Blank – issue #85 – APRIL 2021

NATURALLY GOLD COAST SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS Eventbrite/NaturallyGC or phone 5667 5972. Registration essential.

APRIL 8 MANDALA ART AND CRAFT Kid’s workshop using objects from nature to craft a large group mandala. 9.30am –10.30am / suitable for ages 5-12 years / FREE APRIL 8 WHO LIVES IN A HOLLOW Workshop focussing on the importance of tree hollows for many native wildlife species.

10.45am – 11.45am / suitable for ages 5-12 years / FREE APRIL 17 BRINGING BACK THE RICHMOND BIRDWING BUTTERFLY Learn all about this magnificent butterfly, its lifecycle, current threats and how you can help.

9.30am – 11.30am DIVISION 9 ACTIVE & HEALTHY AUTUMN HOLIDAY PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES FIRTH PARK, SOMERSET DRIVE, MUDGEERABA

APRIL 6 NETBALL BALL SKILLS WORKSHOP - Get some extra training to improve ball skills and techniques. 9.00am 10.30am / ages 7 to 11 / FREE / Trybooking.com/BPUXN APRIL 6 NETBALL DEFENCE AND ATTACK WORKSHOP Specialised training working on core attack and defence skills.

11.00am - 12.30pm / all ages / FREE / Trybooking.com/BPUXN APRIL 7 FOOTY FEVER WITH GECKO SPORTS - Dress in your favourite team colours for some fun with footy challenges – AFL, soccer, rugby union or rugby league. 9.30am / FREE / dan@ geckosports.com.au APRIL 17 ROCK ‘N’ SIZZLE SKATE Short coaching session, demos, skate jam, BBQ, raffle and games. Fun for the whole family. 8.00am / FREE / Rocknslideskatebaording.com APRIL 8 GECKO SPORTS HOLIDAY PROGRAM, SID BIGG PARK, MUDGEERABA Learn new skills, play games and be challenged. 9.30am - 12.30pm / $30 / dan@ geckosports.com.au

APRIL 9 MOVEMENT FOR SPORT LAWRENCE HINDE PARK, WORONGARY Improve speed, agility and skills through fun interactive games.

9.00am – 10.00am / ages 6 to 16 / Focusfitness.biz APRIL12 MULTI-SPORT FESTIVAL WOODLANDS PARK, SOMERSET DRIVE MUDGEERABA Experience a range of different sports in a fun supportive environment. For ages 6 to 15 / FREE / Progressthroughsports.com APRIL 16 GLADIATOR GAMES SOUTHERN SKIES PARK, REEDY CREEK Action packed session of duals, challenges and activities.

3.00pm / FREE / dan@ geckosports.com.au

trailer queens as well as peddle karts and pushbikes.

5.30pm to 8.30pm Facebook.com/ XstremeCarCrusing

APRIL 24 ACCA DACCA APRIL 10 WALLABY HOTEL, RAILWAY TOYS ‘N’ PRIDE & JOY’S (QLD) STREET MUDGEEABA ADVANCETOWN HOTEL Australia’s No. 1 AC/DA tribute Brisbane Car Meets and band take to the stage for their Cruising BCMC Inc presents “JAILBREAK” tour. this event to help support and raise awareness for mental Tickets.oztix.com.au for tickets health. From street machines to barn finds, classic to supercars, MAY 16 hot rods to lowriders, rat rods to MUDGEERABA STREET motorbikes, rare to show cars, PARTY, MUDGEERABA CBD utes to trucks, daily drivers to Live entertainment, market

stalls, community displays, street parade and lots of childrens’ activities. 10.00am – 2.00pm / Free Family Fun Day JUNE 23 – JULY 4 D’ARCY DOYLE ART AWARDS AND EXHIBITION, MUDGEERABA MEMORIAL HALL The Awards and Exhibition showcase the best of Australian art from professionals and emerging artists. A major art prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the landscape category winner, with minor prizes for portraiture, still life and junior categories. Entries close 26 May 2021.

Darcydoyleartawards.com.au

ESCAPE TO A WORLD OF FILM 14-25 APRIL 2021 VALERIE TAYLOR: PLAYING WITH SHARKS Opening Night: Wednesday 14 April - HOTA Home of the Arts, BCC Coolangatta & Event Cinemas Coomera

RHAPSODY OF LOVE World Premiere + Q&A Saturday 24 April, 5.45pm - HOTA Home of the Arts

Celebrate Opening Night of the Gold Coast Film Festival with an illuminating documentary that shines the spotlight on Australian icon Valerie Taylor: pioneering marine conservationist and ocean explorer. This breath-taking documentary assembles astonishing archival footage, behind-the-scenes of the making of Jaws and pays tribute to Valerie’s extraordinary life.

Romance, work and life all collide when an events planner and a wedding photographer meet and ignite sparks in this “Crazy Middle-class Asians” romantic comedy. Rhapsody of Love follows the lives of four couples at different stages of their relationships and how sometimes life presents love when we least expect it.

Join the filmmakers for a Q&A after the film.

DARK NIGHTS AND FANTASTIC FANS

WEB SERIES

Friday 16 April – Wednesday 21 April - Event Cinemas Coomera

Saturday 24 April, 2.30pm - HOTA Home of the Arts

Dark Nights and Fantastic Fans brings the best in cult and genre cinema to Event Cinemas Coomera. From gory horror to twisty scifi, suspenseful thrillers to fan favourites, there is a collection of films for true genre fans. Don’t miss Willy’s Wonderland starring Nicolas Cage, The Lord of the Rings movie marathon, local indie horrors and gothic vampire flicks.

Enjoy belly-laughing comedies, insightful documentaries, and bingeworthy dramas. This curated selection of Web Series is a refreshing look at short-form storytelling, from some of Australia’s most talented producers. Discover new series all in the one place, and then go home and binge your favourites!

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM AT MAJOR PARTNERS

www.gcfilmfestival.com EVENT PARTNERS

Countdown is on to the Doyles

At the time of printing, entries for the 2021 d’Arcy Doyles were about 7 weeks away from cut off, with 26 May set as ‘D Day’, so to speak. With these popular and prestigious awards now in their 16th year, and more than $20,000 in prizes on offer, it’s sure to be an epic competition. Mark 23 June to 4 July in your diary for the exhibition component, as it’s one not to be missed. More over on fb.com/darcydoyleawards.

‘Speaking with the River’ open in Ballina

The exhibition and series of public events explores the region’s dynamic rivers through featuring the work of artists, historians and scientists from Southern Cross University, and local Indigenous and community artists. The public can also experience free ‘citizen science’ events and workshops dedicated to the sensory experience of the river, exploring new ways of seeing, listening, smelling, touching and tasting the Richmond River system.

‘Speaking With the River’ runs until 2 May 2021 at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina.

Entry to the gallery is free. Visit nrcgballina.com.au for more.

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Comedy Underground Showcase Saturdays

Off the back of their successful GC Laughs Festival in March, Based Comedy have well and truly settled in to bring the laughs at HOTA in 2021 with their Comedy Underground Saturday Showcase.

With a weekly dose of the funniest live comedy in the Basement, Underground Saturdays is a 90-minute showcase of handpicked talent, featuring big-name acts, up and coming crushers, and wild subversive and unique voices, making waves in comedy.

Find out more at hota.com.au.

A Boy Called Sailboat

On 1 May, HOTA welcomes The Grigoryan Brothers – two of Australia’s most acclaimed classical guitarists, and ARIA award-winning performers – to play the soundtrack to the heart-warming film ‘A Boy Called Sailboat’, live. Created by Melbourne-based creative team Cameron Nugent and Andrew Curry, starring Academy Award® winning actor J.K Simmons, and with a soundtrack composed by The Grigoryan Brothers, ‘A Boy Called Sailboat’ is described as a ‘nearly-perfect modern folktale’.

Find out more at hota.com.au.

Southport Yacht Club gets live and loud

Look no further for your live entertainment fix over the next couple of months, because Southport Yacht Club has an events calendar packed with gems such as their 75th Gala Ball on 10 April, the Club’s Open Day on 18 April, a show by hit-making, soul-infused Aussie rockers The Badloves on 29 April, and on 7 May beloved Aussie rock royalty The Black Sorrows will take to the stage for a night to remember.

Visit southportyachtclub.com.au for deets.

There’s a brand new Misono at the Marriott

Inspired by the playful, youthful language of the street of Harajuku, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa have encapsulated Japanese artistry and local flavours, combined across the three elements of the new Misono; the vibrant and communal favourite teppan dining experience, a new live sushi bar and secret whisky bar to discover. In addition, you can learn the skills involved in quality sashimi preparation, with classes for the whole family. Call 5592 9800 for bookings.

Save the Date: Crafted Festival Return of the Mudgeeraba Street Party

It’s ba-ack! On Sunday 16 May the charming village of Mudgeeraba will once more transform itself into popular community event Mudgeeraba Street Party, where thousands of happy folk will revel, dance, feast and explore for a day in what is arguably our city’s most delightful suburb. Following the festivities, The Wallaby Hotel will be hosting a set by Andrew Farriss of INXS fame. So lock down the date in your calendars, cause it’s a day that you wanna be front and centre for.

Meanwhile, On The Border…

‘Meanwhile on the Border’ is a solo exhibition by artist Samantha Beau.

This pop up art space, which will run for ten days, will showcase many of Sam's latest abstract expressionistic pieces with local water colour landscapes. The show explores how the twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads have suffered from forced isolation known as The Bubble. The exhibition is on now and runs until 10 April at Bay Street Gallery, Tweed Heads.

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Crafted Beer & Cider Festival is back for it’s fifth year on the Gold Coast, so save the date: Saturday 11 September 2021. More deets to follow.

Be first in line for the Hota Gallery opening weekend

In under two months the muchanticipated new HOTA Gallery will throw open its doors, and you could be one of the first to step inside.

Register at hota.com.au/firstinline by 5 April and HOTA will send you a special booking link (tickets are free) that will be live at 6pm Friday 9 April. What are you waiting for?

Get the low-down on local festivals, gigs, theatre, art, comedy, eats, drinks, amazing humans and more by joining our e-list for a-list news.

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&

Leon is the inaugural Rolling Stone Scholar at Southern Cross University Guitarist, drummer and multi-faceted musician Leon Holstegge was awarded the first Southern Cross University Rolling Stone Scholarship in 2021.

The scholarship is the fruit of a partnership between one of Australia’s most vibrant music universities and the world renowned magazine.

You too could learn like Leon in world-class music studios.

Apply now

CRICOS Provider: 01241G

scu.edu.au/music

Our music degrees are delivered at Coomera on the Gold Coast and at the Lismore campus by lecturers who are practising musicians with strong industry links.

Start your music career at Southern Cross University and join our growing community of talented graduates who are making music on stages and in studios around the world.

This little film of mine: Christine Luby Film Director Christine Luby is set to have an absolute cracker of a Gold Coast Film Festival this year, with not one, but two of her projects featuring as world premieres on the program. Not only that, her film premiere ‘This Little Love of Mine’, is her directorial debut, and will be given the full gala treatment on the first Friday night of the festival.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

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“I’m super excited,” says Christine when we ask her about the ‘This Little Love of Mine’ premiere.

“This feels like The Little Film That Could,” she chuckles. “We made it in the middle of COVID and the middle of lockdown, and the fact that it’s going to be seen by so many people is out of this world.”

