Beat 1725

THE FLAMING LIPS

Wayne Coyne reflects on the band’s punk origins: ‘We weren’t compared to The Beatles back then’ DECEMBER/JANUARY

CLOUD

PAULETTE UK • DOJO RISE AUS • THE Dream Engine - Heliosphere UK

Etran de l’Aïr NIGER • GORAN Bregovic & his wedding & FUNERAL BAND SERBIA • Hewa Rwanda - letter to the absent RWANDA / SENEGAL • ilotopie - les gens de couleur FRANCE • JOHN GRANT USA • THE JOY SOUTH AFRICA • KHRUANGBIN USA • Lindigo R ÉUNION • The Lofty Mountain Band AUS • MAjnun SENEGAL • The Mande spirit AUS • MARIZA PORTUGAL • meena de silva SRI LANK A / AUS • Miss Kaninna AUS • nana benz du togo TOGO • Ngaiire PNG / AUS • NILS FRAHM GERMANY • Nitin Sawhney UK • norsicaa UK / AUS • o. UK • O.ta.i.ko Za Myojin JAPAN • owelu dreamhouse AUS • PJ HARVEY UK • PROTOJE JAMAICA • QUEEN OMEGA TRINIDAD & TOBAGO • restless dance THEATRE - Seeing through darkness AUS • ROISIN MURPHY IRELAND • saigon soul revival VIETNAM • Satish Vyas & U Rajesh INDIA • sauljaljui TAIWAN • SHABAKA UK • Silent Observers AUS • sofia kourtesis PERU • SUN RA ARKESTRA USA • TALISK SCOTLAND • tek tek ensemble AUS • Trio da Kali MALI • UPK allstars AUS • WRONG WAY UP SOUTH SUDAN / AUS • YEMI ALADE NIGERIA • Yoann Bourgeois Art Company - The unreachable suspension point FRANCE

FREE JAN TO MAR 2025

OUTDOOR CINEMA: CHRISTOPHER NOLAN X HANS ZIMMER

Inception - 15 Jan

Interstellar - 16 Jan

The Dark Knight - 17 Jan

OUTDOOR CINEMA: CELEBRATING DOLLY PARTON

Steel Magnolias - 18 Jan

Nine to Five - 19 Jan

OUTDOOR CINEMA: WILD WESTERNS

Once Upon a Time in the West - 20 Jan

Meek’s Cutoff - 21 Jan

Seven Samurai - 22 Jan

OUTDOOR CINEMA: TECHNO THRILLERS

Tron: Legacy - 23 Jan

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - 24 Jan

LIVE MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT:

Soli - 4 Feb

Ross Wilson - 5 Feb

Teeks - 6 Feb

OUTDOOR CINEMA: BRUCE LEE BONANZA

Fist of Fury - 7 Feb

Way of the Dragon - 8 Feb

LIVE MUSIC:

Afro-Caribbean Carnival - 15 Feb

ASIA TOPA:

Opening Concert - 21 Feb

Nongkrong-Sarapan - 23 Feb

SILENT CINEMA WITH LIVE SCORES:

Ramayana and other tales with live score by Hari Sivanesan - 25 Feb

SILENT CINEMA WITH LIVE SCORES:

The Lost World (1925), with live score by Fred Leone - 26 Feb

SILENT CINEMA WITH LIVE SCORES:

One Week (1920) and Sherlock Jr. (1924), with live score by Blue Grassy Knoll - 27 Feb

LIVE MUSIC:

Mildlife with Sun Ra Arkestra + Wax’o Paradiso - 1 Mar

LIVE MUSIC: Peach PRC with George Alice + Carla Wehbe - 9 Mar

PRINT EDITOR

Kaya Martin

EDITOR

Lucas Radbourne

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Riley McDonald

GIG GUIDE

Jacob Colliver

CONTRIBUTORS

Simone Anders, Juliette Salom, Jake Fitzpatrick, Kosa Montieth, Brigita Hare, Ella Morris, Andrew Handley, Archie Bear, Dom Lepore, Chantelle Rogers and Bryget Chrisfield

FOR ADVERTISING OR SPONSORED CONTENT ENQUIRIES advertise@furstmedia.com.au

ACCOUNTS accounts@furstmedia.com.au

DISTRIBUTION distribution@furstmedia.com.au

PUBLISHER

Furst Media Pty Ltd

FOUNDER

Rob Furst

SOCIALS

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EDITORIAL NOTE

Are we seriously all okay with the fact that 2024 is almost done and dusted?

Æ Dear God, it’s such a blur. One day we’re 16 and sneaking into our first pub show and the next we find ourselves arguing in the Facebook comments about whether so-and-so is actually “punk” or not. Suddenly, the rising stars of our youth are on their anniversary tours and the buzzy new artists look like they’re still in high school (because they probably are). Please excuse the existential crisis – we get a little sentimental near the end of the year. It’s just that we’ve been with you through it all, still dancing no matter who’s playing. And there’s something sweet about that, isn’t there? The longstanding venues getting glossy makeovers, the emerging artists influenced by the classics like a big ol’ family tree…

In this edition, we’re paying tribute to modern greats and next-gen legends. Our cover stars The Flaming Lips take us on a retrospective of their come-up in the ’80s, Amyl and The Sniffers share the joys of a $5 ticket and Franz Ferdinand brings us into their “bubble of the surreal”. Greek-Australian sibling band Frenzee talks about playing punk to a bunch of traditional shepherd people and Melbourne four-piece Radio Free Alice describe the bittersweet success of breaking overseas. Plus, we have a gift guide for all you last-minute shoppers, and so much more!

As we kiss 2024 goodbye, we’d like to toast to you, our dear readers. May your dedication to the sesh and your insatiable appetite for new tunes keep us dancing for many years to come. Cheers!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS

Our magazine is published on the lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.

DISTRIBUTION

Beat Mag will be distributed free every month to hundreds of locations around metro Melbourne, to enquire about having it at your venue email distribution@furstmedia.com.au

COVER

Our December/January cover stars are The Flaming Lips shot by Blake Studdard

FRANKSTON’S ICONIC WATERFRONT FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2025

Featuring fireworks, carnival rides, live music, entertainment, food and family fun, the beloved weekender will return on February 7 and 8. The lineup is set to be announced soon – last year’s event featured Touch Sensitive, The Grogans The Belair Lip Bombs and more.

MERRI FEST ’24 BRINGS N’FA JONES, MR ALFORD, INGRID SAKER AND MORE

Merri Fest ‘24 is set to take over Preston’s Merri Bar on Sunday, 22 December 2024, promising a lovely afternoon of live music, food, and drink. This free-entry event will feature a diverse lineup of talent, making it the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday.

BRUNSWICK MUSIC FESTIVAL BRINGS GILPIN PARK GIGS BACK IN 2025

The iconic event will return for nine days of live music. Starting with the massive Sydney Road Street Party on Sunday, March 2, the festival will host more than 60 gigs across the suburb, including two nights at Gilpin Park featuring Miss Kaninna, Elsy Wameyom, Bahamadia and Kaiit.

Ç THE ESPY’S GERSHWIN ROOM CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF MUSIC HISTORY

This December, The Espy’s iconic Gershwin Bandroom celebrates 100 years. The festivities kick off with a stellar lineup of performances featuring Cosmic Psychos on December 8, Eskimo Joe on December 13 and Augie March on December 21, with more acts to be announced soon.

MOON DOG OPENS A SPRAWLING TROPICAL OASIS IN DOCKLAND

One of Australia’s beloved independent breweries has just opened its fourth and most ambitious venue, Moon Dog Doglands, at Docklands’ Marvel Stadium concourse. It features palm trees, rum cocktails and a wrap-around bar.

Ç ONE OF FITZROY’S MOST BELOVED LIVE MUSIC VENUES HAS JUST REOPENED

The Rochey, also known as the Rochester Hotel, has reopened its doors on Johnston Street in Fitzroy with a new operator, a refreshed team and a revamped menu. A favourite amongst locals since the 1970s, The Rochey is embracing its heritage with a modern twist.

RUSSELL PETERS BRINGS HIS RELAX WORLD TOUR TO AUSTRALIA

The Canadian comedian is celebrating 35 years of stand-up with a trip down under. Peters will perform in major cities, bringing his unique blend of humour and cultural commentary to fans across the nation. He’ll play at John Cain Arena on March 25.

SMASHING PUMPKINS’ BILLY CORGAN IS TOURING AUSTRALIA

Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan is bringing his solo tour to Australia, performing tracks from his own catalogue and Smashing Pumpkins classics. The tour includes a Melbourne date on Tuesday, 3 December, at the Palais Theatre.

VICTORIA HAS LEGALISED DRUG TESTING FOR POWDERS, LIQUIDS, CAPSULES AND MORE

This summer, up to 10 festivals and events in Victoria will pioneer drug testing stations, with a fixed pill testing site slated to open in mid-2025. Data collected from this trial will inform future public health responses.

Ç A CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED TRIBUTE TO KATE BUSH IS COMING TO MELBOURNE

The smash-hit cult cabaret An Evening Without Kate Bush is set to make its Victorian debut at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Fairfax Studio from 5 to 8 February 2025. The production offers a tribute to the iconic British singer-songwriter Kate Bush, celebrating her music, her fans and the mythology surrounding her work.

AT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDANTLY RUN MUSIC VENUE

& THE CAT

XIBALBA (USA)

BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY BASH 14/02 TIM “RIPPER” OWENS (USA) 15/02 JULIE (USA) SELLING FAST 20/02 THE PRIMITIVES (UK) 22/02 RUM JUNGLE 26/02 RICHY MITCH & THE COAL MINERS

28/02 SOUTH SUMMIT 02/03 KRISTIN HERSH (USA)

GIG GUIDE 04/12 BULLY HAY 05/12 BLUSHER SOLD OUT 06/12 THE BAWDIES (JPN) 07/12 STUART BRAITHWAITE (MOGWAI, UK) SELLING FAST 08/12 CELEBRATING SONGLINES 30TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW 09/12 ‘SOCIAL SANCTUARY’ w BEC SYKES, ELAURA & PIA + ANNA SCHNEIDER (SOLO) 11/12 MIMI GILBERT 12/12 JOSH VAN CUYLENBURG SOLD

BILLIE

THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE’S PREMIER DOCUMENTARY EVENT IS RETURNING

The Australian International Documentary Conference has announced its 2025 theme, Future Telling, along with a first look at its program and speaker line-up. AIDC 2025 will be held in person at ACMI in Melbourne from 2 to 5 March, followed by an online international marketplace on 6–7 March.

Ç FONTAINES D.C. BRING THEIR ROMANCE TOUR TO AUSTRALIA

Irish rockers Fontaines D.C. have announced their return to Australia. The band will play six headline shows across the country, alongside appearances at Perth Festival and Golden Plains Festival. They will play Melbourne’s Palace Foreshore on Saturday, March 8 and Monday, March 10.

Ç DARK MOFO WILL RETURN WITH FULL FORCE IN 2025

Tasmania’s freakiest winter party is back with a vengeance. After taking a break in 2024, Dark Mofo has announced it’ll be returning from June 5 to 15 as big and bold as ever, bringing back beloved activities including the Winter Feast, the Ogoh-Ogoh, Night Mass and the Nude Solstice Swim.

YOU MAY SOON BE ABLE TO DRIVE AFTER USING CANNABIS

The Victorian government has launched a closed-circuit driving trial to evaluate the safety of individuals using medicinal cannabis behind the wheel. The initiative, which aims to provide valuable insights into how medicinal cannabis impacts driving abilities, began its first phase at the METEC Driver Training facility in Bayswater.

Ç HELLUVA RIDE BRINGS DR SURE’S, SCREENSAVER, BUGHUNT AND MORE TO BRUNSWICK

Start your engines for Helluva Ride, a high-energy summer day party. Scheduled for Saturday, 14 December, this event will be hosted at the Bergy Bandroom, showcasing a lineup of punk-adjacent bands from both Melbourne and interstate.

Ç NEW BLOOM FEST DROPS 2025 LINEUP

After a successful debut in 2024, New Bloom Fest returns in 2025 with a lineup featuring British rockers Basement, Balance and Composure, Drain, One Step Closer, Sweet Pill and Glitterer. The event will head to the Timberyard in Melbourne on March 10.

Ç A VERY NAUGHTY CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO MELBOURNE THIS DECEMBER

Australia’s adults-only festive tradition, A Very Naughty Christmas, returns for the holiday season, with the 2024 Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast casts officially announced. It’ll be showing at St. Kilda’s Alex Theatre from 5 to 21 December.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN LINEUP LED BY BEN UFO, SHERELLE, GERD JANSON AND MORE

Sugar Mountain is set to return on January 18 and 19, marking its 10th anniversary with an expanded lineup that promises to elevate the festival experience. Known for its collaborative lineup with Boiler Room, the festival has hosted a range of genre-spanning acts.

Ç THERE’S A THREE-DAY ELECTRONIC FESTIVAL COMING TO THIS VOLCANIC CRATER

Ballista Festival is set to take place in a new, unique location this December: The Kulkurt Crater on Djab Wurrung Country. From 6 to 8 December, this event will bring together dance music enthusiasts for a weekend of self-expression and vibrant electronic beats in the location formerly home to Hopkins Creek Festival.

Ç THERE’S A FULLTHROTTLE LIVE MUSIC CRAWL HAPPENING IN COLLINGWOOD

The inaugural Collingwood Crawl is set to ignite the suburb with a midweek music takeover on Wednesday, 4 December. Bringing together 15 indie and punk rock bands across three iconic venues – the Bendi, the Gaso and the Tote – the event promises to be packed with diverse sounds and high-energy performances.

Ç SUMMERSALT 2025 REVEALS ALL-AUSSIE LINEUP

Headlined by some of Australia’s most celebrated musicians, the festival will feature Missy Higgins, John Butler, Fanning Dempsey National Park, The Waifs, The Whitlams and Josh Pyke, each bringing their unique sound to various picturesque locations.

SHLØMO IS BRINGING HIS WELCOME BACK DEVIL FESTIVAL TO MELBOURNE

The techno and hardcore festival founded by French DJ and producer Shlømo is set to make its Australian debut. Known for its dark, immersive vibe, the event will take over Port Melbourne’s PICA on February 22, featuring Alignment, CARV, GRAVEDGR, NOVAH and Zorza.

ART SOUK IS MELBOURNE’S NEW TWODAY ARTS FESTIVAL

Curated by Lebanese-Australian DJ and performer MzRizk, Art Souk will take place from 6 to 7 December at Arts Centre Melbourne’s newest venue, The Show Room, offering an immersive cultural celebration with performances, installations and interactive sessions. Mo’Ju, thndo and Halo Vocal Ensemble are set to headline.

Ç ASIA TOPA FESTIVAL UNVEILS FULL 2025 PROGRAM

After a five-year hiatus, Asia TOPA returns with a spectacular program of performances, exhibitions and events. Taking place from 20 February to 10 March 2025, Asia TOPA will showcase the vibrant creativity and cultural dynamism of the Asia-Pacific region, featuring 33 performances, 18 of which are world premieres and 18 new commissions.

YOU CAN NOW GET FREE TAMPONS AND PADS AT 50 DISPENSERS ACROSS MELBOURNE

The Victorian government has launched a pioneering initiative to provide free pads and tampons in public places, aiming to address period poverty and improve access to these essential products. This ambitious project will see 50 dispensers installed across 30 key locations in Melbourne, with a broader statewide rollout set to follow in 2025.

