Beat Magazine #1437

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lorne marion bay byron victoria

tasman ia

new south wales

Until

Until

dec 28 2014

dec 29 2014

jan 01 2015

jan 01 2015

Until

dec 30 2014

jan 03 2015

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

ALT-J • BIG FREEDIA • THE BLACK LIPS • BLUEJUICE COLD WAR KIDS • DMAs • GEORGE EZRA • GLASS ANIMALS JAGWAR MA • JAMIE XX • JOEY BADA$$ • JOHN BUTLER TRIO KIM CHURCHILL • THE KITE STRING TANGLE • MILKY CHANCE MOVEMENT • THE PRESETS • REMI • RÖYKSOPP & ROBYN RUN THE JEWELS • SAFIA • SBTRKT LIVE • SPIDERBAIT STICKY FINGERS • THE TEMPER TRAP • TENSNAKE • TKAY MAIDZA TODD TERJE LIVE • TYCHO • VANCE JOY • WOLF ALICE BOOGIE NIGHTS

ALISON WONDERLAND • BADBADNOTGOOD CLIENT LIAISON • SALT N PEPA PLUS PLENTY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

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WITH SPECIAL GUEST

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JOE HENRY Four-time Grammy Award-winning singersongwriter, guitarist and producer Joe Henry performs ‘Invisible Hour’ live and acoustic.

For over 24 years, Joe Henry has left a unique imprint on American music with his poetic songs that incorporate a broad swathe of American musical styles – rock, jazz, soul, folk-imbued blues and alt-country stylings.

He performs new acoustic songs and rarely-performed music from his back catalogue in one unforgettable concert.

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MUSIC FESTIVAL Nov 28 th - 30 th, 2014

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tiCkets fRoM $130+Bf

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IN THIS ISSUE

ANIMAL HANDS page 40

AGNES OBEL page 38

OPETH page 42

DREAM THEATER page 39

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INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH

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SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Christie Eliezer SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS: Patrick Emery COLUMNISTS: Emily Kelly, Peter Hodgson, Lachlan Kanoniuk BEAT TV/WATT’S ON PRESENTER: Dan Watt CONTRIBUTORS: Kelsey Berry, Graham Blackley, Gloria Brancatisano, Chris Bright, Joanne Brookfield, Avrille Bylock-Collard, Meg Crawford, Alexander Crowden, Jules Douglas, Alexandra Duguid, Alasdair Duncan, Cam Ewart, Callum Fitzpatrick, Jack Franklin, Emma Gawd, Lauren Gill, Chris Girdler, Joe Hansen, Chris Harms, Andrew Hickey, Nick Hilton, Peter Hodgson, Lachlan Kanoniuk, Cassandra Kiely, Billy Killing, Joshua Kloke, Jody Macgregor, Wayne Marshall, Nick Mason, Denver Maxx, Krystal Maynard, Paul McBride, Miki Mclay, Rhys McRae, James Nicoli, Adam Norris, Jack Parsons, Sasha Petrova, Liam Pieper, Zoe Radas, Leigh Salter, Sisqo Taras, Kelly Theobald, Tamara Vogl, Dan Watt, Krissi Weiss, Augustus Welby, Garry Westmore, Rod Whitfield, Jen Wilson, Tyson Wray, David James Young, Simone Ziada, Bronius Zumeris. © 2014 Furst Media Pty Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder.

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HOT TALK

THE BIGGEST IN INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL NEWS

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WRITE A SONG ABOUT MELBOURNE & YOU COULD WIN YOUR BIG BREAK IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank For details & full terms and conditions please bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank © 2014 Bank of Melbourne – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

Faith No More

JULY TALK

Toronto’s July Talk will hit Melbourne for a pair of shows on the back of their appearance at BIGSOUND. The five-piece are set to drop their self-titled debut album on Friday September 19, while their current single Guns + Ammunition is currently receiving heavy play back in Canada. Catch July Talk supporting The McQueens on Friday September 12 at The Gasometer or supporting Spiderbait at The Corner on Saturday September 13.

SOUNDWAVE

The mighty Soundwave Festival has unveiled their massive lineup for the 2015 two day festival. Following the drip-feed of some of the lower-tier acts that festival promoter AJ Maddah wished to shine a spotlight on, they’ve now laid out their cards and released a huge lineup which covers some of the biggest names in metal, rock, punk and more. This will also be the first time that Soundwave has spanned over two days, of which Maddah says that the expansion will give the festival organisers the opportunity “to minimise clashes; give bands longer sets, better staging, production & infrastructure”.

The 2015 event will feature performances from the likes of Slipknot, Soundgarden, Marilyn Manson, Incubus, Faith No More, Fall Out Boy and All Time Low. Day 1: Slipknot, Slash, Marilyn Manson, Fall Out Boy, Judas Priest, Godsmack, All Time Low, Papa Roach, Of Mice & Men, Escape The Fate, Apocalyptica, Lagwagon, Tonight Alive, Crossfaith, Butcher Babies, Confession, The Swellers, Conditions, Coldrain, King 810, Dayshell and This Wild Life.

Day 2: Faith No More, Soundgarden, Incubus, Lamb Of God, Antemasque, Ministry, Gerard Way, Mayhem, New Found Glory, Fear Factory, Hollywood Undead, Atreyu, The Aquabats, Area 7, Godflesh, Crown The Empire, The Interrupters, Icon For Hire, Emily’s Army, Patent Pending, Fireworks, The Bennies, The Color Morale, Monuments, Nothing More, Deathstars, The Treatment and Ne Obliviscaris.

Soundwave 2015 will take place in Melbourne on Saturday February 21 and Sunday February 22 at the Flemington Racecourse.

Marilyn Manson

ALT J

Before they hit Falls Festival this NYE, Alt-J have locked in a headline show in Melbourne. The acclaimed UK trio will be visiting our shores to celebrate the release of their upcoming second album This Is All Yours, which will drop on Friday September 19 via Liberator/Infectious Music. Catch ‘em at The Forum on Monday October 6. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

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WRITE A SONG ABOUT MELBOURNE & YOU COULD WIN YOUR BIG BREAK IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank For details & full terms and conditions please bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank © 2014 Bank of Melbourne – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

For all the latest news check out beat.com.au

MELBOURNE MUSIC BANK

FREE SHIT

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There’s only two weeks left to submit your entries into Melbourne Music Bank, the community-driven music initiative offering aspiring artists a chance to break into the music industry. If you’re a local musician or band then get inspired by our kick-arse city of Melbourne and write a song about it. A career-making prize is up for grabs, including two days of recording at Sing Sing Studios, a video clip by filmmaker Wilk, live gigs, album artwork and 500 CDs, PR and marketing advice and the chance to have your song used in a Bank of Melbourne advertisement. The competition is open to all Victorian songwriters and musicians. Beat estimates the total prize value is somewhere around 15,000 to 20,000 bucks. That’s pretty frickin’ sweet.

Music artists have until September 7 to submit an original piece of music inspired by Melbourne. What are you waiting for? Visit www.bankofmelbourne. com.au/melbmusicbank to enter.

$

CONAN

If you’re like me, the word ‘Conan’ conjures images of Arnie in leather, on a horse, with a sword. For fans of the band Conan, it conjures images of interplanetary thunder amplified through the roaring black hole anus of Azathoth. If you’d like to experience the latter more than the former, Beat has two tickets to give away for their first Aussie tour with Yanomamo. And hell, who doesn’t want to go to The Tote on a Saturday to hear the roar of battle and smell the stench of spilt blood? Head to beat.com.au/freeshit to win.

BIFFY CLYRO

ST KILDA FESTIVAL

Want to play at one of Melbourne’s most beloved events? St Kilda Festival will open applications for bands and solo artists to perform at the 2015 festival this Friday. Artists with links to the City of Port Phillip can apply to be part of Live N Local, while artists from around the country can apply to play on the New Music Stage on the Festival Sunday, where they could compete for a $5,000 cash prize and a spot on the Main Stage in 2016. The 2015 festival kicks off on Saturday January 31, which will then continue for the following week showcasing music, visual arts, street performance, film, poetry and comedy culminating with the Festival Sunday on Sunday February 9, where around 400,000 festival goers will enjoy a wide variety of Australian music and interactive activities.

Applications will open on Friday August 22 and must be submitted by Monday September 29. For more information and to apply, visit the festivals website.

AUSTRALASIAN WORLDWIDE MUSIC EXPO

Now seven years deep, AWME will be bringing industry giants, brilliant performers and all things music to Melbourne via the Melbourne Arts Centre and music venues peppered across the city. AWME is also stoking on their second round announcement of artists for this year’s November 13-16 event. Another 20 names have rolled out with notable musicians like Frank Yamma, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Glenn Skuthorpe, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Bustamento, and Black Indie. If this list is dilating your pupils you can see the entire lineup on their website.

CHIODOS

Michigan rockers Chiodos will return to Australian shores in 2015. The tour will mark the band’s first visit to Australia in over five years, with the band making the trip in support of their fourth album Devil.

Melbourne fans can catch Chiodos on Saturday January 31 at The Corner Hotel.

CLOUD NOTHINGS

Cloud Nothings are returning to Australian shores for Meredith 2014 and they’ve also locked in a headline show in Melbourne. Their December visit will support their latest record Here And Nowhere Else, which will be brought to life through their cathartic and intense live shows on their upcoming tour. They’ll hit The Corner Hotel on Thursday December 11.

I met a couple once who flew from Perth to Melbourne just to see Biffy Clyro. They totally thought it was worth it, and even conceived their second child after the show.

True fact. If you can get yourself to The Palais on Sunday September 7, we’ve got two free passes for you so you can save the ticket price for your unconceived child’s education instead. Beat.com.au/freeshit. Hit us up, and book yourself a Honeymoon suite.

FACTORY FLOOR

The Meredith sideshows keep rollin’ on in. The North London-based duo have been turning heads since the release of their self-titled LP which dropped on DFA back in September last year, combining a meticulous blend of techno, minimal, acid and post-industrial qualities. They’ll hit Howler on Thursday December 11.

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JUST ANNOUNCED Sat 11 Oct

Nina Las Vegas

WRITE A SONG ABOUT MELBOURNE & YOU COULD WIN YOUR BIG BREAK IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank For details & full terms and conditions please bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank © 2014 Bank of Melbourne – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

THE ROCKACABANA

The Rockacabana Festival has unveiled the lineup for when it brings a taste of Brazil to Melbourne for a free event next month. The event will kick off at 2pm with acoustic and blues performances from Brittle Sun, Ironstone, Acoustic Foxx and 4th Avenue Band.

They will be followed by rock outfits Shadowqueen, Beyond Vegas and Rock in Fusion from 6pm. There will also be an array of delicious Brazilian food available throughout the day. Rockacabana Festival will take place at Copacabana International in Fitzroy on Sunday September 14. Entry is free.

Fri 31 Oct

Titty Twister

TIJUANA CARTEL

Fri 14 Nov

Tijuana Cartel’s latest album 24 Bit Guitar Orchestra saw the band return to their roots and practice the fundamentals in the Middle East, inside an obscure Balinese mountain top. Their journey is something they hope will convey to their fans the importance of home and beginnings. The new album will have less chatter and “speak through the music” rather than being heavy on the vocal side. The Cartel will be bringing their new album through Melbourne at Howler on Friday September 12.

Nahko & Medicine For The People Sun 16 Nov

Melbourne Ska Orchestra Sat 29 Nov

Husky

Wed 10 Dec

James Holden COMING SOON Fri 5 Sep

MAGIC HANDS

Magic Hands are a Melbourne dream pop duo who, after recently releasing their single Limousine via Stereogum have announced the arrival of their debut album – Let Me Hold You While You Fall, to spawn into the public eye at The Gasometer on September 20. After using their magical digits to craft the album over the last year, the duo are promising a sensory experience of a live performance with custom projections and a lo-fi light show to melt your cerebral.

Tickets will be $10 on the door from 8pm.

Cheap Sober

CARLTON DRY INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS

Sat 6 Sep

Protest The Hero

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) is pleased to announce the performers for the ninth Annual Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards. This year’s exceptional lineup will showcase some of Australia’s most exciting new and emerging talents, with live performances by Sheppard, Remi, DMA’s, SAFIA and Meg Mac (pictured). The event will be held at Meat Market in North Melbourne on Wednesday October 8. Stay tuned for further announcements including nominations, performing artists, and guest presenters.

Sun 7 Sep

Pop Will Eat Itself

Mon 9 Sep 18+ Tue 9 Sep U18 Wed 10 Sep 18+

You Me At Six Sat 13 Sep

El Gran Combo

Fri 26 Sep

Rebel Souljahz Sat 27 Sep

PHD Free Hoodie Party

JIMMY BARNES

RODRIGUEZ

Legendary singer-songwriter Rodriguez will return to Australia later this year. A self-taught guitarist, his unique story was made into an Oscar Award winning documentary in 2012 called Searching for Sugar Man. Rodriguez first toured Australia in the late ‘70s, returning in 1981 when Midnight Oil joined him for some shows. Catch him at The Palais Theatre on Saturday October 25.

Iconic Aussie rocker Jimmy Barnes will play For The Working Class Man and Freight Train Heart in their entirety for two special shows in Sydney and Melbourne this October. The shows are in celebration of his 30-year solo career and will see Barnes play through hits such as Working Class Man, I’d Die To Be With You Tonight and No Second Prize. As a further celebration of the milestone, Barnes will release 30:30 Hindsight, which will feature 17 new recordings of some of his biggest hits along with a few new tracks.

The album will also feature a number of special guests, including Keith Urban, Bernard Fanning, The Living End, Shihad and Tina Arena. In addition to the two special Melbourne and Sydney shows, Barnes will also hit wineries around the country for A Day On The Green, as well as a number of other venues across Australia in support of the new album. Barnes’ Melbourne show will take place on Saturday October 18 at The Palais Theatre. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

THE NINJAS

Brisbane garage rockers The Ninjas have announced a string of dates across the east coast of Australia. The band will play two shows in Melbourne – one at Yah Yah’s with The Velvets and a second at The Workers Club with Six Shooter and The Naysayers. The tour will see them play through tracks from their self-titled debut EP. Catch The Ninjas in Melbourne on Friday September 12 at Yah Yah’s or on Saturday September 13 at The Workers Club.

Sat 4 Oct

Bonjah

Thu 09 Oct 18+ Fri 10 Oct 18+ Sat 11 Oct U18

THE LEMONHEADS

Before their appearance at the Sup, US indie rock legends The Lemonheads will play a Melbourne sideshow this December. The Lemonheads first achieved popularity in 1992 with the release of their major label album It’s A Shame About Ray. They haven’t released any new material since 2006, but founding members Evan Dando and Ben Deily have recently been holed up in the studio arming themselves with new material to premiere alongside old classics when they hit our shores this summer. The Lemonheads will hit The Corner Hotel on Tuesday December 9.

Tickets are on sale now via handsometours.com.

Bluejuice

Sat 18 Oct

The Selecter (2-Tone) Thu 13 Nov

AWME: Ash Grunwald Sat 15 Nov

AWME: Hiatus Kaiyote

Thu 11 Dec

SOLD OUT

Fri 21 Nov

Prong

Sat 13 Dec

Thu 04 Dec

Pantha Du Prince

JOELISTICS

The War On Drugs

Thy Art Is Murder

TIX + INFO THEHIFI.COM.AU 125 SWANSTON ST, MELBOURNE

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 20

SLEEP

Sleep have announced they will return to Australia for their first full tour this December. After breaking up in 1998, and returning a mere 16 years later in 2009, Sleep are finally back with their first piece of new music, The Clarity. Originally the 2009 reformation was meant to be a one off, a proper send-off for the trio, but more festivals followed, then US and European tours, and they haven’t stopped since. In 2012, the band reissued Dopesmoker in full, remastered and over an hour in length – the way it was meant to be heard. Now they will return to Australia for a run of six shows, including Meredith Music Festival and stops in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Be there when Sleep take over The Corner Hotel on Saturday December 6. Tickets are available through Oztix and the venue.

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To celebrate the release of his new record, Blue Volume, Joelistics will be heading out on a national tour this October and November. Joelistics will be playing eight shows around the country, kicking things off mid-October in Sydney and wrapping things up almost a month later in Brisbane. Fresh from their joint collaborative show to a sold out Darwin Festival crowd, Joelistics will be joined by Sietta as main support and triple j Unearthed winner Mathas, as well as special guests on stage each night. Joelistics will take over Northcote Social Club on Friday October 24. Tickets are available through his website.

WRITE A SONG ABOUT MELBOURNE & YOU COULD WIN YOUR BIG BREAK IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank For details & full terms and conditions please bankofmelbourne.com.au/melbmusicbank © 2014 Bank of Melbourne – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

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DAILY HAPPY HOUR

5.30pm - 7.30pm $10 JUGS AND FREE TAPAS WED 27 AUG

OPTICAL SCREW TY SEGALL

Ty Segall has locked in a headline show in Melbourne. One of the most anticipated acts on the 2014 Meredith bill, the garage rock prodigy released his extensive new double album Manipulator (all seventeen songs of it) on Spunk Records late last week. He’ll hit The Corner Hotel on Sunday December 14.

PHOSPHORESCENT

After last week’s announcement that Phosphorescent will be a part of Meredith, the southern rocker has locked in a Melbourne sideshow.

Phosphorescent is the project of singer-songwriter Matthew Houck, who has released six studio albums under the moniker. He first made an impression on Australian audiences at 2011’s inaugural Harvest Festival, winning over crowds with his brand of country-flecked, psych-tinged indie rock. He’ll play The Corner Hotel on Friday December 12.

HUSKY

Husky will release their sophomore record this October. Ruckers Hill is the follow up to their debut Forever So, the album will be released on Friday October 17 and will be available for pre-order from this Friday August 29. To celebrate, the lads will be embarking on an extensive tour which will see them make their way to metro locations and regional centres nationally on a run encompassing 16 headline dates and two festival appearances.

Catch them at The Hi-Fi on Saturday November 29.

NEW LIVE VENUE IN MELBOURNE

Collingwood will get a new live music venue next month. Currently under renovation and located at 64 Smith St, Forester’s Beer & Music Hall will host live music ‘til very late, boasting a 4am licence on weekends alongside 50 taps pouring 32 unique craft beers. They’ll open their doors to the public on Thursday September 11. Check their Facebook for more information.

60 SECONDS with CHRISTOPHER COLEMAN Define your genre in five words or less: Southern Tasmanian contemporary folk.

If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why?

My great, great, great grandfather who jumped a ship in county Cork aged thirteen and sailed three times around the world then landed in colonial Van Diemens Land.

When’s the gig and with who?

Wednesday August 27 at the Melbourne Folk Club with Angie Hart and Kira Puru.

How long have you been gigging and writing?

2500+ days What part of making music excites you the most?

That when stripped to its core, ‘music’ is merely organised sound from vocal chords and hands.

8.00pm

THU 28 AUG

PAPER CULT GANG DARTS SANS HUNTED CROWS 8.30pm

FRI 29 AUG

SHANTY TOWN JOHNNY LONGSHOT 10.00pm

SAT 30 AUG

MISS LIZZY AND THE NIGHT OWLS SLUGGER AND THE STONE 10.00pm

SUN 31 AUG

LUKE SEYMOUP BAND OLD ETIQUETTES SHINY COIN TEAM REASONABLE

Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like? The above along with a six stringed acoustic guitar in standard tuning accompanying a youthful bogan tenor drawl.

What do you hate about the music industry?

That my friends have great songs and few hear them.

LIZARD MAN THE RIFT A BASKET OF MAMMOTHS

6.00pm

MON 1 SEPT FILM CLUB And the vibrations these make affect people who are listening to feel euphoric, depressed, sexy, tired, inspired or utterly indifferent, like of that from a traffic light.

Describe the best gig you have ever played.

I once played shows in nursing homes doing show tunes from the thirties and forties. If sound can be sweet, it’s twenty seniors warbling Bye Bye Blackbird.

What’s your favourite song, and why?

I don’t have one but I like the way Darren Hanlon writes words and how people wrote melody during the major world wars.

THE CHRISTOPHER COLEMAN COLLECTIVE play Melbourne Folk Club on August 27 with Angie Hart, Kira Puru and more.

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SCREEN SECT “ASPHALT JUNGLE” (JOHN HUSTON, 1950) 7.00pm

TUE 2 SEPT

MAKE IT UP CLUB 8.30pm

317 BRUNSWICK STREET FITZROY PH: 03 9415 9601 BAROPEN.COM.AU BOOKINGS: FANTAPANTS@BAROPEN.COM.AU

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 21

TOURING For all the latest tour dates check out beat.com.au

INTERNATIONAL THE DANDY WARHOLS The Corner Hotel August 27, September 2,3 QUEEN & ADAM LAMBERT (BIG UPS TO ROSIE) Rod Laver Arena August 29 RYAN KEEN Boney August 31 DIE! DIE! DIE! Ding Dong Lounge September 5 PROTEST THE HERO Hi-Fi September 6 BIFFY CLYRO Palais Theatre September 7 ANBERLIN Forum September 7, 170 Russell September 10 YOU ME AT SIX Hi-Fi September 8 (18+), 9 (AA), 10 (18+) KANYE WEST Rod Laver Arena September 9, 10 CANNIBAL CORPSE 170 Russel September 12 JOE HENRY Melbourne Recital Centre September 12 JULY TALK Gasometer Hotel September 12, Corner Hotel September 13 ANTHONY FANTANO Toff In Town September 14 ROBBIE WILLIAMS Rod Laver Arena September 16 JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE Etihad Stadium September 18 DAMIEN JURADO Northcote Social Club September 19 JOE BONAMASSA Palais Theatre September 19 SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS The Corner Hotel September 18, Melbourne Town Hall September 19, RISE OF BROTALITY 170 Russell September 19, Phoenix Youth Centre September 20 AMERICAN AUTHORS Prince Bandroom September 20 INGRID MICHAELSON Corner Hotel September 20 VERUCA SALT Corner Hotel September 26, 30, October 1 JUANA MOLINA Thornbury Theatre September 26 SEPULTURA 170 Russell October 1 LISTEN OUT FESTIVAL Royal Botanical Gardens October 4 DOOMSDAY FESTIVAL Yah Yah’s October 4, The Tote October 5 DIRE STRAITS EXPERIENCE Palais Theatre October 5 ALT J The Forum October 6 LEON HENDRIX Corner Hotel October 8 MILEY CYRUS Rod Laver Arena October 10 JEFF MILLS AND THE MSO Hamer Hall October 10 KING SALAMI LuWow October 11 THE TEA PARTY Palais Theatre October 12

WHO'S ON TOUR, WHERE AND WHEN

REGGIE WATTS The Forum October 13 DWARVES Barwon Club October 16, The Evelyn October 17 JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE Corner Hotel October 16, Out On the Weekend October 18 SAY ANYTHING Corner Hotel October 17 COMEBACK KID Central Bar October 18, Phoenix Youth Centre (AA) October 19 RYAN BINGHAM Out On the Weekend October 18, Northcote Social Club October 21, TORCHE Corner Hotel October 18 THE SELECTER Hi-FI October 18 A MOVING SOUND Foxtel Festival Hub October 21 NIKKI LANE Out On the Weekend October 18, The Toff In Town October 22, Northcote Social Club October 23 RODRIGUEZ Palais Theatre October 25 ELBOW The Forum October 28 DREAM THEATER Palais Theatre October 29 MINNESOTA VOODOO MEN LuWow October 31 WANGARATTA JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL Various Venues October 31 – November 3 ROLLING STONES Rod Laver Arena November 5, Hanging Rock Macedon November 8 JOE SATRIANI Palais Theatre November 8 MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA Corner Hotel November 13, 14 KATY PERRY Rod Laver Arena November 14, 15 ACCEPT Corner Hotel November 15 TORI AMOS Palais Theatre November 15 JIMMY EAT WORLD The Forum November 17 YES Palais Theatre November 18 PRONG Hi-Fi November 21 MAX RICHTER Melbourne Recital Centre November 24 SLEEP Corner Hotel December 6 JOAN ARMATRADING Melbourne Recital Centre December 8 ICE CUBE The Forum December 9 THE LEMONHEADS Corner Hotel December 9 UB40 Palais Theatre December 11 FACTORY FLOOR Howler December 11 CLOUD NOTHINGS Corner Hotel December 11 DAMON ALBARN Palais Theatre December 12 PHOSPHORESCENT Corner Hotel December 12 MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL Meredith Supernatural

Amphitheatre December 12 – 14 THE WAR ON DRUGS Meredith Music Festival December 12 –14 TY SEGALL Corner Hotel December 14 BEN FOLDS Hamer Hall December 20 FALLS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL Various locations December 28 – January 2 BEYOND THE VALLEY Phillip Island Circuit December 30 – January 1 SUGAR MOUNTAIN January 24 SUZI QUATRO Melbourne Arts Centre February 6 STING AND PAUL SIMON A Day on the Green February 7, Rod Laver Arena February 10 THE 1975 Festival Hall January 15 CHIODOS Corner Hotel January 31 ROXETTE Rod Laver Arena February 20, Rochford Wines Yarra Valley February 21 SOUNDWAVE FESTIVAL Flemington Racecourse February 21, 22 THE EAGLES Rod Laver Arena February 22, Hanging Rock Macedon February 28

NATIONAL SPIDERBAIT Corner Hotel August 29, 31, September 13 THE BON SCOTTS B.East August 29 SPENDER Shebeen August 29 KINGSWOOD Howler August 29 IVAN OOZE Liberty Social August 29 PATRICK JAMES Corner Hotel August 30 BAD VISION Old Bar August 30 THE AMITY AFFLICTION Festival Hall August 31 RITA SATCH The Toff In Town September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 KASEY CHAMBERS Northcote Social Club September 3 THE ASTON SHUFFLE Corner Hotel September 5 BOY AND BEAR Palais Theatre September 5 THE STIFFYS Prince of Wales Hotel September 5 ONE DAY 170 Russell September 5 VANCE JOY Athenaeum Theatre September 5 THE KITE STRING TANGLE Corner Hotel September 6 THE TIMBERS Boney September 6 BIGSOUND Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley Precinct September 10-11 HOWLING BELLS Howler September 11 360 Festival Hall September 12 NIGHT BEATS The Curtin September 12 THE LOVE JUNKIES Ding Dong Lounge September 12 CASTLECOMER Shebeen September 12, 20 TIJUANA CARTEL Howler September 12 THE NINJAS Yah Yah’s September 12, Workers Club September 13 CAPTIVES Old Bar September 13 DAN KELLY Howler September 13 ROCKACABANA FESTIVAL Copacabana September 14 TINA ARENA Palais Theatre September 17 KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZZARD Various Venues September 17-20.

NORTHEAST PARTY HOUSE Various venues, September 18-21 AREA 7 Corner Hotel September 19 THE DECLINE Reverence Hotel September 20 MAGIC HANDS Gasometer Hotel September 20 STEP The Toff In Town September 24 THE BENNIES Barwon Club September 24, Karova Lounge September 25, The Evelyn September 26 SAFIA Northcote Social Club September 25 ANGUS & JULIA STONE Palais Theatre September 25, 26 ANDY BULL Corner Hotel September 27, 28 HORSELL COMMON Bendigo Hotel September 27 THE SWEET APES Wrangler Studios September 27 (AA) COURTNEY BARNETT Corner Hotel October 2,3, 4, 5 BAD//DREEMS Shebeen October 3

PROUDLY PRESENTS

NOV

AWME FESTIVAL

13-16 Various Venues

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 22

PROUDLY PRESENTS

WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES... BEAT.COM.AU/TV

OCT

8-19

DAREBIN MUSIC FEAST

Various Venues JAN

24

BEECHWORTH MUSIC FESTIVAL Madman's Gully Amphitheatre

THE PEEP TEMPEL The Tote October 3, Reverence Hotel October 31 THE CAT EMPIRE Festival Hall October 4 BONJAH Hi-Fi October 4 DAREBIN MUSIC FEAST Various Venues October 8 – 19 CARLTON DRY INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS Meat Market October 8 THIRSTY MERC Melbourne Public October 9 MIA DYSON Howler October 10 BLUEJUICE Hi-Fi October 10, 11 (AA) MELBOURNE FESTIVAL Various Venues October 10 – 28 SINCE I LEFT YOU - A CELEBRATION OF THE AVALANCHES Foxtel Festival Hub October 10,11 DMA’S Northcote Social Club October 11 ANTISKEPTIC The Evelyn October 11 MIKELANGO Foxtel Festival Hub October 14-16 OUT ON THE WEEKEND Seaworks, Williamstown October 18 JIMMY BARNES Palais Theatre October 18 SCREAMFEEDER The Curtin October 18 THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS Spirit Bar October 23, 170 Russell October 24 POP CRIMES Foxtel Festival Hub October 23, 24 JOELISTICS Northcote Social Club October 24 MISSY HIGGINS Regent Theatre October 29 DON WALKER Bella Union October 29 AUGIE MARCH Howler October 29, 30, 31, November 1, 2 THE MARK OF CAIN 170 Russell October 31 AMAYA LAUCIRICA Worker’s Club October 31 RADIO BIRDMAN Corner Hotel November 2, 3 ONE ELECTRIC DAY Werribee Park November 9 AWME FESTIVAL Various venues, Melbourne November 13 – 16 RIVER ROCKS Barwon Club Hotel November 15 JIMMY BARNES A Day on the Green November 15, December 13, 20 LULUC Northcote Social Club November 28 PARADISE MUSIC FESTIVAL November 28 – 30 QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL Queenscliff November 28 – 30 HUSKY Hi-Fi November 29 NICK CAVE The Plenary December 16, 17,18 SCOTT RUSSO AND PHIL JAMIESON Corner Hotel December 19 GROUNDSWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL Lake Tyers Beach, East Gippsland January 10 BEECHWORTH MUSIC FESTIVAL Madman’s Gully Amphitheatre, Beechworth January 24 BALLARAT BEER FESTIVAL City Oval, Ballarat January 24 KYLIE MINOGUE Rod Laver Arena March 18

RUMOURS ROYAL BLOOD, DESCENDENTS, DESTINY’S CHILD = NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 23

SOUNDGArDEN

By Jody Macgregor

Soundgarden were patient zero for the grunge epidemic, the point of contagion from which the Seattle sound spread. Originally formed in 1984 they went through several lineup changes, but two members were always at the core: singer Chris Cornell and lead guitarist Kim Thayil. It was Thayil who suggested to two friends of his at a radio station that they should join forces to create their own independent label ± that label was Sub Pop, and Soundgarden were their first signing.

After studying the success of labels like Motown, who took a regional sound and made it global, Sub Pop figured that if they cultivated their local scene, gave it an identity, they could create something that might conquer the world. The beginnings of that work had already been done for them, and Seattle’s bands were already hanging out with and influencing each other.

Thayil remembers a time he was at the apartment of Mark Arm, Mudhoney’s singer, with Buzz Osborne from The Melvins, “listening to records and talking about songs and guitars,” when Osborne happened to mention that Black Sabbath got their doomy, churning guitar sound by using drop-D tuning.

“I experimented with that tuning and wrote a song called Nothing to Say”, Thayil says. “Well, I wrote the music for the song and Chris wrote the lyrics and everyone in the band loved the song. It was instantly really huge with our friends and our peers and other guys in bands and our small audience of drunks. Punk rock people in Seattle grew really attached to that song.”

Among that audience of drunks and punk-rock people was Jerry Cantrell from Alice In Chains, who were at that point still more of a 1980s glam-metal act. “He was trying to figure out what we were doing and had a hard time doing it because it wasn’t standard tuning,” explains Thayil. “I pointed it out: ‘It’s this other tuning, we take the E string, we drop it down a whole step to D’ and he was very interested in that, wanted to know how that tuning figured on a guitar and I explained to him the benefit of that tuning. Then a few months later they started writing some very beautiful dark and heavy songs in that tuning. Their band had a change in their style of set, definitely, but they were coming up and they were young. We hadn’t made a record yet but we had been around for a few years and in Seattle we were pretty big.”

Of course, it wasn’t just the way Thayil tuned his guitar that gave Soundgarden their distinctive sound. They played around with contrasting weird time signatures and straightforward power chords, made their music loud and thick and had Cornell sing pure nihilism over the top of it. “A lot of people used that tuning ± Sabbath did, I’m sure Zeppelin did, and Van Halen did, but it was the way it was used, a particular heaviness and darkness, making these particular fifth chords that are facilitated by that tuning, that was something Soundgarden was doing and eventually our brothers in Seattle started doing it as well: Nirvana, Skin Yard, Alice In Chains, et cetera.”

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 24

Soundgarden were one of the first of those grunge bands to leap from Sub Pop to a major label, A&M Records. They lacked two things common to most of their peers: a punk resistance to the idea of selling out, and heroin addiction. Both made their relationship with popularity smoother. They were one of the few grunge bands who weren’t tormented by fame but instead seemed happy to have more of the limelight shone on them.

They’ve always been resistant to the idea of record label yes-men, though. Nobody is as critical of Soundgarden’s music as Soundgarden are. Each member is a writer and most of them multi-instrumentalists, and all of them are opinionated. Thayil calls their self-critical nature a strength. “I imagine it’s caused difficulties but the benefit is you don’t have to deal with the stagnation

“WHEN yOU HAvE fOUr GUyS THAT ArE PrODUCING MATErIAl, COllABOrATING AND OffErING THEIr TWO CENTS TO AUGMENT WHATEvEr’S BEING PrODUCED, IT’S DIffICUlT TO GO DOWN AN UNCrITICAl, SElfCONGrATUlATOry PATH” or the odd epiphany of a solo author. In the case of bands that have one primary songwriter/singer you’re left to the whim of their personal life experiences.

What if they find religion or develop a substance abuse problem? Then it might reflect in the quality of their material. When you have four guys that are producing material, collaborating and offering their two cents to augment whatever’s being produced, it’s difficult to go down an uncritical, self-congratulatory path, which I think individual authors can often get caught up in especially if they’re told that they’re great and everything they touch will turn to gold. But in most cases their shit won’t turn to gold.”