Filmed entirely in Far North Queensland in 2020, ‘This Little Love of Mine’ is a contemporary rom com that tells the will-they-or-won’t-they, work-meetsholiday romance story of Laura and Chip.

Christine explains how she came to be involved in the project.

“The Steve Jaggi Company [production company for the film] had previously done a rom com called ‘Romance on the Menu’ that I was the Assistant Director (AD) for.

It was their first rom com and it started trending at No. 3 on Netflix!

“We had such a fun time making it and wanted to follow up with a second rom com, and this time we wanted to shoot on location.”

That location ended up being Palm Cove, just north of Cairns.

“We went up to Palm Cove and just fell in love.

There are these stunning rows of palm trees, it’s so beautiful, and I couldn’t think of a better place to have made it.”

These sentiments were reinforced when the team was able to partner with an absolute beach front hotel in which they were able to create a “magical little bubble” to work for the sixteen-day shoot during COVID.

after an experience shooting a dance sequence piqued her interest.

with Saskia which is super important to get right in a rom com.”

“There was this rude person shouting at us all and I thought ‘oh how awful’ and he turned out to be an AD,” Christine laughs.

“It was my first window into this whole other side, what’s behind the camera, and I thought it was so interesting.”

Christine’s second premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival is the first three episodes of a series entitled ‘Dive Club’.

After working – unpaid - on student films for a while, Christine landed her first AD gig kind of by accident.

“I did this one film that turned into a feature film and it was just the director, cinematographer and me working on it. They made me an AD, I didn’t even know what to do! So they told me to get a clipboard so I looked the part,” Christine laughs again. “I did everything – catering, sound, whatever was needed.”

With the title of AD on her resume, Christine was able to gain more work within the industry, working in that role for the next fourteen years and learning her craft from the ground up. I asked her if the directorial experience held any surprises for her by the time it came around.

“Not a lot,” she says. “When it came time to direct my own feature it felt that I’d done it already because I’d helped so many firsttime Directors through theirs.

“The only part that was a bit scary for me was rehearsal in advance. It was the one part of film I hadn’t been privy too, because no one goes in apart from the Director and the Script Supervisor, so I had to figure out how to do that pretty quickly. Now that I’ve done one though, I’m like ‘it’s a piece of cake!’”

Of course, Christine acknowledges, the people you work with can certainly make or break an experience.

“We were super lucky to be able to make it happen up there,” says Christine.

“I had the most gorgeous cast on this, I got so lucky,” she gushes. “When you’re doing your first film as a Director you want to be surrounded by people who are awesome and on board and with your vision.

Originally from New Hampshire, USA, Christine relocated to Australia in 2010 after living in London for 10 years and now divides her time between the US and Australia. Although ‘This Little Love of Mine’ is her first official turn in the director’s chair, Christine is not short on directorial experience.

“Saskia Hampele plays Laura, and she brought her A Game every day, she was so dynamic and really embraced the character and both sides of the character; on one hand a San Francisco lawyer and on the other embracing her island roots and allowing herself to soften and listen to her heart. It was a beautiful transformation.

Approaching the natural end of her career in contemporary dance more than decade ago, Christine felt that a tree change was necessary, turning her attention to film

“And we also had Liam McIntyre as Chip, he is an Australian actor and was perfect for the role. He had just amazing chemistry

“Although I’m one of the Directors, it’s not my episodes that are airing – just a few scenes of mine”, she clarifies. “I’m super proud to have it showing.”

“It’s a drama and that follows a group of four teenage divers. One of the girls goes missing after a storm hits and they spend the series trying to track her down and find her again.”

Already contracted for airing on Channel 10 and then Netflix, the thrilling 12-part series is still in post-production, that’s how fresh it is. So Gold Coast Film Festival audiences are in for a preview in the truest of senses.

“It’s hot off the press!” Christine exclaims.

While super excited about ‘Dive Club’, which is undoubtedly set to be a hit, it’s the ‘This Little Love of Mine’ red carpet that is definitely on Christine’s mind at the moment. I ask her to give prospective audiences the feel of the film ahead of its showing.

“It’s a chance to slow down and enjoy the small things,” she muses. “And listen to your heart too, those things are so important, particularly in challenging times.

“I like to think of the film as balm for the soul. I think people need comfort right now, and I hope they can come and enjoy it, and fall in love.”

The annual Gold Coast Film Festival will run from 14 to 25 April, 2021 bringing films, panels, Q&As, parties, pop-up cinemas and more to more than 10 venues across the Gold Coast. Visit gcfilmfestival. com for information and bookings.

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Managing Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Advertising & Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Content Coordinator & Photography: Simone Gorman-Clark TeamWriters: Anthony Gebhardt & Zac Fahey Distribution: Swingin' Safari Crew Contributors (print and online): Natalie O’Driscoll, Anthony Gebhardt, Zac Fahey, Samantha Morris, Marj Osborne, Anna Itkonen, Kylie Cobb, Dani Teveluwe, Anna Janelle, Philippa Arrowsmith.

Cover: Christine Luby brings two films to Gold Coast FIlm Festival.

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.

About us: Blank is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris, Chloe Popa, Amanda Gorman and Natalie O'Driscoll. Founded in 2013 we are an independent voice for local music, arts and lifestyle and we rely on advertising as well as our generous contributors to keep us ticking. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team.

Editorial: news@blankstreetpress. com.au Advertising: advertising@ blankstreetpress.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankstreetpress.com.au Follow us: Facebook/Instagram@ blankstreetpress

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southportsharks.com.au 10

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Kids

Cinema

14–25 Apr

16–18 Apr

Escape to a world of film with 100+ films, panels and event across the Gold Coast and online.

A mini fest for kids jam-packed with music, mess and story.

ESCAPE TO A WORLD OF FILM

KIDS TAKE OVER

Gallery

Dance

Classes start 21 Apr

Opens 8 May

BY COMMON PEOPLE DANCE PROJECT

THE ART YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR

ROCK EISTEDDFOD DANCE CLASSES All ages. All abilities. All fun. Join Common People’s dance class for everyone.

HOTA GALLERY OPENING SOON Australian exclusives, celebrations of Queensland artists, a dedicated children’s Gallery – great and surprising art, indoors and out.

BOOK NOW

H O TA . CO M . A U

Ed Kuepper gets retrospective Words by Anthony Gebhardt

In celebration of an astounding 45 years in the music business, iconic Brisbane artist Ed Kuepper is preparing to release a three album vinyl retrospective which takes in a large chunk of his vital back catalogue of music outside of his original seminal act, punk rock founding forefathers The Saints.

These three albums focus on his solo output (compiling all of his 45s and CD singles), an entry level summation of his jazz-inflected art-rock ensemble Laughing Clowns and a live document of his most recent full band foray, The Aints!, recorded at the Marrickville Bowlo.

In addition, Ed has just announced a run of live dates, where he’ll be collaborating with none other than awe inspiring Dirty Three drummer Jim White. We were recently lucky enough to have a chat with Ed to discuss these exciting developments.

Across your four and a half decades in the biz do you have a period that you look upon as your most fulfilling or rewarding from a creative perspective? And could you ever have envisaged still being musically active in 2021 when you first started out back in the mid 70s?

There were periods of time within those decades that were pretty much equally creative and as fulfilling as each other, then also stretches during those decades that weren't. I liked the periods where I'd have a breakthrough of some kind, even something small on the face of it like finding a different way of playing a chord or something.

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As far as thinking I'd still be musically active in 2021, I didn't think I'd live into my thirties when I started out, so no.

With the upcoming Aints! release being a live show recorded at the Marickville Bowlo, were there other recordings from that tour that were in the running to be represented? And what are your thoughts in general on live albums when it comes to other artists?

The Aints! live at the Bowlo got the tick because it was finished, really. It also was interesting to me because it's the studio album (‘The Church Of Simultaneous Existence’) played live before the studio album was recorded. The Aints! were in their element live and when we were looking at the release initially during the lockdown, live music seemed a distant thing, to me at least.

Generally, I'm not that interested in live albums by other artists unless the live versions have some defining differences with the studio versions, in which case I often really like them.

You've just announced some upcoming live shows with the legendary Jim White (of the Dirty Three) accompanying you on drums. Have you worked with Jim before in a collaborative capacity and how did this opportunity to play together come about?

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Yeah Jim and I are going to do a fairly extensive run of shows around Australia which I'm really looking forward to. I've loved his playing going back to when the Dirty Three were starting out and they supported me somewhere in St Kilda in the early/mid-'90s. I'd thought about asking him several times before but the stars never seemed to align.

This time however he was in Australia with no chance of escape because of COVID, so I got in touch to see if he was interested and the rest, as they say, is history.

How is the rest of 2021 shaping up in the exploding universe of Ed Kuepper?

We're looking at things but at the moment everything is still in ‘take it as it comes’ mode for me. I found [like most people] the last year or so very difficult at times, not particularly creative or fulfilling at all - even though perversely I actually enjoyed the lockdown at times. Some people used the time very productively and I didn't so I'm envious and hate them very much, thank you…

Anthony Gebhardt

Ed Kuepper’s three album retrospective, incorporating ‘The Aints!’, ‘Laughing Clowns’ and his solo work, will be available on LP from 28 May via edkuepper.com and select record stores. All releases will also be available via Bandcamp and select digital avenues.

His upcoming run of national live shows, featuring Jim White of The Dirty Three on drums, will take in local dates at the Miami Marketta on 6 June and at The Triffid in Brisbane (theatre seated) on 17 June.

Roz Pappalardo Won’t Be Quiet

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Roz Pappalardo has been shaking things up for the best part of two decades, challenging perceptions and very much forging her own direction through the music landscape.

Her latest single, ‘Won’t Be Quiet’, from the album of the same name (releasing on 14 May), is a tribute to a resilient and inspirational woman.

“This is a story of love and courage despite time, distance and fatal illness,” Roz tells us.

“I met Althea on an 18-hour train trip from Brisbane to Townsville as a songwriter documenting the trip of 40 war widows doing their annual pilgrimage to Friendship Day celebrations in Townsville.

“The love of her life died due to what Althea and family can only put down to Agent Orange, after her husband served in Vietnam, and upon his return to Australia, was diagnosed with an awful debilitating illness until his passing.

“Althea shared with me that she is tired of pretending and lying about what her husband died from, and why other members of her family are unwell. She told me she won’t be quiet anymore, and if someone asks, she will speak up,” says Roz. “’Won’t Be Quiet’ struck me as a perfect name for this album and title track. Because I’ve spent a long time in this industry, wearing many different hats. And I won’t be quiet. You’ll hear me come.

In total, Roz has released more than 10 records in various guises, perhaps the best known though with her much-loved duo, Women in Docs.

‘Wont Be Quiet’ and its clip will drop on 16 April. You can catch the launch of the single at Dust Temple from 7pm. Tickets are available at bit.ly/30m0dTJ, and you can follow Roz at rozpappalardo.com.

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Vinnie’s to host epic joint tour stop Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Sharks head under the southern stars Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

This year’s Under The Southern Stars sees its rock royalty lineup of Cheap Trick, Bush and Stone Temple Pilots make a home stop at our very own Southport Sharks.

Popular live music event Under the Southern Stars (UTSS) will rock the Gold Coast when it hits Southport Sharks in May. Headliners Cheap Trick, Bush and Stone Temple Pilots will each rotate their playing positions during the tour, allowing each of them to headline several events.

