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A Day On The Green returns for 2025, bringing home headline act :

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EDITOR

Tammy Walters

PARTNERSHIPS & CAMPAIGN MANAGER

Matt Wilkinson

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Riley McDonald

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Alex Callan, Chester Ogilvie, Chloe Cicero, Kaya Martin, Lucas Radbourne, Benjamin Lamb, Jacob Mccormack, Juliette Salom

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EDITORIAL NOTE

In a track from their 2023 sterling album, The Winding Way, The Teskey Brothers pleaded, “Carry me home to see my baby” and famed touring festival amongst the vineyards, A Day On The Green, is doing just that in January. Their headline homecoming shows will be huge, elevated even more so by the prime acts they are positioned with. It’s all explored in our July cover story.

Æ This month’s issue is gigantic on the music front with legacy littered throughout featuring interviews with The Animals, Chocolate Starfish, Grinspoon and symphonic metallers Cradle of Filth, and the legacy subject also pops up in Glen Humphries upcoming book Aussie Rock Anthems. We also hear from Augie March ahead of their Be Hear Now appearances, along with Dallas Frasca and Eliza and the Delusionals. Let’s not forget album reviews as some highly anticipated drops surface from Clairo, Megan Thee Stallion and In Hearts Wake.

As we approach Bastille Day, we tap into the French cuisine of the regional Victoria with some of our favourite Parisian places, and dive into the menus of ILZA Japanese Cafe, Mr. Jones, Renard and Last One Inn for our Venue Spotlights.

July is a bloody big one kids so get reading!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS

Our magazine is published on the lands of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation, and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.

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COVER

Our June cover is The Teskey Brothers for A Day On The Green Credit: Ian Laidlaw

NEWS

JOE CAMILLERI AND THE BLACK SORROWS HEAD TO QUEENSCLIFF TOWN HALL THIS NOVEMBER

The night prior to the gigantic Queenscliff Music Festival taking over the town, blues-rock band Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows will speed into Queenscliff for a oneoff show. On Thursday 21 November, the ARIA hall of fame band will be jetting into town for an intimate show.

MATT CORBY ANNOUNCED AS FIRST ARTIST FOR LIVE AT THE GARDENS

From the experienced team responsible for A Day On The Green, Roundhouse Entertainment have done it again bringing dual ARIA award-winning artist Matt Corby to the new Live At The Gardens concert series for an exclusive Victorian performance on Saturday 16 November. He is joined by ‘Edge of Town’ trio, Middle Kids.

TOKYO PUNKS THE FADEAWAYS COME TO CASTLEMAINE

Garage rocker The Fadeaways are set to head down under for the first time this July, bringing with them the gift of both live music and an exclusive Australian Tour LP. They will be swinging into The Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on Thursday 11 July.

AUSTRALIAN FOLK DUO SALT TREE ARE HEADING ON TOUR

Hailing from Western Australia, folk duo Salt Tree are set to jump up on stages across Australia this October and November. Playing capital cities and regional centres across the two months, Salt Tree will be making their way through Victorian centres, Ballarat, Melbourne, and Geelong 25, 26 and 27 October respectively.

G-EAZY ANNOUNCES FREAK SHOW WORLD TOUR WITH FOUR STOPS IN AUSTRALIA

Multi-platinum sensation G-Eazy has set the stage for an electrifying experience with the announcement of his highly anticipated 2025 Freak Show World Tour. Spanning an impressive 41 dates worldwide, the G-Eazy global extravaganza promises an unforgettable journey for fans across continents including Australia. He will be playing Forum Melbourne, 22 February 2025.

LIVING IN SHADOWS RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM NEON BURNING

The divine duo of UK’s Living in Shadows returns with a new body of work that stirs a melting pot of jazzrock, progressive-pop rock and grunge influence. Out now, Living in Shadows have just released their sophomore album Neon Burning; a positively charged diary of experience, endeavours and endings.

RISING STARS RILEY GREEN AND COOPER ALLEN LEAD RIDIN’ HEARTS 2024 LINEUP

For its second year running, Ridin’ Hearts has presented a stellar lineup full of country’s most exciting figures. Promising a day filled with electrifying performances from both local and international country music sensations, Riley Green, Cooper Allan, Josh Ross, MacKenzie Porter, Tanner Adell, Casey Barnes, Austin Snell, Bella Mackenzie and DJ Konsky make up this years exciting event.

MELBOURNE MUSEUM NOW HAS A 12-METRE LONG, 66-MILLION YEAR OLD T. REX

Melbourne Museum now officially has a 12 metres long, 3.6 metre high and more than 66 million year old tyrannosaurus rex fossil. Named Victoria the T. Rex, it’s making history and wowing the crowds in an exclusive new exhibition.

STEEL PANTHER ARE COMING BACK TO AUSTRALIA THIS OCTOBER

Glam rockers Steel Panther are On The Prowl as they come to visit their Australian Fanthers for what is set to be hilariously rocking time. The tongue-in-cheek glam heavy metallers are making their return to Australia this October, playing Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne as part of their killer On The Prowl World Tour

BENDIGO WRITERS FESTIVAL MAKES MASSIVE RETURN

From the poets to the paperback writers, literacy comes in all forms but the one common denominator is words. These bad boys are on celebration each and every year at the Bendigo Writers Festival, which makes its triumphant return this August. With an assortment of panel discussions, keynote speakers, workshops, sessions for young people, book launches and performances, the festival is a meeting of writers, readers and critical thinkers.

XAVIER RUDD JOINS LIVE AT THE GARDENS FOR FREEDOM SESSIONS

AUSTRALIA TOUR

Treasured Torquay musician and international superstar Xavier Rudd joins the new Royal Botanic Gardens concert series, Live At The Gardens. Off the back of an extensive North American and European tour, Xavier Rudd returns to Australia heading the new outdoor concert series on Saturday 23 November.

MELBOURNE’S QUIVERS SIGN TO MERGE AHEAD OF NEW ALBUM AND TOUR

Melbourne/Naarm based jangle pop quartet Quivers ink deal with Merge Records in time for new album release. Their third album, Oyster Cuts, is set for release on 9 August and is accompanied by a tour which sees them head to regional Victoria’s Kyneton, Beechworth, Ballarat, Castlemaine, along with major cities, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, Hobart and Brisbane.

PARTY STARTERS CONFIDENCE MAN ARE HEADING ON TOUR THIS OCTOBER

Delinquent party starters Confidence Man have announced their 3AM (La La La) Australian tour for October and November. They will be playing two Victorian shows at Torquay Hotel, Torquay on Saturday 2 November and Forum Melbourne on Monday 4 November with special guest Londonbased, Australian-raised, Loods.

LITTLE

RAVERS HEADS TO GEELONG FOR TWO DATES

Tik Tok famous DJ Lenny Pearce is selling out shows to his teeny tiny fans and their families who are keen for the club. His appearance at the Little Ravers Geelong edition has been so popular they added a second date to their event pop-up at the Barwon Club Geelong. It all happens 17 and 18 August.

GEELONG’S

FINEST

MUSIC

TALENT RACH BRENNAN RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘MOON LOVE’

Signalling in a new era for the songstress, ‘Moon Love’ is Rach Brennan’s first offering of her new solo project. Following a departure from her longtime mainstay band The Pines in 2021, Rach Brennan dives into the solo silo with single ‘Moon Love’ which is out now on all streaming platforms.

TOM GLOVER IS TURNING HEADS WITH HIS LATEST EP ‘IN THE GARDEN, UNDER THE MOON’

Tom Glover is generating some hype as a 21-year-old guitarist and composer from Melbourne’s east. Drawing influences from a melting pot of artistic talent including Plini, Bon Iver, ‘Sultans of Swing’ singers Dire Straits and Steve Vai, Glover is glowing as a bedroom musician, especially with his latest body of work, EP In The Garden, Under The Moon.

THE AUSTRALIAN SHEEP AND WOOL SHOW HITS BENDIGO THIS MONTH, HERDING IN A HUGE PROGRAM

The Australian Sheep & Wool Show returns with a promising program. Come gather as some of the country’s most passionate lovers of food, fashion and fibres salute the sheep at what is the largest show of its type in the world. It’s a must attend event on 19 - 21 July.

DEAN LEWIS HAS ADDED NEW MELBOURNE, SYDNEY SHOWS THIS NOVEMBER

With tickets for Dean Lewis’ The Epilogue World Tour on sale now and selling fast, new Melbourne and Sydney dates have been added. The Australian leg of The Epilogue World Tour begins in Newcastle on 30 October, then will stop in Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne, and Adelaide before finishing in Perth on 23 November.

LANY ANNOUNCE RESCHEDULED DATES FOR AUSTRALIAN/NEW ZEALAND TOUR

Multi-platinum pop rock band LANY has announced new dates for their highly anticipated a beautiful blur tour, having been postponed due to a recent traffic accident. Moving from June/ July, the new dates span September through to November including a stop into Melbourne on Friday 1 November.

PROLIFIC MUSICAL COMEDIAN TIM MINCHIN ANNOUNCES

‘A CONVERSATION WITH’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Matilda The Musical and Groundhog Day mastermind, writer, musician, comedian and actor, Tim Minchin will be celebrating a new book, You Don’t Have To Have A Dream. To celebrate, Tim Minchin will be heading on tour for an ‘In Conversation With’ Australian and New Zealand tour. He will be at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on Friday, 4 October 2024.

QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL UNVEIL FIRST ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT

In addition to Michael Franti & Spearhead who was announced last month, the 2024 Queenscliff Music Festival will see performances from Bob Log III, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks, Fools, Grace Cummings, Jack Botts, Kasey Chambers, Marlon Williams, Queenie, Rob Edwards, The Bures Band, The Meltdown, The Stamps, Xavier Rudd and The Wiggles Sound System featuring DJ Dorothy.

DUNE

RATS AND FIDLAR TEAM UP FOR A TRANSPACIFIC MATEFEST

AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Punk power players, LA lads FIDLAR, and Australian outragers Dune Rats will be jumping on tour together for an extensive Australian run from August until September. Having toured the UK in tandem last year, backstage chats between the bands-turned-friends led to cement plans for Australian touring. They will be coming to Torquay Hotel on Saturday 7 September.

AWARD-WINNING UK

STANDUP SARAH MILLICAN ADDS EVEN MORE SHOWS TO AUSTRALIAN

TOUR

Award-winning comedian and writer Sarah Millican is set to bring her allnew stand-up show, Late Bloomer, to Australia in 2025. Known for her relatable humour and engaging performances, Sarah’s new show promises to explore her journey from a shy child to a confident adult, with plenty of hilarious anecdotes about dinners and “lady gardens”.

A DAY ON THE GREEN MAKES EPIC RETURN WITH THE TESKEY BROTHERS

A Day On The Green presents a sixdate, national, all-outdoor, summer tour with The Teskey Brothers, returning for a very special homecoming tour and bringing together some of their favourite international and Australian guests, Band of Horses, Sierra Ferrell, CMAT and Charlie Needs Braces. The touring festival will be heading to Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong on Saturday 11 January 2025.

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE APPOINTS NEW CEO AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rhys Holden joins Geelong Arts Centre as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director. With an impressive background as an arts leader, general manager and producer, Rhys Holden takes on the leadership titles of Geelong Arts Centre, ready to spearhead the arts organisation into its next chapter.

A CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL IS COMING TO TORQUAY

Blackman’s Brewery is hosting Torquay’s first-ever craft beer festival, Point Break Brewery Invitational, welcoming nine of their favourite national and international brewing brands to share their quenching selections. It’s all going down Saturday 17 August at the flagship Blackman’s Brewery home on Bell Street Torquay.

A NEW WINDOW GALLERY HAS OPENED THIS WEEK IN GEELONG

The City of Greater Geelong Arts and Culture Department unveiled the new Yarra Street Window Gallery, bringing the gallery exhibition viewing experience to the sidewalk.Located on the outside of the Market Square building between Malop Street and Little Malop Street, the window gallery features works from local artists for 24-hour viewing outside of a traditional gallery setting.

DALLAS

FRASCA IS A FORCE OF NATURE ON NEW SOLO RECORD

Melbourne roots-rock rebel, Dallas Frasca returns with a new solo album, single and national tour dates. Titled Force of Nature the album is set to drop Friday 19 July, and is paired with a national tour from August through to November, covering 19 stops including HABA, Rye, Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club and Moyhu Hotel on the Victorian front.

MCLEODS

DAUGHTERS MICHALA BANAS TO UNLOCK ACTING SECRETS WITH GEELONG WATERFRONT FILM

A meet-up hosted by Geelong Waterfront Film, Unlocking The Secrets: What We Wish We Knew invites in special guests each month to discuss the ins and outs of the entertainment industry in an intimate setting. Their next guest is none other than the go-to drama girl on Australian television, Michala Banas. The intimate session will be held on Thursday 18 July.

