M E L B O U R N E R E C I TA L C E N T R E P R E S E N T S
M I C H A E L G I R A S O LO (SWANS/ANGELS OF LIGHT)
A rare solo performance, Gira's first in almost a decade. An intense and personal vision of contemporary song. ‘For Gira, going acoustic is about drawing out the dynamics, the drama and threat of his music by slicing it to the bare bone.’ The Guardian
TUE 8 MARCH 7.30PM TICKETS $50
T W E E D Y Wilco front-man Jeff Tweedy and his son Spencer are the father/son duo Tweedy. Tweedy and band perform their debut album Sukierae plus highlights from the amazing catalogues of both Wilco and Uncle Tupelo. ‘Jeff is a songwriter not shy about tackling the big songs or the big ideas, and rightfully taking his place among the very best of rock ‘n’ roll history.’ – Consequence of Sound
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Monday Residency 7.30pm
Moreland City Soul revue Get on board the soul train and check out this allstar cast of musos playing old soul and soulful funk. PLUS: Check out the dinner special: Moreland City Soul Revue fried chicken dinner. Every Monday night at the Union!
Sat 27 February 5pm
Jed rowe
Twisted folk, bluesy country wanderings and edgy bluegrass.
Sat 27 February 9pm
the handSoMe BaStardS 9pm alt-country stylings from the devilishly handsome. Led by Shane O’Mara.
Sun 28 February 3.30pm
tiM ireland
Compelling lyrics, a whisky-rich voice, and acoustic guitar.
Sun 28 February 5pm
Silver Canoe
Affiliates of Pony Face, Hired Guns and the Underground Lovers sit, spin and knock it all around.
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PUBLISHER: Furst Media Pty Ltd. MUSIC EDITOR: Cara Williams ACTING ARTS EDITOR, ASSOCIATE MUSIC EDITOR & ONLINE EDITOR: James Di Fabrizio SUB EDITOR: Augustus Welby ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE & EDITORIAL COORDINATORS: Thom Parry EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: Cassie Hedger, Gloria Brancatisano, Jess Zanoni, Kate Eardley, Bel Ryan. MANAGING DIRECTOR, FURST MEDIA: Patrick Carr BEAT PRODUCTION MANAGER: Michael Cusack GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Michael Cusack, Andrew Rozen, Lizzie Dynon. COVER DESIGN: Michael Cusack ADVERTISING: Cara Williams (Music: Bands/Tours/Record Labels) cara@beat.com.au Thom Parry (Hospitality/Bars) thom@beat.com.au Keats Mulligan (Backstage/Musical Equipment) mixdown@beat.com.au Tom Brand tombrand@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 ACCOUNTANT: accountant@furstmedia.com.au OFFICE MANAGER: Lizzie Dynon ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: Luke Forester: accounts@furstmedia.com.au DISTRIBUTION: Free every Wednesday to over 2000 points around Melbourne. Wanna get BEAT? Email distribution@beat.com.au CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Mary Boukouvalas, Ben Gunzburg, Anna Kanci, Charles Newbury, Tony Proudfoot, Laura May Grogan, David Harris, Emily Day, Lucinda Goodwin, Dan Soderstrom. SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Christie Eliezer SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR: Patrick Emery SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER: Ian Laidlaw COLUMNISTS: Emily Kelly, Peter Hodgson, Lachlan Kanoniuk, Anna Whitelaw BEAT TV/WATT’S ON PRESENTER: Dan Watt CONTRIBUTORS: Kelsey Berry, Graham Blackley, Gloria Brancatisano, Chris Bright, Avrille Bylock-Collard, Alexander Crowden, Liza Dezfouli, Jules Douglas, Jack Franklin, Emma Gawd, Chris Girdler, Joe Hansen, Nick Hilton, Peter Hodgson, Lachlan Kanoniuk, Cassandra Kiely, Billy Killing, Jody Macgregor, Nick Mason, Denver Maxx, Krystal Maynard, Paul McBride, Miki Mclay, Rhys McRae, James Nicoli, Adam Norris, Jack Parsons, Leigh Salter, Sisqo Taras, Kelly Theobald, Tamara Vogl, Dan Watt, Augustus Welby, Garry Westmore, Rod Whitfield, Jen Wilson, Thomas Brand, Alex Watts, Tyson Wray, David James Young, Bronius Zumeris, Simone Ubaldi, Natalie Rogers, James Di Fabrizio, Tex Miller, Emily Day, Matthew Tomich, Matthew Woods, Matilda Edwards, Lee Spencer Michaelsen, Joe Hansen, John Kendall, Bel Ryan, Izzy Tolhurst, Isabelle Oderberg, Navarone Farrell 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.
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Free $hit LITTLE MAY ANNOUNCE 2016 MELBOURNE SHOW
MSO TO PERFORM INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARC The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Arc live in concert, recreating the entire score in real time as the film plays overhead. Spielberg’s first Indiana Jones film has attracted a cult following since its premiere in the early ‘80s, winning five Academy Awards and remaining one of the highest-grossing films ever made. Conductor Benjamin Northey will bring John Williams’ iconic score to life, leading the full symphony orchestra for the event. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Arc live in concert on Friday November 4 and Saturday November 5 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre. Get your tickets through MSO.
Little May have locked in a Melbourne show off the back of their biggest national tour yet. The album saw the group take on an international tour. Now, the trio are back on home soil gearing up for their biggest national tour to date. Last October, the band enlisted the help of 11 of their favourite local artists to visually interpret the songs of their debut album for an art exhibition in Sydney. This time around they’ve launched their #artforthecompany tour poster competition, inviting designers and visual artists to create their own poster artwork for the upcoming tour. Little May will play Max Watts on Friday May 13. Tickets are on sale through the venue.
BRIxTON CLOTHING PRIZE PACK Brixton Broadcast is on its way to Melbourne. The global free event series, spearheaded by clothing label Brixton will touch down at the Tote with an all-star lineup, including Beaches, The UV Race, Ausmuteants, The Living Eyes, ORB, Swim Team and more. To celebrate, our pals at Brixton are giving away a heap of clothing worth $250. So if your wardrobe is looking a little sparse, visit www. beat.com.au/freeshit to win.
BAR
ELLIE GOULDING TO HIT UP MELBOURNE IN 2016
WEDNESDAY 24 FEBRUARY
OPEN MIC
Show the Boogie Man what you’ve got! THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY
LESS SWEET TIME BAJA BLEEDERS FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY
STEVE LUCAS Happy Hour from 5pm
$5 Stubbies and $5 basic spirits THEN
ANDY LAYFIELD SOUND MATT STILLER SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY
MUD TRAIN (CD LAUNCH)
ALEX TAYLOR EXPERIENCE AFTER WORK HAPPY HOUR FROM 5PM:
WED, THURS & FRI 160 HODDLE ST ABBOTSFORD
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JORDIE LANE LOCKS IN SINGLE LAUNCH After months of taking on the international touring circuit, Melbourne’s own Jordie Lane is returning home to launch his latest single. Titled Frederick Steele McNeil Ferguson, the single is the first taste of Lane’s forthcoming album. He’ll be backed by his full band for the first time in over two years. It’s been a rigorous few years for Lane, who has taken his music to festivals across the globe including Philadelphia Folk Festival and Celtic Connections alongside taking part in The Beatles: Rubber Soul Revolver tour with Marlon Williams and Husky. Jordie Lane will launch Frederick Steele McNeil Ferguson at The Gasometer Hotel on Friday March 18. Tickets via Oztix.
MODERN BASEBALL Pennsylvanian pop punk lads Modern Baseball are getting ready to hit Melbourne off the back of a national tour. The announcement comes ahead of their highly anticipated upcoming album, Holy Ghost - a follow up from 2014’s You’re Gonna Miss It All. Tickets sold out in 24-hours for their Saturday April 9 show, though the band have announced a second swing at The Reverence on Sunday April 10. Get in quick before they’re all snapped up, tickets are on sale now via the venue.
Grammy-nominated artist Ellie Goulding is heading to Melbourne off the back of her critically acclaimed album, Delirium. Her latest record spawned the track Love Me Like You Do, breaking the world record for the most streamed song in a single week and ultimately charting at #1 in over 80 countries. As well as collaborations with Major Lazer and Calvin Harris, Goulding has been praised for her performances at Coachella, Lollapalooza and Glastonbury festivals. Ellie Goulding will take over Rod Laver Arena on Saturday October 8. Tickets through Ticketek.
AUDIOJACK TO PLAY PIKNIC ELECTRONIK Leeds based duo Audiojack will return to Australia this March for a trio of shows in Melbourne, rural Victoria and Sydney. The DJ and production outfit made up of Richard Burkinshaw and James Rial have spent the last decade touring the world, taking over dance floors at some of the world’s best known clubs including Kater Holzig, Ritter Butzke & Watergate in Berlin, Paris’ Rex Club, Harry Klein in Munich and Electric Pickle in Miami. Their Melbourne return will see the pair headline Piknic Electronik, a weekly summer series first started in Montreal that returned to Australia this January. Audiojack will take over Federation Square on Sunday, March 6. Snap up tickets on the Piknic Electronik website.
THE SWORD REVEAL INTIMATE 2016 MELBOURNE SHOW American heavy metal legends The Sword have announced an intimate Melbourne show to coincide with their upcoming national tour. It marks their highly anticipated return to Australia after their critically acclaimed fifth album, High Country, following on from support slots with Metallica and performances at both the 2011 and 2013 Soundwave festivals. They’ll be joined by Two Headed Dog and Devil Electric. It’s happening at Cherry Bar on Sunday February 28. Tickets are on sale now through the Cherry Bar website. HOT TALK
BOOGIE FESTIVAL ADDS MORE ACTS TO LINEUP Boogie Festival has now added three more Melbourne up-and-comers to their already stellar lineup. Joining the festival will be hard rockers Power, four-piece Big Smoke and SMILE. These bands are the cherries on top to the already announced acts Jason Isbell, Endless Boogie, Spiral Stairs, Los Chicos, The Meanies and stacks more. Boogie 10! is going down at Bruzzy’s Farm from Friday March 25 through until Sunday March 27. Tickets and the full lineup are available via the event website.
WITH MIKE FROM TOEHIDER & YASUMO
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World’s End
THIRSTY MERC RETURN WITH 2016 MELBOURNE SHOW
OPIUO ANNOUNCES 2016 MELBOURNE SHOW Opiuo will hit Melbourne off the back of his largest ever Australian tour in support of his latest single, Sneakers. He’s performed alongside the likes of MC Hammer and Bassnectar, with his debut LP Slurp and Giggle being nominated for Best Dance Album at the Independent Music Awards. Opiuo will take over 170 Russell on Friday April 15. Tickets via his website.
TWENTY ONE PILOTS ANNOUNCE MELBOURNE SHOW.
TUXEDO KITTEN TO HIT MELBOURNE Brisbane’s folk country oddities Tuxedo Kitten have announced their first ever Melbourne show. Making up the duo is John Meyer, former singer of The Good Ship, joined by renowned vocalist and dancer Bertie Page. Tuxedo Kitten have performed all over Australia as well as France and Japan and are currently recording their debut album. Supporting on the night are locals Anne of the Wolves and Emily Mae and the Alarum Belles. It’s going down Saturday March 19 at Wesley Anne Hotel, Northcote. Tickets just $10 at the door.
Following up from last year’s tour, American electro pop duo Twenty One Pilots are returning with their largest string of Australian shows to date. Twenty One Pilots have gone from strength to strength since the release of their self-titled debut in 2013, moving on to sell out arena shows across the US. The announcement follows their latest single, Stressed Out, which has soared to #3 on the ARIA charts as well as achieving platinum status. Catch them at The Forum on Wednesday April 27. Tickets via Live Nation.
Thirsty Merc will be taking to the stage once more, returning with their aptly titled Back to the Grind tour. The string of shows will see the group cross the country in support of their latest album, Shifting Gears. It marks the first major tour for Thirsty Merc since they tragically lost their tour manager in a fatal car accident that also left their drummer seriously injured. Thirsty Merc will play Melbourne Public with support from Tequila Mockingbyrd on Wednesday April 20. Book your tickets now through the Melbourne Public website.
THIS IS HIP-HOP DROPS MELBOURNE LINEUP This Is Hip-Hop are kicking off their lineup by announcing a collection of hip hop veterans. Bone Thugs-NHarmony top the bill, set to perform their Grammy-winning album E. 1999 Eternal in full. Joining them will be West Coast rappers DJ Quik and Snoop Dogg collaborators The Dogg Pound, with more artists to be announced closer to the date. This Is Hip-Hop will go down on Saturday May 21 at Festival Hall. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
BABAGANOUJ RETURN TO MELBOURNE Brisbane rockers Babaganouj are set to take the stage in Melbourne to celebrate their latest single, Do Rite With Me Tonite. Coming off the back of previous tracks Can’t Stop and Hit Song, the group is gearing up to hit the studio. Aiming to record three EPs in 2016, each release will showcase a separate member’s vocals. Catch them at Shebeen with Palms on Saturday March 5. Tickets available through Sheebeen and at the door on the night.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH ANNOUNCE MELBOURNE SHOW As well as touring the country alongside Black Sabbath this April, Five Finger Death Punch have announced they will be playing a headline show in Melbourne. Last on our shores in 2014, the Vegas rockers will be bringing their latest album Got Your Six to Australian stages. Released last year, their sixth album debuted at #3 on the ARIA charts - their highest Australian chart position ever. Five Finger Death Punch will take over Festival Hall on Wednesday, April 20. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
MELODICROCKFEST TO DEBUT IN AUSTRALIA After four successful events in the USA, Australian website and record label MelodicRock are bringing the MelodicRockFest to home soil. The festival is set to showcase some of the best international melodic rock acts, including Eclipse (Sweden), Paul Laine (Canada) and Mitch Malloy (USA). Local Aussie acts rounding out the lineup include Adelaide’s BB Steal, Kaato from Sydney and a swag of Melbourne locals including Vanishing Point, White Widdow, Black Majesty and the newly revived Teargas. The festival runs from Friday May 13 to Saturday May 14 at Elephant & Wheelbarrow in St Kilda. The full lineup and tickets are available via the festival’s website. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 12
AS A RIVAL ANNOUNCE ALBUM TOUR Melbourne punk rock three-piece As A Rival are embarking on an extensive tour to showcase their debut album By Design. The album was recorded and co-produced by Tom Read of Bodyjar and mixed by Grammy Award winning producer Adam Kasper, who has previously worked with Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age and Soundgarden. As A Rival are set to tear up Cherry Bar on Saturday April 2. Tickets are on sale via the venue. HOT TALK
THE RUBENS ANNOUNCE MELBOURNE SHOW After what has been their most successful year to date, The Rubens are going on a victory lap of the country and then hitting up Melbourne after a national tour. It comes as their debut album is certified Platinum, as well as topping triple j’s Hottest 100 with their single Hoops. They’ll play Margaret Court Arena on Saturday June 25. Tickets via Ticketek.
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NOVEL OPEN AIR SERIES Novel Open Air series has announced their lineup. The new project aims to venture out to new and unfamiliar parts of Melbourne, locking in a Port Melbourne industrial oasis for their first event. Leading the lineup is Canadian producer Cyril Hahn and Chrome Sparks, as well as locals Client Liaison and Total Giovanni. They will be joined by Jakubi, Rat & Co, and Australian producer Corin. Capping it all off, shuttle buses moving from the CBD will make sure everyone gets to and from the site safely. Novel Open Air will take over 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne on Saturday March 5. A limited tickets run of tickets will be available via the Novel website.
BLACK HARMONY GATHERING AND THE GOOD DEED FILM SHOWING 2016 Multicultural Arts Victoria is bringing back the annual Black Harmony Gathering and The Good Deed Film Showing for 2016. Opening with a special Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and Koori Dance by The Koori Youth Will Shake Spears, Black Harmony Gathering will also feature the multi-talented Mutti Mutti song man Kutcha Edwards, high energy roots reggae band Rasta Unity, Samoan dance specialists Tama Tatau and more. The Gathering will also feature a Koori BBQ with emu and kangaroo sausages from Warburton run by members of the Warrior Spirt Arts Collective. The Good Deed Film Showing and Q&A features Robbie Thorpe as Uncle Lucky and Kynan Brown as Tyrone, in a short contemporary film exploring how the two live in everyday urban Melbourne. Black Harmony Gathering kicks off at the Fairfield Amphitheatre on Sunday March 13 at 1pm. The Good Deed Film Showing is set to be showcased at the Fitzroy Town Hall on Thursday March 24, starting 6pm. Free entry at both events.
GYPSY & THE CAT RETURN WITH 2016 MELBOURNE SHOW Pop duo Gypsy & The Cat are returning to stages across the country, hitting the road as they prepare to unleash their long-awaited forthcoming album. Their latest single, Inside Your Mind, heralds the first taste of new music from the band since their 2012 effort, The Late Blue. It’s been mixed by Dave Fridmann, who has previously worked with Tame Impala, MGMT, Neon Indian and The Flaming Lips. Get reacquainted with Gypsy & The Cat when they take over Howler on Friday March 25. Tickets via Moshtix.
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ÂME RETURNS WITH 2016 MELBOURNE SHOW Frank Wiedemann, who makes up one half of electronic duo Âme, will return to Melbourne with their acclaimed live show. Performing on behalf of the German duo, the group blend the sounds of Detroit house and soul. Working together for over ten years, Âme have produced tracks including Where We At (featuring Derrick Carter) as well as collaborating on their own label and musical collective, Innervisions. It all goes down at Brown Alley on Friday March 4. Buy your tickets now through Eventbrite.
FLUIR ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL EP LAUNCH
THE LULU RAES AND POLISH CLUB ANNOUNCE COHEADLINE TOUR
Indie pop singer and songwriter FLUIR is set to debut her highly anticipated EP, The Way. In addition to showcasing her new love for synths, drum loops and effect racks, listeners can expect strong female vocals in the vein of Alison Wonderland, Broods and CHVRCHES. FLUIR will be launching the EP with special guests Evangeline, John Lingard and DJ Tim O’Shea at Shebeen on Thursday March 10. Tickets $10 on the door.
The Lulu Raes and Polish Club have announced they will be touring Australia together in April. Punters can expect a scintillating combination of the sunny indie rock of The Lulu Raes contrasted by the punchy blues rock of Polish Club. The news follows a busy year for both bands who have spent 2015 releasing big tunes and making waves across the live arena. Catch ‘em both hit up Shebeen on Saturday April 9. Tickets available via the venue.
THAT GOLD STREET SOUND ANNOUNCE SINGLE LAUNCH
MORDIALLOC FOOD, WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE 2016 PROGRAM
Melbourne based soul and funk band That Gold Street Sound are celebrating the release of their brand spanking new 7” record Revive Me. This is a band that likes to put on a massive and exhilarating live show, which is bound to encourage even the shyest of punters to hit the dance floor for a boogie. Special guests for the night include The Sugarcanes, Stevie & The Sleepers and DJ Vince Peach. It’s all happening on Friday March 18 at the Northcote Social Club. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketscout.
Music, fine wine and artisanal food will come together for the upcoming event, featuring three stages and running over two days. Melbourne band Bonjah will headline the festival along with veterans Brian Cadd and Grace Knight. Capping it off comes 35 food and drink stalls featuring Jamaican jerk chicken, tequenos, gumbo, jambalaya and a Viking-themed feast packed with a spit roast and craft beer. It all goes down from Saturday March 5 - Sunday March 6 at Peter Scullin Reserve, Mordialloc.
WITH CONFIDENCE SET DATES FOR NATIONAL TOUR Sydney based four-piece With Confidence have just announced a national tour and will be taking their pals Harbours along for the ride. It’s been a busy start to the year for With Confidence, kicking it off by joining the Hopeless Records roster and releasing a brand new single We’ll Be Okay. Their headline tour follows their recent road trip around Australia supporting Neck Deep and State Champs. With Confidence will be playing an all ages show with Harbours at Arrow On Swanston, Saturday April 9. Reserve your tickets via the band’s website.
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THU 14 JUL - SOLD OUT
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BRING ME THE HORIZON ANNOUNCE 2016 MELBOURNE SHOW Supporting their latest album, That’s The Spirit, British rockers and former Soundwave headliners Bring Me The Horizon are making their hotly anticipated return to Melbourne off the back of a national tour. Marking their fifth release, That’s The Spirit, debuted at #1 in Australia and has taken the band to sell out arena-sized shows across the globe. It all goes down at Margaret Court Arena on Thursday September 2. Tickets via Live Nation.
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PIKNIC ELECTRONIK MELBOURNE Federation Square February 24 - April 3 KALACOMA The Evelyn Hotel February 24 GAME The Forum February 24 FAIRFIELD SUMMER SERIES Fairfield Ampitheatre February 28 THE GAME The Forum February 24 JANE MCARTHUR The Gasometer Hotel Thursday February 25 PAUL DEMPSEY Corner Hotel February 26 SAVIOUR The Workers Club February 26 JEMMA NICOLE The Tote February 28 MANGELWURZEL Northcote Social Club February 26 DAN MELCHIOR The Tote February 26, John Curtin Bandroom February 28 SPIDERBAIT 170 Russell February 26, 28 THE JEZABELS The Forum February 26 GBH The Bendigo Hotel February 26 CHI WAH WOW TOWN TBA February 26 – 28 SUFJAN STEVENS Hamer Hall February 26 THE CITY OF STONNINGTON’S CLASSIC CONCERTS Victoria Gardens February 27 THE ELTHAM JAZZ, FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Various Venues February 27, 28 ALITHIA Cherry Bar February 27 PRETTY CITY The Gasometer February 27 HOMESHAKE The Curtin February 27 MOSES GUNN COLLECTIVE Northcote Social Club February 27 ECCA VANDAL Howler February 27 THE SWORD Cherry Bar February 28 FAIRFIELD SUMMER SERIES Fairfield Ampitheatre February 28 MARCS FESTIVAL AC/DC Lane, Duckboard Place February 28 SUFJAN STEVENS Hamer Hall February 28 NATALIE PRASS Melbourne Recital Centre February 29 RAVI COLTRANE Bird’s Basement March 1 - 6 PASSENGER Palais Theatre March 1 MISS QUINCY The Retreat March 1, 8, 15 and 22, Shebeen April 21 G-EAZY Max Watt’s March 1 VISHTEN Spotted Mallard March 2 CALEXICO Hamer Hall March 2 CO-GROUND SOUL-CIAL The Gasometer March 3 GLEN MATLOCK, & SLIM JIM PHANTOM Ding Dong Lounge March 4, The Flying Saucer Club March 5 ÂME Brown Alley March 4 MAX FROST Northcote Social Club March 4 SENSES FAIL Corner Hotel March 4 THE SNOWDROPPERS Howler March 4 NOVEL OPEN AIR SERIES 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne, March 5 THE ALL SEEING HAND The Curtin March 5 SOUL-A-GO-GO Bella Union Trades Hall March 5 L.K MCKAY Anyway March 5 COME TOGETHER Edendale Farm, Eltham March 5 BOOTLEG RASCAL Northcote Social Club March 5 CHAPTERFEST 24 Gasometer Hotel March 5 BABAGANOUJ + PALMS Shebeen March 5 CLUTCH The Forum March 5 GREENTHIEF Cherry Bar March 5 TEX PERKINS AND CHARLIE OWEN Croxton Bandroom March 5 ALVVAYS Northcote Social Club March 6 SYDNEY RD STREET PARTY Sydney Rd March 6 THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN The Forum March 6, 7 THE NECKS Melbourne Recital Centre March 7 GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR Melbourne Recital Centre March 7 PEKING DUCK The Forum March 8 MICHAEL GIRA Melbourne Recital Centre March 8 THE MUMMIES Max Watt’s March 9 SLEATER-KINNEY The Croxton March 9 FLUIR Shebeen March 10 RUBY BOOTS Northcote Social Club March 10 IBEYI Max Watt’s March 10 ART VS. SCIENCE 170 Russell March 11 THESE NEW SOUTH WALES Shebeen March 11 ASH The Gasometer March 11 MOOMBA FESTIVAL Various Venues March 11 - 14 A FESTIVAL CALLED PANAMA Lone Star Valley March 11 - 13 PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL Port Fairy March 11 – 14 THE DUSTY SPRINGFIED STORY The Yarraville Club March 12 GAYTIMES FESTIVAL Kinglake March 12 - 14 FREDDIE GIBBS Max Watt’s March 12 BEN HARPER AND THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS Sidney Myer Music Bowl March 12 BUILT TO SPILL The Corner March 12 MADONNA Rod Laver Arena March 12, 13 GOLDEN PLAINS Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre March 12 – 14 PURE POP FOR NOW PEOPLE Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley March 12 BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 16
A R T I S T S
H E A D I N G
BLACK HARMONY GATHERING Fairfield Amphitheatre March 13 TOTAL CHAOS The Reverence Hotel March 13 JOHN GRANT The Forum March 13 BUZZCOCKS The Corner March 13 CLOSURE IN MOSCOW The Workers Club March 13 THE CHARLATANS 170 Russell March 13 AT SUNSET Rubix Warehouse March 13 BUCKCHERRY 170 Russell March 14 ST GERMAIN The Forum March 14 ACTION BRONSON The Forum March 15 BRUNSWICK MUSIC FESTIVAL Various Venues March 15 - 20 BIG DADDY WILSON Flying Saucer Club March 16 HIGHLY SUSPECT The Evelyn March 16 LUKA BLOOM The National Theatre March 16 DON MCLEAN Hamer Hall March 16 SUNN O))) Max Watt’s March 16 SONGHOY BLUES Melbourne Recital Centre March 16 THE FUMES The Gasometer March 17 MARY BLACK The Forum March 17 THE VIOLENT FEMMES The Corner March 17 MILES & SIMONE The Toff in Town March 17 JORDIE LANE The Gasometer March 18 THAT GOLD STREET SOUND Northcote Social Club March 18 THE JENSENS Shebeen March 18 DIED PRETTY Max Watt’s March 18 SEVENDUST 170 Russell March 18 BRYAN ADAMS Rod Laver Arena March 18 STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES Melbourne Recital Centre March 18, 19 TUXEDO KITTEN Wesley Anne Hotel March 19 THE STIFFYS The Old Bar March 19 STRUNG OUT The Corner Hotel March 19 D’ANGELO Palais Theatre March 19 TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND Forum Theatre March 19 THE WOOHOO REVUE Estonian House March 19 KIM SALMON The Northcote Social Club March 19 THE PENINSULA PICNIC Mornington March 20 LORD HURON The Corner March 21 LUCKY PETERSON Northcote Social Club March 21 THE JESSICA STUART FEW The Retreat Hotel March 21. KENDRICK LAMAR Rod Laver Arena March 21 TWEEDY Melbourne Recital Centre March 21 ELLE KING Corner Hotel March 22 KAMASI WASHINGTON Prince Bandroom March 22 STURGILL SIMPSON 170 Russell March 23 MODEST MOUSE Margaret Court Arena March 23 LOS CHICOS Sooki Lounge March 23 RHIANNON GIDDENS The Corner March 23 THE RESIDENTS The Croxton March 23 The Good Deed Film Showing Fitzroy Town Hall March 24 YEO Howler March 24 ENDLESS BOOGIE The John Curtain Hotel March 24 HOUNDMOUTH Northcote Social Club March 24 ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES The Corner March 24 CARMADA Star Bar, Bendigo March 24 BLUESFEST Byron Bay March 24 – 28 GYPSY & THE CAT Howler March 25 EAGLES OF DEATH METAL The Croxton March 25 WALKEN AND MUDDY CHANTER The Tote March 25 WAFIA Northcote Social Club March 25 COLD WAR KIDS 170 Russell March 25 BOOGIE FESTIVAL Bruzzy’s Farm March 25 – 27 THE HILLS ARE ALIVE Krowera March 25 – 27 TOM JONES Hamer Hall March 25 THE SELECTER Corner Hotel March 25 EILEN JEWELL Caravan Club March 26, Thornbury Theatre March 30 A GAZILLION ANGRY MEXICANS Cherry Bar March 26 THE HILLS ARE ALIVE South Gippsland March 25 – 27 LEGION MUSIC FEST Melbourne Showgrounds March 26 LEFTÖVER CRACK Bendigo Hotel March 27, 28 (AA) NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE The Corner March 27 THE WORD The Corner March 28 THE MICK FLEETWOOD BLUES BAND 170 Russell March 29 NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS Margaret Court Arena March 29 JASON ISBELL Melbourne Recital Centre March 29 THE DECEMBERISTS Hamer Hall March 29 TAJ MAHAL Melbourne Recital Centre March 30 NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS 170 Russell March 30 LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL Howler March 30 MELISSA ETHERIDGE Palais Theatre March 30 VINTAGE TROUBLE The Corner March 30
T O
M E L B O U R N E
Gig Of The Week
SPIDERBAIT Friday February 26 and Sunday February 28
Australian rock legends Spiderbait will be putting on two huge parties at 170 Russell for their 25th Anniversary. Gaining a reputation as one of Australia’s most celebrated bands since the ‘90s, Spiderbait has been dominating the live scene ever since. Tickets sold out at a rapid rate for their show on Friday February 26, though a second gig has since been announced for Sunday February 28. Special guests include Perth indie rockers Tired Lion. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are selling fast via Ticketscout. STIFF LITTLE FINGERS 170 Russell March 31 ALLEN STONE The Corner March 31 MIKE ELRINGTON The Flying Saucer Club April 1 SHADY COTTAGE East Trentham April 1 THE BENNIES The Corner April 1 THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA Melbourne Recital Centre April 1 JACKSON BROWNE Palais Theatre April 1 BY THE MEADOW FESTIVAL Bambra April 1, 2 AS A RIVAL Cherry Bar April 2 TIGERTOWN Northcote Social Club April 2 THE TIMBERS Yarra Hotel April 2 ED KUEPPER Melbourne Recital Centre April 2 CITY AND COLOUR Sidney Myer Music Bowl April 2 BRIAN WILSON Palais Theatre April 3 LOW Melbourne Recital Centre April 4 GORDIE TENTREES Billyroys Blues Bar, Bendigo April 7 MONTAIGNE Howler April 8 SKYSCRAPER STAN AND THE COMMISSION FLATS Cherry Bar April 8 SASKWATCH The Corner Hotel April 8 OH PEP! Northcote Social Club on April 8 CALIGULA’S HORSE Ding Dong Lounge April 8 THE MURLOCS The Tote April 8 CITY CALM DOWN The Corner April 9 THE LULU RAES + POLISH CLUB Shebeen April 9 WITH CONFIDENCE Arrow On Swanston April 9 MODERN BASEBALL The Reverence April 9, 10 DAUGHTER 170 Russel April 10 CHRIS ISAAK Margaret Court Arena April 13 TRIVIUM 170 Russel April 13 WEDNESDAY 13 Corner Hotel April 14 MONIQUE DIMATTINA Melbourne Recital Centre April 15 OPIUO 170 Russell April 15 SONS OF ZION The Croxton April 16 NADIA REID Northcote Social Club April 19 BLACK SABBATH Rod Laver Arena April 19 FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH Festival Hall April 20 THIRSTY MERC Melbourne Public April 20 GANG OF YOUTHS 170 Russell April 22 HILTOP HOODS + MSO Rod Laver Arena April 23 VANCE JOY Margaret Court Arena April 23 SARAH BLASKO The Forum April 23 PURE FESTIVAL Shed 14 April 24 JOSH GROBAN Palais Theatre April 25 DANNY BROWN Forum April 26 TWENTY ONE PILOTS The Forum April 27 RYAN BINGHAM Northcote Social Club April 27 VIC MENSA Prince Bandroom on April 28 MUTEMATH Corner Hotel April 28 RATATAT 170 Russell April 28, 29 ODESZA Forum April 29 MS MR Prince Bandroom April 29 WIDE OPEN SPACE FESTIVAL Ross River Resort April 29 – May 1 KADAVAR Corner Hotel April 30 GROOVIN THE MOO Prince of Wales Showground, Bendigo April 30
S O . M A N Y. G I G S .
