X-Press Magazine 1347

Your Guide To Everything Urban

SATELLITE BOY

MISSY HIGGINS

SPENCER P. JONES AND THE NOTHING BUTTS

BLACKEYED SUSANS

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PSYCHED FOR SOUTHBOUND

HEAVENLY BEING

The delightful Julia Stone has been announced as the first artist to play the Heavenly Sounds tour next year, bringing her stunning performances to churches and cathedrals around the country. Stone’s recent solo album, By The Horns, has captivated audiences around the world and we’re sure you’ll agree that this seems the perfect tour for the singer songwriter.

Joining Julia Stone on Heavenly Sounds is Melbourne indie folk artist Vance Joy. The Perth leg of the tour is happening at St Josephs Church on Friday, February 22, with tickets on sale now through Ticketek.

Julia Stone

THIS GUY’S THE LIMIT

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are on the brink of delivering their 15th studio album, Push the Sky Away. Described as the ‘most subtly beautiful’ of all their albums, the songs delve into and describe myths and mysteries that Cave dwelled on when writing the record. The first single, We No Who U R, has just been released, and the full album will be unveiled on Friday, February 15.

To celebrate the new album, Nick Cave and his band will embark on a national tour next year, stopping off in Perth on Wednesday, March 6, at the Red Hill Auditorium. Tickets are available through Oztix this Thursday, December 6.

Flaming Lips, Southbound-bound

Southbound is less than a month away - woo! - and we’ve got some hot off the press news from the organisers. Firstly, their awesome Hotel Southbound competition is back. Those who entered last year may remember the luxuries involved: pampered camper tent, your own private ensuite bathroom, catered breakfast, VIP access, backstage tours, artist meet and greets and other goodies.

On top of all that this year, the winners will get to arrive in style in a private helicopter right to the festival grounds. All you need to do to enter the competition is be an existing ticket holder, head to the Southbound Facebook page and click the Hotel Southbound tab, and fill in a few details - easy as!

But that’s not the only bit of news we’ve got - the Southbound playing times have just been released, ready to be highlighted and argued over.

Southbound is a-happening on Friday, January 4, and Saturday, January 5, at Sir Stewart Bovell Park.

Tickets still on sale through Moshtix.

Sam & The Womp

SUMMADAYZE GETTING HOTTER

The Presets

If you hadn’t thought about getting down to Summadayze next year, this might change your mind. Adding to the already star-studded lineup of The Chemical Brothers, Mark Ronson, Fedde Le Grand and M.I.A, Summadayze will now see Andrew Wyatt (lead singer of Miike Snow) join Mark Ronson, British band Sam & The Womp make their Australia festival debut, American electro boss TJR venture down under for the festival as well as Junior Jack and Kid Créme. Trance star Omnia will also be there in fine force alongside John 00 Fleming and Arnej amongst others. For all the latest, hit up futureentertainment.com.au/summadayze and mellenevents.com. Yeow!

PRESETS PARTY Everyone knows those crazy party animals and electro-gods The Presets. Well, now they’re embarking on their first national tour since 2009, early next year. Did anyone check them out at Parklife back in September? The lads killed it! Their new show will cover all the key moments on their fresh record Pacifica while also taking in many highlights from Beams and Apocalypso, interpreting many older tracks with bold, exciting and infectious reworkings. The lads hit Metro Freo on Thursday, January 31, supported

by Parachute Youth and Light Year. Tickets are on sale from Oztix.

Los Coronas

ME GUSTA

Legendary Spanish instrumental band Los Coronas are heading to our shores for the very first time next year, stopping off at festivals and performing headliner shows around the country. Known for their crazy, intense live shows and blend of ‘60s surf sound with traditional Spanish music, Los Coronas promise to put on a show unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.

With over 20 years under their belt as a touring band these guys are the real deal. Head to Los Coronas at the Fremantle Arts Centre New Year’s Day concert on Tuesday, January 1, to Clancy’s in Dunsborough on Wednesday, January 2, and Settlers Tavern in Margaret River on Thursday, January 3.

Nick Cave

HUSH HOUR

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Reactions/ Comp Flesh Music: Missy Higgins Music: Bombay Bicycle Club Music: Lagwagon/ Graham Greene Music: Tijuana Cartel/ DEAD/ The Cuban Brothers New Noise Eye4 Cover: Movies By Burswood Eye4 News/ Music/ Movies: Love Story/ Pitch Perfect Eye4 Movies: Satellite Boy/ Satellite Boy Interview Eye4 Arts Listings/ Arts Stories Eye4 Lifestyle Eye4 Arts Stories Salt Cover Story: Bag Raiders Salt: Cover Story/ News Salt: The Only/ Marten Horger Salt: The Nextmen/ Dismantle Salt: Danny Daze/ Club Scene: Steez Salt: Club Guide/ Scenery/ In The Diary/ Rewind: 10 Years On Scene: Live Scene: Pub Blurbs/ Pub Scene Scene: Local Tour Trails Gig Guide Volume

After an extremely successful first event, WA’s quietest concert Hush is back for a second year.

For those who need a bit of a reminder, Hush is a music event held in an old heritage-listed building – this time, St George’s College – where the best WA acts get the chance to showcase their artistry in pin-drop silence. No doubt you’ve experienced a number of gigs where it’s difficult to hear your favourite muso over the natter, the bar, the mobile phones – Hush aims to completely turn around that experience.

This year features performances and follow-up Q&A’s from Dom Mariani, Joe McKee, Rainy Day Women, Rachael Dease, Big Old Bears, Apricot Rail, and heaps more. Hush will be held on Sunday, February 3, with ticketing info from facebook.com/hushconcert

Cover: Bombay Bicycle Club play Southbound which hits Sir Stewart Bovell Park in Busselton on Friday, January 4 and Saturday, January 5.

Salt Cover: Bag Raiders play Wonderland on Tuesday, January 1, at Belvoir Amphitheatre www.xpressmag.com.au

Dom Mariani, ready to Hush 7

with Melissa Erpen... Send your name, address and daytime phone number to win@xpressmag.com.au with the name of the competition in the subject line or enter online at www.xpressmag.com.au. Snail mail entries can be sent to Locked Bag 31, West Perth 6872. Entries close 4pm Monday.

By entering you agree to X-Press Magazine’s Terms & Conditions which can be found online. All competition entries will automatically enable you to become an X-Press subscriber! No details will be given to a third party.

Print and Digital Editions Publisher/Manager Joe Cipriani Editorial

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Managing Editor Bob Gordon: editor@xpressmag.com.au Fashion Editor Emma Bergmeier: fashion@xpressmag.com.au Dance Music & Features Editor Annabel Maclean: danceeditor@xpressmag.com.au Local Music & Arts Editor Jennifer Peterson-Ward: localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au Gig & Event Guides Co-ordinator Melissa Erpen - guide@xpressmag.com.au Entertainment Services Co-ordinator / Competitions Melissa Erpen - win@xpressmag.com.au Photography Callum Ponton, Stefan Caramia, Daniel Grant, Sammy Granville, Matt Jelonek, Denis Radacic, Emma Mackenzie, Guang-Hui Chuan, Max Fairclough Contributing Writers Henry Andersen, Ashleigh Whyte, Nina Bertok, Shaun Cowe, Derek Cromb,Chris Gibbs,Alfred Gorman,George Green,Alex Griffin,Chris Havercroft, Joshua Hayes, Brendan Holben, Coral Huckstep, Travis Johnson,Rezo Kezerashvili,Tara Lloyd,Adam Morris,Andrew Nelson, Chloe Papas,Tom Varian,Ben Watson,Jessica Willoughby,Miki Mclay, Morgan Richards, James Manning, Joe Cassidy, Shane Pinnegar For band gigs and launches - plugyourgig@xpressmag.com.au

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COLDPLAY LIVE 2012

Coldplay have released Live 2012, their first concert film/live album for nine years. It documents their acclaimed Mylo Xyloto World Tour which has been seen by more than three million people since it began in June 2012. We have five copies of this incredible album up for grabs.

E DOWNLOAD TH P QR READER AP ING! AND GET WINN

X-PRESS PRESENTS Coldplay Live 2012

SPENCER P JONES & THE NOTHING BUTTS

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Spencer P Jones & The Nothing Butts are a new Australian band that are putting the super back into supergroup. Joining Mr. P Jones, the legendary guitarist and songwriter, is James Baker of The Scientists and Hoodoo Gurus fame, along with gnarled poet Gareth Liddiard and his Drones bassist/ partner Fiona Kitschin, to form The Nothing Butts. The band checks into The Bakery this Friday, December 7, for what is sure to be a knockout show. Enter now for your chance to win a double pass.

Sales and Marketing Manager Sue Blackwell - advertising@xpressmag.com.au Online Marketing Sue Blackwell - advertising@xpressmag.com.au Music Services / Musical Equipment / Bands / Record Labels Des Richardson - musicservices@xpressmag.com.au Entertainment Venues / Live and Dance Music Promoters Marc English - entertainment@xpressmag.com.au Agency / Movies / Education / Sponsorship Sue Blackwell - advertising@xpressmag.com.au Classifieds Linage Melissa Erpen - classifieds@xpressmag.com.au

Production

OLD SKOOL Dear X-Press, The music press really pisses me off sometimes.

There’s no doubt that the original Saints produced some of the greatest rock’n’roll of all time. However, Chris Bailey’s subsequent Saints incarnations have produced quality music, but never anything as remotely exciting as the first album (or second, or third?). Reading the press leading up to the Nov 30 Fly By Night gig, you would think that 1978 was about to be revisited. It was never going to happen, and if you bought a ticket expecting to hear Demolition Girl or Nights In Venice, as I suspect many did, there is surely grounds for a class action.

PS: Much respect to the bloke who got thrown out during The Volcanics’ warm up.

Peter Dallas Fremantle

PARIS-MANHATTAN

The eternal wisdom of Woody Allen informs Paris-Manhattan, debut writer/director Sophie Lellouche’s delicious and charming romantic comedy about a young woman whose choices in life and love are shaped by the philosophies of her favourite filmmaker. Want to win a double pass to see this film? Enter now as we have five up for grabs.

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Production Co-ordinator Ruth Tyndall

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The Chemical Brothers play Summadayze

Art Director Dwight O’Neil

Design + Production

art@xpressmag.com.au Andy Quilty, Anthony Jackson, Kasia Mazurkiewicz

Printing Rural Press Printing Mandurah

Administration

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

Deadlines EDITORIAL General: Friday 5pm,, Eye4 Arts: Thursday 10am, Comp’ Thing: Monday Noon,, Salt Clubs: Monday 5pm , Local Scene: Monday Noon,, Gig Guide: Monday 5pm ADVERTISING Cancellations: Monday 5pm, Ads to be set: Monday Noon Supplied Bookings / Copy: Tuesday 12 Noon, Classifieds: Monday 4pm Published by: Columbia Press Pty.Ltd. A.C.N. 066 570 803 Registered by Australia Post. Publication No PP600110.00006 Suite 55/102 Railway Street, City West Business Centre, West Perth, WA 6005 Locked Bag 31, West Perth, WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9213 2888 Fax: (08) 9213 2882 Website: http://www.xpressmag.com.au

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Advertisers and/or their agents by lodging an advertisment shall indemnify the publisher, and its agents, against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication. Advertisers and/or their representatives indemnify the publisher in relation to defamation, slander, breach of copyright, infringement of trademarks of name of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy and warrant that the material complies with revelant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the publisher, its servants or agents. Any material supplied to X-Press is at the contributor’s risk.

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SUMMADAYZE ULITMATE COMP

What better way to start your New Year than with Australia’s most iconic summer festival, Summadayze! With an inspired line-up jam packed with enough rockin’ beats to leave you in a spin, we are giving you the chance to win the ultimate Summadayze prize and be the guest X-Press reviewer of the festival!

Simply submit a piece of writing telling us in 100 words or less why you should review Summadayze. The winner will win a double pass to the festival, an awesome Summadayze merchandise pack and have their review published in X-Press. This is a killer prize so get cracking and send your entries to win@ xpressmag.com.au. Entries close December 19.

IN DARKNESS

Released on DVD November 28, In Darkness tells the story of one man’s rescue of Jewish refugees in the Nazi-occupied Polish city of Lvov. We have five copies up for grabs so get in now for your chance to win.

Hit & Miss

HIT & MISS

Released to DVD on December 5, Hit & Miss tells the story of Mia, a contract killer with a big secret: she’s a pre-op transsexual. Mia’s life is sent into a tailspin when she receives a letter from her ex, who reveals that she’s dying from cancer and that Mia has a son, 10-year-old Ryan. The series follows Mia’s attempts to mix her killer instincts with maternal ones as she helps her new family. Want to win a copy of this newly released DVD? Get in now as we have five to giveaway!

MOVIES BY BURSWOOD

Movies By Burswood is Perth’s family-friendly affordable outdoor cinema donating all its profits to local charities. With a stack of popular films screening all season, we have a bunch of double passes to giveaway! Enter now to be in the running.

Tijuana Cartel

TIJUANA CARTEL

The Tijuana Cartel boys are running high as their underground following continues to grow and they are bent on keeping true to a sound they have been developing over the last 10 years.

The guys will be hitting the stage at Capitol on Friday, December 7, and we have a double pass to giveaway!

MINISTRY OF SOUND: THE ANNUAL 2013

Ministry of Sound’s biggest seller and # 1 tour returns, The Annual 2013! Prepare your dancing shoes and equip your ears as Australia’s hottest DJs Tom Piper and The Only bring the party back to Perth checking into Villa on Friday, December 14. We have a double pass up for grabs and two copies of the The Annual 2013 up for grabs so enter now for your chance to win this awesome prize.

Movies By Burswood

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BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE

Feisty Entertainment

KOOL KABARET

The fun times continue every Thursday night this December at Malt Supper Club in Mt Lawley, where some of Perth’s best artists will perform for Kabaret Thursdays. Hit the dancefloor or sit back and relax – whatever your style, Malt accommodates. Check out a stunning burlesque and cabaret show from Feisty Entertainment this Thursday, December 6, some swingin’ soul and Motown from Stratosfunk on Thursday, December 13, and Thursday, December 27, and enjoy the rockin’ blues from Adam Hall And The Velvet Playboys on Thursday, December 20.

Guy Sebastian

FRO SHOW FO SHO

No doubt you’re already aware that the man without the ‘fro, Guy Sebastian, is heading out on a national tour next year to charm us all with his pop sensibilities. Well, due to popular demand, a second Perth show has been announced – so don’t worry, you won’t miss out! Guy will be playing at Crown Theatre on Thursday, March 28, and Saturday, March 30. Tickets on sale now through Ticketek.

He’s best known as the lead singer of The Whitlams, but ARIA award-winning songwriter Tim Freedman puts on a very different type of solo show. It apparently lies somewhere in between a gig and a conversation, having been described as “tunes linked together by extended yarns”. The much-loved muso will be displaying his storytelling skills during two intimate Fireside Chats shows at the Ellington Jazz Club this Saturday, December 8. The first show kicks off at 6pm and the second at 9pm. Head over to ellingtonjazz. com.au or call the venue on (08) 9228 1088 to secure your spot.

Birdy

FLYING SOUTH

After the success of her debut album, plus loads of lovin’ for her cover of Bon Iver’s Skinny Love, Birdy is flying south for the first time to perform to Australian crowds. The English singer songwriter will perform songs from her recent record, plus new recently recorded cover of John Butler Trio’s What You Want. Don’t miss out on the chance to see the songstress live at the Riverside Theatre on Saturday, April 6. Tickets from livenation.com.au.

Tim Freedman

THINKING CAPS Danni Stefanetti

COUNTRY FOLK

Homegrown heroes Jonny Taylor and Danni Stefanetti and Courtney Conway will be battling it out for the title of ‘Australia’s Next Big Country Star’ at the 41st Tamworth Country Music Festival as part of the prestigious 2013 Toyota Star Maker country music competition. With the likes of Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan and Samantha McClymont associated with the competition, there’s no doubting the influence this win will have on the winner’s future music career. Best of luck to both Jonny and Danni from all of us here at X-Press!

Joel Creasey

MERRY CREASEY

‘The Acid Tongue’, that’s what our very own Joel Creasey is known as. If you’ve seen him perform before, you’ll know he likes to talk about his mum’s drinking habits, his traumatic time at Club Med in Bali and how to become a Prime Minister. Now, the sexy comedian will be delivering his last stand-up show for the year at the Comedy Shack on Friday, December 28, at the Rydges Hotel. Joining Creasey will be host for the evening, American comedian Michael Goldstein.

Head to Facebook.com/comedyshackperth for all ticketing deets.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN JEST?

What do Chris Lilley, Peter Helliar, Claire Hooper and Tim Minchin all have in common? Before becoming some of Australia’s most recognisable names in comedy, they all spent their time fine-tweaking their routines, taking on RAW Comedy, Australia’s biggest and most prestigious annual open mic comedy competition.And you can do the same! Head online to rawcomedy.com.au and put your hand up to impart some jest (heats run through January and February at The Charles Hotel).

If you manage to impress the judges you’ll get to compete at the Grand Final during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in April. Come on funny people - give us a laugh!

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Fifteen of Perth’s finest thinkers and doers will gather this weekend at UWA for TEDxPerth, an independently organised not-for-profit event to share ideas and celebrate the intellectual ambition of WA. Speakers this year include science ambassador Steven Tingay, roboticist James Trevelyan and mental health expert Tasha Broomhall. The conference will be held this Saturday, December 8, at the Octagon Theatre.

Visit tedxperth.org for more information.

SINGING FOR SURFAID

Join David Sofield this weekend for a night of original acoustic music to raise much-needed funds for Surfaid. Surfaid are a not-for-profit that carry out vital work in Indonesia, providing disaster relief, health programs, and clean water to those affected by devastating tsunamis that have hit the area over the past decade.

Joined by the legendary Jim Banks and Errol H Tout, Sofield will perform his original tunes, and a brand new surf board will go up for auction – all profits will go directly to Surfaid. Head down to the Nexus Theatre at Murdoch University on Saturday, December 8. Tickets available through trybooking.com/BWPE.

Renegade

RODEO ROCKERS

Local country-rockers Renegade are holding a launch for their new EP this weekend, showcasing their impressive stage performance and promising a fun-filled rockin’ atmosphere. Check them out this Saturday, December 8, at the High Road Hotel.

SENSORY SITUATIONS

Life can get a little crazy sometimes, and it is art and expression that often makes us stop, think, and that brings us together. That’s the philosophy behind Jugular’s micro-festival, Situations, a festival featuring music, performance, open exhibition and comedy for all-ages. There will be music from Sprawl, Cow Parade Cow, Zeks, Spacemantics, Hideous Sun Demon, Gizzards, PC Kid, and Axel Carrington, performances from Four Man Radio, Elisa Thompson and Juggling Nelson, and exhibitions from Chloe Tine, Crash, Citrus Knightshade and heaps more. Head to the event at the Fly By Night Club on Saturday, December 8.

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MISSY HIGGINS Into My Arms

Fresh from claiming an ARIA Award for ‘Best Adult Contemporary Album’ last week, Missy Higgins returns for two performances at the Fremantle Arts Centre on Saturday, December 8, (sold-out) and Sunday, December 9, supported by Kate Miller-Heidke and Oh Mercy’s Alexander Gow. Missy Higgins surprised fans and the industry alike when she announced her return to the frontline of the music scene in 2011, releasing her third album, The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle, in August of this year.

Once claiming that she wasn’t sure if she’d ever return to music, Higgins is now back in full force – her album debuting at #1 in the ARIA charts, her tours constantly selling out. If it weren’t for the noticeable change of pace in her music and the matured outlook, it would be difficult to imagine she ever left.

On the brink of heading out on her second full national tour for the year, she discusses what it’s like being back, the new record, and life as Missy Higgins.

By CHLOE PAPAS You went on a break for five years or so, but it seems as though since you’ve been back on the scene you’ve either been writing, recording or touring non-stop. Have you had time to stop and take stock of it all?

Not really! I’m sure I will, when I finish touring. But yeah, I’ve had little breaks in the middle of it all and – every now and then I stop and I realise how amazing it is that the new album is going so well. I just never expected – well, I guess I never knew what the reaction was going to be like, just because I took so much time off. And there were a lot of people saying to me that it might be hard to, you know, get my fanbase back because a lot of them could have moved on, and sometimes it’s just hard to get back into people’s hearts after such a big hiatus. But yeah, I’m just really amazed and thankful that the new music is being embraced so well – because it’s a bit of a different sound for me, and the album was a bit of an experiment and just having fun and being creative with friends, so it’s been nice to know that that works.

As you said, your new material is fairly different to your previous two albums, but it seems to have been received well. What sort of feedback have you had from fans?

I think there’s definitely songs on the new album that are surprising people and everyone’s going to have a different opinion – you’re never going to be able to please everybody, and I never intended to. But I think, overall, people are appreciating it for being a really diverse, interesting album. And I think definitely people are appreciating that it isn’t another album like my last two – that it is actually something different. I think it’s always better to surprise people a little bit than it is to not surprise them, and to give them something they kind of expected.

So yeah, I think there’s some songs that are a bit more palatable for people that are really into my old stuff and I think there’s some songs in there that are a bit more fun and adventurous and experiment with different styles. The overall reaction has been pretty good.

I saw your set at Splendour earlier this year, and there were a few people getting very emotional when you performed older songs like The Special Two. What is your relationship to your old songs?

Well, I wouldn’t listen to my own music in my spare time just for enjoyment (laughs). But I don’t know, for me those recordings are just a moment in time. The further away I get from recordings, the less I can relate to them and the more dated they sound to me. I’m still really proud of the songs, but the recordings start to get a bit painful for me after a while.

When I hear my first album I just hear how young I am and how earnest I was and so overly expressive! Which is fine, but I’m just so hypercritical of myself, it’s always really hard to be objective when you’re hearing yourself. That’s what I like about playing live, I can play those songs in the kind of way that I would play them now. I re-interpret them for the musician that I am today.

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Missy Higgins

“I had this relationship with this guy that was very kind of… it was quite tumultuous, at times. And we couldn’t seem to quite make it work despite really, really loving each other.

He used to come into my studio and I used to play him music, I used to play him piano for hours and he used to just lie on my floor and listen. And it was kind of my way of expressing to him how I felt about him and how much I loved him without actually saying it in words. And you know, we both kind of knew that for some reason we wouldn’t really be able to make it work with each other. But we still had a lot to give each other, I guess it was just a way of reaching out to him through music.”

I’ve read quite a few interviews that you’ve done this year and you say ‘we’ frequently – as in, you and your band, rather than seeing yourself as purely a solo artist. Was it important for this record to be a collaborative one for you?

Yeah, definitely. The actual recording of the record was a very collaborative process between Butterfly [Boucher], Brad [Jones, producer] and I. The three of us really – those two played a lot of the instruments on the album and I played at least one or two on each song, and it was a really creative process where we all just got into the studio every day and really just took every song from scratch and tried to build it up in the most interesting, creative way that we could. It just feels like it was a really collaborative process.

And then you get on the road and you rehearse the songs with the band for a few days, and each song is a work in progress every night. Every song and every soundcheck you work on them a little bit more and change the arrangements – so that’s a really collaborative process as well. And I love that side to it, you know? I love feeling as though you’re part of a team, or part of a family. It makes you feel like a part of something bigger.

Would you want to work that way in the future?

I have no idea how I want to do my next record, honestly. But I do know that I always want to work with people that I have worked well with, and that listen to each other and inspire each other and can really feed off each other. That’s when you really make the best music, when you can push each other to be better and to think outside the box.

Of all the tracks on The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle, it feels like Everyone’s Waiting is the defining song.

I wrote that when I was kind of on the tail end of a huge writer’s block and I was feeling as though I really wanted to be able to express myself and I really, really wanted to be able to write, but I just didn’t know what to say, and I didn’t know how.

Because I just felt so much pressure to come up with something great – pressure from myself, and pressure from my fans who were waiting and my record company, I just felt it coming from every direction.

So I guess I just... I thought, ‘you know what? I have to start writing about what I’m feeling,

and I have to start writing about what I’m going through, because at the moment this is the biggest thing I’m going through – trying to get through this fear that’s kind of paralysing me’. Whereas I was trying to concentrate on what kind of album I wanted to write, what I wanted to say, and I wasn’t really thinking about the fact that I should probably just write about exactly what I’m feeling.

So yeah, that’s what it’s about – just that kind of anxiety, that feeling as if, as though, everyone’s waiting for something that I couldn’t produce.

In Everyone’s Waiting you sing, ‘As I put my costume on’. Is that a nod to coming back on the scene, and putting your Missy Higgins persona back on, so to speak?

Yeah, definitely. I think there’s definitely a certain costume that you have to put on in order to sell yourself, in a way. It’s a bit of a strange thing, having to sell yourself as if you’re a product. So in a way, you have to disconnect yourself from that in order to maintain a bit of sanity. That’s what that line refers to.

One of the final tracks on the album, Sweet Arms Of A Tune, could almost belong on The Sound of White. Is there a particular story behind it?

