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ISSUE 1685 • OCTOBER 16 • 2019
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ISSUE 1685
Contents EDITOR Tom Parker DIGITAL EDITOR Caleb Triscari
Page 27 – 70
Ultimate Festival Guide
SUB EDITOR Kate Streader EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Joshua Martin, Kate Streader, Jonti Ridley, Annie-Mei Forster GRAPHIC DESIGNER Erica May MANAGING DIRECTOR Patrick Carr ADVERTISING Greg Pettinella (Advertising/Editorial) greg@beat.com.au Mark Stockden (Advertising/Editorial) mark@beat.com.au ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE accounts@furstmedia.com.au DISTRIBUTION Free every second Wednesday to over 3,200 points around Melbourne. Along with being handed out at Train Stations. Wanna get BEAT? Email distribution@ furstmedia.com.au GIG GUIDE SUBMISSIONS now online at beat.com.au SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Ian Laidlaw CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Harris, Lewis Nixon, Sally Townsend, Andrew Friend, Rochelle Flack, Anna Madden, Dan Soderstrom, Joshua Braybrook, Tasha Strachan, James Hughes COLUMNISTS Christie Eliezer, Sose Fuamoli, Augustus Welby, Morgan Mangan, D’arcy McGregor, Sam Howard, Anna Rose
Page 71
Page 80
The Meanies
Halloween Special
Editor’s Note Sometimes life throws fire-laced curveballs at you. Putting together a 96-page magazine could be considered a roaring Mitchell Starc inswinger but now I’m talking cricket. Beat Magazine is a beast from this Wednesday October 16 – it’s festival season and that’s the catch. There’s a gazillion of these extravaganzas on our doorstep and you’re probably not ready… or maybe you are. Needless to say, what beckons as you take a right turn down spring street (the season, not the inner Melbourne thoroughfare) is wondrous expeditions that envelope any genre under the sun. We’re lucky enough to be profiling a bunch of these – it’s like speed dating, but for festivals, so dive in and freestyle like you’re Ian Thorpe racing for gold (another sport reference, sigh). You’ll be reading about everything from the New Year’s bastion Falls Festival, to the ever-growing Tasmanian hoot, Party In The Paddock, all the way through to Bluesfest, which sits in April at the top of Mt Everest… you have to scale the heights first though. Coinciding with our Ultimate Festival Guide comes our exploration of Halloween, the fabled yearly celebration which only grows rapidly by the year. Maybe you’d like to get all spooky at Luna Park for their Spooktober extravaganza or party it up at Spice Market in your best getup. Speaking of getup, we chat to Hardware Lane Costumes about everything they’ve got in store for the occasion – they’ve got all the tips to ensure you look scary as hell.
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News Arts Guide Columns Darebin Music Feast Gomez, D.A.F. Ultimate Festival Guide The Meanies, Ausmuteants The Waifs, The Teskey Brothers Melanie Valentine, Owen Campbell X Ambassadors, Ruckus 1.0
/BeatMag @BeatMagazine /beatTV @beatmagazine
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TOM PARKER, EDITOR
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CONTRIBUTORS Alexander Crowden, Dan Watt, Augustus Welby, Alex Watts, David James Young, Bronius Zumeris, Natalie Rogers, Holly Pereira, Claire Morley, Jacob Colliver, Anna Rose, Christopher Lewis, Christine Tsimbis, Eliza Booth, Ellen Pritchard, Holly Denison, James Robertson, Rhys McKenzie, Jono Coote, Jonathan Reynoso, Lexi Herbert, Luke Carlino, Marnie Vinall, Maria Glykokalamos, Meg Crawford, Scott Hudson, Tammy Walters
75 76 77 78 79 80-85 86 87 88
Luke Williams, First Wives Pub You Am I x Young Henrys, Moon Dog World Dreamboogie, Temperance Hotel 60 Seconds With… Beat Eats Halloween Special Best New Album Album Reviews Gig Guide
GIVEAWAY Summer is right around the corner and we’re giving away a bunch of festival double passes to celebrate. Head to beat.com.au/win for more info.
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ALI BARTER 08/11
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15/02 - OKILLY DOKILLY USA 27/02 - BRASS AGAINST USA 29/02 - BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME USA 27/03 - POP WILL EAT ITSELF UK
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& FRIENDS - SEASONS GREETINGS 17/12 SELLING FAST
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NEWS
News
New Order ANNOUNCE THEIR RETURN DOWN UNDER UK champions New Order have announced their glorious return to Australia, with shows in Melbourne and Sydney in March next year. Having last visited our shores in 2016 when they joined the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Sydney’s hallowed Opera House, New Order’s impending visit is set to be a momentous occasion. The band has long stood as one of music’s most innovative acts and gifted us with seminal tracks such as ‘Blue Monday’, ‘True Faith’, and ‘Bizarre Love’. New Order also announced Melbourne audiences will be treated to the pulsing beats of dance quartet Cut Copy on support duties while both Sydney and Melbourne audiences will witness a warm-up set from electro-pop favourites Confidence Man. New Order bring their immersive live show to Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday March 14. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek.
Image by Ethan Zahorodnyj
Nightmares on Wax
City Calm Down
Living Room Festival
Levi’s
Thornhill
DECLARE AN INDEFINITE HIATUS
UNVEILS HUGE INTERNATIONAL ACTS
REVEAL AUSMUSIC DAY T-SHIRTS
SELL OUT ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
Releasing their third album Television mere months ago and currently touring Australia’s east coast, City Calm Down seemed to be at the height of their game. However, the Melbourne four-piece have announced they will be taking an indefinite hiatus once their October tour wraps up. The alt-indie band are set to perform in Melbourne this month, part of their last string of shows for the foreseeable future. City Calm Down hit The Croxton on Saturday October 26. Secure your tickets now via Oztix.
The Living Room Festival is making its sophomore return in 2019 for an expanded event packed with more artists, couches and home décor comforts. The festival has announced Germany’s Motor City Drum Ensemble will headline the stacked lineup of international and local acts. With purveyor of soul and funk, Jeremy Underground, Acid Pauli, and Nightmares on Wax joining the bill for an exclusive trip Down Under. All the action goes down on Saturday November 9 at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne. Secure your tickets now via Eventbrite.
Representing a massive nation-wide celebration of Australian music, Ausmusic T-Shirt Day reminds us how lucky we are to have so many highly talented and successful local artists. However, many people in the industry are doing it tough and music charity Support Act are here to help. This year, Levi’s has partnered with Angus and Julia Stone, Ruel, Ocean Alley, Parkway Drive, Tkay Maidza and INXS to create six limited-edition tees, with 100 per cent of net proceeds going directly to Support Act. Ausmusic T-shirt Day takes place on Friday November 15. Grab a Levi’s X Support Act tee from the levi’s website.
With their debut album The Dark Pool yet to be released, Melbourne’s metalcore fivepiece Thornhill have already sold out the album launch show set to take over Stay Gold on Friday November 15. The new record was introduced with a pelting lead single ‘Nurture’ and accompanying video, which marks the band’s next assault on the local heavy scene. If you missed out on tickets, all isn’t lost – you can soon blast your ears with new tunes when The Dark Pool drops on Friday October 25.
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NEWS
FLOW Festival ANNOUNCE LINEUP CHANGES Just months out from its inaugural event, FLOW Festival has made some slight changes to its lineup due to circumstances outside of festival organisers’ control. Previously announced South African act Sho Madjozi has pulled out of the event due to the current political climate in South Africa, as well as a date clash which sees FLOW coincide with Reconciliation Day. Stepping in and joining an already stacked lineup, including the likes of Kaiit, FLEXMAMI and SO.Crates, comes rising stars Milan Ring and Agung Mango. FLOW Festival hits Footscray Community Arts Centre on Saturday December 14. Tickets are on sale now via Humanitix.
Milan Ring
Thando
Image by Graham Tolbert
Opiuo and CloZee
X Ambassadors
Looking out, Looking in
Hiss Golden Messenger
ANNOUNCE HEADLINE SHOWS
ANNOUNCE AUSSIE TOUR
R&B PLAYLIST DROPPED
TO MAKE THEIR AUSTRALIAN DEBUT
Straight from the stages of the world’s biggest festivals, New Zealand’s Opiuo and France’s own enigmatic export CloZee look to bring their thundering basslines Down Under. Performing in Sydney and Melbourne for one night, the headliners will be joined by San Francisco’s dark electronic artist Mad Zach, as well as Canadian DJ and producer The Librarian. Opiuo and CloZee are set to take over Melbourne’s Forum Theatre on Friday February 14. Tickets are available now via venue website.
US rockers X Ambassadors have unveiled a string of Aussie tour dates to celebrate the release of their most recent record. X Ambassadors released their latest album, ORION, back in June. One of the tracks off the record, ‘BOOM’, touches on themes of emphatic recovery and personal improvement. The artwork for ‘BOOM’ is written in Braille and produced with a yellowon-black design, the first piece of work keyboardist and blind member Casey Harris is able to experience visually. X Ambassadors are heading to The Croxton on Friday February 7. Get your tickets via Secret Sounds.
The second instalment of Melbourne’s Looking out, Looking in playlist series has been unveiled. Curated by Melbourne singersongwriter Thando, volume two puts a spotlight on stellar musicians including Akosia, Sampa The Great and Saskwatch. With R&B, soul, instrumental funk and new jack swing placed front and centre, the new playlist is definitely representative of Melbourne’s diverse music scene. If you’re keen to give the second instalment of the Looking out, Looking in playlist series a listen, you can stream it via Spotify. Happy listening.
Hot off the heels of their new album Terms of Surrender, US band Hiss Golden Messenger have announced their first-ever Australian tour with special guest Erin Rae. In what is set to be an emotional experience of light and dark, audiences can expect the steady churning of acoustic guitars and the weaving sounds of organs. Hiss Golden Messenger are set to perform on Wednesday January 22 at Elizabeth Murdoch Hall. For more information and tickets, visit the Melbourne Recital Centre website.
Dreamboogie
Coopers Blues Music Festival LINEUP ANNOUNCED The Coopers Blues Music Festival returns for its eighth year and is set to offer up a celebration of all things blues. Set to take over The Paddock in Fed Square, this completely free event rocks a stellar lineup. Hitting this year’s festival are homegrown singerguitarist Jimi Hocking and his Blues Machine, Dreamboogie, T.K. Reeve, Blue Sunday and plenty more. The Coopers Blue Music Festival is going down on Sunday October 20 at Fed Square. For more info and tickets, head to the festival website.
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Adrian Eagle, image by Clare Nica
Mojo Juju
Generations
Vampire Weekend
CELEBRATING MULTICULTURAL ARTS
ANNOUNCE TWO INTIMATE AUSTRALIAN SHOWS
The Immigration Museum is presenting a brand new event devoted to multicultural arts and music. Generations is a daylong celebration of Melbourne’s diverse community, showcasing the powerful forces molding culture and society. Heading to the festival are singer-songwriter Adrian Eagle, poet Maxine Beneba Clarke, R&B icon Thando and many more. Ticketholders will also get access to the Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Marks exhibition currently underway. Generations takes place on Saturday October 26. Tickets are $15 via the museum website.
As part of their Father of the Bride tour, indie rockers Vampire Weekend have announced they’ll be playing two intimate sideshows in addition to their headline gig at the upcoming Falls Festival. It’s been six years since the band has released an album and to celebrate, they’ll be playing two very special shows in both Melbourne and Sydney early next year. Given the intimacy of the venues, tickets are expected to sell out quick, so think fast. The band is set to take over Melbourne’s Forum Theatre on January 7. Tickets are on sale now via Frontier Touring.
Australian Women in Music Awards WINNERS ANNOUNCED The winners of the second annual Australian Women In Music Awards were recently announced in Brisbane. For the second year in a row, blues powerhouse Mojo Juju took out the APRA AMCOS songwriter award. Country icon Joy Mckean OAM went home with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and beloved pop singer Christine Anu received two accolades, the Diversity in Music award and the Artistic Excellence award. For a complete rundown of the winners, visit the Australian Women in Music Awards website.
TOURING NATIONALLY
SAT 2 NOV THE WOOL EXCHANGE, Geelong SUN 3 NOV PRINCE BANDROOM, St Kilda MON 4 NOV THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL, Yarraville facebook.com/ProShowsEntertainment facebook.com/DontChangeINXS facebook.com/sixbynineagency
THE SLIDE OVER HERE TOUR DontChangeVICNovA3V2.indd 1
13/7/19 2:13 pm
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NEWS
Blue Hour
Image by Allan Amato
Bernard Fanning
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Amanda Palmer
Riverboats Music Festival
Japanese Film Festival
ANNOUNCES AUSSIE TOUR
UNVEILS 2020 PROGRAM
IS COMING TO MELBOURNE
PRESENT ‘2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY’
Punk cabaret legend Amanda Palmer has just unveiled a massive list of Australian tour dates, set to kick-off days before the new year. Palmer is expected to appear at a number of festivals throughout her run Down Under, including Woodford Folk Festival, Mona Foma and two nights at Adelaide Fringe. So, rally your mates and start the new year right. Palmer will be performing in Melbourne on Wednesday January 22 at Hamer Hall. For more information on her national tour, head to her website.
The sunsoaked Riverboats Music Festival has just unveiled the perfect lineup to see off the end of summer. Spread across three days in mid-February, next year’s lineup comes complete with Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning, Eurovision star Kate MillerHeidke, homegrown legend Bob Evans, alt-rockers Something for Kate, Indigenous singer-songwriter and activist Archie Roach and many others. Riverboats Music Festival runs between Friday February 14 and Sunday February 16 in Echuca-Moama. Tickets are on sale now via the festival website.
Boasting 29 feature films and one captivating documentary, Japanese Film Festival returns to Melbourne. The program features the likes of Blue Hour, the directorial debut of upand-comer Yuko Hakota; Shinzo Katayama’s Siblings of the Cape; Fly Me to the Saitama; Masquerade Hotel; A Girl Missing and loads more. From murder mysteries to musical comedies, the sprawling lineup has something for everyone. Japanese Film Festival comes to ACMI and The Capitol Theatre from Thursday November 21 until Friday December 1. Tickets via the festival website.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are set to perform the epic sci-fi flick 2001: A Space Odyssey, and you bet it’s going to be out of this world. Originally released in the ‘60s, this masterpiece will be accompanied by full orchestral backing and performance by the MSO chorus. The live presentation is set to take off on Saturday January 25 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets via the MSO website.
Image by Melina Lindinger
Stereolab
Sons of Lee Marvin
Dose
Camille Barr
Zoo Twilights
REVEAL ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
AN EVENING OF ELECTRONICA
REVEALS MAMMOTH 2020 PROGRAM
As part of the mammoth Darebin Music Feast program, Sons of Lee Marvin will unveil their latest album Minimum Underdrag at Swamplands. With support from MJ Halloran and Trauma Boys, it’s set to be a rollicking night. The album launch goes down on Saturday October 26, with tickets available via the festival website. Darebin Music Feast runs from Sunday October 20 until Sunday October 27 across various venues.
Described as an antidote to urban city noise pollution and stress, Dose is a live experimental journey of electronica that will massage your brain and soothe your soul. With sets from TOecUTTER, Hextape, Astra La Vista featuring Angus Donald, null hypothesis, and Xian, you can soak in the sounds of the genre’s diverse sounds and offshoots. It’s happening at The Evelyn Hotel on Sunday October 27, entry is $10. Find out more on the venue’s website.
RELEASES NEW SINGLE AND POETRY BOOK Making her start as a poet in Byron Bay, Camille Barr’s flair for words quickly evolved into a penchant for songwriting. But that’s not to say she’s abandoned her roots. Delivering a double whammy, Barr has released her debut single ‘A Little Gypsy Song’ under the moniker The Last Folk Singer alongside a new book of poetry titled Rise (Demoratise). Both works are available via her website, thelastfolksinger.com.
The iconic outdoor concert series which envelopes Melbourne Zoo each summer is set to return early next year, and the 2020 program is sure to have your mouth watering. Aussie pop royalty ICEHOUSE lead the bill alongside soul and R&B queen Mavis Staples and English-French art pop pioneers Stereolab. Zoo Twilights will also welcome Weyes Blood, Julia Jacklin, Mildlife, Missy Higgins and so many more. It’s happening each weekend from Friday January 24 until Saturday March 7. Tickets are on sale from 8am on Tuesday October 22 via the Zoo Twilights website.
STEREO
FUNK/DISCO | RNB L ATIN HOUSE | REG GAE TON
AT TE MPE R AN CE featuring
ADAM TRACE MARCUS KNIGHT GARRY SHEBA
$10
LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC
C U BA L I B RE
featuring
ADAM TRACE NICK VAN WILDER DJ TPC + SPECIAL GUESTS
LUKE JOSEPH / JACK & JORDON
PISCO SO URS
$15
5–8PM $10 ESPRESSO MARTINIS
O P E N T I L L AT E NO COVER CHARG E
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sunday sessions $7 PINTS $7 WINE/BASICS $10 BLOODY MARYS/SPRITZ
4 2 6 C H A P E L S T, S O U T H YA R R A TEMPER ANCEHOTEL .COM. AU
6:30pm Wed, Oct
30
The Clyde Hotel
Song Appetit
with Adam Simmons & Alessandra Garosi
Adam Simmons, one of Australia’s most prolific and adventurous contemporary musicians, is joined by visiting Italian pianist Alessandra Garosi whom he met in the 2009 International “Alternative” Festival in Prague.
7:30pm Sat, Oct
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Church of St Mark
Vocal Agents & Melbourne Georgian Choir
A concert of jazz, soul, reggae, pop and gospel and the ageless polyphony of Georgia. 8:00pm Fri, Nov
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Box Hill CAC
La Vida una Canción
7:00pm Thu, Nov
7
Liz Carroll and Kate Burke
Visiting American born fiddler and Senior All Ireland Championship winner Liz Carroll plays one intimate Melbourne concert with guitarist Kate Burke. 7:30pm Wed, Nov
Senes Flamenco presents their latest show with Alejandro Florez, Angel Mellado, Aya Kitaoji with guests Javier Fredes and Antony Hadjon.
Abbotsford Convent
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Alliance Francaise St Kilda
Zanmi de Zil
Stella Savy, Darrell Belle and Wayne Parker perform a selection of songs from the exotic islands of Seychelles, Mauritius and some Caribbean classics.
boite.com.au 03 9417 3550 – events@boite.com.au
www.melanievalentinemusic.com
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Arts Guide BEAT’S K TOP PIC
The Disappearing Trilogy NO ONE LIKES A ONE-STAR REVIEW One-woman show, The Disappearing Trilogy, arrives at Carlton’s La Mama Theatre from Wednesday October 16 until Sunday October 27. Created and performed by Suzie Hardgrave, the production centres around the protagonist receiving a one-star review and her career slowly fading away. She must avoid losing her work entirely and a path of selfdestruction. The work is based off Hardgrave’s university research on actors disappearing into characters. Split into three episodes, the show investigates various aspects of the actress and her roles on and off stage. If you want to get your money’s worth, you can enter the discount code‘DOUBLETROUBLE’ and get $10 off full price tickets when you book in to see both The Disappearing Trilogy and Savannah Bay on Thursday nights. For more info, head to La Mama’s website.
FILM REVIEW
Joker
There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding Todd Phillips’ entry into the DC universe. Early reviewers condemned the overly dark and disturbing nature of Phillip’s Joker, while other speculators voiced concerns that it would endorse violence or
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provoke a certain community of men, some without even seeing the film. Sure, Joker is gritty and distressing at times, but anyone who can’t appreciate the stylised depiction of the tale should probably spend more time worrying about the news. Joker tells the story of Arthur Fleck, a struggling rent-a-clown who lives at home with his mother and desperately wants to be a comedian, just as badly as he wants to be loved. As the world starts kicking him down, both literally and metaphorically, Fleck’s grip
on reality and his ability to distinguish wrong from right start to slip. No one ever sought an origin story for Joker. In fact, fans presumed it would do the character an injustice. But as production for Joker began and more details leaked, the notion of an origin story became more enticing, with Phillips – director of The Hangover and Old School – a strange choice but clearly passionate about the project. Then news broke that Martin Scorsese would produce Joker while Joaquin Phoenix would be the film’s star, both legends in their respective fields, and the prospect became much more significant. While Scorsese did not end up producing the film, finally, following an eight-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival, it started gaining serious Oscar buzz. The result is quite unique and vastly different to any DC film we’ve had in recent times. It’s respectful of the world of Batman, with mentions of the Wayne family & Arkham Asylum, but also a clear homage to the Scorsese universe – particularly Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy.
Phoenix’s painstaking rendition of Joker is magnetic. Considering we’ve seen four theatrical versions of the character in the past thirty years, not to mention numerous video games, animations and TV series, it’s remarkable to have something that feels new yet still true to Joker’s identity. Production-wise, Phillips has come a long way since his frat comedy Road Trip. Each shot is meticulous-crafted, opting for slightlyoffset positioning and ultra-slow zooms, not to mention the retro colour palette that makes it all feel like some vivid nightmare. That being said, Joker is not perfect. The subplot with love-interest Sophie Dumond (Zazie Beetz) is cliché and distracting, and Phillips spends far too long watching his title character get beaten down, which becomes uncomfortable. In all, this is definitely DC’s best film since Wonder Woman. If you’ve heard the hype surrounding Joker, please check it out before judging. BY CHRIS BRIGHT Joker is in cinemas now.
HEART OF ST KILDA CONCERT 23 OCT STARRING THE TESKEY BROTHERS – JOE CAMILLERI – STEPH TISDELL – CARL BARRON
DAN SULTAN – RHONDA BURCHMORE – THE CHANTOOZIES – ROB SNARSKI – PIERCE BROTHERS KIKI COURTIDIS – THE MELTDOWN – BILLY MILLER, REBECCA BARNARD & THE CARAVAN CHOIR MC BRIAN NANKERVIS
TICKETMASTER.COM.AU OR CALL 136 100
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ARTS GUIDE
The Village Festival 140 EVENTS OVER THREE DAYS Community arts event The Village Festival is returning to Fitzroy for its 15th year in late October. This year’s program contains more than 140 different elements, covering theatre, visual art, music, food and ritual. Highlights from this year’s program include master storytellers Bunk Puppets, acrobat performances from Sunset Ritual and the paw-fect Village Dog Show (BYO pooches). Catch The Village Festival at Edinburgh Gardens between Friday October 25 and Sunday October 27. For more info, head to thevillagefestival.com.au.
Digital Writers’ Festival
Bright Star
Tammy Kanat
Token Armies
LET’S GET LITERARY
LANDS IN AUSTRALIA
CIRCLES OF LIFE
MAN AND MACHINE, TOGETHER
If you’ve ever wanted to build up your writing skills in the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck: the Digital Writers’ Festival is right around the corner. Spread out over five days, the festival’s program is jam-packed with webinars, masterclasses and tools on digital storytelling, AI and much more. The festival runs between Tuesday October 29 and Saturday November 2. Tickets available via the festival website.
Comedian Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s bluegrass musical Bright Star is coming to Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel in late October. The show tells the story of love, redemption and regret in the ‘20s and ‘40s of the American South. The premiere was nominated for five Tony Awards back in 2016. The Australian premiere of Bright Star runs between Friday October 25 and Sunday November 3. For more info, head to Chapel Off Chapel’s website.
Melbourne-based artist Tammy Kanat is presenting four commissioned works to NGV Australia later this month. Specialising in woven tapestry, Kanat’s recent work has focused on circular forms that often represent themes of unity, inclusion, wholeness and infinity. Kanat’s work is inspired by colour theory, rare Japanese colour dictionaries and the works of Bauhaus artist Gunta Stölzl and modernist artist Sonia Delaunay. The exhibition kicks off Friday October 25 at NGV Australia. Entry is free.
Premiering at the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Chunky Move’s Token Armies is Australian choreographer Antony Hamilton’s most ambitiously scaled work to date. The work seeks to scrutinise the fixation on human primacy, placing more than 20 performers alongside biomechanical life forms. Hamilton’s work tends to be quite philosophically motivated, centring on themes with concrete significance. The performance runs from Wednesday October 16 until Sunday October 20 at Meat Market. Tickets via the festival website.
Lobby Hero
Heide Museum Workshop
Everything Is Borrowed
Stand Up for Space2b
NOT YOUR AVERAGE MURDER MYSTERY
GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY
CALLING ALL HOARDERS
COMEDY FOR A CAUSE
Heide Museum of Modern Art is hosting a life sculpting on the afternoon of Saturday October 26. Punters of all skill levels are encouraged to join in and get their hands messy, Patrick Swayze style. By the end of the class, you’ll be provided with the techniques to sculpt the human body out of clay. Tickets to the workshop also get you entry in the Heide Museum, your own workshop materials and a glass of wine. For more info, head to the gallery website.
In his new exhibition Everything Is Borrowed, Callum Preston will showcase a collection of mixed media, multidimensional works in a tribute to the objects we collect over our lifetime and the value we attach to them. As part of his residency, Preston invites the public to come and watch him create the pieces which will be exhibited. Preston’s residency for Everything Is Borrowed is open to the public now. The exhibition will run from Thursday November 21 until Thursday December 19 at KSR Art Bar, the Rialto.
In this thrilling play, running at fortyfivedownstairs, a security guard, a manager, a rookie cop and her senior partner get caught up in a murder investigation. What follows is a night of questionable morals, comedy and drama. Written by Oscarwinning writer Kenneth Lonergan in 2001, Lobby Hero still manages to find relevance to this day. The show kicks off Tuesday October 22 and runs until Sunday October 27. Tickets range between $35 and $45, available via fortyfivedownstairs.com.
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A bunch of iconic Aussie comedians are coming together to support a local cause with Stand Up for Space2b. Space2b is an art and design social enterprise supporting asylum seekers, refugees and newly arrived migrants. The lineup for Stand Up for Space2b includes Colin Lane, Geraldine Hickey, Judith Lucy and more. The show goes down at St Kilda’s Memo Music Hall on Thursday October 31. For tickets, head to memomusichall.com.au.
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER
WHISKY WEDNESDAYS ACOUSTIC SESSIONS
$6 Basic, $9 Premium, $12 Cocktails. 7PM, FREE. THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER 9PM
KIDS NEXT DOOR + THE GREAT EMU WAR CASUALTIES THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER 9PM
NEON SOUL: BERNADETTE NOVEMBRE
& HER 10 PIECE SOUL BAND THURSDAY 31ST OCTOBER 9PM
ROCK BLUES EXTRAVAGANZA THURSDAY 7TH OCTOBER 9PM
FRANK RAYMOND & THE SILHOUETTES EVERY WEDNESDAY WINE & WHINE NIGHT. WINE SPECIALS AND TUNES ALL NIGHT LONG LOCAL LIVE MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY IN THE HEART OF CHINATOWN RANGING FROM SOUL, FUNK, ROCK & FOLK. DJ EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY PLAYING GROOVY TUNES ALL NIGHT.
THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER THURSTY THURSDAYS UNI NIGHT WITH TEQUILA SPECIALS! FEAT:
VIERA MOTEL & GUESTS
$14 jugs beer/cider - with current student card. 7PM, FREE. FRIDAY 18TH OCTOBER
RACHEL ROSE 6.30PM, FREE. LUCY’S LOCKETT, Kinnon, The
Slow Club, Plastic Spaceman 8.30PM, FREE. SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER
MONSTERIA, THE INTERCEPTORS, FLYING SAUCER TERROR & SPECIAL GUEST VIKI MEALINGS 9PM, FREE.
DAREBIN MUSIC FEAST SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER DAREBIN MUSIC FEAST @ SWAMPLANDS OPENING NIGHT! FEAT:
CITY OF COOL ALBUM LAUNCH 4PM, FREE. AMOS ROACH & GUESTS 6PM, FREE.
TUESDAY 22ND OCTOBER
OPEN MIC $15 jugs, free performer drink. 6PM, FREE.
WEDNESDAY 23RD OCTOBER
WHISKY WEDNESDAYS ACOUSTIC SESSIONS
$6 Basic, $9 Premium, $12 Cocktails. 7PM, FREE. THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER THURSTY THURSDAYS UNI NIGHT WITH TEQUILA SPECIALS! FEAT:
VIERA MOTEL & GUESTS
$14 jugs beer/cider - with current student card. 7PM, FREE. FRIDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER
HENRY HUGO AND THE BAR STOOL GHOSTS 6.30PM. DANDELION WINE, BRITTLE SUN (SINGLE LAUNCH), SCARLETT COOK 9PM, PAY AS YOU FEEL.
SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER
GOLD GULL EP LAUNCH 4PM FREE
AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, WE HAVE HAD A VAST ARRAY OF EVENTS… THESE HAVE INCLUDED GIGS BY OUR REGULAR BANDS ROCKY AND THE TWO BOB MILLIONAIRES AND FRANK RAYMOND & THE SILHOUETTES, AS WELL AS FUNDRAISERS, CREATIVE BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS FOR CORPORATES, WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS, WHATEVER PEOPLE HAVE WANTED TO ACHIEVE.
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN DISCUSSING YOUR NEXT PARTY OR FUNCTION CALL JOHNNY ON
(03) 96392700 FAD GALLERY BAR 14 CORRS LANE MELBOURNE
SONS OF LEE MARVIN ALBUM LAUNCH, MJ HALLORAN WITH STEVE BOYLE & TIM O’SHANNASSY, TRAUMA BOYS 9PM, $10. SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER HUGH MCGINLAY & THE RECESSIVE GENES: SKELETON LEAVES ALBUM LAUNCH WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THURSBY, FRIDAY, CONNELL 3PM, FREE. SWAMPIBOLD INAUGURAL PORTRAIT COMP! 3PM-5PM, FREE. LIVING IN CLIP SWAMPLANDS SECOND ANNUAL MUSIC VIDEO COMP! 5PM, FREE. SWAMPLANDS DAREBIN MUSIC FEAST CLOSING PARTY!:
SIRENS AND SONGS CELEBRATE LOCAL SONGWRITERS: JULITHA RYAN & MIA SCHOEN 8PM, $10. TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER
OPEN MIC $15 Pints, free performer drink. 6PM, FREE.
HAPPY HOUR TUE-FRI 5PM-7PM $6 PINTS, $3.50 POTS, $5 WINE/BASIC SPIRITS SWAMP KITCHEN OPEN TUE-SAT 5PM-LATE, 3PM ON SUNDAYS
facebook/swamplandsbar
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COLUMNS
Hip Hop
Electronic
Industry
WITH SOSE FUAMOLI
BY SAM HOWARD
WITH CHRISTIE ELIEZER
Hilltop Hoods nominated, Questlove namedrops and Lil Peep’s mother sues
Talking about mental health in the dance community
Which entertainment apps are fans embracing the most?
The ARIA Awards have announced their Class of 2019 nominees. Across the Best Hip Hop and Best Soul/R&B Release categories, the quality represented is solid – all killer, no filler. For Best Hip Hop Release, there are the usual suspects in Hilltop Hoods (nominated for The Great Expanse) and Illy (‘Then What’), while some strong competition has come through with the addition of Sampa The Great (‘Final Form’), Baker Boy (‘Cool As Hell’) and Tkay Maidza (‘Awake ft. JPEGMAFIA’). When it comes to Best Soul/R&B Release, Kaiit and Adrian Eagle make a power couple entry, with Kaiit’s ‘Miss Shiney’ and Adrian’s ‘A.O.K’ nabbing nominations, while Genesis Owusu (‘WUTD’, ‘Vultures’), Matt Corby (Rainbow Valley) and Tash Sultana (‘Can’t Buy Happiness’) fill out the category. Arguably, the categories are diversifying and this year is looking to be a strong one, particularly in the Hip Hop field. We’ll see who takes it out come the event on Wednesday November 27.
On average, people speak more than 7,000 words per day. Yet mental health is a topic that is barely spoken about – an issue which can have a detrimental impact within the dance music scene. The dance community is often a haven for people to shy away from their worries – a place to distract themselves or to leave qualms for another day. A place to party and forget. And that’s why talking about mental health here is critical. That’s where the idea behind Chewin’ the Fat came about – a dance party dedicated to raising awareness and creating an environment for mental health to be discussed openly. Benji, Lachie, Bryn, Ewan and James found their lives unexpectedly shattered when one of their friends took their own life. It quickly dawned on them that there is little room or opportunity for people to openly discuss difficult parts of their lives, including their own mental states. The group, who come together from a range of collectives (Wax Nomads, Groove Sweat, Modus, Native Home House of Plants and Crate Mates), witness people using partying as a place to escape their problems weekend in, weekend out. “We see so many people just putting a blanket over mental health and we’re trying to remove that blanket so that people can be more open,” Benji says. “People are often reluctant to talk about these things and they need the right environment. Especially dudes – if you’re having a shit day, you’re often told to ‘Suck it up and deal with it’ and this manifests the problems instead,” says Lachie. The crew wanted to run a fundraiser that was “about more than just raising money” and instead, they wanted to “create an event where people could feel comfortable opening up in a supportive environment,” says James. What was intended as a one-off gig has turned into a regular event because of the overwhelmingly positive response they’ve received from both attendees and artists who feel more comfortable providing insights into their own mental health.
Global app revenue topped US$39 billion in first half of 2019, up 15 per cent from first half of last year. The most downloaded in this period were games apps Heart of Vegas and Lightning Link, both of which ranked #2 and #3 of Australia’s top grossing apps. Heart of Vegas generated $10.4 million domestically. Tinder was #1 in Australia, and ranked third in the world in Q1 2019, generating $238 million, with 47 per cent of its revenue from the US and 5.3 per cent from the UK. Another Sensor Tower report forecasts Australia to generate $1.9 billion in sales at App Store by 2023. That is a 121 per cent uptick from the $850 million made last year – a faster growth than North America and Asia, but not as much as Africa, South America and the Middle East. Music apps are not high priority for Australians, with YouTube Music the most downloaded of the lot in the Top 10 in Q1. Globally, in August – the last figures available – the two most downloaded music apps were Spotify and YouTube Music. The figures covered iOS and Android combined and Apple and Google’s app stores. Spotify’s app was installed over 17.5 million times, a 17 per cent increase from August 2018, and lead by the US and India. YouTube Music generated 12.2 million in app sales, a 74 per cent increase from August last year and lead by the US and Brazil. The third most popular was Drum Pad Machine (a Cyprus-based beat-making DJ app), then Shazam and at #5, India’s largest music streaming service Gaana, with over 110 million monthly users and valued at $1 billion. JioSaavn, a Bollywood music offering, was at #6 and then Smule, the San Francisco-based interactive singing app used by 50 million people each month, though it has a low profile in Australia. SoundCoud dropped to #8 from #5 in July. Newcomer NetEase Cloud Music is a Chinese streaming service, while music and beat maker Groovepad rounded off the Top 10. Two Asian music streaming apps are making headway. China’s KuGuo, owned by Tencent Music, is the world’s largest music streaming service with 450 million monthly active users. India’s Wynk Music has 80 million users. So why the absence of Apple Music on the chart? Its integration into the preloaded ‘Music’ app on iOS means ‘installs’ aren’t tracked in the same way, and hence left out. New music apps keep coming into the market, and Australian developers continue to swing above their weight. The winner of BIGTECH in last month’s BIGSOUND in Brisbane was Paperchain who provide daily prices of analytical data of digital platforms to estimate revenue. Other finalists were a live music and DJ booking marketplace (Muso), a solution for tour managers to budget (TourTracks), streamlining enrolments and payment for music education students (SAMii), displaying tabs for songs being listened to (DryTabs), offering solutions for organising parties and events (Hireitem), ways for artists to connect with fans and fellow-creatives (Spirit Level’s The Lab) and a home of 360° VR live music videos (GiG VR).
Sampa The Great
Questlove QUESTLOVE NAMES DE LA SOUL AS THE MOST UNDERAPPRECIATED GROUP OF ALL TIME
In a new interview, Questlove has explained why he considered the iconic De La Soul to be the most underappreciated hip hop act of all time. Promoting his new show, Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America, The Roots’ drummer spoke with Brad Jenkins on the Fired Up With Brad Jenkins podcast about the group. “We have taken from the tree of De La Soul so many times,” he said. “They have never gotten credit for it. I’ll say that. Just as far as - I’ve watched them use samples that [have] later been used and built empires. I’ve seen them do concepts. Everything that De La Soul has done, I’ve seen other people come in and do afterwards and it’s like, ‘Ah!’.” Questlove’s new show is screening in the US now, but is expected to hit streaming services soon. LIL PEEP’S MOTHER SUING MANAGEMENT FOR CONNECTION TO RAPPER’S DEATH
Perhaps this has been spurred on from the recent arrests of men attached to the drug abuse and death of Mac Miller, but now Lil Peep’s mother, Liza Womack, is filing a lawsuit against her son’s former management company. Lil Peep died from a drug overdose aged 21 in 2017, officially listed as a combination of Fentanyl and Xanax. His mother is claiming that while on tour, management normalised his behaviour and encouraged the use of drugs on the road. Documents also claim that Lil Peep was repeatedly given Xanax, Ketamine and other drugs while on tour. Womack is claiming that her son was barely able to communicate, let alone perform, due to the use of drugs, yet his managers let him go on stage to play. Ultimately, she says, the lack of concern for Lil Peep’s health led to his death. She is seeking damages, though the amount is unspecified.