SUPERSUCKERS Cherry Bar April 30 CHERRYROCK016 Cherry and AC/DC Lane May 1 MATT CORBY Palais Theatre May 1, May 2 MILLENCOLIN 170 Russell May 3 RICHIE RAMONE Cherry Bar May 3 OF MONSTERS AND MEN Palais Theatre May 4, 5 HINDS Northcote Social Club May 6 TINPAN ORANGE The Toff In Town May 7 IRON MAIDEN Rod Laver Arena May 9 RUDIMENTAL Margaret Court Arena May 10 COHEED AND CAMBRIA Max Watt’s May 10 THE WONDER YEARS Corner Hotel May 12 LITTLE MAY Max Watts May 13 MELODICROCKFEST Elephant & Wheelbarrow May 13, 14 PURE GOLD LIVE Palais Theatre May 13 SCREECHING WEASEL AND MXPX Prince Bandroom May 20 THIS IS HIP-HOP Festival Hall May 21 TINASHE The Forum May 25 THE BEARDS The Loft May 25, The Golden Vine May 26, Karova Lounge June 23, Barwon Club June 24, The Corner June 25 ERIC BURDON AND THE ANIMALS The Palais May 18 A WILHELM SCREAM The Reverence Hotel May 26 ANGELUS APATRIDA Bendigo Hotel May 28 THE DRONES 170 Russell May 20, The Tote May 28 THE CAT EMPIRE The Forum Theatre May 27, 28 CHERIE CURRIE The Corner May 28 MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL Various Venues June 3 – June 12 DMA’S The Corner June 11 THE RUBENS Margaret Court Arena June 25 TOTALLY 80’S Palais Theatre July 15 COG 170 Russell July 15 BEN FOLDS WITH YMUSIC Palais Theatre August 26 BRING ME THE HORIZON Margaret Court Arena September 2 ELLIE GOULDING Rod Laver Arena October 8 MSO - INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARC Arts Centre November 4, 5
Beat Presents RUMOURS: PIT Y SEX, NORTHL ANE, SANTIGOLD = N e w A nnouncements
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In The Front Seat by AUGUSTUS WELBY
In 2007, Hilltop Hoods were already a widely adored, chart-topping hip hop group. The previous year they had released their fourth LP, The Hard Road, and armed with the singles Clown Prince, The Hard Road and What A Great Night, it debuted at number one and reached gold sales status in just its second week. However, The Hard Road’s success didn’t make the Hoods infallible. So in early 2007, when they announced their next project would be The Hard Road: Restrung – a collaboration with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra – plenty of diehard fans had reservations about this seemingly incongruous match-up. Up until that stage, the band’s production predominantly consisted of samples and programming, so it remained to be seen whether a symphony orchestra could complement the broad Aussie accents of MCs Suffa and Pressure. But working with the ASO wasn’t just a huge opportunity for the boys from Adelaide, it proved a successful venture both commercially and artistically. “There’s a list of things somewhere on the Internet that musicians should never do,” says Suffa, AKA Matt Lambert. “Think that your album’s going to sound better with a symphony orchestra is on the list [laughs]. Our only concern was that people knew we weren’t being selfindulgent – which it was to a degree – but that it’s something we genuinely wanted to do, and that we thought orchestral arrangement would lend something really special to the music.” In contrast to a traditional remix album, which involves giving songs to a range of producers to redo them however they like, the ‘restrung’ method let the Hoods flex further creativity within their songs. This made it an especially appealing format to revisit for their latest two records, 2012’s Drinking From The Sun and 2014’s Walking Under Stars. These two releases were conceived as separate instalments in an interconnected sequence, and the just-released Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung LP (again featuring the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra) completes the project. “Every album we’ve dropped since The BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 18
Hard Road – State Of The Art, Walking Under Stars, Drinking From The Sun – people that were fans of The Hard Road: Restrung have asked us if we’re going do it with this album,” Lambert says. “We thought the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone was great. And the fact that Drinking From The Sun and Walking Under Stars were companion pieces, to bring them under this one umbrella of being remixed with an orchestra joins them together, like they were sort of meant to be.” Hailing a record as an orchestral restyling will naturally lead listeners to pay extra attention to the symphonic elements. However, Lambert and his coparts Daniel Smith (Pressure) and Barry Francis (DJ Debris) were scrupulous about the orchestration not detracting from the songs’ original essence. “Our plan was, ‘It can’t be an orchestral album. It’s got to be a hip hop album,’” Lambert says. “So when we were mixing, we went back to the beginning and remade the beats with the orchestral and choir parts before we brought in the vocals.” Much like The Hard Road: Restrung, the new project was formulated alongside prolific symphonic composer Jamie Messenger. The Melbourne-based Messenger regularly composes for symphony orchestras all around the country, and has previously ventured into rock and pop to work with the likes of Sia and The Whitlams. However, despite his vast experience, giving these songs an orchestral makeover was no B E AT.C O M . A U
easy task – especially because the group needed to be satisfied enough to justify re-releasing the material. “It was a real collaboration between us and Jamie,” says Lambert. “Obviously I’m not classically trained so I’m not able to say, ‘The tremolo in this section needs to be blah blah blah.’ So all we can do in the build-up is constantly give him feedback in the direction we want the songs to go. Initially, when we gave him all the songs, we gave him notes on what direction we’d like them to go in. For example, for Speaking In Tongues we wanted him to make it a bit moodier and a bit more melancholy because otherwise it was going to stick out on the album and not fit in against the other tracks. Then he wrote his initial arrangements, and then for about six months we went back and forth with him on each track until we were both happy.” The three members of Hilltop Hoods are all accomplished creative individuals, who’ve released four straight number one albums and done countless sold-out shows and major festivals around the world. However, throwing ideas around with a classical composer is a somewhat humbling process. “I’ve got a huge admiration for what [Messenger]’s able to do, because it’s not just writing some strings or writing some horns or writing whatever – it’s writing all of it and having it work with each other and work with the existing music,” Lambert says. “I think that’s an incredible gift. But at the same time, music is a language that we all speak. Maybe we don’t phrase everything the same way, but generally we can go, ‘The feeling or the mood of this track is too upbeat…’ ” Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung contains 19 songs, covering the majority of the two preexisting records plus parts six and seven in the ongoing narrative serial The Thirst and the new singles Higher (featuring James Chatburn) and 1955 (featuring Montaigne and Tom Thum). “[Those songs] weren’t around when we were recording the other albums. It was less something to tie the two albums together and more something to give value added to the fans. You know, if we’re going to go over the top, let’s go completely over the top and throw a bunch of new songs on there. We’re always writing and recording as well, so we always want something new on there, because I constantly find myself distancing myself from the last project. It’s like, ‘Yeah, I like that, but this new stuff we’re doing is way better.’ “[Chatburn] actually entered the Hilltop
Hoods Initiative,” adds Lambert, referencing the Hoods’ collaboration with APRA AMCOS to encourage emerging local talent with a $10,000 cash prize. “Even though he didn’t take it away, we thought he had an amazing voice and he’s a great songwriter. And my wife put me onto Montaigne, because she listens to a lot of radio. She really did end up being the perfect fit, because she’s such a gifted singer and [brings] really good energy as a person.” Aside from the symphonic collaborations, Hilltop Hoods have stayed pretty close to their boombap origins. While they’ve gradually expanded their palette – after The Hard Road: Restrung they started working with session musicians in the studio, and they’ve grown cumulatively stronger as lyricists and MCs – they haven’t deviated into EDM or trap, nor have they fiddled with stripped-down acoustic arrangements. “We do what we know and we reflect the music we’ve listened to. I think that’s when musicians get really out of their depth – when they try to keep up with what’s going on around them rather than what they know. As a result, our music’s a reflection of what we’re into. Sometimes we stray out of our comfort zone, but at the core there’s a very Hilltop Hoods sound. And we know it when we hear it – when someone sends us a beat, we know it. After all this time, it’s just sort of innate. For me it’s like the Beastie Boys model. They always made music that was their sound and they weren’t trying to keep up with what was changing around them. “[I’m inspired by] Beastie Boys – being able to maintain a career like they did and retain a sound that was unique to them,” he adds. “A lot of people make their best music in their 20s and 30s, and then it tails off a bit from there. A lot of people we grew up around who write music, they write it less and less as they’re doing more and more. So whether that’s touring or film clips or social media or whatever, sometimes the writing process takes a back seat. I think it’s important that you don’t let it take a back seat. That should always be the front seat.”
HILLTOP HOODS bring the Restrung Tour to Rod Laver Arena on Saturday April 23. Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung is available now via Golden Era Records / UMA.
Applications are now open for young and emerging artists & designers between the age of 15–24 to participate in the Groovin the Moo Sister Cities Art Project with Yo Bendigo and La Trobe VA.
WIN TICKE TS TO GT M
MENTORED WORKSHOPS WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS SEE YOUR ARTWORK LAUNCHED INTERSTATE AND BEYOND
For more information, registration and full terms and conditions head to the competitions page at:
Applications close March 6th 2016
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This Week: Arriving as part of the Melbourne arm of Brixton Broadcast, Public Service Announcement is a one-night exhibition featuring some of the country’s top artists including Tristan Kerr, Gabriel Cole and Mike O’Meally. O’Meally, who is based out of Sydney and LA, is best known for his portraiture photography and long-term efforts in capturing skateboard culture for over 20 years. Their work will be set beside by Brixton Union artists Dolan Sterns and Jason Lee, who have both had their art featured internationally. The exhibition will run on Friday February 26 at Backwoods Gallery. Entry is free. One of the discursive highlights of the Emerging Jazz Festival, Jazz Policy explores how artists, arts managers and government sectors can work together on cultural policies that enable long-term sustainability within the creative community. This panel discussion highlights current trends in cultural policy, and their impacts on Melbourne’s jazz and live music. The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session, where the jazz sector’s voice will be heard by some of the key policy-developers in Victoria alongside a presentation from the University of Melbourne’s Dominik Safari. It runs on Friday February 26 at Bennetts Lane. For 16 years, The Animation Show of Shows has been created and presented by prolific producer and animator Ron Diamond, aiming to introduce new and innovative short films at a festival that takes place in venues around the world. The program features 11 films created by animators from Australia, France, Ireland, the US, Russia, Switzerland and Iran ± many of which have garnered awards from Cannes, Sundance and Berlinale festivals. It marks the first theatrical release for these shorts, with program highlights including The Story of Percival Pilts ± the stop motion story of a man who sets out to live life atop a gigantic pair of stilts - and the Oscarnominated We Can’t Live Without The Cosmos. It runs at Cinema Nova on Sunday February 28 and Wednesday March 2.
pick of the week
The Tang of The Tango will mark the final instalment of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s free outdoor series, featuring Benjamin Northey conducting alongside internationally renowned Australian classical guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan. Celebrate the final weekend of summer with music under the stars featuring a Spanish and South American program that includes tangos by Astor Piazzolla, a concerto for two guitars by Joaquin Rodrigo alongside works by Ginastera, Falla and Gershwin’s iconic Cuban Overture. It will take place at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday February 27.
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With James Di Fabrizio. Do you have thoughts, news or time for a chat? Email james@beat.com.au.
Festival of Live Art BY AdAM NORRIs
V
ariety, we are often told, is the spice of life, or at least the seasoning that keeps us coming back for seconds. For the fine folk at the Footscray Community Arts Centre, this ethos is taken further than most. From workshops on computer games, circus and street art to exhibitions on female artists and recovering from war, to their involvement in celebrations like the upcoming Festival of Live Art, director Jade Lillie is making sure the voice of Melbourne stays inclusive and curious. “We do lots of things here,” Lillie laughs. “So we’ve just done Laneway Festival and before that was Wominjeka, and now we’re moving on to the Festival of Live Art. So we’re in the full swing of a whole lot of projects, and next week we also have collaborators from Indonesia, East Timor and Thailand coming to town. But [FOLA] really started with a conversation between Arts House and FCAC, around the fact there was potential to develop an offering for a diverse range of audiences exploring what live art is in Australia today. I think there is a real interest in audiences about having a deeper and richer experience, and I think partially that’s about wanting to be closer to the artmaking in some sense, being interested in work that doesn’t happen in mainstream, traditional performance or creative spaces±lik e theatre for example. Also, FOLA gives us the opportunity to interrogate and question what that means in our current context in the arts, in performance. It gives artists an opportunity to try something new, take some conceptual risks and put it out there for audiences to see what those interests might be and how they’d like to engage.” Audience engagement seems fundamental not only to the Festival of Live Arts’ guiding principle ± programming participatory events that encourage people to actively involve themselves in productions ± but to FCAC itself. In conjunction with Arts House and Theatre Works, these organisations showcase some of the best national and international talent Melbourne
can offer. They act as a mouthpiece, ensuring the multitude of local communities can be recognised and expressed. “It’s really about participation, experimentation, exchange, new ideas, and collaboration. Then for each of the presenters and partners, we listen to the vision and ethos of each organisation and each artistic director. For me, it’s about [asking] what does live art actually mean in the context of the work that we do, and in the context of Melbourne’s West? In the context of a venue and a program, and a place that has an audience base of over 90,000 people with over 130 different cultural groups [and] 150 languages, with artists and communities from all over the world. So what do we want to say through the program? I think [with] this program, we’ve done that. We’re really happy with the opportunities that are there, and the great work that is being presented.” A rising trend can be seen across many Australian festivals and cultural events in recent years, and that is the expanding platform of performances committed to destructing traditional divides between artist and audience. In an artistic landscape that has been techsavvy for some time now, the possibilities of immediate, online participation has also become a key aspect to how art is intertwined with the public, and while Lillie is loathe to pick favourites from amongst the FOLA program, several ± such as the intriguing Skype Duet ± have found particular interest.
EVERYTHING MELBOURNE
“I think [we’re] generally becoming much more multidisciplinary, in performance theatre and visual art, exploring multiple dimensions in so many different ways. I think the Skype Duet talks a bit of the quest for human connection in the modern world, but obviously the way that she’s presenting this work is in the virtual space. I think it’s important that we think about what technology brings to the way we communicate. What we gain, what we lose through that experience. What does intimacy mean in that context? Having a Skype duet with one other person is quite an intimate experience, so how do we hold and facilitate those experiences for audiences?” “I’m excited about EXQUISITE, which is part of our Collaborate Asia program, and is bringing together a group of artists from Indonesia and also Australia to deliver a kind of visual performance and sound exploration. There’s a bit of a secret ± a big reveal ± and I’m really excited to see what this group will produce together. I’m also pretty excited about Past Racism / Future Rights, which is Yagan [Satour]’s show. He explains his work as an intergalactic journey with a proud Aboriginal gay man with an intellectual disability, and his alter ego ± S tar Aqua Galactica.” With over fifty experiences spread over thirteen days, FOLA most certainly has something for every taste. It has been programmed with great passion and imagination, and Lillie hopes that others may see the festival and be inspired to begin working towards one of their very own. “I think festivals are the perfect example of ‘we’re better together’. Collaboration is key, and if you’re wanting to develop and deliver a festival, you can’t do that on your own. I think it’s finding the right collaborators, and having a confidence about what you’re interested in providing and presenting to audiences, and also being willing to follow different threads as they emerge. That’s what festivals do. They allow you to respond and program in really interesting ways.” The Festival of Live Art will host over 50 interactive art experiences from March 1 - 13 at the Footscray Community Arts Centre, Arts House and Theatreworks.
For more arts news, reviews and interviews visit beat.com.au
DIRTY SECRETS COMEDY
THE COMIC STRIP
Coming Up
DIRTY SECRETS COMEDY
Festival of Live Art
Tonight they have a stellar lineup at Caz Reitop’s featuring James Masters as MC alongside Karl Chandler, Kate Dehnert, Peter Jones, Joseph Green, Tim Clark and David McDonald plus more for the price of $5. Get in early for some great whiskey and beer. This show is going to go off. See you every Wednesday from 8.30pm sharp.
Tuesday March 1 - Saturday March 13 Various Venues
200 Years of Australian Fashion Saturday March 5 - Sunday July 31 National Gallery of Victoria
Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Saturday March 19 - Sunday October 9 Melbourne Museum
CRab lab On Wednesday February 24 for absolutely nothing you can see a slew of the country’s finest stand ups ± right in the heart of the city. Featuring Oliver Clark, Chris Wainhouse, Ray Badran, Danielle Walker, Luke McGregor, John Cruckshank, David Quirk and Jonathan Schuster all come together alongside a special guest (in the past few weeks there’s been Arj Barker, Celia Pacquola & more). It’s an 8.30pm start at the House of Maximon, 16 Corrs Ln, CBD.
THuRSDaY COMEDY Cal Wilson headlines this Thursday night alongside Ray Badran, John Cruckshank and a surprise guest. Past weeks have seen Pete Helliar, Arj Barker, Nazeem Hussain, Tommy Little and Dave Thornton take to the stage, so it’s safe to say this will be worth a punt. It’s all happening this Thursday, February 25 at 8.30, at the European Bier Café, 120 Exhibition Street, CBD - all for $12.
KIngS Of COMEDY Come down to week 20 at Kings of Comedy in their final show before they launch into their 2016 Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut. Headlining is Dilruk Jayasinha alongside Chris Wainhouse. With Sam Taunton as MC, the likes of Harrison Engstrom, Brett Blake, Megan McKay, Simon Hughes, John Dore and Danielle Walker are also set to take to the stage. It kicks off on Friday February 26 at 7.30pm sharp, for $20 on the door. It’s set to be a big one, so get there before it fills up.
COMEDY aT SPlEEn Mondays at Comedy at Spleen are always chockers. It’s simply never not full. The only place to be on Mondays will be packed full of laughs with guests, and it’s the place where big names drop in. This Monday features Xavier Michelides as host, plus James Masters, Jack Druce, Peter Jones, some very special guests and more. It’s this Monday, February 29, at 41 Bourke Street in the city, at 8.30pm. It’s free to get in, but they appreciate a good gold coin donation at the door.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Wednesday March 23 - Sunday April 17 Various Venues
Degas: A New Vision
MSO To Perform Indiana Jones and the Raiders Of The Lost Ark Live in Concert
Friday June 24 - Sunday September 18 National Gallery of Victoria
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark live in concert, recreating the entire score in real time as the film plays overhead. Spielberg’s first Indiana Jones film has attracted a mass following since its premiere in the early ‘80s, winning five Academy Awards and remaining one of the highest-grossing films ever made. Conductor Benjamin Northey will bring John Williams’ iconic score to life, leading the full symphony orchestra for the event. The live-scoring event will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the film, which tells the story of Jones’ quest to recover the ancient Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark live in concert on Friday November 4 and 5 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre. Tickets via MSO.
The Hunting Ground to
Circus Oz Unveils 2016
Screen at ACMI
Program
Featuring the Oscar-nominated original composition from Lady Gaga and Diane Warren, Til It Happens To You, critically acclaimed documentary The Hunting Ground takes a sobering look at rape culture permeating American college campuses. From the Emmy award-winning team behind The Invisible War, the film features expert insights and first-person testimonies, while following undergraduate survivors seeking justice in the face of institutional cover-ups and harassment. Following the screening will be a panel discussion moderated by Victorian Women’s Trust Executive Director, Mary Crooks, exploring how the documentary can be used to reflect on the issues raised within an Australian context. The Hunting Ground will screen at ACMI as part of the Australian International Documentary Conference on March 2.
Circus Oz have revealed their latest program, featuring a range of new productions with new artistic direction and collaboration. With a commitment to authentic live circus, Guest Show Director Anni Davey will premiere her upcoming show, Straight Up, in conjunction with the Circus Oz Ensemble, founding member Tim Coldwell and Senior Artistic Associate, Antonella Casella. Straight Up will feature all-human performances that bend the relationship between artist and physics, including musicians, acrobats and manipulators. Elsewhere in the program comes Laughter and Tears ± a collaboration with Victorian Opera ± and a run of shows featuring the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Straight Up makes its Melbourne premiere at the Circus Oz Big Top from June 15 ± July 10 , with the full program running until the year’s end.
Jake Johannsen Announces 2016 Melbourne Show Jake Johannsen - one of America’s most prominent comedians - will make his Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut this year. As well as performing his own comedy specials for HBO, Showtime and Comedy Central, Johannsen has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman more than any other comedian, holding 46 performances under his belt. Jake Johannsen is Talking Show will come to the Greek Centre for a run of shows between March 24 and April 17. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
COMEDY aT THE WIlDE Tuesdays at The Wilde some of Melbourne’s best young comedians join with sign up on the night open mic acts for one of the loosest nights in town. This week, Demi Lardner of Just For Laughs is joined by Dave Warneke, Alice Fraser and more. It’s this Tuesday March 1 at 153 Gertrude St, Fitzroy at 8pm. And, it’s totally free.
Outdoor Cinema Series to Run Throughout Moonee Valley A string of films will screen across revolving moonlit settings with Moonee Valley’s Outdoor Cinema Summer Series. Showcasing three locations across the area, the moving cinema will curate a selection of new release and cult-favourite movies. The Incinerator Gallery, Flemington Community Centre and Rosehill Skate Park will all be transformed to show Wayne’s World, Pixar’s Inside Out and Guardians of the Galaxy, with screenings beginning at sundown. The series will run on February 26, March 24 and April 1. Entry is free, but bookings are required. G E T S O M E C U LT U R E U P YA
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 21
For more arts news, reviews and interviews visit beat.com.au
The Glitz BY LIZA DEZFOULI
It’s cold in Rostock and Berlin right now, but Andreas Henneberg and Daniel Nitsch of The Glitz are looking forward to leaving behind a European winter on their first trip to Australia. Beat talks to The Glitz to find out about their gig at upcoming music and arts festival, Chi Wow Wah Town. “We are not only doing Chi Wow Wah Town, we have a couple of other gigs,” says Henneberg. “This is our first time in Australia. What we are bringing to Australia now is our new remixed stuff ± it ’s a bit different.” The duo are still on their album tour for No Drama, released last year. “We want to bring the album to Australian audiences,” says Henneberg. Known for their collaborative efforts with artists across the globe, The Glitz have worked with the likes of electronic artist I Am Halo alongside German rock singer ± an d close friend ± S tefan Krogmann. It’s this commitment to diversity that permeates their creative process.
