1714

FOALS

Their danceable new era ushers in a Heaps Good new year.

DECEMBER / JANUARY #1714

BEAT.COM.AU NAARM/MELBOURNE’S VOICE IN MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE

8–9 February

Arts Centre Melbourne

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EDITORIAL NOTE Foals are our Heaps Good cover artists for this special December / January issue, as they headline a fantastic New Year’s Eve festival at Sidney Myer Music Bowl alongside Flume, Basement Jaxx, SBTRKT and more.

EDITOR Lucas Radbourne ASSISTANT EDITOR Talia Rinaldo STAFF WRITER Kaya Martin GRAPHIC DESIGNER Riley McDonald GIG GUIDE Jacob Colliver CONTRIBUTORS Bryget Chrisfield, Jacob McCormack, Jess Zanoni, Tammy Walters, David James Young, Nicola Eenink, Andrew Handley, George Tana, Elijah Wraight, Andy Brewer FOR ADVERTISING OR SPONSORED CONTENT ENQUIRIES advertise@furstmedia.com.au

Æ This month we also feature wonderful The War on Drugs, Genesis Owusu, Monroe, Mary Lattimore and Alex Lahey. In addition to bumper festival, stage, gig and venue guides, we also preview the upcoming Vintage Vibes festival and bring back our annual Gift Guide. Enjoy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS Our magazine is published on the lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.

ACCOUNTS accounts@furstmedia.com.au DISTRIBUTION distribution@furstmedia.com.au PUBLISHER Furst Media Pty Ltd FOUNDER Rob Furst

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DISTRIBUTION

COVER

Beat Mag will be distributed free every month to hundreds of locations around metro Melbourne, to enquire about having it at your venue email distribution@furstmedia.com.au

Our December cover stars are Foals, photographed

by Sam Neill.

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CONTENTS 10–14

NEWS COVER STORY

ALBUM REVIEWS

THE WAR ON DRUGS

18

A B C D E

ALEX LAHEY

20

VENUE GUIDE

GIFT GUIDE

22–23

16–17

FOALS

Haiku Hands D.C. Cross Sam Fischer The Native Cats The Bamboos

34–35

Pleasure Beast Wizrad I Love You, Please Don’t Hate Me The Way On Is The Way Off This Is How You Do It

36–37

VINTAGE VIBES

24

A B C D

FESTIVAL GUIDE

25

MONROE

38

MARY LATTIMORE

26

GIG GUIDE

39–43

GENESIS OWUSU

28–29

STAGE GUIDE

30

SQUID NEBULA

32

High Note Cherry Bar Benjys Karaoke Bar Bar Open

Never miss a Melbourne event. beat.com.au

THE DOLLY PARTON EXPERIENCE

COURTNEY with Vanessa and The Jealous Guys

12/02 DOORS MARIE 1PM // SHOW STARTS 2PM

ANDREWS SUN 10 DEC

HENRY WAGONS • DOORS 1:30PM

• KITCHEN Presented by WeManage, CheatinOPEN Hearts Records, • SHOW STARTS

Spunk Records & Select Music 1.45PM 17/02 // DOORS 6:30PM // SHOW STARTS 8PM

MIDNIGHT DRIVER LUCIE THORNE SUN & HAMISH 31 DECSTUART

AND MATT WALKER & BEN FRANZ

314 – 316 SYDNEY ROAD, BRUNSWICK, MELBOURNE | 03 9387 1347 | BRUNSWICKBALLROOM.COM. AU 314 – 316 SYDNEY ROAD, BRUNSWICK, MELBOURNE PH: 03 9387 1347 BRUNSWICKBALLROOM.COM.AU

09

• DOORS 8PM 26/02 // DOORS •6PM // SHOW OPEN UNTILSTARTS 7PM 3PM • SHOW STARTS 8PM

A VERY BONESY BITCHMAS SAT 16 DEC • DOORS 7PM • KITCHEN OPEN • SHOW STARTS 8:30PM

PASIFLOREZ FRI 5 JAN • DOORS 7PM • KITCHEN OPEN • SHOW STARTS 8PM

BEAT 1714

NEWS

ST KILDA LATIN FESTIVAL IS CREATING A VIBRANT SEASIDE PARADISE St Kilda Latin Festival will bring world-renowned salsa, Reggaeton, bachata, Spanish rock and more, the best of Latin culture, food and a flowing beer garden to the palm tree-lined splendorous surrounds of South Beach Reserve on the St Kilda foreshore on February 10.

MK IS HEADING TO ST KILDA IN FEBRUARY One of dance music’s first superstars, Detroit native MK (real name Marc Kinchen) will ignite St Kilda’s Riviera Beach Club next year.

Ç BRUNSWICK MUSIC FESTIVAL DROPS FIRST LINEUP Brunswick Music Festival has revealed its first lineup announcement with Wednesday, MJ Lenderman, WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc), Delivery and Squid Nebula coming to Merri-bek in March.

Ç NEW ACTS ADDED TO MEREDITH LINEUP The Meredith Music Festival lineup has expanded to include another five acts, plus the Meredith set times have landed for 2023.

Ç MONA FOMA UNLEASHES 17 DAYS OF MAYHEM Spread across three weekends (15 February – 2 March), Mona Foma will feature Queens of the Stone Age, TISM, Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, Paul Kelly, Courtney Barnett and many more.

Ç MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE REVEALS DECEMBER PROGRAM Wrapping up what has been a truly diverse year of performances, the Melbourne Recital Centre goes out with a chamber music-inspired bang in December.

Ç FREE LIVE MUSIC AND MOVIES AT FED SQUARE IN FEBRUARY The stacked program features silent films with live scores on Tuesdays, outdoor movies on Wednesdays, live music by candlelight on Thursdays and an impressive live music lineup each Saturday capped off by a performance by Sampa The Great at the end of the month.

Ç THE SMITH STREET BAND LAUNCH NATIONAL TOUR In 2009 The Smith Street Band took the stage for the very first time at Melbourne’s iconic Tote bandroom. Now, in 2024, the band is marking its 15th birthday with an extensive tour across Australia, featuring 18 shows throughout March and April.

MSO TAKES ON THE LION KING 30 years ago, The Lion King burst onto cinema screens worldwide in a blaze of melodic glory. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are now bringing it to Melbourne on February 3.

Ç YIRRAMBOI ANNOUNCES LARGEST COMMISSIONS PROGRAM Melbourne’s leading First Nations arts festival has opened its 2025 Commissions opportunities, which includes the return of the YIRRAMBOI Commissions, alongside International Collaborative Commissions, focus nation; Canada.

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SPACED OUT FESTIVAL COMES TO NORTHCOTE THEATRE Following a string of sold-out shows in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Spaced Out festival is finally making its way down to Melbourne for one big day of psych-rock bliss. The cosmic music festival will be touching down at Melbourne’s Northcote Theatre on December 9.

Ç MR. BUNGLE, MELVINS ANNOUNCE 2024 AUSTRALIAN TOUR In what will be the pioneers of experimental metal’s first trip down under in 24 years, Mr. Bungle, has announced they’ll be heading to Australia and New Zealand in March 2024. In a jaw-dropping move, they’re teaming up with fellow pop maestros, Melvins.

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BLACK FLAG (USA) SUN 10 DEC

MAD CADDIES (USA) TUE 19 DEC

SLUMBERJACK, KINDER + RAAVE TAPES (NYE)

BLONDSHELL

SEA GIRLS (UK) THU 25 JAN

FRI 09 FEB

GLADES

THU 14 DEC

ICECREAM HANDS (MATINEE)

BONEZ QUEER PARTY (NYE)

SUN 31 DEC

K.FLAY

WILLIE J & THE BAD BOOKS

WALLIS BIRD (IRL)

IVAN OOZE

TUE 13 FEB

13/01 - CANDLEBOX (USA) GIG GUIDE 14/01 - OFFI (USA) 02/12 - SOUL TRAINS FT. LEE FIELDS & SURPRISE CHEF 20/01 - THE TALKING HEADS EXPERIENCE 04/12 - DILRUK JAYASINHA - COMEDY 25/01 - SEA GIRLS (UK) 04/12 - TOM BALLARD - COMEDY 26/01 - THE ANGELS 06/12 - IAN BOTHAM WITH JOHN EMBUREYSELLINGFAST 27/01 - GRAND WAZOO: KINGS OF SOUL 07/12 - FLOWDAN (UK) SOLD OUT 03/02 - PETEY (USA) 08/12 - WRESTLEROCK 09/02 - BLONDSHELL 10/12 - THE YACHTSKI BROTHERS MATINEE 10/02 - BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY BASH 10/12 - BLACK FLAG (USA) 11/02 - DOMI & JD BECK SOLD OUT 11/12 - THE FINAL WORD PODCAST LIVE SELLING FAST 13/02 - K.FLAY 16/12 - MUSIK-I FESITVAL 2023 22/02 - TODD RUNDGREN (USA) 17/12 - L7 (USA) SOLD OUT 25/02 - ASHES TO ASHES - DAVID BOWIE EXPERIENCE 19/12 - MAD CADDIES (USA) 28/02 - SHONEN KNIFE (JPN) 21/12 - THE SMITH STREET BAND SOLD OUT 01/03 - BOO SEEKA 23/12 - DAN & AL (XMAS SHOW) 02/03 - WHEN CHAI MET TOAST (IND) 31/12 - BON BUT NOT FORGOTTEN MATINEE 03/03 - HOT MULLIGAN (USA) SOLD OUT 31/12 - SLUMBERJACK + KINDER + RAAVE TAPES (NYE PARTY) 08/03 - BORIS + KIYOHARU (JPN) 02/01 - MCLUSKY (UK) SOLD OUT 09/03 - 1927 + BOOM CRASH OPERA 03/01 - MCLUSKY (UK) SELLING FAST 16/03 - WINTERBOURNE 27/03 - NEWTON FAULKNER (UK) 04/01 - COBRAH (SWE) SOLD OUT

ON SALE NOW

SAT 06 JAN

SUN 17 DEC

FRI 19 JAN

SUN 31 DEC

SAT 20 JAN

31/12 - BONEZ QUEER PARTY (NYE) GIG GUIDE 04/01 - THE EAST POINTERS (CAN) 01/12 - KEE’AHN 06/01 - WILLIE J & THE BAD BOOKS 02/12 - RUDELY INTERRUPTED (MATINEE) 12/01 - THE HARD ACHES SOLD OUT 02/12 - FENN WILSON 19/01 - WALLIS BIRD (IRL) 03/12 - GREG ARNOLD (MATINEE) 20/01 - IVAN OOZE 03/12 - FOUR YEARS OF ISU TAKI 04/12 - SOCIAL SANCTUARY WITH MAGGIE ALLEY, THE 21/01 - JOHN FLOREANI LONELY GODS + TOM AND THE CARTOONISTS 27/01 - LEWIS COLEMAN 06/12 - HUNDREDS (DEU) + JOSHUA TEICHER SELLING FAST 17/02 - THE MOVING STILLS 09/12 - PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS (UK) SOLD OUT 23/02 - GEORGIA GETS BY 10/12 - PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS (UK) SELLING FAST 24/02 - THE WRECKERY + HALFWAY 11/12 - SOCIAL SANCTUARY WITH HUMAN NOISE, 29/02 - THE VEILS (NZ/UK) GUSH + NERVOUS TENSION 07/03 - CAM COLE (UK) 14/12 - GLADES 24/03 - ‘ME THAT YOU SEE’ BY ANNE FREEMAN 15/12 - DARREN HANLON (XMAS SHOW) SELLING FAST BOOK LAUNCH 16/12 - UNDERGROUND LOVERS SELLING FAST 25/03 - DYLAN 17/12 - ICECREAM HANDS (MATINEE) STICKING AROUND FOR A BEV AFTER THE GIG? 18/12 - SOCIAL SANCTUARY WITH RICKY ALBECK FLASH YOUR STAMP OR TICKET FOR 10% OFF BAND + THE JIM DUSTY DRIVE-THRU POST-SHOW DRINKS. GARBAGE CASINO 22/12 - DANE BLACKLOCK & THE PREACHER’S DAUGHTER

PLUS, FREE GIGS EVERY MONDAY NIGHT AT SOCIAL SANCTUARY.

ON SALE NOW

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THE

EDINBURGH CASTLE H OT E L IV M R S SM IT H ’S T R THU 7 DEC

THE SNIPPERS SUN 10 DEC

JENNA CAMPBELL

IA – W E D 7. 30 P M SAT 9 DEC

GEORGIA RODGERS THU 14 DEC

FRI DEC 1

SUN DEC 10

SUN DEC 17

Bland w/ Vulcara + Twinkle Digitz

Front bar: Harmaniax (free entry)

Front bar: Syd Perry (Jamaica) (free entry)

Front bar: Zak Gully (free entry) SAT DEC 2

GEORGIA RAY

Grass Stains (EP Launch) w/ Leo + Hard No

THE DUSTY DIMES

SUN 17 DEC

Nick Keogh w/ Leo + Stormy Lou (ADL)

SUN 24 DEC

Front bar: The Four Scoops (free entry)

SAT 30 DEC

ANA w/ The Sun Is A Deadly Laser + Circle The Sun + Animelodies

FRI DEC 8

SAT 16 DEC

DOGGEREL

THU 21 DEC

CURLEY AND THE FRINGE THU 28 DEC

ATIENNE BAKKER’S VARIETY PLATTER

11

JEFFREY MAN

BASEMENT SPACEMAN

FOR A FULL GIG LIST VISIT EDINBURGHCASTLE.NET.AU 681 SYDNEY ROAD, BRUNSWICK

SAT DEC 9

FRI DEC 15

SAT DEC 23

SoSo (SYD) w/ Brooklyn Comic + Special Guests

Slow Grind Fever w/ Richie 1250

Front bar: The Chilli Pickers (free entry) SAT DEC 16

Josh Shipton and the Blue Eyed Ravens (SYD) w/ Poor Premenstrual Darling + Brian Campeau (arvo show)

Front bar: Dilapidated Diva (free entry) SUN DEC 31

New Years Eve w/ Sorbo Amplio (free entry)

Spürts w/ Big Farmers + Piggie Tails (evening show)

317 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy Melbourne PH 9415 9601

BEAT 1714

baropen.com.au

BAR OUSSOU IS UP FOR SALE

KNOTFEST HAS ANNOUNCED ITS 2024 LINEUP Pantera and Disturbed to headline, plus Lamb of God, Halestorm, The Hu, Asking Alexandria and more set for March next year.

The owner of Brunswick’s wonderful live music staple, Bar Oussou, has announced the venue is up for sale.

