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A Day On The Green taps into the satellite network for their February concert series featuring

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We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Geelong Arts Centre stands, the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, to Elders present and to emerging leaders, recognising their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. Please note: all information within this ad is correct at time of print.

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Tammy Walters

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There is little denying that Forte Magazine and A Day On The Green have a special love affair - the team at Roundhouse Entertainment speak to our souls when it comes to curation and festival programming. This time they have really plucked at our heartstrings, bringing out Irish rockers, The Script. For this month’s cover story, we dive into the band’s lyrical craftsmanship with frontman Danny O’Donoghue ahead of their new album, Satellites, and its accompanying Australian tour.

Æ As the band continues their hot streak, in this September issue we are met with a spectrum of other music career milestones. It spans a refresh for the Hard-On’s, a rejuvenation for Pseudo Echo, a reunion of Little Birdy, a celebration with CKY, a renewal for Theatre Royal, a launch of Geelong Music Network, a return for both Tash Sultana and Dan Kelly, and an orchestrated exit for You Me At Six.

In addition, this month we tackle new tracks from Jamie xx, Fontaines D.C., Ceres, Skegss and It Thing, and test our taste buds thanks to Ooh Baby, Cornerstone Cafe, NO.7 Healesville and Lou’s Pizza & Wine. Come on little heartbreakers - it’s time to charge in!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS

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

DISTRIBUTION

Forte Magazine will be distributed for free monthly to hundreds of regional Victoria locations. To enquire about having Forte Magazine at your venue email distribution@fortemag.com.au

COVER

Our September cover is The Script Credit: Jordan Rossi

NEWS

ARJ BARKER BRINGS

LAUGHS TO THE BELLARINE

Internationally acclaimed comedian, Arj Barker will headline the inaugural Bellarine Comedy Night in October. Presented by local pioneering winery Bellarine Estate, the Bellarine Comedy Night will bring the best of local and international comedy talent to the Bellarine Peninsula. Held off-site at the Parks Hall, Portarlington on Saturday 19 October, the laughs are set to roll in.

Ç KITA ALEXANDER IS YOUNG AND IN LOVE WITH REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

Brisbane-born, Byron-based singer-songwriter Kita Alexander is bringing her Young In Love Tour to regional Victoria this spring. Presented by Untitled Group, Select Music, and Lemon Tree Music, Kita Alexander will head into regional Australia across October and November on her Young In Love Tour including stop-ins to Torquay and Frankston.

Ç MALDON FOLK FESTIVAL MAKES MAGNETIC RETURN

First held in 1974, a makeshift stage was created using hay bales on the back of a truck at the Bill Woodfull Oval. Around 180 people attended. Ian Huxley and his ‘scratch band’ would perform. Fast forward to this year and the likes of Albi & the Wolves, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, and Alan Reid will be taking to the stage from Friday 1 until Sunday 4 November 2024.

Ç THE SMITH STREET BAND HEAD BACK OUT ON THE ROAD FOR ODDS & ENDS TOUR

Having only recently toured the country in celebration of their 15 year anniversary, The Smith Street Band are jumping back into the tour van for 19 shows including three festival stopins (Darwin’s Rock The Bay, How Here? Festival on the Gold Coast and Ignition MTB Festival in Falls Creek) across a decent portion of the country. They will be heading to Warrnambool and Geelong.

THY ART IS MURDER ANNOUNCE MAMMOTH AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Australia’s extreme metal masters Thy Art Is Murder have announced the Godlike headline tour, razing through the country this November. Joined by Brand Of Sacrifice (Canada), Great American Ghost (USA) and Lune, they will be playing five capital cities, starting in Melbourne to play 170 Russell on Friday 8 November.

Ç TISM ANNOUNCE FIRST AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE TOUR IN 20 YEARS WITH ESKIMO JOE, MACHINE GUN FELLATIO, BEN LEE AND THE MAVIS’S

Australia, brace yourselves for a seismic musical event this October and November. After a long hiatus, TISM is making a grand return with their first headline tour since 2004. Dubbed the Death To Art Tour, the tour promises to be a landmark in Australian music history, featuring a star-studded lineup of local legends.

BENDIGO IS IN BLOOM, WELCOMING IN A MOUND OF SPRING EVENTS

For three months, Bendigo is celebrating the warmer weather and the blossoming fields through community festival, Bloom. The region will be transformed by events including Sonic Bloom, an interactive soundwork by Aimee Chapman on display at Rosalind Park, The Regional Gin Gala, the annual Tulip Festival which spreads along Pall Mall and Conservatory Garden, Harvest Moon Festival and so much more.

Ç GEELONG’S FAVOURITE HIP-HOP AND R&B STAR, BARAKA THE K1D DROPS NEW SINGLE ‘ANASTASIA’

Following on from his 2023 EP Ahead Of My Time, BARAKA THE K1D returns with new music. Rising star from Geelong, BARAKA THE K1D, channels Childish Gambino and Frank Ocean on new R&B, pop anthem ‘Anastasia’. Having dropped this week via triple j unearthed, the single is a taste of BARAKA’s upcoming project Neva Cared, set for release in December.

Ç OLYMPIA BRINGS LEAVE YOURSELF BEHIND TOUR TO THE VOLTA IN BALLARAT THIS OCTOBER

Olympia, one of Australia’s freshest and most adored pop figures, has announced a string of headline tour dates weaving across the East Coast this spring. Her Leave Yourself Behind tour will kick off in Brisbane on September 26 before hitting Newcastle, Sydney and Ballarat, then finishing up at Melbourne’s own Brunswick Ballroom on October 18.

ANOTHER MUSIC FESTIVAL CALLS IT QUITS: HARVEST ROCK CANCELS 2024 EVENT

Adelaide’s beloved Harvest Rock Festival has announced it will not be going ahead this year. Set to host its third edition this spring, the festival has taken to social media to let fans know the bad news. Held annually at King Rodney Parks, Adelaide CBD, the festival team did not offer a specific reason for the cancellation, but it is one of many music festival cancellations for the year.

Ç GERALDINE HICKEY, BRETT BLAKE AND LLOYD LANGFORD LEAD GEELONG COMEDY FESTIVAL 2024 PROGRAM

Geelong Comedy Festival unveils mammoth 2024 program, stacked with 67 comedy events set to take over 8 venues across the Geelong region this spring. Running from Thursday 31 October until Sunday 3 November, Geelong Comedy Festival returns for 2024, taking over the Little Malop Street hospitality precinct for a week of side-splitting jokes and anecdotes.

Ç RECIPIENT OF $30,000 GEELONG CONTEMPORARY ART PRIZE

REVEALED

Continuing a long tradition of acquisitive award exhibitions, Geelong Gallery has awarded the winner of their 2024 Geelong Contemporary Art Prize to Bunnythorpe, New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based artist and musician, Travis MacDonald for painting The top of the pond

Ç QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL ADD A STACK OF NEW ARTISTS TO THEIR ALREADY MASSIVE 2024 LINEUP

The star power of Queenscliff Music Festival is on the rise as the annual three-day festival uncovers its second lineup announcement. It boasts the tantalising jungle boogaloo bluesman, C.W. Stoneking, the captivating Emily Wurramara, Sydney’s king of altcountry Andy Golledge and balladeer and poet Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission in front runner position.

BLUESFEST

BYRON

BAY ANNOUNCES 2025 AS FINAL FESTIVAL EVER FESTIVAL

Australia’s most awarded music festival, Bluesfest Byron Bay has announced that the 2025 edition will be its final curtain call. After 35 years of celebrating the best in blues, roots music, and beyond, the legendary festival that has brought worldrenowned artists to Australia, as well as showcasing homegrown talent, will host its last event at the Byron Events Farm, just outside Byron Bay, NSW.

Ç YOSHIMI BATTLES THE PINK ROBOTS TO BE PLAYED IN ENTIRETY AS THE FLAMING

LIPS RETURN TO AUSTRALIA

Five years since their last visit which saw them unleash vibrant orbs over the crowd, beloved US psychedelic rockers The Flaming Lips are returning to Australia for a stellar run of shows. The band will be heading to Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane across late January/early February, playing their highly celebrated seminal album, the 2002 Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in full.

Ç TASH SULTANA AND CHET FAKER TO HEADLINE TWO NEW LIVE AT THE GARDENS CONCERTS

In two massive exclusive performances, ‘Talk Is Cheap’ serenader Nick Murphy, better known as Chet Faker will be jumping up on the Live At The Gardens stage on Friday 22 November in his only Victorian show, and ‘Jungle’ multi-instrumentalist and music producer Tash Sultana will be taking to the stage on Sunday 24 November in their only Australian show.

GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ARTIST ST VINCENT IS COMING TO BALLARAT

ALWAYS LIVE has done it again, this time bringing art rock auteur St Vincent to Victorian audiences. Celebrating her seventh album, the All Born Screaming Tour is St Vincent’s first live appearance down under since 2018. It will see St. Vincent (Annie Clark) perform at two of the state’s most exquisite venues, in a tour exclusive to Victoria.

Ç ALWAYS LIVE REVEAL OUTSTANDING 2024 PROGRAM OF EXCLUSIVE VICTORIAN PERFORMANCES

This year’s ALWAYS LIVE program features more than 65 events, including stadium shows, exclusive gigs, and intimate performances. Of the program’s 289 artists, 208 hail from Victoria. It includes names like Jack White, St. Vincent, The Offspring, Anyma, Tina Turner, Richard Marx and more.

Ç JACK WHITE IS COMING TO BALLARAT

The White Stripes legend is heading to The Corner Hotel on Saturday 7 December and Civic Hall on Friday 6 December. The two rare and intimate performances mark a full-circle moment for the White Stripes frontman, returning him to the very venue where he wrote the iconic guitar riff for ‘Seven Nation Army back’ in 2002.

Ç LEGENDARY UK ARTIST, FINK IS HEADING TO AUSTRALIAN FOR THE FIRST TOUR IN A OVER A DECADE

English singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and disc jockey, Fink, will be heading to Australia for the first time in over a decade to play shows across the East Coast. Fink will bring his acoustic haven to secret venues in Geelong, Melbourne, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Sydney, in collaboration with Sofar Sounds.

LGBTIQA+ EVENTS TO RECEIVE MORE FUNDING IN VICTORIA

Minister for Equality Harriet Shing announced the opening of the Pride Events and Festivals Fund for 202425, which offers $400,000 in grants across two funding streams for events that highlight the identity, history, and achievements of LGBTIQA+ communities. The fund covers small events and festivals with grants up to $10,000, and large LGBTIQA+ events and festivals for grants between $10,001 and $25,000.

Ç JAMIE XX, WAXAHATCHEE AND GENESIS OWUSU LEAD MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT

The lineup for Meredith Thirty Two has officially hatched with artists announced for the 2024 edition of the annual music and arts festival. Running the weekend of 6, 7 and 8 December, the lineup announcement leads in with Jamie xx, Waxahatchee, and Genesis Owusu along with The Dare, Glass Beams, Angie McMahon, and Zapp.

Ç MISSY HIGGINS HONOURED WITH ARIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) have revealed Melbourne singer-songwriter, and Geelong Grammar School alumna, Missy Higgins will be inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame during the 2024 ARIA Awards in partnership with YouTube on Wednesday, 20 November. The honour comes as she celebrates 20 years of The Sound of White

DAN KELLY MAKES MUSIC RETURN, ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TOUR

After a sold-out show at the Tote in Melbourne last month, Dan Kelly will be heading out with band Regional Crisis for a nine-date tour that sees him start at The Bridge Hotel Castlemaine on Sunday 8 September for the official album launch, looping around the East Coast and Adelaide back to Eltham on Saturday 14 December.

A NEW FESTIVAL IS COMING TO SOVEREIGN HILL THIS OCTOBER

History, art, culture, music and fiery food will come together this October at the inaugural Food, Fire & Light Festival from 5pm to 10pm across two weekends; Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October, and Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October. The immersive journey will light up Sovereign Hill through artistic creativity and blazing visual expression underneath the Ballarat nightsky.

Ç THE WEEKND ANNOUNCES MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY SHOWS ON AFTER HOURS TIL DAWN GLOBAL STADIUM TOUR

After cancelling his run of 2023 Australian dates, The Weeknd has finally announced his Australian touchdown for his record breaking After Hours Til Dawn Tour. The newly announced Australia dates will kick off on Saturday, 5 October in Melbourne with back-to-back shows before heading to Sydney with shows on 22 and 23 October at Accor Stadium.

RIVER ROCKS RETURNS TO THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL

Returning for its 16th year, The Barwon Club Hotel’s annual riot of rock n roll, River Rocks, is back for an entertainment explosion. Presented by River Rocks, B. Bookings, Balter Brewery and Bad Batch Zine, the festival will be storming into the BC band room on Saturday 9 November with a gigantic lineup of loose cannons.

NYE ON THE HILL DROPS LINEUP FOR 2024/25 FESTIVAL

Returning to South Gippsland this Monday 30 December through to Wednesday 1 January, NYE On The Hill will be led by Brisbane-beloved songwriting talent Mallrat, Windang duo Hockey Dad, Sunshine Coast cruisers The Dreggs, and punks that are Pretty Good For a Girl Band, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers amongst a pool of playing talent.

