
first floor
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electronic - urban - club life
rubix
20th Anniversary
map & set times friday 29 november set times
saturday 30th november set times
lifestyle village program
Healing Space Saturday 30th november
MAIN stage
HYDRA STAGE
Friday Workshop Space
14:00 - LoveINg Touch – Zen Thai Massage Workshop - Sara Spiazzi 16:00 - Reiki - Denise Minettos & Adrian Nannipieri 18:00 - Intuitive Toning - Miroslav Petrovic
12:00pm 1:30 3:00 4:30 6:00 7:30 9:00 10:30 12:00am 1:30AM
Uone vs Brad Daniels Muska & Nixie / Ben Abrahams Boogs Siopis Herc Kass (sunset) Simon Murphy Mish'chief Ann Clue Boris Brejcha Perfect Stranger
12:00pm 1:30 3:00 4:30 6:00 7:30 9:00 10:30
sunday 1st December set times
FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER SET TIMES
MAIN stage
HYDRA STAGE
12:00am 1:30 3:00 4:30 6:00 7:30 9:00 10:30 12:00pm 1:30
12:00PM 1:30 3:00 4:30 6:00 7:30 9:00 10:30 12:00AM 1:30
AARON SMILES AZRIN BORNVIBE SMEAGOL ALIAS VS DR B (SUNSET) SOUNDWAVE BINAURAL REDLINE SESTO SENTO SUNTRIBE
Bluetech Lanksta ScullaMooks Miss Flare Wasabi (sunset) DxM djs Pakman Ozzy
Robert Anthony Angy Kore Piatto (sunrise) Tsuyoshi Suzuki Astrix Ace Ventura Coming Soon !! Antix Quivver Moshic
9:00 - Inner Worlds Art Workshop - Map Studios 12:00 - Mindfulness Meditation - Drs Daniel Aronov & Candice Wainstein 12:45 - Connecting with your tribe - Michele Peppler 14:45 - Sustainable Design: How to build a raingarden - Sam & Benjamin Cylich 16:45 - Immortality, Abundance and Ascension - Tree 18:30 - Latest Tech in Alternative fuels for vehicles & power generators - Adeon Saturday Workshop Space 9:30 - Making Neo-Shamanic Totems from recycled Roadkill - Gerard Geer 11:30 - Mindfulness Meditation - Drs Daniel Aronov & Candice Wainstein 12:15 - You are the universe - Heath Myers – Agent of Change 14:00 - African Drumming - Soul Circles Community Drumming 16:00 - Shakti/Tantric Healing - Swami Narendra 18:00 - Dance Wise - Dan Burns Friday Movement Space 9:00 - Surya Soma Yoga - Luka Trembak 11:00 - Pilates and the law; the balancing act of health, work and life - Daniel Epstein 16:00 - Bellydance - Shimmy Bliss Dance 18:00 - Hatha Groove - Funky Yoga session - Mickey Space & DJ Brain
sunday 1st December set times
Saturday Movement Space
saturday 30th november set times
HYDRA STAGE
MAIN stage
12:00am 1:30 3:00 4:30 6:00 7:30 9:00 10:30 12:00pm 1:30 3:00
9:00 - Tai Chi - Gavin Shri Amneon 10:00 - Yoga - Gavin Shri Amneon 11:00 - Hoop Dance - Fee Nix 12:30 - Booty Funk - Shimmy Bliss Dance 14:30 - Tibetan Singing Bowl Sound Journey - David Holtzner 17:00 - Burlesque - Shimmy Bliss Dance
12:00pm 1:30 3:00 4:30 6:00 7:30 9:00 10:30
Mr Bill Kurk Kokane Handsdown Rock like this djs Monkee (sunset) Shpongle Eelke Kleijn Andrew Till vs Simon Slieker
Ben Evans Frump Franny (sunrise) Captain Hook D-Addiction Freedom Fighters Ghost Rider Michele Adamson Lucas Polaris Raja Ram
KIDS PROGRAM Friday 29th november 2pm - Hoop Time with Jemma 3pm - Nylon Zoo interactive event 4pm - Drumming Circle with Djulze & roving character Miss Dinkles 5pm - Interactive Story time with Miss Dinkles SATURDAY 30th november 10am - Nylon Zoo interactive event 11am - Nylon Zoo interactive event 12pm - Sky People to The Rescue Lady Longstride & Andrew ~ puppet show & puppet making with 2pm - Tiara & Crown making with Miss Dinkles 3pm - Creative Dance with Gabbi + roving Dizzy the Clown 4pm - Nylon Zoo interactive event 4.30pm - Magik Show 5pm - Drumming Circle with Djulze SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER 10am - Hoop Time with Jemma 11am - Craft with Kerrie & Gabbi 12pm - Sky people to the Rescue ~ puppet show 1pm - Nylon Zoo interactive event
Healing Space Friday 29th november 12:00 - Body Work - Quoll Ungara 14:00 - Inner Bliss - Miroslav Petrovic 16:00 - Reiki - Denise Minettos &
www.earthcore.com.au
electronic - urban - club life
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club guide snaps khokolat koated
faktory
wednesday november 27 COQ ROQ - FEAT: AGENT 86 + DJS LADY NOIR + JOYBOT + KITI + MR THOM Lucky Coq, Windsor. 7:00pm. HOODRAPZ - FEAT: WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP, MELBOURNE. 7:00PM. MIDNIGHT SOUL ENSEMBLE - FEAT: MFP + ABLE8 + DJ MZ RIZK + KUYA LOUNGE, MELBOURNE CBD. 9:00PM. NEW GUERNICA WEDNESDAYS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS New Guernica, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. THE DINNER SET - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 6:00pm. HOODRAPZ - FEAT: WEDNESDAY Workshop, Melbourne. 7:00pm. LOST & FOUND - FEAT: DJ SPIDEY + DJ RUBY FROST Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:00pm. MO’ SOUL - FEAT: DJ VINCE PEACH & MISS GOLDIE Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. NEW GUERNICA WEDNESDAYS New Guernica, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. SOUL ARMY Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. THE DINNER SET Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 6:00pm. thursday november 28 3181 THURSDAYS - FEAT: HANS DC + JESSE YOUNG + JOHN DOE + MATTHEW BUTTERS + SAM GUDGE Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 5:00pm. BILLBOARD THURSDAYS FEAT: MATT DEAN + MATTY GRANT + PHIL ROSS Billboard, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. $10. CHI BEATS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Chi Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. CQ SESSIONS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Cq, Melbourne. 8:00pm. DO DROP IN - FEAT: DJ KITI + DJ LADY NOIR THE CARLTON HOTEL, MELBOURNE CBD. 8:00PM. FREE RANGE FUNK - FEAT: AGENT 86 + LEWIS CANCUT + WHO Lucky Coq, Windsor. 6:00pm. GOOD EVENING - FEAT: DJ PEOPLE Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. MIDNIGHT EXPRESS - FEAT: DJS PREQUEL & EDD FISHER Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 11:00pm. MOOD - FEAT: NUBODY Loop, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. RADIONICA - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Workshop, Melbourne. 7:00pm. VARSITY - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. RADIONICA Workshop, Melbourne. 8:00pm. THE RITZ THURSDAYS - FEAT: NARI & MILANI + CARRICK DALTON & SAM COHEN + CAUC-ASIAN DJ’S + ED WILKS + JOSHUA GILILAND + KEN WALKER + LUCILLE CROFT + MAX KRUSE + TIM LIGHT + ZACK ROSE Trak Lounge Bar, Toorak. 8:00pm. $20. TIGER FUNK LIVE - FEAT: DJ MOONSHINE
Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. TROCADERO Match Bar & Grill, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. friday november 29 ANYTIME - FEAT: FRIDAY Workshop, Melbourne. 8:30pm. BADABOOM FRIDAYS - FEAT: DJ ROWIE European Bier Cafe, Melbourne Cbd. 4:00pm. BOYS NOIZE + ACID JACKS + BENSON + BREACH + BUTTERS + DJEDJOTRONIC Billboard, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. CANT SAY - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Platform One, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $10. CHI FRIDAYS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Chi Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. CQ FRIDAYS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Cq, Melbourne. 3:06pm. DISCOTHEQUE - FEAT: ELANA MUSTO + GREG SARA + SCOTT T Match Bar & Grill, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. FUSION FRIDAY - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Fusion, Southbank. 10:00pm. GET LIT - FEAT: D’FRO + HANS DC + YO M.A.F.I.A LOUNGE, MELBOURNE CBD. 9:00PM. I LOVE OLD SCHOOL - FEAT: SHAGGZ & PUPPET + DJ TEY + MERV MAC Red Bennies, South Yarra. 10:00pm. $10. INCREMENTALIST + BREAKFAST + GABRIEL GILMOUR + SEEDY JAZZ Rubix Warehouse, Brunswick. 7:00pm. LATIN QUARTER - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Trak Lounge Bar, Toorak. 8:00pm. MEET YOUR MATES FRIDAYS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Libation, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. PANORAMA - FEAT: DJS MATT RAD + MR GEORGE + PHATO A MANO Lucky Coq, Windsor. 8:00pm. POPROCKS - FEAT: DR PHIL SMITH Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. REVOLVER FRIDAYS - FEAT: DJ LEWIE DAY + DJ MIKE CALLANDER + DJ KATIE DROVER Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 6:00pm. SATURDAY MORNING - FEAT: DJ SUNSHINE Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 6:00am. SHUFFLE FRIDAY NIGHTS Bridie O’reilly’s Brunswick, Brunswick. 10:00pm. SNATCH - FEAT: DJ ARSONAUT + DJ PAUL + DJ ROD S Kama Bar, South Yarra. 7:00pm. STRAWBERRY FIELDS AFTER PARTY - FEAT: KINK + MICROTRAUMA BROWN ALLEY, MELBOURNE. 7:00PM. $28. THE FOX FRIDAYS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Fox Hotel, Collingwood. 7:00pm. TUNES BY SABO Gem Bar, Collingwood. 7:00pm. UPTOWN GROOVE Order Of Melbourne, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. WEEKENDER! Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. SHUFFLE FRIDAY NIGHTS
Bridie O’reilly’s Brunswick, Brunswick. 11:00pm. THE FOX FRIDAYS Fox Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. UPTOWN GROOVE Order Of Melbourne, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. satudayy november 30 BILLBOARD SATURDAYS FEAT: FRAZER ADNAM SCOTT MCMAHON + JAMIE VLAHOS + MR MAGOO + ZIGGY Billboard, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $15. CLUB FICTION - FEAT: KITTY ROCK & THE BAD LADIES Red Bennies, South Yarra. 10:00pm. CONCRETE JUNGLE ROCKERS FEAT: NAHUATL SOUNDSYSTEM + BACHU + PAPACHANGO Howler, Brunswick. 7:00pm. $15. DJ DAVE THE SCOT Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 2:00pm. FIRST FLOOR SATURDAYS - FEAT: BILLY HOYLE + DJS DUCHESZ + MZRIZK + WASABI First Floor, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. GLITCH THIS - FEAT: SATURDAY Workshop, Melbourne. 7:00pm. GLORY - FEAT: DJ BECSTA Kama Bar, South Yarra. 7:00pm. HOT STEP - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. LAB 22 Palace Theatre, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. MIXED DRINKS SATURDAYS FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Libation, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. NEO SACRILEGE - FEAT: DJ NERO Abode, St Kilda. 8:00pm. NEW GUERNICA SATURDAYS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS New Guernica, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. POISON APPLE - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Prince Bandroom, St Kilda. 7:00pm. RAZZMATAZZ INDIE DISCOTHEQUE - FEAT: DJ CAITY K + TED C Exford Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. SATURDAYS - FEAT: ACTION SAM + DJ ROWIE EUROPEAN Bier Cafe, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. SATURDAYS AT ONE TWENTY BAR - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS One Twenty Bar, Fitzroy. 1:49pm. SOUND EMPIRE - FEAT: DJ TATE STRAUSS + DJ JOE SOFO + DJ MATTY + DJ MISS SARAH + DJ PHIL ROSS Fusion, Southbank. 9:30pm. $25. SOUTH SIDE SHOW - FEAT: EDD FISHER + KNAVE KNIXX Red Bennies, South Yarra. 8:00pm. $15. STAR SATURDAYS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Star Bar, South Melbourne. 3:02pm. STRUT SATURDAYS - FEAT: TIMOMATIC TRAK Lounge Bar, Toorak. 8:00pm. $22. SUNDAY NIGHTS - FEAT: DJ DAMION DE SILVA + DJ JAY J + DJ KEN WALKER + DJ LIGHTING Co., Southbank. 8:30pm. SUPER GRANDE - FEAT: ARKS + MR MOONSHINE + NORTH POLLAND Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. TEMPERANCE SATURDAYS FEAT: DJ MARCUS KNIGHT + DJ XANDER JAMES Temperance Hotel, South Yarra. 8:00pm. TEXTILE - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Lucky Coq, Windsor. 6:00pm. THE FOX SATURDAYS - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Fox Hotel, Collingwood. 7:00pm. THE HOUSE DEFROST - FEAT: DJ ANDEE FROST Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 11:00pm. THE LATE SHOW - FEAT:
MAT CANT + NICK THAYER + RANSOM + BOOSHANK + LEWIS CANCUT + PAZ Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 6:00pm. TUNES BY RALPH GRANADILLA Gem Bar, Collingwood. 7:00pm. WHY NOT? - FEAT: SATURDAY Pretty Please, St Kilda. 3:21pm. WHAT’S DOING? - FEAT: DJ CITIZEN.COM Workshop, Melbourne. 8:00pm. sunday december 1 CAN I KICK IT Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 12:00am. DANGER - FEAT: GEORGE HYSTERIC & ROHAN BELLTOWERS The Carlton Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. MASHTAG - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. REVOLVER SUNDAYS - FEAT: DJ BOOGS + DJ SPACEY SPACE + DJ RADIATOR + DJ SILVERSIX + DJ T-REK Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 6:30pm. SOUTH SIDE HUSTLE - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Lucky Coq, Windsor. 8:30pm. SURRENDER - FEAT: DJ SERGEANT SLICK + DJ ADAM TRACE + DJ ADRIAN CHESSARI + DJ CHRIS OSTROM + DJ SEF Fusion, Southbank. 8:00pm. THE SUNDAY SET - FEAT: DJS ANDYBLACK + HAGGIS Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 4:00pm. SUNDAE SHAKE - FEAT: AGENT 86 + PHATO-A-MANO + TIGERFUNK Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 4:00pm. SUNDAY SESSIONS - FEAT: DAN BOWDENA ND MAYFIELD + FOUNKSHUI Veludo Bar & Restaurant, St Kilda. 4:30pm. SURRENDER - FEAT: DJ SERGEANT SLICK + DJ ADAM TRACE + DJ ADRIAN CHESSARI + DJ CHRIS OSTROM + DJ SEF Fusion, Southbank. 8:00pm. THE SUNDAY SET - FEAT: DJS ANDYBLACK + HAGGIS Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 4:00pm.
COMPRESSION SESSION - FEAT: CASSAWARRIOR + DD + RICKA E55, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. SOUL ENSEMBLE Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm.
thursday november 28 PENNIES Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 9:30pm. $6.
friday november 29
CHAISE FRIDAYS - FEAT: SOULCLAP + DJ CLAZ + DJ DIRX + DJ PERIL + DJ SEF Chaise Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 4:30pm. CREW LOVE - FEAT: DJ TONY SUNSHINE Sub Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 11:00pm. $15. DJ THADDEUS DOE The B.east, Brunswick East. 9:00pm. FAKTORY Khokolat Bar, Melbourne. 2:55pm. FAKTORY - FEAT: DJ DAMION DE SILVA
6
+ DJ DURMY + DJ K DEE + DJ YATHS Khokolat Bar, Melbourne. 9:30pm. GET LIT Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. LIKE FRIDAYS - FEAT: BROZ + DIR-X + DJS DINESH + NYD + SEF + SHAGGZ + SHAUN D La Di Da, Melbourne. 8:00pm. RNB SUPERCLUB - FEAT: YOUNG MEN SOCIETY Rnb Superclub, Southbank. 8:00pm. STUDIO Chasers, South Yarra. 8:00pm. $20. SWEET NOTHING FRIDAYS - FEAT: DJ MARCUS KNIGHT + DJ XANDER JAMES Temperance Hotel, South Yarra. 9:00pm.
saturday november 30
CHAISE LOUNGE SATURDAYS - FEAT: DJ ANDY PALA + DJ KAH LUA Chaise Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. CHEAP SOBER + MAGGOT MOUF & GUTZ + PETE MC + PLANZ The Hi-fi, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $26.
electronic - urban - club life
rhythm-al-ism at eden
monday december 2 CLUB NIGHTS IBIMBO - FEAT: LADY NOIR & KITI BIMBO DELUXE, FITZROY. 6:00PM. STIFF DRINK - FEAT: DJ MICHAEL KUCYK + DJ MICHAEL OZONE + DJ ROMAN WAFERS Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. TWERKERS CLUB - FEAT: DJ FLETCH Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. TWERKERS CLUB - FEAT: DJ FLETCH Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. tuesday december COSMIC PIZZA - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Lucky Coq, Windsor. 8:00pm. CURIOUS TALES - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. dj jaguar E55, MELBOURNE CBD. 8:00PM. NEVER CHEER BEFORE YOU KNOW WHO’S WINNING - FEAT: REPETER FONDA Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7:00pm. TRUST - FEAT: ANDY UKHTHOMOSKY + BADDUMS + DISRUTE Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm.
urban club guide wednesday november 27
snaps
LAUNDRY SATURDAYS Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 9:30pm. SATURDAY NIGHTS - FEAT: DJ DAMION DE SILVA + DJ JAY SIN + DJ K DEE Khokolat Bar, Melbourne. 9:30pm. THE DOJO Order Of Melbourne, Melbourne Cbd. 11:00pm. THE HIGH SOCIETY Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:00pm.
monday december 2
FREEDOM PASS - FEAT: PHIL ROSS + B-BOOGIE + CHRIS MAC + DOZZA Co., Southbank. 10:30pm. HIP HOP OPEN MIC First Floor, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.
tuesday december 3
CAN I KICK IT? Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm.
be. at co.
CUT COPY By Rachel Eddie Cut Copy guitarist and sampler Tim Hoey is feeling positive about their upcoming release, Free Your Mind. “I actually feel really good. I don’t feel anxious at all this time. But maybe ask me at the end of the week.” If you’ve ever danced – like, ever – then you probably know and love Cut Copy. The Melbourne act is born of a time that saw themselves, The Presets and Midnight Juggernauts unexpectedly take to the charts when dirty rock – such as The Vines and Jet – seemed to own the airwaves. By the time 2008’s In Ghost Colours dropped with lead single Hearts On Fire, a change in the wind had secured Cut Copy a place in the mainstream. But sitting at Universal HQ overlooking Sydney Harbour, Hoey seems gracefully unaffected by his band’s popularity. In the lead-up to the release of Free Your Mind, Cut Copy’s fourth studio album, Hoey is drinking what must be one of many coffees today, and remaining nonchalant about working under the spotlight. “It’s funny, now’s the time to kind of enjoy it,” he says. “I guess you work so hard for like a year – or a year and a half – on a record, and now other people finally get to hear it. So this is the good time. I think it would be a lie for me to say that you don’t get anxious at times, but I think there’s no way we’d ever put something out that we didn’t believe in 100 per cent ourselves. We’ve kind of always maintained … that if you’re honest with what you’re doing then there’ll be an audience for it, so you just have to keep reminding yourself that.” Later mixed by Dave Fridmann (MGMT, Tame Impala, Flaming Lips), the making of Free Your Mind was unlike any previous Cut Copy record, inspiring frontman Dan Whitford towards a new approach to songwriting. “The process that we did for this record was completely different to the last one,” says Hoey. “Like, just writing a lot of music and not thinking about themes too early on. The idea was to never second-guess anything. The process started out with a song a day or an idea a day, and once the day finished [we’d] start with something completely new and not overthink it. And then when we went into the studio to start really shaping these ideas into songs, we applied the same principle of never over-working it or
second-guessing it. The first time you do something is generally the best, we found.” And it looks like they’re right. “Every song is very much uplifting and it kind of goes for the jugular a bit more in every track.” For psychedelic synth title track Free Your Mind, the foursome had celebrity mate Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood, The East, Melancholia) star in the video. While unwinding after a gig in Rio, Hoey and the others were told by the promoter that Skarsgard is a big fan and would love to meet them. They all ended up hanging out for the night and shared brekkie the next morning. Two years on, Free Your Mind film clip director Chris Hill pushed the boys – who didn’t want to stretch the friendship – to ask Skarsgard to feature.
“WE DIDN’T WANT TO JUST PUT A SONG UP ON THE INTERNET – WE JUST FEEL LIKE THAT’S SUCH AN ANTI-CLIMAX FOR RELEASING MUSIC. SO WE LIKED THIS IDEA THAT THE SONG ONLY EXISTED IN THIS PLACE” WHERE YOU HAD TO BE AND INTERACT WITH IT TO LISTEN TO IT.”
“So we had to move the show within a week from Australia to LA – ’cause he only had two days free between film projects to really make a clip – and so it was a huge day. It was like a 17-hour shoot and he did it purely for the love as well, and just ’cause he was a fan and a friend. It was just really amazing to see him work. Before every scene he’d be like, ‘OK, so what was happening in the scene before? What should I be feeling walking into this room?’ It was amazing that he was able to find the time and make the time to do it.” But having a film star onboard isn’t all that’s landed Hoey, Whitford, Ben Browning and Mitchell Scott a little extra attention. After unveiling single Let Me Show You Love at Pitchfork Music Festival by cutting it to vinyl in real time, Cut Copy came back to release Free Your Mind in another unconventional way, placing huge billboards in six specific and remote locations across the globe (the Californian desert, Chile, Western Australia, Mexico City, Wales and Detroit). With the help of a laptop or smartphone, dedicated fans would be the first in the world to hear the track.
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“We wanted to create real world events for releasing music,” says Hoey. “We didn’t want to just put a song up on the internet – we just feel like that’s such an anticlimax for releasing music. So we liked this idea that the song only existed in this place where you had to be and interact with it to listen to it. It was always going to go up on the internet a few hours after, but we liked that for this short amount of time it just existed for the people that were there to experience it. And they could take that away and that would be something they could kind of have forever-it’s just this really romantic idea and a bit more exciting.” Yep, Free Your Mind might just be the perfect title for the Cut Copy record. CUT COPY play Future Music Festival, which visits Flemington Racecourse on Sunday March 9, 2014. They also play Golden Plains at the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, which runs from Saturday March 8 – Monday March 10, 2014. Free Your Mind is out now through Modular Recordings.
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 37
INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH
MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS & GOSSIP
With Christie Eliezer * Stuff for this column to be emailed to <celiezer@netspace.net.au> by Friday 5pm
MADONNA HIGHEST PAID MUSICIAN
STONES AT HANGING ROCK PT 2
Madonna has been named the world’s highest paid musician by Forbes magazine. She made US$125m from June 2012 to 2013 from her MDNA world tour, merchandise sales, a clothing line and perfume brand. She beat Lady Gaga who was second with $80m and Bon Jovi at $79m. The rest of the list was Toby Keith ($65m), Coldplay ($64m), Justin Bieber ($58m), Taylor Swift ($55m), Elton John ($54m), Beyoncé ($53m) and Kenny Chesney ($53m).
AUSSIE MUSIC SALES DOWN 5%? ARIA won’t release the official figures for 2013’s recorded music sales until early next year. But the Australian Financial Review has spoken to sources that say that sales are down 5%. This would be a disappointment after wholesale figures rose 4% last year to $393m, its second increase in a decade. Alas, 2013 didn’t have a sales phenomenon like Adele. What’s also affecting sales, according to the AFR, is that cheap streaming services are biting into legal downloads. Digital revenue growth has slowed down to 10% from 20% and the fall rate of CD sales is 20%, compared to 12% last year.
THE BENDIGO FACES NOISE ISSUE The Bendigo Hotel on Johnston St in Collingwood is the latest live music venue to contend with noise complaints. In this case, it is from a SINGLE resident, who moved into the area in March, and began contacting the licensing authority, the local Council and police a month after. The Bendigo has never been charged with a breach by police or the licensing authority as a result of the complaints, and has had supportive letters from other residents saying the pub’s noise is no problem to them. “I’ve never met him,” owner Guy Palermo told Industrial Strength about the resident. “He refuses to meet up with me. In four years, this is the only time I’ve had a complaint. It is possible he may cause the end of live music at The Bendigo after 100 years of the hotel’s operation.” Palermo spent $10,000 on soundproofing the 300-capacity venue, which runs live gigs four times a week, as well as engaging acoustic engineers and checking sound levels weekly. He even offered to take over the objector’s lease! He bought the run-down Bendigo Hotel four years ago. With the help of band booker David Collins, he built it up to being a credible live music venue. This week, he faced a hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Music Victoria and SLAM have been supportive of The Bendigo’s plight, offering their resources and advice.
