Beat 1726

CHARLIE NEEDS BRACES

takes on St Kilda Festival with fresh dance moves, sister harmonies and a drive to protect our wildlife.

KAGAMI

RYUICHI SAKAMOTO AND TIN DRUM SAKAMOTO

PRINT EDITOR

Kaya Martin

EDITOR

Lucas Radbourne

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Riley McDonald

GIG GUIDE

Jacob Colliver

CONTRIBUTORS

Liam Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier, Joshua Jennings, Juliette Salom, Christopher Hockey, Ava Villella, Dom Lepore, Gabrielle Duykers, Oliver Winn and Bryget Chrisfield

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DISTRIBUTION distribution@furstmedia.com.au

PUBLISHER

Furst Media Pty Ltd

FOUNDER

Rob Furst

SOCIALS

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EDITORIAL NOTE

Melbourne, we are so back!

Æ Did you miss us? Because we missed you. While we may have taken a few weeks off to collect as many sunburns and hangovers as humanly possible, we’ve returned to our regular programming, giving you everything you need to suckle all the juice out of the rest of summer. And boy, is it juicy.

February means St Kilda Festival, an event which has a very special spot in our hearts. Charlie Needs Braces graces our cover, encapsulating everything that makes the festival so great – the sun, the sea and the vibrant creativity of the Aussie scene.

Elsewhere, Russian punks Shortparis talk about stealing green room snacks and attacking sound technicians, Section 8 hauls in dumptrucks of sand for its annual inner-city beach party and Emily Wurramara ponders her historic ARIA win. The Kooks move beyond nostalgia, Party Dozen craft cop-themed rock and Mildlife explain the meticulous planning in being spontaneous. We’ve also got new albums from Shady Nasty, Mallrat and more.

Keep in mind, this is only the beginning. We’re rested, recharged and chomping at the bit for a good time. If this month is anything to go by, we’ve got high hopes for 2025.

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 February cover star is Charlie Needs Braces shot by Will Hamilton-Coates.

JAMES ELLIS

CORNER HOTEL’S NEW SUNDAY SESSIONS OFFER COLD BEER AND LIVE MUSIC

In a move set to delight Melbourne’s live music devotees, Richmond’s storied Corner Hotel has unveiled a series of free Sunday afternoon gigs in its intimate front bar space. The new Front Bar Sessions kick off February 9, promising a fresh take on the weekend wind-down.

Ç PALACE FORESHORE ADDS DJ HONEY DIJON TO SUMMER LINEUP

Melbourne’s iconic beachside music venue Palace Foreshore is set to make a triumphant return in 2025, Grammy-winning DJ Honey Dijon will join an already impressive roster of international acts for its three-week program, performing on March 9.

BOY AND BEAR JOIN LIVE AT THE GARDENS LINEUP

Live at the Gardens is bringing unmissable shows to Melbourne’s most-loved botanic gardens for two weekends of live music this March, and Boy and Bear have announced they’ll be joining the party on March 14! They’ll by supported by Sarah Blasko, Augie March and De Porsal.

Ç MOONEE VALLEY FESTIVAL DROPS LINEUP HEADLINED BY BUDJERAH

Soul phenomenon Budjerah is set to headline the 2025 Moonee Valley Festival, bringing his ARIA-winning pipes to Queens Park on February 22. Fresh off selling out the Sydney Opera House, the 22-year-old powerhouse tops a lineup that reads like a who’s who of Melbourne’s most intriguing emerging acts.

MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW RETURNS WITH NEW DIGS AND WORKSHOPS

In a major shake-up for Australia’s premier guitar event, the Melbourne Guitar Show is strapping on fresh strings and relocating to the Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds for its 2025 edition. The twoday gear fest, running on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2, is introducing several new features that’ll have everyone frothing.

Ç RISING LOCKS IN 2025 DATES, RELEASES MIXTAPE CURATED BY ADRIANA

Melbourne’s RISING festival has announced its return for 2025, with the city-wide cultural event set to run from June 4 to15. To bridge the gap between festivals, RISING has released a summer mixtape curated by PBS FM’s Adriana.

Ç TREATY DAY OUT TO BE HEADLINED BY A.B. ORIGINAL

The much-anticipated Treaty Day Out festival is returning in 2025, bringing an all-First Nations celebration to Gunaikurnai Country in Gippsland. The festival will be held on Saturday, 8 February 2025, at the Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park in Morwell.

YELLOWCARD ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN TOUR WITH TOP NOTCH SUPPORTS

Celebrating 20 years of their album Ocean Avenue, US alt-rockers Yellowcard will be heading across the country for the first time since 2017. Along for the ride are Motion City Soundtrack and Plain White T’s.They’ll stop at Margaret Court Arena on April 5.

Ç CHAKA KHAN, TOTO AND MORE ANNOUNCED FOR BYRON BAY BLUESFEST

In a massive fourth announcement for its 36th edition, Byron Bay Bluesfest has pulled out the big guns, revealing funk royalty Chaka Khan will headline the Easter long weekend festival alongside rock veterans Toto and yacht rock pioneer Christopher Cross.

AT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDANTLY RUN MUSIC VENUE

GIG GUIDE 01/02 DREADNAUGHT + THE ETERNAL 03/02 ‘SOCIAL SANCTUARY’ w CTRL + ME, RUBY MILNER + ROLAND 07/02 ASHA JEFFERIES 08/02 TYLER HILTON (USA) SELLING FAST 10/02 ‘SOCIAL SANCTUARY’ w ST. MORRIS SINNERS, ECHO SOCIAL CLUB +

ACTOR 13/02 STELARC + HUH (JPN) + BOLT ENSEMBLE

Ç RISING COUNTRY STAR MAX MCNOWN ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN TOUR THIS MAY

Nashville’s latest country sensation Max McNown is set to make his Australian and New Zealand debut this May, bringing his A Lot More Free Tour to intimate venues across both countries. He’ll stop at the Forum on May 13.

Ç BLUES VIRTUOSO GARY CLARK JR TO TOUR AUSTRALIA THIS APRIL

Four-time Grammy award winner Gary Clark Jr has announced his return to Australia after a six-year absence, with three exclusive headline shows scheduled for April 2025. His Melbourne show, taking place on April 14, will take over the Palais Theatre.

THE MELBOURNE OPERA REVIVES WAGNER’S COMEDY SPECTACULAR

Renowned for its demanding nature and lush musicality, The Melbourne Opera is conquering Wagner’s only comedy Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. The opera will host shows on February 16, 18, 20 and 22 at the iconic Royal Exhibition Building.

Ç GROOVE ARMADA SET TO IGNITE AUSTRALIAN DANCEFLOORS

Electronic music royalty Groove Armada are bringing their legendary DJ sets down under this summer, marking their first Australian tour since their pre-pandemic visits. Their Melbourne show will take place at Live at the Gardens on March 9.

CHELSEA WHEATLEY TO HEADLINE VICTORIA’S PRIDE 2025 STREET PARTY

In massive news for Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ community, homegrown talent Chelsea Wheatley – now performing as Chela et Cetera – will headline Victoria’s Pride 2025 Street Party on February 9, marking her first live appearance under the fresh moniker.

Ç NIKKI GLASER BRINGS HER ALIVE AND UNWELL TOUR TO AUSTRALIA

Fresh off hosting the 82nd Golden Globe Awards and earning her first Emmy nomination, Nikki Glaser is scheduled to deliver her no-holds-barred comedy across six massive shows. She’ll take over Melbourne’s Plenary Theatre on July 18.

Ç SUNSET SAFARI OFFERS AFRICAN BBQ, TWILIGHT DRINKS AND ANIMALS GALORE

Werribee Open Range Zoo‘s Sunset Safari has returned for 2025, transforming weekend evenings into an African wildlife spectacular – with a new baby rhino taking centre stage.

AIREYS INLET MUSIC FESTIVAL DELIVERS A KILLER LINEUP FOR 2025

In an era where festival tickets can cost more than a small car, Aireys Inlet Festival continues to be the people’s champion of the music scene, dropping a monster lineup for its 19th edition that won’t break the bank. It’ll take place on the Surf Coast from March 14 to 16.

Ç SEAFOOD RESTAURANT MINISTRY OF CRAB IS COMING TO MELBOURNE

Time to get cracking, Melbourne – Ministry of Crab, helmed by celebrated chef Dharshan Munidasa, will open its doors on Flinders Lane in February 2025, bringing its signature Sri Lankan-Japanese fusion seafood dishes to the heart of Melbourne’s culinary district.

SYDNEY ROAD LAUNCHES A DESIGN COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY

The Sydney Road shopping strip steeped in migration history and multicultural heritage is calling on artists to help celebrate its landmark 175th anniversary.

MELBOURNE’S PROSECCO FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2025 WITH ’90S TWIST

The Prosecco Festival is set to pop its cork for an eighth consecutive year, transforming Abbotsford Convent into a sparkling wine lover’s paradise on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Ç FRANKSTON’S FREE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL MAKES ITS EPIC RETURN IN 2025

Frankston’s award-winning foreshore is being activated over the summer period for a two-day arts, music and cultural celebration. Presented by Frankston City Council, Waterfront Festival makes its return on February 7 and 8, bringing a plentiful program of water and land activities.

LONDON SOUL-POP DUO HONNE ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES

Electronic soul-pop duo Honne will return to Australia for shows in Sydney and Melbourne, promoting their fourth studio album Ouch. The tour will see them perform at the Forum on March 20.

Ç AWARD-WINNING COMEDIAN AARON CHEN ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TOUR THIS FEBRUARY

Rising comedy star Aaron Chen has announced his 2025 Australian summer tour Funny Garden, marking his first performances in several regional cities across the country. He’ll be performing at Bunjil Place on February 6.

Ç MELBOURNE ART FAIR UNVEILS A BOUNDARYPUSHING 2025 PROGRAM

If you thought the Melbourne Art Fair was just another fancy-pants art show for collectors to stroke their chins at, think again. The 2025 edition, from February 20 to 23, is shaking things up with a massive emphasis on First Peoples artists and an all-female curatorial lineup that’s ready to turn the art world on its head.

NEW CHAPEL STREET BAR EQUIPPED WITH A CAVIAR VENDING MACHINE

Sistine, a seductive cocktail bar from the renowned VALARC Group, may be one of Melbourne’s most controversial new bars. Drawing inspiration from the famed Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City, this bar mixes Renaissance aesthetics with a touch of modern sophistication and a little dash of trouble.

Ç OVER 20 AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS ARE TOURING WITH NEW FUNDING PROGRAM

Creative Australia and Music Australia have announced a major funding boost for live music. The organisations have announced more than $500,000 allocated to support 20 contemporary Australian artists touring across the country throughout 2024 and 2025.

DON TOLIVER, JHENÉ AIKO AND MORE ANNOUNCED FOR SOULED OUT

Don Toliver, Jhené Aiko and Vince Staples are set to headline Australia’s premier R&B festival, Souled Out, as it returns for its second year following a successful debut in 2024. The festival will take place on February 22 at Melbourne’s Carribean Gardens.

Ç AUCKLAND INDIE-PSYCH OUTFIT DAILY J ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Following three sold-out tours across New Zealand and Australia as well as a successful debut UK tour, Daily J is eager to bring their high-energy live performances to new audiences in cities they’ve yet to visit. They’ll be stopping by the Corner Hotel on March 8.

Ç NEW MELBOURNE BAR BRINGS DOWN-TO-EARTH ITALIAN WINE CULTURE TO THE CBD

The highly anticipated il Mercato Centrale is finally here and with it, one of Melbourne’s most laidback yet passionate wine bars: l’Enoteca. Led by sommelier Clarissa Lorenzato, the venue offers an inclusive, relaxed and charming space where all can explore the joy of Italian wines.

Ç HOODOO GURUS AND MISSY HIGGINS HEADLINE GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS

Great Southern Nights has unveiled its expansive 2025 program, set to bring more than 300 live music events to venues across New South Wales from March 21 to April 6.

Ç FINDERS KEEPERS IS OPENING A NEW FOOD MARKET IN MELBOURNE

The Finders Keepers Food Market will feature more than 50 food and drink creators at a two-day event from March 22 and 23, held at Meat Market in North Melbourne. The market aims to celebrate the slow, local and creative food movement.

Ç DROPS OF JUPITER LEGENDS TRAIN ANNOUNCE

AUSTRALIAN TOUR THIS MAY

Train, the multi-Grammy Award-winning band behind hits like Drops of Jupiter and Hey, Soul Sister, will return to Australia and New Zealand in 2025 for their first shows in the region in eight years. They’ll play John Cain Arena on May 22.

Ç THE USED CELEBRATE 25 YEARS WITH AUSTRALIAN TOUR THIS AUGUST

The Used’s self-titled album, In Love and Death and Lies for the Liars shaped a generation of music fans and solidified the band’s place as emo and pop-punk icons. To mark their 25th anniversary, The Used will perform these albums in full during an Australian tour in 2025, stopping at the Northcote Theatre on August 22, 23 and 25.

Ç NELLY ANNOUNCES

AUSTRALIA

TOUR WITH MASSIVE NAMES IN SUPPORT

Legendary music superstar Nelly is bringing the party down under in 2025 with his Where The Party At Tour, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his iconic debut album Country Grammar. He’ll perform at John Cain Arena on March 22 supported by St Lunatics, Chingy and Jermaine Dupri.

Ç QV MELBOURNE BUILDS LIFE-SIZED SNAKES & LADDERS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR

In a bold twist on traditional Lunar New Year festivities, QV Melbourne is transforming its central square into a massive interactive Snakes & Ladders game, mixing nostalgia with contemporary flair to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

DOME UNDER FILM FESTIVAL TAKES OVER MELBOURNE’S PLANETARIUM

The Dome Under Film Festival, running from January 31 to February 2, will project 32 boundary-pushing films across the Planetarium‘s 16-metre domed ceiling, creating what organisers describe as a VR-like journey into experimental filmmaking.