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Soundgarden made gold for years, peaking with Superunknown in 1994. That album gave us the dirges Black Hole Sun and Fell on Black Days, both bleak and troubled burn-out anthems that seemed to welcome the apocalypse as if it was showing up late to a party, but it also contains oddities like Spoonman. Dedicated to a Seattle busker named Artis The Spoonman, they had him feature on the song and in its video playing his namesake instrument. Nowadays, Thayil plays the spoon solo himself. “I simulate it on the guitar by playing close to the bridge and using a slight delay,” he says. “I didn’t always do that; I’ve been doing that for the past year but back in the day we would occasionally have Artis, the namesake of Spoonman, he would occasionally come out and play with us live.

Just on occasion. And on the rest of the occasions Matt Cameron would do a bit of a drum solo while I did some percussive guitar noises.”

An idea like “let’s put a spoon solo in this song about a busker” seems like exactly the sort of concept that would get shot down immediately in a critical environment, but not only did it make it into one of their songs ± into the album’s lead single ± but it’s far from alone. Their under-rated follow-up, 1996’s Down on the Upside, includes oddness like the duelling mandolin and mandola in Ty Cobb. Although it would turn out to be the album that broke them up (Cornell left ± first to front Audioslave, and then to pursue a solo career), it still showed a band who were unafraid to experiment.

“That’s something where you have to have the courage to take that risk,” says Thayil. “To share things with people, as in any relationship, you become accustomed to doing it. I don’t think we criticise individuals’ specific work to make it personal, I think we do it collectively in regards to the direction the material is taking. So if we have a song that has elements of it that are redundant or sound similar to some other piece of material, we might change it or identify it. In that regard, because we have four people that are self-critical it tends to keep the stuff we produce original and unique.”

After the break-up Soundgarden stayed away for over a decade, eventually re-forming in 2010. Their reunion tour brought them to Australia for the Big Day Out, after which they released King Animal, their first new album since getting back together. Like Down on the Upside, it demonstrates they’re still willing to throw in new ideas, like the horn blasts in A Thousand Days Before and Black Saturday, and also able to just plain rock out in songs like By Crooked Steps. When they return to Australia for Soundwave it’ll be the first chance we get to hear those songs from King Animal live. Thayil says they’re already planning another album to follow it. “We’re probably gonna start working on another album in 2015,” he says. “I know Chris has been writing stuff while we’re on tour. It’s hard to write on tour. I come up with a lot of ideas, a lot of riffs, every time I pick up a guitar but it’s difficult to assemble a song for me while touring. But Chris spent some time ± he travels with a computer and ProTools equipment ± and he’ll work on songs in his hotel room, which is great.”

SOUNDGARDEN headline the Soundwave festival at Flemington Racecourse on Sunday February 22.

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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 25

THE GLOAMING

SAT 25 OCT /// ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

With Tyson Wray. Got thoughts, news, gossip, complaints or cat photos? Email tyson@beat.com.au or send by carrier pigeon before Friday 12pm.

THIS WEEK: ON SCREEN Nick Cave has long been one of the most fascinating and enigmatic figures in the music and film world. 20,000 Days on Earth is an innovative drama/documentary features Cave as both subject and co-conspirator, intimately documenting his artistic process and combining it with a fictional staged narrative of his 20,000th day on Earth. As a result, the film also explores the creative spirit. The film weaves two parallel narrative threads. The first is a cinematic portrait of Cave’s 20,000th day, created through a series of staged, but not scripted, scenes and encounters.

The second looks in depth at his creativity - from writing through recording and rehearsal to performance. This unique blend of documentary essay and cinematic fiction demonstrates the connection between Cave and the filmmakers, visual artists Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard; all three are illuminating the search for truth through artifice and myth. 20,000 Days on Earth is in cinemas now.

ON STAGE Classical ballet will meet Bollywood when La Bayadère comes to town this week. Created in 2010 for the 40th anniversary of the Houston Ballet, La Bayadère follows the forbidden love between a temple dancer and a warrior. One of Bollywood’s brightest stars, Australian-born Pallavi Sharda will return home to perform in the show. She will be joined by two of Stuggart Ballet’s most popular dancers, Elisa Badenes and Daniel Camargo, who will guest star with The Australian Ballet. La Bayadère will run from Thursday August 28 to Saturday September 6 at Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre.

ON DISPL AY Mech-Animal Project by Dominic Sowersby is a study that explores the uncertainty and fragility of our existence. Nothing is permanent.

Sowersby analyses people-made machinery and technology, and the positive and adverse aspects of our ever increasing reliance upon it.

Stylistically, Sowersby’s line-work challenges structured mechanical form against the fluidity of organic line and thought processes.

These works ponder future possibilities while aesthetically maintaining an intrinsic link with the past. This study of mechanical animals delves into the uncertain nature of life and contends that our limited time on earth is ultimately what makes our existence more beautiful. It’s currently on display at Off The Kerb.

PICK OF THE WEEK American writer Alissa Nutting’s scorching debut novel Tampa is an edgy and disturbing story about a female paedophile preying on young boys. Laced with black humour and crackling sexualised prose, Tampa brings together American Psycho and Lolita in a confronting tale of monstrously misplaced desire.

As part of the Melbourne Writers Festival, this weekend will see a rare chance to delve inside Nutting’s mind as she takes part in an ‘in conversation’ event with Benjamin Law. It goes down at Deakin Edge, Federation Square on Saturday August 30. You can also catch Nutting on Friday August 29 at other MWF events Masterclass: Writing Wicked Characters and What I Learned About Sex From Reading.

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 26

PREDESTINATION

By Adam Norris

There is something Pynchonesque about the talent Australian film directors Michael and Peter Spierig enlist for their productions. Mungo McKay in Undead. Sahaj Dumpleton and Willem Dafoe in Daybreakers. Now, Sarah Snook stars opposite Ethan Hawke in Predestination, a clever, tragic and hugely entertaining film that sees the Adelaide actress deliver an outstanding performance. The film is the latest in a string of Spierig stories whose roots run deep in speculative fiction, but unlike the majority of contemporary horror and sci-fi releases the great appeal of their movies is the ability to pitch classics of the genre in entirely unexpected ways.

“Peter and I grew up in the ’80s, in the days of the video nasties,” Michael says. “There were all those VHS movies that came out like Evil Dead, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw, all of that stuff. Granted, we were very, very young, but we managed to get our hands on them and take in everything. So we definitely love horror, have always loved sci-fi. I think there’s so much room to experiment within those genres, and we also admire so many filmmakers that have started in the genre. People like Peter Jackson, [David] Cronenberg, Sam Raimi, all those guys. We sort of see their trajectory, and hope to emulate that to some degree.”

Like those directors, The Spierig Brothers’ films have certainly grown more polished and assured as their reputation has risen, but their fascination and appreciation of the genre has in no way diminished.

“We pushed really hard to ensure that…” Peter begins, and trails off. Given the unfair rap that horror and scifi films tend to receive, it’s no surprise he takes time to consider his reply. “Look, it’s very easy for the gimmick of time travel paradoxes to take over a film, but we were striving to do something a little more. And it’s so interesting to see introspective characters in this type of movie too; you just don’t see that, you don’t often really see actual science fiction. We’re thrilled that we

were able to do something a little different. And it’s difficult to get films like this made because people are so preconditioned to think what this genre should be, and to push the barriers a little bit is so exciting for us.”

And, at the risk of sounding sycophantic, it’s exciting for the audience as well. Predestination is a genuinely good film – the performances from Hawke, Snook, and (too briefly) Noah Taylor are all compelling; the pacing is tight; perhaps even more importantly, the film is simply interesting. After watching a media screening, I overheard several people laughing in self-deprecating fashion that they had not understood what it was all about. Though by no means a linear story (involving as it does notions of time, love and fate), Predestination is not an obtuse or confusing film. It is not difficult to understand and enjoy, yet it does demand a certain level of engagement that is lacking from a lot of cinema today.

“You have to cater to… hmmm,” Michael laughs. “The ‘lowest common denominator’ is not the term I’m trying to use, but you have to appeal to the broadest audience you can, and that often means simplifying the story. We had total freedom in this project, we were answering to no-one and got to make the film that we wanted to make. But I really enjoy a film that makes you think. I think there are certain films that require

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repeat viewing, and I think a film like ours lends itself to that. There are so many layers to it that make so much more sense once you know how it all unfolds.”

“If somebody said they just totally didn’t get it, I’d find that a little surprising,” Peter adds. “But not only that, we’ve also had the opposite – people saying they knew every twist that was going to happen, which I also find a little difficult to believe,” he chuckles. “I can understand that it does have that reaction, and you’re right, it does require the audience to be engaged. I know there are plenty of movies out there where you go to them simply to switch your brain off.”

The film gains an added layer of intellectual credibility given it’s based on a story by Robert A. Heinlein, whose writings have previously crossed over into Hollywood to varying success (compare the popularity of Starship Troopers to, say, the questionable 1994 Donald Sutherland flick The Puppet Masters). In this instance, the source material is short story All You Zombies, a title which may have worked for Lucio Fulci but not quite as well here. It is also notable given it took Heinlein just 24 hours to write.

“It was very, very quick,” Michael says. “You think of the intricacies of what the plot is, and you get a sense of his mind and how clever he was. Turning that into a feature script took a little more than a day, I’ll tell you that for sure,” he laughs. “But it was a fairly quick process. We got it to the point where we had a shooting draft in maybe six months, and in the grand scheme of movie-making that’s pretty fast.”

“Michael might find a piece of material, I might find a piece of material, and if there’s passion there, then we’ll go after it no matter what,” Peter says. “And that’s across all different genres, all different styles. It’s just whatever story grabs us, whatever makes us passionate, that’s what we’ll run with.”

This marks the second time The Spierig Brothers have worked with Ethan Hawke, having formerly cast him as the vampiric lead in the dystopian Daybreakers.

Seeing as Hawke himself seems drawn more and more to genre films these days (Sinister, The Purge), you wonder how long it will be before he is officially promoted to ‘Spierig Muse’. Michael laughs.

“We had such a good time working with him on Daybreakers. We wrote the script [for Predestination] and sent it to him without really having the film at all set up or financed. He just fell in love with the story and wanted to know what part he was playing, but we weren’t entirely sure. It sort of evolved over months of auditioning a lot of actors and deciding the path we were going to take with the characters. Were we going to get two actors to play the parts that Sarah ultimately played, or could we find one actress to play both? Obviously the most interesting option was to have one actor play both. We were so fortunate to find Sarah, she’s just remarkable.”

With the commercial appeal of classic monsters today stronger than ever – one need look no further than the Twilight franchise or The Walking Dead – reimagining established horrors along more cerebral lines is not without risk. The Spierig Brothers seem interested in more than whatever creature happens to currently be in vogue, but they are certainly aware of material that treads a similar path.

“Vampires in particular are the oldest of the movie monsters,” Peter says. “There are so many different versions. [Guillermo] del Toro’s new show [The Strain] I haven’t seen yet, Twilight I’ve seen… well,” he laughs, “I’ve seen enough of it to know what it is. It’s obviously something that is not what we would spend our time watching. But I loved The Lost Boys. I watched the From Dusk Till Dawn series, and that was interesting.

The good thing about the genre is that it does have all of this room to experiment and play; you can do different things. With Daybreakers, we were trying to show a completely different world. And our vampires didn’t sparkle, that’s for sure.”

Predestination hits cinemas on Thursday August 28.

CIRQUE ÉLOIZE

CIRKOPOLIS

FRI 10 – SUN 12 OCT /// DIRECT FROM MONTREAL ///

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THE COMIC STRIP PUBLIC BAR COMEDY

MARLIN

The Melbourne Theatre Company and Arena Theatre Company have teamed up to produce Marlin, a captivating new play exploring the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. Set in a boat on a sea of foam, the play follows a fisherman and his granddaughter as they attempt to return a marlin back to the sea. “I wanted to conceive a work in which young people and their elders can share time in the theatre that is energised by them experiencing it side by side. It is intended that both generations will be excited by what they presume is intended for the other,” said director Christian Leavesley. Alongside the play, Arts Centre Melbourne will host The Marlin Expedition where you’ll be able to join the fisherman’s crew and venture out onto the Yarra River for a mission to save a marlin’s life. Marlin will run from Thursday September 25 to Saturday October 11 at Southbank Theatre, The Lawler.

Photo by Loz Dalton

THE ASTOR THEATRE

One of Melbourne’s most iconic arts establishments will close their doors next year. The news comes with the announcement of their most recent calendar, which includes the statement: “The Astor Theatre regretfully announces that this is our second last calendar.” Expanding on Facebook the owners continued, “It’s heartbreaking news for us to deliver. We don’t know what our current landlord has planned but we do know that it doesn’t include us. We hope you will come & help us celebrate the joy we’ve been committed to bringing you for so many years, in the coming months.” The Astor is one of the last independent film houses left in Victoria, the last of Melbourne’s grand old art deco film palaces, and has been in operation since 1936. Visit astortheatre.net. au for more information and to view the current calendar.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

TOM AT THE FARM

ACMI has announced that it will screen Xavier Dolan’s gripping new psychological thriller Tom at the Farm next month. The taut, unnerving drama follows a young advertising copywriter who travels to a remote dairy farm in rural Quebec for his deceased lover’s funeral. Upon arriving at the farm, Tom is immediately ensnared in a world of mind games and buried secrets.

Tom at the Farm is the fourth production from 25-yearold Canadian director Dolan, who also stars in the film.

It has been adapted from Michel Marc Bouchard’s play of the same name and features cinematography from Andre Turpin. Throughout the season of Tom at the Farm, ACMI will also present Dolan’s first three feature films from Monday September 29 to Saturday October 5. Devotees will be able to watch all four films in chronological order on Saturday October 5 in a special Dolan marathon. Tom at the Farm will screen from Thursday September 18 to Sunday October 5.

Due to popular demand, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image has revealed that it will extend the season of DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition by three weeks. Since it opened in April, over 150,000 visitors from around the world have enjoyed the extensive behind-the-scenes look at some of the studios most loved films. As the ACMI’s largest ever exhibition, it features over 400 items including neverbefore-seen drawings, interviews, models, original artworks and interactive experiences for both children and adults. This also means that ACMI has extended screenings of DreamWorks Animation’s titles, with How To Train Your Dragon 2 screening on the closing weekend alongside an extended series of public and education programs. If you haven’t gotten a chance to see it yet, head on down to DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition at ACMI until Sunday October 26.

If you’ve ever wanted to join the circus, now’s your chance. The National Institute of Circus Arts is now inviting aspiring circus artists to submit their entry into the 2015 Bachelor of Circus Arts course. As the only circus degree in Australia, NICA’s three year course attracts applicants from across Australia and overseas. NICA graduates have established careers in Australia and internationally in companies such as Cirque du Soleil and Circus Oz. Auditions will take place from Wednesday October 1 to Friday October 3 at NICA, 29-59 Green Street, Prahran. Applications close on Monday September 15. For more information, guidelines and application forms visit nica.com.au.

WE WERE ALMOST ENTIRELY HAPPY

DREAMWORKS ANIMATION: THE EXHIBITION

WAKING UP DEAD

Award-winning play Waking Up Dead will run in Melbourne next month. Recipient of the 2013 R E Ross Trust Playwrights’ Script Development Award, Waking Up Dead follows a woman who has lost her husband in shocking circumstances that simultaneously expose her double life on the swingers scene. Throughout the intimate performance, writer and actress Trudy Hellier uses a giant drawing board to recreate key memories in their lost relationship. Waking Up Dead was inspired by a number of true stories. Waking Up Dead will run from Thursday September 4 to Sunday September 14 at fortyfivedownstairs.

After last week’s mega show with surprise appearances from Lawrence Mooney and Ronny Chieng, Public Bar Comedy keeps the killer shows going tonight with one of our favourites Josh Earl from Spicks and Specks. Josh has been killing it of late on a national tour, so it’s very cool to have him back in their red hot little comedy room. It’s a top shelf support crew with Melbourne favourites Karl Woodberry, Dilruk Jayasinha, Laura Dunemann and Xander Allan. Plus Ivan Aristeguieta is over from Adelaide and we’ve had whispers of another big name guest dropping in. Grab $5, get down there tonight and find out why Public Bar Comedy has become a favourite with comics and punters alike.

CRAB L AB

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CIRCUS ARTS

Melbourne University theatre group FLW have announced that they will present Tennesse Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire next month. The classic play follows fading Southern belle Blanche as she struggles to come to terms with her relationships and delusions of grandeur. FLW’s interpretation focuses on the gritty sexuality that permeates the play and the contradictory nature of female desire. A Streetcar Named Desire was written in 1947 and was made into the popular film starring Marlon Brando in 1951. A Streetcar Named Desire will run from Thursday September 18 to Saturday September 20 and Wednesday September 24 to Saturday September 27 at Guild Theatre, University of Melbourne.

Ronny Chieng

La Mama will present Smiljana Glisovic’s We Were Almost Entirely Happy for a run of shows this September. We Were Almost Entirely Happy tells the story of two writers - Elizabeth Smart and George Barker. In 1938, while browsing a London Bookshop, Elizabeth discovered George’s poetry, determined to marry him, and set out to raise the funds to bring him to her home in Canada. George and his wife Jessica Barker arrived at the bus stop in June 1940. For some time, the three of them shared a life together.

Barker and Smart wrote together, wrote to each other, for each other, about each other, and eventually had people writing about them and their words. Working with samples of all of these writings, We Were Almost Entirely Happy examines a short moment in the lifelong relationship between Barker and Smart. We Were Almost Entirely Happy will open at La Mama Theatre on Wednesday September 3.

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Asher Treleaven Tonight at Crab Lab, ten of Australia’s finest stand ups are performing for a measly $5 with one if the best in the business, Asher Treleaven, taking up hosting duties. It goes down at 8.30pm at 16 Corrs Lane, CBD

THE MOULIN BEIGE

Liz Skitch Check out some of Melbourne’s most exciting, experimental and entertaining comedy performers at the monthly Moulin Beige this week. Hosted by the inimitable comic accordionist Liz Skitch, this month features everyone’s favourite purple felt faced comedian Randy plus 2014 Moosehead Award winning character comedian superstar Rama Nicholas, cabaret diva Virginia Poppycock, devilishly intriguing vocalist Anya Anastasia, comic harpist Linda Beatty and one of Australia’s funniest stunt man Johnny Danger. It all goes down this Tuesday September 2 from 7.30pm at The Wesley Anne. Tickets are $12 at the door or you can try the $25 show and meal deal.

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YOUR INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

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THE LAST CONFESSION

By Adam Norris

As a child, my grandmother would read me to sleep with whatever Agatha Christie novel she happened to be enjoying at the time. So it was that my earliest memories are of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, of a mysterious house at Styles and, of course, a Belgian detective brought to inimitable life by David Suchet over the course of 25 years. Though his latest character in The Last Confession is far removed from the world of Hercule Poirot, Suchet is thrilled that after all this time, his “little friend” is alive and well across the globe.

Book now at mwf.com.au MARIA POPOVA BRAIN PICKINGS ALISSA NUTTING IN CONVERSATION PLACE HACKING THE CITY • DESIGN MATTERS CONNECT & EXPLORE • WORLD LITERATURE THE AGENDA • ART, DESIGN & INNOVATION FOOD, WINE & TRAVEL• MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

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“Do you know, I have a little story for you,” Suchet says over coffee. His voice is a delight to listen to: colourful and pronounced; exactly what you would expect for someone who honed their vocation in repertory theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. “I was in Los Angeles for The Last Confession, and a family contacted me. They asked would I mind if I met them afterwards. I came out to the stage door, and there was this young boy of 13 dressed as Hercule Poirot, with the full costume and moustache. The wing-collar, bowtie, waistcoat. His parents told me that he had insisted he fly from LA with them to New York, because he couldn’t find the right homburg hat, and spent over an hour in the shop until he found the right one so that he could bring it to me. And that’s today! To witness that young boy who sat through the play, all dressed up as Poirot and not at all embarrassed, is so gratifying and humbling. I was offered very suddenly to play this little man back in 1987, which changed my life and, I am finding out as I travel now, has changed the lives of so many people. And I find that just extraordinary.”

Given that the novels of Agatha Christie are some of the most widely-read stories in the world (matched only by Shakespeare), it is a remarkable testament to Suchet’s craft that his embodiment of Poirot is now almost synonymous with Christie’s original creation. Despite such strong association, however, he has avoided being typecast, thanks in part to the seriousness in which he undertakes each role.

“I remember reading in the press a few years ago a reviewer say he was ‘Looking forward to David lightening up a bit.’ I think what he was latching on to is that I do take my work and my responsibilities as a character actor very, very seriously. You see, I sat down one day, and I sort of analysed myself. What am I doing with myself ? And I realised that there are basically ± and this is rather simplified ± two types of writer for the public. There are those who write novels to be read, and there are those who are playwrights writing to be performed. Sitting at my desk, I suddenly

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found a purpose for myself. I would dedicate my life as an actor to serve my writers. When I started reading [Christie’s] books, I realised that [Poirot’s] voice had never been shown before. I didn’t have to work out how to play him; I just followed my raison d’etre for being an actor. I became the Poirot that hadn’t been seen, and all of a sudden the readership was saying, ‘I can see him! He’s suddenly real!’ That was fabulous for me.

So yes, I take my work very seriously, because I found a very serious purpose for it.”

His role as Geovanni Benelli once again finds Suchet undertaking a remarkable character, albeit this time one who actually lived. Benelli was instrumental in the election of Pope John Paul I, who after only 33 days was found dead. Accusations of murder were instantaneous, and it is into this atmosphere of conspiracy and doubt that Suchet leads his audience.

“Not much is known about him. No literature was written about him, he was never described in what he would wear or what he sat down and had for breakfast.

What we do know about him is extraordinary.

Having lost his best friend, he goes through a great crisis of faith. Faith in God ± how can you let a Pope die? ± to faith in the Catholic Church itself. Was it murder? Who murdered him? What this play does extraordinarily well is to take away the fourth-wall of the theatre and allow the audience into the Vatican.

You don’t come into a religious organisation, even though all of us are walking around in cardinal robes.

You enter parliament, you enter argument, you enter politics. You enter fighting and power-play, a world that you didn’t know existed behind those walls. And that’s what audiences are coming away fascinated by.”

The Last Confession will be performed at the Comedy Theatre from Wednesday September 3 - Sunday September 21. Tickets through Ticketmaster.

THE GLOAMING

SAT 25 OCT /// ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, HAMER HALL

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LIT HOP

Lisa Dempster

By Liza Dezfouli

“I’m going to be on it!” Lisa Dempster, Melbourne Writers Festival Director, is talking about Lit Hop, a wholly new type of event, adventure rather, featuring in this year’s literary extravaganza. Dempster’s enthusiasm is effervescent. “I want to do the adventure, throw myself into it, and have some fun.” Basically Lit Hop is a sort of a literary DIY adventure trail, taking place on Sunday August 31, the last day of the festival, where punters hop on the number 96 tram and get off at various points to engage with things like a game of ‘Canon Fodder’ at Young and Jacksons, hear comedians at Mission to Seafarers reminiscing about books that influenced their young lives, take part in a viciously competitive spelling bee at the Victorian Women’s Centre, or even in a bout of literary karaoke where they can tell their own stories. There is opportunity for punters to share their own favourite books in School of Life as well as a song writing session ± to name just a few of the varied activities of the tour before Lit Hop finishes up with an after party at The Toff in Town.

“We wanted to develop a range of experiences that were out of the ordinary,” Dempster continues.

“Melbournians go to events all the time and we wanted to present something new, different and unusual, something that connects writers and readers in an unexpected way. ‘Connect and explore’ is our theme this year and we want to encourage people to do something outside their comfort zone, to encourage Melbourne Writers Festival-goers to share and discuss their love of reading and story-telling. Lit Hop is a vehicle to discover new authors; new genres, perhaps try something new. Obviously with someone like Salman Rushdie you want a lecture; traditional structures have their place but unusual situations can lead to a connection between writers and readers.”

Whose idea was Lit Hop in the first place? “Lit Hop was dreamed up by producer Vikki Woods, who had been inspired by similar events in other cities around the world. She and I agreed that a festival was the ideal place to launch a Lit Hop and the event has emerged from those discussions. We talked a lot about taking people on a literary journey, and about making writing fun! It’s really about going on a tour of words and ideas through the streets of Melbourne.”

Was it hard pulling it together ± what were the biggest challenges in making it happen? “Oh, no harder than any other event where you have to pull together multiple authors, venues and modes of transport!” answers Dempster with a laugh. “Pulling this together did require a lot of coordination and planning because it has a number of stops, obviously, and so we wanted to ensure it ran smoothly and logically and there are exciting events at each ‘hop off ’. The whole thing grew out of a big mishmash. So many people had input, and there are about 50 artists involved in the event. We matched the curators to the venue ± it’s a new concept, it’s uncharted territory so it’s a leap of faith. I think it’s come together perfectly ± I’m very proud of it. It will be an explosion of love on the day!”

Has Lit Hop been hard to sell to festival goers? “Not at all ± Melbourne Writers Festival-goers want to explore new ideas in new ways, and Lit Hop is a unique and fun way to engage in literature. We’ve been really pleased with the interest in this event so far. “ re on her to think up cute and fun things for people to do during the Writers Festival that takes the focus away from books and reading? “We are always looking for new and different ways to engage with Festivalgoers,” Dempster replies. “We have more than 400 guests this year, from across Australia and the world; authors, experts, musicians, journalists, illustrators, commentators…and we are presenting events in a range of ways so there is something for everyone.”

Is there a chance that MWF is becoming more youth focussed? Or are all ages participating in these sorts of events? “We do run a Schools’ Program as part of the Festival which is designed to connect children and teenagers with writers and thinkers, to get them reading, writing, illustrating and asking questions,” says Dempster. “The Melbourne Writers Festival is for everyone ± all ages, all interests. This year, we’re covering everything from local issues to international debates, music to food, politics to poetry, and everything in between. We work very hard to make sure there is something for everyone and more than 100 of this year’s events are free.”

www.effm.org.au 4 12 SEPT 2014

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL MELBOURNE

give a flick!

Lit Hop kicks off at 1pm on Sunday August 31. Visit lithop.com.au for more details.

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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 31

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ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL MELBOURNE

By Liza Dezfouli

Beat caught up with Livia Cullen, the Associate Director of the Environmental Film Festival Melbourne this week to talk about what audiences might see and experience during the festival. As with so many film festivals these days, there’s a lot more going on than screenings. There’s an eco art exhibition in Collins Place; Peter Strain’s stunning macrophotography of the creatures that inhabit the remote Kimberley; as well as a voyage to the great forests of Tasmania via sound and images in Dylan Wood’s delightful Tangible Tarkine Experience. Closing night sees a screening of Planet RE:think, plus a panel discussion including festival patrons Adam Bandt and Bob Brown, as well as the announcement of festival award winners and a closing night party.

The opening night film is the Australian premiere of Once Upon a Forest from Oscar-winning director Luc Jacquet, after which there’s a celebration party with drinks, live music and canapés. “Luc Jacquet’s cinematography is always stunning,” notes Cullen. “He really knows how to create magic on the big screen and has a great eye for wonderful storytelling. March of the Penguins was a magnificent film. Once Upon a Forest is even better.”

Jacquet is one of her favourite film makers but Cullen is also especially looking forward to seeing a couple of films by other directors on the big screen. “North of the Sun is an epic arctic adventure that made me want to run for the wild and embrace it. Iriria - Nina Tierra is a beautiful poetic documentary that looks at culture as the root of the planet’s destruction; as someone who has studied anthology this particularly appeals to me. Tokyo Waka - this almost has a Hitchcock-ian feel

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to it. Who knew crows were taking over Tokyo? This is a really great exploration of coexistence — poetic with a tinge of humour.”

What has been the biggest challenge for Cullen this year in putting the film festival together? “This year is Chris (my Co-Director) and my first year as sole directors so we’re still learning the ropes, teaching some fantastic new crew members whilst trying to build a bigger and better, festival than ever. We’re a not-for-profit run solely on the dedication of a very small group of dedicated volunteers so it’s a matter of squeezing our festival work in between our paid roles and lots of late nights and working weekends. Though it’s a hell of a lot of hard work, it’s even more exciting when the festival comes to fruition.”

Did Cullen have a personal goal or objective (outside creating a successful film festival) for this year’s festival?

“This year we’ve really tried to curate a program that

North of the Sun

will appeal to a mainstream audience and choose a selection of films that are of a higher standard than ever.

I’d like to see that success reflected in media coverage, audience feedback and the growth of the festival.”

Does Cullen see the EFFM as providing hope amidst a cynical world? Do the stories of hope outweigh the negative projections re the future of the planet?

“I like to think it does,” she replies. “A lot of people groan when you mention environmental film festival and assume that all the films will be about depressing environmental issues. But that’s just not true. In our programming we see ‘environmental’ in a very broad sense and screen films about everything from the pleasures of slow food to getting out in the wilderness and reconnecting with nature. One of our biggest goals is to inspire people to act and we do that with positive and inspiring film, debate and discussion.”

What does Cullen think is the most important contribution the EFFM makes to its audiences? Or can it not be narrowed down? “I think we provide a really enjoyable experience for digesting environmental issues. People don’t want to sit in a neon-lit room and be spoken at about the dire state of our environment.

We provide enchanting and inspiring films, thoughtprovoking discussion and special events that make engaging with environmental issues fun.”

How does Cullen see the EFFM reaching out to wider audiences? “Film is such an incredibly engaging medium,” she observes. “It can turn complex environment issues into a visually stunning narrative or a compelling investigation. Bringing environmental

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issues to the big screen and incorporating them into special events gives us opportunity to engage people who might not normally be interested in the environment as such. A great example is our Slow Food special event where we’ll be screening Slow Food Story, a charming biopic of the founder of the slow food movement accompanied by a slow food tasting.

This is a great event for foodies and for anyone who loves a good flick and a good bite.” Sounds very good!

How does she imagine the future of the EFFM? “I’d like to see us go national and it’s something we’re looking at for next year. I’d love to see an Environmental Film Festival in every Australian state and territory engaging audiences from all walks of life. We’re also working on developing our community outreach and schools program and I’d really like to see our presence grow in regional Australian and in schools across the country.”

So what are Cullen’s predictions for the future of the planet? “I think we’re seeing a real shift in the way society responds to environmental issues. In the face of a government intent on exploiting our environment for profit, we’ve seen incredible displays of people power.

I think we’ll see that grow into a revolution (probably after my time). We still have time to turn things around and I sincerely hope we do that before it’s too late.”

The 2014 Environmental Film Festival Melbourne will take place from Thursday September 4 Friday September 12. Visit effm.org.au for more information.

BROODS

By Mina Kitsos

It was only ten months ago that Caleb and Georgia Nott uploaded a song to their SoundCloud account under the name Broods. Little did the siblings know that Bridges would send the Internet ballistic, tee up a number of record deals with distinguished music labels including Capitol Records and Polydor, and summon a cult following of fans almost overnight. Since then, the New Zealand-born pair has been set on overdrive, releasing a Broods EP, headlining shows on the other side of the globe and gracing international festival stages. Despite all this, Georgia is bright-eyed and pragmatic in her response to their jaw-dropping success, “It’s a bit too much to absorb if you try and take it all on at once. We were always doing music but we’d never actually sat down and thought, ‘Let’s actually try and make it as musicians’. We didn’t even really think that when we started Broods.”

Aged 20 and 21 respectively, Georgia and Caleb’s decision to work together professionally is still a fresh resolve. Although they dabbled in projects through high school, it was never their intention to join forces and become Broods, a name well suited to their brooding sonics. “We didn’t decide together until the start of last year,” says Caleb. “I was full-time studying industrial design and Georgia was working, but not really doing her job,” he playfully chides. “Georgia tried to study music. She lasted three weeks.”

Georgia, however, is quick to defend herself. “I don’t like being told what to do,” she explains. “We’re self-taught.

[In high school] we had this music teacher. He was all about performance and being a good musician rather than being theoretically clued up.” That music teacher, she says, was pivotal in carving out their interests and prompting their pursuit of a career in music, having redesigned the entire course with an emphasis on songwriting. “[It’s] all just because of this one dude that decided he was gonna fuck shit up,” she laughs.

The disarming fusion of synth-driven atmospherics and stomping beats on Broods’ debut EP had another

influence ± the hand of producer Joel Little, who rose to prominence as he joined Lorde onstage at the Grammys to accept a Golden Gramophone for Pure Heroine. With their collaboration predating Lorde’s success, Caleb says the ripple of events is still hard to comprehend. “That’s so weird ± people referring to him as a crazy big producer. He’s been working his arse off for ten years, doing odd jobs, so it’s so cool to see him have that success.

He’s such a honey.” As for distinguishing Broods’ sound from their fellow Kiwi, Caleb is quick to point out that Little’s work is tailored to his subjects. “He builds a sound around the artist,” Caleb says.

So it was an easy decision, Georgia says, to enlist Little’s help once again on their debut LP, Evergreen. “We’re kind of all dreams and no knowledge of how to work a computer. My demos on GarageBand are like ± my percussion is me hitting the mic with my finger. I did this one thing where I was like…” She pulls her knee to her chest and rubs it with the palm of her hand, creating a slow, scraping sound.

“I was just making weird noises with my clothes,” she giggles.

Caleb rises to his feet, one hand simulating pulling a

“IT’S WEIRD WHEN yOU GO OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE Of THE WORLD AND PEOPLE ARE SINGING yOUR SONGS BACK TO yOU.”

drawstring. “One song on the album has one pair of my pants ± you pull it and it makes this ‘pop’ noise. I was just sitting there and Joel goes, ‘Should we record that?’”

“That’s what happens when we’re in the studio for five weeks straight,” laughs Georgia. “‘Oh my god ± this is genius! Let’s record our clothes!’”

With Bridges now comfortably sitting on over four million Spotify streams, and Broods’ new single Mother & Father shooting straight to number one on the Hype Machine charts, it’s a good thing that time together isn’t taxing. “We’re constantly doing stuff and it’s full-on,” says Georgia. “When we’re under pressure, it’s all about protecting each other and making sure that we’re OK,” she says, Caleb nodding firmly in agreement. When it comes to songwriting, Georgia says that Broods’ signature vulnerability comes naturally in the studio. “It’s not an unusual thing for the other person to know what we’re going through, even when it comes to relationships and that kind of personal stuff.”

