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The Stanleys

ROCK THE WORLD

Perth’s five-piece of power pop, The Stanleys, are on a big mission. On the back of their Kid’s Gonna Rock 7” vinyl split EP with fellow popsters The Mynd Gardners, they are just about to embark on a massive overseas tour. The Kid’s Gonna Rock tour travels through the US, Europe and China in July, before wrapping up at home in Perth on Thursday, August 8, at the Mustang Bar and Friday, August 8, at Beat Nightclub.

DOWNTOWN ABBE

Electro doom-pop mistress Abbe May has been kissing her apocalypse around the nation and now it’s time to bring that action on home. Makes trails this Friday, July 5, to Astor Theatre. Support for this end of the Kiss My Apocalypse album tour show comes from The Chemist, Felicity Groom, Mathas and Savoir. Get your tickets from Show Ticketing or via abbemay.com.

Abbe May Photo: Toni Wilkinson

HIGH ON YOUR AIR SUPPLY

‘I can’t believe I’m sitting here with Air Supply’ went the old TimeLife infomercial of a few years ago. You too can shout that very phrase when Air Supply take to the Perth Concert Hall stage on Sunday, December 8. Tickets go on sale from 9am on Friday, July 12, via ticketek.com.au (1300 795 012). These Australian soft-rock legends are presented in Perth

by X-Press Magazine.

CALEXICO TO GO

Desert noir specialists Calexico have announced an Australian tour in September. The jaunt will bring them to the Astor Theatre on Friday, September 27, supported by Tiny Ruins (NZ), Quarry Mountain Dead Rats (Melbourne) and Depedro (Spain). Tickets on sale from showticketing.com.au.

The following day Calexico make the trail to possibly the most perfect place they could play, in Hyden for the Wave Rock Weekender, on Saturday, September 28. Head to soulhighway.com.au for tickets and details on that one.

Calexico

Juliana Areias, AGWA Nights Air Supply

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Reactions/Comp Thing Flesh Revelation Film Festival: Jack Sargent Music: Destroy She Said/ Clairy Browne And The Bangin’ Rackettes/ Badpiper Music: Hidden Treasures Music: Sigur Ros New Noise Eye4 Cover: Judith Lucy & Denise Scott Eye4: News/ Steve Kilbey/ Kimball Wong Eye4 Movies: The Lone Ranger/ A Gun In Each Hand Eye4: Brenton See Arts Listings Feature: Urban Central Salt Cover: Arabian Prince Salt: News/ Test Pad/ Anthony Pappas/ Far East Movement Salt: Bliss N Eso/ Gorilla Tactics/ Knoe Salt: Club Manual/ Strange Talk Salt: Rewind: A$AP Rocky Scene: Live: Gypsy And The Cat/ RTR Fremantle Winter Music Festival Tour Trails Gig Guide Volume

COVER: The Revelation Perth International Film Festival kicks off this Thursday, July 4, running until July 14. More deets on page 12.

SALT COVER: Arabian Prince is playing at The Manor this Friday, July 5. See page 27 for more. www.xpressmag.com.au

WAMAGWA!

WAM has – once again – teamed up with The Art Gallery Of Western Australia for another AGWA Nights season that presents the world’s finest artwork colliding with WA’s finest musical talent for an explosion of culture and sense sensations. Next up supporting the current Van Gogh, Dalí & Beyond: A World Reimagined exhibition is Juliana Areias, taking the stage Friday, July 16, at 7pm. The quality likes of Abbey|Foster|Falle, Ruby Boots, Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics and more will follow. To check out the full guide of Friday AGWA Night options, opening hours and more information on how to get the most of the MoMa exhibition, head to momaseries.com.au.

YOUR MOMENT?

Singers and songstresses – this could be your chance! Warner Music – playmakers in Bruno Mars, Kimbra and Kylie Minogue’s success stories – are soon touring the country in the hope of finding their next big thing. Where? The Perth Town Hall. When? Monday, July 8, at 10am.

The label is going ‘back to basics’ with auditions around the country and welcoming talent of all genres and ages. For full information on how to prepare for this audition, jump to rumblepop.com.

DRUM’N’BASS NEWBORN

Presented by Residence, Bass Attic launches on Friday, July 5, at 10pm, and will bring it on up the first Friday of every month. The night aims to be something a bit heavier than Frat House Fridays, armed with niche drum’n’bass, dub step, trap, electro house and glitch hop. For more deets head to Residencemetrofreo’s Facebook page.

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ROBOTS VS SEA MONSTERS Win one of ten double passes to see Pacific Rim, in cinemas next Thursday, July 11. When legions of monstrous creatures called Kaiju started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end.

To combat the giant them, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge.

But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)—who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

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HEAD TURNER

We’ve teamed up with Head Office Salon to offer a makeover package for your locks worth $150! It includes a cut, colour consultation, treatment and blow dry. Jump online to enter. The prize must be used before August 1 this year and on Tuesday to Thursdays only.

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Pacific Rim

THE END, MY FRIEND

This Is The End follows six friends, all Hollywood stars, trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastates Los Angeles.

As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. X-Press Magazine and Sony Pictures Releasing are giving you the chance to win one of 20 double passes to see This is The End at special preview sessions across the weekend of July 12 - 14 at any cinema showing.

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CAB AUDITED CIRCULATION: 38,000 OCTOBER 2011 – MARCH 2012

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The Lone Ranger

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Win an in-season double pass to see the action adventure, The Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer out tomorrow, Thursday, July 4. From the filmmaking team behind Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lone Ranger is an adventure in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption. Get online!

This is The End

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Matt Cal Zeke, Net Worth

The Boys DevilBoys RidesBoys!

Out Photo: Denis Radacic

NEW BUT OLD TRACK

Local songwriter, Matt Cal, is just about to release his new single, titled Old Wheels. Recorded at Scudley Frat House Fridays tries a different flavour once a Records, the single features not only Cal but also month kicking off this Friday, July 5, with Net Worth, Chris Parkinson on harmonica. Old Wheels is a night designed to bring you the kind of mainstage launched at the Indi Bar in Scarborough, on Sunday, energy you get at your favourite festival. Kicking July 14, at 6pm, with backing from Cal’s band The things off will be Zeke, Black & Blunt, Get More, Black Heart Sun. Other special guests are Pete Gran Calavera, Genga and BMB. Tickets available Renzullo, Little City Dream and Morgan Bain. on the door, which opens at 9pm.

Entry’s a tenner. Head to mattcal.net for more details.

NETWORTHY

THE DEVIL RIDES OUT

Chainsaw Hookers/ Forstora/ Troll Amplifier Bar Friday, June 28, 2013 The Devil Rides Out had a new EP Ugly Creatures to launch and long time drummer Royce Uyens to farewell, so they kept any sadness at bay by sheer ear-bleeding musical tonnage that left ears ringing well into the next day.

Troll were first to assail the crowd, bringing their stoner metal onslaught all the way from Geraldton, before Forstora delivered a hardcore uber metal punking mad frenzy. I have no idea what Denis Radacic was singing about, but fuck – he and the rest of the band sure meant it.

Chainsaw Hookers guitarist Jon Russo joked about sounding ‘easy listening’ after Forstora’s mayhemic set, but fear not, there’s nothing mellow

about this whirlwind of denim, beers, shredded guitar strings and beards.

The best Hookers in town rock hard no matter whether you stand in the punk or the metal camps. Never Sleep Again, Deathproof, Blood Moon Rising, Texas Is Hell and a red raw Party Man all rip the crowd a new one, before a raucous and brutal cover of KISS’s Love Gun seals the deal and leaves Amps gasping.

The Devil Rides Out hit like a tornado, awash in blood red light for the stoner-dirge of Black River. Sabbath riffs tackle swirling stoner grooves while Uyen beats seven shades of shit out of his kit for the last time.

Singer, Joe Kapiteyn, presides darkly over the crowd and steers The Devil into uncharted waters with an intensity that reaches into the soul, and when he adopts Jesus Christ pose and half growls half screams, ‘Oh my God you ugly creatures’ from the new EP’s title track, you know he’s talking about us all.

Tom Waits-channelling The Righteous Walk is a drunken swagger of a song, Johnny Cash turned to osmium, before a couple of really early tunes - including the boogie metal of Action Figure and This Is Your Life - send Uyens off in style. _ SHANE PINNEGAR

Stereophonics

‘TIL THURSDAY

Stereophonics and their touring pals Atlas Genius have rescheduled their Metro City show until Thursday, July 25. The team will still be East-bound on the original Tuesday, July 23, date, due to an additional Melbourne show.

Tickets to the show, on the back of their eighth studio album, Graffiti On the Train, are still valid for the new date. If this date doesn’t fit into your schedule you can get your money refunded – as long as you holler before end of day Wednesday, July 17. Head to livenation.com.au for full how-to details.

Seams, Sweetdog Sounds

SWEETDOG, SWEET SOUNDS Fleetwood Mac

ONE MORE TIME

John Cena, Australian RAW

Clearly, fans didn’t think the British-American rockers Fleetwood Mac’s single Perth show on Friday, November 22, was enough. The iconic outfit have just announced another show in Perth on Saturday, November 23, at Perth Arena, as part of their Australia tour that will see them perform in eight cities.

Tickets go sale from 11am on Monday, July 8. For complete tour and ticket information for both shows, head to livenation.com.au and fleetwoodmac.com.

Fremantle record label, Bruno Sweetdog Records, proudly presents 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 and Duncan Strachan (Deep River Collective). Artworks featured are by CatBreast, Wholemeal Tortilla, LNR Designs, Ruby-Rose, Bo Griffiths.

Entry is $10.

Bernard Fanning

FANNING THE FANS

Topping up the news that that singer/songwriter Bernard Fanning is performing for A Day On The Green this year comes word that The Cruel Sea will be tagging along too, as will Sarah Blasko, Bob Evans and Band of Frequencies. Good just got better and it’s all happening on Sunday, November 7, at Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Tickets go on sale 9am on Monday, July 8, from ticketmaster.com.au.

WHO WRESTS BEST?

2013 WWE winner John Cena and human wrecking ball Ryback will go head-to-head in just a few weeks time, when the WWE championship battle comes to Perth, as part of the Australian RAW tour. Perth Arena hosts the contest on Tuesday, July 30, from 7.30pm.

Other fan-favourite wrestlers joining the tour include The Miz, Kane, Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston.

Tickets are on sale now from ticketek.com.au, venue box offices and select ticket agents.

BEYOND JUST ART

Fremantle Arts Centre pompously presents the exhibition Anarchy, Rock & Ink, a series of three intimate Thursday-night gigs next month kicking off on Thursday, August 15. First out are 2011 WAM Song of the Year winner Timothy Nelson with 2010 WAMI Guitarist of the Year Luke Dux, followed in ensuing weeks by other WA leading songwriters, Brendon Humphries, Todd Pickett, David Craft and Hayley Beth.

The exhibition itself, running from July 27-September 15, celebrates political, rock and art printmaking, featuring masterpieces from New York collective Black Cat, St Kilda design studio Beyond The Pale and WA’s own Rachel Salmon-Lomas.

More details and full event line-up at fac.org.au. www.xpressmag.com.au

Beaufort Street Festival Photo: Dan Grant

BEAUFORT STREET WANTS YOU! Claim The Throne

ZEPHYR AT THE ROSIE

Perth melo-death/folk metal warriors Claim The Throne have been busy in the studio over the past few months, working on their upcoming album. They are now ready to launch the first music video from the 14-tracker, of the single, Zephyr, on Friday, July 5, at the Rosemount Hotel. Locals Sensory Amusia, Entrails Eradicated and Bloodklot will also bring the noise, so bring them your presence. Doors open 8pm.

The Beaufort Street Festival is set to roll again, with over 100,000 attendees last year, the event will take over the streets of Mt Lawley and Highgate on Saturday, November 16, with similarly huge numbers expected.

As such, applications are now open for all stallholders, as well as for bands, artists and volunteers for the 2013 edition. Application forms can be accessed from the official Beaufort Street Festival website at beaufortstreetfestival.com.au.

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What qualities and experience did you bring to the role?

My experience was extensive. I’d toured movies, programmed retrospectives and so on. For example, I did a road movie retrospective, again in Brisbane, drawing on a book I wrote part of and co-edited on road movies, and we screened everything from Backroads and Mad Max through to The Road To God Knows Where and Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia and They Live By Night.

Anyhow, one retrospective I curated was at ACMI and was dedicated to punk on film, based on a book I had co-edited, No Focus, which was launched at the retrospective. I programmed things like films by Throbbing Gristle and Billy Childish, Derek Jarman and so on. The whole thing was great. Most importantly, it reacquainted Richard Sowada and myself, and we worked well together. It made sense to work together again. Hence I guess my involvement at Revelation.

As to what I bring to the role, besides my aesthetic... the desire to always learn and discover new things, years of experience. And I have a furious dedication to what I do.

JACK SARGEANT

Give us some background on yourself, for those unfamiliar with your resume.

I’ve been writing, curating and programming since I was a teenager. I started off putting on gigs by post-punk bands, curating art shows and so on. I put on numerous bands and worked on things like exhibitions of outsider art and performance art. I still do some of these things - for example, last year I co-curated an exhibition of photography in Sydney. Anyway, simultaneously to this I started writing, and by the mid ‘90s I was writing books and articles on film. Primarily I focussed on underground and independent cinema.

That was my background, but my writing also The 2013 Revelation Film Festival extended far beyond that. written on cult movies, genre, opens on Thursday, July 4, at Luna AustralianI’ve cinema and so on. Anyhow, my first Leederville - with a screening of book, Deathtripping, came out in 1995 and has informed international exhibitions and the documentary, Burn, followed subsequently featured in the movies Llik Your Idols and Blank City, by a gala launch party - and will and in the UK it was featured in a television minicalled X-tripping. At the same time, when the run until Sunday, July 14. Head to series first book was published I started touring movies revelationfilmfest.org.au for tickets and developing numerous contacts.

And then my second book, Naked and session times.

Lens: Beat Cinema, got me to Australia, where I screened a retrospective of beat and beatnik films in A fixture on the Perth cinema scene’s calendar since Brisbane. Anyhow, one of the people involved in this 1997, The Revelation Film Festival is the number process was Richard Sowada, who at that time was one event for those who want to broaden doing his third or fourth Revelation, I guess. While their understanding of what film can be and that book didn’t get me to Perth, it established accomplish. that connection. When I moved to Australia the W i t h o v e r 1 0 0 f i l m s , i n c l u d i n g opportunity came-up to work at Revelation, and documentaries, dramas, animation, experimental naturally I jumped at the chance. pieces and more on the program, as well as a host of international guests and an acclaimed What is your actual role? academic stream, it ’s a veritable feast for I chose many of the films - maybe 90 sandgroper cineastes. per cent of the features and a handful of the Somewhere near the projector is Program shorts – and I select the guest curators to program Director, Jack Sargeant, whose curatorial skills have retrospectives or specialist sidebars. I develop most guided Revelation since 2008. of the special events, workshops and lectures and I select the guests. I co-organise the RevCon Academic.

And I deal with various daily pragmatics.

By TRAVIS JOHNSON

Signs And Revelations

THE BEST OF THE FEST

Can’t make up your mind or running short on time? These are the five films that any selfrespecting film fan should take the time to catch this year.

Suspiria - Dario Argento’s seminal 1977 tale of witchcraft at a prestigious dance academy is always worth catching, but the live accompaniment by Italian prog-rockers Goblin makes it absolutely essential.

A Field In England - Director Ben Wheatley follows up the excellent Kill List and Sightseers with this surreal horror odyssey set during the English Civil War.

- for want of a better term - always link to exciting developments in filmmaking practice. As far as I can see, no one seems to be combining an academic aspect with a festival in Australia in this way. To have people come and talk about their research, to meet, to argue, that’s where new ideas come from.

The question I’m asking is brutally simple: why can’t Revelation and Perth be the home to the next big moment in independent film? Combining the conference and festival offers a unique possibility, a genuine opportunity, for filmmakers and intellectuals and audiences to meet and discuss things. To me that’s wonderful, that’s the point of the whole thing in a way.

Rev has demonstrated a strong commitment to local product over the years. Could you expand on Rev’s philosophy towards Australian cinema?

Under my programming lead there is no What do you look for in a film? What screams specific commitment to local product or Australian film or any specific genre. Primarily I think the works ‘Rev’ to you?

There are several responses to this. should all stand or fall accordingly. The commitment Most obviously it has to have something new and is to bring works to Perth and WA, these films can be interesting or something that I haven’t seen before, from, for example, Canada or from Germany or from but there are also other issues, such as what will England or from Northbridge or from Fremantle. audiences like, what do they want to see, perhaps also what do they need to see, as well as what reflects the Is there a theme this year, and what does it mean local, national and international filmmaking scenes, to you?

I think the themes are increasingly diverse and so on.The festival offers the opportunity for people to see what’s going on in cinema from around as the festival grows. There’s queer cinema, melodrama, the world and they probably won’t get to see many horror movies, music documentaries, films from all of these films elsewhere, in some cases perhaps around the world, and so on, but no single theme.

But really, the over arching thing that links nowhere else in Australia. My personal taste isn’t necessarily reflected equally in all the films, but there these movies - and you can see it in films as diverse are films that I or the guest programmers recognise as The Deep or Burn - is that they are all films that should be seen on the big screen where they belong. are important and that demand to be seen.

And counter to that, what eliminates a film from Rev consideration? Are there uncrossable lines, or forbidden subject matter? What are the fish John West rejects?

Nothing is forbidden. Why would a film be forbidden? If it handles a subject with interest or reflects something that is happening, or whatever, it is considered. That said there’s films I hate - I’m not pure and noble.

The RevCon Academic stream is a fairly recent addition. What brought that into being, and what does it add to the overall festival?

I think that, as a writer on film, it’s important to me that people think and engage with cinema. I like it when people really explore ideas and push their thinking, push ideas and just develop possibilities.

The academic component - I hope - does that. As to what it adds, well to me it’s a crucial aspect of film culture. It adds as much as any film in the program, any workshop or guest - to me these are all essential components that make up the whole.

If you consider things such as Dogme ‘95, for example, in Denmark or more obviously the relationship between the French New Wave and the magazine Cahiers du Cinema, ‘intellectual debates’

What are your personal picks from this year’s season?

White Reindeer is a movie I really enjoy.

Interior. Leather Bar is essential. United States Of Hoodoo I love. Burn, A Field In England and The Act of Killing are all essential viewing, Upstream Color I love and Exposed, of course, I love. Of course, Exposed is by Beth B, who was in my first book. Everything comes around.

There’s an impressive list of guests this year. How did you decide upon them, and what were some the challenges involved in getting them over?

Normally the guests just emerge organically.

Again, 90 per cent is down to me, but not all of it. Of course, Goblin performing a live soundtrack is a coup (Goblin will be performing the score to Supsiria live as the film screens), but I can’t lay much claim to that, it was developed by ACMI and Melbourne Music Week.

I’m pretty excited about their appearance, to me this is what a film festival offers, that opportunity to really experience and see something genuinely new.

Any final thoughts?

I have a new book coming out - you should ask me about that in a couple of months. I hate to relax for too long.

Sunset Strip - A lurid and lascivious look at the history and cultural import of the most famous street in Los Angeles.

Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction - This compelling look at the life and work of one of the greatest character actors in living memory avoids the common tropes of biographical documentaries to offer up something far more enigmatic and engaging.

Hunter: For The Record - This WA-made documentary celebrates the life and work of hip hop icon, Robert Hunter, whose ultimately unsuccessful battle against cancer is both moving and inspiring.

A Field In England

Sunset Strip 12

Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction

Hunter: For The Record X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

CLAIRY BROWNE AND THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES Acid Queen

Destroy She Said

DESTROY SHE SAID Bon Dirty

Melbourne’s Destroy She Said bring their pub rock juggernaut way out West for shows at Bunbury’s Prince Of Wales this Friday, July 5, and the Charles Hotel on Saturday, July 6.

SHANE PINNEGAR reports.

Destroy She Said guitarist, Gary ‘Youngy’ Young describes his band as “ball bag boogie that will smash you in the face until you remember what over-the-top pub rock is all about.”

That’s a pretty fitting description of their sound, which combines the beer-barn rawk of early AC/DC and Rose Tattoo with Motorhead-like aggression and power. “ We a r e s o e xc i t e d t o h ave t h e opportunity to come over and play,” says Youngy.

“For the last two years we have felt more love from WA than anywhere else in Australia apart from Victoria. I’m pretty sure that energy will explode once we are unleashed. It will be dirty!”