FISHER, ICE SPICE, NATASHA BEDINGFIELD AND SUGABABES SHAPE BEYOND THE VALLEY LINEUP

Soundtracked by their most expansive collection of artists to date, Beyond The Valley’s ninth edition is looking to be something special, featuring artists including FISHER, Ice Spice, Chase & Status, Marlon Hoffstadt, Tinashe, Royel Otis, Sammy Virji, Sugababes, Natasha Bedingfield, AJ Tracey, Denis Sulta and much more.

Ç THE FINAL BLUESFEST TO CELEBRATE WITH CROWDED HOUSE, TONES & I AND OCEAN ALLEY

The first Bluesfest lineup for 2025 has been revealed, with the likes of Crowded House, Tones and I, Ocean Alley, Gary Clark Jr., Vance Joy, RY X, Pierce Brothers and Rag’n’Bone Man joining the massive send-off. The final festival will be happening 17 - 20 April 2025.

KORN, SUM 41 AND VIOLENT FEMMES HEAD GOOD THINGS LINEUP

Making their way to the annual rock and heavy metal music festival this December are Korn as the coveted headline act, a final call for punk-pop giants Sum 41, and the Milwaukee outfit who brought us ‘Blister In The Sun’, Violent Femmes. They are joined by Billy Corgan, Electric Callboy, Mastodon, Kerry King, The Gaslight Anthem, Jet, The Living End, and more.

GEELONG LANDMARK, NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM NAMED WOTIF’S BEST REGIONAL MUSEUM

Geelong’s National Wool Museum has taken out the title of Best Regional Museum at the 2024 Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards. From recognising the best finger bun in Australia to uncovering the best hotel bar, the people-voted awards are an eclectic bunch of categories devised to reflect our Australian culture.

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE CROWNED PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE OF THE YEAR

Geelong Arts Centre have been honoured by the Australian Performing Arts Exchange, receiving the crown of Performing Arts Centre of the Year at the 2024 IMPACT Awards. Held at the winning venue, the accolade comes during a week of celebrations for Geelong Arts Centre as they hit the first anniversary of its transformative $180 million redevelopment.

SARAH BLASKO ANNOUNCES NATIONAL ALBUM TOUR IN CELEBRATION OF UPCOMING ALBUM

Australian singer, songwriter, musician and producer Sarah Blasko announces a national album tour for this November/ December in celebration of upcoming first full-length studio album in six years I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain due for release on 1 November.

Ç COMEDY IN THE VINES RETURNS TO MITCHELTON WINES IN NAGAMBIE

Jen Brister, Joel Creasey, Lloyd Langford and a giant lineup of crowned comedy stars will be heading to Nagambie for a weekend of laughs. After a successful debut last year, Comedy in the Vines heads back to Mitchelton Wines in Nagambie Victoria from Friday 8 December until Sunday 10 December.

THE PRODIGY ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN TOUR

The Prodigy is back and returning to Australia in February on 2025. Presented by Astral People, Handsome Tours & Double J, they will be playing three shows at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, Brisbane’s Riverstage, and Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.

Ç SYCCO AND WHATSONOT TO DISCUSS SONGWRITING AT MORE THAN A ONE NIGHT STAND

Music rights organisation, APRA AMCOS, and fellow industry partners the Association of Artist Managers (AAM), the Live Music Office and The Push have unveiled more details about the series of incredible events for music creators heading to Warrnambool, VIC this September as part of the One Night Stand offering including in-conversations with Sycco and WHATSONOT.

WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO HAS WELCOMED A NEW MAMMAL MEMBER

Werribee Open Range Zoo is celebrating new life with the birth of a Southern White Rhino male calf. Born Sunday 18 August to 15 year old father, Kifaru and 11-year-old mother Kipenzi following a 16-month pregnancy, the 60-kilogram Southern White Rhino male calf is thriving.

GEELONG BEER FESTIVAL IS BACK IN 2025 WITH A KILLER HEADLINE

Welcoming in the new year, on Saturday 18 January, the annual festival of food, entertainment, fun, and, of course, beer is back in a big way for 2025 with some frothingly good music headliners leading the charge including British India, Felipe Baldomir and Jordy Maxwell.

THE RIONS ARE GOING ON THEIR BIGGEST TOUR TO DATE

Celebrating their new album, The Rions will be heading out on the Happiness In Places Australian Headline Tour from Saturday 21 September, stopping by 24 towns and cities across the country across September, October, November and December, finishing up in style at New Years music festivals, Beyond The Valley on 29 December and Lost Paradise on 31 December.

DANNY O’DONOGHUE

on The Script’s new tour, record, and era

I don’t know about you, beloved Forte reader, but it felt like yesterday I was saving up my $1.69 to buy The Script’s ‘Hall of Fame’ on iTunes. That song just celebrated 12 years delighting fans across the globe.

WORDS BY BENJAMIN LAMB

Æ Since then, The Script have celebrated many hit albums, support slots with artists like P!nk, and plenty more. The group recently dropped a new record, Satellites, and announced a mammoth Aussie tour. We caught up with vocalist Danny O’Donoghue to chat about it all. “It just feels great to finally have the music out,” O’Donoghue notes. “I knew I was happy with the music, if you know what I’m saying. There’s always some albums you’re kind of like, shit you know, there’s one or two spots on the album that maybe that could be better.

“It’s always nerve-wracking to release music because every album is an opportunity for you to have lost the plot and be so far off the map.

“I’m just super proud of the band for getting at least to the point where we were able to release an album. I didn’t think this was possible last year and now it is possible.”

Last year saw the death of co-writer and original band member Mark Sheehan, O’Donoghue noting this record helped deal with a lot of the emotion surrounding it, and Sheehan still has his energy over the music The Script make.

Catharsis and The Script have long gone hand-in-hand, fans across the globe connecting with their strong lyrics, and finding solace in tough times.

“It’s the reason why I do it. It’s the reason why I spend so much time in my day thinking about lyrics. I try to put as much effort into the thinking of it so that if anybody ever got this tattooed on their body, would it make sense?

“Mark [Sheehan] was brilliant at distilling down something into something that almost sounded like a nursery rhyme, but it was full of punching power.”

Everyone on the planet has a lyric that connects with them. But how does that happen? O’Donoghue explains how some lyrics are able to carry an emotional punch and connect with people.

“Listen to what people tell you during the day. Normally the most interesting things are the ones that are emotionally impactful, they normally work really well over music, right?

“When you listen to somebody saying something meaningful or even hurtful because it might be a truth that somebody’s not telling you, like ‘Why do you love your job more than me?’.

“Lyrics are just words, I find this massive wisdom in the things people don’t even know.

“A friend of mine, he’s actually quite a prominent songwriter, but we were sitting down over dinner, and he was like, ‘well, mate, the thing that never changes is things are going to change’. I was like, that’s genius!

“That emotional impact normally punctuates a chorus for me, whatever that was, if it’s a good feeling, bad feeling.

“It’s the same as a joke really. A joke is all about timing, but then what’s the punchline? Then how you set up that punchline so it has the most impact. But there’s an emotional way too.

“There’s a way you can do it for hilarity and get people to laugh, but there’s also a way most emotively that you can do it and get people to feel the weight of that.”

The journey of a song from The Script has taken a lot of different avenues over the years, some ideas coming immediately, others taking weeks.

“A song called ‘If You Ever Come Back’ took us maybe half a day to write. But something like, ‘No Good in Goodbye’ took us weeks because of the turns of phrase, because we had to think of so many (rhymes), ‘So where’s the good in goodbye? Where’s the nice in nice try? Where’s the us in trust gone?’

“It was like a science project, it took us weeks to do it. It didn’t make it more impactful than the other one, it’s just smarter.

“It’s like a fine wine. Some people just want to get pissed. Other people want to taste the fucking region and the tannins. So they’re different levels, but both of them get you drunk.

“So, but what’s a bit more effort went into. The other one is a bit more expensive, and the other one’s cheaper and gives you more of a hangover. They still do the same job.”

The journey of a song also takes some element of discovery,

O’Donoghue noting that some of their songs are found.

“‘Hall Of Fame’ came to us in five minutes, as quick as that, and that’s our biggest song. But we didn’t stress over the lyrics. It was already there, if that makes any sense.

“It’s like the equivalent of an archaeologist. Here’s dust and just seeing the skeleton like, ‘oh shit. I found a fucking Stegosaurus’ or whatever. You found this way to say something with words that have already been there.

“They’ve been floating out in the world, but nobody’s ever put them together like this. That’s when I get a weird spiritual vibe on songs too.”

Before coming down to Australia, the group have been hitting the road over in the EU and the US, debuting tracks from Satellites to adoring crowds.

“Home is Where The Heart Is’, I can’t wait to play live. From what we’ve rehearsed of it, it feels a bit like The Killers, and I fucking love them.

“Another song we have called ‘Inside Out’ I really love. It’s quite mellow, and lyrically orientated, but I feel like live, we can switch it up and give it huge fucking energy, and Mumford and Son the shit out of it.

“But there’ll be songs that I didn’t even think of [on Satellites] that end up being favourites and huge live moments, and I can’t wait for that.”

The Script have a bit of a love affair with all of us Down Under — visiting us pretty regularly since 2008. This tour will be the group’s first in summer and will see them veer off the capital city circuit for some shows in regional spots, including Mt Duneed in Geelong. O’Donoghue notes his admiration for our country and all the killer bands we produce.

“We’re going to places where we haven’t been before. Not just going to your Sydney’s and Melbourne’s, we’re going to some more regional places as well, which is great.

“Honestly, if Australia was closer, I’d probably have a house there, you know what I mean? I love the people down there. You guys don’t take shit too seriously, which is very... it’s so Irish,” O’Donoghue adds with a laugh.

“Australia to me in fairness has always been a place where I’ve drawn inspiration from. Like I really love Thirsty Merc, their first record was actually quite influential on The Script, I thought it was cool as hell.

“The alternative scene in Australia is amazing. I look forward to coming down and finding some bands that I don’t already know of.”

Satellites is available now.

The Script hit Aussie stages this summer for A Day On The Green

THE SCRIPT

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

WHEN: SAT 1 FEB 2025

From Underdogs to Taking on the World: YOU ME AT SIX end their career on a high

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

In 2004 Weybridge, Surrey added a new claim to fame to their town in the form of alternative rock group You Me At Six. Bearing the same original lineup 20 years on, You Me At Six have drummed up a storied career with eight floors of albums, topped and tailed by the 2008 skyrocket Take Off Your Colours and last year’s Truth Decay.

Æ The latest album presented a track titled ‘No Future? Yeah Right’, which now appears seemingly ominous considering the answer to that question pertaining to You Me At Six’s lifespan has drastically changed. Following the album release, the beloved British band announced their final world tour, drawing their music project to a close on their own terms in 2025.

“It feels very much like the right thing for our band. I was just saying in another interview that it feels like you get to a point where there has to be a level of commitment to take things to the next level or to continue pursuing something and I think all of our bellies are full. We’ve dined at this table for so long and we’ve loved it but we’re in the sort of territory where we’re all just doing it for the sake of doing it which I think would be an injustice to both our fans and us,” explains frontman Josh Franceschi.

“It’s just about not being the last people to know the punchline - making sure that we’re able to do right by the band and the audience and the fanbase. It’s never easy to say goodbye in any situation but I think if you have been afforded the luxury of being ahead of it and ending something the best way possible, you should do that which is what we’re doing.”

“Moreover it’s an opportunity to celebrate such an integral part of our lives, an all-consuming part of our lives with the people that matter most to us, which is the people that have propped us up for 20 years. It’s going to be a good tour.”

It’s a gut-feeling, knowing when something isn’t serving you any more, or you’re not serving that thing anymore. In You Me At Six’s case, it was a unanimous decision. The conversation happened in a pub before a photoshoot for a magazine in Whitechapel in East London.

“We came to the conclusion that everything that we wanted to fulfil in this, and was realistic to achieve in this, we’ve done. We were never going to break America so we took that off the table and we’re comfortable with everything we have here in the UK and Europe and Australia. We thought, ‘do we want to phone it in or do we want to, as you say, legitimise our legacy?’”

“We have fans that feel just as passionately about the band as we do but there is something really powerful about knowing when to walk away from something before it gets tired. To do that during our 20 year anniversary - I think our last ever gig at Wembley is the same date to the day as our first ever band practice. There are so many things that are coming up that it made sense to do it this way. Our hand got forced in a way,” Franceschi says. Serendipitously, their story ends on a full circle, with Truth Decay balancing as the perfect bookend to their catalogue. An album born of reflection following a tedious body of work with SUCKAPUNCH, Truth Decay returned You Me At Six to their roots, both reigniting their reason for existence and solidifying it.

“It was the mission statement after SUCKAPUNCH SUCKAPUNCH was so painful because we recorded it in 2019 in Thailand with the roll out meant to be October, November December but then the pandemic happened…There are some great moments but it’s basically a car crash of five people trying anything and everything and it making the record.”

