ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2017 / FREE
ARTS / COMMUNITY / FASHION / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC
CIRCUS OZ
FLUX STORE/STUDIO • REGROUND • POLLY BAR • THANK GUARD
THIS IS MELBOURNE’S INNER NORTH
Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
Page 07 • Arts
ABBOTSFORD / BRUNSWICK / CARLTON / COLLINGWOOD / FITZROY NORTHCOTE / NORTH MELBOURNE / PARKVILLE
EDITOR’S LETTER It’s been a long and chilly winter, but as September rolls in so does Spring. And with a smile on our faces we finally get to wave goodbye to the chilliest days of the year! Hoorah! Speaking of smiles, we kick off Issue 7 by delving into the wonderful world of circus with Collingwood based CircusOz. Speaking with Artistic Director Rob Tannin, we find out that circus is not only about laughs and stunts, but about bringing communities together though this unique and accessible artform. And if you’ve ever wanted to run away and join the circus, we also hear from flying trapeze trainer Bronwyn Stevens, who tells us all about the CircusOz circus school and how you can get directly involved.
Editor & Co-Founder - James Fox
Another thing that makes most inner northerners smile is an exquisite cup of coffee. But with bucket loads of this most perfect of drinks consumed in our region each day, many of us neglect to consider the waste and potential harm to the environment that our excessive consumption of the good stuff can cause. And so to find out what we can do to negate any such risks, we explore Reground – a local community initiative that is working hard to curb the environmental impact of our coffee obsession.
Editorial Assistant: Eleanor van Driel
September also sees cocktail connoisseurs and Fitzroy favourites Polly Bar celebrate 18 years in operation. Speaking with owner Nora Gordon and Manager Dave Whitehead, we find out what makes this Brunswick St. institution so special, and how they intend to celebrate their coming of age! For lovers of fashion, we have a great chat with the team behind local label Flux – who got to know each other as punks, and ended up making some of the hippest menswear in Melbourne. We also take a look at local hip-hop mag Thank Guard, to see how they’re helping the next generation of grassroots Australian hip-hop talent reach a wider audience. Once again, we hope you enjoy this latest celebration of everything inner north! James Fox - Editor & Co-Founder, Inner Circle Magazine
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.”
Head Designer & Co-Founder - Declan Hooper We would not have been able to create Inner Circle Magazine without the hard work and dedication of all involved. Thank you!
Design Assistant/Illustrator: Nicola Hooper Consultant: David Hooper Print Columnists: Nina McQueen, Tobias Handke, Quincy Malesovas, Estelle Artois, Simon Wraight Photography: Jean Baluch (Front Cover Image), Matthew Kovacs, Fraser Marsden, Estelle Artois Online Columnists and Contributors in September: Nina McQueen, Dean Gerst Special thanks to: Rob Tannin, Bronwyn Stevens and Lidia Byrne (Circus Oz), Ninna Larsen and Kaitlin Reid (Reground), Nora Gordon and Dave Whitehead (Polly Bar), James Ruklis (Thank Guard), Denis and Julian (FLUX Store/Studio) 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/
contact@innercirclemagazine.com.au
@innercirclemagazine
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For advertising enquiries, contact: James Fox - james@innercirclemagazine.com.au Declan Hooper - declan@innercirclemagazine.com.au
Printed by Ellikon on PEFCTM certified laser paper made from 30% recycled waste and using vegetable inks. This document has been produced to international standard ISO14001 bystandard a certified greenbyprinting using recycled This document hasenvironmental been produced to management international environmental management ISO14001 a certifiedcompany green printing company usingpaper. recycled paper.
ARTS PAGE 7
COMMUNITY PAGE 11
FASHION PAGE 15
FOOD & DRINK PAGE 20
MUSIC PAGE 23
• WHAT’S ON
• WHAT’S ON
• WHAT’S ON
• POLLY’S PUTTING
• WHAT’S ON
• ARTS NEWS
• COMMUNITY
• FASHION UPDATE
• CIRCUS OZ
NEWS
• REGROUND
YOUR SHOT.
• FLUX STORE/ STUDIO
ON THE CANDLES
• MUSIC NEWS • THANK GUARD
ESPRESSO BAR & COFFEE PRODUCTS 30 Kerr St, Fitzroy Vic. www.30kerr65.com.au 03 9416 2077
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Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
Issue 07 • September
What’s On - Arts
Arts News
Channels Festival
Another month of artistic influence has passed in the inner north. One of our favourite small theatres in Carlton, La Mama, turned 50 celebrating with a mini-fest of theatre and other productions. The Northside Winter Festival also came to a successful close in North Melbourne, which offered workshops, demonstrations and giveaways, while August also saw film celebrated with the Arab Film Festival held at Carlton’s Cinema Nova.
Various, Sep 1st - 10th This years’ festival is all about the future, and the video art extravaganza will showcase contemporary moving image from both local and international artists.