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“I had friends come up to me and say things were totally different for them after the events,” says Bryn. “One friend told me they were so scared to talk, but were able to have a conversation on the dance floor and off it, too. We want people to talk about these sometimes intense, heavy and important subjects in environments with people who will relate.” 100 per cent of profits from Chewin’ the Fat go to mental health charities. You can find the next event on Friday October 25 at The Night Cat featuring visual and musical art from Merve, Midnight Tenderness, Ryan Berkeley, Touchwood and Maya with proceeds going to R U OK.
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER
JULIEN WILSON’S STOCK + ENTROPY QUARTET 8:30PM, DONATION
THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER
HOLOPEAK + DRAGONFRUIT + WOLFA 7PM, DONATION
FRIDAY 18TH OCTOBER
DON’T TEXT YOUR EX + WAY SHIT + MARINA MITCHELL + OH DAISY 8PM, $10
SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER
#STDRUMS + BLISTERED TENTACLE + GIBBERISH 9PM
SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER
THE MAMAS + ZOE FOX + LO-RES + THE CLOTHESLINES + DJ’S 4:30PM, FREE
MONDAY 21ST OCTOBER
303 YARRA BANKS JAM NIGHT 8PM, FREE
TUESDAY 22ND OCTOBER
JOE GUITON & FRIENDS 8PM
WEDNESDAY 23RD OCTOBER
JULIEN WILSON WILSON’S STOCK + ENTROPY QUARTET 8PM, DONATION
THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER
KICKIN THE B AT 303’ THURSDAY HAMMOND SESSIONS:
WEREWOLVES OF MELBOURNE 8PM DOORS, $10
FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER
TALLAWAH HI-FI + HIGHER REGION SOUND SYSTEM 8PM, $10
SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER
SHIPWRECKED 5:30PM, $10
+ HOMEBASS 8PM, $10
SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER
AMY BODOSSIAN 3PM, $10
+ BOHJASS + GLORY B + TOM FRYER BAND + BELINDA WOODS LO-RES + MICK POWER BAND + BEN CHRISTENSON BAND 5PM, $10/$5
MONDAY 28TH OCTOBER
MELBOURNE POLYTECHNIC MUSIC 7PM, FREE
TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER
SMILING POLITELY COMEDY 7:30PM, DONATION
303 HIGH ST NORTHCOTE 03 9482 4577 | 303.NET.AU
FACEBOOK.COM/BAR303NOTHCOTE
Wednesday 16th 8.00pm
‘LOMOND ACOUSTICA’ RUCKUS, DIXIE CHOOKS, FLOYD THURSBY
LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Thursday 17th 8.30pm
WRITER’S BLOCK #54
KIMBERLY WHEELER, ROB GRENVILLE, FREYA HANLY, FRANK JONES, MARNI SHEEHAN, GALLIE W/ JEFF BURSTIN Friday 18th 9.30pm
Wine, Whiskey, Women 8pm: Rachael Lia 9pm: Jorj Thursday 17th October
7pm:
Saturday 19th 9.30pm
MUDTRAIN (Soul rock)
Sunday 20th 5.30pm
THE HELEN RYDER TRIO (Soul roots)
Tuesday 22nd 8.00pm
IRISH SESSION WITH DAN BURKE AND MARTY KELLY Wednesday 23rd 8.00pm
‘LOMONDACOUSTICA’ DON HILLMAN’S SECRET BEACH, THE CLUNK ORCHESTRA, PETER ANDERSON
Friday 25th 9.30pm
ANDY BAYLOR AND THE HONEYDRIPPERS (Roots grooves)
Saturday 26th 9.30pm
BLUES ROULETTE FEAT. ROSS S WARD (Rockin blues)
Sunday 27th 5.30pm
GREG CHAMPION AND THE USEFUL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY (DIY masters)
ALL GIGS ARE FREE 225 NICHOLSON STREET, BRUNSWICK EAST. PH 9380 1752
W/ CHIPS, SALAD & YOUR CHOICE OF BUTTER: CAFÉ DE PARIS; GARLIC OR LEMON & ALMOND FREE POOL & JUKEBOX
TUESDAYS
Friday 18th October
Traditional Irish Music Session 8:30pm: Jean-Claud Sam-Dan 6pm:
$20 PARMA, CHIPS, SLAW & POT TRIVIA & DISCO BINGO FROM 7PM FREE ENTRY – OVER 18’S EVENT
WEDNESDAYS
Saturday 19th October
$20 PIE & POT
Closed from 3:30pm for private function
SLOW COOKED BEEF OR VEGETABLE KORMA
Sunday 20th October
THURSDAYS
Safari Motel 6:30pm: The Wisecracks 4pm:
$20 BURGER, CHIPS & POT FREE POOL & JUKEBOX
FRIDAYS
Tuesday 22nd October
Tuesday Tribute 8pm: The Man From Atlantis plays tribute to John Fahey Wednesday 23rd October
Wine, Whiskey, Women 8pm: Kinnon 9pm: Emily Davis Thursday 24th October
Victor Cripes 9pm: Sascha Klave
8pm:
Thursday 24th 7.30pm
MR SUNSHINES GOODTIME TRIVIA
Open Mic Night
$25 300GM BLACK ANGUS PORTERHOUSE
sign up from 5:30pm
THE VANGUARDS (Rockin blues)
MONDAYS
Wednesday 16th October
Friday 25th October
Traditional Irish Music Session 8:30pm: Nick Saxon
6pm:
HAPPY HOUR (5-7PM) $6 SCHOONERS $8 PINTS
LIVE MUSIC OCTOBER SAT
FUNK RABBIT
OCT
9PM – FREE ENTRY
SUN
OLIVER CLARK
OCT
5PM – FREE ENTRY
19 20 SAT
26 OCT
Saturday 26th October
3pm:
Kraken Folk Session 9pm: The Jump Cats Sunday 27th October
Sarah Carrol & Shannon Bourne 6:30pm: Matt Glass
4pm:
Tuesday 29th October
Tuesday Tribute 8pm: Ciaran Boyle playing the songs of The Pogues The Drunken Poet 65 Peel Street (directly opposite Queen Vic Market), Phone: 03 9348 9797. www.thedrunkenpoet.com.au
VELVET ARCHERS 9PM – FREE ENTRY
SUN
27 OCT
SIMON PAPARO 5PM – FREE ENTRY
BEER OF THE MONTH $6.5 SCHOONERS ALL DAY EVERY DAY ALL EVENTS 18+ AND FREE ENTRY
89 QUEENS PARADE CLIFTON HILL, VIC 3069 PH: (03) 9489 8705 WWW.CLIFTONHILLBREWPUB.COM.AU E: HELLO@CLIFTONHILLBREWPUB.COM.AU
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COLUMNS
Punk
Metal
Turning heads
WITH JAMES LYNCH
WITH ANNA ROSE
WITH AUGUSTUS WELBY
Eye Of The Enemy
Solidifying the Aussie underground – ten years of Maggot Fest
It’s October… but heavy metal isn’t done with 2019 just yet!
New column, new album from 808s & Greatest Hits.
Since 2010, Maggot Fest has been a staple of Melbourne’s underground music community. Each year, the festival has pulled together some of the best punk acts from around the country, each lineup now existing as a snapshot of the most exciting noise coming out of Australia’s underground. With the tenth and final Maggot Fest just around the corner, we got in touch with Alessandro Coco, one of the masterminds behind the festival, to look back on what has become something of an institution for Melbourne music. Despite its growth over the years, Maggot Fest came from pretty humble origins. Started by music journalist Tim Scott, the first year was just a one-off show and a pre-fest basketball competition. “It was a bit more low key,” explains Coco. “Maggot was Tim’s nickname and it was pretty much a way for him to do a show for his birthday. He just wanted to throw a cool party and a gig and put it all into one.” Things quickly gathered steam and by Maggot Fest 4, the brains behind Cool Death Records (Coco, Tom Bradford, and Moses Williams) were called upon to help with that year’s lineup, a relationship that naturally stuck. “It sort of went unspoken, it just became that we were involved because we enjoyed it and we all worked well together.” The following years saw the festival continue to develop and evolve, first expanding out across different venues over multiple days and eventually with bands from America making the trip over to play, an experience that Coco calls “insane”. However, despite the opportunity to stack the lineup with bigger bands, Coco shares that one of the most rewarding elements of the festival has been giving emerging bands a platform amongst the heavy hitters. “I find one of the big walkaways is people chirping about one of the smaller or newer bands – you couldn’t ask for much more than that takeaway, everyone realising how good we’ve got it in Australia.”
Someone said to me recently, “Next week is October”, and my jaw just dropped. Where did the year go?! And by the time you, dear reader, are casting your eyes over these words, we’ll be halfway through the month and with only ten weeks of the year, nay, the decade, left! Whaaa…?! If you’re anything like me, it’s likely the time has flown by because you’ve immersed yourself heavily in the many metal offerings – albums, tours, festivals, more band tees than necessary – we’ve had thrust before our collective faces this year. But it ain’t over yet! Heavy metal is far from done with us. Here’s a few juicy new releases heading our way before the year is out.
Originating as a bedroom project for Melbourne musician Skube Burnell, 808s & Greatest Hits’ first couple of singles came out in late 2015. The project has since evolved into a five-piece band, but Burnell is still at the helm. While some of the songs on Cabin Vibes date back to 2012, Burnell and the band entered the studio for a full day’s recording 12 months ago. Only half of what they recorded made it to the album and everything underwent further mutation as Burnell moved parts around and made space for psych and prog departures. The finished product is rich in woozy textures and full of songs that deconstruct midway through, contradicting the project’s name by shoulder barging the pop formula. “I’m into long songs that go on an adventure,” says Burnell. “I love Television songs like ‘Marquee Moon’ and ‘The Dream’s Dream’. They do the obligatory verse, chorus, then it gets more interesting.” For instance, the beach gothic ‘Tidal Wave’ and mind games examination ‘Jealousy $trikes’ gradually abandon their foundations to usher in rambles of tricked out guitar and repeating chord progressions. There’s a sufficient supply of catchy melodies and lyrics too, but the impressionistic sequences ultimately define Cabin Vibes. “I like starting with a song I’m invested in and letting it unfold and grow rather than putting the same energy into a new song,” says Burnell. Burnell cites The Doors, Television, Broadcast, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and John Lennon as some of his influences. The record includes a cover of Dirty Beaches’ ‘Lord Knows Best’, and it’s an inspired choice. Dirty Beaches songs often sound unfinished, inviting re-arrangement. Burnell cleans up the instrumental and hands lead vocal duties to his band mate, Maddie Felton. With the vocals occupying a more central position, the underlying longing is palpable.
EYE OF THE ENEMY – TITAN
Melbourne’s own metallers Eye Of The Enemy have a brand new album out now via Art Is War Records. These guys are incredibly active members of the Australian heavy metal circuit, playing several notable shows and national tours with international bands including Fleshgod Apocalypse, Fear Factory, At The Gates, Children Of Bodom, and not one but two runs with Amon Amarth! Eye Of The Enemy plan to return to the road early next year. RED SEA – ‘THE SCORE’
Okay so it’s only a single, but if the face-melting riffage in this track from Sydney prog-metal outfit Red Sea is anything to go by, the upcoming EP – slated for release in early 2020 – will be absolutely brutal. Inspired by the #MeToo movement, Trump, and the general state of the world, ‘The Score’ is out now – and if it’s slipped off your radar, shame on you for ignoring such greatness! APOCALYPTICA – CELL-0
My favourite cello-metal maestros! Yeah I know, this one is out in early January, so not technically a contender for metal in this year, but rumour has it we’re to expect a single or two from the ninth studio album to be dropped by the Finnish quartet before the year is out! If that’s not enough to get you excited for some new original tuneage from these classical buffs turned metal gods, you’d best check out their 23-year back catalogue and prepare yourselves.
Cool Death Records
When this year’s festival was announced, it was also revealed that this would be the final Maggot Fest - however, Coco doesn’t sound unmotivated or disappointed. Instead, with the music community at the forefront of the decision, letting the festival go comes as an admission that the role of Maggot Fest is no longer as integral. “Melbourne music is really thriving right now, so there’s less of an urge for us to present it,” he explains. “It’s a weird thing to say and I don’t mean to say it with any ego, but it is nice to look back on the lineups we’ve put together and what that’s done as solidifying this sense of the greater Australian underground. The focus is very much underground music and how vital it is.” Maggot Fest 10 hits The Tote on Friday October 31. Grab your tix via the venue website.
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Thornhill THORNHILL – THE DARK POOL
It’s going to be a minute before you get to enjoy this treat of an album – Friday October 25 through UNFD, to be exact – but I’ve heard it already and, ye gods! This is pure post-hardcore gold! Melbourne five-piece Thornhill are finally set to release their debut full-length album. From the unrelenting riffage of lead single ‘Nurture’, to the sweltering breakdowns and the breathy moments of the rest, The Dark Pool captures the breadth and depth of this group’s knockout brand of heavy.
Cabin Vibes saves its best for last, however. The album’s final triplet of ‘Gloomin’’, ‘The Fear Remains’ and ‘Public Scrutiny’ manipulates the soft tissues of the body, while offering up Burnell’s strongest lyrics. ‘Gloomin’’ is a song about “going overseas and recognising the small bubble you were living in before you left,” says Burnell. ‘The Fear Remains’ sounds like postBeatles George Harrison and aptly relates the feeling of imposter syndrome at a new job. ‘Public Scrutiny’ is a wonky pop song about stage fright and anxiety. It brings the record to a close with an excitable jam that eventually caves in on itself, indicating it’s time to leave the cabin and see the world again. Cabin Vibes is available now via Our Golden Friend. The official launch goes down at the Gaso on Friday November 1 with support from POPPONGENE, Purr Usual and Turtle Wave.
LIVE MUSIC OCTOBER FRIDAY 18 – FRONT BAR
AARON CREIG
THURSDAY 17 OCTOBER
DAN CHAPMAN (FULL BAND) PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS 7.30PM • FREE ENTRY
SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER
PRECURSOR SATURDAY 19 – FRONT BAR
STEPHEN KENNEDY SUNDAY 20 – RESTAURANT 6PM
THE EXCITING MC GILLYCUDDIES FRIDAY 25 – FRONT BAR
ROSSA MCCANN SATURDAY 26 – FRONT BAR
OLLIE & SCUZZIE
DJs MBUG, CHRIS THATCHER, VJ DIVISN & GUESTS. 6PM • $5 DOOR
SPEAKEASY JAZZ JAM ADAM RUDEGEAIR AND HIS HOUSE BAND 6PM – 8PM • FREE ENTRY
DAN REEVES BAND 9PM - 11PM SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER
CITZEN.COM + THE DOPEMAN + SPANKPANTS + FUNKY_J + JAMIE MAC (UK) 9 - 3AM
CATE TAYLOR 5PM NINA ROSE 6PM FRANK BELL 7PM THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER
THE SUNDAY LEAGUE 8-10PM
THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER
MAN FROM ATLANTIS AND THE MOON OF DELIVERANCE OCTAVE PUSSY 8PM • FREE ENTRY
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COVER STORY
Green Noise
AMPLIFY is Darebin Music Feast’s event producer mentorship. Where AMPLIFY aims to give voices to those who don’t have one, its mentorship recipients, Winnie McQuinn and Acacia Coates, will give a voice to a cause that isn’t often thought about. BY ANNA ROSE
The pair will co-produce the Darebin Music Feast closing day with a very special event, Green Noise. Inspired by green initiatives within the music industry and the FEAT (Future Energy Artists) initiative, this project is one Coates is extraordinarily passionate about. “We were seeing a bunch of different initiatives, with the music industry specifically, inspiring us to green up our practices,” she says. “When we saw this event come up and the core aims of the Darebin council, we thought the two married well. “Touring musicians create high amounts of carbon emissions – we wanted to celebrate and spotlight initiatives like [Green Noise] to fuel this movement, to encourage change for greener practices within the industry and other events. “It’s also exciting to see recent announcements like Billie Eilish’s commitment to sustainable touring and plans to educate her fans on environmentalism at her shows. The strategies and ways musicians can incorporate environmental sustainability into their practice seem to be evolving rapidly right now, in response to greater social outcry over climate issues.” The way in which Coates and McQuinn have merged lessons about sustainability practices with a fun day out are far from
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preachy, so you can head along to this allages event and have a great day as well as creating a greener footprint when you attend. “We’re definitely not trying to preach or alienate anyone from the event, but trying to show people through our actions and how we plan the event how you can create change in small ways to have a big impact. “We can be a vehicle for creating change by creating a great event for the community and community bands, educate people through a fun event and music they love. It’s an out-of-the-box way to get people thinking about activism without necessarily shouting at them about it.” Green Noise is an amazing concept and a great cause. It’s not just about spreading the word on environmental issues, but highlighting ways in which members of the music industry, from all facets, can be more environmentally conscious. “Green Noise aims to celebrate and spotlight these kinds of initiatives and, in turn, showcase what musicians and individuals can do themselves,” says Coates. “We are also striving to make our event as sustainable as possible, from booking like-minded local acts, to organising waste and plastic-free artist catering and food and drink offerings, and offsetting the carbon emissions created through our event.
“It’s been a big journey and learning experience for us, seeing different facets to make the event as green as possible – catering, reducing plastics, offsetting the carbon emissions created has been important, as well. There’s not a clear cut template for organisers putting on community gigs, so learning how to apply these emissions to specific events, it’s got us thinking about how, post-event, we can get other events to take a resource or database to empower other event organisers to reduce emissions. That kind of knowledge that we can pool could make a massive difference. As producers of the event, it was important for Coates and McQuinn to invite musicians who are already upholding these methods within their own artistic practices. “Initially, at development of the concept, we were thinking of bands who were really active within environmental causes,” says Coates. “The Vovos are on board – [they’re] an underage band who came out of Girls Rock! Melbourne, but they’re also very active student climate strikers involved in all the recent weekday student driven protests – it ties into the event being all-ages - they’re involved in extinction rebellion protests. “We’re excited to get artists with that likeminded vision on the lineup. It’s important that it is all-ages, because the current push for climate
justice is being pushed by young people.” Green Noise promises to be an event where not only attendees can learn and contribute, but where performers can learn from one another about how they can further their own initiatives. “We’re hoping the whole event can be an opportunity – we’re learning through the whole process of organising the event. The environmental vendors can also be an amazing way to educate. Stalls from Friends Of Merri Creek, AYCC [Australian Youth Climate Coalition] and Seed will be present as well. “For us, it’s a journey exploring the various ways we, and the music and events industry, can make these experiences greener. We plan to keep educating ourselves and staying connected with environmental community initiatives and encourage others to do so too. “We want to continue Green Noise projects in future, both in the form of events and also creating resources/guides to help others make their music and events greener!”
Green Noise is happening as part of Darebin Music Feast on Sunday October 27 at The Thornbury Theatre. Darebin Music Feast runs from Sunday October 20 until Sunday October 27. Head to musicfeast.com.au for more info on the event.
FEATURES
Darebin Music Feast Opening Party BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
To kick off this year’s Darebin Music Feast, 15 bands will hit three stages spread across Bar 303, Northcote Social Club and the Little Eastment St car park. It’s happening all day on Sunday October 20 and not only is it all ages, but it’s free entry for shit’s sake. Without a word of hyperbole, every band and solo artist on the lineup is friggin’ awesome. Here are eight acts you simply cannot miss.
Alice Skye
Cool Sounds
Culte
The Goon Sax
Briggs’ Bad Apples Music imprint calls itself the leading label for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. If that is indeed the case, then there’s no better home for Melbournebased songwriter Alice Skye. The Wergaia woman released her debut LP, Friends With Feelings, last year, relaying an urgent request for better mental health awareness through gently provocative songcraft. “There’s no black or white/But a whole lot of grey,” sings Skye on the album’s title track, succinctly communicating how depression can’t be solved with indifferent rhetoric.
Melbourne’s Cool Sounds are probably tiring of reviewers using their band name as a crutch for critical assessment. Though, that wouldn’t be a problem if they hadn’t so sufficiently lived up to its promise. They don’t sound cool in the sense that their music incorporates trap hats, dancehall cadences or DJ Khaled banging on about fuckboys. Rather, what’s wonderful about the group’s new album, More To Enjoy, is how patently the quintet enjoys making its bright, fiddly, left-of-centre brand of pop music.
Culte, led by Melbourne’s Yura Iwama, are tender-hearted jangle pop dynamos. Even when the group’s triple j-endorsed single, ‘I Don’t Wanna’, cranks up the nasty distortion, it’s not an affront. “I don’t want to die, tonight,” Iwama sings in the chorus, the track’s rollicking energy suggesting there’s simply too much fun to be had for that. The band’s Goodnight EP is not without melancholic deviation, however, which is just as you’d expect from a group of gen Z-ers navigating this increasingly hostile world.
The Goon Sax channel the spirit of post-punk where technical prowess takes a backseat to ideas and chutzpah. The Brisbane band’s three members all possess a charmingly offbeat musicality, which is channelled into their deeply empathetic songwriting. The Goon Sax’s second LP, 2018’s We’re Not Talking, was a striking step forward from their debut, recalling the likes of Television Personalities, The Go-Betweens and Anna Domino. Drummer Riley Jones brought her vocals into the mix, supporting the exposed baritones of Louis Forster and James Harrison with a candid high register.
Image by Naomi Lee Beveridge
Huntly
Jess Ribeiro
Kee’ahn
Rebel Yell
Huntly proudly describe their music as “doof you can cry to”. The Melbourne trio’s debut LP, Low Grade Buzz, proves you don’t need to sacrifice beaming melodicism and driving grooves to make progressive pop music. While much of Low Grade Buzz intends to get bodies moving, it’s not all mindless hedonism. The band’s stylistic range is so impressive that some tracks are barely comparable to others, but the feeling of honesty and humility at its core makes Huntly feel like allies.
There has been a number of high profile releases this year. From Lana Del Rey to Thom Yorke, Solange to Sharon Van Etten, there’s been a lot to absorb simply to stay up to date with the pop cultural conversation. Jess Ribeiro’s psychedelic pop opus, LOVE HATE, is not unhailed – The Guardian gave it four stars while Double J made it a feature album spot – but when people discover it in years to come, there’ll be some confusion as to why it wasn’t held up as a modern classic.
Kee’ahn is a Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal and Badu Island singer-songwriter who relocated from Townsville to Melbourne last year and turned heads with her vocal performance on DRMNGNOW’s early-2019 single ‘Ancestors’. Kee’ahn has since become a full time member of the DRMNGNOW live experience while also growing her solo project. The soulful vocals heard in Neil Morris’ arresting hip hop numbers cross over to the 21-yearold songwriter’s solo work, for which she accompanies herself on guitar.
Spoon’s Britt Daniel and Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig both worked as substitute teachers before their bands hit it big. If the arbiters of artistic success have any sort of sense, then Brisbane’s Grace Stevenson will soon join that list. Stevenson’s day job is far removed from the industrial techno she makes as Rebel Yell. Last year’s Hired Muscle LP combines brawny drum programming and bleeding synthesisers with Stevenson’s reverb-smeared vocals that tend to paint a bleak picture of contemporary life.
The Darebin Music Feast Opening Party is happening at Bar 303, Northcote Social Club and Little Eastment Street Car Park on Sunday October 20. Find our more at musicfeast.com.au.
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FEATURES
Gomez
You know how looking back at your nascent work can be super embarrassing? Well, it’s nothing like that when it comes to Brit, indie sensation Gomez’s sophomore album Liquid Skin, which the band is about to tour in its entirety. BY MEG CRAWFORD
“In a lot of ways, it can be like looking at pictures of yourself from when you’re younger, but it still stands up,” says Ben Ottewell, one of the band’s three singers – albeit the one with pipes pretty much synonymous with Gomez’s sound. While a second album can be a difficult baby for many bands, Gomez managed to top their feted first platter Bring It On (1998) with an even bigger belter a year later in Liquid Skin. For Ottewell, at least part of the album’s success boils down to the fact that they had what he describes as a “broader palette” to work with. “Bring It On was very much based on demos, and a lot of what you hear on that record is a thing we’d recorded in a garage and augmented in a studio,” he explains. “The feeling with that record was that we wanted to keep it as true to our origins as possible. It just sounded good and weird, so why fuck with it? “But when we came to do Liquid Skin, we were in a studio from day one. Back then, there was money in the recording industry,
and we were able to get into Abbey Road and record strings. It was the same approach as with Bring It On in terms of using what was available to us, it just happened that with Liquid Skin, Abbey Road was available to us.” Another significant difference between the two albums is that by the time they came around to recording Liquid Skin, they’d already had the benefit of taking the songs out on the road. “We’d actually played them live a bunch of times, which we’d never done with Bring It On,” Ottewell reflects. “We were incredibly lucky, because other bands usually slog it out on the road for a couple for years before getting signed, but we never did that. We got signed and went straight on the road and played pretty big gigs straight away. “So, Liquid Skin was informed by broader horizons as well – like my first trip abroad, which was a press trip to Paris. That’s ridiculous. It was good to bring back all of that experience and all of those opportunities we had back into the studio.”
That said, Ottewell sees a pretty clear through line from Bring It On to Liquid Skin. “It was a strange time, in a way, because there wasn’t any rest at all – we were either playing gigs or in the studio, so in a lot of ways they’re almost like musical twins, those two records,” he muses. “A lot of those songs were written around the same time as the Bring It On songs. There’s a song called ‘Bring It On’ on Liquid Skin and ‘Revolutionary Kind’ was already written, as was ‘Rhythm & Blues Alibi’. That Gomez is about to play Liquid Skin track-for-track Down Under is a treat for a number of reasons, not least being that they’ve only recently taken the band on the road again following a six-year hiatus. The band had never intended to be away so long and it certainly wasn’t because they were at each other’s throats. Rather, they were just a bit tuckered out. That’s totally
understandable given that they’d been playing consistently since 1997, during which time the band’s lineup remained unchanged. That’s no small feat. When asked about the band’s longevity, Ottewell doesn’t hesitate. “We split the money equally. Everything’s straight down the line.” Happily, playing together again has been akin to riding a bike. “It’s muscle memory, it’s occurred to all of us. When we were in rehearsal before touring again, if you didn’t concentrate, you played it right. We’d played over a thousand shows and it’s been engrained in there somewhere.”
MUSIC
resources. Because people think they’re the only important thing in the world, so they take from everywhere and they think they have a right to do that. Mankind has to be seen different, like part of everything, not on top of the world but part of the world. “Until the ‘60s, ‘70s and really into the ‘80s, people believed in the future. But in the ‘90s, people became disappointed because the things the media and the entertainment industry promised them when they were kids weren’t true. Nowadays, people don’t believe in the future. They think it’s probably going to be worse now. People think ‘I can’t save the world, so I won’t try to’.”
Gomez hit The Lost Lands which comes to Werribee Mansion from Friday November 1 to Sunday November 3. Head to festival website for tickets. They’ve also sold out The Croxton on two nights, Sunday November 10 and Monday November 11.
D.A.F. D.A.F. ist gut, ja! Nein – Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft (or German American Friendship) aren’t just good, they’re the pioneers of an entire genre — along with fellow Düsseldorf innovators Kraftwerk — and boast a massive cult following globally. BY TAMMY WALTERS
After meeting in an underground punk club in 1978, bonding over their mutual desire to make music, Robert Görl and Gabriel “Gabi” Delgado-López hit the rehearsal room to start their project, and ended up introducing the world to Körpermusik (body music). With five albums in three years, including their standout 1981 piece, Alles Ist Gut, D.A.F. called it quits in 1982 during the recording of their ironically named album Für Immer (Forever). Since then, they’ve had a yo-yoing career, including a reunion show in 1985 to record 1st Step To Heaven, their only album in English which earned them the title ‘Grandfathers of Techno’, Fünfzehn neue D.A.F.-Lieder in 2003 and the occasional show from 2008 onwards. In 2015, the boys declared the official split with a final farewell tour. Over the course of their four-decade on-again, off-again relationship, D.A.F. never forged a Deutsch Australisch Freundschaft – until now. D.A.F. are back and will be debuting Down Under as part of Melbourne Music
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Week, taking over Melbourne Town Hall with local talent Total Control and Dark Water for an explosive, total body music experience. Along with their performance, they’ll also be participating in an in conversation with Darren Sylvester and French electronic music producer Kittin, with the conversation topics centred around music, artificial intelligence, sustainability, psychology and cancel culture. Gabi Delgado-López offers his insights into these spaces to give you a taste of what to expect.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
“I’m very involved in that world and I think the key to artificial intelligence is to not humanise it. I think that’s the biggest mistake researchers are doing. They want to make the artificial intelligence like human intelligence and I don’t think that’s the way to do it. Your enemies are much more intelligent when they have no human factor. I think people in general – the human race – they’re too concentrated on creating things that are like themselves.”
On D.A.F.: “We didn’t want to be in any tradition. We wanted to start from ground zero and do something that hadn’t been heard before. If you have a strong new idea, and you’re patient, then sooner or later you will gather more and more followers. I believe in the power of ideas.” On personal music enjoyment: “I must confess, I’m not a concert-goer. When I’m not playing myself, I think all my life I’ve only been to ten concerts or something like that. I really prefer to go to the discotheque and dance my arse off.”
SUSTAINABILITY MEETS PSYCHOLOGY
“Mankind is definitely not the centre of the universe, it’s a very arrogant and old fashioned way of seeing things. It means pollution and it means the exploitation of our natural
D.A.F. will captivate when they hit the Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday November 17 alongside Total Control and Dark Water. Grab your tickets via the Melbourne Music Week website.
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SECRET SOUNDS PRESENTS THE 27TH ANNUAL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Contents
Image by Kane Hibberd
Page 58
Riverboats Music Festival
Page 50
Good Things
Image by Duncographic
Page 44
Loch Hart Music Festival
Page 48
Strawberry Fields
Page 54 Page 62
The Town
Woodford Folk Festival
Festival season has arrived Can you hear that? It’s the sound of beer cans clanking, birds chirping, bands roaring and laughter ringing. Festival season is here and aren’t we all overwhelmingly excited. Don’t know about you but I’m getting visions… of beersbee sessions, cigarette rolling tuitions and of fresh cut green grass (no, not the naughty variety). There’s everything here – country forays, rock’n’roll extravaganzas, electronic expeditions, food, food and more food, and a bunch of killer festivals putting their foot forward for a more sustainable world; because it’s about time. As we dial up the excitement, take a ride with us through our Ultimate Festival Guide. It’ll give you everything you need to hit that first fest at full tilt. Do yourself a favour.
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Bluesfest
33 34 36 38 40 42
EDITOR, TOM PARKER
44 46 52 54
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Coopers Blues Music Festival A punter’s guide to perfecting the music festival Darebin Music Feast, Born In Geelong The Lost Lands Open Spaces, Dogapalooza Jamaican Music & Food Festival, Melbourne Music Week Loch Hart Music Festival Polish Festival Strawberry Fields Festival X, Good Things
56 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68
Winefolk Inverloch Sounds of Summer Woodford Folk Festival, UNIFY Gathering Falls Festival Party In The Paddock Riverboats Music Festival Tamworth Country Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival CMC Rocks Bluesfest The Town 15 years of Gage Roads Brewing Co. Festival index 2019 - 2020
Coopers Blues Music Festival SUNDAY OCTOBER 20
Jimi Hocking Image by Alana Young
WHO?
Hosting the very best in blues that Australia has to offer, this year’s all-star lineup boasts the likes of Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine, Blue Sunday, Rod Paine & The Full Time Lovers, Dreamboogie, The McNamarr Project, T.K. Reeve, John Williams Doubleshot Of Blues, Victor Cripes, Julian James, Paulie Bignell & The Thornbury Two, Wayne Jury & Iseula, Justin Yap & Rambal, Isiah B Brunt and the Melbourne and Sydney Youth In Blues.
WHERE?
Coopers Blues Music Festival will relocate to The Paddock at Melbourne’s Federation Square this year.
THE HISTORY
Now in its eighth year, the festival is undergoing some changes for this iteration. Formerly known as Docklands Blues Music Festival, the event has taken on a new name to reflect its change of scenery. Throughout the years, the festival has welcomed a vast range of local blues heroes to its various stages across a massive day of non-stop tunes. Originally devised as a way to drive punters to Docklands while celebrating Australia’s rich blues scene, the festival’s new home in the city’s centre paired with its $0 entry fee will surely have eager music-lovers herding to its stages this year.
WHAT SETS COOPERS BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL APART
It’s free! Seriously, how rare is it to find a free music festival? Not only does this allow for a more relaxed vibe, but it means your wallet is a little fuller than it would be if you’d splashed three digits on tix, so you don’t have to say no to enjoying the novelties – like carnival rides – or pass on grabbing another drink from the bar. As well as being budget friendly, Coopers Blues Music Festival is committed to showcasing Australian artists big and small – all that counts is the quality of their music.
THE VIBE
The festival’s free entry reinforces its “Everybody welcome” policy. With nostalgic carnival rides, food trucks and loads of licensed venues to help you wet your whistle, Coopers Blues Music Festival isn’t restricted to blues lovers. Bring the whole family and make a day of it; there’s something fun for everyone.
A FEW TIPS
With 11 hours of live music on the agenda, it’s a big day, so pace yourself – especially if you hope to still be standing when the final set rolls around. If you can’t make it along, the festival will be broadcast live on 3NRG Sunbury Radio 99.3FM – also available on the Tunein app – to quash your FOMO.
GETTING THERE
Conveniently located in the heart of the CBD at Federation Square, you can easily make your way to Coopers Blues Music Festival by public transport. Flinders Street Station is right across the road and there is no shortage of trams zipping past at any time. Otherwise, take advantage of the nearby Wilson’s Federation Square Car Park – it’s just a short walk away – though if you’re thinking about taking advantage of the festival’s bars, you may want to opt for the train or the tram over driving.
TICKETS
This is a free event. For more about Coopers Blues Music Festival, head to bluesmusicfestival.com.au.
KIX
THE HOTTEST COUNTRY
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
A punter’s guide to perfecting the music festival BY TOM FISHER
Winter isn’t coming. It’s over, and boy are we glad. Spring is here, the grass is green, and the sun is beckoning. The dark, cold void that is the middle of the year, where your only highlight may or may not be your tax return, has blossomed into a time of adventure, of long days and even longer nights – festival season. Here at Beat HQ we’re a little excited, so we have decided to knock up a guide for all you festival goers out there. Whether you’re hitting up Meredith, Falls Festival, Beyond The Valley, or any other festival, this is for you.
You’re gonna need a costume It’s festival time and you wanna get a little weird. Embrace it, you don’t wanna be that person wearing that Cotton On festival shirt. Sorry Cotton On, but nothing screams self-expression less than a mass produced shirt worn by half the punters out there. So hit up your local op shop and pick out something strange. Or even pick a theme. Wouldn’t it be great to see Marty and the Doc rolling around your festival circuit, or Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine?
Build your castle If you’re heading to one of the two or threeday festivals, you’re gonna wanna build a little home away from home. Of course, you’ll need the necessities, a tent, something to sleep on, but also deck it out. Add some decorations, lights, a touch of flair; fly your flag and fly it proud. Maybe it will tie in with your costume. Don’t forget to take it all home with you, though.
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Early bird gets the worm Festival set times are interestingly swayed and often artists and bands can seem randomly placed within the schedule. There’s always a few diamonds in the rough, with many of the early performers not billed accordingly because of lack of talent, but rather lack of attention or exposure. Put simply, not as many people know about them yet. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check them out; head on down early and you could find a new fave.
Get your festival playlist in shape Start chipping away at that festival playlist early. For the road trip with your friends on the way there, for the early anticipation whilst setting up your castle, for the 5am conversations you might not remember. Impress your friends, and your friends yet to be made. Yeah, it’s probably going to include ‘Blue Monday’ at some point. Here’s a tip: throw in a few tracks from those performing at the festival then go bananas elsewhere.
Set the tempo and pick your poison While the festival vibe is one of freedom with fewer limits than ol’ normal square society, it’s advisable to set a good drinking tempo that’ll keep you up and about, but not passed out in a field. Because hey, it is about the music after all, and you don’t want to crash and miss your favourite artist, or your favourite artist yet to be discovered – there is a whole world of music out there in your little festival universe. Also if it’s BYO, pick your drinks wisely, remember it might be a solid three days of knocking ‘em back.
Food is your friend While you might wake up and crack straight into a cold one and begin to think you’re Hunter S. Thompson and can simply survive on an insane daily routine of alcohol (and whatever else!), you’re gonna crash. We as humans need food, and food is your friend. So check out the food available at the festival, you might find an epic vegie burger, a taco, or whatever floats your boat. Also, bring your own snacks too. On this nutritional note, don’t forget to bring lots of water (and drink it!).
Make a game of it
Stay cool
If you’ve got a little bit of spare time between the happenings of the festival, and the chat at your campsite is getting a little dull, how about some drinking games? A bit of beer pong, king’s cup, or have you tried beersbee? It’s a bit like a cross between beer pong and horseshoe, and you always have a drink in your hand, which is you know… nice. Maybe you’ll even coax some of your festival neighbourino’s over.
Lastly, while we encourage having the absolute time of your life, don’t forget there’s thousands of other punters around also trying to have the time of their life, and not to mention all the legends who work to make the festival experience possible. So stay cool, be respectful to the people and environment around you. If you see someone in a spot of bother, help them out, offer them that missing tent peg. Did you think this one was gonna be about avoiding too much sun? That too! And wear sunscreen!
