Drum Media Perth Issue 335

DOWNLOAD NOW ON THE IPAD • THURSDAY 25 APRIL 2013 • 335 • FREE

IO

ALKALINE TR

PHOENIX

YACHT

SHOCK ONE

INSIDE: BLUE OYSTER CULT • SURECUT KIDS • CAVEMAN • THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS

3

FOREWORD LINE

NEWS FROM THE FRONT

IN BRIEF World-renowned entertainer Rolf Harris has been named as the Australian in suspicion of historic sex offences. The 83-year-old, best known for his hit Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport, is currently under investigation as a part of Operation Yewtree, an inquiry created following the child abuse scandal of Sir Jimmy Saville.

MOBIN MASTER

DREAM MASTER After producing what’s now become one of the biggest club anthems (Show Me Love) Mobin Master is back with Tate Strauss and Polina on the ethereal and hypnotic track Dreams. Dreams is a haunting ode to an aching eternal love, based upon the spiritual, physical and sensual. It is Mobin Master and Tate Strauss’ latest smash hit collaboration. Running the successful Safari Music independent EDM Australian label, this release is looming as their biggest and most successful collaboration to date, and is only the newest example of the magic they bring to the Australian dance scene They bring that magic to Leisure In, Rockingham on Thursday 25 May; Dusk Nightclub, Joondalup, Friday 24; and Gilkinsons Saturday 25. Head to safarimusic.com.au for ticket details and to get a taste of their work.

A member of American MOR rockers 3 Doors Down has been charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication following the death of a 47-year-old man in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bassist for the group, Robert Todd Harrell, was consuming cider and prescription drugs on the night of the car accident.

ALSY MCDONALD

POLLY WANT A REUNION Thirty years ago, The Red Parrot burst onto the scene, catapulting sleepy old Perth into the heady arena of international nightclubbing virtually overnight. It was compared to New York’s iconic Studio 54 club: the Parrot was new, invigorating and exciting. Almost 12 months in the planning, the Red Parrot Reunion event is finally happening on Saturday 4 May. Unfortunately, the original building could not be used for the event, but hey, The Bakery is just the place to capture the magic of the original night. In true Red Parrot fashion, they have a mixed bad of DJs and live bands, favouring neither but supplying both: DJs Snuff, General Justice, Adrian Mansfield and Claude Mono, plus the likes of The Triffids’ Jill Birt & Alsy McDonald, Femme Fatale, and a bunch of Parrot fellows including Dom Mariani and Greg Hitchcock.

New Queensland music event The Big Pineapple Music Festival sold out its inaugural year with 10,000 through the gates on Sunday to hear the likes of Grinspoon, Birds Of Tokyo, British India and more.

BORIS

COMMOTIO BORIS Bone-shakingly loud Japanese outfit Boris are returning once again to Perth, this time performing in their classic trio line-up to play their cult third album, Flood, at the Rosemount Hotel on Monday 24 June. Trying to describe the band to a new listener is no easy feat, with Boris perhaps being best defined by their inability to be pigeonholed.

With over 20 studio albums in the last 15 years, not to mention EPs and collaborative records, the band have drawn from everything from metal, noise and stoner rock.

Local support comes from a band who match Boris in un-pigeonholability, Eleventh He Reaches London. Tickets through lifeisnoise.com, Oztix, Heatseeker and the venue.

WWW.YA-YAS.COM.AU THURSDAY APRIL 25 W/

SHONTAY SNOW

YIANNOS MCSTAVROS, RILEY PEARCE, LITTLE SKYE AND ELOISE ASHTON ENTRY $10/7:30PM

FRIDAY APRIL 26

ALEX THE KID (EP LAUNCH) W/

AITCHES (MELB), BLINDSPOT AND 10 PAST 6 ENTRY $10/7:30PM

SATURDAY APRIL 27 W/

MISTY MOUNTAIN

JOHN DIGWEED

RENNAISSANCE MAN Producer. DJ. Industry legend. A career built on substance. One of the planet’s most popular DJs, his sets never fall out of favour. John Digweed doesn’t need hype. His first album, Renaissance, was a surprise huge seller, warranting a follow-up, the whopping Renaissance 2. Digweed subsequently scored Top 40 hits with Heaven Scent and For What You Dream Of (with Nick Muir, featured in the movie Trainspotting) and a Top 30 hit with a remix of Chakra’s I Am. Digweed also bought a dance club in the south of England in order to perform and promote on a weekly basis. As visionaries do. Catch him when he spins at Villa on Friday 7 June. Tickets through Moshtix.

