19 Years of British Balls Magazine

3

`Advertise here’ front inside cover A4 vertical

2.

19 YEARS OF BRITISH BALLS MAGAZINE MEET THE TEAM Editor Tom Shakir tom.shakir@bbmlive.com Music Writers Walter Juan Frankie Salt Hannah Shakir Paraic Walker Kimberly Conner

bbmlive.com

BritishBalls

DEDICATED TO WORKING HOLIDAY MAKERS THAT LOVE TRAVEL, MUSIC, SPORTS AND BANTER

Travel Writers & Contributors Katie Howe Kate Moxhay Kym Darragh Dominic Ginley Hine Welcome To Travel Ratpack Travel Backpackers Banter Mulgas Adventures The Rock Tour Adventure Tours Australia Sports Writer Peter Rowe Omar Soliman Comedy & Lifestyle Richard Gadsby Omar Soliman staffwriter@bbmlive.com

competitions

Graphic Design What Media Pty Ltd Digital Marketing What Media Pty Ltd info@what-media.com Sales & Advertising sarah@bbmlive.com Classifieds simon@bbmlive.com 02 8005 8162 Accounts accounts@bbmlive.com Printed by SpotPress Cover images Lily Allen c/o Frontier Touring Carl Cox c/o Expose Media Hannah Wants c/o Additive PR Illustrations c/o What Media Pty Ltd Copyright © What Media Pty Ltd 2018 Facebook @bbmlivetravel Instagram @bbmlivetravel

WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO HARBOUR PARTY NEW YEARS EVE IN SYDNEY NYE 2018 is merely a week away and there’s still time to lock in your plans. With its amazing location for viewing the fireworks and 3 dance arenas, organisers announce even more reasons to welcome the New Year at Sydney’s Iconic Luna Park with another serving of music talent confirmed to compliment the events stunning line up announcement including; The Veronicas / Nicole Millar / KLP/ Joyride (DJ Set) / Purple Sneakers DJs: The Next Generation Nat Conway / Mell Hall / Brother G / Georgia Watson / Craig Willson / Mando / Frankie Romano / DJ Morphingaz / Supermini + Many More As with Harbour Party’s past, ticketholders can lose themselves in the wild rumpus of Luna Park’s five acres of fun with access to all the parks beloved rides and attractions. Harbour Party 2018 will feature the newly opened eateries THE HUNGRY HORSE and HELTER SKELTER in addition to the many other food options including the Lavender Green CHILL OUT ZONE and the many bars set up throughout Luna Park to make sure your only concern is having fun.

Tickets for Harbour Party are available at www.harbourparty.com with second release tickets on sale from $149.

If you’re feeling lucky there’s still time to enter our competition to win a double pass to Harbour Party.

Winners will be picked and notified on the 24th December. To enter simply email us at competitions@bbmlive.com with your: full name, email and mobile phone number.

T&C’s apply: You must be 18+ to attend this event and enter. Check event website for full details.

WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE PRODIGY IN AUS TEG Live & Division Agency announced that they will be bringing The Prodigy to Aus in 2019 to celebrate the release of their new album ‘No Tourists’ which hit no.1 in the UK charts making them the first Electronic act to ever have 7 no.1 records.

The Australian leg of the tour opens at RAC Arena, Perth on 24 January 2019, before moving through to Adelaide Bonython Park, Brisbane Riverstage, Melbourne Arena and finishing at Sydney Qudos Bank Arena on 2 February 2019.

British Balls Mag readers could win a double pass to shows in all states by simply emailing your full name, email and mobile number to competitions@bbmlive.com

3

2.

3

SPORTS

bbmlive.com

English Premier League Round Up

Already in the EPL, two have gone, with Fulham and Southampton both looking for new direction.

Like January coming after December, more will inevitably follow.

But who? Who is safe and who is vulnerable?

All the talk of the league currently surrounds Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

United, for all their glitz, glamour, world appeal and apparent riches, still cannot challenge at the very top of the game.

Tactically United look a very ordinary team, compared to the new styles of Liverpool, Arsenal, the free-flowing football of City or even Spurs, who despite defensive frailties and off-field stadium issues, are well up there in the race for European places.

fall from grace could see long-serving manager Sean Dyche replaced.

The Turf Moor club have been remarkably restrained in recent seasons, so Dyche may remain, even if they do go down.

Southampton’s fall from grace has been on the cards for a while. Mark Hughes and his team looked tired and devoid of ideas for many weeks before Hughes departed.

Hughes though left with a smile on his face - a potential $10m contract settlement, such is the nature of the game circa 2018-19 - where failure is so richly rewarded.

Saints have given former RB Leipzig coach Ralph Hassenhuttl, known by fans as ‘Alpen Klopp’ for his similar style of play to the Liverpool boss, the task of resurrecting the club. The Austrian has a good record in the Bundesliga, but will need to spend in order to keep Saints up, few in the squad would be able to play the high press game he will demand.

Cardiff may decide to hang on to one of the oldest coaches in the game 70-year-old Neil Warnock.

Many fans are asking if Mourinho’s style is ‘last decade’ and it’s time to bring in fresh, young blood.

Warnock’s style may not be pretty, but their combative approach could keep them up.

The jury is clearly still out - but the odds on the Portuguese coach still being at Old Trafford in January are not positive.

United do not have the financial resources of their across town rivals. And that irks many. City remain odds-on favourites for the title, with so much talent across their impressive squad.

Chris Hughton at Brighton and Manuel Pellegrini both look safe, as does Rafa Benitez at Newcastle - although nothing is certain under owner Mike Ashley.

Benitez has fashioned a side from the scraps of others but all could be changing as Ashley continues to search for a buyer.

That may change as Uefa investigates fair play allegations about third party sponsor payments, which, if proven, could see them banned from European competition.

The price? Sources at the club say $500 million-plus would secure a sale!

Wolves return to the top flight saw them get off to a flyer early season, but their form has dipped of late. If that continues, don’t be surprised to see their Chinese owner go for a change.

Liverpool remain the one true challenger.

Coach Jurgen Klopp is the prefect fit for the Anfield mentality and he will push City all the way.

Little chance of managerial change there, likewise in north London at both the Gunners and Spurs.

But go below mid-table and there are all sorts of permutations.

Claudio Ranieri will have hands full trying to keep Fulham up ad Burnley’s dramatic

6

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has stabilised the club after a tortuous 2017 and despite his age, he’s another who won’t see 70 again, maintains a relatively youthful approach to the game.

Palace need to maintain their home form and then pick up points at clubs around them to stay Premier League - something Huddersfield Town are also attempting to achieve.

Punching way above their weight, the Terriers are staring at another relegation battle come March - with or without popular coach David Wagner.

And popularity is not something Manchester United’s Mourinho has in spades right now. His cautious style of play has seen him booed by home fans as the Old Trafford giants sit outside the European places.

Failure to qualify for even the Europa League would spell the end for Mourinho.

Will he go before that is decided? Who knows.

And more importantly, who would the United board look to?

Zinadine Zidane’s name is on everyone’s lips, primarily because he is available. or would they go for an English coach?

Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe would be the only choice there.

Whatever, once Christmas is over the managerial rumour mill will inevitably intensify.

From stars to turkeys overnight. Enjoy your Christmas, whoever you support.

If it’s January, then it’s FA Cup time. The world’s oldest sporting knockout competition, the romance of the cup.

And for 2019 there are some mouthwatering ties to savour with some giant killing acts sure to follow.

Most of the big boys of the Premier League look to have easy routes to the next round; Arsenal and Spurs being the exceptions.

The Gunners could face an awkward trip to non-league Solihull or Third tier Blackpool while north London rivals Spurs face a tricky trip to either Tranmere Rovers or Southport.

Struggling Southampton would, on current form, be the underdogs with a trip to Derby County and Huddersfield Town will not relish their trip to the west country to face Bristol City.

A south coast derby between Bournemouth and Brighton should be a cracker, as should the Wolves v Liverpool clash.

Except ‘most’ premier league sides to make it through, although the Cup does have a habit of throwing up an upset or two.

Photo Credits © Adobe Stock. Sports feature by Peter Rowe

THERE’S nothing like Christmas and the gift of giving for a football manager.

Giving? Yes, giving out those P45s, as clubs desperate to maintain their various league positions, wield the axe.

SPORTS

bbmlive.com

What a twitter

Back in March 2013, Joey Barton was on loan to Olympique de Marseille while Neymar was plying his trade at the Brazilian club Santos. Though he had won the 2011 Puskas Award for his slaloming solo goal against Flamengo in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Barton wanted to dampen the hype. Sure, those clips on Youtube did make Neymar look sensational but could he succeed on a wet and windy Tuesday night at Stoke? Maybe we will never know but since that tweet, Neymar signed for Barcelona where he would win the Treble in 2015, the domestic Double a year later then became the most expensive footballer when he signed for Paris Saint Germain for €222 million. Oh, and he also won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup with Brazil but apart from all that, utter cat piss.

Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between a footballer trying to be funny or whether he’s just ill-informed. Alli was only a teenager and still at Milton Keynes when Microsoft bought Skype for $8.5bn. Fair to say, the deal was worth more than a few temperamental free calls to friends and family overseas. Whether Alli meant to point out that the American technology company could have just downloaded the app on their phones or whether he was just showing her banterrific self is up for debate.

Occasionally, you wonder quite why footballers have access to an application on their phone when the odd typo could spark outright ridicule. Wayne Rooney did not mean to call himself a little girl nor offer himself out yet the mental image of just that does seem hilarious. Turns out, Rooney was simply responding to taunts from a Liverpool fan in which case, someone should have shown him the DM function instead.

On the other hand, some tweets mean well but just come out all wrong. Cristiano Ronaldo has the air of a statesman when he tweets photos of his family, various motivational phrases before a match and the odd photo of himself in his briefs. He clearly enjoys the look of his own branded smalls to such an extent that he began a competition for fans to send in quirky photos showing their ‘love for CR7’ to win a trip to watch him in the flesh, though fully clothed in a full kit, then meet him after (hopefully still fully clothed). Alas, the poorly worded tweet sounded like CR7 enjoyed the photos just a little too much.

Other tweets are clearly malicious and then deleted swiftly after without thought of the RT button, the favourites button nor the possibility of screenshots forever more. In Ashley Cole’s case, his publicist should have kept his phone away from him until he had cooled down. Cole had submitted evidence towards an Football Association investigation into John Terry’s alleged racist abuse of Anton Ferdinand. Following claims that the his evidence had been changed, Cole labeled the FA a ‘bunch of twats’. The tweet was eventually retweeted over 19,000 times after which Cole issued an apology. Good use of the hashtag though.

When Welsh amateur rugby club, Pontycynon RFC, announced that their training session was canceled they did so with a brazen honesty. The December weather in South Wales was to blame and no-one really wants to train on a frozen pitch, they need not have mentioned that training was almost as pointless as their tally. Since the tweet went viral, the club now employs the hashtag declaring themselves #TheWorldsWorstRugbyClub because honesty really can go a long way, especially when staying inside with a drink is the best policy.

