ARTS / COMMUNITY / FASHION / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC
TETRIK FUTURE FASHION
MAGIC LANTERN STUDIO • PEACEMEALS MUNCHING INNER NORTH • A CHAT WITH POISON CITY RECORDS 1
THIS IS MELBOURNE’S INNER NORTH
Proud Stockists of the Best Hand-made English Shoes Over 35 years Experience in Shoe Repairs
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EDITOR’S LETTER August is upon us, and with that there is light at the end of the long winter tunnel. But we are not quite there yet, and so for now we will still be wrapping up warm and continuing to indulge in the comforts the inner north has to offer.
Editor & Co-Founder - James Fox
And indulgence is a sin we admittedly enjoy here at Inner Circle, and so this issue sees us encourage your foodie gluttony as we speak with Melbourne food blogger Pamela Yip of Munching Melbourne, who guides us through the perfect foodie day in the region, from breakfast, to brunch, to dinner and beyond.
We would not have been able to create Inner Circle Magazine without the hard work and dedication of all involved. Thank you!
Continuing the theme of food, we also explore local community dining experience PeaceMeals. Far less about gluttony, and more about indulging in commune and sharing, here you will learn about the people behind PeaceMeals, and what makes this community project so inspiring – after reading this, we’re sure you’ll be attending a PeaceMeals event soon! There is no doubt that creativity is a bedrock of the inner north, and we are always inspired by the number of extraordinary and varied artists, designers, musicians and other creatives that continue to thrive in our region. And with such creativity firmly in our sights, this issue sees us chat with local fashion and canopy designer Aidan Beyer of Tetrik, with Lucy Parkinson and Gonzalo Varela, the couple behind the wondrous Magic Lantern Studio on Brunswick St., and with Andy Hayden of Poison City Records, who has played an important role in the local music scene for the last 14 years. Whatever takes your interest this month, once again we hope you enjoy our latest exploration of Melbourne’s inner north. James Fox - Editor & Co-Founder, Inner Circle Magazine
Head Designer & Co-Founder - Declan Hooper
Editorial Assistant: Eleanor van Driel Design Assistant/Illustrator: Nicola Hooper Consultant: David Hooper Print Columnists: Nina McQueen, Tobias Handke, Quincy Malesovas, Estelle Artois, Ruby Syme, Simon Wraight Photography: Briannagh Clare (Front Cover, Tetrik), Jean Baluch, Munching Melbourne, Alix Whitelaw Online Columnists and Contributors in July: Nina McQueen, Lucy Morrish (The Mind Room) Special thanks to: @illicitempress (Cover Model), Lucy Parkinson and
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners of the Land: “We, at Inner Circle Magazine, would like to acknowledge that the land we meet on is the traditional lands for the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the custodians of the Melbourne region, including Melbourne’s inner north, and recognise that their culture and heritage is still important to the Wurundjeri people today. We wish to pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and further acknowledge the important role that Indigenous people continue to play within our communities.”
Gonzalo Varela (Magic Lantern Studio), Andy Hayden (Poison City Records), Aidan Beyer (Tetrik), Pamela Yip (Munching Melbourne), Kate Shelton (PeaceMeals) Special thanks also reserved for all our advertising partners. Publisher: Inner Circle Magazine - innercirclemagazine.com.au To contribute, head to: innercirclemagazine.com.au/about/contribute/
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For advertising enquiries, contact: James Fox - james@innercirclemagazine.com.au Declan Hooper - declan@innercirclemagazine.com.au
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ARTS PAGE 7
COMMUNITY PAGE 11
FASHION PAGE 15
FOOD & DRINK PAGE 20
MUSIC PAGE 22
• WHAT’S ON
• WHAT’S ON
• WHAT’S ON
• MUNCHING INNER
• WHAT’S ON
• ARTS NEWS
• COMMUNITY
• FASHION UPDATE
• MAGIC LANTERN STUDIO
NEWS
• PEACEMEALS
ESPRESSO BAR & COFFEE PRODUCTS 30 KERR ST, FITZROY VIC. WWW.30KERR65.COM.AU 03 9416 2077
• TETRIK FUTURE FASHION
NORTH
• MUSIC NEWS • A CHAT WITH POISON CITY RECORDS
KUNDALINI HOUSE LIVE CONSCIOUSLY, MOVE MINDFULLY, HEAL DEEPLY
When you walk through the doors of Kundalini House, there is a good chance you will feel at home almost instantly. The love and compassion that the founding sisters Pip and Billie bring here is tangible. Since Kundalini House first opened eleven years ago, it has grown into a Fitzroy North institution. The multi-modality Health Clinic, Yoga Studio and holistic retail store are all kept under one roof near the banks of the Merri Creek. Both Billie’s and Pip’s backgrounds are in the field of integrative health, as a Kinesiologist and Bowen therapist, and Acupuncturist and CCM practitioner respectively. With an unfailing belief in everyone’s right to heal with purposeful support, they built a professional and loving team of practitioners and teachers around them. In addition to the sisters’ modalities, Naturopathy, Osteopathy and
a range of talking therapies are on offer at the clinic. You are always greeted with welcoming warmth and encouraged to take it slow, which gives you the opportunity to soak up the calming atmosphere. As its name suggests, there is a strong presence of Kundalini Yoga here. Among its membership options is a $59 Intro pass for a month of unlimited yoga for first-timers. Classes run seven days a week, with a balanced mix of Kundalini and Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Qigong and more. Throughout the year workshops and specialized courses are offered, with a focus on mental health and emotional wellbeing, and particularly trauma recovery and support. Whether you are waiting for a yoga class, are coming out of an appointment or just need a space to take a break from the hectic world
outside, it is worth visiting the retail end of Kundalini House. You are invited to have a seat, sip on some delicious tea and immerse yourself in beautiful books and scents. There is a strong emphasis on local and environmentally friendly products, which range from yoga equipment, including yoga equipment, music and meditation CDs, supplements and more. The shop is looked after by a lovely on-the-floor naturopath who is also available to give immediate health advice. It is rare to find a place that provides such consistent, professional and meaningful support with authentic care and warmth. Wherever you are on your healing journey, Kundalini House will support you along the way, inspired by its guiding premise: ‘Live consciously, move mindfully, heal deeply’.