Ç POST-PUNK ROYALTY THE THE ANNOUNCE TOUR NEXT NOVEMBER After leaving a trail of sold-out shows in Sydney and Melbourne during their last visit in 2018, Matt Johnson and the THE THE crew are gearing up to make their mark once again. This time, they’re not only revisiting familiar grounds but also gracing Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Auckland – marking their first shows in these cities in over 30 years.

Ç THE COBURG NIGHT MARKET RETURNS THIS DECEMBER

Ç SECTION 8’S EPIC WEEKLY BASKETBALL SHOOTOUT IS BACK

Last-minute gift buyers and lovers of all things local, mark your calendars. The Coburg Night Market is back for a threeday community celebration running from December 15 to 17.

Playaz Club isn’t just a weekly summer shootout from the legends at Section 8, it’s a celebration of community, street basketball and hip hop. It’s completely free to compete, so tie those laces and shoot some hoops every Monday night from 5:30pm.

FOLAMOUR LEADS BOILER ROOM X SUGAR MOUNTAIN The cult-favourite event will be returning to Seaworks Maritime Precinct on Saturday, January 20 2024 to deliver non-stop techno until the day is done.

Ç ULTRA AUSTRALIA DROPS 2024 LINEUP Ç COLDPLAY ANNOUNCE STADIUM SHOWS IN MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY In the wake of two sensational sold-out nights at Optus Stadium in Perth, Coldplay is set to captivate Melbourne and Sydney audiences in 2024 with headline shows in October and November 2024, extending the triumph of their Australian-exclusive leg of the Music Of The Spheres World Tour.

Armin Van Buuren, Zedd and Steve Aoki are coming to Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, April 13.

CORNER HOTEL’S BIG NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY The Corner Hotel is dishing the goods on New Year’s Eve with a classic mix of Bon Scott tributary AC/DC goodness for a matinee, before things heat up with Slumberjack to ring in the new year.

Ç THE MONOPOLY THEME PARK HAS OPENED Launching from November 15, 2023, enthusiasts and those seeking a unique adventure can step into the colossal 1,700 square-meter playground.

COMING UP THIS DECEMBER

BEER GARDEN - DIVE BAR - BANDROOM

64 - 68 Sydney Rd, Brunswick 3056

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MONDAYS FREE LIVE COMEDY - NOW IN THE BANDROOM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT #FUNNYNEARTHEBRUNNY FRI 01 PROPAIINE - WITH - TWINE + DORIS + KERATIN SAT 02 DR SURE’S END OF YEAR BUZZ - WITH - OUZO + REVV WED 06 DOUBLE HAPPINESS WITH - TOWN ACE + GRUPS THURS 07 SIDNEY - WITH KAT EDWARDS + SAINT VICTORIE FRI 08 KILL CARTER - DEXTER SEAMUS & THE ROLLERS + NATASHA BIANCA + BXDXL SAT 09 PURÉE (SA) ‘THE SILVERWOOD’ TOUR - WITH - RAMONA SKY + TRAVALLEY SUN 10 WINN ROSE ‘IN LOVE ANYWAY’ SINGLE RELEASE - MY GIDDY AUNT + KIDS BREAK GLASS THURS 14 EJIP - WITH 1107 + KENNY + JBN (DJ SET) FRI 15 FEVERDREAMS “22 BELOW” SINGLE LAUNCH - WITH EASTBOUND BUZZ + THE JIVES SAT 16 SNOOZE-FEST: EARLY XMAS PYJAMA PARTY - WITH SKERZO + POLLY & THE POCKETS + MATURE THEMES + MORE! SUN 17 A VERY SPACEY XMAS WITH USELESS SPACEMEN - WITH SWEATSHOP + VILLAINS + BEACH VULTURES TUES 19 JMC ACADEMY END OF TRIMESTER SHOWCASE THURS 21 CALICO SUNDAY - WITH - PEAK PARK + PEPPER LE FLOYD + XANDRI FRI 22 NO HARD FEELINGS SINGLE LAUNCH - WITH - FENNEC + MOTH SAT 23 MUNTED CHUNTS - WITH RATTLEBACK + REPLACEMENT BUSSES + THE RARTEL + HETEROPHOBES FRI 29 VOLT JOLT - WITH - MONROE + DIRTY GWEN + IVY BLACK SUN 31 THE BERGY DOES NYE - FREE ENTRY - DJS IN THE GARDEN - OPEN TILL 3AM

FRONT BAR OPEN TILL 1AM 7 DAYS

`BANDROOM + GARDEN OPEN TILL 3AM - FRI + SAT

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Ç A NEW JAPANESE PAVILION HAS OPENED IN MELBOURNE The tranquil architectural MPavilion gem opened to the public on November 16 for five months of free events and mini-festivals.

Ç PORT PHILLIP MUSSEL & JAZZ FESTIVAL RETURNS The much-loved Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival will return to South Melbourne Market on the Labour Day long weekend in March 2024.

THE DANDY WARHOLS ARE COMING TO AUSTRALIA

Ç MEG WASHINGTON UNITES WITH THE MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The three-time ARIA award winner has announced collaborations with the Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmanian symphony orchestras, offering fans five huge performances in January and February 2024.

The Dandy Warhols have announced their triumphant return to Australian and New Zealand stages in April 2024.

Ç BRICK LANE MARKET OPENS AT QUEEN VIC Brick Lane Brewery’s newest addition, Brick Lane Market, opened at the end of November - creating a new drinking and dining destination in the heart of the Queen Victoria Market (QVM) precinct.

Ç LUDOVICO EINAUDI IS TOURING AUSTRALIA IN FEBRUARY Ç PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL ADDS MORE ACTS TO ITS STELLAR LINEUP

Legendary Italian composer and pianist, Ludovico Einaudi will grace Australian shores from 2-11 February 2024.

Port Fairy Folk Festival have announced even more artists for its March long weekend event, including Isabel Rumble, Oceanique, Opelousas and more.

285 Lygon Street, Brunswick East benjys.com.au

13

BEAT 1714

ST KILDA BLUES FESTIVAL HAS REVEALED ITS FIRST LINEUP With over 20 venues and 35+ bands and street performances throughout St Kilda from bands such as Hoodoo Mayhem 2nd line parade, The International Dishwashers, The Black Molls, Justine Jones, Steve Colebrook Trio, Out of Abingdon, Alex Burns, Joshua Batten, Jasmine Mahon Trio, plus lots more.

Ç THE CHOIR OF MAN IS COMING TO MELBOURNE The Choir of Man is coming to Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne from January 4 to February 11, 2024.

Ç THE KID LAROI ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN TOUR

ALEX LAHEY, GORDI LAUNCH SERIES AT SHOTKICKERS

Global rap powerhouse The Kid LAROI announces an enormous national Australian stadium tour for February 2024.

Over Our Dead Body is launching a residency that will run over three Wednesdays in December at Shotkickers, with each week featuring a stacked lineup of local up-and-coming acts curated by established local artists.

Ç TRANSMISSION ANNOUNCES RETURN TO MELBOURNE IN 2024 Transmission will return to Melbourne on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Flemington Showgrounds.

IVE ARE COMING TO AUSTRALIA IN 2024 They’ll play stadium shows in Melbourne and Sydney in July.

Ç MORCHEEBA ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN TOUR AND WOMAD DATES

Ç SOULED OUT REVEALS MARCH 2024 LINEUP Headlined by RnB queen Summer Walker, marking her first time in Australia ever.

Co-headlined by Party Next Door, a living RnB legend with a discography that goes on for pages. Plus, making his highly anticipated return, trap/soul pioneer Bryson Tiller.

Last in the country in 2022, SKYE and Ross Godfrey are making a triumphant return down under taking in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Alongside their tour dates, Morcheeba will be playing the World of Music, Art and Dance (WOMAD) festival in Adelaide and New Plymouth, New Zealand.

LANEWAY SIDESHOWS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED

ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN TOUR She’s coming to Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne on 5 March 2024.

THE SUMMER NIGHT MARKET RETURNS Ushering in a fresh start to summer, the iconic Summer Night Market will return to Queen Victoria Market from November 22 until March 13 (except for December 27).

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Ç RISE AGAINST ANNOUNCE MELBOURNE, SYDNEY HEADLINE SHOWS

You read right; headline Australian dates for Blondshell, Faye Webster, Steve Lacy and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, all touring in January and February 2024.

THE PEEP TEMPEL LEAD CHARLTON’S OK MOTELS

Chicago, Illinois multi-gold and platinum four-piece, Rise Against are making a return to Australia for two exclusive live shows in Melbourne and Sydney in February 2024.

With much fanfare expected, the band will be returning to headline the ever-popular OK Motels festival, set to run from February 23 to 25 in the town of Charlton.

MACKLEMORE HAS ANNOUNCED AN AUSTRALIAN TOUR

MOONLIGHT CINEMA ANNOUNCES SUMMER LINEUP

The Grammy award-winning US sensation is gearing up for an electrifying 2024 tour down under in May.

Australia’s favourite open-air cinema returns for another season of balmy nights, lush picnics and sizzling silver screen blockbusters from December onwards.

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Wesley Anne y Anne 250 High St, Northcote

Trivia with Sparx every Wednesday 7:30pm BAND ROOM

FRONT BAR

Quinnys Christmas Craptacular

The Sweet Souls

Thursday 7 December Friday 8 December

Kris Mizzi

Saturday 9 December

Claire Tonti

Tuesday 12 December

Moulin Beige

Thursday 14 December

Cian Bennet

Saturday 16 December

Mezz Coleman

Sunday 17 December

Victor Stranges & the Futurists play Elvis Costello

Thursday 7 December Friday 8 December

The Distant South

Sunday 10 December

Liaden Zane

Thursday 14 December

Scott Candlish

Saturday 16 December

Doggerel

Sunday 17 December

Emma Jury

Sunday 24 December

Ania

For a 15 full gig list visit wesleyanne.com.au

BEAT 1714

Credit: Rashidi Noah

F O A L S Foals’ seventh LP, Life Is Yours, arrived at a frenetic time for Foals drummer Jack Bevan.

WORDS BY

JESS ZANONI

Æ “It’s really exciting—it sort of snuck up on us because we’ve been so busy. I’ve joined all the dots and I haven’t gone home for like, three weeks, so it sort of doesn’t feel real at the moment,” he told us at the time.

Formerly a band of five friends who played frenetic, bloodand-guts math rock in the basement scene of Oxford in the early 2000s, the now-three piece have become one of the most iconic names in indie rock. Their live shows are renowned for embodying an unparalleled energy and intensity. Life Is Yours (and in some ways, the subsequent Life Is Dub album with Dan Carey and single This Is Why (Re: Foals) with Paramore) saw Foals move beyond their underground roots and begin exploring euphoric dance music, designed to transport listeners to the pleasure of summer nightlife and community - things that Foals, and the rest of the world, were pining for over the preceding years.

16

Their lively, technicolour single 2001 was written as a sonic portal to Foals’ elated youth in Brighton. There are many fond memories for Bevan and his bandmates from this time, but it’s the feeling contained within this period that they were looking to capture within the song.

“There was this excitement for the future and experiencing things for the first time,” Bevan explains.

“That was the kind of energy that we were tapping into when we were writing— all the possibilities that happen around live music.

I remember when Yannis used to be at university, we would go and listen to records and drink wine, and then we’d go on this night out. Everyone goes off and has their different adventures, and you all meet back up at the end to trade stories.”

Across their career, there is a strong sense that Foals are always moving forward. Each album stands alone as its own unique statement. For Bevan, Life Is Yours sits in a specific place within the band’s discography.

HEAPS GOOD LINEUP Flume • Foals • The Avalanches • SBTRKT Basement Jaxx • Griff • Holly Humberstone May-a • Sycco • Logan

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Credit: Alex Knowles

“One of the things we talked about when we started writing was how we really wanted to make a very cohesive album. In the past we’ve wanted to satisfy all the different elements of the band, and at times that could feel a little disjointed. So there was this mutual desire to make it do one thing really well, like a lot of our favourite records—Weezer’s Blue Album, Queens of the Stone Age: Rated R or The English Riviera by Metronomy.

For me, the new record is up there as one of my favourites.”

Bevan channels a new rhythmic energy on Life Is Yours, experimenting with funk-oriented beats and drum sounds, fundamental to the nature of a dance record, while still preserving his own inimitable style.

“It’s some of the most fun music to play as a drummer. I just love it, but I guess there’s a responsibility on me to make it have a groove, without overplaying or underplaying it. A lot of the time when we write, I’ll spend 20 minutes playing exactly the same thing over and over, while Yannis and Jimmy try different things over the top. That kind of hypnotic groove, I find really satisfying. It’s one of those things where I think as I’ve gotten older, I appreciate drumbeats that keep the beat, and can do all the frilly stuff, but choose not to because it’s not what the songs requires.”

Bevan is relishing the high of traveling and playing live again, releasing singles on the road at the same time as performing them, as well as giving fans sneak previews of songs reserved for future releases.

This jet-setting itinerary will see them play the inaugural Heaps Good festival at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on New Year’s Eve, with no other sideshows throughout Australia. Coming from the organisers behind Falls Festival and Splendour in the Grass, the massive oneday lineup sees Foals playing with electronic veterans Flume, The Avalanches, Basement Jaxx and SBTRKT among others. Compare these artists with the raw math rock of Foals’ early work (read: 2007 live set at Liars Club) and you’ll see just how remarkable their continual transformation has been.

17

“I remember when Yannis used to be at university, we would go and listen to records and drink wine, and then we’d go on this night out. Everyone goes off and has their different adventures, and you all meet back up at the end to trade stories.”

“We’ve got this totally new stage show with video screens and a proper set,” Bevan says. “I think that’s been one of the biggest evolutions for us— that step up with the live show. I think we’re just lucky that we’ve got so much material now, we can really tailor a set to do all the things that we want it to, and for it to have a nice flow. The album was kind of written as a live record so it’s really exciting to see how that’s translating.”

HEAPS GOOD WHERE:

SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL

WHEN:

31 DEC

BEAT 1714

THE WAR ON DRUGS “I got a lotta interviews today and I don’t even know if you’ve asked a question, but I gotta go.”

WORDS BY

ANDY BREWER

“All of a sudden we had become this thing.” Æ And with that Adam Granduciel, founding member, singer, and multi-instrumentalist of The War On Drugs, is gone.

Although he’s been occasionally terse, and my queries indeed scarce, I steeple my fingers à la Montgomery Burns; gentle prodding has seen Adam elucidate the band’s sonic evolution, touch on his formative years, natter about sports and, moments prior, possibly raised his hackles.