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Darebin Music Feast:
Julitha Ryan
SUNDAY OCTOBER 20 – SUNDAY OCTOBER 27
To close out this year’s Darebin Music Feast, Swamplands Bar presents a special edition of its Sirens and Songs series. On Sunday October 27, Melbourne musicians Julitha Ryan and Mia Schoen will descend on the Thornbury venue to perform works from their respective solo repertoires. Ryan has been making and performing music in various capacities for more than 30 years. The Melbourne songwriter and multiinstrumentalist launched her solo career in the early years of this decade following the dissolution of the instrumental trio Silver Ray, with whom she released four records between 2001 and 2007. Ryan’s solo debut, The Lucky Girl, arrived in 2012, but she initially viewed it as a valedictory release. Ryan returned with her second full-length, The Winter Journey, in 2017 as well the instrumental mini-album, Beach, indicating a turnaround in her outlook. “Even though I might seem outwardly quiet, I always seem to have a few things on the boil,” Ryan says. “I wrote some music with one of my Italian co-musicians, so I’ve been working on that, trying to finish off a recording we started. Also I did an electronica album that came out earlier this year with Hugo Race. That group is called Gemini 4.”
The Winter Journey is a collection of deftly-wrought chamber pop originals that came together in a fairly unconventional manner. Ryan teamed up with Italian producer Giovanni Calella in Milan before returning to Melbourne and calling on engineer Andrew ‘Idge’ Hehir to help her complete the record via email. “I think it sounds coherent,” says Ryan. “It was a fairly new thing for me to be sitting on emails at midnight living this half life here and my imagination’s in another time zone. There was quite a few months of toing and froing.” The process was made even more difficult by the fact Calella speaks very little English, while Ryan’s Italian is “non c’è male”. “It was very intense because he would send me things and here I am, alone in my little house in winter, trying to imagine the best way to describe to him what I think something should sound like,” she says. “Google Translate can only take you so far, so that was quite a process.” The making of The Winter Journey was sometimes fraught and involved many hours spent beseeching multitrack sessions to download, but Ryan feels immense fondness for the finished product. “When I look back I think it was an
Julitha Ryan
amazing process, really,” she says. “The [Italian] musicians I know very well, I’ve toured with them four times, but Giovanni I didn’t know so well. But he understood. He was right into it straight away and he brought a totally different perspective to it, which I loved.” Dating back to the late 1980s, Ryan has collaborated with a number of Melbourne stalwarts, such as Hugo Race and Mick Harvey, as well as playing with The Dead Salesmen, Hope Addicts and enjoying acclaim as one third of Silver Ray alongside drummer Brett Poliness and guitarist Cam Butler. Her live performances tend to centre on her solo repertoire these days, and she continues to hold herself to a high standard. “The older I get, the more nervous I get. Not nervous in that I’m scared to get on stage; nervous about the quality of my performance. That’s what it comes down to. When I was younger there might’ve been other elements,
like it was a good night or there were 250 people. For me now it really comes down to, ‘How good was I?’. “My preparation for a gig has become more intense, perhaps because my quality control is higher. I don’t mind the effort, but it can be stressful. It’s not going to 150 per cent all the time, but if there’s anything I have control over I’m going to try and beat my last personal best.” BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Julitha Ryan performs for Sirens and Songs which goes down as part of Darebin Music Feast on Sunday October 27. DMF itself takes over Melbourne from October 20 – 27. Head to musicfeast.com.au for lineup info and tickets.
Born In Geelong (B.I.G Festival) SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 WHERE?
A celebration of all things Geelong, B.I.G will take over the city’s beloved Little Creatures Brewery, located at 221 Swanston St, Geelong.
WHO?
A true testament to all things homegrown, the B.I.G lineup features an array of Australian acts. Leading the pack, catch Brisbane indierock darlings Ball Park Music as they rip through their catalogue of danceable rock anthems. They’ll be joined by Adelaide pop/ rap hybrid Allday, singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Alex Lahey and Melbourne rock legends British India, as well as Didirri, Alice Ivy, Ro and PLANET.
up your ‘do at the Resident Barber stall, learn a little about your tipple at a Meet The Brewer Beer Workshop and check out the B.I.G Markets to stock up on some goodies. B.I.G have also partnered with KROCK in a bid to find the best up-and-coming talent Geelong has to offer. The winner will perform on the KROCK B.I.G Sessions stage alongside some of Geelong’s best live acts.
FOOD AND DRINK
Set to attract over 4,000 punters to its Geelong site, the festival offers a boutique vibe while remaining B.I.G at heart. With ten hours of live music and lots to see and do, this is the perfect day out for lovers of beer and music alike.
B.I.G are putting their best foot forward by showing off some of the city’s best food and drink makers, so you certainly won’t go hungry. Award-winning chef Aaron Turner will be dishing out tasty bites from his Nashvillestyle eatery The Hot Chicken Project while Wah Bah will be serving up fresh, stacked bao buns. If you’re still peckish after all that, let Wildfire BBQ stoke your hunger with their assortment of mouth-watering smoked meats. Wash it all down with a few pints of Little Creatures and you’ll be head over heels for Geelong before you know it.
WHAT SETS B.I.G APART
WHAT TO BRING
THE VIBE
Utilising every inch of the brewery, B.I.G will see each laneway and corner of Little Creatures filled with something exciting. Tidy
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B.I.G is a cashless event, so be sure to bring your card and don’t bother stopping by an ATM on your way. With ten hours of live
Ball Park Music
music set to go down, you’ll want to wear some comfortable shoes – there’s bound to be some boogying. Seeing that the festival is held inside a brewery, chances are you’ll be knocking back at least a couple of froths, so don’t come on an empty stomach and definitely don’t be a wanker on the piss.
SUSTAINABILITY
B.I.G Festival has partnered with Bettercup, a reusable cup company that aims to eradicate single-use plastics and waste from festivals, events and venues. Handy hint: the best way to ensure you hang onto your cup is to make
Alex Lahey
sure it’s never empty. If you break your cup, don’t worry! Bettercup repurpose any damaged or unwanted cups into other products, such as flower pots or wheelie bins.
TICKETS
Tickets are $89, available now via Oztix. Grab your tickets and find out more about Born In Geelong at bigfestival.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Eight reasons The Lost Lands is an unmissable treat FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1 – SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3
BY CARLA DE LA PAZ
The Lost Lands is back for another exciting year and this family-friendly event is sure to get the whole clan down for a boogie. Inspired by long weekend campouts, The Lost Lands provides a magical experience where families can bond and enjoy breathtaking performances together. If this sounds amazing to you, it’s probably because it is. Join us as we break down eight reasons why The Lost Lands should be at the top of your festival list as we approach November.
Fugazi Pizza
The beautiful location
Huge music lineup
Food, food, and more food
Illuminate yourself
Well, this one’s a no brainer. If you’re into lush gardens reminiscent of something from Alice in Wonderland, then you’re probably going to love the location. The Lost Lands is held at the magnificent Werribee Mansion, and this place just oozes magic. In and amongst castle-like buildings, this is the ideal place to chill out with friends and family on a landscape that is sure to take your breath away.
With some of the best Australian and international acts taking to the Werribee Mansion, it goes without saying that The Lost Lands music lineup is what makes this event so appealing. Across this three-day event, sensational acts like Sampa The Great, Gomez, Baker Boy and Regurgitator will be tearing up the stage. Make sure to put on your best dancing shoes because these acts are sure to get the crowd pumping.
Deep down, we are all gluttons at heart. That’s why the amazing food stalls set to grace The Lost Lands have made it onto our list. Whether you’re sweet or savoury there’s something for everyone here – Billy van Creamy will be bringing their delightful ice-cream concoctions to the fest while the ever-popular Fugazi Pizza will also be there… enough said. Make sure to hit up the Paella Truck and Bretzel Biz as well. YUM!
Is it a festival if there aren’t any market stalls? The Lost Lands is set to have a variety of unique stalls that’ll get you decked out for the day. If you’re feeling a little adventurous give Glitter Gypsy a visit – they’re sure to transform you into glittering disco queen. In addition, there will be jewellery courtesy of Yalang A Lang Jewels, selling handcrafted treasures while Balls For Your Mind will blow your brain with their selection of juggling equipment. Seriously, you can’t go wrong.
Glamp in style
Green machine
Bumper arts lineup
Studio Ghibli… Yes, please
How many people can say they’ve camped out at Werribee Mansion? If you’re planning on staying for a few days, why not camp out with some friends and family in style. For a luxurious camping experience, you should definitely try out glamping – with beautiful canvas bell tents and comfy pillows, you could have best seat in the house. Head to thelostlands.com.au for more info on the glamping options.
Everybody loves an environmentally-friendly event. The Lost Lands aims to be a leader in environmental sustainability by offering a range of compostable food and drink packaging. This festival takes great pride in their ‘leave no trace’ policy, which resulted in less than one per cent of contaminated waste last year. Fingers crossed for another successful year, let’s make this happen!
Apart from its spectacular music lineup, The Lost Lands has a wide range of events lined up for Arts & Wonder. From the energetic Circus Oz to the effervescent Katie Wright Dynamite, this festival is jam-packed with entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. The Little Big Top will be bursting with some of the finest kids’ comedy and circus theatre acts throughout the event. So be sure to keep an eye out for these talented folks.
If this doesn’t sound like the most appealing thing on planet earth, we don’t know what does. As night falls on The Lost Lands, The Sleeping Bag cinema will come alive with a Studio Ghibli showcase where you can snuggle up with friends and family and indulge in the beloved Japanese films including, Ponyo, My Neighbour Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Best of all, it’s in the comfort of your very own sleeping bag.
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One-day, two-day and three-day tickets to The Lost Lands are available via thelostlands.com.au. Don’t sleep.
WITH
ARCHIE ROACH PAUL GRABOWSKY & SALLY DASTEY H H BAND OF BROTHERS H BENNY WALKER H H THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA (USA) H BOBBY ALU H CÒIG (CAN) H H COOL OUT SUN H C.W. STONEKING H DAN SULTAN H H THE EAST POINTERS (CAN) H EMILY WURRAMARA H FARA (SCOT) H H GINA WILLIAMS & GUY GHOUSE H GRACE PETRIE (ENG) H H JOHN McCUTCHEON (USA) H JUDITH OWEN (WALES) H KIERAN KANE & RAYNA GELLERT (USA) H THE LANGAN BAND (SCOT) H H MÃMÃ MIHIRANGI & THE MÃREIKURA (NZ) H THE MAES H H NEIL MURRAY H ORIEL GLENNEN H RHIANNON GIDDENS (USA) H H RUBY GILL H PATTY GRIFFIN (USA) H SARAH CARROLL & SHANNON BOURNE H H SIBUSILE XABA (SA) H SHANE HOWARD H THE SMALL GLORIES (CAN) H H SUSAN O’NEILL - SON (IRL) H STARTIJENN (FRA) H THIS WAY NORTH H H WILLIAM CRIGHTON H WILL KIMBROUGH (USA) H H YE VAGABONDS (IRL) H YOLANDA BROWN (UK) H YID! H & MANY MORE H
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL EVENT: HARRY SHEARER INTRODUCES A MIGHTY WIND
EARLY BIRD & 2 DAY TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.portfairyfolkfestival.com
PFFF2020_FullPage_Beat_Oct19.indd 1
13/10/19 4:26 pm
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Open Spaces SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9 – SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10 WHERE?
Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford. Entry via the main gate on St Heliers Street.
WHO?
Expect an eclectic mix of artists at Open Spaces, including three-piece indie-dance outfit Haiku Hands whose genre bending sound incorporates hip hop, pop, dance and electronica. Other notable artists include DRMNGNOW, Elle Shimada, Hailey Cramer, Pookie, Parvyn, Danika Smith, HAYNCH, N’fa Jones and a stellar lineup of female-identifying DJs including Colette, Aucan Alias, Adriana, Imaxx, Mamacita Bonnita and Emelyne.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING
A picnic blanket and people to enjoy the day with.
HISTORY
Abbotsford Convent’s flagship program Open Spaces Festival is the biggest weekend of the year for the site and stands as a celebration of the Convent’s people and spaces. Abbotsford Convent occupies 6.8 hectares and, for over 100 years, provided shelter, food, education and work for tens of thousands of women and children who experienced poverty, neglect and social disadvantage. Today, it’s Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct. You can find over 100 studios, two galleries, cafes, a classical
music radio station, a Steiner school and greenery to walk around in onsite.
VIBE
Open Spaces is an all-ages arts and music event, ideal for young kids, grandparents and anyone in between. Enjoy a relaxing weekend sprawled on the grass in the Convent’s beautiful gardens surrounded by its stunning heritage architecture. There’ll be art, children’s programs, creative workshops and demonstrations, roving performances, markets and food trucks, all on top of the amazing lineup of diverse music artists.
FOOD AND DRINK
Plenty of food truck options will be serving grub over the weekend, including Taco Truck, Billy van Creamy, Ghost Kitchen and Mabu Mabu. There’s also regular onsite eateries, such as Cam’s, Lentil As Anything, Convent Bakery and Kappaya. Two pop-up bars will also be open, so you can sip on a G&T while you soak it all in.
ARTS LINEUP
There’s a whole bunch of talented people performing and showcasing art installations for the festival, including Ngioka Bunda-Heath – the first Indigenous woman to graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance). You can also
see Narrm-Melbourne based artist Maddison Kitching who will be exhibiting his artwork which integrates ideas about Australian national identity. Leisa Shelton, Jake Potter, Mary Peacock, Rick Matear and other artists will also be there.
WHAT IF I NEED A BIT OF R&R?
The Convent’s WellBeing group will be available when you need a break from the action. You can get a massage, join a yoga or meditation session, plus there are one-on-one consultations. The Convent has a committed team of more than 20 highly qualified practitioners who will be there to support your spiritual, emotional and mental health.
carbon neutral. They use water-based, organic inks, recycled paper and sustainable base cloths. They are also partnered with carbon neutral’s Plant-A-Tree program, helping to restore local native flora and fauna.
TICKETS
Tickets are $5 per person, per day at the gate, with free entry for children under five and Companion Card holders. Find out more about Open Spaces at abbotsfordconvent.com.au.
SUSTAINABILITY
Get involved with arts and craft activities at the Convent’s workshops and open studios, including Ink & Spindle which is proudly
Dogapalooza SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10 WHERE?
Burnley Park, Richmond. Head east of the city to where the Yarra River separates Richmond from Hawthorn. It’s there, just off Swan St, that you’ll find the open green fields of Burnley Park. A favourite spot for dog owners on any given Sunday, it’ll become SouthEastern Australia’s doggie mecca on Sunday November 10.
Grisold. Next up are folk duo GraceJean, who’ll be performing songs from their debut LP, Long Black Road. Rising soul and R&B musician Sophia Brown will shake things up in the early afternoon before Liona Tatafu brings it home with a set of neo soul that draws influence from Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Allen Stone, Beyoncé, Kimbra, Matt Corby and more.
EXPLAIN THE NAME
WHAT CAN I FEAST ON?
British comedian and podcaster Adam Buxton begins every episode of his podcast by taking his dog Rosie out for a walk and often chatting to her while doing so. He makes a point of referring to Rosie as his “dog friend”, which is a subtle but significant distinction. Rosie isn’t a possession, something he owns and controls – she’s his friend, companion and confidante. That’s the sort of relationship Dogapalooza encourages between its visiting humans and their furry pals. Big and small, slobbering and yapping, clumsy and elegant – it’s a gathering of dogs and their human friends. While the event wants to welcome as many dogs as possible, organiser Abby Gee has a tip for anyone clinically dog obsessed: “Leave your dog at home so you can love on everybody else’s dog with two free hands.”
WHO’S PLAYING?
The live music starts at 11:15am with Melbourne indie folk singer-songwriter Amie
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There’ll be a whole stack of food trucks servicing Burnley Park on the day. These include Woking Amazing, Jerry’s Vegie Burgers, G.Free Donuts, Dr Hofmann’s Pizza, Pookie May Coffee, Let’s Waffle ‘n’ Shake, Quintessence Patisserie. The fine folks from Moon Dog Brewery will be dutifully dishing out beer.
THE CAUSE
Along with the doggie ogling, the neo soul and R&B reverberating from the main stage, and the bounty of food and beverages, Dogapalooza exists to raise funds for the anti puppy farming campaign, Oscar’s Law. The campaign’s mission centres on three core aims: to stop the factory farming of pups, to prohibit the sale of puppies in pet shops and to advocate for adoption and responsible pet ownership. Its namesake, Oscar, spent the first five years of his life being exploited as a stud dog
and living in a small pen with 80 other dogs. Oscar was rescued and has been rehabilitated and returned to good health, but the psychological impact of this sort of treatment is difficult for many dogs to recover from. Proceeds from Dogapalooza will also go towards Puppy Tails, Melbourne Animal Rescue, Kayas Mission, Stafford Rescue, and a number of other non-dog specific second tier beneficiaries across the country and the Australasian region.
VIP
If you’re feeling fancy, the VIP ticket package scores you access to a fenced off area opposite the stage with the best view in the house, as well as VIP toilets and an exclusive shaded area if your dog’s not interested in working on its tan. Also included is a meet and greet with Oscar’s Law’s inspiring namesake
and MC Walt Collins, plus a Dogapalooza stubbie holder and a free Moon Dog beer. TICKETS
First and second release tickets for this year’s fifth edition of Dogapalooza sold out in a hurry. Adult final release tickets are on sale now for $39.80, which is a steal considering it’s a notfor-profit event. Concession tickets are going for $23.50, children’s for $13.30, and kids under 4 get in free. So do dogs. All prices include booking fees. If you decide to rock up on the day, adults will have to pay $45. Find out more about Dogapalooza at their Facebook page. Tickets are flying – grab them before they’re gone via Oztix.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Jamaican Music and Food Festival SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10 & SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16 WHERE?
The festival takes place at the glorious Seaworks in Williamstown. Parking is limited and public transport is a much better bet. For something different, you can even hop on a ferry from Southbank. This year will also see JMFF hit Sydney for the first time ever, where it will take over the Greenwood Hotel.
WHO?
This one-day festival offers a huge selection of musical styles including ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, dancehall, jungle and rub-a-dub. Headliners at this year’s event include Mad Professor (UK), Richie Stephens (Jamaica), Masia One (Singapore) Flames Eye (Jamaica), Deadly Dragon Sound System (US) and Gardna (UK). In addition to a range of international guests, JMFF will also feature sets from The Push Reggae Band, Gaia The Band, Shanty Town, Jaspora, Moonhops, Jah Tung, Mohair Slim, Jake Savona, Adrian’s Wall, Heartical Hi Powa, and loads more.
WHAT TO BRING
November is a little unpredictable as far as weather goes, so check the forecast and
pack accordingly – whether it’s a raincoat or sunscreen. But no matter what the weather brings, a hungry belly and dancing shoes are compulsory.
BYO?
No outside food or drink will be allowed in the festival. But with over 30 food, drink and other traders, why would you want to bring your own?
THE HISTORY
Now in its fourth year, JMFF is organised by Australia Reggae Radio and radio/DJ legend, Stick Mareebo, with support from Hobsons Bay Council. The festival is supported by the local Jamaican and Caribbean community organisations and businesses through the Festival Friends network. The festival is consistently a hit with punters – over 10,000 attended last year.
WHAT ELSE?
This year, JMFF will have a carnival rides and bumper cars for kids (and some of the big kids). There will also be face-painting and a photo booth to keep the littlest festival goers entertained.
Melbourne Music Week
HOW DOES JMFF STAND APART FROM OTHER FESTIVALS?
JMFF is the only festival of its kind in Australia; one for people who truly love reggae and Jamaican culture. Organisers also want festival attendees to meet and make new friends when they come along.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
There will be a costume parade at 3pm on the day, so dress-ups are definitely encouraged.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Masia One, a Singaporean/Canadian dancehall singer – you have to see it to believe it. But also, make sure you don’t miss dub legend The Mad Professor.
TICKETS
Early bird tickets are now sold out, but remaining tickets are $35 per person, free for kids under ten (but you have to book), $25 for concession card holders and $90 for a family ticket that includes two adults and two juniors (aged 10-17). ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES JMFF
Red Stripe, the real Jamaican Beer. VOLUNTEERING
If you’re interested in volunteering, please call Stick Mareebo on 0433110995. For tickets and more on JMFF, head to jmff.com.au.
Sunshine & The Disco Faith Choir, image by Kane Hibberd
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14 – SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23 WHERE?
A city-wide takeover, Melbourne Music Week envelopes the CBD across over 65 venues and 70 events.
WHO?
Boasting over 300 acts, the MMW program is a beast in and of itself. With a focus on fostering emerging talent, the festival is the perfect place to find your new favourite band. Featuring a mammoth offering of acoustic, electronic, experimental and experiential music, this year’s program welcomes the likes of DAF, Kittin, CC:DISCO!, Total Control, Robert Henke, Sarah Mary Chadwick, Stonefield, Body Type, U-Bahn, Kira Piru, Ausmuteants, Krown, Loose Tooth, Kllo, P-UniQue, Tiny Ruins, The Native Cats, HABITS, BATPISS, MzRizk and loads more.
THE HISTORY
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Melbourne Music Week. Over the past decade, MMW has championed Melbourne’s creative community by bringing emerging artists to stages across the city. Not only does MMW foster new talent, it consistently brings live music to unique spaces – from the former
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Royal Women’s Hospital to the depths of ACMI’s basement, nothing is off limits. Since it began, MMW has hosted over 2,500 acts and welcomed over 350,000 punters to its events. In its first year, the festival took over Birrarung Marr with its pop-up Hub – Kubik. Taking it back to where it all began, this year will see Kubik come alive once again. Constructed from industrial containers, illuminating its new home in Alexandra Gardens with a spectacle of softwarecontrolled LED lights, each responding to the beats it hosts, this truly is an outdoor music venue like no other.
THE VIBE
MMW sets the city abuzz in a celebration of Melbourne’s dedication to live music. As always, the festival looks beyond the way we typically experience live music in order to deliver performances which excite, perplex and surprise. A tribute to Melbourne’s creative community, there is no better time to mingle with your neighbours as you relish a shared love for this fine city and all it has to offer. Leave your expectations at home and enter with an open mind – you won’t be disappointed.
SUSTAINABILITY
MMW is committed to reducing its environmental impact and encourages punters to follow suit. This year, the festival’s Hub will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy as well as reducing and offsetting carbon emissions across all events. MMW also looks to maintain a zerowaste Hub through ensuring any single-use item that can’t be eliminated is recyclable and nothing goes into landfill. The hub will also rely on 100 per cent captured stormwater from within the city which will be returned to water storages to irrigate Melbourne’s parks and gardens after the festival has run its course.
Additionally, MMW will serve its drinks in reusable cups with no straws. They’ve also reduced the number of printed programs by 40 per cent and ensured that the physical programs that do exist were printed on 30 per cent recycled paper content. TICKETS
The program spans 70 events, with tickets available at mmw.melbourne. vic.gov.au. Grab your tickets and find out more about Melbourne Music Week at mmw.melbourne.vic.gov.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Loch Hart Music Festival FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 - SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17
WHERE?
Kangaroobie Camp Ground, Great Ocean Road, Princetown. Just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, Kangaroobie combines farm, beach, and bush with uninterrupted views of the coastline and Gellibrand River from its paddocks. Nestled on the Great Ocean Road and just a stone’s throw away from the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, Kangaroobie is all things Loch Hart; lazy days and happy nights in the fresh coastal air.
WHO?
At the top of the lineup, Loch Hart Music Festival will be presenting bonafide darlings of Australian indie-pop, Alpine. They’ll be in excellent company, flanked by co-headliner and local legend Didirri who was born and bred just a stone’s throw from the festival site in nearby Warrnambool. Back from a worldwide tour, Didirri is ready to serenade you as the sun sets over the ocean on the iconic Shipwreck Coast. Artist-producer Alice Ivy, another of the Victorian Surf Coast’s most celebrated musical exports, will be bringing the beats to perform her enviable back catalogue and killer collaborations. Hip hop impresario Genesis Owusu, who’s been fast earning a reputation for his spine-tingling festival performances, will be
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making the trek down from Western Sydney to mark the occasion. Also, hitting the stage will be Baked Beans, Chook & Moluck (DJ), Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, Cry Club, Edd Fisher (DJ), Forever Son and Francesca Gonzales. The Grogans will also perform alongside Hold//Fire, Leslie D. King, Melon Bois, The Pretty Littles, Memphis LK (DJ), Moaning Lisa, Pirra, Ruby Gill, The Senegambian Jazz Band, Traffik Island, and Zuma. If you’re looking for a laugh break, look no further than legendary funny man and former triple j host, Alex Dyson, who will be gracing the stage come comedy hour.
WHAT TO BRING
THE VIBE
SUSTAINABILITY
Loch Hart brings you exciting acts from all around Australia, tasty culinary treats, boutique craft beer bar plus a BYO setup, with relaxed vibes, all set on a beautiful coastalcountry property on the Great Ocean Road. The festival is a place where you can unwind, escape the daily grind, and discover amazing live music. The festival was founded to showcase local up-and-coming Australian talent and show off the beautiful Great Ocean Road region. The vibe is chill, the music is infectious, and the scenery is sure to inspire. Loch Hart wants to be a festival where you can go home feeling rejuvenated and refreshed – there’s daily yoga and art events to get you back up and about if your energy crashes.
Kangaroobie is heavy on the paddocks and right on the coast, so don’t let that chilly sea breeze drift in and ruin your night – bring something warm so you don’t peak while the sun’s out. You’ll also need essentials such as: proof of ID, a tent that works, sleeping bag and pillow, torch, and a folding chair. Sunglasses are also a must, alongside closed toe shoes, a towel, sunscreen, and bug repellent – to ward off those humongous bush-quitoes. It’s BYO but don’t bring any glass inside the festival – pour your spirits into those empty vegemite jars you’ve been storing for this very reason.
Loch Hart is committed to reducing its environmental impact and every decision is made while being conscious of the planet. Some of the initiatives to be implemented by the festival include engaging with Bettercup to limit single-use plastic throughout the site, providing free drinking water, and ensuring all our food vendors use compostable packaging.
GLAMPING
Under Sky is excited to provide pre-pitched tent camping options at Loch Hart Music Festival this year, for those who would like more comfort with much less effort. Simply arrive, check into your tent and enjoy the
festival. Choose between an affordable, simple package or turn it up a little with the luxe package – complete with linen, furnishings, a rug and a mirror. Two person, three person, and four person tents are available.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Didirri’s beautiful voice echoing out over the ocean will be hard to beat. The comedy hour featuring former triple j breakfast radio host and bonafide ratdog, Alex Dyson, is also set to be spectacular.
TICKETS
$200 – $220 depending on release. Grab your tickets and find out more about Loch Hart Music Festival at their website, lochhart.com.
RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Echuca-Moama | February 14-16 2020
BERNARD FANNING KATE MILLER-HEIDKE SOMETHING FOR KATE • TROY CASSAR-DALEY ARCHIE ROACH • DYSON STRINGER Cloher ROBERT FORSTER • BOB EVANS MAMA KIN SPENDER • AINSLIE WILLS HORNS OF LEROY FEAT. THANDO MATT JOE GOW • JESS LOCKE MC Brian Nankervis
GARAGE DOOR
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Polish Festival SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17
WHERE
Taking over Federation Square, the Polish Festival will transform Melbourne’s central space into Little Warsaw.
THE HISTORY
Now in its 15th year, the Polish Festival will once again expose Melburnians to Polish culture in a huge celebration of the European country’s entertainment, hospitality and cuisine. It’s been some 200 years since the first Polish migrant landed on Australian shores, with 200,000 Poles having joined since. The Polish Festival aims to look at how the Poles have contributed to the Australian landscape over the past two centuries. Not only is this an opportunity for Polish people to embrace their roots without having to return to their homeland, it provides people from a range of cultural backgrounds with a glimpse at Polish tradition in order to foster a cultural understanding. Having survived against the odds in war, Poles are incredibly proud of their country and are humble and hospitable as such. There’s a special generosity here. The festival continues to grow year after year and regularly attracts over 50,000 people. It’s become Australia’s largest annual Polish not-for-profit community event which is a testament to the organisers who put
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together the event. Magda Szubanski has been a special guest in the past. She appeared at the 2015 iteration alongside her book, Reckoning, which explored her Polish roots and the harrowing details of her father’s experience in Poland during WWII. Volunteers play a huge part of the occasion as well – the Melbourne Polish community is made up of incredibly generous individuals giving their time to their heritage. Former president of Polish Festival Inc. and Order of Australia medal recipient, Jan Szuba, has been quintessential to the festival’s rise and once shared his thoughts on the importance of the event’s volunteers. “The festival is without a doubt the largest annual Polish event in Australia and competes with other international events outside of Poland, a testament to the work of over 400 volunteers from the Melbourne Polish community.”
THE ACTIVITIES
THE VIBE
If you want to take a little slice of Poland home with you, take advantage of the unique shopping opportunities and get your hands on some handmade wares such as amber jewellery or Boleslawiec ceramics. Talented local artisans will also be displaying their stuff too. It will feel like Sukiennice (Krakow Cloth Hall) in no time.
The Polish Festival is all about celebrating cultural traditions. Activities across the festival range from performances by Polish language schools, folkloric and other entertainment groups, children’s activities, craft demonstrations, art exhibitions and much more.
Take a Polish dance class or sit back and see how it’s done with a range of dance and live music performances. Polonez and Lowicz dance troupes will fill the stage, featuring first and second generation Australians keeping in touch with their heritage. There’s an element of spontaneity to the Polish dance craft so don’t be surprised if there’s some random outbreaks of dance amongst the crowd – it’s the jolly way. The family friendly festival will also ensure that the kids don’t grow restless, with a whole heap of children’s activities to occupy their attention. There will be face painting as well as arts and craft activities that will teach the littlies how to make masks of Smok Wawelski – a famous dragon in famous folklore – as well as Wianki (wreath) making. They can even dress up in traditional Polish costumes and get snapped at the interactive photo booth.
TAKE SOMETHING HOME WITH YOU
FOOD & DRINK
Take your tastebuds to Poland with a delectable selection of pierogies – think Polish dumplings wrapped with unleavened dough; kielbasa – meat sausages and a staple of Polish cuisine; and bigos, a hunter’s stew containing sauerkraut, fresh shredded cabbage and chopped meat. You may have some difficulty wrapping your tongue around the names of these traditional delicacies, but you’ll have no trouble gobbling them down. Everyone knows the Poles love their alcohol, so make like a local and quench your thirst with a variety of Polish beers and vodka. Piwo is the top hop drop and will be the perfect accompaniment to your scrumptious food selections.
GETTING THERE
This will be happening right in the heart of the city at Fed Square, which is easily reachable by tram and train. Recommend leaving your car at home though.
TICKETS
This is a free event. For more on the Polish Festival, visit polishfestival.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Strawberry Fields FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29 – SUNDAY DECEMBER 1
Image by Duncographic
Image by Duncographic
WHERE?
Strawberry Fields takes place just across the Victorian border in New South Wales’ Tocumwal, approximately three hours from Melbourne by car.
WHO?
Strawberry Fields boasts an eclectic lineup of electronic, dance, and alternative artists featuring the likes of Adriana, Bob Moses, Briggs, CC:DISCO!, DRMNGNOW, Emma Donovan & the Putbacks, Gordon Koang, Mildlife, Milan Ring, Animals Dancing, Amadou Suso, Interstellar Fugitives, Millú, Wax’o Paradiso, Saoirse, The Merindas, Helena Hauff, Squid Nebula, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange, Animals Dancing, Ausecuma Beats, Barney McAll, Cinta T, Claps, Derrick May, Details, Elle Shimada, Karate Boogaloo, Katie Drover, Moxie, Young Marco, and loads more. In addition to a mouth-watering music program, Strawberry Fields will also showcase visual arts and immersive installations by Blackstone Builds, Fulcrum Designs, General Zod, John Fish, Margaux Carpentier, Maximillian Malone, Marc Pascal, Minna Leunig, Mirage Motel, Nikita Shtepa & Karri McPherson, R Type L, Within_Space, and xxflos. Across the festival, you’ll also find an array of comedy and cabaret performances,
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including a special Saturday night comedy showcase with Blake Freeman, Felix Castaner and Nina Oyama, as well as dance, circus, poetry and just about everything else you could possibly imagine. There truly is something for everyone.
THE VIBE
The Strawberry Fields website says it all: “The smiles, the sunburn, the sky and the clouds. The strangers, the friends – both newfound and old. That long drive into the unknown, followed by dancing and inevitable laughter. Embarking on adventures through ghost gums, discovering an oriental tea lounge, a jazz quintet improvising on the beach or a disco legend unleashing funk and soul from a treehouse. Long days of wild river swimming and those quiet moments of reflection. “ These are the things that will define the greatest weekend of your life. Welcome to the wild world of Strawberry Fields.”
PARKING, CAMPING AND ACCOMMODATION
Camping is included in your ticket and RVs, caravans, tents and tepees are all welcome.
BYO?
Strawberry is fully BYO with a strict no glass policy. If you bring glass, it will be confiscated and not returned.
SUSTAINABILITY
Unlike some venues who claim to be environmentally sustainable, Strawberry is 100 per cent committed to the cause, in all aspects of the festival, and it’s bloody fantastic to see. Not only are they offering subsidised Strawberry shuttle buses from Melbourne and Sydney, they also have a courtesy bus running from Tocumwal to the festival site for those opting for public transport. For those wanting a more bougie alternative, Strawberry Fields has also made it possible to get private bus passes so you can charter a private bus for you and your mates. Along with environmentally friendly transport options, Strawberry is going to ‘wash against waste’. This means that single-use plastics are banned and every plate, cup, bowl used will be made from 100 per cent reusable crockery – meaning it can be washed and reused. Why haven’t other festivals thought of this? In place of single-use plastics, biodegradable materials will also be used. Bottled drinks are not available for sale, but free water will be available from taps around the venue (say goodbye to $10 festival bottles of water). All rubbish onsite will be sorted into recycling, landfill and donation. The festival will also offer a permaculture course with world class facilitators, which you
Image by Jackson Grant
can buy as a package with the ticket (these are still for sale). Earth Warriors, a peer based environmental group, will also be roaming the campgrounds, encouraging people to clean up their act. They even have the authority to kick people out if they refuse to do so. Electricity at the festival is fuelled by biodiesel/sustainable power and all toilets are composting.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Bob Moses. The Vancouver-bred duo consisting of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance will be meshing guitar licks, a moody smoulder and a dash of dance floor ambience with lyrical depth. The duo have dominated Glastonbury, Coachella, Ellen, and now Strawberry.
TICKETS
Tickets for this year’s festival have sold out, but there’s still hope. Sign up to Strawberry Fields’ official resale waitlist at strawberry-fields.com.au for a chance to nab tix. For more about Strawberry Fields, head to strawberry-fields.com.au.
ival n r a C
Sat 9 Nov 7pm till late Migration Museum Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
$10 presale $20 on the door
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with valid concession cards
Ringmaster Christian Hull Brendan Maclean | Lupa J | Leather Lungs | Flavella L’Amour | SaSamba BandDança Brazil | Aerialwings & lifeintheair | Helga Handfull | Drag Kings & Queens | Murderclown the Sane | DJ Josh & DJ Filip with an F
Tickets On Sale Now www.feast.org.au
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Festival X
Armin van Buuren
Alison Wonderland
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29, SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30 & SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 WHERE?
Festival X takes place at Melbourne Showgrounds, which is right next door to Flemington Racecourse. You probably went to the Showgrounds as a school kid to have a fang on the bumper cars at the Royal Melbourne Show. The grand pavilion is also home to the annual Supanova Pop Culture Expo and Stereosonic was held there up until its dissolution.
WHAT IS FESTIVAL X?
After nine years of operation, Stereosonic’s reign as Australia’s biggest touring electronic dance music festival came to an abrupt end in 2015. Well, we say abrupt, but the festival simply didn’t come back in 2016 and any details about its expected return were hard to find. You can let go of those concerns now, though, because the event organisers, Onelove Music Group, have teamed up with Australian electronic promoters par excellence, Hardware, and global bigwigs, Live Nation, to create Festival X. You might know Hardware from the Piknic Élektronik series, which will be back at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl from November ‘til February, and the Babylon festival, which hits the Victorian countryside in late Feb. Richie McNeill founded in Hardware in 1990 with the simple aim of bringing quality live music events
and parties to the masses. He’s been honouring that intention ever since, but Festival X is Hardware’s biggest venture to date. “We’re super excited to be working with Onelove again and the Live Nation team,” said McNeill. “[We’ve] put together an incredible mix of music in the electronic, pop and urban spaces.”
WHO?
McNeill is not kidding around when he said incredible – the weight of this lineup will give you a hernia. The headliners for Festival X version 1.0 are the world’s third highest earning DJ for 2019, Calvin Harris, Dutch trance trailblazer Armin van Buuren and hip hop’s hyperactive miscreant du jour, Lil Pump. Who else? In alphabetical order: Alison Wonderland, Anna Lunoe, Badrapper, Blueface, Camelphat, Cosmic Gate, Futurecode, Generik, Giuseppe Ottaviani (Live 2.0), Godlands, Kaz James, Kölsch, Marlo, MK (Marc Kinchen), Murda Beatz, Nic Fanciulli, Paul Kalkbrenner (Live), Ruben De Ronde, Sophiegrophy, Steve Aoki, Sunset Bros., Tchami, Thandi Phoenix, Trippie Redd and Vini Vici.
WHAT ELSE?