I guess I just had this... well, I guess I had this relationship with this guy that was very kind of… it was quite tumultuous, at times. And we couldn’t seem to quite make it work despite really, really loving each other. He used to come into my studio and I used to play him music, I used to play him piano for hours and he used to just lie on my floor and listen. And it was kind of my way of expressing to him how I felt about him and how much I loved him without actually saying it in words. And you know, we both kind of knew that for some reason we wouldn’t really be able to make it work with each other. But we still had a lot to give each other, I guess it was just a way of reaching out to him through music.

What are your plans after the December tour?

I don’t have any yet! I’m sure I’ll be going over to the States and doing some more touring next year. Hopefully to Europe as well. Yeah, probably just a bit more touring and then probably another big break to see if I want to write a fourth album!

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BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB A League Of Their Own

Bombay Bicycle Club are headed our way for Southbound on Friday-Saturday, January 4-5, at Sir Stewart Bovell Park in Busselton. BENJAMIN COOPER reports.

Jamie MacColl is frequently caught off-guard by the success of his band. When we speak, the guitarist of English indie rockers Bombay Bicycle Club is wolfing down some local food in New Orleans, and he couldn’t be more amazed – or happier – with his present situation.

“When we started out, we had no intentions or plans for anything, really; certainly nothing like this,” he says. “To be in America is pretty special, and then to be visiting the South again and staying in New Orleans is just great. We’re actually staying really near the venue [House Of Blues], which is in the old historic quarter of town.

“There’s all these amazing buildings and shops that are off winding streets; the buildings and public spaces around are exactly the same as the image I’ve been carrying in my mind of the city for so long,” he enthuses.“It’s very different to travelling through the rest of America and the sorts of experiences you have elsewhere. It’s really another place.”

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The London band’s long road to America began in 2006, when the then high-school students won Channel 4’s Road To V competition. After a triumphant debut performance the same year at V Festival, they released their debut EP, The Boy I Used To Be, on their own label, Mmm… Records in February, 2007.

This was followed six months later by their second EP, How We Are; their debut album, I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose, came out in mid-2009, delayed by the band’s final exams. “It was a really interesting period for us, because it was the first time we’d had the support of a label [Island Records],” MacColl explains. “Before then we’d just done most things ourselves, but now there was this group of professionals who were engaged.

The great thing is that means you can reach whole other groups of people, who might never have heard our music.”

with singles including the recent cut, Beg. It may all sound like a gargantuan load of work, but to MacColl and his band it’s just what comes naturally.

“We love doing what we do, so writing songs and arguing about songs is a big part of daily life. Our albums are quite different, but they’re all ours.

The label’s support has been massive, and it’s meant that we’re able to tour to Australia and America – and there’s no way that I would want to miss out on visiting Wal-Mart!” he laughs.

Have the famously vast malls of suburban America inspired the band to greater artistic heights?

“Oh, for sure,” he laughs. “The place is just incredible. I mean, you can actually buy anything in one of those stores. You can buy things that no one would have any reasonable use for, and there’s stuff hidden away that you won’t find anywhere else.

“And then, of course, you can buy guns.

Real guns, that kill people. We, however, elected to buy some BB guns and have been having a lot of fun with them. So far no one has got too badly injured.”

A lack of serious injuries is heartening news for Australian fans, who are looking forward to the group’s upcoming appearances at the Falls Festival and Southbound. The tour comes almost a year Bombay Bicycle Club after the band’s debut appearances in the country, supporting fellow Brits Elbow on a string of national dates and performing their own hugely successful “I did a rugby tour to headline shows on the side. It wasn’t MacColl’s first visit to our shores, though.

Australia back in 2006 and “I did a rugby tour to Australia back in it was a lot of fun… but I 2006, I think it was, and it was a lot of fun,” he says.

“I’ve actually probably seen more of Australia from did get the absolute shit that tour [than from band tours], because we got to see different parts of Australia and experience the kicked out of me when rural parts of the country. It was fascinating, and the people were great… but I did get the absolute shit we were playing, which is kicked out of me when we were playing, which is fairly usual for smaller guys fairly usual for smaller guys in the game. I definitely wasn’t destined for rugby greatness, and I didn’t get in the game. I definitely the shit kicked out me last time I was in Australia [with the band], so I thought I might keep it up with wasn’t destined for rugby the music instead,” he laughs. greatness, and I didn’t get The tour with Elbow brought out the slow-rockers’ most passionate fans – and a different the shit kicked out me last set of challenges for MacColl and his band. “On the one hand, if you’re doing a support show there’s no time I was in Australia [with pressure, because all the pressure is on the headliners. the band], so I thought I But then we were playing with Elbow, and playing quite a lot of our own headline shows as well, there might keep it up with the was more pressure on us because there were more British bands and internationally-touring bands that music instead.” people were comparing against one another. So we The label’s support of Bombay Bicycle Club had to up our game as well.”

How do Bombay Bicycle Club plan to step bolstered the frequency of the band’s album cycle; their sophomore, the acoustic Flaws, dropped almost it up once more on their upcoming tour?

“The live shows are going to be fairly exactly one year after its predecessor, and their most recent album, the amped and lush A Different Kind Of ambitious,” MacColl enthuses, “and I’m definitely Fix, arrived just 12 months later in August, 2011, laden going to get a tan!”

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

LAGWAGON

ailment where you can’t be on the road, then you can’t do it. But other than that, if you’re still inspired and you still feel passionate, then there’s really no reason to stop.”

Lagwagon certainly haven’t, although the years since their formation in 1990 have seen numerous line-up changes, hiatuses, splits, and reformations. In that they’ve cranked out eight LPs and four EPs - all Veteran California skate-punks, time released through NOFX frontman Fat Mike’s Fat Wreck Lagwagon, play the Rosemount Hotel Records - and grown from a dumb, fun, pop/punk outfit but still energetic music machine. on Thursday, December 6, with support to a polished “Obviously you evolve,” Cape tells X-Press. from The Smith Street Band. TRAVIS “People evolve and a band is eclectic - it’s more than member. I write music for my band, but it changes JOHNSON talks with frontman, Joey one drastically once it’s given to the band - everybody puts Cape, about the irony of being a punk their stamp on it. If you look at the band, there’s a lot of individuals there, but there’s also been some evolution with a legacy. in my songwriting as well. But whether I can judge In the song, Falling Apart, from their 2003 album, that is another question; I’m too close, you know what Blaze, Lagwagon take a series of satirical jabs at the I mean?” ageing icons of the alternative rock scene and their occasionally embarrassing decrepitude.

It was a good song then and it’s a good song now; the only difference is that Joey Cape, Lagwagon’s energetic singer and chief song writer, is himself 46.

Which raises the question - does he now feel the chill of age descending upon him?

“It was all kind of tongue-in-cheek, that song,” he laughs.“But yeah, rock and roll is not a game for old people, and so much of the time you see old bands doing it, and you start to go, ‘Hmm, maybe it’s time to give it up’. But I don’t know; obviously, if there’s a time where you just physically cannot do it anymore, like if you become diabetic, or you have some debilitating

It’s Evolution, Baby

Graham Greene performs with The Jac Dalton Band, Lady Zeppelin and Swanee this Friday at Black Betty’s

GRAHAM GREENE

Perhaps the easiest way to get a handle on the band’s development is to take a look at recent reissues of their first five albums: Duh, Trashed, Hoss, Double Plaidinum and Let’s Talk About Feelings. In revisiting such early work, Cape and company took the opportunity to polish and perfect the material, packing the releases with extra material, b-sides, and demos.

“We did it in lieu of doing a greatest hits album,” Cape sys of the reissues. “And we did it with the early records, because they had the most to gain.

If you’re listening to an iPod and an old song come on, you can barely hear it, it’s so quiet.

“We were able to cook the old tapes, get the original mixes, tweak all the stuff, put it all together, and really kind of demonstrate the evolution of the band entirely over the course of those years. We were also able to include a lot of demos that people had ever heard, a lot of material that people had never heard.”

Lagwagon

Triple Fret

With over 20 years of gigging and recording under his belt, a signature line of Ormsby guitars, a song in the National Film And Sound Archives, three solo albums and the ‘Best Rock Instrumental Artist’ gong from the 2008 Star Music Awards in Hollywood, Graham Greene remains one of Perth’s best kept musical secrets, reports SHANE PINNEGAR. The rest of the world may be about to catch on to Perth guitarist, Graham Greene, with recording and tentative European tour plans for 2013, as well as his guitar take on Waltzing Matilda appearing on the soundtrack to the Jay And Silent Bob Go Down Under comedy special premiered on US cable TV last week.

“I joke that I seem to do two sorts of tunes,” says Greene. “I’ll do the big epic instrumental guitar hero things, and the guitar heads are into that. Then I’ll do these fun little things that we call ‘the little songs that can’.”

Cutting the Waltzing Matilda track in one afternoon, and uploading it to YouTube for a laugh rather than releasing it officially, two years later it caught someone’s eye and the rest – as they say – is history.

“Because it was sort of a humorous, tongue-in-cheek take on the tune, they figured it would be perfect for their special,” says Greene, noting that just because “they’ve paid for it, doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to use it. When I saw the promo come up and it had the piece in it there was a sigh of relief!”

Never one to sit idle, Greene has been busy promoting The Jac Dalton Band’s 2010 album, Icarus - which has now sold out of its third pressing in Germany – and writing tracks for the follow-up, as well as performing not only with Carolina native and current Adelaide resident Dalton, but also with wife Donna in their Lady Zeppelin tribute band.

Greene will be performing with both acts and backing Aussie rock legend Swanee this Friday at Black Betty’s.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Greene says enthusiastically. “I remember the first song I heard of Swanee’s was If I Were a Carpenter, and his voice struck me. I’d heard all the great Australian singers and the thing that struck me was that this guy could really sing blues. I heard these runs that you’d expect from Paul Rogers or David Coverdale coming out of this Aussie guy and he was aiming at a mature-ish audience, he wasn’t doing anything too heavy.

“He did some nice mid-tempo ballad type songs - and he’s a really good bloke. He’s involved in a lot of charity stuff and being Jimmy Barnes’ older brother he was the guy that got Jimmy into music.”

The triple-header is Greene’s last live outing for the year and with the bands playing between 8-11pm, fans are coming from far and wide.

“The hours are good for the people who have grown up with Swanee, who probably don’t want to stay out until three in the morning,” Greene explains with enthusiasm.

“Go there, see the show and still get home at a reasonable hour, not too shattered.

We’ve got people coming over from Adelaide for the show. I think we’ve got a couple of people coming over from Melbourne for the show, too.” www.xpressmag.com.au

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

www.xpressmag.com.au

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THE CUBAN BROTHERS

DEAD

Great Ribbons Of Spunk

On Arrival Melbourne punk/sludge duo DEAD are joined by Brooklyn underground heavyweights Vaz and a local line-up of Grief Contest, Bamodi, Ron Pollard Quintet and Race To Your Face this Sunday, December 9, at Mojos. BOB GORDON reports.

Punk sludge duo DEAD’s first visit to Perth hit a snag when their Saturday show at Dada’s Garage was cancelled due to recent noise issues. What has resulted is a six-band mega bill on Sunday at Mojos.

Shall we call this lemonade?

“Ah yes I guess we shall,” says Jem, who along with Jace is DEAD. “Actually four shows on this [national] tour alone got cancelled and we had to make last minute plans. This is the reality of touring in Australia. It’s great when something good can come of it.”

Joining them on their national tour are Vaz, who are labelmates with DEAD on US label, Wantage.

As a booking agent Jem sees many, many bands, but there’s something special about this Brooklyn powerhouse.

“Well basically they inspire us,” Jem, who also plays in two other bands, Fire Witch and Inappropriate Tough Guy Behaviour, considers. “We are not fussed by genre or fashion, we just like good music. And to us it makes sense to tour with a band who will kick our arse every night. I suppose we are both outsiders musically and we share that.”

DEAD’s label/booking agency is called We Empty Rooms. How’s that working out?

“Everything we ever do is awesome,” Jem says boldly. “It may not be popular, but it is still a success!”

As was DEAD’s recent tour of Japan, it seems. A good time had by all...

“The tour was amazing,” Jem enthuses.

“I mean, it’s just a very interesting place to be, for starters. And the level of the bands we played with was incredibly high. Particularly the bands we toured with and released a split with were exceptional live

After more than a decade entertaining crowds worldwide with their cheeky cabaret performance, 2013 is set to be The Cuban Brothers’ biggest year yet as they get ready to release their debut album. JOSHUA HAYES speaks with Mike Keat ahead of the group’s upcoming shows – Funk Club’s Countdown to NYE at Salt On The Beach, and Cuban Club 2013 at The Flying Squadron Yacht Club on New Year’s Day.

DEAD bands. Very inspiring stuff. Oh, also no sound engineer ever asked us to turn down. Aussie engineers could learn from this.”

DEAD have recently wrapped up work on their second album, the delicately titled, IDIOTS. Importantly, they’re very happy with it. “Well it’s better than anything that ever won an ARIA,” Jem says, resoundingly. “It sounds more live than our first LP, although both were recorded pretty much live.

This one just sounds better.”

IDIOTS is set for release in early 2013, which means that Jem and Jace will have a busy year ahead from the get-go. It’s good to be DEAD. “IDIOTS will take us back to USA and potentially Japan and South East Asia again,” Jem says, enthusiastically. “And it will take us back into the studio to make another album.”

“It’s going to be pretty off the scale. When we’re celebrating a new year like that, we want to pull something special out the bag,” Mike Keat says, in his thick Scottish accent, of their latest Australian tour.

The Cuban Brothers consist of Keat’s persona Miguel Mantovani – a Havana musician with former lives as a nightclub owner and porn star – his nephew Archerio Mantovani, and his Japanese love child, Kengo San. Renowned for a hilarious performance combining music, comedy and dancing (and, of course, getting their knobs out onstage) The Cuban Brothers have earned an impressive list of accomplishments – comedy skits for the London Olympics, private parties for the likes of Elton John and Robbie Williams and countless festival gigs.

Their debut album with their 10-piece funk outfit, The CBs, Yo Bonita, is scheduled to be released on January 28, although Keat says it may appear earlier in Australia to coincide with their tour. It was in the works for four years and features collaborations with the likes of KT Tunstall, Mica Paris and Kurtis Blow.

SPENCER P. JONES Nothing But Trouble

TIJUANA CARTEL Gamelan On Gold Coast lads Tijuana Cartel are heading back to WA for dates at Capitol on Friday, December 7; White Star in Albany on Saturday, December 8; the Prince of Wales in Bunbury on Thursday, December 13, and Settlers Tavern, Margaret River on Friday-Saturday, December 14-15. CHLOE PAPAS reports.

When X-Press Magazine chats to Tijuana Cartel frontman Paul George, the band is in the studio laying down new material.

He explains that they’ve been taking any chance they can get to write and record in between shows and festivals. The group’s last album, M1, surprised fans with a slight change of direction, a musical progression that saw them embrace long, lush, electronic interludes and dance-based tracks.

George says their new material won’t stray too far from that of M1.

“The new material is really just an extension of the last album,” he says,“we tried so many different styles over the years, we’re now trying to stick with our favourite flavours and build from there. We are really concentrating on making this album very danceable.”

Sometimes it can take a few years or albums for a band to settle on a sound – particularly when dealing with a huge array of instruments and a tendency to experiment with different genres. George, however, thinks they may have found their groove.

“We felt that M1 was a defining album for Tijuana Cartel, and we didn’t want to spend our careers genre-hopping. So, we’ve been analysing what it is we liked from the last album and seeing how far we can push it all from there. Having said that, our minds do wander quite a bit, so there’ll be a few randomly inspired tracks on the album.”

The band have released a bunch of EPs, singles, mixes, and a couple of full-lengths since 2007, and up until this point have chosen to produce on their own. This time around, they’ve been working 18

with producer Scott Horscroft [Silverchair, The Presets] and have already released a single, Offer Yourself, with his name on the credits. George explains that although it takes some adjusting, they’re becoming more comfortable with the process.

“It’s interesting, we’re not always sure. It’s great working with someone who has their own sound and ideas to add, though we also enjoy producing and mixing. So we’ve been trying both approaches for each song to see which versions we like better.”

Tijuana Cartel have toured extensively throughout Asia and this year George spent a few blissful weeks in Bali to work on the band’s new material.

“I had a musician friend who had a spare room in Ubud, it was the perfect place to record. I set up in front of a large window looking out to rice fields and wild ducks, I loved it, it was almost too good! The tracks I worked on have a little bit of that vibe in there.

We even managed to use local Gamelan instruments on some of the tracks.”

With a proposed release date of September next year, we’re going to have to wait a little while longer for a full album – though, no doubt we’ll hear a few tracks in the lead-up. Right now, Tijuana Cartel are focussing on their upcoming tour.

“We’ve been focusing on tighter and bigger live shows. For a while we were experimenting with what we felt worked live, and we now feel we deliver a much greater live experience – we’re all looking forward to playing through WA.”

Alt-rock supergroup Spencer P. Jones And The Nothing Butts play at The Bakery on Friday, December 7, supported by Kill Devil Hills and Loose Lips. TRAVIS JOHNSON has a word with Mr Jones.

Over the years, New Zealand-born guitarist and singer, Spencer P. Jones, has put in time with countless notable outfits, among them The Beasts Of Bourbon, various Paul Kelly ensembles and his own band, The Escape Committee.

Still, his latest project may boast one of the most prestigious line-ups he’s ever played with; The Nothing Butts include not only Jones himself, but old Beasts sparring partner James Baker and Gareth Liddiard and Fiona Kitschin of The Drones.

“It’s a Western Australian band,” he jokes.

“It’s totally Western Australian, except that every good band in Australia has to have a New Zealander in them for some reason.”

In truth, it’s more a band from Nagambie, the rural Victorian town where their eponymous album was recorded. Jones was looking to lay down a few tracks and, as luck would have it, an old mate was in town.

“We were lucky in the sense that we’ve been able to tour relentlessly in all different environments without having a long-player out, so we just held onto it until the right time, until I was absolutely happy with it,” Keat says.

Keat has also acted in three films backto-back over the last nine months, including Plan B’s directorial debut, the gangster film Ill Manors (“I play a real nasty bugger in that,” he says) and stage adaptation, Sunshine On Leith. The biggest title, though, is Cuban Fury – a comedy about a former salsa prodigy [Nick Frost] trying to win the heart of his new boss [Rashida Jones] through dance and defeat his rival [Chris O’Dowd].

Naturally, Keat plays the owner of the salsa dance studio.

He’s also working on a Cuban Brothers TV show, which is at pre-production and should be on air in the first half of 2013.

“The idea is Saturday Night Live with the Cubans,” Keat says. “There isn’t anything on television which is encompassing comedy, live music and that sort of excitement that you used to get from the Saturday Night Live show… where you had that feeling where anything could happen. And with me at the helm, anything will fucking happen.”

So it’s been a busy year for the lads, and 2013 looks to be even busier. “2012 has been a very creative year; we’ve been around for over a decade, so it’s good that a lot of these things have come to fruition,” Keat says. “We’re coming at it from all angles. Not literally of course; I don’t want to get arrested for sending great ribbons of spunk into the art world.”

Cuban Brothers “You’re probably aware that James is in a group called The Painkillers, and they came over here to play some shows,” Jones explains. “I mentioned to him that I’d been doing some recording. He was in town for a few days, so he came up to the studio in Nagambie. Unbeknownst to us, Gareth and Fiona had recently moved there, and the guy whose place we were recording at called them and got them to bring their instruments over and have a jam.”

‘The guy’ was Andrew McGee, producer of the album, whom Jones hints engineered the whole collaboration on the sly.

“Andrew McGee actually put this together - mysteriously. When I was recording up there, I was doing a lot of songs and as well as playing with The Escape Committee, I was doing solo gigs. Andy said, ‘Why don’t you just record yourself doing these songs solo and we’ll just put out that CD so you can sell it at your solo gigs?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, okay.’ But people kept turning up! It turned out okay, though - actually, it turned out great.”

All the album’s songs were written solely

by Jones, bar two. One was a collaboration with Baker. “I said to James to bring back some lyrics if he had any, when he came back the second time.

He had this song called Freak Out, he’d just written these lyrics and they happened to go with this bit of music I’d written.”

Indeed, Jones had no trouble getting back into a working groove with his old bandmate. “You don’t forget anything,” he says firmly. “Within a few bars of the first song together, it all came back. It wasn’t weird at all; it was very natural.”

If Jones has any regrets about the project, it’s that the members’ hectic schedules mean that, for the foreseeable future, this album and brief tour will be their only output.

“We’re looking forward to playing in Perth,” he says. “James Baker at The Bakery! It’s perfect. I think if we had more leisure time, we’d probably play together again sometime down the track, but at the moment, this is it.”

Spencer P. Jones And The Nothing Butts X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

SAN CISCO Self-Titled

PINBACK Information Retrieved

Island City

Temporary Residence/Inertia

Californian rockers and science fiction fans Pinback are affectively the duo of Rob Crowe and innovative bass man Armistead Burwell Smith IV who have brought various drummers along for the ride when required.

Pinback go about their business with a distinct lack of fanfare but five years between albums is a considerable time, even for this duo.

Information Retrieved benefits from this gestation as much of the fat has been trimmed with the tunes being instantly likeable slabs of obtusely melodic guitar romps. Drawstring and Sherman are the type of insistent and moody tracks that Death Cab For Cutie were masters of before their tour bus accommodation became more palatial than the average home.

Throughout Information Retrieved these two sci-fi nuts wax lyrical about the demise of the world while technology increases and makes advances around us. In True North the crust of the earth is ‘flaking off’ but it is the sprawling and atmospheric Proceed To Memory that is the more menacing (even if it does wrap it up in a killer melody).

Pinback have spent the best part of half a decade putting together an album that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Information Retrieved pushes back against those indie rock acts who have been treading water.

In accord with San Cisco’s string of hook-laden singles, the Fremantle quartet’s debut long player is a chipper affair.

The 12 song album displays development in both songcraft and an understanding of each other as musicians. The band have identified how to expand their sound by cleverly utilising their constituent components. Throughout the album the young four-piece explore various zones of pop and rock with bubbly consistency.

Josh Biondillo’s introduction of a company of keyboard into the fray seems to have been a major catalyst for venturing into new territory. This is most evident on album opener Beach, which is a synthsoaked dream.The shimmering pop song, with a chorus led by drummer Scarlett Stevens’ vocal, hints at naff but it’s more pretty than mercenary.

The guitars that dominated the band’s cheeky indie-pop on their two preceding EPs return to the fore on the jangly Fred Astaire and similarly Jordi Davieson’s recognisable bratty vocal charm resumes its place next to surging distorted guitars on No Friends.

Alongside the lively portrayal of youth, Lyall, and the bold keyboard foray, Mission Failed, are some moments of relaxed sophistication. The album’s two standout tracks Hunter and lead single Wild Things are perhaps less obvious, but they’re very confident pop songs.

San Cisco’s self-titled album doesn’t try to bend the pop song form, nor does it make stylistic departures just for the hell of it.They carefully seize their strengths in a manner that lets them capably execute stylistic tangents.

_CHRIS HAVERCROFT _ AUGUSTUS WELBY

DAVEY CRADDOCK & THE SPECTACLES Going Home

BILLY RAY CYRUS Change My Mind Blue Cadillac/Sony

Going Home Records

First thing’s first, Davey Craddock makes his own chutney from home which puts him a step ahead of all the urban country wannabes for starters. Secondly, his formative musical years were not spent in the metropolitan area and most importantly, he writes a mighty fine tune. His first EP was recorded in London when on holiday, but his latest effort is firmly planted in Perth and is aptly titled Going Home.

This time out Craddock now has the backing of The Spectacles to give his tunes more flesh than an episode of The Walking Dead. Radio track Keep On Waiting is an ivory fuelled saloon romp that holds Craddock’s likeable voice in a good stead and isn’t harmed in any way by pristine harmonies and tasty harmonica solo.

Right Brain Holiday suggests that Craddock came to roots music via Tim Rogers and the Twin Set rather than directly onto Merle Haggard or John Prine, though that does little to dilute the result of this chugging little beauty. Most people that have a hand on an acoustic guitar hang off the every word of Dylan, but Craddock flies in the face of convention by declaring ‘Bob Dylan’s dead’ during the brisk Anti-Folk and risks it being Newport 1965 all over again.

With Perth having a resurgence of psychrockers, Davey Craddock & The Spectacles strike up a victory for song writing with the immaculate Going Home. More please Mr Craddock. _ CHRIS HAVERCROFT

The man who could claim responsibility for bringing line dancing to the masses, Billy Ray Cyrus, has had somewhat of a resurgence since he starred with his daughter on Disney’s Hannah Montana.

With that show now behind them it is music that is set to pay the Cyrus bills. With Change My Mind, Cyrus has a baker’s dozen of studio albums to his name.

The throwaway pop of his formative Nashville years are a distant memory as the title track kicks in with rowdy guitars and a sultry southern rock feel. Cyrus has matured into his voice with some added husk to his Kentucky drawl.

Considering his former styling, it is no surprise to hear that Cyrus errs on the side of hair metal when he is trying to capture the barroom feel of some of his heroes. Hillbilly Heart is a particularly dull effort with pointless guitar histrionics. The clichéd acoustic moment of That’s What Daddy’s Do is the best on offer here and even that is a trial.