He continues, “My main takeaway from SUCKAPUNCH was ‘I don’t know who that band is’ and it’s tough to digest. We landed on the fact of reclaiming our sound of the earlier records while using the knowledge and experience in the studio for Truth Decay. But I really sensed as we were making the record that, as you say, it is a bookend - it feels like a swansong record and it feels like a band that is saying ‘this is our remit’.”

It’s a remit to remember, along with the bands most iconic moments including their emo earthshaking surprise duet with Hayley Williams are Reading and Leeds for ‘Stay With Me’ and so many more. There are countless reasons to celebrate You Me At Six and now is the best time.

You can catch You Me At Six during their final Australian shows next January.

YOU ME AT SIX

WHERE: THE FORUM, MELBOURNE

WHEN: MON 27 JAN

The 40 year evolution of PSEUDO ECHO is moving like a machine

WORDS BY JACOB MCCORMACK

For over 40 years Pseudo Echo have been at the forefront of the Australian Music scene, and Brian Canham, the man behind the songwriting, is someone perennially involved in music in one way or another.

Æ Just this year Canham released the ‘Machine remix’ of Pseudo Echo’s famous single ‘Listening’, the first release of what will be an album of classic Pseudo Echo songs subject to alteration.

Alongside this the band are in the throes of a nationwide tour. Currently in a state of lull, the band will take to the stage of the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine on Saturday 12 October.

As the walls of the famed regional Victorian venue are set to rattle along with the sounds of Psuedo Echo we’ve come to love, the tour will act as a celebration of the yet to be released album despite many of their famous tracks still being performed in recognisable ways.

“On this tour,” says Canham, “despite being able to hear that the recent remix release is a lot heavier and a bit more aggressive, we will still be playing our setlist with most of the songs in their original format. Although, we will generally be presenting the songs in a more energised manner.”

The band has changed dramatically since they came to be all those decades ago, and this newfound energy can be attributed to the acquisition of new younger band members.

“The girls are probably the biggest inclusion,” says Canham.

“The girls have an incredible energy. Abby the drummer is only 20 years old. She was 19 when she joined the band, but she is a star, She’s also the most beautiful little nymph. She’s really energetic, smiles from start to finish and has such a positive energy.

“Our backing vocalist Valentina is the same. She’s an absolute pro, with a huge set of lungs on her. She is also a pro dancer too, which adds a lot of visual excitement to the band.”

Although the injection of youth into the band has played a vital role in adding layers to Pseudo Echo’s live performance, Canham’s devotion to the exploration of music can’t be overlooked as a major contributing factor to the band’s evolution.

“I immersed myself in understanding music because I could see that there was so much influence from the genres that were emerging in the ‘80s. I found it really interesting how I could hear lots of elements from the ‘80s in a lot of new music and I loved how our sound and these new waves of musical genres were starting to melt together.

“So I started playing around with adding a heavier and more aggressive guitar sound into something or a soft sweeping synth sound, always trying to push a new direction a bit. Who knows what lies ahead with how bands and artists are making music in this genre but it’s exciting to play a role in it.”

It was in this vein that the Machine LP was birthed, an album with a hybrid sound that Canham describes as “definitely electronic, it’s got a lot of distorted sounds from guitar and things like that. It’s a new kind of hybrid of electro and metal.”

The creation of the album remains on hold though, as Canham and the band stay committed to performing their live show, a series of gigs that keep having dates added to it.

“It’s taking me forever to finish the Machine album. It was scheduled to be released in the middle of this tour, but it’s very slow going. I do the remixes as a one-man-show so finding the down time to get into that frame of mind can be a hard thing.”

Juggling the life of a musician can be hard at the best of times, but Brian Canham has achieved a sound sense of balance over the past 40 years of his musical career. This impending album release is an extension of his prowess, and the Australian tour could perhaps be the most vivacious Pseudo Echo tour to date.

This tour will be a must witness for music lovers of all backgrounds.

Pseudo Echo are currently on an Australian wide tour.

PSEUDO ECHO

WHERE: THEATRE ROYAL, CASTLEMAINE

WHEN: SAT 12 OCT

“I’ve been waiting to come back to Australia

” TASH SULTANA on touring, new music and The I Am Me Foundation

WORDS BY BENJAMIN LAMB

Melbourne’s got it pretty good when it comes to music. Take a gander at any overseas lineup and be bombarded with a bunch of artists who played their first gig down the road.

Æ Aussies get noticed on the world stage because we do things a little differently — acts like Tash Sultana are never afraid to veer away from the norm, and people are loving it.

It’s been a minute since Sultana has hit a Melbourne stage, so we caught up with the luminary to chat about touring, music and plenty more.

“I haven’t done any touring in Australia since 2019 or so,” Sultana notes. “I’ve just been overseas for the whole time, and honestly, I’ve been waiting to come back to Australia”.

For anyone who’s been lucky enough to experience a live Tash Sultana set, you’d know that it’s a lost-for-words experience. With the tour receiving rave reviews over in the States, Sultana notes it’s ready for an overhaul.

“We’re ready for a full overhaul actually, to be honest, Australia hasn’t seen the show that I’ve been doing for the last couple of years.

“It’s a different show, and it’s going to change again, because I’m at the end of a cycle now, just doing some shows for the fun of it, and I am recording new music now anyway, so it’s just the fucking revolving cyclical door of being an artist.

“And for me, as long as I’m selling tickets for my live shows for the rest of my life. I don’t really give a fuck about [awards] or number ones or any of that. My whole thing is come and watch the music be created in front of you. I think that that’s the bit that I’ve been able to maintain, and I want to keep it that way”. For an artist like Sultana, it’s always interesting to understand the creative process. Each song we hear from them takes us on an emotional journey.

“My ultimate goal is that I really want to like everything forever that I put out. So I want to be my music’s number one fan when I’m creating it and playing it and recording it and all of that.

“I want to be able to maintain that feeling for years to come. I think that’s important. Like, you know, the songs that people really want to hear usually are an artist’s least favorite track that they’ve written.

“So you owe that to your fans in a live setting. Why not recreate at a show so that you connect to it again in a different way? Like Fleetwood Mac have been playing fucking ‘Don’t Stop’ for over 50 years. I think they might be sick of it.” Sultana adds with a laugh.

“They gotta fall in love with it again. That’s me with ‘Jungle’. I play it differently every single night, live based on how I feel with the crowd that night. And it keeps it interesting, keeps it fun.”

Tash Sultana is no stranger to an outdoor show; they’ve popped up on many an Aussie festival lineup to lots of positive acclaim.

“I think I prefer playing outdoors. You have more control on the sound, but you have less control on the lights, obviously, depending on what time of the day that you’re on the stage. I think there’s something different about an open air gig where people are blazing in that space because they’re outdoors. It’s just also like a little bit of a cultural difference.

“Like I played shows literally all around the world, and that’s the most interesting bit, is there’s a huge cultural element to how people present themselves as punters at a gig, like playing a gig in Japan, they were so polite.

“You know, no one was screaming shit in between songs. It was like, just so quiet. And then at the end of the song, everyone would be going crazy, and it’s like, oh, that’s hectic. Because, like in Australia, you’ve got people throwing fucking shoes at you to do a shoey… it’s just a really different world. So I think the best part is always the first show in a new place”.

Sultana has also recently ventured into the charity space, their I Am Me Foundation supporting young people with gender transitions.

“It gives me the ability to be able to change people’s lives in a way that they can’t access here, or that they can’t afford here. I believe in gender affirming care, because I am in that zone, and that just gives me a whole purpose to continue playing.

“Because it’s like, “what’s it for?” It’s for the fans, right? And I’ve got all I need. So what am I doing it for? And now it’s kind of like a little bit of a reignited way to continue my career is the give back part of things.

“I think if you’re at this level, you gotta be doing something if you’ve got all you need, and you’re just doing things because you can. Like, why not give back in a way?”

Tash Sultana plays Live At The Garden on Saturday 24 November.

TASH SULTANA

WHERE: ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS MELBOURNE

WHEN: SAT 24 NOV

“

I’m excited to be with you” KATY STEELE on Little Birdy’s hot anniversary reunion

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

Just last year Katy Steele and I caught up to discuss her solo album Big Star; an album that was full of glitz and sparkle as Steele flowed through a pop vein. It’s an album that Steele very much holds in her cabinet of pride just over twelve months later.

Æ

“I’m super proud of that record and I really loved what we achieved sonically with that album because it was a joint effort with me and my husband in the studio.”

During that discussion I questioned her about an impending anniversary in her career, with her starting band Little Birdy’s debut album BigBigLove approaching a 20 year milestone, achieved in January. The hope was for an album rerelease or special anniversary merch. Nothing was yet in the pipeline, but the question triggered an alarm in Steele’s brain sending her straight to her phone.

“I reached out to everyone and said “it’s been 20 years - I’d love to talk about this” and I think it’s just the timing was right for this period of time. We have spoken about a few things but it just wasn’t the right time, and there was just something about this time where everyone agreed that it was that it felt right,” explains Steele. With Steele the only member still actively in music and distance keeping the band apart, the idea of a reunion was not in the thought stratosphere for fans. But the text chain resulted in something far beyond anything Little Birdy fans could have hoped for - a reunion at music festival Hotter Than Hell, where they will be playing the debut album in full.

15 years after their last stage appearance at Sydney Cricket Ground for benefit bushfire concert, Sound Relief, the band are back - (almost - unfortunately drummer Matt Chequer will not be reprising his role as he now resides in Canada), joining the likes of fellow stage hoppers of their pivotal period Regurgiator, Jebediah Less Than Jake, Unwritten Law, Adalita, along with The Bennies and The Kickons for five shows.

“This works so well for us because we were after a gentle way to reenter the market, like a gentle hug,” Steele laughs.

“We start rehearsal soon and are basically relearning everything from that long time ago trying to replicate it as closely as we can to the record. There’s a couple of big, big guitar sounds in there so we’ve got to get everything sounding hot! We’re all in three different states now as well so that’s making things a little bit more challenging but I’m sure we’re going to be running hot - hotter than hell!”

Little Birdy were a vital part of the Australian early 2000’s music scene, with BigBigLove opening the doors for another two explosive albums from the band in Hollywood, arriving in 2006, bringing with it ‘Come On Come On’, ‘Bodies’ and ‘After Dark’, and Confetti, landing in 2009, and kickstarting Steele’s double decade career.

“When we made be BigBigLove I was just straight out of school and I was just going with it. I just tried to give it everything I could really.”

“I’m really proud of where they sit and what they have achieved because it gave me my starting point and it gave me my career, that album and the band. To think those songs were the first songs I ever wrote - ‘Relapse’ was literally my first ever song and Little Birdy were my first ever band. My first Little Birdy show I was sitting down playing guitar because I pretty much learnt how to play it about two months before,” she explains.

“I wrote it on piano in this tiny bedroom with clothes all over the floor and had this piano like shoved in the corner because I had like the smallest bedroom out of all the siblings and I love clothes and I just literally left high school. So much has happened since then.”

From the powerful opening of ‘Excited’ which is bound to evoke the same emotion when slammed out live, through to ‘Come On Little Heartbreaker’, love ballad ‘Beautiful To Me’, ‘Relapse’ and, of course, rock ‘n’ roll hipshaker ‘Tonight’s The Night’, the Hotter Than Hell set is bound to reawaken the band and fans, leading into what is hopefully the start of more from Little Birdy. As Steele sits in her studio writing more solo material, the idea of new Little Birdy bodies of work is ever so enticing.

“We’ll have a conversation about that, but yeah we’re hoping to keep the wheels in motion but we’re just gently easing back into it. We’re not really trying to assign too much for ourselves because we want these shows to be great first and foremost, so that’s the priority right now and we’ll try and just see what happens. I guess keep the feelers out there and see where we end up.”

Catch the massive reunion moment on Saturday 19 October at Hotter Than Hell in Mt Evelyn.

LITTLE BIRDY

WHERE: YORK ON LILYDALE, MT EVELYN

WHEN: SAT 19 OCT

THE HARD-ONS are running their way into a new sound

WORDS BY JACOB MCCORMACK

Peter ‘Blackie’ Black of the Hard-Ons speaks to me with the softness of an internalised aftermath. The consequential fatigue of a morning spent exercising, perhaps over exercising. “I had maybe a little bit of a slightly too intense cardio session,” he says as we talk through the phone.

Æ The triple, as Blackie puts it, involved three separate bouts of high intensity exercise. This is likely the secret to the energetic live shows that the Hard-Ons have become renowned for over the years. A pulsating energy that has not, and does not seem to be, wavering anytime soon.

After 40 years of recording and releasing music the band are gearing up to head on an Australian tour that will see them play shows at the hallowed Barwon Club in Geelong on Monday 4 November and at the Red Hill Hotel, Castlemaine on Sunday 3 November.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, they’ve just released a hard-hitting new single entitled ‘Buzz Buzz Buzz’ with their album I Like You A Lot Getting Older set to be released on Friday 4 October.

“Playing live is always exciting,” says Blackie. “I don’t need any milestone or specific event to get excited about it. When I’m at home demoing I’m excited by it. I love music so much, and I’m grateful I’ve been able to do it for this long.