JAMES JOHNSTON & THE DRIFT

SILVER HILLS AND SPACEMAN ANTICS ENTRY $10/7:30PM

SUNDAY APRIL 28

CLOSED MONDAY APRIL 29

BIG TOMMO’S OPEN MIC VARIETY NIGHT FREE ENTRY

TUESDAY APRIL 30 W/

JAZZ @ YAYA’S

MARC OSBOURNE, JEREMY TREZONA AND RONAN CHAPPLE ENTRY $5/7.30PM

WEDNESDAY MAY 1 FT/

FRESH JAMS

LIONIZER, THE GEORGIANS & THE ITCH ENTRY $5 FROM 7:30PM

CORNER OF JAMES AND LAKE ST NORTHBRIDGE 147 JAMES STREET NORTHBRIDGE 6003

TRAVELLIN’ MAN James Johnston & The Drift could be on the most ambitious journeys in Australian touring history. With nothing but a van and a travelling stage, the singer/songwriter and his fellow travellers are on a mission to test the mental and physical boundaries of a musician. Over a consecutive 50 days, he will play 50 shows across five states in a journey that will take Johnston far beyond anywhere he’s been before. He will drive, play, eat and sleep across the length and breadth of Australia to test himself against the elements to raise funds and awareness for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation. Head to jamesjohnston. com.au for the gig listing and to find out more about Johnston’s incredible journey.

4 • For more news/announcements go to themusic.com.au/news

The first taste of Bernard Fanning’s new solo record has emerged.

Departures is pulled from the former-Powderfinger frontman’s second album, Battleships, which is due to hit stores Friday 7 June.

Adelaide hip hop heroes Hilltop Hoods have gone double platinum with their sixth record from last year, Drinking From The Sun, the album featuring their biggest single to date, I Love It. The Hoods are currently working on a follow-up LP, Walking Under Stars, and have also inked a deal with skate brand Zoo York, with a host of collaborative projects in the pipelines.

Kid Rock scalps his own tickets. At least, that’s what the rock’n’roll hillbilly suggested during an interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan. The 42-yearold said that during his last two tours he has purchased tickets and then placed them on Stubhub, an on-selling website, to get a better margin.

British indie rockers Yuck are heading to New York to record their second album. Unfortunately, they will be doing so without frontman Daniel Blumberg, who has left the group to focus on other projects.

No replacement has been announced at this stage.

THE BREEDERS

NEW YEAR It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since the irrepressible Kim and Kelley Deal – alongside bandmates Jim Macpherson on drums and bassist Josephine Wiggs – released The Breeders’ seminal sophomore album Last Splash, which rocketed to both critical acclaim and commercial success on the back of the omnipresent Cannonball single and their renowned live show. In fitting celebration of this milestone, the line-up of The Breeders responsible for Last Splash are reuniting and will be touring their classic album throughout Australia this October. The Breeders hit Astor Theatre on Thursday 31 October. Tickets through handsometours.com.

THE DELTA RIGGS

DIGGIN’ THE DELTA BLUES Melbourne rock outfit The Delta Riggs have been surging with confidence since the release of their debut album HEX.LOVER.KILLER earlier this month. Their unrelenting touring schedule has already seen them deliver their killer brand of rock to crowds in Queensland, Victoria and Northern NSW. Eager to bridge Australia’s great divide, the band have now announced their debut WA performances via two additional tour dates early next month. They head to Residence at Metropolis Fremantle on Friday 3 May, and Amplifier Saturday 4. The band are on fire at the moment, with the album being critically and publicly lauded, so be sure to check them out in primal fashion. Tickets through Heatseeker and Oztix.

THE CAT EMPIRE

A recent court ruling will see Swedish garage fivepiece The Hives pay fellow countrymen The Cardigans 18.5 million krona, roughly 2.8 million US dollars. The decision is related to unpaid loans through Tambourine Studios, a recording house that was looking after the finances for both groups.

WHILE THE CAT’S AWAY

The managers of EDM artists Diplo and DJ BL3ND have gotten into a dust up at the IMS Engage conference in Los Angeles. This is following accusations from Diplo that BL3ND purchased some of his Facebook fans, which number in the millions.

With the international release of their upcoming album only weeks away, the Cat Empire have announced a huge world tour with plenty of local dates locked in. Steal The Light comes out in May, marking the band’s first worldwide independent release. The iconic Australian world/folk collective will embark on a giant international tour to mark the release, heading through the US and Europe from next month. Following that, they’ll make their way back home, playing Red Hill Auditorium on Saturday 7 September. Tickets through redhillgigs.com.au.

26th APR

LIVE! The Cold Acre, The MDC, Lillium Stargazer & Tinder Thieves. Doors 8pm

27th APR

Private Function

KWUQVO [WWV" The Norfolk Basement will be closing for renovation in May. We'll be back soon with something new… stay tuned!

www.facebook. com/norfolkbas ementlounge

Thursday 25 April

BEX’S OPEN MIC NIGHT

@ RAILWAY HOTEL 44 Tydeman Road, North Fremantle 9335 2732

SUNDAY 28 APR

Saturday 27 April

IN THE CLEAR

JEFF MARTIN

Friday 26 April

VDELLI

M, ENTRY $8 BEER GARDEN 4-8P

+PUSHERMAN +TALL POPPY SYNDROME +IBIS ELM

+RACHEL CHARLES

m.au o c . e t eetma w s @ e ct: luk

a Cont

SUPPORTED BY

27 HASTINGS ST SCARBOROUGH, WA 6019

Sunday 28 April

SECRET SHOW

PH: (08) 9341 1122 INFO@IOH.COM.AU WWW.INDIANOCEANHOTEL.COM.AU

+ THE LOVE JUNKIES

20% OFF ALL MEALS ORDERED 5 TO 6PM. PLEASE PRESENT AD WHEN ORDERING

Wednesday 1 May

HUSSY HICKS

JORDAN MCROBBIE

COMING SOON

12 MAY PEZ 18 MAY BROTHERS GRIMM 19 MAY CARAVANA SUN 25 MAY BLUE SHADDY 5

FOREWORD LINE LOCAL LOVIN’ Local trio The Bonekickers have grown up with the blues, rockabilly and classic rock, and its spirit has oozed into their music. Now, after a few years of gigging around, they’re funneling that passion into a debut LP, Devil In My Heart. Get along and support them on Friday 26 April at Mojos. $10 from 8pm.