FOUR MORE MELBOURNE ACTS HEADING TO SXSW Melbourne’s Oh Mercy, Gossling, Dub Fx and King Parrot were among the latest 15 acts from around Australia to be confirmed to perform at South By Southwest (SxSW) in Austin, Texas, March 7 to 16. Other Melbourne acts already confirmed are Vance Joy, Money for Rope and People of Letters. See Industrial Strength Online at beat.com.au for further details.
SELECT MUSIC EXPANDS INTO NZ After eight years of operation, NSW booking agency Select Music has expanded into New Zealand. It’s opened an office at Rhythmethod HQ, alongside Rhythmethod Distribution (Passenger, Tiki), Ode Records, DRM, 45 RPM and Mystery Girl touring & publicity. “We are lucky to have found a group of people who feel the same way that we do about building, developing and touring artists, so it’s a perfect fit for our Select artists in a market that has enormous potential for our acts to play in,” says director Stephen Wade.
Frontier Touring had, at the time of writing, still not announced The Rolling Stones’ Victorian shows. But word is heating up that it’ll include a stop at Hanging Rock (See Industrial Strength Online at beat.com.au for earlier story). Frontier Touring has booked the site for an undisclosed concert in March. Macedon Ranges Shire mayor Roger Jukes, who would most certainly know who it was for, was playing it coy in the local newspaper. “They are the type of artist they would look at having here,” he said. “The timing adds up.” Later he admitted that after the way Bruce Springsteen’s two shows there brought $34 million to the local economy, “If it (the Stones date) does come to fruition it’s a fantastic result for the Macedon Ranges.”
NATIVE TONGUE SIGNS WITH SONGS PUBL, GETS LORDE
THINGS WE HEAR
TWO UK DEALS FOR GOSSLING
• Arcade Fire have issued a dress code for their US arena tour, fans told to “please wear formal attire or costume” when they buy tickets. • NIN’s Trent Reznor displayed kindness in Las Vegas. Of cancer-stricken photographer Andrew Youssef, he said, “I want to have a Bono moment and try to FaceTime him.” As the crowd chanted his name, Trent rang, “Listen, I just wanted to tell you that I miss you man. I wish you were here.” • The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl might drum up a storm onstage but his 22-year-old brother Max (who named the band, incidentally) is a classical artist who sings as a counter-tenor (so in the range higher than a tenor) and as a boy sang solos at the opera in Vienna. He’s doing some shows over Christmas. But don’t be dissing him. He’s tall at 187kg and very strong. He once held the Australian Junior Bench Press record! • The nearly sold-out Chic appearance at the Opera House will be streamed around the world at the SOH’s YouTube channel Live at the House Saturday December 7. • Noel Gallagher on asked of the Oasis reunion talk: “We are split up. You’ve heard that, haven’t you? You must’ve heard ... Yeah, so, ergo, band splits up, band is no more. There is no band. So, no, I won’t be getting involved, anyway. If there is a reunion, I won’t be in it.” • After fans protested at the “cheap” and “awkward” video that Sony rushed out after Dami Im’s X-Factor win, a new video is being re-shot. • Drummer Matt Cameron will not rejoin Soundgarden when they tour next year as he will be focusing on bashing skins for Pearl Jam. • To celebrate her 17th birthday, Abbey Stone went off for a Bali holiday with her mum. She was pleasantly surprised by her manager Alan Evers-Buckland who flew over to present her with a piano-shaped chocolate cake. • Lorde won four awards at last week’s NZ Music Awards, cheekily saying during one acceptance speech, “I feel like it’s a sign of my age that I’m the only one reading my speech off my iPhone.” Royals has been at #1 in America for eight weeks and sold 3 million worldwide.
Just back from touring the US and the UK rave media, Melbourne’s Gossling signed UK two deals. One is with Polydor Records, alongside Lana Del Rey, Haim, Laura Marling and Ellie Goulding. Nick Holroyd and Matt Bates’ Primary Talent booking (Alt-J, Azealia Banks) will represent her live.
BLACKMAN, SMITH, FOR AMIN’S RETREAT Melbourne’s Guy Blackman (Chapter) and Blake Byron Smith (Two Bright Lakes) are among the 15 Australian and NZ indie label owners selected by the Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN) to participate in its Release program to find ways to grow their businesses. The 15 will attend two residential workshops, the first in Terrigal near Sydney in late November, the second at the end of the program in 2014. They’ll be mentored by David Vodicka (Rubber Records, Media Arts Lawyers), Sebastian Chase (MGM) and Colin Daniels (Inertia), See AMIN’s site to see full list of recipients.
LIFELINES
Melbourne/NZ indie publisher Native Tongue will represent the songs of Lorde in Australia and NZ. It is part of a deal that it struck with New York-based SONGS Music Publishing which recently acquired the NZ singer. Native Tongue will also administer other SONG signings, Diplo, Nelly, The Weeknd and Conor Oberst. Native Tongue Managing Director Chris Gough added, “We are very proud to be associated with such a progressive company and to be the local representative for such an incredibly talented roster of writers and artists.” More details on Industrial Strength Online at beat.com.au
Expecting: Gwen Stefani of No Doubt and Bush’s Gavin Rossdale, their third. Expecting: Kelly Clarkson and label exec husband Brandon Blackstock, their first child together. They were married last month. Expecting: McFly singer Tom and wife Gi, their first. Born: daughter to Melbourne singersongwriter and Geisha frontman Chris Doheny and his wife Simone. Hospitalised: Rita Ora after collapsing on the set of a video shoot on Miami Beach, from exhaustion. Injured: two fans at the London edition of the Vans Warped tour, when rapper Watsky climbed up onto a lighting truss and jumped into the audience. He had bruises, but one woman’s arm was broken and a man had muscular back pain. He visited them in hospital for six hours blubbering apologies. In Court: the promoter of Lady Gaga’s Russian show was fined for allowing the singer to, according to the complaint of a 13-year old fan’s mother, expose her daughter to “propaganda of alcohol consumption and homosexuality”. The fine of $614 (20,000 rubles) is small but it allows the mother to sue for millions for the “psychological harm” of her kid. In Court: Chris Brown is ordered to rehab for a further three months. He threw a brick through his mother’s car window after the two attended counselling together and Ma Brown suggested that Thumper remain in treatment longer. He blew his cool. The rule was that he abstain from violence when he got out, so the brick chucking incident put a rapid stop to that. Died: Three men at a Yemeni wedding died when a guest armed with an AK47 accidentally discharged the weapon while dancing to Gangnam Style.
ANOTHER SYDNEY VENUE OPERATOR GOES BUST Another Sydney venue operator has gone bust. FW F&B Pty Ltd took over the leasehold of live music venue East Village Hotel in Darlinghurst in 2010, rebranding it as The Village. It’s been wound up in the NSW Supreme Court after owing money to various beer and wine suppliers, as well as its landlord.
INDIE ALBUMS BIGGEST UK SHARE THIS CENTURY Independents increased their share of UK album sales to a 21st-century high of 26.4% this year, said Music Week. While the entire market dropped 4% (even Universal was up by just 1% despite getting EMI), indie album sales were up 5%. UK indies went through a hard time in the early 2000s when Mute, V2 and Zomba were bought out, and others went bust. But a new breed like Domino have become big players, while major acts have signed to indies. For singles, indies grew by 19% from last year while the whole market fell 1%. The number of indie singles sold in the first 46 weeks of 2013 already more than for the whole of 2012 – itself a record year for independents, MW said.
MELBOURNE ACTS WIN AT J AWARDS Sydneysider Flume won Australian Album of the Year at triple j’s J Awards. But Melbourne acts took the remaining two wins. MC Remi won Unearthed Artist of the Year while Australian Music Video of the Year went to Clubfeet’s Everything You Wanted which was directed by Josh Thomas of Oh Yeah Wow. For more details, go to Industrial Strength Online at beat.com.au.
NEW LIVE MUSIC VENUE FOR BENDIGO Melbourne acts touring around the state will soon have a new music venue to play in. The Farmers Arms in Junortoun, which was destroyed after a deliberate fire in February 2009, is being rebuilt by new owners Rob and Jill Charlton for $1.5 million to open next year. They fought for three-and-a-half years with local bureaucrats to be able to rebuild it. No one was charged with the fire.
ANOTHER WIN FOR BLUESFEST Bluesfest Byron Bay took Best Regional Event at the Australian Event Awards in Sydney. The win was for its contribution to the NSW economy ($150.6m), with 51% of its 85,000 attendees this year from intestate and 5% from overseas. Bluesfest also picked up its seventh International Greener Festival Award. Additionally, it is in the Major Festival and Events category for the NSW Tourism Awards in Sydney (Thursday November 28) against the Tamworth Country Music Festival and Deni Blues and Roots, and up for International Music Festival of the Year for February’s Pollstar awards in Nashville.
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THE THIN GREEN LINE FUNDRAISER By Avrille Bylok-Collard Approximately two weeks ago, scientists confirmed that the western black rhinoceros was extinct. It had been estimated at the beginning of the 20th Century that one million black rhinoceroses from four different subspecies, which included the western black rhino, roamed the savannas of Africa. Due to extensive poaching and leisure hunting during the 20th Century, by 2001 that number had dropped to 2,300 and three subspecies. Sean Willmore, spokesman and founder of The Thin Green Line Foundation – a not-for-profit initiative that supports rangers worldwide in their environmental conservation efforts – recently caught up with us to discuss this devastating news and their upcoming fundraising album launch of Green Line Grooves at The Retreat Hotel. “The rhino horn is highly valued in Asia [and because of this] the rhinos are being decimated as well,” explains Willmore passionately. “Elephants, rhinos, and tigers — really everything is getting [poached] and our last line of defence [against this] is our rangers. If we don’t support our rangers, who are on the frontline of conservation, then that won’t happen.” The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network, which was created in 1976 to monitor and prevent the illegal wildlife trade, says that illegal wildlife trade is responsible for the endangerment of many of our native species worldwide, including white rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, Amur leopard, and the Annam Pond turtle of Vietnam, which became endangered during the ‘90s due to extensive food trade between Vietnam and China. Each year, approximately 100 park rangers die protecting these creatures from harm. That’s 1,000 rangers every ten years. “A thousand rangers, that we know of, [have been] killed worldwide and that figure is probably double that,” laments Willmore, stressing that these rangers are only doing good in the world. “Most of them are murdered by poachers while the rangers are trying to defend the animals. We look after the widows and the orphans of those rangers [when this happens], but we proactively try to train the rangers so they can protect the areas [safely] and work with their community as well. In simple words: we try to
protect nature’s protectors. “A good example is we recently sent $10,000 to Borneo to help rangers looking after orang-utans and tigers. Now they have mosquito nets and boots, which they didn’t have before. It’s really practical support.” This practical support impacted the rangers incredibly — it reduced their contraction of malaria dramatically. “We also gave $15,000 to Kenya for equipment for rangers to help them with their patrols as well, and we recently donated $21,000 to train 21 rangers in a military style so they can protect the elephants from the poachers. In Africa, the current rate of ivory poaching [is exponential],” causing the African elephant to become an endangered species and, “at the current rate, there’ll be no elephants alive in Africa in the next ten years.” These statistics are horrifying, and consequentially, it means that we need to support our park rangers in their conservation efforts in any way we can, hence Green Line Grooves, an album that features the music contributions of Mia Dyson, Clare Bowditch, Goyte, Tin Pan Orange and many more. The album will launched at The Retreat Hotel this December with the money made during the event being donated to Thin Green Line Foundation to support rangers here and overseas. All the staff of The Retreat Hotel will be working for free that
afternoon to help maximise the donation total for Thin Green Line, a foundation the staff have been huge supporters of. “They’re probably our official [representative] pub in Melbourne right now,” jokes Willmore, elaborating how thankful and flattered he is by their ongoing support. “They’ve donated money [before] and they [let us use] the place for our CD launch with Gotye, who came along and signed CDs for everybody, and that had a big response. This was the next step for them: donating the whole place
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for this [The Thin Green Line].” Green Line Grooves will be launched at The Retreat Hotel on Sunday December 1 at 2pm. There will be kid friendly entertainment and magic courtesy of All Day Fritz and Ben Hutton Magician, with live performances from Nick Baker, Dave Graney, Dan Waters, Oh Pep!, Jam Roots, Skyscraper Stan & the Commission Flats, and many more. Tickets are $10 at the door, and every cent is donated to The Thin Green Line Foundation.
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 39
DALE WATSON & HIS LONESTARS By Gary Westmore Outlaw country-Western singer songwriters are a rarity these days, but one man still burns the flame and is happy to wave it in the face of those that have cheapened the genre of American country. Texan Dale Watson, though now in his fifties, still bears tattoos, sports a leather jacket and writes songs about truckin’ and beerswillin’ like he hasn’t aged a day. Though a Southern man at heart, he does have something in common with many Australians – that of having a horrible experience with Tiger Airways. “I had to tell the crowd (on his last Australian tour) we don’t have CDs, I flew over here in Tiger Airways and they lost ‘em,” Watson recalls. Three months later, home, still CD-less and without a cent refunded to him, Watson did what any good scorned musician would do: wrote and recorded a song criticising the airline, then made a video clip for it. He’s critical too of the state of country music, because, as he puts it, ‘country’ now means commercialised country like Kenny Chesney or Taylor Swift. “They’ve taken the term over,” he laments. He’s not scathing in his delivery though – wry humour and that great Texan drawl makes him come across as more a dismayed observer. “It’s monetary and materialist. It’s not about music and that type of thing; more what makes money, what sells to teenage girls.” Watson is so disillusioned by what people were associating with ‘country’, he essentially coined a new genre term: Ameripolitan - which is more Jimmy Rogers and Johnny Cash than Woody Guthrie or Steve Earle he tells me. “Even if you say you do ‘old’ country it sounds like you’re doing retro stuff that doesn’t matter any-
more,” he says as way of explanation. Though it’s been a long career and Watson is famous in his own right, he’s never had an album chart in the US. But where albums like Whiskey or God, Cheatin’ Heart Attack and I Hate These Songs (to name a few) have failed, his new album El Rancho Azul debuted at 57 on the US Heat charts and 36 on the Country Charts. He can’t quite explain why this album, and not others has made such an impact. Maybe due to the fact he’s been around so long, “or maybe people are starting to get more savvy in the way they listen to stuff and the kind of stuff they want to listen to rather than being force-fed the stuff corporations want them to hear.” El Rancho Azul is a real ranch too he informs me. “Friends of mine own it and we go up there an play shows sometimes, kick up dust, have a dance. It’s a good Texas time.” Does that explain then why there are so many drinking songs on the album? “It would explain that,” he responds, laughing heartily. Appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman for the first time may not have hurt either; Watson noting it was a ‘huge gig’. “It helped the shows and the
attendances and our recognition out there definitely,” though it’s not as if Watson hadn’t had brushes with fame before. Watson fan Johnny Knoxville of Jackass fame directed and starred in a video clip for the aptly titled Hollywood Hillbilly a few years ago. “I went up to his house in the Hollywood Hills and you can literally see Sunset Boulevard from his porch. He’s got his iPod connected to his house sound system which is louder than anything I’ve ever heard, and he’s got it blarin’ Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, the police had to come tell him to turn it down,” Watson laughing his disarming laugh as he conjures the memory. “He’s got a three-legged dog and we played pool and drank moonshine. It was surreal being in the Hollywood Hills and feeling like you were in Knoxville,
Tennessee.” Though artists might perhaps feel obliged to talk highly of the country they’re about to visit when chatting to the press, Watson seems genuine in his love and interest for Australians as he recounts how fans and truckers offered to help get his CDs from the airport, and how he’s written a song about a petrol station worker from Wagga Wagga. “I’ve never had a bad experience in Australia, and the people are just fantastic. I really look forward to going back.”
very first EP, Whirled, some time around 1991. It was at The Punters Club. I dressed like a 1920s flapper, in a red and black skirt suit, with a bandeau in my lacquered hair. The moment I got onstage, I had the strong feeling that my life was changing. We had worked hard for to make the EP and build an audience. That night, I felt like maybe it was all falling into place. At that show, we were ‘discovered’ by Norman Parkhill from Mushroom
Records, and Linda Gebar, who we’d been courting, agreed to manage us.
DALE WATSON AND HIS LONESTARS play the Caravan Music Club on Saturday November 30 and Northcote Social Club on Sunday December 1.
KATIE NOONAN VS ANGIE HART ANGIE HART ASKS KATIE NOONAN… What is your main aim in bringing a bunch of awesome women together and asking them to tell their stories in song? I find that in our industry we don’t get many opportunities to truly collaborate and share our journeys, our process and our inspirations and as you know, we gals are more than often the only girl in the band! So with this show I wanted to bring together six unique women to share our stories and our sounds together. I also wanted to bring together different generations – even though I am only a little younger than you and Abby, I and so many other girls absolutely looked up to you women and as we discovered yesterday Martha was born the year that the seminal Frente album Marvin The Album came out. What makes you want to write songs? Do you love performing and why, or why not? I always kind of knew I would write songs, not as a career, but as a pursuit, as it was essentially a basic need – as important to me as almost anything. I wanted to try and dream up albums that would make a difference to someone somehow in the same way that albums had
touched my life. I really, really love performing: the sharing of ideas with the musicians on the stage, the sharing of stories and experiences with the audience and the overwhelming feeling that we are all here in this mystery together. Live gigs create an escape, a respite – for the audience and the performers – and bring us together in a truly unique way. The hardest thing is being away from my family. The touring life is not easy, but then of course I feel so lucky to get to do what I do. KATIE NOONAN ASKS ANGIE HART… Who has been one of your main mentors in your career? Peter Luscombe is my longest standing friend and mentor in this arena. We are celebrating our 20-year friendship Anniversary this year. He’s helped me through the highs, the blahs, and the very low times. You couldn’t get a more even-keeled dude, nor a better fountain of knowledge. What has been your very favourite gig (you performing)? That is a tough question. The best anythings are hard to narrow down to just one. I do remember launching our
Songs That Made Me featuring Katie Noonan, Abby Dobson, Angie Hart and Martha Marlow is on at Thornbury Theatre on Saturday November 30.
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PETER MURPHY By Leigh Salter Robert Smith, Nick Cave, Trent Reznor, even David Bowie all owe a debt to Peter Murphy and his haunted outpourings as leader of goth-rockers, Bauhaus. According to Murphy himself, that is. This is the man who stumbled into music, only learning of his abilities as he went along, who now stands as a proud innovator and muse to many great artists. Perhaps his early lack of self-perception afforded him a fearless, unstudied approach to creating music, but Murphy has returned 35 years on to stake his belated claim as unsung genius. “There is no ‘back in the day’ for me when I talk about the music I made with Bauhaus,” he says of the Northampton-based band he fronted from 1978. “My music did not suddenly grow old and die when we split up.” In 1983, Pete left Bauhaus after tensions arose from his increasing stardom over and above his that of bandmates. This was perhaps illustrated best by his heavily stylised appearance, as himself, in the film The Hunger. Seen performing one of the first songs he ever wrote, Bella Lugosi’s Dead, Murphy’s status as ‘goth icon’ was cemented in those four minutes. The film that followed was a noir modern vampire tale complete with David Bowie in the lead role. On set, Murphy proudly recalls Bowie’s surprising admittance to him. “He whispered into my ear, ‘I wish we had done Ziggy (Stardust) like you did it,” he grins. “Almost nobody wanted me to cover that – even a couple of the guys in the band. Just everyone thought it was going to be a disaster, so when Bowie tells me he likes my version
HELMET
better than his own, it really made think I should just trust my instincts.” Murphy’s biggest hit remains to this day the Bowie cover. At that stage though, Bauhaus were already over bar the shouting. While the rest of the band went on to form sleaze-rock group Love & Rockets, Murphy ramped up the vamp on several solo albums before finding birds of a similar feather (Nine Inch Nails) to hang with. “Trent (Reznor) was an unashamed Bauhaus fan. When I met him he was just this young guy with one album out – Pretty Hate Machine – and you could hear our influence all over that. We ended up recording a few covers together, which somebody has leaked but they were never officially released.”
It was a match made in goth-rock heaven, but the increasing popularity of Bauhaus’ music had gained in their absence prompted a return in 2005, which eventually resulted in a new album, Go Away White, which
concluded their working together. “The band I’ve got now, I’ve been working with for quite a few years and, with respect to the other lads in Bauhaus, I can play our music just fine without them there, you know.” Last year while promoting his solo album, Ninth, Murphy surprised fans by playing a set completely made up of Bauhaus songs for the first time without his old band mates. “Darling, I learned to play Dan (Ash’s – Bauhaus guitarist) parts years ago and people have long been asking me to play Bauhaus songs in my shows, so I thought, ‘Fuck it’ why not do it? Why not tour just Bauhaus’ songs as Peter Murphy? They are mostly my songs, after all.” Now assured of his legacy in music, Murphy scarcely
sees the point in unravelling the ‘enigmatic genius’ tag he has been awarded by, either his musical peers, or more brazenly himself, depending on how real or not the bravado all is. It’s only in the final few seconds before his deep, arresting voice is replaced by a dial tone does he throw me a clue. “I don’t mind doing press actually, but journalists don’t get the real me. You can only get in as far as I want you to. I hate to be a buzz kill, darling, but when you’re the ‘grandfather of goth’, you have to keep at least partway in the shadows.”
Tom are like best friends so Buzz said, ‘I don’t want to deal with anyone but Hazelmyer’ and I said, ‘I 100 per cent agree with you.’ “And so we did it. He did some kick ass artwork and coloured vinyl and they’re now on their way to Australia. We’re taking our 100 to Australia but the Melvins are keeping some of theirs here I think because Buzz said, ‘Fuck it, I don’t want to pay the taxes’,” he laughs. “It’s so perfect Melvins. Just like, ‘Yeah we’re going to do a spilt split 7’’ for the Australian tour but we’re not selling them.’” It’s clear that the upcoming Australian tour, which takes in all major cities as well as an appearance at Meredith, is going to be one hell of a celebration. It will be a celebration of two bands that have a shared history, who have carved out their own musical niche and who have, remarkably, survived the highs and lows and are still here today to tell the tale.
“I love that about those guys, they just march to their own beat,” he says of Melvins. “You know, they’ve been a band for 30 years or more and they just put out great music. Its mind boggling. They just never stop.” It seems Hamilton and co. don’t have any plans to stop anytime soon either with album number eight already well and truly underway. “I must apologise for not having put out a new album yet but I’ve scored three movies and done a bunch of other shit,” he says honestly. “But I’m writing Helmet stuff now. I hope for it to be recorded by February or March at the latest.”
PETER MURPHY and band bring their Celebrating 35 Years Of Bauhaus show to the Corner Hotel on Thursday December 12.