And dirty they are – their debut album, Down To Dirty, features mum-friendly ditties Squirter, Hookers Don’t Kiss and Fanta Pants amongst others.

It’s all about good, fun pub rock, says Youngy.

“What makes pub rock so endearing?” he

asks. ”Maybe it’s the perfect ugly romance? Kinda like a first love? Fuck that - it’s the sound that never lets you down and will always be around!”

The AC/DC sound is indisputably a strong influence on Destroy She Said, but it’s the attitude behind it that Youngy says is more important.

“It comes down to the fact that we have always been a bit isolated here and the Aussies have always been renowned for not buying into any bullshit,” he explains. “There are so many songs from the ‘70s that came out of Europe that start out real tough and then you will hear some weak keyboard solo and you think, ‘that wouldn’t happen here!’”

With the album recently getting released in Europe to critical acclaim, a live album and recent single, No Church, out now, Youngy says the band are no strangers to hard work.

“I think people start taking more notice when a number of releases start to come through from the same artist,” says Young. “We have a live EP that will be released soon - we are mixing that at the moment. And we are about to start pre-production on the new album soon - we have more than enough quality tunes, just got to knock them into shape proper!”

Playing on the Raise The Flag Bon Scott birthday celebrations bill is a special thrill for the band, having gotten to know Bob Spencer and James Morley, both ex-The Angels and also appearing at the Charles Hotel on Saturday.

“I literally grew up with The Angels on my wall,” he explains,“and saw them plenty of times when Bob and James were in the band, so to hang out and talk music and have some nice stuff said about your band is a cool surreal feeling. They’re both ripper blokes.

“I reckon it’s gonna be one hell of a rock’n’roll birthday party. That sounds like fun to me... prepare to be destroyed!”

Clairy Browne And The Bangin’ Rackettes return to Perth for a show at the ARTBAR this Thursday, July 4. KRISSI WEISS gets to the soul of the matter.

Clairy Browne has got something to say about her band and their music.

“What we’re trying to do is play good music,” she asserts. “I think in the past we’ve been mistaken for a cabaret act or something that’s more theatrical or somehow related to burlesque. It’s not a throwback thing jazzed-up with costumes, we put a lot into our music.

Ain’t that the truth. If you somehow missed the soul of their debut album, Baby Caught The Bus or even just the smashingly catchy energy of their lead single, Love Letter, don’t mistake Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes for some nostalgia or tribute band.

Their music may hark back to the soul sister vibe of the ‘60s but their take on it is thoroughly modern.

Browne and co. have recently released their debut album in the US – 20 months after the Australian release - and although they’ve been playing these tunes for a long time, Browne is in no way sick of them.

“I’ve grown new appreciations for the songs,” she says.“I think the songs became a bit laboured after playing them live in Australia for so long and Australian audiences can be really tough – you’ve really gotta earn their interest – but when I went over to LA and listened to the album again, not just hearing it on stage, I discovered a new fondness for it.

“It’s also good because we’re looking at making the second album now and I was listening to the first album thinking about how we could do things differently this time around and maybe try some things that we didn’t feel cool about the first time.”

They’ve seen some amazing places as a touring band – taking on Europe with the Cat Empire in 2010 – but sets at SxSW and more pivotally House Of Blues and The Troubadour in the US (among many others) was like ticking off a dream list of iconic US venues for Browne.

“It was like a surreal dream to play in the States; it was like a long, washed out acid trip,” she laughs. “You’re travelling to these wild and amazing

“Street performing is still very much my bread and butter. “The stagecraft of Badpiper has been born from the streets. When I first started, 20 years ago, I just hit the streets with long hair, a kilt and Doc Martens. But people always seemed to want more.

The Badpiper, aka Cam McAzie

THE BADPIPER Viral Starter

He’s local and global; he’s been on your streets, your TV and in your face. He is Cam McAzie, The Badpiper, and last week he went viral on YouTube (+1,000,000 views).

Now, he wants you to Burn. SABIAN WILDE re-engages.

He may have been on the streets for years, but Cam McAzie, aka The Badpiper, is nothing if not commercially viable.

13

“This is officially my fourth album if you include Music For The Kilted Generation from back in 1998, when we had our first interview,” McAzie recalls of an article that also covered his unlikely support slot at the time with Savage Garden. “After that there was Liverdance, Tradical and now, the latest album, Burn.”

Over the last 15 years, The Badpiper has managed to do four laps of the globe, playing a mixture of big gigs, corporate events, street festivals and of course, a flame-throwing bagpipe performance on Australia’s Got Talent that had one judge practically sliding off her seat.

“I had a large impact on Dannii Minogue, which took me as far as the semi-finals on Australia’s Got Talent. To be fair, that’s no big achievement,” McAzie chuckles.

“I got a grand total of nothing out of those TV appearances other than having a lot of Australian and international people know who I am when they see me playing on the street.

“All of a sudden people wanted to get their photo taken with me and stuff because they’d seen me on TV. That made me ‘real’ in some way, even though I’ve been doing this for 15 years or more.”

For good or ill, The Badpiper always

seems to find himself back on the streets, which has defined, moulded and supported him. In fact, the viral YouTube clip shows The Badpiper playing Plunderstruck in front of the Fremantle Markets, the same site that has hosted McAzie, John Butler and even Brighton-born Passenger over the years.

“Street performing is still very much my bread and butter,” he says.“The stagecraft of Badpiper has been born from the streets. When I first started, 20 years ago, I just hit the streets with long hair, a kilt and Doc Martens. But people always seemed to want more.

“When I started to get the tattoos and weird haircuts, people still wanted more, more, more - so then it’s tartan and leather until finally I got to work with a flamethrower technician and finally it seems to all come together.

“In 2009 I invented the flame-pipes and took them to Europe, so they’re four years old now.

A lot of people think the fuel is kept in the bagpipes, like I’m fuelled by whiskey,” he laughs.

“The next stage is to work out how to get the flames to shoot 10 to 15 feet,” he says.

At present, the flames are only three or four feet, but it’s a point of distinction that has helped shape Burn and certainly draws attention wherever he goes.

Burn brings together the Badpiper’s friends from as far afield as the US and Scotland, representing music files digitally darting around the world for almost two years before finally forming the Badpiper’s fourth album.

“I listen to a lot of traditional Scottish tunes and try to extract the elements that turn me on. Even though it’s traditional, I find something intrinsically metal or at least very rock in it,” he says. “I take that rock bit and that metal bit, sandwich them together

Clairy Browne And The Bangin’ Rackettes places that you see in the movies but you’ve never dreamed you’d play at and the crowds are so unique. It’s just its own flavour and it’s different again to playing in Europe. The best thing about touring is that you’re not just playing but you’re getting to experience people’s culture. Because we just get in a bus and go from place to place playing music, that’s the segment of culture we’re getting exposed to – how people respond to a show.”

The candid attitude of the audiences they met was something that spoke to Browne’s own straightforward personality. “People in the States aren’t afraid to say what they feel and that appeals to me as a performer,” she says. “Meeting people after the show is really the thing that makes you feel like what you’re doing is worthwhile.”

While home – as the cliché goes – is where the heart is, Browne and the band are nowhere near reaching tour burnout.

“You kinda get your tour legs and you just go. It makes me feel alive and I get a little anti-climactic afterwards. It has its pros and cons, though.

“One of the best things to come of a project that has nine people is that each person’s music is dynamically eclectic and has so many different influences. But the logistical stuff is hard; it’s not just about getting nine people around the world, it’s also hard enough just to get nine people a table at a restaurant to eat before the show!” and slam some big riffs over it - it’s like a filtration/ extraction process of traditional music.”

The ‘big riffs’ on Burn are supplied by ‘G-Man’ of Glasgow and local guitar-hero, Ben Frichot.

“People who know their local rock’n’roll will know Ben Frichot from back in the day with Storytime... if they don’t, they should start by listening to his new band Day Of The Dead,” Badpiper enthuses.

“I played at a wedding here and Ben was there; he offered to do guitar parts for me immediately and we got working. It was a great opportunity, because it’s pretty challenging finding local guitarists that really understand Celtic music.”

And of course, it’s all pretty much a labour of love. Hard, tattooed, pelvic-thrusting, flame-throwing love, but love nonetheless.

“You can’t get more independent than me,” he says ruefully. “I’ve made a conscious decision not to release Burn on iTunes or anything at this stage,” he says. “I’d much rather sell hardcopies through thebadpiper.com and give people the opportunity to get signed copies and interact with me a bit rather than just download it.

“There’s not enough of that personal experience happening in the digital age, to my way of thinking, especially as we can be that much more directly connected to the artists we enjoy,” he says.

“I like being able to personalise each CD. I get all sorts of autograph requests such as, ‘Rory, keep worshipping your wife’ or ‘from one Badpiper to another’... there’s a lot of piper traffic,” he admits.

Bagpipe-focussed rock/metal tunage might be a bit of a niche market, but The Badpiper buzz seems to be working, with about 30 per cent of sales coming from overseas customers.

“It’s not bad, seeing as I never get any radio airplay or distribution and you can’t buy my CD in shops,” he laughs. “It’s pretty difficult to find me unless you’re a pretty avid internet user.”

Yep, television appearances and even ‘going viral’ doesn’t necessarily lead to a life of luxury. And while there are many things that are fierce about The Badpiper, ‘fiercely independent’ isn’t one of them.

“Don’t get me wrong,” he laughs,“I would literally give up a body part for a manager or agent or promoter that knew how to make me bigger than I am - even one of my body parts.

“But at the moment I’m doing everything on my own and I keep finding myself working the street corner.”

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

BOOK OF FUNK

HIDDEN TREASURES

Broad Beens

Hiding All The Way Celebrating music (and its makers) borne from the heart and soul of Fremantle, Hidden Treasures returns to the Port City each Thursday from July 4-25.

Each Thursday night of this month musicians and audiences across all generations will make their way to High Street - at the Workers Club, Buffalo Club, Merenda Gallery and Navy Club – for the third installment of this annual Winter Music Series, presented by the City of Fremantle.

This week on Thursday, July 4, finds The Stalkers and Justin Walshe Folk Machine at The Workers Club; Valiant and Axe Girl at the Buffalo Club; Dilip And Drew at the Merenda Gallery; and Red Engine Caves and Lucy Peach at the Navy Club.

Coming up in the next few weeks will be Pond singer and Tame Impala’s former bass player Nick Allbrook, Davey Craddock & The Spectacles, Pimps of Sound, Mama Says Yes, The Crux, Mister and Sunbird, Leon Osborn, Valiant, Bass Reflex, Huge Magnet, Tashi Sugarpuss, Datura and more.

Head to fremantle.wa.gov.au/festivals for full details and keep an eye on X-Press for updates and titbits.

Lucy Peach, Navy Club Photo: Richard Watson Book Of Funk, back together for Hidden Treasures

Hidden Treasures will see the return of ‘90s Freo outfit, Book Of Funk, at The Workers Club on Thursday, July 25. BOB GORDON chats with vocalist, Alistair Moffat.

Dilip And The Drew, Merenda Gallery

Justin Walshe Folk Machine, The Workers Club

Axe Girl, Buffalo Club

Outernational Day at the Fremantle Passanger Terminal in 1992, that was nuts. We had to play another show earlier in the night, so when we arrived the place just went ballistic. We only played about 10 songs but the crowd just loved it.

The band’s name implied funk and there was certainly a notion of ‘Fremantle funk’ at the time.

What have you all been doing these intervening How would you characterise the music though? years?

Yeah, the name can be a bit misleading.

Most of the band have been busy with People who come expecting just a straight up and other projects, Dave Pensabene (sax) has a thriving solo career, and Pete and Leroy also play in King down funk band will be disappointed. I hate to say it, Brown. I’ve been doing journalism and film-making. but it is very eclectic. The best thing about the band is that, if you don’t like a type of song, wait five minutes Did you ever think that Book Of Funk would play and the next one will be very different. There is four different singers, so it does not get boring. It’s really together again?

No, I had given up on it. But somehow the just Worldly Music you can dance to, but it does tend time just felt right, and Hidden Treasures asked if we to defy easy description. My wife calls it ‘hippy music’ wanted to do it. We’re not getting any younger, so it but I’m not exactly sure what the hell that means. seemed like now or never.

Why did the band end?

In my memory, Book Of Funk equates ‘Fremantle We moved to Sydney to try and crack it, good times’. What’s it equate to you?

I think of countless shows to a wide variety but it cracked us instead. It’s the same old story that of audiences. We did build up a real ‘cult following’ affected dozens of Perth bands, and no doubt still in Freo, but foremost in my mind it’s just about a does. But it seems more viable to stay here these days. broad range of music that you can dance to. Oh and Thursday nights at the Harbourside; that became What can friends and fans expect from you Hidden Treasures show? something of an happening thing during 1991-92.

Hopefully a good time. We want to have What were some of your most memorable shows? fun, and we want the audience to have fun too. Bring Playing to 3,000 people at the Bob Marley your dancing shoes and get ready to get down.

GEORGI KAY Lakeside

Georgi Kay has just released a new EP, In My Mind. ALASDAIR DUNCAN reports.

VILLAGERS

Stardust Realities Irish folk band Villagers are pushing the boundaries of the genre with their latest album {Awayland}. CHRIS HAVERCROFT speaks to songwriter and brains trust behind the outfit, Conor O’Brien, ahead of their show at the Fly By Night Club on Friday, August 2.

Villagers had less than auspicious beginnings when Conor O’Brien awoke with a hangover one morning after his previous band had split up.

It was this fuzziness of head and stomach that lead to the first song that he wrote for what would become Villagers.

“I am fulfilling the Irish stereotype pretty well there,” says O’Brien of the band’s fable. “I think it was a song called Transitional Confessional which was a very pretentious song title. It ended up a b-side and I did indeed have a hangover, and the song sounded very much like a hangover. I am very clean living these days.”

One of the trappings of being a melodic Irish band is that you draw the obvious comparison to U2 regardless of whether it is warranted or not. O’Brien recalls the New York Times saying that Villagers were a combination of The Frames, U2 and Leonard Cohen.

While that combination of artists is one that O’Brien would find truly fascinating, he is adamant that the Villagers aren’t that band.

“Ireland is such a particular place around the world that I think people attached a romantic musical lineage to it. Sometimes that it is true but most of the time I very much feel a little hard done by from the 14

Villagers comparison. It is xenophobic and mildly racist but that is okay.”

Villagers are known for their impassioned and dark lyrics. While the words that O’Brien used were a strong focus early for Villagers, they were not something that he wanted to overthink for {Awayland}.

O’Brien was keen to not get too academic about the lyrics and to let the music be the tool for adding the texture and the sensuality for the tunes.

“They came a bit less morose and they make me happier to sing anyway and I think that is a good thing. I did write darker songs before and I think it was out of childish romanticism where I thought that sadness was cool. Then I became an adult and I realised that it is horrible. I think that it is important that music is the kind of thing that brings people together a bit more without getting all Michael Jackson Earth Song about it. I love that about music and I have become enough of a hippie to embrace that.” {Awayland} is said to be written from the perspective of a new born child. The whole concept behind the album is a project that O’Brien created for himself. On the songs such as Judgement Call O’Brien was aiming to write a Randy Newman type song where O’Brien inhabited someone else’s body.

It was this left of centre focus that made the writing interesting for O’Brien which he needed in order to be able to write this album, instead of treading the same ground as before.

“I like my music to represent all of the conflicting things that can happen between your body and your mind and your soul, and it is okay to feel those things. It is okay to feel utter meaninglessness and disgust. It is okay to feel sadness and you don’t need to have a crutch that is based on history and text that has been passed down. It is okay to feel new things and the universe is inside of you and you are made of stardust.”

It’s been a huge year for Perth singer/songwriter Georgi Kay, but a role in Jane Campion’s drama series, Top Of The Lake, was one highlight she could never have predicted.

Kay admits that she was unfamiliar with Campion’s work before a friend suggested that she audition for the part of a musician in the show. She turned up not knowing what to expect, and was terrified when she found out that the part also called for her to act. “I was flipping out, but they said that Jane wanted someone natural for the part, with minimal acting experience. I was scared and still really didn’t know who she was or what I was doing, but I went for it.”

A week or so later, Kay found out from Campion herself that she had won the part.

Her character is called upon to play an acoustic cover of the Björk song Joga during a particularly emotional funeral scene. “I would never have thought of covering that song myself,” she says.

“I was nervous before I did it, because I love Björk.

She’s unique, she’s her own entity, and I didn’t know how easy it would be to offer my own take on one of her songs. I didn’t want to defile it or ruin it. It’s had a really good response so far, from fans and people who’ve watched Top Of The Lake. I love performing it.”

Since appearing in the show, Kay has been spending time in the UK, working on tracks for her upcoming album. She says that the sound of her new material is a cross between Depeche Mode and Florence And The Machine, a combination she experimented with on the In My Mind EP. “Working on music in the UK has been really good fun,” she says. “I was born in London, and I was very young when my mum and dad moved to Australia, so I feel like I’ve missed out on a bit of my childhood there. I’ve been working in a converted church in Somerset, and it’s been great to go back.”

Georgi Kay Kay has collaborated with a number of heavy-hitting pop songwriters on her new material, including Justin Parker, who has penned tracks for the likes of Lana Del Rey and Rihanna. The input of her collaborators, along with the beauty of the Somerset setting, has made for something of a dream recording process.

“We went there to get away from distractions, so it’s been great,” she says. “I’m a very visual writer – I like to imagine what would be happening in a film if a song was playing in the background. I’m drawing a lot of inspiration from the landscape and the scenery around me, and it’s a pretty amazing feeling.”

While she puts the finishing touches on an album, Kay is touring the country for a series of shows in support of her In My Mind EP. I ask about her aspirations for after the album is out, and she doesn’t hold back.

“I would love to be selling out shows all around the world,” she says. “I’d love to be an international success, have a big fan base, travel the world, meet and collaborate with new people.

There are so many things I want to do, and so many things I don’t even know I want to do yet. It’s a big adventure that I’m looking forward to going on.”

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Sigur Rós

SIGUR RÓS The Right Words

Icelandic treasures, Sigur Rós, have just released their new album, Kveikur. LACHLAN KANONIUK speaks with drummer/multi-instrumentalist, Orri Páll Dýrason.

After an ostensible years-long hiatus, Icelandic post-rock powerhouse, Sigur Rós, returned last year with the relatively subdued full-length album, Valtari, and a resounding return to the live stage.

Brandishing a prolific resolve, the band have now recorded Kveikur – an album which marks a jack-knifing change of style with bombast and an

affinity for a more conventional song structure.

Speaking from his parents’ house in the suburbs of Reykjavik, drummer/multi-instrumentalist, Orri Páll Dýrason, tells us about Kveikur’s swift turnaround, adjusting to a three-piece formation, returning to the drumkit, and turning yellow for a guest spot on The Simpsons.

“When we were doing Valtari, we started writing the songs,” Orri says on Kveikur‘s genesis.

“Then we started touring last July and in between touring we were recording. We haven’t really had any time off since July.”

Valtari marked the band’s first material since retreating in 2008, an inactive period fans feared might be permanent. As Orri explains, the strategy has paid off.

“It was ver y necessar y. We quit in November 2008, and then we were going to take a whole year off. But we found ourselves in the studio the following March (laughs), starting to do Valtari. It was the first and the last sessions of Valtari, that was in March, 2009. So there wasn’t really a hiatus, we just weren’t touring. Then we did the film, Inni, the concert film in London. We were always doing something. But

“There’s almost no piano.

It’s very bass and drumoriented, they carry most of the weight. It’s more ‘rock’, if that’s the right word.” we were sleeping in our own bed, not the tour bus. It was a good break from touring, at least.”

The return to the studio was followed by Sigur Rós bringing their considerable live show back to the world stages, including a run of Australian dates at last year’s Harvest festivals.“We were all super nervous,” Orri says of the return to the live setting.

“Well, at least me and Goggi (Hólm, bassist) were –Jónsi (singer) had been on tour, so he was kind of used to it. But I was really nervous for the first show.

“But we got back into it really quickly. Now we have new string players and bass players touring with us, plus one guitar player and piano player.

They’re all really nice people. It’s kind of like starting over again.”

After a dearth of drums present on Valtari, Orri’s percussion work has returned in big way on Kveikur. “Drums are the most fun instrument in the world, especially playing live. But the piano doesn’t bother anyone. So when I’m at home I don’t play drums at all, I just play guitar and piano. They’re such different instruments. The drums are a lot more physical. I’ve been playing them a lot – on tour and on Kveikur.

“It’s great fun,” he beams. “There’s almost no piano. It’s very bass and drum-oriented, they carry most of the weight. It’s more ‘rock’, if that’s the right word.”