AMERICAN VETERANS TYKETTO ARE PLAYING AT THE PRINCE IN FEBRUARY

American melodic hard rock veterans Tyketto have announced their first Australian headline tour, following their successful appearance at GlamFest earlier this year. They’ll take over the Prince Bandroom on February 13.

Ç EXPERIMENTAL RAPPER 2HOLLIS ANNOUNCES DEBUT AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE SHOWS

The underground musician will be performing two sideshows alongside his appearances at Laneway 2025. Catch him at Howler on February 12.

“The traditional names of places contain a lot of information and really tell a story.”

CHARLIE NEEDS BRACES

WORDS BY LIAM HEITMANN-RYCE-LEMERCIER

Mixing ethereal vocals, hypnotic techno loops and plenty of bumping trumpet lines, Charlie Woods is the sprightly creative force behind Charlie Needs Braces – and she’ll be lighting up the stage at this year’s St Kilda Festival.

Æ With a childhood rooted both in music and Indigenous teachings, Charlie brings to her songs a history of place that is both personal and cultural. A proud GuriNgai creative, much of her artistic drive stems from the lands and waters of her origins along the Central Coast, north of Sydney.

“The themes and lyrics that I bring into the music,” she says, “are very specific to my own story. Protecting country, taking care of our wildlife, bringing attention to being connected and balanced as Indigenous people –a lot of the music is derived from my mob, the GuriNgai people.”

As such, a major proponent of Charlie’s storytelling is the protection of land and water, striving through her songs to protect the culture that has shaped her and to “keep it going.” Much of the Indigenous language that informs Charlie’s connection with her people is also an integral aspect of her lyrics and musical storytelling.

Yet she also credits the years in which she grew up around the Melbourne CBD as a lightning rod for her musical tastes. “I’m highly inspired by all the amazing bands around me in Naarm,” she says. “There’s such a high quality of musicianship, it’s always super inspiring.”

A pathway into the performing arts was all but guaranteed by Charlie’s upbringing, raised by two generations of pianists – her mother and grandmother – while also being required to learn a string instrument at school.

Yet it was an education under The Cat Empire, and many of what Charlie refers to as their “underage shows” in St Kilda, that first lit up her imagination as a performer.

“I remember going to see them a few times and going, ‘What is that instrument?’. I really loved the trumpet and so I started learning trumpet in Year Seven.” The instrument has since grown to define much of her musical style and character. The physicality and drama of such a “full-on instrument” spoke to Charlie’s drive as a performer.

Making the rounds in the horn sections of numerous musical ensembles after finishing school, Charlie soon got the itch to go solo during COVID-19 lockdowns. “I ended up buying a loop station and started writing tunes on that. I really enjoyed it and thought, ‘Maybe I could do this live.’”

It was after her younger sister Miri moved to Melbourne that the two started to perform live shows together. “I love performing with my sister, I love the sound of the harmonies, so that’s just kind of stuck.”

Charlie Needs Braces is set to perform at this year’s St Kilda Festival, marking the third time in which they have lit up the stage in this highlight of the Melbourne summer calendar. She reflects on these previous festivals as having been incredibly welcoming and friendly: “Lots of people, hanging out, wanting to have a good time.”

Her upcoming performance will feature a number of new songs from her upcoming album, which drops February 20. Titled Nyaa Wa – meaning ‘take care and protect country’ – the St Kilda Festival set will include some songs “that we’ve never played live in Melbourne before, so that will be super fun!”

The mission statement of Charlie’s new album is to celebrate the region and culture of where she comes from.

“Throughout the songs, we’re talking about our mob’s area,” she says, “as a lot of these areas are threatened, unfortunately, by development. Throughout all of Australia, they’re sacred spots. There’s lots of history there and development means that they can get threatened.”

She highlights one song, This Land, as speaking directly to the importance of Indigenous language and culture. “The traditional names of places contain a lot of information and really tell a story. You can actually find out so much about an area through that name, so what we talk about in our songs is very specific to our story.”

But, as fits Charlie’s quirky performance style, the album is not short of what she calls “silly songs”.

One example being a track titled Mussels, a pun-laden hit about the edible sea creatures as well as the things people work out in the gym. “We do that live and have a dance for it. We actually teach the audience how to do that.”

Fresh dance moves and colourful pop beats… What’s not to love?

CHARLIE NEEDS BRACES

WHERE: ST KILDA FESTIVAL

WHEN: 15 FEB

ST KILDA FESTIVAL 2025 GUIDE

WORDS BY JOSHUA JENNINGS

FIRST PEOPLES FIRST

Australia’s largest free, all-ages festival celebrates its 44th year with a stacked lineup of live entertainment and festivities.

Æ As ever, St Kilda Festival’s hallmarks include lively community spirit, the best musical acts in the country (including the local ones) and the summer sea a jewel on the horizon.

All the while, the festival evolves.

This year, for the third time, the festival features First Peoples First, a single-day celebration (on day one) of First Peoples music, art and culture.

Following on from the eclectic lineups of previous years – which have included acts such as Mo’Ju, Christine Anu and Birren – the 2025 bill includes a mix of emerging and established talents across a diverse mix of genres including pop, hip-hop, folk, indie and rock.

Country icon Troy Cassar-Daley headlines the Main Stage following the release of his 12th studio album, Between The Fires. It’s an intensely personal recording that touches on the grief of losing two parents in recent years. In a sentimental moment, he’ll also be sharing the stage with his daughter, AIR Music awards-winning indie-pop artist Jem Cassar-Daley.

Other acts on the Main Stage bill include “sad-girl indie folk act” Liv And The Dream and immersive pop artist Charlie Needs Braces.

Over on the grassy O’Donnell Gardens space where the Optus Stage is, check out a diverse lineup of emerging First Nations artists. Some of the many notable acts include soulful pop artist Sunny Luwe, award-winning musician, dancer and director Amos Roach in acoustic mode and hip-hop artist Crooked TP.

Visitors to the festival can also have fun watching and participating in a range of festive activities and educational experiences, including the traditional performance Bama Warrma, dance and performance workshops, face painting and street dance crew Orphanz Krumpers.

Continuing on from 2023 and 2024, St Kilda Festival will also play host to more Singing Our Futures performances.

The Singing Our Futures Program originates out of the Archie Roach Foundation, in collaboration with Culture is Life, and has developed significant opportunities for emerging First Nations artists. Program mentees receive mentorship on songwriting and recording, and opportunities to perform at major Australian events including St Kilda Festival, Leaps and Bounds and Byron Bay Blues Festival.

BIG FESTIVAL SUNDAY

What do you do after all the festivity of First Peoples First? You get up and do it all over again. Sunday is Big Festival Sunday – and it’s big for stages, talent and fans.

Æ This year, day two of the festival is slated to attract close to 400,000 people and showcase more than 80 acts across 10 stages. Flagship stage, the Main Stage, plays host to some of Australia’s best heavyweight acts.

Australian music icon Peter Garrett will perform in new act Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, whose debut album, The True North, debuted at #1 on the ARIA’s Australian Albums Chart in 2024.

They were one of the first Main Stage acts named, alongside pop act Cub Sport, whose 2023 album Jesus At The Gay Bar was a smash hit and ARIA chat topper.

Other notables on the Main Stage include three-time ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko, electronic party anthem producer Young Franco (with new album it’s Franky baby! in tow), and rapper and producer thatboykwame.

If you’re looking to discover a new favourite act, the New Music Stage is where to go. 10 bands and artists, selected from hundreds

of entries, are set to perform. Among a mix of electronic pop, hip-hop, noir country, folk and indie rock, one emerging artist will be voted favourite act. The fan-chosen favourite will secure a spot on one of the main stages at St Kilda Fest 2026 and earn a $5000 cash prize. This year’s lineup includes electronic popster Dyan Tai, dark-country act Leroy Macqueen, and soul/R&B act YARA.

And what else?

Rock-dogs will find the Espy Live Stage a safe bet, with punk act Sleepazoid, cosmic rockers Full Flower Moon Band, and rough ‘n’ tumble Perth fourpiece The Southern River Band all playing it out loud. Elsewhere, the Optus Stage is the destination for wholesome family-friendly entertainment (including DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur). The 18+ zoned Catani Gardens South Stage kicks on with a mix of seasoned good-time acts including EGGY, Private Function and Painters and Dockers. Hip-Hop act 3% will perform tracks from their album KILL THE DEAD at the Catani Gardens North Stage and Amos Roach and Penny Ikinger are some of the must-sees on the St Kilda Locals Stage. Big Festival Sunday, a free all-ages event, is flush with a wide variety of events, activities and workshops, food and drinks, roving entertainers and more, too. Keep an eye out for everything from Latin Street Carnaval to POOF DOOF Pride Patrol to Discoyoga, and save the date.

ST KILDA FESTIVAL

WHERE: ST KILDA FORESHORE

WHEN: 15–16 FEB

This article was made in partnership with St Kilda Festival

FESTIVAL GUIDE

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

NATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL

All month long, the National Sustainability Festival is taking over town with a program of events to educate, inspire, engage and celebrate our environment. From workshops to discussion forums, come together with a community of like-minded folk to combat climate change.

VARIOUS VENUES THROUGHOUT FEB

OPEN AIR AT THE SQUARE

The heart of the city is coming alive for another sizzling month of free open air activities at Fed Square. From outdoor cinema to live concerts, cultural festivals to kid-friendly events, there’s something for everyone at the Square this February.

FED SQUARE THROUGHOUT FEB

FOCUS ON PETER WEIR

Whether you’re a film buff or just want to sink into a good flick to escape the heat, ACMI is putting on a very special tribute to iconic Aussie director Peter Weir, the man behind classics like Picnic at Hanging Rock and The Truman Show. You can catch his catalogue of work on the big screen this month.

ACMI 1–14 FEB

PORT FAIRY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Jazz fans unite. Over 100 bands will perform across a groove-filled weekend at this jazz festival in the charming town of Port Fairy. From New Orleans style to swing and classic trad, there’ll be all kinds of jazz to keep you moving and shaking.

PORT FAIRY 7–9 FEB

MIDSUMMA

Midsumma is ramping things up this month with a whole bunch of festivities across the city. The key events to keep an eye out for are the iconic Midsumma Pride March and the joyous Victoria’s Pride Street Party.

VARIOUS VENUES UNTIL 9 FEB

LUNAR NEW YEAR

Ring in the Lunar New Year in the city’s lively epicentre this month. The Year of the Snake will be celebrated with a day of performances, activities, dance classes, tai chi and – of course – an iconic dancing dragon.

FED SQUARE 9 FEB

LANEWAY FESTIVAL

Fall in love to the soundtrack of your favourite artists at Laneway Festival this Valentine’s Day. With some massive names like Charli XCX, Clairo and Beabadoobee on the lineup, summer has never sounded so good.

FLEMINGTON PARK 14 FEB

RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Swap the city for the bush at Riverboats Music Festival, featuring an all-star lineup that boasts some of the best in homegrown talent. Sink into a spot by the Murray River and let the tunes wash you away.

ECHUCA-MOAMA 14–16 FEB

OK MOTELS

Beloved regional festival OK MOTELS promises a charming weekend away in Charlton. Quirky, quaint and quietly beautiful, this is a festival all about music, mates and great times. Willing partygoers can even marry a mate!

CHARLTON 21–23 FEB

ST KILDA FESTIVAL

The south side of the city is cranking up the volume this summer with the iconic St Kilda Festival keeping the party going. They’re not fluffing around with the lineup, either. Some of these massive names include Peter Garrett, Cub Sport and Jem Cassar-Daley.

ST KILDA FORESHORE 15&16 FEB

AFRO-CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

This free celebration of all things AfroCaribbean food, music, costume and sound-system culture is an open invitation to all those wanting to join in on the fun. With three international superstars performing, come ready to dance.

FED SQUARE 15 FEB

ASIA TOPA

Asia TOPA is back, bigger, bolder and better than ever before. This triennial is a celebration of a kaleidoscope of culture from across the Asia Pacific, including arts, food, music, performance and community. This edition’s program boasts everything from a nightclub at the Arts Centre to a free food festival at Fed Square.

VARIOUS VENUES FROM 20 FEB

MELBOURNE ART FAIR

Melbourne Art Fair is putting on one sizzling show this month with works from over 100 new and iconic artists. Peruse the collections and get lost in a world of creativity and inspiration.

MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE 20–23 FEB

ANTIPODES FESTIVAL

Naarm is getting its very own slice of Greece this month. Expect an abundance of stalls, surprises, artists and performers to celebrate all things Greek at the Antipodes Festival in the heart of the CBD.

LONSDALE STREET PRECINCT 22&23 FEB

KNOTFEST

From the minds of Slipnot, Knotfest is back in town to cap off February with a counter cultural experience of metal music. This year the festival will also be excitingly debuting the revamped Knotfest Museum.

FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE 28 FEB

21 March

23 March 2024

Victoria

Hiatus Kaiyote ‣ Pond

MJ Lenderman & The Wind

Empress Of ‣ Kaiit ‣ Floodlights

Marcellus Pittman ‣ ORB

dameeeela ‣ Osmosis Jones

Guitar Wolf ‣ Pureblast ‣ Armlock

Chee Shimizu ‣ Twine ‣ Eggy

Big Yawn ‣ Empress ‣ Miles Nautu

Proto Moro ‣ Pop Filter

Annie-Rose Maloney ‣ Mika James

Think About You ‣ Follow The Robin

Npcede ‣ James Range Band

STAGE GUIDE

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

This icon of the musical theatre world is making a trip down under for an unmissable season this summer. Whether you know the words to all the songs from this Tony Awardwinning musical or you’re keen to discover your new favourite show, Dear Evan Hansen is a safe bet.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE 1–16 FEB

DARKFIELD

You haven’t seen a show like this before. Taking place inside a custom-built shipping container, Darkfield is a multi-sensory audio series that is experienced in complete and utter darkness. Try something different this month and step into the shadows of the sonic spectrum.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE 1–16 FEB

MILO HARTILL: BLACK, FAT AND F**GY

A jack of all trades is coming to town as Milo Hartill takes over Naarm this February. Part cabaret, part everything else – if you’re looking for a night out filled with laughs and songs, this is it.

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE 3–6 FEB

LIZA’S GOOD JUDY

A one-woman show that will see Manda Rozen-Flannery make her solo show debut, Liza’s Good Judy is a love letter to power couple Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli and their iconic discography of hits.

THE MOTLEY BAUHAUS 6 & 7 FEB

HUFFLEPOOF

If you’re a fan of the wizarding world and thirsty for some queer romance, HufflePoof should be at the top of your list this February. A reimagination of characters from the Harry Potter series, this show offers a new perspective to the known tale.

SPEAKEASY THEATRE 8 FEB

MAGICIANS AT WORK

The old guard are joining the emerging talent at Magicians at Work this month. An Australian Institute of Magic magician will be guiding a new wave of magicians through the show as they try out all their best tricks and illusions on their audiences.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE 12 FEB

TRUTH

From Australia’s most awarded playwright Patricia Cornelius comes another stellar show that examines the pillars of contemporary society. If you’re after hard-hitting theatre this February, check out Truth, an exploration of power, corruption and the complexities of honesty.

MALTHOUSE THEATRE FROM 13 FEB

NEVER HAVE I EVER

A meal of a show, Never Have I Ever follows two couples as they get together for a last supper to commiserate their failed restaurant venture. Chaotic, sexy, tense and certifiably hilarious, the way that these characters fall apart is one hell of a treat.

FAIRFAX STUDIO, ST KILDA FROM 15 FEB

MEERTA: RISE UP! THE BALLAD OF JAMES ARDEN

Sacred storytelling is on full display as David Arden shines a spotlight on the treasured history of his great-grandfather. As a co-founder and co-musical director of The Black Arm Band, David’s concert show reflects a story of identity, friendship and truth telling through the eyes of activist James Arden.

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE 15 FEB

DIE MEISTERSINGER VON NÜRNBERG

Royal Exhibition Building is getting an opera takeover this month with the epic four and a half hour production of Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg. This very special event boasts an all-Aussie cast, plus international Wagner expert Anthony Negus as conductor.

ROYAL EXHIBITION

BUILDING 16, 18, 20 & 22 FEB

A NIGHTTIME TRAVESTY

Buckle up for the show as this First Nations vaudevillian musical nightmare takes centre stage. There’s a bit of everything going on in this performance – cheek, humour, heartbreak and horror – and none of it in the way you’d expect.

MALTHOUSE THEATRE FROM 19 FEB

TINY, FLUFFY, SWEET

If you’re a sucker for anything cute, you’ll be a fan of Tiny, Fluffy, Sweet. This show by theatre maker and artist Ran Chen is an exploration into the world of cuteness – what makes something so, what makes it not and why we’re so obsessed with it to begin with.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE 21, 22 & 23 FEB

THE FEMALE POPE

As Asia TOPA sweeps through town this month, it brings some spectacular shows along with it. The Female Pope is a threehour interactive performance inspired by the 10th-century Pope Joan and Hindu Goddess Kali. Experience the power of this jaw-dropping performance as it examines misogyny in society and religion.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE 27 & 28 FEB

GAPU ŊUPAN (CHASING THE RAINBOW)

Another event on the Asia TOPA calendar, Gapu Ŋupan is a portal to Country. This First Nations commission isn’t one to miss out on this month, with song, dance, atmospheric sound design and large-scale visuals all contributing to one transcendental show.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE 27 & 28 FEB

ASIA TOPA CLUB 8

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

ASIA TOPA CLUB 8 PROGRAM:

FEB 20

OPENING NIGHTLIFE

FT: Big Bao, Scarlett So Hung Son (Scotty So), Rainbow Chan and Aurora Labeija

FEB 21

INAMO KIKI BALL

FT: Kianna Oricci of the House of Oricci and Mirasia Silky of House of Silky

FEB 22

SHAPESHIFTERS

FT: Phasmahammer (Justin Talpacido Shoulder) and PANELIA

FEB 27

AARI? ARAY!

FT: Fateeha, Miss A of Moro Beats and Réjizz

FEB 28

PIN-PIN-PIÀNG-PIÀNG

Curated by Harrison Hall and Cloudy Ku

MAR 1

BLAX: ACT ONE

Curated by YIRRAMBOI, w/ Soju Gang, Katayanagi Twins and nudibranchia

MAR 6

THE PREY AND THE RULER

Curated by ROOM40

MAR 7

CLUB 4A: NIGHT VISION

Curated by Club 4A

MAR 8

THE B_B

FT: Betty Apple and Betty Grumble

When Asia TOPA asked to collaborate with Big Bao for Opening Nightlife – a party to launch both the festival and the hotly-anticipated Club 8 – Vivan Vo says “it was an obvious yes.”

Æ As an artist manager, producer (Big Bao), radio host (Mooncake on Triple R 102.7FM) and DJ (Small Fry), Vivan knows an epic project when she sees one.

After spinning tracks for Friday Night Social in November, Vivan got a taste of the vibes that Asia TOPA serves up, deeming it her “favourite set of last year.” On Thursday, February 20, she’ll reignite the party for Asia TOPA’s Opening Nightlife at Club 8.

A takeover of the Arts Centre’s Leaper Family Pavilion, Club 8 is kicking off the triennial with an event emblematic of Naarm itself. As the late-night element of Asia TOPA’s sprawling program, Club 8 is set to run over nine exhilarating nights, bringing experimental art, musical mavericks and a handful of surprises.

The name, inspired by not only the club’s eight-floor location but also Chinese numerology, represents luck, prosperity and success. Across three weekends, the space will host the INAMO Kiki Ball, a celebration of Naarm’s Ballroom culture, 乒乒乓乓 pin-pin-piàng-piàng, a gender-fluid rave, THE B_B, a “transcendent dance ritual” and so much more.

But first, Opening Nightlife will christen the space with a bang. Both leading and playing at the event, Vivan notes how the diversity of the different roles “tends to feed into and inform the work of each other.”

“Presenting Mooncake on Triple R 102.7FM probably inspires me the most,” she reflects. “On the show, I’m known for my wonky but well-rounded music taste and for championing Asian music and artists of the Asian diaspora. It influences the selections for my DJ sets as Small FRY and curation of artists for lineups as an event producer for Big Bao.”

Working alongside Angela Schilling and Yeo Choong, Vivan’s work in Big Bao centres around curating for venues and events to produce lineups that dreams are made of.

“We love working with organisations who recognise excellence in the Asian artistic community, looking to support local musicians and DJs,” Vivan says.

Big Bao has collaborated closely with Asia TOPA to present “a Lazy Susan of Asian excellence across music, drag and performance.”

“With many months in the kitchen, the theme to the curation was serving an exploration of sounds and visuals, blending tastes and colliding art forms,” says Vivian. With Big Bao’s vast network of creative peers, friends, influences and “wild cards”, the lineup for Opening Nightlife doesn’t get much better than this.

“The first musician of the night is touching down from Gadigal – experimental artist AnSo,” Vivan says. “We have Naarm’s finest in Rainbow Chan and Yeo, who will be dropping surprise performers in their sets as well. In between, roaming performances from MaggZ, drag masters Scarlett So Hung Son (Scotty So) and Aurora Labeija, gracing us from Thailand,” she continues. “At the top and tails of the night, Small FRY and kāmna are on the decks with specialised niche sets.”

When it’s her turn to perform, Vivian promises a set catered to a wide range of Asian-inspired tastes.

“I’m planning on playing a full mix of high-energy K-pop with a splash of V-pop: think NewJeans, CL, TWICE, aespa...” she says. “I’ll be dancing the whole time from behind the decks, supporting all the performers.”

“But once kāmna takes over with her Punjabi/Bollywood/South Asian closing set,” she continues, “I’ll make it to the dancefloor.”

ATH-CKS50TW2

WORDS BY CHRISTOPHER HOCKEY

Legendary Japanese audio experts Audio-Technica have been consistently excelling in the wireless earbud market for many years now.

Æ So, it should be no surprise that they have once again knocked it out of the park with their new ATH-CKS50TW2 earphones, a pair of premium wireless earbuds that boast an ultra-long battery life as well as an impressive myriad of other top of the line features.

With a monumental full-spectrum sound that really makes an impression, these earbuds feature a brand new innovative technology Audio-Technica are calling Magnetic Switch. Magnetic Switch allows the earbuds to automatically switch off when they are joined together by their built-in magnets, thus preserving power without the need for their charging case. This is a really handy feature for when you’re on the go and helps you avoid losing an earbud which, up until now, was one of the only drawbacks of going wireless.

These new earbuds’ battery life consists of an impressive 25 hours from the fully charged headphones themselves as well as an additional 40 hours from the charging case. Additionally, a quick five-minute charge provides up to 90 minutes playback if you’re in a rush, as we all so often are. Aside from the practicality and convenience of an extra long battery life, Audio-Technica have ensured these earphones not only sound great but are laden with as many handy, modern features as possible.

With both hybrid noise-cancellation and hear-through technology, these headphones are highly adaptable to any listening situation. With the touch of a button, a noise-cancelling mode that utilises both feedforward and feedback processes is engaged, blocking out ambient noise from your surroundings. Conversly, when you need to stay aware, hear-through and talk-through modes allow you to keep in touch with your surroundings, ideal for both music and calls when situational awareness is paramount.

In addition to these built in modes, these headphones are compatible with Audio Technica’s brilliant Connect App, which allows for all sorts of fine tuning via your smartphone or tablet. From the app, users can track their product using a device location feature, adjust EQ, utilise voice control and engage low latency mode, which optimises the earphones for a smooth gaming experience. The ATHCKS50TW2’s also have a highly unique soundscape mode, providing lush and comforting nature sounds for relaxation, noise-masking to aid concentration, and meditative sounds.

As one would expect from Audio-Technica, these headphones have a well thought out, ergonomic design that includes a customisable, multifunctional control button. Depending on the user’s preferred settings, the customisable button can control playback, volume or voice assistance. Also compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, these buds are designed for optimal convenience and connectivity and, thanks to a multipoint pairing function, can connect to multiple devices at once.

Most importantly, these earphones are incredibly comfortable, expertly designed to sit perfectly in your ear. The luxurious hybrid eartips combine hard and soft silicone that provides a secure, comfortable fit and prevents sound from escaping, ensuring optimal performance. Amazingly, they’re also highly water and dust-proof, making them an excellent investment that will have plenty of longevity.

For the audiophiles out there, rest assured that this new effort by Audio-Technica more than lives up to their good name. Starring 9mm drivers that produce clear, articulate sound with a generous bass response, these headphones have a crisp, balanced full range sound that is a cut above the competition. Additionally, they are endowed with dual high-performance MEMS microphones and beamforming technology, which guarantees superior call quality, even in the noisiest of environments.

Finally, the ATH-CKS50TW2 headphones look great, with a slick, modern design and three available colours: black, green and beige. Their larger size is necessary for sound quality, bass response and their array of internal features, but they are not at all cumbersome or uncomfortable. Considering all of their excellent aforementioned features and connectivity options, as well as compatibility with wireless chargers, these earbuds are very reasonably priced at $329 RRP and are a definite upgrade from comparable products.

The incredibly long battery life of these earbuds, assisted by Audio-Technica’s excellent new Magnetic Switch feature, is a real problem solver for people who favour wireless in-ear headphones for all their listening needs. Whether you’re enjoying music, gaming or taking an important call on the go, these buds are reliable, long lasting and highly adaptable to different environments. A versatile, high quality choice with excellent sound, premium comfort and more features than you can poke a stick at, the ATH-CKS50TW2’s are a home run.

To find out more about Audio-Technica’s long lasting, versatile ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds, head to their website. This article was made in partnership with Audio-Technica.

MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

Æ Boasting Australia’s largest showcase of guitars, guitar products and guitar playing, the Melbourne Guitar Show will be taking over the Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds over the weekend of Saturday March 1 and Sunday March 2.

Melbourne Guitar Show has got a little something to tickle every guitar-lover’s fancy this year. From iconic global brands to locally-made gear, you can expect to find all the guitar goodies you wouldn’t find anywhere else – not even your favourite music shop.

Across the accessible new venue, the show will take place over three exhibitor rooms, performance and workshop rooms, and all on one easy level.

Of the spaces to explore, there will not only be the main exhibitor hall but also whole rooms dedicated to acoustics and Fenders. Other exhibitors include Yamaha, Manny’s Music, Crossley, BOSS/ Roland, Music Junction and plenty more. There’ll even be a selection of food trucks awaiting hungry bellies outside the venue, so you can divvy up all that guitaring with a tasty snack.

Melbourne Guitar Show are making every kind of punter happy with the newly-introduced Quiet Time. Exactly what it sounds like, Quiet Time will be two hours of no amps each morning of the show. After those two hours, it’s time to rock on.

Not only will you be able to peruse the country’s largest showcase of guitars and equipment over the course of the weekend, you’ll also be able to learn a thing or two about how to use them.

The brand new Make Music program will include a series of workshops for you to get involved, spanning guitar workshops by Rock Academy to songwriting workshops by I Heart Songwriting Club.