Claire McArdle’s Up North
Gallery Smith Project Space, Abbotsford, Sep 2nd - 16th This diary-themed exhibition follows McArdle’s residency in Iceland through objects and local materials, exploring the relationship between landscape and people.
Melbourne Fringe Festival
Various, Sep 14th - Oct 1st With over 400 events to check out at one of the largest annual celebrations of independent art, this is not to be missed.
Fafi D’Alour and the Delinquents
Meat Market, North Melbourne, Sep 19th - 24th If you fancy some female-empowering cabaret, enlighten your evening here with powerful vocals inspired by Beyonce, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse and more, complimented by movements of burlesque, ballet, jazz, contemporary and aerial lyra. (18+)
Written by Nina McQueen
But for lovers of the arts, September is set to be even bigger. If you’re sick of scrolling through Instagram, bitterly jealous of seeing your friends’ Europe travels this winter and their ‘arty’ pictures, maybe it’s time to divert your feelings of jealousy to a sense of wonder by exploring Claire McArdle’s Up North at Gallery Smith Project Space. Opening on the 2nd of September and running until the 16th, this diary-themed exhibition follows McArdle’s residency in Iceland through objects and local materials that explore
the interconnected relationship between landscape and people and how they influence each other. For a sensual, sassy night of femaleempowering cabaret, be sure to snag some online tickets (18+) for Fafi D’Alour and the Delinquents at the Meat Market. Enlighten your evening with powerful vocals inspired by Beyonce, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse and more, complimented by movements of burlesque, ballet, jazz, contemporary and aerial lyra. For more art and over 400 events to check out, some of which are free, find out what the Melbourne Fringe Festival has in store this month. From the 14th of September through to the 1st of October, you can experience the largest annual celebration of independent art in various locations across Melbourne. For more information, or to donate, go to: https://melbournefringe.com.au/.
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Issue 07 • September
Circus Oz is at the forefront of contemporary circus, and has been ever since it was founded in 1978 when Soapbox Circus and the New Circus combined. It is a groundbreaking company that is constantly pushing the boundaries of what circus is, and is proudly animal free. It has the core values of humanity, hilarity, community and diversity, which haven’t changed since day one. So take a step inside the world of Circus Oz, a much-loved circus company, and see for yourself why it is such a treasured part of the inner north.
Page 08 • Arts
Issue 07 • September
As soon as you enter their building on Perry Street in Collingwood you get the feeling that it is one large community. There are professional performers packing up their gear and rubbing shoulders with a group of teenagers who are eagerly awaiting their class. It is unpretentious and welcoming, and it is immediately apparent why it has such a devout following. Whilst it has undergone some rather large changes, it is also remarkably similar to when it first began. “Then it was under the radar, it was very political, it was very comedy based,” explains Artistic Director Rob Tannin. “The big difference now is the size, after 19 years in a place in Port Melbourne where they would have to open doors to get enough run up to do things, we now have a purpose built building which is one of the best spaces in the southern hemisphere that is entirely dedicated to circus creation.” Rob further highlights that “the amount of people who work here has grown, but our values are very, very core to what we present on stage and what we live out.” As I speak with Rob it is clear that he holds the values closely, and it is plainly obvious that it isn’t just a slogan that the company uses; they live and breathe their mantra. For instance, the company is known for its performances in the sometimes forgotten regional areas of Australia. They aren’t interested in just performing in the main centers; they take the circus to the people. Rob explains, “we did a show up in Arnhem Land where it was [performed] on a piece of carpet on the floor, under the stars. It was in a remote community and we [also] gave workshops. The nature of circus allows it to not be in a theatrical environment at times and I think that is one of the things that makes it incredibly accessible.” Access to art and culture is vital, but many individuals can be cut off. This is something
that Rob is passionate about. “Art is valuable; culture is really valid and valuable. We are all fighting to make sure art stays alive. If not, what are we going to become? Sadly I feel that it is undervalued. Especially in education now, it has really been pushed out to the side so we really have a care of duty to keep fighting for it.” And this care of duty is something that Circus Oz has taken into its own hands thanks to the classes that they run. Trainer Bronwyn Stevens first started attending classes 14 years ago, and is now a flying trapeze trainer. She decided to go to a class, and admitted that at the time she didn’t really know about circus, but instantly fell in love with it. She started to rearrange her life so she could attend the classes, and eventually became a trainer. What she loved about it 14 years ago is still exactly the same today. “I think there is a really nice community about it. You walk into the space and there is no competition, it is just a really supportive environment. It’s not like people are judging you when you come in here.” As a trainer, Bronwyn sees many different people coming to the classes. “There is a real diversity of people’s backgrounds, diversity of ages. Some people might be late teens/early twenties through to deciding at 43/44 that they are going to come in and try flying trapeze.” It is this non-competitive and welcoming environment that made it easy for Lidia Byrne to become a regular in the classes. She explains that during early high school she was looking for an activity that was both physical and social. “I don’t know why we came up with circus, but it seemed to fit. We just sort of found it, and instantly I enjoyed it.”