Long-serving keyboardist Kjartan Sveinsson announced his departure at the start of the year, resulting in the band managing with a three-piece formation. “It was very strange at first. When we were making these songs for Kveikur, a lot of the time we had a computer running these loops and lines. We named the computer Kjartan,” Orri laughs.

“There was definitely something missing.

We got used to it, but it was strange at first. We had played together for a long time. But it was good for us, it’s different, it’s what we needed. Kjartan is happier with what he’s doing now, so everyone likes it.”

Earlier in the year, the three Sigur Rós members guest starred on The Simpsons, a role which saw them become the most involved musical guest stars – with original compositions being produced for the soundtrack.

“I think it’s amazing actually, one of the highlights of my life. I have three kids, I used to watch it when I was a kid. It’s just amazing. We had to do it on tour, so we were in hotel rooms and dressing rooms and it was great fun, actually. We did something that we thought would be a demo, and we were waiting for them to reply or comment, but they just really liked the demo. So that’s what we mixed, and that’s what is on the show.”

With their music being overwhelmingly affecting and serious in nature, it’s interesting to see the band appear in light-hearted cartoon form. Though not present in their music, it seems the Icelandic outfit possess a distinct sense of humour – evident in a clip from a live show in France where Jonsi forgets the lyrics, and ad libs something along the lines of, ‘oh shit, I forgot the lyrics, but that’s alright because I’m in France and no one understands me’ in Icelandic.

“That’s really funny, actually,” Orri regales. “I don’t know. I guess you’re right, the music isn’t really funny. I don’t like funny music, actually. I don’t think it’s a good mix.”

As for a return to Australia, Orri assures us we’re on the Kveikur touring cycle radar. “We are touring until the beginning of December, and that’s the only thing that’s booked,” he says. “If we are feeling alright, still healthy, and not been drinking too much, then we might tour next year.”

THE BELLRAYS

Lightning At Last Long-running Californian garagesoul band The Bellrays are survivors.

They’ve ridden the vagaries of the music industry through good times and bad, always able to fall back on their golden ticket: an incendiary live show. With a new album Black Lightning, out now, singer Lisa Kekuala discusses the band’s ups and downs with EDWARD SHARP-PAUL. Having formed The BellRays back in 1990, Lisa Kekuala and guitarist, Bob Venuum, remain as the heart and soul of the band.

While they’ve achieved the sort of success that enables them to tour the world, they’ve never broken through to the next level. As such, the duo have soldiered on, joined by an ever-changing cast of players. While such instability might be frustrating or depressing, Kekuala is philosophical.

“That’s just the way it goes nowadays, especially when you’re a band that wants to do it yourself. If you don’t want to do it yourself, your record company will send you out on the road for years and years, until you all quit.”

In other words, line-up instability is just another variable, and no slight on The BellRays as people. “Bob and I are not horrible people – we’re awesome!” Kekuala chuckles.

The BellRays have always had an almost evangelical edge to the way they present their one-off rock’n’soul hybrid. Speaking to Kekuala, her sense of conviction and belief is palpable. “I need to believe what I’m doing,” she explains,“Whoever gets it, or doesn’t – more power to them. I have to know that I did what I’m here to do – I have to feel like I’ve been truthful, in my music, or just day-to-day.”

Of course, in rock‘n’roll, being truthful doesn’t preclude a little bit of fantasy, and Kekuala has a penchant for erring on the dramatic side as a lyricist. As Kekuala explains, her lyrics are often neither truth nor fiction. “Often, my lyrics www.xpressmag.com.au

The BellRays are pieces of real life, but there are plenty of times when it’s more like conjuring, when the music draws something out of you.”

Despite clocking up 22 years and over a dozen albums with The BellRays, Kekuala is still best

“I need to believe what I’m doing. Whoever gets it, or doesn’t – more power to them. I have to know that I did what I’m here to do – I have to feel like I’ve been truthful, in my music, or just day-to-day.”

known for one thing: her star turn on Basement Jazz’s Good Luck, which was accompanied by a video that memorably saw her play a righteous prison guard.

Kekuala has fond memories of the song, and its remarkable success.

“It was a lot of fun working on it. For me it was a different way of making music, but still funky, and still cool. It helped that it was such a good song, too. The fact that it was so successful, that so many people knew about it? That was awesome.”

The experience of performing to huge festival crowds must have been remarkable, not to mention the exposure and the royalties. But, as she explains, the success of Good Luck never really blew back to The BellRays due to their different styles.

“The BellRays get a different crowd, you know? You go to a rock show and you see a lot of leather. You go to a dance show and get white t-shirts and smiley faces. It’s a totally different environment, and you could see how narrow the rock world was, compared to the dance world.”

As far as the concept of ‘success’ goes, Kekuala, has some refreshingly simple parameters.

“Well, I guess I’m the eye of the storm; from my

perspective, I just keep doing what I do with The BellRays, whether I’m playing with Basement Jaxx or not. We’re doing this interview, I’m coming to Australia, so I guess things are all good.”

Though it’s been a while between drinks, The BellRays are hardly strangers to our shores, a fact that Kekuala attributes to a natural affinity between the band and their Australian fans. “We last came out to Australia in 2008. Before that, it was 2007, and then before that it was 2006. Australia’s one of the places that actually gets what we do.

I mean, The BellRays isn’t rocket science, but not everyone responds to our sound.”

Black Lightning is the ostensible reason for their latest Australian tour (which sadly won’t be making it to Perth). Punk greats, The Minutemen, used to consider their albums as no more than flyers for their live show, and Kekuala takes a similar, albeit less extreme view. “Black Lightning is a great record, and we’re really proud of it. It’s about time it made it to Australia (it was released in the US in 2010), but really, live is where it happens for us.”

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

ABBE MAY Kiss My Apocalypse Independent

SEBADOH Secret EP Domino

With the success of the reformed and rejuvenated Dinosaur Jr contributing to Lou Barlow’s kids college fund, there couldn’t be a better time for him to dust off the carcass of his indie-rock project, Sebadoh. Fourteen years since they last recorded an album together, the Secret EP is the precursor to the trio’s upcoming album, Defend Yourself.

Barlow has plenty of grist for the mill for Secret since his recent separation from his wife and partner of 25 years. Keep The Boy Alive is the melodic slacker rock that has become the staple of Sebadoh records over the years. Barlow sounds wrung out during a tune that is appealing in the sloppiness of its attitude if not its execution.

Robert Pollard once declared that Jason Loewenstein is a wanker, but whether he was on the money or not, Loewenstein again makes his presence felt on Secret. The lanky multi-instrumentalist again offers up the more punk rock offering with the robust My Drugs, but it is the twangy I Don’t Mind which is the pick of his two contributions.

It may have been a long time between drinks for this grouping of indie rock royalty, yet the minimalist and modest Secret shows that Sebadoh hasn’t skipped a beat.

_ CHRIS HAVERCROFT

Whitley

WHITLEY Lawrence Of Australia Whitley is back (and back to his old self) with a new album, Even The Stars Are Mess, released this week. JODY MACGREGOR catches up with the enigmatic singer/ songwriter.

In April of 2010 Lawrence Greenwood gave an interview to Mess+Noise explaining why he’d given up on the Whitley name – that it was a tool he didn’t feel the need to use anymore, that his music was changing and that he was leaving the country for a fresh start in Europe.

“I think I, up until this point, I’d never really considered the people that listen to the music. I think artists get an inflated view of their own self-importance by habit, but in one regard I didn’t have that, which was thinking everybody loved me. I assumed that everybody kind of hated what I did.”

He would still make music, but would release it under a new name, perhaps even his own.

But three years later he’s back in Melbourne, has released a single as Whitley (a jittery dream called My Heart Is Not a Machine), an album called Even the Stars Are a Mess and is planning a tour. What changed?

“I felt very out of control of the Whitley thing,” Greenwood says, “and wasn’t enjoying myself and how things were run, so I thought it would be easy enough to change. I manage myself now and it’s a very DIY vibe and that gives me a lot of control and enjoyment that I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten.

“So I gradually leant towards doing it again, but I think when the album was done it was very obvious to me that it was a Whitley album. I thought it would be kind of bullshit if I didn’t put it out under the name Whitley.”

As well as sounding like his previous Whitley albums – he says that it shares their hopeful themes and “production-wise it’s very much a mixture of the two albums,” – there’s also a more pragmatic reason for releasing the new album with the old brand on it.

“Half of the people who listen to my music seem to come from the United States and I don’t have the capacity to advertise that I have www.xpressmag.com.au

a new album to them,” he says. “I think because it’s a moniker they might not necessarily be able to search that I’m releasing an album under the name Lawrence Greenwood, or whatever I chose to release it under, so I thought that maybe it would be best if it was similar, in an aesthetic sense, to have it easily reachable by those people as well. It’s a multifaceted thing, really.”

When Greenwood quit being Whitley back in 2010 he went on the road one more time with his old band, a farewell tour to give his fans a chance to say goodbye. The experience surprised him with its intensity.

“It was insanely emotional,” he says. “I think I, up until this point, I’d never really considered the people that listen to the music. I think artists get an inflated view of their own self-importance by habit, but in one regard I didn’t have that, which was thinking everybody loved me. I assumed that everybody kind of hated what I did.”

Far from it – his fans were dedicated and passionate, as were the members of his band. “I assumed they weren’t 100 per cent into playing with me. Then there was this one moment on the last tour when I turned around and Andy (Reed), the drummer, was playing this incredible shit on the drums, it was amazing, and I just could see tears coming out of his eyes. It really hit me then that this was actually a big thing that was stopping, whereas before it was just as if I was quitting a job.”

The comeback tour comes with a comeback album, one that was written while travelling the world (he wrote the single while snowed in at a house in Tuscany). Like all of his music, it’s very personal.“I still lack the capacity to not write autobiographically,” he confesses. “I just can’t do it; it seems insincere to me. I don’t have that level of emotional abstract thinking that you have to be capable of. I get too sentimental and have to make it about me.”

But no matter how much honesty he’s packed into his music, Greenwood feels like he was misunderstood last time around. “I think that happens when you write pretty ambiguous pop songs,” he says. “People don’t really want to research a pop song most of the time, unless they’re music fans. They just want to hear that fucking piano hook again. But I think there was an element of people thinking maybe I was just there to write pop music to be popular, which is not the case. I really, really, really love pop music. I love the aesthetic, I love the craft behind it, I love the history and I love it as a medium for expressing a connectedness that people can feel.

I’d just like people to understand that, I guess.”

Greenwood traces his love of pop back to a particular song, heard when the family got a shiny new CD player back when CD players were shiny and new. The song that he fell in love with was The Obvious Child from Paul Simon’s 1990 album, The Rhythm Of The Saints.

“It was fucked-up pop,”is how he describes its appeal.“It had a huge Brazilian samba drum band and this beautiful story about a guy called Sonny who is dealing with ageing and trying to still attain a sense of freedom through ageing. Even at that young age it resonated with me: the theme, the mixing of different cultures, yet still having that structure.“That was when pop structure revealed itself to me. It was really beautiful, a really beautiful moment. I still listen to that song now when I need a kick.”

LEANN RIMES Spitfire

This album isn’t what people have come to expect from an artist nominated for an AMP for her bluesy 2011 debut LP, Design Desire. That kind of reaction is probably what Abbe May wants most.

Abbe May’s second album begins with Hurricane Heartbeat, a synthed-up sample of her actual pulse. And despite some critical views that Kiss My Apocalypse is the WA singer at her most obfuscating, this is really May at her most open and raw.

On Tantric Romantic she puts aside creative stumbling blocks with the killer line, ‘Like when he said I couldn’t make the scene / And I replaced him with a drum machine’. The delicious meter of this fuck-you is all the more tasty given our narrator has just finished confessing her love of Timberlake and K-Pop. The album’s biggest single – thus far – is T.R.O.U.B.L.E. May summons space throughout the big, mechanically resonant chorus, before creating a crushing claustrophobia in the minimal verses. Despite returning to the song for the lilting hook, it’s the promise of confinement in the verses that provides the darkest pleasure.

The swagger continues on Karmageddon, where May spits, ‘I think you say whatever you need to / Get your fuck on and somebody to pay for you’. Further down the line, the appallingly-titled Sex Tourette’s wobbles and wanders in something of a musical miasma, never really surpassing its promisingly snappy chorus. Napalm Baby! packs a similar sense of teetering madness – most obviously in the veering guitar bridge – but anchors it with a dominant and simple riff.

The title track is probably the tenderest cut.

There’s a wounded quality to the expansive style of May’s vocals here, and it’s augmented by the bass of long time creative partner, Sam Ford.

Curb Records/Sony

LeAnn Rimes is the country singer who came to prominence as a 14 year-old who got all Blue and then grew up in front of our eyes during Coyote Ugly. Rimes was a revelation when she first appeared, with a voice like Patsy Cline and her early days steeped in the roots of the genre, but for close to 20 years has been seduced by commercial country’s pop leanings.

While Rimes has been more of a pop diva that a ranch rousing hometown artist, she has recently been to rehab for ‘anxiety and stress’ so there is a chance that latest album, Spitfire, may have some more dirt under the nails. The title track is the barroom stomp that you would expect from an artist showing off her harder edge.

Delving into the choices she made that ended her marriage, Rimes is at her best when delivering an honest lyric in What Have I Done and the somewhat repentant ache of Borrowed. She still has a voice that can bring a tear to the eye with ease, yet when she turns it towards Missy Higgins’ Where I Stood the results are pompous and overblown.

Rimes has been hit and miss for some time.

On Spitfire the human side of the previously teflon artist rears its head. Rimes is a fair example of the girl with the curl.

BEADY EYE BE

_ BENJAMIN COOPER

KENNY GARRETT Seeds From The Underground Mack Avenue Label

American alto and soprano saxophonist, Kenny Garrett, is on a roll. He recently released this, his second Mack Avenue Label album, which has been a critical success and won the 2012 Downbeat Reader’s Poll (for alto saxophonist).

He is an outstanding jazz artist, playing in his early teens with the Duke Ellington Big Band, Miles Davis’ Band and was an integral part of the Five Peace Band with John McLaughlin and Chick Corea.

Garrett comes for the post-Coltrane school with his gripping solos and eclectic compositions, from post bebop and blues to soul and funk. Other members of his recording group are, Nat Reeves (bass), Ronald Bruner (drums), Rudy Bird (Bata, percussion) and the outstanding Venezuelan pianist, Benito Gonzalez The compositions on this album are inspired mainly by the influence of those who planted the ‘seed’ allowing him to extend his eclectic musical tastes and the inspiration that took his music to another level. It’s a theme best exemplified by _ CHRIS HAVERCROFT Wiggins, a dedicated composition to Garrett’s high school band director, Bill Wiggins and Detroit an tune for his home town.

Columbia/Sony

_ HELEN MATTHEWS

When part-time menswear entrepreneur, Liam Gallagher, is back in the music press spouting off quotes that range from the mildly amusing to the sublimely ludicrous, it can only mean one thing; he has a new record coming out. While Beady Eye’s first album, Different Gear, Still Speeding, was an okay but sometimes clumsy effort that felt like it was trying too hard to play to type, the second album from Oasis minus Noel has mostly dropped the rock pomp in favour of a deeper, darker groove.

Flick Of The Finger provides an epochal opening. Driven by heavy horns, the track builds up to a climactic finish that features actor Kayvan Novak reading a monologue from the Peter Weiss play Marat/Sade. See, told you it was different. Soul Love could easily have been played as a straight rocker; instead much more space has been given to atmospherics and Gallagher’s voice, which gives the tracks a far more introverted feel.

First single, Second Bite Of The Apple, is anchored by a hefty bass groove. The horns reappear, blistering their way through the choruses. Gallagher’s vocals have a fierce snarl to them on this track particularly. His voice may not have the range and firepower it once did, but his delivery throughout more than makes up for it. Like on the first album, some of the lyrics on BE come across as either barbs or olive branches from Gallagher to his estranged sibling. Don’t Brother Me (see what they did there?) is a mix of both love and loathing that diverges into a haze of backwards guitars and keys.

While its predecessor dragged needlessly at times, BE is a far stronger effort. Like the broader sonic palette of Oasis’ Dig Out Your Soul, BE ventures to fields anew and is all the better for it.

There’s nothing really new about The Hurry And The Harm but why would you want there to be?

For all the connotations of a complicated life that Dallas Green puts forward in his music, he doesn’t come across as a twisted artist, wracked by a pain unfathomed by us mere mortals. In fact, in interviews, he seems like a pretty well-balanced individual. He’s just a man who really digs sad songs.

There are millions of us out there, and Dallas Green, in his City And Colour guise and with his former band Alexisonfire, has been giving us melancholy folk music to wallow in for a decade now.

Centred around his acoustic guitar and his lilting voice, The Hurry And The Harm meanders through folky, finger-picking moments that would make Nick Drake proud (the beautiful Take Care), through to fuzzy, bluesy rock’n’roll assaults (lead single, Thirst). The album isn’t so much a departure from his 2011 album, Little Hell, but a continuation. All the additional instrumentation that featured on his previous LP is still present, but it feels refined. With studio help from the likes of Bo Koster (My Morning Jacket) and Jeff Lawrence (The Raconteurs), it’s warmer and fuller, with Green’s reverb-drenched vocals playing a starring role.

Thematically, the insecurity and doubt that littered his previous work has ceded some ground.

Green sounds quietly confident and stronger in 2013 and even gives a shot to the faceless internet haters on the upbeat Commentators.

_ MICHAEL HARTT

_ RICK WARNER

CITY AND COLOUR The Hurry And The Harm Dine Alone

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

With Judith Lucy’s Spiritual Journey six part series on ABC and the release of her second book we saw a deeper, soul searching side to the funny women who came to the spotlight via The D Generation’s Late Show in the mid ‘90s.

She even traded booze benders for yoga retreats.

JUDITH LUCY & DENISE SCOTT THE SPIRAL

“Yes I am keeping up with the yoga,” says Lucy in her uniquely lovable sarcastic tone, “but in saying that, I am sitting on hangover as we speak.”

Lucy and her long-time comrade in comedy, Denise Scott, have both recently published their second books but are by no means thinking of themselves as literary masters. “I think I can speak for Scotty here too and say that we will always be comedians that write,” says Lucy. “As much as I would like to be Australia’s Margaret Atwood, I think I’m more its Phyllis Diller.”

Lucy’s part send-up of Eat, Pray, Love- the aptly entitled Drink, Smoke, Pass Out, and Scott’s The Tour are the basis of their new stage show, The Spiral. It’s an extravaganza comprising costume changes, book readings, a Q&A section and something about dancing to Rihanna’s S&M. We last saw Lucy in Perth on her national Nothing Fancy tour, which she purposefully kept light on themes, but this time The Spiral refers to what the two comedians went through writing their sophomore releases, which they both took three years to produce at roughly the same time.

“It was a case of the second album, I think.

We both really struggled with them. So we would ring each other up and sometimes get together for lunch and just whinge and moan and go on about our self loathing and our shame.

“And we thought, ‘hey! why not turn that into a show?’ mainly, with the intention of selling as many of the suckers as we can - the show is just really a very long advertisement for our books and we sell them at the end and sign them. The books are the back bone of the show, but really, we just wanted an excuse to get on stage and muck around. That’s really what we do.”

Apart from the occasional charity fundraiser, the two haven’t collaborated on any large projects since their early days working with the late great Lynda Gibson. Their most recent appearance together before The Spiral was comparing an auction for the Victorian Aids Council at Melbourne’s The Laird. “That’s a men’s only leather bar and that gig involved us wearing nude suits,” exclaims Lucy. “We were both wearing gimp masks and strap-on dildos - a very bonding thing to do together.”

In terms of what we’ll get out of the show, Lucy again brings up the fact that her and Scott will be dancing to Rihanna’s S&M. “Let’s face it; we’re two middle-aged women - you’ll leave feeling a lot better about yourself.”

Judith Lucy & Denise Scott’s The Spiral plays at The Perth Concert Hall on Saturday, July 6. Go to ticketek.com.au for session times and bookings. _ JO CAMPBELL

www.xpressmag.com.au

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STEVE KILBEY Man Of Colours

Steve Kilbey, backed by The Hoffmen, plays a career-spanning selection of songs Saturday, July 6, at The Fly By Night Club.

He’ll always be best known as the frontman of The Church, the legendary Australian new wave band that he co-founded back in 1980, but Steve Kilbey also has 14 solo albums under his belt, and he’ll be drawing from both avenues of endeavour at his upcoming solo gig. Not that the choice of material had much to do with him, he stresses.