By James Nicoli New York band Helmet were slogging it onstage long before the internet, mobile phones, MySpace and Facebook, back in the days of cassette tapes and when CDs where the latest, greatest thing. They rose to prominence in the early ‘90s with their down tuned riffs, odd chords and weird time signatures and the NYC natives quickly became the thinking man’s alternative rock band on the back of classic albums such as Meantime and Betty. This December, Helmet will be joining long time buddies Melvins in what will surely be one of the most anticipated tours of the year, especially for those in the 30 to 40 year old demographic and who view the ‘90s as the heyday of alternative rock. These two American heavyweights are celebrating 25 and 30 years as a band respectively and this run of shows will mark the first time that they will tour Australia together. It’s the sort of longevity which has become a rare thing in today’s constantly evolving music industry. Helmet guitarist, vocalist and founding member Page Hamilton has recently begun dealing with the fact that the band he formed all those years ago is about to turn 25. “You know, it feels like a long time ago,” he says candidly on the band’s early days. “Today I just did an invitation to the Helmet Summer Rock Camp we’re doing in New York next year and it occurred to me that 2014 will be 25 years since I formed the band. And 25 years is a fucking long time,” he laughs. These days it seems that bands come and go more quickly than ever, yet Hamilton has been reflecting on his band’s long career, spending a lot of time pouring over old bits of band memorabilia. “Somebody sent me something for some reason that I had to approve and I was like, ‘Wow who is this person in that photo you know? It was hilarious. I
didn’t recognise the guy,” he says reflecting on an old band picture. As our attention turns to the upcoming tour with Melvins, it’s obvious that Hamilton can’t wait to again share the stage with a band he first toured with all the way back in 1991. “It definitely will be one the highlights for the year”, he says. After nearly a quarter of a century as a band and seven albums worth of songs, it can’t be easy choosing a set list these days. Hamilton assures me, however, that they will be playing songs from all of their records with maybe even some new ones thrown in. “We’re going to rehearse before we come down there for a couple of days,” he says. “What I’ve been pushing on the guys is pulling stuff out that we haven’t done before, some songs we did on a tour last year and a few shows in California. Things that are kind of rare.” Despite Hamilton’s time these days spent working on a number of other musical commitments such as writing film scores, Helmet have managed to find time to put out a brand new release to coincide for the Australian tour in the form of a split vinyl record with Melvins. “(The record) was suggested to me by a friend of ours in New York who said, ‘What do you think about doing a split 7” with the Melvins?’ And I’m like, ‘Fuck yeah what a great idea.’ We both have close ties with Tom Hazelmyer at AmRep which is the original label Helmet was on and Buzz (Osborne, guitarist for Melvins) and
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HELMET play Meredith Music Festival alongside Melvins, Deerhunter, Brian Jonestown Massacre and more at the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre from Friday December 13 – Sunday December 15. They also play The Hi-Fi on Wednesday December 18 with special guests Warped and Batpiss.
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GUITAR WOLF By Isabella Ubaldi Guitar Wolf is one of those groups for whom rock‘n’roll isn’t just music, it’s a lifestyle. Hailing from Harajuku, the sunglass sporting Japanese guitar heroes have been melting eardrums and speakers since 1987 and are back touring their thirteenth studio album, Beast Vibrator. With thundering drum rolls, loud guitar solos, bluesy frameworks and raspy vocals the album is no deviation from their signature style of ‘Jet Rock ’n’ Roll’ – the unique strain of punk music coined and created by Guitar Wolf. This is a sound that guitarist and the selfproclaimed Guitar Wolf, Seiji, has previously referred to as having ‘everything in the red’. “I love heavy noise sound,” Seiji says, explaining this sound. “When the meter of the audio device goes into the red zone, the sound becomes one big entity itself. Then it becomes like a ripping, exploding planet.” That’s no exaggeration. Known just as well for their frenetic live shows as they are for their music, the band rips through audiences with elaborate stage production, microphones that spew fire and often play through entire sets non-stop. Since its inception, Guitar Wolf has undergone a shake down with the passing of one of its original founding members Billy aka Bass Wolf. After suffering a fatal heart attack in 2005, the band was left without a bassist
until later year when they played their first show with their new bassist UG. A completely untrained musician, Seiji explains this was an important and deliberate part of the decision making process. “After Billy passed away, many people came to us to play the bass in the band. All of them were experienced musicians and I could predict how they would play. I thought we could never be stronger than Guitar Wolf with Billy if we played safe with a predictable musician. We bet on UG who we couldn’t predict what he would do at all. He was an exceptional delinquent back then. That was an important factor, too.” After 25 years of performing, Guitar Wolf still has no plans on slowing down. Experience has shown the value of tenacity. It’s rewarded them with longevity that most bands can only pray the rock gods will deliver them. “We’ve been effectively using the world’s top five powers all the time. Top five powers are: alcohol sake power, anger power, erotic power, pyramid power, etc.”
PERIPHERY
Perhaps it was the alcohol sake power that gave them the strength to have recently delivered a 20-date tour in North America and Canada. Despite the five powers, Seiji believes his continued motivation to perform is completely organic. “I’m a bullet of rock. I must keep shooting someone’s heart all the time. The ‘rock vibration’ never stops in my body.” This frenetic energy is something that Guitar Wolf wants to infiltrate into those around them. With recurring themes of humans versus technology, Beast Vibrator is a message to the modern world. “When I was walking in the street one day, I noticed everyone was slouching, looking down. I was surrounded by phone junkies. All of a sudden I felt the anger come up inside of me, when I thought, ‘People, get your wild instinct back! Shake like a wild beast!’ [That’s how] I got this
title Beast Vibrator,” says Seiji. With Australian tours lined up for the end of this month there’s no telling what the band has in store for us. “I’ve been thinking of many plans, but these are the secrets. You can expect the regulars like jump, action, loud sound, rock explosion as usual. Let us explode together,” says Seiji. One thing we can expect is lashings of alcohol sake power.
don’t want to spoil it for you…” Periphery essentially started life as demos recorded at home by Mansoor, and the band has steadily developed into its own entity over the years, going through various lineup changes before settling on the current configuration. Holcomb says that in terms of having actual people dictating different elements of the music and business decisions it’s really done “a complete 180 from how it started, y’know, bedroom music – and not like sexytime bedroom music but bedroom metal, y’know – but it’s become its own beast now. “You have six people and all of us write our own music and all of us contribute now creatively, be it on the engineering side – Nolly is an amazing producer and engineer and a fantastic guitar player as well as of course a fantastic bassist. And we all write our music. It’s just such a blessing to have that, but at the same time you also have to know how to get along and how not to get your feelings stepped on with so many other cooks in the kitchen, if you know what I mean.” Holcomb found his way into Periphery via Haunted Shores, a heavy, melodic project and yet another that involves Mansoor. “It’s something I still write for, definitely,” he says. “But I find that the bulk of material
now that I find myself writing I just think of as being destined for Periphery. I think the Haunted Shores style, even though the project has been semi-dormant for the last year and a half, I think the sound is now just slowly seeping its way into Periphery’s sound. And I think it’s evident from the second record that some of the songs that I did not even have a hand in writing, like The Gods Must Be Crazy, I didn’t have a hand in writing that song but that is a Haunted Shores song to me! Jake (Bowen, guitar) and Misha wrote that song. So I think the sound is creeping its way into the music, and I don’t know why or how but I like it. I like that a little tiny project like that is having a bigger impact, y’know?” But for now the band is focused on the new mystery project (which rumour has it involves tracks written by…aw you’ll see), the Australian tour, and their next full-length album, if the monster popularity of last year’s Periphery II: This Time It’s Personal ever lets them get off the road long enough to finish the damn thing.
invention of something. It’s a celebration of this music. But I will say it’s different night to night. “Different things happen that will surprise me. I might know the music so innately after all these years but there’s always going to be something that happens that I’ve never heard before. It’s music that you have to really concentrate on even if you know it really well. You can’t just be looking around. It’s really complicated and everything has to be really connected if you want it to work right. Especially in a band with two drummers and two bass players.” Curious listeners who might not be well-versed in the Crimson lexicon but would still like to have a jumping off point to appreciate the show should know that the band has explored many different styles, from the vaguely hippy-ish psychedelia of Moonchild to the prototypical progressive rock of 21st Century Schizoid Man to the more recognisably prog Dinosaur and the
angular math-rock of Thrak. But Belew has a suggestion for a suitable jumping-off point. “If you want to start with the Crimson that I’ve been a part of that started in 1981, I would start right there with the first record that we did, myself, Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford and Tony Levin. That was called Discipline, and even to this day the Discipline record is something that people still talk about a lot as being something that was kind of unique. Nothing ever sounded like that before. I think if you heard that record you would know right away if that was something you’d be interested in, and strangely I think it still sounds ahead of its time despite being over 30 years old.”
GUITAR WOLF will explode onto Australian stages with their Tour Magma, visiting The Epsy on Thursday November 28, The Public Bar on Saturday November 30, and The Tote on Sunday December 1. Beast Vibrator is out now through Okami Records.
By Peter Hodgson
It seems like just yesterday that Periphery was in Australia – and it pretty much was, if you count ‘March’ as yesterday. Whereas last time around they travelled the country as part of the huge Soundwave festival juggernaut, they’re heading back in January and February for their own tour with like-minded proggy djenty iconoclasts Animals As Leaders. And guitarist Mark Holcomb – one of three axemen in the band – is pretty damn happy about that. “Oh man, I’ve said it many times publicly before and I’m not playing favourites just because I’m talking to Australian press, but it’s probably my favourite place to tour just because we get treated so well out there by our record label, by our fans, by everybody really,” Holcomb says. “Plus it’s just a breeze to tour because there’s something about the way we’re treated by our fans at the shows. They’re always intense shows but they’re not so crazy that people are beating each other up. They’re just really adoring fans. It’s my favourite place to tour in the world – I just wish it didn’t take 25 damn hours to fly out there! Oh dude, it makes you wanna die.” Last time Periphery toured they smashed The Espy to pieces at a Soundwave sideshow with Japanese electrometallers Crossfaith, an odd pairing but one that somehow worked. “It was funny to watch the online reaction when those sideshows were announced,” Holcomb laughs. “Wow, what a pairing. And truth be told, I was not familiar with Crossfaith’s music, but after those shows and watching them live I was hooked. They’re amazing.” This time around though Periphery will be playing with
a much more like-minded band in the form of Animals As Leaders. After all, Periphery founder Misha Mansoor has a heavy songwriting and production stake in Animals As Leaders (whose new album is in the works now), and both bands are seen by some as leaders of the ‘djent’ movement, a spellcheck-defying variety of progressive metal with a heavy emphasis on low-tuned riffage and odd time signatures. “For a long time we’ve been wanting to come back down to Australia with a really, really cool tour package that made sense, much like when we toured with TesseracT two years ago,” Holcomb says. “I think Animals and Periphery makes even more sense along that wavelength.” By the time Periphery makes it to Australia there’s a good chance we’ll have some new music to hear, too. Holcomb confirms that the band has been recording a very special project recently which is likely to see the light of day in the next few months. “I can’t really say much more than that, except that it’s a very experimental concept that’s not our next full-length. It’s not our next album but we slaved away on it for months. We put a lot of work into it and you’ll see. I
PERIPHERY and Animals As Leaders perform at Billboard on Sunday February 2.
THE CRIMSON PROJEKCT By Peter Hodgson The Crimson ProjeKCt is a King Crimson offshoot featuring three current members of that historic, nay, iconic band – Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto – along with Julie Slick, Tobias Ralph and Markus Reuter. And a typical Crimson ProjeKCt concert is a marathon of musical might which shifts through many moods and configurations. “What happens is this: Stick Men (Levin, Mastelotto and Reuter) play a set of their music (which includes a Crimson track or two), then the Power Trio (Belew, Slick, Ralph) plays a set of my music (which also includes a Crimson track), then Tony and Pat and I play a Crimson song (as yet another trio), and then comes the big finale – both trios play more than an hour’sworth of Crimson music as a double trio!” Belew explains. “It’s a helluva show!” And the group is coming to Australia and New Zealand to spread their particular brand of musical majesty in January, with shows in Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle. “To me it’s a celebration of all the things that we’ve done in King Crimson, all the things I’ve been a part of for the past 30-plus years,” explains Belew, who in addition to an extensive Crimson tenure has also worked BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 42
with the likes of Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Talking Heads and Nine Inch Nails. “But also there’s improvising so the show is fresh for us as well. It’s the closest you’ll have at this point to King Crimson, at least for the moment. And as well as that you get to hear the Power Trio doing some of my music, and you get to hear Stick Men doing their music. So you put it all together and it’s a pretty nice night of music. A very long set. As a six-piece band we play about an hour and a half of Crimson music and we cover everything, one era to the next. So it’s a lot of fun. It’s part of my legacy and I really enjoy doing it.” Belew says that at this point there’s no particular need to take liberties with the material or put it into a new context. “These are comfortable shoes for me now,” he says. “I just put them on and I’m ready to run. But that’s not so much what it’s about. It’s not about the
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THE CRIMSON PROJEKCT play The Hi-Fi on Thursday January 9. Tickets are on sale now from tombowler.com.au. Premium ticket packages are also available.
CORE
CRUNCH
PUNK, SKA, HARDCORE NEWS, REVIEWS & GOSSIP
By Emily Kelly: ek1984@gmail.com
METAL, HEAVY ROCK. CLASSIC ROCK LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL GOOD SHIT
With Peter Hodgson: crunchcolumn@gmail.com
Expectations firmly in check, I went to The Reverence last week to witness Boysetsfire. It had been ten years since I had seen them live and they had been largely inactive for most of that decade so how good could they possibly be? The slight chance of witnessing just a couple of their hits was enough to entice me to The Rev that night. I wasn’t asking for much. Within moments of opener Release The Dogs, I could’ve cried and spewed and squealed all at once. They didn’t just nail that set, they destroyed it, decimated the room, thrust it against the wall and lay into it with all the intensity of men half their age. Boysetsfire delivered the set list of my dreams with precision to die for and didn’t stop until I was left gasping and grinning like a madman. Most of my awe was admittedly directed at vocalist Nathan Gray’s stunning range and refusal to retreat from even the loftiest notes. Eugh. Unbelievable The Smith Street Band will soothe your aching soul after Christmas promptly destroys it this year. They’ve announced a headlining show at the new and (very) improved Ding Dong Loung on Boxing Day with The Pretty Littles, Stockades and The Union Pacific. Tickets are getting snapped up fairly quickly though so get in now. The Reverence have announced their lineup for New Year’s and it’s certainly won my vote for ‘place to be’ this Tuesday December 31. MYC will headline the festivities this year alongside Rise Of The Rat, Stoackades, Tigers and Join The Amish. As usual, fancy dress policy is in place and you know there’ll be a DJ on board to spin party tunes once the bands are done. Tickets are available now.
has admitted that “the higher notes in my range were starting to fade….it just felt uncomfortable and uncontrollable.” Apparently upon returning to the studio to record the new album Stadt went to sing and out came “pissy, hot garbage” so he lowered his register and sung “a little cleaner”. “It’s going to sound a little different, sure, there’s nothing I can do about that,” he closes. “However, rest assured it’s the same fucking band and the same show.”
CORE GIG GUIDE THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28: Neck Deep, Trainwreck, Strickland, Trophy Eyes at Next Guitar Wolf, Batpiss, Mesa Cosa at The Espy Shitripper at Sound Bar Bricks, The Savages, The Fckups, Foley at The Reverence Zero Days, Foxtrot, Like Fools at The Tote FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29: Neck Deep at Wrangler Studios
Jimmy Stadt of Polar Bear Club has taken the time to pen a really long letter to his fans about his vocals on the new album. Anyone who’s listened to Death Chorus will have noticed just how tame Stadt’s vocals have become compared to previous releases where his throaty howl dominated. Stadt
Fix: The Ministry Movie shoves your arse way, way backstage with the industrial pioneers Ministry, and it ain’t pretty. Featuring Ministry’s Al Jourgensen and Paul Barker as well as Trent Reznor (NIN), Maynard Keenan (Tool), Jonathan Davis (Korn), Dave Navarro ( Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Ogre Nivek (Skinny Puppy), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), David Yow ( Jesus Lizard), Lemmy (Motorhead), Buzzo (The Melvins) and Timothy Leary, the film is a warts-and-all – okay, mostly warts – exposure of the backstage and onstage shenanigans, particularly during the 1997 Sphinctour. It also comes with a bonus CD copy of Barker’s album FIX THIS!! which includes collaborations with Skinny Puppy, Puscifer, Revolting Cocks and more. I’ve got three copies to give away. To win, answer this question: which Black Sabbath song did Jourgensen’s 1000 Homo DJs side project perform on the 1994 Black Sabbath tribute album Nativity In Black? Email crunchcolumn@gmail. com with your answer for your chance to win. Winners will be announced in this column on Wednesday December 11.
THE RETURN OF ABSU.
PAUL LAINE (EX-DANGER DANGER) AT CHERRY Canadian solo performer Paul Laine (solo, ex-Danger Danger, Shugaazer) is performing at Cherry Bar on Tuesday December 3. This is Paul’s first ever show in Australia and a one-off Melbourne gig. Definitely a one for all fans of melodic/heavy/glam rock, as he’ll be playing songs from his career thus far. Support band The Radio Sun will also make their Australian debut after playing two showcase shows at the recent Melodicrock Fest that took place in Chicago a few months back. Paul Laine recently completed work on producing The Radio Sun’s debut album which is due out in 2014. Doors open at 7pm. Entry is $20.
MELBOURNE-FILMED SABBATH DVD OUT NOW The new Black Sabbath DVD Live... Gathered in Their Masses is out now, and it’s a must-have. Filmed at the band’s two Melbourne shows earlier this year, it features four new tracks from the album 13 as well as all the expected Sabbath classics (even instrumental teasers of Symptom Of The Universe and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, songs that are now out of Ozzy Osbourne’s vocal range but which are still very welcome in instrumental form). There are some lovely shots of our fair city too. By the way, I recently dug out 13 again after not listening to it for about three or four months and it’s great to hear that it really holds up once the ‘whoa, new album, fricken sweet’ buzz wears off.
Superguns at The Bendigo
Cult mythological metal warriors Absu will return to conquer Australia once again in March 2014. Joining them on the crusade will be none other than legends from the abyss Portal and blackened death metal overlords Denouncement Pyre. They’ll be at The HiFi on Friday March 21, tix from the venue.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30:
TOUR REMINDER: ROTTING LAST ACOUSTIC ROCKSHOW CHRIST FOR THE YEAR
Tumbleweed at Central Club Shitripper at Public Bar Chainsaw Hookers, Muscle Car, The Kremlings, The
Bellusira, Like Thieves at Corner Hotel Shitripper at Old Bar
A Day To Remember have found a home for their new album Common Courtesy. 3Wise will release the album this Friday and the world will breathe a sigh of relief after it seemed that Victory Records was going to spoil the part for everyone. The US label tried to stop the band from releasing the album without their involvement earlier this year and the court battles are continuing between band and label. The good news is that Common Courtesy is a brilliant album and you won’t be disappointed.
WIN! MINISTRY DVD!
Apes at Bendigo Craft Beer Festival Make Them Suffer, State Of East London, Stories, Sentinel at Bang Toe To Toe, Crowned Kings, Cold Ground, Rust Proof, Declaration at The Bendigo Frowning Clouds, The Living Eyes, Chook Race, Krakatoa, Sewercide at The Tote
Rotting Christ will headline HEAVY Magazine’s 2nd Anniversary show HEAVYFEST in Sydney and Melbourne, with the addition of a headlining show in Brisbane. Touring nationally with Rotting Christ are Sydney’s extreme music terrorists The Amenta and Melbourne’s blackened horde Terra Australis. It’s Rotting Christ’s first ever Australian headline tour and it’ll see them playing material from many of their cult albums including their latest, Kata ton Daimona Eaytoy, which fittingly translates roughly to True To Your Own Spirit. They’ll be at The Hi-Fi on Friday January 17
The lineup for the fortnightly Acoustic Rockshow at Edwards Place (48-50 Edwardes St Reservoir) this Saturday night is Jason McNear, Drop That Rabbit, The Mightly Kings and Slingshot. Starts at 8pm and entry is free. This will be the last Acoustic Rockshow show for the year and they hope to be back early February next year support live, local and Aussie music.
NEW CRUNCH DEADLINE If you have news you’d like included in Crunch, make sure you send it in by 5pm Sunday for inclusion in that weeks’ column, ‘kay?
SUNDAY DECEMBER 1: Jamie Hay, Tom Lanyon, Jess Locke at The Reverence Lecherous Gaze, The Onyas, Hydromedusa, Evil Ways and Trade at The Reverence Guitar Wolf, Mach Pelican, The Spazzys, Muscle Beach at The Tote
60 SECONDS with
ALITHIA
Define your genre in five words or less: Astral space core If you could assassinate one person or band from popular music, who would it and why? One person? More like a concentration camp for the likes of Bieber, Lady Gaga, Brittney Spears ... list never ends. Do you actually need the reason why? If someone made a movie about your life, who would play you? Patrick Stewart, he would play the high priest of the intergalactic astral space core movement that unites cosmic energies in peaceful co-existence with each other, ultimately bringing balance and peace to the universe.
Do you have a pre-gig ritual? If so, what is it? Our vocalist Sparky Magic takes us back stage, we strip naked, levitate about half a metre in the air in a yogic position and emanate our astral energies. Sparky starts a séance summoning Gabriel and Gilgamesh. That lasts 99 seconds, and then we get astral! When’s the gig and with who? We are launching the first single Thirteen Revelations from our forthcoming album due early next year. It’s a triple single launch with A Lonely Crowd and Full Code (both also launching singles), and guests Qlayeface. The show is Saturday November 30 at The Evelyn Hotel.
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MELODY MOON AND FREYA HANLY
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 27
KADAVAR
Hailing from Berlin, Germany, Kadavar are a supercharged psyched-out power trio that look and sound like the real deal, and from a distance, very much live and breathe the rock’n’roll dream. Their sudden rise to underground fame stems from a combination of infectious riff-driven ‘70s hard rock and doom-like undertones reminiscent of bands like Black Sabbath and Pentagram, with a spacey psychedelic edge likened to that of early Hawkwind and Can. Having just released their second album Abra Kadavar, this being their first for heavy metal label Nuclear Blast, Kadavar have been blowing minds, selling out shows, and picking up rave reviews everywhere they go. Finally touring in Australia, they play Northcote Social Club on Wednesday November 27.
THE GLORIOUS NORTH
Jay Mascis boozing on with Dwight Yoakam while listening to Ben Kweller sound like your thang? Then get along to see The Glorious North when they bring their brand of slacker country to the Grace Darling Hotel on Wednesday December 4. Supported by indie sensations Ben Birchall and D. Rogers, The Glorious North will make you wanna bootscoot your way across the dance floor and into the whiskeystained heart of that someone special. Starts 8.30pm, $6 on the door.
WINE, WHISKEY, WOMEN
This week the Drunken Poet’s weekly celebration of all things wine, whiskey and women is rapt to present the formidable one-two of Cat Canteri and Jenny Biddle. As a member of The Stillsons, Cat has had a massive year touring the widely lauded record Never Go Your Way, this show being a rare solo outing. Jenny Biddle has also been a fixture on the scene for some time and there are few performers as dynamic as her. The two ladies will perform Wednesday November 27, doors open 7pm.
BEN SALTER
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Ben Salter (The Gin Club, Giants Of Science, The Wilson Pickers) returns with his brand new single Tremulous. It’s the follow up to the atmospheric lead single Semi-Pro Gamer which was released earlier this year, lifted from the European Vacation EP. Ben Salter will be playing Wednesday nights in November at The Spotted Mallard from 8.30pm. This Wednesday November 27 Ben is supported by Junk Horses (duo). Free entry.
THE DINNER SET
Revolver Upstairs in collaboration with Red Bull Music Academy present The Dinner Set every Wednesday in the Back Bar from 7pm until late. The evening is hosted by Julien Love, one of Australia’s finest DJs and Red Bull Music Academy NYC 2013 participant. The Dinner Set features an amalgamation of Melbourne’s best DJs & producers as guests each week. Their eclectic, genre weaving musical selections are recorded on the night and broadcast via Revolver’s Soundcloud and Red Bull Music Academy Radio. Launched initially as a side project in collaboration with the Red Bull Music Academy workshop series in 2005, RBMA Radio established itself as a platform for like-minded DJs and musicians broadcasting interviews, live recordings and DJ mixes from more than 50 countries via a 24/7, on-demand live stream. This Wednesday November 27, free entry, 7pm-late.
Melody Moon and Freya Hanly will join forces in a night of song and poetry at Northcote’s Open Studio on Wednesday November 27. Freya has been described as ‘blindingly talented’ by Clare Bowditch and is known for wowing audiences with her folkyjazz melodies and clever song-writing. Melody has been turning heads this year with her trio of cello, double bass, guitar and three-part vocal harmonies, she is set to showcase some new songs and latest single Bridges. The night will also feature local songbird Kia Hey Moon and Torquay’s Liam Xavier as well as some random poets. Doors 7.30pm, $5 entry.
FRIDA
Frida: formed on a whim, but don’t worry, this chick can sing. Backed by a bunch of blokes in shiny shoes and seventies suits, this little Melbourne band is coming right at you, wearing as many flowers as possible, and spiritually guided by the honourable Frida Kahlo. They’re all about soaring melodies and harmonies that hug, all tightly wound around the funkiest rhythm section known to indie pop. Since forming at the beginning of 2013, they’ve recorded an EP, gotten airplay on triple j Unearthed radio, played to hundreds of people on the Arena Stage at Baybeats Festival in Singapore, and didn’t even catch gastro when they went galavanting in India. To end this crazy year, they’ll be playing every Wednesday night in November at the Evelyn Hotel. Don’t miss it this week, playing on Wednesday November 27.
