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FEATURING THE A-Z OF TASMANIAN ORIGINAL MUSIC SAT 16TH SEP SAT 23RD SEP SAT 30TH SEP COMING SOON
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Dan Kellyand
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omedy Fe (International Melb C
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Tasmania Goes Into a State of Emergency with
THE LIVING END BY JONES
They’re all over your TV, on your radio, and now in SAUCE. Bassist Scott Owen gave us a Tasmanian exclusive in the lead-up to their gigs down here. It’s been noted that the recording process for “State Of Emergency” was quite stressful. Can you explain why that was and how the making of this album differed to its predecessor “Modern Artillery”? What pressures does a band experience when they commence work on a new album? Recording is always stressful for many different reasons, the concurrent one being that we always stress that we are getting the best ideas down on tape in the time we have and not leaving stones unturned. This is a pressure we put upon ourselves. Time is always a stress for us too. For some reason no matter how much time we allocate ourselves we always seem to be rushing at the end and having to go overtime which is not a good thing for a clear head when trying to assess what we have done and gather some perspective near the end of it.
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…Everyone was jumping up and down so much that they created a giant hole in the floor…
and his energy and enthusiasm in the studio rarely slows. The “All States Of Emergency” tour is your largest national tour to date and incorporates some towns you’ve never performed in before. What’s it like playing to a new regional audience and how do these shows differ from major city gigs? I always find that regional audiences are much more enthusiastic than city audiences with the exception of our hometown, Melbourne. I think the fact that regional audiences aren’t spoilt with an option for many gigs and venues means that when gigs happen in those areas there is more excitement and it becomes more of an event. I love doing these long tours because you really fall into a habit of playing every night that builds up your own energy the longer it goes on and by playing every night we become more and more tuned.
we did a tour supporting Perth band Jebediah and we played at the saloon bar. It was really packed to the brim and everyone was jumping up and down so much that they created a giant hole in the floor. The security put a giant wooden box over the hole so no one fell in it and everyone spent the rest of the gig stage diving off it. It was one of the wildest things I have ever seen. The Living End play Launceston’s Albert Hall on the 15th September & Hobart’s City Hall on the 16th of September.
THE LIVING END
”
Why did you choose to work with Nick Launay (Midnight Oil, Silverchair, Nick Cave) as producer this time around? We used Nick on “Roll On” and he proved to be a big asset on that album, especially in the sounds he was able to get by using pretty traditional recording techniques. In the studio he has a way, I think, of getting the most out of a band playing together rather than layering the rhythm tracks too much which I felt was a mistake we made on “Modern Artillery”. He also has a well of ideas when it comes to song arranging, which we need because we have millions of ideas on this and he was able to hear out and filter a lot of the ideas flying around the room when it becomes confusing. On top of that his experience making all styles of music is valuable
You’re a band that seems to cater well for the all-ages market, how important is the all-ages audience to you? Over the years we’ve continued to appeal to young people so it is very important that we do gigs for them too. I think it great for a younger audience to get an affinity with live music in this day and age where it is easy to be entertained without going out and being social. How do you keep the pace up? What do you guys do on the road to maintain the high energy levels required for your dynamic and demanding performances? Nothing specific really, I guess our philosophy is that we really do want to put on a great show every night so that means whatever you during the day cant be anything that will put the gig in jeopardy so we TRY and do whatever we can to look after ourselves. What’s your fondest memory about Launceston? I remember a long time ago when
Convict History with
THE DRONES BY DAVE WILLIAMS & JULIA NIXON-DOUGLAS
more you enjoy it, the better it is. You have chosen two songs on the album which deal with the life and death of convicts. How did that come about? It’s a fascination. How could you not be fascinated by
“
How could you not be fascinated by a guy who ate his friends?
Their last album, “Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float By” scored them the Australian Music Prize, but what inspired their new album, “Gala Mill”? A fascination for Tasmania and our black convict history, it seems. Dave Williams caught up with singer/guitarist Gareth Liddiard to talk about the album and the inspiration of our island.
”
a guy who ate his friends? When you’re taught all that shit in school they, you know, fuck up. They just omit all the interesting stuff to…I don’t know…to protect you from the awful truth. But if they just fucking told you the awful truth…the country’s IQ would go through the fucking roof. And, like…Alexander Pearce. People in a situation like that become…their environment really sort of fucks them up.
Did you guys set out to make a particular type of album with this? Once we decided we were going to do it in Tassie, then it started to take shape. If we went up to New York to record it, it would have been a way more different sounding record. The surroundings affected it so much. It’s such a beautiful place but has such a heavy past. It [the album] has that brooding thing like Tassie has. Overall prediction: more critical acclaim and more record sales than “Wait Long by The River…”, or less? There’s nothing on it as a single. I think for that reason it will be a little bit less flogged on the radio. Critical acclaim, we might get a bit of that… The less people have to do with music, the more I listen to them in a sense. Music, it’s not something for the experts. If some granny walked up and said “love your record” it’d be like, “Cool, that’s a good record”. The Drones play Hobart’s Republic Bar on October 6th and Launceston’s James Hotel on the 7th.
This has got a fair bit of Tassie embedded in the album. It was recorded there ...We had a week off with nothing to do really…we figured if it [the album] sucked we’d knock it off and if it was good we’d put it out. Do you compare one body of work with another? It’s a hard thing to do. It’s hard to compare motivations when you’re involved in making the finished product. It was more of a holiday than making a record. It wasn’t a stressful, watching the clock experience…it’s just a record for the sake of being a record. The rule of thumb with music is, don’t care too much about it. Put the work in but don’t worry too much about it… The
Audioslave
R e v e l at i o n s
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Comparing High School Soundtracks with
Under The Covers With
DAN KELLY & THE ALPHA MALES
TEX PERKINS
The eighties are back. Yeah ‌ have been for a while. And so it’s no surprise that one of the most influential bands of the decade, The Smiths, is still making its mark, with their influence on his new album, being acknowledged by talented songwriter, Dan Kelly, who’s touring Tassie soon, with his band The Alpha Males. But influences are hard to get away from, especially when they’re family, and you’ve got an Uncle Paul.
It started in Tassie, Australia’s latest musical TNT ‌ actually, it’s T’N’T, with Tex ‘n’ Tim. It was an organic thing – they saw each other around gigs, then got to know each other as friends, before making music together. And their first gig together was in Hobart. They tested themselves against us. It must have tested ok, ‘cause soon they’ll be back to launch the project, properly. Before the trip, Tex talked about the project, about stabbings and strippers in Adelaide, amongst other things.
BY DAVE WILLIAMS
The title of the album, “Drowning in the Fountain of Youthâ€? – is that a stab at western society’s obsession with youth? Yeah, I definitely tried to deal with that a little bit in the songs. Plastic surgery‌I was thinking a lot about
that stuff. Thematically‌yeah – I think you’re pretty bang-on there. The track “Babysitters of the World Uniteâ€? – as a big Smiths fan, I saw that title and thought it was some reference to their track “Shoplifters of the World Uniteâ€?. To what extent am I right? Well, I wrote the song, and there was something really Smiths-y about some of the chord changes in it. And it just seemed like a good title, because it’s about a babysitter in a way – it just occurred to me. And I was a massive Smiths fan as I grew up. They were a really big band for me when I was a teenager, and Morrissey’s lyrics and his wit. Did you get the black overcoat, the boots and the
Publisher / Editor David Williams
“
I even liked The Cult; [in high school] they seemed revolutionary!
�
eyeliner going? No, I wasn’t really one of those guys at all. There were guys at my school who were into that, so I could talk to them about The Smiths and The Cure. That was great. But I was kind of put off by that. In high school, we were into Detroit Rock and Velvet Rifles and The Hard-Ons; those types of bands. I even liked The Cult; at the time they seemed revolutionary! (Laughs) I had people in my family who were into music, feeding me The Smiths. Then I found kids at school who were into them, and I was like, “Wow! This band is fucking great!â€? And they’d just broke up! To find out that you’re into this band who broke up six months ago, it’s really depressing! (Laughs) You probably get asked this question all the time, but I see some similarities in your songwriting to that of your uncle, especially in regard to social commentary, and also dealing with personal relationships. How do you feel about that? (Laughs) I just think‌ I grew after listening to him, and paying real attention to what he did. So I’d be his number one fan in the world, I’d say – I’d be surprised if anyone knew more Paul Kelly songs‌apart from the guys in his band, because they have to! It’s always impressed me. I’ve worked really hard to not sound like him, but what’s good about his songwriting is his economy, and the way that, with a little turn-of-phrase, it just hits you emotionally‌ ‌The poetry of it‌ Yeah, but without ever trying to be a poet; no wank factor. I think that you’ve got to take lessons from your family, and that I think is stuff he’s been trying to show me‌without ever saying anything, because he’s not the type of guy to sit you down and tell you what to do. They’re the lessons I’ve been trying to learn from him. To me, they still seem like good lessons. And John Lee Hooker; he doesn’t sound like anyone else in the world, but when you hear him interviewed, he goes, “My uncle taught me to play guitar – I totally ripped-off my uncleâ€?. No one’s heard of John Lee Hooker’s uncle, so I think, “Fuck it, that’s alright then!â€? Dan Kelly & The Alpha Males play Hobart’s Republic Bar on the 15th of September and Launceston’s James Hotel on the 16th.
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it’s a good split. I’m happy. I think I would kill myself if I was in a band where you look down into the audience and it’s just young blokes yelling at you. And I think a room full of women yelling at you is just as frightening (laughs). This just occurred to me as I was rushing to the toilet before this interview‌ Publicity people usually arrange all the interviews – have you ever got a list of all of them, and you’ve said, “No way! There’s no way I’m doing an interview with that person!â€? I think I have. I probably wouldn’t go back to “Ralphâ€? magazine. As I said about the audience full of men‌ they just have the “menâ€? kind of mentality. “Ralphâ€? really don’t have much respect for me and artists like me. That sounds a bit like what I’ve read you describing what growing up in Brisbane was like. It has been similar here in Tasmania, I think. Yeah‌I grew up in Brisbane, and I spent a length of time in the early eighties in Adelaide‌very similar experience. Back then, before the sort of “cultural revolutionâ€? where the underground became the mainstream‌ It’s no big deal to see someone with blue hair walking down the street. But back then, if you had a short haircut in 1981, people would yell out of their cars. You didn’t have to do much to attract the heat in places like that.
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I feel like I’ve been following you around, because I spent the latter part of my teens in Adelaide. The whole skinheads vs. rockers era – do you remember that? Yeah. I was actually more aware of the skinhead/ rocker thing going in Perth; that was even still going on in the early nineties, that whole “tribeâ€? sort of thing. [Back then, in Adelaide, you had a girlfriend, that stripped.] Was that something you had to come to terms with? Or were you pretty easy with it from the start? Oh, yeah, yeah. (Laughs) She hated men! She wasn’t whoring‌it really was just stripping. I didn’t feel any sort of jealousy. She was exploiting men, rather than‌she didn’t do much pleasing of them! (Laughs) She wasn’t the most seductive stripper! Talking about the T’N’T project – how did the Tex and Tim thing begin? I’ve known Tim for a long time. Most of that time, we’ve been sort of “rock industry matesâ€?, where we’d see each other at festivals and award shows and the odd gig. There’d be lots of gaps in between the times that we’d see each other. In the last couple of years, we’ve just been hanging around each other socially, like real friends do. We started going to football matches and going out together, and getting drunk together‌a lot. And then the light bulb went off in my head, and I said, “Look; we’re spending a lot of money on alcohol. Why don’t we put this on a stage, get our drinks for free, and then get paid for it?â€? T’N’T’s album “My Better Halfâ€? is out now.
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Contents 3-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22 24 24 25-27 28
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I probably wouldn’t go back to “Ralph� magazine.
SATURDAY: DJ SKIP
Deadlines Sauce #31 (Oct 06) Adver tising Booking: 25/08/06 Adver tising Ar twork: 26/09/06 Gig Guide: 26/08/06 Editorial: 26/08/06 Address: Po Box 5094, Launceston, Tas, 7250 Phone: 03 6331 0701
Do you think you’ve got a larger male or female fan-base? I reckon it’s fairly split, you know? From my observations; from just looking out at the crowd,
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BY DAVE WILLIAMS
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The Thirty-Two Year Wait For
Tasmania is Wide Awake for
THE NEW YORK DOLLS
THE SLEEPY JACKSON
BY DAVE WILLIAMS
BY TOM WILSON
spent so much time recording it, and we weren’t sure… When you hear the songs so many times, you’re like, “Argh!” But we actually released it, and people were like, “Yeah, we love it!” Some people need to give it a few listens, and some people just love it straight away. We haven’t had any bad reviews yet; no one’s gone, “Man, that’s a crappy album!”
When you said that you think the music suffered for the long time where you guys didn’t produce a Dolls album, do you mean rock music in a global sense? Or do you mean New York Dolls music? No, I really mean overall in rock ‘n’ roll music, because we had so much to give. And it sort of got missed-out and taken the wrong way, and we were looked upon on the way we dressed and the
The New York Dolls are, simply, the Beatles of attitude. Thirty five years into their existence (thirty one since they disbanded down in Florida in a haze of smack withdrawal and managerial anarchy), with three men down, they can still take your band, pretty for pretty, ugly for ugly, onstage. And now, with the long (long) awaited follow up to 1974’s awesome “Too Much, Too Soon.” Sylvain Sylvain wanted to talk. The name of the album, it’s saying, “Someday we’ll be happy, even about this”. So that title isn’t talking about the album, it’s talking about the moment of now; of what’s happening in the world. Exactly – how we perceive this world. It’s a bad situation, sometimes. And it usually is, but you’ve still got to live. This is your time on earth; this is your life, so you’ve got to make the best of every moment, and never have any regrets. Just do it. Do you think you should have made an album before thirty-two years had passed? Of course! Yes, I do. I think the music as a whole kind of suffered. The only thing that’s kept us really apart all these years is that we were all successful individually. So we got signed, and had contracts to fulfil…it’s not that we lost those deals and had to get back together again. It’s just…even when we make records on our own, they’re very different than when we put it together and it sounds like the New York Dolls.
(Laughs) Give it time. Yep! Bring it on! (Laughs) With most creative endeavours, when you look back on them after working on it for so long, it’s common to have one or two things that you’re not happy with. Do you think this is true of you and the album? I guess there’s always going to be something. The hardest part of when you’re recording something is when to stop, because you always want to just put something in or fix that bit up. But you know once you mix it and master it and it goes out there, you go, “That’s it; we’ve got to be happy with it, because that’s going to be there forever, even after we’ve passed away.”
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A n d I d o n ’t b l a me it on a n yo n e e l se but o u r se l ve s… a n d hero i n .
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way we carried on instead of what we were singing about, and what our music said. And they told us that it was a weak seller, and it wasn’t a big seller back then. And they took it off the catalogues, and it kept selling for thirty-five years. So we must have done something right. I think we could have given a few more records; we could have kept it together. And I don’t blame it on anyone else but ourselves…and heroin. It’s one of those things that really stifles creativity. Well, it’s something that…how can I put it? It can’t be dealt with. It’s such a killer. How did you end up kicking it? Did you go with a program, or did you go cold turkey? You know what? It was a combination of a lot of things. It was a combination of being famous and not making any money. [That’s] A. B – my marriage had fallen apart, and I became a single dad. That hurt me tremendously – that really changed my life. Then I just surrounded myself with those who really cared and those who really mattered, instead of the ones who just wanted to push whatever they wanted to sell. It certainly turned out to be like that for me, anyways.
These are busy times for the Sleepy Jackson, but then, albums can do that. Their second album, “Personality (Once Was a Spider, Once Was a Bird)”, released last month, was an album they needed to get right. With the band about to embark on another tour that will take them down to our shores. Malcolm Clarke dropped me a line.
I know it’s early days yet, but when you guys go back in the studio, what direction would you personally like to take with the next album? Would you like to keep a consistent flow? Or would you like to go somewhere different? Ah…Not too sure, actually. I’m really liking using strings. This is the first time we’ve ever worked like that, with strings and things like that – lots of vocals and stuff. Now we’re kind of, “Okay, we’ve done that, and we’ve sussed that out for the first time.” So I reckon we’ll do something similar, but take it a bit further, you know?
What have the reactions been to “Personality…” so far? At first it was a little bit nervous…because we just
The Sleepy Jackson play the Uni Bar in Hobart on the 7th of September.
The new album “One Day it will Please Us to Remember Even This” is out now.
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(The Old Canoe ‘N’ Surf)
Behind The Beauty, There’s The Brains of
JAMES ASH OF THE BY DAVE WILLIAMS
ROGUE TRADERS will be basically just for Europe, setting up the next single over there, which will be “Watching You”. And also setting up “Voodoo Child”, our first single, throughout the mainland territories in Europe. So the US will be sometime next year, as will be Japan. You’re back in Australia now – how long until the tour, and how much rehearsal will you do before? We’ll do a lot of rehearsing. Basically I’m just finishing off a lot of songs at the moment, to make sure that we’ve got a lot of extra material to perform during the show. The focus at the moment is just getting the tour right. We’re looking forward to putting on something a bit special.
However you feel about Aussie electrorockers Rogue Traders, one thing is undeniable; their success. Having amassed a huge following in clubs and stadiums around Australia, they recently jetted over to the land of warm beer and double-decker busses to promote the single “Voodoo Child”. We chatted to keyboardist James Ash about the UK, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and why he can’t play the piano. Did you get the mobbing fan experience, at record stores or shopping centres? We did at our gig; we played a show at the Empire. When we were down there, we had a bit of that, which was kind of cool. I think British people overall tend to be a bit more reserved than Aussies; they don’t tend to gush quite as much and go quite as mental. I know that Natalie was thinking that she would have that problem with the whole “Neighbours” thing, but we were actually quite surprised – it wasn’t that way at all. So how long until you leave for promotions in the US? I think America’s going to be next year. America’s not going to be this year – there’s too much going on. We’ll be going overseas again in October; that
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“
“ O n e d ay, w h e n R o g u e Tra d e rs i s o ve r, I’ ll p ro b a b ly le a rn h o w t o p lay t h e p i a n o !”
”
So there’ll be a substantial amount of new material at these shows? Absolutely. There’ll be somewhere between four and six new songs. When did you start learning piano? I can’t really… I attempted to learn piano on several occasions! (Laughs) I can’t actually play that well! On stage I’m playing the bass lines; I’m basically a bass player, but I’m playing it on keyboard. And with my right hand, I’m triggering sequences and stuff like that. I’m not a conventional keyboardist by any means. Do you do any professional development? Well it’s kind of ironic, because I can barely bash out a chord sequence on a keyboard, but I produce all this music. I always tell myself, “One day, when Rogue Traders is over, I’ll probably learn how to play the piano!” (Laughs) There’s a quote for you! The Rogue Traders play Hobart’s Derwent Entertainment Centre on the 27th of September.
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PAGE 7
COMPETITIONS 2 WIN 1 OF 3 CDs
Sleepy Jackson - Personality (one was a spider, one was a bird)
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DARYL BRAITHWAITE Born in Melbourne, singer Daryl Braithwaite moved to Sydney in the mid-1960s where he fronted a succession of pop bands: Bright Lights, House of Bricks and Samael Lilith. He got his first big break when he joined Sherbet in early 1970. Sherbet went on to become one of the country’s biggest bands over the next ten years. In March 1973, Braithwaite took the lead role in the local stage production of The Who’s rock opera Tommy. Although the show was only staged twice, it helped facilitate Braithwaite’s subsequent solo career, beginning with the album “Edge� in 1988. These days, he’s one of Australia’s most experienced solo artists. Daryl Braithwaite plays Burnie’s Civic Theatre on the 6th of October, Hobart’s Hilltop Granton Entertainment Venue on the 7th and the Dover Hotel on the 8th.
DARREN JACK
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Previously the driving force behind the awardwinning Australian Blues Band Third Degree, which rocked Blues enthusiasts across the country for six years, Darren “Jacko� Jack now performs regularly both solo acoustic and as The Darren Jack Band, delivering a unique, smooth r-n-b/soul style of blues to packed venues across Australia. With a more mature approach and strong vocals, The Darren Jack Band offers-up a gutsy, yet classy sound, as heard on the recently released “Don’t Mess Up a Good Thing� CD. One of Australia’s leading Blues musicians, Jack has opened and shared the stage with such artists as Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaughan, Canned Heat, Ford Blues Band, George Thorogood, Chris Cain, Andy Just, Long John Baldry, Kevin Borich, Ian Moss, Jeff Lang, Phil Emmanuel, Dave Hole, and Chain. Jack has also appeared at most major Blues Festivals in and around Australia: The Darren Jack Band play Hobart’s Republic Bar on the 7th of October and Launceston’s Royal Oak on the 9th
TASMUSIC ROCK CHALLENGE Congratulations to the winners of this year’s TasMusic Rock Challenge. The winners are: College: 1st Confessions of Darkness Hellyer College 2nd Follow By The Wayside Don College
Name: Address:
Best Original Song: Stroke of Ace – “The Hairdresser� Rokeby High School
Email:
Promo Crew Award: Slowly Catch a Monkey
PAGE 8
Presidents Choice Award: Stroke of Ace
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Best Original Song: The Stoics – “Higher Love� Newstead College
WIN 1 OF 4 CDs
Send Entry to: Holly Throsby Comp, PO Box 5094 Launceston, TAS, 7250 Competition Closes 24/9/06
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Off The Rock: 1st Blue Cotton Newstead College 2nd There’s Wally Don College
High School: 1st Major Murphy Riverside High School 2nd Slowly Catch a Monkey Clarence High
Holly Throsby Under The Town
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Venturing Out Beyond The Karma County With
BRENDAN GALLAGHER BY TOM WILSON & JULIA NIXON-DOUGLAS
Brendan Gallagher has stepped back into the spotlight with his debut solo album, “On Eve St”. And after a thirty-year-long career of ARIA-winning moments behind the likes of Jimmy Little, it’s about time. With one particular song titled “Timing Is Everything”, Tom Wilson asked Brendan why we’ve been waiting. Why did it take so long for you to release your debut solo album, “On Eve St”? I’ve been playing in a band for so long that I never thought of it. The first Karma County record that I did actually started out as a solo record. The last one started out as a solo record too, then I fell back into a band and that’s why it’s taken so long. What affect do you think taking this long with it has had on the end result? I suppose there was a bit of pressure, but I like the idea of free reign and being able to produce fairly well a lot of instrumentation and interesting arrangements. The material on this album – where did it come from? Most of them (songs) have been written in the last couple of years. Some of the songs I wrote, um, probably four years ago, but everything on the album is pretty much new. What do you reckon was the hardest thing about making this release?
