Beat 1607

December 20, 2017

FREE

Issue N o 1607

Australian Open 2018/Cable Ties Ball/Falls Festival Roadtrip/Ayla

Amy Winehouse – A Tribute

Featuring Darcy McNulty Elana Stone Kylie Auldist Rita Satch Loretta Miller Alma Zygier Lachlan Mitchell

In partnership with St Kilda Festival Sun 4 Feb 7pm doors Memo Music Hall 88 Acland St, St Kilda

Book now via jewishmuseum.com.au Exhibition Partner

Principal Exhibition Supporters

Media Partners

Industry Partners

Cultural Partners

Museum Supporter

GANDEL PHILANTHROPY

Image: Festival passes, various dates. © The Jewish Museum/The Winehouse family

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bands - booze - burgers

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WINTER WITCHES INFRAGHOSTS, DRAMA

THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER - 7:30PM $8

M O NTDUE AY S D AY EV ERY

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BEAT.COM.AU

2018 BEAT.COM.AU

7

Contents

Issue N o 1607

Phoenix

10

News

16

Arts Guide

Page. 25

The Unbelievables 18

Hip Hop Industry Beat Eats

19

Electronic Metal Punk

20

NGV Triennial EXTRA

22

Falls Festival Roadtrip

23

Beat’s Guide to the Australian Open Cable Ties Ball

24

Off The Grid The Maine

25

Phoenix Ballarat Beer Festival

26

Ayla Brendan Maclean

27

Live

28

Album of the Week Singles

Falls Festival Roadtrip Page. 22

32

Gig Guide

Hire a Kombi Crossword

Social

Print Production Manager: Ben Driscoll Advertising: Thom Parry (Hospitality/Bars/Music) thom@beat.com.au Nicholas Simonsen (Backstage/Musical Equipment) mixdown@beat.com.au Georgia Spanos (Campaigns/Special Projects/Music) georgia@furstmedia.com.au Classifieds: classifieds@beat.com.au Gig Guide Submissions: now online at beat.com.au

Accountant: Accountant@furstmedia.com.au Office Manager: Lizzie Dynon Accounts Receivable: Accounts@furstmedia.com.au Distribution: Free every Wednesday to over 2000 points around Melbourne. Wanna get BEAT? Email distribution@beat.com.au Contributing Photographers: Tony Proudfoot, David Harris, Zo Damage, Lee Easton, Lewis Nixon, Shaina Glenny, Michael Woods, Andrew Bibby, Sally Townsend

@dclarkephotography

BEAT.COM.AU

Profiles

@hanxella

8

30

38

Page. 24

I hope you’re as stoked about Christmas as I am! There’s something about my first Christmas season not working retail ± avoiding the same ten Christmas carols playing on repeat, and the crush of angry people who always decide ten minutes before close is the ideal time to shop. This year I’m filled with a new Christmas spirit, I’ve even been listening to Christmas albums by choice ± and thanks to some of our fab team you can get the lowdown on some of our faves.

We’ve also got you covered for NGV Triennial ± the exhibition itself is phenomenal, but it’s the ten-day party Triennial EXTRA that I’m here for. We chat to Dan Kelly, who’ll be one of more than 20 of your favourite musicians getting behind the decks ± there’s also food, talks, drinks, and art. Just have a look for yourself.

This Christmas present isn’t complete without a Falls Festival-inspired road trip, a guide to all things Aus Open, and chats with Melbourne punks Cable Ties, Arizona rockers The Maine or Queensland singer-songwriter Ayla.

What are you waiting for? Open this present up as quickly as possible ± bonus points if you tag us on instagram (@BeatMagazine) using these pages to wrap your presents. MERRY CHRISTMAS YA FILTHY ANIMALS.

Publisher: Furst Media Pty Ltd. Editor: Gloria Brancatisano Digital Editor/Social Media Manager: James Di Fabrizio Editorial Assistants: Holly Denison, Georgia Lenton-Williams, Dean Morganti, Claire Garrett, Tom Parker, Jacob Colliver, Kate Streader, Anthony Furci Managing Director: Patrick Carr Graphic Designers: Michael Cusack, Lizzie Dynon, Ben Driscoll

Albums

Coming Soon

Off The Grid

Editor’s Note With Gloria Brancatisano

29

@beatmagazine

@BeatMagazine

@beatmagazine

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Senior Photographer: Ian Laidlaw Columnists: Joe Hansen, Peter Hodgson, Michael Cusack, Christie Eliezer, Georgia Spanos, Vanessa Valenzuela, Lachlan Kanoniuk Contributors: Graham Blackley, Gloria Brancatisano, Alexander Crowden, Joe Hansen, Peter Hodgson, Lachlan Kanoniuk, Adam Norris, Dan Watt, Augustus Welby, Alex Watts, David James Young, Bronius Zumeris, Natalie Rogers, James Di Fabrizio, Lee Spencer Michaelsen, Isabelle Oderberg, Holly Pereira, Nathan Quattruci, Ryan

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News

News

Brewer’s Feast Announce New Dates for Postponed Event After being forced to reschedule following the severe weather warnings of late, Brewer’s Feast has embraced the newfound sunshine with the announcement of new dates. The much-loved Melbourne boutique beer and food festival will offer a huge range of brews and eats, including over 80 beers from some of the country’s top brewers such as Stockade Brew Co, Stone & Wood and Pirate Life as well as showcasing newcomers to the brewing scene. There’s also a huge selection of bites such as Southern, deep-fried everything from Twisted Mac, Italian-inspired options from Melbourne Arancini and specialty donuts from Donut Panic. If that’s not enough, there will be live music from some of the hottest triple j Unearthed artists. It’s happening at Abbotsford Convent on Saturday February 3 and Sunday February 4.

Alice Ivy

Reveals debut album and tour dates It’s been one thing after another for Melbourne-based hip hop/ R&B producer Alice Ivy, who’s just dropped a killer film clip for her single ‘Be Friends’ on top of a release date for her forthcoming album I’m Dreaming. It features collaborations with Bertie Blackman, E^ST and Georgia van Etten. To celebrate, Alice Ivy will be heading on a national tour which will see her perform at The Hills Are Alive as well as headline shows around the country. Catch her at Howler on Saturday February 24. I’m Dreaming is due for release on Friday February 9 via Dew Process/Universal Australia.

Shed Seven

To embark on debut Australian tour Britpop five-piece Shed Seven will be hitting Australian stages for the first time ever. The tour comes off the back of the band’s recently released album, Instant Pleasures. They made their mark on the British pop scene in the ‘90s with hits like ‘Chasing Rainbows’ and ‘Going For Gold’, before parting ways in 2003 only to reunite four years later. Catch Shed Seven at The Corner Hotel on Friday April 20, tickets are on sale now via MJR Presents.

Halsey

Banoffee

Reveals 2018 Australian tour

Announces 2018 Homecoming Tour Now LA-based Banoffee returns at the start of 2018 for her first Australian headline tour in almost a year. Following the release for the well-received single ‘Ripe’, she’s been busy working on new material which will be showcased for the first time on this upcoming tour. As her unique take on pop continues to mature, Banoffee’s live performances have gone from strength to strength in 2017, from headlining the Melbourne Music Week closing party to her US gig supporting Hundred Waters. Banoffee will play at Howler on Friday February 2.

GL

There’s something about Halsey that Australian fans just can’t get enough of, be it her honey-like vocals, ear-worm tracks, or I’m-not-taking-anyone’s-shit attitude. To appease her mammoth Aussie fanbase, Halsey has revealed she’ll be making her way Down Under. In line with her ethos of promoting and empowering other talented females, she’ll be bringing R&B songstress Kehlani along with her, who’s enjoyed a huge 2017 off the back of her debut album, SweetSexySavage. Halsey will perform hits from her sophomore album hopeless fountain kingdom at Margaret Court Arena on Saturday April 21.

Tickets via secretsounds.com.

Piknic Electronik Unveil 18 International Legends for Their 2018 Season Piknic Électronik has lifted the veil on its full program for their fourth Melbourne season, bringing nine events that showcase the largest international acts they’ve hosted yet. As well as the already announced pre-party launch featuring Tiga, Solardo and Marek Hemmann, the rest of the season follows a similar vein of top-tier local and global talent. You can now catch Luke Hess, Molly, Rachmad, Deetron, Thick As Thieves, Agents of Time, Jennifer Cardini, DJ Seinfeld, Marcus Marr, Radio Slave, Tijana T, Paul Ritch, Derrick May, Mor Elian, George FitzGerald, Yotto, Human Movement, Willaris. K, Toni Yotzi, Matt Radovich, Ben Cromack, Caine Sinclair, Anyo and MzRizk across the extensive festival. Piknic Electronik runs from Sunday February 4 to Sunday April 8 at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Head to piknicelectronik. com.au for tickets and further details.

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News

Australian Music Vault Reveal Curated Learning Program The Arts Centre’s Australian Music Vault has just revealed a specially-designed learning program to coincide with its groundbreaking exhibition. From Monday January 22 ± Thursday January 25, the Australian Music Vault Academy will welcome people aged 14-18 to learn from industry professionals including Anne Laverty, KLP, Alice Ivy and Mantra, who’ll host skill-expanding workshops. The AMV will also present Sound As Ever, a podcast designed by six young contentmakers and radio producers from SYN Media, which taps into issues within the nation’s contemporary music industry. Another aspect of the program is the Australian Music Vault Choir for Schools, created to encourage more young people to participate in singing Australian music, while the Stories of Australian Music talk series caps it off. The Australian Music Vault is open at Arts Centre Melbourne.

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Unveil 2018 dates and first lineup

Announces Melbourne show

announcement

It’s been over two years since Californian rapper Earl Sweatshirt graced the stage of Splendour In The Grass and now he’s returning for a special one night only gig in Melbourne.

Starting out in 2009 as one of the youngest members of hip hop collective Odd Future, Sweatshirt toured and wrote with the likes of Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator before gaining solo attention with debut mixtape Earl. Hard at work on his third album, Sweatshirt has been giving fans a taste of the upcoming release out on the road. Sweatshirt will headline 170 Russell on Sunday 14 January. Tickets via moshtix.

Victorian boutique festival By The Meadow is back for another year, announcing their 2018 dates as well as revealing the first act set to perform. The complete lineup won’t drop until January but for now you can be rest assured that Billy Davis & the Good Lords are locked in to take the stage. Davis and his cavalcade, which bears up to 11 members at any one time, have had a huge 2017 in the wake of their debut album, A Family Portrait. By The Meadow is going down from Friday April 6 - Sunday April 8 at Otway Hinterlands. Tickets go on sale on January 11 and with only 900 tix up for grabs, you’d better get in quick.

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Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge

Perform a double-headlining tour across Australia American singer-songwriters Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge will tour Australia together. Both women will perform their biggest hits including ‘All I Wanna Do’ and ‘Give Me Some Water’. A nine-time Grammy Award recipient, Sheryl Crow is an American music icon. Her nine studio albums have sold 35 million copies worldwide. Melissa Etheridge is one of rock music’s great female icons. The two women will perform at Margret Court Arena on Friday April 6.

Abbe May

Is hitting the road in support of new album Renowned singer-songwriter Abbe May has announced she’ll be kicking off 2018 with a bang, not only releasing her highly anticipated album Fruit but welcoming it with an eight-date national tour. The album sees Abbe May stripping herself bare, with storytelling lyrics recounting all the gritty details of life and its many curveballs. To celebrate the release, May will embark on a massive national tour that’ll see her taking to the stage across the country. Catch Abbe May at Yah Yah’s on Friday February 23, tickets via abbemay.com. Fruit is set for release on Friday February 2.

Ding Dong Lounge Will Call Last Drinks Next Month Ding Dong has been a well-loved fixture on Melbourne’s illustrious list of music hotspots, so it’s a with a heavy heart that we share this news ± Ding Dong is calling last drinks on Saturday January 13. “It’s an open secret that venues in the Melbourne CBD have been struggling lately due in part to the broader proliferation of similar clubs and bars across the inner north and combination of the heartbreaking homeless issue and ongoing late-night violence in the CBD,” said publican Billy Walsh, confirming the closure. The list of heavy hitters who have graced this venue is long and glorious. We’ll be sad to see it go.

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News

Jen Cloher Will Follow Up Her Huge Year with a National Tour Jen Cloher has had a massive year, releasing her fourth, self-titled album to an unprecedented wave of praise ± but she’s not ready to throw in the towel just yet. That’s right, Cloher has let slip that she’ll be welcoming the New Year with a seven-date Australian run following a slate of shows in the USA and Europe. Kicking things off with her slot at next year’s Golden Plains, Cloher will then weave her way around the nation. Catch Jen Cloher at Golden Plains, taking over the ‘sup from Saturday March 10 - Monday March 12 and at the Croxton Bandroom on Saturday March 24. Grab your tickets via the venue’s website.

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Sydney Road Short Film Competition

PBS 106.7FM

The Sydney Road Short Film Competition is back for its next biennial instalment, opening up applications across two categories, one Sydney Road-centric, another Music Videospecific. Behind a cash prize of $3,000, the Sydney Road [open] category has one requirement ± there must be an aspect related to Sydney Road. Alternatively, the Music Video category must simply be Brunswick-themed and is offering a cash prize of $1,500. A $500 encouragement prize is also on offer and, like the other awards, will be determined by a three-member panel of judges. Applications close Thursday March 31 via the competition website.

PBS 106.7FM are set to become the very first tenants of the new Collingwood Arts Precinct, a revitalisation of the former Collingwood TAFE site. It marks the end of a 16-year tenure at Easey Street, before that PBS called St Kilda home from its inception in 1979. On top of the move, PBS has also announced a huge NYE party as part of Soul-A-Go-Go. Heralded Melbourne soul and funk DJs, Richie 1250, Mike Gurrieri, Miss Goldie, Vince Peach and Shio will be spinning tunes, while a special live performance from Cookin’ on 3 Burners with Stella Angelico will also go down. Head to the Night Cat on Sunday December 31.

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Announce ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ live in concert In an Australian premiere, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform Star Wars: A New Hope live in concert. Bringing your ultimate nerd dreams to life, the MSO will perform the score in its entirety along with a screening of the classic George Lucas film. It comes in the wake of their recent live performance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens at St Kilda’s Palais Theatre and is set to be a memorable way to experience the film. The MSO will perform Star Wars: A New Hope on Friday February 2 and Saturday February 3 at Hamer Hall.

Announces relocation and huge NYE party

Stonefield

Sign to Flightless Records, hit the road Victorian-based psych-rock four-piece Stonefield have just signed to Flightless Records. Wasting no time at all, Stonefield have dropped new single ‘Delusion’. The new track displays the band’s progression into a heavier sound than what we’ve seen on previous releases and hints that their next album is going to be a massive step in a new direction. To celebrate their freshly inked deal and new single, Stonefield will also be hitting the stage in Sydney and Melbourne next year. Catch them at The Curtin on Saturday February 3, tickets are available via the venue’s website.

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Silverstein and Comeback Kid Team Up For 2018 Australian Tour In a huge double whammy, Canadian hardcore outfits Silverstein and Comeback Kid have joined forces for a massive Australian and New Zealand tour next year. With 17 years behind them, Silverstein have more than proved their glory days aren’t close to being over with the release of their latest album Dead Reflection earlier this year. In a fitting pairing, Silverstein have called in fellow icons of the heavy scene, Comeback Kid, who are riding a wave of success following their sixth studio album, Outsider. Catch the pair at 170 Russell on Wednesday May 16, tickets via destroyalllines.com.

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Arts Guide

Beat’s Pick Off The Grid

Sydney Road Short Film Competition Applications open now One Mna Show

Australia’s only solar-powered festival is back in 2017 for their third year of selfsufficiency, presenting a sun-filled day of live music, art, and discussions from leading environmentalists, architects, activists, and entrepreneurs. The first half of the day arrives as an environmental symposium, followed by a sprawling party curated by Crown Ruler. Off the Grid takes place on Friday December 22 at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.

The Sydney Road Short Film Competition is back for its next biennial instalment, opening up applications across two categories ± one Sydney Road-centric, another Music Videospecific. Behind a cash prize of $3,000, the Sydney Road [open] category has one requirement - there must be an aspect relating to Sydney Road. Alternatively, the Music Video category must simply be Brunswick themed and is offering a cash prize of $1,500. The Sydney Road Short Film Competition goes down in April 2018 with applications closing on Thursday March 31.

Bent Bollywood

Dream Lover

Eureka Seven

Gender and faith come to a crossroad

An American crooner takes to the stage

The anime reboot hits ACMI

Bent Bollywood is a queer dance show that combines the technical rigour of classical Indian dance, the camp theatrics of Bollywood and everything that is weird and wonderful about queer performance art. Witness the treacherous imagination of the diaspora, the postcolonial rage of the subaltern, and the exuberant lust of the queers who would have written a much better Kama Sutra if only they’d been asked. It’s going down Thursday January 23 - Saturday February 3 at Brunswick Mechanics Institute as part of Midsumma Festival.

Dream Lover details the life, times and tunes of renowned American jazz singer Bobby Darin. Taking the lead role is the award-winning David Campbell, working through a career-spanning repertoire with a story to boot. It runs at Arts Centre Melbourne from Wednesday December 27 - Saturday February 10.

Eureka Seven follows the story of Renton, whose mundane existence is flipped upside down when a giant robot crashes into his house. Piloted by a girl named Eureka, this encounter will lead Renton to be pursued by the military and pulled into a web of drama, intrigue, and non-stop action. Renton’s time for daydreaming is over. It’s screening at ACMI on Friday December 22.

The Unbelievables If you’re born into a seventhgeneration circus family, you’ve got two options when it comes to career prospects – you either buck against the trend and do something deathly dull for a crust, or you join the bigtop shenanigans. Knife thrower Alfredo Silva opted for the latter.

Silva ± who’s rehearsing down under before taking part in The Unbelievables, a curiosity cabinet of worldclass circus, magic and music pulled together by the team behind The Illusionists and Circus 1903 ± was a showman from a young age. By the time the rest of us were fancying ourselves daredevils just for swinging off the washing line, he was already juggling, clowning, performing aerial stunts, and throwing knives.

“As a little kid, we pretended to be performers when we were playing,” he says. “When you grow up like that, you don’t realise it, but you’re learning most of the skills having fun with your friends during the day playing in the big top, around the seating, and under the trucks.”

These days, Silva’s niche is knife throwing, especially after his recent stint on America’s Got Talent with his knife-throwing partner and wife, Anna, where they survived a caustic Simon Cowell to make it all the way through to the semis. Part of their success stemmed

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Got some arts news we should know about?