Plus, there’s some good news for everyone who falls into the middle section of the guitars and pets Venn diagram – The Pet Show will be on just next door to Melbourne Guitar Show. While you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket to The Pet Show, the cheap-as-chips price of the Melbourne Guitar Show tickets make it a little easier to do so.

Kids under 12 also get into Melbourne Guitar Show for free, so bring the whole family along to check out some of the top-notch guitars, gear and players on display.

SHORTPARIS

Æ Shortparis is all about searching for new terrain. New sounds, new feelings, new corners of the world – these experimental artists know no limits on their hunt for discovery.

Speaking from Saint Petersburg – a snowless, dark-filled “grey winter kingdom” in northwestern Russia – the band is preparing for their first Australian shows, with performances scheduled at Max Watt’s in Melbourne and Oxford Art Factory in Sydney.

Consisting of Danila Kholodkov (drums, percussion, bass, vocals), Nikolai Komyagin (vocals, keyboard), Alexander Ionin (bass, guitar, bayan) and Pavel Lesnikov (drums, sampling), Shortparis have built a reputation for provocative performances since forming in 2012. They’ve supported the likes of The Kooks and alt-J, toured internationally and played festivals across the world.

Known for shows that push the boundaries of the sonic spectrum through unthinkable experimentation, Shortparis delivers chaotic, loud and emotional performances. “To me, Australia seems like a different world, something unearthly, and visiting it verges on magic,” Pavel says.

Wild shows make for wild shenanigans, on stage and off, and Shortparis are no strangers to letting the chaos of live performance get the better of them at times.

“Our shows are indeed an absolute wild ride that we never tire of taking,” Danila says. “When something goes wrong on stage (technically or emotionally), I feel like our painstakingly-built house of cards begins to crumble, whereas the audience seems to feel the complete opposite,” he continues. “I was once so pissed off with our sound engineer that I threw my drumsticks at him, for which I still feel ashamed,” Pavel adds. Borrowing elements from punk, electronica and folk, their sound transcends generic classification. The band sings in French, English and Russian, delivering cascading messages that may not be understood linguistically by foreign audiences, but resonate emotionally. “We’ve never been a logocentric band,” Nikolay says. “I suppose we could play even in front of a pack of dogs, and empathy would help us get across the core meanings of our songs.”

Despite their growing prominence, the band maintains a humble approach. Their rider consists only of an icon of Nickolas the Wonderworker, towels, and drinking water – though Nikolay admits to occasionally “reallocating” treats from other artists’ festival tents.

MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW

WHERE: MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS

WHEN: 1 & 2 MAR

This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Guitar Show

SHORTPARIS

WHERE: MAX WATTS

WHEN: 31 JAN

This article was made in partnership with Shortparis

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

Credit: Jason Rosewarne

SECTION 8 BEACH PARTY

WORDS BY LIAM HEITMANN-RYCE-LEMERCIER

Æ Five tonnes of sand will transform a Melbourne laneway into an urban beach this summer as Section 8 brings back its beloved Beach Party for its 19th birthday celebrations.

Running from 24 February to 2 March 2025, the weeklong festival aims to bring “an unserious approach to the city” for those unable to escape to the coast. The free event has become a Melbourne institution, known for turning a small bar into a tropical paradise complete with sand, live music and even sandcastle competitions.

The diverse week-long program features something for everyone: from free basketball shootouts and live jazz with the Milk Bar House Band to immersive visual performances by Kurious Kat. Beach-themed decor will be curated by Saoko Collective, with projections potentially appearing on inflatable sharks.

A highlight of this year’s festival will be Soul Sessions, the UK-born creative arts and music hub now based in St Kilda. Known for hosting DJ sets in their fish and chip shop, the collective will celebrate their 100th episode at the Beach Party. “We’re long-time admirers and have always been fans of Section 8 and everything it stands for,” says the Soul Sessions team, who plan to record live sets for their online platforms.

The festivities kick off with basketball and close with a Latin American party, featuring performances throughout the week from artists including Amin Payne, Taijae, the Milk Bar House Band, Kurious Kat, PK and friends, and Soul Sessions, before concluding with Isu Taki DJs.

The event will feature drinks from Skrewball Whiskey and other partners. “People who live in this city are up for anything,” says the Section 8 team. “Our events really stand out, not just because they’re free, but because they’re so community-focused with carefully curated lineups. No two nights are the same here.”

The Beach Party exemplifies Melbourne’s vibrant cultural scene, offering a unique urban escape that combines music, art, and community spirit in the heart of the CBD.

BUNJIL SUMMER STAGE

WORDS BY LIAM HEITMANN-RYCE-LEMERCIER

Æ Bunjil Place launches Summer Stage, transforming the space between Berwick and Dandenong into a cultural hotspot from January 14 to February 14, 2025. The month-long program features comedy, dance, workshops, movies and more in the central plaza.

The lineup includes unique experiences like yoga sessions with goats, bunnies and piglets, alongside pop-up playgroups, circus skills workshops, DJing classes and a Paul McCartney tribute.

KOZY FEST, curated by R&B artist Squid the Kid, kicks off on February 1. The free 16+ event runs from 4pm to 11pm, showcasing globally touring artists and local talent from Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

The Citybound Country Music Festival debuts on February 9, headlined by Taylor Moss, whose album Firecracker hit #2 on the ARIA Country Album charts. Victorian artists feature prominently, including Hazel & The Thief, fresh from touring with ARIA winner Fanny Lumsden.

Comedians Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh bring their internationally acclaimed wine-tasting comedy show In Pour Taste to Summer Stage. Joined by wine expert Sergio Carlei, they blend wine appreciation with comedy, poking fun at wine culture while sampling five premium wines.

Valentine’s Day sees cabaret star Dolly Diamond return to Melbourne following successful runs at Edinburgh Fringe and Midsumma Festival 2023. The variety show features three notable performers: Victorian Opera’s Iva Rosebud, Adelaide Fringe Best Cabaret winner Jens Radda and Melbourne drag artist Azcadelia. Rounding out the program is Glitter Groove, the southeast’s premier queer party, running as part of both Midsumma Festival and Summer Stage. Following its successful 2024 debut, the event returns on February 7 from 5pm, promising drag performances, dancing, and high-energy music for the LGBTQ+ community.

Most events take place at Bunjil Place’s central plaza, offering entertainment suitable for all ages and interests, from family-friendly activities to evening entertainment.

SECTION 8 BEACH PARTY

WHERE: SECTION 8

WHEN: 24 FEB–2 MAR

BUNJIL SUMMER STAGE

WHERE: BUNJIL PLACE

WHEN: UNTIL 14 FEB

This article was made in partnership with Bunjil Place

EMILY WURRAMARA

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

With the release of her sophomore album, a national tour to launch it, a historic ARIA win and now an encore tour to take NARA back on the road, Emily Wurramara has had a dizzyingly big year.

Æ

But the multi-award-winning artist, author, producer, activist and proud Warnindhilyagwa woman isn’t fazed by any of it. “I’m feeling great,” she says. “I’m feeling grounded, feeling ready to go into 2025.”

After going through so much, remaining grounded in who you are and where you come from would be no small feat. But Emily holds each of these notions close to her heart – and her music – so it’s no surprise how content she feels about where she’s going from here. It takes a lot to usurp Emily Wurramara. There’s perhaps no greater testament to that than the musician’s latest album, NARA, named after an Anindilyakwa word that means ‘nothing’. The collection of songs came about after a devastating fire in 2019 that saw Emily lose her house and everything in it.

Besides ‘nara’, Emily points out that the only other language word that appears on the album is ‘yo’, which means ‘yes’. “I’ve purposely done this because I think language is for mob,” she says. “It’s a privilege for people to hear language. It’s not a right. As an Indigenous woman, that’s something that I’m proud of and that’s a lived experience I have to wake up to every day. It’s important to see the art and the music to feel that.”

A cascading journey that transcends genre, NARA sees Emily soaring through the sonic spectrum, picking up some blues, indie, country and folk along her way. It’s as heartbreaking as it is heartfelt, as strong as it is sensitive. It’s an album that, Emily agrees, is best heard live.

“This album deserves to be heard by everyone in this way, in a live way,” she says. “I get really deep and personal and I think it helps people understand sonically the direction that I was going with this album.”

While Emily initially toured NARA in late 2024, she’s getting the band back together for a slew of encore shows this February and March. Among the tour dates is a show at The Workers Club in Fitzroy –Emily’s first Naarm headline show in nine years.

Bubbly, bright and a bloody good performer, she admits that she’s “better at just yarning with people one by one, to their face”.

“I’m a bit of a storyteller, so I love connecting with people in that way,” Emily says. “I think hearing my mom tell me stories and growing up with that in my culture, it’s just a natural thing for me to do.”

Emily’s natural ability to connect to people through music is a gift she’s nurtured since she was a teenager. Throughout NARA, a kaleidoscope of stories from across Emily’s life emerges. The oldest song – Magic Woman Dancing – she wrote when she was in high school. Emily says her younger self always had big dreams for the future.

“I feel like she always knew that something’s gonna happen, but not to this extent,” she tells me.

“It’s a big, courageous thing to open up and be vulnerable in this way and that was something that younger me would’ve been like, ‘fuck no, get the fuck away,’” she says.

“I think she’d have a bit of a meltdown if she learned that she won an ARIA, to be honest. A bit of a freak out. But I think she’d have even more of a meltdown knowing she was friends with Missy Higgins.”

Emily’s ARIA win last year for Best Adult Contemporary Album is an experience the musician describes simply as “surreal”. The glory of the win was compounded when it was announced that Emily was the first Indigenous woman in history to win in that category. The significance of that isn’t something Emily takes lightly.

“I was walking up and I was thinking of my grandmother and how she lived her life as a black woman in this country, and how someone had said to her that her legacy wouldn’t amount to anything because she was a black woman. It was kind of like a ‘fuck you’. I mean, it should have happened years ago. I know so many amazing black women who deserve the recognition and who came before me. I couldn’t have done it without them paving the way and knocking those doors down for me to be able to stand here and create something,” she says.

“Me being the first Contemporary Album of the Year winner Indigenous woman in 2024 – like, come on,” she shakes her head, laughing. “We can do better. But I know I won’t be the last, that’s for sure.”

EMILY WURRAMARA

WHERE:

WORKER’S CLUB

WHEN: 7 FEB

Credit: Jess Gleeson

MEMO MUSIC HALL

SUN

JUMP – THE GERRY HALE YEARS

FRI 14 MOONWALKER – MICHAEL JACKSON’S HISTORY

SAT 15 MACHINATIONS BIG WEEKEND TOUR

FRI 21 THE JOE COCKER EXPRESS MAD DOG VS THE ENGLISHMEN

SAT 22 EUGENE HAMILTON & THE MONEY

FRI 28 ANDREW DESILVA’S DEDICATION TO GEORGE MICHAEL

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

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

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

BAND ROOM

Tuesday 4 February

Moulin Beige

Sunday 9 February

Southbank Jazz Orchestra

Tuesday 11 February

Wordcraft

Thursday 13 February

The Sweet Spot

Friday 14 February

Neptune

Saturday 15 February

Rachael Fahim

Sunday 23 February

Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine

Tuesday 25 February

Drawing Blood

FRONT BAR

Thursday 6 February

Stella Anning

Friday 7 February

Monty Shnier Trio

Sunday 9 February

Rhian Elin

Thursday 13 February

Salvador

Friday 14 February

Olybird

Sunday 16 February

RD Griffith & the Gravy Train

Friday 21 February

Nick Howells

Thursday 27 February

Anthony Probyn

SAT 14TH VIDEO DISCO (Fringe Festival Event)

267 SWAN STREET

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

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

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

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

FRI 6TH BEKA BAKER presents BACK CATALOGUE BOWIE with guest MICHAEL SAT 7TH STEVE LUC AS – A Night of X Music

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

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

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

SAT 14TH VIDEO DISCO (Fringe Festival Event)

SAT 14TH VIDEO DISCO (Fringe Festival Event)

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

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 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

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

FRI 25TH PSYCHO SEQUINZ (Glam Rock Covers)

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

FOUNTAIN LAKES IN LOCKDOWN: A

DRAG PARODY PLAY

For full gig list & event details visit v 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

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

THU 31ST HALLOWEEN TIM BURTON/DANNY ELFMAN

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)

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

Friday 4 April, 7.30pm

“Intelligent, well-written, exceptionally performed, sidesplittingly funny ” Scenestr

After a sold out season at The Sydney Opera Housewith quick wit and camp tunes, this is a fabulous night out for everyone

Tickets selling fast!

IVY WINDSOR

WORDS BY DOM LEPORE

LIVE MUSIC: at IVY features elegant performances all week long by local talent. Karaoke piano from 7 to 9pm every Thursday and piano bar sessions from 7 to 10pm every Friday and Saturday will keep visitors warmly welcomed.

FAMOUS FOR: its luxurious handcrafted cocktail menu. The refined selection is one anyone can indulge in to treat their senses, especially with Happy Hour every night they’re open from 4pm until 7pm.

INFAMOUS FOR: its delectable, immaculately crafted menu of hefty grazing plates and decadent desserts to satisfy your appetite.

Æ As if Chapel Street couldn’t get any more exciting, the iconic shopping and dining hotspot now beholds the sophisticated IVY Windsor – a warm, dignified destination specialising in expertly crafted cocktails and soothing live music.

The relaxed spot is perfect for winding down or enjoying the company of friends for a late night outing. For the cocktail enthusiast, IVY Windsor is to die for. Classic favourites are reimagined with an artistic flair. Flavourful options like the Passionfruit Mojito, Apricot Negroni or the Naked in Manhattan (a twist on the classic Bulleit Rye whiskey) will leave patrons impressed.