Gee…the hardest thing is probably vocals. Vocals are always hard. If it’s not a really great take then the whole song falls over, and the thing is to try and do vocals that sound natural and inspired and effortless rather than actually concentrating on it. It’s very hard. So you’re not going to be doing an instrumental album? Sometimes I think maybe I should just do a record of noises… I really don’t have anything to say, or I’m sick of my own voice or whatever. I think about it. The only problem is it’s hard enough selling albums
“
… A lle g e d ly t h e re a re p e o p le [ i n Ta s s i e ] who want to hear me…
”
with voices on them. It’s almost impossible to sell instrumental ones. You’re playing in Tasmania this October. How do you feel about playing down here? I’m really looking forward to it… I thought I’d make a point this time of getting down and playing because allegedly there are people who want to hear me. Brendan Gallagher plays the Lewisham Tavern on Friday the 6th of October.
An Old Sound But A New Image For
KASEY CHAMBERS BY TOM WILSON & JULIA NIXON-DOUGLAS
Looking out from the cover of her new album, “Carnival”, Kasey Chambers displays a new, confident image. But, despite her confidence – having just married and turned 30 – many of the songs on “Carnival” are sung with a melancholy heart. Dave Williams asked for an explanation, and received answers filled with love, life and religion.
Jane Fonda said she lived in the belief that she needed another person to complete her. It seems that a lot of your songs are about that? (Laughs) I’ve never thought about that in my life! It’s when something’s bothering me or I’m home by myself…that’s when I’m feeling creative and that’s why they come out sounding a lot different to really what’s going on in my life.
I was really surprised by how you look on the cover of your new album…where’s this come from? I want to really reflect where I am in my life right now. I want the look to be a lot more confident and content. That’s sort of what I feel at this point.
There are so many references to God. How do you feel about god? I was brought up in quite a religious family…I guess I’ve gotten out of that throughout my life, rather than into that. And now, to be really honest
There are a lot of forlorn love songs on this album The funny thing is, that’s not how I feel at the moment. I’m very much the opposite…I’m feeling kind of on top of the world. After my years of listening to country music, you just kind of learn to make songs sound sad…This album isn’t quite as literal as most of my records are. It’s not as personal…I tried not to analyse it. Normally I’m analysing every line.
“
The other thing I was wondering is whether you’ve found Jesus? (Laughs) Is there something on the record that suggests that?
A f t e r my y e a r s o f list e n i n g t o c o u n t r y mu si c , yo u j u st k i n d of l e a rn t o ma ke song s so u n d sa d
”
with you, I don’t really think about it. Sometimes I just think the line sounds good so I put it in there. That’s as good a reason as any. It’s not like every single line has to be the deepest feeling you’ve ever had in your entire life. And (the track) “Dangerous”…what represents real danger to you? Um, there are elements in that song that are actually about my last break up…at the time of writing the song, I was trying not to analyse it too much. It’s only now through doing interviews and stuff that I’m starting to look deeper. “Carnival” is out now.
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PAGE 9
It’s Not All About “Forever Young” For
YOUTH GROUP BY DAVE WILLIAMS
More often than not, the career of every successful musical endeavour is marked by the “big break” – the moment when an opportunity is seized and everything changes. For Aussie rockers Youth Group, it happened in October last year following an international tour with Death Cab for Cutie. A copy of their 2004 album “Skeleton Jar” fell into the hands of the music director working on “The O.C.”, and Youth Group’s cover of Alphaville’s “Forever Young” went stratospheric. SAUCE had a word to singer/guitarist Cameron Emerson-Elliott… You were definitely scratching around at the bottom of the ladder of commercial success with appearances at South-By-Southwest and then with the tour with Death Cab For Cutie. How confident are you that you would have reached this stage without “The O.C.” exposure? I think there are different ways of reading what this stage is; we definitely would have reached this stage anyway, in terms of… We would have put out another album. We’d be playing shows and stuff like that. But do you think that album would have got you fans across the world? How confident are you of that? Well, without “The O.C.”…we signed to Epitaph before that happened anyway… Brett Gurewitz, who’s the head of the label over there; he’s in Bad Religion and stuff – he just came across the record by himself, and really fell in love with it. So that’s all happened without “The O.C.” And overseas, there isn’t that same recognition… It’s pretty big in Australia because it was used in the ads, but apart from being quite a highly downloaded song overseas, I don’t think “Forever Young” has the same kind of… it’s not as well known [over here]. I would expect that you would like that better… To be not known for the song? Yeah. Well, there’s no way that we’d look at it as a bad thing. The song’s been fantastic in the doors that it has opened for us. It was great; we just did this tour with Coldplay. Even though it was great to go out there and play our songs to all the fans and stuff,
it was also really nice that we had a song in our set that all the people would know. We weren’t just there purely trying to convert people and stuff; we were able to provide something. So are you sick of talking about “Forever Young”? No, not really. To be honest, I haven’t done a lot of the interviews; mainly Danny and Toby have been doing a lot of the interviews. So no, not really; I guess I have a slightly different approach to it every time I talk about it. And it’s good; it’s good talking about it, because you get a bit of perspective on it as well.
“
They might take the time to learn some of the other stuff. It feels like there’s a lot of recognition for the other stuff in our set, not just “Forever Young”. It doesn’t feel like we’re a one-song-wonder to us.
”
What about playing it? I talk to artists who have written a song, it gets out on an album, and after they plug it for a year or so, they get frustrated that they can’t move on to new material. I guess we’re not really at that stage yet. I don’t know. I feel pretty positive about things at the moment; when we are playing shows, “Forever Young” of course gets a bit of a reaction. But I’d say that there are other songs in our set… [With the kids at gigs] They might take the time to learn some of the other stuff. It feels like there’s a lot of recognition for the other stuff in our set, not just “Forever Young”. It doesn’t feel like we’re a one-song-wonder to us. Youth Group’s new album “Casino Twilight Dogs” is out now.
Having Breakfast With
THE AUDREYS BY DAVE WILLIAMS
About to hit Tassie for a series of shows promoting their album “Between Last Night and Us”, The Audreys’ singer Taasha Coates had a chat over breakfast. I’ve read a few descriptions of The Audreys’ style of music, which have included country, folk, rock, pop…everything except for hip-hop and hardcore metal! Next album! We’ll be incorporating a bit of hardcore! (Laughs) To me, it seems [to be] right there in the alt. country area – how do you see the band? I don’t really like to describe it, because people think that it’s a definitive answer. I actually love that people have lots of different ideas. Like all art, it’s open to interpretation… That’s right. And we’ve heard some things that have made us go, “Ah, yeah!” Things we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves. Like what? A really nice one was that someone called us “Edge Of Town”, so we’re not really urban and we’re not really country; we’re somewhere on the edge. Mind you, that could be the daggy outer-suburbs, couldn’t it? “Fringe-dwellers” comes to mind… (Laughs) So we’re endlessly fascinated by people’s attempt to describe our music. If we start going, “No, it’s this”, then that will stop. The songs seem to be largely dealing with personal relationships and perspectives. To what extent would you agree with that? Oh yeah. But also about people’s journeys and desires…the sort of things I observe about people. [A “Sex & The City” ringtone starts going in the background] My mobile keeps ringing! Yeah, and that’s a really daggy tone! You should maybe use your own ringtone. My manager has got “Oh Honey” as his ringtone; so it’s really funny hearing my voice coming out of his bag when his phone rings!
“
I think about someone who treats me like scum because I’m an artist
”
Well, it’s his job to spread the word, isn’t it? Oh, absolutely! For me, your style of music has a real country edge to it. The songs and what they’re about seem fairly typical of my perspective of country music; “man and woman lose dog, man finds dog, dog bites man” scenario. Do you think that’s a fair thing to say about your music? Are there positive things? Or is it more deep and meaningful? I don’t think our lyrics follow a formula, really. When I go to write a lyric, I don’t go, “What’s been happening in the world?” I think about a friend who keeps going back to a lover who treats her really badly. Or I think about someone who treats me like scum because I’m an artist, and they think I should be doing something more useful with my life. They’re the things that make me want to write a song. For me, the title of your album, “Between Last Night and Us” is directly talking about intimate times and personal information. I think the music’s a bit intimate too. It’s a little interior world, the whole thing. And all the photographs are interiors too. Talking about photographs, the shot on the cover of your album…is that you, in the dress? Yeah, it sure is. When I look at that photo, I think I can see your nipples… It’s exciting, isn’t it? Is that what I’m seeing? Yeah, totally! (Laughs) Soft porn, man! The Audreys play four shows in Tasmania this month. Check Gig Guide for details.
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Diving Into
Heading “Under The Town” To Find
THE FRAY
HOLLY THROSBY
BY TOM WILSON
A lot of people were no doubt surprised at how quickly Denver’s The Fray got signed to a major label; the band more than anyone. A four-piece compared to Counting Crows and U2, singer/pianist Isaac Slade told me the story of how it all happened… You guys had a pretty quick rise, from not getting any gigs to getting radio exposure and packing out venues. Why do you think this was? We owe so much to Denver and to the local scene. It was really starting to come together back in ’03. The second factor was that we used to suck pretty bad. (Laughs) Then we started practicing and we started writing better songs, and all of a sudden we were getting radio. Is that the kind of advice you’d given to new bands who are trying to get exposure? It depends on what you want to do. If you’re totally satisfied to work your job and write music on the side, that’s totally appropriate. I would love to have that life now! But if people are trying to do a major [deal] and try to take that route, it’s all about that song. If you don’t have it, you just keep writing and keep writing. We had eight songs, and we were sending song-after-songafter-song into the radio stations, for them to play any. And they had one that they were okay with, but they wanted us to re-record it… Then we wrote one more song, “Over My Head (Cable Car)”, and they just took that one. It just takes a lot of persistence. How did you get signed to Epic? Well the story goes; one of the interns at Epic was crawling on the internet, and found an award that we won here in Denver. They got the CD and sent it to the A&R guy at Epic, and he flew out the next week. He came to the best show we’d ever played up until that point, and all the stars seemed align. A week before that, we played probably the worst show to date; there was like twenty-five people there, and it was just a circus. It’s said that the band got its name from you guys arguing about what each song should sound like. Is that true? …No. No? That’s a lie. We kind of had to come up with that because the real story was boring and kind of dull. We wanted to have a more exciting one. The real story was that our very first show was for a high
BY TOM WILSON school graduation party in a soccer field, and we didn’t have a name. We put out a fishbowl, and said, [in high voice] “If anybody has any name ideas, we don’t have one, so write it down, put it in the bowl, and maybe we’ll use it!” And we did! The title track of the album you have coming out, “How to Save a Life”, was apparently inspired by an experience you had to as a mentor to a kid who had a drug problem. What’s the story behind that? Well there’s a group home here in Denver called Shelterwood, and it takes in kids who’ve had
“
…We used to suck p retty bad…and all of a sudden we were g et ti ng radi o…
It’s always refreshing when I don’t have to pretend that I think someone is talented for the sake of the magazine. Armed with a moody, honest voice and an attitude completely free of pretentiousness, the title track of Holly Throsby’s second album “Under the Town” had this writer misty eyed at the thirty second mark. She’s about to hit the national tour circuit in its honour, but there was no way we were going to let her go without a few words. Ah, we have ways of making people talk...twice…
”
a tough time; their parents don’t want to send them to jail, but they can’t keep track of them themselves… A friend of mine was actually the president for that particular school, so he asked Joe and I to come up for one of their weekend retreats… I was paired up with one kid in particular. His story was just amazing – all the relationships that he had put at risk because of the decisions he made, and eventually losing the relationships…the cost of his lifestyle and his choices, and kind of relating them to my own life and my own stories; seeing all the relationships I’ve threatened for one reason or another. It was a really inspiring weekend. The Fray’s debut album “How To Save A Life” is out now.
reacting to it? Ah…I’m not sure really. One of my friends said that they liked it, which was nice of them; I couldn’t tell whether they were being friendly or honest… (Laughs) But I think it’s going okay.
“
…I have some violent dreams…
”
One of the reviews said, “The playfulness comes easily, but it’s the unease that lingers”. What do you reckon they’re saying there? I think they’re probably right… I think that, certainly when we approached the recording of the album, I did want to highlight the playful aspects of some of the songs, lyrically… and through some of the instrumentation, which I think does sound silly in parts… Which I think is nice, because we wanted to make a contrast to some of the other parts of it that made me feel terrible when I was writing the songs. I listened to it the other day, and I hadn’t listened to it since we mixed it, which was quite a few months ago now. I listened back to it, and there are parts to it that sound kind of violent to me, in the lyrics and stuff. I guess I was concentrating more on the instrumental elements than I was on the lyrical elements when I was actually recording it. You might have some hidden violent streak that you weren’t aware of! I don’t think I have a violent streak so much. But I have some violent dreams.
We did an interview last month; what’s changed since then? Well, I went overseas; that was interesting. I got back and got a cold, which you can probably hear in my voice now. That’s okay, I’ve got one too. Oh, really? Everyone seems to be… I had to cancel a show the other week because I had this ongoing cold problem… I think it was to do with malnutrition when I was over there! “Under The Town” – how have people been
[On the tour] Will you be playing with a backing band? I will be in everywhere except Tasmania, which I blame on a combination of finances and JetStar for that. So I’m playing Tasmania solo, which I’m kind of looking forward to, because I really do enjoy playing solo; I always like to do a bunch of solo songs which I save for when I play the guitar. Playing these songs on my own now, I’m really enjoying it; even the bigger ones. It’s fun to play them by myself. Holly plays a solo show at Hobart’s Republic Bar on Thursday the 28th of September.
Preparing for Some Rogue Trading with
GIRLBAND BY TOM WILSON
They may have only been introduced to Australian audiences for two weeks, but the stars of music documentary program “Girlband” are already hitting the high notes. The girls, who have been rehearsing and recording behind the scenes for months, have been offered the prime opening spot on the upcoming national Rogue Traders tour. Renee Armstrong, Jessica Smith, Renee Bargh and Patrice Tipoki will make their concert debut with the Rogues, and special guest support act TV Rock in Brisbane on September 17th, and tour from there on. Girlband play with The Rogue Traders and TV Rock at Hobart’s Derwent Entertainment Centre on the 27th of September.
PAGE 12
SYDNEY BLUES GUITARIST
DARREN JACK
SEPTEMBER TASMANIAN TOUR
Thu 7th
Republic Bar (Hobart)
Fri 8th
Wharf Hotel Theatre (Wynyard)
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Royal Oak Hotel (Launceston)
Sun 10th
Lewisham Hotel (Lewisham)
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Going Back To Basics With
CHRISTINA AGUILERA BY SUNNY BOMBING
With her new album “Back To Basics”, Christina Aguilera makes a bold artistic statement that goes well beyond much of the flimsy, disposable, grab-a-producer music that dominates the charts worldwide. Focussing her efforts on a double album of music credibly-produced by DJ Premier (known for his work with Gang Starr, Notorious B.I.G. and Lauryn Hill) and Linda Perry (with whom she worked on last album “Stripped”), Aguilera has chosen to play close attention to the inspiration and work from ‘30’s and 40’s blues, swing, and jazz music by artists such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James – the latter whom Aguilera has often, over the years, made reference to as being a big inspiration. “I’ve always been really inspired by, and had a deep appreciation and love for all blues, jazz and soul music,” explains Christina. “There’s a lot of hear t involved with the ar tists and musicians, especially in the era of the ‘20s and ‘30s and ‘40s. And I’ve also taken a lot of visual inspiration from those areas as well - the Hollywood glam-sters, the screens sirens, your Marlene Dietrich’s, your Veronica Lakes, Jean Harlow, Marilyn – it’s very interesting to me. I really wanted to explore this, and then do my modern-day sor t of exploration of it with a new fresh twist. I’m really proud of what we accomplished, the producers we were able to bring aboard, and (to be able to) share the same vision, setting out with this goal. So it was a fun journey to go on.”
“
The only song that’s actually dedicated to my husband is a song called “Save Me From Myself”
”
“Back To Basics” is a confident – if not ambitious – melting pot of modern-day pop stylings, hip hop and 30’s and 40’s blues. “I listened to a lot of old music whilst recording the album and getting into that kind of world, and that head space, and surrounding myself with old visuals and whatnot of Billie Holiday, and the old mic stand. There’s Pearl Bailey, there’s Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Otis Redding, Ray Charles - it goes beyond these areas as well, talking about soul music as a whole…. so many (ar tists), it’s countless. In the making of the record, the first thing I did was I set out with this vision and I compiled together two CDs with a lot of old music that I loved, and I wrote a letter to send out to every producer I thought may be right for this CD that might get their headspace around the goal I wanted to accomplish and set out to do.” With her producers on-board Aguilera moved forward in doing her best to recreate a mood that would enhance the authenticity of the music on offer. “You know, I had to get into character – a lot,” she says before elaborating fur ther. “You know, like cer tain actors do method-acting, where they go and they act out in their real life what’s going on? I did do this transformation where I took on this persona and image because it’s just so much fun, and there’s plenty of dressing-up involved and whatnot. I always went to the studio with the red lipstick on, behind the mic, just to get into character. Especially in a song like “I Got Trouble” where we really wanted it to come across as a song that might even have been recorded in the 1920s; using an old vintage microphone, covering it with an old cloth to get that really old muffled sound that’s so hard to get nowadays ‘cause everything’s modern technolog y; so clean and balanced and polished and new sounding. We definitely had different techniques in getting the message across.” The message has now been broadcast. Don’t hate without reason – check out “Back To Basics” to hear how Aguilera’s deep-rooted appreciation for the blues has found a way to set a new benchmark for her pop peers.
PAGE 15
GIG GUIDE BROUGHT TO YOU BY MISSING LINK ENTERTAINMENT
GIG Guide 06/09/06 - 03/10/06 SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY 6TH 1 HOBART Lark Distillery Couta Blues Republic Bar & Café Tex Perkins + Tim Rogers supp. Rebecca Barnard + Mike Noga 9pm Syrup Upstairs 10pm: LATE NIGHT BOOTY CALL – Resident DJ’s Dave Webber & Mez Trout The Jeremiahs The Love In Viva Computer Jordy Vic Tavern “JohnCraig” 10pm 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Glenn Moorhouse TBC James Hotel Dj Joycie (Decks) Vs Dj Randall (Drums) Princess Theatre Dave Hughes Saloon Uni Night – Alphanumeric, DJ playing commercial music THURSDAY 7TH 1 BURNIE Stage Door the Café George Golla (guitar) & Leonie Smith (vocals), Tasmanian premiere of CD “Never The Less” 8.00pm, 1 HOBART Curly’s Bar BLISS N ESO Phrase DJ Flagrant Lark Distillery Holy Thursday Republic Bar & Café Darren Jack Band 9pm Syrup MESH – Hobart’s oldest club night, breaks/drum+bass with resident DJs Mez and Chilli. Theatre Royal Dave Hughes Trout Hammering The Cramps The Essence of Cool UTAS The Sleepy Jackson Vic Tavern “Brett & Joel” 10pm
1 LAUNCESTON Batman Fawkner Inn The Audreys Irish Murphy’s Leigh Ratcliffe James Hotel UniNight Funkin Unbelievable Dj Nikko
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SUNDAY 10TH
THURSDAY 14TH
Saloon Karaoke then Rewind with DJ Loco. Door 9.30pm
1 HOBART
1 BURNIE
1 WYNYARD
Republic Bar & Café The Wonderful Years 8.30pm
Wharf Hotel Theatre Darren Jack SATURDAY 9TH 1 DEVONPORT
O’Keefe’s Carl Fidler Mark Vincent
King’s Bar Party night with dj Rox
Royal Oak Mark Vincent in the P/B
Spurs/Warehouse Ethel The Frog
FRIDAY 8TH 1 BURNIE Sirocco’s BLISS N ESO Phrase DJ Flagrant 1 DEVONPORT King’s Bar RoundAbout 1 HOBART Duke of Wellington Mint 11pm onwards DJs Lark Distillery Coyote Serenade Republic Bar & Café The Audreys plus The Yearings 10pm Syrup Downstairs 9pm: KO – Resident DJ’ Mez ‘Laying down the Chunks “O” Funk’ Downstairs 11pm: BOOGIE – 70’s & 80’s FUNK with resident DJ’s Nick C and Duncan Upstairs 11pm: LaCasa “Sexy Vocal House” with residents MattB & Gillie Trout The Reactions The Evening Dolls UTAS Generationext Featuring Leeroy Thornhill (ex-Prodigy) Dr Willis Wballs and SMC Doors open 1.30pm Vic Tavern “Burnstyne” 10pm 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Juke Box James Hotel James bar Jason Howard Reality Dj MacD Dj Nikko O’Keefe’s Leigh Ratcliffe Royal Oak Leo and Mick in the
PAGE 16
Don't miss "Live N" Loud Rock Fest" November 25th at Dover! 8 Queensland rock bands, 1 from NZ, and loads of local bands! See the lineup and reserve your ticket at www.missinglink.org.au
1 HOBART Duke of Wellington Mint 11pm onwards Matty O & Cam Halo Meat Katie (uk) Lark Distillery Rusticators Republic Bar & Café Sugartrain 10pm
Foreshore Tavern The Audreys
1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Zac Lister Nathan Weldon Ben Castles Breakwater MONDAY 11TH 1 HOBART Vic Tavern “Oscar” 10pm 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Leo James Hotel HO TUESDAY 12TH
Stage Door the Café Viktor Zappner Trio 8.00pm Special guests: Greg Harrison (baritone and tenor sax) Cameron Scott (trumpet, flugelhorn and drums)
Saloon Retro Rockers Karaoke then Rewind with DJ Loco. Door 9.30pm
Republic Bar & Café Manic Monday (3 bands) 8.30pm
SATURDAY 16TH
1 LAUNCESTON
1 DEVONPORT
Irish Murphy’s Voodoo Lounge
Syrup MESH with resident DJ’s Dave Webber & guests
1 LAUNCESTON
Spurs/Warehouse The Unit
TUESDAY 19TH
1 HOBART
1 HOBART
Duke of Wellington Brand newsecond hand 80’s night 10pm start
Irish Murphy’s Lana Chilcott The Sign Eva 9pm
Irish Murphy’s Ben Castles
Lonnies BLISS N ESO Phrase DJ Flagrant O’Keefe’s Voodoo Lounge Royal Oak L.B.C Darren Jack blues band in the Boatshed 1 SWANSEA Barkmill Tavern The Audreys
James Hotel UniNight Funkin Unbelievable Dj Nikko Royal Oak Samuel Bester
1 DEVONPORT
1 HOBART
1 HOBART
Duke of Wellington Homebrew - hip hop 8pm start
Lark Distillery Couta Blues
Lark Distillery Coyote Serenade
Republic Bar & Café Jess Mcavoy (melb) Supp. Joe Piere 9pm
Republic Bar & Café Dan Kelly + The Alpha Males 10pm
Syrup Upstairs 10pm till late: LATE NIGHT BOOTY CALL with DJ’s, Dave Webber, Mez
Syrup Downstairs 8pm: KO – Resident DJ’ MEZ ‘Laying down the Chunks “O” Funk’ Downstairs 11pm: BOOGIE – 70’s & 80’s FUNK with resident DJ’s Nick C and Duncan. Upstairs 11pm:” La Casa” Sexy Vocal House with Matt B& DJG
Trout The Numlocks The Trolls Hannah Vic Tavern “JohnCraig” 10pm 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Samuel Bester Grrr James Hotel Dj Joycie (Decks) Vs Dj Randall (Drums) Saloon Uni Night – Ethel the Frog, DJ playing commercial music
1 HOBART
King’s Bar Party night with dj Rox
King’s Bar Good Company
James Hotel James Bar Glenn Moorhouse Reality Dj MacD & Dj Nikko
MONDAY 18TH
Trout Debra Manskey Lana Chilcott Crystal Campbell Carlee Rolins
1 LAUNCESTON
Irish Murphy’s The Unit
Irish Murphy’s Leo Mark Vincent Voodoo Lounge Alpha Trio
Republic Bar & Café I + I Breda 9pm
Trout MEPHISTOPHELES CD LAUNCH Separatist Born Headless Taberah
1 LAUNCESTON
1 LAUNCESTON
Royal Oak Idle Hands
FRIDAY 15TH
Vic Tavern Saturday Arvo session “John Harwood” 4pm “New Age Hippies” 10pm
James Hotel James bar Leigh Ratcliffe Reality Dj MacD Dj Nikko
Republic Bar & Café Sundy side up 8.30pm
Lark Distillery Holy Thursday
Republic Bar & Café The Blue Flies 9pm
WEDNESDAY 13TH
1 HOBART Irish Murphy’s Breakwater
O’Keefe’s Roundabout
1 HOBART
Irish Murphy’s Leigh Ratcliffe
SUNDAY 17TH
1 HOBART
Syrup Downstairs 10.30pm: TACKYLAND – 70’s 80’s and 90’s RETRO with resident DJ’s Rolly and Naughts Upstairs 11pm: Dirty Fking Dancing with resident DJ’s Gillie & Adam Turner+ DSKO, Modal.