That “personal stuff ” has now, to their credit, been

sung along to in stadiums around the world, with coveted support slots alongside pop royals Ellie Goulding and Haim seeing Broods win audiences in Canada, the USA and the UK. Just recently, the duo sent crowds wild at Splendour in the Grass, before tending to a string of sold-out sideshows. “Our goal was to be able to play shows in Australia, and we’re playing everywhere,” gushes Georgia. “It’s weird when you go over to the other side of the world and people are singing your songs back to you. It’s like, ‘How the hell do you even know that?!’”

The two don’t seem fazed in the slightest, though.

Georgia eyes Caleb, as though half-expecting him to finish her idea. “I think you’ve kind of just got to run with it,” she says.

touch with the scene, “even though it’s not really my life like it was five years ago.”

With a first child on the way, Gleave’s life is certainly destined to alter even more dramatically. Has he done anything to prepare? “I think I’m prepared for it, because the main thing having a kid affects is your energy levels, your attention, and your sleep. Those are things I’m already used to dealing with, some nights I get twelve hours sleep, sometimes one.

“I definitely think it’ll be an amazing experience having a kid,” he continues, “however I don’t think I’ll be writing many songs about it. I’m not sure how that’s going to change or inspire me. I tend to write my best stuff when I’m quite sad or lonely ± touring and flying

can be quite a lonely experience.”

Gleave recently commented that he’d continue to make music for another five years before moving onto his other passion: directing. Will he be calling it a day after five years? “I don’t really have a time limit on [making music],” he ponders. “As long as there’s a demand, I’ll continue making music. I definitely want to move into acting; that might lead into directing. It’s not that I’m going to stop one to do the other; I’m going to try and juggle music and acting and directing. I’ll have to slow down with the touring soon, because having a kid means I won’t be able to do 100 gigs a year.”

Evergreen is out now through Universal Music.

ExAMPLE

By Alexander Crowden For various reasons it’s been troublesome to tie down a time to speak with Elliot Gleave, aka Example. So ahead of speaking to the British rapper-come-singer, it’s easy to imagine the sheer amount of interviews he must undertake. When Gleave is patched through, I’m intrigued as to what his demeanor will be like while being interviewed, because with touring, married life and baby on the way, interviews must be the last thing he wants to participate in.

However, the man that proved elusive for several weeks is friendly and sincere. He seems heartened by the news that he’s been allocated an interview with a journalist who’s a long time fan, as opposed to someone whose done a quick YouTube and Wikipedia search beforehand, with no actual clue or interest in him or his music.

So how does he approach going into the studio and construct the variation of themes found on his albums? “Every album is really different conceptually, but essentially the singles have always got a few certain things in them that I sort of tick off,” he explains.

“Singles tend to be for radio and mass market, whereas when you delve into the albums you find they’re a bit more exciting and adventurous. My first album was hip hop, my second I started singing; more of an electro-pop album, third was dubstep and trance, fourth was guitars, fifth album (the recently released Live Life Living) was inspired by the ‘90s.”

“But the singles throughout since I had my first hit (Kickstarts) with my second album, they’ve always had some sort of big electronic riff or piano, and I’d say the constant theme is emotionally uplifting lyrics.” While Gleave admits the albums have each had a distinct flavour, one wonders how the banging party-starting

style of music on the singles he creates has remained, despite him ageing and, to an extent, settling down.

According to Gleave, he didn’t really know what to write about when creating his little known first album What We Made back in 2007. What came was a “lad album” detailing experimenting with drugs and chasing girls, which he now reflects on as “a juvenile album.”

“Albums two to four are more about growing up and dealing with grownup problems ± things like depression, hangovers, fidelity and honesty, as well as am I addicted to this or that?” he reveals. “They’re all adult themes and there were always songs that dealt with redemption and forgiveness, and other songs that were about excess. It’s all quite dark subject matter, however they seem to really suit the clubs, whereas the fifth album is a happier and positive, it’s still very honest. The main difference is it’s about settling down, being happy and being in love.

“It’s not [like that] all the way through,” Gleave points out. “I’d say there’s about five tracks on it about my wife; the rest are about different feelings and moods associated with partying and raving.” While Gleave may now have a domestic life, the polar opposite of what he had when he started in the business, he still tours, plays the festival circuit and Ibiza every summer, and endeavours to make music for the club and stay in

“THE MAIN THING HAVING A KID AffECTS IS yOUR ENERGy LEVELS, yOUR ATTENTION, AND yOUR SLEEP. THOSE ARE THINGS I’M ALREADy USED TO DEALING WITH, SOME NIGHTS I GET TWELVE HOURS SLEEP, SOMETIMES ONE.”

WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES..... WWW.BEAT.COM.AU/TV

EXAMPLE’s new album Live Life Living is out now.

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 33

UPCOMING

SEPTEMBER

on tour ROBERT BABICZ [GER], TOMMY FOUR SEVEN [GER] Friday September 5, Brown Alley COM TRUISE [USA] Wednesday September 10, Corner Hotel JOHN ‘00’ FLEMING [UK] Friday September 12, RMH The Venue &ME [GER], ADAM PORT [GER] Sunday September 14, Revolver Upstairs DJ DODGER STADIUM [USA] Thursday September 18, New Guernica BUTCH [GER] Friday September 19, Prince Bandroom MAK & PASTEMAN [UK] Saturday September 20, Revolver Upstairs TCHAMI [FRA] Saturday September 20, The Bottom End RODRIGUEZ JR [FRA] Saturday September 20, New Guernica DJ MITSU THE BEATS [JPN] Friday September 26, Boney HARDWELL [NED] Friday October 3, Sidney Myer Music Bowl LISTEN OUT: FOUR TET [UK], BONDAX [UK], SCHOOLBOY Q [USA] + MORE Saturday October 4, Royal Botanic Garden’s Observatory Precinct SHLOHMO [USA] Saturday October 4, Howler FUR COAT [VNZ] Sunday October 5, Revolver Upstairs JEFF MILLS [USA] WITH THE MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Friday October 10, Hamer Hall FOURCOLOURS: SUDUAYA [FRA], IRINA MIKHAILOVA [UK], BE SVENDSEN [DEN] + MORE Saturday October 11, Revolt Artspace SOULFEST: D’ANGELO, [USA], MAXWELL [USA], MOS DEF [USA] + MORE Sunday October 19, Kings Domain Gardens and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl LIL JON [USA] Friday October 24, Trak SIDNEY CHARLES [GER] Sunday November 2, Revolver Upstairs JOHN DIGWEED [UK] Friday November 14, Brown Alley LAURA JONES [UK], GAVIN HERLIHY [IRE] Sunday November 16, Revolver Upstairs STRAWBERRY FIELDS: ÂME [GER], TRUS’ME [UK], PACHANGA BOYS [GER] + MORE Friday November 21 - Sunday November 23, TBA EARTHCORE: RAJA RAM [UK], JOHN ‘00’ FLEMING [UK] + MORE Thursday November 27 - Monday December 1, Pyalong, Victoria GIRAFFAGE [USA] Thursday November 27, Howler PANTHA DU PRINCE [GER] Thursday December 4, The Hi-Fi STEREOSONIC: CALVIN HARRIS [UK], TIESTO [NED], DIPLO [USA] + MORE Saturday December 6 - Sunday December 7, TBA ICE CUBE [USA] Tuesday December 9, The Forum FALLS FESTIVAL: TODD TERJE [NOR], TENSNAKE [GER], TYCHO [USA] + MORE Monday December 29 - Thursday January 1, Byron Bay BEYOND THE VALLEY: ACTION BRONSON [USA], CLAPTONE [GER], ALUNAGEORGE [UK] + MORE Tuesday December 30 - Thursday January 1, Phillip Island Circuit RAINBOW SERPENT: MARCEL DETTMANN [GER], LEE BURRIDGE [UK], PETAR DUNDOV [CRO] + MORE Friday January 23 - Monday January 26, Lexton FINNEBASSEN [NOR] Sunday February 1, Revolver Upstairs DETROIT SWINDLE [NED] Sunday February 22, Revolver Upstairs

tour rumours

Miguel Campbell, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Eli Verveine, Mister Saturday Night, KiNK, Midland, Addison Groove, Netsky, London Elektricity, DC Breaks, State of Mind

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news tours club snaps + more

electronic + urban + club life

rave of thrones wo rd s / e ri n ro o n ey

Kristian Nairn is a gentle kind of guy. Best known for his portrayal of Hodor, the large, simple-minded but fiercely loyal stable boy to the Stark family on HBO’s Game Of Thrones, he draws on the shyness from his teenage years when he’s acting. Yet for someone who plays a character who only ever says his own name (that now iconic line, “Hodor”), Nairn is surprisingly talkative. And what many fans of the show may not know about the actor is that when he’s not on set filming, he’s spinning discs in nightclubs around the world.

“I fell into that,” Nairn says. “I was working onstage in a local club, and a DJ rang in sick one night. I’d studied DJing at a music college and offstage I had a vast music collection, so I volunteered to fill in, and from that night on I’ve just worked as a DJ. And it went very well, obviously.”

Nairn’s musical journey began from the moment his mum sat him down in front of the piano at three years old, and has since spanned from playing the pipe organ for The Phantom Of The Opera during high school to listening to heavy metal and finding an interest in dance music. DJing gave him a way of interacting with other people through music.

news

“It’s enjoyable to have a conversation musically with the crowd. I love changing music genres in house music. I mean, I always play house music, but I like to change the style. I love the sort of emotional rollercoaster that you take them on with you.”

Though Nairn has noticed that deep house is a popular trend amongst other DJs at the moment, he isn’t scared to shake things up a bit.

“All of my mixes are so different – I don’t like to stick to one genre of house. Sometimes you want a bit of cheesy EDM, you know what I mean? But it doesn’t mean you can’t stick it in with a bit of progressive or a bit of deep house. And if you’re a good DJ you can do that.

It’s not a problem, but my house is so varied, because I’ve played it all over the years – so why not?”

With a music career spanning far longer than his acting career, Nairn has been DJing for 20 years. Yet despite his vast experience – longer than some of his Game Of Thrones fans’ lives – he still finds that people are shocked to hear about the other side of his persona.

“All of a sudden, you say one word in a popular show, and every-

Rave Of Thrones goes down at the Prince Bandroom on Thursday September 4. soundcloud.com/kristiannairn

- head to beat .com.au for more

tchami

off the record w i t h

one wants to see a DJ! It’s really bizarre to me, but I’m happy to go with it.”

Nairn is very loyal to his homeland of Northern Ireland, but says that its nightlife isn’t one of its finest qualities due to its strict liquor licensing laws that have had a strong impact on the nightclub and theatre industries. He describes one of the advantages of the exposure from Game Of Thrones as being the opportunity to travel to many different countries, playing sets in all sorts of atmospheres.

And after learning on a recent promotional visit to Australia that there was significant interest in a DJ tour, Nairn is bringing a Game Of Thrones-themed show to our shores with his upcoming Rave Of Thrones tour. It accompanies the release of Nairn’s new single ‘Where You Are’ with Kash Simic and featuring Amanda Wilson (best known for her work with Avicii). Nairn is just excited to see how the crowd will engage with the track as part of the wider performance, which in his words, will be “dramatic and dark, but with a sense of humour”.

Though he won’t be dressing in full Hodor attire this time (“I’m not wearing that outfit, it’s hot enough!”), attendees will be expected to get into costume. He may not be in his full rabbit skins for the tour, but that doesn’t mean Nairn won’t be channeling some of Hodor’s qualities.

“I think he’s actually a beautiful person. He has a very pure soul, which is lovely to play, because I always say that if people were a bit more like Hodor – but maybe a little more verbose! – the world would be a better place.”

Without being biased, of course, Nairn says that his work with Isaac Hempstead-Wright (who plays Bran) has been one of his favourite Game Of Thrones storylines so far. And when discussing one of the more dramatic scenes they shot together for the finale of the fourth season of the show, Nairn admits that he got a little bit choked up.

“We’re all emotionally involved in our characters, mostly because we’re all good friends and Isaac is like my little brother, and you know there’s definitely an emotional attachment there so you can see that.”

But despite Game Of Thrones’ notorious reputation for killing off its most-loved characters, Hodor and Bran have managed to survive it all in the face of adversity. Nairn says that if anything can be learnt from this, it’s that the other characters should take a page from Hodor’s book: “Keep their heads down and don’t say much.”

t yson

Tchami will bring his brand of future house to Melbourne when he makes his debut performance next month. The Parisian producer first emerged in July 2013 with a series of basslineheavy remixes. He’s since made waves with his catchy house melodies, performing alongside the likes of Boys Noise, What So Not and RL Grime. Catch Tchami at Anyway on Saturday September 20.

w ray

It’s been 18 months without one but I finally caved and bought a fridge.

shlohmo dj dodger stadium DJ Dodger Stadium (aka Jerome LOL of LOL Boys and Samo Sound Boy) have locked in an Australian tour. Last month the LA stalwarts dropped their debut LP Friend of Mine, an eclectic album of ethereal house and curveball techno and one of the highlights of the year thus far. They’ll hit New Guernica on Thursday September 18.

earthcore Earthcore have announced the Simon Ponsford will be the headline act of their 2014 incarnation. A huge coup for the festival, Ponsford will be playing a sunset Shpongle set with Raja Ram and a monster sunrise Hallucinogen set. He joins other international acts including Boris Brejcha, 1200 mics, Da Vinci Vode, Victor Ruiz, Day Din, Behind Blue Eyes, Zentura, GMS, Blue Planet Corporation, Asura, Zen Mechanics, Format; B, Ticon, Tripswitch, Chicago, Lucas, Dnox & Beckers, Gaudi, Klopfgeister, Fishimself, Bliss, Ann Clue, Nick Sentience, Vibe Tribe, Ace Ventura, Audiotec, Hux Flux, Ritmo, Raja Ram, John 00 Fleming, Exosomatika and Liquid Soul alongside a slew of local talent. It all goes down from Thursday November 27 to Monday December 1 in Pyalong.

summer series

Missed out on tickets to the sold out 2014 incarnation of Listen Out? Here’s one way to ease the pain. A founding member of Wedidit, most recently Shlohmo released a joint EP with R&B artist Jeremih titled No More. In the past he’s collaborated with How to Dress Well and has remixed tracks by Robot Koch, Tomas Barfod and LOL Boys. Shlohmo will hit Howler on Saturday October 4.

Now in its sixth season, Summer Series will return for the warmer months of 2014/2015 with a stellar lineup of electronic acts. Launching this year’s series will be German DJs/producers &ME and Adam Port. Also on the bill this season are Fur Coat, Sidney Charles, Laura Jones and Gavin Herlihy, Mickey, Finnebassen, Patrick Topping and Detroit Swindle with more to be revealed. Summer Series will run from Sunday September 14 to Sunday March 15 at Revolver Upstairs.

dj mitsu the beats

rodriguez jr

Red Bull Music Academy will return to Melbourne in September with Japan’s DJ Mitsu The Beats at the helm. Joining Mitsu on the night will be Whassupski, Keito, Cazeaux Oslo, Kano and Aux-One. It all goes down on Friday September 26 at Boney. You can RSVP for free entry at dashtickets.com.au.

French producer and DJ Rodriguez Jr has announced a string of Australian tour dates. Rodriguez, AKA Olivier Mateu of The Youngsters, will hit Perth, Melbourne and Sydney during his trip Down Under. Catch him on Saturday September 20 at New Guernica.

mak & pasteman

giraffage

UK duo Mak & Pasteman will visit Melbourne later this year as part of their debut Australian tour. With a sound described as sitting “between house, techno and jungle,” the producers have also launched their own record label, Materials. Mak & Pasteman will play at Revolver on Saturday September 20.

Giraffage, aka San Francisco’s Charlie Yin, has announced he will be heading down to Melbourne this November. After an extensive tour with xxyyxx through Europe last year, Giraffage has gone from strength to strength in 2014. Giraffage will take over Howler on Thursday November 27.

electronic - urban - club life

CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 35

snaps anyway

the aston shuffle wo rd s / zo e k i lb o u rn

In a field where genres rise and fall like dominoes, Mikah Freeman’s in a particularly privileged position: with long-time collaborator Vance Musgrove, his production juggernaut The Aston Shuffle have built a sound flexible and individual enough to withstand a decade of upheaval. “Just last week we played our very first live show in the US on Governor’s Island in front of 5,000 people, which was amazing,” says Mikah, who is currently on the ‘Shuffle’s US stint before they return Down Under.

It’s not the greatest honour the duo have had bestowed on them, though: “One surprising moment at a club show was when one punter came up to us, popped out his prosthetic eyeball and asked us to sign it. That doesn’t happen every day.”

Over a career that’s ricocheted from instrumental bass bangers to Justice-inspired vocoder jams, Ministry Of Sound mixes to a permanent triple j residency, The Aston Shuffle have earned their position as Australian EDM pacemakers. Mikah explains that the ‘Shuffle “came about fairly organically”; Mikah, Vance, and a third original member, Ross, were part of the same Canberra music scene.

“I was the local record store guy and used to chat with the boys when they came in to crate dig – look that term up, kids. We realised we were into similar things and so we all started writing together. We formed The Aston Shuffle originally as a digital record label and a platform for releasing our own music. To start pushing

the name we began doing remixes. Eventually it got to the point we decided to focus on The Aston Shuffle as artists, and voilà, here we are, ten years on.”

A far cry from the shameless party synths of last album, Seventeen After Midnight, latest album Photographs is a collection of expertly crafted pop-house, boasting the kind of big vocals Disclosure would drool over. Mikah and Vance have spent a stint in the UK working with newcomer Will Heard, Elizabeth Rose, and Kaelyn “Stylaz Fuego” Behr – “and that guy, if you don’t know him, has got a sweet set of pipes.

“We really wanted to focus on writing songs rather than just straight up club jams this time around,” Mikah says. “In terms of the production, we feel that our sound has matured over the last few years – as have we – but as for the future, the musical climate is always changing, evolving and reinventing and we’ll keep doing that, too.”

They’re incredibly generous with their sets, regularly playing uni gigs, festivals, and regional gigs. Hosting the Friday Night Shuffle for over three years has been a massive project, too. “Having to come up with 3 hours of new music every single week has really opened our eyes to the sheer volume of new music coming out and also has broadened our personal tastes. In music it doesn’t matter what genre or BPM a track is. If it’s dope, it’s dope in any language.”

It’s a pretty exciting time for Australian musicians, with the emer-

gence of a bass music wave, and while keeping his production distance, Mikah’s very conscious of the groundswell. “We’ve always loved bass music and some of our early productions were arguably ‘bass music’,” he says. “In today’s climate, genres come and go so fast, but it’s good to see it having its time in the sun again and with guys like Motez, Dom Dollar and Playmode at the forefront of the scene internationally.”

What can Melbourne audiences expect next weekend? “This time around we have really tried to up the live elements in the show by incorporating both male and female singers as well as Mikah on drums and Vance on keys,” says Mikah. “Our ideal audience would buy our album and tickets to our shows and tell all their hot friends.”

The Aston Shuffle will hit the Corner Hotel on Thursday September 4 and Friday September 5. Photographs is out now via EMI. They will also play at Stereosonic which will take place in Melbourne on Saturday December 6 and Sunday December 7. facebook.com/theastonshuffle

power station

earthcore wo rd s / d e nve r m a xx

Earthcore is one of Victoria’s oldest outdoor dance music festivals – according to its founder Spiro Boursine, Earthcore even predates the term ‘bushdoof’.

After last year’s critically lauded 20th anniversary Earthcore is preparing for a massive 2014 event from Thursday November 27 until Monday December 1. The event will again be held at the new Pyalong location that is only 100-minute drive away from Melbourne.

With a vast array of psytrance, techno and other dance artists, Earthcore’s lineup is literally a who’s-who of what is jamming in underground dance at the moment. From surfing dance blogs and looking at Earthcore’s own Facebook page it appears that German minimal tech artist Boris Brejcha is the act that a lot of punters are getting excited about but as Boursine explains his festival’s ‘headline’ artist is still a relatively unknown quantity in Australia.

“I reckon the most underrated artist on the Earthcore lineup is Boris Brejcha by a mile. He is an absolute machine and Australia is just not onto it yet. You know what I have noticed that the major Australian dance festivals...all the headliners have been to Australia between two and ten times because the Australian market knows who they are. I reckon an act that needs to be brought out two or three times before people will really flock to see them,” states Boursine.

However, with the sheer amount of sharing of Brejcha’s sets and tracks on music forums it appears the passion and want for the German’s deep and compelling techno will see dance music fans flocking to Earthcore to experience a Brejcha set.

While this is comforting for Boursine in 2014 he now reflects on a time that predated the internet when arguably one of the biggest

2

underground dance act in the world still couldn’t sell out a festival.

“I bought Aphex Twin out in 1996 and sent him out into the desert at an event called Technofest. His set was something else, he played with a blender and would chuck the mic in the blender and sample that into his tunes and we were all standing there watching like ‘who the fuck is this guy?’ He was totally out there,” tells Boursine. “He had already released Come To Daddy and was massive overseas but it was still another 12 months until Australian audiences ‘got it’.”

With all this experience, both good and bad, this year’s Earthcore is so much more than just dance music; it’s a cultural and soulful experience as well that enables attendees to access to fully access all perceptions in particular sight and sound.

Boursine sets out what he believes are the core principles of Earthcore: music and art. “Musically it’s mainly psytrance and techno...because I don’t spend a fortune on top tier artists of the international festival circuit…I have more money spent on the event itself. I can focus my energy on the other elements of the festival outside of the music because I usually have the acts booked up to a year in advance. I have a lot of time to be able to focus on the other elements of the event – that’s my secret!

It’s out!” Explains an enthusiastic Boursine in a somewhat cheeky manner.

The activities outside of dancing to and absorbing the DJs and producers are wide and ranging from the special guest speakers to the District 13 theme camp zone, a workshop where attendees can design their own themed festival space. “District 13 is basically a themed camp where people can design and implement their own social space at Earthcore – it’s an idea we have borrowed

electronic - urban - club life

from Burning Man and given our Earthcore touch to.

“Also this year, for the first time, we have a speakers forum called The World Beyond and we have the head of Australian Paranormal Society and he has whole team of speakers that are into leftfield topics ranging from crypto-zoology, UFOs, ancient archeology, other theories upon how civilisation evolved predating the Egyptians – just really great speakers who are into their topics! It’s a great way to spend the daylight hours and really make this an eye-opening experience,” contends Boursine.

It seemed suitable to end the interview with Boursine by discussing the act that closed last year’s Earthcore, the 73-year-old Raja Ram, who will be appearing again at this year’s event. The jazz flute trained psychedelic trance pioneer performs under both Raja Ram and as one half of lauded psytrance act Shpongle.

“He smashed it! He demolished the Hydra floor by playing for hours and keeping everyone dancing like crazy the whole time!

He had more vitality than most of the people there my age and most of the people 20 younger than me. It was combination of awe for someone to command such a huge dance floor and also a bit of jealously that someone his age has so much energy.”

Earthcore featuring Boris Brejcha, Shpongle, Simon Ponsford, 1200 Micrograms, Volta and many more is happening from Thursday November 27 until Monday December 1 at Pyalong, Victora. Head to earthcore.com.au for more information. facebook.com/earthcoreofficial

club guide wednesday aug 27

CURIOUS TALES - FEAT: DJ WHO + TIGERFUNK + TOM SHOWTIME + FLAGRANT Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy.

7:30pm.

MC & PRODUCTION WORKSHOP - FEAT: WYLDCARD Rubix Warehouse, Brunswick. 6:00pm.

REVOLVER WEDNESDAYS - FEAT: DAN SAN Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7:00pm.

thursday aug 28

3181 THURSDAYS - FEAT: HANS DC + MAFIA + FOR YOUR EARS DJS + FAKE FORWARD + RIFFE + DOM DOLLA VS BOOT ACTION + JACK LOVE + BENSON VS MIKE METRO Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 6:00pm.

CQ SESSIONS Cq, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

FLANAGANS THURSDAYS - FEAT: DJ ONTIME + DJ COLONEL Pier Live, Frankston. 8:00pm.

GOOD EVENING Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm.

IDEAL WORLD Some Velvet Morning, Clifton Hill. 8:00pm.

LOVE STORY Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

MIDNIGHT EXPRESS - FEAT: PREQUEL + EDD FISHER Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 11:00pm.

RARE CANDY Carlton Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

THE RITZ - FEAT: KEN WALKER + ANDO + JOSHUA GILLILAND Trak Lounge Bar, Toorak. 10:00pm. $20.00.

VARSITY - FEAT: KITI + FOOFARAW Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy.

6:00pm.

XS DISCO - FEAT: VARIOUS ARTISTS Onesixone, Prahran. 8:00pm.

friday aug 29

#EATDRINKPLAY - FEAT: ANDY MURPHY + MGMC + DJ JORJ + CAM WOODARD The Emerson, South Yarra. 10:00pm. $20.00. #MASHTAG - FEAT: MALPRACTICE + AGENT 86 + BENZO + ANDRE LE VOGUE + SILVERFOX + AHAB + OLLIE Bimbo Deluxe, Fit-

zroy. 8:00pm.

ANKLEPANTS Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm.

BREAD & BUTTER FRIDAYS Cushion, St Kilda. 8:00pm.

CQ FRIDAYS Cq, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

DJ APPLEJACK Victoria Hotel (brunswick), Brunswick. 9:00pm.

DJ JUMBO Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm.

FABULOUS FRIDAYS Co., Southbank. 8:00pm.

FAKE TITS - FEAT: BOOGS + SPACEY SPACE + SUNSHINE + MIKE METRO + HEY SAM + AZMAC Tramp, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm. $15.00.

FREQUENCY FRIDAYS Fusion, Southbank. 10:00pm. $20.00.

FRIDAYS @ ONESIXONE - FEAT: JEN TUTTY + LUKE MCD + LEWIE DAY + PREQUEL + KATIE DROVER + MITCH KURZ + MIC NEWMAN + TOM EVANS + JOEL ALPHA + LIAM WALLER + AARON TROTTMAN + NICK JONES + JESSE YOUNG + ANDRAS FOX + JAC OSCAR WILKINS Onesixone, Prahran.

8:00pm.

LA DANSE MACABRE Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 9:00pm.

LATIN QUARTER (ANNUAL WHITE FIESTA) - FEAT: TPC + ESG + A-GEE ORTIZ Trak Lounge Bar, Toorak. 8:00pm.

LUCK TRUCK FRIDAYS DOWNSTAIRS Lucky Coq, Windsor.

9:00pm.

OMG FRIDAYS Seven Nightclub, South Melbourne. 10:00pm. $20.00.

ONE PUF - FEAT: CASTLE CLUB + JUZLO + RUNNER + SPORTS + 2FUDDHA + GINGUS + WHO IS BANKSY Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 11:00pm. $10.00.

ORKESTRATED - FEAT: SINNASTAR + NOSTRI + STAN GRAVS + EJAY + ZENITH + DEEP KAOS + IMBUE + DJ RUFIO La Di Da, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm.

PANORAMA FRIDAYS UPSTAIRS - FEAT: PHATO A MANO + MR.GEORGE + MATT RADD + ASHLEE Lucky Coq, Windsor. 9:00pm.

POPROCKS Toff In Town, Mel-

bourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

REVOLVER FRIDAYS - FEAT: MIKE CALLANDER + LEWIE DAY + KATIE DROVER + WHO Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7:00pm.

THE FRIDAY CLUB - FEAT: DJ OBLIVEUS Big Mouth, St Kilda.

10:00pm.

TOM SHOWTIME + ILL RESPONSE + NO NAME NATH Penny Black, Brunswick. 7:00pm.

TUNES BY DAVE GRAY - FEAT: DJ DAVE GREY Gem Bar, Collingwood.

8:00pm.

saturday aug 30

OBLIVEUS + BROTHER FOX + MATT RAD Penny Black, Brunswick.

7:00pm.

ANYWAY - FEAT: VARIOUS DJS Bottom End, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

AUDIOPORN SATURDAYS - FEAT: DR. ZOK + JAMES WARE + GREG SARA + JACOB MALMO + TOM EVANS + ROWIE Onesixone, Prahran. 9:00pm. $15.00.

BIG MOUTH SATURDAYS - FEAT: DJ ROWIE + ANDYCAN + NACKERS Big Mouth, St Kilda. 9:00pm.

CUSHION SATURDAYS Cushion, St Kilda. 9:00pm.

DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 9:00pm.

FAMILIAR STRANGERS The Emerson, South Yarra. 10:00pm. $20.00.

GROOVEYARD Loop, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm.

HOT STEP - FEAT: ADAM ASKEW + GRAYSKULL + KELTEC + MYLES MAC + PETER BAKER + REV. THORN + SAM MCEWIN + SHANE COPAL + TOM EVANS Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 6:00pm.

IN THE FLESH - FEAT: DJS WHISKEY HOUSTON + THE SUGAR PLUMP FAIRIES Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 9:00pm. $15.00.

MIDNIGHT RUN Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 11:30pm. $7.00.

PELVIS MELBOURNE - FEAT: PELVIS DJS The Mercat, Melbourne.

10:00pm.

RAZZMATAZZ INDIE DISCOTHEQUE - FEAT: CAITY K + TED

C Exford Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. $5.00.

RESPECT Trak Lounge Bar, Toorak.

9:00pm. $20.00.

SAMSARA + FRACTAL GLIDER + AARON SMILES + ILLUME + SEKKT La Di Da, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

SEVEN SATURDAY DISCOTHEQUE Seven Nightclub, South Melbourne. 10:00pm. $20.00.

SUPERCLUB SATURDAYS! - FEAT: DJ ONTIME + DJ COLONEL Pier Live, Frankston. 8:00pm.

TEXTILE SATURDAYS - FEAT: KODIAK KID + D’FRO + JENS BEAMIN Lucky Coq, Windsor. 9:00pm.

THE HOUSE DEFROST - FEAT: ANDY FROST Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 11:00pm. $35.00.

THE LATE SHOW - FEAT: DANIELSAN + BOOSHANK + PAZ + LEWIS CANCUT + EDD FISHER + WHO & BOOGS Revolver Upstairs, Prahran.

7:00pm.

THERAPY SATURDAYS - FEAT: BOMBS AWAY + TATE STRAUSS + ED COLMAN + MATTY G Fusion, Southbank. 10:00pm. $20.00.

TRAMP SATURDAYS Tramp, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

TUNES BY PAT BOURKE Gem Bar, Collingwood. 8:00pm.

ULTIMATE SHOW DOWN - FEAT: MELTDOWN VS KEEFVES + C1 VS TOKEN + DEEP ELEMENT VSRUBIX + SPRINKLES VS JMC + BEVIN CAMPBELL La Di Da, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

VAULT SATURDAYS Platform One, Melbourne. 9:00pm.

sunday aug 31

EARLY MORNING CREW - FEAT: HOOPS + BRAD SASSMAN + JOSH PAOLA + JESSE YOUNG + OLLIE HOLMES + DEAN SPANOS Onesixone, Prahran. 1:00am.

EASY NOW - FEAT: AGENT 86 + TOM SHOWTIME + DJ MAARS Penny Black, Brunswick. 5:00pm.

FANCY HANK’S WHOLE HOG ROAST PARTY - FEAT: FLYING ENGINE STRINGBAND The Mercat, Melbourne. 12:00pm.

JUNGLE - FEAT: HANDS DOWN + ZAC DEPETRO + PETE LASKIS + TRAVLOS + JOHN DOE Tramp, Melbourne Cbd. 6:00am. $15.00.

REVOLVER SUNDAYS - FEAT: BOOGS + SPACEY SPACE + T-REK + RADIATOR & DAMON WALSH + SILVERSIX Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 7:00pm.

SOUTH SIDE HUSTLE SUNDAYS Lucky Coq, Windsor. 7:00pm.

SPITROAST SUNDAYS Cushion, St Kilda. 10:00pm.

STRIPPED BACK SUNDAYS The Emerson, South Yarra. 12:00pm. $15.00.

THE SUNDAY SET - FEAT: DJ ANDYBLACK & HAGGIS Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 4:00pm.

MELLOW DIAS THUMP - FEAT: CAZEAUX + O.S.L.O + GEEZY Ferdydurke, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm.

MVP - FEAT: ROB STEEZY + THADDEUS DOE + STEPHELLES + LOW-KEY Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HIP HOP - FEAT: FITZY + SHADES + MYSTERY + SS HUNT Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 10:00pm.

SOMETHING VILLAIN + TRICK DOG SYNDICATE + MONDEGREEN Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm.

thursday aug 28

JELLO DOWNSTAIRS - FEAT: SILENTJAY + VERSAJ Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 6:00pm.

LA COKA NOSTRA Prince Bandroom, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $61.20.

NORTHSIDE SPACE FUNKERS - FEAT: HYPERFOKUS + KODIAK KID Penny Black,

Brunswick. 7:00pm.

SOUND SPLASHES + RITUALS + KELL//UA Ferdydurke, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm.

THE SOUL SALVATION + LOCKETT + CHELSEA WILSON Laundry Bar, Fitzroy.

8:00pm. $10.00.

TRUE VIBENATION (ALBUM LAUNCH) Shebeen, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $10.00.

friday aug 29

BUMP FRIDAYS - FEAT: DJ KAHLUA Chaise Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $10.00.

BURN IT UP 2 - FEAT: ZANDA ELWOOD + FULL SPECTRUM + JP + GO GETTAZ Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 9:00pm.

FAKTORY FRIDAYS - FEAT: DAMION DE SILVA + K DEE + DURMY Khokolat Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm.

LESLIE SALVADOR Ferdydurke, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm.

MATHAS Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 9:00pm.

PARTY & BULLSHIT - FEAT: JUZZY B +

khokolat koated

monday sep 1

MONDAY STRUGGLE - FEAT: TIGER FUNK Lucky Coq, Windsor.

6:00pm.

MONDAY STRUGGLE - FEAT: TIGER FUNK Lucky Coq, Windsor.

6:00pm.