With over 5,000 performances spanning four decades, 20 million records sold worldwide, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cheap Trick are undoubtedly one of the most influential classic rock groups of the past 50 years.

“We look forward to joining Bush and Stone Temple Pilots in one of our favourite countries!” the band said in a statement.

“We will have a new record out and are excited to play some of our new songs.”

Rock icons Rose Tattoo and Electric Mary will also be performing at all shows.

The good news doesn’t stop there, with UTSS recently announcing an exciting partnership with the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA), an organisation dedicated to delivering culturally connected and holistic learning

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to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

UTSS is offering NASCA's young First Nations program participants the opportunity for work experience at selected events, giving them hands-on, backstage insight into the music industry.

NASCA will be facilitating a Welcome to Country at selected concert sites, honouring the traditional owners of the land upon which the concerts are staged.

NASCA’s evidence-based programs improve outcomes for young Indigenous people, especially in regards to Year 12 attainment which has a major impact on socioeconomic outcomes.

Event promoter, Andrew McManus says; "I am proud to be working with NASCA and Indigenous kids giving them the opportunity to experience how a festival is built from the ground up, the concert and performances up close on show day. Very excited to see their smiles and satisfaction.”

Under The Southern Stars ticket buyers have the opportunity to donate to NASCA when purchasing tickets through EventBrite. There will also be various NASCA donations points on site at each concert for people to give on show days.

Catch UTSS on Saturday 15 May when it hits Southport Sharks. Tickets and more info at underthesouthernstars.com.au.

April will see Vinnie’s Dive play host to a road trip for the ages when Selfish Sons and Order Sixty6 bring their allround mate fest to the popular Southport venue as part of their joint east coast tour.

Punters are in for a unique experience, with an eclectic mix of genres and fusions set to keep the crowd on their toes. We shot a few of the same questions to both bands to find out just how similar they really are.

Let’s find out…

Tell us about this tour, how it came about, and the relationship between the bands!

Selfish Sons: We all met each other through the music scene in Brisbane. Over the last few years, we’ve all been individually writing, playing and hanging out together.

We’ve developed a bond with Order Sixty6 and share a mutual passion for creativity and high energy performance. We’re looking forward to getting on the road with these guys and proving that you don’t need to play the same genre to put on an awesome gig.

Order Sixty6: We met Selfish Sons through other musos. Got tipsy and decided it would be rad to play and be on the road together. Thus, the Road Trip Tour was born.

What are you most looking forward to when you visit the Vinnies?

Order Sixty6: We’ve never played Gold Coast before, so we’re super excited to tear

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up Vinnies! The closest we’ve been is Saint Vinnies oppies.

Selfish Sons: We love the Gold Coast, let alone Vinnies and the people even more.

We can’t wait to get back down there and play a sick show.

Tell us how you survived 2020 and it feels to be back on the road playing to live crowds Selfish Sons: 2020 was a challenge but we are grateful that it gave us a chance to polish up our live set and get plenty of songs ready to release in the coming months.

Order Sixty6: Ate food, drank some water, slept and made some music. Fortunately, 2020 allowed us to take some muchneeded time to write, record and make music videos. We just played Mountain Goat Valley Crawl Festival, so we’re super hyped to keep the ball rolling with this GC show!

Is there anything you want GC peeps to know before the show?

Order Sixty6: Prepare for boyband choreo, intense eye contact, opportunities to mosh and obscure references to Crocs.

Selfish Sons: This isn’t necessarily the most conventional tour, so I guess if we want GC peeps to know anything, it’s to come give something weird a try.

So what do we reckon, #goldcoast? Worst of friends or best of enemies? Either way, it sounds like there’s going to be an explosion at Vinnie’s Dive in Southport on Friday 16 April that will rock the coast from Cooly to Hope Island. Grab your tickets over at OzTix.

“It is a vital capacity building program and one which will produce a tour in north Queensland showcasing local artists and injecting much needed economic activity into our regions.”

Queensland women to take part in Music Mentorship Program QMusic, Queensland’s music industry development association, recently announced 17 outstanding QMentorship recipients who will be mentored by eight industry experts to produce a regional tour in Far North Queensland.

Proudly supported by the Queensland Government via the Advancing Women in Business initiative from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, QMentorship supports women

to start and grow their own businesses and attain positions of leadership.

QMusic CEO, Angela Samut congratulated the 17 women saying, “QMentorship is an important initiative under our Women in Music program and supports early-career industry professionals who are pursuing a career within our industry, or who want to explore other skills for gaining employment.

De Regt, Monique Matthews, Rachael Hart.

From Cairns and Mackay, to Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Ipswich, the 2021 QMentorship recipients include:

Mentors and mentees are paired up for at least three 90 minute one-on-one sessions and fortnightly collaborative meetings to plan the tour circuit, develop budgets, book venues and artists and manage events.

Mentors: Kristy Gostelow, Deb Suckling, Larissa Ryan, Melania Jack, Samantha Morris, Patty Preece, Sarah Ponturo, Lori Lee Cash.

QMusic partners with regional councils and the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) to develop and deliver the QMentorship program.

Mentees: Bre Capell, Brittney Kahl, Carli Willis, Ellen Hartwig, Lauren Woods, Mel

Kylie Cobb

“QMentorship is designed to have experienced industry practitioners share their knowledge with their mentees in the areas of: business development, artist management, venue booking, tour management, sound engineering and marketing and publicity,” said Ms Samut.

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Espresso Moto 1/88 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters Words & photograph by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast

BOBs Beer 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise - Ph: 1800 262 723 Words & photograph by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast

If there’s ever a place to shake up our perception of Surfers Paradise as the Glitter Strip, it’s Best of Beers (BOBs).

A family-run business, BOBs was opened by Melbourne cousins Karambir Khanijou and Dhi Vig together with their friend, experienced brewer Ryan Fullerton (exVictoria’s Red Duck, Bad Shepherd and Clifton Hill breweries). It’s Surfers’ first brewery, a cosmopolitan bar and restaurant aimed at an adult audience; so adult, in fact, that their aim is to become the first hatted brewery in Australia.

In a showcase venue aimed to display the ‘best of beers’, the bar boasts 16 taps, BOBs Beers flowing from eight with the remaining taps featuring some of the best independent Australian and New Zealand guest beers.

Behind the glass-backed bar we can see the craft brewery’s 12 and 24-hectolitre fermenters that produce the brewhouse’s four core beers, including their flagship Elkhorn Lager and Surfers XPA. Seasonal and limited releases are regular additions to the drinks menu, all dedicated to the Gold Coast, a selection of four available as a tasting paddle.

While it could be argued that beer is the central focus here, there’s no overlooking either the food or the service.

“Our aim is to provide some really good quality food and service that Surfers is missing,” co-owner Dhi Vig tells us, and that’s exactly what we find.

With Head Chef Norbert Szlama in charge of the kitchen (ex-his own hatted restaurant, The Lane, Coffs Harbour), there’s a menu of smaller and larger dish innovative internationally inspired food.

Szlama’s Hungarian-Czech heritage shows through in the ‘Halaszle’ Hungarian chowder or Ragout with dumplings,

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but he’s just as adept at making house sourdough (one of the most delicious we’ve tasted) from a 95-year-old culture, Middle Eastern-influenced Salmon ras el hanout chermoula or a vegan ‘Foie gras’ from lentils, beetroot, nuts and cognac served with a pickled fig and handmade chia cracker.

There’s a blackboard menu of specials and a premium selection of steaks, the provenance noted for each one, beautifully presented with an artistic accompaniment of roast potatoes and vegetables.

This is food to delight in, to savour and share with friends, remarking on the flavours, or even to embark on solo as a main (if you must).

With pure delight, we anticipate the arrival of each dish for its touch of intrigue. Each one is a handmade work of art, enthralling us with its own take on international cuisine. Signature Craquelin choux pastry gains a savoury twist with a filling of ricotta and King Island mousse, while fresh King Prawns, their richness offset by a crisp-textured cloak of kataifi pastry, are laid down on a bed of tarator and hazelnuts.

Even sides get the ‘Szlama’ treatment, snow peas served with samphire, almonds and garlic oil, Jerusalem artichoke crisp fried with smoked salt and aioli, and purple Congo potatoes crushed with basil and parsley butter.

Not only for beer aficionados, if you enjoy a delightful dining experience that leads you gently down a different path, then Best of Beers is for you. With seating for over a hundred diners inside and al fresco, BOBs Beers is one classy outfit.

NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of BOBs Beer

Espresso Moto started with the great idea of mates who get together to celebrate bike culture and drink coffee at the same time. With a café at the front and a glass back wall looking through to the motorbike workshop, Espresso Moto was born. Menus were presented attached to numberplates, the café walls featuring an eclectic mix of bike memorabilia.

It was a difficult birth, the concept not embraced by ‘everyone in town’. What stuck was the great food and Allpress coffee along with the freewheeling culture referenced in the name.

Seven years later, owner Jordan Stubbs with manager Rachael Cole have opened Espresso Moto in Mermaid Waters.

Transforming the former pizzeria (long ago a seafood shop) into a café, the crew built in a takeaway window, Jordan crafted hand-made furniture and modelled a neat casual venue facing out to the corner of Sunshine Boulevard and Markeri Street, adding to the already existing food options in the nearby Markeri Food precinct.

When we visit, the café is humming with activity. There are cabinet options for a fast getaway as well as specials supplementing the daily menu.

Fans of Espresso Moto Palm Beach will recognise some of their favourite dishes: Açai bowls with home-made granola and seasonal fruit, Banoffee pancakes loaded with Nutella, banana, spiced maple, ice cream and caramel, and the Breaky Burrito loaded with beans, corn and scrambled eggs, to name a few.

Meals exiting the kitchen are generous. A single bao packed with mushrooms or streaky bacon is a meal in itself, burgers are busting at the seams, accompanied by crisp chips.

As always, great Allpress coffee is flowing with the best milk of your choice (brands clearly marked), and still or sparkling water is free! There’s Jilly tea, cold-pressed juices and smoothies for those not addicted to the bean.

Watch out for Moto Nights, expected to roll out soon, where the evening menu will feature seafood favourites such as traditional Fish and chips, Prawn Po’Boy and Fish tacos accompanied by Stone & Wood or Green Coast on tap.

Bring it on, we say!

NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of Espresso Moto

Blank - issue #85 - April 2021

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Book online:

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We explore Dion Parker’s mid life vices

Meet the colourful Kate Owen

Gold Coast artist Dion Parker is all set to celebrate his entry into the naughty forties with a personal exhibition and public birthday party.

The latest addition to our City’s cultural scene, the Art Lovers Australia gallery in Southport, recently hosted vibrant exhibition ‘Colour Pop’ at the end of March, an exhibition that revolved around colour and included nine artists from all over Australia.

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

And why not? It’s not like he’s short on friends in the local community.

“Since entering the art scene on the Gold Coast over ten years ago I’ve met many wonderful artists and creative people,” Dion tells us.

“I’ll be inviting everyone I know and anyone else who’d like to come check it out, to join me for the opening night celebrations.”

The exhibition, titled ‘Mid Life Vices’, opens on the night of Saturday 24 April at the new, artist-run Coolangatta Art Space, with a 40th birthday party to remember. Or not.

“I still enjoy a party, but I try to avoid hangovers these days,” Dion muses. “I enjoy wine now, so I guess you could say I’m kinda sophisticated,” he laughs.