As the operator prompts us to finish our call, I challenge Adam on I Don’t Live Here Anymore. His lyric “a creature void of form” cites Dylan’s 1975 classic Shelter from the Storm, but I want to know more. Since Dylan was referencing Genesis, was Granduciel ironically inserting his own rib into the Garden of Eden beside Eve? Adam is perplexed at the mention of his Biblical namesake, “Is that what he’s referring to?! I don’t know about that! A creature void of form: it’s a very self-deprecating way of referring to yourself. ‘He comes in from the wilderness’, he could say any number of things, he could say ‘exhausted from the storm’ but ‘a creature void of form’ – that’s an amazing way of saying, ‘I was a nobody, I was like wahh… like nothing’. I love that line – I felt a kinship with that.” Adam snaps, “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

As much as The War On Drugs’ music sits in a spectral ether, hovering outside chronology in their relentless, driving updates on storied artists like Bruce and Bob and Zevon – Granduciel is a songwriter who came of age in the 90s guitar renaissance.

Sharing formative memories on Massachusetts notables (Dinosaur Jr, Pixies, Morphine – “that was my favourite shit”), it’s notable that The War On Drugs’ critical and commercial success can now be mentioned in the same breath as these luminaries.

When Lost in the Dream was released, Granduciel envisioned no such popularity, once suggesting to The Guardian the band may be more niche than stadium. With the benefit of hindsight, their epic and enervating oeuvre seems a natural fit for this progression, but nonetheless, Adam chuckles at the mention of “stadium rockers”.

“We play huge places and sometimes it feels like it’s meant to be, and sometimes it feels like you’re missing a diva. But I think that’s always been my subjective. I’ve never really been able to fully immerse myself (in that). Not that I don’t appreciate it, but I always feel like there’s room to get better.” “(And) we’ve been really lucky, when Lost in the Dream came out I wanted to have a bigger sound. We had toured with bands who had seven, eight people, nine people. We were a threepiece for years. When that record came out I was unsure of my future in music and I was just like, ‘I don’t know what will happen with this record but when we do this first tour I really wanna have that sound I always pictured for this band.”

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One can’t help but notice that through deceptive modesty, Granduciel has digressed from success to the band and its sound, but he is innately intertwining their popularity and aural evolution.

“So we hired Jon (Natchez, sax/keyboards) and Anthony (LaMarca, guitar/keyboards). As that record gained popularity, we were touring so much the band that we put together has grown real-time with people (coming) to our shows. You look at the end of that touring cycle and all of a sudden we had become this thing, this six-piece band that wasn’t there a year before.”

“The beauty is that’s the way Jon plays his baritone,” informs Adam after I wax lyrical. “He has an alto or a tenor, but he doesn’t wanna do that rock tenor sax thing. His instrument has always been baritone sax. The funny thing is, when we were doing the David Letterman show in 2010 or something, I asked somebody in New York, ‘Do you know anybody who plays saxophone? We’re doing this thing on TV’. They said, ‘You should ask Jon Natchez’.

“When I was in fourth grade my older brother had this friend named Jon Natchez, and I was like, ‘Surely it’s not the same Jon Natchez’, but it was! And Jon knew that his old friend Burt’s brother had a band, he was a fan from the first record.

“It became the sound of that record especially. It’s almost like a synthesiser, somewhere between a synth and a vocal sound.

It’s really something else. It’s one of those things that shapes the sound because that’s the way that he prefers to play that instrument and he doesn’t love to do big tenor solos. He does solo with his baritone, just in a different register. It’s one of those beautiful sounds he makes.

“Low end coming from a synth is one thing, but actual air coming out of a bell into a mic is really special, really three dimensional… You throw a big ribbon mic and a (Neumann) U47 on his horns. Man! It sounds massive!”

THE WAR ON DRUGS WHERE:

SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL

WHEN:

7 DEC

BEAT.COM.AU

19

BEAT 1714

ALEX LAHEY Indie-darling Alex Lahey is ready to be back on home turf.

WORDS BY

NICOLA EENINK

Æ They do things a little differently in the States. During her five-week stint overseas earlier this year, Lahey saw that first-hand.

“I mean the most obvious difference is that there’s just more people. On a surface level, touring is enormously different – like you drive everywhere instead of flying.” The crowds in the States welcomed Lahey like an old friend, with each city bringing its own unique crowd to see the Mushroom star perform.

“Every place you go to in the US has its own way of finding music.

Each town has its own radio station, and that’s how they find out about music.”

Her subsequent Australian tour was unique, refreshing and an excellent opportunity to expand Lahey’s musical community and fanbase.

“There’s nothing like touring home and having hometown shows,” she says. “After being away from Australia and then coming back to Australia, it feels like every show… there’s a beautiful familiarity.”

Lahey gave even more fans the opportunity to see her perform this new album by performing in smaller suburbs and venues like Belgrave’s Sooki Lounge. “I mean, Sooki Lounge is a great venue, but I also feel like music shouldn’t be restricted to the inner city, you know? This tour isn’t a regional tour, but it’s nice to pepper in some venues outside of major cities.”

After a killer KEXP set earlier this year, I wanted to get an understanding of how Lahey views her music. Is it most realised in a studio recording, or does the core of the song come out in that live, acoustic setting? But of course, there is nothing cookie-cutter about Lahey – or her songs.

“I feel like they can exist in many formats. One of the cool things about being a music fan is getting to watch bands play songs that you love and having a different experience in every format you experience that in. As an artist, it’s about making each of those formats as good as it can be. I love going to see bands and seeing them do something completely different.

“I’ve picked [this album] apart again and again, seeing it done so different. I don’t think either version is more fully formed. I think bands like to change it and keep it fun. I’m not the kind of musician who just likes to get on stage and do the same thing again and again. It’s nice to be in the unknown, it keeps me excited. It’s great to be able to say yes to things like KEXP and reappropriate these songs that are a part of you.”

From humble origins to several smash-hit releases, Lahey is now a household name across Australia. “I think the real moment I knew it was possible for me was when triple j Unearthed got me to play Splendour in 2016.” But Lahey’s drive and continued innovation is the key to the success of this new record.

“You’ve been handed an opportunity and it’s just what you make it. When someone, or a group of people like a crowd, put you in that spot, that can be the challenge of being a musician: taking that opportunity and giving it all you can.”

To be able to make the most of that opportunity, especially in the public eye as an openly queer woman, is nothing short of impressive.

These themes are embedded in her lyricism and her personhood.

“I mean I think, like, queerness is an enormous part of… It defaults to being an enormous part of my life and the lens through which I observe the world. I think that one of the foundations of queer joy is community.”

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“One of the foundations of queer joy is community.”

One of Lahey’s signatures is her tongue-in-cheek, verbose lyricism.

“I’m a real verbal person. I like to talk things out quite tangentially which sometimes gets me in trouble because I will acknowledge all these different arguments and sometimes people think I believe something I don’t. Like, going through a breakup, when I’m faced with a situation of hardship like that, I don’t lock myself in a room or go within myself. I need the connection, the communication in order to get through it.

“I think that’s a big part of the tone a lot of my music takes.

When something happens to me, I don’t immediately write a song, I go away and then write it. So, I think that gives my lyrics some hindsight and maybe even some humour – some tongue-in-cheek moments. I think that’s become kind of a signature in my writing.

“Of course, queerness comes into it, because my breakups default to be queer breakups, but one of the great things being queer has given me is an enormously proud sense of community and support and dialogue and humour. And that’s really cool. My sense of pride goes beyond me as an individual and extends into that community.”

So much has changed for the artist in recent times, her personal life has seen big shifts – living overseas, a public relationship… the list goes on. The Answer is Always Yes era represents lots of changes for Lahey.

“I think every album is bookmarking a period in our life – and what a wonderful thing that is. What a privilege it is to watch artists you love grow. But sometimes it is a little like reading your journals from when you were 15.

“It’s human’s capacity for good. It’s that we keep creating even when things are really tough and painful. That’s what inspires me to get through every day and keep doing what I’m doing.”

NYE ON THE HILL WHERE:

SOUTH GIPPSLAND

WHEN:

30 DEC–1 JAN

BEAT.COM.AU

thepennyblack.com.au

420 Sydney Rd, Brunswick ©3056

21

BEAT 1714

AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M50XBT2 WIRELESS OVER-EAR HEADPHONES $379

One of the most technologically advanced offerings on the market.

THE GOSPEL STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY $95

Australia’s highest-awarded whiskey – and it sure does live up to the title.

BEAT GIFT GUIDE

CIRCUS 1903 $71–$119

Paying tribute to the golden days of circus, coming to town for a run of shows at Art Centre Melbourne from January 4 to 14.

MOUNTAIN GOAT GIFT VOUCHERS VARIOUS PRICES

THE LION KING IN CONCERT WITH MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA $84–$139

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the MSO will premiere The Lion King in Concert on February 3 at The Plenary.

22

With summer fast approaching, Mountain Goat have teamed up with illustrator Amy Jean to create a limited-edition merch collection.

BEAT.COM.AU

LOCALISE THE LOVE VARIOUS PRICES

Sydney Road, with its unparalleled diversity, is your one-stop strip for shopping and dining this festive season.

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE GIFT VOUCHERS VARIOUS PRICES

A Melbourne Recital Centre gift voucher makes the perfect gift for anyone looking to compose their own musical experience.

MIHAN AROMATICS AIR FRAGRANCES

$25

Transform everyday occasions into serene sensory experiences.

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-SB727 SOUND BURGER - PORTABLE BLUETOOTH TURNTABLE $429

Forget the massive vinyl setups and opt instead for this thin, lightweight device, perfect for small spaces, parties, picnics or bringing along with you wherever your day goes.

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BEAT 1714

SIP, SIP, HURRAY! VINTAGE VIBES IS A WEEKEND VINEYARD GETAWAY AND A MUSIC FESTIVAL ROLLED INTO ONE WORDS BY

ACACIA GABRIEL

After kicking off with a roaring inaugural festival in 2023, Vintage Vibes is returning to South Australia this summer. Æ Bringing together a star-studded lineup of live music with the flavours and scenery of South Australia’s wine country, the festival promises to be an unforgettable two days in the sun. It’s all set to go down from January 27 to 28, 2024 on Peramangk land, at Tomich Wines in Woodside, South Australia.

This year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever before.

Headlining the event will be Rudimental and Groove Armada as well as a yet-to-be-announced surprise headliner. Other international acts include the ever-popular German folk duo Milky Chance as well as the LA-based indie rock band Lord Huron. Aussie favourites including DMAs, The Teskey Brothers, Mac Mag, Cub Sport, Drapht, Marlon, Sea Girls, Stellie, Surahn and Winston Surfshirt are also set to make appearances.

The venue, Tomich Wines, is a family-owned, sustainable winery. The serene location provides a beautiful backdrop, surrounded by the rolling hills and vineyards that South Australia is known for.

Attendees can expect the vibrant performances to take place under colourful sunsets in a valley of leafy, green hills. This spot will be perfect for dancing right up close to the stage or lounging on a blanket in the grass enjoying the sunshine.

For those who are planning on attending from Melbourne, you can fly or drive. The flight is short and the festival is less than 40 minutes from the airport. However, the picturesque drive is also a part of the experience – not to mention less expensive and more sustainable. Roadtrippers can take the classic Great Ocean Road or detour through the stunning Grampians National Park. It’ll also be a lovely summer weekend, so why not both? Whichever way you choose to drive there, your peaceful cruise through the gorgeous Australian coastline and mountains will remind you how lucky you are to live in a place so full of life.

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Luckily the drive can be accompanied by the groovy tunes of Vintage Vibes 2024 Spotify playlist. Prepare for the festival by binge-listening to the many incredible artists. Curious to learn more about the newest artists on the lineup? Be sure to check out Tonix, Indiago, and the Tullamarines. All of these bands represent local talent from the emerging South Australian music landscape, and they each have their own unique, soulful sounds. When they blow up, you can say you knew them first.

The British drum and bass trio Rudimental will set the stage alight with their energetic headlining show. After breaking out with their chart-topping single Feel The Love in 2012, the group has become a musical powerhouse, bringing together DnB with jungle, house, soul and electronic to create effortlessly danceable tracks.

They’ll be joined by fellow Brits Groove Armada, who are ready to bring the party vibes from across the pond. The electronic duo, composed of Andy Cato and Tom Findlay, is best known for the singles At The River, I See You Baby and Superstylin. Mixing elements of big beat, nu funk and trip hop, they’re a one-of-a-kind act that’ll wow crowds with an unmissable set.

Lord Huron will also be visiting from the United States to perform for Vintage Vibes. The band is known for slow jams like The Night We Met, uplifting songs such as Ends of the Earth, and love songs like She Lit A Fire. Watching them perform under the stars is guaranteed to make you fall in love -- whether that be with the band, another attendee, or just life itself.

Music lovers will recognise Milky Chance’s smash-hit track and breakout single Stolen Dance, when it echoes out across the vines. Over the last ten years, the duo has continued to release successful albums, including Blossom and Mind the Moon . Their signature sound and ability to put together catchy, genre-blurring tunes has earned them a dedicated fan base and international acclaim in the indie music scene.

Many of the festival’s vendors are South Australia favourites and they offer a wide variety of food and drink options for attendees.

Among the local wine and drink offerings, Vintage Vibes is also making efforts to be more socially inclusive for sober or sober curious attendees. They are working with Don’t Mock Me – Australia’s first booze-free mobile cocktail bar – to make alcohol-free options accessible for everyone.

As for food, Nagev and Staazi & Co. offer full plant-based and vegan menus, and the other options include Mexican, Asian Street Food, and American vendors. One of the choices even offers a picnic experience, fitting for a festival that takes place on a winery.

Between the beautiful landscape, delicious food options, and talented artists, Vintage Vibes is sure to become a core memory. Also, you won’t want to miss the festival’s top secret headliner.

Keen to be a part of the action?

General tickets are available now on the Vintage Vibes website.

BEAT.COM.AU

FESTIVAL GUIDE

WHEN PIGS FLY When Pigs Fly is riverside, situated in the middle of Naarm/Melbourne’s most famous paddock – Collingwood Children’s Farm.

There’ll be two stages this year, with local legends Surprise Chef and all-round community-oriented collective Disco Mediterranea serenading you into the new year. Come and bop to the sound of the Yarra, the resident menagerie and the sweet tunes.

Festivals to attend this month WORDS BY

JACOB MCCORMACK

COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM

MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL

BEYOND THE VALLEY

The hallowed Meredith Music Festival is back in 2023 and as always the lineup is brimming with talented international and local artists. This year will see Alex G, Octo Octa, Sneaky Sound System, dameeeela and rising star Miss Kannina don the stage.

Many more musical acts will be playing, as well as the annual Meredith gift with the winner receiving a golden robe. So go and pick up a second-hand couch, pack the car and head west.