NEWS FROM THE FRONT

What do you get when you mix two of Perth’s best tribute acts, Hells Bells and Lady Zeppelin? You get a Whole Lotta Rosie Love, that’s what. Two great bands for the price of one this Friday 26 April at the Coolbellup Hotel from 8pm. Be there or miss out on the love.

Next Tuesday 30 April, the Ellington Jazz Club celebrates UNESCO International Jazz Day once again. The night will also be the official launch of 2013 The Perth International Jazz Festival Program. The lineup is yet to be announced, but being the Ellington, you can expect the top brass out for this one. Ellingtonjazz.com.au for tickets.

Expect the wild, wonderful and bizarre as Clancy’s Fremantle this Saturday 27 April as it hosts it’s second installment of the Wearable Arts Festival. Get creative, using yourself as a canvas or sculpture and take part in this bohemian display of creativity. Free entry.

LIMELIGHTS JAZZ TRIO

A compilation CD between some of the heaviest and most brutal bands stalking the Perth scene right now, Anomalies Of Brutality gets its official launch at the Railway Hotel this Saturday

OLIVER TWIZT DEEP RIVER COLLECTIVE 27 April. The monsters responsible will be on hand to deliver it: Mhorgl, BloodKlot, Severtone, Epignosis and Obscenium. $10 from 7.30pm.

From the hills outside of Perth, beginning in 2005 as 16-year old school friends, Deep River Collective were originally a jam band. Since then, they’ve come in leaps and bounds, and have firmly established themselves in WA’s famed psychrock scene. They hold a special free entry show at Clancy’s Fremantle on Friday 26 April from 8pm.

Featuring the honking baritone sax sounds of Damian Drac Denyer, Fremantle’s infamous Jeff Harrold on double bass and the “Rolls Royce of Swinging Drums” Norm Burroughs, the Limelights Jazz Trio play old school swing. They kick off a Sunday residency at the newly-opened Sparrow Bar in Maylands this Sunday 28 April.

MAN OF THE WORLD

MHORGL

FESTIVAL NEWS

JACK BEATS

YOU DON’T KNOW JACK

It’s one of the biggest national festivals to take place every year, and once again Splendour In The Grass 2013 makes it hard for us to think of it any lesser. While it’s not a WA festival, we’re sure there’ll be plenty of people pumped to make their way to Byron Bay for this one. 77 huge acts have been announced for the show, including headliners Mumford & Sons, The National, Frank Ocean, TV On The Radio, Empire Of The Sun and Of Monsters & Men, plus Klaxons, Bernard Fanning, The Presets, Babyshambles, Flume, Passion Pit, Architecture In Helsinki, and James Blake, plus, oh, about 65 more or so. Big shout outs to our own local rep as well: Birds Of Tokyo, The Growl, Drapht and The Chemist will all make their way over to the fest. It all happens at North Byron Parklands between Friday 26 and Sunday28 July. Head to splendourinthegrass.com for more info and ticket details.

FRANK OCEAN

THUNDERCAT HOOOOOO As bassist for Erykah Badu and Suicidal Tendencies, Stephen ‘Thundercat’ Bruner is no stranger to Australian shores. However, the master of the four-string, on the eve of the announcement of his second album, is now coming to Australia for his first ever headline tour. In 2011, Thundercat dazzled listeners worldwide with his debut for Brainfeeder ‘The Golden Age of Apocalypse,’ a shimmering culmination of influences as diverse as yacht rock and free Jazz produced by frequent collaborator Flying Lotus. His second album, Apocalypse, is set to build on that unique angle even more, and you can get a taste at The Bakery on Saturday 8 June. Now Baking for tickets.

Thirty-year-old multi-instrumentalist Nick Saxon has all the classic calling cards for stardom: wholesome surfer good looks, multi-instrumental talents and matinee idol-style guitar strumming. However, assumed clichés aside, this Sydney-based artist offers much more than expected: he also writes/produces/ films and edits his own short films, and is the music composer and television presenter for Fox Channel’s National Geographic g Adventure series World Traveller.

Get ready to aadventure as he heads to Mojos on Wednesday 8 May; Indi Bar, Thursday 9; Settlers Tavern, Marg Margaret River, Friday 10; Prince Of Wales, Bunbury, Satu Saturday 11; and Clancy’s Dunsborough, Sunday 12. N Nicksaxon.com for tickets and more info.