Kundalini House • 391A St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North • 03 9482 4325 Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 8.30am-4pm • kundalinihouse.com.au • Facebook.com/kundalinihouse
Issue 06 • August
Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
What’s On - Arts
Arts News
La Mama 50th Winter Season
This July was festival season in the inner north’s art community.
La Mama Theatre, Carlton, from 5th August Celebrating their 50th Winter Season, La Mama theatre in Carlton is holding several exciting events this August, including rock poetry, amongst others.
Sally Gabori: Living With Art 2017
Alcaston Gallery, Brunswick 8th - 26th August Showcasing the recently released paintings by the Estate of Sally Gabori and collaborating with international design and fine art from Mondopiero.
Woodlands
in.cube8r Gallery, Fitzroy 11th - 22nd August Dipping into the exploration of a diverse group of artist’s fascination with the often forgotten nature just a short trip outside our metropolitan urban landscape.
Arab Film Festival
Cinema Nova, Carlton 25th - 27th August August welcomes the Arab Film Festival at Cinema Nova, featuring Mahbas, Gaza Surf Club, I Still Hide To Smoke and more.
Spellbinding wonder was conjured up at the Northcote Town Hall, which hosted the Melbourne Magic Festival. Over 300 acts of 65 varying shows for kids, adults and families were performed, and the reviews prove the success: with a 4.7/5 star rating on Facebook, this was truly an event you needed to see to believe. If you’re a lover of magic, mystery and illusion, you need to cast this annual event into your calendar for next year. Two notable film festivals were also held in July, namely the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival at Cinema Nova, Howler Bar and Longplay, showcasing over 80 short and feature-length documentaries, some of which are award winning, regarding a range of issues and topics such as gender inequality, music, travel, immigration, the LGBTQIA community, charity, animals, culture and
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much more. The fourth Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival also hit the Palace Westgarth cinema in Northcote, with guest Charlotte Sieling preceding an introduction to The Man. You might still just catch the humanistic comedy A Hustler’s Diary for closing night on August 2nd. Naidoc week was also celebrated in the art community this July, with the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, presented by Beverly Knight Art & Business held at Alcaston Gallery in Brunswick, celebrating and supporting Queensland Indigenous artists including Naomi Hobson and Don KullaKulla, and many others. August sees a host of events for lovers of the arts in our region, including La Mama Theatre’s 50th Winter Season celebration, the Arab Film Festival at Cinema Nova in Carlton and of course a host of art exhibitions and events to be discovered and explored.
Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
MAGIC LANTERN STUDIO EMBRACING ENCHANTMENT & CURIOSITY
Words by Quincy Malesovas Photography by Jean Baluch
Some say that as you get older, the magic in your life becomes lost. Disclaimer: I’m sorry - I hate the use of this elusive “some” (who are they?) but it is what it is. And what it is,
is… the popular opinion that over time, everything in life becomes a little less special. Mystery no longer exists. I hear this sentiment constantly - from people older than me, younger than me and everywhere in between.
Call it realism; call it cynicism; call it the plights of growing up. But growing up doesn’t require us to become drones, free of imagination. That’s only the fate for those who allow it, I’ve decided. But I’ve also witnessed the existence of another group of people. Those who embrace enchantment and curiosity. People like Lucy Parkinson and Gonzalo Varela - visual artists and partners who spearheaded the Magic Lantern Studio in Fitzroy. The space, which is now functioning as a private studio for the couple, has previously transitioned between shop, workshop space, performance centre and gallery. It has been a haven for creatives of various sorts; a way for Lucy and Gonzalo to showcase both their own work and that of others they admire. Today, the couple run an eclectic range of visual art and puppetry workshops, put on performances and produce artworks, murals and, yes, puppets on commission. Ironically, Lucy and Gonzalo have adopted each other’s mediums of choice since they first met in Barcelona 16 years ago. The whole story is magic itself - like something out of a movie, Lucy wandered into Gonzalo’s studio one day on a whim. She was finding herself overseas, on an art school sabbatical. He was doing the same - postponing studies while pursuing work as a muralist. The two fell in love and never looked back (well, except maybe to change their artistic paths along the way). And eight years later, they opened their tiny yet iconic shopfront on Brunswick Street. Red and olive green with an etched awning and an amusing collection of toys in the window, Magic Lantern is unmistakable.
Issue 06 • August
Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
He and Lucy are both part of the Artists in Schools Program through Creative Victoria, which integrates the world of professional art into local primary and secondary schools. Gonzalo has assisted students with language exchange; Lucy has helped them build an interactive playroom.
And in Melbourne, where a large portion of contemporary art is digital in nature, it is incomparable. The ethos of Magic Lantern is centered within and around forgotten, pre-cinema technology and toys. Lucy and Gonzalo fit within the much smaller body of artists who eschew computerderived content in exchange for old school production techniques.
The two highly value connection with people, personally and artistically. “It sets you on paths you might not have embarked on yourself,” Lucy told me.
