CiviC Square & CBD CiviC Square & CBD Five days nights of playful, interactive ambitious Five days andand nights of playful, interactive andand ambitious contemporary music performance. contemporary art,art, music andand performance.
junctiOnArtsFestivAL.cOm.Au junctiOnArtsFestivAL.cOm.Au
Photo Courtesy Branch Nebula
Photo Courtesy Branch Nebula
Over 50 Free events Over 50 Free events 22—26 August 2012 22—26 August 2012 LAuncestOn LAuncestOn
Secret Sounds presents
Special Guests
EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS plus WILLY
MASON
Tue-23-Oct DERWENT ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE HOBART Tickets from ticketmaster.com.au & 136 100
TICKETS ON SALE NOW secret-sounds.com.au
mumfordandsons.com
Music
Music
News in Brief NOT SO UGLY
EXCLUSIVE TO STATE CINEMA FROM AUGUST 30
Registrations are now open for bartenders across Tasmania to sign up for the Leukaemia Foundation’s most quirky fundraising event, U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year. Throughout October, bartenders across the state will host fun events and activities to raise money to assist regional families impacted by Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma related blood disorders. Last year, 80 bartenders raised more than $73,000, and the U.G.L.Y. team from the Leukaemia Foundation is hoping to raise the stakes again this year. For more information, head along to www.uglybartender.org.au. (Oh, and FYI, U.G.L.Y. stands for ‘Understanding, Generous, Likeable, You’). THE TRAVELLING PIANO MAN
“THE IMPACT OF THE IMMERSIVE MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT CANNOT BE UNDERESTIMATED…AN IMPRESSIVE COMBINATION OF THE AESTHETIC, THE INTELLECTUAL, AND THE IMAGINATIVE”
to report back on what colour shirt Ferry Corsten was wearing. Anyway, first release and VIP tickets have already sold out, and second release tickets are selling like hot cakes, so get in quick for your chance to be at this epic-16-DJ-3-Stage party. They’re available from Ruffcut Records, Mojo Music, & online via Moshtix. ORIGINAL DUBSTEP UK producer/DJ Benga will be appearing in Hobart on Wednesday October 3 with special guest MC Youngman. Benga is cited as one of the UK godfathers of the Dubstep scene and is one of the artists on this year’s PARKLIFE festival. Tickets are available through Moshtix, Ruffcut and the Venue.
“A MORE CEREBRAL BRAND OF FUTURISTIC ADVENTURE REMINISCENT OF 2001, SOLARIS…AN IMPRESSIVE SHOW OF IMAGINATION AND DESIGN” – VARIETY
“ACHINGLY BEAUTIFUL AND INTENSE… HAS A LOT TO OFFER THE INCEPTION AND MOON CROWDS” – AINT IT COOL NEWS
“IT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL: A MASTER-CLASS OF BUDGET FILMMAKING IN THE MODERN AGE” – EMPIRE
“A FILM BEST SUITED FOR THE BIG SCREEN... IT IS WELL WORTH SEEKING OUT” – COLLIDER
supported by
Infrequent coarse language
facebook.com/LoveAustralianRelease
www.macbeth.com ”
Warp Tasmania SEPTEMBER 2012
Editor Ali Hawken ali@warpmagazine.com.au
Sub Editor Rebecca Fitzgibbon rebecca@warpmagazine.com.au
ART Andrew Harper andrew@warpmagazine.com.au
DESIGN Miu Heath catspop@gmail.com
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GIG GUIDE Submit your events to
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Writers Edward Raynor, Natalie Salvo, Shannon Crane, Loani Arman, Hannah McConnell, Sose Fuamoli, Angus Davison, Shane Crixus, Liz Dougan, Daniel Townsend, Enrica Rigoli, Caitlin Rode, Kylie Cox, Morgan Duhig, Kelly Snyders, Jarred Keane, Joel Hedrick, Hannah Jenkins, Linc Le Fevre, Rebecca Fitzgibbon, Andrew Harper Sara Wakeling, Sam Vince
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NEWS Submit your press releases plus publicity images through to the appropriate editor for consideration. ......................................... www.warpmagazine.com.au www.facebook.com/warp.mag ......................................... INTERESTED IN WRITING FOR WARP? contact ed@warpmagazine.com.au ......................................... ALL SUBMISSIONS REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF WARP MAGAZINE. ALL CONTENT IS COPYRIGHT TO WARP MAGAZINE AND CANNOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORISATION OF THE PUBLISHERS. WARP MAGAZINE makes no guarantees, warranties or representations of any kind, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. WARP MAGAZINE will not be liable for incorrect use of the information and will assume no responsibility for consequences that may result from the use of the information. WARP MAGAZINE is not responsible of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. The opinions expressed in Warp Magazine and Warp online do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or publishers.
A delightful concert program will tour Tasmania in September as Virtuosi Tasmania Quintet play Hummel’s Piano Quintet in E flat Op. 87 and Schubert’s String Trio. Hummel and Schubert were musical contemporaries and great friends, but their careers took different paths: Hummel achieved great fame during his lifetime but his music was quickly forgotten after his death. In contrast, Schubert was almost unknown during his life and is today considered to be one of the finest composers of chamber music. Hear them together, at Burnie Arts and Function Centre on Sunday Sept 9 at 2pm (bookings 6430 5850), Meadowbank Estate on Friday Sept 21 at 10.30am (Bookings at TSO Box Office 1800 001 190) and Home Hill Winery on Saturday Sept 22 at 11am (TSO 1800 001 190) LOCAL AND LIVE Nick Beeton has been playing around Hobart and developing his skills as a singer, songwriter and guitarist for the last few years - both solo and as a member of threepiece band The Solution. His music varies from folk and soft rock to some harder punk fare - as well as some less serious, fun songs. Nick will be releasing an EP with some of his original songs, and performing them all live (along with his band) at Brookfield Vineyard, Margate, on Saturday Sept 15. Supported by the smooth, easylistening sounds of Vino (David McEldowney and George Begbie).
FROM THE ASHES OF GRUNGE cTrix makes music with old-school computers from the ‘70s and ‘80s. He has played festivals in Europe, US, Japan, New Zealand, and now heads to Tassie with his original Gameboy, Commodore Amiga 500, and his trademark gAtari (Atari 2600 guitar) to create funky grooves, electronic bleeps and house music topped with ‘90s vocal rave and screaming ‘80s lead lines. cTrix will be supported by fan-favourite Bankai at The Brisbane Hotel on Saturday October 6. Entry $10, Doors at 9pm. THE ABC OF AUSTRALIAN HIP HOP TZU’s new album Millions of Moments drops on September 21 with a national tour of two months. They’re spending the weekend in Hobart, playing two shows at the Republic Bar & Café: Friday October 19 will see TZU supported by local AV duo Acumen, Saturday October 20, supported by popular Elefant Traks act Sietta. Tickets for both gigs are $20+bf, and are available via Ruffcut, Moshtix & the venue. LOUD AND BRASH
IT’S FRESH In last month’s news section we told you that international superstar Ferry Corsten would be headlining FRESH Spring Rave, this month, we’re telling you where it is. It’s at Huon Quays, at the Regatta Grounds in Hobart. Next month we will endeavour
FRESH AIR FOR DAPPLED CITIES
Dappled Cities are back with their fourth album, titled Lake Air. To celebrate its release, this Spring they’re heading off on their first national headline tour in more than two years. Fans who are excited about the tour have an extra incentive to purchase tickets early and secure a limited edition copy of Lake Air on vinyl which will be waiting for them at each show. Show and vinyl album bundle will cost $40 + BF, Dappled Cities Hobart stop will be on Wednesday October 10 at the Republic Bar & Café. Tickets available via Ruffcut, Moshtix and the venue.
VIRTUOSI TASMANIA QUINTET TRIO HUMMEL AND SCHUBERT
& tickets, head along to the Falls Festival website at www.fallsfestival.com BIG TUNA
Regency 1/4
Glenorchy’s festival of contemporary arts and community, the biennial Works Festival, is back again in November 2012 with an expansive park-based program of visual arts and music. A four day program will be staged at Montrose Foreshore on Elwick Bay, home of the new GASP! (Glenorchy Art and Sculpture Park). Commencing on Thursday November 8 and running til Sunday November 11, highlights include an interactive sound installation by Melbourne artists, The Megaphone Project on the Sunday. For more information check out www.worksfestival.org. SOUNDSCAPE HEADS INDOORS The Soundscape Festival is returning soon, at a new venue. Celebrating its 5th birthday by going boutique, a reduced capacity means less queuing and enjoying a more intimate experience with the performers. Taking place at Hobart’s PW1 (Princes Wharf Shed No. 1, Castray Esplanade) on Friday November 16 and Saturday November 17, Soundscape 2012 will feature acts such as The Temper Trap, Missy Higgins, Bluejuice, Yacht Club DJ’s, Big Scary, Strange Talk, Scryptcha, Mitzi, The Cairos and heaps more TBA. www.thesoundscapefestival.com
SEPTEMBER WED 5TH TAPAS TRIVIA 7PM Jurassic 5 sure were huge there for a while, and they still have a pretty big following. A large part of the reason for their stratospheric rise was the trademark vocal tone of the one and only, Chali 2na. On the eve of the release of his highly anticipated Against the Current EP, Chali is returning to Australian shores on his first solo headline tour. Chali’s new 4 piece live show touches down in Hobart at The Republic Bar & Café on Wednesday January 9. Tickets are $35+bf, available now from Ruffcut, Moshtix and at the venue. GATHERING OF INTEREST
Shellac last toured Australia in 1993. The three piece comprises American music producer Steve Albini (think Nirvana) on guitar, renowned engineer Bob Weston on bass and Todd Trainer on drums. Such is their fame, the two Melbourne shows sold out in less than 48 hours. Tasmanians still have a chance to see this iconic minimalist rock trio play with their Australian support, Pikelet at The Republic Bar & Cafe on Sunday October 21. Tickets are $30 + BF. SOMETHING TO BRAGG ABOUT British musician, singer/songwriter and activist, Billy Bragg will be visiting Hobart’s Federation Concert Hall on Sunday October 21. His two-part Ain’t Nobody That Can Sing Like Me show includes a celebration of the legacy of the late Woody Guthrie to mark a centenary since his birth, and a journey through Bragg’s own discography, to celebrate the release of Mermaid Ave - The Complete Sessions. Tickets are already on sale via the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra website for $78.65. www.tso.com.au
Bob Marley and The Wailers were one of the seminal reggae acts, and although Marley
Sir Elton John performing in Launceston. How weird is that? Cool, though. Elton returns to Oz later in the year, this time with a full band and The Rocket Man will be supported by special guests, Croatian duo 2Cellos at the Silverdome in Launceston on Tuesday November 20. Tickets are available via www.silverdome.com.au and www. ticketek.com.au.
ROCKING IN THE SUN A DAY ON THE GREEN is returning to Josef Chromy Wines in Launceston after a year’s absence, and this year is promising to be another spectacular. Hoodoo Gurus, The Angels with Dave Gleeson, Baby Animals, James Reyne and Boom Crash Opera join forces for 5 hours of classic Aussie Rock on Saturday December 8. For all event, transport and accommodation information, and to find out about the various ticketing options available, head along to www. adayonthegreen.com.au FALLS SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT Falls Festival makes its second line up announcement for this year’s tenth anniversary spectacular: The Hives, Two Door Cinema Club, Sharon Van Etten, Django Django, Angus Stone, Ball Park Music, Lisa Mitchell, Matt Corby, Jinja Safari, Cosmo Jarvia, and Ash Grunwald join the already impressive list of acts such as The Flaming Lips, Coolio, Boy & Bear, and Bombay Bicycle Club. For more information
THURS 6TH CHRIS MEEK 8PM FRI 7TH EVIL CISUM 9:30PM SAT 8TH THE UNIT 9:30PM SUN 9TH EVIL CISUM 6PM WED 12TH OPEN MIC 7PM THURS 13TH NEIL GIBSON 8PM FRI 14TH RINGMASTERS 9:30PM SAT 15TH EVIL CISUM 9:30PM
BY HER MAJESTY’S REQUEST
REGGAE ROYALTY Local guys Luca Brasi have just completed a hugely extensive national tour, and have also
is gone, The Wailers march on. Now with an altered line up and going under the name The Original Wailers, they recently dropped their debut EP Miracle on indie imprint MRG Recordings. You can catch them live in Hobart at Wrest Point showroom on Friday October 26, supported by DJ Grotesque and Dublo. Tickets are $40 +BF from Wrest Point. THE WORKS
8 BIT SOUNDS
Pugsley Buzzard is a familiar name to Tasmanians, bringing his unique combination of dark hoodoo blues, good time rollicking boogie, blazing stride style piano and mesmerizing vocals to the island state. He’s back to play four shows around the state, at The Republic Bar & Café in Hobart on Thursday September 6, The Royal Oak in Launceston on Friday September 7, the Southport Hotel in Southport on Saturday September 8, and the Longley International Hotel in Longley on Sunday September 9. For more details, head to www.pugsleybuzzard.com.
– ARTSHUB
just come out of the studio. Where do they find the time? I dunno, man. It’s like they’re everywhere at once. It’s crazy. Anyway, the new tracks were recorded by Nic White and Lincoln le Fevre and are the first to feature Pat Marshall, the bands new guitarist. Pre-orders for the Tassie 7”/Digital EP are available now via the Poison City E-Store www.poisoncityrecords.com/estore and it will be out September 24.
SUN 16TH VIRGINIA (GIN) WELLS 6PM THURS 20TH LIVE MUSIC 8PM Fractangular Gathering is a three day open air collaborative gathering of the arts held in Buckland, South-east Tasmania on February 8-10, 2013. Experience a lush fusion of electronic and acoustic music with visual and performing arts across three stages. Participate in interactive workshops, explore the market, lounge, bar and artworks throughout the festival site, all while camping in the Tasmanian outdoors. Expressions of interest are open for performance, circus, visual art, electronic and acoustic music, workshops and market stalls. More info and expressions of interest: www.fractangular.com.au THE 90’S ARE BACK Two of the biggest selling dance artists of the ‘90s have teamed up for an Australian tour including a Hobart stop over at the Hobart Uni Bar on Wednesday September 26. In a pre-GFC world, where the Nokia 3210 was cutting edge and Y2K loomed to destroy it all, Eiffel 65’s Blue (Da Ba Dee) was the hit of the year, followed up by Move Your Body, going Platinum again. The band signed a contract with 380 Records, and N-Trance was born with the breakthrough track Set You Free selling 600,000 units in the UK and lighting up dancefloors worldwide. This September Eiffel 65 and N-Trance unite for what will be a fantastic night of memories, supported by Mr.95 with a special set of 90’s classics. Tickets from Moshtix and TUU Contact Centre.
FRI 21ST THE ROCK PIGS 9:30PM SAT 22ND GUV'NOR 9:30PM SUN 23RD RADIO SILENCE 6PM THURS 27TH TIM ROBERTS 8PM FRI 28TH UNBALANCED 9:30PM SAT 29TH RINGMASTERS 9:30PM SUN 30TH LIVE MUSIC 6PM
OCTOBER WED 3RD TAPAS TRIVIA 7PM THURS 4TH EVIL CISUM 8PM FRI 5TH T M G 9:30PM SAT 6TH CANDY FEET 9:30PM SUN 7TH LIVE MUSIC 6PM www.facebook.com/warp.mag 7
Music
Music
NO IMMUNITY TO THE VACCINES LONDON INDIE ROCKERS THE VACCINES HAVE PROVEN TO BE MUCH MORE THAN THE UNDERGROUND-CUMCOMMERCIALLY POPULAR INDIE BAND THEY WERE LABELLED RATHER HARSHLY LAST YEAR.
Breaking out in 2011 with the acclaimed album What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?, UK rockers The Vaccines earned an equal love and dismissal from the media. For a young band with a quick torrent of success befalling them, it’d be easy to become overwhelmed and indeed, disheartened.
STILL LIKE YOUR OLD STUFF REGURGITATOR ARE BRINGING IT ALL BACK UP AGAIN. “I see your band now, and it’s not too bad. You’re nothing like you used to be. Please, write some songs that really do not suck. Please become what you were before. I like your old stuff better than your new stuff.” It was ironic when Regurgitator sang those lyrics back in 1997. Fingers crossed it will be received with even more irony when the ‘Gurge take their tongue-in-cheek attitude all the way back to the 90’s with their Retrotech Tour, which will see them play their first two full-length albums Tu-Plang and Unit back to back.
Arni Hjorvar, the band’s bassist, confidently asserts that press, negative or positive, has never been an overpowering influence on The Vaccines and the music they aim to produce.
‘Tis the season to be revisiting the 90’s it seems, with Australian music goers currently entranced in a revival of that era’s best. Spiderbait and Smashing Pumpkins gave this year’s Splendour in the Grass some old school style. Beck, Ben Folds and Cake look set to do the same at Harvest Festival in November.
“The reality of the situation is that you’re only in control of your output. You’re not in control of anything but your output, therefore, there’s no point in contemplating that. If you’re going to get pent up on how people actually perceive you, you’re going to go crazy pretty quickly.
Now Regurgitator, inspired by their full run of Unit at last year’s Falls Festival, will ride their very own shock-rock time machine back to ’96 and ‘97 when Tu-Plang and Unit were released. It’s a time that founding member Ben Ely remembers fondly.
“Just don’t spend your time thinking about it; you’ve got no control over it, so there’s no point in actually thinking about it. I genuinely believe that we made a better record than we did last time and if I genuinely believe that, then I believe that a lot of people think the same.”
“It was a pretty loose time in Brisbane in the 90’s. We were having fun and making music,” he recalls. “When we were asked by The Falls Festival to play the Unit album, we felt a little bit funny about it, but then when we actually did it, we kind of went ‘that is a nice way to play music - in its entirety’. It makes you appreciate the record a bit more.”
