Issue 1422

33,560 OCTOBER 2012 MARCH 2013 - AUSTRALIA’S HIGHEST CIRCULATING STREET PRESS

LEGS ELECTRIC

MATHAS @ STATE OF THE ART

SLUMBERJACK

SLIM JIM PHANTOM

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NEWSDESK

LOCAL NEWS

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GLOBAL NEWS

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

GET UP! Currently in the midst of an extensive regional jaunt of our fair brown land, Boy & Bear have announced their final tour for 2014, in support of their hugely popular Harlequin Dream album.

The Get Up And Dance tour kicks off on September 5 in Melbourne, eventually finding its way to WA on Thursday, September 25, (all-ages) at the Albany Entertainment Centre (ticketek.com.au); Friday, September 26, at the Bunbury Entertainment Centre (bunburyentertainment.com) and Sunday, September 28, at the Fremantle Arts Centre (oxtix. com.au).

Joining Boy & Bear on tour will be Melbourne/Brisbane duo, Holy Holy. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 16, from boyandbear.com.

BACK IN THE WILDERNESS Blues rock monster Alex Lloyd will be back in WA for the first time in three years to perform two acoustic shows in June. Last seen performing the Mad Bastards film soundtrack with the Pigram Brothers; Lloyd will be promoting his new single, Good Thing, from the recently released LP, Urban Wilderness. Lloyd will be performing on Thursday, June 5, at the Settlers Tavern in Margaret River and Friday, June 6, at the Fly By Night in Fremantle.

Alex Lloyd

MISS NAIDOC Tickets for the fourth celebration of Miss NAIDOC are officially on sale. The pageant has been held in Perth for over 15 years and features Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged between 18 and 30.

Focusing on intensive leadership, cultural network and professional and personal presentation; the pageant will include performances by the entrants and entertainment by ABMUSIC students. The pageant will conclude on Saturday, May 24, at 6.30pm. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

Miss NAIDOC 2014

SMEARED IN RED The Red Parrot is returning for a second reunion at the Astor Theatre, Saturday, June 14. While both DJ Snuff and Ian Jopson are living overseas, they have provided playlists and the clubbing extravaganza renowned for exposing new music and producing incredible live performances will also feature Claude Mono, alternative ‘80s DJ Adrian Mansfield, exmember of The Clash, Nick Sheppard and numerous other DJs playing across two rooms. Tickets are available at showticketing.com.au.

Boy & Bear

Red Parrot Reunion

UNDER THE SUN

LIVELY AT THE ‘TOP

Fremantle blues band, One Thousand Years have announced the release of the music video for their debut single’ When The Sun Opens Its Eyes, from their debut album, Get Your Rabbit’s Foot And Run. Directed by Acid Flick’s owner Peter Cheng, the video combines two days of filming in the dusty, hot, openplains of WA’s southwest. The energetic quartet will be launching the video this Saturday, May 17, at The Odd Fellow, alongside Dallas Royal and Calectasia.

Spinning Top Music - management home of Tame Impala, Pond and many other quality acts - has launched a new record label, Spinning Top Records.

By way of celebrating they’re having a label launch party this Saturday, May 17, at Mojo’s with special guests Felicity Groom, Peter Bibby, Shiny Joe Ryan, Cam Avery and the oddly familiar DJ Chip Seagull.

Action starts at 8pm, be early!

Felicity Groom, Spinning Top Records launch party

One Thousand Years Pic: Digitalove

BONJAH BYTES

FOLLOW THE RATS Dune Rats have announced their first round of support acts ahead of their worldwide tour spreading across Asia, Europe, South Africa and Australia.

Beginning on Thursday, June 12, Doctopus and King Cactus will back up Dune Rats at Mojo’s Fremantle and on Friday, June 13, at Amplifier alongside Gunns.

Dune Rats have also left an open slot available for local high school bands for each all ages gig. To apply, send an email to stuff@ratbagrecords.com.

Dune Rats Pic: Anna Larina

Bonjah have announced their most extensive national tour to date, with 20 shows spread over four months.

The tour will feature four WA shows including The Northshore Tavern on Thursday, August 14; the Indi Bar on Friday, August 15; Amplifier on Saturday, August 16, and the Dunsborough Tavern on Sunday, August 17. The band will be playing the entirety of their new LP, Beautiful Wild, while also including some older favourites. For more details visit bonjahmusic.com.

Bonjah

VERUCA SALT DATE CHANGE Chicago-based alt-rock faves Veruca Salt have smashed ticket sales in the Eastern States, selling out the Melbourne and Sydney legs of their reunion tour. As a result, the dream-grunge quartet has added extra shows over East, moving the Perth leg forward to Saturday, October 4, at the Rosemount Hotel.

Head down to catch the classic hits Seether and Volcano Girls along with their new hit, The Museum Of Broken Relationships. Tickets are $59 (plus booking fee) available at metropolistouring.com.

NO HUGHES IS SOME NEWS Comedian Steve Hughes has had to reschedule his shows at the Perth International Comedy Festival (as well as the Sydney Comedy Festival) during May until July due to unforeseen circumstances. His new show date in Perth is on Saturday, July 26, at the Astor Theatre. Tickets are available from showticketing. com.au (08 9370 5888). All tickets for his May shows are valid for the new July dates.

IT’S A WALK OFF! Soon-to-be graduating design students of the Central Institute of Technology are holding a fashion party fundraiser to help raise funds for their end of year fashion show, The Graduates. The show, Nightfill, will be held at MANY 6160 this Saturday, May 17, and will feature a catwalk show, fashion film, music from two-time WA DMC Champion Midsole, Bastian Happy Flight’s Will Slade and The D’Vauz Brothers. Tickets are $15, doors open at 6pm.

Nightfill, Central Institute of Technology fashion fundraiser

YEAR OF THE GOSSLING Australia’s own Gossling has released a phenomenal cover of Vance Joy’s smash hit, Riptide, to coincide with her signing to US label, Nettwerk Music Group. The new deal joins Gossling’s recent signing with Polydor in the UK, culminating in the release of her debut album, Harvest Of Gold, in more than 20 territories this year. Gossling will be releasing her new single, That Feeling, this Friday, May 16, in the midst of her sold-out tour across Sydney and Melbourne supporting aforementioned triple j Hottest 100 winner, Vance Joy.

CARN CARLTON! A session player for Billie Joel, Michael Jackson and Steely Dan, not to mention a winner of four Grammy Awards Larry Carlton and his Quartet will perform at the Astor Theatre on Wednesday, May 28. Tickets available via Showticketing.com.au. Check out next week’s issue for an interview with Carlton himself.

Larry Carlton

THE VOICE ON TOUR Top artists from the brand new season of The Voice will hit the road for a national tour around Australia following the season finale. Announced Tuesday by Nine Live, this year’s top eight artists (as voted by fans) will be performing live on stage in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Dates have yet to be announced however fans can join the Ticketek waitlist to receive information first through ticketek.com.au.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

NORTH WEST FESTIVAL 2014

Death Disco will celebrate its 7 th birthday ON Saturday, May 24 at Capitol. The epic event will feature Gold Coast’s Surecut Kids who are running hot on the success of their debut album, WERK, along with their remix of Flume and Chet Faker’s Drop The Game. From confetti cannons to turntables the night is sure to be huge. Doors open at 9pm, with a $20 entry fee. More special guests will be announced soon.

The North West Festival is back for its third installment at Port Hedland Civic Centre. The huge line-up, spread over Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, features Missy Higgins, ILLY, Violent Soho, The Dandy Warhols, Wolfmother, Ball Park Music, Hermitude and Art Vs Science. There are more ticket options this year with multi-day and singleday tickets available. Purchases also include access to campgrounds and shuttle services. Tickets are on sale at 9am on Monday, May 19, from moshtix.com.

Surecut Kids

Missy Higgins

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WIN

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PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITIONS

WIN: THE TRIP TO ITALY The Trip To Italy is a semi-fictional improvised tour of Italy from director Michael Winterbottom (A Mighty Heart, 24hr Party People) starring two of Britain’s best loved comic actors, Steve Coogan (Philomena) and Rob Brydon (Tristam Shandy: A Cock And Bull Story). In the long awaited follow-up to the smash hit comedy The Trip, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon embark on a new culinary road trip around Italy in the summer, where they enjoy mouth watering meals in the gorgeous surroundings of Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri. They riff on subjects as varied as Batman’s vocal register, Pompeii, the artistic merits of Jagged Little Pill, and, of course, compete on who can do the best Michael Caine impersonation. Email win@xpressmag.com. au to get a double pass. Don’t forget to include your address.

PUBLISHER/MANAGER Joe Cipriani

EDITORIAL - 9213 2888 MANAGING EDITOR Bob Gordon: editor@xpressmag.com.au FEATURES & DANCE MUSIC EDITOR Merran Reed: featuresed@xpressmag.com.au LOCAL MUSIC & ARTS EDITOR Travis Johnson: localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au GIG & EVENT GUIDES CO-ORDINATOR guide@xpressmag.com.au COMPETITIONS win@xpressmag.com.au For band gigs and launches - plugyourgig@xpressmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY Rachael Barrett, Guang-Hui Chuan, Daniel Craig, Brandon D’Silva, Max Fairclough, Daniel Grant, Sammy Granville, Matt Jelonek, Emma Mackenzie, Callum Ponton, Denis Radacic, Bohdan Warchomij, Michael Wylie CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Leah Blankendaal, Nina Bertok, Aaron Bryans, Joe Cassidy, Hayley Davis, Chris Gibbs, Alfred Gorman, Shaun Cowe, Predrag Delibasich, Jayde Ferguson, George Green, Alex Griffin, James Hanlon, Chris Havercroft, Joshua Hayes, Brendan Holben, Coral Huckstep, Ellie Hutchinson, Tom Kitson, Charlie Lewis, Daisy Lythe, Troy Mutton, Andrew Nelson, David O’Connell, Shane Pinnegar, Jessica Willoughby, Sean McEwan, Josie Clough

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EMPIRE STRIPS BACK

The Trip To Italy

In a show like no other, The Empire Strips Back takes the classic characters from the beloved Star Wars film franchise and drops them into the world of burlesque.

After sell-out tours of the original production, Star Wars Burlesque, the producers are back to meet the audience demand with an even bigger and better production, playing at the Regal Theatre, Perth on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31. Email win@xpressmag.com.au to grab a double pass to opening night.

Empire Strips Back

SALES MANAGER AGENCY / MOVIES / ARTS / EDUCATION / SPONSORSHIP / ONLINE MARKETING Craig Mauger - advertising@xpressmag.com.au MUSIC SERVICES / MUSICAL EQUIPMENT / BANDS / RECORD LABELS Dez Richardson - musicservices@xpressmag.com.au ENTERTAINMENT VENUES / LIVE AND DANCE MUSIC PROMOTERS Tim Milroy - entertainment@xpressmag.com.au CLASSIFIEDS LINAGE classifieds@xpressmag.com.au

WIN: THE DOUBLE

PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT - 9213 2854 CONTENT COORDINATOR Anthony Jackson - production@xpressmag.com.au ART DIRECTOR Dwight O’Neil DESIGN + PRODUCTION Andy Quilty, Anthony Jackson, Kasia Mazurkiewicz

PRINTING Rural Press Printing Mandurah DISTRIBUTION - 9213 2853 - distribution@xpressmag.com.au ADMIN / ACCOUNTS - 9213 2888 Lillian Buckley accounts@xpressmag.com.au EDITORIAL DEADLINES General: Friday 5pm, Eye4 Arts: Thursday 10am, WIN: Friday 5pm, Salt Clubs: Monday 5pm , Local Scene: Monday Noon, Gig Guide: Monday 5pm ADVERTISING DEADLINES 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 WARRANTY AND INDEMNITY Advertisers and/or their agents by lodging an advertisment shall indemnify the publisher, and its agents, against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication. Advertisers and/or their representatives indemnify the publisher in relation to defamation, slander, breach of copyright, infringement of trademarks of name of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy and warrant that the material complies with revelant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the publisher, its servants or agents. Any material supplied to X-Press is at the contributor’s risk.

33,560 OCTOBER 2012 MARCH 2013 - AUSTRALIA’S HIGHEST CIRCULATING STREET PRESS

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12 YEARS A SLAVE 12 Years A Slave tells the incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man, is abducted and sold into slavery. With no opportunity to prove his identity, he is consigned to assume the name of ‘Platt’, a runaway Georgian slave. Despite being thousands of miles away from his wife and children and having no way of contacting them, Solomon’s hope for his freedom never completely diminishes. He steels himself in case the opportunity were to arise, urging his fellow slave, Patsey (Lupita Nyong’o) to do the same. Facing cruelty from a malevolent slave owner (Michael Fassbender), Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity in his quest to be reunited with his family.

Based on the memoirs of Solomon Northup, this film is the unforgettable vision of one man’s will to overcome adversity. Email win@xpressmag.com.au to grab a DVD.

DEATH DISCO TURNS SEVEN Death Disco at Capitol is turning seven, Saturday, May 24. To celebrate, the Surecut Kids, a two-man music production/remix/DJ group/radio hosting/ party machine, are playing just for you. Consisting of two childhood friends Paces and Benjo, they’ve been pushing the boundaries of how much time two people can spend together as they play clubs and festivals around the country and internationally. Email win@xpressmag.com.au to win a double pass to this illustrious occasion.

Simon James (Jesse Eisenberg) is a timid young man, working for a mysterious government organization, scratching out an isolated existence in an indifferent world. He is overlooked at work, scorned by his mother, and ignored by the woman of his dreams, copy room girl Hannah (Mia Wasikowska).

Undermined wherever he turns, it appears his life couldn’t get worse – that is until the sudden arrival of a new co-worker, James Simon. James is both Simon’s exact physical double and his opposite - confident, charismatic and good with women. To Simon’s horror, James slowly starts taking over his life. Email win@ xpressmag.com.au to get a double pass. Don’t forget to include your address.

The Double

Surecut Kids

12 Years A Slave

PERTH TATTOO EXPO If you like tattoos, pin-up models, burlesque and custom-made motorcycles, then you should check out the Australian Tattoo and Body Art Expo in Perth, June 6 to 8. We even have a double pass just for you.

Yes, you. Email win@ xpressmag.com.au to win.

Sinead Simoes, winner of Sydney ‘Girls of Ink’ Model Competition 2014

WIN: I AM SOLDIER

After releasing their new EP Dawn Of The Head with ARIA success the boys are heading around the country doing a spate of shows to launch the record.

The Funkoars will be in Perth on May 23 and X-Press is giving you the chance to win a double pass, the EP, EP shirt, plus a meet and greet! Email win@ xpressmag.com.au to go into the draw.

Inspired by real special-forces training, I Am Soldier takes you inside the SAS, the world’s most feared Special Forces unit. The UK’s Special Air Service (SAS) is tasked with covert and overt missions in some of the most dangerous places in the world. We follow recruit Mickey through every gruelling stage of selection that not only smashes him physically but also mentally. But when the Counter Terrorism Squad is given charge of a highly explosive siege in London, Mickey must show that he really does have what it takes to be a special-forces operative. Many try. Only the elite prevail. Email win@xpressmag.com.au to win a DVD of I Am Soldier.

The Funkoars

I Am Soldier

WOW. SUCH HIP HOP. VERY RAP: MEET THE FUNKOARS

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FLESH

NEWS - INTERVIEWS - REVIEWS - CONTENTS

Actor Christoph Waltz and director Terry Gilliam on the set of The Zero Theorem

TERRY GILLIAM The Theorist In The Zero Theorem, his first feature film since 2009’s troubled The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus, Terry Gilliam brings all his stylistic and narrative mastery to bear on the strangest cinematic world he’s ever portrayed – our own.

TRAVIS JOHNSON checks in with the argumentative auteur.

In The Zero Theorem, anxiety-plagued mathematical genius Qohen Leth (Tarantino regular Christoph Waltz) seeks sanctuary from a garish, overwhelming world he doesn’t understand.

He finds it when he is assigned to crack The Zero Theorem, essentially a mathematical proof that existence is utterly meaningless. Zero, he is told repeatedly, must equal 100 per cent. Ironically, it’s in the pursuit of the proof of meaninglessness that Qohen finds some kind of personal agency.

It’s a very ‘Terry Gilliam’ story. After all, we’re talking about the former Monty Python member who made, among others, the absurd dystopian parable, Brazil, and the deterministic time travel film, 12 Monkeys (The Zero Theorem apparently comprises the third in a loose thematic trilogy). You may be surprised to learn, then, that the script did not originate with Gilliam, but with first-time screenwriter, Pat Rushin.

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News Win Flesh Music The Hold Steady, Midlake, Boris The Blade Anti-Mortem, Birds Of Satan, Lloyd Cole New Noise Eye4 Cover: Mathas The Zero Theorem The Domnicks, Wish, As You Like It Fashion: Blogging ETC Arts Listings Salt Cover: Slumberjack News, The Funkoars, Pyramid, Take 5, Allday Rewind: The Presets Club Manual Scene Live: Groovin The Moo Local Scene: Tahlia Jaye Tour Trails Tour Tale - Slim Jim Phantom Gig Guide Volume

FRONT COVER: Director Terry Gilliam’s new film, The Zero Theorem, opens this week.

SALT COVER: Slumberjack perform at the State Of The Art Festival on Saturday, May 31, at the Perth Cultural Centre.

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“When I first read it,” Gilliam recalls. “It was apparent that Pat Rushin had seen all my films and the script dealt with ideas that had been popping up throughout my career. It intrigued me, because at the same time it terrified me because I knew it would get compared to Brazil and everything else. So I went out of my way to make it unlike Brazil. Brazil was set in a very grey place so I thought, ‘okay, I’ll make this world a very colourful place where people are playing and having a good time and Qohen isn’t’. And this went on and it became more and more about the world we live in now where everyone is connected.

“Qohen wants to disconnect from that.

He really wants to disconnect from the so-called connected world and concentrate on what he thinks is important. He’s a strange character and what I like about Qohen is that he’s very damaged in the beginning. He’s somebody who’s burned out. He’s somebody who’s alone but ultimately humanity forces itself upon him and he becomes more human. That’s very important, especially now. People seem to exist only as a neuron, a connective tissue between two other people. People are all so connected and it seems like they only exist when they Tweet something.”

The notion of constant connection – and, by extension, distraction – is one of the film’s core concerns. Gilliam cites the unavoidable prominence of social media in the modern world as both a point of concern and an object of fascination.

“That sort of thing makes me crazy,” he proclaims. “You could be watching a show or something and somebody is tweeting about it before the first act is even over. The show becomes the background for their ‘really interesting life’ and everyone needs to tell everyone what exactly they think before they’ve even thought. ‘Oh I love it! Oh it’s terrible!’ It makes me crazy. People have gotten really lazy and they’re not really looking at anything with any depth.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like now to be young now, the pressure, because you have to be connected all the time. Your peers are always, ‘Don’t do this!’ or ‘Don’t do that!’ or ‘Oh, you’ve hurt my feelings!’ so you don’t say anything offensive that may cause anyone any pain. That sounds horrible to me.

It’s like, ‘Here I am! Don’t you think I’m exciting? Don’t you think I’m interesting? Don’t you think I have exciting ideas and opinions?’ When you’re living like that, you’re so desperate to be seen to be smart or successful or whatever.

He pauses, then laughs, “I’ve become a curmudgeon – a modern curmudgeon.”