Email Gloria Brancatisano gloria@beat.com.au.

“You don’t just decide to throw knives at people. You have to master a throw.” from the fact that Silva has polished up knife throwing’s reputation, which is ironic because he used to hate it.

Historically, Silva preferred the other many acts in his bag of tricks, especially the ‘globe of death’, which saw him and teammates narrowly missing each other while fanging around the inside of a dirty, metal sphere on motorbikes. Back then, Silva regarded knife throwing as kinda lame. “It used to be one of the most boring acts in show business,” he says. “I always liked the skills and the danger aspect of it though. I always thought that the act had a lot of potential, but it was never well presented.”

After learning the art of knife throwing at the age of 11 or 12, years passed before he was persuaded to pick it up again in 2010. “I said to my wife, ‘Anna, I think I’d like to do this kind of act,’ and her reply was the best: she said yes right away,” Silva says. “I reinvented the knife act the way it is now ± dynamic, exciting ± I mixed all of the dangerous aspects, the whip targeting, the knife throwing, blind-axe throwing and cross-bow all together.

“You don’t just decide to throw knives at people. You have to master a throw. It was lonely training, just me, the knives and the board for many years, months and

hours until it was really safe and secure and I was able to do a consistent throw.

“Once I’d mastered that, then I started to put Anna on the board. I started to throw the knife very far from Anna, using a much bigger board than the one I use now in the show. Then, I started to get closer and closer and the board got smaller and smaller.”

The mind boggles thinking about what it’s like in the kitchen at the Silva household, but he makes it clear that knife throwing isn’t some kind of game or trick.

There’s no rubber or retractable blades here.

“Anna was holding a little water-bomb balloon in her lips and I threw the knife. It didn’t pop the balloon, it just touched it, so I threw a second knife and the same thing happened. The third knife hit the knife that was there already, and took the good knife out towards Anna’s nose. It was a very pointy knife and it hit a vein on her nose and blood squirted a metre away from her. People don’t realise this, but I’m way more scared than Anna in front of the board, because I have all the responsibility.”

By Meg Crawford

The Unbelievables will come to Hamer Hall from Wednesday January 3 until Saturday January 13.

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Columns With Vanessa Valenzuela

With Christie Eliezer

Hip Hop

Industry Alice Ivy

Genesis Owusu

Triple j Unearthed has revealed its most-played artists for 2017. Spanning all ages and genres, the list is a look at the best up-and-coming artists from across Australia. Representing hip hop and rap in the top 50 acts, Genesis Owusu has landed in seventh place as one of the most played artists this year. This comes as no surprise, as the talented emcee has released hit after hit, with a reputation for creating catchy beats and embracing his weirdness. Check out his latest track ‘Sideways’, a quirky, catchy tune produced by members of Haitus Kaiyote.

With Georgia Spanos

Beat Eats

Stonefield

New Signings: Premier Artists’ latest addition is Richard Clapton, who will be represented by Frank Stivala and Brad O’Brien. Stonefield released their latest prog-metal single ‘Delusion’ through King Gizard & The Lizard Wizard’s Flightless Records. Niche Talent Agency added hip hopper Turquoise Prince for bookings. Unified signed a record deal with Melbourne breakout artist Didirri. Sony Music extended its deal with Michael Jackson, who still sells an equivalent of one million records a year.

Tour promoter Life Is Noise sacked co-founder, Perth based Dave Cutbush following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a 16-year-old girl. Company director Jack Midalia said, “I take these reports seriously, and deeply apologise for not providing the safe space that the women in our industry deserve.” The backlash was immediate. US band Sleep cancelled its January tour, and will reschedule with a new promoter. Brisbane outfit Siberian Hell Sounds and Melbourne’s Merchant are both donating all money paid from Life Is Noise shows to a Womens’ shelter and the Domestic Violence Resourse Centre Victoria.

Melbourne, I can’t fault your progression and triumph lately.

Our victorious YES win stands as just one instance where we’ve seen you shine. Although, something I’d like to see more of is sustainability when it comes to cooking. I mean we do live in one of the best food cities in the world, so why not raise our sustainability bar to meet such standards? For those who are already on this tip, Off The Grid festival is no news to you, and although the festival leads the way in environmentally-kind party times, their food offerings are just as worthy of applause. Here’s what to expect this Friday at Off The Grid, and hopefully what we’ll see a little more of in our city.

In the meantime, the New York police will investigate rap entrepreneur Russell Simmons after nine women have now gone public of being raped or sexually harassed by him.

A sexual assault case against Nelly collapsed after the 21-year-old college student who accused him of assaulting her in his tour bus after a show in Washington, now will not testify.

Her lawyer said she’d been “intimidated” by the rapper’s people but the artist plans to take legal action “to clear his name.”

The global Music Cities Convention will land in Melbourne on Thursday April 19 and Friday April 20. The theme will be “It takes a village to make a music city”. Music Victoria, one of the organisers, unveiled 45 speakers from around the world. They include academics, city planners, music industry execs, night mayors, festival promoters, event managers, musicians and cultural officers. To be discussed with 300 delegates is a possible solution to tensions between residents, venues and councils; night mayors, music tourism, music policy in Asia and the role of landowners. Melbourne will be in the world’s spotlight as a city that has more live music venues per capita than any other city in the world.

Hobart-based Rough Rice ± whose humble beginnings started just four years ago at David Walsh’s Mona Museum ± will be popping up at the festival this year. Founder Adam Jones is known to travel far and wide for his studies, focusing on ancient fermentation techniques, cherishing them dearly, and bringing them home to Rough Rice’s practice. This year, Jones will be working with solar cookers as he crafts Sung choi bao using local, seasonal, and organic vegetables. He also uses biodynamic brown rice, beetroot, turnip and carrot kraut, and two-year fermented chilli sauce. Expect no electricity, no gas and definitely no packaging.

Erik Saunders

Brisbane rapper Erik Sanders also landed in the top 20 acts of 2017. The triple j Unearthed competition winner dominated Queensland’s Sprung Festival in October and his latest track ‘Forever, Whatever’ is an uplifting hip hop banger with cheeky lyrics and bubbly beats. 17-year-old producer and rapper Arno Faraji also made the list. The young emcee was crowned the winner of this year’s Unearthed High competition wooing crowds with his fast-forward hip hop track ‘Destiny’. Kwame and Ziggy Ramo also secured spots in the top 50, alongside fellow hip hop artists Birdz, Baker Boy, WzrdKid and Coin Banks. Unearthed radio launched as a digital radio station back in 2011. Earlier this year, triple j announced its decision to change the date of its iconic Hottest 100 to Saturday January 27. Voting is now open for the Hottest 100 and will close January 22, 2018.

Earl Sweatshirt

Odd Future rapper Earl Sweatshirt has announced a one-off Australian headline show early next year, while he supports The xx on their Australian tour. This is his first show Down Under since his performance at Splendour In The Grass two years ago. Earl is currently working on his third album, the follow up to 2015’s I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside: An Album by Earl Sweatshirt.

To celebrate the release of her debut album I’m Dreaming, Alice Ivy has announced a national tour this summer. An electronic artist and frequent collaborator with emerging local hip hop artists, she has an impressive list of support acts including Nasty Mars, Sophiegropy and Francois with more special guests to be announced. Don’t miss out when she heads to Melbourne to take to the stage at Howler on Friday February 24.

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B3

Things we hear: Novel, the folks behind festivals including Days Like This, Pitch Music & Arts and Let Them Eat Cake are about to unveil plans for a 5000-capacity venue in the Melbourne business district called B3. Mel B had surgery to cut out a tattoo with the name of ex-husband Stephen Belafonte. Kendrick Lamar says he’s seen a UFO but no one believes him. An INXS museum featuring thousands of items looks like it’s opening in Ballina, NSW, promising to bring $200 million a year to the local economy. Smithereens frontman Pat DiNizio has died, aged 62. Richie Sambora will reunite with Bon Jovi when they are inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame next year but a question mark hangs over Dire Straits’ original lineup.

Then there’s Fresh Fork, who’ve grown quite rapidly, from a once small catering company to a leading name in plantbased eating. This year, Fresh Fork will be preparing a combination of fresh and sun cooked foods. Expect the likes of quinoa, teff, legumes, root vegetables and fresh summer greens. Don’t be surprised if your taste buds suspect prickly pear throughout the dishes, as Fresh Fork have quite the love affair for this special fruit.

Columns With Michael Cusack

Electronic 2017 In Review Habits

With an increasingly inclusive and diverse ethos across the board of parties and gigs in Melbourne, 2017 often saw flourishing local talent playing alongside seasoned veterans, and it was bloody excellent. Yes, we lost the beloved fire-hazard that was the Mercat Basement back in February, but in the end, it was just a room. The party will go on. I thought I’d shine a strobe light on some of the new and old faces that made Melbourne the epicentre of the Australian electronic scene in 2017.

SHOUSE: When was the last time you saw a songwriting production duo perform with a choir in the club? Shouse had an incredible year playing live, releasing tracks and throwing parties with their OpenShouse series featuring local and international DJs and producers across a variety of genres. They’ve just released their track ‘Love Tonight’ that features guest vocals from members of Client Liaison, Habits, Banoffee, Oscar Key Sung and more.

Habits: It’s hard to know what to say about Habits, they’re a beautifully weird package of electro-goth-punk party jams that, when combined with their onstage personas (and outfits), become an important representation of progressive ideals in music. Or, without the wank, fucking cool. 2017 saw them playing bloody everything and gaining the intimidating reputation they deserve.

ACM

ACM: ACM plays hard-out uncompromising techno with a huge rig of synths and drum machines. There’s plenty of people doing the live techno thing, but few on this planet are doing it as well as ACM right now. 2017’s seen him go from a solid opening act to outgunning the internationals he’s frequently supporting.

Brooke Powers: Powers was DJing everywhere in 2017 and has become a pillar in the LGBTQIA+ community, co-running the Spank! parties and holding down a residency at Le Fag. The queer party scene seems the strongest it’s been in years and that’s a testament to people like Powers who live and breathe the scene they create.

Sleep D: Although Sleep D ended their weekly party ‘Mania’ in August 2016, the Frankston lads still manage to be an almost permanent fixture in the Melbourne house scene.

They’ve extended their repertoire to semi-frequent live shows and released a number of records from local producers on their label: Butter Sessions.

Beatrice

Beatrice: As one of the busiest women in the scene, perhaps her greatest achievement of 2017 was her work with the ‘Barkly Desert Cultures’ multimedia program in the Northern Territory.

This led to the formation of Kardajala Kirridarra with women from the Marlinja and Kulumindini communities, producing their album and performing at festivals and events around Australia. Outside of that, she continued DJing her brand of bass music around Melbourne, doing solo live sets and playing in the band Haiku Hands.

6am At The Garage: Running a weekly party is hard, but Liam and Benny of 6am At The Garage have been doing a stellar job of not only being resident DJs at Lucid, but handling the booking and running their blog as well. Every Saturday night at Lounge the boys are backing up some of Australia’s best selectors and performers with the occasional international guest.

Lucid had some big shoes to fill when Mania finished up, but they’ve done a killer job.

DJ Kiti: Kiti’s a veteran techno DJ and a Melbourne legend. Whether she’s warming up or headlining, whether it’s a festival or a 50 capacity room, Kiti’s got you. Her love of music is infectious, and Melbourne is lucky to have her.

With Peter Hodgson

Metal

With Joe Hansen

Punk 2017 In Review Tank and the Bangas

HyPno5e

French post-metal pioneers HYPNO5E will release a fulllength movie and a two LP/CD set in April. Called Alba Les Ombres Errantes (The Wandering Shadows), it was directed by singer/guitarist Emmanuel Jessua.

Inside Metal: The Rise of L.A. Thrash Metal is a two-part metal documentary reliving the early days of one of music’s most aggressive and enduring movements. Directed by Bob Nalbandian with narration by David Ellefson, the first DVD of the set will be released on Friday January 19 and focuses on the Los Angeles thrash metal uprising of the early/mid ‘80s. It also acts as a follow-up to the first two Inside Metal titles, The Pioneers of LA Hard Rock & Metal and LA Metal Scene Explodes. It features interviews with such heavy-hitters as Chris Poland (Megadeth), Brian Slagel (Metal Blade Records), Craig Cocicero (Forbidden), Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Marty Friedman (Megadeth/Cacophony), Eric Peterson (Testament), Ernie C (Body Count) and many more. Part two will be released later in 2018.

Ross The Boss

It’s gonna be the most metal tour of 2018 for sure (given that Download is a one-city event): Manowar co-founder Ross The Boss will play three shows in April, including Saturday April 28 at The Croxton. The co-writer of such classic albums as Battle Hymns, Into Glory Ride, Hail To England, Sign of the Hammer, Fighting The World and Kings of Metal will be performing a classic Manaowar set to Australian audiences for the first time ever.

Destruction

Legendary metal trio Destruction are coming to town.

One of the Big Teutonic Four alongside Kreator, Sodom, and Tankard, Destruction were founded in 1982 and have never been so fast, brutal and groovy ± which is saying something, after 30 years in the metal business. Their latest album is Under Attack, and the video for the title track is ready to watch online. See them at Max Watt’s on Anzac Day Eve (Tuesday April 24). Tickets on sale now.

Converge

Converge: The Dusk In Us. There was no doubting that the latest album from the undisputed kings of metallic hardcore would be in any way a letdown or a compromise of their usual standard. Their first since 2012’s excellent All We Love We Leave Behind, the band’s latest offering continues the chaotic hardcore they’re known for, with even more of a melodic angle ± first experimented with on 2009’s incredible Axe to Fall.

Batpiss: Rest in Piss. The third album from the Melbourne institution saw the band expand beyond their usual punishing noise punk into a more varied and textured sonic territory. Evidently taking a lot of guidance and influence from producer Gareth Liddiard of The Drones, the record is a massive step forward for the Melbourne trio.

Mesa Cosa

Mesa Cosa: El Es Demons. Marking their first release in over three years, the long-awaited full-length from Melbourne’s premier garage-punk-psych-freakout noisemakers Mesa Cosa finally saw the light of day in November. Initially recorded over a year before and delayed with unclear release plans and general uncertainty, the record is in essence a documentation of the band’s intense and unpredictable live show. With the band playing countless shows with various extra members and instruments over the years, there was almost a sense of relief in the power of their set and songwriting finally committed to tape.

Propagandhi

Propagandhi: Victory Lap. Over 25 years into their career, Canadian thrash-punks Propagandhi are one of the only remaining bands of that era to have not only consistently released excellent material, but continued to innovate and expand their sound on every release. While new record Victory Lap wasn’t a departure from their modern thrash metal-influenced punk-rock sound of the last few albums, the passion and energy of the band remains as strong as ever.

Dirty Fences: Goodbye Love. With just the right amount of cheese and rock‘n’roll excess, the third LP from the NYC power-pop-punk group is by far their best work to date. Get it now before they get big so you can say you knew them before that and feel cool.

BEAT.COM.AU

19

NGV Triennial EXTRA

Cover Story

Music

Black Chronicles

Miami Horror & Jess Cornelius Miami Horror will combine a mix of funky house tunes alongside your favourite throwback dance numbers, while Jess Cornelius brings together everything from the Australian underground of the ‘60s and ‘70s to Peruvian psych rock and Nigerian disco funk.

Friday January 19.

African artist collective Still Nomads explore the intersection of gender, queerness, class and race. Co-founders Areej Nur and Samira Farah will take participants on a walk and talk through the Triennial, examining how Triennial artists approach this often complex intersection. As a collective Still Nomads explore visibility and erasure set against a context of blackness within Australia and the world.

Bars

The Jungle Giants & Adalita + Mary Mihelakos The Jungle Giants have become the poster people for taking creative risks, so expect some nu-disco, some house and a few dirty little groovers in their DJ set, while Magic Dirt frontwoman Adalita and Mary Mihelakos will spin an eclectic mix of forgotten garage classics and local tunes.

Wednesday January 24.

Triennial EXTRA will feature a number of drinking options including the Great Hall Bar presented by Asahi Super Dry. The NGV Tearoom will be taken over by Margaret River winery Xanadu Wines who’ll be delivering award-winning wines, coupled with a fine selection of cheese and charcuterie.

The most exciting drinking option is Dan Murphy’s Discovery bar, a collaboration between Melbourne artist and designer Ryan L. Foote and 2016 Australian Bartender of the Year Charlie Ainsbury. They’ll be creating bespoke cocktails in the NGV garden during Triennial EXTRA.

Humans In The Age Of Technology

Growing Up In The Age Of Fake News

Accumulation Collaboration with Chunky Move

Noss Noss

Angus Hervey and Tane Hunter, cofounders of Future Crunch, will take participants on a walk and talk as they take some time to explore what it means to be human when technology intersects every aspect of our lives. They will discuss what our interactions with technology mean to us now and how they will expand in the future from the context of the Triennial.

NGV collaborates with Melbourne’s internationally acclaimed dance company Chunky Move to present Accumulation.

Curated by Artistic Director Anouk van Dijk, Accumulation introduces five new performance works, exploring human rituals and the transient relationships between people, places and objects through a gradual amassing of eclectic dance interventions. Performed among artworks in NGV Triennial, each consecutive performance takes audiences on a unique experience of the exhibition through dance.

A talk on the reliability of traditional and alternative news outlets in the era of fake news. They’ll discuss the impact that fake news is having on young people and how it affects the way they understand the world around them. Hosted by VICE Australia staff writer and editor Kat Gillespie, the panel will feature Jonno Revanche, Mahmood Fazal, Shaad D’Souza and Madison Griffiths.

Artist Hassan Hajjaj transforms the ground floor Gallery Kitchen into a vibrant, Moroccan tea house. Experience ‘noss noss’ ± a term used in Morocco to order coffee and milk ± and Moroccan cafe culture, and enjoy a summer menu inspired by Moroccan cuisine. The space will also see a series of musical performances from Melbourne bands Alwan, Yalla! and the John Norton Trio, throughout the Triennial season. Noss Noss will also host In Good Faith, presented by Hana Assafiri and the Speedaters ± here they invite you to ‘speed date a Muslim’, asking the women anything about their faith.

Dan Kelly Dan Kelly has been waiting over 20 years to work with his cousin Declan.

Big Scary & Djs Hashish & Liquor Big Scary will bring the good times ± championing the indies, getting cheesy with R&B and making you move with the heroes of soul. Djs Hashish & Liquor ± AKA Dave Graney and drummer Clare Moore, ± are set to give you a taste of infinity and the abyss.