“I know quite a few people who I have this running joke with. We call ourselves lifers. My soul is singing out saying “I can’t lose this”. It’s truly one of the most magical things us as a species have created. I haven’t done a lot of good, but music is definitely something good I have done.”

Despite the perennial excitement that spurs Blackie on to continue making and playing live music, the recent inclusion of Tim Rogers to the band has opened up a whole new way of writing and recording music for him.

“‘Buzz Buzz Buzz’ was a real party Aus rock number with a real bass root note sound,” he says. “Sort of like a chunky Angels style. But, Tim was like, ‘oh, give me a crack at this.’ And I said ‘yeah’, but when we got to the studio he mentioned he went a bit left of centre with the melody on it.”

“I wasn’t prepared for what he did, it really changed it from what I initially thought the song would sound like. It floored me and I was really fucking stoked on it.”

Collaboration is a new approach for Blackie, a step into the unknown that has shaped a lot of the upcoming LP release.

“That’s obviously one of the joys of collaborating. I’ve gotta admit though, I rarely do it. I normally just work my arse off at home on my own. Sometimes I’ll just bring in half a track to the studio and I’m feeling it with the band. I’ll finish it there with them.

“But with the new record, we started collaborating more and about half the album has come about through writing in collaboration.”

The newness of having Tim Rogers in the band as well as adjusting the approach to writing music has impacted Blackie in a way he might never have discovered otherwise.

“It’s unreal working with Tim because his voice is so killer. It’s meant we can go way further with the melodies than what we could without him. I would hear some of the stuff that he did and say ‘Ohh man, I’m fucking loving this’, I would have had no chance in hell hitting any of those notes.”

The willingness to compromise standards and work within new parameters is one of the ways the band has been able to continue on. 40 years of the Hard-Ons has also come about through varying the way that music is played and recorded.

“Sometimes I pick up the acoustic and work towards writing an acoustic record,” he says. “Then I get bored. Then I pick up the electric and I start making an electric record. Then I get bored. Then I get back to acoustic and the cycle repeats. It’s truly how I keep myself fresh.”

After four decades since their inception, the Hard-Ons are only just discovering a fresh new sound. It’s hard to fathom what lies ahead for them as a band, especially with the fitness regime in place, but what’s for certain is they won’t be fading away anytime soon.

You can have a listen to ‘Buzz Buzz Buzz’ now and grab tickets to their upcoming shows to witness the energy live.

THE HARD ONS

RED HILL HOTEL, CASTLEMAINE SUN 3 NOV

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL, GEELONG MON 4 NOV

Credit: Jo Forster

“You

Finding a new reason to dream: CKY celebrate 25 years

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

want a tour of my house? We just moved in, my mum just left actually, we‘ve been loading in and unpacking all weekend so I think it’s time for this well deserved beer,” Jess Margera hospitably offers as he takes me on a phone tour of his property, analysing the feng shui of his dining room and admiring his picturesque Downingtown, Pennsylvanian view.

Æ “My kids were like, “You’re not a neighbourhood guy so I moved to a place with no neighbours,” he jokes.

It’s hard not to feel akin with Jess Margera and his homelife having witnessed the chaos of it unfold for entertainment purposes on MTV through the likes of Jackass and Viva La Bam alongside his parents and brother Bam Margera. Things have settled a lot since the family’s early 2000’s rise, namely the family man position that Jess Margera has embraced with four kids including one in college.

“It’s chaos,” he laughs. “I worry about the one in college the most. She’s at the party age and she’s living in the city. You can get in a lot of trouble there - I know from experience. I’ve made some questionable decisions in my life and at that age.”

Whilst we can all probably fill in the gaps of the questionable decision-making, Margera also made a decision at around the same age of 19 that would shape the rest of his life. In addition to his family camp, a mainstay for Margera has been his closest camp, Camp Kill Yourself, better known as hard rock band CKY, for which he is a founding member and the backbone drummer.

“It’s pretty trippy that our biggest songs still I had skipped school to write. It’s still paying my bills for the most part. That was not on my bingo card. I did not see that coming.”

It’s 25 years later and those songs and their five albums, soon to be six with New Reason To Dream incoming, are being celebrated on the road including a stop in Australia next February with Alien Ant Farm. It’s a time that has seen Margera and co filled with laughs, jokes and revisiting the chronicles of CKY. But song memory lane for a band isn’t like a photo album, containing only the happy moments. There are some memories, or lack thereof, that are best kept in the past.

“ Carver City and An Ånswer Can Be Found are hard to revisit because we were a mess as a band around those days. We were just going through it. The band were in shambles - all of the cliches of partying too hard and everyone had drug addictions. Luckily we got through it but it’s like asking you to revisit a part of your life that you would rather not. There’s like half of An Ånswer Can Be Found that I don’t remember doing. I was that out of it. I do not recall making ‘As The Tables Turn’ at all,” Margera explains.

“It’s weird to listen to and have no recollection of making it. I literally didn’t know how to play it so I had to learn it for the road and have had to learn others from those albums for these shows.”

In addition the band has seen some internal changes with founding member, vocalist Deron Miller having exited the band in 2011 and a revolving door of bass players dipping in and out of CKY across the years. For Margera, however, as long as he and Chad I Ginsburg are kicking, CKY will continue on.

“We’ve kind of become the Spinal Tap of bass players,” he laughs.

“I feel like me and Chad are at the point where we don’t have to even discuss where we are going or whatever. We just start playing and that’s what happens. That’s rare to have. We don’t have to talk about it, we just pick up our instruments and go. What happens happens.”

That’s fairly well the making of their latest project New Reason To Dream. It’s an album that comes out of reinvigorated enthusiasm for playing for Margera as well as renewed hope surrounding the recycling of rock.

“After a while it feels like everything has been done, but I’m happy to always be proven wrong. As soon as you say it like King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard comes along or Sigur Rós and they blow your damn mind!”

Thus, CKY continues on creating and celebrating, living up to Margera’s mantra.

“One of my favourite bands, Clutch, has this song called ‘Earthrocker’ and it’s about people that as long as they are on this Earth they will rock and they will die on stage or at least when they die a tour has to be cancelled. I aspire to be that. I’m at the point that if I was hit from a car and woke up from a coma and was told to go on stage and play ‘Flesh Into Gear’ I think I could.”

WHERE: NORTHCOTE THEATRE, MELBOURNE

WHEN: SUN 9 FEB

CKY

How the GEELONG MUSIC NETWORK is strengthening Geelong’s music community

For years the strategic question has been asked, “What makes a strong and thriving music scene?”

Æ

It’s not a simple question to answer as the music industry is a complex beast with multiple moving parts that keep the cogs spinning. But it is a question that was explored in depth during a City of Greater Geelong held Live and Local Forum earlier in the year. The round table session invited hundreds of music industry contributors and engagers to help shape the future of Geelong’s live music industry, with the afore-proposed question spawning countless suggestions with a weighted argument in favour of a supportive and collaborative community.

It’s a point that hit home for local music industry titans and champions Lucinda Goodwin and Monique Chester, who both left the session with fires in their bellies and a notebook full of ideas.

“The conversations that emerged from that forum really highlighted some collective concerns about the state of our live music scene and one of the main takeaways was the demand for community connection,” says Goodwin. As an award-winning music photographer, content creator and educator, who has yet again been named a finalist in the 2024 Australian Women in Music Awards, Lucinda Goodwin is a household name in the Australian music industry, and has been a mainstay to the Geelong music scene in a professional capacity since 2010.

Monique Chester is also a face wellknown to the local music community. When she’s not slinging beers behind the bar at the Barwon Club Hotel, Chester is growing

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

an artist services and booking agency, MCM Bookings. Representing the local likes of Mojo Corner, Tommy Dynamite and the Explosions, The Grimwoods and Matt Bourke and the Delusional Drunks, Chester has been hustling to support and amplify the voices of music-makers.

Leading up to the forum, the two had been having regular coffee catch-ups to uplift each other in their individual projects, finding in each other that trusted person to spitball ideas off of and generally chat industry shop with.

“Being in business in the music industry can be isolating at times. Even though we are connecting with others through our profession, sometimes you just need someone who understands the industry but isn’t necessarily involved in your own practice to offer an ear or brainstorm ideas when you’re feeling lost. We realised that we were both experiencing similar situations and decided to try to support each other,” says Chester. With the fuel from the forum fire, the two quickly noted that others around them are likely experiencing the same cocoons and longing for additional support from the local music ecology. Thus began the establishment of Geelong Music Network.

The premise was simple - to provide a safe space for Geelong music industry contributors, engagers and supporters to come together regularly and connect. Run by community, for community, the Geelong Music Network started as a casual Tuesday evening hang out at The Brewery. With no agenda, no judgement and no eye-rolling icebreaker activities, the evening simply put bodies in a room, allowing individuals to connect and chat.

“We didn’t expect anyone to turn up so we both took our laptops and thought “if no one comes, we’ll just get some work done”. But over 30 people turned up and have continued turning up with some new faces each time. Mon and I consider ourselves to know a lot of the people that are in our local industry, but there were a lot of people that we didn’t know. It was really nice to not only meet fellow industry people but to see them connecting with others and even making plans outside of the event to meet up,” says Goodwin. Following the evenings success, the Geelong Music Network have made the event a monthly occurrence titled ‘Music Industry Night’, and started a Facebook group for industry pals to join and continue the connection online. Last month, Geelong Music Network also partnered with community radio station 94.7 The Pulse as part of their subscribe-a-thon membership drive, hosting a meet-up and opening the floor for community to meet presenters, further forging connections within the Geelong music web. Continued conversations emerging from the networking events and Goodwin and Chester’s regular coffee dates have led the duo to filling further gaps in our local music economy, with the two working towards a series of educational and professional development events for the new year. From panel discussions with leading industry figures to live music events, Geelong Music Network is mutating into an unstoppable force.

“We initially thought “Why us? Why do we have to be the ones to drive this thing” but that immediately changed to “why not us?” We know what we want to see happen in our music community so why can’t we be the ones to make it happen. We’re really excited for where this is heading,” says Chester. The next Geelong Music Network Geelong Industry Night will be held on Tuesday 1 October at The Brewery.

WHERE: THE BREWERY, GEELONG

WHEN: TUE 1 OCT

Lucinda Goodwin

Monique Chester

There’s solace in the geography for DAN KELLY with his most recent release GOLDFEELS

WORDS BY JACOB MCCORMACK

As birds chirp and the sound of fallen gumnuts hit tin roofs, Dan Kelly speaks to me through the screen of my phone. He’s calling me from Castlemaine, Dja Dja Wurrung country, the Central Victorian town renowned for its musically inclined inhabitants.

Æ Dan Kelly has been situated here for the last few years and with the impending release of his latest album GOLDFEELS, Kelly is set to embark upon a nationwide tour. The run of shows will commence in his hometown of Castlemaine on Sunday 8 September at The Bridge Hotel.

The LP is set to be released this Friday, and amidst jokes of the fort knox style of fencing Kelly has had to employ in the name of protection of his garden, we dash through many topics that have informed his most recent release.

It’s the local flora and fauna, his garden and the change of pace that have brought about the melodies and lyrics for the most recent single releases ‘Golden Shoes = Country Blues’, and ‘Burn Up With The Trees’, alongside a newfound appreciation for getting up early in the morning to write.

“I’ve always tried to have a geographical vibe,” says Kelly. “But the changes in inspiration come at the hands of a combination of the pandemic and living out in the bush, seeing it move very slowly really changed my whole concept of time.

“There’s slowness and an almost cyclical nature to watching the bush move around me; it’s meant this album isn’t as frenetic as the others that have acted almost as travel logs or post cards with more of a sense of movement. Whereas this one is very different because there were two years where I was just sitting here looking at the same vista.”

This relationship with geography has always played a role in his songwriting from the days spent playing with the Alpha Males, to his solo albums that have filled out his discography.

“I’ve always written geographically,” he says. “My album Leisure Panic is very much about northern NSW and driving through that area. It was a place where I’d go as a kid. It was a magical experience as a teenager to go and buy pot in.”

The concurrent quietness that comes through the practice of gardening has also rubbed off on Kelly, in ways that have changed his relationship to music itself.

“It can be hard in this modern world, at least I find it hard living by myself, to find quiet. There’s always a podcast on, maybe the radio or some music playing, because it’s great company, but when you’re out in the garden, you don’t need music, you just have the sounds of the bush and garden and that’s enough.”

The seasonality of a life spent in constant conversation with the land shines through in the album too. But so do the seasons of life, specifically how he moved through the grief and loss of his father in his own unique way.

“Seasonality is a good way to describe it,” he says. “Though I haven’t mapped it out with the framework of summer, autumn, winter, spring, rather it charts a period where I got incredibly sad and anxious. A period when my father died really suddenly and I went into a nether world. I almost felt I was going down into the Greek myths, where the protagonist goes down to the river sticks.”

Despite the challenge of finding a means to move through the immense struggle of losing his father, it seems to have been the connection to land that has propped Kelly up into utilising songwriting as a tool for processing.