VIAGRA BOYS ARE BRINGING THEIR ABSURDIST PUNK ROCK TO AUSTRALIA IN NOVEMBER

Celebrated as one of Europe’s best live bands, punk-rock satirists Viagra Boys last touched down in Australia in 2019. Now, the unruly Swedish outfit is thrilled to announce The Australia Shrimp Grand Prix tour – with three headline shows this November in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

APOLLO

BAY’S WORDFEST RETURNS THIS JULY WITH A LIBRARY’SWORTH OF EVENTS

Carving out its own place within the word world is WORDfest, Apollo Bay’s celebration of language that has been bubbling along since 1993. Whether written, spoken, debated, performed or sung, WORDfest is a meeting place for lovers of lexicon. In 2024, the theme is Crisis & Hope with a huge program from 26 – 28 July.

LESS THAN JAKE TO PERFORM HELLO ROCKVIEW IN FULL IN AUSTRALIA THIS OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

The 1998 mega album that brought belters ‘All My Best Friends Are Metalheads’ and ‘History of a Boring Town’ will be getting served from start to finish as US ska-rockers Less Than Jake head down under. They make their return in October and November, playing Melbourne’s 170 Russell on Friday 25 October.

BIGSOUND HAS ANNOUNCED ITS PACKED FIRST LINEUP

The first 70 names of the BIGSOUND 2024 lineup have been announced, with some of the world’s finest performers making the bill. Chosen from more than 1200 applicants, BIGSOUND Music Programmers Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne have selected the 2024 lineup to perform this year to the music industry’s keenest eyes. It includes Peking Duk, Sly Withers, Alex The Astronaut and Stand Atlantic.

JAPANESE METAL BAND HANABIE WILL MAKE THEIR AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE TOUR DEBUT THIS NOVEMBER

Tokyo-based all-girl quartet HANABIE are set to stupefy down under this November. Following their incredible appearances in Australia late last year as part of Good Things Festival, HANABIE will return this year wielding their Harajuku-core prowess, headlining stages in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

BIRDS OF TOKYO, BOY & BEAR AND THE CAT EMPIRE HEADLINE PHILLIP ISLAND’S OCEAN SOUNDS FESTIVAL

Returning for its eighth year, Ocean Sounds Festival is set to take over Phillip Island with the trifecta of Australian headline talent. Sharing between them 30 ARIA Award nominations, 36 triple j Hottest 100 entries and over 700 million streams, the family-friendly festival welcomes Birds of Tokyo, Boy & Bear and The Cat Empire as the triple threat on Saturday 11 January.

THE PRESETS JOIN LIVE AT THE GARDENS

Following on from the Xavier Rudd and Matt Corby Live At The Gardens show announcements, The Presets will hit the Royal Botanic Gardens stage on Friday 15 November, prepared to slaughter with their huge hits ‘My People’, ‘This Boy’s In Love’, ‘Ghosts’ and ‘Martini’ in what is set to be the ultimate outdoor dance rave. They are joined by Midnight Juggernauts, Haiku Hands and Joey Lightbulb.

THE TESKEY BROTHERS TAKE OVER A DAY ON THE GREEN

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

It’s Wednesday 18 June and The Teskey Brothers are about to take to the stage in Philadelphia at the city’s historical landmark venue The Met, established as the Metropolitan Opera House in 1908 and revered for its heavenly acoustics. They’re on the tailend of their The Winding Way Tour of North America which has seen them sell out shows across the country.

Æ “We’re about to head on stage in Philly at this beautiful theatre called The Met. It’s a magnificent looking theatre, I think it’s a very old place and it’s a great little part of town so I’m feeling great,” says Sam Teskey, one half of the blues rock sibling band.

Teskey has just woken up for the day, keeping to Australian time zones as they venture around The States. It’s a strategy that enables him to keep connected with home, adapting to the life of a rockstar of late night gigs with ease and to be able to regulate to early mornings again when he comes home to family life.

This strategy comes in handy on this fateful day. In the early hours of this cold Australian morning, the 2025 summer series of A Day On The Green announces its mammoth lineup, this time with The Teskey Brothers as the headline act.

“It’s very special. It’s one of those things that we’re blown away, kind of pinching ourselves that we’re on the run on the bill of,” explains Teskey.

“We’ve played a few [A Day On The Green’s] - we supported Jimmy Barnes and Crowded House on a few of the shows, so we’ve played a few supports for A Day On The Green so that, again, is another really great feeling to be headlining it. It’s definitely a really cool thing.”

As presented by the experienced team of Roundhouse Entertainment, The Teskey Brothers join a golden list of music royalty who have headlined the festival in the past. From the most recent of Mr Chris Issak, to The Chicks, their colourful festival cake has included The Chemical Brothers, The Killers, Florence and the Machine, Robbie Williams, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper. The Teskey Brothers have well and truly earnt their sprinkles in that mix as one of Australia’s most celebrated exports.

You just need to look to their recent festival appearances to understand their impact. A standout set at Glastonbury last year was timed perfectly in The Teskey Brothers trajectory to further cement their status as standouts of soul but this year’s appearance at Bonnaroo made a major mark, showcasing their undeniable talent amongst a sea of greats. The Saturday session was shared by rock royalty Red Hot Chilli Peppers, along with Cage The Elephant, Diplo, Cigarettes After Sex, Reneé Rapp, Brittany Howard and Sean Paul, but The Teskey Brothers were reported as a highlight with an incredibly memorable set.

“At Bonaroo we changed the set last minute because we had heaps of messages from fans saying they were going to propose to this song so please play this song and people asking for certain songs so we had to add it in,” Teskey says.

It’s not the first time that proposals have popped up at The Teskey Brothers shows as their music lends itself to romantic moments.

“It does happen a lot. Sometimes we hear a big crowd roar or cheer in the middle of the songs and we’re like ‘What happened? That was a weird point in the song to have a big cheer!” because usually you can predict when people will cheer during a song and we’re like “Where did that come from?” and you see someone at the front on their knees and it’s really cool. It’s a really special thing to happen with our songs.”

He adds, “It’s really lovely and beautiful.”

It’s something to be expected as they take to the picturesque winery settings of A Day On The Green, audience members getting swept up in the serenading vocals and rolling green landscape. Another expectation is a generous setlist. Building on from their Bonnaroo epic which was a celebration of their nearing two decade career, the duo are sure to make their set special for their homecoming.

“In these upcoming shows we’ll have more songs in there. Being our own show we get to branch out a bit more and get to play a few more tunes in there or play them for longer. We like to get a bit freaky sometimes and play big long grooves so the set at A Day On The Green will be all that and more, and more fun and jammy. We always like playing longer sets - it’s more fun. But we find the sweet spot is around 1 hour and 45 minutes which is the sweet spot where you capture the audience’s attention and don’t lose them,” explains Teskey.

“We think it would be fun to maybe put together a medley of songs so we can fit more in there and throw in a bunch of songs that don’t normally make it.”

Adding to the experience is the stellar selection of support, this time feeling A Day On The Greens most personally connected and curated selection. Joining The Teskey Brothers are Band of Horses in their first trek Down Under since 2016, prior to their 2022 output Things Are Great, the now exploding acts of CMAT and Sierra Ferrell, and Melbourne’s own Charlie Needs Braces.

“We’re big fans of Sierra Ferrell and Charlie Needs Braces - she has played trumpet with us for many, many years and so it’s so good to have her on the bill and then new fans of the great band of Band of Horses. They’re really cool and it’s really cool to be bringing these American acts out over to Australia. CMAT, we’ve done a lot of touring with - she’s really cool and such a fun artist to hang out with. It’s a lot of fun. We just feel that it is going to be such a special day.”

What may make it all the more special is the possibility of new music from the Teskey’s. Sam and Josh Teskey have been feeling inspired again after playing their 2023 album The Winding Way to receptive audiences across the North American tour. It’s seen them return back into songwriting and composition mode.

“It’s actually creeping in a lot, the foresight of thinking of a new album is coming around now. A lot of song ideas are popping in now. I had three weeks off a few weeks ago and it was nice to be at home on the piano out in the bush in our little cabin. That’s a beautiful place to be after being on the road to come up with ideas and then being on the road you never know when a song pops in so yeah, we’re having a bit of space and time to come up with a few ideas which is really cool. I’m really looking forward to getting in the studio and working on a new album.” The prospect is exciting but for now the confirmation of The Teskey Brothers coming home is even more thrilling.

Tickets to A Day On The Green are now on sale. In Victoria you can catch them exclusively playing Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong on Saturday 11 January.

THE TESKEY BROTHERS

WHERE: A DAY ON THE GREEN, MOUNT DUNEED ESTATE, GEELONG

WHEN: SAT 11 JAN

“It’s probably the heaviest stuff we’ve ever done”

GRINSPOON

on their new record, tour and era.

WORDS BY BENJAMIN LAMB

You’d be hard pressed to find a group that can rival the influence of Grinspoon, who have held court in the music scene for three decades. They’ve been back in full swing since reuniting in 2017, hitting the road for countless celebrations of their hit records.

Æ 2024 sees the legends drop new music, hit the road for 40+ dates, and get ready for a new era of music. Their new record whatever, whenever, is set to drop in August, a record now four years in the making.

With news out there after keeping it secret for almost half a decade, we caught up with frontman Phil Jamieson and guitarist Pat Devern to chat about it all.

“It’s been a fairly emotional roller coaster,” Jamieson notes.

“We’re incredibly flattered and humbled by the response so far.” After re-joining forces back in 2017, the Grinners have been in full swing on the live show front, hitting the road in celebration of hit albums Easy and New Detention whatever, whenever, marks the first new record from the group in 12 years and post reunion, with Jamieson and Devern admitting it took time to reacquaint themselves with the creative process.

“Jumping across to do new music was definitely a change,” Devern notes. “It took us a while to get the process right. We weren’t sure how we were going to do it.

“We started the process pre COVID with a couple of demos just talking about doing new music. We didn’t really hit the pedal until last year in August when we went down to write and record with Oscar Dawson.”

Besides a significant career on stage, Holy Holy’s Oscar Dawson has been just as successful off stage, working behind the decks for artists such as Bakers Eddy, CLEWS, Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers, a list that now can include Aussie legends Grinspoon. The producer first coming into orbit after working on Jamieson’s solo record back in 2022.

“I worked with him on a release that I did, he was really fast, super creative. And he was available, had accommodation and a studio.

“And good with guitars,” Devern adds. “And we’re a guitar band, so that just made sense.”

“We’ve worked with a lot of producers over the years, it would have been intimidating for him, I would imagine. But he didn’t flinch. He just stuck to his guns with what he wanted and what he thought we should do, which is what you want a good producer to do.”

With the album in the mix for four years, it makes sense that sometimes final output doesn’t match what was first hoped, but the pair note, the record ended up exactly how they wanted, as Jamieson notes.

“The whole process behind it was everyone brings four songs. No matter what genre, length, speed or tempo, you just bring four songs.

“In previous records, there’s been a bit of jockeying and elbows out. Like “I want this song here”, that wasn’t it [for whatever, whenever].

“The album’s the heaviest stuff we’ve ever done, also maybe the prettiest as well. Grinners just throw lots of stuff at the wall and see what sticks.

“Actually you’ll see what sticks in August!,” the pair add with a laugh. The album is full of the Grinspoon sound we’ve all come to know and love over the years, inspirations coming from different areas for the pair.

“It’s hard to pinpoint what it could be for me, it could be a ripe avocado at Woolworths,” Jamieson adds with a laugh.

“We did make a conscious effort to go back to the beginning, and think about the energy, and what resonated with fans in that.” Devern notes.

A new record also means some concert dates are on the horizon, the group dropping a mammoth 45-date tour hitting almost all corners of the country.

“Instead of making people travel to us, we’re gonna go to them” Jamieson notes. “And I love it. These tours make you feel alive. We want people to come in and enjoy rock at a pub you know? It’s been too long. We’re trying to keep the ticket price really competitive too, it’s been too long since we’ve been to some of these places.

“We want to get in people’s faces and bring the party to them!”

whatever, whenever is available for preorder on Grinspoon’s website.

Writing with DANI FILTH: An album, an autobiography and a pocket-full of poetry

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

A sarcophagus stands beside a buffet topped with a stacked stereo system and display of birthday cards. Five framed insect taxidermy hang on the wall above. Centred on the couch in front is Daniel Lloyd Davey, better known as Dani Filth, lead singer of Suffolk symphonic metal band, Cradle of Filth. He’s about to head off to the studio on what is potentially his last day laying down the mixing on album number fourteen.

Æ “This is at the end of about four months of being in the studio but it’s all been split up because we’ve pot-marked it with going on tour unfortunately so we’ve been in and out,” he explains.

