2
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
www.xpressmag.com.au
3
4
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
www.xpressmag.com.au
5
6
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
SETH SET TO RETURN
Acclaimed Aussie hip hopper Seth Sentry has already had a fulsome 2013, and has just announced The Vacation Tour in support of the his latest and fifth single of the same name. The regional tour loops through all of Australia and arrives in WA on Wednesday, September 25, at Judd’s Hotel in Kalgoorlie; Thursday, September 26, at Pier Hotel, Esperance; Friday, September 27, at Studio 146, Albany, and Saturday, September 28, at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury. Joining Sentry across the country are Grey Ghost and Mantra. Head to sethsentry.com for tickets.
Disclosure, Listen Out
LISTEN OUT BILL DISCLOSED
Seth Sentry Boy & Bear
Parklife may not be a goer this year, but the word about Fuzzy’s latest brainchild Listen Out is out, with Disclosure announced as headliner and the likes of Azealia Banks, TNGHT, Duke Dumont, Classixx, John Talbot and Rufus adding to the boutique nature of the event. The straight up danceoff happens at the brand new inner city Perth venue, Ozone Reserve, tying in conveniently with the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend, on Sunday, September 29. Tickets go on sale at 10am WST this Thursday, June 27, from listen-out.com.au.
GOBBLES: THE RETURN
RUSSIA COMES TO PERTH
OH BOY, OH BEAR
Boy & Bear, apparently, have just experienced “eight months off the road and in the studio, 7000 bowls of pasta and four moderate cases of tennis elbow,” and are ready to get back on the stage. They’ll do so via the 16 Days Under The Sun tour, a 12 show run to celebrate the release of their second LP, Harlequin Dream, set for release on Friday, August 16. Boy & Bear will hit Metropolis Fremantle on Friday, November 22, and the Astor Theatre on Saturday, November 23. Tickets go on sale from boyandbear.com on Thursday, June 27. Their new single, Southern Sun, is out now.
The biggest festival of Russian cinema outside of Russia today, the 11-day-long Russian Resurrection Film Festival, will kick off Thursday, August 1, at Cinema Paradiso. This year marks the festival’s 10th anniversary of showcasing the best of Russian culture in a variety of films ranging from comedies, dramas, thrillers and animations. The program includes an array of retrospective films and will welcome award-winning director Valery Todorovsky as special guest. For full details head to russianresurrection.com. Tickets are available from Luna Palace Cinemas.
Soulless, opening night film of Russian Resurrection Film Festival
As we mentioned the other week, throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, Gobbles nightclub on Wellington Street was one helluva go-to late night spot, leaving a lot of people with a whole lotta memories. The chance to relive those happens at The Deen this Sunday, June 30, between 6-10pm for the Gobbles Sunday Sesh Reunion Party. Iconic house band The Night After are reforming exclusively for the event and they’ll also be joined by Paul Redman, Michael Park and DJ Les Cool. There will be no door sales so get your tickets beforehand via oztix.com.au.
Barn Owl Photo: Anthony Masters
BARN-OWL-STORMING
On the back of their latest album, V, San Francisco guitar-drone duo Barn Owl are embarking on their very first Australia tour in August. Barn Owl recently completed an extensive tour across the US, UK and Europe, and will be hitting our shores to headline Tura New Music’s opening party for the Totally Huge New Music Festival, at The Bakery on Friday, August 9. The Americans are backed by Haco (Japan) and Speak Percussion (Melbourne). Tickets are available now from lifeisnoise.com, heatseeker.com.au, oztix.com.au and nowbaking.com.au.
The Cult
CULT FOLLOWING
The Cult are back, proudly presented by X-Press Magazine. The outfit will be travelling across Australia in spring on their Electric 13 World Tour. Their 1987 LP, Electric, was the band’s first platinum album, and this tour will see them perform the entire album. Ian Astbury and co. stop by Metro City Saturday, September 28. Tickets on sale from 10am AEST, Monday, July 1, via oztix.com.au.
SUPPORT THE HOMELESS David Sedaris
DERISIVE DAVID
Internationally known for his sardonic wit and insightful commentary, David Sedaris, is set tour nationally in January, 2014. His latest book release, Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls, debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list. Sedaris pays a visit to Perth on Friday, January 24, at Perth Concert Hall. Tickets are on sale Monday, July 8, through ticketek.com.au. Head to davidsedaristour.com.au for full details.
8 Reactions/Comp Thing 11 Flesh 12 Music: Portugal. The Man/ Gay Paris/ Gypsy And The Cat/ Gabrielle Aplin 14 Music: RTR Winter Festival/ 15 Music: The Devil Rides Out/ Far Away Stables 16 Music: Rhythm & Blues Variety Revue/ The Murphy Brothers 17 New Noise 18 What’s On Feature 20 Eye4 Fashion Special 32 Eye4 Movies: News/ The Look Of Love/ In The House/ Man Of Steel 33 Eye4: Bill Oddie/ Mary Rodwell 34 Eye4: Alan Tudyk 35 Arts Listings 37 Salt Cover: Softwar 38 Salt: News/ Test Pad/ CRNKN/ Kim & Beni 39 Salt: Ty/ Kid Tsu 40 Salt: Club Manual/ Lady Waks 41 Salt: Club Scene: Spoonbill 42 Scene: Live: Municipal Waste/ Cow Parade Cow 45 Tour Trails 46 Gig Guide 48 Volume 51 Education, Training, Careers Special Feature
COVER: If winter is making you feel in a rut style wise, check out our fashion feature from page 20- 31. SALT COVER: Sydney-siders, Softwar are on the way to Aviary Rooftop Sessions this Sunday. See page 37 for more. www.xpressmag.com.au
Did you know that since 2004, the WA public housing wait list has jumped by almost 80 per cent from close to 13,000 to more than 22,800? Those figures certainly won’t help Australians with nowhere to call home. Fortunately, we have the Community Housing Coalition of WA, which annually hosts Homeless Person’s Week to raise awareness of homelessness in the community. The week goes from August 5-11, and includes a range of supporting activities as well as the Walk To Support The Homeless on Saturday, August 10. If you want join in, head to communityhousing.com.au for full details.
Snakadaktal
SNAKADAKTAL GOES REGIONAL
To celebrate the release of their debut full-length album, Sleep In The Water, on August 5, Snakadaktal have announced an extensive national tour throughout August and September. Their headline tour swings past the Newport Hotel on Thursday, September 5; Capitol on Friday, September 6, and Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River, on Saturday, September 7. Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday, June 28, via oztix.com.au. 7
Enter online at www.xpressmag.com.au. Snail mail entries can be sent to Locked Bag 31, West Perth 6872. Entries close 4pm Monday. By entering you agree to X-Press Magazine’s Terms and Conditions, which can be found online. All competition entries will automatically enable you to become an X-Press subscriber! No details will be given to a third party.
Print and Digital Editions Publisher/Manager Joe Cipriani Editorial
9213 2888
Managing Editor Bob Gordon: editor@xpressmag.com.au Fashion Editor Emma Bergmeier: fashion@xpressmag.com.au Dance Music & Features Editor Jo Campbell: danceeditor@xpressmag.com.au Local Music & Arts Editor Travis Johnson: localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au Gig & Event Guides Co-ordinator guide@xpressmag.com.au Entertainment Services Co-ordinator / Competitions win@xpressmag.com.au Photography Callum Ponton, Stefan Caramia, Daniel Grant, Sammy Granville, Matt Jelonek, Denis Radacic, Emma Mackenzie, Guang-Hui Chuan, Max Fairclough Contributing Writers Henry Andersen, Ashleigh Whyte, Nina Bertok, Shaun Cowe, Derek Cromb,Chris Gibbs,Alfred Gorman,George Green,Alex Griffin,Chris Havercroft, Joshua Hayes, Brendan Holben, Coral Huckstep, Rezo Kezerashvili,Tara Lloyd, Adam Morris, Andrew Nelson, Chloe Papas, Tom Varian, Ben Watson, Jessica Willoughby, Miki Mclay, Morgan Richards, James Manning, Joe Cassidy, Shane Pinnegar For band gigs and launches - plugyourgig@xpressmag.com.au
Advertising
DESIGNER THINGZ We’ve got a rad designer fashion prize pack from Eighty4 Cartel worth $300 to giveaway to someone special. Just tell us why you’re limited edition to win a Casio watch and a Bobby Fresh & Sneakertube Collab ‘I Love Sneakers’ Tee (White/Purple) - both are limited edition.
E DOWNLOAD TH P QR READER AP ING! AND GET WINN
Gypsy & The Cat
9213 2888
Sales and Marketing Manager Keeley Warren-Langford - advertising@xpressmag.com.au Online Marketing Keeley Warren-Langford - advertising@xpressmag.com.au Music Services / Musical Equipment / Bands / Record Labels Dez Richardson - musicservices@xpressmag.com.au Entertainment Venues / Live and Dance Music Promoters Tim Milroy - entertainment@xpressmag.com.au Lifestyle Development Manager Natasha Bederson - eye4@xpressmag.com.au Agency / Movies / Education / Sponsorship Keeley Warren-Langford - advertising@xpressmag.com.au Classifieds Linage classifieds@xpressmag.com.au
Production Department
Eighty4 Cartel Prize Pack
CAT’S OUT OF THE BAG End of Time
TOTAL GOLD
The Revelation Perth International Film Festival is about to kick off July 4 - 14. We’ve got a double gold pass to go to one lucky reader that entitles you to entry to all films, valued at $380. Just tell us what movie you’re looking forward to seeing most.
Gypsy & The Cat return to Perth in what will be their last tour of year. These guys have been on the road with their latest album The Late Blue, but this time they’re bringing a projection show created by US director Matthew Caron who has previously worked with Chairlift, Neon Indian and Mark Ronson. Catch them at The Bakery on Friday, June 28 or go in the running to win one of five double passes.
Regal Laughs
A ROYAL LAUGH
Regal Laughs comes to the Regal Theatre on Friday, July 26 with a bumper lineup of international comedy stars featuring Fiona O’Loughlin, Bob Franklin and Ethel Chop. We’ve got two VIP tickets with two drinks before the show thrown in.
9213 2854
production@xpressmag.com.au
Art Director Dwight O’Neil
Nocturnal Ball
Design + Production Andy Quilty, Anthony Jackson, Kasia Mazurkiewicz
ARRIVE IN STYLE TO NOCTURNAL BALL
Printing Rural Press Printing Mandurah
Administration
9213 2888
Entertainment Services digiservices@xpressmag.com.au
Accounts Lillian Buckley
Distribution Distribution
Kim
accounts@xpressmag.com.au
9213 2853 distribution@xpressmag.com.au
KIM & BENI B2B
Kim & Beni are on their way to town to play two three hour sets back to back. Kim Moyes of The Presets fame usually DJs hard minimal techno and boogie house. He’s DJd as a special guest for Thom Deadlines Yorke, which is instant cred in our eyes. Beni became known in the world of dance as part of The Bang EDITORIAL General: Friday 5pm,, Eye4 Arts: Thursday 10am, Comp’ Gang DJs and Riot in Belgium. Check them out Thing: Monday Noon,, Salt Clubs: Monday 5pm , Local Scene: at Metropolis Fremantle this Friday, June 28 and Monday Noon,, Gig Guide: Monday 5pm Capitol on Saturday, June 29. We’ve also got some ADVERTISING passes to giveaway! Cancellations: Monday 5pm, Ads to be set: Monday Noon
Hospitality’s biggest night, Nocturnal Ball, is just around the corner. Thanks to Limousine Excursions, Trifocal Pictures, WA Nightclub Association and X-Press, this year’s major prize is looking….dreamy! Win 10 tickets to the event, arrive in style in a pimpin’ H2 Hummer, be guest interviewed on arrival and then featured in the highlight video review of the event. Just tell us what you love getting up to after midnight.
CAB AUDITED CIRCULATION: 38,000 OCTOBER 2011 – MARCH 2012
Supplied Bookings / Copy: Tuesday 12 Noon, Classifieds: Monday 4pm
This is The End
Published by: Columbia Press Pty.Ltd. A.C.N. 066 570 803 Registered by Australia Post. Publication No PP600110.00006 Suite 55/102 Railway Street, City West Business Centre, West Perth, WA 6005 Locked Bag 31, West Perth, WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9213 2888 Fax: (08) 9213 2882 Website: http://www.xpressmag.com.au
Normie Rowe
8
This Is The End follows six friends, all Hollywood stars, trapped in a house after a series of strange The Perth Blues Club’s 10th annual memorial and catastrophic events devastates Los Angeles. As showcase, A Rhythm And Blues Variety Revue, takes the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and place at the Astor Theatre this Friday, June 28, in cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships support of Australian war veterans’ charity, Legacy. inside. X-Press Magazine and Sony Pictures Releasing Lining up is an all-star cast coming together to are giving you the chance to win one of 40 double honour departed mates, featuring Normie Rowe, Dave passes to see This is The End at special preview Hole, Matt Taylor, The Healys and PBC President, Rick sessions across the weekend of July 12 - 14 at any Steele. We’ve got two doubles on the off! cinema showing.
LEGACY BLUES
WARRANTY AND INDEMNITY
Advertisers and/or their agents by lodging an advertisment shall indemnify the publisher, and its agents, against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication. Advertisers and/or their representatives indemnify the publisher in relation to defamation, slander, breach of copyright, infringement of trademarks of name of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy and warrant that the material complies with revelant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the publisher, its servants or agents. Any material supplied to X-Press is at the contributor’s risk.
THE END, MY FRIEND
HIT WWW.XPRESSMAG.COM.AU SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR LOADS OF EXCLUSIVE COMPS, NEWS & MORE!
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
www.xpressmag.com.au
9
10
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
MARTHA WAINWRIGHT Tinpan Orange Bjorn Again
BJORN AGAIN
Benny And The Jest Globally beloved ABBA tribute band Björn Again are soon to touch down in Perth, taking the Regal Theatre stage on Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6, (matinee and evening performances). Band manager and co-founder John Tyrell chats to SARA MATTSSON. Celebrating 25 years this year, Björn Again are still going strong. Their upcoming Australia tour is just about to kick off, and at this moment the crew are sharpening up their iconic costumes and working on their Swedish accents. But why is an Australian cover band doing an ABBA show, and how have they managed to survive more than two decades copying a band that only toured for one? “Most Australians don’t realise that Bjorn Again have been one of Australia’s most successful exports,” founding manager, John Tyrell, says. Tyrell and his companion Rod Stephen created the super troupers in Melbourne back in 1988. The idea was put forward by Stephen. “My initial reaction was that’s a terrible idea,” Tyrell laughs.“I was never really into ABBA. Because it was never cool to say you liked ABBA – never ever cool. I liked Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath. “Because ABBA was so big in the ‘70s in Australia, we thought if we got the right people, costumes, had some funny accents and did a few shows, people might love it. So we started it, not because we were ABBA fans, but because we
thought it was a great vehicle, a great thing that would make a really funny show. “If we were ABBA fans, we wouldn’t be parodying it properly,” he adds. “It’s not an ABBA documentary or biography, it’s sort of making fun of ABBA’s success and their popularity.” Without ABBA’s huge popularity, Björn Again would never have endured 25 years. “It’s the appeal of the band – you’ve got little kids to adults, any nationality. We can play to 20 kindergarten kids or we can play on the main stage of Reading or Glastonbury.” Tyrell and Stephen are on good terms with the almighty Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, and have earned the title of the only ABBA-endorsed tribute. “They don’t let any advertising use the music or anything, so Bjorn Again are the only ABBA-endorsed group who are allowed to use their music,” Tyrell explains. A couple years after inception, the band attended a Swedish TV show when they received a telegram from Ulvaeus, reading ‘the best of luck, anyone who looks like me should have a successful career’. “If you get the endorsement from the people you’re copying – there’s nothing better than that,” Tyrell notes.“We never, we never said we were better, or as good or anything like that. We’ve just tried to do the best we can and we have a lot of fun, and they understand that.” “The last time we heard (Ulvaeus and Andersson) ] said something about Bjorn Again, there were all these rumours about a reunion and Benny went on radio in England and said, ‘Look, we will never reform, you’d better go and see Bjorn Again, they are the next best thing’.” Björn Again’s 25-year-long voyage has indeed been quite a ride, with the band having ticked off box after box – performing for Vladimir Putin, with U2, at Russell Crowe’s wedding and singing Money Money Money to Bill Gates. “When we started we were ‘Right, this is for you Bill’.” But the to-do list is far from complete. “We want to be the first band to play on an aeroplane,” Tyrell reveals, “on an Airbus A380.” As far as we’re concerned, these Swenglish speaking Aussies are surely capable of anything.
Astor Theatre Saturday, June 22, 2013 It has been a tumultuous few years for Martha Wainwright as documented on her latest album, Come Home To Mama. She remains one of the most impressive female performers of her era and took to the Astor Theatre to share another night of confessional tunes. Melbourne folk trio Tinpan Orange were given the opening slot for the later stages of the Wainwright tour. An early start to the evening may have caught some punters unawares, but that did little to deter the band. The seated venue suited the gentle sounds of Tinpan Orange, songs such as Lonely People and Saudades saw the band maintain a melancholy hue throughout their brief half-hour performance. It was a performance that saw them start the night as slightly unknown as far as the crowd was concerned, but by the end of the evening they had caused some damage to the merchandise desk. Martha Wainwright walked on stage with acoustic guitar in hand and played solo rendition of This Life. With Wainwright dabbling in all sorts of projects in the intervening years it was a welcome relief to be taken back to the artist’s roots with one of the highlights from her debut. When her band snuck onto the stage shortly after they launched into a bright and poppy version of Can You Believe It? Wainwright had spent considerable time with her blow dryer before the show as she sported a hairdo that would have been well at home in an ‘80s daytime soap opera. Coupled with a tight spotty outfit, she was again at her sassy, yet vulnerable best.
BoysWainwright Boys Boys! Martha Photo: Shaun Ferraloro
The middle point in the set was marked by Wainwright drawing into the songs of Edith Piaf. The charismatic singer is every bit as impassioned when singing in French as she is in English. With colourful explanations of the stories behind the songs, La Foule and L’Accordéoniste, Wainwright made the Piaf tunes her own. Remaining accompanied by only the piano, Wainwright drew from the unreleased songs of her mother in the form of I Am A Diamond, which only highlighted the dynamic life that Wainwright has lived over the past few years. The band returned to work through tunes from Come Home To Mama. Saying that she wanted to better the up tempo tunes of her brother Rufus, as well as taking inspiration from Lars Von Triers film Melancholia, Wainwright threw herself into Radio Song. Disposable pop is not her forte and she is much more appealing when autobiographical, so Radio Song fell a little flat. It was a brief misfire in an otherwise exquisite performance, especially when drawing on more personal material like the birth of her son during Everything’s Wrong or Proserpina, the last song that her mother wrote before her passing. Tinpan Orange were invited to help out with the chorus, but it was Wainwright’s three year-old son Arcangelo that stole the show as he pointed and sung the words his grandmother had penned. It would be unusual for the enigma of Wainwright to finish on such a wholesome note, so out she came to play crowd pleaser Bloody Mother Fucking Arsehole before having to rush off to catch a plane back to the USA. _ CHRIS HAVERCROFT
FOR THE BENEFIT OF PAPER KITES
The Paper Kites
Melbourne indie folk five-piece The Paper Kites are coming to Perth as part of their national tour in September, to celebrate the release of the break-out single, St Clarity, from their highly anticipated debut long-player, States. The quintet perform at the Fly By Night on Saturday, September 21, before they head off touring the US in October, in support of Canadians City And Colour. Tickets are on sale now, so jump over to flybynight.org to get yours.
Eskimo Joe
THE GREAT WEST JOE
Alesana
ALESANA THE GREAT
North Carolina six-piece Alesana are returning to Australia in support of their forthcoming release, A Place Where The Sun Is Silent. The album includes a mixture of pop gems, classically tinged ballads, grandiose string quartets and narratives.The US post-hardcore rockers’ tour kicks off at Amplifier, Perth, on Wednesday, August 7. Tickets on sale now via selecttouring.com.au. www.xpressmag.com.au
Fremantle sons, Eskimo Joe, are soon off on their The Great West tour. For the first time in years, the Eskies will hit regional WA performing a string of shows, kicking off in Broome on Friday, July 26, at Divers Tavern. Continuing down south, the trio play The Walkabout Hotel, Port Hedland, on Saturday, July 27; The Newman Club on Sunday, July 28; Prince of Wales, Bunbury, on Thursday, August 1; Settlers Tavern, Margaret River, on Friday, August 2; Studio 146, Albany, on Saturday, August 3, and Players, Mandurah on Sunday, August 4. Tickets on sale now, head to Oztix.com. au for more details. Don’t forget that Eskimo Joe are also playing metro area dates on Tuesday-Wednesday, July 9-10, at Moore And Moore, Fremantle.
Bieber Ian Kenny,Justin True Colours
BIEBER FEVER AGAIN
Rejoice or reject! Justin Bieber is coming back to Australia on his Believe tour and will grace our corner of the earth on Sunday, December 8, at Perth Arena. Frontier Members pre-sale starts this Thursday, June 27, from 2pm (WST), via frontiertouring.com. For the general public, tickets for the Perth leg of the tour are up for grabs on Monday, July 1, 10am (WST). There’s ‘normal’ tickets,‘VIP Justin Bieber Experience’ tickets, as well as ‘Diamond’ and ‘Emerald’ packages. Good luck with that. 11
progression to the stage.”
PORTUGAL. THE MAN Danger Us
Obtusely named Portland outfit, Portugal. The Man, have just released their eighth album, Evil Friends, produced by Danger Mouse. BOB GORDON reports. The album and the road. You finish one then you’re out on the other. Occasionally, however, a touch of home can make the road a little more welcoming. “It’s our singer John’s (Gourley) birthday so we have a ton of family out here,” says Portugal. The Man bassist, Zach Carothers, down the line from Buffalo, New York.“It’s nice to get a taste of home, for sure. Though it’s been a long time since we’ve been out on a proper tour and it feels really good to get back out on it. It’s been far too long and this is where I really shine. I like being on tour, it’s my favourite thing in the world.” Given how Carothers describes the intensity of recording albums with the Portlandbased band, it’s not entirely surprising that he likes hitting the highway. “It’s a pretty crazy process, to tell you the truth,” he says. “There’s definitely a lot of anxiety and a lot of pressure and we’re constantly questioning every single move that we make. It’s actually a pretty brutal experience. Every time we record it almost kills us.” Things were a little different, however, on Portugal. The Man’s eighth album, Evil Friends. Already well into self-producing an album at their favourite studio in El Paso, Texas, the notion presented itself to work with the celebrated Danger Mouse, aka Brian Burton (Gnarls Barkley, Jack White, Gorillaz, The Black Keys).