You can hardly blame Gilliam for being grumpy. His career has been characterised by a seemingly never-ending series of uphill battles to be understood, to be heard, or even just to make a damn film. For a taste of Gilliam’s never-ending war, one need only take a look at Jack Mathews’ book The Battle Of Brazil, or the documentary Lost In La Macha, which recounts in excruciating detail how the Johnny Depp-starring The Man Who Killed Don Quixote came apart at the seams in mid-shoot. Even this latest effort took years of struggle to realise – previous versions first starring Ewan McGregor, then Billy Bob Thornton (who apparently balked at filming in London due to a phobia of antique furniture) failed to get off the ground. Still, Gilliam maintains that he feels no regrets.

“No, no,” he says. “I really don’t. The minute something doesn’t work or something falls though, I never think about it again. I really don’t look back.”

He does, however, get annoyed when his work is misinterpreted. “When people say that The Zero Theorem is a futuristic or sci-fi film – it’s not! You only have to go California, to the big IT companies, to see their employees getting around on rollerskates – they’re kids, they’re playing. Actually, that’s the world we’re living in. I wanted to make a comment about the world we’re living in now, about corporations and the power they have, especially with the gathering of information. I mean, you have the NSA gathering so much information, but Google and Amazon are gathering even more.

“You know what’s interesting,” he reflects.

“Is the number of people who don’t get it at all; who don’t understand what the film is, or who complain that the Python jokes aren’t working. What Python jokes? There’s humour, but there aren’t jokes. It’s a tragicomedy is what it is.”

LEGS ELECTRIC Begin The Begin Legs Electric launch their debut EP this Saturday, May 17, at the Rosemount Hotel with help from The Floors, Hailmary and Maverick. BOB GORDON reports.

There are a couple great bands in Legs Electric’s rear view mirror, and a lot of experience therein. When the band formed in 2012, there was a special kinda vision.

“We have all grown up listening to the classics, stuff like the Rolling Stones, Zeppelin, Kiss, Thin Lizzy, The Cult, Whitesnake, Grand Funk Railroad, the Who, Neil Young, all those great bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s,” says drummer, Kylie Soanes. “We all had riffs floating about that weren’t really suited to our other bands at the time, and we wanted an outlet for our own songs. And so, Legs Electric were formed.”

It seems the band met that vision since then and in fact have gone beyond and/or beside it.

“We love the songs we have written and the good thing about this band is that we all have our own style of writing and creative ideas,” Soanes says. “For our EP we definitely feel that we reached our initial vision – but there are plenty of more great songs to come.

“Last year we supported international bands including The Bellrays, Blues Pills from Sweden and Kadavar from Germany, and no one knew what we really sounded like unless they caught us at an earlier show. It was fantastic to be given this opportunity to showcase our band just from pure word of mouth. The fact that we were able to play these shows with such great international bands, and the great local bands we played with, it definitely far exceeded what we had in mind for our first year of shows.”

Given the EP showcases a band in the midst of its evolution, there were a few points to consider

when it came to track choice.

“We collaborate and work on all songs as a band, and for the first time we all had such an impact in putting our own creative spin into each song. We picked the five on the EP because they represent how we started as a band.

“Illicit Love is the first song we ever wrote on Laura (McCormack, lead guitar) and my loungeroom floor. Trigger is our epic number, Ama (Quinsee, vocalist) brought to the table and it took around six months to finish.

“Black Magic, She’s Like A Saint and Temporary Road round out the EP; it definitely gives you a taste of each of our personalities and the variety of influences that have shaped our original sound.”

It’s obvious onstage how much all four members of Legs Electric absolutely love playing live.

It’s all-consuming...

“We are always excited to play no matter how big or small the crowd,” Soanes enthuses. “We don’t like to muck around, as you will see on Saturday night from the first snare hit and guitar pluck, we don’t stop. It’s maximum rock’n’roll ‘til the end of the show!

“We are a funny band because like most ladies you tend to find us five minutes before a show huddled in the bathroom, Laura and I kicking and jumping around the room warming up, Ama singing really high warm up vocals, and Abby (Soanes, bass) making sure her red lipstick is on and rearranging songs on the set list.

“When it’s show time we always walk on stage together, I don’t know why we just do. On stage it’s just about having fun and whether or not Laura will try to jump on the biggest speaker she can find while playing guitar! We love it and feed off the crowd, especially when everyone else is having fun as well.”

Lots of work has led to the release of Legs Electric’s debut EP, but in true rock’n’roll fashion, it just begins again from here.

“We want the EP to reach as many people as possible, and most of all we hope you all like it,” Soanes says. “We are planning an East Coast tour in September to promote our EP in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane; and at this stage and we hope to be back in the studio soon to continue recording more tracks and then it’s off to America next year.”

KATE CEBERANO Julien Wilson Trio Perth Concert Hall Friday, May 9, 2014 Braving the winter tempest, the jazz masses marched through wind and rain towards the soothing incandescence radiating from the doors of the Perth Concert Hall. It was the opening night of the sophomore year for the Perth International Jazz Festival, as aficionados and pop plebs alike congregated within the dry and formal halls of that illustrious venue to see the festival’s flagship booking, Kate Ceberano, take to the stage.

With reviewers taking nips of brandy and audience members filing into the auditorium to take their seats, local jazz outfit, the Julien Wilson Trio began the night’s entertainment. The group’s set began with a complex contrapuntal interaction between Wilson’s tenor sax and Stephen Grant’s accordion lines. Guitarist, Stephen Magnesson’s steady chordal accompaniment provided the rhythm for the unusual outfit. The trio’s measured sound was somewhat overwhelmed by the spacious stage they were left to fill and the minimal amount of crowd interaction made the set feel divorced from its audience. However, the trio’s strong connection came across as songs were played with sensitivity and a sense of exploration. The relatively short set concluded with an homage to Ornette Coleman before the Perth International Jazz Festival All Stars donned their places and prepared for the main event.

The band, full to the brim of the crème de la crème of the Perth jazz scene, and a couple of Perth ex-pats, opened with Bright Eyes, featuring solos by saxophonist, Jamie Oehlers, trumpeter Ricki Malet and bassist, Karl Florisson, pumped up audiences for the arrival of the celebrated songstress. The band then moved into a laid-back, bluesier number with Greasy Sack Blues before Ceberano took to the stage.

Flirtatious, vivacious and salacious, Ceberano worked

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Pic: Michael Cowen, LIVEROCK Photography

up the crowd with Duke Ellington’s I’m Beginning To See the Light, before moving into a soft, 2am piano bar version of Basin Street Blues.

Mimicking the phrasing of the first lady of jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, Ceberano’s renditions of the standards were straightforward and entertaining. The concert hall provided the perfect setting for the big band vibe and Ceberano’s audience interaction was fun and playful. Midway through the first set she explained her choice of standards for the evening: “I’m just taking you through my record collection at the age of 16.”

After a brief foyer break, the second set began with renewed vigour. Drummer, Ben Vanderwal provided a driving momentum behind the kit. Despite relatively little rehearsal, the round table of horn section solos fit in well, due in no small part to the conducting skills of Mace Francis. The overall vibe of the night was far more relaxed and friendly than would be expected from traditional jazz gigs, giving initiates to the style something to grab on to alongside the readily digestible standards.

SHAUN COWE

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MUSIC

VIEWS

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INTERVIEWS

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STORIES

MIDLAKE Where Everybody Knows Your Name

THE HOLD STEADY With Teeth Brooklyn-via-Minneapolis rock band The Hold Steady don’t shy away from the seedier side of life with tunes about redemption, religion and addiction.

CHRIS HAVERCROFT speaks to guitarist, Tad Kubler, about anxiety, teeth dreams and their latest album.

The latest offering by The Hold Steady has been four years in the waiting.

Previously, the band had kept up a rapid work rate with constant touring and five albums of ragged melody in seven years. Kubler acknowledges that the band couldn’t continue to go on at that pace and common sense indicated it was time for a break. The Hold Steady had built up considerable momentum but felt they were constantly trying to catch up instead of making more deliberate decisions.

“It was good to take a step back and take a little break for a while to reflect and get a different perspective and figure out what it was that we wanted to do next,” says Kubler of the time between albums. “In the meantime, we went off and did some different things, musically. I did some film and TV stuff and Craig (Finn, vocals) went off and did a solo record, Bobby (Drake, drums) opened a bar and it was nice to just miss the band for a little bit. It was helpful when we came back to The Hold Steady as everyone was excited and invigorated to be back and I hope you can hear it on the new record.”

There have been some changes for the band in their recent history. Enigmatic keyboard player, Franz Nicolay, took his ivories and sizeable

moustache and went home, while former Lucero guitarist, Steve Selvidge, has joined the ranks. Kubler is thrilled that the time off from the band has led to a growth, creatively.

“I don’t want to diminish Franz’s role in the band at all because it was great playing music with him, but for the most part a lot of the songs started with me. If anything, Steve being involved in this record – because he is such a phenomenal guitar player – it allowed me to focus more on the songwriting and think about things in a different way than I would have previously. Steve’s guitar playing really freed me up to think about things like melody and arrangements and those types of things.”

The album is called Teeth Dreams, a title that references the dream where your teeth fall out and is meant to symbolise anxiety, but Kubler insists that Finn hasn’t had a particularly anxious time of late. It is more likely that as Finn chooses a goalpost or central idea lyrically for each record that Teeth Dreams refers to the anxiety that many may feel these days in having to perpetuate an image of themselves on Instagram and Facebook that is incongruent with who they really are.

“What we try to do is create characters that have lives that are real. Saying that, on this record Craig was very deliberate about not using so many specific details in terms of characters. He wanted people to be able to put themselves into the lyrics and the songs and in order to do that he needed to make things maybe a little more general or just not use such specific details as we have in the past.”

“We have a very unique songwriting relationship where I come in with the music and he writes the words. The one difference with this record was that usually I’d bring in a part to work on and he would go to his notebook for computer or whatever he was keeping lyrics on, but this album he didn’t bring anything in like that. He really wanted the music to dictate the lyrics on this album, so that was different and maybe that is why the music and the lyrics feel more connected on this record. Other records have felt maybe more like a soundtrack that sits behind the narrative.”

The past few years have been a time of transition for Texan folk rockers, Midlake.

ALASDAIR DUNCAN reports.

The departure of lead singer and founding member Tim Smith left Midlake at the edge of a precipice, but they were determined to continue, and thus regrouped with guitarist, Eric Pulido, as frontman.

The change might seem drastic, but for the laid-back Pulido, whose tenure in the band stretches back for a decade, it was an easy shift.

“The transition in the band started long before Tim left,” he says. “I was doubling melodies, talking between songs, standing centre stage, even doing a lot of interviews, so it wasn’t a drastic transition. Not to take away from what Tim was or brought to the band, but I realised that with me as the lead singer now, my only choice was to own it and to say to people, ‘This is what we are now, take it or leave it,’ and people have responded really well.”

Following Smith’s departure, Midlake scrapped a number of songs, but moved right onto writing a new batch for the record that would become Antiphon. “Tim’s departure was unexpected for us, but there was no use crying over it or letting it stop us or divert our course,” says Pulido.

Every new record that a band makes has its own unique influences and sounds, he continues, and Antiphon is really just a case of a band embracing a different set of circumstances and pulling together in new ways. “Tim wanted to get away and pursue his own thing, and we just had to understand and respect that and pull things together as a band. It forced us to step up communally, because Tim was always an integral figure in the band before. It was a challenge, but it helped shape us and make it better.

Looking back, I’m really happy at how quickly we pulled together.”

The songs on Antiphon are more loose and spontaneous than on any of Midlake’s three previous records, drawing explicitly on psyched-out ’70s rock and introducing more of a jam band sound.

“I think part of it was just us trying to

BORIS THE BLADE Beehive Yourself Recent visitors to Perth, Boris The Blade, have just released their debut LP, The Human Hive. Vocalist, Daniel Sharp, speaks with AARON BRYANS about broken faces and bloody moshes.

Deathcore is a hit and miss genre, built on its brutality and technical musicianship.

For Boris The Blade, their 2011 EP, Tides Of Damnation, was an instant hit with fans of the genre, receiving mass attention across Australia and internationally. Full of intense blast beats, soul-crunching vocals and thunderous breakdowns, the release also featured CJ McMahon from Thy Art Is Murder.

“Me and him, we’re just good mates,” vocalist, Daniel Sharp explains. “It was just a matter of popping into the studio and I said, ‘this is the gap you’re doing’ and we did it. We already had the song written, so we told him about the project we were starting and he came in and did that.”

Boris The Blade have signed to UK label Siege Of Amida Records and in Australia with RTD Records, for The Human Hive, in all respects a long10

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capture a more organic feeling than some of what we’d done in the past,” Pulido says. “For better or worse, some of the recordings were a little bit too workedover before, and we didn’t want that this time, we wanted the new recordings to be a bit more organic.”

Rather than being too precious about getting each individual part of a recording perfect, the focus on this album was on the product as a whole.

“We wanted to capture the magic while it happened, rather than trying over and over to recreate a single moment,” says Pulido. “With Tim, one of the things we struggled with was trying to find that one perfect sound, and we’d end up losing a lot of the other great stuff we might have had. This time around, we didn’t want to over-think what we were doing, we wanted to just depend on each other and trust what we knew was right, to capture all the ideas at the very beginning.”

Solidifying their bond as band members and friends, Midlake recently opened a bar called Paschall in their hometown of Denton, Texas. Located just off the town square, it’s a place for them to hang out and relax outside the studio, and a reassuring bastion of stability.

“Being in a band, you don’t really have a retirement plan, so it’s nice to have something like this!” Pulido laughs. “It’s really fun for us too. Denton has its own unique vibe. In some ways, it’s the small Texas town you might imagine, with a square and a courthouse and all those things which have been preserved throughout the years, but as far as the community goes it’s a university town. It’s a great place to live, and our bar is somewhere we can enjoy company and conversation in a warm atmosphere. It’s nice to have something else going on, money-wise, while you’re recording and not touring. It’s a great little nugget of a thing to have for us.”

Speaking of touring, Midlake are set to come to Australia (though sadly, not to Perth), where they’ll play in Sydney as part of this year’s Vivid LIVE. The band’s live show has changed in this new, more democratic era.

“Well, Tim’s absence is obviously a big change in the live show,” Pulido says, “because I’m in the role of lead singer now, I’m up there front and centre. But taking it back a step further from that, what we’ve done this time is try to add more life and a bigger sound to the overall set. The new songs lend themselves to that, but we wanted to go back and have some consistency there with the older songs as well. The new record has a bigger sound, a more psychedelic vibe, a lot of vocal harmonies, and so we’ve gone back to the old songs and added a few more of those things.” awaited debut.

“I definitely think it’s more mature, we tried to develop our own sort of sound” Sharp says. “It’s really hard to make a technical song sound simple as it is to make a simple song sound technical; so we tried to make the songs a lot more well structured so it’s not too confusing and still heavy and still brutal but you know what’s going on.

“We went to Matt, and decided to go with him again because we loved the sound he got from the EP and we were really comfortable working with him. We went up to the Sunshine Coast for a couple of weeks and basically sat there on the computer with him and he helped us out with a bit of structure and just getting an overall sound we were happy with.

It was 10 days straight. We started at nine in the morning and finished at 11 at night. It was long days and was really tiring, but it all came out great so I can’t wait to get it out.”

The guys officially kicked off their Human Hive tour last month at the Academy, alongside an all ages show at YMCA HQ. “It was good to be back,” Sharp says. “It was probably the fourth time we’ve been here now.

It seems that the fanbase has definitely grown here.”

Playing shows alongside All Shall Perish and Parkway Drive; Sharp has seen his fair share of crazy and unforgettable live moments.

“We once pl ayed a show in Newcastle and we had a guy with a dislocated knee after the show and watching people try to pull that back into place was pretty full on,” he recalls. “Any memory of someone getting their face broken or blood... we played a show in Adelaide and there was white tiles and blood all over the floor including the bathroom.”

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MUSIC

THE BIRDS OF SATAN Free As A Bird Taylor Hawkins might spend most of his time being drummer for one of the biggest rock bands on the planet, but when the Foo Fighters take a rest, he doesn’t sit still. PAUL McBRIDE speaks to the man himself.

Taylor Hawkins’ new side project is classic rockinfluenced trio, The Birds of Satan, whose selftitled debut album is unashamed in its straight-up approach to rock music.

“Wiley (Hodgden, bass/vocals) and Mick (Murphy, guitar) are a couple of buddies of mine,” the affable 42-year-old says of the band’s origins.

“We play in a cover band called Chevy Metal; we play ‘70s and ‘80s rock from when we were kids. I just happened to be jamming with those guys and we always sound good together, and when it came to the time when I wanted to make a record, it felt good and I thought those guys could help me make the record really quickly. We did it and it was great. It sounds like we don’t give a fuck, but sometimes that sounds good, you know what I mean?

“We did all the music in four days, and then we did the vocals over a two-day period. At the time when I was making this record, I was listening to a lot of people’s first records – records made by bands who didn’t have a lot of time. I mean, listen to the first Black Sabbath record; that was recorded in two days. The first Led Zeppelin record was made in maybe a week or something. Van Halen’s first. All of those records were made in one day to a week.

I like producing records, the layering process and

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everything, but that’s a whole other sort of trip, you know? There’s something about just getting in there and doing something quick that has a different energy. I like those type of records.”

No classic rock album is complete without a moment of rock grandeur or extended virtuosity, and it comes here in the form of nine-minute opener, The Ballad Of The Birds Of Satan.

“That took us half a day,” Hawkins says.

“We wrote it and recorded it in half a day, and we did another song that day as well, so it happened fairly quickly. We all threw three or four ideas at each other, stuck it all together and it came out like that, which is totally bananas.

“We set out to make it that way; I wanted to have a track that goes a million places, has weird time signatures and is sort of a schizophrenic kind of song. It was absolutely what I had in mind. I didn’t know how it was going to turn out, but I knew I wanted to do something like that.”

Despite the desire for a rawer sound and the tight time-frame involved, the well-connected California native was able to call on some outside help to finish the album off.

“Dave (Grohl) helped me finish writing a bunch of the songs,” he says. “He was a big part of the first song; the first riff was a guitar riff he had, which we put stuff together with. He was a big part of a song called Wait ‘Til Tomorrow and another called Raspberries. Those were the three he played on, if I’m not mistaken. Pat (Smear) came in at the very end on Too Far Gone To See and played some guitar and things. This is the first record Wiley has ever even played on, so he’s hanging on by the skin of his teeth, but I like that energy.

“Mick is much more of a hard rock guitar player than anyone in my other band, The Coattail Riders, so it’s just a different feel. They could have made this record, and I probably would have liked it just as much, but it probably would have been very different. Either way, it was going to be made raw, and it would have been a lot cleaner with those guys.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, you know what I mean?”

ANTI-MORTEM

Barn Band

Zain Smith, guitarist with Oklahoma natives Anti-Mortem, tells SHANE PINNEGAR that they started out just like every other garage band around the world, rehearsing and writing songs for their just-released debut album, New Southern, in his family’s barn.

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LLOYD COLE Standards Bearer Touring in support of his new album, Standards, Lloyd Cole will perform at the Fly By Night on Tuesday, June 24.

PETER HODGSON reports.

From his time as frontman for The Commotions and their arena tour of 1986, through to his Small Ensemble tour of 2011 and the many solo tour he has performed in between, Lloyd Cole is no stranger to Australian stages, bringing his uncannily beautiful and personal songwriting to audiences in various formats.

This year he returns for a man-andguitar tour that will take in material from across his career, including acoustic interpretations of material from his predominantly band-driven album, Standards.

There seems to be a bit of a trend lately for bands to play longer, more expansive Australian tours than usual. We’re seeing less of the ‘Sydney and Melbourne only’ shows and more ‘staying for a month and hitting regional areas’ shows. Cole’s tour will take in 15 shows between June 18 and July 12.