Given the magnitude of the lineup, and just how bloody loud these acts are going to be,
Festival X will spread multiple stages across the Showgrounds. It’s a touring festival so all of the acts will be coming in hot to Melbourne after festivals in Brisbane on Friday November 29 and Sydney on Saturday November 30. There will be loads of food available onsite. It’s not BYO, but there will be bars dotted across the Showgrounds. Live Nation Australasia CEO Roger Field promises “a new and exciting festival experience”, with more details to be revealed as the countdown for Festival X intensifies.
VIP
The VIP X-Perience gives you access to the exclusive Festival X platform, one complimentary drink to be redeemed
at the festival bar, an exclusive Festival X merchandise item as well as access to a crowd-free dedicated merch stand, a dedicated cloak room, premium toilets and VIP entry. Festival X is a strictly 18+ event.
TICKETS
Tickets are available now from Ticketmaster. A standard ticket will set you back $179.95 while the VIP X-Perience costs $384.19. For tickets and more on Festival X, head to festivalx.com.au.
Good Things FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 & SUNDAY DECEMBER 8 WHERE?
Melbourne will host Good Things at Flemington Racecourse, with Sydney welcoming the festival to its Centennial Park before it makes its way to Brisbane’s Showgrounds.
WHO?
Last year’s lineup was a tough act to follow, but Good Things have pulled a few tricks out of their sleeve once again with a program boasting a sweltering lineup of Australian and international talent. Leading the lineup are thrash metal lords Parkway Drive, joined by American pop-punk powerhouse A Day To Remember and Violent Soho in their only Australian live appearance of the year. Also on the bill, you can expect smashing sets from the likes of Simple Plan, Skegss, Bad Religion, Trivium, Simple Creatures, Karnivool, The Veronicas, Coheed and Cambria, Falling In Reverse, Enter Shikari, Dance Gavin Dance, Reel Big Fish, Poppy, Thy Art Is Murder, Ice Nine Kills, The Damned Things, Slowly Slowly, Man With A Mission, The Bennies, Voyager, Yours Truly, Windwaker, The Beautiful Monument and Gravemind.
THE HISTORY
With its inaugural event taking place in 2018, Good Things Festival is still in its infancy, but that’s not to say it doesn’t hold its own against
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the big boys of the festival scene. In fact, when Good Things made its debut last year, it came in swinging with a lineup featuring The Offspring, Stone Sour, All Time Low, Dropkick Murphys, Bullet For My Valentine, The Used, BABYMETAL and loads more killer acts. Not bad for a first timer. It’s no wonder Australian heavy and alternative music fans are clamouring for a second instalment. With a glowing 2019 lineup, Good Things seems to be on the up and up.
WHAT TO BRING
Be sure to come equipped with sensible shoes (there will be lots of stomping), a positive attitude and earplugs! There will also be free water stations located around the festival, so don’t forget your water bottle. The December heat can be brutal, so be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat and dress accordingly.
THE VIBE
A mecca for all things heavy and alternative, Good Things offers an inclusive environment for music lovers of all kinds. Open to punters 15 years and older, Good Things doesn’t discriminate against young music lovers. Though those under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. In the spirit of ensuring nobody misses
Image by Kane Hibberd
out, Good Things looks to be as accessible as possible for all festivalgoers. As well as offering a viewing area at each stage area for those with special needs, there will also be toilets equipped for those living with disability around the festival site. If you require a carer to accompany you, they will receive free entry – provided they are a legitimate carer.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
The theme this year is crazy racing so get something racing related!
ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES GOOD THINGS Espresso martini with a VB chaser.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
The Wall of Death during The Veronicas will be unforgettable.
TICKETS
Tickets are $179.95 via Oztix. There is also an option to pay off your tickets over four $50 instalments if your bank account is looking a little too dry to handle it in one hit. Grab your tickets and find out more at goodthingsfestival.com.au.
BILLY CURRINGTON (USA) / BROTHERS OSBORNE (USA) / LEE KERNAGHAN LANCO (USA) / DUSTIN LYNCH (USA) / ADAM BRAND / TIM HICKS (CAN) HARDY (USA) / JIMMIE ALLEN (USA) / JEFFREY STEELE (USA) ABBY ANDERSON (USA) / RUNAWAY JUNE (USA) / THE WOLFE BROTHERS MITCHELL TENPENNY (USA) / KASSI ASHTON (USA) / CASSADEE POPE (USA) FELICITY URQUHART / JASMINE RAE / JORDAN BROOKER (USA) NIKO MOON (USA) / SEAFORTH / SARAH BUXTON (USA) / BRAD COX CHRISTIE LAMB / KAYLEE BELL (NZ) / CASEY BARNES CHARLIE COLLINS/ ELL REGAN / DJ GRIZZLY ADAMS / DEE JAYE BUX Hosts STORME WARREN (USA) / MIKE CARR
18 . 19 MARCH - CAMPERS ONLY
20 . 21 . 22 MARCH 2020 WILLOWBANK, IPSWICH Tickets on sale TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER / More info CMCROCKS.COM
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Winefolk SATURDAY DECEMBER 7
The Cat Empire
WHERE?
The Briars, 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha. It’s about an hours drive from Melbourne.
WHO?
Music kicks off at 2pm and runs until 8pm, with The Cat Empire, The Beautiful Girls, Ash Grunwald, Cookin’ On 3 Burners and Sun Salute all hitting the stage across the day.
VIP OPTIONS?
The Winefolk VIP Package includes a festival ticket and express check-in, access to the VIP Marquee with a private bar and lounge chairs, a wine garden, a VIP viewing area and private rest rooms between 1pm and 8pm. The VIP package also boasts a food and drinks package between 2pm and 8pm which includes Red Hill Estate’s full range of Cool Climate wines, a selection of local craft beer and cider, canapes, grazing platters and more substantial bites. An event-branded plastic wine glass on a lanyard is also included. Tickets are limited to 200, so get in quick if you don’t want to miss out.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING
First and foremost, bring your ticket and ID to ensure you get in, as well as cash and/ or cards for food and market stall goodies – there will be an ATM available on site. As always with outdoor festivals, you can never
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predict the weather. Prepare for rain, hail or shine by bringing a wide brim hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, flats (or block heels) and a raincoat and gumboots. The festival is a picnic style event, so pack a standard camping chair and/ or a picnic rug to ensure you’re comfortable and pack a blanket in case it cools down in the late afternoon. For the real picnic experience, food and sealed water or empty plastic bottles to fill up at designated water stations are permitted, though it’s worth taking advantage of the variety of food and drink available at the event. BYO alcohol is prohibited. Finally, bring a great attitude.
and musicians. Winefolk brings the class with their Cellar Door experience, offering tastings of Red Hill Estate’s full selection of high-end drops. You’ll also find market stalls and a glitter painting station. Running from 2pm to 8pm, the festival is a chance to enjoy an afternoon in the early summer (hopefully) sunshine with friends and family.
and body glitter stations to make you shine. But the showstopper snap is at the festival landmark: the GIANT bottle of Prosecco. The Wine Cellar (included in some ticket packages or available as an extra for $25) allows you to taste the full range of Red Hill Estate wines.
SUSTAINABILITY
If you’re driving, free parking is available onsite at The Briars, though the event organisers recommend making use of the Banana Bus instead. Three bus routes are available: Blue – North Melbourne/CBD/South East Suburbs Yellow – Preston/Kew/Hawthorn/Caulfield Green – Sorrento/Rye/Rosebud/Dromana
2019 is the first year of Winefolk Festival. Presented by Red Hill Estate, who are celebrating their 30th year, Winefolk will be held in collaboration with Scarlett Mac Events, the team behind Peninsula VineHop Festival, to bring a mix of nostalgic and fresh Australian talent to the stage.
Winefolk aims to eliminate single-use plastic. All patrons will receive a branded polycarb reusable glass (on a lanyard) for wine refills. Beer and cider will be sold in recyclable cans with recycling facilities available onsite. Food vendors are also encouraged to avoid single-use plastics. BYO water bottles are encouraged, with hydration stations available for refills.The VIP area features all compostable toilets. Winefolk have also partnered with Banana Bus to provide transport for patrons and reduce carbon emissions from selfdriving.
THE VIBE
MUST SEES
THE HISTORY
A boutique festival experience with a capacity of 6000 patrons which takes place in a stunning bushland setting, Winefolk is all about relaxing on a picnic blanket with friends and drinking quality wine and the Peninsula’s best craft beer and cider. There are also gourmet food selections from a wide variety of vendors and some of Australia’s best bands
While the festival boasts amazing talent across generations, The Beautiful Girls are absolute must-sees, with Winefolk one of their only Australian shows on the east coast for the next twelve months. Winefolk is here to help you maintain that strong ‘gram game, starting with the festival atmosphere, wine, quality Australian artists,
TRANSPORT
TICKETS
Ticket prices vary depending on the experience you’re after and how early you get onto making your booking. Tickets start at $96+BF for general admission. Early bird tickets have done their dash, but all other options are available at winefolk.com.au/tickets. Grab your tickets and find out more about Winefolk at winefolk.com.au.
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Inverloch Sounds of Summer SATURDAY DECEMBER 28
WHERE?
Sounds of Summer takes place two hours from Melbourne’s CBD by car, in the coastal town of Inverloch at Thompson Reserve. If you love relaxing to music with the sound of waves crashing in the background, mixed with a bit of salt on your tongue and a familyfriendly atmosphere – the Sounds of Summer festival is for you. A complimentary shuttle bus within the township of Inverloch will be operating on the day, with three drop-off and pick-up points.
WHO?
Sounds of Summer provides a vibrant and social festival experience where the whole family can listen to some of Australia’s favourite artists. Expect to see Kate Ceberano, Daniel Shaw, Bustamento, Elly Poletti, and Alana Wilkinson.
PARKING
Where possible, Sounds of Summer encourages visitors and residents of Inverloch to walk to the venue. For ticket holders outside the area, there is limited off-street parking. Please be mindful of residents around the reserve and make sure you park legally to avoid any fines from enforcing officers.
WHAT TO BRING?
The benefit of being a one-day festival is that you don’t need to lug a tent and survival essentials to the Sounds of Summer. This ensures you’ll have plenty of energy to bring your best singing voice and dancing shoes. Hot tip: pack a picnic rug to lounge about on when your legs need a break from all that dancing. Also, as we know, the Aussie sun can be harsh, so don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
THE VIBE
Sounds of Summer is the perfect event for your little one’s first festival. The one festival this summer where you can pack your toddler, teenagers and your nana. Sounds of Summer prides itself on being a family-friendly music, food, and wine festival where you get the chance to relax and enjoy the sounds of local and national musicians and the tastes of festival fare and local wine. The event showcases the natural beauty, creative talents and unique character of the Bass Coast and broader Gippsland region. The festival has been thoughtfully curated to attract families and to relish the cultural delights at the region’s doorstep. The festival is born to bring families from across Victoria to experience the beautiful Bass coastline for all to enjoy.
VIP
This year, Sounds of Summer introduces the VIP Marquee. Enjoy the VIP experience inside the gorgeous marquee, it will have its own bar and you’ll receive a complimentary drink on arrival. It’s a fun and beautiful space to chill out between dancing, singing and socialising – you might even bump into some of the festival’s artists. The VIP marquee is for 18+ patrons only.
PERKS
Hide away in the VIP tent while your teen tribe and little ones burn off some energy on the Mechanical Surf Board, Meltdown, Disco Dome, Adventure Tunnel, face painting, and lawn games – all included with entry and specially designed to give mums and dads a break.
FOOD + DRINK
When you need to re-energise after dancing your heart out and losing your child in the adventure tunnel, get yourself down to the Sounds of Summer Food & Wine Village. Satisfying your hunger and quenching your thirst will be Feast On Us, Street Eats, Fleming Berries, Ink-Credible Calamari, Vietnamese Food House, Bean There Drank That, Dirty Three Wines, Burra Brewing Co, as well as a full bar packed with all your favourite drops.
ONE TIP FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN TO A FESTIVAL
Be ready to have fun, sing, and dance. Bring a towel in case you feel like going for a dip in the beach.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Multi-ARIA award-winning artist Ceberano will bring the house down.
Kate
TICKETS
Adults – $60 + BF Seniors – $45 + BF Families (two adults & two kids) – $120 + BF VIP Marquee – $90 + BF Students – $15 + BF Children under five – free Naked Wines is offering a $100 Wine Voucher on all purchases made throughout October, so get in quick and book at inverlochsoundsofcummer.com.au. Grab your tickets and find out more about Inverloch Sounds of Summer at inverlochsoundsofsummer.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Woodford Folk Festival FRIDAY DECEMBER 27 – WEDNESDAY JANUARY 1 WHERE?
You’ll be driving about 70km north of Brisbane for this one, to a site just outside of Woodford called Woodfordia.
WHO?
This year’s festival boasts a huge lineup, with Australian powerhouses Kate Miller-Heidke, Kasey Chambers and Emma Louise all scoring slots on the bill. Other home-grown talents include hip hip duo Horrorshow, The Herd, Tia Gostelow, Lime Cordiale and Archie Roach playing alongside Paul Grabrowsky. Then there’s the international artists, like England’s Lucy Farrell, The Kimono Band from Japan, Nepal’s Monks of Tibet, and the formidable Amanda Palmer, performing her powerful new work, There Will Be No Intermission.
ACCOMMODATION
Woodford Folk Festival has you sorted when it comes to accommodation. With the beautiful Woodfordia parklands around you, camping is the top choice and will give you the full festival experience but there are also glamping options courtesy of Pitch Luxury and other more comfortable camping options
through Tent City. You can also stay off site if you choose but you’ll have to book your room well in advance as things book out quick fast come Woodfork Folk time. Find out more on accom via the festival website.
THE VIBE
Woodford Folk Festival is a family-friendly event, that focuses on fostering an inclusive and creative community. During the course of December, the space is transformed into a festival paradise; complete with cafes, stalls, bars, restaurants and an array of arts and performance spaces, plus workshops, kids’ zones, stages and more. It’s a space for anyone and everyone to come and get involved in, to become more than just a festival goer – to actually immerse themselves fully in the Woodfordia community.
HISTORY
The festival is pretty longstanding, with this year’s event being its 25th at the Woodfordia site. It was initially held at the Maleny showgrounds from 1987 until 1994, when the current location was secured and turned into the space that festivalgoers enjoy today. Since
UNIFY Gathering
its beginning, Woodfordia has had more than $14 million invested into the site and its facilities, with the building of 57 amenities blocks, a visual arts studio, amphitheatre, onsite water filtration and waste treatment plants, major electrical infrastructure, and the planting of 100,000 trees.
ARTS LINEUP
With a massive 145-page programme, it’s no surprise that there’s a plethora of interesting arts events to catch, too. Listen to a reading from multi-award-winning novelist Neil Gaiman, laugh along to some comedy courtesy of witty women Nina Oyama and Nikki Britton, or divulge in some circus and cabaret with performers such as Woodfordia regular Mario Queen of the Circus. That’s just the beginning.
SUSTAINABILITY
The team at Woodfordia are super environmentally conscious, and it’s reflected in
the way they put the event together. Festivalgoers will be able to see first-hand how the team’s tree planting and wildlife restoration efforts have paid off and have the option to get involved with projects themselves. You can also support their efforts by bringing a reusable water bottle, being conscious of your water wastage when showering, taking your rubbish with you when you leave and respecting the land you’re on. TICKETS
Ticket prices vary quite a bit depending on what you’re after. There’s a range of daily tickets, season passes, camping passes, tickets for teens and kids, which all differ in price. There’s also a payment plan option if you don’t have your funds together right now. Find the full rundown and grab your tickets at woodfordfolkfestival.com.
Image by Neal Walters
THURSDAY JANUARY 9 – SUNDAY JANUARY 12 (ACROSS FOUR LOCATIONS)
WHERE?
UNIFY Gathering takes place over three days in the small coastal Gippsland town of Tarwin Lower. With native Australian bush on one side and stunning views of hills on the other, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful greenery as you’re catapulted into a heavy music lover’s dream and served much more than just tantalising tunes.
WHO?
Architects, The Ghost Inside, Northlane, Polaris, Silverstein, Tonight Alive, Make Them Suffer, Stray From The Path, Dear Seattle, Void Of Vision, Antagonist AD, Knocked Loose, Tired Lion, Kublai Khan TX, The Beautiful Monument, Eat Your Heart Out, Between You And Me, The Brave, Diamond Construct, Columbus, Tapestry, Sleep Talk, Caged Existence, and Something Something Explosion.
THE HISTORY
UNIFY Gathering first ran in 2015 as a two-day camping festival and has since grown to a threeday camping festival showcasing renowned local and international acts. With the festival going strong and offering heavy music lovers around the country the sounds they want to hear, it’s a highly anticipated annual event. Mark this one in your calendar if you’re up for some good times and ready to head bang.
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WHAT TO BRING
There are definitely a few must-have items if you’re going to make the trek out to Gippsland for UNIFY. Make sure you grab your tickets before you leave and have proof of ID. You’ll also need a car pass if you’re going to be driving to the festival and utilising the car park. Make sure you have a working tent, a sleeping bag and pillow and a folding camp chair. Don’t forget sunglasses, a hat and lots of sunscreen along with a reusable water bottle. It’s also worth packing warmer clothes in case it gets cold overnight. A torch and bug spray will be helpful to have on hand, too. Bring closed toe shoes, snacks, and ear plugs. UNIFY is also a cashless festival. You can buy PITCOIN currency online from November and at the festival’s top up stations and info points. Make sure to do this in advance so you don’t get to the front of the food or bar queue and find you can’t pay because you forgot to purchase your PITCOIN. But most importantly, bring a positive attitude and prepare for some sick tunes.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Obviously, the headliners: Architects and The Ghost Inside, but for local bands check out Sleep Talk from Adelaide and The Brave from Brisbane.
Image by Kieran Tunbridge
THINKING GREEN
UNIFY Gathering is dedicated to protecting the environment on which the festival is held. On Sunday August 25, UNIFY Gathering hosted its first ever Tree Planting Project with over 40 festival fans stopping by to plant over 2000 native trees around the event’s beautiful site.
ONE TIP FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN TO A FESTIVAL
Soak up the fun atmosphere, enjoy a few bevs, try to see as many bands as you can and don’t get too overwhelmed.
TICKETS
General admission is $279 and includes festival and camping access. If you’re chasing a VIP experience, the Temple Bar Experience gives you exclusive access to the Temple Bar, offering a prime vantage point of the stage, for $349 (including booking fee). There are add ons available, too, including an early access pass for $99, car passes for $20, and camper/caravan passes for $75. For more information on tickets, head to unifygathering.com.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION Your favourite band tee.
Grab your tickets and find out more about UNIFY Gathering at their website, unifygathering.com.
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Falls Festival SATURDAY DECEMBER 28 – SUNDAY JANUARY 5
WHERE?
Falls Festival takes place over four stunning locations: Lorne, surrounded by the lush, ancient trees within the Otway Rainforest; the Falls farm near the Marion Bay coastline; the tropical paradise that is the North Byron Parklands site and Falls Downtown, taking over the Fremantle Oval Precinct.
WHO?
Falls Festival has consistently had punters eagerly awaiting the lineup drop year after year, and 2019 has been no different. With an array of big-name musicians, up-and-coming artists and triple j favourites, spanning a plethora of genres and styles, the 2019 lineup promises to be a big one. Expect to see Halsey, playing her only Australian shows, Vampire Weekend, Disclosure, Pink Sweat$, Amyl and The Sniffers, Playboi Carti, Of Monsters and Men and Peking Duk. Milky Chance will also perform alongside Aussie icon John Farnham, Vera Blue, Yungblud, Crooked Colours, G Flip, Thelma Plum, Holy Holy, A. Swayze and The Ghosts, Adrian Eagle, Wolfmother, The Jungle Giants, Lime Cordiale and plenty more incredible artists, all spread out amongst the four locations over the jam-packed week.
THE HISTORY?
Heading into its 27th year, the Falls Arts & Music Festival has become somewhat of an institution, a staple in the festival season calendar. Each year, festival-goers head out to the stunning locations to enjoy the everchanging and growing party atmosphere that Falls fosters. With the best new talent, as well as much-loved favourites headlining the festival year-after-year, it’s no mystery why it’s consistently one of the most-loved and anticipated festivals on the calendar.
WHAT TO BRING
There’s definitely a few must-have items you’ll need if you’re thinking of heading to Falls; tickets (an obvious one), proof of ID, car pass if you’re thinking of driving into the festival, a tent that works, sleeping bag and pillow, torch and folding chair. Sunglasses are also a must alongside spare clothes, especially warm gear for when the nights get colder, closed toe shoes (break in the Doc Martens pre-festival), a towel, sunscreen and bug repellent. Other things such as snacks, earplugs, a car phone charger, medication and a decent ice-breaker or joke so you can make a few new friends will also come in handy. Falls is also completely cashless. To make
the entire festival experience a bit easier, all payments will be made through payWave and mobile devices – that way you can spend less time waiting in line at the bar and more time getting to the front of the mosh!
THINKING GREEN
The Falls Art & Music Festival dedicates a large amount of time and effort into ensuring that the entire festival is as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. From flush-free composting toilets which save around two-and-a-half million litres of water each year to harvesting rain water for supply to the gas-fired onsite showers, all the measures have been taken to ensure as little impact on the environment is made as possible. Falls has also teamed up with BYO Bottle to cut down on the amount of single use bottles, meaning you can bring your own refillable drink bottle and refill it for free at one of the refill stations around the festival.
ONE TIP FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN TO A FESTIVAL
Seek out artists you aren’t familiar with, chances are by the end of the festival you’ll have a new favourite.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
SpongeBob SquarePants. ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES FALLS FESTIVAL
A pina colada – a summer classic you can’t beat! ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
John Farnham – this is one singalong you cannot miss. TICKETS
Both Marion Bay and Byron Bay tickets are available from $309 for a three-day ticket, while $349 can get you a four-day ticket at Falls Lorne. Fremantle punters can choose from a single-day ticket from $149 or a full-weekend ticket from $289. There are other ticket options for twoday passes and depending on the location, camping tickets and car passes may be required. Grab your tickets and find out more about Falls Festival at their website, fallsfestival.com.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Party In The Paddock THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6 – SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8
Middle Kids
WHERE?
White Hills, Tasmania. It’s a small rural location about 20 minutes outside of Launceston with shuttle buses departing from Launceston’s city centre. Launceston Airport is the perfect hub to fly into and is just 20 minutes from the festival site. If you’re road tripping up from the capital, White Hills is about 153kms due north of Hobart.
WHO?
As Party In The Paddock evolves, the lineups keep getting bigger. Matt Corby will lead the charge in 2020 alongside Hermitude, Dune Rats, Broods (NZ), Cosmo’s Midnight, Jack River, while legendary party-starters Sneaky Sound System will also be taking to the stage. On top of that, there’s Briggs, Mallrat, Mahalia (UK), Lime Cordiale, Confidence Man, Odette, The Chats, Dear Seattle, I Know Leopard and Press Club. And that’s just the start – head to the Party In The Paddock website to check out the rest of the bill.
THE HISTORY
2020 marks Party In The Paddock’s eighth annual year of festivities. The festival launched in 2013 with a lineup consisting mostly of local bands as well as interstate headliners Sticky Fingers, and Sid O’Neil from Vasco Era. They cranked things up a notch the next year with a number of Australian acts on the precipice of
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major success, such as Kingswood, The Pretty Littles and Stonefield. From there, the PITP mission has been to up its game with each new lineup announcement. 2015 featured Dune Rats, Beautiful Girls, Allday and Luca Brasi; 2016 welcomed Violent Soho, The Preatures and Spiderbait; and in 2017 Tash Sultana, Hermitude and Remi made a big impression. Into 2018 and the lineup kept growing – Grouplove, Gang of Youths, The Avalanches and Meg Mac took to the festival. Then it was Lily Allen who led the 2019 iteration, performing alongside The Presets, The Jungle Giants, Vera Blue and a bunch more. Rock and hip hop, indie and electronic, triple j and 3RRR, the PITP lineup always looks to appeal to a cross section of demographics.
SUSTAINABILITY
Party In The Paddock is serious about sustainability, which is why they’ve implemented a variety of initiatives to limit waste and needless destruction. These include the push for punters to #BYOBottle and the wide availability of reusable cups. There’s the aforementioned carpooling suggestion, and they’ll be ensuring no tent is left behind. Party In The Paddock happens on a working farm and it’s the organisers’ duty to get the farm swiftly returned to its regular state once the festivities wrap up.
The food vendors have all pledged allegiance to the sustainability mission for 2020. It’s essential that all food and drink packaging and utensils are 100 per cent compostable, meaning punters can simply place them in the organics bins that’ll be situated around the festival site. There’s also a recycling centre onsite and as a precaution against laziness, the festival is offering prizes – such as cash for beers, food, merch and more – for those who deposit a bag of recycling or compost to the centre.
It’s imperative to immediately seek out medical attention if you or someone you know isn’t feeling right. Likewise, if you notice behaviour that’s certainly amiss, inform security or a PITP crew member.
WHAT ELSE?
Party In The Paddock’s festival within a festival, Vibestown, will return for 2020. Vibestown brings a lineup of art, big name Australian comedians and whole bunch of market stalls stocked with fresh Tassie produce.
WHAT TO BRING
Party In The Paddock happens in early February when the temperatures are still likely to be hovering around the mid-20s during the day and retreating back to the mid teens at night. So it’s an excellent time of year to be hanging out in the Tasmanian Hills, but it’s advised that you pack for all weather.
THE PARTY IN THE PADDOCK PHILOSOPHY
Basically, the organisers want to cultivate nothing but good vibes. That involves everyone showing respect for one another, including a “dickhead-free PITP” rule. Outside of that, it’s important to keep an eye out for anyone who’s looking a little worse for wear, and make an effort to preserve the natural beauty of the festival site.
TICKETS
Pre-sale tickets will go on sale Friday October 18 (sign up via partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au) with general tickets on sale from Tuesday October 22. Single day, weekend, and camping tickets are all available. The PITP organisers reckon carpooling is one of the best ways to get to the festival, as it’s an easy way to reduce your eco footprint. You can find a parking option in the ticket packages and there’s also a lush VIP ticket option. Grab your tickets and find out more at partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Riverboats Music Festival FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14 – SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16
WHERE?
Riverboats takes place in the historic paddle steamer town of Echuca-Moama, two and a half hours up the Northern Highway from the Melbourne CBD.
WHO?
Riverboats brings together a collection of Australian artists representing the absolute cream of the crop. With the Murray River as a backdrop, Riverboats provides a welcomed tonic from many of the bigger events taking place across the summer months. If a picnic rug and a good bottle of wine is how you like watching the best Aussie artists, you’ll be right at home with Bernard Fanning, Kate Miller-Heidke, Something for Kate, Troy Cassar-Daley, Archie Roach, Dyson Stringer Cloher, Robert Forster, Bob Evans, Mama Kin Spender, Ainslie Wills, Horns of Leroy feat. Thando, Matt Joe Gow, Jess Locke, and Festival MC Brian Nankervis.
WHAT TO BRING
For those making their first festival expedition, Riverboats is on the relaxed side, though you’ll still need some sunscreen, a water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and insect-repellent to defend against the Aussie summer elements. Be sure to pack a picnic rug so you can lounge around without copping a wet bum. Bring some good walking shoes because you’ll be getting yourself from your accommodation to the festival via bike or walking. Hot tip: tuck away
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a spare pair of clothes in case you decide to have a dip in the river.
ACCOMMODATION
Echuca-Moama boasts plenty of accommodation within walking distance of the festival hub, and if you’re prepared to stay a little further out of town there are some amazing campsites along the river. Parking is available across town, though you’re best to leave your car at your accommodation and walk or ride to the festival if you can.
VOLUNTEER
The arrangement is simple – in return for one volunteer shift, Riverboats will give you a weekend ticket (valued at $175). Jobs may involve serving thirsty festival-goers from behind the bar, selling tickets or merchandise, moving stock and generally keeping the place humming. You’ll be a busy bee for a few hours, but after that, it’s all fun and games.
THE VIBE
The festival itself is staged in the heart of town at Aquatic Reserve, a beautiful natural amphitheatre under a canopy of red gums right next to the Murray River. Riverboats has remained boutique in both its size and philosophy through the years while attracting high calibre artists like Paul Kelly, Neil Finn, Missy Higgins and Dan Sultan, to name a few. You’ll be able to hear paddle steamer whistles passing by the festival stage all weekend
long. Riverboats is the ultimate experience for music lovers who like their festivals on the chilled side. Bring a picnic rug, find a comfortable spot in the shade and settle in for three days of tunes under the gum trees.
GET GREEN
Riverboats is committed to minimising its impact on the planet. They no longer sell single-use plastic bottles, so bring a reusable bottle from home. All food waste from the event will be turned into compost to be used on local farms and the town’s parks and gardens.
BIGGEST PERK?
If you love chilling out in the sun, a bit o’ paddling and live music, Riverboats is the festival for you. It’s the only music festival in Australia providing festival-goers with the opportunity to experience a one-hour live performance while cruising down Australia’s longest river. Riverboats’ famous paddle steamer sideshows are set to expand in 2020 with the inclusion of five unique acoustic performances over the festival weekend. Held aboard the historic Pride of the Murray paddle steamer, these intimate performances are a truly unique way to take in the sounds and sights of Australia. These sideshows will include performances from Mama Kin Spender, Matt Joe Gow, Jess Locke, Horns of Leroy and Ainslie Wills.
FOOD LOVERS
You can keep your energy up and fight the festival hangover by getting yourself down to Riverboats’ beloved Annual Festival Breakfast at the Beechworth Bakery on Sunday. With live sets by alt-country artist Matt Joe Gow, it’s one of the weekend’s hot-ticket events. The Festival Breakfast sells out each year and punters are encouraged to book early.
ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES THE FESTIVAL
An ice-cold Furphy in a Riverboats stubby holder. ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Kate Miller-Heidke on the Sunday afternoon will be hard to beat. TICKETS
Weekend Pass - $175 Friday night - $60 Saturday - $95 Sunday - $80 Grab your tickets and find out more about Riverboats Music Festival at their website, riverboatsmusic.com.au.
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Tamworth Country Music Festival FRIDAY JANUARY 17 – SUNDAY JANUARY 26 WHERE?
Taking place all over Tamworth in New South Wales – the nation’s country music capital – TCMF is bigger than Christmas; showcasing a whopping 700+ performers at over 2800 events, across 120 venues. You can fly into Tamworth’s airport from Sydney and then take a shuttle bus or hire a car, or go road trippin’ (it’s about a 12-and-a-half-hour trek from Melbourne’s CBD, one way).
WHO?
TCMF is a ten-day treat for those who like everything from traditional, Americana, rock, blues, roots, alt-country, bluegrass and honky-tonk music. Featuring orthodox twang through to some cheeky takes on tradition (The Pigs’ hillbilly-styled covers of everything from ‘Single Ladies’ to ‘Devil Inside’, for example), there’s something to satisfy all flavours of country-lovers.
THE HISTORY?
Due to celebrate its 48th year in 2020, TCMF is Australia’s biggest country music festival and the second biggest festival of its kind in the world. It’s also been a launchpad for the careers of some of the biggest names nationally and
internationally in country music (think everyone from Keith Urban to Kasey Chambers, with the latter appearing again next year).
TIPS FOR PUNTERS
Tamworth heaves during the festival, so you really need to get wriggle on with booking transport and accommodation. Helpfully, the TCMF website has links to local accommodation suitable for a range of budgets, from campers through to luxury lovers. You can also download the Official Guide App to help plan and navigate your festival. Although, if you go old-school and order a hardcopy festival guide, you get a free CD, which is neat.
MUST-SEES
Given that it’s now impossible to see the Highwaymen (respectfully, two are dead and Willie is never getting a visa) the 4 Highwaymen – the Aussie tribute to four of country’s greatest – is nigh on a must. They sell-out shows at TCMF every year. The Toyota Country Music Cavalcade is also a hoot – it’s a Moomba-style float procession, but country. On top of that, Cold Chisel have announced that their Blood Moon tour will also be heading
Port Fairy Folk Festival
Lee Kernaghan & The Wolfe Brothers
to Tamworth as part of the 2020 festival.
BIG GOLDEN GUITAR
You’d be remiss not to swing by the Big Golden Guitar, the 12-metre tribute to twang and a replica of the coveted Golden Guitar Award (Australian country music’s night of nights), and its tourist centre, which features the personal guitars of country greats, a wax museum and will be home to a new National Guitar Museum opening in late 2019.
THROW YOUR HAT IN THE RING
An undoubted annual TCMF highlight is always the Toyota Country Music Busking Championships, which sees in the vicinity of 400 buskers battling it out on Peel Street. Head along to check out some crazy-good, untapped talent. Better yet, sign up for a bash at the title yourself.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
You could go full cowboy/girl, but the locals might think you’re a knob. Go instead for an
official festival hat, the proceeds of which go to charity.
ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES TCMF
Beer, but nothing boutique.
TICKETS
The vast bulk of TCMF events are free. However, some events are ticketed (for example, tickets for The Concert for Joy – the extravaganza featuring everyone from Paul Kelly to Don Walker, which celebrates the life and songs of the grand dame of Aussie country Joy McKean – range from $39-$119). Check out the ticketing information for individual artists at tcmf.com.au/artists. Grab tickets and find out more about Tamworth Country Music Festival at their website, tcmf.com.au.
Image by David Harris
FRIDAY MARCH 6 – MONDAY MARCH 9 WHERE?
The festival takes place across various venues throughout Port Fairy, an idyllic coastal bluestone town approximately 3.5 hours from Melbourne by car. Southcombe Sports Complex serves as the festival’s main hub and can be found in Campbell Street, Port Fairy – a short walk from the town centre.
WHO?
Port Fairy Folk Festival welcomes a range of folk, roots, blues, jazz, world, country and bluegrass artists, both local and international, as well as an array of entertainers offering spoken word, comedy and street performances. This year’s lineup showcases the great folk and roots traditions of a range of cultures and communities around the world. Homegrown artists include Archie Roach with Paul Grabowsky and Sally Dastey, Benny Walker, Dan Sultan, Emily Wurramara, and C.W. Stoneking while international guests include the likes of The Blind Boys of Alabama, Ego Lemos, Patty Griffin, Hubert Francis, Eleanor McEvoy, Fara, John McCutcheon, YolanDa Brown and The Jellyman’s Daughter. That’s just the beginning.
THE HISTORY
A true manifestation of all things folk, the first Port Fairy Folk Festival was held on the back of a truck – “a freewheeling cultural freedom
ride of sorts,” in the words of Founding Director Jamie McKew OAM. 2020 will mark Port Fairy Folk Festival’s 44th year of enveloping the town with a smattering of live music, entertainment, family friendly activities, food and markets – a longstanding community tradition and a staple of the local cultural calendar. Since its first iteration, Port Fairy Folk Festival has welcomed over 8,000 artists from far and wide to the town. While it began as a celebration of Australian and Irish music, the festival has since opened its arms to performers from all over the world. Powered by volunteers and taking over the town for a weekend each March, Port Fairy Folk Festival is a celebration of community as much as it is music. For its 2020 instalment, the festival will focus on First Nations performers, both contemporary and traditional, from Australia, Canada, Timor Leste and New Zealand.
THE VIBE
Port Fairy Folk Festival is a relaxed event and the perfect environment to bring the whole family. Wander between venues, bring your own chair or rug and take it all in. There are three marketplace stations across the festival, which can be found at Sackville Street, Railway Place and Fisherman’s Walk, as well as a range of historic pubs and restaurants to grab a bite at.
Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, though there are licensed venues throughout the festival for those chasing something a bit harder than soft drink. The festival upholds a strict no BYO alcohol policy. Port Fairy Folk Festival looks to reduce the use of single use plastic and encourages punters to bring their own water bottles, which can be refilled at water stations throughout the festival. The festival arena also has a dishwashing station for those opting to bring their own food. Port Fairy Folk Festival caters to the
whole family, with three dedicated kidfriendly entertainment and activity areas to be found throughout the festival. TICKETS
There are two-day and four-day passes available, with lower rates available for youth (13-17) and early birds. Children under 13 do not require a ticket. Grab your tickets and find out more about Port Fairy Folk Festival at portfairyfolkfestival.com.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
CMC Rocks WEDNESDAY MARCH 18 – SUNDAY MARCH 22
Lee Kernaghan
Photo by Lachie Some
WHERE?
CMC Rocks goes down at Willowbank Raceway, Willowbank, about 45 minutes drive from Brisbane.
WHO?
From the US come country heavyweights Miranda Lambert and Kip Moore while Morgan Evans leads the Aussie contingent. Outside of that, the likes of Billy Currington, Brothers Osborne, Lee Kernaghan, LANCO, Dustin Lynch, Adam Brand, Tim Hicks, Hardy, Jimmie Allen, Jeffrey Steele, Abby Anderson, Runaway June and The Wolfe Brothers will perform. Capping off the lineup come Mitchell Tenpenny, Kassi Ashton, Cassadee Pope, Felicity Urquhart, Jasmine Rae, Jordan Brooker, Niko Moon and heaps more.
VIP OPTIONS
CMC Rocks has launched an online fan community, The Drove, which offers presale ticketing access and VIP options, opportunities to attend the launch party, competitions and exclusive content. Drove members will also have access to artist signings and meet and greet opportunities. Sign up at the-drove.com.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING:
For camping punters don’t forget: Your ticket and ID, a tent, sleeping bag and pillow, food and drink (non-alcoholic), gas cookers are permitted for cooking up bacon and eggs in the morning, deck chairs, a raincoat/poncho, gum
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LANCO
boots or cowboy boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera (SLR cameras are permitted) and a cowboy hat so you can fit right in!