“I really had to write my way out of that headspace and this is how I did it. My writing has very much been out of mind in the past, sort of written in lemon juice. There’s definitely still been mythological stories about my life, but they’ve always been a lot more joyous, with a dose of cynicism of course.

“It seems this album is very much influenced by nature and the seasons, as well as extreme weather events. That is a big Australian thing I think.”

There are lessons in Dan Kelly’s experiences to provoke a more entwined connection to geography, a life-long endeavour that has shone through in his extraordinary musical style, and GOLDFEELS is sure to be no exception.

GOLDFEELS will be available to listen to from Friday 6 September, with an album tour taking place through November/December.

DAN KELLY

WHERE: HOWLER, MELBOURNE

WHEN: SAT 9 NOV

Rich Moffat has big plans for Castlemaine’s THEATRE ROYAL

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

Nestled into the Goldfields region of west central Victoria, Castlemaine is a melting pot of rich history, stemming largely from its role in the Australian gold rush narrative but also embedded in the town’s vibrant and eclectic arts and hospitality scenes.

Æ Actively covering all of these sources of nourishment is Theatre Royal. Established in 1854, Theatre Royal came to life during the gold rush migration as a live entertainment venue, rolling on to be one of the first picture palaces to screen silent films. Proudly one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the Southern Hemisphere, the heritage building now houses a cinema, a live music venue, a bar, and a bottle shop, acting as a cultural institution in Castlemaine and a hub for the creative community.

Hoping to add to the Theatre Royal’s cultural mark is Rich Moffat. Appointed as the venue’s new Music Programmer at the top of August, Moffat brings with him decades of experience in venue management and music festival programming, a thirst for renewed regional touring and a binding string of love for the heritage space and Castlemaine cultural community.

“The existence of the Theatre was actually one of the main reasons we bought a house up here. I’m sure many others would be the same,” explains Moffat.

“It acts as a hub for the local community. One of my favourite things about living in Castlemaine is that I can go to a show and always see a friend without ever having to organise it in advance. That would rarely happen in Melbourne. It means music fans here can have a richer, more connected social life. It’s such an easy place to make new friends if you get out and about.”

Playing into the Theatre Royal’s strengths, the space has allowed for a diverse range of offerings, being a pivotal player in the towns annual cultural events including Castlemaine State Festival, MIFF Regional Film Festival, Castlemaine Pride, and Castlemaine Jazz Festival, whilst also curating a vigorous internal program across film and live music. Moffat aims to continue and extend that legacy.

“I love that the Theatre always feels like an “event” space, with high ceilings, great sound and a big stage. It’s a neutral space too, so can cater to a wide variety of audiences, genres and demographics. I’m excited to explore all the different types of artists we can host there. The local audience is definitely hungry for live music and keen to discover new things, but it also feels like we get a lot of travelling music fans from Melbourne and the surrounding towns,” he says.

With the venue having already secured the likes of The Buzzcocks, The Saints, Kate Miller-Heidke, Andy Shauf and Thirsty Merc for 2024, Moffat is jumping in head first to the new position and excited for the impending announcements for the 2024/25 calendar year.

“I’m super excited about an act we’re about to announce (if you want a hint they were one of the main Oz acts meant to play GTM before its sad cancellation). We also have a bunch of exciting international acts confirmed for 2025 already, which will be announced in the coming months. There is an African band, a blues singer, some metal acts, an awesome American rockabilly guitarist, two fascinating female roots artists from the U.S, a U.K DJ duo from a much loved band, and many popular Oz acts of course. Please subscribe to the venue newsletter for details - all will be announced in coming months,” he teases.

“Soon, we will have UK punks legends Buzzcocks on Cup Eve, which will be amazing. I’m also really looking forward to Canadian singer Andy Shauf in December. To have 70’s UK icons 10cc coming to Castlemaine seems ridiculous, but it is happeningget a ticket for that show early.”

This new Theatre Royal and Moffat marriage is overflowing with excitement, only adding to the notion that regional markets are the key to a strengthened live music ecology. With the Theatre Royal being exemplary of the power of creating and maintaining strong and connected regional touring circuits, the future of the venue is in good hands.

“All my favourite events I’ve been involved with have been regional - things like Falls in Tasmania, GTM in Townsville and the North West Festival in Port Hedland. Regional audiences are never jaded or judgemental and are always appreciative that artists have chosen to visit them. The artists that choose to do regional shows early on seem to always be the ones that have the longest careers. Regional audiences are loyal! I think most of the key agents and managers understand this, so expect to see a lot more acts heading out next year. Live music is such a joyous way for people to connect and celebrate life.”

Keep up to date with all of the incredible artists heading to Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal via their website.

THEATRE ROYAL

WHERE: 30 HARGRAVES ST, CASTLEMAINE

WHEN: TUE–SUN, 4PM–LATE

ARTS GUIDE

BY

WORDS

CHESTER OGILVIE

CONTEMPLATION

Life, in the words of Rocky Balboa, ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. Few among us have been free from periods, short or lengthy, where all seems lost. Contemplation is an exhibition by those impacted by mental illness, either personally or as friends, family or colleagues. By showcasing their interpretation of ‘contemplation’, it invites the viewer to share in the artist’s journey where art is used as both an expression and aid in recovery.

AAH ART & HEALING, AIREYS INLET 5–19 OCT

THE FIRE WITHIN

Lowell Hunter, also known as The Salty One, is a Geelong-based artist who tells stories of family, connection and identity by carving stories into sand using foot movements driven by traditional dance, before using drone photography to capture images. Embers of Connection: A Journey through Fire, Sand and Country is his new artwork that will run alongside digital production The Earth Above: A Deep Time View of Australia’s Epic History.

WATERFRONT GALLERY (ALFRED DEAKIN PRIME MINISTERIAL LIBRARY), GEELONG UNTIL 27 SEP

Ç MEDIEVAL TO METAL: THE ART AND EVOLUTION OF THE GUITAR

From Slash’s desert guitar solo in ‘November Rain’ to the night Hendrix set fire to his beloved guitar to B.B. King’s ‘Lucille’ and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ‘Lenny’, the guitar is king in the wide world of instruments. Here, 40 guitars are on loan from the National Guitar Museum (US), alongside a host of photographs, paintings, drawings, illustrative designs and objects honouring the almighty instrument.

ART GALLERY OF BALLARAT 12 OCT–2 FEB 2025

Ç LEN FOX PAINTING AWARD

The biannual acquisitive painting award honouring the life and work of Emanuel Phillips Fox (1865-1915) returns. An impressionist painter known for his landscape, portrait and figurative paintings, Fox travelled to Paris to study in 1886 and remained in Europe until 1892 before returning to Melbourne to lead what is considered to be the second phase of the impressionist movement, Heidelberg School. The winning work will become part of the Museum’s Art Collection.

CASTLEMAINE ART MUSEUM 27 SEP–2 MAR 2025

Ç THE POWER OF COLOUR

Naturally occurring ochres, clay and charcoal have long been used as artistic materials by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Around five decades ago, during the contemporary Aboriginal art movement, acrylic paint became a popular choice. In this exhibition, colour and patterns come together to tell stories, beliefs and cultural knowledge. Highlights include the first presentation of a recent acquisition by renowned Yolngu painter Dhambit Ruypu Munungurr.

BENDIGO ART GALLERY UNTIL 13 OCT

A FISH OUT OF WATER

As Tears for Fears sing in their song of the exhibition’s title, “Go swim in the tide today, fish out of water. You’re dreaming your life away, fish out of water.” Here you will find friends Sarah Doyle and Kirsten Dunkley and their love of the sea. From cheeky fish to seascapes and flashing tails in ceramic and wire form, it’s so fishy it could be a good idea to throw a rod in your car.

ARTS INC GALLERY, APOLLO

THE GOOD

Rural living and the experience and drama of everyday life are at the heart of The Good, the latest exhibition from Anna Louise Richardson. Going deeper, Richardson, who works primarily in charcoal and graphite, explores intergenerational exchange, the relationship between humans and the natural world, parenthood and identity based on living and working on a multi-generational beef cattle farm. The exhibition includes a charcoal drawing class and a conversation between Richardson and Serena Wong on 26 September.

WAG UNTIL 27 OCT

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Oh, the places the imagination can roam. To the intergalactic, the fantastical and the other-worldly. To the wondrous lands beyond. Hosted by the Geelong Illustrators, Out of This World is an unearthly exhibition that’s about more than outer space, although alien life forms may well be present. Pack your bags, say goodbye to reality and take a timeless flight towards fantasy, alternative realities and unexplored worlds.

GEELONG ILLUSTRATORS

STUDIO GALLERY 13 SEP–26 OCT

Geelong’s Favourite Local Café

LUSH, HIDDEN COURTYARD • OPEN FIREPLACES ALL DAY BREAKFAST • LOCALLY-SOURCED PRODUCE CHEF-MADE MEALS DELIVERED

“WOW WOW WOW YUMMY BREAKFAST GREAT COFFEE WONDERFUL SETTING FANTASTIC STAFF.”

“GREAT COFFEE, LOVELY ATMOSPHERE AND FRIENDLY STAFF.. I LOVE IT!”

STAGE GUIDE

WORDS BY CHESTER OGILVIE

Ç INTO THE WOODS

A baker and his wife so very want children, but a spell from an evil witch stands in their way. Together they must set forth on a most extraordinary journey to gather magical items that will break the spell, along the way encountering Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and more. Presented by the Geelong Lyric Theatre Society, Into the Woods intertwines several of the classic The Brothers Grimm fairy tales as it explores the consequences of wishes and quests.

THE STORY HOUSE, GAC 4–13 OCT

Ç TEARDROPS ON MY DILDO

Vanessa Larry Mitchell wants to get real with you. There is no such thing as too much information here. And if there is, that’s just too bad. The ‘Queen of Sass’ is here and she is fabulous and filthy as she takes you on an adventure to her world of parenting, dating and all things female. Teardrops on My Dildo was voted ‘Best Comedy’ at Newcastle Fringe 2022.

PIANO BAR, BALLARAT 17 SEP

LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE, WARRNAMBOOL 19 SEP

THE CAPITAL, BENDIGO 20 SEP

MARY POPPINS

Chim chiminey, chim chiminey, chim chim cher-ee, here is a show that will fill you with glee. Telling the story of the magical Mary Poppins and the Banks family children, the beloved musical fantasy Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke would become the highest-grossing film of 1964 in the US. Filled with songs that will fill your heart with joy, the Warrnambool Theatre Company will have you singing along to every single word.

LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE, WARRNAMBOOL 28 SEP–5 OCT

DANCING AT LUGHNASA

The five Mundy sisters (Kate, Maggie, Agnes, Rosie, and Christina) are all unwed, scraping by and doing their best to raise seven-year-old Michael and care for their brother, ‘Uncle’ Jack. Set in the fictional town of Ballybeg in 1936, the Olivier Award-winning Dancing at Lughnasa is a memory play by dramatist Brian Friel that is loosely based on a summer spent in his aunts’ cottage. It is presented here by the Ballarat National Theatre.

WOODMAN’S HILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, BALLARAT 27 SEP–6 OCT

Ç HELLO RED PLANET

It’s good to be green, but sometimes red is even better. Melbourne-based puppet and clown theatre company Bunk Puppets invite you to take a trip to Mars. You see, your town is being relocated to the Red Planet. Your lush gardens will be no more, replaced by a lifetime of hydroponic lettuces and a whole lot of potatoes. Hey, at least you won’t have to worry about mosquitoes or summer time flies. Enjoy this satirical escape plan from Earth to redder pastures.

KYNETON TOWN HALL, KYNETON 14 SEP

GUYS AND DOLLS

Premiering in 1950 and later adapted into a film starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons, Broadway favourite Guys and Dolls ran for 1200 shows. Considered the perfect musical comedy, it is the story of a couple of big city gamblers and the women who fall for them. From the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, join the Bendigo Theatre Company and sing along to songs including ‘Adelaide’s Lament’ and ‘Luck Be a Lady’.

ULUMBARRA THEATRE, BENDIGO 19–22 SEP

Ç DRACULA’S: SANCTUARY

In 1980, a Melbourne laneway gave birth to Dracula’s. For four decades now, the venue has delighted countless numbers with risqué burlesque, comedy, theatrics and more. Loosen up your straightjacket because their new show Sanctuary is coming to town with a cocktail of death-defying aerial acrobatics and firstclass vocals. Newman Entertainment CEO Luke Newman: “It’s a spectacle of seduction and silliness, with plenty of fangs, feathers and flirting. It’s naughty, in your face and pure energy.”