Running until 9 May, ‘Mid Life Vices’ represents an evolution in the thematic practice of this popular Li’l Dusty creator.

“As I get older the way I express myself and enjoy myself Is changing,” Dion explains.

“I will be exhibiting works in a variety of mediums including bronze, ceramic and painting. Lately it’s been my muse peppered with subtle hints of heartbreak and desire.

“Although I use themes and characters repeatedly, I feel like my work, style and creative process is always slowly evolving.”

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Dion says his mindset has changed “a lot” in the last ten years, something people may notice in his work.

“In the past I used vices to avoid dealing with things, obviously that just made things worse.

“It’s been a year and a half since I quit the devil’s lettuce [Clearly, he’s talking about coriander]. Now I feel different. In a good way.

“I’ve become comfortable expressing myself how I want.”

This is a liberating revelation for any man who grew up in a blokey era and environment, awash with society’s narrowly defined parameters for masculinity.

“I’ve got a shaved (bald) head and tattoos, I scowl without meaning to and ride a motorcycle,” Dion shrugs.

“Yet most of my friends are women, I like drawing flowers and rainbows and cartoon dogs and I’m finally comfortable hugging strangers.”

So come and give Dion a birthday hug (COVID-permitting), from 6pm on Saturday 24 April at the new Coolangatta Art Space, 21 McLean Street, Coolangatta.

If you can’t make opening night, ‘Mid Life Vices’ will be running until 9 May. So you can always pop in for a visit. Dion will also be holiding an artist talk and Q+A on Saturday 1 May.

Words by Anna Itkonen

We decided to get to know Kate Owen, the featured artist of the exhibition.

sense. It is just a bit of fun. I would love for people to wonder why I named it so!

Kate is a visual artist living and working in northern New South Wales, and while her art is abstract, the energetic, bright colours of her work form positive and joyful images of plants and flowers.

"I paint with colour, and it makes me feel good. I believe that it makes the viewer feel the same, and I love that," Kate told us.

"We all know that colour can make your mood, and it is something that really gets me more in touch with myself,” said Kate.

“Pink, for me, is passion, happiness, love, inner peace and contentment, while dark green and indigo mean sophistication and strength.

"I have recently found Australian Red Violet, and it seems to be popping up everywhere now,” she continued.

Another master of colour in the exhibition was Ian Tremewen, a Canadian-born artist now residing in Australia. His colourful paintings tell stories of times lived in the Caribbean and the Hawaiian tropics.

"As an artist, I can experiment with many aspects and combinations,” Ian told us.

“I've always been fascinated by the psychedelic colours hidden in rainforests.

For me, these elements invite abstraction, where a shape, along with colour and texture, defines an object."

“I also love this Cobalt Blue, just one or two little bits of it. I also use a lot of really pale, ice green oil sticks. It is so much fun to use oil sticks on the painted colour surface; to draw on the painting to create the contrast and the depth!"

Other artists included in the exhibition were Trisha Lambi, Anthony Pieters, Jane Long, Franko, Kate Graham, Monique Baques and Louise Isackson.

All of Kate's artwork included in the exhibition was specifically painted for it.

The Art Lovers Australia gallery is situated at The Brickworks Annex, Warehouse Road, Southport. Visit artloversaustralia. com.au/shop for upcoming workshops and exhibitions.

"The first painting I made for ‘Colour Pop’ was ‘Joy’, and this set the tone for the rest of the works for this exhibition. It is all about giving people good vibes and happiness.

“I do like a bit of fun and quirkiness too.

‘Cactus Bunny’, for example, makes no

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This is Art presents ‘Arcana’ From a dusty conversation born deep in the Nevada Desert to a Burleigh Heads reality, This Is Art announces their second event in collaboration with Mint Art House.

Site and Situation Site and Situation is a three-part series exploring public art in its many forms, a City of Gold Coast initiative, curated by SWELL Sculpture.

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

This is Art, the newly founded events company, is all about providing unique spaces and experiences for artists and creatives in all senses - alongside embracing the culture that is consistently thriving on the Gold Coast.

"Based on a love of experience, the idea of combining those elements; sight sound and feel, into a sensory showcase was formed…. and with that, This Is Art was born," said Gus Irwin, the founder of This Is Art.

pieces, from distinctive landscapes to lost communities.

The full lineup of Mint Art House artists includes the likes of Shmick, CRT, Dion Parker, Owlet, Nat Popovski, Steve Gormon, Camille Manley, Ella May Fitzgerald, Emily Rose Hastie, Georgina Lamperd, Thea Skelsey, Dean Brocket and Lucy Moore.

So, what can you expect at This Is Art's Gold Coast event? Put simply: the unexpected.

For their first show of 2021 they are starting with something a little bit different by teaming up with local friends, and cocreatives Mint Art House.

"We work hard to curate each event differently. The venue, music, and everything in between is all tailored to suit the aesthetic of the artists," said Gus.

Made up of a family-like group of diverse talent and ideas, Mint Art House brings an all-inclusive energy wherever they go because that is what it is all about, being open and ready for new perspectives, and having an indubitably good time while they are it.

Throughout the evening, all the Mint artists involved will draw from the Arcana Major tarot card deck and then paint a live piece of their interpretation of the card. Once complete, the paintings will be hung and exhibited in an unusual manner around the venue, alongside some of the artists' original works displayed, with all works available for purchase at the event.

Among the artists involved is Nat Popovski.

One of the founders of Mint Art House, Nat possesses an incredible ability to bring the more subtle parts of daily life to life, exploring the ordinary with an extraordinary eye, exposing the bigger picture through her unique craft.

Another is mural artist Shmick, known for his large-scale pieces which are inspired predominantly by nature. Using a beautiful blend of expressionism, surrealism and realism, his work transports you.

Local artist Owlet will also bring her magical ways to the event. Her undeniable link with Australian culture is predominant in her

‘Arcana’ Coast will be accompanied by an epic soundtrack from the likes of Here's Johnny, Just Jessie, Latour, Chrome Capital, Mosaic, and a GC favourite Shimmy Disco.

‘Arcana’ takes place on Saturday 10 April from 4pm at 55 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads. Tickets start from $350, with local food truck and an on-site bar. The event is environmentally responsible and single use plastic free.

Over the months of April, May and June, experienced Public Art Professionals Nikos Papastergiadis, Lucy Keeler and Jacob Nash will deliver thought provoking public art talks and engaging industry workshops. The series, presented across various Gold Coast locations, will share the diverse experiences of the three speakers and explore project insights, creative journeys, processes, collaborations, ideas and theories that relate to public art.

Professor Nikos Papastergiadis is Director of the Research Unit in Public Cultures and Professor at the School of Culture and Communication at the University of Melbourne and Visiting Professor in the School of Art and will be kicking off the series with his presentation and workshop focusing on ‘The Cosmos of Art in Public Space’, this forum and workshop will evoke creative thoughts and inspire critical thinking around public art.

Lucy Keeler will be presenting the May edition of Site and Situation. Lucy is a multidisciplinary practicing artist, working in sculpture, painting, virtual art, projection and theatre design. Lucy is currently VIVID Sydney Light Curator and co-founder of Ample Projects, a company creating large scale art projects internationally. Lucy will shine light on her public art experiences and adventures, her process and projects, plus more.

The final edition of the Site and Situation series will present Jacob Nash, in June.

Jacob is a First Nations Artist who is currently the Head Designer at Bangarra Dance Theatre and has created public art and site specific installation some of these works include; ALWAYS, The Canopy, and Eora. Jacob will deliver insight into his public art journey and spark conversation around creation of work and storytelling through visual art, the development of contemporary concepts, practice and the process of collaboration to produce public art.

You are invited to come along to experience Site and Situation’s thought-provoking presentations; participate in Q & As; and meet and mingle with fellow creatives and community members. Gold Coast-based arts practitioners can also apply to be part of the workshops. Both the public talks and workshops are free.

Places are limited. Bookings online and for more information head to swellsculpture. com.au

Tickets are available through EventBrite.

Visit thisisart.com.au for more.

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Gold Coast urban sketchers unite

NORPA drops thrilling 2021 season

New community art group Urban Sketchers Gold Coast is growing in popularity.

NORPA has recently dropped a world class program for 2021, featuring originals, national tours, a musical and even an outdoor adventure.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

LOUD Tana Douglas I’ve got a secret to share. Book reviewers don’t always get to read the whole book before deadline. So, when my editor asked me to review ‘Loud’ by Australia’s first female roadie Tana Douglas, I thought a skim read would suffice. But this is not one of those books and you should know up front that if you start flicking through ‘Loud’, you will not put it down.

If you’ve read Stuart Coupe’s book ‘Roadie’, you will not be totally unfamiliar with Tana’s story. But ‘Loud’ is her life, in her own words. And it makes for a rollicking read.

Tana Douglas is the world’s first female roadie. Now living in LA, her story takes her all over Australia (and the world) – from the wilds of Nimbin to the different wilds of Far North Queensland before she returns to Melbourne, accidentally scores her first load-in gig and her path is set.

How does a 17-year-old end up being headhunted for a gig with AC/DC and sharing a house with the band while they’re on the cusp of greatness?

This is just one of Tana’s incredible stories.

Tana worked hard and played hard and lived to tell the tales.

Quite a feat given the heavily male-dominated industry of the 70s, 80s and 90s. AC/DC, Iggy Pop, Suzi Quatro, The Who, Lenny Kravitz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John – Tana has been there for them all, seen it all, and done it all, yet her story is one of humour and humility.

Tana Douglas is a trailblazer and her book is exceptional – a unique story told in Tana’s own words. I don’t even like biographies. But I like this one. A lot.

‘Loud’, published by HarperCollins Australia is available now.

Samantha Morris

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You may have seen roving gangs of artists out and about sketching various locations around the Coast lately. This group of sketching enthusiasts, known as Urban Sketchers Gold Coast, has been spotted sketching from Burleigh and Southport, where they’ve attracted a great deal of interest from locals.

Comprised of local residents, the group meets on weekends to sketch, draw and paint urban scenes. Members sketch for two hours, and then meet up for coffee in a local cafe to share their pieces.

Attendance at these meetups and membership are free.

Sketching groups have become a popular trend worldwide, and there are now Urban Sketchers Groups in all the major cities and towns around the world. Members don’t need to be accomplished artists, and tools can be as simple as a pencil, pen and paper. Many are finding that focusing on art can be a healing pastime.

“Our members find that sketching can be very therapeutic” says one of the group’s organisers, Mark Elms. “This is especially evident in the camaraderie displayed at our meet-ups for 'after sketching coffee' at local cafes.”

Gold Coast Urban Sketchers was founded by Gold Coast art enthusiast Linda Elliott.

To learn more about this group, or to join, search head to their Facebook page, press the join button, read the manifesto and rules, and answer the two questions to join.

There you will also been able to see the works the group has already produced.

Urban Sketchers Gold Coast meets at selected location from 9.00am every second Saturday. Visit fb.com/ urbansketchersgoldcoast.

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Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Lismore’s NORPA, northern rivers’ leading theatre company, has revealed a 2021 season packed full of cutting-edge performances, classic drama and sublime music including the premieres of two new NORPA works ‘Into the Forest’ and ‘Flow’, an outdoor drive-in adventure ‘Throttle’ and the blockbuster musical ‘Once’.