The Vaccines have a lot to be proud of; with multiple tours and festival appearances across the globe already under their belts, the band is about to release their second record, The Vaccines Come of Age, which Hjorvar believes to be a major step up from their debut. Back in Australia for the Falls Festival, the lads are ready to show off once more, in their second Australian festival appearance for 2012. By the time the New Year’s festival rolls around, fans will have had ample time to get around the band’s new music and prepare themselves for another round of festival experiences akin to The Vaccines’ Big Day Out sets - gigs which truly stamped the band in the consciousness of many. Hjorvar is buzzing about their upcoming trip as we chat, particularly about the concept of being here in a warmer part of the year. “I fucking love Australia! I’m really scared coming over at that time of the year because it’s really hot. We’re coming in literally just after Christmas, so I think I’m actually going to come over before Christmas, so I can spend Christmas on a beach in Sydney. Having a 24 hour flight on Boxing Day sounds a lot worse! “I’m very much looking forward to it though; the last time we were in Australia, we had the time of our lives. It was a very productive, inspiring and interesting trip.” SOSE FUAMOLI
The Vaccines Come of Age is out now through Sony Music. The London rockers head downunder to ring in the New Year at the Falls Festival in Marion Bay. www. fallsfestival.com 8
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Ely’s appreciation for the good old days is shared with band mate Quan Yeomans; the two recently taking an album inspired trip down memory lane. “Quan and I, we sat down and listened to the records again. With Tu-Plang, we recorded that album in a ghetto area in Bangkok and we were transported back to where we were staying - this really dodgy hotel - and walking through these squats to get to this studio every day. It was really quite a unique experience. When we did Unit, it was a little more relaxed and silly. It took us back to the feeling of being that age, when things were a lot less complicated.” Uncomplicated times worked well for the band - Tu-Plang and Unit both made it to last year’s Triple J Hottest 100 Australian Albums of All Time, cementing them as the most popular of Regurgitator’s eight records. As to whether this tour will see fans clinging to the past and singing along in earnest to I Like Ur Old Stuff Better Than Ur New Stuff, Ely remains diplomatic. Though he shares that enthusiasm for the band’s early works, he maintains they aren’t necessarily the best they’ve had to offer. “Those two albums were good for us but I think that the last album we did was my favourite. SupperHappyFunTimeFriends, that we did last year, it’s a lot more mature but still has that playfulness and fun to it - that one’s my favourite,” Ely says.
With Retrotech kicking off almost two decades after the band was spawned, Ely is adamant this tour won’t be their swan song or eulogy for their success. Instead, he’s hopeful that a bit of nostalgia will trampoline audiences back into Regurgitator’s world and leave them salivating in anticipation of a new album.
“We’re going to put a new record out at the end of next year,” Ely reveals. “We’re always working on new songs. This [tour] is just a little bit of nostalgia.” There’s no doubt that the tour will strike to the hearts of those who survived the 90’s and
are aware that Regurgitator have “sucked a lot of cock”, marvelled at Polyester Girls’ “plastic breasts and plastic thighs” because they’re “so shiny!” and believed that “happiness is a Kong Foo sing!” Younger beings, however, may find themselves confused as to who Regurgitator are. If you take internet search engine results as any indicator, there’s another ‘regurgitator’ chomping at the band’s heels. His name’s Stevie Starr and he’s more commonly known as ‘The Regurgitator’. Bemusement over whether the additional ‘R’ has anyone (other than Stevie himself) convinced that Starr is his real surname will be quickly diminished by the man’s shtick. A recent contestant on Britain’s Got Talent, Stevie Starr’s trick is this: he swallows everyday objects like light bulbs and gold fish, and brings them back up again. Ely is well aware of this human ‘regurgitator’, and despite not having too many regurgitation stories to share himself (albeit one that we’ll keep secret for the sake of readers keeping their breakfasts down), Ely does admit that his iPod is something
that he would swallow and return, should he ever possess such a ‘talent’. “Bad Brains - Devo,” Ely laughs, as he rattles off what his regurgitated iPod might come back up playing. With even Ben Ely’s iPod set to flash him back to bygone eras and repeat some old faves, it would appear that Regurgitator, with their Retrotech tour, might really be on to something. LOANI ARMAN
Catch up with Regurgitator on their Retrotech Tour on October 13 and 14 at The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart, supported by Indonesian twopiece Senyawa.
Music
A IS FOR ALPINE, B IS FOR BRILLIANCE ALPINE ARE FORGOING INNOCENCE FOR LOVE AND LUST THIS TIME AROUND
Melbourne’s Alpine are making a name for themselves with their ‘avant-pop’ stylings wooing crowds on radio and on live stages. They’re currently preparing for the release of their debut record A Is For Alpine and a mammoth national tour, though as I chat with co-frontwoman Phoebe Baker, she sounds as calm as can be. “I’ve actually just had an exam today!” Baker sweetly reveals. “This is much more relaxing than an exam.” The six-piece has been turning heads with their smooth melodies and reinvigorated take on synth-driven pop since 2009. A Is For Alpine, following on from the successful Zurich EP, not only serves as an introductory package for Alpine’s newcomers, but it also demonstrates the band’s growth and maturity. “We are really proud!” Baker laughs. “This is
our first baby of an album; it sounds gross, calling an album a ‘baby’, but it kind of is. I think we’re feeling a mixture of emotions; quite excited, really proud, a little nervous, a lot nervous, and relieved that it’s done and it’s sitting there and it’s ready to go out! “I think the songs on the EP maybe were a little more innocent and more joyful and playful. We’ve still got that theme on the album, but it touches a little more on anxiety and love and lust. Both are explorations of our mid-twenty-something emotions – we’ve written that down somewhere and I think that’s the best way to describe it.” Alpine will be showcasing the new material in venues around the country over the coming few months, and coming off the back of successful support gigs for some of the country’s best touring acts, it’s about time the band were given the headlining reins. Baker is excited about the concept of getting
FAST-TRACKING FAME THE RUBENS FRONTMAN SAM MARGIN TALKS ABOUT SPLEENS, SKATEBOARDING, PASSION AND PIZZA AHEAD OF THE BAND’S DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE.
back out on the road, offering an insight into what goes into preparing the live Alpine experience. “It’s going to be amazing. It’s going to be full-on. It’s going to be huge!” Baker exclaims. “I can’t wait to go out there and to be playing to our fans. I think it’s really important to be healthy when you’re on tour, vocally healthy, so I’m training myself up and getting prepared for that. “I think a gig is such a funny and interesting thing because for us, we want to put on a show and express all of these emotions and tell all these stories in the space of an hour and put all our energy into it. Every night, you want it to be good and you want it to be the best; when it happens, it just clicks right, afterwards you feel just so drained physically and emotionally but so satisfied at the same time. We’re trying to bring that to every show as much as we can.”
According to AC/DC, it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock‘n’roll. Apparently no-one told The Rubens. Only last year they were three brothers and a friend having occasional jam-sessions; now, they’re preparing for a national tour, and their debut album is due to be released on September 14. “It’s a pretty diverse album,” says Margin. “It all sounds like us, but there’s different styles happening. We tried to keep the essence of [break-through single] Lay it Down, the soul of it. But we also tried to make a record that was much bigger, and much fuller and more beautiful to listen to.” One upside of success for Margin has been playing alongside groups he admires, such as Band of Skulls. He’s even shared a few (too many) drinks with some of them. “I see Russel Marsden (from Band of Skulls) and he’s like: ‘that night was so fun.’ And I’m like ‘yeah, I wish I remembered that’. Of all the nights to forget!” The Rubens’ route to popularity reads like a scientific method. Step One: have a friend fly to France and show your demo to production legend David Kahne (whose credits include Paul McCartney). Step Two: have him love the track. Step Three: fly to New York and record an album. Simple! Long-suffering pub-circuiters must be kicking themselves for not working it out sooner! Not that it’s all been easy. During their time recording in New York, The Rubens lived on $10 a day. “I think we had $15 a day and then we were like, ‘we really want to skate around New York. Far out, we should have brought skateboards!’ But then thought, ‘nah, we can get them cheaper in America and just go down to $10 a day’. We knew a place that was $2.75 for two massive slices
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3 BRISBANE STREET HOBART 6234 4920
Keeping the balance between having fun and treating music as a career is key, but from all reports, it seems like Baker and her Alpine comrades have got it all covered and can’t wait for the audiences to come along with them. “I want the audience to have fun and have a laugh. I think that this is a serious thing for us, but it’s also important not to take it all too seriously. Enjoy the ride.” SOSE FUAMOLI
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Alpine bring their sweet-sounding melancholy to Hobart’s Republic Bar and Cafe on September 14.
of pizza and a coke, so we’d go there and get full. Sacrificed eating for having some skateboards.” Seems like a good idea, right? Not so. “We were skating and Zaac hit a crack in the pavement and fell down. He started feeling a bit sick, then next thing we knew we were at the emergency ward. He was three days in hospital with a ruptured spleen.” Not all plain skating after all. But Margin says the journey’s been worth it. “There’s good parts and bad parts; we don’t really enjoy the photo shoots and stuff like that - that’s when it feels like a job - but the good outweighs the bad.” And he’s keen to encourage young songwriters. “Get your stuff on Triple J Unearthed. Do lots of live gigs. It might seem that no one is giving shit, but they’re very on it, record labels and booking agents. They know who you are.” Plus, he can’t imagine life without music. “I’d be screwed. I could probably go to uni and do something, but I want to be passionate. I don’t think I could do anything, get through a course, or be good at anything without being passionate about it.” ANGUS DAVISON
The Rubens play the Republic Bar on September 27. Tickets are $20+ BF from www.moshtix.com.au.
*VM 7YR XMPP TQ
TMRXW 7XYFFMIW &EWMGW
"The Best Cheapest Pub Meals In The World!" Lunch - Tues till Fri 12:30 till 2:30 Dinner - Tues till Sun - 5:30 till 8:30
Music
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YOU WERE BORN TO BE HAPPY
W i iF
CONSIDERING IT’S CALLED THE WINTER I CHOSE HAPPINESS, CLARE BOWDITCH ADMITS THE TITLE OF HER NEW ALBUM IS A LITTLE MISLEADING. It’s not like she was unhappy or anything. Just, like, super tired. And, speaking on the phone from her Melbourne family home, Clare sounds worse for wear tonight too. “I’m losing my voice. It’s fun,” she explains with a raspy chuckle. “I got up real early and sung the anthem for the returning Olympians. We had to get up at three because… Well, we had to get up at four, but I chose to get up at three to get ready.” And therein is the Achilles Heel of the lil’ lady Rolling Stone recently crowned ‘Woman of the Year’ for her contribution to culture. Clare likes to go one step further. Or a hundred steps.
every wednesday & friday from 9pm
“I’m used to overdoing it,” she admits. “But it really came to a head for me when we were in Berlin.” “There was a growing interest in Europe in my music and we were looking to expand into that market. Marty and I had 18 month-old twins and a five year-old daughter and I was touring heaps and becoming quite a public figure with all the roles I volunteer for…” You can see what’s coming next, can’t you? Clare couldn’t. “I was really, really exhausted and I went to see my GP because I wasn’t sleeping and I had a thyroid problem and I was just getting sick all the time…” Clare didn’t see this next bit coming either. Ready? “And my hippie GP sat me down, handed me a tissue and told me my body was my best friend, but I was treating it like a machine. She said, ‘You were born to be happy. Don’t you know that?’” Perhaps for the first time in her life, Clare had to choose to let something – or some things – go. Within a matter of days, she and her partner had decided not to pursue an international market and to stay in Australia until the kids grow up. Thus, Clare Bowditch chose happiness. In Winter. If her last album, Modern Day Addiction, was about external addiction, The Winter I Chose Happiness is about the ones we hide on the inside: the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and why we’ll never change, without ever stopping to ask the questions. “Every individual has their own hook, their own addiction,” Clare opines. “Whether it’s the way we talk to ourselves or the cream we buy or the clothes we wear. For me, I spent most of my teens dieting – I was on my first diet at the age of 8 – and it is as dangerous as any other addiction, and of course there was my ambition as well. “And we tend to be critical of others when we see addiction in them, but when we see our own it’s different,” she says. “It’s that 12
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old Buddhist saying, isn’t it? The people who annoy us the most have the most to teach us.” There is something liberating about identifying one’s own failings, as if the simple act of naming the thing weakens its hold. For Clare, the decision to abandon her European goal was easy. “At the very beginning, Marty and I sat down and said ‘If we can make a living out of this, then we will have succeeded’, and now we’re thriving,” she says unashamedly. “So the only grief was that part of the ego that says it’s what you’re supposed to do, to keep getting bigger and keep taking more. Once I got straight on the equation, it was easy.” More difficult, however, was adjusting to her newfound contentment. Being happy feels good, but it’s difficult to be happy and cool. The issue first surfaced during a singalong session with Gotye. “I was writing a song with Wally and the same word just kept coming up: Happiness, happiness, happiness.” she says of what would become the single, You Make Me Happy. “Now, I’m an indie Melbourne musician and we’re bred to be cynical so I wanted a cooler word. I wanted a cooler song, but happiness it was.”
What are you waiting for? DANIEL TOWNSEND
Clare Bowditch plays Theatre Royal (Hobart) on September 12. The Winter I Chose Happiness is out September 14.
MAKING WAVES WITH THEIR EYES CLOSED THINK MOGWAI, SIGUR ROS AND EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY AND YOU HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT SYDNEY-BASED INSTRUMENTAL QUARTET sleepmakeswaves ARE ABOUT ON THEIR ALBUM ... and so we destroyed everything.
Since 2006, their popularity has grown steadily with the in today already walks tomorrow EP of 2008 and love from triple j Unearthed as well as Sputnick and Metal Obsession magazines. Their Australian tour now we rise and we are everywhere kicked off last month, and with a hectic year in the United States for South by South West and a jaunt to Europe for the Dunk Festival in Berlin, their dedication to alternative experimental music has been rewarded. “It was great to play...at a festival where everyone was there to listen to our type of music,” guitarist and laptop extraordinaire, Alex Wilson says. Back in Oz, they’ve supported Karnivool and are hitting the headline on this tour. Despite having spent most of the year couped up together, Wilson assured me they all get along well: “We’re pretty chilled out; I think we get most of our energy out on stage.” The chill translates well; their sound is a mixture of soft ambient electro that builds toward blasting rock climaxes. Their musical process always starts with the instruments, as Wilson explains, and the electronic elements come in later. While these guys know a thing or two about post rock, Wilson tells me he doesn’t listen to it much anymore.
The joy is all over the new album, but it’s woven throughout Clare’s life too. Next year, Clare will launch a mentoring program for the people she calls “big-hearted creativeentrepreneurial-types” who want to make their living doing the things they love.
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“Because we’re making that sort of music ourselves,” he explains. “I listen to a lot of electronic music, like LCD Sound System and Brian Eno, a bit of pop, alternative and some indie.” In terms of advice for young musos into post rock, he suggests hard work and “don’t listen to people discouraging the genre, if that’s what you really love.”
“It sounds like Oprah, I know,” she laughs. “I remember once hearing some author reading from a book called Choose Happiness and thinking it was such a crock. Choosing happiness? But that’s the conversation I’ve been having with myself this year.”
LIZ DOUGAN
“We need to remind people about the possibility of happiness,” she explains. “Because we are more powerful than we think we are.”
See sleepmakeswaves at the Brisbane Hotel on September 22. Pre-sale tickets are $11 presale, or $15 at the door.
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Music
MEN TALK WOMEN... WITH PONY FACE SIMON BAILEY FROM MELBOURNE’S DREAM ROCK THREE-PIECE PONY FACE DISCUSSES TEN TRACKS FROM SOME OF THEIR FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTISTS THAT HAVE TAUGHT THEM A THING OR TWO... WELL, KIND OF.
Music
#1 GRACE JONES – NIPPLE TO THE BOTTLE This Grace Jones track from the album Living My Life hasn’t taught me anything directly as I haven’t heard it... because I fear her, her whole persona an image has always scared the shit out of me. She has indirectly put me in my place, and has had a hand in fashioning the polite school boy side of my personality. #2 TORI AMOS – CORNFLAKE GIRL This song taught me about the dangers of radio overplay. I think I liked this song the first time I heard it, maybe my sister put me on to it. Whenever I picture Tori now though, I picture her under her smashed piano. #3 LIZ STRINGER – THE SUMMER THEY SLEPT UNDER THE PINES
Pony Face will be gracing the stage at The Brisbane Hotel in Hobart on September 27, followed up The Royal Oak in Launceston on September 28.
This track off the album Pendulum is one of my favourite songs of all time. It’s the story of how Liz’s parents hooked up, I believe. Liz is Pony Face’s favourite songwriter, one of the best in the country, equal to Paul Kelly. The song teaches me nothing; it’s like a magic trick.
#4 KAREN O / YEAH YEAH YEAHS – MAPS Karen O, Fever to Tell, Maps = Drool.
#5 SUE TOMPKINS / LIFE WITHOUT BUILDINGS – JUNO The band can play, and she’s fucking crazy. Can’t believe I’ll never see them live. I would cut my toe off to make them reform. Good things don’t last...? #6 CYNDI LAUPER – TIME AFTER TIME I remember Kris (Pony Face) saying this was his favourite song. Ever… I can’t remember if he ever told me not to tell anyone... #7 NINA SIMONE – WHO KNOWS WHERE THE TIME GOES This should come with a warning: “dangerously heavy beautiful powerful shit in here, listen
at own risk!” One of those songs you don’t wear out... bit of a life changer. #8 PJ HARVEY – WATER Sorry. Forgot where I was going with that. Just looking at a images of PJ Har...
COMEBACK KIDS THEY’VE WON MULTIPLE ARIA AWARDS, BECOME FATHERS FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND NOW THE PRESETS ARE FINALLY GETTING READY TO RELEASE ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED AUSSIE ALBUMS OF THE YEAR.
This month fans can finally get their hands on Pacifica, the latest Presets instalment which delves into some new music territories which fans will love – four long years since the electronica duo’s last album, Apocalypso. Singer, songwriter and keyboardist Julian Hamilton says that he and drummer Kim Moyes spent quite a long time making the record in contrast to 2008’s Apocalypso and 2005 debut Beams. “The nice thing about this record is that we could have a bit of a break and just start making music again for no reason, make music that’s not necessarily gonna be on an album, just experiment and jam,” Julian says.