Portugal. The Man “The last thing he needed was to produce a rock’n’roll band,” Carothers laughs, “but it came around to where it was a serious thing and I’m really happy that we went for it. It was definitely a new experience; I think for him as well. He doesn’t work with bands a lot; he works with artists. If he works with a band, it’s like The Black Keys and there’s only two of them. I think it was a new thing for everybody. “The last two weeks of this recording process were the most positive, productive times I’ve ever had in the studio. Ever. Everybody was so on point, so on their shit, the engineers, everybody in the band; Brian, John... I’m really proud of everybody who had anything to do with this record.” The result is an album featuring melodies beautiful and twisted, both anchoring and darting around Gourley’s silken voice. A different recording process has also led to an easier transition of the songs to stage. “Surprisingly enough it was a lot easier than with things we’d done in the past,” Carothers notes. “We always write spontaneously in the studio, we never are all playing it in one big room together at the same time. We just kind of piece it together over weeks. So we’d had that problem in the past where we’d love a song that we’ve tracked but it just doesn’t translate well to the stage or it doesn’t have that live element, it’s lacking some energy or some kind of love and we have to change it. “But with this we took our time and thought about what we did very, very carefully and when we started playing these things live they just seemed to translate very well. They’ve got a lot of energy to them, which is something that has lacked in a lot of our recordings. So it’s been a very natural
Gay Paris
GAY PARIS
Oui Will Rock You With a name like Gay Paris you know you’re going to be in for an interesting, if not entertaining time. GEORGE GREEN finds out first hand as he catches up with frontman Wailin H. Monks ahead of the band’s show on Thursday June 27, at Mojos; Friday, June 28, at Ya Ya’s, and Saturday, June 29, a the Prince of Wales, Bunbury. “I’m fantastic, but that’s a given. How are you?” laughs Wailin H. Monks down the line when he’s connected with X-Press. Wailin H. Monks, or Luke Monks as his parents would know him, is an enigmatic character who isn’t afraid to call it as he sees it. He’s adopted the Wailin moniker to enable him to accentuate the eccentricities in his own personality. One might think, however, that this persona is merely an alibi that allows Monks to be his confident self and not be labelled arrogant, because it’s all in the name of entertainment. “We’re ending a run of about 25 shows in 40 days with these Perth shows,” he notes, “and it kind of feels like being a real musician, finally. Well, as far as my mum would think, anyway. I always
thought being a real musician was about living on your friend’s couch for six months and borrowing money for rehearsal studios, but people who aren’t musicians probably have a different perception of what being a real musician is.” When asked if tours of this size are a kind of ‘yardstick’ for Monks and the rest of Gay Paris, he answers in good old rock’n’roll fashion. “Not so much a yardstick but more like a yardglass,” he says. “This is like a celebration where we get to be the dudes that we know we are and to be those rock’n’roll dudes with regularity. I take a lot of shit at my day job and I’d rather be giving that shit.” As with most up-and-comers from the East Coast, Perth is yet to experience Gay Paris in a live setting. When asked what Perth could expect from a Gay Paris show, Monks was expectedly honest. “We will attempt to take your women, that’s for sure. Maybe having the word ‘gay’ in our name might lull the guys into a false sense of security, who knows? We put on a very physical ‘we want to touch you’ type of show, and maybe I will attempt to touch the men too, but that’s because we love all people and we wouldn’t want to discriminate against a genre of people. We’re a sleazy rock’n’roll band, and sometimes even we don’t know what type of show you’re going to get. “We don’t know what to expect from a Gay Paris show either because I think of it more as a spontaneous party situation at every gig we play, and the only variable is how we pull up from the night before. Certainly you can expect nothing French about our show just because the band is called Gay Paris. We played a show once in Newcastle and everybody showed up dressed as stereotypical French artistes with baguettes, berets and bicycles, which was fun. I think they thought we were going to be some sort of French art group.”
GYPSY AND THE CAT A New Kind Of Blue
GABRIELLE APLIN Rain Dear
YouTube sensation Gabrielle Aplin has released her debut album, English Rain. CHLOE PAPAS reports. Gabrielle Aplin started out as yet another kid performing covers of cheesy commercial pop songs on YouTube, belting out Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream and amassing a significant following. But, unlike so many others who are destined to languish within YouTube eternally, Aplin made it out – in a big way. After the songstress began to realise that people were genuinely liking her tunes and style, she released some songs on iTunes, followed those up with a few EPs, and – oh right, she started up her own record label before she even turned 18. But hey, who hasn’t, right? Fast forward to now, and Aplin has just released her first full-length record, English Rain, which shot right to the top of the UK charts. “I’m feeling really amazing,” Aplin gushes down the phone. “I didn’t have any expectations for the album before it came out, so for it to go straight to number two is amazing.” The record was a year in the making, and the young musician explains that perhaps she had a little too long to work on it. “It actually ended up getting to a point where I’d finished it and I just kept changing things because I had so much time, and then eventually I just wanted to get it out there – but, I’m very happy with the finished product.” Aplin released her biggest single to date, a cover of classic ballad The Power of Love. It’s a 12
Gabrielle Aplin
Gabrielle Apl;in stunning cover, stripped back and simple. English Rain, however, follows a different formula; though Aplin’s signature tunes are present, there is a much fuller sound, a bigger presentation. “I just wanted it to be completely perfect,” she says,“and I definitely wanted it to be very big and to have the orchestras in there – so I went to town on that. Because of signing with (record company) Parlophone I was able to fund things that I wasn’t able to before, like the strings.” The lyricism exhibited throughout the record is fairly unpredictable, covering different themes and topics. “It’s mostly stuff that has happened to me or people around me, or things that I understand,” Aplin says.“I feel like I have to personally know something or someone to write about it.” Much has already been written about the title of the record, English Rain, and all signs point to a proud Brit. “It was a bit random, it’s just a lyric in one of the songs… then when we put the strings on and the orchestra parts, we realised that I kind of have this English, war-time feel. So that kind of brought it together. I think it’s been a really good few years for England, so I think it’s nice,” Aplin says of the mother country. Australia got a taste of Aplin’s presence and musical style earlier this year when she toured as the support act for fellow UK artist, Ed Sheeran and the crowds embraced her with welcoming arms. Though there are no dates locked in quite yet, Aplin confirms that she is looking to head here towards the end of this year.
Touring in support of their second LP, The Late Blue, Melbourne’s Gypsy And The Cat perform at The Bakery this Friday, June 28. DAISY LYTHE reports. While their 2010 debut, Gilgamesh, with its ‘70s-’80s infusion and electro pop tones, is what first got Gypsy And The Cat noticed, The Late Blue is a bit of a departure from the last album in terms of sound and, perhaps more noticeably, content. “We finished touring Gilgamesh and had a lot of experiences up our sleeve,” says Xavier Bacash. “We wrote the new record on my family farm in Victoria. The farm kind of helped with the weirdness of the record. I guess, the isolation factor was ramped up.” That isolation factor also inspired the name for the album, as well as the song it is named after. “That directly came from the afternoon,” Bacash says. “Being here, writing the record, looking out at the late blue every afternoon, it’s kind of the time we would start working again after each day. We would start working at about 5-6 in the afternoon and work through until 3am, so after sleeping and having lunch and getting ready you would kind of look outside and the day was ending and you would see the late blue. “Me and my best friend were outside drinking beer one afternoon on the weekend and we were just mesmerised by it, by all these blue and red colours in there and we just came up with ‘the late blue’ and decided it was good enough to name the record after it.” The title track is also inspired by the blue of the afternoon, but it also touches on other issues. “That song is about living in London and it’s also a metaphor for being out of your comfort zone, missing your space,” Bacash notes. “It’s also a direct reference, but it’s a metaphor for missing every part of home.”
Gypsy And The Cat As there are a few differences with this album, Bacash and cohort Lionel Towers were interested to see how it would be received by the general public, as well as those fans that had supported Gilgamesh. For the most part, they feel the response has been positive. “I feel like maybe on a critical level it’s been good, and maybe overseas it’s been good. Maybe in Australia because of the commercial success of the first record we’ve kind of been going about finding the right fanbase with this record, so it’s been good. A really solid portion of Gilgamesh fans have stayed on for the ride and really loved the record and then there’s probably a big chunk of commercial fans who were the fans who just float from band to band, from song to song and they’re not there for a band’s career. All in all it’s been a positive experience for what’s to come for the band in the next record.” Fans new and old will likely be interested to see the new live show Gypsy And The Cat have been touring with, as it features an impressive projection show which complements their music perfectly. “It’s just dreamy,” Bacash ponders, “very dreamy and lots of moments are very psychedelic and colourful and there are moments where it’s very bright and energetic and hyper.” Once the tour is finished, the pair doesn’t intend to rest much before tackling their next few projects. “I’m building a studio; I’m just painting it, and then getting stuck into finishing the third record which we are a third of the way through at the moment. “We kind of don’t want to do anything else except keep writing because we feel like we’re on a bit of a roll.” X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
www.xpressmag.com.au
13
GUNNS
The Winter Of Our Content Gunns are one of the many fine local acts appearing at RTR FM’s Winterfest, happening at various venues around Fremantle this Saturday, June 29. BOB GORDON reports.
Gunns
Readying up for the appearance at RTR FM’s Winterfest, local outfit Gunns’ current release is their debut single, Leaving Home, released on seven-inch vinyl back in April. “We’ve been pretty happy with how it’s gone,” says singer/guitarist, Clinton Oliver. “It was our first official release so we really had no expectations. I guess from here we just hope that each release gets a little bigger and better as the band grows. Leaving Home received a little bit of national airplay which was great because we’d love to visit the east coast in the coming months.” The band plan to release two more singles this year and an album by mid-2014. As for the music, there’s a heartstring-pulling feeling that comes across
in Gunns’ songs, via astute melody and warm use of reverb. The word ‘nostalgic’ pops up a lot when reading descriptions of Gunns, not because they necessarily sound that way but because it elicits that feeling in the listener. “That’s a real compliment because I believe every song should visually take you somewhere,” Oliver responds. “It doesn’t matter where, just somewhere. I guess the nostalgia thing is just a reflection of my influences. I take a lot from ‘60s pop and I love sounds that give you a feeling of water and sun. I just try and blend that with my love of grunge and garage and hopefully I can create a sound that is unique.” Gunns’ sound leaves them open to playing on a diversity of band line-ups, and there’s been no shortage of those this year. “Our single launch in April at The Bird was the most fun for me,” says Oliver.“All our mates bands played - HAMJAM, Doctopus, Rabbit Island, Shiny Joe - which made it more like a party than a gig. We also played with Super Wild Horses and The Dianas a few weeks ago. It was awesome to see so many chicks playing garage in one night!” This Saturday Gunns will be lining up to play at RTR FM’s Winterfest... when they’re not racing around trying to catch other bands. “RTR have given us some great support over the last couple years so we’re pretty excited to be part of it,” Clinton says. “Freo also happens to be our favourite hangout. “We’re huge fans of Doctopus, they double in greatness every time I see them. I’m also looking forward to seeing Apricot Rail, I haven’t been able to catch them live yet.”
Grace Barbe & Afro Kreol
PLACES AND TIMES Railway Hotel – Post-Indie Apricot Rail 11:10-11:50pm Gunns 10:10-10:50pm Fall Electric 9:10-9:50pm Mt Mountain 8:10-8:50pm The Swan Basement – Global Pop Grace Barbe & Afro Kreol 11:10-11:50pm Rokwell & Groom 10:10-10:50pm Seams 9:10-9:50pm Rakkit Dibs 8:10-8:50pm The Swan Lounge – Alt-Folk & Country Rachel & Henry Climb A Hill 11:20-12:00pm Polly Medlen Band 10:20-11:00pm Davey Craddock & The Spectacles 9:20-10:00pm Amanda Merdzan 8:20-9:00pm Mojos – Beats & Grooves Yarkhob 12:00-12:40am The Empty Cup11:00-11:40pm Ylem 10:00-10:40pm Leon Osborn 9:00-9:40pm Capelas 8:00-8:40pm Mojos Courtyard – Disco Science DJ Raw Sugar 10:00-11:00pm Roland Pain 9:00-10:00pm Leighton Head 8:00-9:00pm Jack Doepel 7:00-8:00pm North Fremantle Bowling Club – Noise-Rock Mental Powers 11:20-12:00am Doctopus 10:20-11:00pm Water Temple 9:20-10:00pm Sacred Flower Union 8:20-9:00pm Presales for RTR FM’s Winter Music Fest are available from rtrfm.com.au, $15 for Subscribers, $20 for the General Public, free entry for Gold Subscribers, plus door sales on the night.
Yarkhob
Davey Craddock & The Spectacles 14
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Local doom rockers The Devil Rides Out launch their latest EP, Ugly Creatures, at Amplifier this Friday, June 28, with support from Chainsaw Hookers, Förstöra and Troll. TRAVIS JOHNSON shoots the breeze with singer, Joe Kapiteyn.
THE DEVIL RIDES OUT The Ugly Truth
It’s axiomatic that many bands fail not due to a deficiency in musical ability, but because of a poor grasp of marketing - it simply doesn’t matter how well you play if no one ever hears it. Veteran Perth rockers, The Devil Rides Out, have taken the truism to heart, launching their newest effort, the five-track EP, Ugly Creatures, not only with a massive blowout at Amps this Friday, but with a salvo of five accompanying music videos, the third of which, Ugly Creature, hit the net this week. However, frontman Joe Kapiteyn maintains that their motives aren’t mercenary.“The multiple videos isn’t really a marketing idea,” he says.“We see it as much more of an artistic endeavour. It’s part of the overall concept of Ugly Creatures, we wanted to make it an audio visual experience rather than just sound.We approached local artists and film-makers who we respect with a completely open brief - ‘here’s the song, run with it. Make a short film rather than a promotional clip’. “We wanted it to be their artistic vision and stayed completely out of the process. Relinquishing control has been really fruitful, too, because the directors are making these clips for themselves and not
to please us or to pitch us to a certain market and so the results feel less contrived and more genuine, I think.” Ugly Creatures once again sees the band working with Alan Smith at Bergerk Studios, who also midwifed their previous releases, Volume III and The Heart And The Crown. “We have a great working relationship with him that has evolved over the years,” Kapiteyn says. “Being a self-funded independent band, we don’t have a big budget for recording so it’s very important to work with someone who can achieve what we want to capture in the studio on a tight turnaround with a minimum amount of fucking around. “Al understands heavy music but more importantly he understands us as people and can relate to what we are trying to do both musically and on a human level.” Sadly, Ugly Creatures marks the departure of long-time drummer, Royce Uwen. Although Kapiteyn admits that adjusting to Uyen’s leaving has been difficult, he nonetheless grits his teeth and approaches the situation not as a loss but as an opportunity. “We’ve been through so much together and have really bonded through it all. I mean, in some cases we have known each other for more than 20 years. Royce feels more like a brother than a bandmate to me, so it leaves a pretty big hole. We have struggled with it a little but I think we are getting to a point where we can celebrate Royce’s time in the band and look forward to a new phase of the band with a new brother. “I was down for a while but now I’m feeling more and more like ‘bring it on’.”
FAR AWAY STABLES Hittin’ The Books Touring in support of their debut EP, Behind The Bookcase, Sydney outfit Far Away Stables play at the Prince Of Wales, Bunbury, on Wednesday, June 26; Residence at Metropolis Fremantle on Friday, June 29; Beat Nightclub on Saturday, June 29, and an all-ages show at YMCA HQ Sunday, June 30. BOB GORDON reports. Having garnered over 20,000 views for their singles, The Art Of Madness, and A Beggar’s Plea, Far Away Stables released their debut EP, Behind The Bookcase, this month and are now touring behind it. It’s a chunkier evocation of the band’s intent, though nothing was too pre-conceived as to what they would depict. “There was really no goal with the EP other than five mates getting together to write songs that we wanted to hear,” says bass player, Tim Byles. “As smaller groups within the band we had always written songs with one another as part of various other projects, but never really took it too seriously, until one day we got together, came up with A Beggar’s Plea and just went from there. The rest of the songs fell into place, we hit the studio and started playing shows as soon as possible.” Along the way came a slew of touring supports for a variety of international and national bands. There’s been much in the way of close-up inspiration. “Obviously getting to hang out with Paramore and The Offspring are enormous for us and their live performances really gave us some definite goals as to what level you need to be at in this industry,” Byles notes. “Having a beer with Noodles from The Offspring was a moment for all of us when we all thought, ‘Wow, I guess we are doing something right’. “But more than anyone, getting to play with The Getaway Plan was a huge moment for us as they are one of the main reasons we started Far Away Stables. Other Voices, Other Rooms inspired us as an album and getting to thank them for putting it out was awesome.” Amidst the educational mayhem has been a leftfield development. The band posted a cover version of Skrillex/Benny Benassi’s Cinema on YouTube and the reaction to it has been a blast. “We were very surprised,” Byles says, “a rock band doing a cover of a dubstep remix of a dance song is something you don’t always see, which is exactly why we wanted to do it.” Embracing momentum seems to be the key at this point, with a touring schedule that is ever-building. The band have seven songs that they are working on towards an album or extended EP release. At the very least, they’ll just keep at what they’re already doing. “When we started we just wanted to write songs that we love,” Byles says, “and we have surpassed those expectations more than any of us ever imagined, more so with this next release. “More than anything we have put ourselves in a position where our friends and families don’t think we are crazy for following our lofty dreams, and I like to think that they - and everyone else - are starting to take Far Away Stables seriously.” www.xpressmag.com.au
15
Normie Rowe performs at the Perth Blues Club’s 10th annual memorial showcase, A Rhythm And Blues Variety Revue, at the Astor Theatre this Friday, June 28, in support of Australian war veterans’ charity, Legacy. BOB GORDON chats with the Australian music icon.
A RHYTHM AND BLUES VARIETY REVUE For Those About To Rock
Normie Rowe
When it comes to performing Normie Rowe is still shakin’ all over the country. In the month of July he has 14 gigs alone, including several in Perth at the end of the month. His West Coast visit this week, however, is a special event and one that has great context in his own life. The Perth Blues Club’s memorial showcase, A Rhythm And Blues Variety Revue, at the Astor Theatre, is the 10th anniversary of the event, which raises money and awareness for Legacy, the long-standing charity that provides services to Australian families suffering financially and socially after the death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence. As an ex-serviceman, it’s a cause very close to his heart. “If Legacy calls, I’m there,” Rowe says. “It’s always heartening, a lot of people bring the uninitiated into the fold, people who perhaps don’t know a great deal about Legacy’s work. It gives people like me, and ex-service people in general, an opportunity to bring somebody along to see and hear about the work that is done; how they look after the widows and offspring of those who met their demise through war-related causes.” During the Vietnam War the Liberal Government of the time was - and continues to be - criticised for playing a lottery with the lives of young men via the conscription ballot. In Rowe’s case it seems he was handpicked in 1968, possibly echoing Elvis Presley’s conscription to the US army earlier in the decade. A hugely popular hitmaker in conservative Australia in the ‘60s was rife for conscription even if his birthdate wasn’t actually one of those drawn from the hat. When Rowe returned from Vietnam in 1972 the music scene had moved on (John Farnham was now the pop idol of the day) and the ex-soldier had to begin a different kind of musical journey. It forever changed his life and career, but perhaps set him on a path far more conscientious and spiritual than mere ‘showbusiness’. “Perhaps,” he considers, possibly not wanting to draw too fine a line on it. “Certainly, there was a fork in the road and whether I chose or whether I was pushed I suppose it’s debatable. “But the whole point is that it is what it is and you really have to get on with it. Knowing that I
have such fantastic ex-service friends I guess in many ways I went out in ways that were perhaps not premeditated and there certainly wasn’t a great amount of thought in what might happen in 10 or 20 years. I suppose when you’re 20 years old nobody really thinks too much about what you can be doing or seeing or experiencing when you’re 40 or more.” It’s been a fulsome career, with constant touring and roles in TV and musical theatre over several decades. Rowe has also played with the other featured artists on the A Rhythm And Blues Variety Revue bill. “Oh yes of course, and they’re all fine people too,” he enthuses. “Not just fine performers, world class performers. In their own right, their hearts are exactly where your heart should be. Our industry is, in general, a very morally conscious group of people who in the overall scheme of things when the chips are down for any other member of society you’ll find that people in the entertainment industry are the first to say, ‘well let’s see what I can do about this’.” Some may know Rowe for his ballads and pop hits, but there are many musical sides to the man and these will be on show this Friday. “It’s going to be a little bit tougher,” he states. “I’m going to drop out one or two of the ballads, perhaps and focus on the other material. Not that Normie Rowe has ever been AC/DC-tough (laughs), but for the night it will be a bit different to what people expect to see.” Less Que Sera Sera and more Shakin’ All Over? “That’ll be in there for sure,” he laughs. “I’ve recently been going through all my records and discography - though it’s not actually something that I spend a lot of time thinking about, I’m too busy considering what’s happening today and in the next weeks - but in putting together my current series of concerts I realised that I had 11 songs that, mostly nationally, but internationally at least one or two places, all went to number one.” If it sounds immodest it isn’t. Rowe has simply brought up the fact to highlight the work of his original band, The Twilights. “That’s quite a track record and probably due to The Playboys as much as it was to my talents or anything,” he reflects. “All I had to do was pick the songs and be in tune. Those guys came out with the arrangements and made the whole thing work. “I’ve got a great debt to pay to The Playboys. And most of those songs we’ll visit on Friday night.” A Rhythm And Blues Variety Revue also features Dave Hole, Matt Taylor, The Healys and Rick Steele. Tickets are $35 each, available from showticketing. com.au and the Astor Theatre box office. For more about Legacy head to legacy.com.au.
THE MURPHY BROTHERS Listen Like Brothers
The Murphy Brothers launch their new LP, Thick As Thieves, at Deville’s Pad this Sunday June 30, with special guests Nat Ripepi and Midnight Sun. BOB GORDON checks in with Chris, Courtney and Kieran. Given the various solo releases, performances and career opportunities that you’ve each had in the last decade, what did you want to evoke on this album? Chris: I guess our main goal was to encompass all our strengths and individual characters into the one piece of work. We took pains to make sure we all had our little bit of input on the songwriting, the singing, the playing. I really loved Courtney’s solo album, Big, but you can definitely hear that it’s his solo album because all my little musical trademarks are missing! And vice versa on my solo stuff. I suppose it’s the age old idea of three heads are better than one (laughs). Courtney: I feel like we needed to finally tell our audience who we are without any submissions or compromises. This new album reflects everything we grew up with and made us who we are… as well as a return of the song writing competitiveness that had been missing from our solo efforts. Writing, knowing my brothers will be critiquing my work, is daunting, but it tends to bring out the best in me. Kieran: For me it was an opportunity to get back involved in composition and arrangement. I’ve been a bit more of a hired gun the last five years. When you’re a writer you can exert a little more influence on how things come together, instead of just shaping your own drum track and that being the end of it. Did you write songs specifically for the release, or did these tracks come up as a result of the brotherly thing that’s always been there? Kieran: In most cases, someone had the very basic idea that the other two helped to put together. Not Invited was one track that was the three of us in a room working on together. But it’s also fair to say that quite a bit of the work came later in the studio when all three of us and our producer, Michael Carpenter, were able to drag the songs around, throw different things at them and see what worked. We haven’t really done that before, usually the song style and structure would be completely locked away before the recording. Chris: There’s only really one song that was a throwback from the past. I’d written a song years ago that got passed on for a couple of Murphy’s Lore albums we made, that we always liked. Kieran decided to rework a considerable amount of the lyrics and the other two gave it the green light. Essentially, the rest was specifically written for the new album. www.xpressmag.com.au
Courtney: We had a lot of ideas that came together and blended well, but there were some other tracks that were written for the album specifically. ‘We don’t have a ballsy rocker’, that sort of thing. The album was partly funded by a PledgeMusic drive. How did you feel about the support shown and what that says about your fans and followers, given it’s an emotional investment in many ways too? Chris: More than anything it was quite inspiring to see the support we had and quite how big our fanbase was. You’re right when you say it’s an emotional investment too because it’s really their way of telling you they believe in you before you’ve even made anything for them to listen to! It also brought us closer to our fans. We put a couple of packages together that involved us giving private backyard party performances and a couple of one on one music lessons which was really fun. It certainly put us in the right frame of mind to make the album. Courtney: I was hesitant, as I usually am, to put my heart on the line as far as seeing how loyal our fans were, but I was absolutely blown away by the support. It’s such a brilliant idea to have your fans become the record company. Kieran: It’s fair to say we might even still be arguing about making the album now if it hadn’t been for the PledgeMusic project. Crowdsourcing is an incredible way to get any kind of independent art project going and actually helped us to draw together supporters who might have only been familiar with Chris or Courtney’s work, as strange as that may seem. It has to be said, it’s a lot of work too, but as the nature of the industry changes, it make sense to get your friends and fans involved in those beginning stages. We’ve learned a lot from the process and we’ll be a lot better at it next time, too.
The Murphy Brothers Courtney: For me, Thick As Thieves is a direct reflection of my relationship with my brothers; I’m really proud to be able to say, my brothers are my best friends. I’m not being a dick about it… it’s just the truth. Kieran: For me, Not Invited, which was the first song we wrote for the project really feels quite central to the whole thing. It’s a song about inclusion and exclusion which is a bit of a minor theme running through a lot of the tracks on the album.