“This year we’re exploring lots of new places, including magical forests in our new work ‘Into the Forest’ as well as the classic woods of ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ when Bell Shakespeare come to perform at NORPA,” says NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis.

“Our backyard’s deep and ancient connection to country is examined with another new NORPA work, ‘Flow’, a powerful story written and performed by Yaegl Bundjalung man Mitch King about our region and the first Native Title claim on a body of water in Yamba.”

“And we adventure outdoors and into the wild mayhem of ‘Throttle’ a drive-in thriller performed on the grounds of Lismore Rugby Club – strap yourselves in for that one!”

Other highlights in NORPA’s 2021 Season include physical theatre powerhouse ‘Legs on the Wall’, cutting-edge social commentary with the ‘Man With the Iron Neck’ and Brunswick Picture House’s ‘Cheeky’ – a cabaret show that smashes together circus, vaudeville, comedy and burlesque.

“If last year taught us anything, it’s that while we love watching a group of artists respond to a simple idea and transform it into something extraordinary, the work only truly comes to life when it meets you,” says Julian.

“Only by coming together do we get to experience the power and joy of performance.”

If you would like one of NORPA’s 2021 Season Brochures sent to you, please contact NORPA at boxoffice@norpa.org. au. All NORPA 2021 shows now on sale at norpa.org.au.

HOTA Gallery releases City Collection online HOTA recently announced that works from the City Collection will be available to view online, ahead of the new HOTA Gallery opening on 8 May. The Gold Coast’s City Collection features over 4,500 artworks and is valued at approximately $32 million, including one of the largest collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in regional Australia.

HOTA CEO Criena Gehrke said presenting the City Collection online is a real coming of age for HOTA Gallery.

“As well as amazing local, national and international art, the new HOTA Gallery has three gallery spaces dedicated to showing works from the City Collection, many of which have never been seen before,” she said.

“Collected for the city over the past 60 years, we think you’ll be amazed at the depth of the collection and we can’t wait to show it off in its new home.”

“But if you can’t wait until 8 May when the Gallery opens, then I’m proud to announce that for the first time, you can now explore more than 200 wonderful artworks from the collection online.”

The HOTA Gallery team have been engaged in digitising the revered collection, creating a digital record of each work of art in preparation for the move to its new home in the collection store within the HOTA Gallery.

Residents of the Gold Coast and beyond will now be able to search over 200

artworks in the collection and can filter their search by artist, date, material and even colour, with more works to be added on an ongoing basis.

Tickets on sale now norpa.org.au | 1300 066 772

As part of the online catalogue, the City Collection will contain information about each of the works, including artist details and identifying which artworks will be on display in the HOTA Gallery for public viewing.

“Many major galleries across the world have public collections, so as we head towards opening the new HOTA Gallery – Australia’s largest public gallery outside a capital city – this is a huge milestone for us,” Criena said.

“As its name suggests, the City Collection is just that – a collection that belongs to the people of the Gold Coast and the community.”

ependent record store! ya local 'bricks n mortar' ind

Since 1968, the City has been collecting works for the collection, and with the opening of the HOTA Gallery (formerly Gold Coast City Gallery) in 1986, the collection was made available for viewing by the people of the Gold Coast for the first time.

To date, just a small snapshot of the City Collection has been displayed, which contains many significant works of art and reflects key developments in recent Australian art, including abstraction, feminist art, Indigenous art, ceramics and twenty-first century photography.

For more information on the HOTA Gallery and City Collection, visit hota. com.au/collection.

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Introducing Lily Grace Up and coming young country music performer Lily Grace has certainly made her presence felt on the local music scene so far this year. At the tender age of just fifteen, the burgeoning singer-songwriter and guitarist has been wowing anyone within earshot, including respected country music icon James Blundell, with whom she recently performed at BBQ Bazaar, including a special collaborative performance.

Words by Anthony Gebhardt

We recently chatted with Lily to discover (amongst other things) if she’s always been a country loving lass, how she got to share a stage with James Blundell and where she’s heading with her music for the rest of 2021 and beyond.

Can you tell us a bit about your formative musical development and how you came to write and perform your own material?

I started singing when I was ten years old. I always wanted to play the guitar and at twelve, I started learning to accompany my singing. After about eight months I started performing at open mic nights and busking at markets.

I saved up all the money I made busking to purchase an amplifier so I could start gigging in cafes/restaurants.

In June 2019 I attended the CMAA academy of country music in Tamworth. I learnt all about song writing and this inspired me to start writing my own material. Ever since I’ve been writing my own music after school and on the weekends.

Has country music always been your musical passion?

And what is it about the genre that resonates with you so much?

No, I haven’t always been a country musician. I grew up on the music my mum played around the house and this was often country or acoustic-style songs. Before picking up the guitar I mainly played pop songs and would sing to a backing track but soon after learning to play, I started to perform a number of my favourite country songs.

I attended my first Tamworth Country music festival in 2019 and I spent my time busking along Peel Street, competing in the busking championships. This is when I really fell in love with country music. At that festival I was

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fortunate enough to perform in front of 5000 people for the ‘Battle of the Buskers’ grand finale. Being surrounded by the biggest artists in Australian Country was extremely inspiring and their generosity and nurturing support also fuelled my love for country music. Recently I’ve been spending a lot of my time writing and it’s made me realise how much country music is orientated around a story. For me country music is all about storytelling that is raw, real, and relatable.

Are you working on writing and recording any material at the moment and if so when can we expect to hear it?

Yes!!!! I definitely have something in the works. I spent my quarantine writing my own music and working on my craft. I collaborated with a bunch of artists/songwriters and had a ton of fun along the way. I am working on some new music which will be released very very soon.

Who are a few of your biggest musical influences?

Where would you like to take your music for the rest of 2021 and beyond?

I am definitely inspired by a lot of modern country artists like Maddie and Tae, Maren Morris, Tenille Townes, and Morgan Evans. I love them because they write their own music, and they perform that music with so much passion and emotion. They really pour their hearts out on stage which is something that means a lot to me

My dream is to be a musician and have an audience who appreciates my music. I’m only fifteen and at the moment it’s all about having fun and learning as much as I can along the way. I’m hoping to spend the rest of the year performing, posting, writing and releasing my own music and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me.

You recently performed at BBQ Bazaar, both supporting and also collaborating with James Blundell. How did that opportunity come about? And what was the experience like for you?

Late last year I performed with Tania Kernaghan for a Christmas show. Tania has the same manager as James and we were put in contact with each other to put a show together. I LOVE James Blundell. He is one of the kindest and most genuine people in the industry and I have loved getting to know him. The show we played was amazing!!

There was a great crowd that came along to support, a great venue and the show was so much fun to perform.

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Lily is competing in the Bluesfest Grommet Competition and she has an upcoming gig at Sirromet Winery. She regularly performs at pubs and restaurants around the coast so keep an eye on her page @lilygracelive and hopefully you can catch her at a gig.

The Oogars show us the girl in the mirror Four piece, all-female psychedelic rock outfit The Oogars are no strangers to genre fusion, dabbling in 50’s surf rock, Middle Eastern psychedelic and garage classics from across the eras. What these talented Northern Rivers entertainers really shine at however, is their ability to tie their instrumental pastiche with dynamic yet heartfelt vocals.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll - Photography by Capucine Merlant-Pilonchery

With just two singles under their belts since forming in 2018, The Oogars have performed extensively across Australia and Europe, gaining widespread recognition for their captivating live shows. Working around their recent tours with The Babe Rainbow and Nice Biscuit, the group is finally ready to unveil their mesmerising new single and accompany video for ‘Girl In The Mirror’.

Tanisha Cook (guitar / keys / vocals) answered a few question about this long-awaited release.

Love the video! Tell us a bit about each of the characters in it The 'Girl In The Mirror' video was a slow and steady creation. We could write a novel on how deep we could go on the characters but we'll try to keep it short and sweet. Initially it was all inspired from Gemma's lyrics and concept of the song. Emily And I evolved the idea into characters and more of a story line. It's an expression of being trapped in a life that no longer serves the person you have evolved to be.

Firstly we had our dear friend Texas dressed up in baggy dark clothing wearing a mask, which Emily created to represent an Entity that played different roles in each character's reality. Gemma represents an unruly cashier chick that hates her job and is constantly finding ways to occupy her bored and unfulfilled life but the "Boss Entity" is quick to get her back to work. Then we have Emily —

she's dressed as a 70s housewife confined to what society says "she should be doing" as a woman partnered with an ungrateful "Husband Entity".

Then we have Daniella as an office lady stuck behind a screen all day with "Boss Entity" not giving her a break and constantly flooding her with more work and expectations.

Lastly, I was the "Wannabe". We captured photos of Emily dressed up as "Synthia" — a weird unnatural public figure that the wannabe was trying desperately to be like. The Entity in this scene represented a bad friend or a social media platform encouraging the wannabe to not just be her authentic self.

It looked like a helluva lot of fun to film. Were there any memorable experiences during the process?

It was very fun to film! I think the biggest thing was that we had created such strong characters and a clear vision of how it was all gonna look. Then it wasn't until our sets were created and we were in character that we were like shit... we all actually have to "Act" this all out now. It was quite hilarious watching each other really getting into character.

Our director / videographer and editor Millicent Norman helped us a lot with that.

Yes there has been a very spacious gap between releases haha. We have been constantly reminded about that one, we actually recorded this EP a year ago! It's just the way it all flowed I guess. COVID was a tricky one putting a hold on mixing etc and then it took us a while to get the EP sounding how we wanted. We then started preparing for the release during Christmas and New Year, which was nearly impossible. We're all very happy to finally be sharing what we've worked so hard on.

How many tracks are you planning on having on your upcoming EP and are you releasing them all as singles first or will there be a couple of surprises on there? What’s next for The Oogars?

Ooo good question, the EP will have four tracks but we have some pretty exciting things underway you'll just have to wait and see!

Those wily women, keeping us on our toes! You’ll just have to jump over to theoogars.com for more.

You have quite a spaced-out release schedule. Is that deliberate or a case of life getting in the way?

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Felipe Baldomir: Living The Vanlife For indie-folk singer-songwriter Felipe Baldomir, taking his music ‘on the road’ is not just a touring flight of fancy but a lifestyle choice.

Words by Anthony Gebhardt

Having started out on his musical pathway back home in Uruguay as a young man, Felipe progressed to gigging around the South American continent, where his talents saw him support indie starlets Milky Chance, amongst other adventures. Having released his debut record, ‘Nature Speaks’ in late 2017, he took a leap of faith and arrived in Australia in 2018 on a musical and personal sojourn.

Felipe spends time traversing the continent in his trusty van which doubles as a mobile recording studio and playing to the people, wherever the road may take him.

He’s currently based in Byron Bay, having immersed himself into the grass roots local busking scene there.

Felipe certainly tells an interesting tale of how he ended up in this idyllic part of the world, how his travels have shaped his music and what we can expect from him on his upcoming national tour.

A full transcript of the interview can be found on the Blank Street Press website.

What was the catalyst for choosing to come to Australia and following a nomadic/busking type musical pathway - was this similar to how you lived and performed back home?

I first arrived in Sydney in June 2018 and my good friend Simon Ranguis picked me up from the airport and we went back to his place in Bondi. Simon is an Australian muso of Uruguayan descent who’d encouraged me to take the plunge and make the trip.

He said he had to fly to Byron Bay to get his van and drive it back to Sydney and he asked me if I wanted to come with him. I was so jet lagged and I had no idea where I was. I had nothing else to do so I booked my flight and we flew out the next morning.