THE CAMBODIAN SPACE PROJECT
Off the back of an epic national tour, The Cambodian Space Project are stopping by Howler on Thursday November 28 for a bon voyage party. From Darwin via Alice Springs, Adelaide, WA and back to Melbourne, the psychedelic Cambodian rock band has performed in some of Australia’s most far flung and regional venues including - jails, detention centres, outback bars, bowling clubs and even a desert swimming pool. Since forming in Phnom Penh in 2009, The Cambodian Space Project has performed shows in more than 16 countries around the world and has mesmerised audiences with the bands captivating live show and the stunning vocals of Khmer diva Srey Channthy. Channthy and the CSP’s story is currently being produced as a BBC Storyville Documentary due for release early 2014 but don’t wait for the movie. catch The Cambodian Space Project in their final live show in Melbourne, at Howler, Thursday November 28. Special guests Empat Lima plus Clive & The Projectors.
SUNBEAM SOUND MACHINE
Sunbeam Sound Machine, a one-man bedroom recording project, becomes a five-piece live band this Thursday November 28 at the Tote. Playing dreamy pop tunes from first EP One and their forthcoming second EP. $10 on the door, kicks off at 8pm.
JAMES TEAGUE
AL PARKINSON AND GUS RIGBY
Simply seeing Al Parkinson perform, you immediately feel like she is an old friend. She’s pointing you out of the crowd and pulling directly at your heartstrings. Her hilarious onstage banter is the perfect compliment to her soulful voice, playful ukulele and wonderfully constructed songs of love and loss. Stories to which everyone can relate. Stripped back like old time blues, her music is what music should be; honest and real. Al is a little bit of her, a little bit of him and a little bit of them. 7.30pm on Wednesday November 27 at the beloved Retreat Hotel.
SARAH MARY CHADWICK AND CELESTE POTTER
Sarah Mary Chadwick from Batrider and Celeste Potter from Ouch My Face are having an exhibition in the gallery above Old Bar. It’s going to be all kinds of arty and farty. And they’re also playing a show in the bar downstairs. The lineup looks like this: Sarah Mary Chadwick, Bonnie Mercer, Nein (Celeste from OMF and Jade from Tantrums’ brand new band). This Wednesday November 27 at The Old Bar. Doors at 8.30pm, $7.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28
Singer/songwriter James Teague is set to perform an intimate and acoustic showcase of his past and present work this Thursday November 28 at Smith St creative space Sidecar. Drawing inspiration from the complexities of his own soul, James weaves poetry and music in a truly unique fashion, evoking raw emotions in a state of pure catharsis. Commencing at 8pm and at a capacity of 30, you best book your tickets via trybooking.com/DUIO at $5 before they run out.
DUNCAN REDMONDS
Duncan Redmonds is the rather talented drummer/ guitarist/vocalist from UK bands such as Snuff and Guns n Wankers. He has also been making some great acoustic sounds of late (his collaboration with Lagwagon’s Joey Cape of particular note). Redmonds has decided to drop by and share some of these new sounds with us at a special Melbourne show. He will be belting out a solo acoustic set; after which Redmonds will be joined onstage by his band of ‘Billy No Mates’ - which features members of Common Thread, Steadfast and Mutiny, who he has coerced into learning some Guns n Wankers and Billy No Mates tunes. Opening will be Regrets (featuring Atom ex ADITF) and melodic powerhouse Foxtrot. It’s all happening on Thursday November 28 at Bar Open. Doors at 8.30pm and entry is free.
SHAUN KIRK
Still riding the high from performing at renowned Australian music festivals including Bluesfest, Woodford Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and St Kilda Festival in the past 12 months alongside heavyweights such as Robert Plant, Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt and The Cat Empire, blues multiinstrumentalist Shaun Kirk continues his musical ascent with the release of his brand new EP, Giving. The Melbourne leg of the launch is at the Evelyn Hotel on Thursday November 28, with support from Benny Walker and Chris Cavil & The Prospectors.
THE WEEKEND PEOPLE
Countrified indie rockers The Weekend People wind up their November residency this Thursday at the Great Britain. This residency has seen them unleash a swag of new songs ahead of a single release and national tour scheduled for early next year. Joining them for this final show will be The Mean Times with their unique brand of ‘90s influenced smart-casual geek rock. Don’t miss them on Thursday November 28. Entry is free. Doors 8pm. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 44
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THE DAMES
The Dames are playing songs from their new debut self-titled CD at The Retreat Hotel Brunswick on Thursday November 28. West Coast /Sci Fi at its best, the Dames will be joined by Will Hindmarsh on synth stylings and A grade “lurking” and Dave Graney on guitar noodling. Julitha Ryan will also be playing songs from her brilliant recently released album. Doors 9.30pm.
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WHOLE LOTTA LOVE
Whole Lotta Love makes it’s monthly return with a stellar line up of local comedy to have you lolling! Line-up includes Evan Hocking (MC), Mitch Alexander (Headline), Sonia Di Orio, Kevin Lim, Nadine Clark, Colin Bronze, Sofie Prints, Dick Wakefield and Ailsa Dunlop. This Thursday November 28, 8pm, free entry.
BRICKS
No plans on Thursday November 28? Great, perfect, wonderful – you should be at the Reverence Hotel. Whether you like your punk rock heavy or poppy, they’ve got all your needs covered! Kicking the night off is Foley followed by The Fckups, then hailin’ all the way from Ballarat are the excellent The Savages. Finally, finishing the night off in true punk style is Bricks. $5 entry and everything kicks off around 8pm.
With their captivating debut single Twisted becoming the most played track on triple j for the first part of 2013, gaining local and international attention, Fractures perform live for the first time at The Workers Club on Thursday November 28. After a near-fatal fall which left multi-instrumentalist singer and producer Mark Zito confined to a neck-brace bolted to his skull for three months, (ironically) Fractures are set to play tunes from their forthcoming 2014 EP. Tickets now available via ticketscout.com.au.
ANNA’S GO-GO ACADEMY
Shake it like a Polaroid picture at 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! Charleston, Watusi, Mashed Potato, Madison, Hustle, Thriller, Anna brings you the most popular, most awesome, and sometimes most ridiculous, dance crazes of history for fun and fitness. Every Thursday night from 6.30pm and 8pm at the Victoria Hotel. This Thursday November 28, $12 or $10 each if you bring a friend.
EMMA DAVIS AND BRIAN CAMPEAU
After years of working together, Sydney acts Emma Davis and Brian Campeau have finally teamed up for a co-headline tour and are heading to The Grace Darling this Thursday November 28. Each with shiny new singles in tow, the pair of musical friends will bring their distinct brands of storytelling with them. Emma Davis is launching her track Stand Tall and Brian Campeu is releasing Cutting Ties for what is set to be a co-headline show not to be missed! Doors 8.30pm, tickets via stickytickets.com.au.
CROOKS & QUEENS
YOUNG HYSTERIA
Jack London proudly presents one big party to help launch the debut single for one of Melbourne’s most hyped up acts, Young Hysteria this Thursday November 28. The new dream pop project of troubadour Jimmy Hawk and Thomas Van Der Vliet, their debut This Is Not A Love Son is a soul-sonic pocket symphony, as much cinematic in its scope as it is a love letter to the history of pop music, Kafkaesque at times, yet ultimately romantic, their sounds conjure luminaries such as The Smiths, Tears For Fears, and Chris Isaac. Head on to The Grace Darling from 9pm for this free entry gig with special guests Other Places.
WHITAKER
FRACTURES
THE GRAND RAPIDS
The Grand Rapids will mark the first residency on the stage at Alia Art House. If you want to be captivated, kick up your heels and come up the concrete stairs on a thirsty Thursday. They'll be there, hips square, supported by yet more lovely youths with instruments in hand. This weeks event will be the final week of The Grand Rapids Psych Residency playing host to Jaju Choir, Riders of sin, Bayou, The Grand Rapids and Liberty Social’s bunker DJs.
Getting around Melbourne town with a fresh blend of hip hop, Latin, Ethio and all Grooves that flavour, Crooks & Queens have stepped onto the scene to put their new sounds into the heads of all music lovers in the area. With a combination of rhythms to make your heels click, hornlines to make your ears tingle and creative improvisations to keep the band-members as much on their toes as the listeners. Anybody and everybody involved should be well prepared to groove at The Spotted Mallard on Thursday November 28 from 9pm, free entry.
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So then, what’s the band name and what do you ‘do’ in the band? Whitaker. I’m Ryan. I do the front-man thing. What do you reckon people will say you sound like? People seem to reference The Shins, Sufjan Stevens and Elbow a bit. That’s probably about right if they’re listening to some of our newer stuff. What do you love about making music? It’s when I feel most at home. What do you hate about the music industry? You mean ‘Who do you want to piss off ?’ I’ve been asked this question before. My answer was ‘the industry part’. If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why? I honestly don’t know. Most of my heroes are still alive so the whole catching them before they died thing doesn’t really apply. In any event, I’d be way to self-conscious to show anyone I admired Whitaker’s music in person. I hate it when I’m in the same room as someone that’s hearing our stuff for the first time – unless it’s family. When’s the gig and with who? Friday November 29 at Revolver. We launch our EP with friends Tom Kline and Al Parkinson in support. Anything else to add? Just water.
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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29
STONEFIELD
Currently riding on the momentum of their first single from their debut album, playing a sold-out string of shows in August and a massive BIGSOUND campaign with band partner Red Bull to packed out crowds, Stonefield have announced a show at the Ferntree gully Hotel on Friday November 29. Catch their modern take on classic rock’n’roll and don’t miss out.
EMPRA
LECHEROUS GAZE
Lecherous Gaze from Oakland, CA bring their blistering, scuzzy, rock n roll to Australia this November / December. Born from the ashes of Annihilation Time, LG will burn your brains with the hottest coals of the devil’s riffs. Supported by Cut Sick, Bits of Shit, White Walls and Batpiss, it all goes down this Friday November 29 at Second Story Studios. $20, doors at 7pm.
Local rock act Empra have just announced a free show at the Espy on Friday November 29, with Shadowgame launching their single alongside The Wellingtones and The Heroines. After wowing crowds in the US, Triple M radio play and recently releasing their EP Strange Condition, the fourpiece rock force will also be appearing at this years’ Queenscliff Music Festival alongside The Living End, Saskwatch, Spiderbait, The Basics and King of The North. Head down to the Espy to see exactly what all the fuss is about.
DESERT HIGHWAYS
New Melbourne record label Desert Highways is having its debut launch Friday November 29 at The Bendigo Hotel. The debut release is a split 7” which features Perth blood rockers Chainsaw Hookers and US legends Electric Frankenstein. The cover art for each band is done by two of Australia’s leading poster artists, Ben Brown and Mr Frumpy respectively. Headlining the gig launch is Chainsaw Hookers and joining them will be Muscle Car, The Kremlings and The Superguns. Doors open 8.30pm, tickets $12.
WHITAKER AT REVOLVER
Existing over the years in many forms and with many names, independent Melbourne band Whitaker has for the best part of a decade been relentlessly creating, releasing and touring new music. At its core Whitaker is Ryan Meeking, Brett Scapin and Simon Rabl. Whitaker take over Revolver on Friday November 29.
THE QUARRELMEN
Playing a showcase of Beatles material at the Flying Saucer Club on Friday November 29, The Quarrelmen will play two big sets from a range of Beatles classics. The Quarrelmen are no ordinary cover band. They don’t dress up. They don’t do accents. They just play the songs really well. Plus you get more Beatles for your buck – they’re a five-piece band. Tickets via trybooking.com. Doors at 8pm.
SOUL SAFARI
Soul Safari; snug grooves with raw and energetic vocals boiling down grunge, funk, hip-hop and soul. They are one of Australia’s strongest bands in the modern soul movement with lyrics that will linger in your mind well after the stage lights go out. Praised as one of Melbourne’s best and most original acts, Soul Safari have been making waves across Australia. These groove based music makers are wowing crowds with their passionate and energetic performances, leaving audiences begging for an encore. A sweet blend of neo soul, funk, Rnb and hip hop, Soul Safari are a band with a story to tell. Soul Safari bring their unmissable show to Bar Open on Friday November 29 to celebrate their new single The Weather on 7” Vinyl. Get down and party with them before they set off on a National Tour this summer!
MOTORHEAD SHIRAZ
Whole Lotta Love and Warner Music Australia present the launch of Motorhead shiraz, a night of straight up rock’n’roll. That’s right, the loudest band on earth are releasing their very own wine! Motorhead Aftershock album giveaways, merch packs, drink specials throughout the night. With a big thank-you to Warner Music Australia. Free entry and a rockin’ night ahead, this Friday November 29.
BATTLESHIPS
After the success of their well-received first effort To You, Battleships have emerged again with an exciting new release Take Your Rest. Their newest single is deep and thoughtful, while also exhibiting that creative and addictive musical nous that we’ve come to expect from Battleships. Their latest features haunting vocals, innovative drumbeats and sweeping tones that have become synonymous with the Battleships sound. They play the Workers Club this Friday November 29 with Vancouver Sleep Clinic and Bnash. Tickets $15 on the door.
PLUM GREEN
Born in a London squat, Plum Green is the daughter of a Jazz singing Parisian showgirl and a saxophone playing Jewish intellectual. Now based in Melbourne, the young singer-songwriter stitches together acoustic folk and grunge; bringing to mind the styles of Kurt Cobain, Tori Amos and PJ Harvey. Don’t miss the enchanting Miss Plum when she launches her debut album Rushes at Grumpy’s Green on Friday November 29. It’s free entry and support comes from Jennifer Kingwell (The Jane Austen Argument), The Naysayers and Zoe Fox. Don’t miss this.
THE SPASMS
COOKIE BAKER
Faux-folk pop cabaret for the contemplative wino, running the gamut from sparse, emotive, ukulele-flecked fairytales to sweeping indie-pop heartbreakers. Tales of lost love, found habits and suddenly finding your best mate really attractive. Cookie Baker is the brain child of Holly from the Yarra Hotel Abbotsford bar and for this night will be trading in the beer taps for some hand claps with her band the Secret Spells. Catch Cookie Baker with Jeff Rigby and DJ till late this Friday November 29, at the Yarra Hotel Abbotsford. Free entry, kitchen is open. Doors at 9pm.
TASTE OF INDIE COLLECTIVE
The Taste of Indie Collective will be serving up the original music again at Bar Oussou on Friday November 29 from 8pm featuring the acoustic duo Waterline bringing their own acoustic folk rock styling to the stage. This will be followed by the uptempo beat of Acoustic Foxx and his forever changing line up of instrumentation always surprising and always entertaining. We will wind up the night with a set from singer songwriter Bob Crain’s new band Ashbury Medicine Show, who will be peddling their miracle cure-all-that-ails-you musical elixir onstage for the first time. All presented by the Taste of Indie Collective, bringing you the best of Melbourne’s original indie music – live and made in Melbourne.
GEORGIA FAIR
Ready to launch their Trapped Flame album on Friday November 29 at Howler is Sydney’s Georgia Fair. Live performances are evident of the special telepathic chemistry that bounces between Jordan Wilson and Ben Riley and have been described as ‘mesmerising…an exercise in sparse perfection and restraint’. Georgia Fair hit the stage with special guest Meg Mac in a show not to be missed. Tickets $15+bf via Ticketscout. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 46
THE ANDROGYNY
Currently touring nationally is Brisbane three-piece all girl alt-rock band The Androgyny and they’re set to launch their first single from their second EP Chemistry. They play The Barley Corn Hotel with The Velvets, Red X and The Black Alleys. The Androgyny is playing Friday November 29.
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The Spasms launch their debut album We Better Operate at The Luwow on Friday November 29. Fluent in the language of garage punk psych, the Melbourne three-piece have been whipping up a storm at home and abroad since forming at the beginning of the year. The show is the climax of an East Coast tour that saw The Spasms taking on three cities in three weeks, which included shows with Subsonics (US), Personal & the Pizzas (US) and album launches in Sydney and Canberra. The Spasms come from the minds of the terrible three Kit Atkinson (of The Kits), Pete Hansford and John Davis. The album has been championed by blogs such as Mad Mackerel and Ravensingstheblues for its likeness to The Cramps, The Gories and Thee Headcoats. Supports for The Spasms album launch show at the Luwow includes Thee Wylde Oscars and The Reprobettes, with DJ sets from Spasms member Kit Atkinson, DJ Barbara Blaze and DJ Jumpin Josh. Doors 8.30pm.
SHITRIPPER
If you like your music fast and angry then get down to the Public Bar in North Melbourne this Friday November 29 for a ripping night of furious highspeed hardcore and thrash. Fresh from their Aussie/ NZ tour with Municipal Waste, six-piece Auckland hardcore punk band Shitripper return to our shores to play their brand of fast, angry, straight-to-thepoint hardcore. Touring their new Brain Defect 7”, these guy’s songs are short and fast - think Circle Jerks, Minor Threat, F Minus & Trash Talk. If you haven’t seen these guys, do yourself a favour and check them out. Supporting them are local Party Thrashers Party Vibez, Hailgun (album launch), Join the Amish, Atomic Death Squad (EP launch) and Acid Vain. Six killer bands for $10. Doors at 7:30, first band 8pm.
WHITAKER
Whitaker have had a busy year writing and touring. Having locked themselves in studios, halls, garages, and chapels across Melbourne for a month with long-time friend and producer Jono Steer (Hayden Calnin, Gypsy & The Cat, Ainslie Wills), Whitaker have finished their new five-track EP Wichita which is out now. Wichita is the embodiment of Whitaker’s sound. It is joyous, patient, thoughtful, raw and intense. Made under the bands own steam, they believe it to be their best work yet and a sign of things to come. To accompany this release, Whitaker are playing at Revolver Upstairs on Friday November 22 and are excited to share the stage with good friends and two of Melbourne’s best storytellers and singers. Tom Kline is bringing his full band to perform following his October album release, and old soul Al Parkinson is bringing her ukulele along to tell us a yarn or two. Doors 8.30pm. Tickets are available from revolverupstairs.com.au and are $15+bf presale or $20 on the door.
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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30
GUITARWOLF
The legendary Guitarwolf from Japan are coming back and playing the Public Bar in North Melbourne on Saturday November 30. With help from Drunk Mums, Gentlemen and Face Face it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be legendary, it’s going to be rock n roll. 8:30pm, $40 presales available through Oztix. Yeah.
CONCRETE JUNGLE ROCKERS
Aztek Electronic Music presents an Afrobeat, Aztek-dub and Trip-Hop night not to be missed this Saturday November 30. With a line up of three bands set to rock the floors and structure of new venue Howler; infusing the atmosphere with tight horns, shaking basslines, beats and electronica galore, Nahuatl Sound System, Papachange and Bachu have the arsenal to rock the concrete jungle. Tickets on sale now via Ticketscout, doors at 8pm.
SHACK SHAKERS
Shack Shakers is the hipshaking dance party driven by DJ’s Knave Knixx, The Mexicali Mammas, DJ Lady Blades and friends! This Saturday at The Spotted Mallard they will be joined by live band Tarantinos to help dish up Melbourne’s grooviest night of Swing, Surf, Mexicali Rock ‘n’ Roll, Jungle Exotica Hipshakers , Mambo madness and Stompin Rhythm & Blues. 8pm, $10 entry.
THE WILD COMFORTS
Summer’s eve, retreat from being uncomfortably tame and get wildly comforted by Melbourne’s own country songbirds The Wild Comforts. From locomotive cow-punk numbers and original country songs to ballads of loss, murder and heartbreak, over the course of two sets The Wild Comforts will take advantage of your change of season heightened emotional state. So come on down, the price is right (free) at The Retreat, Saturday November 30 from 8pm.
MY ECHO
Set to launch their new single Black Water Blues, is local rock’n’rollers My Echo. Recorded within the walls of the revered Sing Sing Studios with producer Hadyn Buxton (Blueline Medic, Trial Kennedy) the launch will be the cherry on top of a bumper year for the local lads. They bring their wild sounds to The Workers Club and bring special guests The Stiffys, I Am The Riot and The Holy Rollers on Saturday November 30. Tickets on sale now via Ticketscout.
THE ANCIENTS
Dreamy Melbourne psych pop band The Ancients are set to launch their album Night Bus via Chapter Music this Saturday night at the Northcote Social Club. Their first single Molokai is an expansive guitar epic off an album full of falsetto murmurings set against swirling, soaring psych-pop. They’ve always been Melbourne underdogs, but now it’s their time to shine! Performing on Saturday November 30. Doors open 8.30pm. Tickets via northcotesocialclub.com.
THE PARADISE MOTEL
Launching their bravest and strangest album yet, The Paradise Motel have assembled their first album since 2011’s blindingly reviewed I Still Hear Your Voice At Night. Full of darkly curious odes to masculinity and Australiana, Oh Boy, is a galvanising work of epic sprawl and piercing honesty. Recorded over the past 2 years, its 2013 release fits in nicely with similar themes being explored by two of the country’s most hyped acts, Standish Carlyon and Kirin J. Callinan. Featuring the preview song Work Don’t Walk and forthcoming single, The Spider, Paradise Motel will be launching the album on Saturday November 30 at the Kelvin Club with support from hyped Melbourne psych-pop band Bressa Voe.
DALE WATSON
Although his roots are grounded in old school classic country, Austin based country music maverick Dale Watson champions his own genre of original music called “Ameripolitan”, a genre Dale Watson describes thus: “Americana is original music with prominent rock influence, Ameripolitan is original music with prominent Roots influence.” He has “twenty something” albums out by his calculations, his latest, El Rancho Azul on Red House Records debuting on Billboard’s Current Country Albums Chart, a career first. Watson didn’t do anything different on this outing, but the mix of drinkin’ songs (Drink, Drink, Drink, I Drink to Remember, Thanks to Tequila, and I Lie When I Drink), were performed on the David Letterman Show, another first. See Dale Watson and His Lonestars present their unique mix of honky tonk blues, steely twang and soul-filled country ballads to local audiences in Melbourne on Saturday November 30 and on Sunday December 1 at the Northcote Social Club. Check out tombowler. com.au/dale-watson for more info.
DIGGER & THE PUSSYCATS
Digger & The Pussycats don’t play very often anymore as they are becoming old men and prefer to sit at home by themselves with a six-pack and watch re-runs of E Street. We’re not sure what is going on but they have actually booked in a g ig at the GB in Richmond on Saturday November 30. Perhaps their girlfriends have cracked the shits and want them to get out of the house? Or maybe they thought it would be a good excuse to catch up and drink some rider? After all, that’s why they started the band in the first place. Ten years ago that was. They weren’t very good back then, and things haven’t improved. Come to think of it, they’re much worse now. At least they shut up with their talking back then and played some songs. Head down and have a look and a laugh as Digger & The Pussycats tear through a couple of their least favorite songs over two sets at the GB, which is a really nice place to play and also see a band. First set kicks off at 9pm. Or you may just want to stay at home with a six-pack and watch E Street. You choose. Doors 9pm. Free entry.
JACKY JACKY & THE BL ACKIES
Jacky Jacky & the Blackies is a collaboration of Indigenous musicians that pays tribute to what Paul Kelly described as Australia’s hidden hit parade. The band, which includes Jimmy Little’s grandson James Henry and Songlines CEO Jessie Lloyd, will perform the hit songs of Aboriginal bands from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s such as No Fixed Address and Coloured Stone which have since become classics within the Indigenous community. Jacky Jacky & the Blackies is made up of active members of the Indigenous music scene, many of whom are children or grandchildren of the pioneers of the Indigenous hit parade. They’ll rock Yah Yah’s on Saturday November 30.
BELL A & THE MELLOWS
Melbourne soul, RnB, Jazz and Hip hop influenced Bella & The Mellows are ready to take over Revolver for their Devil Time EP Launch. The groovy eight piece will be showcasing several original works as well as a select few covers to balance out the night. Front woman Bella will knock you out with her bold and captivating performance alongside the extremely talented bunch that makes up The Mellows. Along for the ride are special guests Tiaryn and Sara Jane in support. Doors from 8pm on Saturday November 30.
