Blank Gold Coast issue #51 December 2017 by Blank Street Press

December '17

Brewing up a Storm for Festival 2018

issue #51

MUSIC

LIFE

FOOD

ART

MUSIC

The Black Swamp Atticus Chimps Electric Zebra Elska Wayward Suns

Cape York Burn City Stretch Plus One Care Bike Share

Beachside Pavillion Hula Girl Espresso Bistro Chico Macadamia Park Little Bites

Coming into Fashion 2018 at Cultural Precinct Craig Parry Helen Garner Left Bank Gallery

Dumpstaphunk Blues on Broadbeach Austen Dear Seattle Festival 2018

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DECEMBER SAT 02 MATTY ROGERS SUN 03 JAMES HIGGINS FRI 08 ‘TEACHERS NIGHT’ DELUXE followed by DJ LITTLE J SAT 09 KARL PETERS SUN 10 JAKE MAYWES SAT 16 GIG CARTEL SUN 17 PATRICK CREAMER SAT 23 JAMES PENNEY SUN 24 JAMES HIGGINS SAT 30 JASON MCGREGOR

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2018 Carol Lloyd Award entries open Queensland Music Festival has announced the opening of the 2018 Carol Lloyd Award, an annual $15,000 prize supporting the state’s emerging female singer-songwriters and honouring Australia’s first ‘Rock Chick’. Each year, one exceptional artist, either born in or currently residing in Queensland, will be awarded the funding to assist in recording an original album, or an EP with a tour, as well as broadening their experience in the music industry and connecting them to some of Queensland’s most respected artists. In 2017, eclectic alt-pop musician Georgia Potter, also known as Moreton, was selected to win the inaugural Carol Lloyd Award. Full details at qmf.org.au. Entries close 9 March 2018. Photo of Carol Lloyd by Joel Devereux.

Networking night

for more info www.surfclubaustralia.com

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From its origins in 2006 as a one night landcare music event, Earth Frequency Festival has grown over the past 12 years to become a highlight of the QLD festival calendar. The 2018 music lineup features a huge range of international and domestic talent across a spectrum of live and electronic music genres. Highlight acts include the legendary bass music / world music crossover act Beats Antique, Brazilian techno innovator Victor Ruiz, breakbeat pioneer Freq Nasty and the outdoor premier of the Grouch in Dub Live Band. Local faves OKA, Tijuana Cartel, CC The Cat and Bullhorn are also on the lineup for the 16 – 19 February event. More at earthfrequency.com.au.

Skate Jams come to Varsity A new event featuring live music and an open mic is being held at Varsity on Thursday 30 November and 7 December from 4.00 – 7.00pm. Taking place at Varsity Skate Park, the Skate Jam will offer free fruit, BBQ and refreshments as well as food trucks and prizes. The 30 November event features Parker Rose and 7 December sees The Drops Ins provide entertainment. More at bit.ly/skatejamGC.

Snooker World’s new music focus It’s a bit hard to find all the details in a central location, but Snooker World at Mermaid Beach has launched a new regular live music night – which comes on the back of new management taking over in March this year. And the lineup is totally on point. Saturday 25 November sees Donny Love make a rare local, live appearance with Kazual Tea and Syrup, Go On (pictured) in support. And on Saturday 1 December, Atticus Chimps are playing, with Baltimore Gun Club and the Goldblooms also on the bill. Entry is just $7 or free for Snooker World members. Walking distance from the light rail with pool tables galore. Live, original music at Snooker World is a stroke of genius and has double thumbs up from the Blank crew. Photo by Lamp Photography.

Gold Coast’s music industry will gather for a networking night this month. Friday 8 December will see a mix of publicists, writers, photographers, musicians, sound engineers and studio workers gather to connect around all things #gcmusic and to explore the theme of live performance. With a new category coming online for the 2018 Gold Coast Music Awards, plus the promise of finger food and mockrocktails, you might want to join the crew. It takes place at NightQuarter, 8 December from 3 – 5.00pm. RSVP for catering at cultural@blankgc.com.au.

SUN 31 NEW YEARS EVE MONTANA 8PM - MIDNIGHT

SATURDAYS 7-10PM & SUNDAYS IN THE BEER GARDEN 2-5PM

Earth Frequency returns in 2018

Beats Cartel launches SoCo Thursdays at Parkwood

GD FRNDS secret headliner revealed For their sixth showcase event, GD FRNDS – a Gold Coast indie record label and PR agency - is bringing secret headliner Nocturnal Tapes to town. They’ll perform at Miami Shark Bar on 16 December alongside Slowcoaching, Hot Coffee, DiskoDisco and Machine Club who will be performing his very first show. More at gdfrnds.com.

Local Burleigh crew Beats Cartel launched a new gig series in November, activating Parkwood Tavern on Thursday nights. With a variety show premise as the backbone, the new night will team up local and touring original music acts with resident name DJs and nationally-recognised comedians through local agency Based Comedy. Aiming to prop up the Gold Coast original music scene and create more opportunity for local musicians and Griffith University music students, the Thursday weekly will bring acts such as Tesla Coils, Deja Vudu, Jackson James Smith, DJ Smokin' Joe Mekhael, Valhalla Lights, Katie Who (pictured), Syrup Go On, Augusta, Stingin Rogers, The Royal Artillery and Boing Boing to the northern Gold Coast venue over the next month. It’s free entry before 10.00pm plus there’s two for one parmies.

Grant McLennan finalists announced QMusic has announced four finalists for the 2017 Grant McLennan Fellowship: Harriette Pilbeam (Hatchie), Jeremy Neale (pictured), Sabrina Lawrie and Tom Cooney. Each of the Queensland-based songwriters is now one step closer to receiving a $25,000 fellowship to travel to New York, London or Berlin. The 2017 winner will be announced at a ceremony to be held at The Triffid in Brisbane, 1 December 1. The event is open to the public and will feature special performances from the four finalists. More at qmusic.com.au.

#051 DECEMBER 2017 Editor in Chief: Samantha Morris Cultural Editor: Natalie O'Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa

Casey Barnes announces hometown shows Casey Barnes has announced a string of shows in the new year, including three hometown dates. Following performances at Tamworth Country Music Festival in January, he’ll perform a rare and very welcome headlining, ticketed show at Soundlounge on 17 February (with special guest Brad Butcher), as well as at CMC Rocks Festival (not technically hometown, but pretty damn close) and Bleach* on 31 March. Tickets to the Soundlounge show are $18 from soundlounge.com.au or $25 on the door. Casey is also up for Male Artist of the Year in the Planet Country awards. It’s a people’s choice type deal and you can vote at goo.gl/ yLEaxn. But the biggest news for Gold Coast Music Awards’ first ever People’s Choice winner is that he’s just been announced a finalist for the Golden Guitar Awards. Which is big, big news for Casey and his fans.

Richie Sambora & Orianthi hit Gold Coast as RSO Richie Sambora and Orianthi are joining forces for a new, genre-spanning musical project under the name RSO that sees these two platinum-selling singer / songwriters and world-class guitarists team up as a duo. Australian guitar virtuoso Orianthi (who has shared stages with the likes of Michael Jackson, Santana, Prince, ZZ Top) was the first female member of Alice Cooper’s band. She and Sambora have both written chartbusting singles, toured the globe extensively, collaborated with superstar artists, and released three solo albums each. RSO will play The RSL Club Southport on 10 January, supported by The Rich & Famous. Photo by Joseph Llanes.

Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark Money Coordinator: Phillippa Wright Senior Music Writer: Anthony Gebhardt

Bryan Adams announces regional shows Bryan Adams has announced his first ever Gold Coast and Bribie Island Shows for January 2018. His summer tour will begin at the Sandstone Point Hotel on 9 January before moving on to our own Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on 10 January. He’ll also perform a bunch of shows in other states. Known around the world for feel-good rock and big ballads, his music has achieved #1 status in more than 40 countries. But he’s not done as far as musical offerings are concerned. He has a new album ‘Ulimate’ out on Universal which features two new singles ‘Ultimate Love’ and ‘Please Stay’ – his first in more than two years. Aside from being on the road doing more than 100 shows a year, Adams is also currently writing songs for the upcoming musical ‘Pretty Woman’. He has a Grammy, three Academy Awards and five Golden Globe nominations to his name as well as a heap of American Music Awards, an Ivor Novello Awards, countless Juno Awards and has been awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia. His impact on pop culture goes way beyond music – to the extent that he even does philanthropic work via his own foundation, The Bryan Adams Foundation. Joining him as special guests for the Gold Coast show is Thirsty Merc. Tickets for the 10 January Gold Coast show, presented by Frontier Touring are on sale now via ticketek.com.au.

House Photographer: Leisen Standen, Lamp Photography Editorial Intern: Kasey Thompson

Kid Ink’s Surfers visit Los Angeles rapper, producer and performer Kid Ink is Gold Coast bound. The man, who seamlessly slips from irresistible hooks to impeccable verses, effortlessly bobbing and weaving between the club and the streets is like no other performer to ever have graced the stage at Surfers Paradise Beergarden. There’s absolutely nobody quite like the tattooed from head-to-toe impresario. Kid Ink’s reputation as one of the world’s most successful artists is backed by a number of hit records and accolades including ‘Promise’ w/ Fetty Wap which made waves all around the world. He’s announced a special run of live club dates across South East Queensland including Surfers Paradise Beergarden, where he’ll perform Wednesday 27 December. Tickets via oztix.com.au.

visit us at blankgc.com.au for more

Contributors: Anthony Gebhardt, Samantha Morris, Marj Osborne, Natalie O’Driscoll, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Erin Bourne,Catherine Coburn, Kylie Cobb, Nae Kurth, Tomika Steel, Ashleigh Odjers-Jewell, Sarah Tayler, Leisen Standen. Lifestyle Cover photo: 1949 Vogue cover shot by Clifford Coffin Acknowledgement of Country: We genuinely respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and play. We honour their elders past, present and emerging as well as the rich contribution that continues to be made to society through art, story and music. Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankgc.com.au About us: Blank GC is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris and Chloe Popa. Founded in 2013 we are the Gold Coast’s independent cultural voice and we rely on advertising as well as our generous contributors to keep us in the fray. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team. Surfers Paradise sign by Amanda Gorman

DECEMBER GIG GUIDE FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER:

MARLEY: CELEBRATE THE LEGEND* SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER:

THE ANGELS W ROSE TATTOO & MI-SEX* FRIDAY 8TH DECEMBER:

MAJOR LEAGUES // PEACH FUR (ALL AGES) SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER:

BLUES ARCADIA // BLUESCORP FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER:

ZEFERELI // LETTERS TO LIONS SATURDAY 16TH DECEMBER:

NIGHTQUARTER CHRISTMAS CAROLS SUNDAY 17TH DECEMBER:

MINISTRY OF SOUND REUNION TOUR: ICONS* FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER:

ELECTRIK LEMONADE // PAT TIERNEY SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER:

NICOLE PARKER-BROWN // JAKE MEWYES FRIDAY 29TH DECEMBER:

DUBARRAY

SATURDAY 30TH DECEMBER:

BEST NIGHT EVER! GRINSPOON // BRITISH INDIA* * TICKETED EVENT, PURCHASE TICKETS AT NIGHTQUARTER.COM.AU

nightquarter.com.au

town centre drive, helensvale

y o j n E

WEEKENDS SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

OPEN EVERY THURSDAY- SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND www.facebook/mclarensbeachbar

www.mclarenslanding.com.au

AUSTEN BREWING UP A STORM FOR FESTIVAL 2018

And now you’ve been announced for Festival 2018 as part of the Commonwealth Games. How does that feel? It’s going to be awesome and It’s really exciting. I think having my kind of music and I guess, that aspect of the Queensland music scene represented in an event like this is really special. When you think of a festival like Festival 2018, there’s a lot of theatre and different types of stuff, but you don’t think that indie pop music is gong to be a part of it – it’s cool to have that aspect happening. And it’s cool that it’s me.

Blending alternative writing roots with spacious synths, Austen's hook-laden art pop creates a sonic atmosphere that draws comparisons to contemporaries like Broods, Alison Wonderland and Flume. With two acclaimed singles and a national tour under her belt and a writing style that plays between introspective and surreal, she’s just returned from support The Kite String Tangle on tour and her new song ‘Storm’ is already turning heads. Austen has just been announced as one of the acts at Festival 2018 as part of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. She’ll perform alongside artists such as Kate Miller-Heidke, Jungle Giants, Karl S Williams and Mau Power. Samantha Morris caught up with her about the announcement.

What’s your connection to the Gold Coast? I spent a few years on the GC when I studied at the Con, but I actually grew up in Dalby. I played a few of my first ever shows there and went to a lot of shows there and it’s really cool to see how the music scene has really grown from like five years ago when I moved there. I can really see how far it’s come. Some of our homegrown talent like Paces and Lastlings are killing it at the moment – they’re really putting GC on the map for our kind of music. You’ve said before that nothing connects to audiences more than a live performance. How do you take your recorded sound – which is heavily produced – and evolve that to a live show? I think you see it a lot these days that electronic music is becoming a kind of hybrid with live elements. I think that’s cool. There was a big DJ scene back in the day but more electronic acts are bringing more and more live stuff into their shows. When I have the chance, I love playing with a band – live drum kit, keys and guitar. I think it adds so much on top of the electronic track. And it’s one thing to listen to a song on Spotify, electronic production is great for that, but having live elements to your live show brings it to the next level. For Festival 2018 I will have my full band with me.

When we spoke at the beginning of the year, you’d just released ‘Darkside’. In the six months since, it’s had 125k spotify streams. What else have you been up to during that time? I’ve been writing a lot. Been collaborating with a bunch of different people. I’ve got a lot of things in the works and I’m working towards an EP at the moment. I’ve been steadily doing shows and went on tour with The Kite String Tangle and have a couple of more shows before the end of the year. But I’ll be dropping the EP in the first half of next year and am just finalising everything for that – writing , producing, planning everything. It’s hectic, but really cool.

Tell me about your new single ‘Storm’? It’s been out for nearly a month now but written more than a year ago. It’s been through a few different versions, like stages of its life, that I've collaborated with different people. and it just hasn’t been right. I took it to this guy James Angus – an awesome producer in Brisbane and hooked up for a session, so I was playing him a few things and I played him ‘Storm’ and it was the first session we had, so you kind of just take a bit of time to get on the same page stylistically and it just came out in like three days. And I feel like it’s a really good follow up to the stuff I’ve already released.

You mentioned your tour with the Kite Street Tangle. How was that? It was amazing – just actually, literally, the last day of tour, I got sick and started losing my voice, so I was like ‘please hang on for one show’ then flew home and I’ve been sick for a week. If that’s any indication, it was a really good tour (laughs). It was the best group of people I could imagine to go on tour with. They’re all really amazing at what they do. It was cool to see Danny sell out so many shows. The Corner Hotel in Melbourne sold out twice in a row.

THE ORIGINAL WAILERS AT PARKWOOD Bob Marley left this world some 36 years ago, but his music is still with us. The Original Wailers carry Marley’s message of love and unity and this month, they’re bringing that message to Parkwood Tavern. They’ll perform the iconic Bob Marley & The Wailers’ album ‘Legend’ in its entirety. ‘Legend’ is the best-selling reggae album of all time and has been certified 4x platinum in Australia. 8

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Featuring Al Anderson, The Original Wailers will perform classics that include ‘Is this Love’, ‘Could You Be Loved’, ‘One Love’, ‘No Woman no Cry’, ‘Get up, Stand up’, ‘Buffalo Soldier’, ‘Redemption Song’ and more. There’ll also be an encore of favourites not included on the album. Bob Marley & The Wailers have sold more than 250 million albums worldwide. There’s no doubt this performance will fill hearts and spirits with love and joy.

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain” - Bob Marley

Samantha Morris

The Original Wailers are at Parkwood Tavern on Saturday 9 December and Brunswick Heads Hotel on Friday 8 December.