“I’ve got these friends in Perth,” he explains. “Adrian and Shaun Hoffman, and they said ‘How would you like to come and play in Perth and Broome and Darwin?’ and I said ‘Great.’ and they said ‘What songs do you want to do?’ and I said ‘You choose. If you guys want to do this, if you want to play in the band, you tell me what songs you want to be doing.’”

As a result, the shows setlist encompasses material from The Church, solo stuff and a couple of covers for good measure. “They put together quite an across the board list - all kinds of things from right across the board. So it’s their pick; there were a couple where I said ‘No, I don’t want to do those.’ but they pretty much picked all the songs.”

That admission of veto means that we probably won’t be hearing The Unguarded Moment, an iconic song that has been absent from Kilbey’s live sets for decades now, but long time fans are familiar with his contrarian nature by now.

Still, this current tour is an opportunity for audiences to get a taste of not only Kilbey the musician but also Kilbey the painter. VIP ticket holders can attend a pre-show exhibition of Kilbey’s work, introduced by the man himself. “It’s like a cross-section which I and my art agent in America picked - she picked her favourites and I picked a few of mine, so people can come see some paintings and hear some music if they want to.”

Surprisingly, Kilbey came to art much later in life than one might expect. “I started painting almost 15 years ago, I guess. I’ve, throughout my life, not been that interested in painting, which is kind of weird because you’d think I’d be the sort of person who would be interested in it. Then about 15 years ago I was making kind of a solo record and it was on my youngest brother’s record label, and I asked him what the cover was gonna be and he said I should

A Conversation

A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION Steve Bisley

THEY MEAN BIZ-NESS’

We all know that the 2013 Revelation Perth International Film Festival kicks off this Thursday, July 4 but, in a surprise last minute announcement, it was revealed that a very special guest has been added to the roster: Australian acting icon Steve ‘Jim Goose’ Bisley, who will be present at Luna Leederville on Thursday night to present the winning film of the Revelation regional competition. Head to revelationfilmfest.org for tickets and info.

ANARCHY IN WA

This winter art, music and politics collide at the Fremantle Arts Centre in a series of exhibitions. Black Cat & Beyond: Diatribe of the Squeegee looks at the powerful and confronting political posters created

by New York City’s Black Cat/Gato Negra collective; Steve Kilbey Beyond The Pale: Hits From Australia’s Top Rock Poster Studio does exactly what it says on the tin, with paint it. So I kind of did a little painting and then works for The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Arctic Monkeys and more; and, of course, Gallery he had a little raffle and someone won it, and then Sessions is a series of intimate unplugged gigs from people wanted more of my artwork. So, in response some of our states top songwriters, with the roster to this initial burgeoning demand, I started painting. including performances from Timothy Nelson, Luke “It’s good in a way, having something Dux, Brendon Humphries, Todd Pickett, David Craft apart from music.” he continues. “I started playing and Hayley Beth. Head to fac.org.au for further info. music when I was 15 like everybody else, and my head was totally full of all the people I’ve idolised The Beatles and Bowie and Dylan and Bolan and the Specially designed to encourage budding Scorseses Rolling Stones. At any given time I was the total of all everywhere, Little Big Shots International Film Festival my influences and even, in a way, I still am. But with For Kids features the very best local and international painting, I didn’t have any influences. I didn’t grow shorts, animations and documentaries made for and up going, ‘Oh, I want to be Pablo Picasso’ or anybody, by children. These school holidays, PICA is presenting so my paintings aren’t influenced by anybody, and I four different Little Big Shots streams: Six to Tween, found my own style and my own medium.”

Forever Young, Best of the Fest and Tweenarama, from Tuesday, July 9 until Saturday, July 13. All tickets are $7 _ TRAVIS JOHNSON - head to pica.org.au for session times and bookings.

SHORTS BY SHORTIES

David Williamson’s A Conversation comes to the Old Mill Theatre this August, directed by Brendan Ellis. The second in Williamson’s Jack Manning Trilogy, the play is a confronting examination of crime, violence, the justice system and notions of both retribution and rehabilitation. The season runs August 2 - 17. Go to oldmilltheatre.com.au for session times and ticketing.

A STELLAR OPPORTUNITY

The City of Vincent, in conjunction with the Perth Fashion Festival, will present Constellations on Thursday, September 5. A fringe event intended to showcase emerging designers and retailers, it’s a pop-up extravaganza wherein Oxford and Newcastle streets in Leederville will come alive with a series of live model window displays, culminating in a Laneway Catwalk show in between Funky Bunches and Kailis Bros Fish Market in Leederville.

WA fashion designers and Vincent boutiques are encouraged to throw their hats into the ring by heading to vincent.wa.gov.au/fashion, but hurry applications close at 4pm this Friday, July 5.

FASHION CREDITS

Last week we ran a special fashion feature but forgot to tell you who put it together... doh. Our X-Press Fashion Graduate Award: Class of 2012 feature shone 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.

It was put together in stellar fashion by: Photography by Cameron Etchells Beauty by Rebecca Joanne Assistant Stylist: Blanche McKie Model: Evelyn @ Scene Words by Emma Bergmeier

BRENTON SEE Predator and Prey

Local artist BRENTON SEE has his second solo show this year, Super Predator, at Kurb Gallery in Northbridge from July 6 – 12. we talk to him about his inspiration for his new show, his painting process and the burgeoning Perth art scene.

It was inspiration from his mother that began Brenton See’s love of drawing and it was his formative years at school that saw it flourish into a talent.

“My mother was always involved with art and craft and often volunteered at my school. I was always a shy child growing up and didn’t fit in with the sporty kids, so sitting at a table with a pencil made me comfortable. After finishing school I then ventured into Graphic Design, Tattooing and Sign writing. I soon discovered that I wanted the freedom to express myself through my own work and my own style which has come from all three areas.”

See soon noticed a style emerge that would dominate his work. “I developed a love for watercolours and traditional tattoo flash. I had always loved the simplicity of the designs and soon developed my own way of painting. I decided to start working on wood for a change and discovered I couldn’t use watercolours and keep the intensity of colour. I made the switch to acrylics and found I could get the same effect but keep the vibrancy to my work.”

This vibrancy is on full display in his new show. “Super Predator was inspired by my love of wildlife documentaries but especially David Attenborough’s series. In my eyes the things we do and experience in our everyday life, animals can relate in their own way. Each piece represents a feeling, struggle or experience myself and many others have had before. I try to concentrate on the relationship between predator and prey and the difference between being harmless and harmful.”

The new show is indicative of his creative process. “My pieces have a continuity to them as far as using my fine line work and dot work. I also choose a set of 5 colours over a period of 5 months to work with. This means that even though the image changes between pieces of colour, there is still a flow. When I design a piece, I want it to be enjoyable to look at close and from afar. This is why I paint a lot of animal heads as there is so many ways to create a visual experience just by adding a change in colour or line work.”

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Brenton See - Super Predator See finds himself in a local arts scene that he believes is not only growing within the city but also globally. “I think the Perth art scene is doing better and better every day. The amount of Perth artists that are known around the world by their work now is insane. I think artists should not forget where they started and keep it local as much as they can. Nowadays I try to interact as much as I can with other Perth up and coming artists and share some of my own knowledge with them about what I’ve been through and what to look out for. We need to help each other as much as we can as Perth is small but it doesn’t have to be cradled.” _ LIAM DUNN X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

The Lone Ranger

THE LONE RANGER Ho Hum Silver

Directed by Gore Verbinski Starring Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, William Fichtner, Tom Wilkinson, Helena Bonham Carter, James Badge Dale, Barry Pepper Director Gore Verbinski reteams with his Pirates Of The Caribbean star, Johnny Depp, to try and recapture some of the magic of their smash hit historical adventure series. Sadly, their attempt to reinvigorate the ageing Lone Ranger property is more whimper than bang.

The central problem is that all concerned seem embarrassed by the film’s hero, lawyer turned masked vigilante John Reid (Armie Hammer), and rather than actually try to figure out how such a square-jawed, morally rigid character might be made to appeal to a modern audience - something that Marvel Studios nailed completely with Captain America: The First Avenger - instead choose to portray him as a guileless buffoon, an embarrassment to all concerned, even his sidekick, the Comanche warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp).

Of course, a quick glance at any of the film’s promotional material is enough to tell you that Depp is the star here, and Hammer’s eponymous hero is his straight man. It very quickly becomes apparent that Verbinski does not have the ability to say no to his leading man, meaning we get treated to whatever ideas happened to lodge in Depp’s brain at the time of filming, which contributes to the movie’s lurching, inconsistent tone.

That is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the biggest issue here. Given the choice between a gritty, revisionist take on the material, a faithful homage, or a cynical satire, Verbinski and his team have tried to do all three in one film. As a result, we get a narrative rooted in violence and horror - the villainous Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner) is a cannibal, while Tonto is the survivor of a genocidal raid - that clashes horribly with the more slapstick elements. It’s a terribly tone-deaf work, and the violence is almost certainly too much for the film’s intended audience - unless you have kids who are fine the hero being forced to watch as the villain cuts out and eats his brother’s beating heart.

For all that, there are plenty of moments that work - it’s just that they work in isolation, as discrete bits of business rather than as functioning parts of a unified whole. The performances are solid, with Fichtner relishing playing the bad guy and Depp, despite his mugging for the camera, remaining an eminently watchable presence. It’s a beautifully shot film, and frankly it’s just nice to see some Monument Valley scenery in a modern Western. Finally, it’d be disingenuous not to praise the final action sequence, a stirring, elaborate, rolling chase of the kind that Verbinksi does so well.

Still, it’s too little, too late. The Lone Ranger is simply a complete mess of a film, and what charm it does possess is completely overwhelmed by the cavalcade of poor creative choices the film embodies.

Bloated, smug and self-indulgent, you’d have to be in a very charitable frame of mind to give this one a pass. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON

A Gun In Each Hand

A GUN IN EACH HAND Cocked and Loaded

Directed by Cesc Gay Starring Eduardo Fernandez, Leonardo Sparaglia, Javier Camara, Ricardo Darin, Luis Tosar, Candela Pena Spanish filmmaker Cesc Gay takes a leaf out of Robert Altman’s book - sort of - in this wryly amusing look at hamfisted masculinity. Assembling an impressive cast of notable Spanish actors, Gay uses a kind of anthology format to highlight and poke fun at various species of male dysfunction, and while the occasional cultural reference or assumption may get lost in translation, there’s enough universality here for any audience to be able to plug into what he’s saying.

The film is a series of loosely connected vignettes, are set in contemporary Barcelona, in which a variety of men attempt, largely unsuccessfully, to negotiate their place in a modern milieu where traditionally masculine attitudes and behaviours are at best superfluous and at worst downright crippling. Each scene is intimate, discrete and shot in real time. They all deal with different themes and emotional undercurrents - jealousy, regret, lust, all the good stuff - but each works to explore middle aged anxiety and shifting gender roles. In the first scene, two old friends (Leonardo Sbaraglia and Eduard Fernandez) lament their lives after accidentally crossing paths. It’s a well played www.xpressmag.com.au

scene, full of dry self-deprecation that occasionally borders on melancholy but then, abruptly, we’re off watching a divorced man (Javier Camara) awkwardly try to chat up his ex-wife (Clara Segura).

And so it goes. It’s an interesting approach, but the problem is that, just as we as an audience are getting invested in, say, Ricardo Darin’s cuckolded husband (none of the men is actually named, barring an identifying initial in the credits) loitering outside of the home of the man he suspects of bedding his wife, or Eduardo Noriega’s would-be office lothario being toyed with by his would-be conquest (Candela Pena), we’re off to the next scenario. It can be a somewhat frustrating viewing experience if you’re going in cold and unaware of the film’s structure.

That’s a very minor quibble, though, and the film’s strengths more than compensate for it. The unforced, naturalistic dialogue and well-rounded performances let us slip into any scene presented to us with complete ease, and the amiable humour and sharp insights into male insecurities make our time spent with this disparate group of fortysomething fools an enjoyable one. The final scene ties the lives of our protagonists together explicitly, making plain the connections that were hinted at, but the whole is essentially A Gun in Each Hand is a collection of short films more than an integrated whole, more concerned with thematic connections than narrative ones. Anyone who keeps that in mind when viewing should get something out of the experience. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON 21

KIMBALL WONG Dance Magic The Australian Dance Theatre bring globally acclaimed choreographer Gary Stewart’s explosive work, G, to the State Theatre Centre this July 4 - 7.

We talk to dancer Kimball Wong about what it is like performing such a relentlessly physical piece.

Gary Stewart has a history of breaking down masterpieces of the ballet repertoire. In 2000 he gave us Birdbrain, a satirical deconstruction of the ‘grande dame’ of classical ballet, Swan Lake, featuring elements of classical ballet, contemporary dance, hip hop, yoga, breakdance and gymnastics. In 2009 Stewart tackled another looming tower of the repertoire, Jean Corrali’s Giselle, the result of which was G. G is a physical undertaking like few others: relentless and raw, it take inspiration from the original ballet whilst producing something entirely new and contemporary. Now in its fourth year of touring, both the audiences and the dancers are still finding a lot of raw emotion and power in this piece that keeps the work alive.

Kimball Wong, dancer with the Australian Dance Theatre, has been touring this work since its inception, and describes how, even four years on, the work is still something both he and the ADT are passionate about: “I love the opportunity to perform such a range of techniques – one you’re doing a ballet step but then you’ll suddenly tumble through the floor and then jump off the floor do a tumble through the air, and then you’ll get back up and do a developpé. It’s such an amazing opportunity to challenge all of these

G

different techniques.”

These techniques come together to form a stark work, jarring and dramatic, with accompanying music far from a regular ballet score. The pre-recorded score uses repetitive structures to create unerring soundscapes, steering away from conventional instrumentation towards a more harsh, real world set of sounds. These percussive, alienating sounds work in conjunction to tell the story of unrequited love and the descent from this into madness.“There is that harsh, repetitive sound with people thrashing around on the floor referencing hysteria – they certainly work together”, says Wong.

This descent into madness, implied in the original ballet, is masterfully dealt with by the ADT, as they writhe across the floor, thrashing with relentless energy. Even in its fourth year of performance the work remains fresh and engaging. By taking risks and continually making sure the performance is changing and developing, the ADT maintain its reputation as an innovative and progressive company at the forefront of contemporary dance.

“G as a piece, I don’t know. I always describe it as energetic and relentless as a work,” says Wong.

“It’s an interesting thing to kind of change a move in a piece, because you’re never sure if it’s the right thing to do, it’s always pretty contestable. But Gary’s good, and his instincts always seem right!” _ LEAH BLANKENDAAL

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PERTH INERNATIONAL BURLESQUE FESTIVAL OPENING PARTY The Brown Fox Thursday, June 27, 2013 It was a glamorous gala night when the cream of the Perth burlesque scene and their international guests launched this festival of flesh and fantasy.

Corks popped, champagne flowed, and the Oz Big Band kept the dance floor full all night.

Greg, Ant

Photos by Dan Grant

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Emma, Cameron

Martine, Amanda, Tina, Roberta, Jodie

David, Lucy

Simon, Miss Gail Force, Audio Erotic X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

VISUAL ARTS 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.

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.

A Day is Longer Than a Year: Fremantle Arts Centre A site-specific installation by NSW artist Michaela Gleave based on the use of light. On display until July 21. Go to fac.org.au for details.

The Visitors: Buratti Fine Arts A film installation by Lawrence English, presented as part of The Revelation Film Festival. Runs from July 1214. Go to buratti.com.au for more.

Umpire: Spectrum Project Space An exhibition of new paintings by Ben Waters, Torsten Knorr and Laurie Smith that tackles notions of abstraction. It runs until July 28. Go to ecu.edu.au for more detials.

Black Cat and Beyond... Diatribe of the Squeegee: Fremantle Arts Centre A collection of political posters crafted by Black Cat/ Gato Negro, an anarchist collective formed in New York City in the late ‘70s. It runs from July 26 - September 15. Go to fac.org.au for further details.

Take 12: Fremantle Arts Centre An exhibition of video works by young people inspired by contemporary pieces from the City of Fremantle Art Collection. It runs until August 18. Go to fac.org. au for more.

THEATRE/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE

Secrets of the Afterlife: The Western Australian Museum This collection of over 100 Egyptian artefacts from the British Museum collection - including two mummies!

- explores ancient attitudes to life after death. The exhibition runs until September 22. Go to museum. gov.au for more.

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. Van Gogh, Dali and Beyond - The World Reimagined: Art Gallery of WA The third exhibition in AGWA’s MoMA Series For the Shadows Fall: OK Gallery A solo exhibition by Trevelyan Clay. Runs until July 12. encompasses works from Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Richard Long, Frida Kahlo and more. The Go to oktachoron.com for details. exhibition runs until Dec 2. Go to artgallery.wa.gov. au for further information.

Cirkos: Buratti Fine Art The new collection by renowned occult artist Barry William Hale is on display until July 18. Head to Little Paintings, Big Stories: Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery burattti.com.au for details.

Runs until December 14.

The Landscape of Being: Fremantle Arts Centre The first solo show in WA by Victorian painter Helen Hypotheticals Part II: Free Range Gallery Maudsley runs until July 21. Go to fac.org.au for further An exploration of hypothetical and speculative scenarios curated by Emma Buswell and Oliver Hull, information. including works from Josh Hart, Joseph Buckley, Leah Beeferman, David Attwood, Shannon Lyons, Ben alitura: Heathcote Museum and Art Gallery Nature and nurture are compared and contrasted in Rodin, Reece York and Rachael Guinness. It runs from this exhibition from Jillian Ciemitis, Miriam Gardiner, July 4 - 28. Go to freerange.org.au for details.

Del Hemingway and Debbie Oakley. It runs from July Modern Masters Series - Picasso 347Series: Elements 6 - August 11. melvillecity.com.au/heathcote has more Art Gallery A series of erotically charged etchings created by Pablo Picasso in 1968. The exhibition runs from July 5 - 21. Head to elementsartgallery.com for further information.

Biophilia Hypothesis by Jillian Ciemitis - alitura

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.

The Barefoot Fiddler Photo by Marco Borggreve

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. Perth Winter Arts Season: Various Locations Over 200 events are planned, encompassing film, au for bookings. comedy, cabaret, opera, literature, dance, music and fine arts. The season runs until August 31. Head to Cats: The Regal Theatre Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical runs from perthwinterarts.com.au for more information.

July 11 - 20. Go to ticketek.com.au for session times Perth International Burlesque Festival 2013: Various and bookings.

Locations Shows, parties, workshops and more, featuring Other Desert Cities: The State Theatre Centre Continuing their excellent 2013 season, The Black Swan local and international performers, including State Theatre Company presents Jon Robin Baitz’s Sugar Blue Burlesque. It runs until July 6. Head to story of family, secrecy and emotional brinkmanship. perthburlesquefestival.com for details.

The play runs from July 20 - August 4. Go to bsstc.com.

Revelation Film Festival: Luna Leederville, Cinema au for information and tickets.

Paradiso, Luna on SX A whole host of the edgiest, most experimental and Ballet Revolucion: Crown Theatre The acclaimed Cuban dance troupe appears from July downright outré films from every far-flung corner of the 30 - August 4. Go to balletrevolucion.com.au for more. globe will be on offer, as well as the best local content and the RevCon academic program. It all happens from July 4 - 14. Head to revelationfilmfest.org for details.

Swan Lake: His Majesty’s Theatre The renowned St Petersburg Ballet Theatre presents Tchaikovsky’s beautiful and moving ballet, Swan Lake. 2013 Russian Resurrection Film Festival: Cinema The season runs from July 31 - August 8. Tickets are Paradiso This pan-genre showcase of the best contemporary available from ticketek.com.au Russian cinema runs from August 1 - 11. Head to russianresurrection.com for information and lunapalace.com.au for tickets.

FESTIVALS

MUSIC

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

The Barefoot Fiddler and the Australian Chamber The 2013 Perth Fashion Festival: Various Locations Orchestra: Perth Concert Hall The biggest event on the calendars of WA’s fashionistas Patricia Kopatchinskaja leads the ACO for one runs from September 11 - 16. performance only on July 24. Go to ticketek.com.au for bookings.

The Unbounded Line: Gallery Central E textile exhibition by Maggie Baxter that explores line, form and mark. It runs from July 6 - 27. Go to central. wa.edu.au for details.

The Whitlams and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra: Perth Concert Hall Performances August 30 - 31. Go to waso.com.au for information and bookings.