MUSIKUNST PRESENTS: KUNST+1
This month MUSIKUNST presents Kunst+1, a duets event curated by Nat Grant. Nat has invited Peter Knight, Toby Brodel and herself to perform with a duo partner - either someone they haven’t played with before, or trying out a new concept with an existing collaborator. The resultant duos are as follows: Peter Knight: trumpet/electronics and Anita Hustas: extended double bass. Nat Grant: percussion/ electronics and Miranda Hill: Double Bass. Toby Brodel: tape manipulations/electronics and Michael Famularo: projections, with additional projections by Richie Cyngler. Head down to the Great Britain Hotel on Saturday November 30 from 4pm. Entry $10 / $5 conc.
THE BRUNSWICK HOTEL
Come join MYI for a mammoth day of great local music across two stages at the famous Brunswick Hotel! For $15 entry on the door you get a free pot of draught and Shaun Kirk, My Left Boot, Luke Legs, Tom Tuena, Chev Rise, Nice Boy Tom and many more. MY Initiative Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation that provides specialised services to people who engage in behavior of concern. This fundraiser will hopefully raise enough funds for MYI to run a volunteer based weekend respite camp for teenagers with a disability. It all kicks off at midday on Saturday November 30, $15 entry.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 1
THE TASTE OF INDIE COLLECTIVE
The Taste of Indie Collective will once again be serving up the original music this time at The Brunswick Hotel on Sunday December 1 from 8pm. Featuring acoustic soloist Michael Yule followed by new indie folk rock band Ashbury Medicine Show who will be peddling their miracle cure all that ails you musical elixir on the Brunny stage for the very first time. The night cap is a glass full of Waterline bringing their own brilliant Australian folk rock songs and styling to the Brunny stage. All presented by the Taste of Indie Collective, bringing you the best of Melbourne’s original indie music – live and made in Melbourne.
FIRST DAY OF SUMMER FEST AT THE YARRA
The Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford will be celebrating the first day of summer with some sweet summer music, a spit-roast in the beer garden, competitions, sangria and a whole lot of fun. Kicking off at midday this Sunday December 1, head down and check out the surf instrumental all-stars that make up The Volcaniks, playing in the beer garden from 3pm, then inside in Clanger’s Cabana Lounge from 5pm, catch Barry Morgan’s other outfit, Stretch ‘N The Truth. There will be cool calypso DJ sounds, great food, and a whole lot of sunshiny goodness at the Yarra Hotel this Sunday.
ITCHY FINGERS
Itchy Fingers, a four-piece Rock’n’Roll, Rockabilly, Rythym & Blues band from Melbourne, have been going strong for over 19 years. Their brand of playing has seen them win multiple awards at Wintersun, travel all around Australia and are one of the busiest bands in Melbourne. Known for being a versatile band that can cater for all sorts of events ranging from Rock’n’Roll dances to Hot Rod Runs, Nostalgia Festivals to Biker Club Events, Weddings, Birthdays you name it they have played it. Whether you describe Itchy Fingers style as Rock’n’Roll, Rockabilly or Rhythm & Blues, whatever they play they play it with plenty of oomph! Guaranteed to please any crowd while keeping them tapping their toes and boppin their heads, the boys express enjoyment and fun from their playing while maintaining a high energy level throughout. Catch Itchy Fingers at the Elsternwick Hotel this Saturday November 30.
SUSY BLUE
Launching her new single Baby I’m Bored this Sunday December 1 at the Workers Club is Susy Blue with her sassy upbeat number with a baritone sax that’s hard not to want to dance to. Straight to the point, this tongue in cheek track will have women everywhere singing to their husbands, boyfriends and lovers. Set for independent release November 29 with b-side Fell From A Wall, catch Susy Blue launching her latest offering in Melbourne at The Workers Club, for a matinee show.
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JON-LEE FARRELL
Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like? A stripped back version of Dancing Heals. What do you hate about the music industry? The constant search for the ‘next sound’ and creating trends for people to follow. Great songs will always stand out from the pack. When’s the gig and with who? Friday November 29 at the Prince of Wales. Dan Watt’s House of Fun. Do you have any record releases to date? What are they? Where can I get them? Dancing Heals has two albums. Our last one, You Will Never Be Younger Than You Are Now, came out mid-2013. Rock’n’roll that’s a bit softer on the ears. I think it’s a little more adult contemporary than we originally thought – in an unashamedly good way! What part of making music excites you the most? The cycle of creating, sharing, being inspired and creating some more. All on your own time. It’s freedom. How do you balance making and playing music with your other commitments? Sometimes by taking it easy and not rushing. Sometimes by being crazed, stressed out and sleepy.
THE THIN GREEN LINE FUNDRAISER
Never has it been more important in our history to support both the conservation of our natural world, and the people that protect it on the frontline – the park rangers. Over 1000 rangers have lost their lives over the last 10 years that we know of. The majority are killed by commercial poachers and the illegal wildlife trade, which is sadly on a steady increase. The Retreat Hotel is donating the entire pub for a whole day to raise funds for this important cause, and a bunch of great artists are chipping in to help out. Things kick off at 2pm with kid friendly entertainment and magic courtesy of All Day Fritz and Benn Hutton Magician. Then Nick Barker, Dave Graney, Dan Waters, Skyscraper Stan & the Commission Flats, Oh Pep!, Jam Roots, Marty Nelson Williams, and Rattlin Bones Blackwood are all performing. Playing this Sunday December 1, tickets are $10 on the door and every cent goes to the Thin Green Line Foundation.
CELINE YAP
Filipino folk singer/songwriter Celine Yap has organized a concert to raise funds in support of recovery efforts in the Phillippines, following Typhoon Kaiyan. This not-for-profit event is registered with the Red Cross and all proceeds will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan Appeal. Tickets are available online for $10 + bf via evelynhotel.com.au and you can catch Sol Nation, Zeptepi, Enda Kenny, Seedy Jeezus , Priestessa and Dash, James Teague, Diana May & the Sunny Sets, Ben Stewart, Berlin Postmark, Al Parkinson, John Trager & the Black Sunrise, Acoustic Foxx, Scott Boyd, Broken Sweethearts, Kate Bart playing. Head on down to raise much needed funds and help contribute towards alleviating the suffering of the people affected in the Philippines. It all happens on Sunday December 1 with bands from 1pm-11.30pm.
MARLON WILLIAMS
Since finding himself in Melbourne, Marlon Williams has rapidly established himself as a writer and performer to be reckoned with .A decorated member of the New Zealand scene, Marlon has on more than one occasion caused atheists to question their faith. His is an approach in which the primary concern is the song and the rest will fall into place. Catch Marlon this Sunday December 1 from 6.30pm at the Drunken Poet. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 47
MUSIC NEWS
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DAMIAN CHINN FUNDRAISER
This is a charity fundraiser in memory of Damian Chinn and is an opportunity for his friends, many of them fine Melbourne musicians, to give Big Damo a send-off with the gig he would have loved to have been at. The night will culminate with a set by the specially formed for the night – Big Damo All Stars featuring Joel Silbersher, Tim Rogers, Chris Russell, Spencer P Jones, Henry Wagons, Mikey Madden, Chuck Jenkins, Ashley Naylor, Jemma Rowland and the group’s musical director, Davey Lane. Entry is only $15, with presales available through trybooking.com. Doors open this Sunday December 1 at 2pm with live music running through until 1am.
LOOKING FORWARD
Sam Buckingham teams up with folk troubadour Buffalo Tales (aka Wes Carr) for an East Coast run of co-headline dates throughout October, November and December, and another collection of hand-picked House Concerts across the country. Buckingham and Carr will each be playing solo sets and joining each other on stage for some heartwarming collaboration and boy girl harmonies. Sam and Wes will be playing at Revolver on Wednesday December 4.
JMC ACADEMY
MOUTHPLUG
MouthPlug are a dynamic 4 piece act of energy and variety. Coming out of some sort of a hiatus, they are an act reborn, with new tunes, and a new style. Joining them at The Bendigo this coming Sunday - first day of Summer! - will be Dirty Burd on their debut, The Dead Elected, fresh off their Villager’s Music Video release and double single launch, along with alt/grunge rockers twisted with ambience Roservelt. It all happens on Sunday December 1.
THE LET YOUR HAIR DOWN GIRLS
As if Melbourne soul sensations Saskwatch aren’t busy enough – five out of the nine members of them have gone and started themselves a little side project. The Let Your Hair Down Girls play boogaloo soul and shing-a-ling jams. Come get your fill, every single Sunday for free in The Curtin front bar. Starting Sunday December 1, come down from 4pm each and every week and be a part of what is set to be Melbourne’s next Sunday music institution offering weekly guest DJ’s and musicians, as well as cocktail jugs and cheap beer.
TEMPLE OF LOVE
Dust off the DMs and get out the hairspray – it's a flashback to the bad-arse dark side of the '80s. Those evil record hounds at Heartland Records, Paul and Maria, spin a plethora of awesome dance grooves from the flip side of the '80s. Don't expect no Cyndi Lauper rubbish, just get down to tracks from bands such as The Cramps, Siouxie and the Banshees, The Cure, The Gun Club, The Stray Cats, The Sisters of Mercy, The Clash, The March Violets, The Volcanoes, The Godfathers, PWEI, B52s, Danielle Dax, Johnny Thunders, Iggy Pop, Lords of The New Church, The Mission, Bauhaus, New Order, Pshchedlic Furs...all the tracks that used to pack the dance floors of The Bat Cave, The Kit Kat Club, The Slimelight. At The LuWow this Friday December 13, after the Seven Seas of Sin Burlesque show, 10pm until the early hours. Free entry.
MONDAY DECEMBER 2
DEAR MONDAY
In this great music town, there is an endless flow of new talent arriving on the scene. On Mondays, The Retreat Hotel presents four acts that represent some of the most exciting new and emerging talent we’ve seen. This is no open mic – it’s a love letter to the heart of musicality that is Melbourne, and this love letter begins with Dear Monday. This Monday December 2 at 7pm you can catch Sophie Rose, Jane McArthur, Zach Buchanan and Nick Saxon as they kick things off.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 3
CHARLES JENKINS AND MATT Y VEHL
Charles Jenkins and Matty Vehl bring their magnificent collective talents back to the front bar of the Retreat Hotel for another series of spectacular Tuesday night concerts throughout December. You’d be mad to miss this! Free admission, two sets from 7.30pm onwards.
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 48
SAM BUCKINHAM AND BUFFALO TALES
MUTINY
Raise a toast as Mutiny launch Drink to Better Days, a retrospective album containing twenty two tracks celebrating the band’s twenty two years. In the ‘90s, the band played prolifically, honing their unique style in the exciting Fitzroy scene of the day and taking the show on to Europe and the USA. The modern Mutiny players will be joined by the classic Rum Rebellion lineup as they crank out their folk punk at the Northcote Social Club on Saturday December 7. Joining the party are Fear Like Us and James Brook. Tickets available now from the venue website and at the door if still available.
VOID GLORIOUS VOID
String ensemble Void Glorious Void will perform at the Spotted Mallard on Friday December 6 at 9pm. They are supporting Catherine Traicos and admission is free. They also play on Thursday December 12 at Longplay at 9pm supporting Evelyn Waugh (Pikelet), door charge $7.
Be entertained by musicians, filmmakers, animators and more at the JMC Academy 2-day extravaganza! Featuring an Animation and Games Gallery, Audio Soundscape, as well as films, documentaries, music videos and more. It’s all happening on Wednesday December 4 and Thursday December 5 at The Coopers Malthouse in Southbank. Tickets are $12 for students and $20 for adults.
PRIMITIVE CALCUL ATORS
Synth-punk pioneers Primitive Calculators are releasing their first studio album in their 35 year history. Prim Calcs are the coolest bunch of 50-something nihilist punks you’ll ever meet. Lead singer Stuart Grant is a lecturer in performance at Deakin University, so he’s incredibly smart and incredibly entertaining! Head down to The Toff on Saturday December 7 to get in on the action!
ALL ANS BILLY HYDE MUSIC ACADEMY RE-OPENS
TRIPLE R TRIBUTE TO LOU REED
Allans Billy Hyde Music Academy are re-opening their doors (located in Melbourne’s CBD, at 152 Bourke Street) to offer the finest in music tuition. At a perfect city central location, the Music Academy will be perfect for anyone interested in picking up an instrument or getting better at their ‘musical weapon of choice’ and incorporating it into their working week during store hours. All lessons cater for all ages and level of experience and they are currently taking bookings for guitar, violin, piano, drums and vocal lessons. For a limited time only they are also offering a no obligation free introductory lesson so prospective students can view the updated rooms, the fantastic new performance stage and meet one of the teachers to discuss their musical objectives and their Allans Billy Hyde tuition options. To book your free lesson for ABH Academy, please call (03) 9510 4455 or email your name and daytime telephone number to their coordinators at bourke.academy@allansbillyhyde.com.au. Check out their impressive staff bios too at allansbillyhyde.com.au/academy/melbourne.
CORRINA STEEL
After a successful run of shows at the Melbourne and Darwin Festivals, Martin Martini has added more shows to his list of November and December dates to celebrate the launch of his latest vinyl release Vienna 1913 and independent record label, Pound Records. From the pop-up dinner and performance at Captains of Industry (Thursday December 5) complete with home grown produce plucked fresh from Martini’s garden and prepared by Fitzroy’s finest pop-up chefs, to a special daytime performance at the gorgeous Evelyn Rooftop (Saturday December 15) and more, Martini’s shows, like all his endeavours, will be an untraditional music experience not to be missed.
Triple R FM will pay tribute to recently passed music legend Lou Reed with a live to air tribute show Some Kinda Love, performed live in the station’s performance space on Sunday December 8 from 6.30pm. Melbourne band The Spoils will take the stage during Jonathan Alley’s Under the Sun to play a set of specially selected songs by Reed, who passed away on October 27, with a variety of guest vocalists joining the band to play songs from both Reed’s band The Velvet Underground and from his long solo career. Limited giveaways will run on Triple R FM for subscribers to attend the show in the preceding week.
Spending the last ten years penning an impressive lineup of driving highway tunes, soulful country ballads and southern blues rock that recalls that golden age of ‘70s swampy-gospel-country-soul, Corrina Steel plays a string of Melbourne shows to celebrate the release of her latest offering Borrowed Tunes. Alongside her collaborator and gun guitarist Mike Anderson, they play The Post Office Hotel on Thursday December 12, Pure Pop Records on Saturday December 14 and the Flying Saucer Club supporting Russell Morris on Sunday December 15.
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MARTIN MARTINI
THE STRAY MELODICS
The Stray Melodics will launch their upcoming EP at Cherry Bar on Friday December 13. Joining them on the night will be Halcyon Drive and Cider Tree Kids. Have a listen at soundcloud.com/thestraymelodics/ sweets, because these dudes have a bright future ahead of them.
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SOUL-A-GO-GO
Soul-A-Go-Go is back baby! Head on down to The Workers Club on Saturday December 7 for all the very best in 45 soul stompers and funk-shakers spread over two rooms. Legendary PBS DJ’s will be there to kick it off; DJs Vince Peach (Soul Time), Richie 1250 (Stone Love), Miss Goldie (Boss Action),Chelsea Wilson ( Jazz Got Soul), plus very special guests Andrew Young are back on board for this month’s delivery of Melbourne’s premier soul and funk night. Get there early as it fills up pretty darn quick. $10 entry for members and $15 entry for non-members. The action kicks off at 8pm.
METZ
GOOD EVANS IT’S XMAS (A NOT SO SILENT NIGHT)
Bob Evans returns to the Northcote Social Club this December for three unique ‘Good Evans It’s Xmas’ shows. Each Wednesday in December, Bob Evans, the charming alter-ego and solo project of Australian recording artist Kevin Mitchell will be joined onstage by special guest performers, guest comedians and supports from outstanding local talent in Ella Hooper ( Wednesday December 4), Ali Barter (Wednesday December 11) and Hayden Calnin (Wednesday December 18). Join Kev and friends over three special nights for a festive Christmas celebration of music, meat trays and comedy.
THE GOOD SHIP
Beloved Brisbane band The Good Ship, return in all their eight-piece glory armed with a new album and launch tour for their latest release The Seven Seas, hitting The Toff In Town this December. Kicking off 2013 with debut tour of the US and Canada, and signing with a US booker, catch them at The Toff on Sunday December 8 at 2.30pm with special guests, before their plans for significant touring in 2014.
Mistletone is amped to announce Toronto power trio METZ are making their maiden tour to Australia. Metz play like one brutally heavy instrument with three heads, slashing heavy-gauge strings, bending guitar and bass necks in weird unison, along with what is probably the loudest drumming you’ve ever heard. It’s a return to everything that’s good about loud, ecstatic live music; a frantic nod to Nation of Ulysses, Shellac, The Pixies, The Jesus Lizard, and Public Image Ltd. at their most vicious, while still carving out some heavy new business. METZ’s debut album, produced by Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck) and released last year on Sub Pop via Inertia, articulated the unrelenting live force of the band with deafening clarity. It’s a hell of an experience, listening to METZ; stand back, and watch jaws drop within the first four measures of their set. This is post-hardcore sludgepunk, distilled into pure, but artfully rendered chaos by one of the most brutalising bands in the world today. They play at Howler on Thursday December 5 with support from Baptiss and Deep Heat.
KAL ACOMA
Experimental five piece trip-rock band Kalacoma, have just announced a string of summer East Coast shows to coincide with the launch of their single Waves with a spectacular accompanying film clip. Hailing from the depths of the Melbourne underground and writing music which draws on their love of vintage to avant-garde, they’ve quickly gained momentum and captured the imagination of the alternative music scene, along with praise from Hiatus Kayote. They play Ding Dong Lounge on Thursday December 5. Tickets $8+bf via Oztix. Doors at 8pm.
MENTAL AS ANY THING
Still as brilliant as ever, award winning Mental As Anything are going strong with sell-out performances. Their entertaining and timeless music will have you enjoying songs such as the classics The Nips Are Getting Bigger, Too Many Times, Mr Natural and Live it Up, to name a few. More than three decades later, their music is still highly listenable and recognisable with their identifiable brand of garage pop.With Martin Plaza’s unmistakeable voice, Greedy Smith’s key board prowess and anecdotal quips, joined by brilliant musicians, Zolton Budai, Mike Caen and Jacob Cook this is a memorable event not be missed. Mental As Anything perform Friday December 6 at the Flying Saucer Club.
ATTENTION ALL MUSOS AND BUSKERS
The Waratah Hotel in Hobart have put the call out across almighty Bass Straight to musicians looking to jam in the Apple Isle. All musos and buskers are being encouraged to apply and perform at the venue and the world famous Salamanca Market which attracts 10,000+ visitors every Saturday. The Waratah Hotel is offering accommodation, transfers, marketing, production dinner and breakfast and a small fee. Looking ideally for solo and duo acts the team behind this great venture may also consider larger arrangements should the music fit. The idea is to attract more musos to visit Tasmania and add a new mix to an already thriving and emerging music scene. Email gigs@thewaratahhotel.com.au for more information and to learn how to get involved.
DAN WATERS
Ready to launch his new 7” single for his Heat of December track from his critically acclaimed debut album La Vita E’ Bella, The Age Music Victoria Award winning performer Dan Waters hits the Thornbury Theatre on Saturday December 7. Recorded at Crystal Radio and produced by Mark Dawson of The Wagons, La Vita E’ Bella is the album that almost never happened. A home break-in at the beginning of the year, in which the original master recordings for all but one song were stolen, forced him to begin the entire recording process again from scratch! Show your love at his vinyl launch this December with support by Idle Hoes. Tickets $15. CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 49
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
HEARTLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOP 10
SPIDERBAIT
Spiderbait (Universal)
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Age is the natural enemy of rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;roll. Pete Townshend declared heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather die than get old; the Cosmic Psychos promised theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never get old. All too often, however, rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;rollâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s institutionalised resistance to the ageing process has confused chronological progression with cognitive devolution: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to age while not falling into the trap of beige middle-age fatigue. And while it might contradict the dominant rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;roll discourse, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to artistic vibrancy than consuming vast quantities of alcohol and narcotics. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been the best part of 25 years since Spiderbait migrated from the New South Wales regional town of Finley to the relative big smoke of Melbourne. There have been the commercial ups and downs, the rocky personal journeys, the artistic meanderings, the hiatus and sporadic re-appearance. And now thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new Spiderbait album. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eponymously titled, as if to symbolise Spiderbaitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return as a going concern. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very, very good. Kramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breakneck drumming kicks the album into action on Straight Through the Sun. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a throwback to Spiderbaitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heavy metallic origins: fast, furious and laced with the attitude of yore. Damien Wittyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s riff is brutal to the point of oppression; Kramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vocals verge on psychotic, the protestations of a man spurned for omissions of the flesh and body. Then, the counter point: Janet Englishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lilting tones bring us Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beautiful, and everything is, well, absolutely fucking beautiful in a way the average suburban evangelical church hopes and pretends will one day exist. The pendulum swings back From the Boat for some Sabbath with funk, Tommy Iommi meets Bootsy Collins in South Central, Ozzy and Sly on a two-week coke bender, before Englishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lush vocals provide an acoustic entree for the Solid Gold rock-and-dance action of Supersonic. And what do you say about Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Baseline, other than to note its celebratory Let There Be Rock riff, stadium rock guitar solo and discursive glorification of the rugged simplicity of the rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;roll formula? Roll over to Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Not Your Slave, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s T-Rex when Marc Bolan was the biggest thing on the global rock stage, satin green flares and all. You can get your fix of slick slacker comic electrofunk â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if you need that sort of thing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on Get Bent, and What You Get does for speed rock what Henry Ford did for industrial efficiency.
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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 50
1. Back to Land CD/LP WOODEN SHJIPS 2. Bridges LP GIL SCOTT-HERON 3. Face The Sun CD/LP THE ENTRANCE BAND 4. Warble Womb CD DEAD MEADOW 5. Twoism LP BOARDS OF CANADA 6. Wild Is The Wind LP NINA SIMONE 7. Shields B-Sides LP GRIZZLY BEAR 8. An Evening with Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer LP AMANDA PALMER & NEIL GAIMAN 9. Torture PICTURE DISC LP CANNIBAL Freakazoid is indulgence in its ideal 1975 guise: 90 seconds later, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone, a bookend to the first side of an already brilliant album. Glam rock meets garage pop meets reflective whimsy on Crazy Pants (Rock Star for a Night) and winds up dancing on the table at 4am with mad abandon; Mars is the morning after, an unexpected folky reminisce on the good, bad and ugly of community. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not over yet: Reach for the Sky slaps you back into attention with a speed metal riff that grabs you around the throat and demands instant gratification. Kram is back in your face, the proverbial soap-box preacher filling your mind with apocryphal images thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take you to a better place if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only prepared to believe. And then the classic Spiderbait bubblegum pop song: The Sun Will Come Shining is the ultimate lost LA pop track, replete with Go-Gos melody and Partridge Family sensibility. Fittingly, the album ends with Goodbye: slightly psychedelic, a bit of raga, a smidgin of The Doorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The End, some campfire harmonies and more love than a Moonie wedding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll meet again,â&#x20AC;? promises the final vocal refrain. Yes, I sincerely hope we do. Spiderbait is as fresh, young and hip as the band that made it.
PATRICK EMERY BEST TRACK: Take your pick â&#x20AC;&#x201C; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all superb, for different reasons. IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL LIKE THESE: AC/DC, T-REX and BUFFALO IN A WORD: Perfect
CORPSE 10. Sweet Summer Sun 3LP/DVD ROLLING STONES
OFF THE HIP RECORDS 1. Solid Mates LP CUNTZ 2. Get Yer Ya Yas Out Myles LP ROLLING STONES 3. In A Black Spot LP SUBSONICS 4. Eternally Yours LP THE SAINTS 5. Hoisted LP SEWERS 6. Arabia Mountain LP BLACK LIPS 7. Smell Of Female LP THE CRAMPS 8. Calender Days LP DICK DIVER 9. Is A Session Man LP BO DIDDLEY 10. 10â&#x20AC;? Clear Bags FINALLY
COLLECTORS CORNER MISSING LINK 1. Reign In Blood LP SLAYER 2. Seasons In The Abyss LP SLAYER 4. Obsideo CD PESTILLENCE 5. South Of Heaven LP SLAYER
BY LACHLAN
3. From The Ages CD/LP EARTHLESS 6. Still CD WEEKEND NACHOS 7. Gathered In Their Masses DVD BLACK SABBATH
For all the latest singles check out beat.com.au Look out, camping festival season is right around the corner so hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a timely tip from your pal Lachy K: â&#x20AC;&#x153;No mouth stuff after the ďŹ rst night!â&#x20AC;? ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI Dream A Little Crazy (Independent) Toning down their recent bubblegum sheen, Architecture In Helsinki bring it back to their organic quirk-pop roots with a healthy serving of gĂźiro and Louie Louie-style chord progression. The middle eight pares it back before blowing up into a dreamy horn solo, buffering the all-out pop joy of the infectious shout-along choral cry. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheer uninhibited joy, a reminder that it feels good to feel good, dammit.