MARINA PRIOR

SPLENDOUR BENDER

Niall Dailly (The Scratch Perverts) and Ben Geffin (The Mixologists) are the two guys who make up Jack Beats. Together they make music: Baltimore, bouncy-house, nu-rave type music. Known for their remixes of huge acts like Florence & The Machine and Passion Pit, this duo is big right now; you can’t have an Example guest spot and a Leonard Cohen sample on an EP and not expect to turn more than a few heads. Their tunes are breezy and irresistible - a slice of deep bass, monolithic beats and club friendly hooks that’ll scurry into your brain, get your head and feet desperate to find a dancefloor. Do exactly that when they head to Villa on Saturday 8 June. Tickets through Moshtix.

THUNDERCAT

So, you think you know the story of Oliver Twizt?

Not this one. With a z in his name and triple X in his game, this guy is baller – and you get the chance to catch him in all his Netherlands glory on Saturday 1 June when he heads on down to Villa. Signed to Laidback Luke’s Mixmash Records, his freshest tune is a collaboration with Angger Dimas, XXX, and it’s killing it at the moment. He’s been scouring recordshops ever since he can remember: at the time it was mainly hardcore and hip hop, but a healthy taste in artcore scene stuff eventually piqued, and it has influenced his unique, wonky sound ever since. Support comes from the one-and-only all-night party guy, Uberjak’d, along with Jackness, KNO Agents and ACEBASIK. Tickets through Moshtix and LIVE Clothing stores.

NICK SAXON

Drum Perth’s monthly up-and-coming music night, Gignition, makes it’s way around again this Sunday 28 April at the Railway Hotel. This month, they’ve got a pretty smack-on lineup of both rocking bands and solo acts: In the Clear, Pusherman, Tall Poppy Syndrome, Ibis Elm and Rachel Charles all perform on the night.

After many years of bringing some of Perth’s favourite nights and acts – as well as supplying great food and crazy drinks – The Bird is turning the ripe old age of three years old. Celebrate with them this Saturday 27 April, with music from Electric Toad, Hootennany and Mudlark featuring Nora Zion and Dust.

PLEASE SIR, CAN I HAVE SOME MORE

CREDITS

Marina Prior is regarded as Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre, having performed over twenty leading roles in her career so far. She rose to stardom when she played Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. The award-winning performer is honoured with being named one of Australia’s 100 Entertainers Of The Century, according to Variety.

See Marina as you have never seen her before – in an intimate performance, singing her favourite songs and sharing stories from her career. She performs at the Astor Theatre on Friday 18 October; Bunbury Entertainment Centre, Saturday 19; and Albany Entertainment Centre, Sunday 20. Tickets through Show Ticketing, bunburyentertainment. com and Ticketek for the three dates respectively.

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Andrew Mast Editor Callum Twigger Assistant Editor Cam Findlay Front Row Editor Cass Fumi

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing Director Leigh Treweek Sales Executive Matt McMullen

DESIGN & LAYOUT Matt Davis, Nick Hopkins, Eamon Stewart

ADMINISTRATION Accounts Loretta Carlone

PHOTOGRAPHERS Elle Borgward, Shane Butler, Graham Clark, Beau Davis, Ebony Frost, Callan Gibson, Cybele Malinowski, Elena Marcon, Drew Mettam, Aaronv2

6 • For more news/announcements go to themusic.com.au/news

A PRIOR ENGAGEMENT

Scott Aitken, Marisa Aveling, Paul Barbieri, Zoe Barron, Steve Bell, Jackson Best, Tom Birts, Mike Bowring, Tom Bragg, Tristan Broomhall, Rob Browne, Rick Bryant, Michael Caves, Cyclone, Marcia Czerniak, Sebastian D’Alonzo, Kitt Di Camillo, Daniel Cribb, Naomi Dollery, Cameron Duff, Tomas Ford, Chantelle Gabriel, Olivia Gardiner, Eli Gould, Baron Gutter, Rueben Hale, Ellie Hanratty, Simon Holland, Craig Hollywood, Tess Ingram, Christopher H. James, Jason Kenny, Angela King, Kosta Lucas, Lynn Mc Donnell, Mac McNaughton, Tom O’Donovan, Nic Owen, Simon Rundin, Michael Smith, Andy Snelling, Aimee Somerville, Callum Twigger, Anthony Williams

EDITORIAL POLICY The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. No part may be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder. ©

DEADLINES Editorial Friday 5pm Advertising Bookings Monday 12pm Advertising Artwork Tuesday 12pm Gig Guide Monday 5pm

PUBLISHER Street Press Australia Pty Ltd. 1/205-207 Bulwer St Perth 6000 PO Box 507 Mount Lawley 6929 Phone (08) 9228 9655 General Editorial music@drumperth.com.au Arts/Film Editorial frontrow@drumperth.com.au Club/Dance Editorial mo@drumperth.com.au Gig Guide gigguide@drumperth.com.au Live Editorial live@drumperth.com.au Advertising Sales sales@drumperth.com.au Accounts/Administration accounts@drumperth.com.au Artroom artwork@drumperth.com.au Distribution distro@drumperth.com.au Office hours 9am to 6pm Mon to Fri.