“It’s really fun. It doesn’t have huge competitive elements which sometimes aren’t nice and can distract from the enjoyment aspect.” Alongside the diversity of the individuals involved, there is also a broad range of different classes that you can try. “You’d be surprised,” Lidia explains. “It’s not just handstands or juggling, there are so many elements to it and you’ll find very quickly that there are things that you know how to do.” And after four years attending classes, the circus is now something that is going to be a part of Lidia’s life for many years to come. “I have considered a future in the circus, especially with high school ending. But whatever happens I will definitely keep on doing it, that’s for sure.” So whether you are interested in trying out something to stay fit, or you want to watch some animal free contemporary circus, then Circus Oz is your place. But more importantly you should support a vital artistic community that is reaching out to so many people. So join a class, watch a performance in the Melba Spiegeltent on Johnston Street in Collingwood, or keep an eye out for their next production, because the inner north is a better place due to institutions like Circus Oz.
To learn more, book a show or to get involved in the classes, head to www. circusoz.com
Page 09 • Arts
AN ALADDIN’S CAVE OF FRAGRANCE Q&A with Jade McAndrew & Jessica Tate of Fitzroy’s Lore Perfumery
A. Fitzroy has special place in our hearts living in the neighbourhood personally we love the eclectic, colourful character of Fitzroy and feel that this suits our store to a tee.
Q. Hi Jade & Jess! For those who don’t know, what is Lore Perfumery, and more importantly, what makes Lore Perfumery stand out? A. Lore Perfumery is a treasure trove of sensory delights! We specialise in niche fragrance from around the world (including some Australian brands), as well as beauty, skincare, candles and home fragrance. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and product knowledge with everything you could need to make yourself smell, look and feel divine!
Q. Despite the small size of the space, it really feels like an Aladdin’s cave of fragrance, with a seemingly endless array of aromas you can really get lost in. Is this what you have been going for, and how is the shopping experience important to you? A. We certainly do have an endless array of delicious aromas in store! We want people to feel like they have stepped into another time and place when they walk into our store - like they are transported to a whimsical fragranced wonderland!
Q. Previously, your space on iconic Brunswick St. was home to another perfumery, and is now home to Lore Perfumery. Tell us how Lore was born and about the team behind the exciting new boutique. A. We both worked for the previous business - Kleins Perfumery. As the stars aligned we were lucky enough to take over the retail space at 313 Brunswick Street and thus Lore Perfumery was born.
Q. You pride yourself on stocking a range of niche and specialist fragrances. How do you go about choosing the perfumes you stock? A. We look to find perfume ranges that are doing something unique in the marketplace and that really excite us. As you can probably tell from our name, we love the art of storytelling and folklore!
Q. And what made you and the girls take this brave, exciting step? A. We couldn’t resist and jumped at the opportunity. The store is so iconic and a part of Melbourne’s shopping history, we wanted to continue this legacy. Q. Was there any doubt that launching in Fitzroy was the right location for you?
Q. More than just a shop, you also specialise in consultations. Tell us about this, and how you go about helping someone choose their perfect fragrance. A. Our fragrance consultations can be quite in depth and involve working out previous favourite fragrances, likes and dislikes, what the fragrance is for (evening, day to day wear etc.) then we methodically work through scents to find your dream fragrance to
purchase. It is really interactive and we have a lot of fun with the customer! Q. So what would be your recommended ideal fragrance, firstly for brunch with a friend, and secondly if we were looking to impress a new love interest on a first date? A. Well this would absolutely depend on the individual. We are all about wearing what makes you feel great and mixing it up so there are no rules at all when it comes to fragrance. But rest assured we have a huge array of brunch appropriate and sexy evening fragrances! Q. Away from your wonderful selection of fragrances, do you stock anything else? A. We stock something for everyone here! From skincare to makeup to bath and body, to Cire Trudon - the oldest candle makers in the world. We stock a large range of men’s products and even have something for the little ones. Q. What can we look forward to from Lore Perfumery for the rest of 2017 and moving in to 2018? A. A new website, fragrance masterclasses, VIP nights and hopefully down the track blending custom fragrances! Q. And lastly, how can we get our hands on some of the wonderful fragrances from Lore Perfumery? A. Pop in store, call us or visit our soon-to-be launched website.
Lore Perfumery • 313 Brunswick St, Fitzroy • +61 3 9416 1221 www.loreperfumery.com.au • facebook.com/loreperfumery • instagram.com/loreperfumery
Inner Circle Magazine • Community
Issue 07 • September
What’s On - Community
Community News
Riffs Against Racism
Thank whoever you make your midnight wishes to that we are finally in spring (i.e. arguably Melbourne’s most pleasant season). In addition to the vernal equinox, September brings heaps of community events worth leaving your house for, like those listed to the left.
The Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick, Sep 16th The Brunny Hotel brings you “Punks & Skinheads Against Bigotry”, - a night of fastpaced, politically-charged tunes by a selection of local bands standing against racism in our communities. Entry is free and donations will go to charity.
Fitzroy Market
Fitzroy Primary School, Fitzroy, Sep 16th Head to Fitzroy Market this month (or on the 3rd Saturday of any month!) The market is known for its friendly vibe, interesting stalls and the relationships with their community partners, and houses 65 stalls consisting of all things second hand, vintage and hand-made plus some yummy food.
Nikon School Wildlife Photography Class
Melboure Zoo, Parkville, Sep 27th Consider snapping up this class at the Melbourne Zoo. No matter your skill level or expertise, Jay Town (who shoots for the Herald Sun) will be running this 3 hour class providing tips and tricks for shooting wildlife photography.
But before we get too caught up in the current month, let’s take a moment to reflect on the community highlights of August. The big news in the local community last month was Yarra Council voting unanimously to change the way it marks January 26, from 2018 onwards. The council cited that the overwhelming sentiment of the local Aboriginal community was that January 26th is a day of mourning, not celebration and so the council will now hold “a small, culturally-sensitive event acknowledging the loss of culture, language and identity felt by the community on January 26.” The following
Written by Quincy Malesovas
week, and following in the footsteps of Yarra Council, Darebin Council also voted to end Australia Day celebrations. Early in the month saw Earthdance for Women at CERES in Brunsiwck East provide a women’s space for meditation and movement. Melbourne’s 7th Anarchist Bookfair took place mid-month. The event pulled hundreds intrigued by the radical workshops, discussions and literature the fair had on offer. August ended on quite a sweet note, with the Melbourne Winter Donut Fest at Batman Royale. The two-day event had tons of sugary, carby goods on offer, as well as donutinspired beer and more! The fest also featured music, best donut contests, donut-eating contests and even a miniature donut museum featuring different varieties of donut art.
Inner Circle Magazine • Community
Issue 07 • September
Words by Quincy Malesovas Photography by Matthew Kovacs
REGROUND The Community Initiative Looking to Curb the Environmental Impact of Our Coffee Obesession
Melbourne is currently leading the pack as Australia’s coffee capital, with more coffee consumed (both at home and at cafés) than any other Australian city. The demand is massive, which is why we can expect a stellar flat white from just about any café that we grace with our presence. But the high consumption rates also mean that the amount of resulting waste is significant, with thousands of tonnes of used grounds ending up in landfills every year (not to mention takeaway cups, carrying trays, stirrers, straws, etc.) You may be wondering why this matters. Even though coffee is an organic material, it produces methane (i.e. a highly detrimental greenhouse gas) as it decomposes. Like many environmental maladies, methane in itself is not bad, per se, but the amount we are producing most certainly is. While overhauling the coffee habits of Melburnians is probably not a viable solution for the abundance of grounds we waste, finding alternative uses for the excess grounds is. And that’s where Reground comes in. Reground is a relatively young community initiative that is hitting up local cafés to repurpose their coffee-derived waste.
Page 12 • Community
The project was founded in 2014 by ex-barista and expat Ninna Larsen, who was looking for a way to channel her environmental consciousness into a practical, communityfocused effort. The project quickly garnered attention from the local coffee community and Reground was formed. In mid-2016 Kaitlin Reid joined the team.
The folks at Reground spend their week days visiting various cafés around Melbourne to collect their used grounds, which they then deliver to any farm, garden or yard that can benefit from them. They have worked with a number of school and community gardens, as well as individual gardeners looking for a bit of a boost. If you’ve got any sort of green thumb, you probably know that nutrient-rich coffee makes great fertiliser, mulch or worm food. If you’re not so garden-savvy, take note: used grounds are not acidic, as many people assume. They are actually neutral (unlike fresh grounds) and provide the soil with nitrogen (i.e. the building blocks of chlorophyll, plants’ primary energy source). Proper coffee disposal methods like composting also incorporate anaerobic decomposition, which reduces the amount of methane produced from used grounds. If you really know what you’re doing, you can even capture any excess methane to use as energy while harnessing the nutritional power of the grounds to feed your plants. Now that we’ve covered Biology 101 for you, let’s get back to the good stuff (and by good stuff, I mean that sweet, sweet liquid
gold known as coffee). There are a number of coffee shops in the northern ‘burbs that utilise the services of Reground. Padre (Brunswick East), Small Axe (Brunswick), Auction Rooms (North Melbourne), Seven Seeds (Carlton) are just a few that you can take comfort in supporting. If you’re addicted enough to spend $4-5 on your cup of joe every single day, perhaps multiple times a day, then why not consider giving some of those dollars (and bringing your reusable takeaway cup while you’re at it) to the businesses that are making solid efforts to consider the environment? At the moment, Reground has saved an estimated 40 tonnes of coffee grounds from hitting the landfill, and that’s only the beginning. If you’re a café looking to hop on the bandwagon, the process is simple. When you collaborate with Reground, they provide you with a special black bin to house all of your grounds until the crew comes around to collect it. (This occurs when the bin is filled, in which case they will promptly swap your used receptacle for a fresh and empty one.) All you need to do is get in touch with the company through their website to find out how you can take advantage of their services. And even if you aren’t in the café biz yourself, you can check Reground’s Facebook page for tips on how to ‘greenify’ your coffee routine. Thanks to the folks at Reground, we can reduce, reuse and recycle our way to a cleaner coffee culture in one of the world’s most caffeine-obsessed cities. Visit: www.reground.com.au to learn more.
Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
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Page 07 • Arts
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Inner Circle Magazine • Fashion
Issue 07 • September
What’s On - Fashion Vogue American Express Fashion Night Out 2017 UnMarked Recycle Boutique, 417 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Sep 1st UnMarked, Vogue and American Express welcome the new spring fashion season to Melbourne, and you are cordially invited to celebrate with them at this in store themed event based upon the Moulin Rouge.
Style Swap with Salvos Stores
Salvos Stores, Abbotsford, Sep 2nd Celebrate all things op-shop at this Style Swap event for National Op-Shop Week! Bring your old clothes and swap to your hearts content!
Melbourne Fashion Week
Various, 1st - 8th Sep Discover the best in Australian fashion from 1st–8th Sept at the iconic Melbourne Fashion Week 2017.
Fashion Update Hooray! We made it through winter! Let’s open up our Vitamin-D deprived arms and welcome in the first rays of warmer sun as they peek through the melting frost. For all you fashion-forward friends and fashionistas out there, no doubt you’re aware that September brings the iconic Melbourne Fashion Week to our shores. Head to the City of Melbourne website for any tickets to fashion week to see the latest looks by local designers first hand (running September 1st-8th)! Most clothing stores and boutiques are already boxing up their winter garments and portraying their spring collections, and we’ve seen a few of the following styles available for you this Spring: The leisurely athletic look is most certainly a style that’s here to stay, allowing wearers to feel fashionable in their workout gear. Think colour-block body suits and often tightfitting sporty separates.
Written by Estelle Artois
Designers this season have been featuring bold prints in bright colours incorporated into their collections. These were usually seen on a neutral colour palette with one or two bright feature colours. Also this season the everlasting use of the khaki textile is a classic favourite, featuring oversized pockets, geometric boxy shapes and drawstring cords to complete the style. Be prepared to see the 80s glam look make a come back. Think over the top ruffles and puffy sleeves in pinks and blues. Various local designers are featuring statement-making sayings and slogans on items such as shirts, jumpers and dresses. These seem to be a must-have of the season. And of course, who can ignore the everversatile “flatforms” (flat platforms)? They are most definitely here to stay to help you foot the transition from cold to slightly less cold weather.
Inner Circle Magazine • Fashion
Issue 07 • September
Words & Photography by Estelle Artois
FLUX STORE/STUDIO From Punks to Pros: The Story Behind Collingwood Based Men’s Fashion Label FLUX From the moment you step over the threshold of FLUX you’re greeted with friendly floor staff grooving to the backdrop of Neil Young and other assorted vinyl classics. Located midway down Collingwood’s iconic Smith St, this independent boutique stocks quality garments for the everyday man. Melbourne locals and long-time buddies, Denis and Julian, invented the brand. After bumping into each other at punk gigs around the scene in the 1980s, nineteen years later they would create the FLUX brand as we know it, “We started small in 1999 and we like to keep it that way… small and honest is the key.” Inner Circle had a brief chat with Julian to discuss the ins and outs of the label to get a keener focus on the FLUX brand and what they’re all about.
specific themes or gearing towards specific demographics. The creators behind FLUX, when asked what inspired their male-only line, stated simply that they wanted to make clothes that they themselves wanted to wear and couldn’t find in a commercial fast fashion boutique. If you want something done right, do it yourself, hey? Seeing as both Denis and Julian boast extensive backgrounds in graphic design, they are an ideal pairing when combining their skills and individual influences when it comes to the FLUX brand. These stem from vintage clothing – both rare and otherwise – abstract art, innovative graphic design and the fastpaced adrenaline associated with the urgency of the punk rock movement. It’s obvious that a lot of attention to detail goes into every article put out by FLUX through the cuts of the clothing, the effort put into their prints and the treatment of the denims used throughout their collection. The most popular items that keep customers coming back exclusively to FLUX are easily their prints, t-shirts and stretch skinny jeans.
If you’re wondering if the name FLUX was Back to the Future inspired, so did we. Sadly, it isn’t. FLUX was allegedly birthed from combining your age-old idea-inventing recipe of mixing alcohol with shit talk, “We would just change our minds on the brand name so many times a day that one of us just said FLUX. Simply put it means perpetual change… a bit like life itself,” says Julian.