ARCADE FIRE Afterlife (Merge/EMI) The best track from a fairly middling album, Afterlife plays to the Canadian stadium-indie collectiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths, bringing grand, theological-inclined themes down to a more grounded level. It nails that sense of cathartic despair that elevated Funeral into brilliance, connecting with sincerity rather than goofy theatrics.
BEASTWARS
&20,1* 83 7,; $9$,/$%/( 7+58 2=7,;
TOP TENS:
Realms (Independent) The antipodeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest sludge metal proponents are at their sludgiest on Realms, bearing down with overwhelming dread like a prehistoric monster waking from a flaming tar pit. A nice reminder that album Blood Becomes Fire still stands as one of the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best.
SARAH BLASKO Fool (Dew Process/Universal) The chorus to Fool isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too far removed from the anthemic, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tastefully anchored by a forlorn, defeated delivery compounded by the night-time melancholy of the arrangement. A cut from Blaskoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recent LP, the excellent I Awake, Fool is repackaged in EP form here â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but the â&#x20AC;&#x153;EPâ&#x20AC;? is just the track and two remixes which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much of an EP in my book. But the reworkings from PVT and Seekae are pretty sick.
8. Divine Intervention LP SLAYER
BEEDEEGEE
9. Bird Nerds CD BITCH PREFECT
Bricks (4AD/Remote Control) Gang Gang Dance frontman Brian DeGraw hits solo mode in bEEdEEgEE, here channelling some trappy and abrasive production on Bricks. It bears some sonic middle ground with the previous Gang Gang Dance record, moving deeper into electronic experimentation. Nothing mindblowing, but there are some interesting moments on offer.
10. Smashed On A Knee LP POWDER
FLUME & CHET FAKER Drop The Game (Future Classic) BBFs (best bros 4eva) Flume and Chet Faker team up once again for an EPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth of pulsing electronica, the first taste of which is Drop The Game. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not really a banger, more in line with Flumeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remix of Disclosureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s You & Me. Nick Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soulful croon makes for a perfect complement to Flumeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sonic signature, generating more than a few melodic and tonal hooks.
MONKEYS
RECORD PARADISE TOP TEN 1. Float Along Fill Your Lungs KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD 2. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Tell The Driver MICK TURNER 3. Anywhere And Everything Is Bright RON S PENO AND THE SUPERSTITIONS 4. Amusements AUSMUTEANTS 5. Paddington Workers Club DOLLAR BAR 6. No Enter BUSHWALKING 7. The Loving Gaze MONTERO
SALLY SELTMANN
8. Tales From The Beyond LA BASTARD
Billy (Caroline) Popsmith Sally Seltmann returns with a jaunty ditty that flirts with the twee that defined her work as New Buffalo, but rises above with intriguing renaissance synths and Seltmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s captivating voice.
9. Ooga Boogas OOGA BOOGAS
HELLO SATTELITES Television Screens (Two Bright Lakes/Remote Control) Bridging a divide between delicate organic tones and washes of electronica, Television Screens is an airy trip through kitchen cupboard percussion and dainty string arpeggios guided by a snappy beat. Look out for the sophomore LP 84000 early in 2014.
JEN CLOHER
Hold My Hand (Milk! Records) Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Jen Cloher eases into Hold My Hand with stripped back electric folk, gradually enveloping dashes of choir as momentum builds. Cloher conjures up a storm with deft ease, inducing goosebumps with the sublimation into the thunderous close. A resounding mix of beauty and power.
WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES... BEAT.COM.AU/TV
10. How To Carve A Carrot Into A Rose COURTNEY BARNETT
BEATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOP TEN SONGS ABOUT EARTH 1. Earth Died Screaming TOM WAITS 2. Not To Touch The Earth THE DOORS 3. Corner Of The Earth JAMIROQUAI 4. Across The Earth CHILDREN COLLIDE 5. The Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rotation Around The Sun WOLFMOTHER 6. Earth Song MICHAEL JACKSON 7. Down To Earth PETER GABRIEL 8. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Groove EARTH, WIND & FIRE 9. The Last Prom On Earth GAYNGS 10. Earth Intruders BJĂ&#x2013;RK
ALBUMS
NEW MUSIC IN REVIEW THIS WEEK
For more reviews go to beat.com.au/reviews
OLIVER TANK
THE BAMBOOS
Slow Motion Music (Create/Control)
Fever In The Road (Inertia) With their sixth studio album in seven years, The Bamboos have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s most interesting and talented outfits. Unlike their 2012 album Medicine Man, which had more artist cameos than you could poke a mic at, here the band goes back to basics. Lead vocalists Kylie Auldist and Ella Thompson carry the entire album, and that’s definitely not a bad thing. The first track and first single from the album, Avenger, is definitely more poppy than anything else the band has released. This is most likely the influence of acclaimed producer John Castle. You can hear a lot of Castle’s previous work, particularly similarities to Washington. The second track Helpless Blues is much of the same. The soul-inspired Rats is perhaps the most interesting track on the album, with a funkadelic bass riff and incredibly upbeat chorus from the girls – it would have been great to explore this sound further. Your Lovin’ Is Easy is a blend of Saskwatch, with Ella Thompson taking the reins. Again, it’s a lot poppier than anything else The Bamboos have done but very easy listening. Leave Nothing Behind goes back to old-school gospel soul. The inclusion of a string section lifts this track to somewhere incredible. The same can be said for The Truth, but Before I Go is quite slow in comparison. Harbinger uses the organ and strings to create something quite fresh. Jump My Train has quite a bluesy feel to it, and would be great to hear live, especially with the “OOOOOHs” before that main chorus. All in all, Fever In The BEST TRACK: Rats Road isn’t The Bamboos greatest album to date, but IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: it’s definitely worth a listen and perfect for Sunday WASHINGTON, SASKWATCH, THE CACTUS afternoon beers. CHANNEL IN A WORD: Poppier CHRIS BRIGHT
LANTERNS ON THE LAKE
Until The Colours Run (Bella Union)
While some bands struggle to beat the charm of their debut album on their second long player, Lanterns On The Lake seem to have consolidated and become stronger. Until The Colours Run offers a more satisfying listen than their first. The grandiose Elodie opens the album with urgent shoegaze before softening to allow Hazel Wilde’s fragile but powerful vocals to dominate. Wilde no longer shares vocal duties with Paul Gregory and she shines, at times sounding a lot like Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval. On this album Gregory has concentrated on producing symphonic, post rock arrangements that intimidate by the sheer epic scale on which they are constructed. Yet unlike a lot of post rock outfits Lanterns On The Lake never sound forbidding, rather there is a cool serene beauty about their music which strikes strong emotional cords with listeners. Reflective of the band’s recent travails there is a bleak and unforgiving attitude to much of this album which aches with discontent and weariness as it subtly spells out its personal political agenda. The second half of this album slinks into dreamy chamber pop as they gather around the piano for Green And Gold or slip into BEST TRACK:Green & Gold or Picture Show nasty bittersweet nothings on Another Tale From IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: COCTEAU Another English Town. A magnificent but ultimately TWINS, MAZZY STAR, BAT FOR LASHES, JULIA heartbreaking album. HOLTER, SIGUR ROS IN A WORD: Shoegaze SIDE MAN
SWEARIN’
The speed of modern life is off the hook. Fuelled by our obsessive and utterly dependant relationship with technology, our days flash by in a blur of emails, text messages, status updates and round-the-clock news services. Sure, we’ve become excellent multi-taskers, but somewhere along the way we’ve lost the ability to simply be. And things are only going to get faster, as the Information Age continues to fashion the next phase of human consciousness. It’s against this hyper-charged world that chillwave maestro Oliver Tank revolts. With his second, aptly-titled EP Slow Motion Music (following on from his highly-praised Dreams EP of 2011), Tank aims to disconnect from the pace of the modern world, revelling in a chilly brew of floating synths and sparse electro beats. “Slow down world you move too fast for me,” he sings on Different Speed (feat. Ta-Ku). In fact, pretty much every song on the 7 track EP consists of some new meditation on the slowing-down-of-time theme. It’s a mesmerising listen (and a trip best taken in headphones). Somehow, despite Tank’s compositions drifting along in – dare I say it – slow motion, at no point does the EP drag. If anything it’s the opposite: once you tune into SMM’s wave length, it seems to race by, each song merging seamlessly with the next, the whole thing washing over you in an ambient, dream-like haze. With its introspective, detached atmosphere, and Tank’s FX-laden voice cast way back in the oceanic depths of the music, it does run the risk of coming off as cold. Yet, with his searching lyrics and melancholic voice, Tank manages to turn this into a strange kind of intimacy. It’s as if we’ve been invited into his mind as he wanders the empty pre-dawn streets, every street corner giving rise to a new epiphany. “Life in real time moves too fast for me,” Tank sings (his voice given the vocoder treatment) on the delicate EP closer Blessing In Disguise. And then, after SMM slips quietly into the void, even the reflective silence BEST TRACK: Love Is A Drug of the dead air seems to be part of Tank’s master plan. IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: BASEMENT BIRDS, BOB EVANS IN A WORD: Fresh WAYNE MARSHALL
THE ANCIENTS
Night Bus (Chapter Music) Making its slow crawl from the chaotic inner city to dark suburban streets, the winding route of a night bus is neatly captured in the sleepy-eyed title track of The Ancients’ new album. “There’s a pile-up my heart” sighs singer/songwriter Jonathan Michell, the sole passenger on an ambling, heavy vehicle as it makes its long-winded, early morning journey. Michell is the one constant in The Ancients, forging a clear path ahead while an ever-changing lineup revolves around him. Night Bus is one of ten tracks that captures its subject matter beautifully on an album that’s well on par with their 2010 Sensory Records album The Ancients 2, but shows more diversity. New single Hey Now is an eye-opening slab of pure pop, rivalled by the shimmering dream-pop of Green Face. She Lives In A Tent mystifies in a mere two minutes of baroque freak-folk, Hamster is an invigorating sunburst of celebratory shoegaze and the banjo-led House Of Cards gives off a wistful Rainbow Connection vibe. Finest of all is Molokai, the band’s richest composition yet and reason enough to seek out this collection. Night Bus is a compelling travelogue that doesn’t always take the quickest or easiest route, but BEST TRACK: Molokai gradually weaves its magic and works its way into IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: Easy/House your head and your heart. Music MUM SMOKES, Summerteeth WILCO IN A WORD: Transportive CHRIS GIRDLER
Surfing Strange (Wichita Recordings/[PIAS]) Swearin’s second LP Surfing Strange comes just one year after their self-titled debut and the record is again bolstered by an ever-imminent guitar roar and powerhouse drumming, but the band doesn’t get too distracted by thrashing around. The album is richly melodic and has its fair share of stripped-back vulnerability. Allison Crutchfield (the most prominent of the band’s three lead vocalists) in particular doesn’t hesitate to let a saccharine thrill come to the forefront. Crutchfield’s Dust In The Gold Sack and Parts Of Speech are pop-propelled grungey guitar episodes, while guitarist Kyle Gilbride’s Watered Down is a foray into loudquiet-loud power-pop and bassist Keith Spencer takes over for Melanoma, a distortion-drenched moment of fragility. Swearin’ are definitely adept tunesmiths but they’re not bothered about guarding or illuminating their incisive hooks. On Mermaid the guitars adopt a wall-of-sound chug for a couple of minutes before the vocals perk up, but despite this elongated opening it doesn’t register as a meandering jam. Crutchfield’s voice has a natural nice-gal tint, yet the quieter Loretta’s Flowers avoids sounding too sentimental and on the rollicking Young she refrains from contriving for toughness. Meanwhile, even if Gilbride slips into a familiar vocal guise (invoking Doug Martsch or a young Wayne Coyne) on Echo Locate and Unwanted Place, he assumes this slacker-whine with forceful integrity. BEST TRACK: Melanoma Surfing Strange could meld into a 34-minute pile of IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: POD, Built associated thoughts and energy, but nothing sounds to Spill - There’s Nothing Wrong With Love, WAVVES underdone and the melodies will stick in your head. Afraid of Heights IN A WORD: Thirsty AUGUSTUS WELBY
EMINEM
The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (Universal) It was with great apprehension that I slid The Marshall Mathers LP 2 into my car’s stereo. I hadn’t properly listened to an Eminem album since the original Marshall Mathers LP – despite the occasionally interesting tracks they just hadn’t grabbed me. But that album...well that was on high rotation for years. This? It’s not bad. It’s not great. It’s just Eminem. Lead single Berzerk is fun but slightly bewildering. It sounds like a recording of the Beastie Boys challenging 5ive to a rap battle at a house party hosted by the Sugarhill Gang. Eminem’s rapping talent is on full display in tracks like Rap God, while another collaboration with Rihanna on The Monster is a solid pop song, although it lacks the soul of the their earlier effort Love The Way You Lie. Flavour of the month Kendrick Lamar makes a decent appearance on the rather chipper Love Game, mentioning blowjobs about 94 times. Oh, and Skylar Grey is horrible on A**Hole. The Marshall Mathers LP 2 will probably be enjoyable to anyone who’s been rooting for Eminem’s return to form since the days of The Eminem Show. Don’t expect the oppressive magic of the original, just enjoy it for BEST TRACK: Berzerk. what it is. IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: Not a clue. IN A WORD: Diverse. JOSH FERGEUS
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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 51
GIG GUIDE
WHAT'S ON AROUND MELBOURNE THIS WEEK
For all the latest gigs check out beat.com.au
WEDNESDAY NOV 27 INDIE/ ROCK/ POP/ METAL/ PUNK & COVERS SOFT GOLD Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 7:00pm. 8 BALL AITKEN Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. BRITE FIGHT - FEAT: BRITE FLIGHT + DENIM OWL + SCRAPS Workers Club, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. $8. COLLAGE - FEAT: HOLY PABLITO + LOVE LIKE HATE + SCARAMOUCHE + ULTIMATUM Espy, St Kilda. 7:30pm. HOWARD + MAGIC AMERICA + PURPLE TURTLE Boney, Melbourne. 8:00pm. JIMI HENDRIX 71ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - FEAT: SHERIFF + VICE GRIP PUSSIES + SHANNON BOURNE Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. KADAVAR & BLUE PILLS + BLUE PILLS + KADAVAR + RIVER OF SNAKES + SUN GOD REPLICA Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 7:30pm. $30. MUSCLE MAGIC + CONGRATULATIONS EVERYBODY + GAMMA RAYS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. ROOTS OF MUSIC - FEAT: DOMINIQUE + SOPHIA LYSBETH BROWN + VAUDA Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:00pm. SECRET GOODTIMES CLUB Tago Mago, Thornbury. 7:00pm. SUPER UNSIGNED MUSIC FESTIVAL - FEAT: ELEPHANT EGO + FRANK DIXON + LOCK STOCKING GYPSIES + ALEX ANONYMOUS + GEORGIE COLLINSON + MANTIS & THE PRAYER + SWITCH Corner Hotel, Richmond. 6:30pm. $15. THE DEAD ELECTED + JANTINA & THE JAGUARS + THE NAYSAYERS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 7:30pm. TRAINWRECK TRIO Whole Lotta Love, East Brunswick . 7:00pm .
JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC
BELINDA PARSONS BEETET Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $15. DIZZY’S BIG BAND Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8:00pm. $14. HAMMOND JAZZ CLUB + MR ANDREW SWANN Claypots Tavern & Fair, St Kilda. 9:00pm. LO-RES + KEWTI + THE DARWIN PROJECT 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. MUSIC FOR LOVERS VILLAINS & FOOLS - FEAT: THE BEARDED GYPSY BAND + THE TIGER & ME Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $25. TIM STEVENS TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. VISIBLE 8 ALBUM RELEASE - FEAT: BADENYA + BADENYA + MONGA J MUKASA + SINIT TSEGAY & ANBESSA GEBREHIWOT + TAQI KHAN + YIRRMAL Loop, Melbourne Cbd. 5:00pm. VIVE LA DIFFERENCE Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 7:30pm. OPEN MIC Thornbury Local, Thornbury. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC Musicland, Fawkner. 8:00pm. OPEN MIC & JAM NIGHT Grind N Groove, Healesville. 8:00pm. RUTH ROGERS-WRIGHT (ALBUM LAUNCH) + DJ MY-T-JAXX Gertrudes Brown Couch, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10. WINE WHISKEY WOMEN - FEAT: TASH SULTANA + RUTH LINDSAY Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm.
ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK
AL PARKINSON & GUS RIGBY Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm. BEN SALTER Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 7:30pm. DENNIS JACULLI + KATRINA BURNS + LEIGH DALLIMORE + MADAK Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 7:30pm. KINKY FRIEDMAN (BI-POLAR TOUR) + THE UKELADIES Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. $40. LAZYBONES + ADELAIDE CROWS + BRETT FRANKE Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. MELODY MOON Open Studio, Northcote. 8:00pm. MY TIME WITH JOHN DENVER - FEAT: JIMMY FONG & THE BABY BOOMERS Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey. 7:00pm. OPEN MIC Ontop In Ormond, Ormond. 7:30pm. OPEN MIC & JAM NIGHT Musicland, Fawkner. 7:00pm. SARAH MARY CHADWICK & CELESTE POTTER ART EXHIBITION + BONNIE MERCER + NEIN Old Bar, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $7. SIMPLY ACOUSTIC Wesley Anne, Northcote. 7:00pm. WINE WHISKEY WOMEN - FEAT: JENNY BIDDLE + CAT CANTERI Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm.
THURSDAY NOV 28 JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC
ALWAN Claypots Tavern & Fair, St Kilda. 9:00pm. JOHN MONTESANTE QUINTET The Commune, East Melbourne. 5:00pm. MUSIC FOR LOVERS VILLAINS & FOOLS - FEAT: THE BEARDED GYPSY BAND + THE TIGER & ME Bennetts Lane
Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $25. PERLY BLACK - FEAT: PEARLY BLACK Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $20. REVEREND FUNK & THE HORNS OF SALVATION + DJS VINCE PEACH + PIERRE BARONI Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. $10. SOUL CUPCAKES - FEAT: DAMION BRUTON Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8:00pm. $14. SYZGY Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. THE MICHAEL TORTONI TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. THE OVEREASYS Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 6:30pm. THE RE-THINK PROJECT PRESENTS Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. MKO + CREEP & HARP + HONEYBADGERS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. ONE DAY MAYBE + LONG HOLIDAY + STATE OF SILENCE + THE UNMISTAKABLE The Prague, Thornbury. 8:00pm. OVERPROOF GROOVE + JET BLACK POPE Pony, Melbourne. 8:30pm. ROSETTA + CITY OF SHIPS + HEIRS + NONTINUUM + NUCLEAR SUMMER John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:00pm. RUBY’S SHOWCASE Ruby’s Lounge, Belgrave. 7:00pm. SINCE THE RIVER (WINTER TEETH) + BRIGHTLY + THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE + THESE PATTERNS DJS Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $5. SMASHING PUMPKINS + WOLFMOTHER Hisense Arena, Melbourne. 7:00pm. THE BATTERY KIDS + HEAVY BEACH + SHOOT THE SUN Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $8. THE JOHN BACON BAND Musicland, Fawkner. 8:00pm. THE ROBOT KINGS + BLUE PRINT + EUTHYMIA Idgaff Bar & Venue, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. THREE QUARTER BEAST + CALADONIA + RIFF FIST Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm.
INDIE/ ROCK/ POP/ METAL/ PUNK & COVERS
ANDY WHITE & PETER FARNAN Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm. $15. ANDY WHITE & PETER FARNAN Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $15. BRICKS + FOLEY! + THE FCKUPS + THE SAVAGES Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $5. CROOKS & QUEENS + LADY OSCAR Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:00pm. DAVE DOBBYN & DON MCGLASHAN Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury. 8:00pm. $45. DUNCAN REDMONDS + FOXTROT + REGRETS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. FIVE MILE TOWN + HIDING WITH BEARS + SELAPHONIC Boney, Melbourne. 7:00pm. FUZZ FACTROY - FEAT: JAKE JUDD Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. GUITAR WOLF + BATPISS + MESA COSA Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $33. HOY + MINIBIKES Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:00pm. $12. MELBOURNE FRESH INDUSTRY SHOWCASES Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7:00pm. $15. NEXT - FEAT: NECK DEEP + STRICKLAND + TRAINWRECK + TROPHY EYES Colonial Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $15. PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY VS FEELINGS + FEELINGS + PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY + THE CREASES Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $20. REDCOATS + CITIZEN + SHIPS PIANO + UNDERHANDED Espy, St Kilda. 8:30pm. SUMMON THE BIRDS + THE QUOLLS Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. SUNBEAM SOUND MACHINE + LIONESS EYE Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. THE APPLECORE TRIBUTE SERIES - FEAT: THREE IMAGINARY BOYS + LOOK WHO’S WEEN + SONIC STREWTH John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 7:00pm. THE CAMBODIAN SPACE PROJECT + CLIVE & THE PROJECTORS + EMPAT LIMA Howler, Brunswick. 7:00pm. $18. THE CITRADELS + GREASE ARRESTOR + RIDERS OF SIN Bar 291, Brunswick. 7:00pm. THE GUNBARREL STRAIGHTS + BEN WHITING Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm. THE RIMS & GOLDEN BROWN Northcote Town Hall, Northcote. 6:30pm. THE SEEKERS Hamer Hall, The Arts Centre, Melbourne. 7:00pm. THE SUMMERVILLES + PIONEERS OF GOOD SCIENCE + SHIT SEX Espy, St Kilda. 8:30pm. TRUST PUNKS + CHIPS RAFFERTY + ERMINE COAT The Public Bar, North Melbourne. 7:30pm. $7. VOWEL MOVEMENT + SNOWY NASDAQ + SPECIAL UNNAMED BAND + THE DEAD HEIR Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. YOUNG HYSTERIA + OTHER PLACES Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. ZERO DAYS + FOXTROT + LIKE FOOLS Tote Hotel,
GEORGIA FAIR Folk rock duo Georgia Fair are embarking on a run of shows to promote their sophomore album Trapped Flame. Coming off of national tours with The Paper Kites and Jae Laffer, the pair will hit the road to showcase their evolving down-home sound. Catch Georgia Fair at the Howler on Friday November 29. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 52
GIG OF THE WEEK!
TUMBLEWEED The Aussie rock stalwarts have released their first album in yonks, and are bringing it to the road for a huge national tour. Heralding a return to that quintessential Tumbleweed sound, the album marks the first time in fifteen years the original band lineup have recorded together. ARIA award winning producer Paul McKercher worked on their famous breakthrough LP Galactaphonic (1995) and legendary single Daddy Long Legs, and has teamed up with them again to create another trademark Tumbleweed stomper with Sounds From The Other Side. Tumbleweed play the Central Club Hotel on Friday November 29.
Collingwood. 8:00pm.
ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK
BLOW The Horn African Music Lounge, Collingwood. 8:00pm. BRIAN CAMPEAU & EMMA DAVIS + ALYXX DENNISON Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. CHARLES JENKINS Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. DAN LETHBRIDGE & SHANE O’MARA Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 8:00pm. DANNY STAIN Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. DANNY STAIN Workers Club, Fitzroy. 6:00pm. EMMA DAVIS & BRIAN CAMPEAU + ALYX DENNISON Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. HOLY MACKERAL + KERRYN TOLHURST + MITCH CAIRNS + ROSS HANNAFORD + SCOTTY MARTIN + STEVE HOY Tago Mago, Thornbury. 8:00pm. JAY BRANNAN + ARIELA JACOBS Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $44. JIMI BEAVIS + MIGHTIEST OF GUNS + TIM NEILSON Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $8. KINKY FRIEDMAN + VAN WALKER Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8:00pm. $45. MEGAN BURNARD + DAMON SMITH + LAUREN GLEZER Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 8:00pm. $10. MUSICLAND VIP MUSIC NETWORKING NIGHT - FEAT: KISS THE VYPER + 23AOA + IAIN ARCHIBALD BAND Musicland, Fawkner. 8:00pm. NEW SHEIKS Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 8:30pm. OPEN MIC Acoustic Cafe, Collingwood. 6:30pm. OPEN MIC Balaclava Hotel, Balaclava. 6:00pm. OPEN MIC Balaclava Hotel, Balaclava. 7:00pm. REE NAY + ALICIA POPE Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 10:30pm. $12. SALTY STORIES FOR SWEET CHILDREN - FEAT: DORKUS MALORKUS + PHILEMON MUSIC + SEAN M WHELAN & ISNOD Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:00pm. SHAUN KIRK + BENNY WALKER Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $12. STEPHEN BOWTELL BAND 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10. THE DAMES + JULITHA RYAN Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:30pm. THE WEEKEND PEOPLE + THE MEAN TIMES Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. TWIN AGES + BIGHEAD ELLA + NIKHAIL + STONE DESERT Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm.