“But I’m still not getting up to the far north,” he says. “I asked them to book me into places I haven’t been to before, getting up to the jungle. But I’m looking forward to seeing places I haven’t been. I haven’t been to Newcastle before. Typically I’m going to get to Newcastle on a day that there isn’t time to play golf, even though I know one of the best places to play golf in Australia is in Newcastle.

But I’m getting to a few extra places. It takes so long and it takes so much energy to get there Zain Smith says that although the barn used during the creation of Anti-Mortem’s debut LP, New Southern, was supposed to house his father’s vintage car collection, you can’t overvalue family support.

“We have two buildings,” he details, “There was some of his cars in the smaller building that we took over, but he was willing to move whatever was in there and just let us take over the place. Still to this day we practice there.

“The best part is, it’s out in the country so we can practice whenever we want, and be loud whenever we want. The bad part is we play out in the shop so it’s really cold when it’s cold and it’s really hot when it’s hot.

But, you know, it’s hard work and dedication to be out there, so that proves a lot.”

Bringing rock back to the masses is a subject close to Smith’s heart, and the six-string-slinger can’t help but bemoan the current state of radio in the States.

“Oh dude, I can tell you that’s the goal of our band,” he enthuses. “It inspires us because when you turn on the radio you can’t figure out who is playing because it all sounds the same, you know what I mean?

“You’ve got to break out your Shazam and be like, ‘who is this?’ You’re like, ‘oh okay, that’s that band, whatever, it’s like that could have been this band’. It’s so overproduced. It’s way too poppy and it’s just like, way far away from where rock needs to be.

“Kids are growing up thinking Maroon 5 is rock and it’s like, ‘what?!’”

Refreshingly, Smith isn’t going to bullshit anyone and say that New Southern is perfect, instead encouraging fans to check them out live for the real deal.

“No! I mean, it’s the way the fucking

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that I might as well stay for a bit of extra time.”

Ah, golf. It’s surprising, in a way, that so many musicians seem to have an appreciation for the noble sport. Alice Cooper even called his autobiography Golf Monster. Cole puts this down to the Zen-like nature of the sport.

“When I’m playing golf I’m thinking about getting the ball in the hole, I’m thinking of beating the person I’m playing with,” he says. “I’m not thinking of the songs I’m writing.

I’m not thinking about my finances, I’m not t h i n k i n g a b o u t my f a m i l y. A n d i t wo r k s .”

I n ad d i t i o n to t h e co n ce r t s , C o l e w i l l a p p e a r I n C o nve r s a t i o n fo r s h ow s at t h e U n i ve r s i t y O f Ad e l a i d e a n d M O N A i n Hobart. It’s a first for Australian audiences.

“I’m going to Australia as a visiting fellow at the Hawke Institute in Adelaide, w h i c h i s p a r t o f t h e U n i ve r s i t y o f S o u t h Australia,” Cole says. “They basically wanted me to come over and take part in presentation talk/seminars. Anthony Elliott (Director of the Hawke Research Institute, University of South Australia) is going to be onstage with me asking questions. We can talk about the quandary of trying to be an independent artist competing in the market that the internet now is.

“Social media for someone like me is a Catch-22,” Cole continues, “because if I hire somebody like you to do it, people know it’s not me. Pretty much straight away they would know it’s not me. You’d never know to put that I ate Eccles cakes for breakfast this morning but I did and I hadn’t had them for several years so it was a fun thing to put on my Facebook. And people know it’s me, so they do follow me. Y’know, I followed The Clash for about a month until I realised I was just getting fanzine reports, and I don’t understand why anybody would do it, but people do it.

“But the quandary is that I need to keep doing it, and I need to be the one who does it, but maybe not all of it. Things like putting up the tour dates, anybody could do that. I’m working towards a situation where I keep it personal, but I don’t have to put in all the hours to make it work as it needs to work.”

“It’s not just what you hear on a CD; it’s about our hair banging everywhere live and the whole friendship with the fans and just the whole... I don’t know, you’ve got to be at a show to see it. We’re all about a live show!” rock’n’roll experience is about the show man. Nowadays with ProTools and just everything in the world, you can autotune a fart and turn it into a song and you’re famous, you know what I mean? It’s like, dude! We’re kind of at the point where we know our CD is great, but I would say it’s an eight out of 10.

“It’s not just what you hear on a CD; it’s about our hair banging everywhere live and the whole friendship with the fans and just the whole... I don’t know, you’ve got to be at a show to see it. We’re all about a live show!”

Despite the more melodic tracks on New Southern, especially the Shinedown-sounding Black Heartbeat, Anti-Mortem have released the heaviest song on the album, 100% Pure American Rage, an out of control bull of a number, as their lead single. It was a bit of a risk, but one which seems to be paying off.

“They have been playing 100% Pure American Rage,” Smith says proudly. “That’s the single they chose because instead of going to the radio with your first single with Black Heartbeat getting us the name that we are playing pop music, it’s like, ‘hey let’s release 100% Pure American Rage because this song is the heaviest song that’s made it to the radio in probably 15 years!’

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NEW NOISE

For more album reviews head to xpressmag.com.au

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OUT OF 5

THE BLACK KEYS

OUT OF 5

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Turn Blue Nonesuch/Warner

Punk Goes 90s Vol. 2 Fearless Records

Once again, The Black Keys have shaken up their sound.

Now onto their eighth album, people’s opinion of Turn Blue will depend on which Black Keys album they first heard. Purists of the original two-piece garage blues will once again be disappointed at the high production values and the infiltration of non-guitar and drum instruments.

El Camino-ians will lament the lack of earbursting rock. The truth lies somewhere in between.

At its heights, Turn Blue is the best album to date for the band, and at worst, feels like a collection of B-sides from previous albums.

In Time, Turn Blue and Year In Review are perhaps the highlights, encapsulating all the various sounds the Keys have explored over years and filtering them into these brilliant songs. Fever is a nod to the fans of Camino, It’s Up To You Now harkens to the original blues sound of The Big Come Up and Dan Auerbach’s Keep It Hid, and Gotta Get Away is an uplifting and perfectly fitting outro.

The Black Keys’ ability to constantly adapt and evolve their sound is shown beautifully on Turn Blue, making it a solid eighth album and up there with their best, even if people don’t want to realise it.

The 15th instalment of the Punk Goes... series has arrived, continuing a yearly trend of unique approaches to modern and classic hits.

Featuring its usual highs such as Yellowcard’s violin-inspired cover of The Smashing Pumpkins’ Today or Garret Rapp’s incredible vocal melodies in The Color Morale’s take on the Foo Fighter’s historic Everlong; the compilation also includes some tragic lows including Falling In Reverse’s continuing self-destruction in their cover of Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise. Hands Like Houses’ version of Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn is will continue to tug at teen girls hearts whilst Asking Alexandria’s performance of Nine Inch Nails’ Closer will be a synth-filled joy for metal heads.

Derek Sanders may have stolen the show yet again; with his soaring vocal build in Mayday Parade’s exuberant adaption of Bush’s Comedown that is seemingly better then the original. The same can’t be said for Get Scared’s attempt at Lit’s My Own Worst Enemy, which they really haven’t altered or added anything to.

Overall, Punk Goes 90s Vol.2 may be the most solid and impressive release of the series to date and certainly beats listening to Punk Goes Christmas.

DANIEL PRIOR

AARON BRYANS

4.5

3

OUT OF 5

OUT OF 5

HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF

LILY ALLEN

Small Town Heroes ATO Records/PIAS

Sheezus Regal Recordings/Warner After bursting onto the scene with her hit, Smile, back in 2006 via the debut album Alright, Still and consolidating her reputation as pop’s First Lady of the outspoken with 2009’s follow up It’s Not Me, It’s You, Lily Allen is back with Sheezus.

Gone are the days of party Allen – doting mother and happily married Allen has arrived in lieu, for the most part anyway.

Singles such as Hard Out Here, and the title track have been well publicised, and for good reason, it seems as if Allen is trying too hard in parts on this album. Worried that her talent alone isn’t enough to carry an album, and therefore relies on shock lyrics, a slew of pop references and a little too much auto tune.

That being said there’s some real quality pop songs to be found, especially if you let the music wash over you and don’t pay too much attention to the lyrics or the constant changes in style. There is little coherence to the flow or style of songs.

L8 CMMR shows how satisfied Allen is with the bedroom chops of her new hubby; it’s the polar opposite to last album’s Not Fair. It’s a catchy tune that sees Allen at her musical best, and cheeky to match. URL Badman tackles online trolls while Insincerely Yours pokes fun at ungrateful artists who take fans for granted. A solid and fun release even if it lacks any kind of cohesion.

ALEXANDER CROWDEN

Alynda Lee Segarra has plenty of life experience to draw on when it come to the tales she puts to music.

Raised by her aunt and uncle in the Bronx, she dropped out of school, frequented the New York punk scene and then the day after she turned 17, freight-trainhopped across the country. Segarra settled in New Orleans and fell in love with the music and culture.

As a member of the Dead Man Street Orchestra, Segarra took up washboard and soon moved to the banjo. It was this instrument that allowed her the vehicle to front her own outfit, Hurray For The Riff Raff. Small Town Heroes is their most polished to date and should see the band spread roots deeper and wider than Southern America.

The things that make the band so great are still there, with Segarra brandishing her sultry morning after voice with verve and zest. She pays tribute to women who have been undervalued and forgotten on the foreboding The Body Electric. Segarra shows she has many tricks as she pulls on her gothic appeal and southern charm for the more chipper I Know It’s Wrong (But It’s Alright).

Hurray For The Riff Raff are one of the most brave and defiant bands to wear the Americana tag, and have the arsenal to put many of their more fancied counterparts to the sword. Small Town Heroes should widen their audience and give them the recognition they deserve.

CHRIS HAVERCROFT

3.5 OUT OF 5

2.5 OUT OF 5

WHITE SEA In Cold Blood Inertia Morgan Kibby bases herself in California, but is best known for her work with French producers M83, which has seen her hit stages in Australia to play the songs from the Saturdays=Youth and Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming albums. Kibby has recorded under the name White Seas for her first solo album, which draws on the synth pop success of previous outings.

In Cold Blood moves further away from the shoegaze leanings into efforts that are far more keyboard driven with bright soaring vocals. Many of the songs from In Cold Blood could have done some countries proud as Eurovision entries, including the brooding They Don’t Know which is made for stadiums.

Kibby is keen to show off her pop sensibilities with Future Husbands Past Lives that has the sheen and sex appeal of a Prince tune and Warsaw which has drums that hark back to the height of radio during the eighties and a chorus to die for. It’s not all thumping beats and big vocals though, as Kibby is adept when being introspective on the piano ballad Small December.

In Cold Blood finds Kibby stepping away from the comfort of her widely loved M83 collaborations to deliver a record that offers plenty for fans of pop and synth-based tunes.

CHRIS HAVERCROFT 14

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INFINITY BROKE River Mirrors MGM Australia Distorted, noisy and intense; Jamie Hutchings has evolved from his time in Bluebottle Kiss to form new beginnings in Infinity Broke.

It’s not easy to listen to, it’s not catchy, but it is impactful. With continual contrasting layers, it’s hard to pinpoint specifics of each track as a mesh of garage-style instruments and musty sound effects flow through the speakers; but it’s fair to say Infinity Broke has achieved a unique arrangement full of intrigue, groove, swagger and mystery.

Built around thumping tom-fills, clangy guitar tremolos and scratchy vocals; each track delves into the unknown of musical capabilities providing surprises each time around. The four-piece have highlighted the importance of listening and depth in modern music. That being said, none of the tracks are really memorable.

Infinity Broke have achieved exactly what they set out to do in generating profound tracks that stand out amongst popular music codes; but at the end of the day the record itself lacks any repeatable tracks that you’d keep in your music collection.

AARON BRYANS

A R T S & C U LT U R E

Perth hip hop maestro Mathas will perform at the State Of The Art Festival on Saturday, May 31, at the Perth Cultural Centre. BOB GORDON checks in.

Earlier this week Mathas, aka Thomas Mathieson, posted a thank you shout-out on his Facebook page to a young bloke he spotted singing along word-for-word to his song, Nourishment, at last weekend’s Groovin The Moo festival in Bunbury.

It’s a good feeling, seeing somebody embrace one’s creation so fully, but even more so given the context.

“I suppose it’s not a new concept,” he considers. “I have had people rap the lyrics back at me before, but they were always friends or people who frequent gigs.

“It’s a little bit different when it’s a young guy that can only get to see you at an all-ages festival and they know every word. You’ve never seen this person before and they’ve spent time absorbing every word. It’s pretty amazing. It reminds me of myself... and I know how much you have to like a song to do that.”

Mathas has long been a creative force with his own work in hip hop and simultaneously as part of the artist-and-musicians collective, The Community, which will celebrate its 10th Birthday with a two-room show at The Bakery on Saturday, June 21.

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“What a satisfying and, well, lucky 10 years it has been,” he reflects. “I feel pretty proud that so many of us over the last few years have started building a bit of recognition. I don’t think that’s a fluke, we’ve all worked for it and the music speaks for itself.

“But to have been lucky enough to grow up in this city, with that incredible group of artistic minds to bounce off, is something few people are fortunate to have. I mean wait ‘til you see the new stage show Naik’s been working on, at this birthday celebration... seriously, who are these fucking aliens I call friends?”

Mathas has a calm and collected presence onstage, yet one that is very commanding. Like all astute performers, he’s learned and refined his approach given experience over the years.

“I suppose that just comes from 10 years of performing on stage,” he says. “The comfort is real because I probably feel more comfortable up there than in most social situations. Over the years, being one guy spitting pretty coded lyric at people, I started working out small mechanisms that keep people’s attention… for one, I worked out that I couldn’t be too serious all the time, there had to be humour to even out the barrage of social nitpicking otherwise people get bored of your ‘preaching’.

“There are a bunch of others, but really... it’s just me wanting to be as genuine as I can to the audience and trying every possible method to emote that to them. When they connect, it’s pretty much the most important thing in the universe.”

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EVENTS

Nourishment, his 2013 WAM Song Of The Year Awardwinning collaboration with Abbe May opened up a new audience to Mathas and with it more experiences to draw from and opportunities to work even harder.

“It made the other side of Australia start paying a bit more attention than ever before” he says. “Also, people have popped up all over the place that found that song in particular resonated with them. I’ve had people hold my shoulders, look into my face and tell me that song changed how they think.

“That’s some incredibly heavy, eyes-welling up shit, man.

I can’t explain how that feels. Hopefully, I can work out a way to use that energy for some serious good one day.”

Mathas hopes to have his new album ready for the mixing phase in the coming weeks, “which feels good because I was supposed to release it last year,” he laughs. It’s just part of a year ahead that echoes the work ethic of the past decade.

“I’ll be putting out the third part of a series of three live verse videos,” he says. “I’ll be releasing a new single and filmclip in the coming months and if the world doesn’t feel like being a shithead we should have an album, Armwrestling Atlas out by September. There will also be a few compilation releases and a new website from The Community if all goes to plan.”

PIC: MATSU

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GOODBYE GIGER DILLIGAF ON DISPLAY Andy Quilty’s new exhibition, DILLIGAF, is on display at Linton And Kay Galleries Perth, from May 20 June 3. Quilty’s work here explores false masculinity, ignorance, self-defeating behaviour patterns and the suburban experience through the use of a variety of unusual but appropriate materials, including industrial resin, auto enamel, aerosol paints and even motorcycle burnouts. Go to lintonandkay.com.au for more info.

Burnout painting #2, 2014, motorbike burnout, aerosol and oil on aluminium composite, 81 x 118cm.

Just as we were going to print, X-Press learned of the death of Swiss artist H.R. Giger at the age of 74, apparently a result of injuries sustained in a fall.

Best known for designing the eponymous creature in Ridley Scott’s seminal science fiction horror film, Alien, Giger was much more than a movie monster maker. His weird “biomechanical” aesthetic fused the grotesque and the erotic in a wholly unique manner, horrifying and titillating in equal measure, and his work is instantly recognisable, whatever the medium. In 2013, Giger was inducted into the Science Fiction And Fantasy Hall Of Fame - just one of many accolades, including the Academy Award, bestowed upon someone who was inarguably one of the defining artists of the 20th century. Vale.

H.R. Giger

PUTTING THE WA INTO AGWA

SEE WEDNESDAY ON SUNDAY Perth indie production house Silver Squid, who earlier this year impressed us with the video clip for This Other Eden’s Shake This, are bringing us something fresh in the form of their new horror/comedy short film, See You Next Wednesday. Horror tragics will, of course recognise that the title is a reference to John Landis’ body of work, which bodes well for the content.

Written by and starring Justin Burford and directed by Kal J Englishby, the film makes an auspicious debut at The Velvet Lounge on Sunday, May 18, with musical guests Turin Robinson, Michael De Grussa, Seveno and Justin Burford, along with Ben Mulvey on hosting duties. Doors open at 7pm, entry is $10.

See You Next Wednesday

The Art Gallery Of Western Australia has, quite appropriately, a range of events and activities planned for WA Day on Monday, June 2. Celebrate our state’s cultural and artistic heritage by taking in Art As Life, a talk on the work of Guy Grey-Smith by curator, Melissa Harpley and contributions by the artist’s children, Mark and Sue Grey Smith. Curator Robert Cook, artist Joanna Lamb, author and lecturer David WhishWilson and Poet John Mateer host an interdisciplinary discussion on Regionalism: The Significance Of Place.

Plus, there are numerous family-friendly activities, and more. Go to artgallery.wa.gov.au for full details.

IRIS AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED Among the winners at this year’s prestigious IRIS Award for photographic portraiture work were Todd AndersonKunert for I Know It’s Bad (Judges Commendation Award) and Ariel Cameron for Cristine At Home (Student Award), while the IRIS went to WA’s own James Whineray for E-Shed. The IRIS Award Exhibition runs at the Perth Centre For Photography until June 9.

It’s A Numbers Game Directed by Terry Gilliam Starring Christoph Waltz, Melanie Thierry, David Thewlis, Lucas Hedges, Tilda Swinton, Matt Damon In the candy-coloured future of director Terry Gilliam’s (Brazil, 12 Monkeys) latest film, nobody seems too happy, least of all anxious mathematical genius Qohen Leth (Christoph Waltz). A small cog in a vast corporate machine, he begs his supervisor, Joby (David Thewlis) for release and gets it when he’s assigned to The Zero Theorem, a “guaranteed burnout” project, the object of which is to mathematically prove the futility of existence.

Qohen, sequestered in his abandoned church-cumhouse, tackles the task with utmost devotion, but distractions, largely in the form of Bainsley (Melanie Thierry), a seductive cam-girl, and Bob (Lucas Hedges) a teen technical genius, abound.

Comparisons to Gilliam’s earlier, excellent Brazil are inevitable, but The Zero Theorem portrays a corporate, commercial dystopia rather than a bureaucratic one; a nightmare of bright colours, shallow smiles and omnipresent advertising. Which means, of course, that it’s about the here and now, with Gilliam delighting in skewering everything from the commercialisation of religion to the infantilisation

TRAVIS JOHNSON

MICHAEL WORKMAN

HATCHED OPENING NIGHT PARTY PICA Friday, May 9, 2014 PICA hosted the city’s elite culture vultures last Friday to inaugurate the Hatched exhibition, which runs until June 29 and features work form Australia’s best emerging artists.

Soldier Of Misfortune

Photos by Bohdan Warchomij.