Billy Ray Cyrus has never been one to shy away from the fashion of the day, so while he was able to trim the supersized mullet, here’s hoping that he doesn’t shatter his achy breaky heart when trying to wash off the sleeve length tough stickers down his left arm if he does change his mind. _CHRIS HAVERCROFT

NICKI MINAJ Pink Friday Roman Reloaded: The Re-Up Cash Money Records Inc

ERIC ALEXANDER & VINCENT HERRING Friendly Fire: Live at Smoke HighNote Records Inc. 2012

This jazz album featuring the great jazz saxophonists, Eric Alexander on tenor and Vincent Herring on alto was recorded live at SMOKE, a small jazz and supper club in uptown Manhattan with impeccable acoustics, great food and some of the best jazz in town i.e. New York City.

These two jazz giants started the set with a Hank Mobley piece called Pat ‘N’ Chat, which was to set the standard from which they never stray. Their inventive solos were a knockout, not necessarily competitive rather a joyous interplay that inspired them to take more risks. This was followed by, Sukiyaki at a loping tempo that kicked into a hard swing feel when Herring took off in his solo.

There are also some timeless standards such as, You’ve Changed, Mona Lisa, Here’s That Rainy Day and a rhythm section that kicked arse when required and swung like A train all the way to Harlem – Mike Ledonne on piano, John Webber, bassist and Carl Allen on drums.

Just days before hitting our shores for her first Australian national tour, the inimitable Nicki Minaj has taken the trend for expanded album ‘re-promotions’ to another level with Pink Friday Roman Reloaded: The Re-Up, a bumper three-disc pack featuring her second album reissued accompanied by a DVD of video clips and an extra eight-track CD of new material.

With each release Minaj has grown more confident and individualistic - not to mention more bizarre - but The Re-Up serves to prove that Minaj scores the highest marks in the qualities shared by all gifted rappers: rhymes, flow, cleverness and style. Some of Minaj’s best wordplay is showcased here: on Freedom, she rhymes “ya approval” with “ramen noodles”; while I Endorse These Strippers finds “frivolous” paired with “polygamist” to great effect.

Minaj is not afraid to step out of the limelight either, with Lil Wayne lending his rhymes to High School, plus girly-girl hit-makers Ciara and Cassie dominating the hooky choruses of I’m Legit and The Boys respectively.

That being said, those who prefer Minaj’s auto-tuned poppier singles - Starships, Superbass, Va Va Voom - likely won’t find much to like about the new tracks, which find the superstar staying solid and true to her hip-hop roots. For those willing to embrace Minaj in her foul-mouthed rapper guise The Re-Up is thrilling hip-hop.

_ HELEN MATTHEWS _ JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD 19

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Behind The Screens

BANKWEST

MOVIES BY BURSWOOD

Bankwest Movies By Burswood is back and bigger than ever. Head to moviesbyburswood.com for full program details and other essential information.

While it’s become a summer institution in Perth, Bankwest Movies By Burswood had modest beginnings, remembered all too well

by Voluntary Event Coordinator, Ken Gibbons.

“It began as a dinner table challenge and compulsory volunteering of friends to get it going,” he recalls. “Today it’s a team of 500 volunteers with as many varied backgrounds. The first year lost $23,000. Ten years later it earned almost three quarters of a million dollars in a season. It required seven years to raise the first million.”

It’s not only the budgets that have changed in 11 years, the technology has as well.

“35mm has given way to a major capital investment in digital,” Gibbons reflects.

“Our Burswood venue has been rated the best outdoor cinema visually - as in picture on screen - in the country. We have always maintained a policy of the highest technical excellence. The first year cost $120,000 to run. Our twelfth has a budget of almost $2 million.”

And still it grows. This year Bankwest Movies By Burswood extends to a further two venues, at Curtin and Bassendean. It’s something Gibbons would never have imagined at the outset.

“Frankly, I never envisaged it to last 12 years let alone expand to three venues,” he says.

“That the public has embraced the event and supported it as tremendously as they have is very humbling. Growth has meant opportunity to ultimately do more of what we do best: a good night out for people resulting in a better financial result for our children’s charities.”

While Gibbons’ programming rationale has been tailored to appeal to universal audiences,

the two new venues have allowed for some variation.

“The methodology has remained constant,” Gibbons says, “above all else, quality entertainment regardless of the demographic.

Burswood, because of its capacity, has had to be programmed keeping in mind the need to attract large audiences. As a result strong commercial product has been the focal point.

“Bassendean’s demographic has meant a stronger family film component. Curtin, being the smallest of the three venues, has enabled a bit of self-indulgence in programming - some more art house, anime, classics and independent films that have limited appeal.”

As such, Gibbons’ Top 5 picks over the coming months reflect the overall span of the three outdoor cinemas.

“Beyond the obvious two - Skyfall and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Life Of Pi, Silver Linings Playbook, Rise Of The Guardians,

Inside Urban Central

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Jack Reacher and Flight,” he says. “An honourable mention to Django Unchained.”

In 11 years Bankwest Movies By Burswood has raised over $3,750,000 for its charities and has just recently partnered with Channel 7/Telethon, a move which offers huge potential in terms of fundraising. Gibbons has high hopes for the future, but also some more modest ones.

“My hopes are that I survive this season or least make it to Christmas,” he jokes, before adding, “my hope is that cinema as an institution survives and that Bankwest Movies By Burswood survives with it - and beyond my tenure.

“Partnering with Telethon and Curtin University gives a feeling of achievement, recognition and a clear future. My ultimate hope is to produce a result, in one year, of $1 million for our charity partners.” _ BOB GORDON

LIGHT UP LEEDERVILLE CARNIVALE THE MERRYWELL

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SHANE NICHOLSON Pretty Country

Stephen K Amos

FESTIVAL FUNNIES

Kristen Bell stars in indie flick The Lifeguard

MAKING A SPLASH

Perth producer Estelle Buzzard is destined for the Sundance Festival with an indie feature she has been working on having recently been announced as part of the 2013 official selection. The Lifeguard tells the story of a former valedictorian [Kristen Bell] who quits her reporter job in New York City to return to the place she last felt happy: her childhood home in Connecticut. She gets work as a lifeguard and starts a dangerous relationship with a troubled teenager. The film is expected for release in 2013.

A NEW HOPE

WA composer Cat Hope has won the Peoples Choice Award for Networked Performance at the International Space Time Concerto Competition in Newcastle. The Space Time Concerto Competition celebrates not only the historical form of the concerto but also showcases exciting, contemporary interpretations encompassing the latest digital technology. Congrats Cat!

BOOM! BAP! POW!

Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman and the X-Men can be found in the newest addition to City of Perth Library’s collection: Comic Book Zone. Comic Book Zone is the only one of its kind in WA where, for the first time, readers can access new release, single issue comics each month, to borrow and read within the library. The collection currently contains over 25 of DC and Marvel Comics’ most popular titles - including Batman; Fantastic 4; Catwoman; The Incredible Hulk; The Flash; Ironman; Green Lantern; and Captain America - we well as independent series and graphic novels including The Walking Dead and more. Access the Comic Book Zone on Level 1, 140 William, from Monday ‘til Saturday each week.

The upcoming Perth International Comedy Festival is packed to the rafters with crowd-pleasing (and utterly hilarious) comics of every size, shape and style. Brit Stephen K Amos will be heading back with a suitcase full of witty life observations, Adrian Edmondson of The Young Ones fame will be bringing his band The Bad Sheperds down under for the first time ever, Skins alumni Josie Long’s quirky schitck will entertain the most dour of hipsters, and Aussie faves Hannah Gadsby, Felicity Ward and Akmal Saleh are sure to draw big crowds. Tickets are on sale through showticketing.com.au – get in quick, these will go like hotcakes. The PICF will run from Wednesday, May 1, until Sunday, Mary 19. Hit up perthcomedyfest.com.au for the full line-up.

GRADUATE GRAFFITI

The fourth season of Rooftop Movies continues to deliver something for everyone with classic and cult movies blending with recent releases and B-grade hits. Running until Sunday, December 16, screenings will include This Is England, Eraserhead, Half Nelson, The Graduate, Submarine and American Graffiti. For further details including booking information visit rooftopmovies.com.au.

PURE PERTHFECTION

With the inaugural Open House Perth weekend in early November declared a huge success, organisers are now offering the opportunity for Perth residents to celebrate their city and play Creative Director by helping to decide the destination list for 2013. Whether it’s micro, small, medium, large or extra large – educational, residential, commercial, creative or hidden away – Open House Perth wants to unlock the destinations that the people of Perth most want to see. Submissions from the public are open until Monday, January 7, and can be made via the Open House Perth website at openhouseperth. net/open-house-perth-2013. For more information please see the Open House Perth website openhouseperth.net.

Shane Nicholson may have cut his teeth as the lead singer of Triple J favourites Pretty Violet Stain but those shining pop days are behind him and the Queenslander is now firmly in Golden Guitar territory with each album he makes.

Nicholson is in town this weekend with his wife Kasey Chambers (see Tour Trails for details) before he sits down to an intimate Sonic Session at the Fremantle Arts Centre on Monday, December 10.

Shane Nicholson is a man who doesn’t stay still for too long. When he is not making solo albums, or working with his spouse on a ‘Shane & Kasey’ album, he is taking on the role of producer in his studio and raising his family that now includes three children.

With a schedule as jam packed as that, it is no wonder that Nicholson and Chambers looked for quiet surrounds to write their latest hit maker Wreck & Ruin.

“We used to write every day and I used to write a lot on tour but all of those things have stopped now once we have hit three kids,” explains the genuine Nicholson, who couldn’t sound happier with his lot if he tried. “We have got over that hump.

It was manageable with two [children] but now that we have three we don’t write at home and we don’t write in hotel rooms because there is no quiet space in there, it is crazy.”

That neutral space for Wreck & Ruin was in the Hunter Valley. The couple disappeared for three days a week over the space of a month and wrote the songs. Although the environment was there for writing songs, the duo knew that they couldn’t force it and had to see what would come of these sessions.

“We have done it long enough to know that the more that you worry about it, the more you hinder the process so we don’t overthink it,” Nicholson explains. “We know it will come when its ready. We actually write quicker together than we do separately as we get in that mode and change everything in our environment to allow us to write.

We get babysitters in and it happens a lot faster.

“One thing that we both have been able to do is switch on and off very well. When we write together we dedicate all of our energy to that project so we are not looking to be writing songs for our own records at the same time. We don’t accidentally write a song together and think it may suit one of our other projects better. We really do throw both feet into what we are working on and it consumes what we do.”

The Caged Bird Sings Directed by Jason Moore Starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Skylar Astin, Adam DeVine Anna Kendrick scored a ‘Best Supporting Actress’ Oscar nomination for her work in Up In The Air. She’s also a frequent flyer in the Twilight franchise.

Somewhere between those two qualitative extremes lies this unambitious but enjoyable college comedy, set in the world of - and it’s hard to believe this is actually a thing - competitive acapella singing.

Kendrick plays Beca, an aspiring DJ who would rather be trying to break into the music industry in Los Angeles than picking electives at the squeaky-clean university her father is forcing her to attend. She also has a hell of a set of pipes, which attracts the attention of the Bellas, an all-girl acapella group led by Aubrey [Anna Camp] and Chloe [Brittany Snow]. The Bellas are reeling after disgracing themselves at last year’s finals, but the controlling Aubrey refuses to change their ageing routines. The hip and headstrong Beca, however, has other ideas.

It’s pretty much every ‘believe in yourself’ cliché blended together, complete with a dash of Strictly Ballroom ‘new steps’ action, but there’s a buoyant charm and sassiness that prevents it from sinking under the weight of its own tropes.

All the usual elements are present and correct - the rebellious newcomer [Kendrick], the alpha bitch [Camp], the fat best friend [Australian Rebel Wilson 22

as the self-labelled Fat Amy], the vicious rival team captain [Adam DeVine as Bumper, leader of the allmale Treblemakers], the nice-guy love interest [Skylar Astin], but the charismatic cast manage to give even the most hackneyed plot developments and characterisations an appealing spin.

Indeed, the hardest thing to swallow is the notion that this kind of musical competition, roughly analogous to Australia’s rock eisteddfods, is such a big deal, but seeing as the film’s based on GQ editor Mickey Rapkin’s non-fiction novel of the same name, we have to take it as read that this kind of culture exists.

As is often the case in these kind of films, the most interesting things happen in the periphery of the main storyline. Kendrick is perfectly fine in the lead role, but Skylar Austin’s Jesse, her aspiring film composer would-be boyfriend, is pretty much a nonevent. No, the real action lies with Wilson as the sharptongued, confident Fat Amy, with DeVine’s narcissistic Bumper, with John Michael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks as a pair of snarky competition commentators, and particularly with relative newcomer Hana Mae Lee, who trots out a fine line of creepy non sequiturs as a soft-spoken, mentally unhinged member of the Bellas.

Anyone expecting anything startlingly original from Pitch Perfect is going to leave disappointed. Those who can accept it for what it is, however, will find a frothy, feisty, and fun movie that is too busy being entertaining to worry about such baroque concepts as depth innovation. Sometimes, though, that’s just fine. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON

Nicholson is chuffed at the idea to play one of the Sonic Sessions in particular. It is a concept that he has been a strong advocate of since Lucky Oceans spoke to him about the format when he was assisting Nicholson on his Bad Machine album.

Nicholson doesn’t play solo shows when he is touring a Shane & Kasey album but as the Wreck & Ruin tour finishes up in Perth the day before, he had a space on his dance card.

“I love the idea of the Sonic Sessions and it feeds into what I like to do by talking about what we do and where the songs come from and present them in a new light. That is the exact thing that I like to do. When the opportunity was there it was too good a thing to say no.”

We live in a reality age and people want to know behind the smoke and mirrors and beneath the make-up, so the Sonic Sessions is the kind of event that people are looking for. It’s not always about the bright lights anymore but more about sitting down and hearing people talk about where the stories and the songs came from. It is an intimate experience for the music fan.

“It’ll be fun to look back a bit further into the records and dig a bit deeper because I think that is what the Sonic Sessions are all about. And playing with Lucky will be great fun. If I was to do some Pretty Violet Stain I’d have to bring it all down about four keys as I was younger then and I’ve now had 15 more years of cigarettes and alcohol. I’d have to do them all low in Tom Waites style.” _CHRIS HAVERCROFT

Florian Habicht in Love Story

Pitch Perfect

PITCH PERFECT

Shane Nicholson

LOVE STORY

Even Hipsters Seek Soulmates Directed by Florian Habicht Starring Florian Habicht, Masha Yakovenko Are you a romantic or a realist? Love Story is the rare romantic drama (or is it a comedy? It’s hard to tell) made for both.

A low-key, unassumingly intelligent movie about romance and bad timing, the film begins when German-born, Kiwi-raised movie-maker Florian Habicht encounters Masha [Masha Yakovenko] - a lustrous and lithe Russian actress carrying a slice of red velvet cake - on a New York subway.

From this standard rom-com premise blooms a very funny and highly original blend of romance, fantasy, docudrama and comedy, which purposefully blurs the line between real life and fiction.

Following his encounter with the mysterious Masha, Habicht then hits the streets of New York to ask complete strangers to interpret what he’s seen. With “the cake means seduction” being the most popular response, Habicht relocates Masha and casts her opposite him in what would appear to be a scripted romantic drama.

Seeking help from a diverse cross-section of New Yorkers (from punks and psychics to college kids and grocery store clerks) and armed with a handheld camcorder and one trailing camerawoman, Habicht slowly begins to formulate a plot for his filmwithin-a-film.

Some of their ideas for plot developments are predictable (“You want to get in her panties? Play

the shy card,” proffers a stern young professional) while other’s are brilliantly bizarre (“I think she should get hit by a car!” proclaims a boozy group of diners). While lesser filmmakers would merely utilise such a premise as an excuse for quirky, whimsical rom-com antics, here it’s used to say something worthwhile about relationships.

In this way, the film is socially interesting and emotionally affecting to the extent that it documents a quasi-true story.

While a plethora of films - (500) Days Of Summer, Like Crazy, Ruby Sparks - have succeeded in re-inventing the romantic comedy for audiences in recent years, Habicht’s quirky offering serves to prove there are still many elements of the genre left to skew.

Habicht has carved a reputation in New Zealand for arty eccentricity for films like 2003’s Grimm-inspired musical fairytale Woodenhead and offbeat documentaries Kaikohe Demolition and Land Of The Long White Cloud. While some viewers may not find his unique style to their taste, this likeable low budget indie flick is kept fresh by Habicht and Yakovenko who are endearing as the star-crossed lovers. Yakovenko in particular brings a sweet and dignified vulnerability to what could have ostensibly been nothing more than a ‘manic pixie dream girl’ role.

In the end, Love Story succeeds because it is a film which takes a bunch of risks and tries to break as many rules as possible, yet is, in many ways, a traditional ode to love. _JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Satellite Boy

CATRIONA MCKENZIE Satellite Boy

Most creative types are loathe to throw anything away; you never know what might come in handy, or when. But when experienced Australian television director, Catriona McKenzie, was developing what would become her debut feature film project, Satellite Boy, she hit a point where the only way forward was to scrap everything that had come before.

“I’d written a draft that was very plot driven,” she recalls. “It had a lot of characters and a lot more action and I threw it away. In 2007 I started again, because I wanted something that was very distilled, that was very simple and archetypal, so that anyone from any country, based on their own emotional experiences, could go, ‘Oh yeah, I get it!’ It doesn’t matter if they’re in Japan, or Uzbekistan, or Israel, they understand. And they also understand that connection to country; no matter where they’re from, their origin is always really important to them.”

That notion of ‘country,’ of the connection between the self and the land, plays an important part in the film, the story of a young indigenous boy [Cameron Wallaby] who takes a three-day foot journey to the nearest town when the remote home he shares with his grandfather [David Gulpilil] is threatened with demolition by a mining company.

Shot in long takes against a startling outback landscape, it privileges tone and atmosphere over pace and drama.

“I distilled it because, for me, it’s a poem, a visual poem,” McKenzie tells X-Press. “And I wanted

the audience to be able to sit back and sit back and really feel it; what if feels like to be under the stars in the Bungle Bungles.”

Of course, that meant shooting in the Bungle Bungles, at the northern extreme of Western Australia, far from any logistical support. It was a difficult task - and one that had never been accomplished before.

“We’re the first feature film in the world to film on the ground in the Bungles,” McKenzie says proudly. “I think Australia did aerials over the tops of the Bungles. We sat down with the traditional owners - there are several groups and that took a lot of time. We got eventually got permission; that was the first hurdle.”

The second was the fact that, in the Bungle Bungles, cars are forbidden. “It’s a World Heritage Site, and you cannot drive anywhere. We had a very small crew, but we still had stretchers and stretchers and stretchers worth of equipment, which we had to carry in by hand. And it was so hot then, in October, that the water requirement was eight litres per person, per day. It was that hot that you couldn’t actually drink enough water to stay hydrated.”

Despite the inherent difficulties in the shoot, McKenzie is proud of the way her colleagues tackled the hardship. “We didn’t have any luxuries or that sort of thing; it was just people in tents, and people in swags, and people just roughing it. But there were no complaints. We were in the Bungle Bungles filming - it was amazing! As hard as it was on the crew, I never heard one person complain.” _ TRAVIS JOHNSON

Cameron Wallaby and David Gulpilil star in Satellite Boy

SATELLITE BOY Outback Odyssey

Directed by Catriona McKenzie Starring Cameron Wallaby, Joseph Pedley, David Gulpilil, Rohana Angus, Dean Daley-Jones Earnest performances from its two young leads and some gorgeous location photography just about lift this Kimberley-set coming of age story above the average.

Twelve-year-old Aboriginal kid, Pete [Cameron Wallaby] lives in an abandoned outdoor cinema with his grandfather, Old Jagamarra [legendary Australian actor David Gulpilil], near the far-northern town of Wyndham. Jagamarra practices traditional bush living, but Pete eschews the old ways, dreaming of the time his mother [Rohana Angus] will return from her hospitality course in the city so they can open a restaurant together. When Pete and his grandfather are told they must move from the cinema, Pete takes it upon himself to journey to Wyndham on foot to plead their case, taking with him his best friend, the more troubled Kalmain [Joseph Pedley].

Using the three-day journey to Wyndham as her framework, first time feature director and screenwriter, Catriona McKenzie, sets up a series of binaries to compare, evaluate, and contrast; nature vs. civilisation; urban vs. rural, tradition vs. novelty, duty vs. freedom. It’s too her credit that, although the film’s biases are unmistakeable - over the course of the story, Pete learns to appreciate and rely upon the survival skills his grandfather has taught him - they are not so www.xpressmag.com.au

obviously weighted as to be didactic. The film plays out at a gentle, unhurried pace, with the naturalistic performances of Wallaby and Pedley complemented by the natural beauty of the Bungle Bungles.

What’s particularly refreshing is that, although the film touches lightly on some of the grimmer issues affecting indigenous youth, McKenzie doesn’t beat the audience over the head with such concerns. There’s a moment early on where the two boys find a can of petrol, and the possibility exists that we’re about to move into Samson & Delilah territory. It comes as a relief when they just use it to torch a car; not every film set in such a milieu needs to trawl the darkest narrative possibilities.

Having said that, Satellite Boy tends to swing too far in the opposite direction. It’s elegiac pacing and amiable tone mean that, despite the presence of what should be serious threats to the boys and their mission, there’s never any real sense of danger. Even the introduction of a gun into the proceedings doesn’t do much to spice things up, one tense scene aside. It’s as though McKenzie loves her characters too much to wish them ill, and though that’s a failing, it’s a difficult one to begrudge her.

In the end, Satellite Boy is a likeable and mostly engaging exercise that, nonetheless, doesn’t linger long in the memory. Every individual element of the film is fine, but there’s something missing, there needs to be more at stake for the film to really matter. Still, it’s an enjoyable enough, light adventure that occasionally hints at ambitions beyond its reach. _ TRAVIS JOHNSON 23

teamed up with some of the city’s most talented fashion designers to create a lyrical and abstract style, capturing a dream-like sequence of feelings in a highly palpable and emotive way. Runs ‘til Dec 16.

VISUAL ARTS Seen-Unseen: Kidogo Arthouse Gallery, Fremantle Betsy Bush’s latest exhibition includes a body of work inspired by the forests of the Darling Range, Western Australia. Working in oils she explores representation of forest scenes moving in varying degrees away from realism towards abstraction; both in terms of composition and in use of colour. Runs ’til Dec 5.

Ken Knight: Linton & Key, Perth Landscape images, derived from a direct response to the subject, are the central theme in renowned artist Ken Knight’s latest exhibition. Runs ’til Dec 13.

from his new home in Los Angeles. Contemplating ideas of disconnection, both physically and personally, Unravel finds Doust investigating how both spiritual and physical experiences can affect the individual. Runs ’til Dec 21.

182 Days: Heathcote Museum & Gallery, Melville Eva Fernández reflects on the experience of the individual within the walls of the former Heathcote Hospital in new exhibition 182 Days. Runs ’til Dec 19.

Ornaments Of Language: Melody Smith Gallery, Carlisle From an eclectic cross section of contemporary artists comes an exhibition of diverse cultural and artistic influences, informed by universal themes and infused Between 2 Worlds: Kulcha, Fremantle Works by Amal Al Babeli, Alberdina Plug and Ruth with colour and vibrancy.This group exhibition features Halbert, using print, painting and photography, to works by Darryn Ansted, Nathan Beard, Zoe Chongreflect on the distances, coincidences and paradoxes of Seng, Cynthia Ellis, Martin Heine, Matthew Jackson, David Ledger, Woody Mellor, Alan Muller, Rizzy, Abdul migration. Runs ’til Dec 20.

Rahman-Abdullah and Sue Starcken. Runs ’til Dec 21.

The Nightmare Paintings: Buratti Fine Art, North Fremantle A national touring exhibition featuring the works of Aleister Crowley, one of the most vilified and notorious occult figures of the last century. Runs ‘til Dec 28.

SoDA12: John Curtin Gallery, Bentley Reflecting the high calibre of emerging contemporary art in WA, SoDA12 is an exhibition of the work by postgraduates from Curtin University’s School of Design and Art. Runs ’til Dec 14.

EPW: Applied Paintings - Project for a Kindergarten I & II: PICA, Perth Best known for his ongoing EPW (Experimental Painting Workshop) series, prolific Australian artists’ John Nixon’s latest solo exhibition presents a connected pair of epic projects made five years apart. Runs ‘til Dec 30.

Bibble Waargning: Mossenson Galleries, Subiaco A curated selection of the late Shane Pickett’s work previously not exhibited in Perth. Runs ‘til Dec 15.

Look. Look Again: Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, Crawley Drawn from the Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art at the University of Western Australia, this exhibition presents a significant record of female creativity in Australia over the past 125 years. Runs ‘til Dec 15.

First Among Equals (Part II): PICA, Perth Presents a stellar line-up of Australian and international artists who share an interest in film, kinetics, colour, sound and time. Runs ‘til Dec 30.