FRIDAY NOV 29 INDIE/ ROCK/ POP/ METAL/ PUNK & COVERS
MOTORHEAD SHIRAZ Whole Lotta Love, East Brunswick . 7:00pm. ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI + BANOFFEE + CHELA Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:30pm. $30. BATTLESHIPS + BNASH + VANCOUVER SLEEP CLINIC Workers Club, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. $15. BRUCE LE MOUSE + LONE GIANT Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 9:30pm. CHAINSAW HOOKERS + MUSCLE CAR + SUPERGUNS + THE KREMLINGS Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $10. COOKIE BAKER + DJ MYSTERIOUS + JEFF RIGBY Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. CRACKED ACTOR + GRAND PRISMATIC + THE ELLIS COLLECTIVE Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $10. DON WALKER (HULLY GOOD LAUNCH) Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8:00pm. $32. EINSTEINS TOYBOYS + THE SMASH Musicland, Fawkner. 7:30pm. EMPRA + SHADOWGAME + THE HEROINES + THE WELLINGTONS Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. FABULOUS DIAMONDS + BUM CREEK + DJ SALMON BARREL + PRO LIFE Boney, Melbourne. 7:00pm. FRACTURES + BIG CREATURE Workers Club, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. $12. GARAGE-A-GOGO - FEAT: THE REPROBETTES + THE SPASMS + THEE WYLDE OSCARS The Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10. GEORGIA FAIR + MEG MAC Howler, Brunswick. 7:00pm. $15. GREGG DODD & THE TAILDRAGGERS Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:00pm. I SEE THE END + ACRASIA + EXPOSURES + OUR SOLACE + SENTINEL + THE EVERCOLD Evs Youth Centre, Croydon. 5:30pm. $10. JULES BOULT & THE REDEEMERS + DJ GARRY Catfish, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. LANE-HARRY + DIAMONDS EMCEE + IKE CAMPBELL + MARCUS Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:00pm. LEEZ LIDO + CARDS AFTER MIDNIGHT + ELEGANT SHIVA + LOW SPEED BUS CHASE Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm.
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NECK DEEP + OUTLINES + THE PLAYBOOK + THE SPINSET Wrangler Studios, Footscray . 7:00pm. PATAPHYSICS + I HEART CUSACK + RDZJB + SOMEONE ELSE’S WEDDING BAND + WILLIAM LEE Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 7:00pm. $10. PUNK NIGHT - FEAT: DEAR STALKER Tago Mago, Thornbury. 11:30pm. SHITRIPPER + ACID VAIN + HAILGUN + INEBRIATOR + JOIN THE AMISH + PARTY VIBEZ The Public Bar, North Melbourne. 7:00pm. $10. SHUTUP & SKATE VOL.2 - FEAT: CUT SICK + BATPISS + BITS OF SHIT + WHITE WALLS Second Story Studios, 6:00pm. SKYWAYS ARE HIGHWAYS + STREET FANGS + TEX NATIVES + THE DEAD ELECTED Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm. STONEFIELD Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully. 8:00pm. TASTE OF INDIE COLLECTIVE + ACOUSTIC FOXX + ASHBURY MEDICINE SHOW + WATERLINE Bar Oussou, Brunswick. 7:00pm. THE APPLECORE TRIBUTE SERIES - FEAT: THREE IMAGINARY BOYS + SONIC STREWTH + THE SMOKES John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 7:00pm. THE BRAD MARTIN PROJECT + DJ ADALITA + THE BAUDELAIRES Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 10:00pm. THE ELLIOTS Elsternwick Hotel, Elwood. 9:00pm. THE JUNGLE GIANTS + BAD NEWS TOILET + MUSCLES + SONS ET AL + TWINSY Prince Bandroom, St Kilda. 6:00pm. THE MURLOCS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. THE NERVE + KING OF THE NORTH + THE DEAD LOVE + THE SOULENIKOES Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:15pm. $20. THE QUARRELMEN The Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 8:00pm. THE ROLLING PERPETUAL GROOVE SHOW + RED SKY DIVIDE + SISTER ANXIETY + TEQUILA MOCKINGBYRD + THE KEITHS + THE PASS OUTS Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $12. THE STIFFYS ANNUAL PARTY + DJ LINK MEANIE + EAST BRUNSWICK ALL GIRLS CHOIR + GATHERER + ON SIERRA + SIGOURNEY BEAVER + SMOKE SIGNAL Old Bar, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE + BARRIE JESSEP + ONE KINGDOM + THE VIBE Shakers Lounge, Narre Warren. 7:00pm. $15. THREE HOUSES DOWN + DANIEL RAE COSTELLO + NESLOVE Chasers, South Yarra. 6:00pm. $45. TONEDEAF PRESENTS - FEAT: DJ LUCY ARUNDEL Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. TUMBLEWEED + SEEDY JEEZUS. THE ELECTRIC GUITARS + THE MEANIES Central Club Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. $35. TWIN BEASTS + SKYSCRAPER STAN & THE COMMISSION FLATS Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 7:30pm. $12. WHITAKER + AL PARKINSON + TOM KLINE Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm. $15. JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, LATIN &AMP; WORLD MUSIC ANNEMARIE SHARRY’S MADAMSHAZZ Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $20. DEAN’S MARTINI & SHAKERS Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 7:30pm. GIL ASKEY & THE ROGER CLARK QUARTET Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 9:00pm. $20. JAMES SHERLOCK TRIO Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. KARATE BOOGALOO + FULTON STREET + FUNK RABBIT 303, Northcote. 8:30pm. $5. LOUIS JOHNSON Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $25. LOWRIDER Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $24. MARGIE LOU’S PIANO HOUR + ALYCE PLATT Claypots Tavern & Fair, St Kilda. 9:00pm. PAUL CAREY & JULIAN SCHEFFER Open Studio, Northcote. 6:00pm. SOUL SAFARI + MAYFIELD Bar Open, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. TAMARA KULDIN’S DIRTY MARTINI Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. $25. YVETTE JOHANSSON + JOE RUBERTO TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $25. THE LUCKY WONDERS + JACQUI STERLING Westernport Hotel, San Remo. 8:00pm. TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSIONS - FEAT: DAN BOURKE Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 6:00pm.
JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC
ALEX LLOYD The Kelvin Club, Melbourne. 7:00pm. CHRIS WILSON Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:30pm. CYNDI BOSTE Basement Discs, Melbourne Cbd. 12:45pm. HERE COMES THE NIGHT (VAN MORRISON TRIBUTE) FEAT: JOE CAMILLERI + VIKA BULL + VINCE JONES Palais Theatre, St Kilda. 8:00pm. JUSTIN YAP BAND Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:30pm. KING LUCHO Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 9:00pm. LITTLE DESERT + ALYSIA MANCEAU + NO NAME NATH Penny Black, Brunswick. 7:00pm. MIKE DALEY Thornbury Local, Thornbury. 9:30pm.
GIG GUIDE
WHAT'S ON AROUND MELBOURNE THIS WEEK
For all the latest gigs check out beat.com.au NORTH QUEENSLAND SHOWCASE BAND Pascoe Vale Rsl, Pascoe Vale. 8:00pm. $8. PLUM GREEN (RUSHES LAUNCH) Grumpy’s Green, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. RAISED BY EAGLES Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 9:30pm. RAISED BY EAGLES Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 9:30pm. RICH DAVIES & THE DEVILS UNION + ALEX & THE SHY LASHLIES + THE DRUNKEN POACHERS Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $10. SAL KIMBER + MILLAR JUKES + OH PEP! Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:30pm. $12. STILLSONS Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. THE MERCURIALS Famous Blue Raincoat, South Kingsville. 7:30pm. THE STAX BROTHERS Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. TIM GUY Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. TIM GUY Workers Club, Fitzroy. 6:00pm. TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION - FEAT: DAN BOURKE Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 6:00pm.
SATURDAY NOV 30 INDIE/ ROCK/ POP/ METAL/ PUNK & COVERS
BRAINSTORM Bella Union Bar (trades Hall), Carlton South. 2:00pm. LAURA PALMER + ELI CASH Whole Lotta Love, East Brunswick . 7:00pm. A LONLEY CROWD + ALITHIA + FULL CODE + QLAYFACE Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $12. ALEX LLOYD + THE YOUNG LIONS Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully. 8:00pm. BANG - FEAT: MAKE THEM SUFFER + SENTINEL + STATE OF EAST LONDON + STORIES Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. BELLUSIRA + LIKE THIEVES + LUNG + MOMENTS APART + NIKHAIL Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $15. BONE Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 4:00pm. CULL + MONTE + ZONE OUTS Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:30pm. $7. DALE WATSON & HIS LONESTARS Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8:00pm. $60. DAMIEN LEITH + ANDY BROWN Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury. 6:00pm. $35. DV8 - FEAT: SCAR THE SURFACE + ACID NYMPH + BURY THE FALLEN Cbd Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. FROWNING CLOUDS + CHOOK RACE + KRAKATOA + SEWERCIDE + THE LIVING EYES Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. GUITAR WOLF + DRUNK MUMS + FACE FACE + GENTLEMEN The Public Bar, North Melbourne. 7:00pm. $40. HANK’S JALOPY DEMONS Bella Union Bar (trades Hall), Carlton South. 8:00pm. $15. HOMESICK RAY’S CELEBRITY ALL-STARS Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9:00pm. HOY + TIM RICHMOND Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 7:30pm. $10. JEDWARD Palais Theatre, St Kilda. 7:00pm. JUKEBOX JIVE - FEAT: JUKEBOX RACKETS + DJ BRUCE MILNE + SYE SAXON The Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. LA BASTARD Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 9:30pm. LITTLE FOOT (ALBUM LAUNCH) + ABE APE + HOLE THE REBEL + JAMES TEAGUE + MIKE MAGUIRE + SHOESHINE + THE GALLOW BIRDS 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10. MY ECHO + I AM THE RIOT + THE HOLY ROLLERS + THE STIFFY’S Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $15. MYI MUSIC FEST - FEAT: CHEV RISE + DASH + LUKE LEGS & THE MIDNIGHT SPECIALS + MY LEFT BOOT + NICE BOY TOM + CHARLIE THORPE + DJ SCHNAPPA + FELICITY ANNE + G-POP + MELISSA MAIN + MESDAMME MANNEQUIN + ODETTE + SEVEN HEARTS + SHAUN KRIK + SOUL TRAM + THE IRVINES + TILLERMAN PETE + TOM TUENA BAND Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 2:00pm. NEW DUB CITY + LOTEK & AL + SISTA ITATIONS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. RUTH LINDSEY + DJ JEFF LEPPARD Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. SHACK SHAKERS - FEAT: MEXACALI MOTHERS + DJ KNAVE KNIXX + THE TARANTINOS Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:00pm. $10. SHITRIPPER + DISASTERS + DJ LINK MEANIE + PCP EAGLES + PUBLIC LIABILITY Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. SONIC FORGE FESTIVAL - FEAT: NE OBLIVISCARIS + ULCERATE + ADAMUS EXUL + AMDBL + BANE OF WINTERSTORM + CALIGULA’S HORSE + DEPARTE + DREADNAUGHT + FRANKENBOK + HADAL MAW + HE AMENTA + HYBRID NIGHTMARES + HYPNO5E + IN MALICE’S WAKE + KING PARROT + METALSTORM + NABERUS + OKERA + ORPHEUS + RUINS + TRUTH CORRODED Espy, St Kilda. 3:00pm. $25. SONS ET AL + HALYCON DRIVE + WILLOW Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $15. STORMCHASERS + SANS + STONEFOX Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $12. TEMPLE + AUDEMIA + DJ MERMAID + VOODOOCAIN Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. TEST GIG 2 - FEAT: TEST ARTIST 2 Werribee Park Mansion, Werribee. 8:00pm. THE ANCIENTS + INEVITABLE ORBIT + MILK TEDDY Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:30pm. $12. THE STILLSONS Union Club Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. THE STORMY MONDAYS Tago Mago, Thornbury. 11:30pm. THE VOLCANIKS Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. TOE TO TOE + COLD GROUND + CROWNED KINGS + DECLARATION + RUST PROOF Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $15. WARMTH CRASHES IN + PRETTY CITY + SHIMMA Boney, Melbourne. 7:30pm. THE OUT OF TOWNERS + CLOWNS + DIRTY CHAPTERS + DIXON CIDER Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $7. THE RAMSHAKLE ARMY + KILL THE MATADOR + THE BENNIES + THE PLAYBOOK Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. THE SINGLE MEN’S DRINKING CLUB (ALBUM LAUNCH)
+ PONY FACE + THE PRETTY LITTLES Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $10. THE SONS OF MAY + CRAVEN SOULS + KASHMERE CLUB Noise Bar, Brunswick. 8:30pm. $15. THE TWERPS + BUSHWALKING + THE STEVENS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. THE VELOCETTES + CHILDREN OVERBOARD + DJ SHAKY MEMORIAL Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 10:00pm. THE WACO SOCIAL CLUB + LANECHESTER The Prague, Thornbury. 8:00pm. THESE HANDS + DJ SEAN SPOILS + FATHOMS + FLYYING COLOURS Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $8. THREEZZACROWD Malvern Vale Hotel, Melbourne. 8:00pm. VICTOR PENDER Cape Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. WAR IN ARCADIA + FAHRENHEIT 43 + QUARTERDRIVE + ROSLYN HEAY + THE KODIAK CLUB Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:00pm. $12. WEEKENDER - FEAT: GIMME SKELTER Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 9:00pm.
JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC
BEC & SEBASTIAN + DOC WHITE & PETE HOWELL + TIM Chandelier Room, Moorabbin. 8:00am. $20. BELLA & THE MELLOWS - FEAT: BELLA AND THE MELLOWS + SARA JANE + TIARYN Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:01pm. $10. CLASSICAL PIANO Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 2:00pm. EMMA GILMARTIN QUARTET Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $20. GOYIM + ELVIS IN THE HOUSE Claypots Tavern & Fair, St Kilda. 3:30pm. JEREMY WOOLHOUSE’S SILVERBEAT + JACQULINE GAWLER Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 9:00pm. $20. LEIGH BARKER & THE NEW SHEIKS + HEATHER STEWART Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. $25. MARTIN MARTINI Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $25. REMCO KEIJZER QUARTET Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. SHLIJVOVITZ ORCHESTRA - FEAT: SHLIJVOVTIZ ORCHASTRA + CLASSICAL REVOLTION Open Studio, Northcote. 5:00pm. THE WHITE TREE BAND Red Bennies, South Yarra. 7:00pm. OPEN JAM Open Studio, Northcote. 4:30pm. SATURDAY ACOUSTIC REVUE - FEAT: JAMIE PYE + THE GATHERERS + TWYCE DAILY Chandelier Room, Moorabbin. 8:00pm. $10. SATURDAY NIGHT ACOUSTIC REVUE Chandelier Room, Moorabbin. 8:00pm. $10. SPENCER P JONES Pause Bar, Balaclava. 8:00pm. THE BAKERSFIELD GLEE CLUB Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm. THE BRYEN WILLEMS BAND Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. THE CHRIS WILSON BAND Union Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. THE PHEASANT PLUCKERS Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. THE RECTIFIERS Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. THE SIDESHOW BRIDES Union Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm. VERY HANDSOME MEN + THE IAN ARCHIBALD BAND Musicland, Fawkner. 8:00pm.
SONGS THAT MADE ME Songs That Made Me unites four of Australia’s finest female singer/songwriters, Katie Noonan, Abby Dobson, Angie Hart and Martha Marlow, to share stories of their influences, artistic journeys and the landmark songs that have sound-tracked their lives. Drawing from a list of artists ranging from Carole King, Jeff Buckley and Joni Mitchell to Fiona Apple, Nancy Sinatra, Tiddas and Kylie Minogue, these artists put a truly unique spin on some of the songs that have shaped their lives. The four singers share the stage for the entire show and collaborate naturally as they discuss and perform the songs, in a relaxed, intimate and spontaneous way. It goes down this Saturday November 30 at the Thornbury Theatre. JED ROWE BAND (THE EMBER & THE AFTERGLOW TOUR) + JEFF LANG + LIZ STRINGER + NIGEL WEARNE Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $12. LUKE ESCOMBE Butterfly Club, South Melbourne. 6:00pm. $23. MARK GARDENER + SKY PARADE + UNDERGROUND LOVER Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $58. MOTION PICTURES + APRIL MAZE + BOYRED + MATT KELLY Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $6. THE DAMES Tago Mago, Thornbury. 5:00pm. THE DARK ALES + SOMEONE ELSE’S WEDDING BAND Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 4:00pm. $6. THE PROSTITUTE KILLERS + BIG FACE & THE BOOGIE WOOGIE BOARD BOYS + HARRISON GROVE Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. TINA ARENA Hamer Hall, The Arts Centre, Melbourne. 6:00pm. WINTERCOATS + THE TOWNHOUSES Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 4:00pm. $8.
I NDIE/ ROCK/ POP/ METAL/ PUNK & COVERS
80’S ON THE EDGE Sloaney Pony, Port Melbourne. 8:30pm. ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI + BANOFFEE Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. $30. BLACK CAB Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:00pm.
ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK
BRYCE WASTNEY + LEVI MCGRATH + LUKE INGLIS Grumpy’s Green, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. DIGGER & THE PUSSYCATS Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 9:00pm. DON WALKER + CRYSTAL THOMAS & BEN BUNTING DUO The Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 8:00pm. ITCHY FINGERS Elsternwick Hotel, Elwood. 8:00pm. JACKY JACKY & THE BLACKIES Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. KUNST+1 + KUNST + 1 Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 4:00pm. LA BASTARD Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 9:30pm. PRIESTESSA & DASH Thornbury Local, Thornbury. 9:30pm. RHYS CRIMMINS & THE TOMS + OBLIVEUS Penny Black, Brunswick. 7:00pm. RISING TIDE Wesley Anne, Northcote. 5:30pm. SMOKIN SAM MUSIC PRESENTS - FEAT: MAINSTREET + SMOKIN SAM & BRONNIE GORDON + THE CARGO BLUES BAND Musicland, Fawkner. 7:30pm. SONGS THAT MADE ME - FEAT: KATIE NOONAN + ABBY DOBSON + ANGIE HART + MARTHA MARLOW Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury. 7:00pm. $35. TANK DILLEMA Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. THE CARTRIDGE FAMILY Union Club Hotel, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. THE CARTRIDGE FAMILY Union Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm. THE ELLIS COLLECTIVE + CRACKED ACTOR Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 9:30pm. THE MONGS Famous Blue Raincoat, South Kingsville. 7:30pm. THE WILD COMFORTS + ATOMIC HI-TONES + DJ MARKY MOON Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm. THREE KINGS Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. TRACY MCNIEL + SAINT JUDE + SEAN MCMAHONS WESTERN UNION Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $12. TRAVELLER & FORTUNE + ALEX LASHLIE + OLIVERS ARMY + TODD SIBBIN Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:00pm.
SUNDAY DEC 1 JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC
BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE The Horn African Music Lounge, Collingwood. 6:00pm. BROOKLYNS FINEST + PURPLE TUSKS + THAT GOLD STREET SOUND Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 7:00pm. $8. ELVIS IN THE HOUSE + DUO SEVERINI Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 1:00pm. JAZZ VOCAL SESSIONS 303, Northcote. 2:00pm. $5. JOE O’CONNOR SEXTET Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. OZ BIG BAND Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 6:00pm. $16. SLEEPING BAG + STANDING TALL Open Studio, Northcote. 7:00pm. VINCS & WAKELING Famous Blue Raincoat, South Kingsville. 2:00pm.
CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 53
GIG GUIDE
WHAT'S ON AROUND MELBOURNE THIS WEEK
THE PUSH
+ BEAT PRESENT... whatson@thepush.com.au
For all the latest gigs check out beat.com.au
ACCESS ALL AGES Wednesday November 27, 2013 With Claire Barley
DAVEY LANE Dream-pop extraordinaire Davey Lane is hitting the road for his Davey Lane Show tour this week. It will be the second tour from the You Am I guitarist since September, further cementing him as one of Australia’s hardest working musicians. Back in September, Lane released his highly lauded debut EP The Good Borne Of Bad Tymes, which spurred triple j hit You’re The Cops I’m The Crime. This tour will be the last time Lane will hit the road this year before he bunkers down to create his debut LP for next year. Davey Lane will be performing at Yah Yahs on Sunday December 1. DALE RYDER BAND + DJ PAZ + GARY EASTWOOD EXPRESS Espy, St Kilda. 5:30pm. DOG TRUMPET Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 1:30pm. $20. FIRST DAY OF SUMMER FIESTA POOL PARTY - FEAT: THE VOLCANIKS + STRETCH ‘N THE TRUTH Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 2:00pm. GUITAR WOLF + MACH PELICAN + MUSCLE BEACH + THE SPAZZYS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 7:30pm. HIGH VOLTAGE ROCK SCHOOL Wesley Anne, Northcote. 4:00pm. $10. JOHNNY GIBSON & THE HANGOVERS + JAMES R BUTT & THE CRUEL WORLD POETS + THE BONNIE DOONS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. LECHEROUS GAZE + EVIL WAYS + HYDROMEDUSA + THE ONYAS + TRADE Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 6:00pm. $20. MARTHA DAVIS & THE MOTELS - FEAT: MATHA DAVIS & THE MOTELS Corner Hotel, Richmond. 6:30pm. $59. MOUNTAIN GOAT BEERSOAKED SUNDAYS - FEAT: SUN GOD REPLICA + SPERMAIDS + WICKED CITY Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $8. MOUTHPLUG + DIRTY BURD + ROSERVELT + THE DEAD ELECTED Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 3:00pm. $5. NEVERMIND THE BOLLOCKS - FEAT: BIG DAMO ALL STARS Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 2:00pm. $15. SOLID JULIE Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. SUSY BLUE + ANNE OF THE WOLVES + OH DEANNA Workers Club, Fitzroy. 2:00pm. $12. TASTE OF INDIE COLLECTIVE PRESENTS - FEAT: WATERLINE + ASHBURY MEDICINE SHOW + MICHAEL YULE Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm. TYPHOON FUNDRAISER - FEAT: ENDA KENNY + PREIESTESSA + SOL NATION + THE BROKEN SWEETHEART Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 2:28am. $12. SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND Wesley Anne, Northcote. 2:00pm. $8. SUNDAY SINGER-SONGWRITER SESSIONS - FEAT: DAVE DIPROSE + BARRY CALLISTER Chandelier Room, Moorabbin. 4:00pm. TARNATION Penny Black, Brunswick. 5:00pm. THE KIERON MCDONALD COMBO Gem Bar, Collingwood. 8:00pm. THE LUAU COWBOYS Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 4:00pm. THE LUCKY WONDERS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:00pm. THE REVELATORS The Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 3:00pm. $20. TIM MCCALLUM + ALEX RATHGEBER + EZEKIAL OX + MARINA PRIOR + NONI MCCALLUM James Tatoulis Auditorium, Kew. 2:30pm. UNDER THE ANNEXE - FEAT: CHRISTINA GANGEMI + JOJO POVITRO Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 3:00pm. $10. WHITAKER + BLUE SUN + ROSCOE JAMES IRWIN Workers Club, Fitzroy. 2:00pm.
ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK
EAST BRUNSWICK FOLK CLUB Whole Lotta Love, East Brunswick . 3:00pm. 8 BALL AITKEN Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 4:00pm. ADAM SIMMONS VS BRIAN O’DWYER + FLUTES + GELAREH POUR & MICK TREMBATH Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 3:03pm. AINTREE SWEET Royal Oak Hotel, Fitzroy North. 3:00pm. ALEX ARONSTEN - FEAT: ALEX ARONSTON Thornbury Local, Thornbury. 5:00am. ALEX LLOYD + THE YOUNG LIONS Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury. 6:00pm. $35. ARCHIE ROACH (CREATION LAUNCH) Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 3:30pm. $32. CHECKERBOARD Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 3:00pm. $10. CHERRY BLUES - FEAT: THREE KINGS + DJ MAX CRAWDADDY Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 2:00pm. $5. COOPERS PRESENTS SUNDAY SCHOOL - FEAT: PERTH + ERMINE COAT + HOLY LOTUS + P BIBBY + PRETTY GOOD SEX The Public Bar, North Melbourne. 3:00pm. $6. DALE WATSON & HIS LONESTARS + COLD HEART Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 6:30pm. $49. DAN WARNERS’ RRR BBQ BAND Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 5:30pm. DAVE WRIGHT Victoria Hotel, Brunswick. 4:00pm. JAM SUNDAYS Musicland, Fawkner. 5:00pm. JAMIE HAY + JESS LOCKE + TOM LANYON Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 3:00pm. LISA SPYKERS RECITAL Wesley Anne, Northcote. 12:30pm. MANDY CONNELL & THE STRAY HENS Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick. 5:00pm. MARLON WILLIAMS + FINGERBONE BILL Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 4:00pm. NEIL HAMBURGER - FEAT: NELIN HAMBURGER + DR EL SUAVO + JEAN LIZZER + SARAH JEAN Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $26. OPA 303, Northcote. 8:30pm. $5. PEPPERJACK + GROOVE PROVIDA + JOSH CASHMAN Penny Black, Brunswick. 3:00pm.