THE HISTORY
In its 13th year, CMC Rocks remains the most significant country and roots event the southern hemisphere has to offer. 2019 broke records with the festival selling 23,000 tickets in mere minutes of tickets going on sale and the festival boasts a star-studded honour roll including Tim McGraw, Kasey Musgraves, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Dixie Chicks, Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan. Australian country artists on all ends of the fame spectrum have appeared at CMC including our beloved Kasey Chambers, Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand, Troy Cassar-Daley, Travis Collins, The McClymonts and Busby Marou. The four-day festival alone has injected millions of dollars into the Queensland economy and is quickly becoming one of our nation’s most highly-regarded events.
THE VIBE
Get your dancing boots on and your cowboy hats a-ready, CMC Rocks is a combination of southern charm and good old-fashioned family fun in a real celebration of the country music scene. With over 23,000 country music enthusiasts packing out the Willowbank Raceway, the festival has a strong family friendly focus and relaxed nature. Instead of
a rowdy mosh-pit, you will find a sea of deck chairs lining the open grass area. CMC Rocks is more than a festival – it’s a community. Prepare for giant singalongs, over-the-top displays and Southern hospitality at this annual country music extravaganza.
SUSTAINABILITY
CMC Rocks provide water stations around the festival site. CMC Rocks encourages all campers and patrons to respect the campsite and festival grounds by removing their camping equipment, belongings, and rubbish.
MUST SEES
Artists: The bright and shining headliners, Miranda Lambert, Kip Moore, and Morgan Evans, are definite must-sees, but there are a few return acts that always put on a great show. Fan-favourite Adam Brand and Australia’s ARIA Hall of Famer and country icon Lee Kernaghan will be standouts. Our major pick of the bunch however, is former Hey Monday pop-punk frontwoman-turnedcountry-songstress, Cassadee Pope.
between Ipswich station and the festival site. Motel pick-ups are available from selected accommodation. Tax/Uber: There will be a designated taxi and Uber drop-off area available. Free Shuttle: A free shuttle will run between the festival to the Yamanto shops and Ipswich town centre and back for festival campers. All transport information and timetables available at cmcrocks.com/visiting-the-festival/ transport.
TICKETS
Experience: The meet and greet and artist signings tent is the ideal chance to get up close and personal to your favourite artists.
Full Event and Single Day tickets differ depending on whether you’re in the adult (18+), youth (15-17yrs) or junior (4-14yrs) age group. There are also separate tickets for camping – all information can be found at cmcrocks.com/tickets. If you don’t have the pennies on you right away, CMC Rocks have introduced a Time to Pay option so you can pay your ticket in instalments. More details at cmcrocks.com/info/ time-to-pay.
TRANSPORT
For the full rundown and to score your tickets, head to cmcrocks.com.
Train: Closest train running is to Ipswich. A free shuttle bus will be operating between the station and the festival site. Bus: Southern Cross Transit will be running
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Bluesfest THURSDAY APRIL 9 – MONDAY APRIL 13
WHERE?
The 300-acre Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, 11km outside of Byron Bay. There are shuttle bus options from local airports and major townships nearby, as well as parking options for those who want to drive to and from the festival site.
WHO?
With some time to go until next year’s party, Bluesfest is still rolling out its full line-up, but so far it has confirmed the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Crowded House, Patti Smith and Her Band, George Benson, Brandi Carlile, John Butler, Xavier Rudd, The Cat Empire, Morcheeba and more.
BYO?
No BYO options for alcohol unfortunately, but there are five bars within the festival site, so you’ll have no trouble staying well-lubricated.
HOW IT STANDS APART
The festival would truly be nothing without its relentlessly top-notch line-up. It has definitely branched out into other genres from its blues and roots beginnings, but the quality of acts on offer is always high.
THE HISTORY
In the world of Australian festivals, Bluesfest is the stuff of legend. 2020 is Bluesfest’s 31st year and it’s one of the biggest festivals in the
country, always featuring a world-class lineup of Australian and international music icons, which is why it attracts up to 125,000 punters a year. It’s a celebration of blues ‘n’ roots music and beyond.
PARKING, CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION
SUSTAINABILITY
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The festival is single-use plastic free, so make sure you bring your reusable water bottle. All food waste goes to local piggeries/composting centres. There’s also a waste sorting centre and koala plantation management on site.
WHAT TO BRING
Heaps of the artists sell merch or do record signings at the merch tent after their sets, so don’t forget to take that favourite vinyl you’ve been wanting to get inked and don’t be shy in asking for a sneaky selfie, too. Other things worth bringing are a raincoat, insect repellent and your best gumboots. While there are undercover areas at the stages, getting from one tent to another is an openair experience and the ground turns to mud pretty quickly once the rains set in. But don’t be precious about it – it’s all part of the fun!
VIP OPTIONS
Five-day VIP access (which you purchase on top of your regular ticket and includes access to the VIP lounge) will set you back around $400, while three-day access is around $300.
There are a number of different camping options available onsite and parking is available for both campers and attendees.
Volunteer opportunities are opening soon; you have to work 25 hours over the five-day festival or 25 hours pre and post festival.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
In addition to the main festival, there is also the concurrent Boomerang Festival, which features First Nations dancers, musicians and artists, curated by Festival Director and Bundjalung woman, Rhoda Roberts. Kids are also welcome to attend Bluesfest and there are kid-friendly activities and even a kids tent.
TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS
If you go home without braving the queue at the organic doughnut stall, did you really do Bluesfest all? Also, get hold of the set times and stages as early as possible and go to town with your highlighter. At Bluesfest, each act generally plays more than once, so you’d have to be unlucky to miss a headliner completely – but you do need a strategy to ensure you tick all your bucket list music boxes and don’t end up a pile of hungover regrets once the party’s over.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Patti Smith and Her Band. Who knows if this will be her last time Down Under. ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
Don’t say no to tie-dye! The perfect Bluesfest costume is something colourful, with a nod to Byron’s hippie culture, that’s suitable for the unpredictable weather around Easter in the tropical surrounds of Byron Bay. ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES BLUESFEST
There’s nothing more Bluesfest than sipping on an icy Byron Bay Brewery beer while taking in some tunes. TICKETS
Ticket prices for the festival depend on how many days you want to attend and when you buy them – the earlier you commit, the cheaper your ticket is likely to be. At the time of printing, single day tickets are $190, three-day tickets are $400 and five-day tickets are $600. Grab your tickets and find out more about Bluesfest at bluesfest.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
The Town FRIDAY MAY 1 – MONDAY MAY 4
WHERE?
The lineup is yet to be announced, stay tuned!
suburb for the weekend, whether you’re residing in Funky Town, Hipster City, Vanland and Pleasantville. If you’re so inclined, don’t forget to pack some drinks as the event is BYO, with sustainable and mindful consumption encouraged. And lastly, don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, an open mind and a fun, Earth-loving attitude.
THE HISTORY
SUSTAINABILITY
Completely off the grid, this festival is held in Victoria’s only privately owned and off the grid town, Licola. You’ll find this breath of fresh air of a location in the beautiful valley along the Macalister River.
WHO?
Previously, the main stages have been a town hall, haunted house and a train station (this year it’s a sustainable power plant). Past acts have included Dub Fx, Tash Sultana, Funk Hunters, JFB, and Spoonbill. Last year, we also had a play of Dr Seuss’ The Lorax on stage.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING
Punters are encouraged to bring dress-ups and costumes to really get into character at The Town. Although, there’s absolutely no pressure, so don’t feel like you need to come as a politician, fire fighter or mailman – it’s all just about having fun. Plus, there’ll be an op shop run by party grandmas to help you get decked out. You’re also encouraged to bring your own mailbox to really set up home in your
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The Town encourages sustainability by creating a culture of connection over consumption through not selling any disposable products, producing as close to zero waste as possible, and fostering personal responsibility. The Town aims to explore what makes an ideal town and sustainability is a vital part of this, along with showing respect for the beautiful land, its fresh waterways and surrounding nature. All our food and drink stalls will be using reusable crockery or compostable items. Be a Town pro and bring a plate, cup and crockery and wash up at the wash stations. We also ask that you don’t bring disposable rubbish, plastics or excessive alcohol such as kegs and multiple bottles or slabs. Also, to avoid putting pressure on the
site, we need your help with carpooling and camping humbly. Packing light means partying smart and in a way where less is more! Every year the campgrounds are left spotless and we only process an incredibly small amount of waste – we’re proud of this and ask for your help in doing it again this year.
THE VIBE
The Town is arguably one of Australia’s most unique festivals. It’s basically a giant playground that parodies society in the funnest possible way, with live bands and a campground. We’re talking a mock village with streets and mailboxes throughout the campsite, a public transport bike system, a church to get fake married in, a court to sue your friends, and a ‘90s themed prom in the gymnasium. Each of the small houses onsite are converted into fake storefronts that take on the format of escape rooms, immersive theatre spaces and themed chill out spaces. An example of this is Cafe Experientia, a theatre restaurant that serves experiences instead of food, including awkward entrees such as ‘prolonged eye contact’. We also have a Town Newspaper full of hilarious articles to
keep you informed and entertained. Each year has a theme and in 2020 it’s power, exploring both sustainable power and corrupt power, with hilarious town elections happening on the Saturday (who will hold the power at the end?). And speaking of power, you won’t need to charge your phones overnight as The Town has no mobile reception, allowing punters to escape their reliance on technology and connect in a more human way. The festival is also family friendly, meaning you can bring the whole gang along for the parody ride.
TICKETS
Tickets for The Town 2020 are now on sale via the festival website. Check out what The Town is all about at culturejam.com.au.
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Beers, brews and good times:
15 years of Gage Roads Brewing Co. “I just really love the taste of the stuff.” – Aaron Heary
Aaron Heary
For Aaron Heary, there’s a simple reason he started brewing beer. But if you dig a little deeper, the now Gage Roads Brew-chief reveals there’s much more to his passion. “I really love the creative element of it. I really like how much freedom you have to create all different types of beers. Anything from the lightest Pilsner or lager, all the way through to craft beer and big beers like Little Dove New World Pale Ale (Gage Roads Brewing’s Champion Australian Beer) or a really hoppy beer. “Along the way, the craft beer movement has happened and there’s so much innovation in beer, and so much that you can do to express yourself.” Heary’s been with Gage Roads Brewing Co. since day one, when an old factory just outside Fremantle, Western Australia was transformed into one of the country’s early craft breweries. It’s been 15 years since that first beer was brewed, with a lot of beer under the bridge since then. “Gage Roads was started on the credit card of one of the founders. It’s a great story and early on it was tough. But it was really exciting as well because we were launching beer styles that many people in Australia had
never seen before. It felt like we were riding on the tip of a wave that was about to come. “At that time, we had to explain to people what craft beer was, and we were trying to convince them to drink craft beer instead of mainstream [beer]. Now everyone knows what craft beer is… it was such a different time back then,” says Heary. Gage Roads was created off the back of two distinct loves – good beer and the ocean. The name itself comes from the strip of water that separates Rottnest Island and Fremantle. It’s a spot that Heary and the brewery founders were always closely connected to. “It really shaped the brewery. Everyone who founded the business, and myself, love the ocean. Whether it’s diving, surfing, fishing, boating or even just having a swim, it’s what we all love. The guys wanted to name the business after something to do with that love and that’s how Gage Roads came about. “We’d look out over that strip of water and watch the ships pull up and come into the harbour. It’s also the spot you cross when you go to Rottnest on a boat and a lot of us spend serious time out there. It was a special place for all of us and it made sense to name the brewery after it.”
While the entire Gage Roads Brewing range fits that lifestyle, there’s no doubt Single Fin Summer Ale sits closest to it. Not only is the name a clear reference to surf culture, but the beer itself is brewed with sun-drenched summer days in mind. It’s light-bodied, chock full of aromatic Galaxy and Enigma hops. There’s a tropical fruit aroma, balanced by subtle bitterness and a clean finish. “Single Fin has this double meaning, it’s not just about the surf board, but the way we brewed the beer was inspired by a traditionalstyle summer ale which is a light-bodied beer that has quite a bit of wheat in the malt bill. That creates a dense white foam and a crisp beer. But the traditional style doesn’t have a lot of hop character to it. “We had this new hop back then called Galaxy from Tasmania. It’s got this passionfruit and pineapple flavour, so we dry-hopped this original style beer with that and it created this fruity aroma. That’s what really sets that beer apart. It’s got the sessionability but it also has the craft credentials.” And that approach clearly worked, with Single Fin now one of the fastest-growing craft beer brands in the country. While there aren’t too many independent,
craft breweries in Australia that have hit the 15-year mark, there is still plenty on the horizon for Gage Roads. Born out of Freo and now shared across the country, Gage Roads is hoping to reach even more Australians in the future. “No doubt the last 15 years has been a lot of work but one of the values we’ve always had is to have fun while doing it. We take our beer seriously and we want to brew the best beer at all times. “It’s been a long journey for us and the brewery has grown to become a great success story, but there’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears that have gone in behind the scenes. But one thing we’ve never lost sight of is that we’ve got to have fun doing it.” Cheers to that.
Gage Roads Brewing Co. is based in Palmyra, Western Australia near Perth, but their beers are distributed all across the country. Find out more about Gage Roads at their website, gageroads.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Festival index 2019 - 2020 OCTOBER OCT 18 – 20
PATCHEWOLLOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL
OCT 19
SPRING FLING STREET FESTIVAL
OCT 19
3 PEAKS FESTIVAL
OCT 19
ON THE WING FESTIVAL
OCT 20
COOPERS BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL
OCT 20 – 27
DAREBIN MUSIC FEAST
OCT 25 – 27
KENNEDYS CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL
OCT 25 – 27
THE VILLAGE FESTIVAL
OCT 26
SUGAR MOUNTAIN
OCT 26
BORN IN GEELONG
OCT 26 – 27
KYNETON MUSIC FESTIVAL
OCT 27
ON THE HILL FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER NOV 1 – 3
THE LOST LANDS
NOV 1 – 3
A HITCH TO THE STICKS
NOV 1 – 4
A WEEKEND WITH
NOV 1 – 4
HAPPY WANDERER
NOV 2
GLENMAGGIE COUNTRY ROCK FESTIVAL
NOV 2
LAND OF PLENTY
NOV 7 – 10
BENDIGO BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL
NOV 9
PEEL STREET FESTIVAL
NOV 9
LIVING ROOM FESTIVAL
NOV 9 – 10
OPEN SPACES
NOV 9 – 24
FEAST FESTIVAL
NOV 10
DOGAPALOOZA
NOV 10 - 16
JAMAICAN MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL
NOV 14 – 17
MULLUM MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 15 – 17
PHILLIP ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL
NOV 15 – 17
HEALESVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 15 – 17
LOCH HART MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 15 – 17
DENI UKE MUSTER
NOV 15 – 23
MELBOURNE MUSIC WEEK
NOV 16
FROM LITTLE THINGS
NOV 16
SURREY HILLS MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 17
POLISH FESTIVAL
NOV 22 – 24
QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 22 – 24
HOPKINS CREEK
NOV 23
AFRO URBAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 23
CITY LOOP
NOV 23 – 30
SPILT MILK
NOV 23 – DEC 1
GRAPEVINE
NOV 24
SOUNDS OF AFROBEATS FESTIVAL
NOV 29 – DEC 1
FESTIVAL X
NOV 29 – DEC 1
STRAWBERRY FIELDS
DECEMBER
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DEC 6 – 7
FAIRGROUNDS FESTIVAL
DEC 6 – 8
SUBSONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
DEC 6 – 8
GOOD THINGS
DEC 7
WINEFOLK
DEC 7
SOUNDS OF AFRICA FESTIVAL
DEC 7
YALLS SUMMER FEST
DEC 13 – 15
MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL
DEC 14
AFRICAN MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL
DEC 14
THE PETTING ZOO FESTIVAL
DEC 26
DANCING HEADS MUSIC FESTIVAL
DEC 27 – JAN 1
WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL
DEC 28 – JAN 5
FALLS FESTIVAL
DEC 28 – JAN 1
BEYOND THE VALLEY
DEC 28
INVERLOCH SOUNDS OF SUMMER
DEC 28 – JAN 1
LOST PARADISE
DEC 30 – JAN 1
NYE ON THE HILL
DEC 31
NYE IN THE PARK
JANUARY JAN 1
FIELD DAY
JAN 1
LET THEM EAT CAKE
JAN 1
SUN CYCLE NYD
JAN 4 – 12
FOMO FESTIVAL
JAN 9 – 12
UNIFY GATHERING
JAN 11
BY THE BAY
JAN 11 - 20
MONA FOMA
JAN 12
SO FRENCHY SO CHIC
JAN 17 – 26
TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
JAN 19 – FEB 9
MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL
JAN 24 - 27
NEWSTEAD LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL
JAN 24 – 27
RAINBOW SERPENT FESTIVAL
JAN 26
WAY TO LIVE FESTIVAL
JAN 27 – FEB 9
ST. JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY FEB 1 – 2
BREWERS FEAST
FEB 1 - 22
HOTTER THAN HELL
FEB 6 – 8
PARTY IN THE PADDOCK
FEB 9
ST KILDA FESTIVAL
FEB 14 – 16
BRUTHEN BLUES AND ARTS FESTIVAL
FEB 15
SOMETHING UNLIMITED
FEB 15 – 16
LAKE CHARLEGRARK COUNTRY MUSIC MARATHON
FEB 15 – 17
RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL
FEB 20 – 23
BABYLON FESTIVAL
FEB 22
ELECTRIC GARDENS FESTIVAL
FEB 22 – 23
ELTHAM JAZZ, FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
FEB 28 – 29
GRAMPIANS MUSIC FESTIVAL
FEB 29 – MAR 1
MORDIALLOC FOOD, WINE AND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
MARCH MAR 5 – 9
CHILLOUT FESTIVAL
MAR 6 – 9
WOMADELAIDE
MAR 6 – 9
PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL
MAR 6 – 9
MOOMBA FESTIVAL
MAR 6 – 10
PITCH MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
MAR 7
DAYS LIKE THIS FESTIVAL
MAR 7 – 8
ULTRA AUSTRALIA
MAR 7 – 9
GOLDEN PLAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL
MAR 7 – APRIL 4
WINE MACHINE
MAR 19 - 22
CMC ROCKS QLD
LATER APR 9 – 14
BLUESFEST
MAY 1 – 4
THE TOWN
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FEATURES
The Meanies
“I feel like I’ve got a hangover even though I didn’t drink – that’s the feeling I get when I look to the west.” BY ANNA WILSON
That same feeling The Meanies bassist Wally Meanie, aka Roderick Kempton, has may be applied to the last 30 years, given the longevity and rate at which the seminal punk band have been performing and releasing. The idea causes Meanie to laugh heartily. “To a point I guess, yes, it’s true. Ah, crikey!” Meanie admits he never envisioned The Meanies would be in a position where they’d be performing for their 30th birthday and celebrating the 25th anniversary of their classic album 10% Weird. “To be honest I didn’t think I’d live past the age of 33,” he teases, “and to have the band be around almost that long is kind of ludicrous. “I don’t know that anybody ever does. Do they go into being the band seeing themselves 30 years down the track still doing it? Even The Rolling Stones wanted to retire before they got old and they never did. “I would never ever have envisioned it would last this long, no way – I’m glad it has, it’s been great fun! But if I’d thought as a 20-year-old I’d still be doing this into my 50s, I’d be going, ‘What are you talking about?’” Meanie jokes he still hasn’t worked out what he’s doing with his life, and though
we laugh, it’s not uncommon to hear other musicians of a similar tenure saying the same thing. It’s sort of a mantra for the mature, and there’s always something that keeps groups like The Meanies going. “[It’s] the fact that it’s great fun,” says Meanie. “I never had the travel bug when I was younger – I could never understand that straight out of high school my mates would throw on a backpack and travel around Europe or Asia or whatever – I couldn’t think of anything worse. “Then The Meanies started to travel and now I can’t get it out of my system. I’ve got to go somewhere all the time. And I love it. If it wasn’t playing for The Meanies, I’d probably never leave the house!” The Meanies have made tonnes of friends over the years and travelled right across the country – a venture they’ll be reliving next month. “The sort of experiences I’ve had being a Meanie have been ridiculous,” he says. “Why would you want that to stop?” In all that travelling, in all that time, Meanie would have seen not only the face of the country change, but the face of punk music change. If you thought changing tides
would mean The Meanies would have tried to change and adapt, think again – there’s only one secret to longevity as far as Meanie is concerned. “I don’t think anyone should adapt to any particular sound, unless it’s your own. “We copped our own sort of backlash when we reformed in 1998. We kept going, recorded a batch of songs we demoed in ’95, and they weren’t all pedal to the metal like 10% Weird was. Everyone we played it to told us it didn’t sound like The Meanies – ‘Fuck off! What are you talking about?’ “Unless you’re developing yourself – advancing, changing, because that’s what happens as you get older – then you should never adapt to anybody else’s way of thinking or follow anyone else’s path anyway. The
changing face of punk never bothered us, we just kept doing what we’re doing.” The Meanies are the proof of the pudding of their own pudding – 30 years of The Meanies, 25 years of 10% Weird, and likely a bunch of other milestones Meanie can’t quite put his finger on, probably because of that perpetual hangover without having been drunk – more laughter. “True!” “There’s a whole bunch of stuff out there that we didn’t set out to do, we just went with the flow.”
order that sounds good,” Robertson explains. “When sequencing a record, you’re looking for the best sound, the thing that makes people want to hear it again. We also wanted to have it in a lyric sequence, as the record goes on, the cop gets more and more power until eventually, this is a spoiler alert, he puts the entire world in handcuffs.” Despite the amount of time that Ausmuteants invest into their music, Robertson explains it is actually more of a hobby and an opportunity to spend time with his friends. “All the members write songs, we’re all buddies and that’s what we do as a hobby,” he says. “It’s just fun, before band practice we’d always have a barbecue, and the actual
gigs and stuff has always been secondary to hanging out and seeing your friends. “It’s not really collaborative in songwriting but it’s like, for instance, if I write a song, I will purposefully not finish it and then bring it to band practice and then we can deconstruct it and construct it again. “It’s never once seemed like work; we don’t get paid for it, which is the other thing. But it’s never at all been like a chore, it’s always like, ‘Oh hell yeah, I get to hang out with my buddies!’”
The Meanies will celebrate their 30th birthday at The Corner on Tuesday November 5. Grab your tickets via the venue website.
Ausmuteants
October is full of exciting surprises, with Young Henrys throwing another Best Served Loud rager at Nighthawks this month. BY CHRISTINE TSIMBIS
Best Served Loud is well-known for hosting free-entry gigs at different venues, showcasing talented local acts. The lineup is a rowdy one, with Melbourne garage punksters Ausmuteants set to get naughty alongside troubadours Girl Germs and Future Suck. Ausmuteants released their LP ...Present the World in Handcuffs a few months ago and are excited to play Best Served Loud. Guitarist Jake Robertson admits he is surprised at being able to play this gig, considering the band’s busy schedule. “All of us play in other bands and stuff, Billy [Gardner, drums] is playing in four or five bands at the moment and I’m in four or five too,” Robertson says. “The other two [members] are playing in a couple too. That’s what we pretty much do, work 9-5 and then do this because it’s fun.” “I was surprised that we were able to do this gig that Liz [Reilly, Young Henrys] organised. I just really like playing at Nighthawks the venue, because it’s a really small, intimate place and it’s run by people who actually come to shows, so they’re like within the music scene. Everyone that works there is within the music scene.” Robertson is particularly drawn to
Nighthawks because it resembles the vibe of playing at a house party, which is his ideal scene. “It’s close to a DIY venue, like playing at a house party or as close to that as a pub can get, I’m into that. Also, we’ve played with Future Suck before, but we haven’t played with Girl Germs before, so it’ll be nice to play with them. “Liz is also really down-to-earth and she’s picked bands that play within, at least, parallel themes to each other, so I think it’ll be pretty good.” Ausmuteants also look forward to belting out new tracks from ...Presents the World In Handcuffs as part of the upcoming gig. “That album was written entirely by our guitar player Shaun [Connor], who previously had written two or three songs for this band. It’s a concept album that deals with a police officer who has too much power and authority that goes to his head.” The most intriguing factor of this album is that it actually has two sides with the same tracklist: Part A and Part B. “Part A is like a theatrical version where the lyrics tell a story from the cop’s point of view, whereas Part B is just the songs in the
Ausmuteants hit Nighthawks for Best Served Loud on Saturday October 26. Head to Young Henrys’ Facebook for more info.
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FEATURES
The Waifs The Waifs singer and guitarist, Donna Simpson, is excited for the mixture of old and young at the Queenscliff Music Festival, where the longstanding all-ages event will play host to established acts while supporting fresh talent. BY FERGUS NEAL
27 years in the music game, and off the back of a sold-out North American tour, it’s almost impossible to imagine Simpson once being terrified at the prospect of trying to make it in Melbourne. “It’s scary starting out. I remember going over to Scotland for the Edinburgh Fringe, I was working as a nanny at the time,” she says. “One of the guys there was Peter Lawler who played in a band called Weddings Parties Anything. I said to him, ‘We’re moving to Melbourne to make it there’, and he said, ‘I don’t want to let you down kid, but Melbourne’s a tough city and you’ve got to be pretty cool to get in there’. “I became terrified of moving to Melbourne, because we had nobody saying we could do it except for each other. But eventually, we got down there, and recorded an album. You’re so hungry starting out. You must be, to survive. Any pub that would have us, we’d play at. We just wanted to play music.” Simpson knows the importance of giving emerging acts support to enable a smooth
transition to bigger performance settings. This comes from her own experience as a newlyminted artist when The Waifs supported Bob Dylan on his Australian and North American tours in the early-noughties. “It’s like a dream and a nightmare all at once,” Simpson says. “You get this gig and you think, ‘Holy shit, can we do this?’ Nobody’s there to tell you, ‘You’ll be okay’, There are just a whole bunch of people saying, ‘Don’t fuck this up’. “But then once when we got on to perform, we look side-stage, and Bob’s standing there, whistling and tapping his feet. After the gig, I was packing up my guitar and he just appears out of the shadows to tell me he enjoyed the show,” Simpson says. This experience highlights the importance of older acts and festivals fostering new talent and is a testament to QMF, which has continually provided a launch pad for new artists with its Emerging Artist Grant and Alison McKenzie Mentor Program. Furthermore, the message from the
recent climate strike will be upheld by QMF as it continues to rigorously pursue its War On Waste initiative. At last year’s festival, the initiative diverted an amazing 90.7 per cent of waste from landfill – a new benchmark for festivals all around the world. QMF will likely host a flock of students who attended the climate strike, as the allages event has come to be a quintessential component of the festival and a big reason for the event entering its 23rd year. Simpson hopes the diverse crowd will come together for a celebration of music regardless of their age. As people have done since the festival’s launch in 1997, and similarly in Simpson’s own neighbourhood back in W.A. “My neighbours across the road are in their early twenties, and they have a swimming pool,” she says. “One Australia Day, they were
playing triple j Hottest 100, it was cranking and about forty degrees outside. I don’t have a pool, so I said to my kids, ‘Come on kids, let’s go meet the neighbours’. “I went over and said, ‘Hey, years ago I was number three’. And they looked at me like ‘You?’ I’m sitting there with two little toddlers in floaties, the suburban mum. When they asked me for what song, I told them ‘London Still.’ They said they’d never heard of it. But we still got to go for a swim and listen to music together, despite the generational differences.” The Waifs perform at the 23rd Queenscliff Music Festival from Friday November 22 until Sunday November 24. The festival is sold out but head to the QMF website for resale opportunities.
The Teskey Brothers Nearly 20 years together and The Teskey Brothers are still evolving and keeping it fresh. BY SCOTT HUDSON
Josh and Sam Teskey, Liam Gough and Brendon Love are The Teskey Brothers. The former pub band, now jetsetters, have made a name for themselves by playing blues and soul reminiscent of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Living on a non-stop tour since the release of their first album in 2018, The Teskey Brothers are making their next appearance at The Heart of St Kilda. “It’s cool to be a part of this. Our music doesn’t necessarily have a political narrative, but as far as getting involved in good causes like this — being able to give back in ways — I think it’s pretty cool and pretty important as well,” says Love, the band’s bassist. In the thralls of jetlag, after a month of touring the US, he talks about the process of creating a live performance. “The more I tour, the more shows I play, the more I understand there’s just so many elements that go into a show and a performance — and it goes well beyond being able to perform the song. We’ve always been a live band, more than anything; I love getting in the studio but that’s almost completely different, as far as how we approach a live show,” Love explains. “We’ve spent 15 years playing together, so I think the special thing about the stage
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is how we’re able to play live and represent these songs in a performance sense. We just finished a tour and after every show, we’re talking to each other: ‘How can we do this better?’ We’re constantly evolving stuff because some things don’t translate live, or some things don’t impact.” In an industry dominated by popstars, rockstars and, more recently, hip hop artists, it’s uncommon to find artists flourishing in roots. But The Teskey Brothers have found their place on festival lineups “bookended between hip hop acts and more poporientated EDM music”, successfully carrying on traditional soul and blues. “We never really set out to play a specific genre of music. A lot of people ask,‘When did you start playing this kind of soul and blues?’. [The answer is] ‘From the moment we started playing together.’ “What brought us all together was… when you’re 13 years old and you go to school and everyone is into Green Day, Rage Against The Machine and Red Hot Chili Peppers, which I was listening to also. There weren’t many people listening to Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye and Jimi Hendrix, so when we found each other, it was like, ‘Oh! cool, you like the same thing as me.’”
Image by Nick McKinlay
August saw the release of The Teskey Brothers’ second album, Run Home Slow. During the tour of Half Mile Harvest, their debut album, the band had compiled a horde of “35 to 40 songs”, with only 11 making it into Run Home Slow’s release. “Everyone who listened to the songs — labels, friends, family and us, personally — kept coming back to the same 13 or 15 songs out of those 40. With an album, we’re trying to create a body of work that’s not just a selection of songs that sound good, it’s got to make sense as a concept as well,” Love says.
I’m sure a label would prefer an album full of hits, [but] as far as the longevity of it all, we are hoping to make an album that people come back to, time and time again.” “We’ve been doing this for almost 20 years, and I’m very comfortable with it moving slowly. As long as the trajectory is going upwards, I don’t mind how steep it is.” The Teskey Brothers continue their neverending tour at The Heart of St Kilda Concert, Wednesday October 23 at the Palais Theatre. Tickets via the venue website.
FEATURES
Melanie Valentine Melburnian singer-songwriter Melanie Valentine is releasing her first single ‘VHS TAPE’ on Friday November 1. This is not only an exciting date for Valentine because it marks her single release, but her third child is due around the same date. ANNIE-MEI FORSTER
Valentine strongly believes in giving a voice to working mothers as she says there’s a stigma around them within the music industry. “I’m hoping the song shows you don’t have to give up your dreams just because you’ve had a baby,” she says. She’s also the founder of CLAK (Creative Life After Kids) Network, an initiative which provides a place for parents to connect and encourage each other to go back to work after having children. The busy mother of two – and soon to be three – is currently on maternity leave from a graphic design course and has been involved in music for at least a decade, but this is the first time she has had a song properly mastered. She says ‘VHS TAPE’ particularly resonates with those in her age group who grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s a catchy pop tune that evokes images of gumball machines and arcade games, though it contains some serious undertones. Valentine says she wrote the song about being stuck in a bad relationship and not
having friends to support you, stemming from her own experience as a young person when she didn’t have good friends and was in a toxic relationship. She hopes it teaches people to find resilience and strength and not get caught in a loop (like a VHS tape). As a young girl, Valentine loved Pokémon and The Powerpuff Girls because of their cute and catchy theme songs and she grew up listening to the likes of Aqua, Robyn and Britney Spears. You can definitely hear these influences in her music. She often starts her creative process by jamming on an acoustic guitar or playing around with GarageBand on her phone. Sometimes she thinks of an appealing song title first and then makes the song work around that. In 2008, Valentine started making music but she said it was harder back then as there wasn’t much information on the Internet on how to promote music. She tried a few different genres, including pop punk which she liked for its melodies. It was a steep
Image by Wynona Stock Photography
learning curve, but she grew a lot from the experience. Even after Valentine had her first child, she continued collaborating and being involved in the music scene. Like many musos starting out, she’s worked retail here and there to support herself and she’s done a number of open mic nights to keep the creative juices flowing. “It’s good to try everything and anything until you find yourself,” she says. About 12 months ago, she was added to a ‘Make Pop Music’ group on social media and she started reaching out to musicians and music producers in the group. Valentine says she’s lucky to have supportive friends who encouraged her to pursue a career in music. “I knew if I didn’t try now, I would regret it for the rest of my life,” she says, “So I just thought I’d have a go.”
For Valentine, making music isn’t about making money, but the process and being able to share something personal with other people. At the moment, she loves listening to Charli XCX because of her melodies and catchy tunes. She’s enjoyed the collaborative process of producing the song with Jeremy Drakeford of Spectrum Sound and to see her first single come together. ‘VHS TAPE’ is the perfect way for listeners to be introduced to Melanie’s nostalgic lyrics backed by poppy synth sounds.
support it. I like the far-flung places, I like the strange places, I like the mountain people.” Looking forward to next year, Campbell hopes to continue touring into other parts of the country that he hasn’t been able to make it to this time and head back overseas to the United States and Europe. Describing this point in his life as musically inspiring, Campbell already has material for a new album he would like to record next year. He gives credit to a breathing technique he discovered for giving him the mental and creative freedom to do what he loves. “For years I didn’t have anything like
that, and you get bogged down in your circumstances and your outcomes and the drama and upset of life. With this [breathing technique], I find myself on a daily basis just being able to deal with it and I’m just free to keep doing what I’m doing, what I wanna do.”
Melanie Valentine’s ‘VHS TAPE’ will be released on Friday November 1 and available to stream on Spotify. Check out her socials to keep in the loop about upcoming gigs and releases.
Owen Campbell For Canberra blues artist Owen Campbell, the last two years of hard work, writing and recording his new album are coming to an end. BY ELLEN ROSIE
The Rolling Thunder Of Love will be released this October and explores themes of fatherhood, love and the destruction of fanciful delusions. Campbell feels like this is some of the best music he’s ever produced. “My last two albums were high budget, high pressure affairs that just weren’t really enjoyable because of all that extra pressure,” he explains. “This was just like, ‘Fuck it, I’m going to work with the people that I really love to work with’, not have any of that hanging over my head. “My friend’s got a studio on his property just outside of Cootamundra, so you’re just surrounded by rolling hills. Over a couple of different sessions at different times of last year, we just put it all together and it was just so much more of a free experience, enjoying it there with longtime friends and collaborators. It was just a really refreshing experience and it allowed us to make the music that I really wanted to make.” Campbell was recording and producing the album in 40-degree heat in Uplands Studio and took his time creating the album over two years, not rushing anything. He felt much more liberated because he wasn’t
being guided or pressured into musical directions he wasn’t interested in exploring, making it a much more organic experience and natural process. Working in the country with no distractions, he feels he finally found the musical heartland that he’s been looking for all along that he hadn’t quite reached yet. “I found real love and enjoyment in what I was doing again and when we were recording this, I didn’t know if I was going to release it. Just having the right people, in the right place at the right time, we all just really musically gelled,” he says. “There was just a real honesty to it and that shone through in the music. I guess the musical heartland for me is simplicity.” The next step after the album release is a three-month tour across the country where he’ll explore the new album on stage. Not only will Campbell be hitting major cities on his jaunt, he’ll be visiting a lot of regional towns as well which he says gives him a more cultural experience than his metropolitan visits. “You can’t forget these regional places, because these people don’t get much music out there and when they do, they really
Owen Campbell hits Caravan Music Club, Bentleigh East on Thursday November 7 and The Spotted Mallard on Friday February 9. The Rolling Thunder Of Love is out Thursday October 24 exclusively via Campbell’s website, owencampbellmusic.com.au.