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We arrived in Byron Bay (I had never heard of if before this trip), picked up the van and drove down to the beach. I went for a walk to town to grab some food and while I was walking down Johnson Street I bumped into Tay Oskee and Ziggy Alberts busking! On my first day in Australia!

It was a pretty magical moment because I was already listening to their music and following their journeys through social media. I stayed for the whole show and got to meet them. I was stoked, I just couldn't believe they were playing in the street! Busking is not a thing back home - you'll probably get robbed if you try! I tagged them on some videos I put up on Instagram and Tay invited me busk with them on my return from my Indo Tour. This just blew my mind.

When I got back from touring Indonesia, Simon went back to teaching music in Sydney and I started busking in the city. After a couple months of busking in Sydney and playing at the Bondi markets and other small gigs I decided to buy a van and make my way back to Byron Bay. Vanlife was totally new for me, it's not a thing where I grew up. Maybe because Uruguay is a much smaller country and South America is not as 'safe'. Having the van gave me so much freedom, and not having the cost of rent allowed me to spend more time pursuing music. Busking in Byron Bay I found my Aussie home and family. I was only coming to Australia for a few months but I ended up staying!

Congratulations on the recent release of your latest album, 'Only Light'. I understand it was inspired by your vanlife travels around Australia. How did you go about writing and recording the tracks during that nomadic time - I hear you turned your van into a mobile recording studio!?

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‘Only Light’ is about my journey in Australia. It's about my travels around the country and the people I met along the way. Falling in love, falling out of love - and everything in between; including being a dishwasher, vanlifer, macadamia farmer and touring musician whilst surfing and exploring the coastline.

I converted my van into a rolling home-studio because I fell in love with living on the road, touring and exploring this beautiful country. I also think that at this stage, it's the only way to do it. It's on the road when I feel inspired the most. When you're constantly traveling, you live so much and you meet so many people and learn all about their different life-stories/experiences.

What’s the most memorable show you’ve performed in Australia so far?

Every show is special but I think a particularly memorable one was in the summer of 2020, when Jack Botts, Kyle Lionhart, Dusty Boots, Ben Camden, Billy Otto, Tay Oskee and myself got together to do a big 'busk' in Byron Bay for bushfire relief. We got a few thousand people coming to the busking session and we raised over $8000!

Having recently released a great new single, ‘Astronaut’, lifted from the ‘Only Light’ album, Felipe Baldomir will be hitting the road again during April and May on a national tour, including a Gold Coast show at the Miami Marketta on 30 April. He’ll also be at The Northern in Byron Bay on 1 May.

Faces of the Gold Coast Faces of the Gold Coast is a local social media enterprise run by mother-daughter team Anne and Alli. Together these passionate creatives interview, photograph and get right to the heart of artists, movers and shakers and members of the Gold Coast community, all in the name of celebrating our people. Follow them at @facesofthegoldcoast.

Jazz D’Arcy Makes A Shining Solo Return To The Spotlight Local composer and singer-songwriter Jazz D’Arcy is no stranger to success. The talented Gold Coast virtuoso has played an integral role in the musical composition of Emmy and AACTA Award winning series ‘Bluey’, and has worked as a composer for multiple feature and short films, which have screened in more than 164 countries.

Words by Philippa Arrowsmith - Photograph by Byron D'Arcy

The latest of Jazz’s feature film projects, ‘This Little Love of Mine’, is set to make its worldwide premiere at HOTA on 16 April as part of the Gold Coast Film Festival, coinciding with the talented composer’s release of the film’s title track. (You can also check out our interview with the film’s director Christine Luby in this edition).

‘This Little Love of Mine’ is a romantic comedy starring Australian actors Saskia Hampele and Liam McIntyre as two childhood friends who reconnect unexpectedly on the tropical island of Sapphire Cove.

Filmed safely during COVID-19, ‘This Little Love of Mine’ was the first Queensland feature to go into production after the global pandemic brought the industry to a standstill. As the composer, Jazz scored the film, explaining that music is fundamental in conveying the right emotions to the audience.

“Music is such an important part of film,” she explained.

“It has a huge influence but if you’re doing it right, your audience shouldn’t notice the music too much and instead just really feel what’s happening on screen.”

‘This Little Love of Mine’ contains over an hour of polished music, prompting an insight into the way Jazz deals with pressure while creating.

“After we chat through all the ideas, my favourite thing to do is go for a long walk and let things marinate,” she told us.

“This gives me time to make some sense out of the ideas swirling around in my brain. The other thing I’ve learned over the years is to let myself ‘play’. Test out all the possibilities and refine it later. Don’t set out with the aim of creating the finished product on the first go.”

A composer by trade but a singersongwriter at heart, you could say that Jazz D’Arcy is an expert at the creative process. Growing up in a family of creatives who encouraged her artistic endeavours, it’s no surprise that Jazz wrote and performed her first song at only eight years old.

Jazz’s eight-year-old debut was just the beginning of many live performances for the budding artist, including opening to 20,000 people at The Sydney Festival alongside Jungle singer, Emma Louise, and performing her original works at the Queensland Music Awards.

After high school, Jazz stepped away from live performing when she discovered the remarkable creative outlet of film composing.

Unsurprisingly, time away from creating her own music has only rekindled Jazz’s steadfast desire to re-emerge as a solo artist. After all, there’s only so long you can keep a performer out of the spotlight.

“I love the puzzle of film scoring and helping to bring someone else’s vision to life,” Jazz said.

“In saying that, I feel at my most free writing and performing my own songs. There’s an ownership and expressiveness about it that I really appreciate and a pure joy that comes from connecting with people through my music.”

Jazz is eager to focus on her own songs this year, announcing a debut EP in the works. Inspired by musical influences including the likes of Florence + the Machine and Maggie Rogers, Jazz aims to create music that hits that sweet spot between making her listeners feel deeply, whilst also getting them on the dance floor.

“It’s been my dream for so long to release an official EP. Through composing, I’ve become a better music producer and I feel like now is the right time to let the songs I’ve been sitting on have their moment.”

Combining angelic vocals, acoustic roots, and smatterings of pop, Jazz D’Arcy’s transition back into the spotlight is sure to dazzle, so we suggest you keep your eyes peeled.

‘This Little Love Of Mine’ is premiering at HOTA on 16 Aprilas part of the Gold Coast Film Festival and you can find Jazz D’Arcy on all major streaming platforms.

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Aaron Gannaway, Musician

what's happening tomorrow. I just feel it's important to appreciate everything around you, right here and now.

Meet Aaron, a dream maker forging his way as a young musician on the GC. I first saw him on an IG post and there was just something about him that was different. I loved that his passion for music keeps him up late writing lyrics that have to be expressed. I loved that he released an EP on his 18th birthday, recorded in his room with one microphone and a guitar. I loved that he taught himself from YouTube.

“I'm completing a degree in education and music because I really want to share my love for it but I have to keep creating. I guess it's everyone's dream to perform on a big scale but my aim is to just connect with people... it's the heart of music.

I caught up with this legend and his guitar. He shared...

"Music is personal. We all interpret our own meanings and there's a lot of emotion. I've always connected with it.

“I'm pretty young so can't fully comprehend the world's heartache however I do write what I feel.

My messages come through. My focus is to live in the moment, disconnect from everything and reconnect with yourself.

“I write a lot about 'time'. We get so caught up in the past or

“I do believe in myself and it's all about the fun too, you gotta enjoy it!”

Anne Janelle

There seems to be a space between our obligations and our dreams.

Perhaps it's in these moments we get to choose. The space of unrelenting resilience, guts and a self-belief that doesn't waiver.

Passion in action, it appears, follows a unique set of rules that cares little for the mundane of mainstream. Perhaps authentic creators don't create for an audience, recognition or a platform. They create because there's no other choice, for the love of the craft, the expression... the dream.

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Local teen who beat cancer helps raise money for sick kids

“Every single one of them was personal, and every one of them thanked me for creating an image that expressed their rage, their frustration, their sadness.

“Having that small connection with these women was so powerful and so life affirming, which is something that I will always cherish.”

A brave young Gold Coast teen who beat cancer has been announced as the local face of Woolworths Easter Fundraising Appeal, which will raise funds for the Gold Coast University Hospital.

Organisers of the march quickly adopted Rae’s design as the header image for their social media accounts, and soon, Rae’s ‘Enough’ became the official logo of the event.

“One of the organisers sent me a message and she said ‘are you ready for your image to become a symbol of this movement?’ and I said ‘Fuck yes!!’,” Rae exclaims.

“My only conditions to it being used was that no one made a profit from it, and any money raised will always go to women’s causes.”

On the day of the Brisbane march, Rae found herself confronted by a sea of banners, masks, signs and t-shirts with her design on them, an experience she describes as “the proudest moment of my life”.

“I definitely had quite a few ‘wtf ’ moments,” Rae laughs.

“And then I cried because I’m super in touch with my emotions, but mostly I just smiled with pride and felt a connection with each person I saw holding it or wearing it.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

In May 2019, when Gold Coast student Jasper was just 15-years-old, he began to experience hip pain. When the pain hadn’t eased by September, his doctors ordered an MRI. The MRI found that Jasper had a tumour in his pelvis, which was later diagnosed as Ewing Sarcoma.

Local artist goes viral with ‘Enough’

His mum, Karli, describes how their world changed in an instant.

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

“Our world was completely flipped on its head – we were completely terrified and overwhelmed with what was ahead,” Karli said.

After months of chemotherapy and radiation, Jasper underwent surgery to remove the cancer, before doing some further follow up chemotherapy, all of which proved successful.

Now 17 years of age and happily cancer free, Jasper still has to return to Queensland Children’s Hospital for regular scans to ensure the cancer hasn’t returned.

Jasper and his family are now sharing their story as the official Gold Coast ambassadors of Woolworths Easter Fundraising Appeal, to encourage locals to donate to the cause in support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Since 2016, local Woolworths customers have helped raise nearly half a million dollars for sick Gold Coast kids through the annual Appeal.

Money raised through such campaigns enables the hospital to vital medical research, life-saving medical equipment, and patient and family-support services at the Gold Coast University Hospital for sick kids and their families.

Customers can support the Easter Fundraising Appeal by simply adding a $2 Easter egg shaped wall token to their shop, or make a donation in-store or online, until 6 April 2021.

To learn more about Children’s Hospital Foundation, visit childrens.org.au.

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We meet the Gold Coast woman behind the iconic ‘Enough’ logo that flooded our feeds during the women’s March 4 Justice a few weeks ago.

Gold Coast artist Rae Mitchell designed the logo (a woman’s face in profile screaming the words ‘ENOUGH’ in red), in a fit of rage and pain.

“The day of the Christian Porter press conference I spent a lot of time in-between a high level of anger and depression, following what was happening on social media,” Rae tells us.

“Each post was more upsetting and more anger-inducing than the last and I seriously just wanted to just stand there and scream, and that’s when the idea for the design formed in my mind.

“So I went home and designed it for myself and my friends to wear to the march.”

“I loved that I was there with Gold Coast Feminists. I loved that we all got to stand behind that sign wearing our t-shirts and being proud, strong feminists together. It was my favourite part of the day.”

The nationwide marches attracted more than 100,000 participants, and have lit a fire under a very public and necessary conversation about rape, consent, and the generations of trauma that women have faced in this country, even at the hands of some of our most powerful citizens.