#9 LAURA JEAN – NOEL She did a residency at a little pub before she put out her latest album, to get a little tighter on the new material I assume. It was a rare treat to witness such a special band, warming up at your local roach motel; I went to every show. I ended up getting addicted to a song off the new record, A Fool Who’ll (EP), but I had to wait about another four to six months to hear it again once I bought the disc.
“We hadn’t really had a chance to screw around in a studio and make music since we were 19 or 20 years old. We spent a long time – probably a good couple of years – writing music, and then decided to choose the songs we really liked and finish them. As you finish them one by one the album starts to take shape in front of your eyes.” The album cover artwork of Pacifica, created by the band’s designer, is also interesting in itself, featuring Julian and Kim handcuffed together on a remote lake surrounded by infinite space.
#10 SAILOR DAYS – SPECIES COUNTERPOINT
“I must admit, looking at it now – the whole handcuffed together thing – I guess it’s kind of apt!” Julian laughs. “Kim and I have kind of been ‘handcuffed’ together for 17 years or so now.”
Biddy Connor - she’s a spell-binding, hypnotic extraordinaire. With our music, we try and venture out into a dreamscape territory… Biddy’s bought property there. So we thought she’d teach us something and get her to play on our new record. You can hear brilliance very clearly on the track Lady Land.
With songs such as Ghosts and Youth In Trouble already hitting the Triple J airwaves, Julian is incredibly modest when asked if he is expecting a similar response to Apocalypso’s My People, which spent a lengthy 75 weeks on the ARIAS Top 100 Chart.
MORGAN DUHIG
“We didn’t expect that kind of success back then with that song, and it was a really nice surprise when that happened, but I’d be very, very surprised if the world of The Presets and the commercial world, the world of success, ever crosses over in that way again,” he says. And if a new album wasn’t enough to get you excited, The Presets have also been confirmed to appear at this year’s Parklife festival. “We’re putting a whole new show together for it and it’s coming together nicely!” Julian says. “You’ve got all these new songs, all these new toys to play with...it’s really interesting putting it all together, [and] seeing strange relationships between old songs and new songs that you hadn’t really thought about.” Having met each other at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music nearly two decades ago, Julian says that he and Kim worked hard to make a name for themselves as professional musicians. “We’re so lucky that we have been very successful about what we do. Kim and I were working musos; I had to work in a pizza shop three nights a week to try and subsidise my music, and then I was teaching piano. And then after a while, you can just make music! You don’t have to work that shitty night time or day time job to subsidise the music, and that’s the dream.” ENRICA RIGOLI
Pacifica comes out on September 7 through Modular Records.
Q&A WITH
ELECTRIC JELLYFISH THEY’VE BEEN DESCRIBED AS “SLIPPERY, HARSH, DANGEROUS AND FRIED”, AND THEY’RE RETURNING TO TASSIE TO SOAK UP SOME MORE OF OUR INFAMOUS HOSPITALITY.
Electric Jellyfish will be thrashing out some tunes at The Grand Poobah this month alongside local acts, Mess o Reds and The Lucky Dips. Despite the trio being divided between Melbourne and San Francisco, they still manage to tour, record and keep on rocking. WARP: How long have you been playing together and how did that come about? Pete Warden, drummer: The band has been kickin’ for around five years. We’ve all known each other for quite some time. W: Adam and you are based in Melbourne, but you’ve toured overseas, particularly in the States. Tell us about the connection there? PW: Mike is a yank, there has always been that connection. Mike lives in the states at present so it makes sense. W: Is there somewhere you’d like to see the band head towards? PW: We’ll be recording in between work and shows this September, so there should be a new release before long. Hopefully we’ll start making our way to other parts of the world. New Zealand and Europe are definitely on the cards. Apart from that, the only plan is make music and play. If some folks like it, then that’s nice too. W: What sort of music makes up your personal collections?
Electric Jellyfish play September 22 at the Grand Poobah. “Come down early, see some other top bands and have a frothy with us.”
PW: It’s all very eclectic. We all have pretty different tastes, but have enough in common that we enjoy making music together. It’s hard not to go on forever here, some of the stuff we enjoy includes: Stooges, Neil Young, Les Rallizes Denudes, feedtime, early Alice Cooper, Venom P Stinger, Black
Flag, The Melvins, Leonard Cohen, Devo, Degreaser, Skip James, Beefheart, Dead C, Einstürzende Neubauten, Abner Jay, Spiritual Singers, Jesus Lizard, This Heat, Wire, Comets on Fire, Michael Yonkers, Chrome etc. W: You’re playing The Grand Poobah later this month - have you been to Tassie before? PW: Yep, we came through last year and played with Transcription of Organ Music and Moe Grizzly. We were also shown a wonderful time by some very friendly locals, won free beer singlets at the local bottle-o and learnt about bioluminescence swimming nude in the Tasman Sea. Tassie has set the bar quite high. W: Is this Hobart gig part of a larger tour? PW: Indeed it is. It is part of a larger tour which will also see us play Canberra, Newcastle, Sydney, Castlemaine, Ballarat and Melbourne. W: Tell us your experiences of recording? And where are they available? PW: We keep recording sessions pretty brief. We feel pretty comfortable playing music with each other, so recording sessions usually go quickly. We recorded a self titled mini LP with Neil Thomason at Headgap studios in 2010. We also recorded with Paul Maybury at secret locations in 2011. Those songs have been released recently on Trouble Coming Down cassette. You can pick them up through our website, or better still come down to a show and buy it in person. If you’re particularly charming you might get a discount… or you might not.
benson fifteenth september eight thirty start
free entry
djs sexy lucy king brown tyrone beasley
LIZ DOUGAN www.facebook.com/warp.mag 15
Music
Music
THE DRUG OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MUSIC COMPOSED, HONEST AND SOMEWHAT SELF-EFFACING, AUSTRALIAN SINGER/ SONGWRITER DIESEL SPEAKS ABOUT HIS ADDICTION TO THE STAGE AND WHY HE STILL LOVES MAKING MUSIC.
“Careers are made of this stuff,” a tight-lipped producer conceded after his first listen of what became Diesel’s chart-topping classic: Tip of my Tongue. And a career it made indeed. The late 80’s and early 90’s certainly proved a progressive and successful time for the artist, with ARIA awards, a burgeoning fan base and several chart topping records. 2012 finds Mark Lizotte (aka Diesel) on a trek across our nation for his new tour of Hits and Blues Round II, incorporating his own interpretations of songs from legendary blues artist Muddy Waters. “Blues seemed to marry really well with my repertoire because I am pretty blues based; even when I don’t realise it, I’m being bluesy and it still comes out,” Lizotte says. “The essence and what inspires me about the song is what I hope to get. It’s that certain factor that you can’t quite put your finger on.”
Up To Our Necks live in Hobart. Image: Sam Vince
IS HARDCORE DEAD?
Writing, producing and performing for over twenty years, Diesel described his addiction to the drug otherwise known as live music.
WRITING ABOUT A STYLE OF MUSIC AS VIOLENT, REACTIONARY AND DIRECT AS HARDCORE WILL MOST LIKELY COME OFF AS SUPERFLUOUS TO MANY OF YOU AS YOU WADE THROUGH THE DANK DEPRESSION WE FIND OURSELVES WALLOWING IN, AS 2012 - THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON – SLOWLY ENVELOPES US AND PUNISHES US FOR YEARS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT. You would also be excused for confusing Hardcore with the garbage that has been fed to you via commercial radio shows in the late hours of weeknights, with an announcer whose Bondi beach afflicted voice introduces songs about girls performed by bands with five words in their name. A style of music which was derived from the political angst and ‘fuck you’ attitude of punk, yet somehow trying to incorporate the danger of rock’n’roll and metal while simultaneously rejecting the lot of it, hardcore made its name in the early to mid 1980’s before eventually succumbing to the glitz and allure of record label deals, drugs and terrible overproduced “branch out” albums. Many people my age and over will happily tell you tales about the good old days, a day when Hardcore still meant something and the kids still had their say; these same washed up turds have clearly forgotten what it was like to experience the anger, frustration and ingrained pain that being a teenager brings, and in turn, the relief that discovering the razor sharp guitar fuzz and manic, off the chain vocals spewed forth with vigor and disgust in a seething throbbing mess allows. I haven’t forgotten the excitement, the danger and the sheer vitality experienced 16
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within your very core as you find something so true, so close and so honest blasting through your shitty stereo speakers that mum won’t upgrade until your next birthday, which you can’t turn off and you won’t forget - ever. Hardcore in 2012 is as great as it ever has been, maybe better. 5he climate we find ourselves in, replete with city scenes seemingly lifted straight from a 28 Days Later-style horror movie, finds you walking down empty streets passing forgotten store front windows with “closing down soon” signs adorning the pavement as they beg for your last dollar to feed their starving kids or save them from bankruptcy. This great depression fosters the perfect atmosphere for essential hardcore. Gone are the days of earnest, heart-onyour-sleeve hardcore, and those bands we once found screaming for change like it was actually going to happen in their own measly lifetimes have long succumbed to the reality that no matter how loud they shout or how cryptically they phrase it, hardcore is not the avenue to pursue for radical world changing issues. Hardcore is deeply personal. To tap into the pure essence of what makes hardcore so meaningful and soul destroying
is impossible; it can’t be bottled up or captured by Will Killingsworth at Dead Air studios (although he is doing his very best at trying to with the likes of Hoax, Raw Meat and Creem) and that is why it exists. To me, hardcore is the perfect portrayal of humanity: it revels in the terrible acts that man has inflicted unto one another, it forces you to stare deep within yourself until you find that abyss which exists within your being, the true core of you as a person, and once it has located this lump of supple muscle and membrane it pokes at it hard and annoyingly hoping for a reaction of any kind, a sign of life, some weak flicker of fight left in this otherwise hollow shell that walks through the 9-to-5 banality in a zombie-like state, waiting for the easy way out. To say “hardcore is dead” in 2012 is as ridiculous as trying to write a 850 word piece about it; as long as people continue to search for some sort of violent, aggressive and/or hidden meaning in this putrid degrading world and how they in turn fit into it (or don’t, for that matter), hardcore bands such as Gehenna, Civilized and Integrity will exist. As long as you wake up each morning staring emptily into the bathroom mirror, attempting to steady your uncontrollably shaking hand as you try to shave, while
“It’s a challenge because every time I start, I have to make music out of nothing – when I walk on stage, there’s silence. I like the spontaneity of it and the instant gratification; I’d say that is the addictive part of it.” “You do these gigs and then you leave the crowd with the whole room now elevated and then BOOM - you’re in the car and it’s done, it’s finished. It’s kind of surreal that it all happens and then you go there the next day and there are just a couple of bits of gaffa tape rolled up on the floor – it’s like it never happened. You build it all and then you just tear it all down; it’s very impermanent, but I think that’s life and it’s a constant reminder,” he says.
instinctively wishing you could slash that very skin that holds together this mess of feelings and confusion, Hardcore bands like Chaotic Neutral, Vile Gash and Crazy Spirit will endeavor to push themselves further into the unknown. I am more excited about hardcore right now than I have ever been, and this is in turn thanks to the fact that I have in perhaps grown out of it - I have passed the pimply, easily influenced and impressionable stage of fitting in and “taste testing” every crappy band playing angry music. I have dedicated 14 years of my life to it and it has thanked me by ensuring everything is now seen through shit tinted glasses with a healthy dose of skepticism. Hardcore is my soundtrack to 2012 and beyond.
Renowned as a touring artist, Mark admits his form of meditation finds him exploring the localities of his touring destinations.
THE TEA PARTY’S
“When you’re travelling around a lot - trains, planes and automobiles - you just don’t get to see anything. When you get out there on foot you discover things... I’ll go and do a reconnaissance,” he says with a laugh. “I think you have always got to connect on a basic level with a place, otherwise it just feels really hollow and just rings a bit lonely. That’s how I keep my sanity.” CAITLIN RODE
SAM VINCE
THUR NOV 8 ROYAL OAK, LTN FRI NOV 9 RED HOT MUSIC, D’PORT SAT NOV 10 REPUBLIC BAR, HOBART Sam Vince publishes Down and Out, a Tasmanian hardcore/punk/black metal/ powerelectronics zine, with 23 issues so far http://downandout.storenvy.com
Diesel will be delivering Hits and Blues Round II to Tasmania this month, starting off on September 20 and 21 at Red Hot Music in Devonport, followed by the Republic Bar and Cafe in Hobart on September 22. www.facebook.com/warp.mag 17
Top 10
Alt-Country Albums
Uncle Tupelo Still Feel Gone Without delving into the history of 1980s cow-punk, Uncle Tupelo are considered by most to be the godfathers of what gets referred to as ‘alt-country’. Whether that’s entirely accurate or whether it’s simply that the eminent alt-country journal No Depression was named after the Uncle Tupelo album is up for discussion, but not by me. I could have easily picked any of the band’s four albums, but Still Feel Gone has got my two favourite Tupelo tracks, in Jeff Tweedy’s Replacements-eque ‘Gun’, and ‘Still be around’, which beautifully highlight’s Jay Farrar’s throaty melancholia. Uncle Tupelo are still a standout example of a band that unapologetically takes country music songwriting and plays it with punk rock ferocity without any of the irony of the Supersuckers or the arrogance of Ryan Adams.
Ryan Adams Heartbreaker Even though Gold was the album that got me started, Heartbreaker is the obvious standout. There isn’t a weak track on this album. Story has it that Adams and producer/drummer Ethan Johns would start work in the morning, write a song and have it recorded by lunchtime, when Adams would sit down at a typewriter and churn out some lyrics. From an engineering perspective, I also think this is one of the most beautifully recorded albums of the past twenty years. Ethan Johns (son of legendary producer Glynn Johns) has such an ear for recording that the album didn’t need to be mixed; he just ran the tapes through a monitoring console, and that’s the finished product. Standout tracks: ‘Come pick me up’ and ‘winding wheel.’
Neko Case
On a day sometime during the first years of the new millennium, I remember driving my old shitbox Corolla through Moonah, thinking about music. Post-modern indie rock and sugary pop reflected the end of the nineties, but there was a feeling; a feeling that people wanted their songs to mean something again, the kind of feeling in your bones that tells there’s a thunderhead just beyond the ridge. There was an interview on the FM channel with some guy I’d never heard of talking like he was the king of shit about his new record. It might have been that it perfectly illuminated the point I’d been pondering, it could have been that I’d just broken up with my girlfriend that week; I suspect it was a combination of the two, but he played a track from the new album, and I started crying. It’s not that the song was even that sad. These were strange tears; tears of relief that
somehow, despite everything, music could still make me feel something. The track was ‘Answering Bell’ from Ryan Adam’s 2001 album Gold, and it started me on a trail of discovery that I’m still meandering down, finding a whole range of alt-country artists that gave me an assurance that I’d lost as a songwriter - that music could still be more about story than style. I’d be lying if I said that album didn’t sneak its way into the songs I’d write for the next ten years.
Lucero That Much Further West
Neko Case Blacklisted
Whiskeytown Faithless Street
One two three four, who’s alt-country, what’s the score? I don’t care if this is considered alt-country or southern punk or whatever, it’s a damn good record. This is the kind of record I put on when I’m not feeling great, and it will make me feel so good about feeling shit that I wouldn’t mind it if I listened to Lucero and drank gin and never left the house ever again (except to buy more gin). Sure, I could have listed Nobody’s Darlings or Tennessee as better albums, but if you want music that cradles you to sleep and tells you ‘don’t worry, it’s not you, it’s the world that’s fucked up,’ then this is it. ‘The only one’ is such a good song that you won’t be able to listen to it just once, but ‘Tears don’t matter much,’ will make you glad that you listened to the second half of the record.
Case is like the rebellious younger sister of Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch – the one wearing Chuck Taylors, slinking off to smoke weed in the bushes behind some older dude’s place, while the sensible older sisters are out on real dates with nice boys. This album is so densely laden with atmosphere that it sits like a fog skulking through a wooded valley, at times almost like country music’s answer to Mazzy Star. Listen to ‘Deep Red Bells’ or ‘Stinging Velvet’ and tell me I’m wrong.
I put this record on to think about what I could say about it, opened a stout, and then half an hour later I was lost in the record, imagining myself in the back of a dusty country hall listening to the fiddle at the opening of the title track. This debut album is better than anything either Whiskeytown or Ryan Adams has done since, and has so many standout tracks I can’t list them all. ‘If he can’t have you’ is a cracker of a song that would be as equally at home on an early Lucero album, and ‘Drank like a river’ is simple songwriting at its best.
Wilco Being There
Son Volt Wide String Tremolo
Gillian Welch Hell Among the Yearlings
Cory Branan Mutt
While A.M. shows a clearer continuation of Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting from Uncle Tupelo to Wilco, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot or Summerteeth met with a better critical reception, Being There is the best example of Tweedy’s songwriting before it lost any recognisable trace of his country roots, but still gave a hint to the more experimental line he would take in subsequent albums. Apart from the almost saccharine pop sensibilities of ‘Monday’ and ‘Outtasite’, the rest of Being There is a collection of quiet achievers – from the beautiful understatement of ‘What’s The World Got In Store,’ to the more Gram Parsons reminiscent ‘Forget The Flowers’.
The other half of Uncle Tupelo’s songwriting machine, Jay Farrar might not have the same melodic sensibilities as Tweedy, but his voice has a sombre warmth missing from Tweedy’s sometimes schmaltzy pop, and his Marxist yearnings seem to carry the weight of the dead. Many fans of the genre would probably place this album before other records, and certainly Trace gets its fair share of kudos, but you know what? People that say that have probably heard that album, and I haven’t. [Update: I’ve since heard Trace, and it’s really fucking good.]