Beyond The Valley has made a named for itself as one of Australia’s most spectacular festivals and this year will be no exception.

They’ve unveiled that it’ll take place at a new location in Barunah Plains hosting the musical prowess of Rüfüs Du Sol, Flight Facilities and Peggy Gou. There’ll also be the wedding chapel, a beach club (with real sand!), a secret party and the unique podcast stage. This is going to be huge, snap up your tickets quickly.

MEREDITH SUPERNATURAL AMPHITHEATRE

BARUNAH PLAINS

8–10 DEC

28 DEC–1 JAN

WILD HORSES Wild Horses returns in 2023, staying true to their guarantee of an experience that will have punters engaging with their wild side.

The festival will again take place of Dja Dja Warrang country west of Bendigo, stacked full of art installations, workshops, food and captivating visuals. So let go and embrace your wild side this month.

CARAPOOEE

31 DEC–1 JAN

SUN CYCLE New year’s day at Coburg Velodrome has almost assumed folkloric status in Naarm/ Melbourne. The tradition will continue in 2024 with this year’s lineup featuring Erik De Casier, Jayda G, Mildlife and Miss Kannina it will maintain its notability as a festival showcasing pioneering music and sound artists. So come and be ceremonial at the Coburg Velodrome in the sweltering heat of the summer sun.

COBURG VELODROME

1 JAN

8–10 DEC

NYE ON THE HILL NYE on the Hill will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year over the new years weekend.

In close proximity to Loch Village, the festival remains small, maxing out at the capacity of 3,000. But with Alex Lahey, Ball Park Music and the Grogans filling out the musical lineup this is a festival you wouldn’t want to miss.

SOUTH GIPPSLAND

30 DEC–1 JAN

HEAPS GOOD

LET THEM EAT CAKE

The premier ska festival of Victoria is back again this year and set to takeover Colac Showgrounds. With a lineup headlined by Mad Caddies (USA), Area 7 and Melbourne Ska Orchestra the music offerings this year are sure to have you skanking and grooving for the course of the weekend. It’s shaping up to be an infectious weekend of dancing.

Heaps Good is expanding into the Sidney Myer Music Bowl this year, and the lineup is as big as it could ever be. Foals, Flume and The Avalanches are playing their only Australian shows on 31st December at the bowl, supported by other big names such as Basement Jaxx, Sycco and more. Ring in the new year in true celebratory fashion soundtracked by some of the biggest names in contemporary music.

Let Them Eat Cake touts itself as one of Australia’s premier New Year’s Day dance music festivals and with lineups of the past the musical offerings they are boasting in 2024 they live up to this claim. LTEC will be again hosted at the grandiose and opulent Werribee Mansion where the grounds will act as a mecca of music and art. So, dust the seediness of the night before and get on the Princes Highway.

COLAC SHOWGROUNDS

SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL

WERRIBEE MANSION

SKA NATION

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16–17 DEC

31 DEC

1 JAN

BEAT 1714

MARY LATTIMORE We speak to Mary Lattimore before she plays at Melbourne Recital Centre, with support from acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Benjamin Skepper and violinist, vocalist, dancer and composer Eric Avery.

WORDS BY

DAVID JAMES YOUNG

Æ

It’s an important conversation.

With the sole exception of Joanna Newsom, the harp has been an overlooked and underappreciated instrument in the indie world. Despite their mystical, dreamlike sound seeming like a perfect fit, most songwriters will first venture to the guitar or the piano before even glancing at the instrument. Mary Lattimore – who has been playing the instrument for well over half her life, starting at the tender age of 11 – says that she understands, at the very least, where this is coming from.

“I feel like people are pretty easily intimidated by it,” she says, speaking to Beat from on the road at the tail-end of her North American tour. “They see how big it is, and they see how many strings are on it, and they’re like ‘oh, I could never do that’. The great misconception about the harp is that it’s this unwieldy, untamed beast. The reality is that if you sat down at the harp and you didn’t know how to play it, but wanted to play a simple melody? That’s attainable. I can pretty easily show you how to do that. Part of my goal as a musician is to make this instrument more accessible. It’s not an insurmountable dream to learn how to play it.”

Across both her solo and collaborative work, Lattimore has been one of the most in-demand harpists working in the last 15 years. Last month saw the release of her fifth solo album – the six-song suite Goodbye, Hotel Arkada. If you’re new to Lattimore’s ways, this may be the perfect entryway into her world: A blissful, harmonic free-fall of a record that centres her beloved harp as a heavenly ambience wraps around it. Though it’s music that falls out of the conventions set by other rock, pop and indie music, Lattimore still finds herself curious as to how her work is perceived by mainstream publications.

“I mean, I don’t really care,” she says – before reconsidering and ultimately rephrasing. “I mean, I wish I didn’t really care.

“I’m always curious as to how other people will react to it. I try not to make music because I want it to be liked by critics, because I feel like that’s kind of lame. Then again, if a journalist has a take on what I’m doing where the writing is beautiful and the critique is thoughtful… I think that can be very valuable.

I would never change what I’m doing because one person doesn’t like it, but I appreciate words being used in that way.

“I do read a lot of stuff, and sometimes it does get to me. Still, I don’t have any regrets about anything I’ve made.”

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Goodbye, Hotel Arkada is also notable for its guest appearances.

Lattimore has built up quite a network over the years by working with acts like Thurston Moore, Kurt Vile, Jarvis Cocker and Sharon Van Etten. On Arkada, this resume expands again with appearances from Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell and The Cure’s ex-bassist Lol Tolhurst. Having been a collaborative artist since first arriving on the scene in earnest circa 2007, Lattimore has learned exactly what makes her click with other musicians: a distinct blend of differences and common ground.

“I’m definitely drawn to how another artist would approach the exact same thing in a way completely different to the way I would,” she says. “At the same time, I’m also drawn to how our philosophies are inherently similar. There has to be a shared bond in that we both absolutely love what we do. Roy Montgomery plays on this record, and though he’s a very different musician to me I know that if I could play guitar I would want to play it exactly like him. Every collaboration I’ve done has been this cool musical conversation, in a way. I love bringing artists on to my albums and just letting them do their thing – it always keeps things interesting to me.”

Next month will see Lattimore return to Australia for her third tour of the country. She will be accompanied by longtime collaborator Paul Sukeena on guitar, and will be performing at such luminary venues as the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre. It’s the latter city in particular that she is excited to return to: “Everybody in Melbourne is just super cool,” she says. “I love the coffee there, too. This is going to be Paul’s first time in Australia, so I’m really excited to explore as much as I can with him.”

MARY LATTIMORE WHERE:

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

WHEN:

FRI 8 DEC

This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre.

BEAT.COM.AU

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BEAT 1714

GENESIS

OWUSU Better known by his stage name Genesis Owusu, Kofi Owusu-Ansah proudly speaks from the Nation’s Capital.

WORDS BY

ANDREW HANDLEY

28

BEAT.COM.AU

Æ Despite a rigorous touring and recording schedule, the 25-year-old still considers Canberra his home since his family moved there from Ghana when he was two. “That’s what it says on my license,” he laughs.

While some may consider the city’s slower pace a weakness, Owusu-Ansah relishes it. “I think I’ve stayed here for so long because I’ve been touring so much lately, and this career has… put a lot of chaos in my hands, which I love and appreciate and thrive off, but it’s always nice to have somewhere that’s the complete opposite to lay my head down after all the craziness,” he explains.

The musician’s sophomore record, Struggler, was released in August to critical acclaim. It also bested his debut album’s six ARIA nominations (of which it won four, including Album of the Year) with a staggering seven. “Everything feels like it’s happening all at the same time, and nothing has really sunk in yet, because I feel like I’m still sprinting at a mile a minute,” he says.

“Whereas Smiling with No Teeth felt like it was a bit more spread out.”

On Struggler, Owusu-Ansah continues to explore genres far beyond hip-hop and R&B, including post-punk, funk, and new-wave. “I didn’t really think about it,” he recalls. “When I go into a studio, it’s not like, ‘today I’m going to make a punk song’ or ‘today I’m going to make a hip-hop song.’”

“If I’m feeling a certain way, or I have a certain thing I want to say, when I open my mouth to say it, it feels like this sound correlates with [that] emotion,” he explains. “I don’t really think about it in a genre sense, just emotions, and if it’s all one story, then it all generally seems to gel and make sense together in the end.”

Unsurprisingly, Owusu-Ansah says he draws inspiration from all over, finding it hard to pinpoint. “Just kind of everything I see and hear and listen to, from birth until now,” he says.

“Everything I love and everything I hate; it all somehow makes its way in there.”

Recorded in Australia and the US, Owusu-Ansah says the making of Struggler was much more sporadic and turbulent. “It wasn’t as neat and linear as being able to make the first album,” he recalls. “I had some fans in Australia, but I wasn’t on the level that I am now, so [there wasn’t] eyes on me waiting for the next thing.”

“Whereas this one was off the back of still touring the first album, so I kind of had to find time to create music, and it was a very different process,” he says. “It was it was a challenge for sure, but it was a challenge that I feel like I faced head-on.”

While comparisons between a first and second record will always be made, especially one as successful as Smiling with No Teeth, Owusu-Ansah sees it differently. “I think how I develop as an artist is just how I develop as a person,” he says. “I’m not really striving to [be] like ‘this technically has to sound more engaging and better than the last one,’ I just use it as a form of expression and therapy.”

29

“Make sure I got a place to live, that would be really nice.”

“It’s a snapshot of the moment that I’m living in at the time – how that looks, how that feels, the events going on around it,” he says. “So, when I compare the second album to my first album it’s like looking at old school photos of myself, like before and after puberty.”

While there were external pressures, Owusu-Ansah says most were internal when making Struggler. “Finding something that I genuinely wanted to say and that still felt authentic and sincere,” he says. “Not just having to put something out for the sake of putting something out.”

Like his first, Struggler is a concept album.

Inspired by reading Samuel Beckett and Franz Kafka during a time of a pandemic, bushfires, and wars, it follows the story of The Roach trying not to be stepped on

by God. “The Roach is a metaphor for us as humanity and the God character is a metaphor for these crazy, looming, grand, uncontrollable forces that we have to battle against every day,” he explains.

Concept albums are a continuation of Owusu-Ansah’s storytelling. “When I was really young my first creative outlet was writing short stories, and then it moved on to poetry, and then it moved on to music and albums,” he says. “I think throughout this album process, I realised that I’ve always just wanted to be a storyteller and the medium has just changed throughout the years.”

Though it can be challenging, OwusuAnsah says following a concept can give him more material. “It’s restrictive in a way where sometimes I’ll make a really cool sounding song, but it just can’t fit into the narrative, but that will just force me to make another song that does,” he explains. “Later on, I still have a song in the vault, so it’s kind of a challenge that benefits me in the long run.”

Owusu-Ansah approaches his live performances differently from his studio recordings.

“In a lot of ways, it’s been the most important part,” he explains. “When I make music, it’s generally a selfish practice in a sense… it’s all about me, it’s all about how I feel, my standards towards the music [and] the world that I want to create, so as long as it reaches my standards, I don’t really care if it’s unlistenable to everyone else.”

“Whereas the live show is the part where I truly want to open the doors to everyone and make it like, once you enter this space, we’re in this space together,” he says. “It’s really important to me in that sense because I get to see all the beautiful faces of the people who support me.”

In turn, Owusu-Ansah says he treats live performances like a different medium, almost like a theatre piece. “I really love the theatrics and the narratives that I’m able to put into a thing like a live show,” he says.

“Instead of having it as this place where I just regurgitate sounds that I’ve already made I get to put things in a new context.”

There are multiple incarnations of a Genesis Owusu live performance, both equally spectacular; one with The Black Dog Band and one with his Goons – a group of dancing men in balaclavas. “I think all the configurations have their strengths and their times to shine, so I think I’m going to keep playing with that,” he says. He would also like to try and perform solo. “You know, throw my weight around a bit and see how I stomp around the stage just by myself.”

After touring internationally, a stack of ARIA nominations and wins, featuring in Barack Obama’s end-of-year list and being named ACT Young Australian of the Year last year, Owusu-Ansah is eying off his next big achievement in the Australian music industry. “Just make some money,” he laughs. “Make sure I got a place to live, that would be really nice.”

GENESIS OWUSU WHERE:

FESTIVAL HALL

WHEN:

8 DEC

BEAT 1714

STAGE GUIDE

live animal appearance and so many things that can’t be written about because it would incite a mob uproar. It will be fun, and full of moments of critique for the strange phenomenon of human existence.

MOTLEY BAUHAUS

6–9 DEC

Shows to go and see this month

12–22 DEC

VICTORIAN OPERA – GALILEO

JACOB MCCORMACK

I SHALL GO OUT ACROSS THE SNOW COVERED FIELD

KINKY BOOTS Pizzazz, glitter and a whole lot of sparkles will be unleased when Kinky Boots returns to Melbourne. Soundtracked by the greatest hits of iconic music star Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots is all about changing the world by changing your attitude. Shimmer and twinkle into a new version of yourself at Chapel Off Chapel this month.

1–17 DEC

DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE: THE MAGIC FLUTE Master of Music (Opera Performance), Bachelor of Music (Voice) , Master of Production Design (Stage), and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music orchestra students have collaborated to present Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte ‘The Magic Flute’. Abundant with symbolism, moral lessons and motifs, Mozart’s tale is will be presented as never before using multimedia in an groundbreaking new arrangement by composer and keyboard player Donald Nicolson.

UNION THEATRE

Australian favourite comic Hannah Gadsby is back with her latest stand-up show. She has experienced a lot since her last show, Banana Palace delves into the thoughts, contemplations and musings of it all. It’s all been collated into a well curated performance that will have you thinking, and of course laughing out loud.

FAIRFAX STUDIO

WORDS BY

CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL

HANNAH GADSBY – BANANA PALACE

Lina Prokofiev lived an extraordinary and multifaceted life. From blending into the complexity of New York, to contributing to the rich culture of Paris all the way to experiencing the inhumane and horrific conditions of Gulag imprisonment for 20 years, Prokofiev’s story is one of exceptionality. Using lyrics and music of songs performed by Lina this production draws forth the collision of totalitarianism and advancements in art and science omnipresent in the 20th century.

LA MAMA

Richard Mills has developed this new operatic performance that re-tells the detailed story of one of history’s most famous thinkers. With an abundance of contemporary relevance the show navigates a hostile and dubious environment, an experience that defies any era of human history.

PALAIS THEATRE

20 DEC

6–14 DEC

POSSUM MAGIC THE BALLET A beloved and iconic Australian children’s book is brought to life through the Australian Ballet School in this production. Heaving with magic and moments that will warm your heart, the students of the Australia Ballet School have recreated the world of this marvellous children’s book through movement and dance.