“There is another album coming out soon, in May or June, of international artists who are going to make remixes of our original tracks from the No Drama album,” continues Henneberg. “They bring their own style to our music; some will add vocals to our melody lines.” The artists involved in this remix album feature a tightly wound curation of like-minded musicians: DJ Pierre, Yousef, Agaric, Rick Wade, Italoboyz, Hans Nieswandt (from Whirlpool Productions), Of Norway, David Keno, Kidmammoth, Smash TV, The Micronaut, ZDS, Bruno Furlan, Commander Love and Helms all make an appearance. No Drama – featuring traces of downbeat, trip hop, jazz and funk positioned next to club-friendly tracks alludes to a sense of euphoria, while also holding on to a more
“A spoken-word Superstar” –The Globe & Mail
melancholy undertone. “It’s not happy,” describes Henneberg. “It’s electronic dance techno. We try to create a positive vibe for the dance floor without sounding happy; it’s also dark.” Although they live in different cities, the two have run their own label, Voltage Musique, for 13 years. However, geographic limitations have never been a problem for The Glitz. “We found each other in the early days of the internet ± at the beginning. We were in a chat room,” says Nitsch. The two were early adopters of chat rooms, finding each other through a mutual love of house and techno music. “We have been in the music scene since the ‘90s. We were both DJs and we started recording together as The Glitz in 2007.” Why did they call themselves The Glitz? “In the beginning we looked for a name and we were thinking we might become a band,” answers Nitsch. Turning themselves into a band is still on the cards, but Henneberg says there’s no rush. Right now they are approaching something in between, as they often have live musicians accompanying their DJ sets. “We are not afraid of it. We can be a band project, but we are more like a DJ hybrid. In the last three to five years people are seeing us more in the context of a band because we have instruments on stage. We are singing lyrics; we create special effects with live drums.” He says they mostly play their own material ± some of it unreleased, and occasionally tracks from other artists. “Both of us are DJs in our hearts and we like to add some spice, bring in other instruments so we sound new.” “We are influenced by different types of music,” says Nitsch. “Andreas comes from a techno, heavy metal background and Berlin techno. My influences are old school. We are DJs in our hearts. We like to play what we produce when we’re working on dance
–Huffington Post
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The Glitz will play at Chi Wow Wah Town with Robag Wruhme, Metatron Tribe and more at an outdoor forest location, 90 minutes out of Melbourne from February 26 ± 28. The exact location will be revealed only to ticket holders.
“Heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting”
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floors. The Glitz is different from song to song.” Their music is certainly eclectic. On one of the No Drama tracks, there’s the riff of an old Engelbert Humperdinck song called My Cherie Amour that is sampled and manipulated until it barely resembles the original. When they’re doing a gig, do they ever get the urge to put the turntables on autopilot and hit the dance floor themselves? “No,” says Henneberg. “When we’re playing we don’t want to be on the dance floor. DJing is kind of a passion. Especially when you don’t know what’s coming. You’re creating a vibe. And you’re catching a vibe. The crowd is choosing the music. You have to play the right record at the right time; you have to interact. If you had a prepared DJ set, it wouldn’t work. It gets harder the bigger the event. When you’re doing a small club and you’ve only got ten metres of space and the people are ten centimetres away from your face, it’s pretty easy to read the crowd. In our genre it’s quite important to read the crowds ± to create a special vibe. At big events like festivals, you can’t do that easily with a crowd of ten thousand people.” As they prepare to hit Melbourne, the duo are equally excited for performing as they are discovering new music. “The whole Australian techno [and] electronic scene is not well known in Europe,” observes Henneberg. “There will be a lot of interesting DJs at Chi Wow Wah Town.”
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snaps khokolat koated
club guide wednesday february 24 • ARCHIPELAGO - FEAT: MOSES BROWN B2B DJ ROBERTA + SENPOLO Ferdydurke, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. • BAJA BLEEDERS + SAINT HENRY + LIVING EARTH SOUND SESSIONS Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. • COQ ROQ WEDNESDAY - FEAT: JENS BEAMIN + AGENT 86 + MR THOM + JOYBOT + BLABERUNNER Lucky Coq, Windsor. 8:30pm. • CURIOUS TALES - FEAT: DJ WHO + TIGERFUNK + TOM SHOWTIME + FLAGRANT Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. • REVOLVER WEDNESDAYS - FEAT: DANIELSAN + ANYA Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7:00pm.
thursday february 25
faktory
• 3181 THURSDAYS - FEAT: HANS DC + NO NAME NATH + GRANT CAMOV + MORE Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 6:00pm. • CAMPUS THURSDAYS Chaise Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. • DISCO VOLANTE - FEAT: DELTIOD CURVE + THE MILKMAN + BOWANCE + YANI ARSENAKIS + BALTIMORE GUN CLUB Onesixone, Prahran. 8:00pm. • LOCAL MOTION - FEAT: BILLUS MOON + NELSON + DAN FABRIS + SENPOLO Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 11:00pm. • SOMETHING VILLAIN + THHOMAS + ALLYSHA JOY + BAD AMBULANCE Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. $5.00. • UPTOWN Trak Lounge Bar, Toorak. 10:00pm. • VARSITY - FEAT: PAZ + MATT RAD + PYZ Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 6:00pm. • WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS Carlton Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.
friday february 26 • #MASHTAG - FEAT: NUGEN + MALPRACTICE + FLAGRANT Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. • 2007 Brown Alley, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. $18.40. • AVALANCHE CREW - FEAT: DJ TURF + BEN RYAN Railway Hotel, Brunswick. 6:00pm. • CAN’T SAY La Di Da, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. • CIROQ FRIDAYS Cq, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. • CLUK EPIK - FEAT: DJ DEAN The Croxton, Thornbury. 9:00pm. $5.00. • DJ SHAKEY MEMORIAL Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 11:45am. • DVBBS + BRYNNY + TEDDY CREAM + PRESS PLAY + MORE Trak Lounge Bar, Toorak. 9:00pm. $34.95.
• FABULOUS FRIDAYS FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Co., Southbank. 9:30pm. $20.00. • FAKE TITS - FEAT: BOOGS + SPACEY SPACE + SUNSHINE + SAMMY LA MARCA + BUTTERS + ADAM BARTAS + JUNGLE JIM Tramp, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. $15.00. • GOOD MANNERS - FEAT: SLEEP D + JENNIFER LOVELESS + SLIM VIBRATO + KASUN Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $10.00. • KLANGKARUSSELL Railway Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm. • KODIAK KID + MATT RAD + NAZ Penny Black, Brunswick. 10:00pm. • LUCK TRUCK FRIDAY DOWNSTAIRS - FEAT: 99 PRBLMZ + CONGO TARDIS #1 + LITTLE LEAGUE BOUNCE CLUB Lucky Coq, Windsor. 9:00pm. • PANORAMA FRIDAYS UPSTAIRS - FEAT: PHATO A MANO + MR.GEORGE + MATT RADD + ASH-LEE Lucky Coq, Windsor. 9:00pm. • PARTY UP Brown Alley, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. • PHIL GOOD FRIDAYS FEAT: PHIL K Railway Hotel, Brunswick. 6:00pm. • POPROCKS - FEAT: DR PHIL SMITH Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. • REVOLVER FRIDAYS & MI CASA - FEAT: MIKE CALLANDER + ALEX CRAM + RIF RAF + LUKE VECCHIO + MORE Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 10:00pm. • SCHELLACK DEBAKEL - FEAT: SACA LA MOIS + MANCHILD + MUSCLE CAT + POEKS + MORE Loop, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. • THE DISCO - FEAT: GREG SARA + LUKE MCD + JEN TUTTY + MORE Onesixone, Prahran. 8:00pm. • THE EMERSON CLUB FRIDAYS The Emerson, South Yarra. 3:00pm. • VESSEL + KANE IKIN + NIC HAMILTON + ALBRECHT LA’BROOY Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm. $12.10.
saturday february 27 • AFTERHOURS - FEAT: OOLLUU + BATTLESICK + SLEEPLAB + HOLLOW IDLE + MORE 303, Northcote. 7:00pm. $12.00. • AGARTHA (JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE PSYTRANCE EVENT) - FEAT: RAYMAN + LUNAR + POSITIVE PETE + MEGAPIXEL + MORE Railway Hotel, Brunswick. 10:00pm. $13.40. • ANDY PADULA Railway Hotel, Brunswick. 10:00pm. • AUDIOPORN SATURDAYS - FEAT: LE ZOK + JAMES WARE + GREG SARA + TOM EVANS + MORE Onesixone, Prahran. 9:00pm. $15.00. • BLACK NIGHT CRASH DJS Georges Bar, Fitzroy. 6:00pm. • CHAMPAGNE INTERNET
Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 10:30pm. • CQ SATURDAYS Cq, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. • DJ FEE Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 11:30pm. • DJS ADAM ASKEW + LUKE VECCHIO + EZRA HARVEY Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. • ELECTRIC DREAMS FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Co., Southbank. 9:00pm. $20.00. • FABRIKATION Loop, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. • HOT STEP - FEAT: 99 PROBLEMS + TIGER FUNK + SILVER FOX + ASKEW Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 6:00pm. • IN THE CARRIAGE - FEAT: DJ JNETT Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 6:00pm. • JANK FACQUES Carlton Club, Melbourne Cbd. 12:05am. • LOST WEEKEND - FEAT: LAILA SAKINI + AWESOME WALES + CHICO G + RIVER YARRA + MORE Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. • MIDNIGHT AFFAIR - FEAT: THE TUSCAN PRINCE + PAUL JAGER Ferdydurke, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. • NAM + B-TWO + D’FRO + NO NAME NATH Penny Black, Brunswick. 10:00pm. • PAME - FEAT: DEEJAY ANDONI ARVANITAKIS + SOTIRIS STAV + STAVROS PALAZIS 24 Moons, Northcote. 8:30pm. • PLATFORM ONE SATURDAY NIGHTS Platform One, Melbourne. 9:00pm. • PONY SATURDAYS La Di Da, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. • PRISON BREAK - FEAT: KAYLA SCINTILLA + MERKABA + WHITEBEAR + AUMA + MORE Rubix Warehouse, Brunswick. 6:00pm. • PROVINCIAL PARTY DJS Provincial Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. • SEVEN SATURDAY DISCOTHEQUE Seven Nightclub, South Melbourne. 10:00pm. $20.00. • TEXTILE SATURDAYS FEAT: KODIAK KID + D’FRO + JENS BEAMIN Lucky Coq, Windsor. 9:00pm. • THE EMERSON CLUB SATURDAYS - FEAT: FAMILIAR STRANGERS + KIN + ANDY MURPHY The Emerson, South Yarra. 9:00pm. • THE HOUSE DEFROST FEAT: ANDEE FROST Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 11:00pm. • THOMAS JACK DAY PARTY Railway Hotel, Brunswick. 12:00pm. • TOMMY’S CLUB - FEAT: SCAT Matthew Flinders Hotel, Chadstone. 8:00pm. $10.00. • TRAMP SATURDAYS Tramp, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. • WOZ + RANSOM + BOOSHANK + DANIELSAN + MORE Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 10:00pm.
sunday february 28 • ANYWAY - FEAT: VARIOUS ARTISTS Bottom End, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $25.00. • BOP ART - FEAT: HAWAII + WHO + TIGERFUNK + MATT RADOVICH + LEWIS CANCUT Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. • DAYDREAMS Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 4:00pm. • DEETRON Railway Hotel, Brunswick. 2:00pm. $20.00. • DJ MUSICMAN Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 2:00pm. • DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE FEAT: DJ NIGEL LAST Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. • GOOD TIMES - FEAT: MATT RADOVICH Railway Hotel, Brunswick. 3:00pm. • JUNGLE - FEAT: HANDS DOWN + ZAC DEPETRO + PETE LASKIS + TRAVLOS + JOHN DOE Tramp, Melbourne Cbd. 6:00am. $15.00. • LIFE’S A PEACH - FEAT: JAMIE VALE + STAKSI + WARSAWYER Carlton Club, Melbourne Cbd. 6:00pm. • OUTDOOR GARDEN PARTY - FEAT: JACK BEATS + AARON STATIC + JMC + MANIC PIXIE + MORE Brown Alley, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. • PENNY’S HOUSE Penny Black, Brunswick. 1:00pm. • PIKNIC ELECTRONIK FEAT: DUBFIRE + KEVIN SAUNDERSON + THE HACKER + KODE 9 + MORE Federation Square, Melbourne Cbd. 1:00pm. $15.00. • REVOLVER SUNDAYS FEAT: BOOGS + SPACEY SPACE + T-REK + MORE Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7:00am. • ROOFTOP SUNDAYS - FEAT: KHANH + KEN WALKER + JESUS The Emerson, South Yarra. 12:00pm. • THE SUNDAY SET - FEAT: DJ ANDYBLACK + SHAGGIS Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 4:00pm. • WAX ON WAX OFF Lucky Coq, Windsor. 7:00pm.
monday february 29 • CALL IT IN - FEAT: INSTANT PETERSON + DYLAN MICHAEL + ROBYN TREASURE Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. • MONDAY STRUGGLE - FEAT: TIGER FUNK Lucky Coq, Windsor. 6:00pm. • THE MONDAY BONE MACHINE - FEAT: LADY LENEGAN + T-REK Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm.
tuesday march 1 • CARRIAGE 252 - FEAT: SAM COOPER Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. • CUSHION TUESDAYS Cushion, St Kilda. 10:00pm. • OASIS TUESDAYS Tramp, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. • SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 7:00pm.
urban club guide wednesday february 24 • LITTLE SIMZ + SAMPA THE GREAT + MAT CANT Howler, Brunswick. 8:00pm. $39.00. • MELLOWDÍASTHUMP (SOUNDCLASH #4) - FEAT: STEVIE WONDER VS ROY AYRES + GEEZY + CAZEAUX O.S.L.O + SKOMES Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. • THE GAME Forum Theatre, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $87.40.
thursday february 25
Cbd. 8:00pm. • FAKTORY FRIDAYS - FEAT: DAMION DE SILVA + K DEE + DURMY Khokolat Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. • PARTY & BULLSHIT - FEAT: SONIC VIBES + JADE ZOE Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. • PREQUEL + NEW MTN Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. • RIGOROUS CREW - FEAT: BIGS + SCOT SKILLS + PLARKS + DRILS + MORE 24 Moons, Northcote. 8:00pm.
saturday february 27
• LESS + SWEET TIME + BAJA BREEDERS • BIG DANCING - FEAT: BOOTY QUEST + Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbottsford. 7:00pm. LEROY Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. • CHECK 1 2 VOL.III - FEAT: PEEZO + friday february 26 MERC SWAZEY + TYS + ONE SIXTH + MORE Penny Black, Brunswick. 8:00pm. • BRIGHT LIGHTS BIG CITY - FEAT: DJ • KHOKOLAT KOATED SATURDAYS RCEE + KAHLUA + DJ SHOOK + DJ FEAT: DAMION DE SILVA + K DEE + ANGEL JAY Chaise Lounge, Melbourne
24
electronic - urban - club life
DURMY + TIMOS Khokolat Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. • RHYTHM NATION SATURDAYS - FEAT: DJ TIMOS + DJ KAHLUA + DJ ANGE M & ANDY PALA Chaise Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $10.00. • TALI + GEORGIE FISHER + ABLE8 + SK + MORE Grumpy’s Green, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. • YOLANDA & THE FIREFLIES Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm.
sunday february 28 • MOMENTUM (FOREIGN BROTHERS) - FEAT: MOMENTUM: FOREIGN BROTHERS + THE CORE-TET Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10.00.
tuesday march 1 • G-EAZY Max Watt’s, Melbourne. 7:30pm. $51.60.
off the record with james di fabrizio Life’s a trollman.
Âme Returns With 2016 Melbourne Show Frank Wiedemann - one half of electronic duo Âme - will return to Melbourne with their acclaimed live show. Performing on behalf of the German duo, the group blend the sounds of Detroit house and soul. Working together for over ten years, Âme have produced tracks including Where We At (featuring Derrick Carter) as well as collaborating on their own label and musical collective, Innervisions. It all goes down at Brown Alley on Friday March 4.
Marine Masquerade Announces 2016 Melbourne Boat Party Lineup A masquerade ball will take place on the high seas surrounding Melbourne, with seafaring punters encouraged to strap on a mask and hit the dance floor when the Victoria Star takes off with local dance and house DJs on board. Helmed by the crew at Change Music, the party will pack the musical talents of local legends Sunshine and Greg Sara on to the ship alongside the likes of Luke Vecchio, Will Cooper, Jarrah Wales, Christian Hendy, Bijan, and Angus Milham. Marine Masquerade will begin its journey from Dock 9, Melbourne Docklands on Labour Day eve, Sunday March 13.
This Is Hip Hop Drops 2016 Melbourne Lineup This Is Hip Hop is kicking off their lineup by announcing a collection of hip hop veterans. Bone ThugsN-Harmony top the bill, performing their Grammywinning album E. 1999 Eternal in full. Joining them will be West Coast rappers DJ Quik and Snoop Dogg collaborators Tha Dogg Pound, with more artists to be announced closer to the date. This Is Hip Hop will go down on Saturday May 21 at Festival Hall. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
COLIN HAY T H R O U G H
T H E
Y E A R S
B Y D AV I D J A M E S Y O U N G
2015 was a huge year for Colin Hay. The former Men At Work vocalist has spent the last 30-plus years traversing the globe as a solo act, and in 2015 he released his twelfth solo record, Next Year People; was the subject of the documentary Colin Hay: Waiting for My Real Life; and performed at one of the biggest celebrity weddings of the year. Well, kind of – Hay was enlisted as the musical guest for the Valentine’s Day episode of the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast, the storyline of which followed the wedding of Community star Gillian Jacobs and Happy Days creator Garry Marshall, as played by Paul F. Tompkins. It was later voted one of the most popular episodes of the entire year.
LORD HURON T R A I L I N G
O F F
B Y J A M E S D I FA B R I Z I O
Over the course of five years, indie folk five piece Lord Huron has grown from an understated bedroom project to a fully fledged band, complete with swirling and cinematic compositions that have garnered international acclaim. Helmed by chief songwriter Ben Schneider, the band’s latest record Strange Trails is a Western odyssey where dark country narratives meet atmospheric soundscapes. “I think like a lot of blues music down the line, we really rely on a lot of established musical vocabulary,” says Schneider. “It’s something we take a lot of care and pride in – referencing things without repeating things. It’s amazing what you can say just by recalling an old song or an old sound; all the connotations people have with old music and all the memories that it can bring back. It’s kind of like a shorthand that you can use to say more with the song than what you’re actually saying, which I think is a really beautiful tradition within the blues lineage.” It’s this commitment to filtering iconic sounds of the past through a distinctly contemporary lens that has won Lord Huron the praise of traditionalists and progressives alike. Their music straddles the line between old and new, familiar and strange all at once. Throughout it all however, Schneider has refused to compromise his vision in exchange for delivering a more digestible package. “Occasionally we cause some confusion and frustration for people who like to classify things, or put things in neat little boxes,” says Schneider. “But for us, the pleasure of it is just doing what we think is right and hoping people react to it.” Strange Trails is embedded with the power to conjure a strong sense of place. Inspired by fantastic tales and adventure, the album attempts to translate visuals into music, painting a picture with a musical palette. “The way I think about music is very visual,” says Schneider. “When we’re rehearsing with the band we talk that way too. When we are trying to describe what we want to do in a certain part of a song we’ll talk about it in a visual way, and I think that comes through. It’s an interesting thing to do, to try and describe something sonically… it’s certainly something we’re striving for.” While Strange Trails aims to push sonic boundaries, the lyrics are rooted in the time-honoured tradition of storytelling. Songs such as The Night We Met, The World Ender and The Yawning Grave unfurl like chapters in a novel, each with their own protagonists and a clear sense of narrative. “Sometimes that can be a straighter line to the truth than non-fiction in a strange way,” says Schneider. “I’ve always been really drawn to that type of song, where I can immerse myself in some kind of a world – whether it’s a just a simple story or something more abstract that might not make literal sense to you, but you still feel like you can live in it and soak it up. Especially with our last record, I was really interested in writing some of those more straight forward narrative songs that have
a really great history in country and rock music; tragic tales of love and loss and human experience laid bare.” To bring these stories to life, Schneider and his bandmates holed up in a studio that they had renovated themselves. For months on end, they refined and developed a musical world of their own. In his opinion, having their own studio space is one of the key reasons why Strange Trails arrives as the group’s most fully realised release. “We’ve had our studio now for the past year and it’s kind of become our clubhouse,” he laughs. Freed from the costs and pressures of a regular recording studio, the group were able to delve into the creative process more thoroughly. “With our own place we had more time to let the songs hatch. To figure out exactly what they wanted to be and how they wanted to be expressed, and what funky sounds would help tell the story. It was liberating to work like that. “We had no problem spending several hours trying to get just the right maraca sound, or just the right guitar tone. You just have to get it right sometimes. You hear it in your head and you just have to hear it that way. Getting those things right, those details right, really felt like an important part of making Strange Trails.” In a relatively short amount of time, Lord Huron has morphed from one man’s solo project to a four-way musical endeavour. Their music has connected with listeners on a multitude of different levels, and as Schneider says, that was always the aim. “One of the craziest things I’ve noticed over our years of doing this is that different people get all kinds of different kicks out of our music. Some people who don’t love the recordings love the live show. Some people who love the live show love the recordings even more. Some people love getting lost in the stories, some people love just listening to the musical part of it. I can’t prescribe what I want people to get out of it, just as long as it’s something positive. I’ll leave it up to them.” LORD HURON are playing at the Corner Hotel on Monday March 21, as well as Bluesfest, which runs from Thursday March 24 – Monday March 28 at the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, NSW.
“There’s this theatre in LA called Largo,” says Hay, who was born in Scotland, emigrated to Australia in his teens and is now a US citizen. “I’ve been playing there for years and years, but it’s also a place that hosts a lot of comedy nights. I had a chance encounter with Paul, and we hit it off. He recommended me to Scott [Aukerman, Comedy Bang! Bang! creator] to be a guest on the show, and it ended up being a lot of fun. I kind of knew what I was getting into with all the improv and stuff that they do, so I did my best to play along and people ended up really liking it.” Since rising to prominence with Men At Work in the early-’80s, Hay has continued to work tirelessly and tour just as much as Men At Work did, albeit on a smaller and more intimate scale. His profile resurged in the 2000s thanks to cameo appearances on Scrubs and the now-infamous legal case concerning Men At Work’s biggest hit, Down Under. All of this was compiled into
the aforementioned documentary, which was directed by Aaron Faulls and Nate Gowtham, and became a surprise hit at last year’s Melbourne International Film Festival. “I think people connected with it because it’s a common story,” Hay says. “I mean, it’s my story, but it could be anyone’s tale. You have this huge moment in your life, and you think that’s what your life is going to be
JUDE PERL
S E L L I N G
U P
BY THOMAS BRAND
It’s a familiar story: a musician writes a few songs, works hard to increase their exposure and build a following, but then hits a wall. What comes next is a frustrating limbo between pushing hard down the same path and finding new avenues leading to success. Jude Perl has lived and breathed this story. After five years working as a jingle writer at The Sugar Co., she knew she had to branch out in order to fulfil her passions. It paid off and she’ll soon release her debut album via SugarHope Records.
“They’d been stringing me along for about five years, and now they’re finally releasing an album of my stuff,” she says. “Basically because I’m blackmailing them with a photo I took of a health inspector at one of the factories in Guatemala being bribed. So now they’re making my album. “I was actually really lucky, because I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. I saw the photo opportunity – it just looked important. I took the photo thinking, ‘I should take that. It might come in handy.’ At that point I was… desperate is W W W. B E AT.C O M . A U
a nice way of putting it. Really wanting to get this album released. Whatever it takes, you know? Just to get your dreams to come true.” While one wonders what Perl was doing in Guatemala in the first place, it’s not about the journey; it’s about the destination. This brings us to Perl’s current status – despite managing to land a record deal, working with The Sugar Co. hasn’t been as smooth as hoped. “They were liking the jingles I wrote, but all of the songs that I tried to release musically
from that point on... and it’s not. It never is. Sometimes you do your best work and it’s almost kept a secret. I’ve been working a long time, and a lot of that time I was falling off the map. It’s what you do with that, that’s what ends up defining you. I guess that’s what people saw in my story.” Hay will be back in Australia this March for a run of headlining dates across the country. This includes an appearance at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, as well as an evening at Melbourne Zoo as part of their Twilight series. Plenty of new material from Next Year People will be showcased, but don’t fret – you’ll get your dose of Who Can It Be Now? and, indeed, Down Under. “A lot of musicians my age just put their heads down and try and get their hits over and done with. I’ve come to learn that it’s not about me. Those songs, they really belong to the audience now. It’s their moment to recapture. I just treat myself as a vessel for that.” As for the rest of the setlist, Hay says that he and his band vary from night to night. “When we’re in rehearsal, we start off with way too many songs. That ends up being the best way around it, as you’re never short on songs to perform. There’s always something in the back pocket if we want to change things up.” COLIN HAY is playing at Melbourne Zoo Twilights on Friday March 4, as well as hitting up Port Fairy Folk Festival, from Friday March 11 – Monday March 14 in the village of Port Fairy, VIC.
they said they weren’t sexy enough,” she says. “I wrote songs about human rights and they asked ‘Could you make it more sexy?’ I told them, ‘Well I can, but doesn’t that detract from the message?’ I think that’s really the kind of demographic that they were kind of going for. I suspect it’s more about them wanting more songs about summer and the beach and hanging out, and less about being gassy or being lonely or eating your feelings.” Clearly there was a major disparity between Perl’s artistic intentions and the expectations of the record’s suspicious financers, but she worked out a compromise. “A lot of the songs are about how advertising is really bad and sugar is really bad. All they wanted was for me to put their ads on the album for their products,” says Perl. “But ignore the ads, because what I’m trying to say is, ‘Don’t let advertising manipulate you.’ Then you have to listen to a jingle, but ignore the jingle – don’t let advertising manipulate you. You got to take what you can get. This was the best I could do.” The strange circumstances surrounding Perl’s forthcoming album are enough to label her a sell out. She’s had to come to terms with this fact, and in many ways sees it as more than just a means to an end. “I’ve heard the words ‘Sell out. You’re living a lie. You’re a disgrace to music and arts,’ and I see what people are saying. For a little while I struggled to look at myself in the mirror, but you have to see it as selling up. I’m giving hope to so many young artists around by saying you can make your dreams come true as long as you’re OK with compromising all of your values in order to get your music released. If you’re happy to do that, then you’re home free. “That’s my message – all young people who get into performing should be able to see that you can be a complete stooge and do something that keeps people asleep whilst making music that you love. Selling out – I used to hate that term, but I say thank you to anyone who says that. I take it as a compliment. Thank you.” JUDE PERL is playing on Thursday February 25 at the Paris Cat and Wednesday March 2 at The Toff in Town. Her debut album Modern Times is due out this year. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 25
THE ALL SEEING HAND M E D I TAT I N G
O N
F I LT H
B Y B E L R YA N
The All Seeing Hand are a sonic force to be reckoned with. Far from a one-dimensional experience, the Kiwi trio encompass all elements of performance. Throat extraordinaire Jonny Marks shares his thoughts on what their unique act is all about. “It’s about having as much fun as possible,” says Marks. “I’ve worked with David Morrison, who is Alphabethead [turntables] for years. We’ve still got lots of music to explore together. So that’s part of it. But I suppose for the audience we want to present music that’s as total as possible. That’s why we work with visual people as well.”