Oh, Judy. While this is a genuinely brilliant use of grammar and humour, that is your own son you’re ogling there. Sure, we can all appreciate how proud she is of Andy’s achievements and spectacular biceps but there is little need in tweeting a photo of him without his top on. Just plain creepy.

8

6 Nations Just as the Autumn Internationals signal that Winter is coming, the Guinness Six Nations will kick off Spring and the countdown to the World Cup in September.

England

After a 2-1 series defeat to South Africa in June, the signs have been mildly encouraging. A tight 12-11 win over South Africa was then followed by an agonising 16-15 defeat to New Zealand and a 37-18 victory over Australia. Beat Ireland away first and suddenly the Six Nations opens up.

Ireland

Good things come to those who wait and after finally beating New Zealand, Ireland will go into the Six Nations as likely favourites. Beat England in their opening fixture and their road to retaining the Grand Slam is relatively straightforward until their campaign climaxes against Wales in the Principality Stadium.

Wales

File under ‘underdog’ following some typically impressive home performances. A predictable 21-10 victory over Scotland, a nip and tuck 9-6 triumph against Australia, a 74-24 romp against Tonga and a 20-11 win over South Africa. They should be looking to avenge defeats at The Aviva Stadium and Twickenham when Ireland and England visit Cardiff.

Scotland

Scotland will be looking to test themselves against the front-runners. Despite the loss in Wales and an expected 54-17 win against Fiji, their 26-20 defeat to South Africa should bring some confidence that they can compete.

France

Ever temperamental, France’s form seems to go in cycles and they’re currently going downhill.

After a whitewash series defeat against New Zealand their Autumn Internationals started relatively well with a tight 29-26 defeat against South Africa then a 28-13 win over Argentina.

A surprise 21-14 loss against Fiji indicated that there is a lot of work to do.

Italy

Perennial whipping boys, Italy are between 500 and 1000/1 to win the Six Nations. Their 2018 form was ropey at best with a 26-7 defeat against Australia and a 66-3 hiding against New Zealand. England and Scotland should be relishing playing them at home.

Photo Credits © Adobe Stock. Sports feature by Omar Soliman

Perhaps Twitter is the best thing that has happened for sports stars. In a single tweet they can potentially reach millions of their adoring fans and showcase their own wacky off-pitch brand of themselves. As we all know, we can post things on social media which we immediately regret then realise only around three people are going to be distinctly bothered about it or have seen it in the brief time before it was deleted. Not so bad. Alas, for sports stars the embarrassment of ill-advised tweets are there for the world to see and once seen cannot be unseen nor deleted. Soon enough the other side of the world will know about it and find it ridiculous. Let’s take a look at some of the worst tweets from sports stars.

MU W HSAITC’ SN O EW NS

bbmlive.com

Cheap Eats: Melbourne ELECTRONIC BICEP One of 2018’s biggest acts were certainly Irish producers Bicep. Their live show caused raptures of awe wherever they played, and that included a huge Australian tour.

Photo courtesy of Turf Bar Budget travellers and locals alike need to be able to explore the city as often as possible. Afterall, Melbourne is pretty amazing and there’s soooo much choiice. Thankfully you need not feel constrained with having to eat out. While the cosmopolitan look and feel of the city might be intimidating, Melbourne boasts of many value for money restaurants that won’t leave you counting your pennies. Follow the leads on our guide to eating cheap in Melbourne and in no time you’ll settle on your own favorite eateries. In our cheap eats in Melbourne Guide you will discover our picks of the best affordable eateries in Melbourne and which ones to explore first.

Butcher´s Diner

butchersdiner.com 10, Bourke St, Melbourne, 3000 Despite its name Butcher´s Diner is not really just for carnivores.

Open twenty-four-seven, the diner is kind of a new kid on the block in Melbourne’s Central Business District. However, the fact that its open 24/7 gives you an excuse to have an affordable steak for breakfast or lunch. While a large portion of the menu is meat based, the diner offers some excellent vegetarian options such as the classic golden grilled cheese toastie. Another must try option is the tofu noodle salad. While there are clear European leanings in the menu, you will find hints of American, Chinese and even Japanese influences.

Miznon

www.miznonaustralia.com 59, Hardware Ln, Melbourne, 3000 Miznon located down Hardware Lane is an established and popular Israeli eatery. Here classic Israeli dishes get a bit of a twist. For instance traditional pita fillings such as hummus and pickled cabbage are virtually non existent at Miznon. Rather a classic falafel dish is turned out as a ´falafel burger´ with inclusions of pickle, tomato and sour cream. The classic French dish of Rataouille at this little eatery is given a second life caramelised onions and eggplant along with a pairing of a half boiled egg, and tahini. Vegetarian pitas usually hover around the $11 mark.

The Turf Bar

turfbar.com.au 131 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 If you happen to be a sports fan and incidentally a foodie as well then the Turf Bar down Queen Street is just the place for you. With major sporting events being aired on large screens, it almost feels as if you've just won yourself front row seats to your favourite game. The bar boasts of a broad range of local and international spirits from wines, to beer, spirits and wines you only need to name your poison. The Turf bar serves up pub grub and can even dish out some fantastic pizza. If you are looking for a space to unwind in or looking for a place to watch your favourite team, the Turf Bar is your answer.

10

The duo’s production skills are starting to transcend the electronic music scene, and recently they co-produced a track for pop sensation Jessie Ware, the very infectious cut ‘Overtime’. Their Feel My Bicep label is also going from strength to strength, with its latest release courtesy of rising star Cromby, complete with remixes from DeFeKT and Shanti Celeste.

The duo will return to Australasia over the 2018/2019 NY period with their live show which will include two headline shows at Melbourne’s 170 Russell Street and Sydney’s Manning Bar… Saturday 29th December: Lost Paradise, Glenworth Valley Sunday 30th December: Rhythm and Vines, Gisborne NZ Monday 31st December: Rhythm and Alps, Queenstown NZ Tuesday 1st January: Let Them Eat Cake NYD, Melbourne NZ Friday 4th January: 170 Russell Street, Melbourne Saturday 5th January: Manning Bar, Sydney

Sébastien Léger Sébastien Léger is a French-born musical prodigy who has over 20 years experience as a producer and DJ. Landing his first residency at the age of 15, and buying an AKAI MPC sampler a short while later, his growing fascination with dance music during his youth led to Léger obtaining a truly unique sonic signature within his own productions.

His earliest hit singles ‘Hypnotized’ and ‘Hit Girl’ clearly showcase his talent, boasting clean and minimal percussive breaks, and vocal samples reminiscent of all good vintage French house music.

Friday 21st December: The Met, Brisbane Saturday 22nd December: Manning Bar, Sydney Sunday 23rd December: Day Doof @ Greenfields Albert Park, Melbourne

ANNA From a young age, Brazilian artist Anna was destined for success. A career spawned from her frustration of hearing DJs playing the same music over and over, a then 14-yearold Ana Miranda began playing sets at her father’s nightclub.

Getting the tick of approval from artists such as Sven Väth, Marcel Dettmann, and Richie Hawtin, her releases sit under the infamous Kompakt Record Label. Fresh from her successful release earlier this year ‘Hidden Beauties’, and her incredible remix of Jon Hopkins’ ‘Singularity’, Anna’s most recent EP titled ‘Speicher 105’ is a solid continuation on her well rounded and rich analogue techno stylings, and an exciting taste of what’s in store for Anna in 2019.

Saturday 29th December: Ivy, Sydney Saturday 29th December: Lost Paradise, Sydney Sunday 30th December: Beyond The Valley, Victoria Tuesday 1st January: Habitat Garden Party, Perth Saturday 5th January: Shed9 Day Party, Melbourne Saturday 5th January: Bloom Geelong

3

WHAT’S ON

Festive Gig Guide

bbmlive.com

SYDNEY

S.A.S.H. XMAS

Christmas is a strange time of year.. some fat man breaks into your house house, unloads his sack all over your living room floor, steals cookies and milk and then holds your children on his lap while you take photos of them at the local shopping center… weird.

The wonderful part of Christmas is that irrelevant of belief system, upbringing or background – it’s a time to come together and share the joy of giving packages – big and small Photo courtesy of Harbour Party – a year of memories and be thankful for the year gone by.

This festive season we bring…

Gorgeous Presents NYE with Richy Ahmed

Gorgeous This year’s NYE event features two stages, one of each of the rooftop terraces, with the music genres being tech house on the main stage, and a more underground house on the second stage. Headlining acts on the Gorgeous Rooftop include the legendary Richy Ahmed, OXIA, LeOCh, Murat Kilic, Robbie Lowe and Luna Disco. Over on the Checkpoint Rooftop you’ll be entertained by the likes of Domenico Rosa (Imprints Records), Sampol (Checkpoint), Ezra, Brendan Pinilla and Aaron Robins.

We caught up with the promoter Jody Cocker who had a few words for you “2018 brings the 10th anniversary of event production in Australia for Essential Events Management. In 2008 we were Shipwrecked on Shark Island, and today we soar above the rooftops with our spectacular NYE celebrations at the Museum of Contemporary Art.” “To have achieved so much we have to thank everyone who has worked with us, supported us, and attended our events over the years. Without you none of this would have been possible, thank you!”

“In celebration of this major milestone, we are producing what is going to be the biggest NYE show in our history. World class acts have been selected to headline this year’s main rooftop terrace, supported by an impressive selection of local and international artists, all of whom we’ll announce on Thursday morning at 10 am.”

For those that like to spend NYE in style without throngs of people that take over the city, this NYE event is for you. With a limited capacity of 500 across 2 rooftop terraces and 2 indoor rooms, there is ample space for everyone, although you do have to move quickly because tickets for this show are sure to sell out.

As well as a selection of top international and local DJs, this year’s show will include an installation by one of Sydney’s hottest up and coming artists, a visual show from one of Sydney’s top production houses and first class catering from The Fresh Collective, whose team will be on hand throughout the evening to serve a wide selection of canapés and special treats.

“Early Bird tickets for our 10 year anniversary show on NYE at the MCA in Sydney are on sale now, and we recommend that you move quickly to secure yours as we will sell out. “ “To say that we’re looking forward to this year’s show is an understatement. We absolutely can not wait to spend this NYE with you x”

S.A.S.H by day

Dyed Soundorom / Chris Stussy / Monika Ross / Morgan / Rabbit Taxi / Daleh Finley 2-10pm - Greenwood Hotel, North Sydney Tickets on the door only

S.A.S.H by night

Bill Patrick / Stephan Bazbaz / Katie Drover / Pepperpot / Gabby / Jake Hough Music / Kerry Wallace / Sun Archive / Marley Sherman / Alex Ludlow / Lawrence Daffurn / Garth Linton / Pip Dalton / JoJo Fernandez / Jakpb / Alec Sander 9pm onwards - Home the Venue, Darling Harbour Lockout 1:30am Re-entry 5am - Tickets on the door only For more parties head to: bbmlive.com/whats-on-sydney

Xmas Eve Backpacker & Student Boat Party If you want to truly break the ice with some new friends, you could always join the Oz Party Crew for their famous Xmas Eve Party Cruise on board a luxury yacht. Setting sail along Sydney Harbour, the Christmas Eve cruise returns with over 850 backpackers and students who will be partying together on the Aussie Legend party boat for four hours of DJs, dancing and best dressed prizes.