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 54
PHIL PARA Bay Hotel, Mornington. 3:00pm. SAMANTHA RAMSEY Dan O’connell Hotel, Carlton. 5:00pm. TAGO’S MIXED GRILL Tago Mago, Thornbury. 4:00pm. THE MARGIE LOU TRIO + GIL ASKEY Claypots Tavern & Fair, St Kilda. 3:30pm. THE NICK O’MARA BAND Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. THIN GREEN LINE FUNDRAISER - FEAT: DAVE GRANEY + DAN WATERS + NICK BARKER + OH PEP + RATTLIN’ BONES BLACKWOOD + SKYSCRAPER STAN Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 2:00pm. WILLOW Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 4:30pm.
THE JUNGLE GIANTS Originating from Brisbane, The Jungle Giants have made headlines with their recent debut LP Learn to Exist; a charismatic indie-pop album that has spent two weeks in the top spot on the AIR Independent Label Album Chart and debuted at #20 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Be ready to contemplate your existence this November as The Jungle Giants hit up the Prince Bandroom on Friday November 29.
JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC
INDIE/ ROCK/ POP/ METAL/ PUNK & COVERS
AUDEGO + FRIENDSHIPS + MARTIN KING Boney, Melbourne. 7:30pm. CHERRY JAM - FEAT: THE WALKING DEAD + FULTON ST + GREAT REVOLUTION + THE OUTSIDERS Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. JUSTIN BEIBER Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. 7:00pm. MONDAY NIGHT MASS - FEAT: WITCH HATS + ORANGE + PAGEANTS Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 6:00pm.
ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK
DEAR MONDAY - FEAT: SOPHIE ROSE + JANE MCARTHUR + NICK SAXON + ZACK BUCANAN Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:00pm. FIIG + CINDY SAVAGE + KINCH KINSKI Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 8:00pm. HIGH VOLTAGE ROCK SCHOOL Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm. $10. PORT PHILLIP GILGAMESH READINGS Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 7:30pm. UNPAVED 50TH SONGWRITER SESSIONS - FEAT: SWEET JEAN + BROOKE RUSSELL + HARRY HOOKEY + WEEPING WILLOWS Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $5.
TUESDAY DEC 3 INDIE/ ROCK/ POP/ METAL/ PUNK & COVERS
JUSTIN BEIBER Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. 7:00pm. KUMAR SHOME & THE PUNKAWALLAHS + KARATE BOOGALOO + THE PUTBACKS Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $20. PAUL LAINE + DJ BOBBY LOU Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. SECRET INTERNATIONAL BAND Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $20. THE APRIL MAZE + BENNY WALKER Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $10.
JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC
FORREST HILL SECONDARY & MONASH SCIENCE Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 7:00pm. $14. HI-FI LOUNGE LIZARDS Claypots Tavern & Fair, St Kilda. 9:00pm. LEIGH BARKER & TTHE NEW SHEIKS - FEAT: LEIGH BARKER & THE NEW SHEIKS Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. ORGRIN GULINA & WHYTE TRIO Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. PETER BAYLOR’S ULTRAFOX Claypots Evening Star, Melbourne. 7:30pm. JAMES MCCANN John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:00pm. JUNIOR BOWLES Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. KLUB MUK 303, Northcote. 7:30pm. OPEN MIC Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 7:30pm. OPEN MIC Wesley Anne, Northcote. 7:00pm
ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK
CHARLES JENKINS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm. KLUB MUK 303, Northcote. 7:30pm. MOULIN BEIGE Wesley Anne, Northcote. 7:30pm. OPEN MIC Empress Hotel, North Fitzroy. 7:30pm. THE BRUNSWICK HOTEL DISCOVERY NIGHT - FEAT: THE WALNUTS + DAVY SIMONY + PASTRY CHEFS Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm.
This weekend sees the second last heat of the Victorian Skatepark League’s Western Series. Taking place at Epping Skate Escape, the competition involves divisions for all age groups and is of course open to both ladies and gents. The Western series involved comps at ten different skate parks across the state. If you fancy yourself as the next Tony Hawk, hit up the league’s facebook site at www.facebook.com/ SkateParkLeagues. For entry details, head to www. skatepark.ymca.org.au. Hardcore fans are spoiled for choice this weekend, with the likes of Cedron, Make Them Suffer and Neck Deep all performing. As is often the case with shows at Wrangler Studios, Cedron and Neck Deep’s shows will also involve a generous amount of support acts. Full details are included below.
MONDAY DEC 2 ALLAN BROWNE’S SEXTET NOUVELLE Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne. 8:30pm. $15. PREHIL & ROD WATERMAN Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 7:00pm. $14. SIMON MILMAN & THE SNAKE CHARMERS + CONVENTION + PAT THIELE QUARTET 303, Northcote. 9:00pm. $8.
A massive high five to anyone who came along Face The Music last weekend! The conference was a huge success, with all sessions well attended. The conference involved over 44 different panels, presentations, discussions, workshops and networking sessions geared towards helping young people, and over 140 professionals from the music industry were on hand to offer their advice. Mushroom Group Chairman Michael Gudinski, who spoke at the event, said his biggest push is to “see that things like [Face The Music] expand and that some new exciting young people get a chance to work in the business". Over 180 people volunteered their time to support the event. Keep an eye out for how to get involved next year!
MUSICIANS WANTED
SOLO MUSICIANS, DUO’S, BANDS WANTED to play at Acoustics Anonymous Thursday Nights at The 86. Starting with open mic from 7pm and live band sets from 9pm. Open Mic - just rock up from 6pm, gig spots email drink@the86.com.au with bio, pics and sound demo. BANDS/ACTS WANTED for Espy Shows. Shoot an email through to mark@gunnmusic.com.au for more details. BATTLE OF THE BANDS. Registration now, starts Wednesday the 28th Dec and every Wednesday after for 8 week. First prize: recording time in a studio. Call Jesse 0411 803 579 FEMALE SINGER WANTED for all girl rock band. Working through agencies. We require a singer with a pro attitude and presence. Playing covers & originals. Influences: Blondie, Veronicas, Bangles, Pat Benetar, Divinyls. Call Ian: 0412 936 816 GUITARIST WANTED. For pop/rock originals band. Contact Phil: 0421 901 530. www.zeffamusic.com WANTED: BASS. Fishing enthusiast is looking for a bass. Must have own rig. Contact fishtheband@ youmail.com
It’s also an exciting time for out and proud/ closet Justin Bieber fans, with the young singer performing at Rod Laver Arena on both Monday and Tuesday. Supporting him will be Australia’s very own Cody Simpson. People who will be in the vicinity of the Arena on either day should prepare themselves for screaming girls and general mass hysteria.
ALL AGES TIMETABLE WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 27 Open Mic/Jam Night, Musicland, 1359A Sydney Rd, Fawkner, 7pm, free, www.musiclandonline.com.au THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28 City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services and Access All Abilities Committee Summer Festival w/ Talent Quest, face painting, jewellery making, T shirt design, MCing, BBQ, circus workshop and amusement games, The Castle, Hemmings Park, Princes Hwy, Danenong, 11am, free, 9793 2155 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29 Neck Deep w/ Forever Ends Here, Trophy Eyes, The Playbook, Outlines and The Spinset, Wrangler Studios, 8C Whitely Parade, West Footscray, 6pm, $25.50, www.oztix.com.au
SERVICES
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30 Jedward w/ support, Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda, 7pm, $84.90, www.ticketmaster.com.au
EMPLOYMENT
End of the Line Festival w/ Drunell, Live to the Beat (Hip Hop Crew), and Stencil / Graffiti Art Work, Belgrave Township, 10am, free, www. endofthelinefestival.com
FREE VENUE HIRE - Fully stocked bar - Huge capacity, whole venue or partial. Call Jesse 0411 803 579 EXPERIENCED BAND MANAGER WANTED for a hard working rock band based in Melbourne CBD. We play originals and covers, gig regularly and tour both nationally and internationally. Serious opportunity, if you’re experienced contact Ben: 0433 325 082 FLAUNT IT. Internationally acclaimed producer of pro-feminist 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
MUSIC LESSONS. Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano and Vocals. Great Teachers, great Vibes. Visit www. katzmusic.com.au or call 9530 0984 or 0425 788 252 for more info.
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SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 BackStage: All Ages Gig, Musicland, 1359A Sydney Rd, Fawkner, 7.30pm, $10, www.musiclandonline. com.au Cedron w/ Driven To The Verge, Silent Rose, Refraction and Shallow Grave, Wrangler Studios, 8C Whitely Parade, West Footscray, 2pm, $12, www. destroyalllines.com Make them suffer w/ Stories, Glorified and Locals, Ringwood OLP, 2 Wilana Street, Ringwood, 2pm, $15.30, www.oztix.com.au MONDAY 2- TUESDAY DECEMBER 3 Justin Bieber w/ Cody Simpson, Rod Laver Arena, Batman Ave, Melbourne, 7.30pm, $98.85$494.20, www.ticketek.com.au
CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 55
THE LOCAL
A PLACE TO CALL HOME
For more information or ad bookings call Thom on 9428 3600
VENUE PROFILE
THE CATFISH
History: Built back in the late 1800s, the building has been many things from a boarding house, a lolly shop and a Chinese laundry. Most recently it has been a bar and live music venue (Gertrude’s Brown Couch). Open: We’ve been here for six days! Major attraction: Great selection of well-priced local and international craft beers (12 taps), a relaxed vibe and good tunes. Sunday: 12pm – 1am Live music nights: At the moment every Friday night from 10pm till late we have free funk/soul bands playing. Soon, Mondays and Sundays will start up, and eventually Thursday and Saturday. So music lovers watch this space!
Cover: Not generally. Maybe for the occasional band, but so far all music will be free.
How to get here: The 112 to Brunswick St and hop off at the corner of Gertrude, or the 86 or 96 and hop off at the corner of Nicholson and Gertrude. Otherwise it’s a short walk from Parliament Station and Spring St.
Food: Get ready because coming soon, Sparrow’s will be opening up inside the venue five days a week and they will be open till late. Serving the best Cheese Steaks out side Philly, their menu looks outstanding so keep your eyes and ears peeled. (Yes, vegos will be looked after.)
Functions: Our band room has its own bar and holds about 120 people so give us a call and see if we can help. Crowd: Very mixed! Some good locals already and all around generally relaxed crowd from lovers of good beer, music fans, after work and before or after dinner groups. Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 3pm – 1am Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 1am
Known for: Good booze without pretension. Ever-changing craft beers and the perfect place for a Sunday morning ‘Muddy Mary’ – because Sundays shouldn’t start until midday. PHONE: (03) 94176420 ADDRESS: 30 Gertrude st, Fitzroy ONLINE: facebook.com/thecatfishfitzroy
BACKSTAGE
THE PLACE FOR MUSICIANS
For more information or ad bookings call Aleksei on 9428 3600
EDUCATION PROFILE
JMC ACADEMY
JMC Academy is celebrating 30 years in tertiary education and still remains Australia’s leading Creative Industries institution. The Academy offers a wide range of Degrees and Diplomas including Audio Engineering, Music Performance, Entertainment Business Management, 3D Animation, Game Design and Film & Television Production. We caught up with JMC for some insight into their Audio Courses. What skills can students hope to acquire from JMC Academy’s Audio Engineering and Sound Production courses? As a student at JMC Academy, you will gain in-depth knowledge into the operational and technical aspects of the audio production industry, with particular emphasis on production, editing, recording and mixing. During the course, students will also undertake studies in analogue and digital recording, studio operation, live PA, post production for television and video, acoustic design, electronics, music editing for picture, and midi sequencing. In addition to the audio specific units, students will also cover the business fundamentals of the industry.
with vigour, a comprehensive and well structured curriculum and incomparable facility upgrades. Over this time, JMC Academy has earned the respect of industry leaders such as Yamaha, Shure Microphones, JVC, and Jands enabling our students to train in the highest quality of audio equipment. JMC Academy’s audio courses are seriously production based and will position you for a solid career path in the international audio industry.
What sort of positions are graduates qualified to work in? By combining the fundamental audio principles with practical application and training on a range of equipment styles, students graduate with the ability and flexibility to undertake a wide range of industry projects. A few examples include Music Producer, Studio Engineer, Production Coordinator, Mastering Engineer, Stage Technician, AV Specialist and Radio Content Producer to name just a few.
JMC Academy is now accepting applications for enrolments for their February intake. Contact their Melbourne campus to speak to a Student Recruitment Advisor today.
At which Australian campuses are you located? JMC Academy has three campuses located in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Students are able to transfer between campuses throughout their Audio degree.
PHONE: 1300 410 311 WEBSITE: jmcacademy.edu.au
Why are these audio courses unique? An enviable reputation! JMC Academy has been delivering courses in Audio Engineering for over 30 years, responding to changes in the industry BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 56
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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 57
LIVE
REPORTS FROM THE FRONT ROW
For more reviews go to beat.com.au/reviews I OH YOU FOURTH BIRTHDAY PARTY Flagstaff Station, Saturday November 16 Tickets to the I OH YOU party were amongst the most coveted of this year’s Melbourne Music Week festival, with the hot little spots selling out weeks ago – way before lots of us even knew the thing was on. How did I get in there, you ask? Fuck you, that’s how. The four young lads who began their Mushroom affiliated label followed faithfully to their tradition (famously begun when they needed to pay the gas bill at their Richmond sharehouse four years ago) of throwing innovative, warm and chaotic parties. Flagstaff Station honestly looked like an ‘80s movie’s high school prom hall. With chintzy silver streamers lining nearly everything, the updraft from the underground platforms made the whole thing shimmer crazily like it was underwater. While the not-actually-built-for-good-sound space sometimes made the noise a little tinny, the best part about having the party down there was the air circulation. I cannot tell you how fresh and perfect it felt walking through the barriers and into that vaulted foyer. The smoke machine seemed to carry Neon Love’s airy vocals right through your hair early on in the night, and their three-part harmonies were heavenly. The place started to fill up when Acolyte began some seriously juicy jams, with lots of ‘90s tambo going on and that kind of husky narrative that Sophie B. Hawkins is so swell at. City Calm Down sent everyone into fits of joyous flailing, and Northeast Party House seemed to use the odd sound configurations to their absolute benefit; synths and vocals meshed into this awesome, beat-laden daydream. This review has been heavy on the light and airy allusions, but when final headliners Gold Fields and Yacht Club DJs careened out we finally realised we were actually underground, kind of like Zion in The Matrix Reloaded but with less hemp trousers. LOVED: Everyone was so goddamn happy Stomping, wheeling fun in a sea of legends. Well done I OH YOU, to be there HATED: I think it was the first time I’ve and happy birthday. gone to a train station bathroom DRANK: Cans of beer, aw yiss ZOE RADAS
SINGHALA’S MELBOURNE MUSIC REVUE The Residence, Tuesday November 19
CHERRYFEST Cherry Bar, Sunday November 24 CherryFest is Melbourne’s premier boutique rock’n’roll festival. It feels weird to describe CherryFest as a boutique festival as this descriptor seems foreign when used in context to 600-plus mostly bearded, black t-shirted punters (one in three having a buxom leather clad babe hanging off their arm). By all accounts, and the overall feel, this was the biggest turnout to grace the lane in its ten-year relationship with Cherry Bar. This stretch of narrow road, that nine years ago was renamed* AC/DC Lane – after much lobbying by the owners headed up by the visionary James Young – was packed by 4pm when Swedish psychedelic revivalists Blues Pills took to the main laneway stage. The young Swedish four-piece – all under 23 – performed a flawless 45 minute set of undulating and rich guitar music. Angelic blonde-haired and blue-eyed female singer Elin Larsoon’s petite stature belies her powerful voice. The rock cry during Devil Man was so uplifting that it had random punters cheers-ing each other for the sake of it. From this point the scheduling of the laneway stage was flawless. After Blues Pills were Berlin locals, metal purists, Kadavar. While not reinventing the wheel their Black Sabbath-inspired rock wooed each punter’s hips into smooth zig zag and raised fists. Major heritage drawcard Powder Monkeys were the key anchor to a festival that’s – while welcoming the aforementioned international talent – main motivation is a celebration of Melbourne’s thriving rock scene. Their penultimate set of the night was transcendent, nostalgic and, most of all, rocking. Powder Monkeys were the coolest of the cool in the early ‘90s and tonight’s set felt like a time warp back to their heyday, even with guest vocals (original vocalist Tim Hemensley passed away in 2002). Another act making a comeback of sorts was Legends Of Motorsport who during their set on the Cherry Bar stage reminded punters what a ‘hard’ rock band sounds like. As anticipated the headliner, California’s The BellRays, was the ‘cherry’ on top of an amazing day of music. Lisa Kekaula and co lived up to the proclamation on their Facebook page ‘punk is preacher, blues is the teacher’ as their set careered through the band’s 12 album career. The impeccably tight rhythm section created the bed for guitarist Bob Vennum’s jangling guitar and Kekaula’s roaring soul vocals. The BellRay’s set, and the festival for that matter, ended with a roaring rendition of AC/DC’s Highway To Hell that saw James Young joining The BellRay’s onstage to sing the chorus. As the crowd dispersed there was some talk that this was the last CherryFest due to the looming residential building nearing completion at the end of AC/DC Lane but I heard from a very reliable source that the council has approved festivals in the lane two Sundays a year – regardless of LOVED: Blues Pills and Kadavar’s what the new residents want. merchandise *Ironically, the lane was formerly known as ‘Corporation Lane’ HATED: The fact I had work the next day DRANK: From the fountain of rock DAN WATT
PANTHA DU PRINCE Melbourne Recital Centre, Monday November 18 Melbourne Music Week’s only performance at Southbank’s state of the art Melbourne Recital Centre was Pantha Du Prince & The Bell Laboratory. And from the moment Hendrik Weber and his four percussionists entered the theatre holding invented Sanctus bells, the attention of the higgledy mob of hipsters, clubbers and music buffs was captured. For 20 minutes prior to the headline act’s performance, German act Oval (Markus Popp) performed his seminal glitch. While on paper the perfect support, considering Popp is credited with evolving ambient into glitch back in the early ‘90s, tonight he just looked like a scrubbily-dressed rave refugee doing something (or nothing) on an unseen computer. In stark contrast, Weber’s bell-heavy collusion with four Scandinavian classically trained bell/percussion players and a drummer was the epitome of dance music made real. There was a vibraphone player that also played tubular bells; a marimba player who also played xylophone, Balinese gongs and all other sorts of gongs that substituted the carillon; a glockenspiel player and another who played a steel drum, toy bells, and electronic effects. This moment was best captured in the encore when he played Lay In Shimmer from the Pantha Du Prince album Black Noise. Hendrik and his fellow apron-clad musicians transformed this already mind-blowing piece of ambient house into triumph of monolithic aural stimulation. The overall musical vibe of the evening was transcendent and uplifting with the refrain of Spectral Split – from the collaborations album Elements Of Light – providing the most profound moment for listeners. LOVED: The uplifting tonal arrangements As the headline act of Melbourne Music Week, Pantha du Prince and HATED: Myself for taking notes down on The Bell Laboratory embodied the future of music while still paying my phone and interrupting the dark of the tribute to its past. audience. DENVER MAXX
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 58
DRANK: Culture
In just three short years, Singhala Music have collected and selected a roster of artists that is something truly special. All killer, no filler. Amongst them are award winners and critical darlings with reputations for incendiary live performances. The various genres cover a lot of ground, but their collective knack for a chorus is another thing they al have in common. So it’s slightly curious, but also fairly logical that Courtney Barnett and Fraser A. Gorman share the first set. Their best laconic inner city observations are on display tonight for a pairing that’s almost too good to be a one-off. The Frowning Clouds do fuzzed out space cadet rock just as well as they do cheeky onstage banter, and they do cheeky onstage banter really well. There are a few sideways glances from the crowd, suggesting that not everyone appreciates the snark. But it’s all part of the show, one that barely waits for a song to end before the next one is clicked in. Tightly wound as a fresh guitar string, Krautrock-indebted quartet Baptism Of Uzi deliver a lean set that, in a perfect world, would have been at least…15 times longer. The vocal performances aren’t as pitch perfect as the guitar noodling and duelling, but much like the entire set there’s an economy to its application. I can confess to underestimating Harmony before they started – the only act I wasn’t familiar with – and their howling vocal assault knocked me on my arse before the first song ended. The audience is split between those who rush to hear the band’s caterwaul and those who cower near the bar. And on the matter of divisiveness, we have Ambrose’s harmonica playing with The Murlocs. The band’s snarling fits of garage rock are wonderful as ever, but this isn’t Guns & Roses, and that blues harp is not Slash’s guitar – every spare second doesn’t need to be filled by one of three or four blues licks. At this stage of the night, with wave after wave of relentlessly good music, some memories start to blur that don’t make much sense later Was it Dan Kelly’s Dream Band that pulled off a hypnotic light LOVED: Tight schedule packs an awful show? Was Robin Fox responsible for a set that went from garage lot in rock to Indian raga to bubblegum pop, sometimes in the same song? HATED: Tight schedule packs an awful Did King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard namecheck Bindi Irwin lot in and the Christian Right? The fact that all of those things may or may DRANK: White Sangria. Clearly I am not have happened means you probably had a very good night running out of options MITCHELL ALEXANDER
NOISEY MOUNTAIN II The Residence, Monday November 18 Oh crud, Monday. Monday, Monday, Monday. What was all that about? Truly terrible. And we have four more of these until the weekend? Unacceptable. We’re going to need something to pull focus away from the looming week – how about a rock’n’roll party? Brisbane’s Blank Realm are not the most technically proficient band you’ll ever see, but they do know how to have a good time. Their sound? Falling somewhere between New Zealand jangle and American New Wave…The Cars and The Bats. Batcar! Blank Realm are both loose and tightly wound simultaneously, resulting in an unpredictable and energising set that could go down the pathway choppy guitars or a dancey middle eight without warning. And let’s not forget Dan Spencer doubling on drums and vocal duties – known in the industry as ‘Don Henley-ing it’. By the third or fourth time that Johann Rashid, the man in charge of keyboards and shouting into a microphone, bounds up on top of the walls of speakers, you sense that this Home Travel spot is more performance art set to music than a set. Ignorance be damned, I’m going to say that it’s weird viewing some lanky kid awkwardly dancing through the crowd accompanied by giant electro drum beats and droning bass lines. Entertaining and in line with the oh-so-hip crowd, but weird nonetheless. But if Home Travel required a semiotics and media studies degree to understand, you could scrape through with a primary school education for The UV Race. There’s not too much to get here – a wall of guitars and vocals snarling at each other and the audience in a bid to place first in the ‘I’m the loudest!’ competition. Importantly though, it’s like a B-12 shot for the crowd that inch closer to the meaty punk chords until it’s right on top of them. And a saxophone is prominent throughout, which I’m hoping is a respectful nod to The Stooges but could just as much be in tribute to Men At Work. Before Noisey Mountain II casts you out into the cold, bleak Monday-ness of the world, how about some slugs of slacker power pop courtesy of Mikal Cronin and his longhaired friends? Cronin and his extras from the casting couch of Dazed & Confused don’t play live as polished and glistening as the recorded product – too many uneven sound mixes and drowned out guitar lines for that – but the foundation is strong and holds throughout. Noisey Mountain LOVED:The ‘let’s learn it onstage’ II is not the packed-to-the-gills, had-to-be-there event that Noisey minimalism of The UV Race Mountain I was, but there was a little dancing dude and plenty of HATED: The dirt and dust of the venue good music. tribute to its past. doing a number on my sneakers MITCHELL ALEXANDER
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DRANK: Sapporo