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE H A N D S
I N
T H E
PA I N T
B Y D AV I D J A M E S Y O U N G
There’s always some uncertainty about who’ll show up on an Animal Collective record. Not because the band has a revolving-door lineup – in fact, they’ve held the same four members since inception in 1999. Rather, Animal Collective treats itself as just that – a collective, with releases under the name coming from any combination of the four. For Animal Collective’s tenth LP, Painting With, they’ve returned to the same triangular formation responsible for the landmark 2009 release, Merriweather Post Paviliion. Change and evolution is the name of the game for Animal Collective, but never at the cost of friendships within the fold. “It always starts with a text conversation or an email chain,” explains Brian Weitz, AKA Geologist, who has performed on eight of the group’s ten albums. “We talk pretty much every day – I mean, I’m not always talking to all three, but I speak with at least one of the others every day. We’re always sending each other stuff – inside jokes, weird shit on YouTube. It might be a few years between records sometimes, but we never fall out of contact with one another. Usually, sometime after we’ve taken a little break, one of us will float the idea of the next record to see if anyone else is thinking about it. It’s never taken personally if one of us doesn’t want to or doesn’t have the time to do it. In this case, it was Josh [Gibb, AKA Deakin]. It’s just the ebb and flow of this group.” Weitz, David ‘Avey Tare’ Portner and Noah ‘Panda Bear’ Lennox recorded Painting With at EastWest Studios in Hollywood, occupying the same room famously used by Brian Wilson, one of the group’s key influences, on such classic records as Pet Sounds and Smiley Smile. When it came to the creative direction of the album, they looked to bring a more primitive swing to the compositions – a return in some ways to 2005’s Feels and 2007’s Strawberry Jam. Interestingly enough, this shift came from an unexpected outside influence. “I was listening a lot to the first Ramones record,” says Weitz. “I really enjoyed that listening experience – I mean, I always have, but there was something about the record this time around that clicked with me. It made me think about Animal Collective somehow – the thought that we’d never made a record like that before. The kind of record where all the songs are really short, there’s no ambience, no songs that are slow, no songs that are sad. The kind of record where it opens up with this huge punch and it just doesn’t let up the entire time that you’re listening to. I really wanted to make a record like that. I thought it would be a lot of fun. I threw the idea out there and it turns out Dave had been thinking the same sort of thing – just with early Beatles records.” Although Painting With is the tenth studio BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 26
album to bare the Animal Collective name, Weitz says this milestone wasn’t a factor when creating Painting With – as a matter of fact, the group had almost lost count along the way. “To me, it doesn’t even feel like the tenth album – it feels more like 11th or 12th,” says Weitz. “We put out this DVD a while ago called ODDSAC, and it took up a tonne of time. It felt like making a record over the period of a few years. We have this live album too called Hollinndagain, which I treat as our third record. I know people don’t really count live albums as proper records, but I still see it as a documentation of what we were making at the time. We definitely weren’t aware that we were making our tenth studio album when we did Painting With. We know we’ve made a lot of records, though, and we’re proud of that.” Throughout their 17 years as a band, Animal Collective have continually found ways to break new ground and keep their weird and wonderful dream alive. It says a lot about the creative juices that flow from each member of the group that they remain uncategorisable and proudly weird even after being a part of the indie rock furniture for such a long time. “I think for any creative person, running out of ideas is a fear that always lingers in the back of your mind,” says Weitz. “Thankfully, it hasn’t happened to us yet. I put that down to our own sensibilities and our own tastes. We all have really different tastes in music and we’re all really open minded about what the other will bring to the music that we create together. “There’s an Animal Collective sound at this point, and we don’t really know how to describe it. We’d have never wanted that when we were starting out – to us, having an identifiable sound was like the kiss of death. We don’t mind it so much now, mainly because we still know what excites us about music. I like sounding like Animal Collective.” ANIMAL COLLECTIVE’s new album Painting With is available now via Domino.
Marks first got involved with The All Seeing Hand after a stint living overseas, “Ben Michael Knight [drums] and David had decided to merge together. They were playing together in various guises at house parties. When I got back they were already a growing concern and when I saw them I thought, I’ve got to be in that band. I forced myself on them.” Marks admits he hasn’t been involved in anything quite like his current project. “Our sound is all encompassing, it’s got to be ringing around the walls and filling you, surrounding you. I’ve been heavily involved in the music community around Wellington and it’s a small city, so if you’re into music you automatically get involved in all sorts of projects. It’s too small a place to just to stay in one band and say ‘This is what I do’. But there’s a really strong concentration of amazing musicians. I think it means that the people who continue to do music really do it because they love it.” Their live show has attracted attention for
O N
T H E
L I G H T S
BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Natives of Tucson, Arizona, Calexico have been regular Australian tourists over the last decade, coming over in support of their albums Garden Ruin, Carried to Dust and Algiers (respectively albums five, six and seven in their catalogue). With their eighth LP, Edge of the Sun, released in mid-2015, Australian fans have been eagerly anticipating their return, and they’ll be back next month for a run of theatre shows plus a stint at WOMADelaide. Unsurprisingly to Calexico fans, Edge of the Sun is a stylistically and instrumentally diverse record. The opening sequence of songs, Falling From The Sky, Bullets & Rocks and When the Angels Played, eases listeners in with subdued folk rock opulence. From there it branches out, taking a more adventurous, Latin-inscribed route on songs such as Cumbia de Donde, Beneath the City of Dreams and Moon Never Rises. Having made eight albums, co-founder and frontman Joey Burns says there’s no cut and dry approach to developing each one, but there’s a general urge to move away from what’s come before. “That usually informs what we’ll do next B E AT.C O M . A U
Catch THE ALL SEEING HAND when they hit the John Curtin Hotel on Saturday March 5.
its incorporation of visual elements. In particular, the pink latex formation known simply as The Blob, from which the group burst forth from on stage. “Unfortunately The Blob is quite dead at the moment,” Marks says. “It’s a repulsive thing now. It’s been through a few gigs and often ends up in the crowd. I think it will become a sentient being in its own right soon. It’s in a cupboard, meditating on its own filth. We did about four shows in it before it was over. “When we performed in bars we transformed the space in to a gross cave. It was revolting. Ben was drumming in it, so you’d try to move and be yanked about. I would vomit into my mouth because there was no air inside, I’d be singing and trying to breathe but just have to swallow it back. It was always a relief to finally burst out and be free. The idea was this whole thing of having to work together and be a cohesive unit while we were all globbed together, and the chaos that ensued and the kind of ugly beauty of it.”
CALEXICO T U R N I N G
Despite The Blob’s demise, Australian fans needn’t fear for a lack of stimulus when The All Seeing Hand jump across the Tasman next month. “All of the material will be new. Our outfits are new. The first time we came over all we took were some tea-light candles. Even just that though, we were still saying this is a little bit different. We’ll come up with something.” This year also brings some exciting news from The All Seeing Hand. “We’ve got a new album coming out. It’s a slow process, but we’re at the point where we’re just arguing about which tracks will be on it. The long wait will be getting it pressed to vinyl. It’s going to be a mixture of stuff that we’ve been playing live for ages and some of the newer things and I’ve found words – I’ve found that I can actually say words, so there will be some words on the album as well.”
or where we’ll go next. In 2012 we put out Algiers, which we did some of the recording and writing [for] down in New Orleans. That record eventually became kind of introverted and mapped out more of an internal landscape. This time I wanted to turn the lights on and turn up some energy and I couldn’t think of a better way than to go to Mexico City, which is another place I’ve wanted to spend more time in. I went there with John [Convertino, drummer and multi-instrumentalist] and our good friend Sergio Mendoza who plays keyboards with us. It was fun to go to do some writing, to record those sketches, [and] some of those sketches became actual tracks for the
record.” In the spirit of making a more energetic record, the band invited a number of guest vocalists into the studio. Early on, there’s a trio of names indie rock audiences will be familiar with – Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses), Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) and Neko Case. However, the more conspicuous vocal contributions come from Spanish musician Amparo Sanchez (on Cumbia de Donde), Guatemalan singer/songwriter Gaby Moreno (on Miles From the Sea and Beneath the City of Dreams), and Mexican indie pop performer Carla Morrison (on Moon Never Rises). “The idea of asking people to come and sit in was one of the final thoughts of making the record,” Burns says. “The song Bullets and Rocks, after recording this idea and I put some scratch vocals on and doubled those harmonies, I was reminded of the feel and the sounds of working with Sam Beam of Iron & Wine. So I thought, ‘Well, I’ll just reach out to him.’ I sent him a text and he wrote back, ‘Hey, I’ll do it next week.’ “I’d never met Ben Bridwell of Band Of Horses, but I’d been a fan. Ironically he even lived in Tucson at one point. Carla Morrison is a very popular singer from Mexico. She works with the same label and manager as Sergio. The same thing with Gaby Moreno.” As the title suggests, Cumbia de Donde is a flirtation with the dance-oriented form of Latin American folk music, cumbia. Along with Sanchez’s vocals, the track makes use of drum loops and synthesisers. It’s not entirely unfamiliar territory for Calexico, but it’s nevertheless a brave songwriting experiment. “It came about because [Convertino], who had just recently moved to El Paso, Texas, needed some time before he could get to the studio. So the first day was just the bass player, myself and Sergio Mendoza. We wound up just making up some ideas based on cumbia rhythms. “We’ve always had a lot of influences just by virtue of being excited about different kinds of music and styles.” CALEXICO are playing at Hamer Hall on Wednesday March 2. They’re also playing at WOMADelaide, which takes places in Botanic Park, Adelaide from Friday March 11 – Monday March 14.
THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN T H E 30 Y E A R
I TC H
BY MICHAEL HARTT
As far as debut albums go, there are few more provocative than The Jesus and Mary Chain’s Psychocandy. Released in November 1985, the LP remains a menacing and beautiful blend of abrasive noise and pop melodies that either enthrals or ostracises. To mark the album’s 30th anniversary, the Scottish band, led by brothers Jim and William Reid, have embarked on a run of shows performing Psychocandy in full. Since reforming in 2007, the Reids have been approached a number of times to do such a tour, but previously declined all offers. As Jim Reid explains, the decision to do it now was a matter of timing. “I suppose it was coming up for a landmark anniversary and we thought that if we didn’t do it now, it was really going to be too late to do it anytime in the future,” he says. “What we did was we decided to entertain the idea. The first thing we thought we should try out was to book some rehearsal time and see whether we could do it, whether it was going to work or not. Had that rehearsal gone badly, we would have just knocked it in the head. It just would’ve been an idea that we’d tried that didn’t work, but it worked out pretty well and we felt pretty good about it.” The 12 months leading up to Psychocandy’s release was a heady time for the Mary Chain. Debut single Upside Down was released on Creation Records in November 1984 and quickly became one of the decade’s best selling indie singles. They UK press hailed them as “the new Sex Pistols” thanks to their antagonistic early shows where sets would last only 20-odd minutes and the audience would be blasted with relentless noise and verbal chiding. Some shows ended in riots, most famously at the North London Polytechnic and Camden’s Electric Ballroom. The chance to make amends for the mayhem of the time was another reason to revisit Psychocandy. “It occurred to us that quite a lot of songs from Psychocandy never actually got played live at the time, or ever at all,” Reid says. “There was a big chunk of that album that we never performed onstage at any point, and that just seemed a shame to let that be the way it goes down. We’re playing songs that, if I’m honest, I can’t even remember how they came about. It’s just weird. You’re standing there and you’re playing this song and you’re thinking, ‘This could be somebody else’s.’ You just don’t remember this song coming into the world.” Now that they’re over 50, the Reid’s were intially reluctant about returning to something made by their younger, more arrogant and angrier selves. “We just thought it’d be too weird,” says Reid. “It’s again why we booked the rehearsal time; to see how it was going to work out. I think a lot of it was to do with the attitude that we approached it, really. “You just go out there and crank it up. You turn up the volume and just make as much racket as you can. It’s not rocket science, but at the same time it’s not that easy either.” Since its release, Psychocandy has become a benchmark record for multiple generations of noise merchants, from shoegazers to industrial groups. There were times when the Mary Chain felt like the album was casting a long shadow over everything else they were doing. However, they’re now far more comfortable with its place in their history. “When the band was around in the ‘90s we kind YOUTUBE of wished people would shut the fuck up about Psychocandy when we wanted to talk about other SENSATION things that we were doing. But Christ, there’s not that ‘THE CHOOKY many people who can make a record and 30 years later people still talk about it, never mind wanting to hear DANCERS” you play it live. It’s something I can’t feel bad about, and also, we do get enough interest in other records we’ve made for it not to be a problem. “It’s always nice to be remembered in any way,” Reid adds. “It’s all about people picking up other bits of other people’s ideas and running with it. We’ve done that. That’s, in essence, what rock’n’roll is. If it becomes pastiche, then you’ve got a problem, but it’s great that there are bands around now that have learned a lesson from the Mary Chain.” While The Jesus and Mary Chain have been back together for almost a decade, they’re yet to release a new album. One track, All Things Must Pass, was released not long after their first reunion shows. While he’s reluctant to give away much detail, Reid says the group’s first full-length release since 1998’s Munki is well on its way. “We’re actually in the middle of recording it. It’s going pretty well. We’ve recorded most of the tracks, we just need to mix it now. It’s more or less me and William. We’ve had some of the band in playing bits and bobs on it. We’re recording with Youth, and he’s played bass on most of the tracks.” In the meantime, the Mary Chain are set to make their first visit to Australia since 2008. As ever, they’ll be doing things in their own fashion. “We do two sets. We actually do the non-Psychocandy set first. There’s no encore. Basically, we’re being rather presumptuous. We’re assuming the audience would want an encore, and rather than do it after the Psychocandy set, we decided to do it first. We just figured once you do Psychocandy, that’s kind of it.” The Brunswick Music Festival is proudly presented by Performing Arts Moreland with the continued support THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN are playing of princial public partner Moreland City Council. at 170 Russell on Sunday March 6 and Forum
DJUKI MALA - BRUNSWICK TOWN HALL - 16, 17, 18 & 19 MARCH ALSARAH & THE NUBATONES (SUDAN/USA) | BLIND BOY PAXTON (USA)
DIGGING ROOTS (CAN) | FURBELOWS SWING PARTY | HAT FITZ & CARA (AUS/IRE) IF YOU SEE HERE SAY HELLO | KYLIE AULDIST | MIA DYSON & JESS RIBEIRO MOUNTAIN MOCHA KILIMANJARO (JPN) | MOXIE (IRE)
SHANE HOWARD TRIO, EMMA DONOVAN & THE PUTBACKS WITH YIRRMAL
SHOOGLENIFTY (SCT) | SPIRO (UK) | THE RAAH PROJECT | THE TARANTINOS
TONY MCMANUS & BEPPE GAMBETTA (CAN/ITA) | THE WOO HOO REVUE & MORE!
W W W. B R U N S W I C K M U S I C F E S T I VA L . C O M . A U
Melbourne on Monday March 7.
W W W. B E AT.C O M . A U
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 27
NEAR MYTH
THINGS FALL APART
BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Near Myth aren’t rushing into things. The Melbourne four-piece will make their live debut this week, however a demo of their song I, Lummox showed up online nearly three years ago. The recording isn’t a throwaway demo either, which reflects the extent of behind the scenes effort they’ve put into this project before emerging into public view.
PET CONSPIRACY BEIJING EXTROVERTS BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Beijing four-piece Pet Conspiracy are heading to Melbourne this weekend for their first ever Australian show. Guitarist and keyboardist Huzi Wang was already an established figure in Chinese alternative music when he formed the band nearly a decade ago. After a series of personnel changes, the lineup solidified in early 2009, featuring vocalist and video artist Yun Yun as well as Italian indie musicians Edo De Bastiani on drums and DJ Mary on lead vocals and toys. The band quickly gathered a following, touring across China and Europe and gaining notoriety for injecting punk rock energy into melodically infectious dance songs. In 2011 they managed to capture this lively stylistic conglomeration on the debut LP Chongwu Tongmou. Based on how easy it is for people to record at home and release music via the Internet, we’ve seen a breakdown of the channels that were formerly used for developing a profile and climbing the ladder to success. There’s never been a foolproof method for gaining wide exposure and success, but there’s now more uncertainty about how to do so than in former eras. The Australian population is merely a speck compared to the Chinese population, but this didn’t prevent Pet Conspiracy from gaining prominence in their home country. “China is actually a pretty easy country for new bands, especially if compared with other countries such as the European ones,” says Wang. “If you can offer something fresh, catchy and you know what you are doing, it is not difficult to get gigs and start people buzzing around about you. Selling music is not that important, provided that you play live a lot and get your visibility.” Pet Conspiracy’s music draws on electro pop and new wave, and smears it with post-punk darkness. These styles have been prevalent since the late-‘70s/‘80s and are still widely explored among Western musicians. The same applies in China, however Pet Conspiracy have never been directly affiliated with a scene. “We have always been our own, when it comes to music and concept,” Wang says. “What sounded new in our approach since the beginning was the mix between a punky goth style with a strongly danceable music basis, which was pretty uncommon for China. On top on that, the band was bringing shows where music was intimately linked to visuals and which came out very theatrical in both scenography and attitude. We guess this is probably what made the difference.” Despite being based in Beijing and consisting of Chinese and Italian members, the majority of Pet Conspiracy’s lyrics are in English. This could be interpreted as a means of increasing their accessibility in Western markets. However, it’s more of an aesthetically motivated decision. “English is the language better suiting the rhythm and colours of the music we produce, and it is also a common language for all the band members, which just makes things much easier during composition. However, we still like to play with our other languages, and we do have songs or song BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 28
pieces in Italian and Chinese from time to time. “[Singing in English] is fully accepted within the underground scene. Chinese rockers listen to a lot of international bands so language is not an obstacle at all.” Pet Conspiracy are playing at the NGV this Friday night as part of the Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei exhibition. Chinese artist Weiwei’s art draws on a lot of familiar elements, invoking pop art and popular culture, and implementing photography and banal objects. All the while, he manages to express something new and constructive. Pet Conspiracy strive towards a similar effect with their music – to not just adapt a recognised form, but to tweak it in a way that opens up new thoughts and possibilities. “We are big fans of Ai Weiwei and we are honoured to play at one at his events. Everything we do and sing is kind of conflictual and contradictory. We are fascinated by silly and childish stuff that we keep on bringing to the stage – fake guns, puppies, child masks. We love to play as much as we love to fight, scream and tear everything down. “Conflictuality – love and hate, good and evil – is what lies underneath the Pet Conspiracy concept. And this is the reflection of what our society is, but this is not something that we really design. It mostly comes out natural the way it is.” Weiwei’s art has an overt activistic intention. He doesn’t just try to entertain, but endeavours to stir up thoughts and conversations that’ll contribute to a better China – and in turn a better world. Pet Conspiracy’s political intentions perhaps aren’t quite so overt, but it’s nevertheless an undeniable feature of their output. “Every artist cannot be only mere entertainment tools. Either you want to deliver a specific political or social message or not – you are still conveying something to your audience. It can be an attitude, a style life, or a bunch of emotions.” Although this is Pet Conspiracy’s first time in Australia, they’ve clocked up stacks of stage experience over the last seven or eight years. From all reports, we can expect a livewire performance. “Beijing extrovert is the one of the main features of our shows. We try to get ourselves and the audience as much high as possible.” PET CONSPIRACY are playing at the National Gallery of Victoria on Friday February 26 as part of the Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei Friday Nights series.
“Our drummer [ Joe Hammond] won a recording studio in a magazine competition. We were like, ‘Awesome. We get to record ourselves.’ And anyone who has their own studio will tell you that’s probably the worst idea in the world for actually finishing music, because you just end up tinkering with stuff,” says vocalist/songwriter Marcus Teague. “We wrote and recorded and mixed all these songs, and then we came up with I, Lummox – which was markedly different from the other stuff we were doing – and we were like, ‘This is the kind of music that we should be playing.’ So we rejected all the stuff that we’d done and set off on that path. Essentially we had a career in a recording studio in Hawthorn for quite a few years.” The band’s creative agenda became much clearer in the wake of I, Lummox, and they’ve subsequently recorded and mastered a full-length album. However, their selfunderstanding will inevitably shift after performing in front of a live audience. “We have been playing in our studio for years – we just haven’t done it in front of anyone,” says Teague. “We’ll do it and be like ‘That guitar tone sounds like shit’ or something. You know, those little discoveries you make when you’re actually playing in front of people. But I think it’ll be a bit of a rush as well.”
Teague himself has been onstage often enough over the last few years, playing shows with his acoustic folk solo project, Single Twin. In contrast to his self-sufficient solo work, Near Myth is crucially reliant on the input of all four members. When sculpting the forthcoming release, they endeavoured to have the songs’ constituent parts contribute to a dynamically balanced whole. “Talking Heads did it really well, and bands like that, where every instrument is an element of what’s going on, rather than everyone playing a G chord at the same time,” Teague says. “We started getting really excited about the interplay and dynamics. So they’re songs that you can’t just sit down and play on an acoustic guitar – which I get to do in Single Twin, so I didn’t want to do that in writing this kind of music. It has to be band stuff and it has to have that rhythmical element and that interlocking thing for it to exist. Like, we all need to be playing the song for it to actually be a song.” Despite spending such an extensive period in the shadows, Teague’s not too worried about the transition to the live arena. He won’t discount the possibility of everything falling to pieces, but major fuck-ups often lead to useful discoveries. “I’m definitely not precious about it. I know
COME TOGETHER FESTIVAL MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC FESTIVAL BY LIZA DEZFOULI
Ahoy lubbers. Get thee to Eltham on Saturday March 5 for the second Come Together Music and Arts Festival at Edendale Farm. Featuring soul, blues and world music, Come Together is also raising awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention. Festival curator Damien Mannix is producing (and financing) Come Together from his home with his wife. Beat speaks to Mannix about the decision to start a music festival in his neighbourhood. “A couple of years ago I lost a close family member to suicide. After the fall-out from that, in order to come to terms with it, I wanted to put something out there in the community,” he says. The festival is a proud supporter of the Beyond Blue organisation. Music is known to have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and Mannix hopes Come Together will go some way to address any isolation someone may be experiencing. “Seeing people close to me who were facing challenging life experiences including mental health issues was a big motivation to B E AT.C O M . A U
develop the Come Together Festival. This is a wonderful way to celebrate life and the ability to have fun together as a community, despite the adversity that many face.” The second reason for putting the festival together was simple – once you have a young family it gets difficult to attend music festivals, especially the bigger ones. So Mannix figured he’d make his own. “I want to make it accessible to me and to my friends,” he says. “It’s hard for us to run off and go to WOMAD or the Byron Bay Bluesfest. I want Come Together to be an accessible, family friendly festival
that some of it is quite specific – the sounds and the parts – but if it all falls apart then that would be just as fun.” Near Myth plan to hit the ground running after the live debut, relatively speaking at least. “We’ll have a video soon. We’ll probably put out some of [the album] songs as an EP.” The two songs currently available online – I, Lummox and Hero Have a House – will feature on the full-length release. But despite I, Lummox catalysing a creative breakthrough for the band, these songs aren’t the greatest depiction of what’s to come. “We have a bunch of much more electronically-minded songs on there. We don’t want a laptop onstage – it’s a band – but there is a lot of electronic samply bits in there as well. But it all needs to be played live, which is also a really great way to fall apart.” NEAR MYTH are playing at The Old Bar on Wednesday February 24 with Low Talk and The Remotes.
where I get to hear the kind of music I like. Although I’m not a musician, I always had a passion for music. I used to DJ and I went to a lot of festivals and raves. I got involved in organising events when I was in my 20s, so I kind of knew what to do.” Come Together, run by Mannix, his wife, and a small team of locals, is not only about the music. Mannix says he wants to provide good music, good art and look after people, especially those from around Eltham. “There are a lot of creative people out this way,” he says. “Our venue, Edendale Farm, is beautiful, in one of the green leafy parts of Melbourne. It’s a good place to bring people, bring musicians to.” Come Together features some of Melbourne’s top musicians in genres as diverse as reggae, soul, jazz, blues, African funk and chill-out electronica. As well as the live acts, DJs will perform sets throughout the day. Things to keep kids happy include dancing sessions and puppet workshops. As far as the musical curation goes, Mannix simply invites the artists he likes. “I’ve just been cherry picking, going by what I like – the style of music I like and who I’ve seen. We’ve got an eclectic mix of amazing musicians and good DJs with a mixture of live and pre-recorded stuff. There are some pretty interesting out-there electronic musicians.” Does Mannix have plans for the future of Come Together? “I’d like to link in with WOMAD, piggyback on them, have musicians who are playing there come to us.” He says it’s important that the festival stays small. “We’re capping it at a 1000. We want to make a safe environment for kids to run around in. It worked last year. Everyone’s into it. We reached a broad range of people.” COME TOGETHER MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL goes down on Saturday March 5 at Edendale Farm, Eltham. The lineup includes The Seven Ups, World’s End Press, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, Miss Colombia, Cumbia Cosmonauts, The Scrimshaw Four, Ras Jahknow, DJ Liz Millar, The Jills, Dom Hogan, John Bailey, Sorceress, DJ Obliveus, Fyoog and Snuff Puppets. If you’re not a local, Edendale Farm is only ten minutes’ walk from Eltham Station.
THE TONGUE I N T E G R A L
PR I O R I T I E S
BY JONTI SIMMONS
There are plenty of artists out there who believe mainstream radio airplay is the be all and end all. However, Sydney rapper The Tongue (AKA Xannon Shirley) holds an opposing view. Despite critical success, constant airplay on community radio stations, and a strong connection with his fanbase, his last seven singles have been all but ignored by the national radio giants. Despite this seeming oversight, Shirley is unfazed.
COLD WAR KIDS I M PR OV I N G
TH E
S I L E N C E
B y A d am N orris
Cold War kids were hard to kill. Or at least, that’s what Billy Joel would have us believe, and who could bring themselves to naysay the Piano Man? Such was his claim in the song Leningrad, which one assumes would be the pre-show anthem for Californian quintet the Cold War Kids. But as it turns out, Nathan Willett and the boys are less soft rock and more rock’n’roll and booze. Prior to their return to Australia, Willett ponders the nature of their music, and why maintaining a layer of mystery isn’t as easy as it sounds. “Billy Joel? I like it. I’ll propose it to the others,” Willett laughs. “We sort of have this unspoken ritual now of hanging out before [a show], listening to some old Rolling Stones – somebody will be the DJ while the rest of us just hang out and get ready. We’re pretty mellow that way. We’ll just ease into the whole walkout. So a good DJ and whatever you can drink, that’s nice.” Cold War Kids released their fifth album, Hold My Home, towards the end of 2014. Its lead single, All This Could Be Yours, dropped some months earlier and proved to be a bellwether track for where the band were heading following 2013’s Dear Miss Lonelyhearts. Critics hailed it as a sign of the Kids at the top of their game, but when next single, First, made it to #1 on Billboard’s Alternative chart, even the band were surprised. Now Willett is focused on putting those experiences into perspective, and hoping the band will have new material ready for their Australian tour in March. “There’s a small chance we’ll have a couple of new songs ready in time,” he says. “I really hope that we can, because the new stuff we’re working on is really strong. I think I have a vision for what we’re doing like never before. I think the success of First taught me a lot about how to keep all these artistic elements. Even the lyrics to that song are a little bit messy; they’re not straightforward. Not linear, though the song itself is quite straightforward. It’s a pop song. Sometimes ambiguity can be powerful. I don’t know, I think very often people are reading their personal lives into our lyrics, and we’re a band that’s managed to lay low enough where nobody really knows that much about us. And that really is the best thing because you let the song speak for itself. I’ve learned that this is what we do well, and let’s try to home in on that.” Willett’s lyrics have long been the stuff of intense discussion amongst fans, and that’s exactly the way he wants his songs to be received; the writer at a distance, the song left to fend for itself. It’s a sentiment shared by many writers, yet it also speaks of a dying breed of artist. The world today allows little opportunity for art to flourish without being chained to endless self-promotion. “It’s hard to think of an example contrary to that. I mean, look at Kafka. He died before
anyone read a story of him, and he’s one of the masters of world literature. But we demand so much exposure from our artists now. It’s such an interesting question, but I think you have to be able to play with it. You have to be able to take advantage of it. Like, I love Kanye. I think that he does that, he takes advantage of exposure, but you have to have that kind of personality. If you’re a little more reclusive, much like I am, it’s a question you keep thinking about.” Willett’s literary musings recall the Jorge Louis Borges quote: “Don’t talk unless you can improve the silence.” Is filling the silence what keeps Willett creating? Or would the obsession exist without an audience? “Such a big question. I find the creative process full of highs and lows. You hit those moments where you’re able to do something that you’ve been dying to do, and you’re happy. And then you step away from that and suddenly you’re asking, ‘Who am I? What do I have to say?’ It’s weird. You don’t just get to do what you want all the time. Part of it is waiting for it to come to you, to be the best receiver that you can. And whatever that means – whether you have to walk around, drink all night, whatever – you have to put yourself in that place where good ideas can come to you. And I think that’s the hardest part of the creative process. “Sometimes stuff just pops in, you’ll wake up in the middle of the night with all of these ideas. Other times you have to kind of just wait, and that’s the brutal part. That side when you’re searching for that muse, you couldn’t feel more empty. I think anybody who is a lover of art – from the highbrow to the lowbrow – I think should be working towards having a voice which is both your own, and something you’re receiving. It’s all very strange, and it really is something you just have to suffer through.”