THE PLAY HOUSE, GAC 12–14 SEP

Ç DAVE O’NEIL: OVERWEIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT

A long time ago, funnyman Dave O’Neil would send out letters to all the TV shows he could think of offering his writing services. The ABC’s Big Gig was the only one who said yes. Given his rich and busy history, there would be eggs on a lot of faces. His easy-going, old mate style has made him a favourite on the circuit and pretty much every panel show under the sun. Here he delivers his MICF hit, Overweight Lightweight COPACC 18 SEP

JAMIE XX

In Waves

Æ There’s highly anticipated, and then there’s Jamie xx’s In Waves

It’s the album everyone’s been waiting for—no, scratch that, it’s the album everyone’s been begging for. But xx is a hard man to catch, with his creativity spanning multiple different escapes and an almost constant touring schedule; leading to decade-long wait. Which, for a lesser artist, could have proven a very detrimental move, with the quicker shelf-life of electronic music sub-genres often meaning that after an extended hiatus, an electronic producer’s return can either sound outdated or unoriginal compared to the countless copycats who have come along and jacked the same style (looking at you, Flume).

His sound possesses a timeless quality that remains ever-relevant. It’s both familiar and entirely original, balancing mainstream appeal with a unique, influential style.

But Jamie xx isn’t your standard electronic producer. His sound possesses a timelessness that’ll never go out of style. It’s both familiar and entirely original, balancing mainstream appeal with a unique, influential style that proves itself different without isolating itself or being too difficult to groove to.

Although, how does it fare up against the countless copycat’s who have replicated xx’s style over the last decade?

Pretty darn effortlessly, it seems. Jamie xx is regarded as an innovator for a reason, and on In Waves, he proves yet again why his name has made such a dent on the modern day dance music scene. Honestly, it’s as if he never left. Tracks like ‘Treat Each Other Right’ and ‘The Feeling I Get…’ channel the unrelenting overlays of vocal harmonies, off-kilter break’s and shuffling rhythms of ‘In Colour’, while ‘Waited All Night’ channels lofi grooves alongside the inclusion of ex co-collaborator Romy to deliver a peak The XX performance that drips with early 2010’s nostalgia.

Yet, it doesn’t always stick to what’s familiar, Jamie xx still manages to hit you with more than a few curve balls throughout the latter end of the album. Dancefloor melter, ‘Still Summer’, smothers with sheer walls of shimmery synths, ascending melodies and compressing basslines that feel like the walls are closing in on you. ‘All You Children (ft. The Avalanches)’ slaps with tribal rhythms and hypnotic overlays of vocals. While standout, ‘Breather’, ignites into turbulent hyperpop beats, warm layers of dissonant, shoegaze synths, thumping basslines, and a profound spoken word interlude.

The same technique brings in closer, ‘Falling Together’, channelling elements of Faithless’ ‘Insomnia’ and Overmono’s ‘I Have A Love’ with its gradual, ratting builds, infectious basslines, and etheral scouse voice over, which feels straight out of the Trainspotting soundtrack.

It’s the perfect dose of xx’s old jungle house style mixed with a healthy dose of 90’s garage trance, highlighting once again why Jamie xx is truly a one of a kind artist. Others may mimic his style, but no one quite does it like he does.

LABEL: XL / REMOTE CONTROL

RELEASE: 20 SEP

CERES

Magic Mountain (1996—2022)

Æ You’d be forgiven if you didn’t realise that Melbourne indie-rockers Ceres called it quits. Technically they never broke up, they just COMPLETELY dropped off. No announcement, no goodbye tour, just radio silence…for five years.

Although what we didn’t realise is that for four years now, the groups singer/ songwriter Tom Lanyon has been tackling a deeply personal journey of rediscovery, heartache, and joy, and all the while, writing about it, no matter how ugly or visceral those anecdotes may be.

Within the opening 30 seconds of audible vocals on ‘Rhododendron’, Lanyon unapologetically unpacks what’s to be explored throughout the double-album, introducing an $8,000 tax bill; dead pet, brother’s diagnosis of glaucoma, neighbours cancer and fathers death, before eventually gaining solace in the fact that “soon, I’ll be a father”. As if after years of crawling through the shit, Lanyon can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The rest of the songs unpack those years, exploring growing pains like sobriety (‘Common Everlasting’) and loss (‘Humming’) while constantly maintaining optimism and brevity about the power of change. Through carefully considered orchestral elements (‘666’, ‘1996’), stylistic change-ups spanning everything from alt-country (‘Supermassive’, ‘Apollo’), anthemic punk-rock (‘LCD’, ‘Towers TK’) and thoughtful, deliberate slow-building ballads (‘I Die First’, ‘In The Valley’, ‘Viv’) Magic Mountain resembles a rebirth–both literally and figuratively.

Part memoir, part cry for help, Magic Mountain showcases a triumphant return to grace for Ceres. A mammoth 25-track effort that breathes new life into the possibilities of the group’s sound.

LABEL: COOKING VINYL AUSTRALIA

RELEASE: 4 OCT

FONTAINES D.C.

Romance

Æ Having lauded Dogrel (2019), as one of the best punk releases of the last decade, Fontaines D.C.’s two most recent albums didn’t quite hit as I’d hoped. By no means were A Hero’s Death (2020) or Skinty Fia (2022) bad albums, if anything, they both continued to uphold the torch as some of the best post-punk releases of recent years, although they lacked the braggadocious edge that drew me to the group’s earlier material.

Although as a group, Fontaines D.C. have openly spoken about crafting their songs around an emotion, mood or even temperature, with album number four they ventured into a new concept: “romance is a place,” specifically the idea of finding love at the world’s end.

As you can imagine, it’s a cobwebbed and decrepit setting, introduced by opener Romance ’s ominous synth arrangements, crashing symbols and grimy, industrial-goth riffs cutting and the unhinged, anxiety-inducing composition of ‘Starburster’.

‘Desire’ sees the group experimenting with mixing techniques, powerfully characterising the track around building snare patterns which bleed against the songs overlapping vocal harmonies - as if each line is fighting for your attention behind walls of echoing percussion.

‘In the Modern World’ delves into cinematic composition with its simmering, angsty riffs, breathy vocals, and deep orchestral crescendos, while ‘Bug’ subtly creates an environment through a duality of electric and acoustic guitars.

Considering Fontaines D.C. are currently at the height of their career, venturing into industrial goth-rock is a pretty ballsy move, but god damn, it’s fun to hear them taking risks again.

IT THING

Spirit Level

Æ Having emerged as fresh contenders on Melbourne’s art-punk scene after 2021’s debut Syrup , It Thing are back with new EP Spirit Level – four blistering tracks of wailing guitars, futuristic newwave punk rhythms and howling vocal harmonies, all bundled into a crisp 10 minutes (as punk should be).

Channelling elements of 60’s Aussie psychedelic merged with 80’s new-wave, ‘Persian Rug’ merges sharp, repetitive notes akin to Status Quo’s ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’ alongside untuned guitar melodies, stabbing punk riffs, and highpitched B-52 inspired vocals.

‘Roman Baths’ teases sharp angular riffs and heavy distorted breakdowns before stripping back into a tought, tension-evoking bridge of reverb-laden vocals and shimmering guitar licks.

‘..In Ruins’ maintains the energy, balancing chaotic new wave rhythms and boppy vocal cadences alongside rapid drum hooks and deeply melodic surf-punk riffs reminiscent of 70’s era Radio Birdman. ‘A Fireplace’, on the other hand, sees the four-piece offer up a more refined grunge approach, allowing the heaviness to breathe momentarily while they explore spacious indie-rock rhythms and shoegaze dissonance.

Although possibly the funnest part of Spirit Level is the catch and release approach the four-piece have taken in the studio, with the EP really evoking the feeling that the group went into the studio, smashed out all four songs out in an arvo, and threw it out to the world the next day. It’s rough and spontaneous, capturing exactly why It Thing is quickly becoming a notable inclusion amongst Melbourne’s gig roster.

SKEGSS

Pacific Highway Music

Æ In Australia’s modern indie-rock scene, Skegss are somewhat like the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Fleetwood Mac. You can put on their albums at any party, BBQ, or road trip, and no one’s going to complain. It may not be their style, but it’s almost impossible you’ll find someone shouting, “Who the f*** put this on?” –their music just sounds like a good dude. There’s just something so carefree, laid back and effortlessly cool about Skegss’ slacker-punk style that feels so homely and relatable to listeners, regardless of who that listener may be.

It’s a quality that’s incredibly evident on the duo’s fourth effort. Pacific Highway Music is rough around the edges. It’s imperfect and doesn’t shy away from it. But in doing so, it provides an earnest charm, with vocalist Ben Reed’s boisterous yet pointed lyrics delivered with stark reliability and an easy-to-digest authenticity.

As if a nod to the groups decade long career, opener ‘Tradewinds’ kicks in with synths reminiscent of the groups break out single ‘Eat It’ (2014), before ‘High Beaming’, ‘Think I Can Fly’, ‘Spaceman’, and ‘It Is’, deliver the summery, surf-rock Skegss stylings that we all know and love. While closer, ‘Kelly Heroes’ sees the duo re-route into drawn out, spacious, Smashing Pumpkins / Jane’s Addiction infused shoegaze grunge.

Still, for the most part, Pacific Highway Music isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. But that’s never really been Skegss’ style, and in a lot of ways, it’s what’s always made them so fun.

LABEL: XL RECORDINGS / REMOTE CONTROL RECORDS

A DOUBLE FRINGE FEATURE AT GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: WAYFINDER AND TASH YORK’S HAPPY HOUR

Æ Geelong Arts Centre is set to captivate audiences in a Melbourne Fringe 2024 encore with two standout performances, both premiering on 25 & 26 October. Wayfinder and Tash York’s Happy Hour may differ greatly in style and substance, but each offers a compelling glimpse into the diverse landscape of contemporary performance art.

Wayfinder by Dancenorth Australia stands as a testament to the power of multidisciplinary collaboration. This production, directed by Amber Haines and Kyle Page, merges dance, music, and visual art into a cohesive whole that is both striking and profound. The choreography is a dynamic interplay of movement and emotion, brought to life by the rhythmic beats of the Grammynominated Hiatus Kaiyote and sound artist Byron J. Scullin. Wayfinder featured as part of MONA FOMA 2024’s catalogue, where it left a lasting impression on audiences with its intense physicality and vibrant stage design.

The visuals, crafted by Japanese-Australian artist Hiromi Tango, add a rich texture to the performance, creating a landscape that feels both expansive and intimate. The combination of lighting, sound, and movement draws the audience into a world where connection and human experience are central themes. Wayfinder invites viewers to reflect on these connections, exploring the ways in which we are all intertwined through shared experiences and emotions.

In contrast, Tash York’s Happy Hour offers a lighter, more playful take on the human condition. Drag superstar, Tash York, known for her sharp humour and engaging stage presence, leads a cabaret that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The show is a celebration of life’s simpler pleasures, explored through music, storytelling, and audience interaction.

Tash York’s Happy Hour has won accolades across the country, including the Best Cabaret Weekly Award at Fringe World Perth 2023. York’s performance is a blend of comedy and music, backed by her ensemble, The Red Red Wines, who add a lively, boozy energy to the experience. Whether she’s taking a spin on an Aussie classic, Goon of Fortune, or diving into an improvised song, York keeps the audience engaged with her quick wit and infectious energy. The result is a show that is both a reflection on happiness and a celebration of the present.

These two performances, though seemingly worlds apart, both embody the spirit of Melbourne Fringe, a festival that celebrates diversity, creativity, and the many ways in which art can move us.

Whether you’re in the mood for the immersive, thought-provoking experience of Wayfinder or the lively, laughter-filled Happy Hour with Tash York, Geelong Arts Centre’s offerings promise something for everyone. These performances are not just shows; they are experiences that invite you to engage, reflect, and celebrate the power of live theatre.

TASH

YORK’S HAPPY HOUR

FROM PIZZA

SHOP JOB TO CULINARY STATE FINALIST –THE MAKING OF A CHEF!

Æ Ben Herbert’s journey from casual pizza job to a promising culinary career underscores the transformative power of pursuing one’s passion. As an apprentice chef, Herbert divides his time between training at TAFE and hands-on kitchen experience, a balancing act that requires true dedication and commitment.

Herbert’s dream of diving into the culinary world became clearer when he was working casually in a pizza shop and was unexpectedly thrust into the role of head chef.

“I realised I was enjoying cooking more than my studies at university. Being head chef was stressful, however, it showed me independent thinking and leadership in a kitchen. It also gave me the belief that I could become a great chef”, Herbert says. Trading his uni books for cookbooks, Herbert shifted away from conservation, land management, and IT studies to start his cookery journey at The Gordon, which has played a pivotal role in his development and prepared him for real-life scenarios.

“The training I receive at The Gordon is beyond what I had expected. It has laid the foundation for a lot of my work life. For example, I have applied units of communication training to help train new staff at work where I clearly explain a task, perform it for them, and then supervise the trainee performing the task”, explains Herbert.

Insights gained from learning French cooking techniques and the experiences shared by his teacher, Will Manning, have significantly shaped Herbert’s aspirations to specialise in fine dining.

“The opportunity to learn from world-class chefs is really great. Every time I attend class I can feel improvement in my skills. My teacher is extremely inspiring and keeps fuelling me to learn more”, says Herbert.

The industry connections, knowledge, and award-winning Culinary School that Herbert accesses through his TAFE program, are second to none, leading to his shining success for a pork and celeriac dish at the AUS-TAFE Culinary Competition State Final last year.