To have your performance, exhibition or cultural event listed, get in touch via

localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au

The Red Paintings - photo by Brandon D’Silva

THE RED PAINTINGS Fear of Comedy / Further Earth The Rosemount Hotel Friday, June 26, 2013 The Rosemount Hotel was transformed into a densely colourful creative space courtesy of Brisbane-grown, LA-based orchestral art-rock outfit, The Red Paintings.

The Perth leg of an international tour comes after the launch of their debut album, The Revolution Is Never Coming, on June 7.

Setting the tone, the first set was courtesy of Perth veterans of alternative rock, Fear of Comedy.

With powerful and penetrating vocals ranging from guttural utterances and growls to sincere and precise falsettos showcasing the versatility of lead singer Laith Tierney, Fear Of Comedy were a solid serving of sexual energy. The guitar work was nothing short of masterful, with the intricate fingering creating a dark and thoughtful atmosphere. The necks of the audience were coaxed into an enthusiastic nod, verging on a head-bang.

Local indie rock group Further Earth were next to take to the stage. Further Earth are a fantastically tight band who possess great pop appeal, with pristine vocals wailing above guitar tones that struck a fine balance between clean and grungy.

A bass with loosened strings provided interesting textures for some of the band’s up-tempo pieces.

Unfortunately, Further Earth felt sorely out of place in this line-up of heavily creative acts. The generic tone of the otherwise proficient vocals and blandness of the song writing was disappointing considering the www.xpressmag.com.au

obvious musicianship of the performers.

At this point in the night, the curtains were closed over the stage in preparation for the main and final act. When they were drawn, flanking the stage in a human parentheses were two semi-naked, albeit body-painted, masked dancers who visages were torn and two faced, serving as an apt metaphor for this band’s contrasting and sensual sounds.

In a vision of almost dreamlike quality, The Red Paintings filled the stage with their vivid and intensely interesting characterisations. The strings section was garbed in something akin to a neo-geisha style, the bassist wore the gravity defying headpiece of a Chinese emperor, while lead singer Trash McSweeny donned the skirt-like Japanese hakama pants.

Without further delay, the riveting harmonies of the orchestration and heavy guitar riffs were washing over the small but enthralled audience.

The inspired song writing of The Red Paintings has the power to place you in either a blissful state of trance, or rock you into a higher level of awareness.

Mid-way through the performance, the band was joined by neon-bodysuit clad visual artists, some who were plying their trade on canvas and others on the still-writhing bodies of the masked dancers.

While the material did take on a familiar feel towards the end of the set, they maintained an immense energy and stage presence worthy of their international reputation. It was a pleasure for this Perth audience – mostly hard-core fans – to bask in the musical collage that is The Red Paintings. _ JAMES HANLON 23

THE X-PRESS GUIDE TO EVERYTHING URBAN to ADVERTISE: EYE4@XPRESSMAG.COM.AU

WHERE, WHAT, WEARS? Everything is in check for your big night of fun: the makeup, the hair, the friends, the taxi booking, the pre-drinks, the club, everything but one… your outfit! What am I going to wear? Ah, the daily question that has us all pondering. Because no matter how big your wardrobe is, you’ll never be completely satisfied. There is always something missing, right? Don’t stress, just breathe, relax and read, as we at X Press have it sorted. Here is your guide to key pieces you need (and where to get them!) that will make you look bangin’ for whatever your night holds.

Feeling slinky and planning on hitting up places like The Merrywell, Gold Bar or somewhere bigger like Eve? Tap into your sexy side and go for something a bit more fitted like a bodycon dress or a racy pencil skirt, in an interesting texture, with details like cut-outs or panelling. Hunting a bargain? Try out Transit Clothing in Perth City, which stocks figurehugging brands like Mink Pink, Lioness and Asha or if you can wait a couple of days for delivery, then ASOS is the way to go as they have a huge selection for every type of girl. Have a bit more cash to burn? Go to Billie and Rose in Mt Lawley for brands like Bec and Bridge, Maurie and Eve or Zhivago, which will give your night out the high-end element it needs.

Are you more of a gigs and cool bars type?

Is your typical Saturday night spent checking out the latest band touring Perth at The Bakery or having a drink and people watching at Five Bar in Mt Lawley?

Then you need to get yourself some statement tees from Wild Fox Couture stocked at Zara Bryson Boutique in Claremont Quarter or quirky UK based

Ace Pizza in High Gate. Image sourced from urbanwalkabout.com.au

24

label Lazy Oaf, stocked at Pigeonhole in Forrest Chase.

These brands ooze awesomeness and can look sick styled back with some ripped jeans or black leather pants. Boys make sure to head down to Leederville and check out the label Unif, stocked at Atlas Divine, which has a bunch of well-cut tanks, tees and jumpers covered in unapologetic statements and prints.

Casual dinner at Ace Pizza in Highgate followed by drinks at Mechanics Institute in Northbridge? Time to bring out the ultimate in chic winter styling and go with a super-chilled oversized boyfriend blazer or bomber jacket and a pair of extratight, wax-coated skinny leg jeans. Where can you find these pieces? Look no further than General Pants Co in Perth City, stocking relatively low-priced brands like Alice in the Eve, Evil Twin and Neon Hart to more fashion forward labels like Sass & Bide, Ksubi and Cheap Monday. J-Brand also does a really great range of coated denim styles, so be sure to check out their number one stockist in P-Town, David Jones in Perth City. Definitely worth the splurge!

Accessories will always be the key in making your outfit- taking it from hot-mess to hot-ness. So be sure to head to Wittner in Wesley Quarter and invest in the shoe of the season: a risqué stiletto pointy heel in either a patent metallic or a key print like leopard or stripe. For final accessory touches head to Behind the Monkey in Highgate, where you can grab yourself some G-L-A-M Peter Lang earrings or a go for something a little more understated with pieces from Alister Yiap or K/LLER Collection.

Now with your guide in hand, go forth, shop, buy, style and PARTAAAY. _MONICA MORALES

Peter Lang calista crystal and ball chain earrings, $98.

Label available at Behind the Monkey in Highgate.

K/LLER Collection gunmetal double v bracelet, $385.

Label available at Behind the Money in Highgate.

Topper leopard print heel, $139.95 from Wittner Shoes in Wesley Quarter.

Bec and Bridge Angeliqua body zip dress, $380.00.

Label available at Billie and Rose, Mt Lawley

Ksubi ci-ci bomber jacket, $549.95 available at General Pants Co, Perth City

Fives Bar in Mt Lawley. Image Sourced fromtimeout.com

Gold Bar in Subiaco.

Image sourced from goldwa.com

The Bakery in Northbridge. Image Sourced from weloveperth.net.au

Body con typography dress, $52.60 available at ASOS.

J-Brand burgundy low cut waxed denim jeans, $350.

Available at David Jones, Perth City

Unif jesus saves I spend tank, $62.

Label available at Atlas Divine in Leederville.

Lazy Oaf Mr & Mrs Baseball tee, $80.

Label available at Pigeonhole, Forrest Chase

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

SWAN DIVES These Streets Will Never Look The Same Who does one have to kill to get a decent drink in this town? Beer can be found anywhere.

What about cocktails or whisky? How about 185 varieties of gin? Now that’s more like it. Here is a selection of six watering holes; some new, some not so new, that offer a slightly different twist on the bar experience. Abandon all sobriety ye who enter here.

Helvetica – 101 St Georges Terrace, Perth.

Next door to The Greenhouse, Helvetica is all about whisky (and whiskey) which they serve by the 15 or 30ml pour. Of course, there is the obligatory beer and wine but along with the grain alcohol, the bar offers a large selection of cocktails, many of them whiskey or bourbon related, like the Tender is the Night which mixes Wild Turkey rye, Massanez, Crème De Mure, Fernet Branca, pineapple and Boker’s Bitters. With its cool, slick. almost art deco feel and location tucked away down an alleyway, Helvetica feels more like a speakeasy than a bar, and that’s a good thing.

correctly, 185 varieties, which means their gin based cocktails are a specialty, whether it is a White Lady (gin, cointreau, lemon, sugar) or the old reliable Tom Collins. Their food selection is small and contains the usual bar nibbles of nuts, olives and feta amongst other finger foods. Come for the gin, stay for the peace and quiet.

The Bird – 181 William Street, Northbridge.

One of these things is not like the other! For fresh live music, and a rough and tumble atmosphere, go no further than The Bird. A small box of a place with a limited, but cosy, beer garden, The Bird is the Frisk Small Bar – 103 Francis Street, Northbridge. place to be for a loud and raucous good time. Tomas Literally quite the hole in the wall, Frisk is an intimate Ford, SMRTS, Peter Bibby, This Weapon Is Sound plus little hideaway from the madness of Northbridge. It numerous guest DJs are an example of the live acts almost has a saloon feel to it, all its missing is the can be seen playing The Bird on any given weekend. swinging doors at its entrance. The bar has a sizeable Their drink selection of beer, wine and spirits are fine wine, beer and spirits selection but come to sample but nothing too fancy. But then you don’t go to The one (or ten) of their 185 varieties of gin. You read that Bird for fancy, you go for the rock and roll.

The Greenhouse The Greenhouse - 100 St Georges Terrace, Perth.

Just down the road from Bar Lafayette is the wonderful curiosity that is The Greenhouse. This bar is literally a green house, with latticed vegetation growing all over the exterior of the building, injecting a spark of life to its surroundings. With an emphasis on recycled goods and green technology, The Greenhouse is a bar for the environmentally conscious. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, their kitchen offers fresh and healthy fare like Szechuan fried duck, pink snapper and mushroom croquettes. Their drinks list consists of the usual beer and wine but once again there is an extensive choice of cocktails available; a standout being the iced tea, which is a mix of famous grouse whisky, Drambuie, lemon juice, earl grey tea, grapefruit bitters, and spiced citrus syrup.

AGWA NIGHTS

Advertorial

Luxe Bar Luxe Bar - 446 Beaufort St, Highgate.

Luxe Bar has been a Beaufort Street staple for many, many years and with three bars, patrons appear somewhat spoiled for choice. The main bar is a temple to the cocktail where one can enjoy a Luxe Classic like their famous Espresso Martini or a Honeycomb Sour which consists of Espolon Reposado tequila shaken with Lillèt Blanc, Drambuie, fresh lemon and orange juices, sweetened with agave nectar with a touch of fresh honeycomb. The Rouge Bar is their underground cocktail den complete with candy coloured booths and ottomans, providing a more relaxing atmosphere. Operating in the summer months, bamBOO is the Luxe Bar’s outdoor amphitheatre. Very chic and symmetrical, high-end clientele need only apply.

AGWA Nights returns every Friday night during Van Gogh, Dalí and Beyond with a whole new line-up of Western Australian talent. This season of AGWA Nights is jam-packed with art and entertainment including live WA music supported by the West Australian Music Industry Association, the burlesque sketching antics of Dr Sketchy’s Anti Art School, comedy and quiz nights, Curator and guided tours, special guest and AGWA Talks. Visitors can enjoy a drink at the Manhattan-inspired pop-up bar and a great cultural night out.

Bar Lafayette Bar Lafayette - Restored Perth Technical School, Lower Georges Lane, Brookfield Place 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth.

With its red brick exterior, wood panelling and leather couches on the interior, Bar Lafayette has an almost New Orleans vibe which adds a touch of flair to the steel and glass environs of St. Georges Terrace. The bar offers a nice selection of imported beers (Brooklyn Lager is a must) and an extensive wine and spirits list, but it’s the cocktails that appear to be the pride and joy. They have their own version of the Original Sin, called the Adam & Eve, which contains lime and pear juice, Agave nectar and Herradura Plata tequila. Or if it’s cold outside, try a Black Harbour’s Light; served piping hot with rum and spices mixed with chocolate liqueur, bitters, brown sugar, Dom Benedictine and a hint of absinthe. The bar’s food selection is modest but delicious, whether you’re after something to share like a mixed charcuterie & cheese board or something for yourself like a prosciutto and parmesan sandwich, Bar Lafayette has something for everybody. _ LIAM DUNN www.xpressmag.com.au

Van Gogh, Dalí and Beyond: The World Reimagined presents 134 masterworks from The Museum of Modern Art, New York by 96 artists who together transformed modern art in the twentieth century. Using subjects once thought of as traditional – landscape, still life and portraiture – they pioneered ground-breaking visual languages. Depicting the people, places and things of their times, these artists celebrated the particularities of modern experience, and created new ways to represent them.

For more information on the AGWA Nights line-up, visit momaseries.com.au Friday 28 June – 22 November From 5.30pm, $19 (booking and credit card fees may apply) | Programming starts at 7pm

LOCATION: Perth Cultural Centre, Roe St, Perth WA 6000 CONTACT: (08) 9492 6600 / Visit: momaseries.com.au 25

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

West Coast rap pioneer Mik Lezan is a man of many pseudonyms. Best known for his paradigm creating work with N.W.A. and World Class Wreckin Cru in the late ‘80s, he’s since gone on to carve out a solo career across hip hop and dance music genres, most recently releasing electro house cuts under the name Professor X. He shares some words with JO CAMPBELL ahead of his DJ set at Manor this weekend, where he’ll be using his Arabian Prince call sign.

Mik Lezan is chilled for someone with so many projects on the go when X-Press gets hold of him. At home at his place on LA’s beachfront, he’s on his way out to shoot some hoops (“I’ve gotta get at least four days of b-ball in a week,”) before working on a new house jam. Apart from holding legend status in the chronicles of old school electro, the man that co-founded N.W.A. with drug tsar Eazy-E and then little known Dr Dre also directs a film special effects and animation studio in tandem with making regular DJ tours.

When asked about the early N.W.A. days, a posse formed in the now canonised LA ghetto of Compton by the gangsta rap staple, Straight Out Of Compton, Lezan plays down the cult status.

“We were just telling the story of our hood where we grew up and really didn’t think at the time that it was something groundbreaking,” he explains. “We just wanted to put out dope banging tracks. And that’s what we did.” What they actually did was create the original gangsta rap album and one of the most seminal albums of all time, representing the lives of marginalised black American males on the edge.

www.xpressmag.com.au

Lezan’s most recent work as Professor X is a far cry from those disaffected sentiments polished house with a slight electro feel; hardcore it is not. “I’ve always liked up tempo music, being an old school DJ from the ‘80s people forget that there was not much rap back then, just up tempo electro, house, new wave, funk and pop.”

Having released two such EPs last year after a four year hiatus, Lezan says he likes to marinate on perfecting his art. “I got a lot of requests to do new Professor X songs, but until I was happy with the sound I just kept making beats.

I create all new sounds for each song so it takes a while to design something new and innovative and I don’t like making songs that use the same sounds as other artists.”

His DJ set incorporates live elements, mixing up old school electro funk, house and hip hop.“I don’t plan my sets, I feel out the crowd and let them guide my music, but at the end of the night everyone is sweating. Even when I DJ I’m still performing and try to create new music live on the fly when I play out, I think it’s the responsibility of a DJ to make sure he gives the audience his all.”

» ARABIAN PRINCE » FRIDAY, JULY 5 @ THE MANOR

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BITTER BELIEF THE GALLERY INDEPENDENT

This is Bitter Belief’s second official album, after having released copious mixtapes and makings dozens of cameo appearances. The title track serves as a perfect introduction, setting the scene for this appropriately titled release - the album itself coming across a lot like a gallery of sorts, showcasing different aspects of Bitter’s personality with each track.

Upbeat first single The Circus is a fierce statement of intention, with a few shots fired at certain people in the local scene. It’s doesn’t come across as negative altogether though, more like a warning for the uninitiated. Many big names drop by throughout the length of the album, with the album’s centrepiece Snakes And Ladders featuring an all star cast of SBX members and affiliates.

The production is largely handled by Creed Birch and Rob Shaker, who are fast becoming the go-to guys for quality beats of all kinds. Their intricately structured soundscapes provide a kind of counterpoint to Bitter’s solid, punchy delivery, which is most evident in tracks like The Sweet Science (an ode to boxing, featuring Briggs and Hau of Koolism), and Mr Big Man. That latter track in itself is an interesting riff on the standard ‘tough guy’ rap, as Bitter urges folks to stop picking fights - a message that hopefully resonates within the scene.

With The Gallery, Bitter has firmly staked his claim in hip hop, letting us know he’s in this for the long haul.

» NICK SWEEPAH

BLISS N ESO CIRCUS IN THE SKY ILLUSIVE

Hunter

HIP HOP PIONEER ON THE RECORD

Circus In The Sky, Bliss N Eso’s fifth album, is the Sydney hip hop trio’s safest and most serious album to date. Most songs fit the mould of Running On Air fan favourites Addicted and Reflections – either uplifting anthems like the former, or laidback odes to overcoming challenges like the latter.

The trouble is that one Bliss N Eso’s most endearing qualities – their roguish sense of humour – is largely absent. It’s not a coincidence that the Circus In The Sky’s most fun tracks are also its best.

Likely Triple J hit Act Your Age keeps the positive energy running through the rest of the album, but rides a joyful Bluejuice sample (from the song by the same name) and features a laugh-out-loud Eddie Murphy homage by Eso. Reservoir Dogs, meanwhile, has Drapht, Seth Sentry, Pez and 360 rapping purely for shits and giggles over a sideshow alley sounding beat. It’s awesome.

There’s not a single weak song on Circus In The Sky, although all the dedications to the power of positivity and staying true to oneself – Pale Blue Dot, House Of Dreams, Life’s Midnight, My Life, and many more – tend blur into each other. The exception to this is I Am Somebody which, considering it features the legendary Nas, is suitably thrilling. Ultimately, Circus In The Sky finds Bliss N Eso sitting in their comfort zone, a little too comfortably.

» JOSHUA HAYES

Hunter: For The Record is showing twice this weekend as part of the Revelation Perth International Film Festival. A Perth based pioneer of Australian hip hop, Robert Hunter sadly passed away after a battle with cancer but not before leaving a legacy in the form of this doco. Crowd sourced via the Australian hip hop community and directed by Sam Bodhi Field, the doco explores Hunter’s life and the subculture he represented, to his life as a father and his own personal struggles. See it at Luna Leederville this Friday, July 5 or at Luna on SX on Saturday night, July 6.

Dubsidia

INSIDIOUS DUBSIDIA

Inhibit are bringing out the crunchy, filth sounds of Spanish dubstep duo, Dubsidia. They’ve made a name for themselves remixing the likes of Calvertron, Elite Force, and Dirtyloud and have signed with Ultra, Rottun, Play Me and Skint. Check out their tracks Kill Humans and Elekktroshokk for the low down on their sound. They’ll be ripping up Shape Bar on Friday, July 19 with support from Zanetic, Get More, JD4D B2B Camzor and DNGRFLD. Tickets are just $20+bf via shapebar.com.au.

Diger Rokwell

DIG THE FOUR FOUR

Ashley Hosken aka Diger Rokwell is at it again but this time he’s produced a deep house record. Known for his work as The Community’s head honcho and making beats with Felicity Groom, Diger’s Innersense EP has been inspired by his crate of deep and jazzy house tunes of the ‘90s and early 2000s. Each track is exactly four minutes long in pure, deep four to the four tempo. Co-mixed by Ryan Burge aka Ylem, the EP will be launched at The Bird on Saturday, July 27 with support from Mei Saraswati, Ylem, Mathas and Rok Riley and will be available from Bandcamp soon for a mere $5.

Ta-ku

TASTY TA-KU SOUL TRAP

Local producer Ta-ku has just dropped an album of the fresh-assed beats for your listening pleasure. A 13-tracker, RE TWRK VOL II offers a mix of originals and remixes all in the delicious soul/trap/future vibe he’s fast becoming known for across the land. He’s also just remixed Strange Talk’s Picking Up All The Pieces from their most recent record. Ta-ku’s album is available for digital download for just $10.

ANTHONY PAPPA HOUSE MASTER

Widely regarded as one of the finest underground nights in Australia, Darkbeat celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Perennial prog tastemaker Anthony Pappa exchanges words with ALASDAIR DUNCAN. In honour of their tenth anniversary, Darkbeat have released a three-disc compilation. Rollin Connection and Phil K took the second and third discs respectively, while Pappa got the perhapsdaunting task of going first. “It was an honour for me to be asked and to be involved in the project,” he says. “It always takes a lot of time and planning when putting a CD together and the track selection process is something that you do very carefully.”

Interestingly, though this is an anniversary compilation, Pappa’s disc doesn’t look back, with all new selections taking in the freshest sounds in house and dark disco. I put it to him that his focus these days seems to be on moving forward rather than nostalgia, and he agrees. “As a DJ who has been in the business for 26 years now, I’ve always focused my music and sound on moving forward.