The FLUX team put a lot of love into their denim. Every denim item is hand sanded, drilled, rubbed and washed to perfection and you’re left with the feeling that the brand really put in a lot of effort to let out denim of only the highest of standards. Each jean receives the finishing touches of individually painted hardware and stamps and the result is durable denim of unique and high quality.
Smith Street plays host to a lot of independent boutiques specialising in
So, who is the quintessential FLUX gentleman? According to Julian, the FLUX
gentleman is anywhere between 18 - 45 years who seeks enduring style from locally designed and made garments. Most typically anyone from professionals and artists to musicians and tradies. “Basically our bloke gives a shit where the product is made and wants it to last a long time. Our oldest customer to date is 85 years of age and he looks amazing.” The label has had quite a journey in the past couple of decades. The FLUX duo have progressed from stocking hand printed tees to merely a handful of Melbourne stores, to now being stocked at over 50 boutiques across the country as well directional stores in Tokyo, USA, Singapore and Europe. Yet the pair has their feet firmly on the ground irrespective of their national and international success. On their website they proudly claim, “FLUX is no corporate business. [It’s] still owned and run by the two designers. When you call up for a t-shirt you talk to the designers. No receptionist, no sales team, no marketing wankers. Small time and proud of it.” Visit the FLUX Store/Studio, located at 100 Smith Street, Collingwood. Home to the FLUX label along with other premium accessory brands who share the same ethos: enduring style with a focus on quality, craftsmanship, durability and purpose in mind. “We love to showcase quality brands from around the world that are made locally in their own hometown.”
flux.com.au • 100 Smith Street Collingwood • 03 9415 1525 • info@flux. com.au Page 16 • Fashion
Issue 07 • September
Inner Circle Magazine • Fashion
Page 17 • Fashion
Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
Page 07 • Arts
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Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
Issue 07 • September
Polly Bar: Celebrating 18 Years of Fabulous Cocktails and Awesome Times If you’ve ventured down Brunswick Street in the last 18 years, there’s no doubt that you’ve probably noticed Polly. This hard-to-miss crimson building is notorious for being one of Melbourne’s first-born cocktail venues, adorned in unique red velvet seating in a dim environment, bustling with the down-toearth friendly bar staff that consistently pride themselves on exceptional service. As an advocate for all things alcoholic and delicious, I was curious to experience what the raving online reviews loved so much about the place. Indeed, the aesthetic ambience of the crimson-styled space is delicious for the eyes. On a quiet weeknight you can choose from sitting on the comfy couches spotted around, or sit around the bar in the centre of the space, gently lighting the vast bottles of spirits and other alcoholic drinks. It was here that Dave approached me: manager, undermined local comedian and a ‘rainman’ of a bartender, who passed me the thick menu book (yes, there’s that many different drinks!) as well as pointing out the Happy Hour specials. I decided on the Happily Ever After cocktail, which has famously thrived on the menu since the venue first opened. It’s no wonder why; sweet like the lollipop included, but not that ‘sickly sweet’ that brings up the repressed memories of drinking several Cruisers at a pathetic backyard party when
you were fifteen. It’s well balanced and easy to sip without that horrible burning after-taste. Perfect for getting pleasantly tipsy without the staggering, illness, or calling your ex in tears, begging them: “do you still think of me?” That’s all thanks to Dave and the other bar staff’s expertise; if you’ve never been a big cocktail drinker, just list the flavours you feel like: ‘something sweet,’ ‘I like raspberries,’ ‘maybe a hint of gin and mint,’ ‘but I’m also vegan’ and leave the rest to them. Polly caters to your needs and desires, with old-fashioned interactive service to leave you sinking into the plush couches, impressed with the piquant satisfaction of an A-class drink. “We’re making a new path… [we] go the extra mile to look after you, to understand your needs. [We] understand that it’s annoying for you to have to ask what drinks are safe,” says Dave Whitehead about Polly’s dedication to labelling their certain drinks as ‘vegan’ as well as providing information about the ingredients and where they come from. Polly has remained unchanged and successful since the start in 1999, catering to a diverse range of people. You don’t need a cocktail dress to drink a cocktail. “Cocktails are for anytime,” says Dave. “It’s not just a special occasion … same as having a couple of beers.” Whether you’re out bar hopping down Brunswick Street, celebrating your birthday, hens night, wedding, or if you’re out on a date, having Sunday drinks, or even had a rough day at the office, Polly is willing to cater.