Irish Murphy’s Ian Murtagh Micheal Clennett Curly 9pm
1 LAUNCESTON
The Mayfair BEYOND BLUE BENEFIT GIG (all proceeds going to Beyond Blue) Ian Pawlain, Locky Court, Amy Kendall, Stratified, Lakoda + DJ Modal 7pm- late Trout Turbo Deluxe Echo Blue
Halo Krafty Kuts 11pm
James Hotel HO
Republic Bar & Café Turpentine blues 9pm 1 LAUNCESTON
Lark Distillery Live @ Lark Republic Bar & Café Ash Grunwald $17 pre-sale $20 door 10pm Syrup Downstairs 10.30pm: TACKYLAND – 70’s 80’s and 90’s RETRO with resident DJ’s Rolly and T.H.C. Upstairs 11pm: DIRTY F’KING DANCING – house, electro & breaks with resident DJ’s Gillie & Adam Turner + Corney& Kir Trout Hammerhead The Evening Dolls 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Funkin Unbelieveable James Hotel James Bar Jason Howard Reality Dan Kelly and the Alpha Males Ground Components Dj MacD Dj Nikko O’Keefe’s DJ Skip Royal Oak S & M
Irish Murphy’s Phil Picasso WEDNESDAY 20TH 1 DEVONPORT Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre Puppetry of the Penis 1 HOBART Halo Future DJ Competition Tas Heat / Final Lark Distillery Couta Blues Republic Bar & Café The Organ Doctors 9pm Syrup Upstairs 10pm till late: LATE NIGHT BOOTY CALL with DJ’s Dave Webber & Chilli
Trout Bumtuck Blood Kandi The Infected 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Mick Attard Nathan Weldon and the Two Timers James Hotel Dj Joycie (Decks) Vs Dj Randall (Drums) Saloon Uni Night -
Alphanumeric, DJ playing commercial music THURSDAY 21ST 1 BURNIE Stage Door the Café Viktor Zappner Trio 8.00pm, Special guest: Graeme Eames (trumpet) Phil Langford (drums) John Broadby (tenor sax/clarinet) 1 DEVONPORT
Unleash the Nugget (Hob) James Hotel James bar Glenn Moorhouse Reality Dj MacD Dj Nikko
Royal Oak Mark Vincent in the P/B Saloon Karaoke then Rewind with DJ Loco. Door 9.30pm
Burnie Civic Centre Puppetry of the Penis
SATURDAY 23RD
1 HOBART
1 DEVONPORT
Lark Distillery Holy Thursday Republic Bar & Café Eureka Club House Fundraiser 9pm
Syrup MESH – Hobart’s oldest club night, breaks/drum+bass with DJ’s Dave Webber & Mez UTAS Comedy Night – 8 comedians 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Voodoo Lounge James Hotel UniNight 3Sum Dj Nikko Royal Oak Mickey J & Eddie Tuleja in the P/B FRIDAY 22ND 1 DEVONPORT Theatre Royal Hobart Puppetry of the Penis King’s Bar Zip Up Casuals 1 HOBART Curly’s Bar Zombie Ghost Train The No No’s Badly Baked Babies Lark Distillery Coyote Serenade Republic Bar & Café Blue Bottle Kiss 10pm Syrup Downstairs 9pm: KO with Resident DJ MEZ ‘Laying down the Chunks “O” Funk’ Downstairs 11 pm: BOOGIE – 70’s & 80’s FUNK with resident DJ’s Nick C and Duncan. Upstairs 11pm LaCasa “Sexy vocal house music” Gillie, Matt B & DJG
King’s Bar Party night with dj Rox Spurs/Warehouse Donut 1 HOBART Duke of Wellington Hard dance night 10pm start
Halo PITCH BLACK JFX St. Luke M-Experience SHAD 10pm
1 HOBART
1 HOBART
Curly’s Bar Mix Master Mike Supp. The Cut Crusader, DJ Grotesque, Dameza
Republic Bar & Café Cakewalking Babies 8.30pm 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Daniel Townsend The Geale Bros Leigh Ratcliffe The Velvet Lounge MONDAY 25TH 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Ben Castles James Hotel HO TUESDAY 26TH 1 HOBART
Lark Distillery Holy Thursday Republic Bar & Café Holly Throsby 9pm Syrup Central Energy Vol.20 Album Launch ARCHIE and AMBER SAVAGE Supp. Corney and DSKO MESH – Hobart’s oldest club night, breaks/drum+bass with Resident DJ’s Dave Webber, Mez and Guests Trout Dad Vibe I Made A Periscope
Irish Murphy’s Cait Vertigan Nathan Burley Fink 9pm
1 LAUNCESTON
Republic Bar & Café Simon + Atlanta 9pm
James Hotel UniNight Sgt Green Dj Nikko
1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Leigh Ratcliffe WEDNESDAY 27TH
Irish Murphy’s COMEDY NITE Nathan Weldon
Royal Oak Daniel Townsend in the P/B Saloon Hilltop Hoods Mystro (U.K.)
SATURDAY 30TH
Stage Door the Café Tassie stand-up comedians 8pm 1 DEVONPORT Spurs/Warehouse Voodoo Lounge 1 HOBART Duke of Wellington The Coven 9pm start
Syrup Downstairs 10.30pm: TACKYLAND – 70’s 80’s and 90’s RETRO with resident DJ’s Naughts & Rolly Upstairs 11pm: DIRTY F’KING DANCING presents - house, electro & breaks with resident DJ’s Gillie & Adam Turner+ Corney, DSKO 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Sgt Green
FRIDAY 29TH
King’s Bar Blakdog
Syrup Downstairs 10.30pm: TACKYLAND – 70’s 80’s and 90’s RETRO with resident DJ’s Naughts & Rolly Upstairs 11pm: DIRTY F’KING DANCING presents - house, electro & breaks with resident DJ’s Gillie & Adam Turner + Modal, DSKO
Lark Distillery Couta Blues
1 HOBART
OCTOBER
Duke of Wellington Psysessions - Infected mushroom tribute night 10pm start
SUNDAY 1ST
Trout Unpaid Debt (Sydney) Ballpoint
Trout Anhedonia,
1 LAUNCESTON Batman Fawkner Inn Eggyfest 2006 ALL-AGES EVENT The Kill Police This Future Chaos The Numlocks Falls As Fire The Infected Kids In Sandbox Doors 5pm Irish Murphy’s TBC James Hotel James Bar Glenn Moorhouse Reality Blue Bottle Kiss (Syd) Support: The Voyeurs Dj MacD Dj Nikko Princess Theatre Puppetry of the Penis
1 LAUNCESTON
Royal Oak Leo & Mick in the P/B
UTAS National Campus Band Competition Tasmania State Final 8pm 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Daniel Townsend Modus James Hotel Dj Joycie (Decks) Vs Dj Randall (Drums) Saloon Uni Night – Ethel the Frog, DJ playing commercial music THURSDAY 28TH 1 BURNIE Stage Door the Café Viktor Zappner Trio 8.00pm Yoly Torres on vocals.
Republic Bar & Café Direct Influence supp. Rory + The Riot Act 10pm Syrup Downstairs 9pm: KO with Resident DJ MEZ ‘Laying down the Chunks “O” Funk’ Downstairs 11 pm: BOOGIE – 70’s & 80’s FUNK with resident DJ’s Nick C and Duncan. Upstairs Pickle presents Central Energy Tour with Archie and Amber Savage Trout Bad Luck Charms 1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Voodoo Lounge James Hotel James bar Glenn Moorhouse Reality Dj MacD Dj Nikko Royal Oak Ben Castles in the P/B & Open folk group in the Boatshed Saloon Karaoke then Rewind with DJ Loco. Door 9.30pm
Devonport
Kings Bar & Nitec lub 25 King St Devonpor t 6423 3488
Derwent Entertainment Centre Rogue Traders Supp. TV Rock, Girlband
Syrup Upstairs 10pm till late: LATE NIGHT BOOTY CALL with RESIDENT DJ’s , Dave Webber, Mez & Guests
Sta ge Door The Cafe 254 Mount St Upper Bur nie 64322600
Republic Bar & Café Old Des Peres supp, the Scientists of modern music 10pm
Republic Bar & Café Still Thinking (melb 7pce Hip hop) + Unleash The Nugget 10pm
Lark Distillery Coyote Serenade
Sirocco's Bar & Nightc lub 69 Mount St Bur nie 6431 3133
Spurs/Warehouse 18 Kings St Devonpor t 6424 7851
James Hotel Reality Tasmusic Showcase Grrr Woof Woof Your Damn Neighbours (Nthn Tas Rock Challenge heat winners) Dj MacD & Dj Nikko
Republic Bar & Café Blue Healers 9pm
Burnie
Lark Distillery Live @ Lark - Monkey Nerve
1 HOBART
1 DEVONPORT
Venue Guide
1 BURNIE
Lark Distillery Back Porch Boys
Trout Lucy, Red Rival
Irish Murphy’s Still Thinking (Melb)
SUNDAY 24TH
1 LAUNCESTON Irish Murphy’s Idle Hands The Geale Bros Glenn Moorhouse The Progression MONDAY 2ND 1 LAUNCESTON James Hotel HO TUESDAY 3RD 1 HOBART Theatre Royal Is Theatre presents “Ten Wonderful Years” 7:30pm WEDNESDAY 4TH 1 HOBART Halo Stanton Warriors Theatre Royal Is Theatre presents “Ten Wonderful Years” 7:30pm 1 LAUNCESTON James Hotel Dj Joycie (Decks) Vs Dj Randall (Drums)
Hobart
Curly’s Bar 112 Mur ray St Hobar t 7000 6234 5112 www.curlysbar.com.au Irish Murphys 21 Salamanca Pl Hobar t 7000 6223 1119 www.irishmurphys.com.au Republic Bar 299 Elizabeth St Nor th Hobar t 6234 6954 www.republicbar.com Syrup 1st Floor 39 Salamanca Place Hobar t 6224 8249 syrupclub@bigpond.com The Lark Distillery 14 Davey Street Hobart 03 6231 9088 www.larkdistillery.com.au The Victoria Tavern (The Vic) 30 Murray St Hobart 6223 3424 Trout 381 Elizabeth St North Hobart 03 6236 9777 Uni Bar - Hobar t Campus 1 Churchill Ave Sandy Bay 03 6226 2495 www.tuu.com.au
Launceston Irish Murphy’s 211 Brisbane St Launceston 6331 4440 James Hotel Reality Nitec lub James Bar 122 York St Launceston 6334 7231 www.jameshotel.com.au info@jameshotel.com.au
O’Keefes 124 George St Launceston 6331 4015 Saloon 191 Charles Street Launceston www.saloon.com.au hotel@saloon.com.au 6331 7355 The Batty The Batman Fawkner Inn 35 Cameron St Launceston 6331 7222
To list your gig in the Gig Guide, email details to gigguide@sauceonline.net PAGE 17
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WALLS OF JERICHO WITH DEVILS...
METAL RADIO:
Tune into Edge FM 99.3 Hobart Metal shows. For details go to www.edgeradio.org.au . Killawatts - Tues 10pm. The Flesh Chamber - Thur 10pm. Outbreak Of Evil - Monday 10pm. Arclight - Sun 10pm
METAL RETAIL:
Head to these retail stores and get your A2 HATEBREED poster with purchase of Participating Stores: Supremacy. While stocks last. HOBART: Tracks (Hobart & Kingston stores) LAUNCESTON: Wills & Mojo Music
Amidst the Metal Herd Stands the
LAMB OF GOD
to this, and we were so pleased with it that we had to bring him back. And this one he did even better on.
BY TOM WILSON
We did get a little more experimental on this record, or at least more ambitious with guitar tones and miking techniques…and performance techniques, like getting the singer to run around the block twice before he cuts the vocals. That’s nutty shit, but you can hear it. I also heard that he pushed him so hard that he was screaming until he threw up… That’s true. I’ve seen him do that on stage; sometimes he just pushes so hard that it actually makes him retch. Does a roadie have to clean it up, or do you just keep going? No, we keep going. But I guess at the end of the night it gets a towel dropped on it! For such a serious band, the first single “Redneck” has a pretty funny clip; why did you choose to open on a lighter note than might be expected? The past couple [records] have been intensely political, very anti-war records. That’s certainly a very relevant statement still; probably now even more than it was then.
Given the gruelling physical duress to talk about studio torturing and of their work in the studio, the word orchestrating the Wall of Death… “brutal” can be used for more than I heard that producer “Machine” used some just describing the sound of Lamb pretty unorthodox methods in recording the Of God’s latest album “Sacrament”. album, including [singer] Randy run around the block before singing so he’d be out of breath… A band renown for unforgiving riffs That was pretty funny. That’s true – I was there and bruising live performances, when that happened. But Machine’s fantastic. guitarist Mark got on the phone He did “Ashes Of The Wake”, the album previous
But I think, as a band, we just didn’t feel like taking that route again artistically. We had to do something different; to delve into other areas of music, lyrically and musically. “Redneck” is an example of that. It’s a party kind of song. It’s a rock song done in a heavy metal way. We wanted to step out and show that this record is going to have a lot of different sounds on it. It’s not going to be the same record you heard last time.
The Subtle Rise Of
VANNA BY THOMAS BAKER
If you haven’t heard of Vanna before, I wouldn’t be surprised. But then, I wouldn’t be all that surprised if you had, either. See, the boys from Vanna are yet to celebrate their second birthday, and they’re based in Boston, so the likelihood of us down-under knowing their stuff isn’t all that high. However, their EP, “The Search Party Never Came” – comprising six tracks of semi-psychotic emo-core mayhem that places them somewhere between Creed, Deftones and Cannibal Corpse – is already available in Australia, despite the fact that it’s their first ever release. Also interestingly, they’ve received tens of thousands of listens on networking websites PureVolume and MySpace. Thusly enlightened, you can begin to see how Vanna might be a familiar name. In his Texan drawl, 21-year-old frontman Chris Preece tells me his thoughts regarding the curious scenario that he and his bandmates have found themselves in: “It’s pretty surreal, y’know – everything’s moving really fast, and a lot of things are going on that we actually have no awareness of. It’s pretty amazing to hear that we’re in Australia. I think if you let it catch up to you it’s pretty overwhelming, but I think we just take that and let it encourage us to work really hard.” Much of Vanna’s success can arguably be attributed to luck. Sure, they’re very talented, and they seem determined too, but one very fortunate ingredient in their magic recipe is having been chosen for a week-long stint on the front page of PureVolume. Says Preece, “The Internet in general, but especially PureVolume and MySpace, is changing things right now… It’s hard to wrap your head around. There’re a lot of big changes going on. It’s really exciting. A lot of these new bands have a chance, you know? People can actually hear you.” One person in particular did hear Vanna, and, short story shorter, they were soon signed to punk/ hardcore label Epitaph. “I can sit on the phone with someone at Epitaph for fifteen minutes and not even cover ten per cent of what they’re doing and what’s being accomplished.” Sounds like the sort of muscle
PAGE 18
that would deliver your freshly hatched material across the oceans and into our record stores. When asked how his band’s catapult-esque success has affected him, Preece replies, “It’s obviously changed my life for the better, but it takes a lot of faith from family members to know that I’m actually going somewhere and doing something. It’s hard to call your Dad and say, “Dad, I dropped out of school, but I joined a band!” It’s hard to make them understand that this is serious; it’s big time now. Once everyone catches on, they’re actually
“
… I ’ l l wa ke u p t h e next mo rn i n g a n d I ’ l l cou g h u p a l i t t l e b i t of b l o o d …
”
proud of you, and they know you’re doing the right thing. I’m extremely excited to be doing this. It’s cheesy, but – it’s a dream come true.” Preece is Vanna’s “screamer”, the guy who tortures his vocal chords in order to elicit the screams and growls that are largely responsible for the ferocious edge in their music. You’d think that such inhuman screeching would screw up your throat – Preece doesn’t entirely disagree, saying, “Pretty much, yeah, if you do it wrong. You know, I’ve played shows where I’ve been a little more careless than I should’ve been, and I’ll wake up the next morning and I’ll cough up a little bit of blood. Actually I’ve been training myself, watching DVDs and reading about vocal coaching, just trying to be as smart about it as possible. It’s not as bad as everyone thinks it is, and I get my family calling to make sure I can still talk OK. You get used to it.” Preece had better get used to a heavy touring schedule, too, if his band is going to keep conquering. Luckily for us, Vanna’s sights are set on world domination: “We hope to be in Australia pretty soon…we hear the scene’s pretty good there. We’d like to be there next year. That’s pretty ambitious, but yeah, Australia’s a priority.” “The Search Party Never Came” is available now.
“
…Sometimes [ R a n d y, s i n g e r] p u s h e s s o h a rd t h a t i t a ct u a lly m a ke s h i m re t ch .
”
I’ve seen footage of some of your live shows, where the band gets the “Wall of Death” going. What are you trying to achieve by that? Well that was something we started doing several years ago. We haven’t actually done it in about two years. We used to do it when we were in clubs. The pit…particularly in the north-east of the United States, there’s a big hardcore scene in that part of the country, and the pits are just absolutely brutal. And so, just to up the ante, Randy started doing this Wall of Death thing – which we never claimed to have invented. It’s an old New York hardcore thing. But Randy took it under his wing and started doing it in the clubs. Well, we graduated from the clubs to all of a sudden playing Ozzfest – playing these big stadiums and arenas – and wow…to see it happen there is on a whole other level. But we thought that people get hurt. We want our fans to have fun, and if someone really gets hurt because of something that you’ve orchestrated, that’s not the kind of people we are. Lamb Of God’s new album “Sacrament” is out now.
Grab Your Torches, It’s The
BLAKOUT BY RYAN COOKE
“
… We we re c o o l w i t h tha t a nd g o t R o ad runne r Re c o rd s o n b o a rd …
Stalwarts of the Trout’s monthly Rock Club, four-piece rockers Blakout are keen to make things happen – curfew or no curfew. Singer/guitarist Lee McGuiness spoke about their fellow bands, and why the younger ones need to hurry the hell up…
contacts here, as we are a Roadrunner network store and I deal with the rep quite frequently, and that was no problem.
You guys began in late 2004 – how has the transition been from there to where you are now? When we started out we were just doing it for the hell of it. The transition from being just a fun band to playing was easy; we had always been ready and got the offer to play…so it wasn’t hard at all.
Does the curfew still exist at the Trout? Unfortunately, yeah – if it’s twelve o’clock and you’re not out, you’re probably going to get unplugged… I know Trout made efforts to get it lifted; they’ve redone the stage, and behind the stage they’ve installed sound-proofing.
How are you finding the local crowds and their responses? Good. When there’re people there, they’re always getting into it. What seems to be inconsistent is getting people there.
What improvements would you like to see in the local scene? Where do you start? (Laughs) Having a bit to do with the Rock Club…not to point the finger at any bands. I’ve noticed some of the younger bands are a little bit unprofessional – they are slow at setting up, especially at Trout as you have a curfew. Half the members who are set up start jamming before they’re playing…and it just looks like crap and it sounds shit and people are standing round wondering, “Are they playing a song or what?”
You seem to have a good camaraderie with the other bands you play with… Well, I know a lot of bands just through working here (Tracks music store), people coming in and musos… it’s just the way to go. If you know a band or if you don’t know a band, it’s nice to get to know them. Be a friend to the bands, not an enemy, because the scene’s too small in Hobart. How do you find the monthly Trout Rock Club? Yeah, good. The concept of that was done by a guy who used to play in our band and he thought the Killawatts concept was cool. But it was even more inconsistent; the dates were never confirmed and that sought of thing. Basically he said, “I can do this and I can do it better”, and did. He then asked if we would sponsor it, and we were cool with that and got Roadrunner Records on board just through
”
Trout like to have three bands on the night, so you’ve got three bands in three hours and if a band’s going to stuff around to begin with, then it’s just cutting into everyone’s sets. And the lifting of the curfew. Are you guys planning on a CD in the future, focusing on originals? Yeah we are. We’ve got about six fully-finished originals, and we’re going to start recording them… either do an EP or add a few extras for an album. Blakout play frequently at Hobart’s Trout.