STIFF DRINK - FEAT: DJ ROMAN WAFERS + DJ MICHAEL OZONE Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

tuesday sep 2

CUSHION TUESDAYS Cushion, St Kilda. 8:00pm.

GIGGLE TUESDAY - FEAT: WHO + JAKE JUDD Lucky Coq, Windsor.

8:30pm.

SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY Bimbo Deluxe, Fitzroy. 7:00pm.

TRAMP TUESDAYS Tramp, Melbourne Cbd. 10:00pm.

A

be. at co.

faktory

urban club guide wednesday aug 27

snaps

KAYZ Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 9:00pm.

saturday aug 30

BATTLE OF THE MICS ROUND 3 - FEAT: COMMON GROUND + IMPERIAL C + ZHANE WHITE + 2 CHILL + SAMMY EMM TEE + DNG DOGGZZ + 4 PLAY + OLIVIA LITTLE + TRUE CYPHER + TOME Musicland, Fawkner. 8:30pm. $15.00.

BIG DANCING Laundry Bar, Fitzroy. 9:00pm.

DURBAIN POISON + D3ADLINE + JAHNNE + ABLE 8 Ferdydurke, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm.

KHOKOLAT KOATED SATURDAYS FEAT: DAMION DE SILVA + K DEE + DURMY + TIMOS Khokolat Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm.

RHYTHM NATION SATURDAYS - FEAT: DJ BIG SAAD + DJ KAHLUA & ANDY PALA Chaise Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $10.00.

URBAN PROBLEMS (FRANKLIN STEPS) +

electronic - urban - club life

FORTUNES + STERLING Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $8.00.

sunday aug 31

ALL26 + ALI HUGHES Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy.

8:30pm. $15.00.

BE. SUNDAYS Co., Southbank. 10:00pm. $15.00.

monday sep 1

GROOVE CONTROL - FEAT: MAXWELL + CHICO G + D3ADLINE + JAHNNE + ABLE 8 Ferdydurke, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm.

HABITS + FOOTS + SIMONA KAPITOLINA + MARTIN KING Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $6.00.

tuesday sep 2

NIGHT FLIGHT + CHIARA KICKDRUM + BEVIN CAMPBELL + HUSSEY Ferdydurke, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm.

3

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

By Paul McBride

With their new album Brill Bruisers, The New Pornographers are keen to celebrate their return after a four year absence, says frontman and songwriter Carl Newman.

“With this record, I just wanted to make a rock’n’roll record, or what I thought was a rock’n’roll record,” he says. “It was fun to do because it was the first record [on which] we ever used a vocoder and we’d never used arpeggiators very much; it was fun to try all those things. It happened that all the songs I was writing lent themselves to that kind of arrangement, so it all worked out. It’s scary and exciting to know that a lot of people are going to be hearing it, but I feel confident in it.”

Four years may seem like a long time between albums, but Newman hasn’t been idle.

“I put out a solo album in there, so that took up some time,” he says. “I also had a kid; I’ve got a two-and-a-halfyear-old son. Kids take up a lot of time, and time just flies, you know? Sometimes you don’t even notice that it’s been four years between albums. I knew my solo record should be a lot more subdued. I wanted it to be a lot more singer/songwriter; a lot more personal.”

The Canadian eight-piece – featuring Neko Case and Destroyer frontman Dan Bejar, among others – are often labelled a supergroup; something Newman doesn’t take too seriously.

“It’s definitely a bit of fun,” he says. “People called us a supergroup when we began, and we weren’t a supergroup. Now I look at us and I think ‘sure, we’re a supergroup’. Why not, you know? I don’t fight it; I’ve just accepted it. Now, I think if we’re a supergroup, we’re a supergroup; that’s just the way it is.”

With eight members involved in their own separate

projects, Newman admits it can be hard to bring them all together come tour time, but the end result is worth it.

“It’s an endless hassle,” he says. “It always has been, but it’s just the way it is. There’s nothing we can do about it. It’s the weird part of our band. It’s our greatest strength and our greatest weakness, you know?

[Touring] is fun to come back to. When we played a few songs recently it made me think ‘wow, we’re a good band’. I forgot we’re a good band. We’ve done about four of the new songs live, and that’s been very cool.

In this day and age you don’t want to play all of your songs too early because then they all end up on the internet. The new songs feel like they belong in our set; they don’t feel weird. [They went down] well, which is always a good sign. Sometimes when you play new songs people are looking at each other like ‘when are they going to stop playing new songs and play the old songs?’ But I feel like they fit in very seamlessly.”

So, will Australia be featuring on the Pornographers’ tour schedule any time soon?

“We want to [visit] but it won’t be until next year,” he says. “We’ll have to figure it out. It’s hard; there’s not enough time in the world to play everywhere you want to play, but I think we’ll definitely get there next year. We’ve always loved playing in Australia, so I’m looking forward to it. The most exciting thing that ever happened was the first time we played in Sydney in 2006, and Dave Faulkner from the Hoodoo Gurus was

“PEOPLE CALLED US A SUPERGROUP WHEN WE BEGAN, AND WE WEREN’T A SUPERGROUP. NOW I LOOK AT US AND I THINK ‘SURE, WE’RE A SUPERGROUP’. WHY NOT, YOU KNOW? I DON’T FIGHT IT; I’VE JUST ACCEPTED IT. ”

at our show in Sydney. We met him and I remember we were really excited because we were massive Hoodoo Gurus fans. That really jumped out as an exciting thing to have happen the first time we went to Australia – to

have one of our favorite Australian musicians be there.”

writing music and forgetting about it. You’re always afraid you’ll say something that will somehow disturb the perception not just for whoever is listening, but for yourself, so that next time you play the song you won’t hear what it originally was. It’s a little bit terrifying, changing your truth [of a song]. You have to be careful.”

The interview has been a pleasant struggle, once we’d established a rhythm for the voice delay and I had wept away the last of the onion. Pleasant, but part of me also feels bad at having compelled Obel to once again pick through the delicacies of her music rather than let her get on with the strange escapism of writing it.

“Ahh, that’s just the curse of musicians. You have to talk about it if you want to release it, but it’s so difficult.

Sometimes I’ll just try to explain piano movements because that is kind of the context of how they came to be, but very often I don’t even know myself. Maybe after a few years I’ll know more, and I’ll be able to say, ‘Oh, of course!’ But now maybe isn’t the right time to have those kind of reflections. The best reflections you will find in the music, and in the performances. Well, I hope!” she adds, laughing.

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS’ new album Brill Bruisers is out now through Matador Records.

AGNES OBEL

By Adam Norris The interview is held in the evening, while dinner is underway. If that doesn’t seem like a particularly relevant detail, rest assured it is; moments before Agnes Obel picks up the phone I casually rub my eye, where some trace of the onion I have just been cutting evidently lingered. And so our conversation begins in earnest – Agnes battling against a delay in our voices down a poor phone connection, me in blinding pain with tears streaming down my face.

The Danish singer has captivated many over the last few months. Delicate, epic, haunting, ominous – there is something somehow revelatory about her sophomore album Aventine, as though any moment you might turn a corner and find yourself embarking on some Carrollian quest. Curious, given that the majority of songs are quite introspective and not at all what you would normally associate with adventure. Or that’s one interpretation – as Obel acknowledges, each song takes on a life of its own from listener to listener.

“I think songs change…” she begins, and trails off.

“For me they change in an aesthetic sense, when I find myself playing in front of people. That can change the song for me quite a lot, but it’s also very interesting.

Sometimes it’s like a song goes through a little journey until you end up going back to the old meaning again.

I have one old song that we started to play quite fast. It was quite a delicate song, about sleeping. It was played very slow and in a way that almost made it sound as though the instruments were being played backwards.

But we stopped doing that, because we noticed that people were actually starting to fall asleep,” she laughs.

“It was kind of cool. It’s a well-known song so people would sing along, and then you’d see them slowly start to sleep. Now we play it in more of a dark way on cello, so its journey has been quite strange.”

There is an inevitable hesitation in asking an artist to divulge the meaning or history of their work. Having played from an early age, Obel begins the majority of her songs on piano, and only rarely do lyrics emerge at the same time. It is a very personal process, and one in which motivations cannot be too carefully scrutinised lest the magic becomes stilted. As a result, what the songs might mean to her audience is something she tries to avoid while composing.

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 38

“I have to admit I don’t think so much about who’s listening,” she says apologetically. “The way I work is all about forgetting everyone else. It’s an illusion that I have, that I’m completely alone and no-one is ever going to hear it. When I’m that state of mind I work really fast, it’s like time passes in a different way. It’s always when I know I have to deliver, when I know somebody is going to hear it, then I’m very slow and the energy to go on stops working. It’s based on suspending everybody I know.

“Music feels more direct to me when it is expressed without thinking. I’m also very subjective and very introspective. Sometimes I have a very specific situation that I want to describe, and when I hear people’s response to the songs I’ll think, ‘OK, well, that didn’t come across at all’. It’s all so interesting. Music is a very subjective experience. It’s really very beautiful in its difference.”

Finding herself compelled to go through the rigmarole of interviews and promotion must then be a particular drain. With her international reputation gaining ground the clamour for Obel’s time and attention is stronger than ever – little surprise, given just how beautifully composed and affecting her material is. But like any hypnotism, there is a necessity for mystery.

Insistence on insight can bewilder not only the song, but the singer.

“I remember after one night where I’d done so many interviews, I suddenly felt as though it was almost a corrupting thing. I felt I was talking about the music in the wrong way. It’s something I’ve had a lot of struggle with, but now that I’ve had more experience I’ve started to understand that it’s necessary, that it’s part of what releasing music is about. I shouldn’t take it so close. I try and think, ‘Ahh, nobody cares’, and just go back to

DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION

AGNES OBEL’s Aventine is out now. See her weave a Nordic spell at the Melbourne Recital Centre Friday November 28.

DREAM THEATER

By Peter Hodgson

Dream Theater are the long-reigning kings of the progressive rock/metal scene. Prog had been relatively dormant until their breakthrough 1992 album Images & Words showed the world that music-college-level chops and post-Metallica metal aggression could go hand in hand. The Dream Theater of 2014 has undergone some lineup changes since those days – keyboard player Jordan Rudess has been with the band since 1999, and drummer Mike Mangini is on his second album with the band now – but they’ve never held back in delivering intense, multi-layered, expertly executed compositions and powerful live shows.

They’re heading back to Australia in October for shows in Sydney and Melbourne (and Mangini will be hanging around for a drum clinic tour too).

“It’s been a great time for Dream Theater, quite honestly,” Rudess says. “I don’t think we’ve ever had this kind of show. The energy of the band is just wonderful and it’s in a very great place. We feel that we’re offering the best show we’ve ever had, really, productionwise. It’s the biggest, grandest show. It’s ‘An Evening With…’ and we’re playing music from a lot of different albums. There’s a little bit of focus on the new album but also a tribute to different anniversaries that we have with other albums. There’s a lot of video, a lot of really cool lighting… it should be a fantastic time for Dream

Theater fans and also people who haven’t checked out Dream Theater before to come and see what we’re all about.”

Recent live DVD Live at Luna Park offers up plenty of proof of the state of Dream Theater right now: the band seem to be having more fun onstage than ever.

Founding drummer Mike Portnoy left in 2010. He’s now keeping himself all sorts of busy with progressive rock supergroup Flying Colors and the classic rockinfluenced The Winery Dogs with Billy Sheehan and Richie Kotzen. Portnoy has such a big personality and

eye-catching drumming style that he naturally draws attention to the back of the stage (and rightly so; the dude is amazing). So with Mangini now behind the kit for Dream Theater it seems like the energy is spreading more naturally and evenly throughout the band. “It’s so much fun, it really is,” Rudess says. “Mike Mangini is such an incredible drummer. He’s so consistent, he’s so powerful and his energy is so uplifting that when we walk onstage it’s not only a high for the audience but it makes us feel really good. You’ll see when we get there.

Dream Theater’s most recent album was last year’s selftitled record, their twelfth. It’s the first that Mangini participated in all the way through (the drum parts were already written when he joined to record 2011’s A Dramatic Turn of Events), and along with its predecessor it features more up-front Rudess virtuosity than the last handful of albums of the Portnoy era. A year on

from the album’s release, how does Rudess feel about it?

“Well it’s funny; people ask me all the time what my favourite Dream Theater album is and it’s hard to say because I get so attached when I’m in the middle of making them. But at this point I’d have to say that the new album is a favourite. So much love and care went into it. It’s not like I listen to it all the time; no, not at all. I put out these albums and then I kinda shelve them. But the reality of going around the world and playing it is just so wonderful. I just feel like we put so much into it. Nobody in this band is lazy at all; we’re so energised and we try to do our best work, and it’s rewarding to go out and share all the music with our fans, especially the new album which is so close to our hearts.”

playing those small clubs in Europe, and we had a great time. So when they did a headline tour of their own, they took us out as direct support. And it went over really well.”

The band have now released five albums, and they pride themselves on playing a broad cross-section of material in all of their live sets to keep fans, old and new, happy.

And that’s even with the fact the band have recently morphed from a deathcore band into more of a pure death metal act. Especially on their latest opus Our Endless War. “We’re not one of those bands that just plays the whole new record and doesn’t play old songs,” he reveals. “We

always make sure we have a good mix. With every album we release it gets harder and harder to write a good setlist, because our sets aren’t necessarily getting any longer.

“Our Endless War was definitely an evolution of our sound. We’re maturing into a new Whitechapel, so to speak… this is the band we’ve wanted to be. We didn’t start the band to be a deathcore band, we just wanted to be a metal band.”

Kevin because he has filled in every single time the other members didn’t want to tour. This is a guy that’s been around for years in my life, that I’ve been friends with for years.”

Meanwhile, the unsavoury circumstances surrounding Ungrateful haven’t impeded on the public’s embrace of the record. Not only was it the band’s second successive US Top 30 debut, it’s the biggest Australian chart success in Escape The Fate’s career. However, having had over a year to distance himself from the convoluted recording process, Mabbitt doesn’t believe it’s the band’s crowning achievement.

“There’s some hits and some misses on this record for me personally. I’m ready to go back into the studio and do

something brand new and just go full force within that.”

Yes, with intra-band harmony firmly re-established, Mabbitt looks forward with pronounced optimism.

“You just keep going and you’ve got to give thanks to the fans that are sticking by you through all of that.

Once you jump all of those hurdles, the pay off is going to be worth it.

“I’m very, very excited to get into the studio and do a record as a band again – as a group of people that are all on the same page and all want the same thing.”

The Palais Theatre plays host to ‘An Evening With DREAM THEATER’ on Wednesday October 29.

WHITECHAPEL

By Rod Whitf ield

American metal outfit Whitechapel were booked to appear at 2014’s Soundwave Festival, yet at the last minute, a family tragedy unfortunately caused them to have to pull out.

This caused some consternation amongst their many Australian fans. Most understood that family comes first, and that the band would return at some stage.

That time has now come, as the band recently announced that they would be playing three coheadline shows down the eastern seaboard in early September alongside DevilDriver. Rhythm guitarist Alex Wade, speaking from his home in Lowville, Tennessee, is regretful about having to pull out of the Soundwave jaunt, but very happy to be coming back a little later than expected.

“We’re excited to be able to come back and make those shows up for our fans that missed us because we had to cancel Soundwave,” he says. “We were really bummed out about that situation because our hands were tied, and there really wasn’t anything we could do, and ultimately we decided that we had to cancel.

“That was what we had to do at the time, but we’re just excited that we can come back and make it up to a few of the cities down there.”

With all the excitement of the Soundwave 2015 first round announcements happening now, you could be forgiven for thinking that they merely would’ve traded their place on the 2014 tour for next year’s version. But as Wade explains this was never really realistic, and that

their own tour was the more suitable option.

“I’m not sure that was really on the cards,” he admits. “If we were offered it, we would absolutely love to do the tour again, so hopefully we’ll get the offer for that next year [for the 2016 tour].”

And, while this run may not be Soundwave, they are bringing another absolute luminary of American heavy music with them, DevilDriver, in what promises to be a blistering heavyweight double bill of epic proportions.

The two bands have toured together previously, and have become great friends, so the tour is sure to be a rollicking good time for all concerned.

“We’re really excited to be playing Australia with those guys,” he enthuses. “We did a full US and Canadian tour with DevilDriver, and that went over really well in North America, so I’m excited to see how well it does in Australia.

“I’m sure we’ve played with them quite a bit in the past,” he recalls. “The first time we played shows with them and really got to know them was in 2013. We played a couple of off-day shows on a European festival run with DevilDriver. So we got to know them through

ESCAPE THE FATE

WHITECHAPEL and DevilDriver play 170 Russell on Sunday September 7.

By Augustus Welby

Every year Soundwave brings a staggering assortment of the globe’s leading heavyminded musicians down to Australia. Festival promoter AJ Maddah might have a divisive public persona, but Soundwave regularly garners statements of affection from the participating performers.

“We’re very, very excited to be on Soundwave again,” says Escape The Fate vocalist, Craig Mabbitt. “Last time we came we had a fantastic time. It’s one of my favourite tours to be a part of.”

The Las Vegas metalcore tearaways haven’t visited our shores since 2011. In the ensuing period the band released its fourth LP Ungrateful, as well as undergoing a series of member changes. Mabbitt eagerly awaits the forthcoming Australian visit, but it’s not long since jumping on tour was a far from ideal prospect.

“There’s a lot of times in the past when I didn’t even want to leave my bunk,” he says. “Everyone was wandering off from the tour bus and doing their own thing throughout the whole day. I’d end up at some random bar down the street drinking a beer by myself, eating some mozzarella sticks and I wouldn’t see the guys until we went on stage. Then I’d go off and do my own thing with a couple of fans after the show and wander onto the bus somehow, blacked-out wasted and pass out.”

Mabbitt’s renewed enthusiasm directly relates to the departure of certain uncooperative band members.

Just a few months on from the release of Ungrateful, longtime lead guitarist and key songwriter Bryan Money, and his brother and rhythm guitarist Michael, left the band. Mabbitt describes the hostile recording sessions that preceded their exit.

“It was so all over the place; members weren’t satisfied, members didn’t want to do certain things. Finally, once you were so grateful that the album’s finally done, another one of your members decides ‘Well I’m not going to tour anymore’.”

While the departure of the Money brothers (as well as original bassist Max Green) initially looked like a crushing blow, Mabbitt says it’s been crucial in securing Escape The Fate’s future. “Now I’m on the road with a group of people I want to hang out with.”

Indeed, the band’s newly appointed lead guitarist Kevin Gruft has actually been part of the Escape The Fate family for years. “A lot of our diehard fans already know

WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES..... WWW.BEAT.COM.AU/TV

ESCAPE THE FATE are getting set to assault Soundwave Festival on Saturday February 21 BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 39

ANIMAL HANDS

By Rod Whitfield

This Melbourne alternative rock act formed back in 2011, and released a debut EP in April of last year. They are now back with a brand new single, a song which features some rather interesting and different subject matter in the lyrics. Lead vocalist, guitar player and founding member Danielle Whalebone joined Beat recently from sunny Melbourne, and was happy to tell us the story behind the song.

“It’s called Roaring Girle,” she announces, “and it’s a story that’s inspired by this underground figure Mary Frith. She was around in the 1600s in England, and I just sort of stumbled across the story, and thought she was just a very intriguing character. She lived on the streets and she would dress as a man. She was part of the first movement of women who would dress as men and perform on stage.

“There were playwrights called Milton and Dekker, they’d heard of her and her eccentricities and wrote a play about her. And she actually opened for her own play. She was just really intriguing and I thought it would be an interesting parallel, with the whole riotgrrrl/roaring girl thing.”

Whalebone agrees that it is somewhat of a different topic for the lyrics of a rock song to touch upon. “Yeah, I thought so.” she concurs. “It was one of those things, where I was thinking ‘wow, how intriguing is it that all these hundreds of years ago, this one particular women stood out as defying gender boundaries, and getting up

there and actually performing on a stage’. If you were found to be doing that, you would face death.”

There is also a second single on the way shortly, and she feels this should be the beginning of another full blown release at some stage in the not too distant future.

“When we went in and recorded, we recorded two tracks,” she explains, “I thought I liked them both so much and I felt they both had their own integrity. So I think we’re going to go back in and record some more, and release an EP early in the new year. That’s the plan.”

The release of the single signifies a multiple date Victorian tour, featuring dates in Melbourne’s inner and outer suburbs and some shows in regional centres, and Whalebone is looking forward to the jaunt.

“We’re going on tour after the release of this single,” she explains. “We’re doing a regional tour, which is the Roaring Girle tour. It’s going to be good fun, we’ve got several dates booked. We’re playing at Yah Yah’s with The Long Holiday, which is another fantastic Mel-

bourne band, and also Three Quarter Beast, who will be releasing their own EP that night too.”

The band should also be travelling beyond the Victorian border within the next six months or so. “We’re in the process of talking to a few bookers and things; we’ll see what we can get going. We want to get interstate, definitely. We’d love to do the east coast, and head across to Adelaide, that’s definitely on the cards.”

Longer term, Whalebone says she has more than enough songs to do a full album, it’s only finances that are holding her back from doing an LP. “I’m always writing, that’s something that I’m always doing. It’s one of those things where you have all of these songs that I just record myself at home, just all

storing up. I’d really love to do an album, but that’s one of those luxuries that hopefully I can afford in the future.”

Whalebone’s parting words were to inform everyone that the first 50 people through the door at their Yah Yah’s launch on September 13 will get a free Jaeger shot, so if that’s not an incentive to go, we don’t know what is.

in touch and find out what’s going on. It’s pretty handy to have all those tools available, but I think sometimes people can be a bit apathetic to actually leaving the confines of their computer screens to come out to the pub on a cold winter night.”

Although Melbourne offers many opportunities for up and coming bands in the live arena, on the flip side it can be fairly competitive due to the sheer volume of musical acts. Randall is adamant that when it comes to the live setting, the best response the band has had is when they have found the right environment for their sound. “I think when we play with similar bands that are in a similar genre the shows of work together well,”

she admits. “We’ve also done shows where the lineup is very mixed. Like it might be folk bands or whatever and there hasn’t been a whole lot of thought putting the show together. But you know, we’re jumping on board and we’re happy to play with a diverse range of bands but we find it a bit better when there is more thought put into it and the crowds are into all the bands that are there. We’ve probably picked up a bit of a following. I think the word is getting out there.”

we never clear it with venues ever because it is easier to ask forgiveness,” explains Leigh.

However, at a recent show at Byron Bay’s The Great Northern The Stiffys’ $4 K-Mart boogie board all of a sudden became an issue.

“The Great Northern is a pretty serious venue and when this chick got on stage and we got the board out I almost got punched by this security guard – he just kept yelling out ‘PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE’,” explains Leigh, slightly breathless, still-in-awe-of-thesituation manner.

“The only reason he stopped screaming at me was that someone else has taken the boogie board and was sail-

ing across the crowd.”

Leigh now turns his attention to The Stiffys’ upcoming show at Prince of Wales for Watt’s On Presents.

“We are really excited about this show because we haven’t been in that area very much and we have a lot of friends down there that we can’t wait to play for. Darts are up and comers who are all babes and a really good band. Can’t wait!”

ANIMAL HANDS roar into Yah Yah’s on Saturday September 13 with Long Holiday and Three Quarter Beast. Check animalhands.net for tour dates and details.

SUB ROSA

By James Nicoli

A relatively new addition to Melbourne’s ever changing and burgeoning musical landscape, local rockers Sub Rosa came together out of a mutual respect and love of ‘90s grunge and indie rock. Founding member and guitarist Melissa Randall started penning solo songs a couple of years ago but quickly assembled a full band, with each member drawing on influences such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana and Foo Fighters.

“That’s our background and our influences,” admits Randall. “We just like that big rock dynamic but we like to put our own spin on it and put our own personalities and flavour into it.”

Having previously released a five-track demo, the foursome is currently busy putting the final touches to what will be their second demo release. “We started a little over a month ago on three tracks at Colour Sound Studio,” says Randall. “So we’re hoping to have that finished next week. We didn’t have the budget to go all out but we did have an opportunity to go in for a couple of days and put some songs down.”

Working within tight deadlines and on shoe-string budgets, Sub Rosa have nonetheless realised the importance of putting out regular material for a new band just making their way. Along with the soon-to-be-released demo, the band have also been working away on a film clip for their track Sheepskin. “I’m editing at the moment,” says Randall. “We did a little bit of filming a few months ago and I’m putting that together.”

Despite the time Sub Rosa has spent in the studio of late, the band is primarily focused on honing their live show and their songwriting skills.“This year we want to just keep playing as many shows as we can and write new songs; we’ve got a bunch of new songs we’re putting together,” the guitarist says. “So it’s really just being creative within the band and then also taking our show to wherever we can.”

A crucial element for any new band today in attracting a following is their online presence. Randall agrees that the benefits of the Internet age play an important role in this respect. “I think it’s pretty crucial to have a website or a Facebook page of some sort so people can read a little bit about what you’re about, have a quick listen to your tracks or share your events with friends,” she says. “Social media is just a part of how people get

SUB ROSA rock The Brunswick Hotel this Saturday August 30 with Dear Stalker, Three Quarter Beast and Charm.

THE STIFFYS

By Denver Maxx

It’s a pretty simple formula that Collingwood locals Jason Leigh and Adam Stagg apply to their music but – going by the sweaty, sailor hat-wearing throngs that lurch and throw in front of the stage at The Stiffys’ shows – it’s an effective one.

I meet Leigh at Citizen Park in Richmond for a picnic and a chat about his band and their debut album We Are Groovy Boys. With a rug, a couple of ham rolls and a ‘stiff ’ drink each (gin & tonic) we settle in under the shade of an Elm tree and start to chat.

“I like cheese on everything,” discloses Leigh as your correspondent is clumsily putting his roll together – silently hoping the mayonnaise will act as the glue to prevent the fillings ending up on the picnic rug.

“All we ever want to do is have a great time all the time; life doesn’t have to be complicated or tricky. We have one key message and that is ‘HAVE A GREAT TIME’,” contends Leigh, forcibly. At this point of the interview Leigh becomes ‘Jason from The Stiffys’ – a swashbuckling fun pusher who, when he’s not downing stubbies, is boogie boarding across a seething mosh pit at an east coast rock haunt, whether it be Old Bar here in Melbourne or Byron Bay’s The Great Northern.

“Since the release of We Are Groovy Boys in April we have been on five east coast tours of Australia. Most weekends we’re away – somewhere. Coz there is only two of us [Leigh vocals and bass guitar, Stagg drums] it BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 40

is easy for us to travel interstate,” explains Leigh, indirectly disclosing that since the release of We Are Groovy Boys and its hit single Boogie Boarding, The Stiffys have been on an endless tour due to demand for their positively scintillating live show. Leigh now adds, “We’ll play anywhere, we just do it for the drinks.”

Leigh estimates that since forming in mid-2011 that the band has toured about twenty times, but it wasn’t always ‘good times’ when The Stiffys were on tour.

“At the start people were extremely confused. Half the room would love it and the other half were just plain confused, but now the people who are into it vastly out number the confounded few.”

The song Boogie Boarding is a track that demands participation, whether you are listening to it at home or standing front and centre at The Stiffys’ show. A desperately tangible drum pattern is overlaid by a visceral bass line and the song only consists of two words: ‘boogie’ plus ‘boarding’.

“We have this practice that during the song someone will get up on stage, we’ll give them a boogie board and then they will boogie board across everyone’s heads and

DISCUSS WHAT? BEAT.COM.AU/DISCUSSION

THE STIFFYS are performing with Darts at Watt’s On Presents on Friday September 5 at Prince Public Bar, 29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. Entry is free. To get a copy of We Are Groovy Boys head to thestiffys.com.

KINGSWOOD

By Augustus Welby

We’re forever hearing stories about bands travelling to some far-off place to record an album. Aside from being an expensive way to fill a press release, the constructive outcome of these adventures is somewhat debatable.

Melbourne’s hardy rock’n’roll men Kingswood released their debut long player Microscopic Wars last Friday. To record the album, the hirsute four-piece nestled in at Nashville’s Blackbird Studio, which has previously captured noise from the likes of Beck, Kings of Leon and Jack White. Those are prestigious names, but did the trip overseas substantially impact upon the recorded output?

“One of the benefits of going to Nashville is you just end up in this complete bubble of creativity – especially with creative people around you – and the means to investigate any idea you want to the nth degree,” says Kingswood guitarist Alex Laska. “[That] was so pure to what our vibe was at the time. There’s no distortion or influence, apart from our own, which is perfect.”

For individuals, travelling overseas often sheds light on the overwhelming number of people coexisting on the planet. Similarly, when plying in the music industry, the smallness of one’s band is liable to induce despair.

Nashville’s widely known as the home of tacky country music, but thanks to its rich musical resources, these days the Tennessee capital is populated by musicians of all orientations. So, did witnessing the scope of Nashville’s music community alarm Kingswood? Hardly.

“A philosophy we’ve had, and always will have, is we want to be the best that we can be,” Laska says. “Otherwise, why would you even bother? It’s like being a sprinter and going, ‘I’m cool with coming fifth’, when you’re training for the Olympics. It’s fine if you’ve gone as hard as you can and come fifth. That’s completely different to going, ‘I’m aiming for fifth’.”

If you’re looking for concrete evidence of the band’s inherent determination, then Microscopic Wars ought to suffice. As you’d expect from Kingswood, the 13-track sequence comprises plenty of heavy riffing, wailing vocals and cocksure guitar flourishes. Additionally, it includes sensual slow-burner I Can Feel that You Don’t Love Me, ready-made arena anthem Tremor and pianoladen power ballad Eye of the Storm.

“I think this album is pretty diverse, and it was designed to be an album,” explains Laska, the group’s key songwriter. “It’s not designed to be a bunch of cool singles. If you listen to it from the start to the end, it makes sense. If you shuffle it, it might not make that much sense. You listen to it like you’d read a book – start at the start and finish at the end.”

Ever since their breakthrough singles Yeah Go Die, Medusa and She’s My Baby were discovered by triple j unearthed in 2012, Kingswood’s hard-hitting sound has incited comparisons to rock titans Queens of the Stone Age and Led Zeppelin. Indeed, the mark of these two acts is evident throughout Microscopic Wars.

However, Laska says the leading objective was to display what makes Kingswood distinct.

“There’s no doubt that they’re huge influences on our band, but this is actually our view, musically, on what sort of directions we want to go in.

“If you put on our older stuff, which thank God we never released,” he adds, “you would put that on and it would sound like Led Zeppelin, but just a really shit version of it. Obviously there’s teething problems.

You’ve got to try to find what is yours and sometimes that is really obvious and evident and sometimes it’s not.”

While they haven’t exactly reinvented the wheel, Microscopic Wars reveals a band confidently marking its own path. An integral component that’s assisted with Kingswood’s considerable creative progression is the band’s receptivity to criticism.

“If there’s an ounce of credit or merit to something that someone says that may be critical, whether it’s good criticism or bad criticism, we’ll definitely investigate it. You can’t be the band that goes out and goes, ‘Fuck everyone. Everything that we do is the best thing in the world and everyone’s wrong’. That’s the dumbest thing you could possibly do. We try to be super-critical before we put things out.”

As Laska has mentioned, Microscopic Wars is intended to play as a continuous piece, rather than a compilation of unrelated songs. Thanks to the group’s internal critique mechanism, they were able to get the track sequencing just right.

“We would just make playlists and listen to them for a week and then someone would make one change and then we’d sit on that for a couple of days. It’s so much about the arcs and the lulls in how it makes you feel.

I think that we’ve got it right – but what’s right and wrong?”

Ultimately that judgement isn’t up to the band.

Now that the record’s entered the public domain, in many ways it’s no longer theirs. Not surprisingly, the resolutely chipper guitarist isn’t daunted by this prospect.

“We’re very interested to see how it may change the perception of the band. Whether that be positive or negative is sort of irrelevant. I think change is good.

“This first album is sort of like an official statement saying, ‘This is what we sound like and this is the direction we have going musically’. This is something we’ve been working on, we’re really proud of and excited about – I wonder what will happen.”

KINGSWOOD launch Microscopic Wars at Howler over two nights – Thursday and Friday August 28-29.

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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 41

OPETH

By Peter Hodgson Opeth unashamedly alienated some of their fan base with their 2011 album Heritage.

While a large portion of their fans were drawn to the Swedish masters for their progressive death metal leanings, Heritage was primarily inspired by ‘70s fusion in the style of John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra - and there wasn’t a single deathgrowl to be heard anywhere. And now, with Pale Communion, Opeth has moved sideways again, a little away from some of the jazzier moments of Heritage and towards more of a 1970s progressive rock feel, while still a million miles removed from death metal. It’s an album which will challenge some fans while thrilling others, but the overall impression from a chat with frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt is that he’s driven solely by his artistry, and this is what he’s feeling right now.

“We get a lot of shit for our choices musically and I’ve had some fans even tell me to my face, ‘What are you doing?

Why aren’t you writing the good stuff anymore?’” Åkerfeldt says. “And I’m sorry to hear that but we don’t play it safe. It’s not like we deliberately want to be strange and fuck things up. It’s almost like I’m latching on to how I’ve always been writing music, what I like, and I want to keep that intact. That’s been intact since the first record. I understand the sensitive people who have loved the band but maybe don’t like the new stuff, but I don’t like for them to feel like we’re turning our backs on them either. We’re still doing what we want to do, we’re writing songs with the same process we always have.” And besides, Åkerfeldt explains, when the band hits the road they’ll be playing a mix of their heavier past material and the new stuff as well. “So people will get their fix, but when it comes to new music that sounds like the old records, it’s simply not gonna happen,” he says. “We want to move on, y’know? But that’s not necessarily saying we’re never going to do a death metal scream. That might happen, y’know?” Åkerfeldt likens the band’s directional shift to the backlash against the forthcoming new Pink Floyd album. “People have so many odd opinions about that.