But it doesn’t end here.

Rae hopes the visibility and momentum of the movement will also bring more local women into the feminism fold.

“I want to help to take social activism to a new level on the Gold Coast with our Gold Coast Feminists group, and also with a recent campaign a friend and I have started - the I Believe Her Project,” she says.

“I want us to help bring about the changes that are needed for women to feel they can report the crimes perpetrated against them and to do so without having to endure another form of assault all over again by the police, the public, the media and our judicial system.”

To get involved in feminism on the Gold Coast, check out Gold Coast Feminists on Meetup, and @goldcoastfeminists on socials. We will have more on the I Believe Her Project in a coming edition, but for now you can follow @ ibelieveherproject.

After posting it to local social and activism group Gold Coast Feminists, where she received an enthusiastic response from her fellow group members, Rae decided to post it to the official March 4 Justice page in case it resonated with anyone else. Turns out, it did.

Wherever you are in Australia, you can call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential information, counselling and support on sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.

“I offered to email high res versions of the image to anyone who wanted to use it for t-shirts, banners or posters and I got close to 1000 emails,” Rae recalls.

Disclaimer: Natalie is the founder of Gold Coast Feminists and the co-founder of the I Believe Her Project.

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Watergum’s Cane Toad Tadpole Trapping

Meet you at the Markets Part 2: Magic Potion

Watergum’s Cane Toad Challenge revolutionises the control of this pest.

Gandhi said, ‘be the change in the world.’ So let’s be that change. By shopping locally and with small businesses

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

Words by Dani Teveluwe

The Cane Toad Challenge is a revolutionary method of cane toad control that uses the toad's own toxins against them. It involves collecting adult cane toads and the trapping of tadpoles in tadpole traps using lures made from cane toad glands.

According to Gold Coast environmental organisation Watergum, each tadpole trap is capable of catching up to 4000 tadpoles in one go, with perseverance of these activities succeeding in almost eradicating toads from members' properties.

So why do it? When the cane toads retreat, native animals flourish, water quality improves and property owners and pets get their gardens back.

Australia’s cane toad problem began in 1935 when 102 cane toads were brought to Queensland to try and tackle the cane beetle which was wreaking havoc for Australian farmers. There are now over 2 billion cane toads in Australia with their numbers increasing every day. Each female cane toad can lay up to 70,000 eggs a year.

Cane toads present a serious threat to pets, wildlife and agriculture through their ability to rapidly reproduce and monopolise habitat, and by possessing a deadly toxin in the glands on the back of their necks. Toads are even toxic after death, so roadkill or discarded toad bodies still present a significant threat to dogs and wildlife. The only solution is to entirely remove them from the environment.

Cane toads have huge appetites and a lack of natural predators which allows them to quickly take over vital habit from Australian wildlife. This means they are a big menace to all Australian species, not just the ones that attempt to eat them such as Goannas and Quolls which have experienced significant decline in some areas due to cane toads.

As well as presenting a significant danger to pets and wildlife, cane toads cause serious issues in agriculture. Their highly toxic egg strings and tadpoles pollute drinking water and adults eat all the dung beetles causing dung to pile up. Where there’s dung, there’s parasites and this leads to serious health problems in cattle, sheep and other farm animals.

Traps can be purchased from Watergum and tadpole lures are free. You can email canetoads@watergum.org for more information, and find out more about Watergum’s Cane Toad Challenge by visiting the watergum.org/cane-toadchallenge, and get prepared for next season.

You won’t find Adam Hill selling his refreshing kombucha at a local market but you will find it stocked in local cafes and retailers sprinkled across the Gold Coast.

His business and product Magic Potion was born from a beautiful place, wanting to provide the local community with a high quality product, sourced as locally as possible whilst supporting health and wellbeing.

Blank recently caught up with Adam recently to chat about his business and the philosophy behind it all.

A few years ago, Adam began brewing his own kombucha - a sparkling fermented tea packed full of probiotic goodness - with a focus on optimising his health.

He began brewing the drink at home and soon demand began to grow as he began to sell to friends and family. Before he knew it, Magic Potion was born.

Nowadays Adam brews over 1000L per week, with delicious blends including ginger, hibiscus, chamomile and pineapple - to name a few.

Magic Potion fitted logically with Adam’s philosophy and lifestyle. Brewing the product from his factory in Tweed Heads and distributing it to local customers and businesses, he created a successful small business that is both sustainable and

Blank - issue #85 - April 2021

creates a positive connection within the community.

Adam is incredibly passionate about community and local spending. He sources a lot of his ingredients from local farmers and growers; the sugar he ferments with his kombucha with comes from Murwillumbah and the ginger, lime, turmeric and mint is purchased from local farmers residing in the Tweed Valley.

Adam prides himself in keeping his business as local as possible.

“Magic Potion Kombucha has gained traction with those people who want an authentic homestyle kombucha, as close to the real thing as possible,” Adam tells me, adding that freshly juiced ginger and turmeric are added to his kombucha just before it’s bottled. Because sugar is consumed during fermentation, each bottle contains only 3g sugar, or 12 calories.

“Not only does our kombucha introduce beneficial yeast, bacteria and enzymes into your gut, but because of its acid nature it draws out beneficial nutrients from the herbs so they become most easily digestible,” Adam says.

To purchase a carton of Magic Potion kombucha, touch base with Adam via his Instagram at @magicpotionkombucha.

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Saint Barae’s Queer Anthem

Frantic Post Punk

Local Collab Of The Year

Low-Key Psych Rock At Its Finest

Saint Barae has given us his first release of 2021 with the stunning new single ‘Boys!’ In his own words Saint Barae describe the track perfectly - “Boys! is a queer anthem - it's a call for the disenfranchised to storm the dancefloor: glamorous, flamboyant, and most of all, free.”

Lush synths and rich layered vocals help create an emotive, powerful soundscape that masterfully sits between dance floor banger and a soundtrack to a Sunday afternoon.

The all-star Gold Coast collaboration of the month, and perhaps even the year, is the new track by prolific music makers daste featuring the beautiful vocals of DVNA. ‘here with me’ offers the groove-heavy, slow burning goodness that we’ve come to love from the local three-piece featuring masterfully simplistic production and vocal harmonies that will melt in your ears. A lustful track written on a rainy day during COVID lockdown, ‘here with me’ has us excited for what’s to come on the band’s long awaited forthcoming debut album.

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One of the Gold Coast’s most underrated bands Girl and Girl have just released their frantic post punk single ‘White Tiles’.

Charging along with the energetic drumming of Aunty Liss (who is quite literally the Aunty of band member Kia) the track channels the gothic styles of The Cure with a charming nonchalance that will have you hooked from the very first listen. Check out the band’s past singles for more gems like this one.

With the amount of touring and accolades that The Oogars have achieved it’s hard to believe that the local four-piece have only released three singles since forming in 2018. Clearly choosing quality over quantity their latest offering ‘Girl In The Mirror’ is low-key psych rock at its finest, mixing spaghetti western guitar with a lazy rhythm section over a drooling, yet commanding lead vocal. Complete with an excellent David Lynch-inspired video clip that takes a creepy turn, ‘Girl In The Mirror’ was well and truly worth the wait. Check out our interview with The Oogars in this edition.

Raw Deep Keep Us Guessing

The Year For Lily Papas

Always keeping us guessing with their wonderfully diverse sounds, Raw Deep have just released the melancholy piano rock jam ‘Squeezing My Heart’. Led by the unmistakable vocal of Nathan Lindsay, the track moves along, effortlessly painting a melodic picture of a quest to escape a onesided relationship. As the sixth consecutive single for the band in just over a year, we are loving seeing the progression from this band and can’t wait for what’s to come.

One of the Gold Coast’s most promising upcoming stars, Lily Papas, has released to us yet another single from her forthcoming album with the dark pop anthem ‘Freak’. Complete with a saucy accompanying video, the cinematic track plays out a tumultuous relationship over a driving rhythm and Lily’s commanding vocals. Having just supported Vera Blue for two massive shows at The Fortitude Music Hall and with an album on the cusp of release, surely 2021 is the year for Lily Papas.

boWsER Just Keep Getting Better

Cameron Maher Speaks From The Heart

Gold Coast Rock veterans boWsER have released an absolute beast of an album this month titled ’Whispers From The Wicker Man’. Describing the record as “what three dudes making rock music in a dark room sounds like” the 11 tracks draw clear influence from Queens Of the Stone Age, producing a complex, riff heavy body of work full of catchy hooks and intricate musical parts. The kind of record that just keeps getting better with every listen, ’Whispers From The Wicker Man’ is easily one of the strongest local releases of the year so far. Check out our full review in this edition.

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Local multi-instrumentalist Cameron Maher has followed up his 2020 debut album with the release of another raw and engaging body of work. ‘4 Songs 4 You’ features four vastly different self produced tracks ranging from the piano ballad ‘If I Stayed’ to the up beat pop of ‘I’ve Been Trying’.

Traversing young love through musical expression, Cameron Maher’s ‘4 Songs 4 You’ is an authentic EP written straight from the heart.

Josh King’s Emotive Pop Package

After a string of impressive single releases through 2020, Josh King has stitched things together this month with the release of his debut EP ‘Guess We’re Strangers Now’. Featuring two previously unreleased tracks ‘The Game’ and ‘ I Still Miss You’ the EP is bursting with catchy melodies, polished sounds and slick production.

Josh King’s passionate vocal style portrays the running theme of love and heartbreak, offering an emotive pop package that will be stuck in your head all day.

The Silencio’s Epic Rock The Silencio have gone back to back with the release of their second consecutive single in as many months. “Crossroads” is a truly epic alt-rock track, hosting a plethora of sounds ranging from orchestral moments to heavy rock choruses and progressive instrumentation.

The accompanying video reflects on times of isolation and features the familiar sight of band members performing separately at home, with performance footage interspersed with escapist nature shots. With more tracks and videos set to be drip fed to listeners over the coming months, The Silencio plan on painting a full picture ahead of the release of their forthcoming sophomore album later in the year.

Candice Dianna’s Powerful Tribute

Candice Dianna is channeling some serious RnB vibes on her powerful new single ‘Love Peace Help The World’. Inspired by the final words left by Candice’s late nephew who tragically took his own life at the age of 17, the track was released on the one-year anniversary of his death to help spread his message further. Truly stunning stuff here from Candice Dianna.

Harry J Hart’s PopRock Belter

Harry J Hart has made a huge statement with the climatic first single from his forthcoming EP ‘Make It Easy’. Beginning with just a guitar part and Harry’s vocal, the song quickly builds into a fully-fledged pop-rock belter with the help of masterful production and cleaver instrumentation.

‘Make It Easy’ has pop at its core, channeling both the singer songwriter sound of Dean Lewis and the anthemic rock of Sheppard. Impressive stuff here from Harry J Hart.

50 LGE Authentic Vintage Rock

50 LGE bring guitars to the front with their latest vintage rock EP ‘Loaded’. The opening tracks ‘Coachella’ and ‘World’ offer straight up meat n’ potatoes rock n’ roll while the closing two mix things up a bit with the instrumental surf vibes of ‘Hooked’ and the punk attitude of ‘Raising Cain’. Without much of an online presence to speak of and preferring to release their material on vinyl, 50 LGE are as authentic as they come.