The album in question follows on from the 2021 Existence Is Futile and has been widely discussed over the course of the last twelve months. To be creating such hype thirty years after their debut and 20 years after the acclaimed Nymphetamine signals that the band are staying relevant. It also might have something to do with the fact that an unexpected collaboration between the face-painted metalheads and the fresh-faced Ed Sheeran has been teased for the better part of those twelve months.

“It’s very much what people would expect but not. Everyone’s very curious about it. It’s worth the wait. It’s not a comedy song, he has done a sterling job on it - he plays acoustic guitar on it naturally and he really pushes himself. There’s a blast beat on it and I scream on it - it’s Cradle of Filth and Ed Sheeran,” Filth confirms.

Unfortunately the curious cats will have to hold on for a little while longer to hear the Sheeran/Filth fusion with release logistics coming into play.

“Actually the Ed Sheeran collaboration will probably go on the special edition because we’re dictated by his movements. He’s having a blackout year this year which I presume means no new music, no press as such and so we have to wait for his new album to drop so we can drop the new single so they don’t affect each other,” he says.

“Our new album we didn’t want to leave until the back end of 2025, so the album will probably drop February/March next year and the special edition which will feature that song will probably drop six months later.”

After thirty years, it’s just one way the band are trying to keep their signature sound of symphonic opera meets gothic metal at the forefront.

“Now what I’m going to do in future is employ an AI bot. “Can you write an album like Cradle of Filth please and can I have it by tomorrow?” That would save a lot of heartache,” he jokes. In all seriousness Filth says, “Inspiration comes from all walks of life. I lead quite a colourful life and if I don’t I try to make it that way. I must admit the more albums we do and the more bands that pop up that do what we do, the harder it is but life is not short of inspiration so it does get a little harder as you get older to try and come up with something original and keep it fresh. I think we’ve done it on this record.”

That inspiration is also taken from his own compilation of poetry. Known for his poetic lyricism drawn from gothic literature, poetry, mythology and horror films, Filth finds freedom in writing.

“I’ve been working on a poetry book for about ten years but never got around to publishing it. I write a stack of poetry and end up raiding it for lyric ideas and never really get around to finishing it which I’m going to endeavour to do. I also have an autobiography coming out at some point which I did two years ago so by the time I come around to proofreading it I’m probably going to have to write another chapter,” he says.

Written with Joel McIver, author of the celebrated biographies The Complete History of Black Sabbath , and Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica , the Dani Filth biography dives into his colourful career as a leading frontman of the metal world as coaxed from staying in a haunted coach house in Long Melford.

“At one point I was thinking this is going to be a really shitty, boring autobiography because I wasn’t sexually abused as a child, I didn’t go on some weird march, I haven’t taken Ayahuasca or beaten up a girlfriends or been in prison or anything that would made the Mötley Crüe book exciting. It was like I got enough to say but apparently I did and some of it is quite interesting I hear.”

There’s nothing boring about Dani Filth and the Cradle of Filth empire. You just need to hear an album or head to one of their live shows to know that. Australians will be able to this September as Cradle of Filth returns for a run of shows.

CRADLE OF FILTH

WHERE: NORTHCOTE THEATRE, MELBOURNE

WHEN: FRI 27 SEP

Credit: Annie Atlasman

ELIZA AND THE DELUSIONALS on New Music, Touring, and Recording in California

WORDS BY BENJAMIN LAMB

We’re pretty lucky with our music here in Australia, we’ve got a bunch of artists doing things new and different, and the world’s watching. A bunch of Aussies are making their mark on the stacked US music scene and getting some much deserved recognition.

Æ One band who’ve just hit the road in the US to a bunch of adoring fans is Gold Coast’s Eliza and The Delusionals, who’ve quickly made a mark with their debut record hitting the 15th spot on the charts, fans loving their blend of rock and old school.

Now we’re about to get their next release, Make It Feel Like The Garden, alongside a huge national tour. We caught up with the frontwoman Eliza Klatt and guitarist Kurt Skuse to dive into it all.

“I feel like this is the first time we’ve recorded something and not been like “oh I wish we’d done that”,” Klatt notes. “You change so much in a 12 / 18 month period of time, so it’s interesting to see how we still enjoy it, I still really enjoy all the songs.”

“When we were in the studio, we went through everything with a finetooth comb,” Skuse notes. “The demo-ing and writing and pre-production were over a few months, so we had time to sit around.

“Honestly, now I’ve listened to it, I wouldn’t change a thing with it. Which is a nice feeling, but pretty rare.”

While on tour in America, the process of getting Make It Feel Like The Garden began. The mammoth tour saw the band hit almost every US state, Skuse noting the environment and journey helped them hit heights brand new to them.

“The environment at the time was really relaxed, we didn’t put a lot of pressure on ourselves. There was a lot of reflecting time. Being able to travel across the entirety of the USA made us feel like we could do anything and be super creative.”

The recording happened in a DIY studio in Napa, California, and Oscar Dawson’s studio in Rye, Victoria, the Holy Holy bandmember finding common ground in a relaxed environment, as Klatt notes.

“We’d love to work with him again, because of the great experience we had. He’s just a great musician and a great person. He created a really fun environment where I can’t really imagine going back to being in a strict studio environment.”

“He’s just such a good creative mind,” Skuse adds. “Doing it with Oscar was just super, super refreshing.

“I actually really enjoyed myself and the time we had. We’d make dinners and go to the beach, it wasn’t like a ‘fuck we need to get this guitar part down right now.”

With the world getting crazier every day, people are looking for things to escape and get their minds off the madness. With 80’s style moments, sax solos, and wonderous lyrics, the group note Make It Feel Like The Garden is a bit of an escape for listeners.

While having a different relationship with the music, Klatt notes listening back to the music brings a different type of memory for her and the band.

“I feel like when (Kurt and I) both listen into it, and I think I speak for Ruby our bass player as well when I say this, but I think the three of us listen to the record more than we’ve ever listened to our own music before. And I think it’s just because like, we just really enjoy it. We escape with it by listening to going back to memories of writing it.”

The group are also on the precipice of hitting the road on their biggest tour yet, coming to the Howler Bar on August 3, where they’ll be playing their new record in full. Skuse dives into the world of the band in the leadup.

“Tours are like a massive puzzle. We know we want to play the record live, so we go “how do we actually do that?”

“We stand in a room with each other, and go, “okay, you’re gonna play that part. I’m gonna play this part and we’re gonna get this tone” and it’s honestly just like a really big jigsaw piece that you’ve got to make.

“I kind of really like when bands take it to a new level and take it to a different place live and change it up.

“It keeps it super exciting, not only for people watching, but for the for the band itself, that energy translates if everyone in the room is on the same sort of level.

Make It Feel Like The Garden drops 19 July, and the tour kicks off 2 August in Sydney, before making its way to Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane.

The album is available for preorder via Cooking Vinyl Australia.

‘

I bloody love the Rat’:

AUGIE MARCH lead Ballarat’s stunning Be Hear Now music festival

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

Indie rock local legends Augie March are no strangers to a regional city gig.

Æ “We’ve been going out to the Rat since the turn of this century,” drummer Dave Williams says, laughing in memory. “We’ve had some infamous gigs there.” Williams is referring to none other than the burgeoning arts city of Ballarat, and so it’s only fitting that Augie March are set to headline the city’s music series Be Hear Now this August.

Taking place over the weekend of August 9 to 11, Be Hear Now will showcase a roster of emerging talent at venues across the city, shining a much-deserved spotlight on some of the most exciting artists beginning to make soundwaves in Ballarat and beyond. Led by Creative Ballarat, the program aims to find, foster and develop local artists as they start out their music careers.

The artists featured at Be Hear Now will be supported through tailored mentoring, training, assets and resources, with the festival team providing hands-on guidance through networking and media coverage. The festival showcase program is a chance for artists to take the stage and present their work, as well as a chance for attendees to catch these rising stars at the beginning of their careers.

AUGIE MARCH LEAD A FANTASTIC LINEUP

Hailing from Shepparton, Augie March understands the importance of supporting creative communities in the regions they come from. “I think about playing music as a part of my community and my culture,” Dave Williams says. “I always see it as just another facet of life.”

This focus on community, shared intimately with other regional cities around the country, has been integral to the band and its fans over the last 28 years of making music. “The band was afforded a wonderful opportunity with sustained exposure by triple j,” he says. “People got to hear us in the regional and rural areas as well as the capital cities. So, we’ve always had the opportunity to go out to those places. Indeed, the places that we sprang from.”

Joining the lineup for the festival as part of the Be Hear Now 2024 cohort are Zöj, Surfe and Aaliyah, as well as Coda Chroma and Dayfever, who will both be supporting Augie March at their gig on August 10 at Civic Hall.

Despite Augie March’s Ballarat shows holding a somewhat legendary status in the band’s history, Williams says that watching the other musicians supported by Be Hear Now is what he’s really looking forward to. “It’s just super exciting that the council has got around it and tipping some coin in there. There’s a burgeoning music community that’s happening in that place and surrounding [areas].”

THERE’S SO MUCH DIVERSITY IN BALLARAT’S MUSIC COMMUNITY

“Maybe 25, 30 years ago, there was one or two people who were big music lovers [in regional areas], but now there’s so many, [and] so much more diversity in the community,” Williams says. “What is great is venues have been popping up there and councils have invested in rooms and venues to attract music and creative arts to these places.”

It’s not just venues and gigs that the council is focusing on to help support creative communities, but also proactive tools and concrete skills to give local artists a leg up in their industries. A tentpole event of the Be Hear Now festival is the live music conference for music makers, taking place over August 10 and 11 in the city’s Civic Hall.

A free event that anyone can register to attend, this networking and showcasing conference is an opportunity for regional music communities to meet and learn from each other.

A SHOWCASE OF BALLARAT’S EMERGING MUSICIANS

Representatives from APRA AMCOS, Music Victoria, Unified Artists Management and more will be in attendance at the conference, giving musicians the chance to pitch, network and learn from industry decision-makers.

As part of the conference, Spiderbait’s Janet English will share wisdom about what it takes to make it in the music world, and a range of workshops and bootcamps will take place throughout the event to help artists develop the tools they need to set up their careers.

An epic weekend of music, workshops and networking, headlined by the beloved Aussie legends that are Augie March, Williams sums it up perfectly when asked about playing in Ballarat. “I boody love the Rat,” he laughs. “I’m super excited.”

You can get tickets to Augie March at Be Hear Now on 10 July.

AUGIE MARCH

WHERE: BE HEAR NOW, BALLARAT

WHEN: 9–11 AUG

“It’s all over now, Baby

THE ANIMALS

Oh to be a fly on the wall, buzzing from the vibration of the bubbling rock revolution in England in the early 60’s.

Æ A live music ecology of working class heroes was born, all with something important to say carried by the electrifying, genre-forming sounds. Over in Liverpool, Beatlemania was ramping up as the moptop Fab Four were exploding, London was looking fine with The Rolling Stones seduction, The Who’s heavier rock rhythms, and The Kinks cool craft. Across St Albans, The Zombies were zooming into the rock scene in ‘61 and The Hollies were marching onto the scene in Manchester.

The British Invasion would change the shape of live music forever and at that forefront was John Steel, drummer of the Newcastle upon Tyne birthed five-piece, The Animals.

“All of us from that time were teenagers in the 50’s and we were listening to great music - some of my favourite music is that generation of rock and roll like Chuck Berry and Little Richard and Fats Domino, but the funny thing was, when we were finding our way in the late 50’s and into the early 60’s and The Beatles sort of exploded on the world, we didn’t realise that we had all been doing the same thing in our own provincial towns,” Steel explains.

“It wasn’t until The Beatles changed the whole music business that we looked up and realised that The Rolling Stones and Spencer Davis and The Kinks were all doing the same thing and very much influenced by the same people. It was very surprising when we found out we weren’t alone,” he laughs.

Whilst sitting into the rebellious sounds of the decades, The Animals carved out their own unique signature sound, in part due to their gritty blues influence, but also because of their unique blend of playing styles. The distinct deep drilling of Eric Burdon’s vocal, the soul-quaking shrill of the keyboard, the groove-driven bass lines, the powerful guitar moments and Steel’s jazz infused rock pounding beats set The Animals apart.

Blue

”:

call it a day.

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

“It was just how we gelled together and our own unique talents somehow made us stand out. Alan Price was absolutely brilliant as our keyboard player which made us slightly different from a lot of the bands around at the time because it was mostly a guitar-led, but with The Animals, the keys were as important as anything else.”

“I’ve always been proud of what we did back then as The Animals because that music, and those records stand up so well today 60 years on.”