Ç MEADOW ANNOUNCES 2025 FESTIVAL WILL BE ITS LAST

Following the announcement of 2025 dates and their sad goodbye, Meadow has come in hot with their first lineup drop. Meadow is set to return for its farewell edition from 21 to 23 March 2025, promising an unforgettable send-off featuring headliner MJ Lenderman.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS – A MUSICAL TALE IS COMING TO AUSTRALIA

Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved tale are in for a treat as The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale prepares to bring its unique adaptation to Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from April 26 2025.

Ç BORIS BREJCHA ANNOUNCES STACKED SUPPORT LINEUP

Supports have been revealed for German techno icon Boris Brejcha’s upcoming tour, featuring international stars Ann Clue and Moritz Hofbauer, along with Papa Smurf for the Sidney Myer Music Bowl show happening on January 25.

Ç CHAPEL STREET FESTIVAL IS RETURNING AFTER 25 YEARS

Chapel Street Festival is making a longawaited return on Sunday, 23 February. Kicking off with a teaser yesterday with a rooftop performance by singer Bonnie Anderson, the festival promises a day packed with activities and entertainment for all ages.

Ç HIGH COUNTRY HOP FESTIVAL IS BACK IN 2025

The High Country Hop festival is set to make its return to Beechworth on Saturday, 22 March 2025. The event marks its 10th edition, celebrating the annual hop harvest and promises a vibrant mix of craft beer, live music and family-friendly activities.

JAZZ COLLECTIVE ISHMAEL ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM IN MELBOURNE THIS JANUARY

Known for their genre-defying blend of spiritual jazz, dub, experimental and electronic music, Ishmael Ensemble has announced two headline shows in Australia this January. The tour will begin at Melbourne’s The Night Cat on 22 January.

Ç THE KOOKS ARE TOURING IN FEBRUARY WITH BRISTON MARONEY

UK indie favourites The Kooks have confirmed their return to Australia in 2025. It’ll be the band’s largest Australian tour since their sold-out 2022 run, which celebrated the 15th anniversary of their debut album Inside In/Inside Out. They will play at Melbourne’s Palace Foreshore on February 27.

Ç FED SQUARE’S FREE OPEN AIR SUMMER PROGRAM IS HERE

Fed Square is set to become Melbourne’s go-to summer hotspot with Open Air, a sprawling program of over 56 free events running from December 2023 to March 2024. From music gigs to outdoor cinema, cultural festivals and art installations, the program invites locals and visitors to celebrate the season in the heart of the city.

Ç PITCH MUSIC & ARTS REVEALS ITS 2025 LINEUP

The 2025 Pitch lineup is here with Honey Dijon, 2manydjs, 999999999, Funk Tribu, Shanti Celeste, FJAAK, Gabber Eleganza, Lady Shaka, Job Jobse, Daria Kolosova and SPFDJ back to back and many more between March 7-11.

Ç DIZZEE RASCAL BRINGS WE WANT BASS TOUR TO THE FORUM

UK music icon Dizzee Rascal is set to make a return to Australia as part of his upcoming tour in February 2025. Fans can expect a setlist packed with his biggest hits spanning his career, showcasing tracks from Tongue N Cheek alongside newer works from his most recent album, Don’t Take It Personal, released in 2024.

Ç EXTREME METAL PIONEERS CAVALERA ANNOUNCE AN AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Max and Iggor Cavalera are set to bring their Third World Trilogy tour to the Northcote Theatre on January 19. The Cavalera brothers will showcase tracks from their iconic early releases Morbid Visions, Bestial Devastation and Schizophrenia.

Ç THE WOMBATS TO HOST AN EXCLUSIVE ALBUM PARTY IN MELBOURNE

In celebration of their upcoming sixth studio album, Oh! The Ocean, set for release on February 21, British indie rock sensation The Wombats are set to light up the Australian summer with two exclusive parties. The first will take place at Melbourne’s Riviera Beach Club on December 3.

Ç GOO GOO DOLLS TO HEADLINE THEIR FIRST AUSTRALIAN TOUR IN OVER 20 YEARS

Formed in Buffalo, New York in 1986 by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, Goo Goo Dolls have made a lasting impact on popular music with a career spanning more than three decades. Their Summer Anthem tour, featuring special guest Thirsty Merc, will head to Margaret Court Arena on March 2.

MUSIC HALL

Wesley Anne

CASTLE

Anne

THE FLAMING LIPS

WORDS BY SIMONE ANDERS

After four decades of creating music, The Flaming Lips have done almost everything a band could possibly do.

Æ From their origins in the Oklahoma punk scene in the early ’80s through to their big breakthrough successes with The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, they’ve created both critical and commercial success with an almost infinite range of creativity.

So what can lead singer Wayne Coyne really tell us that can’t also be proved by the sheer range of their discography, morphing easily between punk, grunge, psychedelia, neo-psyche, and so much more?

As someone who lurks amongst the perennially popular psych scene in Naarm/ Melbourne, it is hard not to ask about how that term has influenced Wayne and the band, or if they even think of themselves in those terms.

“I don’t really consider ourselves like that. If I like somebody’s sound, I don’t think about genre at all. For example, I really like King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard but I don’t think of them as psychedelic. But if people lump us in with them, that is amazing! If people think of us also similar to Pink Floyd or something similar then that is also great. If people like your songs it doesn’t matter what ‘scene’ it is. My answer to your question would be: I hope so!” Psych and pop have defined so much of their recent history, yet The Flaming Lips, by virtue of being around for so long, encountering the ups and downs of recent history, personal tragedies and the rollercoaster of the music

industry itself, have always found ways to curb expectations of their sound. Despite the fun and glamour of much of their discography (even after a brief era with Miley Cyrus), other albums such as The Terror have unveiled new aspects of their personalities and sound.

“Our best, most powerful music really is about the plight of the individual – that sort of unbearable humanistic sadness. There is nothing else that helps with that better than music. What we are doing when we are making that type of music is making it for ourselves.”

If you are a long-time lover of their music, you can feel that sadness linger either lyrically or sonically throughout most of their work in the early to mid-2000s. Even as they reached career-defining peaks of musical versatility, Wayne makes it clear that he knew exactly when The Flaming Lips had made it. “Everything we ever wanted happened in the first 10 minutes of us playing. We had no mountain to climb; we never thought one day we would be on Beavis and Butthead… or win a Grammy. Everything that has ever happened to us is all extra.”

“Our best, most powerful music really is about the plight of the individual –that sort of unbearable humanistic sadness.”

Even if The Flaming Lips are defined by a myriad of sounds and musical influences, their branding as a band who defy expectations, who exist on the border between popular and music that lies on the periphery, can be more difficult than it used to be. Even with their successes, they still find their detractors. “People say ‘Why don’t you make music that would make you rich?’ Who would know how to do that? Instead, you just make music that you love. It is hard enough to do that anyway. The way that I would describe it is that The Flaming Lips is very similar to The Beatles, who can do Yesterday and Revolution 9 –except most of our songs are Revolution 9.”

Wayne still speaks fondly of his roots in the punk scene of the early ’80s, being the first to see those now legendary scenes and developing alongside them. “Most of the freaky bands would go through Oklahoma City, where I am from. Shows were done in rented halls for $30 and we would be the ones that would bring the PA and the microphones because we were the only ones that rehearsed with them. We got to be part of this whole insane underground punk scene and

watch the groups that were travelling around at the time, seeing Meat Puppets, Hüsker Dü, Black Flag, The Minutemen… They would then crash at our place. It was amazing to see how artists could live their lives that way – live your life as a creative person and people would just accept it. That was life-changing. When we became The Flaming Lips, being part of that scene. We knew that this was our life.”

THE FLAMING LIPS

WHERE: FESTIVAL HALL

WHEN: 1 FEB

STAGE GUIDE

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

SOMETHING GOOD: IMPROV COMEDY SHOW

No two shows are the same for the comedy improv group show Something Good. Featuring cast and crew from Thank God You’re Here, this long-form improv performance invites the best of the best to make comedy gold out of literal thin air.

COMEDY REPUBLIC 4, 11 & 18 DEC

MELBOURNE MAGIC SHOW

Strap in for some jaw-dropping magic as master magician Luke Hocking performs a plethora of tricks and illusions right before your very eyes. The beloved master of trickery is bringing his Impossible Occurrences live show to town this December.

MELBOURNE MARRIOTT HOTEL 6, 13 & 20 DEC

IMPROVISED COMEDY:

F#*K THIS,

I QUIT

Turn your workplace woes into a slice of Friday night entertainment as the improvisational comedians behind F#*k This, I Quit adapt your horror stories from horrible jobs into funny bone fodder for audiences to feast on. Maybe don’t bring your colleagues to this one. THE IMPROV CONSPIRACY 6, 13, 20 & 27 DEC

GORILLA THEATRE

What do you get when you put five improvisers, an audience, a gorilla and a whole bunch of bananas in a theatre together? Gorilla Theatre is the newest improvisational theatre experience that will have you crying from laughter, clutching at your stitches and – yes – going bananas.

IMPRO MELBOURNE THEATRE 7 & 14 DEC

SHAKESPEARE IN THE SUPREME

It’s Shakespeare – but make it Supreme. Unfurling in Melbourne’s Supreme Court Library, witness your favourite of the playwright’s plays as they take place between old-timey bookshelves and gold-framed portraits. To sweeten the deal, this event is completely free, although bookings are required so jump on them fast.

SUPREME COURT LIBRARY 11 & 12 DEC

LUCY BEST’S DISGRACEFUL CHRISTMAS

A combination of comedy and cabaret that centres around the tightening tensions between naughty and nice, this one-woman Christmas-themed show by Lucy Best is sure to have you giggling all the way through the festive season.

THE BUTTERFLY CLUB 13 & 14 DEC

CIRCUS ARCANA

Witness your favourite tarot deck characters come to life in this circus extravaganza of mystical figures and daring deities. Watch on as the spectacular team behind Circus Arcana transforms in front of your eyes, combining circus, burlesque and comedy into a show for the ages.

CLUB VOLTAIRE 14 DEC

STEVE BACKSHALL’S OCEAN

Discover the mysterious beauty of the Big Blue, paired with performance, footage and Steve Backshall’s love of the ocean – all while staying dry. Come along on a ride of a lifetime at Hamer Hall this January and embrace the power of Steve Backshall’s Ocean, learning what we can all do to help save it.

HAMER HALL 18 JAN

LOVE ACTUALLY?

THE MUSICAL PARODY

If you want a dose of festive cheer in the lead-up to Christmas as well as a good chunk of cheek-pinching comedy, there’s no going past Love Actually? The Musical Parody. Follow along as your favourite festive film gets a comedy musical makeover at the Athenaeum Theatre this Christmas season.

ATHENAEUM THEATRE THROUGHOUT DEC

THE VAUDEVILLE REVUE: CABARET, COMEDY AND BURLESQUE

Whether you’re visiting Melbourne on holiday or you’re a local wanting to spice up your summer, there’s no going past the famous Vaudeville Revue. Featuring everything from cabaret to comedy, sideshow stunts to circus acts, burlesque to bravado – this will be one unmissable extravaganza.

SPEAKEASY THEATRE DEC & JAN

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Catch the beloved classic story of The Wind in the Willows over the summer at the Royal Botanic Gardens for a show of merry magic, family-friendly fun and spectacular storytelling. Celebrating 35 years of this iconic story in the Gardens, there’s never been a better time to check it out.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS DEC & JAN

LAUGHS ON TAP

Settle in for a night of some of the best comedy going around town as both established performers and up-and-comers hit the stage. Not only will you be kicking yourself laughing throughout this night of hilarious stand-up, but there’s also free pizza on offer for attendees after the show.

SPEAKEASY THEATRE DEC & JAN

DYLAN GOSSETT TUE 3 & WED 4 DEC

(LIC/A.A 7PM TO 10PM)

THE 502’S (USA) FRI 6 DEC

(LIC/A.A 730PM TO 10.30PM)

LAND DOWN UNDER FRI 20 DEC

D.O.D (IRE) SAT 4 JAN

JAMES REYNE FRI 24 & SAT 25 JAN

ROSE TATTOO W/ DALLAS CRANE SUN 26 JAN

OBSKUR (IRE) SUN 26 JAN

THE DRUIDS (IRE) FRI 31 JAN

LIL’ DARKIE (USA) WED 5 FEB

(LIC/A.A 7PM TO 10PM)

CG5 (USA) FRI 21 FEB

(LIC/A.A 7.30PM TO 10.30PM)

ISABEL LAROSA (USA) MON 24 FEB

(LIC/A.A 7.30PM TO 10.30PM) SAM TOMPKINS (U.K) WED 26 FEB

(LIC/A.A 7.30PM TO 10.30PM)

CHASE RICE (USA) FRI 14 MAR WILD RIVERS (USA) FRI 21 MAR

CRASH OPERA & THE MODELS SAT 26 APR

EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT FROM LATE UNTIL THE EARLY HOURS

FESTIVAL GUIDE

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Watch Christmas come alive as the City of Melbourne’s Christmas Festival hits the streets this December. With free events, activities and decorations all over the city, the Christmas Festival is your one-stop shop during this festive season. Family-friendly and accessible to all, there’s nothing quite like it to get you in the holiday spirit.

MELBOURNE THROUGHOUT DEC

GOOD THINGS

Things are only getting better from here on out with Good Things arriving in town on December 6. Head over to Flemington Racecourse for a day of headbanging along to local, national and international metal, poppunk and alternative bands. Melbourne’s edition of the festival includes headliners Korn, Sum 41 and Violent Femmes.

FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE 6 DEC

GATEWAY FESTIVAL

Heide’s Sculpture Park is about to be transformed into a portal of live music, sound and colour as Gateway Festival takes over. Dance by the banks of the river and between the scattered sculptures as the music takes hold of this slice of paradise in northeastern Naarm.

HEIDE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART 7 DEC

JAMAICAN MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL

Transporting a slice of the Caribbean to Williamstown’s Seaworks, the Jamaican Music and Food Festival is a day-long celebration of vibrant art and culture. The festival boasts some of the biggest names all the way from the island of reggae. Catch Anthony B, Flames Eye, DJ Banna and much more there this December 7.

SEAWORKS, WILLIAMSTOWN 7 DEC

FOLK, RHYTHM & LIFE

Held in the serene Bilyana Natural Amphitheatre, this camping weekender brings music, entertainment, family fun and immaculate vibes. At this boutique festival in country Victoria, you can catch all your folk favourites as well as discover some new ones.

ELDORADO 6–8 DEC

MEREDITH

The ‘Sup has never looked so good with a lineup that is sure to make the Amphitheatre glow golden this year. Jamie xx, Waxahatchee and Genesis Owusu are leading a troop of the best musos going around. Combine that with the transcendental magic of the ‘Sup at sunset and voila – summer has begun.

MEREDITH SUPERNATURAL

AMPHITHEATRE 6–8 DEC

BEYOND THE VALLEY

Ring in the New Year to the sound of some of the hottest names on the international music circuit at Beyond The Valley. FISHER, Ice Spice, Chase & Status and more are soundtracking this technicolour journey of sound and light just an hour and a half out of the city. There’ll even be a podcast stage featuring some massive names in the airwave game.