A legendary Sydney Christmas event, a sell-out for the past 6 years, hosted on Sydney’s most spectacular glass island boat, featuring delicious buffet dinner, all-inclusive drinks, Christmas fancy dress, festive theming, 360 deg harbour views and premier resident DJ’s.

Cruise around Sydney’s most iconic landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House and celebrate Christmas Eve 2017 in the heart of Sydney Harbour!

An unforgettable way to spend Christmas in Sydney!

Christmas Eve Sydney with OzParty includes: • 3 hours cruise with 360 Harbour views • All inclusive drinks package • Buffet Dinner • Fun fancy dress competitions and prizes • Free After Party at Home The Venue • Hosted by the award winning Oz Paty Crew

BBM readers save $5 with promo BBMOZPXMAS ozpartyevents.com

For more info and tickets head to ticketbooth.com.au

Advertise your events and submit listings to sarah@bbmlive.com

Photo courtesy of Let Them Eat Cake Festival 2019

12

3

MU W HSAITC’ SN O EW NS

bbmlive.com

LILY ALLEN HEADLINES PARTY IN THE PADDOCK Get out of the city and into the countryside, follow the winding road through rolling pastures and over misty hills, look out for the end of the rainbow and there you’ll land at Tassie’s best boutique festy, Party in the Paddock!

From its magical mountain backdrop to its golden fields, hay bales and watercolour skies, Party in the Paddock is as much renowned for its ridiculously good-looking location as it is for it’s incredibly solid and beautifully diverse lineups.

For the festival’s seventh rotation, going down over three days from 7 to 9 February, the Vibestown crew have invited some of their biggest names to date. Round up your Paddock pals and prepare for a very special summer music adventure with…

After the success of the very first overseas ‘Mobile Disco’ in Bali recently, Carl and Eric also just wrapped up a string of Australian & New Zealand Winery Tour Dates featuring the fabulous: Cece Peniston & Robin S! Where the Music Policy was strictly: Funk, Disco, Soul Grooves & Classic House!

From Carl & Eric: “The Mobile Disco tour was fantastic this year, we absolutely love this event. It is an opportunity for us to dig into our record collection, play some of our most loved tracks, songs that were part of our growing up, songs that have influenced us over the years. It is a pleasure for us to share the music. This tour was a tour of ‘firsts.’

In Brisbane, we went to Roma Parklands for the first time, we also went to the Barossa Valley, Canberra and Queenstown, all for the first time. Each event was unique.

For Brisbane, we were right in the city of the tiered levelled venue and it was fantastic, the crew definitely brought a huge vibe to the event! Queenstown, the adventure capital, the weather a month out looked like it was going to be clear skies and sunny. Just three days out from NZ the weather (using the travel agent’s words) “looked horrific.” With multiple flight cancellations we finally caught a connecting flight (with little time in-between).

The weather Gods were on our side and the worst of the Queenstown weather held off. Queenstown crew turned up and they were ready! It was cold with a bit of drizzle but you guys came prepared and we loved it. It was our first time in Canberra too and it was amazing! Set in the beautiful Botanical Gardens, we’d like to send a big thank you to the ‘Kicks Entertainment’ crew, for the great set up and a fantastic crowd. Finally, the last show of the tour was at the stunning Barossa Valley. As you know, we are the ‘Mobile Disco’ and move around, so it was a special venue in Seppeltsfield, what a history, the event space was placed right amongst the gum trees. Thank you to Seppeltsfield – SA, Cargo Brewery at Waitari Creek – Queenstown, Kicks Crew – Canberra and Brisbane Tourism/Marketing/Events and Parklands for making it a tour we won’t forget. Also, a huge thank you to Robin S and Cece Peniston.

Melbourne, as you know it’s not possible to do a ‘Mobile Disco’ this coming February and we have had lots of messages asking if we could do another date. Well we have been working really hard to find another venue and get the permits through in time and we are happy to say that we have a city centre, green venue: Piknic Électronik at The Sidney Myer Music Bowl. This will be a thank you gig for all the Mobilizers that have supported us over the years, with a special priced ticket. We are going back to basics with Carl and Eric on the decks from the beginning to the end. See you on the Dancefloor!”

CARL & ERIC’S MOBILE DISCO: Sunday 20th January: Piknic Électronik Sidney Myer Music Bowl

14

LILY ALLEN (UK) / THE PRESETS / THE JUNGLE GIANTS / VERA BLUE / DZ DEATHRAYS / WINSTON SURFSHIRT / MIDDLE KIDS / LUCA BRASI / YUNGBLUD (UK) / RITON & KAH-LO (UK) / REMI / G FLIP / DIDIRRI / ALEX THE ASTRONAUT + HEAPS MORE! Spend your Paddock days belting out DIY-pop classics from British legend Lily Allen, getting down to some serious BANGERS with The Presets and Riton & Kahlo, or basking in The Jungle Giants and Vera Blue’s radiant indie anthems. There’ll also be mammoth sets from Tassie faves Luca Brasi and UK rocker Yungblud or take in some seriously smooth verses from Remi, Kwame and Winston Surfshirt.

Camping not your vibe? Party in the Paddock will be releasing single day and multi-day tickets alongside their 2 and 3 night camping tickets! Shuttle buses will be departing to and from Launceston so your transport is sorted. Head to the website to peep the lineup breakdown and choose the best Paddock adventure for you.

Those keen to kickstart their weekend early can join in on the Paddock’s full-power Thursday night festivities. Alongside epic sets from Luca Brasi, Middle Kids, G Flip, Slowly Slowly & Maddy Jane, you’ll also beat the Friday rush and score first dibs on the most picturesque camping spots.

Alongside stellar sounds, Party in the Paddock will be bolstering up their arts program with a collection of crazy cool and totally random projects set to unfold over the weekend. Plus, the notorious Vibestown area will return with hilarious comedic sets from a host of funny people including ya boy Matt Okine and ya gurl Gen Fricker! The mini-ramp will be back, plus there’s yoga, market stalls, and of course, some delicious Tassie tucker to fuel up on.

Lily Allen has announced two new shows in Sydney and Melbourne!

Carl & Eric Photo Credit © Bart Hageman

CARL COX & ERIC POWELL

3

ASK CRYSTAL email us staffwriter@bbmlive.com Dear Crystal, I’ve just stabbed my husband 47 times with a carving knife after he tried to order me around one too many times.Whether it was telling me to stop overreacting or ordering me to put the carving knife away before someone got hurt, that old idiot used to nag, nag, nag me all day long. The upshot is it’s left me in a bit of trouble in terms of disposing of the body. Then I remembered a court case in the ‘70s when a certain young Sydney socialite called Crystal Balls was accused of murdering her millionaire husband, but they never found the body and therefore couldn’t prove a thing.

How did you do it?

Yours Margaret

Ask Crystal

Dear Margaret, Well I’m shocked that those scandalous rumours and lies are still hounding me all these decades later when I was cleared in a court of law on all charges (apart from the one about arranging an illegal monkey knife fight – how was I to know you needed a permit?) I loved my husband dearly and his vicious and bloody disappearance (not murder, definitely not murder) still wounds me to this day.

But. Hypothetically speaking. If I had to ditch the body of a 63-year-old Wall Street stockbroker whose snoring used to drive me into a murderous rage, then it doesn’t do any harm to

Crystal Balls SCORPIO

Disappointment is in store this month when your performance as “Buttons” in the local panto production of Cinderella fails to earn a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at this year’s Oscars. To rub salt into the wound, the Oscar eventually goes to Kevin Spacey for his portrayal of Widow Twanky in a Nottingham Theatre production of Aladdin.

ARIES

Due to an administrative mix-up at Fifa, the right to host the 2022 World Cup is taken away from Qatar and instead given to you. Despite your initial protests, Sepp Blatter’s offer of $10billion to help build the necessary infrastructure proves too tempting. By the end of January, work has already begun on turning your bathroom into an 80,000 capacity state-of-theart football stadium, with similar plans ahead for your living room, kitchen and linen closet. Despite the obvious problems, it’s still considered a more sensible idea than giving it to Qatar in the first place.

LEO

You finally admit defeat in your attempt to get the word “Leotard” registered as an obscene word on the basis that it’s offensive to Leos who suffer from mental impairments.

TAURUS

Inspired by hit show Breaking Bad, you decide to open a law firm called “Better

16

perform sexual favours on the nightwatchman at Taronga Zoo in exchange for access to the lion cage. You can fill in the blanks yourself. Then you’re free to spend your beloved husband’s millions on creating a free magazine called BBM so you can insult people who like horoscopes. It’s the perfect crime.

Dear Crystal, I suspect my foul uncle Claudius of poisoning my father the king in order to steal his crown and take his wife as his own. But what plotteth can I conceive to unravel his scheme and bring judgment on his head. I must have justice dear crone, I must know if he be capable of such foulness. Tell me, what must I do to have mine vengeance? No deed is too black to slake mine thirst for his bloody reckoning.

Yours, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Dear Hamlet, Did you just call me a crone? You cheeky git. So you’re saying you think your uncle knocked off your dad so he could become king of Denmark and shag your mum? But you’re not sure so you’re asking me for help to find proof. That’s a tough old pickle you’re in there. Tell you what; I reckon it’d be a good idea to stage a play in your uncle’s honour that replicates the exact events of which this Claudius bloke is accused. Keep an eye on him, and if he flinches or looks shocked, you know he’s guilty.

Now that’s an awesome plot – what could possibly go wrong?

Call Taurus”, dispensing questionable legal advice to the dodgiest ice-dealing members of the zodiac (like Libra and Scorpio). Your company catchphrase is: “No win, no fee… no bull”, and you use Bully from ‘80s quiz show Bullseye as your firm’s logo. Your new neighbours in the Zodiac shopping centre are an opticians called “A Gemini For An Eye” and a cake store called “Sweet As Cherry Pisces”.

CANCER

Remember that film Sliding Doors where Gwyneth Paltrow just misses her train in one plot line but makes it in the other one? “If only I could tuuurn back time, if only I could say that I was in a Barbie world,” crooned Aqua on the soundtrack.

Well something similar happens to you this month when you come so close to missing/catching your train that it could go either way. In fact, you technically do go either way as a faulty door actually cuts your arm off as you try to hold it open. And in a strange quirk of fate, one of the nurses hums that Aqua song as you’re carried to the emergency surgery department. Spooky.

LIBRA

Your attempt to lose weight gets a boost this month when you shed 6kg in the first week of your intense new fitness regime.