Tom, Briony, Rosie

Dragana, Rocky, Sam

Ash

Alli, Cee, Sophia

Grace, Anna 16

THE ZERO THEOREM

of the workplace - Qohen’s cubicle in the first part of the film resembles some terrible future iteration of the X-Box more than anything else - to the isolating effects of social media. Indeed, the film throws so many ideas at you at such a clip that the first time viewer will doubtless miss at least half of them - this is imagination at saturation point.

It’s funny, of course, in Gilliam’s typically black and absurdist manner, but at heart this is very serious business, a rumination on the old order versus chaos dichotomy. Qohen longs for a phone call that he imagines will bring meaning to his life; in the meantime, he orders his world as best he can. The mysterious Management (Matt Damon), head of the corporation Qohen owes fealty to and architect of The Zero Theorem, has similar goals, but the aims of both men are continually disrupted by the chaotic universe they inhabit. Disorder is everywhere; even tools like Dr Shirnk-Rom (Tilda Swinton), the virtual psychiatrist that Qohen tells his troubles to, are subject to malfunction and misfortune. In a milieu like this, at what price does control come? And is it worth paying?

This is easily Gilliam’s best film in years not that he’s managed many major releases in the recent past. Gilliam and Hollywood never made for comfortable bedfellows, despite the quality of some of their offspring. He has always seemed better off in his own corner of the cinematic universe, crafting sprawling, intricate, challenging films and firing them off at whoever cared to see them. Beautiful, bold and at times perplexing, The Zero Theorem is a welcome return from one of cinema’s most singular auteurs. Unmissable.

Sacha

In his new show, War, former Perth boy Michael Workman grapples with dreams, nightmares, war, peace, and the fundamental underpinnings of reality and the human experience - ambitious stuff for a man who ostensibly just tells jokes for a living.

“War is a story about a morphine addict who wanders into a battlefield and accidentally drags the entire world into a dream. Yeah.”

That, in a nutshell, is how Michael Workman describes his new stand up comedy show.

It’s heady material, but that should come as no surprise. In what could still, accurately if somewhat dismissively, be described as a nascent career, Workman has earned a reputation as a comic who digs deeper, emotionally, and stretches further, conceptually, than many of his peers - consider the excellent Mercy, or the at times painfully intimate Ogre. Veterans of his work know to go in with their brains engaged. However, this one still requires a little more clarification.

“It’s kind of about the idea of dream,” Workman continues. “And not like a dream but the dream and what that means in terms of human consciousness and where we come from and where we’re going. So it’s kind of tied into creation myths and the basis of humanity and how I kind of think that’s in danger at the moment because of certain factors.” he pauses. “Yeah, I don’t know, man - it’s a complex web.”

It sounds, we venture, like he’s exploring some Jungian territory here - delving into the notion of the collective unconscious.

“Kind of,” he answers. “And about how everything we do in the conscious world comes from the dream world- even the very basis of human civilisation has come from our dreams and our mysticism from ancient times. And the idea of that coming back and having an impact on the world that we know today sounds like an alien idea but it’s still an undeniable part of our makeup.

“On a small scale, when you have a dream, as soon as you wake up the dream starts to disappear. And that’s because it has no foundation on the material world - it can’t exist here and so it just sort of disappears. I wondered what if the opposite were true - if the physical world were to disappear and the dream were to become the foundation. That kind of ties in with a lot of creation and destruction myths from ancient cultures, so I sort of tired to contemporise that.”

Workman has already performed the show in Sydney and Melbourne, and though the reception WWW. XP RE SS MAG.COM. AU

has been warm, he admits that he’s received more than a few puzzled looks as well.

“Oh yeah, totally! Mostly it’s been quite good. I think that, the way things are, we have a lot of stupid reality shows and we’ve got a lot of flashy lights, you know, and we underestimate how smart people really are and we tend to condescend and talk down to them. After doing this show, I realise that the majority of people really want something challenging and confronting and I’ve been really happy with the response, actually. But, of course there’s always someone who just stares at me blankly and doesn’t get into it.”

TRAVIS JOHNSON

Michael Workman’s War runs at the Astor Theatre until May 17. For tickets and session times, head to perthcomedyfest.com.au.

THE DOMNICKS Freo Grande The Fremantle Heritage Festival closes with Mambo Nights #3, starring The Domnicks and Mambo Chic plus DJ and dancers.

BOB GORDON checks in with vocalist/ guitarist, Nick Sheppard, to see what’s happening in the world of The Domnicks.

The Domnicks are closing the Fremantle Heritage Festival and are happy to be doing so. Like many of us, they have their own special relationship with Freo.

“Well half of us live there,” Nick Sheppard says of vocalist/guitarist, Dom Mariani and bassist, Howard Shawcross. “We have always played Freo, and been really well received there. Clancy’s, The Norfolk, The Newport, Mojos, The Orient, West Coast Blues N’ Roots - we’ve played ‘em all!

“So Fremantle has played a big part in our development musically, and also financially; the money we earned from the gigs helped pay for both our records.

I think the same could be said of Perth in general; every one has been really supportive and encouraging. It’s just

really great that Freo has its own identity.”

It’s coming up on two years since The Domnicks released their last album, Super Real.

There’s plans afoot for a new release.

“We’re taking our time, hey?” Sheppard says. “We are just finalising dates to record, as it happens. We took some time out - about a year, actually - to get on with life and its rich tapestry.

So we’ve been getting back into playing and writing recently, and have got some great new songs to put out. We’ve also been re-evaluating how we approach the studio, so I’m really excited to get back in there!”

The four members of The Domnicks - also featuring drummer, Marz Frisina - are all hugely experienced, but also in very diverse musical areas. The impact of that on the whole band experience and their collective ability to perform and create is profound.

“I think experience is a very underrated commodity in popular music,” Sheppard says. “Our collective experience gives us all reference points to work off when we are writing and performing.

“For example, recently we’ve been working up a cover of Don Covay’s Sookie Sookie. As I’m a big jazz head, I’ve appropriated a horn line from Grant Green’s version of the same song; it works a treat!

“Music is endless, so listen! Don’t restrict yourself to genres. Don’t stop checking out new stuff, or old stuff. A good song is a good song is a good song….

“Where the magic happens for us is where diversity collides. When the sum of us equals more than our separate parts, both as writers and performers. And, as I’ve said before, teamwork is everything!”

WISH Leon Ewing Adapted from Peter Goldworthy’s novel of the same name by actor, writer and director Humphrey Bower, the play Wish concerns the relationship between a sign language teacher and one very special student. We spoke to Leon Ewing, who provides the musical accompaniment to the performance.

While there are only two actors in the play, there are three people on stage during the performance of Wish, with the third being accomplished musician Leon Ewing. His task is to improvise a live soundtrack to the dramatic action of the piece, a job he finds both challenging and rewarding.

“It’s a style of performance that is based very much in storytelling and I accompany the performance just playing an acoustic guitar in the space,” he explains to us. “So it’s three performers on stage, very stripped back, very intimate, very minimal. Originally it was performed in The Blue Room Theatre, which is a very small, intimate space.

It’ll be interesting to see how it translates at the Studio Underground in the State Theatre Centre. In the original performance, the audience was almost in the round surrounding the performers and that won’t be the case this time. So it’ll be different, but still a very different, very personal story. A lot of it is like a conversation with the audience.” Interestingly, seeing as the play is heavily centred on signing as a form of communication, many of the play’s key speeches are also delivered in Auslan.

Ewing also worked on the first production of the play. “Pretty much the first time we performed the work, it was Humphrey adapting the script from the Peter Goldsworthy novel, so he was working on a new adaptation which was constantly evolving in the rehearsal process. I would be in the room quite often just jamming with Humphrey. The thing I quite enjoyed about it is that it was like jamming with another musician, but that musician or that instrument happens to be an actor. So there’s a lot of push and pull between where the voice sits.

The music really lifts and adds a lot of emotion and atmosphere. We worked out the cue points – specific points where we thought the music would work or where we needed to create a mood or a shift of space and then I would arrive on a key or a tone that I’d want to set in the scene. And I would be improvising around those chord progressions.”

Leon Ewing in rehearsal for Wish - photo by Jon Green

Although his work is integral to the play, Ewing recognises that his job is to create a kind of aural scenery for the performance. “The really difficult thing about it is, ideally as a performer and a musician, you need to be invisible. While the audience is feeling and responding to your music, they’re not really aware that you’re there. So I kind of have to sit there and push focus – kind of like you do with puppetry, really, where you push focus at a puppet, the audience is watching the puppet and you become invisible. I’m doing that with music. If I get it right, nobody notices, but as soon as I fuck up, it’s very apparent!”

TRAVIS JOHNSON

Wish runs at the State Theatre Centre from May 14 - 24. For tickets and session times, go to perththeatre.com.au.

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THE ETHICS OF FASHION BLOGGING

AS YOU LIKE IT

Wintour is Coming

In the Black Swan State Theatre Company’s new production of As You Like It, William Shakespeare’s perennially popular romantic comedy, Perth actor Steve Turner takes the key supporting role of the melancholy Jacques.

Steve Turner

The fashion blogger fairy tale is that your rags will be turned into haute couture and your prince charming will give you a Miu Miu pump instead of a glass slipper. Since the ‘00s, blogging has become a viable job with the selected few rising quickly within the ranks of fashion royalty, LAUREN WISZNIEWSKI reports.

No longer does one has to be the daughter of Mick Jagger or a muse of Tom Ford to be seated in the front row of a major fashion show; only looks and fashion know how. Anyone, anywhere can become the next big thing providing you have a camera and a DSL plan. However, instead of bloggers representing the charm of true people, they become walking advertisements for fashion houses, meaning only the prettiest and skinniest survive.

Akin to a Cosmopolitan spread of ‘Top 10 Summer Buys”, fashion bloggers who receive gifts readily promote the product in their next post.

Bloggers play a huge role in moving merchandise and influencing consumer spending in a way that incites Sex And The City like mania, a la Carrie Bradshaw.

Most fashion bloggers not only work with fashion houses but also retailers. Examples include Carrie from wishwishwish and Connie from K Is For Kani who have both been affiliated with ASOS (Carrie still promotes brand sample sales that she attends as part of her job role). Brands look to what the people want, with the blogs attracting the most attention likely to be written by pretty, thin women.

The original attraction to these bloggers is their girl-next-door aesthetic. They’re supposedly wearing clothes that everyday people can afford, while still managing to pull off looks taken from the runway. They’re not supposed to be wearing clothes that cost a month’s rent.

When Tavi Gevinson first came onto the scene in 2008, she was an 11-year-old playing dressups. Within a year she was being courted by brands

Ex-fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson

such as Rodarte and Chanel, and generated more interest than a YouTube video of a puppy playing piano. Humble origins became a thing of the past, as bloggers began to rehash media releases to please advertisers. Some even officially model clothing, accessories and perfume. Bloggers are now the models selling us our clothes.

The question that remains is authenticity.

These fashionistas have become the most important, perhaps even the center of, 21st century trendsetters. Far removed from the world of enthusiastic teenagers publishing selfies with the caption, “I love this outfit!!!!”, these bloggers are articulate and savvy yet ultimately deceiving.

Prominently shooting items for their advertisers, they are marketing 2.0, yet can we really question their integrity? Who doesn’t like free stuff? The problem lies more in those chosen bloggers picked to rule the world. If we’re going to have everyday people selling our clothes, can we have at least a range of aesthetics rather than just very, very good looking people? Then we can really have the fairy tale ending.

In a career that spans over a quarter of a century, Steve Turner has appeared in a variety of productions, including the recent Black Swan staging of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, which starred Sigrid Thornton, When The Rain Stops Falling and Boy Gets Girl. But like so many actors who ply the stage, he’s no stranger to The Bard.

“This is my first production of As You Like It.” he tells us. “I’ve done six other of Shakespeare’s scripts. Some of them I’ve done more than once, like Twelfth Night I’ve done about three times, Much Ado About Nothing I’ve done twice. So yeah, I’m familiar with Shakespeare and the more I do it, the more I love it.”

The pastoral comedy sees a young heroine, Rosalind (Jovana Miletic) banished from the urban court of her father, Duke Frederick (Goeff Kelso), forced to seek refuge in the wilderness home of her uncle, the rightful Duke senior (Kelso again) and trying to win the heart of the dashing Orlando (James Sweeny), who is under the impression she is a he (Shakespeare, hey?). Mistaken identities and misapprehensions rule the day, until all is resolved for an across-the-board happy ending.

“I think it’s easily accessible because of its light-heartedness and its humour,” Turner says.

“The characters are quite clearly defined as good or bad, seeking love or despising love – it’s quite clear where everyone is coming from. There’s also only two settings. There’s the city, as in the court, and then there’s the country. In a way, the whole plat puts the city and the country against each other. The city is drawn as being quite dark and mischievous and full of politics and negativity, whereas the country is freer, people are much more pleasant to each other there, they find love and people let down their barriers.”

Turner plays Jacques, one of the rightful Duke’s men, who he describes as “...a bit of an

E D U C AT I O N , T R A I N I N G & C A R E E R S

DING DING DING: An academic analysis of the Solange and Jay Z fight TMZ, the modern day Bernstein and Woodward, released a shocking video clip on Tuesday. You’ll never believe what it revealed. Seriously, it would be unbelievable if there wasn’t actual footage of it. Solange, yeah Beyonce’s chill sister, goes proper fight club on Jay Z, Beyonce’s husband, in an elevator after the Met Ball. Beyonce stands by with her palms clasped as Hov’s security guard holds Solange’s flailing arms, but she manages to get a few punches and kicks in. No one knows why it happened. But everyone is speculating. So we got DR DAVID KEATLEY, an academic who specialises in social psychology and body language to analyse the incident.

So what’s the deal with the fight?

The reports from the night suggest that there was no prior friction or disagreement between the individuals involved (though further analyses would be needed to verify this). Reports of the fight suggest it was unprovoked; however, the body language of Solange as she enters the elevator is of someone who is angry and upset (stride pattern and gait).

It is likely that some disagreement or argument had been occurring and Solange was waiting for a moment she considered appropriate (i.e., the confines of an elevator).

People are susceptible to ‘catastrophic’ breaks in aggression. That is to say: most people have a ‘flash point’ - the moment at which they lose control and can no longer adequately contain their emotions. Most times, we find a way to expel our energy or frustration, but in some situations, especially when the provocation is close-by (e.g., the confines of an elevator), we direct the aggression towards them. There are myriad examples of this - celebrities having breakdowns, athletes no longer being able to participate in their sport due to stress and exertion.

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Why does Beyonce stand to the side?

There are two leading explanations. The first is that the fight was unexpected to escalated so quickly, and she is genuinely caught off-guard and unsure what to do.

The latter, is that the argument has two sides (i.e., Solange had a valid argument); this would leave Beyonce unsure of how to proceed - i.e., whose side to take. Also, in such a vicious outrage and attacks, it’s not surprising most people’s response is to stand back - and let the bodyguards intervene.

Do these kinds of fights (physical or verbal) happen often?

Quite often. There are several reasons for this, and no cause can be claimed to be the most prevalent.

However, most siblings are protective of each other and feel at times that our relatives can be ‘blind’ to their partner’s true intentions or behaviour. At this stage, individuals take it upon themselves to intervene and stand-up for their sibling.

Similarly, it may be the case that the sibling and the ‘in-law’ do not get along (and there’s no real need for them to - the sibling does not choose the partner, and may genuinely not have made friends with them were it not for their brother or sister’s relationship).

Therefore, it is not unusual for brothers/sisters and partners to not get along. Building a friendship takes time, and sometimes can be forced when the foundation of it stems from relationship to a sibling.

- What is it about this story that has everyone hooked?

And what does the interest say about us?

First and foremost - it is a mystery. There is obviously something that has happened to cause this sudden shift in behaviour, and we’re left with no explanation. This is a form of the Zeigarnik Effect wherein we remember most those activities or stories that are not finished. Television dramas capitalise on this by leaving viewers on cliffhangers. Similarly, we don’t know the full story with this episode, and want to know more. It also appeals to the conspiracy makers leaving us free to consider our own reasons and causes.

It doesn’t say anything necessarily negative about us - other than we like our stories to have endings, and have a desire to understand why people do what they do. The fact that celebrities are involved appeals to us in that it allows us to draw comparisons and realise that even those we elevate to iconic levels may still act as normal human beings.

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Steve Turner rehearsing As You Like It - photo by Gary Marsh.

enigma. He’s in the forest with his boss, as it were, The Duke, and they were banished from the Court a number of years ago. He’s quite a melancholy, philosophical sort of guy. I think he’s looking for the answers to the meaning of life in some way.

It’s a great character to play because he really is on his own in some way and he interacts with the other characters, but he’s his own man and he does whatever he wants.”

TRAVIS JOHNSON

As You Like It runs at the State Theatre Centre from May 17 - June 1. For vsession times and tickets, go to bsstc.com.au

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Spanish Film Festival A veritable feast of film plays at Cinema Paradiso until May 21, ranging from the multiple-award-winning opening night film, Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed, to the uproarious closing night horror comedy, Witching And Bitching, from shock and schlock specialist Alex de la Iglesia. Go to lunapalace.com.au for tickets and session times.

Fremantle Heritage Festival The rich history of the port city gets some time in the spotlight until May 18. Dozens of individual events under the festival banner will celebrate Fremantle, including concerts, lectures, recitals, exhibitions, art classes, tours, family activities and more. Head to fremantlestory.com. au for the full scoop.

The Australian Tattoo & Body Art Expo 2014 A celebration of skin art, rockabilly and alternative culture, burlesque and more. Over 200 tattoo artists and guest will congregate at the Perth Exhibition And Convention Centre from June 6 - 8. Go to tattooexpo.com.au for more.

Of Spears And Pruning Hooks II

VISUAL ARTS Ukiyo-E - Japanese Prints Of The Floating World: Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery An exhibition of Japanese woodblock prints from the collection of Ronald and Catherine Berndt. It runs until June 28. Head over to lwgallery.uwa.edu.au for details.

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

localmusicarts@xpressmag.com.au For more Art Stories head to

xpressmag.com.au

Rabbithead - Photo by Simon Pynt

Rabbithead: The Blue Room Theatre Director Ian Sinclair and Little y Theatre bring us a surreal and disturbing psychological drama that takes place on a fairy floss set, with an original soundtrack by Catlips. It runs from May 27 - June 14. Go to blueroom.org.au for tickets and info.

Dinosaur Discovery - Lost Creatures Of The Cretaceous: WA Museum Combining life-size moving models and 3D augmented reality technology, this world-class exhibition brings the unfathomably distant past to life. There will also be fossils and specimens on display, interactive activities and more.

It runs until August 3. Go to museum.wa.gov.au for more information.

Emma Hack - Florence Broadhurst Archive And New Works: Linton & Kay Galleries Perth A combination of painting, body art and photography, Emma Hack’s work conceals models in the wallpaper designs of famed Australian designer, Florence Broadhurst. Hack is probably best known for her work in Gotye’s Somebody That I Used To Know music video. The exhibition runs until May 14. Go to lintonandkay.com.au for more information.

Of Spears And Pruning Hooks II: Spectrum Project Space Run in collaboration with the WA Police and Bright Blue - Police Commissioner’s Fund For Sick Kids, this biennial exhibition sees Perth artists creating works from weapons collected by the cops. It runs until May 16. Head for ecu. edu.au for more information.

It Feels As Though We’ve Always Been Here: Paper Mountain Simone Johnston’s upcoming solo exhibition looks at our emotional ties to the places we’ve been and the homes we’ve left. It runs until May 25. Check out papermountain. org.au for more.