Saturday January 27.

Nina Las Vegas & No Zu Nina Las Vegas’ work ethic, tastemaker status and the inability to tie her to one genre is what makes her one of the most exciting DJs going around. While No Zu mastermind Nic Oogjes will make you dance, sweat and fly your freak flag. What a way to close the festivities.

Sunday January 28.

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“I remember the first time Declan and I ever started talking ideas. I went to the Big Day Out, somewhere in the ‘90s ± I think Bjork and Soundgarden were playing on the Gold Coast. I’d had a pretty mega night, I remember skinny dipping in Byron Bay and it was about three in the morning afterwards, I ended up crashing at a friend’s place somewhere down there”, he says.

He had a surprise when he went to the bus stop to go back to Brisbane, “The friends I went to the Big Day Out with said goodbye to me and I was just getting on the bus ± this big double decker bus ± and my cousin Declan was there. I’d almost forgotten that he lived in Byron Bay because he’d been going to school there.”

Dan Kelly and Declan Kelly will finally get the chance to collaborate on a DJ set at Triennial EXTRA. Joining them will be a host of other guest DJs providing their own soundtrack to the Triennial including Jungle Giants, Tex Perkins, Saskwatch, Cloud Control, Quan and Ben from Regurgitator, and Miami Horror.

This will be the NGV’s inaugural Triennial. Celebrating art and design from across the world, the exhibition will feature the work of over 100 artists and designers from 32 countries. Following the success of events like Friday Nights at NGV, the Triennial will also host Triennial EXTRA, a ten-night festival of dance performance, guest DJs, pop-up bars, architecture, food and talks. The free festival

will see NGV remain open after hours. “[Declan] was probably 15 or something like that. I hadn’t hung out with him for a couple of years. All of a sudden he’s sort of grown up and a teenage dude and he’s like, ‘I’m going to Brisbane to do this thing,’ because he had become a deep house and drum and bass DJ, playing a lot of little warehouse factories and stuff like that,” says Dan. “He had a Walkman and I had my Walkman and we drove up through the hills in the rain of Northern New South Wales and we played each other what we were into. I was pretty deep into stuff like Pavement, Butthole Surfers and Jesus Lizard, and a lot of whacky guitar bands and he was right into Ice Cube, stuff like Brain Dance, Aphex Twin and some Warp label stuff.”

“I was like ‘Wow, he’s into some really interesting music,’ and ever since then we’ve swapped lots of musical ideas but we’ve never really collaborated. He was in another world, I went into a crazed guitar rock’n’roll world and he went in more of a deep house direction.”

Since bonding over music in the ‘90s, the

cousins have each expanded their music tastes.

“He worked in a record store near where I lived in St Kilda and he developed a really fantastic, wide ranging taste. I’ve also broadened out away from whacked out guitar stuff.”

The set at Triennial EXTRA is an opportunity they have been anticipating for a while. “We’ve been swapping ideas for 20 years and it’s the first time we’ll actually get to play them to people together,” he says. Dan says the show will be a representation of their musical growth over time. “It will be good, it’s not going to be nostalgic. Uplifting but un-nostalgic.”

For Dan this won’t be the first time he has performed at NGV. “I DJed David Hockney. I felt a kind of colour, I wanted to get his swimming pool period and get his early technicolours and what he was doing on iPads.

“It was a beautiful exhibition. It was really vivid and large scale. So you think ‘Ok, what am I going to play? I might play some sort of early ‘70s Japanese psychedelia or just stuff that goes with the colours or the era.’ We’ll probably try and do the same for this show as well.”

By Rhys Pope

Triennial EXTRA will transform NGV International from Friday January 18 until Sunday January 28, open nightly from 6pm through to midnight.

The NGV Triennial runs until Sunday April 15, 2018.

162 - 168 COLLINS ST, MELBOURNE

INFO@THEGEORGEONCOLLINS.COM.AU

BEAT.COM.AU

21

Falls Festival Road Trip Special Feature

By Kate Streader.

With 2018 just around the corner, Falls Festival is so close you can almost taste the warm, midstrength beer. We know you’re probably itching to get to the festival but really, what’s the rush?

It’s probably a safe bet that you don’t head out to Lorne that often, so we’ve put together a little travel itinerary to ensure you make the most of your experience. Gather your mates, pack up the car, head along the Great Ocean Road and take in the sights – there’s no need to rush.

Bells Beach Whether you’re looking to catch a few waves, soak up the sunshine or just take in some coastal views, Bells Beach is the place to go. Located within the Great Ocean Road region, a stone’s throw from Torquay, Bells is renowned for its waves which bring in the pros from all over for the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing Comp – so it’s highly recommended you make room for your board. If you’re not much of a surfer, have a dip and wander around, there are plenty of vantage points offering unbeatable views of the cliffside beach.

Captain Moonlite

Aireys Pub

After working up an appetite in the surf, fill up your tank at Captain Moonlite. Perched on the edge of a coastal cliff, the venue is in prime position for gazing out at the seaside landscape while you munch away.

Graze on share plates of cured meats and pickles or cheese and crackers, or dig into something heartier with their selection of European-inspired summery dishes, like the grilled snapper with golden raisins and lemongrass. Eat up, you’ve got a big weekend ahead of you.

All that food, driving and anticipation has probably sparked your thirst, but don’t settle for any old pub – pull in for a pint at Aireys. There are craft beers aplenty on tap so you can take your pick of pale ales, lagers or golden ales. If you’re chasing something a bit different, try Aireys’ Ink Stout, infused with roasted coffee to create a rich taste and give you the buzz you need to power through the rest of your trip. Sometimes passengers get to have all the fun.

Erskine Falls You’re en route to Falls, so it’s only fitting that you make a pit stop at one of Lorne’s most beautiful ones. Depending on how much time you have on your hands (and your level of fitness) you can take a five minute stroll to the upper lookout, or opt for the more adventurous path and trek down the 240 steps to the base of the falls. If you’re really keen on getting your nature fill, there’s a 7.5km walk along the Erskine River Track which passes by Straw Falls and Spitter Falls with your name on it.

Bottle of Milk

Chances are, your stomach is grumbling again. Take it from us, you don’t want to be setting up your campsite on an empty stomach. Now’s the time to make one last stop at Bottle of Milk.

They’re well known for their burgers, and with menu options like their prime beef and blue cheese burger or marinated grilled tofu burger with salad, satay and homemade chilli paste, it’s pretty easy to see why they’ve got such a solid reputation.

Arrive at Falls

You’ve arrived at Falls so we can leave you to your own devices for now, just make sure someone’s good to drive on the way home because this road trip isn’t over yet.

Home Time

The festival is over, but it’s not quite time to face reality yet. Make a day of your trip home and take the inland route, we promise it’ll be worth your while and it’s guaranteed to qualm that post-festival sadness. And hey, you’ve already got all your camping gear in the car so you can take all the time you want.

Forrest Brewery Housed in the former Forrest general store, Forrest Brewery offers a huge selection of carefully crafted microbrews that’ll taste even better after a weekend of half-strength festival beers. Give yourself the palate cleanser you deserve and spring for the likes of Forrest Brewery’s Irish Red Ale with a balance of earthy malt and spicy hops, or their oatmeal stout for a creamy, smooth refreshment. They’ve got a pretty mouthwatering food menu too, offering meaty, vegetarian and vegan options all with recommendations on which brew to wash it down with.

Lake Elizabeth

Trees Adventure, Otway Park Otway Park’s Trees Adventure is basically the Australian wilderness’ version of a theme park but without the long lines and overpriced tickets. Over the course of two hours you can climb, tightrope walk and zip-line your way through the outback adventure park of your childhood dreams. Plus, the course is colour coded to indicate the varying levels of difficulty, so if your hangover hasn’t subsided yet you can stick to the less extreme stuff. Who said adventure has to result in breaking a sweat anyway?

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Sweet Thyme Café

After days of sleeping in a sweaty tent, dancing among thousands of tightlycrammed bodies and probably not showering as often or vigorously as you should have, a splash around in some fresh water is exactly what you need.

Lake Elizabeth – hidden deep in the Otways – is a pretty phenomenal sight too – the lake formed 50 years ago when the area flooded, meaning it’s sprinkled with protruding dead tree trunks remaining from the forest that once stood there. Bonus points for sighting the ever-elusive platypus.

Nestled in a refurbished heritage building in Winchelsea, Sweet Thyme Café is the last must-stop spot on your journey. With a menu catering to most dietary requirements and the promise of locally sourced produce, Sweet Thyme is guaranteed to trump whatever sad takeout joint you were planning on making your lunch destination by a long shot – but we’ll let their quinoa crusted veggie tart with Meredith cheese or pulled pork sliders with house pickled onions and Asian slaw do the convincing for us on that front.

Falls Festival goes down December 28 December 31 in Lorne.

Features

Beat’s Guide to

The Australian Open 2018

There’s no other place in the world where you catch sport and music greats in the one place at the one time.

The Australian Open is the ultimate summer festival where music-lovers can dance and sporting buffs can frolic. Perch up in Garden Square as all the action ensues on the big screen, meander the outside courts and witness tennis battles like no other or head over to the AO Live Stage where music’s most talented put on a show. Like a cauldron of all your wildest dreams, the Australian Open will enchant as much as it will inspire.

AO Live Stage + AO Festival When living legend Jimmy Barnes was revealed as the flagship act of the Australian Open’s music program, the word was out that an impressive lineup would follow. And so it has; 15 consecutive days of live music on the AO Live Stage brings punters a double treat night after night. Each bill has not one, but two acts set to enliven Birrarung Marr with a party atmosphere.

Barnes will take to the stage on the eve of the Australian Open as part of a charity concert raising money to FightMND. Supporting the tournament’s commitment to battling Motor Neurone Disease, Barnes will be joined by local icons Dallas Crane to perform a career-spanning set for eager punters.

The next 14 nights will see musicians from all over the world ignite the dancefloor. Global pop heavyweights Rudimental will bring all their hits to the stage while superstars TLC also perform, as well as Tina Arena, Client Liaison, Meg Mac, James Reyne, Bliss n Eso, Illy and more for what’s set to be a special summer at the Grand Slam event.

Within arm’s reach of the AO Live Stage is the AO Festival.

Bringing music and tennis together in one place, the AO Festival will see DJs ignite the dancefloor with their summer soundtracks as all the live action is broadcast on giant TV screens. You can also grab a bite to eat with Biggie Smalls, Gingerboy, Doughnut Time, Hunky Dory Fish & Chips and Huon Salmon setting the menu.

Grand Slam Oval AO Ballpark Bringing the whole family? The kids have it all before them at the AO Ballpark. It’s like a mini theme park where children of all ages can test their arm at mini-tennis, scale a huge rock-climbing wall, go full throttle down a 60-metre zip line or get crafty with some facepainting. Other highlights include the NERF Battle Zone HQ, where friends become enemies with special NERF guns in hand, as well as the AO Ballpark Stage where heaps of entertainment, stage shows and autograph sessions are in store.

Two days before the Australian Open main draw kicks off, kids become champions as part of the Kids Tennis Day. The AO Ballpark will be roaring with every activity open, while there are also special stage shows slated, featuring all your favourite Disney and Marvel characters. On top of that, the Rod Laver Arena Spectacular takes over centre court. Indie pop outfit Sheppard will perform as the world’s biggest tennis stars put on a special display for the kids.

As you indulge in the very best music displays, wander down to Grand Slam Oval where a specially curated food and beverage oasis awaits.

Leaders of modern Mexican cuisine, Mamasita, are returning once again to cook up their dearly loved selection of tacos and burritos.

George Calombaris’ Greek restaurant Gazi will also be there while, for the first time, the Burger Project arrives. Other food connoisseurs include San Antone, serving up their take on southern soul food, as well as Doughnut Time, for all the sweet tooths out there.

Grand Slam Oval is also home to the Coopers Beer Garden where, for the second year, Coopers will be pouring their effervescent ales for those keen to ramp up the occasion. The Jacob’s Creek Wine Bar will excite vino appreciators, while whisky lovers need not worry because the Canadian Club Bar will also be opening up shop.

The Australian Open gets underway Monday January 15 and runs until Sunday January 28. For more information, head to the Australian Open website.

Cable Ties Ball “The music community is everything to us. It fosters interesting music, meaningful friendships and creative relationships.

The music community in Melbourne is our life.”

You are cordially invited to the most decadent night of the summer.

“It’s a bloody bleak scene if you’re only in this for yourself,” says Jenny McKechnie of the Melbourne music scene. “The music community is everything to us. It fosters interesting music, meaningful friendships and creative relationships. The music community in Melbourne is our life. I’d be so empty without it.”

McKechnie is certainly a well-functioning part of Melbourne’s music community. When she’s not fronting punk outfit Cable Ties, she’s strumming guitar in Wet Lips, while also running things over at Hysterical Records ± an inclusive label she founded with Wet Lips comrade Grace Kindellan and Amanda Vitaris of boutique booking agency Future Popes.

But at least for today, the focus is Cable Ties.

The three-piece punk outfit has experienced a quick ascent to acclaim and a cult following since their inception in 2015, something that McKechnie, drummer Shauna Boyle, and bassist Nick Brown didn’t anticipate, but rightly deserve.

“When we started, we had all been in bands or were already in bands in the Melbourne music community, so we were well supported from the start to play gigs and make music,” McKechnie says.

They played their first show at the inaugural Wetfest, which humbly began in the backyard of McKechnie and Kindellan’s share house, and the support of this DIY punk community is what the band attributes their successes to thus far.

“We got to play a heap of shows with our mates because Joel booked us at every Old Bar show possible. This set us up pretty well to record and go on to everything else.”

From Old Bar and beyond, this past year saw the band sign to Poison City Records, release their self-titled debut LP to critical acclaim, earn triple j rotation, a place on the Meredith festival lineup, and

support The Kills on their Australian tour.

So hard working is the trio, that pinning them down for the interview for this article proved a struggle. Their hard work is palpable, and was suitably acknowledged by their Corner Award win.

The Corner Hotel’s Corner Awards began in 2016 as a way to acknowledge and support Melbourne’s musicians who work so hard year-round and push the boundaries of the scene. Alongside $2000 cash, the pressing of 150 limited edition 7” vinyl singles and rehearsal time at Bakehouse Studios prior to the big show, the winner’s prize includes the opportunity to put on a show at the iconic Corner Hotel. For Cable Ties, their winning show all comes back to honouring and supporting the community alongside them.

This February will see the first ever Cable Ties Ball, a multi-stage event with a huge lineup featuring the titular winners themselves, Miss

Blanks, Habits, The Dacios and more. “The lineup is made up of bands or artists that inspire us in our creative practice or political ethos,” McKechnie says.

“Being able to put on the show is very exciting for us. We got to ask all our heroes to play on the lineup and somehow they all said yes. We can’t believe it.”

The band’s vision for the ball took inspiration from an event Cable Ties put on alongside Wet Lips at The Gasometer last year to mark the release of their split single. “We put in a lot of effort to ritz up the place and make it a special event, and it felt like a big party for everyone involved rather than just another gig.

“We wanted to take that idea but make it an even bigger thing at The Corner. We hope everyone gets in their glad rags and makes a proper night of it,” McKechnie says.

Cable Ties Ball will take over Corner Hotel on Saturday February 24, and will feature Cable Ties alongside Habits, Miss Blanks, The Dacios, Simona, Eat-Man, and Miss Destiny.

By Claire Morley

BEAT.COM.AU 23

Interviews

Off The Grid

Mary Grigoris - photo by Kate Ballis

Off The Grid is described as a solarpowered celebration dedicated to transforming the cities we live in – ever so fittingly taking place on the Summer Solstice. Speaking to one of the co-founders and curators, Mary Grigoris, we gained some insight into the unique festival.

In its third iteration, Off The Grid could be considered a cultural intervention of sorts. Yes, it’s a cultural festival in the heart of Melbourne’s Art District with a top-notch lineup, but it also plays host to a number of discussions about the environment. Perhaps most importantly, though ± it provides realistic solutions to the issues we face as a city and community in sustaining and nurturing our surroundings.

“Everyone wants to help and do their bit but no one knows what they can do because the solution seems too big. Off The Grid is a mini-mock up of what the future of Melbourne could be. Everything is solar-powered or powered off renewables and its zero waste,” Grigoris says.

The concept for Off The Grid came about when founder Ross Harding observed that while the financial and technological solutions to environmental problems existed, the biggest barrier to planning for a sustainable and healthy future was people. “[You] go to a music festival and after three days of having fun and being a part of it, you leave the festival and you’re walking over cigarette butts and crushed cans and seeing all the rubbish,” Grigoris says.

“Cultural intervention refers to people coming in, seeing the solutions and then taking that away with them. We do that through creativity and fun, nothing is in people’s faces. They can party and they can learn or they can listen to the talks. Nothing’s shoved down people’s throats.”

Off The Grid is a creative and cultural experience that educates and facilitates change in perhaps

“Everyone wants to help and do their bit but no one knows what they can do because the solution seems too big.” the least in your face way possible: by throwing a party. With a varied lineup, the event engages the community while keeping things fun. It reads like a perfect summer’s day out, featuring the likes of Two Steps on the Water, Kaiit, Tony Yotzi and Jay Daniel, along with a live dance performance from SOMA. “We tried to get a cohesive but diverse range of musicians who we thought would make it really fun.

People want to dance,” Grigoris says.

When it comes to the food, all the vendors ± from Rough Rice to Fresh Fork Catering ± serve dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients and a majority of the suppliers for the festival are Melbourne-based.

It’s all about keeping the focus local and zero-waste.

Continuing the local focus, all the speakers at the event are people working in Melbourne or wider Australia ± from designers discussing slow fashion (and conversely, the impacts of fast fashion) to NASA-employed mathematicians discussing technology. “The idea behind these talks is turning [ideas] into micro actions. People come and listen to solutions that they can go home with and implement on a micro level.”

Off The Grid is a refreshing concept in that it

doesn’t simply halt at being a concept. If previous years are anything to go by, it has a meaningful impact on the way audiences interact with an event and a venue.

“What Off The Grid does is allow almost impact-free hedonism. People still do all the things that they want to do, but behind the scenes we work really hard so that people aren’t inconvenienced. You can still throw things in the bin.”

And it works. At the end of last year’s festival, there wasn’t a single cigarette butt or piece of rubbish left behind. “We can choose where the power comes from, but the waste side of it really relies on everyone pulling together.”

It’s all about creating a better, more sustainable future. “At the end of it, if we have any profit, it’s going into building a solar project in Melbourne. The more parties we throw, the more projects we build.”