PLAYHOUSE

8–10 DEC

GREASE THE MUSICAL GREASE is back at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Saturated in its unique and electrifying portrayal of the students of Rydell High.

Slicker and sexier than its ever been presented this iteration of Grease has all the romance and unforgettable music moments we’ve come to love about this production.

HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE

FROM 31 DEC

6–9 DEC

THE MUSIC OF HANS ZIMMER

FUNERAL FUNeral is equal parts inappropriate, satirical and uncensored show biz razzmatazz.

Throw any expectations to the side and envision tiny top hats on giant babies, a

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Hans Zimmer has become a household name globally through his impressive and trailblazing musical compositions, namely working within the world of soundtracking motion pictures. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and conductor Nicholas Buc have curated a show that pays tribute to the monumental worlds of Interstellar, Inception and the Batman Dark Knight Trilogy that have become so widely recognised and revered.

The critically acclaimed Circus 1903 is coming to Melbourne, and bringing their unique cast of acts beckoned from all over the world. You can expect illusionists, contortionists, balancing acrobats and so much more as Circus 1903 will be flaunting their early 20th century fashion and character.

HAMER HALL

STATE THEATRE

14–16 DEC

CIRCUS 1903

FROM 4 JAN

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BEAT 1714

SQUID

NEBULA

Naarm’s groove-jammers Squid Nebula have taken their time with their debut album, From Here to You, but with a little help from Northside Records, it’s finally here for everyone to enjoy.

WORDS BY

LUKE CARLINO

Æ We caught up with the band’s vocalist Bumpy, an established solo artist and Triple R presenter, and guitarist Mick Power to learn why this record took so damn long and what it’s all about.

“We’ve been predominately live and do have two EPs, but after the big Covid hit, we just wanted to bunker down, get our debut album ready and really come out with a bang,” explains Bumpy. Power adds, “Being in the room together with each other, or an audience, that’s what it’s all about for us, and we strive to capture that (on the record).”

From Here to You is a very good time. The record is funky, groovy and beautifully driven by Bumpy’s strong, smooth vocals.

“We set out to write music about enjoying time together,” explains Power. The record is a concept album about the emotional response to a world ending and how people react to one another and maintain relationships through it all. Bumpy adds, “It’s about connection, hope, and the power of being together. We planned out the entire album and wrote themes for each track down to every detail.”

So we have a record about a (not the) world ending set to a vibe that will make you want to party. As Bumpy explains, Squid Nebua’s guitarist Francis Tait, who is also a member of Quality Used Cars, kicked the idea off with the track Sunday Afternoon. “That was the central song that made us think we should explore this theme and expand the album into that world; it was a starting theme that helped us look at the idea of connection and togetherness and what it looks like when that’s separated.”

The record’s creation, including its amazing artwork by Rowena Lloyd, was a truly collaborative process between the band’s five members and extended community. The album even begins with a recording of the group’s first party with their crew post-lockdown, signalling the celebration or reconnection that would influence the following tracks.

The band’s community also happens to include local icons Northside Records, who have released the album through their independent label. “It’s a really big deal for us; we’ve known Chris (from Northside Records) for years, in fact, I did work experience in his store when I was in high school,” laughs Power. “We’ve always kept our relationship close with Chris,” adds Bumpy, “everybody admires all of the work he does through the label and radio. I was also lucky to press my solo seven-inch through him as well; there was no one else we really wanted to give out debut album to.”

Since the live component has been such a big part of Squid Nebula’s album process, it makes sense that a stack of gigs are happening soon to celebrate the release. While the big album launch won’t take place until February 2nd, 2024, at the Northcote Social Club, you can catch the group much sooner at Meredith.

To close, Bumpy and Power sum up From Here to You as a chunk of time listeners can dedicate to some groovy escapism; “We’re presenting a hyper-real, vibrant party that takes you on a real journey. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster with this album, but we hope it will excite you, make you dance and capture you in a whole other world.”

SQUID NEBULA WHERE:

MEREDITH

WHEN:

8–10 DEC

From Here to You – Out Now Northside Records

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BEAT.COM.AU

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BEAT 1714

ALBUM REVIEWS

WORDS BY

BRYGET CHRISFIELD

THE BAMBOOS

This Is How You Do It

Æ “I want pleasure on my French toast/ I am here to be, to be sexy and free” – this bizarre nine-second skit opens Pleasure Beast, the second record by out-there and proud alt-dance trio Haiku Hands (composed of sisters Claire and Mie Nakazawa, and Beatrice Lewis).

The story goes that Claire and Mie had so much fun being Hermitude’s backup dancers/singers that they wanted to do their own thing and seek out more performance opportunities. Claire had previously met Beatrice at a music festival, which is extremely fitting since Haiku Hands are an instant vibe shift guaranteed to brighten any mood. Can’t wait to see them live! We’ve heard wild headwear, matchy-matchy trackies and synchronised chorey are involved.

Unapologetically celebrating your individuality and self-empowerment are running themes throughout Pleasure Beast (see: closer Nanchucka: “Nobody knows I am the greatest/ I make you all know it”). According to Beatrice, Cool For You – with its driving, ravey Chemical Brothers-esque beat – is “a statement that you’re already good”. Listen out for a dolphin sample within the woozy heat haze of Paradise, which details carefree summery activities and delicious sweet treats (“coconuts”, “vanilla ice cream”, “banana splits”).

Standout track To The Left features squeaky step-on-rubber-ducky accents, persistent hi-hats and a galloping beat that calls Vangelis to mind – toddlers will be mad for it. “There’s no cash back money guarantee on the fu-ture/ You can’t take a loan on the past let’s get loo-ser…” – we wanna hear this one while munted at the Supernatural Amphitheatre. And Jamaica Moana’s verse in nuts. Rewind! To The Left, which was co-produced by Beatrice and the legendary Paul Mac, demands multiple repeat listens and then a quick sonic detour: BRB, we simply must revisit Itch-E And Scratch-E’s masterstroke, Sweetness And Light.

“I’m a fiend for the fun and I level up” – Geddit, which signals sky-punch pogo o’clock, brings I Go Hard, I Go Home by The Presets to mind. Built from a cute sentiment (“Grandma said you’re gonna go far”), Grandma also bemoans smartphone addiction: “I just wanna take my phone/ Smash it with a bowling ball…” The bouncy Chito (a lady hustler, apparently) – which gives us punky, electro-pop MIA vibes – sports leopard print and “high tops in temples”. Penultimate stomper Ma Ruler deals LOLs while we cut sick: “Ayyy, Ma Ruler/ She’s got a spicy munta/ Munchy, munchy cunta…”

Pleasure Beast’s throughline is escapism and not taking yourself/life too seriously.

Don’t be the fun police, just follow the Hands wherever they guide you. Dancefloor therapy has never sounded so good and your future self will thank you.

Æ Yep, This Is How You Do It. Agreed.

Always with the funky guitars, sparse, elegant brass, savvy percussion choices and supreme vocal performances. Instant good vibes. Favoured resident vocalist Kylie Auldist’s radiant essence infuses her smooth, syrupy vocal performances, that beaming smile audible. And we meet a future star in Auldist’s eldest son, Reginald AK, who features on Safe From Harm. His voice emanates sweet reassurance and feels weightless. Then during the bombastic Bored, we catch a glimpse of Reginald’s husky, soulful – with a hint of sass – side: “You keep on talking but I’m bored.”

Reginald AK on working alongside mum in The Bamboos (adorbs alert): “To stand this close to her in the sonic arena is something I’ve dreamed of my whole life.”

Hip-hop flava infuses a coupla joints, with KINGS spitting goodtimes bars in the easy, breezy Everything Gonna Be Okay.

“Check your inhibition/ Leave it at the door” – we can certainly get behind The Main Event, whether it’s a sleepover or partying all night: “We’re the main event” – hell YES you are, The Bamboos!

Caicos Dawn’s sitar solo is gobsmackingly great and so perfectly placed that we feel like George Harrison discovering Ravi Shanka. “You matter to me” – such a wonderful slant for a song; words that could shift a stormy outlook.

The Bamboos are a nine-piece that oozes grooves. Super-sleek with an underlying wink that teases good times, they’re a class act. Just how The Bamboos aren’t already internationally celebrated on the grandest of scale is beyond us.

LABEL:

LABEL:

HAIKU HANDS

Pleasure Beast

RELEASE:

34

SPINNING TOP RECORDS OUT NOW

RELEASE:

BMG OUT NOW

BEAT.COM.AU

D.C CROSS

SAM FISCHER

THE NATIVE CATS

Wizrad

I Love You, Please Don’t Hate Me

The Way On Is The Way Off

Æ You’re probably already across some of Darren Cross’ previous musical output – do Gerling, The E.L.F. or Jep And Dep ring a bell? As D.C Cross, he navigates “adventures into ecstatic guitar (and madcap ambient)”. Self-described as “an unfiltered artistic vision”, Cross composed, recorded, produced and even designed the artwork for Wizrad, his fourth record release under this solo instrumental folk moniker.

Kind Neighbour Introduction – a super-cute, sneakily recorded endorsement supplied by a lady who overheard Cross practising in his backyard and popped in to see where the “beautiful” noise was coming from – opens proceedings. But aside from this charming skit, Wizrad (a title Autocorrect hates, BTW) is entirely instrumental.

In the absence of words, and with nothing but titles (eg. A Harebrained Adventure Of An Amateur Shaman) to offer song-meaning clues, the listener’s imagination roams free. For moi, solo acoustic finger-picked guitar typically conjures pastoral landscapes. Cross also artfully incorporates some field recordings and, upon hearing Birdy Birdy, my dog bolted in from another room – wild-eyed, ears pricked up – in search of avian species. Elsewhere, the meditative drone of New Page and closer The Astral Plane – an appropriately titled ambient soundscape – are very namaste.

If you’re feeling a bit broken, we reckon Wizrad will sort you right out. A liberating listening experience that unleashes creative thinking.

Æ Poster boy for perseverance alert: After being dropped by a major record label, Sam Fischer’s independently released, diaristic single This City – inspired by how moving to LA nearly broke his spirit – eventually became a viral TikTok moment, which prompted Sony subsidiary RCA Records to slide into his DMs. Fischer has previously written songs for the likes of Keith Urban and Jessie J, which explains the pinch-yourself feats sprinkled throughout his debut solo album.

I mean, Demi Lovato!? Aside from belting like no other, Lovato’s vocalising sounds like a luminous feather hovering overhead during What Other People Say (which also appears on her seventh record, Dancing With The Devil... The Art Of Starting Over).

A Berklee College Of Music graduate and self-confessed Hopeless Romantic, Fischer specialises in poignant songs about heartbreak, self-doubt and universal human needs (“I just wanna be someone somebody cares about”). “I didn’t know/ I was watchin’ you go…” – that’s some turn of phrase you’ve got there, sir! Fischer’s phrasing and overall vocal performances – vulnerable yet powerful – are consistently showstopping, but geez he makes our heart hurt during Hard To Love: “I’m doing all I can/ To be a better man/ So please don’t give me up/ When I’m hard to love…”

He wrote the upbeat bop Alright (feat.

Meghan Trainor) after having a panic attack in the shower, hoping to help others manage and reduce their anxiety. High On You, a swirling waltz, closes out with featured vocalist Amy Shark chuckling softly before acknowledging, “Cool song, Sam.” Yep, he sure knows how to craft a tune.

Æ There’s a feline slinkiness to The Way On Is The Way Off, The Native Cats’ fifth record.

After entering the kitchen to make a beverage while ingesting opener Oscillator At The End Of Time through AirPods, I completely forgot my original intention and instead just surrendered to the beats, dancing with abandon and loving every second of it.

Then the hypnotic, tribal drum beats of Bass Clef (so called after a guy’s neck tattoo, lyrics later reveal) took hold, soon met by Julian Teakle’s sinister, prowling bassline. “I slammed my hand into the city…

I hit my head on the doorframe of Hell… I skinned my knuckle on my hometown…” – singer/electronics operator Chloe Alison Escott’s violent lyrics land like a series of suckerpunches.

According to its accompanying presser, Escott finally felt ready to face her “deep-rooted trauma and identity issues” head-on while creating this material, so she revisited some lyrics that had “previously felt too raw or revealing” to put out into the world.

We’re obsessed with absolutely everything about the relentless, almost-seven-minute-long penultimate standout track Tanned Rested And Dead, but particularly its mid-song synth freakout – The Goodies on acid. Fun fact: this song’s closing BV harmonies are supplied by members of fellow ace Tassie bands Slag Queens and Philomath.

This Hobart post-punk duo make angular, edgy, danceable songs that are rich in unexpected instrumental detail (see: Suplex, which concludes in a flurry of dramatic piano and digital fizz). Also, any band that manages to effortlessly weave “bequeath” into their lyrics immediately deserves your undivided attention.

LABEL:

LABEL:

SONY

LABEL:

RELEASE:

1 DEC

RELEASE:

RELEASE:

35

NO DRUMS RECORDS OUT NOW

CHAPTER RECORDS OUT NOW

BEAT 1714

VENUE GUIDE

BAR OPEN

BENJYS KARAOKE BAR

WORDS BY KAYA MARTIN

WORDS BY KAYA MARTIN

LIVE MUSIC: Bar Open has gained a reputation for delivering cool and quirky music six nights a week. With three-act bills in the bandroom and free sets in the front room, there’s usually something to see.

LIVE MUSIC: is up to you at Benjys. The stage is set, the mics are on and the disco lights are lit – all that’s left to do is hop up and give the performance of a lifetime.

FAMOUS FOR: the communal vibes. If you’re more of a karaoke booth person and you’re nervous about singing in front of people, let me tell you you have NOTHING to worry about at Benjy’s. The crowd will be louder than you.

FAMOUS FOR: pretty much kicking off the Brunswick St bar scene. When it first opened, the area wasn’t exactly the nightlife haven it is today. Bar Open has seen it all.

INFAMOUS FOR: taking on the NIMBYs and nay-sayers back in the noughts and bringing loud music and good times to Fitzroy. Æ In 1998, three friends decided to open a bar. Sick of slogging away in the computer industry and looking for something new, Andy, Jon and Sam scouted a location on Brunswick St. After winning over all those who were hesitant at first, Bar Open opened its doors for the first time.

Comfortable and down to earth, the place is supremely easy to love. The glowing red interior radiates a warm vibe, with a fireplace and plenty of cosy nooks and crannies where it’s all too easy to waste the hours away.

Hang around in the courtyard or head up into the band room, which has, over the years, hosted everyone from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard to The Presets. On Tuesdays, it’s home to the iconic Make It Up Club, a weekly musical improv session where every moment is unexpected.