The hold of The Animals has lasted generations, with their cover of ‘House Of The Rising Sun’ becoming their own, the irresistible ‘We Gotta Get Out of This Place’ becoming an anthem and the bellowing ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ taking on a world of its own. The staying power of the band is undeniable, though the original bands active years together was a mere toedip in the music pool at just three years. A reunion, multiple reformations and reincarnations on the live front kept The Animals’ spirit alive with Steel spearheading the charge; a sense of responsibility attached to his shoulders.

“I do think it has lived with me but it’s the songs that deserve to live on,” Steel says.

“The strength of the band is that the catalogue of the music that we put down in the sixties - those songs are so strong and it’s what I call “growing up music” - everyone can remember the first time they heard ‘House Of The Rising Sun’ and ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ and ‘We Gotta Get Out Of This Place’ and ‘It’s My Life’they’ll all great songs and all so strong that it never really feels like an alien band to me as long as we’re playing the music. It sounds like and feels like The Animals to me because all I can do is play The Animals,” Steel laughs. Now at 83 years old, Steel has decided it’s time for The Animals to depart from the live music scene. Following a successful Final Tour run, Steel alongside now mainstay band mates Danny Handley, Bobby Ruiz and Barney “Boogie” Williams have just signed off on a final farewell tour, titled The Farewell Tour: The Final Encore, where they took through Australia for a massive 29 dates. They signal that it is time to, in fact, get out of this place but slight trepidation tingles from Steel as he discusses the end. “It really is the fun of playing and when you’re on stage with these brilliant players and it all locks together and everything is tight and we’re all listening to each other - there’s nothing like it! It’s a terrific buzz. I love it,” he says before adding sheepishly “It’s a really bitter sweet moment for me. We’ll see how we are feeling at the end of this tour.” Even though hope for continued touring surrounds the final conversation send off, it seems as though it really is all over now, Baby Blue.

30 years of CHOCOLATE STARFISH

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

“My purpose is to lift people higher,” says Adam Thompson.

Æ Throughout his career he has done just that. His efforts with remote Aboriginal and India community music programs MusoMagic Outback Tracks has seen him and his wife support the uplifting of community through music, but through his band Chocolate Starfish, he has uplifted audiences’ spirits through song.

As he enters his sixth decade on this earth as celebrated in Italy, Thompson finds himself at another milestone - thirty years of Chocolate Starfish as celebrated on the road.

“Having the shows to look forward to is great because celebrating thirty years is pretty special,” explains Thompson.

“I feel proud of what we have done but I’m always looking to raise the bar and I think that is the cornerstone as to why the band is probably in a better position than it was in the 90’s because we have made some really good decisions and we’ve grown a lot as individuals and collectively. That’s the reason why our crowds are probably bigger and more loyal than they have ever been, which is pretty special. It’s a great place to be in.”

Chocolate Starfish have been responsible for providing crowds across the country with infectiously optimistic, forget-about-your-worries-for-an-hour sets since their 90’s inception, and providing songs to be belted with the utmost chest. In what is unique to the band, they have taken multiple artists hits and cemented them as their own including Carly Simon’s ‘You’re So Vain’, 4 Non Blondes ‘What’s Up’ and Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell

They’ve done it again with a new single ‘Candyman Blues’; a daring mashup of the whimsical ‘The Candyman’ from Charlie and The Chocolate factory meets the swamp sludge of The Doors ‘Roadhouse Blues’.

“Funnily enough back in Geelong back in I want to say 1984 when I was at Deakin Uni, I played Willy Wonka in the Geelong Repertory Societies Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and then 30 something years on I call myself Mr Chocolate as part of the Chocolate Starfish, so we started playing around with that song in its original format as Sammy Davis Jr would have done in the movie and it was good but it wasn’t great,” Thompson explains.

“It’s a little bit like the approach we did with ‘You’re So Vain’ the approach we did with 4 Non Blondes ‘What’s Up’ off the last album - it just wasn’t right until that magic appeared and I was literally six months ago driving through the outback and ‘Roadhouse Blues’ came on and I don’t know why but the universe said “sing ‘The Candyman’ over that riff” and I went “oh my god, that’s it. That’s the mash up”. Sometimes these things come from greater places than all of us. It’s one of those things like ‘You’re So Vain’ because it is so unique, I think it will have a long long life.”

To be an original band but take on numerous covers that seamlessly add to a bands identity is rare, but the band surprisingly don’t employ a formula when it comes to song absorption, nor do they constantly seek new covers to onboard.

“They have to have something we feel that we can not only deliver but also deliver it in a better way with the integrity of our band. That definitely is something we discuss a lot. There’s no formula, I just think we’re open to the possibilities. We don’t pigeonhole ourselves,” says Thompson.

Importantly however, the songs need to translate to the live setting, the space in which Chocolate Starfish thrive.

“Live is where we are most known so I think we’re only starting to get our recordings where they should be, which is kind of funny because a lot of bands are the opposite of that,” he explains.

“It’s almost like we need to do a song for six months on the road and then it becomes ready for recording. Because of the way that we work and the energy that we put out, sometimes the tempos change and the feel changes and that’s kind of what happened with ‘Candyman’. We just have to live with it for a while and feel it out. It’s like wearing a new pair of shoes.”

Audiences across Australia will be able to see the way the song sinks into their live set on their upcoming The Best of Everything 30 years of Chocolate Starfish Tour. Supporting themselves with a thirty minute acoustic set of songs that typically wouldn’t make their live performance, the celebratory event is set to include bold outfits naturally with an interval outfit change, and the engagement of a local choir for a special, heartfelt ‘Like a Virgin’-esque gospel version of ‘Motherless’.

The shows are bound to lift audiences across the country higher, further accomplishing Adam Thompson’s life purpose.

CHOCOLATE STARFISH

WHERE: MULTIPLE VENUES IN VICTORIA

WHEN: 20 JUL–12 OCT

“

I want to make really great art and connect with people”: DALLAS FRASCA is fuelled by authenticity and community.

WORDS BY JACOB MCCORMACK

“Having a grassroots approach with all of my friends on the record and having Andy Baldwin back working as the producer meant that the album really came to life in a way that treated every single song like its own universe, serving each of them like its own little baby. It’s a really multi layered and multi-dimensional piece of art.”

Æ

Her third studio album is set to be released on July 19 and in celebratory fashion Frasca has booked in a nationwide tour entitled Force Of Nature that will see her play in regional areas as well as most of the major cities.

This album has been four years in the making, but acts as a breakout, or rather breakaway album for Frasca who initially conceptualised it as an LP that would reveal what she sounded like as a solo artist. What ensued was hours spent riffing on the guitar, writing countless lyrics and taking time out to immerse herself in nature.

“A few years back,” says Frasca. “I had this moment where I was like “what do I sound like without other musicians?” I said to myself “am I going to regret things if I don’t do this” and I don’t want to look back on my life like that at all.

“So, I spent the last few years just grinding on the guitar, receding into my little creative cave and nest, treating the experience as an artist professional or personal development moment. I spent a lot of time in a lot of different locations in the Bush over those four years. Wherever I would go I took my guitar with me, but I would often set off alone.”

It was through these experiences that Frasca was able to appease the independence she boasts as a person and an artist, but to also allow for the expansiveness that comes through time in the bush.

“Attached to all these experiences and this idea of me writing a solo album is the fact I am a fiercely independent artist. Rather than relying on a record label and the data analysis that comes with streaming I took a grass roots approach and began recording in friends studios.

“Where I am now is Lady Luck Studios, my little home studio. I recorded all the demos here and we used a lot of those original tracks in the final version of the album. I went to six different studios.”

As the heralded musician Dallas Frasca sips on a cup of earl grey tea, we delve into the decades that have made up her music career to date. A lifetime of performing and recording that has arrived at a place of immense pride, propped up by the years of dedication to her craft. DALLAS

And despite Frasca honing in on her independence and wanting to create something free of the shackles that come with the conventions of the music industry, the album comprised of a plethora of collaborations. Connections that play an essential role in any artists journey.

For an artist who does everything herself, it is those connections that fuel the drive to keep working in the way she does.

“Ultimately the biggest takeaway for me was discovering that [the audiences around Australia] are my community. This is our community, you know? I just want to connect with people. I won’t deny that it’s a lot of hard work, but my business is people and I feel really grateful about the authenticity of that.”

It seems fitting that Frasca would celebrate her latest body of work by embarking on a tour around Australia, because of her drive to connect with people, but also for her love of performing live.

“I love touring. I just fucking love it. I love connecting with people. I like connecting with them after the show. I’ve spent more time with people in regional areas that have come to my shows over the years than I have with my community in Melbourne. Going back to all of these places is purposeful and I absolutely love it.”

And so, as she sets out to tour Force Of Nature with just a drummer and a couple of singers, Frasca is excited about the challenge that awaits, that is the reimagination of herself as an artist.

“In the past I leaned on other players and now I don’t have anyone else to lean on. This is me. I’m backing myself and I’ll bring it along the tour. I’ll have a drummer most of the way, but I’ll also have two singers with me along the way as well.”

CARLY JORJA on her musical evolution

WORDS BY JACOB MCCORMACK

Carly Robertson is fast emerging as a multi skilled musician hollering from the Bellarine area. She holds down the rhythm and drive in the band Cool Dad, acting as their drummer, lends her hand to her family band The Von Robertson’s and has her own solo project where she records and performs under the name Carly Jorja.

Æ For a woman so young she is making her mark on the Victorian music scene, but it was through her involvement in the family band

The Von Robertsons that Carly became acquainted with the world of performing. She started out singing backing vocals for the songs her mother had written, but that soon transitioned into having an instrumental input too.

“Well, my introduction to the music industry came through being my mum’s support,” says Robertson. “I would come up for a few songs to sing along with her, whilst my brother played guitar and my dad played drums. Eventually we did a gig as the Robertson family band. Someone in Ocean Grove was like “oh, you’re the Von Robertsons”. And so, we kept the name.”

And from this introduction into performing Robertson has gradually branched into multi-instrumentalism, as well as experimenting with different styles and genres of music.

“I eventually learned bass and got to play that instrument in the band as well,” she says. “Which meant I wasn’t just singing anymore. We’ve done a lot of Blues Train gigs, but the music we play is mostly originals that my mum has written. There is a mixture in there too though, some originals written by Heath, mum and me as well.”

It was this initial exposure to blues music through the Von Robertsons that leant in Robertson’s emergence as a solo artist.

“Earlier on when I started out the project Carly Jorja, my music was very much blues oriented, because that’s what the Von Robertsons were playing at most of our gigs. But each of my band members have offered their own input and styles and that has really affected my own songwriting.

“I’ve ended up going into more of a soul, rock, punk blues hybrid type of sound. It’s hard to categorise it though because it’s just a big mixture of a bunch of genres that vary from track to track.”

And Robertson will have the opportunity to showcase the complexity and dynamic of her project Carly Jorja at the upcoming Bellarine On The Rise festival. A festival her mum has played a vital role in organising, and a festival that Robertson is immensely proud to be a part of as a representative for female artists, as well as young and upcoming artists.

“My mum’s been organising it [Bellarine On The Rise],” she says. “She wanted to have a couple of bands led by females on the lineup. I don’t know if you would have noticed but, there’s been a massive drop off in female led bands in the Geelong scene.

“My mum wanted to make sure that females were represented at the festival, so she got Brunette Red Dress and my band to play. There’s also the band Paraquay who have a female bassist on the bill too.”

Having these two young female-led bands on the lineup is a colourful example of how community plays a vital role in events like this and in the music scene of Geelong and its surrounds. Robertson attended school with the woman behind Brunette Red Dress.

“I went to school with Maddie. She’s closer to my brother’s age, but we partook in the Blues boot camp together, which was an event hosted in the summer holidays where heaps of kids could come and play music together which finished with a performance.”

And it is through community connections, particularly that where people of all ages are welcome and granted equitable opportunities that truly showcase what a community can be. Bellarine On The Rise has consciously become an all ages event. For Robertson being a young musician, this is very important.

“I find that all ages gigs are my favourite gigs to play. All the kids just want to dance and have fun. It isn’t so much about alcohol. Growing up, I couldn’t go the heaps of the over 18 gigs unless I was playing at them, so it’s great to be able to play shows that are inclusive of young people.”

Bellarine On The Rise is set to be a great festival and the perfect opportunity to catch Carly Jorja perform. But there are also bigger things brewing for Carly. The future looks bright for this young star.

CARLY JORJA

WHERE: THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL

WHEN: SUN 04 AUG

A homecoming for ECKHARDT AND STEEL

From the apple-growing industry of Huon Valley in Tasmania, where they have lived for the last ten years, raising a family and finding their voices, Tiffany Eckhardt and partner in music and life, Dave Steel have finally come home.