Anchor Men But Blue Briefcases By Disparate Bed Fellows: Galerie Dusseldorf, Mosman AnthonyBreslin Park For more than 30 years, Janis Nedela’s studio practice The End Of Arithmetic: Murano And Gullotti, has concerned itself with codes and the possibilities of Subiaco art as an infinite flow of seamless text. In this exhibition Prominent Australian visual and performance he has embedded meanings and stories into what, at artist Anthony Breslin’s latest exhibition is first glance, are disparate objects which include books, based around his love of the philosophy the printed page, pencils and crayons. The seduction of of maths and the reason to justify all that it colour, surface and grids has become a pre-occupation equals. Runs ’til Dec 21. and the works are obsessively linked to the nature of text. They operate optically and contemplatively. Runs With Flowers In Their Hair...: 140 William, Perth ’til Dec 16.

Following Pippa McManus Illustration’s sell-out exhibition A Is For Arizona, the fashion illustrator returns Doors And Filters: Free Range Gallery, Perth In their upcoming joint exhibition Doors And Filters, with her next collection of widely anticipated paintings Perth-based artists Sebastian Befumo and Rohan Sibon entitled With Flowers in Their Hair... Inspired by London will use found objects and a variety of processes and Fashion Week, these girls are created around one theme, mediums to explore ideas of constructed environment, beautiful headpieces, including flowers, crowns, hats sustainability and the physical and psychological and veils. Runs ’til Dec 20. atmospheres of lived in spaces. Runs ’til Dec 16.

Unravel: Venn Gallery, Perth Unravel features new portraits and video works from Dreaming In Colour: Sima Art Gallery, Claremont For her latest exhibition Francesca Gnagnarella has prominent WA artist Matt Doust, based on subjects

Want Not Need: Gallery 360, Perth A slight departure from her well known sensitive line work and detailed geometric pattern, Anita Brock’s bold and chaotic world is immersed in a mess of colour, complex line work and kaleidoscopic detailed pattern in this new exhibition. Runs ‘til Dec 31.

We Don’t Need A Map: Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle This remarkable exhibition includes the work of more than 30 artists and is an exploration of the Martu people - the traditional owners of a vast area of WA’s Western Desert - their way of life, the way they care for country and belong to it. The exhibition features stunning paintings, cutting-edge new media collaborations, finely wrought objects, aerial desert photography and much more. Runs ‘til Jan 20.

Deserts And Rivers: FORM Gallery, Perth Explores country through the eyes of Aboriginal artists from the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson deserts and the country around Turkey Creek, Sturt Creek and the Fitzroy River in the east and central Kimberley. Runs ’til Jan 26.

Luminous World: Art Gallery Of WA, Northbridge An exhibition from Wesfarmer’s significant corporate art collection, featuring more than 60 paintings, photographs and sculptures by 50 contemporary artists, including Susan Norrie, Rosemary Laing, Howard Taylor, Dale Frank, Bill Henson, Brian Blanchflower, Brook Andrew, Timothy Cook and Barrupu Yunupingu. Runs ’til Feb 11.

Traversing Antarctica: Western Australian Maritime Museum, Fremantle A rare collection of artefacts from the 1911-1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, famously led by Sir Douglas Mawson. Runs ’til Feb 23.

Made To Remember: Art Gallery Of WA, Northbridge Made To Remember is a beautifully considered display of significant Indigenous objects from the State Art Collection. With a diverse selection of works including glass and ceramic objects, textiles and clothing, as well as examples of traditional sculpture, Made To Remember encourages dialogue about the place of an object not only in Indigenous art and culture, but in the broader Australian context. Runs ‘til Jun 30.

THEATRE/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE Glengarry Glen Ross: Blue Room Theatre, Northbridge From the acclaimed team behind Scent Tales and Slut comes this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, presented for the first time in Western Australia with an allfemale cast. Tackling issues of power, greed, and survival, this ferocious comedy explores cutthroat world of real estate. Season runs Nov 20-Dec 8.

Wind: Perth City Farm It is the near future and the world, as we know it, is ending. A small band of survivors fight for breath as they struggle to find reasons for hope in the grim reality emerging from the rubble of civilisation.

When the future looks black, how do we honour the legacy of what we were? Season runs Nov 28-Dec 8.

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues: Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den A darkly comic tale of corruption, abuse and deviancy implicating the smallest elf right up to the jolly fat man himself. Season runs Nov 28-Dec 16.` Plaza Suite: Old Mill Theatre Plaza Suite is a confection of three witty comedic episodes surrounding three couples who successively occupy the same room at a New York City hotel. Season runs Nov 30-Dec 15.

ENEX100 CHRISTMAS TREE PROJECT The Gift Of Giving

Up-and-coming local artists, illustrators and designers are celebrating this Christmas by giving back to the community, as part of contemporary, urban centre Enex100’s Christmas Tree Project.

JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD reports.

Florian Habicht in Love Story

FLORIAN HABICHT New York: City Of Love

Florian Habicht is the first to admit his latest film is a strange beast.

Love Story is the result of the New Zealand filmmaker’s relocation to New York City in 2009, following a string of critically acclaimed shorts, features and documentary films over the previous decade (including the twisted fairytale Woodenhead and the docudrama Rubbings From A Live Man). More specifically, his latest film is also a reaction to an extended period of writer’s block while he was living in New York.

“Oh mate,” the German-born Kiwi laughs down the phone from London, “it was all pretty interesting and confronting initially, when I got to New York. My creative levels were quite low after the last film [2009’s Land Of The Long White Cloud], but then things just started happening, after a while. I definitely felt very free, [and] the city helped me make the film I’ve been wanting to make; it felt like once we’d started, everything just came together.”

Love Story segues between reality and art as it tracks Habicht’s artistic and romantic liaison with Russian actress and model Masha Yakovenko.

All the while, the line between reality and drama is murky for the viewer; when an older gent on a daytime street corner effusively recounts his experiences with cross-dressing lovers, for example, it seems like a candid moment, but it’s hard to believe it’s not a performance.

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Luckily for Habicht, the New Yorkers he encountered were only too happy to get involved in the ‘game’ he created, suggesting an array of weird and wonderful plot twists, including death by taxi and a Crying Game-style reveal. Their enthusiastic participation, combined with the giddy variety of locations and shots around New York, have the effect of making the city itself a character in the film.

“The responses that people give in the film are just so passionate, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with that enthusiasm,” says Habicht.

“I have quite a natural drive as a filmmaker, but sometimes as an independent filmmaker that can get curbed depending on how successful you are in terms of finding an audience.

“With Love Story, I gotta be honest, we were able to have a great time creatively and really push ourselves without worrying about any of the other stuff.”

Inspiration for the free-spirited and roaming film came from two very different sources.

“I always loved the Pippy Longstocking series that was on television when I was a young kid, mostly because I wanted to have an imaginary girlfriend who was the coolest chick ever,” says Habicht.

“I’m also a huge fan of Fellini’s 8½: I really relate to Guido, and I like the fact that he eventually has his moment; he’s a bit lost creatively, and even has to pretend he knows what he’s doing, and after all his struggles he makes a masterpiece. So,” he laughs, realising the comparison he’s just made, “I guess we’ll just see what happens next!”

For many, a Christmas tree represents the source of eagerly anticipated (or curiously chosen) Christmas presents but this symbol of the festive season has roots to many older cultures.

The meaning of the Christmas tree is also open to modern interpretation and four young WA artists recently applied their take on the Christmas tree for a display inside urban shopping precinct Enex100.

The creatives were given free reign over their designs - with the only exception being the colour theme of white, black and orange - and were provided with a tree and the materials they required to produce their final concept. Each tree is available for online auction with the proceeds from the sale of the trees going to each artist’s charity of choice.

While the access to thousands of shoppers over Christmas appealed to illustrator and graphic designer Megan Isabella Guise, the artist explains it also afforded her the opportunity to support a charity close to her heart.

“The charity I have chosen to represent is the Cat Haven WA. I’ve been out there a few times to visit and each time I go those little faces melt my heart! Animal cruelty is something I find very difficult to comprehend,” she says.

“The work the volunteers do at the haven is very humbling. They offer a full vaccination and sterilisation programme for all their kitties and work to help educate the community and create awareness. I think the good work they do deserves some recognition and I am honoured to be able to use my skills to help them out.”

Guise says she also saw the project as an opportunity to challenge herself creatively.

“The timeframe was quite short - I had to come up with the concept and finish the design within a few days - but I enjoyed the challenge of finding a solution that could work - coming up with great ideas fast helps me to become a more effective designer!,” she says.

“I saw it as an opportunity to do some design work I really enjoy - illustration for print and design of paper goods. I like a Scandinavian aesthetic, especially at Christmas time, as there’s something quite warm and nostalgic about it that instils a festive spirit in people.

Megan Isabella Guise’s Enex 100 tree “I used some iconic images such as the little Dala horses (Swedish horses) and then I put my own twist on it, such as the little partridge birds. In my own time I’m currently working on designs that could be used on both fabric and paper.”

With her tree on display in Enex100 until Christmas day, Guise says the project will make a difference in giving her work a public profile.

“It’s great when local businesses in Perth support local designers and artists by commissioning them to create something that will be mutually beneficial,” she concludes. “I enjoyed the project and look forward to doing more of this kind of work in the future.”

Visit facebook.com/enex100 to find out how you can bid on these unique Christmas Trees and support some of Perth’s most talented artists in their quest to help the charities they have selected.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Unwrapped

UNWRAPPED

To Market, To Market The Unwrapped Markets will take place in Forrest Place this Sunday, December 9, between 12pm-5pm, and then again on Sunday, December 16. To find out more information, to register as a designer with Unwrapped, or to check out some of the designers that will be on display, visit unwrapped.com.au.

Ebony Frost knows what it is like to be a struggling designer, trying to find an outlet for her creativity.

“Basically I was looking for a place to showcase my own designs – and I wanted a market, and obviously I didn’t have much money as a recent graduate and I couldn’t afford to go into production with something that I didn’t know would sell,” she explains.

Stuck with the dilemma so many young artists face, with all of the talent and no place to go, Frost took matters into her own hands.

Meet Unwrapped. Now in its sixth successful year, Unwrapped is a marketplace for the unique and different – a chance for young designers to get away from the sewing machine and out into the sunlight to showcase their talents.

“It was designed to showcase all the great student and graduate design talent that we have that no one ever gets to see. So each event we have a different mix of designers and products, and the idea for them is to gain maximum exposure, and the idea for them to gain maximum exposure, to get some cash sales, and to get some confidence from the quality feedback they get from buyers and shoppers.”

Since it’s inception in 2007, Unwrapped has moved from strength to strength. From its original home in South Perth, Frost has packed up her designers and travelled all over the city, including a stint with the City Of Subiaco, the opening of the Leederville Urban Orchid, and a tiein event with the Perth Institute for Contemporary Arts and the Perth Fashion Festival.

Frost thinks the reason for the success of these markets lies with the designers themselves. “I think there are a lot of talented people in Perth, and especially young people, and I think having been in their position, I understand exactly what they’ve been through, and the kind of personality types and their lifestyles and budget constraints, and all of those kind of things that might impact on how they express their creativity,” she explains. “Obviously now there are much more similar events. But for some reason people still like coming to unwrapped, because we try and make everyone different, so we don’t want it to become a stale event.”

Even after six years, at the heart of Unwrapped is still young and emerging talent.

“The fresher the graduate, the more creative and interesting their stuff is!,” laughs Frost.

“I don’t know whether that’s just because they’ve been immersed in it for a couple of years, and that’s what they’ve been training to do, or whether it’s just that they haven’t got into the normal office job rut yet. Sometimes it’s a bit out there, but that’s great people love that, and how else are you going to get something interesting if you don’t let people go a little crazy?” _LEAH BLANKENDAAL

TA TA TWO BUCKS

Five years on and $30,000 later, the lovely ladies at Two Bucks Til Wednesday have decided to call it quits. Since launching their charitable op shop extravaganza back in 2007, the Two Bucks team has sold off more second hand goodies than you can poke a hipster at, with all funds raised going straight to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. On Saturday, December 8, Two Bucks will present their last ever sale, with everything priced at just $2. Expect to discover an abundance of vintage frocks, skirts, shorts, tees, scarves, belts, bags, hats and more, when Two Bucks takes over the All Of The Above Creative Studio for one last hurrah at 140 William in Perth from 126pm. Ta ta Two Bucks, you’ll be missed!

Two Bucks Til Wednesday

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Dita Von Teese wearing taffeta Vivienne Westwood Couture (Photo by Odessy Barbu Photography)

Fashion fanatics and brides-tobe will flock to the WA Museum next week for the opening of Unveiled, an exhibition featuring 40 breathtaking wedding outfits from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Spanning 200 years of bridal couture, Unveiled will showcase designs by modern style icons such as Vivienne Westwood, Christian Lacroix, John Galliano and Vera Wang, alongside historical pieces and bridal accessories that provide an insight into the ever-changing world of wedding glamour. Unveiled opens on Saturday, December 8, and runs til Sunday, March 24.

Entry is $17.50 for adults, $15 for concession card holders and $12 for children. Find out more at museum.wa.gov.au. _EMMA BERGMEIER

With Flowers In Their Hair by Pippa McManus

FLOWER POWER

Beautiful babes and eye-catching accessories will take centre stage at 140 William next week when acclaimed local artist Pippa McManus presents With Flowers In Their Hair, an exhibition of new works following her recent sold out exhibition A Is For Arizona. Fresh from a trip to London Fashion Week where she was invited to illustrate cult designer Mary Katrantzou’s Spring/Summer collection, McManus is set to unveil a fresh body of work featuring some of the biggest names (and faces) in fashion. If her last show is anything to go by, With Flowers In Their Hair is likely to sell out lickety split, so be sure to check it out when it opens on Thursday, December 6. www.xpressmag.com.au

OnWilliam collectable Christmas card by Martin E Wills

COLLECTABLE CARDS

The countdown is on; before you know it Santa will be landing on your roof, sliding down your chimney and sneaking into your house (what a creep), so it’s time to start thinking about Christmas and everything that comes with it. If you’re strapped for cash fear not because those awesome peeps over at OnWilliam have come to the rescue with a set of 12 free Christmas cards, which can be collected from Saturday December 1, onwards. Featuring unique designs by local artists, the collectable cards are available from a number of William Street retailers; head to OnWilliam.com.au for a collectors map.

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

THE X-PRESS GUIDE TO EVERYTHING URBAN to ADVERTISE: EYE4@XPRESSMAG.COM.AU “I’m really excited because there has been some Leederville street festivals in previous years, but I guess for the last 10 years it’s been kind of insular.

Saturday, December 8, will see Oxford and Newcastle streets close around the Leederville township This year we’ve really tried to broaden the event to centre as retailers, residents and entertainers ‘reclaim the street’ and kick start the holiday season by attract a broader audience.” revelling in the things they love about their favourite suburb, Leederville. JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD Part of that broadening includes the staging of free entertainment and attractions for chats to Festival Director Jimmy Murphy all ages.

Families can gravitate toward ‘Leederville Land’ with its range of kid-friendly activities including free face painting, balloons and bouncy castle, while those looking for more adult company can pull up a chair at the James Squire Orchard Garden festival bar and listen to chilled beats courtesy of DJs who’ll be spinning the wheels of steel on top of a double decker bus. Also renowned artist The Yok will be creating a live grafitti piece with help from artists Sheryo and The #3 Crew.

The Leederville Hotel will also celebrate its 115th anniversary with bands - including Band of Angels Gospel Choir, indie afro-beats outfit Cow Parade Cow, hip hop megastar N’Fa Jones and Leederville acoustic artist Matt Gresham - throughout the day wanted to create an event which would enhance the and the official after party at night, while those who existing highlights on the Leederville strip.

“Essentially what we’ve gone out to try and do - rather than plonk down some music festival or make it some kind of theme - the theme is ‘Leederville’ and the focus is on the actual town,” he says.

“There are a lot of people who love coming down to Leederville - grabbing a burger or a coffee or a beer, and we’re wanting to enhance that experience for a day with a lot of entertainment and other interesting things happening on the day.”

The Light Up Leederville Carnival will bring vendors to the street with food stalls, vintage clothing markets and live entertainment stretching between Vincent Street and Leederville Parade.

Snags and Sons “We’ve been really happy that pretty much Leederville’s trendy shopping and entertainment strip everyone in the local area is on board and are going will come alive this weekend for the inaugural Light to be active on the day, lining up something special for the festival - whether that’s entertainment or Up Leederville Carnival.

The brainchild of Leederville Connect, a businesses trading outside their stores. It’s going to new businesses and residents group with a passion be good,” Murphy says.

U n s u r p r i s i n g l y, M u r p h y s a y s t h e for their neighbourhood, the event was developed organisation has been hard work, not least because with the aim of revamping the much-loved suburb. the event carries expectations commensurate with “They designed it to promote the area and being the inaugural year of the carnival. help the local business and just enjoy and celebrate “It’s a bit hectic,” Murphy explains “It’s been the Leederville town,” explains Light Up Leederville a lot of work in a short period of time; but we’re on Festival Director Jimmy Murphy. top of it all and there’s been some great ideas and Murphy explains that, rather than stage really interesting stuff happening. It’s all coming an outside event in the area, the festival committee along smoothly.

LIGHT UP LEEDERVILLE CARNIVAL

www.xpressmag.com.au

prefer a caffeinated drink can join the search for Leederville’s best cafe in a barista competition.

Not only will all the local Leederville traders you know and love be open and trading on the street for the day, there will also be almost 100 external traders descending upon the town for the carnival all providing the perfect place to pick-up a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special.

The event will culminate in the inaugural turning on of the Oxford St Christmas lights ceremony.

“There’s going to be just so much going on. I think it’s going to be a case of coming down and checking out all the different stuff on the day,” Murphy says.

“We’re expecting around 20,000 people over the course of the day. It’s the first one so we don’t want to be too crazy with our expectations, but we’d be really happy with 20,000 people coming down and enjoying themselves on the day. I think that’s enough to start a party,” he continues.

“Anyone who has ever been to Leederville and liked it in any way at all they should come down and really celebrate this great area of Perth.”

Light Up Leederville Map

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STANBRIDGES HOBBY SHOP The Whole Kit And Caboodle

BLACKEYED SUSANS It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas The Blackeyed Susans return to Perth this week with special guests Jill Birt & Alsy MacDonald (of The Triffids) and The Morning Night. Catch them on Friday, December 7, at the Rosemount Hotel and Saturday, December 8, at Mojos. To get into the festive spirit, vocalist ROB SNARSKI has given us his Top 10 Christmas Songs.

Pretty Paper - Roy Orbison This song was written by Willie Nelson and covered by many country greats in its day. The song manages to combine consumerism, love, romance, hope and the act of giving with a sense of loneliness and despair.

So pretty, so sad.

The Blackeyed Susans

Maybe This Christmas - Ron Sexsmith This man is so earnest and his writing simple in that clever way, heartfelt too. ‘Maybe forgiveness will ask us to call; someone we love, someone we’ve lost; for reasons we can’t quite recall… maybe this Christmas’.

Fairytale Of New York – The Pogues With Kirsty See what I mean?

McColl Someone once said Shane McGowan could write Last Christmas - Wham! a killer first line that just got you in and they were It’s hard to go past George (and that other guy) right. ‘It was Christmas Eve babe, in the drunk tank, an without a mention. Cracking chorus and it starts the old man said to me won’t see another one’. Ouch – a song, always a winner they say in songwriting circles.

Christmas classic.

It’s difficult not to sing along to this song when it floats through the air during the festive season…

So Much Wine – The Handsome Family or is that just me?

Talking of killer first line, ‘There was nothing to say on Christmas Day when you threw all your clothes in the Little Drummer Boy – Bing and Bowie snow’… and it only gets worse, burning hair, knocking What a great idea this was - old guard meets over chairs, blood on teeth. Nice. The song is partly new guard - their voices sit so well together, too. about the perils of booze and addiction but it’s also This was recorded in the days when singers had about compassion and strength. Killer song from this their own TV shows. I think The Little Drummer Boy alt-country husband and wife duo. animated film was the first colour TV program I ever watched and it obviously left an impression.

How To Make Gravy – Paul Kelly My television world went from black and white to A letter to a brother from prison, filled with a healthy colour, Bing and Bowie were definitely in that old dollop of regret, paranoia and resentment – lamenting black and white world, however. the fact he won’t be with the family for Christmas celebrations. It may not have a proper chorus but it I’ve Heard Things Turn Out This Way – David has a recipe for gravy and paints a great picture of a McComb family Christmas Day on the outside. Someone should I have to admit that this was co-written with my sign this guy – he has talent! brother Mark with David long ago. It kinda hurts to listen to this song. There are references to It’s A You’re All I Want for Christmas - Brook Benton Wonderful Life… Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed This man’s voice is pure gold… truly, truly beautiful gathering around and decorating the tree - the best and one of my all time favorite singers. I’ve been know Christmas film of all time. to play one of his original vinyl recordings, It’s Just A Matter of Time, to musician guests and ask… if it’s Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) – Darlene just me, or is this man’s voice one of the purest ever Love recorded? I have to admit it I love a bit of schmaltz! A Phil Spector classic – hell, what a wall of sound!

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Looking for imaginative and unusual Christmas present ideas? From stocking fillers to luxury gifts, you’ll easily track down the perfect gift at Stanbridges Hobby Shop in Mt Lawley.

Established in 1948, Stanbridges is a one stop shop for hobbies, toys, radio control, model trains, wooden kits, plastic kits, diecast, dollhouses and much more. With dedicated rooms for plastic kits and wooden ships, model trains, diecast, dollhouses and slot cars, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for.

Top picks for this festive season include the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 remote-control quadricopter (RRP $379.00), which combines the best of many worlds, including modelling, video gaming and augmented reality.

The AR.Drone 2.0 is remote-controlled by an iPhone, iPad, iPod or any Andriod Device and features a number of sensors, including a highdefinition front camera, vertical camera, an ultrasound altimeter and absolute control mode. You can record video to a USB on the AR-Drone or directly to your iPhone, iPad ,iPod or Andriod Device and take pictures while in-flight and directly share them on Youtube and Picasa. You can also use the AR.Drone in video games, such as AR.Race, a one or two-player game using an obstacle course.

Vehicle aficionados won’t be able to go past diecast models of the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan (RRP $149) and 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 SC (RRP $59.95).

The 1/18 scale 270mm long diecast model of the famous 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan features Ramjet fuel injection. This was an option on the 283 Cubic Inch Turbo-Fire Small block V8. The 283 achieved the engineering benchmark of one horsepower per one cubic inch of

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C diecast model

Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 remote-control quadricopter capacity. At the time Chevrolet boasted “the road isn’t built that can make it breathe hard”. This is a top quality model with opening doors, bonnet and boot.

The 1/18 scale limited edition model of the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C has opening doors, boot and hood. The Shelby 427ci (7.0 litre) V8 engine is nicely detailed along with engine bay and accessories. The S/C (Street/Competition) version was made available to general production to include full race options for the street in order to meet FIA GT homologation. Being a collectable, it is suitable for ages 10 years and over.

Take a look at these and many other unique, intriguing and memorable gift ideas at Stanbridges Hobby Shop on 23 Railway Parade, Mt Lawley.

Alternatively, click on over to stanbridges.com.au to have a look at their huge range of products.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan diecast model

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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THE MERRYWELL Sunny Side Up The weather’s heating up, festivals have just started slotting themselves back into your weekends, and summer officially hit over the weekend – hell yeah!

So, what does it all mean? It means it’s time for Sunday sessions to make their way back into your weekly routine. Long, luscious hours in the sun, sipping cocktails and knocking back beers with mates, tunes in the background and delicious food on the table. Bliss!

There’s quite a few Sunday sesh regulars to choose from around our lovely city, but we reckon it’s time to try something new. The Merrywell, a new pub located at The Crown, boasts a killer Sunday session, sponsored by 92.9FM. The pub was inspired by rad American chefs Grant MacPherson and Sammy De Marco, and has delicious ‘dude food’ on offer – from mac and cheese balls to lollipop buffalo wings.

Not only will The Merrywell get your mouth watering, it also has a massive beer garden, DJs on the decks to set the mood (and in case you want to create your own d-floor), a long list of beverages to choose from – cocktails, beer, wine, spirits - and an awesome, chilled atmosphere.

There’s loads of room and Sunday sessions kick off at 5pm. Get on down there!

MOTOACTV FITNESS TRACKER Touted by fitness fanatics as one of the best fitness gadgets released in 2012, Motorola’s MotoACTV device is a combination GPS tracker, body tracking device, and MP3 player all rolled into one gadget With the festive season (and accompanying that you wear like a watch (you can also take it off calories) just around the corner JENNIFER and clip it to yourself). It has a 1.6-inch touchscreen PETERSON-WARD takes a look at some of the display and sweat-resistant band, and gives you most up-to-date fitness gear perfect for gifting detailed reports of your workouts, keeping track of and recording data like time, distance, speed, to the techy folk in your life. calories burned, and heart rate. It also stores your music and even keeps track of what songs make PEAR SQUARE ONE you work out the hardest, then builds your ultimate Aiming to help you ‘run smarter’ and simplify high-performance playlist. An added bonus - if you your training process, the Pear Square One is a have a Motorola Android smartphone, you can small electronic device about the size of an iPod download a free app to receive calls and texts to Nano that clips to your waistband and wirelessly your MotoACTV device. connects with a heart rate monitor and foot pod to deliver real-time coaching and audio feedback based on your performance. During the course of a 20-minute workout, you’ll run at various perceived exertion levels, according to the in-ear instructions from your virtual coach. Your training plan can be created and synced from the Pear Portal (portal. pearsports.com), an online training tool that allows you to view your progress and record details about your workouts. While the device does not contain it’s own music player, an iPod Shuffle can be connected to the front of the device.