If Gillian Welch’s music is reminiscent of others in the genre, it’s hardly surprising, given her influence and appearance on so many other records - from Ryan Adams, Jay Farrar to Emmylou Harris - and that her musical partner David Rawlings has produced many more. Welch’s second album is a dark, sultry, acoustic record of character storytelling. While Welch may have been raised a quiet city girl, her characters have deeply woven histories, and she borrows from them a heavy heart to sing with.
This is the most recent addition to the list, being released just last month. Branan’s third album since 2002’s debut The Hell You Say is a raw, whiskey-soaked offering, equal parts kiss on the cheek and face in the dirt. At times Mutt is reminiscent of friend and collaborator Drag The River’s Jon Snodgrass (Snodgrass appears on backing vocals throughout the record), but with the moodiness of Jay Farrar, and the on-the-edge energy of early Whiskeytown. Branan’s heavy touring schedule seems to work in his favour, as these well-crafted stories are ingrained with a deep respect for his audience.
Hopefully this is a good starting point if it piques your interest. I’m not claiming that these ten albums are the masterpieces of the genre; this is a just a collection of records that I think are pretty fucking good.
Lincoln le Fevre is a songwriter, appearing epynomously, as well as with punk rock octoped Ride the Tiger. He teaches songwriting, music business and audio design, and has produced albums for Jamie Hay, Luca Brasi and Enola Fall. Fevre’s sophomore album is due out in October.
LINCOLN LE FEVRE
Johnny Cash American Recordings III – Solitary Man Technically, it might be considered impertinent to put Cash in a list of altcountry artists, but his American Recordings series - with producer Rick Rubin at the helm - portray Cash in a hazy half-light, the recording stripped back to the bare bones which show Cash in all his darkness and frailty. What inclines me to put anything from this series into the alt-country basket is Cash’s ability to transform a variety of modern tracks into something new – a hybrid product of Cash’s pedigree, the modern history of rock and roll, and a true troubadour’s tenderness. It wasn’t until I heard Cash’s version that I really got Nick Cave’s ‘The Mercy Seat,’ and his take on Will Oldham’s ‘I See A Darkness’ is more than good enough to forgive the U2 cover that made its way on to the record.
Music
Music
N’FA AND HIS NEW TECHNIQUES
LIVING IN THE MOMENT
YOU MAY REMEMBER N’FA FROM HIS WORK WITH 1200 TECHNIQUES, BUT SINCE THEN HE’S BEEN HARD ON THE GRIND TO ENSURE THAT MELBOURNE-BASED MC N’FA JONES IS A NAME YOU WON’T FORGET.
AFTER A FOUR YEAR HIATUS, AUSTRALIAN BLUES AND ROOTS EXPAT MIA DYSON IS BACK ON HOME SOIL - AND SHE HASN’T COME HOME EMPTY-HANDED.
Not just a certified party rocker, N’fa Jones is a thinker and an analyst of lyrics - his own lyrics in particular. “I guess I’ve been through a lot of changes and experiences over the past years,” he says. “I think I wrote my music before based on theories and ideologies of life, whereas now I’ve been though many emotions, of gain and loss, and this means I write from experience, not just theory.” It’s this kind of thought and care behind his words, combined with work from a top-notch line-up of producers, that have lead to the growth of a post 1200 Techniques fan base. But in this case, it’s not just the quality that has made the difference; it’s the quantity too. N’fa has hit the studio with everyone from Nick Thayer, M-Phazes and Roots Manuva, to more unknown artists such as Tom Showtime and Pataphysics. “I’ve been blessed to work with some great people, including Roots Manuva, M-Phazes,
DBridge, Neneh Cherry’s daughter Tyson McVey, etc. I even wrote a song on the Daedelus album Love To Make Music Too released on Ninja Tune. “Right now I’m working on an album primarily produced here with Smith & Dutch from my collective Run For Your Life. I’d love to work with The Roots, Wajeed, Erykah Badu. But thinking about, there is so much talent coming up in Oz right now, that I really don’t need to look abroad for anything.” N’fa speaks from experience as a recent returnee to the Australian music scene he had been living abroad for the past few years making a name for himself in London, hitting up every available stage, and winning awards along the way. “For me it was all about playing the underground haunts in London. I didn’t go to London promoting myself as N’fa (Nfamas) of 1200 Techniques, and play to the Oz crew there. I went completely underground and rocked rooms. I had an amazing band and
an amazing time. We were actually so close to getting somewhere big in London, but I really just couldn’t afford to tour enough, as venues pay so little. “I also had some family commitments that I had to leave London and come home for. Had to call it a day there, but boy it was dope. I have some real peeps there now, real Londoners who don’t give praise to just anybody - I can feel proud of that.”
interaction. But for the Republic Bar, it’ll be more intimate, I’ll be downsizing a little, but I’ll still be bringing plenty of fire! Come, check the vibe, and be open to enjoy yourself as we march on!” SHANE CRIXUS
“It feels great. It’s been a long time coming, and all the more rewarding for it. I’ve let go of some of my fears around putting myself out there with my music. This album is pretty direct and I’m proud of it,” she explains.
The praise grew along with the crowds, and the reputation for having a killer live show became synonymous with N’fa Jones. “Generally I come with live drums, beat machines, synths, sometimes impromptu crew come and vibe with me, and there’s always plenty of freestyling and crowd
Now based in the United States, Mia Dyson has landed back down under with her new record The Moment and a string of dates for a national tour. Going about the writing and recording process a little differently to that of her other four albums, Dyson is thrilled with the final product of her latest offering.
N’fa Jones plays the Republic Bar & Café on Saturday September 15. Tickets are $15 + bf, and are available via Ruffcut, Moshtix & the venue.
“This time, I took my time. In the past I’ve felt the everpresent pressure to put music out yesterday. I just took the focus off that and put it into making the best album I could make. It took longer, but I think it’s better for it. I spent much more time in pre-production working on the songs and taking critical feedback from my producer.” Dyson relocated from Australia to America to realise her dream of recording an album there and has successfully built a strong fan base by playing hundreds of live shows. “I’m based in Los Angeles and despite its reputation for superficiality and smog, I’ve found a great artistic community there and so much beauty in the mountains surrounding the city.” It could be an inevitability that the guitar is a central element to Dyson’s music, as her father is a prominent Australian blues guitarist and maker of the instrument. “I’ve been playing my dad’s guitars since he made me my first one for my fourteenth birthday. I had played the piano as a little girl so when I picked up the guitar I already had a musical ear and found it came naturally to me. I’d also been listening to music via my parent’s record collection since I was a baby - The Band, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt.”
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Dyson is no stranger to Tasmania and will be returning this month to play a show in Hobart as part of her national tour. “I love Tasmania. I first went there as a twelve year old to hike the Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair trail. I’ve played my own shows in Hobart a bunch, plus the Falls Festival and opening for Tony Joe White a few years back.” The Moment reflects the journal of an artist on a continuing path of self-discovery and Dyson wishes to share her emotions and personal journey through her music: “I don’t know if there’s any ‘should’ with music, but this is certainly what I do. I also relish the chance to tell other people’s stories.” HANNAH McCONNELL
Mia Dyson plays at The Republic Bar in Hobart on September 21 as part of The Moment national tour. The Moment is available on CD, download and vinyl through MGM Distribution. www.facebook.com/warp.mag 21
Music
Music
NEVER MIND THE BUZZCOCKS
GLOBETROTTING GANGSTER
KNOWN FOR HIS SOLO WORK AS MUCH AS HIS 30-YEAR CAREER WITH INFLUENTIAL BANDS THE BUZZCOCKS, MAGAZINE AND NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS, BRITISH ROCKER BARRY ADAMSON MAKES A LONG-AWAITED RETURN TO AUSTRALIA.
HIP-HOP’S DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDREL JERU THE DAMAJA IS READY TO DO SOME DAMAGE DOWN UNDER.
CINEMATIC SENTRY MOVING ON FROM THE WAITRESS SONG, MC SETH SENTRY HEADS INTO NARRATIVE CINEMATICS WITH HIS DEBUT ALBUM, THIS WAS TOMORROW.
It’s only 6am in the UK, but Adamson is the epitome of professionalism and enthusiasm as he chats and discusses his upcoming Australian tour. “It’s funny how the years have just flown by,” Barry shared. “The last trip was 2008; it’s now the back end of 2012 but it seems like it was just yesterday. I’m pretty excited about the trip.” Moving to Brighton in April has been like a fresh breathe of creative air for him after the frantic pace of Manchester and London. “It’s a whole new creative world here and I’ve connected well with my new environment. It’s a slightly more bohemian community.” “I’m heading down to Australia in the next couple of weeks, and I’m really looking forward to it. Australia will be amongst the first to experience the new album live.” The new album he is talking about is I Will Set You Free, his first solo offering since 2008. The album has been out since the start of the year, and Barry was originally scheduled to tour in January, but an unforeseen family emergency led to the tour being cancelled.
and The Bad Seeds. “It was just bizarre. Something just clicked the first time I came to Australia, and it just carried on when I was working with Nick Cave - I’ve even been called an honorary Australian!” It may be a short tour, but it’s a very crucial tour for Barry. “It’s a big country, and there’s so much space and we have such a limited time. It’s boom, boom, boom, and we’re gone, but it’s very important,” Barry said. “I love the importance of music in Australia; the punters are so clued up. I just feel that if you get it right here, you can get it to work anywhere.” And it will be his first time heading down to Tasmania and he’s really excited about it. “I’m looking forward to the slightly slower pace I’m told it offers, I could really handle that slower pace, that chance to stop for a bit and just breathe.” KYLIE COX
“This is the start of about a year that I plan on working the record,” Barry said. “I don’t have the luxury of a huge marketing budget; it’s up to me to get it out to the people.” Barry has had a healthy relationship with Australia over the years, since he first graced our shores with English post-punk ensemble, Magazine. He then continued the affair when he teamed up with Nick Cave 22
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See legendary musician Barry Adamson at The Brisbane Hotel in Hobart on September 15 on the Tasmanian leg of his I Will Set You Free tour.
Jeru the Damaja exploded on to the hip-hop scene in the early 90’s through collaborations with legendary duo Gang Starr, quickly following his cameo appearances up with a certified classic debut album in 1994’s The Sun Rises in the East (solely produced by Gang Starr’s DJ Premier). That was followed in 1996 by Wrath of the Math which solidified Jeru’s position as part of the underground elite. Through a rumored falling out with Gang Starr, and a rumored beef with The Fugees (both of which were largely media beat ups), Jeru has remained engrained as part of New York’s hip-hop landscape. “You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you come from. Not saying great hip-hop won’t come from other places, just saying it’s no hip-hop without NY.” From his early days as one of the pioneers of the Brooklyn hardcore style, Jeru has obviously grown and matured. A fiercely independent artist, who has a history of speaking out against the commercialisation and gentrification of hip-hop music, Jeru has now developed a broader and grander appreciation of the music. “Hip-hop is in a great place and is bigger than it has ever been before. I am honoured to be a part of this global phenomenon and thankful that I occupy a space that allows me to travel, perform and record all year round.” Travel and performance has become one of Jeru’s trademarks, boasting one of the more
consistent and expansive touring schedules you are likely to find. Along his travels, D. Original Dirty Rotten Scoundrel (ie. Jeru) has gone from New York legend to worldwide legend with a collection of international collaborations, working with the UK’s Groove Armada, Spain’s Violadores del Verso, Italy’s Fabio Musta, and Poland’s Slums Attack, just to name a few. Now, in 2012, 20 years after Jeru’s first appearance on Gang Starr’s Daily Operation album, Jeru is set to release his sixth studio album. The as yet untitled LP features production from legendary producers like JuJu (from Beatnuts), Large Professor, Pete Rock, and hopefully, old time collaborator DJ Premier. “The album is progressing nicely, hopefully by the time I make it down under I will release some of the tunes for your listening pleasure.” Jeru is finally making his way to Tasmania for one night only, playing at the Republic Bar & Café on Saturday September 19. “I’m expecting to see a Tasmanian Devil... Seriously though, I expect the same thing I expect worldwide, and that’s for me to do a great performance and the crowd to bless me with great energy.” SHANE CRIXUS Jeru the Damaja plays at the Republic Bar and Café on Wednesday September 19. Tickets are $15 + BF and are available via Ruffcut, Moshtix & the venue.
The Melbourne MC’s new track Float Away was immediately added to triple j rotation and the video, written by Jeremy Koren (Grey Ghost) with co-director/ cinematographer Nick Rieve, garnered over 17,000 views in less than a week. Sentry is the “Woody Allen of hip-hop”, according to Koren, who was inspired by Fawlty Towersesque dinner party mayhem for the tidy flick. WARP: So, you’re the “Woody Allen of hiphop”. If there was a film made about your life right now, what kind of flick would it be? Sentry: Well, at the moment, my life is probably the most stable it’s ever been. You know when there’s a movie and it’s real hectic at the start, trying to get it together and then there’s this nice lull in the story, a calm point like in act 2, before act 3, before things fuck up? Well, that’s where my life is. It’s pretty good right now. But I wish my life was a sci-fi movie. W: What would your nemesis be like? What would bring you down? My nemesis is just complacency. When people just accept things and go along with it and don’t question things. When they accept the status quo and don’t rock the boat. If that was an entity, a character, that’s my nemesis.
a very down to earth character. So - she laughs at everything I say. But not when I’m being serious. And she’s really smart, but not smarter than me. Actually she would need to be smarter than me because I get into a lot of trouble if I’m unmonitored. I’m a big kid. W: There’s a lot of self-reflection and soulsearching in your music. Do you think that’s a bit unusual, questioning yourself instead of fronting up? Maybe... I still do some fronting up songs now and then, that’s my favourite kind of rap music. I like a lot of bravado, cockiness - it makes me feel good. It’s inspiring. It just seems that my singles are those ones. I don’t know why I’m so self-reflective, I think I sound like such a loser, you know, a weirdo. And then I get hundreds of people coming and saying it’s just like me! And I think it’s not that bad - there’s a connection, there’s a lot of us out there. It’s really validating.
BENGA
Maybe that’s a good point – doing more fronting music, you get people going ‘yeah you are the shit’, but with this [self-reflective stuff], you say ‘yeah that’s me’. I love it when I hear a song that does that for me. REBECCA FITZGIBBON
Everyone needs to work - if we didn’t have jobs, nothing would get done, but I think a lot of people do things they hate because they think they have to, and I think kind of thing is unhealthy. W: In your life movie, what would your romantic interest be like? Marisa Tomei, who played in The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke. I could love her. She’s
This was Tomorrow is released on September 14 through Seth Sentry’s own High Score Records (indie distro through Intertia) and you can catch him on Friday October 12 at the Waratah Hotel. www.sethsentry.com
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Music
Music
MAKING WAVES WITH Shaking Up The Heavens THE ANGELS ARE BACK... NOT THAT THEY EVER REALLY WENT AWAY.
They have been bouncing around the Australian music scene in one form or another since 1974. But now they have a new singer, a new album and are back on the road and ready to rock... and legendary guitarist John Brewster has been there since the beginning. It was back in 1974 that John, his brother Rick and Doc Neeson formed a band then known as The Keystone Angels. There have been a few name transformations and a few line-up changes over the years - sort of to be expected when your career spans over 40 years. They may be a little older, but the passion still burns bright. Now Dave Gleeson, former charismatic front man of the Screaming Jets, has taken over the mike duties, and the band are about to release their first album in over a decade.
LIT-HOP 101 WITH MC LARS GROWING UP AS AN AWKWARD, ARTY KID IN A SMALL TOWN SOUTH OF SAN FRANCISCO, ANDREW NIELSEN (AKA MC LARS) WAS NEVER GOING TO BE A RUN-OF-THE-MILL RAPPER.