Well done! Admittedly it’s not got much to do with the exercise, it’s more to do with the fact that you’re hit by a car while jogging and lose a leg. On the plus side, you win a certificate for being weightwatcher of the month.

CAPRICORN

bbmlive.com

After hearing good things, you decide to go and see Birdman this month. Not Birdman the film though, Birdman the homeless guy in Kings Cross who squawks like a parrot and flaps his arms up and down like wings. Funnily enough, you also have a nickname related to one of this year’s Oscar contenders – Nightcrawler: which is apparently what the prostitutes of Kings

Cross call you due to your nocturnal habits.

AQUARIUS – brought to you by McDonald’s According to this horoscope’s new sponsors, McDonald’s, you’re in for a Mac-tastic January – and with McDonald’s’ great New Year offers, why wouldn’t you be?

Whether you’re a Big Mac lover or a McFlurry kind of person, there’s something for everyone at Maccas – and you’re in for a month you’ll never forget if you upgrade with our extra value meals. I’m lovin’ it!

PISCES

You prat.

GEMINI

It’s the moment you’ve been dreaming of - Harry Styles finally quits One Direction, meaning there’s an opening for a new member. Quicker than you can say “unintentionally hilarious audition tape”, the guys at Columbia Records have posted your visual application online and you become an overnight laughing stock.

SAGITTARIUS

Sorry Sagittarius, but I’ve forgotten the username needed to get into your horoscope account on my crystal ball. Does “Sagittarius” have two Ts or two Gs? I know it’s one or the other. Neither seemed to work and I’m locked out now. I’ve tried rebooting my crystal ball but no luck so far. I.T. are going to look into it and we should be good to go next month. Until then, read a magazine or something.

VIRGO

Sorry Virgo, but I’m locked out of my crystal ball for the month (see above), so I’ve had to go old school and do your horoscope by using tea leaves. When I asked about your month though the leaves just spelt out “What a c—t”. Bit cheeky but nonetheless accurate.

CHRISTMAS JOKES

Do you know why Santa doesn’t have any children? He only comes once a year and that’s down a chimney... Rob, Surry Hills The first present I opened this Christmas was a pen knife. I was so excited, I used it to cut open all my other presents. Shame about the pup. Terry, Bondi Eating Christmas dinner with the family, we were reading the jokes from our Christmas Crackers; my dad started off with his joke - it was, “What do shooting stars and false teeth have in common? They only come out at night.”

To which I replied, “like rapists.”

That was our Christmas dinner ruined for this year. Renee, Adelaide What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic. Gareth, New Yarra Just had a nice piece of edam from Israel. I fucking love cheese’s of Nazareth.

Alex, Darlinghurst

These Jacob’s Crackers are rubbish, no bang, no jokes and where’s the party hat?

Alyson, Blue Mountains I love this time of year. You can slam your laptop shut when your girlfriend walks into the room and you don’t get any disgusted looks. Richard, St Kilda After a particularly wild company Christmas party, the vice president woke up with a terrible hangover. He turned over and groaned to his wife, “what the hell happened last night?”

“As usual you made a fool of yourself in front of the Chairman of the board.”

“Piss on him.” answered the man.

“You did,” she said. “And he fired you.”

“Fuck him.” the man replied.

“I did. You go back to work on Monday.”

James, Balmoral Hear about Santa and his reindeer landing on top of an outhouse? Santa looked around for a moment, then hollered “No no, Rudolph! I said the SCHMIDT house!” Paul, Wollongong How does King Wenceslas like his

pizza? Deepan, crisp and even. Debbie, Fremantle Brunnette: ‘You wanna come to my New Years Eve party?’

Blonde: ‘Sure, when?’ Lola, Brisbane My missus is ill and it’s New Years Eve, so she has told me to go out on my own tonight and ring in the new year.

That’s nice, I’m thinking maybe Feb/ March time. Giles, Christchurch BREAKING NEWS...Bernard Matthews has died aged 80.

In an unrelated story, 6 million turkeys organise New Years Eve party. Sylvia, Paddington “What’s the difference between sin and shame? It is a sin to put it in, but it’s a shame to pull it out.” Pete, Margaret River This New Year’s I was going to make a resolution never to be late again, but I didn’t wake up until January 2nd. Danny, Melbourne

17

COMEDY LOUNGE

bbmlive.com Australia’s also had some major viral comedy talent emerge over the last few years, do you have a favourite? And what is it that you love?

Tom Walker: Easy, Simple, Unique, Funny. my English is not perfect to understand English comed. but his humor is very universal and very creative. every time I saw him. I said I wanna do that but I can’t do that.

Takashi Wakasugi

Aus has a great grass routes comedy club scene much like the UK with a few pubs and bars and places like the Comedy Store that run great shows regularly through the week. Do you have any favourites?

Sydney Comedy Store

INTERVIEW What’s your name and how do you introduce yourself?

My name is Takashi Wakasugi, pls call me waka.

I’m Japanese but doing English Stand up comedy in Australia.

I’m a quickest export comic from Japan.

We want to have a chat about the Comedy scene in Australia which has been blowing up the last few years.

What do you think makes Australia such a great place for stand up comedy?

I think people in Australia are very interested in other countries especially Asia coz its close. for me, it’s very easy jump to stage and talk about japan.

And also the comedian community in Aus is very supportable with each other. we compete and support each other. that’s always connects to healthy and stable comedy scene.

We would say a lot of our readers are from the UK and Ireland, how do you think British & Irish comedians have contributed to Australia’s comedy scene?

I don’t watch much comedy in UK and Ireland, but yes. many UK and Irish comedians come to AUS. and we try to catch up the comedy level and also try to something different from them. that makes Aus comedy keep high quality and unique humor.

Each year the comedy and fringe festivals in Aus just keep getting bigger and better how do you think these stand up against the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

Good balance of international comic and local comic. especially those festival support young Aus comics. that keeps Aus funnier.

We’ve been showcasing Aussie comedy shows for 19 years and we’re super proud to see where the industry has gone. Are there any Aussie comedians or people in the industry who you feel have been major driving forces to this growth? Who and why do you think they’ve made such an impact?

Ronny Cheng: Huge success in USA Hannah Gadsby: Big impact in the world with funny humor and strong power.

MELBOURNE

Comedy @ Spleen

When: 8:30 pm every Mon Where: Spleen Bar Address: 41 Bourke Street, Melbourne Cost: Free Entry comedyatspleen.com PERTH

The Little Comedy Lounge When: 8 pm every Sat

18

Where: Little Creatures, Fremantle Address: 40 Mews Road, Frematle, Perth Cost: $35 comedylounge.com.au SYDNEY

Happy Endings Comedy Club When: 8.30 pm every Frid and Sat Where: El Rocco Address:154 Brougham St,

Can you recommend any acts we should try and get out to?

Sam Campbell Randy Oliver Twist Dan Rath Dave Eastgate Can you tell us your top 5 Comedy clubs or nights in Australia?

Sydney Comedy Store Comedy Lounge (Sydney) Happy Endings Comedy (Sydney) Mic in Hand (Sydney) Coogee Comedy (Sydney) And your top 5 local comedians?

Matt Okine Cam Knight Nikki Britton Chris Wainhouse Cameron James

WIN COMEDY STORE TICKETS EVERY WEEk from the 30th competitio Jan ns@bbmliv e.co

And your top 5 international comedians?

Ivan Aristeguieta Angella Dravid Al Del Bane James Roque Micky Bartlett

email you r full name + d .o.b. t&c’s apply 18+ only

What’s your favourite comedian’s joke of all time?

Cameron Duggan (Sox joke) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFV3YW4A0OM And your favourite one-liner?

Luke Heggie: “And your worst… Nop” Where can we see you in the near future?

Melbourne comedy festival Sydney comedy festival https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cZ2S6mj5CI&t=38s Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me!

Love u

Kings Cross, Sydney Cost: $27.50 - $30 happyendingscomedyclub. com.au

The Comedy Lounge When: 7.30 pm every Mon Where: Cafe Lounge Address: 277 Goulburn St, Surry Hills, Sydney Cost: $10 www.cafelounge.com.au

The Comedy Store Showcase

When: 7:30 pm every Thurs, Fri and Sat Where: Comedy Store Syd Address: The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney Cost: from $16 www.comedystore.com.au

Comedy Clubs

m

MUSIC NEWS

bbmlive.com

INTERVIEW

Josh The Cat Josh The Cat is a place, a state of mind, a portal through which Melbourne singer, songwriter, producer and guitar FX pedal addict Joshua Teicher travels to explore his personal musical galaxy. Dreamy yet pop, gentle yet bold, ambitious yet authentic, his music is defined by his sincere, disarming voice and his sharp production.

His fascination with music began as a kid avidly glued to David Bowie in Labyrinth, Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker, all of which inspired him to see music as a boundless medium of stories, fears and triumphs. We caught up with the Melbourne based artists to talk influences, Melbourne and living in Berlin.

Some up the sound of your music in three words?

Dreamy, nostalgic, pop.

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL HEADLINERS The Download 2019 line up exploded into reality in September, with a promise of more names to come…. drum solo please ….

Fists in the air to welcome Grammy nominated, multi-platinum Canadian rockers Sum 41, legendary SoCal punks Pennywise (only Australian shows), Sydney metalcore superstars Polaris, fellow Sydney metal crew Thy Art Is Murder, Melbourne hard rock outfit Twelve Foot Ninja, English punk two piece Slaves and Perth progressive five piece Voyager to the Download 2019 line up!

Joining a list of already announced heavy music, heavyweight conquerors, including Ozzy Osbourne, two of the Big Four, with Slayer (on their final world tour) and Anthrax, Judas Priest, Alice in Chains, Ghost and loads more.

What’s your favourite music venue to perform in or attend a show at?

As much I appreciate a big spectacle I really enjoy seeing gigs in unusual or small places, I’m drawn to the immediacy and intimacy. Some of my favs for that in Melbourne would be Some Velvet Morning or LongPlay. Or Loophole or Donau115 in Berlin and house concerts anywhere.

SLAYER

Name 3 bands/DJ’s/artists we need to check out?

Really enjoying Laura Jean, in particular the song Girls on the TV! She has just nailed a sound that and a feeling that is like my secret island. I’ve been watching a lot of live Moses Sumney performances lately online, very inspiring other worldly power.

Really like seeing him reinterpret his own work. Also heard a few of the new Neil and Liam tracks, not at all what I was expecting, it’s really out there and brilliantly woozy.

Where was the last bar or restaurant you went to?

Rook’s Return on Brunswick Street has a pretty awesome chilled vibe, and often some really great local bands.

You’ve lived in Berlin, how does the music scene differ to that of Melbourne?

Berlin goes all night and sometimes for days and days and is very open, anything goes, there’s a very liberal artistic culture there. I think the after effects of a tumultuous 20th century of upheaval has had the repeated outcome of creating a vacuum, both culturally and socially, and creatives have often come to fill that space from all over the world. It makes it very exciting, spontaneous and thriving. Despite that, I would still argue Melbourne has a stronger local music scene. There are various reasons for this but one is we have to work really hard because we are geographically isolated compared to somewhere like Berlin and also because we have so many really good music venues of all sizes, particularly in the medium range. This provides an opportunity for artists to develop their craft and build an audience at the same time. We have an incredible and diverse music scene as a result.