Talking Metalheads and Rupert Murdoch with
REPEAT OFFENDER BY RYAN COOKE & TOM WILSON
Is there any stopping Myspace? In only a few years, the site has become a Mecca for unsigned bands to project their music on the ears of the curious. Just ask Brisbane melodic rockers Repeat Offender, whose online account currently boasts over six thousand fans, who have listened to their online tracks no less than fifty-seven thousand times. About to embark on a national tour with The Butterfly Effect, Eggy caught up with Matt Newton as the band rehearsed for the long tour ahead…
You’ve just released your debut EP; are you writing material for an album or something? Yeah, man. We just got the EP out in stores, and we realised that we wanted to start recording our new album, hopefully, by the end of the year. [That’s when] we plan to hit the studio. So we realised, “Shit! We’ve got to write a fuckload of songs!” So we’ve been cramming to get some songs written before we go on tour with The Butterfly Effect. And we’re actually going back into the studio next week to do another eight or nine demos. You just recently supported The Veronicas. (Laughs) How did that go? (Laugh) Oh, man! Yeah, that was fun. We’re actually friends with the girls, and they were looking for a support for their Brisbane show, and we were like,
“We’ll do it! That’ll be fun!” I think we spent the whole night drinking light beer, as was provided by the venue. And then hitting the stage and rocking out, and then we went and partied. So it was fun. How did their poppy fans react to you guys? That’s the surprising thing! I would have thought that it would be all fourteen, fifteen-year-old girls screaming. But it totally wasn’t. I actually got stopped in the street the other day by one of the most hardcore, scary-looking, skinhead tattooed dude I’ve ever seen. And he goes, “Man, I saw you guys at The Veronicas! That was awesome!” I was like, “Whoa…” There were a lot of people at the show that you wouldn’t expect to be at The Veronicas. The night before, we played at The Basement in Brisbane, which is like a metal club. And we played with some of the heaviest metal bands in Queensland. And half
the guys in the other bands actually had tickets to the show the next night. It was weird! Did they actually go for the music, or just to check out The Veronicas? I don’t know! It’s kind of like…they’re a band that’s cool to like for a lot of people. It’s like a guilty pleasure for all these metalheads. It was unexpected. I’m really embarrassed because my girlfriend likes them. [And you just shared that with twenty thousand people – Tom] Oh, that’s okay. They’re good songs. You’ve just released your debut EP. How have fans reacted to it, seeing as the press has given it such a bashing? Dude, it’s cool! We kind of expected to sell a couple of copies around Queensland, because we’ve got a pretty good base of fans around here. But in the first week that it was out, we sold about a thousand copies, and it came in at, like, number twenty-nine on the HMV Singles Chart. We just far exceeded anything we thought we’d do with it.
“
… M a rc h o n R u p e r t M u rd o c h ! H e ’s s t e a l ing our music!
”
Do you think Myspace is helping out a lot more now with the unsigned bands around the country? Oh hell yeah. If you’re not using Myspace, and you’re in a band, it’s just stupid. Like, there’s a lot of other things available – we use mp3.com. But with Myspace, you can just get on there, and people can ask you questions. We started using it, and we’ve gone from being just unknown to selling hundreds and hundreds of CDs, all thanks to the internet. So Myspace is awesome. This has only come out in the last month or so, but did you realise that if you put your mp3s on Myspace, Rupert Murdoch owns the rights to do whatever he likes with them? (Laughs) Oh, that bastard! He’s cheated us out of all our riches! (Laughs) Nah. He can do whatever he wants with them! We don’t make any money out of anything; if he wants to, he can put them on an ad. That’ll probably be good for shows, I reckon. I don’t think he’d bitch if you guys got on a big soundtrack. Most people wouldn’t complain. Yeah. We should start a rally of Australian bands and march on Rupert Murdoch. He’s stealing our music!
PAGE 19
AN A-Z OF TASMANIAN ORIGINAL MUSIC (VOL 1) in the artists’ own words
A
that became Sex Drv (sex drive) An all out assault on the senses, great songs, great effects (including giant logo in flashing lights…come on, who does that in Hobart?) and full rock leather costume. It was a great experience to be involved in but sadly it didn’t last for ever. However the show must CRIXUS Hip-hop/Rap go on; once Sex Drv disbanded I’ve been www.myspace.com/crixus busy writing and recording as much as I can Rapper-guy, Poet-bloke, Producer-dude, hoping to build a list and maybe at some Turntablist-thing, Penguin. Currently located stage taking the stage once again. SEE YA in Tropical Melbourne, originally from Tas- THERE. mania, Crixus has supported almost every major artist in Australian hiphop since the late 90’s. (Former) radio show host, (former) MC Battle & Open Mic night host, (former) helluva nice guy, you should really like him. Having released 2 tapes (in 99 & GRETEL TEMPLETON 2001), he’s about to get all futuristic & re- Acoustic/folk/indie-pop lease a full-length CD and it’s about damn http://www.myspace.com/guitargretel An easy listen: simple guitar with sweet votime too. cal melodies and light-hearted lyrics. CRYTEARIA Hip-hop GRRR the pounding onslaught of brutality, grind and slam in an easy to swallow forumula, short, sweet and straight to the point. like a chainsaw to a carcass, so are the ways of our gore.
We make quality music that can touch you, make you laugh and cry, make you dance, or listen carefully to each crafted lyric…well, That’s the aim anyway. I like lyrics, telling stories, talking about different stuff, explorABACINATE ing the world with words, having fun with Death/ThrashMetal rhyming and meter, same with beat makwww.myspace.com/abacinater CryteariaCreations.com Abacinate was formed in 2001 by guitar- ing…yeah, always trying to take it to the Crytearia toys with drums, samples and ist vocalist Warwick Bruce, taking inspira- next level. synths to create a unique blend of instrution from bands such as Slayer, Testament, mental hip-hop music. Born in 1985, his Whiplash, Kreator, Destruction. They went BORN HEADLESS first explorations in music making began Brutal Blasting Death Metal through numerous lineup changes until the around 2000. Crytearia’s influences stem www.bornheadless.cjb.net current lineup and now hold their rightful Formed by several well known Tassie death from a wide variety of genre; from funk to place as one of the mainstays in the Tassie metal band members in 1999, Born Head- hip-hop to rock to 80s electro. metal scene, having played with local bands less has always performed brutal and inZero Degrees Freedom, Nosce Tiepsum, as tense Death Metal. In 2004, after the release well as Melbourne’s Alarum and Adelade’s of their album- the band seemingly ended. Truth Corroded. But with fresh energy and new membersdrummer Pat re-birthed Born Headless in ANITA GEORGE late 2005 with a new and stronger fire burnIndie Folk ing. The music has changed, and the brutal DAVE BRADSHAW www.anitageorge.com.au Acoustic/Indie Hailed by the Sydney Morning Herald as but more medium paced death attack has www.davebradshaw.com.au ‘Hobart’s purveyor of sultry blues folk’, An- turned into an uncompromising technical Dave writes melodic acoustic guitar based ita George has captivated audiences across blast fest. tunes featuring striking vocals, meaningful Australia with her beautiful voices, percuslyrics and a range of percussive instruments BOTOX (aka Blood of the Oxen) sive guitar playing and blues harmonica. all performed live. Grunge A wandering troubadour at heart, she is no A solid performance, derived from over a www.myspace.com/bloodoftheoxen stranger to the road, having played at festiBOTOX are a four piece grunge band that dozen years’ experience delivering music vals and venues across Australia including formed in 2003. They gig regularly around live throughout Tasmania and Australia. Falls Festival 2004 (Marion Bay), Backdrop Hobart and will be releasing their first full Festival 2006 (Cairns), Nannup Music FesDave has recently been nominated as a length album in late 2006. tival 2005 (WA), Australian Music Week finalist in the Best “Up and Coming Origi2005 (Melbourne) and Cygnet Folk Festival nal Tasmanian Act” Category of the 2006 BRANDED LEFT HANDED 2005, 2006 (Tas). She was a grand finalist Amplified awards and in addition, his song Loud Catchy Punk! in the Australian Busking Championships in www.myspace.com/brandedlefthanded “Vindication” was selected for the Amplified 2005. From the southern island of Australia, four Festival Showcase CD. (attractive) lads and their respective instruANTHONY ROCHESTER ments are the gears and cogs that make up DIRTY HARRY AND THE ROCKETS Indie Pop Hobarts hottest punk rock outfit Branded Australian Rock ‘n Roll http://www.anthonyrochester.com Left Handed. Following a year or so of line- www.harryandtherockets.com Once upon a time, Anthony made some up shuffles and solid hard work, the result Dirty Harry and The Rockets are a filth Rock songs using a machine. is the debut EP “You’ve Got A Bad Hip, You ‘n’ Roll band. They resembled either something that would Shouldn’t Be Dancing”, available as of July Based on The northwest coast of Tasmania, have been heard on AM radio a bit before his ‘06, which showcases their unique high en- are currently recording there birth, or something to be composed many ergy punk sound, reflecting the on-stage latest works and doing a few shows in Victoyears after his death. Its hard to say which. energy that has been taking Tasmania by ria/Tasmania in October. In any case, Anthony had to play all the instorm. struments himself because he didn’t have the social skills to find people and start a BRENDAN TURRIFF band. Contrary to popular myth, he is not Campfire Punk Norwegian, and does not work in a library. 0407 516 183
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ARGUS
Rock Pop Blues http://www.myspace.com/57906659
I started writing songs in year 10 when I was fifteen…that was over ten years ago! I reside at the beach – and as you could imagine, it’s crap. My time outside of work is spent getting in the water, fishing or belting out a few tunes. I recorded a whole bunch of songs in NSW last year. Rocked up at my Old Man’s house and he had “borrowed” an old 70’s style 8-Track - cool. We managed to bang out about 25 of my originals whilst consuming our fair share of Boag’s Draught!!
Argus are a Tasmanian 3-piece band who released their first CD at the begining of 2006, with three animated filmclips on DVD. Argus have been playing around Tasmania for the past year-and-a-half. The filmclip for one of our songs “Dooray” was recently played on Rage TV (Friday 7th July 2006) and also on Noise TV (Series 3, Episode 3 - 29 April 2006). Now we’re onto the next BRIAN TAIRAKU RITCHIE album and set of clips.
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BALLPOINT
Punk Rock www.myspace.com/ballpoint
With a sound that has steered well away from the huge onslaught of emo/screamo bands, who are making reverse mullets fashionable, Hobart punkrockers Ballpoint have been wowing audiences near and far with their uniquetake on the punk rock genre incorporating the speed and energy of modernpunk with the melody, beer, guitar solos and rock moves of classic rock n roll! Get amongst it! BEN CURTIS
Indie/Pop/Rock www.myspace.com/bencurtissolo
Ben Curtis has been in many local bands all going on to gain great acclaim, but now ben has gone solo with his guitar and digeridoo at hand and has allready had many great gigs. Ben plays all originals and his catchy melodies and amazing live entertainment skills have to be seen to be believed. BEST BEFORE DEATH
Hardcore Punk/Metalcore www.myspace.com/bestbeforedeath
Based in Hobart consisting of five youths the band Best Before Death rocks out parties with their alternative style. A mixed genre band that goes from screaming vocals to punk rhythms post hardcore riffs old school metal drumming and pop punk bass. BLADEL & TANÉ
Good Music! www.myspace.com/bladel
Makin’ music in the hip hop tradition, incorporating wide influences and musical styles.
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ECHO BLUE
Roots, Reggae, Rock www.echobluetheband.com
Echo Blue’s unique and eclectic sound blends rock, funk and reggae flavours with a hint of dub n bass. The band uses a variety of guitars, strong vocals and witty lyrics that are complemented by funky, fat assed basslines and dynamic off beat drumming. The trio’s live shows build from a spacious groove to a full tilt lapslide roots rock blast that has their audience captivated from the word go! Echo Blue are certainly establishJazz/Punk/Improv/Folk ing their live reputation and developing a www.brianritchie.com Founder of Violent Femmes Rock Band, strong following. These boys are not to be 25 years on the road and in the studio all missed!! over the world. Concerts in over 35 different countries. 10 studio albums and numerous live and greatest hits packages. 7 years of studying shakuhachi (Japanese Bamboo Flute) in NYC with James Nyoraku Schlefer, culminating in a Jun Shihan teaching license and the professional name “Tairaku”. Has FINITO recorded 3 CD’s of traditional and modern Alternative music for the shakuhachi. Leader of the www.myspace.com/finitoband “Shakuhachi Club” band with branches in Rich female vocals and melodic guitar harNYC, Milwaukee, San Francisco and Reykja- monies. Finito has a unique sound that is vik. Other interests include producing other hard to describe. The band has many influmusicians, playing as sideman or arranger ences that has created this mix of rock/ on recordings and touring with various ad punk/hardcore. The band have played many shows in the last few years. Finito are a band hoc groups. for what ever genre you like.
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COPIOUS FAULT
Hip-Hop www.myspace.com/copious.fault
FOLLOW BY THE WAYSIDE
Rock www.myspace.com/followbythewayside
Follow by the Wayside, 3-piece original rock band from the North-West Coast. Runners up of the TasMusic Rock Challenge 2006, this band has started fresh this year after modifying their sound, name and members. Not following a strict songwriting guideline, every song offers a different style and feel, yet keeps to the unique sound. Varying from heavy rock, to fast paced wah, they deliver live with energy and enthusiasm, not taking it too seriously. Definately worth the comesee.
Copious Fault formed in Early 2006 through 3 mates from the north-west of Tassie who now reside in Hobart. All with a love of HipHop, Copious began making tracks through a home studio and spread the word to any MC to come and collab on a track. Soon word got around and they ended up working with Juro (QLD), Smokey Bogart (USA) and Local MC Covert, who was later ask to join the group. Now with the Full line up Copious FREAK Fault is working hard to get an EP out late Hard Rock/Metal http://freaksleatheradventure.blogspot.com/ this year. I love ballsy rock, can’t get enough of it. Been playing around Hobart for around 10 CORPSE CARVING years, I even sold my soul and played crappy Brutal Death Metal covers in crappy cover venues for cash (no www.corpsecarving.com A style of simplified groove metal designed I’m not proud).Then in 2000 I joined up with to impale itself into your cranium, all about John Diamond and the mighty juggernaut
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Rock, punk, slightly metal, anti-emo rock, alternative www.grrr.com.au.
Three piece rockers Grrr hail from Launceston - Tasmania. They play music that encompasses a wide range of styles and influences creating music in genres such as pop, rock, punk, metal, alternative and post hardcore. With the new album release (15 tracks) available now, Grrr have been working hard to define their style and sound through intensity and originality to create a brand of music that is uniquely their own.
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HALFMAST
Punk/Rock www.halfmastband.com
Over the past few years, aesthetically unoffensive 4-piece punk rock outfit HALFMAST have been gathering themselves a nifty reputation as one of Tasmania’s most enjoyable live acts. Their unique mix of mid 90’s punk, Australian pub-style hard rock and post-hardcore has taken them far and wide across the island of Tasmania, energizing crowds across the state with their always entertaining and never dull stage-show. HALO7
Rock www.bandspace.com/halo7
Tasmanian rock band doing well on the internet, about to release a second CD. Recently performed to a packed house at the Trout with Jack’s Agenda.
nal sound, letting rip with a hardcore metal sound that blows people away time and time again.
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JARED SPURR
Indie/Roots www.jaredspurr.com
I have been playing for just a handful of years. I have graduated a music degree where I recorded my first album, “Virgil, Take Me By the Hand.” I have played gigs in my local area including a supporting gig for 67 Special. My sound is a folk/blues mix with a strong emphasis on lyrical content. Basically I love music and try to make music that I would want to hear. JAY FRASER
Acoustic/Folk http://www.rubbishnight.com
Young singer and songwriter born and raised in Tasmania. Heavily influenced by folk, country & bluegrass music more than any others, trying to find the footsteps of Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake & a growing list of others – don’t fancy dying young, though. Generally giving my solo performance in the traditional style of a rambling troubadour from the bygone era – armed with a guitar, harmonica and an arsenal of songs. JOHN DIAMOND
Hard Rock http://john-diamond.blogspot.com/
The rock world was in decline; it needed a savior. Along came John Diamond who started the band Sex Drv (as in drive) in 2000. For two years they rocked Hobart, putting the the best rock and roll show Tasmania had ever seen. Unfortunately it all ended after the release of the demo EP. Now, John Diamond and his partner in crime, Freak, are rising from the ashes of Sex Drv. Both are writing separately and jamming together with their ideas.
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KICKFISH
Ska/Reggae/Punk http://www.myspace.com/kickfishen
Combining a mix of reggae, ska and punk, Kickfish play a mix of fast and crazy skapunk, as well as soulful reggae. Easy to dance to music, and sing-a-long chorus’s are a major part of the Kickfish sound. Formed HAMMERHEAD in 2005, the band is comprised of talented Hard Rock young musicians who attend Hobart Colwww.hammerhead1.com lege. Kickfish are currently gigging around Hard rock with an 80s edge is Hammerhead’s Hobart, and hope to secure support slots for style. Soaring vocals, wailing guitars and major acts visiting the state soon. LOUD. It’s about denim, flanallette, leather, big amp stacks and the biggest drumkit in KIDS IN SANDBOX town. Debut album “Stiff” has paid for it- Punk self a few times over, and keeps selling. Live www.myspace.com/kidsinsandbox EP out in October. Album number 2 is be- The trio have not been together long but ing recorded in November 06. Adrian Scott have already played a handful of gigs and (The Shred Master General) is king of the have a growing fan base. Combining 80’s fretboard, and worth the price of admission style hardcore with the latest punk/hardcore himself. trimings they have created a unique sound that is Kids In Sandbox. This is an energetic HANNAH band you don’t want to miss. Rock Pop www.myspace.com/hannahrock05
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Hannah are an original band that have been playing around Hobart for the last six months. We supported Kisschasy at the Republic Bar and have sold over two hundred copies of our last EP. Hopefully the new one LAKODA goes off. Rock / Alternative www.myspace.com/lakodaspace
HOUNDS OF SPACE
Funk Rock, Stoner Rock, Grunge Rock, Pop Rock www.myspace.com/houndsos
Hounds of Space sound like a mix of Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine and desert rock legends Queens of the Stone Age. So, a load of yelling, SPASTICATED funk; songs that’ll make you dance, and others that’ll make you headbang. They are planning on recording within the next few months and will hopefully have a demo CD out by the end of the year.
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ICE EATER
Black/Death Metal
Ice Eater is not a band, merely a vessel that tells the story of the Beast himself. Through music and words, the story of the ancient Beast (he whose name cannot be spoken in Human Tongue, but does have a human name) is told. The music is similar in styles to Black Metal, but without boundaries and often incorporating elements of Death metal and several other forms of human Muzak.
Lakoda have performed alongside local and interstate acts of varying styles and although most of these lean toward rock ‘n’ roll, there have clearly been opportunities for Lakoda to show their many colours. This is mostly due to their flexibility in playing with equal strength and consistency as acoustic duo, trio, 4-piece unplugged or very, very plugged in! Lakoda are extremely versatile which inevitably has enabled them to play alongside some mighty fine talent!
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MARK DOWNIE
Acoustic Comedy Folk Blues Punk 0419596533
Playing pubs, cafes and comedy clubs around TAS. Have supported numerous standup and musical comedians such as Jenny Wynter (Bris) and The Bedroom Philosopher. MIDNIGHT CALLER
Not Indie Rock http://www.myspace.com/midnitecaller
It’s loud rock with an emphasis on melody and group dynamics. “We All Work At The Shop” was recorded live to digital on one JACK’S AGENDA Heavy Metal of the seedier streets in Hobart. The prowww.jacksagenda.com duction is shiny sounding yet organic. It’s Jacks Agenda formed late 2005 and com- a band in a room without all the boring bits prises of a myriad of influences and musi- and no keyboard overdubs or ego problems. cal talent. Its members have been involved New E.P. coming out soon! in the music industry for many years in various acts. Based in Hobart, Tasmania these MIND OVER MATTER guys have managed to create a truly origi- Rock/Punk/Pop www.mindovermatter.altpro.net
Mind Over Matter are an up and coming new all original rock band based in Hobart. Started by adam and nick in early 2006 and later recruiting Liam, the trio now have a long list of solid original songs, are gigging regularly and have a growing support base.
Palm This are a Experimental Thrash Pop outfit from the streets of Launceston. The sound is aggressive, danceable and yummy. The band are recognized for their wonderful live shows and have won many fans over the great state of Tasmania. The band have a refreshing sound and are sure to give hope, love and cats to the world!
MINDSET
Punk-Metal www.myspace.com/mindsetrock
Fast, technical and aggressive... Mindset is a five-piece punk-metal outfit based around Northern Tasmania. The band is currently recording tracks for its debut EP due out this year. MODUS
Rock/Alternative www.myspace.com/modus1
Modus, for the uninitiated, is a four piece alternative rock band hailing from Launceston. Since breaking out of the garage with singer Ahmad Reeve in 2004, the band has established a strong bond with audiences statewide. The band is now armed with their latest project “DEMONSTRATION”, a 6 track studio EP and DVD.