HESSE 28 DEC–1 JAN

NYE ON THE HILL

Journey to The Hill this New Year’s Eve and bring in 2025 with a bang as Mallrat, Hockey Dad, The Dreggs and more soundtrack the countdown. Taking place in the countryside oasis of South Gippsland, this is a festival of friends and good music to tide you over into the new year.

SOUTH GIPPSLAND 30 DEC–1 JAN

WHEN PIGS FLY

A festival that feels like it’s unfolding in the rugged scenery of the deep Victorian bush, When Pigs Fly is your go-to NYE event if you don’t want to stray too far from the city. Tucked into the banks of the Yarra at Collingwood Children’s Farm, this is a festival for all the party legends who want to ring in the new year on a high.

COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM 31 DEC

LET THEM EAT CAKE

All of your favourite Aussie DJs are gathering around Werribee Mansion this New Year’s Day for a party like no other. Let Them Eat Cake is welcoming the best of the best of the dance music circuit, plus some international gems. Expect everyone from DJ JNETT to Jennifer Cardini, plus much more.

WERRIBEE MANSION 1 JAN

OCEAN SOUNDS

Feel the ocean spray on your cheeks and the breeze in your hair at Phillip Island’s Ocean Sounds this January. Summer has never sounded so good with crowd favourites Boy & Bear, Birds of Tokyo and The Cat Empire headlining this island festival of great music and even better vibes.

11 JAN

PHILLIP ISLAND

MIDSUMMA CARNIVAL

Melbourne’s biggest queer celebration is back this January and gearing up to take over Alexandra Gardens. The outdoor day festival is an explosion of performances, activities, music, food and much more, kicking off the famed three-week-long Midsumma Festival.

ALEXANDRA GARDENS

19 JAN

DEC

FRI 6TH LA DISCOTHEQUE ft. DJ RANDY LIPZ XXX & DJ BRICOLAGE Playing 60ʼs, 70ʼs & 80ʼs Disco, Funk, Soul and Alternative

DEC

DEC

SAT 7TH LIZARD LOUNGE #2 ft. DJ ROB GRIFFITHS & DJ DAN ATTARD

267 SWAN STREET

267 SWAN STREET

FRI 13TH ASH NAYLORʼS ACOUSTIC MAYHEM Launching new single ʻDonovan Dreamʼ

FRI 6TH BEKA BAKER presents BACK CATALOGUE BOWIE with guest MICHAEL DWYER

FRI 6TH BEKA BAKER presents BACK CATALOGUE BOWIE with guest MICHAEL DWYER

SAT 7TH STEVE LUC AS – A Night of X Music

SAT 7TH STEVE LUC AS – A Night of X Music

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA SELECT COMMITTEE ON LOCAL AND LIVE CREATIVE VENUES

A Select Committee of the Legislative Council has been established to inquire into and report on local and live creative venues, with particular reference to:

(a) The impacts of, and reasons for, recent loss of live music and local creative venues in South Australia;

(b) Understanding the cultural, social, economic and other contributions made by local and live creative venues;

(c) Supporting South Australian artists and creatives with venues and spaces where they can develop their craft, audiences and communities;

(d) Understanding the types of cultural infrastructure needed for a healthy art, culture and creative sector in South Australia;

(e) Protecting local and live creative venues and performance spaces; and

(f) Any other related matters.

Any person or organisation wishing to make a written submission to the Committee, or register an interest in presenting oral evidence to the Committee, is invited to do so by Friday, 13 December 2024. Written submissions and expressions of interest should be addressed to the Secretary to the Committee, C/Parliament House, GPO Box 572, Adelaide 5001, or by e-mail at sclivevenues@parliament.sa.gov.au

For any queries or to discuss the submission due date, please contact the Secretary by telephone on (08) 8237 9339 or as above.

Ms Emma Johnston

Secretary to the Committee

SAT 14TH MOVING TOWARDS THE PULSEBEAT ft. DJ RANDY LIPZ XXX & DJ BRICOLAGE Playing New Wave, Punk, Post Punk, Goth and Industrial

FRI 13TH MOVING TOWARD THE PULSEBEAT (DJ Randy Lipz XXX & DJ Bricolage)

(Warm Up Show) with THE DEAD SALESMEN SAT 19TH LITTLE MURDERS (Under Northern Lights Album Launch)

FRI 13TH MOVING TOWARD THE PULSEBEAT (DJ Randy Lipz XXX & DJ Bricolage)

FRI 20TH ATOMIC DISCO ft. DJ LADY SOUL, BIG DADDY & STEVE H

SAT 14TH VIDEO DISCO (Fringe Festival Event)

SAT 14TH VIDEO DISCO (Fringe Festival Event)

Reliving the glamour and glitter of the legendary Studio 54

FRI 20TH SUPERSONIC 90ʼs f t. DJ Dan Brunswick & DJ Eddie Monsoon

FRI 20TH SUPERSONIC 90ʼs f t. DJ Dan Brunswick & DJ Eddie Monsoon

FRI 18TH ʻTHEY CAME FROM BALLARAT,ʼ THE MAVISʼS (Warm Up Show) with THE DEAD SALESMEN

SAT 21ST PSYCHO SEQUINZ CHRISTMAS GLAM 70ʼs and 80ʼs Glam Rock mixed with the glitter of Christmas

(duo), Penny Hewson, and Robots In Love (formerly Sobriquet)

FRI 18TH ʻTHEY CAME FROM BALLARAT,ʼ THE MAVISʼS (Warm Up Show) with THE DEAD SALESMEN

25TH PSYCHO SEQUINZ (Glam Rock Covers)

SAT 19TH LITTLE MURDERS (Under Northern Lights Album Launch)

THU 26TH INAUGURAL BOXING DAY BLUES & BBQ

26TH DARK GLOVE (Michael Sheridan of Max Q & No)

SAT 19TH LITTLE MURDERS (Under Northern Lights Album Launch)

Ft. Rod Paine & The Fulltime Lovers, Benny Peters and The Flybyniters, Kelly Auty & Brian Fraser & Damon Smith

SUN 20TH SOUND AS EVER presents ʻ THE FL ANNEL FILESʼ CD L AUNCH f t. per formances by Anthony Atkinson, Jane McCracken, K T V (duo), Rob Clarkson, Sodastream (duo), Penny Hewson, and Robots In Love (formerly Sobriquet)

SUN 27TH PIANO 4TE with Adam Rudegeair, Solune, Ania Reynolds, Hong Yang

FRI 27TH ʻSURROUNDED BY SOUNDʼ 01: DAVID BOWIE ft. ʻZIGGY STARDUSTʼ & ʻYOUNG AMERICANSʼ in 5.1

THU 31ST HALLOWEEN TIM BURTON/DANNY ELFMAN TRIBUTE ft. Lake Minnetonka

For full gig list & event details visit v

SUN 20TH SOUND AS EVER presents ʻ THE FL ANNEL FILESʼ CD L AUNCH f t. per formances by Anthony Atkinson, Jane McCracken, K T V (duo), Rob Clarkson, Sodastream (duo), Penny Hewson, and Robots In Love (formerly Sobriquet)

FRI 25TH PSYCHO SEQUINZ (Glam Rock Covers)

FRI 25TH PSYCHO SEQUINZ (Glam Rock Covers)

SAT 28TH MOVING TOWARDS THE PULSEBEAT ft. DJ RANDY LIPZ

SAT 26TH DARK GLOVE (Michael Sheridan of Max Q & No)

SAT 26TH DARK GLOVE (Michael Sheridan of Max Q & No)

SUN 27TH PIANO 4TE with Adam Rudegeair, Solune, Ania Reynolds, Hong Yang

ODEON RICHMOND IS AVAIL ABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE

SUN 27TH PIANO 4TE with Adam Rudegeair, Solune, Ania Reynolds, Hong Yang

THU 31ST HALLOWEEN TIM BURTON/DANNY ELFMAN TRIBUTE ft. Lake Minnetonka

TUE 31ST NEW YEARʼS EVE EVENT ʻ1925 - VIVE LA DIFFERENCE!ʼ Live music by THE PLAYGROUND DEVILS featuring GALA HALLELUJAH

SC AN QR FOR ALL EVENT TIX (OZTIX.COM.AU)

THU 31ST HALLOWEEN TIM BURTON/DANNY ELFMAN TRIBUTE ft. Lake Minnetonka

For full gig list & event details visit v SC AN QR FOR ALL EVENT TIX (OZTIX.COM.AU)

For full gig list & event details visit v

For full gig list & event details visit ODEONRICHMOND.COM.AU

Want a gig at Odeon Richmond? Send band bio/performance links to: en q u i r ies @od e o n r

SC AN QR FOR ALL EVENT TIX (OZTIX.COM.AU)

Want a gig at Odeon Richmond? Send band bio/performance links to: en q u i r ies @od e o n r i c hm o n d. c o m .a u ODEON RICHMOND IS AVAIL ABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE

Want a gig at Odeon Richmond? Send band bio/performance links to: en q u i r ies @od e o n r i c hm o n d. c o m .a u ODEON RICHMOND IS AVAIL ABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE

FRANZ FERDINAND

WORDS BY JAKE FITZPATRICK

Set to release their first album in seven years, Franz Ferdinand’s legendary Scottish frontman talks about human fears, antithetical recording processes and the essence of audacity.

Æ A conversation with Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand feels like speaking with a wise elder, dripping with pearls of wisdom. It’s clear you’re in the presence of greatness. With his deliciously soft yet robust Scottish drawl, Kapranos possesses a chameleon-like quality that’s so clearly reflected in the band’s music.

Having just arrived in Paris after a long flight from Mexico, Kapranos describes himself as being in a “bubble of the surreal.” Not as familiar with this life as he once was, he’s taking it in stride, returning to it like a duck to water.

Franz Ferdinand is set to release their new album, The Human Fear, on January 10, 2025. Marking seven years since their last original release, the Scottish rockers took their time crafting this record – something Kapranos is now grateful for.

“It’s just how long it took. A couple years of that were taken up by COVID. We also made a greatest hits record and toured that. I had some mixed feelings about the length of time, but it focussed our understanding of what makes the band. It gave the record space to evolve.”

Kapranos believes this evolutionary nature of music is integral to the creative process. With the mind of a maverick and the heart of a poet, he wanted to go against the grain when it was time to write this album.

“Contrary to perception, you discover the album through the process. It all reveals itself. I believe in a body of work, which goes against the contemporary way of making quick singles.

In this process, you end up making so many songs; you create a bunch of songs, then choose your greatest hits from that. Really, this is a greatest hits album.”

Through this evolutionary journey, Kapranos feels true art emerges –music that stands the test of time and resonates across generations.

After enduring several months of this creative process, the album began to reveal itself to Kapranos and his bandmates, helping them understand their purpose in its creation.

“Towards the end of the album, there’s a song called Hooked. The first line of it is, ‘I’ve got the human fear’. It’s addressing the universality of fear. That’s one of the things that later revealed itself about this album. Every song had an element of fear in it.”

A theme he’s long explored, Kapranos wanted to delve into a different kind of fear – one that defines us.

“Fear is in all our lives; it is a universal experience that helps us understand each other and ourselves. All the great things you do in your life have these fears. They all require some degree of overcoming fear, even asking someone out on a date.”

After creating an exhaustive songbook bursting with songs practically begging to be heard, Kapranos relented. It was time to record.

“A lot of artists go into the studio and jam, but I take a different approach. Before we arrange the song, it needs to be robust. While that seems like an obvious thing to say, it’s not. A lot of people are more concerned with texture. I just thought, fuck the texture.”

When summing up his attitude toward the music industry and life in general, Kapranos considers their new song Audacious to be particularly fitting.

“We all have existential doubts. Why am I here? Should I be doing this? When those come up, I just think, I’m going to be audacious. It applies to every aspect of life. Do it in the most audacious way you can. Being audacious brings the greatest. It’s the opposite of playing it safe.”

Creating original music is something Kapranos sees as essential to keeping the band alive. “New material defines you as a living band. When you stop making new music, you risk becoming a cover band playing your own songs.”

While the actual Franz Ferdinand may be long gone, it’s clear from my conversation with Kapranos and his unmistakable audacity that this band will continue to thrive for a long time to come.

FRANZ FERDINAND

LABEL: DOMINO RELEASE: 10 JAN

Made in partnership with Domino Recording Company.

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS

It’s a screen full of Sniffers.

WORDS BY KOSA MONTIETH

Credit: John Angus Stewart

Credit: John Angus Stewart

Æ The three lads of Amyl and The Sniffers, Declan Mehrtens (guitar), Bryce Wilson (drums) and Gus Romer (bass), appear on a wobbly wifi Zoom from their Copenhagen hotel. They tell me it’s the morning after seeing fellow Aussie punk rockers The Chats at Vega, the venue where they’re also set to perform with support act Party Dozen.

Alongside their furiously charismatic frontwoman Amy Taylor, they’re touring Europe off the back of their third album, Cartoon Darkness, bringing the rollicking, crashing, thumping punk to rapt international audiences.

“It’s really nice to be able to finally play these songs live and fucking share it with the world,” Romer says. “It’s heaps of fun.”

“Every day is different, but that’s why I like touring: because I know I’ll still definitely be playing guitar today,” Mehrtens says.

They’re humble, but they’re huge – their new album was recorded at the Foo Fighters’ 606 Studios in Los Angeles, which they say was a slightly surreal experience.

“First day was like, ‘what the fuck am I doing here playing Taylor Hawkins drumkit?’” Wilson says. “That was pretty weird. And fucking Ian MacKaye was in the studio one day just randomly. But we were there so much that eventually Dave Grohl walks in and it’s like a colleague walking into the office, like, ‘hey how you going?’”

In just eight years, this Melbourne-made band has gone from dishing out rough-and-ready pub punk to smashing into the global scene, whipping crowds into frenzies everywhere from Asia to North America.

For all that Aussie punk feels intensely regionally specific, it apparently resonates everywhere. “Everyone seems to be having a fucking great time,” Wilson says.

“There’s an appetite for Australian punk at the moment,” Mehrtens says. “We’re lucky to have Amy’s very strong Australian accent at the front of the music and the world responds really well to it.”

Mehrtens is quick to point to the legacy of Australian punk rock on the world stage. While this current burst feels out of the blue, this younger cohort are rocking on the shoulders of giants.

“For decades, Australian bands have been out here in Europe,” he continues. “Like Cosmic Psychos, The Birthday Party… Radio Birdman and The Saints. Every generation has had its taste of Australian punk… Because Australia has such a strong scene at the moment, there are people who are just Australian punk fans, people who are into Split System and Stiff Richards and C.O.F.F.I.N and all that shit.”

For the Sniffers, Aussie punk today has a somewhat indefinable cultural quality. “I guess because of our isolation we’ve ended up probably a bit more genuine and unique,” Mehrtens says.

“Australia does have a punk sound,” Wilson says. “There’s this candid nature as a culture, just relaxed and unabashed. I think people find it charming, like a novelty, the way we go about life or touring. We take it seriously but we’re taking the piss out of ourselves at the same time. I think that comes out in the lyrics and Amy’s voice.”

There’s resistance in Taylor’s defiantly Aussie voice – bucking our cultural cringe, mocking the tall poppy tendencies – and her characteristic mix of rage and joy, uncompromising feminism and aggressive playfulness is lyrically strong in Cartoon Darkness. She celebrates sexy outfits in Tiny Bikini, tells men to fuck off in Jerkin’ (with its to-the-point opener, “You are just a dumb cunt!”) and revels in making infatuated mistakes in Chewing Gum.