Read the full interview with Josh The Cat at bbmlive.om

20

GHOST

BEHEMOTH

Photo Credits © Slayer - Martin Hausler, Ghost - Mikael Eriksson, Behemoth - Grzegorz Golebiowski, Ozzy Osbourne - Herring & Herring

When was the last time you went to a gig you weren’t playing and who did you see?

I went to an instore event at Oh! Jean Records, a record store on Nicholson St, Fitzroy. I came kind of late but managed to see Essie Holt and Nussy.

3

MUSIC NEWS

bbmlive.com

The Kooks

We recently caught up with Luke Pritchard, lead singer of UK indie veterans The Kooks, ahead of their headline slot at Beyond The Valley festival in Victoria this New Year Eve. The Kooks have recently released their fifth studio album ‘Lets Go Sunshine’ and are itching to play the new songs to their Australian fans. Paraic Walker chats to Luke about the current state of guitar bands, what it’s like supporting The Rolling Stones, The Kooks early tours to Japan and Luke’s latest venture into the world of acting!

Hello Luke. How are you doing today?

I’m good thanks mate, how are you?

I’m very well thanks. First of all, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. I’m sure you are very busy at the moment.

How is everything going with The Kooks right now?

Everything has been going very well. It’s been really nice to have a new record out.

The way things go now you kind of just let the record do its thing. It’s definitely been an interesting time because we did all the promotion for the record in the build up and now we have all had a bit of time off to chill. So it’s been good and, of course, we are excited to come back to Australia to play all the new songs.

The band started off in Brighton, do any of you still live by the sea in Sussex, or have you moved around since the early days?

I was actually only in Brighton for college and that’s where I met the other members of the band. I am originally from London, so I can’t claim to be a real Brightonian. Hugh and our old drummer are from Brighton, and their families all still live there, but we do all live in London now. We don’t get back down as much as we should, Brighton is a great place and I’ve had a lot of great moments there.

It is crazy to think it’s been twelve years since the release of ‘Inside In Inside Out’.

How does it all feel looking back from 2006 to now?

It’s all a bit of a blur really (laughs). I can’t quite believe it. We have done so much; so, I feel like we’ve had a great run and its great that I actually feel like the band are in one of the most exciting periods we’ve been in, even now, fifteen years in. The fact that our first album has just grown and grown is amazing. We have seen so many young people discover records, even now, and that is really exciting. I guess looking back on it all, I am quite

22

proud of the band and all that we have achieved. We really are in a new creative mind space and I hope people really dig the new album. It is tough when you’ve got Spotify and stuff like that because a lot of people will jump straight to the old stuff, but I hope they really dig the new stuff too.

On that topic; what do you think about the scene for young bands coming up these days compared to 2006? Do you feel lucky that you, and other bands coming up at that time, had the last taste of the pre-digital era?

Yeah, I mean it’s completely different these days. I just think the music industry is a fucking cash cow to be honest.

There is a new danger that things will get worse and worse. From our point of view it’s interesting because there is only a few bands left and when we were coming through there was actually a lot more competition. I think if you are a great band now the world is wide open to you and if you’re good you will get noticed.

Even though bands aren’t as popular as they were, there are still great bands coming through, look at Blossoms or Catfish and The Bottlemen. Even 1975, who are more pop, but they are still a band.

I think they are a great example of how bands can now get much bigger, much quicker. So it’s probably easier because, like I said, there is only like four bands left in the whole world (laughs). Also, being 31, I’m into it (new bands) but I struggle with living in a non-album era. People don’t really think about albums like they used to. As an industry we have got to make sure there is that support for artists to be able to come through. The monopoly of the industry has always been like that in someway, but what I’m trying to get at is, new artists or bands that need to break through that monopoly are finding it very tough. In London, I don’t know about Australia, but a lot of the venues we used to play are shut down now or they don’t do live music. I don’t want to be an old hag, but those things do need to be protected

and I’d like to see more done to protect them.

The Kooks latest album came out in August, and is called ‘Lets Go Sunshine’.

Now that it’s been out a few months and you’ve had some time to reflect, as you mentioned earlier about your time off.

What part of the album are you most proud of?

That’s a tough question to answer. I’m happy with the record in its entirety, there are some moments that I do love. Like ‘Honey Bee’ for example, getting my Dad’s song on the record was quite cool. My dad died when I was a kid, and he was a songwriter. I had some old demos of his songs that never really saw the light of day. He played a bit with people like The Rolling Stones, he was sort of in the scene but he never actually got to cut a record.

So I got his demos and did a version with the band, so that was a really cool moment to do something like that involving my father. I’m really happy with the way it came out, I feel like we did it justice. I love ‘No Pressure’ because it was just a great moment for us in the studio, the feel and vibe when recording that was special.

Now, looking back on it, I think actually love the record more than ever.

Your music has taken you all over the world, I’m sure, but what country have you had the best memories on the road?

Is there a particular tour that you guys look back on fondly?

Some of the first tours are definitely the most nostalgic. The first time going to places like Japan, Hong Kong and Australia. I remember we went and got suits in Hong Kong and got them delivered to Sydney. Then we all went out on the town and did the cliché things, like seeing a kangaroo (laughs). The one that sticks out to me the most has to be Japan, which was the most amazing feeling.

They love bands and its just so different there. Thinking about that first time in Japan always just blows my mind. I felt like we really made it when we got there,

you know, I remember thinking, “we are in Japan, we’ve made it boys!”(laughs).

So you will be playing at Beyond The Valley in Victoria this New Year, which means you’ll be entering 2019 in Australia. Will it be weird celebrating the countdown 10 hours before friends and family?

We always love New Years in Australia!

It will be great to be celebrating before everyone else back home. We are very excited to be coming back.

How well do you deal with the long haul flights? Or is any member other member a notoriously bad traveller?

We are all alright in that regard. Its not the best part of what we do, having to travel so much. I don’t really mind it though; it would be nice if we could get some kind of Concorde situation going again. Especially for gigging because it’s actually more the jet lag. I don’t mind the actual flight, but the fucking jet lag is just so difficult when you have to do actual shows.

You are so tiered, but you have to get on stage and preform the show. Sometimes in your head you just want to be in bed, watching friends (laughs).

Having to cram 10 plus years worth of songs into an hour set must be quite the task. Is it hard to fit in all your favorite songs from all your albums? Also, is there a song you are particularly enjoying playing on this recent tour?

Yeah it can be quite tough, we have five albums, and so it is tough to choose.

Certain songs do work better live than others. We just try and do what we think will make the best show. I haven’t actually had a look a set list yet for this tour, so I’m

not quite sure what we are going to do.

It’s definitely getting hard and inevitably there’s always going to be people upset that we didn’t play their favourite song.

You can’t please everyone, as they say.

You will be joined at Beyond The Valley by the likes of Tash Sultana, Alice Ivy, and even Foals are doing a DJ set. Is there anyone in particular you want to see on the line up?

If, that is, you even have the time to catch someone else’s set.

Yeah I’m excited to see everyone. There are some cool people I wasn’t really aware of that I want to check out. I think we will be doing quite a lot of watching.

It’s one of the good things about these kinds of festivals because you are travelling with the same people for a few weeks.

Who would you suggest for people we should be watching?

I’m not really aware of a lot of people playing yet. Obviously people like Duke Dumont and Pnau, of course, but who else would you recommend?

There’s a great band from Melbourne on the bill called City Calm Down that you should check out. It’s a slightly darker brand of pop.

Oh ok, City Calm Down? Sounds cool, I’ll be sure to check them out then.

Speaking of people you share stages with... how was it opening for The Rolling Stones again?

Yeah it was great, the catering was amazing (laughs). We love playing with The Stones and felt very honored to be asked back. We played with them in

2008, I think? So it’s always nice to be asked back, but unfortunately we could only play two shows with them because we had our own tour going on at the same time. They are really cool guys and they still put on the best show. I always really enjoy watching them. They are tough shows; playing two stadiums with The Rolling Stones is something you are certainly aware of when you are playing.

It’s really cool though; if you are getting asked back to play with The Rolling Stones you must be doing something right?

You are not wrong there. One last question to finish up. We heard you and Gus from Alt J are diving into the acting world. Could you tell us a bit more about this project?

(Laughs) Yeah I can’t wait for it to come out! They are taking ages; I think they are waiting for a film festival, or something.

It’s like a comedy short film and it’s a bit close to the bone, like all good comedies should be. My character is a guy who’s in a band that’s meant to be really big and Gus is in the cool new band. We have a falling out in a small town in France. It was really fun and I enjoyed the acting.

I’ve not really done any since I was a teenager, so it was quite challenging, but really fun. I hope people like it!

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Luke, enjoy the rest of the year and I’m looking forward to seeing you at Beyond The Valley.

Thanks mate, have a lovely evening and I’ll see you there!

BEYOND THE VALLEY December 28th, 2018 – January 1st, 2019

Photo Credits © Andrew Whitton, Interview by Paraic Walker

y.com backpa

23

MUSIC NEWS

Hannah Wants

INTERVIEW

Tell us about your new label, Etiquette… why did you feel the time was right to launch it now?

I’m a big believer in things happening at the right time and now feels like the right time. It’s a big job, when done right anyhow so everything had to be in place.

I also wanted to make sure I was 10000% happy with my music and after a couple of years of fine tuning my sound and style I’m finally releasing music I’m really proud of.

We’re getting excited for a string of exciting parties all over the world on the run to up to NYE. Where was the best NYE party you ever played?

I couldn’t pick one. I usually play 2/3 parties on NYE so it’s always super chaos to be honest, running in and out of clubs.

Two years ago I went on the road with a group of my friends thought and played in Leeds and Sheffield and it was a night to remember! We took the rave from the club into the car!

You’ve just launched a UK tour which looks epic... What are you thoughts on the scene there at the moment?

The U.K. scene in my opinion is always thriving and up there with the best countries to play and rave in. My What Hannah Wants tour is exactly that, what I want. I’ve decided to play in 15 of the smallest clubs around the U.K and IRE where the vibe is gonna be real intimate and I’m gonna be playing extended 3 hour sets so that I can show my sound as an artist in more depth. I’m the most excited for this tour than I ever have been, roll on February!

A lot of our readers are currently over in Australia and will be very jealous that they can’t make it to see you. What are your thoughts on the electronic music scene in Australia?

I haven’t played in Australia for two years now unfortunately so I couldn’t comment on the current scene. I’m really, really hoping to get back to Oz in 2019 though!

24

bbmlive.com Over the last few years, Hannah Wants has established herself as one of the biggest names in dance music, with a BBC Radio 1 residency, huge crossover records, floor-filling club tracks and headline appearances at clubs and festivals around the world. In 2019 Hannah will be embarking on an extensive tour, touching down at 15 different venues and bringing her incredible energy and inimitable sound to some of the of the UK and Ireland’s finest clubs.