By Ruby Pivet

The Maine

“There was a time for our band where we were in this struggle of being told we had to do things a certain way, and we realised that wasn’t for us.”

You’d be hard-pressed to find a band who know their fans as intimately as The Maine. Ten years ago you would’ve found them spending their nights sitting behind their computers responding to fans online, and on the road you’d find them walking lines, shaking hands and taking photos.

“When we were first getting started as a band, we couldn’t tour because Pat [Kirch] and Garrett [Nickelsen] were still in school, so we did a lot of work online, reaching out to people,” says the band’s rhythm guitarist, Kennedy Brock.

“Even during the first record, Cant Stop Won’t Stop, we’d spend every night after recording on the computer answering messages until the inbox was clear. It really has been something that’s been with us and a part of how we’ve handled ourselves since the beginning.”

Six albums on, this ethos still remains. Though the crowds are bigger, the social media platforms have changed, and the followers have spread further around the world ± it’s the fans that are still at the forefront of everything The Maine do.

“For us, a lot of the decisions we make are based on what we would’ve wanted to see in a band that we enjoy ± in an ideal world, what could we do?”

Brock says.

“A lot of people say ‘our fans mean everything to us,’ but our fans really provide everything we’re able to do. We wouldn’t have the opportunities we do if we didn’t connect with them.”

There’s a freedom and independence in everything The Maine do ± from running their own label, to booking their own tours. But this wasn’t always the case. With their second album issued 24 BEAT.COM.AU

Off The Grid will take place at ACCA Forecourt, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, on Friday December 22, featuring performances by Jay Daniel, Chee Shimizu, Ben Fester, Dianas, and more.

by a major label ± the first on a huge, seven-album deal ± it was their third album, Pioneer that saw a dramatic shift in the band’s sound. When the label wouldn’t release it, they took things into their own hands. And they’ve been playing by their own rules ever since.

“We got locked into this scenario where we wanted to try and expand our musical tastes and abilities as much as possible and since then we’ve realised we can be more focused about that but still push the limits for ourselves,” Brock says. “Luckily over the years we’ve created a fanbase that expects us to not do what we’re expected to do.”

This freedom allows The Maine to be less conventional. For album number six, Lovely Little Lonely, the band once again went off the grid ± this time turning a cliffside house in California into their personal recording studio.

“It was just an idea for a long time, ‘Maybe one day we’ll have enough gear to move around and do stuff.’ It was built off of how our first couple of records were made. We did what the status quo is ± you go somewhere like Los Angeles and sit in traffic every morning on the way to the studio. It’s not the right environment for making music.

“When we started talking about being able to

move gear to a remote location, we took the fantasy all the way there. It was incredible to be able to go where we were in California, to be able to be completely immersed in the album. A lot of the creativity happened from being in that environment, it goes hand in hand with how the record feels,” Brock says.

This confidence to break the mould is something that can only come with experience. And the last ten years have provided a whole lot of it. “There was a time for our band where we were in this struggle of being told we had to do things a certain way, and we realised that wasn’t for us,” Brock says.

“The more we’ve taken things on our own shoulders, the better we feel about the outcomes. It’s really been a process of becoming more and more independent. It’s made us way happier as a band and I think that over the years we’ve fallen more in love with trying to make music. The more independence we’ve had, the better things have gotten.

By Gloria Brancatisano

The Maine will perform at The Corner Hotel on Friday February 2, with Waterparks.

Lovely Little Lonely is out now via 8123.

Interviews

Phoenix “We’ve been doing our own thing for a long time,” says Laurent Brancowitz, his vowels drawn out by a thick French accent. “We didn’t really follow the trend or fashion, and at some point the world aligned with our conception of music and we felt, suddenly, we were at the right place, right time.”

Brancowitz, who introduces himself as Branco, is referring to 2009. This was when Phoenix, the band that he formed 20 years ago with his brother Christian Mazzalai, alongside bassist Deck d’Arcy and singer Thomas Mars, released Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and its massive singles ‘1901’ and ‘Lizstomania’.

“Everything suddenly was very easy, people would get what we were doing and we had a big fanbase who understood where we were coming from,” he says. “Sometimes [with] success there’s a misunderstanding or something that’s lost in translation that can bring a lot of problems in the future for the artist. But for us, the songs that were very successful were songs that we like a lot and we feel they represent our style. It was a success that was pretty coherent.”

Phoenix began around 1997 after Branco’s previous band, Darlin’, came to a conclusion and his former bandmates decided to continue as an electronic duo under the name Daft Punk. Thinking internationally from the very start, Phoenix have always sung in English, adding disco and synth-pop flavours to their mix of indie rock along the way.

“When we started, if we had sang in French our lives would have been very sad,” says Brancowitz.

“We needed to speak the international language of communication to reach people, transcend borders. And also the fact that it’s not our mother

“That’s the only conscious decision – to try to keep being excited.” tongue ± it makes it easier for us to create some kind of poetic language, disconnected from ordinary life.

We use it as a tool to create something that, at least for us, has a poetic value.”

Currently on a world tour that will lead them to Australia in February, the band are balancing stadium shows with smaller theatres. This is indicative of their mission to achieve what is interesting for the audience and themselves. “Our goal in life is to entertain. All of our decisions are based on the fact that we want to have adventures that are exciting for us,” says Brancowitz.

“We are very selfish ± we do something that we already know how to do, it’s for us, very boring.

We are like children getting tired very quickly of our toys and now we try to have new ones. That’s the only conscious decision ± to try to keep being excited.”

This restlessness directly feeds into their modus operandi, which relies largely on improvisation when creating new music, as was the case with their latest album, Ti Amo, which was released in June.

“When we create, it’s almost 100 percent playing, with zero preconceived ideas,” says Brancowitz.

“We sit together and we play for hours. The

best moments are those where we create something without knowing how it happened. Then there’s long days of trying to use this raw material and turn it into an album.”

Culled from approximately two years worth of recording sessions, Ti Amo has an Italian theme, or rather a theme of an idea of Italy. “We were living in a very strange period in Europe, maybe the whole world even,” explains Brancowitz. “I think we needed something like a utopia ± a dream place where everything was simpler, more pure. And for us it was related to Italy because it’s a place where we would go when we were kids on vacation, and also the place where all the movies and music we really love came from.

“I’m not really interested in Italy as a real thing, but more as a fantasy from Paris. When we filmed a video we went to the metro station called Rue de Rome. We could’ve gone to Italy, but the real thing was to do it in Paris ± a Parisian trying to dream of something that doesn’t really exist.”

By Alex Watts

Ballarat Beer Festival

“Our main intention is to showcase Victoria’s and Australia’s leading craft brewers – independently owned businesses.”

The countdown is on for summer’s unmissable beer event, Ballarat Beer Festival. Back for its seventh year, the festival is moving to its new location of Lake Wendouree, soon to be transformed into a craft beer lover’s paradise.

“The change in location will make a huge difference to the atmosphere of the festival,” says festival director Richard Dexter. “It’s going to be much more laidback. It’s just going to be delightful to be able to lay in the shade all day, listen to great music and escape the summer’s heat.”

If you’re not from Ballarat, it might seem like a long drive for a beer, but it’s actually a great excuse to get out of town to sample, sip and savour a smorgasbord of craft beer in the sun. This is especially true with Ballarat being the centre of Australian home brewing, with three locally-loved micro-breweries along with a multitude of home brewers and even a university course for home brewing at Federation Uni. With the aim of creating the ultimate boulevard of beers, the family-friendly festival will showcase 34 of Australia’s leading craft beer brewers, giving the crowds the chance to sample over 150 craft beers and ciders, further fostering the explosion of the Australian craft beer scene.

“Our main intention is to showcase Victoria’s and Australia’s leading craft brewers ± independently owned businesses,” Dexter says.

Alongside the festival regulars, there are a number of brewers coming to Ballarat for the first time, including Daylesford Brewing Co, Tumut River Brewing Company, Westside Ale Works, Valhalla Brewing and The Foreigner Brewing Company.

This year will also see a range of new and creative

Phoenix will play Margaret Court Arena on Monday February 26.

brews on the lineup, such as the Citra Sour beer from Fury and Son Brewing Company.

We know beer isn’t for everyone, so don’t worry if you’re not an esteemed beer lover. Along with an impressive showcase of ciders from many of the brewers, there will be wines from Mitchell Harris Wines, Sangria, Gin and Tonic Slushies, ginger beer and a gluten free beer.

Don’t be fooled though, the festival isn’t just about drinking (unless you want it to be). Festival-goers can also sharpen their beer knowledge on the day with a range of free education sessions led by Beer Diva and Professor Pilsner. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to meet the local brewers, learn how to take your homebrew from the garage to the ‘Big Time’, take a stroll through the world of weird and wonderful beers, collecting free samples along the way.

The festival will also see the return of the Gallagher’s Friday Night Degustation Dinner, providing guests the chance to mix and mingle with the brewers while enjoying a delicious five-course menu served with perfectly matched beers. Adding to the festival highlights, Ballarat beer lovers will again battle it out for homebrew glory with the Summer Slam Homebrewer’s competition. Here, the winner will be given the opportunity to have their winning brew on tap at Ballarat’s Mallow Hotel ± giving them ultimate

bragging rights. There will also be blind tastings, beer trivia and the return of the highly popular brewer’s sack race, as well as a range of kid’s activities and a petting zoo to keep everyone entertained.

Mixed in with many of Australia’s finest large, small and emerging independent breweries, you’ll find a dozen food stalls all serving up global culinary delights you can match with your favourite brews.

There’ll be everything from Farang Thai BBQ, Round The Way Bagels, The Forge Pizzeria and Just Chips Victoria to Riverina Jerky and Slinky Spudz ± just to name a few.

Alongside the brews and the food, it wouldn’t be a festival without the tunes. This year the good vibes will be flowing with the likes of rambunctious rock’n’rollers The VANNS headlining, along with bands including Ballarat’s own Butterfunked, Mast Gully Fellers, Hana and Jessie-Lee April, Centre and the South, Michael Meeking & The Lost Souls and One Night Only, the Blues Brothers Revue.

As one of the most laid-back, relaxing festivals anywhere ± recognised by the public and brewers alike as the best regional beer festival all in Australia ± all you need to do is bring your picnic blanket, chill out and enjoy the brews.

Ballarat Beer Festival will take place at Lake Wendouree on Saturday January 20.

By Talia Rinaldo

BEAT.COM.AU

25

Interviews

Ayla Not many could do as much in as short a timespan as Ayla.

The release of her latest single ‘Porcelain Doll’ – a song that the fast-rising singer-songwriter wrote five years ago when she was just 17 – comes fresh from a whirlwind national tour with folk musician Kim Churchill. Her forthcoming EP Let’s Talk Monday drops in a mere manner of weeks.

A cavalcade of songs exploring new techniques and directions, Let’s Talk Monday saw Ayla team up with Ball Park Music’s Sam Cromack as producer.

Describing the experience as “amazing”, Ayla enjoyed the dynamic of collaboration and discovery.

“He’s got a little home studio in Brisbane where we recorded,” Ayla says. “For one of the songs, I really liked the idea of creating a similar build that was in a song by DMA’s called ‘Delete’. I really liked the stripped back feel in that song and (how) it builds as it goes.

“I’d show Sam a couple of reference tracks that I had and if he had an idea, he’d try to find an example for me in a song and play it. It was really cool listening to the stuff that he listens to as well, just to get a bit of an idea of what goes on in his musical mind.”

There’ll be no rest for Ayla in January. She’ll soon be heading out on another tour, headlining Brisbane’s Rare Finds mini-festival as it expands to both Melbourne and Sydney for the first time.

“I get blown away every time I see someone singing along to some of the words,” she says. “I think that’s incredible. On the home show we did, on the Kim Churchill one, we played at Solbar, and there were quite a few people singing along. That was a really special feeling.”

“I get blown away every time I see someone singing along to some of the words.”

The album’s creation proved to be a natural evolution ± picking songs that fit together thematically, but also finding enjoyment in trying to make them fit together via production elements.

Experimenting with synth-esque vocal layering and effects reminiscent of projects like Bon Iver, Ayla found fun in crafting a unique essence ± like creating her own puzzle.

“Everybody says that it’s a great way to express yourself,” Ayla says. “To document things that are going on in your life, whether it be actual events or emotions, and get them down. Then you have this thing that can represent that and be apart from you, so you can look at it more objectively and then feel a little bit removed from it. You’re able to work on it as a song or thinkpiece and then release that without feeling too exposed. It can be a really great process.

“I do a little bit of singing teaching up on the Sunshine Coast, and I really enjoy getting the students to try and explore that,” Ayla continues. “Just write down what they’re feeling and what they want to write a song about, and creating something that’s a lot of fun.

“I had my first class when I was 15,” Ayla remembers. “I met these kids at a wedding, and their mum ± they were getting up and singing, because I was singing at the wedding. They were really into it and their mum asked if I could teach them lessons ± if I could come up to their local hall and she might be able to get a few of the local kids there. I was like, ‘Yeah, that sounds cool.’ I went up and there were 13 kids there in this little hall.

“It was lots of fun ± it was a bit of a shock that there were so many. I’ve definitely progressed as a singing teacher from then. We were singing for fun and doing little music exercises. I really enjoy seeing other people sing and how much enjoyment they can get from it, because music is a pretty universally enjoyable thing. It’s nice to be able to express yourself through singing.”

Ayla will release her new EP Let’s Talk Monday on Friday January 12 via Caroline Australia. She’ll launch it at The Penny Black on Friday January 19.

By Jacob Colliver

Brendan Maclean Brendan Maclean is a risk-taker.

It’s evidenced in almost every aspect of his life – from his musical evolution to his breakfast order of white toast and Vegemite.

“When I play by myself, there’s a sense of showmanship in the recording,” Maclean says.

“When I record by myself, there’s generally no click track, few edits, there are few eyes on it before it goes to recording. As much as I loved the chance to record my [early] EPs with just my uke or piano, they’re not my best work because I wasn’t challenged.

“It’s the same on stage. You have to write a better song when you play with a band. I’ve always been a songwriter, and I feel I can play my music on anything.

If I wrote it on a uke, I could play it on piano, I could turn it into a dance track. But with a band, there’s a responsibility to write damned good music.”

This isn’t to say that Maclean has tired of his body of work, or that he has become dissatisfied with showcase performances. But to observe his projects and collaborations over the last few years, one cannot help but feel he’s been restlessly trying to find something that gelled. Through his exhaustive run of performances for disco-musical Velvet, to his enviable partnership with Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls, he has been shape-shifting. Now, thanks to an Australia Council grant, his debut album will show the artist in full.

“Because of the grant I got to make the album I’ve always wanted to. I’m doing a couple of solo gigs, because it’s the end of a ten-year chapter of me generally performing solo, putting out stuff that’s my voice with a track. But this is 100% band, if there are synths they’re real synths, produced over in Camperdown. My producer is Sarah Belkner, she did 26 BEAT.COM.AU

“I’m ready to stop the highkicks, and deliver great songs. I don’t need that showmanship anymore.” the whole thing and it’s beyond my wildest dreams.

We have a little history. She did ‘The Feeling Again’ on one of my EPs, and I’m singing on her current album, a track called ‘Time’. I was opened up to a wonderful world of musicians through Sarah, and I’ve felt included in the Sydney music scene again by getting up and performing with her, by going out and seeing gigs again.

“I think in Sydney we try to reach into the next tier of success, for a more successful artist to grab onto, and in doing that fail to build our own network,” Maclean says. “While I was writing [2016’s] funbang1, that was all set up through publishing, and I love that record and performing it, but it was set up through people that I didn’t know. When it was finished, I remember sitting in my room thinking, “Yay?” There was nobody there I’d worked on it with, nobody to celebrate it with.

And now we’ve finished this album, it just needs to be mastered, and no songs were written before May. I’ve put so much love into the music of it.”

While the Chapel show will act as a kind of Best Of denouement to this stage of Maclean’s life, it’s hard to imagine him turning his back on solo performances forever. He’s so good at it, for one

thing. But it also allows him to exercise a unique musical muscle that has informed his future collaborations, and will arguably see him continue to evolve as this fresh chapter unfolds.

“I think everyone knows I have a habit of throwing everything but the kitchen sink into my pop songs, and Sarah Belkner is the queen of space.

She’s looked at my early folk stuff, like ‘Stupid’, stuff like ‘Tectonic’, and spent time coming to my gigs and looking at the audience, trying to figure out how the hell she was going to blend them all together.

And a band was the answer. To provide that energy my audience has, but to move on from the backing tracks,” Maclean says.

“It’s a very bespoke album. We started with pen, paper and a piano. Everything was written from the ground up. We went really deep into the lyrics, into these beautiful places I’ve never been to before. I’m ready to stop the high-kicks, and deliver great songs.

I don’t need that showmanship anymore.”

By Adam Norris

Brendan Maclean will perform as part of Chapel Off Chapel’s summer sessions on Saturday January 27.

Live

RVG - Photo by Flackseed

Nothing But Thieves

Meg Mac - Photo by David Harris

Future Islands - Photo by Flackseed

Nothing But Thieves

Paul Kelly- Photo by David Harris

Future Islands

Nothing But Thieves

Paul Kelly

Samuel T. Herring contains a lot of energy. A force of nature, he lets it out across the span of Future Islands’ second night at The Croxton, both gliding and storming across the panorama of the stage. It’s theatre, it’s dance ± it’s rock music. For a moment, he squats and alternates kicking his legs out from underneath in the Ukrainian Hopak tradition. It’s impressive.

Also impressive: Future Islands are a loud rock band, despite the absence of electric guitar.

Conversely, opening act RVG do have loud, shimmering electric guitars. As with Future Islands, they’re fresh from an appearance at Meredith Music Festival. The crowd at The Croxton are appreciative, if a little stoic due to it being a Tuesday. Or maybe the crowd were also fresh from Meredith.

As Romy Vager seers with ‘That’s All’, the temptation is there to raise a boot to the ceiling. It’s RVG’s last show for a couple of months, we’re told, capping off a banner year and the release of debut album A Quality Of Mercy.

The best time I saw Future Islands was during the 2015 Laneway afterparty at The Hi-Fi. It did feel like a party, and Future Islands stormed the house down. Really tore it apart. While the mellower setting tonight precluded scenes from achieving those loose heights, Future Islands still packed a punch, bringing their latest album The Far Field to Melbourne for the first time. ‘Ran’ was a slinky triumph, elevating proceedings with a gentle take-off. 2010 cut ‘Tin Man’ was a shining jewel placed later on in the setlist.