It’s an energy matched and amplified by the music of Mehrtens, Wilson and Romer to produce a genuinely varied album, from the stomping AC/DC-esque beat of U Should Not Be Doing That to the almost wistful Big Dreams’ ballad that the guys feel is a departure from anything they’ve done before.

Despite branching out sonically, the album’s still true to their essence, capturing the electric element their shows are famous for and that authentic, rough-around-the-edges character.

“We recorded it all live mostly,” Mehrtens says. “Just me, Bryce and Gus sitting in a room together, way too big for what we needed, but that’s Foo Fighters for you. The way we write just comes from jamming and playing live together, so that excitement of playing live is important.”

Their high-voltage live gigs draw mixed audiences of fans, and that wide-armed embrace of punk is important. A recent surprise show at The Croxton allowed fast fans to nab tickets for just $5 – a hometown gig for the people in the midst of their world tour.

“Music’s for everyone, no matter your gender, sexuality, whatever, and the only thing that sets people apart through the doors of a show is based on whether they can afford a ticket or not,” Mehrtens says.

“Our performance is based on an audience. You can tell the difference between the people who can afford a $75 ticket [as opposed] to a $5 ticket. [There are also] people who prefer a $5 ticket because of who you’ll get through the doors, like a young me. They bring the fun.”

For all its big, bold sound and slick production, Cartoon Darkness delivers the same sense of fun as the band’s unmatched live performances. Amyl and the Sniffers may be crowd-surfing the new wave of Aussie punk worldwide, but no matter where you go, punk is for the people.

“We take it seriously but we’re taking the piss out of ourselves at the same time.”

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS

WHERE: SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL

WHEN: 24 JAN

CHAI CHANG

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

Chai Chang is back with his sophomore single Music Warrior – a tribute to the power of music and the person who inspired him to make his own.

Æ The death of a musical hero can bring with it a tirade of unexpected feelings. It’s its own specific kind of grief – feeling so close to an artist without knowing them at all. For Melbourne-based musician Chai Chang, it was through losing his own musical idol that he was able to create something new.

After the death of Chinese American singer-songwriter and C-pop icon CoCo Lee last year, Chai knew there was only one way he wanted to honour the late musician’s legacy.

A significant figure across the genre and a personal hero of Chai’s, it seems only fitting Chai has crystallised the immense impact CoCo Lee has made on his own musical journey through song. That song is none other than Music Warrior.

Music Warrior, as Chai describes it, is an “electropop and dance-pop song that is created to express respect to my music influencer CoCo Lee.” It’s an uplifting tune reflecting the icon’s ability to persevere no matter the circumstances. “Throughout her music career, she experienced various ups and downs,” Chai says about the superstar. “But she never gave up.”

With his idolisation of CoCo Lee as a jumping-off platform for the catalyst of the song, Chai has leapt into the abyss of uncertainty and found within it a strength of his own – a strength that cuts through the music of the track and grounds it with a message of his own resilience.

“We experience challenges and obstacles throughout different life stages,” Chai reflects. “It is not uncommon for us to feel negative or even depressed whenever we fall into difficulty.”

“The lyrics describe how a music warrior uses music as a tool to overcome all barriers,” he continues. “No matter how hard the difficulties are, one must remain confident, stay positive and never ‘back down from the climb.’”

While much of the inspiration for Music Warrior has been Chai’s admiration of CoCo Lee, he himself is also openly familiar with the challenge of persisting in the face of setbacks.

“It has always been my dream to become a solo dancing singer, but it is easier said than done,” Chai says. “When I was young, I never received any formal training in music. [Throughout] the past year, I spent a considerable amount of time redefining myself. Learning to sing and dance is an ongoing process and I never stop improving myself.”

From CoCo Lee’s death and the inception of the single to the upcoming release of Music Warrior on Friday, November 8, it’s an understatement to say it’s been a big year for Chai. Following his debut single New Reality last year, the Chai Chang project has been nothing but full steam ahead.

“It has always been my dream to become a solo dancing singer, but it is easier said than done.”

“I gathered all my ideas and developed a music proposal,” Chai says about the period just after CoCo Lee passed. “I then invited my songwriters Kevin Chen and Seetali Mack to create this song together.”

What followed was a process of refining and fine-tuning, reimagining the song until it spoke to the idea that grounds it – the idea that in music is power. “We revised it several times so as to best communicate the song’s message and arrangement,” Chai adds. “I attempted to sing in different ways and we ended up choosing a mix of both breathier and stronger vocals.”

The track resonates with breath and strength, carrying an underlying message of grit and determination. It’s an idea Chai understands deeply. After trying to study three different degrees unrelated to music, he’s finally finding the key he’s meant to sing in. Making music, it seems, is where Chai is most comfortable, and where he finds his own sense of power.

“I believe it’s never too late to start pursuing a career in music,” Chai says. “I’m now in my thirties and I only started as an independent artist last year. Despite starting late, I still trust in myself and am eager to pursue what I really want to achieve. “It is my passion, courage and determination that are aligned with the song’s key message.” It’s the same passion, courage and determination you can hear ricocheting throughout Music Warrior – sounds that will no doubt inspire the same feelings in its listeners.

CHAI CHANG

LABEL: CHAI CHANG

RELEASE: OUT NOW Made in partnership with Chai Chang.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

Don’t

be a Scrooge this Christmas –Erik Thomson has you covered. The iconic actor brings A Christmas Carol to life this festive season.

Æ Everyone’s favourite Christmastime antihero is making his return this festive season. Aussie favourite Erik Thomson steps into the shoes of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, bringing a new edge to this classic tale that might just make it your go-to holiday tradition.

Taking over the Comedy Theatre for a limited run from November 22, this version of A Christmas Carol re-energises the iconic story, making it feel as if you’re experiencing Dickens for the first time.

As the house lights dim, the glow of candles and the tinkle of chimes will pull you right into Victorian London. Ghosts of the past, present and future converge, leading Scrooge and the audience through a tale of compassion, memory and redemption.

This five-time Tony Award-winning adaptation, brought to life by Jack Thorne and directed by Matthew Warchus, promises audiences haunting scenes, memorable music and enduring messages. This retelling features Australia’s finest actors, starring one of the country’s most beloved talents.

While you might recognise Erik Thomson as the head of the family in Australia’s top-rated TV drama Packed to the Rafters, he’s also known for his roles across a number of other TV shows (800 Words, Black Snow), films (Somersault, Blueback) and theatre productions (The Speechmaker, Julius Caesar, The Puzzle).

Witness Erik transform into the infamous character of Ebenezer Scrooge and discover a new side to this iconic character that Erik shines a compassionate light on.

A Christmas Carol emphasises themes of transformation, compassion and the power of generosity. Ultimately, this timeless story delivers the message that it’s never too late to change for the better. As heartwarming as a Christmas ham at lunch, this production will leave you wrapped in joy, compassion and holiday cheer.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

WHERE: COMEDY THEATRE

WHEN: FROM 22 NOV

Made in partnership with A Christmas Carol.

ST. MORRIS SINNERS

WORDS BY BRIGITA HARE

A decade into their career, Adelaidebased band St. Morris Sinners has dropped a sinful concept album.

Æ Formed in 2011, St. Morris Sinners came together after lead singer Stephen and his high school friends played in short-lived, ‘rowdy’ bands. As these early projects fizzled out, St. Morris Sinners emerged, quickly building a reputation in Adelaide’s live music scene.

Over the next few years, different members came in and out of the group, giving their input, leaving their mark and helping create the long-lasting and evolving band.

“I think what makes the band quite special is that everyone has their own influences. Everyone comes from a different musical background, and it all blends together in this unique way.”

St. Morris Sinners draw from an energetic combination of punk, blues and garage influences. The feeling of gritty rawness is particularly strong throughout the lyrics. Each track explores human nature with a sense of humour, rebellion and introspection.

“I wouldn’t really consider myself fully a musician. I just bring lyrics and see what happens with everyone else,” he tells me. With a decade behind them, the band has just dropped their latest album Nightmares.

“I thought it would be interesting to do a whole concept album that’s set in the fictional town of St. Morris and create these folklore nightmarish tales. The Seven Deadly Sins then became the foundational theme. ”

Stephen said that each sin – lust, pride, greed, envy, gluttony and so on – became the basis of the songwriting and storytelling.

“It came out amazingly. We all jelled together in a completely different way. The great thing about the band is it’s always reinventing itself with different lineups. I thought that it was so fun for me and Django to work with these two new people.”

ST. MORRIS SINNERS

LABEL: BEAST RECORDS

RELEASE: OUT NOW

Made in partnership with St Morris Sinners.

Æ

INFINITY SONG

WORDS BY ELLA MORRIS

Infinity Song may not fit perfectly into the tropes of modern popular music, but that’s what makes their wild success so special.

Hailing from Detroit, the four-piece family band have faith, hard work and talent on their side. In the past few years, siblings Abraham, Momo, Angel and Israel Boyd have had a monumental rise from busking in Central Park to headlining at Madison Square Garden.

Infinity Song’s highly-anticipated 2024 world tour is set against the backdrop of their new album, Metamorphosis Complete. The album delves deep into themes of life, social norms, and the complexities of existence. Yet, as Abraham reflects, Infinity Song’s live experience offers something entirely different: an escape.

“It’s really about release for us,” he explains. “It’s about forgetting everything that happens outside of the four walls of our show and giving people a reprieve or an opportunity to escape.

It’s about sustaining and giving a little bit more strength so that we can all go a little bit further until the next [moment of] fresh air. And hopefully, once you leave, you’re listening to our music, other people’s music that you love, and it sustains you even more.”

Now based in New York, the band had a lucky break when they caught the attention of Jay-Z after being spotted performing on a city street. The music legend encouraged them to not change their sound or what they stood for. When their track Hater’s Anthem blew up, Momo knew their viral success was no flash in the pan.

“There was a level of hope for it,” she says. “We all knew it was kind of a strong song, and it touched on human nature and human emotion in such a blunt way that nobody’s done, or maybe nobody’s doing right now. But you can have the best song in the world, and it doesn’t get any light of

day in this business, so you can’t expect anything.”

Throughout the interview, the themes of belief and determination emerge as constant undercurrents.

Their father and manager John Boyd, led the Detroit Boys and Girls Choir, which meant the siblings were raised with music as a first language. “He was directing school choirs, community choirs,” Abraham recalls.

“We were section leaders in all of them. That meant that we were working on music at home, around the kitchen table workshopping all of the songs, arranging the songs with him, and then we would go and teach them harmony parts to the choirs throughout the week. That was how we developed as singers and as a family together.” But Infinity Songs’ push to create stemmed from something deeper. “We had a silver spoon in our mouths in the sense that there was a lot of love from our parents and we were supported. But financially, we didn’t come from the Golden Gate,” he says.

The influence of their Detroit roots and family dynamic has deeply shaped them as individuals and artists. “We all have the same shared inspiration at our foundation. Being from Detroit, you know, gospel, jazz, Motown and choral music,” Abraham tells me.

“You may or may not hear it in our music today, but it’s at the foundation of who we are, and you’ll catch a glimpse of it at certain times.”

Angel chimes in. “Even though we have widely different influences in that sense, there was always this thread of understanding that keeps us grounded. It keeps us on the same page because of that strong foundation of similar influences.”

Despite this shared foundation, Momo explains the high value they place on individuality.

“We each naturally have different styles of music or clothing that we gravitate towards,” she says. ”I think that it’s about knowing what you as an individual bring to the table that someone else might not.

Abraham shares more about how this affects their creative process and collaboration.

“Very early on, we discovered that there’s a lot of individualisation in the creative process. Our dad, our manager really pushed us not to feel like we had to always collaborate. If you look at the credits on our songs, a lot of the songs are written and produced by individuals within the band and not as a collaboration.”

Coming towards the end of their tour, Infinity Song reflect on the experience and what the next few years have in store.

“2025 looks immaculate,” Abraham says. “Some of the dreams that we have yet to accomplish are going to happen in 2025 so we’re excited. Brick by brick, though, micro-step by micro-step.”

INFINITY SONG

WHERE: THE NIGHT CAT

WHEN: 7 DEC

FRENZEE

WORDS BY ANDREW HANDLEY

Descending from traditional Greek music greatness, the Xylouris siblings bulldoze their own path with Frenzee.

Æ Cretan morning light streams through a window onto the backs of Apollonia, Adonis and Nikos as they join the video call. All three were born in Australia but moved back to Crete with their parents as children. The siblings studied in Australia and the frequent travel back and forth has maintained their Australian accent.

“We’ve been playing instruments forever… since we were five or six. With dad and mum being musicians, instruments were around the house all the time,” says Nikos. “I think we started jamming together since about then,” adds Adonis.

In Frenzee, Adonis plays the guitar and Nikos plays drums, but both are skilled at traditional Greek instruments. Following in the footsteps of his famed grandfather Antonis, Nikos plays the lyra – a bowed, fiddle-like instrument that also requires finger plucking. Like his father George, Adonis plays the lauto – a four-stringed Cretan lute.

George also bends the rules of tradition, playing in Xylouris White with legendary drummer Jim White. The sibling’s father and grandfather only represent a portion of influential Greek musicians in their family tree.

Their mother, Shelagh Hannan, was a staple in the Melbourne music scene in the ’90s. Paying homage to their Irish background, she and her sisters played in the folk band Friends and Relations and rock band The Troubles.

Along with the Tony Hawk Pro Skater soundtrack, Shelagh’s music taste heavily influenced the three growing up. “We loved that kind of music because Mum listened to a lot of it,” recalls Apollonia. “Mum bought us a lot of good CDs: AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana, Motorhead… for birthdays and Christmas,” adds Adonis.

It wasn’t until the pandemic disrupted the boy’s busy touring schedule and allowed Frenzee to begin in 2021. “We always loved playing or writing just guitar stuff and lyrics. We never put it together because me and Adonis were running around playing a lot of Greek shows,” explains Nikos. “When we were locked down, we were all together and had a chance to share a couple of ideas and then record the EP.”

The writing process is shared, usually with Apollonia writing the lyrics and the boys writing the music. “There are songs that I’ve written, there are songs that Nick’s written, and then there’s a lot that are fifty-fifty. I’ve got a riff…” says Adonis. “…We don’t know what to do with, then I’ve got a riff we don’t know what to do with,” continues Nikos. “And we just put them one after the other, and they work,” says Adonis, seemingly like their sentences.

Apollonia lives down the street from the boys in Heraklion, Crete’s capital, simplifying the writing process. “The boys go up there, and they’ll be like ‘listen to this’ and I’ll record it on my phone. Then I’ll come here and listen to it and write,” she says. “Then she’ll come back in two hours and we’ll have a different version,” jokes Adonis. Apollonia’s vocals are delivered with an unapologetic Australian accent, adding to the band’s bite. Her lyrics are “mostly shit that I’m angry about,” she says. “Being where we are, it can be a lot harder for Appy to…” says Adonis. “…Grow up as she feels free to move how she wants because she’s a girl,” continues Nikos. “Appy comes over pissed off one day and she spills her guts out about something that happened, and then the next day we’ll have a song.”