With a majestic career already under her belt, Hannah recently launched her own label, Etiquette.

Etiquette’s music policy runs under the umbrella of house and bass – championing bass-influenced sub-genres of house music as well as bridging the gap between the house scene and the bass world.

Hannah has already released ‘Close To You’ with a follow up ‘You Keep Comin’’ landing earlier in November, while 2019 will see the label championing music from a host of other artists.

The launch of Etiquette signals a new facet to Hannah’s enduring connection to dance music, and yet another exciting move for one of the most consistently thrilling artists of her generation.

There’s some exciting promoters really pushing things down under. Is this getting talked about much overseas?

To be honest with you I don’t keep my ears open for chatter. I’ve always been someone who is just fully focused on my work and my journey so I personally haven’t heard anything but then I haven’t spoken with anyone to hear anything! My friend Billy Kenny just came back from Oz though and his tour looked super sick!

We’re buzzing to see how fast you’ve managed to storm into the industry, what’s been the biggest challenge?

From the outside looking in it may seem like I’ve moved fast but the truth is I haven’t. I’ve been DJ’ing now for around 15 years, I didn’t get a paid gig for around 3 years and I went full time in this industry as soon as I finished my degree about 7 years ago! And I wouldn’t change it for the world. There are many challenges and adversities you have to overcome in this industry but one of the most difficult is the one you have with yourself. When you work for yourself and when you want to strive for perfection sometimes the pressure you put on yourself can affect you and your health in a negative way.

I’ve had to learn not to put work first and instead out my health and life balance first.

Were/are there any female DJs or artists who have been particularly supportive or inspirational?

I’m a big supporter of Sam Divine. Her passion for music and DJ’ing is evident to anyone who meets her. Before I left for my first summer in Ibiza I reached out to her on SoundCloud for some advice and she messaged me back with some words so that won’t be forgotten.

Can you give us any hot tips on who we should be following?

Eli Brown is pushing out bangers for fun and Fleur Shore and Jess Bays are two sick DJ’s and nice people too, and I like nice people!

We’re pretty much obsessed with travel and music so we’re always hunting for tips here’s a few quick-fire questions: Where’s your most memorable beach holiday and what’s your most vivid memory?

I went to the Maldives last October for a 21 day Ayurvedic Panchakarma detox. The beaches there are honestly like nothing I’ve ever seen before, it’s insane.

Where was the most surprising place you ended up having a party?

I’ve had a few incredible (after) parties in hotel rooms. You’d be surprised how many people can squeeze into one room.

Where is your favourite restaurant?

Since overhauling my diet drastically I’m yet to find a favourite in the U.K. I’m always on the hunt for organic plant based restaurants wherever I travel. America has some incredible establishments; it’s so much easier to eat healthy out there.

If you’re craft beer drinker what’s your favourite?

I’ve never drank beer, I hate the taste!

What’s your favourite pub meal???

I’d hope for a nice vegetable pie, mash and beans!

Other than music, what can’t you travel without?

My laptop and phone obviously, it keeps me connected and keeps me working.

Best airport in the world?

I rarely shop in airports so for me the best airports are the ones with the best food choices, not just McDonalds and Burger King. It’s good to see more salad bars popping up in American airports but most countries and airports have gotta catch up!

Best clubbing destination in the world?

Ibiza For tour dates check hannahwants.com

BBM Rea ders get $5 oF F use pro

mo cod

BBmOZPX

e

MAS

3

MUSIC NEWS

CC: Disco

bbmlive.com

INTERVIEW

Luboku

Less chin stroking, more dancing”. CC:DISCO’s t-shirt really says it all. Playing disco, house and boogie cuts with her heart at the controls, CC triggers a joyous feedback loop that infects the dancefloor. There’s no pretention, only pure feeling.

A mainstay of the Melbourne club scene, CC began connecting with audiences just like the heroes before her - through FM radio.

Having presented shows since the age of 15, her weekly slot on local institution PBS FM ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ is now celebrated as the essential start to every Friday night.

Already hosting the likes of Rahaan and Rich Medina, her own night Club Coco is destined to be an important chapter in Melbourne’s illustrious nightlife.

What’s your name and what do you do?

CC:DISCO! I’m a Dj and radio announcer Where do you currently live?

Mel-burn of course What are you doing this New Years Eve? I’ll be playing Lost Paradise in NSW

I’m Luis, I produce music under the moniker Luboku.

Where do you currently live?

Melbourne, I love it here.

Who serves Melbourne’s best coffee?

And where will you be New Years Day? Let them eat Cake BABY

Ohhh there is a pretty good selection of fine artisan coffee in melbourne, my personal favorite is Padre.

Who serves Melbourne’s best coffee?

Toast - North Fitzroy

What’s the perfect night after breakfast and where do you get it?

What’s the perfect night after breakfast and where do you get it? Honestly Melbourne has the best breakfast in the world ... hard to pick one. But my fav hangover breakfast came from Maxwells in North Fitzroy sadly its just closed down. RIP the Bacon, avo, feta sandwhich :(

There’s this little place in carlton called Industry Beans.

They absolutely kill breakfasts - best food I’ve ever eaten.

Name 5 local artists we should be following?

Haai Freda & Jackson DJ Jnett Roza Terenzi Adonidia What was your top club night that you played in 2018?

Closing Sub Club in Glasgow was life highlight. The club is the most famous club in world and it was dream to play in.

Name 5 local artists we should be following?

1. Jeffe 2. Tobiahs 3. Orcha 4. Kult Kyss 5. Hemm What was your top club night that you played in 2018?

Closest thing to a club night that I played this year was supporting Willaris K at Hugs & Kisses in Melbourne.

Sweaty, loud, awesome.

And your most memorable festival and why?

Actually, this IS my first festival.. so this will be it!

And your most memorable festival and why?

What are you doing this New Years Eve? I think as a dancer my fav place in the world to dance and party is any of the festivals in Tinso Croatia. You can swim in the beach Keeping my options open for the moment. But this has and listen to amazing music , chill on the beach or dance your been an incredible year so I’ll make sure I see it off in style. heart out.

And where will you be New Years Day? Which artists at LTEC are you looking forward to seeing?

Lots of mates are playing so super keen to catch Moxie, Chaos in Playing a sneaky show I believe... the CBD and Dj Boring for sure. IRL. Which artists at LTEC are you looking forward to seeing?

Peggy Gou! Cannot wait for her set. Also, Opiou and Bicep.

I mean the whole line is pretty spot on you are making this hard...

And finally, can you recommend any live sets from youtube we should check out?

Anything that Nils Frahm does is inspiring and beautiful, one of the most amazing live electronic acts.

LTEC 2019 MELBOURNE LOCALS 26

Travel Deals West Coast Cruiser westcoastcruiser.travel

10% Off West Coast Australia Tours USE PROMO CODE: BBMLIVE Highlights Perth to Broome Tours Perth Exmouth Tours Small Groups, Loads of fun and adventure

d’Vine Wine Tours dvinetours.com.au

15% Off Swan Valley Winery Tours USE PROMO CODE: BBMLIVE Location: Swan Valley, Western Australia Highlights The Wino’s Tour - $188 pp Beer Sinker & Rum Drinker Tour - $126-148 pp

Pittwater Kayak Tours pittwaterkayaktours.com.au

6-8am Sunrise Kayak Tour Adults $80 pp Groups 10-14 people - 15% off Location: Pittwater, Sydney Highlights Kayak across Pittwater at first light Bush walk in Ku-Ring-Gai National Park

3

TRAVEL: MELBOURNE

bbmlive.com for the first time in the country. We came to Australia in 2010 (originally from Scarborough, UK) and with our travels around the world, we know your experiences is always better if you meet likeminded people.

Welcome To Travel: Melbourne was founded by two Englishmen, Darryl Newby and Adam Ogle. “We picked fruit, drove tractors, slept under the stars, applied sun-cream badly, surfed even worse and most of all laughed a lot as we went on a journey that would end with us living in Melbourne.” We caught up with travel legends to get some tips to help you make the most of your working holiday experience in Australia.

Hey guys, thanks for chatting with us.

Please introduce yourselves to our readers.

Adam: Adam, cofounder of Welcome To Travel, I look mainly over the operations and running of the company, whilst also being present on tour for any after care for our customers.

Darryl: Darryl, the other cofounder of Welcome To Travel, I look over our social presence, guide training and the running of the tours as we’re constantly tweaking the itinerary to offer the best possible tour.

Welcome To Travel are growing fast in popularity. What are you doing differently?

Darryl: I think we have the advantage of knowing what it is like to be that traveller

INTERVIEW

29

Adam: With that we have that care factor, we have been in their position and what we’re trying to do at the heart of Welcome To, is create a travel community that always has each other to contact whilst their travelling. This is why we offer life time memberships for anyone who travels with us.

Sydney has always been the standard start point for working holiday intro weeks, in your opinion, why should people be starting in Melbourne?

Adam: I think people get this misconception that we hate Sydney…we don’t we think its great and we actually lived there for 10 months in 2012. However, most people that are coming over to Australia are wanting to travel the East Coast, which means if you start in Sydney and head north to Cairns you will miss Melbourne.

Where as if you start in Melbourne and head east you will inevitably visit Sydney anyway.

Darryl: Melbourne is constantly voted the best city in the world to live, because of its hidden gems, its sport, café, bar and beach culture and its European feel, it make it a very easy starting place and also a place where you may want to come back to live and work whilst you’re on your working holiday visa.

Alongside that flights are very affordable into Melbourne and quite often cheaper than Sydney nowadays.

We want to help backpackers, working holiday makers and anyone else planning on coming to Australia make their money go further. You guys are the experts on Melbourne and Aus travel so can you give us some tips?

Darryl: If you’re not working or travelling then you’re wasting your money away.

Structure your working holiday right depending on your budget.

Don’t travel and find a job for one week and then travel for a week and try and find a job. Try and work and travel in big stints.

This is how I would organise my working holiday: First week land in Melbourne travel and get set up.

1st -2nd month – travel first destination (Great Ocean Road and East Coast) 3rd - 5th month – regional work 6th month – travel second destination (Outback / West Coast / Tasmania) dependant on what you would like to see.

7th – 12th month – work and save money in the place which you loved the most on your travels Here you then have the option to stay in the place which you love and also you have your second year visa to use whenever you want to.

Adam: That’s honestly a great way to do it.

I will also say in terms of buses everyone comes over here thinking that there is just Greyhound as an option, but there are also buses from Melbourne which go to Sydney and Adelaide called Firefly which is around 20% cheaper than Greyhound and also Premier up the East Coast of Australia Before you book, where should people start researching for inspiration top 3 Instagram feeds welcometotravel (obviously) – our Insta game is picking up. With all fresh content.