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FEATURES
X Ambassadors
Image by Danny Scott Lane
Backstage before a show in Denver, Colorado, Sam Harris has a moment to reflect on the reception so far by his audience to X Ambassadors’ latest album, the very eclectic ORION. BY ANNA ROSE
The singer for the New York alt-rockers couldn’t sound happier if he tried. “We’re right at the beginning of [the tour], so it’s still very new, fresh and exciting to play in front of people,” he says. “We did a two-week short trial run of this new show around the release of the record and that was really great – those were kinda underplayed, smaller venues. We got to perform in front of some of our more die-hard fans. “It’s funny,” Harris continues. “We’ve been in the studio working on new material for the last month and a half and I just always forget how much I miss being on stage and playing. Happiness is a sentiment shared from both views of the stage it seems. “You just see it in their faces when you’re looking out into the crowd, that they are genuinely so happy to be there. It makes all the difference in the world. X Ambassadors’ music has all been of a tight, astute vision, which has meant wonderful execution of hit songs like ‘Renegades’, ‘Unsteady’, ‘BOOM’, and ‘HOLD YOU DOWN’. Given the band’s history of collaborations, production work, and omnipresence in the
music scene, it’s natural Harris would be looking to push his own parameters with new material. “I went into a pretty good creative space after the record,” Harris says. “I realised I love working in the context of a storyline, and writing stories for characters. “Who knows what this will end up turning into, but for this next project, I’m starting to create a narrative for a concept. I’m starting to piece together songs that we’ve started demos for and am starting to write new material accordingly. “In a way, it pulls the personal details out of me easier. Rather than thinking, ‘What’s the next personal expedition I can go on?’, it’s always better when it happens in the context of a larger theme.” So many bands make music based on life experiences but X Ambassadors’ music is largely shaped by other musicians and their interactions with them. “We’ve been very fortunate to collaborate over the years with a lot of different artists,” Harris says. “Most recently we worked with Lizzo on her record, which was such a blast. I was a big fan of Coconut Oil, her first EP, and reached out to her manager to set up a writing
session – that was almost a year ago. “What I loved the most was creating an environment where there was no pressure. Working with Lizzo was just fun and exploratory, and we’d go to territories she hadn’t felt comfortable going to. “Trying everything, bringing that mentality into our work has been really helpful.” Relaxed and removing a self-imposed pressure means Harris has come up with some of his best material – early in their career, the band worked with producer Alex da Kid who inspired a good work ethic. “Every day I would send him some new
idea I was working on, and that was very valuable to learn early on. “I find that our process, a lot of the time, it’s kind of throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks – but you’ve got to have a lot of ammunition. “With Ricky [Reed, producer for ORION], he had a similar style to Alex, so I can try everything and not have to worry about curating it. At the very least, we’ll have fun making weird noises in a room together!” X Ambassadors come to The Croxton on Friday February 7. Tix available via Secret Sounds.
Ruckus 1.0
Manu Venn, manager of VENNM Entertainment and the brains behind its inaugural Ruckus 1.0 event, has a long background in music. BY ANNA ROSE
“A lot of it came from my dad, who was pretty involved in music back in the day with Blue Moon Records,” he says. “He specialised in imported music – reggae, Afrikaans, Latin – so I had a pretty eclectic upbringing with music.” Despite his varied exposure to music, Venn was drawn to hip hop in his teens and found the likes of Wu Tang Clan and Biggie Smalls spoke to him in a way no other genre could. “People didn’t take Australian hip hop very seriously in the early ‘00s,” he says. “But I remember being drawn to it immediately and wanted to be a part of it.” What Venn discovered in the sound and community would influence him to begin his own event, Ruckus 1.0, providing a platform to showcase the plethora of talent in Melbourne. “It was pretty niche, those early ‘00s, especially Melbourne stuff. People like Bias B and Pegz from Obese rehearsed on trains, and it was really connected with graph culture back then. “Growing up in the inner city, I felt connected to it – living on that train line, the Hurstbridge train line, I could identify, because a lot of the stuff was about that line. It felt comfortable and it felt like something I could connect with.” Ruckus 1.0 aims to do a similar thing – it’s
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an event for people who also love Australian hip hop to be able to feel connected. “It’s kind of [for] the next generation,” explains Venn. “This generation of consumers are a lot more engaged than we were back in the day – a couple of these acts are in that 20 to 23 age bracket, and it’s pretty cool to see how engaged and connected to music they are. “When I was their age, it wasn’t like that. And when you spoke about hip hop especially, it wasn’t taken seriously at all, yet the kids that are coming to the gigs nowadays, it’s good to see them connecting, engaging a lot more than even ten years ago. Stepping into a brand-new decade means events like Ruckus 1.0 might shape what happens in the next ten years. Some of the acts Venn has appearing at Ruckus 1.0, like Denno, Motley, and Ghostsoul, are all Melbourne-based performers, and are all already well connected with the scene. “They’ve all worked with each other before and are all coming up,” says Venn. “Nine 2 Five Records, I’ve been around since their inception in an unofficial capacity, booking them for a couple of festivals a few years back. My cousin [Tahu Stormer aka The Primitive One] is an MC in that group. “He got a lot of music influences from me
Ruckus 1.0 performing artists, image by Henry Johnson
and started producing from a fairly early age. Since he stepped it up and started performing a lot more, I wanted to come aboard in a more official capacity with that crew. “They started to make connections with other crews in Melbourne, like The Rascal Collective which are another northern suburb outfit. They’ve worked with Motley, who’s been around for a while – he used to do youth work with teens back in the day, so some of the performers met him through that work and started recording with him.” The network of musicians that Venn has invited to Ruckus 1.0 are already upholding what the event looks to share. “It’s really good to see this sort of crop
of artists building their own platforms,” he says. “The older generation of hip hop guys in Melbourne, they paved the way for these kids and now all these guys are super hungry to create their own scene. “They want to build their own connections, their own labels, and they’re already doing that, it’s awesome to see. Putting that together was easy to do because we’ve already got a solid foundation.”
See the next generation of Aussie rappers perform as part of Ruckus 1.0 at Laundry Bar on Thursday October 31. Tix available at the door.
FEATURES
Luke Williams
The following is an extract from Luke Williams’ memoir, Down and Out in Paradise, published by Echo in September. Before I went to Asia I lived at the Gatwick — the pre-renovation show Gatwick. The Grandma-burnt-her-filthy-eggs-againscented Gatwick. There, I hatched a plan to be a rapper, a famous one. I stayed in a room next to a man who wrote in my notebook saying he used to go by the names Wolfie Woolf, Lebio Lebo Lebi, Angry Anderson and David Bowie. We all thought we knew who we were, what we would become, why we did not belong. The old woman across the hall never left her room. She argued with herself. The Scottish accent would accuse, “I know what you’ve done, I know what you’ve done,” then the Australian accent would respond, “I, I, I, I haven’t done anything wrong, nothing, I promise”. It would go on and on, round and round, all day until dusk when I rolled and smoked a joint while watching the rainbow lorikeets fly in and hang upside down from the branches of the American oaks as they ate the tree’s round, brown seeds outside the window. I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong, either; my drug use seemed part rebellion, part medicinal – a whole of fun. One day at the half-way house a punk girl said there were cameras concealed in the sprinklers above us, cameras concealed in the ring she had stolen, cameras concealed behind the left eye of the pigeon that slept on the bathroom’s outside windowsill (by the
used syringe on the inside windowsill that had sat there for three weeks). The pigeon’s eye therefore recorded another woman injecting crystal meth into her neck as that woman’s 23-year-old daughter watched. The 23-yearold then invited me to join the party. She sold me the meth I injected in my arm. A bald man politely offered to shred my face open with box cutters that night. “Do it,” I said. “Do it. I’ve been suicidal for months anyway.” By daybreak, I was in a hospital being rudely interrupted by an irritable Irish nurse – “I don’t have time, just swallow this pill,” or something to that effect. By the week’s end, I’d booked the cheapest international flight out of Australia. Less a destination than an escape. An escape from Australia, Australians, an Australian Community Service Order, my sister, my former psychology clinic who was trying to sue me. It was not, as I saw it, an escape from High Culture. I hadn’t travelled overseas in seven years. I’d spent nearly my whole life in Melbourne. I had nothing tying me down. I believed that by creating enough new neural pathways in my brain they would eventually criss-cross, connect; new talents would be birthed; I would write songs, design costumes and perform in a minimalist Berlin bar. The young would be there, the good-looking too, along
with the editor who rejected all my stories and the radio station program director who said, “Have you considering getting someone else to host it?” to my demo that was five years culmination of work, the culmination of my then-failed ambition to be a radio presenter. I booked the cheapest flight I could find. I took the flight while coming down off crystal meth. I flew north by north-west. I went east. That’s when the fun really begun. I had no money so I stole food. I worked as a sex worker in Pattaya where I got paid to pretend to break in a man’s apartment so he could tie me up. I paid a man with schizophrenia to
give me a tour of Jakarta’s red light district, got addicted to valium in Bali, met someone who said they can channel St Germain in India, went to jail in the Philippines and then came back to Australia for a first-class, luxury stay in a public system psych ward. So I guess it’s fair to say I’ve been to paradise, but I still haven’t been to me.
accompaniment and vocals are the centre. Because all of those songs are recorded with bands and in studios, to get the best out of the song I had to rearrange them and readapt them to that more intimate cabaret setting.” The name Red Brassiere is borrowed from the Divinyls song, ‘Boys In Town’, and the company describes itself as “theatre by women for everyone”. Its productions always put forth feminist ideas, often laced with humour. “One thing that we really like about this company and Haylee’s writing is that it’s basically feminism in a more accessible way,” says Shewan. “Rather than lecturing people or throwing it down their throats, it’s done in a hilarious sort of way.” First Wives Pub uses comedy to get its points across, but there is some darkness in the underlying themes, too. The rise and fall of the Princess character is a key example. “Her journey goes from someone who’s planned her wedding since she was five to, at
the end, you feel quite sad for her and where she’s ended up. It’s basically, through comedy, showing how women can be sold this idea of meeting the perfect guy and getting married and how that’s something to aspire to. And often they can reach that goal and realise it’s not what they thought it would be and that there’s a whole lot of other paths they could’ve gone down. “We explore a lot of ideas around femininity and what it means to be a woman and whether you can have it all, but we do it in a way that’s not overly angry. Anyone can go to this show and find something in it for them, but there is a feminist message in there.”
If you are experiencing issues with substance abuse, addiction or mental health, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can purchase Down and Out in Paradise online.
First Wives Pub
First Wives Pub comes to Chapel Off Chapel for three consecutive nights beginning Friday November 1. The cabaret performance charts the various stages of a woman’s romantic journey, from dating to being in a relationship, and planning a wedding to the ups and downs of married life. BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
First Wives Pub is a Red Brassiere production written by Haylee Deutrom-Wakeling and brought to life in collaboration with Kelley Kerr Young, Rebecca Nol and music director and pianist Roni Shewan. It’s the production’s second run, having premiered at the Butterfly Club in 2016. “Haylee and Kelley met through their partners, who later became their husbands. They were both performers and they decided they wanted to work together and do something in the future,” says Shewan. “They basically, one night, noticed the Butterfly Club were taking submissions and so they were like, ‘This is a sign, let’s write something together’.” Deutrom-Wakeling and Kerr Young were both planning weddings at the time, which gave them plenty of inspiration for the content of their collaboration. First Wives Pub’s three core cast members take on the roles of a Success, a Princess and a Hot Mess. “They’re kind of caricatures of women,”
says Shewan. “All of us have been that person at one stage in the dating journey, whether you’ve idealised relationships from a young age and [have] been planning a wedding, to being focused on your career or being a bit of a mess where you don’t know what you’re doing and you go out a lot. We’ve all been that person. They’re different representations of the single woman, I guess.” Compared to its initial instalment, First Wives Pub now has a longer running time and will feature a couple of extra scenes. Songs from the likes of Amy Winehouse, The Gossip, Cyndi Lauper and Divinyls will feature, reworked for the cabaret format. “Within the play, each scene is a different stage in the character’s dating life,” says Shewan. “So we wanted songs that represent the dialogue and what the characters are going through in that particular stage. “[The songs will] be recognisable, to an extent, but they’re not like covers. Piano is the
First Wives Pub comes to Chapel Off Chapel from Friday November 1 until Sunday November 3. Tickets via the venue website.
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FEATURES
You Am I x Young Henrys In 2013, to coincide with You Am I’s 20th anniversary, Sydney brewers Young Henrys concocted Brew Am I, a new world pale ale made up of ingredients sourced from the band members’ hometowns. BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
There’s rolled wheat from Western Australia, the birthplace of singer Tim Rogers and drummer Russell Hopkinson, Victorian malt in honour of Melburnian guitarist Davey Lane, and Kiwi hops for bass player Andy Kent. Young Henrys have never been shy about their love of live music. You can find their branding on almost every other gig poster, from small-scale local gatherings to popular boutique music festivals. Since the brewery’s launch seven years ago, they’ve frequently partnered with bands on limited edition brews. Foo Fighters, Pond, DZ Deathrays, Frenzal Rhomb and Front End Loader are just some of the acts whose essence has been reformulated using hops, barley and water. Brew Am I remains Young Henrys’ most popular artist collaboration, however, with a new batch released nearly every year since its conception. The new world pale will be available at
venues across the country during You Am I’s regional co-headline tour with Jebediah, which runs until mid-December. “It’s been a little while since we’ve done a tour like this,” says Lane. “I looked at some dates we did when Tim put his first solo record out – it was my first proper tour with the band. It was close to 30 dates or something, cities and regions. It’s good to throw our eggs into a basket with Jebediah. It means we can get out there and go a bit deeper into the regions.” You Am I and Jebediah both helped to define Australia’s ‘90s and early 2000s music landscape. You Am I’s debut, Sound As Ever, landed in 1993 and their next three records – Hi Fi Way (1995), Hourly, Daily (1996) and #4 Record (1998) – all reached number one in the ARIA charts. The Jebs weren’t too far behind them, cracking the top ten with their debut release, 1997’s Slightly Odway. “I’ve been in the band 20 years now and I can remember hanging out with Jebediah
at the first couple of festivals we did,” Lane says. “They’re a great band and we love what they do and they’re all really good people. Kev [Mitchell]’s a good mate of mine. I can only see it being a joy spending an extensive amount of time with those guys.” Lane joined You Am I shortly after the release of #4 Record and has played lead guitar on each of the band’s six subsequent albums. He made his lead vocal debut on two tracks from 2015’s Porridge & Hotsauce. At 38 years old, he’s now spent more than half his life in the band. “It’s an achievement of sorts,” he says. “I’m still the new guy and I’ll always be the new guy. That’s fine by me.” Lane launched a solo project half a dozen years ago, which has sprouted two full length albums, 2014’s Atonally Young and 2017’s I’m Gonna Burn Out Bright. Rogers, Hopkinson and Kent are all similarly busy with side projects and other ventures, but their commitment to You Am I is unwavering. “This [September] tour in Europe has
galvanised us as a band and even more so as friends. I think we’re playing as good as we ever have. Once we’ve gotten through to the end of the year and this tour’s over, then we’ll start looking towards making some new music. That’s always an exciting prospect.” Brew Am I will be available at the majority of the upcoming tour dates, including at the Shoppingtown Hotel in Doncaster on October 12 and the Village Green Hotel in Mulgrave on December 14. “I like it. It’s a good beer,” says Lane. “I notice, even at my own solo shows, we get to the venue and they say, ‘Young Henrys have put a slab of beers towards your rider.’ I don’t know how that happens, but I’m always very grateful for it.”
You Am I hit Pier Bandroom on Friday October 11, Shoppingtown Hotel on Saturday October 12 and Village Green Hotel on December 14. Grab your tickets from youami.com.au. Find your local Brew Am I stockist at younghenrys.com.
Moon Dog World
If there’s one thing Melbourne has plenty of, it’s craft breweries. The city is teeming with trendy, boutique beers and bars to enjoy them in, from CBD spots to suburban haunts. BY GRETA BRERETON
But the latest venture from the Moon Dog team is a cut above the rest. Five years after the opening of their Abbotsford bar, brothers Jake and Josh Uljans along with business partner Karl van Buuren, have launched Moon Dog World. Boasting a 725-person capacity, their new Preston venue mimics the quirky playfulness of their original watering hole, but on a much larger scale (we’re talking a site the length of the MCG). “When we first started in Abbotsford, we had one 240 square-metre place and we built a small brewery there, then we built another bar, and then another brewery next door to it,” explains van Buuren. “But in comparison to what we’re doing now… well, there’s no comparison really. It’s definitely the biggest space we’ve ever had.” The guys bought the old fabric manufacturing factory in December last year with the intentions of building a new brewery, but the size of the site meant they could also get creative with a new venue. “We knew we wanted to fill the space with different sections, because we didn’t want it to be a big cavernous warehouse,” says
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van Buuren. “We wanted to make sure it still felt like a venue.” “A lot of ideas came from people we were working with,” he continues. “Our designer, our tradies, and we put the call out to staff as well, who came up with some great ideas. We were open to anything and everything.” The end result is not so much a bar as it is a playground for adults. Patrons can relax in the jungle area, kick back by the lagoon, play some pinball in the arcade room, have a boogie in the hidden shipping container disco or just chill on the upper deck and soak up the spectacle of it all. It might sound like there’s a lot going on here, but van Buuren believes these eclectic spaces are what make Moon Dog World so unique. “I think the main advantage is that you can come and experience it how you want to experience it,” he explains. “You could come here with your kid and pull up a couple of tables together next to the playground and still be in front of the lagoon, but then you’re not interrupting people who want to have a quiet, romantic lunch or evening meal in a hidden bar.”
Image by Samantha Schultz
“Then, if you want to come back in a group and have a proper dinner, that’s another different experience you can have in this place.” The team haven’t skimped out on the food and beverage front either. There’s a plethora of share plates, burgers and even desserts to sink your teeth into, plus three bars with different offerings. Head to the hidden disco tiki bar for a taste of something tropical, grab a tinnie from the beer garden, or pick your poison from one of the 72 taps at the main bar. With all this focus on the new site, Moon Dog mainstays might be wondering what the future holds for the original Abbotsford hub, but it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. “We were really interested to see how our original bar performed over opening
weekend, and it was actually pumping,” gushes van Buuren. “I think that Abbotsford offers a very intimate Moon Dog experience and it’s quite beer based, and we do have a big local appeal around there.” “I thought there was maybe a risk of us sort of cannibalising that market, but this venue here [Moon Dog World] that we’ve built is so much more than just a craft beer bar. It appeals to people who don’t even like beer, who don’t even drink it, who just want to come here and have a relax next to a lagoon.”
Check out Moon Dog World at 32-46 Chifley Drive, Preston. Open seven days. More info on the rollicking new venue at moondogbrewing.com.au/world.
FEATURES
Dreamboogie
The eighth annual Coopers Blues Music Festival comes to Federation Square on Sunday October 20. Melbourne’s Dreamboogie are one of the leading attractions on a lineup that also features the likes of Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine and Rod Paine & the Full Time Lovers. BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Dreamboogie’s latest release is the four-track Something Shocking EP. In the opening moments of its title track, vocalist Rebecca Davey sings “I saw you driving round town in your red Hyundai.” In a recent episode of Malcolm Gladwell’s Broken Record podcast, Jack White elaborated on his opinion that modern references don’t make sense in the context of blues and rock’n’roll songs. Basically, White thinks because the blues idiom was so firmly influenced by the era in which it developed, only references to the technology available at the time sound organic. Davey has a different point of view. “I have always been of the opinion that blues started as a very punk, very political and activist kind of music,” she says. “It was obviously a period of segregation and lots of hardship, but the lyrics to those songs were always rooted in the present day. “I think that’s how it becomes oldfashioned, if the language is not moved
forward to the modern day. Especially with a genre that’s been around for over a hundred years, some people can think of it as stuck in time, whereas in Dreamboogie we like to bring that forward and keep it as the intent was. To speak about what’s happening in real life today.” Something Shocking contains two covers and two originals. The slithering grooves of ‘Something Shocking’ and the defiant ‘I Don’t Look Back’ bookend the release. In between, the band submits versions of ‘When the Levee Breaks,’ which originated in the 1920s and has been subjected to innumerable adaptations, and Bob Dylan’s ‘The Ballad of Hollis Brown,’ a similarly popular candidate for reinterpretation, most famously by Nina Simone. “Blues is essentially folk music and meant for a certain group of people, so it has a tradition of people singing the same songs but putting their own meaning into it and we try to carry that forward,” says Davey. “For example, ‘When the Levee Breaks’ was brought back
into our set when Hurricane Maria happened and again people were dying and losing their homes on the wrong side of the levee.” ‘Hollis Brown’ was brought into the band’s live sets more recently. “Whenever I heard that song, there was always something about [the line] ‘Hollis Brown, he lived on the outside of town.’ I always thought of people who are left outside of society. There was that big spate of all the shootings in America and the person who was responsible for it was always a loner or bullied. I always thought of those kinds of people as Hollis Brown – they lived on the outside of town; they were outside of society.” Dreamboogie formed in 2010 when Davey joined guitarist Sam Buckley, fretless bass player Connor O’Neill and drummer Robert Dillon, who’d already been working together. “We started with the idea of basically spending a year with all of our favourite blues songs, the things that made us interested in
blues, and as we went on, we developed our sound,” says Davey. After nearly a decade together, the members’ individual proclivities have been strengthened by the union. “Everybody is interested in a different thing,” says Davey. “I’m very interested in 1920s and ‘30s vaudeville blues. Robert is really into that Gene Krupa style. There’s Albert King influences [from Buckley]. Connor is really into jazz bands and that sort of stuff. “We really thought, ‘OK, we’re going to take everything that we like and try to mash it together.’ It’s come out with this really interesting and bizarre sound, because none of us really compromise. We all just went, ‘This is who I am and we’ll play how we play’.”
plus Carlton Draught, Mountain Goat Steam Ale and Somersby cider all night. “Starting at four o’clock, everything’s $4 and then it goes up a dollar every hour,” Hewlett says. “Then from 10pm until midnight they’re $8.” There’s live music every Thursday and Sunday. The Thursday night live music coincides with a range of $10 cocktails on offer from 5pm. “With our clientele that come in on Thursdays, it’s more date night than anything,” says Hewlett. “So we’ve got an R&B/acoustic soul duo that are in for about three hours from 6pm to provide that atmosphere with the demographic that we get in.” DJs take over on Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm until 3am. “On Saturdays we’ll have around 500 people in the venue at any one time, which
provides a very uplifting atmosphere,” says Hewlett. “You’re looking at 18 to early 30s. The crowd’s very mixed and diverse.” On Friday November 1, the Temperance will be hosting a Day of the Dead party. “We’re going to have live face painters. We’re going to have some tattoo artists who’ll be doing tattoos for charity on the night, like flash tattoos.” A few days later they’ll have their annual Melbourne Cup Eve party with DJs spinning nu-disco, house and R&B until 3am. “Then we’ve got a Melbourne Cup lunch on, which is a two-course set menu, $60 per person. We’ll hire a few screens and make it something special.”
Dreamboogie will perform as part of Coopers Blues Music Festival at Federation Square on Sunday October 20. For more info, visit bluesmusicfestival.com.au.
Temperance Hotel
Temperance Hotel is located on Chapel Street, bang in between South Yarra and Prahran stations. It’s a popular late-night spot on weekends, while daily food and drinks specials attract a loyal patronage throughout the week. BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
The pub’s friendly spirit is what venue manager Dylan Hewlett holds most dear. Hewlett joined Temperance 12 months ago, and while he’s tweaked a few details, his primary job has been preserving the existing reputation. “I was looking at making a few changes in terms of the music offering, as well as happy hours,” he says. “[But] there’s certain aspects that I’ve maintained, especially the food quality and the overall values that Temperance was known for.” The pub is known as a home away from home, somewhere you can go for lunch or dinner, knock-off drinks or a late-night dance. “We have a very strong regular clientele, which are in a very good portion of the week, consecutively – whether it’s a catch up with friends or date night,” says Hewlett. “We’ve got quite a few people that had their first date here and got married many years later. We still wanted to hold true to those values.” The Temperance is as much a foodie destination as it is a hallowed drinking hole. It’s akin to a gastro pub, but not as minimalistic in terms of the portion sizes and the produce used.
“It’s not just standard pub fare,” says Hewlett. “It’s a good in-between where you can get good quality steak, or if you just want a parma and pint, you can get that as well.” The weekday $15 lunch menu includes a wagyu burger and fries, fish and chips, chicken parma with slaw and fries, and a Caesar salad with fried anchovies and bacon. Dinner mains include pan-fried duck breast, nokedli pasta with mushrooms and goats cheese, and a beef and red wine pie. “Monday and Tuesday are steak day,” says Hewlett. “It’s an $18 steak, which is 250 grams. It comes with a garden salad and chips and a choice of sauce and a complimentary drink. Then Wednesdays is a parma and chips and salad. That’s $18 as well, with a complimentary drink.” Every Thursday and Friday from 5pm they offer $1 wings along with a range of booze specials. “To coincide with our happy hours, we just wanted something tasty but small and shareable between friends,” Hewlett says. The Temperance is fully acquainted with the Friday feeling and offers significant discounts on vodka, gin, bourbon and scotch,
Find Temperance Hotel at 426 Chapel St, South Yarra. For the full menu and events, head to temperancehotel.com.au.
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Q&A
60 Seconds With... Malakai
Yana Alana
If you could describe Yana Alana in under 40 words, how would you put it? Yana is a self-obsessed, tragic and heroic femme-drag clown. A queer cabaret icon who is determined never to be a national treasure. Which is handy ‘cause I think she missed the boat on that anyway. Tell us a bit about your show, Yana Alana’s Greatest Tits? Yana has been on stage now for 12 years, she’s toured the world from the London Soho to a little town west of Melbourne called… actually, I forget what it’s called, but it’s further west than Nhill. Greatest Tits is her ‘best of’ show. Describe the rehearsal process for Yana Alana’s Greatest Tits? There is no rehearsal process for this show. That’s why it’s been different every time we’ve done it. Our pianist Louise tells me every time we get off stage, “We really should rehearse this show” and I say, “Yes, we should”, then we’re on stage again doing the show and thinking ‘Why did we not rehearse this?’. Honestly, we know this material so well now, it’s fun to improvise the transitions. A winner of the Sir Robert Helpmann Award and an 11-time Green Room Award Winner, why has Yana Alana resonated so strongly with audiences? She doesn’t apologise for being a fat, loud, queer woman. I think it helps to make people laugh, then, when their mouths are open she feeds them the politics. What’s next for Yana Alana? Something huge, but it’s embargoed. I’m very excited! Keep your eye on the socials ‘cause you won’t want to miss the queer epic-ness that is the next show! Yana Alana’s Greatest Tits comes to Gasworks Arts Park from Thursday October 31 to Saturday November 2. Tix start at $30 from the Gasworks website, gasworks.org.au.
When did you first start making music and what led you there? I remember writing my first song at the age of 12 in music class. It was with one of my old classmates, and we wrote a song about a fictional character called ‘Mustafah’. All we had were our words, and a couple of bongos. It was received extremely well by everyone in the class, and that gave me the confidence to write more. Tell us about your upcoming debut EP, Journals of an Immigrant & Minority. So, Journals of an Immigrant & Minority is a collection of my thoughts, ideas, emotions and outlook on life. When you listen to the EP and take in the lyrics, it’s literally like going on a journey, with bends, curves, drops, highs and lows. When you listen to Journals of an Immigrant & Minority, you get Malakai – raw, live and in living colour. How would you describe your sound and how did you come to it? Constantly making music in the four years between the mixtape and this EP, with this current fusion of music, I just found what works for me. I love melody but at the same time, I’m a heavy lyricist and I enjoy word play. What’s next for Malakai? Right now all the focus is on the current single, ‘Drive-Thru’. The entire EP has been a collaborative effort from names in Australia and the US so it’s been one big effort from the whole team. The songs won’t stop coming from here, I can assure everyone showing love that. Also working to kick off some major shows in 2020, so stay tuned for those updates. ‘Drive-Thru’ is out now. Stay up to date with Malakai on his socials.
Music inspirations with
Eliza & The Delusionals
Image by Matt Walter
Catfish and the Bottlemen Collectively, we love this band. I remember watching them a few years ago opening for The Kooks the first time they came to Australia. I had never been so blown away by an opening band before and fell in love with their album The Balcony. I actually got the artwork tattooed. The 1975 One of the most inspiring bands that we love listening to. They’re a band we always put on in the tour van to get us feeling good and feeling motivated for shows! Snail Mail This is definitely a more recent inspiration, but her debut album Lush had a huge influence on some of our newer songs. I love her voice and lyrics. She’s just super cool overall. Land of Talk Someone shared this band with me a while back and I just love the vibe of her music. She’s definitely one of my favorite singers, I love the way she writes and structures her songs. Everything just has such a lovely vibe and I feel like I always get lost in her music. Coldplay Coldplay was the first concert for a few of us, their live shows are unreal. Ever since I watched them play for the first time in 2009, I knew that that was my dream – to be able to put on a show like that. They were one of the first bands that I listened to when I was discovering music, and they’ve always found a way to inspire me since. Eliza & The Delusionals come to The Workers Club in support of their new single, ‘Pull Apart Heart’, on Friday October 25. Tix via the venue website.
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October’s Cheese Festivals
Ah Melbourne, the foodie capital of Australia. With so many odd and interesting food related festivals, events, themed restaurants and other crap that makes us go “that’s so Melbourne!”. In a city with so many wonderful foodie experiences, how can someone possibly go past cheese festivals? Two biggies are hitting the town later this month, one at Prahran Market, and the other at the Queen Vic – and we have the low-down on both for you.
Say Cheese Festival PRAHRAN MARKET, SUNDAY OCT 20 Prahran Market has brought back its Say Cheese Festival for another year. The festival showcases the very best local, Australian, and international cheeses alongside fantastic food from Melbourne vendors, great wine, and live DJs. There are the usual market delicatessens, but some guest eateries such as Maker & Monger, DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar, Wonderbao, and Burn City Smokers are also dishing up some cheese-inspired creations.
There’s also a couple of pop-up bars from Mr Hoddle and Blackhearts & Sparrows serving up your favourite tipples, and if you’re into cheese and booze pairings, there are some ticketed events from places like Milk The Cow and Champagne Dame. In addition to all that, the Say Cheese Festival is bringing back their Grilled Cheese Invitational for its second year. The invitational sees five of Melbourne’s best chefs and one wild-card contestant pitted against each other to create a winning toastie. This year’s guests include Darren Purchese of Burch and Purchese Sweet Studio and Charlie Carrington of Atlas Dining.
Holey Cheese Festival QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET, TUESDAY OCT 22 – SUNDAY OCT 27 Oh, Queen Vic, the ever-changing markets are one of my favourite parts of Melbourne. For almost a week, the Holy Cheese Festival hits the market’s Dairy Produce Hall. You can sample some of Victoria’s best hard, soft, blue, white, fresh, and aged rinds before making your purchase for the next wine and cheese night – so fancy. The market’s Deli Lane is also getting a week-long makeover, setting up pop-up stalls for the cheesiest traders going around. The
lineup includes That’s Amore Cheese with their traditional Sicilian cannoli, The Cypriot Kitchen frying up halloumi chips, 400 Gradi dishing up their award-winning margarita pizza, and Frencheese showing off their famous raclette. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the Good-a-Bar, the punny bar with cheesethemed cocktails – think an Old Fashioned paired with a smoked Gouda. This isn’t a night market – Wednesdays are still Hawker 88’s territory. Times vary for this festival according to the day market’s schedule. BY D’ARCY MCGREGOR
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Beat’s guide to Halloween 2019 Hardware Lane Costumes
Spice Market’s Halloween Party
How does Hardware Lane Costumes stand out from the crowd? We are Super Sassy Party People and ever since we put that line on our sign, the sassiness has gone through the roof. We dress people all day – last Halloween we booked in 769 individual hires over 30 days. That’s over 100 per stylist. We are a little hard to find – upstairs and hidden away (like all the best places), but we have the whole first floor to ourselves. It is packed with costumes, wigs and accessories – the range is huge! What sets us apart is the people who work here – we take our jobs too seriously. We can style you head to toe in 15 minutes, if you are decisive – which is great for people who are time poor – or we can spend more time and work with you to create your look and make sure you are overjoyed with your costume choice. Why is Halloween the best day on the calendar? Because you get to be whoever you want to be – silly, fabulous, fun, wild, wacky, and of course… spooky! For someone who has never really celebrated Halloween in the past, why should they get involved in 2019? Halloween can be like Christmas, New Year’s and the footy grand final combined. The good vibes and fun times we get from dressing up and getting into character is not to be matched. We guarantee if you leave our store in costume, you will be stopped in Hardware Lane for a photo. People freak out – it’s brilliant!
Why are you throwing a Halloween event in 2019? Last year’s event was spectacular, with over 1200 people attending, all in costume. We got the venue professionally decorated by set designers/builders, which took three days to do. It looked amazing so we’re doing the same this year but making it even better. How does your Halloween event stand out from other Halloween celebrations? Our event is always on the official day of Halloween and we go above and beyond to create a fabulous atmosphere for our guests. What activities do you have in store for Halloween 2019? Besides trick or treats for every arriving guest we have a Thriller performance by TJ, Australia’s number one Michael Jackson tribute artist. Any spooktacular surprises that punters should be wary of? We have a few, but the professional actors in full zombie make-up (each one takes six hours to create) are so scary and never fall out of character. It’s really like being amongst the Walking Dead. What about drink specials? The ticket price includes a free drink as well as Halloween cocktails. What’s the ultimate Halloween costume? Walking Dead zombie for sure.
Hardware Lane Costumes is located at Level 1, 43 Hardware Lane in the CBD. Head to their website for more info on how to get your Halloween getup sorted.
Spice Market in Beaney Ln, CBD, comes to life with its official Halloween Party on
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SPICEMARKET.NET.AU
A Midnight Visit
Off Ya Tree
Thursday October 31. Grab tickets via the Spice Market website.
Image by Iain Gillespie
How does your Halloween event stand out from other Halloween celebrations? A Midnight Visit’s Halloween Party Weekend is a thrilling adventure of epic proportions, combining all the elements of the current show – theatre, design, cabaret, music, soundscapes – but with added hijinks, extra spooky characters, fortune-telling, magic and mischief. What activities do you have in store for Halloween 2019? Prepare for a three-day Halloween extravaganza, launching on October 31. The event series unleashes new characters across its 36-room warehouse, where guests can choose their adventure throughout macabre hospitals, Lynchian ballrooms, neon pink ball pits and spectral dining rooms. What food will be available at the event? A Midnight Visit’s bespoke bar, The Raven’s Rest is serving up a sumptuous range of naughty bites for your delectable pleasure. For those savoury of tooth, feast upon Their Exquisite Corpses (a meat platter) or their Demon Insides (spinach and corn frittatas). For those with dessert on their minds, try the Slice of Divine Death (blueberry choc fudge brownies). Any special Halloween drink concoctions you have prepared? No prank: free Jell-O shots to all guests! What’s more, our two liquor partners have conspired with us to create a suite of cocktail specials for Halloween. Try Archie Rose Distilling Co.’s Slice of Death, with blood orange, their signature dry gin and clouds; or No Ghouls, No Glory, a zesty favourite with The Kraken Black Spiced Rum. What’s the ultimate Halloween costume? In full plume as The Raven; as the old man with the blue eye in The Tell-Tale Heart; or as Edgar Allan Poe himself, with his elegantly-drooping ‘stache. Costume prizes are given out each night to the most committed – so don’t hold back!
Off Ya Tree has become an Australian leader in alternative clothing, accessories and body modification. How have you earned this reputation? Off Ya Tree has been around for 40 years and we have built a strong relationship with our customers. We continue to grow and adapt to fashion trends while staying ahead of the game in body modification by holding ourselves to the highest standard. For someone who is not aware of Off Ya Tree, why should they become acquainted? As a leader in body piercing, smoking paraphernalia, apparel and accessories, Off Ya Tree stocks a whole range of rad products to suit all ages and styles Tell us a bit about your Tree House clothing range. Who would look great in this? Tree House Clothing is made for the people who love all things skater, partying, music and having fun with their mates. And what about your ‘50s-inspired Ophia range? Everyone of all shapes and sizes, this range provides classic pin up styles that can be dressed up or down to be worn day or night. Do you have any specials in store for Halloween? We have a whole range of items to get you Halloween ready in store, including coloured contacts, hair dyes and accessories.
A Midnight Visit’s Halloween Party Weekend is happening over three nights, from Thursday October 31 to Saturday November 2. Head to their website for more info and tickets.
Off Ya Tree has seven locations in Victoria with four in Melbourne – one on Collins Street and others at Northland, Taylors Lakes and Melton West. Shop online and find an Off Ya Tree near you at their website.
AMIDNIGHTVISIT.COM
OFFYATREE.COM.AU
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HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
Spooktober at Luna Dark
With The Countess
When you’ve been married for 289 years, you need to spice things up, especially at our favourite Halloween time. Fortunately enough for us, two Halloween powerhouses, Spooktober and Luna Dark, are uniting to terrify Melbourne and create all things spooky at the iconic Luna Park. So, to keep in the Halloween ‘know’, my husband, Count Dracula and I, the Countess, have decided, as Halloween royalty, to be the ambassadors for Spooktober at Luna Dark – it can get awfully boring when you sleep in a coffin and drink blood for an eternity. Spooktober at Luna Dark is an eight-night and four-day spooktacular Halloween Festival for all ages that has it all – top notch scary and not so scary haunts, thrilling rides/activations, music, food and entertainment galore. So, as part of our new role, we will be keeping things tame by day for the littlies, but terrifying by night for the older Halloween fiends, and yes, we will be feasting on gory morsels to keep our energy up! If you wish to catch our scary selves, make sure you get a ticket for the Extreme Phobia Haunted House where we’ll be wandering around 20 of the greatest phobias brought to life. You’ll enter darkness and walk the hallways packed full of slithery snakes, maniacal clowns and countless other horrific phobias of the worst kind. Eek! The Count adores fairytales, especially ones with an eerie twist, so catch us when
you’re wondering through the enchanting Haunted Fairytales experience. Explore eight rooms, each featuring a favourite fairytale, and encounter friendly characters scaring and delighting. I promise a visual and interactive experience like no other. Picture a spooky art gallery where everything comes to creepy life. To calm your nerves after a fright, come and join the Count and I at the Haunted Spirits Bar. Unfortunately they aren’t serving my special ‘Blood on the Rocks’ shot, but it is the perfect place to sip on a Poisoned Apple Mojito and listen to headline act, The Engagement. I’m practising my dance moves already, like the ones I danced on Halloween 1650. I can still remember feeling winded from the tight corset! Luna Park’s famous rides is our other go to when we need a breather from our hosting duties. Join us on the spooky carousel and watch the creepy shadows as your horse enters the forest or take a twilight spin on the 107-year-old Scenic Railway with my pet werewolf. To keep your little Draculas and devils extra happy and sugared up, head to the free Trick or Treat Trail. Explore the trail, stopping at zombie stations along the way to refuel. It’s so much fun with many friendly Halloween characters and no scares. Although we won’t be needing it, you mere mortals can add SFX to your Halloween guises at the Ghastly Glamour SFX Parlour
and then pose with your creepy crew at the fang-tastic photo booth. Go on, don’t be a sad spook and come see us along with all the living dead characters fresh from the nearby cemeteries; creepy cadavers and blood-curdling zombies lurking around everywhere. The fun and frights of your life are waiting! This event is ticketed and will sell out, so jump online at tickets.halloween.melbourne
now. That’s it from me, my coffin-bed is calling (again, sigh)! But I must get my beauty sleep for what’s coming.