“We get the people that come in that just want a couple of glasses of wine after a bad day at work or… the other people that just want to try a new experience and we [the staff] can do all of that,” says owner, Nora Gordon. You can book a reservation to snag that couch and table for you and your friends with table service, saving you from taking up-and-back trips to the bar. Or, if the night’s young and you’re looking for that final destination, you can walk-in as you please. A smoker’s atrium is placed out the front, away from the bar so you can also kick back with a cigar, swirling around a glass of the finest whisky. As well as this, you can book for a function or photoshoot, or even attend their Cocktail, Absinthe or Whisky classes. However, the real celebrations are hitting off on Saturday, September 16th when Polly will be coming of age and celebrating their 18th birthday! The night will be a throwback to the awesome 90s when Polly was first born, so expect a bopping playlist, fabulous attire (glow wristbands are in the mix) and drinks, and the best part? The drinks will be at 90’s prices, so you won’t be out of pocket for a night of time-travel to your favourite era. Expect “terrible 90s cocktails with twists,” says Nora, and exceptionally awkward names for them (don’t worry, it’s socially acceptable here to say it aloud). Amongst others, be ready to ask for the Reef Margarita, the Screaming Orgasm, and the Fig Bramble.
Inner Circle Magazine • Food & Drink
Issue 07 • September
The Screaming Orgasm Vodka, Amaretto, Coffee Liqueur, Baileys Poured over a scoop of Neopolitan ice-cream and served with a chocolate spoon.
The Fig Bramble Gin, Lemon, Fig, Blueberry Inspired by all things 90s London.
And there will be many other drinks to choose from exclusively on the night. You can also forage through the extensive menu or request a drink based on your personal preferences. “There’s always something new,” says Nora. “Of course there’s the old favourites but we like it when people test the bartenders as well… if you don’t see exactly what you feel like on the menu, you can basically ask any of our guys what you feel like (I like strawberries, I like sour, etc.) and they’ll make a cocktail to your tastes. The sky’s the limit.” Favourites include the Espresso Martini, Fresh Start (a long fruity, refreshing cocktail blend) and Hajime (a Nikka Japanese Whisky with a smoky, nutty taste.) There’s also, of course, the usual beers, wines, and mocktails to indulge in.
The Reef Margarita Tequila, Lime, Blue Curacao Syrup With a dash of Wizz Fizz and who could forget the little umbrella?
Priding themselves on their laidback service, yet willing to go the extra mile to make the drink of your dreams, it’s no wonder that Polly was winner of Timeout’s 2016 People’s Choice Awards, with a 4.5 star Facebook review rating, and an A+ tick from us at Inner Circle Magazine when it comes to finding one of the coolest cocktail bars in Melbourne’s inner north with affordable prices and salivating drinks.
For more information about Polly’s 18th, check out the ‘Events’ section at their Facebook page at facebook. com/PollyCocktailBar. From Inner Circle Magazine, we wish Polly a very happy birthday. Polly Bar can be found at 401 Brunswick St. in Fitzroy. Find out more at pollybar.com.au Page 21 • Food & Drink
Issue 07 • September
Page 07 • Arts
Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
Inner Circle Magazine • Music
Issue 07 • September
What’s On - Music
Music News
IV League
Jack Ladder made his solo live return after a two-year absence and absolutely slayed it at Howler on August 4th. Previewing new tracks along with a few favourites, Ladder cemented his position as one of Australia’s most underrated performers. At the other end of the spectrum The Croxton Hotel played host to lovable Brisbane act The Jungle Giants for two nights over the last weekend of the month. Playing two over 18s shows and one under-age gig, the quartet had everyone dancing along to their best tunes.
The Workers Club, Fitzroy, Sep 9th Rising Melbourne quartet return from Big Sound to launch new single “Change My Mind”.
The General Assembly
The Gasometer, Collingwood, Sep 15th & 16th Evocative Melbourne act launch the lead single of their forthcoming debut album with two shows.
High Tension
The Tote, Collingwood, Sep 22nd Punk-metal rockers who always deliver a brutal live show worth your hard earned.
Cloud Control
The Croxton Hotel, Thornbury, Sep 28th Sydney indie-psych trio return in support of new single “Zone (This Is How It Feels)”.
Aesop Rock
The Corner Hotel, Richmond, Sep 30th American rap legend plays his first Australian shows in six years in what’s sure to be an epic evening of insightful hip-hop.
Written by Tobias Handke
Sydney singer songwriter Alex Lloyd is descending upon the Northcote Social Club for a night of acoustic tunes on September 2nd, with the venue also hosting The Harpoons single launch on September 15th and progressive pioneers PVT the following night. The Corner Hotel has a host of top-notch gigs during September, with Ali Barter (8th), The Getaway Plan (9th & 10th), Pond (21st & 22nd) and American rapper Aesop Rock (30th) all expecting to sell out.
The annual Poison City Weekender Fest is sure to be another must attend event. Now in its 9th year, the mini-fest celebrates everything good about independent music, with performances from a diverse selection of local, national and international acts, including Clowns, Wet Lips and Grinding Eyes. The event hits the inner north over the weekend of September 15th – 17th and is always a blast.
MELBOURNE WAREHOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 4TH - 5TH 2017 From an award winning Classical Concert Pianist to an Aussie Rock Luminary playing on the same bill at an inner-city warehouse; does it get more Melbourne than that? Marry this with a warm welcome at the Festival Hub, Rupert on Rupert to enjoy food and drink with your friends and you have the inaugural Melbourne Warehouse Music Festival. Smashing barriers between classical and modern music with eight back to back 50 minute concerts over one epic weekend in the industrial heart of Collingwood, the Melbourne Warehouse Music Festival is taking music out of the concert hall, theatre, pub or club into a raw warehouse space so everyone can feel welcome and give a new genre a go.