PD
Dance / Electronic http://www.mp3.com.au/pd
A producer of many different genres of music such as house, electro, breaks, D’n’B and more. Also creator of the sound track for TasDance’s “(X-STACY)”, a play revolved around today’s dance music society. Whilst producing, also a resident DJ of Lonnies Niteclub and also many other venues around Tasmania PETE CORNELIUS AND THE DEVILLES Jump Rock Blues www.petecornelius.com
Pete Cornelius and the DeVilles are one of Australia’s hardest-working blues bands. They have played at festivals and venues all across the country including time overseas. Their distinct old-school vibe of the westM.S.I. coast swing, thumpin’ rockabilly, 50’s ChiBrutal Death Metal cago and rockin’ texas blues is something www.msi.deflection7.com else! With three albums out, plenty of new M.S.I. play a brand of Death Metal that gets roadworthy songs, the DeVilles aint’ hangin’ more brutal with every release and live show. around. Whenever they play live, their audience can’t help but move- and usually violently. Blood PEYOTE BLIND has been spilled at the last 10 shows, and Alt. Rock/Metal the violence in the pit is inspired by the ear www.myspace.com/peyoteblind1 pummeling brutality that their music is. Of Playing their blend of Original Alternative course, they’re nice lads! So give ‘em a hug Rock and Enticing Metal, Peyote Blind have next time they’re in your neighbourhood! appeared on numerous Compilation Albums. Peyote Blind have played many gigs THE MUDDY TURDS and venues including Devils Music (a benefit Garage Blues-Punk Rock gig for the Tasmanian devil) and The Tear www.myspace.com/muddyturds It up Festival at The Derwent Entertainment One of the most energetic, immature, un- Centre as part of the Glenorchy Works Fesconventional and creative bands with a wild tival in 2006. stage presence. Have performed all over Tassie, and have toured NSW. Have sup- PHIL MANNING ported fellow funny bands; Butterfingers + Blues/ Folk Innocent Cabbage. Have played APRA stage www.philmanning.com.au of Falls Festival, plus RATR, Unleashed and Australian guitarist/singer/songwriter and a Free Festy Festivals. founder member of longtime Oz-Blues band Chain. Phil has carved a long and interesting career as a soloist and as both a band leader and member of Chain. After forty years Phil is highly regarded as one of the fathers of progressive blues/roots music in this country. NATHAN BURLEY Acoustic/Roots/Pop PSYCROPTIC
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www.myspace.com/nathanburley
Nathan Burley is a 24-year-old singer/songwriter hailing from Hobart, Tasmania. With a sound built around rhythmic guitar parts, strong melodies and introspective lyrics, his stripped back acoustic-based style is slowly gaining him a devoted following in the Tasmanian original music scene. He has previously supported the likes of Xavier Rudd and plans to hit the studio to record his first studio EP in the coming months. NATHAN WHELDON & THE TWO TIMERS Pop/Rock/Folk www.nathanwheldon.com
Nathan Wheldon is a local singer/songwriter and has been an active member of the music scene in Tasmania for over 4 years. Nathan tries to give his audience an intimate and laid back experience. Nathan has been lucky enough to support bands such as The Voyeurs, Melbourne acts, The Styles, Borne and most recently supporting one of Australia’s most recognized performers, Dave Graney and Clare Moore. Nathan has just been nominated for best up & coming artist for the 2006 Amplified awards!
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ORATORIC AND PADDLES
Hip-hop www.mp3.com.au/oratoricandpaddles
Oratoric and Paddles have been hard at work on their debut album, “Most Days” for some time now. They have only just got their act together though and are about to drop the single from the album, also entitled “Most Days”. OnP have been gigging around Hobart for a little while now, and don’t plan to throw the towel in anytime soon. OXCYDE
Hip Hop www.assentrix.com
Started writing in 2001 but got serious about it sometime in early 2003, already have appeared on a mix-tapes and releases around the world, gigs around Tasmania and Victoria. Should be dropping an Assentrix demo or EP by the middle of next year, but in the mean time, I’m focusing on just solo material with Effekt (Level Headed). I think at the moment I’m still in my collaboration phase; at the moment I’m working on about 6 different tracks with emcees/producers from USA, and the UK. I like to keep busy with my work.
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PALM THIS
Experimental Thrash Pop www.myspace.com/palmthis
Death metal www.psycroptic.com
Without an alignment to a particular style, scene or sound, Psycroptic incorporate many elements of music to capture a sound that is uniquely their own within the metal genre. The Hobart quartet are beginning to make their mark on the worldwide metal community, through extensive touring throughout both Australia and Europe with some of metal’s biggest acts such as Cannibal Corpse, Dismember, Nile and Kataklysm to name but a few.
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ROGUE SHARKS Rock/Metal www.roguesharks.com.au
Founded in 1994, the past eleven years has seen the Rogue Sharks sound develop into something of an eclectic style and is best described as heavy guitar based power rock ranging from blues based grooves to flat-out heavy metal with a new millennium edge.
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SOCIAL THEORIST Alternative, Rock, Progressive www.myspace.com/socialtheorist
Early in 2003 four ambitious school boys formed a band. The band stuttered and stammered its way through practice sessions and gigs until it developed its own sound. This sound is what we hear today in the aptly named Social Theorist; a rock band with abstract theories, cynicism, fading teenage angst, passion and a truck load of borrowed sound gear.
This Collision. A highlight of this year is anything save us from the onslaught of pop bound to be the upcoming shows with The- idols in contemporary society? The musical revolution was once “ROCK” Butterfly Effect on their Tassie Tour. and will be again. Enjoy! Stratified formed in the early noughties with undeniable chemistry and began to thrive THE SCANDAL within a cutthroat original music scene in THE INFECTED Punk Hobart. With their unique blend of good mu- Punk http://www.myspace.com/scandalband sic and pop-rock, STRATIFIED has grown its www.myspace.com/theinfectedaus fan base and made appearances on Hobart We are three men who share some ideas and The Scandal is a three piece punk band from radio receiving consistent airplay as well as enjoy expressing ourselves. The Infected is Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Forming deep regular original gigs at Dr Syntax and other noise and passion, screaming and feedback, in rural Tasmania late in 2000, the band has violence and alcohol. since played a swag of sweaty, heartfelt gigs selected venues. Any given show could work or fall apart slow- from the top to the bottom of Tassie, and ly turning into a noisy mess. The Infected are further afield. The band is preparing to reSTROKE OF ACE unpredictable but not totally unrehearsed, lease its debut long player in October 2006; Hard Rock intense but also calming, violent but also the culmination of a solid twelve months www.myspace.com/strokeoface loving, loved by some and hated by most. spent writing and rehearsing new mateRecording, hopefully, in the near future. rial. Recorded through winter 2006 with producer Lincoln le Fevre, the album is set THE INNOCENTS to showcase the band’s more cohesive and Powerpop progressive songwriting. STRATIFIED
Contempary Rock www.stratified.com.au
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TABERAH Thrash, Classic and Power Metal www.myspace.com/taberahmetal
Taberah are a young up and coming Hobart band that have quickly made a name for themselves by pleasing crowds with a unique brand of Heavy Metal that is been missing from the Hobart Metal scene for some time. They are currently working on getting some tracks recorded and released and playing some shows around state to extend their fan base and take over the world. Terrible Itch Rock 0400672335
Intricate bass riffs, powerful guitars, melodic drumming and intense vocals with multifaceted lyrics combine to create this hard hitting rock with punk influences. Terrible Itch have recently recorded several tracks, including Out, Make Love Not Hate, The Last Boy Scout, Taxi Driver, Enter the Fist, and Two Can Play the Same Game. Influences include: Black Sabbath, The Ramones, Foo Fighters, Suicidal Tendencies, and At the Drive In.
theinnocents.com.au
The Innocents are a Tasmanian Powerpop legend from Australia. David Minchin, Charles Touber and Greg Cracknell have been writing and performing together for nearly 30 years. From their seminal “Sooner or Later” in 1980 to their “No Hit Wonders From Down Under” in 2003 (Zip Records) they have amassed a legion of fans.....(mostly French Foreign Legionnaires) However...they remain confident that their music will one day be heard (they have new CD out titled-“Pop Factory”). They tour internationally, just recently returning from Europe and Japan,(May/June 2006) and still aim to be famous before they are 50….. that’s next year!
THE SHITKICKS Rock n Roll www.myspace.com/theshitkicks
Alternative rock www.myspace.com/thekedsofraybrower
THE ZIP UP CASUALS
Horror Punk-a-billy www.myspace.com/ccswitchblades
THE KICKS Indy/Aus/Pop www.wearethekicks.com
Since forming to play a festival paddock gig in 2004... The Kicks have been developing their original style within the Hobart gig scene. The Kicks’ unique form of indy-rock, blends a old-school grunge aesthetic with modern aus-pop sensibilitys. Songwriter THE DEAD ABIGAILS Zoezac’s bitter-sweet crusty-guitar tunes Pop Rock in a dark Tasmanian accent are backed www.thedeadabigails.com The Dead Abigails began with a bang late by Waz’s newwave basslines and Murders 2001. They were instantly signed to a dodgy Punk-kit antics. The Kicks will be releasing manager who wasted 3 years of their lives their debut album “Ladders” early 2007. and stole their money! Some good stuff came out of it though, playing in the UK to THE NUMLOCKS 30 000 screaming kids, unearthed by JJJ, Pop Punk ALMA award for best live Tassi band, and www.thenumlocks.com the release of the Code EP. They’ve recently The Numlocks are a young energetic pop released their self-titled DVD/CD and are set punk group based in Hobart. Being described as “electric onstage” whilst playto tour in October. ing shows all around Tasmania, they are about to embark on a small album launch tour for their debut album; “Bird Flu”. They THE EMBERS have supported bands such as Ballpoint and Roots Fusion Stand Defiant, and have developed their own www.theembersonline.com The Embers formed in mid 2005, with the style of fast paced punk, right down to an members having played either solo or in acoustic guitar ballad, taking influence from other bands previously, mixing elements of bands like Blink-182 and NoFx. celtic, latin, reggae, rock, jazz and country, fusing together to create an originality that has won them slots at the Falls Festival and THE OVERVIEW MS Fest, also supports with The Whitlams Alternative rock/melodic powerpop and Marcia Hines, The Red Eyes, The Ex- www.myspace.com/theoverview ploders and The Custom Kings among oth- “The diversity of their original material ers. The next 6 months will see the Embers separates them from other similar bands, going into the studio to record an EP, pro- with their softer emotive songs coupled with moting their national profile and creating their heavier guitar driven rock anthems. The band’s intimate flavour of snarling riffs new material. and vocal hooks will leave any crowd greedy for more.” THE FADED EFFEKT THE PISSWEAK KIDS Screamo/Hardcore Punk/Metal/Alternative Rock
The Faded Effekt were originally a four piece band called Stoked. Until Last year when Guitarist Thomas Brooke, moved to Hobart. Stoked still played but weren’t getting anywhere. Until Bevan Williams and James Setori, former band members from other Queenstown Band-Toxic Waste, Agreed to join, and replace Thomas Brooke, both playing guitar. With only Three weeks until Rock Challenge, The Faded Effekt signed up, SPACE RAVEN wrote an original (Gone too Far) and learnt Doom Metal/Tradtional two Story of the Year Covers, to play at the www.platform.net.au/con-arts/spaceraven Rock Challenge. They didn’t make the finals Sick of the lack of diversity in the Tassie but put on a great First show. TFE are now scene- a scene dominated by death metal writing more songs and hoping to get some and extreme metal bands- Space Raven has more gigs in future. brought a new dimension to the metal community. Playing heavy and thick Doom metal, THE HUMANS they don’t wanna break speed barriers- they Rock/Indie just play simple plodding but heavy riffs that www.myspace.com/thehumans76 won’t appeal to fans of most metal. The Humans are a rock band in the classic Aussie sense! A powerful 3 piece with big STAND DEFIANT guitar sounds, catchy lyrics, great vocals Punk/Hardcore backed by a solid rhythm www.myspace.com/standdefiantband section, The Humans are gaining in popularSolid as a Mack Truck Punk rock fused with ity as each day passes. About to embark on fast paced melodic hardcore. Touring natheir first mainland tour in support of their tionally throughout September in support new EP “City Girl”, of their new EP on Disconnect Records Our The Humans will soon play Byron Bay, The Own Destruction. DIY or DIE. Gold Coast, Brisbane Uni Bar, and the Sunshine Coast as special guest of Qld band
SCIENCE.... Its Black and White
THE KEDS OF RAY BROWER
THE CROSS CITY SWITCHBLADES
www.myspace.com/thefadedeffekt1
Electronica www.myspace.com/thescientistsofmodernmusic
The Shitkicks are a rock, blues and punk, two nearly-man band. They began in mid 2005 and have since been playing, writing and recording on a regular basis. The pair will release a semi-album on their own Exemplary Records in the coming months to be entitled “Introducing. The Shitkicks” featuring “hits” such as Silver Lining and It’s Cool.
Four guys writing songs... quite often we have a lot of timing changes or odd time signatures, so our songs tend to be quite interesting to listen to. we feature Stan’s quietly understated voice and vicious guitar playing, Dave’s melodic guitar melodies and soundscapes, Sam’s pop harmonies, and Pats raw energy on skins, and write songs that are at times epic and grand and at other times catchy and memorable.
Combining Misfits-esque horror punk with psychobilly and throwing in the occasional brutal scream, The Cross City Switchblades are a band that enjoys to play. With new members and new ideas expect to see them at a show near you.
THE SCIENTISTS OF MODERN MUSIC
New wave / Rock www.myspace.com/thezipupcasuals
The Zip Up Casuals hadn’t been around the circuit long before earning support slots for bands such as Shihad (NZ), In the Grey (N.S.W.), Doc Neeson’s Angels (N.S.W.), Fourth Floor Collapse (WA) The Whitlams (N.S.W.) as well as working hard around the local scene. The Band is currently writing material for an album and will be touring Melbourne and Tasmania in October.
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VICTORY AVENUE Classical punk prog-rock with a twist of lemon thrash www.myspace.com/victoryavenue
Enjoying the close knit community of the northwest coast, Victory Ave drew inspiration from the dynamic local original punk scene flourishing over the last 6-7 years.
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WOOF WOOF Punkish/Rockish www.myspace.com/woofwooftas
Woof wooF are a 3 piece, (questionably) punk rock band with 3 people. They jump up and down sometimes. But I think Woof wooF can probably be summed in one paragraph; ‘Hey, how long till the music drowns you out? Don’t put words up in my mouth, I didn’t steal your boyfriend. Hey, how long till you face what’s goin’ on, Cause you really got it wrong, I didn’t steal your boyfriend.’ Thats it. Woof to the wooF.
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YOUR DAMN NEIGHBOURS 80’s Metal www.purevolume.com/yourdamnneighbours
Your Damn Neighbours is a group of grade 9s who play 80s metal. They have been playing together now for nearly a year and a half. Pissweak Rock With screaming guitar solos and a singer www.myspace.com/thepissweakkids “The Brilliant and the Terrible Combine in that actually sings they take pride in believGenius”.Formed as an exploration into truly eing in 80s music. terrible music, The Pissweak Kids graduated into being semi-competant musicians, and with the addition of a drummer who could play like a demon, people have commented that they are at times too good to actually be pissweak anymore. ZERO DEGREES FREEDOM (ZDF)
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THE QUE
Melodic Death Metal :www.zerodegreesfreedom.com
Having started as a solo project in 2001, ZDF formed into its current 5-headed inThe Que produce noises in a soft/loud, me- carnation in mid 2003, and quickly establodic/noisy style, drawing from bands like lished themselves as one of Tasmania’s preGodspeed You Black Emperor!, Sigur Rós, mier metal acts. With numerous local and interstate gigs under their collective belts, Spacemen 3, 00I00, Can and Neu! ZDF are gearing up to record their first full length release with the current lineup, to be followed by a Australia-wide album launch. THE RIVER PHOENIX ‘The Calm Before the Silence’ is planned for Rock/Blues a late 2006 release. www.theriverphoenix.com.au The River Phoenix was formed in 2005...3 guys with a passion for original music. Saddened by the lack of rock in an ever growing meaningless commercial scene, The River TO BE INCLUDED IN VOL 2 OF THE A-Z Phoenix stand for unadulterated creativty, OF TASMANIAN MUSIC PLEASE EMAIL: originality and music without a corporate TWILSON@SAUCEONLINE.NET stamp. Do rock bands still exist? Are the for more details. gods of rock fading from all memory? Will Post rock / Krautrock www.kaleidoscopiclights.com
Orson
A-Skillz
BRIGHT IDEA
FINGER LICKIN’ EXPORT 02
I can’t really fault this album. It’s really well-played and full of hooks. The production is immaculate; all the sonic gaps have been filled with something! I just didn’t like it. In fact I couldn’t wait for it to end. As I was reading the press kit that came with it I found myself getting angry. It’s so full of typical publicist bullshit I’d need to attack my face with a cheese grater and spray the gashes with lemon juice to get any real feeling. Now before I go on, if you like Matchbox 20 you may well like this CD, so don’t read on. They’re “based” in Hollywood. They’re not from Hollywood, they’re just based there. Gosh it sounds good. Or not. Oh Lordy, such pap! The singer boasts about ripping off every great songwriter! I think it was just the ones he thought would make the most commercial recording. I guess that’s my biggest gripe with “Bright Idea” – it’s too obvious. It’s harsh and unbearable and the lyrics are too cliché. Although, I didn’t mind the concept of “Already Over” (track four), which had the premise of a sweet break up song: “It’s already over/if I stay here I’d only make you cry” but ended with “You’re a psycho bitch from hell” [Sounds familiar – Tom] No. I didn’t like this one at all but it will probably chart well. Any record company that spends this much money on production will usually pay big bucks to get it in your face. Review By Carl Fidler
The infamous A-Skillz has released another cracker of a CD. Do you like funk? Do you like hip-hop? Do you like breaks? Blend all of these together with some kick-ass scratching and you have the talent of A-Skillz. At only twenty-four, he has definitely defined his own style and skills on the turntables that would make any DJ jealous, with many big shows travelling across the world. The album definitely has a fun party groove throughout the mix with tracks from the likes of Nick Thayer, Krafty Kuts, Plump Djs, Skewiff and many more well known artists. Striving on instrumental sounds such as trumpets, saxophones, Latin percussion loops, funky guitar riffs, it offers absolutely everything to get your booty moving on the dance floor, or at least your toe tapping. There’s really not much need to be said about any Finger Lickin’ release; it’s a definite favourite label of mine, releasing nothing but quality tracks and albums that are always getting smashed across nightclubs around the world. Another great album that gets better with every listen. 8 funk fizzled monkeys out of 10. Review By Patrick Duke
RETROSPECTIVE SELF TITLED
Christ on a bike! These guys sound just the same as Orson but with their own twist; it made me think instantly of a Christian band attempting to go “hard”! Aside from the “News Boys” vibe, this CD contains some good production, good playing and a few hooks, but no soul. If there is an upside to this, it’s that we can produce crap as well as America can! Here’s an odd thing; there are six guys in the band; their photos are plastered all over the jacket, but only two of them appear on the recording credits (the singer and keyboard player). What’s that about? The CD was essentially crap anyway, so what would be the harm in letting the real band members have a crack at it? There was no press kit with this one so I can only tell you that they’re Australian. There’s nothing about the brilliant philosophy behind “Yesterday”: “I realised what I realised what I realised yesterday/ Why do I think about what I thought about what I thought/About today if I close my eyes will I dream about what I dreamed about yesterday/Why should I think about what I thought about what I thought about today…” Fucking Hell! It doesn’t really sound like he thought about it at all! Do not buy this. Dave, why am I reviewing this? Review By Carl Fidler
The Panda Band THIS VITAL CHAPTER
Now this is a good album. Potentially “great”, but I need a couple more listens before I can confirm that. What I can tell you is that this is a well thought-out contribution to Australian music. There was no press kit with this one either, but from what I can gather from the liner notes, they’re from West Australia (which doesn’t surprise me considering the hoard of brilliant bands that keep coming out of that place) and they seem to be lovely guys with a good sense of humour. And they thanked TAFE and APRA! Wow, where do I start? “This Vital Chapter” is filled to the brim with exciting arrangements and interesting instrumentation: quirky brass and woodwind, cool guitar sounds, smooth oscillating organs and bucket loads of other peculiar instruments. There is something reminiscent of David Bowie on this recording (which can’t be a bad thing!) but not so much as to be derivative, just a good grasp of quirky pop sensibility. The songs can be epic at times, taking you on a massive journey through eclectic chord changes and tripped out break-downs, but they always seem to land you gently where you expected to be, like opening your eyes after an intense but harmless dream. “This Vital Chapter” is interesting, clever, and an absolute pleasure to listen to. Please go and check this one out. I think track three, “Sleepy Little Deathtoll Town” is the track JJJ has been plugging. Review By Carl Fidler
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YEAR OF THE DOG AGAIN When I think of DMX, I think heavy-synth chord progressions, hard hitting drum hits, and grim verses projected with an intense “pay attention!” kind of voice, and six albums later nothing’s changed. “Year of the Dog Again” is an insanely charged-up hip-hop release, and what else would you expect from the man himself, who’s been quoted saying “I don’t make music to make songs; I make music to record my life”. Between a bunch of energetic bangers, there are a couple of songs where DMX gets deep with tracks like, “Baby Motha” where emotional strings play in the background as X talks of his girl’s dedication to him and his guilt over only staying with her because of their child. To be honest, I’m pretty impressed with X and Ruff Ryder’s ability to keep the same vibe and passion as they had with DMX’s previous releases even after the huge success he has had. On the track “Come Thru (Move)”, X is joined by fellow hype MC Busta Rhymes (who has an insane flow on this track) as they rip through another classic punch-line, club track to get your neck loose in the same style as they did in the early years. With twenty million albums sold worldwide so far, this man seems unstoppable and with a blossoming movie career (although burdened by his questionable acting skills), he does seem to indeed “Run this S***” as he claims on the track of the same name. Review By Ryan Farrington
Laurent Garnier 78 From Home
DMX
French DJ/producer Laurent Garnier (Larry Gardener) has released a double-disc collection consisting of many of his fan-favourite tracks, selected unreleased tracks and remixes. This album reflects upon his extensive twelve-year career history. “Retrospective” also includes a number of tracks that have previously only been available on vinyl. These include Garnier’s “6 Months Earlier” and “Sambou”, as well as Elgia’s “Basic” (Wake Up Lab remix). The definite pick of the bunch is the infamous “Man with the Red Face”. This live rendition is a killer after owning the original track on vinyl. Its extended instrument solos throughout the track get you into the groove of expression. I must admit there are a lot of tracks that seem to have a lot of quirky bleeps and pops, which really accounts for the minimal terminology, but some of the tracks seem to have some consistent funky grooves throughout. Overall, a worthwhile buy for new fans, but for the dedicated F Com heads, this is probably more of what they’ve already shelled out for. Still, it’s a lot more original and fresh-sounding than so many of the retrospectives that our shelves are heaving. Personally I would class the CD as an acquired taste, but truly a great album of classics from over a decade worth of artistry. 7 eclectic Monkeys out of 10
Review By Patrick Duke
Oppenheimer
Mdusu and Dameza
SOUNDS FROM OUR TOWN EP Mdusu and Dameza have earned themselves a big name in the underground Tas hip-hop scene over the last few years, from their backgrounds in battling to their countless support slots alongside some of the biggest hip-hop acts we’ve had here. But after a bunch of rumours of a release, the longawaited “Sounds From Our Town LP” has finally hit stores and it is well worth the wait. To prove how proud the boys are of their roots, the front cover bares a wide image of Hobart’s wharf area. There’s plenty of hard hitting tracks on this album, such as “Underground Assassins” and “Mdusu is the Name” that display the heavier side of Duse’s production style. But the couple of tracks that standout especially for me are the softer tracks where he gives us some insight into his mind. Musicians will relate to “In the Lab” and “Who’s got the Skills?”, which tell us of Mdusu’s dedication and obsession with making beats. The precise cuts over most tracks will please any DJ’s ears, which come compliments of Tas DMC Champion DJ Dameza. The only spot of criticism I have is the fact that the verses don’t match Mdusu’s passion and intense, live vocal style, but that’s possibly because I first heard him live. Other artists that feature on the LP are MCs Crixus, Caddy and Dunn-D, vocalist Abbey Doggett, MC Rigby and DJ Grotesque, who top the release off nicely. Review By Ryan Farrington
OPPENHEIMER
Oppenheimer – consisting of two guys who started up their act in 2004 – have a bunch of new tracks to share across the globe.