“I love history and the way people perceive things,” Lucy told me. “Everyone is so saturated with images now,” she mused. Technically speaking, art seems very easy and accessible. That’s not to say that modern artists are not skilled or that their work is not complicated, but many people fail to recognise the reality of it. One thing Magic Lantern does well is bridge this gap between the art and those who made it. In the past, Lucy and Gonzalo have held workshops and exhibitions that feature the mechanical side of handicrafts. Rather than suspend disbelief, they aimed to give their audience reason to believe, which is perhaps even more striking. There is a sense of wonderment in witnessing all that goes into the back end of artwork or a piece of technology. It’s striking to see not just what the puppet looks like on stage, but how each string makes it move. And why do we love those time lapse videos of someone painting or building or cooking? While the finished product might look amazing, the process adds to the magic.
She and Gonzalo have worked across Australia and internationally. Their expansive cultural repertoire is evident, but Melbourne holds their heart.
As Melbourne has expanded, Lucy and Gonzalo have seen the arts scene progressing outwards, from inner-city to the fringes. “This is the natural progress of gentrification,” Lucy told me. “The high concentration of artists together can be fruitful, but disperses as we separate. I miss the cross pollination of living on top of each other.” But the support of community and engagement within it has kept Magic Lantern’s appeal strong. Gonzalo has worked with La Mama, most recently devising ‘Life is a Carousel’, a whimsical puppetry performance of massive proportions.
Spending time away has crystallised their appreciation of the country. “Seeing something every day makes it blunted,” Lucy told me, “but it’s nice coming back to a place you know so well.” And, to the opposite effect, the place knows the people. Lucy and Gonzalo’s admiration for crafts, handiwork, and 200+ year-old design has brought them quite a bit of recognition over the years. It’s no surprise to see Melbourne churning out interesting content, but it can very well remain a point of pride. And it should, for Lucy and Gonzalo and all of those who have supported them along the way. To learn more about their work, head to magiclanternstudio.com
CAR SHARING IN THE INNER NORTH LOCAL STORIES OF NEIGHBOUR-TO-NEIGHBOUR CAR SHARING PLATFORM ‘CAR NEXT DOOR’
Jane’s car used to sit for days on end outside her Fitzroy home, as she preferred riding her bike or using public transport to get around. Fed up with paying the high costs of registration, insurance and maintenance on a car she hardly used, Jane decided to list her car for rent through neighbour-to-neighbour car sharing platform Car Next Door.
Jane is one of thousands of people in the inner north who are using Car Next Door to save money and reduce car congestion by making more efficient use of cars that sit idle most of the time. The platform provides technology and insurance to take the hassle and risk out of renting your car out, allowing regular cars to become share cars. Jane’s is one of Fitzroy’s most popular share
cars: it has been booked for over 400 trips and earned over $20,000 since being listed about three years ago. “It’s been surprisingly easy,” says Jane. “The car just goes out and comes back, often while I’m out at work or at uni. I’ve got a few regular borrowers who live nearby and usually take the car at the weekend.” Stuart, from Collingwood, joined Car Next Door when he returned from living in
London. He didn’t want the hassle of owning a car, but needs to drive now and then. “I like the fact that it’s making use of cars that are already out there, and not adding to the number of cars in the city,” says Stuart. “I feel good about that.” “It’s also really convenient and cost effective - and there are heaps of different types of vehicles available, so you can pick the right one for the job.”
HOW DOES IT WORK? • To hire a neighbour’s car, you need to be a member of Car Next Door. Joining is free, there is no membership fee or lock-in contract and it’s fast to join: you can apply online and be screened and approved within 3 hours. • Search online for cars, utes or vans available nearby with the features you need, and book instantly. You don’t need to contact the car owner or wait for confirmation. • An electronic lockbox lets you get the keys, so you don’t need to meet the owner. • The cost of the rental covers insurance, fuel and 24-hour member support and roadside assistance.
Inner Circle readers get $30 off their first trip with code INNERCIRCLE. Visit carnextdoor.com.au to sign up today.
Issue 06 • August
Inner Circle Magazine • Community
What’s On - Community
Community News
Earthdance for Women: Nature & Nurture
July flew by - at least as far as we’re concerned, but not without lots of community happenings along the way. (And would we expect anything less?)
CERES, Brunswick East, 5th August Earthdance for Women is a women’s space to explore and be supported in community with women. A soundscape guides the flow of the journey, with meditation and movement intuitively guided by the healers (facilitators).
Anarchist Bookfair
Brunswick Town Hall, 12th August It’s back again, at its usual location at the Brunswick Town Hall - featuring all the zines, patches, punks and political propaganda you can imagine (and maybe some donation-based meals and snacks).
Equal Love Rally and Mass Illegal Wedding
State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, 26th August It’s been 13 years since the Marriage Act was amended in Australia to forbid marriage between same-sex couples. On the 26, hundreds will gather in the streets to protest this act and promote equality amongst, sexes, genders and sexualities.
The month started with a radiothon fundraiser for Queering the Air at 3CR and was hosted by Hares and Hyenas in Fitzroy. The night included live poetry, music and cabaret along with visual art from a range of local talents. The Finders Keepers Market, one of the city’s largest collections of independent, localymade goods, occurred mid-month. It is obviously a cool way to snag some new duds, but also a means of encouraging conscious consumerism within the community. Towards the end of the month, Smith Street Dreaming festival set up for its fifth year in a row. The event, which celebrates the Koorie history of Fitzroy and Collingwood, featured
Written by Quincy Malesovas
contemporary and traditional music and dance from a selection of indigenous artists and groups. Right before we turned the corner to August, Melbourne held the highly regarded Open House Weekend - a few days of workshops and dialogue about how the average community member can engage with, support and improve their built environment. August is full of even more unique community events to look forward to, so be sure to get out there and engage with your inner north peers!