COLD WAR KIDS are playing at 170 Russell on Friday March 25. They’re also playing at Bluesfest, which runs from Thursday March 24 – Monday March 28 at the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, NSW.
“I don’t need mainstream recognition, I’m not against it but I don’t need it to be happy or to consider my art a success,” he says. “I make money from a day job so that my music isn’t compromised.” It’s a change of pace to hear an artist speak so casually about balancing a day job and a musical project. The Tongue’s lengthy career also proves that mainstream radio play isn’t essential for success. “Thanks to my fanbase I can still tour the country and the albums are selling. So I guess I’ve trumped the need for mainstream success. 95% of what the Australian mainstream celebrates as ‘good music’ is lame. The kind of person who thinks Shannon Noll or The Veronicas is good music isn’t the kind of person I would seek validation from.” The Tongue is clearly willing and able to attract followers through other means. Asked whether the digital release of his latest LP Hard Feelings was a conscious marketing decision rather than a financial necessity, he speaks bluntly. “That decision was a purely financial one. I was faced with the decision: was it worth spending money getting CDs printed or would that cash be better spent on film-clips, mastering, promoting the album?” After conducting some small-scale market research, Shirley realised the era of jewel
cases and booklets could sadly be over. “In my own group of friends almost no one seems to buy CDs anymore,” he says. “So this time around it seemed to make more sense to go with the flow of the industry/ consumer habits rather than swim against the stream.” On that note, although artists are able to distribute tracks overseas through blogs and streaming platforms, there still has to be a compelling story to grab listener attention. “I guess the biggest challenge is presenting an Australian story that is captivating to an overseas audience,” says Shirley. “From what I’ve observed, the US market isn’t very interested in the stories of foreigners. They like American stories. Iggy Azalea is an Australian by title but nothing about her music is uniquely Australian. In fact she’s had to fabricate an American look, accent, story to be accepted by that market. What we are left with is a vague outline of a person. She raps but she doesn’t tell her truth, so at the end of her album you really have no idea who she is or what, if anything, she stands for.” Authenticity is deeply interwoven into The Tongue’s view on success, and he names a number of contemporaries who he believes to be more advanced than the Fancy rapper. “I can think of 50 more deserving local MCs
ELTHAM JAZZ, FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL S U N
R I S I N G
BY LIZA DEZFOULI
Fancy some live jazz, swing and blues music while enjoying a wide range of tantalising food and wine in the leafy surrounds of Eltham? The Eltham Jazz, Food & Wine Festival is on again this weekend with bands performing across a trio of stages in the Eltham town centre. The festival is now in the hands of long-time patron Geoff Kiuke, who had the inspired idea to invite Sun Rising: The Songs That Made Memphis along to headline. Sun Rising is Australia’s premier tribute show to the iconic Sun Records, which gave the world such historic acts as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison. Beat asks Damon Smith, one of the frontmen of Sun Rising, about how he came to put the show together. “It was when I went to Sun Records in Memphis and recorded some of my stuff. I made friends with the music engineer there; he jammed with me all night and told me all these stories about some of the musicians who recorded there.” So, wait, Smith recorded something at Sun Records himself ? “Jerry Lee Lewis’s old piano was W W W. B E AT.C O M . A U
there, with the cigar burn,” Smith says. “I took in a bottle of Scotch – just a small one.” Smith says there’s certain stories and anecdotes that came out while he was there that’ll never see the light of day. However, he heard enough to want to put together a live homage to the studio and its beyond-legendary legacy. Many of the anecdotes feature Jerry Lee Lewis’ infamous shenanigans.
who could’ve represented us better in terms of lyrical ability, creativity et cetera. I’m inspired by Hilltop Hoods touring Europe recently, but there aren’t too many other acts able to follow in their footsteps just yet. [Although] Hilltop Hoods, Thundamentals, 360, Illy, Kerser, Allday… these guys are all experiencing a level of commercial success that was unthinkable to local hip hop artists just a decade ago.” This success has led to a sense of healthy competition, and local hip hoppers are working harder to set themselves apart from the pack. Providing an unforgettable experience is at the core of The Tongue’s widespread appeal. “Integrity keeps you warm at night and my musical legacy cannot be undone. I know I’m a success because I could have very easily never made any music at all.” THE TONGUE is playing at Revolver on Friday March 4. Hard Feelings is out now via Elefant Traks / Inertia.
“As a touring person myself, I know that what happens on tour stays on tour,” Smith says. “Men are so bloody silly – they are buffoons, carrying on like that. But I thought if we are able to narrate some of it along with the music, we have a show.” Smith has always been a fan of classic Memphis rock’n’roll and rockabilly. “I am an original musician,” he says. “I strum guitar and play old songs, old country stuff. My mum told me I should play piano cos I was really good at it.” Smith performs with four other musicians, including Sun Rising’s like-minded cofounder David Cosma. “We have played in each other’s original bands for years,” Smith says. “I’ve always talked to him about this. He’s a huge Elvis fan so it was a no-brainer for him.” Their shared love for the music celebrated in the Sun Rising show doesn’t fade. “We have done thousands of shows but we don’t stop smiling when we’re on stage.” Smith is proud to call Sun Rising: The Songs That Made Memphis a true tribute show. It’s entirely based on the music and characters of a particular time in music history – the years 1950-1957. Aside from the Million Dollar Quartet of Elvis, Cash, Perkins and Lewis, the show honours several other artists discovered by Sun Records head honcho Sam Phillips, including Roy Orbison, BB King, and Howlin’ Wolf. “We’re not dressing up in wigs and burning pianos,” Smith says. “We’re not blowing it out of proportion. It’s a nice clean performance. We are paying the ultimate tribute to the music. I want to keep it bare bones, keep it authentic.” Smith says that some of the Memphis glamour rubs off after a Sun Rising gig. “It’s intensely popular. We stand out the front after shows and hundreds of people want our autographs.” For everyone heading to Eltham Jazz, Food & Wine Festival this weekend, Sun Rising also comes with an impressive seal of approval. “We have this endorsement from Sun Records – Sam Phillips [son of the founder] somehow heard about it and said he liked what we were doing.” Catch Sun Rising: The Songs That Made Memphis at the ELTHAM JAZZ, FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL, which goes down on Saturday February 27 and Sunday February 28 in Eltham town centre. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 29
GWYN ASHTON
GIVING PRE-WAR BLUES A MODERN TWIST
B y R od W hit f ield
When you think about touring musicians, images of multiple band members jumping in a van and hitting the open road usually spring to mind. But former Adelaide now UK-based singer/songwriter Gwyn Ashton is a little different. Although he’s certainly not averse to jamming with other players, he’s a true solo performer – a one-man band, and damn proud of it.
BLIND BOY PAXTON E V E RY T H I N G’S
G E T T I N G
B E T T E R
BY SHAUN COWE
Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton is an American songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is bringing back the classic sound of pre-war blues and jazz, both in his solo work and in acts like Jessy Carolina and the Hot Mess. He’ll be coming to Melbourne to play the Brunswick Music Festival on Thursday March 17. He speaks to Beat about his distinctive blues style. “I play traditional music. I do my best to do it right,” he says. “It has a little bit of me, as it’s supposed to be, but you know, it’s not forced. With a name like Blind Boy Paxton and a musical style to match, you can be forgiven for picturing a gnarled, prewar blues musician chugging away on a derelict acoustic guitar in Chicago’s Black Patti recording studios. But in fact Paxton is a 27-year-old from Los Angeles who’s politely laconic and quick to laugh, despite his imposing build. A revivalist of traditional blues, Paxton has an earthy approach to his music. His live shows revolve around friendly banter with the crowd and songs that he personally relates to, whether they’re originals and covers. Blues is his life story, an avenue for self-expression. “I don’t try to change [blues]. I don’t make fusion music,” he says. “I let myself come through organically, you understand. You’ve got to go with the feeling at the current time. You don’t feel the same way twice.” Last year Paxton released the grainy album Recorded Music For Your Entertainment, which takes a more traditional and live approach than the 2012 Dirtiest Little Darling / Railroad Bill single. In recent years, Paxton’s preference for playing live has swayed his approach to recording. “I don’t like writing at all. I much prefer playing live in front of people,” he says. “You get to see the affect of music as it happens. When you record it you don’t get to see the affect of music at all. You can see it on people’s faces, the way different kinds of music affects them. Sometimes it’s instant and sometimes it’s gradual but it changes people in profound ways.” Paxton’s been performing in music venues since his teenage years. By the age of 17, only three years after trading in his fiddle for a banjo, critics and magazines were hailing him as the future of blues music. The early success meant he outstripped his peers for many years, though it never bothered him. “It’s the only way I know how to do, so I don’t know what it was like because it seemed normal to me. I didn’t know nobody my own age [playing gigs] until I was up in years; until I was almost 20.” Paxton’s blues education came from his family, especially from hearing his grandmother sing old blues and religious tunes. He was quickly attracted to blues for its focus on intuition and unintellectualised expression. “Chord progressions and pentatonic scales, they’re not of my culture. They’re things BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 30
my culture uses but they’re not how we relate music to each other. That’s really more of a conservatory technique, or Western European classical technique. That really has no place in indigenous music of any kind. Unless it’s Western European indigenous music.” As for passing on blues to the next generation, Paxton is stumped. In the end he settles on an education plan based on the way he learned himself. “I guess you show ‘em what it’s supposed to sound like and tell ‘em to do their best.” Paxton is playing at the Brunswick Music Festival next month. With more than a decade of performing experience and an innate desire to interact with the crowd, he finds festivals a prime opportunity for new experiences. Not just with fans, but with fellow musicians too. “They’re fine little festivals. It’s good to meet other people who play similar kinds of music to you. You meet friends and people who make the same kind of music as you. You collaborate as much as you can.” However, one of the things Paxton has noticed about blues festivals is the increasing move towards alternative blues and blues fusion. He’s not too fussed about the change (a surprising statement from a man who once claimed on Down Home Radio that jazz stopped being jazz after 1941), but he can’t help but notice how he stands out. “I rarely ever find somebody who does what I do. Which is a bit shocking because I do just plain old blues. But there’s a lot of different kinds; a lot of influenced blues and stuff like that. My influence comes primarily from my culture.” As for the future, Paxton feels his songwriting and performing is always improving. Recorded Music For Your Entertainment shows Paxton’s sound is more focused than it’s ever been – a little cheeky, always with a story – but it’s still just a stepping stone for him. “I’m getting better at it; I’m starting to learn it a little better. Everything’s getting better. You know it’s a growing process and you’ve got to be better at all sorts of things. You grow as an artist. It’s a little bit of growing older and a little bit of just playing more.” BLIND BOY PAXTON is playing at Wick Studios for the Brunswick Music Festival on Thursday March 17.
“For my solo show I’m doing a one-man heavy blues thing, inspired by the likes of Lightnin’ Hopkins, RL Burnside and so on,” Ashton says. “Pre-war Delta, Chicago and psychedelic jam band kind of stuff. But I try to modernise the sound a bit with loopers and various other electronic gadgetry to bring a more contemporary element to the blues. I also enhance the show with some acoustic lap slide and alternate-tuned 12-string guitars, harmonica and a kick drum.” This one-man band approach is strictly for when he plays live, however. In the studio it’s a very different story, and he has worked with some truly illustrious players over the years. “I’ve used a lot of guest musicians on my albums,” Ashton says. “I was tired of asking people to play like this or that guy so instead I just get the musicians themselves in on the sessions. For instance, my last album Radiogram has Kim Wilson [The Fabulous Thunderbirds], Don Airey [Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath], Mark Stanway [Phil Lynott, Robert Plant] and Robbie Blunt on it. “Previous albums such as Prohibition featured Chris Glen and Ted McKenna, ex-Sensational Alex Harvey Band. They also played with Ian Gillan, Rory Gallagher and the Michael Schenker Group. Fang It!
had Rory Gallagher Band members Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O’Neill.” Ashton has kicked off a very extensive tour of Australia over the last few weeks, beginning in his old home town Adelaide. He also swung through Melbourne for a couple of dates before jumping on the ferry for shows in the Apple Isle. Fear not however, he is back in Victoria for another run of gigs shortly. “[The tour]’s been great,” he says. “The reception has been warm and I’m running into a lot of people I haven’t seen for a long time. I’ve even been recording a couple of electric rock tracks in Adelaide with Swanee, Dave Blight, Peter Beulke and Enrico Mick Morena and did an acoustic album with Chris Finnen. It’s great to be back home in Oz and I’m having a lot of 5am-ers.” You may think that travelling around the country solo would be much easier than travelling with a full band and crew, but it does pose its own challenges. “It’s easier and more difficult,” Ashton says. “I have to coordinate everything myself, but I like to travel alone too.” Ashton does go on the road with a full band at times as well. “I sometimes use pickup bands in different parts of the world and use the name Gwyn Ashton and The Born Again Sinners to promote my rockier albums that I’ve recorded over the time I’ve
JOSEF SALVAT
P U S H I N G
P O P
BY TEX MILLER
It’s the middle of winter and Josef Salvat is standing outside his London apartment smoking a cigarette. Salvat’s debut record, Night Swim, will see local release this weekend. Following up on 2014’s In Your Prime EP, Night Swim is an album that will hook you in with its pop sensibilities and keep you coming back for more with its luscious electro beats. Although it’s only now being released, much of the album material came together when Salvat was at uni in 2009. “With the exception of about three songs, everything was written in Australia whilst I was studying in Canberra. Written primarily on piano,” he says. “It was around this time that I started getting into sound production and fiddling around with some beats. I was really driven by the UK sound and that’s why I moved over here. I met Rich Cooper and we started working together. The album was more or B E AT.C O M . A U
less finished at the start of 2014. Yet due to record label constraints and waiting for everyone to be ready, that’s why it has taken so long. It’s finally here though and to be honest, I couldn’t be happier.” Salvat’s upbringing didn’t set him up for a career in pop music. His mum took him to a classical music recital at the Sydney Opera House at an early age, and contemporary Western music wasn’t on high rotation.
lived in England.” After the Aussie jaunt, Ashton heads back to the continent he has called home for almost 20 years, and has a ridiculously busy year planned. “I’m doing Russia, Belgium, UK, Poland and the Czech Republic. Many places in and out of the European Union. I may go back to Brazil. In amongst all that, I’m trying to find the time to finish my next album.” Despite being far from home, it’s been 20 years well spent for Ashton, who’s managed to play with an absolute plethora of his musical heroes, including BB King, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter and many more. And he feels he has another good 20 years left in him. “Hope so. I do what I love to do, so I hope I can do it for a long time.” GWYN ASHTON is playing at Mr. Boogie Man Bar on Thursday March 3, the Prince of Wales on Sunday March 6, and Whole Lotta Love on Wednesday March 16.
However, when he heard Big Pig’s album Bonk, the penny dropped. “I was about 12 or 13 when I discovered that and I think that album is what made Night Swim so diverse and layered. Drawing influence from Big Pig made it really hard to settle in and focus on what I was aiming to do and that was really frustrating. The bands I was introduced to at that time were quite experimental and that really pushed the boundaries of my musical output. Because of that, I didn’t care about genres this time around, I just let the music happen.” Salvat’s tastes and influences are diverse right across the board. For example, early Kanye West and Boney M played a big part in shaping Night Swim. The aforementioned producer/drummer Rich Cooper also left his mark. “Rich wanted the album to sound like Blade Runner and I was wondering for ages what the fuck he was talking about,” Salvat says. “That’s not even an album or music-related in any way, and it confused me so much. I think if you listen to it now though, it has quite a cinematic feel to it.” Through March and April, Salvat’s focus is on the European market. The question remains though, when will see him back in Oz? “I have absolutely no idea about when you are going to see me playing live in Australia, but I guess that is how these things go. The album exploded in France and I am really popular over there right now, and it was released last year. It’s supposed to go Gold this week, which is both really cool and strange at the same time. My band are English and that makes matters worse when trying to talk about coming home to play some shows, unless I did it solo acoustic with a piano. “That’s how these songs were written so that’s not entirely out of the question,” he adds. “But I don’t have the money to pay for bringing my band and it’s very tricky to convince labels to pay for it just because you are from there. I never in my wildest dreams thought that being an Australian artist in Europe would be so hard. If I’d had more radio support at home then it would be an easier proposition. It is definitely up the top of my list of things to do this year.” JOSEF SALVAT will release Night Swim on Friday February 19 via Liberation Music.
CORE
PUNK, SKA, HARDCORE NEWS, REVIEWS & GOSSIP with EMILY KELLY ek1984@gmail.com
The Matches are coming back to Australia this May to give their very loyal Australian fans a taste of their Decomposer ten-year anniversary show. Decomposer – easily the four-piece’s best album to date – will be played front to back when they visit for three nights on the east coast, as well as other fan favourites from their discography. See them at Max Watt’s on Friday May 27. Tickets are available now.
CRUNCH
With Confidence will join forces with Harbours this April for a bit of a cheeky Australian tour. With Confidence have just joined the Hopeless Records roster and Harbours kicked off the year with an appearance on Unify Festival. Go see the duo when they play at Arrow on Swanston on Friday April 8. Tickets are up for grabs right now. Post-hardcore act The Saddest Landscape will tour Australia this May in support of their latest album Darkness Forgives. Adelaide’s Raccoon City Police Department will join them on all dates including Friday May 6 at the Evelyn Hotel. Tickets are available now. Go get pit fit. Modern Baseball have decided that they are fit and ready to come to Australia for their first ever Down Under tour. Originally scheduled for Poison City Weekender
THE RETURN OF LUSH
British alternative rock band Lush return with their first new music in 20 years. The EP Blind Spot was recorded last year and is their first release since 1996’s Lovelife album. Miki Berenyi says, “It certainly METAL, HEAVY ROCK. CLASSIC took sometime to come together, but once ROCK LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL we were in the studio, everything came GOOD SHIT together incredibly quickly. It was great fun. with PETER HODGSON It’s been a long time since I’ve written Lush lyrics, and I realised early on with this EP crunchcolumn@gmail.com that what I wrote about then is not what I feel comfortable writing about now. My GBH THIS FRIDAY perspective, and what is close to my heart, There isn’t a self-respecting gutter punk, has changed, and I think that’s conveyed in hardcore kid or subcultural miscreant alive the songs.” Blind Spot is released on Friday who hasn’t seen the GBH logo emblazoned April 15. on the back of a leather jacket, a denim vest, or a torn-up t-shirt. Originating from FREE SHOW FROM THE Birmingham, England, GBH have been RADIO SUN dispensing raw punk fury for over 35 years. Melbourne melodic rockers The Radio Fans will look forward to a fist-pumping, Sun will play a free show at The Elephant gate-storming live show by a band who re- & Wheelbarrow in St Kilda this Friday defined the punk with tracks like Sick Boy February 26 with White Widdow, Kiss and City Baby Attacked by Rats, to name the Vyper and Delacoma. It’s a great but a few. The show features an absolutely bill of Australian melodic heavy rock. awesome local support crew including old- The Radio Sun will then head off to the school champs Charter 77 who will be United Kingdom in March where they reforming just for this show, plus Debacle will appear at Hard Rock Hell AOR and Substance Abuse. It goes down at the Fest in Wales. Bendigo Hotel on Friday February 26.
2015, but cancelling due to mental health reasons, they booked a Melbourne show at The Reverence Hotel which promptly sold out in under 24 hours. There is a second Reverence Hotel that has been announced for Sunday April 10. Better hurry up and get your tickets sorted. Ohio pop rock duo Twenty One Pilots will return to Australia in 2016 for a brief headlining jaunt. They’ll appear at Groovin The Moo and then perform a Melbourne headlining show at The Forum on Wednesday April 27. The tickets will be available from February 26 and should be in fairly high demand.
This time around they’re going to take on Margaret Court Arena on September 22. Tickets are available today. Blaqk Audio will return this April with a brand new album. The duo, featuring AFI’s Davey Havok and Jade Puget, will release a new album called Material in early April. The lead single Anointed is streaming now and will give you a good idea of what to expect from the album.
MELODICROCKFEST
KILL EASTER BASH
Zombie Motor Wrecking Yard and Suiciety will knock you out with a killer Easter gig at The Bendigo Hotel on Saturday March 26. Supports include
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 24:
BLACK ARROW, SKYCHASER, THESE WILD ANIMALS, THE SPITTING SWALLOWS, MILD MANIC AT THE BENDIGO HOTEL BAJA BLEEDERS, SAINT HENRY, LIVING EARTH SOUND SESSIONS AT THE TOTE
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25:
LAGERSTEIN, RAINBOWDRAGONEYES AT THE LOFT, WARRNAMBOOL COFFIN CAROUSEL, WILD VIOLET, RED LIGHT RIOT AT THE TOTE HOTEL
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26:
Bring Me The Horizon will return this September for an Australian tour. After being booked to headline Soundwave Festival this year, they’ve finally arranged a mammoth stadium tour in support of their most recent album That’s The Spirit.
Speaking of The Radio Sun and The Elephant & Wheelbarrow, don’t miss MelodicRockFest on Friday May 13 and Saturday May 14. After four successful events in the USA, the Australian website and record label MelodicRock.com is bringing the popular MelodicRockFest event home. Headline acts Eclipse (Sweden), Paul Laine (Canada, ex-Danger Danger) and Mitch Malloy (USA) will be joined by Australia’s brightest rock talent, including BB Steal, Black Majesty, Vanishing Point, newcomers Kaato and The Radio Sun. For nearly 20 years now, MelodicRock.com has been covering the movements of the best melodic and hard rock acts from all over the world. Mirroring the USA event’s vision, MelodicRockFest Australia will exclusively showcase some of the best international melodic rock acts, some making their Australian debut, with support from some of the best local rock acts rounding out the lineup. Tickets on sale now via melodicrockfest.com.
GIGS
Swidgen and Animal Hands. Described by J Fuller from Blood Duster as the missing link between Kyuss and Ministry, ZMWY mix their love of choppers, muscle cars with B-grade films, dirty sexploitation scifi and monster films. Having released their killer Crawling Machine Edition EP via the Desert Highways label late last year and touring throughout Victoria, Suiciety are itching to get out there and do what they do best. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $10.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH HEADLINE SHOWS
In 2015, Five Finger Death Punch crashed into the ARIA Charts at #3 with their sixth album, Got Your Six; their highest Australian chart position ever. The band’s last visit to our shores was in 2014 as part of the Soundwave Festival, where their trademark stadium anthems garnered new fans and thrilled the faithful. Now audiences in Melbourne and Sydney will have yet another chance to take in the full force of Five Finger Death Punch as they play their own headline shows while on tour with Black Sabbath. They’ll be at Festival Hall on Wednesday April 20. Telstra pre-sale tickets are available until 2pm Thursday February 25, then public sale opens 9am Friday February 26.
GBH, CHARTER 77, DEBACLE, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AT BENDIGO HOTEL SPIDERBAIT, TIRED LION AT 170 RUSSELL HORROR MY FRIEND, FOLEY, CLAWS & ORGANS, CHORES AT THE OLD BAR, FITZROY PAUL DEMPSEY, FRASER A GORMAN AT CORNER HOTEL GOLD CLASS, LOOSE TOOTH, GOLDEN SYRUP AT THE GASOMETER BLACK ACES, LEGS ELECTRIC AT CHERRY BAR AS A RIVAL AT BAHAS, RYE
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27:
1349 AT MAX WATTS, MELBOURNE PRETTY CITY AT THE GASOMETER ALITHIA, JACK THE STRIPPER, ANEMBER AT CHERRY BAR ECCA VANDAL, WAAX AT HOWLER PALACE OF THE KING, LEGS ELECTRIC AT SOUND CITY BEACHES, THE UV RACE, AUSMUTEANTS, THE LIVING EYES, ORB, SWIM TEAM, WHIPPER AND GROTTO AT THE TOTE FOXTROT, PITT THE ELDER, DAYBREAK, GRAVE STREET BLUES AT THE BENDIGO HORROR MY FRIEND AT KAROVA LOUNGE, BALLARAT
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28:
WE THE KINGS, DEAR JANE, YOUNG STATES, AVASTERA AT CORNER HOTEL THE NIGHT TERRORS AT THE TOFF IN TOWN FEAR LIKE US AT THE REVERENCE HOTEL PALACE OF THE KING, LEGS ELECTRIC AT THE BLACK HATT, GEELONG EVOKER, REMOVALIST, PASHA BULKA, SASKATCHEWAN AT THE BENDIGO HOTEL
MONDAY FEBRUARY 29:
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, CHON, I BUILT THE SKY AT 170 RUSSELL
Q&A
NEVERMEN UNFAITHFUL
BY DAVID JAMES YOUNG
No leaders, no boundaries, no rules and no masters – welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Nevermen. The dark and experimental hip hop tunes of Nevermen’s eponymous debut album come from a trio of musicians with a rich history of genre-hopping and a taste for the avant-garde – TV on the Radio frontman Tunde Adebimpe, rapper Adam “Doseone” Drucker (Clouddead), and the man of a thousand voices, Mike Patton. The latter has been involved with at least a hundred projects over the last few decades, and was drawn towards Adebimpe and Drucker for one simple reason: they’re weirdos, just like him. “I think I was in the middle of making a Fantömas record when the engineer threw on a Clouddead record while we were having a break,” Patton says. “It completely cleared my ears out – I was like, ‘What the fuck is this?’ The engineer told me they were from my neck of the woods, and I knew I had to seek him out and meet him. It wasn’t long after that when my wife happened to buy a TV on the Radio record – it was the first one, actually [2004’s Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes] – and we were driving around with it playing all the time. It really stood out to me. I had another ‘What the fuck is this?’ moment. I think they’re good ones to have. You know you’ve found people on your radar then – they’re the ones you want to go out of your
way for.” Both Patton and Drucker have a comprehensive history of collaborations and side projects. While he came to prominence fronting Faith No More, Patton started out in the avant-metal outfit Mr. Bungle, and has since been involved with such quasi-supergroups as Fantömas, Peeping Tom, and Tomahawk, and appeared on albums with The Dillinger Escape Plan, Lovage, and The X-Ecutioners. As Doseone, Drucker has served time in groups like Themselves, Subtle, 13 & God and Deep Puddle Dynamics, as well as working on video game soundtracks. By contrast, Adebimpe has never made an album outside of TV on the Radio, but that doesn’t mean he was
HORROR MY FRIEND
an outlier during the making of Nevermen. “I’ve always thought of Tunde as a kindred spirit,” Patton says. “He might not have done an album that’s a collaboration before, but he’s a very collaborative personality. He loves working with other people. He does it in music, he does it in movies, he does it in animation. I don’t think he’s any less experienced in musical adultery than Dose or I. The way I see it, we’re all on pretty equal ground. That’s why we’ve been saying this trio doesn’t have a leader – it’s just as much Tunde and Dose as it is me.” Patton has been a serial collaborator since arriving on the scene in the mid-‘80s, and he shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he has even more projects to dive into once wrapping up the Nevermen touring cycle. As for what draws Patton to a new project, he says it’s all about growing and evolving as a musician – even if you’re a celebrated veteran, there’s still plenty more to discover. “I think working with other people keeps the blood flowing and it keeps the mind W W W. B E AT.C O M . A U
sharp,” he says. “For the most part, I’m still learning on the job as I shift from album to album, song to song, project to project. I’ve been doing this something like 30 years and I’m still learning every single time I make a record. Nevermen was no different – I’d never put anything like this together before. We had no direction and no clear-cut intent of what we wanted out of working together. I think we were just excited by the prospect of it happening. We’d have two minutes worth of ideas, which would expand into five, which would lead to another song, then another, then another. There was no agenda.”