“Apart from growing up in Crete, which is really patriarchal, we’re in Greece. The government’s fucked, the police are so corrupt, so there’s so much shit to talk about,” says Apollonia. “When you go out and see your mates, that’s what everyone talks about, so you get a lot of influence from that,” adds Nikos. Debuting Frenzee to Greek audiences “raised a few eyebrows,” says Adonis, as all three laugh. As the boys have built a following playing traditional music for the past decade, along with the Xylouris name, expectations were there to be broken. “People had no idea that we even played that music,” says Apollonia.

They didn’t know what to expect when playing a festival in their home village. “It wasn’t the same as playing any other gig because these people had watched us grow up in the trad scene. But even older people were loving it,” says Nikos. “It was very supportive, from people you wouldn’t expect,” adds Apollonia. “All these traditional shepherd people were like ‘this really suits you guys.’”

Self-produced, What’s Wrong With Me was recorded over a week at a friend’s studio in Athens. While all they know is playing with family, Nikos says it has advantages. “It’s easy to not worry when it comes to being creative, or recording stuff, or writing stuff. Because we’re siblings, it’s easy to say, ‘Nah fuck that, it’s shit, change that, do something else’ and no one gets offended,” he says. “Speak for yourself,” jokes Apollonia.

FRENZEE

WHERE: ESPY BASEMENT

WHEN: 19 DEC

IDLES

Still sweaty from his morning ride, Joe Talbot joins the video call from his Bristol apartment. The Idles frontman was forced to conduct his previous interviews from a nearby café after locking himself out.

WORDS BY ANDREW HANDLEY

Æ “They were like ‘ssshhhh’ – making espressos and shit – so they weren’t the best of interviews,” he admits after mimicking a milk frother. “I’m back at my gaff because my mate dropped the keys off.”

Despite the inconvenience, Talbot is still grinning. “I’m feeling good. I’m going to get in the sauna in a bit and then go to the studio and carry on writing album six,” he says. The 50 kilometre ride at 5:30am alludes to his continuing sobriety. It is comforting, considering dark themes of substance abuse throughout the Idles’ discography. Already back in the studio, post-punk experimentalists only released TANGK near the start of 2024. It’s their first album to be produced by longtime Radiohead collaborator Nigel Gordrich. He previously captured the band live for his From the Basement series. “Nigel made us sound more like Idles than most of the recordings we’ve done,” reveals Talbot.

Inviting Godrich to produce was guitarist Mark Bowen’s idea. Proving to be a masterstroke, Idles are at their most daring and creative on TANGK. Bowen also acts as Talbot’s creative counterpart, the two being the band’s primary songwriters. “As Bowen rightfully said, Nigel often works with people when they’re taking a left turn,” says Talbot.

The left turn continued after their 2021 album Crawler, which had them veering into a more sprawling, introspective sound. “Not even that much of a left turn,” he contends. “This slight, minor left turn just means that no one can expect anything from us now. We’ve freed that up. Like, we’ve just opened up the conversation and thrown in an offensive joke, so that people are aware that we’re going to offend them.”

Crawler came as a reaction to 2020’s brash Ultra Mono. Though it was the band’s first album to top the charts, it faced criticism over its simplicity and lack of development. “We became this very defensive, self-aware entity,” admits Talbot. “With Ultra Mono, we were like ‘let’s make an album that’s the steroided-up version of what we’ve become so that we can’t do it again.’”

The tide of public opinion appeared to change, too, as accusations of virtue signalling and class appropriation were also levelled at the band. “We got to a point with Joy as an Act of Resistance where we were under the spell of success,” says Talbot of the band’s breakthrough 2018 sophomore album.

“In the UK, success is quite a dangerous thing because everyone wants to fucking kill you,” he continues. “It’s not a nice place to be, at the top. We weren’t at the top at all, but we were going up, and that’s enough for people to fucking resent you.”

“I could do this forever because whenever I get up in the morning, I want to make stuff. Touring the world is incredible.”

The members of Idles have never claimed to be working class. They’re open about their upbringings, including the band’s origins at the University of West England in Bristol. Talbot does, however, sing passionately about austerity, along with toxic masculinity, white privilege, the monarchy and more social issues.

Talbot’s lyrical perspective has been construed and critiqued, rightly or wrongly, in many ways. He doesn’t even feel comfortable singing some of the band’s back catalogue anymore. No longer will they play their Brexit protest song Great or small-town mindset critique Model Village live.

Whether in lyrics, crowd interactions or interviews, Talbot’s unflinching vulnerability differs him from most frontmen, especially in the punk world. “My mum was such a loving human being, so open, honest and vulnerable. It encouraged me to be the same,” he reflects. “I understand that as a currency; if you give people that sense of vulnerability, they will give it back.”

His mother remains a lasting influence on him. After she was paralysed from a stroke, he was her main caregiver from when he was aged 16 until 30. A key theme of Idles’ debut album Brutalism, she died near the release in 2017 and features on the cover.

“Don’t get me wrong, I can be a real cunt still. I’ve got a savage temper sometimes, and I… take it out on the people I love the most,” he confesses. “I still struggle with vulnerability and I still struggle with connecting to people. I push people away, but deep down, I know I’ve tried.”

With a sixth album underway, the band’s impressive output pace continues. “Bowen and I just bat off each other, and we get excited by each other’s ideas,” explains Talbot. “We push and pull in the wrong and right directions at the same time, so it creates a sense of tension and excitement. That combustible energy is what keeps us writing all the time.”

A happy and healthy Joe Talbot hopefully means plenty more Idles to come. “I could do this forever because whenever I get up in the morning, I want to make stuff. Touring the world is incredible. There’s such an amazing feeling playing live,” he professes. “What I love is to carry on with purpose.”

IDLES

WHERE: SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL

WHEN: 21 JAN

RADIO FREE ALICE

BY

WORDS

ARCHIE BEAR

If you really want to understand why Radio Free Alice is one of the most talked-about bands coming out of Melbourne right now, you have to see them live.

Æ Formed out of the depths of lockdown, the four-piece have a reputation for filling out dance floors and delivering energetic, polished performances that rival those of indie rock greats.

Behind the rockstar swagger, the band members – Noah Learmonth (vocals/guitar), Jules Paradiso (guitar), Michael Phillips (bass/saxophone) and Lochie Dowd (drums) – are super down to earth, meeting me for beers at a northside pub.

“There’s something so tangible about playing our music to a crowd,” says Noah. “People always seem to resonate with these moments more than listening to an album online.”

Radio Free Alice wear their influences on their sleeve, from indie rockers such as The Libertines or The Strokes to the jangly postpunk of New Order and The Smiths.

“Part of the reason we all wanted to play music together in the first place was our shared influences,” says Jules. “It was great when these guys were already on the same wavelength,” Noah continues. “I was like, ‘I love that shit, let’s make it.’”

On their recently released debut EP Polyester, the band drew from their inspirations to craft a fresh sound that is distinctly their own, exploring moody instrumentation, evocative lyrics and earworm hooks.

Although the band have a social media presence, they describe running it more out of reluctance than anything else. For Radio Free Alice, the connections you get from a gig have always been paramount.

“With new songs, we’ll often write them that week and test them live on the weekend to see what works. You know, throw it against the wall and see if it sticks in that setting,” says Lochie. “I feel like if it goes really well live, then you may as well spend some time on it.”

Continuing to push their scope for touring, Radio Free Alice just wrapped their first international tour, a whirlwind outing through Europe and the United Kingdom.

“The whole experience, the fans, the venues… We played 30 shows in two months and tried to do as much as we could in such a limited amount of time,” says Noah.

The band even admitted they see themselves moving permanently to England in the near future as a way to further accelerate their profile in the heartland of their biggest mentors.

“London and even Manchester are like the meccas for post-punk and indie rock, all our influences,” says Noah. “I think we fit in better over there than we do in Australia. We can’t really change that. I wish all of Australia was like the music scene in Melbourne. I’d love that to be the case, but unfortunately, there just isn’t the infrastructure.”

Listening to the band speak about their decision to relocate overseas, they seemed quite mournful, almost as if they’re caught between their strong ambitions for success and an admiration for their local scene.

WHERE: ROD LAVER ARENA

WHEN: 12, 13 & 14 DEC

“We’ve always been consciously trying to push our shows. We feel that’s the most genuine way to market ourselves,” says Michael. “The word of mouth you get from doing these live shows is way more powerful than anything else.”

“It’s kind of sad because I’ve felt critical of when good live bands move overseas. It’s like, fuck, we need that talent here so we can lift everyone else up,” says Noah. “We can’t really change our own population. It’s so much more dense in Europe where you can just drive two hours and play in a completely different venue.”

Nonetheless, before returning to Europe, Radio Free Alice still has a big year ahead in Melbourne. They’ve got their first arena shows on the horizon – they’ve recently been announced as the openers for The Killers on their Live In Australia tour.

Describing their future goals, Radio Free Alice say they want to tour the world, play major festivals and eventually release a debut album.

“It will be our first record and this collection of 10 or 12 songs has been in the works over the course of a year –refining, relooking and reshaping. But I think we’re getting to the stage now where it’s starting to come together quite well,” Noah tells me.

“I want it to be more conceptual, less earnest than the past. We want our first album to be quite a statement, in our own way. We’ve always had grand ambitions and we just want to keep seeing how far we can take it.”

MASTODON

WORDS BY JAKE FITZPATRICK

Brann Dailor talks about the legendary metal band’s rise, their musical evolution and why they love playing in Australia.

“I’m calling from a state of confusion, of course,” Mastodon’s Brann Dailor jokes upon my asking where he is calling from. Greeting me with the smile of 10 happy men, Dailor is currently in his basement, or likely ‘man cave’ in his home in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sitting in front of a large ‘Dirty Dancing’ neon sign, Dailor embodies the rock star persona offstage just as much as he does onstage, which makes sense given that he has been doing this for nearly 25 years. As I inform him, that’s almost as long as I have been alive. “Your parents probably consummated their relationship to celebrate the recording of our demo,” he quips.

Mastodon, consisting of Dailor on drums, bassist Troy Sanders, lead guitarist Brent Hinds and rhythm guitarist Bill Kelliher, has slowly risen to become one of the best metal bands to emerge from America. Australians will soon get to see them live at the Good Things Festival, headlined by Korn and Violent Femmes. From Dailor’s tone, they’re just as excited about it as the fans are.

“I’ve been [to Australia] four times. You guys are great. We’ve done a bunch of festivals there: Soundwave, Big Day Out. It’s always a cool adventure to head on down there. The plane ride is also so long that you get to catch up on all the latest releases too. Plus, who’s going to say no to cuddling a koala bear?”

Since their last performance in Australia, the band has celebrated several milestones, including the 20th anniversary of their album Leviathan and the 15th anniversary of Crack The Skye.

Comprising two halves of a whole, Mastodon came about as two bands merged into one. “Bill and I come from different bands in the ’90s. Then together we moved to Atlanta from upstate New York. We met a few bands, found good people, then we started Mastodon.” From this point, their journey became very grassroots. “We got our own van, started playing people’s basements, printed our own T-shirts, slept on floors and lived off the kindness of strangers.”

Repeatedly playing the same clubs around the country, they noticed their crowds were beginning to swell. Word of mouth had worked. The band were signed to a record label and released their first demo. Eventually touring with bigger artists, it all began to snowball. They released Leviathan in 2004, which elevated them to a new level of success. In 2017, Leviathan was ranked 46th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. The success took the band by surprise; the idea for the album had come to Dailor during a flight to London while he was reading Moby Dick.

“I was reading and I just thought, ‘Hey, I think this would be cool for storytelling’. I just thought it would be something to look at, something interesting and fun, but there was no guarantee that people were going to like it. We were a small band, going about our business, excited to create music.”

Now on its 20th anniversary, Dailor looks back on the album with the fondest of memories. “I mean, from the day it came out it just kickstarted us to a higher gear. It ended up in video games and people got turned onto our music. We realised then the different ways young people were hearing music. They weren’t just walking into record stores anymore.”

After nearly 25 years, Mastodon continues to captivate audiences. Their records sell rapidly and their concerts still draw large crowds. When I ask about the secret to their longevity, Dailor attributes it to a few key elements.

“We all enjoy playing music together. That’s the heartbeat of the band. We love hanging out and are constantly excited for what’s around the corner. That’s the best part of being creative: finding people you love to play with. Sure, you get into arguments. Making an album is a literal birthing process – arguments and growing pains. But you feel creatively fulfilled and you make something special.”

MASTODON

WHERE: GOOD THINGS

WHEN: 6 DEC

GIFT GUIDE 2024

WORDS BY DOM LEPORE

With the holiday season somehow just around the corner, there’s no better time to start sorting out your Christmas shopping. The year’s flown right by and you might be finding yourself stuck on what to get for your friends, family and colleagues this holiday season – we absolutely get it, it’s a universal struggle.

To quell your worries and make you a touch more prepared, we’ve compiled a list of the finest artsy and muso gifts to make anyone’s holiday. You’ll no longer be in a scurry to find a last-minute gift.

WOMADELAIDE TICKETS

An essential Australian festival celebrating cultural discovery like no other, WOMADelaide showcases the best and upcoming in music, arts, dance, food and ideas from across the globe. The sprawling lineup of diverse talent is one not to miss at Adelaide’s Botanic Park from March 7 to 10, 2025.

RECITAL CENTRE GIFT CARD

Ready your ears for a compendium of local and international talent in Melbourne’s acoustically-renowned Recital Centre. One of the city’s most transcendent spaces to experience live music, it’ll change how you hear music forever.

MARSHALL MOTIF II A.N.C. EARBUDS

These little gems are the ultimate choice for an earbud upgrade this Christmas. Made from 70 per cent recycled plastic, these Bluetooth bad boys have a 30-hour battery life and impressive noise-cancelling capabilities, delivering crystal-clear audio that packs a solid punch in the low end (rare for earbuds!).

SHOP IN THE SYDNEY ROAD BRUNSWICK PRECINCT

The Sydney Road Brunswick precinct is a hotspot bustling with local shops and unmatched diversity. With all sorts of new and vintage gifts, it has everything you could imagine in one place. The local community behind the shopping strip makes any gift here much more appealing – wouldn’t you want to give back to our wonderful city too?

MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GIFT CARD

The MSO is a cultural cornerstone like no other, a dignified powerhouse of Victoria’s rich, cultural heritage. The string-laden operatic ensemble is one anyone must see, playing all sorts of live performances and broadcasts that are nothing short of beautiful.

AT-LP70XBT AUTOMATIC WIRELESS TURNTABLE

No entry-level turntable has ever been better. Audio-Technica’s gateway to warm, analogue audio with extra Bluetooth convenience is the perfect choice for vinyl newcomers looking to take their music appreciation to the next level. Longtime collectors who want an upgrade will be impressed by its sleek design, versatility and high build quality.

MARSHALL PORTABLE SPEAKERS

Marshall has you covered with speakers for every budget and occasion. Bringing the rich, dynamic audio of a home setup on the go is no hassle with their Willen II, Emberton III and Middleton speakers. Their durable, compact design, portability and waterproof exterior make them go-to choices for anyone wanting high-quality sound wherever they go.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA GIFT CARD

The oldest and most visited gallery in Australia is the definitive home to Australia’s art collection. Resting at the heart of the CBD, there’s no excuse to not visit the space with its wealth of imaginative artworks, styles and innovative exhibitions. Grab your loved one a gift card so they can experience this year’s blockbuster exhibitions, or pick up some artsy stocking stuffers in the gift shop.