Kieran: Sometimes I wake up at night in a cold sweat… and I wasn’t even on the show. What are your hopes for the album and plans for the future? Kieran: We’d like this album to break through to a wider audience. We’re aware that our particular brand of power pop probably has a bigger audience overseas but there’s no reason for it to not stand on its own here too. Chris: We’re all pretty much in agreement that it’s our favourite piece of work that we’ve done, solo or as a group, so we’ve already started writing for a follow-up. It’s actually our first release as The Murphy Brothers so it’d be nice for this album to have a little baby brother or sister! Courtney: The hopes for the album are the same as every album we’ve released; to reach an audience that likes our style of music. It would also be great to be recognised by the Australian music industry for this one, I think it’s the best thing we’ve done.
Does the Australian Idol connection still factor in your careers, or have things moved on to the point where that seems a distant memory? Chris: Both Courtney and I were fortunate enough to have done Idol when the general public were still really interested in it, so for us it’s still an achievement rather than something we prefer to brush off and even after all these years people are still excited Are there particular tracks that showcase where you by the fact that we were so high up on that show. More feel you are ‘now’? than anything it just helps the process of bringing out Chris: Yeah, Too Good Too Be True is really new music when people can go, ‘Oh yeah, THOSE guys!’. just us embracing the idea of creating a ‘mood’ to get Courtney: The answer is both. For me the point of the song across rather than how we used Australian Idol was nine years ago. So it definitely feels to maybe concentrate on how commercial sounding like a distant memory, but there isn’t a day that goes by Thick As Thieves is available now through iTunes and we’re being. Kings And Queen is a great example of ‘have that I’m not recognised or asked about the show; unless will be available from themurphybrothers.com.au and stores from July 1. I don’t leave my house. influences, not afraid to use them!’. 16
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN One Of Us Is The Killer Party Smasher/Inertia
KANYE WEST Yeezus Def Jam/Universal
In decades to come critics will look back on Kanye West’s career as the greatest pop art project of the early 21 st century. Whether he’s playing an elaborate, deep cover part or we really are witnessing the descent of a brilliant artist into megalomaniacal madness, you can’t deny that Ye makes banging beats and is always a fascinating, polarising, contradictory lyricist. Yeezus is so damn angry. For a man who got everything The College Dropout and Late Registration yearned for, he’s still ‘always looking like somebody stinks’. The beats on Yeezus are stripped-back, heavy, industrial, electronic; it sounds like Yeezy’s been listening to dubstep, but he’s not raving, he’s ranting. This is not easily consumable pop music by a long shot. Lyrically, it’s all sex and racism – and filled with contradiction at every turn. On New Slaves he lambasts Black America for buying into consumerism and ‘spending everything on Alexander Wang’ (without pausing to consider his role in pushing haute couture culture to the working class since Graduation). Highlight, Blood On The Leaves, sees Ye sample Nina Simone’s upsetting, revolutionary lynching tale Strange Fruit and juxtapose it (banally) against lyrics about the dissolution of a sexual relationship that bring to mind the themes of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Kanye’s feeling Messianic, persecuted and pursued – Yeezus is a howl of anguish. Whether you think he’s brilliant, ridiculous, or (most accurately) both, it makes for extremely compelling listening. _ NICK JARVIS
REFLECTIONS OF RUIN Rebirth EP Independent
Formed in 2010, Reflections Of Ruin has already notched up some impressive claims having suppor ted the likes of All Shall Perish and Northlane, as well as multiple local favourites. Their self-titled, five-track release in 2011 was positively received, giving a taste of the band’s imagination and skill set. It is difficult to single out ‘stand out’ tracks on Rebirth, simply because every track is worth mentioning. Without trying to limit what the EP offers overall, honourable mentions for The Good Life and Rebirth’s innovative guitar solos, Hollow for its breakdowns and Blind Eye’s impressive vocal showcase. Purgatory is close to being everything needed from an outro song, heavy and foreshadowing, leaving the listener with no doubt about the ability of this band. If there was any doubt however - the drumming alone on this EP should set the mind at ease. The end result is a well written mix of technical and melodic tracks which prove that the local metal scene in Perth is something to be both excited about and proud of. The only downfall is that it couldn’t be longer, hopefully a full-length release will soon be on its way. If this is what Reflections Of Ruin are capable of in three years, they are certainly a band to watch in the future.
It’s been nearly a decade since The Dillinger Escape Plan released the acclaimed and game-changing Miss Machine, announcing themselves as kings of chaos, and they’ve continued to push the boundaries of heavy music ever since. One Of Us Is The Killer does everything you’d expect it to and more while also throwing in a curveball or two for good measure. From the opening seconds of the album you know exactly what you’re in for as opener, Prancer, tears you a new one before When I Lost My Bet continues the onslaught. This is about where One Of Us Is The Killer really starts to take shape. The title track displays exactly why The Dillinger Escape Plan are virtually untouchable. This song ebbs and flows through grace and tranquillity before unleashing one of the catchiest choruses you’ll hear in years while still maintaining that Dillinger edge, before ending in trademark heavy fashion. From here on in the record blossoms, showcasing some of Dillinger’s heaviest work to date (the end of Understanding Decay is crushingly brutal) as well as some of their most accessible material in terms of melody. One Of Us Is The Killer is an album that seamlessly floats between beauty and brutality, and is certain to be a favourite among existing fans while being accessible enough to open the door for new ones. One Of Us Is The Killer is a definite contender for ‘Album Of The Year’ if The Dillinger Escape Plan is your cup of tea. _ GEORGE GREEN
WE ALL WANT TO No Signs +1 Records
Tim Stewart kicked around in his band Screamfeeder for over a decade, becoming a youth radio staple and bringing the eyes of Australia to the Brisbane scene. Since the guitar fuzz of Screamfeeder subsided for good Stewart has had some low key solo records, but it is his new band We All Want To that will be sure to prick up people’s ears. With a couple of albums already in the can, No Signs is as eight-tune teaser for the uninitiated. The title track is given a slight tweak to highlight some shiny pop qualities that should have you singing ‘yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah’ from the get go. The boy/girl vocals that Stewart has used with great success in the past are again a winner with Mindless Damage, where he finds his strongest vocal partner yet in Skye Staniford. The torn jeans and long haired grunge approach has been well and truly left behind with relatively clean sounding guitars and a constant tambourine adding another notch to the tall singer’s pop smarts. It’s not all flowers and sunshine though, with Down InThe Park having some more abrasive moments and the acoustic Ramp Up The Bleeding having a mesmeric, spoken word vibe. It is unlikely that We All Want To will reach the popular heights of Screamfeeder, but that is more to do with the landscape than the quality of the songs. No Signs is as good a collection as Steward has put his name to. _ CHRIS HAVERCROFT
_ DAISY LYTHE
TINY RUINS Haunts
THE DEVIL RIDES OUT Ugly Creatures EP Independent
Hollie Fullbrook had the background of a touring musician before she even considered making tunes of her own. She was born in Bristol but raised in New Zealand and played some of her first shows under the name Tiny Ruins in Sydney. Latest EP, Haunts, acts as a stopgap before the anticipated second album to hopefully see the light of day by the end of 2013. Haunts is a collection of older songs and B-sides, recorded live to eight-track tape in Waipu last December. With most of these tunes having been written before the Tiny Ruins’ debut, it is a rare opportunity to experience Fullbrook’s writing from her fledgling era. The blues are more of an influence on Haunts with the Peg Leg Howell cover Rolling Mill Blues setting the scene for much of this EP. Fullbrook’s voice is well suited to the genre with her warm slur adding authenticity to the words. Cold Comfort is the type of country tinged number that you would expect from someone who has lived the troubadour life. In recorded form this is just as inviting as when it has been aired in her live shows over the years. Tiny Ruins have the knack of telling stories with intricate detail that draw you in despite yourself. There is something timeless about Fullbrook and the way she constructs her songs. The affecting Haunts couldn’t be more appropriately titled.
There’s something sublimely perfect about The Devil Rides Out’s latest EP, Ugly Creatures, a n d i t ’s t h e i r a b s o l u te commitment to their muse at the total disregard of commerciality, radio friendliness or any other form of compromise. Heavier than the God of your choosing and just as omnipotent, Ugly Creatures opens with the swirling, hypnotic title track, a slab of deep obsidian groove metal that will have you walking into the fires of hell in search of some kind of redemption. Empty Sky and Burn Again continue the shock and awe – Kyuss/QOTSA riffs turned up to 13 with a turbo charged road warrior sneer and the nitrous on full bore. If the rest of the EP is a hurricane of stoner groove madness and mayhem, The Righteous Walk transplants Man-In-Black-Cashisms into the eye of that hurricane, perfectly encapsulating a heavy metal western playing out in the deserts of their minds. EP closer, Blood River, harnesses the power and riffology of prime grade Black Sabbath and lashes it to the front of a blazing road train cutting a hole through a blood red desert. It’s nearly claustrophobically crushing and at full volume is doubtless capable of felling trees better than any axe. Despite this being the last release for the band with drummer Royce Uwen, Ugly Creatures proves that The Devil is alive and well, its black heart beating a stirring and primal tattoo, challenging all comers to face off against their imposingly severe wall of sound.
_ CHRIS HAVERCROFT
_ SHANE PINNEGAR
EMI/Spunk
www.xpressmag.com.au
17
Pondering what to do next month? What’s On, this issue, checks out what’s up over the coming weeks. Cast your eye on the month of July...
DINE WITH JONNY CRAIG?
SWALLOW JAZZ
Sunday sessions at Swallow Bar have just gone to a whole new level with the confirmation of Sydney songstress Masina Miller. Masina has fronted bands overseas and in the Eastern States and is an accomplished singer/songwriter who will bring her own personality and style to the table on Sunday, June 30. Doors open at 3pm - get in early so you don’t miss out of this fabulous Sunday afternoon of music.
Former frontman of Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa, CanadianAmerican vocalist Jonny Craig is touring Australia solo for the first time this July. Touching down in Perth on Wednesday, July 17, he’s taking the Amplifier stage on their Academy night. If you’re keen on wining and dining (for free!) with Craig himself, head to his Facebook page to enter the win-a-dinner competition. For full details about the tour and tickets, head to selecttouring.com.au.
Jonny Craig
ULTIMATE DUDE FOOD CHALLENGE
Reckon you’ve got quite the appetite? Then The Publican’s Ultimate Dude Food Challenge could be for you.‘All’ you do is eat one large Publican burger, chicken wings, chips, coleslaw and a pint of beer - in 30 minutes. If you finish it you get it for free and your photo on the wall of fame. If you fail the challenge you pay $40 and get your photo on the wall of shame! It’s strictly six contestants per session, every Sunday starting July 21 at the Publican happy hour between 2–5pm. Registration at 2.30pm, challenge starts at 3.30pm. The Publican is found at 774 Albany Hwy, East Victoria Park. Phone: (08) 9470 5818.
Masina Miller, Swallow Bar
LEWI LEWI
Lewi McKirdy Kird dy
It’s been officially documented that Lewi McKirdy brings the finest new kickass jams to Australia every day hosting Lunch on triple j. Well versed in ass and grit, McKirdy is across everything ever and clings to what’s good after asking exactly that. As such, he ‘s about to go to a bunch of clubs and flip ‘em out with some high intensity jams and a visual autobiography. It’s art about art. Meta art. It’s Metarted. It’s Lewi McKirdy’s Art Art Tour and you can catch it on Friday, July 5, at the Newport Hotel and Saturday, July 6, at Capitol. Get some art up ya!
The Publican, Ultimate Dude Food Challenge
BRASS CHRISTMAS
The Brass Monkey invites you to its special Christmas In July party on Friday, July 26, for a festive season blast. It’s all happening on two levels with DJs, real snow, drink specials and much more. Don’t forget that the Rooftop Bar is open seven days a week so you can watch all your favourite sporting events on the massive 3.5 metre TV. Carn!
SWEETDOG, SWEET SOUNDS
Fremantle record label, Bruno Sweetdog Records is proud to present their first ever mini festival, Sweetdog Sounds. This fundraiser for the label will be an evening full of sonic and visual stimulation. Art and music are brought together to seduce your eyes and ears, with 10 bands playing on two stages as well as featuring an exhibition from five local artists. Sweetdog Sounds happens at Mojos Bar on Saturday, July 6, from 6pm. Music comes from SpaceManAntics, Seams, Red Engine Caves, Misty Mountain, Hideous Sun Demon, The Witness, Graceful Sun Moths, Silver Hills, Go Cheat, Duncan Strachan (Deep River Collective). Artwork by CatBreast, Wholemeal Tortilla, LNR Designs, Ruby-Rose, Bo Griffiths. Entry is $10.
Brass Monkey
ANIMAL MAGNETISM
Get ready for Huge Magnet, an all-star rockworthy trio featuring gold nugget Jay Bale Junior on bass/ lead vocals (Sneaky Weasel Gang), Bretskii ‘Hot Dog’ Hearn on guitar/vocals (Sunshine Brothers/Funkola/ Fdel) and Sloandog on drums/vocals (Sunshine Brothers/Valvolux/Thrombus). Boy, have these blokes seen a thing or two and they’re slingin’ all that into a fistful of garage boogie blues for you. Catch ‘em on Thursday, July 4, at the Prince Of Wales, Bunbury; Friday, July 5, at Clancy’s Fremantle and Sunday, July 7, at the Indi Bar. While you’re at it, sign up to the Huge Magnet Hotline on 0498 666 136.
Huge Magnet 18
Seams, Sweetdog Sounds
PEKING DUK
Spark up an electro fuse and a twist of house, blend with a galvanising slowed down beat, and Peking Duk is served. Catapulting onto the Australian music scene, these Canberra bred commanders have brought to the table a little more than a knife and fork and they’re ready to serve their dish up at the Newport Hotel, this Friday, June 28. Bon appetit!
Peking Duk X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
WOLF LANE
A PREVIEW of EVERYTHING HAPPENING IN THE PERTH SCENE this JULY ADVERTISE: ADVERTISING@XPRESSMAG.COM.AU
Advertorial
Melbourne meets N e w Yo r k a n d vintage meets chic at Wolf Lane; an inner city bar nestled down an alleyway off Murray Street, Perth. The warehouse style brickwork with eclectic furnishings and open layout provide a unique setting for relaxed drinks with friends or your next special celebration.
PERTH ROLLER DERBY The Final Countdown
CONTACT: info@wolflane.com.au | www.wolflane.com.au | 08 9322 4671
This Saturday, June 29, sees The Mistresses of Mayhem go head to head with The Apocalipstiks for the Perth Roller Derby Grand Final at the Morley Rollerdrome, while The Bloody Sundaes clash with The Gold City Rollers in the warm-up match. We had a quick chat with Mistresses co-captain Nurse Stax and Apocalipstiks co-captain Roll Darl. How are you feeling about skating in the PRD so wide! Everything is so shiny in your first season. grand final? Nurse Stax: Nervous, but proud of the Who do you think will win the grand final? women in my team. NS: Someone from PRD for the grand Roll Darl: Can’t wait for my team to play final win! some roller derby! RD: The exciting thing about this game is it really could go either way. We’ve each got What’s the most exciting aspect of a big game an equal number of wins and also-runs. But The like this? Apocalipstiks will be bringing some hard derby NS: Most exciting aspect is getting to action, so look out, play with and against some great friends and great Mayhems... players. RD: For me, the most enjoyable part is For information and tickets, head to looking at the eyes of the newer skaters. They get perthrollerderby.com.au.
THE AVIARY
Advertorial
Perched above Perth Underground station is The Aviary, a u n i q u e ve n u e boasting amazing views over the Perth skyline, tantalising cocktails and mouth watering food. Enjoy an Asian inspired banquet in the stunning Bird Cage Restaurant or join us in the Nest rooftop bar for live and local musicians and DJ’s.
MAGNIFICENT MAY RETURNS
We simply can not get enough of the exceptionally talented Abbe May. A mutual feeling, it seems. Our electro doom-pop lady has announced another show in Perth on Friday, July 5, at Astor Theatre. Supports for this end of the Kiss My Apocalypse album tour show are The Chemist, Felicity Groom, Mathas and Savoir. Get your tickets from Show Ticketing or via abbemay.com.
Abbe May Photo: David Collins
SPIEGEL’S EMPIRE
CONTACT: info@theaviaryperth.com.au | www.theaviaryperth.com.au | 08 9226 0259
Spiegelworld will be pitching the dazzling spiegeltent at Crown Perth for Empire, an outrageous night o f c i r c u s, c a b a r e t , variety and burlesque showing from Thursday, July 11. A 90-minute theatrobatic adventure, Empire features emcees Oscar and Fanny; the seductive Gorilla Girls; the Ethiopian foot juggler Black Flintstone; French duo, Lime Green Lady and Carrot Man who beautifully and sensuously balance each other, the Half Naked Asian Dude Wearing Pigtails and more. Tickets via Ticketek.
THE BRASS MONKEY
Empire
THROUGH THE FUTURE, DARKLY
This week the Sail & Anchor kicks off its dark beer festival, beautifully christened The Dark Months. Over 30 of the best dark and winter beers Australian country music stalwart Bill Chambers and available will grace the taps local gal Belle Harvey are soon due to head down at the Sail until early August, South for a short winter tour, kicking off Thursday, July not to mention winter 25, at Transmission Lounge, CWA Hall, in Denmark; warmers such as meed, followed by stops at White Star Hotel, Albany, on mulled wine and hearty Friday, July 26; The Fly Trap (Fly By Night Club) on winter food. Succumb to Sail & Anchor Saturday, July 27, and the Indi Bar, on Sunday, July 28. the dark side at the Sail! The WAMI-award winning Ruby Boots joins them on stage at all shows except the Indi Bar, where singer/ songwriter Karen Page (China Doll) takes her spot. For The Gyuto Monks of Tibet, led by the revered more details and tickets, go to flybynight.org. Gen Lama Thupten Phuntsok, will be returning to Fremantle for two weeks to engage us all with their serenity, sincerity, compassion and general joyfulness. They will be in residence from Monday, July 15, culminating in a concert performance, Echoes Of Enlightenment, on Friday, July 28. Tickets are available through heatseeker.com.au.
Advertorial
Lots happening at the Brass in July Student & Backpacker Mondays with Live band The Wire Birds Open Mic Night Tuesdays Wednesday Burlesque in the lounge bar Thursday Karaoke in the lounge bar Student priced drinks every night mon to thurs 2 x levels of DJ’s every friday & Saturday. LOCATION: 209 William Street, Northbridge WA 6003 CONTACT: (08) 9227 9596
COUNTRY TRAVELS COUNTRY
TUNES FROM TIBET
Bill Chambers www.xpressmag.com.au
Gyuto Monks of Tibet 19
20
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
WINTER 2013
X-PRESS FASHION GRADUATE AWARD: CLASS OF 2012 Recognising excellence and originality in design and construction, the X-Press Fashion Graduate Award seeks to shine a light on WA’s emerging fashion design talent, showcasing the top 2012 graduates from Central Institute, Polytechnic Institute, Edith Cowan University, Curtin University and Challenger Institute. Just over six months on from revealing their debut collections at their respective graduate showcases and these designers have their sights firmly fixed on illustrious careers within the fashion industry.
www.xpressmag.com.au
21
WINTER 2013
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | SIGHTS & SOUNDS
WINTER BLING
STYLE NEWS
It’s easy to get down in the dumps and start dressing glum when the days become shorter and colder and it’s pitch black when your alarm shrieks into action in the morning. To help alleviate seasonal sartorial gloominess, we here at X-Press Fashion have decided to try to put the fun back into fashion with a sequin-filled, printpacked, bling-tastic winter edition that isn’t for the faint of heart (or wardrobe). Inspired by the worlds of basketball and hip hop, albeit with a tongue-in-chic twist, Beat Street encourages those of us currently lingering in a winter induced style rut to think outside the box and dare to dress differently to the rest of the herd. Who has time for grey pencil skirts or white button up shirts when there are bone-print leggings and sparkly sequin basketball jerseys to play with? Not us, that’s fo sho. If bling aint yo thing, check out the Graduate Award class of 2012 feature – shining the light on six exceptional West Australian based designers who are definitely ones to watch. Chosen for their abilities in design and construction, these six graduates put their lives on hold last year to create these collections, which champion artistry over sellability. Whether you dare to be different or prefer to blend in, we hope you stay warm this winter and enjoy the fashions on show in this edition. See you again in September! _EMMA BERGMEIER X-Press Fashion Editor
TRAN AT TIMES
A pop-up store initiative designed to support and nurture emerging West Australian labels, Common Ground now boasts two retail spaces in the city, with Up-and-coming West Australian designer Betty stores at 312B William Street in Northbridge and at 621 Tran will soon join the likes of Ruth Tarvydas, Poppy Hay Street. Stocking the likes of She Loves Ribbons, On Lissiman Addition, Breathless, Cult Status and Lost A Whim, Clay and Clasp, Leo and Spargo, Stand Alone Souls, with the opening of a new boutique at Goods, LPC and Frankie Nolan, among many others, Claremont style destination Times Square. Stocking Common Ground is home to a huge variety of topBetty’s signature separates and an elegant range of notch menswear, womenswear and accessories. Open evening wear, the store will open its doors in early from 10am-6pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-8pm on August, promising a sophisticated space brimming Fridays, 10am-6pm on Saturdays and 11am-5pm on with beautiful garments from Betty’s self-titled label. Sundays, Common Ground is well worth seeking out. Keep up to date with all things Betty Tran and Times Square via facebook.com/bettytran.australia or timessquare.com.au. Mark off July 26 in your diary for a once in a decade birthday event! To celebrate ten successful years in the hair and beauty industry Skatt Mt Hawthorn will host a huge birthday party in their spacious salon (complete with built-in catwalk) at the end of July, promising a night of fun and fashion not to be missed. Featuring creative hair and makeup designs teamed with collections by prestigious West Australian designers, the show will be split into four sections, each packed with imagination and technical skill. Stay tuned to Skatt.com.au for ticketing info and a soon-to-be-announced list of participating designers.
SAVE THE DATE
G’DAY GENERICS
Betty Tran is set to open at Times Square
STYLEAID CELEBRATION
Behind the scenes on X-Press Fashion
22
COMMON PEOPLE
Perth’s most fashionable annual fundraising event, StyleAid is set to return for another year come Friday, August 9, raising much needed dollars for the WA AIDS Council. Showcasing collections from an array of local, national and international designers, StyleAid 2013 will take over the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth, treating 750 guests to a night of glamour and glitz, featuring performances from the West Australian Ballet and West Australian Opera, with culinary delights care of the top chefs at NOBU, Bistro Guillaume and Modo Mio. Tickets for StyleAid sell out every year, so if you’re keen to support the cause, jump online to styleaid.com.au lickety split to avoid disappointment.
Accessories lovers wept in the streets when Generics closed their pop up at 140 William a few months back (well, not quite, but they were definitely bummed), so we’re very pleased to report that they’ve just reopened, this time at 224B William Street in Northbridge. White, bright and located smack bang in the middle of bustling Northbridge, the new pop up doesn’t just stock accessories, with a range of tees, denim, knits and bomber jackets added to the mix. Check it out from 11am-6pm daily, or from 11am-8pm on Fridays. Keep up to date with all things Generics via facebook. com/genericsaccessories.