GET PHYSICAL Gadgets Galore

IBIKE DASH CYCLING COMPUTER For keen cyclists this gadget is a convenient and safe way to hold your iPhone or iPod during your ride. The water and shock-resistant case attaches to your bike, giving you clear access to the iDash (dashboard) that records speed, time, distance, temperature and maps your trip. The accompanying free iBike app supports multiple rider profiles so you can compete and share results with other cyclists, and for all the workaholics out there, there’s even an optional Bluetooth headset so you can receive calls on the go.

GRUVE CALORIE BURN TRACKER Move over pedometer. The Gruve is one of a gaggle of gadgets (called personal activity monitors) that you can carry in your pocket, hang on a keychain or wear like a watch. Although it doesn’t have a display screen, the gadget uses lights to visually track progress. The Gruve illuminates a red light at the beginning of the day, which transitions to yellow, blue, and green as you move and burn more calories. If your activity plummets throughout the day, the Gruve will start flashing. If this visual reminder doesn’t prompt you to get up and move, the device vibrating like a ringing cell phone does. www.xpressmag.com.au

MotoACTV UP WRISTBAND Perfect for the fashionable fitness fanatic in your life, Jawbone’s Up wristband stylishly monitors your movement, sleep patterns, and what you eat in order to get a holistic view of where your calories are being burned or, more importantly, where they aren’t. Based on your stats, Up goes a step further by letting you know the best time to sleep, when to wake, what to eat, and when you should be moving.

The Up ships in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and eight colors (orange, mint green, hunter green, light blue, onyx, red, navy blue, and light gray), and there’s even a mobile app to use in conjunction with the bracelet so you can sync and see Up Wristbands your totals on the go.

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

TO AMERICA WITH LOVE It’s fair enough to say that Shooting Stars is a classic tune in the world of electro-pop. Chris Stracey and Jack Glass, aka Sydney electrohouse duo Bag Raiders, were responsible for creating the delicious track. The lads went on to release their self-titled debut record in 2010 to critical acclaim before hitting the road.

ANNABEL MACLEAN chats with Stracey about Walmart, setting up camp in LA and album #2.

Bag Raiders have spent a fair bit of time overseas - mainly in London and America - touring this year and setting up a base-camp in LA where they plan to record their forthcoming sophomore record. Being used to touring via aeroplanes, touring around America earlier this year in a van was a relatively new

www.xpressmag.com.au

experience for the gents - Stracey even managed to reap the benefits of Walmart. “That was definitely a new experience for us,” Stracey begins. “I recall buying a pillow-pet - it’s a pillow, it’s a pet - can’t remember if it was a zebra, giraffe or caterpillar.

“It was really cool though, we got to see a lot of America which we’d never before seen. Highlights of the trip included battling each other on Street Fighter on Nintendo 3DS (thanks Walmart), stopping off at Mark Twain’s house and eating BBQ in a petrol station (actually some of the best I have ever eaten).”

Amongst the Walmart and Nintendo stories, the duo actually played some gigs whilst in America, including a show in Kansas on a speedway which went particularly well to their surprise. They also played a festival in Mexico, filling in for SebastiAn who had been booked to headline but couldn’t make it. “[It] ended up being a Tag Team DJ extravaganza with us, Flight Facilities and Aeroplane,” Stracey recalls. “I remember taking my shoes off and standing on the DJ setup and trying to mix backwards and upside down. Pretty wild time though!

“Another one [festival] was probably the coldest gig we have ever played in our lives - a party called SnowBall which was in Colorado somewhere in a ski town. Our hands were frozen to the point where we didn’t have great control over our fingers and we were doing a live show and I think I dropped a drum stick a few times. I kept having images of Wesley Snipes in Demolition Man when Sly Stallone freezes him in liquid nitrogen and kicks him in the head and it shatters into a million pieces. It was an amazing show though, warmed us up in the end.”

Aside from touring throughout America, the lads have also in the midst of setting up a studio in LA in between their recent trip back down under for a national tour. “We decided it would be really cool if we made a ‘location record - like how the Rolling Stones etc would go hire a house in the middle of the countryside and just go there and write a record,” he says.

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Chali 2na The Presets

PACIFICA PARTYING

That delicious party duo that we know so well, The Presets, are embarking on a national early next year - their first national tour since 2009!

Did anyone check them out at Parklife back in September? The lads killed it! Their new show will cover all the key moments on their fresh record Pacifica while also taking in many highlights from Beams and Apocalypso, interpreting many older tracks with bold, exciting and infectious reworkings. The lads hit Metro Freo on Thursday, January 31, supported by Parachute Youth and Light Year. Tickets are on sale from Oztix.

Bag Raiders “We’ve pretty much lived in Sydney all our lives, neither of us had done a ‘gap year’ or anything like that so we thought California would be a pretty cool place to set up shop. Plus we have a bunch of music friends who live there. Actually, the first few times we went to our regular coffee spot, we bumped into people like Kimbra, Miami Horror and Cut Copy, seems like everyone’s over there at the moment!”

Although already setting up camp in LA for recording their sophomore record, Stracey says nothing has been locked in with regards to possible collaborations which might make the new record.

“We have been mostly locking ourselves away in the studio furiously writing music on our own,” Stracey says. “We did do a couple of songs with Dan Black whilst we were in Paris, hopefully some of that stuff will make it on to the record. Nothing has been laid in stone yet but I can say we have written more than an album’s worth of material - whether or not we think it’s good enough to put out is a different story though.”

Currently back home in Australia for their national tour, Stracey says he’s happy to be back home. “It’s great to be back home,” he says. “First thing my grandmother said to me was ‘I’m going to give you some money to cut your hair’. I think I’ve let the Californian lifestyle show on my face. It’s so good

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though to be back here seeing our families and friends and coffee spots. Also when the sun finally comes out again, I am looking forward to getting in some serious snorkel time. So far as new stories or ideas to incorporate in our shows, I’d say we’re playing a lot more Australian music actually, there are a lot of hot producers in Australia killing it at the moment so that’s great to see.”

Aside from the snorkelling plans and relaxing, the boys are looking forward to playing Wonderland at Belvoir Amphitheatre on New Year’s Day. “Perth’s always been a great place for us to play,” he says. “It’s always sunny there, kinda like LA. People know how to have a good time so hopefully we are going to really get that out of them on New Year’s Day, pretty excited to be kicking off the year with a show like this one.” But, they haven’t sorted out costumes yet so punters may be in for a surprise. “So far as costumes or leopard props [go], we’ll have to wait and see. Definitely going to be an awesome time!”

» BAG RAIDERS » WONDERLAND » TUESDAY, JANUARY 1 @ BELVOIR AMPHITHEATRE

CONGRATS PDMA WINNERS

Who made it down to the Perth Dance Music Awards at The Court last Sunday arvo/evening? It was a grand turn-out and big party celebrating the achievements of all those in the EDM industry for yet another year! A big congratulations to the PDMA organisers and a special mention to Boomtick for taking out the Best Nightclub Award for Ambar and Best Festival for Breakfest - that’s 10 years in a row! Big ups to all the winners! The full list can be found at perthdancemusicawards.org.

Here’s to another grand year of EDM in Perth!

SETS GETTING HOTTER

If you went to Sets On The Beach last Sunday, you’d know how much they killed it! Now, the lineup for Volume 9 is out and boy, is it a ripper!

American hip hop legend Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) will be bringing his full live band for what will without doubt be an epic show. He’ll be joined

by Felix & Al (Hot Chip) who’ll be delivering a DJ set, Sydney electro-pop duo Bag Raiders (who played the very first Sets On The Beach) and the All Good Funk Alliance and MC ThinkTank. It’s all happening on Sunday, January 13, at Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre. Hit up setsonthebeach.oztix.com.au for tickets.

THE MAYAN IS COMING

Wanna have a tribal dress up party and dance to sick beats before the world ends? Well, you best be getting down to The Mayan. It’s going to be one hell of a party with Benny P vs Genga, Lionel Hrtz & A10bra, Get More, Flex, Marko Paulo, The Mayan and Black & Blunt getting behind the decks to make sure you have an epic night. It’s all happening on Friday, December 21, at The Court. Tickets are on sale now from themayan. eventbrite.com. You can choose a general ticket or an Africa Fundraiser Ticket which will be going to help a friend of the event directly assist sick people in Africa. Be a good sport and get the Fundraiser ticket, they’re only $30 a pop. Do it!

ORIGIN LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Origin NYE is already boasting a killer lineup with Chase & Status, Flying Lotus, Benga, Knife Party, Gaslamp Killer, ShockOne, Friction and more.

And, as if that’s not enough, the team behind Origin NYE have added UK MC and singer-songwriter Example to the lineup along with DJ Wire, Sydney hip hop lads Hermitude, our very own Phetsta, those crazy bass heads Doctor Werewolf, Triple J’s Deacon Rose and local bass trio The Substance.

Origin NYE hits Fairbridge Village in Pinjarra on Sunday, December 30, and Monday, December 31.

Hit up theorigin.com.au for all ticketing deets. Hurry, camping tickets are selling fast!

Example

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

MARTEN HØRGER

PARTY ANIMAL The Only

THE ONLY

F*CKING ELECTRO-RAVE Electro-rave DJ and producer duo The Only, aka Jeff and Shawn, released their debut single The Only F*cking Rave Party and then life got crazy. It landed in the ARIA Singles Chart top 50 before hitting #1 on the Australian Independent Music Chart and became the #1 Australian Artist Dance Single in the country.

ANNABEL MACLEAN chats with Jeff ahead of the duo’s appearance on the Ministry Of Sound The Annual Tour 2013.

Marten Hørger

care about tempos or genres as long as it kicks ass!”

Though digressing for a moment, he tells X-Press the first CD he ever bought was Dangerous

by Michael Jackson. “I absolutely loved it,” he says with a nostalgic passion. “I was pretty young at the time though.” More recently, he has been doing his own thing in the studio, as he tells it - compressing bass drums – for hours, literally.

Hørger was a producer first and artist second hence it isn’t surprising that devotes his time to even the finest details. But, moving from the world of being a producer to a DJ is a slightly different approach to many of his compatriots; however, he suggests it was a relatively straightforward process.“It wasn’t like I was following a plan or anything like that,” he explains.“I have always just “There has been quite a lot happening,” chimes done - and still do - what feels natural to me. Putting the upbeat German. “I’ve had a great summer back thought into what I was doing came naturally home here in Europe. I’ve been playing festivals because it was already happening; that is really the all over the place and I’ve even been able to take only different part of it.

“In fact, I recently found out that the some time off to make a lot of new music that I’m buzzing about. It’s sort of easy for me because I best thing for me is to go through the stages of enjoy playing music from all genres. I really just love producing - without touring - and then to go out to play whatever I think is good music - I don’t really and just concentrate only on working the circuit as a

Germany has produced its fair share of electronic music superstars – guys that have paved the way for the future. Indeed, Marten Hørger has taken the sound of the culture and given it his own twist while keeping within the spirit of quality beatmaking. RK chats with the friendly gent ahead of his appearance at Breakfest.

DJ. I love doing both of course, but each at separate times but then I’m also useless at trying to juggle both at the same time. I’m jealous when I hear how some people can make music on the road. As for myself, I’m always too busy partying!”

And fair enough too. To be sure, his musical breadth spans far beyond his own work as Martin Hørger though. His Boogie Army and Smash HiFi projects have also turned heads as did his project with Leroy from The Prodigy. “Boogie Army was a project I did when the music production thing started for me,” he says.“It was awesome at the time but my partner was getting more and more into techno and minimal while I was - and will to some extent always be the full on - freak out, party music guy. It didn’t really work.

“So we decided to go our separate ways.

That was about the time when Leeroy Thornhill had left his old band The Prodigy. We had already been friends and regularly worked together as DJs. One day, we decided to give it a try in the studio and we never looked back. For my own releases, I mainly make dance music while we try to write proper ‘songs’ for the Smash HiFi project – and the album is almost done, finally! I can’t wait to share some of my music with Australia when I’m back there again soon!”

» » » »

MARTEN HØRGER BREAKFEST WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 @ BELVOIR AMPHITHEATRE

“[The Only F*cking] Rave Party becoming a chart record was so far from what we ever expected, it’s actually ridiculous,” Jeff says, half way through the Ministry Of Sound The Annual Tour. “We were in the process of mixing Electro House Sessions 3 and the label suggested we should try and include two of our own singles on the release. So that night we started writing Rave Party. It was literally written in under four hours.

“It definitely changed things for us pretty quickly.The short term change was an insane amount of touring and remixing, but the biggest change was the internal one of needing to process that we were a chart act and how to manage that creatively in terms of our next steps release wise.”

After success mixing Sessions 3, the lads were invited back by Ministry Of Sound to mix Electro House Sessions 5 and were later included on their Club Vol 3 compilation for their club track featuring T.I.S.M (River Phoenix) The Hollywood Anthem. Now, the duo have just finished mixing The Annual 2012 alongside DJ and producer Tom Piper. Doing the CD with Tom [Piper] has been great,” he says.“He’s a lot of fun so all the stuff we do together - like the press and tour - is always a great laugh.”

And, as for deciding who got to mix what track, there were almost no issues there. “We play quite a different sound to Tom so there weren’t too many songs we had to fight over,” he says.“That said I love The Devolution’s remix of Wiley on his disc, as well as Galantis’ Tank, so while we didn’t fight over tunes, I’d still happily steal a few bits from his disc for our sets.”

Jeff is very thankful to Ministry Of Sound for opening up opportunities for The Only, saying it’s all been “quite an unexpected experience”. “Our journey with MOS feels like it’s been and continues to be a really organic one,” he says.“With every release – singles and albums – it feels like we’ve evolving but never rushing. I think it’s important to be patient and let you style and craft grow and mature in a way that gives you longevity.”

As for other career highlights so far, playing Big Day Out was a “complete dream come true” for both the lads. “For Shawn it was insane because one of his favourite bands were headlining so it was some kind of modern day Shawn living out the dreams of teenage Shawn,” he says.“Foreshore in Canberra has been amazing, Breath Of Life in Hobart [and] Groovin’ The Moo in Maitland have all been pretty special shows.”

As for their upcoming Ministry Of Sound The Annual stop off in Perth, Jeff says fans should expect to hear all the best songs from The Annual combined with the “newest hot records” they’ve built into the sets as well as the best of their old and current material. “Villa is an amazing venue and we are really excited to be playing there,” he says.“In fact, Perth is such a great place to play at. I have no idea what surprises to expect… have you seen the video of me jumping off the speaker? Maybe something like that? (laughs).”

Once The Annual tour is over, the lads have a pretty hectic New Year’s Eve period coming up before dropping their remix of the new Yolanda Be Cool single and getting back into the studio to record the follow up to Looking Back. “This year we are doing Pyramid Rock Festival, Pacha in Sydney and then Ministry Of Sound in Brisbane, so it’s a pretty busy 24 hours,” Jeff concludes.

» THE ONLY » MINISTRY OF SOUND THE ANNUAL TOUR 2013 » FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 @ VILLA www.xpressmag.com.au

33

THE NEXTMEN POPPADOM PREACH

With partner-in-crime Dominic Betmead apparently sharing “a lost weekend with legendary dudes Derek DeLarge, Jon Carter, Brandon Block, Shaun Ryder and Ghandi”, ANDREW NELSON caught up with Brad Ellis, the other half of British hip-hop duo The Nextmen, to talk about mushrooms, mash-ups and curry.

“Our music is rooted in hip hop but is eclectic,” Brad Ellis, aka Brad Baloo, begins. “We’ve covered several genres over our four LPs and various remixes, although we both now write and produce for a wide range of other acts. When we DJ, we use four decks and get through lots of styles, hopefully pretty coherently.”

When it comes to mixing genres, unpredictability and unique programming, The Nextmen have not so much re-written the rulebook, more set it on fire and buried it under six feet of lead.

Having collaborated and remixed a diversity of artists from Corinne Bailey Rae and Cutty Ranks through to Public Enemy and Zane Lowe, the UK duo have shown that it’s possible to move away from genre stereotypes and still maintain a faithful following.

It all began many years ago when the lads first met, rumoured to be trying to secure some magic mushrooms at a party. “It’s not true,” Ellis explains, quashing the rumour once and for all. “That was something the person who wrote our first biography made up, and will, unfortunately, haunt us forever.

Truth is, we met at school. I asked him [Betmead] to do some scratching on my first record. He said no.”

After that false start, however, the duo started to work together using their musical backgrounds to blend hip hop beats, beginning with a remix of Style by London Posse back in 1996. Their first long player Amongst The Madness was released in 2000 and featured a whole host of guest rappers but subsequent releases have seen them evolve their style “We never were a hip hop group really which seems weird to say,” Ellis continues. “We

34

Dismantle

The Nextmen have always considered ourselves songwriters and producers that made all sorts of music. Our last two albums have been a better representation of what we’re into.” One listen to their semi-regular podcast that they have been releasing since 2010 and the duo’s sonic versatility becomes evident. It showcases a sound that veers from disco to dubstep, packed full of remixes, mash-ups and guilty pleasures.

“Our main focus when choosing music to play is that it has roots, soul and heavy bass,” he says. And is that ethos going to continue when they touch down here in Perth? “That’s all very secret at the moment,” he whispers. “But expect some new Nextmen bootlegs, tracks from our new, as yet unreleased LP and some Nextmen classics.”

What can be revealed though is that the guys have lots more in the pipeline besides touring coming up. “We have a new LP coming in early 2013 under the name Echo Foxx,” Ellis says. “Keep an eye out for that. Also, we’re both constantly writing so lots of bits for other acts [and] have a free, unreleased EP that people can download from thenextmen.com.”

The podcast will continue as well featuring Ellis’ never ending world-wide search for the perfect Indian meal, with listener recommendations and tips. “The best curry I’ve eaten so far was at The Establishment hotel in Sydney so I’m hoping I’ll find the ultimate during this trip,” he concludes, chuckling. So if you can recommend some hot eats to go with their phat beats I’m sure Ellis would bite your hand off.

» » » »

THE NEXTMEN BREAKFEST WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 @ BELVOIR AMPHITHEATRE

DISMANTLE BEATS AND BOBS

Will Knighton is one of those people for whom success has been relatively fleeting. Another bass-head from UK’s Brighton, the lad the risen from relative obscurity to make a name for himself in the fledgling bass scene around the world – and he is justifiably proud. RK talks to him about life and times as well as his forthcoming trip to Australia.

“I’ve just been working away in the studio,” chimes the affable Brit. “I’ve been building tracks for my next EP. At this very moment, I’m making a moombahton track and I’m really feeling it! The scene here is great – almost any day of the week there is something happening. Growing up here has been great too, I was playing at a lot of venues around the place when I was young and would go out and get raving!”

Indeed, Knighton’s music is difficult to categorise and he admits that people are forever arguing about how best to describe it.“It is something I made that replicated Dutch house but at 140 beats per minute,” he says. “There had been plenty of 4x4 beats done before by people like Caspa, Skream and Benga – as well as artists like Buraka Som Sistema who do the soca beat stuff - so I wasn’t first. But I do like the energy in 4x4 kicks and off beat percussion.

The music has got a good vibe to it and I found I was getting bored of the same stuff being done over and over. That sort of first happened in the drum’n’bass

genre and then in dubstep so I wanted to make something a bit different.”

In fact, Knighton admits that he never knew that what he was producing at the time was going to get him playing in the far flung reaches of the earth, especially given it was a melting pot of all the stuff he’d previously heard – music like drum’n’bass and dubstep as well as a number of other influences that he was listening to at the time. And it is that, that has defined his direction this year and likely beyond.

Studio wise, Knighton has been working on a number of remixes during the UK summer - one for Toddla T, one for Zinc and A-Trak and then another for Caspa too. More recently he adds that he’s been working on new material for a forthcoming EP that will be out early next year. “I’ve also started working with vocalists as well and have been learning lots off Breakage, Shy FX and the Digital Soundboy team,” he says. “I’ve also done some recent collaborations with Breakage and Caspa. After that, I’m planning on doing a Dismantle And Friends EP at some point.”

And as if that wasn’t enough, Knighton’s also been in the studio with Mensah and is looking to work with others.“A dream group to work with for me also, would be The Prodigy. I love all their work and am a huge fan,” he professes.

As far as his sets go, Knighton is playing as many distinctive soundscapes as possible.

“Sometimes you have to read the crowd and you may have to play a harder dubstep sound or go deeper and play more that 130bpm stuff mixed with some house,” he adds. “But it’s great - I like lots of different types of electronic music so to be able to get booked at different types of parties and be able to play lots of different music is fantastic! I would hate to be stuck playing one genre. I play dubstep, newer and older house as well as a bit of jungle and some classics. I’ve even ended my set with Bill Withers before - it was sick! We had the whole crowd singing along. I think people are open these days to artists playing unique material, which I think is a really good thing.”

Finally, the lad is super pumped for his series of dates around the country.” This is my first time to Australia and I have to say I’m pretty excited,” he says. “You can expect a variety of music and a bunch of great parties. I’m setup with three-CDJs and a whole load of new music so I look forward to seeing you all when I get there.”

» DISMANTLE » BIG APE » SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 @ SHAPE

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

GETTING STEEZY The Beat Nightclub Wednesday, November 28, 2012 The Beat Nightclub has a new monthly dance music night called Steez. It’s all about party music, pop-up stores and drink specials and it’s free entry from 10pm. Last Wednesday night so DJs JS, Spandex, Blizzard and DJ JLee getting behind the decks. The lads from TenFold were also getting down near the d-floor selling shirts. Good start y’all!

Liz, Molly

Matt, Tegan

Photos by Matt Jelonek

Emma, Sarah

David, Mohi

Nick, Scott, Jono

Dylan, Luke, Sion, Chad

DJ JLee

Danny Daze

DANNY DAZE TECHNO & BEYOND

Speaking from his studio in Barcelona, the buzz-worthy DJ and producer Danny Daze, aka Danny Gomez, is pumped to be heading down under for Summadayze. ROSE CALLAGHAN chats with the lads about his beginnings, new projects and forthcoming tour.

Aside from sleeping, Miami’s Danny Daze does little else aside from DJ, produce and sit on planes. Whether it’s under his own moniker Danny Daze, production projects Discotech and Senor Stereo, or his intriguing new project Jupiter Jazz, the 26-year-old is constantly on the hunt for new sounds and inspiration - from deep and tech house, to the Cuban influences of his upbringing, disco, and old love Italo disco.

With an almost monotone, Floridian drawl, Daze comes across as business-like when discussing his music. This focused approach is no doubt responsible for his rise to fame which started when he was 13 years old when his mother bought him a set of turntables.

It didn’t take long until he was earning money and playing real gigs.

Daze was a breakdancer going out to raves and meeting other dancers. “They learned that I was a DJ and someone gave me a chance,” he says of how he got started. “I was 14-15 years old already bringing my vinyl to come and play after a wedding I did. The connections happened really quickly.”

After making a name in Miami, Daze’s big break came at the end of 2010,when Seth Troxler passed on a copy of his now huge anthem Your Everything to Hot Creations label heads and tech house legends Jamie Jones and Lee Foss. The Your Everything/Fall Into You release subsequently shot him into stardom and put him in the league with some of the world’s biggest international DJs. Right now, Jupiter Jazz, his collaboration with another accomplished American techno and house producer Maceo Plex, is on his mind.“It’s going to be pretty cool, something different,”he says of the track.“We’ve been working together for a while but not on that project.We go into the studio with a different state of mind.”

On top of everything else, Daze plans to release an original EP in January and later in the year a full length album under the Danny Daze moniker. “I really don’t care to call it something else – it’s me,” he says. “If there’s a drum’n’bass track in there, who cares.

That’s what I think artist albums should be. I’m sitting on a bunch of tracks that are dance records but they’re not huge hits because I didn’t want to just make a massive record, I want to make something more creative. I have records that are down-tempo, a bit of drum’n’bass.”

Aside from the upcoming collaborations and original projects coming up, Daze is excited to be heading down under for Summadayze. “I’ve never done a festival tour,” he says. “I’ve done quite a bit of festivals but not seven festivals in six days!.”

He’s also super pumped to be performing alongside the likes of Booka Shade, Erol Alkan, Fedde Le Grand, M.I.A and Kimbra on the festival tour. “It’s a wide variety [of artists] and I like that because I like to meet people from all ends of the spectrum,” he concludes.