IVY Windsor’s platings will also hook anyone into a visit. Its baked camembert expertly crosses the savoury with the sweet –macadamias and crisp pastry shards are topped with a syrupy maple glaze. This appetising option is one of many showcasing the venue’s commitment to gourmet dishes.

The luscious cocktails and unforgettable dishes are completed with a diverse lineup of live music. The venue boasts DJ sets, acoustic performances, piano karaoke nights and piano bar sessions, promising something delightful for every visitor.

Celebrating the art of mixology, music and food, IVY Windor’s certainly an essential visit on Chapel Street.

WHERE:

CHAPEL ST, WINDSOR

3–11PM WED–SAT / 12–9PM SUN

QUADRAPHONIC CLUB

WORDS BY DOM LEPORE

LIVE MUSIC: at Quadraphonic Club consists of any genre you can think of. Its eclectic bookings have something for everyone, with dance-punk, electro-jazz fusion, wonky bass music and country boot-scooting all on offer depending on the night.

FAMOUS FOR: its massive 1950s-style dancehall with a unique four-dimensional sound system. The venue’s stateof-the-art speakers provide a sprawling, rich sound found nowhere else in Melbourne.

INFAMOUS FOR: operating as a community-driven space like an RSL or local bowls club. Memberships are available with additional perks, enticing patrons to directly evolve this community of sound and creativity.

Æ What was once the Pontian Club, Melbourne’s beloved Greek hub on Victoria Street, has transformed into the historical and innovative Quadraphonic Club. Its nostalgic feel and contemporary acoustics make the space stand out among Melbourne’s live venues, offering a live music experience like no other.

It took its name and inspiration from the quadraphonic audio format, or 4.0 surround sound, an early ‘70s invention where speakers are positioned at four corners of a listening space. This antique format has been revitalised for the venue, bringing cutting-edge acoustics that are a mix of the old and new.

Patrons’ first steps through the doors bring them to the whiskey den and DJ booth, leading to the main attraction – a spacious, expansive performance hall geared to unleash unparalleled sound upon their ears. It’s designed for everything from high-octane dance parties to intimate, meditative listening. After all, their motto directs all to “listen carefully”.

Being very open to creative versatility, the club extends an invite to its patrons with its membership system. Joining the program will give members 10% off purchases and discounts on ticketed events. Ultimately, the Quadraphonic Club is a space shaped directly by the people and their love for sound.

SOLACE

WORDS BY AVA VILLELLA

LIVE MUSIC: Solace caters to a diverse spectrum of dance music tastes. Its programming centres around in-house techno-centric tunes on Saturday nights and takeovers and performances from local and international talent on Fridays.

FAMOUS FOR: the iconic venue itself. Taking over the former Croft Institute – a science-themed bar – Solace has transformed the space into a multi-level nightlife experience. Now, the venue boasts a first-floor Bauhausthemed bar, a lounging space on the second floor and a third-story dancefloor with an impeccable sound setup.

INFAMOUS FOR: being more than just a killer venue to dance your woes away. Owned by a team that is deeply connected with record label management, Solace is a creative hub. From production classes to label and EP launches and even film screenings, this new venue makes its mark as a cultural force in Melbourne’s night scene.

Æ Located in Melbourne’s Chinatown, Solace is a fresh addition to Melbourne’s nightlife, celebrating art and dance music. Operating from Wednesday to Saturday, it offers the perfect place to let loose and de-stress almost every night of the week.

Driven by the masterminds behind the events company Static, Solace aims to bring an eclectic variety of DJs – both underground and internationally recognised – to its venue week after week. Decked out with Funktion-One’s state-of-theart Evolution 2 sound system, this venue affirms its status as a haven for dance music enthusiasts and partiers alike.

The team at Solace is dedicated to curating unforgettable experiences. The extensive bar offers a variety of fun and funky drinks to try, complemented by a comprehensive selection of quality local wines. In addition to its consistently exceptional lineup of talent, the venue itself is a sight to behold with a vast feature wall and a grand staircase.

No matter what you choose, if you’re at Solace, you’re in for a treat. Make sure to keep your eye on this new venue, where great nights, incredible music and unbeatable vibes are always guaranteed.

WHERE: 21–25 CROFT ALLEY, MELBOURNE

OPEN: 5PM–1AM WED–THU / 5PM–3AM FRI / 3PM–3AM SAT

Live music, bar & bistro every Wednesday night

Book tickets monash.edu/mpac

Pictured: Alzzy

With new material to play and their biggest Australian tour to date on the horizon, The Kooks prove they’re more than a nostalgia act.

WORDS BY GABRIELLE DUYKERS

THE KOOKS

Æ Known for their catchy choruses and jangly guitar riffs, The Kooks have earned worldwide acclaim as indie-rock icons. For many, their music is a soundtrack to formative years – a reminder of sunkissed summers and youthful abandon.

Yet unlike so many of their contemporaries from the 2000s indie explosion, the Brighton group are anything but a relic of the past. Still evolving almost two decades on from their debut, the band are about to embark on their biggest Australian tour to date. As they prepare to release their seventh studio album, The Kooks prove musical longevity isn’t about clinging to the past, but embracing change while staying true to your roots.

Dialing in from their London abodes, I spoke to the band’s founders, lead singer Luke Pritchard and guitarist Hugh Harris, ahead of their return to Australian shores.

“Australia is the best,” Luke says beaming. “The tone of the Aussie alternative indie scene…is very specific. The groove is very distinctive and it’s changed music in the last five or 10 years. I think we’ve always had this synergy with Australian music.”

Whether this connection comes from a shared coastal backdrop or a mutual love for “heritage rock-n-roll” as Hugh suggests, it’s fostered a devoted Australian fanbase eager to welcome them back. “We drink from the same tap,” Hugh says. “We’re kind of like conjoined but estranged cousins.”

With drummer Alexis Nuñez in tow, the band will play Party In The Paddock, Yours and Owls Festival and five headline shows promising setlists that feature both fan favourites and new material.

“I’ve noticed people are much more receptive now to new songs,” Luke says. “Back in the old days you used to say, ‘here’s a new song’ and you’d get everyone booing. Now everyone’s kind of excited.”

While similar noughties bands like Razorlight and The Fratellis have either faded from the mainstream or struggled to maintain momentum, The Kooks have consistently navigated shifting tides within the industry. They have dabbled in a host of sounds over the years – notes of funk, soul and electropop can be heard in their discography, with hints of Ethiopian jazz and gospel adding further texture to their sonic palette.

“We don’t bind ourselves by genre,” Hugh says, “so we get to access the ‘cream’ of multiple genres – which I guess is pop, because pop music is genreless.”

Describing the band’s DNA as a signature “bounce” with familiar cross-rhythms, the overarching quality that continues to enamour listeners is simpler still.

“I think our stripes are just positive, uplifting and quite authentic reflections of what it’s like being a human at various different ages,” Hugh says.

“We don’t bind ourselves by genre... so we get to access the ‘cream’ of multiple genres – which I guess is pop, because pop music is genreless.”

Lyrically the band have covered serious ground since their quadruple-platinum 2006 debut Inside In/Inside Out. The youthful exuberance and occasional hedonism of their early tracks – tales of drug addiction, impotence and infidelity – have evolved into more nuanced explorations of self-doubt, loss and personal autonomy. For Luke, these new perspectives have been largely influenced by married life and parenthood, as encapsulated on their 2022 album 10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark.

The band’s metamorphosis continues with their seventh album, due later this year. Remaining relatively tight-lipped on the details, Luke and Hugh tease a record that will celebrate their “roots”, focusing on simplicity and space. Using just four instruments at a time, it’s a stark contrast to polished releases like their recent collab with lovelytheband on the synth-pop track, Jeanie.

“It’s been introspective,” Luke says. “It’s been about doing it ourselves and not having a strong personality or direction from a producer or exteriors. It’s been about the musicianship of the four guys in the room.”

This stripped-back style aims to evoke a sense of effortlessness and fun, with themes of “freedom, gratitude, and romance” running throughout. Luke describes the record as one big “love letter” and sought the addition of female backing vocalists – a first for the band – to enhance this motif.

Returning to writing on guitar, Luke says the minimalist approach was a fruitful change. “I just tried to get back to myself a bit and what I was feeling and not try and be too clever.”

After two decades in music, the band’s key to keeping things fresh is simple: stay loose. “It’s really important to keep doing stuff that makes you feel a bit uncomfortable and where you don’t quite know what you’re doing,” Luke says. “Great artists have made terrible albums, but then they come back with something you didn’t expect and it’s incredible. I think that’s much more exciting. We should be allowed to make mistakes.”

For Hugh, The Kooks’ drive to grow and explore feels innate, with no signs of stopping anytime soon. “Curiosity is kind of powered by itself,” he says. “That’s why we’re still doing it and lots of bands aren’t. I guess we just genuinely don’t want to do anything else.”

The group’s longevity must also be credited to the uniquely genuine bond and respect between Luke and Hugh. “We haven’t wanted to not work together, which is very rare for a guitar player and a singer,” Luke chuckles.

“We both have the same sight-line and ethos,” Hugh echoes. “Our core beliefs are very aligned and very simple, and you can’t fuck with that. That survives attacks and it’s robust, so it’s really cool.” As The Kooks were mere teenagers when they were first signed, I asked the pair to share any sage words of wisdom they might give to their younger selves.

“I’d say to just trust in your gut feeling,” Hugh says. “It’s very hard to build a sense of self in a famous band when you’re a teenager. “Don’t do drugs,” he adds sternly, cracking a smile. “No I’m kidding – do do drugs. Do all the drugs.”

Luke rounds out his advice with a healthy dose of The Kooks’ signature optimism. “To the young musicians doing it now, don’t take it all too seriously. Just don’t worry so much, because life goes really fucking quick. It’ll all work out.”

THE KOOKS

WHERE: PALACE FORESHORE

WHEN: 27 FEB

PARTY DOZEN

WORDS BY OLIVER WINN

Listening to Party Dozen’s thick and fuzzy noise rock tunes, you’d be forgiven for assuming the band had 12 members.

Æ But really, only two musical masterminds lie behind the unrelenting wall of sound. What do you get when you pair a soaring saxophone with incendiary drums? You get an wild and unhinged noise rock duo who’ll grab your attention through pure sonic force – even if it means screaming into the fucking bell of the saxophone. Party Dozen’s Kirsty Tickle and Jonathan Boulet have a musical catalogue made up of a coalescence of crunchy saxophone solos, beefy drum beats and fuzzy feedback drenched noisescapes.

Off the back of their most recent album Crime in Australia, some international shows and a set at Meredith, Party Dozen are due to crush the walls of the Croxton Bandroom for

their biggest headline show yet on February 22. With cost of living pressures in mind, tickets are priced at an irresistible $34, though the sheer awesomeness of this band values their shows much higher.

Despite Party Dozen’s Crime in Australia being largely instrumental, this album is by all means conceptual and one only has to look to the album’s name for a hint on its theme. It’s a two part album, with the first half representing order through its more accessible songs, while the other half descends into disorder.

“We began without any theme in mind, just the beginnings of some song ideas. As we were discovering the songs for this album, each song felt more and more at home in an old cop TV series’ soundtrack. The crime theme quickly became apparent,” the band says.

Tickle describes the vibe of the iconic 80s Aussie cop show genre as being quite silly, while simultaneously possessing a really dark and frightening side.

“I think there’s a real silliness to Australian film and television from that era, but at the same time, it’s really scary as well. Like, some of the stories are really fucked up,” Tickle says. What this duo really nails, though, is the representation of such a vibe in their instrumentals. Boulet’s varied yet relentless drumming and abrasive mixing represents the hard edge of crime – gritty and enveloped in feedback and noise. While Tickle’s saxophone definitely has a rough edge to it, the honks are sometimes utilised to invoke a more silly, clown-like sound. The result is “an interesting kind of Yin and Yang” between fear and folly.

The track The Big Man Upstairs and its accompanying music video contextualises the theme within the oppressive rule of past Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke Peterson. From 1968 to 1987, protests against the “hillbilly dictator’s” rule were squashed by the police force, with the punk movement often at the frontlines of resistance. The softer sound of this shoegaze-esque track gives the video’s emotional and confronting scenes of protest a sombre tone, lamenting a time that once was, but thankfully, is no more.

With only two members, Party Dozen maximises on their individual strengths to get as much as they can out of their efforts. The silly Coup De Gronk is just one of Boulet’s “many dumb ideas”, but his drum and bass playing skills, paired with his ability to do the “technical dirty work” of sound engineering bring it all together.

On stage, Tickle’s high octane performance makes their sets incendiary and exhilarating, bringing a physicality to the show Boulet can’t quite achieve being seated behind the kit (though he definitely still gets into it).

Off stage, Tickle also keeps band admin in check, “or else [they’d] be sleeping under a bus shelter”. The duo complements each other nicely in both their skills and personalities.

“We’re good friends. We’ve known each other for a really long time, we kind of make our lives easier as well. We play well together, but we also get along and we tour well together,”

Tickle says.

One of Party Dozen’s best strengths lies in their carefree attitude, prompted by feeling lucky to be in the position they’re in. Indeed, being a successful noise rock band is no easy feat.

“I think we both sort of take on the thought process that we’re really lucky to be here and we may as well enjoy it,” Tickle says.

WHERE: CROXTON BANDROOM

PARTY DOZEN

Credit: @chloemmedia

Credit:

MILDLIFE

WORDS BY OLIVER WINN

There isn’t anything mild about the psychedelic jazz-funk group Mildlife.

Æ Rather, the four-piece’s catalogue is like a swishy soup of musical influences old and new, with spicy instrumentation and galactic production to boot.