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
www.xpressmag.com.au
23
WINTER 2013
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | SIGHTS & SOUNDS
CURIOSITIES Ghetto Chic
UNDERGROUND SHOW FROM Atlas Divine $199 SEQUIN BLAZER FROM Witchery $299.95
TWEED BLAZER FROM Revival @ Dangerfield $148
CARTOON PRINT CLUTCH FROM Pulp Kitchen @ Dangerfield $25
CASIO VINTAGE WATCH FROM Eighty4 Cartel via www.eighty4cartel.com $69.95
IN THE MARGINS LIMITED EDITION TIE FROM Coyaba via www.coyaba.com.au $175
XSA LEOPARD PRINT ANKLE BOOT FROM Dimario $649
THE STRIPE LEGGING Sportsgirl, Forrest Chase $69.95
HOTMES BEANIE FROM Atlas Divine $49 NIXON ‘42-20 CHRONO’ WATCH FROM Un1son Apparal $659
ANIMAL IN ME JACKET FROM Dangerfield $79.85
F U SOCKS FROM Atlas Divine $20 24
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
WINTER 2013
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | SIGHTS & SOUNDS
X-PRESS FASHION GRADUATE AWARD: CLASS OF 2012
MIA JONES
NICOLE FRAHN A graduate of Polytechnic West’s Advance Diploma in Fashion Design and Textiles, Nicole Frahn really knows her way around the eveningwear arena, having created a selection of elegant, intricately detailed gowns for her graduate collection. Just like her fellow X-Press Fashion Graduate Award winners, Frahn spent countless hours working on her range, and though she admits to finding the experience exhausting, the final result was well worth the effort. “Inspired by reincarnation, the collection evokes the journey taken on the discovery of the Buddhism soul, believed to be susceptible to change, where the substance of a soul is characterised by previous life,” Frahn explains of the idea that became the catalyst for her collection. Adorned with more feathers, sequins and other intricate design features than you could poke a needle and thread at, Frahn’s creations wouldn’t be out of place on the racks of a high end boutique, but the designer is quick to point out that before she starts selling her designs, she’s keen to get some hands on industry experience. “I’ve always wanted to work for another designer before I start my own label,” she explains when asked whether we can expect to see her self-titled label in stores anytime soon. She may not be ready to launch her own line just yet but the designer has kept exceptionally busy since finishing up her studies last year. “Since graduating I have taken part in Urban Couture [the City of Joondalup’s annual fashion showcase], completed house renovations, moved to Sydney, started planning my wedding, all while working on some new designs and trying to secure an opportunity within the Sydney fashion circle.” www.xpressmag.com.au
The stand out collection at last year’s Challenger Institute fashion design and technology parade, Mia Jones’ designs balance structure and drape with effortlessly stylish results. Executed with lush natural textiles such as hand dyed silks and sumptuously soft suede, the range takes its inspiration from the skies, drawing on the feathers, skeletons and flight movements of birds. “I wanted to create a collection that resembled the journey of the bird from initial life to death using shots of bright colour to decaying black and whites,” Jones muses of the collection. “The idea was to mix the soft, feminine draped silks with the dark, heavy leathers and graphic patterns to create a real contrast.” A work of love that took weeks to complete, Jones’ graduate range is executed to perfection using a beautiful range textile manipulations and design details. “I always like to do some sort of fabric manipulation within the collection as it’s a way of making something very unique. I used techniques including shibori dyeing where I folded the fabric a particular way and clamped it using wooden blocks and dip dyeing. I also did a graphic suede and leather manipulation to tie in with the pattern created from the shibori dyeing technique. “The initial stages of getting started were definitely the most challenging,” she says of the experience. “There was a lot of research involved and my design drawings changed and developed constantly up until I was happy with the coherence of the collection. The execution didn’t take long at all once I had fine tuned everything so it was such a relief to see it all coming together the way I had envisioned it. The whole experience was well worth the hours of work involved when you see it as a completed collection on the runway. Inspired by the likes of Kym Ellery: “she creates the same dark yet feminine mood I want to evoke when I start my own label,” and international fashion heavyweights such as Balmain and Dolce & Gabbana, Jones isn’t in any rush to start her own label, wisely opting instead to work with established designers so that she can learn the ins and outs of the industry. “I’m working with Garth Cook for the time being and taking in everything there is to learn. He’s had so much experience himself so it’s a real learning curve within the industry. While I plan to eventually start my own label I am in no rush and want to travel and intern to gain as much knowledge as possible first.” 25
WINTER 2013
26
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | SIGHTS & SOUNDS
KATHERINE YOUNG
OLIVIA LEE
Utilizing the idea of psychology in design, Katherine Young’s graphic graduate collection features unique monochromatic Rorschach prints that are simultaneously beautiful and intriguing. “The inspiration behind the concept of my collection came from looking into psychology and the idea of individuals having unique perceptions. I was inspired by the impulsive attraction of the Rorschach prints - also known as the inkblot test - used in psychological diagnosis and especially the vulnerability associated to it. Essentially each outfit was its own inkblot waiting for the viewer to create their own comprehension on what it meant.” There’s a maturity to Young’s graduate collection despite the designer only being 19 when she started work on the exquisite range. “To be honest it began as an incredibly daunting experience,” she says of the early stages of the design process.“I was only 19 and I didn’t think I was technically ready or mature enough to conceptually conjure up and produce a collection in a single semester. I had been so blown away by some of the previous graduate collections and the sophistication of their concepts that I definitely doubted my ability to create something of a similar degree. “The hardest part was the inception of a concept and deciding on a clear direction and path of inspiration. Once I finally determined the concept and found a stimulus I instantly had a rush of inspiration to start designing.” Since showcasing her debut collection late last year Young has been afforded many wonderful opportunities within the industry, all the while finishing off the last few units on her degree at Curtin University. “At the end of last year I traveled to Singapore to display some work in the 3 Rooms exhibition, which was curated by Anne Farren and Emily Wills; and as a result of my grad collection I was selected as a finalist for the Curtin Hatch installation. Four of us were chosen to create a window installation at Hatch in Carillon City Perth, to showcase our designs. It was a pretty amazing honor to be selected and our work was showcased for a month in February. “At the grad show I was also lucky enough to also receive an award to participate as a designer in the student AWI/Woolmark showcase held in Sydney earlier this year. It was a special project by AWI that invited five designers from five institutions around Australia to create outfits using wool to promote the use of wool in fashion. We were supplied 10 meters of beautiful wool fabric to use and we went to Sydney for the launch, which was a great experience.”
A conceptual range that wouldn’t be out of place on the set of a futuristic sci-fi film, Olivia Lee’s graduate collection exquisitely blurs the lines between fashion, architecture and art. A graduate of Edith Cowan University’s Contemporary Fashion course, Lee learnt to sew early on in life and has been honing her craft ever since. “My Mum taught me how to sew at a young age and because of this my sewing skills have always been strong. I later studied at Tafe for two years before attending university. With my extra years in technical training I tend to work in a formal manner and mainly flat pattern-make instead of draping; I also pay close attention to sewing detail and finishings. The process and construction is important in my work and will often help determine the design outcome.” An eye for detailed construction is obviously one of Lee’s key strengths as a designer, a quality which enabled her to execute garments with a mathematically precise three dimensional quality for her graduate showcase. “The collection is based around the idea of fragmentation and fracturing of a garment with the use of geometric shapes and the insertion of sheer panels. I was inspired by the idea of a mirror breaking and fracturing into pieces that can individually be seen as smaller fragments but when put together they contain a whole. In each garment the visible seams, sheer fabric and mirrored panels are able to fragment the garment, body and its surroundings. “I found the experience challenging and exhausting but definitely worthwhile and rewarding. It was a long journey and process to design and create a collection but it is the best feeling watching your designs go past and have people excited and interested in them. I can’t even begin to imagine how much time was spent creating and executing the garments.” Since completing her studies Lee has continued pursuing her love of fashion, albeit not as a designer. “Life has been very busy! I have taken a gap year and am working full time in retail with plans to go travelling later and possibly relocate to Melbourne next year. I have also been working as a freelance fashion stylist in my spare time, doing creative photo shoots and getting to work with some amazing and talented people within the industry. After my gap year I plan to find a job within the fashion industry and continue with my styling, whether it may be in Perth, Melbourne or even overseas. Who knows what the future holds or what exciting opportunities may arise.” X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
CARMEN FAMILTON Armed with an amazing eye for textiles, Carmen Familton produced an exceptional body of work for the Central Institute graduate showcase late last year, winning over fashion lovers in the crowd with her sleek and polished collection entitled Elemental. Familton’s love affair with fashion began at a young age, nurtured by her mother, aunt and grandmother, then further developed during her years spent studying at Central Institute. “Fashion is all I have ever wanted to do. I always loved drawing and art at school. I get inspired when working with tactile materials and fashion design allows me that outlet. From about age nine I became obsessed with what I was going to wear and in my early teens I began to sew bags out of scrap denim and just play with fabrics from my mum’s sewing cupboard. “Getting the opportunity to study for three years and having that time to develop my creative abilities has been essential for me and is something that I am very grateful for.” During her studies Familton discovered her affinity for textile design, taking the time to learn various fabric manipulation and printing techniques, which were then utilised in the design and construction of Elemental. “At Central we are very lucky to have access to industry standard textile facilities so in my collection I used many techniques to create lots of different textures including: Nuno felting, which is fusing silk and wool fibres together; boiled leather and wool; I created my own knit using raw silk and had a digital print produced on silk using an image that I manipulated.” Wiped out after the time consuming/generally exhausting process of creating a 12 body collection, Familton took the first half of this year to regroup - “after three years of study I needed to just take some time to get inspired again,” and after some much need rest she’s now ready to start work on her own label. “Towards the end of this year I plan on launching my label EDGA. It means happy and prosperous and is also a homage to my dad Edgar who instilled in me a love for nature and a sense of freedom in the way I think. So for me it means something and is the inspiration behind the values of the brand. EDGA will consist of handmade leather bags and accessories with plans to grow from that in the future. You can connect with EDGA on facebook.” When asked if she has any advice for people who are already studying fashion or are considering it, Familton offers these wise words; “It’s important to realise that your creativity is not just a hobby. Allow yourself time to develop your design style and explore as much as possible while studying because once you have graduated it’s time to essentially put that into a marketable product.” www.xpressmag.com.au
EMILY MUCO Memorable, quirky and downright delightful, Emily Muco’s graduate collection is a captivating cacophony of colour and textiles with design personality and character akin to the likes of Aussie fashion royalty Romance Was Born. Featuring beautiful velvet dresses, kaleidoscopic sequins, lustrous metallic materials and pom poms galore, the range showcases Muco’s playful yet thoughtful approach to fashion developed during her studies at Curtin University. “The main inspiration behind my collection was the Ballet Russes, a ballet company that toured Europe in the early part of the 20th Century,” Muco explains of the inception of her range. “It’s bold and bright explosion onto the art scene contrasted with the rigid traditions of the art world before. It’s influence went way beyond the world of dance, revolutionising theatre, costume and fashion.” Armed with an eye for texture and detail and an uncompromising work ethic, Muco spent countless hours labouring over the collection, experimenting with various fabric manipulation techniques including devore - a difficult method that yields beautiful results. “There would have been very few days last year that I didn’t work on my collection,” she recalls of the huge undertaking.“The majority of my time was not necessarily spent on the finished garments seen at the graduate show but a lot of research and experimentation went on before and during the whole production process. After my initial research and designing, I’d move on to patternmaking, toiling, any fabric manipulations and production. It was a lot of time and hard work but in the end I feel it was all well worth it as I created a collection I am proud of and the research, development and skills I gained will be drawn back on. “I created two dresses using the devore technique, which involves using chemicals to remove part of the pile from the velvet material leaving contrasting patterns of velvet and sheer backing. I then dyed the material to my chosen colours. I also laser cut some acrylic to create headpieces and earrings, and pintucked several of my fabrics, then manipulated these tucks to emulate the appearance of movement in the garments.” Not one to rest on her laurels, Muco has kept busy since graduating late last year - exhibiting her designs at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in Singapore and selling her range at Hatch in Perth and Lady Petrova in Melbourne, all the while working on her next collection. Keep up to date with Emily Muco and her inspired creations via facebook.com/ muco.fashion. 27
WINTER 2013
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | SIGHTS & SOUNDS nail then peeled off – are available from Priceline via Revlon and Sally Hansen and a handful of other lines. It’s now as easy to fetch a fluro yellow polish that glows in the dark as it was to find a sedate French pink. More niche lines like Ciate produce sets for velvet or caviar nails, and the full effect is impressive.
BEAUTY Somewhere along the progression towards winter, beauty hit a level of artistry that treads the fine line between ‘too much’ and ‘that should be in a gallery’. The trends that on the catwalk read as ridiculously extravagant and overdone have been stripped back to their singular elements and suddenly products that have never been accessible beyond niche makeup artist retailers are on every shelf.
theatrical eyelashes and lip foils, for a start. Lines like Illamasqua and MAC, always famously more diverse in their colours and choices, are suddenly being shouldered by Napoleon Perdis and Shu Eumura, and even more conservative brands like Australis and Revlon are contributing. Australis are the first drugstore line to produce body make up (Face + Body Tint), territory previously only really covered by MAC. And Revlon, a constant performer in nail varnishes for decades, have stepped daintily out of their comfort zone with dual polish wands for contrasting nail looks.
It’s a little hard to pick where and how this began, but considering the success of hyperdesigned creatures like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, alongside the visual barrage of new releases like Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby (and those of us who wore top hats to our year 12 balls or collected ceramic cherubs can vouch for Luhrmann’s ability to set a trend) a precedent for greater freedom of expression has been set. This is par tially aided by the sudden upsurge in previously niche beauty products – paint sealant,
28
Closer to home, Napoleon Perdis is venturing into increasingly theatrical territory with an expansive and colourful series of false eyelashes – everything from diamantes to extravagant length to colors to ribbons of lace. Thanks to products like the Cake Eyeliner Sealer, any shadow can be used as an eyeliner, and considering the scope of the NP rainbow, that presents many options to the experimental types. Illamasqua’s Precision Ink, available in five shades, allows paintbrush-style application straight onto the skin. Illamasqua’s other eye products, Pure Pigment (powder) and Liquid Metal (cream) are designed to be functional in an artistic sense beyond eyeshadow.
With so many products designed with multiple uses in mind, and encouragement on all sides to experiment, it’s no surprise that the demand for innovative beauty has surged in recent times. And looking forward to movie releases like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, whose makeup and fashion design have taken on a life all of their own (http:// capitolcouture.pn ), this trend doesn’t seem likely to end soon. _SUZANNE ROFE
Nail art is the clearest indicator of this swing towards flamboyance. Manicures now can be of the crackle, glitter, velvet or caviar variety, can sport freehand design applied by polish felt tip pens, can feature jewels and stickers and thematic art. Nail foils – colored adhesives designed to be applied to the
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
HALCYON STATE
EIGHTY4 CARTEL
THE IMAGE: The Acta Non Verba, $85 - Blue Sweatshirt by Daily Paper Clothing from Amsterdam exclusively retailed in Australia by Eighty4 Cartel. PRODUCTS: Alex Perry, Jayson Brunsdon, Rebecca Thompson, Tallulah, Stylestalker, Friend of Mine, Rebecca Valance Halcyon State celebrates and supports Australian designers. The clothes you want to wear out on the weekend, on a hot date, or to your next big party... Melbourne style is only a click or tap away. They stock labels ranging from luminous Alex Perry, sexy Stylestalker; to edgy and wearable Jolet. Each parcel is delivered individually wrapped and often arrives in a beautiful hand-made silk bag.
Eighty4 Cartel is a Perth-based company, primarily running a street-couture and lifestyle boutique since late 2012, operating online, by choice. We have been making steady and calculated moves on our mission to establish a unique and premium retail venue and service provider to the street, fashion and urban scene in Perth. Our eclectic tastes encompasses basketball, fashion, vintage clothing and collectibles to hip-hop, sneakers and more, with brands sourced from around the world. Check out our first pop-up shop in Northbridge launching on Friday, July 26 from 7pm.
CONTACT: www.halcyonstate.com customerservice@halcyonstate.com 0457 888 758
CONTACT: www.Eighty4Cartel.com
CHERRYBOMB BEAUTY PARLOUR
HEAD OFFICE SALON
PRODUCTS: O&M, Ultraderm, CHI PPD free hair colour, Directions hair colour LOCATION: 5 Williamson Avenue, Belmont Cherrybomb Beauty Parlour - we are your one stop glamour shop. Specialising in vintage hairstyling, colour and eyelash extensions, everything including waxing, acrylic nails, shellac, facials, fat cavitation and more! Check us out on Facebook and be sure to ‘like’ us to get our latest updates and special offers. CONTACT: cherrybomb@iinet.net.au, cherrybombparlour.com, facebook.com/cherrybombparlour, (08) 9277 5803, 0432 784 778 (SMS) or michelle@cherrybombparlour.com www.xpressmag.com.au
PRODUCTS: Revlon, Sebastian, Kevin Murphy, Great Lengths, Behave Keratin, Show Pony Extensions LOCATION: 976 Hay Street, Perth Situated in the heart of the City, Head Office Salon is your destination for outstanding hair, beauty and make up services. Salon owner, Renee Patselis, leads a strong international team who are highly trained with many years experience from around the globe and dedicated to providing the highest standard of hairdressing. Our resident celebrity stylist/Australian Artistic Director James Nicholson from Kevin Murphy tours to Head Office monthly to service his exclusive Perth clientele CONTACT: (08) 9321 9330, admin@headofficesalon.com.au, headofficesalon.com.au, facebook.com/headofficehairandbody 29
WINTER 2013
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | SIGHTS & SOUNDS
CREATIVE DIRECTION & STYLING BY: Monica Morales PHOTOGRAPHED BY: Luke Carl Thompson MODEL 1: Pamika Reynolds @ Scene MODEL 2: Scott James Wilson @ Scene HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY: Sam Enticknap STYLIST ASSISTANT: Holly Mumford STUDIO: Corner Gallery STOCKIST Behind the Monkey (08) 9227 7886 www.behindthemonkey.com
SCOTT WEARS Vanishing Elephant Shorts, $120, Lazy Oaf T-Shirt, $80, both from Pigeonhole Cropped Hoodie, $60, from Live at Forrest Chase. Jacket, $180, by Calvin Klein at Enex 100. Nike Sneakers, $180, from Unison. Alister Yiap Geometric Necklace, $165, from Behind the Monkey. Yankee’s Hat – Stylists own. Socks – Models Own
Sunglass Hut – Forest Chase (08) 9421 1068 Alannah Hill at Wesley Quarter (08) 9481 7766 shop.alannahhill.com.au
PAMIKA WEARS Puffer Vest, $209.95 by Calvin Klein, Pearl Necklace, $199, Nebula Chain Necklace , $149, both by Mimco, Bracelets, 19.95 by French Connection, all found at Enex 100. Cameo Crop Top, $109.96 from Pigeonhole. People VS Tracksuit Pants, $99, from Atlas Divine. Cheap Monday Heels, $120 from ASOS. Mezi Chain Earrings , $189, from Behind the Monkey. Bling Bangle, $12, from Live in Forest Chase.
Un1son Apparel (08) 9443 6622 www.unison.com.au Atlas Divine (08) 9242 5880 www.atlasdivine.com Momo’s Vintage (08) 9271 8200 Lorna Jane (08) 9481 2417 www.lornajane.com.au Pigeonhole (08) 9221 7243 www.pigeonhole.com Mimco at Enex 100 (08) 9226 3306 www.mimco.com.au Dangerfield at Enex100 (08) 9322 1877 shop.dangerfield.com.au Gorman at Enex100 (08) 9481 5970 www.gormanshop.com.au French Connection at Enex100 (08) 9226 2541 www.frenchconnection.com.au Live – Forest Chase (08) 9325 8444 www.liveclothing.com.au
COVER IMAGE: PAMIKA WEARS Burger Jumper, $69, from Dangerfield at Enex 100. Clover Cannon Shorts, $180, from Zara Bryson Boutique. Bum Bag, $25, from Momo’s Vintage. Headphones, $9.95 from Forecast. Adidas Sneakers, $255, from Atlas Divine. Pearl Bracelet, $79, from Alannah Hill at Wesley Quarter. Peter Lang Star Earrings, $295, Mezi Blue Stone Bracelet, $149, both from Behind the Money. Bling Bangle, $12, from Live.
THIS PAGE: PAMIKA WEARS Elevate Jacket, $95.99, by Lorna Jane Jacket at Wesley Quarter. L’America top, $198, from Pigeonhole. Gold Sequinned Skirt, $36, from Momo’s Vintage. Silver boots, $329, from Gorman, Nebula Chain Necklaces, $149 each, from Mimco all found at Enex 100. Earrings from ASOS, $13.95. Mezi Spike Bracelets, $149 each, from Behind the Monkey. 30
PAMIKA WEARS Leather Jacket, $299, from Live at Forrest Chase. White Sports Bra, $65.99, from Lorna Jane at Wesley Quarter. Cameo Gold Bra, $89, from Atlas Divine. Ellery Shorts, $530, by Zara Bryson Boutique. Steve Madden Sneakers, $120. Cap, $55, from Unison. Earrings $25, from Topshop.com, House of Baluch Ring, $149, House of Baluch Chain Bracelet, $129, from Gorman, Box Chain Bracelet, 19.95 from French Connection, all found at Enex 100. Chain and Rope Bracelet, $29.90 from Pigeonhole. Mezi Spike Bracelet, $149, from Behind the Monkey. Orange Cuff, $15, from Live at Forrest Chase. 80’s Gold Backpack, stylists own. X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
WINTER 2013
PAMIKA WEARS Kitty Grace Dress, $280, from Atlas Divine. Black Mesh Bra, $20 from American Apparel Online. Metallic Shoes, $70 from ASOS. Gold Studded Belt, $34.95, from Dangerfield, Nebula Chain Necklace ,$149, Novela Long Necklace, $199, both from Mimco, House of Baluch Chain Bracelet, $129, from Gorman, all found at Enex 100. Clover Glow-Mesh Belt, $99, from Zara Bryson Boutique. Short Chain Necklace, 19.95 from Lovisa, Peter Lang Baroque Necklace, $350, Mezi Spike Bracelets, $149 each, Peter Lang Baroque Ring, $109, all from Behind the Monkey. Earrings, $38, by Momo’s Vintage. Skull Ring – Stylists own
LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | SIGHTS & SOUNDS
PAMIKA WEARS One Teaspoon Jeans, $145, from Brownies. L’America Top, $85, from Pigeonhole. Ferrari Jacket, $38, from Momo’s Vintage. Cheap Monday Heels, $120, from ASOS. Underwear from Bonds, $12. Clover Galaxy Belt, $99, from Zara Bryson Boutique. Nebula Chain Necklace, $149, from Mimco, House of Baulch Chain Bracelet, $129, from Gorman both found at Enex 100. Bling Necklace, $30, from Live at Forrest Chase. Gold Hoops, $7.95, from Lovisa. Ring – Stylists Own
SCOTT WEARS Stussy Skull Pants, $85, from Brownies. Wiz Khalifa T-shirt, $20, from Dangerfield, House of Baulch Chain Necklace, $189, from Gorman both found out at Enex 100. Puma Jacket, $15, from Vinnies. Nike Sneakers, $180, and Cap, $55, both from Unison. Peace Necklace, $14.95, from Live, Ray Ban Sunglasses, $184.95, from Sunglass Hut both found at Forrest Chase. PAMIKA WEARS Puffer Jacket, $290, from Calvin Klein, Sparkle Bracelets, $19.95, from French Connection both found at Enex 100. Henry Holland Top, $110, Aje Skirt, $390, both from Zara Bryson Boutique. Lazy Oaf Bone Leggings, $80, from Pigeonhole at Forrest Chase. Adidas Sneakers from Atlas Divine $265. Le Specs Glasses from Varga Girl, $59.95. Spike Bracelets, $12.95, from Sportsgirl. Earrings - Stylist Own.
www.xpressmag.com.au
31
David Sedaris
NIGHTS IN WHITE CORDUROY
Banbury Cross - Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School.
PRETTY SKETCHY
Tonight, Wednesday June 26, get down to The Bakery for yet another session of Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School! the featured model of the evening is glamourous UK burlesque star, Banbury Cross. Tickets are $12 plus booking fee from nowbaking.com.au, $15 on the door.
OH, THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS
Applications are open for The Blue Room Theatre’s Summer Nights program! The crew in blue are looking for the brightest and boldest theatre, storytelling, comedy and performance works to showcase in the summer 2014 season - if you think you’ve got the chops, head to blueroom.org.au for the full brief.
SOPHIA’S CHOICE
This Friday, June 28, from 5.30pm at Turner Galleries, artist in residence Sophia Szilagyi will be presenting a talk on the philosophy and methodology behind her beautiful print work. Also on hand will be artist Jillian Green, whose own exhibition opens that night. Go to turnergalleries.com.au for further information.
SWEET, DOG
Fremantle music label Bruno Sweetdog Records are throwing their hat into the art ring, by way of holding Sweetdog Sounds: Art & Music Mini Festival on Saturday, July 6, at Mojo’s Bar in Fremantle. Not only do you get an impressive collection of musical performers across two stages, including SpaceManAntics, Red Engine Caves, Hideous Sun Demon, Misty Mountain, The Witness, Silver hills, Graceful sun Moths, Go Cheat and Duncan Strachan, but an art exhibition featuring works from CatBreast, Wholemeal Tortilla, LNR Designs, Ruby-Rose and Bo Griffiths. Doors open at 6pm, entry is $10.