SAVIOUR SORROW
With their image and band name, it’s easy to dismiss Mushroomhead, and not acknowledge that this sixpiece is one of the most influential musical forces in the realm of heavy music (think Slipknot would be wearing masks if it wasn’t for these guys?) Strangely, as I write this, I feel like I haven’t totally “got” this album; like I’m not fully appreciating what I’m hearing, even after the time I’ve spent listening to it. When a band calls to mind everything from Metallica to Mr Bungle to Alice in Chains – all without sounding forced – it doesn’t feel like something I can do justice in the time I’ve had to review it. The album is strung together by several reoccurring motifs, establishing an incredible sense of progression and flow. It sounds corny to call an album a “journey”, but this feels it. Alice in Chainsstyle acoustic ballads become bruising explosions of hardcore aggression, before the tempo melts back down into a moody river of sound. From piano to sitar, it’s almost scary how easily they make such diverse elements fit together perfectly. I can’t help feeling that their extreme metal image – which only encompasses a small area of their sound – is limiting their audience. There is a hell of a lot more to this band than meets the eye, or the ear, for that matter. Overall, as both a fan of heaviness and of musical dynamism, I’m glad I called dibs on “Saviour Sorrow” when it arrived in the office. Mushroomhead are an underrated and underappreciated band and this is an album I’ll be absorbing for many late nights to come. 8.5/10
Review By Tom Wilson
The Lost Gospel ACCORDING TO
I heard about this band a few months ago when me and a mate were heading to Hobart on our way to see the Funkoars in Hobart. I thought it was a joke when my friend told me the tracks we had just heard featured Phil Jamison, the vocalist from one of my favorite bands growing up; Grinspoon. First thing I thought was, “What has happened to this once angry, great music?” Then it all dawned on me…since Grinspoon released their 2002 album “New Detention”, it has slowly been heading in this direction. The riffs have been getting a lot less heavier and not as nu-metal/nu-jock as they were in the past, and Phil seems to sing a lot more and their material doesn’t make you want to get up and smash something. Apparently I’m not allowed to say this band is shit cause I can get sued for that but I can tell you not to bother going out and buying this album as it’s pure rubbish! If you hear a song on the radio, turn it off before you end up putting your foot through it. Phil my friend, please go back to making the great songs I grew up listening to and which changed my life all those years ago. Review By Ryan Cooke
Rhymefest Hatebreed SUPREMACY
Rocky O’Reilly (guitar, keys, percussion, Mac) and Shaun Robinson (vocals, drums, keys, guitars) have recently released their indie pop/electronic album announced by themselves as “Two people, one sound, perfect pop music”.
Back in 2003, I was in a second-hand CD store and came across Hatebreed’s first commercially released album “Perseverance”, so I picked it up for a listen and haven’t ever looked back.
This album has been produced well and definitely does have a constant pop sound throughout the album.
I credit Hatebreed as the band that got me into hardcore. Come 2006 and the band’s fourth release “Supremacy” is finally out.
Currently the artists are touring the US in places such as Washington DC, Philadelphia and many more places across the US. With a very airy happy sound, this album does present a euphoric love spreading feeling throughout the vast array of songs. Questions lie – as to how much weed do they smoke? Also how much narcotics were consumed to get so much summer happiness into their music.
From the opening track “Defeatist” you know you’re in for the same attitude and aggressive that came across in the 2004 album “The Rise of Brutality” which for most loyal fans will be a little upsetting.
If I was to pick a favourite song it would be track nine “M.O.”, only due to its consistence of synths that remind me of the 80s computer games off the Commodore 64.
But you have to expect that from the first hardcore band to sign to a commercial label. There are some stand-out tracks like “Give Wings to My Triumph”, “Mind over all” and “Spitting Venom”, but the track “To the Threshold” will be the song that will catch everyone’s ears as it sounds riff-for-riff like their older track “This is Now”.
Every time I listen to it I keep thinking of TellyTubbies or Rainbow Bright and the damn f*cking Trinklets, Yes I’m insinuating that. Personally, I reckon it sounds gay (happy/gay) and it’s definitely not my style, but it may be yours. I may sound harsh…yet it has been produced well. Review By Patrick Duke
Mushroomhead
Hatebreed in 2006 come across more as a metal band than anything these days, which upsets all the hardcore elitists out there.
Why must one of the best bands of the past ten years continue to put out such rubbish? Review By Ryan Cooke
BLUE COLLAR
Here’s a new name (for me anyway): old school battle MC and childhood friend of Kanye West, Chicago artist Rhymefest has hit the scene with his new LP “Blue Collar”. I’m really feeling what Chi-Town has to offer these days, with artists like Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco blowing up globally. All eyes are on Chicago for producing comical lyrics and neck-snapping beats. Most of “Blue Collar” is boppy, barbeque rap that will have you wishing summer would hurry up and come around again. But there are a few exceptions such as the heartfelt “Sisters”, a track about women all around the world doing it tough, where he also mentions talking to the son of a crack-head, who asks him “Why my mamma love drugs more than me?”. “Blue Collar” features production by Mark Ronson, Cool & Dre, Kanye West, No I.D. and Just Blaze, and features collaborations with Mario, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Carl Thomas and a heap more great artists. The last track of the CD is a retake of the classic track “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations, which speaks of Rhymefest’s pilgrimage to get a certain girl and features the charmingly (sarcasm) awkward voice of Ol’ Dirty Bastard singing an offkey chorus that will bring a smile to your face. I’m definitely keen to hear more of what Rhymefest has to bring to the mostly same-ish, US hip-hop market that we’re all copping (and have grown use to). In other words, go buy this album. Review By Ryan Farrington
till late! ‘ m p 0 1
JFX
M-Experience
St Luke
DJ Shad
fea t..
Nathan Weldon + The Progressions IRISH MURPHYS – 2/8/06 By Hamish Clark
School of Thought HALO – 12/8/06 By Alex Napier
TasMusic Showcase Carl & Glenn + Van Dieman JAMES HOTEL - 23/9/06
Funkoars +Crixus +Heads Of State REPUBLIC BAR - 05/08/06 By Ryan Farrington
Nathan Weldon graced the stage first up with a catchy collection of original tunes from his EP “Like the Beatles Say”. Seeing him developing as a player, but more importantly a performer, was great to watch. Displaying an assortment of pop/rock driven tunes, Nathan showed that his experience in song writing and the live music scene has paid off.
The night was set with Skool of Thought headlining Halo’s list for a Friday night of fun, and all that attended (I think) were ready to see a master of tech-funk and hard dropping beats.
Noticing that no drum kit was present on stage I prepared myself for either an electronic act or trio of sorts. It wasn’t until I noticed Alex lugging in his djembe that I got an idea of what The Progression were about.
The major force behind your friends and mine Krafty Kuts, A.Skillz and more, the anticipation was agony.
I feel that sometimes classifying or pigeonholing bands can often give a narrow minded view, in terms of what a group are capable of. To slip this music into a genre wouldn’t do them any justice. The mix of acoustic and electric guitar, harp, djembe and empathetic vocals (in terms of text) really were an interesting collaboration. After some small sound issues were rectified, they swung into action. At times there appeared to be a lack of structure in some tunes; clichéd moments if you like. But nice phrasing from lead guitarist Eddie contributed to their sound and complimented some of the harps lines. Along with some great “lick trading” between the vocals and harp, Liam’s ability as a front man showed that he was the leader and dictated the feel of each song through his dynamic control. I look forward to seeing The Progression next time and see how they have come along.
Mark Dynamix SYRUP – 25/8/06 By Shea Gibbling
Hello fellow clubbers… I’ve got one word for the Friday night I had at Syrup with Ministry of Sound’s Mark Dynamix: “fun”. A real example for up and coming DJs of how to connect with the Tassie crowd and produce a thumping party, a musical feast was served to Hobart. Fortunately electro/dance parties still pull a good crowd. With the venue sold out but not overly crowded, the vibe at Syrup was charged with fun and glow sticks. With the current domination of drumn-bass and breaks in the Hobart dance scene, the dark progressive set of tough new Ministry material was very refreshing; hearing Mark live has inspired me to get up and find his material for the home. The local acts that opened set the scene for a wicked party. Resident Adam Turner wrapped up the night with some talented mixing, keeping me and my friends dancing until the very end. The dance floor was packed all night, but there was still plenty of room to groove, except for the back corner…which was overly occupied! You exhibitionists know who you (girl/boy/girl) are…! Syrup is a great venue for the Ministry parties, with the door staff friendly as usual and security doing a great job. I felt safe all night and I look forward to more events at Syrup. Being a northerner and a big drum-n-bass fun, I haven’t frequented Syrup lately but can say look out for the next big event!
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Past twelve o’clock Halo packed out, with all types of crew, making for a different crowd than that to which most Halo-ites were accustomed. Skool of Thought broke out with a style and speed that took most by surprise and kicked the bass units in the guts, never letting up. Taking Tasmania and its population base into account, a lot of DJs don’t get a feel of how much we love our tunes, whether it be drum-n-bass or tech house, we live for something fresh. Skool of Thought did a great set but didn’t push into anything that wasn’t usually accessible. “I was hoping for something fresh to bounce to” one little lady said. Skool is a brilliant talent and has tracks to boot. But showing skills is the aim of the game, and this little black duck wanted to see Skool of Thought bust out and play like a DJ possessed. Maybe next time.
Stand Defiant + Halfmast + Woof Woof + Mindset THE BATTY – 25/8/06 By Hamish Clark
Southern punk rockers Stand Defiant were out promoting their new EP “Our Own Destruction”, along with some local hard rock acts. Woof Woof is a group I had never seen before (but heard their demo) so I was keen to hear what they could do live. As an ensemble they showed that being “first cab of the rank” isn’t a bad thing, for their performance was tight and entertaining. Their song arrangements were well structured I felt also. First gig back for Meddy showed that while he was in a cast there was a lot of unused energy built up inside. Halfmast sounded somewhat more “darker” than previous shows I had witnessed. These chaps showcased some of their new tunes from their CD they are currently working on, and played in their typical engaging manner. Being a Mindset first-timer I enjoyed the nice dual guitar riffs, coupled with a complex rhythm section. Vocalist Matt Nichols seemed to be looking for his guitar at times, but still managed to perform well. Those present know that due to sound issues the gig was never going to sound like a fully packed Wembley Stadium, but considering this, Stand Defiant’s performance made up for this minor problem. Showing fatigue obviously from the trip up from Hobart, along with playing an underage show earlier that day didn’t impede their polished set. Rhythmical elements in terms of style/tempo/ meter changes were complimented by some highly skilled executions on the drums. I enjoyed how melodically these guys switched roles constantly, from bass lead lines to some intense tremolo picking styled solos.
The night opened with the gentle clinking of two Jagermeister shots; the traditional first drink of the evening for Dead Abigails front-men Carl & Glenn. Easing into the night with acoustic renditions of Abigails classics and a selection of Carl’s solo material, these guys work really well together to create a smooth, relaxed atmosphere; they weren’t in a hurry, and neither were we. I heard from Carl later that the low-key nature of this Showcase was because of Rock Challenge week, which unfortunately divided manpower to publicise. But thankfully, the lack of quantity was surpassed by its quality. As a crowd, we weren’t many, but we couldn’t have been happier; perched on couches in the firefly glow of tea lights. It’s become quite strange for me to see these guys playing with the swagger of rock stars, only to be walking around the office the next day. Next up was a band I’d heard very little about. According to Carl, they formed six months ago and are currently working on their first release. They’re a mixture of old-school indie pop, i.e. The Cure, The Lemonheads and touches of new-age synth. Honestly, they weren’t my cup of tea of all; I’ve been told that they’re usually great, but I didn’t see it that Wednesday night. It was unusual for a Showcase to be held on a Wednesday, and thankfully – for those of us with jobs – it will be returning to Saturday nights later this month.
The Black Swan and Friends THE LARK - 17/08/06 By Ian Murtagh
So I rocked up to the Republic around seven-thirty with the boys in time to catch up and have a few beers before it all started. A familiar face to the local heads, Crixus took the stage around ten and warmed up the minds of the eager crowd of around thirty. It was good to see throughout Crix’s set a number of people throwing their fists up in agreement to his in-your-face attitude to reality. Next up was Hobart’s unstoppable force, Heads of State. With two MCs and two DJs, these guys have a good balance of material to cater to various styles of people, displayed perfectly with bangers such as “Mic Dons of Hobart” and “Holding it Down”. After a short break, the Funkoars jumped up and started their set off with (if memory serves me) “The Reason”, which was a very unlikely choice for a first track, but pumpin’ all the same. After a couple of tracks, the ‘Oars made the crowd aware that the crew’s DJ (Reflux) was missing, and it was definitely noticeable throughout the set with added technical difficulties coming from the DJ booth, but the boys didn’t seem fazed. Cracking jokes between tracks, pushing each other around on stage, staggering about, the boys were in their element. After a killer performance, the ‘Oars hit the stage once again for an encore. They asked the crowd to choose between “Blackout” and “Bottleshop”, the crowd un-surprisingly chose both, and they killed it. In the end, the crowd was exhausted and satisfied – perfect!
The Herd + Heads Of State SIROCCO’S – 19/08/06 By Tina Anderson
The Lark’s that quiet little whiskey distillery hidden near the bunch of massive lights that look like the Daleks from Dr Who, and of late they’ve been a new sandbox for Hobart’s original music scene to play in. Like the ASA nights run at the Telegraph, there were six acts playing for about thirty minutes each. Jean Millar was playing when I arrived and he was damn brilliant. He was playing a pretty old folk tune when I sat down to watch and I was just settling in for more of the same when he put his acoustic to the side, picked up an electric and belted out some hip hop, played the blues like nobody’s business, then pulled some country out of his back pocket. It usually comes across as weak when I’ve seen others do it, but Jean pulled it off so well it was seamless. Holly Kirby was next, who stunned the audience into silence. She has a beautiful, arresting voice. Punk/rock soloist Peachy was next (yeah, the juxtaposition of the acts was kinda quirky) and you quickly figured out, about three songs into her set, that yes, she was going to do the same rhythm every song, and that no, she didn’t give a crap if you didn’t like it. Most of her songs sounded the same to be honest. The Black Swan, a punk/folk/rock duo played last. They sounded great on stage but just couldn’t get over sound issues, stopping for lengthy sound checks after every song which disappointingly ruined the vibe a bit, but they were entertaining.
Heads of State were first to play a set of hip-hop tracks, getting a few dancers on the floor. Later they came out and joined the crowd dancing along to The Herd and then chilled out playing a round of pool upstairs – I didn’t actually know there were pool tables upstairs. They even had those car racing machines and a great view of the stage from there too. By the time The Herd were ready to play, the crowd had gotten bigger – not as big as recent concerts, but still they got the dance floor filled up without any worries. I loved the way they moved and danced around the stage – they made you feel like grooving along. Their interaction with each other was very entertaining and they loved to get the crowd involved – they weren’t afraid to get up close and personal with their fans. “I Was Only 19” got the crowd yelling out the lyrics back to the band. It sounded really good – the crowd were actually pretty loud. They also played other crowd favourites, “We Can’t Hear You” and “Unpredictable”. Jane Tyrrell managed to sneak in half a solo track, before the fellas jumped in to put their spin on it. For their encore they came out and actually started singing an acapella track. The guys hung around after the show and signed a few autographs for their fans. Overall it was another great night at Sirocco’s!
Cutting Faster with
MIXMASTER MIKE BY CYCLONE
Mixmaster Mike, aka Mike Schwartz, defined a music genre with his ally Q-bert in the ‘90s. Mike may not have invented turntablism – or, as he calls it, “scratch music” – but he raised it to a new level. What’s more, as the Beastie Boys’ tour DJ, he’s introduced the culture to a wider audience – beyond the nerds. The San Francisco DJ was intrigued with vinyl from a young age, raiding his uncle’s collection. Schwartz first witnessed hip hop-style DJing when he caught Grandmaster DST performing alongside jazz great Herbie Hancock on television. It was then he recognised that the turntables could be harnessed as an instrument. Initially, Mike established himself as a mobile DJ. Along the way he befriended Richard Quitevis, aka Q-bert, and Mike taught his potential rival the rudiments of turntablism. They went on to win the DMC Championships three times, beginning in 1992 with DJ Apollo. Eventually, as legend has it, the apparently invincible Cali turntablists were begged to withdraw because other competitors were freaking out. They became judges instead. Schwartz verifies the story. “It’s just like they took our swords away.” For how long might they have battled otherwise? “You know what? At that point they would’ve had to shoot a dart in us. They would’ve had to shoot us with a poisoned dart to put us out. We were planning on doing it for years. We weren’t planning on stopping it until we were, like, stopped.” Mike laughs.
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Instead of band class or piano lessons, kids are buying turntables and I feel…I’ve done my job
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The b-boys conceived the turntable supergroup Invisbl Skratch Piklz in the mid-’90s. They conquered hip hop only to quit in 2000, with Q-bert transplanting himself to Hawaii. The split was amicable, unlike that of The X-ecutioners, and Mike isn’t ruling out a reunion. “We’re talking about it, we’re talking about it. There’s nothing in stone right now, but there’s been talk, so we’ll see what happens. We all remain good friends - so we’ll see what happens.” The various Piklz wanted to concentrate on other endeavours. The Beasties approached Mike, who’d known Adam Yauch since 1994, to replace DJ Hurricane. Mike contributed to their comeback, Hello Nasty. He later DJed with them at Big Day Out. So integrated is Schwartz into the group that he hypes up their new live DVD, “Awesome, I Fuckin’ Shot That!”, as a fully-fledged member through his use of “we”.
Mike himself recorded one of the first “scratch” albums – the now obscure “Michristmasterpiece Muzik’s Worst Nightmare” – before 1998’s “Anti-Theft Device”. He presented “Bangzilla” in 2004. He’s described it as “the future of hip hop instrumental
music.” Schwartz aspires to drop another LP in early 2007. In addition, he’s branched out into video games, film scoring, remixing and mix-CDs – overseeing “Spin Psycle” for Moonshine. These days Mike focuses more on his own career and expanding the “art form” of the DJ than paying heed to emergent turntablists. “I wanna be on the cutting-edge – and I wanna stay on the cutting-edge for as long as I can.” Schwartz has even collaborated with his “good friend” Tommy Lee on his Methods Of Mayhem project. “I’m so diverse, I can go in and scratch on some opera - it doesn’t really need to be rock, it could be anything.” The turntable movement is set to change with the advent of laptop technologies. “I’m using Serato,” Mike says. “I think Serato’s great. I’ve been DJing for almost twenty years now and carrying those record crates gets old, especially on your back, so to be able to have all those records on your laptop is just so dope. It’s so convenient to have all your record crates in your backpack. I feel like I’ve graduated to that stage. I paid my dues to get to that stage where I have my stuff on my laptop now. It’s amazing – it’s an amazing breakthrough, technology-wise.” Schwartz admits that he doesn’t do anything “crazy” with his laptop - it’s simply a facilitator. “I use it as just a record crate,” he affirms. “I keep it the traditional way, but I’m using the laptop.” Does Mike ever miss the battle circuit? Yes and no. “Yeah, definitely, I do, but I found that like a stepping stone to where I’m at now. So I look back and I’m pretty fortunate to be where I’m at today. I mean, battling was the hard part and [laughs] I guess I’m happy to be done with the hard part! There were a lot of stresses involved in that - you practise in your bedroom for weeks to compete against the whole world. There’s a lot of pressure involved in that, but I do miss it. But you gotta move on.” Mixmaster Mike plays Curly’s Bar in Hobart on the 28th of September.
Getting a Few Words of Advice from
DJ ARCHIE BY DAVE WILLIAMS
When renowned Aussie DJ/producer Archie was in grade seven, he saw his first DJ at an underage disco, and hasn’t looked back since. Now, with twelve years experience under his belt, his signature sound of hard trance and scratching has made him a sought-after talent in the national scene. He had a word about production, and getting stuff heard… When producing what’s your favorite technique? When I produce tunes I always find its a good idea to have some sort of rhythm track first to play in your riff or bass line. My beginnings of songs can be inspired by many different influences. Sometimes I will start with a riff that I may have thought of... a lot of the time this riff may change a little as the track progresses, but that all depends on what else you add around it. Also I may start off with an a cappella that I have found. This can be a good way to write a song that you can then replace the a cappella with a newly recorded vocal that is similar and complimentary to what you have written. My favorite software to use is Cubase SX V3 along with a JP8000 keyboard and Virus C. What’s your advice for young bedroom-producers/ DJs trying to get themselves into the scene or released? The best advice I can give is to be true to yourselves. Don’t be trying to be a DJ just because it’s cool or because it’s a good way to pick up…people see right through that shit. Be passionate about what you love and in this case that should be the music. Also patience is a big part of making it... Some people get a break quicker than others but these things do take time. Also a big part of getting noticed is to be
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Don’t be trying to be a DJ just because it’s a good way to pick up…
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a good self-promoter. You can be the most brilliant bedroom DJ but if no one knows who you are, you will never get discovered. Promoting yourself can be a tricky thing; if you’re like me, it’s hard to go around talking yourself up. However there are modest ways to do this; simply make contact with a certain promoter that you would like to work for and keep them updated with any new CDs or gigs that you may be playing... usually emails and posting your CDs can be a good point of contact. Digital or analog? Why? I would have to say both, for two different reasons. Analog when you are producing simply has such a bigger sound. Although there are some great digital VST’s out there also. When I am DJing I like to use both also... Analog because I prefer the sound of vinyl over the sound of CDs and also you can do scratches and better tricks with records. In saying that though, digital is a great medium for being able to play your own music and unreleased tunes on CDR so I don’t like to limit myself to either format in DJing and producing. Archie plays Hobart’s Syrup on Thursday 28th September
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About to Turn Off the Lights in Halo, it’s
Hobart is About to be Served Some
M-EXPERIENCE
MEAT KATIE
So what is the M-Experience? Well, from all reports, it’s a DJ with more versatility than a Swiss Army knife. Since we at SAUCE think that’s a good thing, we spoke to him about banging beats, scratching, secret weapons and turning off the lights to make it “Pitch Black”
There are three things I’ve noticed about most British DJs. One – they drink like fish. Two – they ask if you understand them by saying “yanowatameen?” And three – they’re ferociously talented. Mark – AKA Meat Katie – spoke to me, before he makes like a boomerang and comes straight back down here for a follow-up visit at Hobart’s Halo.