A huge moment for a huge song, ‘Seasons (Waiting On You)’ is undeniable. Each thud Herring places on his chest, you feel it too. The track, like Herring, is potent with energy.

On the back of their rollicking 2017 album Broken Machine, Nothing But Thieves hit our shores as part of their world tour.

We should all be thankful they did. Their lively show covered all high points of their two albums, with an excellent acoustic section in the middle showing their range outside of the usual sound.

Starting strong with ‘I’m Not Made by Design’, the tone of the gig was set early. The band’s energy was infectious, despite apparently being very jet lagged and all being “asleep on the couches like 10 minutes ago” according to frontman Conor Mason.

That seemed almost impossible to believe, as the band moved on to the up-tempo ‘Live Like Animals’ to complete their opening one-two punch. Jet lagged be damned, the fellas from Essex were here to bring it.

As the set progressed, only two things remained constant.

The excellent music, and Conor’s free flowing interactions with the crowd, stopping for a quick chat every couple of songs. It brought a new level of intimacy to the gig, on top of the fact that there was not a spare centimetre in the house.

The instrumentation was very tight throughout, and their playing ability can hardly be faulted. A three-guitar attack was the way for the majority of the show, however some keys occasionally made an appearance, with drummer James Price keeping time all the way with his clean and uncomplicated style.

Towards the end of the main part of the set the show got a little acoustic, culminating in a stirring solo rendition of Tom Petty’s ‘Free Fallin’ ± just about the greatest crowd sing-a-long song ever written (apologies to ‘Hey Jude’). The main set was rounded out by ‘Sorry’, Nothing But Thieves’ own sing-a-long ballad which everyone got involved in.

When it came to encore time, there was only one song everyone was waiting for ± Broken Machine’s lead single, ‘Amsterdam’. The conspiracy theorist in me firmly believes that the main set was closed with a run of ballads just so the crowd could save their energy for ‘Amsterdam’, because it seems like that’s exactly what happened. To say that it went off would be a gross understatement.

When the music stopped and the crowd cheered as they took a bow, it was hard not to believe Nothing But Thieves are a band destined for great things.

We confirmed our suspicion that Paul Kelly’s music is the true soundtrack to Aussie life in spades during this gig, as teenagers and grandparents alike knew all the words. Despite being a national treasure, though ± the man’s humble as fuck. After a succession of cracking support acts in Gretta Ray, Meg Mac and Gang of Youths, Kelly’s first words on stage were to describe the thrill of sharing the bill with the young guns.

From the second song, ‘From St Kilda to Kings Cross’, it was clear that this was gonna be less of a gig and more of a communal sing-along. Given that the show was billed as a Christmas event, this was just fine by both Kelly and crowd. A little while later, with his broad vowels and classic twang, proceedings shifted from a singalong to an all-in bush dance. On a warm night with a red sky and songs so familiar, it all felt very Aussie in the best possible way.

I overheard a nearby member of the audience musing about whether Kelly was Australia’s version of Bob Dylan. It’s a fair call ± his songs are poetry, representing microcosms of life in a sunburnt country. Then, there’s his singular voice and treasure-trove back catalogue of hits. Damned if he didn’t spoil us for choice, peppering the crowd with faves like ‘Before Too Long’, ‘Careless’, ‘Dumb Things’, ‘Sweet Guy’, ‘Bradman’ (which was like salt in an open wound to the nearby Brit) and ‘To Her Door’ throughout his set. Predictably, we lost our minds over ‘How to Make Gravy’ ± yet another example of Kelly’s alchemy, whereby he turns something as prosaic as being in the pen and missing your family into musical gold.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s demise last year, Kelly and co. set a bunch of the bard’s sonnets to music. On the night, with the Pop-Up Globe in the background, an unexpected highlight came in the form of Kelly’s version of ‘Sonnet 18’ (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?...”). Shakespeare would have fucking loved it.

Minor whinge: the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is always a mixed blessing for a gig. On the plus side, it’s supremely picturesque, but if you’re standing on the hill anywhere outside the cover of the Bowl’s roof, it’s bloody hard to hear against the wind. For the first few tracks, songstress siblings Vika and Linda Bull were almost inaudible, so we nudged our way to the front where the acoustics are a ripper. It’s a shame though, because the gig was sold out and tickets were pricey, so a lot of folk had spent a good penny to be on the receiving end of a show where not all cylinders were firing acoustically.

The Croxton, Monday December 11

By Lachlan Kanoniuk Highlight: Those Hopak kicks were pretty sweet.

Lowlight: The timid setting of Tuesday night.

Crowd Favourite: Mistaking other synth lines for ‘Seasons’.

Corner Hotel, Thursday December 14

By Nathan Quattrucci

Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Saturday December 16

By Meg Crawford Highlight: Conor’s crowd banter.

Lowlight: Fuck that pole in the middle of the Corner and everything it stands for (pun intended).

Crowd favourite: ‘Amsterdam’.

Highlight: The acapella huddle and harmonies of Kelly and mates for ‘Meet Me in the Middle of the Air’ prompted a, “you’re crying,” “no, you are!” moment.

Lowlight: Doors opened at 4pm and day drinking led to a lot of mangled punters and dickhead shenanigans, like the douche who climbed over the barricade at the side of the stage, dangling metres above the concrete.

Crowd Favourite: Where do you even start with this, because there were so goddamn many? Let’s go with the closing song, the unfailingly moving land-rights ballad ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’.

BEAT.COM.AU

27

Reviews

Album of the Week (Big Machine Records)

Singles With Lachlan Kanoniuk Wishing you a safe and happy holiday period from all of us here at Lachlan.

Single of the Week:

Polish Club

All I Want For Christmas Is You (Universal)

Mariah’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is undoubtedly the sickest Christmas song, and Polish Club whip up a tidy little rock ‘n’ roll version here. Does what it says on the tin.

Or a Christmas version of a tin. Now I’m thinking of the Tin Lids. There’s an idea for a viral video: Tin Lids reunion.

They can even plug the old man’s new book or whatever.

Cheap Trick

Santa Baby (Dirty Hit)

Wait maybe ‘Santa Baby’ is the sickest Christmas song. Wolf Alice strip it back for a hushed fireside ballad. Turning Santa into a sugar daddy never sounded so sweet. And maybe just a little bit messed up when you think about it.

Tropical Strength

Tomorrow Never Snows

Christmas, Christmas is gold and goes straight to the top of the list as a new Yule-time classic. Don’t sneer, even Pavement love Cheap Trick, and you can see why: this is a goddamn festive party right here, and not a sedate one with your neighbours and Coles’ shitty mince pies.

(Farmer & The Owl)

Tropical Strength have a crack at an Australian-angled original, their Wilson brothers adoration shining through stronger than their ability to hit Wilson brothers harmonies.

Jeremy Neale

Christmas (Turn This Around) (Dot Dash)

Power-pop with a tinge of melancholy makes for a good fit for a Christmas single for those who ain’t too crash hot on the whole Christmas thing. Needs a touch of flair. Reminds me of the store-bought vegetarian roasts that taste just like chicken stuffing that will be pretty impossible to buy this week as families stock up for vego Chrissy lunch attendees who would be happier with an eggplant on the barbie to be honest. But it still hits the spot.

SATURDAY 27 JANUARY

EP LAUNCH W/SMOKE RINGS - ON SALE NOW

- ON SALE NOW

LAUNCH W/ LUNA GHOST & MORE - ON SALE NOW

GRAVEYARD TRAIN - ON SALE NOW SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER

THE CURTIN XMAS BLOWOUT

GRAVEYARD TRAIN - SOLD OUT MONDAY 25 DECEMBER

KITCHEN RESIDENCY NOW OPEN!

28 BEAT.COM.AU

By Meg Crawford

FRIDAY 5 JANUARY

FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER

9663 6350 | JOHNCURTINHOTEL.COM

Let’s start with Cheap Trick’s original ‘Merry Christmas Darlings’, a glam-rock kicker, replete with sounds of partying right down to the “ckkshhhhhsss” of cracking open a tinny. The ‘la la la la’ refrain is victorious and glorious.

Thereafter, the album kicks between rock, blues and punk. ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day’ is one of those instances where a cover surpasses the original. This reimagining is a brasher, bolder, brassier and all-round gutsier version than Wizzard’s ‘70s golden oldie.

Hard pressed to pick a fave on Christmas Christmas, because they’re all corkers, but ‘I Wish It Was Christmas Today’ takes the plum pud. The tune is an Iggy-ish punk-Christmas anthem and, by rights, should be as popular as ‘Silent Night’.

‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ is a pretty straight-down-the-line cover of Slade’s classic, but no less fun for it. ‘Please Come Home For Christmas’ becomes dirtier blues than any prior version and ‘Run Rudolph Run’ is a joyous bit of big rock’n’roll, AC/DC style.

‘Our Father of Life’ ± another original ± takes it down a notch. It’s a pretty choral ballad, but my least fave, lacking the album’s balls-to-wall verve.

This is an album for folks who like their Christmas with a side serve of Slade, T-Rex, hints of the Clash and big hooks. Also, it pushed me to revisit Cheap Trick’s breakthrough album, Live At Budokan and play ‘I Want You To Want Me’ on repeat. Merry Christmas.

THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER

SLOWCOACHING ‘ALL THE SAME’

2 9 LY G O N S T, C A R LT O N

9.5

Christmas Christmas

Wolf Alice

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SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 123 AGENCY PRESENTS

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SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY

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WEDNESDAY 14 MARCH

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Albums

Reviews

Christmas

7.5

Isaak, that smooth ole crooner, is so fond of Christmas that he’s released two albums this festive season. Please just listen to this one, because the other (Chris Isaak Christmas Live On Soundstage) is a disappointing rockabilly-lite cheeze fest. In contrast, Christmas is a properly fun-festive ride. While the album’s no Forever Blue, it is a sweet rockabilly/country/rhythm and blues collection of secular Chrissy classics, including ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, ‘Let It Snow’ and ‘White Christmas’.

Originally issued in 2004, the Aussie re-release has two bonus tracks ± ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Dogs Love Christmas Too’, the former being an egg-nog smooth rendition of a carolling staple, and the latter a cute ditty for canine lovers who buy their fur babies Christmas presents.

Highlights include Isaak’s too cute spin on ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ and ‘Santa Bring My Baby Back’, while ‘Gotta Be Good’, a call and response reflection on the tribulations of trying to play nice is an absolute corker starting with an unexpectedly Tom Waits-y growl.

On the flip side, not sure why he ramped up the Yamaha on ‘Blue Christmas’. Although it’s unhelpful albeit almost impossible to avoid comparing Isaak to Elvis, the King’s version shits all over this.

Sia

Everyday is Christmas

8.0

Christmas albums are a divisive concept. There are those who love when December rolls around and it becomes acceptable to listen to holiday anthems again and again. If, however, you want something fresh, then Sia’s Everyday is Christmas will be music to your ears.

Wholly original Christmas albums, meaning no covers at all, are a rare beast, and Sia has delivered a good one here. Her unrivalled set of pipes deliver playful, powerful and poignant moments alike.

From the first spin, they sound immediately familiar.

From opening track ‘Santa’s Coming For Us’ it’s clear this album is going to be unmistakably trademark Sia, mixed with plenty of festive cheer. ‘Candy Cane Lane’ sounds just as happy as the concept of a real lane of candy would undoubtedly be.

‘Snowman’ and the following track ‘Snowflake’ are the more subdued moments on the album, showcasing Sia’s vocal ability on the slower and softer end.

‘Ho Ho Ho’ shows off her trademark quirkiness, while ‘Puppies Are Forever’ is a fun nod to her work with animal adoption, and ‘Sunshine’ is probably the most joyous Christmas song imaginable. Sia might just be on to a classic here.

By Alexander Crowden

By Meg Crawford

7.0

Seattle pediatric-grunge three-piece Dude York mark the end of a stellar year by releasing a Christmas-themed album, Halftime for the Holidays. Sure it’s corny, but this band’s indie credentials are untouchable after releasing their sophomore LP Sincerely to unanimous critical praise.

Opening song ‘Break Up Holiday’ is a slick piece of pop-punk driven by bassist Claire England’s faultless vocals, a ‘perfectly hat-tipped’ escalation of Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino’s powerful-yet-effeminate grunge pitch.

The following song ‘Hollywood Holiday’ is sung by founding member and previous main vocalist/songwriter Peter Richards. It features a much slower tempo, driven by swing rather than grit. It works as an excellent counterpoint to the previous track. It’s only been this year ± with the release of ‘Love Is’ ± that England and Richards have shared lead vocals which may have contributed to the global impact of Sincerely.

As for the remainder of Halftimed for the Holidays, there’s probably two more songs you would give a second listen outside of Christmas time with the remainder of the album being full of cutesy but forgettable, punked±u p Christmas covers like ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘Takin’ Care Of Christmas’.

Gwen Stefani

You Make It Feel Like Christmas

8.0

The timeless Gwen Stefani has released a Christmas album packed with six traditional favourites and six fresh toe-tappers.

There’s not much to say about the covered songs here, except that they’ll get you singing along instantly. It’s the perfect soundtrack for unwrapping presents, backyard cricket, or sinking tinnies around a roast. The originals, however, are where this album really shines.

The title track is a duet, co-written by and performed with her partner, Blake Shelton. Their chemistry comes to the fore here as their voices combine effortlessly, like red and white on a candy cane. ‘Never Kissed Anyone with Blue Eyes Before You’ has an incredibly warm, soothing vocal melody ± especially in the chorus ± sung atop a lumbering trumpet lead.

All the originals feel deeply sincere, and this is what makes the album special. It would’ve been easy for Stefani to phone this album in for some quick cash (is that too Grinch-y of me to say?), but that isn’t what’s she’s done here.

Still, this is a Christmas album, so it’s not necessarily tailored for listening to in any month outside December. As long as it’s the festive season though, I’ll be blasting this stuff.

(Liberator Music/S-Curve/BMG)

8.0

Forty years since the world lost Elvis Presley, his legacy continues in this collection of posthumous Christmas collaborations with the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The album is comprised of some of Presley’s best festive tunes, opening with the rock’n’roll-influenced ‘Santa Claus Is Back In Town’ before moving to a classic Presley interpretation of ‘White Christmas’.

Songs that are synonymous with Presley’s style of rock’n’roll are interspersed with traditional melodies, with grandiose instrumentation from the Royal Philharmonic enhancing each inclusion. ‘Come All Ye Faithful’ is a clear standout, while ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ covers the contemporary end of the spectrum with its jovial tribute to the holidays.

To truly appreciate the strength of Presley’s voice and his undeniable musicality, the deluxe edition of this album is the way to go. Four bonus gospel songs epitomise the range of Presley’s vocals, perhaps most thoroughly in ‘(There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley’. Here, the Royal Philharmonic find their place easily, blending seamlessly not only with Presley’s vocals, but with those of his regular accompanists, The Jordanaires.

While the extensive instrumentation may take some getting used to for lifelong Presley fans, the quality of these recordings suggests the collaboration was meant to be.

By Jessica Over

Halftime for the Holidays

(Interscope Records)

Christmas with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Dude York

By Dan Watt

(Sony Music Australia)

Elvis Presley

(Hardly Art/Inertia)

(Monkey Puzzle/Atlantic Records)

(Universal)

Chris Isaak

Hanson

Finally It’s Christmas

7.5

I don’t know what’s more surprising about this album. The fact that Hanson are still about and have been releasing music consistently for the last 20 years, or the fact that their Christmas album is pretty damn good.

Twelve tracks featuring four originals and eight Christmas covers, Finally It’s Christmas is the best possible Christmas album you could expect from Hanson. Sure it might be a little predictable, and the lyrics can be a bit silly (“Finally it’s Christmas, it feels like I’ve been waiting all year.” Well you have been waiting all year Mr. Hanson); but it’s a fun album to have on in the background and you’ll definitely get at least one tune stuck in your head.

Plenty of instruments get a run, from drums to guitar to keys and horns. Pretty impressive for three guys to fit what sometimes seems like half a music store into one song.

The covers are changed enough to keep them fresh, while still keeping their sing-a-long ablilty, and the originals are catchy and full of joy. If you can handle the over-the-top pop, you’ll be Mmm-Bopping along all Christmas long with this one on.

By Nathan Quattrucci

By Anthony Furci

BEAT.COM.AU 29

Profiles

APOM

Christmas Gift Guide

Tell us about APOM. APOM is a collaboration between Norwegian-born Kajsa Kvernmo and Kate Brook who grew up in the Adelaide Hills. We make clothing women love to live in.

Each season we create a fun, playful print that also tells a story.

Each piece is thoughtfully created to wear throughout the year and across the seasons.

What influences APOM? We’re inspired by the world around us, we love referencing nature in our prints. Each collection tells a story about something that’s happening in our lives. The latest collection, Away We Go references our recent trip to The Kimberley where Kajsa spent two months exploring the west coast of Australia.

Christmas to APOM is...Eating way too much and having lots of laughs with our loved ones. We always put up the decorations nice and early so everyone around us gets in the festive spirit.

When was APOM born? In our last year at university. We had a night out, confessed our love for each other’s work, and after a few drinks decided to start a label together. We have never looked back.

This Christmas we hope our customers…Have fun with their loved ones.

Shop APOM’s full range on their website.

apom.net.au

Gin & Apathy

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Who are we chatting to and what do you do in the band? You’re speaking to LAB RAT, the alter-ego of Dylan James. I’m a hip hop artist from Geelong, working with Tuco Records and Rocketman Management.

If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why? It would be David Bowie. It’s tragic he passed last year ± he was my favourite musician of all time. I thought the way he managed to master so many different styles without compromising his integrity was amazing. I would take any advice he had to give.

What do you love about making music? That I can express myself on something I’m feeling and hope that someone out there can relate/react to what I’m expressing. It’s therapeutic. I think that’s the beauty of music.

What’ve you got to sell CD-wise? My first mixtape Grit City is available on Spotify now, and I’m about to release my second mixtape, which contains ‘Young Aussie Osbourne’. Recently, ‘Young Aussie Osbourne’ was selected for GZA and DJ Symphony’s (Wu-Tang Clan) Wu-Invasion Australia mixtape series. Also, I have an animated music video coming soon for the track ‘Satanic Cheerleader’, created by the amazing Monique Skurrie.

What can a punter expect from your live show? An energetic performance showcasing lyrical hip hop and my own unique blend of hard productions, with my self-penned rapid-fire delivery.