Author David Sedaris has announced a series of speaking dates in Australia that will take place in January 2014. An Evening with David Sedaris sees the author of such works as Me Talk Pretty One Day and Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls bring his trademark sardonic wit, self-deprecation and wicked insight to the Perth Concert Hall on Friday, January 24. For tickets and information, go to ticketek.com.au
The Look Of Love
LINE, PLEASE
Maggie Baxter’s upcoming exhibition at Gallery Central was mostly crafted in Kutch, India, where the artist employed a wide range of techniques, including hand block printing and embroidery, to craft her latest collection of wearable textile artworks. The Unbounded Line runs from July 6 -27. Go to central.wa.edu.au for details.
THE LOOK OF LOVE Dirty Deeds
Directed by Michael Winterbottom Starring Steve Coogan, Tamsin Egerton, Anna Friel, Imogen Poots, Chris Addison
Following on from 24 Hour Party People, Tristram Shandy: A Cock And Bull Story and The Trip, British actor Steve Coogan and prolific director Michael Winterbottom again collaborate on this examination of the life of porn impresario Paul Raymond. Told largely in flashback as the elderly Raymond (Steve Coogan) contemplates the death by overdose of his beloved daughter and designated heir to his empire, Debbie (Imogen Poots), the film charts Raymond’s ascendency from his days as the promoter of a two-bit topless circus act (where his wife, Jean, played by Anna Friel, is almost mauled by a lion) to his position as the richest man in the UK Ballet Revolucion atop an empire of adult clubs, porn magazines and real estate. Along the way, we take a tour through the changing sexual mores of late 20th century Britain as Cuba’s Ballet Revolucion brings their Australian Tour Raymond repeatedly falls afoul of obscenity laws. There are comparisons to be made with to The Crown Theatre from July 30 - August 4. Get a taste of the exuberant energy and ferocious joy Milos Forman’s biopic, The People Vs Larry Flynt, in of life this acclaimed dance troupe embody in this terms of the film’s treatment of freedom of expression explosive and intense performance, accompanied and societal notions of decency, and Winterbottom by the eight piece Ballet Revolucion Live Band, who gets a lot of mileage out of detailing Raymond’s combine traditional arrangements with modern Latin brand of particularly British and often decidedly hits in a heady cocktail that would make Baz Luhrman un-erotic erotica. However, the film’s chief concern is swoon. Head to balletrevolucion.com.au for details Paul Raymond the man, and the essential emptiness at the core of his personality that both defines him and tickets.
VIVA LA REVOLUCION!
and renders him dissatisfied with his life, regardless of his successes. Born in poverty, he is addicted to the material and the sensual, but there are no riches so palatial or experiences so debauched that they can soothe him. Coogan, who excels at these kind of contradictory characters in his own material, captures Raymond perfectly, delivering a nuanced performance that is at once charming, funny and achingly sad. For all the wealth, wonder and acres of flesh on display, the film is essentially a map of a string of failed relationships: Raymond leaves Jean for the younger, more sexually liberated Fiona (Tamsin Egerton), but loses her when she wants a more substantive relationship than their swinging lifestyle can offer; he alienates most of his children, but dotes on Debbie, the apple of his eye. Indeed, the heart of the film is the fatherdaughter relationship, and the tension that exists between Raymond’s permissive, promiscuous lifestyle and his protective paternal instincts. Yet Winterbottom eschews heavy handed moralising; while it’s easy enough to draw a connection between Raymond’s loose parenting style and Debbie’s death, the film avoids the flagellating morality common to American treatments of similar subject matter. Perhaps that’s the reason the film is largely an alienating and affectless experience; in trying to stay largely judgment-free, Winterbottom has failed to give the audience anything to hook into emotionally. The end result is more interesting than engaging, although Coogan’s measured turn still makes it worth checking out. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON
SAIL & ANCHOR WINTER SOLTICE PARTY
On Friday, June 21, Fremantle’s Sail & Anchor pub celebrated the bleak midwinter in fine style with a Viking-themed party! With mulled wine, warm cider and mead and roasted meat a-plenty, a good time was had by all - although there were a lamentable lack of decapitations. Photos by Matt Jelonek
Anthony, Anna In The House
IN THE HOUSE
Locked Room Mystery Directed by Francois Ozon Starring Fabrice Luchini, Ernst Umhouer, Kristin Scott Thomas, Emmanuelle Seigner, Bastien Ughetto, Denis Menochet
Meghan, Tom
Eve, Sam, Tob, Pete, Sarah
Fabian, Ellie 32
Kevin, Emily, Ben, Alex
Working from the play, The Boy In The Last Row, by Juan Mayorga, French writer/director Francois Ozon (Water Drops On Burning Rocks, Swimming Pool) delivers another typically playful yet enigmatic take on the vagaries of the creative process. Fabrice Luchini, who has worked with Ozon previously on the recent Potiche, plays Germain Germain, a jaded literature teacher sleepwalking through endless drab days teaching uninterested students at a chic secondary school. He is roused from his apathy, however, when one of his students, Claude (Ernst Umhauer), begins handing in essays apparently based on the home life of his classmate, the amiable but gormless Rapha (Basttien Ughetto). Coming from a less than ideal home where he lives with his disabled father, Claude is fascinated by the apparently ideal middle class existence Rapha shares with his father, Rapha Senior, and especially his mother, the luminous yet earthy Esther (Emmanuelle Seigner), and begins to insinuate himself into the household. As Claude is obsessed with Rapha’s life, so Germain becomes obsessed with the boy’s series of essays. How much is truth and how much is fiction? How reliable a narrator is Claude, and how much
of what he details about Rapha’s family is pure invention? Ozon teases us, both playing up to our voyeuristic urges while at the same time chiding us for them. As Germain and his wife, art gallery dilettante Jeanna (Kristin Scott Thomas), begin to critique and even rework Claude’s writing, and we’re shown sequences which encompass how Germain would have staged the narrative action, the lines between fact and fiction become hopelessly blurred, and we’re down the rabbit hole of fiction within fiction within fiction. This isn’t the first time Ozon has dabbled in metatextuality, and perhaps the closest comparable work in his canon is the troubling Swimming Pool, wherein Charlotte Rampling’s blocked writer gets drawn into Ludivine Sagnier’s identity games. However, while there Ozon used the shifting narrative ground to unsettle and disturb the viewer, here he’s in much more ticklish frame of mind, keeping us off balance and encouraging us to laugh at the pretensions and hypocrisies of Germain and Jeanna, and by extension our own. The dialogue is arch and sharply funny, the characters skewered lovingly but with deadly accuracy, the intellectual gamesmanship stimulating. Which isn’t to say the film doesn’t occasionally edge towards the dark end of the street, with Claude’s opaque motives and agenda perhaps concealing sinister intent. At base, In The House is a story about stories, and those with little patience for that brand of navel gazing will find their patience tested here. On the other hand, those willing to engage Ozon in a little narrative cut and thrust will be amply rewarded. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Man Of Steel
MAN OF STEEL
Reign Of The Ubermensch Directed by Zack Snyder Starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Christopher Meloni
and intent, and utterly bereft of subtlety - hardly surprising with Zack Snyder’s (Watchmen, 300) hand on the tiller. The aim here is to put big, fourcolour comic book action up on the screen, and that’s exactly what they do. Cavill’s Superman is an earthbound God, with Zod his devil, and their clashes wreak havoc across Smallville and Metropolis. Indeed, while the big action beats are incredibly well executed (although the budget apparently didn’t extend to a tripod, judging by the ridiculous amount of handheld work going on) it’s the smaller, character-centred moments that sometimes fall flat. Superman’s childhood in Smallville is told in flashback, with Kevin Costner and Diane Lane playing his adoptive parents, George and Martha Kent, respectively, but the way in which this formative part of the story is played out doesn’t give the audience a solid emotional or narrative arc to latch onto. Similarly, our hero’s transformation from self-doubting loner to iconic hero doesn’t quite ring true; Cavill may look the business, but his Superman is an unknowable cipher. In trying to tell the story seriously, Snyder and co. have swung too far towards po-faced and joyless - an issue inherited from the Batman movies, perhaps? Moment by moment it’s a hugely enjoyable film, though, and if the whole is less than the sum of its parts, that’s a failing of technique rather than intent or ambition. This reintroduction of the archetypal superhero is streets ahead of Brian Singer’s well-meaning but wrongheaded Superman Returns and, if they can address the various shortcomings in the inevitable sequel, bodes well for the future of the DC cinematic universe.
With all the bombast and bravado that a budget north of $200 million can muster, this latest goround of the venerable Superman finally hits our screens and, despite considerable issues with pacing and tone, is well worth your time. It’s the now-familiar origin story, of course, although screenwriter David S. Goyer and producer Christopher Nolan, veterans of the recent Dark Knight Trilogy, have tried to shake things up a little. After an extended prologue on Krypton, where scientist Jor-El (Russell Crowe, playing him as much more a man of action than Brando ever did) rockets the infant Superman to Earth ahead of the two-way threat of both an exploding planet and a military coup by General Zod (Michael Shannon), we catch up with Supes/Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) when he’s on the road ala Bruce Banner or Wolverine, keeping a low profile and committing the occasional heroic, albeit anonymous, act. The reappearance of Zod and his army of militant Kryptonians, naturally intent on genocide, soon pulls us out of the haphazardly paced first act, and before long the screen is ablaze with destruction as Superman and his nemesis go head to head, causing untold billions in property damage. This is a massive film, vast in scope _ TRAVIS JOHNSON
BILL ODDIE Odd Man Out
“What do you want?” Bill Oddie laughs. That’s his response to being asked what his new stage show, An Oldie But A Goodie, will contain. His career has spanned so many fields of endeavour, including comedy, natural history, television presenting, writing, conservation and art, that it’s a fair question - he can’t possibly fit it all in to one show, so he’s throwing the question to the crowd. “It’s really something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” he continues. “Because obviously I did come over some years ago with Tim and Graeme and then the next two visits they went over without me. I fell, apart from anything else, heaven knows what they said about me, so I’ve got take my opportunity to retaliate to a certain extent.” Tim and Graeme are, of course, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden who, along with Oddie, comprised the comedy troupe The Goodies, whose eponymous television show ran from 19701982. Although the boys were - and still are - based in Britain, regular repeated screenings on the ABC have ensured that the seat of Goodies fandom is Australia. “Oh, absolutely!” Oddie agrees enthusiastically. “Oh it is, but it’s kind of lovely. When life treats you rough and you feel like you need a bit of loving, then I’m going to go down to Australia to get it! You feel appreciated!” Although the very definition of cult television now, at the time the BBC had trouble figuring out what to do with the show, its combination of bright, slapstick humour and risqué or politically subversive humour making it an odd fit for both the children’s and adults’ markets. “We had lots of arguments with the BBC in the early days about what kind of program we were - they didn’t seem to know. And although we explained that this was fairly accessible stuff, they didn’t believe us and the first series was put on about half past 10 - 11 o’clock at night - it was extraordinary. And so we said no, it was much more of a family show than that, so then they went to the other extreme and put it on at five o’clock in the afternoon - it took about three or four attempts to get it right. I think it was eight o’clock, eventually, that we settled on.” The 1975 episode South Africa, where the three sent up the Apartheid regime, is emblematic of the problems they faced. “That was one of my favourites,” Oddie recalls. “Because I like being downtrodden and then being the hero, of course. www.xpressmag.com.au
Bill Oddie But that was one that we did have trouble with - the BBC were not happy at all, oh no. We got called in and told that they really couldn’t do this and the excuse at the time was really rather staggering - they said ‘We think you’re being a bit unfair on the South African police.’ And we said, ‘I’m sorry? Do you think we’re being too light on them?’ and they said, ‘No, we think you’re being unfair.’ I remember saying to them, ‘Do you have shares in South African goldmines or something?’ An Oldie But A Goodie plays at the Astor theatre this Thursday, June 27. Head to showticketing.com.au for bookings. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON 33
Alan Tudyk
ALAN TUDYK It’s A Wash
He’s currently in the witty, pastel-shaded satirical sitcom, Suburgatory, but for countless fans he’ll always be Hoban ‘Wash’ Washburne, the happy go lucky pilot in Joss Whedon’s short-lived but much loved sci-fi show, Firefly. It’s for that reason that he’s in town this weekend for the Supanova Pop Culture Expo. Needless to say, it’s not his first fan convention. “Ever since Firefly was cancelled,” he tells us. “Really back around 2002 - 2003, somewhere around there, I began getting invitations to them. I stopped going about five years ago, I took a break from them, and now I’ve just recently begun going on them again. Every one is different and it’s great to meet fans.” And what fans they are. Firefly fans - or ‘Browncoats,’ as they like to call themselves, after the defeated rebel faction in the show’s fictional universe - are famously, even notoriously fervent, while at the same time being welcoming to those who share their passion. “Yes, yes,” Tudyk agrees. “It’s an amazing community - it really is. It’s so accepting. I don’t know any place, any group which is so accepting of all stripes and shapes and colours and points of view. It’s a great group of people and they’ve always treated me so very well, so I love going to conventions. I went to Dubai recently! I go all over the world to meet people who are touched by, well, mainly by this one series that only went 14 episodes.”
14 episodes and a movie - 2005’s Serenity in point of fact, and fans are still clamouring for more. When asked how often he’s asked if the show will ever be continued, Tudyk answers without hesitation. “Every time,” he says.“I think it will one day.” Wait, hang on a second? “Now, this is my opinion,” he adds hastily. “I have to specify that it’s my opinion, because I’ve gotten in trouble before. People so want it to be a reality, but when I say it, people say ‘Alan said it!’ But I’m saying that I do believe that one day it will again live in some form. “It has to be after Nathan Fillion is done with his television show, Castle, which is still going very strong, but really all you need is Joss and Nathan and you can reboot the thing again. That’s how I feel.” He even has his own pet idea of how to mount the sequel, based on a piece of fan fiction forwarded to him by series star Fillion. “A guy who shows up on this moon, he comes in a spaceship, and he’s looking for somebody - he’s been looking for him for a long time. He’s going on in his head about all the trials that he’s been through trying to track this guy down and how he thinks he’s finally found him. He finds this house out in the middle of nowhere, and the guy knocks on the door and it opens and he gets a gun to his head - and, it’s Malcolm Reynolds. The guy’s coming to get him because he’s needed - and that’d be a great beginning right there!” We’re in. Supanova runs at the Claremont Showgrounds from June 28 - 30. Go to supanova.com.au for details. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON
Alienation - Photo by Richard Jefferson
MARY RODWELL Loving the Alien
The Perth Theatre Company’s Alienation follows three people whose lives are altered after an experience they can only describe as an alien abduction. The play is inspired by interviews conducted by Mary Rodwell, co-founder of the Australian Close Encounter Research Network (ACERN). Mary Rodwell didn’t always believe in extra-terrestrials. It was a meeting with an abductee that paved the way for her current career as a specialist in UFOs and alien contact. “It was as a counsellor in Perth, actually, that I met my first client who’d had experiences who basically said to me; ‘Mary, there are support groups for everything, but for this they just think you’re a loony’ and proceeded to tell me about his experiences. He was waking up with marks on his body, shaved areas. From that, really it was a whole new world for me in terms of; is this real? If it is real, what’s going on? I ended up doing an abductee support group, meeting other people who’d had experiences and my database now is over two thousand people who have contacted me globally.” It was this expertise that attracted the Perth Theatre Company to contact Mary, to get insight for their new play, Alienation. “The bottom line is, for the play, Lachlan Philpott the writer contacted me probably over a year ago now and said he wanted to write this play and wanted information from my 34
perspective.” Mary’s knowledge of alien abductions helped lend a specificity to the play.“Experiences from all cultures, all races. Lawyers, doctors, housewives, children even as young as two or three, talking about going through walls and going up on craft. In terms of the play, it’s more about what do you do when you have an experience that most people don’t believe in, but is changing your life.” While many of these abductees’experiences are very similar in the telling, Mary says accounts do differ suggesting human contact with multiple alien races. “Sometimes they’ll see what we call an insectlike being which is called a Mantid or a Reptilian, or they may see a humanoid, they may see just energy. But the classic Greys are the more common, where they’re aware of being laid on a table having a medical exam, genetic material taken, but more than that some of them can remember being taught things on the craft; how to use their minds, using telepathy, ways of manipulating matter. They’re taught about ecology and the true history of the species, in terms of the fact that we are genetically altered.” Mary is aware of the stigma attached to her point of view but she does believe a wider acceptance is in the cards. “It’s almost like we have to wait for people to be given permission to say what they’ve been experiencing all these years is real. There is more and more people believing it’s possible, but it’s like anything, it’s a process.” Alienation runs at the State Theatre Centre from Friday, June 28 until Saturday, July 13. Tickets are available through Ticketek. _ LIAM DUNN X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Pete ‘n’ Keely: Chancery Bar, Kings Perth Hotel This musical comedy centered on singing couple Pete Bartel and Keely Stevens runs from June 27 - 29. Tickets from trybooking.com.
Now or Never: The Butcher Shop A solo exhibition by Perth artist, Cheeks. Runs until July 3. Go to thebutchershop.com.au for more. The Floating Tree: Linton & Kay Galleries Landscape artist Jacinda Bayne’s newest collection is inspired by her sojourn in China. It runs until July 4. Go to lintonandkay.com.au for more.
g: The State Theatre Centre Garry Stewart choreographs the Australian Dance Theatre in a reinvention of the classic ballet, Giselle. The season runs from July 4 - 7. Go to ticketek.com. au for bookings.
Morphology: Emerge Art Space A solo exhibition of entrancing sculptural work by Daniel Iley. It runs from until July 5. Go to emerge-art. com.au for details.
Debris Of An Automobile Giving Birth To A Blind Horse Biting A Telephone by Salvador Dali - Van Gogh, Dali And Beyond Van Gogh, Dali and Beyond - The World Reimagined: Art Gallery of WA The third exhibition in AGWA’s MoMA Series encompasses works from Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Richard Long, Frida Kahlo and more. The exhibition runs until Dec 2. Go to artgallery.wa.gov.au for further information.
VISUAL ARTS The Tiger in Me: Venn Gallery A solo exhibition of new pieces by Western Australian painter Ryan Nazzari. It runs until June 28. Go to venn. net for details.
Now & Then: The John Curtin Gallery Presenting works from Brian Blanchflower and Paul Caporn,two of Western Australia’s most acclaimed artists. The exhibition runs until July 7. Go to johncurtingallery. curtin.edu.au for further information.
www.xpressmag.com.au
Swan Lake: His Majesty’s Theatre The renowned St Petersburg Ballet Theatre presents Tchaikovsky’s beautiful and moving ballet, Swan Lake. The season runs from July 31 - August 8. Tickets are available from ticketek.com.au.
For the Shadows Fall: OK Gallery A solo exhibition by Trevelyan Clay. Runs until July 12. Go to oktachoron.com for details.
FESTIVALS
Cirkos: Buratti Fine Art The new collection by renowned occult artist Barry William Hale is on display until July 18. Head to burattti. com.au for details. The Landscape of Being: Fremantle Arts Centre The first solo show in WA by Victorian painter Helen Maudsley runs until July 21. Go to fac.org.au for further information. A Day is Longer Than a Year: Fremantle Arts Centre A site-specific installation by NSW artist Michaela Gleave based on the use if light. On display until July 21. Go to fac.org.au for details.
A Comprehension of the Farthest Points: Venn Gallery An exhibition by Western Australian artist Clare Peake. It Take 12: Fremantle Arts Centre runs until June 28. Go to venn.net for further info. An exhibition of video works by young people inspired by contemporary pieces from the City of Fremantle Art Earth + Fire + Water: Elements Gallery Collection. It runs until August 18. Go to fac.org.au for This new exhibition by Adelaide based artist Maureen more. Hudson Nampijinpa runs until June 30. Go to elementsartgalley.com.au for more. Secrets of the Afterlife: The Western Australian Museum Made to Remember: Art Gallery Of WA This collection of over 100 Egyptian artefacts from the A beautifully considered display of significant British Museum collection - including two mummies! Indigenous objects from the State Art Collection. Runs - explores ancient attitudes to life after death. The until June 30. exhibition runs until September 22. Go to museum.gov. au for more. Year 12 Perspectives: Art Gallery of WA An exhibition of works from the best, brightest, and Little Paintings, Big Stories: Lawrence Wilson Art most creative graduating high school artists in the state. Gallery Runs until June 30. Runs from June 29 - December 14. From War to Remembrance - A Living History of the RSL: The State Library of WA An exhibition on the history, goals and activities of the RSL in Western Australia. It runs until June 30.
Cats: The Regal Theatre Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical runs from July 11 - 20. Go to ticketek.com.au for session times and bookings.
Super Predator: Kurb Gallery A collection of acrylic works by Brenton See that evokes striking wildlife imagery. Runs from July 6 - 18. Go to kurbgallery.com for further information.
Perth Winter Arts Season: Various Locations Over 200 events are planned, encompassing film, comedy, cabaret, opera, literature, dance, music and fine arts. The season runs until August 31. Head to perthwinterarts.com.au for more information.
Great White - Photo By Courtney McAllister
THEATRE/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE Great White: The Blue Room Theatre A couple are menaced by a hungry fish in Will O’Mahony’s latest. The season runs until June 29. Go to blueroom.org.au for more.
Perth International Burlesque Festival 2013: Various Locations Shows, parties, workshops and more, featuring local and international performers, including Sugar Blue Burlesque. It runs until July 6. Head to perthburlesquefestival.com for details. Supanova Pop Culture Expo: Robinson Pavillion, Claremont Showgrounds Guests this year include Margot Kidder, David Hasselhoff, Karl Urban and Alan Tudyk. It runs from June 28 - 30. Head to supanova.com.au for details.
Sea Inside: The Blue Room Theatre A theatrical blend of visual arts, performance, dance and aerial work by solo performer Russya Connor. It runs until June 29. Go to blueroom.org.au for more.
Revelation Film Festival: Luna Leederville, Cinema Paradiso, Luna on SX A whole host of the edgiest, most experimental and downright outré films from every far-flung corner of the globe will be on offer, as well as the best local Day One, A Hotel, Evening: The State Theatre content and the RevCon academic program. It all Centre happens from July 4 - 14. Head to revelationfilmfest. The Black Swan State Theatre Company presents an org for details. arch relationship comedy from playwright Joanna Murray-Smith. The season runs until June 30. Go to bsstc.com.au for tickets and session times. Twelfth Night: The Melville Theatre Director Jeffrey Watkins’ interpretation of Shakespeare’s dark comedy runs until July 6. Go to meltheco.org.au for sessions and ticketing.
To have your performance, exhibition or cultural event listed, get in touch via
localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au
35
36
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
on the up and up, receiving plays on triple j and most recently, BBC Radio 1. So it’s little wonder that when X-Press gets Jeremy Lloyd on the phone, he’s a little busy. Softwar are on their way to perform in Singapore followed by Shanghai in less than 24 hours and he’s trying to secure a visa. This will be their second visit to Asia this year, with Jakarta receiving the honours six weeks ago. “It took us both by surprise because we didn’t think we’d have any kind of following in Indonesia, let alone Jakarta, so that was a happy surprise,” recalls Lloyd. “How did they respond to deep house? Quite well actually! There were a few people that sort of just watched really intently at the start; I felt like were a bit of a show pony (laughs) but then after people had a couple of drinks and loosened up a bit it turned into a big Having put out some fresh remixes in recent years dance party, which was good.” (Bag Raiders, Groove Armada, RüFüS, Clubfeet) and Their new EP dropped in M ay on being part of the Future Classic stable (the home Modular Records, has been aimed at the dancefloor of Flight Facilities and Flume) Softwar are currently with definite deep house finesse. One Day is an
Myles du Chateau and Jeremy Lloyd (Softwar) are at the forefront of Australia’s new flagship of boogie-bound house sounds. On their way to cracking the international scene, the Sydney duo have just released a new EP and are currently touring Oz and Asia on a mission that will see them docking into the Aviary Rooftop Sessions this Sunday. JO CAMPBELL reports.
www.xpressmag.com.au
atmospheric chugger while the flipside track, Believe, is a smoother house jam. The record is a slight departure from their previous work. “The last one (EP) we did for Future Classic was a bit more flowing, a bit indecisive between house music and disco - it was sort of a cross-over piece, whereas this one, we decided to do a straight-up club track,” says Lloyd, who is the DJ head of the team to du Chateau’s more producer focused skill-set. “It was sometimes a bit of an up hill battle (the making of the EP). Miles and I, we tend to bicker quite a lot, we can be pretty childish with eachother at times, (laughs) but I think it’s healthy - we bounce a lot of each other and it leads to us being creative in ways that we might not have been possible.” Despite the bickering, the new EP is a finely polished product backed up by two smooth remixes. Amsterdam up and comers, Detroit Swindle, reworked One Day while Griffin James, aka Melbourne’s Francis Inferno Orchestra,
remixed Believe. “He said he didn’t want to just make a regurgitated house song; that he’d like to try something different,” says Lloyd of James, who met the two out partying in Sydney some years ago. “Which is what he did; he made something a bit darker and moodier. I couldn’t imagine a better remix for it.” The EP has gotten some air on BBC Radio 1, suggesting the two might soon have a following in Europe. “But I think it’s more likely that we’re going to go to America now. We’ve just signed to an agency there and I think we are going to scrap Europe and do a big America tour; New York, Detroit, LA, Miami... Somebody suggested we played in Texas?”