Satisvibes Bring The Summer Vibes

Satisvibes are holding onto the summer vibes with their reggaefueled debut single ‘Beautiful Kaos’. Based around a classic onedrop reggae formula, the track pushes along confidently with the help of a tactful horn section and smooth dub production. The first single from a forthcoming EP that was put on hold due to border restrictions, ’Beautiful Kaos’ puts Satisvibes back on track, with a lot more in store for fans in 2021.

Lust Is In The Air

It seems that lust is in the air this month with yet another intimate track here from local favorite Doolie. ‘Woke Up Feeling Dramatic’ offers the signature downtempo R&B/electronica production that has earned the young artist national acclaim and millions of streams over the past few years. Written about the feeling of infinite possibility with a new lover, ‘Woke Up Feeling Dramatic’ is another strong release set to build upon Doolie’s growing profile.

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Blank - issue #85 - April 2021

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Family Jordan Big Grass

boWsER Whispers From The Wicker Man Local heavy alt-rock juggernaut boWsER were initially active in the mid to late 2000s, signing a worldwide publishing deal with EMI and earning a coveted support slot for The Eagles Of Death Metal on their Australian tour, before embarking on a lengthy creative hiatus.

The power packed three-piece (consisting of lead singer and guitarist Brad Weynton, bassist Otto Mitter and drummer Nathan Williams) resurfaced in 2019 and have now stepped up to deliver their much anticipated debut album, ‘Whispers From The Wicker Man’, working with renowned producer Steve James, whose production credits include Shihad, The Superjesus and The Screaming Jets.

Across the album’s eleven molten nuggets, the band lay down their hard rocking, melodically-infused musical manifesto, for which they’ve given their own unique moniker - #volcanicrock. And the album does indeed erupt hard and often - or in the words of Mitter (who we recently interviewed for the magazine) “boWsER has this vibe that is heavy but at the same time has a groove to it. Kind of like a big Walrus on the dance floor, it barges on through and certainly leaves its mark.”

Opening number, ‘Renegade’, starts off on a vaguely middle eastern trip before detonating into a tightly wound modern rock groove driven by an insistently ringing riff.

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Recent single, ‘Supersonic’, is one of the album’s stone-cold highlights, it’s tight, catchy riffage and instantly memorable chorus packing a tautly melodic punch that is sure to gain them a swathe of new fans. And be sure to check out the track’s animated clip, with the band represented as animated neon robots, while also playing as a homage to much-loved 2000s Gold Coast music venue The Chophouse.

2019 single ‘People In The TV’ touches upon the themes of paranoia in an ever more insidious multimedia age, the song locking immediately into a head nodding groove, an arrangement both catchy and inventive and resplendent in vocal stylings which bring to mind rock titans Queens Of The Stone Age. Elsewhere, numbers such as ‘Animals’ and ‘Killed A Roman’ straddle a tightrope between poppy bounce and spiky rock edginess. ‘Wicker Man’ is another of the album’s high watermarks and encapsulates all of the band inherent strengths while adding a spacy mid-song interlude to complement its relentless rock riffage and memorable chorus.

With ‘Whispers From The Wicker Man’, boWsER have delivered a highly impressive volcanic rock-bomb which can lay claim as an early contender for local album of the year.

Anthony Gebhardt

Holiday Maker Records is a new Gold Coast label, with a focus on cultivating an immersive creative dynamic amongst its developing roster of kindred spirit walkers and renegades.

For exhibit A in the Holiday Maker gallery of album releases, we’re presented with the new offering from Northern Rivers collective Family Jordan, entitled ‘Big Grass’. And for album number four they’ve delved into their traditionalist roots to deliver a heartfelt suite of country and folk rock-tinged laments channelling the cream of songwriting craft of yonder.

Key creative kingpin Jordan Rochfort leads the band through an eleven-song opus which hangs together seamlessly as a cohesive whole, creating a thematic mood and consistent feel inherent within the finest offerings of the Laurel Canyon crew of the heady 70s.

Rochefort’s musical cohort Samuel Joseph plays a key role in the vibe of the record, his banjo and pedal steel flourishes adding the tone and texture to his band leader’s wistful, ebbing vocals and classicallyinfused songcraft.

Setting the grassy scene with a breezy instrumental opening number entitled ‘Adios’, the band then proceed to hitch their band-wagon to the dusty highcountry trails and roll into town with the splendidly titled ‘Sideburn #16’.

The album’s title track (named in homage to the caravan in which Rochfort resided while writing the album) is one of the album’s highlights; three minutes of bouncy, country inflected perfection

Blank - issue #85 - April 2021

embellished with the tasteful strains of Kellie Murphy’s violin, in turns doleful and jaunty.

‘Stillness’ is a gorgeously emotive number fleshed out with weepy pedal steel flourishes as Rochfort lays bears his predicament in a three-minute songwriting masterclass; “Pink is the colour of unconditional love and I’ve been wearing pink for too long.”

‘Let Me In’ is a memorable country strummer featuring sweet female vocal co-harmonising from Mylee Grace, while elsewhere the band show their versatility and fearlessness in busting out a cover of the track ‘Crying Eyes’, its piano driven strains paying reverential homage to its originator, critically lauded American singer-songwriter J.J Cale.

Another striking feature of the album is the evocative rainforest sleeve artwork in which it resides, displaying a classic 1865 print called ‘Fern Tree Gully’ by Nicholas Chevalier.

Final number, ‘Sally’, is yet another sweetheart of the rodeo, illuminating all of the band’s charms within a rousing, multi layered chorus that lingers on the breeze and in the grass.

With ‘Big Grass’, Family Jordan have delivered a song-suite that effortlessly flits between wistful contemplation and jaunty exuberance, playing as a cohesive listening whole, just like records used to be made.

It’s the type of album that repays multiple listenings, and one which will immerse itself into your country-fried heart if you give it the chance.

Anthony Gebhardt

The Sunday BBQ - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Thursday 15 April

Yasmina Despot - Roosevelt Lounge

Friday 2 April

Thursday 8 April

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge Michael Hickey - The Lucky Squire

Dicklord + Blussh + Rash - Vinnies Dive Bar

Electric Jaxx - The Avenue Favorite Son - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Saturday 3 April

Naomi Connell - Pasture & Co Jay Hoad - Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe The Gin Buggs - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge Sean Fitzgerald Miami Marketta Non Stop Pop - Southport Sharks Ella Belfanti - Miami Marketta VALHALORE - Mo's Desert Clubhouse Darren Middleton + Lily Papas - Miami Marketta Valhalore - Mo's Desert Clubhouse Michael Hickey - Bar 11

Yasmina Despot Roosevelt Lounge

Friday 9 April Mark Bono - The Coolangatta Hotel Rush Hour Band Southport Sharks Mr Troy - Labrador AFL Sports Club Inc Jordan McRobbie Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Friday 16 April Stephen Lovelight - Labrador AFL Sports Club Inc Pete C & Dr Baz - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Vaudeville Smash + Wayward Suns - Miami Marketta Brad Johns - The Coolangatta Hotel Brooke Supple - Currumbin RSL The Switch - Southport Sharks Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge Esther Hannaford - Twin Towns

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

Selfish Sons + Order Sixty6 + DENNIS. - Vinnies Dive

Nick Cunningham + Mardi Wilson - Miami Marketta

Fridays on the Lawn: Briana Drisdale - HOTA

Fridays on the Lawn: Kahlia - HOTA Jay Brown - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Saturday 10 April Jason Delphin - The Coolangatta Hotel Dubarray - Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe

Beats for Boots Fundraising Event - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Saturday 17 April Gavin Doniger - North Kirra Surf Life Saving Club Noy Ben Ami - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Michael Hickey - Pearls Bar

Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose

Sunday 25 April

Kids Take Over: Mini Music Festival with Justine Clarke HOTA

Naomi Connell - Freeman's Organic Farm

Hidden Intent: Odinfest After Party - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Kevin & Nuz (Koi Boys) - Koi

Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose Jack Casey - Burleigh Brewing Co

Wednesday 21 April

Lima Manu - Maggie Choo

Austin Mackay + Gaudion + Tully John & Liza-Jane - Miami Marketta

Tuesday 27 April

Thursday 22 April

Yasmina Despot - Roosevelt Lounge Spacey Jane (SOLD OUT) Miami Marketta

Friday 23 April

Echos of the Jazz Age - HOTA

Thursday 29 April Yasmina Despot - Roosevelt Lounge The Badloves - Southport Yacht Club

Apprehension Avenue + Human Dinosaur Machine + Buckled+ Lifespan - Vinnies Dive Bar

Friday 30 April

Legends of Rock - Southport Sharks Strictly Acoustic - The Coolangatta Hotel

Issi Dye - The Gold Coast ItaloAustralian Club

Michael Hickey - The Lucky Squire James Palmer Duo - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Steven Michael - Currumbin RSL

Brett Healy - Labrador AFL Sports Club Inc

Greg Wall - The Coolangatta Hotel Alivan Blu - Currumbin RSL Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge Will Henderson - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

Mr Troy - Labrador AFL Sports Club Inc

Felipe Baldomir + Dusty Boots Miami Marketta

Peter Hunt - Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge

Fridays on the Lawn: Lawson Doyle - HOTA

Selve + VERY special guest to be announced - Miami Marketta

The Riot - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Aussie Pride Band - Southport Sharks

Saturday 24 April

Sunday 11 April

Ondre Davis - Burleigh Brewing Co

Gavin Doniger - North Kirra Surf Life Saving Club

Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose

Women of Rock (tribute show) CBD Live

Brad Johns - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Naomi Connell - Currumbin RSL

Lima Manu - Maggie Choo

Ollie Twohill - Tyalgum Hotel

Dreams Show - Tribute to Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks - Miami Marketta

Butterfinger (SOLD OUT) - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Sunday 4 April Alby Damn - Burleigh Brewing Co Michael Hickey - The Star Gold Coast Benno & Kesh - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Kevin & Nuz (Koi Boys) - Koi Soul'd - Fishermans Wharf Tavern

Yasmina Despot - The Loose Moose FNM: The Iconic Sound of Faith No More - Mo's Desert Clubhouse Lima Manu - Maggie Cho

Ryan Livings - Roosevelt Lounge The Jacks Band - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Locky - The Coolangatta Hotel Maddy May + Steve Cousins + Steph Strings - Miami Marketta Braiden Penwarn Burleigh Brewing Co

Kevin & Nuz (Koi Boys) - Koi Michael Hickey - The Star Gold Coast

Wednesday 7 April

Late For Woodstock - The Coolangatta Hotel

GC Jazz and Blues Club: The Trombone Kellie Gang - HOTA

Mark Wilkinson - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple

Sunday 18 March Ben Whiting - Currumbin RSL Lima Manu - Maggie Choo Lisa Hunt - The Coolangatta Hotel James D'Khan - Burleigh Brewing Co Kevin & Nuz (Koi Boys) - Koi Blank - issue #85 - April 2021

Lann Levinge - Southport Sharks

Hands Like Houses + Agnes Manners - The Coolangatta Hotel

Gig Guide brought to you in partnership with Gigl.

To list your gig visit gigl.com.au OR email gigs@blankstreetpress. com.au

Disco Disciples - The Coolangatta Hotel Ryan Livings Roosevelt Lounge Matty Rogers Currumbin RSL Jason Delphin - Burleigh Brewing Co Karin Schaupp and Orva Qurtet - HOTA

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Blank - issue #85 - April 2021