» DANNY DAZE » SUMMADAYZE » SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 @ PATERSONS STADIUM www.xpressmag.com.au

35

FRAT HOUSE FRIDAYS

AMPLIFIER/CAPITOL

WEDNESDAY 05/12 Blvd Tavern – Wub Wub Brass Monkey - DJ Jewel (upstairs) Captain Stirling – Fiveo Clancy’s (Applecross) – Upbeat – DJ Andy Connections – DJs Joby /JJ /Rueben Eurobar – Wild Wednesdays - DJ iPod/ Ben Pettit Flying Scotsman – UniQue DJs/ DJ Bones/ DJ Moflow Geisha - Roulette ft Ekko & Sidetrack/ Riot Class/ Illusiv & Dvise/ Gracie & Sistym Gold Bar–DJ Adroc Hipe Club – DJ Roger Smart Leederville Hotel – We Love Wednesdays ft DJ Slick Llama Bar – Jo 19 Matches Bar – Pussymittens Mustang – DJ Giles Newport –Timomatic Sovereign Arms – Lockie Shaw The Deen - DJ Zelimer/ DJ Viper/ DJ Benny/ T– Zone 1 The Flying Scotsman - Parker/ Anton Maz/ Micah/ DNGRFLD/ BACK2MONO/ Roulette DJS The Queens – Wriggle on YaYa’s – DJ Paul Burgess

THURSDAY 06/12 Clancy’s (Canning Bridge) - DJ Wrighteous Claremont Hotel- DJs Bryn Jones/ James Thorne

Club Marakesh – DJ Simon Cottesloe Hotel – DJ Shots/ DJ Andy M Empire Bar – Halo/ DJ Bojan/ DJ Ben Sebastian Eve Nightclub – DJ Nino Brown Flying Scotsman – Cowboys & Indie Kids DJs Leopold Hotel – DJ Riki/ Roger Smart Library - Dorcia Llama Bar – Danni Boi/ Charlie Bucket Mint Nightclub – DJ Simon Barwood Mt Henry Tavern - DJ Matty J Mullaloo Beach Hotel - DJ John Paul/ DJ Slick Mustang – DJ James Paramount – DJ Johnny Boi/ DJ Jordan Players Bar – MASH South St – DJ Castasia/ Dpad Swinging Pig – DJ Simon The Avenue – Jon Ee The Carine Tavern – Punchy & Juicy/ Little Nicky The Causeway – Jaymie Franchina The Craftsman – Roger Smart The Deen – DJ Flex/ DJ Nano/ DJ Surge/ DJ Don Migi The East End Bar - The Prestige ft Az-T The Queens – Kapitol The Shed - The Mystery Men The Whale & Ale – Josh Tilley The Whistling Kite - DJ Gareth Tiger Lils – Paul Malone/ Adam Kelly Woodvale Tavern – DJ Melvin

Dismantle

36

FRIDAY 07/12 Ambar – Bootleg: Finale Party ft The Bootleg Brothers/ Micah/ Blend/ Marty McFly/Tee El/ Mr. Ed/ Basschild/ Len Bones/ Tom Drummond/ DNGRFLD/ FTW/ 4BY4/ Tapeheads Amplifier –DJ Jamie Mac Bar 459 - DJ Smurf Bar Orient – The Reggae Club Blvd Tavern – DJ Andy Boheme Bar - DJ Majiika Boulevard Tavern – DJ Andyy Brass Monkey - DJ Victor (downstairs)/ DJ James Ess (upstairs) Broken Hill Hotel – DJ Nick Alexander Brooklands Tavern - DJ Misschief Mel Capitol – Retro Mash Capitol (Upstairs) – I Love ‘90s Carine Tavern – Greg Packer/ MC Assassin Clancy’s (Canning Bridge) - DJ Boogie Claremont Hotel – DJ Tea King Club Bayview – Amnesia ft Fendi/ Axon/ Fellis Como Hotel – DJ Gazz Eastern Hotel – DJ Munch Empire Bar – Fiveo Eve Nightclub – DJ Don Migi & Guests Flawless – DJ Ryan Flying Scotsman – DJs Jo19/ Rok Riley/ Armee Flying Scotsman (Defectors) - Back To Mono DJs Ginger Nightclub – Rondevoo Fridayz Gosnells Club – DJ Now Hipe Club - DJ E-Funk Honey Lounge – DJ Curlee/ Drew Green Lakers Tavern – Fresh Fridays - DJ Dooey Left Bank – DJ Frankie Button Library – DJ Sneaky Little Creatures Loft – Marine Beats Llama Bar – Jim Pearson/ Jehan/ Ben Edit/ DJ Cee Matches Bar – Fredrick Anderson Merriwa Tavern – DJ Real McCoy Metro City (Solace Bar) – DJ Slick Metro Freo – Frat House Fridays Present The UV Party Mint Nightclub – Club Retro ft Chris McPhee Mullaloo Beach Hotel - DJ John Paul Mustang – Swing DJ/ DJ James MacArthur Norma Jean’s –DJ Waz Paddy Hannans – Crazy Craig Paramount - DJ Johnny Boi/ DJ Jordan Players Bar – Miss Football Queens Tav – DJ Rueben Rocket Room – Extreme Aggression ft DJ Cain Sail & Anchor - Balcony Beatz/ DJ J-MAC Shape – Xkore/ Zanetic/ Poseidon Sovereign Arms – Lokie Shaw The Avenue – Little Nicky

METRO FREO

LATIN BASS FIESTA

SHAPE

The Carine – Az-T The Causeway – Jus Haus?

The East End Bar – Az-T The Generous Squire - DJ Anaru The Shed - Krank/ DJ Glenn 20 The Queens – DJ Rueben The Shed – DJ Glenn 20 The Whale & Ale – Shane Hewson Tiger Lils – Paul Malone/ Adam Kelly The Vic - DJ Giles The Wembley Hotel – Abstar Windsor – DJ Riki and Ray Victoria Park Hotel – DJ Giles Villa –Black & White Trance Anthems Party Ya-Ya’s – Hero DJs ft Pup

SATURDAY 08/12 Ambar – Japan 4: Breakfest Warp Up Party Amplifier – Pure Pop ft Eddie Electric Basement On Broadway – DJ Ricky Boheme Bar – Carte Blanche DJs Brass Monkey - DJ Peta (downstairs)/ DJ Jewel (upstairs) Broken Hill Tavern – DJ Roger Smart/ Matt Richards/ Ben Dallin Capitol (Upstairs) – Cream Of The ‘80s ft DJ Ryan Capitol – Death Disco Clancy’s (Canning Bridge) - DJ Dood Claremont Hotel – Fiveo/ J.V.R Club Bay View – Fiveo Eastern Hotel – DJ Munch Empire Bar – DJ James Ess Eurobar – Roger Smart/ DJ Raci Eve Nightclub –DJ Brooke Evers / DJ Crazy Craig Flying Scotsman - Under The Influence DJs Flying Scotsman (Defectors) - Fore DJs High Road Hotel – DJ Simon High Wycombe – DJ Matt Hipe Club – DJ E-Funk Honey Lounge – DJ Saxon/ Sardi Library – MKT ft DJ Riki/ DJ Vicktor and more Little Creatures Loft – Marine Beats Liquid Nightclub - DJ Klar55/ DJ Stevie M Llama Bar – DJ Reuben/ DJ Melvin Malt Super Club – Fiveo Matches Bar – Jstokes/ Valerio Metro City (Climax) - DJ Francesco/ DJ Don Migi/ DJ Slick Metro City (R&B Lounge) - DJ Soso/ DJ Ruthless/ DJ Brett Costello Metro Freo – Roger Smart/ DJ Wazz/ Ben Carter Mint Nightclub – Pop Life ft DJ Aaron/ AJ Mullaloo Beach Hotel – DJ Danny Mustang – Rockabilly DJ/ DJ James MacArthur Niche – Frankie Button/ Cee/ Jonny Zimber

Sebastien Leger Norma Jeans – DJ Phat Daz Oxford Hotel – DJ Sequeria Paramount- DJ Cornflake / DJ Jordan/ DJ Johnny Boi Queens Tav - Gareth Richardson Rocket Room – DJ Perry Shape – Big Ape ft Dismantle South St Ale House – DJ Jay Sovereign Arms – Rockwell The Avenue – Jon Ee The Boheme – DJ Sneakee The Brighton (Upstairs) – Micah/ Kill Dyl/ eSQue The Causeway – Chalk ft DJs Ray Harles/ France China The Clink –Az-T The Cornerstone – Millie Bro The Craftsman – Ang31 The Deen - DJ Birdie/ DJ JJ/ DJ Tony Allen The East End Bar - Fiveo The Generous Squire – On Tap ft DJ James Nutley The Saint – DJ Anaru The Shed –DJ Andyy/ Huge The Wembley – Lokie Shaw The Whistling Kite – Gavyn Mytchel The Vic – DJ Kristian Tiger Lils – DJ Bojan/ DJ Ben Sebastian Toucan – DJ Hages Victoria Park Hotel – DJ Melvin Windsor – DJ Ray Woodvale Tavern – DJ Real McCoy

SUNDAY 09/12 Captain Stirling – DJ Jay Claremont Hotel – DJ Double Dee Clink – DJ Tony Allen Empire Bar – CB3/ DJ Riki/ DJ Vicktor Euro Bar – DJ Flex Eve Nightclub – DJ Slick Flying Scotsman – Nathan J/ Nizbet/

Pasha/ Chris Flying Scotsman (Defectors) – Eclectic Picnic Mint - Chris McPhee Mustang – DJ Rockin Rhys Paramount – Glo/ DJ Slick/ DJ Benny C/ DJ Matty S Players Bar – Lucky Charm Rocket Room – Coyote Ugly Sovereign Arms – Dylan Hammond The Avenue – Az-T The Causeway – Lukas Wimmler The Cott – Cott Sessions The Court - Habitat 8th Birthday Garden Party ft Nick Warren/ Sebastien Leger/ Chuck Love The Kiosk – DJ Cinder The Saint - DJ Anaru The Shed – James Wilson and more

MONDAY 10/12 Bar Orient - DJ White Label Broken Hill Tavern - DJ Mario Tavelli The Deen – Kid Kenobi The Paddo – DJ John Paul The Shed – DJ Andyy

TUESDAY 11/12 Bar Orient - DJ Lyndon Eastern Hotel – Jon Edwards High Road Hotel – DJ Matty J High Wycombe – DJ Ricky Hipe Club – DJ Roger Smart Players Bar (Norma Jeans Bar) – Stevie M Victoria Park Hotel – DJ Melvin

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

AMBAR

10 YEARS ON

2MANYDJS

VILLA

SETS ON THE BEACH

SCARBOROUGH BEACH

IN THE THIS WEEK:

Ambar Christmas Party ft Chi Poption NYE 2012/13 ft VENGEANCE/ Blend & Tee EL/ Oli & Shy Panther/ Rachael Dease Marty McFly/ Black & Blunt/ Ben vs Ylem/ Diger Rokwell vs Parker/ Anton Maz/ Micah/ Mathas/ Kucka/ Leure/ Mei DNGRFLD/ BACK2MONO/ Roulette Spectrasoul & Audio Saraswati/ Dani Marsland/ Jo DJS Saturday, December 15 @ Villa Lettenmaier/ Aarom Wilson vs Wednesday, December 5 @ The Flying Craig Hollywood/ Ben Taaffe vs Scotsman Flosstradamus Rok Riley/ Clunk/ PCJ vs Ridik/ Saturday, December 16 @ Shape Miranda Menzies Timomatic Monday, December 31 @ The Wednesday, December 5 @ The Dusky Bakery Newport Thursday, December 20 @ Ambar Ambar NYE ft Marty Stafford Brothers & Hook N Sling McFly/ Tee El/ bezwun/ Dead Roulette ft Ekko & Sidetrack/ Riot Friday, December 21 @ Villa Class/ Illusiv & Dvise/ Gracie & Easy/ Philly Blunt/ Mr eD Marko Sistym Paulo The Mayan ft Benny P vs Wednesday, December 5 @ Geisha Monday, December 31 @ Ambar Genga/ Lionel Hrtz & A10bra/ Get More/ Flex/ Marko Paulo/ The Insert To Play ft 360/ Urthboy/ DJ Nino Brown Mayan/ Black & Blunt Thursday, November 6 @ Eve Drapht/ Hermitude and more Friday, December 21 @ The Court Nightclub Monday, December 31 @ Supreme Court Gardens Terravita Xkore/ Zanetic/ Poseidon Friday, December 21 @ Shape Friday, December 7 @ Shape Boogie Down NYE ft Boogie Down/ Charlie Bucket/ Rok Riley Paul Malone vs MZJO/ Jade Nobbs Bootleg: Finale Party ft The Bootleg Friday, December 21 @ Ambar Monday, December 31 @ Little Brothers/ Micah, Blend, Marty Creatures Loft McFly/Tee El/ Mr. Ed/ Basschild/ Kendrick Lamar Len Bones/ Tom Drummond/ Saturday, December 22 @ The Astor NYE ft Rufus/ Voltaire Twins/ DNGRFLD/ FTW/ 4BY4/ Tapeheads Death Disco DJS/ Tapeheads Friday, December 7 @ Ambar Syrup Midnight Mass ft Kit and more Monday, December 31 @ Capitol Black & White Trance Anthems Pop/ Armin Van Goff/ Dr Space/ Raaghe/ Rekab/ Zeke/ Clunk/ Party Saxon/ Boy P/ Ben T/ Bolsty and Countdown To NYE ft The Cuban Friday, December 7 @ Villa more Brothers/ N’FA/ Charlie Bucket/ Saturday, December 22 @ 23 Irwin Mr Thing/ The Funk Club House Japan 4: Breakfest Warp Up Party St, Perth Band and more TBC Saturday, December 8 @ Ambar Monday, December 31 @ Salt On Breakfest ft Krafty Kuts/ The Beach Big Ape ft Dismantle A.Skillz/ DJ Yoda/ Lady Waks/ Saturday, December 8 @ Shape The Nextmen/ Jaguar Skills/ Cuban Club ft Cuban Brothers/ Specimen A/ Pyramid/ Marten Yacht Club DJs/ Russ Dewbury/ Habitat 8th Birthday Garden Party Hørger/ High Contrast/ Spy/ Death Disco DJs and more ft Nick Warren/ Sebastien Leger/ Camo & Krooked/ MC Wrec/ Tuesday, January 1 @ The Flying Chuck Love N’Fa Jones/ Charlie Bucket/ Squadron Yacht Club, Dalkeith Sunday, December 9 @ The Court Black & Blunt/ Breakaholics Anonymous/ D-Funk/ N’FA Jones/ Club Paradiso ft Friendly Fires Charlie Bucket/ Black & Blunt/ (DJ set)/ Kaz James/ Helena/ Breakaholics Anonymous ft Ben Mr Wilson/ Zelimir/ The Halo Mac/ Tone/ Wish/ D-Funk and Effect/ Habitat DJs/ Maiko DJs/ more Mr Grevis Wednesday, December 26 @ Belvoir Acebasik/ Kno Agents Tuesday, January 1 @ Salt On The Wednesday, December 12 @ Mojos Amphitheatre Beach Rapaport Breakfest After Party ft Wonderland ft PNAU (live)/ Bag Friday, December 14 @ Mojos Special Guests Wednesday, December 26 @ Ambar Raiders (DJ set)/ Flume (live)/ Grafton Primary (live)/ Tim & Ministry Of Sound The Annual 2013 ft Tom Piper/ The Only and more Move 5th Birthday ft Theo Parrish Jean (live)/ Alison Wonderland/ Elizabeth Rose/ What So Not/ Friday, December 14 @ Villa Friday, December 28 @ Ambar Indian Summers DJs and more Tuesday, January 1 @ Belvoir Mac & DNGRFLD Luke Slater Friday, December 14 @ Ambar Saturday, December 29 @ The Bakery Amphitheatre

COMING UP

Parker

PARKER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 @ THE FLYING SCOTSMAN

www.xpressmag.com.au

Origin NYE ft Chase & Status (DJ Set)/ Knife Party/ Gaslamp Killer/ ShockOne/ Pearson Sound/ DMZ (Coki & Mala)/ Goldie/ Brookes Brothers/ Ed Rush/ Wilkinson/ Dillinja/ Marky & Stamina/ Sigma/ Delta Heavy/ Metrik/ DC Breaks/ Skism/ Gemini/ Inspector Dubplate/ Jakes/ Mensah/ Dodge & Fuski/ Bar9/ Distance/ Dark Sky/ Ben Ufo/ New York Transit Authority/ Pariah/ XXXY/ Om Unit/ Friction/ Bare Noize/ Flying Lotus/ Benga/ Youngman/ Doctor Werewolf/ Hermitude/ Example & DJ Wire/ The Substance/ Deacon Rose/ Phetsta and more Sunday, December 30 & Monday, December 31 @ Fairbridge Village, Pinjara

Summadayze ft Chemical Brothers (DJ Set)/ M.I.A/ Fedde Le Grand/ Mark Ronson (DJ Set)/ Andrew Wyatt/ Kimbra/ Booka Shade (live)/ Eddie Halliwell/ AN21 & Max Vangeli/ Carl Craig 69 (live)/ Maya Jane Coles/ Disclosure Live/ Adrian Lux/ Erol Alkan/ Breakbot (live)/ Fake Blood/ Hudson Mohawke/ Araabmusik/ Icona Pop/ Scuba/ Aeroplane/ Jesse Rose/ Danny Daze/ AC Slater/ Stafford Brothers & Timmy Trumpet/ Bombs Away/ Sam & The Womp/ TJR/ Junior Jack & Kid Crème/ Omnia/ John 00 Fleming/ Arnej and more Sunday, January 6 @ Patersons Stadium

Kerser Friday, January 11 @ Villa Shimon Friday, January 11 @ Geisha Sets On The Beach ft Chali 2na/ Felix & Al (Hot Chip)/ Bag Raiders/ All Good Funk Alliance & Thinktank Sunday, January 13 @ Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre Action Bronson Thursday, January 17 @ The Bakery ESG Sunday, January 20 @ The Bakery Heavyweight Soundz ft Andy C & MC GQ Friday, January 25 @ Metro City Old Skool Boat Parties ft Miggy and more Friday, January 25 @ Barrack St Jetty Riva Starr Saturday, January 26 @ Salt On The Beach Dirtybird Records ft Claude VonStroke/ Justin Martin/ J Phlip Sunday, January 27 @ TBA Big Day Out ft The Bloody Beetroots/ Crystal Castles/ Kaskade/ Pretty Lights/ Nicky Romero/ Morgan Page/ Sampology and more Monday, January 28 @ Claremont Showground The Presets Thursday, January 31 @ Metro Freo Above & Beyond Friday, February 1 @ Metro City Flosstradamus Saturday, February 16 @ Shape Future Music Festival ft The Prodigy/ The Stone Roses/ PSY/ Dizzee Rascal/ Bloc Party/ Azealia Banks/ Rita Ora/ Boys Noize (live)/ Hardwell/ The Temper Trap/ Fun./ Madeon/ Rudimental/ Ellie Goulding/ Steve Aoki/ Alesso/ Gypsy & The Cat/ A-Trak (live)/ Feed Me (live)/ Zeds Dead/ Kill The Noise/ DJ Fresh (live)/ Nervo/ Zane Lowe/ Borgore/ Sven Vath/ Richie Hawtin/ Ricardo Villalobos/ Seth Troxler/ Magda/ Cosmic Gate ft Emma Hewitt/ W&W/ tyDi/ Andy Moor/ Super8 & Tab/ Ben Gold/ The Stafford Brothers/ Timmy Trumpet/ Tenzin/ Bombs Away Sunday, March 3 @ Arena Joondalup Smokey’s Tour ft Urthboy Friday, March 8 @ Mojos Smokey’s Tour ft Urthboy Saturday, March 9 @ Amplifier Sets On The Beach ft lineup TBC Sunday, March 17 @ Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre

10 YEARS ON MICAH/ Ben Mac/ Wish Ambar Friday, November 30, 2012 Ten years is a long time in dance music. A lot of things change. But one thing has remained steadfast in Perth – our love of breaks. And nowhere more so has this been represented than at the home of the underground, Ambar.

Spearheading the Ambar breaks massive for the last 10 years – an impressive milestone in anyone’s book – has been the holy trinity of Perth breaks, Micah, Ben Mac and Wish.

These boys have been at the forefront of the scene for a long time, and helped Perth gain its reputation as a global hotspot for breaks, they’ve seen the rise of festivals, and one thing they know how to do is rock a dancefloor.

Ten years ago these three hopefuls joined the ranks of the new Ambar nightclub.

Micah started up the infamous Audiophon and fast became a local legend that has seen him take out the PDMA for Best Breaks DJ, as of this weekend, an amazing 10 years in a row! Wish, the reliable heavy hitter, who’s played countless sets, bringing many a Japan 4 night to a grand finale. Ben Mac, one half of the Bootleg Brothers, a true champion of the scene, and one of the nicest guys in the business – who had announced it may be one of his last ever gigs. So it was truly a well deserved reason to celebrate a decade of dance.

Other stalwarts of the scene and breakbeat brothers, Oli and Tone started the night off for their compadres, in suitably festive manner, as helium balloons floated around the rapidly filling room. The Triple Threat stepped up behind the decks around midnight and proceeded to blow the joint up for the next five hours solid.

It was back to back to back dancefloor mayhem.

Classic after classic in true party breaks style, a tag team onslaught that had the dancefloor heaving and hollering all night.

This trio has kept things going for so long because they have a true love for the music and the scene – old school in their ethos. Each have their own unique style but work together so well – a synergy you only get from playing together and being friends for a long time. There was a great vibe all night, with a lot of nostalgia in the air. Familiar faces, an old anthem from the Plump DJs, would bring back many a hazy memory of a night on the smoke filled dancefloor.

Micah, Ben Mac & Wish (photo by Systimatic) As the crowd sang along to the The Presets, “I’m here with all of my people”, it seemed to ring true – with all the breaks crew, and Ambar faithfuls, young and old, dancing as one.

Local DJs know the local crowd best and can sometimes provide those special moments, because they know what we love and what we loved. The boys were packing plenty of classics on wax tonight, with the majority of tunes being spun on vinyl, giving it that extra analogue thump.

The big tunes just kept coming - a phat remix of The Prodigy’s Smack My Bitch Up, Drumattic Twins’ Feelin’ Kinda Strange, Hold You by Dopamine, with its massive destructive drop.

Green Velvet’s La La Land whipped the crowd into a frenzy and Booka Shade’s In White Rooms always goes down well.

They brought the night to a close at 5am with the joyous strains of the very cool Plump DJs remix of Tears For Fears’‘80s classic Everybody Wants To Rule The World. Hands were in the air, it was an emotional moment.

The crowd’s screams implored them to pull just one more out of the bag – and to the delight of the crowd they obliged, with the nicely chosen Galvanize from The Chemical Brothers as the big finale.

There really was a great old school party atmosphere in the air – with the club packed ‘til close. It was a truly massive night to remember, and one that perhaps marks the end of a chapter of Perth dance music, but turns the page to start a new one.

» ALFRED GORMAN

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

The Saints (Photo: Guang-Hui Chuan) Morgan Bain (Photo: Emma Mackenzie)

MORGAN BAIN Stillwater Giants / Spoonful Of Sugar The Rosemount Hotel Saturday, December 1, 2012 With a new self-titled EP to launch hot on the back of consecutive WAM Category wins for Song Of The Year, Morgan Bain’s collaboration with drummer Callum Kramer is bearing real fruit, so it was unsurprising there was a buzz throughout The Rosemount in anticipation of their headline slot on Saturday evening.

Unabashedly pop, Spoonful Of Sugar threatened early on to tip the scales into saccharine territory, but quickly pulled things back in line with a bouncy guitar-drums-xylophone backing to Karin Page’s irrepressible vocals and catchy tunes.

Stillwater Giants serve up a set of classy indie-pop a la Muse, Blur, Bloc Party and the like, getting progressively louder and rockier as their set drew to it’s culmination with an angular and punkish Not Like The Others. Never less than totally at home on the stage, these Giants may just go far.

The room transformed as Morgan Bain and his drummer sidekick begin setting up: people poured in (where were they hiding during the support acts?) and the vibe became considerably more electric.

When they play, Bain wields his 12-string acoustic like a gun, a small army of effects pedals at his feet and a harmonica around his neck, while his secret weapon Kramer – an alumni of Thrust, Blue Shaddy and an absolute powerhouse behind the drum kit – propels Bain’s rootsy rock (think of a more soulful Xavier Rudd/John Butler amalgam, but with balls) along at juggernaut speed.

Bain’s songs are engaging, heartfelt, gloriously affirming and multi-layered beyond his years - a fact that goes a long way to getting the audience off as they crowd the front of the stage, bathed in a light show which is twinkling stars one minute, lightning flashes or cascading rainbows the next.

The chemistry and dynamic between Bain and Kramer is electric and instinctive, and when Bain unstraps the acoustic and sits behind the keyboard, leaving Kramer to plug in his Stratocaster for some tasty, understated soloing before jumping back behind the kit, it’s a magical moment.

It’s well after the witching hour by the time the set wraps up and the dynamic duo join the crowd for hand shaking and back slapping a-plenty.

As the crowd file out happily, there’s unlikely to be a soul left thinking that this combo couldn’t take it all the way. _SHANE PINNEGAR

THE SAINTS The Volcanics The Fly By Night Club Friday, November 30, 2012 It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to see the punk legends of yore taking to the stage again these days. Recent years have seen the New York Dolls at Amplifier, and a single, solitary Ramone still flying the flag for leather jackets and bad haircuts. Hell, you can even go as far back as The Sex Pistols’ Filthy Lucre Tour in ‘96, but while it’s fun to see the old warhorses strut their stuff once more, it’s worth remembering what another leather-clad luminary once sang: you can’t put your arms around a memory.