Æ Settled into South West Victoria, the songwriters recently made the move following in the footsteps of their children as they started flying the coop with sights set on the big smoke of Melbourne.

“I had been very homesick basically since we left Victoria, so I was really happy to come home. I really missed my friends and family, and the country too; the familiar trees, and light and the smell of the ocean here. I feel like it’s the right ecosystem for me or something. I’m so happy when I wake up every morning to the sound of magpies - there were none around where we lived in the Huon Valley,” explains Eckhardt. The transition comes at a pivotal time for the couple as a family but also for their songwriting careers. Tiffany Eckhardt has just released her new album Starry Stuff whilst Dave Steel returns to music releasing his first solo album in 20 years titled Wooden Music

Starry Stuff saw Eckhardt record live across two days in an old apple shed-turned-studio Rolling on the River Studio on the Huon River with Jed Pickett. It’s an album that features Louis Gill on bass, Ross Smithard on fiddle, Matt Boden on piano, and Jeremy Marcotte on drums. It wouldn’t be complete without the life-long collaboration of Dave Steel taking on both guitars and mixing duties.

“It was the most amazing recording experience I’ve ever had, doing it all live over a weekend like that. We tweaked arrangements before each take and somehow managed to get it all recorded by 7pm Sunday night. I felt very honoured to have such amazing humans playing these songs, it was a very special musical collaboration, and I think it comes through on the album,” explains Eckhardt.

The couple’s collaboration is one of dreams where a deep mutual understanding exists already and flourishes in the music setting. “Dave has had a huge impact on my music. I was originally a big fan of his when he put out ‘Old Salt Blues’ in the early 90’s. Dave’s roots/blues vibe is quite different from my more folky approach. So I guess we have kind of blended the two sounds in the music we play together. He’s a talented audio technician and producer and multi-instrumentalist so we’ve been able to make albums in the home studio, so I’ve continued to make albums every few years whenever I’ve got enough songs for an album,” she says.

“It’s wonderful having a partner who understands how it is to be an artist and all the things which go along with that. We give each other feedback during the songwriting process and work together well in the studio where it’s great to have an extra pair of ears - it can get pretty confusing - especially during the mixing process. We’ve been together for over 20 years so we understand each other pretty well. It’s a great working partnership.”

The favour is returned as Eckhardt appears on Wooden Music. Also sharing bass beast Louis Gill and violin virtuoso Ross Smithard, Wooden Music is the culmination of 20 years of skill development in the audio department and playing contribution to other bands, working as a tutor for many years, being reminded of the possibilities that present from simply jamming, a reminder of time-lost and overwhelming encouragement from Eckhardt.

“I did a lot of small acoustic shows in Tasmania with the remarkable Ross Smithard playing blues and folk and my own songs. We never rehearsed, and Ross is uncannily able to read my mind and to understand my sensibility. Playing with him reminded me of the possibilities of the joy and freedom of improvisation. He also introduced Tiff and I to Louis Gill the master bassist and I got this idea in my head,” explains Steel.

“These recordings were in some sense accidental, we (Ross, Louis and I) were booked into Jed Pickett’s studio and I recorded a rehearsal just roughly without paying a lot of (technical) attention. When I listened back to the recordings I realised we had done it!”

The result is a time capsule of tracks, capturing the past, the present and the future.

“Many of these new songs are like little polaroids - freeze frame moments- leaving home for Hobart in the early morning winter dark (‘Woodsmoke’), watching the Sickle Moon at 3am through the kitchen window (‘Sickle Moon’). And of course there’s some reflection involved. It’s inevitable, I think, at this age to look back more than forward. I have an increasing awareness of mortality!”

Both Eckhardt and Steel’s return has been welcomed with open arms, selling out shows at Geelong’s Cafe Door and The Birregurra Hall. We’re sure to see more of their music around the region in coming months.

ARTS GUIDE

BY

WORDS

CHESTER OGILVIE

NATURE SPEAKS

In the words of naturalist and environmentalist John Muir, “in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” With this in mind, volunteer-run, community gallery Foundry Arts Space welcomes its second art prize. As the exhibition suggests, Nature Speaks will celebrate a range of artistic practices as it shines a light on both expressions of nature in art and socially and ecological works that relate to our environment and climate change.

THE FOUNDRY ARTS SPACE, ECHUCA 19 JUL–18 AUG

TEN YEARS OF DOWEL JONES

Made in Geelong and renowned globally, leading design studio Dowel Jones is celebrating ten years of colourful and playful creativity. Founded by Adam Lynch and Dale Hardiman in 2014 after graduating from university, early days were spent furnishing local cafes. Today, their works fill rooms around the world. Enjoy Dowel Jones as they transform the Wool Museum gallery into a house filled with furniture, ceramics, lighting and textiles.

THE NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM, GEELONG 26 JUL–24 NOV

SURF COAST ARTS TRAIL

For more than a decade, the Surf Coast Arts Trail has showcased the talents of the Surf Coast Shire while also allowing art lovers to converse with artists. It is little wonder it has been named as one of the top artist hubs in regional Victoria. In all, more than 200 artists and 60 venues are expected to participate, including those in Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Lorne, Anglesea, Bellbrae, Torquay, Jan Juc, Winchelsea and Hinterland.

VARIOUS VENUES 3 & 4 AUG

BELINDA FOX: THE LIGHT CREPT IN

Sometimes all it takes is a flicker of joy to brighten a day and soften life a little. Working in printmaking, painting, drawing, glass, sculpture and collaboration, Melbourne-based artist Belinda Fox strives to help achieve this with The Light Crept In. Take, for example, ceramic vessels in the form of traditional Korean moon jars, made in collaboration with Buninyong-based ceramic artist Neville French, that recognise perfection in the imperfect.

THE ART GALLERY OF BALLARAT UNTIL 11 AUG

DOUBLE VISION: MAPPING DÜRER IN A TIME OF CRISIS

Engraved by German renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer in 1514, Melencolia I has been called the artist’s psychological self-portrait. Here, you will find a suite of etchings by Raymond Arnold and Ian Westacott produced in direct response to this master work. Each artist drew all 18 objects in Dürer’s composition onto A4 copper plates, before transporting them thousands of kilometres to the other, who would then imprint their own image on top the first.

GEELONG GALLERY 3 AUG–27 OCT

ONE DRAWING A DAY: BENDIGO

While already a qualified art teacher, Frankie O attended the Rome Art Project while in her late thirties in order to recapture her artistic spirit. It worked a treat. Then in 2015, she embarked on her first ambitious ‘One Drawing a Day’ project as a way to rediscover and redefine her drawing skills.

DUDLEY HOUSE, BENDIGO 19–30 JUL

BIG CERAMIC ENERGY

Who could forget ceramics classes at school? Curated from the SAM collection, at Big Ceramic Energy you will find next level pieces from Australian, First Nations and international contemporary artists whose practices push the boundaries of the medium. From eccentric forms to experimental glazes, the museum’s growing collection features works from Jemmy Orchard, Bankstown Koori Elders Group, Stephen Bowers and more.

SHEPPARTON ART MUSEUM FROM 3 AUG

SUFFUSE

From its healing properties to its colourful and bountiful worlds, there is indeed a magic in water. Jane Millington has long been fascinated with the healing nature of our waters. Through her work, Millington hopes to regenerate the viewer’s engagement with the ebb and flow of their lives reflected in the water’s movement. Sophie Legoe, too, is fascinated and inspired by our waters – particularly the magical kingdoms that live beneath. Her recent ceramic work is about memory and play.

THE HIVE, OCEAN GROVE UNTIL 28 JUL

Author GLEN HUMPHRIES on Aussie Music, Getting Famous in the USA and Aussie Rock Anthems

WORDS BY BENJAMIN LAMB

From John Farnham to Kylie Minogue to Parcels and Parkway Drive, we’ve got a vast and exciting world of music here in Australia. People aren’t afraid to do things a little bit differently — and the world can see that.

Æ Now author Glen Humphries is looking back on it all in a new book, Aussie Rock Anthems , a collection of our most iconic hard driving songs. Each song is discussed in detail with quotes from the artists, alongside a behind the scenes look at the tracks.

“I really like the Cold Chisel (‘Khe Sanh’) story,” Humphries notes. “It’s such an iconic song. I had interviewed Don Walker before and he told me about how he knew it wasn’t an Australian battle (Battle of Khe Sanh).”

“He was concerned about whether people would catch him out on that when the song was actually released and appeared on the first album.”

You just have to look at our industry to see the interesting journey local music has taken — moving from rock to folk and now techno. Humphries notes whether there’s a specific thing that makes a song Australian.

“In the 70’s and 80’s, there certainly was a lot of iconic songs that came through that pub rock world; guitar oriented stuff like AC/DC, The Angels, Midnight Oil, and the like.

“But as you sort of move forward, the sound does evolve. So you get lasting songs that are a bit more melodic and a bit softer, like ‘Scar’, by Missy Higgins springs to mind.

“More recently, we’ve had that with the electro sound with groups like The Presets.”

As music fans, it’s easy to look at the scene on our doorstep and ponder why certain acts didn’t make it as famous as others — John Farnham and Cold Chisel never received as much international acclaim as groups like Silverchair or Midnight Oil, so what was different?

“Groups like The Angels made a bit of headway in the US, they got sort of known and I think they influenced the likes of Guns and Roses, but they never really made it big themselves.

“Famously Cold Chisel tried to make it over there and sort of blew up in their face and it didn’t happen. But they ended up getting that song ‘You Got Nothing I Want’ out of it.

“They just realised they didn’t want to have to live over there for two/ three years breaking through. But I really think they should have been a success in the US. They had that sort of really hard grinding pub rock sound that would have gone well in the clubs over in the US. “They understandably just didn’t want to hang around for two years, three years, start at the bottom and have to do it all over again.”

Another element of a band’s level of success comes down to the era they’re trying to break through — if the US or the UK aren’t into the genre, the chances of getting attention are low.

When we look at some of the biggest artists currently representing Australia on the world stage, they represent something the world’s looking for at the time. Like Tame Impala coming to life with the indie wave, Troye Sivan getting known for his hyperpop stylings, and The Kid Laroi finding his fans in the world of hip-hop.

“Timing does make it a bit easier to get heard, that would be the case with Cold Chisel when they went over there. At that time the soft rock / yacht rock sound was big, so no-one was really interested in what they [Chisel’s] were trying to sell.

“You can benefit from timing too, like the payola scandal fallout, this left a gap open for records, and radio stations started playing Midnight Oils’ ‘The Beds Are Burning’, US radio stations loved that song.”

Humphries is the first to note there are a number of songs that missed the cut for the book, and some weren’t considered as they need some gesticulation time to be considered an iconic song.

“There is that idea that a song has to have a certain length of time, it has to be still hanging around 15/20 years later, and become sort of embedded in the culture.

“But you could also argue like Alex Lloyd’s ‘Amazing’ has the potential to be one of those. That’s probably one of the ones that could have made the cut in the book, but didn’t.

“And in terms of the songs that got left out, you could almost write another top 40 book about another 40 songs that were anthemic. There were that many that didn’t make the cut this time around.”

See what songs did make the cut when Aussie Rock Anthems drops on Wednesday 17 July.

WHEN: WED 17 JULY WHERE ALL GOOD BOOK STORES

STAGE GUIDE

WORDS BY CHESTER OGILVIE

CRIMINAL OUTSIDER

More than 20 per cent of Australians aged under 54 are regular listeners of True Crime podcasts. Here, best-selling author Roy Maloy invites you to put on your detective cap for a live true crime and forensics performance. Attendees will be given case files on arrival, before being walked through a performance that includes forensics demonstrations and theories of Australian crimes. Those examined include Dolly Gray, Cranky Bella, Daniel Hempfield, Minnie Clark, Bridget Mahoney and Squizzy Taylor.

PALAIS-HEPBURN,

THE GRANDPARENTS CLUB

Grandparents aren’t just babysitters, you know. They are adventurous, engaged and living their best years as they play a vital role in family. It’s a grand ol’ life, you may say. Written by Wendy Harmer and featuring music from John Field, The Grandparents Club is a celebration of the wonderful world of grand-parenting. So come along and meet Club president and host Jimmy Bigelow and regulars Jeff, Liz and Maria.

THE STORY HOUSE, GEELONG 20 JUL

ULUMBARRA THEATRE, BENDIGO 26 JUL

WCPA, WENDOUREE 28 JUL

CINDERELLA

The first written account of Cinderella is said to have come from Giambattista Basile in 1634. It is arguably the most well-known fairy tale, with the term Cinderella often used in underdog stories in sport. Join Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre as they present their rendition of a timeless classic, complete with dazzling costumes, enchanting set designs and the melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Salagadoola menchicka boola, bibbidi-bobbidiboo, this is sure to be a treat for you.