Like, referring back to us, it’s like people saying it’s not Opeth anymore, like they have the power to decide when it’s not Opeth anymore because it just simply doesn’t fit their idea of what we are, but I think that’s a bit unfair. I think people should be happy that Pink Floyd are doing a new record, and it’s debatable but they should just shut up and enjoy it! If they like it or not, it is David Gilmour who has been the head of Pink Floyd since the mid-‘80s, and if the music features Rick Wright who passed away, why wouldn’t

“WE GET A LOT OF SHIT FOR OUR CHOICES MUSICALLY AND I’VE HAD SOME FANS EVEN TELL ME TO MY FACE, ‘WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WHY AREN’T YOU WRITING THE GOOD STUFF ANYMORE? AND I’M SORRY TO HEAR THAT BUT WE DON’T PLAY IT SAFE. IT’S NOT LIKE WE DELIBERATELY WANT TO BE STRANGE AND FUCK THINGS UP.” you want to be able to listen to it? And Nick Mason’s probably gonna play drums as far as I know, and Roger Waters is not gonna be angry! For me I look forward to it, very much.”

A big part of the shift further from death metal is the album’s preponderance towards lush harmony vocals.

So where’d that come from? “A lot of metal fans might be sad to hear that I went into old man’s rock territory,” he jokes. “I was listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and I was introduced to David Crosby

by Steven Wilson who played me his first solo record, and obviously he was in The Byrds and he’s a master of vocal harmonies. I picked up on that and there was a time when I was writing this record where I figured I wanted to do harmony vocals all the way through.

Like, only harmony vocals.”

When our talk turns to guitar-geek territory, Åkerfeldt admits he’s a hardcore gear collector. “I’m ashamed to say I love guitars but I probably have too many and I need to appreciate each and every one of them,” he says. “I love the guitars. I think they are beautiful pieces of art, but I also obviously use them because I want to play them. We are endorsed by PRS so when we tour I only play PRS, and I have shitloads of them. When I collect guitars I usually go for the more vintage stuff and I’m a Fender Stratocaster lover. It’s something from my childhood. I used to draw them. I used to draw guitars in school. I used to build toy Stratocasters so I could mime in the mirror along to Bark at the Moon.”

Pale Communion is out now on Roadrunner Records.

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 42

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CORE PUNK, SKA, HARDCORE NEWS, REVIEWS & GOSSIP

By Emily Kelly: ek1984@gmail.com The Poison City Weekender is done for another year, and left a trail of destruction in its wake. Melbourne residents awoke on Monday morning to emptied slushie machines, curly straws, burnt out paper bags, beer soaked shoes, and bedraggled bodies lining the streets. I’m not one to be overly cocky about living in Melbourne – most of the time I can be heard mourning the weather on our icy winter days – but there is a sense of pride that washes over you when the hordes descend upon our city from interstate to celebrate good music and reunite with friends. That this everexpanding community has been granted an annual event in which to make pilgrimages in the name of mates and music, you can’t help but feel spectacularly lucky. Best on field awards for the weekend go to; The Bennies for backing up a Friday show, a midnight set at bushdoof Psyfari, before driving straight to The Rev for the closing Sunday show. Luca Brasi for confirming once and for all The Corner just cannot contain the Poison City crowd anymore. DJ Boffatron for shamelessly spinning all the hits until the wee hours of Saturday morning. The Union Pacific for an inspiring Party Hard cover early on Saturday afternoon. High Tension for kicking things into metal mode at exactly the right moment on Saturday night. Ceres for being the loveliest mostly delighted and greatful band on the bill. Andy Hayden of Poison City Records for his hard work and impressive stamina.

The Wonder Years cancelled their Australian tour late last week, posting on their Facebook page simply that they “must cancel our upcoming Australian tour due to circumstances beyond our control.” They then posted an image on their Instagram picturing them holding a sign that read ‘#SW15’ suggesting that that maybe they received a more lucrative offer to join the 2015 festivities, leading them to abandon the impending September dates?

Melbourne’s Outright have announced a run of headlining shows in support of their new album Avalanche.

They’ll play the Bendigo Hotel in Melbourne on October 17 before joining the Comeback Kid massive all ages lineup at Phoenix on October 19. There’s also a show at Melbourne’s Dropout (AA) scheduled for November 1. Their debut LP is available from October 3.

CORE GIG GUIDE WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27: Space Riot, Mild Manic, Break A Leg, Kill Dirty Youth, Zepyhyr at The Bendigo Hotel THURSDAY AUGUST 28: Forever Came Calling, Trophy Eyes, The Drive Home, The Playbook at Next Deathraid, Unknown to God, Sewercide, Bombs Over Brunswick at The Bendigo Damn The Torpedoes, Underground Hound, Black Soul Choir at The Reverence Forever Came Calling, Trophy Eyes, Anchors, The Playbook at Next FRIDAY AUGUST 29: Spiderbait, Apes at Corner Hotel Forever Came Calling, Trophy Eyes, Harbours, Set The Score at Wrangler Studios Jamie Hay and Liam White, Heath Anthony, Shadow League, Josh Mann, Tim Hampshire at Bar 303 Luca Brasi at Wyndham Youth Center Earth Rot, Whoretopsy, The Hazard Circular at Karova Lounge, Ballarat Have/Hold, Outlines, Oh Pacific, Eater Of The Sky at Musicman Megastore, Bendigo Them Bruins, Cero, Brother James, The Loveless at The Old Bar Nous, Dire Fate, Stoning, Roundtable at The Bendigo SATURDAY AUGUST 30: Gatherer, Safe Hands, Initials at Wrangler Studios Disentomb, Internal Nighmare, Earth Rot, Whoretopsy at The Bendigo Disentomb, Carnal, Internal Nightmare, Whoretopsy, The Seafood Monster, Chaotic Reference Point, Wounded Pig, Black Jesus, Involunatary Convulsion at The Bendigo Drawcard, Secret Tsunami, The Controllers, These Four Walls at The Reverence House Vs Hurricane, Ocean Grove, Sierra, Earth Caller at Bang Nobunny, the Hussy, Chinese Burns, AD Skinner, Wet Blankets at The Tote SUNDAY AUGUST 31: Donnie Dureau, Heath Anthony, Tom Hampshire, Mara Threat at The Reverence The Amity Affliction, Issues, Stray From The Parth, Deez Nuts at Festival Hall

CRUNCH

METAL, HEAVY ROCK. CLASSIC ROCK LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL GOOD SHIT

With Peter Hodgson: crunchcolumn@gmail.com

NEW ELECTRIC MARY TRACK

Melbourne’s Electric Mary are globally renowned for their explosive brain-bending live performances; holding their own with typical ‘stick it up ‘em’ Aussie attitude. While sharing the world’s stages with the likes of Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper and Glenn Hughes, the band continue to impress rock fans & media across the planet. The band’s 2008 album Down to the Bone was named ahead of Metallica and Queen as the Rock Album of the Year by the UK’s Birmingham Mail. They’re embarking on a 16-date international tour in November taking in shows across the UK, Spain and France before returning home to rock Australian audiences in December.

In the meantime check out their awesome new EP, The Last Great Hope. The track Sweet Mary C – released to radio this week – was written by vocalist Rusty Brown about his first meeting with the legendary studio manager Mary Campbell who worked out of the Jimi Hendrix-founded Electric Lady Studios in New York – the band’s namesake. Check it out!

NEWIE FROM NE OBLIVISCARIS

Melbourne’s mighty progressive wizards Ne Obliviscaris have just announced the release of their forthcoming album Citadel via Season Of Mist/Rocket on Friday November 7.

The album was produced by Troy McCosker and violinist/clean vocalist Tim Charles at Pony Music here in Melbourne (world-class studio, by the way) and mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (Devin Townsend, Opeth, Katatonia, DragonForce). Featuring stunning artwork by vocalist Xen, Citadel sees the band expand even further on a sound already renowned for being eclectic and unique amongst the worldwide metal scene. “Citadel is everything we ever envisioned this band could one day become,” the band says. “We can’t wait to share it with you all very soon!”

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1: Architects, Stray From The Path, Hand Of Mercy at Corner Hotel

LIVING DEATH FEST RETURNS!

After the success of Living Death Fest last year, it returns bigger and better on Saturday August 30 at The Bendigo Hotel in Collingwood. Last year’s headliners Disentomb return to launch their second album Misery. Joining them on the night are Carnal (NZ), Internal Nightmare, Whoretopsy, Earth Rot (WA), The Seaford Monster, Black Jesus, Chaotic Reference Point, Wounded Pig (SA), Involuntary Convulsion and Amelus. This is sure to be a night of absolute brutality and mayhem not to be missed by any fan of extreme music.

METAL DOWN UNDER OUT NOW

Since the late 1970s a thriving underground scene of extreme music has continued to evolve in Australia. From grind-core, thrash, death metal, black metal, hardcore, doom, melodic metal, sludge, power metal and the many more sub genres that exist, the documentary Metal Down Under captures the past, present and future of the Australian metal scene and condenses it into three hours of riveting, essential viewing. And it’s out now!

You can grab it online, at Leading Edge Music Colac, or at JB HiFi in Ballarat, Bayside, Bendigo, Bourke St, Chadstone, Frankston, Geelong, Knox, Melbourne City, Prahran, Ringwood and Traralgon.

DREAM THEATER

Don’t forget: Dream Theater play at The Palais in St Kilda on Wednesday October 29 and tickets are on sale now. Keyboard player Jordan Rudess says: “I don’t think we’ve ever had this kind of show. The energy of the band is just wonderful and it’s in a very great place.

We feel that we’re offering the best show we’ve ever had, really, production-wise. It’s the biggest, grandest show. It’s ‘An Evening With…’ and we’re playing music from a lot of different albums. There’s a little bit of focus on the new album but also a tribute to different anniversaries that we have with other albums. There’s a lot of video, a lot of really cool lighting… it should be a fantastic time for Dream Theater fans and also people who haven’t checked out Dream Theater before to come and see what we’re all about.”

CONAN versus YANOMAMO

YANOMAMO QUESTIONS CONAN Yanomamo: Conan have never recorded a cover, but what songs would a Conan cover album have on it?

Conan: I would choose three - March of the 10,000 Volt Ghost - Slomatics. Mons Venus - Zoroaster. Trigger Inside - Therapy.

Yanomamo: What two bands would you pay to see battle to the death in a cage match?

Conan: Conan and Motley Crüe.

Yanomamo: Now I’m assuming your band name comes from the movie with Arnie... So a little test: If you get this wrong you have to change the band name to Red Sonja. In the movie, what does Conan tell the wizard before setting off to the mountain of doom on the camel?

Conan: I’ll be back.

Yanomamo: Nooooooooo! He says “Oil the sword & feed the horse”. Ok, I’ll get Tony to amend the tour posters to read ‘Red Sonja’ immediately. Blood Eagle by Red Sonja has a ring to it.

Yanomamo: Does Cliff Richard have more to answer for than Living Doll?

Conan: That remains to be seen.

CONAN QUESTIONS YANOMAMO Conan: Which one of your friends would be first on your list if you had to eat one of them? And

why?

Yanomamo: Anthony Von Grimm because he’s a chubby little vegan & I like the irony of eating a vegan.

Conan: Give me five reasons why heavy metal is awesome.

Yanomamo: 1) Its real 2) Its dirty 3) Its challenging 4) My Mum hates it 5) It gives me a boner.

Conan: A Croque Monsieur is a lovely sandwich from France. What is your favourite model in the Mercedes Sprinter range?

Yanomamo: The purple one with mustard… or mayo... depends on my mood.

Conan: What’s new pussycat?

Yanomamo: You make my heart sing / you make everything groovy.

Conan: Thank you xox. I’m thinking of a number between 1 and 10. What is it?

Yanomamo: 69?

Conan: 1 and 10. It has to be between 1 and 10.

Yanomamo: Hmmm… 6.

Conan: Sorry, the answer was 3.

Yanomamo: Godammit.

CONAN and YANOMAMO oil their swords at The Old Bar Friday September 12, and The Tote Saturday September 13.

CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 43

MUSIC NEWS

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL GUIDE

For all the latest news check out beat.com.au

WEDNESDAY 27

THE PERFECTIONS

Garage soul talents The Perfections will conclude another superb month of Mo Soul at Ding Dong lounge. Having been influenced by some of soul’s greatest names, the six-piece, led by the songstress Christina Arnold, reconstruct some of the finest soul tracks ever created – “they do what Sharon Jones does so well, they take songs and they make them their own... they are a quality band” - Miss Goldie, PBS FM Boss Action! Catch them at Ding Dong Lounge on Wednesday August 27.

SHADOWS ON BLUE

The Toff will play host to Alice Springs outfit Shadows on Blue. Made up of songwriting troubadours Colin Lillie and Dave Crowe, the NT gents are stopping

by Melbourne with their acoustic guitars, as part of a national tour to support of their self-titled EP. There’s a strong connection between themselves and the landscape of the Northern Territory, showing their love of their home territory through their '80s rock and modern electronica tunes.

winter for another year. While having (dis)graced the stage of Fitzroy’s Bar Open in the past, this will be Lizard Man’s first time headlining one of Melbourne’s favourite late night music venues. Driven by a love of the riff, thunderous drums and soaring choruses, Lizard Man’s shows get the crowd sizzling on a hot bed of rock. With special guests and fellow alternative rock bands Optical Screw, Happy Go Blues and A Basket of Mammoths kicking the night off. Doors from 8pm.

MY LEFT BOOT

Grafting together the sounds of ‘70s fuzz rock, ‘60s psychedelia and a healthy dose of flat-out howling vocals, My Left Boot have been blowing away audiences for half-a-dozen years, and have finally released their much anticipated debut album Summer Songs. See them blow the top off Cherry Bar this Wednesday August 27 with support from Child and Peeling Sun. Doors open at 8.30pm. $5 entry.

DECLAN O’ROURKE

Dublin local Declan O’Rourke returns to Aussie shores for the first time in five years, and the Irish troubadour will be re-familiarising himself in the intimate setting of The Spotted Mallard with compatriot Aine Tyrell supporting. Doors and dinner at 6pm, show at 8.30pm.

Tickets are $45 at presale.

LIZARD MAN

Lizard Man have announced Wednesday, August 27 as the date of their next show, finally banishing the

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 44

LIZARDS ON ICE

One of Melbourne’s newest live venues/bars The Catfish plays host to Lizards on Ice this Thursday August 28, right before the rock outfit head into the studio to record their debut EP. They’ll be launching their single Tombstone with support from Fifth Friend, Bear Sign and Intimate Apparel. Tombstone has been getting some love from Triple M’s Homegrown, and the boys want to strike whilst the iron is hot and have a shit hot last gig for a little while. A meagre $5 to get in. Doors at 8pm.

DEATHRAID

SODA EAVES

Melbourne poet Jake Core, aka Soda Eaves, hits up The Old Bar for another Wednesday night play, this time with Hot Palms and Stolen Violin (also known as Jordan Ireland of The Middle East fame). Lo-fi dream pop with more than a hint of folk, doors open at 8.30pm and the gig’s a steal at $6.

KINGSWOOD

Melbourne’s adored indie-rockers Kingswood have announced a mammoth tour to support the release of their latest record Microscopic Wars. The band recently dropped the latest track from the record, I Can Feel That You Don’t Love Me, following on from their last single Suckerpunch. They have announced a mega tour to support the album, which will see the four-piece play 22 shows right around the country throughout August, September and October. Catch Kingswood when they take over Howler on Thursday August 28 and Friday 29.

ANGIE HART

This week the lineup at The Melbourne Folk Club features Angie Hart, Christopher Coleman and Kira Puru. Warm up mid-week from 7.30pm at The Bella Union. Tickets are $20 presale or $25 at the door.

THURSDAY 28

GREENTHIEF

After an epic national tour earlier in the year in support of their debut album, Greenthief are hitting the road this August for a quick run of shows along the east coast. Catch them Thursday August 28 at The Brunswick Hotel for a free show alongside Project 62 (QLD), We Disappear & Lost Cosmonaut (SA).

All the way from the good ol’ US of A, Seattle hardcore punk outfit Deathraid will be tearing up Collingwood’s The Bendigo this Thursday August 28. Featuring exmembers of Disrupt, State of Fear and Consume, they’ll have good support in Sydneysiders Unknown to God, and locals Sewercide and Bombs Over Brunswick. You can thrash in at 8pm.

BASTION SONGS

This Thursday Boney upstairs welcomes Bastion Songs as they launch their debut single Disarray.

After surviving the setback of an interchanging lineup, they’ve settled and stabilised and have never sounded better. Producer Andrei Eremin, who has worked with Chet Faker and Oscar Key Sung helped out the indie rockers behind the desk with the single. $7 will get you in to catch Bastion Songs with special guests The Karmens and Nebraskatak. Thursday August 28 at Boney. Doors at 8pm.

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DAMN THE TORPEDOES

Out west at The Reverance Hotel this Thursday August 28, The Torpedoes will be targeting all those that like it loud, fast, and with yell-along choruses.

They’ve had a bit of a self-imposed exile but word has it they’re psyched to thrash out some pent up energy.

Underground Hound and Black Soul Choir will help out with proceedings. Only $6 for the lot.

ELODIE ADAMS

Melbourne based neo-gothic rock singer Elodie Adams released her debut single, Born to Love You, earlier this month, lifted from her debut EP, inSUBORDINATE. The lead single, Born to Love You blends industrial rock with horror movie ambience, set against a backdrop of neo-romantic symphonic orchestration; designed to create a larger-than-life sound stage upon which dramatic internal conflict unfolds. Elodie will be launching the EP at The Tote in Melbourne on Thursday August 28 and Sunday August 31. Tickets available through the venue.

MINTON’S PLAYHOUSE SESSIONS

Starting this Thursday August 28, saxophonist Robert Simone will be hosting a be-bop and big band jazz session in the style the world famous Minton’s Playhouse musician collective at B.East. The session will feature the talents of a revolving cast of Melbourne’s jazz musicians, performing an exhilarating repertoire from the history of jazz playing standards and swing-influenced be-bop big band number fusion and beyond. Kicking off 8pm this Thursday August 28 and continuing on the last Thursday of every month at B.East.

PAPER CULT

Back from their break, Paper Cult return to Bar Open with their mix of indie, alternative, and garage rock music this Thursday August 28. Having recently mastered the track Same Cloud at none other than the legendary Abbey Road Studios, this is sure to be a memorable show. In support will be hard rockers The Hunted Crows, indie pop legends Sans, and psych

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they’ve got what it takes, having nailed their respective heats over the last few weeks. Balter Vada, Waiting For Pat, Small Talk, Valerie Avenue, The Bean Project and Calloused Fingertips will go head-to-head in an effort to secure a spot at the regional finals later in the year.

Pop punk favourites Forever Ends Here will headline the event. It’s an all ages affair and is strictly drug, alcohol and smoke free. Tickets are $15 on the door.

SINGING FOR HUMANS

Singing for Humans Debut EP is set for release on August 29 via Shock Records. Brought together by a love of Back to the Future, Grunge Anxiety, Air Jordans and China cymbals, their songs are conceived on a couch in a flat in West Footscray, with nothing more than an acoustic guitar, some words scrawled on a notepad and a mind full of childhood memories of watching ABC’s Recovery. Singing for Humans will be launching their EP at The Grace Darling this Friday August 29.

TIM HULSMAN

Tim Hulsman is whole-heartedly immersed in his relationship with music, having moved from rock‘n’roll to his more recent passion for acoustic based music and story-telling, into the folk/blues scene. Tim’s third solo album Dead Man’s Garden (out now thru Only Blues Music) blurs most of the blues, folk, alt-country borders and the narrative comprises stories and snapshots of pivotal moments that have helped form Tim Hulsman’s life to this point. See him launch his new album at The Retreat Hotel this Thursday August 28 from 8.30pm with Dan Parsons opening the night.

Free entry.

FRIDAY 29

FREEZA PUSH START BATTLE FINAL

Yarra Ranges FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands Final is here. On Friday 29 August, The Mooroolbark Community Centre will play host to the Yarra Ranges FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands Final.

Four excellent young bands have already proven

THEM BRUINS

Melbourne’s primo purveyors of all things sharpand-shouty Them Bruins have resurfaced with their reputation as one of the country’s most promising rock bands. After finishing up in the studio this autumn, the boys are ready to smash up The Old Bar this Friday night. The four-piece carry with them brandnew tracks filled with calculated killer hooks and that trademark ’70s punk-style showmanship that we have

all grown to love about Them Bruins. Creo, Brother James and The Loveless will be along for the ride.

Friday August 29 at The Old Bar. Doors from 8pm.

THE BON SCOTTS

Ahead of the release of their forthcoming album Modern Capitalism Gets Things Done (due September) folk revivalists The Bon Scotts will hit The B.East stage on Friday August 29 to launch the first single from said new album, Somewhere. The monster seven-piece band promise and always deliver on some bastardised foot stomping folk. They’ll be supported by their pals and fellow purveyors of folk Cabbages & Kings. Doors open at 8pm.

IVAN OOZE

A couple of months ago Ivan Ooze starting releasing tracks online every Friday, and in a matter of weeks his freestylings had gone viral. He just released his final Friday freestyle and now has an EP in Richwood Rich, so he’s taking to the stage on a regular basis as of Friday August 29 at The Liberty Social, with Baro and 90’RD in tow.

HEAVY JUDY WITH SHERIFF AND THE STIFFYS

Heavy Judy Friday Nights at The Retreat feature rock bands and DJs till the wee hours with Friday August 29 being no exception as Sheriff come out of winter hibernation with some good time rock‘n’roll. Twopiece rock darlings The Stiffys will support and will probably be plugging their latest EP We Are Groovy Boys. DJ Kezbot will keep the post-band good vibes going until 3am. Bands will kick off at 10pm and as always, entry is free.

THE SLAUGHTERMEN

Southern-gospel and hard country combined, The Slaughtermen channel the good Lord and the dirty devil all at once. They’re good, bad, and everything in between, playing tunes like God’s Not Dead, Jesus is Your Ticket to Heaven one minute then Hell Stays Open All Night Long the next. Thornbury’s Tago Mago is where you’ll hear the hardcore word on Friday August 29.

NOÛS

The ex-Ballarat boys Nous headline a veritable mix of doom, drone, stoner and sludge metal at The Bendigo Hotel this Friday August 29. Dire Fate, Stoning and power trio Roundtable round out the night, see them all for just $5.

THE SHOTGUN WEDDING PRESENTS: COUNTRY DUETS

This Friday August 29 The Shotgun Wedding Presents...Country Duets. A tribute to the great country partnerships of the last 70 years, this night will feature local artists from Melbourne’s country scene in duet mode. Members of The Shotgun Wedding, The Sweet By & By, Jemma & The Clifton Hillbillies and Brooke Russell and The Mean Reds plus special guests, Marlon Williams, Alison Ferrier, James Grim and Rich Davies will delight you with the romance, comedy and sadness found in the country duet. Dolly and Porter, Tammy and George, Waylon and Willie, Gram and Emmylou and of course Johnny and June.

Be sure to come along early and get a seat. It all kicks off at The Spotted Mallard from 8.30pm.

HARD ROCK ASSAULT

Hard rock storms the beaches (well, the stage) of the fine Thornbury Theatre this Friday night, with a huge lineup including Crash and Burn, Prolapse and Seven Days Falling. There’ll also be the much anticipated return of The Nightbreed. Tickets are $10 and doors kicked down at 7.30pm.

DAN LETHBRIDGE & SHANE O’MARA AUGUST 27 Angie hart + christopher coleman + Kira puru

SEPTEMBER 3 ABBY DOBSON + BRENDAN WELCH + THE FURBELOWS

McALPINE’S FUSILIERS

SEPTEMBER 10 SE

the classicS series with...

Harry manx (canada) SEPTEMBER 17 FRANK YAMMA + CASEY DRIESSEN (US)

SEPTEMBER 24 STARBOARD CANNONS (ALBUM LAUNCH) + THE TIGER & ME + ARCHER

OCTOBER 1 ROB SNARSKI + ALDOUS HARDING ALSO COMING UP IN OCTOBER:

DON WALKER

IAN COLLARD ALBUM LAUNCH

MARK SNARSKI & THE FURY

SEPT 4TH - DAMON SMITH SEPT 5TH - DUKE BATAVIA SEPT 6TH - SPOONFUL SEPT 7TH - JP SHILO & ROSIE WESTBROOK thepostofficehotel.com.au CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU

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LUCIANBLOMKAMP

With his debut album Post-Nature just released, LUCIANBLOMKAMP will have a slightly belated launch/super fun party at Boney this Friday night, with fellow Melbournian producers Planete and Emerse to join the fun. With wide-ranging tastes and influences, Post-Nature is a melting pot of electronica and deeply personal tracks from the classically trained musician/producer. $12 on the door or $10 if you pre-book.

KIT CONVICT & THEE TERRIBLE TWO

Lead by the inimitable Kit Convict (The Kits/The Spasms) Thee Terrible Two will be smashing out their garage punk psych at The Lord Newry in the lead up to the October release of their new album. Wrong Turn and Secret Crackpipe Handshake are rounding out the bill, $8 on the door from 8.30pm.

SPENCER P JONES & STRAYLOVE

A big Friday of music at Cherry Bar as Spencer P Jones plays for free from 5.30pm and a little later Straylove release their new single The Clothes of Our Youth. That’ll set you back $13, but Vera Nights and Zuzu Angel are there for extra incentive. Doors for Straylove open at 8pm.

Ruby’s Blue Note Series immerses the audience in soulful and refined jazz. The undeniable quality on stage will help ease the audience into the weekend.

Focusing on the intimate relationship between the artist and their music allowing for an organic and relaxed atmosphere that is unique to Ruby’s. This week’s event will be hosted by Sam Appapoulay.

Doors open at 8.30pm, entry is $20. Hip, emotive, hard-swinging. inescapable, undeniable grooves.

SATURDAY 30

MZAZA

After their sold out AWME show last year, world music group Mzaza have announced they will be returning to Melbourne this August. The Brisbane six-piece are set to preview material from their forthcoming third release, before they head into the studio to record it later this year. Melbourne audiences will be treated to an extra special night on the tour, when Mzaza are joined by Melbourne’s Vardos and Italian songstress Kavisha Mazzella at the Gypsy Crystal Ball. It all goes down at The Spotted Mallard on Saturday August 30.

PATRICK JAMES

Patrick James fans will be delighted to hear that the Sydneysider is once again embarking on a huge national tour with his full band in tow. This time it’s to share the wares of his latest EP Broken Lines, which is available now through digital retailers and instore. Earlier this year, James supported Pete Murray on his national tour, Boy & Bear on their mammoth 29-date regional tour and has just kicked off on an all ages theatre tour supporting YouTube sensation Kina Grannis. Catch him at The Corner Hotel on Saturday August 30.

MAGIC AMERICA

TOBIAS HENGEVELD

Melbourne songwriter Tobias Hengeveld will be launching his brand new album The Daylight Express at The Yarra Hotel in Abbotsford this Friday night. Tobias has been a consistent presence in the Melbourne indie folk scene over the past decade, as one half of the duo Scout Hall, principle songsmith of The Night Bell as well as under his own name. The Daylight Express was written in the old freight room of the Brunswick Railway Station where he spent the winter of 2012 as artist in residence. DJ Stickman will be spinning the discs until 1am. Free entry, see you down there.

CANDY & THE DEAD

Born on the dark side of London’s Camden Town, Candy & The Dead will bring a slice of ‘80s inspired post-punk goth’n’roll to The Brunswick Hotel this Friday August 29. Featuring music created by singer Zach Rembrandt and ex-members of cult goth band Christian Death this is a night not to be missed.

Support from period post punkers Son Of Set, crusty’s Strawberry Fistcake & the rock and/or fuzz pedal tones of Honeybone. It all kicks off from 9pm.

DJ APPLEJACK

RUBY’S CLASSIC BLUES NOTE SERIES: SAM APPAPOULAY

Tristen Harris from RRR’s Golden Age of Piracy – a show for musical chin-strokers – puts on his party hat and just brings the tunes that get people on their feet and dancing. This Friday August 29 at The Victoria Hotel in Brunswick. Doors from 9pm.

Melbourne swirling psych/rock band Magic America are hosting a double-A side single launch at Yah Yah’s this Saturday August 30. Magic America mix influences of Oasis meets The Dandy Warhols with their own brand of psychedelia. Make sure you catch these local lads before they head off on their east coast tour. Joining them for the party are Warmth Crashes In.

LIVING DEATH FEST

KING WOLF

High energy rock‘n’roll with King Wolf at Catfish this Saturday night, where the guitar action will be high flying and the night (and the love apparently) will be free. That’ll save you some pocket change for a cheese steak or a bevvy. Upstairs from 9pm.

BAD VISIONS

The boys and girl from Bad Vision are heading off to the faraway continent of Europe for a tour, so this is your last chance to see their lo-fi garage punk rock live in the flesh in their hometown for a little while. $10 to see them with Kids of Zoo, Mutton, and Loobs – a small amount that will go a long way in helping them get by abroad. This Saturday August 30. Doors at 8.30pm.

The National Evening Express draw influences from the The Cramps and Jon Spencer and the Dead Kennedys to The Stones. They have a sound that feels fresh, while still familiar and they are definitely no garage band. Catch them this Saturday August 30 from 9pm. Joining them will be Michael Plater & The Exit Keys and Ace Bricklaying.

RUBY’S SEARCH FOR JAZZ CATS 3

Steve Sedergreen’s original ‘Jazz Cats’ from 1999 morphed into the phenomenally successful Cat Empire. Can these young cats do it too? Young up and coming musicians will jam and be coached by more experienced young musicians – some of them hail from ‘Jazz Cat 2' – Steve Sedergreen’s second Jazz Cat project. Hard working, successful young musicians like Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire’s horns), Daniel Farrugia (Bamboos), Jules Pascoe (Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes), to name a few. Doors open 6pm.

SUNDAY 31 THE KILLDEERS

The Killdeers are an alternative rock band based in Melbourne, formed as a recording project in late 2010. The Killdeers live shows present a huge sonic landscape, acoustic guitars and soaring synths – and everything in between. Catch them when they play The Yarra Hotel this Saturday night from 8.30pm.

Free entry and DJ Biggsy from RRR FM will be DJing afterwards till late.

BEAR THE MAMMOTH

Send off your weekend in style this Sunday August 31 at Public Bar. With a kick-arse lineup featuring Bear The Mammoth, Chinese Handcuffs and Paper Cult and $10 Jugs of Public Bar Draught and $5 Sailor Jerry’s there’s no excuses. Free entry from 5pm.

STEP OFF + SOUNDS LIKE A PARTY

This Saturday August 30 The Great Britain Hotel is hosting two huge events. Melbourne’s favourite UK Indie night “Step On” will be returning to The Great Britain Hotel. Come down and enjoy all your favourite Madchester and Britpop classics spanning over 30 years, this night is not be missed, entry is free as usual in the dungeon from 11pm. Upstairs will feature the likes of Dumb Pints, The Velvets, The Black Alleys and more. Entry is also free.

MISS LIZZY & THE NIGHT OWLS

Living Death Fest was such a cracker last year that The Bendigo Hotel thought they’d have another go, this time with an even bigger lineup. Last year’s headliners Disentomb (QLD) return and the mayhem continues with Carnal (NZ), Internal Nightmare, Earth Rot (WA), The Seaford Monster, Black Jesus, Chaotic Reference Point, Wounded Pig (SA), Involuntary Convulsion and Amelus. Bound to be an event of epic proportions. Starts early at 4pm, $20 presale or $25 on the door.

On Saturday August 30 get prepared for an attack on your senses with the explosive sextet that is Miss Lizzy & the Night Owls. They’ve just released their debut EP and deliver everything swing, soul and rock’n’roll. A nonstop, high energy rhythm and blues revue. Kicking off the night will be psychedelic rock’n’rollers Slugger & The Stone. They will reintroduce you to sounds of Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin and Bowie with their rock'n'roll attire, haircuts and songwriting. Saturday August 30 at Bar Open. Doors from 10pm.

PAUL KIDNEY EXPERIENCE

SUB ROSA

Keen to bury winter with some fire and psychedelic noise, Paul Kidney Experience hit up The John Curtin this Saturday August 30 with strong support in Fourteen Nights at Sea (their last gig for a while before heading into the studio for album #3) and Fraudband.

Taking to the stage after a hiatus from Paul’s sojourn to some weird and wonderful places, it should be a welcome return. Entry is $10 with doors from 8.30pm.

THE NATIONAL EVENING EXPRESS

Saturday arvo and you’re after a few cheeky beers at the pub with some awesome original acoustic tunes.

Well you're not the only one. Saturday August 30, three rad dudes are going to help wipe away your Friday hangover and kick off your Saturday night.

Get keen for Andreas McCarthy, Joel Parnell and JMS Harrison from 5pm. Then kickin’ into the night from 9pm will be Sub Rosa with special guests Three Quarter Beast, Dear Stalker and Charm. This Saturday August 30 at The Brunswick Hotel.

HOLLOW DRUMS

Ethereal folk duo Hollow Drums are ambitiously recording their debut EP with a live audience on Sunday August 31 in the boutique space of L1 studios on Lt Bourke St. Their unique event known as ‘The Flaming Heart Gathering’ will kick off at 5pm featuring two soulful troubadours, Sean Kirkwood and Ben Whiting, complemented by a visual arts and jewellery design exhibition. Hollow Drums have launched a Pozible funding campaign to help finance the production of the highly anticipated EP, so show your support by attending the event, pledging to their campaign or both.

Entry is just $5.

CHRIS WILSON

Chill out after a big weekend of live music with Cherry Blues this Sunday August 31. Live blues from 3pm featuring Chris Wilson with DJ Max Crawdaddy spinning tracks all arvo. $5 entry from 3pm-6pm.

SEEKING A MICK JAGGER We seek a look alike, or if you can deliver a near too representation for, ITS ONLY ROCK n ROLL.

LISA MILLER & SHANE O’MARA + JEB CARDWELL

The show is high energy a musical snap-shot that gives a glimpse into when the Stones reigned over the music world. We playing local, and at limited times, interstate club and theatre gigs.

Represented by Westside Talent, we are a large scale show with our own crew, staging and production that delivers a 2 hour rock show ... songs of the 60’s and 70’s era.

We seek a professional and user friendly person who can be a flexible team player.

You will be paid per performance.