PRINTED BY Rural Press WA

+ - , - +

THU 25 APR

OTTO KNOWS FRI 26 APR

SPEAKEASY

BONDI HIPSTERS SAT 4 MAY

BOMBS AWAY FRI 10 MAY

SETH SENTRY *** &&" &$ !## ! ' #(

, + &&"!% )!## %! ' #( &$ (

MONDAY JUNE 24 ROSEMOUNT HOTEL WITH SPECIAL GUESTS ELEVENTH HE REACHES LONDON PRESALE TICKETS $40 + BF FROM LIFEISNOISE.COM, HEATSEEKER, OZTIX & THE VENUE

century entertainment presents

Sold Out Edinburgh Fringe & MICF 2012

may 1-19

perthcomedyfest.com.au

“Wickedly subversive‌ Funny, charming & charismaticâ€?

METRO

Saturday May 4 | 8.20pm ASTOR THEATRE A-LIST

ENTERTAINMENT

PRESENTS

TOO SOON? STA TOP-RR OF PODCATED AS JIMANDED DIETALKS T **T.COM

ASTOR THEATRE

3RD MAY 8:20 PM BOOKINGS: perthcomedyfest.com.au

“Helliar is gifted of comedy‌ biologically funnyâ€?

The Age

ASTOR E R THEAT AY 10TH M 7:00PM

GS: OM.AU BOOKIN MEDYFEST.C CO PERTH

Fri May 3rd, 9:45pm Astor Theatre Bookings: www.perthcomedyfest.com.au

7

STRANGER DANGER

FOREVER YOUNG One of the ways in which Mitchell chose to put a lighter spin on some of the heavier topics of Familiar Stranger – the confrontation of grief, age, loss, love and parenthood – was in the film clips for singles Don’t Wanna Grow Up and Go. “Those two particular songs are probably the lightest on the record in terms of subject matter, especially Go, it’s a pretty breezy kind of song. But I just wanted to have fun with them, I wanted to do something that was gonna make me laugh and hopefully make other people laugh; I really wasn’t trying to achieve anything more than that. I was just kind of over superdramatic or serious kind of bullshit,” he explains.

Whilst the clip for Go takes cues from Puberty Blues’ beach life, Don’t Wanna Grow Up borrows a group of senior citizens whose role is to let loose in a convenience store food fight while Mitchell apathetically keeps shop.

hape-shifting from the shaggy-haired, rock-shape throwing frontman of Jebediah back into his Bob Evans singersongwriter guise with the release of Familiar Stranger, Kevin Mitchell plays the scallywag one minute and articulates his understanding on the meaning of the universe the next. Tyler McLoughlan gets a dose of wisdom and entertainment.

S

ne part lovable larrikin, one part sensitive new age bloke, Bob Evans has spent close to 15 years endearing himself to Australian audiences both in the live realm and through a trilogy of increasingly well-received records; Suburban Kid (2003), Suburban Songbook (2006) and most recently, 2009’s Goodnight, Bull Creek! Moving into a new phase of alter ego explorations with the release of Familiar Stranger last month, Kevin Mitchell uses Bob Evans as a vehicle to explore a new musical aesthetic and wrap his head around every man’s inevitable goal posts: life and death.

O

From his “thinking man’s man cave” in his adopted hometown of Melbourne, Mitchell proudly proclaims that he even has a filing cabinet amongst the collection of gear, books, booze and records that help stimulate the creative process. While it’s a seemingly tongue-in-cheek stab at the responsibilities of adulthood, further reflected by the playful lead single Don’t Wanna Grow Up, Mitchell’s easy-come laugh and affable nature quietens as he explains the significance of his fourth solo record through its name.

“The thing that appealed to me about that title was that it holds lots of different meanings to me,” he posits. “I mean, the main one I suppose is that when you become introspective and when you’re sort of thinking about life and death and the meaning of the universe, I find that it’s almost like looking at earth from space, or looking at yourself like an old photograph. You take on this kind of elevated perspective of yourself and your life, and sometimes it can feel like you recognise yourself but at the same time it’s, like, that person’s not me, you know? The familiar stranger I guess is myself, but I also liked it because on another level it kind of relates to the music; I wanted to retain elements of the last few records – a sense of warmth and intimacy and those kind of things – but I also wanted to recreate myself a little bit. So even on a silly kind of level it kind of works just as far as the description of the music; it’s familiar but it’s also a bit stranger!” he chuckles.

“I’m not intentionally trying to be heavy, but there are two experiences in my life in the last few years since the last Bob Evans record that sort of bookmarked this record and one of them involved the death of someone very close to me and the other was becoming a father for the first time,” Mitchell

explains of Familiar Stranger’s vast range of emotion.

“Every song that happens on the record is kind of floating around between those two experiences.”

Mitchell was quietly working away on the finer points of Bob Evans’ evolution while in the midst of his busiest years; touring and releasing a debut record with Australian supergroup Basement Birds in 2010 was followed quickly by work on Jebediah’s long-awaited fifth album Kosciuszko, and he even found time to pay tribute to Bob Dylan in a series of concerts. He was so evidently busy with other projects, as well as welcoming his first child into the world, that no one was asking him about how his mate Bob Evans was going.