Melbourneiloveyou – The best images around Melbourne Australia – The Australia insta feed is so good for a tourism board. Kudos to thm

TRAVEL TIPS

Melbourne

3

WORKING HOLIDAY GUIDES

And what are your top 3 Facebook groups/companies?

Welcome To Travel: Melbourne we put out fresh original content and also had a viral video or two.

Backpackers In Melbourne, Australia (BiMA) great Facebook group to find inspiration and meet people before you even arrive.

Australia Backpackers – similar to BiMA but on a country scale. top 3 blogs/travel websites Again without sounding like a self promoter welcometo.travel and check out our vlog section. backpackerbanter.com covers everything from what you should pack, how much he spends to what gadgets you should bring travelling.

Check out YouTube channel – Backpacking Bananas so informative for everything travel related, especially if you’re a solo female travelling for the first time.

Once you have decided where to start, what are your thoughts on; working first, travelling first, mixing it up?

Adam: Totally dependent on your budget and your expectations of Australia, I think Darryl summed it up pretty well before but a big part of travelling is budgeting.

If someone is coming to Melbourne and planning on working there for a while, where should they look for accommodation?

Adam: Fitzroy, if you want to be part of the Melbourne ‘scene’ then Fitzroy has it all, amazing bars and cafes it is a great place to get a job in hospitality.

Darryl: St Kilda, if you want to live the Australian lifestyle of going to work and finishing your day by heading to the beach.

30.

Adam: CBD, is pretty affordable. It is crazy what you can get in terms of accommodation here, you can get an apartment in the city for around $250 a week and you’ll have a gym, swimming and sometimes tennis court as part of your apartment complex.

In each of those areas where is the cheapest place to eat and drink?

Adam: Fitzroy – Perserverce and Night Cat for a drink and a dance food wise you have so many good veggie options around there. Get to Vegie Bar and Smiths and Daughter…might not be the cheapest but if you’re veggie you’ll be glad you went.

Darryl: St Kilda – Lentils As Anything eat and La Roche to drink and also Red Eye Bar. Adam: City – Centre Place for food and for cheap drinks download the app ‘The Happiest Hour’ but my favourite bar is The Mill House.

Can you give us any general ‘backpacker traps’ to avoid in Melbourne?

Darryl: That’s a great question…I actually can’t think of any. I know when I get to a new city I’m obviously cautious of scams but I can’t think of any.

Adam: Yea the same, just with jobs and apartments make sure you sign a contract before you commit to anything. You sometimes hear stories of people not being paid for a shift here or some people not getting all their money back from the bond, but very rarely.

What’s your favourite thing about living in Melbourne? Do you have any tips for someone who wants to get a sponsored job?

bbmlive.com

Darryl: The list of the jobs for sponsorship always changes and the sponsorship visa got a real shake up last year and that can happen at anytime. I would recommend if you’re goal is to stay long term, is to let the employer know earl on into your employment that you’re looking at sponsorship to stay in the country.

Adam: We have seen so many people through our years of travel be indifferent about staying in Australia and then it gets to their last few months and they don’t want to leave. So before you start looking for sponsorship, do your regional work and if you look at the format Darryl gave you earlier, if you go onto your second year visa straight away, you can work another 6 months with that employer, giving you more of a chance to get sponsored… but another key tip is if you want it WORK YOU’RE ARSE OFF FOR IT. After someone has finished their working holiday or sponsored job in Australia, what should they do before they leave?

I.e. close your bank account, they charge a fee each month.

Get your super back at backpay.com/welcometotravel Get your tax back Get references from employers Anything else you’d like to add?

Darryl: Make sure you have uploaded all your pictures on Insta.

Adam: Also don’t forget to say bye to us if you came on our tour ahha.

#2018rewind @bbmlivetravel

What’s your name and what do you do?

Chris - the guy behind award winning travel blog backpackerbanter.com and owner of online travel agency RTWBackpackers.com Where’s your business?

We’re solely based online at the moment - with agents working from Melbourne, London and the Canary Islands...I’m actually working from Byron Bay at the moment after spending the last few weeks in New Zealand!

Where are you originally from?

Devon in the UK

trip of their lives! It’s great to be a part of that journey and pass on my travel knowledge so everything goes to plan for them Why do you love the region?

Well I’m based in Byron Bay at the moment and always find myself back here - it’s a beautiful place with pumping surf, barefoot vibes and is super creative. Perfect for being inspired!

Where’s your favorite place to hangout out at the weekend or after work?

The surf - when I’m not working you’ll find me in the waves with my buddies!

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

Where’s the best place to get a breakfast? And what do you order?

Just the stoke people get from their trips. After all I’m not selling house insurance or double glazing, I’m helping people have the

In Byron is has to be the Rocks next to AQ Hostel - their smashed avocado with feta is epic.

32

Backpacker Banter

Talks Byron Bay & Working holidays

What’s pub should we visit?

The Rails - they have some incredible live music and it’s full off friendly locals and travellers alike.

What’s your favorite local wine and meal?

I’ll skip the wine in favour of a cold glass of proper cider please!haha! Favourite meal...hmmm...it’s got to be either a good curry or a burrito.

Why should we come to Byron?

Byron should definitely be on your bucket list - it’s just such an amazing places surrounded by incredible beaches, pumping surf and lots of creativity. There are buskers everywhere, artists selling all kinds of paintings and crafts and it’s just jam packed with good energy! You’ll come for a few nights and then extend... everyone does!

Anything else you would like to add?

Guys if you’re thinking of travelling, DO IT! I know everyone says its the. best thing you’ll ever do but honestly it is - it’ll teach you so many amazing life skills and you’ll meet a whole heap of new best friends from all corners of the globe. And travel your way.

If you want to go do yoga for 6 months do it. If you want to surf or dive, get involved. There’s no reason forcing yourself to go somewhere or do something just because ‘everyone is doing it’.

It’s your money, your time, do it with your rules!

What’s your facebook/Instagram page?

You can follow my personal adventures over at @stokedfortravel or the company Insta is full of amazing shots too @RTWBackpackers My personal travel blog is BackpackerBanter.com or hit up RTWBackpackers.com for help planning your next adventure 33

WORKING HOLIDAY GUIDES

bbmlive.com

#2018REWIND

Ratpack Travel Talk Working Holidays

Do you work first or holiday first?

Easy Q, save up enough money to at least travel for a few weeks when you first arrive - hit either the East or West Coast - road trip around and see some sights... it’s so common for people to arrive in Sydney or Brisbane, find work and before they know it you are living for the weekends and are living a very similar lifestyle to what they left behind in their home country. If you road trip first you can then search for a job in the place you like the most.

Is Agricultural work worth it?

100% - don’t get me wrong it is DAMN hard and certainly ticks the ‘character building’ list. I think it’s vital to appreciate where your food comes from and completing 90 plus days farm work for your 2nd year visa will certainly teach you that.

TOP TIP - just be savvy about choosing the right farm and the right location. Avoid places that are notorious for under paying BackPacker’s. Like for example Bundaberg.

I completed my farm work on the Sunshine Coast. The hostel set up was great and we got paid an hourly wage of $19 (2012).

If you’re travelling first would you recommend booking with an agent before arriving?

Yes, BUT pick the right agent that is best suited to you. I’ve saved some people over $1000 on the information I was giving them on what not to book, rather than what to book. There are some companies out there that charge hundreds of dollars to open you a bank account when you arrive and put you up in a hostel for a few nights at the start of your trip! Don’t be fooled...

34

anything you can easily do on your own we will tell you about - for FREE. We sometimes send 4 or 5 draft travel plans to get the ball rolling. It’s also important to know that it’s not necessary to book everything in advance, some things like hostels you can book as you go.

However, often the better rated and cheaper BackPacker tours for the main activities like Fraser Island / The Whitsunday’s don’t depart everyday so it’s great to see how you can best utilise your travel dates.

The East Coast is usually the ‘route of choice’ but now Qantas fly direct to Perth. Is Perth and WA worth it? Which tours to do you recommend in WA? YES, YES, YES - On my roadie I stayed in a quirky town called Fremantle. It’s just outside Perth and has an amazing laid back vibe. Perth it’s self has a small CBD but plenty of places to go and discover.

Rottnest Island off the coast is a MUST. You can jump on a short ferry, hire bikes for the day and visit some BEAUT coves it’s a snorkeler’s paradise.

Tour wise, if you want to be in a group then there are organised trips like the ‘West Coast Cruiser’ among others that are GREAT. The West Coast for me though is all about doing it by camper van! There are HEAPS (Aussie SLANG) of Freedom Camping spots which make it affordable and the coastline is EPIC. Securing jobs. How easy is it to find bar work? What quick tips can you offer?

Don’t bother sending emails months

before you arrive. Aussie is a little old school in that way. Print out 20 + CV’s and go from bar to bar looking for work! Having lived in Oz/NZ for the last 7 years having a face to face personal approach has always worked best for me.

What are your thoughts on an extended stopover before your working holiday?

Which destinations or tours do you recommend?

This is a still a relatively unknown little gem ... fly into Bali and then take a domestic Indonesian flight across to Lombok. Rent a scooter and do the southern coast it is amazing... it’s nowhere near as ‘touristy’ as Bali and it’s up there on my all time favourite destinations.

And finally what’s your top 5 Aussie Bucket List Destinations or must do activities?

The East Coast is on the tip of everyone’s tongue - for good reason as it is EPIC but that is a given destination to hit. So in no particular order...

1) Kakadu & Litchfield National Park (WOW) 2) Rottnest Island, WA (as mentioned above a snorkel dream) 3) Uluru & Kings Canyon (the Red Centre) 4) Kangaroo Island (ps time has stood still on this island - it’s like going back 50 years) 5) The back streets and laneways of Melbourne & the Great Ocean Rd (in the summer - winter is COLD) Thanks for reading … Sammy - Owner & Operator of RatPack Travel

#RATPACKRODIE RATPACKTRAVEL.COM @ratpack_travel Photo Credits @lydiaxcollins

HIT UP RATPACK TRAVEL FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE 35

BEATS RETREATS: SRI LANKA

BEATS-TRAVEL.COM

14-2-19 | 7 nights VOGA BEATS RETREATS 21-2-19 | 7 nights 6-9-19 | 7 nights 13-9-19 | 7 nights 1-7-19 | 7 nights 7-14-19 | 7 nights

SURF. YOGA. EXPLORE. BEATS.

TRAVEL: NORTHERN TERRITORY

Uluru Tours

Photo by Alessia Francischiello 38

bbmlive.com

Meet the Tour Guide: Darcy How long have you guides for The Rock Tour?

Around 8 months and this is my first guiding job What is your favourite part of the camping trip?

Dinner and chilling out with my customers around the camp fire and checking out the Milky Way before going off to bed in my swag What is the best wildlife that you have spotted on tour?

A Perentie (Lizard) and the insects! (Stick insects and flying ants and crickets) What’s the best thing about being a tour guide with The Rock Tour?

The passengers make the trip fantastic, we take backpacker who are 18 - 45 years old from all over the World and I love showing them the Outback.