The Sickening Ball lineup also includes New York City pageantry queen, Honey Davenport, plus Mercedes Iman Diamond, Nina West, Ra’Jah O’Hara and Shuga Cain. Vulture recently listed all eight of the visiting queens in their list of America’s top 100 Most Powerful Drag Queens. “All of the season eleven girls are very unique performers,” says Cochrane. “Some of them are trained dancers, others are comedy queens. We let them do what they do best and it always makes for an exciting show.” As for whether the performers are going to be working in coordination at all, Cochrane says we’ll “have to wait and see”. She can, however, confirm that, “you’ll definitely be left wanting to do the Monster Mash”. The Sickening Ball promises horrific performances from Raven and the season eleven stars, so punters, be warned that things could very well get gory. The Halloween theme will be inescapable, says Cochrane.
“The queens will be bringing Halloween realness and with everyone dressing up, it’ll be spooktacular.” ITD places great importance on cultivating an inclusive, expressive and creative environment at all of its events. Sickening Ball revellers can take comfort in the fact they’ll be free to go to town on their outfits and not feel in danger of being judged. “Creating an inclusive environment is very important to us and we find that our community really embraces this,” says Cochrane. “We’ve had all sorts of looks over the years, from a little bit of face paint all the way up to fully realised elaborate costumes. Halloween is truly an opportunity to let your freak flag fly.”
Spooktober at Luna Dark goes down for eight days from Friday October 25 to Sunday November 3 at Luna Park. As The Countess has advised, head to tickets.halloween. melbourne now to secure your spot.
The Sickening Ball There’ll be nowhere freakier this Halloween than the Sickening Ball, hosted by iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race alumnus, Raven. BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Joining Raven for the Sickening Ball tour – which begins in Auckland on October 31 and comes to the Chasers Nightclub in South Yarra on November 2 – are seven queens who defined Drag Race season 11, which was broadcast from February to May this year. Stephen Craddock’s production company, In The Dark, are the guys behind the sensational Sickening Ball lineup. It’s no surprise, really, as ITD has established itself as Australia’s leading LGBTIQIA+ events company over the last decade. “We produce monthly tours throughout Australia and New Zealand, bringing you the best talent from RuPaul’s Drag Race and the wider world of drag,” says ITD tour manager, Kirsty Cochrane. “We love to feature local performers to give them access to a new audience and we strive to deliver inclusive events where everyone feels welcome and has a great time.” Chasers also hosted the 2018 instalment of the Sickening Ball tour, which featured the likes of Sharon Needles, Alaska Thunderfuck and Karen From Finance. This year’s roster of queens is bigger than ever before, but the Ball won’t be an occasion of passive reverence.
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“We’re encouraging everyone to come dressed up to have the opportunity to be tooted or booted by the one and only Raven,” says Cochrane. Raven was the runner up of both season two of Drag Race and season one of Drag Race All Stars. She also works as RuPaul’s makeup artist and has accrued plenty of experience compéring drag-stravaganzas in her home city of Los Angeles. “Raven hosts the weekly Show Girls night at the famous Micky’s in West Hollywood, perhaps the most famous gay bar in the world,” Cochrane says. “She’s hilarious on the mic and you better watch out if you’re in the first few rows because she’ll be reading you to filth.” Seven contestants from Drag Race season 11 are making the trip down for the tour. These include the finalists A’keria C. Davenport and Silky Nutmeg Ganache, who narrowly lost out to Yvie Oddly and Brooke Lynn Hytes. A’keria has been going from strength to strength since the series wrapped up. After appearing in Taylor Swift’s ‘You Need to Calm Down’ video, in late August she performed with Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards.
The Sickening Ball comes to Chasers Nightclub in South Yarra on Saturday November 2. Grab your tickets via the ITD Events website, itdevents.com.
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HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
BOOs & BOOZE
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Why are you throwing a Halloween event in 2019? We’re solid Halloween supporters, haven’t missed a Halloween since we opened the doors! It’s hands-down our favourite night on the Persa calendar every year and is the ultimate nod to our resident wise-word neon, ‘Let’s Get Weird’. Why is Halloween the best day on the calendar? What other holiday lets you get out of your comfort zone like Halloween? It’s the one day of the year where you get to dress up as whatever you want to be, judgement free and have a killer time doing it. Any spooktacular surprises that punters should be wary of? Don’t you worry, we have a couple of things up our sleeves sure to raise your heart rate. Meet us at the bar, grab one of our Halloween special sips, served up for you to sip straight out of a blood bag and be on the lookout for the horrors (no, we don’t mean bad dance moves). What food will be available at the event? Only what everyone craves after a few Vodka Red Bulls – toasties. Hot, deliciously cheesy and enough carbs to have you serving it up on the dancefloor ‘til 3am. From classics to options for the slightly more adventurous, the toastie selection has you covered. What about drink specials? Nothing scarier than a full-price drink, right? There are enough horrors lurking in our corners without them, so we’re stretching happy hour… to four hours. Happy hour kicks off at 7pm and includes: $5 selected pints, $5 house wine and sparkling, $5 basic spirits, and two for $15 Vodka Red Bulls.
Why are you throwing a Halloween event in 2019? For one nefarious night only, Archie Brothers are teaming up with Brooklyn Lager to transform the venue into a spooktacular haunted circus, decked out in the most nightmarish decorations imaginable including skulls, cobwebs, skeletons, tombstones, plus petrifying roaming performers will scare guests silly. How does your Halloween event stand out from other Halloween celebrations? Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Melbourne’s favourite circus-themed leisure-tainment wonderland, will host the most hell-raising Halloween party of the year. For someone who has never really celebrated Halloween in the past, why should they get involved in 2019? Watch out for the fiends on the dodgem cars; keep your eyes peeled for creepy crawlies in the claw machines; be terrified by clowns in the Halloween XD motion theatre; take spooky selfies at the Kiss of Death kissing booth or play a mind-boggling 67 arcade games and go bowling all night long! You can’t afford to miss the Halloween party of the year! What activities do you have in store for Halloween 2019? There’ll be creepy circus performers ready to give you the fright of your life, free arcade games and bowling, a spooky cocktail on arrival… and free flowing Brooklyn Lager to keep your inner zombies hydrated. Be there and be scared. Any spooktacular surprises that punters should be wary of? In keeping with the Halloween theme, Joshua Moriarty, best known as a member of Melbourne-based electro-pop quartet Miami Horror, will hit the decks, spinning new and old-school tunes to get the ghouls grooving.
BOOs & BOOZE takes over Perseverance Hotel on Friday November 1; you gotta get a ticket first though. Grab ‘em via Eventbrite.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq’s Halloween Party goes down on Thursday October 31. Win tickets for you and three mates to the event at archiebrothers.com.au/halloween-vic. Competition closes 11:59pm Wednesday October 23.
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costumes | wigs | make up | special effects to BUY or RENT - ph (03) 96702765 drop in upstairs @ L1, 43 Hardware Ln, Melbourne
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NEW MUSIC
Albums & Singles BEST NEW ALBUM
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HARD-ONS
So I Could Have Them Destroyed
I freakin’ love Hard-Ons. Their unabashed realness, their boyish charm, and their relentless, ongoing mission to produce music while keeping the cap of punk firmly on their heads means their 12th studio album is utterly awesome. So I Could Have Them Destroyed continues the band’s 38-year punk pilgrimage with complete dedication. Hard-Ons cut through with their own wicked personality and, though I remain blissfully naïve as to what the phrase “a whole lot of tooth” actually means (assuming it’s something to do with getting a fist in the face), the song of the same name is raucous, rebellious, and jam-packed with unapologetic Hard-Ons energy. Indeed, the album falls on its own head with such a rabid force that tracks like ‘Float’ come apart with sheer aggressive rock. Are Hard-Ons channelling their inner Lemmy? Might well be, this is the standout track and the most ferocious performance we’ve heard from the band in recent memory. I’ve never thought too much of Peter “Blackie” Black’s performance as a vocalist – he’s not a singer, he’s a front man – and his seemingly delicate tones come with a crunch on this release, which just plasters a smile on your face. Oh yeah, smiling isn’t punk in the traditional sense of the word, but take a listen to ‘Do The Bunk’ and ‘Harder And Harder’ and you’ll see what I mean. Harder and harder, indeed, Hard-Ons are a one-stop shop for a rollicking good time and show no signs of slowing down. Label: Music Farmers/Inertia BY ANNA ROSE
SINGLES – WITH AUGUSTUS WELBY
NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS
HYDRA FASHION WEEK
GREENTEA PENG
EMMA RUSSACK & LACHLAN DENTON
Hollywood
Delete
Mr. Sun (miss da sun)
Catch
Grief is stamped all over the new Bad Seeds’ album, Ghosteen – the first written since Cave’s son died in 2015. Its final song, the 14-minute ‘Hollywood’, interpolates the story of Kisa Gotami going to see the Buddha after losing her child. The Buddha asks Kisa to bring him a mustard seed from any house where no one has died. Failing to do so, Kisa learns that everyone is affected by mortality. You join a community of the bereaved when you lose someone close to you, suggests Cave.
Who’s in the mood for a bit of jazz punk silliness? “Please, don’t delete… me,” sings Charlie Teitelbaum, who you’ll recognise from Melbourne trio Huntly. Teitelbaum could be giving voice to the track’s bass sound – not only is the bass tone dreadful, but it’s mixed disconcertingly loud. The fact they decided to crank it instead of attempt a revisal speaks to the sort of freedom this song campaigns for. It ends with a quick thrash detour, recalling the Minutemen in its unfazed flexibility.
The reflex to search for cryptic meaning in lyrics can distract from the beauty of straightforward sentiment. You could project symbolism onto Greentea Peng’s new soul/ R&B number, ‘Mr. Sun (miss da sun)’, or just take it as a paean to the enriching powers of the sun. Given the artist is based in South London, you know those sun cravings are real. Producer Earbuds lays down an electronic beat with a sprinkling of sax to match Peng’s hip hop influenced vocal style.
Emma Russack recently retired her underappreciated solo project to put more effort into this collaboration with The Ocean Party’s Lachlan Denton. Denton – who, at 30-years-old, has already amassed a Panama Papers-sized resume of understated guitar pop songs – sounds like he’s just getting started. ‘Catch’ is precise and dedicated to the notion of being caught and set free by another’s love. The picking acoustics give it a ‘90s soft rock feel, but songwriting this sharp would cut through in any era.
Label: Ghosteen Ltd.
Label: Independant
Label: Different Recordings Label: Spunk
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NEW MUSIC
6.5
DANNY BROWN
uknowhatimsayin¿
After a three-year wait, Danny Brown’s new album uknowhatimsayin¿ has producer Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest doing his best to carve a new sound for Brown to ride on. The results are mostly mixed. Brown’s music exists in this freeform state where all beats are on the table. This idea works when Brown is locked in with an engaging, head-bopping flow like on the lead singles ‘Dirty Laundry’ and ‘Best Life’. The first of the two has a jumpy, analog beat that sounds like it was taken straight from an arcade game. It’s one of the year’s best songs, while ‘Best Life’ is an unusually optimistic piece on doing your best. ‘Combat’ is a fine jazzy closer, with chopped up trumpets chirping in the background, though the album’s most intoxicating moment has to be ‘Shine’, featuring Dev Hynes of Blood Orange. It’s this hazy, dreamy track which completely swallows everything around it. Most of the album’s collaborations are enjoyable, still, I wish the instrumentals backing Brown and guests were more exciting. They lack the punch one expects from Danny Brown. Add the track ‘Theme Song’ to my list of complaints, too. There are some funny bars, but most of the song is sleep-inducing. Overall, uknowhatimsayin¿ is an uneven album that does well most of the time. It does feel like a step backward from 2016’s Atrocity Exhibition, Brown’s best album to date. However, this is a worthy addition to Brown’s sound that is still miles ahead of mainstream rap’s biggest stars.
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DERMOT KENNEDY
Without Fear
It’s been an algorithmic rise to fame for Irish busker Dermot Kennedy, whose debut single ‘An Evening I Will Not Forget’ found its way onto Spotify’s individually tailored playlist, Discover Weekly. The addition of another song, ‘Boston’ to Taylor Swift’s personal playlist only boosted his profile. It’s fitting that the first song he released opens his debut album, Without Fear; a collection of cathartic, immersive songs that capture the essence and power behind Kennedy’s voice and storytelling. ‘Power Over Me’, the third track of the album, has already proven its popularity with fans, having been taken for a true spin out on the road at festivals and concerts. It’s one of the many songs on the album which encapsulates Kennedy’s ability to simmer just below the surface before roaring through powerful choruses and hooks. Kennedy poetically expresses his inner thoughts in a way that makes each song on the record deeply personal and authentic. ‘Rome’ translates almost as a diary entry, while ‘Outgrown’ blends hip hop influences with the anthemic timbre of his voice, perfected during his days busking. Title track ‘Without Fear’ offers a dynamic finale to an album that embodies a moment in time Kennedy has managed to capture within thirteen raw and vulnerable tracks.
7.5
OWEN CAMPBELL
The Rolling Thunder of Love
Popular Australia’s Got Talent contestant and acclaimed slide guitarist, Owen Campbell, has rolled out his fourth LP, The Rolling Thunder of Love. Campbell extends his coarse, devilish voice and blues sensibilities to this LP, which doesn’t stray from where he started. But by the fourth album, he proves why we should still be listening. The album has more shuffle and groove to it than previous releases, however, with ‘The Cool Moonlight’ and ‘Medicine Man’ transporting you to a dance hall, twistin’ and all. Campbell even ventures into heartwarming territory with ‘Love Your Woman’ harkening the Otis Redding catalogue and ‘Gentle Breeze’ being the romantic 70’s acoustic callback. ‘Presidents’ Man’ remains a highlight; a slow, downright dirty blues groove accompanied by lyrics that tell a villainous tale of somebody working for the man and committing heinous acts. It’s despicable, but it makes the song so much more likeable. Campbell also proceeds to ‘revisit’ his single ‘Wreckin Ball’ and though it does sound different from the original, with the noticeable addition of an organ, its structure remains the same. Old fashioned to a tee, Campbell sticks to what he knows and the results shine.
Label: Warner Music Australia BY PRIYA FRANCIS
Label: Beats Cartel / MGM Distribution BY RHYS MCKENZIE
8
LOVE FAME TRAGEDY
I Don’t Want To Play The Victim, But I’m Really Good At It
After conquering the globe with the success of indie-pop extraordinaires The Wombats, the band’s lead singer and songwriter Matthew Murphy is taking some muchneeded time off… to make art-rock under the Love Fame Tragedy moniker. Somewhere between a Gorillaz-style collaborative effort and a solo venture, Murphy’s fresh creation allows him to make the songs he could never make with The Wombats, while giving him an opportunity to bust out new tunes with other musicians. Love Fame Tragedy’s first cohesive effort comes in the form of the EP I Don’t Want To Play The Victim, But I’m Really Good At It, a title which, if anything, shows Murphy isn’t tired of his trademark witty lyricism just yet. The EP kicks off with lead single ‘My Cheating Heart’, featuring singer and model Maddi Jean Waterhouse on backing vocals. The tune speeds along at a ripper pace, retaining Murphy’s penchant for big choruses and name-dropping locales. Ballad ‘Brand New Brain’ is also a soaring example of a modern piano tune done right. Coupled with the searing riffs on ‘Backflip’, the song which most exemplifies Murphy’s use of outlandish metaphors, Love Fame Tragedy’s first EP is an exciting sign of things to come. Label: Good Soldier Records BY JAMES ROBERTSON
Label: Warp Records BY JONATHAN REYNOSO
EDITOR’S PICK
UNDERGROUND LOVERS
A Left Turn
One of Australia’s most enduring and consistent bands, Underground Lovers, have just returned with their 10th album, A Left Turn.
Their previous LP, 2017’s Staring At You Staring At Me, saw the band tackle their guitar capability – a rock-driven run of songs which uncovered the versatility of a band who have previously been content to sit on a groove. On A Left Turn, the band return to the cockpit and set for the sky – it’s a smooth journey that plays to their krautrock influences. ‘Bells’ and ‘Rocky Endings (A Left Turn)’ could be mistaken for Brian Jonestown Massacre deep cuts, such is their willingness to settle on a rhythm and stay there. Nevertheless, the album does have its rock flourishes – ‘Hooky’ a forthright account of testosterone-laden man-to-man encounters.
Lead single and standout track, ‘Seven Day Weekend’, is a Britpop-inspired number reminiscent of Happy Mondays – vocalist Vincent Giarrusso adorns his Shaun Ryder cape in this ode to not giving a fuck. If anything, the inward-looking A Left Turn consolidates the parameters of Underground Lovers’ comfort zone. They understand their strengths and they’re not going to stray too far from the tree if they don’t have to. Another solid effort, Lovers. Label: Rubber Records BY TOM PARKER
87
GIGS & EVENTS
Gig & Events Guide WEDNESDAY 16 OCT
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK JULIEN WILSON'S STOCK, ENTROPY QUARTET Bar 303. Northcote. 8.30pm. WIND IT UP FEAT: SLEDGEHAMMER, BANANAGUN, AMADOU SUSO Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8pm. FREE. BOPSTRETCH Uptown Jazz Café. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. LUKE HOWARD The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $20. MICHELLE NICOLLE QUARTET Bird's Basement. Melbourne. 7.45pm. $25. AAALTO Brunswick Green. Brunswick. 8.30pm. FREE. MONTY SHNIER QUINTET Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $20. ANGELA LIBRANDI, REMI KOLAWOLE Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8pm. $30. SHOTA’S JAZZ RECITAL FEAT: SHOTA IKEDA Open Studio. Northcote. 8pm. $10.
ROCK, PUNK, METAL HALF THE ANDES, TRUDIE POTTER, TESS HANNAH Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. FREE. FLYING SAUCER TERROR, ALITA & ANDROMEDA, JIN JELLIC Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. FREE. CANCER BATS, TOTALLY UNICORN, SOMETHING SOMETHING EXPLOSION, DIPLOID Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $39.50. NIGHT SCHOOL FEAT: SEAWEED ON STICKS, PABLO PACE, TRACE DECAY Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. FREE. GRINSPOON, THE HARD ACHES, GOOCH PALMS, BUGS Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 7pm.
THURSDAY 17 OCT
ROCK, PUNK, METAL
HOLOPEAK, DRAGONFRUIT, WOLFA Bar 303. Northcote. 7pm. THE DORKS, CUT WIRE, CUTTERS Gasometer Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $8. STELLA BRIDIE, BABYCCINO, STELLA FARNAN Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $8. ANDRE WARHURST Labour in Vain. Fitzroy. 8pm. FREE. SWAMP MOTH, SOUTHBOUND SNAKE CHARMERS, FUTURE TONGUES, FLYING DUTCHMAN Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 7.30pm. FREE. THE SUN IS A DEADLY LASER, 27 WINTERS The B.East. Brunswick East. 9pm. FREE. DAN CHAPMAN & BAND, TIMEWISE Red Betty. Brunswick. 6pm. FREE. GIRLS ON TOFF FEAT: PSYCHOBABEL, PLOVERS, THE SLINGERS, KIERNAN IRONFIELD The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 7pm. $11.80. GOLD DIGGER THURSDAYS LAUNCH FEAT: THE BENNIES, FLOUR, VON STACHE, BATZ Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7pm. FREE. IRIS, YUKUMBABE, BOUND BY HOUND The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $8. HUH, WISE MAN SAY, SOFT TACO, LONG HOURS Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $10. THURSTY THURSDAYS UNI NIGHT FEAT: VIERA HOTEL Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 7pm. FREE. MAJUN BU, BELLY SAVALAS, THE PIRATESKA REBELLION Gasometer Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $13.25. CANCER BATS Pier Bandroom. Frankston. 7.30pm. $34.90. BEDROCK WITH LEE HARDING, DJ MATTY J Pier Bandroom. Frankston. 9pm. GEORGE MICHAEL: LISTEN TO YOUR HEART FEAT: JOHN FOREMAN, ROB MILLS, HUGH SHERIDAN, PRINNIE STEVENS, BOBBY FOX, ANDREW DE SILVA, CHRIDDY BLACK, SHELDON RILEY Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $99 129. NORTHLANE, COUNTERPARTS, SILENT PLANET, VOID OF VISION 170 Russell. Melbourne. 6pm. THE KIDS NEXT DOOR FAD Gallery. Melbourne. 9pm. FREE.
STELLA BRIDIE, BABYCCINO, STELLA FARNAN Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $8. MATT BRADSHAW The Elephant and Wheelbarrow. Melbourne. 9.30pm. FREE.
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK HOLOPEAK, DRAGONFRUIT, WOLFA Bar 303. Northcote. 7pm. THE CORRIDORS Bar Open. Fitzroy. 7pm. FREE. ANDREA KELLER TRANSIENTS TRIO Uptown Jazz Café. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. CUPCAKE Open Studio. Northcote. 8pm. $10. DAVE GRANEY & CLARE MOORE The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $25. THE NEW MONOS Bar Oussou. Brunswick. 9pm. FREE. KAREN LEE ANDREWS Bird's Basement. Melbourne. 7.45pm. $29. THE MICHELLE NICOLLE BAND Brunswick Green. Brunswick. 8.30pm. FREE. OGOPOGO, ROWAN BLACKMORE Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8pm. FREE. RACHEL DELGADO + ALEXANDER NETTELBECK TRIO Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $30. SYN-CHRO-NI-CI-TY Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8pm. $25. CLAUDIA JONES, ZOBI WAN Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford. 5pm. FREE. FEM BELLING, JOHN MONTESANTE QUINTET The Water Rat Hotel. South Melbourne. 7pm. FREE.
FRIDAY 18 OCT
ROCK, PUNK, METAL DON’T TEXT YOUR EX, OH DAISY, WAY SHIT, MARINA MITCHELL Bar 303. Northcote. 8.30pm. $10. PACIFIC AVENUE, MORNING STILLS, NATHAN WONG, ZACHARY LEO Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $15.
SOAKED OATS, DEAD EYES, OBSCURA HAIL The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $17.75. NIR TSFATY Compass Pizza. Brunswick East. 8pm. FREE. SEEKER LOVER KEEPER, ANNA CORDELL, JUNE JONES Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. NOCTURNAL GRAVES, GELD, GUTLESS, BLACKHELM Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $15. IRON STEEL, LIDIA FOXXX MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7.30pm. $10. COVERED UP MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7.30pm. $10. THE MOTION BELOW, TO OCTAVIA, FURIOUS GEORGE The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8.30pm. $11.25. LIQUID FACE The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 4pm. FREE. ROOLETTE RECORDS DJ RESIDENCY The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 11.45pm. FREE. HALF/CUT, GREAT EARTHQUAKE, VIDEO BREEZY, MAPLE GLIDER Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $10. EL COLOSSO, HIGH AS HELL, A GAZILLION ANGRY MEXICANS Bombay Rock. Brunswick. 6pm. FREE. THE TARANTINOS, MOOGY MORGAN Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 9pm. FREE. THE MAVIS, BYRON ST JOHN Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8pm. $27.50. U-BAHN + SLAG QUEENS The Fitzroy Pinnacle. Fitzroy North. 8.30pm. FREE. LUCY'S LOCKETT, THE SLOW CLUB, PLASTIC SPACEMAN, KINNON Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 8.30pm. FREE. THE MOONSHINE JAM BAND Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. FREE. MAMMA JAM Royal Hotel (Essendon). Essendon. 10pm. FREE. THE ULTIMATE 80’S FLURO PARTY FEAT: BRIAN MANNIX, DALE RYDER, SCOTT CARNE, JAMES MORLEY, ALLY FOWLER, DAVE STERRY Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 8pm. $51. TROPICAL FUCK STORM, SURFBORT, ALL THE WEATHERS The Croxton. Thornbury. 8pm.
IN OCTOBER
LIVE MUSIC. FRESH BEER. PROPER SOUND.
2 0 . 1 0 T H E 7 7 4 S 2 7 . 1 0 SWAZI GOLD 0 3 . 1 1 TAMO JUNTO
ALL DAY L ATIN BBQ - BEERS BREWED ON SITE
245 JOHNSTON ST. ABBOTSFORD 3067
88
GIGS & EVENTS
FLEETMAC WOOD PRESENTS SEA OF LOVE DISCO Brown Alley. Melbourne. 10pm. $27.46 - 32.74. NORTHLANE, COUNTERPARTS, SILENT PLANET, VOID OF VISION 170 Russell. Melbourne. 7.30pm. UNDER THE SEA, LIGHT MAGNETIC Labour in Vain. Fitzroy. 8pm. FREE. INTO THE MYSTIC - THE SONGS OF VAN MORRISON Caravan Music Club. Bentleigh East. 8pm. $28. METRIK The Elephant and Wheelbarrow. Melbourne. 11pm. FREE. MATT BRADSHAW The Elephant and Wheelbarrow. Melbourne. 6pm. FREE. CAPTAIN SPALDING BAND Customs House Hotel. Williamstown. 8pm. FREE.
TROPICAL FUCK STORM, SURFBORT, ALL THE WEATHERS The Croxton. Thornbury. 8pm. WEIRD PLACE FEST 3 FEAT: HORACE BONES, MINI SKIRT, VELVET ELEVATOR, SLAG QUEENS, VINTAGE CROP, MORE The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 3pm. $28.60. ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROCK SHOW FEAT: SCARECROW Newport Bowling Club. Newport. 6pm. $25. SEEKER LOVER KEEPER, JUNE JONES Theatre Royal Castlemaine. 8pm. $44.95.
#STDRUMS, BLISTERED TENTACLE, GIBBERISH Bar 303. Northcote. 9pm. PABLO PACE, CROOKS, KILNS, ELECTRIC ZEBRA Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $10. SHAG ROCK, TRACE DECAY, NEILPOT Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $17.98. LETITIA'S ROCKSHOW, MR. TEENAGE Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 12.30pm. $20 - 40. MUDTRAIN The Lomond Hotel. Brunswick East. 9.30pm. FREE. THE PINK TILES, BJ MORRISZONKLE, SLUSH Labour in Vain. Fitzroy. 7pm. FREE. A BROKEN SAIL + THE ELECTRIC GUITARS, WALKERVILLE The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $17.75. ROSS WILSON & THE PEACENIKS Caravan Music Club. Bentleigh East. 8pm. $33. COMPULSION TO KILL Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 5pm. $15.
GRINDHOUSE, FULL TONE GENERATOR The B.East. Brunswick East. 9pm. FREE. TWO HEADED DOG, REDRO REDRIGUEZ & HIS INNER DEMONS, THE DEAD AMIGOS, RAMBLIN' GOLD, THE PLEATS Spotted Mallard. Brunswick. 7pm. $15. PACIFIC AVENUE, THE MOVING STILLS, TRAVALLEY, SOPHISTICATED DINGO Wrangler Studios. Footscray. 4pm. $18.40. ON REPEAT: INDIE NIGHT Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11pm. FREE. GN'R - THE AUSTRALIAN GUNS N' ROSES TRIBUTE SHOW, DEF REPPLICA MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7.30pm. $20. ROCKIN VOLTS MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7.30pm. $20. GLOMESH, EAT MAN, HONEYBONE, SHOVE The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $10. LEANNE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY, SAM AGOSTINO, FRED ASTEREO, RHYS (OF RHYSICS/SCRAGGERS) The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 3.30pm. FREE. THE GURDIES, SCAB BABY, THE SPAGHETTI STAINS Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. FREE. HASHSHASHIN, SUPERFEATHER, ZÖJ, HELU Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $17.93. KILL BELL, LAYLA, SYNTHETICS Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $10. BROKEN, HACKER, OUTSIDERS CODE, CRUSH THE DEMONIAC Boney. Melbourne. 7pm. $12.92. HALLOWEEN HORROR FEAT: AIME NOIRE, NEMESIUM, AS I DESTRUCT, THE BONES OF GOD Bombay Rock. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.91. BASTARD NORTH, FILTH DIMENSION, ALUMINUM MONSTER, FEROCIOUS CHODE Bombay Rock. Brunswick. 7pm. FREE. LOCO HOMBRES The Catfish. Fitzroy. 8pm. FREE. EASTBOUND BUZZ + TELESCREEN Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8pm. FREE. MONSTERIA, FLYING SAUCER TERROR, THE INTERCEPTORS, VIKIMEALINGS Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 9pm. FREE. BURIED FEATHER, BROWN SPIRITS, TURTLE SKULL, MESA COSA Gasometer Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $18.35. MILLION DOLLAR RIFF - A CLASSIC ROCK EXPERIENCE Oakleigh Lounge. Oakleigh. 8.30pm. $15. WITH CONFIDENCE, STATESIDE, STUCK OUT Max Watt's (Melbourne). 7pm. $29.10.
Floyd Thursby
Claudia Jones
Holopeak
Plastic Spaceman
LOMOND HOTEL
BODRIGGY BREWING CO.
BAR 303
SWAMPLANDS
In another instalment of Lomond Hotel’s Acoustica night, Floyd Thursby will perform songs from his recent album To Those in Flames on Wednesday October 16. The album, released in September, was produced by ARIA-award winning Marty Brown. Doors open at 7pm, the show is free.
Thursdays in October sees Claudia Jones take to Bodriggy Brewing Co. with her effervescent disco, funk and soul music. For this fortnight’s instalment, she will be joined by DJs Zobi Wan on October 17 and Darcy Justice on October 24. It’s all free and kicks off at 5pm.
Launching their debut album, Summit Over, Holopeak will perform at Bar 303 on Thursday October 17 where they’ll flaunt their signature blend of jazz, minimalism and electronica. The young creatives will be supported by Dragonfruit, with entry donations going towards the Melbourne Jazz Co-op. Doors at 7pm.
Plastic Spaceman will bring a night of eclectic pop, rock, folk and blues to Swamplands with The Slow Club, Kinnon and Lucy’s Lockett to help. The Friday October 18 gig is free, so you can spend more on beer – it begins at 8pm.
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK SAGAMORE, SUNFRUITS, CHIMPANZEE Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10. SEX ON TOAST, TANZER, TEK TEK ENSEMBLE Stay Gold. Brunswick. 8pm. $25.63. 8 FOOT FELIX Open Studio. Northcote. 8pm. $12. BETTER LATE, COFI, KONG KORD, NEXT MAN DEAD Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. $7.07. JAMES MORRISON & HIS ACADEMY ORCHESTRA The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 6.30pm. $45. TRIP BEATS VOL. 6 FEAT: KUNDALINI PROJECT, OM TRYAMBAKAM, TEMPLE STEP PROJECT, #STDRUMS, GIBBERISH Bar Oussou. Brunswick. 9pm. FREE. KAREN LEE ANDREWS Bird's Basement. Melbourne. 7.45pm. $29. RICK FREEMAN'S 'ON IT' TRIO Classic Southside. Elsternwick. 8pm. $25. NORIA ET LES PARIGOTS Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6.30pm. $32.50. ANNEMARIE SHARRY'S BOSSARACH Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8pm. $32.50. THE SINGER’S SONG FEAT: SUSIE GOBLE, JACINTA CARUANA Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 9pm. $30. MARYSVILLE JAZZ & BLUES WEEKEND 2019 FEAT: VIKA & LINDA, THE SENEGAMBIAN JAZZ BAND, KAREN LEE ANDREWS, ONE NIGHT ONLY - THE BLUES BROS. REVUE, HORNS OF LEROY, FRANK SULTANA Marysville Town Centre. VIC. 9am. $70 - 165. TAMARA KULDIN QUARTET Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $25.
HIP HOP, R&B, POP NO SCRUBS: ‘90S AND ‘00S PARTY Wool Exchange. Geelong. 8pm. $17.85. POPROCKS FEAT: DR PHIL The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 9pm. FREE. THE HOT AS HELL LIZZO APPRECIATION PARTY Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11pm. FREE. WORDPLAY, THE G-RIZ Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10. LAUNDRY FRIDAYS FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 9pm. FREE. AFTER HOURS FEAT: DJ SPELL, ZEUS ROCK Horse Bazaar. Melbourne. 8pm. FREE. RNB FRIDAYS Co. Southbank. 9.30pm. $25. PHRESH FRIDAYS Khokolat Bar. Melbourne. 9.30pm. FREE. MONKEY MARC FEAT: RIDER SHAFIQUE, FYAH ROIALL, DJ WASABI, CHANT DOWN SOUND, LADY BANTON, JPS, KODIAK KID, HOUSEWIFE'S CHOICE Max Watt's (Melbourne). 8pm. $29.10. RED BULL MUSIC FESTIVAL FEAT: SAMPA THE GREAT, THANDISWA MAZWAI, GENESIS OWUSU, DALLAS WOODS, MWANJÈ Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 7pm. $40.
SATURDAY 19 OCT
ROCK, PUNK, METAL
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK SOUTH SIDE SOUL 2 Brothers Brewery. Moorabbin. 8pm. FREE. SAFARI MOTEL The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 4pm. FREE. DJ KOMBUCHI BOI Charles Weston Hotel. Brunswick. 8pm. BABAGANOUSH, 64, RED RAKIA Bar Open. Fitzroy. 9.30pm. $16.35. ELLIS/SHERLOCK/TARENTO TRIO Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. FREE. WILDLIFE FEAT: ELLE SHIMADA COLLECTIVE, ZIGGY ZEITGEIST, FINN REES, MAGG.Z, ZOBI WAN, DJ JNETT, ROK RILEY The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $11.80. THE SEDUCEAPHONES, TONY MITÉ Open Studio. Northcote. 8.30pm. $8. MUDD, MIRO, ISADORA Open Studio. Northcote. 5.30pm. $5. KELVIN YAP Open Studio. Northcote. 12pm. SQUID NEBULA Night Cat. Fitzroy. 11.30pm. $7.07. JON CLEARY Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. $64.95. JAMES SHERLOCK TRIO WITH JULIE O’HARA The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30. THE ALEXANDER NETTLEBECK QUARTET Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $25. YUSUPHA NGUM & THE AFFIA BAND Bar Oussou. Brunswick. 10pm. FREE. OUSSOU FEAST, AMADOU SUSO Bar Oussou. Brunswick. 12pm. FREE. NATHAN HAINES & JONATHAN CRAYFORD Bird's Basement. Melbourne. 7.45pm. $35. BOB SEDERGREEN & FRIENDS, EMMA GILMARTIN Classic Southside. Elsternwick. 8pm. $25. THE DEANS OF SOUL, TEACUP RHINO, THE SOPHIE LOUISE QUARTET Gasometer Hotel. Collingwood. 1pm. $10.
89
GIGS & EVENTS
TAMARA KULDIN & PAUL COYLE Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 5.30pm. $32.50. MARYSVILLE JAZZ & BLUES WEEKEND 2019 FEAT: VIKA & LINDA, THE SENEGAMBIAN JAZZ BAND, KAREN LEE ANDREWS, ONE NIGHT ONLY - THE BLUES BROS. REVUE, HORNS OF LEROY, FRANK SULTANA Marysville Town Centre. VIC. 9am. $70 - 165. FUNK RABBIT Clifton Hill Brewpub. Clifton Hill. 9pm. FREE. LEO DALE Footscray Community Arts Centre. VIC. 2pm. FREE. BROOKLYN '86 The Moldy Fig. 8.30pm. FREE.
ELECTRONIC, EXPERIMENTAL PRECURSOR S-19-OC, APOLLO WALKER, JIM WESTLAKE, MBUG MUSIC, CHRIS THATCHER DJ, MITTONS, VJ DVISN Red Betty. Brunswick. 6pm. $5. WILDLIFE FEAT: ELLE SHIMADA COLLECTIVE, ZIGGY ZEITGEIST, FINN REES, MAGG.Z, ZOBI WAN, DJ JNETT, ROK RILEY The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $11.80. I LOVE DANCEHALL FEAT: SO FIRE, JAH TUNG, AL GOOD, DJ SELEKTAH, SHOTTAZ, BURN CITY QUEENZ Rubix Warehouse. Brunswick. 10pm. $12.50. GOODLIFE FEAT: MICHAEL ZAC, CHRIS NG Loop Project Space & Bar. Melbourne. 10pm. $10. FEM FANTASY FEAT: MO·LOUIE, YOUTHFIRE, LOUISE, MAX LAWRENCE Horse Bazaar. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $7. FANTASTIC VOYAGE FEAT: SUPER JIM Z, MONFREAQ, ELOYSE Boney. Melbourne. 11pm. MYTHOLOGY FEAT: XXX, POST PERCY Boney. Melbourne. 9pm. FLAVIUS, GORILLA GROOVE, MOMENT OF DARKNESS, MR KAPOW, KUNI, CYMASCOPIC, EELZ, BECKY BUBBLE, THE BROTHERS SWAG 24 Moons. Northcote. 8pm. $16.97. GUPSTAR FEAT: GUPSTAR The Fox Hotel. Collingwood. 7pm. FREE. ALL NIGHT FEAT: DJ JERRY C, JADE ZOE, KAÏRA CUVÉE, KDKE, LOTUS MOONCHILD, MORE The Carlton Club. Melbourne. 10pm. FREE. ELECTRIC DREAMS Co. Southbank. 9pm. $22.19. TORREN FOOT Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 10pm. $20.