PEACEMEALS
ASSUMPTIONS ALTERED, BARRIERS QUASHED AND CONNECTIONS MADE
Words by Ruby Syme Photography by Jean Baluch
There’s something magical about sharing a meal. Spooning, pouring, slicing, tearing… it’s not just the food, but something in the notion of passing steaming plates around a table, that nourishes you. It’s a chance to bond, to chat, to catch up, to vent, and, in the case of PeaceMeals, Collingwood, it’s a chance to learn. Here it is also an opportunity for strangers from different backgrounds to meet, speak and share, and this is a meal where combatting stereotypes, strengthening community bonds and increasing understanding are all on the menu. On the third Thursday of every month, up to 80 people from various cultures and backgrounds meet at South of Johnston on Oxford Street, Collingwood. There are lawyers among them, refugees, doctors, asylum seekers, those who have been in detention, and they’re all there because of the same thing. PeaceMeals
Initiated by Kate Shelton in 2015, the premise behind PeaceMeals is simple. Each meeting centres around a shared dinner, those involved passing plates around the table and conversing and connecting as they go. People pay what they can afford. The mission is to break down barriers and racial stereotypes through providing a space where trust, awareness, understanding and respect is created. “We’re trying to connect people and strengthen the community through understanding,” explains Kate. “Just by having a conversation with people different to us or with people coming from a different background gives us an opportunity to understand and to make less judgements.” The important thing, Kate says, is giving people an opportunity to mix outside their usual social circle. It’s a relaxed, safe
environment for them to meet and talk with others they might not necessarily connect with in their everyday lives. “People might have a view of what they think a refugee, an asylum seeker or someone in detention is before they meet them” says Kate. “People are often surprised as the image they’ve seen in the press and media is not personal to these people.” Simply through sharing a meal, assumptions can be altered, barriers quashed and connections made. And the South of Johnston location provides the perfect arena for this. It’s open and inviting, warmly lit, and something in its sprawling layout oozes a sense of connection. Owner Stuart McKenzie donates the entire space to PeaceMeals each month, which sees it transform into a sea of communal tables, and the kitchen into a zone of collaboration. Kate explains that there is an array of people involved with each meal.
Volunteers, refugees, asylum seekers and past attendees cook a range of food from Nepalese to Indian fare. Recently, female refugees Susan Dahal and Raj Sharma prepared a Nepalese feast. The pair fled the civil war in Nepal to India, where they left their children for safety. Coming to Australia as refugees, they spent three years in community detention, awaiting a decision on their future. Past meals have also been cooked by students, Afghan migrants, members of the Olympic rowing team, and refugee lawyers. And those who attend PeaceMeals are just as varied as the chefs themselves. There’s a range of people, from high school age to 70 years old, and they all connect in different ways, says Kate. “Friendships have been formed, financial support has been given, and jobs have been found for people. People give advice, people give driving lessons or medical assistance.” “It just happens organically through people chatting. It’s up to people how they connect,” she says.
Indeed, it’s often a mutual need that sees people attend each PeaceMeal. It’s not only assistance and support for those who require it, but it’s also “an education and enlightenment for people who haven’t been exposed to people from different cultures,” says Kate. “A lot of people have said it’s enlightening, it changes their viewpoint.” Each PeaceMeal also provides an arena for emerging artists, performers and public speakers to showcase their work. Past performers include South Sudanese singer Awak Kwai and rapper and poet Fablice Manirakiza, who grew up in wartorn Burundi.
In the future, she hopes that other venues will be inspired to host PeaceMeals of their own. “It’s a simple concept, just sharing a meal, using a space that’s already there,” Kate says, so she hopes it’s something she can pass on to others. And for now, the positive effect of PeaceMeals will continue to resonate with those involved. “We’ve formed our own community and formed great support within that community,” says Kate. “It’s a very warm and welcoming feeling when you come into this place.”
Meals have also featured speakers such as Aseel Tayah, a Palestinian artist who founded ‘Fingerprint’, an initiative using art workshops and activities to inspire girls in her home country.
Get involved with PeaceMeals: To attend a PeaceMeal, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/peacemealsmelbourne/ and look out for the next event date.
“There’s huge respect for the artists when they speak about their stories and how they’ve survived and how resilient they are,” Kate says.
The organisation is also looking for help developing their website. Anyone interested in helping out a great cause can email Kate on peacemealsmelbourne@gmail.com
The Fitzroy Emporium is a boutique market space housing Melbourne designers and hand picked vintage or modern recycled clothes. With a strong team of over 15 contributors, Fitzroy Emporium is an ever changing, creative, eclectic and ethical place to shop.
91 Smith Street. Fitzroy. www.fitzroyemporium.com
233 & 235 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Issue 06 • August
Inner Circle Magazine • Fashion
What’s On - Fashion Bridal and Honeymoon Showcase Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton 19th August Brides and Grooms to be will not want to miss this showcase event at the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building.
A-Plus Pop Up Market
Coburg Town Hall, from August 26th The A-Plus pop up market at Coburg town hall is running from August 26th right through to October 14th. Definitely a mustvisit for picking up a last minute bargain!
Make-up Workshop
Masci Hair and Spa, Brunswick East August 7th Masci Hair and Spa in Brunswick East are hosting a make-up workshop to allow people to experiment and gain endless knowledge from professionals about using Revlon products to kick-start their make-up artist career. This is an all day seminar.