Music

Keep updated with all things LAB RAT on his website.

tucorecords.com/lab-rat

Christmas Gift Guide

Tell us about Gin & Apathy. It’s a series of miniature, flat-packed, architectural model kits. All are made from bamboo, and each include a dangerous and occasionally illegal gin-based cocktail recipe. They range from Melbourne’s Manchester Unity Building, to Detroit’s Hotel Yorba, with almost nothing in between. We also design custom models upon request.

What influences Gin & Apathy? Gin mostly, but also the hope that in the 20 or so minutes the models take to build, our patrons can briefly forget about the year’s low points and instead appreciate the talented people who designed these buildings in the first place. And, of course, earn a few satisfaction endorphins of their own when they complete one themselves.

Christmas to Gin & Apathy is...24/7 laser cutting because we massively underestimated how many people love the Tote Hotel.

We look forward to reminding our children who we are on Christmas Day. When was Gin & Apathy born? We selfishly made a few models of buildings we thought were nice. Then someone with no regard for our free time told us we should see if other people liked them.

Then, we got a bit carried away.

This Christmas we hope our customers...Laugh a lot with their families, and buy things from stores in the real world. Preferably ones they can walk to because going outside is still quite nice. ginandapathy.com

LAB RAT

Paper-Cuts

Music

Shop their full range on their website.

What’s Paper-Cuts all about? Paper-Cuts is an independently run imprint, discovering and releasing music by friends from home and afar.

Who makes up Paper-Cuts, and how do you complement each other’s sound? The label was established together by Grant Camov and Dylan Batelic after some time working on various music projects with one another.

What genres, places and times do Paper-Cuts draw inspiration from? Having established itself in Melbourne, the first release focuses on two local electronic artists ± Rings Around Saturn and Veranda Culture.

Headphones, house party or live show: what setting are these songs best listened to in and why? During the twilight hours in the comfort of your own home ± or a special friend’s.

What would you pair the new release with as a gift this Christmas? Any other works available from both Rings Around Saturn and Veranda Culture (Francis Inferno Orchestra), or a record player if they’re yet to have acquired one. paper-cuts.bandcamp.com

Keep updated on everything Paper-Cuts on their website.

Profiles

GiftFlick

It’s that time of year again; it’s getting dangerously close to December 25, you’re wrapping up your last week at work, and you certainly don’t have the brain capacity to think of wrapping presents too. With all the chaos and Christmas mayhem, who do you turn to to make this time of year a Christmas breeze, rather than a Christmas blow-up?

Introducing GiftFlick, the new one-stop-shop for all us last second shoppers.

The app offers a range of quirky, fun and useful gifts (the sock subscription was my top pick), but if you think this is simply an app to replace Christmas love for laziness and impersonalisation, you’re wrong. The team at GiftFlick ensure the app is also a warm and fuzzy one. There are plenty of card options, with messages to be written within. You can pick the colour you would like your gift wrapped, even down to the gorgeous bow that will hug it tight. And if that’s not sweet enough, you can also sign it with a video. My experience with the app was a pleasant, simple and intuitive one. Particularly, as the app is segmented into four useful categories.

For Him: Men can be, at times, hard to buy for. Some want practical gifts (socks, undies and alcohol will do), but some want a little more. Luckily GiftFlick has it all. They’ve taken practical to the next level, with options to purchase a pallet of Mi Goreng Noodles, a three, six or 12 month subscription of socks, and a beer subscription. If these gifts all sound too familair, why not buy an experience, like an In Home Stand-up Comedy Set, or an Absinthe Ritual in Fitzroy? Whatever it is, these gifts are sure to

The KeithTimekeeper Sykes

Website Review

Tell us about your latest single ‘Our World’. It’s a personal reflection on my family’s migration story to Australia. It touches on my thoughts as a person born in South-West Sydney, living among people from all walks of life.

What do you hope listeners will take away from your music? I hope people will be moved by my music. It’s music to make you get up and get down, to move your mind, to get you to think about a different perspective, and to move you emotionally.

Melbourne’s most famous laneways, or even a Tell us about your creative process?

My process is send always crack a smile upon ripping open.

See what it’s all about at giftflick.com.au. stand-up comedian their house for aover private worked with to a bunch of people the show. years, For Her: And what would she like? Aevolving.

Three Having Priceless: often than not, best I’ve been to orMore been inspired by diff erentthe creative Month Knicker Subscription would certainly be introduced gifts aren’tI knew material processes. IChristmas used to stick to what wouldobjects work foratmeall.± appreciated, as would 12 Sessions at Bootcamp GiftFlick has feels got you offin ering now I ago with whatever rightsorted at thathere, point time.a range Training. Although personally I’d love to receive artfully designed vouchers towhat be are gifted and There haveofbeen a lot of highlights this year, some of session in a Flotation Tank & Sauna, a Vegetable redeemed.

Whydefi notnitely take having your mate out for bunch your favourites?

Oh that’s the music video for Patch, or Hangover Tea. Just sayin’. their favourite spot, plant a tree premiered in or New York City.inItyour was sister’s a great Totally Unique: We’ve all got that one‘Raci$t/Our friend at World’ that’s just the of the iceberg: er experience working But on that project for tip YouTube’s CreatorsoffFor or family member who’s impossible to buy for.

And honour? an idea, and permission in, a full-body massage, Change initiative, for it totobesleep selected to be premiered at yes, it’s a bloody nightmare to deal with. Luckily, re-enact thewas pottery scene from Ghost. If it’s good thearray TribecaorTV Festival special.

GiftFlick has you covered with their dizzying enough for Patrick it’s goodmusic? enoughItfor you.

What is your favourite thingSwayze, about making allows of totally unique gifts that’ll satisfy the stocking me to of even the fussiest Grinch. For the starving unibe myself. It gives me space to express myself and share student in your life, you can gift them anstories entire with the world. Music is a great tool to bring people pallet’s worth of Mi Goreng Noodles. That’stogether. a pack I love being able to do that through music and having a good time. a day for a year. Elsewhere, you can get a personal message painted onto a street art mural in one of giftflick.com.au www.l-fresh.com

Christmas Gift Guide

How did you first get into music? My interest in music piqued when I heard The Beatles on the wireless. I discovered the pirate radio stations soon after and spent a lot of time listening to them at night. Bands like The Who and Jimi Hendrix entered my consciousness, but it was Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)’ that totally convinced me that guitar would be fun to play. Imagine being able to make an instrument scream like that.

Tell us about your influences. When Pink Floyd came on the scene their song ‘Arnold Layne’ took me into another dimension.

After Syd left and Gilmour joined, his sounds and techniques had a massive impact on me. I think that I’ve encapsulated some of thoseusearly infl uences in the music write.

Tell about Th e Timekeeper.

TheITimekeeper is on a mission to Tell us about your new EP. in Ththe oughts Around is anpeople, EP comprising improve the quality of time lives of young donating four songs and two instrumentals.

As wellbeing with everything 100% of profi ts to fund positive mental projects.I write, the songs instrumentals are bornWe’re frombuilding life experience.

Pretty What infland uences The Timekeeper? a community much everyone to those e listener can of change makerscan andrelate citizens of theemotions. world whoThaspire to make takemost fromofthe songs they will, there’s no in right wrong the their timewhat and aff ect positive change the or Now. conclusion. to TheThtracks were written over about 18 with months at Christmas e Timekeeper is...Spending time loved home. They were recorded at Ad Audio Studios in Melbourne. ones.

What do youThlove about making music?

The only person who When was e Timekeeper born?

Kristian ± the founder decide is you. very cathartic ±cangot sickwhat andhappens realised he It’s needed to startlocking being myself more away, trying ideas, for sounds and tinkering around with accountable for hislooking time. And then, Th e Timekeeper was born. guitars.

I also like use our ‘fieldcustomers...Give sounds’ in my music.

It helps give Th is Christmas wetohope the gift of time to some context orlove. even another dimension to songs. the people they thetimekeeper.co facebook.com/keithdavidmusic

Keith Sykes’ EP Thoughts Around is out now, and available on CD Baby, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and most other streaming services.

Shop The Timekeeper’s full range on their website.

New The Charlies York NYE at The George on Collins.

Who are we chatting to? You’re chatting to Rachael and I’m the guitarist (who also sings, but we all sing).

How did The Charlies get together? The three of us are really close friends who met while studying Jazz at Monash Uni. We’ve been friends for years and were all writing our own music and running our own bands, when Jess suggested we do a gig together and sing harmonies on each other’s tunes. After that gig, we looked at each other and thought, this was too fun, we need to start a band together.

Tellall us know aboutTh your sound down and what influences Our sound is We e George St. Kilda way ± it?Fitzroy Street’s still evolving because we’re not a year old and yet. Ientertainment. think the cohesive headquarters for all things pub, music But element the three-part vocal arrangements.

We love singing have youisbeen to their new venue in our ever-bustling CBD? in If harmonies spend a its lotcharm, of time arranging our to songs so that you’re yet toand experience and you happen be free this they have vocal lines.

New Years,interesting we have you covered.

What isinyour liveatand why? ‘Distance’ by Bring the favourite New Yearcover withtoaplay bang Melbourne’s newest Emily King. super groovy tune with killer harmonies. basement bar,It’s Thea George on Collins Street.

Their New York NYE What’s your thethe way that night will takefavourite you on apart trip of to making the mostmusic? famousI love city in world, music brings people together; play or performances to listen to a featuring an incredible lineup oftoDJs, livetogether music and band with your friends. and For ame I loveatmaking music throughout the evening Bigpersonally, Apple cocktail midnight, so because it allows methetoparty process going watches. on in myFeaturing life and you can be a part of the what’s whole world present what I’m learning about being a human, acreatively four-hour beverage package and New York-themed décor and hopefullydress that to resonates people. canapés, impresswith at Melbourne’s biggest party of the year.

What can we expect from a The Charlies performance? Tasty harmonies and funny banter.

New Year’s Music Eve

The Charlies will perform at Coburg Night Market on Friday December 8 with Mandy Connell Trio, Fem Belling, Quarter Street Orchestra, and Jungle City Studios.

The George on Collins is located at 162-168 Collins Street.

bit.ly/2zLht9d

facebook.com/thecharliesmelbourne

BEAT.COM.AU

31

Gig GuideGigs Featured

Gig Guide This Week Wednesday Dec 20

Malcolm Young ‘We Salute You’ Celebration Cherry Bar What better way to pay tribute to the late great Malcolm Young than with a night of live tunes in AC/DC Lane? The event will take place on Wednesday December 20 so come and give your respects as AC/DSHE pay tribute to the legend. It’s going down at Cherry Bar, tix are $15+BF via Eventbrite or $20 on the door, with all proceeds going to Combat Dementia. Come down from 8pm.

Beth Patterson

The Drunken Poet Hailing from Louisiana, Beth Patterson was born into her swamp country sound. A multi-instrumentalist specialising in the 10 string Irish bouzouki, Patterson will treat you to a unique performance when she hits The Drunken Poet. She’ll be performing two back to back sets on Wednesday December 20, free entry.

Hemm

The Workers Club Melbourne-based electronic duo Hemm are hitting the stage to wrap up 2017 with a Christmas extravaganza. They’ll be bringing along their mates Elkkle, Niine, and DJ Chocoloney to help bring the festive spirit, catch them at The Workers Club on Thursday December 21 from 8pm. $10 entry.

NXT LVL! Launch

The Evelyn NXT LVL! is a new concept focusing on allowing up-and-coming artists to collaborate with well-established bands and perform alongside them to help build their own platforms. The official launch is taking place at The Evelyn on Thursday December 21 and will see Sienna Wild, Electric Blues Collective, and Safari Motel taking to the stage. It kicks off at 8pm, $10 entry.

House, Electro, Trance & Club Nights Brenda + Cool Explosions + Laneous + Dj Fairbanks Robinson Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $12.00.

Kassette Carlton Club, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Mellowdías Thump + Delaide Souls + Jitwam Boney, Melbourne CBD. 9pm.

Mote + Leopard Weapon + The Burbs Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $5.00.

Revolver Wednesdays + Various Djs Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7pm.

Indie, Rock, Pop, Metal, Punk & Covers Özergun - Feat: Ozergun + Little Rituals + Danichy + Pin Tote Hotel, Collingwood.

8pm.

A Swingin’ Bella Christmas - Feat: Virginia Gay + Tripod + Eddie Perfect + Tim Rogers + And More Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 6pm. $10.22.

Byo Vinyl Night Rochester Hotel, Fitzroy.

6pm.

Entirely Kylie + Mixed Emotions + Slimbillgates Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8pm. $10.00.

Foot + The Backs + Dole Cheque Last Chance Rock And Roll Bar, North Melbourne.

8pm. $7.00.

Freya + Wroclaw Toff In Town, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $10.00.

Heat Wave + Plaster Of Paris + Black Bats Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm.

Jarrow & Mates Xmas Party + Arbes + Rat!Hammock + Rhysic + Gonzo + Vim Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. $10.00.

Malcolm Young ‘We Salute You’

Celebration - Feat: Ac/Dshe + More Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $15.00.

Soul Cave Collective Christmas Party Feat: Supahlove + Party On My Darling + Wilder Genes + A Rioting Mind + Humane Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8.30pm.

Saatsuma

The Gasometer Melbourne electronic duo Saatsuma are launching their recently released debut album Overflow with an Australian tour.

Not only will they be giving fans a taste of their new tunes, they’ll also be supporting a great cause, with all proceeds from the gig going to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. It’s going down on Thursday December 21 from 8pm at The Gaso. Tix are $15+bf via Oztix or $20 on the door.

The Quirks

Whole Lotta Love Aptly named, The Quirks’ sound is a unique blend of indie-rock, pop and folk that’ll have you hooked the minute they start playing. They’ll be joined by Reel Tapes when they hit Whole Lotta Love on Thursday December 21. It’s happening from 7.30pm, free entry.

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$10.00.

Sterling + Mona Bay Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

The Flock + The Shifties Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8.30pm.

Winter Witches + Infraghosts + Drama Old Bar, Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $8.00.

Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud - Feat: Hip + Shoulder + Ben Steiner + Pembo Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 7.30pm. $5.00.

Jazz, Soul, Funk, Latin & World Music Baggage + More Open Studio, Northcote.

8pm. $5.00.

Bopstretch Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8pm. $15.00.

Dizzy’s Big Band Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8pm.

Fight Club - Feat: Meagher/Barnes Duo + Fabric + Peon 303, Northcote. 8pm.

Joe Chindamo Bird’s Basement, Melbourne.

Men Imitating Machines + Dayelle & The Substance + More The B.East, Brunswick East. 8.30pm.

Nun + Jonny Telafone + V + Honey Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 7pm. $3.00.

7.30pm. $29.00.

School Night - Feat: Ryan Haynes +

Jukebox - Feat: Laneous & Zeitgeist

Kayla Bruno + Benny Jay + And More

Duo + Alphamama + Carl’s Operating

Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 8pm.

System + And More Belleville, Melbourne.

8pm.

Nathan Slater Quartet Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $25.00.

Speedball The Jazzlab, Brunswick. 8pm. $25.00.

Spirograph Studies Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $25.00.

Hip Hop & R&B Can I Kick It? Open Mic Night Horse Bazaar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Mf Boom - Feat: Able8 + Kufatali Grumpy’s Green, Fitzroy. 7pm.

Acoustic/Country/Blues/ Folk

The Drop - Feat: Rui + Mrs Wallace + Hijack + Rintrah Section 8, Melbourne CBD. 6pm.

The Stained Daises Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8pm. $5.00.

Thursgay Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8pm.

Jazz, Soul, Funk, Latin & World Music Arnab Sengupta Charles Weston Hotel, Brunswick. 6.30pm.

Come Get Fresh Fox Hotel (Collingwood), Collingwood. 8pm.

Copperhead Brass Band, Brooklyn ’86 + Copperhead Brass Band + Brooklyn ’86 Open Studio, Northcote. 8pm. $10.00.

Dance Party + Spin Club + Juicy

Beth Patterson Drunken Poet, West

Romance + Georgia Bird + And More

Melbourne. 8pm.

Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $15.00.

Jordie Lane Northcote Social Club, Northcote.

Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Liz Stringer, Jordie Lane + Liz Stringer + 7.30pm.

Lomond Acoustica - Feat: Geoff Achison + Jimi Hocking + Nick Charles

Discoconutz - Feat: More Carlton Club, Gianni Marinucci + Hetty Kate Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 7.30pm. $25.00.

Jackie Bornstein Paris Cat Jazz Club,

Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 8pm.

Melbourne CBD. 8.30pm. $25.00.

Scionti Catfish, Fitzroy. 8pm.

Melbourne Improvisers Collective

Muddy’s Blues Roulette - Feat: Anna Open Mic Night Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East. 6.30pm.

Thursday Dec 21 Hip Hop & R&B Beatlab Horse Bazaar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Fortunes. Penny Black, Brunswick. 9pm.

Gallery - Feat: Thando + P-Unique Ferdydurke, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

It’s A Rap #3 - Feat: Jack Vie + Johnny

Kimba & Ryan Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6pm.

Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8.30pm.

Speedball The Jazzlab, Brunswick. 8pm. $25.00.

Timbalero Thursday La Di Da, Melbourne CBD. 9pm. $10.00.

Yvette Johansson + John Montesante Quintet The Water Rat Hotel, South Melbourne. 7pm.

Indie, Rock, Pop, Metal, Punk & Covers

Trash + Relyk + More Laundry Bar, Fitzroy.

A Rioting Mind + Greg Steps Retreat

9pm.

Hotel, Brunswick. 8.30pm.

10:00pm.

Virginia Gay + Tripod + Eddie Perfect +

No Frills Thursdays Laundry Bar, Fitzroy.

House, Electro, Trance & Club Nights 3181 Thursdays + Various Djs Revolver

A Swingin’ Bella Christmas - Feat: Tim Rogers + And More Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 6pm. $10.22.

American Doubles + Dj Thomas William Butt 303, Northcote. 8pm. $5.00.

Upstairs, Prahran. 6pm.

Bloom + Rat Child + Kaia Boney, Melbourne

Melbourne CBD. 9pm.

Castilles + Lou Davies Post Office Hotel,

Dj Crispi Catfish, Fitzroy. 8pm.

Double Trouble + Jank Facques Toff In

Death Disco - Feat: Kiti + More Boney, Disco Volante Onesixone, Prahran. 8pm.

Likkle Sessions - Feat: Pugilist + Gada + Jordan + More Grumpy’s Green, Fitzroy. 8pm.

Dj Max Mannix + Various Djs Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8pm.

CBD. 8pm. $9.50.

Coburg. 9pm.

Town, Melbourne CBD. 11pm.