Hoang Pham ^
Jack Jones ^
In a jaw dropping eclectic line-up of Australian talent are: ABC Young Performer of Year, concert pianist HOANG PHAM; KAMMERMUSIK String Ensemble (MSO and Orchestra Victoria members); new music specialist solo cellist BLAIR HARRIS; LA PRIMA OPERA (stars of Australian opera singing the hits everyone knows – perfect for opera virgins); THE STRANGE BEDFELLOWS cabaret with multi award winning JACQUI DARK and KANEN BREEN; singer guitarist JACK JONES aka IRWIN THOMAS (Southern Sons, Electric Mary, Back to Beatles); Celtic Festival favourites all-female BHAN TRE and the ultimate 1930s Gypsy Jazz band THE FURBELOWS.
The Grand piano will be supplied by Australian Piano Warehouse, and the festival organisers give their thanks to the supporters and sponsors; Erik and Elizabeth Gross Foundation, HENKELL BROTHERS, Grant Violins and everyone supporting MWMF through the Australian Cultural Fund. Be sure to head to the Melbourne Warehouse Music Festival on November 4-5 2017 at Schoolhouse Studios, 81 Rupert Street Collingwood For tickets head to trybooking.com For more information tel: 0410 953039
Inner Circle Magazine • Music
Issue 07 • September
Championing homegrown, underground Australian hip-hop
Words by Quincy Malesovas Photography Provided by Thank Guard
I often hear local Australians refer to the country as ‘cultureless’. They point to Britain and America as cultural influencers while completely disregarding the art, food, fashion and music that has developed right here in Oz. Not only does that mindset diminish the history and influence of indigenous Australians, but it also belittles the works of home-grown Australian creators in any sort of creative scene. One scene I am particularly fond of exploring is hip-hop, which obviously does have heavy roots in the US and UK, but has existed in Australia for just as long.
Page 24 • Music
Australian hip-hop may not be as acknowledged as that of other regions, but it’s no doubt as significant. And I’m not the only one who thinks so…
name has a certain ring to it that even God can’t contend.
Thank Guard magazine has me beat by a long shot. Since 2013, they’ve been documenting underground “Australian hip-hop that doesn’t make you cringe,” as boasted by their online platforms.
Thank Guard also began with a focal point much more broad than it is now. The magazine originally reported on any and all independent hip-hop, regardless of origin. It fell into its niche when one of the creators, James Ruklis, decided to start filming Australian artists.
Like hip-hop itself, Thank Guard has transformed quite a bit since its inception. For one, it was initially called God Magazine (quite a name to live up to, we think). Not that Thank Guard doesn’t deserve all the hype - oh, it certainly does. But their current
We’re not talking Hilltop Hoods and Iggy Azalea, no. James was after a different breed - the underrepresented and overshadowed. More importantly, the people not likely to be picked up by white-washed mainstream media.
Inner Circle Magazine • Music
Issue 07 • September
If you know anything about hip-hop, you know it has its roots in communities of colour - not solely, but predominately. In the United States, hip-hop stemmed from black and Hispanic youth. In Australia, things are a bit different. The first Australian hip-hop album ever ‘officially’ released was put out by two white dudes, and not until 1987. At that point, the scene was already strong overseas and white Australians were just picking up what others were putting down. But unbeknownst to many, indigenous Australians were creating hip-hop years before the genre reached mainstream popularity. It was, and still is, often a form of political activism and a response to the
oppression and abuse that indigenous people have faced. Although Thank Guard doesn’t focus much on artists of years past, they celebrate the diversity of contemporary Aussie acts. Young Africans and West Asians who have migrated in recent years are forming and changing the scene in Melbourne and other major cities. Their style is fresh and unique fusing the stylistic influences of home with a perspective that is distinctly Australian. These are the people pushing musical boundaries into new territory, in stark contrast to what Thank Guard describes as the “questionable” (and pop-doused, I might add) mainstream hip-hop wafting out of car radios and mediocre clubs.
If you’re as fed up as I am with the climate of Australia’s hip-hop scene, or if you’re itching for a new dose of local talent, you’ve got to keep up with this mag. In addition to reviews, they release film clips and host events featuring (largely unsigned) artists you probably haven’t heard yet, but should. Thank Guard someone’s determined to shed light on the whiz kids that don’t quite fit in, because they are releasing some of the most dynamic music to come out of Australia in ages. You can read all about it and have a listen for yourself by visiting Thank Guard on Facebook, Soundcloud or directly through their website: www.thankguard.com.
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Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
Page 07 • Arts
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Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
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info@ moond ogbrew ing.com .au 17-23 Duke Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 Page 07 • Arts