ARTS CENTRE GIFT CARD

The limitless imagination of artists and creative organisations makes a home in the Arts Centre. If those on your list are fond of music, theatre, ballet, opera or even magic shows, a gift card will do the trick, allowing them to pick the performance of their choice.

IMAX TICKETS

Give movie lovers on your list the chance to feast their eyes upon the latest and greatest flicks in the best way possible: on Melbourne’s massive IMAX big screen. The stunning IMAX 3D projections bring the action to life like no other theatre. They’ll never want to go back to their TVs or smartphone screens.

BRUNSWICK BALLROOM GIFT CARD

Brunswick’s most exquisite venue is one any concertgoer must visit. With its elegant decor and delectable catering, it provides a concert experience like no other. The chandelier-adorned space isn’t only remarkable for its gorgeous appearance, but also its brilliant acoustics and varied programming all year round.

AT-SP3X POWERED BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS

For the hi-fi lover on the list, these technologically advanced compact speakers will deliver an impressively powerful sound with rich, crisp audio. The listening experience on any device can be elevated with the speakers’ seamless installation and Bluetooth functionality. The Audio-Technica AT-SP3x’s impeccable audio quality is unparalleled.

ABBOTS YARD

WORDS BY CHANTELLE ROGERS

LIVE MUSIC: is only one of many entertainment offerings at Abbots Yard. But when they do it, they do it right. This summer’s sessions are bringing the beats with Friday night Live at the Yard resident DJ sets and open-air live music sets.

FAMOUS FOR: after-work catch-ups or a cheeky arvo cocktail. Try a slice (or two) from their grand selection of Italian-style woodfire pizzas and a beer or a glass of wine.

INFAMOUS FOR: being a playground for adults. Check out the mini cinemas showing retro movies, play some pool, shoot some hoops or for a more low-key hangout with your friends, sit down for retro board games.

Æ Right off Victoria Street neighbouring Minh Phat Grocery, Abbots Yard is a bricolage of refurbished shipping containers full of game rooms and cinemas. The industrial-style beer garden has a relaxed vibe and plenty of tables to sit down for a slice or a grazing box from Blossom.

Now open all year long (with fire pits to keep you warm when temperatures drop), Abbots Yard will have you spoilt for choice, especially if you’re itching for an activity rather than a D&M. Pub games including darts, shuffleboard, Nintendo, Jenga, sack-toss, Connect-4… the list goes on.

Plus, they’ve got a tiny cinema showing classics, perfect for posting up and catching a quick flick, drink in hand.

With different activities and events from theme nights and food festivals to comedy and live music Abbots Yard is becoming Abbotsford’s ultimate hangout spot for this summer. Bookings are available for break-out spaces or private functions via the website.

BURNER BAR

WORDS BY CHANTELLE ROGERS

LIVE MUSIC: Incredible beats with heated, stacked and packed DJs every Friday and Saturday night playing hip hop, house and funk from 8pm until 1am.

FAMOUS FOR: Hosting boozy Saturday nights in their graffitied New York style hangout, with bao buns by Melbourne’s own Bao Project and Asian-inspired cocktails with a twist at the $7 Happy Hour from 4 ‘til 7pm.

INFAMOUS FOR: Their new hot wing challenge where you can try out your own real-life version of Hot Ones. On the last Wednesday of every month, if you’re able to clear the skin off the 10 deadly wings you can claim a $100 bar tab prize.

Æ A short walk from Chapel Street, you can find Prahan’s latest music venue and Asian street food style kitchen, Burner Bar.

Bao Project never disappoints with their diverse range of dishes served up by Chef Skott and the crew. Their Gua Baos are a highlight, including the Korean BBQ brisket or American-style cheeseburger. If that’s not really your jam, there are traditional bowls serving up katsu curry or mi goreng noodles. You and a friend can dive into a DIY shared meal, including making your own sushi hand rolls or san choy bow. If beats and beers are more your vibe, jump onto the weekly happy hour train from 4pm, with $7 drink deals including house wines, basic spirits and schooners (Hawkers and Kaiju). If you’re feeling more adventurous, try one of the Hot Mama or coffee cocktails. With chilled-out vibes, bangin’ tunes and an unbeatably-priced menu, this place is well worth crossing the river for.

WHERE: 329–341 VICTORIA STREET, ABBOTSFORD

OPEN: THU–FRI 5–10PM / SAT–SUN 2–10PM

WHERE:

209 HIGH ST, PRAHRAN OPEN: WED–SAT 4PM–1AM

THE ROCHESTER HOTEL

WORDS BY ELLA MORRIS

LIVE MUSIC: The recently announced “Upstairs @ The Rochey” solidifies The Rochester Hotel place as an iconic music venue. From 11pm to 3am, the beloved hotel transforms into a Boiler Room-esque event, with a new spotlighted artist each week. The Saturday night place is genuinely first come, first serve, with a very intimate number of guests and no tickets online.

FAMOUS FOR: What more could you crave after a big night out than a succulent Sunday roast? Well, Rochey has you covered with its $25 traditional roast. The highly decorated lifesaver can also be made vegan, allowing everyone to be satisfied. With Rochester recently changing staff and chefs, it’s great to see that, if anything, they’ve only gotten better.

INFAMOUS FOR: As said by the Rochester themselves, this place truly is infamous for its happy hour. From $8 wines and pints to $14 Long Island iced teas and espresso martinis, you’re going to want to stay for the whole three hours. From 4pm to 7pm, Wednesday to Sunday, the hotel becomes a hub of nightlife, from the beer garden to the Bar.

Æ On the corner of Johnston and George, a Fitzroy icon lives. The Rochester Hotel or ‘the Rochey’ has made a name for itself as the heart of Fitzroy and it’s easy to see why.

The hotel’s rustic interior is balanced with the liveliness of its patrons. And the vibe that is brought out every night. Weekday afternoons are made for Rochester, and feel free to take your doggo along for the fun. Whether you’re there for an intimate celebration or getting rowdy at the weekday night shit pub trivia, the Rochey truly never discriminates.

And if the vibes are anything like the food, then you’re in for a treat. Known for their heavily portioned Sunday dinners that can be made vegan, The Rochester Hotel takes meals seriously, establishing itself as a restaurant closer to Michelin than your ordinary pub. Owner and executive chef Jacq McGuiness has truly elevated the traditional pub menu, while still keeping the everyday specials and accessible prices.

WHERE: 202 JOHNSTON ST, FITZROY

OPEN: MON 4–11PM / WED–THU 4PM–12AM / FRI 4PM–1AM SAT 12PM–1AM / SUN 12PM–11PM

TIMBER YARD

WORDS BY CHANTELLE ROGERS

LIVE MUSIC: This summer brings US producer and DJ RL Grime, Remi Wolf’s alternative pop, Big Idea’s tour and Manchester DJ Salute.

FAMOUS FOR: hosting some of Melbourne’s best EDM events in their warehouse space, including Ministry of Sound’s Testament – The Warehouse Experience.

INFAMOUS FOR: being the designated spot on the south side for all your food expo needs. Previously, they have been the home of the Festival of Cake, Botanica’s Spirit and Food Festival and Mould: A Cheese Festival just to name a few.

Æ Set in the industrial precinct of Port Melbourne, the Timber Yard is an urban sanctuary with a philosophy that puts “recycling, upcycling and togetherness at its core”.

Once used as a furniture fabrication factory, the space has been restored into a massive multipurpose arts and events venue with many unique spaces and four distinct areas to choose from.

The main room, The Warehouse, has held multiple major electronic music events over the years including the Ministry of Sound, Ultra Resistance and Pure Electronic Generation, to name a few. The Warehouse is the largest enclosed space overall and can be transformed for corporate events or gala dinners with a capacity to hold up to 1500 people.

The Yard space has a lush turfed outdoor area and is a great spot to relax with a drink in hand the sun umbrellas.

To keep up with the recycled aesthetic, the Wood Store space is more intimate and stylish, perfect for seated events or fashion runways. All sizes for both these spaces can be as big or small as you need to suit the theme of the event.

For a more intimate occasion, The Workshop, although the smallest of all the spaces, is a great breakaway zone from the main event. There are two meeting rooms available for a VIP area or a private dining experience. Be sure to check out an event held at Timber Yard this summer.

WHERE:

209 HIGH ST, PRAHRAN / 351 PLUMMER ST PORT MELBOURNE

OPEN: SUN–THU 10AM–11PM / FRI & SAT 10AM–1AM

GOOD MORNING

The Accident

Æ The Accident cements the fact that Good Morning’s Liam Parsons and Stefan Blair are unsung heroes of the Australian music scene who deserve worldwide recognition. They’re also obviously allergic to repeating themselves (think: Damon Albarn-meets-Lennon genius level).

According to the accompanying presser, every Good Morning record to date “has its small batch of instruments that make it onto every track”. For The Accident, the Melbourne duo selected xylophone, slide guitar, congas and “a setting on the Mellotron called ‘Boy’s Choir’”. Just add synth, drum machine, sax (played by Glenn Blair – Stefan’s dad, a regular Good Morning contributor), flute, trombone, insect sounds and so much more.

Good Morning went strictly digital for the first time while creating album number eight as well, mainly ‘cause their eight-track tape machine broke. During 10 days of studio time they’d booked at The Old Carpet Factory in Hydra, the dynamic duo started laying down instrumentals in between swims and beers. And thanks to this particular Greek island’s “incredibly loud cicada population”, they also accidentally captured “a layer of hiss” – organic feedback, if you will.

The next stage of The Accident’s process went down at their mate Stella Mozgawa’s Sunfair Studios in Joshua Tree, where – fuelled by sandwiches and “La Croixs” (an American sparkling water brand) – the pair scrawled lyrics “while staring at rocks and sand” in the national park.

Then finishing touches were added back home at York Street Recorders: Australia’s oldest continually running recording studio, which Stefan co-operates in Naarm/Melbourne. This final stage was happening during the band’s PR commitments for Good Morning Seven –their previous double LP, which contains 17 tracks – in between rehearsals for their Stateside Waxahatchee support slots.

The duo’s latest single, Soft Rock Band – which runs for eight whole minutes, yet we still want more! – incorporates slide guitar and a glorious, meandering vocal melody that somehow channels New Order’s Bizarre Love Triangle: “I’m the silence, I’m the revelry/ I’m a shit-talkin’ melody…”

“Here’s another song about tryin’... Maybe it’ll make you feel better/ But if it don’t/ Well, I don’t wanna know…” – file the conga-driven A Telephone Rings beside Beck. Romance brings Let ‘Em In by Wings to mind and Perfect Fishing’s inventive melodies – discordant and forlorn – make us melt.

This isn’t to say that Good Morning’s latest set is derivative in any way – au contraire! It’s just that, among those aforementioned giants, many of The Accident’s tracks wouldn’t sound outta place if they popped up on shuffle.

Good Morning continue to follow their creative muse with a playful skip and knowing wink. There’s hooks for days and although The Accident will remain on high rotation for some time yet, we already can’t wait to hear what’s next on the agenda for these super-talented freaks.

GOOD MORNING MUSIC COMPANY WORLDWIDE RELEASE: OUT NOW

KING STINGRAY

For The Dreams

Æ

“Don’t wait for the stars to line up/ It might take a little while/ ‘Cause you know, you light up the path on your own…” – empowering lyrics double as perspective-shifting affirmation during this ace record’s opener, Light Up The Path.

Recently, King Stingers have been Stateside – warming up stages for fellow Australian music royalty King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – and the jangly Soon As diarises #tourlyfe: “It’s been a while but I’ve finally touched back down/ It’s good to be back on Country/ Both feet on the ground…”

Album number two continues to celebrate multiculturalism within the vast, cinematic arrangements we’ve come to expect from King Stingers, but with the added conviction and oomph that continued success brings. Furthermore, touring the globe off the back of their award-winning debut, self-titled album has obviously taught these Yolŋu surf-rockers what works in bigger rooms.

Guitarist Roy Kellaway, the son of Yothu Yindi’s bassist Stuart Kellaway, has pithily described King Stingray’s sound as “traditional chaos”. Vibratory yidaki and crisp clapstick accents are always welcome throughout.

Acting as a contemplative palate cleanser, Scoreboard – a brief, strummed mid-set instrumental interlude – ripples like messages transmitted underwater.

“I don’t wanna be anywhere else right now…” – standout track Southerly, resplendent with nostalgic synth hook, captures a moment of reflection on the beach; we feel like we’re “standing there feet in the sand” alongside this “couple of kids with a couple of big ideas”, daring to dream.

Friendship shines through every single syllable sung and note strummed by King Stingray. Their latest LP’s key takeaway –“Everything will be alright” (especially if we all learn how to tread lightly and respectfully on Country) – encourages listeners to dream of a better future.

LABEL: ROCKET RELEASE: OUT NOW

LABEL:

BEN FOLDS

Sleigher

Æ Most of these songs are not immediately recognisable as carols, so even the biggest scrooge on the planet won’t hate hearing this record on Christmas Day.

Sleigher slays (too much?), from opener Little Drummer Bolera’s plaintive piano melody to Ben Folds’ closing take on The Mills Brothers’ You Don’t Have To Be A Santa Claus, which is giving Harry Connick Jr. (c’mon, his When Your Heart Finds Christmas album is a cracker!).

“I’m sleepwalking through Christmas/ Everybody thinks that I’m awake/ I keep my eyes open/ I’m eloquently spoken/ I hope this might be/ The year/ I make a change…” – nostalgic harmonica and sleigh bells infuse the sauntering Sleepwalking Through Christmas with Yuletide cheer.

The witty Christmas Time Rhyme brings the LOLs: “Some come by walker and some come by pram/ One drives his midlife crisis Trans Am/ And me in the corner here nursing a dram [Scottish slang for a small whisky]...”

An out-there surprise harmonica solo distinguishes Folds’ otherwise reverent, earnest take on 1945’s classic The Christmas Song (yep, you know the one. Made famous by Nat King Cole, it goes, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..”).

Bow down to The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle’s vocal harmonies – lush AF.

During the intro for Xmas Aye Eye (LOL, geddit!?), Folds claims he used AI to come up with this song’s lyrics: “I am AI/ I am AI/ Aye eye…” – unhinged! We recognise a distorted Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy sample amongst this one’s prowling bass, chaotic synth and creepy breakdown (“Have you been a good little boy?”).

Containing mostly original, contemporary-set songs (“I’m dashing to the loo with my phone”), Sleigher obviously wins Best Christmas Album Title. It’s also the gift that keeps on giving – annually, around Festivus.

MOANING LISA

fainter

“I haven’t changed my sheets since the day you left me…” – we’re hooked from the opening title track’s bereft (and potentially gross?) first line, proclaimed with gusto over pensive strumming.

Simultaneous vocals, harmonised by singer-bassist Charlie Versegi and singer-guitarist Hayley Manwaring, are Moaning Lisa’s textural signature. We’re also tipping this Melbourne-via-Canberra quartet has The Breeders on high rotation.

“Pettiness, insecurity, indie sleaze and getting into a fight with transphobic security guard…” – Moaning Lisa shared this enlightening “mood board” for their latest single 4am (where have you been?) – a paranoid snapshot featuring pensive melodies, feverish riffs and tempestuous drums – on Insta.