Armed with nothing but a computer, and music and literature as his driving force, the Stanford graduate has defied odds by becoming one of the most successful white rappers still in the game today. Following the release of his latest album The Edgar Allan Poe EP, MC Lars will be returning to Australian shores this month for the first time in over three years. Before making the 14-odd hour journey though, the always-eloquent Lars spared some of his invaluable time to answer a few questions for Warp. WARP: You’ve become widely known as the “Laptop MC”. Is 100% of your music created entirely on your laptop, or have you had to add some extra tools to your toolbox over the years? Andrew Nielsen: I do most of the preproduction on my laptop on Logic and Reason. On my last record Lars Attacks! However, I had live drums on a number of the tracks, which we recorded on an analogue board in a studio in Woodstock, New York. The MacBook Pro can do so much, so I still do 90% of my production on it. It makes it so I can always create music wherever I go! W: Do you intend to continue making your music this way? AN: I do! A lot of The Edgar Allan Poe EP was programmed and mixed on my laptop. W: You’ve lasted over 10 years in the game without any help from a record label (apart from your own, of course). Do you think that you just struck it lucky because of the message you were bringing across, or do you think that the way you’ve done things is a legitimate model that future MCs can work off? AN: I think I timed it right - I had a great
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manager who helped me a lot right out of college, who helped me get my songs out to radio and my videos on TV. Horris Records teamed up with Shock Records in 2006 to release Download This Song and I was blown away by how many people we got to hear it. I came into this game at an interesting time, I was performing and creating something original, but these days everyone has a brother or friend who makes laptop rap music, so I think I would have gotten swallowed up in the digital music revolution of the past few years. W: Have you ever had any beefs from either side of your core genres – namely rock and hip-hop? AN: Sitting between both genres, I get fans from both genres. The comedy element I bring is helpful too because I try not to take myself too seriously. I was stoked to collaborate with KRS-One on my last album Lars Attacks! and get a sampled cleared by Ian MacKaye of Fugazi / Minor Threat on the one before (Robot Kills), so I’ve got it covered on both ends. W: It’s been a long time since you wrote Download This Song, but you’ve always maintained a pretty strong opinion about major record labels. What do you think about the current state of the music industry? AN: I think Download was a harbinger to a lot of the conversations that came about regarding the recent SOPA controversy. A lot of the digital music services - such as Spotify - have followed the model I talk about in that song (i.e. music as a service, not a product), and they have found incredible success. The industry has changed and become very niche focused. I would never sign to a major label because that $50k advance is just not worth being someone’s artistic
monkey. I can make that in a year on my own through t-shirt sales and iTunes. Who needs some out-of-touch CEO constantly calling you because they are trying to pay their mortgage and recoup on a silly investment? The art gets lost along the way in that world. W: There was a CNN story about you with the slightly sensationalist headline “Stanford-educated rapper embraces piracy”, almost as if those two traits shouldn’t belong to the same person. Do you find that your opinions have often landed you in hot water, or at least drawn strong criticism from the media? AN: I was glad to be able to talk about these issues on a mainstream platform. I think having strong, progressive views on new media economics has gotten me press, which has ultimately been good. Having CNN talk to me about free downloading is better than a magazine giving a bad review. Controversy is good in hip-hop. W: Nothing says “I’ve made it” like someone getting something related to you or your music inked on their bodies, and you’ve actually got a whole page on your website dedicated to fan tattoos. If you yourself had to get an MC Lars tattoo, what would you get? AN: Probably the logo as a memory of this wild journey! I have no tattoos though so I think I will stay clean. KELLY SNYDERS
“Our last album took five years to record; this one took nine days,” John shared. “But I seriously think it is one of the best. Everyone always says that when they have a new album out, but I really mean it!” Having a new frontman has seemingly breathed new life into the band. And there is an amazing vibe between the band members. “You’ve got five people who really want to be where they are,” John said. “There is an amazing spirit, and when you have that spirit you can do anything, you can knock down walls.” Dave Gleeson is technically the new guy, but he has done close to 30 gigs with the band so far. “When Doc left, he left some pretty hard shoes to fill,” John revealed. “Dave is a great guy, and one of the great things about him is he doesn’t try to ‘fill those shoes’, he’s just out there being himself.” But they did almost lose him at one stage. At a gig in Dungong, at the Thunderbolt Rally, Dave jumped the security fence in front of the stage and ended up out in the audience. They thought they had lost him. Dave found his way back to the front, but then came the task of trying to get back over the huge fence. To help him, a huge guy lifted him up and basically threw him over the fence. He missed the stage and ended up in the pit at the front. Luckily he was relatively unscathed and continued with the show. So with a new album under their belt, and a frontman still in one piece, The Angels are hitting the road again. Along with old friends Hoodoo Gurus, Baby Animals, James Reyne and Boom Crash Opera, they are playing dates all over the country as part of A Day on the Green. “It’s such a great line-up,” John shared. “And we get to finish up the tour at the Josef Chromy Winery in Launceston. We’re pretty excited about it.” KYLIE COX
MC Lars will be bringing his laptop beats to The Brisbane Hotel on October 6. Tickets available at www.oztix.com.au
A Day on The Green is a beautiful day out, in an amazing setting with an amazing line up, this time headlined by The Angels. Catch the Tasmanian leg of the tour at the Josef Chromy Winery on December 8. The Angels’ new album, Take It To The Streets, is out now. www.facebook.com/warp.mag 25
Music
Music
UNEARTHING ASTA FOR HER SMOKY VOCALS AND ELECTRO-POP SENSIBILITY, HOBART’S ASTA IS THIS YEAR’S TRIPLE J UNEARTHED HIGH WINNER. WARP SNEAKS A MOMENT WITH THE DELIGHTFUL TEEN TO DISCUSS HER WIN, AND FIND OUT WHETHER IT’S MADE HER THE MOST POPULAR GIRL IN SCHOOL.
WARP: There were 860 entries into Triple J Unearthed High and you’re the winner. Is it a dream come true? Asta: It’s crazy. As an 18 year old, it’s definitely a huge stepping stone into the industry. It’s a dream come true for sure. W: How did you celebrate your win? A: I organised a get together at the Alley Cat pub in North Hobart to celebrate with family and friends. I got a free beer on arrival and
shortly after I had to leave because I was falling asleep! Mum picked me up from the couch and drove me home. I was running off three hours of sleep and I guess it hit me! W: You’ve been likened to Sia, Ladyhawke and Owl Eyes. How does it feel to be compared to such accomplished songstresses? A: Wow I had no idea! That is such a compliment! It’s great to be likened to such strong female musicians because I really respect them and their style so hopefully I’ll be able to continue down a similar path as being recognised as unique and strong with a little attitude! W: How long have you been writing and performing your own music? A: I turned 18 this year and have been writing music since around the age of five. I performed my first song at the local town hall in Cygnet and from that point, I became addicted to song writing. And growing up in a peaceful nurturing environment with supportive parents really helped push me along in terms of confidence.
W: Your electro-folk-pop sensibility is very ‘in the moment’. Where does your musical sensibility come from? A: I was heavily into Sarah Blasko so that really influenced my acoustic songs and gentle voice. Now my music is heading in a new direction, I have been obsessed with the quirky Kimbra and the way she holds herself with performance and attitude. She can also pull off any costume! W: The lyrics from your single My Heart is On Fire - “My heart is a like a cigar. Breathe me in. Can you feel the nicotine?” – are beyond an average teenager’s perspective. Do you feel like you’ve always had a wiser or more worldly approach to life? A: I was always one year ahead of myself, the girl dating the older guy and the student that never engaged in any dramatic gossipy fights in high school. I’ve always had an open mind and maturity that people mistake to be well beyond my years.
WHAT DO I CARE ABOUT MARRIAGE EQUALITY? WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT MARRIAGE EQUALITY IF WE DON’T CARE ABOUT MARRIAGE?
Tasmania may have been the last state to legalise homosexuality, but now it may be the first to legalise same-sex marriage. The first step towards initiating the country’s first state-based gender-neutral marriage Act has been introduced into State Parliament by Premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim.
W: What’s the music scene like in Tasmania for young artists? Have you found supportive environments where you can gig, or rehearse, or even just jam?
Well, survey figures - from the RSVP dating site to EMRS polling – say yes. The highest support for marriage and the desire to get married is amongst Generation Y. Young people value marriage much higher than Gen X and even Boomers. “There are two issues why this is important,” says Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson Rodney Croome. “One is that young Australians are more likely to have openly gay friends and family members,” he said. “They’ve seen these relationships and they’ve seen that they’re just like all other relationships.” Rodney calls it the “Will and Grace Generation”, but we’re probably also talking about the “Modern Family Generation” - a lot of people have grown up with gay characters on TV having relationships and it’s all so normalised that we just can’t comprehend the prejudice out there. “The other reason is that marriage itself has changed significantly in the last 40 years, we now have the recognition of de facto relationships in the law,” Rodney says. “We now have no-fault divorce, so it’s possible to leave marriage without legal complications and social stigma.
A: It’s very supportive in Tasmania because it’s so small and word gets around quick! I have noticed over the years though that it’s hard to get a lot of people to come out sometimes and I think it’s the fact that young people don’t have as much of a disposable income. Also, most gigs are 18+ which really limits your crowd, being a young musician.
“Marriage has become another life choice for young people. When they see it’s a choice for them, whether they marry or not, they ask, why isn’t it a choice for my gay friends and family? I have that choice - why don’t they have that choice?”
W: Who’s your Number 1 fan?
Marriage equality is important, even if you don’t want to get married.
A: I would probably say my Economics buddy Jono. He came to class one day and pulled out a shirt from his bag. Printed on it was a photo of me with a microphone and my name. He would always want to give me money for no reason. He would beg, “Can I please do some hand clapping in your next song?” He recently pretty much bought all my boyfriend’s merch at his gig and demanded he give us $100. So Jono, I would like to say yes, you can be featured doing hand clapping in my next song. W: You’ve also won a lunchtime gig with Bliss n Eso at your high school. Does that make you the most popular girl at school?
What do we care?
That’s because as long as the law says that same-sex couples can’t marry, it’s sending out the message that same-
sex relationships are second-rate and don’t meet the same requirements of commitment, love and fidelity. “Whether we like marriage or not, it’s a key social institution, and to exclude some people from that purely on the basis of their sex orientation is to reinforce discrimination and stigma against that group,” Rodney says. “It was the same in the past when Aboriginal people were told who they could or could not marry, or people of colour, or women, or Jews. It was the most potent symbol of their exclusion from society more broadly, and their exclusion from full and equal citizenship.” For better or for worse, marriage provides us with a universal message of love and commitment. To exclude people from marriage is to exclude them from that universal language. So marriage equality is not only about marriage, it’s also about equality. What now? The Tasmanian public has to show the Legislative Council that we are right behind the motion to allow marriage for all couples, regardless of gender and sexuality. Constitutional experts agree that Tasmania is able to enact its own laws allowing same-sex couples to marry. This will make our state more inclusive and build stronger families. What we need to do now is encourage it by sending a message of support to your local Upper House member and MLC: www.tasunited.org/contact-yourmlc. REBECCA FITZGIBBON
A U G / S E P / O C T E V E N T S
A: Haha. I’m getting a few weird looks, that’s for sure. One of my teachers came to the celebration the other night which was so unexpected! I thought I was in the bad books with him but he seemed very nice and we had a good chat about my next report. He let me leave class today so I could run around the school and thank everyone. W: Music has undoubtedly changed your life. How do you hope your music will change the lives of others? A: I hope I encourage people to go forth and do what they love without feeling trapped in by society’s expectations. While you’re young, get as much life experience as you can. Go forth and explore. Experiment with music and don’t follow or be like anyone else. LOANI ARMAN
Unearth Asta and her single My Heart is On Fire at www.triplejunearthed.com/asta and catch her live at Soundscape Festival in Hobart this November. 26
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Food FOOD REVIEW
BELTANA HOTEL “Beltaaaaaana,” we bleated as we drove over the bridge in our best lowbrow Aussie accents, with a heavy nasal twang. The name seems to invoke people to pronounce it so, with its previous reputation of being a stock-average Aussie pub. However, I had heard that after its multi-million dollar upgrade, it had moved up in the gastronomic echelon, and word was that it’s worth checking out. As we arrived, my dining companion expressed surprise at the change in the exterior, saying that it was virtually unrecognisable as the old Beltana. Plush carpet, decorous panelling and smells of newness greeted us inside, and it was evident that a good deal of money had been put into the refurbishment. I was relieved to see that the gaming area was well segregated from the dining area – one could neither see nor hear any poker machines from the adjacent room. I was also surprised to see that the river view was really quite pleasant from the window table we were sat – my sentiment was “bahahahaha” when I had read on the website that it had views of the “amazing Lindisfarne Harbour”. “Amazing” is definitely stretching it a little bit. Points were given for the online menu being up to date. I was consequently more decisive about what to have, plus I think it’s a nice thing in itself to anticipate a meal and work out what you might like to eat.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY ON A WARM AND BALMY FEBRUARY NIGHT, I JOINED THE INAUGURAL PORT ARTHUR INVESTIGATION EXPERIENCE. At 10pm we gathered at the visitor centre, just as the last of the regular ghost tours were finishing up. The guides handed out torches and indicated we follow them to a now deserted site. We all eyed each other nervously – might we really find unquestionable evidence for posthumous existence tonight? This, after all, was the ultimate aim of the tour. Port Arthur is already adept at catering for the public’s insatiable appetite for ghost tours. But this one was different, promising a hands-on experience using the latest technology. Although I am unconvinced that the spirits of the dead really walk among us unknowingly, I am up for being proven otherwise. Our tour started in front of the old church at the top of the site. As a brief history was relayed, we looked out over to the flood-lit sandstone buildings. Gracious trees lined the pathways leading down to the bay where grand old eucalypts provided shapely silhouettes back lit by the lights of ‘The World’ - the presence of this huge cruise ship with its 5-star apartments provided a surreal note to the evening’s activities as we delved into old buildings looking for the ghosts of people who had been brought here on very different vessels. It was juxtaposition as awkward as the unexpected peacefulness of the night and its horrifying distant and recent history. At the old asylum we are shown how to use the infra-red cameras and sensitive recorders to capture anomalies (communication from another realm of existence to our own) and informed about 28
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the difficulties of procuring the evidence, the controversial nature of the evidence and the range of theories that have been posed to explain what has been gathered so far.
STEWARTS BAY LODGE
The guides are both experienced ghost tour guides and trained in scientific investigation, so there is a reassuringly robust, clearheaded approach to the proceedings. Divided into two groups, in the three hours we have left we are to cover four different locations – the separate prison, the commandant’s house, the old mortuary and the parsonage.
Indeed, I myself didn’t know what a sweet potato pave was. And actually - I am embarrassed to admit - neither a Pot-auFeu. It made sense then when the friendly and well informed bar manager explained that Paul Foreman – the ex-head chef of Marque IV – was now the executive chef here, and was responsible for designing the new menu. However, I wondered if they were pitching too high. Apparently not – the bar manager said that the oldies were gradually becoming more adventurous with their menus selections and enjoying the new food.
Thankfully a hearty supper is provided in between and all of a sudden it’s 2am. We are exhausted but exhilarated. We won’t know for sure what we found until the digital information is downloaded and trawled through. (Part of the tour price includes a copy of the DVD with the evidence that has been gathered in the course of the evening).
For those dearly attached to their beloved old Beltana of yesteryear, there is relief to be found in the “Vintage” section of the menu. Here are found some familiar sounding classic pub dishes, such as the chicken schnitzel, steak and chips, and crumbed scallops. A wise move I would say, so as not to terrify some of the existing clientele to the point of no return. It seems to be a popular move too, for pubs moving up in the gastro-sphere to try to straddle the divide by providing both ends of the pub food spectrum.
Whatever you think about the possibility of ghosts, I challenge anyone to go on the tour, sit in the solitary confinement cell by themselves and ask into a highly sensitive voice recorder: is there anyone there? Who could not be curious to see what the answer might be. The tour is limited to 20 people and is for 18+. The cost is $125 and it is run on the last Saturday of every month. www.portarthur. org.au HANNAH JENKINS is founder of the QIPP Group (Quality Investigative Psi Projects) www.qipp.com.au
The bulk of the menu read as quite upmarket, including items such as oysters with ponzu sauce, ballotine of Huon ocean trout, and twice roasted duck. Possibly some of the older or less savvy clientele would be baffled by some of the new entries, not being familiar with some of the ingredients or terminology. I ran a comical scene in my head of potential patrons asking about the shittake arancini - “what’s a shit-ache, mate?!”
$179* PER NIGHT, DELUXE SPA CHALET INCLUDING A $20 FUEL OR RESTAURANT VOUCHER (MIN 2 NIGHTS STAY) info@stewartsbaylodge.com.au (03) 6250 2888 6955 Arthur Highway Port Arthur TAS 7182 www.StewartsBayLodge.com.au
As for our meal – I chose the BBQ pulled pork Panini from the lunch menu ($15.90) with red pepper relish, salted pineapple, iceberg, ranch dressing and fries on account of being intrigued by the salted pineapple. The salty-sweet pineapple with almost a candied texture complemented
the shredded pork well, and with the relish and dressing and fresh high-quality bread, it was a well put-together combination of textures and flavours. Having sworn off fries recently, I swapped these for a slaw instead, which was crisp, zingy and simple in its light dressing. My dining pal had a small Middle Eastern tapas platter, which included two dips, lamb kofta, roast garlic labna, tabouli and flat bread. The kofta were reported as excellent, and everything else was satisfactory in flavour – however, for the price ($22) it was a tad on the small side. We shared the Bombe Alaska for dessert ($12), which came with some showmanship where a liqueur was lit and poured over the very attractively presented dessert. Promising sounding, made with exotic tonka bean ice cream and Italian meringue, it unfortunately failed to impress. The ice cream lacked a distinct tonka bean flavour and was rock hard, which made it hard going to eat, and the supporting poppy seed biscuit was too soft, like when biscuits go stale and soggy. Even with its radical makeover - something about the wide spacing of the tables, the warm air conditioning, the overall feel about the place still very much says “bistro”. Intentional or not, it’s not the kind of environment I’m generally drawn to, preferring a restaurant feel – especially if I am paying towards restaurant prices. I wouldn’t say no to returning however - I do think it’s worth a look-in. Perhaps next time I have a nanna to take out to lunch, I’ll head to the ‘Tana. SARA WAKELING
Beltana Hotel and Restaurant 160 East Derwent Highway, Lindisfarne Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 9pm and Sunday 11am - 3pm T: 03 6243 8677 www.beltanahotel.com.au
Drinks of the month YAMAZAKI 12 Y/O
THE BURLEIGH BREWING BEER RANGE
The aromas are an overwhelming array of dry oak, cedar wood, sweet cherry, jasmine, coffee, ginger and nutmeg. On the palate the arrival is clean and crisp with light truffle oil followed by spicy limes, tons of light oak, light tobacco, parchment, and orange peel... the finish is long, spicy, dry and crisp with hints of mint and melon. An excellent summer whisky, fresh, crisp and immaculate, the 43% abv is perfect.
Syrup Nightclub and PlanB have some new beer’s we want everyone to try. The Burleigh Brewing has a new range of beer with cheeky names; My Wife’s Bitter, Big Head and Pale Ale 28. All September all three beers will be just $7. Available at PlanB and Syrup this month, $7.
Now available at The Metz, $12.
FOG CITY APPLE AND PEAR CIDER
CHRISTIAN DROUIN CIDER
A bittersweet premium cider, Fog City is naturally engineered from our gathered blend of apples and pears. Its distinct cloudiness creates the unmatched body and fullness of flavour that earned it its name.
Christian Drouin cider is made of 30 different varieties of cider apples. This is light in alcohol, rich in taste with many aromas. Well known for the quality of its Calvados, Christian Drouin will also surprise you with this very pleasant, light and fruity cider.
Available this month at Irish Murphy’s Hobart, $15.80
Available at the Republic Bar & Cafe this month for $15.
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Arts
Arts REVIEW
ANDREW ALSO DOES ART
THIS YEAR’S ST.ART STREET ART FESTIVAL INCORPORATES AEROSOL DEMONSTRATIONS, STENCIL ART, REVERSE GRAFFITI, GUERILLA KNITTING AND THE inFLUX EXHIBITION, SHOWCASING STREET ARTISTS AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME.