» SOFTWAR » AVIARY ROOFTOP SESSIONS » SUNDAY, JUNE 30 @ THE AVIARY
37
DJ HAVANA BROWN
CRAVE CLUB EDITION VOL. 2 UNIVERSAL A mixed collection of the ‘hottest’ urban, hip hop and dance tunes, DJ Havana Brown’s Crave Club Edition Volume 2 is particularly American summer orientated in its release date and track selection - probably in an attempt for ‘Australia’s number one female DJ’ to crack it internationally. Suited to parties where the crowd isn’t fussed by what music is playing and just want a party vibe, this album is a selection of tunes only really useful for this purpose. Brown should be credited for bringing female listeners further in to dance music, but a critically minded music observer will not think twice about purchasing this one. Featuring the likes of Pitbull, Usher, Flo Rida, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Chris Brown says it all: it’s a turn-off for many dance music fans, and unfortunately for Brown the fans she may gain abroad will cause her to lose fans she has at home. There’s limited variation and individuality across the record, and the clear mainstream audience focus only damages Brown’s musical credibility, if not her pay packet. The album cover itself is tacky and would be better off in the pop/top 40 section of the record store and away from the dance music section. This could easily be a ranking of the US’ highest grossing and most played club tracks of the year, with nothing new or unexpected amongst the track list. The imagery and music Brown provides highlights the flakey, superficial things about clubbing and mainstream culture that aren’t what dance music is about.
» TOM KITSON
THUNDERCAT APOCALYPSE BRAINFEEDER Los Angeles bass virtuoso Thundercat has asserted himself as one of the most forward-thinking musicians out with his new album Apocalypse. The album – co-produced by Flying Lotus like his 2011 debut The Golden Age of Apocalypse – finds Thundercat in a reflective mood. He’s vulnerable on catchy lead single Heartbreaks + Setbacks, meditates the passing of his regular collaborator, pianist Austin Peralta, on album closer A Message For Austin, and even pays tribute to his cat on the tender Tron Song. But Apocalypse also has one of the most one of the most giddily fun songs heard so far this year, Oh Sheit It’s X – a Parliament-inspired ode to partying fucked up. Although Thundercat can’t be summed up as belonging to any one genre, the most fitting label for Apocalypse would be soul, as he exhibits his evolution as a songwriter. He also never lets his prodigal bass guitar skills get in the way of making entertaining music, even when employing unusual time signatures on tracks like Tenfold and Seven.
Civic Hotel’s back room is to play host to a new fortnightly hip hop night from this Thursday, June 27. Run by new local record label, Headnod Records, The New Home of Hip Hop will be giving new artists a chance to get up on stage and each night will end with an open freestyle session. This fortnight’s gig will feature Bryte, Switchblade, Black Poet, Kogz and Irone and Dismay. It’s $10.
Instead of Parklife this year, get ready for Listen Out, an event that promoters are calling Australia’s IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) Party. Rising stars, Disclosure, will headline the event, playing a live set. They’ll be joined at Ozone Reserve on Sunday, September 29 by Harlem raised rapper, singer, songwriter Azealia Banks, one part Hudson Mohawke, one part Lunice -TNGHT, Duke Dumont, Alunageorge, Classixx (live), Miguel Campbell, John Talbot, Just Blaze, RüFüs, Touch Sensitive, Laura Jones. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, June 27 via listen-out.com.au.
RÜFÜS Death Disco resident DJs Anton & Andrei Maz have been bringing the party to Amps/ Caps for six years now. To celebrate, they are putting on possibly the biggest night of hedonism known to the venue on Saturday, July 20. To be held over four venues (Amplifier/ Capitol/ Harlem Stage/ Mezz Bar), the lineup includes RÜFÜS, Willow Beats, WA’s best turntabalist, Zeke, Triple-J’s party starter Linda Marigliano, the Maz Brothers, Phetsta, Philly Blunt, Genga, Jai Twentyman, JS, DJs Ryan and Roger Smart and EGO’s psychedelic VJ/DJ experience. Early bird tickets are just $20 via Oztix. Massive.
» JOSHUA HAYES
CAUSE FOR END O SEMESTER FUN
Exams are over and what better way to party than by getting your onesie on? Causeway Bar is putting on an End Of Semester Onesie Party this Thursday, June 27 with free entry for peeps wearing their onesie and $10 if you’re not into costuming-up. Both rooms will be open with France China playing a two-hour audiovisual DJ set. There’ll also be a free bus to Clubba after close. Go wild.
KIM & BENI
#RUNTHETRAP
KEEPING IT FRESH
Among the new wave of dance music producers from the US comes CRNKN, a 20 year-old LA resident with dubstep origins, trap remixes and production talent to burn. TOM KITSON chats with him as he prepares for Major Bass at Villa.
38
LISTEN UP/OUT
HEAD NOD TO THIS
DISCO OR DEATH
CRNKN
With the dance music scene consolidating its prominence in the US, CRNKN aka Gabe Baer, has arrived with his own brand of trap and bass influenced by hip hop and other trap artists like Flosstradamus and Baauer. His remixes of Knife Party, TokiMonsta and collaborative work with Branchez are standouts among his extensive repertoire of music. Moving from dubstep into trap of late, he spends his time playing shows, putting together his EP and constantly knocking out big remixes. He says one of the best parts of working in the music industry is the travel and new experiences he’s exposed to on a regular basis. “I think (the best parts are) getting to go and work in all of these places that people vacation to, and getting to meet lots of different, equally interesting people,” he says. “In terms of producing, I just really like the fact that people all over are listening to my music and getting happy; I like making people happy, it’s a really infectious thing.” The lifestyle he describes involves hours of solo studio time perfecting beats. Being on the road involves Baer being alone for extended periods, providing that time to focus on his music. “When I’m travelling, my work involves a lot of time alone,” he says. “If I’m in the mood to work, then I work with my headphones and put some ideas together and see if anything sticks.” A serial tweeter, Baer says he made a lot of professional connections through the social media channels, as well as of course keeping his followers updated and well informed. “If I’m not working, I’ll play video games on my computer, or watch movies, or tweet,” he says. “I do a ridiculous amount of travel tweeting. When I’m not travelling, I’m probably at home with my girlfriend, or working on new music.” Inspired by a multi-faceted range of music and always moving forward, Baer aims to bring
Disclosure
Bryte
Australian EDM legends and collaborators KIM and BENI will be manning decks across the country in June and July for their Winter DJ Tour. HAYLEY DAVIS catches up with Beni to see what the duo have planned.
CRNKN plenty of randomness and diversity to his Major Bass set in alongside Lady Waks and Slynk. He says it’s not only dance music that inspires him, taking a broad and open minded view of music. “The thing that has most inspired me lately was going to a show in West Hollywood with my girlfriend to see a band called Anamanaguchi,” he explains. “They’re the best live shows I’ve ever seen - someone said that if Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had babies, it would be Anamanaguchi. I’m also really loving the new Disclosure, Queens of the Stone Age, and Chance the Rapper albums.” Earning the ‘surreal’ opportunity to play his music and make a living from it is something he’s grateful for, having put in the time and networking to get to where he wants to be, while always producing new music, staying relevant and perfecting a number of projects for release soon. “I’m working on quite a few different things,” he says. “Some remixes for different bands and artists, as well as a new EP with this young cat from the UK named Jackal, and some random originals on the side, so there’s quite a bit!”
» CRNKN » MAJOR BASS » SATURDAY, JUNE 29 @ VILLA
There’s nothing like two enormously famous DJs offering to warm you up on a cold winter’s night. That’s exactly what Kimberley Moyes (of The Presets variety) and Bang Gang DJ Beni are offering us. After eight years working together, the pair have lined up a string of mature-aged play-dates with Australian audiences to debut a bunch of new music they’ve been working on for Beni’s upcoming album. “There’s a lot of new music that we’ve been working on,” Beni says when X-Press catches him. “It’s house music, there’s a bit of new stuff and some different twists and turns. We’re going to keep it light and fun.” Beni first started Bang Gang DJs 10 years ago with four friends and his brother. They played sets at parties every Friday for five years.“I can’t really remember much of that time,” he says.“But that’s the reason I really got into DJing. “I got into producing after I met Kim and then we started Riots in Belgium with a friend of mine – Joel,” he says. “Then I started working on my solo stuff.” Beni is looking forward to road testing his new material on a live audience rather than hearing it back over and over in the studio. But as to how he thinks it will be received, the internationally known DJ is keeping things humble. “Music is so fickle,” he says.“The way music is consumed now days, there’s so much to choose from - dance music here is broader, so the shelf life is like a month.” Unfortunately Beni won’t be bringing his stiletto wielding dancers to the stage this tour, but thinks he’s got something different to offer this time. “Maturity. My knowledge base of dance is a lot bigger so there’s a lot of new references in the new album.” He’s currently listening to a lot of classical,
Beni but is digging the new music by Glorious Heaven, B-Port and the Blade Runner soundtrack. “I’d love to get good enough to work with Nicholas Jar, Kashmir, James Blake, Jamie XX,” he said. He’s staying true to his roots though, and maintaining honesty no matter what the reception will be. “You can copy what is popular now, but that’s not really honest and you can kind of tell,” he said. “You’ve got to do what you do and do it well.” It will be the first time Moyes has toured under his KIM moniker for four years and both are looking forward to playing to Australian crowds. “We played Coffs Harbour last weekend and they were surprisingly open – usually small towns are pretty closed minded,” Beni says.
» KIM & BENI » FRIDAY, JUNE 28 @ METROPOLIS FREMANTLE » SATURDAY, JUNE 29 @ CAPITOL X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
KID TSU
CHASING THE DREAM Kid Tsu has come the long way around to releasing his first album, The Chase. Nick Sweepah catches up with the Perth-based producer to unravel the journey. Ty
TY
A KICK AND A SNARE RIGHT HERE
If you’ve been following Australian hip hop long enough, you may remember an emcee going by the name ‘Tsunami’, who appeared on a track called Ya So Fake, from Downsyde’s debut release Epinonimous. If you’ve been wondering what happened to him since then, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The artist now goes by the name Kid Tsu, and has just dropped an album called The Chase. “I kept rapping ‘til about 2005 or 2006 I
think,” he advises, but no physical releases ever came of this venture. Since that time, a lot has changed. The Chase features the likes of Krs One, Pharoahe Monche, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, and OC. However, Kid Tsu does not rap on this album at all, instead, he made all the beats. He explains this change with brutal honesty: “I had a first episode psychosis. I’m a schizophrenic. When I recovered from my psychosis I re-evaluated what I wanted to do with my life. That’s when I realised I wanted to be more of a beats guy. I do love performing, don’t get me wrong, but it was a lot of head work just to do all the rap stuff at that time. I mean, I’m still thinking of going back to it, because I’m feeling really good now. I had to readjust my life for that period, and beats were soothing to me.” He was set off on the path by another Perth based beat machine, Nathan J of Assembly Line, courtesy of Hyde Park Hotel’s hip hop Mondays.“Nathan J was the one who was hot; he was making dope shit, the beats and stuff. He got me on to buying my first sampler, the MPC 2000 XL, which I still use to this day. He showed me the whole culture of digging for breaks and digging for records.” Inspiration also came from afar though, with Tsu explaining: “When I was young, I always had a goal to make beats. It was something I always wanted to do. I just didn’t know how I was going to do it. I’d cite my main inspirations as being Pete Rock, Diamond D, Large Professor, Beatminers, K-Def and Buckwild. I’m
really inspired by what those guys laid out and I’m just trying to follow the same kind of blueprint.”When asked if any modern producers help maintain his passion, the answer isn’t as positive. “Not really, but I hear a bunch of cool beats and stuff by people I haven’t heard of.” It’s somewhat indicative of the way modern commercial rap albums are put together. When you look at the amazing list of guest emcees on The Chase, the influences mentioned seem suddenly obvious. One has to wonder how a project like this, from a largely unknown (until now) Australian producer, gets to have so many illustrious features. Tsu explains: “I’m a true believer of whatever your thought is, you can manifest it into something real. Even if you’re not quite sure of how the end result goes.” With a background in Australian hip hop though, you might ask: ‘Why the choice to go with entirely American rappers for the album?’ Tsu explains that he “Wanted to compete with the best.” Aussie fans can be satiated though, with the knowledge that a sequel is in the works, with “The same thesis behind The Chase, but with all Aussie artists, like Drapht,Trem, Brad Strut. All my favourite dudes from Australia.” So there’s plenty more to look forward to from this promising producer.
» KID TSU » THE CHASE » OUT NOW ON HEADBOP MUSIC
UK rapper Ty is coming to grace our shores once more, on the back of a brand new EP that he had a hand in producing himself. Having always delivered his rhymes in an eloquent, insightful fashion, it was no surprise that he kept that poise when having a chat with NICK SWEEPAH. Ty’s distinctive voice first graced our headphones when he released a collaborative EP with DJ Shortee Blitz in 1998. Since that time, there’s been four albums on illustrious labels like Big Dada and BBE, and now he’s dropped a new EP - Kick Snare And An Idea - on Tru Thoughts. When asked what he attributes his longevity to, Ty replies “I would attribute it to me not hiding behind a moniker, and actually just being a real person, making real music. I think that has helped me to be relevant to different people at different times, because you’re always meeting the person, not an image – just listening to someone who loves making music.” Being involved in the industry that long does have an effect on an artist though, as Ty goes on to explain how it’s affected the motivation behind his art, in quite a positive way. “It has changed, it’s increased. I was a MC with an interest in music, now I’m a MC/Producer with an interest in composition, sound and lyrics.”This, coming from a man who says his inspiration to start rapping largely came from “My Aunty Felicia’s birthday party, around 1979/80, where I got up and break-danced in front of my parents for the first time. Everyone was cheering, but they were scared as hell!” Ty’s new EP has a title that, while appearing simple, is deceptively complex on reflection. His explanation of it is equally evocative. “I’m hoping that A Kick Snare And An Idea becomes a term to highlight the fact that a particular type of person, makes a particular type of music. It’s almost like a nickname for what people do, especially if you have any hip hop enthusiasm for production. It’s what everybody does.” It’s this thoughtfulness that makes his lyricism so engaging, something that is particularly highlighted in the track Like You Never, featuring the line ‘I love the music but can’t see where it’s at.’ When asked to expand on the line, he explains that these days “You become a hater automatically if you question the validity of something you belong to, when in fact, self criticism is essential for existence in any genre of anything. I think that due to technology changing, and new opportunities being availed to us as people, certain traditional, fundamental assets are being swept to the curb, such as, an appreciation for beats as something actually being created, rather than something to just rap over. Songwriting and recording has become a casual process and lacks the detail and precision that it was once afforded, hence, mixtapes have spoiled rap musicians attention to detail. Artists used to have to find their own beats and make those famous, now they rap over already famous beats.” Although renowned as being a great live performer, Ty seems to struggle to explain exactly why that is. He simply states that he doesn’t really know “What the rest are doing and can’t really comment. But, I don’t think that me being a great live performer should separate me from others, it’s what we’re supposed to do.” Adding to this, he describes what the Perth audience can expect from his upcoming tour. “Expect me to run out of breath and lose weight on stage, rocking for you guys!”
» TY » FRIDAY, JUNE 28 @ THE MANOR www.xpressmag.com.au
39
Deadline Monday 5pm. The Club Manual is a service to advertisers listing all DJs & Dance Music. All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press. Email guide@xpressmag.com.au
MUSTANG BAR
OCEANSIDES 28’S
WEDNESDAY 26/06
THURSDAY 27/06
Amplifier – Harlem Wednesdays ft. Genga/ Peter Payne Bar One Twenty - DJ Bliss/ DJ Vi son The Bird - TWIST ft. DJ Seventh Son/ DJ Gerry Captain Stirling - Join Five-o Capitol – Harlem Wednesdays Club Red Sea - Cheek End Exams Pt 2 ft. Indian Summer DJS The Deen - Obie Trice/ Swift (D12)/ Mastacraft/ Salam Wreck The Flying Scotsman – DJ Armee Gold Bar - Famous 1st Birthday ft Obie Trice/ Swift from D12 The Good Shepherd - Dope Groove Bar (Crown) - 5 Shots Leederville Hotel – Heroes vs Villains End Of Uni Bash The Llama Bar - Club Akuna ft Touch Sensitive Mustang Bar - Flash Nat & the Action Men with DJ James MacArthur Newport Hotel - RnB Heaven ft DJs Tom Drummond & Angry Buda Sovereign Arms - Lokie Shaw The Velvet Lounge - Nothing New Vol 2. (Classic House) The Village Bar – Village People Wednesdays ft. Ruby May/ Phil Slabber YaYa’s – Injection Relaunch ft. DJ Crude
The Avenue – Jon Ee The Beat (downstairs) - Fantasy Thursdays The Causeway – Onsie Party The Civic Hotel - The New Home of Hip Hop feat. Bryte/ Switchblade/ Black Poet Kogz/ Irone Dismay The Craftsman - DJ Five-o Connections – Bingay ft Hannah Conda Club Bay View - Dj-Vi Son Eve Nightclub - Retro Thursdays The Good Shepherd Playground Leisure Inn – DJ Peta Leopold Hotel - EOFYS Party ft. Lokie Shaw Metro City - A$AP Rocky Mustang Bar - DJ James MacArthur Newport Hotel - Allday with Kadylle and Upnup, Tikki Bar open mic, DJ Tim from Mills
FRIDAY 28/06 AGWA - AGWA Nights ft. Naik Air Nightclub - End Of Exams Platinum Friday Ambar - Challenger Ready? Ft. Bezwun v Tonic/ Micah v Genga/ Philly Blunt v Mo’Fly/ Blend v Easy P/ MR eD v DNGRFLD Amplifier - DJ Jamie Mac
Kim
LADY WAKS FIRST LADY OF THE BROKEN BEAT
Lady Waks 40
The Avenue - DJ Lokie Shaw The Aviary (Birdcage) - Tomás Ford The Aviary (Rooftop) - NDORSE, Troy Divison Bar Orient - Reggae DJ Battle Heat 3 ft. Gaga Jah V’s DJ Vanessa The Bird - Rytyhmatism ft. Miranda M/ Diger R/ Ben T/ Ben M The Beat (downstairs) - PLAY The Brass Monkey - Vicktor & Greene George Capitol - (upstairs) - Retro Mash ft Dj’s all night The Carine - Az-T The Causeway – Get More (indie/ electro) The Claremont Hotel - Soul Purpose DJs Club Red Sea - DJ Nino Brown The Craftsman – Jay MacKay The Deen - 90’s Throwback Empire Bar - Howie Morgan band/ Matt Riley/ Jordan Flawless – Candyshop ft. DJs Karl Blue/ Adroc/ Headayke/ Skooby Flyrite - Self Help Geisha – Get Sexy ft. Jody Wisternoff The Good Shpeherd – DJ Armee/ Dazastah (SBX)/ Rob Shaker/ Paulie P & more The Grand Central - Jinx Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy Craig Library - Dorcia The Manor - Ty Metro City – Urban Desi End Of Exams ft. DJs Mixabishi/ Denny/ Electrosim Metro Freo – Kim (The Presets) Beni @ Frat House Fridays Mullaloo Beach Hotel – DJ Kenny L Mustang Bar - Swing DJ/ Cheeky Monekys/ DJ James MacArthur My Place - Karaoke Newport – Peking Duck, Karaoke with Steve Parkin, DJs Sardi & Evan, Tom Drummond Paramount - Flyte/ DJ John Jordan Rocket Room - Howlers ft DJ Frank N Bean The Saint – Jon Ee Shape – The Switch Tiger Lils - Paul Malone, Adam Kelly, Alex Koresis Varsity Bar - Youngbloods Hipster Party The Vic - Friday Funktion Velvet – End Of Exams Party ft. DJs Ben Renna/ Matty S/ Angry Buda Velvet Lounge - Village Oblivia 6 Villa - Speakeasy 2nd Birthday ft. Indian Summer/ Airwolf YaYa’s – ACE ft DJ Double Dee/ DJ Pup
MULLALOO BEACH HOTEL
FRAT HOUSE FRIDAYS
A$AP Rocky
SATURDAY 29/06 Ambar - Japan 4 ft Dead Easy/ Blend/ Philly Blunt/ Oli & Tone/ Micah Amplifier - Pure Pop – DJ Eddie Electric The Avenue - Jon Ee The Aviary (Rooftop) - Zel/ Paradise Paul/ NDORSE The Aviary (Birdcage) - John Howard Sattler The Bakery – ICSSC x The Monarchy pres. Mike Q/ Sleepyhead/ Rex Monsoon/ Nonarchy DJs/ Clunk/ Everyteen The Balmoral - Back To The 80’s Beat Nightclub (Upstairs) - CANVAS Beat Nightclub (Downstairs) – Big Kidz The Brass Monkey - DJ Peta & Jewel Capitol - Kim (The Presets) and Beni Pure Pop ft Neon Steve & Death Disco DJs Capitol (Upstairs) - Cream of the 80’s ft DJ Ryan The Causeway – Old School Hip-Hop ft. Jaymee Franchina The Como Hotel – DJ Armee The Cornerstone - DJ Spinback Empire Bar - James Shipstone/ Miggy Eve Nightclub – Traffic Light Flirt Party ft. DJ Crazy Craig
Flawless - The Nest ft. Big Ape DJs Flyrite - FΔMILY Gilkisons Dance Studio – Cirque Du Electrified 1st Birthday ft. Robbie Muir/ DJ Gilly/ Def Stereo The Grand Central - Jay Mackay Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Dan The Library - DJ Victor / DJ Riki Lost Society - Chalk (indie/ hip-hop) Metro City - Seven Deadly Sins Metro Freo - Ben Carter & DJ Wazz & DJ DTuck Metro Freo (C5) - I Love 80’s 90’s ft. DJ Wazz & DJ Dtuck Mullaloo Beach Hotel - Oceanside 28’s My Place - DJ Mikey/ DJ Stanley Newport - Karaoke with Steve Parkin DJs Tahli Jade & Tom Drummond Paramount - Felix/ DJ John Jordan PICA Bar - Tomas Ford’s Crap Rave Party The Queens - Kenny L The Saint - Az-T Tiger Lils - DJ Bojan, Benjamin Sebastian, Alex Koresis Shape – Sovereign Arms - The Jinx Project Villa – Major Bass ft. Lady Waks/ CRNKN/ SLYNK The Wembley - DJ Lokie Shaw YaYa’s - Arcadia ft DJ Pup/ DJ Double Dee/ DJ Shane
One of Russia’s most well-known DJs, Alexandra Waks aka Lady Waks, is a one-women powerhouse with her own club night, the Breaks Arena brand and her work as a designer. She answers some q’s about starting out in hip hop, being an entrepreneur and getting into breaks.