“We talked about the idea of musically covering the 10 years with music from that time frame,” he continues, “but then the CD would have become more of a classics album, which was not exactly what we wanted to do. The CD is a celebration and a milestone achievement for Darkbeat reaching 10 years in a tough industry, mixed by three DJs that have been a part of this journey showcasing the sounds each DJ plays today.”

A Melbourne native, Pappa relocated to London nearly two decades ago and remains there to this day. I ask how the city is treating him, and indeed, if it’s still a vital and exciting place to be a DJ. “It’s been an amazing place to me and for me over the years,” he says. “I’ve been living over there for 18 years now, and there are always cool underground parties and nights going on, but for me most of my work is spread out over the world - l always take a flight to go to work.”

Those with long memories may recall the time in 2000 when the influential DJ Magazine 28

Far East Movement

FAR EAST MOVEMENT

GET GRZZLY AND MAKE-OUT Anthony Pappa crowned Pappa as one of their ‘Nu Breed’ of producers. It was a big deal, and I ask him how he reflects on it 12 years on, and indeed, how he remains engaged as a DJ seeking out new tracks and sounds.

“I think the reason I am still going strong is my ability as a DJ and my dedication to always perform and deliver to the crowd and make it work,” he says.

Though he was once a vinyl purist – and indeed, maintains a collection of tens of thousands of records – Pappas plays from CDs these days. Many DJs of his ilk swear off MP3s, considering them too far from the roots of DJing, but Pappas doesn’t like to be an old fuddy duddy about such things. “I don’t think MP3 is a step too far,” he says, “and I am definitely all for using modern technology, although for me, CD is the format that I choose, and I am pretty happy performing this way.”

» ANTHONY PAPPA » DARKBEAT 10TH ANNIVERSARY OUT NOW ON » DARKBEAT RECORDS

Electro trap, hip hop outfit Far East Movement are heading our way on their Movementality tour. Kev Nis (Kevin Nishimura) speaks with HAYLEY DAVIS. LA’s Far East Movement have announced they will be bringing their Movementality tour to Australia this July with intentions to induce spontaneous love making and generally joyous evenings with their electro-rap. “We want people to feel joy love, to find an amazing random stranger and just start making out,” Kev Nish says.

The three man band and DJ Virman will be giving their old classics a run, including Like A G6 and Live My Life, but they’ve also got some new material for fans. “We really wanted to do a bit of soul searching and find a bit of a different sound,” Kev said. “The Beastie Boys inspired us a lot and they were always doing that so we want to not be afraid to do the unexpected.”

They’ve just released a mixtape featuring Kid Cudi, Riff Raff, 2Chains and a taste of their new music with the track There Will Be No Rain. Nis says the band wanted to put GRZZLY (the mixtape) out

to get feedback on their new sound. “We wanted to let people know we haven’t been being lazy and that we value their opinion – we want to know whether they’re feeling it or not,” he said.

The new track showcases the group’s pop sensibilities. They’ve been influenced by the still bubbling hip hop scene in LA that Nis believes goes hand-in-hand with the electro trap scene.

The boys are heading to Oz with a now seasoned confidence off the back of successful tours with Rhianna, Jay-Z and Lady Gaga. Their success has given them the confidence to go with their instincts and not be afraid to try new directions. “Before there might have been some pressure to stick with one style or another,” Nic says. “Unpredictability and experimentation are more accepted.”

Their experience has meant the boys can adjust to the context, whether it’s headlining concerts, festivals or club gigs. They’re taking that experience and translating it into the Movementality tour. “This tour is a bit of a mash up,” he says. “We’re very split brained – we want to have a band with us, we want to give some of the DJ side and then showcase the live instruments.”

Nis says they are looking forward to finally getting to Australia after previously cancelled tours and are intending to instagram their way around the country. “It’s been like a long-distance, online relationship,” he said. “But we’re very excited; we have a long list of things to do. It’s like someone took the perfect colour filter and laid it over your island.”

» FAR EAST MOVEMENT » SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ METRO CITY X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

BLISS N ESO

KNOE

MAKING MOVES LIKE A BISHOP

EVEN MORE GRAND

Sydneysiders Bliss N Eso are back with their fifth album Circus In The Sky and a national tour. JOSHUA HAYES gets the low down from Jonathan Notley, aka Bliss.

With their second single, Home Is Where The Heart Is, Bliss N Eso did something they had yet to do over their previous four releases: look back and share the details of how the trio (rappers Bliss and Eso are joined by DJ Izm) formed. It comes at a time when Bliss N Eso continue to grow as artists – something that is reflected in the finished album – while working to build a fan base beyond Australian shores.

“I think [the album is] just another step in the evolution [of the band]. It’s another step up for us. I’m really excited about it,” Notley says. “We like to make albums with a lot of different colours, a lot of variety in terms of the soundscapes and the vibes and the topics and everything, and I think it’s no exception to that. If anything, it is even more grand, in terms of the array of colours we have on it.”

Production is handled by Notley, M-Phazes and Matik, with notable guest appearances including Drapht, Seth Sentry, Pez and 360 on posse cut Reservoir Dogs, and Nas on I Am Somebody. The latter collaboration was suggested by the legendary New York rapper in the lead up to the planned Movement Festival, which he was curating and Bliss N Eso were co-headlining.

“We weren’t actually interested in doing [the festival] because we knew we had our album coming out around that same time, and we wanted to save our tour for our own run, but then Nas stepped forward and said ‘I’d like to do a track with you guys,’” Notley recalls. “So we immediately said yes.”

Although the festival was ultimately cancelled, the song remains, and the trio are planning a trip to New York later this year to record a video with Nas. “For us it’s a total honour. Sometimes I stop and pinch myself, you know? ‘Oh man, is this real? Have we got Nas on our record? This is crazy,’” Notley says.

The album was released last Friday.

Bliss N Eso Although Running On Air debuted at number one before going platinum, Notley isn’t concerned about sales figures. “I don’t have expectations. The main thing for me is I just want to connect with people. If it sells a lot, if it goes number one, that’s just a bonus, you know what I mean? Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great thing to achieve, but I don’t go into making an album going ‘we have to make a number one record,’” he says. “It’s about art as an expression, and it’s about getting my feelings on the page and out in the vocal booth, and it’s about connecting with people and about touching people’s lives.”

Bliss N Eso’s upcoming House Of Dreams national tour has a bumper lineup, with support from America’s Yelawolf, UK icon Jehst, and Pez. It will be followed by tours through Canada, the US and Europe, before returning for another big Australian run of shows.

The group has toured overseas extensively over the last few years, and recently completed their first headline tour of the US. Notley says that there seems to be a groundswell of BNE fans emerging in hip hop’s birthplace – and, in particular, American punters are often impressed to see a hip hop act with a turntablist and live beatboxing. “It’s like they’ve never seen anything like it, and for us it’s like ‘what do you mean? That’s the fundamentals of the hip hop we grew up on, right? Two MCs and one DJ’…

When we go over there, it’s like they think we’re the white Run DMC,” Notley laughs.

» BLISS N ESO » CIRCUS IN THE SKY OUT NOW THROUGH ILLUSIVE » WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 @ METRO CITY

Strategy is something Knoe is all over. At just 23 years of age, this local wordsmith of rap is on his way to cracking the international scene; all without pandering to any widely held idea of commercial success.

JO CAMPBELL exchanges thoughts with this artist of verve ahead of the release of his Lemonade EP and support spot aside NZ’s P-Money.

Without an Unearthed page or any serious backing, Knoe is well on the way to prevailing in the chess board of life, a central theme to his work since last year’s Fourth Move EP. With that release he developed another alter ego - Bobby Fischer, the name of the famous chess player who invented the fourth move, a checkmate manoeuvre. That EP featured a track with Brooklyn rapper, Skyzoo, who Knoe hooked up with via the interwebs after creating his first mixtape in 2010.

The result was Push, an old skool, Native Tongues style cut produced by Kelakovski. Many serious support slots on (The Tongue, Action Bronson, Spit Syndicate) and Knoe is concentrating on his next move, his Lemonade EP, due out later this year. It features another collab with Skyzoo and one with New Jersey femcee Te. “I don’t think that I’ve made anything of substance yet - that’s what Lemonade is all about,” Knoe says. “I want Lemonade to be the first hardhitting thing I put across to Perth and the world in terms of how what I want to portray my lyrics and to reflect me as a person more than anything I’ve done before - it’s more personal.

“Lemonade stands for creating something sweet out of something sour. I write about the demons in my mind and what’s happened in my life that some people may be able to relate to; other people will see it as a nice story to listen to and reflect

Knoe on. But either way, it’s something sour, but I’m trying to create something sweet.”

Recorded and mixed by Knoe himself, Lemonade will be free for download and features two tracks produced by The Community beat maker, The Empty Cup. “I think I wrote the darkest stuff on his beats because they’re so organic; they make you feel like you want to write. I think it took me just 15 minutes to write to his; they’re amazing.”

Knoe’s most recent collab with Skyzoo was just shot for a vid by the talented local videographer, Mel Branson when Skyzoo was in town while Free Them, which has already appeared as a bonus track on Te’s most recent mixtape as a collab between the two rappers, will be re-recorded for the EP. “It’s a shout out to my mates that have been and gone and are doing their thing,” Knoe says of Free Them. “It’s just sort of a battle track but with descriptive ways of how we think and how we move as a friendship group.”

In terms of his grand plan, one thing is for certain - Knoe will not be trading in creative freedom for material gain. “I’m quite happy using music as an art rather than as a marketing tool,” he explains. “I think we’ve been somewhat brain washed by radio to follow what everyone else does. Just create your own art; you don’t have to care about what people think.”

» KNOE & P-MONEY » FRIDAY, JULY 5 @ THE CAUSEWAY

GORILLA TACTICS

Scotty Assassin MC has been producing D’n’B with Greg Packer on Interphase Recordings for at least the last decade.

He’s recently set up his own imprint, Gorilla Tactics, now celebrating it’s first birthday with the launching of a live outfit of the same name. JO CAMPBELL asks a few qs ahead of their gig this Thursday alongside Freqshow.

Congrats on the one year anniversary. What have you done with the label and what was behind taking your own direction?

Thank you! The music Greg and I make has a very distinct sound and is Greg’s brain child. I love the music we make and enjoy working with him immensely. The decision to start my own label came about because I had been writing music that wasn’t just D’n’B and wanted to have an outlet for this so I could freely express myself without the restrictions of an established brand. After some thought and research I decided to create Gorilla Tactics Music. So far we have released four singles, three EPs and have two more EPs due for release in the next two months. Busy, busy!

You just performed your first live Gorilla Tactics gig, supporting Kobra Kai. What does the live outfit consist of and what can we expect from your upcoming EP, Starchaser?

The live show consists of the core group of vocalists MC Stylee, Shonamaybe, MC Webbz, MC Bear and myself, our guitarist Jay ‘El Waldro’ and DJ Dair on the decks. Currently the set includes our top releases, a few upcoming releases and some custom stuff you will only hear at the live show. We try to include our D’n’B roots in each set ending with a mash-up of classic D’n’B and MC freestyling. The Starchaser EP is due for release on July 15 exclusive to Beatport, then world-wide three weeks later. The EP includes a D’n’B mix, a house remix and a smashing Greg Packer remix.

Gorilla Tactics The Machine and heaps of ‘70’s singer/songwriter stuff on rotation. I just love music, genres shouldn’t restrict anyone. As far as style goes, I see vocals as a tool, and having an arsenal of styles is important. Ragga, hip hop, singing, it’s all dependent on the track really.

You’re also producing an LP with Greg Packer?

The album is still in production and features a showcase of 10 years of the Greg Packer & Assassin brand. Greg has been flat out breathing new life into our classic tracks like Landslide and Ragganinja, and we’re remaking Silent Rain into a full vocal track. There will be some new stuff as well, I’m totally psyched about it and can’t believe it’s been 10 years already.

Can you tell us about the Falling Down EP? Falling Down is a hip hop track I wrote last year about dealing with a serious illness I had at the time. I was blessed to have contacts to my all-time biggest influences in MCing, UK’s legendary MC Top Cat and Stamina MC. They both agreed to be on the track. We now have three versions, my own, then two very special ones. Falling Down – Mikayla’s Version is raising money to help a little girl in Adelaide undergoing brain surgery. Her father, Leigh from Auzcast Radio asked me if he could have a copy one day so I ended up making an entire version just for his girl Miki. It’s now getting airplay all over the country. The second remake is Greg Packer’s remix of the track into a beautiful D’n’B version called Mel’s Version, which is to raise money for, and includes the beautiful voice of his partner Mel who is also currently dealing with an illness.

You’re known for emceeing/producing D’n’B and Three words to describe the Gorilla Tactics live set? hip hop. What’s your favourite genre and do you We Want More have to change your style up between the two much?

I think my heart will always be in hip hop, D’n’B and reggae. But I must admit my iPod has hardly » GORILLA TACTICS any of those three! It’s usually got a mix of System Of » THURSDAY, JULY 4 @ THE ROSEMOUNT A Down, ‘80’s classics like Hall and Oates, Rage Against www.xpressmag.com.au

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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

WEDNESDAY 03/07 Amplifier/ Capitol – Academy ft.

Pink18Stink Bar One Twenty - DJ Bliss/ DJ Vi son The Bird – The Weapon Is Sound/ SuperFlog Captain Stirling - Join Five-o Club Red Sea - Cheek Gold Bar – Famous Hip Hop Favourites ft. DJs Munch/ Ben Renna The Good Shepherd - Dope Groove Bar (Crown) - 5 Shots Leederville Hotel - Electro Neon midweek madness Leederville Hotel (upstairs) Kreem ft. DJ Karl Blue/ Mishtee The Llama Bar - Club Akuna Mustang Bar - DJ James MacArthur Newport Hotel - Seriously Sweet Student Party ft. DJs Angry Buda/ Tom Drummond/ Mr. Phat/ Wot Evs Sovereign Arms - Lokie Shaw The Village Bar – Village People Wednesdays ft. Ruby May/ Phil Slabber

P-Money

THURSDAY 04/07 The Avenue – Jon Ee The Beat (downstairs) - Fantasy Thursdays Connections – Bingay ft. Val Nourished Club Bay View - Dj-Vi Son Eve Nightclub - Retro Thursdays ft. DJ Crazy Craig The Good Shepherd - Playground

SWITCH

SHAPE

The Hyde Park - DJ Hages Lakers Tavern - DJ Grizzly & friends Library - Dorcia The Manor – Arabian Prince (NWA) Metro City – Flava Fortnightly Fridays White Party Edition ft. DJs Sly Kidd/ Matty S/ Midsole Metro Freo – Net Worth ft. Zeke/ Black & Blunt/ Get More/ Gran Calavera/ Genga/ BMB Mullaloo Beach Hotel – DJ Slick Mustang Bar - Swing DJ/ Cheeky Monekys/ DJ James MacArthur My Place - Karaoke Newport - Lewi McKirdy’s Art Art Tour DJ’s Sardi/ Evan FRIDAY 05/07 Paramount - Flyte/ DJ John Jordan The Queens - DJ Reuben Ambar Break-A-Holics Rocket Room - Howlers ft DJ Frank Anonymous: One More Time Ft. N Bean Basschild/ Coby, Ren Boy/ Micah/ The Saint - Mikeee Tone & Oli/ Mono Lisa. Wish & Sovereign Arms - ANG3L Shape – Blunt Instrument ft. GET Devo/ Nyquist Freqs MORE/ Genga/ Mr Hazington Amplifier - K La Tiger Lils - Paul Malone, Adam Kelly, The Avenue - DJ Lokie Shaw The Aviary (Birdcage) - NDORSE Alex Koresis The Aviary (Rooftop) - Troy The Vic - Friday Funktion ft. Jon Ee Villa – Amon Vision Blue Party – ft.

Divison, Paradise Paul Empire Bar - James Shipstone/ The Bakery - Tokimonsta/ Kit Pop/ DJ German/ Illuminator/ Flare/ Jt YaYa’s – ACE ft DJ Dan Miggy Leon Osborn Eve Nighclub - DJ Crazy Craig Bar Orient - Reggae DJ Battle Flyrite - FΔMILY The Beat (downstairs) - PLAY The Generous Squire - James The Brass Monkey - Vicktor & SATURDAY 06/07 Nutley Greene George C5 - Bass Attic @ Residence ft. Bass Ambar - Japan 4 ft Escue/ Bezwun/ The Good Shepherd - Chocolate Jesus Attic DJs Dead Easy/ Philly Blunt/ Mr Ed Capitol - (upstairs) - Retro Mash ft Amplifier - Pure Pop ft. DJ Eddie The Grand Central - Jay Mackay Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Dan Dj’s all night Electric The Leederville - Under The Arena The Carine - Az-T The Avenue - Jon Ee The Causeway - Friday Hop ft. The Aviary (Rooftop) - Zel/ ft. DJs Vi Son/ Pup The Library - DJ Victor / DJ Riki P-Money/ Knoe/ Benny P/ L Street Paradise Paul/ Samuel Spencer Lost Society - Chalk (indie/ hipThe Claremont Hotel - Soul Bar 120 - Little Nicky hop) Purpose DJs The Balmoral Back To The 80’s Metro City - Seven Deadly Sins Club Red Sea - DJ Nino Brown The Como – Funadelic Fridays ft. Beat Nightclub (Upstairs) - Metro Freo - Ben Carter & DJ Wazz CANVAS & DJ DTuck DekoyFox Beat Nightclub (Downstairs) – Metro Freo (C5) - I Love 80’s 90’s ft.

The Craftsman - Jay MacKay Runaways DJ Wazz & DJ Dtuck The Deen - Student Night Empire Bar - Howie Morgan The Bird - Wisdom2th/ Marksman/ Mullaloo Beach Hotel - Oceanside Stoop Lo/ DEBs 28’s DJ Slick band/ Matt Riley/ Jordan The Boheme - Tastes Like Chicken Newport - Karaoke with Steve Eve Nighclub – DJ Don Migi The Brass Monkey - DJ Peta & Parkin/ Gravity/ Kizzy/ DJs Tahli Flawless - Coyote Ugly Jewel Jade & Tom Drummond Flyrite - Self Help Capitol - Lewi McKirdy Plus Death Paramount - Felix/ DJ John Jordan The Garden - DJ Fiveo The Queens - Kenny L Geisha - Vegas ft. Blokh4d/ Bad Disco DJs Capitol (Upstairs) - Cream of the The Saint - Az-T Company Tiger Lils - DJ Bojan, Benjamin Gilkisons Dance Studio - 80’s ft DJ Ryan Lovetown ft. Laydown Leighton The Causeway - Antics ft. DJ Tobias Sebastian, Alex Koresis Head/The Rude Movements/ Hugo John/ Lukas Wimmer/ Phil Slabber Shape - BIG APE Dubstep Special Gerani/ Nivky Peroni/ Raw Sylk DJs Club Red Sea - Fresh! Ft. DJs Ben Sovereign Arms - The Jinx Project Renna/ Matt S/ Sly Kidd The Grand Central - Jinx Project Villa - Tantrum Desire/ Culprate & Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy The Cornerstone - DJ Spinback Makism/ Killafoe & J Nitrous/ Illusiv East End Bar - Home Craig & Dvise/ Rexor

MAJORBASS

The Grand Central – DJ Roger Smart Leisure Inn – DJ Peta Kalamunda Hotel – DJ Anaru Mustang Bar - DJ James MacArthur Newport Hotel – Rubadub ft. The Weapon Is Sound/ Dubstyle DJs The Rosemount Hotel - Gorilla Tactics/ Freqshow/ Gracie & Sistym/ Design MC Varsity Bar - Happy 4th Of July The Velvet Lounge – Double Dare 4th Of July ft. DJ’s Boxer/ Kill/ Tom

Tokimonsta The Wembley - DJ Lokie Shaw YaYa’s - Arcadia’s F#@k Dry July ft.

STRANGE TALK STRANGE GERONIMO

Lewi McKirdy Swallow Bar - DJ T King

MONDAY 08/07

SUNDAY 07/07 The Aviary (Rooftop) - Aviary Rooftop Sessions ft Ben Sebastian/ Troy Division/ Lightspeed Club Bayview - DJ Rueben Empire Bar - DJ Victor/ DJ Riki Eve Nighclub – DJ Slick Groove Bar (Crown) - DJ Crazy Craig Mustang Bar - DJ Rockin’ Rhys Newport - DJ Tom Drummond Rosemount Hotel - soundz like sundayz The Saint - DJ Five-o/ Roger Smart

success of their recently released debut LP Cast Away, which spawned the rave-ready pop gem Falling In Love, and preparing for a national tour with indie pop lads Hey Geronimo, Sidhu explains that plans for a sophomore record are already in place.