“It was kind of gradual,” Mitchell admits of how he edged away from the subtle alt.country styling of the suburban trilogy. “When I first started laying down demos I didn’t really sort of know where it was headed. The first 12 months was when it really kind of became clear – I was still writing songs in a similar fashion as I was before but I was definitely just playing around with aesthetics. I was using a lot more electric guitar and I was using a lot more keyboards and synths – just trying to demo the songs as if it wasn’t Bob Evans, it was just me trying to get away from I s’pose that acoustic singer-songwriter kind of thing.

“And also try to just have fun, you know. I was tryin’ to just focus on not giving a fuck about anything and just havin’ a good time recording songs and being sort of playful with the whole process because usually the lyrical sentiments of a lot of my songs, they’re generally on the serious side; they’re always pretty personal and often they are of a serious kind of nature, so I was really acutely aware this time around that I just wanted to try and offset that a bit,” he confesses. “You know, The Flaming Lips on the exterior are like this zany, colourful, whacky, happy, trippy band, but if you listen to the songs and read the lyrics they’re writing about these really heavy concepts, and whilst that’s not necessarily something that I was thinking about at the time, it illustrates my idea well…. You can write about heavy themes but present them in a lighter kind of way.”

After working with producer Brad Jones in Nashville for the last two Bob Evans records, Mitchell was keen to put the mark of a new recording environment on Familiar Stranger.

THUR apr 25

FRI APR 26

“I think I decided pretty early on after making the last record that I didn’t want to go back to Nashville again,” he admits. “And you know, it wasn’t necessarily an easy decision because I fuckin’ loved going to Nashville to make records and in a way I could quite easily just keep going there to record every two years for the rest of my life because I have so much fun there and I love Brad and everything, but I knew I had to push myself out of my comfort zone. And that meant working with different people and doing things a different way.”

Working with American producer Dean Reid in Melbourne’s Sing Sing studios where Jebediah’s first two records were made in the late-‘90s, Mitchell’s move beyond a reliance on acoustic guitar meant the rhythm section would be prove to be hugely important throughout the recording process. It was also an excuse to recruit his “favourite drummer in the world”, Beck contributor Joey Waronker, via the connections of his chosen bassist.

“He’d worked with Joey before, they’d made records before and they’d become friends so that was my connection,” Mitchell says of Tony Buchen, “one of those sophisticated guys who can just do a lot of things really, really well”, though perhaps best known through his role as a Sydney-based producer. “[Waronker] flew out for five days to do all the drums on the record. He would be my number one choice of drummer for this album if I could have anyone in the world, so it was a real thrill to have him there.”

Preparing to hit every state and territory of the nation for the Familiar Stranger tour, Mitchell is stoked to have a star-studded band along for the ride.

“I can’t wait – I haven’t done a proper tour like this with Bob for years. I’ve got Davey Lane from You Am I playin’ on guitar, and Tony Buchan playing bass and Mal Clark from The Sleepy Jackson on drums and a young guy named James on keyboards. It’s gonna be the best fuckin’ thing the world’s ever seen,” he says with a big belly laugh, an infectious sense of humour no doubt contributing to his ability to collaborate widely.

Having well-and-truly earned his place in the upper ranks of Australia’s music industry in the only career he’s ever known, Mitchell surprisingly credits luck in his success. When it comes to being spoilt

sat apr 27

“I really enjoyed the feeling when all the oldies are there, and in the back store room of this convenience store we’d set up chairs and little snacks and drinks and stuff for them, and I just loved walking back and seeing them all you know chattin’ away to each other – just hanging out and chatting and having a laugh.

It was a really nice kind of social event for them and then when of course they got to trash the place and act stupid, it didn’t take long for them to really get into it. I think they all had a really, really good time and that was probably for me the most pleasing aspect of the clip. I felt like I’d done some kind of like civil service or something! Maybe I should just start doing gigs at old people’s homes and puttin’ a smile on the old buggers’ faces, you know, it warms my heart!” for choice as to where he next concentrates his creative endeavours, he keeps it real by allowing some conflicting feelings to spur him on.

“It’s scary and invigorating,” he admits of soon being in the position of figuring out what the hell comes next. “Being a musician is scary full stop; you never really know when something’s going to work and when it’s not or what’s around the corner, but that’s what’s great about it as well and that’s what makes it an interesting kind of thing to do. I feel very lucky that I’ve got the opportunity to do more than one musical kind of project and for them to work separately from each other because I think it’s pretty rare – so yeah, I’m really lucky to have that. Hopefully I’ll be able to keep doing it you know, maybe make another Jebediah record, then some other things I want to do too; I want to collaborate with other people and make different types of records, so I think there’s gonna be more different stuff I’m gonna do over the next few years.

“The last Jebs record and the last Bob record and the Basement Birds, whenever I’ve been making a record over the last sort of six/seven years, I’ve always been in the middle of making another one at the same time,” says Mitchell, who finds himself truly in between projects for a change. “Part of me is kind of thinkin’ I’d like to make another Bob Evans record quickly. The way that I’ve been doing it, I’ve always left massive gaps between records because I’ve done other things, so just once I’d like to follow up a Bob Evans record with another Bob Evans record in a normal space of time.”