The sold-out crowd kept their distance from opening act, The Volcanics, a vast, empty, arc of floor stretching from the stage to the mixing desk like a moat. The received wisdom is that support acts get given the cold shoulder by the headliner’s faithful followers, but in this case such apathy was underserved. The Volcanics were the highlight of the night, delivering a blistering, full-bodied performance, defiant in the face of the lacklustre crowd reaction.

One punter loved them, though; a one-man mosh pit who thrashed around at the foot of the stage in a state of musical ecstasy, oblivious to all around him until an overly zealous security guard collared him and hauled him out of the venue. In a sudden display of solidarity, a chant of “Bring him back!” rose from punter and player alike, until the unfortunate rocker was

readmitted in time for The Volcanics’ last song, and a dozen or so members of the audience surged forward to dance alongside him in solidarity.

Sadly, that was pretty much the most punk rock moment of the evening. The Saints, elder statesmen of Australian alternative music, opened with a fizzle and proceeded to sidle slowly downwards for the rest of their set.

You can pretty much chalk the whole thing up to unmet expectations. Firstly, if you’re going to advertise the presence of a brass section, even a small, two-man unit, tradition dictates that they should actually take part in the scheduled performance. The Saints rolling without brass isn’t exactly a deal breaker, but it was a disappointment. Amongst other things, that meant no “Know Your Product.”

Indeed, it meant not much of anything from The Saints’ decades-spanning back catalogue. Bugger all from the Ed Kuepper era - and perhaps that was the be expected - but also precious little from the band’s later work, either. The focus was firmly on the latest album, King Of The Sun, which is all well and good if your tastes run to the AOR/MOR end of the spectrum, but the antsy crowd indicated that most of the punters who’d shelled out around 70 bucks to be there at least wouldn’t have minded hearing Stranded.

To be fair, the desire not to be shackled to the glories of the past is an understandable one, but in their efforts to do so, Chris Bailey and company left their audience high and dry. Only those committed fans who had actually heard the new album were pleased with the evening’s outcome, and there were precious few of those in attendance. _TRAVIS JOHNSON

Grace Woodroofe (Photo: Dan Grant)

GRACE WOODROOFE Felicity Groom Trio / Gunns Mojos Bar Sunday, December 2, 2012 When you get heckled with “lovely” mid-way through your set, you know you’re doing something right.

Fresh from a batch of tours in the USA, chanteuse Grace Woodroofe performed at Mojos, supported by the equally lovely Gunns and Felicity Groom Trio.

I feel sorry for the people who didn’t drop in early to see Gunns. What they missed was a happy mess of contradictions: they were vehement but vague, urgent but distant, and grunge but cheerful.

They played surf rock with a twist of pop and their music was still circulating in my brain once they stopped. While their style was suited to the intimate early night slot, I can see them playing bigger in years to come.

Fifteen minutes later, Felicity Groom’s lustrous vocals drifted out into Mojo’s yard with the wind, calling everyone in. It’s been well noted that Groom’s voice is a force, and matched with a stellar band backing, she played a powerful set. Gunns’ drummer Michael Jelinek stayed on-stage although this set required a little less percussion vigour than the previous, with the rhythm section playing quite delicately at times to match Groom. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised to see the darker, heavier music pouring onto the stage towards the end before she petered out with a more mellow number. It’s easy to watch and fall into your own dreams listening to Groom sing, but she also chatted between songs with an amiableness that stopped you short of zoning out.

A highlight was a beautiful version of Paper String, which was dedicated to the Perth Arena. www.xpressmag.com.au

Taking sultry to a new level was Grace Woodroofe, the girl with a voice so bluesy it belongs to another era. Knowing the strength of her voice and the way it dominates her recorded material, it was surprising to watch her play a violent electric set. Not that this was a bad thing, but it quickly became apparent that there are two Graces on stage at any time: there’s the husky headbanging Grace rocking out with the three-piece band and indulging in the odd wail or two, and then there’s the mysterious soloist unleashing her emotive vocals over a few chords.

The latter emerged midway, hushing the crowd to a silence, ensuring all heads were craned to the stage. With the flickering candlelight dotted around the room, the atmosphere was warm and cosy, cooled only by the jetting electric guitar tones. Woodroofe explained her recent tour in support of Ben Harper has taught her how to be a commanding acoustic soloist. It was interesting to see how shy she was when she stopped singing - her voice carried her confidence, as did the backing of Sam Maher, Ben McDonald, and Jake Webb (all from Sugarpuss).

We got the first listen to the material she’s been working on this year, and which she in the process of recording for her second album.

It was brooding and poetic, but also very refined and mature. Woodroofe had started the night with Transformer, a feisty number that set a challenging tone. She ended as she began: strong, defiant, and most definitely commanding. _CORAL HUCKSTEP 39

MUSTANG BAR

Room At The Reservoir, a rockin’ three piece are set to rip ear drums apart, with a feisty brand of groove and sheer ball tearing riff infused tunes this Thursday, December 6, at the Mustang! Catch them from 9.30pm with DJ James MacArthur ‘til late.

VELVET LOUNGE

This Friday, December 7, Sonic Velvet sees some fresh talent in the form of Oh White Mare, The Southwicks, Lillium Stargazer and Lionizer. Doors open 8pm and entry is $6.

FREO ARTS CENTRE

The beloved Missy Higgins brings her The Razzle Dazzle Summer Tour to Perth this weekend. Very special guests will be iconic Australian vocalist Gurrumul and Triple J darling Emma Louise. Do not miss the chance to see this amazing show either on Saturday, December 8, or Sunday, December 9. Tickets are still available for Sunday’s show from FAC reception - (08) 9432 9555 - and Oztix.

ROSEMOUNT HOTEL This Friday, December 7, catch one of Australia’s most enduring bands when The Blackeyed Susans hit the stage, joined by special guests Jill Birt, Alsy MacDonald [The Triffids] and The Morning Night.

Doors open 8pm and tickets are available from rosemounthotel.com.au. To win a double pass to this show email win@rosemounthotel.com.au with ‘Win’ in the subject line.

RAILWAY HOTEL

This Friday, December 7, catch Abandon Earth, Naked Flame, DaDaDam and Zak Fleisher. Saturday, December 8, get ready to rock with Opia, Brutus, Buzz Kill Vamps, Evergone and Dead Wood Ravens. Sunday, December 9, in the beer garden it’s “Reggae At The Railway” featuring Matt Gresham, The Latch Key Kids, Waiting 4 Andy, Darren Guthrie, Empty Pocket, Ricky Green, Them Sharks, Trojan John, Riley Pearce and Andrew Bond.

SUMMER MEETS & GREETS The Meet Market Ocean Beach Hotel Saturday, December 1, 2012 All the single ladies and sexy gents were down at the Ocean Beach Hotel last Saturday night mingling and celebrating the start of summer at The Meet Market’s summer celebrations Gimme Summer That.

Beverages were a’flowing and a grand time was had by all.

Photos by Matt Jelonek

Jennifer, Dustin

Jodie, Nicole

MOJOS BAR

Sunday, December 9, Heartless Robot Productions and We Empty Rooms present the Dead (Melbourne) The Principal Bar & Bistro provides the best atmosphere for dining, entertainment, and catching and Vaz (USA) joint national tour at Mojos Bar. This up for drinks. Kick off your Friday, December 7, with will be an epic show with no less than six acts! Local our latest tap arrival, Magners Pear Cider and catch support comes from Grief Contest, Bamodi, Ron that filthy acoustic duo Dirty Scoundrels from Pollard Quintet and Race To Your Face. For your 7.30pm. As your weekend winds up, Bernadine will chance to win a double pass to this show, email be playing the Sunday Sesh out in the beer garden mojos@coolperthnights.com with ‘D & V’ in the subject line. from 4.30pm on Sunday, December 9.

Kathy, Ollie, Jeremy

THE PRINCIPAL

INDI BAR

It’s that time of the month again this Wednesday, December 5, with Ladies Night featuring some very impressive songstresses including Leah Miche, Odette Mercy, Minky G and Tash Shanks. The Indi Bar Christmas party is on Sunday, December 9, with very special guest Rick Steele playing afternoon by the pool and an indoor evening set. Come and celebrate the Christmas joy!

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Ian, Kim

Phil, Lauren Ryan, Bree, Luke

YAYA’S

Head down to YaYa’s this Friday, December 7, for the return of TV Snow as they headline a huge line-up also including Bishi Bashi, Harlequin League and Bedouin Sea. Saturday, December 8, catch a huge punk rock show with Burning Fiction, Suburban and Coke and Gutter Drakes.

Sam, Jade

Kayla, Nicole

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

GRAPHIC FICTION HEROES Unmasked Crusaders

The name led to some inspired artwork from Joey K at Redroom Design, and almost to a concept album.

“We started talking about it, going, wow, there’s a lot about us as musicians on this record,” explains Gibbs. “So we thought, have we got Local rockers Graphic Fiction Heroes will launch a concept album here? Should we be writing in fact about the journey a group of musicians called Graphic Fiction Heroes? But in the end we their debut album Who Will Save Us Now? at of decided, let’s just hint at that.”

Who Will Save Us Now? is chock-full of melodic soft rockers, The Paddo this Sunday, December 9. SHANE the band are chafing at the bit to play it live at their album launch PINNEGAR gets the lowdown from singer and and this weekend. Gibbs promises a great evening of home grown talent with Nathan Gaunt, Ragdoll and Stone Circle supporting Graphic Fiction Heroes. guitarist Chris Gibbs.

“The line-up is fantastic” he declares excitedly.“We’re going to Songwriting and performing is more than just a pastime for full- need to be top of our game to match up to what those guys are going time musician Chris Gibbs – ask him about it and you’ll quickly to deliver!” realise it’s a lifestyle choice.

“If I made things super personal, I guess it would be like giving someone your diary, but you might not connect with that, because it’s literally all about me then, so I try and write so that people can go; ‘man that’s exactly like the time when this happened to me’,” he begins.

“First And Last is a perfect example,” Gibbs continues when questioned about the life of a working muso, “That’s basically my story about how, for better or for worse, you’ve chosen your path.You miss out on a lot of other people’s lives because when everyone else is socialising, you’re working. I was reflecting on all of the important things that my friends have done over the years that I haven’t been able to attend due to work - because they work days, I work nights. That’s what you chose if you’re going to have this sort of lifestyle.”

The song, from the band’s debut album Who Will Save Us Now, features thoughtful lyrics that will strike a chord not only with musos, but anyone who has worked restaurants or bars or any job where the staff slave away while their friends are out to play.

“First And Last was written about me playing gigs in a lot of bars, over a lot of years,” Gibbs says. “But it resonates with you because of the lifestyle that you chose. And that’s exactly what I aim for: the themes are universal.”

Gibbs explains that the band came into being after Matt Ferguson and Gareth Hughes were the rhythm section for his 2009 solo record Little Empires. Joe Southwell has since taken over bass duties, but Hughes lent his latter initial to the new band name before moving overseas.

“We had the initials – G, F and H,” tells Gibbs, “and there was something about Grand Finale Heartbeat & Game Face Harry, then suddenly I went, ‘fiction - what’s in fiction? Heroes!’ And then I realised that the formal Graphic Fiction Heroes name for comic books is ‘Graphic Fiction’, so Graphic Fiction Heroes!”

OUR MAN IN BERLIN

Our Man In Berlin Our Man In Berlin are launching new single Bled Dry at Amplifier this Friday, December 7.

Tell us a little more about the film clip you’ll be launching - what song is it for? What is the song about? It’s for the first single off our debut EP. The song is called Bled Dry. I’m a big believer in songs being open to interpretation. I think the song can be about many things, it all just depends who is listening and what it means to them. Having said that, I suppose themes of regret, mental exhaustion, and holding ones self accountable for ones own troubles are present.

Who directed the clip? The film clip was put together by the very able and talented dudes at Akute Magazine.

seen the final product. But basically we just wanted to visually document a journey, and try and portray an element of fatigue/ stress. Hopefully we’ve achieved it. I’m seeing the video tomorrow.

You’re launching the film clip at the Amplifier next week what can people expect from the launch? Yes we launch the bled dry single/video at Amps on Friday December, First of all people can expect to see three amazing support acts in; The Atlas Mountains, Runner, and Lanark. I guess from ourselves you can expect to hear four out of the six songs that will be on our debut EP, maybe five if I get my way and my bandmates agree to play our newest song The Run Around, as well as a handful of our older tunes. We are excited to be headlining at amps, and are going to leave it all on the stage.

What have you got planned for the rest of 2012/early 2013?

We’ve got a couple more shows in December , but our primary focus will be the completion of the EP. We’ve finished three songs, and go back into Debaser Studio with producer/engineer Andy Lawson to record the second half of the EP in January.

The EP is being slated for a march release on Fat Shan Music via Did you have a very concrete idea of how you wanted the MGM distribution. We are all really excited to finish it and put it clip to look? At the time of writing this interview I still haven’t out into the world.

What was the experience of shooting your first film clip like?

It was pretty fun to shoot it, we basically just filmed a journey on the road, had a few alcoholic ginger beers, and then went swimming fully clothed. It was a nice afternoon.

SHOPPING ODYSSEY

Want to hear some sweet tunes while you shop for some trendy threads? Simon Sieradzki will be performing songs from his debut solo album Odyssey in-store at Fi & Co (289 William Street, Northbridge) this Sunday, December 9. Support comes from Atmospheric Drag and Laurel Fixation and music kicks off from 3pm ‘til 6pm. Entry is free, refreshments will be provided.

ON A ROLL

Having just returned home from a massive tour of the US, South West boys Sisters Doll are set to headline this year’s 4Sure Music & Skate Festival. Don’t miss their glam-rock stage at the Nedlands Foreshore and skate park, this Saturday December 8 from 4pm. Splinta, Figure 23 and The Godwins will also bring the noise at this all-ages free event! www.xpressmag.com.au

MINTY FRESH

Mint Jazz Quartet haven’t been performing long on the scene but they’ve already garnered a lot of attention with shows at the Ellington Jazz Club (among others) drawing considerable crowds.

This weekend the talented foursome are set to play at Perth’s most secret and surprising small bar: Wolf Lane! Don’t miss their awesome live performance this Saturday, December 8, from 8pm.

DROP YOUR GOLD

Making a record can be expensive business - just ask The Midnight Mules. Having spent the last few months slaving away in the studio working on a new EP with the help of Corey Marriott [ The Novocaines] the Mules are headlining a show at The Rosemount Hotel this Saturday, December 8, to raise some much needed funds to finish the record. With Foam, I And The Village and Midnight Boulevard in support, this gig is sure to be worth every penny.

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Mitzi, December 8, The Bakery

Nicki Minaj, December 8, Perth Arena

Missy Higgins, December 8 & 9, Fremantle Arts Centre

14 The Bakery Sammy J & Randy) 9 Venue TBC Hill, Bullet For My Valentine, and more) BIG JAY MCNEELY 4 & 5 Sir Stewart Bovell Park GIN BLOSSOMS 4 Claremont Showgrounds 14 Fremantle Arts Centre Busselton 10 Capitol RUSSELL PETERS APES 65 DAYS OF STATIC ARCHIE ROACH 14 Norfolk Basement 5 The Bakery 10 Chevron Festival Gardens 5 Perth Arena NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS TAME IMPALA SUMMADAYZE (M.I.A, Fedde GODSPEED YOU! BLACK 6 Red Hill Auditorium 15 Fremantle Arts Centre Le Grand, Mark Ronson DJ EMPEROR 4 Kings Park & Botanical KIM SALMON / THE 11 Chevron Festival Gardens DEEP PURPLE/JOURNEY Set, Kimbra, Booka Shade 7 Perth Arena Garden PREATURES / JACK ON FIRE/ Live, Eddie Halliwell, AN21 COVERGE GEORGE CLINTON & APES 12 Amplifier & Max Vangeli, Carl Craig, DEER TICK & TWO GALLANTS PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC 15 The Rosemount 69 Live, Maya Jane Coles, 7 Metropolis Fremantle REEL BIG FISH/ PARKWAY DRIVE Disclosure Live, Erol Alkan, 12 Chevron Festival Gardens GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GOLDFINGER/ STARS 19 Challenge Stadium Fake Blood, Adrian Lux, 13 Chevron Festival Gardens GAP ZEBRAHEAD DARREN HANLON Breakbot Live, Hudson 9 The Astor 19 Mojos Bar 5 Metro City Mohawke, Araabmuzik, Icona AMANDA PALMER CAT EMPIRE SUICIDAL TENDENCIES/ Pop, Scuba, Aeroplane, Jesse 14 Astor Theatre 10 Fremantle Arts Centre CHRYSTA BELL UNWRITTEN LAW/ THE Rose, Danny Daze, AC Slater, DINOSAUR JR/ THE JON PARKER DUDESONS Stafford Brothers & Timmy 14 Chevron Festival Gardens SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION/ FATHER JOHN MISTY 5 The Flying Scotsman 19 Metro Freo Trumpet, Bombs Away, MOON DUO REGINA SPEKTOR Junior Jack & Crème Kid, Sam 15 Chevron Festival Gardens 12 The Astor LORD / SILENT NIGHT 19 Belvoir Amphitheatre RONAN KEATING/ BRIAN & The Womp, Andrew Wyatt, KASEY JEFF MARTIN MCFADDEN TJR, John 00 Fleming, Arnej, 15 Amplifier 16 Eliot St. Blues Club Bunbury 12 Crown Theatre CHAMBERS/ 20 Fremantle Arts Centre First State, Omnia) CELTIC THUNDER SHANE PAUL KELLY/ NEIL FINN/ LISA 21 Clancy’s Dunsborough 6 Patersons Stadium Subiaco 16 Perth Arena MITCHELL 22 Mojos Bar NICHOLSON BOYS OF SUMMER FUTURE CLASSIC 14 & 15 Kings Park Botanical 23 Indi Bar 9 Amplifi er 5 Albany Entertainment 16 Chevron Festival Gardens Gardens EVAN DANDO / JULIANA 10 YMCA HQ Centre DAVID HASSLEHOFF GLENN SHORROCK/ HATFIELD SANDI THOM 17 Capitol 6 Civic Centre Esperance WENDY MATTHEWS/ DOUG 22 The Rosemount 10 Fly By Night MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS PARKINSON 7 Goldfields Arts Centre KENDRICK LAMAR SETS ON THE BEACH 17 Chevron Festival Gardens 14 & 15 Quarry Amphitheatre 8 Mundaring Weir Hotel 22 Astor Theatre VOLUME 9 (Chali 2na, Felix JENS LEKMAN BOB MOULD THEO PARRISH & Al, Bag Raiders, All Good 18 Chevron Festival Gardens 16 The Rosemount 28 Ambar Funk Alliance, Thinktank) SLEEPY SUN PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED BENJALU ORIGIN NYE (Chase & 13 Scarborough Beach 19 Chevron Festival Gardens STATES OF AMERICA / HEY 6 Indi Bar Status (DJ Set), Knife Party, Amphitheatre HOW TO DRESS WELL & GERONIMO 7 Clancy’s Fremantle Gaslamp Killer, ShockOne, NIGHTWISH AXOLOTL 16 Metro Freo Pearson Sound, DMZ (Coki 20 Metropolis Fremantle 8 The Bird 20 Chevron Festival Gardens THE MARK OF CAIN & Mala), Goldie, Brookes 9 Clancy’s Dunsborough 17 Capitol ESG RINGO STARR Brothers, Ed Rush, Wilkinson, 20 The Bakery MUTEMATH 21 Challenge Stadium Dillinja, Marky & Stamina, 19 The Astor JOSE JAMES/ HOATUS JLO / KATE ALEXA Sigma, Delta Heavy, Metrik, WEEZER WILLIAM ELLIOT WHITMORE KAIYOTE 23 Perth Arena 6 Perth Arena DC Breaks, Skism, Gemini, 23 Mojos Bar 21 Chevron Festival Gardens WOODS WEST COAST BLUES & ROOTS Inspector Dubplate, Jakes, JULIA STONE 23 The Bakery FESTIVAL (Sensational Mensah, Dodge & Fuski, Bar9, JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD 22 St Joseph’s Church LAGWAGON/ THE Distance, Dark Sky, Ben Ufo, 27 Mojos Space Shifters, Iggy & The THE RAAH PROJECT SMITH STREET New York Transit Authority, YANNI 22 Chevron Festival Gardens Stooges, Chris Isaak, Staus BAND Pariah, XXXY, Om Unit and ED SHEERAN/ PASSENGER Quo, Tedeschi Trucks Band, 27 Perth Arena Fred Wesley & The New JB’s, 23 Challenge Stadium more TBC) 5 Prince Of Wales BIG DAY OUT (Red Hot Newton Faukner, Kitty, Daisy CLIFF RICHARDS 30 & 31 Fairbridge Village, 6 The Rosemount Chili Peppers, The Killers, & Lewis, Grace Potter, Mama 23 Sandalford Estate Pinjarra Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Kin & Blue Shady) CHI POPTION (Shy Panther, Band Of Horses, TIM ROGERS/ THE BAMBOOS 23 Fremantle Park SPENCER P JONES/ Rachael Dease vs Ylem, Diger Weekend, 23 Chevron Festival Gardens Kaskade, Animal Collective, WEST COAST BLUES & ROOTS PHRONESIS Rokwell vs Mathas, Kucka, THE NOTHING Against Me!, 360, Foals, 24 Chevron Festival Gardens FESTIVAL (Ben Harper, Leure, Mei Saraswati, Dani BUTTS B.O.B, Sleigh Bells, Jeff The Santana, Paul Simon, Steve GLENN FREY Marsland, Jo Lettenmaier, Brotherhood, Off!, Grinspoon, 24 Kings Park & Botanical Miller Band, Wilco, Bonnie 7 The Bakery Aarom Wilson vs Craig, Jagwar Ma, Delta Spirit, Raitt, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Garden Hollywood, Ben Taaffe vs Rok Everytime I Die, House Vs Kiwanuka, Ash Grunwald & Clunk, PCJ vs Nik Ridik, Hurricane, Alabama Shakes, NORAH JONES Benjamin Francis Leftwich) TIJUANA CARTEL Riley, 24 Riverside Theatre Miranda Menzies) 24 Fremantle Park and more) 7 Capitol SOUL REBELS 31 The Bakery 28 Claremont Showgrounds 25 Chevron Festival Gardens GUY SEBASTIAN INSERT TO PLAY (360, Drapht, RICHARD HAWLEY 30 Crown Theatre CAT POWER Urthboy) 31 Astor Theatre THE BLACKEYED Hermitude, 26 & 27 Chevron Festival 31 Supreme Court Gardens THE JAM SUSANS Gardens RUFUS 31 Capitol LAURIE ANDERSON & 7 The Rosemount 31 Capitol HITS & PITS 2013 (Mad THE PRESETS KRONOS QUARTET 8 Mojos Bar Caddies, Good Riddance, A 31 Metropolis Fremantle 27 Perth Concert Hall Wilhelm Scream, Voodoo THE SMITH STREET BAND KISS/ MOTLEY CRUE/THIN Glow Skulls, The Flatliners, 31 Prince Of Wales LIZZY MISSY HIGGINS CUBAN CLUB (Cuban Diesel Boy, One Dollar Short, 28 Perth Arena 8 & 9 Fremantle Arts Centre Brothers, Yacht Club DJs, Russ JAMES CARTER ORGAN TRIO Jamie Hay, Jen Buxton, Dewbury, Still Water Giants, Totally Unicorn & Paper 28 Chevron Festival Gardens Death Disco DJs & El Ginger Arms) MITZI THE SMITH STREET BAND Mojito) 1 Metro Freo 2 The Rosemount 8 The Bakery 1 The Flying Squadron Yacht THE SCRIPT THE WATERBOYS Club, Dalkeith THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH 3 Perth Arena 2 Perth Concert Hall CLUB PARADISO 2013 1 Chevron Festival Gardens NICKI MINAJ / BIRDY ELVIS COSTELLO & THE (Friendly Fires, Kaz James, NEIL YOUNG 6 Riverside Theatre TYGA / RUBY ROSE Helena, Mr Wilson, Zelimir, IMPOSTERS/ SUNNYBOYS/ 2 Perth Arena ROGER HODGSON 8 Perth Arena The Halo Effect, Habitat DJ’s, JO JO ZEP &THE FALCONS/ ANTIBALAS 7 Riverside Theatre STEPHEN CUMMINGS Maiko DJ’s, Acebasik and 2 Chevron Festival Gardens EXTREME/RICHIE KOTZEN 6 Kings Park Botanic Gardens FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL Kno Agents) TIM FREEDMAN 1 Salt On the Beach AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER 2013 (The Prodigy, The Stone 16 Metro City 8 The Ellington ZUCCHERO ORCHESTRA Roses, PSY, Dizzee Rascal, LOS CORONAS Bloc Party, Azealia Banks, Rita 17 Regal Theatre 6 Perth Concert Hall 1 Fremantle Arts Centre MIDGE URE Ora, Boys Noize, Hardwell, MACEO PARKER 2 Clancy’s Dunsborough DEAD & VAZ 27 Charles Hotel The Temper Trap, FUN, 7 Chevron Festival Gardens 3 Settlers Tavern 9 Mojos Bar Madeon, Rudimental, Ellie SOUTHBOUND (The Flaming NORMAN BLAKE & JOE Goulding, Steve Aoki, Alesso, PERNICE/ DIRTY BEACHES Lips, SBTRKT, Best Coast, Gypsy & The Cat, A-Trak, Feed 8 Chevron Festival Gardens Beach House, Boy & Bear, SHANE Me, Zeds Dead, Kill The Noise, BLACK SABBATH Coolio, The Vaccines, Bombay ST. JEROME’S LANEWAY NICHOLSON DJ Fresh, Nervo, Zane Lowe, 4 Perth Arena FESTIVAL 2013 (Alpine, Alt-J, Bicycle Club, First Aid Kit, 10 Fremantle Arts Centre Borgore, Cocoon Heroes ft GROOVIN THE MOO (lineBat For Lashes, Chet Faker, Hilltop Hoods, Hot Chip, Sven Väth, Richie Hawtin, up TBA) Maximo Park, Millions, Totally Cloud Nothings, Divine Ricardo Villalobos, Seth 11 Hay Park, Bunbury Fits, El-P, Flume, Henry PRIMAL SCREAM Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Troxler, Magda, Wake Your Angus Stone, Ball Park Music, Wagons & The Unwelcome Mind ft Cosmic Gate & Emma THE SEEKERS 11 Astor Theatre 30 Riverside Theatre Cosmo Jarvis, Django Django, Company, High Highs, Holy Hewitt, W&W, tyDi, Andy The Hives, Jinjo Safari, Lisa Other, Japandroids, Jessie Moor, Super8 & Tab, Ben Mitchell, Matt Corby, Sharon Ware, Julia Holter, Kings Of Gold, The Stafford Brothers, Van Etten, Two Door Cinema Convenience, The Men, Ms Timmy Trumpet, Tenzin, HUSKY PINK Mr, The Neighbourhood, Club, Bertie Blackman, DJ Bombs Away & More TBA) 12 Mojos Bar 25, 26 & 28 Perth Arena Nu-Mark Toy Set, The Jungle Nicolas Jaar, Nite Jewel, Of 3 Arena Joondalup 13 The Bakery Giants, Loon Lake, Oh Mercy, Monsters & Men, Perfume SOUNDWAVE 2013 MANHATTAN JINX Rodrigo Gabriela, San Cisco, Genius, Polica, Pond, Real (Metallica, Linkin Park, 12 Prince Of Wales Felicity Ward, Luke Heggie, Estate, The Rubens, Shlohmo, Blink-182, A Perfect Circle, 14 Rocket Room ONE DIRECTION The Offspring, Paramore, Snakadaktal, Twerps, Matt O’Kine, Nazeem 15 The Railway Garbage, Slayer, Cypress 28 & 29 Perth Arena SAN CISCO / THE PREATURES Hussain, Ronny Chieng and Yeasayer )