“It’s such a long turn around time to getting the final 15 tracks or so, getting ideas down, then getting it mixed, mastered and out; the earlier you can start working on ideas and get a game plan together, the better it will run,” he says.

“I think, if anything, I’ve moved on a little bit from that [Cast Away] sound; we started writing this record at the end of 2011, so it’s been a long time for us since we started it. It’s just natural for you to Strange Talk go looking towards the next thing, but I still love the record,” he explains.

The band initially started turning heads after the release of single Eskimo Boy and their selftitled EP back in 2011, which Sidhu says helped in establishing and refining the Strange Talk sound.

Melbourne synth pop outfit Strange Talk have certainly found themselves in Early references for the band leant heavily toward the sounds of M83, Phoenix and Bloc Party, but some very strange situations. From a near kidnapping scenario in LA to overly dance-pop Sidhu says recording Cast Away was a huge learning keen punters at shows, bassist Gerard Sidhu barely contains his laughter as curve for the quartet.

“The EP was just putting together the basic he relates an early Strange Talk gig to MARISSA DEMETRIOU. framework for what Strange Talk was, just a lot of trial “There was this girl at the front barrier of one of our her boobs up over the barrier, had them over the other and error. I think from the EP to the album, we’ve shows, she was quite a buxom woman and she was side and kind of just squeezed them together – she progressed dramatically, but it’s also given us a huge kind of giving me those crazy eyes, dead staring into had absolute crazy eyes!” Sidhu laughs. palette to pick from for the next album, so it was my eyes and towards the end, she kind of just lifted While Strange Talk are riding high on the definitely a big learning experience.

30

VILLA

Metro City - 17th Annual Nocturnal Ball 2013 Mustang Bar - Triple Shots

TUESDAY 09/07 Mustang Bar - Danza Loca Salsa Night Metro Freo - White Party (U18) ft.

DJ Wazz/ DJ Tuck/ DJ Cookie

Freqshow “Once we kind of established the stuff we loved sonically and melodically, we really experimented with a wide range of different influences, and I think that’s evident on the album; you’ve got influences from The Police all the way to Daft Punk, to Michael Jackson, to Queen; there’s a lot in there.”

Tony Hoffer, whose resume boasts the likes of Beck and M83, was brought in to mix the debut cut, and Sidhu says his touch brought the, “big, fat, warm and gritty analogue sound” the band wanted. “[Tony] was our go-to-guy, he’s kept it big and warm. We didn’t want a clean, sharp, digital sounding record,” says Sidhu. “We’ve always been drawn to [acts like] Soulwax because they have that dance sound but there’s that warm, thick, analogue sound and drums to it,” he explains.

As for the rest of 2013, Sidhu says the Strange Geronimo tour will be the last national tour for the band before they head overseas again.

“We’re looking at getting back to the US and trying to do more shows over there, continue working on the next album; hopefully we’ll have some big announcements at the end of the year with more tours and releases.”

» STRANGE TALK & HEY GERONIMO » THURSDAY, JULY 11 @ THE NEWPORT » SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ AMPLIFIER BAR X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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VELVET

A$AP ROCKY

CLUB RED SEA

METRO CITY

THE NEWPORT

IN THE THIS WEEK Gorilla Tactics/ Freqshow Thursday, July 4 @ Rosemount Hotel

Arabian Prince (NWA) Friday, July 5 @ The Manor Break-A-Holics Anonymous Friday, July 5 @ Ambar

COMING UP Bliss N Eso Wednesday, July 10@ Metro City

The Strange Geronimo Thursday, July 11 @ Tokimonsta Lovetown Newport Hotel Friday, July 5 @ Friday, July 5 @ Gilkisons Friday, July 12 @ Prince The Bakery Dance Studio Of Wales Saturday, July 13 @ Vegas Blokhead/ Bad 17th Annual Nocturnal Ball Amplifier Company Monday, July 8 @ Metro Friday, July 5@ Geisha Bar City Cosmo’s Midnight Friday, July 12 @ The P-Money/ Knoe/ Benny White Party (U18) DJ Causeway P/ L Street Wazz/ DJ Tuck/ DJ Cookie Sweater Beats Friday, July 5 @ The Tuesday, July 9 @ Metro Freo Friday, July 12 @ Gilkisons Causeway Dance Studio Yuksek Saturday, July 13 @ Villa

ALT-J Saturday, July 27 @ Challenge Stadium Aviary Rooftop Sessions ft Thelma Plum/Amanda Merdzan/Sarah Pellicano/ DJ Charlie Bucket Sunday, July 28 @ Aviary 2013 Australian DMC DJ Championships WA Heats Friday, August 2 @ Rosemount Hotel MINISTRY OF SOUND SESSIONS 10 ft Timmy Trumpet & SCNDL Friday, August 2 @ Villa Passion Pit Sunday, August 4 @ Villa Dialectrix Saturday, August 10 @ YaYa’s

Far East Movement GhostPoet Saturday, July 13 @ Metro Thursday, September 12 @ The Bakery City

Tantrum Desire

TANTRUM DESIRE SATURDAY, JULY 6 @ VILLA

www.xpressmag.com.au

Shapeshifter Onra Wednesday, July 20 @ The Saturday, August 17@ Metro City Bakery Midnight Juggernauts REMi Saturday, September 7 @ Wednesday, July 24 @ Capitol The Causeway Illy: On & On Tour Thursday, July 25 @ Saturday, September 28 Mojo’s Bar @ Villa Jehst(UK) & M-Phazes Thursday, July 25 @ Civic Listen Out Sunday, September 29 @ Hotel Backroom Ozone Reserve Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton with DJ Hoppa Thursday, July 25 @ Rosemount Hotel Jagwar Ma Thursday, July 25 @ The Bakery Brookes Brothers with Trei + Tali Saturday, July 27 @ Villa

Porter Robinson Saturday, October 26 @ Villa Chet Faker Thursday, October 31 @ ARTBAR Stereosonic Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 @ Claremont Showgrounds

A$AP ROCKY PURPLE RAVE Metro City Thursday, June 27, 2013 It was a cold night in Perth, but Metro City started heating up early as the crowd rolled in, eager to claim their spot in the sold out venue. From the time the doors opened, to the time the artist hit the stage, people streamed in consistently, rapidly turning the place from busy to bursting. Unfortunately for them, not a single support act was to appear on stage, and there didn’t even seem to be a human DJ on hand. Quality tunes from the likes of Redman and Ghostface were played, but the constant fade out of every track made this seem less like an event than a bunch of people standing around listening to iTunes.

You couldn’t help but see that the show would’ve benefitted hugely from the presence of quality local DJs like L-street or Clunk. That aside, after some two hours of waiting, the audience positively erupted when something actually happened.

A$AP Rocky hit the stage, surprisingly appearing with a drummer, guitarist, DJ and keyboard player, creating a much bigger sound than the anticipated emcee/DJ combination. In contrast to his generally relaxed delivery on record, Rocky spat fire in this live setting. He alternated between seeming genuinely surprised and appreciative of the crowd, and totally commanding their attention.

Early highlights included the title track from his latest album Long.Live.A$AP, and the Outkast-esque Purple Kisses.

The energy on stage was equally matched by the audience, which was starting to resemble a moshpit up the front. Things went up another notch as A$AP Ferg and a couple of other A$AP Mob members joined Rocky on stage. With Ferg asserting that this was ‘Punk Rap’ the four emcees traded verses while enthusiastically destroying the stage.

When the Skrillex-produced track Wild For The Night began, not everyone clicked as to what it was, but once the synths of that chorus started squawking, it was like watching a kind of electro version of New York legends M.O.P. perform.

A short break for some herbal refreshment followed, with a hazy ambient beat dropping in the background, harking back to Rocky’s earlier work with producer Clams Casino. This lead in to some interesting crowd interaction, with one guy being pulled out of the crowd to freestyle, and another being verbally lambasted for throwing

A$AP Rocky (Photo by Adam Mazur) ice. Throughout this, Rocky still comes across as a genuine person, frequently stating how much he appreciates his audience. The feeling is obviously mutual, as the band plays an outro enabling them to show off their individual skills, as the crowd intones an impressively loud chant of ‘LONG LIVE A$AP!’ Although the show was basically over at this point, their DJ continued to spin some tracks by other artists, while the A$AP Mob stayed on stage to rap along. The crowd started to thin out in bits and pieces, no doubt eager to jump online and talk about how epic the show had just been.

» NICK SWEEPAH

31

The Bakery Friday, June 28, 2013

GYPSY & THE CAT RTRFM FREMANTLE WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013 NOISE ROCK

Gypsy & The Cat Photo by Matt Jelonek

North Fremantle Bowling Club Saturday, June 29, 2013 The below cold temperatures and icy winds were not going to stop this winter music fest from heating up as the entire Fremantle CBD was transformed into one giant celebration of melody and mischief.

The noise rock section of this veritable genre smorgasbord was an impressive mix of traditional instrument bands and electronic artists.

It wasn’t exactly a difficult task luring the frozen revellers inside away from their lawn bowls and one man band Sacred Flower Union certainly made it easy with his warm, earthy sounds. A combination of live percussion and loop modulation was used to create an eclectic mix of tribal beats, aboriginal tapping sticks, African drums and timbales.

Multilayered waves of entrancing beats began emanating from the sea of loop pedals, samplers, and electronic drum pads. As the set progressed, drum pounding world music developed into spacey electro,

Synth-pop duo Gypsy & The Cat wrapped up the last show in the Australian leg of their Its a Fine Line tour at the Bakery last Friday night. The latest in a line of Australian psychedelia to find a receptive market in the USA (Tame Impala being the obvious other), Perth marked a stopping point for the boys before they embark on shows in both Los Angeles and New York.

Gypsy & The Cat’s Friday night show was a combination of the older, synth-heavy tracks from their first album, coupled with a number of tracks from their second album, The Late Blue, released last year. Whilst the crowd lapped up G&TC’s older hits from their very popular 2010 release Gilgamesh, the real winners of the evening were the new tracks, which represented an interesting and more mature direction for the duo, pushing the boundaries of the three-minute pop songs of their past to come up with something new and innovative.

Highlights included the fabulous and laidback Soul Kiss, which dripped with ‘60s influenced vocals, organ and an über-cruisy bass line that I could have drifted away into technicoloured space on. Also impressive was Sorry, which took a refreshing minor spin on the four-chord song, and which had some unusual little musical interludes with a distinctly retro vibe. However the winning song of the evening was the title track of the tour. It’s a Fine Line mixed the band’s trademark psychedelia with some bizarre edgier influences reminiscent at times of bands like The Pixies and The Cure, giving the whole song a wholly unique elevating the sounds from earthly to otherworldly.

Water Temple piqued the crowd’s interest with their mellow, flowing rhythms and sustained harmonies. However the set appeared like a jam session, with the band members playing more to each other than the audience. The slightly lubricated attendees made a beeline for the bar or a smoke, leaving those captivated by the set to soak in the smooth, resonant tones in peace. Water Temple would be a perfect addition to a beautiful, dimly lit cocktail bar with appreciative and attentive patrons.

There was a quick change in beat as pub rock band Doctopus took to the stage, followed closely by a swarm of exuberant fans. With not a foot in sight that wasn’t tapping and a now packed venue, the lairy lads of Doctopus let loose with their ear ringing distortion and throat stripping vocals. The raucous band antics and bass heavy bedlam was certainly a crowd favourite. The band were enjoying themselves with so much wanton abandon that when a slightly sozzled punter joined

and interesting sound entirely different to anything else they produced.

As a live act, G&TC have chops and have come a long way in honing an impressive show. What is difficult with this style of music however is that the mix is a large part of the performance and it’s difficult to get right. Friday night’s performance was tight, however some of the really well-hit vocal harmonies were overpowered by the otherwise spot on synth and bass. In particular songs like Piper’s Song, one of G&TC’s most well-known and loved songs, lacked some of the impact it might otherwise have had with it’s infectious harmony and well-crafted vocal lines, as the synth was so overbearing at times that they couldn’t really be heard.

This said G&TC have spent the last few years touring extensively and it has paid off. From a band that had some noticeable tuning issues at the 2011 Big Day Out they’ve worked consistently, put in the hard yards practicing and touring, and have emerged as a slick and well polished act. Watching the crowd react to their final song, Jonah Vark, it was evident that this is a band that knows how to write catchy three-minute songs whilst maintaining a level of musical integrity. Their new material is interesting and innovative, it explores new territory for the band whilst still remaining true to their psychedelic-pop roots. Expect big things from these lads in the future. _LEAH BLANKENDAAL them on stage to serenade the patrons with her screaming, they merely shrugged and continued to churn out the noise.

The night came full circle when Mental State treated the crowd to a per formance of ethereal soundscapes and electric sizzles, interspersed with moments of harsh, high pitched keyboard squeals. An ironing board draped with depictions of a dolphin and fairy was the podium from which this reverberating and intensely layered melody sprung, a fitting visual for some of their more quirky moments. The now largely seated crowd were entranced as Mentals State’s music entered their consciousness, while those who had lost theirs moved on to more party atmospheric places. The set seemed to finish abruptly and the masses were shaken from their internal states leaving the crowd wanting, a definitive sign of a job well done. _LIANA KELLY

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RAILWAY HOTEL

SWALLOW BAR

Perth five-piece blues-funk machine Pusherman launch their debut EP, Staying Outta Trouble as part DJ T King is fresh back from the states with a haul of the Hypnotic Funk event this Saturday, July 6, at of new and old vinyl: soul, funk, disco, etc. We’ll be the Railway Hotel. The show will see Pusherman join getting a taste of it all this Sunday, July 7, from 5pm! forces with DJ Huffle, as well as the very talented Matt Hale, who will be doing a live hypnosis show with members of the audience. Doors open 7.30pm and entry is $35 which includes a free copy of the EP. On Saturday, July 6, catch The Black Penny Project, Helen Shanahan and Jincs and get your groove on for a good cause. Aside from providing excellent entertainment, the event will promote a sense of community with several artists and bands covering different music genres such as hip-hop, rhythm and blues, roots, acoustic, folk and their respective followings. Doors open at 7:30pm, entry is $15, with tickets available from musicaltherapy.eventbrite.com.au.

CIVIC HOTEL

PERTH ROLLER DERBY GRAND FINAL The action was fast and furious at the Herb Graham Rec Centre on Saturday, June 29, when The Bloody Sundaes crushed visiting Kalgoorlie team The Gold City Rollers before the Apocalipsticks took the 2013 championship by dealing a decisive defeat to The Mistresses of Mayhem.

Photos by Matt Jelonek

Alice, Andrew

Pusherman

MOJO’S

Sunday, July 7, Grace Barbe will perform live with her band. Rae will DJ, Chu will drop dardy tunes, Future Sounds and EarthLink will also be spinning tunes.

Oh, and Donald Krunk will trap all on the dance floor.

This is private party celebrating Simmo T and Rhino’s birthdays, so if you know them, drop them a line to get on the guest list!

YA-YA’S

Following their killer homecoming show, Lacey leads up what promises to be an awesome night on Friday, July 5! Get an earful of them, along with Lanark and Split Cities. Saturday night gets kicked up a notch with the Arcadia F#@K DRY JULY Party featuring DJ Cookie spinning your favourite party starters. This isn’t a night you’ll want to miss!

Stacey, Miriam, Natalie

The Black Penny Proect

INDI BAR

Huge Magnet are a new garage boogie blues band.

The music takes some retro-inspiration from boogie blues royalty like Canned Heat, John Lee Hooker, pre-Hollywood ZZ Top and early AC/DC, but is fresh and built to make every bar and juke joint on the circuit get loose. Joining at their debut appearance this Sunday, July 7, is Jack Stirling and Heed Vex.

Alex, Lindsay

Brett, Bec, Dan

SWAN HOTEL

This Friday, July 5, head to the Basement to catch Ibis Elm, RTD, Tuxedo Pig, Lucid and Oh White Mare rocking out. Doors open at 8pm, and entry is $10. Alternatively, hit the Lounge for some acoustic folk goodness from Dilip Parekh, The Littlest Fox, Josie Crosby and Something Humble. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $5.

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Huge Magnet

Rebecca, Robi

Nic, Steph X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Perth prog rock perfectionists, Chaos Divine, return to the stage at Amplifier this Friday, July 5, with support from I, Said The Sparrow and Weapons. We caught up with guitarist Ryan Felton to find out what they’ve been up to of late.

What’s been happening since the release of 2011’s The Human Connection?

We have been away from regular shows for more than a year writing our next album. It’s been a fairly lengthy process in between a couple of tours, our singer being away on a university internship for six months and us being completely fussy when it comes to writing new material. We aren’t the type of band that can pump out a new album in a flash without each of us pouring every last ounce of creative juice into getting a finished product.

How would you say your music style has changed in the past seven years? Any new influences added to the roster?

I suppose we have spent our time as a band so far trying to really define our sound and style, while hopefully giving our fans something interesting to listen to and not slotting straight into whatever is popular at the time. I think we got pretty close with The Human Connection, which was a fairly big departure from our early heavier sound on our Ratio EP and Avalon album. It becomes pretty complex trying to define a sound for what is pretty progressive and eclectic music

CHAOS DIVINE

Will we be hearing any new material?

We have a bunch of new songs ready to go that we want to give our fans a chance to hear at shows over the next few months before we lock ourselves away to record. We will be playing some of this new material at our next few live shows.

Are you planning on heading back into the studio any time soon?

We hope to be in the studio before the end of the year, as we are all really excited about getting our new tracks out and about and starting the next chapter of Chaos Divine.

Apache

SPLASH FOR CASH

Heat #4 of The Big Splash went down at The Rosemount Hotel on Friday, June 26. Double Rainbow brought chimey guitars & kitsch beats to the stage, plus two vocalists. Apache’s front man came more from the British school of stadium rock, intriguing the judges. UpnUp brought immensely obvious musicianship to Aussie hip hop and set it on fire with sax. flutes and a jazz feel. We Move Walls, it must be said, drew the biggest crowd with their scuzzy urban LA -infused rock. Ultimately, Upnup were winners after much deliberation, but the performance from Apache rang too clear in the minds of The Big Splash organizers after the show - something had to budge! Apache eared the wild card position for the first round, and will go on to compete in the first Semi Final this Thursday, July 4, alongside UpnUp, SpaceManAntics, These Winter Nights and Villain. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $5.

The Loved Dead

LOVING YOU IS LIKE LOVING THE DEAD

If you’re up for a large one this Saturday, July 6, head down to The Rosemount to take in an impressive spread of local up and coming musical talent. The Loved Dead will be on hand, along with Lillium Stargazer, Oh White Mare, Dry Dry River and Turin Robinson in acoustic mode. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $8.

FESTIVAL FUN

\Get down to Mojo’s this Saturday, July 6, for the Sweetdog Sounds Music and Arts Festival, where you’ll be treated to the sounds of SpaceManAntics, Seams, Red Engine Caves, Hideous Sun Demon, Misty Mountain, The Witness, Silver Hills, Graceful Sun Moths, Go Cheat and Duncan Strachan. Doors open at 6pm, Entry is $10.

SIDEWALKING

Sidewalk Diamonds celebrate frontman Damien Goerke’s 25th in style at PICA Bar this Saturday, July 6, with support from Tom West and The Timothy Nelson Trio. Doors open at 7pm, entry is free.

Blackjack

BACK IN BLACK

The Swan Hotel plays host to a night of hard hitting and heavy old school rock rage this Saturday, July 6. Head down to get a deafening dose of Blackjack, 4 Months In, Custom Royal and Rushton Moore.

Doors open at 7pm.

MattyTWall

WALL OF SOUND

Young blues exponent MattyTWall plays at the Perth Blues Club at The Charles hotel this Tuesday, July 9, backed by The Rollin BB Blues Band.

A devotee of traditional Delta blues, Wall continues a musical legacy that stretches from Eric Clapton back to legendary guitarist Robert Johnson.