BY TOM WILSON
We’ve heard that you scored a residency after having a set of decks for only five months – what experience did you have in electronic music before the decks came along? None. Since an early age I’ve always had a love for the electronic sounds like The Prodig y, Chemical Brothers and Fat Boy Slim, and after years of being an addicted punter at Melbourne clubs such as Hard Kandy and Bass Station, I began taking a liking to the harder side of dance music. I just had to find out for myself just how hard it was to mix, scratch and keep a crowd rocking! What did you do during those five months? Apar t from annoy the hell out of my neighbours just practiced, practiced and practiced until my ears bled honing my mixing and cutting skills and
“
The vinyl hunting for that new tune would be closer to an addiction
”
hammering my credit card on buying vinyl. You’re known to mix various genres, such as scratching with hard trance. In what ways do you think being versatile helps you as a DJ? I think it’s impor tant to be versatile; to keep an open mind, which helps in keeping things fresh for the crowd and also for yourself. Playing a variety of different styles, you pick up on the different moods and rhythms that each genre offers, which open your mind to explore new ideas. Like incorporating scratching into a hard trance set – it adds that extra element to a track and makes it more your own. Like, the next time they hear someone play it and the scratch isn’t there, it’s like something’s missing. It’s always a great attention-grabber – seeing peoples reaction, it’s like, “How the hell are they doing that?” Which genre do you think you play the most, and why? I definitely prefer the harder-edged stuff, whether it be hard trance, bangin’ techno, even hard-style. But hard trance would be the fave, from melodic/ uplifting through to bangin’ hard, balls-to-the-wall sounds. It just has everything you need in music, without the cheesy lyrics and no added breaks. You’re set to play Hobart’s Halo at an event called “Pitch Black”. What can you tell us about this? Yeah, quite excited about coming down – from what I’ve heard they love their hard trance and definitely up for some serious par tying, and DJ Shad, who’s running the night, is definitely making some good things happen for the Tassie rockers. What do you think you’ll bring to the night? Hopefully I’ll be ripping it up across three decks and a QFO; a very high energ y set with some surprises. Actually, we’ve heard about the QFO. We understand it’s something special… Ah yes; it’s my lil’ weapon of musical destruction. It’s a turntable and mixer built into one, specifically designed for scratching. It has three cross-faders and is able to play on its side without the needle falling off. It was the concept of legendary scratch DJ Q-Ber t, and yes – it is very special. As a DJ, where do you think you’ll be in five years? Is this your major passion at the moment? Hopefully securing more residencies local and interstate, playing at major par ties. I haven’t really thought that far ahead – I haven’t decided what I’m having for breakfast yet. It is a major passion; the vinyl hunting for that new tune would be closer to an addiction, but the scratch is where at! M-Experience plays Hobart’s Halo as part of “Pitch Black”. Check gig guide for details.
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BY TOM WILSON
The last time we spoke to you, you’d just released “Vibrator”. How’s that going? It’s going really well; really well in Australia, funnily enough. It’s in pockets, really; it’s done really well in the far east. It’s being released in China next year which I’m quite excited about. It’s just been released in America this month…we’ll see how that goes. That’s a double-CD, so I’ve done the album on one CD and a collection of remixes. We’ve done two videos for that; they’re MPEGs. So the second CD’s just a mish-mash of a whole lot of other stuff… It’s very difficult to sell records and CDs from here in the UK to America because of the exchange rate. It works out too expensive, basically. So in America,
you have to release stuff domestically, to give it some fighting chance of selling a lot of copies, you know what I mean? It’s done well in the UK and Europe. I’m still promoting it; I haven’t stopped since…it’s been nearly a year, pretty much. Just staggering the release dates, so I can actually get round to the countries and DJ to promote it. Speaking of that, you’re coming down here to play at Halo… I can’t wait! I love Halo! Will “Vibrator” dominate the set that you’ll be playing? Not really. What I do is, I keep going around in a bit of a cycle. Because “Vibrator” was quite a dancefloor album, I don’t want to just play my album to people. So I’ve got some remixes down.
I’ve done some re-edits, and lots of different versions of tracks which are exclusive to my set, to make it interesting for me and my audience, you know? If they’ve got the album, they can listen to it at home – they don’t need to come to a club and hear me play it. So it’s kind of a mixed bag. When I DJ, I like to put the influences in the set, so people can hear not just what I made; they can hear where these ideas are coming from; where the inspirations coming from. I cross all these genres anyway with what I play, so some of the tracks kind of shoe-horn in there. I’ve always found Halo a very open-minded place to play… I’ve been out there twice, and each time it’s been a highlight of my Australian tour. When you’re going into a gig, do you have a kind of standard routine? I do a dance routine. What? (Laughs) I’m joking. No…I have little runs of tracks – like two or three tracks that I know work together well, and I do reach for those. But I won’t pre-plan a set – you can’t, because every club’s different and every sound system’s different, every crowd’s different. You know what I mean? You’ve got to be a little bit open-minded with where you’re going to go and what you’re going to do. Meat Katie plays Halo on Saturday the 9th of September
TOURING ARTISTS
STANTON WARRIORS
The Stanton Warriors must be the most hard working men in breakbeat – in the past three years the duo have clocked up over 250,000 air miles on a pioneering mission to promote their sound across the globe, whilst also snatching time in the studio for their new artist tracks, and remixes . The UK’s most pioneering and distinctive DJ, production and remix outfit have released a double album of scorching hot remixes for the follow up to their legendary “Stanton Sessions Volume 1” of 2001 (XL). Disc one is a “Stanton Sessions Volume 2” compilation, and Disc two is an artist album, “The Lost Files”. “Stanton Sessions Volume 1” was the world’s biggest selling breaks compilation – a massive achievement. This year’s “Volume 2” will include a shed load of exclusive edits/remixes of various tracks from different genres. The two albums will demonstrate the broad influences that are drawn upon for their efforts in the studio, and reveal the true diversity of their nature. Disc two will feature a selection of tightly targeted MCs – blinding collaborations with Big Daddy Kane, Beatnuts,Rodney P, Eska and Shystie to name but a few... Stanton Warriors play Halo on Wednesday October 4th.
KRAFTY KUTS
When you enter a DJ’ing competition, having never DJ’d before, and get to the finals, you know you must have chosen the right career path Krafty Kuts was born, aged 12. Brighton based Krafty Kuts alias Martin Reeves has developed his passion for DJ’ing since the late 1980’s when he was fully immersed in the old skool movement. Soon after buying his first set of decks, Martin opened his own record shop, through which he identified a sound for his DJ style, a hip hop funk infusion of up-tempo beats. Martin’s big break came in 1993, when Richie Rich featured one of his hip-hop remixes on his Kiss FM show. With his music knowledge, a successful DJ’ing reputation and the record shop as a catalyst, Krafty Kuts started to make his own music. He aimed to mix up break beat, funk and hip-hop to produce a groundbreaking new sound. By the late 1990’s, the sound of Krafty Kuts had been defined, and his unique style received industry notoriety. Martin has had residencies in Brighton, and London clubs from Home, Scala and Heavenly Social to Fabric, 333 and Electrowerks. Martin’s DJ’ing gigs have seen him play alongside Norman Cook, The Freestylers, Jungle Brothers, Plump DJs, Scratch Perverts, Roni Size, DJ Rap, and Adam Freeland. Krafty Kuts plays Halo on Saturday, September 16th.
DJ SHAD
DJ SHAD will punish your senses with his energetic and explosive style of hard trance. Rising quickly to become one of Tasmania’s best hard trance DJs, Shad has mixed along side some of the best Australian talent, including a versus set with Scott Alert earlier this year, as well as several events at Melbourne’s hard trance club, 3D. Growing up, Shad developed an early passion for the harder sounds of dance music, falling for its infectious energy and euphoria,he quickly moved into the production of his own music. Today, at age twenty-two, Shad delivers this energy to others, through his exceptional beat-mixing abilities and inventive track selection. Ths allows him to create unique and decisive sounds, providing an infectious dance floor experience. DJ Shad plays Halo on Saturday 23rd September
LEEROY THORNHILL
As part of the biggest dance act of the nineties, you will of course all know Leeroy Thornhill. Leeroy spent ten years with the Prodigy on their worldwide tours, numerous festival events and general hell-raising shenanigans. A couple of years ago Leeroy left the band to concentrate on his own productions under the name Flightcrank, and re-launched his DJ career, which is what he had been doing for five years before he joined The Prodigy . Leeroy picked up his musical style whilst touring with the Prod’ in the mid-nineties – it’s a mix of tuff breaks, old-school samples and electro known as “Miami Bass”. This is basically a great mash up of breaks and electrostyle tunes, using plenty of familiar hooks, with a good old-school feel. Heavy on the electro edge and full of funk that rocks the dance floor. Production-wise Leeroy has been a very busy boy, remixing and producing a lot of international talent including Moby, David Gray, Lee Scratch Perry and Dr Doom (Kool Keith). His own band Flightcrank released their first album in March 2001 to massive critical acclaim; his own productions getting mixed by the likes of Maxim, Adamski, Lee Scratch Perry, Mad Professor and Genaside 2. Leeroy plays at Hobart’s Uni Bar on September 8th.
Basking In The Illumination of
LATRICE BY TOM WILSON
The smell of satisfaction must be in the air for Californian soul singer and house music diva Latrice. After years working on singles and collaborating with electronic artists, she has finally belted out a solo release with renowned producer Jay-J. And of course, being a well-respected international artist, we needed to speak with her…
The title, “Illuminate” – that’s a pretty confident title, as if it’s aware of the effect it’s going to have on the listener. To what extent do you think that’s true? Ah, I hope [it’s] one hundred percent true! (Laughs) It was true for me when I named it that. I mean “Illuminate” in so many different ways. I think it was illuminating me as a solo artist; I think it was illuminating all of us as artists as well. I think it was also bringing to mind a lot of topics on the album which aren’t necessarily covered in dance music, so I thought it was a very apt name. So you’re not a secret member of The Illuminati… I didn’t say that… (Laughs) You’ve become known as a “soulful” influence in house music. Why do you think house and soul go so well together? Ah…I don’t know. I think soul makes everything feel better – I think that’s the basis in all the music around the world, whether it’s American soul or different types of soul. I think it’s such a vague but all-encompassing concept, which means…in my heart, it means a depth of meaning…and the opportunity for other people to latch on to what is being emoted. You’re playing down here in October – what impressions do you have of Tasmania? Well! (Laugh) I’m excited to go; I’ve never been! It’s kind of a clean slate. I’ve had a lot of fun in other parts of Australia, and I can’t imagine that I would have any less in Tasmania! Well, it was a clean slate, but now you’ve done my dodgy interview, your impressions of here will be tainted forever! [No need to thank me, readers… - Tom] (Laughs) Lovely! So how do you perform your live show? I generally play with Jay-J; on this tour specifically. We try to set the tone for the evening, and Jay-J is such an awesome DJ; everybody knows that. He sets the tone and sets the vibe for us…the kind of music that I like to make. You’re not just saying that because he’s sitting next to you, are you? Absolutely, I am! (Laughs) Latrice and Jay-J play Curly’s Bar in Hobart on the 6th of October. PAGE 27
FORBIDDEN SIREN 2 PS2 BY CHRIS RATTRAY
On a dark and stormy night, a mysterious tsunami, the colour of blood, washes a ship ashore. The survivors find themselves trapped on an island full of the walking dead, eerie phantasms, and a dreadful past, bleeding through into reality like a festering sore just below the skin, waiting to burst with spooky goo…
From the outset, “Forbidden Siren 2” strives to unsettle and disorient with a “musical” score at the title screen groaning like the last few indistinguishable moans of a dying woman. Hit “new game” immediately to escape the tortured strains of this netherworldly dirge, and the game begins in darkness, on a boat. The first mission sees you playing a little girl, lost in a cabin on the doomed boat, scrambling around to find her Daddy. It creates the right atmosphere (dread and terror) while simultaneously causing intense frustration. Thankfully this isn’t a difficult task and then we’re into the game good and proper. Players of survival horror games like “Project Zero” or the “Silent Hill” series will be familiar with the kinds of gameplay demands “Forbidden Siren 2” has to offer. Mostly, each mission or level will require you
to reach Point B from Point A in a limited location while avoiding the undead inhabitants of the island (known as Shibito). Unlike the games mentioned however, the narrative structure on offer here is more akin to the film “Pulp Fiction”, in that you’ll be playing various roles over a variety of different timelines. A journalist with poor vision; a lost lonely little girl; a policeman; a psychic – these are just a few of the characters whose fate is in your hands. The broken narrative style is a fun novelty, but more suited to the patient gamer. And the emphasis here is on considered, thoughtful gameplay. This is not a game that requires you to send the undead back to the grave on the wrong end of a semi-automatic. Rather, you’ll need to do your best to avoid the Shibito or they’ll happily shamble over to you and introduce themselves to you the best way zombies know how – with a chomp to the neck. To avoid this embarrassing social faux pas, some characters are able to “sightjack”, which means they can see via the eyes of any available character in the current level – friendly or otherwise. It’s a remarkably effective mechanic that serves to heighten tension and creates some imaginative gameplay opportunities. For example, one level requires you to sightjack the vision of your guide dog because your own vision is impaired. This is just one of the surprises in store for those willing to persevere with what is essentially a gigantic jigsaw puzzle. Find an item, or do an action in one level, and you’ll open up a pathway to another level.
BRENT COWMEADOW BEANPLANT FAKIE
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“It’s easy to satirise John Howard, but that sort of humour is predictable and fails to acknowledge that John Howard has ruled with no effective opposition for ten years by getting us all to concentrate on interest rates while he changes forever the fabric of this wide brown land. We hope this show will get the left to realise how irrelevant they have become and offer them a chance to participate in the revolution of ideas John Howard has achieved,” said director Ryk Goddard. You’ll get a Boag’s beer, a true blue curry and the show all for under $30. So get your family values and come and celebrate little Johnny’s great big heart. Go Johnny go!
GO JOHNNY GO!
Entrants from around Tasmania have been busily writing tribute songs to John Howard. The finalists will play live at the Republic Bar and Cafe on Sunday 10th September at 8pm. Entry is $5. The winning song will be the theme song to Is Theatre’s production “Ten Wonderful Years”. Come along and vote for your favourite theme song – the winners will receive $200 in prize money and paid performances at Is Theatre’s production, “Ten Wonderful Years” in October. Also on the night – performances by Sam Nicholson and Four Letter Fish The Song Competition is also the launch for Is Theatre’s production, “Ten Wonderful Years” “Ten Wonderful Years” Dates: 3 Oct – 7 October – all shows at 7:30pm The Backspace Theatre, Hobart (Sackville St, behind Theatre Royal) Tickets available through the Theatre Royal Box office (03) 62332299 www.theatreroyal.com.au
DO YOU HAVE THE X FACTOR? FLIP TOP HEART STATEWIDE PERFORMANCE COMPETITION Is Theatre and Aurora Energy bring you another awesome Flip Top Heart statewide performance competition.
CHRIS SMITH SWITCH BIGSPIN the slammer for riding their wheelie boards. Summer is almost here and that means more skate events. There’re a couple of things on this month to get the ball rolling. First up there is the “Ignite Conference” at the Derwent Entertainment Centre. The highlight of this event is a mini festival on Thursday 14th of September, which features bands playing inside and out, and a mini ramp outside featuring demonstrations from the team at Jimmy’s Skate & Street between 5.30 and 7.30. Saturday the 16th sees a council-run skate day at E.C skate park in Hobart. This day will feature demos from the “Ring of Fire” skate team from Melbourne; a skate comp that is open to everyone. Some of Hobart’s best punk and hip-hop acts will be playing and there is a free sausage sizzle. What more do you want? [Strippers – Tom]
As big and mainstream as skateboarding is these days, it’s easy to forget that it’s basically illegal on the streets of Tasmania. Two of Hobart’s top young skaters, Kieran McKenzie and Dwayne King, got a stern reminder of this when they spent a few hours in
Be delighted by such acts as “The Power Walk Dance Ensemble”, the “Fly the Flag” musical chorus and the “Happy Farmer’s Bush Poetry Bash”.
This is the Song Competition John Howard wanted us to have!
It seems every month Tassie (and exTassie) skaters are getting more and more coverage and recognition. This month saw the release of one of the best vids to come out of Australia, “Burbs 2”. Tom Cuthbertson and Sean Connoly both feature in this, with a few tidy little tricks. (Sean is apparently in the state at the moment, so keep an eye out for him). Stussy Australia has also just released its latest DVD to rave reviews around the country. Ex-Launceston resident and now main-man for Stussy in Melbourne, Al Wilson, has a full part in this (and he’s no spring chicken), so be sure to check out these two DVDs for these guys alone.
Australian skate mag Slam is apparently on its way down to TAS in the not-too-distant future to shoot an article for an upcoming issue, so keep an eye out for some of Australia’s top skaters shredding at your local spot.
Artists from around the nation have combined to create a show that we know John would love, thanking him for all he’s done for us and our Pacific and Asian neighbours.
3.5 screaming Japanese schoolgirls of 5.
BY JIMMY MCMACKEN
In travel news Tom Field just returned from two weeks in New Zealand snowboarding and skateboarding. (Seems like the place to be this winter.)
Is Theatre’s major production for 2006 is a theatre restaurant cabaret celebrating John Howard’s impact on Australia.
“Forbidden Siren 2” won’t be to everyone’s taste, but for anyone looking for a scary diversion or something different, give it a go. It’s occasionally frustrating but mostly rewarding, and deserves some attention. Squeeze that itch and let the spooky goo flow…
SK8 WRAP
It seems every old legend is having a movie made about them at the moment. So, sooner or later it was going to be Christian Hosoi’s turn. This is set to be released on the big screen and is a great in-depth look into the rise and fall of an ‘80s skateboard legend.
THIS IS THE SHOW JOHN HOWARD TRASHARAMA EXTENDED WANTED US TO MAKE! Hey freakers! The deadline for Australia’s Nastiest
To finish of the week, the Huon council is putting on a skate day at the Dover skate park on Thursday the 21st. This day will feature clinics and demos from the boys at Jimmy’s Skate & Street, so be sure to check this out. For more information contact Emily on 62648428. And that was that for the month of skateboarding here in Tassie, so until next month, ROLL ON!
Artists and performers from across disciplines will battle it out at the Hobart heat of Flip Top Heart on Friday 15th September. Registrations close this Friday 8th September so be quick! This year¹s theme is Extremism and the artists’ challenge is to create short performance works between ten seconds – three minute that combine at least two artforms. The competition is like Tropfest – only LIVE! Finalists will be selected to compete at the State Finals in Hobart on Saturday 16th September, 7pm at The Backspace and go in the running to win the major prize of $1000 cash and an opportunity to perform at the Falls Festival Village in Marion Bay. For high school and college students there are cash prizes up to $500. Other minor prizes will be announced on the night. Come along and support Hobart’s best creative talents Friday 15th September 7pm The Backspace Sackville St (behind Theatre Royal) State Finals Hobart Sat 16th Sept 7pm, The Backspace (behind Theatre Royal) Tickets $10 at the door to all heats and finals For full details, registration and performance criteria go to www.istheatre.com/flip or contact Magdalena Grubski (Producer, Is Theatre) 03 6234 8561 or magdalena@istheatre.com
Touring Short Film Festival has been extended to September 9th. So send in your schlocky horror, cheesy sci-fi, twisted animations, bad taste comedies, dodgymentaries and other disasterpieces. Cool prizes up for grabs as well as awesome exposure. Finalists will screen around the country including The Venue at Wooby’s Lane, Salamanca Place on Sat 14th October. Checkout www.trasharama.com.au for more......and remember STAY SICK!!!
WIDE ANGLE AND TASMUSIC PRESENTS MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCTION CLASS Perhaps the first “How to Make a No Budget Music Video” workshop to ever be conducted in Australia, this comprehensive seminar covers the entire process of creating a system of effective visual iconography for a music act, using current digital technologies. From generating “visual hooks”, images, artwork and graphics that can be dually used for CD covers, posters and websites to music video production and marketing, this workshop is especially designed for no-budget film makers with limited resources. No budget music video/rockumentary and “Bondi Tsunami” film director Rachael Lucas discusses all aspects of image creation from hearing visuals, to different styles of music videos (such as performance based, narrative or abstract clips), to the secrets to making things look “cool” by using humour, style, fashion and understatement or revealing/deconstructing the artist so that the eye wants to see more. The workshop also discusses the practical elements of capturing visuals, such as networking, sourcing cast, locations, costumes, and making the most of shooting on Mini DV using light, colour grading and de-interlacing filters in post production. Wide Angle Tasmania Space 124, Salamanca Arts Centre, 77 Salamanca Place, Hobart. Saturday 7 October 2006 and Sunday 8 October 2006 9.30am – 4.30pm For more info contact Wide Angle on 62 23 83 44 or online at www.wideangle.org.au
RAGDOLL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL Hobart’s first extreme sport short film festival, The Ragdoll Short Film Festival, is being held on the 21st September 2006 at UTAS, Hobart. It should be great night and includes many attractions such as extreme sports stalls (to facilitate an easy exchange of information between experienced people to novices), Ragdoll models, cheap beers, prizes and giveaways. The major lucky door prize is a tandem skydive package valued at $520 compliments of Island Skydivers. The Skydive give away includes an introductory lesson from your tandem master, a tandem skydive, a CD full of digital shots and an edited DVD capturing all the excitement and thrills of your jump.
SUNSCREEN VIDEO CLIP COMP 2005 saw the hugely successful launch of SunScreen, the only purely independent music video festival in Australia. Offering opportunities for indie bands across the country to air their film clips to the nation and go into the draw to win $10,000 worth of services and product to make their next clip. In its sophomore year, SunScreen is slightly more mature, a little bit more experienced and a lot more popular! And will once again be showcasing the rising stars of Australia’s music video world. Kicking of in August and running all the way through to December with the grand finalists screening live at The Festival Of The Sun (www.fotsun.com). It couldn’t be easier. Four acts per week, running an interactive competition with viewers voting for the best videos, all taking place at www.sunscreen.net.au. SunScreen is open to all Independent Australian artists whose clip budgets come in under $15k. Entries may be submitted from Tuesday 1st August, 2006 and no later than Wednesday 15th November 2006 Due to the tournament structure of the festival, it is strongly recommended that entries be submitted as early as possible.