The release of their 2017 album debut Phase saw Mildlife transcend the noise of Melbourne’s musical cosmic microwave, amassing an ardent fan base and receiving critical acclaim, including three ARIAs for best jazz album.

This didn’t happen overnight though – Mildlife’s key to success lies within their longevity. As drummer Jim Rindfleish puts it during our interview, Mildlife aren’t “a flash in a pan” band. Since their formation in 2010, the band has been working consistently to get to the place they’re at today.

When writing music, there’s a specific flow-state Mildlife aim to achieve each time they enter the rehearsal studio. The band prefers to write ideas on the spot, rather than planning what an album will look like ahead of time. This is perhaps why their music always feels so authentic and natural, as it’s all created in the moment.

“For us, it’s always about discovering the concept as we write, or after we’ve written,” Rindfleish says. “The only plan we ever have when we write is to start at nine o’clock and leave at five o’clock.”

Rindfleish emphasises how the band’s creative potential is dependent on the chemistry between each member. “If I had a day job and I was working with someone and they were a prick, chances are we’re not going to do a lot of good work together,” Rindfleish says.

Put simply, the songs are only as good as the vibes are. When the mood turns sour – if someone’s had a difficult week, or work’s crazy – then “you try to come at it as best you can with loving empathy for your best friend.”

Each member responds differently though, and sometimes music is the best medicine.

Credit: Brid Winten

“You might go in there… carrying something into the studio… and then you know, neck minute, you’ve got the riff for the first song of the next record. And you’re like, ‘fuck, nothing else matters,’” Rindfleish says.

It’s in the morning when Mildlife are at their most productive – those crucial, caffeinated hours from 9am ‘til noon, when the creative juices are flowing and the mind is at its sharpest. Anytime after lunch produces “diminishing returns”. To best utilise their time, Rindfleish often turns up early to make sure all the gear is ready to go, to minimise interruptions.

There’s a slight irony in setting such strict parameters to achieve a rehearsal environment where everyone feels free to jam whatever ideas come to mind. They could pre-orchestrate ideas and produce music a lot faster, but it would result in a sound that’s forced. Mildlife take extra effort to maintain a vibe where ideas come naturally.

“You need a blue collar work ethic when it comes to being a professional musician,” Rindfleish says.

With each member pursuing their own careers outside of music, the time-heavy writing process isn’t economic. “Sure, we’d love to devote more time to the band, but you know, I’m 34 next week and I’ve got to make sure I can earn some money,” Rindfleish says.

Luckily, though, each member’s career all feeds back into the band. Rindfleish is a mixer and producer, McDowell is a videographer, Shanahan owns a graphic design business and Halliwell plays improv jazz.

“We’re all in a position where all the work we do as individuals feeds into the band in some form,” Rindfleish says. “If I’m chipping away [at music production], it just means I can put a microphone in a better spot come the next album cycle.” Most would think the goal for Mildlife is to get to a point where working a day job isn’t needed, but each member is equally as passionate about their nine to five as they are about the band and wouldn’t want to give it up. It results in quite the precarious balance of work, music and life, but that’s where the dedication pays off.

Next year, the band will be hitting the studio to write new material, with no creative plan in mind, of course. It’ll be the start of another long process: “I think we’ll have to get a few crappy jams out of the way… I don’t expect there to be an album ready to go,” Rindfleish says. “We have to work for it, you know.”

MILDLIFE

WHERE: FED SQUARE

WHEN: 1 MAR

Credit: Kev McDowell

Light hit my face like a straight right

Æ The title of this record – also lyrics in the hip hop-infused song Pavement – reference Mallrat’s penchant for kickboxing and light is treated like a character throughout.

Mallrat’s Alice Ivy collab, Horses – this album’s closer – is breathy, nostalgic sweetness delivered over fingerpicked guitar, strummed bass and occasional percussive piano detail. The opening verse of this career-defining masterpiece

sees Mallrat (aka Grace Shaw) recalling train journeys home from school alongside her little sister Liv, who died last May aged 21. “And if I sat down on platform two/ Could that bring back you?” – there’s a cry in Shaw’s voice in parts and we feel her heartache (even though writing this song predated her tragic loss).

Shaw has admitted that sampling is her “favourite thing about making music” and rates DJ Zirk’s Born 2 Lose so highly she incorporates into not one but two of these tracks: Pavement (which also features a snippet of Cub Sport’s Beg U) and Hocus Pocus – a club banger. The latter features a forlorn hook, which sounds like a crestfallen robot-shepherd searching for his long-lost mechanised flock. Shaw also inhales sharply and deliberately here, using breath as a percussive element, before it all dissolves into sonic stardust.

Did you know? While dancing excitedly to the Hocus Pocus demo during a walk home, Shaw fell over and fractured her arm.

As if savouring a visual, Shaw sings “Mmm-mmm-mmm” before “My angel” during opener My Darling, My Angel – embodying the heart-eyes emoji. Of Something For Somebody – a delicate, introspective moment – Shaw enthuses, “I love disguising disturbed stories and messages in really sweet melodies and I think I did that in a really clever way here” – hmmm, is the protagonist being careless with someone’s heart?

Virtue’s floating-in-outer space vocals (sampled from Butterfly by the Finnish folk choir, Rajaton) propel listeners into an animated landscape of infinite wonder. That 3/4 time garage breakbeat is genius. With its extended a cappella chorus, Defibrillator is “more emo” than Shaw usually allows herself to be and The Worst Thing I Would Ever Do dabbles in shoegaze.

The staccato, loved-up Hideaway (“Think I’m gonna miss ya when it’s time to go on tour)” jogs along at a jaunty pace. Designed for pumping through subwoofers, Love Songs/ Heart Strings maxes out the BPMs until its warped outro – like digital whalesong – brings The Prodigy’s ‘90s rave banger, Charly, to mind. Fascinatingly, the reverb-drenched Ray Of Light draws inspo from Golden Orb Weaving Spiders, which are native to Shaw’s hometown of Brisbane.

Light hit my face like a straight right is one for the dreamers. We’re left feeling airbourne, suspended “on a number nine cloud” in Mallrat’s expansive musical galaxy.

HACHIKU

The Joys Of Being Pure At Heart

Æ During the pando, Anika Ostendorf –the mastermind behind Hachicku – found herself contemplating whether she’d be more successful “swimming from Australia back to Germany or digging a tunnel through the earth”. Then she poured her homesickness and desire to reconnect with family into Keep On Swimming. The Naarm/Melbourne-viaGermany-via-Detroit singer-songwriter/ producer’s childlike vocal delivery conveys wide-eyed curiosity on this one. There’s also a delightfully rambunctious surprise-breakdown – as random as an excitable puppy, all floppy ears and giant paws, suddenly ransacking your picnic – toward song’s close.

Aquatic themes abound throughout The Joys Of Being Pure At Heart (see: opener Don’t Put Your Head Under Water, during which Ostendorf whisper-sings as if teasing a delicious secret). Bubbly sounds – like a school of puckered-up fish mouths breaking the ocean’s surface – open Time Wasted Worrying, which invokes self-compassion.

Ostendorf’s “choir of reassuring angels” (Jessie Warren and Georgia Smith) contribute dreamy harmonies on the harp-enhanced Wild Eyed And Free, until a wacky loop drops us smack-bang in the middle of a kindergarten rave. Do You Like What You See In Me’s vibratory bass and drum machine backing explode in technicolour come the chorus, like catching your reflection in an admirer’s eyes and kinda liking what you see.

With its playful rim clicks, the bouncy Fun For Everyone demands uninhibited movement: “I don’t know where this is gonna go?” – who cares! Time to embrace the unknown. This record’s sonic palette shimmers like sun glitter, with harp (Mary Lattimore), violin and cello (The Newmarket Collective) adding considerable texture. It’s whimsical in the best possible way (think: Feist).

LABEL: DEW PROCESS/UNIVERSAL

RELEASE: 14 FEB

LABEL: MARATHON ARTISTS

RELEASE: 28 FEB

SMOKED SALMON

Smoked Salmon

Æ At the end of Smoked Salmon’s 2023 tour de France – with their French lineup composed of Kim Salmon, drummer Douglas Galbraith and vocalist/guitarists Delphine Ciampi and Dimi Dero – they booked some studio time in Perpignan, near Dero’s home. During these sessions, (We’re All Going To) Hell In A Handbasket – which has been “brewing since Brexit” – was on the boil. As if illustrating the song’s title, a descending guitar riff leaps several octaves, squealing like a trapped demon during the chorus. Salmon (The Scientists, Beasts Of Bourbon, Beasts, Kim Salmon & The Surrealists, Antenna) struts and snarls throughout this doomed prophecy, channelling Iggy Pop.

These Grooves Are Haunted – which is elevated by crisp handclaps, lung-busting high harmonies and punchy drumming – sees Salmon backed by Galbraith, Claire Birchall (guitar, keys) and bassist Jeff Hooker. Smoked Salmon’s “Melbourne Chapter” was also recruited for How Did They Ever Manage?, which poses its titular question to rockstars, politicians, psychopaths, managers and absent fathers (plus more). This track’s theatrical, sprawling guitar solo is gobsmacking.

Salmon clearly loves rhyming lyricism and Swamptacular Vernacular, with its bucket-of-clank percussion and high-pitched synth squall, transports us back to St Kilda’s Crystal Ballroom in its heyday. Standout track Flawed derails into a chaotic, unapologetically discordant instrumental dervish.

Elsewhere, the voodoo magic of Untrue is infused with Ray Manzarek-meets-The B-52’s keys and the loping Just A Little Bit Of Rain acts as down-tempo palate cleanser, during which Salmon shows off his vocal depth. What a thrilling ride! Be sure to check your gig guide for Smoked Salmon’s upcoming Australian tour dates.

LABEL: CHEERSQUAD

SATELLITE FINGERS

Lockdown

Melancholia Vol I

Æ This four-track EP calls a Leonard Cohen lyric to mind: “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

Four years ago, Bernadette Butterworth sat down at the piano, hoping to process and shift her own lockdown melancholia (hence the title). Then synapses fired with the beginnings of Once There Was Light – inspired by the Jane Kenyon poem it shares a title with –and her neoclassical piano venture, Satellite Fingers, was activated.

A serene tone is established immediately here. As Butterworth’s gently lilting piano chords escalate, her sister Jessica’s elongated strings swoop in to mollify the tempest. This is also the case with previous single Universal Flow – a hopeful, strings-enhanced piano meditation.

Opener Anxiety Anthem’s recurring keys motif – which evokes Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells (the theme song from 1973’s cult-status horror film, The Exorcist) – is broken up with moments of reassuring ease. As fluttering keys sweep through Leaf On The Wind, its waltz tempo livens, contrasting the sustained string arrangement.

In the absence of lyrical messages, instrumental music seems to have an inherent ability to awaken memories lodged deep. The allure of melancholy infuses all four of these piano-and-strings creations, which can move you to the core and unexpectedly dislodge trapped emotions. But rather than a morose listening experience, Lockdown Melancholia Vol I is inspired, thought-provoking and therapeutic; ideal for quiet contemplation about the things you love and long for.

Satellite Fingers morphs into an audiovisual project for live performance, with Mark Datiles projecting responsive digital visuals.

TREK

Æ Diet Coke, fried rice, gang signs, stocked car fridges, “a case of Monster cans on the back seat”, pedal to the metal to shake off the daily grind – Shady Nasty’s debut longplayer, TREK , was produced by The Presets’ Kim Moyes and captures the essence of Australian suburbia.

TREK’s album cover features a sudsy black whip – mid-wash – and was shot in the backyard of guitarist/vocalist Kevin Stathis’ family home in Campsie. These Sydney revheads first met in high school, playing jazz, and excel at creating sonic experiments that proudly defy classification – nothing’s off limits.

Of the hypnotic, cymbal-bashing opener G-Shock, Kevin has said: “It’s like, ‘I had the shittest day, at least I can drive my Skyline at 400km/h down Canterbury Road.’” Inspired by one of his close friends tying the knot, Caredbrah (as in: “I always knew you cared brah”) is an ode to lifelong friendship backed by skittish beats.

The heavily AutoTuned I.D.W.L. (I Don’t Wanna Lose) explores the burden of familial expectation (“I go hard as the family’s disgrace”). “Let me close my eyes/ And go back…” – closer 2008 longs for simpler times, when iPods, landlines and knowing all your neighbours were de rigueur.

Deadpan spoken-word, tuneful singing, witty lyrics (eg. “Nautica, Hilfiger/ He’ll figure it out”), complex free-jazz drum patterns, five-string bass lines, metallic guitar loops – this trio sounds like no other band on the planet. Shady Nasty are on the rise, that much is “clear as fuark”.

SHADY NASTY

GIG GUIDE

FEBRUARY 2025

THU 30 JAN

HARMONY BYRNE. EVE DUNCAN Shotkickers. Thornbury. 7pm. $25.

AN EVENING WITH GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $109 - 199.

CIRQUE X & GASWORKS ARTS PARK PRESENTS:

TENDER

Gasworks Arts Park. Albert Park. 8pm. $28 - 40.

LUCKY DIP Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm. Free.

SKABHANGERS

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. Free.

CLAYTON DOLEY’S FLASHY DASHBACKS.

LUKE KOSZAŃSKI, HUICH GOH

Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $20.

BARNEY MCALL: UNFORESEEN

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $25 - 35.

LITTLE FEAT: THE LAST RECORD

ALBUM 50TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE

FT: Oliver Thorpe, Adam Pringle, Tully Ryan, Jan Bangma

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. $34.90.

OSCAR BRUTEN SEPTET PLAYS: THE MUSIC OF MONK & MINGUS

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8pm. $45. INNER SANCTUARY

FT: DJ JNETT, DJ

Jimmy James Whitehart Bar. Melbourne. 3pm. Free.