Fashion Update
Written by Estelle Artois
And so we enter into the final trimester of the cold winter season. Take note though, that staying warm in the colder months doesn’t mean you have to look frumpy. The air is a bit frostier so bring out those woollen gloves to keep your digits warm and cosy. It’s common for people to gravitate towards darker hues and neutral colours. If this describes your style, why not try and incorporate some colour to your outfit with a brightly coloured bag or scarf? A bright statement piece against a blank canvas never goes out of style. Battling the cold requires the necessary staple of a thick and warm coat. Try and find one that fits you very well with a classic cut that you will have for seasons to come. If you opt for a bright coat, keep the rest of your outfit rather simple. We’ve seen lots of coats circulating at the moment that incorporate thick collars and intricate detailing, adding a bit of excitement to the garment.
If you’re a self-proclaimed fashionista, don’t fall into the trap of wearing very little in the name of fashion. You can find thin pieces that are easy to layer and don’t force you to compromise your body’s climate. Ladies, think long-sleeved dresses, ankle or fulllength boots, gents think warm cashmere thin knits layered under a classic overcoat. A hot tip when it comes to layering: if you opt for more layers on the top, go thin and crisp on the bottom à la tights or skinny jeans and tight-fitting pants to avoid looking unnecessarily bulky. As always, don’t be afraid of accessories such as hats and gloves to complete your look. Remember, no matter what you choose to wear always dress for your body shape, your personality and your mood. What looks flattering on you may not look flattering on the next person, or what suits someone else’s vibe might not suit yours, and vice-versa. Either way, we say be daring and be bold!
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TETRIK FUTURE FASHION
UNCOVERING THE INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION BEHIND LOCAL FUTURE FASHION LABEL TETRIK Words by Estelle Artois Photography by Briannagh Clare @briannagh.c.photography Models: @illicitempress @hnymlk_ Here at Inner Circle Magazine, we aim to be your guide to the unknown yet wonderful world of creative homegrown talent, weaved, brewed and/or pruned on your very own home turf. Enter Tetrik. Founded in 2014 by Northcote local, Aidan Beyer, Tetrik evolved from Aidan’s bedroom into a collaborative team of graphic designers, models, fashion bloggers and photographers.
of our personal desire and need for high quality fabrics and practical, androgynous street wear that is accessible to everyone.” Everything from the logo, to the monochromatic colour palette and the aesthetics of the design choices behind the promo shots of the clothing pieces conjures up images of the future, out of space or of a post-apocalyptic setting.
Since its inception, Aidan as lead designer has joined forces with musician and creative Kimberley Little a.k.a. HNYMLK as leader of creativity (you can also check out her music at soundcloud.com/lovisionmusic), “we work together with the shared vision of exploring future style.”
Yet instead of citing Star Trek as his inspiration, Aidan states his underlying influence for the Tetrik brand comes from his love of the techno club scene, in particular from places like Berlin, which can be credited for the inception of the aesthetic for futuristic fashion.
The Tetrik label strives to create one of a kind fashion pieces featuring subtle textures and tones. As Aidan succinctly puts it, “Tetrik’s clothing designs are born out
“I imagine futuristic streetscapes and the topography of other planets. These images often depict scenes in gray scale which has heavily influenced our colour palette.”
When growing up, Aidan admits he struggled to find personal comfort in clothing both physically and emotionally which sparked his inspiration to create his own clothing patterns and to take up sewing. It is this choice that he refers to as what has been a “lifelong exploration.” “I’ve realised that I feel best when I’m comfortable and there’s nothing wrong with that! I think there is beauty in comfort and as a result, I try to create looks that are accessible to everyone and flattering for all body types.” Aidan achieves this through the Tetrik brand by putting the focus on the creation of body-optimised garments that surpass any demographics of age and gender. This is echoed in the flexible garment fits of the clothing as well as the versatility of each garment allowing them to be worn in a number of different ways to flatter the body shape of the wearer.
“We prize quality over quantity,” continues Aidan “and faced with a future of increasingly scarce resources, we aim to make clothing with longevity and functionality.” In terms of materials used throughout the collection, the Tetrik collective select materials with the wearer’s comfort as the main priority. Pieces are created using high quality fabrics including Merino wool from New Zealand and organic bamboo, which serves to regulate body temperature as well as being incredibly comfortable. “We also use a range of technology-aided and nature-created future fabrics, like custom lasercut neoprene, sublimation printed faux fur, and recycled rubber. We try sourcing all of our materials locally where possible in order to support Australia’s textile industry.” Their signature polyester fleece is produced right here in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs and their prints are made in Sydney. “I have a commitment to community-minded manufacturing that engages our local resources first, before looking to produce offshore,” says Aidan. “Sourcing from within Australia also means that our materials have been produced ethically, which is really important to the project.”
Apart from Aidan and Kimberley, the Tetrik collective is made up of various local master craftsmen and women. The majority of its clothing items are manufactured in Thornbury by a small group of machinists, and they are strong supporters of locally made clothing, manufactured in a community environment.. “Every Tetrik piece makes its way through our Thornbury studio before coming to you.” The brand does a limited run of its garments, however they believe this allows for continuous innovation and customisation within the design and adds to the uniqueness of a clothing item for their customers. The other half of the Tetrik project is Tetrik Structures which designs, manufactures and installs fabric canopies and suspended installations. Influenced by Aidan’s attraction to industrial architecture and tensile forms, Tetrik Structures evolved organically and was able to get off the ground through the support and encouragement of an amazing network of friends and artists known to Aidan who are involved in the outdoor music scene. “Our work with shade structures and festivals is linked to our clothing and there
is a relationship between the two projects; one always influences the other and vice versa.” You will find his work at festivals such as Rainbow Serpent, Pitch and Strawberry Fields with the added support of a highly skilled team of rigging and engineering crew. “Collaborating with these artists has given us the opportunity and privilege to experiment with a vast range of forms, shapes, and dimensions. We’re so lucky that these festivals have been supportive of our vision for the structures in what we see as an emerging artistic medium.” The Tetrik collective are hoping to bring this medium into the arts community on a larger scale. If you find yourself at a festival in Australia this summer, look skyward and chances are you will be staring at a Tetrik Structures Installation. Here’s to the future.