“After researching my potential dish, typing up a workflow plan, and practicing my dish, I was able to cook without any setbacks, and achieved the silver medal”, says Herbert. Currently working at Songbird, a vibrant Thai eatery in Geelong’s CBD, Herbert aims to refine his skills in flavour palettes and advanced techniques at fine dining venues, and travel the world as a chef, before opening up his dream restaurant one day.

Winning The Gordon’s Cookery Apprentice Excellence Award earlier this year for his exceptional dedication and commitment to his craft, Herbert shared inspiring words with his peers, confirming his limitless desire for growth and potential as a future leader in the culinary industry.

“You must have a desire for the program and potential jobs it will create for you. TAFE will give you a lot of knowledge but it’s up to you and what you do with the knowledge, if you want to seek more.”

Tickets are on sale now.

WAYFINDER

*Free TAFE eligibility criteria applies. Make the cut and start your culinary career today! Apply to study The Gordon’s Free TAFE cookery program in 2025 at thegordon.edu.au

BITES GUIDE

BILBY IS BELMONT’S NEWEST COFFEE HOUSE AND CAKERY

A creation of Matilda Shalders, Bilby is the newest coffee and cake spot to hit Geelong’s south. Nestled into Kidman Avenue, just off of the High Street main strip in Belmont, Bilby is unmissable with its cobalt blue front door and touch of window art from muralist, illustrator, sculptor, Ella Carroll better known as Beany, with the blue cottage theme continuing inside. The quaint Belmont space was the previous location for Colour Me Cake, with Bilby arriving this August to fill the cake hole and as well as adding delicious barista-made coffee to the space. Bilby cakes were a previous highlight of fellow Belmont cafe, Paddington, with the demand leading the way for Bilby to set up shop. With a case of freshly baked cakes on offer, dressed up in edible flowers and dried fruit to match the interior aesthetic, Bilby cakes are unlikely combinations packed with flavour. Bilby is a must try for your next stop into Belmont. WHERE: 48 KIDMAN STREET, BELMONT

WHEN: 7AM–2PM, MON–SAT

VIETNAMESE FAVOURITE PHOLKLORE IS EXPANDING INTO LORNE

A go-to for pho and banh mi in Geelong and Torquay with locations on Pakington Street and the Esplanade respectively, Pholklore has its sights set on a third home, this time opening in Lorne. With little Great Ocean Road teasers shared to socials across the month, Pholklore has revealed their expansion into Lorne settling into a Mountjoy Parade hotspot, right next door to Lorne Theatre. Their shared setup style of open-air Vietnamese dining set among shipping containers, lush greenery and Astroturf, completed with large tables designed for communal dining surrounded by red stools and colourful hanging lanterns with tassel tails make Pholklore a casual relaxing experience shared over the most delicious food. Lorne is set for a treat when they arrive. Details of their grand opening are on their way.

Ç RIPPLESIDE’S BEAN AND BASE OWNER OPENS SISTER RESTAURANT, MR L’S

Owner of Rippleside’s Bean and Base on Melbourne Road, Lucky Thapliyal has opened a sister space in South Yarra. Joining forces with chef Pierre Khodja of Camus Restaurant, Thapliyal and Lucky Management Group have opened Mr L’s, a sophisticated dining spot in the heart of Melbourne’s hospitality scene on Toorak Road. Building an elegant atmosphere for culinary artistry, Mr L’s is a chic restaurant and bar offering an elevated dining experience. From intimate dates to lively celebrations, the space is as luxurious as the menu. With Chef Pierre Khodja spearheading the restaurant, he brings his continent spanning culinary background, including residencies in Paris, London, and Australia, and numerous accolades into the Mr L’s kitchen.

WHERE: 25 TOORAK ROAD, SOUTH YARRA

WHEN: WED, 5PM–LATE / THU–SUN 12–3PM & 5PM–LATE

NEW GEELONG-BASED GERMAN RESTAURANT, DAS BIERHAUS IS HOSTING OKTOBERFEST

Prost! Get on your lederhosen and dirndls, Oktoberfest is coming to Geelong thanks to Das Bierhaus. Having taken over the old Bluestone corner building across from The Palais on Moorabool Street that was formerly Italian restaurant Azzurra Trattoria, Das Bierhaus is Geelong’s newest German haven. Das Bierhaus is a restaurant and bar serving traditional German cuisine in Geelong, including bretzels, schnitzels, sauerkraut, pork knuckle, and bratwursts, and pouring steins of weissbier (wheat beer). It opened its doors in late June and has brought the vibrance of a traditional beer hall to our region, including live German folk music and collective cheers. They will be hosting Oktoberfest this month across three weekends with great food, live music, competitions and of course weissbier flowing on tap!

WHERE: 310 MOORABOOL ST, GEELONG

WHEN: 21 SEP–6 OCT

MR ARCHER WINE BAR AIMS TO BE A HOSPITALITY ANCHOR FOR THE TORQUAY COMMUNITY

One of the pearls of the Surf Coast is Mr Archer Wine Bar, an intimate date-night location tucked into The Dunes Village in Torquay’s North. Mr Archer Wine Bar has been curating an extensive selection of wine and refining their cuisine pairings for years but last December saw a change of ownership to wine-enthusiasts, Emma Aitken Alexander and her husband Rob Aitken. Their curation of wine is built for locals but crafted by the community with a list that boasts of over 170 local, Australian, and international boutique wines. It’s fast becoming a hotspot for local regulars who trial their extensive range, particularly with their masterclasses, tasting sessions, live music every Friday and Saturday, monthly trivia nights and their special dining events. They have a bunch of events on offer over the coming months, so hop down for a sip!

WHERE: T11, 222 FISCHER ST, TORQUAY

WHEN: THU–SAT, 3PM–LATE / SUN, 3–7PM

FOUR WINERIES JOIN FORCES FOR BELLARINE VINTAGE RELEASE DAY

The Bellarine is blossoming with the best in Australian wine and four of them are ready to release their vintage collections on the world. Portarlingtonbased vineyards Bellarine Estate, Bennetts on Bellarine, Hounds of the Vine and Kilgour Wines are teaming up to showcase their vintage creations for one day at the 2024 Bellarine Vintage Release Day. After the success of last year’s inaugural collaborative event, the 2024 Bellarine Vintage Release Day will see the wineries host four sessions to showcase their special range on Saturday, October 26, from 11am, With buses travelling between the wineries, attendees have the chance to trial some of the vineyards rarest and most aged barrels. If that’s not enough Hounds of the Vine and Bellarine Estate will also have live music to set the mood.

WHERE: BELLARINE ESTATE, BENNETTS ON BELLARINE, HOUNDS OF THE VINE AND KILGOUR WINES

WHEN: SAT 26 OCT, FROM 11AM

VENUE GUIDE

CORNERSTONE CAFÉ

Æ Local Ballarat gal Nicole had a dream of creating a small and welcoming café, and just 12 months ago, that dream came true. By bringing you Cornerstone Café, owner and chef Nicole has well and truly smashed her dream, and has ensured the locals and passers-by of Ballarat have somewhere cosy to enjoy. Not only is the vibe cosy and welcoming, but the food and coffee is spectacular. Brewing a delicious cup of Melbourne local Coffee Supreme will definitely have you coming back for more.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go that serves amazingly crafted breakfast and lunch dishes that will not only inspire you, but leave you feeling completely satisfied, Cornerstone has you covered. Featuring a menu that rotates with the seasons, some of the current menu highlights include the Turkish Eggs, Rigatoni alla Vodka, the Banoffee Waffles and a Hot Honey Haloumi Burger. The menu also includes a couple of breakfast cocktail classics, which are definitely right up your alley.

Cornerstone prides themselves on using local suppliers as much as they can. They use eggs from Sunnybank Farm, mushrooms from the Mushroom Connection, bacon from Istra Smallgoods, goats cheese from Wedgetail Farm, hot chocolate from Grounded Pleasures, and some absolutely incredible cookies from Sweet As El - rumour has it they sell out constantly, so you better get in quick. The café also stocks DC Cartel Chilli oil, Goldi olive oil, Saltbush Kitchen native salt, and Prana chai, which are all Victorian products. The local products don’t stop there, trying to stick to local Victorian brewers such as Shedshaker, Bells Beach Brewing, Noodledoor, The Happy Winemaker, Cheapstowe Winery and Mt Coghill Wines, just to name a few.

Whether it’s a takeaway coffee before work, a relaxing weekend brunch with the gals, or you just need a reason to leave the house, Cornerstone Café comes highly recommended for all things caffeinated, sweet, savoury, and most importantly, absolutely delicious.

LOU’S PIZZA & WINE

Æ Covid was a downfall for many small local businesses, but here we have a diamond in the rough, with Lou’s Pizza and Wine opening in September 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic. Owners Will and Ryan took a risk, and it has most definitely paid off.

Already rapidly having gained a reputation for being one of the most prestigious pizza places in the region, you’d be seriously missing out if you didn’t visit Lou’s in the near future. Known for its handmade, hand-stretched pizzas, and using only fresh premium ingredients, you might as well be in Italy. Priding themselves on sourcing their ingredients from local producers and suppliers (when possible), supporting their community and ensuring the freshest flavours possible, Lou’s is a good time waiting for you.

Among all of the other incredible aspects of Lou’s, the standout feature is their pizza dough, rested for 48 hours – to create a thin, crispy base, with puffy and crunchy crusts - I recommend wearing your stretchiest pants, or not even bothering with pants altogether.

To complement this incredible base, the menu at Lou’s offers a wide range of pizza options, from your traditional Italian styles like Napoletana and Margherita, to American-Italian influences, like the Spicy Salami, and even some Aussie favourites, like BBQ Chicken and Supreme – they basically have every pizza combination you could want.

If pizza isn’t your thing, that’s fine, because at Lou’s there is an array of delicious non-pizza options, such as a Burrata with Flatbread, fresh pastas, deli items, their famous mozzarella sticks and garlic bread, and salads – they also cater and accommodate to dietary requirements, with a variety of gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options available – so there is literally something for everyone.

Lou’s has a cosy and inviting dining experience with an outdoor sheltered heated area suitable for larger groups and an indoor dining room. To match the fun and edgy vibe of Lou’s, check out the alcohol on offer. From a wide range of captivating cocktails, wine, and beer, with Lou’s having their own label beer “Lou’s Lager” on tap that has been specially brewed for them, the drinks partner with the pizza perfectly.

At Lou’s they’re all about creating an unforgettable journey for patrons, to redefine your dining experience and leave you wanting more.

WHERE: 206 SOUTH STREET, BALLARAT 3350

OPEN: TUE–FRI, 6:30AM–3PM / SAT & SUN, 8AM–2PM

WHERE: 1/73B LITTLE MALOP STREET

OPEN: TUE–THU, 5-9PM / FRI & SAT, 12–10PM / SUN, 12–8PM

NO.7 HEALESVILLE

Æ Did someone say lunch and dinner and everything in-between? Whether it’s just a few small plates at the bar, a long lunch outside in the sun or date night amongst the barrels and chandeliers, visiting NO.7 Healesville should be a must do on everyone’s list. NO.7 Healesville features a shared style menu by Head Chef Joel Bowers, that celebrates seasonal produce and changes regularly based on the seasons, and what excites him at the time. These plates are designed to go with a glass of wine.

Back in 2018, what was originally a cabinet makers factory built in ‘03, owner Spike’s parents brought back a shipping container from Italy, full of beautiful stone troughs, olive oil presses, basins, windows, paintings and tables that filled the space and gave it warmth and soul. Then just add in a working winery, some chandeliers, good tunes and a delicious menu and wine list and they were ready to go. The team at NO.7 continues to focus on the ultimate vision of the experience they want to provide their guests and deliver true, memorable hospitality.

The vibe is always welcoming, inclusive, warm, and generous. NO.7 are passionate about introducing their guests to the food and wine they love, and are always sharing a variety of tastes and stories. Top your experience off by pouring fascinating organic wines from all around the world and then finish with something from their drinks trolley, which features an ever-changing selection of amaros, vermouth, liqueurs and digestives served tableside – this sounds like an unmissable evening if I’ve ever seen one.

Working with as much local produce from small producers as possible is something the team at NO.7 aim high for. LUCKILY they are spoiled for produce and farmers throughout their region and further a field and are very excited to work with them more and continue to build relationships with them. Smoked Goulburn River trout rillette with radishes, local mushrooms on celeriac with ancho oil and parmesan, and sunchokes with guacamole and fenugreek are some of the current menu highlights.

In the Good Food Guide for 2023, NO.7 Healesville received their first Chef’s Hat and retained the accolade for 2024 – it’s not hard to see why. Whilst awards are not why they do what they do, the team is ever so proud to be recognised by industry professionals for their hospitality.

OOH BABY

Æ Wanna know what’s open late for cocktails and other beveragino’s, and will leave you feeling completely full and giddy like it’s Christmas? Well, a warm welcome to Ooh Baby!

Ooh Baby has Italian owners with over 20 years-experience in the hospitality industry, going back to their roots and opening a restaurant that feels close to home, and you are going to be thankful that they did.