Bar Open has remained pretty much the same since the day it opened, serving drinks late into the night and offering visitors a sliver of the old Fitzroy. A new addition, though, is the mural out the back, dedicated to Andy - the co-founder - and friends who didn’t make it.

This December, in celebration of its 25th birthday, Bar Open is holding a massive month of gigs.

“Bar Open has contributed so much to Melbourne’s music culture over the last 25 years. It’s always been my favourite venue because it gives you the best small-venue music experience in town. This December is dedicated to Andy, the last and the next 25 years of Bar Open,” says co-owner Jon Perring.

WHERE: OPEN:

36

INFAMOUS FOR: Want to see a hen’s party attempt a choreographed dance to Wannabe? Or an overzealous Brunswick local fail miserably on the second verse of Eminem’s Lose Yourself? Come to Benjys! Æ Want to get a little silly on a Saturday night? Head to Benjys.

Kitschy in all the right ways, it has a cosy yet not overcrowded room, a glowing LED bar and a massive screen lined by a wall display of 7-inch records. It’s the kind of place that feels more like a house party than anything else.

Expect cowboy hats, wigs and feather boas. Expect to lose your voice. Expect to stumble out with a bunch of new mates.

With an ever-growing catalogue consisting of more than 70,000 songs, you’ve got a big decision on your hands. We’ll offer a tip: at Benjys, it’s less about your musical prowess and more about your enthusiasm (although a beautiful rendition of My Way will always bring down the house). You can never go wrong with a crowd favourite.

If you’re in need of a break from the noise, grab yourself a drink and slump down under the twirling disco ball in the beer garden. As one of the most prime places in Melbourne for a birthday or celebration, you’ll often find people who are looking to party.

Benjys also offers private function bookings during the week for extra-special events.

Down to earth and down to get rowdy, Benjys is a helluva good time. With free entry and free karaoke all night, you can’t really go wrong.

317 BRUNSWICK STREET, FITZROY TUE–THU 5PM–3AM FRI–SAT 4PM–3AM SUN 4PM–12AM

WHERE: OPEN:

285 LYGON STREET, BRUNSWICK EAST FRI & SAT 8AM–1PM

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CHERRY BAR

HIGH NOTE NORTHCOTE

WORDS BY ELIJAH WRAIGHT

WORDS BY GEORGE TANA

LIVE MUSIC: ranges from loud, sweaty mosh pits to calm, swaying indie, located upstairs in a bandroom where the music never stops.

FAMOUS FOR: the dimly lit red carpet and leather interior that makes you feel like you’re about to meet your favourite artist – and you just might! Cherry has long been the go-to hang-out for artists after their shows, including Mick Jagger, Noel Gallagher and way more!

INFAMOUS FOR: if there’s a big gig on, the after-party will likely be at Cherry. You might get the die-hard fan sitting around all night hoping to get a glimpse of their idols or better yet party with them. Æ Cherry Bar is a venue that needs no introduction. If you’re even the slightest bit into music, you’ve heard of the notorious bar.

Many nights out in the CBD will eventually bring you to Cherry – the venue has been the setting of music history in Melbourne for decades now. The legendary mysticism of Cherry even urged Noel Gallagher to make an offer for it in 2002.

Previously located on the fitting AC/DC Lane, it’s now found a home on Little Collins Street. It’s not the simplest bar to find, but when you see the black and white illuminated cherries, you know you’ve hit the jackpot. Walking through the red door you’re greeted with a grungy, dark atmosphere and the tunes of classic rock (Led Zeppelin, Lou Reed, etc). There are black curtains adorning the walls, dark round tables and leather booths fit for any rockstar to lounge in.

Upstairs is where all the live music is kicking in a big open area with a similar vibe to the downstairs. The upstairs will almost always have either a band or a DJ playing a range of different music.

There’s a bar on both floors, making it easy to top up whether you’re busy enjoying a gig or relaxing with a few bevvies.

Cherry Bar is your chance to step into your rock ‘n’ roll dreams.

It’s open seven days a week! “Always free downstairs and always rockin’ late.”

WHERE: OPEN:

37

68 LITTLE COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE MON–WED, SUN 7PM–2AM THU 5PM–2AM FRI–SAT 5PM–4AM

LIVE MUSIC: Already proving to be a haven for those who have a penchant for the smooth, sultry and soulful side of nightlife, High Note’s monthly music programming stands out with an expansive mix: alternative, leftfield, electronica, dub, reggae and much, much more..

FAMOUS FOR: Having their own custom-made sound system, an awesome feat of technical and creative ingenuity crafted by Turkish-born, Melbourne-based music legend (and co-owner of High Note) Umut Turkeri. It’s a sleek hi-fi system featuring vintage Altec horns that were once housed in the Sydney Opera House.

INFAMOUS FOR: Being a “twofer-one”. High Note transforms from a cozy, chill, clock-off spot where you can knock back a couple of cold ones, into THE spot for a night out – a place you would want to stay at for the long haul. Æ Your new go-to place for eclectic beats and a healthy dose of community.

With two distinct adjoining spaces placed on either side of the iconic Northcote Theatre, High Note is a brand new music bar and community space in the heart of Northcote. Hosting workshops, art exhibitions and live music, it ultimately creates a uniquely multifaceted experience.

This commitment to variety also extends to their drinks menu.

Ensuring there’s something available for every taste, it features plenty of classics but also a pretty sizable array of locally sourced Australian beers and wines.

High Note radiates this self-affirmed but not standoffish sense of coolness, coming across as the place to be for people who are in the know (which would be you now that you’re reading this, how lucky). The best part of this though, is it doesn’t tread into being a wanky, exclusive cool-kids-only club. It’s an inclusive venue full of lovely staff and patrons alike.

It’s also got a super friendly, community-focused ethos, bringing like-minded people together in a space where they can immerse themselves in its hazy-orange ambience and revel in good music, good company and good vibes.

WHERE: OPEN:

220 HIGH STREET, NORTHCOTE TUE–FRI SAT–SUN

4PM–1AM 1PM–1AM

BEAT 1714

MONROE The ‘80s have been having an unexpected cultural resurgence.

WORDS BY

KAYA MARTIN

Æ Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill has found its way back onto the charts. Sharpshouldered blazers and colourful ski suits have been spotted on the streets.

In 2021, the Italian glam rock band Maneskin won the Eurovision contest, as well as the hearts of fans across the world, becoming the biggest Italian rock band of all time at a time when the genre has taken a back seat to pop and hip hop.

This is the world from which Monroe has emerged, guns a blazing. After picking up on the sense of an ’80s comeback in the ether, the band’s lead guitarist Rocco Lai put an ad out on Facebook looking to get a band together. There he found singer Jordan Klein and band members Jason Markoutsas, Brandon Grosso and Christian Christofides.

Forming amid the Covid-19 lockdowns, the band quickly began assembling an arsenal of firey, unapologetic tracks that channel the true spirit of rock n’ roll.

The boys released their debut EP Out Of Fashion earlier this month.

Packed with squealing guitar solos, thunderous drums and anthemic choruses, Out Of Fashion packs quite the punch over the course of its 20-minute run time. The group has brought together the energy, theatricality and fun of glam rock greats like KISS and Van Halen but catered their sound to the modern listener.

“While writing the EP we kind of had it in our minds that we wanted to be as versatile as possible and thus the diversity in the tunes is pretty evident, but after gigging around a bit more we eventually realised we were best at sticking to our hard rock roots and embellishing upon them, especially like our song P.S.T. We just want to write some kick-ass rock tunes you can sing and party your asses off to!” says the band.

Though they’ve only just dropped the EP, Monroe are no stranger to the stage. Their fanbase has grown organically with gigs that promise a balls-to-the-wall good time more fit for a stadium than a sticky carpeted bandroom.

“I think the live show element is definitely something we’ve worked the hardest on.”

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“I think the live show element is definitely something we’ve worked the hardest on,” they say.

“All the bands we love don’t fuss over being technically amazing live, but giving the audience an absolute bang for your buck. Hence why we really try to do things with stage moves, dramatic entrances, light shows as well as crowd interactions all the while we bust our asses and run around onstage. We just try to absolutely let loose and give the audience an opportunity to let go of anything on their mind and feel like they’re part of a rock band too!”

This is the gift Monroe gives their fans.

Dressed in metallic moon suits, singing about sexy people and partying all night and absolutely shredding on the guitar, they create a universe that leaves behind the monotony of the day-to-day and opts for all-out mayhem instead.

“As bleak as the ’80s were in terms of social circumstances, the music seemed to always convey so much joy, even if the lyrics were serious! I think it was Vince Neil from Motley Crue who once said something along the lines of ‘Life sucks, so why should music be a reminder of that?’ and that’s what we’ve strived to do with our music.”

Out of Fashion is out now.

This article was made in partnership with Monroe.

BEAT.COM.AU

GIG GUIDE

THE JAMES LOCKWOOD QUINTET PLAY DIZZY GILLESPIE Open Studio. Northcote.

6.30pm. $20.

DECEMBER 2023

THU 7 DEC RECEPTION Lo-Tech Micromusic Festival 2023 – Day #1

IV

BirdHole, cry-boy, CatchinAshes, Grystalith, Snottdog, Impbox, null hypothesis, pathological function FT:

The Workers Club.

Fitzroy. 5.30pm. $20.15.

DOGGEREL. TOUGH GROOVES, MOTORINN Shotkickers. Thornbury.

8pm. $20.

ALEX G. FOLK BITCH TRIO The Forum.

Melbourne. 7.30pm.

KIRIN J CALLINAN John Curtin Hotel.

Carlton. 7pm. $33.45.

LEISURE. HEADACHES X GOLDEN VESSEL, MUROKI 170 Russell. Melbourne.

7pm. $39.37.

OPEN MIC NIGHT The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 5pm. Free.

MANDENG GROOVE Open Studio. Northcote.

7.30pm. $20 - 25.

THE COLLINGWOOD CRESCENDO Bendigo Hotel.

Collingwood. 7pm.

JOHNSTONE/ MASON/FISCHER TRIO: THE MUSIC OF JIMMY SMITH & KENNY BURRELL Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Melbourne. 7.30pm. $40.

YACHT ROCK REVIVAL Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 6pm. $50.

ELKIE KERSHAW. ZOE MORTELLA, HARRIET WRAITH The Penny Black.

Brunswick. 7pm.

39

MELBOURNE WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESENTS:

Sasha Gavlek Quartet + Monash Art Ensemble Andrea Keller, Cheryl Durongpisitkul FT:

The Jazzlab. Brunswick.

7.30pm. $25 - 35.

THE MAN FROM ATLANTIS. SECRET BIRDS, U.R.G. Cactus Room.

Thornbury. 7pm. $10.

QUINNY’S CRIMBO CRAPTACULAR Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 7.45pm.

METHYL ETHEL. ARMLOCK Northcote Theatre.

Northcote. 7.30pm. $46.

JAZZ NIGHT Morris House.

Melbourne. 7pm.

SIDNEY. KAT EDWARDS, SAINT VICTORIE Bergy Bandroom.

Brunswick. 7.30pm. $16.85.

COURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS & HER BAND. ROBERT ELLIS The Espy. St Kilda.

7.30pm. $49.50.

ALI. IMMY OWUSU, DJ ADAM HALLIWELL The Night Cat. Fitzroy.

7.30pm. $34.56.

30/70 COLLECTIVE PRESENTS

ALLYSHA JOY. SPECIAL FEELINGS, 30/70 DJS Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $28.15.

OPEN MIC Ragtime Tavern.

Preston. 7pm.

THE 6V6S Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford.

10pm. Free.

FLOWDAN Corner Hotel.

Richmond. 8pm.

KING CANOE Bar 303. Northcote.

9pm. $20.

BLOODY ORANGE JUICE. CALEB ELBOURNE QUARTET Bar Open. Fitzroy.

8pm. $17.35.

THE WORLD AT A GLANCE. S P O R E S, SUPER TART The Tote. Collingwood.

8pm. $11.25.

ELON BUST TRIO Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford.

7.30pm. Free.

HEARTBREAKER. VIDA FOX, THE BLUNTTS The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. Melbourne.

7.30pm. $15.

OPEN MIC THURSDAYS Ringo Barr. Brunswick.

7pm. Free.

FRI

8 DEC

TIM MCMILLAN & RACHEL SNOW. PHISHA Shotkickers.

Thornbury. 8pm. $17.

DREAMS: FLEETWOOD MAC & STEVIE NICKS SHOW Memo Music Hall.

St Kilda. 7pm.

BELLY SAVALAS. MOJO BAG, TIARYN, DJ GLISSEN JOHN Curtin Hotel. Carlton.

7.30pm. $22.85.

HYBRID THEORY: THE LINKIN PARK TRIBUTE SHOW 170 Russell. Melbourne.

7.30pm. $59.90.

THE WINDSAVERS The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8.30pm.

BUBBLE PRESENTS

PROZAK. FLOSS DOGG, COLDPAST & TUFF TRAX, K.JONES Revolver Upstairs.

Prahran. 10pm. $26.52 - 31.62.

JEFF DUFF’S SPINNING WHEEL Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 6pm. $45.

LIPSTEREO. VERBRASCO, THEY MIGHT BE DEAD FROGS! Bendigo Hotel.

Collingwood. 7pm. $15.

TRIPLE KILL & ANCHR ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

“WE GOTTA GET THIS LITTLE GUY BACK TO HIS HOME PLANET!”: A HEAVY METAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE. NABERUS, SHADOW OF NYX Stay Gold. Brunswick.

7pm. $25.

MICHELLE NICOLLE: THE WORLD OF CINEMA Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Melbourne. 5.30pm. $40.

AMYL & THE SNIFFERS: UNDER 18S ONLY. DUMB PUNTS Thornbury Theatre.

Thornbury. 6pm.

MELBOURNE WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESENTS

ELLY HOYT: MY NIGHTINGALE + NINA FERRO: DISTANCE - THE SONGS OF EMILY KING The Jazzlab. Brunswick.

7.30pm. $35 - 45.

SOUL CENTRAL Cherry Bar. Melbourne.

8pm. Free.

SOCIETY OF BEGGARS. EL BEBE, ECHO SOCIAL CLUB Retreat Hotel.

Brunswick. 7.30pm. $10.

CAISHA SPROUT. MELODY KIN, WILSON BLACKLEY Leadbeater Hotel.

Richmond. 8pm. $17.85.

They Hate Change FT: Mirasia, Mulalo, Teether, Kuya Neil, Khya, Son Ray

Miscellania. Melbourne.

8pm. $30.

KRIS MIZZI. MANDY CONNELL Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 8pm. $20.

DIRTY HARRIET. THE FLAMES OF LOVE, ROB RYLES, SAM CURTIS Whole Lotta Love.