I can say that in the Siberian par t of Russia they love it to be harder and faster. Around Moscow, they like it more soft and glamorous. But in Saint Petersburg, the city of artists, musicians and other creative personalities - they love everything and they even know where to get it. Also the main distinction of Russia from other countries, including Australia, is a younger audience. They are crazy, loose and full of energy, which charges the artists, who perform at our parties.
What have you been up to for the last month and where are you now? Last Friday I did my In Beats We Trust night in my hometown, Saint Petersburg, then on Saturday I played in Siberia, the week before I was in Germany with my family and did a show in Berlin and then somewhere in Poland. I visited my friend Marten Horger in Stuttgard to make some beats. Right now I’m in Saint Petersburg and I’m getting prepared for my short Australian tour. I have a lot of office work to finish before leaving the city.
You started off in hip hop. How did that make the way for you getting into breaks and how did that happen? As a child, I spent about five years in Hannover. Hip hop culture was huge in Germany and everything I learned about hip hop was from Germany... this was my basis. I was involved in breakdance and graffiti for a long time. My teacher - Thomas, the guy who taught us to breakdance, is the founder of BOTY (battle of the year) - the biggest breakdance festival in the world. From the very beginning I had a lot of luck to meet these kind of people. When I got back to Russia, I was 17 years of age and began doing my own hip hop jams and breakdance battles. At the same time I started visiting techno clubs and met lots
It’s hard for us Australians to imagine the dance music scene in Russia. What’s the scene like in Saint Petersburg and how does it differ to places like Australia?
METRO FREO
SUNDAY 30/06 The Aviary (Rooftop) - Aviary Rooftop Sessions ft Softwar/ Cassian/ George Air/ Paradise Paul/ Troy Division The Bird - Surely ft. H.W. Sims/ Leon OsBorn/ Andre/ Mike P. The Deen - Sunday Session Reunion Party ft. The Night After/ DJ Les Cook Club Bayview - DJ Rueben Empire Bar - DJ Victor/ DJ Riki Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy Craig Mustang Bar –-Pete Busher & the Lone Rangers/ DJ Rockin’ Rhys Newport - DJ Tom Drummond Rosemount Hotel - soundz like sundayz The Saint - DJ Five-o/ Roger Smart
MONDAY 01/07 Mustang Bar – Triple Shots
TUESDAY 02/07 Mustang Bar - Danza Loca Salsa Night
of interesting people in this scene. I started working at the radio station and tried to find something for myself... something new and fresh and it was breakbeat. For me it was something in the middle between hip-hop and rave culture. You set your own club up and organise Breaks Arena. You’ve been referred to as ‘a one woman industry: promoter, producer’. Where do you get all the energy from and when did you realise you wanted to be an entrepreneur? Don’t forget to mention me being also a designer... I’m joking. I have never set up with an aim to conquer the world and be number one. Everything I did and do, is an integral part of me. The only aim for me is to make everything on the highest level. To do it better and perfect myself in every direction of business I’m involved to. If you want to become the best producer, DJ or a promoter, here’s my piece of advice - don’t follow my example, don’t do it like I do. Concentrate your forces on one thing.
» LADY WAKS » MAJOR BASS » SATURDAY, JUNE 29 @ VILLA X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
See yourself? Tag yourself! Head to facebook.com/XPressMagazine
THE BLACK FRIDAYS
AMPLIFIER/CAPITOL
BEAT NIGHTCLUB
THE CAUSEWAY
IN THE THIS WEEK
All Day Saturday, 29June @ Amplifier
Obie Trice Wednesday, 26 June @ The Deen Traffic Light Flirt Party! DJ Crazy Craig A$AP Rocky Saturday, 29 June @ Eve Thursday, 27 June @ Metro City Coolio Club Show Saturday, 29 June @ Challenger Ready Metro City Friday, 28 June @ Ambar Major Bass ft Lady Kim (The Presets) and Waks/ Crnkn/ Slynk Beni Saturday, 29 June@ Villa Friday, 28 June @ Metro Freo Aviary Rooftop Sessions Ty Friday 28th June @ The Manor
ft Softwar/ Cassian/ George Air/ Paradise Paul/ Troy Division Sunday 30 June @ Aviary
COMING UP Vegas Blokhead/ Bad Company Friday, 5 July @ Geisha Bar Arabian Prince (NWA) Friday, 5 July @ The Manor Break-A-Holics Anonymous Friday, 5 July @ Ambar th
17 Annual Nocturnal Ball Monday, 8 July @ Metro City White Party (U18) DJ Wazz/ DJ Tuck/ DJ Cookie Tuesday, 9 July Bliss N Eso Wednesday, 10 July @ Metro City
Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton with DJ Hoppa Thursday, 25 July @ Rosemount Hotel Jagwar Ma Thursday, 25 July @ The Bakery ALT-J Saturday, 27 July @ Challenge Stadium 2013 Australian DMC DJ Championships WA Heats Friday, 2 August @ Rosemount Hotel Ministry Of Sound Sessions 10 ft Timmy Trumpet & SCNDL Friday, 2 August @ Villa
SPOONBILL Shape Bar Friday, June 21, 2013 Crunchy glitch funk grooves were in full force at Shape last Friday with Melbourne’s Spoonbill delivering a live set of wonkadelic proportions. With support from our own Get More, Armee, Genga and Benny P, the crowd was up grooving to the booty shaking beats til the wee hours.
» PHOTOS BY ADAM MAZUR
Spoonbill
Passion Pit Sunday, 4 Augus t@ Villa
Dialectrix Saturday, 10 August @ The Strange Geronimo YaYa’s Thursday, 11 July Shapeshifter Newport Hotel Saturday, 17 August @ Friday, 12 July @ Prince Metro City Of Wales Saturday, 13 July @ Midnight Amplifier Juggernauts Saturday, 7 September @ Cosmo’s Midnight Capitol Friday, 12 July @ The Causeway Illy: On & On Tour Saturday, 28 September Yuksek Saturday, 13 July @ Villa @ Villa
Lady Waks
MAJOR BASS SATURDAY, JUNE 29 @ VILLA
www.xpressmag.com.au
Far East Movement Saturday, 13 July @ Metro City
Listen Out Sunday, 29 September @ Ozone Reserve
Onra Wednesday, 20 July @ The Bakery
Porter Robinson Saturday, 26 October @ Villa
REMi Wednesday, 24 July @ The Causeway Thursday, 25 July @ Mojo’s Bar
Chet Faker Thursday, 31 October @ ARTBAR
Stereosonic Saturday, 30 Jehst(UK) & M-Phazes Novemberand Sunday, 1 Thursday, 25 July @ Civic December @ Claremont Showgrounds Hotel Backroom
41
MUNICIPAL WASTE Beer Fridge/Scalphunter The Rosemount Hotel Friday, June 21, 2013 “Municipal Waste is going to fuck you up!” It may have been seven years since these Richmond thrash crossover greats have been to Perth but this catch-cry never rung so true. Penned as the theme song behind the band, it was easy to see how their ‘party hard’ ethos had gained momentum over the years. From a room of about 40 people in 2006, the Rosemount Hotel was packed wall-to-wall last Friday night with fans salivating for the hint of a beer bong or boogie board – acclaimed traits of their live show in the past. Although these didn’t make an appearance on the night, these four musicians definitely showed locals just how to make “…partying an art.” B e e r Fri d g e m ay b e we l l k n ow n throughout the Margaret River circuit, but it’s been quite a few years since their heyday in Perth. Thought that doesn’t mean they have been resting on their laurels. Next month will see their latest offering, Tales From The Thrashcan, released through MGM. With that came a renewed sense of urgency. But, of course, their ability to thrash had never died. Tracks like We Got The Runs and Ride The Vulture Into The Mountain made an appearance, along with a song they wrote specially wrote for the headliners – dubbed Let’s Get Wasted.
Municipal Waste Photo by Denis Radacic
Scalphunter pride themselves on playing the loudest and fastest rock-and-roll in Perth and tonight was no exception. Kicking their set into overdrive, burly Englishman Steven Knoth was all about ‘the fun’ – throwing his denim-clad self into the crowd whenever he got the chance. And the rest of the band followed his cue. Lead by the searing riffs of guitarist Alex Cotton, favourites like Unplug and Let It Rain bringing fist pumps from the crowd – with the relentless pounding from drummer Ash Rohde holding everything together. Municipal Waste certainly know how to make an entrance. Four men, no short sleeves – all bandanas. Dubbing themselves as the “…shortest arseholes in thrash”, these Virginia-based musicians started off with Unleash The Bastards and there was no turning back. They absolutely killed it. Song after song of circle pits, crowd surfing and jokester stylings by frontman Tony Foresta made this show one of the highlights of the year. Literally jam-packed full of hits, the Waste jumped from You’re Cut Off to Headbanger Facerip, Beware The Shark, then Wolves Of Chernobyl. But when the bass lines, by Philip “Landphil” Hall, rolled in for Sadistic Magician and the encore The Art Of Partying, all hell broke loose and the primal nature of thrash took hold. The bar turned into a sea of singing mouths and pumping arms, with few left unaffected by what Municipal Waste laid down live. They did indeed fuck us up and everyone loved them for it. _ JESSICA WILLOUGHBY
COW PARADE COW Weeks/These Shipwrecks DJs/Dianas/ Rokwell & Groom The Bakery Saturday, June 22, 2013 The cold of the Northbridge streets were treated to a warm respite with the energetic and well-paced launch party of Perth band Cow Parade Cow’s new album, Before the Sharks, at the Bakery. Before the Parade marched on, the first dish up were the enigmatic Weeks. The trio provided textured synths punctuated by well-articulated guitar and crisp electronic drums. What struck a chord was the third track of the set, Crawl, a lush piano-driven piece with subtly placed pads and an undulating bass. These Shipwrecks DJs were there to fill the silence when the set ended, and they continued to provide deep and funky sounds between sets and post-Parade into the night, the musical equivalent of a palette cleanser between courses. The more retro, but nevertheless beautiful, sounds of Dianas changed the pace. The magic of this band is the interplay of vocal harmonies soaring above the dusty guitar tone and vigorously plucked bass, courtesy of Caitlin Maloney and Nathalie Pavlovich, with visceral percussion by Ashley Ramsey. The audience was given one more opportunity to whet their eardrums before the main billing with the other-worldly duo of Rokwell &
Cow Parade Cow Photo by Matt Jelonek
Groom. With a timeless voice, Groom’s unique timbre coupled with Rokwell’s tightly constructed breaks and Vangelis-inspired synth lines to create a thoughtful atmosphere. Their opening track, Impossible Alps, held a melancholy hope that carried through the set. Before you could say copacobana, Cow Parade Cow made their nautical-themed entrance attired in white linen and colourful leis. It was like you were shipwrecked on an island with your best friends with an unlimited quantity of Malibu. The enjoyment washing over the face of the performers was matched only by the audience. The material from the new album is a colourful blend of feel good indie-pop and pure dance-ability. Though guitarist John Lekias has recently departed the ensemble, he made an appearance on the final tracks to belt out some slick licks. Cow Parade Cow are a band best witnessed in full flight, with a full contingent of keys, congas, toms and electronic percussion creating a wild wall of sound, there was a tangible spark in the air when these creative minds came together. This was an inspiring first impression of a Perth band which now has my ears. Their selection of support acts shows a great appreciation of local talent and the energy that live acts should be showcasing. It felt as if this album, and the event itself, was the culmination of many lessons in life, love and music. _ JAMES HANLON
See yourself? Tag yourself! Head to our Facebook
ROSEMOUNT HOTEL
This Thursday, June 27, catch local rockers Lionizer, The Monicans, Rag n Bone and Villain. Doors open 8pm and entry is $8, plus there’s $12 jugs of Toohey’s Extra Dry!
RAILWAY HOTEL
This Sunday, June 30, catch another edition of the Gignition new band showcase series from 4-8pm, this time featuring Mind Canary, The Moonwhores, Joe Simich, Jennifer Hardy and The First Fleet and Ciara Louise. Entry is $8.
INDI BAR
Catch Blue Shaddy this Saturday, June 29, with support from the incomparable MattyTWall. tickets are $20 on the door, Then, if you haven’t heard of Tigertown then you should. They’re fresh off the national tour support for Bob Evans, they have been winning over hearts around Australia, and now they are back for their own headline tour this Sunday, June 30, and their catchy Fleetwood Mac-esque tunes are a must see. they’re supported by The Starry Field and Turing Robinson, tickets from oztix.com.au.
‘80S NIGHT AT THE BALMORAL HOTEL Saturday, June 22, 2013
The ‘80s were truly back at The Balmoral last Saturday, June 22, with the best tunes played by Pop Candy and then the DJ continuing the hits ‘til late. We saw the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Ghostbusters and even John McEnroe appear in the best dressed competition. Definitely a successfully night! Photography by Matt Jelonek
CLANCY’S FREMANTLE
Stephanie, Mitch, Caleb, Bree
Friday, June 28, sees The Amani Consort take to the stage, while Saturday witnesses the powerful one-two punch of Cal Peck and The Tramps and Day of The Dead, while Sunday, June 30 you can round your weekend out with a dose of The Zydecats.
MattyTWall
BEAT NIGHTCLUB
Cal Peck and the Tramps
YA-YA’S
Wednesday, June 26, sees Injection with classic and new rock tunes being blasted out by DJ Infirri. Rock your bones warm! Entry’s free all night! Thursday June 27, King of the Travellers, after noticing the hypocrisy of their name, have finally decided to have their first gig outside of Fremantle! Supports come in the form of The Yokohomos and The Dukes of Porn. Doors open at 7.30pm, entry is $5. Friday June 28, Catch Sydney rockers Gay Paris on the last stretch of their Last Good Party Tour with support on the night from local bands Hailmary and Wizard Sleeve. Doors open 7.30pm, entry is $10. Saturday, catch Sydney’s Tigertown, supported by Neda and The Starry Hill. Doors at 7.30, entry is $10. Sunday June 30, The Bonekickers head up a punktastic Sunday line up, the likes of which the world will never see again! Get your brain all nice and gooey as you rock away to The Irrationals, The Order of the Black Werewolf and Gloria Ironbox! Doors at 6pm, entry is $5. 42
This Friday, June 28, from 8pm The Meaning Of awaken from their slumber and return to the stage with Law of Attraction, Brutus and Over Unity. Then from midnight upstairs, The Black Fridays take to stage again at their new home! All girl rock band tearing out all your favourite party rock tunes from Linkin Park to Paramore. DJ London on the decks in between! Rear alleyway entrance. Far Away Stables (NSW) get ready Saturday night downstairs to show you what they’re made of with a floorshow from 8pm. Guests include tour buddies Make Believe Me, Vice Versa and S is For Spaceship. From midnight, Big Kidz ROUND 2 will take you back to your wonderous childhoods. N64 on the big screen, cheap cocktails. A place just to have fun. Free before 1am.
Jane, Jane Wayne, Brodeen
MULLAOO BEACH HOTEL
Tonight, Wednesday, June 26, spend An Evening With Merv Hughes. Special guest is Sharrod Wellingham from the West Coast Eagles. Doors open at 6pm, entry is $20.
Merv Hughes
Jaime, Deb
Matt, Brooke X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Freo rock triumvirate, HYTE, let loose their latest single, Where Are you Taking Me, this Friday, June 28, at Mojo’s, with support from Kill Teen Angst, Muzzle and Butternut Crunch. We took time out for a chat with singer/guitarist, Grant Touchell. How did you guys get together? We started jamming at school in various bands; playing party’s and a few small gigs, We’ve just slowly grown from there. How would you describe your sound? We play groove-gasm crunch core, we love bands from the ‘60s to ‘90s - Hendrix, Tool, Chilli Peppers, Zeppelin.
HYTE
What are the pros and cons of operating as a three piece? Ever been tempted to add to the line -up? Pros: each instrument gets a good amount of space. Cons: can get tricky juggling parts, and it’s nice sometimes to have two guitars pumping something out or an extra instrument to spice things up. How was recording the single? What did you learn laying down the EP (2009’s self-titled release) that helped you this time around? It’s all a huge learning curve. This time around we had a focus, less experimentation with effects and more about the meat and potatoes. Laying down a great live track with guitar, bass and drums is where it all comes from. What does the future hold? New songs, of course! We have some acoustic demos we are scrapping together at the moment, as well as a few rockin’ tracks. Hoping to smash out another release before 2013 says sayonara!
Fear of Comedy The DomNicks
IN THE NICK OF TIME
Picking himself up after his European tour with DM3, Dom Mariani and The DomNicks are gonna make the Sunday session at The Newport Hotel go off on June 30 when they preview the songs from their upcoming fourth album, which is due to go intro production next month.
LOVE OF TRAGEDY
Continuing their run of impressive support slots, Fear of Comedy will be priming the pump for The Red Paintings this Friday, June 28, at The Rosemount Hotel. also on stage will be Further Earth in what promises to be a surreal and mystical evening of out there sights and sounds, and rumour has it that it’ll be the last show for FoC. Doors open at 8pm, tickets are $25.50 plus booking fee from oztix.com.au
KENNY LAST MUCH LONGER?
Ian Kenny - no, not that one - is turning 50 and he’s marking the occasion with a performance by legendary Perth metal maestros, True Colours. Also on the bill are Legacy of Supremacy. It’s at the Charles Hotel this Friday, June 28. Doors open at 7:30pm, entry is $10.
FUN TIMES IN FREO
SpaceManAntics
THE BIG SPLASH
Things are certainly heating up in WA’s newest new music competition, with a stupendously impressive line up of bands battling it out for a shot at the $10,000 prize. Our man Martin Belt took in Heat #3 at The Bird last Tuesday, and had some excellent things to say about the roster of talent on display. Silver Hills impressed many of the judges with their classic songwriting, talented slacker presence and cool chord choices. Mind Canary are two guys writing brilliant songs, and doubtless we’ll behearing much more from these complimentarily talented gents Lilt were towering, with high end production awesomeness. they’re an impressive electronic act who are destined for big things, and a testament to the quality of acts the judges were weighing up. Moving right along, it was SpaceManAntics on the night that had a water tight band unit, a wildly great drummer and a rock sound that was fiercely fruity. these guys are in the same league as Pond, and deservedly won their heat. Heat #4 goes down tonight, Wednesday, June 26, at The Rosemount. Catch Double Rainbow, We Move Walls, Apache and Upnup from 8pm. Entry is $5 on the door.
Hailmary
MARY MARY, YOU’RE ON MY MIND
Hard rockers Hailmary are onto a good thing this week, supporting Sydney outfit Gay Paris at Ya-Ya’s this Friday, June 28 along with Wizard Sleeve. Doors open at 8pm, tickets are $10 plus booking fee from oztix.com.au, more on the night if available.
LOOKING FOR MEANING
It’s time once more for RTRFM’s Fremantle Winter Music Festival, a veritable cornucopia of sound that spans a staggering variety of genres and movements across four venues. It’s post-indie at The Railway Hotel with Mt Mountain, Fall Electric, Gunns and Apricot Rail; global pop in The Swan Basement with Rakkit Dibbs, Seams, Rokwell & Groom and Grace Barbe & Afro Rokwell & Groom Kreol, while the Swan Lounge has Amanda Merzdan, Davey Craddock & The Spectacles, The Polly Medlen Band and Rachel & Henry Climb a Hill doing the alt-folk and country thing; Mojo’s has beats and grooves indoors with Capelas, Leon Osborne, Ylem, The Empty Cup and Yarkhob and disco science in the courtyard with Jack Doepel, Leighton Head, Roland Pain and DJ Raw Sugar, and finally the North Fremantle Bowling Club has you covered for noise rock when they play host to Sacred Flower Union, Water Temple, Doctopus and Mental Powers. Tickets are available through rtrfm.com.au for $20 - $15 for subscribers, naturally - or you can take you chances on the various doors on the night.