Pinkification - Rethinking Pink: Spectrum Project Space Deedee Noon’s photographic portrait exhibition consists of 34 portraits of WA women showcasing their favourite colour. It runs from May 21 - June 7. Go to ecu.edu.au for more.

THEATRE/DANCE/ PERFORMANCE Elephents: The Blue Room Theatre This first production by new theatre company The Last Great Hunt uses song and allegory to examine the things everybody knows that we just don’t want to talk about. Written by Jeffrey Jay Fowler and directed by Kathryn Osborne, it runs until May 18.

Go to blueroom.org.au for session times and tickets.

Fights And Flights: State Theatre Centre A stunning mixture of dance, theatre and kung fu from Steps Youth Dance Company. 65 performers, ranging in age from seven to 30, work together to celebrate the challenges and victories of life. It runs from May 10 - 11.

For tickets and session times, go to ticketek.com.au.

Twelve Angry Men: Melville Theatre Directed by Vanessa Jensen and adapted from the original Reginald Rose teleplay by Sherman Sergel, the timeless locked-room legal thriller comes to the Melville theatre until May 17. Go to meltheco.org.au for info and tickets.

As You Like It: State Theatre Centre Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy comes to the stage once more courtesy of Black Swan State Theatre Company. Directed by Roger Hodgman and starring Jovana Miletic and James Sweeney, it runs from May 17 - June 1. Visit bsstc.com.au for more.

Patyegarang: State Theatre Centre This new production from Bangarra Dance Theatre tells the story of the eponymous Aboriginal woman who taught her language to Lieutenant William Dawes of the Colonial Fleet. It runs from July 30 - August 2 for five performances only. Tickets are available via Ticketek.

FESTIVALS Perth International Comedy Festival Our annual explosion of stand up excellence runs until May 18 and features performances from Julian Clary, Bob Saget, Chris Franklin, Michael Workman, Eddie Ifft, Felicity Ward, Hannah Gadsby, Jim Jefferies, Lawrence Leung, Mike Epps, Sami Shah, Stephen K. Amos and more. Go to perthcomedyfest.com.au for full details.

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Grounded in hard-hitting trap, Slumberjack tracks burst at their hip hop seams with shamelessly downy pop. You’ll typically hear shimmery synths layered across even more shimmery synths, eight bit samples, generous fingersnaps, whacked-out nu soul vocals, and a few cheeky sirens. Paired with those rapid-fire beats, listening to a track like last month’s Sprinter is like getting embroiled in a gang war pillow fight. ZOE KILBOURN caught up with the boys ahead of their gig at the State Of The Art Festival, Saturday, May 31.

Slumberjack are Fletcher Ehlers and Morgan Then, Perthlings with a growing following (and a recent release with over 38,000 Soundcloud listeners). Aside from sleep, they’re big time lovers of Dilla, Skrillex, Timbaland, Glitch Mob, and Ta-Ku. “It’s not just their music that we dig; it’s also their approach,” says Morgan. “These artists aren’t

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afraid to be a little bit different. I mean they might experience a few backlashes from purists but the loyal fans seem to always be backing the creative decisions they make. Each of these artists are legendary in their own right with the way they carry their music with them.”

Fan loyalty is the holy grail for most producers; more importantly, connecting with an audience is a big priority for these guys. Alongside bigger club gigs, Slumberjack are willing to give the little guy a shot, as in their regular appearances at UWA’s EMAS parties.

Not that EMAS are little, of course. When asked about their EMAS Ibiza gig, Morgan clearly digs the work. “Hah! Shout out to the EMAS crew, love those guys and their work pushing electronic music to future showgoers. We’re both very fortunate to be based here in WA; the bass/ indie dance scene here is indeed very healthy and we always see a good number of people show up to support the style of music we do. With crews like Die High, Get Weird, ICSSC and Pilerats constantly pushing the envelope, we can’t see it slowing down anytime soon.”

That supportive scene, the sense of community, is something Slumberjack keep returning to. Morgan continues: “In regards to doing shows, I guess the priority is to connect to a bigger audience. We learnt this from Josh aka Goldroom, whilst on tour with him just this February. He really values every single fan/listener and we strive to do the same. It doesn’t matter if punters walk away from a show and

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decide to never listen to us again, but what matters is that we gave it a shot and there was a chance that we could’ve connected with that listener. Oh, also if the gig is going to be fun with our friends there too, we’re down! We particularly love shows where the line-up is a tight crew of mates.”

WA, home of the bushdoof, does throw up some weirder EDM opportunities. “We love warehouse gigs; there’s something about them that gives us a buzz. The weirder side of Perth nightlife is absolutely crucial too. I think it’s these kind of movements that give a spark to emerging sub-genres and give the style a very good foundation before booming to the mainstream i.e. Big Room, Rave, Dubstep.”

It’s always a weird road to music production. Fletcher puts it down to a single track: “I first heard a tune called Lava Lava by Boys Noize when I was pretty young and fell in love with electronic music from that point onwards.” For Morgan, it was “Laidback Luke and Skrillex, both polar opposites with their style but very intriguing when I first heard them. When coming up with an idea we’ll usually start working solo and come up with a drumbeat or a hook, then send it to the other person when we feel like we’ve hit a wall. That’s one of the many great things about being in a duo.”

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LÉ CLUB IS BACK ON AGAIN CROOKED COLOURS ANNOUNCE TOUR Following on from their performances at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival and Groovin The Moo, Crooked Colours will embark on their first ever national tour.

The In Your Bones Tour will see the band joined by Melbourne duo Deja and Artist Cartel DJs as they stop over in seven cities across Australia this July. Check them out at Amplifier, Saturday, July 12.

Crooked Colours

After le club’s première - which saw the sensational Hunee (DE/US) take us on a spiritual journey from divine disco to transcendent techno - we’re bucklingin for a tour-de-force from a true master. This time it’s all about house music, with larger-than-life special guest Achim Brandenburg aka Prosumer behind the decks. A resident of legendary Berlin club Panorama Bar, the exceptional selector will be bringing his timeless style to Connections Nightclub on Friday, May 30. Expect a night of the purest house selections; jacking classics, acid anthems, analogue techno and powerful vocals that will take you back to the better days.

Prosumer

Continued from cover...

Clearly, Skrillex is close to these boys’ hearts. “We both loved Recess!”, says Fletcher, regarding the sidebanged bassdropper’s latest release. “There’s so much diversity, which is really what we’re all about.

We’re definitely not ones to adhere to a “sound” evidenced by the fairly eclectic mix of stuff we’ve already released. Those mysterious marketing ploys have always fascinated me, my favourite film (Donnie Darko) did a similar thing and I frothed over it.”

As for that eclecticism: “We tend to keep pretty up to date with what’s going on with the tech side of music production,” Fletcher says. “I’ll often be found up late watching a Youtube video of someone controlling synths with some new techy glove….

Having said that though, we are big believers of working completely “in-the-box” and don’t use any hardware synths though we won’t completely shut ourselves from hardwares if the opportunity arises.

We often have spontaneous studio sessions where we try and write something completely different with the primary goal being to make things sound as weird and unheard of as possible. A lot of the time it sounds terrible but every now and then there’ll be a little gem which we can expand on and turn into something really cool.”

Do Slumberjack approach music with a sound in mind? “When Fletch and I first jumped

into the studio, we knew nothing. And I mean it, absolutely nothing,” says Morgan. “We kinda picked up the pieces along the way and to be honest, the learning curve hasn’t eased one bit. But that keeps everything exciting and us on our toes.

“If we were to describe our sound, I think it would make more sense to put ourselves in the movement which guys like Ta-ku, Flume, Cashmere Cat etc. spearhead. In terms of our direction, we will constantly be listening to innovators of music, being influenced by them and experimenting with weird styles. Having said that, we still keep in mind the hip hop/trap backbone we love. I feel it’s very limiting to give yourself a clear path as it makes you ignore all the cool things that might come at you.”

If there’s one thing Fletch and Morgan like as much as the trap backbone, it’s sleep. Of course, I’ve gotta ask. “We’re all for sleeping,” says Fletch.

“Both of us have these horrible, horrible nightmares where we’ll turn up for a big gig and have forgotten a vital piece of equipment then stand on stage frantically trying to plug things in and watch as people slowly disappear. It’s happened to me 4 or 5 times in the past six months.”

According to Morgan, Slumberjack may have the powers of dream prescience. “One time it actually came true where I forgot my laptop (silly me), but luckily my place was just around the corner. Phew!”

‘APPY BIRTHDAY, DEATH DISCO

EMINEM SAYS SORRY TO DEBBIE

Surecut Kids are a two-man music production/remix/ DJ group/radio hosting/party machine, and they are coming to Capitol, Saturday, May 24 to wish Death Disco a very merry birthday. Performing with four or two turntables, MPC’s, and their beloved confetti cannon; their sets contain bass driven party music like trap, moombahton, hip hop, drum and bass and everything in between. Late last year the boy’s dropped their debut album, WERK, featuring the singles Show You What I’ve Got, Tangle and Toke Dat feat. Kitch. Equal parts ‘banger’ and ‘head nodder’, WERK is essential listening for any bass music lover.

According to the boys, it’s ‘like pouring natural yogurt in both ears!’

A lot of Eminem’s meteoric rise to success was punctuated with his hate for his Mum, Debbie Mathers. We all remember Cleanin’ Out My Closet, right? Where Eminem raps, “You selfish bitch; I hope you fucking burn in hell for this shit / Remember when Ronnie died and you said you wished it was me? / Well guess what, I am dead – dead to you as can be!” Well, the video clip for Headlights, from his newest album, Marshall Mathers LP 2, was released on Mother’s Day and apologises for all that dickish behaviour. Directed by Spike Lee, the clip is shot from the first person perspective of Debbie, as she watches her son spit hate towards her. Watch the clip at xpressmag.com.au.

Surecut Kids

Eminem

WITH L$TREET L$TREET shares his top five new bass tracks

The Roots Feat.

Modesty Lycan When The People Cheer Def Jam

I bet you thought that the world’s greatest band fell off after they got Jimmy Fallon famous, right? Nope.

The Roots are back b-boys & b-girls, Black Thought is rhyming like he is 21-years-old and Questlove’s production has never sounded so clean.

Jhene Aiko Comfort Inn Ending (Freestyle) Epic/Def Jam

I’m afraid that hip-hop’s best kept secret is out. Jhene Aiko was the surprise star on J.Cole’s Born Sinner LP and Drake’s Nothing Was The Same LP in 2013, but this is the final and the best release to date from the Japanese artist born and raised in LA. Trust me when I tell you Jhene Aiko is the star of 2014.

FREDDIE GIBBS AND MADLIB Uno STR8 SLAMMIN/ E$GN

You could pick any track off what most are already calling the album of 2014, but Uno stands out just a little above the rest. From album Cocaine Piñata, this is signature Madlib synths over story telling that can only come from Freddie Gibbs. Uno is a perfect example of how a new generation MC and a pioneering producer can come together in 2014 and speak to the streets. Even you cafe rappers are getting caught bumpin’ gangsta gibbs.

2 CHAINZ Freebase T.R.U/Def Jam

SMOKE DZA FEAT AB-SOUL Hearses Warner Bros

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The most debated MC in hip hop returns with a free EP (Freebase) for the fiends and this is the title track. It’s got haunting production, complete with Honourable C.N.O.T.E and Richard Pryor samples. Freebase is signature Chainz delivery--saying it all, by saying nothing at all.

Most known for one of the world’s most exclusive polo collections in NYC, and the odd weed track or 10, Smoke DZA has grown with every release since his debut in 2011. Hearses is a collaboration with Ab-Soul of T.D.E fame, and is a stand out track off DZA’s new LP Dream.ZONE.Achieve. Produced by newcomer DJ Dahi, this is a throwback to the hip hop that was made in New York in the late ‘90s.

The Presets. Photo by Michael Caves

THE PRESETS DJ Beni/Wordlife Capitol Thursday, May 08, 2014 Sneaking in a sideshow prior to Bunbury Groovin’, The Presets gave the die-hard fans an alternative opportunity to see this Sydney-based mainstream electronic duo. DJ Beni span solid deep house and techno set dropping in suitable warm up tunes and dance floor classics such as Julio Bashmore’s Au Seve that helped the early arrivals get into the swing of things. Also on the tour, Wordlife, fashioned a slow groove feeling to the warm up, dropping in a mixture of hard tracking house and several of their own creations, dropping the Vision EP mid set, which got the audience up and dancing in preparation for the main act to follow With what looked like a honeycomb lighting rig back drop, the stage was split in two halves, with stage left packed out with laptops, mixers, drum pads and a pair of cymbals, while over on stage right, analogue synths and a lone microphone sat ready and waiting for Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes to enter the platform.

The room erupted with beams of glaring white lights and to the fanfare of synthetic brass overtures. The two veteran producers greeted the audience and launched straight into the Push and set off the night with an extended remixed trip of their catalogue hits.

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The obvious reliance on backing tracks didn’t distract from the overall live feel, as the two gents both kept themselves busy with the live kit before them, while Moyes had traded his traditional drum kit for sample trigger pads, the use of cymbal crashes at opportune moments gave a reminder of their early style. The whole time Hamilton’s vocals remained solid and clean, cutting through the mix with distinction and emotion.

All the familiar hits came forth, with Promises, I Go Hard I Go Home and Are You The One receiving on mass appreciation from the dance spectators. Each track had the added twist of heavier bass and more prominent drum tracking that give the performance a hefty club feeling that isn’t apparent on the album version.

With new material in the pipeline, the new track Goodbye Future and another unnamed song, the duo are set to continue down the path of accessible electronic dance music; and why not, since from the reactions all-round the venue, their formulaic creations hit the mark every time.

The sonic clarity and melodic electronica continued on, with an overall groove apparent, and although the set performed tonight was the same as the NSW GTM show, for a Thursday night, and without all the hassle of attending a crowded festival, the modestly sized audience were treated to a first class show that had the all the attributes The Presets are famed for, packaged and delivered beautifully.

MICHAEL CAVES

ALLDAY EVERYDAY We caught up with the Melbourne-based MC Allday as he was reflecting on the recent completion of his new album and the little break he is embarking on to celebrate. RK talks to Tom Gaynor aka Allday about the urge to get back to writing ahead of his show at Flyrite, Friday, May 30.

“They’re not exactly musically oriented,” chimes the MC when speaking of his family. “Music though was always a big part of my household,” he says as if to rebut himself. “Music is playing 24/7 at my mum’s house and she always encouraged me to be creative.” As a result, the youngster experimented at art school, toyed with graffiti and experimented with writing songs. All of which culminated in a hobby that ultimately looks like it’s going to lead to bigger and better things.

Indeed, winning his first MC battle when he was just 17, the lad felt that really set the scene for him. “I was young, but it didn’t feel young to me,” he explains. “My best friend is a rapper from Adelaide called Dialect. He was winning battles when we were

PYRAMID DARK HORSE Despite having just completed his tertiary studies in design, Pyramid aka Frenchman Etienne Copin has no plans to switch out of his current career just yet. The Lyon-based DJ/producer got our attention last year with his track Wolf, and spoke to TOM KITSON ahead of his show at The Bakery, Friday, May 16.

Touring extensively since releasing his last EP The Phoenix, Copin has also been working on some new productions for release later this year. His interest in and passion for music has slowly snowballed into a full time occupation over the last year, to the point where some of his inspiration is coming from fans of his music.

“I used to make music just for myself, but now that people like it I want to make more,” he says.

“When my single Wolf came out and was doing really well down in Australia I knew that I could go for a career in music.”

“I’m really thankful to triple j and Australia in general for playing my songs and lifting my profile a lot.” Influenced by artists like Boards of Canada, Trentemoller and the Ed Banger crew, Copin identifies

14 so that made me feel like a late bloomer. At the time, I just knew I could freestyle a little bit. I’d always written raps, but I had absolutely no idea how to make any of that into real music or what steps to take.”

The prize for winning the battle as it turned out though, was time in the studio. That spurred a demo CD which resulted in an EP and then an album and a raft of touring.

“When my song So Good got some traction on the radio I decided I didn’t have much else going on in life so I should give music a serious try,” he says.

“It all just flowed on from there. When I did the Loners Are Cool EP, I really wanted to tell a story about the lone side of me; I wanted people who related to that to feel better about themselves. To be honest, the project was a massive struggle because I parted ways with my producer and had no budget to make the EP.” As it turned out, everything happens for a reason and when it was all finished up, the only song that he felt he would listen to if it wasn’t his, was Eyes On The Road. “So I started working on my LP and based it off that sound,” he reveals. “It’s coming out in the middle of the year and has been a real labour of love. I have been driving around listening to it and smiling to myself. I don’t want to talk it up too much, but I’m happy that I’m getting better and I intend to keep getting better.”

Finally, he reflects on what makes this all worthwhile – his very raison d’être. “It’s all for the people, to the people. I always keep the philosophy that musicians are supposed to be the voice of the people and not above them. That’s why I prefer to meet fans and interact with them and that’s why I do my best to reply to people on social media.”

Life of a real MC? Must be.

with darker, moodier brands of electronic music than his counterparts in the disco or deep house games.

“I’m not a big fan of deep house personally, one of the biggest genres at the moment, but I believe all types of music have their place,” he says.

A habitual perfectionist who strives to reproduce an idea in his mind in sonic form, he has a few prerequisites that need to be fulfilled in order for him to go to work.

“For me, there are two things that I need to be able to make music,” he says. “Number one is being comfortable, relaxed and in a good environment.

Number two is feeling like I want to make music, not doing it because I have to or for other reasons - that’s really important.”

Following a busy schedule for his current Australasian tour, Copin put together a mix for triple j upon his arrival in the country this month featuring the likes of Tensnake, Mos Def, Darius, and some of his own unreleased tunes.

“I definitely have new music for my upcoming shows, some of which I just played in my mix for triple j,” he says. “It will be really exciting to play with Chela too, since I’ve heard she’s really good live.” Crediting his label Kitsune with much of his success, Copin appreciates his position as a successful artist who’s transitioned from creating music for personal use to entertaining massive crowds around the world.

“The guys from Kitsune have been huge for my career,” he says. “They gave me a chance to be on one of their mixes when I won a remix competition, and then they wanted to play some tracks on my Soundcloud page. Now they’ve organised this tour for me, so I’m really grateful to them.”

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FRI 16/05

WED 14/05 AMPLIFIER BAR Academy ft.

Jonny Craig This Wild Life Kyle Lucas THE BEAT (DOWNSTAIRS) Street THE BIRD Catlips DJ b2b Pete BRASS MONKEY James Ess CAPITOL Harlem Wednesdays Genga Peter Payne J.YES Philly Blunt Lenox Ave: Pussymittens BMB Benny P CAPTAIN STIRLING Lokie Shaw CLUB RED SEA Cheek CONSERVATORY ROOFTOP BAR Horseplay THE DEEN Manic Mondays GOLD BAR Famous THE GOOD SHEPHERD Thinkfar GROOVE BAR (CROWN) 5 Shots HULA BULA BAR Hula Bula Madness LLAMA BAR Akuna Club THE LUCKY SHAG Howie Morgan METRO FREO C5 Next Gen MUSTANG BAR Kickstart DJ Giles NEWPORT HOTEL Newport Wednesdays –

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Student Night OCEAN ONE BAR Brazil Night ft.