Auditions will be held at Deluxe Rehearsal Studio in South Melbourne. e-mail us at tele915@msn.com

www.itsonlyrocknroll.com.au

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SHAKY STILLS

With his brand of alt country rhythm and blues, Shaky is more of a crooner than a screamer, his charismatic voice, matched with Shaky’s trademark quirkiness, quick wit and finesse at penning interesting songs is impossible to miss. Shaky Stills play Some Velvet Morning this Saturday August 30 to celebrate the release of Cold Hands Warm Heart out now on iTunes.

Ryan John Brown, a blues/ country artist whose songs are influenced by the music of old, from bluegrass and delta blues to old country and gospel, shall also be playing on the night. Free entry from 8pm.

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This Sunday at The Drunken Poet catch two sets from two incredible musicians. Lisa Miller has what every singer strives for – a voice of her own. She does more than just deliver words and a tuneful melody, she gives the songs she sings a colour and a pathos that is utterly distinctive. There are very few others with the ability to convey such a degree of soulful emotion, and who are able to write songs that cut so close to the heart of the matter. Catch her from 4pm. At 6.30pm Jeb Cardwell takes to the stage. The Melbourne-based guitarist, singer and songwriter takes you back to the glory days when guitar-driven riffs and rich vocals were king. This Sunday August 31 at The Drunken Poet.

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SEX ON TOAST

A nine-man explosion of ‘80s pop music, yachtrock, RNB, and synth-funk, Sex On Toast showcase undeniable musical finesse whilst never taking themselves too seriously. With an outrageous live show featuring tight vocal harmonies, talk-box synthesizers, drum-machines and choreographed dance moves, they’re consistently engaging an ever-expanding audience of both chin-stroking musicians and teenage revellers. Catch them this Sunday at Howler with special guests Mandek Pena & Anti-Kirkis. Tickets are $10 at the door.

MONDAY 01

CALL IT IN

Shake off your Monday blues at Boney with resident DJs James Tom and Dylan Michel playing downstairs with special guests from 6pm til late. Just to seal the deal it’s free entry.

Music, Dexter is an experienced and accomplished performer with a wide musical style including jazz, Latin, pop and RnB influences. Doors open 6pm, entry is $15.

LOOKING FORWARD

SOUL SACRIFICE

After a full house and packed dance-floor earlier this year, Melbourne’s one and only Santana Tribute band will return to The Flying Saucer Club to perform a special encore show this September. Soul Sacrifice pay genuine tribute to the great music of Santana, focusing on the classic period of the ‘60s and ‘70s with a splash of later stuff. Covering Latin rock, Latin soul, jazz and rock genres, there will be plenty of dancing when you hear the infectious grooves and rhythms of such classics as Black Magic Woman, Evil Ways, Oye Como Va and Smooth to name a few. Get in quick. Friday September 5 at The Flying Saucer Club.

DAN PARSONS & DAN WATERS

Every Monday night, two established artists are randomly thrown together to play a setful of duets, preceded by a solo set from each. This show is a chance to see the cream of the Melbourne scene in one-off, one-of-a-kind performances, in the clubhouse environment of The Retreat Hotel front bar. This Monday September 1 features Dan Parsons and Dan Waters.

Free entry.

TUESDAY 02

RUBY’S LIVE JAZZ AFTER DARK: DEXTER’S ASIAN CONNECTION

Hosted by Dexter’s Asian Connection this show will incorporate jazz, soul, and modern music with a South East Asian theme. Dexter Pradi, a Victorian College of the Arts graduate, leads this all Indonesian band.

With one of his original songs being bought by Sony

THE INFANTS

The Infants were formed out of the need for a selfeffacing creative platform for the expressions of Blaise Adamson, Jack Normoyle, Anthony and Christopher Morse. Adamson’s erotic, swaggering persona is no doubt enthralling and has garnered a strong reputation. Posing out front of a band cranking out visceral and bloodthirsty DIY punk, The Infants’ live show is immersive; part theatre, part rock. Catch them at The Gasometer on September 6 with support from Contrast and Gold Class.

LOS TRIOS DERROS

Legendary frontman Steve Lucas of X, Bigger Than Jesus and Groody Frenzy has a new musical project, Los Trios Derros. The Derros do it all, from country type ballads, garage rock, tough psych & full throttle rock. So, Lucas the veteran, ever seeking new blood & new talent to keep his music alive and kicking, has enlisted the aid of a couple of young rising stars (his own words) Ryan McKay (bass) and Levi Franco (drums) to form the essential vehicle for this venture (both recommended to him by Peter Koppes of The Church fame). Los Trios Derros have announced a headline show in one of Lucas’ hold haunts, Prince of Wales Public Bar on Friday September 26. If it couldn’t get any better, the show is free.

WOODLOCK

Following their sold-out national tour in June, Melbourne’s favourite boys from Woodlock are packing up and hitting the road again this September and October. The indie-rock threesome will be playing 17 shows, over six states and three regional festivals.

The five week tour celebrates the release of their new single The Garden, which represents a shift in sound for the band. The Garden is the second single from their recently released EP Labour of Love, which debuted in the overall ARIA charts top 100 and also in the ARIA top 50 digital downloads chart. Woodlock will be supported by Brisbane’s six-piece alternate pop collective Fieu. Catch them at Northcote Social Club in Melbourne Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September.

PETE REID

Singer/writer and actor/creator Pete Reid brings his latest collection of songs and stories, all penned as a tribute to those who dwell on the edges of life, to a remote shed in Brunswick as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Ranging in styles from alternate folk, smokin’ blues, and dark cabaret, and featuring stories and songs about English high rollers in Las Vegas, self-conflagrating mad men and wayward Polar Bears.

Pete will be performing the latest batch of material from the shed on the edge of the world September 24–27. For more info visit melbournefringe.com.au.

60 SECONDS with CANDY & THE DEAD

Name/Band?

Zach Rembrandt from Candy & The Dead.

Define your genre in five words or less: Post punk glam goth’n’roll.

Bearing the terrible clichéd nature of this question, what do you reckon people will say you sound like?

Post punk for people who don’t like post punk.

Describe the best gig you have ever played.

Sweaty and wild basement club in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, playing for two hours as an unknown band and having everybody in the room transfixed on amazing cocaine.

Tell us about the last song you wrote.

Your Lips Are Vengeance. A dark, detuned monster with a surf beat.

Where would you like to be in five years?

Whether it’s headlining the Whitby Goth Festival or The Brunswick Hotel, as long as I’m living for my art I’m happy.

Do you have a pre-gig ritual? If so, what is it?

Yoga and singing scales, followed by Jack Daniel’s and eyeliner!

Name an interview question you wish someone would ask you, and answer it.

Q: Do you have ANY songs that aren’t in C#??

A: No. If your music was a chocolate bar, which one would it be, and why?

Though the name evades me, whatever the Polish chocolate bar that’s made from breast milk would have to be it, because it tastes great but when you find out what it’s made from you start to question it...

Get your goth on as CANDY & THE DEAD play their final show (for a while) at The Brunny with Son of Set, Strawberry Fist Cake and Honeybone this Friday August 29. The best bit? It’s free.

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liVe

rePorts froM the front roW

For more reviews go to beat.com.au/reviews Poison city Weekender Friday-Sunday August 22-24 Knapsack

Clowns

The Bennies

Poison City Weekender, Melbourne’s largest annual punk rock and related three day festival, returned in 2014 as large and successful as ever. The formula of involving most bands on the Poison City Records roster, with two American headliners and a wide selection of other bands not on the label, worked to great success in the face of sold-out crowds and endless beers. Rising above the stigma of only appealing to bearded Hot Water Music fans in their late 20s, The Weekender has evolved to encompass all aspects of a scene worth celebrating.

The weekend began at The Corner with the early ‘90s Seattle-sound throwback of Apart From This. Combining elements of Seaweed and even early Silverchair is far from fashionable, yet the daring nature of this throwback style and undeniably infectious songwriting has seen the young quartet become a formidable force on the Melbourne stage. My band Clowns played our set not long after. I don’t know what it sounded like in the crowd, but my guitar only cut out once and we had fun so that’s rad enough for us.

The main-stage performance from The Bennies was truly the sign that the band’s relentless touring and inclusive songwriting has drawn every party-loving, good time having man, woman and underage kid who probably snuck in to the show. For a band that admittedly sounds awful on paper ± psychedelic ska pop-punk with synth, hip hop and occasionally a DJ ± the band’s set saw countless stage dives, crowd surfers, stage invasions and sing-alongs to their anthems of unashamedly unsubtle and direct testaments to the power of partying. For a band that had been playing venues half the size not even a year ago, the explosion of the band’s popularity was a pleasantly surprising highlight of the evening.

Tasmania’s Luca Brasi are no strangers to the Poison City family or The Weekender, having released their debut album in 2009 on the label and played almost every Weekender since. Hot off the back of their recently released record By A Thread, the five-piece barely fit on the small side stage. With one of the largest and most committed crowds of the night, the band channelled ‘90s emo a la Cap’n Jazz with a modern punk rock solidity and confidence to a passionate and dedicated crowd. Recently reunited ‘90s indie-emo icons Knapsack took the mainstage with a comparatively subdued and introspective set. With lead singer Blair Shehan’s voice almost gone, the loss of vocal power and presence was an unfortunate drawback to an otherwise passionate and long-awaited set.

Saturday afternoon’s festivities were held at a mostly acoustic show at The Old Bar. With a dependable pint of Coopers in hand, I arrived just in time for Jay Whalley’s acoustic set. Better known as the frontman of Australian punk rock institution Frenzal Rhomb, Whalley’s solo set featured new original songs, reworkings of Frenzal anthems, and an unexpected cover of Limp Bizkit’s 1999 hit single Nookie, in protest of the realities of misguided ‘90s nostalgia. Always able to successfully balance accurate social commentary with humour, Whalley’s set was the

perfect warm-up to a crowd ready for another day and night.

Channelling angular post-punk stalwarts Wipers and Joy Division, Infinite Void’s layered and noise-laden sound encompassed all of the rapidly filling spacious John Curtin band room. Word of mouth has caught up with Melbourne’s High Tension, with the band’s set marked as a must-see on almost all attendees’ itineraries. The combination of frontwoman Karina Utomo’s high pitched black metal screams with the band’s high energy noise rock is surprisingly accessible, with the band’s hype and sound ultimately working as engaging rock ‘n roll. Hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, headliners Pity Sex rapidly filled the room after spending most of the evening asleep on the couch, understandable after a 20-hour flight. Shaking off jet-lag and fatigue, the band’s combination of nostalgic emo rock with Dinosaur Jr style fuzz and shoegaze espoused all kinds of cool. Already a major force in the American alternative/punk circuit, the band’s debut on Australian soil saw their chemistry and aesthetic feel right at home at The Weekender.

With the two-day hangover rapidly coming into effect, Sunday’s show at The Reverence Hotel featured an understandably more laidback lineup, without letting up on any of the energy or musical quality of the previous two nights. Sydney’s Ted Danson With Wolves already receive top points for their name, yet still managed to deliver an unusual performance of saxophone fronted alternative rock. Byron Bay’s Toy Boats stood out as a refreshingly different sound to the musical similarity between a lot of bands on the lineup, with the band’s minimalist synthladen indie rock, almost verging on pop at times, keeping the momentum and musical variety of the weekend alive, with sonic nods to Talking Heads and Television.

Celebrating 10 years as a band, Newcastle’s Fear Like Us brought the traditional folk-punk Poison City sound to the stage, with the band’s familiarity and longevity reaffirming its place as the soundtrack to countless drunken sing-alongs and bro-hugs. Although less active these days, Canberra’s Hoodlum Shouts are undeniably influenced by the political nature of their hometown, with a fierce performance of anthemic and hard-hitting alternative rock with an unusual but perfectly executed reminiscence of the sound and attitude of early Midnight Oil. Still musically challenging and somewhat polarising to many, Harmony’s performance stood out as the most markedly original and unpredictable of the weekend. Shaking off any hype and cred they may have utilised by featuring McLusky’s John Chapple on bass, the band’s blend of the atmosphere of Ennio Morricone and the creeping delicacy of Angelo Badalamenti played without any clear influence or point of reference. With a heavy rhythmic backing duo, fronted by both shouted male vocals and a three part harmonising all girl ensemble, the band’s inclusion on the day was somewhat discordant to the flow, yet was the perfect way to keep a long weekend musically challenging and engaging.

Usually found fronting folk-rockers The Smith Street Band, Melbourne’s Wil Wagner has become something of a flagship for the Poison City Records label. Teasing the crowd with tracks from the still unreleased new Smith Street Band album, Wagner played songs new and old, captivating the crowd who hung on to every word and every chord of his high energy set. The enormity of The Smith Street Band may have exceeded the scope of The Weekender, yet the inclusion of a scaled back version reassured fans that there will always be a place for Wagner on the festival. With another year of The Weekender wrapped up, the scope and scale of Poison City Records is as large and inclusive as ever. The celebration of Australia’s alternative and punk rock scene, with the welcome addition of international headliners, is a symbol of the strength, pride, teamwork and musical quality of Australian independent music. In an era of low album sales and the ever-increasing dominance of commercial musical avenues, it’s always reassuring to know that an event like this can happen every year. Extra special thanks go out to Andy and Aaron from Poison City Records; without you none of this could have happened. loVed: Community hated: Monday morning drank: ALL the beers

Joe hansen Photos by ian laidlaW

beat’s artist Profile with bad Vision :

Why did you start doing that?

Football was getting boring. Plus I was envious of hearing the older kids play the intro to Smells Like Teen Spirit over and over at lunch time. And I wanted to learn how to play the riff in Blood Well Right by Supertramp. At lunch time. Over and over.

Do you think you’re good at doing that?

I guess. I’ve never been fired. Perhaps they overlook my musical flaws, as I’m such a stand-up guy.

If you weren’t doing that, what would you be doing?

I’d probably be an electrician. And having many regrets about life, likely leading to subsequent mental psychoses.

What’s your name then? Oh. And the name of your band…

Josh, Bad Vision.

beat MagaZine Page 48

And what do you do?

Play guitar.

When did you start doing that?

Mmmmmm when I was a little nipper...12?

What makes you happiest about what you’re doing?

Getting a rider, irrespective of how piecemeal that may be.

And what makes you unhappiest about what you’re doing?

Imminent hernia thanks to fender amplification.

What’s your proudest moment of doing what you do?

Learning the riff to Bloody Well Right.

And your least proud?

The fact that I never started a Supertramp cover band.

When are you doing your thing next?

Possibly tomorrow, but no one’s invited. But I think the answer you really want is Saturday August 30 at Old Bar (our going away show ahead of our Europe Tour) with these babes: Kids Of Zoo, Mutton and LOOBS. BAD VISION play The Old Bar with Kids of Zoo, Mutton and LOOBS on Saturday August 30.

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LIVE

REPORTS FROM THE FRONT ROW

For more reviews go to beat.com.au/reviews LADY GAGA Rod Laver Arena, Saturday August 23

MILLIONS The Workers Club, Thursday August 21

Photo by Paul Kane

“Huh? She’s in town? Slash still alive?” So came the bitter refrains when I excitedly told my friends I was seeing Lady Gaga on Saturday night. “Sure you don’t wanna just hang out for Miley?” Shut. Down. Had I missed something?

Yes, I was aware that some sort of inevitable baton-pass had occurred in the endless pop diva relay race to nowhere.

No, Gaga’s once giddily high record sales weren’t what they used to be. And no, I wasn’t what the French would call overly-familiar-or-familiar-at-all with the latter half of her most recent record.

But still, there’s some glitter-choked umbilical extension between Mother Monster and I that remains unsevered.

The Taylor Swifts, Lily Allens and Katy Perrys of this world may shimmy their way to the front of the throng for a season, but still Gaga resonates. Saturday’s artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball extravaganza gave me a concrete answer as to why.

Gaga really cares about her fans. That I can say, without shame, I genuinely felt.

Huge portions of the show were devoted to chance exchanges with fans as Gaga gleefully accepted barrages of plush toys, flowers and letters. She congratulated one PFLAG mum for her six-inch heels, bear-hugged a set of very touchy twins and personally invited scores backstage – a reward for their audacity and open-heartedness.

Ms Germanotta shares stories of addiction, depression, even opening up about public backlash around the alleged pretentiousness of recent release ARTPOP. There was a great fragility in the starlet’s stage presence, a willingness to share not from atop Olympus but to really reach out to people as her cloud lowers.

The weird factor so synonymous with Gaga of years past was not wholly present here. Appearances of meat dresses and lobster hats were minimal, pyrotechnics, projectiles and acrobatics were sparing, but this all added to a sense of groundedness lacking in the spectacles of so many other pop divas. As she fiercely pointed out to one Perth-based critic that accused her of lip-synching (and at that moment, my balls shrunk), she is a singer first and foremost.

The artRAVE experience itself is also aware of public weariness in some way. There’s less of a diva worship structure in place, and more modelling of playful anarchy that Gaga wants taken up by every member of the crowd.

There’s generosity and danger in the staging of multiple runways jutting into and through the crowds, over which Gaga leans, flirting with the idea of leaping. She doesn’t really have backup dancers, but other performers with whom she dances. In one number, Gaga actually channels Pippi Longstocking in cartoonish Harijuku dreads as she impels her fans to awaken their own artistic animus within. “I don’t believe in hierarchies,” she says in response to one fan’s deifying letter, “there’s room for all kinds of artists, and that’s what makes it great.”

Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty that’s special about Gaga’s music, too. Her language play is sophisticated and witty – it’s sexy, cheeky poetry set to the most bankable of melodies. Her penultimate number, Swine, was disgusting in all the right ways as she snorted and gagged like a farmyard dominatrix.

But in the end, it’s that feeling of utter devotion – from both sides – that’s palpable in the room when Gaga tears through iconic numbers like Born This Way. Ripped from Madonna or not, that familiar drumbeat that asks us to march in our own way LOVED: Intimate love ballad Dope still lit me on fire. Especially with a beaming Mother telepathically reworked for 11,000 adoring fans. hugging each of her little monsters before my very eyes. Very stirring. HATED: The weird Beef carvery And the note that we end on actually happened somewhere towards in the middle of Rod Laver Arena. the middle of the show, with Gaga tenderly pledging that it would be What?! us she would think about when she took her final breath. For me, it’s DRANK: In honour of the innumerahard to put this dame out to pasture when she cares just that damn ble tweens around me, I mixed drinks: much. one canned G&T, one sparkling, one

Brisbane’s Millions are like if the Arctic Monkeys were a 1960s prom band. Simply put, it works. Embarking on a national tour for their most ambitious release to date, Max Relax, Millions have demonstrated an ability to transfer their complex recorded work to their live show.

Starting off the night at the Workers Club was the underwhelming Snowy Nasdaq. With poor quality synths and awkward jokes about being a premature ejaculator, Snowy Nasdaq failed to impress. His rambling conspiracy theory at the end accurately summed up how bizarre his set was.

Following him was Jesse Davidson, Adelaide’s response to James Blake. Although clearly influenced by Blake, Davidson manages to get some rocking energy into his songs. His smooth, soulful voice and a warm electric guitar make for a classy act. When drummer Ben Zubreckyj adds to this mix a trumpet solo in Flaws, magic happens.

This was easily their best song for the night. Notable mentions include an impressive Hugh Grant impersonation from drummer Ben. Millions entered the stage sporting all white attire from head to toe. Following in the footsteps of John Lennon in his weird Yoko days and umm, ABBA, takes some guts to successfully pull off. This is a stupidly cool look. A white turtleneck jumper has been added to my Christmas wish-list. Thankfully, they have the music to match this ballsy look. Consistently the band were able to transfer their recorded work to the stage with quality. Grooving bass lines, excellent vocals, catchy guitar riffs, and solid beats were a feature of every song.

Opening up their set with Champagne, a song with a great intro, was a smart move. This set a pretty great tone for the rest of the gig. Playing a blend of older songs and ones off their new album, Max Relax, Millions found a good balance between the two. Generally speaking, older songs like Those Girls and Nineteen were better received and got the crowd engaged more.

The crowning moment of the night was a surprising cover of The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody. Lead singer Dom introduced the old heart-crooner as his father’s favourite song, and it clearly has some personal significance to him: his vocal delivery was far more impassioned than any of Millions’ original songs. This cover is begging for the triple j Like a Version treatment.

The passion found in this song actually highlighted the only flaw in Millions’ performance: there wasn’t enough emotion in a lot of their songs and there was a lack of stage presence. However, by the second half of the set, this had largely subsided, and the band looked like they were having a much better time.

In the latter part of their performance they shone with the excellent Slow Burner and ended impressively on Guru. Later in the year, MilLOVED: The surprising cover of Unlions will be touring with label-mates Ball Park Music. Judging from chained Melody. this performance, that show will definitely be one to see.

HATED: The people talking behind JOSH THORBURN

me.

DRANK: Water.

JAE L AFFER National Gallery of Victoria, Sunday August 24 Unplugged Live: Portrait of an Artist is a series which explores the relationship between music and visual arts with some of Australia’s finest musicians. This afternoon’s show featured Jae Laffer, lead singer of The Panics (who also happens to be the curator of the series). It consisted of two parts; the first was a chat with Laffer drawing upon the theme of youth, and the second was a performance from him.

In conversation with NGV’s Humphrey Clegg, Laffer spoke about the importance of appreciating multiple art forms. He also discussed the paintings of four Australian artists; Charles Conder, Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton.

The beautiful artwork on display perfectly complimented Laffer’s acoustic set, which featured catchy tunes from his debut solo album, When The Iron Glows Red, including: Leave a Light On, Right Above My Heart and Don’t Make Me Wait. He also showcased a new track, Ride, which was inspired by his youth, growing up in the hills of Perth.

There are only two shows left in this series, if you haven’t yet ventured down to NGV on Sunday’s to check them out, I’d highly recommend LOVED: The atmosphere you do so.

HATED: That it ended too soon DRANK: Nothing ALI BIRNIE

Boags…

JUSTIN NOTT

BOB DYL AN The Palais Theatre, Thursday August 21 There’s a certain monotonous grind perpetuated by the gawds of classic rock as they encroach upon their twilight years, a measured and meticulous routine of perfunctory new albums, reissues and arena tours. Big bucks, folks.

Bobby Dylan isn’t immune to the reissue folly, having released a fucking billion Greatest Hits iterations over the years. But Bob differs from his stadium-commanding contemporaries, projecting a sense of purpose with a continual stream of new material. His current tour is on the back of latest LP The Tempest. Well, not really. He’s been on an endless tour for long enough to make its title literal. Last time I witnessed a leg of the endless tour was at Rod Laver Arena, on the back of the excellent Modern Times (one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Dylan album). It was a brilliant, bluesy, and goddamn loud rock ‘n’ roll show. I missed the tour’s last visit to Australia, but the prospect of the more intimate confines of The Palais was a tantalising prospect.

He takes to the stage – the lighting on which is phenomenal, tasteful – like Benjamin Button on the brink of shrinking outta his current stark-trim suit and hat, his upper lip basking in the onset of reverse puberty. He swims in the suit, offering slow motion Elvis knee-wiggles on occasion. Still, somehow, the coolest cat in the room. He croaks like a bastard, but it fits the persona as weathered bluesman. A fine one at that.

The Tempest dominates the setlist. Not before older recordings set the scene. 2000’s Things Have Changed kicks things off. It’s the song that won Bob the Oscar he has proudly displayed on stage at each concert since (guessing it’s a replica?). The vintage She Belongs To Me is pulled from the cellar, with a not too far removed arrangement.

Blood on the Tracks gets two showings tonight; the splendid Tangled Up In Blue before the intermission, Simple Twist of Fate after.

LOVED: Bob losing himself in trying Spirit on the Water, the softly sweet toe-tapper lifted from Modern to lose the band with extended ivoryTimes, garners the strongest reaction from the crowd. It’s a lovely motickling on Spirit on the Water. ment, one of Bob’s finest songs from this side of the century. “You say HATED: Entitled old bastards getting I’m over the hill?” instigates a hearty “no!” from the crowd, as it most pissy at the line to get in. likely has hundreds upon hundreds of times since 2006. The response DRANK: Spirits in the Water Bottle. still rings true.

Not really. But that’s some damn fine

BY LACHLAN KANONIUK

wordplay!

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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 49

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

PBS TOP TEN

SPOOKYLAND

1. From Mexico With Love ABBIE CARDWELL

It’s hard to remember a voice more destined to polarise listeners than that of Marcus Gordon, singer, multiinstrumentalist and mastermind of new Sydney act Spookyland. How to describe it? Think of a young Nick Cave, howling in pre-pubescent rage in the moments before his voice breaks. Think of Bowie as Ziggy Stardust doing his best impression of The Tallest Man On Earth doing his best impression of Bob Dylan.

Think of a wide-eyed singer/songwriter YouTube-ing the Daniel Johnston recordings, then adopting all the squeal and shriek of those fourth-generation cassette tapes as a bona fide vocal style. And even then we’re just getting started.

Lead single The Silly Fucking Thing has been doing the rounds for a while now. It’s that rare and utterly magical kind of song that leaves you remembering when and where you first heard it. At its most basic, The Silly Fucking Thing is a break-up song. But there’s never been a break-up song quite like this. The credit goes mostly to Gordon’s searing, all-or-nothing vocal approach, but it’s also an excellently crafted song, starting with an acoustic guitar and ending in a maelstrom of washedout guitars and wailing harmonicas.

For all its brilliance though, one of the big questions posed by The Silly Fucking Thing was whether Gordon’s eccentric singing style would hold up across a longer platform. Would he be like other vocal oddities: best consumed in small doses? Ultimately the jury remains out on that for the time being, but based on the additional three songs that comprise the Rock And Roll Weakling EP, Gordon and his Spookyland accomplices are a force to be reckoned with well beyond the staggering promise of The Silly Fucking Thing.

Blood in the Rain is Nick Cave circa Henry’s Dream being mauled by AC/DC (or vice versa). In it Gordon

2. Look Again to the Wind: Johnny Cash’s Bitter

WITH THE CHICANO ROCKERS AND

Rock And Roll Weakling (Monday Records)

SINGLES

THE TWIN TONES Tears Revisited VARIOUS ARTISTS 3. Sukierae TWEEDY 4. Traversing Karma TIGERMOTH 5. Solstøv PJUSK 6. Manipulator TY SEGALL 7. Anchor ZAMMUTO 8. This Machine FOURPLAY 9. Shattered REIGNING SOUND 10. Trust Electricity THE UPSIDEDOWN leaps effortlessly from baritone growl to his signature high-pitched caterwaul. The title track is a Stardustian tale of a rock’n’roll misfit fired into a hostile world.

Adventure Song rounds out the all-too-brief set. As the song builds to its dazzling crescendo, Gordon stands like a man in the mouth of a hurricane, unrepentant and wise beyond his years, singing of a “sound that makes men build statues twenty-five feet above the ground.”

Prophetic? Maybe. Only time will tell. Either way, bring on the album.

WAYNE MARSHALL

If you’ve invited me to attend one of your Bigsound events please be patient as my assistant tabulates my appearance fees. We’re talking five figures if you wanna drag me away from free Bloody Marys on the Friday morning, orright?

TAYLOR SWIFT

Shake It Off (Universal) The slightly left-of-centre pop that’s knocked on the mainstream’s door in the past two years – think Le1f ’s Wut (or Macklemore’s all-conquering track that bit hard), Vampire Weekend’s Diane Young, Haim, or hell, any Ariel Rechtshaid-produced track – has resonated into the Max Martin and co. pop factory, according to the organic sheen on Taytay’s Shake It Off. It’s a smart pop song, got a nice mouthfeel to it. The breezy, fuck-the-haters, theme isn’t really that substantial, but it’s a passable spin on “be yourself ” platitudes.

NICKI MINAJ

Anaconda (Young Money) Do you think if Twitter was around when Boticelli dropped The Birth of Venus back in the day that “#twitpicyourreactiontoTBOV” would be trending with a bunch of masturbation allusions? Am I comparing the Anaconda video to The Birth of Venus? God damn straight I am. The song, I could take it or leave it. It’s not awful, but stands as a weird diversion from Nicki’s 2014 lead-up to The Pinkprint – from the hard-hitting string of remixes to the power-ballad pop of Pills N Potions. But the video elevates the track into something else, contextualising a lucid ode to booty with a lucid depiction of incredible booty. The Sir Mix-a-lot sample that teetered towards obnoxious instead has an air of the transgressive. The hammering of “MY ANACONDA DON’T” is wielded in a way that divorces itself from the original source. Even when she’s “on some dumb shit”, Nicki is smarter than anyone else in the game.

SINGLE OF THE WEEK

ELANA STONE

Panic Attack (Independent) The relentless, hammering piano key riddles the opening of Panic Attack with anxiety, opening up into a sanctuary of the Be My Baby beat. It’s a deft, uncanny, transformation of mood. Daring and exploratory, unexpectedly closing with a funky, hairin-the-wind guitar solo coda, an incongruous, but brilliant, bookend accompanying the monstrous stomp featured in the opening.

HEARTLAND RECORDS TOP TEN 1. Smash LP BOX SET OFFSPRING 2. Black Album 2LP METALLICA 3. Last Words LP SCREAMING TREES 4. Fucked Up Inside LP SPIRITUALIZED 5. Language Lessons LP/BOOK THIRD MAN RECORDS 6. Anabel Dream Reader LP WYTCHES 7. Stained Class MOB FIDELITY LP JUDAS PRIEST

BEST TRACK: The Silly Fucking Thing IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LIKE THESE: NICK CAVE, THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH, DANIEL JOHNSTON, BOB DYLAN, NEIL YOUNG IN A WORD: Exhilarating

8. New hope For The Wretched LP PLASMATICS 9. The Guilty have No Pride LP DEATH IN JUNE 10. Green River LP CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL

BY LACHLAN

SYN SWEET TEN

1. The Pink Tiles THE PINK TILES 2. Manipulator TY SEGALL

For all the latest singles check out beat.com.au

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 50

TOP TENS:

3. Wading In THE OCEAN PARTY

LAURYN HILL

Black Rage (Sketch) (Independent) A raw meditation on the My Favourite Things melody, imbued with grimey wubs, Ms Lauryn Hill is flawless in her delivery of poetics on Black Rage, a home recording released in the wake of the ugly injustice currently prevailing in Ferguson, MO. The prophet Yeezus once proclaimed “Lauryn Hill said her heart was in Zion / I wish her heart was still in rhymin’”. Maybe the world isn’t worthy of more rhymes from Ms Hill. Maybe one day.

But for now, we’ll take what we can get. I saw her perform in Toronto the other week. It felt vital, as ever.

KIMBRA

Miracle (Warner) Live, in the lead-up to the release of The Golden Echo, this is the track that stuck out as a winner. On record, it’s a lil’ overcooked, Kimbra’s rich timbre layered with infinite layers of vocals. It feels like this could have gone in a Random Access Memories direction for a tasteful throwback to golden era R&B, but instead went in a lot of different directions simultaneously. It’s still a corker of a composition, just a tad mired by head-scratching production choices. Lyrically, a not-too garish invocation of Kimbra’s Christian-folk roots.

LANIE LANE

Celeste (Ivy League) Lanie Lane’s personality-rich alt-country twang here dissipates into a featherweight wash of indie schlock, a piecemeal of aural touchstones that coagulate into what sounds like a conceited ploy for J-play circa 2010.

Hopefully this track is just a boring outlier, and the promise of Lanie’s debut wins out on the majority of upcoming LP Night Shade.

FKA TWIGS

Pendulum (Young Turks/Remote Control) One of the finer cuts on one of the finer LPs of the year, Pendulum is most reminiscent of Twigs’ supreme EP2 – which saw a production team-up with Arca. The track is rich in its spaciousness – soothing waves of percussive glitch somehow generate lushness through crispness. For a voice that invokes fragility, Twigs demonstrates nothing but sheer power.

JANELLE MONAE

Electric Lady (Atlantic) The titular anthem from Ms Monae’s latest full-length, Electric Lady, is a feelgood groove; Janelle is effortless in her cool, switching between powerhouse R&B vocalist and quickfire rap bars. It’s scientifically impossible not to raise your hands come the chorus. Fact.

WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES... BEAT.COM.AU/TV

4. Girls COACH BOMBAY 5. War on the East Coast THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS 6. Delivery SPLIT SECONDS 7. Our Love CARIBOU 8. Move It FROWNING CLOUDS 9. Colonize the Moon BUSDRIVER (FEAT. PEGASUS WARNING) 10. Carol PEEP TEMPEL

RECORD PARADISE TOP TEN VINYL 1. Manipulator TY SEGALL

2. Loopholes THE MURLOCS 3. Lost in the Dream THE WAR ON DRUGS 4. For the Recently Found Innocent WHITE FENCE 5. Dole Cheque and Kabana THE MIGHTY BOYS 6. The Long O PETER ESCOTT 7. Brill Bruisers THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS 8. LP1 FKA TWIGS 9. Lese Majesty SHABAZZ PALACES 10. Laura Jean LAURA JEAN

BEAT’S TOP TEN SONGS ABOUT GARDENING 1. The Good Gardener AUGIE MARCH

2. Doctor Greenthumb CYPRESS HILL 3. From Little Things, Big Things Grow PAUL KELLY & KEV CARMODY 4. 8 Foot Sativa 8 FOOT SATIVA 5. Don’t Fear the Reaper BLUE OYSTER CULT 6. The Garden EINSTURZENDE NEUBAUTEN 7. Garden of Eden IRON BUTTERFLY 8. Homegrown NEIL YOUNG 9. Big Log ROBERT PLANT 10. The Seed CODY CHESTNUTT

ALBUMS

NEW MUSIC IN REVIEW THIS WEEK

For more reviews go to beat.com.au/reviews

Andy Bull

FIREKITES

Sea of Approval (Island/Universal)

Five years between drinks, Sea of Approval is the follow up to 2009’s We’re Too Young, an album so distant in memory and different in content many fans may not even be aware of it. Sea of Approval is a rebirth for Bull in many ways, there’s less piano and a more synth-pop feel than on his debut or his well-known Phantom Pains EP. Singles Keep On Running and Baby I Am Nobody Now were released close to a year before the album was even recorded and became firm favourites with many.