The debut, self-titled album from NEVERMEN is available now via ADA/ Warner.
Hey. Who are we speaking with and what’s your role in Horror My Friend? My name is Tom and my primary role is lead chapstick applier for the band. I also play bass for the first half of the set and then swap to guitar/vocals for the second half. You’re touring in celebration of your debut album Stay In, Do Nothing. Can you describe the writing and recording process? The majority of the album was written over a period of two or so years on a more casual basis. Though, a few weeks before we started doing some intense writing (three days a week) in which we came up with almost half of the album tracks. The recording process was an interesting one. We completed it all in Melbourne, taking us away from our home in Adelaide. We recorded all drums and vocals at Hothouse Audio in St Kilda with Jez Giddings and all the guitar and bass with Richard Bowers in a rehearsal room at Soundpark, Northcote. You guys will be tearing down the Old Bar on Friday February 26. How do you reckon someone will describe the gig to their mate the dreaded morning after? Either, “I can’t remember anything, I suppose they must’ve been good?” or “What the fuck were Poison City thinking?” HORROR MY FRIEND are playing at the Old Bar on Friday February 26. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 31
B E AT.C O M . A U
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 33
A L B U M
THIS WEEK AT
W E E K
OF THE
HEARTLAND RECORDS TOP TEN
THURSDAY 25TH FEBR UARY
WEEKLY TRIVIA
1. Blackstar LP DAVID BOWIE 2. Powertrip 2LP MONSTER MAGNET 3. Living End LP THE LIVING END 4. Collection LP BOX DEEP PURPLE 5. Coliseum Complex LP BESNARD LAKES 6. Waiting Room LP TINDERSTICKS 7. Suffragette 2LP soundtrack 8. Coming Home LP LEON BRIDGES 9. Danse Kalinda Boom LP GUN CLUB 10. Headhunters LP HERBIE HANCOCK
BY QUESTION 1 PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS! FROM 8PM. CONTACT THE VENUE FOR TABLE BOOKINGS. FRIDAY 26TH FEBR UARY MAIN BAR FROM 9PM
SIENNA WILD
OFF THE HIP TOP TEN
DIAMONDS OF NEPTUNE THE PEEKS
1. Kaptain Kavemen LP VARIOUS 2. After What I Did LP HENRY WAGONS 3. Diamond In The Forehead CD GARRY GRAY 4. Some Men Remember Music LP SCATTERED ORDER 5. R’n’B Scene CD VARIOUS 6. Stranded 2xCD VARIOUS 7. Beyond the Black Stump LP HELTA SKELTA 8. Teenage Fantasies Zine Issue 2 9. High LP ROYAL HEADACHE 10. Sky High Heels 7” STONEAGE HEARTS
BEER GARDEN DJ’S
KODIAK KID / MATT RAD / NAZ SATURDAY 27TH FEBR UARY MAIN BAR FROM 8PM
CHECK 1,2 VOL.III HIP-HOP SHOWCASE
PBS FM TOP TEN
E C C A VA N DA L
FT: PEEZO, MERC SWAZEY, TYS, ONE SIXTH, DOS BOY, ILLUSIVE & CREATION
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NAM / B-TWO / D’FRO / NO NAME NATH SUNDAY 28TH FEBR UARY
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WEEKEND WARRIORS: $4 BASICS, CORONAS, PIZZA AND TACOS. LIVE MUSIC AND DJS UNTIL 12AM! TUESDAY 1ST MARCH
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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 34
Given the imprint Ecca Vandal has had on the Melbourne music scene over the past 12 months, it’s almost hard to believe that this is her debut EP. The girl’s got swagger and has the ability to get in your face and into your head with her music. End of Time gives you a healthy taste of her high energy, unapologetic style. The attention grabbing first track, Running at People Exiting, is a grungy punk explosion of raw energy. As a listener, it hits like a dose of aural steroids to get you pumped up. The title track is less in your face, but boy is it catchy. The chorus is like a baited line that hooks you like a hungry flounder. The subject matter is sometimes dark and quite personal, particularly on End of Time and Divided. But rather than commiserate, Vandal smashes straight into it. There is no convoluted crap here. She’s a completely
up front, no bullshit artist, and it’s quite refreshing to hear. Her music is a mishmash of styles, but there’s a big element of ‘90s nostalgia that comes to the fore courtesy of brash, distorted guitar riffs. Battle Royal rightfully received a lot of airplay last year, and rounds out the five track EP nicely. Ecca Vandal’s talent for producing catchy hooks means you can’t listen to this EP without feeling compelled to sneak in a few more rotations throughout the day. More than that, she’s bringing some serious attitude and character to the music scene. It’s hard to believe she has only been on the radar for such a short period of time. Don’t hesitate to jump on the bandwagon. EBEN ROJTER
SINGLE REVIEWS WITH LACHLAN I am getting crook from footy deprivation please help.
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Top Tens
BAD VISION Goons (Independent) Channelling Arabia Mountainera Black Lips, Melbourne’s Bad Vision gently rock and roll with an understated piss and vinegar energy on Goons, coasting with rollicking charm. Not too clean, not too dirty ± it’s a good time in the right measure. FUNKADELIC FEAT. ICE CUBE & KENDRICK LAMAR Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard On You? (We Ain’t Neva Gonna Stop Remix) (The C Kunspyruhzy) Switching up the strongest cut from Funkadelic’s 2014 return First Ya Gotta Shake The Gate yet again, the resurgent George Clinton-led outfit bring Ice Cube (who opens his guest bars with “See Doctor Funkenstein is my spiritual leader”) onto Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard On You?, joining the previously released K-Dot
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guest verse. It’s a down-tempo jam, reminiscent of Funkadelic’s slower ballads more than their all-out dance freakouts. In fact, it’s more in line with what you’d expect from Parliament back in the day. That’s perhaps a good sign, considering Clinton is in the process of bringing the Parliament moniker back with the assistance of Flying Lotus. Praise Starchild. TIM HECKER Castrati Stack (4AD/Remote Control) Equal parts operatic and oppressive, the first taste of Tim Hecker’s upcoming LP Love Streams soars with unease, gradually corroded by static. It’s a thing of beauty. MOSSY Electric Chair (I OH YOU) LOOK I DUNNO WHO THIS BLOKE IS BUT IT SURE AS
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FKA TWIGS Good To Love (Young Turks/Remote Control)
SHIT AIN’T THE GREAT MAN MOSSY AND I CAN’T HELP BUT FEEL LIKE “MOSSY” HAS BUILT ME UP JUST TO TEAR ME DOWN SLAP MY FUCKEN KNEE BONES TO THE FUCKEN GROUND. RIBONGIA FEAT. HANCOQ My Word (October) There are flourishes of organic aural touchstones throughout My Word, providing a sense of balance to the sheer scale of bass present. It’s a hook or two shy of ascending beyond the glut of HudMo et al inspired producers. There’s promise with Melbourne-based MC Hancoq, but the toying of vocal effects midway through feels like a reach to inject personality into a track mired by unrequited longing for something unique.
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Logic would dictate Twigs’ unstoppable run would at least take pause at some stage, but here we are with Good To Love, Twigs’ best track yet (which is saying something). Floating on a heavenly cloud of sparse production, Twigs revels in the subtlety, with inflections of ‘90s alternative pop hits present in the melody.
HOW SICK IS MUSIC? HEAPS WICKED
1. Livin’ On A High Note MAVIS STAPLES 2. Best Seat in the House SUNNYBOYS 3. BeginningofsomethinG.old DJ ILLOGIK 4. Self-titled MIGHTY DUKE AND THE LORDS 5. In My Mind BJ THE CHICAGO KID 6. Dig in Deep BONNIE RAITT 7. Painting With ANIMAL COLLECTIVE 8. Something About April II ADRIAN YOUNGE 9. Some Men Remember Music SCATTERED ORDER 10. Untitled EP ANDRAS
SYN TOP TEN
1. Out Loud AURA 2. Do Rite With Me Tonite BABAGANOUJ 3. Checkmate ft Benjamin Joseph BAG RAIDERS 4. Blood On My Leather DZ DEATHRAYS 5. Inside My Mind GYPSY & THE CAT 6. Sleeperhead BEACH BABY 7. Tearing Me Up (RAC Remix) BOB MOSES 8. Soundcheck CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN 9. Young, Rich & Radical CLUB CHEVAL 10. In The Shadows FOREIGN AIR
RECORD PARADISE TOP TEN
1. Aubergine Dreams LAZERTITS 2. Primary Colours EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING 3. High ROYAL HEADACHE 4. Songs For Our Mothers FAT WHITE FAMILY 5. Adore Life SAVAGES 6. Cubist Blues ALAN VEGA, ALEX CHILTON, BEN VAUGHN 7. Big Black Coat JUNIOR BOYS 8. Leave Me Alone HINDS 9. Paper Mache Dream Balloon KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD 10. Not To Disappear DAUGHTER
BEAT’S TOP TEN SYMPHONY SINGLES 1. Bitter Sweet Symphony THE VERVE 2. I Hear A Symphony THE ISLEY BROTHERS 3. The New Symphony Sid VAN MORRISON 4. Chocolate Symphony BEE GEES 5. Winter Symphony THE BEACH BOYS 6. Symphony BIG DADDY KANE 7. Unfinished Sympathy MASSIVE ATTACK 8. Symphony Of Destruction MEGADETH 9. Symphony In Black DUKE ELLINGTON 10. I Hear A Symphony THE SUPREMES
Q&A
GIG GUIDE WEDNESDAY 24 FEB THE TARANTINOS
DAN MELCHIOR
Hey Dan. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do? My name is Daniel Leo Melchior-Rodman. I was born in Chertsey, UK in 1972. Now I live in Akron, Ohio, where I attempt to scrape a bare subsistence out of playing music, and selling records and art. You’ve been in the music game a mighty long time. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt about the music industry in your 18 years of experience? The most valuable thing I’ve learnt is that it’s pretty good to steer clear of it as much as possible and do what you can with friends, and people who are involved in music on a more enthusiastic basis. Your sound has altered since you started out, going from blues to experimental lo-fi pop and a bunch more in between. How did this shift occur? The music has just progressed naturally I think. My tastes have changed quite a lot over the years. I’m into things now that I would have been horrified by ten years ago. You’re a born and bred Brit, but you’ve been a US citizen since ‘98 when you first embarked on a career in music. Do you think your sound is more heavily influenced by London or New York’s music scene? I’ve been a lot more influenced by the London scene than the NYC one. Most of the US music I really love and value is from the South and Midwest. DAN MELCHIOR is playing at the Tote on Friday February 26 and the Curtin on Sunday February 28.
Q&A
CH E RRY B A R Get your dose of some Tarantino soundtrack action this Wednesday February 24 at Cherry Bar as Melbourne’s own Tarantino inspired band take the stage for the final night of their February residency. They’ll be firing off loads of tunes from soundtracks of some well-respected and much adored Tarantino films. Pulp Fiction your bag? Then head to Cherry. Maybe you’re into Reservoir Dogs? Cherry’s a callin’. What about Kill Bill? You get the gist. They’ll be playing two sets, doors at 8pm and entry is a smooth $5.
looking for lawson - feat: john thorn + lindsay field + emily taheny Bella Union Bar, Carlton.
$12.25.
7:30pm. $22.00.
collingwood open - feat: ali barter + davey lane
open mic Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbottsford. 7:00pm. open mic night Purple Emerald, Northcote. 8:00pm. open mic night Ascot Vale Hotel, Ascot Vale. 8:00pm. rebecca hollweg + elizabeth mccall Open Studio,
Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $15.00.
Northcote. 8:00pm.
red candy + firewire Musicland, Fawkner. 8:00pm. removalist + smack baby + deadroot + studio ganstars Bar Open, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. showcase nights Purple Emerald, Northcote.
black arrow + skychaser + these wild animals + the spitting swallows + mild maniac Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 7:30pm.
near myth + the remotes + low talk Old Bar,
rumble in the jungle - feat: joey elbows The
Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $8.00.
Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.
open mic Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East. 6:00pm. rubix radio on kissfm Rubix Warehouse, Brunswick.
Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm.
H OWL E R Simbi Ajikawo, better known as Little Simz, is set to tear up the stage at Howler on Wednesday February 24. The 21-year-old London lyricist will be bringing her razor-sharp rhymes and rapid-fire word play for one night only with special guests Sampa The Great and Matt Cant. Goin’ down at 8pm, tickets via Moshtix.
THURSDAY FEB 25
LITTLE SIMZ
the marquis + mannequin death squad + shrimpwitch + fuzzsucker Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $5.00.
the run + levi anderson + famous will Workers Club (geelong), Geelong. 7:00pm. $6.00.
Cbd. 8:00pm.
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 36
tim easton Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 7:00pm. wine whiskey women - feat: bella fatima + iris
8:30pm.
big easy soul sessions Carlton Club, Melbourne
REIKA are launching their new EP on Saturday February 27 at the Workers Club.
SUNBORNE
barely standing Prince Bandroom, St Kilda. 7:30pm.
Northcote. 7:00pm.
What’s your name then? Oh. And the name of your band? My name is Rob. The band’s name is Reika. And what do you do? I attempt to sing whilst playing the guitar. When did you start doing that? I started playing guitar in grade five and started singing over the top not long after. Why did you start doing that? I thought it would help me get popular with girls. It didn’t. Do you think you’re good at doing that? That’s up to you to decide. Better than Meatloaf at the ’G though (I hope). If you weren’t doing that, what would you be doing? No idea. Maybe playing Smash Hit on my phone? What makes you happiest about what you’re doing? I love the feeling when everyone at your show is getting really rowdy and drunk. And what makes you unhappiest about what you’re doing? The sore neck you get from rocking out really hard. But I kind of love that as well. What’s you proudest moment of doing what you do? When we threw a warehouse party. There was heaps of prep involved ± including building a stage on the day ± and when it was all over I was just really stoked with how it had all gone. And your least proud? To be honest I don’t really have one. Maybe the standard I set myself is too low.
T H E WO R K E R S C LU B The Cherry Dolls are getting wasted every Wednesday at the Workers Club in February! With a heap of excellent supports this isn’t a residency you’ll want to miss. Catch their final night on Wednesday February 24 with support from William Van Der Vliet and The Velvets. Get your butt there 7pm, $10 entry.
THE WORKERS CLUB Melbourne indie folk outfit Sunborne will be farewelling bassist Georgia Knight on Thursday February 25 at The Workers Club. While a sad occasion, Sunborne are determined to put a positive spin on the night by celebrating all the great times with a stellar send-off. Supports are good friends and best live band Melbourne Mango Retreat, five-piece King Stag and emu punk rockers The Great Emu War. $10 entry, starts 7.30pm.
wild meadows + shepparton airplane + beyond vegas Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $5.00. ben carr trio + wayfinders + nick taylor duo 303,
REIKA
THE CHERRY DOLLS
THE MARQUIS
TH E TOT E This February The Marquis have scored themselves a residency at The Tote. On Wednesday February 24 they will be supported by Mannequin Death Squad, Shrimpwitch and Fuzzsucker. Bring a bit of pocket change for $5 entry, plus some extra for beer if that’s your thing. Kicks off at 8pm upstairs.
bopstretch Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. dizzy’s big band with peter hearne Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8:00pm. $10.00.
HA THE UNCLEAR
T H E G R AC E DA R LI NG H OTE L New Zealand’s Ha The Unclear are in the country for the first time ever and are paying The Grace Darling Hotel a visit. The four-piece band, lead by the enigmatic Michael Cathro, provide a cathartic blend of jangly indie-folk and off-kilter, hook driver pop. Cathro’s witty songwriting plunges into absurdist narratives including a love song from the point of view of a coffee table and break up through intercom. These undeniably unique tracks are all delivered with Cathro’s trademark Kiwi twang. Their debut record Bacterium, Look At Your Motor Go, caught some welldeserved attention, pleasing the likes of Entertainment Weekly and BBC Introducing. Catch ‘em at The Grace Darling on Thursday February 25.
alex lahey South Melbourne Market, South Melbourne. 6:00pm.
backstage - jam night - feat: new savages + the shake shack boogie band Musicland, Fawkner.
7:00pm.
coffin carousel + wild violet + red light riot Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $7.00.
gold medal famous + morpheme + mia schoen Old
Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:30pm.
Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10.00.
hooper crescent + beloved elk + waterfall person + glaciers John Curtin Hotel, Carlton.
Brunswick. 6:00pm.
7:30pm. $12.00.
NEAR MYTH
TH E OL D B A R Melbourne band Near Myth will be playing their first ever live show at The Old Bar on Wednesday February 24. Supporting for their debut will be The Remotes playing songs about killing and noise, plus Low Talk playing songs about life and couches. See what they’re all about with an 8pm start and $8 entry.
monteverdi’s vespers - feat: concerto italiano Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 7:30pm. $89.00.
nathan slater quartet Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $15.00.
schubertiade - feat: seraphim trio Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 7:00pm. $40.00.
charles jenkins Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:30pm.
MINTON’S PLAYHOUSE SESSIONS
THE B.E AST The last Thursday of every month sees the B.East transform into a playground of ‘40s nostalgia. Inspired by the famous Minton’s Playhouse jazz club and bar in Harlem, the night pays tribute to a place famous for its role in the development of modern jazz. The Minton Playboys house band will be laying down an array of classics and new material with plenty of influence from old vibes. Just to sweeten the deal, entry is free and whoever gets up for a jam will receive a free drink and a half price meal. It all happens at 8pm on Thursday February 25.
stay gold - feat: antagonist ad + broken + starting fires Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. temple of tunes + josh vuocolo + ali hughes
groove platoon + the string theory + paul & theo local call - feat: rintrah Railway Hotel ,
8:00pm.
Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East. 8:00pm. $10.00.
truly holy + new birds Catfish, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. artie styles quartet 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10.00.
blackpink Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. funk rabbit + vince peach + pierre baroni Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $10.00.
jude perl Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $20.00.
melbourne blue Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8:00pm. $10.00.
melbourne improvisers collective Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.
menina flor Open Studio, Northcote. 8:00pm. midnight express - feat: prequel + edd fisher Toff
In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm.
the good egg thursdays - feat: henry who + tigerfunk + lewis cancut Lucky Coq, Windsor. 7:00pm.
the hip joint - feat: tomderson + hancoq + oden + bee ampersand + oliver francis Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm.
timbalero thursday La Di Da, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $10.00.
mezz live Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights.
brett lee South Melbourne Market, South
5:30pm.
Melbourne. 6:00pm.
patrick james Workers Club (geelong), Geelong. 8:00pm. $17.85.
WHAT’S PHIL WORRIED ABOUT TODAY?
T H E PR I NC E P U B LI C B A R Shihad guitarist Phil Knight’s podcast What’s Phil Worried About Today engages with how he and other music industry professionals deal with various mental health issues. The live podcast is the first of its kind at The Prince Public Bar on Thursday February 25. Chatting with Knight for the episode is legendary mastering engineer, motivational speaker and host of Melbourne Real Podcast, Tony “Jack The Bear” Mantz. Starts 8pm and it’s free entry.
B E AT.C O M . A U
dan lethbridge Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 7:00pm. dan melchior + living eyes + zig zag Black Hatt, Geelong. 8:00pm. $10.00.
TEMPLE OF TUNES
WHOL E LOT TA LOVE Temple Of Tunes is a fusion of blues, roots, progressive rock and funk, based around the unique 12 string stylings of frontman Brett Franke. The night is also set to feature warm and inviting sets from Josh Vuocolo warbling sweetly along to his acoustic guitar and musician Ali Hughes, whose soul rock is a reflection of years spent travelling the globe. Get down early on Thursday February 25 at Whole Lotta Love. Music from 8pm, free entry.
GIG GUIDE
Q&A
FRIDAY 26 FEB
HORROR MY FRIEND
DAVEY CRADDOCK & THE SPECTACLES
T H E SP OT TED MAL L ARD West Australian singer songwriter Davey Craddock and his band The Spectacles will be flocking to The Spotted Mallard on Thursday February 25. In the past year Craddock has been invited to play shows supporting The Waifs, Marlon Williams, The Basics, The Peep Tempel and Don Walker. This year marks Craddock’s own headlining tour to celebrate the release of his debut album City West. Joining him is Nashville singer songwriter Tim Easton. Doors are at 6pm and tickets are available via Moshtix.
ezra lee Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm. firewire Musicland, Fawkner. 7:30pm. great john himself + black molasses + the bangs + benny two snakes & the werewolf of london Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm.
jane mcarthur + charles jenkins + garagee
GBH
TH E B E N D I G O H OT E L Here’s the show you’ve all been waiting for. British hardcore punk band GBH have just touched down in Melbourne as part of their national tour, celebrating 35 years together the only way they know how - putting on a show. The group is credited with redefining the ‘UK82’ street punk sound, with their tracks Sick Boy, Time Bomb and their influential debut City Baby Attacked by Rats becoming icons of British punk. Get messy at The Bendigo Hotel this Friday February 26 and catch GBH when they take over the venue.
altiyan childs & the new rebellion + sacred + taboo Sound City Melbourne, Spotswood. 8:00pm. $15.00.
as a rival + a gazillion angry mexicans Baha Tacos
& Tapas Bar, Rye. 8:30pm. $10.00.
Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $15.00.
king wolf Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 8:30pm. robin scott + gretta ziller Retreat Hotel,
black aces + the charge + darcee fox + legs electric Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:00pm. $13.00. captain spalding Customs House Hotel,
Brunswick. 8:30pm.
Williamstown. 9:30pm.
samara williams + jess heiser + damien van de geer Highlander, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. van walker + shane reilly Labour In Vain, Fitzroy.
chain Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8:00pm. $28.00. collingwood open - feat: gold class + loose tooth + golden syrup Gasometer Hotel,
8:00pm.
Collingwood. 8:00pm. $15.00.
T H E O LD B A R They’ve just dropped their debut album, Stay In, Do Nothing last month, and now Horror My Friend are celebrating by playing a bunch of rowdy as fark shows across the country. The headline shows follow slots alongside the likes of Violent Soho, Tigers Jaw, Swervedriver and The Peep Tempel. Horror My Friend will play The Old Bar with Foley, Claws & Organs and Chores on Friday February 26. Doors are at 8.30pm and entry is $10.
dan melchior + jonny telafone + repairs + drug sweat + leon stackpole Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $13.30.
dj draw 4 Victoria Hotel , Brunswick. 9:00pm. einsteins toyboys + mental as anything + no stairway Musicland, Fawkner. 7:30pm. $30.00. elvis presley tribute - feat: damian mullin Big Huey’s Diner, South Melbourne. 8:00pm.
SCATTERED ORDER
B A R O PE N Post punk legends Scattered Order are coming to Melbourne to launch their first vinyl release in over 20 years, Some Men Remember Music. They are be bringing their full audio-visual extravaganza to the recently renovated Bar Open bandroom and limited copies of their freshly minted record will be on sale at the show. It’s all happening on Friday February 26 with support from Fraudband, Halt Ever and Italianz, plus some projections by Colum. $10 entry, doors are at 8pm.
GREAT JOHN HIMSELF So then, what’s the band name and what do you do in the band? The band name is Great John Himself and we do just about whatever we can to make people dance. What do you reckon people will say you sound like? There aren’t enough hyphens in the world to describe exactly what we sound like, though we’ve had comparisons before to bands like Madness, Cake and Fishbone. What do you love about making music? The one true John is and always will be our greatest love. We love the feeling of satisfying him. What do you hate about the music industry? Well it’s not really all that silly, is it? If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why? John Lennon or John Coltrane perhaps. Maybe Dr John. Or Big Lebowski period John Goodman. What can a punter expect from your live show? Uniforms, synchronised dancing and plenty of beer. What’ve you got to sell CD-wise? Our last release was the single Turd In The Punchbowl, which can be found on Bandcamp. We also give them out for free at gigs, like fancy business cards. Catch GREAT JOHN HIMSELF on Thursday February 25 at the Brunswick Hotel with hip hop nine-piece Black Molasses, garage rock babes The Bangs and a set laced with Warren Zevon covers from Benny Two Snakes and The Werewolf of London.
COMING UP WED 2ND MARCH
VISHTEN + THE LITTLE STEVIES
TUESDAYS IN FEBRUARY
FACT HUNT TRIVIA
CHEAP PIZZA + $16 JUGS OF THUNDER RD
Hosted by RRR’s Tristen Harris, this is a comfortably dumb trivia for music fans and couch potatoes, no sport, no politics and no book-learnin’. QUIZ FROM 8PM - RESERVATIONS - samanda@spottedmallard.com NO COVER
WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY
VIN GARBUTT (UK)
DOORS/DINNER 6PM, SHOW TIME 8:30PM, PRE SALE $30 + BF
THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY
DAVEY CRADDOCK & THE SPECTACLES (WA)
+ TIM EASTON (USA) + SPECIAL GUESTS
DOORS/DINNER 6PM, SHOW TIME 8PM, PRE SALE $15 + BF
FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY
THE WILLIE WAGTAILS ALBUM LAUNCH
+ MURDENA + THE DAVIDSON BROTHERS
DOORS/DINNER 6PM, SHOW TIME 8:30PM PRE SALE $15.50 + bf
THURS 3RD MARCH
STEVE LANE & THE AUTOCRATS + SLEEPY WEST NO COVER CHARGE, SHOW TIME 8:30PM
FRI 4TH MARCH
JOSHUA SEYMOUR BAND + CHRIS RUSSELL SHOW TIME 9:00PM NO COVER CHARGE
SUN 6TH MARCH
SYDNEY RD STREET PARTY DAY FT. BAKERSFIELD GLEE CLUB + THE GRUBS + THE SEVEN UPS + DJ HEELS ON DECK DOORS 12PM, SHOW TIME 2:30PM, NO COVER CHARGE
$10 ENTRY FROM 8:30PM
sunDAY 28TH FEBRUARY NOLA SUNDAYS
$8 Pints
DOING MAKEOVERS IN THE VENUE FROM 2PM
Tues - Sat 4pm-6pm
DISTINCTIVE DAMES
THE GRUBS PERFORMING 2 X SETS FROM 5:00PM NO COVER CHARGE
SIZZLING SOUTHERN STYLE CHICKEN & AUTHENTIC NOLA COCKTAILS
Craft Beer
KITCHEN HOURS Tues-Fri open 4pm Sat & Sun open 2pm
TICKETS
For ticket sales visit www.spottedmallard.com 314 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
B E AT.C O M . A U
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 37
Q&A
HALCYON DRIVE
Hi there. Who am I speaking to and what do you do in the band? Hello. I’m Michael. I play guitar and sing. You landed some really impressive shows last year including performances at NYE On The Hill and supporting Mew. What would you say was your best moment as performers in 2015? The Mew tour was definitely up there. Some of the coolest venues we’ve played to date and really the first time we started feeling comfy on stage as a three piece. NYE was also great but so bloody hot. Surviving a 40 degree-plus set in blazing sunlight wasn’t exactly a highlight, but more of an accomplishment I think. You’ve just released Untethered, the second single from your upcoming EP. How has the reception for these tracks been so far? The reception for Untethered especially has been super. From day one we’ve had thousands of streams online, a few radio spins and plenty of blog love that just keeps coming in. There’s something very familiar yet nostalgic about the vocals in Untethered. What inspirations drew you towards this vocal style? I’d say there’s definitely not a conscious vocal style I was going after on this tune. But my vocals have been shaped by heaps of great artists over the years ± Paul Dempsey and Neil Finn always spring to mind as guys I’ve looked up to. More recently Jonathan Higgs from Everything Everything is an inspiration for pushing a vocal performance in the studio. HALCYON DRIVE are playing at Shebeen on Saturday February 27. Untethered is available now.