Live @ Fishermans Wharf Tavern Sunday 14th Jan 2pm

THIRSTY MERC WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY GOLD COAST CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE SPECIAL GUESTS

ON SALE NOW

New Album: ULTIMATE Instagram: @bryanadams www.bryanadams.com

VIOLENT SIGNING FOR DEAR SEATTLE Dear Seattle are one part mosh, one part love letter – with a dash of VB for good measure. In a short amount of time, they’ve created a unique and powerful style of songwriting and amassed legions of fans along the way. They’ve shared stages with Citizen, Emarosa, Trophy eyes and Balance and Composure and supported Kingswood on a massive national tour. They spent most of 2017 driving up and down the east coast bringing their live show to cities and towns before finishing up at BIGSOUND. They’re passing through the Gold Coast this month on the back of the biggest news of their career – they’ve just signed to a brand new label under the fearless leadership of Violent Soho’s James Tidswell. They’re also releasing their self-titled EP on vinyl for the first time. Brae Fisher (vocals) gave Samantha Morris the low-down. Congrats on being signed to Domestic La La and to being the first band to include beer bongs as a contractual requirement. It must be cool to be working with someone like James Tidswell – who’s obviously a massive Dear Seattle fan. It’s really a dream come true. Not in the sense of “Oh my god, someone from Soho is interested,” but in the sense that he’s exactly how I hoped he’d be and even better; Humble, but with such strong values that align perfectly with our band motives. We wouldn’t be signing a record deal if he was anything less, so we are absolutely stoked to have found our fifth member in Tids.

What will this signing mean for you guys? How will your focus / trajectory change over the coming year? It will mostly just streamline everything! James has such transferable knowledge from his experience in Soho and he really just wants to work with us to help us avoid the bullshit and pitfalls that come with growing as an upcoming band. It will also help amazingly with distro and all the rest like selling and sending merch, as we will be utilising the Unified services for that. This will free up our time to do what we love, and that at the moment is writing for the debut album!

I’m a vinyl tragic, so I’m stoked to hear you’re releasing your self-titled EP as a record. What was the motivation for doing that? Does it help you reach a different type of fan? We’ve always wanted a copy of our EP on vinyl for ourselves so I think that was a big motivator, but also it is a good item

to have out for the passionate listeners. There isn’t much sentimental value in a CD in my opinion, so a vinyl is a nice way of offering that to those who care that bit more! Also, we have entirely re-mixed the EP so that it’s slick as for the vinyl press so that’s another good excuse! The new versions will be available everywhere soon too.

You’ve previously described yourself as being melodic hardcore / emo / post rock. Any update to that descriptor? As a person? Not really haha. As a band? Definitely. Our music is drifting more towards the alt-rock/indie-rock category by the day, but we really strive to keep our roots present in the music. We all still listen to emo, post-rock, melodic hardcore, punk and all the rest, and we feel it gives a good edge and flavour to the tunes. We’re all suckers for a chunky riff from the likes of Rage Against The Machine, Incendiary or Turnstile.

You said in today’s announcement that you’re feeling liberated as a songwriter, due to this signing with DLL. Will we notice any major deviation from where you’re at now? I have always said that I will never write music for anybody else. The EP was my coping mechanism for a break up, and it’s that kind of honesty that I feel brings people in and keeps them interested. The reason I say that I feel liberated now is that Tids has already got me thinking that way again after falling into a bit of ‘second release syndrome’ where I started writing what I

thought people would like, not what I believed was the best music I could create. Long story short, yes there will be deviation, because I’m not the same person I was three years ago when that EP was written. I listen to different music, and thankfully, I have much less to be overly upset about nowadays! So the new material so far has a less glum feel to it, with a lot more energy and brightness to it. Having said that, I always try to keep the elements I love from the EP alive in the new songs like the big choruses and emotive heavier sections.

And how far off is new music? Who knows... We’ve probably got what I would say is a pretty good album worth of material written, but that’s not what we’re going for. You only get one shot at a debut album, so we wanna smack it out of the park. If that means writing 30 songs and cutting to the best ten, so be it, but we’re aiming for studio time a few months into 2018. You’re hitting Gold Coast this month with Eliza and the Delusionals in support. Tell me what fans can expect at the show? Expect new material, and expect a step up in the production! It’s been pretty interesting trying to concoct a plan for it considering our EP runs about 20 minutes when we play it live and most sets will be 45 minutes. Might have to chuck in a meat raffle or some shit to fill the gaps, hahaha.

Dear Seattle are at Miami Tavern Shark Bar, 15 December, with Eliza and the Delusionals in support. 12

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ELECTRIC DREAMS

Remarkability

STAND OUT WHILST HONOURING THE CREATIVE PROCESS In a time when it’s easy to be an average artist in a sea of musical overabundance, how can musicians stand out from the crowd whilst staying true to their creative process? That was the question posed at Australian Music Week’s 'Let’s Be Remarkable' session earlier this month in Sydney. Hosted by Footstomp’s Graham ‘Asho’ Ashton, the 'Let’s Be Remarkable' panel brought together renowned musicians Taasha Coates (The Audreys), Michael Carpenter (Love Hz Studios), Neil Murray (Warumpi Band) and Reg Mombassa (Mental As Anything). Here’s the top tips they shared for navigating a music career whilst giving the creative process the reverence it deserves… Pursue music for passion, not a pay check. This is the resounding take home message. All panellists agreed the fastest way to kill creativity is to confine it to the pressures of paying the bills. If you’re an emerging artist and music is your main money-maker, for the sake of your creativity get a day job before you fall into the trap of trying to write ‘the next big hit.’ Writing to current trends instead of writing music you want to write isn’t part of the creative process, it’s purely a commercial one. Always serve the song (Michael). With so much technology at our disposal, it’s easy to get carried away adding unnecessary bells and whistles to a track or “overproducing” it. As a Producer, Michael recommends going into the studio with a strong focus and sticking to it, to avoid overcooking a song. If you want to know what to do with a song, he says “it will tell you, if you’re brave enough to listen.” Those who are personally successful come to the song-writing/recording process with no agenda. Study the art of songs you love (Neil). What better way to learn, than by dissecting songs of the past? If there’s a sound/style/song you love, pull it apart and study it’s elements to understand how to create music like it. Neil doesn’t listen to any current music and believes the best lessons are contained in old music. 14

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Take care of business baby (Reg). While the internet has made it easier than ever to get your music out there, musicians still need some business know-how to get people to hear their music. Having skills across various facets of the music industry including publicity, management and bookings can help musicians cut above the noise. Music Industry Inside Out provides possibly the best DIY advice in Australia on every element of the industry and our own The Power-Up Series is a great starting point for media and marketing tips. Connect with your audience (Asho). Music is a powerful form of communication - it breaks down barriers and can express feelings words alone cannot surmise. That's why it's important musicians use their music to connect with their audience. If you're concerned about writing music that industry gatekeepers will like, you've missed the point. Write authentic music that speaks to people - your biggest supporters are your fans, engage them. Keep reinventing, your best work is yet to come (Taasha). “My best work is still in front of me,” is the mantra The Audrey’s frontwoman Taasha Coates uses to keep herself pushing forward. It’s easy to get caught up writing to a specific formula or resting on the laurels of success, but creativity is not static, and artists need to keep breaking their processes and tried methods, to keep reinventing. As life evolves, ensure your music evolves too. In the final words of the panellists, when it comes to creating: don’t be self-conscious, don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ product and don’t be earnest - simply follow your passion and enjoy the ride! Tomika Steele

Australian Music Week took place in Cronulla, 1 – 5 November and will return in 2018.

Formed on the Gold Coast and now based in Brisbane, four-piece Electric Zebra have been honing their live show as well as their recorded offerings since 2014. And 2017 was kind to the band. As well as support slots for Horror My Friend and Screamfeeder and sets at Shakafest and Valley Fiesta the band has released their second single of the year, full of guitar riffs that waver between jangly and fuzzy. Keelan Sanders told Samantha Morris that ‘Serpico’ reached audiences beyond Australia, without any PR support. “We got a nice message from a band in Spain called Mad Maniacs… so it was cool to know that we'd reached people in other countries,” he said. One of the reasons Electric Zebra has evolved its sound this year is because they embarked on a small tour – heading to Sydney and Melbourne for the first time. “Touring is by far the best part of being in a band, but we only figured that out this year,” he said. “It's definitely given us a fresh perspective.” “As soon as we finished our last tour, I started booking one for ‘Serpico’, and now we're pumped to be going to Adelaide.” “We're not a big band by any means so visiting other cities seems to bring out smaller but slightly more invested crowds,” Keelan said. But the benefits don’t stop there. Keelan said, Electric Zebra had also gained benefit from sharing the stage with other awesome acts as well as internal dynamics.

“Touring is also a great way to test the friendships within the band - at the end it feels like everyone made it through, and that attests to some kind of strength in a band, or any kind of relationship really.” And what does 2018 hold for EZ? “2017 was great in that, like every year, we screwed up a lot but we learned from all of it,” Keelan said. “The main aim in 2018 is to apply that experience to have an even better year. We want to do a bigger tour and hit some regional places, we want to support more great acts, play more festivals, meet more people, and put out more music! It's been almost two years since our first EP came out, so we're keen to finish up a new batch of songs and hopefully put out something we're proud of. “

Electric Zebra’s new single ‘Serpico’ is out now.

DARKCELL'S PSYCHO CIRCUS

It's time to let your freak flag fly, with the news that Brisbane x Gold Coast theatrical lords of industrial metal, Darkcell, will shortly be unleashing their very own travelling musical freak show, Psycho Circus 2017. It will take the shape of two unique events in Sydney and Brisbane, with the local leg comprising a mini festival featuring nine bands as well as a bunch of wickedly entertaining side show performers. It's happening on Saturday, 9 December at the Brightside in Fortitude Valley. As well as Darkcell, the other bands featured on the bill are These Four Walls, Holistic, Dragonsmead, Seraphic, Flynn Effect, The Molotov, New Clear Vision and Trash Queen. The action kicks off from 3.30pm and there's also Dark Carnival themed prizes on offer for best dressed circus freak, so if you're getting along be sure to channel your inner-freak and come freakily dressed for the occasion. Formed in 2012, Darkcell and their stadium brand of industrial metal with theatrical flourishes have been riding high in 2017, playing to rapturous crowds along the east coast, performing at the Dead Of Winter festival in Brisbane in July and also supporting US band Motionless In White on their recent sold out tour. They've just returned from a six night residency at Fearaphobia in Sydney, renowned for being Australia's biggest Halloween fright park event. In addition to their Psycho Circus extravaganzas, Darkcell are also playing headlining shows in Newcastle and Melbourne during December. They'll then be bunkering down in the studio to start writing and recording tracks for their next studio album, which is scheduled to see the light of day later in 2018. Anthony Gebhardt

Psycho Circus, 9 December The Brightside, Brisbane 16

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Festival of Small Halls 22 November Mt Nimmel Hall, Austinville w: festivalofsmallhalls.com

Community Christmas Carols

26 November (4pm-8pm) Firth Park, Mudgeeraba fb: Glenn Tozer for Mudgeeraba Hinterland

Springtime Sessions in the Village 1 December (5:30pm-7.30pm) JADE PETERSON & THE LYRICAL Cuddihy Park,Mudgeeraba fb: SummertimeSessions

Springtime Sessions in the Village 8 December (5:30pm-7.30pm) SALT & STEEL AND TAYLOR Cuddihy Park,Mudgeeraba fb: SummertimeSessions

FREE FAMILY MOVIE N

IGHT!

M OV IE S u n d e r th e STA R S

Springtime Sessions in the Village

Somerset Park

15 December (5:30pm-7.30pm) HUSSY HICKS & MICKA SCENE Cuddihy Park,Mudgeeraba fb: SummertimeSessions

84 Swanton Drive, Mudgeeraba

Movies Under the Stars (free)

16 December Davenport Park, Bonogin Children’s activities & food trucks commence 5pm Movie Screening 7pm ‘Muppet Christmas’ e: division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au 23 December Mudgeeraba Neighbourhood Watch, Somerset Park Children’s activities & food trucks commence 5pm Movie Screening 7pm ‘Moana’ e: division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Mudgeeraba Parkrun

Every Saturday morning 7am d’Arcy Doyle Park on Somerset Drive fb: mudgeerabaparkrun

d Food an es beverag r fo le availab purchase

This movie is rated PG - 107min

ber 2017 Saturday 16 Decemwit h Sparky Do Dah

s fun Pre-movie interactive kid m Movie starts at 7.00p • m 0p 6.3 to on advice. from 4.30pm oldcoast for cancellati facebook.com/cityofg rthestars

or visit .au/moviesunde , phone 07 5581 7016 visit cityofgoldcoast.com If weather is uncertain ions across the city, Under the Stars locat For more free Movies

Glenn Tozer Proudly supported by Cr c ntheg

facebook.com/glenno

CE2335

Movies Under the Stars (free)

ROCKINGHORSE STUDIOS RELAUNCH Recording studios are alive and well.

While they may have received a good shakeup from digital home studios, the total makeover of music industry icon RockingHorse Studios by its new owners brings renewed faith in studio recording to the industry.

studios. “There’s a desire for artists to come back to a sophisticated recording studio, met by a drive to make that experience more affordable.”

Set on a 66-acre property in the tranquil hinterland of Byron Bay, the residential recording studio complex is a place to escape, find inspiration, record music and be creative in the capable hands of some of Australia’s finest producers and engineers.

Now completely rewired RockingHorse’s legendary Neve V Series console has been made over – shipped to Rob Squire at Proharmonic in Adelaide and returned with 16 fully functional rack-mounted channels with more to come. Supported by a Slate Monitoring Control system and a Slate Raven multi-touch screen production console, it offers guests a front end coupled with state of art digital technology.

The Main Studio has three isolation rooms and a unique control room offering stunning views across heavily forested slopes to magnificent sunsets.

Within sight is a second workshop studio; a more intimate recycled timber-lined overdub suite for finishing off tracks. Each studio can be booked separately.

“Home recording just doesn’t sound the same,” says producer Nicholas Wilson, who spent eight months reassembling the console in one of RockingHorse’s two

Founded in 1992, Rockinghorse’s legacy of work lists musicians such as Wolf Mother, The Charlie Parkers, Mental as Anything, Rhubarb, Eurogliders, The Cruel Sea, The

Screaming Jets, Yothu Yindi, Olivia Newton John, Delta Goodrem, and Brian Cadd. Let’s hope that it will continue to produce many more albums. Marj Osborne More at rockinghorse.com.au.

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ANNOUNCE ‘WITCHES’ EP + HOMETOWN SHOW Immediately after winning Video of the Year at the Gold Coast Music Awards, Gold Coast fivepiece sludge metal merchants The Black Swamp were forced to make a lineup change. For some acts, this would have been a traumatic period of change. But The Black Swamp seems to have taken it in their stride. They’ve landed none other than Luke Hosking (Azreal) in the hotseat as their new frontman, have announced a new EP ‘Witches’ ready to roll in the new year, plus a tour soon to be announced. Luke filled Samantha Morris in on the Swamp’s comings and goings.

WHAT DO WE WANT? SYNC! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? pic: David Vagg

Well, NOW of course! With one of the hottest topics of the day being how the hell do you make money from your music in the modern streaming soundscape, ‘sync’ or music synchronisation can be a significant source of income for artists. So, just who, when, why and how do you score yourself a sync? As the punters at Australian Music Week’s powerful “Sync or Swim” session discovered last month, having your music synchronised with visual media in the form of advertising, film, television and gaming is more important than ever for musicians building a sustainable career. With the esteemed panellists reporting from a carton of beer to six figure payments PER placement, synchronisation must surely become one of your key music business strategies. “Artists should consider synch from the first moment they write a song that connects with an audience,” says Source Music CEO, Rob Scott. “If a song has that response from fans then it will also likely have a similar response from music supervisors and creators/directors looking to use music in their productions.” Exceptions aside, there are three key ways to get your music synced: 1. Through a sync agent, like Brisbane’s Sound Pound; 2. Via an exclusive publishing deal; or 3. Building a fanbase and buzz around a song so strong they come to you. In a nut shell, sync is about so much more than the song. Businesses are building brands after all, which is about image, reputation and consistent messaging. So naturally, your branding must be in alignment with theirs for a sync to work. The question then becomes not just do you have a great song. But rather, do you have the right song with the right kind of branding that connects in the right way to a shared audience? Because, that, is what publishers, advertisers and film directors are looking for. 20

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Image: Dan Maynard Photography

You’re the newly elected frontman for The Black Swamp – sharing vocalist duties between these guys and Azreal. How did this new gig come about? Well since the first time I saw the band I've been a fan. Over the years we have played and toured together a heap which naturally built a good rapport between myself and the band. When they found themselves without a vocalist they asked me to fill in for a couple of shows, which turned into a couple more. Those first few shows and practices were really natural which I think may have been the catalyst to the band asking me to stay on. They also had a bunch of shows booked, a tonne of drive to keep doing what they do and riffs just overflowing. How the hell do you say no to a band like The Black Swamp? I wasn't gonna say I'm too busy blah blah blah. Fuck that. It felt good. I'm in.