www.tetrik.xyz facebook.com/tetrik.xyz facebook.com/tetrikstructures @TETRIK.XYZ
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Issue 06 • August
MUNCHING INNER NORTH Q&A WITH POPULAR MELBOURNE FOOD BLOGGERS ‘MUNCHING MELBOURNE’ Interview by Nina McQueen Photography Provided by Munching Melbourne
I am a self-professed ‘foodie’. I feel like if you went to a party and introduced yourself as such a few years ago, people would raise their eyebrows and ask if you’ve had too much to drink. But with social media a prominent platform for not only marketing, but also creating a community of enthusiastic (and hungry) followers, Melbourne’s inner north food society has boomed with popularity. Cafes and restaurants have transformed into art rather than simply a social space to sit down and grab a bite to eat. Every detail and interaction is taken into consideration: the aesthetic nature of the space, how waitresses and waiters chat to you as though you’re an old friend, and of course, how the food and drinks not only taste, but how they’re presented on the plate. And Menus now have the pressure, thanks to social media, of enticing food-lovers through creative and inventive dishes that will, if they could talk, beg to have a photo taken of them. I follow a number of food blogs on Instagram, and for a while attempted my own (and failed miserably) so I was curious to find out what the life is like for successful food bloggers, who are mostly responsible for the reason I eat out so much and still haven’t learned how to cook for myself. I was lucky enough to get in contact with Munching Melbourne’s (@ munchingmelbourne) co-founder Pamela Yip. I’ve been actively following and inspired by this Instagram account over the course of my ‘foodie’ obsession, and I was eager to find out exactly what it’s like to be asked to eat, post photos of food and drinks, and have an almost-40k following. I also find out Munching Melbourne’s top picks for eats and foodie treats in the inner north, as well as their choice for the ultimate foodie day in the region! Q. What is Munching Melbourne? A. I started Munching Melbourne with my
foodbiddie, Rowena Lor in 2016. Munching Melbourne is an online platform with over 37,700 fellow food lovers. Every day, we share with them the best food to get their munch on! By using #MunchingMelbourne or tagging us in their photos, they can share their food finds and we choose the best to regram! Basically we’re a community of food lovers, sharing a love of good food. Q. How did Munching Melbourne begin? And what inspired you to become a food blogger? A. Among our group of friends, we were always asked for restaurant/café recommendations (we were known for eating a lot and trying new places). Over brunch one day at The Little Ox, Rowena talked about having over 200 photos of food on her phone, and myself, being a digital coordinator who was passionate about social media, I said we needed to create a food blog. So the next day I created the @ munchingmelbourne Instagram account and started posting. Q. Did success come easily or was it a progressive build-up? A. Overnight success didn’t happen; rather, it was being consistent and posting every day. By producing high-quality content daily and engaging with our followers, we were fortunate to accumulate a loyal following and soon were being contacted by agencies/ café/restaurants. It allowed us to collaborate with our favourite spots to do giveaways, which we saw as a way to give back to our followers for their support. Q. What are the perks and disadvantages of the job? A. There aren’t really any disadvantages although one part of our job is that our camera and phone eats before we do! We spend at least 10 minutes taking photos and have to refrain from eating until we get the right picture. I think saying it’s a job is the best excuse for how often we eat out. But honestly, and it sounds cliché, the best perk of the job is
the people you meet. From fellow food bloggers and passionate owners, to foodies who follow us because they resonate with our love of good food. We’re always meeting these inspiring individuals over a meal and I think that’s the best way to get to know someone. And because we feel so fortunate, we really want to give back. We’ve had the opportunity to leverage our platform and help spread awareness for charities such as Unicef and Southern Cross Kids. Our followers are a supportive bunch. Aside from our stomachs, our hearts feel pretty full too! Q. What can you say about the inner north’s food, drink, cafe, restaurant and bar society? What makes it so unique compared to the rest of Melbourne? A. Diverse, niche, authentic and flavoursome. Without a doubt, the inner north is home to a culturally diverse bunch (and mate, they know how to put up a fantastic feed!) The restaurants and cafés specialise in one thing and do it well with consistency, explaining why a lot of them stick around for so long. A lot of these owners have dedicated their life to perfecting recipes – you’ll hear stories of recipes being passed down generations. Whatever your palette and dietary requirements, there’s a place dedicated to satisfying it. (i.e. Buku.cakery will satisfy all your dietary requirements, Vegie Bar for vegetarians and vegans, etc.) Q. What are you favourite food places to check out in the inner north? What