The menu at Ooh Baby is total Italian Cuisine, featuring antipasto starters, pastas, main dishes and sides. Now, the menu options are designed to share – but the food is so mouth-wateringly delicious, you probably won’t want to share… however they also offer the option of a la carte dining. So start with your choice of antipasti’s, including artisan breads, or sausage arancini, then make your way to mains, and obviously end your evening with dessert – both in food and alcohol form thank you very much. The most popular menu options are most definitely the burrata, the vodka pasta and the veal cutlet.

The team aims to work with a range of local businesses such as Bellarine Fresh, La Madre Bakery, Midwest Meats and Geelong Fresh Foods, and let’s face it, it makes you feel SO much better knowing you’re supporting local when you can.

Ooh Baby features an extensive drinks menu that consists of beer, wine and cocktails, bringing you the classic cocktails you’ve always loved as well as some signature ones designed by the team – strawberry and cream sour, and limoncello sour’s are calling your name.

The venue features elegant grand high ceilings, a large spacious dining room for dinner and drinks as well as two private dining rooms perfect for hosting special occasions such as birthday dinners, hens parties, business dinners and more.

The main dining room features banquette seating as well as three booths at the rear of the restaurant perfect for small group dinners – whatever the event, the team at Ooh Baby is there to make it the best experience you’ve had.

If you haven’t been yet, the vibe at Ooh Baby is designed to impress you from the minute you step in the door, and boy, they got that spot on, with dark mood lighting, golden lamp lit tables and an elegant venue structure. Ooh Baby is THE perfect spot to come for date night, after work drinks (no matter the day of the week) or even just for a catch up drink with friends.

To top it all off, on Saturday evenings they even have a DJ from 8:30 pm, bringing a mix of RnB and deep groovy house to set the vibe post dinner service for cocktails and drinks, and get you ready to hit the town afterwards

WHERE: 7 LILYDALE ROAD, HEALESVILLE

OPEN: THU–SUN, 12–9:30PM

WHERE: 9–11 MALOP STREET, GEELONG CBD

OPEN: WED–SUN, 5:30PM–LATE

GIG GUIDE

SEPTEMBER 2024

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

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

THU 12 SEP

OPEN MIC NIGHT

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

7PM FREE

MR MUK + BACKBONE

SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE

6PM $20

FRI 13 SEP

FRIDGE + GRYTT, FUTURE TONGUES

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL, GEELONG

8PM $28.60

ROUND UP: A COUNTRY CLUB NIGHT

THE VOLTA, BALLARAT

9PM $20

TAXIRIDE

FOUNDERS AND CO, LARA

7:30PM $80

CHOIRBOYS

THE CAPITAL, BENDIGO

8PM $69

LIFELINE COMEDY

GALA

FT: Dilruk Jayasinha, Luke Massey. Johnny Katts, Kelsey De Almeida and Sarah Maree Cameron

GEELONG WEST TOWN HALL, GEELONG

6PM $40–$60

THE DOORS TRIBUTE

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

8:30PM $15

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG

7PM FREE

JACK FROTHERS

BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY

6PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG

EVERY FRI + SAT FREE

KATE MILLER-HEIDKE

RIVERLINKS EASTBANK, SHEPPARTON

7PM $79

ECHO SOCIAL CLUB + LEFT AT THE AVENUE, THE GRIMWOODS

MEDUSA BAR, GEELONG 7PM $16.97

LEVI ANDERSON

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG

8:30PM FREE

CROSSWIND

SHEDSHAKER BREWING, CASTLEMAINE

7:30PM FREE

GUNS AND ROSES, FAITH NO MORE TRIBUTE NIGHT

SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE

8PM $31.65

SAT 14 SEP

CHARLI XCX RELEASE PARTY + VARIOUS DJS

TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY

8PM $22

CHOIRBOYS

LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE, WARRNAMBOOL

8PM $69

TRIPLE J’S

ONE NIGHT STAND

FT: G Flip, Ruel, What So Not, Thelma Plum, Sycco, Dice and a Triple J Unearthed Winner FRIENDLY SOCIETY PARK, WARRNAMBOOL

12PM SOLD OUT

IN FUZZ WE TRUST + BUDD, LUCIFUNGUS AND SMOKE WITCH STONE VAULT STUDIOS, FYANSFORD

7PM $15

MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA

+ SPECIAL GUESTS

THEATRE ROYAL, CASTLEMAINE

7PM $66.85

ELECTRIC SUNSET

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

8:30PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG 7PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG EVERY FRI + SAT FREE

GOOD FACES FOR RADIO

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG 9PM FREE

SUN 15 SEP

THE GREAT WHITE WHALE + SPECIAL GUESTS THEATRE ROYAL, CASTLEMAINE 4:30PM $25

DAVE GRANEY & CLARE MOORE BLARNEY BOOKS, PORT FAIRY 4PM $40

THEE CHA CHA CHA + DAFFODIL PARADE AFTER PARTY

MAJOR TOM’S, KYNETON 5PM $15

DAN VOGL

BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY 3PM FREE

GV CONCERT ORCHESTRA CHAMBER SERIES

RIVERLINKS EASTBANK, SHEPPARTON 2PM $1–$2

THE ADELE SHOW

SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE 3PM $38.80

DOGGEREL

SHEDSHAKER BREWING, CASTLEMAINE 5PM FREE

WED 18 SEP

GREG ARNOLD + SUPPORTS

ARARAT TOWN HALL, ARARAT 8PM $30

DAVE O’NEIL COPACC, COLAC 7PM $47

LUKEY LUKE’S OPEN MIC NIGHT

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG

7PM FREE

THU 19 SEP

HELLO FOR HELP FUNDRAISER

FT: Brett Blake, Tommy Dassalo, Robyn Reynolds, Ash Greblo, Luke Morris

PIANO BAR, BENDIGO

7:30PM $30

CHRIS DEARAUGO & ANDREW WATTS

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

7PM FREE

OPEN MIC NIGHT

BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY

6PM FREE

FRI 20 SEP

MERCI MERCY

+ CAROLINE + CLAUDE

THE VOLTA, BALLARAT

8P FREE

ROSE TATTOO

+ BLACK ACES

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

8:30PM $45

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG

7PM FREE

HAZEL RAY

BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY

6PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG

EVERY FRI + SAT FREE

JUNGLE JIM SMITH

+ JACK MEREDITH

MEDUSA BAR, GEELONG

7:30PM FREE

JEFF MARTIN: THE SONGS OF DAVID BOWIE

+ BULLY HAY

SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE

8PM $53.05

DAVID JURIANSZ

SHEDSHAKER BREWING, CASTLEMAINE

7:30PM FREE

SAT 21 SEP

BENNY J AND THE PSYCH WARD

+ PLASTIC SECTION

TRASHCULT, BENDIGO

7PM $22.50

THE BARWON

CLUB BLOW OUT

FT: Daddy Issues, Blowers, Program, Leatherman, Public House, Fly! + more!

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL, GEELONG

1PM $44.90

MILO EASTWOOD

+ SARITA

+ SPECIAL GUEST

TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY

9PM $15

SAILORS REST ROOFTOP

LAUNCH PARTY

FT: Hayden Jefferies, Matt Manly, Coco & Ayres, Brown Boy & Smiley

SAILORS REST, GEELONG

3PM FREE–$10

ROSE TATTOO

+ BLACK ACES

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

8:30PM $45

GENTLE BEN & HIS SHIMMERING HANDS

MAJOR TOMS, KYNETON

8:30PM $15

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG

7PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG

EVERY FRI + SAT FREE

LIVE MUSIC

GYPSY BURGER, TORQUAY

3PM FREE

MR MEANER

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG 9PM FREE

SARAH CARROLL AND THE BIG FUSS

SHEDSHAKER BREWING, CASTLEMAINE

8PM $21.97

SUN 22 SEP

SARAH CARROLL AND THE BIG FUSS + WINKSY

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL, GEELONG 5PM $20

FAMILY FRIENDLY FOLK ROCK N COUNTRY SHOW

FT: The Suburban, Nathan Seeckts

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG 2PM $15

DARYL BRAITHWAITE + TAYLOR SHERIDAN

KYNETON TOWN HALL, KYNETON 5PM $65

ANDY B

BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY 3PM FREE

PAPER JANE

SHEDSHAKER BREWING, CASTLEMAINE

7:30PM FREE

THU 26 SEP

X COAST

+ LUCAS BOSTON & MORDI TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY 9PM $35.70

ESKIMO JOE + SPECIAL GUESTS

BARWON HEADS HOTEL, BARWON HEADS 7:30PM $61.20

OPEN MIC NIGHT

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO 7PM FREE

WATTY THOMPSON & HIS TOTAL FIRE BAND + K5

THE BRIDGE HOTEL, CASTLEMAINE 8PM $30

DAN SULTAN + DAISY KILBOURNE

ANGLESEA MEMORIAL HALL, ANGLESEA 7PM $50

MAD AZZ

ELEPHANT AND CASTLE, GEELONG

8:30PM FREE

FRI 27 SEP

THE REAL GRAND FINAL

FT: Macëy, Wöølworths\\ Flushot, Tommy Dynamite & The Explosions, The Grimwoods, Scud, Blyss, Kristol Pistol And Racoo THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL, GEELONG 4PM $20

LONELY LANDS LIQUORS PARTY

FT: DJ Set From Tash Sultana TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY 9PM $30.10

JARED HEALY EP RELEASE + STEPH BITTER, LUKE HARRINGTON

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

8:30PM $10

DAN SULTAN + BUMPY

ANGLESEA MEMORIAL HALL, ANGLESEA

7PM $50

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG 7PM FREE

BEN HYNE

BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY 6PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG EVERY FRI + SAT FREE

EVE AT MEDUSA

FT: 4 Days, Soul Mage, Dicko

MEDUSA BAR, GEELONG

7PM $11.69

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

MURPHYS, GEELONG

9PM FREE

LEVI ANDERSON

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG

8:30PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

QUEEN OF THE WEST, GEELONG

7:30PM FREE

BREAK STUFF

SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE

8PM $31.65

SAT 28 SEP

BOOTS ‘N’ ALL

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

8:30PM FREE

SEEDY REED

ALCOHOL EP TOUR

AIREYS PUB, AIREYS INLET

6:30PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

BEAVS BAR, GEELONG

7PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG

EVERY FRI + SAT FREE

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

MURPHYS, GEELONG

9PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

QUEEN OF THE WEST, GEELONG

7:30PM FREE

PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE

SHEDSHAKER BREWING, CASTLEMAINE

7:30PM FREE

SUN 29 SEP

ZIGGY

BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY 3PM FREE

LIVE MUSIC NIGHT

MURPHYS, GEELONG 12PM FREE

JARED HEALY

SHEDSHAKER BREWING, CASTLEMAINE

5PM FREE

THU 3 OCT

OPEN MIC NIGHT

GOLDEN VINE HOTEL, BENDIGO

7PM FREE

JAYSON GILLHAM

PIANO RECITAL

RIVERLINKS EASTBANK, SHEPPARTON

7:30PM $30

FRI 4 OCT

COSMIC PSYCHOS

+ SPECIAL GUESTS

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL, GEELONG

7PM $39.80

HAZEL RAY

BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY 6PM FREE

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW

ARARAT TOWN HALL, ARARAT 11AM PAY WHAT YOU WANT

LIVE MUSIC

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG

EVERY FRI + SAT FREE

BRITISH INDIA

+ SPECIAL GUESTS

SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE 8PM $52.05

SYNERGY

SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE 9PM $15

SAT 5 OCT

TAKING BACK SATURDAY

PUNK & EMO NIGHT

THE BARWON CLUB HOTEL, GEELONG 8PM $14.30–$22

COG

+ THE SEA BENZ TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY 8PM $59.90

TEAM PICKS

TAMMY Editor

‘Foreign Spies’ The Smile

“Nothing is making me more excited to see Thom Yorke in October than new music from The Smile. ‘Foreign Spies’ is a transcendent arrangement”

What we’re vibing this month

MATT Partnerships & Campaign Manager

‘Black Books Theme’ Trellis (Jonathan Whitehead)

“‘I can feel pieces of my brain falling away like a wet cake’”

OLYMPIA

+ SPECIAL GUESTS

THE VOLTA, BALLARAT

8PM $43.10

SHANE

BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY 3PM FREE

THE EVERLY BROTHERS & BUDDY HOLLY TRIBUTE SHOW

ARARAT TOWN HALL, ARARAT 7:30PM $20

TURN UP YOUR RADIO

THE POTATO SHED, DRYSDALE 7:30PM $42

LIVE MUSIC

EUREKA HOTEL, GEELONG EVERY FRI + SAT FREE

THE MCNAMARR PROJECT, JARROD SHAW, ANNA SCIONTI, SNAKE EYED ROLLERS THE BLUES TRAIN, QUEENSCLIFF 6PM SOLD OUT

RILEY Designer

‘SAWLM Episode 40 – Dominaria Part 1’ Shivam and Wheeler

Love Magic

“Torgaar, Famine Incarnate was one of the first legendaries I ever came across, and I thought it was spooky as hell”

48 FILM FRENZY