EAT THE BEAT - MASQUERADE PARTY New Guernica. Melbourne. 10pm. $15. TEXTILE FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Lucky Coq. Windsor. 9pm. RECONNECT - SMILE POLICE 20 YEAR REUNION FEAT: HELLRAISER, DJ NIK COLA Melbourne Pavilion. VIC. 3pm. $35 - 45. BOUNCE WITH DJ 2P The Elephant and Wheelbarrow. Melbourne. 10pm. FREE.
HIP HOP, R&B, POP SECRET HEADLINER + PRETTY IN PINK (HEART BEACH) The Night Heron. Footscray. 6pm. FREE. BEC SANDRIDGE, EAGLEMONT, DENISE LE MENICE Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. $24.71. ALL NIGHT FEAT: DJ JERRY C, JADE ZOE, KAÏRA CUVÉE, KDKE, LOTUS MOONCHILD, MORE The Carlton Club. Melbourne. 10pm. FREE. OLD SCHOOL RNB Co. Southbank. 10pm. $27.46. KHOKOLAT SATURDAYS, DAMION DE SILVA, DURMY Khokolat Bar. Melbourne. 9.30pm. CLIENT LIAISON Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 8pm. TEXTILE FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Lucky Coq. Windsor. 9pm. LAUNDRY SATURDAYS Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 9pm. FREE.
SUNDAY 20 OCT
ROCK, PUNK, METAL THE MAMAS, THE CLOTHESLINES, ZOE FOX, LO-RES, VARIOUS DJS Bar 303. Northcote. 4.30pm. FREE. DAREBIN MUSIC FEAST OPENING PARTY FEAT: ALICE SKYE, COOL SOUNDS, CULTE, EMMA DONOVAN & THE PUTBACKS, ZOE FOX, MORE Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 1pm. FREE. BAD TASTE, SADULTS, TONY TAINT, SLACK ATTACK Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8pm. $10. SPLIT THE SUN + FORTRESS OF NARZOD Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 2.30pm. FREE. THE RIGHT BROTHERS Young Street Supper Club. Frankston. 7.30pm. FREE. WITH CONFIDENCE, STUCK OUT,
STATESIDE Wrangler Studios. Footscray. 1.30pm. $28.60. CONCRETE LAWN, BITUMEN, SCREENSAVER, VERTIGO, 2 STROKE The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7pm. $12. SUNDAY SESSION FEAT: H-ZED, MR. STITCHER, VACANT IMAGE The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 2pm. FREE. CITY OF COOL Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 4pm. FREE. THE EXCITING MCGILLYCUDDIES The Quiet Man Irish Pub. Flemington. 6pm. FREE.
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK THE MAMAS, THE CLOTHESLINES, ZOE FOX, LO-RES, VARIOUS DJS Bar 303. Northcote. 4.30pm. FREE. SPEAKEASY JAZZ JAM FEAT: HAWK I, LEGO, ADAM RUDEGEAIR & HOUSE BAND Red Betty. Brunswick. 6pm. FREE. JAZZ SUNDAYS FEAT: LLOYD BRIGGS, CRAIG FERMANIS ORGAN TRIO Howler. Brunswick. 3pm. FREE. JON CLEARY & THE ABSOLUTE MONSTER GENTLEMEN Caravan Music Club. Bentleigh East. 2.30pm. $60. JULES BOULT & FRIENDS The Rainbow Hotel. Fitzroy. 4pm. FREE. RODA DE CHORO Open Studio. Northcote. 1pm. FREE. QUARTER STREET Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm. $17.90. MATT HOYNE QUINTET The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $20. AUSECUMA BEATS Bar Oussou. Brunswick. 7.30pm. FREE. SOUL SACRIFICE - THE MUSIC OF SANTANA Bird's Basement. Melbourne. 7.45pm. $29. JAZZ ORBIT Brunswick Green. Brunswick. 7.30pm. FREE. AMOS ROACH Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 6pm. FREE. GEORGA BYRNE Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $25. JOANNA WALLFISCH Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6.30pm. $30. SUNDAY SMALLGOODS FEAT: THE 774'S, CRATE MATES, CHRIS BONATO Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford. 2pm. FREE. MARYSVILLE JAZZ & BLUES WEEKEND 2019 FEAT: VIKA & LINDA, THE SENEGAMBIAN JAZZ BAND, KAREN
LEE ANDREWS, ONE NIGHT ONLY - THE BLUES BROS. REVUE, HORNS OF LEROY, FRANK SULTANA Marysville Town Centre. VIC. 9am. $70 - 165. OLIVER CLARK Clifton Hill Brewpub. Clifton Hill. 6pm. FREE.
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY/ FOLK, BLUES HELEN RYDER TRIO The Lomond Hotel. Brunswick East. 5.30pm. FREE. JESS PORTER Compass Pizza. Brunswick East. 7pm. FREE. THE WISECRACKS The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 6.30pm. FREE. EDDI NUARDO, PETE FIDLER Charles Weston Hotel. Brunswick. 4pm. DEVIL GOAT FAMILY STRING BAND Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6pm. FREE. BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS + RED DIRT RADIO Tramway Hotel. Fitzroy North. 4pm. FREE. GEORGIA STATE LINE + KERRYN FIELDS Spotted Mallard. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $17.64. ALEX SMITH Spotted Mallard. Brunswick. 3pm. $19.99. THE STETSON FAMILY Union Hotel Brunswick. Brunswick. 3.30pm. NICK O'MARA Union Hotel Brunswick. Brunswick. 3.30pm. JAMES FAHY + SAM FLOYD Some Velvet Morning. Clifton Hill. 3pm. FREE. THE 'JOHNNY CAN'T DANCE' CAJUN BAND, THE GOB IRON STRINGBAND Open Studio. Northcote. 9.30pm. $10. GUITAR KINGDOM FEAT: GELAREH POUR, NATHAN SINCLAIR, ROSE DE LA MONTAÑA Open Studio. Northcote. 5.30pm. $10. OPEN MIC & JAM NIGHT MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7pm. FREE. ANDRE WARHURST & THE RARE BYRDS Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 3pm. FREE. THE RECHORDS Gem Bar. Collingwood. 7.30pm. FREE. PHIL PARA & BAND Royal Hotel (Mornington). Mornington. 3pm. FREE. MARYSVILLE JAZZ & BLUES WEEKEND 2019 FEAT: VIKA & LINDA, THE SENEGAMBIAN JAZZ BAND, KAREN LEE ANDREWS, ONE NIGHT ONLY - THE BLUES BROS. REVUE, HORNS OF LEROY, FRANK SULTANA Marysville Town Centre. VIC. 9am. $70 - 165. FENN WILSON Spotted Mallard. Brunswick. 4pm. FREE.
Cahill Kelly
Funk Rabbit
Stephen Kennedy
The Wisecracks
THE BERGY SELTZER
CLIFTON HILL BREWPUB
THE QUIET MAN IRISH PUB
THE DRUNKEN POET
Ripper local venue The Bergy Seltzer welcomes rising singer-songwriter Cahill Kelly to its stage on Saturday October 19 to fill the night’s air with soulful tunes. The whimsical Black SheOak will also be along for the night. It all goes from 6pm and is totally free.
The Clifton Hill Brewpub will host sextet Funk Rabbit on Saturday October 19 for a night of three high energy sets. Dancing shoes and deodorant are a must for this free show full of horns, powerful vocals and pure groove. It gets going at 9pm.
Continuing his residency at the Quiet Man Irish Pub, Stephen Kennedy will play at the front bar on Saturday October 19. The night is set to be filled with rock and pop covers alongside Kennedy’s originals. It’s free and starts at 5pm.
Sunday October 20 at The Drunken Poet is going to be injected with light-hearted swing and rambling folk tunes from The Wisecracks. The multicultural act are keeping themselves busy with a range of local and interstate shows. This one is free entry and kicks off at 6:30pm.
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GIGS & EVENTS
COUNTRY AT CUSTOMS FEAT: MICHELLE GARDINER, ANTHONY TAYLOR, DELLA HARRIS, EMILY HATTON, JAKE SINCLAIR, LUKE AUSTEN Customs House Hotel. Williamstown. 2pm. FREE.
TUESDAY 22 OCT
ROCK, PUNK, METAL JOE GUITON & FRIENDS Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. ESOTERIC POP - BILLI LIME ART EXHIBITION OPENING, BAXTER AVALON, PARTY PEST, LES YE YE GIRLS Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7pm. $10. CAST, SHIVA & THE HAZARDS Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8pm. $70.97. SOFT POWER, FLORA CARBO TRIO Some Velvet Morning. Clifton Hill. 7.30pm. FREE.
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY/ FOLK, BLUES OPEN MIC Bar Oussou. Brunswick. 7pm. FREE. THE ESPY OPEN MIC Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 5pm. FREE. OPEN MIC Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 6pm. FREE. MORGAN EVANS Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 7.30pm. TUESDAY TRIBUTE: JOHN FAHEY FEAT: THE MAN FROM ATLANTIS, The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8pm. FREE. IRISH SESSION The Lomond Hotel. Brunswick East. 9pm. FREE.
WEDNESDAY 23 OCT
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK JULIEN WILSON'S STOCK, ENTROPY QUARTET Bar 303. Northcote. 8.30pm. SASKWATCH: SAY GOODBYE, DJ CHRIS GILL, LEAH SENIOR, JIM LAWRIE The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $27.95. BOPSTRETCH Uptown Jazz Café. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. BEAUTIFUL FRAGMENTS FEAT: NAT BARTSCH TRIO, CANARY The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $20. HARRIET TUBMAN Bird's Basement.
Melbourne. 7.45pm. $45. KEEVERS/MAGNUSSON/SWINN Brunswick Green. Brunswick. 8.30pm. FREE. MARTIN PANG SEXTET Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8pm. $25. NATHAN SLATER QUARTET Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $25. HEART OF ST KILDA CONCERT FEAT: THE TESKEY BROTHERS, JOE CAMILLERI, CARL BARRON, DAN SULTAN, RHONDA BURCHMORE, THE CHANTOOZIES, MORE Palais Theatre. St Kilda. 7.30pm. $66.18.
ROCK, PUNK, METAL JIN JELLIC Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $8. TROPICAL FUCK STORM, SURFBORT Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. $40.15. BELLHOP, POLARIZE, POLITE SKELETONS Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8pm. $5. COCKNEY REJECTS, THE CLINCH, WOLFPACK Corner Hotel. Richmond. 7.30pm. $50. THE NIGHT BETWEEN FEAT: DAMAGE INC - THE AUSTRALIAN METALLICA TRIBUTE BAND Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 7.30pm. B*CK IT! AN RMIT SHOWCASE LAUNCH FEAT: MUDSHAKER, SOFT POWDER, JPG The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10. GECKO, THE NEW DREGS, RETROSYNC The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $10.
THURSDAY 24 OCT
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY/ FOLK, BLUES WEREWOLVES OF MELBOURNE Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $10. VICTOR CRIPES + SASCHA KLAVE The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8pm. FREE. TRIO GRANDE Charles Weston Hotel. Brunswick. 6.30pm. FREE. ROSÉ LEMONADE Young Street Supper Club. Frankston. 8pm. FREE. JAKSON, ELIZA JOAN, THE SUNKEN SEA Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $10. TRACEY MILLER & THE CYCLONES Classic Southside. Elsternwick. 8pm. $20. HANNAH CAMERON Gasometer Hotel. Collingwood. 7.30pm. $15.29.
Adam Rudegeair
CHARM OF FINCHES + LOREN KATE The Merri Creek Tavern. Northcote. 8pm. $16.50. MICHAEL SITA Customs House Hotel. Williamstown. 8pm. FREE.
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK TAMARA KULDIN, JOHN MONTESANTE QUINTET The Water Rat Hotel. South Melbourne. 7pm. FREE. SASKWATCH: SAY GOODBYE, DJ CHRIS GILL, LEAH SENIOR, JIM LAWRIE The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $27.95. THE CORRIDORS Bar Open. Fitzroy. 7pm. FREE. ANDREA KELLER TRANSIENTS TRIO Uptown Jazz Café. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. VARDOS Open Studio. Northcote. 7.30pm. $10. DAVE GRANEY & CLARE MOORE The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $25. HARRIET TUBMAN Bird's Basement. Melbourne. 7.45pm. $45. THE JOSH KYLE BAND Brunswick Green. Brunswick. 8.30pm. FREE. THE MICHELLE NICOLLE BAND Brunswick Green. Brunswick. 8.30pm. FREE. TRACEY MILLER & THE CYCLONES Classic Southside. Elsternwick. 8pm. $20. THE DAIMON BRUNTON QUINTET Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8pm. $20. SAM MCNALLY + DAVID JONES + EVRIPIDES EVRIPIDOU Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $30. DAVID CAMPBELL Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 8pm. $69 - 99. CLAUDIA JONES, DARCY JUSTICE Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford. 5pm. FREE. NEON SOUL FEAT: BERNADETTE NOVEMBRE & HER 10 PIECE SOUL BAND FAD Gallery. Melbourne. 9pm. FREE.
ROCK, PUNK, METAL THE MOCHASINS, FULL CREDIT TO THE BOYS, YUKUMBABE Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $10. MAEDAY VOL 1 FEAT: SLIM JEFFRIES, BIFF, TALL RELATIVES Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10. THURSDAY THRASH NIGHT FEAT: THE NUREMBERG CODE, INFERIORITY
COMPLEX, MISTRESS OF MISERY, EIGHT COUNT, NIGHTBREAKER Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 6.30pm. $10. FROOT LUIPS, WASHED UP WIZARDS The B.East. Brunswick East. 7pm. FREE. AARON SCHEMBRI BAND, ROSIE CONFORTO MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7.30pm. $10. OKAY DANE, THE FIOR, AFTER SCHOOL CARE, EXCUSE FOR AN EXIT The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7.30pm. $9.20. LE PINE, BLACK SNAKE WHIP, BAD TASTE Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7pm. FREE. DOROTH, CARLY FERN The Fitzroy Pinnacle. Fitzroy North. 8pm. FREE. THURSTY THURSDAYS UNI NIGHT FEAT: ECCENTRIC PRESENCE Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 7pm. FREE. RYAN DOWNEY, ANNA CORDELL, NAT VAZER Gasometer Hotel. Collingwood. 7.30pm. $15.29. CONSTRUCTION ROCKS Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 7.30pm. $23.50. PIST IDIOTS Pier Bandroom. Frankston. 8pm. $25.50. BEDROCK WITH LEE HARDING, DJ MATTY J Pier Bandroom. Frankston. 9pm. ALEX LLOYD, HEY MAJOR The Croxton. Thornbury. 7.30pm. $39.80. MAN FROM ATLANTIS & THE MOON OF DELIVERANCE, OCTAVE PUSSY Red Betty. Brunswick. 8pm. FREE. MATT BRADSHAW The Elephant and Wheelbarrow. Melbourne. 9.30pm. FREE.
HIP HOP, R&B, POP CELEBRATING WOMEN OF THE ‘90S LAUNCH SHOW Stay Gold. Brunswick. 8pm. $20. THROWBACK FEAT: MATT RADOVICH, EZRA HARVEY, ILRESPONCE, B-TWO, AYNA, NAM Lucky Coq. Windsor. 9pm. FREE. ALT NIGHTS FEAT: SIR JUDE Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. $10. IT'S A RAP VOL. 12 FEAT: TAI GHEE, ANDRE JEMAL, AAYU, SENSEIXHANEL, DOUBLEEM, VTMOOK Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 9.30pm. $10. LAUNDRY THURSDAYS FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 10pm. FREE. FINGERPRINTS PRESENTS BAP - SOUL, V DON DADA, R.EM.EDY, DJ THORTZ, TRIX WILLIAM, TUMI THE BE Horse Bazaar. Melbourne. 8pm. FREE.
Image by Darren Howard
Speakeasy Jam Session
Helen Ryder Trio
Bernadette Novembre
Kinematic
RED BETTY
LOMOND HOTEL
FAD GALLERY
RED BETTY
Adam Rudegeair and his rhythm section will ensure Sunday October 20’s open jazz jam keeps moving, but the rest is up to you. A backline of keys, bass and guitar amps, drums and vocal mics will be provided for you to take the stage. It all starts at 6pm.
Helen Ryder will perform songs from her 2015 album Someday Love as well as a collection of her favourite songs at the Lomond Hotel on Sunday October 20. Joining her is Bruce Haymes on the keys, and Jeff Burstin on the acoustic guitar. It’s free and kicks off at 5:30pm.
Bernadette Novembre will perform as part of FAD Gallery’s night of soul, rock and reggae night, Neon Soul, on Thursday October 24. Accompanied by a ten-piece band, Novembre is sure to fill the venue with good vibes from 9pm, all for free.
Returning to display the range of their catalogue, Kinematic will take over Red Betty on Friday October 25. This leg of the residency will be supported by Hannah Potter and Ryan Sterling to keep your Friday night filled with groove. It’s all free and opens at 7pm.
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GIGS & EVENTS
ELECTRONIC, EXPERIMENTAL GROOVE GATHERING FEAT: FINDING FIGARO, SŌSHO, HIDDEN DEXTRA, BARRA, DON Loop Project Space & Bar. Melbourne. 9pm. $6.36. FINGERPRINTS PRESENTS BAP - SOUL, V DON DADA, R.EM.EDY, DJ THORTZ, TRIX WILLIAM, TUMI THE BE Horse Bazaar. Melbourne. 8pm. FREE. THE VINYL FRONTIER FEAT: GSM, COLETTE Boney. Melbourne. 9pm. FREE. GUERNS FEAT: DEEJAY BLOOM, BIGMAC, FOSTA, SHAUN CROSS, STICKS, KIEREN BONANNO New Guernica. Melbourne. 10pm. FREE. CATCH THE BEAT THURSDAYS FEAT: DJ PERIL, MIKE GURRIERI The Carlton Club. Melbourne. 9pm. FREE.
FRIDAY 25 OCT
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK TALLAWAH HI-FI, HIGHER REGION SOUND SYSTEM Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $10. SASKWATCH: SAY GOODBYE, DJ CHRIS GILL, LEAH SENIOR, JIM LAWRIE The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $27.95. DR HERNÁNDEZ Spotted Mallard. Brunswick. 7pm. $23.77. HORNS OF LEROY Open Studio. Northcote. 8.30pm. $12. CAPTIVATE MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7.30pm. $10. RICO ALMA The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30. THE HARRY TINNEY QUARTET Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $25. HARRIET TUBMAN Bird's Basement. Melbourne. 7.45pm. $45. 45 YEARS OF FRIENDS OF THE EARTH FEAT: HELLO TUT TUT, ALLYSHA JOY, MORTISVILLE, CLADDY Gasometer Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $20. BORN TO BE BLUE: CELEBRATING THE MUSICAL LIFE OF CHET BAKER Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6.30pm. $32.50. LILLY TUNLEY SEXTET Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8pm. $32.50. PICKPOCKET Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 9pm. $30. PAPER PLANES FEAT: MARK FITZGIBBON, CONNIE LANSBERG,
Classic Southside. Elsternwick. 8pm. $20 - 25. BROOKLYN '86 Transit Rooftop Bar. Melbourne. 9pm. FREE.
ROCK, PUNK, METAL KINEMATIC, HANNAH POTTER, RYAN STERLING Red Betty. Brunswick. 7.30pm. FREE. CLEWS, EAGLE EYE JONES, SHANNEN JAMES Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $22.22. DEAD TRANSMISSION, THE INTERCEPTORS Labour in Vain. Fitzroy. 8pm. FREE. HATCHIE, GAUCI, NORTHEAST PARTY HOUSE Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. DARYL BRAITHWAITE Grand Hotel Mornington. Melbourne. 8pm. $44.90. ROLLERBALL Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $22.19. ROSA MARIA, SUNFRUITS, AUNTIE LEO & THE BACKSTABBERS The B.East. Brunswick East. 8pm. FREE. THE KIDS, SHIT TINNIES, I HAVE A GOAT, BLACK MONROE Young Street Supper Club. Frankston. 7pm. $10. BANG! HALLOWEEN HORRORFEST 2019 FEAT: WITHER, BLKLST, ABOVE THE FALLEN, DRUID Royal Melbourne Hotel. Melbourne. 9pm. CAPTIVATE MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7.30pm. $10. THE GEORGE TRIMMER BAND MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7.30pm. $10. TURTLE WAVE The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 4pm. FREE. ROOLETTE RECORDS DJ RESIDENCY The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 11.45pm. FREE. JACK R REILLY, WOLFJAY, POCKET MONEY, BLUE GREEN Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $10. CROOKED THIEVES, BLACK DOG, VICIOUS ADDICTION, DARK DAZE Bombay Rock. Brunswick. 7pm. FREE. JUKE BOX RACKET The Catfish. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. FREE. LEHMANN B SMITH, TIMESHARE The Fitzroy Pinnacle. Fitzroy North. 8pm. FREE. DANDELION WINE, BRITTLE SUN, SCARLETT COOK Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 9pm. FREE. SEASIDE, MAJAK DOOR, THE VIOLENT MONKS Gasometer Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $15.29. THE TARANTINOS Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. FREE.
ROCK RIOT FEAT: CLASSIC ALBUMS BAND Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 7pm. $28.60. GYROSCOPE Pier Bandroom. Frankston. 8pm. $39.80. ALEX LLOYD, HEY MAJOR Matthew Flinders Hotel. Chadstone. 8pm. $39.80. NEKROMANTIX Max Watt's (Melbourne). 8pm. $61.75. DZ DEATHRAYS, POLISH CLUB, THE BUOYS, VOIID Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 8pm. $55. METRIK The Elephant and Wheelbarrow. Melbourne. 11pm. FREE. MATT BRADSHAW The Elephant and Wheelbarrow. Melbourne. 6pm. FREE. CAPTAIN SPALDING BAND Customs House Hotel. Williamstown. 8pm. FREE.
UNICORN AWARDS & END OF SEASON CELEBRATION Old Bar. Fitzroy. 2pm. FREE. DADA ONO, BATZ, THE NAYSAYERS, BASTIAN HUES Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. PIST IDIOTS, MINI SKIRTS, NEW AGE GROUP Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. $25.74. MAC SPRINGS, TOM LUCEY, HANA WILLIAMS Compass Pizza. Brunswick East. 8pm. $10.
THE MARK OF CAIN, THE MESSTHETICS, CIVIC Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. BBQ HAQUE, LUCIDA The B.East. Brunswick East. 8pm. FREE. TAKING BACK SATURDAY - HALLOWEEN PARTY Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11pm. $10. ENDLESS HEIGHTS, PORCELAIN, BLOOM, PARADISE CLUB Stay Gold. Brunswick. 8pm. $15. THE TARANTINOS The Rainbow Hotel. Fitzroy. 4.30pm. FREE. THE EAGLES STORY MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7.30pm. $26.13. THE BALLS, KHAN, DESERT KINGDOM, NEVER, THE ABLE ARCHERS The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. TOMBEAU, DISCO JUNK, VAJAZZLE, DIRTY JUICE BOY The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 3pm. FREE. JACOB, WORLD SICK, BITTER LAKES, FOLEY Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $14.82. TRIPLE KILL'S WILD HALLOWEEN PARTY, VARIOUS DJS, DJ CHUNEZ TV Bombay Rock. Brunswick. 7pm. FREE. I AM DUCKEYE, BEYOND CONTEMPT, THE KIDS, SHIT TINNIES, FALSE PROFIT, EIGHT COUNT, DJ RORY FANG IT Bombay Rock. Brunswick. 7pm. FREE. MUNT, WARPATH, BØG, CORDELL, BREAK THROUGH The Catfish. Fitzroy. 7pm. $15. FOX COMPANY, DANGERESS, THREADS Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8pm. FREE. ANDRE AGONY, FREEDOM CLUB The Fitzroy Pinnacle. Fitzroy North. 9pm. FREE. SONS OF LEE MARVIN, TRAUMABOYS, MJ HALLORAN Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 9pm. $10. GOLD GULL Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 4pm. FREE. THE COLLABORATORS Gasometer Hotel. Collingwood. 2pm. $15.29. JEB CARDWELL BAND Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. FREE. GYROSCOPE Max Watt's (Melbourne). 8pm. $40.30. CITY CALM DOWN The Croxton. Thornbury. 8pm. $44.90. ATLVS, ISOTOPES, DAYS OF DECEIT, THE DAILY CHASE, IN VANITY The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 3.30pm. $15. THE ALCHEMY ASSEMBLY EXTRAVAGANZA FEAT: WHITE DEVIL DETROIT, ART SIMONE, STONE TEMPLE CO-PILOTS, JORDY MITCHELL, DJ KELLIN IN THE NAME OF, THE CHEVALIERS Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $15.
HIP HOP, R&B, POP LAUNDRY FRIDAYS FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 9pm. FREE. AFTER HOURS FEAT: DJ SPELL, KAÏRA CUVÉE Horse Bazaar. Melbourne. 8pm. FREE. RNB FRIDAYS FEAT: YO! MAFIA Co. Southbank. 9.30pm. $27.46. PHRESH FRIDAYS Khokolat Bar. Melbourne. 9.30pm. FREE. TYGA Margaret Court Arena. Melbourne. 8pm. $97.55. URBAN STUDIO FEAT: FAKAOHO TUPOU, MELAIA VUGONA SADRANU, RUTHY, EMMANUEL, JOANNE KAISILA, NATASHA HANNA, JOSEPH KELLY, EUGENIE LYONS, JOSEF HANNA Arts Centre Melbourne. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $20 - 25. GOT STUCK FEAT: N'FA JONES, FRAKSHA, HVNCOQ, KŌTARE Arts Centre Melbourne. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $10.
SATURDAY 26 OCT
ROCK, PUNK, METAL
Adam Trace
Crumb
Tapsalteerie
Simon Paparo
THE TEMPERANCE HOTEL
THORNBURY LOCAL
THORNBURY LOCAL
CLIFTON HILL BREWPUB
For yet another edition of Temperance Fridays, Adam Trace will join Nick Van Wilder and DJ PTC on Friday October 25. The three acts will drop a mix of reggae, R&B and Latin house hits from 8pm. No cover charge, lots of drinks specials.
Edgy punk band Crumb will serve up a main course of their individual surf sound on Saturday October 26 at Thornbury Local. Come early and let The Deadly Apple Johns and The Bone Folders satiate your hunger for rock. Let your hair down for the 7pm show – it’s punk, it’s free.
Tapsalteerie are set to perform at Thornbury Local on the last day of the Darebin Music Feast, Sunday October 27. With a range of songs inspired by Irish and Scottish folk traditions, the free show will surely get you moving – make sure you stretch before doors open at 5pm.
Sunday October 27 will see a night of original and covered hits from Simon Paparo at the Clifton Hill Brewpub. With a second album on the way, Paparo is sure to ease your end-of-weekend stress from 5pm onwards. It’s totally free.
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GIGS & EVENTS
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK SASKWATCH: SAY GOODBYE, DJ CHRIS GILL, LEAH SENIOR, JIM LAWRIE The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $27.95. SLOW GRIND FEVER #76 FEAT: DJ RICHIE1250, MOHAIR SLIM, PIERRE BARONI Bar Open. Fitzroy. 10pm. $12. KABOOBIE Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. FREE. THE BOÎTE PRESENTS MELBOURNE GEORGIAN CHOIR WITH THE VOCAL AGENTS Community Church Of St Mark. VIC. 7.30pm. $25. UNION HOTEL’S BEERGARDEN BASH FEAT: JOHNSTON CITY, BROOKE RUSSELL & BEN FRANZ, DJANGO BRAVEHEART, LUKE SINCLAIR BAND, THREE KINGS Union Hotel Brunswick. Brunswick. 3.30pm. THE PAUL WILLIAMSON HAMMOND COMBO Uptown Jazz Café. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER FEAT: WHISKEY HOUSTON, RYAN BERKELEY, 6AM AT THE GARAGE, JAMIESON, J2J Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm. $12.48 - 17.90. CARL PANNUZZO QUINTET The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30. THE PIERRE JAQUINOT TRIO WITH ANNEMARIE SHARRY Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $25. HARRIET TUBMAN Bird's Basement. Melbourne. 7.45pm. $45. JIFF: LADIES WHO SING LEONARD FEAT: DEVORAH, RITA SATCH, IMOGEN CLARKE, SHKOLINK, LAUREN GLEZER Classic Southside. Elsternwick. 9pm. $30. GRACE KNIGHT The Fyrefly. St Kilda. 7pm. $44.90. DISCO INFERNO Royal Hotel (Mornington). Mornington. 8pm. FREE. A TRIBUTE TO THE GREATS FEAT: TOSHI CLINCH Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6.30pm. $35. SINATRA'S: SONGS FOR SWINGIN' LOVERS FEAT: BEN MCGILL Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $35. JULES BOULT & THE REDEEMERS Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 9pm. $30. VARDOS Korona Csárda. VIC. 6pm. $55.
SUNDAY 27 OCT
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY/ FOLK, BLUES STEPHEN KENNEDY The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 3pm. FREE. GREG CHAMPION & THE USEFUL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY The Lomond Hotel. Brunswick East. 5.30pm. FREE. BLUES ROULETTE Labour in Vain. Fitzroy. 5pm. FREE. CODA CHROMA, ANNA CORDELL Howler. Brunswick. 6pm. $18.53. MATT GLASS The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 6.30pm. FREE. SARAH CARROLL + SHANNON BOURNE The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 4pm. FREE. KEVIN WELCH Caravan Music Club. Bentleigh East. 8pm. $28. MAJA Charles Weston Hotel. Brunswick. 4pm. FREE. HIJACK FEAT: JONO BARWICK, ASTREN MALCOLM HUNT, SLIM DOUG SMITH, BEN YARDFITE, ASHES Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 1pm. $5.
BOADZ, KEY HOO The B.East. Brunswick East. 3pm. FREE. DAN WARNER & THE NIGHT PARROTS Union Hotel Brunswick. Brunswick. 5pm. ANDRE WARHURST Union Hotel Brunswick. Brunswick. 3.30pm. SHORT ORDER SCHEFS Open Studio. Northcote. 12.30pm. OPEN MIC & JAM NIGHT MusicLand Fawkner Music Complex. Fawkner. 7pm. FREE. THREE KINGS Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 3pm. FREE. SIRENS AND SONGS PRESENT A TRIBUTE TO AUSTRALIAN FEMALE SONGWRITERS, MIA SCHOEN, JULITHA RYAN Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 8pm. $10. THE RECHORDS Gem Bar. Collingwood. 7.30pm. FREE. MELBOURNE INDIE VOICES Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 2pm, 6pm. $40. FENN WILSON Spotted Mallard. Brunswick. 4pm. FREE. SIMON PAPARO Clifton Hill Brewpub. Clifton Hill. 5pm. FREE. VICTORIAN SENIORS FESTIVAL: OPERA & AFTERNOON TEA FEAT: ARIA CAPPELLA Wattle Park Chalet. VIC. 1pm. $15 - 20. ON THE HILL FESTIVAL FEAT: NICKY BOMBA, DISGRUNTLED ARCHITECT, SUNEDEN, SIREN, JAMES MARK, AMIE GRISOLD Memorial Park. VIC. 12.18pm. FREE. COUNTRY AT CUSTOMS FEAT: MICHELLE GARDINER, ANTHONY TAYLOR, DELLA HARRIS, EMILY HATTON, JAKE SINCLAIR, LUKE AUSTEN Customs House Hotel. Williamstown. 2pm. FREE. THE BORNSTEIN ULTIMATUM Pause Bar. Balaclava. 4.30pm. FREE.
ROCK, PUNK, METAL THE EXCITING MCGILLYCUDDIES The Quiet Man Irish Pub. Flemington. 6pm. FREE. SOFT RUBBISH Old Bar. Fitzroy. 3pm. FREE. PLEASURE COMA Old Bar. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. $8. BRIAN CAMPEAU Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6pm. ROSS MCLENNAN Spotted Mallard. Brunswick. 4pm. $23.77. COFFIN WOLF, THE FCKUPS, BIFF, PROTOSPASM Wrangler Studios. Footscray. 2pm. $10. HOOPER CRESCENT, MYSTERY GUEST, HYDRA FASHION WEEK The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 4pm. $10. SONS OF LEE MARVIN, LUNATIC, THESE THINGS The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 2pm. GAMJEE, HOUSE DEPOSIT Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 6pm. FREE. LIVING IN CLIP 2 - SWAMPLANDS SECOND ANNUAL MUSIC VIDEO COMP Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 5pm. FREE. HUGH MCGINLAY & THE RECESSIVE GENES, THURSBY, FRIDAY, CONNELL Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 3pm. FREE. GREEN NOISE, ELIZABETH, JADE IMAGINE, THE VOVOS, EMPAT LIMA Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 3.30pm. FREE.
MONDAY 28 OCT
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK
For the full gig guide head to beat.com.au/gig-guide
MELBOURNE POLYTECHNIC MUSIC Bar 303. Northcote. 7pm. FREE. RYLEY DUNCAN TRIO Open Studio. Northcote. 8pm. FROOT - MONDAY JAZZ JAMS FEAT: GENE DU VERGIER, NIKODIMOS, RUBIN, MARLEY, ELEFTHERIOS Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. FREE. ANDREA KELLER CURATES: HANNAH MCKITTRICK QUARTET The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $20. THE DARYL MCKENZIE JAZZ ORCHESTRA, NARDIA, GEORGA BYRNE Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $30. PAUL WILLIAMSON'S HAMMOND COMBO The Rainbow Hotel. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $10.
Touring
GRINSPOON DOMINIC FIKE THE CORNER
ROCK, PUNK, METAL
OCTOBER 15 & 16 GRINSPOON THE FORUM OCTOBER 15 & 16
BAD TASTE, TOM BEAU, PTV WIZARDS Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $8. MONDAY NIGHT MASS FEAT: PLASTIC, DARVID THOR, RUBY GILL, NATASHA JOHANNA Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8pm. FREE.
TUESDAY 29 OCT
TOTALLY UNICORN STAY GOLD OCTOBER 16 THE BENNIES STAY GOLD OCTOBER 17 NORTHLANE 170 RUSSELL OCTOBER 17 BATTS NOISY RITUAL OCTOBER 17 DAVE GRANEY THE JAZZ LAB OCTOBER 17
JAZZ, GLOBAL, SOUL/ FUNK JAZZ NIGHT - JOHN BADGERY, MATT O'BRIEN, ROBBIE FINCH Compass Pizza. Brunswick East. 7pm. FREE. NOW. HERE. THIS FEAT: HDSNJMSJR, GSM The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 9pm. FREE. BIG IDIOT CLUB Open Studio. Northcote. 8.30pm. FREE. SONIC TEXTURES FEAT: N Y R E, SEB SZABO Night Cat. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $8. DAVID JONES CURATES: ROB VINCS & SUNNY KIM The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30.
ACOUSTIC, COUNTRY/ FOLK, BLUES TUESDAY TRIBUTE: THE POGUES FEAT: CIARAN BOYLE, The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8pm. FREE. OPEN MIC Bar Oussou. Brunswick. 7pm. FREE. OPEN MIC Swamplands Bar. Thornbury. 6pm. FREE. IRISH SESSION The Lomond Hotel. Brunswick East. 9pm. FREE.
GL HOWLER OCTOBER 18 SEX ON TOAST STAY GOLD OCTOBER 18 SOAKED OATS THE CURTIN OCTOBER 18 SUNSCREEN THE WORKERS CLUB OCTOBER 18 THE MAVIS’S THE ESPY OCTOBER 18 SEEKER LOVER KEEPER THE CORNER OCTOBER 18 TROPICAL FUCK STORM THE CROXTON OCTOBER 18 & 19 BEC SANDRIDGE HOWLER OCTOBER 19 CLIENT LIAISON THE FORUM OCTOBER 19 EMMA DONOVAN NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB OCTOBER 20 BAKER BOY 170 RUSSELL OCTOBER 20 SASKWATCH THE CURTIN OCTOBER 23, 24 & 25 HATCHIE HOWLER OCTOBER 25 DZ DEATHRAYS THE FORUM OCTOBER 25 DONY BENET THE CROXTON OCTOBER 25 JAPANESE WALLPAPER THE CORNER OCTOBER 25 TYGA MARGARET COURT ARENA OCTOBER 25
ELECTRONIC, EXPERIMENTAL DUMPLINGS N' MASSAGE Horse Bazaar. Melbourne. 6pm. $15.
HIP HOP, R&B, POP SHAWN MENDES, DAN + SHAY Rod Laver Arena. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $89.90 - 109.90.
CITY CALM DOWN THE CROXTON OCTOBER 26 SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM THE FORUM OCTOBER 26 POLISH CLUB THE EVELYN OCTOBER 26 SHAWN MENDES ROD LAVER ARENA OCTOBER 30 & 31 LIME CORDIALE THE CORNER OCTOBER 30 & NOVEMBER 1 BAD//DREEMS THE CROXTON NOVEMBER 1 I KNOW LEOPARD THE ESPY NOVEMBER 1 REGURGITATOR THE CORNER NOVEMBER 2
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