Xoxote THE ODD FELLOW Parlour DJ Crew SOVEREIGN ARMS J!mmy Beats VILLAGE BAR Village People Wednesdays

THURS 15/05 BRASS MONKEY Rhythm Bound Karaoke BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke THE BRIGHTON Miss Chief THE CAUSEWAY Xport Thursdays THE CLAREMONT HOTEL Institution Thursdays CLUB RED SEA Thursday Night Revolution CONNECTIONS Bingay THE CRAFTSMAN J!mmy Beats THE DEEN Chase The Sun Thursdays GOLD BAR OG Thursdays GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Dr Bogus LEISURE INN DJ Peta LIBRARY Sneaky LOST SOCIETY The Collective LUKCY SHAG James Wilson MUSTANG BAR Vida Cain Zupoter Zues Conan Chapman DJ James MacArthur

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THE CAUSEWAY

GINGER

DELICIOUS @ ROCKET ROOM

Bannr

INTERVIEWS

AMBAR Fresh Produce Jay Francisco Nate Whickey Dean Tracey Butcherskank BannGr AMPLIFIER Fridays are back ft.

Kla AVIARY Ben Sebastian NDORSE THE BAYSWATER Mario Zuli BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Play THE BIRD Jive for a Reason United Sound Alliance DJs THE BRASS MONKEY James Ess Green George THE BRIGHTON DJ Peta CAPITOL Death Disco CAPITOL (UPSTAIRS) I Love 80s & 90’s ft Darren Tucker THE CARINE J!mmy Beats THE COMO Big A CONNECTIONS Women’s Sundowner DJ Cinnamon & Milly DAILY PLANET Sundowner Sessions THE DEEN Student Night EVE NIGHTCLUB Recharge Fridays FLAWLESS Monarch Fridays GEISHA BAR Foreign Exchange Dan McNab Crystaleyez Deep Under JK Robot Chef Fishtrek THE GEORGE NDORSE GINGER NIGHTCLUB Mondo Dance Party GOLD BAR Vanity THE GOOD SHEPHERD Thinkfar GROOVE BAR (CROWN) DJ Crazy Craig THE GRAND Jay Mckay LAKERS TAVERN Grizzly LUCKY SHAG DJ Richie G MALT

Nu Disco Hip Hop METRO FREO Clique – 004 Angry Buda DJ Mr-Phat Chris Whitehype METRO FREO C5 Trap’d Olithatgod Midsole D’Vaus Brothers MINT Club Retro MULLALOO BEACH HOTEL Flaunt Fridays DJ Darren Wize MUSTANG BAR DJ James MacArthur MY PLACE Karaoke NORTHSHORE TAVERN Chalk N Cheese THE ODD FELLOW Dub vs Soul Soundclash DJs PARAMOUNT Paramount Party Crew PARKER Limelite presents Prok & Fitch Sunnery James Ryan Marciano Mel Bee Dave Kastel Lukas Wimmler THE QUEENS Jon Ee DJ Reuben ROCKET ROOM Club Freak DJ Liam DJ Jessica Kill DJ Red Fez THE SAINT Britty

THE SHED Crush SOVEREIGN ARMS Az-T VILLA NIGHTCLUB Swagger Safari ft Swagger Yara Sofia MILK WHALE & ALE Danny B YAYA’S ACE Fridays DJ Pup

SAT 17/05 AMPLIFIER Pure Pop ft Eddie Electric AMBAR Japan 4 ft.

Pussymittens Blend Bezwun DNGRFLD Micah AVENUE Lokie Shaw THE AVIARY Zel Samuel Spencer Troy Division THE BALMORAL Back To The 80’s BAR ORIENT The Reggae Club BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) CANVAS BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) House Party THE BIRD JAMBALAYA! Grace Barbe

Butcherskank

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Savoir Ben Taaffe Dave Clarke Rex Monsoon BRASS MONKEY DJ Peta Grizzly THE BRIGHTON DJ Miss Chief CAPITOL Death Disco CAPITOL (UPSTAIRS) Cream of the 80’s ft DJ Roger Smart THE COMO Moe-Hee-Toe CORNERSTONE Mario Zuij THE DEEN Saturdays EAST END BAR Home FLAWLESS LQ Saturdays FLYRITE Father ft HIPHOPTRAPJERSEY PurpleNote4APurpleDrank Free Throws GEISHA BAR Kinky Malinki Dekski Riki Henton Ben Renna Viktor Houshed THE GENEROUS SQUIRE Defanutly GOLD BAR Pure Gold THE GOOD SHEPHERD Juice GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Hero DJs LIBRARY MKT LOST SOCIETY Chalk LUCKY SHAG DJ Richie G METRO CITY EDM Saturdays METRO FREO Metropolis Saturdays ft.

Darren Tucker Dr Wazz Benny C DJ Shane METRO FREO C5 I Love 80s and 90s ft.

Dr Wazz DJ Shane MUSTANG BAR Shot Down From Sugartown DJ Holly Doll Milhouse NEWPORT HOTEL Gravity DJ Tahli Jade NORTHSHORE TAVERN

Pyramid

Local Heroes ft.

Two Plus One PARKER Parker Saturdays ft.

Micah ACEBASIK Axen Paul Scott Lukas Wimmler PARAMOUNT Saturday Nights ft.

Felix THE QUEENS Jon Ee 3Manuel THE SAINT Crackers THE SHED HUGE SOVEREIGN ARMS Jinx Project VILLA NIGHTCLUB Jungle Fever ft.

Nicky Blackmarket Mc Fatman D Greg Packer Gorilla Tactics Rufkut Skinny b2b Rowdy THE WHALE & ALE Sonny YAYA’S ARCADIA @ YAYAS DJ Cookie

SUN 18/05 THE AVIARY NDORSE Ben Sebastian Zel CLAREMONT HOTEL Sunday Driver CLUB BAY VIEW Lokie Shaw FLYRITE DAY-WOO LUCKY SHAG Sunday Session Hans Fiance MULLALOO BEACH HOTEL Sunday Sesh

DJ Slick MUSTANG BAR DJ Holly Doll NORTHSHORE TAVERN DJ Andrew C Sessions THE QUEENS Devo Sam Spencer THE ROSEMOUNT (BEER GARDEN) The Get Down Charlie Bucket Klean Kicks Nick Sheppard THE SAINT Jon Ee Az-T THE SHED The Healy’s Blue Hornet THE X-WRAY CAFÉ THE SHED The Healy’sDJ Click Brown Fox

MON 19/05 THE AVIARY Paradise Paul DJ Ben Sebastian BRASS MONKEY Monkey Madness THE DEEN Manic Mondays THE ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Bex & Turin’s Wide Open Mic THE SHED The Healy’s YAYA’S Big Tommo’s Open Mic

TUES 20/05 THE BIRD The Bird’s Open Mic Night BRASS MONKEY Acoustic Open Mic Night MUSTANG BAR Danza Loca Salsa Night

Deadline Monday 5pm. The Club Manual is a service to advertisers listing all DJs & Dance Music. All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press. Email guide@xpressmag.com.au

FRATHOUSE FRIDAY @ METROPOLIS FREMANTLE

THE SHED

CAPITOL

SALT NIGHTS OUT

THIS WEEK CHELA 15 Mojos

THE COLLECTIVE 15 Lost Society Bar KITSUNE CLUB NIGHT W/ CHELA AND PYRAMID 16 The Bakery FRESH PRODUCE ft.

Jay Francisco, Nate Whiskey, Dean Tracey, Butcherskank, BannGr 16 Ambar JUNGLE FEVER FT NICKY BLACKMARKET + MC FATMAN D 17 Villa Nightclub KINKY MALINKI 17 Geisha

CHELA

JAPAN 4 W/ PUSSYMITTENS 17 Ambar MAY FRESH PRODUCE ft.

Jay Francisco, Nate Whiskey, Dean Tracey, Butcherskank, BannGr 16 Ambar

JUNGLE FEVER FT NICKY BLACKMARKET + MC FATMAN D 17 Villa Nightclub ALISON WONDERLAND 23 Secret Location EMILY SCOTT 23 Parker

THURSDAY, MAY 15 @ MOJOS ALLDAY 30 Flyrite RuFuS 30 Players Bar 31 Fremantle Arts Centre SWEATWERX PRESENTS HOUSE TO HOUSE ft.

Da SweatPosse, Prince Ali Elmerthudd, DJ Beltdrive, Fast Eddie, The Flexxxmen 31 Velvet Lounge

THE PRESETS (with the Australian Chamber Orchestra) 4 Concert Hall SCHOOLBOY Q 5 Villa Nightclub KORELESS 6 The Bakery

JULY

REMi 4 The Bakery DEATH DISCO WITH JUST A GENT 12 Capitol CROOKED COLOURS 12 Amplifier

THE FUNKOARS Answered by Sesta

TLC 13 Metro City

GARETH EMERY 19 Metros

J-TRICK 13 Parker

METRONOMY 23 Astor

CHET FAKER 19 Astor Theatre

METRIC 25 Capitol

L-FRESH THE LION 24 Mojos

JUNE KENNY DOPE 1 Parker

LAURYN HILL 24 Fremantle Arts Centre

STWO, SANGO AND POMO 1 The Bakery

CHECK THIS 21 Parker

AUGUST THE ASTON SHUFFLE 23 Amplifier

ELLIE GOULDING 28 Challenge Stadium

THE CHAINSMOKERS 1 Metros

COIN BANKS 27 Amplifier

KID INK 25 Villa

You’ve said that your new EP Dawn Of The Head represents a new direction for the band, can you tell me a bit about that?

It is definitely the most comfortable we have felt with making music, so I think that is reflected in the EP. It is definitely the music we want to make.

It is still 100 per cent the same mechanics behind the writing and production that has always made our music.

What was the highlight of the EP? I really couldn’t pick a highlight. I am pretty happy overall with how it sounds. However doing The D live has been real fun. That song encapsulates the energy we have when we do a live show so I have really been enjoying that.

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You recently played with Xzibit, what was that like?

Awesome. He is a really nice guy. I have been a fan of his since At The Speed Of Life and, of course, the stuff he did with Tha Liks. We were honoured to share the stage with him and it was wild to see him do all the classics live. He also poured a shot of something for us after the gig, so we shared a quick drink. Not sure what it was but if X pours you something you just drink it.

What’s in store for The Funkoars for the rest of the year?

Working on a full LP at the moment, which will be released before the end of the year. Like the EP, we are feeling really comfortable with making what ever music we want at the moment and I don’t think the chemistry of the group has ever been better so I am really excited about this one.

The Funkoars are playing at Capitol, Friday, May 23.

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LOCAL NEWS

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INTERVIEWS

Robert DeLong

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REVIEWS

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Q & A

Jungle Giants

Illy

There aren’t many national festivals with a regional focus but, Groovin The Moo, now in its ninth year, aims to provide Australia’s countryside with an annual dose of live music and good times. 2014 was no different.

A very lively Coin Banks and his band kicked off the day’s lineup in the Moolin Rouge tent, playing to a scattered seated audience and a small crowd of enthusiastic fans dancing away at the front.

Things changed when fellow Perth rapper Mathas took to the stage – acting a magnet and drawing the crowd to the front. Mathas is completely at ease onstage to the point of lying down and pretending to pass out at the end of White Sugar. A highlight was watching his WAMI award winning Nourishment, a duet with Abbe May (who unfortunately was not

there to sing her part in person) and a poignant local social commentary. Pretty heavy stuff to kick off the day, but worthwhile to get there early and see.

While Jungle Giants played blissful indiepop in the afternoon sun, Andy Bull began his set of dark electronica in the dark, shady tent. I was struck by his beautiful cover of Tears For Fears’ Everybody Wants To Rule The World.

Later at the Channel V stage, US DJ Robert DeLong played a killer set with heavy, heavy basslines.

DeLong adds a little more interest to the standard electronic setup by using gaming controls and neat video mashups. The crowd went insane for the seriously infectious Global Concepts.

Illy was super amped to be playing the last leg of the tour; he did a great job of revving the crowd and making sure everyone was singing as loud as he wanted them to during his set, which was definitely achieved on Happiness. Despite a croaky voice setting in towards the end, his performance was a standout of the day, mixing in material from The Chase as well as newer stuff from Cinematic and Bring It Back.

He had also arranged for a compilation of fan photos to play during his last song – a nice thank you to fans.

Has 420 always been a thing? Or is it just a

huge marketing campaign led by multinational weed companies and Kraft to push cheese singles onto the youth? Is Violent Soho in the pocket of Big Bud? We don’t know. But the Brisbane band did come onto stage exactly at 4.20pm having allegedly observed the tradition backstage. Covered In Chrome was beautiful and once Violent Soho finished, everyone ate cheese and held hands.

A rc h i te c t u re i n H e l s i n k i we re a n entertaining band, beginning with That Beep, ending with Contact High and all the while putting out some rad dance moves with guest dancer Tommy Franklin.

“We’re going to come down to southwest WA and set up a Zumba class”, vocalist Cameron Bird joked. It’s so much fun to watch a band who appear so carefree and just dig being onstage and in the moment. The new three-piece brass section — “The Helsinki Horns” — added extra texture and sultry dance moves and brought the band to eight members.

It was telling to see the different audience sizes for The Kite String Tangle and Karnivool.

While many Karnivool fans were arguably in the bar area behind the triple j stage, the newcomer The Kite String Tangle seemed to have the majority. The artist (Danny Harley) was genuinely surprised at this,

thanking the crowd because “this time nine months ago I was playing to absolutely no-one”. He definitely knows how to win over a (mostly young) audience: Lorde’s Tennis Court was one of his mixes with what sounded like a Massive Attack Teardrop sample in there, too.

Peking Duk drew a massive crowd and it was difficult not to dance, even when everyone around you is ten years younger than you. A tent full of people moved together to High and we all fall in love with each other.

Choosing between two stages is always tricky. Often you just go along with the rest of the group or you spend hours deciding the itinerary for the day only to abandon it after a couple of beers ‘cos yolo. Or something. The Presets are hard not to like at 9.30pm as your evening peaks and you just have to give everybody a big cuddle. My People and This Boy’s In Love are the soundtracks to your new life. Where strangers are your best friends, the night never ends and Violent Soho aren’t pushing cheese. We believe in you, Luke Boerdam. Put down the cheddar.

Mathas

Violent Soho

Karnivool

The Presets

GROOVIN THE MOO Hay Park, Bunbury Saturday, May 10, 2014

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Merran Reed and Coral Huckstep Photos by Rachael Barrett

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LOCAL NEWS

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INTERVIEWS

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LIVE REVIEWS

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Q & A

ROCK N ROLL BINGOTHEQUE Clancy’s Fish Pub, Fremantle Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Self-proclaimed “everyone’s favourite trailer park DJ,” Chet Leonard was back for another round of Rock N Roll Bingotheque, serving up an evening of equal parts bingo, karaoke, drunken shenanigans and music.

Gabi, Jess

Elin, Ben, Julio

Jackson, Jack, Sally Delphine, Romany, Kristin

Julian, Sarah, Tom

Nicky, Mia, Amy

ROSEMOUNT HOTEL This Wednesday, May 14 catch September Sun, Amberdown, Valdaway and Graphic Characters. Then on Thursday it’s the return of Frozen Ocean with special guests Doctopus, Leeches! and Aborted Tortoise. Friday sees The Decline launch their new EP with support from The Novocaines, Tired Lion, Sail On! Sail On! and Being Beta, while Saturday, May 17, local rockers Legs Electric launch their debut EP with good mates The Floors, Hailmary and Maverick. Sunday night catch the metal double-bill of Septicflesh (Greece) and Fleshgod Apocalypse (Italy) with support from Claim The Throne, and on Tuesday Bex and Turin’s open mic night continues.

September Sun

RAILWAY HOTEL

INDI BAR

This Friday, May 16, catch Sciatika, The Crossbars, Stealth*Bush*Alien, White Avenue and Ascending Fall. Doors 8pm and $8 entry. Saturday it’s the monthly Teachings In Dub night with The KBI Sound System.

Doors open 8pm, free entry before 9pm, $10 thereafter. Sunday catch Dubarray on their WA tour with local support from Jacob And The Rude Boys and Dilip N The Drew. Doors 5pm, $10 entry.

After an extended break writing and demoing new material, local lads Arts Martial bring their trademark indie pop/rock sounds back on Friday, May 16, with special guests Apache and Oakland. Doors open 8pm, entry is $10.

YAYA’S Check out the unique live electro-dub sounds of Dubarry as they hit up YaYa’s on Friday, May 16, as part of their WA tour, with help hip-hop trio Childsplay and a DJ set from Freqshow. Saturday, May 17, sees a night of high-energy punk led by The Caballeros, with support from Tailored Grace, Gloria Ironbox and Them Sharks.

THE ROCKET ROOM For a swashbuckling, deck swabbing, sea shanty singing, rum slinging cut throat party like no other, head down to the Plunder BDSM party presented by Club Freak this Friday, May 16. Don your best privateer garb and come plunder the treasures of booty, rum, music, dancing, merriment and mischief! Featuring DJs Liam, Jessica Kill and Red Fez.

THE MORTHSHORE The Chalk And Cheese DJs continue this Friday, May 16,, and Howie Morgan Project will be showcasing their rock and soul repertoire Saturday from 8.30. Then on Sunday, get down for the Miss Sunset Coast National Finals 2014. Doors Open 12pm, and girls strut their stuff from 4.30pm. Entry is free

SWALLOW BAR

BEAT NIGHTCLUB Live music kicks off on Thursday, May 15 with Shotdown From Sugartown. Saturday night is soul night with Mister T King hitting the Dallas Royal kick off this Friday, May 16, with their take on beer drinking decks with his amazing collection of rare vinyl singles. On Sunday, see music! Beverly Thrills and King Cactus support, doors open at 8pm. the beautiful Grace Barbe Duo for an afternoon of rocksteady, reggae, Dallas Royal calypso and other sweet and soulful island sounds.

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A QUICKIE WITH... TAHLIA JAYE Singer/songwriter Tahlia Jaye launches her new single, Birdy, at YaYa’s this Sunday, May 18, with support from Jack Stanley and Matt Waring. We took a few minutes to get caught up.

When did you first start playing music?

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and studied classically throughout high school, but after six months of studying music at uni, I realized it was killing my passion for it. Music just wasn’t doing it for me anymore so I gave it up. I picked up the guitar a couple of years ago and time off combined with the freedom to write and play without any rules about how it has to be done made it exciting again and now here I am!

What’s your sound? Who are your influences?

My sound is along the lines of vocals that can’t quite shake the classical training fused with indie rock. Think Kate Miller-Heidke meets rolling bass and gritty lead guitar. Being exposed to my Dad’s eclectic taste in music from jazz to folk to old school hip-hop has been a huge influence on my style. I also look up to Katie Noonan and Elena Tonra from Daughter.

Tell us about Birdy.

Birdy is about letting go when someone wants to leave and was inspired by how selfish some people can be in their relationships.

Sometimes you have to just step back and do what’s best for the other heart involved.

Where did you record and who with?

I put Birdy down at RADA Studios with Matt Gio. The man is a genius; I took an idea to him that I couldn’t even articulate properly but somehow in amongst all of my rambling, he managed to bring it to life in just two days. I sat with him and his partner, Dan Carroll, absolutely blown away by their extensive knowledge and raw talent. It was a really, really great experience.

What’s up next for you?

I’m off to Europe in two weeks! It will be my first big adventure so I’m hoping to come home feeling even more inspired with some new tunes under the belt. The plan is to finish the EP and then start working on a side project with a couple of boys I’ve been jamming with but who really knows! I’m just taking this year as it comes and enjoying the ride.

METAL AS ANYTHING

LIVING ON BORROWED FEELINGS

Rock the hell out and support top drawer psychological health advocacy group Beyondblue by getting along to Metal Health at The Civic Hotel this Sunday, May 18. X-Press Magazine are proud to sponsor this event, which includes live sets from Tempest Rising, Reapers Riddle, Drown The Faith, Amberdown, Stealth*Bush*Alien, Falloway, Limpin’ Dave Foley And The Straight Legged Freaks, plus DJ Buuntaa and MC Simmo.