Wayside celebrates soulmate relationships: when mutual unconditional love activates a permanent safety net, both parties can freely fly their freak flags or just feel comfy in each other’s company (“I like you best when we sit in silence”).

Guitarist Ellen Chan’s striking riffs ring out like sirens, adding urgency to the self-explanatory getting over you is on my list of things to do (but not on the top). This highlight boasts full-throttle, getaway-car energy and a catchy, “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6th on my list…” refrain that tracks disengagement.

Elsewhere, anything, anyone unpacks the burden of people-pleasing (“Nah, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone”) while agoraphobia wallows in uncertainty: “I’m scared/ I’m trying/ I’m scared of trying…” This band’s form of creative expression is wild and unbridled. Lest we forget how fragile we are, Moaning Lisa unleashes emotional complexity all over fainter.

PEGGY FREW

Dial-Up

Æ At the beginning of last year, The Art Of Fighting’s Peggy Frew – also a best-selling, prize-winning novelist – started writing what would become her debut solo album instead of working on a novel, and we’re all the richer for her musical detour.

“I walked around the city/ Still drunk and so lonely/ August ‘97/ A silver day…” – Newtown – the first song written for this record – pairs forlorn, descending melodies with evocative lyrical specificity.

Navigating the Off Season Blues, formative experiences down at the beach house, looking up crushes’ names in the phonebook, trying desperately not to look like you’re trying too hard – Dial-Up isn’t for the casual listener; you’ll wanna savour every moment. According to Frew, focus track Save Your Love – the record’s “doomed endof-childhood romance”, which features improvised clarinet – documents teen memories “of catching a dawn bus back to Naarm/ Melbourne from a relative’s house in a small coastal town: drinking hot coffee at a roadhouse café with the first streaks of pink light showing in the dark sky outside”.

We can tell spontaneity and curiosity were embraced during Dial-Up’s creative process. Nothing’s overstated or overbaked, yet it drips with atmosphere (think: sadcore Julee Cruise).

Listening to Dial-Up feels like walking arm in arm with Frew, with her conversational vocal melodies guiding us through a series of recollections. It’s storytime for the enlightened, enhanced by sparse, nuanced instrumentation (including a singing bowl).

LABEL: NEW WEST RECORDS RELEASE: OUT NOW LABEL: FARMER & THE OWL RELEASE: OUT NOW

LABEL: SAD FROG/ REMOTE CONTROL RECORDS RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

GIG GUIDE

DECEMBER 2024

THU 05 DEC

THE ARTIE STYLES

Quartet Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $20.

LAVENDER VS ROSE.

THE GOLDFINGERS

Open Studio. Northcote. 7.30pm. $15 - 20.

MIKE

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. $55.05.

CLAIRE PATTI + ANASTASIA

ASPELING + JOHN MONTESANTE

QUINTET

Golden Gate Hotel. South Melbourne. 6.30pm. $18.

SIGNS OF CHANGE. SATURDAY ESCAPADES, THE FERNS

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8pm. $15 - 20.

FOTIS

VERGOPOULOS

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $35.80.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 7pm.

OPEN MIC

Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 7pm. Free.

IMMINENCE

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7pm. $25.33.

THIRSTY MERC Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8pm.

WAXAHATCHEE Forum Theatre. Melbourne. 7.30pm. SNAILGUN.

GUN LAWS, THE NOVA FIENDS

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7.30pm. $11.25.

ANTHONY B

Wax Music Lounge. Melbourne. 7pm. $13.24.

SAUL GOODMANS. CRANK WILLIAMS

The Beast. Brunswick East. 8pm.

SLEEPING WITH SIRENS

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7pm.

GRINDHOUSE. VOIDOUT, SEVEN INCH STARE

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 7.30pm. $11.25.

KEEGAN JOYCE

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm. $25.

ALEX LAHEY + DESTROY BOYS

The Croxton. Thornbury. 6.30pm. $59.90. THE REPORES.

SECOND HAND HIGH

Evelyn Hotel. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $15.

CONK: LONG PLAY 2024

The Motley Bauhaus. Carlton. 7.30pm. $10.13.

BLUSHER

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 7pm.

BEN LEE

Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 7pm. $49.90.

JOSHUA BELL

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7.30pm. $95.

MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS HOME ALONE IN CONCERT

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $82 - 148.

GIA RANSOME

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $16.85.

BLANCO TRANCO. COMEDY, TOMMY CARLOS

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm.

FRI 06 DEC

CLUB WICKED

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 9pm. $11.75 - 22.95.

REECE MASTIN

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $33 - 45.

B.I HYPE Festival Hall. West Melbourne. 6.30pm. $218.

MISSY HIGGINS.

DAN SULTAN, MIA WRAY

Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 5pm. $99.90 - 149.90.

BELLHOP + LEGAL NOISE

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7pm. $11.25.

TOU-CAN. BIG CAT, SWORDFISH Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20.

UNION HEIGHTS

9 YEAR

ANNIVERSARY

Revolver Upstairs. Prahran. 8.30pm. LA DISCOTHEQUE

FT: DJ Randy Lipz

XXX, DJ Bricolage Odeon. Richmond. 8pm.

VOLTS: AC/DC TRIBUTE. SWEET DEATH MACHINE

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7.30pm. $22.95.

JUMPIN’ JACK WILLIAM.

EMILIO MERCURI, JAMES HOOKER & THE HALLOWS

Shotkickers. Thornbury. 8pm. $23.45. THE CALABRIANS + RETRO T-BONES 1999 Bar 303. Northcote. 5pm. Free.

FULTON STREET. COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS, MISS GOLDIE Wax Music Lounge. Melbourne. 8pm. $28.

HUCKLEBERRY & THE DEVIL’S DANDRUFF

Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford. 9pm. Free.

GOOD THINGS OFFICIAL

AFTERPARTY

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 9pm. $18.65 - 25.

WITCHSKULL

Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm.

SARAH BLASKO. QUEENIE Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $59.90.

BUTTER KNIFE. TERRA ROUGE, HEART SHAPED ACES

The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. THE BREADMAKERS AS THE UNKNOWN BLUES: DAVE HOGAN’S 75TH BIRTHDAY!

Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

TYLER RICHARDSON. BEC STEVENS, KELSIE RIMMER

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. $28.60.

KEVIN BORICH EXPRESS

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $38.

THE BAWDIES. HOT MACHINE, GNOME Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $43.45.

JAMIE WEBSTER Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $73.10.

A VERY MERRY (AND JOLLY) CHEAP-SKATE CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING BONANZA 2

FT: Agnes Manners, Champ Ruby, Sleepless, Chloe Booth, B-Sides

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 7pm. $23.50.

SKITSO X CONGO: RAP PARTY.

FT: Pettikash, Tigerbalm Emcee, Kylo Tha King, Crooked TP, Bayza, Jarrod Kennedy, ACP, Mb1, 2207, Donkeyman, Bartigus, Taahliyah, Ridzy Ray, Jessica Hook, Sixpence, Jarrod Kennedy Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7pm. $22.95.

COCO JUMBO. MAST GULLY FELLAS, FREUD & THE FAMILY SOLUTION Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 7pm. $20.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

FT: Erica Avenue, Motion Blur, Here & There, Scowls, TTT

Malvern Town Hall. Malvern. 6pm. Free. PARLE GREEN. TAM VANTAGE, MOLLY MCKEW

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $15.

FRESHEN UP

Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $20.

JOE CAMILLERI & THE BLACK SORROWS

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $55.69.

THE WIKIMEN

Open Studio. Northcote. 9.30pm. $20.

A TRIBUTE TO TOUMANI DIABATÉ

FT: The Afrobiotics, Ajak Kwai & Her Band, The Mande Spirit, DJ Kgomotso Sekhu The Croxton. Thornbury. 7.30pm. $45.

BOOF!

Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 8pm.

INNELLEA. BELLEXSXS, GUMM, SAMANTHA LOVERIDGE, MAMI, EEK

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 9pm. $33.15 - 49.

ELI IVRA

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

DAIMON

BRUNTON TRIO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

PETER GAUDION’S BLUES EXPRESS

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6.30pm. $45.

THE 502S

Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 7.30pm. $71.30.

THE BLOW OUT

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8.30pm.

SAT 07 DEC

PUNK FOR PALESTINE

FT: Cimiterium, Reaper, Jalang, Phantasm, Paroxys Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $13.80.

TAYLOR BELL MEZZ COLEMAN CHRISTMAS SHOW

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

STRANGE TENANTS. LOIN GROIN, DJ THE PROFESSOR

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $49.05.

BLACK ACES. THE 6V6S, THE CHANS Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $17.48.

STUART BRAITHWAITE Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $56.80.

JACK WHITE Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm.

ZERO CITY. INGRID & THE MINISTERS, LOOSE CONTENT Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $15. TETSUIANS. YOU MIGHT HIT THE SUN, PETER HAREN & THE WOLVES

The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm.

NURSERY CRIMES. FUN AGAIN, THE THORAZINES

Shotkickers. Thornbury. 8pm. $23.45.

FULTON STREET. LANEOUS, VINCE PEACH

Wax Music Lounge. Melbourne. 8pm. $28.

TERAMAZE. ORDER OF OWLS, PAEON, ADULARIA

The Workers Club.

Fitzroy. 8pm. $23.50. INDTIKO Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm.

DEAD CITY RUINS: 10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $28.60. MK.GEE

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7.30pm.

LIZARD LOUNGE: GROOVE IS IN THE HEART #2

FT: DJ Rob Griffiths, DJ Dan Attard

Odeon. Richmond. 8pm. $20.40. TO OCTAVIA.

PRETTY BLEAK, TILE Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $20.

SCARES. QUEEN HYENA, GULL Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 2pm. $20.

DOUBLE SHOT MAGGIE

The Quiet Man Irish Pub. Flemington. 9pm. Free.

UTASSY’S 64TH ANNUAL PERFORMANCE

The Round. Nunawading. 5pm. $48.

150 BPM X SALTARE PRESENTS

V:SONNTAG

Howler. Brunswick. 7pm. $12.24 - 23.46.

EASTERN BATTLE OF THE BANDS

FT: RedHook. Motionblur., Target Audience, Hypnotic State, Crestfallen Hawthorn Arts Centre. Hawthorn. 5pm. $5.

AUDIO PORN

FT: Jack Bradshaw, Minx, Tom Evans, Agent 86, HOOPS, Cara Murphy, Jacob Malmo OneSixOne. Prahran. 10pm.

DEALERS OF GOD. RACERAGE, SIMO SOO Cafe Gummo. Thornbury. 8pm. $10.

VOX CHOPS

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 2pm. $34.78.

TEMPLE OF GROOVE

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm. A CRACKER KRANSKY CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANSKY SISTERS

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 6.30pm. $55 - 65.

NOT SO BIG

BAND: THE BIG BANDALORIANTHE MUSIC OF STAR WARS

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6pm. $45. ANDERSON DANCE

COMPANY PRESENTS ON BROADWAY: FULL COMPANY SHOWCASE

Clocktower Centre. Moonee Ponds. 5.30pm. $48.

JEMMA CHER

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $38. WOMBATUQUE

Open Studio. Northcote. 9pm. $20. FEM BELLING WITH THE JOE RUBERTO TRIO

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $35 - 40.

OPEN HEART

KIRTAN ENSEMBLE

The Open Space. Abbotsford. 4pm. Free. CONCERTS IN THE PARK: ANGIE HART

Gasworks Arts Park. Albert Park. 6pm. $40.

DAVID KNIGHT

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 6pm.

MICHAEL WARD TRIO. ALLY ROW, HAZEL & THE THIEF

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 1pm. $12.75 - 17.85.

ANJA & FLOYD

Open Studio. Northcote. 5pm. $20.

FRANKIE & THE BAD CATS

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 9pm.

TOM WAITS NIGHT Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 8pm. POSSESHOT

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $49.

INFINITY SONG

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $60.

THU 12 DEC

FRENZEE. HOT TUBS TIME MACHINE Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7.30pm. Free.

BOWLING FOR SOUP. TAYLOR ACORN, MORE Corner Hotel. Richmond. 7pm. $79.90.

JUNKYARD WIZARDS. CLYDE ST, FIFTH QUARTER The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 7pm. $11.25.

SESAME GIRL

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7pm. $23.30.

JOSH VAN

CUYLENBURG

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 7pm.

NOT ON YOUR RIDER

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $43.96.

JOHNSTONE/NEAL/ FISCHER FEATURING TIM STOCKER: THE ORGAN COOKBOOK

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8pm. $40. THE REAL SONGWRITERS OF MELBOURNE: 2024 END OF YEAR AWARDS

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7pm. $22.95 - 28.05.

DROVER. WILL & THE MOOD, BACKWING

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7pm. Free. STELLA BRIDIE. CHITRA

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $17.35.

BUSTED CHOPS

Open Studio. Northcote. 8pm. $20. HOMEWARD. BRIAN CAMPEAU

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm. $17.35.

MONASH

UNIVERSITY

SOUNDING CHANGE: COCO’S LUNCH

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $15 - 20.

TONY J KING

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 6pm.

FRI 13 DEC

AWOL. OUTSIDERS CODE, DIZDAIN, TARNISHED

Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $28.05.

CIVIC. WET KISS, FRENZEE, BITUMEN Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. $33.66.

100 YEARS OF THE GERSH:

ESKIMO JOE

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7.30pm. $59.90.

ASH NAYLOR’S ACOUSTIC MAYHEM Odeon. Richmond. 8pm. THE MAN FROM ATLANTIS + FRANKLIN’S MINT

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

THE SHARP: 31ST

ANNIVERSARY OF “THIS IS THE SHARP” Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $30 - 50. BAND FROM HELL Revolver Upstairs. Prahran. 7pm. $26.52.

HOCKEY DAD. BEAN MAGAZINE

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. TEK TEK. SUGAR FED LEOPARDS, DON’T THANK ME, SPANK ME

Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $40.40.

BATUSHKA

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $81.10. BIGGER BOOT. MONDO CANE, SHIRKHER

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20.

NTH RD. REVOID, SILK VILLAGE, MATAHARI

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $22.95. DELLACOMA. KARLY JEWELL, XCALIBRE

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $17.85. BOX THORN. COFFINS, LOST CANOE, YMAGO, DIRT ROAD WAVE

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $16.35.

DEAR SEATTLE. LUCKY

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7pm.

LUCA BRADING TRIO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

SEEN

FT: BTKA, Campbell, SK4NK, Tea Money, Zero1 Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. KANDY CARNIVAL

Festival Hall. West Melbourne. 6pm. $152.81 - 163.01. WILLEM

The Rochester. Fitzroy. 11pm. $20. PK & FRIENDS

Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. SOPHISTICATED LADY CHRISTMAS

SPECIAL: A TRIBUTE TO JAZZ’S FIRST LADIES OF SONG

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 9.30pm. $45.

YACHT ROCK

REVIVAL Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 6pm. $50.

TANIA BOSAK & FRIENDS. JON HUNT, SAM

O’HALLORAN

Open Studio. Northcote. 7pm. $22.

LUCY CLIFFORD + KENNEDY SNOW

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $35 - 40.

JUMPIN’ JACK JORDAN Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 8pm.

AUBREY HAIVE YOURSELF A MERRY CHRISTMAS Pride Of Our Footscray Community Bar. Footscray. 7.30pm. $22.

THREE BASE HIT. NAUSICAA, SPLITLANES

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. Free.