THE TURDIS While “The TURDIS”, by Launceston-based Robert Giannini is to be shown at Arts Alive in Launceston, in an unplanned act of near synchronicity, Elisa Martin’s “Time Traveler” will be held at the New Land Gallery in Port Adelaide. Time machines will not be needed to attend both. Martin’s “Time Traveler” explores her fascination with ancient cultures using acrylics and mixed media. Although contemporary and abstract in style, the work also has an age-old feel that resonates with the richness of the history that intrigues her. This enables the viewer to engage in the past and present simultaneously. “The TURDIS” promises to be an adventure well worth seeing. The TURDIS will be at Launceston’s Arts Alive Art-space from Tuesday 29th August to Saturday 9th September.
Throwing Some Stones Outside the Glass House with
The Bedroom Philosopher’s
DAVE HUGHES
number of people you take the piss out of… Yeah, I know. It’s the sort of show you’d think would be axed in two weeks, and it actually nearly was.
BY TOM WILSON
Comedian, entertainer, TV personality, former abattoir worker...”Glass House” luminary Dave Hughes, is now, best known for his work on ABC’s “Glasshouse.” Love him or hate him, his talent for comedy is undeniable, and on the cusp of his Tasmanian comedy tour, I got him on the phone for a yarn about Wil Anderson, sobriety and his “interesting” memories of Launceston.
comedian, but he said himself – he’s all about quantity.
Corinne Grant [Dave’s “Glass House” co-host] told us that you don’t drink. Have you secretly become a Muslim fundamentalist? I know – I’ve got all the makings of it! I haven’t had a drink for years. I was a big drinker when I was a young bloke, and there kept being periods of time where I’d get locked up. I was feeling quite depressed, so I thought, “I’m going to stop drinking for a while.” After a while, I was quite happy, and I was about to start drinking again. Then I thought, “Hang on! That doesn’t make any sense! I may as well not drink anymore!” That was twelve or thirteen years ago now. I’m a stubborn bastard, basically!
I can’t believe that “The Glass House” has lasted anywhere near as long as it has; insofar as the
“
I ’ m a s t u b b o rn b a s t a rd , b a s i c a l l y !
”
So who’s the funniest on “The Glass House”, out of the three of you? Well…of course I’m going to say me…
I almost wish it was on earlier; I keep missing it. Should it become mandatory for “The Glass House” to be shown at pubs? I think they should [down there]… I love Launceston, don’t get me wrong. On a Friday night in Launceston, if you want to get in a fight, just go for a kebab! (Laughs) Once, on the Comedy Festival Roadshow, we did a gig in Launnie, and afterwards…I went out to get something to eat, and I went, “Jesus Christ! A riot’s about to happen out here!” It was good fun. Dave Hughes appears at Launceston’s Princess Theatre on the 6th of October and Hobart’s Theatre Royal on the 7th. His debut DVD, “Dave Hughes Live”, is out now.
Has Wil always had trouble with pussy? (Laughs) I think he might have. Pussy normally controls him rather than the other way around; that’s the thing with Wil! So how many of his jokes are crap? (Laughs) You know what? There’s no faster comedian in town, so he’ll get to joke…you’ll be thinking about it, and he’ll already have said it. He’s a good
Get Your Hand Off It! It’s
BY TOM WILSON
Where does one begin when trying to introduce an interview with a man who turned being tackle-happy into a full-blown occupation? How does one interview Puppetry of the Penis pioneer Simon Morley and restrain from adolescent dick jokes? Simple – you don’t! With the master of genital origami about to rise to the occasion in Tasmania, it was no time for polite conversation. I had a word with him about television censorship and... Ahem...Elton John’s tackle...
DAVE
I understand that you guys ran into some opposition in the States… Oh, God yeah! (Laughs) …We were doing a breakfast TV show in California called KRON-TV. We blocked it out with the director and the cameramen… they were going to shoot us from the waist-up, and we were going to perform a few tricks; they were just going to show the host’s reaction. Unfortunately, just as my mate stood up, his Eiffel Tower has gone across everyone’s breakfasts in California… The station got pulled off the air, it all went black, and then there was this huge uproar. So Jay Leno was actually under a lot of pressure to pull us. You said “pull us”… Oh yeah; pardon the pun! “Pull us off the show”. You’ve had Hugh Grant, Bono and members of the bloody Spice Girls mentioning you in interviews… Yeah…we’ve done private shows. Hugh Grant was quite funny, actually. He wanted to show me his “onion”; he informed me that his
Being Single It’s official. The novelty of being single has worn off. Chance encounters of intimacy are being chalked up as vacuous and desperate. The 3am party/bar deal-sealing perve scan is clumsy and unfulfilling. On cold Friday nights there is a lonely patch on the couch where a cuddle-savvy girlfriend should be – a giggling navigator for a rally course of DVDs – not this calculated scrolling through names in a mobile address book - a photon blast of desire condensed into a sprinkling of digital tickets in the casual sex lottery. Booty call. For anyone not familiar with the term, this is when you ring up someone, usually late at night, purely because you want to sleep with them. I have been guilty of this. Well, it was more of a vague, rambling, inconclusive booty text. (The kind Mr Darcy would have written, if they had mobile phones in “Pride and Prejudice”) I find the term categorically hideous – my ex-Christian super ego, unable to accept that complex sensitive me could stoop to such blatantly lame pseudo-sleazy pop culture predictability, only contacting someone because I wanted to “pat them like an animal”. No, no – it’s not about that – it’s about meeting up in a raucous bar and having nervous half-conversations that trail off, and spending $50 on alcohol, and ultimately getting really tired because it’s 2am and you don’t have the courage to say what you really want. That you want to be Captain Intimate with someone and at the end of the day it’s only physical.
Wil Anderson; seems like a pretty sharp guy. Do you spend much time together outside of work? Not really; he lives in Sydney and I live in Melbourne. But I’ve been to his house recently. He’s bought a new pad in a posh new suburb on the bay in Sydney, and we helped him look for his lost cat. And I actually found his cat, so I think he owes me forever. His girlfriend loves the cat, and he reckons that if he lost the cat, he’d have to move away.
PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS
Struth Be Told
scrotum was quite scarlet and wrinkly! You probably weren’t surprised that Elton John’s a fan… Well he actually did the “Fruit Bat”, where he holds my ankles up in the air. We did this little private party, and sitting right in front of me was Posh and Becks. And Elton’s holding my ankles up in the air, so I’m upside down, and I’m looking straight up the dress of Posh Spice and Naomi Campbell! I just remember going, “How the fuck did I get here?” If you crack a fat, how big a problem is that, as far as tricks are concerned? Well that’s a big problem – not just as far as the tricks are concerned, but legally; I can get arrested pretty smartly! But it’s just never really an issue when there’s hundreds or thousands of people looking at your genitalia! Is it usually laughter or cheering? A bit of both, actually. It starts with out-of-control belly laughter, and somewhere towards the end it’s more of a celebration of the penis. Indeed – I’m actually trying to perform the “Hamburger” as we speak… Nice work! You’ve got me on hands-free, then! Do you consider this a job? Or is it all just fun? Oh, it’s definitely a job now; we not only travel around doing it, we’re also running the global penile empire! When strangers ask what you do… (Laughs) Depends what mood I’m in! Sometimes I’ll tell them that I’m a “dolphin trainer”! “Chicken Wrangler”? “Chicken Wrangler” is a good one! I might use that if you don’t mind! Simon will be manipulating his willy at the Devonport Entertainment Centre on the 20th of September, Burnie’s Civic Centre on the 21st, Hobart’s Theatre Royal on the 22nd and Launceston’s Princess Theatre on the 23rd
*Sigh*. I was born with enough hormones to power a queen-size planet. The axis of my heart oscillates with such terminal velocity, that luminous rainbow vapours spiral through my eyes like galaxy tides. You know those nights where you feel so lonely you could die? Someone once said that sex is never purely physical, no matter whom you’re with, and that no one-nightstand is devoid of emotional attachment. At the time I agreed, though I’m not so sure these days. I had my idealism towards “romance” burnt out of me temporarily by the electro-shock intensity of a couple of emotionally manipulative relationships – coupled with increased personal confidence through my own performance art – for the last three years I’ve been able to enter the once pathologically daunting singles scene and tailor my own emotional output to enjoy the improvisational lust-theatre without too many murky spiritual hangovers. I was once alerted to the rumour that I act awkward and lonely to get girls to sleep with me. I took the accusation rather heavily – and internally allowed myself a brief, half-bitter chuckle at the notion that someone who had vowed to be with one woman for the rest of his life had ended up with the street credibility of an indie-nerd Hugh Hefner. My only response was ‘what if I really am awkward and lonely?’ Along the way, I have found myself utilising the disclaiming mantra of “I’m not really looking for a relationship at the moment,” which seems like a valid, earnest, get out of jail free card, until you think about it for a second - what a flimsy concept! All it means is “If I liked you enough, I’d try and have a relationship with you, but I obviously only like you enough to sleep with you.” It’s a terrible, but true, premise. The blurry, ambiguous, confusing “seeing each other” scene has been an intriguing and tumultuous vortex for the last three years, but it’s something I feel I’ve outgrown. I want comfort. Stability. Waking up with someone smiling at me who loves every cubic centimetre of my soul - and who I feel like I’ve known for years. Viva la girlfriend! www.bedroomphilosopher.com www.myspace.com/thebedroomphilosopher
PAGE 29
Clearly, Melbourne is
STILL THINKING BY TOM WILSON
Still Thinking is a seven-piece collective hailing from Melbourne’s prevalent urban hip-hop scene. Formed roughly two years ago, they have developed a strong following in their local scene; aided no doubt by the attention live hip-hop has received in that region with fellow collective True Live. Made up of drums, bass, saxophone, keys, percussion and guitar – not to mention a DJ and sampler – Still Thinking use these elements to create a sound which is both funky and dynamically original.
Encompassing hip-hop, funky and some off-kilter jazz influences, their live band setup offers them opportunities for some memorable solos, particularly on tracks like “One For the Ladies”. On the vocal front, Still Thinking’s rhymes are led by an MC guiding the skills of three other rappers, combining their different vocal styles. So why are we talking about Still Thinking? A legitimate, but stupid question – they’ve finally launched their debut record, of course! With inspirations ranging from jazz to rock, reggae to funk, and an undeniable dose of hip hop; the self-titled album has a uniquely Australian sound. Still Thinking play Irish Murphy’s Launceston on the 22nd of September & Hobart’s Republic Bar on the 23rd.
Appearing: Wed 20th September Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre Bookings: 03-6420 2900
Name: Amy Age: 19 Favourite Band: Panic! At The Disco If you were a porn star, what would your name be? Angel If you were a drink, what would you be and why? Vodka and Red Bull – ‘cause it’s yummy A year from now I’ll be: Partying hard in Queensland A year from now I won’t be: Smoking
Name: Chris Age: 31 Favourite Band: Motorace If you were a porn star, what would your name be? Dirk Diggler If you were a drink, what would you be and why? Beer – genuine, and liked by all A year from now I’ll be: A year older. A year from now I won’t be: 31
James Kitto Lawyer Are you in trouble? Got legal problems? Need some help? James will sort it out for you, at realistic rates. 2 Cameron St Launceston
PH: 6331 2555 PAGE 30
Name: Jacob Age: 19 Favourite Band: The Agony Scene If you were a porn star, what would your name be? Jake The Snake If you were a drink, what would you be and why? Snake On The Grass – because it tickles my belly! A year from now I’ll be: In Melbourne A year from now I won’t be: In Berlin
Name: Pia Age: 26 Favourite Band: The “I Didn’t Ask” If you were a porn star, what would your name be? Kasey Ocean-Drive If you were a drink, what would you be and why? Mildori Illusion – because it’s my fave A year from now I’ll be: In Central America A year from now I won’t be: In Tasmania
Female Models Wanted
For Nude/Art Photography Paid Work
Contact Grant Wise 0402 442 936
Thu 21st September Burnie Civic Centre Bookings: 03-6430 5850
Fri 22nd September Theatre Royal Hobart Bookings: 03-6233 2299
Sat 23rd September Princess Theatre Launceston Bookings: 03-6323 3666
42 S T J O HN STRE E T LAUNCE STO N | 6 3 3 1 8 2 1 5
Contemporary Music Festival Showcases, Awards, Conference, Master Classes, CD Compilation and Bald and the Beautiful
For more information visit www.arts.tas.gov.au
SHOWCASES Ten Wonderful Years
Heavy Spaghetti
Phil Manning & Pete Cornelius
Phil Manning & Pete Cornelius
A theatre restaurant cabaret celebrating John Howard’s liberation of Australia over the past decade. Artists from around the nation have combined to create a show that we know John Howard would love. A beer, a true blue curry and show all for under $30 Date: 3 - 7 October 2006 Venue: The Backspace Address: Sackville Street (Behind Theatre Royal) 29 Campbell Street, Hobart Time: 7:30pm Entry fee: $28, $21 (conc. or group of 8 or more) Presented by: Is Theatre www.istheatre.com Tickets: Theatre Royal 03 6233 2299
Where punk + metal collide. Heavy Spaghetti will host a collection of Tassie made hardcore bands in a variety of angles + styles Featuring: Hammerhead, Lady Crimson, Taberah, Ice Eater, Palm This and more... Date: Thursday 5 October 2006 Venue: The Trout Address: 381 Elizabeth Street, Nth Hobart Time: 9:00pm - late Entry fee: $5 Presented by: Dane Hunnerup
Two of Tasmania’s blues legends going head to head. Featuring: Phil Manning & Pete Cornelius Date: Friday 6 October 2006 Venue: Queen’s Head Café & Wine Bar Address: 400 Elizabeth Street, Nth Hobart Time: 9:00pm - Midnight Entry fee: $5 Presented by: Queen’s Head Café & Wine Bar
Two of Tasmania’s blues legends going head to head. Featuring: Phil Manning & Pete Cornelius Date: Saturday 7 October 2006 Venue: Lewisham Tavern Address: 46 Scenic Drive, Lewisham Time: 9:00pm - Midnight Entry fee: $5 Presented by: Lewisham Tavern
Highland Jazz Festival
Eat, Drink, Music
Rock Art from BAT
Mix and match system of about 34 great local jazz musicians all weekend. Date: Fri 6 – Sun 8 October 2006 Venue: Bronte Park Highland Village Address: 378 Marlborough Road, Bronte Park Time: 8:00pm 6 Oct – 10:00pm 8 Oct Entry fee: Free event Presented by: Hobart Jazz Club
Gourmet BBQ featuring original contemporary classical music. Featuring: Dylan Sheridan, Michael Fortesque, Jabra Latham, Jennifer Cossins, Rowan Smith, Jordy Marsden and more... Date: Sunday 8 October 2006 Venue: Fern Tree Community Centre Address: Stevenson’s Place, Fern Tree Time: Midday – 3:00pm Entry fee: $6 Presented by: Loud Music
Buzz Explode Love An evening of alternative/experimental artists all under one roof as never heard before. Featuring: Viva Computer, The Love In, Jordy and The Jeremiahs. Date: Wednesday 4 October 2006 Venue: The Trout Address: 381 Elizabeth Street, Nth Hobart Time: 8:00pm - midnight Entry fee: $3 Presented by: Loud Music & Important Records
Women With Power Tools The Australian Songwriter’s Association presents fifteen of Hobart’s finest acoustic singer/songwriters. Featuring: Crystal Campbell, Carlee Rolins, Holly Kirby, Melanie Gent, Krysty Marks, Wolf Arrow-Rain, Shan Hooper, Lana Chilcott, Josephine Fry, Amy Kendall and more.. Date: Thursday 5 October 2006 Venue: The Lark Distillery Address: 4 Davey Street, Hobart Time: 7:00pm - late Entry fee: Free event Presented by: Australian Songwriters Association
The Falls Festival Tasmanian Music Showcase (SOUTH) Following public submissions, a shortlist of acts will be invited to be part of a live event during Amplified. Acts from this event will be selected to perform at The Falls Festival’s spectacular Marion Bay home. Acts to be announced midSeptember Date: Thursday 5 October 2006 Venue: Republic Bar Address: 299 Elizabeth Street, Nth Hobart Time: 8:30pm Entry fee: Free event Presented by: The Falls Festival
Instrumental rock combining lights, video and the Bat Band playing a full set. Featuring: BAT Date: Friday 6 October 2006 Venue: Theatre Royal Address: 29 Campbell Street, Hobart Time: 7:45pm Entry fee: Free event Presented by: Malcolm Battersby
Global Battle of the Bands The world’s biggest original band competition spanning 34 countries. Your vote counts, so come along and help your favourite band get to the national finals in Sydney where they will compete for a place at the global final in London. Featuring: Twelve local bands Date: Saturday 7 October 2006 Venue: The Republic Bar and Cafe Address: 299 Elizabeth Street, Nth Hobart Time: 8:00pm – 1:00am Entry fee: $10 Presented by: Loud Music
Loud World Tasmania’s best known and well loved world music artists. Featuring: Tumba, Set2Groove, Taiko Drum, Grant Maddock, Georgina Richmond, Fabio Chivhanda and the Seratones Date: Friday 6 October Venue: The Mayfair Address: 236 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay Time: 8:00pm - late Entry fee: $5 Presented by: Loud Music
Local Produce
The Falls Festival Tasmanian Music Showcase (NORTH) Following public submissions, a shortlist of acts will be invited to be part of a live event during Amplified. Acts from this event will be selected to perform at The Falls Festival’s spectacular Marion Bay home.Acts to be announced midSeptember Date: Friday 6 October 2006 Venue: James Hotel Address: 122 York St, Launceston Time: 8:30pm Entry fee: Free event Presented by: The Falls Festival
Stop, Drop and Roll Featuring a selection of Tasmanian indie, alternative and rock ‘n’ roll groups followed by some bump ‘n’ grind by specialist needs DJ collective ‘Brand New Second Hand’. Featuring: Burn The Black Lodge, Moe Grizzly, The Ragged Annes, The No Nos and more... Date: Friday 6 October 2006 Venue: The Trout Address: 381 Elizabeth Street, Nth Hobart Time: 9:00pm - late Entry fee: $5 Presented by: Dane Hunnerup
“Local Produce” will showcase locally produced hiphop, nubreaks and drum and bass music, and local art on the big screen. Featuring: Local Hiphop, Breaks and Drum and Bass Producers. Plus DJs Grotesque, Smoke Stack, Robbery and more. Date: Friday 6 October 2006 Venue: Halo Address: Purdys Mart, Off Collins Street Time: 10:00pm – late Entry fee: $5 Presented by: Hellavate/Conduct
Hip Trip and Left Click Featuring a medley of Tassie acts that have a groove core. Followed with a DJ set by Kashishi featuring all Tassie produced dance grooves and electronica Featuring: TSOMM, EPC, Heads of State, Attic Grooves, Brand New Second Hand and more... Date: Saturday 7 October 2006 Venue: The Trout Address: 381 Elizabeth Street, Nth Hobart Time: 9:00pm - late Entry fee: $5 Presented by: Dane Hunnerup
Remember Sunday School? For those feeling unholy, this will ease your ears with a muster of Tassie acoustic solos, duos and band goodness. Free BBQ Featuring: Jamin, Ian Murtagh, Linc Lefevre, Stratos Roussos, Waiter and more... Date: Sunday 8 October 2006 Venue: The Trout Address: 381 Elizabeth Street, Nth Hobart Time: Midday – 5:00pm Entry fee: $3 Presented by: Dane Hunnerup
Ampli-Fried at The Republic A twelve-hour blitzkrieg of Hobart’s finest, freshest, newest rock’n’roll…a fry-up of 16 bands. - The Evening Dolls, Bad Luck Charms, Que Experience, Ragged Annes, The No No’s, Shit Kicks, Midnight Caller, Burn the Black Lodge, The Able Bodied Seamen, The Black Swan , Elvis Christ and more... Date: Sunday 8 October 2006 Venue: Republic Bar Address: 299 Elizabeth Street, Nth Hobart Time: 1:00pm – 1:00am Entry fee: $10/$5 (conc.) Presented by: TasMusic
Dean Album Launch A new sound, powerful, beautiful songs, and new album launch. Let the experience wash over you in a magnificent theatre setting. Featuring: Dean and Band. Supported by Waiter Date: Tuesday 10 October 2006 Venue: Theatre Royal Address: 29 Campbell Street, Hobart Time: 8:00pm Entry fee: $12, $10 (conc.) Presented by: Dean Stevenson
TRAVELLING SHOWCASE
CONFERENCE
TasMusic will present two satellite Amplified events in Launceston and Burnie the weekend following Amplified in Hobart. The events will consist of four key music industry speakers conducting hour long workshops discussing a wide range of topics from song writing to digital media strategies, artist management and presenting finished product to market both here and off shore. The workshops will be followed by a live music showcase featuring three of Tasmania’s finest up and coming acts to our ever increasing music loving public.
The Amplified 2006 Conference will present a diverse array of influential and high-powered music industry personnel speaking over six sessions. Covering diverse topics as; recording, an APRA ‘Roadshow’ session, media, legal issues, A&R and management, the conference is designed to cater to the needs of ‘grass roots’ artists and musicians through to experienced industry personnel.
Free entry - All ages welcome 1:00pm - 5:00pm (Workshops), 6:30pm - 9:30pm (Showcases) Friday 13 October 2006 - James Hotel, 122 York St, Launceston Saturday 14 October 2006 - Sirrocco’s Bar and Night Club, 69 Mount St, Burnie
Tickets: $69 + booking fee (includes lunch and afternoon tea) 11:00am - 5:00pm Friday 6 October Wellington Rooms, Wrest Point Casino, Sandy Bay 25% off for APRA members and students Tickets are available at the Wrest Point Service Centre - phone (03) 6221 1700. The Service Centre is located on the Federal Walkway and is open from 9am until midnight, Sunday to Thursday and from 9am until 2am Fridays and Saturdays.
Tasmania’s Most Promising Act - Presented by Wrest Point Prize package includes recording in Sydney with 5-time ARIA award winner Paul McKercher, mixing and mastering at 301 Sydney, distribution, professional advice, photography and design package, and flights and accomodation. Sponsors
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