Gentlemane Fitzroy Pinnacle, Fitzroy North. 8pm.

Guttermouth + Vicious Circle +

Wolfpack + Hanny J Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 6.30pm.

Wed 20th Decemeber

WINE, WHISKEY, WOMEN: 8pm:

Beth Patterson

* * * TWO SETS * * *

LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEK:

A LWAY S F R E E E N T RY

Thurs 21st December

7pm:

Open Mic Night Fri 22nd December

6pm:

Traditional Irish Music Session 8.30pm:

Citrus Jam

Sat 23rd December

Marty Kelly 9pm: The Jump Devils Sun 24th December 4pm: Alex Burns 6.30pm: Dan & Cyril Monday 25th - Wednesday 27th **closed** 3pm:

Thurs 28th December

OPEN AT 4PM

Tennyson King

8pm:

Fri 29TH December 6pm:

Traditional Irish Music Session 8.30pm:

Wilson & White

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

SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER 8PM

The Drunken Poachers SATURDAY 6TH JANUARY 8PM

Kim Salmon COMING SOON

KIM SALMON JANUARY RESIDENCY

$8 pints

MON-THU 4-7PM

free pool

197A BRUNSWICK STREET, FITZROY LABOURINVAIN.COM.AU

This week at the

Wednesday 20th @ 8.00pm

‘LOMOND ACOUSTICA’

GEOFF ACHISON, JIMI HOCKING, NICK CHARLES

Thursday 21st @ 9.00pm

WRITERS BLOCK #34 Little Wise, Austin Brady, Freya Hanly, Sunset Blush, Sarah Taylor, Frank Jones, Jeff Burstin

Friday 22nd @ 5.30pm

MAX TEAKLES’ HONKY TONK PIANO Friday 22nd @ 9.30pm

WARNER BROS (Jingle jangle bells)

Saturday 23rd @8.00pm

NICE BOY TOM (Noice, different)

TAGO MAGO Wed 20th Dec

NON-DJ ELECTRONIC SHOW CASE Thurs 21st Dec - 8pm

BETH PATTERSON (USA) Fri 22nd Dec - 9pm

JON DOE AND THE SHALLOW GRAVES with Accidental Bedfellows Duo, Gothu

Sat 23rd Dec - 8pm

TAGO MAGO CHRISTMAS PARTY Sun 24th Dec - 5pm

VERY HANDSOME MEN

FROM THE LOMOND HOTEL

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ALL GIGS ARE FREE 225 NICHOLSON STREET, BRUNSWICK EAST. PH 9380 1752

TAGO MAGO WILL BE CLOSED DEC 25TH - JAN 4TH 744 High Street Thornbury, Victoria, Australia facebook.com/ClubTagoMago

BEAT.COM.AU 33

Featured Gigs

Gig Guide Moreland City Soul Revue Paris Cat Jazz

Mosaicz + Holiday Park Post Office Hotel,

Club, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $30.00.

Coburg. 9pm.

Fitzroy. 6pm.

Remo. 9pm.

Room, Hawthorn. 8pm. $25.00.

Daniel + Chee Shimizu + Ben Fester

Nxt Lvl - Feat: Sienna Wild + Electric

Original Wailers + Al Anderson + Marvin

Blues Collective + Safari Motel Evelyn

Priest + Rik-E-Ragga Prince Bandroom, St

12:00pm. $45.00.

Hotel, Fitzroy. 8pm. $10.00.

Kilda. 8pm. $89.90.

Lounge, Lilydale. 6pm. $10.00.

Belgrave. 8pm.

Cafe, Fitzroy. 8pm.

Collingwood. 9pm.

Wasterr + Smöck Old Bar, Fitzroy. 7.30pm.

East. 7pm.

Flinders Hotel, Chadstone. 8.30pm. $15.00.

Hemm + Elkkle + Niine + Dj Tony Chocoloney Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8pm.

Junior Fiction + Ruby Soho & The

Radness + Ghost Like Beast Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $8.00.

Nana Spam + Discotears + Sault +

The Delta Riggs

Cherry Bar After a year of touring their sophomore release Active Galactica, The Delta Riggs will be seeing out the year with a string of intimate shows – giving you the rare chance to get up close and personal to the band.

They hit Cherry Bar on Friday December 22 as part of Cherry Bar’s 18th birthday so it’s going to be a big night. It kicks off at 8pm, tix are $20+bf via Eventbrite or $25 on the door.

Sleepy Dreamers

The Workers Club Who needs to go to church when Sleepy Dreamers are putting on a huge Christmas special? They’ll be cooking up snags with their onstage BBQ, singing some Christmas carols and they’ve even linedup appearances from Father and Mother Christmas themselves. Plus there’ll be sweet tunes all night. It’s happening at The Workers Club on Friday December 22 from 8.30pm, $10 entry.

Seedy Jeezus

The B.East Psych-rock trio Seedy Jeezus are gearing up to launch their 7” vinyl, which sees them mashing Led Zeppelin’s ‘Communication Breakdown’ with their own new tune ‘Bad Girl’. It’s going to be a night to remember, so be sure to get yourself to The B.East on Friday December 22. It kicks off at 8pm, free entry.

Deader Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8pm. $8.00.

Open Mic Night + More Sooki Lounge, Pleasure Avalanche + Cakefight + $8.00.

Porpoise Spit + Tool Time House Band

Stephen Byth Quintet Uptown Jazz Cafe, The Connie Lansberg Quartet Lido Jazz The Original Wailers, Al Anderson + The

The Paul Williamson Quartet Uptown Jazz The Peacocks Compass Pizza, Brunswick

Hip Hop & R&B

Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. $5.00.

2017 X-Mas - Feat: Damion De Silva +

Resident Thursdays - Feat: Dj Shadow

Dis Salvy + Durmy + More Khokolat Bar,

Pier Live, Frankston. 9pm.

Melbourne CBD. 9.30pm.

Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. $15.00.

Party & Bullshit Fridays Laundry Bar,

Saatsuma + Special Guests Gasometer Slowcoaching + Smoke Rings + More

Cushion Fridays Cushion, St Kilda. 9pm.

7pm.

Petty Thieves + Centrefield Matthew Polyester & Lulu’s End Of Year Party - Feat: Ela Stiles + Cale Sexton + Nic Imfeld + Dormir + More Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 6pm.

Poprocks + Dr Phil Toff In Town, Melbourne CBD. 9pm.

Powerline Sneakers + Ute Root + Nqr

+ More Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 7.30pm. $12.00.

Indie, Rock, Pop, Metal, Punk & Covers 70’S & 80’S Disco Fever Night - Feat:

Tingy Celestino Customs House Hotel,

Various Djs Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 8pm.

Williamstown. 8pm.

$14.30.

Broadway Sounds Howler, Brunswick. 8pm.

6pm.

Acoustic/Country/Blues/ Folk

P-Tex + Dj Slim Rhythm Gem Bar,

$15.00.

Throwback Lucky Coq, Windsor. 9pm.

Touch Sensitive + The Goods +

Oz - Aussie Rock Cover Band Hysteria

Swagger Bottom End, Melbourne CBD. 11pm.

Reds + Bob Harrow Last Chance Rock And The Space Lady The Eastern, Ballarat East.

+ Dianas + And More Acca Forecourt,

Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. $10.00.

Spikey Tee Grumpy’s Green, Fitzroy. 7pm.

Roll Bar, North Melbourne. 7pm.

Off The Grid Festival 2017 - Feat: Jay

Fitzroy. 9pm.

John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8pm. $7.00.

Team Love + Brooke Russell + The Mean

Nick Anderson Westernport Hotel, San

Alaska + More Ferdydurke, Melbourne CBD. Baked Beans + Vintage Crop + Laguna

Redro Redriguez & His Inner Demons

Seedy Jeezus + Grasshole The B.East, Brunswick East. 8pm.

Sleepy Dreamers + Arbes + Sean Watson Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10.00.

Spank - Feat: Dj Lady Erica + Simone + Miss Gene + Brooke Powers Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. $10.00.

The Bombay Royale Howler, Brunswick.

8pm. $24.19.

Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10.00.

The Curtin Xmas Blowout - Feat: The

Open Mic Sloth Bar, Footscray. 8pm.

Moon 170 Russell, Melbourne CBD. 8.30pm. $23

Carlton. 8pm. $35.00.

Melbourne. 7pm.

Hotel, Williamstown. 8pm.

CBD. 8pm. $20.00.

+ Austin Brady + Freya Hanly + More

Phatoamano + Namn + Matt Radovich +

The Quirks + Reel Tapes + What The

The Bendigo Hotel After taking a break from the stage, Redro Redriguez & His Inner Demons aren’t only ready to get back on the horse, but they’ve got some new tracks to show you while they’re at it. Catch them alongside Yes, Yes, Whatever, La Bronco, and Jon S Williams at The Bendigo Hotel on Friday December 22 from 7.30pm. $12 entry.

Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9pm.

And More Lucky Coq, Windsor. 7pm.

The Peacocks

$25.00.

Fan Girl Penny Black, Brunswick. 7pm.

Atm15 The Jazzlab, Brunswick. 11pm. $10.00.

Dong Lounge, Melbourne CBD. 9pm. $10.00.

Open Mic Night Drunken Poet, West

Redro Redriguez & His Inner Demons

Compass Pizza The Peacocks is a four-piece comprising of well-versed musicians playing tuned dripping in twang, paying tribute to a range of artists and sprucing up the vibe with a bit of comedic value. Catch The Peacocks at Compass Pizza on Friday December 22 from 7pm, free entry.

Anna Morley

Wesley Anne Berlin-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Anna Morley will be venturing back to her homeland and performing some special shows in which she will showcase her signature style of blending acoustic and electronic elements. Catch her at Wesley Anne on Friday December 22 from 6pm.

Free entry.

He Cries Diamonds

The Old Bar Noir rock three-piece He Cries Diamonds will be hitting the stage for a little preXmas hurrah. Get yourself to The Old Bar this Friday December 22 to catch them as they unleash their gloriously gritty sound, dripping in emotion and beauty. It kicks off at 8pm, $10 entry.

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Writers Block #34 - Feat: Little Wise

Friday Dec 22 Jazz, Soul, Funk, Latin & World Music Adam Rudegeair Quartet + Phil Hayter Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 9pm.

Anna Morely Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6pm.

Audrey Powne 4Tet The Jazzlab, Brunswick.

Boo Seeka + Turquoise Prince + Resin Captain Spalding Band Customs House Chapel Street Social Club - Feat:

Citrus Jam Drunken Poet, West Melbourne.

Graveyard Train + More John Curtin Hotel, The Delta Riggs Cherry Bar, Melbourne The Fizzz Musicland, Fawkner. 9pm. $10.00.

Funk! Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East.

7.30pm.

8.30pm.

The Stroppies + Guy Blackman +

Danitchy + Green Hollows + Snark 303,

Hot Topic + Pure Moods Yarra Hotel,

Northcote. 8pm. $5.00.

Abbotsford. 8pm. $10.00.

Even + Dj Pierre Baroni + Dj Ginger

Anuraag + More Boney, Melbourne CBD.

Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8.30pm. $28.24.

10:00pm.

Franjapan + The Burbs + Manorism Ding

6pm.

Dj Fitzroy Pinnacle, Fitzroy North. 8pm.

He Cries Diamonds + Registered Nurse

Vape - Feat: Dj Kiti + Sezzo Snot +

Wally Howlett Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick.

House, Electro, Trance & Club Nights

11pm.

+ M45 Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10.00.

Hey Hey It’s Friday - Feat: Astro Boys

30/70 All Star Jam + Horatio Luna +

(Collingwood), Collingwood. 8pm.

Royal Hotel (Essendon), Essendon. 10:00pm.

Z.F.E.X + Aljoy + Thhomas Evelyn Hotel,

Chelsea/Alex/Blabes Fox Hotel Chris Mcnulty Band The Jazzlab, Brunswick.

Into The Mystic - Joe Creighton Flying

Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10.00.

8pm. $30.00.

Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 6pm. $27.00.

After Ours - Feat: Kate Millar + Dreems

Manchild + Dj Pocock + Moonah Links

La Danse Macabre + And More Rainbow

+ More Brown Alley, Melbourne CBD. 8.30pm.

Hotel, Fitzroy. 9pm.

$20.00.

Lions + Zeferelli Baha Tacos & Tapas Bar,

10:00pm. $30.00.

Dancing In Outer Space 9 - Feat: Dj Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 9pm. $5.00.

Letters To Lions, Zeferelli + Letters To

James Angus + Loretta Miller + Emi Lu

Rye. 8pm. $15.00.

Hullabaloo - Feat: Jazz Party + Harry + More Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8pm. $30.00.

In Our Own Words - Leonard Cohen Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 6.30pm. $30.00.

Kristin Berardi Bird’s Basement, Melbourne.

Levi’s All-Star Music Sessions - Feat: Remi + The Pretty Littles Melbourne

Binary Finary Brown Alley, Melbourne CBD. Candy - Feat: Various Djs Tramp, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Ciroq Fridays Cq, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Ballpark, Altona. 7.30pm.

Dj Dr Steve Sloth Bar, Footscray. 9pm.

Mental Tremors + More Woody’s Attic Dive,

Melbourne CBD. 10:00pm.

Loco Hombres Catfish, Fitzroy. 9pm.

Collingwood. 8pm.

7.30pm. $29.00.

Mick Thomas & The Roving

Pugsley Buzzard Bar Open, Fitzroy. 6.30pm.

Commission + Ayleen O & The Croxton

Raleigh Williams, The Moreland City

City Shake-Up + Small Town Romance

Soul Revue + Raleigh Williams + The

Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 7pm.

Elephant In The Room Carlton Club, Fabulous Fridays - Feat: Various Djs Co., Southbank. 9.30pm. $20.00.

Formation - Feat: Donny + And More Lucky Coq, Windsor. 9pm.

Featured Gigs

Gig Guide Fridays - Feat: Warsawyer + Cliftonia + More Carlton Club, Melbourne CBD. 5:00pm.

Grumpy Wombat All Stars - Feat:

Combat Wombat + Electrocado + Ryanosaurus + Harry Blotter + More 24 Moons, Northcote. 9pm.

The Sinking Teeth

Love Is Love - Feat: Jennifer Loveless

The Bendigo Hotel The Sinking Teeth are teaming up with Halcyon Drive and Rad Island for a Christmas Eve Eve party at The Bendigo Hotel so you can blow off some steam from whatever holiday stresses are bringing you down. It’s going down on Saturday December 23 from 7pm, $10 entry.

+ Salvador Darling + Juicy Romance +

D.P.R.S

Revolver Fridays - Feat: Who + Acid

The Evelyn Democratic People’s Republic of Surf will be seeing out 2017 with a bang when they launch their new album The State of Modern Surf on the stage. Expect six-piece vocal harmonies, slamming surf rock riffs and a bloody good time. Catch them on Saturday December 23 from 8.30pm. Tix are $5+bf via Oztix or $12 on the door.

Rocky Water Fest 2

Whole Lotta Love After the success of the first Rocky Water Fest, Whole Lotta Love have decided to host round two. The event will host a huge range of genres from pop punk to metalcore with bands like Red Lotus, Vacant Image, One More Weekend and loads more set to hit the stage. It’s happening on Saturday December 23 from 2pm. Free entry.

More Loop, Melbourne CBD. 9pm.

Machine Translations + The Night Party

The Post Office Hotel Surf rock four-piece Hot Wings will be throwing a Christmas special to wrap up 2017. Whether you’re celebrating a top year or cheering that it’s almost over, Hot Wings will have the party in full swing. It’s going down on Saturday December 23 from 9pm at The Post Office Hotel. Free entry.

Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 10:00pm.

Nullstaat + More Toff In Town, Melbourne

The Emma Gilmartin Quartet Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8pm.

The Harriett Allcroft Quartet Lido Jazz

Steeplejack + Cutting Room + Glm + CBD. 11pm. $10.00.

Tramp Saturdays Tramp, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Room, Hawthorn. 8pm. $25.00.

Up The Junction - Feat: Matt Hudson +

Wilbur Wilde Bird’s Basement, Melbourne.

Melbourne CBD. 9pm.

The Rookies The Jazzlab, Brunswick. 11pm.

Ziggy & Laneous Wesley Anne, Northcote.

Hip Hop & R&B

Paul Wheller + Juck Roche + More Loop, Xmas Party - Feat: The Déjà Vu’s + Treats Gin Lane, Belgrave. 9pm.

Indie, Rock, Pop, Metal, Punk & Covers

Safari + Mike Callander + More Revolver

Big Dancing Saturdays Laundry Bar,

Upstairs, Prahran. 10:00pm.

Fitzroy. 9pm.

The Silver Bullets + Van & Cal Walker +

Le’bruh + Ryan Haynes + More New

Emelyne Ferdydurke, Melbourne CBD. 7pm.

Mago, Thornbury. 8pm.

Saddle Club - Feat: Brian Fantana +

Canopy - Feat: Jeoh + Karyme + Imax +

Guernica, Melbourne CBD. 10:00pm. $15.00.

Khokolat Koated Saturdays - Feat:

Tomás Ford’s Crap Music Rave Party

Christmas At Tago - Feat: Jo Meares & The Happy Lonesome Duo + More Tago Rock N Roll Xmas Party - Feat: Sugar

The Disco Onesixone, Prahran. 8pm.

Damion De Silva + K Dee + Durmy +

Fed Leopards + Little Desert + Lazertits

- Feat: Tomas Ford’s Crap Music Rave

Timos Khokolat Bar, Melbourne CBD. 9.30pm.

Run It Red - Feat: Sean Deans +

+ Shrimpwitch Woody’s Attic Dive,

Party Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne CBD.

Benjammin + Erney D + Lq + More

11:55pm. $15.50.

Grumpy’s Green, Fitzroy. 9pm.

Acoustic/Country/Blues/ Folk

House, Electro, Trance & Club Nights

Damon Stone Inkerman Hotel, Balaclava.

Banana (Peach) - Feat: Various Artists

8pm.

Bottom End, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Darren Halon + The Space Lady

Brooke Evers Co., Southbank. 10:00pm.

Collingwood. 8pm.

A Cold Cloth + Eat Pant + More Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8pm.

A Very Workers’ Club Christmas - Feat: Magic Butter Machine Band + Immy Owusu + More Workers Club (Geelong), Geelong. 8pm.

Animal Hands + Fraudband Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 5:00pm.

Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8.30pm.

$20.00.

Baby Giant + Plotz + The Jives. Tam

$10.00.

Cushion Saturdays Cushion, St Kilda. 9pm.