He’ll be joined by Andy Newman and Dream Boogie. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $10 for members, $15v for non-members. www.xpressmag.com.au

06/07/2013 Exanimis The Extinction EP Launch @ YMCA HQ 06/07/2013 Wisdom2th 2th.0 Album Launch @ The Bird 12/07/2013 Casino Sunrise Options and Enemies Single Launch @ C5 Residence 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 14/07/2013 Matt Cal Old Wheels Video Launch @Indi Bar 19/07/2013 Eduardo Cossio Goodbye To The Land EP Launch @ X-Ray Cafe 26/07/2013 Stoney Joe Hot Jerky Album Launch @ PICA Bar 16/08/2013 Tracey Barnett Blooming EP Launch @ Clancy’s Fremantle 16/08/2013 Dan Cribb The Memories Last EP Launch @ The Rosemount 24/08/2013 Leure Holland Sky LP Launch @ The Bird 24/8/2013 Tempest Rising Dominion That Falls Single Launch @ The Civic 06/09/2013 Timothy Nelson & The Infadels Born In The 90s Single Launch @ The Amplifier 19/10/2013 Sirgin One Love Album Launch October 19th @ The Rosemount

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Abbe May, July 5

PASSION PIT 4 Villa BJORN AGAIN CLAIRY BROWNE 5 & 6 Regal Theatre & THE BANGIN’ BARN OWL RACKETTES 9 The Bakery 4 ARTBAR SENSES FAIL ABBE MAY 9 Amplifier 5 Astor Theatre KARNIVOOL I, SAID THE 11 Metro City SPARROW SARAH BLASKO 5 Amplifier 12 Margaret River TOKIMONSTA Cultural Centre 5 The Bakery 30 SECONDS TO GRACE KNIGHT MARS 5 & 6 The Ellington 16 Challenge BJORN AGAIN Stadium 5 & 6 Regal Theatre ANNIHILATE BON BUT NOT MUSIC 10TH FORGOTTEN BIRTHDAY: 6 Charles Hotel MINDSNARE/50 LA DISPUTE/ LIONS/ PIANOS BECOME BATTLETRUK/ THE TEETH OUTSIDERS CODE 6 Amplifier 16 Prince Of Wales, 7 YMCA HQ Bunbury ESKIMO JOE 17 Amplifier 9 & 10 Moore And 18 YMCA HQ Moore DARRYL YOUTH OF TODAY BRAITHWAITE 9 Amplifier 18 Newport Hotel DON MCLEAN 19 Perth Concert JULY Hall PAUL KELLY BLISS N ESO 22 Regal Theatre 10 Metro City ANDREW GRINSPOON STRONG: THE 10 Pier Hotel, COMMITMENTS Esperance 22 Metro Freo 11 Studio 146, THE SMITH STREET Albany BAND 12 Settlers Tavern, 22 Rosemount Hotel Margaret River 23 Prince Of Wales, 13 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury Bunbury VANCE JOY 14 Players Bar, 23 Fly By Night Mandurah GRINSPOON STRANGETALK 23 Astor Theatre AUGUST AND HEY GEORGE BENSON GERONIMO 24 Riverside Theatre ESKIMO JOE 11 Newport Hotel NORTHWEST 1 Prince Of Wales, TOMORROW FESTIVAL Bunbury PEOPLE 24 Port Hedland 11 Capitol 2 Settler’s Tavern, Turf Club FEAR FACTORY Margaret River BERNARD 11 Metro City 3 Studio 146, Albany FANNING BALL PARK MUSIC/ 4 Players Bar, 25 Astor Theatre EAGLE & THE Mandurah JAPANDROIDS WORM FIDLAR 26 Rosemount Hotel 12 Metro Freo 3 The Bakery THE WHITLAMS/ THE STRANGE COLD WAR KIDS WASO GERONIMO 2 Capitol 30 Perth Concert 11 Newport Hotel Hall VILLAGERS 12 Prince Of Wales, CLAIRE BOWDITCH 2 Fly By Night Bunbury 30 Fly By Night DEEZ NUTZ 13 Amplifier CLOUD CONTROL 2 Prince Of Wales, ENGLEBERT 31 Capitol Bunbury HUMPERDINCK 3 YMCA HQ 13 Crown Theatre 3 Rosemount Hotel SEPTEMBER YOU AM I 4 Newport Hotel 13 Astor Theatre FIDLAR MANHATTAN (sold out) 3 The Bakery TRANSFER 14 Astor Theatre BARDO POND JONNY CRAIG 1 Regal Theatre 4 Rosemount Hotel HIT THE LIGHTS/ 17 Amplifier

THIS WEEK

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 ESKIMO JOE 26 Divers Tavern, Broome 27 Walkabout Hotel, Port Hedland 28 The Newman Club, Newman JAMES BLAKE 26 The Astor Theatre BRUCE MATHISKE 26 July Fly By Night ALT-J 27 Challenge Stadium BLEEDING THROUGH 28 Amplifier BABYSHAMBLES 31 Metro City

Grinspoon, July 10 - 14

www.xpressmag.com.au

Japandroids, August 26

HEROES FOR HIRE/ STATE CHAMPS 5 Amplifier 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 CONVERSATIONS WITH GHOSTS 8 Perth Concert Hall 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 THE PAPER KITES 21 Fly By Night 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 LISTEN OUT FESTIVAL 29 Ozone Reserve

OCTOBER

HARRISON CRAIG 11 Regal Theatre 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 ANDRE RIEU 29 Perth Arena TONY HADLEY 30 The Astor 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 AN EVENING ON THE GREEN 17 Kings Park FLEETWOOD MAC 22 & 23 Perth Arena HITS & PITS 2.0 BLACK FLAG, BOYSETSFIRE, BAD ASTRONAUT, SNUFF, NO FUN AT ALL, GOOD FOR YOU, OFF WITH THEIR HEADS, JUGHEADS REVENGE 24 Amplifier & Capitol STEREOSONIC 30 Claremont Showgrounds

DECEMBER JUSTIN BIEBER 8 Perth Arena TAYLOR SWIFT 11 Perth NIB Stadium BON JOVI 12 Perth Arena

FEBRUARY SWERVEDRIVER 3 Rosemount Hotel BRUNO MARS SOILWORK 6 Rosemount Hotel 28 Perth Arena

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Yeti Resort, Wednesday at The Rosemount

WEDNESDAY 03.07 AMPLIFIER Academys 90s Cover bands Pink18Stink New Found Gloryhole BAR 120 Felix THE BIRD The Weapon Is Sound Superflog BRASS MONKEY Sugar Blue Burlesque CARINE Open Mic Night Chris O’Brien CLAREMONT HOTEL Acoustica GREENWOOD Bernardine ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB PJS Collaboratory Cathy Travers Ray Walker Karl Florrison GROOVE BAR (CROWN) 5 Shots INDI BAR Thalia Codie Sundstrom Natasha Shanks Shameem LUCKY SHAG Howie Morgan MOJOS BAR The Aunts John Stringer & Michael Bariel Mr (Mr & Sunbird) MOON CAFÉ Glenn Musto Tessa Davis Shaun Corlson MUSTANG BAR Easy Tigers DJ James MacArthur PADDO The Date Graphics Fiction Heroes The Red Embers

Ibis Elm, Friday at The Swan Basement

ROSEMOUNT Yeti Resort Braves Spilt Cities Golden String UNIVERSAL Retrofit VELVET LOUNGE Dead Babies In Vomit Gloria Ironbox Limpin’ Dave Foley And The Straight Legged Freaks VILLAGE BAR Village People - Open Mic YAYA’S Rock Scholars Horizons Showcase

THURSDAY 04.07 ARTBAR Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes THE BAKERY The Big Splash! First Semi Final Villain These Winter Nights Spaceman Antics Upnup Apache BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Fantasy Thursdays BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Jean Proude THE BIRD SMRTS Hayley Beth In Orbit Rooms THE BOAT Jen De Ness BRASS MONKEY Rhythm Bound Karaoke BRIGHTON Open Mic Night Rob Walker BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke DEVILLES PAD USA Day Karaoke DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Kris Buckle

The Aunts

THE AUNTS JOHN STRINGER & MICHAEL BARIEL MR (MR & SUNBIRD) MOJO’S WEDNESDAY,JULY 3

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ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Andrew Gioia Quartet THE GATE Greg Carter GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Decoy INDI BAR Bex’s Open Mic Night LUCKY SHAG James Wilson MARKET CITY TAVERN Mitchell Freind Matt Cal Trio Trev and Jason Kai Nizam Gs1Fz Sami Moore MOJOS BAR Matt Gresham MUSTANG BAR Southern Grit Custom Royal DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL The Weapon Is Sound DubStyle DJs PRINCE OF WALES Huge Magnet Blind Tiger Blues Box Jack Stirling ROSEMOUNT Gorilla Tactics Freqshow Gracie & Sistym MC Design SETTLERS TAVERN Acoustic Open Mic Night THE SHED Mikey T UNIVERSAL Off The Record YA YA’S Tom West Nevada Pilot Bury The Heard

FRIDAY 05.07 AMPLIFIER Chaos Divine I, Said The Sparrow Weapons THE ASTOR Abbe May The Chemist Rockwell & Groom Mathas Mei Saraswati BALMORAL Mike Nayar BAKERY Tokimonsta Kit Pop Leon Osborn BAR ORIENT The Reggae Club BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) Stay Punk Dyatlov El Capitan Foul Mouth Idle Eyes Distant Lights Protest Black Fridays

The Love Junkies, Friday at The Bird

BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) PLAY BELMONT TAVERN Astrobat BEST DROP TAVERN Cargo Beat THE BIRD The Love Junkies Pat Chow THE BOAT Ben Merito BRASS MONKEY Chris Gibbs THE BROKEN HILL Trevor Jalla C5 FREMANTLE Residence THE CARINE Velvet CHASE BAR & BISTRO B.O.B. CITRO BAR Adrian Wilson CLANCYS FREMANTLE Huge Magnet Blind Tiger Blues Box Jack Stirling CORNERSTONE Madam Montage DEVILLES PAD The Continentals Les Sataniques EAST 150 BAR Dove ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Daren Reid & The Soul City Groove ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Grace Knight The Spread EMPIRE BAR Howie Morgan THE FLY TRAP (FLY

BY NIGHT) Green Stone Garden GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Tod Johnson & Peace Love GREENWOOD Greg Carter HYDE PARK HOTEL Ricky Green INDI BAR Vdelli KALAMUNDA HOTEL Almost Famous LYNWOOD ARMS Mustangs M ON THE POINT DJ Mischieff MAHOGANNY INN Stella Donnelly METRO FREO Frat House Fridays MOJOS BAR Queens of Reggae Crucial Rockers DJ Corby Earthlink Sound MUSTANG OZ Big Band Swing DJ Cheeky Monekys DJ James MacArthur

NEWPORT HOTEL Lewi McKirdy’s Art Art Tour Karaoke with Steve Parkin PADDO Easy Tigers PADDY MCGUIRES Cherry Lips PEEL ALE HOUSE Better Days PICA BAR The Western Australian Music Composers Project PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Dirty Scoundrels THE PRINCIPAL Retrofit THE PRIORY HOTEL Almost Famous ROCKET ROOM Big Guns ROSEMOUNT Claim The Throne Sensory Amusia Entrails Eradicated Bloodklot 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 Dilip Parekh The Littlest Fox Josie Crosby Something Humble SWAN BASEMENT Ibis Elm RTD Tuxedo Pig Lucid Oh White Mare SWINGING PIG Tandem Greg Carter UNIVERSAL Nightmoves YA YA’S Lacey Lanark Spilt Cities YMCA HQ Saviour Paradise In Exile Ruthless Idle Eyes Hollow Ground Transcendence

SATURDAY 06.07 AMPLIFIER La Dispute Pianos Become The Teeth Flowermouth BALMORAL Retriofit

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

Three Hands One Hoof, Saturday at The Claremont Hotel BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) CANVAS BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Runaways Common Bond Dropbears BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Mike Nayar THE BIRD Wisdom2th Marksman Stoop Lo DEBs BOAB TAVERN James Wilson THE BROOK Back2Back CIVIC HOTEL BACKROOM Musical Therapy Showcase 2 The Black Penny Project Jincs Helen Shanahan D.C. J Anderson Reggie Ben O’Neill THE CHARLES HOTEL Bon But Not Forgotten THE CLAREMONT HOTEL ANTICS Boys Boys Boys!

Three Hands One Hoof Antics DJs DEVILLES PAD The Domnicks Les Sataniques THE EASTERN OASIS Reload ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Grace Knight Cartel ELMARS IN THE VALLEY Chris Gibbs THE FLY TRAP (FLY

BY NIGHT) Steve Kilbey (The Church) The Hoffmen with Strings Attached FLYING SCOTSMAN Under The Influence Andrei Maz THE GATE Greg Carter GOSNELLS HOTEL Astrobat GREENWOOD Cargo Beat GROOVE BAR (CROWN) HI-NRG HYDE PARK HOTEL Green Stone Garden Warning Birds Amanda Merdzan INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Shawne & Luc INDI BAR Zarm Pimps Of Sound DJ FLex

Friday Friday Travis Caudle Misty Mountain, Saturday at Travis Caudle FlyBy By Night Mojo’s Fly Night

LAKERS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke MERIDIAN ROOM One Trick Ponies MIDLAND TOWN HALL Hayley Taylor These Winter Nights Michael Da M ON THE POINT Rhythm 22 MOJOS BAR SpaceManAntics Seams Red Engine Caves Hideous Sun Demon Misty Mountain The Witness Silver Hills Graceful Sun Moths Go Cheat Duncan Strachan MUSTANG The Rusty Pinto Combo Rockabilly DJ Milhouse DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Karaoke with Steve Parkin Gravity Kizzy PADDY MCGUIRES Madam Montage PADDO Cheeky Monkeys PARAMOUNT NIGHTCLUB Felix PEEL ALE HOUSE Tequila Mockingbirds PICA BAR Sidewalk Diamonds Timothy Nelson Tom West PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Jonathon Dempsey QUARIE BAR Blackbirds RAILWAY HOTEL Pusherman Matt Hale DJ Huffle ROCKET ROOM Kickstart ROSEMOUNT The Loved Dead Lillium Stargazer Oh White Mare Dry Dry River Turin Robinson ROSIE O’GRADYS FREMANTLE Hit Factory SAIL & ANCHOR Better Days Childs Play THE SHED Huge DJ Andy SWAN LOUNGE Bad Formula Jennifer Hardy & The First Fleet SWAN BASEMENT Monsters Hard Rock Rushton Moore Custom Royal Blackjack 4 Months In

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SWINGING PIG Greg Crater Rock-A-Fellas UNIVERSAL Soul Corporation WHALE & ALE Sweet Surrender YAYA’S Arcadia’s F#@k Dry July YMCA HQ Exanimis It All Ends Here Reflections Of Ruin Let The Evil Go East Finders Vultures

SUNDAY 07.07 208 MAYLANDS The Painkillers Helta Skelter Bamodi The Disintergrates R.I.P. Plastic Bags BALMORAL Astrobat BELMONT TAVERN Dove BOAB TAVERN Jack + Jill BRIGHTON Nate Lansdell BROKEN HILL HOTEL James Wilson BROOKLANDS TAVERN Gerry Azor CARINE Jonathon Dempsey THE CAUSEWAY Accoustic Sunday CHASE BAR Chasing Calee CIVIC HOTEL Mike Nayar COMO HOTEL Sophie Jane & The Chilly Bin Boys ELEPHANT AND WHEELBARROW Daren Reid & The Celtic City Groove ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Trent White ELMARS IN THE VALLEY Chris Gibbs THE FLY TRAP (FLY

BY NIGHT) Rock Of Ages THE GATE Greg Carter GOSNELLS HOTEL Conny The Clown INDI BAR Huge Magnet Heed Vex Jack Stirling INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Retriofit KALAMUNDA HOTEL Sue Johnson LAKERS TAVERN Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts

The Painkillers, Sunday at 208 Maylands

LAST DROP TAVERN Geoff McCaullay MOJOS BAR Grace Barbe DJ Rae Chu Future Sounds Earthlink MUSTANG BAR Pete Busher and the Lone Rangers DJ Rockin’ Rhys NEWPORT HOTEL Custom Slam Brutus Ultra Sound Jupiter Zeus 46 Brigade Midnight Boulevard The Lunettes DJ Tom Drummond Tim Nelson OCEAN VIEW TAVERN Pop Candy PADDO Green Stone Garden These Winter Nights Toni E QUARIE BAR & BISTRO Better Days QUEENS TAVERN Velvet THE SAINT Howie Morgan Project THE SHED The Healy’s Blue Hornet SOUTH ST ALEHOUSE Anthony Nieves SWINGING PIG Matt Angell Pat Nicholson UNIVERSAL Retrofit WANNEROO TAVERN Adam James YMCA HQ La Dispute Pianos Become The Teeth Foxes

MONDAY 08.07 BRASS MONKEY Wire Birds GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Howie Morgan Duo MOJO’S BAR Wide Open Mic METRO CITY Nocturnal Ball 2013 MUSTANG BAR Triple Shots YA YA’S Big Tommo’s Open Mic Night All But Over

TUESDAY 09.07 AMPLIFIER Youth Of Today The Others Break BRASS MONKEY Open Mic Night Chris O’Brien THE CRAGIE TAVERN Open Mic Night ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Blackwinters Night Solomon Pitt KALAMUNDA HOTEL Open Mic LUCKY SHAG Ben Merito MERRIWA TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke MOJO’S BAR The Big Splash Round 2 Heat 1 Riley Pearce Dianas Black Heart Sun The Bureaucrats MUSTANG BAR Danza Loca Salsa Night YA YA’S The Itch Ego Villain Hello Red Colour

Claim the Throne

CLAIM THE THRONE SENSORY AMUSIA ENTRAILS ERADICATED BLOODKLOT THE ROSEMOUNT HOTEL FRIDAY,JULY 5

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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 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 FEMALE VOCALIST REQUIRED by Pro standard working rock cover band. Video & audio demo’s avail. Call/text 0427 471 423 or email pjkm@westnet.com.au 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, D u o s , Tr i o s , O r i g i n a l s a n d C o v e r s .

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...

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Alan 0407 989 128 or Jeremy 0430638178 www.witzendstudios.com

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Edited by T R AV I S J O H N S O N

ANDY’S STUDIO International multi award winning songwriter / producer. No band required. Broadcast quality. A songwriter’s paradise. Ph 9364 3178 BANDS! - UNLOCK YOUR SONGS’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 Silents.

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

IT’S NOT THE CDS, IT’S THE T-SHIRTS

If you’re looking to put shirts on the backs of your fans, you could do worse than take a look at Imprint Merch. The Australian company specialises in online merchandise for bands, and count A Secret Death, Chelsea Grin, Heroes For Hire and Whitechapel among their partners. Head to imprintmerch.com to check out their site.

RADIO GA GA

After recent fears over funding shortfalls, the future of community radio seems much rosier since the Federal Government last week announced a commitment of six million dollars over three years.

This is designed to ensure not only the continuance of traditional broadcast community radio, but to help stations adapt to the world of digital broadcasting and streaming. Any jobbing musician worth their salt knows the incredible value that community radio has for local and unsigned acts, so this should come as good news to all and sundry.

KISS MY CAMERA

A music photography competition and exhibition devoted to promoting the work of WA music photographers, Kiss My Camera is a co-op effort from the WA Museum and WAM. This year, the project’s fifth anniversary, sees the exhibition launch in November at Hackett Hall as part of the WAMi Festival, and is also the first time that a cash prize is being offered to each winner. To fund that, a Pozible campaign has been launched, complete with a whole heaping helping of incentives that any music fan will love including concert tickets, WAM memberships, framed photos and more! Head to pozible.com and check it out - the deadline is August 2, 2013.

Kiss My Camera 2012 winning picture Dillinger Escape Plan by Jim Gifford

GEARBO X BUDDA SUPERDRIVE 30 SERIES II 1X12 COMBO AMPLIFIER

Nicknamed by the company ‘The Dirty 30’, this 30-watt combo amp from Budda is a versatile high-gain amp which is designed for gigging guitarists. Overdrive fans will find dialling in plenty of gain very simple on the drive channel, while the tamer rhythm channel provides a sparkling, clear yet powerful tone which would suit many types of player. The amp is one of those rare, genuine all-rounder products that emits a good quality tonal response regardless of the style being played.

Powered by four EL84 valves and driven by 3 12AX7 preamp valves, there’s no shortage of power, gain and versatility on tap with this amp. Push /pull switches on the rhythm volume and mid controls provide extra tonal possibilities, and the amp includes an effects loop and footswitch to expand control for live situations. The balance between the clean channel and drive channel may prove to be a challenge for guitarists who are into saturated gain, as the amp increases significantly in volume when seeking out silkier lead tones. In fact, given the nature of many gigging stages in today ’s market, t h e r e’s a d i s t i n c t possibility that the immense power and gain available in the amp may go underutilised in several live scenarios. Then again, better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

The Budda Superdrive 30 is a class AB amplifier and features a handwired power amp.

M ade in the USA, the amp retails for $3499 and therefore is suited to serious players seeking serious tones. Mega Music is currently the only retailer in WA who carries Budda Amplification. _ CHRIS GIBBS

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Budda Superdrive

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