Q&A
GIG GUIDE PHIL PARA
TH E PRI NC E B A ND R O O M Phil Para’s brand of high-energy blues rock will be filling up The Prince Bandroom in St Kilda on Friday February 26. The guitar legend will be delivering his classic Hendrix, Santana, Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, and ZZ Top, with some originals thrown in the mix too. Free entry, starts at 6pm.
hell aint a bad place to be (the story of bon scott) - feat: nick barker National Theatre, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $42.50.
hey hey it’s friday - feat: astro boys Royal Hotel (essendon), Essendon. 10:00pm.
ian moss (six strings anniversary) The Palms,
Southbank. 7:30pm. $60.00.
jackson reid briggs & the heaters The Eastern, Ballarat East. 8:00pm. $10.00.
THE BLACK ACES
C H E RRY B A R Fuck off your Friday night plans and head on over to Cherry Bar for a massive riff-fuelled night courtesy of The Black Aces. These guys don’t mess around. Hailing from country Victoria, The Black Aces have consumed a hefty diet of Australian rock’n’roll, seeking inspiration from the likes of Rose Tattoo, AC/DC, The Angels and Cold Chisel. The Black Aces are trained in the art of slaying stages while delivering an onslaught of hard out, powerhouse rock’n’roll. Like the sounds of it? We bet you do. Head on down to Cherry on Friday February 26 and place your bets on The Black Aces. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are a lucky thirteen smackers.
la danse macabre + brunswick massive resident djs Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. mangelwurzel Northcote Social Club, Northcote.
8:30pm. $15.00.
melbourne zoo twilights - feat: san cisco + last dinosaurs Melbourne Zoo, Parkville. 5:30pm. $50.00. mithya music & dxm Rubix Warehouse, Brunswick.
HUGH FUCHSEN & SAUCE SAUCE SAUCE are playing at Tago Mago on Friday February 26. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 38
8:00pm.
the yves + handkerchief thief 303, Northcote. 8:30pm. $5.00.
there was a boy¼ - feat: adam noviello Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran. 7:00pm. $20.00.
watt’s on presents Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 8:30pm.
we are lush + living earth sound sessions + andrew newman + welcomehome Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East. 8:00pm. $7.00.
bossa nights - feat: darius & noel mendoza + dj juan + dj nas Osti, Prahran. 7:00pm.
THE WORKERS CLUB Perth five-piece Saviour are set to heat up The Workers Club on Friday February 26. The melodic hardcore outfit will be treating punters to what promises to be a frenzied live performance showcasing their new material. Supporting Saviour are Ocean Grove, Ambleside and Pridelands. Doors are at 7.30pm. You can pick up a ticket beforehand via the venue for $15+bf or for $20 on the door.
tara minton Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $30.00.
West Melbourne. 6:00pm.
what the funk fridays Purple Emerald, Northcote.
9:00pm.
andy layfield sound + matt stiller Mr Boogie
Man Bar, Abbottsford. 7:00pm.
LOST RAGAS
T H E B.E A S T Lost ragas are bringing their signature blend of country soul, roots and rock to The B.East on Friday February 26. Their album Trans Atlantic Highway features the catchy single Marijuana Mornings, which has cemented their arrival in the musical swamp. Kicks off at 8.30pm and it’s all fo’ free.
california crooners club Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $35.00.
Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $10.00.
dj joey elbows Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. funky munky - feat: jnett + dextrus + andre le vogue Greenwood Loft, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. geoff achison & the souldiggers Workers Club
TH E CAT FI S H The World at a Glance are releasing their debut LP, which sees them combine elements of art punk, noise rock, and post rock. They will celebrating at The Catfish on Friday February 26 with a night of sonic intensities and explosively charged melodic punk music. Joining the show are post rock heavyweights Fourteen Nights At Sea, Adelaide’s math rock darlings Becalm, Melbourne riff champions Stockades, and the moody heavy tones of Diecut. This will be topped off with some sporadic and intense visual projections to aid in your psychedelic viewing pleasure. $10 entry, kicks off 8pm.
SAVIOUR
traditional irish music session Drunken Poet,
craig schneider trio Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond.
THE WORLD AT A GLANCE
You’ve described yourselves as agriculturally infused slacker pop. Want to elaborate on that? Jeff, Vinny and I (Hugh) all grew up on hobby farms, hence the slacker part. We love moving cattle through paddocks, harvesting olives, taking the scraps to the chooks and of course, making home made sauces and preserves with mum. I’m also reading you create most of your lyrics whilst on coffee-high road trips into the country from Melbourne. This is true. I go home occasionally and help my parents run a B&B. Coffee puts me into a very creative, unusual mood, especially when driving through the golden green bushland on the way my parents’ place. What big goals do you have for 2016? We will have another EP out before the end of spring. It will be yet another set of certified Aussie pop rock bangers, so look out world, here we come. We would love to do a tour of Australia too. Your two favourite musicians are in a bar fight. Tell us who they are, who wins and how. Gerry Rafferty and Paul McCartney. Gerry Rafferty is sitting at the far end of the bar, cradling a scotch on the rocks. Paul McCartney storms in, ordering a gin and soda whilst simultaneously greeting every blonde in the bar. Although there is tension at first, the two get talking and have a night full of laughter, and eventually go on to start a supergroup that has awesome saxophone solos and wicked bass production. The only fight that ensues is over how to mix the bass on their debut single, Go Back To The Country.
8:00pm. $10.00.
the world at a glance + fourteen nights at sea + becalm + stockades + diecut Catfish, Fitzroy.
5:00pm.
mucus kids + rough church + olsen twins + more
HUGH FUCHSEN & SAUCE SAUCE SAUCE
the citradels + full flower moon band + wesley fuller + james seedy John Curtin Hotel, Carlton.
9:00pm. $16.00.
(geelong), Geelong. 8:00pm. $17.85.
bona fide travellers Pascoe Vale Rsl, Pascoe Vale. 8:00pm. $8.00.
chris altmann Basement Discs, Melbourne Cbd. 12:45pm.
chris wilson Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:30pm.
OSCAR GALT & THE EVENTUAL SOMETHINGS
THE REVE REN CE HOTE L The Reverence will be putting on their first gig of the year on Friday February 26. Making up the lineup are grunge four-piece Oscar Galt & The Eventual Somethings, Melbourne’s surf rock boys Great Places, fuzz garage outfit Burning Roaches, newly formed garage crew Face Face and the shoegazy post rock band Seasloth. Sink beers, eat a huge burrito and watch sick bands from 8pm. $10 entry.
congratulations everybody + good morning Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 7:00pm.
daryl roberts + hey gringo Black Hatt, Geelong.
max teakle Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 5:30pm. michelle chandler Drunken Poet, West Melbourne.
9:30pm.
8:30pm.
8:00pm.
michelle nicolle quartet Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. $20.00.
mojo juju dj Open Studio, Northcote. 11:30pm. pearly shells summer ball St Kilda Memo, St
dave graney & the mistly Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. ezra lee & the havoc band Dog’s Bar, St Kilda. 9:00pm.
jordan rakei + tulalah Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $25.00.
oscar galt + great places + burning roaches + face face + sea sloth Reverence Hotel, Footscray.
Kilda. 8:00pm. $20.00.
karise eden + mike elrington Flying Saucer Club,
8:00pm. $10.00.
Cbd. 9:30pm. $25.00.
8:00pm. $15.00.
MICHELLE CHANDLER
lost ragas The B.east, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. nice boy tom Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East.
patrick james + hein cooper Howler, Brunswick. paul dempsey + fraser a gorman Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:30pm.
quiet village-savage sounds - feat: the twoks The Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10.00.
saviour + ocean grove + ambleside + pridelands Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $20.00.
sisters of song - feat: the vanilla supremes + kelly auty + marcie jones + more Ormond Hall, Ormond. 7:00pm. $40.00.
sounds of light - feat: maher zain + mesut kurtis + mohammed al azzawi + harris j + omar regan
rebecca mendoza Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne
T H E D R U NK E N P O E T Michelle Chandler will be joined by fellow awardwinning songwriter Neesy Smith for an original performance combining jazz, blues, pop, country and instrumental music. Sue Carr Amico is also sharing the stage, with a combination of vocal harmonies with guitar, ukulele, piano accordion and percussion. Between the three, they have played countless folk and music festivals, enchanting audiences with thoughtful instrumentalism. Doors are at 8.30pm.
sam keevers trio Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. sleazy listening - feat: arks + richard kelly + hysteric + k hoop Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 5:00pm.
Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne. 7:30pm. $40.00.
spiderbait + tired lion + iv league 170 Russell,
slow dance social - feat: miss goldie + johnny el pajero + vince peach Bella Union Bar, Carlton.
Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm.
8:00pm. $15.00.
tash sultana + reuben stone + anna o The Shadow Electric, Abbotsford. 7:00pm.
st david’s day welsh celtic celebration - feat: victoria welsh choir Melbourne Recital Centre,
the ascended + evolution of self + at seas end + winfield + eyes wide open Karova Lounge, Ballarat.
Southbank. 7:30pm. $20.00.
8:00pm. $8.00.
Recital Centre, Southbank. 7:00pm. $25.00.
stephen magnusson & james sherlock Melbourne
B E AT.C O M . A U
Elsternwick. 8:40pm. $33.00.
9:30pm.
rattlin kane Ascot Vale Hotel, Ascot Vale. 8:00pm. rattlin’ bones blackwood + electric church Inkerman Hotel, Balaclava. 8:00pm.
rebetika Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm. sienna wild + diamonds of neptune + the peeks Penny Black, Brunswick. 9:00pm.
steve lucas Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbottsford. 5:00pm.
sufjan stevens Hamer Hall (arts Centre Melbourne), Southbank. 7:30pm. $30.00.
the crookeds + neon queen + hurlin’ up limbs Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10.00.
the gami gami devils Carters Bar, Northcote. 7:00pm. the willie wagtails + the davidson brothers + murdena Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:00pm. $10.00.
tracy mcneil & the goodlife Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 9:30pm.
uncle rudey + deadly are the naked + battle sick
+ lawnton bowls club + more Brunswick Hotel,
jordan bailey + sneaky pats + paige spires
Brunswick. 9:00pm.
Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $10.00.
zerafina zara & alleged associates Smokehouse
101, Maidstone. 7:00pm.
HALCYON DRIVE
joyride Musicland, Fawkner. 7:30pm. $10.00. july days + the peeks Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10.00.
SATURDAY 27 FEB
kids at midnight djs Stone Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. lovejoy + splendidid + lucy ventimiglia Victoria Hotel , Brunswick. 9:00pm.
GIG GUIDE
SHEBEEN Melbourne based alt-pop group Halcyon Drive have announced a slew of shows across the east coast, locking in a show at Shebeen on Saturday February 27. The show comes hand in hand with the band’s release of Untethered, riding on a wave of success that saw Halcyon Drive performing several high profile shows in 2015 alongside the likes of Mew, Safia and Kim Churchill. Catch some smooth tunes down at Shebeen when Halcyon Drive take over the venue on Saturday February 27. Doors open at 7.30pm, entry is $10.
1349 Max Watt’s, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $49.95. against our pride The Loft, Warrnambool. 8:00pm. alithia + jack the stripper + anember Cherry Bar,
low rent Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm. mesa cosa Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 2:00am. $7.00. moses gunn collective Northcote Social Club,
whipper + grotto Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 5:00pm. diana clark’s com coração Paris Cat Jazz Club,
Melbourne Cbd. 5:00pm. $13.00.
Northcote. 8:30pm. $12.00.
Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. $25.00.
altiyan childs & the new rebellion + sacred + taboo + the midnight project Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm.
bang - feat: deez nuts + xure + scourge Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. $20.00.
beaches + the uv race + ausmuteants + the living eyes + more Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 6:00pm. boys boys boys - feat: nico Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran. 7:00pm. $20.00.
broadmeadows tech school Musicland, Fawkner. 7:30pm. $15.00.
chain Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8:00pm. $28.00. grasshole + two headed dog Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm.
hell aint a bad place to be (the story of bon scott) - feat: nick barker National Theatre, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $42.50.
pick up the pieces Ascot Vale Hotel, Ascot Vale. 8:00pm.
pretty city + my piranha + plotz + sunbeam sound machine djs Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 7:30pm. $15.00.
raw brit (12 gold bars status quo’s greatest hits) Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 8:40pm. $23.00. reika + pockets + the jives + native spirit Workers
8:00pm.
Club, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $13.00.
$10.00.
South. 8:00pm.
Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 7:00pm. $33.00.
(essendon), Essendon. 10:00pm.
Melbourne. 8:00pm. $30.00.
$10.00.
Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 9:00pm. $16.00.
rewind 80s Commercial Hotel (sth Morang), Morang saturdays r covered - feat: radio star Royal Hotel scattered order The Eastern, Ballarat East. 8:00pm. the bleeding flares Baha Tacos & Tapas Bar, Rye. 8:00pm. $10.00.
iota + melodiqa Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:30pm.
the holy soul + harry howard & the nde + root rat Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $12.00. the shot glasses Inkerman Hotel, Balaclava. 8:00pm. torrential thrill + fortnight jumbo + skarlet + snares + wires Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East.
$27.00.
8:00pm. $15.00.
homeshake + good morning + zone out John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:00pm.
horror my friend + gangz + horris green + truck Karova Lounge, Ballarat. 8:30pm. $10.00.
jeff lang Workers Club (geelong), Geelong. 7:30pm. $28.60.
dj the knave Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 2:00pm. funkin’ the bay - feat: house of beige djs + mzrizk + benny badge + cocoa noire + mike gurrieri + more Victoria Star, Docklands. 7:30pm. galalta express Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. jamie oehlers quintet Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy.
up up away Catfish, Fitzroy. 7:00pm.
mama alton Hares & Hyenas, Fitzroy. 2:00pm. maurice steger (recorder revolutionary) miriam lieberman trio Rising Sun Hotel, South nichaud fitzgibbon + mark fitzgibbon band phila para Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 6:00pm. savore trio Open Studio, Northcote. 5:00pm. tara minton Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $30.00.
the classics (opera) Malvern Gardens, 7:00pm. the tang of the tango - feat: benjamin northey + slava grigoryan + leonard grigoryan Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne. 7:30pm.
tiggy Maven & Kit, Fitzroy. 4:00pm.
B E AT.C O M . A U
Q&A
PATRICK JAMES You uploaded your entire album Outlier to Soundcloud recently. How has the reception been? Finally getting the album out into the world has been extremely fulfilling. I think my current fans have really gotten behind the record mostly because of the live touring. Having toured with artists like Boy & Bear, The Paper Kites, Josh Pyke, I was really given a great platform to let people in on the making/recording of the album. In that respect, the reception has been really positive. Are there any central themes on Outlier that have driven the music? There isn’t one overriding theme throughout this record. It’s more just a collection of songs that reflect where I’m at today musically and that I thought sat nicely together. The title comes from a book I was reading called Outliers. A major idea it covers is that it takes ten thousand hours of practise and persistence to master anything in life. I’m not saying I made a perfect record because I didn’t, I’m saying that at times the recording process felt very long and strenuous but also incredibly rewarding to finish something basically by ourselves that felt at times like it was never ending. Tell us about your favourite set you’ve ever played. I think it is supporting Josh Pyke at the Enmore Theatre. I used to live around that area when I first moved to Sydney and used to walk up to the Enmore to literally just go and look at the sign and imagine playing there, standing out the front, just hovering. Awkward. PATRICK JAMES is playing at Howler on Friday February 26. Outlier is available now via Create Control.
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 39
GIG GUIDE CHAMPAGNE INTERNET
BEAT OF BRUNSWICK STREET FESTIVAL
BRIXTON BROADCAST:
F EAT URING BEACHES, TH E U V RAC E T HE TOTE Renowned for throwing some killer parties across the globe, clothing label Brixton are bringing their Brixton Broadcast series to Melbourne for the first time, and are chucking a massive free party to celebrate. Touching down in Melbourne on Saturday February 27, Brixton Broadcast are taking over The Tote with an all-star lineup including Beaches, The UV Race, Ausmuteants, The Living Eyes, ORB, Swim Team and more. Get down early, this one’ll hit capacity fast. Brixton Broadcast is going down at The Tote on Saturday February 27. Hit the Brixton website for more details.
B RU N S WI C K S T R E E T Celebrating the culture of the iconic strip, The Beat of Brunswick Street festival will be bringing together live music, DJs, signature cuisine and sales in an event that will showcase the best of Brunswick. The festival will feature performances from local favourites Skyscraper Stan & The Commission Flats, Jamie Oehlers, Lama, Up Up Away, N’Fa Jones, Kiwat Kennell, Mary Lin and Mama Alto alongside Harry Howard, Edwina Preston and the NDE in venues encompassing the entire area. Elsewhere in the program comes free guided street art tours with artist Michael Fikaris as well as festival specials from almost every business along Brunswick Street including Polyester Books, The Ice Bar, George’s and Glamorama. Check out The Beat of Brunswick Street 2016 when it takes over the area on Saturday February 27.
ben smith band Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. blues hip jive dance party - feat: jackson four + cadillac walk Eddie’s Bandroom, 8:00pm.
wilbur wilde + jmq ensemble Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. $25.00.
THE PRI N CE B AN DROOM Champagne Internet is the new moniker for the former half of Yacht Club DJs and he has been spinning up a storm during his Prince Public Bar residency. Saturday February 27 will see Champagne mashing up hip hop, disco and electro tracks with the exuberance of a moustache. Free entry from 10.30pm until late.
due dillagence (the music of j-dilla) + a live dilla band + billy hoyle + more Evelyn Hotel,
ECCA VANDAL
H OWLE R That legend Ecca Vandal just dropped a surprise EP in late January, and now she’s hitting up Howler as part of a seven-date headline tour across the country. Joining Vandal on the road are Brisbane punk-infused rockers Waax. If you’re yet to catch this tidal wave of a performer live, you’re missing out. Vandal is a creative force to be reckoned with containing more gutso, swagger and ballsy punk rock ‘tude than any performer seen in recent times. There’s a reason why Vandal’s music was picked up immediately by triple j and why she was handpicked to support The Prodigy on their 2014 Australian tour. If you’re yet to board the Vandal train, best do so before you miss out. Ecca Vandal will play Howler on Saturday February 27. Tickets are on sale now.
baby blue + coastbusters + emily ulman Toff In
bob log iii + the eighty 88s Sooki Lounge, Belgrave.
Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $15.00.
9:00pm.
beloved elk + jules sheldon Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 7:00pm.
FOXTROT
T HE BEND IGO HOTEL Their album may be bubbling away in a kitchen somewhere, but that ain’t gonna stop the mighty Foxtrot from chucking a free last minute shindig at The Bendigo Hotel on Saturday February 27. They’ve enlisted a sick bunch of bands to play with ‘em, too. Pitt The Elder, Daybreak and Grave Street Blues will all be smashing the stage and soaking your earholes in guitar drenched glory. It all starts at 8pm and it’s free, so you really have no excuse. Trot on down to the Bendy and get involved.
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 40
Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10.00.
ellery cohen + running young + grace king Grace
Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. $15.00.
gogo party - feat: miss lizzy & the night owls + sye saxon dj + gogo goddesses The Luwow, Fitzroy.
8:00pm. $5.00.
jackson reid briggs & the heaters + bob bon bouzouki Old Bar, Fitzroy. 4:00pm. jed rowe Union Hotel , Brunswick. 5:00pm. karaoke with zoe Customs House Hotel,
Williamstown. 9:00pm.
charles maimarosia band + dj timmy Palinka Bar,
GRASSHOLE
Fitzroy. 3:00pm.
TH E RE T R E AT H OT E L You may have caught Grasshole recently, who’ve been touring in support of their second EP The Unification Proclamation, which was released last year. Grasshole are a wicked fuzzy grunge punk rock outfit renowned for high octane performances, who’re now dropping their third single from the EP Bulldogs & Bullshits at The Retreat Hotel this Saturday February 27. Joining them will be Melbourne rock champions Two Headed Dog. This is gonna be a boozy as all fuck night, drenched in rock’n’roll goodness. It all kicks off at 9.30pm and entry is free.
charlie bedford + diddy reyes + matt dwyer Christine’s, Fitzroy. 4:00pm.
JORDAN BAILEY
T H E R E V E R E NC E H OT E L After launching their debut EP late last year, Bailey’s newly formed band has hit the ground running. Expect a singer/songwriters approach to a high energy, counterpoint themed rock band. The powerful duo Paige Spires and the progressive pop quartet Sneaky Pat will be supporting at The Reverence on Saturday February 27. Doors open at 8.00pm. Entry $10
B E AT.C O M . A U
1349
MAX WAT T’S 1349 are bring their Norwegian black metal band to Max Watts on Saturday February 27. The band’s name comes from suitably grim origins, relating to the year the Black Death reached Norway. Signed up for the nightly rituals are Denouncement Pyre and King Fate. Doors at 8pm and tickets are on sale at Ticketscout.
GIG GUIDE
TRIBUTE BEYONCE
P ULP CLU B Pulp Club’s Tribute Saturday is a night filled with R&B bangers. Saturday February 27 pays homage to Queen Bey with the promise of a free drink just for having a dance to your requested song choice. Also on offer will be some of the best old-school girl bands and the likes of Pharrell Williams. Wrap your lips around an $11 Espresso martini and enjoy some of Beyonce’s best video-clips playing over the dance floor. Get on down at 10pm to enjoy some crispy free apples and zero door charge.
kiwat kennell + ben bennett Baxter’s Lot, Fitzroy.
TORRENTIAL THRILL
WH OL E LOT TA LOV E Like a B-Grade rollercoaster rocking and rolling around, four-piece hard rock band Torrential Thrill are edgy and dangerous. On Saturday February 28 at Whole Lotta Love, they’ve promised to get you whiteknuckled while your eyes pop outta your head. No one can hear you scream on this ride ± you’re gonna feel it rattle your bones. Along for the ride are Fortnight Jumbo, Skarlet and Snares And Wires. Doors at 8pm. Tickets are $10+bf from Try Booking or $15 at the door.
MARCS LANEWAY FESTIVAL
AC /D C L A NE & D U C K B OA RD PL ACE For the second year running, MARCS Laneway Festival will take over AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place for a jam-packed day of Melbourne music, food and art. Tunes will come from some fabulous Melbourne acts, including the Eighty 88’s, Zevon and the Werewolves of Melbourne and Malcura & Shazam, who’ll be rocking out while you’re treated to a smorgasbord of feasts from some of Melbourne’s finest restaurateurs. It’s free entry into MARCS Laneway Festival and the action kicks off from 12pm.
gospel sundays - feat: collingwood casanovas
4:00pm.
SUNDAY 28 FEB
kraken folk session Drunken Poet, West
a blonde moment Ascot Vale Hotel, Ascot Vale.
Melbourne. 3:00pm.
8:00pm.
Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 5:00pm. $33.00.
Elsternwick. 3:30pm. $15.00.
summer soul sessions - feat: hyjinx Continental
VAN WALKER
THE DR UNKEN POET Singer/songwriter Van Walker will be rambling his way into The Drunken Poet for a night of intimate storytelling. With acoustic ballads reminiscent of the wind-swept wilderness from which he emerged, Tasmanian born Walker has in the past shared the stage with the likes of Paul Kelley and Tony Joe White. Catch him at The Drunken Poet on Saturday February 27 from 9pm.
melbourne zoo twilights - feat: kasey chambers + karise eden Melbourne Zoo, Parkville. 5:30pm. $60.00.
mudtrain + the alex taylor experience Mr Boogie
against our pride The Loft, Warrnambool. 8:00pm. airway lanes Inkerman Hotel, Balaclava. 4:00pm. backbeat (when we was fab) Flying Saucer Club,
dan melchior band + lower plenty + mad nanna + overtime + spotting John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:00pm. $10.00.
Kilda. 8:00pm. $42.50.
7:30pm. $5.00.
5:00pm.
7:30pm.
jam at musicland sundays Musicland, Fawkner.
7:30pm.
alison ferrier Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. all day fritz Open Studio, Northcote. 4:30pm. bakersfield glee club Union Hotel , Brunswick. 5:00pm.
beth & the brave Open Studio, Northcote. 8:00pm. chain + shake shack boogie band Musicland, Fawkner. 1:30pm. $25.00.
danny walsh banned Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 4:00pm.
duncan phillips & the long stand Standard Hotel,
jennifer kingwell + plum green + silo string quartet Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.
Fitzroy. 7:00pm.
$15.00.
8:00pm.
elwood blues club Prince Public Bar, St Kilda .
pasha bulka + saskatchewan + evoker + removalist Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 2:00pm.
ezra lee Gem Bar, Collingwood. 7:00pm. jemma nicole + motherslug + the birdcage Tote
$7.00.
Hotel, Collingwood. 5:00pm.
7:30pm. $42.50.
Oakleigh. 3:00pm. $33.00.
spiderbait + tired lion 170 Russell, Melbourne Cbd.
van walker Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9:00pm. what’s in the box february market Box Hill Town
the gin club two Dog’s Bar, St Kilda. 8:00pm. we the kings + dear jane + young states + avastera Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $49.50. we the kings (u18 matinee) + avastera Corner
Hall, Box Hill. 10:00am. $2.00.
Hotel, Richmond. 2:00pm. $49.50.
1:00pm. $8.00.
303, Northcote. 2:00pm.
woodsmith + dog + polly Workers Club, Fitzroy.
sunday soul sessions Purple Emerald, Northcote. zillanova + sunset arms Retreat Hotel, Brunswick.
National Gallery Of Victoria, Melbourne. 1:00pm.
the barebones Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 9:30pm. the handsome bastards Union Hotel , Brunswick.
Brunswick. 5:00pm.
Club, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $10.00.
9:00pm.
jackson dyer Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood.
tinsley waterhouse band Brunswick Hotel,
megan bernard + ju 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. renelophus + rebellious bird + luncinda Workers
12:00pm. $20.00.
dan kelly’s dream band + dj fee-b squared
Southbank. 7:30pm. $30.00.
THE WO RKERS CLUB Melbourne indie rock boys REIKA are partying at The Workers Club on Saturday February 27 following the drop of their debut EP The Other Night. The fourpiece are expected to bring their usual sass and plenty of good vibes for what promises to be a very frothy night indeed. Joining REIKA are supports Pockets, The Jives and Native Spirit. $10+bf via the venue or $13 on the door. Get there at 8pm.
maurice steger (recorder revolutionary)
Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento. 3:00pm.
hell aint a bad place to be (the story of bon scott) - feat: nick barker National Theatre, St
REIKA
The B.east, Brunswick East. 1:00pm.
cat canteri Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 7:30pm. chase atlantic Rubix Warehouse, Brunswick.
Man Bar, Abbottsford. 7:00pm.
stickman Gem Bar, Collingwood. 7:00pm. sufjan stevens Hamer Hall (arts Centre Melbourne),
crayon king + famous will + nicholas costello fairfield summer series (come together) - feat: the furbelows + t-rhythm + neda rahmani Fairfield Amphitheatre, 5:00pm.
Q&A
karise eden + krista polvere Caravan Music Club, ken maher + tony hargreaves Lomond Hotel,
Brunswick East. 9:00pm.
HOMESICK RAY & THE MILD BUNCH
T H E D R U NK E N P O E T Homesick Ray & The Mild Bunch provide an eclectic mix of country, blues, and hillbilly swing with entertaining old time vaudeville influences. They will be taking over The Drunken Poet on Sunday February 28. It’s happening at 6pm with free entry.