You’ve just announced a new EP ‘Witches’, recorded with Ryan Miller (Black Rheno) at Housefox Studios in Manly and mastered by Paul Blakey. Must be awesome to have such a skilled team working with you. Tell me about recording? The process of recording ‘Witches’ was fantastic. We spent a glorious weekend in Sydney’s northern beaches with the Black Rheno crew and Housefox Studios is beautifully hand crafted by the man Ryan himself who was an absolute pleasure to work with. Not only was he very organised and professional but he is a dude on the same wavelength as the band which is why I think we got such a huge sound out of this EP, not to mention Paul’s epic master. The tracking itself was the whole band (excluding me) jamming out the tracks one take at a time as opposed to the usual layering of the different instruments. This, to me, embodies what The Swamp is… just raw great time sludgy goodness. Can’t beat that.

to go into promoting the release, organising and releasing artwork and tour dates. If we dropped it as soon as we had it no-one would even know it was out. Once some hype generates around the release and tour, punters are more likely to get out to the shows which helps the band’s endeavours.

The Black Swamp won Video of the Year for ‘Common Crows’ at this year’s Gold Coast Music Awards, will you make much effort to follow that up with another visual offering? Without a doubt. There will be single/video releases from this EP for listening and viewing pleasure. The Black Swamp is like a prehistoric woolly mammoth trudging through a muddy wasteland. If we stop, the pesky humans will spear and eat us. If we struggle on, we will eventually reach the relative safety and solitude of the mountain where great acts of heavy riff will be achieved.

Any shows on the horizon? We have a massive line up for Miami Shark Bar on 8 December including the ever charismatic Hammers, Moustache on Fire and Fingered. We’re also playing the renowned Woolly Mammoth in Brisbane on the 5th of December With Lagerstein, Vallhalore with "The Black Swamp Session Stout" on tap. Both these shows will be huge so do yourself a favour and get to one of these offerings for some guaranteed swampy good times.

8 December at Miami Shark Bar, The Black Swamp + Hammers + Moustache on Fire + Fingered The EP won’t be released until February next year, why such a lengthy delay? Well, these things take time. A lot of effort goes into writing, refining and recording these tracks so at least some time has

5 December at Woolly Mammoth, Lagerstein + The Black Swamp + Vallhalore

DUMPSTAPHUNK SET TO PHUNK UP BLUESFEST 2018

Dumpstaphunk stands out as being one of the funkiest bands to come out of New Orleans, and that’s saying something. Descended from Neville family bloodlines, these soldiers of funk combine ingenious musicianship and complex funk and jazz arrangements with soulful melodies that are simple enough for anyone to enjoy. Tony Hall, Nick Daniels III, Ivan Neville, Ian Neville and Alvin Ford Jr. will share New Orleans with every note when they hit the stage at Bluesfest 2018. Ian Neville graciously agreed to chat with Natalie O'Driscoll from his home in The Big Easy. He immediately launches into a lovefest about Australia. “I don’t say I could live in a lot of places that aren’t here, but Australia is one of them,” he announces in a laid-back drawl. “I got off the plane and it was hot as hell and really humid, so it felt like home.” While the guys have toured Australia a few times previously, the 2018 visit will be only their second appearance on the Bluesfest stages, having wowed crowds and organisers there previously at the last event with their tight, partlyimprovised live party sets. We discuss the unique blend of tunes and crowds that make Bluesfest a must-go for music lovers. “Yes, I’d heard lots about Bluesfest before going for the first time,” Ian says. “We thought it was great. It was so laid back, and musicfocussed, which is always the best idea for a festival.” We talk about the style of funk that Dumpstaphunk produces, which to me sounds just like a classic mix of Parliament and James Brown, but which I’d also heard described as progressive funk. I admit I don’t know what that means, and ask Ian if he can explain it.

“We’re just a funk band that fuses in rock and blues and soul and some kind of hip-hop element - we draw from everywhere. Funk actually creeps up in all kinds of other music.” New Orleans is well known for its profusion of talented musicians and unique blend of cultures. I ask Ian what it is that he personally loves so much about it. “New Orleans is definitely not like anywhere else on the planet,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate enough to get to travel and I would still love to live here. It’s the way that everything affects each other here; the food affects the music, and that affects the way people like to hang out in the city and the overall culture and the way it boils up together - nobody else does it.” Of course it’s hard to have a conversation about New Orleans with a long-time local, without checking in about the city’s status post-Katrina. Ian takes a positive stance. “It’s not anywhere like it used to be; some for better some for worse.” “I’m a personal fan of progress and forward momentum and whatnot. Overall the city’s in a better place that I feel like it probably would be if that hadn’t happened. We’ll never know. It’s just spurred progress and development.

Drop into Byron’s local independent brewery... The way it should be In this part of the world people enjoy having a beer after catching a wave, a band at the pub or just catching up with friends. As the local brewer, we brew beers for times like these...

DROP INTO OUR BREWERY’S TASTING ROOM AND GRAB A TASTING PADDLE OR BOOK A TOUR IN ADVANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR APPROACH TO BREWING, CONSCIOUS BUSINESS AND BEER! MONDAY – FRIDAY 10am – 5pm WEEKEND 12 – 6pm TOURS RUN EVERY DAY EXCEPT TUESDAYS To book a tour or enquire about the Tasting Room, visit the website www.stoneandwood.com.au, or call us on 02 6685 9220

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“We’re always the last, you know, we’re from the south in the states, the slower part of the country to catch on to things. New Orleans is the oldest city in the country so we’re set in our ways. We managed to find a way to step up the progress to more relevant times without losing the soul that was the city as it was originally known.” The group is in the process of recording their first album since 2013’s ‘Dirty Word’. “We’ve been working on our new record and a lot of that is on the verge of being finished; loose ends and decisions, which tend to be the hardest part. We should have some stuff pretty soon. We’ll definitely have some sneak previews for the Bluesfest audience.”

To be a part of that audience over 29 March to 2 April, visit bluesfest.com.au.

“I don’t know what that means either!” he laughs. www.blankgc.com.au

The Wayward Suns

SINGING THE BOOTY ELECTRIC

Kid Congo

Cosmic groove-fusion merchants The Wayward Suns are a collective whose blazing, good times vibe is on the rapid ascension across the local music landscape. The roots-centric, eclectic five piece recently dropped their ambitiously wide screen debut album, ‘Paradigm’, which we’ve also reviewed. Anthony Gebhardt fired off a few questions to the guys as they headed back to the Gold Coast, fresh from dazzling North Queensland audiences and taking out the coveted first spot at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s Battle of the Bands competition!

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT FOR BLUES ON BROADBEACH The 2018 Blues on Broadbeach, which is the 17th annual event, will bring five international acts to the Gold Coast, to perform alongside a treasure trove of national and local talent from 17 – 20 May. With more than 161,000 visitors last year and an injection of $20 million into the local economy, 2018 is shaping up to be a cracker for blues fans.

Can you tell us a bit about history of the band? It all started about three years ago, when Brad Kennedy (vocalist) and Jesse Lopez (guitarist) were randomly reunited after not catching up for the best part of a decade. There so happened to be a couple of guitars around, so we picked them up and the music just clicked into place. We decided to have a jam and Brad bought along a friend of his called Kane Fogarty AKA Instinct the lyricist. Turns out Instinct is an amazing hip hop artist. We played gigs all around the Gold Coast in this three piece formation for almost two years. Something was always missing however, and that was drums and bass. The bass slot was eventually filled by the multi-talented soulful shogun Peter Korzuch, and the jazz funk drum patterns were cranked out by the skin slappin’ Sunil "Sunny" Noronha.

Music, which we got to attend after winning the Gold Coast Passport to Airlie Competition. This gave us the opportunity to go up there and represent the Gold Coast in the largest battle of the bands in Australia. After playing the final gig they announced us as the grand final winners. It was a huge moment for us and an unforgettable gig that lit up hearts and minds in the tropics. Do you have a favourite live music venue on the Gold Coast? Currumbin Creek Tavern is always a massive supporter of local music, so is Parkwood Tavern, but I’d have to give our favourite to Miami Marketta. It’s such a good vibe there and they are always supporting our local music scene.

Can you tell us a bit about the genesis of your debut album, ‘Paradigm’?

Are there any other bands on the Gold coast you particularly dig?

'Paradigm' is an album fused by five suns unifying the juxtaposition of various coastal musical backgrounds. This difference really shines through in the structure and timbre of every track. Lyrical prose speaks on passionate paradigm shifts of our presence, which walks tall towards the frontier hand in hand accompanied by blazing mojo anti-depressant melodies. Writing the songs was a long process, each track morphing with each live performance until the perfect version was struck. Once we had enough songs we booked in at the excellent Love Street Studios in Currumbin. Scotty French is the ninja producer there and he put his musical stamp all over the album, together with the fine tuning of engineer Paul Blakey, from 12th Vine & Post Broadbeach.

There are so many great local bands. Dreams Of Indigo are super unique and smooth as silk. Salt And Steel are an amazing rootsy duo. Electrik Lemonade have the soulful, up-rocking rhythms. Mistram are a dynamic duo of powerful harmonies. Then there’s Dogtags, Daneel And The Feel, Paging Jimi. We are family - musicians that support each other and push each other to become better musicians and better people in this wayward world. We could go on and on… it goes to show how rich with talent the Gold Coast is!

What is the most memorable gig you’ve played so far? Without a doubt it was the Airlie Beach Festival of

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Any gigs in coming months? The Wayward Suns will be blazing a back to back with Electrik Lemonade for their 7th year birthday party at Miami Marketta, Saturday 9th December, it’s going to get waywardly eletrikfied wild!

This month’s announcement includes The Robert Cray Band (USA), The Screaming Jets, Backsliders, Lloyd Siegel, Jon Stevens (who’ll perform at The Star Gold Coast), Eilen Jewell (USA), Charlie A’Court (Canada) and Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds (USA). For the first time, the festival is also partnering with Memphis Travel, resulting in Memphis blues outfit Southern Avenue making the trek to the event. Gold Coast musicians Karl S Williams, Mason Rack Band, Benny D Williams and Hell and Whisky have also scored sets, with Blues Arcadia from Brisbane in the mix too. Mark Duckworth is the Festival Director for Blues on Broadbeach and is excited about the growth of Blues on Broadbeach in the international blues community. “When we talk to international acts now, they know about Blues on Broadbeach, we don’t need to sell the concept of coming to the Gold Coast for a blues festival,” Mark told Blank Gold Coast. “And so what that means, is that the calibre of our international acts grow as the festival grows.” And of course, with that, comes increased opportunities for local acts – something Mark Duckworth is particularly passionate about. “I will always aim to program a high proportion of local acts,” he said. “That’s really important to me both as Festival Director, but also as a Gold Coast musician.” Samantha Morris Blues on Broadbeach, 17 – 20 May: The Robert Cray Band (USA), The Screaming Jets, Backsliders, Lloyd Spiegel, Jon Stevens, Eilen Jewell (USA), Charlie A’Court (Can), Southern Avenue (USA), Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds (USA), Karl S Williams, 19 Twenty, Karen Lee Andrews, Justin Yap Band, Blues Arcadia, The Satellites, Mason Rack Band, Dreamboogie, PJ O’Brien Band, Christina Crofts Band, Toni Swain, Benny D Williams, Titan Payne and the Big Zydeco Express, Jesse Valach presents Blue Mountain, Sunny Coast Rude Boys and Hell and Whisky.

RETURN TO THE HARP FOR ELSKA

FESTIVAL 2018 ANNOUNCES FIRST ARTISTS + PARTNERSHIP WITH BLEACH When people flock to the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, it won’t just be athletic prowess that inspires and entertains. Festival 2018 will be a bold program of arts and cultural events, held across the same 12 days as the Games. The festival will feature a mix of highly acclaimed contemporary music, breathtaking dance and physical theatre and Indigenous music and art. And the Festival takes place beyond the City of Gold Coast too. Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane City will all host satellite events. On the Gold Coast the festival will span the length of the city – from Helensvale to Coolangatta with two major festival hubs in Broadbeach and Surfers which will operate both day and night.

A harp and a loop pedal aren’t common bedfellows, yet Gold Coast artist Elska has managed to bring them together alongside tales of cheaters and liars and love in peculiar places. If that sounds like just the aural backdrop you’d expect in a smoky whiskey bar, you’d be right. Well, minus the smoke, cos that’s not cool in 2017, yeah? Elska spoke with Blank Gold Coast editor Samantha Morris about picking up the harp after an extended break. “I’m a one-woman-band who creates a hurricane of sassy pop with a harp and a loop pedal,” Elska told Blank Gold Coast. “Most people are fascinated just by the fact that I play a harp but then they experience a performance layered with harp melodies, percussive harp beats and songs about internet love... and their reaction is “SHUT THE FRONT DOOR I WASN’T EXPECTING THAT!” Music has been in Elska’s life since childhood. She grew up busking at Gold Coast markets and performed at more than a thousand weddings. “My mum always encouraged me to be different and after seeing a harpist performing at Christmas when I was a child, I ‘plucked’ up the courage to ask for a lesson.” She went on to study and teach music. “But if you looked at my life 12 months ago, it was nappies, daycare lunches and piles of washing,” she said. Elska was on extended maternity leave and contemplating whether to go back to a job. “That didn’t ignite a fire in my heart. So I bit the bullet and reinvested in ‘me’ and my music.” And while the odds were stacked against her, Elska knew if she didn’t give it a go,

then ten years down the track I she’d be wondering “what if?” In that 12 months she’s performed at Airlie Beach Festival of Music as well as Buskers by the Creek (where she became a quasi pinup girl for the event), and in September she was recording in Brighton, UK. I asked Elska how she ended up recording at Brighton Electric Studios with Dan Swift – who has also worked with Passenger and Snow Patrol, and closer to home, also with Ella Fence. “Through hard work, strategic goal setting, a lot of hustling, and not being afraid to network at music industry events,” she said, “my music landed in Dan’s inbox without my knowledge.” “After many emails, video chats, and clearing out my bank account, I was on a plane to the UK to record my first studio produced EP.” “It has been a whirlwind,” she said.

Catch Elska and her harp at Scottish Prince on Sunday 17 December and The Cambus Wallace on Tuesday 28 November and 19 December.