THE SEPTEMBER ARTS PREVIEW CAST presents SHOTGUN 2012 SHOTGUN is CAST’s yearly collaboration with DETACHED to feature the work of early-career artists, and it’s usually a blast of a show. The selected artists get a budget to play with, resulting in some of the most exciting work you see by locals in any calendar year. 2012 features the winner of the Hobart Art Prize for a Tasmanian Artist, Joel Croswell, and obsessive-compulsive painter Lucienne Rickard.
Opening Friday September 14 at 6pm, continues until October 7. CAST is open Wednesday – Sunday 12 – 5.
Milk of Magnesia is an art collective that shreds boundaries and goes directly to the extreme: they make blood fountains out of mounds of skulls and whirling tornados of underwear – yes, that’s correct, for a past exhibition a giant moving object that was a twister of panties was built. Milk of Magnesia have put the call out to Hobart artists to share their nightmares, fears and mental shadows, so don’t miss this show at all – it could end up being the insanity peak for 2012.
SHOTGUN asks artist to stretch out, work beyond their comfort zone and deliver the new.
THE NIGHMARE HARVEST opens at The Grand Poobah at 6pm on Saturday September 22.
MONA SCHOLAR 2012
I make art for a number of reasons, but the big one is that it’s a compulsion. I need to do it, it’s a kind of therapy but it’s also a kind of communication. Language – the words you’re reading right now or overhearing in a café as you read this – is pretty general. It needs to be to work. Everyone has to sort of understand it a bit. Which is great for sort of understanding, but language can let us down in communicating more subtle, precise emotional feeling and sensation. It’s not specific enough. That’s cool; it’s not supposed to be. For the more specific, precise moments of being a human, we’ve got art, be that rough expressionist painting or bouncy good time dub beats.
Each year one emerging Tasmanian artist is chosen for the Mona Scholarship prize. But instead of $12,500 cash, the money is to be used to buy materials and equipment for an exhibition in the Mona Library Gallery 12 months later, with one piece to be added to Mona’s permanent collection.
ANDREW HARPER
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EACH YEAR, MONA SELECTS ONE LUCKY TASMANIAN ARTIST FOR A SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIP. HOBART MEDIA ARTIST PIP STAFFORD, THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENT.
“The MONA Scholarship is likely to directly affect the outcome of my work in the next 12 months, as I’m now able to experiment with materials that I couldn’t afford previously,” Stafford said. “My work is installation based, with a cross-over into science, electronics and computer programming... Right now in my studio I have three different types of crystals
CENTRE AUGUST 4 – SEPTEMBER 2 Made in China, Australia is a multigenerational exploration of the Chinese Australian diaspora through the works of 16 artists, curated by Greg Leong.
The SWAMP room at the Grand Poobah has been infested recently with weird performance art and creep scratchy sound improvisation, but it’s about to get a lot more insane in that room when Milk of Magnesia drops in from Melbourne.
Both artists come from the darker side of the art sphere, with Joel constantly creating monsters; you may have seen his hordes of tiny demons infesting the Bett Gallery. Lucienne Rickard takes something as ordinary and sweet as a native bird and finds the sinister in it with a fine-tuned drawing style that echoes the obsessive space of mental illness. Joel Crosswell makes horror as a way of purging personal horror: working across many mediums Joel makes the demons and dark angels that attract and repel.
This year’s recipient, Hobart media artist Pip Stafford, is primarily interested in communications, ritual and networks, her work can be comprised of installation, sculpture, video, print and online content, with elements of science, electronics and computer programming.
LONG GALLERY, SALAMANCA ARTS
MILK OF MAGNESIA at NAMELESS A.R.I. presents THE NIGHTMARE HARVEST
Yeah, it’s time to confess: I make art as well. I’m an artist. I suffer from an affliction. John Howard wouldn’t like me (the feeling’s mutual), but stuff him; I like making a bit of art now and again. I feel it gives me license to discuss it, although really, you don’t need a license at all – it’s a game anyone can play.
Art is about human communication and my art is my attempt to communicate all sorts of things. I don’t know if it works, but one has to give it a go. Because sharing ideas is pretty important, I reckon.
MADE IN CHINA, AUSTRALIA
ART TO NOT MISS
"Asvin (from the series Birthmark) 2010, pigment print on archival cotton paper by Owen Leong. Courtesy of the artist and Dianne Tanzer Gallery + Projects, Melbourne.
I did not like every single work in Made in China, Australia, but let’s be frank – one doesn’t have to like everything and what does like even mean? That I thought it was pretty? That I would happily hang it above my mantel? I’m certain this is what like means for some, and by all means, that is an entirely reasonable thing. There was work that one could see in such a frame of reference in Made In China, Australia, but it’s deceptive: all the care and craft that would normally make one simply enjoy a work as a charming aesthetic object was undermined by the true purpose of this forward thinking, poignant show.
Lucienne Rickard's Bull
As our leaders debate the issues surrounding immigration to this country, a dialogue that has increasingly left me depressed and embarrassed and even shamed by the turn of discussion and the shape of events, in particular the recent portrayal of China as a rising capitalist country, an exhibition like this is a very necessary thing. "AUTOevacuation, 2005, digital video by Owen Leong. Courtesy of the artist and Dianne Tanzer Gallery + Projects, Melbourne.
There’s a lot of discussion and ideas in this collection but what it’s attempting to show is the broad experiences of the migrant, and of the children of migrants in Australia.
There’s a focus on Chinese people and work, obviously enough, and while it’s a mistake to assume all cultural groups are the same and all experiences are similar, there is something to be gleaned about what the people who have come to this country have bought to it and what their experiences as Australians are. There’s a lot to take in. It’s very hard to really pick work that stood out as the overall curation had made one of the most complete, even airtight shows I have seen in a while, but the work of Jason Wing, an artist whose heritage takes in both Chinese Migrant and Australian Aboriginal stood out as speaking eloquently from a very particular place. Kevin Leong’s subtle, clever, Cultural Homing Device really managed to work on me - this clever interactive work asks the viewer to make decisions based on how one feels about one’s cultural identity and whilst not an entirely new work, the purpose was so precise and surgical in its accuracy it took me until I had left the show until it really sank in. Clara Chow’s I Will Learn To love Australia directly addressed the experience of racism with bold purpose that sought to purge anger through reconciliation, again, a very moving work in a show filled with potent emotion. As I say I did not like everything, but this was an excellent show, so much so that even the material that I would normally not pay that attention to was given potency and context. Owen Leong has put much work into this show and it’s a splendid thing indeed. I was moved and I am left wondering about the future of Australia and its place in the world. ANDREW HARPER
growing, using different chemicals and different methods of growth. “I’m interested in networks, systems and communications, with particular emphasis on the chaos and control endemic in systems around the world. I try to build complex structures that mimic those networks and systems...” With a BFA Honours from the Tasmanian School of Art, Stafford is one half of Taxonomy Publishing with Scot Cotterell. Having exhibited in Hatched at PICA (WA) this year, facilitated a series of talks called Touchy Feely with Amy Spiers at INFLIGHT Gallery, she’s also hell on wheels with the Convict City Roller Derby League. REBECCA FITZGIBBON
www.pipstafford.com http://iwilltakeyoueverywherebianca.tumblr. com
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Arts
Arts
Gallery
TRADIES AT THE THEATRE
CARAVAN BURLESQUE IS A TRAVELLING EMPORIUM FUSING PARISIAN NIGHTCLUB WITH INDIAN DANCE, BACKROOM BALLET, LIVE ART EXOTICA, CIRCUS AND SIDESHOW, BUTOH AND DISCO, BOLLYWOOD LOVE GODS AND GOTHIC QUEENS.
THE TRADE OFFERS A THEATRICAL VIEW INTO THE SWEARY WORLD OF THREE HOUSEPAINTERS – REGULAR BLOKES WHO DO THEIR JOB AND GET ALONG HOW THEY KNOW BEST: TRADING INSULTS AND SHIT-STIRRING.
Critics have bowed down and worshipped from Sweden to Tokyo and the reception on this tour from regional Australia has been extraordinary, and now the Caravan has made its way to Hobart for just two evenings of thrills and spills.
Anna Lumb, the flame-headed star of European Circus clubs; and the woman who has defined and redefined cabaret internationally, named a ‘national treasure’ in Australia, with 11 Cabaret Awards under her belt, and invitations to perform at festivals everywhere, the undisputed Queen of Provocative Variety, Moira Finucane – a combination of talent so radioactively hot it is likely to be made illegal if Tony Abbott gets elected, which is all the more reason to get one’s behind to the Theatre Royal for a show 70,000 people have been totally wowed by across the globe.
Hobart’s Theatre Royal will house, but barely contain a bigger than life night out at the theatre that aims to please and does not miss, filling the evening with exotica and white-hot talent. Caravan Burlesque stars, acclaimed all over the world, include Paul Cordeiro whose Porteguese, Malaysian and Chinese heritage infuses his dance; whose resume includes resident choreographer of Lion King and Associate Choreographer of Sydney Olympics; Holly Durant, darling of Parisian Dance, renowned fusion artist from Jazz to German Kabarett, and award winning choreographer; Pocket Rocket
Caravan Burlesque at the Theatre Royal, Wednesday September 26 at 8pm, Thursday September 27 at 8pm. Tickets range from $25 to $65, group bookings discounted. Contains nudity, strobe lighting and smoke effects. Suitable for ages 16 and up, parental guidance recommended. Book: www.theatreroyal.com. au/shows/caravan-burlesque or phone 6233 2299.
Stewie is a bit of a thinker, bearing the weight of disappointment in silence, Gav is daft but decent – his parents had to kick him out at age 28, but he’s deadly at a pub trivia quiz, and Steve’s mean streak and relentless ability to needle doesn’t seem to sit all that well with his interest in Modern Art. It’s a volatile combination of personality that creates gales of laughter – The Trade is a winner of the prestigious Barry award for Comedy form the Melbourne Comedy festival, filled with life-affirming profanity, creative dissections of human sexuality
NORTH
South
and astounding comparisons – or to put it another way, it’s a very rude play, featuring authentic language that give you a right giggle. It’s also about how blokes who work together help each other get through the grind of a day on the job.
A punchy yarn about three blokes with 47 litres of paint and a dwelling to be covered, Stewie, Steve and Gav do their work and give the audience a great ride, revealing their characters along the way.
Guide
Guide
FINUCANE & SMITH’S CARAVAN BURLESQUE
Caravan Burlesque is a wild adaptation of shows honed to perfection across the festival circuit of Europe trimmed to tour with any unnecessary excess removed leaving only a thriller of a show from an ensemble that has had seriously positive reviews the world over.
performing arts
The Tasmanian Theatre Companies production of The Trade marks the first outing of this legendary work in Tasmania and features a great cast of local favourites – the marvellous Andrew Casey (a man with a fantastic head) is joined by Scott Farrow and Matt Wilson for a one-hour romp with paint, rollers and overalls. The Trade is about how to work out being at work together, getting the job done without beating each other up and how, amongst all the games of insults and macho buffoonery, mates do actually look out for one another. ANDREW HARPER The Trade at the Theatre Royal Backspace, September 20 – October 6 with performances Thursday – Saturday 8.15pm and Sunday 2.15pm and 6.15pm. Tickets $45 / senior $38 / concession $29 / under 30 $20 (door sales only). www.tastheatre.com
146 ARTSPACE PROTOTYPE, Designed Objects Tasmania, ends Sept 7. ART AT THE POINT - BRUNY ISLAND Paintings, prints, sculptures, jewellery, textiles and ceramics, Bruny Island artists, re-opening Sept 1. ART MOB Talking Tiwi, paintings and sculptures from Munupi Arts, Melville Island, Tiwi Islands, ends Sept 21. BETT GALLERY MAIN: Sue Lovegrove, Sept 7 - 29, OPENING Sept 7 at 6pm. BACKSPACE: Mande Bijelic, Sept 7 - 29. CARNEGIE GALLERY Swerve, Penny Mason, Sue Henderson and David Marsden, ends Oct 7. CAST Shotgun, Joel Crosswell and Lucienne Rickard, Sept 14 - Oct 7, OPENING Oct 12 at 6pm. COLVILLE GALLERY Luke Wagner, ends Sept 19. DESPARD GALLERY Geoff Dyer, ends Sept 5. HANDMARK GALLERY, HOBART Paintings by Josh Foley, Sept 21 - Oct 10. INFLIGHT MAIN SPACE: Closer Apart, Brooke Ferguson (QLD), Sept 7 - 29, OPENING Sept 7 at 6pm. PADDY LYN MEMORIAL SPACE: Don’t Look Back, Madeline Preston (NSW), Sept 7 - 29, OPENING Sept 7 at 6pm, FLOORTALK Sept 8. INKA GALLERY INC. Spring, Inka Members, ends Sept 19. Vivid, Anna Blatman, Sept 20 - Oct 10. MOONAH ARTS CENTRE Digital Mantelpiece, group exhibition, ends Sept 6.
night will be on Friday Sept 28. Exhibition runs Wednesday Sept 26 - Thursday Oct 4. ROSNY COTTAGE Wild Tea: Animated and Fanciful Teapots, Dawn Oakford, Sept 9 - 23. SADDLERS COURT GALLERY Exhibiting over 100 Tasmanian artists & crafts people. SALAMANCA ARTS CENTRE LONG GALLERY: Made in China, Australia, Curated by Greg Leong, Group Show, ends Sept 2. LONG GALLERY: RACT Insurance Tasmanian Portraiture Prize, Sept 7 - 22. LONG GALLERY: UTAS Painting and Printmaking Society Exhibition, Sept 25 - 30. TOP GALLERY: Family Is The Bind That Breaks Us, Megan Clark, Sept 1 - 30, OPENING Sept 7. LIGHTBOX: The Anti-Gravity Machine, Benjamin Taylor, Sept 1 - 30. SIDESPACE: LIAUBON: DEJA 2, CJ Liaubon, Sept 6 - 17, OPENING Sept 7 at 6pm. SIDESPACE: Culinary Hands, Richard Strong, Sept 18 - 24. SCHOOLHOUSE GALLERY Context, Tasmania Paper and Book Artists Guild Annual Exhibition, Sept 7 - 20, OPENING Sept 6 at 5.30pm. SONA GALLERY Ongoing stock exhibition TASMANIAN LANDSCAPES GALLERY Luke O’Brien Photography. Art printing & mounting services also available. TASMANIAN MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY Within & Without, Colonial to Contemporary art, ends Sept 23. Regarding Landscape, TMAG Collection, ends Sept 23. WELLINGTON GALLERY Thomas Anderson last available works original paintings, gallery open by appointment Ph. 6223 6643
MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART Monanism, permanent collection. Theatre of the World, TMAG & MONA collections, ends Apr 26 (2013)
HANDMARK GALLERY, EVANDALE Printworks, Justin McShane, Sept 2 - Oct 4, OPENING Sept 2 at 2pm. NEW GALLERY - UTAS Newnham 25 Years of Excellence, Wayne Z Hudson, ends Sept 7. Birchalls Contemporary Art Prize, Sept 14 - Oct 5. POWERHOUSE GALLERY Derelict, Mat Carey, Imogen Hayes, William Syms and Ryan Lynch, ends Sept 9. Noor Rahman Saini, Sept 13 - 23, OPENING Sept 12 at 6pm. The Textiles Show, Textile based artwork from Contemporary Arts students, Sept 27 Oct 7, OPENING Sept 27 at 6pm. THREE WINDOWS GALLERY Changing Southern Midlands Artists.
NORTH-west tas BURNIE REGIONAL ART GALLERY Souvenirs - An Exhibition of Drawings, Lindsay Broughton, ends Sept 16. Bendigo Bank Material Girl 2012 - Speak to Me!, ends Sept 9. Nurture, Janine Morris/Second Sister, ends Sept 16. TasArt 2012, Burnie Coastal Art Group, local and interstate artists, Sept 29 - Oct 20. DEVONPORT REGIONAL GALLERY Homage: The Royal Dozen and The Regal Twelve, Alexia Sinclair, ends Oct 28. PARADOX BAZAAR Unique Tasmanian Art & Craft creations operated by, and featuring the works of, local Artists and Craftspeople and is constantly changing throughout the year www.paradoxbazaar.com.au
KING ISLAND
PEPPERCORN GALLERY A co-operatively run outlet for the fine art and craftwork of local Richmond artists. ROSNY BARN Cre8 – Devi8 – Liber8 – Celebr8: The Eighth Annual Artfully Queer Exhibition, opening
ACADEMY GALLERY - UTAS INVERESKFraming Conflict, ends Sept 14. And Then..., ends Sept 14. Contemporary Wearables, ends Sept 14. Troy Ruffels, Sept 21 - Oct 12. 2012 University College Program Showcase, Sept 21 - Oct 12.
* If you are an exhibiting gallery or space in Tasmania and want to be included in the Warp Gallery Guide email: nic@warpmagazine.com.au
LOLLIPOP GALLERY + BOATHOUSE GALLERY Paintings by Caroline Kininmonth and Bridget Levy on exhibit throughout the year and continually changing.