B E AT.C O M . A U
BABY BLUE & COASTBUSTERS Hey guys. Who are we talking to and what do you do in your respective bands? Rhea, songwriter, singer and guitarist for Baby Blue. Fabian, songwriter, singer and guitarist for Coastbusters. Also a guitarist in Baby Blue. What brought about the idea of a double headline single launch? Have you guys played many shows together previously? R: Fabian and I have only done one other show with both our bands, a few months ago at The Old Bar. I came up with the idea when Fabian had a new single he was just going to put up on Soundcloud without any sort of launch. After he mixed my single I put my hand up to do the party planning for a double single launch for the both of us. Rhea, what made you change over from hosting events under Graceland Presents to actually performing? I had a brief couple of months break from Graceland a year or so ago and went to the US. Whilst I was there I bought a guitar and started trying to write some songs. I got stuck on them and decided when I got back I was going to give it a whirl. I have secretly always wanted to write songs, but have always put it to the back of my mind having never studied music and being totally afraid of failure and embarrassment. Fabian, you’re going to be performing two sets that night. How do you get the energy to perform to that extent? The long black is an elixir that, when dosed in the correct amount will endow its drinker with the energy to perform not one but two whole sets of live music. The BABY BLUE and COASTBUSTERS double single launch goes down at The Toff In Town on Saturday February 27 with special guest Emily Ulman.
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 41
GIG GUIDE the nautical sunsets + ex marcks the spot + better than nothing + direct current Whole
world news records presents - feat: esc + rvg + boxcrunch + true barrymore Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy.
Lotta Love, Brunswick East. 3:00pm. $10.00.
8:30pm. $6.00.
the new savages Catfish, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. the squid ants string band + gareth ed lindsay tim ireland Union Hotel , Brunswick. 3:30pm. wayne jury & the rectifiers Lomond Hotel, T HE RETREAT HOTEL Delivering a unique brand of alt-country rhythm and blues is Shaky Stills, who’ll be taking over The Retreat Hotel this Sunday evening. Stills is considered to be more of a crooner than a screamer, featuring a supercharismatic voice that is impossible to miss. This is matched with his trademark quirkiness, quick wit and finesse at penning captivating songs, alonside a tremendous band of players. Shaky Stills play two sets from 5pm, and entry is free.
live nude girls + the burning roaches + molasses Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm.
ELWOOD BLUES CLUB
T HE PRINCE BANd ROOM The Elwood Blues Club is Melbourne’s longest running blues jam. On Sunday February 29 you can nip on down to The Prince Bandroom for an evening of talent not only from Australia, but all corners of the globe. Music is set to kick off ar 5.30pm and entry is free.
JACKSON DYER
T HE GRACE dARL ING H OTE L Currently residing in Berlin, Sydney-born singer and songwriter Jackson Dyer will be visiting Melbourne to play an intimate show as part of his Australian tour. He will bring his guitars, sampler and a plethora of pedals, sharing a rare solo performance of his songs including material from his upcoming EP. Doors are at 8pm, tickets on the door or online via Dyer’s website.
manny fox Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 4:30pm. matt dwyer & the magnatones Big Huey’s Diner, South Melbourne. 4:00pm.
michelle gardiner Customs House Hotel,
7:30pm.
natalie prass Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank.
Brunswick East. 5:30pm.
7:30pm. $55.00.
MONDAY 29 FEB
paul williamson’s hammond combo Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:30pm. $10.00.
TUESDAY 1 MAR
ATLAS
TH E RE T R E AT H OT E L Allow the sweet sounds of Melbourne quartet Atlas to entice you through the doors of The Retreat Hotel this Monday February 29 and sit back while their music washes over you. Emily Burton’s captivating vocals deliver tales of love, loss and heartache, complementing Ben Howlett’s precise songwriting, offering songs drenched in uplifting melancholy and four part harmonies. Atlas will play two sets from 8.30pm, and entry is free.
between the buried & me + chon + i built the sky 170 Russell, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $54.00.
cherry jam Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. james seedy + half mongrel + death shapes Old
irish session Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East.
the martel corporation + splendid + scrimshaw four Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $3.00.
Ferntree Gully. 2:00pm.
sunday sessions - feat: various artists Lucky Coq, Windsor. 4:00pm.
EJULES MILLS
WHO LE LOT TA LOVE A very special series of acoustic evenings with Jules Millis, the voice of Melbourne classic rock giants White Widdow and ex-vocalist of LA rockers Tigertailz, comes to an end Sunday February 28. Supporting Millis on the night is from Stiletto. Get down to Whole Lotta Love at 8pm, free entry.
the every men Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 7:00pm. the grubs + distinctive dames Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 5:00pm.
the house wreckers + colt 45 Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 2:00pm.
FEAR LIKE US
THE REVERENCE Folk punk five-piece Fear Like Us are back for another (almost) month, after recently announcing a new album due for release in May this year. Having just dropped their first single The Lowest Form Of Love last week, anticipation is high. Fear Like Us will be playing some new and old tunes in the Front Bar of The Reverence on Sunday February 28. They will be accompanied for their final week by Wil Wagner. BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 42
Southbank. 6:30pm. $31.50. 8:00pm.
jaala + hearing Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $18.00.
milonga Bella Union Bar, Carlton. 8:00pm. $10.00. ravi coltrane Bird’s Basement, Melbourne. 7:00pm. hills hoist + iv league + tali Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy.
THE SUGAR CANES
sunday session - feat: brunsy Ferntree Gully Hotel,
anna’s go-go academy Bella Union Bar, Carlton. 6:30pm. $10.00.
8:00pm.
Hotel, Fitzroy North. 4:00pm.
Melbourne), Southbank. 7:30pm. $30.00.
M A X WAT T ’S Californian rapper G-EAZY returns to Melbourne on Tuesday March 1 to celebrate the release of his stellar second studio album, When It’s Dark Out. Following the breakout success of his debut album These Things Happen in 2014, G-Eazy has since performed at festivals such as Lollapalooza, Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Made in America and Austin City Limits. Tickets are available via Max Watt’s and doors are open at 7.30pm.
ears wide open 1 (bach’s orchestral suite no.3) - feat: richard gill Melbourne Recital Centre,
Williamstown. 3:00pm.
sufjan stevens Hamer Hall (arts Centre
G-EAZY
Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $6.00.
monday night mass - feat: golden girls + zone out + octdantar Northcote Social Club, Northcote.
monica weightman & the mind readers Royal Oak
T HE O Ld BAR It’s time for another Beersoaked Sunday at The Old Bar on Sunday February 28. Come and get it, The Sugarcanes will be giving you all that hot chocolate and then some! They will be joined by Howl At The Moon and Closet Straights for the last show of their residency. Starts at 8pm and entry is $6.
Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $15.00.
slipper + samassin 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. moreland city soul revue Union Hotel , Brunswick.
Old Bar, Fitzroy. 3:00pm.
SHAKY STILLS
daryl mckenzie jazz orchestra The Apartment,
9:30pm. $5.00.
jhene aiko Forum Theatre, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $79.90.
passenger + exes from texas + luke thompson
HOMESHAKE
Palais Theatre, St Kilda. 7:30pm.
yossarian + uncle bobby + barcelos Grace Darling
TH E J OH N C U R T I N B A NdR O O M With their first show selling out in just a couple of days, those legends over at camp Homeshake have decided to throw another party on Monday February 29 at the John Curtin Hotel. Fronted by one-time Mac DeMarco guitarist Peter Sagar, this’ll be Homeshake’s very first Australian tour in the wake of their acclaimed sophomore album, Midnight Snack. Described as a ‘slacker jazz’ project, Sagar will be backed with his full band, playing jams from his latest record and breakthrough debut, In The Shower. Recorded with just a synthesizer and drum machine, Midnight Snack marks Sagar’s first full release since parting ways with DeMarco to focus on his own career. Catch Homeshake at The Curtin on Monday February 29.
Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $6.00.
klub muk 303, Northcote. 7:30pm. mild manic + dec mckinnon & the knockabouts + woo who + defects Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick.
8:00pm.
miss quincy + al parkinson Retreat Hotel,
Brunswick. 8:30pm.
open mic Tago Mago, Thornbury. 3:35pm. open mic nite Inkerman Hotel, Balaclava. 7:30pm. taste of indie tuesday - feat: songwriter sessions Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 7:30pm.
33c per word per week (inc GST) Send your classified listing to classifieds@beat.com.au. Payment options include VISA/Mastercard or
EFT (1.5% surcharge for credit card payment). Deadline is Monday 11am, prior to Wednesday’s publication. Minimum $5 charge per week.
Acts wAnted for sundAy rock shows Contact: mark@gunnmusic.com.au
now BookinG BAnds at Dane Certificate’s Magic Bar. Email danecertificate@yahoo. com.au *
rock/MetAl Acts wAnted for locAl rock shows Contact: mark@gunnmusic.com.au
PRESENT
Access All Ages WITH GRACE kINdELLAN After a rigorous climb to the top, the 2016 FReeZA Push Start grand finalists are ready to take the stage, going head to head as part of City of Melbourne’s Moomba Festival at Alexandra Gardens at Birrarung Marr Park on Friday 11th March. This year’s finalists bring a wide variety of styles including rap, metal, rock and folk to the festival’s The Push Stage which is gonna be bursting with local young talent all day. Competition will be fierce with a grand prize worth $11,000 and the APRA AMCOS Songwriting Award prize pack of $150. To top it all off, red-hot, Melbourne six-piece Alpine are headlining! Check it out at www.thepush.com.au. Soak up the summer music season with Fed Square Live, a series of free, outdoor performances every Thursday from 5.30pm at, you guessed it, Fed Square. Relax into a deckchair and unwind as the sun sets over some of Melbourne’s most talented acts. Head to www.fedsquare.com for more details. Tonight, and every Wednesday night until the end of March, you can check out music across three stages at the Queen Victoria Night Market from 5pm till 10pm. This week you can catch charming singer songwriter Scott Darlow, afro-beat six piece The Public Opinion Six and gypsy whirlwind VARDOS. For more information and details of upcoming line ups have a look at ww.qvm.com.au. Check out the pop-art visuals with a soundtrack of sweet pop music at Friday Nights at NGV. Chinese music project Pet Conspiracy are known for pounding electronic beats and exciting, conceptual performances and will take the stage this Friday. Tickets include entry to the Andy Warhol | Ai Wei Wei exhibition and access to exclusive talks, food and bars from 6pm to 10pm this Friday, February 26. For more information, head to www.ngv.vic.gov.au. The Drones have announced an all-ages afternoon show at The Tote on Saturday May 28 as part of their Feelin’ Kinda Free album tour. The album drops on March 18 with two singles already out and if their recent set at PBSfm’s Drive Live is anything to go by, their renowned live shows are as enthralling and vicious as ever. Head to www.tickets.oztix.com.au for more information. The Moonee Valley FReeZA Outdoor Cinema Summer Series brings great movies to lovely local parks and galleries for you to enjoy for free after dark. It kicks off this Friday February 26 with a screening of the hilarious 90’s classic, Wayne’s World from 6pm at Incinerator Gallery in Moonee Ponds. You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, plus there will be a food truck and popcorn too. There are two more screenings on Thursday March 26 and Friday April 1 with more details available at www. facebook.com/mooneevalleyfreeza. Signal is hosting five workshops for young LGBTQIA people to explore different illustration techniques and collaborate on newspaper/zine-style publications with artist Klara. The workshops take place on Saturday 5, 12 and 19 March; and 2 and 9 April 2016 11am to 4pm with the final artworks being displayed at the Signal Gallery from Thursday April 21 to Saturday April 30. It’s free but bookings are essential so check out www.melbourne.vic.gov.au.
All Ages Gig Guide
CLASSIFIEDS
BAnds/duos/solo Acts wAnted for Acoustic/indie fest Contact: mark@gunnmusic.com.au
The Push
Melodic GuitArist wAnted for an edgy original rock band. Aged 25-45, must have professional outlook and previous band experience, own gear and transport, rehearse in Bayswater. www.alesserego.com. Contact Pete: PRN Management on 0419 004 095 or email prn.management@ hotmail.com B E AT.C O M . A U
We do not accept classifieds over the phone - sorry.
ModelinG. We’re looking for confident women of all styles (aged 18+) for our pro-feminist photographic projects with an emphasis on style and creativity. Nude/undies, paying $100 to $500 per shoot. Don’t overlook this until you’ve found out more about it. Rebecca ph.9495 6555 hAPPy BirthdAy liZZie Love from, classifi…yourself.
F R I dAy F E B R UA Ry 26
FReeZA Open Mic Night February, w/ TBA, Wyndham Youth Resource Centre, 86 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing, 6.00pm - 10.30am, $2, AA
S AT U R dAy F E B R UA Ry 27
Cosy Crescendo w/ Kelly Macquire, Seb Keighley, Brady James, Bonnie Kelly, Finnin, Empty Nights, Chelsea Activity Hub, 3-5 Showers Avenue, Chelsea, 2.30pm - 5.00pm, $5.00, www.facebook.com/ fuseproductions, AA
S U N dAy F E B R UA Ry 28
Mortlake Colour Rainbow Run, w/ DJ Tim Edwards, Mortlake Racecourse, 9.00am - 2.00 pm, $20 presale, AA
Thursday 25th @ 8.30pm
KING WOLF
(Animal shaman blues)
Wed 24th February
Friday 26th @ 9.30pm
W i n e , W h i s k e y, W o m e n
NICE BOY TOM
Iris 9pm: Bella Fatima
(Urban roots grooves)
8pm:
Saturday 27th @ 9.30pm
YOLANDA & THE FIREFLIES
Thurs 25th February
Ezra Lee Fri 26th February
8pm:
(Sultry R&B) Sunday 28th @ 5.30 pm
WAYNE JURY & THE RECTIFIERS
6pm:
Traditional Irish Session
Michelle Chandler Sat 27th February 3pm: Kraken Folk Session 9pm: Van Walker Sun 28th February 4pm: Danny Walsh Banned 6.30pm: The Squid Ants Stringband Tuesdays weekly trivia
8:30pm:
(Steady rollin’ man …) Sunday 28th @ 9.00 pm
KEN MAHER, TONY HARGREAVES & GUESTS (Acoustic roots) Tuesday 1st @ 8.00pm
IRISH SESSION (Fine fiddlin’)
ALL GIGS ARE FREE EXCELLENT RESTAURANT & BAR MEALS
225 NICHOLSON STREET, BRUNSWICK EAST. PH 9380 1752
The Drunken Poet, 65 Peel Street (directly opposite Queen Vic Market), Phone: 03 9348 9797. www.thedrunkenpoet.com.au
WEDNESDAY 24TH 7PM
ARCHIPELAGO FUNK, BOOGIE & SOUL
THURSDAY 25TH 7PM
JUNGLE FUNK
RESIDENT MANCHILD WITH SPECIAL GUESTS. AFROBEAT, CUMBIA, FUNK, SAMBA & LIVE PERCUSSIONISTS
FRIDAY 26TH 7PM
APERITIVO ITALO DISCO
SATURDAY 27TH 7PM
MIDNIGHT AFFAIR MIDNIGHT TENDERNESS & GUESTS
SUNDAY 28TH 7PM
NICE & EASY EASTERN EUROPEAN STREET FOOD NOON UNTIL 9PM SUN - THUR. A LITTLE LATER FRI & SAT
B E AT.C O M . A U
BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 43
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FUNDRAISER FOR STEVE FRASER The Melbourne music community is rallying around Steve Fraser, long time community radio presenter (PBS, RRR, 3CR) and an early president of the Melbourne Blues Society. A type-1 diabetic, Fraser collapsed at his home around December 28 and wasn’t found until the next day. Due to his condition and lack of oxygen to the brain, he almost died. He was rushed to Monash Hospital and put on life support in an induced coma. His condition is critical; he has lost all his memory, has trouble recognising people and will have to have permanent care for the rest of his life. His wife also has medical issues, and they have a 13-year old daughter which means they are in financial strife. Cherry Blues holds a fundraiser on Sunday March 20 with members of Chris Wilson’s Band, Jeff Lang, Phil Manning, Rockbottom James & Quadrajet, Gospel Belles, Matt Dwyer and Rod Paine.
SYDNEY LOCKOUTS CAUSED 40% DROP IN LIVE MUSIC REVENUE The 2014 introduction of the Sydney lockout laws have caused a 40% drop in live music revenue, says a report by APRA AMCOS and the Live Music Office. Nightclubs and dance venues showed a 19% decrease in foot traffic. As a result, affected venues have cut back on booking live entertainment by 15%. Live Music Office’s John Wardle reckons we could lose the remaining venues in the lockout zone, not a good look for Sydney’s tourism and economic development. APRA AMCOS are urging live music venues be exempted from the 1.30am lockout, a freeze on new licenses be lifted for music venues, and a review of red tape. The issue remains volatile. Amidst calls for the lockouts to be abandoned, emergency services are pushing for the lockout to be expanded throughout the whole state. The Last Drinks coalition – of police, paramedics, doctors and nurses – wrote to premier Mike Baird to ask for a meeting to push their view, urging him BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 46
Are a number of production houses looking at turning Aussie author Jeff Apter’s book on the Bee Gees, Tragedy, into a tele-series? Five Seconds of Summer again won Worst Band in the NME awards in London. The first time they were so chuffed they tweeted the news to their fans. Tame Impala and Courtney Barnett were no-wins. Impala lost to Run The Jewels for Best International Band, to Foals for Album and to Slaves for Music Video. Barnett was trumped by Taylor Swift for Best International Solo Artist. During the awards, Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes took his revenge against Coldplay – over their latest artwork being similar to one of his – by jumping on their table and kicking over glasses and bottles. Chris Martin said he’d never heard of BMTH but said the incident, “Was great... very rock‘n’roll.” After Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance during which she paid tribute to the Black Panthers (who in the ‘70s protected African-Americans in ghettos from police brutality), Miami police are asking for cops around the world to protest outside her shows when her global tour begins in April. A protest in New York last week, alas, drew all of three attendees. Melbourne producer Anna Laverty, Dallas Frasca and Nai Palm of Hiatus Koyote join NT creatives Leah Flanagan, Ursula Yovich of The Sapphires and Stephanie Harrison of Alice Springs’ Bat Hazzard to mentor eight emerging NT female singer/ songwriters for the Desert Divas program, which will end with an album of songs written during the program to be produced by Laverty. Lukas Graham’s 7 Years hitting #1 on the ARIA chart makes him the fourth act from Denmark to top our singles charts, following MØ on Major Lazer’s Lean On (2015), Aqua (1997) and Cut ‘N’ Move (1994). Thornbury Theatre has completed refurbishment of its ballroom, with the walls repainted and the dancefloor sanded and varnished, ready for Joe Creighton performing his fast selling Van Morrison tribute Into the Mystic. This year’s Shepparton Festival flagship event — the Artist in Residence Train Project — was launched at Shepparton Railway Station with artists, politicians and festival volunteers. The project, running Friday March 4 - Sunday March 20, sees local artists capturing passenger experiences on textiles, photos, drawings and words each day on a V/Line train from Shepparton to Melbourne, and a studio space at Southern Cross Station while they wait for the return trip to Shepparton. An installation of the work will be at Shepparton station with an exhibition after the 20-year-old festival. A fundraiser was held in Castlemaine on
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JB Hi Fi is closing its subscription-based music streaming service JB NOW Music, after five years. It will go dark on Thursday March 17. Reasons were that the music streaming market in Australia is saturated and NOW Music couldn’t get enough of a transaction with consumers. JB Hi-Fi CEO Richard Murray said he was disappointed but added, “The music department is entrenched in the DNA of JB Hi-Fi and we are committed to continuing to provide the largest range of CDs and vinyl across our 180 stores nationally and on our online store. “Engaging with our loyal music customers outside the store is key to the ongoing success of music at JB, and the team [is] very excited about future plans to amplify that engagement. We thank you for your support of the service and look forward to your continued support of music at JB Hi-Fi.”
Was a bad review of a show anything to do with the fact the writer and the act’s manager are having a financial tussle?
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Caroline Moore is announced as the new Port Fairy Folk Festival program director. She replaces its founder Dr. Jamie McKew whose last festival, staged for the 40th year in mid-March, sold out last Friday. Moore, a tour promoter and producer for the past 20 years, was also involved in Melbourne Fringe, Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Apollo Bay Music Festival. See beat.com.au for full story.
not to “succumb to the pressure of a vocal minority.” Leichhardt’s mayor, Darcy Byrne, will this week submit a proposal to Council to drop the lockouts for live music venues – acknowledging that the state would define what “live music” means to ensure the exemption covers true blue music venues, and not those that use the loophole by “paying some guy to play a Spotify list” or DJs.
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the weekend for 18-year-old local boy Berrick Breheny to pay for an internship in a Cuban music school (the Jose White School of Music in Camaguey) to learn trumpet, trombone and double bass. Breheny was diagnosed with highfunctioning autism at four. His dad Stephen was among 12 Aussies who’ve for five years been taking instruments and musical supplies to schools in Cuba, hard hit by the US embargo. Melbourne radio station KIIS 101.1’s breakfast team Matt & Meshel are giving away a divorce. Ten divorcing couples will get $5000 for the process, whether it is for lawyers, therapy or moving costs. Meshel Laurie recently went through a divorce and realised how expensive and emotionally draining it was. In America, the Grammys drew 24.95 million viewers, 17.2 million tweets, 1.2 million streamers and 50 million Facebook posts, in Australia it was watched by 96,000 on Foxtel (38,000 live, 58,000 for the evening repeat), with 76,000 tweets (mostly about Taylor Swift). Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo album, released exclusively on Tidal, was pirated 500,000 times in its first 48 hours. According to a music habits survey of eight countries by Sonos, 46% of Aussies preferred to listen to music than have sex. But, oh dear, 29% preferred TV to sex and music. Couples who listen to music together have sex on average
CAROLINE AUSTRALIA RESTRUCTURES After a strong 2015, Caroline Australia’s general manager Tim Janes has restructured the company which launched in 2013. After nearly three years as label manager, George Dalziel becomes label director/A&R. He is now more in charge of marketing and PR strategies of breaking Caroline International licensed artists and a greater focus in A&R where he’s had success with Highasakite and Tei Shi. Rachel Jones- Williams, who joined last November, is now national promotions manager, working campaigns for Iggy Pop, Highasakite, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Ben Harper, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats. After contracting in 2015, Tom McGenniss-Destro is full time as label assistant.
CHUGG NAMED INTERNATIONAL PROMOTER OF YEAR Michael Chugg was named International Promoter of the Year in US-based global live industry magazine Pollstar’s annual awards in San Francisco. It was Chugg’s fourth Pollstar win, after 2000, 2008 and 2010. He has been nominated in the category 13 times since he started Michael Chugg Entertainment in 2000 in Sydney.
ANNE FRANKENBERG JOINS CBAA BOARD Anne Frankenberg is the latest to join the board of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. The trained clarinettist just wound up four years as GM of Melbourne’s 3MBS, and next month begins as Deputy General Manager at the Australian National Academy of Music. She held management roles with the Victoria State Opera, Opera Australia International Women’s Development Agency, was founding GM of Victorian Opera, and served on the boards of the Australian Youth Orchestra and Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS & GOSSIP
S tu f f f or t h is co l umn to be emai l ed to ce l iezer @ netspace . net . au by Friday 5 pm
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE OVER ‘DAMN GIRL’
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Justin Timberlake has been hit with a lawsuit that claims that his hit Damn Girl stole its hook, rhythm and melody from the 1969 song A New Day is Here At Last. The earlier song, a hit for J.C. Davis, was written by Perry Kibble of disco act A Taste Of Honey. When Kibble died in 1999, the song’s ownership transferred to his sister Janis McQuinton and her company PK Music Performance. PK is also suing producer Will.I.Am and Sony Entertainment Music.
POLYESTER BOOKS GOING OUT WITH A BANG Polyester Books in Fitzroy’s Brunswick St. is closing on Monday March 7 after 30 years – a victim of online competition, owner Adam Emslie says. A hub for radical thought, it’s been raided by cops and customs and had its front window smashed by someone angered by its logo. After selling stock at 50%, on Saturday February 27, 60 businesses will officially farewell it with a day of live music, DJs, tastings, sales and meal specials.
FREEZA PUSH START BATTLE OF BANDS The FReeZA Push Start grand final is held on Friday March 11, marking the beginning of Moomba. Heats began in October targeting young players, promoters and event creators. Alpine will play after the grand final, with major acts playing the next two days (see melbourne.vic.gov.au/ Moomba).
GORDI LANDS US RECORD DEAL Sydney’s Gordi landed a record deal with US independent Jagjaguwar, home to the likes of Bon Iver, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Foxygen. She continues to release her stuff in Australia and NZ through her own Hey Alfafa label. Gordi has just dropped a remix of Courtney Barnett’s Avant Gardener. Having recently signed to US and UK booking agencies (Billions and Coda, respectively) she’s heading to the UK in late May for four dates with Norwegian band Highasakite and then to America to play the Sasquatch Festival in Washington.
BOOMERANG EXTENDS CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN Byron Bay’s “indigenous culture festival for all Australians” Boomerang extended its crowdfunding campaign by 60 days. This is to ensure it becomes a stand-alone event at the Bluesfest site. Rewards range from VIP Bluesfest tickets and private weaving workshops to a letter of appreciation for a $25 donation. Go to www.indiegogo. com/projects/boomerang-indigenous-artsculture-festival--2#/
THAT SOUND AGENCY LAUNCHES APP After the recent merger with the booking arm of Loud Entertainment, That Sound Agency has launched an app that provides all the news, SoundCloud links, videos, audio player and custom ringtones of its acts.
TUNECORE PAID ARTISTS $142M TuneCore, which opened an office in Australia last year, globally paid independent artists US$142 million in
Lifelines Engaged: Kylie Minogue and Brit actor Joshua Sasse made their announcement in a quiet way – she flashing a huge ring on the red carpet at the NME Awards in London and he telling everybody at the postawards party. Ill: David Bowie/John Lennon guitarist Earl Slick had to pull out of his Australian tour this month with Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) and Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats) due to “health concerns”. Ill: bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes had to reschedule a US tour due to delays in his recovery from last month’s dual knee replacement surgery. Ill: Canadian metal band Cauldron axed a US tour after guitarist Ian Chains was hospitalised after a tour bus crash in Texas. In Court: Kesha lost her bid to be released from her deal with Dr. Luke’s record label (she accused him of raping her), with a New York judge telling her, “You’re asking the court to decimate a contract that was heavily negotiated and typical for the industry.” He added Luke invested $60m in her. Died: a man, 55, working on the Rolling Stones’ show in Buenos Aires, was shot during an attempted robbery while he was transporting cash made from drinks sales. Died: Prince protégé singer and actress Vanity of Vanity 6, 57, from sclerosis encapsulating peritonitis. She renounced her sexual stage persona to become a Christian minister. He dedicated two songs to her at his shows in Melbourne. Died: Victorian mandolin and fiddle playing Tony Beks who was instrumental in starting up the South West Musos Club.
2015, a 7% increase from 2014. TuneCore artists also earned $36.8 million from digital streams and downloads alone. Publishing revenue for TuneCore artists was up 47% in 2015 and sync revenue up 57%, with placements in major feature films and network TV shows.
123 AGENCY SIGNS CLEA 123 Agency’s latest signing is 20-year old Brisbane singer songwriter Clea, who’s been making a name with her storytelling and singing. Aside from her solo work, she was part of Zefereli (led by The Cairos’ frontman Alistar Richardson). Her new single Dire Consequences, recorded with Zefereli, follows her 2015 debut Polyester which was on triple j rotation.