Organisers last week announced a bunch of acts locked in to play the Queensland Stage, which will be located on Surf Parade, Broadbeach. They also formally announced the partnership between Festival 2018 and Bleach* Festival which has resulted in collaborative programming as well as a heap of co-commissioned projects yet to be announced.

belt and has just come off tour with The Kite String Tangle. AUSTEN called the Gold Coast home while studying and is also excited about being included in Festival 2018 programming. “I think having my kind of music and I guess, that aspect of the Queensland music scene represented in an event like this is really special,” she said. “When you think of a festival like Festival 2018, there’s a lot of theatre, but you don’t think that indie pop music is going to be a part of it – it’s cool to have that aspect happening. And it’s especially cool that it’s me,” she told Blank Gold Coast. Samantha Morris

Festival 2018 runs 4 – 15 April 2018 as the arts and culture program of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

Kate Miller-Heidke has been confirmed as headliner for the event, performing in Cairns and the Gold Coast with a string quartet as well as long-time collaborator guitarist Keir Nuttal. Mau Power will also play both locations as well as Brisbane. Hailing from Thursday Island in the Torres Strait and with proud heritage from the Dhoebaw Clan of the Guda Maluilgal nations, Mau Power was born and raised in the ‘Aylans’ and still lives in the Torres Strait. He’s the first rapper to ‘break out’ from the region and for many years he’s been guided by two cultures – Indigenous culture and hip-hop culture – with the art of story telling providing the link between the two. “It was really exciting,” he said of being approached to perform. “Once I knew that this was happening and that I was going to be on the lineup – I got really excited.” “It’s what I’ve been working for for many years – to be able to do bigger shows in Australia to rep not just our region but the country itself,” he said. Brisbane’s The Jungle Giants were also announced, alongside perennial favourite Karl S Williams and Austen. AUSTEN brings a totally different sensibility to the stage for Festival 2018 – blending hook-laden art pop with spacious synths. She has two acclaimed singles and a national tour under her

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music reviews

HUSSY HICKS

THE WAYWARD SUNS

With their new record, ‘On The Boundaries’, much heralded Gold Coast duo Hussy Hicks (Julz Parker and Leesa Gentz) have taken another bold step forward in their musical evolution.

The Wayward Suns are a smoking local five piece collective, who on the strength of their debut album, 'Paradigm', will be rapidly going places, and fast - be sure to check out our feature interview with the band on the pages of this month’s magazine. Their debut record, 'Paradigm', was laid down at the creative mecca of Love Street Studios, with the ever-prolific Scotty French handling production duties.

On The Boundaries

Paradigm

The versatile ladies have previously proved adept hands at expertly channeling a broad range of styles at the rootsier end of the musical spectrum, with their previous release, ‘Lucky Joe’s Wine And Other Tales From Dog River’, being recorded with noted producer Rick Hirsh in Alabama. This time around they’ve taken a very different approach, choosing to collaborate with London producer Raphael White to deliver more of a ‘studio’ album. Less raw and ‘in the moment’ than previous recordings, ‘On The Boundaries’ incorporates a host of vocal and instrumental layering, electronic touches and studio effects and captures the band at their most sonically adventurous. The album sits together as a complete listening experience, designed to take listeners on an uninterrupted musical journey. Highlights across the album are many. ‘Take Me At My Word’ commences with a distant bird cry before dissolving into a moving, gospel tinged lament, with gorgeously layered vocals in the chorus. ‘Silence Creeping’ is a slow burning, rock tinged number with gutsy vocals augmented by warm keyboard driven atmospherics flitting between the shadows. While ‘The Pen The Light The Hope’ starts with a ghostly, echotwang guitar motif before boldly morphing into an electro-rock work out with a memorable chorus and a retro-future vibe you can both move and sing along to. Things then enter more serene territory with ‘Fig Tree’, a gorgeous, plaintive ballad featuring a simple guitar accompaniment and a moving vocal performance, with a few subtle washes of ghostly, ethereal keyboards bubbling away under the surface. ‘Keep Fighting’ is a percussive heavy slice of effects driven wonderment, which rotates back and forth between moody, keyboard heavy electro and funky, dance driven choruses, simultaneously catchy and edgy. And ‘Matter Of Fact’ is a steadily creeping, electro-funk-reggae workout which starts out stripped back and moody before building intensity with some searing guitar interjections from Parker. ‘Inside This Room’ carries the torch of Leonard Cohen in its gently unwinding guitar and keyboard driven oeuvre and uplifting chorus. While ‘On The Horizon’ is a triumph of forward gazing horizons, the more straight-up roots approach to their song craft still bubbles pleasingly away under the studio sheen, so long time fans will have enough to cling onto in order to easily make the jump with the band into these shimmering new waters. Anthony Gebhardt 24

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The album is a genre-blending menagerie of reggae, blues, roots and funk underpinned with hip-hop inflected grooves and a dash of rock, which The Wayward Suns have seamlessly melded into an eclectic, wide screen listening experience. Most of the tracks feature a combination of pop-rock style vocals augmented with the hip-hop proclamations of Kane Fogarty (aka Instinct). Lyrically the band generally preach an upbeat, positive trip, with dashes of pop culture references and 'state of the world' inflections. Far from being a bunch of random tracks thrown together, a lot of thought has gone into creating a holistic, album-centric listening experience. 'Welcome' is a bouncy, hip-hop/rock crossover, with some tasty 'rock dog' style vocals from lead vocalist brad Kennedy (aka Buddha Brad). 'Bright Lights' unveils a sneaky riff not dissimilar to that found on Stevie Wonder's 'Master Blaster', then locks into a chilled reggae groove which features some tasty rhythm section interplay and a splash of ethereal, psych-tinged six string work from guitarist Jesse Lopez (aka Jesse-Sun). The album's title track is a cruisy, free-flowing acoustic hip-hop gem, while 'Cloud City' commences with a sampled sound grab (a neat trick that re-appears a few other times on the record as standalone, sub-minute bridging numbers) before launching into a bouncy, Sublime-like crossover number with a groovily unwinding guitar solo. 'Shed' rides the coat tails of a country/roots shuffle with a hoedown style, singalong chorus and the band's trademark hip-hop verses. With 'Dream Makers' the band return to a chilled roots-reggae vibe, and 'Long Road', with its whistled intro, is another rootschannelling, hip-hop banger with uplifting lyrics. While 'A ll Roads' eases the pace with its chilled, sun going down vibe. With 'Paradigm', The Wayward Suns have meticulously crafted a free flowing and ambitious listening experience, which is highly deserving of the attention of those with a penchant for the aforementioned musical styles, and is yet another impressive addition to the ranks of world class sounds being concocted right here on the Gold Coast. Anthony Gebhardt

LANE-HARRY X IKE CAMPBELL The Dash

'The Dash' is the heavy-duty new single from renowned Gold Coast hip-hop practitioners Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell. The boys have set the bar high across their musical evolution, and 'The Dash' is yet another worthy addition to the ranks of their ever burgeoning catalogue of quality and success. This time around the intrepid duo have crafted a unique musical collaboration with Daniel Duqoe-Perez, the front man for noted Sydney indie rock band The Griswolds. The hook-up is an inspirational tale in itself, with Lane-Harry reaching out to the manager of The Griswolds after becoming totally smitten with their track 'Beware The Dog', which led to Harry and Campbell decamping to Sydney to work with Duque-Perez in the studio, the fruits of which has seen the light of day as 'The Dash.' As for the song itself, its steady, tough as teak, head nodding groove is augmented with tasteful touches of gritty, funk infused bass and guitar, with chanted, female-jazz style vocals adorning the chorus. As always the pair’s impressive regular trademarks shine forth loud and strong, with world class production and tough, inventive rhymes. On the strength of their initial offering, we can only hope that this collaboration continues to flourish and that the threesome hit us up with more numbers of the calibre of 'The Dash'. In a word - smokin'. And be sure to check out the short-film style clip for the track, which is a smashing piece of art in its own right. Anthony Gebhardt

Atticus Chimps NO MONKEY BUSINESS

SASKWATCH

ELECTRIC ZEBRA

Just a disclaimer before I begin - I bought this album with my hard-earned after seeing Saskwatch at Miami Marketta on 2 November. It was a great but not overly crowded gig, and the performance was enough to make me part with coin for some more vinyl for my collection.

Brisbane by way of Gold Coast four piece Electric Zebra have been steadily building their profile on the Australian musical landscape off the back of their rapidly blossoming, 90's alternative rock channelling sound. Their latest single, ‘Serpico’, is a head-turning slice of indierock excellence, featuring production credits by Bryce Moorhead, who's also worked with Violent Soho and Walken.

Manual Override

It was a great purchase, and in reverse logic, the album absolutely lives up to the band’s live performance. This album tos and fros from psychedelic soaring tunes to songs of love, melody, and ethereal flight. The honey sweet and sticky vocals of Nkechi Anele foil off dirty guitar, grooving bass, rolling drums, and keyboard ambience. It is like a puzzle of many parts making a whole sound where those many parts can still be heard. You will want to dance, it is impossible not to. My favourite songs on the album have a little more kick; ‘Shrinking Violet’, ‘Gemini’, and the opening track, ‘December Nights’. But all the tracks have something different to offer making this a well-rounded and great listening album. Take a listen and you’ll be hooked too…. Also 100% check them out live - you will not be disappointed.

Serpico (single)

It's both crunchy and melodic, jumping out of the speakers off the back of a memorably insistent guitar motif, before launching into a thrill ride of fluid and fuzzy guitars, punchy drumming and a biting chorus. Two thirds of the way through and a searing lead break points the track in the direction of home. "I'm not on my way out" states singer/ guitarist Keelan Sanders during the songs memorable chorus, and on the strength of 'Serpico', there's little chance of that happening. Confident and catchy, 'Serpico' augers well for a big 2018 for the band. And be sure to catch our interview with the band, also in this month's magazine. Anthony Gebhardt

Terry Tappa Teece

Music Industry Mingle Friday 8 December | 3-5pm NightQuarter | The Paddock, Depot Bar 1 Town Centre Drive, Helensvale This networking event will include an announcement of a new category for next year's Gold Coast Music Awards as well as a conversation around what makes a great live act. There'll be complimentary mockrocktails as well as a crostini bar and Jacob Lee will provide live tunes. Make a night of it and stick around for dinner and more live music from Peach Fur and Major Leagues.

Gold Coast three piece Atticus Chimps are still relatively fresh and mysterious on the local music scene. But on the strength of their heavy hitting and unconventional yet catchy big rock sound, and with their upcoming east coast tour set to provide them with invaluable exposure and a batch of new converts, all that should be about to change. Forming in late 2015, the past two years has seen the band settle on a permanent line up, cutting their teeth in the music biz as they’ve gone about steadily nailing their studio chops to capture the big, bold sound that is the band’s trademark in the live arena. The results of this is a smashing new single, ‘Don’t Blame Me’, which the band are launching on 1 December at Snooker World. Anthony Gebhardt chatted with Atticus Chimps’ guitarist and vocalist Sam Bray. Are you pleased with how the new single, ‘Don’t Blame Me’ turned out? Absolutely. It took us months to mix this song; every time we thought it was ready we ended up going back and tweaking a few things. One of the problems with modern recording is that the microphones used are of such high quality that you end up spending a lot of time trying to get it to sound like a pulled back, raw and live performance - which is how our songs were designed to be heard. It's a party song and is meant to be enjoyed in the company of others. We have literally dozens of songs in the works. We'd love to go ahead and release them all at once, but with the nature of the modern music industry, that's just not how people consume music these days. We're going to be releasing single after single in the coming months, with a full EP release next year, and by the time we release that EP we'll have a another one right around the corner. What can fans expect from the Atticus Chimps east coast tour?

Fans can expect an upbeat, groovy and sweat-inducing rock show that'll take you back a generation to when rock bands were well engrained in the mainstream music scene. We've been writing and practicing songs for a couple of years now and we've gotten to the point where our set is refined and polished with bangers from start to finish. You guys have had a challenging journey to get to where you are now. What are your plans for local music domination next year!? You're right, it's been a tough road so far. We've had our fair share of hiccups over the last couple of years but we're finally starting to find our groove. This is just the tip of the iceberg for us. We've got songs that'll blow people away and it's only a matter of time before we explode on the Australian music scene. The time is now and 2018 is the year we become a household name! Atticus Chimps hit Snooker World on 1 December with Baltimore Gun Club and The Goldblooms. www.blankgc.com.au

NOVEMBER THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER Kyle Lionheart (Ticketed) | Miami Marketta Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

GOLD COAST GIG GUIDE

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

Free the Genie + Mark Gray | Miami Marketta

Chris Fletcher (2:00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Atticus Chimps + Baltimore Gun Club + The Goldblooms | Snooker World, Mermaid Beach

‘Teachers Night’ Deluxe + DJ Little J | North Burleigh Surf Club

SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER

Music Industry Networking Night with Jacob Lee (3.00pm) | NightQuarter

Rosie Misschief Band | Sheoak Shack

SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER Brett Gannon | Palm Beach Surf Club Joshy Dredz | Cambus Wallace Benny Whiskey | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER

Community Christmas Carols (4:00pm) | Firth Park, Mudgeerabah

Tesla Coils + DJ Hawaiinyls | Gold Coast City Gallery for Coming Into Fashion exhibition opening night British India | Soundlounge Cheap Fakes + Wayward Suns | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh The Jacksonz (Tribute) | RSL Club Southport

Kaosphere + Upon the Pyre + Odysseus Reborn + Monster Fodder + The Solemn One | Kirra Sports Club Akova | Elements Resort, Byron The Bay Collective + Jason Temple | NightQuarter Springtime Sessions in the Village: Chris Tamwoy + Burger Joint | Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba The Lyrical + Matt Katsis | Miami Marketta Michael Eotvos (5:00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Wally & The Gators (Covers) | Southport Sharks The Jacksonz (Covers) | Southport RSL Mark Watson | The Walrus, Watermark Hotel & Spa Danny Dyson (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER NigthQuarter’s Birthday: Felicity Lawless + Kallidad + Ben Catley | NightQuarter The Cactus Channel + Luke Pauley | Miami Marketta The Aints play The Saints (’73 -’78) + Mick Medew & The Mesmerisers | Twin Towns Donny Love + Kazual Tea & Syrup, Go On | Snooker World, Mermaid Beach Cory Hargreaves | North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club Aussie Pride (covers) | Southport Sharks The Red Men | Southport RSL

www.blankgc.com.au

Late For Woodstock (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SoCo: Yonder (Launch) + Wayward Suns + Cosmic Dad | Parkwood Tavern

Lens + Blaire + Plateau + Napoleon Teardrop | Currumbin Pub

James Fox Higgins | The Walrus, Watermark Hotel & Spa

Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue

Kenny Slide (2:00pm)| North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club Amanda King (12:30pm)| Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Greg Bankx (1:00pm) | Southport RSL Nick Cunninghan (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER Doubleshot (11:00am) | Southport RSL

TUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER Elska | Cambus Wallace Matt Armitage | Scottish Prince

WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Herbie Walker | Scottish Prince

Hayley Grace (12:30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER

MONDAY 4 DECEMBER

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince Skate Jam feat. Parker Rose | Varsity Skate Park SoCo: Tesla Coils + Deja Vudu and Jackson James Smith + DJ Smokin’ Joe Mekhael

DECEMBER

Tommy Memphis (11:00am) | Southport RSL

TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER Michael Dunstan & Jordy Maxwell | Cambus Wallace Armitage | Scottish Prince

WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace Sam Camden | Scottish Prince

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER The Original Wailers + Sunny Coast Rude Boys | Parkwood Tavern Electrik Lemonade + The Wayward Suns | Miami Marketta Karl Peters | North Burleigh Surf Club Blues Arcadia + Blues Corp | NightQuarter Slique Duo | Southport RSL Rush Hour (covers) | Southport Sharks Essie Thomas and TK BassDread (2:00pm) | Sheoak Shack Jessie Morris Band | Sheoak Shack Kenny Slide | North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club Eleea Navarro (11:00pm) | The Pines Shopping Centre Elanora

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER Fire N Ice (1:00pm) | Fishos Jake Maywes (2:00pm) | North Burleigh Surf Club Abbigayle Anderson (1:00pm) | Southport RSL

FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER

THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER

The Angels + Rose Tattoo + Mi-Sex | Nightquater

Free The Geanie | Cambus Wallace

Eleea Nevarro (12:30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

Shambolics | Scottish Prince

Marley: Celebrate the Legend | NightQuarter Springtime Sessions in the Village: Jade Peterson + The Lyrical | Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba Andrea Kirwin + Salt & Steel | Miami Marketta Stoneage Romeos | Southport RSL Paris Lane (5:00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Skate Jam feat. The Drop Ins | Varsity Skate Park

Angelo Pash | Cambus Wallace

MONDAY 11 DECEMBER

FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER

Craig Shaw (11:00am) | Southport RSL

Sean Kingston + Cut Snake | Beer Garden, Surfers Paradise

TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER

Springtime Sessions in the Village: Salt & Steel + Taylor | Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba

Benny Whisky | Scottish Prince

Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace

DISCOVER GOLD COAST'S BEST NEW MUSIC

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER

TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Elska | Cambus Wallace Armitage | Scottish Prince

Herbie Walker | Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER Free The Geanie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER Dear Seattle + Eliza and The Delusionals | Miami Shark Bar Springtime Sessions in the Village: Hussy Hicks + Micka Scene | Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba The Human League | The Star Casino Rock’n Thru The Ages Dinner & Show (Covers) | Southport RSL The Sugar Shakers + CC The Cat (solo) | Miami Marketta Zefereli + Letters To Lions | NightQuarter Long Gone Daddys | Southport RSL Eleea Nevarro (5:00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks The Feramones | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER Cog (Ticketed) | Miami Marketta Free The Geanie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince Jesse Morris Band + Luke Pauley | Miami Marketta

Ben Hanna (5:00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Louie Shelton & Bluestand | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER Nowhere Else | Kirra Sports Club Bearfoot + Scott Dalton | Miami Marketta James Penney | North Burleigh Surf Club

Mescalito Blues + Scott Dalton | Miami Marketta

Nicole Parker-Brown + Jake Mewyes | NightQuarter

Gig Cartel | North Burleigh Surf Club

The Hoadads (covers) | Southport Sharks

Bill Jacobi (2:00pm) | Sheoak Shack Sky Eater | Sheoak Shack

SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER James Higgins (2:00pm) | North Burleigh Surf Club Michael Hickey (12:30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 26 DECEMBER Armitage | Cambus Wallace

GD FRNDS showcase: Slowcoaching + Hot Coffee + DiskoDisco + Machine Club + Nocturnal Tapes | Miami Shark Bar

WEDNESDAY 27 DECEMBER

SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Patrick Creamer (2:00pm) | North Burleigh Surf Club Ministry of Sound Reunion Tour: Icons | NightQuarter Russell Sprout (1:00pm)| Southport RSL

Kid Ink | Surfers Paradise Beergarden

Delta Riggs (DJ Set) | Scottish Prince

27 DECEMBER – 1 JANUARY Woodford Folk Festival | Woodford

Amanda King (12:30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

MONDAY 18 DECEMBER Doubleshot (11:00am) | Southport RSL

FREE ALBUM DOWNLOAD

FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER Electrik Lemonade + Pat Tierney | NightQuarter

* Catch these SEED artists playing at a venue near you

SEEDSERIES.BANDCAMP.COM

Hot Coffee

NEW GOLD COAST MUSIC

Benny Whisky | Scottish Prince

Human League | The Star Gold Coast

Christmas Carols | NightQuarter

presents

seedseries.bandcamp.com Discover fresh local talent cultivated by Queensland Conservatorium's Bachelor of Popular Music program. Support local music. Be in the know. Follow @theseedseries

Lane Harry x Ike Campbell Australia's hottest hip hop duo, Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell have proven the power of the internet with the duo's latest release a collaboration with Daniel DuquePerez, the lead singer and songwriter of internationally-acclaimed rock band The Griswolds. The track ‘The Dash’ was released just last week and has already been played on triple j every day and been covered by one of the biggest music blogs in the world (earmilk.com). It is the first single off the duo’s upcoming album ‘Casablanca’ due early 2018 and was mixed and mastered by Guy Cooper (Serotonin Productions) and accompanied by a film clip directed by Nils Nilson (Pirates of the Carribean / Kong: Skull Island) which you can check out on Youtube now. The song is also available via itunes and Spotify.

Wongo enlists San Mei for ‘Paradise’ Gold Coast native, Wongo has gone from being one of the country’s leading b-boys to producing smooth house beats including official remixes of Azealea Banks and Beyonce tracks. Now on tour nationally, his new track ‘Paradise’, featuring San Mei is off to a flying start, clocking in at #4 on the ARIA club charts, a soft and seductive offering with a muted bassline perfectly complimenting San Mei’s velvety voice. "This is the first time I have collaborated with a fellow Gold Coast local,” Wongo said. “When I first heard San Mei, I had a feeling we would be able to come up with something special. It's a track that portrays our sunny hometown whilst staying true to the vibes of my production style.” Listen now via Spotify and all the usual sites. Sunrose expand Cosmic Horizon Four-piece Byron psych rockers Sunrose have unveiled debut EP ‘Cosmic Horizon’. Fans of psyched-out guitars, emotive vocals and cosmic vibes will dig the dreamy grooves and melodies that sit alongside farout rock anthems. The EP, out on Saturday 25 November, comes off the back of its two first singles, ‘Fever’ and ‘Egoless’ which both garnered positive reviews across the music industry. Stream via spotify or event better, buy it via bandcamp. Shanon Watkins’ secret love of Tay Tay It’s not often that ultra cool, tattooed, acoustic folk/pop artists harbour a stout fondness for the music of an all-out American pop star such as Taylor Swift. Or at least if they do, they’re not making public announcements about it. Brisbane artist Shanon Watkins however, is quite happily doing both. His brand new single ‘Secret Love of Tay Tay’ is an upbeat, insanely melodic tribute to this formerly undisclosed appreciation for ‘Tay Tay’ as he so affectionately refers to her. The single is out, ahead of a 20 January performance at NightQuarter. ‘Secret Love of Tay Tay’ is available through major online retailers.

Høt Coffee’s ‘Sipping Sundays’ Gold Coast duo Høt Coffee only just released their debut tracks late in 2016 but they’ve already hit on a sound that’s catchy and bold. Those first two tracks ‘Generation’ and Coast’ were followed by ‘Magic’ which led to the outfit slowly gaining traction as well as taking out a $2000 prize in a battle of the bands competition and packing out local shows at venues like Miami Shark Bar and elsewhere. They’ve been releasing live videos on their FB every Sunday that feature a new track and collaboration and now they’re announced their debut EP ‘Sippin’ Sundays’ which is due at the end of November. They think the EP is their greatest work yet but you can judge it for yourself on Spotify, Soundcloud or itunes. Høt Coffee also play the GD FRNDS showcase 16 December at Miami Shark Bar. Transmissions single series for The Sea Shall Not Have Them Gold Coast prog-instrumental duo The Sea Shall Not Have Them have announced the release of a series of singles kicking off in March 2018. Guitarist Curt Emerton says while he’s been a fan of the album format, he’s also old enough to remember picking up 7” singles. “Some of my favourite bands saw the flipside of those singles as an opportunity to present a different side of themselves,” he said. Since 2012’s album ‘Mouth’ and 2014’s 24-minute EP ‘Walking Through Walls / Elim’, the band have supported acts such as The Mark of Cain, Tumbleweed and Sleepmakeswaves. They were also hand picked to appear on The Jesus And Mary Chain tribute album ‘Tym Records presents Psychocandy’ covering the song ‘The Living End’ and soundtracked the award winning surf documentary ‘Thundercloud’. The first single release ‘Debris / Underneath’ is due to arrive in March 2018 with further releases expected in June, September and December. “And calling this a singles series doesn’t necessarily imply there is an A and B side to these releases,” said Curt, “or even that the singles will be limited to two songs per release... Things could shapeshift.” Keep your eyes on /theseashallnothavethem. bandcamp.com/ for the upcoming releases. New single + drummer for Mass Sky Raid Gold Coast's favourite prog-rock sons Mass Sky Raid have released new single 'Chemical Design' and announced a new drummer in the form of Morgan Blake. Morgan has joined the group, having graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Popular Music and Diploma of Education. Blake was the drummer for Nine Sons of Dan from 2008-2015 and has worked as a live session musician for a variety of artists including Jarryd James and Matt Corby. The new track is available via iTunes and Spotify now.

www.blankgc.com.au

LITTLE BITES 8 STREET BRINGS CHINATOWN TO HEART OF THE GOLD COAST MEETS & EATS? DON’T MIND IF WE DO Meets & Eats is a three-course progressive dining experience which provides an opportunity to meet new people and try new eats - whether you're single or not - and it’s arrived on the Gold Coast. The threecourse progressive dinners aren't just for the socially adventurous. With the comfort of old friends, guests have the opportunity to expand their social circle whilst discovering new neighbourhood bites on foot. Guests register as a group of four or a group of two (if they dare to be paired with another group of two). On the night, they share each course with a different group of four, at a different restaurant. All restaurants are within walking distance of each other. At the end of the evening, all guests are encouraged to kick on to our preferred after-dinner venue for a night cap together. The next moving feast is taking place in Nobby Beach on Friday 1 December. For more information, check out meetsandeats.com.au.

A TOUCH OF FRANCE FOR HUNGRY GOLD COASTERS Comme à la Maison (CALM) is dreaming of a new food model adapted to the Gold Coast lifestyle: make healthy eating more convenient than fast food. Comme à la Maison was born a few months ago from a simple idea: Gold Coasters should never have to choose between their quality time and a healthy diet. To make this happen, CALM’s two French founders Aurelia and Marine are making meals ‘just like home’, with fresh ingredients following authentic family recipes. Comme à la Maison will soon expand their offer to ‘lunchbox delivery’. With classics just as Beef Bourguignon, Chicken à la Bière and Lemon Meringue Tart on the menu, we can only say “Oui oui!” Enquiries can be sent to contact@commealamaison.com.au or visit commealamaison.com.au for more information. 28

www.blankgc.com.au

On track to open later this year, a vibrant new Asian restaurant and street food precinct, 8 Street at Cavill Lane will deliver an authentic oriental and subcontinental experience to Surfers Paradise. Designed to take diners on a sensory journey of the Orient, 8 Street will open till late and beckon patrons to sample delights from the iconic cuisines of China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India and more, amid an authentic atmosphere that will appeal equally to locals, drive market and tourists. Diners can feast their eyes on a spectacular scene of crimson and gold lanterns dotted above open rich timber kitchen spaces, where traditional chefs make a tantalising array of mouth-watering dishes, including BBQ duck, dumplings, dim sum, pho, bibimbap, banh mi, rice paper rolls, and so much more. The first stage of 8 Street at Cavill Lane is expected to open to the public in December 2017.

HULA GIRL ESPRESSO

2550 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach I basically want to move into Hula Girl Espresso. The repurposed warehouse space has the vibe of a trendy New York loft in the 1960s, with whitewashed walls that are adorned with vintage clothing, records and guitars. Sink into one of their retro lounges with a coffee and I am sure you will fantasise about living there too. Hula Girl Espresso grew out of circumstance and luck for owners Fernanda Borgo and Clay Hunwick. Clay and his cousin Anthony Herbert own Surf City Vintage Instruments and found that customers wanted a more tactile experience with their wares before purchasing. Meanwhile Fernanda - a barista for the past five years - wanted to open up her own coffee shop when she met Clay last year. So they decided to do something together. The end result is Hula Girl Espresso.

‘MINI PRECINCT’ TO ARRIVE IN BROADBEACH CEO of Windermere Hospitality, Ben Walsh, has announced his company’s expansion plans with a new multi-venue project at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. Windermere Hospitality won the exclusive food and beverage retail space rights to a new 219-room apartment tower. The extremely popular Noosa restaurant brand, Miss Moneypenny’s, will be branching out to the Gold Coast site. The space will also feature Fat Freddy’s Beach Bar & Diner, which is set to be an extremely unique, branded American style sports pub. Miss Moneypenny’s and Fat Freddy’s is scheduled to open in early March 2018.

Initially opening up inside a rental house in Koala Park, it seemed kismet when the former carpet warehouse came available in Mermaid Beach and was precisely what they were looking for. Wanting to keep the space as original as possible, and take advantage of all its 1963 glory, they pulled up the carpet to expose the cement floors beneath and built a bar for the coffee machine. With two entrances, the raised area at the street side is the kind of den that all music aficionados aspire to with plenty of vinyl care of Clubhouse Records to sift through and keep you entertained. Entering through the more industrial side you are greeted by the scent of coffee, which paves way to the vintage guitars, amps and beautiful vintage clothing from labels A’roe and Kashmir Vintage, with a view to showcasing other labels throughout the year.

“We love coffee and wanted to do something different and unique, whilst still keeping it relatively local,” reported Fernanda on their decision to go with Marvell Street Coffee Roasters Thunderbird for their house blend. Made on a gleaming silver La Marzocco Classic Linea machine, the espresso we sample has the characteristic caramel and milk chocolate flavours of the blend, with a sneaky hint of dark cherries that bursts through your mouth. The flavours are more muted in a long black, with the dark cherry flavour making for a juicy beverage. Add some milk to the blend as we did with a piccolo and the richness of the thunderbird blend stands up and demands your attention with a hit of hazelnuts, a nice smack of acidity and a big flavour not often experienced in most milk coffees. If coffee isn’t your thing (seriously, what?) then never fear as Mayde Tea from Byron Bay is also on offer alongside Hula Girl’s house made cakes and toasties. Open from 6.00am to 4.00pm daily we suggest you come for the vintage wares and know you will stay for the coffee. Catherine Coburn

certain way to maximise flavour and texture. His light touch can be seen in the Hiramasa Kingfish ceviche and tuna tartare, part of the ‘Raw’ menu section. Yus-uke says a sashimi bar is planned for summer, the location boasting a street-side terrace looking out to the beach. Two signature dishes take pride of place in the middle of the menu: Chilli mud crab and Seafood platter. While these may be the choice for a big occasion, don’t be distracted by the ‘big ticket’ items. Modern classics are scattered throughout the menu. This is food perfect for sharing, if only because there are so many dishes too good to miss! For example, in the ‘Starters’ section, Grilled polenta bruschetta is a triumph, soft and melt-in-the-mouth creamy, topped with a mix of fresh heirloom cherry tomatoes, roast capsicum, endive and asparagus in a fresh basil pesto. Our dishes are all simply delicious, so well done that we can’t help but murmur one word: ‘Perfect!’ Meat lovers will be pleased too with the investment in a Mibrasa charcoal oven, the only one on the Gold Coast, Chef Tony tells us, imparting a smokiness to the meat that only a wood-fired grill can give. Our Angus rib eye still clinging to the bone yields easily to the knife, succulent and full of flavour. It’s top drawer meat, just like the seafood.

BEACHSIDE PAVILLION Sometimes there’s reason enough for a restaurant to change its name. Especially when it changes persona. Co-owned by the Ierna and Dimmatina families for twelve years, the sister restaurant to Mario’s has transformed from the sexy dusky Alto Bar into a beach babe, the ‘Elle’ of Broadbeach dining. The new Beachside Pavilion has stepped out of the darkness into the brightness of beachside life. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Beachside Pavilion presents as decidedly casual. Emerging fresh from the surf her whitewashed walls, still dripping with salt water, she’s bold and empowered; so much more savvy and sophisticated than we expect. Unexpectedly, we’re drawn in by her charm.

We’ll be returning for the Burrata, sourced from an old Italian family in Brisbane, served with the intriguing mix of heirloom tomato, watermelon, basil, mint and fig vincotta. Oh my!

The Oasis, Broadbeach Mall, Broadbeach

The rest of the menu backs up in style to deliver amazingly smart modern food, the influence of the owners’ Italian heritage evident, yet that’s not all. World cuisine that heroes fresh seafood adds to the mix, be it Japanese, Singaporean or modern Australian. Having secured the services of Japanese sushi chef Yus-uke (formerly sous chef at Ten, then Head Chef at Etsu for two years), the seafood master orders the best available in Australia, displayed on ice in a glass cabinet fronting the restaurant. Yus-uke explains to us that he only uses trout belly in his poke bowl, (one of three on offer on the menu), which must be cut in a

You may have to walk that little bit further towards the beach to find Beachside Pavilion, but when you do, be sure to wander in.. Order a burger or fish and chips if you must on a cool blustery day, but there’s so much more on this menu to intrigue and delight foodies. Look for the hidden gems within. Ticking all the boxes for friendly service, drinks and exceptional food, Beachside Pavilion raises the bar on great modern Italian food on the Gold Coast. It’s totally worth a visit! Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast foodgoldcoast.com.au

There’s a casual holiday vibe to the venue that makes us expect fish and chips to come romping out of the kitchen. Yes, there is that, with a takeaway window at the front of the restaurant, serving fish and chips to eat on the beach. But there’s more… Impeccably sourced sustainable seafood is the hero of this bright and breezy beachside restaurant: a bucket of Ballina prawns with dipping sauces, Mussels Provençale from the Spencer Gulf in SA, Baked ocean trout from Macquarie Harbour TAS. There’s the lightness of a Mediterranean or modern Italian touch; minimal intervention that we see in our best seafood restaurants: Whole Snapper is cooked simply in lemon, mustard, olive oil and dill; Yellow belly flounder from Victoria in luscious brown butter and saltbush. Both are accompanied by moreish crispy chips and a honey mustard dressed leafy salad. Saffron linguini marinara is piled high with fresh seafood, topped in glory with a perfectly grilled half bug. No cloying sauce in sight, lit instead by a flash of chilli, the dish is light, balanced and healthy.