THE CAPITAL, BENDIGO 26 JUL–03 AUG

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

The combined Catholic schools of Clonard, Sacred Heart, Iona and St Joseph’s College present The Addams Family. Ah, meeting the parents. Wednesday Addams, the princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet man from a respectable family. Her father, Gomez, is in the know but has been sworn to hold the secret from Morticia. When it comes time for everyone to meet at a family dinner, how will the hosts make the most of the sticky situation?

THE STORY HOUSE, GEELONG 25–27 JUL

THE PEASANT PRINCE

From a ten-year-old peasant boy from impoverished rural China to the international dance scene, Mao’s Last Dancer is the acclaimed autobiography of Li Cunxin. In this children’s version of the extraordinary story, Monkey Baa presents a story of courage, resilience and hope. Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry, it has won Best Production at The Glugs and a Drover’s Award for Best Tour in 2016.

ULUMBARRA THEATRE, BENDIGO 30 JUL

LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE,

ALL FIRED UP

Oh, to be a teenager in the ’80s. When your bedroom was the stage and your collection of Cabbage Patch Kids, Care Bears and Masters of the Universe was your audience, the possibilities were endless. Then, as it does, time passes and the next moment you’re on the brink of a midlife crisis. Meet Tammy Tooth who, through a quirk of fate, is transported back to her teenage years. Featuring a live band, this musical will have you footloose.

LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE, WARRNAMBOOL 17 JUL

EM RUSCIANO: OUTGROWN

Outgrown is Em Rusciano’s first big national tour since 2019’s Rage and Rainbows. In the words of the multitalented performer, her last five years have been brutal, beautiful and bonkers. She has received three surprise diagnoses of ADHD, autism and early menopause. “Complete ego death”, as she has said. But as art can help soothe our ails, so too can it be therapy for the artist. So here she is to workshop her trauma through an overthe-top musical comedy extravaganza.

CIVIC HALL, BALLARAT 03 AUG

SLAP. BANG. KISS.

The stories of three young people set off a chain of events making them global symbols of revolution. SLAP is the story of Immi, a sixteen-year-old who strikes a security officer. BANG is the story of Sofia and her impassioned speech for the victims of a school shooting. And KISS is the story of Darby and Daniel, who come together in the parking lot of a small-town supermarket to set the record for the longest kiss.

POTATO SHED, DRYSDALE 1 AUG morning and early afternoon shows

Only One Mode

Æ Without a shadow of doubt, Speed stands out as the most hyped hardcore act that Australia has ever seen. Not only have the Sydney-based outfit managed to forge a stranglehold on the hardcore community both at home and abroad, their rapidly growing reputation and constantly sold out merch lines have also led to the group infiltrating pop culture in ways that no underground heavy outfit ever has before.

Honestly, you can almost envision Speed in the Guinness World Records for ‘accomplishments that are unheard of among underground hardcore bands.’

Endorsements with Vans, Carhartt and Foot Locker, mainstream media attention, fans in the form of Post Malone, Travis Barker and Shaquille O’Neal – it’s a newfound level of success previously unattainable for groups who cut their teeth on the aggressive, anti-commercialism tones of Trapped Under Ice, Judge and Terror. Especially when it’s considered that all of this acclaim has come before the group even released a full-length album.

Although, the praise couldn’t be more deserved. The group delivers one of the most original and refreshing takes on hardcore since its origins in the 80’s and 90’s, and that’s only part of Speed’s charm, with a large portion of the group’s widespread appeal coming from the authentic push for inclusivity and acceptance so prevalent in both their music and group as a whole. If you’ve ever seen the group live, you’ll know what I’m talking about – every single show sees an entourage of friends so large it could rival Wu Tang’s posse, jumping on stage to perform guest vocal duties. Because to Speed, everyone succeeds or no one does. It’s this kind of inclusivity that defines the group’s entire philosophy: hardcore is for everyone.

Even still, it feels surreal seeing ripped muscle-head’s belting out the most aggressive music you’ve ever heard while screaming lyrics like “When you show love, you get love back” and “Life is ugly and beautiful, with nowhere to hide, find peace being truthful.”

But that’s Speed, they thrive on pushing both musical barriers and personal views. Songs like ‘Only Foes’ deliver spiteful commentaries on the ingrained racism embedded within Australian culture, profoundly stating “Cursed to wander, with stories untold, fuck feeling foreign in my own home,” while ‘I Mean It’ and ‘Shut It Down’ (which FINALLY sees a re-recording of it’s 2019 demo) chronicle sleighting views of society and the struggle Australians face as a result of policy makers. If they’ve got something to say, they don’t shy away from it.

Which ultimately ties in with what Only One Mode truly is: a statement.

As one of the most anticipated debut albums in Australian heavy music history, Only One Mode’s lead single, ‘The First Test’, couldn’t have been more aptly named. This was Speed’s first test, and they have well and truly risen to the challenge, delivering one of the most authentic, forward-thinking, and refreshing releases in modern hardcore.

LABEL: LAST RIDE & FLATSPOT RECORDS

RELEASE: FRI 12 JUL

IN HEARTS WAKE

Incarnation

Æ Incarnation was always going to be a sink or swim album for In Hearts Wake. Not only has it been four years since the group’s last full-length release, the largely underwhelming Kaliyuga, it’s also the first release in the groups catalogue without founding member Kyle Erich doubling up on bass and clean vocal duties.

Well, true to its name, the group’s sixth effort is truly a new Incarnation of In Hearts Wake, with the Byron Bay outfit straying far from the formulaic output that ruled their previous work to deliver their most gritty and chaotic listen yet.

And when I say chaotic, I mean it. From the opening seconds of ‘Spitting Nails’ to the closing moments of ‘Transmission’, Incarnation takes no prisoners. ‘The Flood’ blast-beats’ its way into your consciousness with complex tech-heavy riffs, unrelenting drum fills and unique ascending breakdowns. ‘Gen Doom’ and ‘Orphan’ toy with frenetic inclusions of MPC and unrefined nü metal riffs, with the latter delivering moments that feel like a homage to Slipknot’s ‘Eyeless’, and not one, but three of the best breakdowns the group have delivered to date.

But at its core, Incarnation feels most like an album of discovery. At times its ruthlessly aggressive output feels slightly dishevelled, but for the most part, Incarnation is an uncompromising listen that sees In Hearts Wake stepping away from what’s known and comfortable to strive for originality, possibly for the first time in their 18 year tenure.

MEGAN THEE STALLION

Megan

Æ It’s funny to think that the same month there was public uproar for Eminem’s diss of Megan Thee Stallion, she dropped her long awaited self-titled release, dissing absolutely everyone.

No one is safe on Megan. Drake? He’s just a “cosplay gangster” walking around “with a fake-ass accent.” Nicki?

A “bitter bitch” who should spend more time “worry[ing] ‘bout [her] man and kid”. Eminem? You mean that “white bitch on the internet”?

If the Houston-raised rapper is pushing an agenda on her third release, it’s “if you come at Megan, you better not miss”. If you do, she’s not just coming after you, she’s coming after your whole damn life. Your rap career, your friends, your family, nothing is off limits. Then, after she tears down every aspect of you, she’ll start claiming your redundancy payments.

To say she goes hard would be an understatement. Every lyric is spat like a barrage of punches, and they always have the beats to match.

From hard-hitting trap anthems (‘Where The Girls At’), to rambunctious flips of Gwen Stefani’s ‘What You Waiting For?’ (‘BOA’), to deep-cut Jujutsu Kaisen samples and bi-lingual bars in ‘Otaku Hot Girl’ and ‘Mamushi’, every track on Megan is meticulously crafted to make sure that the lyrics, beats, features and overall sonic experience match Megan’s strategically penned lyrical onslaught.

Throughout the Tory Lanez trial, Megan’s silence was deafening. Now, it’s her turn to speak up, and she doesn’t waste a second of it.

DAVE

Dave II

Æ For over a decade now, I’ve followed every group that David Gravolin has been a part of, yet I still don’t know what kind of music he’s into.

As an artist, Gravolin is spectacularly peculiar, with his previous endeavours in ORB, The Frowning Clouds, Hierophants, and Cereal Killer spanning everything from doom metal and 60’s nugget psych rock, to straight up 80’s inspired hardcore. So naturally, I was curious when I saw he was releasing his second selfmade multi-instrumentalist bedroom effort. After finishing it off, I can comfortably say that Gravolin is now even more of an enigma.

Dave II doesn’t try to sound like anyone. If it takes influence, it does so very subtly, creating a sound so subversive that it can really only be described as ‘Dave’. ‘Fall In Line’’s sinister synthwave melodies and high-tempo use of MPC’s deliver immersive soundscapes primed for film scores. ‘HH9’’s lo fi triphop grooves feel equally as suited for a DJ Shadow release as they do for an Inspectah Deck backing track. ‘Frogs’’s ambient soundscapes and minute use of synths channel ethereal elements akin to Jean-Michel Jarre.

It’s a release that strays far from standard song structures and conventional genres. While it may be too avantgarde for more traditional listeners, Dave II is an album that’ll undoubtedly give more experimental listeners something to sink their teeth into.

CLAIRO

Charm

Æ After the success of 2021’s Sling, Clairo seemed primed to become one of the biggest names in the modern pop world. Widespread critical acclaim, sellout headline tours, songwriting credits for everyone from Lorde to Marcus Mumford (Mumford & Sons), and features on NME’s best album lists— it seemed like the indie-pop luminary was set to become the next tour de force in the industry.

Then out of nowhere, she retreated to a secluded off-grid life in the mountains of New York, leaving many fans wondering about her future in music.

Now, after three years, Clairo returns with Charm — a welcoming, delicate, and introspective exploration of self-identity, artistry, and empowerment. With the help of legendary producer Leon Michels (El Michels Affair), Charm traverses soulful folk balladry (‘Echo, Pier 4’), French-influenced lounge (‘Terrapin’) and lush hip-hop inspired grooves (‘Second Nature’, ‘Juna’), to deliver a collection of avant-pop daydream melodies.

Highlighting Clairo’s freshly reclaimed confidence and signature bedroom-diary candour in all its baroque pop wonder, ‘Sexy To Someone’, toys with simplicity, drilling self-imposed affirmations of sensuality and desire through repetitive lyricism, rhythmic snare arrangements and tepid vocal melodies. ‘Juna’ infuses trip-hop sensibilities, with Michels’ noticeable production shining through in its lo fi hip-hop grooves, psych mellotron, and Frank Ocean-inspired neo-bluegrass harmonies.

It’s an album that’s not afraid to explore even the slightest of segues, both lyrically and musically, presenting Clairo in her most experimental, baring and spectacular form yet.

LABEL: WARNER MUSIC AUSTRALIA

LABEL: ANTI FADE RECORDS

LABEL:

INTRODUCING:

INFORMATION NIGHTS AT THE GORDON

In an out with the old, in with the new move, The Gordon have ditched their Open Day in 2024 in favour of Information Nights.

Æ Based on recent data assessing event attendance, applications and general feedback to form it’s future planning, distinguished educational institute, The Gordon, is implementing a trial of Information Nights for their 2024/25 intake of students.

It’s already seeing success. Compared with the TAFE’s 2023 Open Day data, Information Nights saw a mammoth spike in registrations of 63% and a whopping 86% in course applications, determining the numbers of the next student cohort.

Running from 6 to 8 August, the newly introduced Information Nights are a chance for students and parents to conveniently attend during a weeknight, without the event impeding on weekend work or activities. It’s a sentiment shared by Melissa Ginn, recent attendee of the Information Nights and enrollee in Fee-Free TAFE studies in Youth Work.

“I normally work on weekends, so going to an information session on a weeknight works best for me. Attending the Information Night got me excited to start my Certificate IV in Youth Work. It helped me feel comfortable with the campus location, what my course includes, career outcomes, and learning support services. I also met my teacher - she is kind, passionate about the course, and I could tell I would be supported by her,” Ginn says.

Executive Director of Growth and Student Experience, Peter McKinnon seconds the move, saying, “August is a busy month and can be overwhelming for future students with Victorian universities, TAFE and training providers hosting open days on same weekends.”

“Information Nights are a great way for people to get in, ask the questions they want and get the answers they need. Join a classroom tour, meet your teachers. We’ve got presentations and demonstrations happening to help you discover your preferred industry and course area.”

It’s a great way to understand the plethora of offerings from The Gordon who offer a range of accreditations including Certificates I - IV, diplomas and advanced diplomas across a broad array of industries, as well as apprenticeships and traineeships. They further have the added program of Fee-Free TAFE which allows eligible students to secure training in growth areas of health, science, construction trades and information and technology at no fee cost.

The TAFE courses are designed to build hands-on skills, experience and qualification to get students job ready.