The latter is about as close to tragically beautiful songwriting as you can get while maintaining perennial pop perfection status. Talk Too Much is the latest single and keeps the rich vein of form going.

Other tracks aren’t all as radio-friendly. Bull himself said fittingly that the album, like life, is not all up; there’s slow songs here as well. He’s right, and these slower tracks are some of the real highlights. Closer So That I Can Feel Better is haunting in its resonance. Loved Like You is rich in atmosphere and texture as well as being incredibly layered.

That’s constant across the whole album. Each listen discovers new elements, making it clear how painstakingly well this labour of love has been crafted.

BEST TRACK: Baby I Am Nobody Now Once in a while you hear an album of this quality.

IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: JACK’S Every spin is a pleasure and getting your hands on a MANNEQUIN, HUNGRY KIDS OF HUNGARY, copy should be your main objective this week.

WASHINGTON ALEXANDER CROWDEN IN A WORD: Spectacular

It has been a long break between releases for Newcastle’s Firekites, who return with renewed vigour on their first recording since 2008’s The Bowery. Closing Forever Sky picks up where things left off, but with a bigger sense of space and an encroaching darkness. Basically, it ticks all the boxes for a darker second album, and then some.

There are only seven tracks here, but they densely fill the 45-minute playing time. The opening three tracks are particularly hearty, pushing the band’s established sound to deeper, darker corners and creating a rich, eerie atmosphere that threatens to envelop the listener whole. However, the gentle, approachable pop elements that were the foundations of the band’s debut are still present to sooth you through these sadder, sorrier times.

Later, the intricately plucked guitar and brittle electronic framework of Fifty Secrets recalls the British oddball folk band Tunng, while a brief, ghostly instrumental is easily as vital as the lengthier vocal tracks. The layered compositions benefit from production by the reliably excellent John McEntire (Tortoise, BEST TRACK: The Counting IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: Foreign Tapes Stereolab). Closing Forever Sky is an album to slowly PARADES, In a Safe Place THE ALBUM LEAF, Dream warm to until you eventually get lost within it, and Cave CLOUD CONTROL it rewards with each subsequent listen.

IN A WORD: Stormy CHRIS GIRDLER

SYSTEM OF VENUS

CLIENT LIAISON

Client Liaison EP (Dot Dash/Remote Control)

Self-described as “international in flavour and cosmopolitan in style,” yet firmly grounded in late 1980s and early 1990s corporate Australiana, Client Liaison’s mission statement of delivering a visual and aural experience funded by the company card and followed by a long lunch is finally realised in the release of their debut self-titled EP. With production slicker than the 1989 Exxon oil spill, Client Liaison’s synergy of dance-pop nostalgia, corporate symbolism and organisation delivers a soundtrack to the chasing of dreams in a world of economic downturn and lumbering corporate pressure. The thematic focus of the band’s aesthetic is just as pertinent as the era it is celebrating; both the late 1980s and the early 2010s have experienced global economic struggle in a time where corporate excess and expansion is at an all-time high. This surprisingly organic and apt juxtaposition connects these two eras in a way that is rarely approached in a musical context, uniting the concepts that Client Liaison view just as relevant in 2014. With previous singles End of the Earth and Feeling connecting the EP with four brand new tracks, the release is a product of slick professionalism, focus, and an intensely accurate and conscious understanding of the style they have embraced.

Vocalist Monte Morgan channels equal parts Prince and Debbie Gibson, with the utmost conviction and dedication to delivering his message. Producer and instrumentalist Harvey Miller provides synth-driven backdrop to the band’s atmosphere of confidence and determination.

The Client Liaison EP marks a group that is fearless BEST TRACK: Feeling in the face of what contemporary media may deem IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: ANSETT to be relevant or cool, yet provides a reflection and AUSTRALIA, DINERS CLUB, DAIMARU celebration of the crossover between pop culture and IN A WORD: Professionalism the corporate world of Australia.

JOE HANSEN

EATEN BY DOGS

Eaten By Dogs (Independent)

Closing Forever Sky (Spunk)

This is smooth ride down the country path, with solid vocals and bucket-loads of acoustic tastiness.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Christopher Lichti is a well-known face around the pub music scene, having played with the likes of Cash Savage and The Last Drinks and Brothers Grim & The Blue Murders.

This is an album that makes you want to get in the car and drive across country, watch sunsets while drinking whiskey and muse about the meaning of life.

If It Ain’t Killing You It’s Sure Killing Me is a sure-fire sing-a-long winner (even if it is a little on the very dark side) and has a suitably bizarre, hideously violent and quirky film-clip that you should check out on YouTube immediately. The majority of the songs have a pretty downbeat vibe, but the heartbreak is so strong and true that they become impressive rather than depressing, the best example being Staring out at Nothing.

But not all the songs are quite as despondent, with Ain’t a Bad Man and At the End definitely showing a more upbeat ‘tude.

Lichti is joined by Mick Hansby (electric guitar, vocals), Callum Preston (drums, percussion), and BEST TRACK: If It Ain’t Killing You It’s Sure Killing Me vs Graveyard Train’s Josh Crawley (lapsteel guitar).

Staring out at Nothing I hope this album is just the start of something IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: Anything altbeautiful for Eaten By Dogs, because that’s what it country or thereabouts is: beautiful.

IN A WORD: Countrylovin’ ISABELLE ODERBERG

System of Venus (Independent)

Once an all-girl heavy rock outfit, System of Venus have been infiltrated by a testosterone-driven being in the form of drummer, Josh. No longer can we say that all band members represent the goddess of love, beauty, sex, fertility and prosperity, but we can still definitely say that they, as a music-making unit, personify the hottest world in the solar system and the brightest object in the sky. System of Venus was released in July last year, revealing seven tracks that take listeners on a journey of ethics and morals that would make Mother Teresa cry. But rather than brow beat us into submission, the music weaves its way through tempo changes and we rise and fall along with adept instrumentation. Our education isn’t the least bit painful. It’s amazing what this trio can achieve with few instruments. The production is super smooth for a first major release, and the sounds are layered as thick as cream on an Opera Slice. You get the voice of a woman by the name of Fatima Basic, whose vocals are knife-edge sharp, and whose warbling melds with other sounds to compliment rather than compete with the music.

Described variously as a stoner rock band, a doom metal band and proponents of sludge, a listen will convince you that all these styles are present in the tracks on this CD along with many others. Hear the ripping guitar riffs in Dancing In Hell’s Garden, paying particular attention to the shredding strings at the end. Be lulled into a gentle false security by the track Nothing, and hear the lyrics BEST TRACK: Dancing In Hell’s Garden of Monster Ego tear apart the egotists, narcissists and IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: WITCH all the other ‘ists’ who are way too big for their ultra MOUNTAIN, KYLESA, SCREAMING FEMALES stylish boots. .

IN A WORD: Burning SHARON BROOKES

VELOCIRAPTOR

Velociraptor (Dot Dash/Remote Control Records)

At first it seems like the subtle retro veneer has been scratched away to reveal a straight up pop band, but on closer inspection Velociraptor are still paying tribute to bygone eras on their debut self-titled album. They’ve just decided to broaden their influences.

Opener Robocop is anthemic pop-rock, brimming with gang vocals, plentiful hooks but no nods to any music written in the mid-century. In fact it’s got a vocal refrain that feels almost like ‘80s Aussie rock. The Right to Call You is a feel good bopper, if not a little insipid lyrically, while Hollywood Teen recalls melodies that could have been penned by Weezer or Pavement. Ramona has that classic sound you feel instantly connected with, like you know the lyrics and the melodic structure on first listen. Monster Mash is ‘80s pop, almost akin to The Stray Cats when they dropped the rockabilly boogie and surrendered to the context of the era they were making music in.

Leeches feels like the Smiths meets Madness in a display of British new-wave pop. One Last Serenade is summery, carefree and reminiscent of ‘60s girl groups. The doo-wop leanings continue on I Don’t Know Why – a tune you sing while doing the dishes and remembering the romance of the night before. Cool Baby Cool is bubble gum pop featuring a blistering Chuck Berry style solo.

Velociraptor write infectious songs, they’ve got a good grasp on popular music of the last six decades and they access this knowledge bank whenever they feel the need. Whatever era happens to take their fancy, BEST TRACK: Leeches Velociraptor manage to weave their trademarks into IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU’LL LIKE THIS: BIG STAR, NICK LOWE, WEEZER, TEENAGE FANCLUB each song effectively. The end result is an album that IN A WORD: Earworm is varied and ridiculously catchy.

KRYSTAL MAYNARD

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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 51

GIG GUIDE

WHAT'S ON AROUND MELBOURNE THIS WEEK

For all the latest gigs check out beat.com.au

WEDNESDAY AUG 27 INDIE/ROCK/POP/METAL/PUNK/COVERS LONESOME Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8:00pm.

BASH AT BENDIGO - FEAT: MILD MANIC + SPACE RIOT + BREAK A LEG + KILL DIRTY YOUTH + ZEPHYR Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $5.00.

BAYOU + HOLLOW EVERDAZE + HOLY LOTUS Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $6.00.

COQ ROQ WEDNESDAYS - FEAT: JOYBOT + AGENT 86 Lucky Coq, Windsor. 7:00pm.

DANDY WARHOLS + FREEDOM Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $69.00.

DAVE O’CONNOR + WHIPPED CREAM CHARGERS + BRIXTON CHUCK Tote Hotel, Collingwood.

8:00pm.

DECLAN O’ROURKE + ÁINE TYRRELL Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:30pm. $45.00.

JAMES TEAGUE + VENICE MUSIC Penny Black, Brunswick. 8:30pm.

LANKS + DUOUX Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood.

8:30pm. $10.00.

MY LEFT BOOT + CHILD + PEELING SUN + DJ MERMAID Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $5.00.

OPTICAL SCREW + LIZARD MAN + THE RIFT + A BASKET OF MAMMOTHS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.

PALM SPRINGS + CIGGIE WITCH + EVELYN IDA MORRIS Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. $8.00.

SHADOWS ON BLUE + HALFSHARK + ROSE WINTERGREEN Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $8.00.

SHADY LANE + NEW BONES + TROPHY WIFE + LOUIS SPOILS Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $7.00.

SODA EAVES + HOT PALMS + STOLEN VIOLIN Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $6.00.

THE DANDY WARHOLS OFFICIAL TOUR PARTY - FEAT: BAPTISM OF UZI + ALI + DJ RESCUE John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 10:00pm. $5.00.

THE VCA & MELBOURNE UNI BAND COMP Shebeen, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. $5.50.

TIM RICHMOND GROUP + TOTALLY MILD + ERN MALLEY Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm.

JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC

RONNY FERELLA’S FIGHT CLUB 303, Northcote.

8:00pm.

BOPSTRETCH Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.

DIZZY’S BIG BAND WITH PETER HEARNE & CELESTE POLSON + CELESTE POLSON Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8:00pm. $25.00.

GRACE PAGEANT SINGER SONGWRITER NIGHTS Open Studio, Northcote. 8:00pm.

NICOLAS HODGES Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 7:30pm. $50.00.

ROB BURKE & KENNY WERNER (CD LAUNCH) + ROB BURKE + KENNY WERNER Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $25.00.

RUBY’S LIVE JAZZ AFTER DARK - FEAT: FARFALLA SKY Ruby’s Music Room, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. $15.00.

THE GIAN SLATER TRIO Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $18.00.

THE OSCAR NEYLAND QUARTET Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $15.00.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK

CHRIS WILSON Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm.

DRIVING SOUTH - FEAT: ZEVON & THE WEREWOLVES Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 8:00pm.

JACK HOWARD & NICKY DEL RAY Standard Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm.

MELBOURNE FOLK CLUB - FEAT: ANGIE HART + CHRISTOPHER COLEMAN + KIRA PURU Bella Union Bar, Carlton. 8:00pm. $20.00.

OPEN MIC Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm.

OPEN MIC Elwood Lounge, Elwood. 8:00pm.

OPEN MIC Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbotsford. 7:30pm.

OPEN MIC/JAM Musicland, Fawkner. 7:00pm.

SHOW US YOUR LOVE - FEAT: PAUL JAMIESON & MARK GARDNER Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East.

7:00pm.

SOME VELVET BELLES + JANE CAMERON + LARA TRAVIS + TRACEY HOGUE Some Velvet Morning, Clifton Hill. 8:00pm.

THE BRUNSWICK HOTEL’S OPEN MIC Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 7:00pm.

THE HAMMOND ORGAN NIGHTS Musicland, Fawkner. 7:00pm.

WINE WHISKEY WOMEN - FEAT: GEORGIA SPAIN + SIENNA THORNTON Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm.

THURSDAY AUG 28 INDIE/ROCK/POP/METAL/PUNK/COVERS BASTION SONGS + THE KARMENS + NEBRASKATAK Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $7.00.

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 52

BURN CITY UNDERGROUND Public Bar, North Melbourne. 8:30pm. $10.00.

CHAINED LIZARD + TWISTED PISTOL + RED DOOR Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 7:00pm.

DAMN THE TORPEDOES + UNDERGROUND HOUND + BLACK SOUL CHOIR Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $6.00.

DEATHRAID + UNKNOWN TO THE GODS + SEWERCIDE + BOMBS OVER BRUNSWICK Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm.

EASY DADA (EP LAUNCH) + ODCB + SKIVVY WU + BRETT SHEYESZER Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood.

8:30pm. $5.00.

ELODIE ADAMS + THE DIVINE FLUXUS + DEATH OF ART Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm.

EMPAT LIMA + ORLANDO FURIOUS + ROGUE WAVS Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $8.00.

FERGUS MCALPIN Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 8:30pm.

GALLIE & BAN Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8:00pm.

GLIDE TRIBUTE - FEAT: LONESOME + ANDY KENTLER + JMS HARRISON + CABIN INN + DA CALF Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $8.00.

GREENTHIEF + WE DISSAPEAR + PROJECT 62 + LOST COSMONAUT Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick.

8:00pm.

JOSH CASHMAN + AARON THOMAS Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:00pm.

JUST US LAUNCH - FEAT: MANGLEWURZEL + DIE ROTEN PUNKT + DJ LOVELY CLEARWATER + SIMONCEE PAGE JONES The Luwow, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $10.00.

KINGSWOOD + SINKING TEETH Howler, Brunswick.

8:00pm. $22.50.

LAZURUS MODE The Vineyard, St Kilda. 10:00pm.

LIZARDS ON ICE Catfish, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $5.00.

MS MURPHY + THANDO SIKWILA Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 7:30pm. $25.00.

NEXT - FEAT: FOREVER CAME CALLING + TROPHY EYES + ANCHORS Colonial Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm.

ORANGE + SCHLAGER MUSIC + WORM CROWN + BARBITURATES John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:00pm. $7.00.

PLUGGED IN THURSDAYS - FEAT: JAMES GOWANS BAND + HUNTING SEASON + ALYSON MURRAY Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:00pm. $5.00.

RDZJB + TIM HULSMAN + DAN PARSONS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:30pm.

SOUL CUPCAKE + SOUL CUPCAKE + BETTER THAN THE WIZARDS + LAKE MINNETONKA Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:30pm.

TEX NAPALM & HIS PSYCHOTROPIC SOUND SYSTEM Tago Mago, Thornbury. 8:00pm.

THE LOVE BOMBS + MODESTY + DD & THE DAMAGED GOODS Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.

THE MEAN TIMES + NEON QUEEN + DAVID CRAFT Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:30pm. $8.00.

THE UPSTANDING MEMBERS + PLYMOUTH REVERENDS Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbotsford. 7:30pm.

JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC

AUSTRALIAN ART ORCHESTRA (HARD CORE ON THE FLY) - FEAT: HARD CORE ON THE FLY Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $20.00.

FREE RANGE FUNK - FEAT: JAKE JUDD + TIGERFUNK + LEWIS CANCUT Lucky Coq, Windsor. 7:00pm.

KIM KELAART TRIO 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10.00.

KINGSTON CROWN + DJ VINCE PEACH & PIERRE BARONI Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $10.00.

LOS COUGARMEN Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $20.00.

MINTON’S PLAYHOUSE SESSIONS - FEAT: ROBERT SIMONE The B.east, Brunswick East. 8:00pm.

MO’ SOUL - FEAT: THE PERFECTIONS Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm.

OLIVIA CHINDAMO & UNIT 6 Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm.

PETER FOLEY & THE MORDIALLOC JAZZ ORCHESTRA Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8:00pm. $14.00.

RUBY’S LIVE JAZZ AFTER DARK - FEAT: SAM APPAPOULAY Ruby’s Music Room, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. $15.00.

THE MELBOURNE IMPROVISERS COLLECTIVE Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK

AUSTIN BRADY Wesley Anne, Northcote. 6:00pm.

DAN LETHBRIDGE & SHANE O’MARA + DAN LETHBRIDGE + SHANE O’MARA Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 8:00pm.

EATEN BY DOGS + JOSHUA SEYMOUR + BRENDAN WELCH BAND Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $8.00.

JEFF LANG Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 8:00pm. $20.00.

MIKE WATERS + MEL WILKINSON + TOBY KNOX Highlander, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

OPEN MIC Bar Of Bengal, Yarraville. 8:00pm.

PAPER CULT + GANG DARTS + SANS + HUNTED CROWS Bar Open, Fitzroy. 8:30pm.

GIG OF THE WEEK!

KINGSWOOD

When I first looked up Kingswood to see what all the buzz was about, I thought their guitarists surname was Laksa. I got really excited because if you didn’t already know, Laksa is a Malaysian dish that is basically a big bowl of soup, noodles and general happiness. Turns out his last name is actually Laska but you can still get excited because these guys serve up their own kind of happiness. Get a bowl full of Kingswood when they play two shows at Howler August 28 and 29.

PHOEBE DAICOS & THE SIMMER DOWNS Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 8:30pm.

PRINCE THURSDAYS - FEAT: VARIOUS ARTISTS Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 8:00pm.

TASH SULTANA + BOB HUTCHISON Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm.

WHOLE LOTTA BLUES - FEAT: THE WALKING BLUES BAND Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East.

8:00pm.

FRIDAY AUG 29 INDIE/ROCK/POP/METAL/PUNK/COVERS ANIMAUX & THE CACTUS CHANNEL + ANIMAUX + THE CACTUS CHANNEL + DJ CHRIS GILL John Curtin Hotel, Carlton. 8:30pm. $17.00.

BASS MANIAC - FEAT: AMBER SAVAGE + SPLINTA Brown Alley, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $35.00.

BLEACH - FEAT: THE CANING + SHADOWQUEEN + STEEZE CATS + THE VARIANTS + THE MONSTERS OF THE DIRTY SOUTH Lucky 13 Garage, Moorabbin. 8:00pm.

CAN’T SAY Platform One, Melbourne. 9:00pm.

CANDY & THE DEAD + SON OF SET + STRAWBERRY FISTCAKE + HONEYBONE Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 9:00pm.

CHERRY BOMB European Bier Cafe, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm.

CHRIS WILSON Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 5:30pm.

CLASSIC FRIDAY NIGHT ROCK - FEAT: THE ALLNIGHT BAZS Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbotsford. 7:30pm.

CLIENT LIAISON + ANDRAS FOX + ALBERT SALT 170 Russell, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $20.00.

DARK ARTS VI - FEAT: FABIO UMBERTO + BUM CREEK + GAUD + DROOLING MYSTICS + DJ GEUNIK Public Bar, North Melbourne. 8:30pm. $10.00.

DIAMOND NOIR (MONSTERS LAUNCH) + ELECTRIK DYNAMITE + BARBARION + SCAR THE SURFACE Espy, St Kilda. 8:30pm.

DRAWCARD + THESE FOUR WALLS + SHADOWGAME + THE CONTROLLERS + THE HEROINES Star Hotel, South Melbourne. 8:00pm. $10.00.

DRUNK ELK (LP LAUNCH) + CRUDE + ENCOUNTER GROUP + MAD NANNA + DJ PETER BRAMLEY Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm.

EINSTEIN TOYBOYS + BRONNIE GORDON + BELLATRIX Musicland, Fawkner. 8:30pm. $10.00.

ELECTRIK DYNAMITE & BARBARION + SCAR THE SURFACE Espy, St Kilda. 9:00pm.

FLANAGAN’S FRIDAY NIGHTS - FEAT: THE ROLLERCANES + REIKA + ROOM WITH A VIEW Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully. 9:00pm. $5.00.

FOREVER CAME CALLING (ALL AGES) + TROPHY EYES + ANCHORS Wrangler Studios, Footscray.

6:00pm. $25.50.

FUNK RABBIT Catfish, Fitzroy. 9:00pm.

GREAT JOHN HIMSELF + GOGO GODDESSES + DJ JUMPIN JOSH The Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $5.00.

HARD ROCK ASSAULT - FEAT: CRASH & BURN + PROLAPSE + SEVEN DAYS FALLING + NIGHTBREED Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury. 7:30pm. $10.00.

IVAN OOZE Liberty Social, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

KATE MILLER-HEIDKE Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 8:00pm.

KINGSWOOD + THE SINKING TEETH Howler, Brunswick. 8:00pm. $22.50.

KIT CONVICT & THEE TERRIBLE TWO + WRONG TURN + SECRET CRACKPIPE HANDSHAKE Lord Newry Hotel, Fitzroy North. 8:30pm. $8.00.

LITTLE MISS REMEMBERING + THE ELLIOTS + OFFSPRING OF CONVICTS Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East. 8:00pm.

LUCIANBLOMKAMP + PLANÈTE + EMERSE Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $10.00.

MOJO PIN + THE SWEETS + RECKLESS JUNE Vinyl Bar, Moonee Ponds. 8:00pm.

NOÛS - FEAT: NOUS + DIRE FATE + STONING + ROUNDTABLE Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm. $5.00.

QUEEN & ADAM LAMBERT Rod Laver Arena, Mel-

WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES... BEAT.COM.AU/TV

bourne. 8:00pm. $199.00.

RAS JAH KNOW BAND Reverence Hotel, Footscray.

8:00pm. $10.00.

ROOTS OF MUSIC - FEAT: FRIDA Revolver Upstairs, Prahran. 8:30pm. $8.00.

RUN RABBIT RUN + SLEEPY DREAMERS + ELLIOT FRIEND Northcote Social Club, Northcote. 8:30pm. $8.00.

SCHOOL DAMAGE (7” LAUNCH) + THE CLITS + WATERFALL PERSON Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $5.00.

SCOTT & CHARLENE’S WEDDING (TAPE LAUNCH) + THE DIVINE FLUXUS + DEATH OF ART Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm.

SHANTY TOWN + JOHNNY LONGSHOT Bar Open, Fitzroy. 10:00pm.

SHERIFF + THE STIFFYS + DJ KEZBOT Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 10:00pm.

SINGING FOR HUMANS + VISHNU KEYS Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:30pm.

SKYWAYS ARE HIGHWAYS + THE MCQUEENS + DARTS + SUMMER BLOOD Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy.

8:00pm. $10.00.

SOL NATION Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 9:00pm.

SPENCER P JONES Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 5:30pm.

SPENDER + TULLY ON TULLY + HUE BLANES Shebeen, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $12.00.

SPIDERBAIT + APES Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $36.90.

STRAYLOVE + VERA NIGHTS + ZUZU ANGEL + DJ LUCY ARUNDEL Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $13.00.

SUGAR FED LEOPARDS + WES GREEN & THE PLASTIC Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 8:30pm. $10.00.

THE BON SCOTTS + CABBAGES & KINGS The B.east, Brunswick East. 8:00pm.

THE PEEKS + JAMES MOLONEY & THE MAD DOG HARRISONS + HAYLEY COUPER + DESTRENDS Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $10.20.

THE PRIMARY + STRANGERS FROM NOW ON + SOOKY LALA + MCBAIN Workers Club, Fitzroy.

7:30pm. $6.00.

THE SLAUGHTERMEN + YASH Tago Mago, Thornbury.

7:00pm.

THEM BRUINS + CREO + BROTHER JAMES + THE LOVELESS Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10.00.

TOBIAS HENGEVELD + DJ STICKMAN Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8:30pm.

TWERPS + FABULOUS DIAMONDS + THE SHIFTERS The Shadow Electric, Abbotsford. 8:00pm. $10.00.

UP UP AWAY Penny Black, Brunswick. 9:30pm.

WATT’S ON - FEAT: VARIOUS ARTISTS Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 8:30pm.

WHITAKER & OLIVER’S ARMY + THE TEALEAVES Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $10.00.

JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC

A NIGHT OF WINE & JAZZ - FEAT: REBECCA BARNARD & THE ROMANTICS Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 7:30pm. $20.00.

AJAK KWAI BAND Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm.

FULTON STREET Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $13.00.

KENNY WERNER & THE ZELMAN COWEN SCHOOL OF MUSIC Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $25.00.

KERBEROS + DIANA CLARK Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 8:00pm. $20.00.

MONIQUE DIMATTINA Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $20.00.

ODIE IDA + WISHFUL + BILLY & THE TBAGS Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm.

PAUL VAN ROSS Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. $20.00.

RUBY’S CLASSIC BLUE NOTE SERIES - FEAT: SAM APPAPOULAY Ruby’s Music Room, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $20.00.

RUBY’S SEARCH FOR JAZZ CATS 3 Ruby’s Music Room, Melbourne Cbd. 6:00pm.

THE COMPANY OF PIANOS II - FEAT: ANDREA KELLER + MIKE NOCK Melbourne Recital Centre,

gig guide

What's on around Melbourne this Week

For all the latest gigs check out beat.com.au Southbank. 6:00pm. $30.00. will vinson quartet Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy.

8:00pm. yarra banks Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 9:00pm.

acoustic/country/blues/folk

mojo gypsy Elwood Lounge, Elwood. 9:00pm. andrew mcsweeney & midnight hunting crew Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. country duet - feat: the shotgun wedding + the sweet by & by + jemma & the clifton hillbillies + brooke russell & the mean reds marlon williams + alison ferrier + james grim and rich davies Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 8:30pm. $5.00. flying engine stringband Railway Hotel, South Melbourne. 9:30pm. flying engine trio Wesley Anne, Northcote.

6:00pm. friday wine down Elsternwick Hotel, Elwood.

5:00pm. guitar duo - paul carey & julian scheffer Open Studio, Northcote. 6:00pm. jamie hay + liam white + shadow league + josh mann + heath anthony + tim hampshire 303, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10.00. john macnamara Forester’s Beer & Music Hall, Collingwood. 9:30pm. mcalpine’s fusiliers Post Office Hotel, Coburg.

8:00pm. rhythm kitchen Irish Times Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. tali Some Velvet Morning, Clifton Hill. 8:00pm. the tipplers Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 8:30pm. traditional irish music session - feat: dan bourke Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 6:00pm.

saturday aug 30 indie/rock/PoP/Metal/Punk/coVers little sister Elwood Lounge, Elwood. 9:00pm. a high st winter session - feat: awomadah fig + wiley red fox + bloodstain & dr aldridge + the monday project 303, Northcote. 7:00pm. $10.00. afternoon delight - feat: toby graham Old Bar, Fitzroy. 3:00pm. bad vision + kids of zoo + mutton + loobs Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10.00. bang - feat: ocean grove + sierra + earth caller + house vs hurricane Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. bears (little fun launch) + the dead heir + cider tree kids Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10.00. dixon cider + controll + stoned to death + sexgrimes + murderballs Dropout, Yarraville.

7:00pm. drawcard + secret tsunami + the controllers + these four walls Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 8:00pm. $15.00. fishing Shebeen, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $12.00. harvey cartel Labour In Vain, Fitzroy. 5:00pm. i am duckeye + grindhouse + the balls + sorded ordeal Whole Lotta Love, Brunswick East.

8:00pm. joel parnell + andreas mccarthy + jms harrison Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm. king wolf Catfish, Fitzroy. 9:00pm. land of the blind The B.east, Brunswick East.

8:00pm. living death fest ii - feat: disentomb + internal nightmare + the seaford monster + carnal + chaotic reference point Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 5:30pm. magic america + warmth crashes in + breve Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $13.00. masta plan! + dr mr. eezal Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 9:00pm. mercury white Penny Black, Brunswick. 9:30pm. miss lizzy & the night owls + slugger & the stone Bar Open, Fitzroy. 10:00pm. modesty + the divine fluxus Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. nirvana experience + demonic cowboys + shut up & choke me Vinyl Bar, Moonee Ponds.

8:00pm. no stairway + nothing hurts robot + lace & whiskey Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 8:30pm. $10.00. nobunny + the hussy + chinese burns + ad skinner + wet blankets Tote Hotel, Collingwood.

8:00pm. palmar grasp + diecut + employment + older men Public Bar, North Melbourne. 8:30pm. $10.00. patrick james Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:30pm. $20.00. paul kidney experience + fourteen nights

at sea + fraudband John Curtin Hotel, Carlton.

8:30pm. $10.00. progfest - feat: closure in moscow Espy, St Kilda. 8:00pm. $28.90. queen & adam lambert Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. 8:00pm. $199.00. roots of music - feat: frida + seven year itch + jungle hurt Revolver Upstairs, Prahran.

8:30pm. $8.00. seedy jeezus + spencer p jones Tago Mago, Thornbury. 7:00pm. selling time + over proof groove + weight of silence + pride only hurts Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbotsford. 7:30pm. slow grind fever #16 Tote Hotel, Collingwood.

10:00pm. sounds like a party - feat: the black alleys + dumb punts + the velvets dungeon Great Britain Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. sub rosa + three quarter beast + dear stalker + charm Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick.

9:00pm. the audreys Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 8:00pm. $33.00. the mcqueens Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $8.00. the pheasant pluckers + dj adalita Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 10:00pm. threezzacrowd Lincolnshire Arms Hotel, Essendon.

8:00pm. tsugnarly Public Bar, North Melbourne. 2:00am. winter moon + brockway lights + lieutenant jack + beloved elk Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $13.00.

JaZZ/soul/funk/latin/World Music

a plus market - feat: miss naomi jones + fire & theft Darebin North West Uniting Church Hall, Preston. 10:00am. cisco caesar + gogo goddesses + dj barbara blaze The Luwow, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $5.00. dr crask and his swingin’ elixir Open Studio, Northcote. 8:30pm. funk downstairs - feat: dj manchild Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 8:00pm. james macaulay/eugene ball quartet Uptown Jazz Cafe, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. jo lawry quintet Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $25.00. john griffiths Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 6:00pm. $38.00. matt dwyer little big band Forester’s Beer & Music Hall, Collingwood. 9:30pm. michaela jayde Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $20.00. performance workshop with steve sedergreen Ruby’s Music Room, Melbourne Cbd. 2:00pm. $15.00. ruby’s live jazz after dark - feat: gianni marinucci Ruby’s Music Room, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm. $20.00. ruby’s search for jazz cats 3 Ruby’s Music Room, Melbourne Cbd. 6:00pm. sabrina montgomery & roger clark quartet Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 9:00pm. $20.00. sounds of songlines (winter warmers) - feat: jaydenlillyst + shauntai batzke + jayden lillyst Bella Union Bar, Carlton. 8:00pm. $10.00. tamara kuldin sextet Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 9:30pm. $25.00.

sPiderbait

By age nine I was a fuckin’ gun at hide-and-seek. I always found the best ± or reflectively worst place to hide. Once I decided to haul myself into my neighbours recycling bin and patiently hid there for three hours. The only reason I emerged, and probably didn’t spend the rest of my life in there was because a giant Huntsman crawled up my leg and into my shorts. Like I am at hide-and-seek, Spiderbait are fuckin’ guns at rock’n’roll. Seek them out at The Corner Hotel Sunday August 31 and Saturday September 13.

Queen & adaM laMbert

When we first printed Queen’s Australian concert dates on our touring page, we received an email from a very concerned fan of Adam Lambert ± we’d forgotten to include his name as part of the tour. Here at Beat, we can be rather silly sometimes and we apologise to Adam Lambert and all his fans for forgetting about him. We all make mistakes, what’s definitely not a mistake is Adam Lambert singing vocals on Queen’s extensive tour around the world. Catch Queen AND Adam Lambert when they take to the stage at Melbourne’s Laver Arena, I mean Rod Laver Arena, August 29 and 30. Thanks to aforementioned concerned fan of Adam Lambert, the eagle-eyed Rosie, for pointing out the error in our ways.

acoustic/country/blues/folk

action sam European Bier Cafe, Melbourne Cbd. 10:30pm. backwood creatures Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy.

9:30pm. boots Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm. cameron oates + serendipity + paul reid Wesley Anne, Northcote. 8:00pm. $10.00. darkroom (the angels tribute show) + wild violet Musicland, Fawkner. 8:00pm. everything but metal karaoke Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 6:30pm. $12.00. homesick ray’s mild bunch Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 9:00pm. ian collard Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 8:00pm. into the mystic (van morrison tribute) - feat: joe creighton Ormond Hall, Ormond.

8:30pm. kraken folk session Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 3:00pm. mark seymour & the undertow + jack howard + nicky del rey Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick. 8:00pm. $33.00. marty kelly & the weekenders Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:30pm. shaky stills + ryan john brown Some Velvet Morning, Clifton Hill. 8:00pm. take me home (the music & life of john

Write a song about Melbourne & you could Win your big break in the Music industry - bankofMelbourne.coM.au/Musicbank

beat MagaZine Page 53

GIG GUIDE

WHAT'S ON AROUND MELBOURNE THIS WEEK

THE PUSH

+ BEAT PRESENT... whatson@thepush.com.au

For all the latest gigs check out beat.com.au

ACCESS ALL AGES Wednesday August 27 With Alex Black

BAD VISION

THE DANDY WARHOLS

Bad Vision brings to mind that quote from Mean Girls that Cady makes about her opponent Caroline Krafft in the Mathletes Competition. “Her outfit looked like it was picked out by a blind Sunday school teacher.” Turns out making fun of Caroline Krafft wouldn’t help Cady win the competition, and ruining Regina George’s life didn’t make hers any better. But seeing Bad Vision will definitely make your life better. Catch them at their last show before they jet off to Europe.

Saturday August 30 at The Old Bar. DENVER) - FEAT: BEVAN GARDINER Palais Theatre, St Kilda. 7:30pm. $69.00.

THE DETONATORS Union Hotel (brunswick), Brunswick. 9:00pm.

THE GYPSY CRYSTAL BALL + MZAZA + VARDOS + KAVISHA MAZELLA Spotted Mallard, Brunswick.

8:30pm. $12.00.

THE KILLDEERS + DJ BIGGSY Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford.

9:00pm.