FOOD EMPORIUM 3/45 James St, Burleigh Heads 07 5520 0704 Open 7 days

ingredients. If anything, he’s stepped it up a level from Chill with more sensually creative ‘on point’ dishes. Daran is the master of duck and scallops and they remain some of his most popular dishes, albeit in new guises. Scallops with pork terrine and master stock celeriac purée, and Duck breast with truffle mash, braised red cabbage and broad bean jus are on the menu when we visit, along with his famous Zucchini flowers, this time served on soft polenta with baby beets, goat’s cheese, pomegranate and candied walnuts. Each dish is cooked and plated to Daran’s exacting standards.

BISTRO CHICO

“He’s pedantic,” Leesa says. Yes, but he’s also so right in his combinations and seasoning (so often forgotten) and, of course, it’s the diner who gains all the benefits. A bistro setting brings not only the flexibility to use classical French technique in some dishes, beside invention in the chef ’s own take on ‘dishes of the moment’: Cured kingfish with ponzu jelly, bonita and radish, micro-coriander and wasabi ice cream is a taste sensation. It’s a light refreshing option among the seafood, balancing classic sauces and meat dishes that delight us with their richness and depth.

9/26-30 Tedder Ave, Main Beach

Old and new classics served in a warm, casual yet atmospheric setting; the perfect combination for the informed diner who wants to relax and enjoy a meal with friends and family. What the Glasgows have achieved in Bar Chico is to make ‘the occasion’ an everyday event. We’ve no sooner left than we talk of returning with friends and family.

If you were fans of Daran Glasgow’s cuisine in Chill on Tedder then, like us, you’ll be blown away by Bistro Chico.

enjoyment of the food and feedback. It’s both an incentive and a tool for change.

The acclaimed former chef of Bistro B and Songbirds before opening Chill with his wife Leesa, Daran’s talent is undeniable. Eleven years after opening Chill, the couple felt the need for change, opening Chico first as a bar, transitioning it into a bistro and closing Chill.

“The food is even better than before,” Leesa says. “I love watching Daran interact with customers. He’s enjoying it so much more.”

It’s a smart move. There’s no denying the change in dining patterns, nor the ‘shifting sand’ demographics on the Main Beach strip post GFC, however gradual renewal has taken place along Tedder Avenue with some solid performers now well established. Tucked away on the northern end of the strip, it’s easy not to notice Bistro Chico, however its chic quiet presence draws regular diners from across the coast and Brisbane to savour its fine cuisine.

We’ll take her word for it, but the sense of community and camaraderie is certainly evident in this cheery bistro. Staff are friendly and relaxed, taking the time to greet and chat to regulars, who they know by name. It’s also obvious that Daran is having fun with the food. Lit with a smile, away from a cloud of expectation, he’s free to create new combinations from the best local produce he can source, changing dishes to suit seasonal supply of

Bistro Chico advertises several specials worth noting: Lunch $39pp for two courses; $45pp for two courses and a glass of wine. Bistro Chico also holds cooking classes. Check out their website for details. All tapas plates $10 on Tues - Wed 4 – 6pm, Thurs – Sat 3 – 6pm Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast foodgoldcoast.com.au Note: Marj dined as a guest of Bistro Chico

There’s a sexiness in the venue that was not evident in Chill. Luminous feline eyes watch us from the back wall. Ornate aquamarine tiles line the wall behind the bar and colourful wheels hang overhead adding a sense of colourful festivity to the restaurant. Overall, there’s a sense of a lush, exotic eatery; a piece of Barcelona meets the Gold Coast. With the bar and kitchen stretching out along the length of the deep narrow venue, a banquette along one wall optimises the space in this intimate venue. On the other side, bar seating for a dozen enables interaction between restaurant staff and diners grabbing cocktails and tapas from the snack menu. “I love the informality of the place, the familiarity that staff can enjoy as they go about their work,” Leesa Glasgow tells us. “There’s flexibility in this more casual bistro that’s able to bridge new trends and offer more informal share plate dining,” she says. Intimacy and connection are huge assets with a two-way payoff. Regulars gain a sense of belonging, and chefs such as Daran, formerly closeted away in the back kitchen, enjoy access to diners and the chance to witness both their www.blankgc.com.au

GOLD COAST CHARITY SEEKS HELP WITH EXPANDING NEED FOR SERVICES Gold Coast charity Plus One Care has served up a staggering 20,000kg of food this year to struggling members of the community amid surging demand for its crisis care, counselling and work skills programs The Reedy Creek-based support agency has reached out to the community to help raise $35,000 to fund much-needed upgrades to its kitchen facilities in order to continue providing food hampers and meals to local families and individuals experiencing hardship. Growing need has driven Plus One Care from its humble beginnings in 1993 with a couple of volunteers serving meals to the homeless out of the back of a truck to its current premises in Reedy Creek. “This year particularly we’ve noticed a huge ramp up,” says Jim Anderson, executive director of Plus One Care.

A DAY OUT AT THE MACADAMIA CASTLE Whether you are young, or young at heart, the Macadamia Castle is well worth a visit. As you pull up to the entrance you are greeted by an imposing castle facade worthy of King Arthur himself. The 'Macca Castle', as it is affectionately known by locals, has a few different tricks up its sleeve. Firstly the animals, whether you want to get up close to an emu (not too close, they are really creepy looking!) or cuddle a baby chook, there is something for everyone. Grab a bag of hay ($2) to hand feed the goats and sheep, or buy a pack of seeds ($2) for the tropical birds in the walkthrough birdhouse. Watch the impressive Free Flight Bird Show, or learn about Aussie native animals such as wombats, crocs and koalas at the animal demonstrations. There are plenty of other animals to see on your visit, plus hourly train rides and a playground for the little ones When you have had enough of the cute fuzzy animals take a break at the cafe, well known for their fabulous pancakes, which can be accompanied by sweet or savoury toppings. If you have a craving for pancakes (or fresh macadamia nuts!) but don't have time for a full visit to make the most of the facilities you 32

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“In January / February; we were helping 270 families. It started to climb around April up to the four hundreds and then by August, well over the five hundreds. I think there’s a number of things going on,” he continues.

can visit the cafe and shop without paying the entry fee. There is also a picnic area and complimentary gas BBQs to use if you prefer to whip up a culinary feast for the family. After lunch work off your pancakes with an intense game of mini golf or a leisurely wander through the rainforest walk to visit the kangaroos – both included in the price of your entry to the Macadamia Castle. Sarah Tayler To see more from Sarah go to itsonlyaplanerideaway.com

Located just off the M1 between Byron Bay and Lennox Head, the Macadamia Castle is easy to get to and offers a fun and affordable day out. Park entry prices: adults $22.50, kids $13-15, concessions $15. Visit macadamiacastle.com.au to find out more.

“In the current economy we’ve seen a lot of small business folding and people losing their jobs of twenty or thirty years and finding themselves suddenly unemployed. Increases in utilities, school fees, some of the demands like laptops for students and all this sort of things. When it’s either pay your bills or lose your utilities, food suffers, but it’s the biggest necessity.” While Plus One Care helps a range of families in various situations who are struggling with food, they also provide counselling services and skills workshops in order to try and end the dependency cycle. “That’s a really important message,” Jim states. “Our whole philosophy is making a difference one person at a time, even now we’re getting more and more focused on our other services. We’re empowering people so they can again become positive contributors in the community. Unconditional acceptance is the culture here, we don’t judge folks, we want to empower people to take responsibility for this situation help facilitate that.” Around thirty volunteers currently undertake the mammoth task of helping the centre’s ever-expanding client base, including three accredited counsellors and a dedicated

cook who uses all the donated ingredients to whip up tasty, nutritious meals which can easily be frozen. The Reedy Creek property also contains a large op shop which is also run by volunteers, and is the main source of income of Plus One Care. The charity receives little funding and relies heavily on the generosity of the local community, including tradespeople who have assisted with donating their services at the property. “Just through people’s generosity we were able to put carpet through the place,” says Jim. “Local tradespeople have helped us out with painting and we’ve been able to beautify the place a bit. They’re the sorts of things that have really helped. We run Work for the Dole programs here too and we’re teaching people new work skills in tiling, landscaping.” With the recent ramp up in demand, the most urgent issue facing the charity has become an essential kitchen upgrade. Jim describes the vision they have for the place. “The kitchen is our last frontier. With the pressure and the volume that’s been happening we really need to upgrade our appliances and cabinetry and try and go as stainless as we can. The other side of that is that will also allow us to run some budget cooking course so we can actually teach our clients to live cheaper but healthier.” Jim outlines the scale of the issue we face in our city. “Homelessness on the coast is huge. We’re in a beautiful place, but behind the scenes we’ve got one of the highest suicide rates, homeless rates, depression is a big issue. We’re not trying to reproduce what everyone is doing; in our catchment area there’s not a lot of services like this. The philosophy is not to create another agency but to create a home. We’ve had a great feedback about this; that it feels like coming into someone’s home.” Natalie O’Driscoll

There are many ways you can help to continue the great work of Plus One Care. Cash donations are always welcome through their website plusonecare.org. Tradespeople or other businesses who may be able to assist with the kitchen upgrade, or people who would like to otherwise volunteer at Reedy Creek can contact Jim on 5522 0802 or info@ plusonecare.org.

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HOLIDAY PLAYDATE HITS THE GOLD COAST THIS DECEMBER The summer holidays are coming, and this December you'll find everything in one arena on the Gold Coast for three days only. In a world first, TEG LIVE has created Holiday Playdate, the ultimate seasonal spectacular that will be sure to become a tradition for local and visiting families alike. Be the first in Australia to experience this holiday themed, multi-brand festival that promises a fun, interactive and engaging entertainment offering for the entire family. International character favourites will come to life with rotating shows on the Main Stage throughout the day. Live Shows include: PJ Masks: Meet The Heroes starring Catboy, Owlette and Gekko; Ben & Holly in Christmas Fun and Games Day; Captain Barnacles in The Octonauts Christmas Rescue; as well as Elmo and Cookie Monster from Sesame Street starring in a show the whole family will adore. Older kids will love Nerf HQ as they battle it out as part of a team in the Nerf Battle Zone, or challenge themselves to complete the Nerf Obstacle Run. There's also Nerf Target Practice and the brand new Nerf HQ Blaster Station. Transformers Autobot Mission will make its Gold Coast debut at Holiday Playdate, offering fans the chance to enjoy an interactive training and mission experience. Don't forget the LEGO these summer holidays! Presenting the ultimate LEGO Play Zone with millions of blocks across multiple build zones including Free Build Tables where you can let your creativity loose, or test your LEGO skills against your friends with the Speed Build Challenge and Blindfold Challenge. Dreaming of a white Christmas? The whole family will enjoy the Ice Age Interactive Zone, skating on the Ice Age Rink, competing against each other with Ed and Crash's Air Hockey or trying their hand at Scrat's Acorn Challenge. And keep the kids busy with other fun Interactive Zones from My Little Pony, Play-Doh, Thomas and Friends, and the popular Christmas Art & Craft Zone. Bigger is better this season when it comes to family board games, with larger-than-life-sized versions of all-time favourites including Operation, Connect 4, Scrabble and Pictionary. And let’s not forget the giant inflatable obstacle course! Food and drink will also be available for purchase plus a dedicated parent's area where you can sit back, relax and recharge with good visibility to keep a watchful eye on the kids below. Naturally any Holiday Playdate in December wouldn't be complete without a visit from the jolly man himself! Santa Claus will be appearing on the Main Stage at each session to sing a Christmas Carol – maybe two – and to wish everyone a happy festive season

Holiday Playdate is happening at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast from 15 – 17 December. Three Sessions Daily: 9:00am, 12:00pm and 3:00pm. Bookings through ticketek.com.au

DO I HAVE TO STRETCH BEFORE WORKING OUT? No, but yes is the answer to this common question. It actually depends on the type of stretching you’re talking about, and yes, there are different types. Typically the kind of stretch before exercise people think of is the fold forward, try to touch your toes and hold briefly kind of stretch. This is passive stretching and it targets muscles. As we stretch the muscles we obviously increase their length and this improves our flexibility. Numerous published studies have shown this kind of stretching before exercise is not beneficial. Each muscle has a particular length for optimal performance; passive stretching beforehand can mess with this length potentially leading to loss of power or injury. Passive stretching after exercise is very important but before is a disservice to yourself. Active stretching and mobilising however, are very important before exercise. Mobility refers more to the range of motion of a joint through functional patterns. Mobility utilises long holds (2-5 minutes) of poses and can involve using bands to align the joint while in the pose, and rolling. Mobility is accessing the joint and myofascia, the connective tissue that holds us in our shape and includes ligaments and tendons. Active stretching is moving the body through the ranges of motion that will be expected of it during whatever exercise you’re about to do. Think slow swinging of the arms through the paddling motion before heading out for a surf, or swinging the legs in increasing arcs before kickboxing. Active stretching is warming up the muscles and preparing them for action, it’s getting the muscle fibres sliding against each other rather than sticking together; and lubricates the joints. This decreases risk of injury and as a bonus, mobilising fascia gives you back the extra power of the elastic energy it stores. The bottom line, mobilise before exercise and stretch after exercise. One prepares the body for action and increases range of motion, the other lengthens the muscles, helps to release them after they have been worked and increase flexibility.

PJ Masks

Erin Bourne

GROW BOLD FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THIS BOLDVEMBER Feros Care's BOLDvember is about to make waves, returning for a third year to showcase Australians of all ages living bold lives. The social media campaign will run throughout November, encouraging people from all walks of life to submit entries of them living boldly and smashing negative stereotypes, regardless of their age or ability. With a $2,000 cash prize up for grabs, this year Feros Care will be looking for an entry that tops last year's winner – a photo of 92-year old adrenaline junkie, Audrey Kuchel, taken on a zip line adventure in Fiji. Feros Care CEO, Jenenne Buckley said the much-anticipated BOLDvember campaign showed there are no limitations when it comes to showing your bold, and they look forward to seeing more people living their best life in 2017. "BOLDvember is always a highlight on our calendar, and one of the ways we celebrate people of all ages and abilities living life in spectacular style," said Ms Buckley. "How old or able you are doesn't stop you from having fun and it is great to see so many people challenging the negative stereotypes that exist within our communities," she said. "Last year we saw everything from an 82-year old ironman to naked cyclists, boxing grannies and skydivers, showcasing our most fun and vibrant members of the community that are larger than life." Natalie O’Driscoll Feros Care encourages everyone to get involved in BOLDvember 2017 by simply snapping a selfie or photo 'Growing Bold' and submitting the entry to the Feros Care Facebook page. Entries are open to people of all ages and close on 30 November, 2017. Visit feroscare.com.au/boldvember for more information and competition terms and conditions.

WHY WAIT TO MAKE GREAT? A DREAM COMES TRUE FOR TAFE QUEENSLAND INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENT Two years ago Garnet Evans didn’t know what his future would hold. Like many teenagers finishing school, he was not sure what he wanted to do next. So he did what most people dream of doing, he moved to the Gold Coast.