in order for other people to be seated. Their Acai soda and waffles are a must try. Their pastry range is also legendary. Basically, go multiple times to try everything! In Collingwood, get yourself down to Papirica. They serve authentic okonomi-yaki and is our go-to destination when we want to relive our Japan experience (but can’t afford the flight there). Also check out Son In Law for their amazing sizzling roti and their newly-released fun drink with fairy floss (with faces!) makes the place so good? And are there any currently available dishes/drinks that you’ve had recently in the inner north that you would encourage people to check out? A. Our top pick recently would be AU79 in Abbotsford. Their interior is gorgeous with amazing service and food! They’re innovative in their approach: the staff will spend time to chat with you and get to know you. They believe that brunch in Melbourne is evolving and have designed AU79 to suit. Their venue can cater up to 200 people so you don’t feel in a rush to finish
Mukka in Fitzroy creates the most authentic and delicious Indian meals I’ve had in Melbourne so far. I’ve tried half their menu and will be trying the other half soon. Dosa and curry is a must. Get yourself their Mango Lassi or if you’re after something alcoholic, their Chai-tini (Espresso Martini, but Chai!) Q. Is there a dish that continues to resonate with you? A. I really loved the movie Lion. So when I found out that Mukka in Fitzroy served Jalebi (an Indian sweet which was Saroo’s favourite in the movie) I had to try it. To top it off, 100% of the profits from this dessert go to charities supported by the movie Lion, which assists those in extreme poverty. Q. What would your ideal foodie day consist of in the inner north, if you had unlimited money and the free time? Tell us where would you go for breakfast,
lunch, dinner, afternoon/morning tea and what kind of dish/drink would you order? A. I think more than anything we’d wish for a day where kilojoules didn’t exist! We’ll kick off the morning at Tinker in Northcote for their instafamous Mango and Safron Panna Cotta with granola. Next, Industry Beans in Fitzroy for good coffee and brunch. We’ll order the Rosewater Compressed Watermelon (again, panna cotta, and yes, we’re obsessed) and drop by the Rose St market while we’re at it. Dinnertime, we’ll head to Mukka. Love their Chicken Tikka Masala. Shall also order their Chai-tini AND Mango Lassi. We have to order the Jalebi too. We’ll also drop by Shifty’s in Fitzroy for our cheese fix. Plus check out their toilet, it’s amazing. And finally, head off to Son In Law for their fried chicken, sizzling roti and fairy floss drink! Know what you feel like but don’t know where to go? For recommendations on where to eat or grab drinks, don’t hesitate to drop a comment or directly message Munching Melbourne on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to also enter in Munching Melbourne’s partnered giveaway with Mukka on Instagram this August! All you need to do is follow to have a chance to win a feast for 4 people, valued at $120. www.instagram.com/MunchingMelbourne www.facebook.com/MunchingMelbourne
Issue 06 • August
Inner Circle Magazine • Music
What’s On - Music
Music News
Hannah Cameron
Splendour In The Grass sideshows dominated the month of July. Julien Baker (Northcote Social Club), Real Estate and Cut Copy (The Croxton Bandroom), and The Lemon Twigs (The Curtin) all played to lively crowds, but it was Bishop Briggs spectacular and star turning performance at Howler that delivered on all fronts.
The Gasometer, Collingwood, August 3rd An intimate performance of new material from the diverse singer songwriter.
Jack Ladder
Howler, Brunswick, August 4th One of Australia’s most underrated songwriters is back with full band in tow.
Drunk Mums
The Tote, Collingwood, August 12th Melbourne rockers return in support of new single Ode To Death.
Sara McLeod
The Workers Club, Fitzroy, August 23rd Superjesus vocalist touring new single Giants, her first solo release in over a decade.
Husky
Corner Hotel, Richmond, August 24th Indie-folk duo back on the road after the release of third album Punchbuzz.
Melbourne’s own dedicated winter musical festival Leaps And Bounds continued its rise as one of the states best showcases of musical talent. Both local and international acts played across multiple venues, with the likes of Augie March (Corner Hotel), The New Savages (The Catfish), Hard-Ons (The Old Bar) and Billy Davis & The Good Lords (The Night Cat) playing to packed crowds. Touring off the back of third album Quiet Ferocity, The Jungle Giants have three shows at The Croxton at the tail end of August. An under 18s show will be followed
Written by Tobias Handke
by an over 18s performance on Saturday 26th, with the band backing up the next night for another over 18s show on Sunday August 27th. August also finds Josh Pyke touring the hits with two shows at The Corner Hotel (Thursday August 3rd and Friday August 4th), Canadian rockers The Courtneys returning with a headline gig at The Curtain and rapper 360 taking over Howler on Wednesday and Thursday August 23rd and 24th.
Words by Simon Wraight Photography by Alix Whitelaw
In 2003, Poison City was born as a small hobby label run out of a spare bedroom in a Thornbury share house. Since then it has grown into one of the most well known and respected local labels, and also runs an ever-popular record store and skateboard shop in the heart of Fitzroy. We recently spoke with Owner and Founder Andy Hayden to get an insight into the label, as well as hearing his thoughts on the local music scene. We also cast an eye towards the 9th edition of the Poison City Weekender Fest, taking place on the 15th – 17th of September.