Doors open at 12.30pm, entry is $10.

Skate-punk veterans The Decline launch their new, Simpsons-inspired EP, Can I Borrow A Feeling, at The Rosemount Hotel this Friday, May 16.

This is just the latest in a long string of momentous achievements for the fearsome four piece, including enviable support slots, international tours, a WAM nomination and more. On hand for the festivities will be The Novocaines, Tired Lion, Sail On! Sail On! and Being Beta. Doors open at 8pm, entry is $15.

Tempest Rising

The Decline

GIRLS DON’T MAKE PASSES AT PUNK ROCKERS IN GLASSES Local punk icon Blake Hate, he of The Reptilians, Rockin’ Bowl, Feel Lucky Punk and more, has a problem - he can’t see a damn thing. The musical man-mountain is legally blind and in desperate need of new specs, so the community has rallied to the cause to put on a barnstormer of a fundraiser. Get down to the Osborne Park Bowling Club this Sunday, May 18, to get an earful of Tooth & Claw, Yokohomos, Loners, Emu Xperts, Catbrush, Cavalier, Aborted Tortoise, The Painkillers, Pissedcolas and Fucking Teeth. Doors open at 2pm.

Preternaturally talented singer/songwriter Eloise Ashton has chosen The Bird as the venue for the launch of her new single, Still On The Line, the harbinger of her upcoming EP. Support comes from Jacob Diamond, John Martyr’s Ghost and Jay Grafton. Entry is $5 from 8pm.

Fucking Teeth

Eloise Ashton

HOLD THE LINE

LO C A L & L AU N C H I N G 15/05 16/05 17/05 17/05 18/05 22/05 23/05 23/05 24/05 30/05 30/05 30/05 31/05 31/05 13/06 14/06 23/06

ELOISE ASHTON Still On The Line Single Launch @ The Bird THE DECLINE Can I Borrow A Feeling EP Launch @ The Rosemount LEGS ELECTRIC Self Titled EP Launch @ The Rosemount ONE THOUSAND YEARS When The Sun Opened Its Eyes Video Launch @ The Odd Fellow TAHLIA JAYE Birdy Single Launch @ YaYa’s BATTLE OF THE PLANETS Self Titled EP Launch @ The Rosemount BOYS BOYS BOYS!/AXE GIRL We Like To Move/Silence Single Launch @ The Bakery TRACKSUIT Chewy Single Launch @ YaYa’s THE JOY EVELATION Self Titled Album Launch @ Fly By Night OUR MAN IN BERLIN Is It Right? EP Launch @ Amplifier PAT CHOW Good Deed EP Launch @ Mojos THE DISAPPOINTED Weird Peace EP Launch @ The Rosemount RUBY BOOTS Self Titled EP Launch @ The Astor Lounge RUNNER Cloud Kingdom Album Launch @ Mojos WISEOAKS Not Here Single Launch @ 78 Records ARKARION Lessons In Futility Album Launch @ The Rosemount MATT CAL Wild Horses/Breathe Single Launch @ The Ellington WWW. XP RE SS MAG.COM. AU

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TOUR TRAILS

BRITISH INDIA, MAY 15 - 17

THIS WEEK JONNY CRAIG 14 Amplifier Bar 15 YMCA HQ BRITISH INDIA 15 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 17 Freemasons Hotel, Geraldton KIMBRA & JANELLE MONAE (CANCELLED) 16 Challenge Stadium KING PARROT 16 Amplifier Bar PETULA CLARK 17 Perth Concert Hall SEPTICFLESH & FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE 18 Rosemount Hotel HITS & PITS ROUND 3 Strung Out, Face To Face, Unwritten Law, Implants 18 Capitol & Amplifier Bar MAY JAMES VINCENT McMORROW 21 Astor Theatre WILL PUGH (CARTEL) 21 Amplifier Bar 22 YMCA HQ THE WAIFS 21 Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre 22 Astor Theatre 24 Kimberley Moon Experience, Kununurra 25 Fly By Night DANIEL CHAMPAGNE 21 Mojos Bar 22 Four5Nine Bar SAM BRITTAIN 22 Ellington Jazz Club DZ DEATHRAYS 22 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 23 Indi Bar 24 Amplifier Bar 25 Newport Hotel DALE BARLOW 23 & 24 Ellington Jazz Club WAGONS 23 Fly By Night FUNKOARS 23 Capitol 24 Studio 146, Albany THE ENGLISH BEAT 23 Rosemount Hotel MANGO GROOVE 23 Metro City 2014 AIRNORTH KIMBERLEY MOON EXPERIENCE Eskimo Joe, The Waifs, John Williamson, 42

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TOURS LIVE

WE ARE SCIENTISTS, MAY 31

Decibel 24 Jim Hughes Amphitheatre, Kununurra MS. LAURYN HILL 24 Fremantle Arts Centre GARY NUMAN 25 Astor Theatre ELLIE GOULDING & BROODS 28 Challenge Stadium THE GRID 28 Ellington Jazz Club LARRY CARLTON 28 Astor Theatre ALLDAY 29 Breakers Bar, Geraldton 30 Flyrite STICKRAD TRIO FT. LUCKY OCEANS 30 Ellington Jazz Club RÜFÜS 30 Players Bar, Mandurah 31 Fremantle Arts Centre WE ARE SCIENTISTS 31 Amplifier Bar THE BEARDS 29 The White Star Hotel, Albany 31 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury THE HARD-ONS 30 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 31 Margaret River Football Club DARREN MIDDLETON 31 Ellington Jazz Club STATE OF THE ART ft. Drapht, Eskimo Joe, San Cisco, The Stems & more 31 Perth Cultural Centre JUNE THE HARD-ONS 1 Railway Hotel THE BEARDS 1 Astor Theatre DARREN MIDDLETON 1 Mojos Bar ASTOR ROCKS ft.

MEAT PUPPETS, BRANT BJORK, HARD-ONS 2 Astor Theatre PROPAGANDHI 3 Amplifier Bar KIM CHURCHILL 4 Indi Bar IN HEARTS WAKE 4 YMCA HQ 5 Amplifier Bar YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! 7 Riverside Theatre FRENTE 7 Astor Theatre LA DISPUTE

7 Rosemount Hotel 8 YMCA HQ DEAD LETTER CIRCUS 4 Pier Hotel, Esperance 5 The White Star Hotel, Albany 6 Settlers Tavern, Margaret River 7 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury 8 Rosemount Hotel CARCASS 12 Capitol JAMES BLUNT 12 Crown Theatre 13 Riverside Theatre THE CAIROS 12 The Brighton, Mandurah 13 The Odd Fellow 14 Amplifier Bar DUNE RATS 12 Mojos Bar 13 Amplifier Bar THE CAIROS 13 The Odd Fellow 14 Amplifier Bar RON POPE 13 Astor Lounge TLC 13 Metro City JOSH PYKE 15 Divers Tavern, Broome SLIM JIM PHANTOM & FIREBALLS 15 Astor Theatre EARTH 18 Rosemount Hotel BASTILLE 18 Challenge Stadium CHET FAKER 19 Astor Theatre THE PAPER KITES 19 Artbar 20 Prince of Wales, Bunbury SAFIA 20 Mojos Bar LITTLE BASTARD 21 Mojos Bar GRAVEYARD TRAIN 21 Rosemount Hotel 22 Mojos Bar FINNTROLL 22 Amplifier Bar MONDO ROCK 22 Regal Theatre SUPERSUCKERS 25 Astor Theatre COIN BANKS 27 Amplifier Bar SASKWATCH 27 Settlers Tavern, Margaret River 28 Amplifier Bar 29 Mojos Bar KEITH URBAN & SHEPPARD 29 Perth Arena JULY THE CRIMSON PROJEKCT 2 Fly By Night VIOLENT SOHO

PROPAGANDHI, JUNE 3

& SMITH STREET BAND 2 & 3 The Bakery (SOLD OUT) THE AUDREYS 4 Fly By Night SOMETHING FOR KATE 4 Astor Theatre JAMES MULLER TRIO 9 Ellington Jazz Club CROOKED COLOURS 12 Amplifier HIGH ON FIRE 18 Rosemount Hotel THE WHITE ALBUM CONCERT TOUR ft. Chris Cheney, Phil Jameson, Josh Pyke & Tim Rogers 26 Riverside Theatre CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, WEEDEATER & LO! 26 Rosemount Hotel PELICAN 27 Rosemount Hotel THE ANGELS 31 Newport Hotel AUGUST THE ANGELS 1 Wintersun Hotel, Geraldton DAN SULTAN 1 Settlers Tavern, Margaret River 2 Astor Theatre 16 Roebuck Hotel, Broome THE ANGELS ft.

DAVE GLEESON 2 Charles Hotel 3 The Ravenswood Hotel KASABIAN 5 Metro City PAUL GRABOWSKY 7, 8, 9 Ellington Jazz Club ROY ORBISON & DEL SHANNON TRIBUTE 7 Albany Entertainment Centre 9 Crown Theatre BONJAH 14 Northshore Tavern 15 Indi Bar 16 Amplifier 17 Dunsborough Tavern HANSON 15 Metropolis Fremantle TINA ARENA 15 Crown Theatre LADY GAGA 20 Perth Arena THE DANDY WARHOLS 21 & 22 Astor Theatre TIM FREEDMAN 22 Ellington Jazz

Club NORTHWEST PILBARA WEEKENDER 22 – 24 Port Hedland Turf Club THE ASTON SHUFFLE 23 Amplifier Bar GEORGE GARZONE 28, 29, 30 Ellington Jazz Club SEPTEMBER DIEGO ELCIGALA 1 Regal Theatre ANBERLIN & THE GETAWAY PLAN 3 Metropolis Fremantle KANYE WEST 5 Perth Arena MARINA PRIOR 5 Albany Entertainment Centre 6 Astor Theatre 7 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre ROBBIE WILLIAMS 11 Perth Arena BIFFY CLYRO 12 Metro City CASEY DONOVAN 12 & 13 Ellington Jazz Club GRACE KNIGHT 19 & 20 Ellington Jazz Club SPRUNG FESTIVAL 20 Eatons Hill Hotel and Entertainment Centre ANDREA BOCELLI 24 Perth Arena BOY & BEAR 25 Albany Entertainment Centre 26 Bunbury Entertainment Centre 28 Fremantle Arts Centre VERUCA SALT 28 Rosemount Hotel OCTOBER RICK SPRINGFIELD 7 Crown Theatre JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE 8 Perth Arena CHRISTINE ANU 17 & 18 Ellington Jazz Club THE ROLLING STONES 29 Perth Arena NOVEMBER THE ROLLING STONES 1 Perth Arena KATY PERRY 7 & 8 Perth Arena TOXIC HOLOCAUST & IRON REAGAN 13 Rosemount Hotel

TO U R TA L E S

SLIM JIM PHANTOM Three Decades A Stray Rockabilly legend Slim Jim Phantom heads to the Astor Theatre on Sunday, June 15, with guests The Fireballs and Day Of The Dead. BOB GORDON reports.

Answering this interview call in Los Angeles, Slim Jim Phantom refers to the city as “the Perth of America,” and he would know.

“The first time I ever went to Perth was with The Stray Cats in 1981,” he recalls. “I’ve been there quite a few times and it’s always like home. Any excuse to go, any combination of guys, I’m going.”

He does and he has. Whether with The Stray Cats, or as a guest of Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot tour in 2012, Slim Jim Phantom is a drummer who was born to perform. His dance card is always full.

“I think that keeps it real,” he says. “It’s the reason why you started doing this in the first place 100 years ago because you wanted to play gigs and you dug the feeling and if you were playing to an audience of 10 or 10,000 people, it’s was always a bonus.

“I try to work on keeping my original goals and feelings and aims kind of the same. And I still kinda like the same stuff. So I go around the world - to Perth, Australia - playing songs that I was on and playing a Gene Vincent song after that. When we were starting out if you said, ‘sign on the dotted line, sell your soul, you can go to Australia 35 years later’ ... I woulda signed in two seconds, you know?”

Slim Jim grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and met fellow Stray Cats Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker in school. The first music he heard was his parents’ jazz records, but he found rock’n’roll. Drums, he has often joked, chose him.

“My family weren’t musical,” he says.

“My father was a firey, he and my mother were just regular Irish, New York types, pretty much right out of the book. Rock’n’roll was around the school and like everywhere else it was on television, you know, American Bandstand. Very early on I became aware of it and it always seemed like something that I could do.

I tried it and got good enough at it so they bought me a little drum kit and I just embraced it.

“We played any chance we got, lucky I had

the other two. Especially Lee, we played together very young - the first time I had a drum kit and the first time he ever had a bass. There were guys around, where we went to school, like 10 or 20 musicians who were all pretty good. Brian being the best one. And there always seemed to be someone’s parents who’d let you play in the basement or garage if you didn’t bother anybody too much. I wouldn’t say we were nurtured so much, but we were accommodated.

“I think everybody said they were going to be in The Beatles and we actually did it. There were a lot of things that go into it, like a little bit of luck, but it’s opportunity meets preparation and we had a chance to have a shot at it. We were very good at it, even if we were very young. Say, by the time we played Perth in 1981, we’d done 500 gigs before then. When people heard us in England where we’d gotten an ‘overnight’ break, we’d been playing for a year-and-ahalf in New York - five nights a week, four sets a night, every week for almost two years. We were good at it.”

Slim Jim wasn’t thinking that far ahead at the time, but he is this far ahead now. He looks back and acknowledges that luck may have played a part, but it’s hard work that made it last.

“We couldn’t think that far ahead,” he says.

“I don’t know... maybe it’d the old teenager in me but I never trusted people who planned too far in advance (laughs). We certainly never did, we just couldn’t believe that we were playing a Gene Vincent song and it was having an effect on people. I still kind of feel that way. You’re older and of course you have more responsibility but, especially then, we didn’t have anything to worry about. The only concern you had was the gig that night. We embraced that; we were very into being in the moment. And a 100 years later you get what you asked for (laughs).”

It never came without paying dues however, even when it seemed that The Stray Cats were an overnight sensation. You get the feeling that despite the years of gigging all around the world, young James McDonnell, who started playing drums in a trio from Massapequa, Long Island, is still thrilled to bits.

“Yeah, 35 years later I’m the same guy who did Countdown. We’re the same guys who played in bars on Long Island. We invented our characters and became those guys. It could never be on the same scale, but I feel like Ringo (laughs).

“Elvis and The Rolling Stones, The Clash or The Beatles, when the public became aware of them, they had a shot and they seized it. Nobody knew The Beatles played the bars in Hamburg for two years.

Most people who are good, you’ll find that. You don’t really get lucky on that level. You’ve gotta be good.

“I loved it; I didn’t think I was paying my dues then... maybe I am now (laughs).”

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GIG GUIDE

FROZEN OCEAN/THE ROSEMOUNT HOTEL/THURSDAY 15

WEDNESDAY 14/05 THE ALBION HOTEL Quiz Night AMPLIFIER BAR Academy ft.

Jonny Craig This Wild Life Kyle Lucas THE BIRD Catlips DJ b2b Pete BRASS MONKEY Sugar Blue Burlesque CAPITOL Harlem Wednesdays THE CARINE Open Mic Night Shaun Street CHARLES HOTEL Funky Bunch Trivia CLANCYS CANNING Songwriter’s Night Mitch McDonald CLANCY’S FREMANTLE Chet Leonard’s Bingoteque ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Freddie Grigson Ray Walker Night Cap Sessions THE GREENWOOD Bernardine GROOVE BAR (CROWN) 5 Shots INDI BAR Matt Angell Chris Gibbs Ella Munro Zev Kevi LANEWAY LOUNGE Adam Hall And The Velvet Playboys LANGFORD ALE HOUSE Gerry Azor LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN) Decoy Duo THE LUCKY SHAG Howie Morgan MOJOS BAR Necter Piano Donkey Nevada Pilot Lumpy Dog Kitchen People THE MOON CAFE Going Solo ft.

Peter Bibby Rabbit Island MUSTANG BAR Kickstart DJ Giles OCEAN ONE BAR Brazil Night ft.

Xoxote THE ODD FELLOW Parlour DJ Crew THE PADDO Dove Boston & Chevy Tim Montgomery PERTH ARENA Jeff Dunham ROSEMOUNT HOTEL September Sun Amberdown

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ARTS MARTIAL/INDI BAR/ FRIDAY 16

Valdaway Graphic Characters THE SWINGING PIG Open Mic Night Greg Carter UNIVERSAL BAR Retriofit THE VIC Trivia Night X-WRAY CAFE The Kiss List and Pacific Northwest YAYA’S The Baron Of Sentiment Silver Hills Sprawl Delay Delay Citizen Snips

THURSDAY 15/05 AMPLIFIER BAR King Parrot Entrails Eradicated Chainsaw Hookers Black Witch BAR ORIENT Acoustic Night THE BIRD Eloise Ashton Jacob Diamond John Martyr’s Ghost Jay Grafton BRASS MONKEY Rhythm Bound Karaoke BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke CAPTAIN STIRLING Trivia Night THE CAUSEWAY BAR Xport Thursdays CHARLES HOTEL Comedy Lounge COMO HOTEL Fiona Lawe Davies 3 THE DEEN Howie Morgan Project DEVILLES PAD Rock’N’Roll Karaoke DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Open Mic Night Kris Buckle ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB WAYJO – Take The A Train Night Cap Sessions THE GATE Greg Carter GRAND CENTRAL PARK Sophie Jane GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Hi-NRG INDI BAR Open Mic Night KARRINYUP SC FOOD COURT Adrian Wilson LANEWAY LOUNGE Libby Hammer Quartet LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN) Jack & Jill LUCKY SHAG James Wilson MARKET CITY TAVERN

LOCAL GIG

BASTIAN’S HAPPY FLIGHT

BASTIAN’S HAPPY FLIGHT THREE HANDS ONE HOOF LIGHTSEED THURSDAY, MAY 15 MOJOS BAR

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Joseph Simich Paul and Sophie Leh Soo Luke De Silva The Skill Desire Robby Davies Em Zev Levi MOJOS BAR Bastian’s Happy Flight Three Hands One Hoof Lightseed MUSTANG BAR Vida Cain Zupoter Zues Conan Chapman DJ James MacArthur NEWPORT HOTEL Open Mic NORTHSHORE TAVERN Vdelli OCEAN ONE BAR Turin’s Open Mic Night THE ODD FELLOW Abbe May Usurper Of Modern Medicine Hat PEEL ALE HOUSE Open Mic ft.