26/06/2013 Stoney Joe Hot Jerky Album Launch @ PICA Bar 27/06/2013 Natalia If This Is Love EP Launch @ the Elephant and Wheelbarrow 28/06/2013 HYTE Where Are You Taking Me Single Launch @ Mojo’s 28/06/2013 The Devil Rides Out Ugly Creatures EP Launch @ Amplifier 29/06/2013 The Floors Built From Bones Single Launch @ The Bird 29/06/2013 White Oak and Stuyvesant Self Titled EP Launch @ The Rosemount 30/06/2013 The Murphy Brothers Thick as Thieves Album Launch @ Devilles Pad 06/07/2013 Exanimis The Extinction EP Launch @ YMCA HQ 12/07/2013 Cal Peck & The Tramps Self Titled Album Launch @ Devilles Pad 12/07/2013 Tired Lion Desperate Single Launch @ Amplifier 13/07/2013 The Community Chest Top of the Hour Album Launch @ The Rosemount 19/07/2013 Eduardo Cossio Goodbye To The Land EP Launch @ X-Wray Cafe 16/08/2013 Tracey Barnett Blooming EP Launch @ Clancy’s Fremantle 24/08/2013 Leure Holland Sky LP Launch @ The Bird 24/08/2013 Tempest Rising Dominion That Falls Single Launch @ The Civic 19/10/2013 Sirgin One Love EP Launch @ The Rosemount
After an extended time under the radar working on their third album, The Meaning Of hit the Beat Nightclub this Friday, June 28, along with Laws of Attraction, Brutus and Over Unity. Doors open 8pm, tickets on the door. www.xpressmag.com.au
43
44
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Pink, June 26 & 28
THIS WEEK PINK 26 & 28 Perth Arena BEN OTTEWELL (GOMEZ) 26 Mojos BILL ODDIE 27 Astor Theatre A$AP Rocky 27 Metro City GYPSY & THE CAT 28 The Bakery ALLDAY 27 Newport Hotel 29 Amplifier THE RED PAINTINGS 28 Rosemount Hotel PSEUDO ECHO 29 Charles Hotel COOLIO 29 Metro City KIM & BENI 28 Metro Freo 29 Capitol
JULY CLAIRY BROWNE & THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES 4 ARTBAR ABBE MAY 5 The Astor Theatre TOKIMONSTA 5 The Bakery GRACE KNIGHT 5 & 6 The Ellington BON BUT NOT FORGOTTEN 6 July Charles Hotel LA DISPUTE 6 Amplifier 7 YMCA HQ ESKIMO JOE 9-10 Moore And Moore, Fremantle 26 Divers Tavern, Broome 27 Walkabout Hotel, Port Hedland 28 The Newman Club, Newman BLISS N ESO 10 Metro City GRINSPOON 10 Pier Hotel Esperance 11 Studio 146 Albany
12 Settlers Tavern Margaret River 13 Prince Of Wales Bunbury 14 Players Bar Mandurah STRANGETALK AND HEY GERONIMO 11 Newport Hotel TOMORROW PEOPLE 11 Capitol FEAR FACTORY 11 Metro City BALL PARK MUSIC/EAGLE & THE WORM 12 Metro Freo THE STRANGE GERONIMO 11 Newport Hotel 12 Prince Of Wales 13 Amplifier ENGLEBERT HUMPERDINCK 13 Crown Theatre YOU AM I 13 Astor Theatre (sold out) 14 Astor Theatre JONNY CRAIG 17 Amplifier A DAY TO REMEMBER/THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA/ DREAM ON DREAMER 18 Metro City MENTAL AS ANYTHING 19 Charles Hotel 20 Boulevard Tavern IAN MOSS 20 Charles Hotel 27 Boulevard Tavern 28 Newport Hotel FOURTEEN NIGHTS AT SEA 20 Rosemount Hotel SAINT VITUS/ MONARCH 21 Rosemount Hotel UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA 23 Rosemount Hotel STEREOPHONICS 23 Metro City JAMES BLAKE 26 The Astor BRUCE MATHISKE 26 July Fly By Night ALT-J 27 Challenge Stadium
www.xpressmag.com.au
Karnivool, August 11
BLEEDING THROUGH 28 Amplifier BABYSHAMBLES 31 Metro City
AUGUST ESKIMO JOE 1 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 2 Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River 3 Studio 146, Albany 4 Players Bar, Mandurah COLD WAR KIDS 2 Capitol VILLAGERS 2 Fly By Night DEEZ NUTZ 2 Prince Of Wales Bunbury 3 YMCA HQ 3 Rosemount Hotel 4 Newport Hotel FIDLAR 3 The Bakery BARDO POND 4 Rosemount Hotel PASSION PIT 4 Villa BJORN AGAIN 5 & 6 Regal Theatre BARN OWL 9 The Bakery SENSES FAIL 9 Amplifier KARNIVOOL 11 Metro City SARAH BLASKO 12 Margaret River Cultural Centre 30 SECONDS TO MARS 16 Challenge Stadium DARRYL BRAITHWAITE 18 Newport Hotel DON MCLEAN 19 Perth Concert Hall ANDREW STRONG: THE COMMITMENTS 22 Metro Freo THE SMITH STREET BAND 22 Rosemount Hotel 23 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury VANCE JOY 23 Fly By Night, Fremantle GRINSPOON 23 Astor Theatre GEORGE BENSON 24 Riverside Theatre
30 Seconds to Mars, August 16
NORTHWEST FESTIVAL 24 Port Hedland Turf Club BERNARD FANNING 25 Astor Theatre JAPANDROIDS 26 Rosemount Hotel THE WHITLAMS/ WASO 30 Perth Concert Hall CLAIRE BOWDITCH 30 Fly By Night
SEPTEMBER MANHATTAN TRANSFER 1 Regal Theatre FAT FREDDY’S DROP 5 Astor Theatre JOSH PYKE 5 Prince Of Wales Bunbury SNAKADAKTAL 5 Newport Hotel 6 Capitol 7 Settler’s Tavern Margaret River THE CAT EMPIRE 7 Red Hill Auditorium MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS 6 Prince Of Wales Bunbury 7 Capitol AMANDA PALMER & THE GRAND THEFT ORCHESTRA 8 Astor Theatre JAMES REYNE 8 Newport Hotel ANBERLIN 11 Metro Freo RUDIMENTAL 13 Metro City (sold out) 14 Metro City PARKWAY DRIVE 14 Metro Freo 15 & 16 Capitol RED DIRT ft JIMMY BARNES 19 Kalgoorlie Boulder Race Club FOALS 22 Metro City RIHANNA 24 Perth Arena LAMB OF GOD & MESHUGGAH 26 Metro City THE CULT 28 Metro City ONE DIRECTION 28 & 29 Perth Arena
XAVIER RUDD/ DONAVON FRANKENREITER/ NAHKO & MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE 28 3 Oceans Winery, Margaret River 29 Fremantle Arts Centre
OCTOBER SWERVEDRIVER 3 Rosemount Hotel SOILWORK 6 Rosemount Hotel BRING ME THE HORIZON 12 Challenge Stadium RICKY MARTIN 12 Perth Arena THE DAVID LIEBE HART BAND 13 Amplifier DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT 15 Metro Freo AMORPHIS 16 Capitol EVERY TIME I DIE 24 Capitol CHET FAKER 31 ARTBAR THE BREEDERS 31 The Astor ENSLAVED 31 Rosemount Hotel YELLOWCARD 31 Capitol
NOVEMBER SCOTT KELLY AND THE ROAD HOME 10 Rosemount Hotel FLEETWOOD MAC 22 Perth Arena HITS & PITS 2.0 Boyssetsfire, No Fun At All, Off With Their Heads 24 Capitol STEREOSONIC 30 Claremont Showgrounds
DECEMBER JUSTIN BIEBER 8 Perth Arena TAYLOR SWIFT 11 Perth NIB Stadium BON JOVI 12 Perth Arena
FEBRUARY BRUNO MARS 28 Perth Arena
45
I Am Eternal, Thursday at Amplifier
WEDNESDAY 26.06
THURSDAY 27.06
AMPLIFIER Harlem Wednesdays BAR 120 Felix BRASS MONKEY Sugar Blue Burlesque CARINE Open Mic Night Chris O’Brien CLAREMONT HOTEL Acoustica GREENWOOD Bernardine ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB CeeLay - Soulman Night Cap Sessions GROOVE BAR (CROWN) 5 Shots INDI BAR Malachi Wehipeihana LUCKY SHAG Howie Morgan THE MIDNIGHT FOX The Charisma Brothers MOJOS BAR Ben Ottewell (Gomez) Paul Wood MOON CAFÉ Louis Inglis Craig McElhinney MUSTANG BAR Flash Nat & the Action Men DJ James MacArthur ROSEMOUNT The Big Splash Heat 4 Double Rainbow Apache We Move Walls Upnup UNIVERSAL Retrofit VILLAGE BAR Village People - Open Mic YAYA’S Injection DJ Crude
AMPLIFIER Academy I Am Eternal Xenobiotic Reflections Of Ruin BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Fantasy Thursdays BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Acoustic Aly THE BIRD Sean O’Neill Leure Rooms THE BOAT Jen De Ness BRASS MONKEY Rhythm Bound Karaoke BRIGHTON Open Mic Night Rob Walker BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke CIVIC HOTEL BACKROOM Bryte Switchblade Black Poet Kogz and Irone Dismay DEVILLES PAD Rock’N’Roll Karaoke DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Open Mic Night ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Natalie ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Tom O’Halloran Trio Night Cap Sessions EXCHANGE HOTEL Jetpack THE GATE Greg Carter GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Dr Bogus INDI BAR Bex’s Open Mic Night LUCKY SHAG James Wilson MARKET CITY TAVERN Ryan Lamb Jeff Ablet
King of the Travellers
KING OF THE TRAVELLERS
THE YOKOHOMO THE DUKES OF PORN YA-YA’S THURSDAY, JUNE 27
46
Simone & Girlfunkle, Friday at Fat Shan’s
Echostone, Friday at The Swan Basement
BELMONT TAVERN Astrobat BEST DROP TAVERN Pretty Fly THE BIRD Rhythmatism BOAB TAVERN Cherry Lips BRASS MONKEY Chris Gibbs THE BROOK Acoustic Aly C5 FREMANTLE Residence Far Away Stables Make Believe Me Vice Versa THE CARINE Velvet THE CHARLES HOTEL Ian Kenny Legacy Of Supremacy CHASE BAR & BISTRO James Wilson CITRO BAR Dove CIVIC HOTEL BACKROOM It All Ends Here Winterfold The Moment We Fall Defy The Leader Idle Eyes CLAREMONT HOTEL Elouise & The Infinite Squeeze CORNERSTONE Upbeats DEVILLES PAD FRIDAY 28.06 Bang Bang Betty & AMPLIFIER The H-Bombs The Devil Rides Out Mondo Disc Jocks ASTOR THEATRE Rhythm & Blues Variety Les Sataniques EAST 150 BAR Revue Adam James Normie Rowe EDZ SPORTS BAR Dave Hole Diamond Dogs Matt Taylor ELEPHANT AND Rick Steele WHEELBARROW Bob Patient Daren Reid & The Soul The Healys City Groove Cliff Lynton ELLINGTON JAZZ Bronnie Gordon CLUB Wayne Freer Natalie Gillespie Marc Gordon Samba Social Club Pete Stone EMPIRE BAR Rick Eastman Howie Morgan John Talati ENEX 100 The Rippin’ Horns Sue Johnson Dave “The Bugler” EXCHANGE HOTEL Scott Jetpack Manawa Mai Tawhiti FAT SHAN RECORDS Maori Concert Party Simone & Girlfunkle Mt Lawley High Patient Little Sister School Band Chloe McGrath BALMORAL GROOVE BAR ThreePlay (CROWN) Mike Nayar Tod Johnson & Peace BAKERY Love Gyspy & The Cat GREENWOOD BAR ORIENT Greg Carter The Reggae Club HYDE PARK HOTEL BEAT NIGHTCLUB Ricky Green (UPSTAIRS) INDI BAR The Meaning Of Vdelli Law Of Attraction KALAMUNDA HOTEL Brutus Subject To Change Over Unity Stone Bleeder The Black Fridays (late) Black Ink BEAT NIGHTCLUB Conan Chapman (DOWNSTAIRS) M ON THE POINT PLAY DJ Mischieff Jedd Crilly Jenia G Jade Diary Reuben De Melo Jonboy MOJOS BAR Gay Paris Scalphunter The Kuillotines MUSTANG BAR These Winter Nights Badger & The Fox Little Skye DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Allday Kadylle Upnup PADDO Ben Merito PRINCE OF WALES Nathan Gaunt ROSEMOUNT Lionizer The Monicans Rag N Bone Villain SETTLERS TAVERN Acoustic Open Mic Night THE SHED Mike Naygar UNIVERSAL Off The Record YA YA’S King of the Travellers The Yokohomos The Dukes of Porn
MAHOGANNY INN Stu McKay METRO FREO Frat House Fridays MOJOS BAR Hyte Trigger Jackets Muzzle Butternut Crunch MUSTANG Swing DJ Cheeky Monekys DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Peking Duck Karaoke with Steve Parkin PADDO Easy Tigers PADDY MCGUIRES Madam Montage PEEL ALE HOUSE Better Days THE PRINCIPAL Adam Morris Duo PLAIN ST BAR Kizzy THE PRIORY HOTEL Almost Famous ROCKET ROOM Big Guns ROSEMOUNT The Red Paintings Further Earth Fear Of Comedy ROSIE O’GRADYS FREMANTLE GrooVe SAIL AND ANCHOR Howie Morgan SAIL AND ANCHOR (UPSTAIRS) NightShift THE SHED Funhouse DJ Glenn 20 SOUTH ST ALEHOUSE Robbie King Karaoke SPRINGS TAVERN Die Hard Karaoke SWAN LOUNGE Holly Denton & Band SWAN BASEMENT Echostone Sully Petty Taunts The Dead White Males SWINGING PIG Tandem Greg Carter TSUNAMI SUSHI BAR The Charisma Brothers UNIVERSAL Nightmoves Retriofit YA YA’S Gay Paris Hailmary Wizard Sleeve
SATURDAY 29.06 AMPLIFIER Allday ART GALLERY OF WA Naik BAKERY Mike Q Sleepyhead Monarchy DJs Clunk House Of Ra
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
Deadline Monday 5pm. The Gig-Guide is a service to advertisers listing all LIVE MUSIC. All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press. Email guide@xpressmag.com.au
The Floors, Saturday at The Bird BALMORAL Retriofit BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) CANVAS BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Far Away Stables Make Believe Me Vice Versa S is For Spaceship BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Mike Nayar THE BIRD The Floors Man The Clouds Dead Owls BOAB TAVERN James Wilson BREAKERS BAR Almost Famous CIVIC HOTEL BACKROOM Theona Councillor Bartlett Brothers Oz Island Lil Tear Drops Band Clint Bracknel THE CHARLES HOTEL Pseudo Echo Wah Wah Nee CORNERSTONE All Star Showstoppers Blues Brothers Tribute show CRAFTSMAN GrooVe DEVILLES PAD Johnny Nandez Hammond Explosion Les Sataniques ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW Gunshy Romeos ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Ali Bodycoat Quintet Solomon Pit ELMARS IN THE VALLEY Chris Gibbs THE FLY TRAP (FLY BY NIGHT) Pete Usher @ The Global Pandemic Leah Emily Grant FLYING SCOTSMAN Under The Influence Andrei Maz THE GATE Dirty Scoundrels GOSNELLS HOTEL Sugarfield GREENWOOD The Reals GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Decoy HOTEL ROTTNEST Helen Shanahan HYDE PARK HOTEL Howie Morgan Project INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Shawne & Luc INDI BAR Blue Shaddy LAKERS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke M ON THE POINT Rhythm 22
Friday Friday Travis Caudle Rachel and HenryTravis ClimbCaudle a Hill, FlyBy By Night Saturday at The Swan Lounge Fly Night
MOJOS BAR RTRFM Winter Music Fest Yarkhob The Empty Cup Ylem Leon Osborn Capeless MUSTANG The Continentals Rockabilly DJ Millhouse DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Paul McCarthy Karaoke with Steve Parkin Gravity PADDY MCGUIRES Easy Tigers PADDO Cheeky Monkeys PARAMOUNT NIGHTCLUB Felix PEEL ALE HOUSE Flesh n Wood PICA BAR Tomás Ford’s Crap Music Rave Party PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Stu McKay PRINCE OF WALES Gay Paris Chainsaw Hookers Hailmary QUARIE BAR B.O.B. RAILWAY HOTEL Apricot Rail Gunns Fall Electric Mt Mountain ROCKET ROOM Kickstart ROSEMOUNT White Oak And Stuyvesant Kill Teen Angst The Scotch Of Saint James Spilt Cities ROSIE O’GRADYS FREMANTLE Flava SAIL & ANCHOR Better Days Childs Play THE SHED Huge DJ Andy SWAN LOUNGE Rachel & Henry Climb a Hill Polly Medlen Band Davey Craddock & The Spectacles Amanda Merdzan SWAN BASEMENT Grace Barbe & Afro Kreol Rokwell & Groom Seams Rakkit Dibs SWINGING PIG Greg Crater Vendetta THE SHED Huge DJ Andyy UNIVERSAL Soul Corporation
www.xpressmag.com.au
The Moonwhores, Sunday at The Railway Hotel
WANNEROO TAVERN MUSTANG BAR Jonathon Dempsey Pete Busher and the Lone Rangers YAYA’S DJ Rockin’ Rhys The Bonekickers NORTHBRIDGE The Irrationals PIAZZA The Order of the Black Powerhouse Jazz Werewolf Band Gloria Ironbox SUNDAY 30.06 South Perth Lions Big BAKERY Band Music Rocks The Bakery NEWPORT HOTEL MONDAY 01.07 BALMORAL BRASS MONKEY The DomNicks Andrew Winton Wire Birds DJ Tom Drummond BELMONT TAVERN ELLINGTON JAZZ Tim Nelson Acoustic Aly CLUB OCEAN VIEW THE BIRD Christ Church Jazz TAVERN Surely GROOVE BAR Adam Morris HW Sims (CROWN) PADDO Leon Osborn Howie Morgan Duo The Coloured Chain Andre & Mike P PAKERVILLE TAVERN MOJO’S BAR BOAB TAVERN Wide Open Mic Kate Gilbertson Astrobat MUSTANG BAR PORT KENNEDY BRIGHTON Triple Shots TAVERN Alicia Risk YA YA’S BROKEN HILL HOTEL Bernardine Big Tommo’s Open Mic QUARIE BAR & Glenn Musto Night BISTRO BROOKLANDS Better Days TAVERN QUEENS TAVERN Gerry Azor TUESDAY 02.07 Velvet CARINE BRASS MONKEY RAILWAY HOTEL Adam James Open Mic Night Mind Canary THE CAUSEWAY Chris O’Brien The Moonwhores Accoustic Sunday THE CRAGIE TAVERN Joe Simich Sarah Pellicano Open Mic Night Jennifer Hardy & The Shenai Meade GROOVE BAR First Fleet CHASE BAR (CROWN) Ciara Louise Chasing Calee Ruby’s Groove THE SAINT CIVIC HOTEL Howie Morgan Project KALAMUNDA HOTEL Mike Nayar Open Mic THE SHED COMO HOTEL LUCKY SHAG The Healy’s Sophie Jane & The Ben Merito Renograde Chilly Bin Boys MERRIWA TAVERN SOUTH ST DEVILLES PAD Celebrations Karaoke The Murphy Brothers ALEHOUSE MOJO’S BAR Blackhart & Nat Ripepi The Shops Strangelove Midnight Sun Mind Canrary SWALLOW BAR ELEPHANT AND Mitchell Jones Masina Miller WHEELBARROW MUSTANG BAR Daren Reid & The SWAN LOUNGE Danza Loca Salsa Celtic City Groove The Rupert Crook Night ELMARS IN THE Confusion YA YA’S VALLEY Eli Schoen Lone Rangers #2 Chris Gibbs Crawjaw Ben Elliot THE GATE Mitchell Friend Alex Elberry Greg Carter In Orbit GOSNELLS HOTEL Jon Madd SWINGING PIG Conny The Clown The Kuillotines (duo), Toni E GROOVE BAR Tom Ware Matt Angell (CROWN) Dan Cribb UNIVERSAL Pseudo Echo Scott Connor Retriofit Peace Love INDI BAR Tigertown The Starry Field Turin Robinson INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Retriofit KALAMUNDA HOTEL White Oak and Stuyvesant Sue Johnson LAKERS TAVERN Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts LAST DROP TAVERN Rick Twine MOJOS BAR Foam Puck Hideous Sun Demon Styck9 Cowboys Rory Lowe M ON THE POINT Double Take WHALE & ALE Sweet Surrender YAYA’S Tigertown The Starry Field Neda
WHITE OAK AND STUYVESANT KILL TEEN ANGST THE SCOTCH OF SAINT JAMES SPILT CITIES THE ROSEMOUNT HOTEL, SATURDAY, JUNE 29
47
MUSIC GEAR & TECHNOLOGY DANCE CLASSES BELLYDANCECENTRAL.COM.AU DANCE CLASS Join us at our harem style dance studio for lots of hip shaking fun. Free classes on Fri 19/7. Term starts on Mon 22/7. For more info & free class invite contact dance@bellydancecentral.com.au, 0409 511 125 or www.bellydancecentral.com.au FOR HIRE 24 CHANNEL PA FOR HIRE 4K Double three way. Foldback. Contact Justin to discuss your project. Excellent rates 0433 675 658 MUSOS WANTED GUITARIST SEEKING other musicians to jam and form band. Infl QOTSA, BRMC, Dead Meadow etc. 0433 235 946 OPEN MIC NIGHT every Thursday night at Indi Bar. Just call Bex on 0404 917 632. OPEN MIC NIGHT @ THE CRAIGIE TAVERN Tuesdays from 8pm. Solos, Duos, Trios, Originals and Covers. Contact Paula or Ceelay 0420375670 or openmiccraigie@ hotmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHY P r o m o p h o t o g r a p h y, s t u d i o , l i v e , location. Mike Wylie 0417 975 964 www.projectphotography.com When its time to ice the cake. PRODUCTION SERVICES * L I G H T I N G * AU D I O * S TAG I N G * www.nightstarlightingaudio.com.au www.nightstarlightingaudio.com.au www.instandt.com.au www.instandt.com.au 9381 2363/ 9444 6651 CD & DVD MANUFACTURE Check out our latest CD & DVD specials online at www. procopy.com.au 9375 3902 D I S K B A N K P e r t h’s p r e m i e r C D & D V D m a n u f a c t u r e r, w i t h o p t i o n s for all budgets. (08) 9388 0800. www.diskbank.com.au/specials. MATRIX PRODUCTIONS AUSTRALIA Lighting, staging, sound systems, smoke machines, night club FX, intelligent lighting, strobes & mirror balls, crowd barriers, video projectors. 9371 1551 RECORDING STUDIOS ALAN DAWSON’s WITZEND RECORDING STUDIO Prof quality albums or demos, large live room, experienced engineer, analog to digital transfers, mastering..Alan 0407 989 128 or Jeremy 0430638178 www. witzendstudios.com ANDY’S STUDIO International multi award winning songwriter / producer. No band required. Broadcast quality. A songwriter’s paradise. Ph 9364 3178
48
Send your Volume News to musicservices@xpressmag.com.au
Edited by T R AV I S J O H N S O N
B A N D S ! - U N LO C K YO U R S O N G S ’ POTENTIAL +FREE APPRAISALS. UK Producer, 40,000+ hours studio experience. 20 yrs in London with bands and songwriters. Kicking arrangements, great studio and the ability to really listen will give your material the edge you need. Call Jerry on 0405 653 338 or visit www.jerichomusic.com.au GOLDDUST Production Mixing, recording and composition. Leederville $70 p/h. 0408 097 407 POONS HEAD MASTERING Analog mastering at its best. Clients include Mink Mussel Creek, Jeff Martin, The Panics, Pond + The Floors. World class facility. World class results. www.poonshead.com 9339 47 91 R E CO R D I N G M I X I N G M A S T E R I N G PRODUCING Fremantle location. Call Pete Kitchen Cooked Records. Ph 0407 363 764 / 9336 3764 REVOLVER SOUND STUDIO Ph 9272 7505. www.revolverstudio.com.au S AT E L L I T E R E C O R D I N G S T U D I O www.satelliterecording.com 0419 908 766 ProTools..17 Years exp TONE CITY RECORDING STUDIO Professional recording & mixing. Clients include Abbe May, Pond, Felicity Groom & The Silentís. Ph: 0409 297 362. REHEARSAL STUDIOS AAA VHS REHEARSAL ROOMS Great facilities, great vibe & great price!!! Unit 5 /16 Peel Road, O’Connor. Phone 9418 5815 or 0413 732 885 BIGBEAT SOUND STUDIO Clean rooms, all new PA systems, air-con and good parking . Willetton Ph: 0425 698 117. PLATINUM SOUND ROOMS Professional rehearsal rooms, airconditioned, quality PAs mob 0418 944 722 VISION REHEARSAL Per th’s premier rehearsal facilities. Visit www.visionstudios. com.au for all info. East Vic Park. Email rehearsal@visionstudios.com.au or call 0432 034 122 TUITION ***GUITAR LESSONS*** Perth’s ultimate guitar studio. Beg-adv, all styles and levels including bass. Cliff Lynton Guitar Institute. Mt Lawley 9342 3484 / www.clifflynton.com BASS LESSONS Rock, funk & jazz. Tony Gibbs 9470 6131 GUITAR & KEYBOARD TUITION (BeginnersProfessional) One on One lessons. Free guitar trial lesson. Burswood Ph 6460 6921/ 0415 238 729 www.gvkschoolofmusic.com.au
SAMSON STUDIO GT MONITORS
Samson’s Studio GT combines monitors with a USB audio interface, providing a complete desktop solution for recording audio to a computer. Featuring 2 x 20 watts of internal power, Studio GT provides precise sound reproduction with the added convenience of a USB audio interface. One of the monitors houses two microphone and instrument inputs with gain control, and two 1/8-inch stereo headphone outputs with independent level controls. Studio GT also includes Cakewalk Sonar LE music production software. The system allows users to input vocal and instrument tracks into any computer, while simultaneously monitoring the performance through headphones during recording. During mixdown, Studio GT’s accurate audio reproduction capabilities enable
MARSHALL C5 CUSTOM PIN-UP AMPLIFIER
users to mix tracks that will sound pleasing on a wide range of playback systems. As audio and video technologies continue to converge due to the need for decent online video promotion as well as audio promotion, Studio GT is an essential tool in producing combined projects. Using the interface, location sound and voice over audio can be recorded and then synchronized to video through any computer. In terms of keeping a home recording computer workstation reasonably clean and uncluttered, the Samson Studio GT ticks all the boxes in having had the innovative idea of adding the simple interface into one of the monitor housings, removing that extra item in the chain needing to be connected. All necessary leads are supplied, so the system is literally ready to plug in and record. The Samson Studio GT retails for $374. Mega Music Wangara is selling the unit for $359. Marshall Custom Shop has recently released the C5 Custom Pin-Up. Inspired by the pinup models of the 1940’s, and tonally inspired by the Marshall Class 5, the range has been designed to give a truly original twist on a popular amplifier. Strictly limited edition, each amp comes complete with a Marshall Custom Shop embossment, and a certificate of authenticity. Along with the Custom Pinup head, there are three different speaker cabinet options to choose from, each with the same custom covering and speaker, but featuring alternative graphic options which include ‘Greta’, ‘Jane’ and ‘Betty’. The amp front and rear panels keep things very simple. On the front there’s the power switch, volume, bass, middle and treble controls. On the rear there are 8 & 16 ohm speaker outputs and a headphone output. The amp is driven by EL84 valve power, providing plenty of volume for a simple five-watt amp. At lower volumes, the sound is clear and warm. Turning up the volume provides an overdriven sound not dissimilar to the tone often favoured by The Who’s Pete Townsend. The amp is aesthetically pleasing, finished with gold piping and logo, leather case handle and of course you choice of ‘40s-era pin up girl on the speaker grille. The amp would make an excellent conversation piece and would probably find its way into the lounge room where guests could see it rather than the practice room. For live applications, the amp would be perfect for players who need simple quality sounds at a reasonable volume. Made in the UK, sounding great and looking gorgeous, there’s a lot to like about this offering from Marshall, especially at the retail price of just $1499. _ CHRIS GIBBS
To advertise in Classified call 9213 2888 or email musicservices@xpressmag.com.au
All equipment was reviewed at Mega Music Wangara.
X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays
www.xpressmag.com.au
49