Issue 06 • August Inner Circle: What was the music scene in Melbourne like in 2003 when you first started the label? Andy Hayden: For as long as I’m aware, Melbourne has always had a thriving music scene spanning many decades and across different genres. So when I started Poison City, things weren’t vastly different to now; sure, some venues, bands, record stores & local labels have come and gone – but I think the support for live music and the overall creative energy that exists in Melbourne was as strong as ever. I probably didn’t appreciate it as much when I first moved to Melbourne, but having travelled extensively over the past decade, I’m so grateful that we set up camp with Poison City here. There’s such a strong support for independent businesses and creativity in general. The fact that we still have community radio stations like PBS and RRR is invaluable to our local scene and brings so many people together for the love of ‘underground’ music. IC: Who were some of the first bands that you released? AH: The first few releases on Poison City were simply bands I was playing in at the time. As with the beginnings of many indie/DIY labels around the world, Poison City was really just born out of a necessity to release music that didn’t have a home anywhere else. I was playing in a noisy-rock kinda band called A Death In The Family at the time, and we were touring nationally quite a bit and eventually got lucky enough to tour the USA and Europe a few times. Through those adventures I met a bunch of new people and bands that I ended up releasing music for via Poison City. Some of the earlier releases were from bands like Lungs (Sydney), Leatherface (UK), Fear Like Us (Newcastle), Manifesto Jukebox (Finland), Like Alaska (Newcastle), The Gifthorse (Brisbane), Grand Fatal (Sydney) and Jen Buxton (Newcastle). IC: Who are some new bands to look out for that are currently part of the Poison City label? AH: We’ve just started working with an exciting young band called Bench Press, and we will be releasing their album on August 25th. They have a distinctly Melbourne sound, gritty post-punk stuff that I love. We also released a new record from Sydney’s Mere Women back in June
Inner Circle Magazine • Music which was fantastic! There were also new albums from Collingwood legends Batpiss and Tasmania’s Lincoln Le Fevre that came out in July. Overall it’s been such an awesome 12 months for new releases, from Camp Cope to Clowns, to Cable Ties to The Nation Blue’s (two!) come-back albums. IC: How has the success of the Smith Street Band and Camp Cope affected the label? AH: Naturally, anytime a band we’ve worked with has reached a broader audience it opens up the label to that bigger audience too. It doesn’t necessarily mean that all these same people will become fans of the other bands and releases on our label, but it’s cool to think they might check out something new that that they wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to. It really was quite surreal a few weeks back when on one particular night Camp Cope were playing two sold-out shows at the Opera House and The Smith Street Band were headlining a show at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney. Blows me away! Besides anything else I always just think, holy shit – how amazing is it that these talented friends of mine are touring all over the world, headlining at these huge iconic venues. What’s also amazing is that these bands haven’t had a huge team of people helping out behind the scenes, they’ve gotten to this level under their own steam, by writing fantastic songs and working their asses off. IC: Where do you see the label going in the future? Are you looking to expand or are you happy with the size of the roster at the moment? AH: Honestly, I’ve never been one to look too far into the future. Too daunting, too many unknowns! I enjoy the fact that the label is constantly evolving and I prefer to let things happen organically and usually rely on instinct. Over the past 5 or so years, I can’t think of a time when we haven’t been crazy busy with current projects or stuff that’s in the pipeline. It’s just the nature of running a small business I guess. For me it’s always been tricky to know where the balance sits – one week you’ve got so much on your plate that you can’t possibly consider taking on anymore activities, then all of a sudden you hear a song or see a new band play that just resonates on a deeper level.
I rarely get time to sit and reflect; especially having two highly active young kids in the mix! However I am equally proud and amazed of the journey that Poison City has taken me on so far. When I quit my ‘regular’ job back in 2002, I thought this whole idea would last a few years at best, then off I’d go, back to a normal adult job and lifestyle. So, wow, shit, here we are! IC: There are a lot of great labels in Melbourne, do you all work together or are you all just doing your own thing? AH: I think generally the community spirit that exists between like-minded indie labels, record stores and venues in this city is just another aspect that makes Melbourne so awesome and unique. We are always up for working on little projects or just day to day stuff with our buddies at Milk Records, Bedroom Suck, Hysterical, Homeless etc. … It’s nice to think that everyone can still do their own thing, but lend a hand or join forces on gigs and events. Our record store on Brunswick Street is also walking distance from half a dozen other indie stores, but rather than seeing that as a threat or competition we try and embrace the close proximity and think of Fitzroy/Collingwood as a hub for music lovers. Everyone has their own specialties and niches and we’re always happy to direct customers across the road to our friends at Polyester, or over to Oh Jean! or up to Strange World if we don’t have what the customer needs. Nate and Simon at Polyester have always been great to us, offering up their in-store space for gigs for Poison City bands or events. IC: Not only are there amazing bands and labels in Melbourne, but we are lucky to have so many amazing venues, how do you think this helps the local scene? AH: Obviously for any music scene to thrive, you need a variety of good live venues. It especially helps when the venues are run by people who understand and support the local music community. We’re so lucky to have venues like The Old Bar, Reverence Hotel, The Tote, Gasometer, Corner Hotel, Tramway, The Curtin etc. in Melbourne. I think the quality and variety of live music venues in this city is a huge part of what makes Melbourne such an incredible melting pot of creativity.
Issue 06 • August
“Poison City was
really just born out of a necessity to release music that didn’t have a home anywhere else
”
IC: The Poison City Weekender Fest is now in its 9th year and there are a lot of great bands and venues involved, how has the weekender grown over the years and did you ever imagine it would be this big? AH: Yeah it’s crazy to think Weekender Fest turns 10 next year! It was never an intention to make it bigger or sell more and more tickets each year. In fact, this year we have taken it back to the roots a little. Instead of running the bigger shows at city venues like 170 Russell St or Max Watts, we’ve gone back to the format of having small shows scattered around our local area of Fitzroy and Collingwood, meaning we can have more bands and include a few more venues. We still use the Corner Hotel for the bigger Friday night show; but all other venues have capacities of 100-350 which I feel keeps the shows more intimate and fun. We want to keep Weekender Fest going as long as people continue to support it, but I think the key is to not be locked into a particular format and switch things up as much as possible from year to year. IC: Finally, who are your ‘must sees’ at this year’s Weekender? AH: We always hope that people watch as many bands as possible and have a fun time supporting their friend’s bands or watching the international bands that we bring out each year; but mostly that they discover some new acts that they haven’t experienced before. It’s going to be awesome to have Jeff Rosenstock back in Australia with his full band and Worriers on their first Australian tour, but there’s also big focus on bands we haven’t had on the event before like Jade Imagine, The Pink Tiles, Palm Springs, Wet Lips, Deafcult, Hachiku and plenty more.
Inner Circle Magazine • Music
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