The next Information Sessions will be running on Tuesday 6 August at the Geelong City Campus, Wednesday 7 August at the East Geelong Campus and Thursday 8 August at the Werribee Campus, commencing at 5pm across the board.

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE HAVE THE KEY TO YOUR CREATIVE ENGINE

Æ Nurturing the spark of an artistic concept or have a project in the wings that needs some support? Geelong Art Centre’s latest round of Creative Engine grants are now open.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

IGNITION:

2 × $5,000 cash grant

+ 5 days of in-kind studio access for rehearsal period

JUMP START:

2 × $3,000 cash grant

+ 5 days of in-kind studio access for rehearsal period

PLACE TO MAKE:

5 days of in-kind studio access or three months of in-kind desk access in Merge co-working space.

Totalling up to $24,000 in financial grants and $35,000 of valuein-kind studio access at the arts centre’s landmark Ryrie Street building, the available grant packages will directly benefit individuals and organisations who are looking to develop new and exciting work, push the boundaries, and advance their arts practice.

The IGNITION grants are designed to assist projects that are in the early stages of creation and need support in transitioning from creative development to preparation for presentation. The first round of grants for 2024 saw production company The Bloomshed supported to develop and present their reimagining of Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice along with Kath Dolheguy for the development of original work Parasail

JUMP START grants are aimed at supporting local artists who have a seed idea but need assistance to bring it to life through rehearsal space and workshopping. Fiona Luca and Helen Duncan were the recipients for round one to develop their respective ideas Now: A Life Story and Cabaret of Calm

The final grant category, PLACE TO MAKE supports local artists in their work development through the offering of in-kind space at the Geelong Arts Centre facilities. They have welcomed Gorgi Coghlan and Anna-Lee Robertson for their project Song Birds, Luke Morris as part of Comedy Victoria, Catherine Holder for The Things We Hold Dear and Amelia Vu for Foreigner so far this year.

Further details regarding the application process and eligibility requirements can be found within each grant category. Crossgenre projects are highly encouraged.

Applications are currently open via the Geelong Arts Centre website where you can find out more about the abundance of opportunities on the horizon for artists in 2024.

Applications close 9am, Monday 29 July 2024.

Credit: Cameron Grant

BITES GUIDE

LA CACHETTE

Nestled into Geelong’s waterfront, is intimate, family-run, French bistro, La Cachette. Designed to have a menu that changes every three weeks, owner and Chef Patron Matthew Podbury creates an elevated dining experience with a casual ‘neighbourhood bistro’ feel, complete with incredible food, drink pairings and naturally generous hospitality. It’s a space that has adopted the bistronomy model, aiming for relaxed casual dining experiences with a flair for attention to detail. You just need to look at their evolving menu to determine the type of quality of the French cuisine. From main meal selection of fillet of snapper ‘à la vapeur’ with mussels and bergamot to dessert ‘île flottante’ with lemon myrtle and rhubarb sorbet, it’s superb. For $90 for three courses, and $110 for four, La Cachette is great value with French class. Unfortunately La Cachette will be closing their doors permanently from 11 August so get in while you still can.

WHERE: SHOP 10, STEAMPACKET PLACE, EASTERN BEACH ROAD, GEELONG

OPEN:

TUE–SUN 5:30–10:30PM

SAT & SUN 12–2:30PM

BISTRO PLUME

On the stretching Mt Pleasant Road in Belmont, tucked into a corner shop is Bistrot Plume. Bistrot Plume is an elegant French-Australian eatery determined to deliver the finery of France in Geelong. Owners Ben McLachlan and Jackson Fort are seasoned hospitality professionals with an eye for the attention to detail. Also running Local Geelong and its by-night wine bar, Enoteca, Chef Fort earned his stripes at fine diners like Tulip, Igni and Cutler & Co, and has transferred his knowledge into Bistro Plume, raising the bar of French dining in the region. With options for a Menu Du Jour or individual selections the menu is made of the fresh produce the region has to offer. With a long list of wines to pair, the Bistro Plume experience is undeniable.

WHERE: 56A MT PLEASANT ROAD, BELMONT

OPEN:

THU 5:45PM–LATE

FRI 11:30AM–3PM / 5:45PM–LATE

SAT 11:30AM–3PM / 5:45PM–LATE

SUN 11:30AM–3PM

FELIX

Tucked up Downes Lane off Little Malop Street’s bustling hospitality precinct in Geelong sits Felix Restaurant. Having opened in 2021, the restaurant has established itself as a favourite for French dining. Felix serves a modern interpretation of French classics with warm service, and a relaxed atmosphere across both a lunch and diner service. The offering of a 2 course dinner at $59pp (only available at lunch) or a three course set menu at $89pp is well worth the spend. On the drinks side, Felix specialises in cocktails but has a generous beer and cellar list. From Violet Beauregard to a glass of Château du Cedre “Marcel” Malbec, they have endless options for elevated dining.

WHERE: 9 DOWNES LN, GEELONG

LUNCH: FRI, SAT 12–2:30PM, SUN 12–4PM

DINNER: WED–SAT 5:30–10PM

LOLA

A fixture of the Hotel Provincial on Ballarat’s main road of Lydiard Street North is the elegant, lavish Europeaninspired dining of Lola. From your morning coffee, to lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner sevendays, Lola is a stunning 55 seat dining room that provides an elegant yet relaxed experience, beautifully styled to reflect the heritage hotels elevated design. With a menu shaped each season selected using the region’s best locally sourced produce, Lola’s features glorious grazings of French cuisine. From the top item of the entree menu of twice baked aged gruyere soufflé, daikon remoulade and candied pecan nuts all the way through to the vanilla bean panna cotta with poached nashi pears and macadamia praline, the tastes are tantalising.

WHERE: 121 LYDIARD STREET NORTH, BALLARAT

OPEN: MON & TUE 7:30–11AM / 5:30–10PM WED–SUN 7:30AM–10PM

LE PECHE GOURMAND

Macarons, madeleines, petit-fours, croissants, pain au chocolat, Le Peche Gourmand in Creswick is a haven for dessert lovers. Specialising in French pastry, this patisserie is overflowing with flavour and dessert options. Paired with a coffee made on site, Le Peche Gourmand is a slice of provincial France for the tastebuds. Christmas is a spectacular time for the establishment as they bring France home with buche de Noel, homemade gateau and joyeux noel. Not fair from Ballarat and Daylesford, this is a great stop!

WHERE: 73 ALBERT ST, CRESWICK

WHEN: MON–SAT 7AM–3PM

TREACY PÂTISSERIE

Located in the heart of Bendigo is modern French patisserie Treacy Pâtisserie. Established with the simple goal of creating contemporary and innovative desserts, using the best ingredients possible, this quaint gem is only opened two days per week to ensure excellence is being served. From their signature blueberry lemon and violet cake, to the humble macaron, petit gateaux, artisan bitesized fancies and confectionery, Treacy Pâtisserie is just as appealing for the eyes as it is for the mouth. The boutique destination is simply stunning with their dessert creations.

WHERE: 2/3 QUEEN ST, BENDIGO

OPEN: FRI 11AM–5PM SAT 10AM–3PM

VENUE GUIDE

ILZA JAPANESE CAFÉ

Æ ILZA is a café & restaurant offering homely Japanese-style food and drinks. Their journey began just before the pandemic, and they now have locations in Docklands near Marvel Stadium Gate 6, Box Hill South, Nunawading, Lt Collins CBD, and most recently, Geelong.

Their menu, curated by Erin Kim, an ex-Nobu sous chef, features handmade curry, katsu, and signature sauces. Han, Erin’s husband and ex-Nobu colleague, introduces unique latte variations like orange latte and peanut butter latte, along with specialty cocktails. This fusion of high-quality ingredients and innovative flavours ensures a delightful dining experience for every guest.

ILZA provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The interiors are designed to reflect the homely and warm nature of our Japanese-inspired cuisine, ensuring that every visit feels like a special occasion.

The team at ILZA prides themselves on sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients to create our dishes. Their commitment to quality extends beyond food; they also offer specialty cocktails and unique lattes. Additionally, they sell a variety of signature sauces and other products to bring a piece of ILZA to your home.

At ILZA, they believe in providing an exceptional dining experience that combines the comfort of homely food with the excitement of innovative flavours. Their dedicated team, led by Erin and Han, ensures that every dish is crafted with care and passion. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a relaxing dinner, or a unique latte, ILZA is the place to be. Come visit them and discover why ILZA is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

LAST ONE INN

Æ Last One Inn is owned by Jorge Guerrero and Josh Morrice - serving modern Australian dishes, with a South American twist, which reflects Jorge’s Argentinian background. Opening back in 2019, after falling for the incredible location overlooking the Anglesea River, and why wouldn’t they; It’s the neighbourhood restaurant & bar that keeps on giving, whether that be by providing delicious food, a breathtaking view, or an exceptional experience that will make you want to come back for more.

Last One Inn’s menu focuses on cooking over fire, ensuring to use sustainably sourced meats and local produces, and head chef Julie Touma is smashing it – you can expect to see a traditional Asado (Argentinian BBQ) being cooked, while you soak up the incredible views, adding onto the must do experience of dining at Last One Inn. Julie and her team are insanely respected for their European inspired dishes, frequently changing the menu in line with the seasonal produce, so there is always something new to try. They focus on delivering an exceptional, yet relaxed dining experience, and they have definitely succeeded in this. The menu includes Empanadas, Cala, Ricotta Gnudi, a Steak Porterhouse, and the sweeter side of things, Basque Cake and Tres Leches –there’s something for everyone.

Josh and Jorge know what pairs perfectly with food, often providing live music, and ASADO BBQ Sundays –with a selection of wine and beer between 12-2pm. It’s definitely the Great Ocean Road’s best value lunch! And words out that there’s a special Salted Caramel Negroni that you must try – Last One Inn, giving you an experience you can’t miss.

At Last One Inn, they regularly host some epic events, from live bands and great entertainment, to South American feasts and wine dinners where you can meet the maker, there’s always something going on, and you will kick yourself if you miss out.

This is your chance to enjoy locally sourced seasonal produce, and a wide range of interesting wines, beers and cocktails – it’s a definite must see.

WHERE: 1 MALOP STREET, GEELONG

OPEN:

MON–FRI 8AM–3PM

FRI–SAT 5:30–8:30PM SAT 10AM–3PM

MR JONES

Æ Originally opening in 2013 as Catfish Thai, Mr Jones has had a bit of a facelift over the years. The Asian-inspired cuisine of Catfish Thai was “intense” food and a fast-paced dining experience. After five years of Catfish Thai, it became Mr Jones Dining. Renovating the upstairs dining room and slowing down the dining experience, making it a little more staggered and relaxed. The menu on offer is still Asian with lots of big, bold flavours but not as intense.

Mr Jones is less rigid and the menu allows for more creativity, while keeping traditional cooking techniques.

Mr Jones provides a chance to escape the busyness of life, while enjoying an experience rarely found in a regional town or even in the cities. It is a chance to relax and be waited upon by professionals. With a modern aesthetic vibe, and a reason to showcase local artists in the dining space, Mr Jones is truly the place to be.

A modern Asian menu is a creative exploration of Asian offerings and still stays true to traditional cooking techniques. The menu is constantly evolving and changing with the seasons, using the delicious seasonal produce available, and always featuring an array of balanced and unique flavours and textures. The flavours present are vibrant, bold and of course, delicious.

Mr Jones is best known for curries made with fresh coconut milk and handmade curry pastes. Curry pastes made from scratch, ground with a mortar and pestle – and you can’t forget one of the showstoppers, the Savoury Thai cupcakes, which are iconic.

Mr Jones uses seasonal vegetables and fruit, as well as Australian seafood, and local meats and vegetables when in season. They value using local produce and markets to stock their kitchen, and have even used some stockists for the whole time the restaurant/s have been open. The wine list is curated to pair with the food and flavours, ensuring to use small producers, including Australian, local and European wineries. They also have their own deus sauce range, next level condiments for the opportunity to enjoy Mr Jones at home – what more could you want? Word has it that the Crispy Chilli Condiment aka C.C.C is a favourite, however, you must ‘apply generously’ as the label instructs.

The team at Mr Jones have an incredibly strong and loyal customer base who appreciate what they do. They love to eat with them, as the menu is constantly evolving and changing. This is your chance to taste the flavours and enjoy wines that are unique and delicious, to be treated to a very special evening.

WHERE: 42–44 MAIN ROAD, BALLARAT

OPEN: WED, THU & SAT 6–10PM FRI 12–2PM / 6–10PM

RENARD

Æ Renard (French, Re•Nar — ‘Fox’) started as an affectionate tongue-in-cheek reference to the beloved nightclub — The Faux Social Club — which was often mispronounced by punters as “The Fox Social Club.”