THE SOUTH COMEDY WREST POINT ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE The Blundstone Big Finale, Dave Hughes, Fiona O’Loughlin and Charlie Pickering, September 1. WREST POINT ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE Qualmpeddler, Bill Bailey, September 16. THE WARATAH BAND ROOM Clubhouse Comedy feat. The Bedroom Philosopher, thurs 20th september. DANCE THE THEATRE ROYAL Swan Lake, The Imperial Russian Ballet Company, September 15 - 16. THEATRE THE PEACOCK THEATRE Next To Normal, September 1 - 16. THE THEATRE ROYAL The School For Wives, September 1. Certified Male, September 19 - 22. Caravan Burlesque, September 26 - 27. Mikado, September 29. THE THEATRE ROYAL BACKSPACE THEATRE Chasing The Lollyman, September 5 - 8. The Trade, Tas Theatre Company, September 21 - October 6. THE NORTH COMEDY COUNTRY CLUB Sam McCool, presented by Comedy Central at Tonic, September 6. DANCE BURNIE REGIONAL ART GALLERY Tasdance - Somewhere Else, September 5 - 6 PRINCESS THEATRE Swan Lake, The Imperial Russian Ballet Company, September 18 - 19. THEATRE EARLS ART CENTRE Prologue For Potentials, September 2 PRINCESS THEATRE The School For Wives, September 3 - 4 THE ANNEXE Love Me Tender, September 5 - 8 LONGFORD TOWN HALL THEATRE The Pirates of Penzance, September 6 - 9 BURNIE ARTS & FUNCTION CENTRE Little Shop Of Horrors, September 7 - 15 FRESH ON CHARLES Three River Theatre Play Reading, September 12 BURNIE ARTS & FUNCTION CENTRE Suade - Vocal Shenanigans, September 21 DEVONPORT ENTERTAINMENT & CONVENTION CENTRE Mikado, September 27. Caravan Burlesque, September 28.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 2013 Exhibitions &EVEnts Program Inflight-program2012-01.indd 1
Clarence City Council is calling for expressions of interest from those wishing to participate in its 2013 Exhibition & EVEntS Program in the Schoolhouse Gallery & Barn, Rosny Farm. Applications are invited from established and emerging artists, musicians, performers, arts and cultural organisations and community groups. Please contact the Arts and Events team for further information or an application form. Forms can also be downloaded from Clarence City Council’s website www.ccc.tas.gov.au/arts HOT MOCK EMMA RAMSAY
+ VICKI PAPAGEORGEOPOLOUS (NSW) OPENING FRIDAY • JAN 6 • 6 PM
JAN 6–28
JAN 25–28
FRI JAN 13 4–6 PM
TOUCHY FEELY
WED JAN 18 5.30 PM
PIP STAFFORD/AMY SPIERS PROJECT (LOCAL/VIC) OPENING PARTY + PECHA KUCHA STYLE TALKS WED • JAN 25 • 5.30 PM
SOUND KLUB V SAUL LATHAM, RYAN LYNCH, EVIL GOAT (COTTERELL/HARPER)
ARTIST TALKS + CLOSING PARTY – TOUCHY FEELY POT LUCK SUN • JAN 29 • 5.30 PM
FUND RAISING AUCTION
5.30 PM PREVIEW 7.30 PM AUCTION
MAR 2–24
MAR 2–24
MAR 30 7 PM
SWING LO
LISTENING ROOM DF ARTE/INFLIGHT CD PROJECT OPENING FRIDAY • MAR 2 • 6 PM
MATTHEW GREAVES (VIC) OPENING FRIDAY • MAR 2 • 6 PM
SOUND KLUB VI
DF ARTE / INFLIGHT EXCHANGE CD LAUNCH UNTERMORAST, OCEANS, SPHERES, CYCLE AND EVIL GOAT
MAY 4–26
MAY 4–26
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY #1 SARAH JONES (TAS) -
OPENING FRIDAY • FEB 3 • 6 PM
FEB 3–25
APRIL 6–28
APRIL 6–28
COMMUNICATION
FACILITATION DEVICES FOR EVERYDAY CONVERSATION OR OTHER EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS
ASTRID JOYCE (TAS) OPENING FRIDAY • APRIL 6 • 6 PM
HUMAN SPACE TYLER FAULSTICH (TAS) OPENING FRIDAY • APRIL 6 • 6 PM
JUNE 8–30
JUNE 8–30
VISCOUS, SHIT-EATING, GODLESS VERMIN
TOM O’HERN (TAS) OPENING FRIDAY • JUNE 8 • 6 PM
SILENCE.SOUND.LIGHT.
CYCLES: WORK IN PROGRESS
DANE CHISHOLM
+ LILA MELEISEA (TAS) OPENING FRIDAY • JUNE 8 • 6 PM
warpmagazine.com.au
INCHOATE RHANI ALLAN
+ HOLLY RADUNZ (TAS) OPENING FRIDAY • MAY 4 • 6 PM
ENGAGEMENT: A DISCOURSE
SAMARA MCILROY (TAS) OPENING FRIDAY • MAY 4 • 6 PM
6/03/12 3:14 PM
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Rosny HILL RoAD, Rosny phone 6245 8740 eMAIL ARTsAnDEVEnTs@ccc.TAs.goV.Au open TuEs-fRI11- 4 sAT-sun 12- 4 www.ccc.tAs.gov.Au/ARts www.facebook.com/warp.mag 33
Album Reviews
Album Reviews
A 25-year commitment to anything is worth celebrating and considering that Rage is an Australian television institution, what better way to celebrate thousands of music videos and songs than by releasing a CD/ DVD compilation? The best songs and clips showcased over the last 25 years is both an adequate and pleasing educational journey.
VARIOUS ARTISTS RAGE: SILVER JUBILEE
With any look over a period of time in pop culture, it’s not unusual to have pangs of nostalgia and flashbacks to moments in one’s life where a certain song may’ve played soundtrack, and with this compilation, it’s no different. The first CD reminds the listener just how kickass the early 90s were for music and their accompanying film clips. From
Single Reviews Single of the Month KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARDELBOW They’ve a good vintage punk attitude with the zombie-beach-party bent that makes their music fun without being nonsensical. JERICCO DANCE LIKE NO ONE’S WATCHING A song by or for teenagers: it doesn’t have any identity (closest is to 2001 Nu-Metal) and is just plainly a mess of emotion about nothing. THE DEMON PARADE SHE’S GONNA BE A STAR A misleading name for a band that has the 60s revivalist sound from 90s bands like Oasis. The ruckus just doesn’t have any justified purpose. LOVE MIGRATE MAKING THIS HARD Yeah, and you’re making this hard, to listen to. I feel no emotion in the flat vocals or the insistent strumming of a meek guitar. THE RUBENS MY GUN Almost a very good song, but they choke at the end. No tempo or pitch change? No emotion? There should be a goal besides hitting 3 minutes.
Primal Scream’s excellent Screamadelica track Loaded, to The Beastie Boys’ seminal anthem (You Gotta Fight) For Your Right (To Party), there’s so much fun to be had here. I remember watching Rage as a kid late on Friday nights purely because it was one of the nights where I didn’t have a bedtime and finding it fascinating to see such a diverse mixture of film clips filling my darkened lounge room. Fast forwarding to the second disc, I found myself remembering some key moments in my adolescence as the compilation works up to some of the most popular tracks of the past decade. There’s an awesome selection of songs; Jay-Z’s 99 Problems, Grinspoon’s Chemical Heart and Outtathaway from The Vines marking some great moments in
my musical education. It’d be a poor move to leave out some musical juggernauts of the past few years, and the Silver Jubilee collection provides these in the form of Gaga’s Bad Romance, Justice’s D.A.N.C.E and of course, Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know.
Let’s talk about guilty pleasures. Ice cream is one - the frozen food, as well as the song which featured prominently on Triple J’s Hottest 100 in 2007 and again as an acoustic version in 2008. Manhood is another. Confused? Perhaps a history lesson is in order. Once upon a time, electronic musician Muscles went from burning 80 handmade CD-Rs and playing indie nights, to a Triple J darling thanks to his catchy tune Ice Cream. The radio-friendly fare was heard all around the country before Muscles secured a record deal and released the album Guns Babes Lemonade in 2007.
In all, this is a CD/DVD compilation that you should get your hands on. An excellent collection of music, and I can’t wait to celebrate the next milestone! SOSE FUAMOLI
MUSCLES MANHOOD
In 2012 and Muscles is back with a second album. The voice is instantly recognisable.
THE FALLS
METRIC
JAPANDROIDS
HOLLYWOOD
SYNTHETICA
CELEBRATION ROCK
The tunes are still radio-friendly, fun, danceable electronica. It’s Ice Cream all over again. Opening bars of the track Ready for a Fight are reminiscent of Whitney Houston’s cheesy hit I Wanna Dance with Somebody, but don’t let that put you off. At times, it’s like listening to Right Said Fred, The Presets or even the Communards (remember them?). No-one will mistake them for MGMT songs, so it’s not the cool, psychedelic retro sounds people will admit to liking. Instead, it’s the slightly shameful 80s pop people secretly like. Their guilty pleasures.
BRIGHTLY SARAH Douchey and whiny and vague. Should be a radio hit on the indie-pop charts. RED INK EUPHORIA You don’t have to wear leather shoes without socks & Hawaiian shirts to like them, but it’d help. He wants to fuck a hot girl, all the glockenspiel in the world won’t make that special. ART OF SLEEPING ABOVE THE WATER Despite some contradictory images, the lyrics are well crafted and the composition accentuates a shifting tone. AINSLIE WILLS STOP PULLING THE STRING Wills doesn’t disappoint, but this really shouldn’t be a single. It’s short and largely instrumental without being interesting.
JARRED KEANE
Jack and Meg, Kim and Thurston, Stevie and Lindsay; music is littered with creative couples whose relationships have gone bad. But if there is any silver lining to these grey clouds it is that they often continue making sweet music together. It’s usually relatable and often classic, capturing our minds and tugging at our heartstrings. Enter Sydney duo The Falls: Simon RudstonBrown and Melinda Kirwen. They met at the Hollywood Hotel and fell in love. They wrote some songs, fell out of love, madeup, broke-up and wrote some more music. These emotional times form the basis of their 6-track debut EP, Hollywood. The two decided to pour their broken hearts and wistful memories of love and betrayal into their music. It’s fair to say that the following quote from Stevie Nicks wasn’t far from their heads, hearts and hands: “Devastation leads to writing good things”. Hollywood is a heartfelt, folk-pop record where this pair filters things through their influences – Fleetwood Mac, Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Young – to craft their own sound shaped by their collective and individual experiences. This diary of their relationship is no-holds barred; an honest summary that is complex, stirring, emotional and just plain human. In short, sublime. NATALIE SALVO
“I’m just as f****d up as they say. I can’t fake the daytime.” If that’s not a bumper of an album opening then I don’t know what is. Artificial Nocturne, the first track on the latest album from Metric, sets a dark mood with some rather depressing lyrics and out-of-space sounds. This murky mook is fortunately brightened up by the poppy, electric sounds that the Canadian foursome is loved for. While Synthetica is loyal to the literal meaning of the title - providing loads of synthetic beats - the lyrics remain mostly dark and depressing. Somehow, the fusion works well enough – just don’t expect this album to change your life. The album does have some redeeming points, thanks in large part to the title track, mixing things up more than most of the other tracks, with big beats that build up and down to keep you listening. Despite all of this criticism, the electronic rhythmic stylings are enjoyable, and hey, you’ll probably find yourself singing along to the catchy tunes - but just don’t try and work out what they mean.
Canada’s Japandroids are a duo whose members are fast approaching their dirty thirties. This could explain why on their sophomore album, Celebration Rock, they are filled with bravado and seem in search of the nearest party. It could be retaliation against those people dragged into “maturity” kicking and screaming. Or perhaps it’s just wanting to f**k, drink and smoke, all distilled here into a sharp, 35-minute fanfare. Truth is: the guitar and drums-wielding pair have done little to change the formula that held them in such good stead on their critically acclaimed debut, Post-Nothing. This time they enlisted the same producer, used virtually the same instruments, and the packaging and aesthetics remain largely unchanged. Save for the galloping yet scratchy cover of The Gun Club’s For The Love Of Ivy, it seems like the boys have used the AC/DC approach - stick with what you know and do well.
This is an album that really shouldn’t be dissected. Listen to it a couple of times, then stop, before you ruin the fun.
Celebration Rock is a breathless, one-track party where the order of the day is hedonism and fun served by a bunch of still-rowdy kids. It’s not the sort of thing to sit back and ponder in any great detail. Instead, this one is best consumed whilst hot and sweaty and shouting along with a cast of thousands.
SHANNON CRANE
NATALIE SALVO
All up, a listen will leave most feeling guilty – but happily so. Just don’t go looking for any depth. It can’t be taken seriously. But neither can ice cream. Yet, who’s gonna say no? EDWARD RAYNOR
Boys Become Men is a standout track with hand-clapping, pounding and repetitive
THE WOOHOO REVUE MORELAND’S BALL
NAT COLE AND THE KINGS COMING HOME I hate being disappointed by Cavaleri, but he should damn well know to build poetic tension before riffing hard, yelling and cuing the back-up vocals.
lyrics, perfect for dancing and the open road. Heatwave has Muscles dangerously close to a falsetto. The first howl on track The Night is reminiscent of Sophie B Hawkins circa 1994 and progresses to a call-and-respond track just made for teenagers from an era gone by. Girl Crazy Go and Koala have already had outings as singles.
It’s not that often that I find myself actively wanting to get out of bed at 11pm and get along to a jazz show, but as I lie in bed listening to the new album courtesy of The Woohoo Revue, that’s exactly what I feel like doing. Moreland’s Ball is a great selection of gypsyjazz tunes from the collective that brings to mind images of old-school debauchery, rebellious nights and decadence. Within the first 10 minutes of music, I find myself transported to scenes at the Moulin Rouge or just as easily to some grimy New York swing/jazz club in the 1920s and it’s excellent to get taken up with. The instrumentalists that make up The Woohoo Revue know their craft and they know it well, with the use of brass and percussion perfectly embodying the romanticism and sense of bohemian freedom that this sort of music has come to represent over time. It’s so refreshing to hear a collection of sounds which are so far away from the now slightly monotonous and uninspired trend of indie bands. The Woohoo Revue, with Moreland’s Ball, have created an album which sets out to appeal to all demographics, and I have to say, it’d be hard NOT to find something on this record to be impressed with.
MOONFACE WITH SIINAI: HEARTBREAKING BRAVERY
With Siinai: Heartbreaking Bravery is the result of collaboration by Moonface (Canadian indie-rocker Spencer Krug) and Finnish rockers Siinai. While initially I began drawing comparisons between the material on this record with just about everything Interpol has done, With Siinai: Heartbreaking Bravery showed its own chops about halfway through and became its own record. As a whole, the record uses the darker elements of indie rock and fuses it with some excellent European post-rock influences. Where the album showed the potential to become lost in its own dark and inky hipster universe, there are some great moments thanks to the piano and uplifting guitars where it’s pulled back into the light. Considering it was the first Moonface record I’d ever listened to, I found With Siinai: Heartbreaking Braver to be a bit sluggish for the first listen. If you’re not expecting the depths the lyrics and the music explore, then it’s going to hit you like a ton of emotionally-filled bricks. However, once I settled back and let Krug’s words swirl around, I did come to enjoy myself and appreciate the texture of the album, in terms of its tones and layers. SOSE FUAMOLI
NINE SONS OF DAN THE NEW KIDS (EP)
It’s been almost two years since Nine Sons of Dan released their debut EP Landslide and it seems that in that time, not a whole lot of growth has taken place. Like its predecessor, The New Kids is rife with all the elements you’d expect from a good pop-rock album – the big choruses, the sing-along lyrics, the sparkling riffs – but unfortunately, unlike Landslide, this EP doesn’t immediately strike you as a distinctive piece of work. Whereas earlier tracks like Cities and Landslide featured interesting riffs, and often uncommon arrangements, new tracks like Fun and Villain struggle to set themselves apart in a genre that itself is struggling to maintain its popularity. Californian-born singer Jay Bainbridge is still in fine form vocally, and the production is as beautifully polished as ever, but somehow it’s just not enough to make the album memorable. There are good moments, of course, such as the electrifying bridge on Animal or the radio-ready chorus of lead single Diamond Skin. The EP is not a bad effort by any means, but considering their previous effort, it seems that Nine Sons of Dan perhaps shifted into the wrong gear at some point, and are now in danger of stalling. I hope for their (and our) sake that I’m wrong.