After much sun, sand and surf, he decided to enrol in the Diploma of Interior Design at TAFE Queensland. Two weeks into his course, Garnet knew he had made the right choice. Garnet worked hard and really tried to soak up as much knowledge from his teachers as he could. It didn’t take long before people started to notice him. TAFE Queensland - Gold Coast Region Interior Design teacher, Yvette Switalas, saw his natural talent and wanted to steer him in the right direction. Yvette took it upon herself to find work placement for Garnet and helped him secure a part time job with Beaumont Tiles as an Interior Designer working with building companies and commercial clients mocking up concepts and helping them bring their dreams to life. Earlier last month The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) briefed students with the task of designing the salon for the Athletes Village - one that features Massage, Manicure and Pedicure, Microdermabrasion, Lash Tinting and Brow Styling spaces. Five finalist groups were shortlisted, with Garnet being amongst them. He and his fellow contestants were required to present their concepts to a panel of experts. When the two winners were announced and one of them was Garnet, he couldn’t believe it.

CHOOSE JOB-FOCUSED TRAINING IN

CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS AND BACHELOR DEGREES Animal Studies, Health and Nursing Beauty and Hairdressing Built Environment and Engineering Business, Events, Hospitality and Tourism Creative Industries Community Services and Counselling Early Childhood and Education Trades

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Garnet said the opportunity for students to participate in the creation and development of a space within the Games Village as part of their course curriculum was invaluable. “Live project experiences such as the Hair and Beauty Salon provide a learning atmosphere that integrates classroom teachings with a hands-on approach,” said Garnet. “The quality of teaching and course content prepared us with the skills and knowledge needed to complete this large scale project.” Lendlease will now complete Salon XXI’s build and create a home away from home for athletes.

Information correct at time of printing 15. 11. 17 17-1236_TQGC_Blank Mage Ad_Nov_11_17

TAFE Queensland RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 03020E

Ashleigh Odgers-Jewell www.blankgc.com.au

LOCAL SCHOOLS COMPETE TO WIN RECYCLED PLAYGROUND Garnier has joined with global recycling and upcycling pioneers TerraCycle to give Australians the chance to recycle their used beauty products for free, and two Gold Coast institutions are proud to be taking part in the contest.

THE PRINCESS SAVES HERSELF IN THIS ONE AMANDA LOVELACE If it’s been too long since you’ve held one over your mates, you need ‘The Princess Saves Herself in This One,’ so you can whip your hair off your face, gaze into the distance, and whisper: “I’ve been reading a lot of poetry of late...” In all seriousness, Amanda Lovelace’s short, tight, and twisty book is a great introduction to modern, free-verse poetry. Let’s begin with the enticing title and the cover. Who knew bold simplicity could be so effective? The book was voted Goodreads Best Poetry 2016 by ten times more people than had reviewed it on their website. I believe the title and cover can take a sizeable chunk of the credit. Fortunately, the contents, which continue the theme of simplicity, are engaging as well. Lovelace uses shape poetry, ample white space, and approachable lowercase text to tell a story of terror, trauma, and recovery. Soft childhood hopes are smashed by abuse through provocative motion words. The impact of parental neglect is clear and heavy, and her expose on modern forms of bullying left me reeling. All in all, it’s a powerful and not always pleasant ride. Lovelace continues to avoid traditional devices, like rhyme and alliteration, and instead uses stark alignment of text and regular line-breaks. Most techniques work well in conjuring mood and controlling pace; others can feel a little overdone or somewhat stale. But she never fails to write accessible poetry. Poetry that is empowering and relatable. Some of the best parts are when Lovelace leaves struck-out words on the page. She tells as much in the visible omissions as she does with her replacement words. The end is satisfying and holds up the initial promise: our narrator really does save herself in the end. Read it for that reason alone. Nae Kurth 36

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TerraCycle will collect used beauty products sent in from the Beauty Products Recycling Program. The beauty products will then be recycled and can be turned into sustainable products such as park benches, watering cans and even playgrounds. This program accepts any brand of empty cosmetics; skin care and hair care packaging. By collecting used beauty products and sending them to TerraCycle, collectors can also raise two cents per piece of waste collected, which can be donated to their chosen school, charity or not-for-profit. Throughout the competition, schools and members of the local community are able to cast votes for individual schools to help them gain more Playground Credits. The school that receives the most by December 8, 2017, will win a playground made from recycled beauty products. Willow Early Learning Centre Mudgeeraba has entered the competition. “The children have really got involved and are loving collecting used beauty products to place in the box. Even the parents are spreading the word and asking work mates for empty containers,” say Susan de Kok, of Willow Early Learning Centre Mudgeeraba. “We are trying to encourage sustainability in our community through recycling, and are dedicated to actively engaging and embedding good practices into the kids.” Park Lake State School in Pacific Pines has also thrown its hat in the ring. “Educating our students and community on sustainability, and witnessing changes they make towards helping the survival of our planet has inspired us to participate in the recycling program,” said Dawn Clark, teacher at Park Lakes State School. “We run an Eco club called the Park Lake EcoMarines, meeting once a week to discuss environmental issues. Through our club we have reduced the amount of waste being produced in the community by promoting: rubbish free lunches, composting and TerraCycle recycling programs.” For more information regarding the competition, visit terracycle.com.au. Natalie O’Driscoll

BIKE SHARE IS HERE Earlier this year, Council called for expressions of interest for providers of a bike share scheme, operated via mobile phone with riders able to park the bike anywhere after its use. This month, they announced that locally-based transit specialist Transit Australia Group (TAG) has been awarded the city’s first bike-share partnership. They’ll work collaboratively with Chinese startup Mobike and Good Cycles with the scheme coming online in January. Mobike already runs bike-share platforms internationally – its operations span 130 cities. And as if that news wasn’t good enough, Good Cycles is using the scheme to engage marginalized people through employment outcomes meaning the scheme delivers as many social benefits as it does environmental. The robust, lightweight and patented bike designs feature a smart lock system combined with a smartphone app to offer convenient access to a bike. The Mayor says it will be one of the best dockless bike-share schemes in the world with the bikes rolled out well ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. TAG Group chief executive officer Michael McGee said the Gold Coast’s model uses digital disruption to support positive social outcomes for the community. Around 2000 bikes are expected to be available across Southport, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Varsity Lakes by late January 2018. Some bikes will be equipped with surfboard racks. Good Cycles CEO, Jaison Hoernel said the success of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, like any other global sporting event, can be measured by multiple values, including its social wellbeing legacy. “This exciting partnership presents an opportunity to enhance visitors' experiences during the Games and to positively impact the lives of young people throughout the Gold Coast region, beyond the closing ceremony,” he said. Samantha Morris

Cape York

YOU NEED TO ADD IT TO YOUR BUCKETLIST

Once the domain of 4WD adventure seekers, Cape York is slowly becoming more accessible to tourists of all kinds. The first time I visited Cape York – some ten years ago - you could only drive as far as Cooktown on bitumen. But now bitumen is on its way to Weipa on the western cape and due for completion in 2020 and that means that the tourism experience on the Cape is in for some changes. Cape York is one of the last wild frontiers in Australia. A complex mix of vegetation types, rugged landscapes and unique coastlines, it’s long been included on Australian bucket-lists because it’s mainland Australia’s most northerly point. It’s the terrain and relative inaccessibility that makes Cape York journeys so memorable . 4WD and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Cape York, mostly to tackle the Old Telegraph Line, but also to revel in free camping in unspoilt locations, incredible national parks, Indigenous art and culture and some of the world’s best tropical fishing. Isha Segboer is the Manager of Tourism Cape York as well as our host when we visited in October. He says it’s not just “The Tip” of Cape York that keeps people coming back. “There is something about the sense of adventure you feel as you wind your way through these beautiful, yet harsh landscapes, hundreds of kilometres from civilisation and phone reception, relying only on your vehicle and the gear you packed with it,” he told Blank Gold Coast. And it’s not for the faint of heart. During my week-long trip from Cooktown to Seisia, there were corrugations that go on forever, deep river crossings with entry and exit points that seem absolutely impossible and long distances between communities. There is at times searing heat (although if you go late in the season it’ll likely be mild), a very wet wet season and the ever-present notion that you could be on the menu (for critters big and small). “This remoteness is the appeal for many, and it rewards travellers with secluded beaches, pristine waterways, and a feeling of accomplishment,” Isha said. Even though visitation has been increasing, especially since Tourism Cape York – the Local Tourism Organisation for Cape York - was established in 2012 it’s undoubtedly still one of Australia’s final frontiers. According to Isha, between 50,000 – 70,000 people visit Cape York every year. Some only make it as far as Cooktown – which is accessible by bitumen road from Cairns and the tablelands but for most, it’s “The Tip” that’s on the radar.

GETTING THERE Cooktown is the first major town along the coast and a four hour drive from Cairns on easy bitumen road. From Cooktown there’s a mix of bitumen and graded dirt roads to Weipa on the western Cape (although a 4WD is still recommended) and dirt through to most other communities. The road to Weipa is currently being sealed which will bring many more people to the Cape. As well as the self-drive option, you can also take a formal tour where everything is provided, right down to the tent. You can join a tag-along-tour or you can jump in a boat from Cairns and make your way at a leisurely pace along the eastern Cape right up to the Torres Strait Islands via the only working cargo vessel in Australia that also carries passengers. You can also fly into Weipa, Horn Island, Bamaga, Doomadgee and Cooktown with some of those towns offering car hire services. Self-drive is by far the most common way to visit Cape York.

WHAT TO SEE, DO AND KNOW Cape York is not the kinda place you go for just a few days. There’s a reason people spend entire vacations on the Cape – and that’s because it’s a vast and wild landscape, with long distances between towns and plenty to see along the way. Indigenous culture - Aurukun artists are famous for carvings and basket-work. There are Indigenous art centres at Lockhart River (home to internally-acclaimed artists who exhibit works world-wide), Pormpuraaw and New Mapoon and Cultural Centres at Weipa (featuring works by western cape artists) and Thursday Island where you’ll find the acclaimed Gab Titui Cultural Centre which exhibits cultural artifacts as well as local art. Fishing – from remote freshwater billabongs, rivers and estuaries, beaches and headlands, reefs and islands, Cape York is a fishers’ dream and there are a tonne of fishing charter companies operating from major regional centres. Get more information about fishing Cape York at tourismcapeyork.com. Old Telegraph Line – Otherwise known as the Overland Telegraph Track or OTL, this is Cape York’s most famous track. It’s an unmaintained route following the path of the original overland telegraph line and runs from Bramwell Junction to the Jardine River. If you’re going to tackle this route you need at least a winch or a friend with a recovery vehicle – Tourism Cape York recommends travelling in a group. The track has earned its reputation by claiming many vehicles each season, especially as people try and cross deep creeks early in the year. But when you make the effort, you’re rewarded with stunning

vegetation, crystal-clear creeks and bush camps at just about every crossing. Most visitors take the track north and return south on the bypass roads. There are two which allow you to drive to The Tip without having to navigate creek crossings and 4WD tracks. Waterfalls – Isabella Falls is one of the first swimming opportunities heading north from Cooktown and it’s located at the start of Battlecamp Road. Assuming you’re headed to the Telegraph Track, you’ll then encounter small falls at Dulhunty River – the Track’s first water crossing. Fruit Bat Falls and Twin Falls – both on Eliot Creek and accessible via either the OTL or the bypass road, are probably the two most photographed natural landmarks across Cape York, and for good reason. The crystal clear waters of both falls stand in stark contrast to the dusty, dirty landscape you drove through to get there. At the Sam Creek crossing on the Old Telegraph Track you can also seek out Hidden Waterfall. Wildlife – there’s no shortage of wildlife on Cape York – from Palm Cockatoos to Crocodiles, it’s a region that has wilderness at its core. Tourism Cape York prefers not to give advice on crocodiles on the Cape and encourages tourists to do their own research. Keep your eyes on social media for local reports of croc sightings and their regular haunts and if in doubt, don’t swim, especially after dark or early in the morning as marine animals are most active at these times. Alcohol restrictions – 19 Indigenous communities in Queensland have community-driven alcohol management plans and this means alcohol restrictions may be in place. There are strict penalties in place for possession of alcohol in those areas. Increased access to travel information, and the sealing of the Peninsula Development Road, is putting Cape York within reach of more and more Australians, and International visitors. Isha is optimistic about tourism numbers looking forward and concedes that the Cape will slowly change as a result, but in the meantime he has some sage advice for tourists wanting to visit. “Don’t be in a rush,” he said. “Have a loose plan, and be prepared to go with the flow. Visit later in the year - September to November, and you might even have the place to yourself.” Samantha Morris

Follow @tourismcapeyork on Instagram or visit tourismcapeyork.com for the latest information on pre-mapped journeys, accommodation and tour providers as well as road conditions. www.blankgc.com.au

RARE MIGALOO SNAP A WINNER FOR BYRON PHOTOGRAPHER Byron Bay photographer Craig Parry is no stranger to winning awards for his extraordinary nature shots. This year it was his stunningly intimate snap of white humpback whale Migaloo – titled ‘The Ghost’ - which wowed the judges and beat out more than 80 other entries to nab first place in the Underwater Category of Russia’s prestigious Golden Turtle awards. We were excited to learn more about the adventurous shooter. From being given a camera at such a young age by your parents to being fortunate enough to grow up in an area so rich with natural beauty, it almost seems like the universe was pushing you to nature photography from day dot. Has any other career ever appealed to you? It has always been about photography for me. If I wasn't fortunate enough to be pursuing my dream now, I'd like to think my career would be something with animals - like a vet. Can you tell us about an image captured by another photographer which has always stayed with you?

The Ghost by Craig Parry

David Doublet's photo of a shallow coral reef in Kimbe Bay (Papua New Guinea). This image inspired me to push the boundaries of my own Under & Over photographs and therefore really pushed me to find my own style.

For the rest of your life, if you could only shoot under water, or on land, which would you choose and why?

What are some places that you dream of photographing but haven't made it to yet?

In your opinion what is the best photograph you have ever taken?

Baha Mexico to photograph the diverse marine species found there, the Bahamas to photograph the bottle nose dolphins and Antarctica for pretty much everything it has to offer!

I'd say 'Emergence' - I visualised this picture before my departure to Tonga, setting out with the mission to make it a reality. I was fortunate that all the stars aligned and I was able to perfectly capture this magnificent humpback whale as it danced and spy hopped for my camera.

I'd choose water, as it feels like an undiscovered landscape full of so much beauty and life.

What's on the agenda for 2018? In 2018 I'll be running lots of photography workshops with three scheduled to Tonga to teach students the art of photographing humpback whales, another scheduled for Botswana to photograph the Big Five and some Byron Bay Oceanic workshops for good measure! I'm also planning trips to Lady Elliott Island and Hawaii amongst many other destinations to gather new content! Natalie O'Driscoll Visit craigparryphotography.com to check out more of Craig’s incredible work.

BURN, BABY BURN Melbourne – aka ‘Burn City’ – is internationally renowned for its street art and this new book explores artwork across the city by both international and local artists. The square, hard-cover book is arranged thematically with final chapter, Same Wall New Paint, highlighting the ephemeral nature that is street art by documenting the evolving artworks appearing and disappearing on the same walls over several years. Samantha Morris chatted to the author, artist and art educator Lou Chamberlin about what makes good street art and Australia’s emerging hotspots. What has driven you to document street art in this way? Living in Melbourne and seeing the wonderful colour on the previously grey walls of the city first piqued my interest. After spending years visiting galleries so that I knew what was ‘happening’ in the world of art. I realized that there was so much happening for free, out in the streets. It’s all so democratic and joyful! It wasn’t difficult to swap commercial gallery visits for street art ‘missions’. Street art is ephemeral in nature. Is there an element of publishing these books simply to capture art in its time and place? That’s one element – capturing the ephemeral quality of the art. But it’s more than that. It’s also a celebration of the creativity and skill of so many artists. They used to work on the streets anonymously, but now most artists openly acknowledge their identity. Some also exhibit in galleries but most simply add another dimension to the bland walls of our cities and neighbourhoods. What makes good street art? For me good street art speaks on a personal or cultural level. It touches us somehow, either by resonating with our idea of beauty or by encouraging us to think or question our values. There’s an enormous amount of scope here!. What drew you to street art in the first place? One day, it just seemed to be there. A critical mass was reached and the new images on the walls invaded my consciousness. It was almost a ‘catch your breath’ moment. That street versus gallery revelation. Aside from Melbourne, can you tell me about some of Australia’s other emerging street art hot-spots?