THIS WEEK

SIMPLE MINDS / DEVO / THE CHURCH / MODELS

APRIL

JANUARY 2013

FEBRUARY

MARCH

MAY

DECEMBER

JUNE

SEPTEMBER

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X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

www.xpressmag.com.au

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Abandon Earth, Wednesday at The Rosemount

WEDNESDAY 05.12 AMPLIFIER Chasing Ghosts BAR 120 Felix BRASS MONKEY Sugar Blue Burlesque CLANCY’S CANNING BRIDGE Tracey Barnett & Steve Willis CLANCY’S FREMANTLE Chet Leonard’s Bingotheque CLAREMONT HOTEL Open Mic Night ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB The Collaboratory GREENWOOD Bernardine GROOVE BAR (CROWN CASINO) 5 Shots HALE ROAD TAVERN Fenton Wilde INDI BAR Leah Miche Odette Mercy Tash Shanks Minky G LUCKY SHAG Howie Morgan MOJOS BAR Darren Jack Band Old Blood MUSTANG Petronella PADDO Nat Ripepi Rose Parker Annabelle Harvey ROSEMOUNT Yogurt Of Burning Misty Mountain Black Stone From The Sun Abandon Earth ROSIE O’GRADY’S (NORTHBRIDGE) David Fyffe THE BROWN FOX Courtney Murphy THE MOON Amber Fresh Grace Woodroofe Blank Beauty UNIVERSAL Strutt

YAYA’S TV Snow Harlequin League Bishi Bash Bedouin Sea YAYA’S Matt Gudgeon Leah McFetridge Shadow

THURSDAY 06.12 ADMIRAL Greg Carter Karaoke BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Howie Morgan BRASS MONKEY Rhythm Bound Karaoke BRIGHTON Open Mic Night BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke CLANCY’S CANNING BRIDGE Squid & Friends CLANCY’S FREMANTLE Lost Pilot Effect & The Silent Minute COMO HOTEL Courtney Murphy DEVILLES PAD Rock ‘N’ Roll Karaoke DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Open Mic Night ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW 5 Shots ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Lewis Moody GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Hi NRG HIGH WYCOMBE HOTEL Chris Murphy INDI BAR Bex’s Open Mic Night Benjalu LEEDERVILLE HOTEL Leederville Loungeroom Kučka Violet Scene Kat Valvasori LUCKY SHAG James Wilson MALT SUPPER CLUB Feisty Entertainment MARKET CITY TAVERN Tamika

Cow Parade Cow

SITUATIONS

SPRAWL COW PARADE COW SPACEMAN ANTICS HIDEOUS SUN DEMON THE GIZZARDS & MORE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 FLY BY NIGHT

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Kučka, Thursday at Kuč Leederville Hotel Caroline Dale Joline Ribeiro Louise Ratcliffe Chantelle Schuurmans Serge Sharinovsky MOJOS BAR Matt Gresham MUSTANG BAR Room At The Reservoir DJ James MacArthur NORFOLK BASEMENT The Aunts Daisy Clover The Bluebirds DJ Cookie OXFORD HOTEL Johnny Taylor PADDY HANNAN’S Dr Bogus ROSEMOUNT Lagwagon The Smith Street Band The Decline ROSIE O’GRADY’S (FREMANTLE) Clayton Bolger ROSIE O’GRADY’S (NORTHBRIDGE) Neil Colliss SOVEREIGN ARMS David Fyffe THE BOAT Jen De Ness THE BROOK Open Mic Night THE GATE One Trick Phonies THE SHED The Mystery Men UNIVERSAL Off The Record WOODVALE Two Plus One

Bedouin Sea, Friday at Ya Ya’s

CLANCY’S CITY BEACH Angus DiggsTrio CLANCY’S DUNSBOROUGH The Luxatones CLANCY’S FREMANTLE Benjalu COMO HOTEL Trevor Jalla DEVILLES PAD Funk Club Les Sataniques DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Kamikaze Pilots Ben Campain EAST 150 Ali Towers EDZ SPORTZ BAR Gotham City ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW Gun Shy Romeos ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Ali Bodycoat Quintet Deuces EMPIRE Howie Morgan FLY BY NIGHT The Drifters That 60s Guy GREENWOOD Cargo Beat!

GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Decoy HALE ROAD TAVERN Switchback HERDSMAN Spritzer Brad Wintle HIGH ROAD HOTEL Glen Davies FRIDAY 07.12 The Damien Cripps 7th AVENUE Band Free Radicals HIGH WYCOMBE ADMIRAL HOTEL David Fyffe Flash Nat & The Action AMPLIFIER Men Our Man In Berlin HIGHWAY HOTEL Runner Northern Muse Lanark HYDE PARK HOTEL The Atlas Mountains Foulplay BAILEY BAR Valdaway Mod Squad Adverse Reaction BALLYS BAR INDI BAR Dean Anderson Vdelli BALMORAL INDIAN OCEAN BREW Mike Nayar Aidan Hargreaves BAR ORIENT KALAMUNDA HOTEL The Reggae Club The Mojos BELMONT TAVERN LAKERS One Trick Phonies DJ Grizzly BENTLEY HOTEL Slickenside Ryan Dillon Melee BLACK BETTYS LAST DROP TAVERN Everlong Neil Adams BRASS MONKEY LEGENDS BAR Simon Kelly The Organ Grinders BROKEN HILL HOTEL M ON THE POINT Matt Milford BROOKLANDS TAVERN Back2Back MARKET CITY TAVERN Chris Gibbs Band Lauren O’Hara CAPITOL Emily J Tijuana Cartel MERRIWA TAVERN Sunshine Brothers Nasty Dogz George & O’Sullivan MOJOS BAR (ARVO) CARINE Captn K Pop Candy Simmo T CARLISLE HOTEL MOJOS BAR (EVE) Reload Future Soundz CHASE BAR Earthlink Sound Chasing Calee DJ Sorted CIVIC HOTEL (THE MOON & SIXPENCE DEN) Soul Corporation Choking Stanley MUSTANG BAR Calectasia Harry Deluxe Hello Colour Red Swing DJ Burst & Bloom

Cheeky Monkeys DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT Party Rockers PADDO Stu Harcourt PARAMOUNT Flyte PEEL ALEHOUSE Rock-A-Fellas PINK DUCK LOUNGE Jonathan Dempsey PRINCESS ROAD TAVERN Local Heroes RAILWAY HOTEL Abondon Earth Nakedflame DaDaDam Zak Fleisher ROCKET ROOM The New Husseins Mouthguard Blazin’ Entrails Worst Possible Outcome The Bob Gordons The Lungs ROSE & CROWN Christian Thompson ROSEMOUNT The Blackeyed Susans Jill Birt Alsy MacDonald The Morning Night ROSIE O’GRADY’S (FREMANTLE) Spyce ROSIE O’GRADY’S (NORTHBRIDGE) Neil Colliss SAIL & ANCHOR Howie Morgan Kick Up A Fuss SOUTH ST ALE HOUSE Robbie King Karaoke SPRINGS TAVERN Greg Carter Karaoke SWAN BASEMENT Bamodi Ducks On A String Bad Houses Makegocrazy SWINGING PIG Better Days Greg Carter THE BOAT The Organ Grinders THE BROOK Bernardine THE GATE Light Street THE SAINT Almost Famous THE SHED Krank THE VIC Jen De Ness TIGER LILS Paul Malone Adam Kelly Alex Koresis UNIVERSAL Nightmoves VELVET LOUNGE Oh White Mare The Southwicks Lillium Stargazer Lionizer VICTORIA PARK HOTEL Ivan Ribic WOODVALE TAVERN Switch YAYA’S TV Snow Harlequin League Bishi Bashi Bedouin Sea

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

Listing deadline is Monday 5pm. GO TO www.xpressmag.com.au /PLUG YOUR GIG and plug away!

The X-Press Guide is a Perth metropolitan service for advertisers listing tours, live, dance and arts events.

All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press Magazine. The one entry system will update our print edition, website and App

Worst Possible Outcome, Friday at Rocket Room & Saturday at The Civic Hotel

SATURDAY 08.12 AMPLIFIER The Seals The Davidson Brothers Boom Bap Pow!, The Chameleon Brass Band BAILEY BAR Slim Jim & The Phatts BAR 120 Flyte BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Mike Nayar BLACK BETTY’S J Babies BLVD TAVERN Krank Tom Donkin Cassie BROOKLANDS Chasing Calee CIVIC HOTEL (THE DEN) Miles Away Cruel Hand The Others Mouthguard Worst Possible Outcome CLANCY’S CANNING BRIDGE Zarm Duo CLANCY’S CITY BEACH Zarm Duo CLANCY’S FREMANTLE The Shinkickers COMO HOTEL Jamie Powers DEVILLES PAD Stratosfunk Les Sataniques ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW Timeout ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Tim Freedman Danielle O’Sullivan ELLIOT STREET BAR Enforce Death Dependant Cold Fate Motoroach FLY BY NIGHT Situations Sprawl Cow Parade Cow Spaceman Antics Hideous Sun Demon The Gizzards Axel Carrington PC Kid Celloear GLOUCESTER PARK Robo Mosquito Baby Piranhas GROOVE BAR (CROWN CASINO) Switch HERDSMAN Pretty Fly HIGH ROAD HOTEL Renegade HYDE PARK HOTEL Meg Mac & The Squeeze INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Jack & Jill INDI BAR Matt Gresham LAKERS Celebrations Karaoke LANGFORD ALEHOUSE Die Hard Karaoke LAST DROP John Unitt

Friday Friday The Morning Night, Friday at Travis Caudle Travis Caudle The Rosemount & Saturday FlyMojos ByNight Night Fly By at Bar

LEOPOLD HOTEL Steve Hepple LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN CASINO) John & Shaun Sandosham LYNWOOD ARMS Mustangs M ON THE POINT Rhythm 22 MERIDIAN ROOM Local Heroes MOJOS BAR The Blackeyed Susans Jill Birt Alsy MacDonald The Morning Night MOON & SIXPENCE Flash Nat & The Action Men MUSTANG The Continentals Milhouse NEWPORT Kizzy Gravity NORFOLK BASEMENT Live Losing Julia Kylie Storm PADDY HANNANS Decoy PARAMOUNT Envy PEEL ALEHOUSE Overload QUARIE BAR Electrophobia RAILWAY HOTEL Opia Brutus Buzz Kill Vamps Evergone Dead Wood Ravens ROCKET ROOM Kickstart ROSEMOUNT The Midnight Mules Foam Midnight Boulevard I & The Village ROSIE O’GRADY’S (FREMANTLE) Flavor ROSIE O’GRADY’S (NORTHBRIDGE) Blue Gene SAIL & ANCHOR Better Days Childs Play SEAVIEW HOTEL Open Mic Night STEVE’S BAR Anderson SWAN LOUNGE Fuzz Bucket Lillium Stargazer Waynewright Tuxedo Pig SWINGING PIG Rock-A-Fellas THE BOAT Everlong THE BROOK The Mojos THE GATE Greg Carter THE SAINT Retriofit THE SHED Huge UNIVERSAL Urban X WHALE & ALE Nicki Rose Trio WOODVALE TAVERN Insideout YAYA’S Suburban & Coke Burning Fiction Gutterdrakes

www.xpressmag.com.au

SUNDAY 09.12 7TH AVENUE Reckless Kelly BALMORAL Hailee Blackburn Chasing Calee BELMONT TAVERN Jamie Powers BLVD TAVERN Annabelle BREAKERS BAR Sophie Jane BRIGHTON John Read BROKEN HILL HOTEL Matt Milford BROOKLANDS TAVERN Brad Wintle CAPTAIN STIRLING Jamie Powers CARINE The Bluebottles CIVIC HOTEL Neil Adams CLANCY’S DUNSBOROUGH Benjalu CLANCY’S FREMANTLE The Zydecats COMO HOTEL Adrian Wilson ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Trifecta EMPIRE CB3 FLY TRAP Justin Walshe Folk Machine Mitch Becker Trio Simon Marks GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Decoy HIGH WYCOMBE HOTEL The Organ Grinders INDI BAR Rick Steele INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Retriofit Dove KALAMUNDA HOTEL Christian Thompson M ON THE POINT A Bit On The Side MOJOS BAR (ARVO) Stu Orchard Angus Money Ben Gray Chris Matthews Matt Bartley MOJOS BAR (EVE) Dead Vaz Grief Contest Bamodi Ron Pollard Quintet Race To Your Face MUSTANG BAR Peter Busher & The Lone Rangers NORFOLK BASEMENT Grey Ghost Child’s Play UpAndUp PADDO Graphic Fiction Heroes Stone Circle Ragdoll Nathan Gaunt PADDY MALONE’S Gary Fowlie PEEL ALEHOUSE Matt Williams PIG & WHISTLE One Trick Phonies PINK DUCK LOUNGE BAR Kevin Conway PORTOFINO’S RESTAURANT Glen Davies

Meg Mac & The Squeeze, Saturday at Hyde Park Hotel

PRINCIPAL Bernardine QUEENS TAVERN Belleville Quartet RAILWAY HOTEL Reggae At The Railway Matt Gresham The Latch Key Kids Waiting 4 Andy Darren Guthrie Empty Pocket Ricky Green Them Sharks Trojan John Riley Pearce Andrew Bond ROSIE O’GRADY’S (NORTHBRIDGE) Damien Cripps SAIL & ANCHOR Mike Nayar SOUTH ST ALE HOUSE Anthony Nieves SOVEREIGN ARMS Craig Ballantyne SPRINGS TAVERN Aidan Hargreaves STIRLING ARMS Kevin Curran SWINGING PIG Darren Gibbs Matt Angel THE GATE Greg Carter THE SAINT Howie Morgan Trio THE SHED James Wilson The Healy’s Blue Hornet UNIVERSAL Retriofit VICTORIA PARK HOTEL Jonathan Dempsey WANNEROO TAVERN Adam James WOODVALE TAVERN Good Karma XWRAY CAFÉ The Charisma Brothers YAYA’S (ARVO) The WHORES The Wine Dark Sea Rag ‘n’ Bone YAYA’S (EVE) Elbowgrease Mitch Boag Band James Cross Quintet YMCA HQ Miles Away Cruel Hand The Others Tikdoff Losing Grip

MONDAY 10.12 BRASS MONKEY James Wilson CHARLES HOTEL Ladies Of Jazz ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Chris Seally GROOVE BAR (CROWN CASINO) Courtney Murphy Duo MOJOS BAR Wide Open Mic Night MUSTANG BAR Marco & The Alley Cats THE DEEN Plastic Max & The Token Gesture WOODVALE TAVERN Damien Cripps YA YA’S Open Mic Night

TUESDAY 11.12 ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Ellington Christmas Party The Graham Wood Trio GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Courtney Murphy LUCKY SHAG Christian Thompson MERIDIAN ROOM (CROWN) Chris Murphy MERRIWA TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke MOJOS BAR Diger Rokwell Asap & Marksman Wisdom2th Paws Ravs MUSTANG BAR Danza Loca PADDO Simon Kelly PRINCE OF WALES Open Mic Night SETTLERS TAVERN Open Mic Night THE BROOK Greg Carter Karaoke TWO ROCKS TAVERN Jump For Joy Karaoke

The Seals

THE SEALS

THE DAVIDSON BROTHERS BOOM BAP POW! THE CHAMELEON BRASS BAND

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 AMPLIFIER

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MUSIC GEAR & TECHNOLOGY GUIDE

FOR HIRE METALLICA TRIBUTE BAND 4horsemen for parties or venues. All enquiries ph Dave 0406 867 661.

FOR SALE AUDIOFLY HEADPHONES Designed in Perth by a small team, unique headphones to capture every detail in your favourite music www.audiofly.com MUSOS WANTED BASS PLAYER & DRUMMER WANTED Exp Guitarist (33) with gd gear looking 4 bass & drums to form Hard Rock band Ph: 0410596418.

BASS PLAYER & DRUMMER WANTED To complete original band for WAMI nominee, Rochelle O’Reilly. R&B/Jazz/Groove, tons of room for original flavour. Contact Rochelle: 0438 345 354.

FIDDLE PLAYER WANTED For Irish Band playing Pop/Rock covers: Snow Patrol, The Script, U2 etc. Ph Bruce 0487 185 181.

METAL BAND SEEKS GUITARIST Inf inc Sepultura, Slayer, Fear Factory, Chimaira, Machine Head, Hate Breed & more. Send txt to 0422 442 368.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Every Thursday 8.30-12 at Moondyne Joes.Grand piano,good sound & friendly atmosphere.Call Mark 0409 137 850.

OPEN MIC NIGHT every Thursday night at Indi Bar. Just call Bex on 0404 917 632.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Every Tuesday night at the Craigie Tavern 8-11pm. Call Corey for bookings 0431 448 235

PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT PHOTOGR APHY Promo photography, studio, live, location.

M i k e W y l i e 0 4 1 7 9 7 5 9 6 4 w w w. projectphotography.com When its time to ice the cake...

PRODUCTION SERVICES * LIGHTING * AUDIO* STAGING * www.nightstarlightingaudio.com.au www.nightstarlightingaudio.com.au w w w . i n s t a n d t . c o m a u w w w. i n s t a n d t . c o m . a u 9381 2363/ 9444 6651 CD & DVD MANUFACTURE Check out our latest CD & DVD specials online at www. procopy.com.au 9375 3902 MATRIX PRODUCTIONS AUSTRALIA Lighting, staging, sound systems, smoke machines, night club FX, intelligent lighting, strobes & mirror balls, crowd barriers, video projectors. 9371 1551 RECORDING STUDIOS ALAN DAWSON’s WITZEND RECORDING STUDIO Prof quality albums or demos, large live room, experienced engineer, analog to digital transfers, mastering..Alan 0407 989 128 or Jeremy 0430638178 www. witzendstudios.com ANDY’S STUDIO International multi award winning songwriter / producer. No band required. Broadcast quality. A songwriter’s paradise. Ph 9364 3178 AVALON STUDIOS BIBRA LAKE One of Perths best equipped studio. Record to analog tape or digital, Avalon pre

amps, Neumann mics, the latest and best universal audio, plug in’s for digital recordings. All styles of music, $55 per hour call Tony 0411 118304 email - avalonstudios@bigpond.com GOLDDUSTCONSTRUCTION.COM Production, mixing, recording and composition for your music. Unique award winning skills to take songs from ideas to finished mixes or to fulfill the potential in existing ones. Located in Subiaco. $60 p/h.

Andrew 0408 097 407 MIDAS TOUCH STUDIOS Recording, Mixing, and Mastering. We get your band heard. Call Anthony 0435 113 654 www.

MidasTouchStudios.com.au 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 RECORDING MIXING MASTERING PRODUCING Fremantle location. Call Pete Kitchen Cooked Records. Ph 0407 363 764 / 9336 3764 REVOLVER SOUND STUDIO Ph 9272 7505. www.revolverstudio.com.au SONGWRITERS! - UNLOCK YOUR SONGS’ POTENTIAL +FREE BAND 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

T H E S O U N D FAC TO RY 16 & 24 track tape + protools Best of old school & modern technology thesoundfactory@rockstar.org.au 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.

P L AT I N U M S O U N D R O O M S Professional rehearsal rooms, airconditioned, quality PAs mob 0418 944 722 TUITION ***GUITAR LESSONS*** The Guitar Specialist. XMAS VOUCHERS AVAIL. 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 DJ LESSONS AT FREMANTLE PRISION Death row cell 33. Scratching, cutting & mixing. Come casually or for a term. 0412 334 510.

DRUM LESSONS All styles, all ages.

WAAPA prep. Modern techniques & rudiments, Beginner to advanced. Ph: 0413 172 817.

UNSIGNED ONLY

Simply The Best

The judging panel for the 2013 Unsigned Only Music Competition has just been announced, and consists of the top echelon of recording artists and music journalists.

An impressive group of recording artists and top-level music journalists will be putting on their reviewer hats for the competition, including Chrissie Hynde [The Pretenders], Cyndi Lauper, Iggy Pop, John Oates [Hall & Oates], Eve, Black Francis [The Pixies], Robert Smith [The Cure], Darryl McDaniels [Run DMC], Hunter Hayes and more.

Launched in 2011 by the founders of the International Songwriting Competition, Unsigned Only is a fresh and novel approach to music competition.

Not only does it offer great prizes, recognition, exposure, and the chance to be heard by a group of judges consisting of high-profile recording artists and industry professionals, but it also takes it a step further and offers the Grand Prize winner the unprecedented opportunity to be mentored by a group of record company presidents, A&R reps, and more.

Founders/Directors Candace Avery and Jim Morgan noted, “We are gearing up for another great year of Unsigned Only with even more judges, bigger cash prizes, and another great opportunity to bridge the gap between unsigned artists and the music industry executives who could potentially influence and elevate their careers.”

Designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major label record company, Unsigned Only’s goal is to find an outstanding,talented performing artist regardless of age or experience.

Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative), AC (Adult Contemporary), Christian Music, Country, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, R&B/ Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop/Top 40, Teen, and Vocal Performance. All entries must be original music, except for the Vocal Performance and Teen categories, which allow original or cover songs.

The Grand Prize winner will be awarded $10,000 in cash (plus additional prizes) and one-onone mentoring by an elite group of record company executives from the likes of Universal Republic Records, Atlantic Records, RCA Records, Sony Music and more.

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2011 Unsigned Only Grand Prize Winner Lara Johnston 2011 Grand Prize winner Lara Johnson states, “The mentoring opportunities provided by Unsigned Only are nothing short of incredible: I’ve had in-depth conversations and meetings with the uppermost gatekeepers and leaders of the music industry. Since winning Unsigned Only, I’ve garnered invaluable advice from a rich variety of perspectives, and I’ve had the chance to start relationships with people who can truly help me in my career. I’m excited to see where this all takes me and I would urge any aspiring artist to enter this year’s competition - you never know,you might be the next Grand Prize winner!”

If you’re an original artists looking for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to directly network with the highest level of record company professionals and get guidance, advice, feedback, and networking opportunities, make sure you lodge your Unsigned Only entry by March 14, 2013, through unsignedonly.com/enter.

X-Press – First on the street, Wednesdays

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