Brunswick East.

7.30pm. $15.

LEGENDARY FRIDAYS Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar. Footscray. 8pm. Free.

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH Northcote Theatre.

Northcote. 7.30pm. $71.30.

KILL CARTER. DEXTER SEAMUS, NATASHA BIANCA, BOLER MANI, LUCA CIRO, DEFECT Bergy Bandroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

NOVEL PRESENTS

YOUNGR. CLARE CHOVEAUX, NAYNAY The Night Cat. Fitzroy.

9pm. $39.66.

LE PINE + DIPLOID Gem Bar. Collingwood.

8pm. Free.

TIM FREEDMAN + OLLIE THORPE Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $59.

ADAM FRANKLIN + PRIVATE STASH The Thornbury Local.

Thornbury. 8pm.

BINGO & DISCO Edinburgh Castle Hotel.

Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

RUBY CANNON Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford.

8pm. Free.

AUSECUMA BEATS The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

WRESTLEROCK FT:

Warbirds

Corner Hotel. Richmond.

8pm. $45.45.

NICK KEOGH. LEO, STORMY LOU Bar Open. Fitzroy.

8.30pm. $17.35.

NO FIXED ADDRESS. STRAY BLACKS, FONZIE PATTEN The Tote. Collingwood.

7pm. $39.30.

THE LAMINATORS. DJ HUSSLER DU Bar 303. Northcote.

7pm.

BEAT 1714

MARY LATTIMORE + ERIC AVERY + BENJAMIN SKEPPER Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank.

7.30pm. $49.

COLD/HEAT. BLACK DAHLIA, NPCEDE, GUTTER PIG The Old Bar. Fitzroy.

8pm. $11.25.

ALETHIA. FAKUSY, CTO Ringo Barr. Brunswick.

8pm. $17.

SAT 9 DEC SOTV. SEAMUS MCCORRY & THE TELEVISED MIND, DUMB WHALES The Workers Club.

Fitzroy. 8pm. $20.15.

DIMENSION. GRAFIX Max Watt’s. Melbourne.

9pm. $86.70.

BATPISS. SLOMO, AQUATICO Shotkickers. Thornbury.

8pm. $25.

THRASHFEST 2023

Incrypt, Reaver, Sithlord, Firestorm, Warrior Within, Rawtism, Firing Squad, more FT:

Bendigo Hotel.

Collingwood.

4pm. $38.37.

RHYS & JOEL’S FAMILY CHRISTMAS Thornbury Theatre.

Thornbury. 7pm.

JEFF DUFF’S SPINNING WHEEL Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 6pm. $45.

SIDNEY PHILLIPS. LIL KET, BOOTLEG BABY, SKRATCHA, TWINLITE, LUVLXCKDOWN, MORE The Toff In Town.

Melbourne. 7.30pm. $25 - 30.

DROP KEYS Post Office Hotel.

Coburg. 9pm.

MELBOURNE WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESENTS

PLASTIC CHEESES. KELSEY JEAN Retreat Hotel.

Brunswick.

2.30pm. Free.

LARA BELLO QUARTET + ILARIA COCIANI + RUBY GLYNN The Jazzlab. Brunswick.

7.30pm. $35 - 45.

SCATTER LIGHT. ASTRO ELEVATOR, SKERZO The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. Melbourne. 2pm. Free.

THE GUMBO INCIDENT Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 6pm. Free.

STRANGE TENANTS. LOIN GROIN John Curtin Hotel.

Carlton. 8.30pm. $43.80.

NOVO AMOR Croxton Bandroom.

Thornbury. 8pm.

JAZZYNOVA Open Studio. Northcote.

9pm. $15 - 25.

SOULS OF MISCHIEF Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 7.30pm. $89.80.

DEATH BELLS. POSTBLUE, RESENTER, RIELLY MCCOLLOM Stay Gold. Brunswick.

7pm. $34.70.

40

George Michael: Freedom!

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra FT:

Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne.

7.30pm. $89 - 139.

BENTHAM’S HEAD. BLACK SEA OF TREES, RARE OLIVES Whole Lotta Love.

Brunswick East.

7.30pm. $22.49.

SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar. Footscray. 8pm. $0 - 10.

PURÉE. TRAVALLEY, RAMONA SKY Bergy Bandroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

Spaced Out Festival

Shag Rock, Rum Jungle, Surf Trash, Peach Fur, Lazy Ghost, The Butlers, Dear Sunday, Girl & Girl, Seaweed on Sticks, Goodbye Butterfly FT:

Northcote Theatre.

Northcote. 2pm. $81.70 - 88.84. ÁINE TYRRELL The Espy. St Kilda.

7pm. $33.15.

SLEEPER CELL WITH DJ ASSAULT. BOO MOJO, BROWN SUGA PRINCESS, C:1, KUFA, NEGASSA The Night Cat. Fitzroy.

9pm. $54.95.

SONGS THE DETROIT COBRAS TAUGHT US Gem Bar. Collingwood.

8pm. Free.

A Night At The Leaky Cauldron FT:

The Engagement

Brunswick Artists’ Bar. Brunswick.

7.30pm. $14.99.

THE ORBWEAVERS Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 1.45pm. $24.07 - 55.69.

TOM WAITS NIGHT Ragtime Tavern.

Preston. 8pm.

WOBBYGONG The Thornbury Local.

Thornbury. 8pm.

SUPERSTAR DJ’S Edinburgh Castle Hotel.

Brunswick. 9pm.

Dangertone Christmas Party FT: TongueScum, Munt, Vexation

The Beast. Brunswick East. 1pm. Free.

PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS, GRINDING EYES Northcote Social Club.

Northcote. 8.30pm.

ANA. THE SUN IS A DEADLY LASER, CIRCLE THE SUN, ANIMELODIES Bar Open. Fitzroy.

8.30pm. $17.35.

STIGG. PORCUS VS EGUUS, COLD REGARDS The Tote. Collingwood.

7pm. $16.35.

The Music of Hans Zimmer

Got The Sauce

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne.

7.30pm. $75 - 160.

FT:

Apolett, Friends

Section 8. Melbourne.

6pm. Free.

SEDUCEAPHONES + PIRATESKA REBELLION Bar 303. Northcote.

8pm. $20 - 25.

VIKA & LINDA: GEE WHIZ IT’S CHRISTMAS (AGAIN)!… A FAMILY AFFAIR! Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank.

8pm. $79.

BAPTISM OF UZI. SCATTER LIGHT, SUPER - X, SID O’NEILL The Old Bar. Fitzroy.

8pm. $11.25.

SIXPENCE. SCRAMMER, ISA.AC Ringo Barr. Brunswick.

8pm. Free.

THU 14 DEC FURNACE & THE FUNDAMENTALS: A VERY FURNACE CHRISTMAS Max Watt’s. Melbourne.

7.30pm. $57.15.

KUMAR SHOME & THE PUNKAWALLAHS. SPECIAL FEELINGS Shotkickers. Thornbury.

8pm. $20.

METAL CHURCH. NOTHING SACRED, FIRING SQUAD Croxton Bandroom.

Thornbury. 7.30pm. $54.95.

MINGUS THINGUS Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Melbourne. 7.30pm. $40.

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB TRIBUTE Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 6pm. $40.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra FT:

LET’S GET TRIVIAL Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar. Footscray. 7.30pm. $10.

B.Y.O VINYL THURSDAY’S Daylesford Hotel.

Daylesford. 7pm.

JAZZ NIGHT Morris House.

Melbourne. 7pm.

EJIP. 1107, KENNY, JBN DJ Bergy Bandroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $15.85.

RUBY JONES + TERESA DUFFY RICHARDS Gem Bar. Collingwood.

7.30pm. Free.

EUGENE HAMILTON & THE MONEY: CHRISTMAS SHOW Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $38.86.

OPEN MIC Ragtime Tavern.

Preston. 7pm.

THE 6V6S Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford.

10pm. Free.

GLADES Northcote Social Club.

Northcote. 8pm. $29.10.

WARATAAH. TRAD UKIYO, ELISHA Bar Open. Fitzroy.

8pm. $17.35.

LUNATIC. ROCKIN’ PELMETS, INKED FACTOR The Tote. Collingwood.

7.30pm. $11.25.

AMANDULA. AEL, SUNNY MOO The Penny Black.

Brunswick. 7pm.

FRI 15 DEC

JAZZ EMU: EMUS UNITED The Toff In Town.

Melbourne. 7.30pm. $28.56.

GOAT SHAMAN. MAMMON’S THRONE, GHOSTSMOKER, NON Shotkickers. Thornbury.

8pm. $15.

SCOTT CANDLISH Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 6pm.

CONTE MILANO Open Studio. Northcote.

8.30pm. $10.

BEAT.COM.AU

A VERY BIG BAND CHRISTMAS. ROSS IRWIN Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $35 - 60.

MAISON BURLESQUE: UNWRAPPED Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $60.

SOUP & THE CROUTON. NIGHTLIGHT, WAXMAN The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. Melbourne.

8.30pm. $11.25.

BOOF! Ragtime Tavern.

Preston. 8pm.

BLONDE REVOLVER. CONG JOSIE & THE TEARDROPS, SMOOCH John Curtin Hotel.

Carlton. 8.30pm. $17.75.

L7: PERFORMING BRICKS ARE HEAVY Croxton Bandroom.

Thornbury. 8pm. $89.90.

A VERY MERRY & JOLLY CHEAP-SKATE CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING BONANZA Bendigo Hotel.

Collingwood.

4pm. $17.33.

DEADWEIGHT 80 + IDENTITY ERROR. ADRIATIC, INFLICTED Stay Gold. Brunswick.

7pm. $13.30.

NARDIA + JIMI HOCKING: A CELEBRATION OF BB KING & ETTA JAMES Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45.

BEN ABRAHAM’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Thornbury Theatre.

Thornbury. 7pm.

AUDREY POWNE: A RETURN & FAREWELL The Jazzlab. Brunswick.

8pm. $30 - 40.

HONKY TONK TOWN #6 Gem Bar. Collingwood.

8pm. Free.

LEGENDARY FRIDAYS Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar. Footscray. 8pm. Free.

FEVERDREAMS. EASTBOUND BUZZ, THE JIVES Bergy Bandroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

WAAX The Night Cat. Fitzroy.

8pm. $39.66.

41

TIM WOODZ CHRISTMAS JAMZ The Thornbury Local.

Thornbury. 7pm.

BINGO & DISCO Edinburgh Castle Hotel.

Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

Merry Causemas: A Worthy Benefit Concert

SAT 16 DEC THE GEMS. RAGGED COMPANY, CAM MUNCEY The Workers Club.

Fitzroy. 1pm. $13.

RICH WEBB BAND’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Retreat Hotel.

Brunswick.

2.30pm. Free.

The Leadbeater Hotel.

Richmond. 7pm. $43.90.

WILBUR WILDE & THE TROUBLEMAKERS: A MIGHTY WILDE XMAS AT MEMO. DEAR JUDY Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $35 - 55.

GUSTO GUSTO + ASTROVILLAIN The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

NESSA BARRETT. OLIVER CRONIN The Forum. Melbourne.

7pm. $71.90.

DARREN HANLON (XMAS SHOW) Northcote Social Club.

Northcote. 8pm. $40.40.

THE HARD ONS. THE MEANIES, JJ MCCANN’S TRANSMISSION John Curtin Hotel.

Carlton. 8pm. $43.80.

The Slingers, KP Hydes, C ME, Ceylon FT:

SOSO. BROOKLYN COMIC Bar Open. Fitzroy.

8.30pm. $17.35.

DEAR THIEVES + CAKES. STONE WITCHES, ALEX ELBERY The Tote. Collingwood.

8.30pm. $15.30.

The Operatives FT:

Nam, JPS, more

Section 8. Melbourne.

6pm. Free.

NITIDA + PARTY PEST The Motley Bauhaus.

Collingwood.

8.30pm. $15.

BURIED FEATHER + HEAVY AMBER Cherry Bar. Melbourne.

8pm. $17.48.

ROS BANDT WITH ALANA BLACKBURN: SOUNDING SPACES Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank.

6pm. $25.

MUNCHY DOLPHIN. NORWOOD, CREATURE FEAR The Old Bar. Fitzroy.

8pm. $11.25.

L7: PERFORMING BRICKS ARE HEAVY Croxton Bandroom.

Thornbury. 8pm. $89.90.

DELIQUESCE. PULVERISED CRANIAL MATTER, DELIQUESCE, BIFURCATION, ALGOR MORTIS, HEADLESS DEATH, HEMATEMESIS Bendigo Hotel.

Collingwood.

7pm. $22.50.

Outcast Festival

FT: I Built The Sky, Ghost Seeker, Eye of The Enemy, Dyssidia, New Million, Lumens, Rise From Ashes, Druid, Ironstone

Stay Gold. Brunswick.

2pm. $45.90 - 57.15.

JESSICA YOUNG QUINTET Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Melbourne. 5.30pm. $45.

BEN ABRAHAM’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Thornbury Theatre.

Thornbury. 7pm.

DARLINGHURST Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 6pm. $39.

TERRESTRIALS. FIGURES, SENTIA, CRYSTALLINES The Toff In Town.

Melbourne. 7pm. $28.56.

THE JERRY WELDON & NEAL “SUGAR” CAINE QUINTET The Jazzlab. Brunswick.

8pm. $50 - 60.

MICK DALEY’S CORPORATE RAIDERS. LUKE SINCLAIR, LITTLE FAITHS Gasometer Hotel.

Collingwood.

7.30pm. $15 - 20.

ROSARIO DE MARCO The Thornbury Local.

Thornbury. 8pm.

PALACE OF THE KING. AVALANCHE, SHOTGUN MISTRESS The Duke Of Enmore.

Enmore. 7.30pm. Free.0.

DOGGEREL Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 6pm.

SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar. Footscray. 8pm. $0 - 10.

SNOOZE-FEST: Early Christmas Pyjama-Party

FT: Skerzo, Polly & the Pockets, Tommy Dynamite & the Explosions, Mature Themes, Scud, Echo Social Club

Bergy Bandroom.

Brunswick. 7pm. $16.85.

FRED AGAIN..

VS SKRILLEX APPRECIATION NIGHT The Night Cat. Fitzroy.

11pm. $18.25 - 20.

GUN LAWS + AFFORDABLE REPAYMENTS Gem Bar. Collingwood.

4pm. Free.

BLACK NIGHT CRASH. QUEENIE Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford.

8pm. Free.

KISS THISS. POWERSLAVE The Leadbeater Hotel.

Richmond. 8pm. $28.85.