CUMBIA CLASH

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm. $23.45 - 34.66.

ACOUSTIKISS: FINAL SHOW

Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $27.70.

DOGGEREL

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8.30pm.

HONKY TONK TOWN #11: A COUNTRY & WESTERN DANCE PARTY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FT: DJ Ellen Hookey Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

SAT 14 DEC

DEADWEIGHT 80. DISKUST, LONER, ALL MONSTERS ARE HUMAN, GET REKT Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 9pm. $17.35. MOVING TOWARD THE PULSEBEAT FT: DJ Randy Lipz XXX, DJ Bricolage Odeon. Richmond. 8pm. BLOODY RIPPER. WOLFPACK, FRANKSTON FEAR Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7pm. $17.48. LITTLEFOOT. THE CLEVER REFERENCES, ZE WISENHEIMER

Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $10.

SUPERCHUNK. THE MEANIES, DELIVERY Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $82.30. THE PATIENTS. FOUR EYED FROG, BALMORAL

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 1pm. $10.

HEAT. BOZO, RAT

BAIT, BRIGHT SUN

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $23.50.

LOVELY, LONELY, LANDFILL. BRODOWN, FRIENDS IN THE BASEMENT

Revolver Upstairs. Prahran. 7pm. $16.32.

TANGULAR: DJ

KITI + FRIENDS

Wax Music Lounge. Melbourne. 8pm. $10 - 12.49.

KYLE GLOVERS

BAND + GRACE

ROBINSON BAND. SKINNY WIZARD

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. $11.25.

SCATTER LIGHT. PRETTY MOI

The Beast. Brunswick East. 7.30pm. Free.

GRINDHOUSE. THE MONAROS

Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

HELLUVA RIDE

FT: Bughunt, Checkpoint, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice, Favoured State, The Genevieves, Hooper Crescent, Kitchen People, Screensaver, more Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 12.30pm. $28.05 - 33.15.

COSMIC COUNTRY

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

FT: Ben Mastwyk & The Energy, The Distant South Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm. $25.50.

BASEMENT

COMEDY CLUB

FT: Mike Goldstein, Brendhan Lovegrove, more Morris House. Melbourne. 8pm. $25.

RUDI SOUNDSYSTEM

FT: Dub Koala, Dub Dahlia Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. Free.

FRED AGAIN.. VS SKRILLEX APPRECIATION NIGHT

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11pm. $13.80 - 22.

JUNO MAMBA + PARIS

The Rochester. Fitzroy. 11pm. $20.

ELLE SHIMADA & FRIENDS

Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm.

BRIAN CADD

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 4pm. $44.40.

BOB EVANS

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $46.

PLUCK!. YAEL ZAMIR, FREDA PATEN

Open Studio. Northcote. 2pm. $20 - 25.

ADAM WALDRON TRIO

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 9pm.

FUNKY KINGSTON

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $38.86.

THE MODS. ELO & THE SHINKICKS, ALTER EGO, SLICED DIAMONDS

The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 2pm. $12.24 - 17.34.

MEL SEARLE PRESENTS THE CHRISTMAS SONG: AN ELLA, NAT KING COLE & FRIENDS SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45. HORNS OF LEROY

Open Studio. Northcote. 9pm. $20 - 25.

TRIPLE BILL:

NAKED RAVEN + AMELIA EVANS: THE RADIOHEAD PROJECT + ROSE BRAY

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $35 - 40.

THE MAJESTIC LOVERS

Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 8pm.

TOY TONICS JAM

FT: Sam Ruffilo, Gee Lane

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 11pm. $29.57 - 44.86.

WHISPERING SKY

FT: Tenzin Kunsang, Tenzin Choegyal

The Open Space. Abbotsford. 7pm. $44.

THU 19 DEC

JUICEBOX

Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $15.

A SWINGIN’ BELLA CHRISTMAS WITH THE BELLA ALLSTAR BAND

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $64.87.

EMILY WILLIAMS PRESENTS: SOUL MUSIC LOVERS

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8pm. $48.

THE JAMES MORRISON QUARTET FEATURING

DARREN PERCIVAL

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $65.

OSKAR & BEBRA: REUNION

Open Studio. Northcote. 8pm. $15.

GENE PERLA: REMEMBERING

ELVIN JONE’S LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $25 - 30.

PARA FUNDRAISER

FT: Rin McArdle, Hannah McKittrick, Romanie

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 7pm. $20.

QUINNY’S CRIMBO CRAPTACTULAR

Shotkickers. Thornbury. 7pm. $13.25.

FURNACE & THE FUNDAMENTALS:

A VERY FURNACE CHRISTMAS Forum Theatre. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $90.50.

JAMIE MILLER. KEENAN TE

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $76.

ANIA

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

SKABHANGERS

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. Free.

DON GLORI

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. $20 - 30.

CURLY & THE FRINGE

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 6pm.

JEN CLOHER. TIANA

KHASI, DJ DAVICE Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8pm.

KILAT: END OF YEAR XMAS SHOW. NPCEDE, BLOOD OF A POMEGRANATE

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 7pm. $18.40. PIANO CLUB #10 Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 7pm.

FRI 20 DEC

A VERY KB CHRISTMAS WITH KITSCHEN BOY & FRIENDS

Howler. Brunswick. 7pm. $23.46.

SCOTT AND CHARLENE’S WEDDING: A VERY SACW CHRISTMAS. HOT TUBS TIME MACHINE, LACKY BAND

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $22.85.

ATOMIC DISCO

FT: DJ Lady Soul, DJ Big Daddy, DJ Stevie H

Odeon. Richmond. 8pm. $23.50.

TA POOL HOUSE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS THE SMITH STREET BAND + PRESS CLUB

Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8pm. $50. THE RONSON HANGUP (CHRISTMAS SHOW). PINKERTON PENDLEBURY, NAYLS & PINKO

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $39.05.

SELECT ALL. CHLOE BOOTH, BLYSS

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $11.25. SPOONFUL

Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm.

MICK THOMAS’ ROVING COMMISSION. CURLY & THE FRINGE

Shotkickers. Thornbury. 8pm. $44.09.

CAUTION:THIEVES.

MISERYGUTS

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7.30pm. $16.35.

HEADPHONES

JONES: 10TH BIRTHDAY SHOW

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $25.

WILLIE J’S 6V6S. SCARNON

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. BEN ABRAHAM Forum Theatre. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $69.90.

LAND DOWN UNDER Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 7.30pm. $39.80.

ATOMIC HI-TONES

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8.30pm. BEN WRIGHT SMITH & FRIENDS + ELLEN JAMES & THE WANING CRESCENTS

Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

SWIFTMAS: TAYLOR SWIFT XMAS PARTY

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 9pm. $12.37 - 30.

SLAY BELLES 2

FT: A Gazillion Angry Mexicans, Jack Harlon and the Dead Crows, TTODC, My Safe Word is Murder, Machetez Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7pm. $22.95.

A SWINGIN’ BELLA CHRISTMAS WITH THE BELLA ALLSTAR BAND

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $64.87.

A VERY BIG BAND CHRISTMAS

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $45 - 65.

MISS GEORGE & THE BOYS FROM IPANEMA

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6.30pm. $45.

THE JAMES MORRISON QUARTET FEATURING

DARREN PERCIVAL Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $65.

DOWNTOWN JAZZ QUARTET

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

LA DESCARGA + ISU TAKI (END OF YEAR FIESTA)

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8pm. $24.

LOS COJONES

Open Studio. Northcote. 9.30pm. $15 - 25. CANNONBALL WITH CHANTAL MITVALSKY

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $35 - 40.

MADELEINE CLARE & DAN BRODIE

Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 8pm.

THE SOFT MACHINE PRESENTS: FLESH RITUALS & SIREN SONGS

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7pm. $29.13 - 68.80.

DJ PGZ

The Rochester. Fitzroy. 11pm. $20.

THE OPERATIVES. JPS, MORE Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm.

FORRER. GITHMI, ISABELLA FORTUNA Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $15.

SAT 21 DEC

THE DR. COLOSSUS CHRISTMAS

Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $28.05. BODY PRISON. HATE COMPLEX, DEADSKIN, IDENTITY ERROR

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7pm. $31.63. CHRISTMAS AT THE CURTIN

FT: Magic Dirt. Loose Content, Curlers

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $43.80 - 54.15. BASEMENT SPACEMAN

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 6pm. GESÙNOLIKE. ASTRAL HIGH, COOLDAD, ANNE’S LACE

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $11.25.

JUICE PRESENTS: VERBRASCO + THE OPALS

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm.

WILLIAMS/ ATTICHE/TARENTO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

ELVIS CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm. Free. THE STRAIGHT SHOOTERS. THE SATTS, THE OUTFITS

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $17.35.

A SWINGIN’ BELLA CHRISTMAS WITH THE BELLA ALLSTAR BAND

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $64.87. LEATHERMAN. FRENZEE, THE STATES, ELVIS II, COMEDY

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7.30pm. $19.40.

MICK THOMAS’ ROVING COMMISSION. HARRY HOOK IS REAL Shotkickers. Thornbury. 8pm. $44.09. MEG WASHINGTON. JACOB DIAMOND Forum Theatre. Melbourne. 7pm. $59.90.

NARDIA PRESENTS: THE SONGBOOK OF EVA CASSIDY

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6.30pm. $45.

THE JAMES MORRISON QUARTET FEATURING

DARREN PERCIVAL

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $65. BASEMENT COMEDY CLUB

Morris House. Melbourne. 8pm. $25.

PSYCHO SEQUINZ: A GLAM ROCK CHRISTMAS Odeon. Richmond. 7.30pm. $23.50.

TANIA BOSAK & FRIENDS: FINAL FINAL SHOW. DJ CONTE Open Studio. Northcote. 7pm. $25. THE PEARLY SHELLS XMAS SPECIAL The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $35 - 40. DEADBEATDADDIOS

The Cosmopolitan Hotel. Trentham. 3pm. Free.

DAMON SMITH’S XMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 8pm.

ROOTS TIME SOUNDSYSTEM

The Bergy Seltzer. Brunswick. 6pm. Free.

CLAYMORE’S CELTIC CHRISTMAS Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $35–50.

YET ANOTHER MERRY MOTLEY CHRISTMAS The Motley Bauhaus. Carlton. 6pm. $20.26–50.65. SIMONA CASTRICUM. SCREENSAVER, ADORED Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $29.10.

PEAKS RADIO SUMMER ROOFTOP PARTY

FT: Joseph Bonfa, Bruni, Mik Mor, DJ Hussy, Jara, ADR, _Sleepee_, AX_____ OneSixOne. Prahran. 3pm. $29 - 38. SUNNYSIDE. SOPHULI, WINDTUNNEL, ACID CHESS CLUB Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. LOVE ACTUALLY IN CONCERT Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 8pm. $69 - 155.

THE SEVEN UPS: XMAS BONANZA. GUSTO GUSTO, FOGGY NATION, MINDY WENG WENG Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $33.15.

FRI 27 DEC

BLACK DETHMASS AT THE BENDI

FT: Scaphis, Project: Ultimate Satan, Thallium, Tiger Driver Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $17.35.

SIX & OUT: THE SECOND INNINGS TOUR

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7pm. $42.35. SALMON SISTERS. B SIDES, ELA & THE SHINKICKERS, PEPPER LA FLOYD

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. SURROUNDED BY SOUND: DAVID BOWIE

Odeon. Richmond. 8pm.

JACK JONES

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 6pm. $40. THE OMNIFIC. WALLET INSPECTOR, IRONSTONE

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $29.90.

MR. MCCLELLAND’S FINISHING SCHOOL PRESENTS NOT NYE

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $28.15. CAM MCINTYRE TRIO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

SUPERFICIAL PRESENTS

PINK PONY CLUB

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm. $14.27 - 22.

SLEAZY HORMIGAS. LOS PARCEROS, MUNKUS FUNKUS

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $15.

SAT 28 DEC

THE BLACK SORROWS

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $45 - 70.

JAZZ ARVOS

The Motley Bauhaus. Carlton. 5pm. Free.

RELAX WITH MAX Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 6pm. $35.

MOVING TOWARD THE PULSEBEAT

FT: DJ Randy Lipz XXX, DJ Bricolage Odeon. Richmond. 8pm. ANDREA ROBINSON

The Cosmopolitan Hotel. Trentham. 3pm. Free.

DAVE LEE

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm. $29.57 - 34.66.

OZO PRESENTS: DISCONNECT

FT: Beno Garcia, Chambers, Dylan James, GRIGGY, HORN-E, Matteo Rosucci, Pretz, Schnill, Webb OneSixOne. Prahran. 6pm. $10 - 20.

ELUIZE

The Rochester. Fitzroy. 11pm. $20.

JOHN KENNEDY BAND + TEN GALLON HEAD

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 3.30pm. Free.

BASEMENT COMEDY CLUB

Morris House. Melbourne. 8pm. $25.

SHIRKHER. LXRP, REALNAME Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $15.

ROSS WILSON & THE PEACENIKS

Bellarine Estate. Bellarine. 6pm. $45 - 145.

TUE 31 DEC

RESOLUTION NYE 2024

FT: James Zabiela, Anthony Pappa, Mike Steva Howler. Brunswick. 6pm. $42.84 - 94.35.

BJORN AGAIN: NEW YEARS EVE PARTY Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 7pm. $133.21.

CHARLI XCX BRAT NYE PARTY

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 8pm. $14.42 - 30.

ALL THAT GLITTERS

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

FT: Xena Ghost, Sindel Storm

Pride Of Our Footscray Community Bar. Footscray. 9pm. $20.

NEW YEARS EVE: PARTY

LIKE IT’S 1925

FT: The Playground Devils, Gala Hallelujah Odeon. Richmond. 8pm.

MELBOURNE SKA

ORCHESTRA: 2024 NYE EXTRAVAGANZA

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 8.30pm. $40 - 55.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

COCKTAIL PARTY Morris House. Melbourne. 7pm. $120.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford. 8pm.

HIGH TIMES - NYE

FT: Yaya Bey. Baro Sura, Errol & Alex Rita, Hagan, Karen Nyame KG, Miss Kaninna, Nai Palm, Richard Akingbehin, Sanctuary, more Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 3pm. $99 - 129.

FAST GRIND FEVER NYE 2024 FT: DJ Richie1250, DJ Miss Goldie, Kieron O’Hara, Stuckey Bar Open. Fitzroy. 9pm. $33.70.

NYE AT THE NIGHT CAT: DJ QUESTLOVE The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm. $75 - 125.

BONEZ: NEW QUEERS EVE

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 9pm. $30 - 40.

NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA CONCERT

FT: Silvie Paladino, Paulini, Josh Piterman Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 8pm. $110 - 160.

NYE

FT: Frenzee. Grim Rhythm, Tankerville, The Antics

The Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. $28.60.

WED 1 JAN

YACHT ROCK

REVIVAL: ‘DRUNKEN SAILOR’ N.Y.D PARTY

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 4pm. $59.26. THE ROOTS. TALIB KWELI, NAI PALM Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 6pm. $149.90 - 169.90.

TIM RICHADS

The Fifth Province. St Kilda. 9pm.

THICK N JUICY: NEW YEARS DAY MELBOURNE Colonial Hotel. Melbourne. 4pm. $39 - 84.

NYD Recovery Fest FT: Redhook. Vilify, The City Stay Gold. Brunswick. 2pm. $46.60 - 58.25.

Simplify Money