WHO: Bob Evans WHAT: Familiar Stranger (Capitol/EMI) WHEN & WHERE: Thursday 2 May, Settlers Tavern, Margaret River; Friday 3, The Bakery; Saturday 4, Prince Of Wales, Bunbury

SUN apr 28

WED may 1 student

night free pool

indie djs

outside in the garden

LIVE BANDS INSIDE CHEAP DRINKS $12 STEAKS L O C AT E D AT T H E C O R N E R O F A N G O V E A N D F I T Z G E R A L D S T R E E T S , N O RT H P E RT H w w w. r o s e m o u n t h o t e l . c o m . a u

Hostile Little Face + Opine + This Other Eden + The Monicans Entry $8. Doors 8pm.

for more details and tickets head to www.rosemounthotel.com.au the rosemount hotel, corner of angove & fitzgerald streets, north perth.

8 • For more interviews go to themusic.com.au/interviews

9

It’s getting harder for the members of Alkaline Trio to find time to write music together, but vocalist/bassist Dan Andriano tells Daniel Cribb that, despite living in different cities and only playing the new songs together for the first time in the studio, they’ve produced a career-defining record in My Shame Is True.

TRUE LOU COLOURS THE FAMILY TREE

Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath sings on Alkaline Trio’s new tune I, Pessimist, and

Alkaline Trio vocalist/ guitarist Matt Skiba provided backing vocals for a song on the most recent Rise Against album.

Both bands from Chicago, Alkaline Trio bassist Dan Andriano described the Chicago punk scene as “incestual”, but that term doesn’t even begin to encapsulate the Chicago punk rock family tree.

t’s slowly creeping into the late hours of the night when Alkaline Trio bassist Dan Andriano answers his phone from his Florida residence.

He picks up, and one of the first things out of his mouth, between sips of a freshly poured alcoholic beverage, is an apology. “I know I pushed this shit around quite a bit, and that’s usually not my style,” he explains. The singer-songwriter had to reschedule twice. The first due to last-minute bandrelated activities in LA, the second, Disney-related.

“On Sunday I was out with my daughter and one of my friends. I took them to see this show... I thought it would be like 45 minutes long, and this show was like two hours long!” he laughs. “I kind of always have to put time with my daughter first.”

I

In the mid-‘90s, ska punk band Slapstick formed in Chicago.

Andriano played bass for them. The band lasted three years then split up, which led to the formation of numerous other bands. Joined by two other members, Andriano went on to form Tuesday, while the band’s other mainman, Brendan Kelly, formed The Broadways. After two years, both bands split up. Kelly formed The Lawrence Arms, while Andriano joined Alkaline Trio. In 2004, Kelly and Andriano reunited to form The Falcon. To explain the other ten-plus bands that branched out of Slapstick would take a ridiculous amount of time.

While Andriano patiently sat through two hours of Disney classics, Alkaline Trio’s album new record, My Shame Is True, was quickly circulating across the globe. With the release of previous records, the band would be on the road most months out of a year, but having been around since 1996 and developing a solid following through relentless and painstaking touring, they can afford to ease up on their touring scheduled somewhat, allowing time for other activities, and family.

Playing music together for the better part of two decades, they’ve finally managed to capture the best elements of their previous eight studio albums, channel it into one unique sound and add a fresh spin to it all.

“I think [My Shame Is True]’s the best of what we do. We’ve tried a lot of different things, just because that’s who we are as a band – we always want to experiment a little bit in the studio and then simplify things on stage. We’ve been a band for over 16 years, so we want to do different things. If we’re always making the same record, there’s no point.

“But I think this time we really captured – and it wasn’t really a conscious effort – but I think we ended up capturing the magic that the band had when Matt [Skiba, vocals/guitar] first started the band, as well as some of the in-studio stuff that we’re interested in doing now as a band that’s

There’s more to this story

on the iPad

a little bit older, that makes it more fun for us to record. So I’m really happy with the record.”

In keeping with a steady release cycle, pumping out an album every two to three years, the band went somewhat quiet after briefly touring 2011’s Damnesia, and each member splintered away from AK3 HQ to explore different streams in their careers. Andriano spent time touring the world with his acoustic guitar and released a solo album under the title of Dan Andriano In The Emergency Room, Skiba released two records with two different projects (theHELL, Matt Skiba & The Sekrets), and drummer Derek Grant lent his talent to different bands – most recently touring with The Vandals at this year’s Soundwave.

“I’m very excited to be doing what we’re doing, and I always have been, but, you know, it’s like, I didn’t go out and do my Emergency record because I was unhappy with the band or anything, and I don’t think Matt went out and did the Sekrets record because he was dying to be anything but Alkaline Trio, it just happened that we had a little bit of time and we both had these songs that maybe were a little different, and so we went out and did some stuff. In the process, I wouldn’t say that I had this realisation like I was not

appreciative of the band, but I got out to play and go on tours with different people.