JAZZ & JAFFLES: 1 YEAR

ANNIVERSARY

FT: Jay Jarome, Barkada, Link v Ness

The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 8pm. Free. EXCESSIVISM. NO QUESTIONS, ELKIE KERSHAW, KEIRA JULIET Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7pm. $15.

SIME NUGENT & THE CAPES

The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

ETHAN CONWAY. SUGARGUM, DEAD ED

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 7.30pm. $16.35. MAKE A SOUND #4

FT: Sam Darcy Band, Grass Stains, Blondehouse, The Satts Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7pm. $17.48..

MANKIND. BLOOD IN THE CHAMPAGNE, GUN LAWS

Bad Decisions Bar. Fitzroy. 7pm. $16.

ROBIN FOX PRESENTS TRIPTYCH

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7.30pm. $60.

TILLY VICKERS WILLIS

Merri Creek Tavern. Northcote. 8pm. $12.

CLARE CHOVEAUX

Morris House. Melbourne. 6pm.

QUEER COMEDY

GALA

Pride of our Footscray Community Bar. Footscray. 7.30pm. $24 - 29.

ONESIXONE

THURSDAYS

FT: Joey Coco. Wunderkind, Cara Murphy, Ed Sutton, Ben Lawrence, Yanni Arsenakis OneSixOne. Prahran. 10pm. Free.

FRI 31 JAN

CHRIST DISMEMBERED + DEADSPACE. IRREPARABLE, REQUITE Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8.15pm. $22.95.

OUTLAWS OF THE UNDERGROUND

FT: Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows, Beautiful Bedlam, TTTDC, Fabulous Contraption Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

RELAYS The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

ELVIS II. LEATHERMAN, THE STATES

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $11.25.

DOGWORLD + GUSH Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm.

CASH SAVAGE (SOLO). JESS RIBEIRO, HANNAH MCKITTRICK

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8pm. $46.

BLAK & FABULOUS Pride of our Footscray Community Bar. Footscray. 8pm. $20.

MIKE TRAMP’S WHITE LION

Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $81.25.

DAUGHTERS OF ROCK. JULIUS, INTREPID, HOWLING MOUNTAIN

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $12.

STAY GOTH: THE SUMMER SPECIAL

FT: Crowley, Daydream Deluxe, Zydrate

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11pm. $12.75 - 28.60.

FRIDAYS WITH GURRIERI

FT: Honey with Mz Risk Whitehart Bar. Melbourne. 4pm. Free. NORTHERN SHINERS

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8.30pm. Free.

BRESH

170 Russell. Melbourne. 10pm. $35.70 - 40.80.

SIMO89

Rebel Rebel. Preston. 8pm.

PHANTASTIC FERNITURE

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $39.76.

THOMAS BYRNE Morris House. Melbourne. 6pm.

SURROUNDED BY SOUND #2: THE BEATLES

Odeon Richmond. Richmond. 7pm.

SHORTPARIS

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7pm. $73.

HONEY. ISADORA, AMIN PAYNE

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $27.50.

BUD WILKINS

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 7pm.

THE FOUR SCOOPS Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. Free.

B# BIG BAND WITH TYRONE NOONAN & LAURA DAVIDSON

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $38. KESSIN. DANNI B, MIMI, STILES, KATIE HILL, SPINN OD, ADAM TRACE OneSixOne. Prahran. 10pm. $15.

JOHN WATERS: RADIO LUXEMBOURG

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $49.90 - 69.90.

MONDO FREAKS

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $22.85.

THE NECKS

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7.30pm. $55 - 75.

THE YACHTSKI BROTHERS

Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 7.30pm. $40. TOBY HOBART.

BYJAYE, MORE

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $28.60. CALUM SCOTT. JOSH HANNAN

Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 7pm. $89.90.

THE ROUND’S BIG GAY GALA

FT: Reuben Kaye, Rhys Nicholson, Mama Alto, Brenda Bressed, Piera Dennerstein, Egson Ham

The Round. Nunawading. 7.30pm. $46.

ZUVA

The Penny Black. Brunswick. 8pm.

SUMMERTIME

SADNESS: A SAD GIRL INDIE PARTY

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 11pm. $11.75 - 22.95.

MR ALFORD

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

AN EVENING WITH GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $109 - 199.

MICHAEL GRIFFITHS - IT’S A SIN: SONGS OF LOVE & SHAME

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 8pm. $50.

HOUSE + PLUS

FT: Hausm8s, Archie Lo, Hella Funk, Julian Joseph

The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 11pm. Free.

SAT 01 FEB

WHEATUS (ACOUSTIC)

Thornbury Theatre. Thornbury. 7.30pm. $57.15.

SUMMER IN THE PARK - LAUNCH

PARTY IN THE HUB

FT: Fem Belling, Adam Canny, La Rumba, Sarah Wang, more Maranoa Botanic Gardens. Balwyn. 6pm. Free.

NOT SO BIG

BAND: A NEW TAKE ON DISNEY

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

SIN CITY

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. Free.

JAZZ ARVOS

The Motley Bauhaus. Carlton. 5pm. Free.

KOZY FEST

Bunjil Place. Narre Warren. 4pm. Free.

TAKEE ALIF. ADAM MENDUM, FRIGGY Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 8pm.

PHANTASTIC FERNITURE

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. MUNROE Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 2.30pm. Free.

THE FINN BROTHERS TRIBUTE

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $38.86.

FALLWEATHER. SUNBLEACHED, DRUID, DETESTOR Leadbeater Hotel. Richmond. 7pm. $26.95.

INGRID & THE MINISTERS

The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

DREADNAUGHT + THE ETERNAL. FRANKENBOK, FALL & RESIST, ANA Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 7pm. $29.10.

SLOW GRIND

80’S #14. CLEAN COIL, KOI FISH Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $15.

EMO NEVER

SLEEPS: DIVORCED DAD ROCK NIGHT. IOAKIM Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11pm. $22.49.

MIDDLE AGE

FANCLUB. THE LIT ILLUSIONS, DJ SAUL KNIGHT, DJ PENELOPE BRITPOP Odeon Richmond. Richmond. 7pm. $20.

ROSARIO DE MARCO

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 6pm.

THE DANNY

WALSH BANNED

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 9pm. Free.

KOO KOO

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 1pm. $49.90.

THE DAN

MOUGERMAN AFRO CUBAN QUARTET

Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $30.

KARLA ADELE

Morris House. Melbourne. 8pm.

MUNCHY DOLPHIN + FRANKY & ALZZY Bar 303. Northcote. 7pm. $15 - 25.

THE BEATLES LEGACY

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 6pm. $40.

TAYLOR SWIFT

SILENT DISCO

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 8pm. $17.85 - 43.90.

LUKEY2LEGS.

SUZIE SO BLUE, JAKE DALBY

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 1pm. $25.

DIZZEE RASCAL. SONGER

Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 7pm.

KXB SUMMER

PARTY

FT: KXB, Thrush, Vanessa Worm, Nez DJs

Grace Darling Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $15.

HANA & JESSIELEE’S BAD HABITS + MILLY STRANGE

Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

TAMALA SHELTON & TENZIN CHOEGYAL: CRADLE OF LIFE

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7pm. $50.

SUNSHINE TIP + KATANKIN

Merri Creek Tavern. Northcote. 8.30pm. $20. BMW OPERA FOR ALL Federation Square. Melbourne. 5pm. Free.

THU 06 FEB

CASH WILLIAMS & NIC MALOUF. K. WALSH & THE PODIUM BABIES Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. Free.

ABCD COMEDY Pride of our Footscray Community Bar. Footscray. 7.30pm. $27.

JOSHUA Morris House. Melbourne. 6pm.

STELLA ANNING

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

MR ALFORD’S

OPEN MIC

The Merri Bar. Preston. 7pm.

SAMMI PALINKAS

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 7pm. $25 - 40.

ALBERT PARK.

HARRISEN HUGHES, FINN KIRBY

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8pm. $17.35.

CAIFEIN. FELLVIEW, PALPITATIONS

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

JOE CHINDAMO

TRIO

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 5pm. Free.

DAVID DOWER TRIO WITH BULGARIAN VOICES

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $40.

JULIARNA CLARK + JOHN MONTESANTE QUINTET: SONGS MY FATHER

TAUGHT ME

Golden Gate Hotel. South Melbourne. 6.30pm. $20.

TAYLOR SHERIDAN

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $20 - 30.

INNER SANCTUARY

FT: DJ JNETT, DJ Jimmy James Whitehart Bar. Melbourne. 3pm. Free.

FRI 07 FEB

HED PE

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7pm. $69.

MAMMON’S THRONE. MUNITIONS, EATEN BY RATS, SLAUGHTERFIELD Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20.40.

WINDWAKER. THOUSAND BELOW, DIAMOND CONSTRUCT, HEADWRECK 170 Russell. Melbourne. 6.15pm. $59.90.

WALIENS. BUSTED CHOPS, HARLEY LUSCOMBE

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $16.35.

BOOF!

Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 8pm.

THE SHERLOCK/ ALBAZI QUARTET

Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $30.

XIBALBA. OUTSIDERS CODE, THRESHOLD, DIZTAIN Corner Hotel. Richmond. 7.30pm. $63.90.

MAJAK DOOR. STIMPIES

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $30.

HEX

FT: Feed Hydra, Daydream Deluxe, Arkhive

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11pm. $12.75 - 28.60.

GLITTER GROOVE: THE SOUTH EAST’S SUMMER QUEER PARTY

Bunjil Place. Narre Warren. 5pm. $7 - 10.

MELB BLITZ #4

Odeon Richmond. Richmond. 8pm. $25.

BOOGIE BROTHERS

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8.30pm. Free.

ALL-STAR PRIDE DRAG BINGO

Pride of our Footscray Community Bar. Footscray. 7.30pm. $15.

LATE SHIFT.

Morris House. Melbourne. 6pm.

SOSA

Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 9pm. $34.70 - 55.60.

MONTY SHNIER TRIO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

BIG BAND FREQUENCY. RHEA JOHN QUINTET

The Penny Black. Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

THREE BASE HIT

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. Free.

AN EVENING OF ADELE WITH CASSIDY LA CREME

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 9pm. $45.

MOODYMANN + MARCEL

DETTMANN + CARL

CRAIG. ALDONNA Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7pm. $76.40 - 86.60.

HINTERLANDT

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

RICHARD ROSS

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

WENDY MATTHEWS

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 6pm. $80.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CONCERT

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7.30pm. $58 - 118.

CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF TOM WAITS’

RAIN DOGS

FT: 10 Years of Tom Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $39 - 65.

SAT 08 FEB

ANATREPTIX

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 2pm. Free.

RADIO VERTIGO

Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm.

PIERRE JAQUINOT TRIO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

BOB MARLEY

BIRTHDAY BASH

FT: Crown Heights, Apple Juice Kid, DJ Dazz, Jesse I, Ras Crucial, Citations, Zare Demus Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8pm. $29.10.

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

JOYS NJAMBI PRESENTS: QUEENS OF SOUL Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 9.30pm. $45.

ELLA THOMPSON

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $32.62 - 39.76.

LIVE MUSIC AT IL VIGNETO: MISS LIZZY & THE OWLETTES

Rochford Concert Lounge. Coldstream. 6pm. Free.

SUMMER IN THE ENDS: DID YOU KNOW?

Bunjil Place. Narre Warren. 5pm. $10 - 20. LIZARD LOUNGE #3 Odeon Richmond. Richmond. 8pm. $20.40.

TILLY LOVELOCK

Morris House. Melbourne. 7pm.

THE MICHELLE NICOLLE BAND

Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $30. THE GOLDEN RAIL + MARK SINTON Merri Creek Tavern. Northcote. 8.30pm. $15.

MATSUMURA PRESENTS: THE SUMMERFLING

FT: Shelly’s Motor Club, Ozone Street, Constellation Prize The Penny Black. Brunswick. 6pm. $20.

GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT. SOLKYRI, TREEBEARD

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $96.40.

SYSTEM OF A DON’T. STRONGER THAN ALL, C()NTACT

Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 9pm. $20.40. BRADLEY SIMPSON: THE PANIC YEARS Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $83.90.

LACHY DOLEY

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 5.30pm. $38.25.

GREAT AUSTRALIAN BANK + THE MUNDAYNES Gem Bar. Collingwood. 4pm. Free.

TOTAL EXTREME AURAL OBLITERATION

FT: Pissbolt, Religious Observance, ESP Mayhem, Tumour

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $11.25. BRAND. AMBULANCE, THE IANS, OUTTA SPITE, TONEMARROW, STEPDAD ADVICE

The Graveyard. Coburg North. 5pm. $17.19. PUNISH. KRUL, ENCIERRO, PROBOSCIS

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $16.35. DR. COLOSSUS + BAHBOON. A GAZILLION ANGRY MEXICANS, LUCIFUNGUS, CASINO STEPDAD

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $33.45. THE MASKELLLOVE BAND

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 9pm. Free. CARL PANNUZZO & THE INDULGENCE

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

PSYCHO SEQUINZ Wheat, Wine & Whisky. Collingwood. 8pm. $11.90. ROLE MODEL. MEDIUM BUILD Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 7.30pm.

MATSUMURA PRESENTS:

THE SUMMER FLING

FT: Ozone Street, Constellation Prize, Shelly’s Motor Club

The Penny Black. Brunswick. 6pm. $22.49.

OZO PRESENTS: DISCONNECT

FT: acrosstheboard, Angustora, Blush Audio, Beno Garcia, GRIGGY, Harral, MARA, Mimi, QU!N OneSixOne. Prahran. 6pm. $10.

CATE TAYLOR & AMLA

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

JAMES ELLIS WITH THE JEALOUS GUYS. RHIZ & THE SUGARPLUMS

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $33.76.