The venue boasts a selection of independent spirits, Australian and French minimal intervention wines, with an ever-changing seasonal food and cocktails list. Proudly independently owned and operated by Ballarat brothers Teddy & Louis. At its heart, the venue is a social club - a spot to meet with friends.

The beverage menu features seasonal cocktails that highlight Australian spirits and native ingredients - including the most popular cocktail, the ‘Fox Sociale’, is a Davidson Plum Gin Sour with pomegranate and a macerated rhubarb gin (there has been over 20,000 of these sold since the doors opened).

Renard also offer a selection of signature serves, such as their collaborative macerated pink gin & tonic called the ‘Gin De Soif!’ - this spirit is made in collaboration with a local gin distillery, and is served with fresh strawberries and mediterranean tonic. As well as their twists on classics such as The Outback Negroni which is a lighter, brighter negroni showcasing all Australian ingredients. The drinks on offer also feature a mixed bag of wines - both Australian and French with a large range of skin contact / orange wines. Word has it they also run a pretty quintessential beer list as well to boot, with a lot of punters opting to drink Melbourne Longnecks. To owner Louis, it’s always been a kind of funny thing to have available when you match it up with the rest of their offerings. There is an abundance of snack options for pre and post dinner, as well as some great larger options. Renard offers modern bistro-style dishes alongside great cocktails, wines, and good times. Priding themselves on being seen as a COCKTAIL BAR + BISTRO-THEQUE. Their aim is to create and serve drinks that bridge the gap between accessibility and intrigue.

Hosting monthly late night events, and partnering with Aus brands to showcase a spirit they love, with the DJs playing tunes. The team are also quite proud of their tune selection - think lots of neo-soul, jazz, funk, dub, moving into garage, drum and bass etc - if the mood fits, they have the hits. The vibes can vary pretty dramatically – it can be a chill spot with friends, casual drinks by one of the fireplaces, a great spot for date night, and is even perfect for groups and stand up functions.

WHERE: 209 MAIR STREET, BALLARAT CENTRAL 3350

OPEN: WED– THU 4PM–LATE FRI–SUN 2PM–LATE

GIG GUIDE JULY 2024

For more gigs go to fortemag.com.au/gigguide

THE TERRYS

THU 11 JUL

THE FADEAWAYS + KIM SALMON’S SMOKED SALMON

THE BRIDGE HOTEL, CASTLEMAINE

7PM $29.10

JACK JONES

THE GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

8PM $30

THE RADIATORS

+ SPECIAL GUESTS

VOLTA, BALLARAT

7.30PM $40.05

ESKIMO JOE

+ AUGIE MARCH

MILDURA ARTS CENTRE, MILDURA

7:30PM $65

FRI 12 JUL

BONESPACE

‘MY FAVOURITE MEMORY’ SINGLE LAUNCH

+ SMALL LIZARD BIG BRAIN, FIFTH QUARTER

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL GEELONG

8PM SOLD OUT

+ LE SHIV, BLOKBSTR

TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY

8:30PM $40.80

ERNEST AINES AND CAMILLE TRAIL

PALAIS-HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS

6.30PM $25

THE RADIATORS

THE GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

8PM $35

ELO & THE SHINKICKS

+ FINN FARRELL, THE HOBYAHS

MAJOR TOMS, KYNETON

8PM $15

SAT 13 JUL

GRACE CUMMINGS

MEENIYAN TOWN HALL, MEENIYAN

7PM $38.50

ART LATE X OK MOTELS: NICE BISCUIT

ART GALLERY OF BALLARAT, BALLARAT

6PM

Lightning and Rhinestones #5

$50

FT: Ben Mastwyk And His Millions, Eils And The Drip, Sin City, Katie Bates And More

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL GEELONG

1PM

MOONWALK: MICHAEL JACKSON HISTORY

THE PLAY HOUSE, GEELONG

7:30PM $45–$70

DOUBLE TROUBLE BLUES

+ KALIOPI AND THE BLUES MESSENGER, LOWDOWN & DIRTY

PALAIS-HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS

7PM

$25

LLOYD SPIEGEL TRIO

THE GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

8:30PM

REPUTATION: THE ULTIMATE TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE + SPECIAL GUESTS

VOLTA, BALLARAT

8PM

SLEEP D + ROKA, CUTE GIRL / CUTE BOY

$40

SUN 14 JUL

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS

TALTARNI CELLAR DOOR, BALLARAT

12PM FREE

WED 17 JUL

ANDY ALBERTS

ARARAT TOWN HALL, ARARAT

8PM $25–$35

LUKE LUKEY’S OPEN MIC

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG

7PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG WED–SUN FREE

$34.95

BARWON HEADS HOTEL, BARWON HEADS

8PM

$30

CANDLELIGHT: BEST OF HANS ZIMMER

BALLARAT MINING EXCHANGE, BALLARAT

6PM

THU 18 JUL

ASTRODEATH + SPACEJUNK

MEDUSA BAR, GEELONG

7PM $23

$26–66

CANDLELIGHT: TRIBUTE TO QUEEN BALLARAT MINING EXCHANGE, BALLARAT

8PM

IS DON BELLARINE ESTATE, GEELONG

6PM

$28.60

MOOD: MAHLER AND WAGNER + THE AUSTRALIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA

COSTA HALL, GEELONG

3PM $44–$65

$26–66

KING STINGRAY + JEM CASSAR-DALEY

$10

THE BLUES TRAM + ANDREW FARRELL, LOUISE MACGREGOR

THE BLUES TRAM, BENDIGO 2PM $45.90

SPACEGOAT + DOG

THE HAWK, EAGLEHAWK 8PM FREE

ROYAL THEATRE, CASTLEMAINE

7PM

$56.65

FRI 19 JUL

ASTRODEATH + SPACEJUNK

THE EASTERN, BALLARAT

7PM $23.50

BUDDY HOLLY IN CONCERT

THE STORYHOUSE, GEELONG

7:30PM $59.90 - $69.90

LLOYD SPIEGEL TRIO

PALAIS-HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS

6:30PM $40

MELBOURNE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

MCAULEY HALL, SACRED HEART COLLEGE, GEELONG

7:30PM $10–$55

AETHER AND VASSALLO

NORTHERN ARTS HOTEL, CASTLEMAINE

7:30PM $25

SAT 20 JUL

KING STINGRAY + JEM CASSAR-DALEY

TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY

8:30PM $56.10

DIG! THE MUSIC OF THE DANDY WARHOLS AND THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE

PALAIS-HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS

7PM $25

BON BUT NOT FORGOTTEN + THE MIDNIGHT DEVILS

THE WOOL EXCHANGE, GEELONG

8PM $39.90

CHOCOLATE STARFISH

MILDURA ARTS CENTRE, MILDURA

7:30PM $94.90

ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE NIGHT

MANOR SUITE WINE BAR

OAKDENE ESTATE, GEELONG

7PM $25

SALVADOR PERALTA

THE TAPROOM, CASTLEMAINE

7:30PM $10

EARTH CADET

BENDIGO RECORDS, BENDIGO

8PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC AT HOP TEMPLE

HOP TEMPLE, BALLARAT

9PM FREE

SOFAR GEELONG + TASTE THE MUSIC

LOCATION TBA, NORTH GEELONG

4PM $50

JEN CLOHER

MEENIYAN TOWN HALL, MEENIYAN

7PM $45

SUN 21 JUL

KING STINGRAY + JEM CASSAR-DALEY

WHALER’S HOTEL, WARRNAMBOOL

7PM $56.10

PINK FLOYD’S EVOLUTION

RIVERLINKS EASTBANK CENTRE, SHEPPARTON

7.30PM $69.90 - 79.90

POLARIS

+ OCEAN GROVE, INERTIA AND MORE

CIVIC HALL, BALLARAT

7PM $69.90

FLOYD THURSBY TRIO

THE TAPROOM, CASTLEMAINE 5PM FREE

AS TIME GOES BY CRAIG’S ROYAL HOTEL, BALLARAT 3PM $30–$40

THU 25 JUL

GARAGE SALE

+ 00_, EVERYDAY BELIEVER

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL, GEELONG 7PM $15

MUSICIANS CORNER –OPEN MIC NIGHT

PALAIS-HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS 5:30PM FREE

FRI 26 JUL

MERAKI MINDS + MY GIDDY AUNT, DEPORSAL

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL GEELONG 8PM $13.30

JEREMY BEGGS

PALAIS-HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS 6:30PM $15

DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT: 90S + 00S HIP HOP & RNB PARTY VOLTA, BALLARAT 9PM $16.55

CHOCOLATE STARFISH

RIVERLINKS EASTBANK CENTRE, SHEPPARTON 7:30PM $84.70–$90

GARAGE SALE

+ 00_, EVERYDAY BELIEVER

THE EASTERN, BALLARAT 7PM $15

THE ILLEGAL BOOTLEGS

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO 8PM $30

SAT 27 JUL

AOW on Parole Night #3

FT: Enzyme, Shove, Cryptid, Clotheslined THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL GEELONG

7:30PM $28.60

TEEN JESUS AND THE JEAN TEASERS + KITSCHEN BOY

TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY

8:30PM $56.10

ERIC BOGLE IN CONCERT THE PLAY HOUSE, GEELONG 8PM $74–$79

GOODNIGHT COWBOY + SPECIAL GUESTS

VOLTA, BALLARAT

6PM $25

POLARIS + OCEAN GROVE, INERTIA, MORE THE WOOL EXCHANGE, GEELONG

7:30PM SOLD OUT

CHOCOLATE STARFISH

ULUMBARRA THEATRE, BENDIGO

7:30PM $84.70–$90

TINY FEET TRIVIA AND LIVE MUSIC

MILDURA ARTS CENTRE, MILDURA

5:30PM FREE

OSCAR LADELL BELLARINE ESTATE, GEELONG

6:30PM $10

MAGGIE JACKSON

NORTHERN ARTS HOTEL, CASTLEMAINE 7:30PM $25

LIVE MUSIC

EUREKA HOTEL FRI + SAT FREE

SUN 28 JUL

STEVE PLATER AND THE DIRTY BLUES CARNGHAM MEMORIAL

UNITING CHURCH, BALLARAT

11AM $10–$15

SOFAR GEELONG + SO CALM, YOGA AND MUSIC

LOCATION TBA, FRESHWATER CREEK

4PM $30

WED 31 JUL

THE SYNCOPATORS 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

THE PLAY HOUSE, GEELONG

3PM $24–$28

A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND ELLA FITZGERALD

THE PLAY HOUSE, GEELONG

7PM $26–$40

VICTORIA STANBOROUGH

ARARAT TOWN HALL, ARARAT

12PM PAY WHAT YOU CAN

FRI 2 AUG

JEBEDIAH + MAGIC DIRT

TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY

8:30PM $66.30

Back from the Dead 2: Electric Boogaloo

FT: Crosstrack, No Wuckas, Chuck THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL GEELONG 8PM $18.40

GRIGORYAN BROTHERS

PALAIS-HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS

6:30PM $45

Friday Night Fury: Fall And Resist

FT: Wallet Inspector, Ironstone, Terrestrials

VOLTA, BALLARAT

8PM $18.40

ROWENA WISE

MAJOR TOMS, KYNETON

8:30PM $18

TEAM PICKS

TAMMY Editor

‘The Greatest’ Billie Eilish

“Billie is back and as brilliant as ever with the crescendo in this piece divine *chef’s kiss*”

SAT 3 AUG

BAG RAIDERS

TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY 9PM $30

HOUSE TOO CROWDED

PALAIS-HEPBURN, HEPBURN SPRINGS

7PM $35

CRYBABY + PHONES N SLEEVES, PARTY MCCARTY, BLAKE

BARWON HEADS HOTEL, BARWON HEADS

8PM $30

EMMA DONOVAN

MEENIYAN TOWN HALL, MEENIYAN

7PM $35

THU

4 AUG

Bellarine on the Rise

FT: Bones And Jones, Carly Jorja, Paraquay, Brunette Red Dress, Heath Robertson Band THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL GEELONG 2PM $28.60

EMMA DONOVAN + SPECIAL GUESTS

ROYAL THEATRE, CASTLEMAINE 6PM

$40.80

MISSY HIGGINS

COSTA HALL, GEELONG

7.30PM SOLD OUT

MATT Partnerships & Campaign Manager ‘Steel & Glass’

John Lennon

“This is a story about your friend and mine. Who is it, who is it, who is it?”

RILEY Designer ‘Silently Walking Alone’ Leprous

“Some of the freshest rhythmic ideas I’ve heard in a while. Leprous seems to be getting heavier, which I’m not sad about.”

The Gordon’s Information Nights

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Tuesday 6 August

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Wednesday 7 August

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Thursday 8 August

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