SOSE FUAMOLI KELLY SNYDERS
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Event Guide
Event Guide
Hobart
Date
Venue
Acts / Start Time
Date
Republic Bar & Café
The Blues Licks 9pm
Monday
Wednesday 12 Birdcage Bar
Date
Venue
Acts / Start Time
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Tim Davies Irish Murphy’s
SEPTEMBER Friday
7
Alley Cat
8
Open Mic 5th Birthday (Nautical Theme) 7pm
The Telegraph
Pirates of the Cover Scene
TSOMax 7:30pm
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Micheal Clennett
Grand Poobah
Squid Cinema, The Dirty Unknown
Irish Murphy’s
Katy Hanson 9pm
Grand Poobah - Kissing Room
Naked
Republic Bar & Café
Swump 9pm
Irish Murphy’s
Joel Everard, Housework, Dr Fink 9pm
Ivory Bar
DJ Grotesque
Jack Greene
DJ Malakai
Moonah Arts Centre
Mia Palencia 7pm
Obar Lounge
DJ Millhouse
Brookfield Vineyard
Obar Main
DJ Beerex
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Rum Jungle followed by Ago and Devo
PlanB
Finch, Alex Curtain
Grand Poobah
Speakeasies, Phat Meegz, Hounds of Hiroshima
Republic Bar & Café
La Vista + Supports 10pm
Irish Murphy’s
Syrup
Nick C and Webby
Ivory Bar
The Telegraph
Micheal Clennett followed by Entropy
Wrest Point Entertainment Centre
America
Wrest Point Show Room
Andrew Wishart
Alley Cat
Stone Troll, Old Tobbi, HMS Welding Accident & The Brown Sound
Late Night Krackieoke w/ MC Beep Bop Beep *Robot Love
Republic Bar & Café
Christopher Coleman Collective (Single Launch) + The Bully Hay Band + Dark Matter of Story Telling 10pm
Sails Syrup The Telegraph Wrest Point Show Room
Ado and Devo followed by The Smashers The Beautiful Girls
Alley Cat
Neha
Birdcage Bar
Jason Patmore 8pm
Brisbane Hotel
Brissie Bingo
Brookfield Vineyard
Colin Dean 12pm
C Bar
Manhattan 2pm
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Tim Davies followed by DJ Jim King Irish Murphy’s
Steve & Fee 7pm
Republic Bar & Café
Carl Rush 9pm
10 Birdcage Bar Republic Bar & Café 11 Birdcage Bar Brisbane Hotel Irish Murphy’s
Bowerman & Parker 8pm Quiz Night 8:15pm Billy & Randal 8pm Cult Film Night *Blue Velvet + Scott Pilgrim V’s The World Open Mic Night 9pm
SEPTEMBER Thur 6th, Southern Community Singers Fri 7th, Open Mic 5th Birthday (nautical theme) Sat 8th, The Sign Sun 9th, Colin Dean Fri 14th, Sitar Lounge Sat 15th, Nic Beeton (CD Launch) Sun 16th, David Carr
warpmagazine.com.au
Sunday
Jeru the Damaja (USA) 9pm
Obar Main
DJ Beerex
The Telegraph
Atari
Republic Bar & Café
Kniki & Mike Beale 9pm
Glen Challice 8pm
The Telegraph
Left of Centaur
20 Birdcage Bar
The Zeekays + Fatty Esther + Backlash
Pony Face (vic) + Small Black Lambs
Tell Me a Story 6pm
Brookfield Vineyard
Southern Community Singers 7:30pm
Irish Murphy’s
Joel Everard 9pm
Irish Murphy’s
Steve 9pm
Republic Bar & Café
4 Letter Fish 9pm
Republic Bar & Café
The Rubens + Bertie Blackman + New Gods 9pm
21 Birdcage Bar
Everburn 9pm
Stuart Cameron, Fat Crust, Atomic 9pm Jazz night followed by Lids
Obar Main
DJ Johnny G
Jack Greene
DJ Dameza
PlanB
Coven
Meadowbank Estate
Virtuosi Tasmania Inc. - Quintet Trio. 10:30am
Republic Bar & Café
Alpine + Georgi Kay 10pm
Obar Lounge
DJ Grotesque
Syrup
Nick C and Jaydee
Obar Main
DJ Johnny G
Micheal Clennett followed by Big Swifty
PlanB
Frisky
Damien Leith
Republic Bar & Café
Mia Dyson + Linc LeFevre 10pm
Syrup
Nick C and Webby
The Telegraph
Micheal Clennett followed by Dr Fink
Saturday
18+ - Barry Adamson (of The Bad Seeds) + The Native Cats
Brisbane Hotel
Front Bar w/ Black Mourning Band + Pines
Brookfield Vineyard
Nic Beeton CD Launch 5pm
C Bar
Tim Davies 8pm
Irish Murphy’s
Joel Everard, Sticky Sweet 9pm
Ivory Bar
Sangers and Ra, followed by Mez and Dameza
Jack Greene
DJ Millhouse
Obar Main
DJ Johnny G
PlanB
Live show
Republic Bar & Café
N’Fa Jones (1200 Techniques) 10pm
Sails
Billy Whitton 6pm
Syrup
Tackyland - Muzza and Webby
The Telegraph
Micheal Clennett followed by Dr Fink
Waratah Hotel
McAlister Kemp 9pm
Wrest Point Show Room
1927
16 Birdcage Bar
Glen Valentine 8pm
Brisbane Hotel
Brissie Bingo
Brookfield Vineyard
David Carr 12pm
C Bar
Billy Whitton 2pm
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Ado and Devo followed by DJ Grotesque Irish Murphy’s
Ian Murtagh 7pm
Republic Bar & Café
The Falls 9pm
Wrest Point Ent' Centre
Bill Bailey
22 Alley Cat
Friday
The Roobs, Lady Crimson & Burlesque acts
Birdcage Bar
Glen Valentine 9pm
Brisbane Hotel
ALL AGES - GAPE (cd launch) + Lacerta + Lives Lost + Dawn Of Your Discontent
Brisbane Hotel
28 Birdcage Bar
Everburn 9pm
Brisbane Hotel
I LOVE DANCEHALL w/ Dj So Fire + Dj Lewis Can Cut + Dj Pitt & Sista Annie + Burn City Queenz (dance crew) + MC Apprentice
Brookfield Vineyard
Kingborough Music Night
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Naked Acoustic followed by Ado and Devo
Saturday
Irish Murphy’s
David Wicks, Left of Centaur, Atari 2600 9pm
Ivory Bar
DJ Grotesque
Jack Greene
DJ Mez
Moonah Arts Centre
Hobart Jazz Octet - Songs of Duke Ellington 7pm
Obar Lounge
DJ Millhouse
Obar Main
DJ Johnny G
PlanB
Oaxley, Alex Curtain
Republic Bar & Café
Sugartrain 10pm
Syrup
Nick C and JayDee
The Telegraph
Micheal Clennett followed by Dr Fink
Waratah Hotel
Versions - Back to the 80s 9pm
29 Alley Cat
Anto Young (Ireland), Joe Ransom & Jude Elliot
Birdcage Bar
Glen Valentine 9pm
sleepmakeswaves (syd) + The Demotion + Sam Locke
Brisbane Hotel
AFL GRAND FINAL ON THE BIG SCREEN
Brookfield Vineyard
Fiona Hutchison 7pm
Brisbane Hotel
C Bar
Micheal Clennett 8pm
Front Bar - Brand New Second Hand “Mental Health” w/ DJ BTC + Mista Murder + DJ Broken Tiny
C Bar
Fee & Steve 8pm
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar DJ Jim King
Sunday
Glen Challice 8pm
Federation Concert Hall
Ivory Bar
The Sin & Tonics
27 Birdcage Bar Brisbane Hotel
Irish Murphy’s
15 Alley Cat
Thursday
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Micheal Clennett
DJ Malakai
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar DJ Jim King
Tackyland - Muzza and Webby
DJ Grotesque
Republic Bar & Café
DJ Mez
Brisbane Hotel
Fee Whitla 6pm
Obar Lounge
Obar Lounge
ALL AGES - Hand Of Mercy (syd) + Depths + Breather + To Lay Hold Of + Alpha Wolf
Lovell,Corney ,WilCo
DJ Johnny G
Jack Greene
Brisbane Hotel
DJ Beerex
Katy Hanson, Radio Silence, The Sketches 9pm
Obar Main
Acoustic Night 7pm
Girl Friday 8pm
PlanB
Irish Murphy’s
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Tim Davies followed by Tim Davies Duo
C Bar
Obar Main
DJ Grotesque
Brookfield Vineyard
Glen Valentine 9pm
DJ Dameza
The Lucky Dips
Obar Lounge
DJ Millhouse
Birdcage Bar
Kenny Beeper, Lids and Mez
Grand Poobah
Kreigan Hill, Atari 2600 9pm
Wrest Point Entertainment Centre
David Wicks, Pirates of the Cover Scene 9pm
Friday
Where’s Mary 8pm
Gretel Templeton, The Sign, The Paper Souls 9pm
Metalification - Metal For MS w/ Randomorder + Redemption Denied + Depths + Dirt
The Sign 7pm
Jack Greene
36
Sitar Lounge 7pm
Wednesday 26 Birdcage Bar
Irish Murphy’s
Brisbane Hotel
AMPOCALYPSE 3 w/ Gape (cd launch) + Soulforge (nsw) + Festering Drippage (nsw) + Backlash + New Blood (nsw) + Bats Of A Feather + Intense Hammer Rage + Johnny B & The Goodes + Iciclan + Heavy Metal Krackieoke
Brookfield Vineyard
Ivory Bar
Tuesday
Everburn 9pm
Thursday
Where’s Mary 8pm
Brisbane Hotel
The Telegraph
Saturday
Wednesday 19 Birdcage Bar
Glen Challice 8pm
Federation Concert Hall
Irish Murphy’s
Monday
Joe Pirere 9pm
Brookfield Vineyard
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar DJ Jim King
9
Republic Bar & Café
Joe Pirere & The Blackberries 9pm
Brisbane Hotel
Sunday
Open Mic Night 9pm
Hoot Owl 9pm
Republic Bar & Café
The Dark Shadows (syd) + The Sin & Tonics + The Raccoons + Dj Kenji
Billy & Randal 8pm
Republic Bar & Café
DAMAGE! w/ Luca Brasi + Explosions + Nick Pappy
Brisbane Hotel
Quiz Night 9pm GAME ON! - Console Gamers Night
Brisbane Hotel
Jason Patmore 9pm
25 Birdcage Bar Irish Murphy’s
DJ Johnny G
Birdcage Bar
Tuesday
Bowerman & Parker 8pm
Open Mic Night 9pm
Obar Main
Brisbane Hotel
Billy & Randal 8pm
Republic Bar & Café
Acts / Start Time
Irish Murphy’s
Jason Patmore 9pm
14 Birdcage Bar
G.B. Balding (Finger Pickin’ Blues) 9pm
Venue 24 Birdcage Bar
Brisbane Hotel
Birdcage Bar
Friday
18 Birdcage Bar
Monday
Quiz-A-Saurus (quiz night)
DJ Grotesque
13 Birdcage Bar
Tuesday
Date
Bowerman & Parker 8pm
Brisbane Hotel
Obar Lounge
Thursday
Republic Bar & Café
Acts / Start Time
The Grass Line, Hounds of Hiroshima, Pearly Whites 9pm
Scott Target (Dukes of Windsor) & Tim Rozendale and Alan Gogol
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Tim Davies followed by Naked Acoustic
Saturday
Where’s Mary 8pm
Venue 17 Birdcage Bar
Grand Poobah
Electric Jellyfish, Mess O Reds & The Lucky Dips
Home Hill Winery
Virtuosi Tasmania Inc. - Quintet Trio. 11am
Irish Murphy’s
Yyan Ng, Dr Fink 9pm
Ivory Bar
Millhouse, Mez and Dameza
Jack Greene
DJ Malakai
Moonah Arts Centre
Jane McArthur CD Launch 7pm
Obar Main
DJ Johnny G
PlanB
Finch, Corney, Lovell
Republic Bar & Café
Diesel - Blues and Hits 10pm
Sails
Fee Whitla 6pm
Syrup
Tackyland - Muzza and Webby
The Telegraph
Ado and Devo followed by The Smashers
23 Birdcage Bar
Glen Valentine 8pm
Brisbane Hotel
Brissie Bingo
Brookfield Vineyard
Oliver Gathercole 12pm
C Bar
Pete Thomas 2pm
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar DJ Johnny G
Sunday
Grand Poobah
Grand Final Night with bands and meat pies
Irish Murphy’s
Brett Collidge, MashUp 9pm
Ivory Bar
Grotesque, Mez and Dameza
Jack Greene
DJ Millhouse
Obar Main
DJ Beerex
Republic Bar & Café
The Firrm 10pm
Sails
Billy Whitton 6pm
Syrup
Tackyland - Muzza and Webby
The Telegraph
Micheal Clennett followed by Dr Fink
30 Birdcage Bar
Glen Valentine 8pm
Brisbane Hotel
Brissie Bingo
C Bar
Tony Voglino 2pm
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Micheal Clennett followed by DJ Grotesque Irish Murphy’s
Katy Hanson 7pm
Republic Bar & Café
Wahbash Avenue 9pm
Cargo Pizza and Lounge Bar Joel Everard followed by DJ Johnny G Irish Murphy’s
Steve & Fee 7pm
Republic Bar & Café
Funk Band 9pm
Fri 21st, Acoustic Night Sat 22nd, Fiona Hutchison Sun 23rd, Oliver Gathercole Thur 27th, Southern Community Singers Fri 28th, Kingborough Music Night OCTOBER Fri 5th, Open Mic Fri 12th, Sitar Lounge
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Event Guide
Launceston Date
Venue
Acts / Start Time
SEPTEMBER
NORTHWEST Date
CITY
Venue
Acts / Start Time
SEPTEMBER
Saturday
1
Royal Oak
Wolves, Dirt and The Stayns
Tonic Bar
Nic & Carmel, Damien Maloney 7pm
Sunday
2
Crossroads (St. Helens)
Bandjam 1pm
Royal Oak
Open Folk Session
Tuesday
4
Devonport
Central Bar & Café
Sandstone Relics 4pm
Wednesday
5
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Tapas Trivia
Thursday
6
Devonport
Molly Malones
Jerome Hillier 8:30pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Chris Meek 8pm
Devonport
Central Bar & Café
Threez a Crowd 7pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Kniki & Mike Beale 9:30pm
Burnie
The King of Burnie
Live and Acoustic 8:30pm
Latrobe
Mackey’s Royal Hotel
Jerome Hillier 9pm
Wednesday
5
Royal Oak
Andy Collins
Thursday
6
Hotel New York
The Beautiful Girls
Royal Oak
Seventh Street Entry
Tonic Bar
Comedy Night - Sam McCool 7pm
Bolters Bar
Jerome Hillier 7pm
Crossroads (St. Helens)
Marita & the Baa Humbugs
Royal Oak
Mick Attard, Pugsley Buzzard
Devonport
Molly Malones
Radio GaGa 9:30pm
Tonic Bar
Two Strung 7pm
Devonport
The Unit 9:30pm
Country Club Tasmania Show Room
Andrew Wishart
Tapas Lounge Bar
Burnie
Burnie Regional Art Gallery
Virtuosi Tasmania Inc. - Quintet Trio. 2pm
Royal Oak
Home Brew Blues
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Evil Cisum 6pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Open Mic 7pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Neil Gibson 8pm
Devonport
Molly Malones
Proud Phoneys 8:30pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Ringmasters 9:30pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Evil Cisum 9.30pm
Burnie
The King of Burnie
Chris Liley 8:30pm
Latrobe
Mackey’s Royal Hotel
Unbalanced 9pm
Friday
Saturday
7
8
Tonic Bar
Julz & Lee, Damien Maloney 7pm
Sunday
9
Royal Oak
Open Folk Session
Wednesday
12
Royal Oak
Lauchy Hayes and Jack Storay
Thursday
13
Royal Oak
Dave Adams and the Purple Cane Church
Friday
14
Bolters Bar
Chris Lynch 7pm
Country Club Tasmania Show Room
1927
Royal Oak
The Titz
Tonic Bar
Erin & Cabe, Damien Maloney 7pm
Country Club Tasmania Show Room
Damien Leith
Royal Oak
The Embers + Dublo
Tonic Bar
Two Strung, Damien Maloney 7pm
Saturday
15
Sunday
16
Royal Oak
Open Folk Session
Wednesday
19
Royal Oak
Mick Attard
Thursday
20
Royal Oak
Samuel Bester
Friday
21
Bolters Bar
Geale Bros 7pm
Royal Oak
Jonnie B and the Goodes
Tonic Bar
Nic & Carmel 7pm
Royal Oak
L.B.C. gig
Tonic Bar
Andy & the Woodman, Damien Maloney 7pm
Royal Oak
Open Folk Session
Saturday
Sunday
22
23
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
7
8
9
12
13
14
15
Devonport
Molly Malones
Ringmasters 9:30pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Virginia (Gin) Wells 6pm
Burnie
The King of Burnie
Something Different #4: Bridget Bridge, Samora Squid, Mr Inferno, VAMP and Two Little Pigs 9pm
Sunday
16
Burnie
The King of Burnie
Country Caberet Fundraiser 12pm
Thursday
20
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Live music 8pm
Devonport
Molly Malones
Brett & Josh 8:30pm
Friday
21
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
The Rock Pigs 9.30pm
Burnie
The King of Burnie
Philippe Castilio 8:30pm
Latrobe
Mackey’s Royal Hotel
Nic & Carmel 9pm
Saturday
22
Wednesday
26
Royal Oak
Open Mic Session
Thursday
27
Royal Oak
Live Music
Devonport
Molly Malones
Kool Daddy 9:30pm
Friday
28
Bolters Bar
Andy & The Woodman 7pm
Devonport
The Rubens
Tapas Lounge Bar
Guv’nor 9.30pm
Hotel New York
Burnie
Royal Oak
Pony Face
The King of Burnie
Katy Hanson, The Sketches, Radio Silence 8:30pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Radio Silence 6pm
Burnie
The King of Burnie
B.L.I.N.G. Sunday Session/Open Mic #24 3pm
Saturday
Sunday
29
30
Tonic Bar
Julz & Lee, Damien Maloney 7pm
Royal Oak
Frankie Andrew + Jane McArthur (Album Launch)
Tonic Bar
Andy & the Woodman, Damien Maloney 7pm
Royal Oak
Blues Jam 1-4pm (all welcome!) + Open Folk Session
Sunday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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27
28
29
30
Devonport
Molly Malones
Kram 8:30pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Tim Roberts 8pm
Burnie
The King of Burnie
Liam Padmore 8:30pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Unbalanced 9pm
Latrobe
Mackey’s Royal Hotel
Kram 9pm
Devonport
Molly Malones
The Unit 9:30pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Ringmasters 9:30pm
Burnie
The King of Burnie
Neil Gibson 8:30pm
Devonport
Tapas Lounge Bar
Live music 6pm
SEPTEMBER Wed 6th Andy Collins (in the bar) Thurs 7th Seventh Street Entry (in the bar) Fri 8th Mick Attard (in the bar) Pugsley Buzzard (in the Boatshed) $10 entry Sat 9th Home Brew Blues (in the Boatshed) $5 cover Sun 10th Open Folk Session (in the bar) Wed 12th Lauchy Hayes and Jack Storay (in the bar) Thurs 13th Dave Adams and the Purple Cane Church (in the bar) Fri 14th The Titz (in the bar) Sat 15th The Embers + Dublo (in the Boatshed) Sun 16th Open Folk Session (in the bar) Wed 19th Mick Attard (in the bar) Thurs 20th Samuel Bester (in the bar) Fri 21st Jonnie B and The Goodes (in the Boatshed) Sat 22th L.B.C gig (in the Boatshed) Sun 23rd Open Folk Session (in the bar) Wed 26th Open Mic Night (in the bar) $12 jugs Boags Draught! (from 9pm) Thurs 27th Live music Fri 28th Pony Face + support (in the Boatshed) Sat 29th Frankie Andrew + Jane Mcarther (Album Launch) Sun 30th Open Folk Session (in the bar)
~ Live Music ~ ~ Great Food ~ ~ Open 7 Days ~ ~ Open Mic Night the Last Wednesday of the Month ~
14 Brisbane St Launceston 7250 (03) 6331 5346