TYLER HILTON

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

BLAKE SCOTT. KATE ALEXANDER, VIOLENCE

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm.

SODA BOYZ. LINEN, MORE

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

GRACIE ABRAMS NIGHT

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

NEW BEGINNINGS AT MIDSUMMA

FT: Madam Nightingale, Cloutie Will

The Motley Bauhaus. Carlton. 8.40pm. $24 - 28.

CIRQUE X & GASWORKS ARTS PARK PRESENTS: TENDER

Gasworks Arts Park. Albert Park. 8pm. $28 - 40.

CRICKET: THE MUSICAL

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $40 - 50. CHINESE NEW YEAR

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $63.75 - 127.

BRAHMS & BEETHOVEN

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7.30pm. $59. THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

The Art House. Wyong. 7.30pm. $65.

THU 13 FEB

SELECT ALL. JADED STATE, MONTY

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 7pm. $12.75.

NANA’S PIE

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7pm. Free.

BOB LOG III

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $23.50.

LEONARDO’S ROBOT. SAN, FLOCKS

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 7pm. $11.25.

OLIVIA DEAN

Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 7.30pm.

EYEDRESS

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $79.90.

TIJUANA CARTEL

Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 7pm. $43.90 - 53.05.

LES THOMAS

The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8pm. Free. INNER SANCTUARY

FT: DJ JNETT, DJ

Jimmy James Whitehart Bar. Melbourne. 3pm. Free.

POWDER BLUE. SOULUTATIONS, MIDDLE ST

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $16.85.

80’S BRAT PACK

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $40.

RHYS TOLHURST SINGS THE CROONERS

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $45.

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: HOPE

Clocktower Centre. Moonee Ponds. 7.30pm. $89.90.

GEORGIA BROOKS + JOHN MONTESANTE QUINTET

Golden Gate Hotel. South Melbourne. 6.30pm. $20. IN POUR TASTE: A COMEDY WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE

Bunjil Place. Narre Warren. 6.30pm. $49.

BARNEY MCALL

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

FCUKERS

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm. $44.90 - 49.90.

BEN SALIBA Morris House. Melbourne. 6pm.

GHOST PARABLE. ADAM MENDUM, BASEMENT

SPACEMAN

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8pm. $15. IN YOUR FACE: NAARM STREET

SKATE MAGAZINE LAUNCH

FT: Lowani, Sorensen, Onelovechild, Crystal, Ty3e3, Nnamdi Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

SAMUEL MARIÑO

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7pm. $30. TYKETTO

Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 7.30pm. $89.90.

FRI 14 FEB

HOOF. KNIVER, MALEFICIUM, RAKELLA Shotkickers. Thornbury. 8pm. $18.35 - 28.80. SYLOSIS. ANGELMAKER

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 8pm. $84.90.

RIFF FIST:

VALENTINE’S DAY. FUNGOOSE, TRASH & THE TREASURES Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

TRACY CHAPMAN TRIBUTE SHOW

FT: Andrea Kirwin & Band Thornbury Theatre. Thornbury. 6.30pm. $50.

CHEAP-SKATE. STEPDAD ADVICE, TUDOR CLUB, ALEXIS REMI

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $16.35.

ANTS. EATS EVERYTHING, FRANKY RIZARDO, MELÉ 170 Russell. Melbourne. 9pm. $54.16 - 84.76.

NO SCRUBS: 90S + EARLY 00S PARTY Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 8pm. $16.35 - 22.

TIM “RIPPER” OWENS

Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8pm. $50.

SHOCK VALUE. W.O.M.B.A.T, LOOSE LIPS, HANDGRENADE HEARTS

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $11.25. THNDO PRESENTS LESSONS IN LOVE: A VALENTINE’S AFFAIR

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30 - 50.

VALENTINE’S DAY WITH THE GEORGINA DOCHERTY QUARTET

Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $30. VOODOO VALENTINE

FT: Adam Rudegeair’s Bayou Tapestry Odeon Richmond. Richmond. 8pm. $28.60.

JUMPIN’ JACK JORDAN

Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 8pm.

JAMES FRANKLIN Morris House. Melbourne. 6pm. AS DECEMBER FALLS

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7pm. $54.90.

THE KILL DEVIL HILLS + KINO MOTEL. MIGHTIEST OF GUNS

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $33.45. NEPTUNE

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm. $23.50.

DJ SHADOW

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $75.68 - 92.

A BURLESQUE TRIBUTE: FILM & FEATHERS

The Penny Black. Brunswick. 7pm. $30. HEARTBREAK CLUB Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 9pm. $11.75 - 22.95.

LOVE-A-OKE

The Motley Bauhaus. Carlton. 8pm. $20.26. TIJUANA CARTEL Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. $49.47.

INGRID & THE MINISTERS

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

MOONWALKER: MICHAEL JACKSON’S HISTORY

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 8pm. $25 - 45.

GRAND WAZOO: FEEL THE LOVE, LIVE THE GROOVE

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $69.97. DOLLY DIAMOND’S RATHER LARGE VARIETY NIGHT Bunjil Place. Narre Warren. 7.30pm. $25.

DORDOR

VALENTINES’ PARTY

FT: Khalse Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 8pm. $99 - 109.

BLACKJACKS. TRUBUG

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $17.35. THE VAMPIRES Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $40.

DAI, CICCIO!: THE GREAT ITALIAN SONGBOOK

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

JOE CAMILLERI & THE BLACK SORROWS

The Round. Nunawading. 7.30pm. $69. SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $75 - 125. THE BALANAS SISTERS

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 8pm. $65.

SAT 15 FEB

THE EARTHQUAKES + THE TOMMYS

Old Bar. Fitzroy. 4pm. Free. CLOSURE IN MOSCOW. THE FALL OF TROY, HAIL THE SUN

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $96.40. SPOONFUL Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm.

LENNY PEARCE: REEF RAVE

170 Russell. Melbourne. 10am. $24.48 - 41.82. FOOTSCRAY FOLLIES

Pride of our Footscray Community Bar. Footscray. 7.30pm. $24.

QUEEN: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The Round. Nunawading. 7.30pm. $79.90.

POUR ONE OUT

FT: The Diggers, Dogs Of Wisdom, Centralia Leadbeater Hotel. Richmond. 6.30pm. $17.85. TWILIGHT SOUNDS

FT: Mitch Tambo, WILSN, DJ MzRizk, The Bamboos, Shaun Kirk, Gusto Gusto, The Delvenes Heidelberg Park Oval. Heidelberg. 3pm. Free. BOB SEDERGREEN & FRIENDS. ANNMARIE

SHARRY CLASSIC Southside. Elsternwick. 8pm. $30.

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

THE D4. MACH

PELICAN, MORE

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $48.45.

HOT TO ROT: BLOSSOM ROT RECORDS TAKEOVER FT: The Vovos, Snowy Band, Jungle Breed, Jacob Diamond, Sunny Morris, more The Curtin. Carlton. 2.30pm. $22.85.

WRONG WAY UP Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 2pm. Free.

SUMMER SERIES: THE TWISTED 15 FT: K+Lab, Ed Solo

The Penny Black. Brunswick. 3pm. $37.90. TO HELL AND BACK: AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER MEATLOAF TRIBUTE SHOW

Thornbury Theatre. Thornbury. 6.30pm. $62.25.

MOLLY NILSSON

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $44.86.

RUDI SOUNDSYSTEM

Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. Free.

RUDIM3NTAL

Festival Hall. West Melbourne. 7pm. $99.90.

RACHAEL FAHIM. MISSY LANCASTER Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm. $25.

OLYMPIC WHITE

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $16.85.

LUKE COMBS APPRECIATION NIGHT

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11pm. $13.80 - 22. BRENDON SIEMSEN TRIO Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: HOPE Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $79.90.

RUDI SOUND MEETS ELECTRODUB EXPERIMENT

Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. Free.

FAT PICNIC. MUNCHY DOLPHIN, OZERGUN

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $16.35 - 23.50.

NADIRA & FRIENDS Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $30.

CLUB COUNTRY

FT: DJ Monk de Wally, DJ Honk

Odeon Richmond. Richmond. 8pm. $20.

SÖJOURN

Morris House. Melbourne. 7pm.

MACHINATIONS: BIG WEEKEND TOUR. ZAN

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $50 - 60.

PACO LARA QUARTET

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $50.

JAZZ ARVOS

The Motley Bauhaus. Carlton. 5pm. Free.

THE ROYAL MOTOWN REVIEW WITH NARDIA & PAUL SLATTERY

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

NEW HEAVIES

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $132.43 - 285.40.

JAIME CONDUCTS AT THE BOWL: DVOŘÁK

GERSHWIN & RAVEL

Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 5.30pm. Free.

SAMUEL MARIÑO

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7pm. $30.

THU 20 FEB

MICHAEL BIRD

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

SKABHANGERS

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. Free.

MIKE STERN BAND WITH DENNIS CHAMBERS

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $55. THE WESTERN BROTHERS: THE MUSIC OF DR WHO Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $45.

INNER SANCTUARY

FT: DJ JNETT, DJ Jimmy James Whitehart Bar. Melbourne. 3pm. Free. THE ROOKIES

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

KANGDANIEL 170 Russell. Melbourne. 7pm. $109.

WILBUR

WILDE + JOHN MONTESANTE

QUINTET

Golden Gate Hotel. South Melbourne. 6.30pm. $20.

VOID OF VISION. GIDEON, UNITY TX, KNOSIS

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 6.45pm. $64.90. TOMMY PRINE

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 7.30pm. $44. TYLER CHILDERS

Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 5.30pm. $102.80 - 143.50.

JACQUI LUMSDEN. LAZY SUSAN, JAMISON, JORDAN BARR

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7pm. $29.13.

MILESTONE: WILLIAM YANG & THE MSO WITH ELENA KATS-CHERNIN

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $30 - 119.

FRI 21 FEB

FAN GIRL. THE GENEVIEVES, GUSH Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20.

THE SMYTHS (THE SMITHS TRIBUTE). BILLY BLAGG

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 8pm. TRANSIENCE. BUSHIDO, TERRESTRIALS, SENTIA

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $17.85. THUNDER FOX

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $22.95. HOT WATER. THE FLATLINERS

170 Russell. Melbourne. 7pm. $79.90.

THE JOE COCKER EXPRESS: MAD DOG VS THE ENGLISHMAN

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

THE PEARLY SHELLS SWING ORCHESTRA

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

DZ DEATHRAYS. DRUNK MUMS, MANNEQUIN DEATH SQUAD

Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 7pm. $58.15.

GROOVE VULTURES. SKYTANIC, SEVEN POUND HALO

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7pm. $10.75. PROMAJA. VOICE IMITATOR, PHANTASM

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8.30pm. $23.50.

CG5

Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 7.30pm. $69.90.

THE VASCO ERA

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $24.

THE BEASTS Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $56.80.

SURE BOY

The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $16.35.

PAT TIERNEY

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm. $25. ALL THE WAY HOME + LITTLE SOMEBODIES

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

FRANKS FISH TANK.

SAM KUCERA, SETH HENDERSON

Tramway Hotel. Fitzroy North. 8pm. Free.

GHOST-NOTE

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $84.

MIKE STERN BAND WITH DENNIS CHAMBERS

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $55.

NARDIA & JIMI HOCKING: A CELEBRATION OF BB KING & ETTA JAMES Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 9.30pm. $45.

SHOCK CORRIDOR

Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. $17.34 - 24.48.

OPERA FOR THE DEAD (祭歌) Space 28 @ University of Melbourne Performing Arts Building. Southbank. 6.30pm. $59.

SAT 22 FEB

LACHLAN DENTON Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 1.30pm. Free.

HUMANE Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm.

PARTY DOZEN

The Croxton. Thornbury. 8pm. $23.50 - 34.70.

G-EAZY Forum Melbourne. Melbourne. 7pm. $101.65.

HARRY JAMES ANGUS

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

SOULED OUT 2025 FT: Don Toliver, Jhené Aiko, Vince Staples, 6LACK, BLXST, Mariah The Scientist, more Caribbean Garden. Scoresby. 12pm. $199.

NTS - NAARM

FT: Acopia, Bridget Small, Business Partner, DJ

Spanish Fly, Exek, Flo Dill, Habibi Funk Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 5pm. $78.23 - 100.67.

DUSK TIL DARK AT MPAVILION: THE NIGHT TERRORS MPavilion. Melbourne. 7.30pm. Free.

JOHN SCURRY’S REVERSE SWING QUARTET Classic Southside. Elsternwick. 8pm. $30.

CRUMBE

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

THE HYBERNATORS + TRAUMABOYS

Gem Bar. Collingwood. 4pm. Free.

FOOL NELSON

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $18.40.

RUM JUNGLE Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8pm. $40.40.

FEVER SHACK. NO WAY OUT, HEAT, JUDGED BY 12, TIMEPEACE

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

MILK BAR GANG. SUBURBAN SPELL, ROLES Odeon Richmond. Richmond. 7pm. $23.50.

AM//PM EMO NIGHT Stay Gold. Brunswick. 8pm. $18.65 - 25.

MIKE STERN BAND WITH DENNIS CHAMBERS

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $55. JAZZ ARVOS

The Motley Bauhaus. Carlton. 5pm. Free.

THE MUSIC OF FLEETWOOD

MAC WITH AMETHYST JANE Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6.30pm. $45. EUGENE HAMILTON & THE MONEY

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $35 - 50. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents SYMPHONIC SHOWCASE

Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 5.30pm. Free. OPERA FOR THE DEAD (祭歌)

Space 28 @ University of Melbourne Performing Arts Building. Southbank. 6.30pm. $59.

BOB SEDERGREEN & FRIENDS.

SAVANNAH BLOUNT

Lido Jazz Room. Hawthorn. 8pm. $30.

Simplify Money