Danny Bau PRINCE OF WALES (BUNBURY) British India 459 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Ships In The Night Amber Fresh Ian Sinclair Kate-Anna St Valentine Elizabeth Tan Phil Vlachou David Craft Chris Cobilis Tristan Fidler ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Frozen Ocean Leeches Doctopus Aborted Tortoise SETTLERS TAVERN (MARGARET RIVER) Open Mic Night Claire Warnock SWALLOW BAR Shotdown From Sugartown UNIVERSAL BAR Off The Record VERANDAH BAR Let’s Get Quizical X-WRAY CAFE Jack Doepel Jazz Quartet YAYA’S Ready To Fire The Temperament Amberdown The De Niros YMCA HQ British India

FRIDAY 16/05 THE ALBION HOTEL Jen De Ness AMPLIFIER BAR King Parrot THE BALMORAL The Mojos BEAT NIGHTCLUB (DOWNSTAIRS) Play BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) Dallas Royal Beverly Thrills King Cactus BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Mike Nayar THE BELMONT Electrophobia BEST DROP TAVERN Driven By People THE BIRD Jive for a Reason United Sound Alliance BRASS MONKEY Acoustic Aly THE BRIGHTON Ross Lowe THE BROOK Joppy BROOKLANDS TAV Light Street THE CARINE

THE DISAPPOINTED/PRINCE OF WALES/ PRINCE OF WALES/FRIDAY 16 Frenzy CHALLENGE STADIUM Kimbra And Janelle Monae CANCELLED CHASE BAR & BISTRO James Wilson CIVIC HOTEL Poets Laureate DJ Confusion Adam Crook CITRO BAR Seasons of Perth Jeanie Proude CLANCY’S CANNING DJ Boogie CLANCY’S CITY BEACH Russel Holmes Trio CLANCY’S DUNSBOROUGH Rory Faithfield CLANCY’S FREMANTLE The Crux COMO HOTEL Fiona Lawe Davies 3 THE CORNERSTONE Reload CRUISING YACHT CLUB Kathy Carver DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Cuddles EAST 150 BAR Adam James ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Marcio Mendes Saramandaia Late Night Groove Series ft.

Katherine Curnow EMPIRE BAR Howie Morgan FLY BY NIGHT Golden Era of Swing Cottontail Trio The Supper Club THE GATE Choppa Duo GOSNELLS HOTEL Vanerty Bros THE GREENWOOD Ryan Webb GREYHOUNDS (MANDURAH) Elemental GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Tod Johnston & Peace Love DJ Crazy Craig THE HERDSMAN Acoustic Royale HIGHWAY HOTEL Sydney Hotshots HYDE PARK HOTEL (COURTYARD) Justin Cortorillo INDI BAR Arts Martial Apache Oakland INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Ben Merito KALAMUNDA HOTEL Vendetta KINGSLEY TAVERN The Day After LANEWAY LOUNGE Amanda Dee Duo Summers Soul Quintet LANGFORD ALE HOUSE Mustangs LUCKY SHAG DJ Richie G M ON THE POINT Retriofit MAHOGANY INN Tom Mantle MARKET CITY TAVERN Greys N’ Blues Harry And Eleanor Vita Jana Fischer Nathan Mayers Elise Hudspith Tender Fiddle Jake Dennis METRO FREO Clique – 004 GG Magee Dance Showcase Clique Crew MOJOS BAR Selekt Few Paradox MC

Jamahl Ryder FG Wisdom2th MUSTANG BAR Adam Hall & The Velvet Playboys Flash Nat & The Action Men NORTHSHORE TAVERN Two Plus One Chalk N Cheese OCEAN ONE BAR Mad Agent THE ODD FELLOW Soundclas DJ’S THE PADDO Flyte PADDY MAGUIRES Easy Tiger PEEL ALE HOUSE Siren Song Enterprises PIRATE BAR Adrian Wilson PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Tandem PRINCE OF WALES (BUNBURY) The Disappointed Late Night Hysterics THE PRINCIPAL Little Ebony QUARRIE BAR + BISTRO Blackbirds RAILWAY HOTEL Sciatika The Crossbars Stealth *Bush* Alien White Avenue Ascending Fall ROCKET ROOM Club Freak DJ Liam DJ Jessica Kill DJ Red Fez ROLEYSTONE COUNTRY CLUB Stu Mckay ROSEMOUNT HOTEL The Decline The Novocaines Tired Lion Sail On! Sail On! Being Beta ROSIE O’GRADY’S FREMANTLE Madam Montage SAIL AND ANCHOR Howie Morgan SETTLER’S TAVERN (MARGARET RIVER) The White Orcas THE SHED Crush DJ Glen 20 SOUTH ST. ALEHOUSE Robbie King Karaoke SWINGING PIG Greg Carter UNIVERSAL BAR Nightmoves VERNON ARMS TAVERN Greg Carter THE VIC Jonny Dempsey WINTERSUN HOTEL Shane Dickson X-WRAY CAFÉ The Littlest Fox Josie Crosby Luke Whiting YAYA’S Dubarry Childsplay Freqshow Ace @ YAYAS DJ PUP

SATURDAY 17/05 AMPLIFIER BAR Rag N Bone Graphic Characters Silver Hills Hyla Late Night Hysterics THE BALMORAL Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts BAR ORIENT Reggae Saturdays BEAT NIGHTCLUB (UPSTAIRS) Canvas BENTLEY HOTEL In The Groove

Deadline Monday 5pm. The Gig-Guide is a service to advertisers listing all LIVE MUSIC. All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press. Email guide@xpressmag.com.au

GRACE BARBE/THE BIRD/ SATURDAY 17 THE BIRD Jambalaya!

Grace Barbe Savoir DJ Dave Clarke DJ Ben Taaffe BOAB TAVERN Chill Tavern THE BROOK Electrophobia CAPITOL Saviour Arturo Chaos In League Anchored THE CARINE Frank G CIVIC HOTEL Task Force w/ Cheste P ft Remus & DJ JCA Discourse Layla Daz Azmatik CLANCY’S CANNING Rae & Natalie Mae CLANCY’S FREMANTLE Tom Fisher & The Layabouts Billie Rogers & The Country Genrlemen Rhys Crosswell THE CLAREMONT HOTEL Antics Morrie Beth Braves DEVILLES PAD Black Magic Disco DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Steve Spouse ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Libby Hammer and James Flynn – The LibJam Show Late Night Groove Series ft.

Rachel Claudio Dane Alderson Danny Martin FLY BY NIGHT Bring out the Banners FREEMASONS HOTEL (GERALDTON) British India THE GATE Greg Carter GOSNELLS HOTEL Almost Famous GREENWOOD Pretty Fly GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Switch Hero DJsAfterglo INDI BAR The Volcanics The Fortunados Steve Joines KALAMUNDA HOTEL Celebrations Karaoke LAKERS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke LANEWAY LOUNGE Jonny Dempsey Astrid Ripepi Band LANGFORD ALE HOUSE Bad Hearts LEISURE INN (BAR INDIGO) Summer Nights LUCKY SHAG DJ Richie G M ON THE POINT Rhythm 22 MERRIWA TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke MUSTANG BAR Shot Down From Sugartown DJ Holly Doll Milhouse DJ James MacArthur MOJOS BAR Felicity Groom (Band) Peter Bibby (Band) Shiny Joe Ryan (Band) Cam Avery DJ Chip NORTHSHORE TAVERN Howie Morgan Project OCEAN ONE BAR Desert Bells THE ODD FELLOW One Thousand Years Dallas Royal & Calectasia

MORRIE BETH/THE CLAREMONT HOTEL/ SATURDAY 17 PADDY MAGUIRES The Avenue PARAMOUNT NIGHTCLUB Madam Montage PERTH CONCERT HALL HYDE PARK HOTEL Afterglo INDI BAR The Volcanics The Fortunados Steve Joines KALAMUNDA HOTEL Celebrations Karaoke LAKERS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke LANEWAY LOUNGE Jonny Dempsey Astrid Ripepi Band LANGFORD ALE HOUSE Bad Hearts LEISURE INN (BAR INDIGO) Summer Nights LUCKY SHAG DJ Richie G M ON THE POINT Rhythm 22 MERRIWA TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke MUSTANG BAR Shot Down From Sugartown DJ Holly Doll Milhouse DJ James MacArthur MOJOS BAR Felicity Groom (Band) Peter Bibby (Band) Shiny Joe Ryan (Band) Cam Avery DJ Chip NORTHSHORE TAVERN Howie Morgan Project OCEAN ONE BAR Desert Bells THE ODD FELLOW One Thousand Years Dallas Royal & Calectasia PADDY MAGUIRES The Avenue PARAMOUNT NIGHTCLUB Madam Montage PERTH CONCERT HALL Petula Clark PLAYERS BAR Luxe with DJ Tito PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Stu Mckay QUARRIE BAR & BISTRO DJ Eugene RAILWAY HOTEL Teachings in Dub ft.

The KBI Sound System ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Legs Electric The Floors Hailmary Maverick ROSIE O’GRADY’S FREMANTLE Flava SAIL AND ANCHOR The Gypsy Minions SETTLERS TAVERN (MARGARET RIVER) Dubarray THE SHED HUGE SPRINGS TAVERN Justin Martins THE SWINGING PIG Frenzy SWALLOW BAR Mister T King SWAN BASEMENT Icarus Lives Peasant Drown the Faith Tears For Atlantis All This Filth UNIVERSAL BAR Jazz Feva Soul Corporation X-WRAY CAFÉ DJ Mick Coffey YAYA’S Tailored Grace Gloria Ironbox Them Sharks The Cabaleros ARCADIA @ YAYAS DJ Cookie

SUNDAY 18/05 THE BALMORAL Superseeds THE BELMONT TAVERN Sophie Jane THE BRIGHTON Danny Bau Jasmin Atkins BROKEN HILL HOTEL Trevor Jalla THE BROOK Adam James BROOKLANDS TAVERN Frank G CAPITOL Hits & Pits Round 3 Strung Out Face to Face Unwritten Law Implants THE CARINE Mike Nayar THE CAUSEWAY Acoustic Sunday CIVIC HOTEL Metal Health – Mental Health Fundraiser w/ Tempest Rising Reapers Riddle Psychokinetic Amberdown Stealth Bush Alien Falloway Limpin’ Dave Foaly And The Straight Legged Freaks Kizzy CLANCYS CITY BEACH Sunday Brekky Sesh The Limelights Jazz Trio Salt Shaker Sundays DJ Boogie The Salt Shaker Selectors CLANCYS FREMANTLE The Zydecats COMO HOTEL Ansell & Fretall CRUISING YACHT CLUB Rockin Ronnie DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN Kris Buckle ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Nicky Pereira And The Cheeky Souls with Ladywood FLINDERZ HILLARYS Marcio Mendes FLY BY NIGHT The Domnicks Mambo Chic THE GATE Choppa Duo GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Peace Love HYDE PARK HOTEL (COURTYARD) Steve Parkin INDI BAR Lightning Jack Nicky Sandover Becks Dawson INDIAN OCEAN BREW CO Retriofit KALAMUNDA HOTEL The Mojos LAKERS TAVERN Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts LAST DROP TAVERN Barry Gee LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN) Thierryno LUCKY SHAG Hans Fiance MOJOS BAR Caravana Sun Bodhi Zafa Katie J White THE MOON David Craft M ON THE POINT Great Gable NORTHBRIDGE PIAZZA Sunday Piazza Live Jane Germain & The Lazy Boys Adam Gare

ICARUS LIVES/THE SWAN BASEMENT/ SATURDAY 17

NORTHSHORE TAVERN DJ Andrew C Sessions OCEAN ONE BAR DJ G-Martin Tahnee OCEAN VIEW TAVERN PS Music Duo PEEL ALE HOUSE Bernardine PORT KENNEDY TAVERN Greg Carter QUARIE BAR + BISTRO The Gypsy Minions RAILWAY HOTEL Dubarray Jacob And The Rude Boys Dilip N The Drew THE ROSE & CROWN HOTEL Blackbirds ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Fleshgod Apocalypse Septicflesh Claim The Throne The Get Down Charlie Bucket Klean Kicks Nick Sheppard THE SAINT Howie Morgan Project SAIL AND ANCHOR (UPSTAIRS) Childs Play SEAVIEW TAVERN Jeanie Proude SETTLERS TAVERN (MARGARET RIVER) The Stirling Rangers SOUTH ST. ALEHOUSE Open Mic Night SWALLOW BAR Sunday Sessions Grace Barbe Duo SWANBROOK WINERY Will Stoker Luke Dux Chris Davis SWINGING PIG Siren & Assassin UNIVERSAL BAR Retriofit THE VELVET LOUNGE See You Next Wednesday Justin Burford Turin Robinson Michael Degrussa Seveno Ben Mulvey VERNON ARMS TAVERN Stu Mckay WANNEROO TAVERN Luke O’Connell WHISTLING KITE James Wilson THE WINDSOR Justin Cortorillo THE X-WRAY CAFÉ John Bannister And The Charisma Brothers DJ Click Brown Fox YAYAS Tahlia Jaye Matt Waring Jack Stanley

MONDAY 19/05 BRASS MONKEY Wire Birds ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Song Lounge May GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Justin & Mike MOJOS BAR Wide Open Mic ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Quiz Meisters YAYA’S Big Tommo’s Open Mic Variety Night

TUESDAY 20/05 THE BIRD Open Mic Pete Bibby BRASS MONKEY Open Mic Night Shaun Street THE CHARLES HOTEL Perth Blues Club Moondog J Awesome Wells Damon Carren CLANCYS FREMANTLE Quiz Night CONSERVATORY ROOFTOP BAR Rooftop Comedy ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Dale Boaden Sextet GROOVE BAR (CROWN) Jack & Jill LANEWAY LOUNGE Open Mic Night Josh Terlick LOBBY LOUNGE (CROWN) Hans Fiance LUCKY SHAG Leighton Keepa MERRIWA TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke MOJOS BAR SpaceManAntics Hideous Sun Demon Dream Rimmy Kitchen People MUSTANG BAR Danza Loca Salsa Night OCEAN ONE BAR OVERGROWTH Open Mic Night THE ODD FELLOW Mexican Bingo 459 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Ascending Fall Priority One Branch Circus Kraill ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Bex ‘n’ Turin’s Open Mic Night SWINGING PIG Siren Song Enterprises YAYA’S These Winter Nights The Cold Acre Lammas Tide Laurel Fixation

LOCAL GIG

ABBE MAY - PIC BY DANIEL GRANT

ABBE MAY USURPER OF MODERN MEDICINE HAT THURSDAY, MAY 15 THE ODD FELLOW

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MUSIC GEAR & TECHNOLOGY

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CLASSIFIEDS

Beyerdynamic Custom 1 Pro

DJ PROOF HEADPHONES

Mandy Kane (left) and the Milwaukee Music team

Cans That Won’t Disassemble Themselves

MILWAUKEE MUSIC

There is an endless argument about which pair of DJ headphones is best, and it’s a largely pointless argument. It’s like asking which shirt, out of all shirts, is the best shirt.

Heavy Industry It depends on your mixing style, music selection, and how rough you are with your Over a decade ago, Mandy Kane made a splash on the Australian music scene with equipment. That being said, here are four sets of cans you should definitely consider. his album, Tragic Daydreams. Now he’s the Managing Director of Milwaukee Music, Rule number 1: If you even consider using Originally these headphones were developed for a Melbourne-based independent recording and development label. We checked in to Beats By Dre, punch yourself in the face. These are people operating moving cameras in the film industry, hyper-expensive fashion headphones with awful so they really stick to your head. see what the deal is. sound quality. This brand started with great promise, At the high end of the spectrum, there’s What’s the key idea behind Milwaukee Music?

The central idea behind Milwaukee Music is to provide an accessible development platform for independent artists, which has all the functions of a record label but provides a suite of packages to meet an indie budget. We have partnered with the most reputable music based businesses nationwide, from all key areas of the industry in order to provide an incredible amount of value for a relatively minimal investment. An important aspect of our business model is that it allows artists to retain ownership of their copyright, and we think that is completely fair seeing as they are the ones investing the time, passion and finances required to seriously build a career.

Who would you say your key market is?

I would think that our key market is midlevel artists who are absolutely serious about building a sustainable career within the music industry, but recognise that they need some assistance to move on to the next level. There are so many incredibly talented bands and solo artists in Australia at the moment and the standard is becoming higher all the time. The chances of an artist’s success really comes down to how hard they want to fight to stand out, and whether or not they have someone in the business end who is willing to help them out. Some artists will come to us with literally no product and we will guide them through the process from recording through to promotion and release. On the other hand, we will also be working with artists who have a killer record sitting there but have no idea of how to market or release it, so we will offer them a package to meet those requirements.

Is this a response to need which is not being met in the industry to date?

I do believe that a business like Milwaukee Music is meeting demands that possibly are not being met anywhere else right now and we’re all really proud that this question has come up in almost every interview about the company so far! The business model is not just based on a snatch and grab operation and each project is handled with due

diligence and attention to ensure that the artist has a really great experience while they are working with us. We want the quality of the product and process we facilitate to be the best it can possibly be given the budget and resources we have to work with.

There seems to be a real focus on transparency on your website.

We debated for a while whether we would make our prices visible to the public. We could either choose to display the prices on the website, or we could bait the artists with empty promises and soften them up on the phone before hitting them with the cold hard facts about how much they would need to pay. I know in the past, as an artist myself, that I have had this very experience and I really didn’t appreciate it. Our credo is to make it clear at the outset that there is an investment involved to take advantage of the services we offer, and to be precise as to how much that would cost and what our artists would receive in return. We cannot guarantee success, because the truth is nobody in the music or entertainment industries can. However, we can offer you packages which give you the best possible chance.

but they push the bass waaaaaay louder than it should be, and how are you supposed to get a good mix if your sound has been coloured with finger paints.

These cans are exclusively for tasteless brostep wannabes? Shut it down.

So, you can get some really great sound for not a huge amount of money. On the cheaper scale at $170 is the Audio Technica ATH M50. The biggest issue in DJ cans is build quality. DJs thrash headphones. These are pretty decent sounding, whilst still being cheap, and they’re built really well. Protip: check the hinges of anything you’re thinking about throwing down cash on. Look for something built sturdy, because the hinges are where the band will snap first.

Don’t overthink it though, the classic HD25s are famous for being good. If you do happen to trash them, the parts are replaceable. They also have excellent isolation and a nice clean bass response.

the V-Moda LP2. These are built like tanks, and sound amazing. Fully customizable, replaceable parts, fabric cabling, steel headbands. These are also comfortable as hell over long periods of time, and even though they have no hinges, they grip your head well when using only one cup. These are definitely my favorite headphone. You can also get your DJ logo laser engraved onto the cups if you want to look like you think you’re gods gift to music. (Hint: don’t.)

Finally, the Escalade of the DJ headphone world, the Beyerdynamic Custom 1 Pro. These have the gorgeous tuned response you’ve come to expect from the German company, with adjustable bass response and isolation. Like the V-Moda, you can customize the entire kit, has a flexible steel headband, and order replacement parts if something wears out.

Audio Technica ATH M50

V-Moda LP2

What level of artist are your services pitched at?

I think artists should approach Milwaukee Music when they are ready to start working at a professional level and require a team to assist in facilitating their development. There is no point us being involved if we cannot help, and we will be quite honest about that in our initial discussions with an act.

It might be a case of us providing some free advice and waiting a few months before we get involved, and in other cases we may hear or see something that we absolutely love and we will actually approach the act ourselves.

TRAVIS JOHNSON

Check out what Milwaukee Music has to offer at milwaukee-music.com.

To Advertise In Classfieds Call 9213 2888 Or Email musicservices@xpressmag.com.au

FOR SALE HEADPHONES all brands & styles. 23 Harrogate Street, West Leederville. Contact Headphonic 08 93886333 headphones.com.au MUSOS WANTED FRONT MAN VOCALIST req’d to join female vocalist in top working corporate band. Exp with commercial pop hits from 70’s - 80’s to 00’s essential - send details to russ@iinet.net.au or SMS details 0408 915 571 GUITARIST WANTED to join established indi rock band. Please call Jake on 0448 129 296 KEYBOARD PLAYER with good lead and backing vocals wanted for establ country rock/retro band. Must be reliable and have professional attitude. Contact Stephen 0419 996 411 or email: stephentaylor304@yahoo.com.au OPEN MIC NIGHT every Thursday night at Indi Bar. Text Josh on 0430 313 577 for a spot.

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