Chris Tanner Trio, Julian Wilson + Chris

Hotel, Brunswick East. 5:30pm.

Tony Martin + Damian Cowell’s Disco

Summer Vibes - Feat: Various Artists

Machine + Tony Martin + The Burnt

Cushion, St Kilda. 4:00pm.

Sausages Northcote Social Club, Northcote.

The Dirt All At Once + Carcosa Old Bar,

8.30pm. $28.24.

Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10.00.

Cq Saturdays Cq, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Vantage Catfish, Fitzroy. 8pm. $10.00.

Damian Cowell’s Disco Machine,

Tanner Trio + Julian Wilson Bar Open, Fitzroy. 6.30pm.

Cosmic Kahuna + Smoke Witch + All Of

D.P.R.S + Moody Beach + Morning

Brunswick. 9pm.

Dolly La Di Da, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Mcmillan + Rachel Snow + Post

Electric Dreams - Feat: Various Djs Co.,

Morning + Hannah Kate Evelyn Hotel,

Southbank. 9pm. $20.00.

Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $5.00.

Traditional Irish Music Session Drunken

Kempster + Tbib + More Pawn & Co, South

Elsternwick. 6pm. $22.00.

Poet, West Melbourne. 6pm.

Yarra. 7pm.

Daze Of Our Lives - Feat: Basket Of

9.30pm.

End, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Thoughts Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8pm. $12.00.

Saturday Dec 23

Jank Facques Carlton Club, Melbourne

Brunswick. 9pm.

Tim Mcmillan, Rachel Snow + Tim Goblincore Open Studio, Northcote. 8pm.

Warner Bros Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East.

Holmes John + Steve Bleas + Gaz

Hot Load - Feat: Various Artists Bottom House Party Sloth Bar, Footscray. 9pm.

Dancing In The Street Flying Saucer Club,

Mammoths + Khan + Hollywood Real Dj Lady Love Potion Edinburgh Castle,

CBD. 12:10Am.

Dog Cuntz + The One Two + Gluten

Lady Banton + Plastic Palms Section 8,

Priest + Erin Watkins 303, Northcote. 8pm.

Melbourne CBD. 7pm.

$5.00.

Brunswick. 6.30pm.

Dreems + Thomas Von Party + Jaimie

Kill The Darling + Barefoot Bowls Club

Del Barrio Open Studio, Northcote. 8pm.

Blanco + More Boney, Melbourne CBD.

+ Dogood Workers Club, Fitzroy. 1:00pm.

$12.00.

10:00pm. $15.00.

$10.00.

Malibu The Jazzlab, Brunswick. 8pm. $25.00.

10:00pm.

+ More Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm.

8pm.

Feat: Dj Kiti + Lara Kills + Hyper Binary +

Hotel, Richmond. 8pm. $40.00.

Commission + Brooke Russell & The

Prince_mas - Feat: Rob Pix + Jordan

Jazz, Soul, Funk, Latin & World Music Brooke Taylor Charles Weston Hotel,

Melo Fox Hotel (Collingwood), Collingwood.

Mick Thomas & The Roving Mean Reds Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh.

Loomer Summer Of Love - Feat:

Pony Saturdays La Di Da, Melbourne CBD. Praxis - Rebirth Of Consciousness More 24 Moons, Northcote. 10:00pm.

Brando V. Hey Sam + Stefan Di

Hot Wings Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 9pm.

Kirkis + Exterminating Romeo + Gregor Mammal + Rifleman + Figures Corner Ms D’meanour & The Offenders Hysteria Lounge, Lilydale. 6pm. $10.00.

Orpheus Omega + Harlott + Primitive +

Benedetto + More Prince Bandroom, St

Triple Kill Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne

Kilda. 9pm.

CBD. 9pm. $20.00.

Nostalgique, Tamara Kuldin +

+ The Wiz + Anth K + Beats By Barry

Nostalgique + Tamara Kuldin Paris Cat

+ Slater Bros + More Gasometer Hotel,

8pm. $17.00.

Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 6.30pm. $30.00.

Collingwood. 12:00pm.

Balaclava. 8pm.

(Mornington), Mornington. 8pm.

More Belleville, Melbourne. 8pm.

Headlopper + Mindrippa + Spew

Richie1250 + Mohair Slim + Pierre

Sphear Saturdays Seven Nightclub, South

Balloon + Gtab Last Chance Rock And Roll

Melbourne. 10:00pm.

Bar, North Melbourne. 8pm. $5.00.

8pm.

Charles Weston Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Brooke Taylor is bringing her alternative-folk sounds to the Charles Weston this Saturday.

Noted for her strong storytelling abilities, her tracks are made up of raw lyricism above layered guitar melodies. She’ll be on from 6.30pm on Saturday December 23.

Free entry.

Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 9pm. $25.00.

6pm.

Flashlight Open Studio, Northcote. 5:00pm.

Brooke Taylor

Emerson, South Yarra. 12:00pm. $40.00.

Sugarfoot Ramblers + Grant Arthur Paris

Winter + Gav Whitehouse + More

Rawsum - Feat: Brian Fantana + James

The Prayerbabies Union Hotel (Brunswick),

Hot Wings

10:00pm. $10.00.

7.30pm. $37.00.

Max Teakles’ Honky Tonk Piano Lomond

The Old Bar Bringing a night of filthy, larger-thanlife riffs to The Old Bar, Cosmic Kahuna, Smoke Witch, All Of The Dirt At Once, and Carcosa will be slamming out back to back sets to get you in the holiday spirit.

It’s going down on Saturday December 23 from 8pm, $12 entry.

Spritz Saturdays + Various Djs The

Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 9.30pm.

Jimmy Davis Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8pm.

Cosmic Kahuna

Baroni + Miss Goldie Bar Open, Fitzroy.

Nichaud Fitzgibbon Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne CBD. 8.30pm. $30.00.

Sammy Owen Blues Band Royal Hotel Slow Grind Fever #54 - Feat:

Selfless Day Party - Feat: Dr Deyon

Sk Simeon + Yaw Faso + Trusoule +

Party Girls Satellite Lounge, Wheelers Hill.

Peter Zoch + Spyda Inkerman Hotel,

Pigs Of The Roman Empire +

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Featured Gigs

Gig Guide President Roots Baha Tacos & Tapas Bar, Rye. 9pm. $15.00.

Profa-Nation + Dean Bard Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 3:00pm.

Riffinery Royal Hotel (Essendon), Essendon.

10:00pm.

Riflebirds Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 8.30pm.

The Curtin Xmas Blowout - Feat: The Graveyard Train + More John Curtin Hotel,

Wil Wagner

The Reverence Hotel Fresh off The Smith Street Band’s biggest year yet, with More Scared Of You Than You Are Of Me hitting #3 on the ARIA Charts and selling out theatres across the country, frontman Wil Wagner is making his way to The Rev for a Christmas show. He’ll be supported by Jess Locke and Self Talk (solo) this Saturday December 23 from 8.30pm.

A Cold Cloth

The Brunswick Hotel Grungy locals A Cold Cloth are wrapping up 2017 with a free gig at The Brunswick Hotel. They’ll be supported by jazz fusionists Bitter Sweet and Eat Pant, alongside surf rockers Hot Sand. They’re all friends, so it’s sure to be a rowdy night.

Catch them on Saturday December 23 from 8pm. Free entry.

Carlton. 8pm. $35.00.

The Delta Riggs Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8pm. $22.08.

The Gem’s Christmas Bash 2017 - Feat: The Exotics + Dj Mohair Slim Gem Bar, Collingwood. 7pm.

The Meeseeks + Zockapilli + Wally Howlett & The Chest Hairs + Day Of Clint Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne CBD. 9pm. $10.00.

The Ocean Party + Baby Blue + Cool Sounds + Michael Beach + More Fitzroy Pinnacle, Fitzroy North. 5:00pm.

The Reefers Union Hotel (Brunswick), Brunswick. 9pm.

The Sadults + The Braves + Boxc + Julian Tuss + Dj Mermaid Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8.30pm.

The Sand Pebbles + The Pink Tiles + Black Cab Djs Toff In Town, Melbourne CBD. 7.30pm. $18.04.

The Sinking Teeth + Halcyon Drive + Rad Island Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 7pm.

The Tarantinos Penny Black, Brunswick.

9.30pm.

The Vacant Smiles + Cosmos + Smöck John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 3:00pm.

These New South Whales Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm. $12.00.

Alex Burns

Tommy Castles + Amy Pollock The

The Drunken Poet After picking up the harmonica at only five years old in the ‘50s, Alex Burns has a vast range of experience under his belt.

Since then, the Scotland-born singersongwriter has made his way around the world with his guitar before settling into the Australian blues scene. He’ll be performing a special performance at The Drunken Poet on Sunday December 24 from 4pm. Free entry.

B.East, Brunswick East. 10:00pm.

Dr Popalotacorn

Brunswick. 6pm. $12.00.

Edinburgh Castle Bringing you the wackiest Christmas show you’re likely to ever encounter, Dr Popalotacorn will be pulling out all the stops this Christmas Eve with a festivethemed night of hip hop, reggae, surf rock and everything in between. It’s going down at Edinburgh Castle on Sunday December 24 from 4pm. Free entry.

Christmas Eve(l)

Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar Christmas is around the corner and Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar are hosting a night for all the folks on Santa’s naughty list. Mr Stitcher and The Cigarrillos will be taking over the stage and tearing up the joint on Sunday December 24 from 2pm. $8 entry.

Wil Wagner + Jess Locke + Self Talk Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8.30pm.

Wil Wagner + Jess Locke + Self Talk Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 8.30pm.

Acoustic/Country/Blues/ Folk Bakersfield Glee Club + James Ellis + Cold Heart + Roz Girvan Spotted Mallard, Craig Woodward & Friends Victoria Hotel (Brunswick), Brunswick. 4:00pm.

David Grimson + Luke Seymoup + Joe Guiton Old Bar, Fitzroy. 3:00pm.

Marty Kelly Drunken Poet, West Melbourne.

3:00pm.

Nice Boy Tom Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 8pm.

Rocky Water Fest 2 - Feat: Red Lotus + Vacant Image + One More Weekend + More Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East.

2:00pm.

The Drunken Poachers Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 8pm.

The Jump Devils Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9pm.

The Original Cartridge Family Union Hotel (Brunswick), Brunswick. 7pm.

Yolanda Ingley Ii - Feat: Tim Mcmillan + Rachel Snow + Tom Bolton Open Studio, Northcote. 2:00pm. $12.00.

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Sunday Dec 24 Hip Hop & R&B Hot Fudge Sundays - Feat: Epoch + D’fro + Ilresponce + Dion Jackson + And More Lucky Coq, Windsor. 3:00pm.

Killer Hertz + Special Guests Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 9pm. $10.00.

House, Electro, Trance & Club Nights Christmas Eve Rooftop Party - Feat: Melinda Hall + Samantha Louise + Beth Grace + More Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy.

12:00pm.

Cushion Sundays Cushion, St Kilda. 9pm.

Dj Damien Mack Sloth Bar, Footscray. 3:30pm.

Jungle Tramp, Melbourne CBD. 6:00Am. $15.00.

Revolver Sundays + Various Djs Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7:00Am.

Tilt Shift Xmas Eve - Feat: Glitch + Mutant Dance + Sam Mcniece + More Section 8, Melbourne CBD. 3:00pm.

Jazz, Soul, Funk, Latin & World Music Chris Tanner Fitzroy Pinnacle, Fitzroy North.

4:00pm.

Deuteranopia + Bailey Judd Open Studio, Northcote. 5:00pm. $5.00.

Mick Thomas & The Roving Commission + The Killjoys + Jon Von Goes Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 2:30pm.

Rachel Caddy + Violett Fraser + Jikella & Parlo Open Studio, Northcote. 2:00pm.

Sunday Northern Soul Sessions St Kilda Sports Club, St Kilda. 3:00pm.

The Detonators Royal Hotel (Mornington), Mornington. 3:00pm.

The Old Married Couple + More Open Studio, Northcote. 8pm.

Indie, Rock, Pop, Metal, Punk & Covers A Very Brunny Christmas - Feat: Dj Max Mannix + More Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick.

7pm.

Bornstein Ultimatum Goathouse Café Roastery, Elsternwick. 4:00pm.

Dj Slim Rhythm Gem Bar, Collingwood. 8pm.

Jalopy Demons Gem Bar, Collingwood. 7pm.

Letters To Lions, Zeferelli + Letters To

Lions + Zeferelli + And Guests Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8pm. $15.00.

Matt Glass & The Loose Cannons Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 3:00pm.

Mr. Stitcher, The Cigarrillos + Mr. Stitcher + The Cigarrillos Last Chance Rock And Roll Bar, North Melbourne. 2:00pm.

No Dramas Trio Westernport Hotel, San Remo. 9pm.

Shane Murphy Ascot Vale Hotel, Ascot Vale.

8pm.

Traumaboys + Bad Bangs + Eye Seaweed + Smöck Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 3:00pm. $8.00.

Very Handsome Men Tago Mago, Thornbury.

5:00pm.

Acoustic/Country/Blues/ Folk

Acoustic Sundays - Feat: Michelle Gardiner + Paige Spiers + Paige Smith Customs House Hotel, Williamstown. 2:00pm.

Alex Burns Drunken Poet, West Melbourne.

4:00pm.

Craig Woodward Loretta’s, Fitzroy North.

6pm.

Dan & Cyril Drunken Poet, West Melbourne.

6.30pm.

Elwood Blues Club Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 4:00pm.

Jordan Clay & The Skeleton Band Longplay, Fitzroy North. 7pm.

Moondogs Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 7pm.

The Hornets Bar Open, Fitzroy. 6.30pm.

Monday Dec 25 Indie, Rock, Pop, Metal, Punk & Covers James Brown Xmas - Feat: Chris Gill + Pierre Baroni + Miss Goldie + Ginger Light + More John Curtin Hotel, Carlton.

12:00Am.

House, Electro, Trance & Club Nights Dnb Mondays Horse Bazaar, Melbourne CBD. 7pm.

Mc Stojan, Dj Shone + Mc Stojan + Dj Shone Trak Lounge Bar, Toorak. 9pm. $35.00.

Monday Funday - Feat: T-Rek + Kalus

+ Keesh + Zac Depetro + Ali Kh + More Brown Alley, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

Orphans’ Xmas - Feat: Oisima + Mr Pitiful + Sleezy Jesus + More Section 8, Melbourne CBD. 12:00pm.

Tuesday Dec 26 Indie, Rock, Pop, Metal, Punk & Covers Old Bar 1St Annual Boxing Day Benefit - Feat: Yachay Astral + Skulls + Winternationale + More Old Bar, Fitzroy.

6pm. $10.00.

The Resignators Cherry Bar, Melbourne CBD. 8pm.

House, Electro, Trance & Club Nights Boxing Day - Feat: Jarface + Deadlips Penny Black, Brunswick. 12:00pm.

Boxing Day Rooftop Party - Feat: Luke Vecchio + More Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy.

12:00pm.

Hip Hop & R&B 2On + And More Ferdydurke, Melbourne CBD. 7pm.

Ruckman Brothers + And More Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10.00.

Acoustic/Country/Blues/ Folk Boxng Day Blues - Feat: Geoff Achison + Chris Wilson Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7.30pm. $25.09.

This Space Could Be Yours

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Khokolat Koated

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37

Interviews

Hire a Kombi

Photo by Kirk Richards

Why did you start Hire a Kombi? After five years of restoring kombis and watching them go to good homes, we felt a sense of emptiness. We felt it was time to put in the hard work to create a fleet that we could finally hold on to and share with those who really wanted to experience the joy of a kombi without having to buy one.

What is it about your vans that so many people love? We’re very grateful that our business grew organically and attracted folk that searched for us to fulfil their kombi dream. We quite often have returns where the first comment is “That was the best holiday ever.” We believe this is achieved instantly when they get behind the wheel of our kombis or beetle as it gives them a feeling of a life slowed down.

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What makes a road trip in a Kombi different?

A drive in a kombi is so different to the modern vehicle. The modern vehicle has you placed among the traffic, whereas the kombi has you admired and appreciated by the traffic. You are now in your own little bubble of joy, appreciating your surrounds from a new perspective, chasing waterfalls, beaches or rolling hills, accepting waves from strangers.

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What makes Hire a Kombi unique? If you know anyone who owns a kombi, ask them to let you drive and it’s highly likely they will knock you back. This is why we are one of the very few in Australia ± and only ones in Victoria ± who do what we do. Our kombis and beetle are used for camping, weddings, roadtrips, photoshoots and corporate campaigns and the list will continue to grow in the near future.

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Learn more at hireakombi.com.

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2

13 Crossword Terrible

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Across 3 7 8 10 12

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5 7

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Flattened bits of tree.

Tube of leaves.

Handheld sunlight.

Adult pickle.

The political and economic theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, later developed by their followers to form the basis of communism.

Down 1

Evil swoopy bird of death.

2 4 5 6 9 10

A portable up.

House opening.

Grass barber.

Car food.

Frozen rain.

Disappointing fruity children© s party drink.

Face hat.

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Rubber bag of gas.

Melbourne Overheard

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facebook.com/melbourne.overheard

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Across

Down

3 Flattened bits of tree. NEW TALENT 1 Evil swoopySEEKING bird of death.

AGENCY DJ'S, BANDS ALL MUSICAL ACTS for paid 7 Tube of leaves.

2 A portable up.work please email us your to: LFdemosnow@gmail.com 8 Handheld sunlight.

4 House opening.

10 Adult pickle.

5 Grass barber.

38 BEAT.COM.AU 12 The political and economic 6 Car food. theories of Karl Marx and 9 Frozen rain.

Friedrich Engels, later

Classifieds

AND details

BASS PLAYER AVAILABLE. Located in the western suburbs with 37 years of experience. Funk/blues/soul/rock. Available to tour. Pro Gear.

Phn: 0430 274 728 Email: ausmuso@virginbroadband.com.au

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BEAT.COM.AU 39

Coming up in 2018 Sydney Opera House presents

Paul Weller 27 – 29 Jan

Kamasi Washington 13 Mar

Ben Folds Paper Aeroplane Request Tour 1 & 6 Feb

Seu Jorge 25 Mar

Moses Sumney 8 Feb The National 21 – 22 Feb The Rubens 3 Mar Grizzly Bear 12 Mar

#SOHMusic

Book now sydneyoperahouse.com

40 BEAT.COM.AU

Robert Plant 26 – 27 Mar Youssou Ndour 28 Mar José González 31 Mar Belle & Sebastian 5 May

Matt Berninger (The National) Sydney Opera House Forecourt, 2014

Sydney Opera House Principal Partner