YARD DUTY: XMAS XTRAVAGANZA. THE COOLABAHS, BRODOWN The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

UNDERGROUND LOVERS MODA DISCOTECA. SYZYGY, MAXINE GILLON Northcote Social Club.

Northcote. 8.30pm. $46.

Musik-i Festival 2023

FT: Cats & The Canary, Heirs of Apollo, Erinaki, Artemis, DJs

Corner Hotel. Richmond.

7.30pm. $56.80.

SPÜRTS. BIG FARMERS, PIGGIE TAILS Bar Open. Fitzroy.

8.30pm. $17.35.

A VERY DR. COLOSSUS CHRISTMAS. THE MIFFS, SPACEJUNK The Tote. Collingwood.

8pm. $28.60.

Darebin Songwriters Guild

FT: Sam Terranova, Sylvia Gunn, Pete Read, Matt Daniel, Richard Snow, Arty Redsocks, Son of a Gun, Yan Tan Tethera

Bar 303. Northcote.

3.30pm.

Half A Decade Of Disdain Records

FT: Choof, Resistance, Remains, Pizza Death, Secret Headliner

The Old Bar. Fitzroy.

8pm. $28.60.

SONGLINES PRESENTS

BLAKMAS

FT: Kutcha Edwards, Canisha, Pirritu, Katie Aspel

Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick.

1.30pm. Free.

BEAT 1714

THU 21 DEC

FRI 22 DEC

MICK THOMAS’ ROVING COMMISSION. GEORGIA RODGERS Shotkickers. Thornbury.

8pm. $40.

MICK THOMAS’ ROVING COMMISSION. MEGHAN MAIKE BAND Shotkickers. Thornbury.

8pm. $40.

SENES FLAMENCO Open Studio. Northcote.

8pm. $20 - 25.

Claymore: A Celtic Christmas.

THE DARYL MCKENZIE JAZZ ORCHESTRA WITH NICHAUD FITZGIBBON Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Melbourne. 7pm. $45.

FT: Saoirse, Bo’ness Brothers, Glenbrae Celtic Dancers, Hawthorn Pipe Band

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $35 - 50.

ELVIS BY ANTHONY PETRUCCI Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 6pm. $30.

GRINSPOON. PRIVATE FUNCTION, PRESS CLUB The Forum.

Melbourne. 7pm.

ANTON DELECCA QUINTET The Jazzlab. Brunswick.

7.30pm. $20 - 30.

LAKE MINNETONKA Open Studio. Northcote.

8.30pm. $15 - 20.

ORGANZOLA Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 6pm.

ELLY POLETTI SINGS THE A LIST: ARETHA-ADELEALICIA-AMY Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45.

JAZZ NIGHT Morris House.

Melbourne. 7pm.

A SWINGIN’ BELLA CHRISTMAS Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8pm.

SHAKE IT OFF: THE TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE SHOW Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 6pm. $42.

OPEN MIC Ragtime Tavern.

Preston. 7pm.

TAXIRIDE Sooki Lounge. Belgrave.

8pm. $47.95.

THE 6V6S Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford.

10pm. Free.

MOUNT KUJO Post Office Hotel.

Coburg. 9pm.

100% Phat Xmas Jam

THE PEARLY SHELLS XMAS SHOW The Jazzlab. Brunswick.

8pm. $35 - 45.

FT: Nino Brown, Mrs Wallace, Mizhap, Agent 86, Naru, Naoto, Ghostnotes, Tom Showtime, Young Jun, Deejay Hijack, DJ Flagrant

Section 8. Melbourne.

4pm. Free.

BUTTERED LOAF Bar 303. Northcote.

8pm. $20.

ELON BUST TRIO. FLIMSEY LOHAN Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford.

7.30pm. Free.

CRAVZOV. SIMON HUDSON, DARLIA The Penny Black.

Brunswick. 7pm. Free.

42

JON COLLINS Micawber Tavern.

Belgrave. 7pm. Free.

Club Riot: LGBTQ Alt Christmas Party

FT: Eaglemont, Haters, Don’t Text Your Ex

Bad Decisions Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. $15.

JL TRIO Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 6pm.

RAGTIME STAFF PLAY FOR YOU Ragtime Tavern.

Preston. 8pm.

NO HARD FEELINGS: XMAS CELEBRATION SHOW. FENNEC, MOTH Bergy Bandroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

AUBREY HAIVE YOURSELF A MERRY CHRISTMAS Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar. Footscray. 8pm. $20.

CALL ME MAYBE: 2000S + 2010S PARTY The Espy. St Kilda.

9pm. $10.75 - 20.

A SWINGIN’ BELLA CHRISTMAS Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8pm.

BADCOCK BROTHERS PRESENTS

BARRELS BY CANDLELIGHT The Thornbury Local.

Thornbury. 8pm.

A MACQUEENIE CHRISTMAS Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford.

8pm. Free.

CHRISTMAS WITH ALBERT SALT. HARRIS The Leadbeater Hotel.

Richmond. 8pm. $20.

DANE BLACKLOCK & THE PREACHER’S DAUGHTER. FRIBBY & THE FEMMES Northcote Social Club.

Northcote. 8.30pm. $46.

THE FOUR SCOOPS Bar Open. Fitzroy.

6pm. Free.

The Cactus Before Christmas!

FT:

DAN & AL (XMAS SHOW) Corner Hotel. Richmond.

8pm. $39.90.

Cactus Room.

Thornbury. 8pm. $18.40.

DILAPIDATED DIVA Bar Open. Fitzroy.

8pm. Free.

Dolls, Glas Nost, Scuff, Milksick

HAUS OF FUNK

SAT 23 DEC MICK THOMAS’ ROVING COMMISSION. STEF DUZEL Shotkickers. Thornbury.

8pm. $40.

STEVE KILBEY PLAYS THE CHURCH SINGLES Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $45 - 65.

TINHEADS TRIO Open Studio. Northcote.

5pm. $15 - 20.

TRIPLIKATZ Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 6pm.

What We Did On The Weekend 5th Annual Fundraiser FT: Clay J Gladstone, Saving Face, Hot Machine, Day Saints, BenchCup

Stay Gold. Brunswick.

7pm. $25.

REBECCA BARNARD - IT’S COMING ON CHRISTMAS: THE MUSIC OF JONI MITCHELL The Jazzlab. Brunswick.

8pm. $30 - 40.

MATESMAS

SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar. Footscray. 8pm. $0 - 10.

The Tote. Collingwood.

8pm. $34.20.

BAD SANTA (FILM SCREENING) Northcote Theatre.

Northcote. 7pm. $12.04.

FT: Our Carlson + Porpoise Spit

JADE ZOE + FRIENDS. SHELLEY, NOKIA 3210, SMALL FRY, TYOOW Section 8. Melbourne.

6pm. Free.

RIFFMAS at The Old Bar

FT: Bog Monster, Zombie Hunger, Lamassu, Nighteyes

The Old Bar. Fitzroy.

8pm. $11.25.

RHONDA BURCHMORE & THE JACK EARLE BIG BAND: A RED HOT SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $54.67 - 86.29.

DAMON SMITH’S XMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Ragtime Tavern.

Preston. 8pm.

LA FURIA Cherry Bar. Melbourne.

8pm. $27.70.

FT: Mothafunk, Haus of Ralph, House Mum

Section 8. Melbourne.

6pm. Free.

HOMEBASS PRESENTS

TOR

FT: The Oddness, Kodiak Kid, Old China

Bar 303. Northcote.

8pm. $28.04.

EXILES: CHRISTMAS SHOW Yah Yahs. Fitzroy. 8pm.

THU 28 DEC MURDER ONE: A PARTY FOR LEMMY Bendigo Hotel.

Collingwood. 7pm. Free.

THE JAMES MORRISON SEXTET. MAT JODRELL, CARL MACKEY Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 9pm. $40.

NEIL ROBERTSON. BRIGID PARKER, MADELEINE CLARE The Penny Black.

Brunswick. 7pm.

ATTICHE TRIO Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 6pm.

JAZZ NIGHT Morris House.

Melbourne. 7pm.

Beyond The Valley

FT: Rufus Du Sol, Central Cee, Peggy Gou, Destroy Lonely, DMA’S, Ferg, G Flip, more

Barunah Plains.

Hesse. 8am.

ELVIS: A MUSICAL REVOLUTION Athenaeum Theatre.

Melbourne. 7.30pm. $99.

IT’S CAMP: SILLY SEASON DRAG SHOW The Old Bar. Fitzroy. $11.25.

BEAT.COM.AU

NICK ANDERSON Westernport Hotel.

San Remo. 8pm.

ELON BUST TRIO Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford.

7.30pm. Free.

FRI 29 DEC SENES FLAMENCO DUO Open Studio. Northcote.

8.30pm. Free.

THE JAMES MORRISON SEXTET. MAT JODRELL, CARL MACKEY Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 9pm. $40.

ROSS ANDERSON TRIO Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 6pm.

VOLT JOLT. MONROE, IVY BLACK, DIRTY GWEN Bergy Bandroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

MR. MCCLELLAND’S FINISHING SCHOOL PRESENTS

NOT NYE Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $23.05.

CAT CRAWL. SADA ABE, LONG HOURS The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

MASTER KG The Third Day. North Melbourne. 9pm. $40 - 94.28.

CHICHA YE YE The Lomond Hotel.

Brunswick East. $15.

ETERNAL Laundry Bar. Fitzroy.

9pm. $16.53.

LAURA KING Nerve. Melbourne.

9.30pm. $21.75.

NAT ALLISON The Crafty Squire.

Melbourne.

5.30pm. Free.

SAT 30 DEC TAKING BACK SATURDAY: EMO & POP PUNK END OF YEAR PARTY Stay Gold. Brunswick.

9pm. $15.30.

BEANS. DELIVERY, HOT MACHINE Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8.30pm. $28.15.

THE JAMES MORRISON SEXTET. MAT JODRELL, CARL MACKEY Bird’s Basement.

Melbourne. 9pm. $40.

NYE On The Hill – 10th Anniversary

Ball Park Music, Alex Lahey, Beddy Rays, Dice, Gretta Ray, more FT:

The Farm. South Gippsland. 10am.

JOHN FOREMAN’S AUSSIE POPS ORCHESTRA Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne).

Melbourne. 8pm. $89.

NAT ALLISON Beer DeLuxe.

Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

Punk Vs Rap Throwdown Vol. 2

FT: 7 Pound Halo, Spill Kit, Labrat , A.G (47), The Dave Webb Project

Bad Decisions Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. $16.39.

SARAH LIGHT. KIRRILEE, OLI KYSS The Workers Club.

Fitzroy. 1pm. $13.

MELBOURNE DRONE ORCHESTRA Mission to Seafarers.

Docklands. 7pm. $10 - 20.

Plump DJs + Skool Of Thought

Citizen, Boydex & Friends, Shan Frenzie & Obliveus, Substitute, Miss Behaviour FT:

Gasometer Downstairs.

Collingwood.

3pm. $44.90.

SCANDAL Level 3 @ Crown.

Southbank. 10pm. $30.09.

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SUN 31 DEC NEW YEAR’S EVE

ANDREW DE SILVA’S DEDICATION TO PRINCE NYE. DJ PHUNKEE Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 8.30pm. $65 - 85.

NO SCRUBS: 90S & EARLY 00S NYE PARTY Stay Gold. Brunswick.

9pm. $17.90 - 29.90.

BONEZ: NEW QUEERS EVE

FT: Excuse For An Exit, Ruby Slippers, Theresa Problem, Bromeo, Winter Greene

Northcote Social Club.

Northcote. 8.30pm. $24.

DRAG & DISCO NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar. Footscray. 8pm. $15.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ROOFTOP PARTY Morris House.

Melbourne. 7pm. $180 - 220.

Sundaylicious: New Year’s Eve DJ Femme, DJ Hayley Maree, DJ Kitty Kat FT:

Northcote Theatre.

Northcote. 7pm. $86.80.

NYE @ The Night Cat!

FT: Jazzparty, The Rookies, Freya Josephine Hollick

The Night Cat. Fitzroy.

9pm. $39.90 - 49.90.

PBS PRESENTS

Midnight Driver

FT: DJs Milo Eastwood, Jonny Alexander, Ella Stoeckli

SLUMBERJACK + KINDER + RAAVE TAPES (NYE PARTY) Corner Hotel.

Richmond. 9pm. $46.

NEW YEARS EVE WITH SORBO AMPLIO Bar Open. Fitzroy.

10pm. Free.

BABBA: NEW YEAR’S SHOW (DINNER & SHOW) Yarraville Live. Yarraville.

7pm. $47 - 139.50.

Heaps Good

Flume, Foals, The Avalanches, SBTRKT, Basement Jaxx, Griff, Holly Humberstone, May-A, Sycco, Logan FT:

Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne.

10am. $139.90.

NEW YEARS EVE AT LOWIE LIVE WITH THE PRAYERBABIES The Lomond Hotel. Brunswick East. 9pm. $20.

NEW YEARS EMO FT:

Redhook

Royal Melbourne Hotel.

Melbourne. 7pm. $43.66.

PRGC’s 2023 New Years Eve Outdoor Family Concert

FT: The Pianomen (Billy Joel & Elton John) Tribute Show, Supertrouper ABBA Tribute Show, Hard Edge Patterson

River Golf Club.

Bonbeach. 6pm. $75.

HOLY SMOKES: EARLY NYE SESSION Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford.

3pm. Free.

MON 1 JAN NEW YEAR’S DAY

Sun Cycle NYD

Erika de Casier, Jayda G, Mildlife, Objekt, Overmono, Baby G, Ben Fester, more FT:

Coburg Velodrome.

Coburg. 12pm. $172.95.

MZRIZK’S BLOCK PARTY FT:

MzRizk, more

Section 8. Melbourne.

3pm. Free.

Let Them Eat Cake NYD 2024 FT: ABSOLUTE., AK Sports, Barry Can’t Swim, Bella Claxton, Ben Klock, BICEP

Werribee Mansion Grounds. Werribee South. 12pm.

Voyage NYD Boat Party

FT: Osunlade, Christopher Coe, Anthony Pappa

Victoria Star Cruises.

Docklands. 4pm. $53.19.

NAT ALLISON The Duke of Wellington. Melbourne.

5.30pm. Free.

New Years Day Party

Gaullin, Switch Disco, Boogs, Spacey Space, Darley FT:

Welcome to Thornbury.

Northcote. 3pm. $50.

PENINSULA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS

HAIR OF THE DOG: TANGO NOIR St John’s Anglican Church. Flinders. 2pm.

FRED AGAIN. Howler. Brunswick.

8.30pm.

Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 8pm. $54.67.

Lulie’s Coyote New Year’s Eve Party

FT: Hogwash, House Of Cheese DJs

Lulie Tavern.

Abbotsford. 8pm.

BEAT 1714