Artists seem to gravitate to Melbourne because it’s such an active scene, but they also travel to festivals and events outside cities. Juddy Roller Studios has organised and curated a number of events, such as the Wall to Wall Festival in Benalla. There are a number of enormous silos painted in regional areas around the country, including the Silo Art Trail that stretches across northern Victoria, and silos in South Australia and Western Australia. In Queensland, Brisbane, and especially Fortitude Valley, is home to some terrific artists and their colourful walls. And there are some absolute gems in Toowoomba. Our city has a zero tolerance policy to graffiti. If you were driving policy change in this area, how would you do it? How would you balance the whole tagging / graffiti issue with other forms of street art? Are there cities in the world which do this really well? That’s an enormously difficult question and unfortunately I don’t have an answer. The divide between graffiti and street art is very fluid and ill-defined, but very real for all of that. It even exists on the street, where taggers deface street art murals. It’s difficult to know how to support one while avoiding the other. Melbourne hasn’t solved the problem, either at a local government level or a personal level between the artists – some walls last only a matter of days before being defaced. The best locations I’ve seen for respect are in Scandinavia, especially Norway. Murals remain pristine, only at the mercy of the elements, and tagging just isn’t a problem. Cities with street art festivals seem to be the most energetic in attracting artists and local support from residents, businesses, and councils and at the same time not encouraging taggers. Perhaps the answer is hosting more festivals – encouragement rather than punishment.

Full interview at blankgc.com.au. ‘Burn City’ is out 1 December via Hardie Grant Travel and retails for $29.99.

32/19 Warehouse Rd, Southport QLD 4215 07 5532 0788 leftbankgallery.com.au

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Times Tide by Ben Lucas

2018 looking sharp at The Arts Centre Gold Coast INDIGENOUS DANCE AND ART, KIDS THEATRE AND MUSICALS The Arts Centre Gold Coast has quietly announced part of its 2018 programming without any of the fanfare it deserves.

STORIES FROM SEA AND LAND THE FOCUS OF LEFT BANK Ben Lucas is an award winning artist. His paintings carry a graceful and evocative presence and have been exhibited in the United Kingdom and New Zealand as well as Australia. His current paintings – a direct response to the unique light and colour of coastal Australia will be exhibited alongside that of ceramicist Larissa Warren at Left Bank Gallery this month. Both artists explore that ever-changing margin where land, sea and sky join at the edge of the Pacific Ocean – the raw and rhythmic essence of the sea and the land. Ben says he paints from memory, “drawing on time spent watching the changing moods of the ocean and the play of light over and into its surface.” “In my view the paintings are a success when they hold a dramatic energy and sense of movement while at the same time carrying a peaceful quiet presence. It’s this tension between these two contrasts that I find so fascinating.

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“With my painting there’s always this tension or balance between portraying what is seen and what is felt.” Australian ceramist Larissa Warren will also exhibit at Left Bank alongside Ben. Larissa has a passion for traditional Japanese neriage (pattern) techniques and creates engaging surfaces by combining translucent porcelain, colour and mixed textured clay. Larissa designs and creates distinctive original artwork from her home studio, located in her renovated fisherman’s hut on the Gold Coast and exhibits work frequently in art awards and group shows around Australia. Samantha Morris

The exhibition, titled ‘Stories from Sea & Land’ opens at Left Bank Gallery on Friday 8 September from 5.00 – 7.00pm and runs through to 22 December. To attend opening event or for more information visit leftbankgallery.com.au.

With the Cultural Precinct now well under redevelopment and the Amphitheatre coming online early next year, it’s action stations at the Evandale site. The café is being renovated, the Side Show series has filled The Basement with new audiences and sound testing has been occurring ahead of the Amphitheatre’s opening. But 2018 has more in store for the Precinct than just an amazing new venue. Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to the Gold Coast performing three profound dance works showcasing the infinite stories of Australia’s cultural heritage in ‘Our Land People Stories’. For just two nights - 23 and 24 February – the stunning paintings of Yirrkala artist Nyapanyapa Yunupingu will be brought to life, alongside an exploration of Wiradjuri family kinship and the two sides of Sydney’s Governor Macquarie. It’s been two years since Bangarra has been on the Gold Coast and lovers of contemporary and traditional dance and theatre are expected to flock to the Cultural Precinct en masse for these shows. Sydney Dance Company will also visit the Gold Coast in 2018, bringing ‘ab [intra]’ to The Arts Centre in July. This world premiere explores the depth of human impulse, exploring what drives relationships and ignites ambitions while showcasing Australia’s best contemporary dancers. 2018 also sees The Arts Centre Gold Coast bring to the city a heap of theatre for kids of all ages. Roald Dahl’s ‘George’s Marvelous Medicine’ has been adapted for the stage by Shake & Stir Theatre Co and will run three times on one day in October. ‘Josephine Wants to Dance’, by Monkey Baa Theatre

Company is based on the hugely popular picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley and will stop in at the Gold Coast in early September. Australia’s most-loved children’s singer and songwriter Peter Combe, otherwise known as Mr Clicketty Cane, will also visit in January, bringing his ‘Wash Your Face in Orange Juice’ show with him. Strut & Fret (Blanc de Blanc) return with ‘A Night at The Musicals’ (12 + 13 January) – a gushing, riotous celebration of the glorious genre of musical theatre. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra performs ‘Musical Fairytales’ exploring romantic composers of old and their big classics with liberal sprinklings of sprites, wraiths and princesses (4 May) and Mercury’s Wings brings you the magical tale of Shakespeare’s last play, ‘The Tempest’ (23 – 26 May). Visual art is covered as well and two events in particular will exhibit works from the City’s collection. ‘We Are Gold Coast’ will show that “The Goldie” is driven by a youthful and infectious energy, natural wonders and a talented artistic community and runs 12 May – 15 July and ‘Across Country’ will share art and objects celebrating the world’s oldest continuing culture from 3 March – 29 April with examples from many significant Indigenous arts communities including traditional, contemporary and urban works across all media. Samantha Morris

Check out The Arts Centre Gold Coast’s current 2018 program at theartscentregc. com.au.

THE WEIRD, WILD WORLD OF CLIFFORD COFFIN Four models in coloured bathing caps sit quietly and gaze into sand dunes in the 1 June, 1949 Vogue cover. This painting-like shot was taken by one whom a handful of admirers describe as the greatest “lost” Vogue photographer; Clifford Coffin, and will be on display for the duration of ‘Coming into Fashion’ at The Gold Coast City Gallery. Coffin has one of the more intriguing backstories of the exhibition’s subjects. “No-one ever felt Vogue fashion like Coffin did,” remembered Vogue’s studio manager. “He didn’t need an editor and didn’t give a damn about anything except his pictures.” That he is so little-known outside the fashion world had much to do with his own ambivalent attitude towards self-promotion. He felt too that he never “fitted in”. “He was a weird, wild man,” wrote Vogue model Wilhemina. “He used to throw the editors down the staircase. He should have lived in the sixties. He was witty, bitchy and for the dull fifties shockingly so.” When Coffin achieved what he wanted, financially and artistically, he slipped effortlessly from view, leaving his work in the offices of Vogue London and New York. He oversaw no exhibitions of his work nor produced, like many of his colleagues, books of his vintage photographs. Only one print has ever appeared at auction. As his workload escalated (at one point, for his advertised work, he was one of the world’s highest-paid photographers), his health disintegrated and he suffered bouts of alcoholism and drug addiction. His chaotic and controversial lifestyle also hastened an early retirement. But his professionalism behind the lens has never been disputed. “In his search for what he wanted he reduced his models to tears, fashion editors to desperation and himself to complete exhaustion,” wrote Vogue in 1966. “From the rubble of emotion emerged a perfect cool picture.” His New York studio was destroyed by fire in the mid-sixties and nothing could be salvaged, so all that remains is his collection with Vogue which, after nearly fifty years in its archives in London and New York, deserves re-evaluation once more. Clifford Coffin died in Pasadena, California, in 1972 aged 58, and his is just one of the fascinating stories and iconic images on display during ‘Coming into Fashion’, which runs from 25 November to 18 February. Natalie O’Driscoll

HELEN GARNER CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF WRITING This December, Byron Writers will present a special evening with one of Australia's greatest writers and long-time Festival favourite, Helen Garner, appearing in conversation with Matthew Condon at Byron Theatre on Wednesday 6. In her first appearance in Byron Bay since 2004, this muchloved literary star will share an intimate retrospective of her writing life, spanning 50 years of work - from her Australian classic ‘Monkey Grip’, to the brilliant literary true crime book ‘This House of Grief ’. "We're delighted to welcome Helen Garner back to Byron for this incredibly special occasion. Not only will we be celebrating 50 years of writing achievements, but also the 75th birthday of a remarkable woman whose talent reminds us all too often of the power of literature," said Byron Writers Festival Director Edwina Johnson. To coincide with the event, Garner will be marking her 75th birthday with the release of two stunning hardback editions of collected works, ‘True Stories’ and ‘Stories’. ‘True Stories’ brings together the essays, stories and diary entries that mirror a life – Helen Garner's own, and of every one of us who has succeeded, failed, dreamed and loved. The result is a wise, funny and clear-eyed encyclopaedia of human emotions. ‘Stories’ gathers the stories in Postcards from Surfers with previously uncollected pieces. Delving into the complexities of love and longing, of the pain, darkness and joy of life, each story is told with Garner's characteristic sharpness of observation, honesty and humour. Together they showcase Garner's sublime mastery of form. Over the decades, many have attempted to pigeonhole Helen Garner's work—does she write faction, memoir or non-fiction? Is it journalism? One thing is certain; these collections unequivocally show above all else that the work of this astounding Australian writer is simply literature of the highest calibre. Natalie O’Driscoll

Helen Garner in conversation with Matthew Condon, presented by Byron Writers Festival will begin at 6.00pm NSW time at the Byron Theatre on Wednesday 6 December. General tickets are $30, and can be booked via byronwritersfestival.com or by calling (02) 6685 5115. Clifford Coffin 1949 Vogue cover

STUNNING GC2018 MEDAL DESIGN REVEALED A striking set of gold, silver and bronze medals for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games have been unveiled. The medals were designed by Queensland-based Indigenous artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins and have been brought to life by the Royal Australian Mint, the official supporter and producer of the GC2018 medals. With a diameter of 63mm, each medal will be minted in the Royal Australian Mint's largest coin press and inspected individually by hand to ensure the finest quality medals are presented to all Commonwealth Games winners and placegetters. Approximately 1,500 medals will be created for the Games. Ms Cockatoo-Collins shared her inspiration behind the design of both the medals and ribbon. "My inspiration was drawn from the Gold Coast coastline, which for many generations, has been a place for gathering, meeting and sport. "The medal design represents soft sand lines which shift with every tide and wave, also symbolic of athletic achievement. "The continual change of tide represents the evolution in athletes who are making their mark. Records are made and special moments of elation are celebrated. Although the moment in time may be fleeting, it is forever marked within the shells that are brought upon its tidelines. "The ribbon represents the woven strand of the freshwater reed, yungair, which is three reeds woven to form a pattern resembling many triangles joined together. This is reminiscent of the South East Queensland and Gold Coast areas." Natalie O’Driscoll

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Tugun Lights Up with Free Christmas Film Tugun Village will be lighting up for Christmas throughout the whole month of December with the return of the annual Tugun Lights Up event. The event will kick off with a free, family-friendly afternoon from 4.30pm on Saturday 2 December at Tugun Park on O’Connor St south of the Tugun Surf Club with face painting and kid’s activities plus a visit from Santa and his elves, followed by the 2003 Christmas comedy movie, ‘Elf ’ from 7.00pm. For more information about Tugun Lights Up, like the Facebook page for updates facebook.com/TugunLightsUp.

It's the thought that counts this Christmas at Robina Town Centre The coastal-style Christmas trees have been adorned; the decorations have been hung; and the big man in red has arrived at his Robina HQ, ready to celebrate with local shoppers as Robina Town Centre launches its 2017 Christmas campaign. The festive include Santa Snaps in the Enchanted Forest, full of delights for the littlies, the GC-themed Pelican Christmas Tree, free parking, charity gift wrap station and extended Christmas trading hours, including a double midnight trade.

Art Lovers Australia announces prizes for Artists and Art Lovers alike Gold Coast based online art gallery, Art Lovers Australia is announcing $10,000 worth of prizes for artists and art lovers alike. Both prizes are open now and free to enter. The Art Lovers Prize is open for all artists with work for sale on Art Lovers Australia. Art Lovers Australia welcomes submissions of all Australian emerging or mid-career artists before the 10th of January 2018. Both prizes are now open, with the winners announced at the Art Lovers Exhibition, Left Bank Gallery, April 7. For terms and conditions and to vote, please visit artloversaustralia.com.au.

New skate park features first 'granite bowl' for our City Gold Coast skateboarders face a new challenge with the City's latest skate park featuring a tough obstacle – the 'granite bowl'. It is the first time a City park has had the bowl included in its design. The bowl, which almost looks like a swimming pool, is two metres in depth to make those who ride it go smoother and faster. The skate and scooter park includes hubba ledges, rails, banks, hips and the granite edged bowl. The $560,000 Viney Park skate park in Coomera supports the northern Gold Coast, recently named one of the fastest growing areas in Australia.

Can you help the foodbank this Christmas?

TextaQueen turns nudes upside down TextaQueen's humorous and subversive works upend the traditions of the salon nude and narrative portraiture. Armed with a felt-tipped pen, she playfully tackles complex issues of race, exoticism, gender, sexuality and identity. TextaQueen's engaging portraits are showcased in ‘Between You and Me’, the first survey exhibition of this contemporary artist, on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from 8 December 2017 - 25 February 2018.

Australia Fair Shopping Centre is seeking support from customers to donate non-perishable grocery items and help put food on the Christmas table for thousands of local families in need. From now until December 30, collection cages will be located outside Coles and Woolworths Supermarkets as Australia Fair hosts the community appeal for Foodbank Queensland, a charity providing food relief to 100,000 Queenslanders every week. With children accounting for half of those relying on food relief, it is not only the homeless or jobless who are dependent on this assistance – increasingly, it is the working poor asking for help to feed their families. For more information, please visit australiafair.com.au.

Open Studio Day at Dust Temple On Sunday December 10, the artists inhabiting Dust Temple studios will open their doors to the public for the first ever ‘Open Studio Day’. From 10am – 2pm there are eight artist studios to visit as well as Gather Store who stock local artisan products and plants. Dust Temple, Currumbin’s creative centre is home to Marloe Marloe (ceramics), SOFA (Shed of Fine Arts), Sacha Beverly (art and design), Foundry One (metal objects), Buttery Studios, Kippy timber skate boards and Ruby + Prankster (jewellery and leather accessories). This is a rare opportunity to meet the artists in their creative environment and gain an insight into their processes and work. Each studio will have work for sale giving you the chance to buy directly from the artists.

Call for tackle bin adoptees at Tallebudgera and Currumbin Everyone is passionate about a clean ocean. So here is the perfect volunteering gig to put your passion into action. Tackle Bin Project Gold Coast is looking for volunteers to help monitor and empty the tackle bins. In the last six months, the bins have prevented almost 10km of fishing line from entering Gold Coast's waterways. If you’re interested in helping out, contact Kellie at gcmarinedebris@gmail.com.

National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary launches Lost Valley The amazing 'Lost Valley' exotic precinct will officially open at the Gold Coast's Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on December 26, 2017. The exciting addition to National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (NTCWS) allows guests to explore a forgotten world and get up close and personal with some of the world's most unique and distinctive flora and wildlife. Guests will journey through the ancient supercontinent Gondwana where they will interact with exotic species including friendly Ring Tail lemurs, Cottontop tamarins, Red panda, Capybaras, free-flying birds, exotic reptiles and so much more.

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Issue #51 DECEMBER 2017