If you could take a celebrity on tour, who would it be?

I would love to take either Daniel Craig or Jason Statham on my tour.

What is the best experience you have had on a tour?

It would have to be when we had rain at Uluru, it was a fantastic sight to see, spectacular!

Where do you like to visit / travel around Australia?

I have just got back from a trip around Tasmania which was AMAZING! I would love to go back and do some more fishing when I get some time off.

therocktour.com The Northern Territory Is Calling All Millennials If you thought the Northern Territory was just for well off, grey haired tourists armed with flash cameras and cash to splash on luxury resorts, then think again. More and more millennials are making the pilgrimage into the Red Centre to experience its rich cultural history, and witness spectacular landscapes just begging to be loaded up onto anyone’s insta feed. Many feel this area is the Australia’s spiritual heartland and it’s hard to disagree given the ancient indigenous legends that are so deeply intertwined with the land and its people.

It’s now easier than ever to tick this beauty off your bucket list with direct flights from most of the major cities and accommodation options ranging from backpacker hostels and hotels to honeymoon worthy swanky resorts. Millennials a plenty are joining up with one of the many Uluru tours on offer from Darwin and Alice Springs, a great choice if time and money are in short supply. With rich, dense green rainforests busting with wildlife to terracotta coloured desert scenes and cobalt blue seas there’s an Instagram worthy snap at every turn.

Set against these beautiful backdrops are loads of festivals and unexpected delights such as the Mindil Beach Sunset Market up in Darwin – a weekly foodie haven – and the Territory Taste Festival serving up quality tucker on 22nd and 23rd April every year.

It’s not just gastronomy. May sees the Bass in the Grass festival, Darwin’s biggest, draw the crowds swiftly followed by the electronic vibes of the Summer Sessions Beach Party between 9th and 11th June. For something a little more homemade, check out the hilarious scenes of hundreds of ‘sailors’ frantically paddling homemade beer-tinny boats from Mindil Beach during the Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta. Alice Springs hosts The Henley-On-Todd Regatta on 19 August – a boat race held in a dry riverbed, naturally. The Beanie Festival pops up in Alice Springs during June bringing with it independent hat markets to make any self-respecting hipster weep with joy.

From beanies to beer boats, crocodiles to croque monsieur and hashtagged hats, the Northern Territory isn’t just for the oldies.

Feature by Kate Moxhay

What is your top 3 places to visit around Australia?

Port Douglas, Surfers Paradise and of course Uluru!

39

TRAVEL: NORTHERN TERRITORY

MULGAS GUIDE TO ALICE SPRINGS So you’ve signed up for a trip of a lifetime to Uluru - good on you! It’s highly likely you’ll start and end your adventure in Alice Springs, but that doesn’t mean this cool little Outback metropolis shouldn’t be a destination in its own right. Alice, as the locals call it, has come a long way in the past few years and is no longer the dusty outpost it once was, with little to no nightlife, bad food and warm beer. Alice still has its own quirky character but these days you’ll find top class restaurants, a great live music scene, museums, festivals and more.

If you’ve only got a day or two in town, indulge in Alice’s foodie scene – if you’re camping through the Outback it’ll probably be your last chance to eat decent tucker for a few days. Todd Mall is a thriving little spot in the middle of town and it’s where you’ll find Page 27, a trendy hangout serving up delicious breakfasts and brunches. If the homemade banana bread, french toast with mascapone and freshly brewed coffee doesn’t get you out of bed then nothing will. After breakfast head over to the excellent Araleun Arts Centre where you’ll find a 500 seat theatre and four galleries focusing on art from the Central Desert area. There are some beautiful examples of Aboriginal art here and it’s a nice introduction to the cultural heritage of the area. Another top spot to spend the afternoon is the Alice Springs Desert Park where you’ll spot all manner of critters who live in the surrounding desert, and also get the chance to learn more about local Aboriginal history. It’s an easy bike ride up to the park and the free guided tours are well worth doing.

When the sun goes down Alice comes to life with bars serving up cocktails and live music. Montes Bar and Bistro is a favourite hang out for the locals with regular live music nights and top food and beers and, for something just a little bit fancy, head to the Epilogue Lounge for probably the best espresso martini you’ll have in the middle of a desert.

Alice Springs is thriving and you’ll be missing out if you didn’t give it at least a day of your time. So arrive a little early and take in everything this little gem has to offer.

40

bbmlive.com

mulgasadventures.com.au

3

TRAVEL: WESTERN AUSTRALIA

bbmlive.com

PERTH Perth is the perfect blend of modern infrastructure and nature at its very best.

Western Australia’s capital city has much to experience whether you are after swish bars and restaurants or the bliss of the rugged bushland bordering the city.

With the stunning Swan River snaking its way into the city and Kings Park providing panoramic views of Perth, it really is a stunning city and well worth a visit whilst in Australia. As the world’s most remote city it will come as no surprise that natural wonders await just beyond the throws of the city and its neighbouring suburbs including the Swan Valley, The Pinnacles Desert and Rottnest Island to name a mere handful of nearby Perth attractions, but with so much more to explore, we take a look at a few of the best things to see and do whilst visiting Perth and its surrounding areas.

Things to see around the city If you want to spend a few days checking out Perth, then plan a visit to attractions such as Kings Park, the Perth Mint, Swan Bells and the Perth Arts Centre. A visit to the nearby beautiful port city of Fremantle is also worthwhile where you can explore the weekend market. From Fremantle you can catch the ferry to Rottnest Island and meet their famous marsupial inhabitants, quokkas.

Best Season To Visit Perth One of the best times of year to visit Perth is from August to September but Perth is definitely a year round destination. Visiting during this period, you’ll avoid the scorching summer and enjoy spring. August Western Australia can become extremely hot over December and January with temperatures of 35º C. During the summer months Perth see’s tons of music and art festivals throughout the season and you’ll get to enjoy markets, surfing and of course some fantastic wines from the surrounding Swan Valley.

Day Trips From Perth With so much on Perth’s doorstep, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to day trips and weekends away from Perth. From Whale Watching in the South West of WA to sampling the nearby wines of the Swan Valley or Margaret River, you can be out of down and in this region within 4 hours drive South of Perth. Another popular destination is the world famous Pinnacles and of course we can’t forget Rottnest Island.

265

1500km pass

42

Margaret River Peel & Mandurah

MARGARET RIVER Margaret River is a beautiful little town with a feel-good vibe Just three hours drive south of Perth. The township of Margaret River is nestled between vineyards and towering Karri forests and the locals mainly consist of surfers, winemakers, artists and people who enjoy an alternative lifestyle. Known for its craft breweries, world class wineries, stunning caves and huge waves, at night the town comes alive with fantastic restaurants, wine bars and pubs with live music. With all this it’s no wonder it is such a hotspot for tourists.

The picturesque Margaret River is 40km long and flows out into the Indian Ocean at one of the world’s most famous surf breaks, Surfer’s Point. The town is named after the river, which is presumed to be named after Margaret Whicher, cousin of John Garrett Bussell (founder of Busselton) in 1831.

Before British settlement in the 1850’s the area was inhabited by the Noongar people and has a history rich in indigenous culture, considered one of the oldest continually occupied habitats in the world, with a history dating back approximately 50,000 years.

Gone are the days of the timber logging industry with much of the area now protected by National Parks and Reserves. The region is actually in the top 10 bio-diversity hotspots in the world and the only hotspot in Australia! Just north of Margaret River you’ll find the only pure tuart forest in the world, whilst the magnificent karri, the third tallest tree species in the world, stands in the south. To the east the premium wine region and agricultural land gives way to woodlands, jarrah and marri forests.

During the 1960’s the region was identified as a potential premium wine growing region and in 1967 the first commercial vineyard was planted at Vasse Felix. Hot on the heels were Moss Wood, Cape Mentelle, Cullens and Sandalford wineries that opened prior to 1972 with twenty more wineries opening in the 1970’s, twenty more in the 1980’s, and the rest is history! The region produces 20% of Australia’s premium wine and features over 95 cellar doors open all year round for tastings.

PEEL & MANDURAH The Peel Region is blessed with a number of magnificent natural features including 75 kilometres of attractive and accessible coastline; the Peel-Harvey-Estuary and associated waterways; extensive forests and the Murray River Valley. It’s the perfect destination for the nature lover.

Discover the largest Thrombolite reef in the Southern Hemisphere Less than half an hour’s drive south of Mandurah you’ll find Lake

Clifton in the Yalgorup National Park in the Shire of Waroona.

There, you’ll see the largest thrombolite reef in the Southern Hemisphere – living fossils that have sheltered in these waters for millennia. One of the by-products of their life cycle is oxygen and over millions of years they created an atmosphere which enabled higher life forms to develop. So this natural jewel actually offers a glimpse into what life was like 600 million years ago! Some things just get better with age.

Serpentine Falls Serpentine Falls National Park is a gorgeous natural attraction about an hour’s drive from Perth and worth visiting at all times of the year. It’s not only a great place for a swim on a warm day, but also for a bush walk in the cooler months, a BBQ or a picnic surrounded by wild, tame kangaroos. Be amazed by the Serpentine Falls tumbling down 15 metres of sheer granite rock right into the Serpentine River.

Explore the Creery Wetlands Bird life is abundant in Mandurah and the Peel Region, just perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The 29 hectare Creery Wetlands Nature Reserve is an important feeding and roosting area for waterbirds and shorebirds which migrate to the Mandurah area every year from Northern Asia and Alaska. Over 130 different species of native and migratory birds nest, breed and feed on the estuary.

Lake Navarino – one of WA’s best kept secrets Lake Navarino, also known as Waroona Dam, is an aquatic playground and, when full, the surface area covers 145 hectares of which approximately 100 hectares (220 acres) of water is available for water skiing, fishing and canoeing. During late winter Waroona Dam often overflows creating an amazing spectacle. The surrounding forest provides beautiful displays of wildflowers in season. Bush walking and mountain biking are popular activities there.

Lane Poole Reserve – 50,000 hectares of outdoor fun The Murray area, with its historic towns Pinjarra and Dwellingup, is a wonderland of natural attractions and heritage sites. Enjoy native wildlife and reconnect with nature at Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup. There’s an extensive network of bushwalking tracks along the Murray River and numerous opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing and rafting, with hire equipment and organised tours available in Dwellingup.

Hotham River in Boddington About 50 km east of Dwellingup, you find Boddington. Half of the shire is state forest and the area is popular for camping and fishing and ideal for hiking, picnics and bird-watching.

Enjoy a picnic by the Hotham River and soak up the view.

For more information on visiting the Peel Region log on to www.visitpeel.com.au

43

CLASSIFIEDS

bbmlive.com

$145

$145

$145

46

vibes.bbmlive.com

a brand new website dedicated to music. travel. interviews. culture.

Find trade jobs at bbmlive.com/jobs-in-australia

To advertise trade jobs email jobs@bbmlive.com 3

JOBS

46

bbmlive.com

n BBM Mentio ou get y n e h w h in touc

2.