THE NATIONAL EVENING EXPRESS + MICHAEL PLATER & THE EXIT KEYS + ACE BRICKLAYING Victoria Hotel (brunswick), Brunswick. 9:00pm.

THE O’DOWDS Irish Times Hotel, Melbourne Cbd. 9:00pm.

THE PRAYERBABIES Union Hotel (brunswick), Brunswick. 5:00pm.

VIC OLD TIME JAM SESSION - FEAT: CRAIG WOODWARD + WARREN ROUGH Victoria Hotel (brunswick), Brunswick. 5:00pm.

SUNDAY AUG 31 INDIE/ROCK/POP/METAL/PUNK/COVERS HOLY PABLITO + PAPER CULT + REVEL IN CHAOS Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm.

BELLWETHERS Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 4:00pm.

BILLY MILLER (BEATLES TRIBUTE) Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh. 3:00am. $20.00.

CHINESE BURNS + PRONTO Tote Hotel, Collingwood.

4:00pm.

FRANKIE ET AL Big Mouth, St Kilda. 6:30pm.

GRANDMASTER MONK Labour In Vain, Fitzroy.

5:00pm.

HEADS OF CHARM + REGRETS + CREEP CAKE + WEEDY GONZALEZ Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $8.00.

IN FOR 10 - FEAT: SEX ON TOAST + ANTI-KIRKIS + MANDEK PENA Howler, Brunswick. 8:00pm. $10.00.

JULES BOULT Catfish, Fitzroy. 5:00pm.

PRYMAL + SELLING TIME + NOTICE OF EVICTION + DEADFALL Tote Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm.

RAISED BY EAGLES Gem Bar, Collingwood. 8:00pm.

RYAN KEEN Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $16.50.

SIGHTS + CELESTE GREEN + APRIL ELLABY Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 3:00pm.

SLOW DANCER + JP KLIPSPRINGER + DR DOCTOR Workers Club, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $8.00.

SOLEMECHANICS + HAPPINESS + PHILERNON Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm.

SPIDERBAIT + APES Corner Hotel, Richmond. 8:00pm. $36.90.

THE AMITY AFFLICTION Festival Hall, West Mel-

MUSICIANS WANTED BANDS/ACTS OF ALL STYLES WANTED for Espy shows. Shoot an email through to mark@gunnmusic. com.au for more details.

MALE LEAD VOCALIST WITH SONG WRITING ABILITY WANTED for original rock/soul band in the St Kilda area. Must be available to gig/tour. Please no time wasters. Call on 0437 113 868 SERVICES SOUNDPARK REHEARSALS NORTHCOTE. From $50. Great rooms/p.a’s. Parking/Storage/Hire.

Phone Andrew 0425 706 382. Soundparkstudios. com.au STAR DRUM TEACHING SCHOOL PTY LTD. Drum students who wish to learn. Telephone Paul Hender: 03 8786 3421.

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 54

A ‘dandy’ is a man who places particular importance on his physical appearance.

The Dandy’s of the 1830’s would often be seen wearing corsets and frocks. The Dandy Warhols are a little more bohemian, like you, the people of Melbourne. So lads, put on your best dress from Savers and head down to The Corner Hotel if you’re lucky, to catch The Dandy Warhols playing the last three of their five epic sold-out tour on August 27 and September 2 and 3. Oh, and head to everyone’s favourite haunt The John Curtin on August 27 for an exclusive and oh so dandy DJ set.

bourne. 8:00pm. $58.40.

THE LAST SUNDAY SCHOOL - FEAT: AWK WAH + ABSTRACT MUTATION + MUMBLE + EVE Public Bar, North Melbourne. 4:00pm.

THE MAX RUDD BAND + BENNY & THE DUKES + PATRICK WILSON & THE BARE RIVER QUEENS Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy. 2:00pm. $8.00.

THE RANDY ANDERSON + RITA SATCH The B.east, Brunswick East. 5:30pm.

UNDERGROUND + DEAD PHARAOHS + SPACE RIOT + NO BODY Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood. 6:00pm. $8.00.

JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC

ALL DAY FRITZ Open Studio, Northcote. 5:00pm.

ANDREW NOLTE & HIS ORCHESTRA Spotted Mallard, Brunswick. 4:30pm.

CLUNK ORCHESTRA 303, Northcote. 7:30pm.

ESTEE BIG BAND Penny Black, Brunswick. 5:00pm.

GEMMA TULLEY AND THE THORNBIRDS Open Studio, Northcote. 8:00pm.

REINVENTIONS - FEAT: FLINDERS QUARTET Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 2:30pm. $40.00.

SOL NATION + TOM TUENA Bar Of Bengal, Yarraville.

3:00pm. $10.00.

SUN-DAZED - FEAT: VARIOUS ARTISTS Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 8:00pm.

TAMIL ROGEON + DOUG DE VRIES + AL KERR The Everleigh, Fitzroy. 9:30pm.

WILL VINSON Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $20.00.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK

BLUES AT THE BOOGIE MAN - FEAT: MISSTUESDAY + BRENDAN FORWARD Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbotsford. 5:00pm.

CHRIS WILSON + DJ MAX CRAWDADDY Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 2:00pm. $5.00.

DAREBIN SONGWRITERS GUILD 303, Northcote.

3:30pm.

DONNIE DUREAU + HEATH ANTHONY + MARA THREAT + TIM HAMPSHIRE Reverence Hotel, Footscray. 3:00pm.

EMILEE SOUTH + BROOKE RUSSELL Some Velvet Morning, Clifton Hill. 6:00pm.

JAM SUNDAYS Musicland, Fawkner. 6:00pm.

JAZZY BADE BOON Elwood Lounge, Elwood. 6:00pm.

JEB CARDWELL + LISA MILLER & SHANE O’MARA Drunken Poet, West Melbourne. 4:00pm.

LUCIE THORNE + WAYWARDBREED Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 5:00pm.

LUKE SEYMOUP BAND + GOLD ETIQUETTES + SHINY COIN + TEAM REASONABLE Bar Open, Fitzroy. 6:00pm.

MARK SNARSKI & THE FURY Post Office Hotel, Coburg. 4:30pm.

MARTY & THE WEEKENDERS Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 9:00pm.

OPEN MIC Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 7:00pm.

REBELS WITHOUT A CLUE Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. 5:00pm.

SPENCER P JONES Tago Mago, Thornbury. 7:00pm.

SUNDAY SESSIONS - FEAT: VARIOUS ARTISTS Lucky Coq, Windsor. 4:00pm.

TESS MCKENNA & KAREN RUSH Union Hotel (brunswick), Brunswick. 3:30pm.

THE BEN ROGERS TRIO Robarta, St Kilda. 4:00pm.

THE HARMANIAX Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy. 4:00pm.

THE HEARTACHE STATE Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford.

4:00pm.

THE HORNETS Wesley Anne, Northcote. 3:00pm.

THE JUNES Union Hotel (brunswick), Brunswick. 5:00pm.

MONDAY SEP 1 INDIE/ROCK/POP/METAL/PUNK/COVERS ACHITECTS + STRAY FROM THE PATH + HAND OF MERCY Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm.

CALL IT IN - FEAT: DJ JAMES TOM + DJ DYLAN MICHEL Boney, Melbourne Cbd. 6:00pm.

CHERRY JAM Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm.

MONDAY NIGHT MASS - FEAT: BEACHES + PIKELET + GURNER Northcote Social Club, Northcote.

6:00pm.

THE UPSIDEDOWN Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $8.00.

THEE MARSHMALLOW OVERCOAT Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8:00pm.

TJ CUSHING + LUKE BRENNAN Public Bar, North Melbourne. 7:00pm.

JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC

CAREY GRAMMAR Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond.

7:00pm. $14.00.

JAZZ PARTY - FEAT: VARIOUS ARTISTS Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm.

REINVENTIONS - FEAT: FLINDERS QUARTET Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 7:00pm. $50.00.

RUBY’S LIVE JAZZ AFTER DARK - FEAT: THE STEINWAY DUO Ruby’s Music Room, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. $15.00.

THE BENNETTS LANE BIG BAND Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $18.00.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK

CAJUN DANCE PARTY - FEAT: THE ‘JOHNNY CAN’T DANCE’ CAJUN BAND Victoria Hotel (brunswick), Brunswick. 7:00pm.

JAM NIGHT Penny Black, Brunswick. 8:00pm.

SONGWRITERS COLLECTIVE 303, Northcote.

8:00pm.

THE MUTUAL APPRECIATION SOCIETY - FEAT: DAN PARSONS & DAN WATERS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 8:00pm.

TUESDAY SEP 2 INDIE/ROCK/POP/METAL/PUNK/COVERS AU REVIEW 6TH BIRTHDAY - FEAT: FORTUNES + MARTIN KING + LEISURE SUITE + HUDSON + TROOP DJ Workers Club, Fitzroy. 7:00pm. $10.00.

DANDY WARHOLS + THE UPSIDEDOWN + THE NEW POLLUTION Corner Hotel, Richmond. 7:30pm. $69.00.

DEL BOCA VISTA + REVENGE SURGERY Public Bar, North Melbourne. 7:00pm.

THE BASICS + SUGAR FED LEOPARDS Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood. 8:00pm. $20.00.

THE MARSHMALLOW OVERCOATS Cherry Bar, Melbourne Cbd. 8:00pm. $5.00.

JAZZ/SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/WORLD MUSIC

AARON MCCOULLOUGH QUARTET Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $18.00.

QUARTET ON COLLINS #2 - FEAT: FLINDERS QUARTET Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank.

1:00pm. $38.00.

RUBY’S LIVE JAZZ AFTER DARK - FEAT: DEXTER’S ASIAN CONNECTION Ruby’s Music Room, Melbourne Cbd. 7:00pm. $15.00.

SWINBURNE SECONDARY Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Richmond. 7:00pm. $14.00.

THE GEORGE BORTHWICK TRIO Open Studio, Northcote. 8:00pm. $5.00.

VCA SCHOOL OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne Cbd. 8:30pm. $8.00.

VOCAL FIREWORKS - FEAT: THE SONG COMPANY Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank. 6:00pm. $59.00.

ACOUSTIC/COUNTRY/BLUES/FOLK

KLUB MUK 303, Northcote. 7:30pm.

BENNY WALKER + THE WEEPING WILLOWS Retreat Hotel, Brunswick. 7:30pm.

IRISH SESSIONS Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East.

8:00pm.

MATT STOTT Old Bar, Fitzroy. 8:00pm. $6.00.

OPEN MIC Prince Public Bar, St Kilda . 8:00pm.

RITA SATCH + JUDE PEARL + DJ MZRIZK Toff In Town, Melbourne Cbd. 7:30pm. $10.00.

WATCH INTERVIEWS, CHATS & AWKWARD SILENCES... BEAT.COM.AU/TV

Are you the next Steven Spielberg? It’s time to get out the cameras and start creating a story that uncovers Moonee Valley’s gems for Fling Fest 2014! If you are a filmmaker, actor, producer, writer, musician or director this is your opportunity to shine! Entries close September 15, with screenings of the finalists on October 23 at Village Cinemas Airport West. For more info head to mvcc.vic.gov.au/flingfest.

For all you artistic kids out there the fine folk at Lentil As Anything are looking for some artists to fill their walls at Abbottsford for the months of September and October. They are looking for people with a body of work ready to go, any style and skill-level. They’re also happy to take group artists as well, so if this is up your alley please contact Flick via email at flickrad@ y7mail.com with some photos of your work as well as a little blurb about yourself.

Bring your music to the masses at St Kilda Festival 2015! Enter your act to score a gig during Live N Local or one of the coveted slots on the New Music Stage on Festival Sunday, head to stkildafestival.com. au for all the details!

How cool would it be to travel the world and share your music overseas? Well you can do exactly that with The Australian Independent Records Association (AIR) and Carlton Dry’s $50,000 Carlton Dry Global Music Grant in 2014. This grant gives artists access to funds required to take their music to audiences around the world. The prize money must be used exclusively to help tour, showcase, record or relocate overseas to further your career. For full details on the application requirements head to air.org.au.

ALL AGES TIMETABLE THURSDAY AUGUST 28 Bayside Film Festival Screenings, Palace Dendy Brighton, 26 Church Street, 10am-8:30pm (multiple programs), baysidefilmfestival.org.au, AA FRIDAY AUGUST 29 Love Alone w/ The Evercold, The Warhorse, Opedipus Rex, Spectral Fires, Dropout Venue 18/157 Hyde Street, Yarraville, 7pm, $10, jack@destructagency. com, AA Forever Came Calling (USA) w/ Trophy Eyes , The Drive Home, Harbours, Set The Score, Wrangler Studios West Footscray, 6pm, $25.50, oztix.com.au AA Queen w/ Adam Lambert, Rod Laver Arena, Olympic Boulevard Melbourne, 8pm, resale.ticketmaster.com. au, AA FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands - Wyndham Final w/ Midnight Academy, Ash Archer & the Spitfires, Half Breed Hereos, No Not the Bees, Hospital, Kissing Booth, and Luca Brasi, Wyndham Youth Resource Centre, 86 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing, 6.00pm - 10.30pm, $10, youth.wyndham. vic.gov.au, AA SATURDAY AUGUST 30 FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands – Moonee Valley Heat w/ Arcadian, Camdogg, Tommy Castles, Malibu Barbee, Old Street, Niddrie Youth Hub, Matthews Avenue Niddrie, Gold Coin entry, 2pm6pm, AA Fired Up! - Breakdance Preliminary, The Castle (Hemmings Park), Princes Hwy, Dandenong, 2.00pm - 5,00pm, $5, greaterdandenong.com, AA FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands - Hobsons Bay heat, Laverton Community Hub: 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton, 3.00pm - 7.00pm, $10, hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Young_people, AA SUNDAY AUGUST 31 Unleashed Festival w/ Allday, Remi, D At Sea, and other Aussie artists, inspiring speakers, short films and awesome workshops, Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, unleashedfestival.com/, AA The Amity Affliction w/ Architects, Issues, Deez Nuts, Stray From The Path, Festival Hall, Dudley Street West Melbourne, 6:30pm, festivalhall.com. au, AA RUBY TUESDAY TUESDAYS - FEAT: CAROLINE NO Yarra Hotel, Abbotsford. 8:00pm.

THE COOKIES Musicland, Fawkner. 7:30pm. $5.00.

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS BAND COMPETITION Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick. 7:00pm.

CHECK OUT ALL THE LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND FREE SHIT AT BEAT.COM.AU

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 55

BACKSTAGE

THE PLACE FOR MUSICIANS

For more information or ad bookings call Aleksei on 9428 3600 or email mixdown@beat.com.au

film maker PROFILE:

wilk

What do you feel are the MUST HAVES/DOS for a band when looking to create a video clip?

The video must reflect the feeling of the song first and foremost. Following that; show something people haven’t seen before - make it powerful and hard to ignore.

What kind of cameras do you work with and why?

Everything from a $200 JVC Handi cam, Go Pro, DSLR to a RED epic. It doesn’t matter as long as the camera will give the cinematic look I’m after and can deliver the technical specifications of what I’m after.

Can you name a few notable bands/artists you’ve produced clips for and how we may remember them?

Sarah Blasko, Ella Hooper, Jack Ladder, Spender, Gotye.

You’re also an incredibly talented photographer. Which came first for you, videography or photography and how did one lead to the other?

I’ve been a professional photographer since the age of nineteen. I started directing videos about three or four years ago. Things have really opened up with the DSLR DIY revolution the last five years via YouTube.

I was writing treatments for videos and watching other directors butcher them, in my opinion. So I thought I’d give it a crack.

You’re becoming known for the one-take shoots with interesting edits. How did you get in to this and how do you always manage to keep it soo captivating over the course of 3+ minutes?!

I was first a photographer so a single image to single take makes sense. In the films I like by directors I admire and anyone who knows film knows one of the hardest things to do is the single take, or ‘long take’. Applying that mentality out of necessity due to reduced budgets, my single take thing sort of evolved from there. You plan and build in moments during the single take, by listening to the music.

Do you come up with the concepts for your video clips, or is it a collaborative effort with the artist you’re working with?

I conceive and present the treatment, sometimes the artist has a loose idea to start with.

It may be like choosing your favourite child, but do you have a favourite clip you’ve produced and if so, why?

No, to be honest I can usually find fault in all of them.

Do you have a special WILK trait that makes your clips recognisably ‘Wilk’?

Not yet.

venue PROFILE:

What made you decide to get on board with the Melbourne Music Bank?

I was asked, and I’ll try anything once. Plus, an initiative aimed at giving up and coming artists a leg up in the industry can only be a good thing.

What qualities are you looking for in the Melbourne Music Bank winner?

Originality.

A film clip by WILK is one of the career changing prizes on offer as part of Melbourne Music Bank, a community based songwriting initiative. All you have to do is submit an original song about Melbourne. Head to bankofmelbourne.com.au/ melbmusicbank for more info.

the great britain hotel

How long operating?

Since it changed hands in July.

Cover charge?

Nope, nope! Not at GB.

What do you feel is major attraction?

-Nick’s beard, which reflects the gratuitous awesomeness of GB. -Lawrence, that guy’s always got a beer in his hand.

-Richmond’s only dive bar with it’s own dungeon. Yes. A dungeon…

Food specials?

Everyone at GB is put through rigorous in-house training to ensure we are leading the way in the steamed dim sim and nut-scooping profession. Jokes! The Great Britain doesn’t have a kitchen so we order food from local businesses and they are awesome enough to drop it to us. We then deliver it to your couch, stool or chosen carpet space.

What was your favourite show in the last 6mths?

Home & Away How many nights of live music and entertainment are running at your venue?

Six nights a week. Trivia Tuesdays, Open Mic Wednesdays, live music Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and DJ’s on Friday and Saturday, kicking on in the Dungeon until 3AM! Ways to get there?

Train, tram, cab, skate, unicycle, pogo stick, camel, skip, roll. If notice is given, we can even get Scotty to beam you up.

Available for functions?

Hells yes. We have different sections of the venue that can be reserved for most shindigs, not to mention a great beer garden and deck out back for any other good times you want to have. The Dungeon (underneath the pub) fits around 100 people, has its own fully stocked bar, turntables and a sweet stage tucked up in the corner (could be a mad space for an album launch.)

Crowd?

Beards, boots, tits, suits, fat, bald, skinny and tall. You never know what combo you might get!

Opening hours?

(Unless there is some sort of GB catastrophe, our doors don’t close early) Sunday – Thursday: 4pm – 1am Friday: 12pm – 1am, 11pm – 3am in the Dungeon Saturday: 4pm – 1am, 11pm – 3am in the Dungeon BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 56

Known for?

- The pub that was closing its doors, never to be open again.

- The pub that was being demolished and turned in to apartments.

- The pub that was being renovated and shaped into the same mould as other venues in the area. ALL NOT HAPPENING! Since a change of hands in July, you are sure to see a few changes. There’s some new faces behind the bar serving GB Draught, some new additions to the décor collection and we did a bit of a premature spring clean.

Apart from that we’ve got a bunch of rad bands and artists keeping GB’s music scene alive, a great range of spirits, beer and cider on tap so you will finish your drink and be excited for what you can try next.

Website and contact details Haha. Now our website is under construction, it should be up and running soon. Like us on Facebook and contact us on www.facebook.com/thegreatbritainhotel 9810 0082 admin@thegreatbritainhotel.com Anything Else?

We’d like to send a huge thanks out to the previous owners Chris and Penyy. You did an awesome job, and if we could run this pub half as well as you did, we’d be happy.

Write a song about Melbourne & you could win your big break in the music industry - bankofmelbourne.com.au/musicbank

BACKSTAGE

THE PLACE FOR MUSICIANS

For more information or ad bookings call Aleksei on 9428 3600

NEW Lower Prices on Rehearsal Rooms!

Large Rooms now $70 Medium Rooms $60 ANY NIGHT! Large Rooms $60 Medium Rooms $50 EVERY DAY!

FREE STORAGE ALL AUGUST!

Call 03 9391 3444 for bookings Open 7 Days till Late Unit 10, 59-61 Hudsons Road, Spotswood 3015 www.soundcitymelbourne.com

Vintage, New & Second Hand Amps, Effects Pedals & Rigs

Huge Selection – All major Brands

Guitars and Amps wanted Top CA$H Paid

Expert Guitar & Amp Repairs Mods & Restoration Fast Turnaround Affordable Rates Technicians on site 1131 Burke Rd KEW 3101 Phone: 03 9817 7000 www.eastgatemusic.com.au

Brand new 2000 watt HK Audio powered speakers, ProFX12 Mackie desks and 400 watt Yamaha powered foldbacks in every room (March 2013) • 10 identical 30m2 rooms • Air con and ventilation in every room • Amp and drumkit hire • Storage facilities • Acoustic engineer designed soundproofing • External PA Hire available

18 Duffy St Burwood PH: (03) 903 88101, M: 0417 000 397 Email: hydrastudios@bigpond.com www.hydrastudios.com.au

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BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 57

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH

MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS & GOSSIP

With Christie Eliezer * Stuff for this column to be emailed to <celiezer@netspace.net.au> by Friday 5pm

LIVE MUSIC OFFICE TO RESEARCH LIVE MUSIC CONTRIBUTION Sydney-based Live Music Office’s new website livemusicoffice.com.au will serve as a resource for the live music industry and the Government to see how policies are helping the sector. It also enables venues and musicians to set up gigs and build audiences.

Policy Director John Wardle said live music strategies in Sydney, Wollongong, Adelaide and Melbourne over the last year “recognise that if venues and musicians are going to be a part of our community then we need to plan for their future.” It’s teamed with University of Tasmania to research a proper snapshot of the sector’s contribution. “There’s a lot of activity that flies under the radar and the economic and cultural value can be tricky to measure,” said head researcher Dr. David Carter. A consumer survey is at http://research.link. edu.au/641669.

CALVIN HARRIS HIGHEST PAID DJ AGAIN Calvin Harris is the highest paid DJ in the world, according to US business mag Forbes’ Electronic Cash Kings list, earning US$66 million. He said: “The rise of dance music has been astronomical in the last three years. I happened to be in the right place at the right time.” Harris topped last year’s poll too, with earnings of $46m. At #2 was David Guetta ($30m) while Tiesto, Aviici and Steve Aoki made up the rest of the top five. The list takes in earnings from live shows (Harris played 50), merchandise, endorsements, record sales and ‘external business ventures’, from June 1 2013 to June 1 2014. The top ten earners on the list have a combined total of $268m, up 11% on last year.

WORLD DEAL FOR DEAD CITY RUINS A self-funded 33-show, 13 country tour with Skid Row and Ugly Kid Joe has led to an international deal with German metal/rock Metalville Records for Melbourne’s Dead City Ruins. Label boss Holger Koch saw them in Cologne and put their self-titled album (made with US producer James Lugo; Maiden, Dokken) on repeat. Skid Row’s Dave “The Snake” Sabo is also a fan. “They’re just these young, broke kids who don’t give a fuck except to play music in front of people. I love it, that’s the spirit of rock and roll.” The album is released worldwide on October 24, with Aussie/ European tour dates to follow. Dead City Ruins’ Jake Wiffen says signing with a Europeanbased label “not only makes perfect business sense, it’s got us ecstatic and screaming to get back out on the road. We couldn’t be more stoked!!” The European release has a bonus track, a cover of AC/DC’s Rock ’n’ Roll Damnation with Ugly Kid Joe’s Whitfield Crane (who refers to them as “the real deal”) on vocals.

TWERPS SIGN INTERNATIONAL DEAL Melbourne pop outfit Twerps have signed a global deal with North Carolina-based Merge Records – home to Arcade Fire, Spoon and Caribou, as well as such Twerps personal faves as The Clean and Teenage Fanclub. The band is signed for Australia and NZ with Chapter Music. Twerps just released an eight-song EP Underlay, their first to feature new drummer Alex Macfarlane.

APES AT 13 ARTISTS Melbourne’s Apes signed with UK booking agency 13 Artists, whose roster includes Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, The Stone Roses and Radiohead. They do a four-date UK tour October 1 to 4 taking in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham. Apes have had UK radio airplay, from BBC Radio 1 for Helluva Time and this month from XFM with single Pull the Trigger.

LUCIANBLOMKAMP JOINS NEW WORLD ARTISTS Melbourne classically trained producer/beatmeister LUCIANBLOMKAMP joined Sydney agency New World Artists. His new debut album, Post Nature, follows last year’s Self Titled EP. He’s joining Kite String Tangle on tour.

THINGS WE HEAR • Which two lawyers in a legal firm are fighting to NOT have to represent a demanding singer?

• Are Kanye West and Paul McCartney recording together?

BEAT MAGAZINE PAGE 58

• Aside from news that The Astor Theatre and Bennetts Lane are set to close their doors (see Beat. com.au for full reports), The Palais in St. Kilda is under threat, The Age reported. Port Phillip Council has sent a Saving The Palais brochure to all MPs saying it needs $15 million of renovation in the short term to save it from “imminent risk of closure” and $25 million over the long term • Flume’s new 10-minute slow burning remix of Arcade Fire’s Afterlife got over 1 million plays in its first week.

• While Triple R’s Radiothon lasts until Sept 24, Casey Bennetto joined Breakfasters, hip-hop outfit RaRa for Jason Moore’s Local &/or General and Sophie Black for Michelle Bennett’s Spoke to talk of their love for RRR. Courtney Barnett, Fraser A. Gorman and Sam Pang joined Maps’ Fee B-Squared for a live version of King Gizzard and Lizard Wizard’s It’s Got Old.

• From Our Man In China: Black Arm Band made their Chinese debut on the weekend in Shanghai, with 17 musicians doing twelve of their own songs and two Chinese songs. Meantime, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard play the Modern Sky Festival in Beijing on August 30

• Just over four years since its release, The Amity Affliction’s breakthrough album Youngbloods has been certified gold with sales of over 35,000 copies.

• The life of GWAR frontman Dave Brockie – aka Oderus Urungus, who died of a heroin OD in March – was celebrated at its annual Gwar-B-Q festival in Virginia with his stage costume set ablaze in a Viking-style funeral pyre.

• Who’s a millionaire global superstar? Those chomping lunch at communal eating Ponsonby Food Hall (NZ) probably didn’t realise that among their midst, eating budget with plastic forks, were Lorde and mum Sonja Yelich.

• A new study by Qld University of Technology found 2.8 million Australians are registered on Twitter.

ACT with highest per capita concentration of users.

• Kesha revealed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon she broke into Prince’s house to leave some music for him – and found him at home playing the guitar. He didn’t speak, just gave her a look, so she scrammed.

• Chicago’s Congress Theatre has re-opened with a ban on all EDM events. After hosting Skrillex and Steve Aoki in the past, it had to close in May 2013 after “drug related problems” led to the loss of its liquor license.

• On his songwriting trip through Paris, Stockholm and London, Chance Waters is collaborating with producers and writers including chart-topping Agent X and Micky Green who was on Flight Facilities single Stand Still.

• The Cactus Channel released a remix of a tune by Animaux to promote a double headliner the two have this Friday 29 at John Curtin Bandroom. The track is not the usual remix: CC re-created it in their shed from scratch with the original a capella on top, changing it into a spooky soul banger.

• The gods were shining on David Chisholm, artistic director of the Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music. Weeks before it began on September 5, an injury forced cellist Blair Harris to pull out of an extremely complex 55-minute piece of music. Thankfully, acclaimed Germany-based cellist Elena Cheach was holidaying in the country and was pleased to step in.

• Nicki Minaj set a new Vevo record with the Anaconda video getting 19.6 million views within 24 hours of release. Meantime one of her dancers was bitten by a six-foot boa constrictor after she startled it onstage during rehearsals for the MTV awards.

VALE IAN SMITH One time manager and tour manager Ian Smith passed late last week after a battle with cancer. Beginning as an artist manager (including Australian Crawl for a time) and being involved in associations such as Ausmusic and the Victorian Rock Foundation, Smith became an event manager and producer for music, sporting and corporate events. He was tour manager at Frontier Touring and operations coordinator for New Years Eve at City of Sydney.

UNION CALLS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO PEATS RIDGE The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) wants all creditors to write to corporate

watchdog ASIC by August 28 to demand it continue investigating the collapse of the Peats Ridge Sustainable Arts and Music Festival. Held in Glenworth Valley on the NSW Central Coast, it went belly-up after the 2012/13 event with $1.4 – $1.6 million in unaccounted ticket revenue, leaving acts and production crew out of pocket. Liquidators Worrells claimed in June of evidence festival director Matthew Grant “breached a number of criminal sections of the Corporation Act,” citing insolvent trading, preferential payments, and inadequate record keeping. The 2012 creditors may not see any money as the $1.6 million was allegedly used to pay creditors of earlier festivals.

But after an 18-month investigation, ASIC suspended inquiries because it lacks funding. “As the union representing performers & crew in the arts industry, we want to ensure those responsible for the failure of the Peats Ridge Festival are held accountable, and send a message to our industry that people who attract and entertain the paying public should be paid fairly and protected from unscrupulous operators,” MEAA said.

TWO ADDITIONS TO WOMEN OF LETTERS TEAM As their workload grows, literary phenomenon Women of Letters brought in Lorelei Vashti (WOL alumni and author of the upcoming Dress Memory) and Gabi Barton (Town Bikes dancer, choreographer and artist) to help manage and run their worldwide events. See beat.com.au for full report.

GOOD WORKS #1: GRACE KNIGHT’S SHOW FOR KENYA SCHOOL Grace Knight is doing a charity show for the Chepkinoiyo School in Kenya, to raise $10,000 for its first permanent building to house three classrooms.

Since the post-election violence in Kenya four years ago, the school has become dilapidated with leaking roofs and rotting timber and its 150 children studying on unhealthy dirt floors in tin rooms. Knight is good friends with Emily and Thomas McKenzie who started the charity while volunteering as teachers there. It is on Friday September 5 from 7.30 pm at Healesville High School. Tickets at www.trybooking. com/94869. Donations made at www.chepkinoiyo. wix.com/chepkinoiyo. More info www.graceknight. com.au.

LIFELINES Born: daughter to Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and wife Jordyn Blum, their third.

This month Grohl also lost his father after a long illness.

Born: son Saint Lazslo for Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz and galpal Meagan Camper.

His five-year-old son was lumbered with the name Bronx Mowgli.

Split: America’s Got Talent host Nick Gannon confirmed he and Mariah Carey are living separately. They married in 2008 and have three-year-old twins.

Engaged: singer Anthony Callea and singer/actor Tim Campbell after seven years together.

Expecting: former Pussycat Doll turned Got to Dance UK judge Kimberley Wyatt and husband male model Max Rogers are having a girl in December.

In Court: Jay Sedrish, executive producer and production manager of the Gregg Allman biopic Midnight Rider, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges of camera assistant Sarah Jones who was killed by a train on the set in February.

Sued: Justin Bieber by photographer Aja Oxman who claims Bieber instructed his bodyguard to smash his camera and slam him against a car bonnet after he took a shot of the singer jumping off a cliff in Hawaii.

Died: bassist Billy Rath who replaced Richard Hell in Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers, 66, after a long illness.

Died: Caterina de Nave, commissioning editor for drama, comedy and entertainment at SBS, after a long illness.

She commissioned high profile shows such as Better Man, Danger 5, Housos, Legally Brown and A Pang for Brazil Died: US music journalist Charles M. Young, who joined Rolling Stone in 1976 and championed the New York punk scene, of cancer, at 63.

GOOD WORKS #2: REGIONAL STATIONS RAISING FUNDS The first fundraiser for Bendigo community station Life 105 exceeded its target by drawing in $1,000.

It will use funds for a care line for listeners, online streaming and operating costs. To add to donations call 5444 3512.

95 3SRFM Shepparton raised $130,255 for equipment for a children’s ward at GV Health. It was part of its owner Southern Cross Austereo’s Give Me 5 for Kids charity which made $12 million across Australia and helped 40 hospitals.

PPCA HELPS OUT ATSI MUSIC OFFICE The PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia) has joined APRA AMCOS to expand the activities of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Music Office. The Office was set up in 2008 by APRA AMCOS and the Australia Council to provide opportunities for indigenous musicians.

RUMJACKS SIGN MANAGEMENT Sydney folk punkers The Rumjacks signed management to Troubadour Music. They’re recording an album and will unveil shows in coming months.

EVENTBRITE’S SNAPSHOT OF AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL GOER A snapshot of Australian festival goers by ticketing platform Eventbrite’s Festival Social Buzz Study found the average attendee is twenty-something, female and in a relationship. 55% of attendees are female, 45% are men. 68% are married. A quarter are in their thirties.

35% have children. They’re not as music-obsessed as you’d imagine. 48% expressed a keen interest in politics and news, then comedy (21%), music (20%), technology (17%), cooking (13%) and fashion (12%). They are social media savvy, with Twitter as their platform of choice. Soundwave was the most effective of festivals, engaging audiences over a long period, and using smart tricks as staggering artist announcements and getting acts to “speak” directly with fans. The other most talked about are Stereosonic, Vivid Sydney, Big Day Out,

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Splendour in the Grass, St. Jerome’s Laneway, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, Tropfest, Melbourne International Comedy and Australia Day Parade. But when social media buzz is put in perspective of their size of the crowds they draw, Splendour in the Grass has the most engaged audience. Then come Stereosonic and Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

LITTLE SEA SIGN WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC Sydney pop band Little Sea signed a global deal with Universal Music Publishing. The act built up its popularity through social media and busking with its indie EP Wake the Sun debuting at #1 on the Australian iTunes chart.

MORE ON YOUTUBE MUSIC SERVICE YouTube’s parent company Google remains hush-hush about the release date of YouTube’s much rumoured subscription-based music service as it’s still negotiating with record labels. But Android Police claims it will be called YouTube Music Key, and the year-old Google Play Music All Access will be rebranded Google Play Music Key. The YouTube service allegedly offer ad-free music, audio-only playback, concert footage, remixes and discographies.

CONTROL: THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC MANAGEMENT The Australian Music Industry Network’s five-stage CONTROL program for music managers, has opened applications until Sept 29 at www.amin.org.au It will help grow their businesses, with the first of two residential labs near Sydney on Nov 23 to 26. Six music and business advisers including managers Paul McKessar and Correne Wilkie will work with participants on their leadership skills and business models.