“I mean, I hadn’t toured with other folks in 12 years, and I went out and toured with Chuck [Ragan] from Hot Water Music, Dave Hause, Brian [Fallon] from Gaslight Anthem, and I went and did all these different kinds of shows and different kinds of tours without Alkaline Trio, and in doing that, it made me excited to get a bass back in my hands. I love playing guitar, I love playing acoustic guitar, I love writing songs, and just playing anything, but I started to feel like, ‘Alright, I’ve got that out of my system, it’s time to get back to what I feel like I’m here to do’, and that’s play

with Matt and Derek.”

During their time apart from the band, Andriano and Skiba were constantly writing and demoing material for My Shame Is True. But living in three different cities in different corners of the US, it wasn’t until all three met up at the legendary Blasting Room Studios in Fort Collins, Colorado did the songs really take on new life.

“I’ll be very honest, we’d never even played those songs for each other – we’d sent them back and forth via email, and that’s kind of how we do things,” Andriano explains. “And so, when we finally get together to play them, they’re going to take on a life of their own.

When I demo a song I put a little more

emphasis on details and sounds and stuff.

Whereas, when Matt writes and demos a song, he does it as fast as possible to get it done... due to natural of the way we write and rehearse these days as a band, things definitely change – the songs definitely come to life once we all get together,” he tells.

“We write songs, email them to each other, and then wait to hear back, and someone will say, ‘Yeah, I like this, I like that part – can’t wait to play this’, or whatever. But it never really gets hashed out until we’re all in the same room.”

Long-time friend, idol, Descendents drummer and producer Bill Stevenson played a big role in shaping the

Not as intense as the Slapstick family tree, Rise Against also fit into a somewhat complex timeline.

In 1995, McIlrath started playing music in Chicago with post-hardcore band Baxter, alongside The Lawrence Arms drummer Neil Hennessy. The band broke up in 1999, around the same time McIlrath played in the metalcore Arma Angelus (fronted by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz), and McIlrath teamed up with 88 Fingers Louie bassist Joe Principe to form what would later turn into one of the biggest rock bands in the world: Rise Against.

A chart may have better explained this crazy intertwined scene. The Chicago punk rock scene is one of the most tightly-knit in the world and has made a legacy for the genre.

songs. During pre-production, one song in particular almost didn’t make the cut, but was saved by flying a special guest into the studio for a few days.

“I came home from – and this is going to make me sound way more masculine than I am – but I came home from a run where I was listening to some pretty heavy music and I felt really, like I said, pumped, masculine, whatever. I was like, ‘I’m going to write a song right now, I’m going to write a high energy tune’, and so I wrote that song, I, Pessimist, really fast. I was kind of angry, I was kind of excited and I wrote the song about depression and insecurity kind of leading you down this path of madness, and that’s what the song’s about. As soon as I wrote the song I was like, ‘Wow, that’s really fun, but I can’t sing this song, so I don’t know what I’m going to do with it’.

“Bill seemed kind of lukewarm about it. And I was like, ‘But wait! This is not how this song is supposed to be – I’m not supposed to sing this song. I want to get someone like Tim [McIlrath of Rise Against] or someone’, and as soon as I said that, Bill kind of lit up like a Christmas tree and got really excited and called Tim… he agreed to come out in like a week and he did it so fast and hung out for a night, and we all went out and got delicious vegetarian Chinese food and then he went home, and that was awesome.”

WHO: Alkaline Trio WHAT: My Shame Is True (Epitaph/Warner)

THURSDAY 25TH PUGSLEY BUZZARD (VIC) FRIDAY 26TH DEEP RIVER COLLECTIVE W/ GALLOPING FOXLEYS SATURDAY 27TH THE WEARABLE ARTS FESTIVAL SUNDAYS THE ZYDECATS TUESDAYS QUIZ NIGHT WEDNESDAYS CHET LEONARD’S BINGOTHEQUE

THURSDAY 25TH JORDAN MCROBBIE SATURDAY 27TH TIM GORDON MONDAYS QUIZ NIGHT WEDNESDAY 1ST SONGWRITER NIGHT - POLLY MEDLEN & JUSTIN WALSHE

51 CANTONMENT STREET, FREMANTLE

903 CANNING HIGHWAY. APPLECROSS

FRIDAY 26TH THE JOHNNY NANDEZ HAMMOND EXPLOSION SATURDAY 27TH (ARVO) MISTER AND MITCH SUNDAYS SALT SHAKER SUNDAYS W/ DJ BOOGIE AND THE SALT SHAKER SELECTORS

THURSDAY 25TH LOCAL TALENT POOL FRIDAY 26TH JEFF MARTIN TICKETS FROM CLANCYSFISHPUB.COM.AU

SUNDAY 27TH BEEVA FEEVA COMING SOON MAMA KIN ALBUM LAUNCH TICKETS FROM

CLANCYSFISHPUB.COM.AU

195 CHALLENGER PARADE, CITY BEACH

1710 CAVES ROAD, DUNSBOROUGH

INFO, TICKETS & MORE AT WWW.CLANCYSFISHPUB.COM.AU FOLLOW US ON 11

WAITING FOR THE RAPTURE More than just a band, YACHT aim to provide an experience like no other. Kitt Di Camillo speaks with Jona Bechtolt and Claire Evans as they prepare for a mind-altering return to Australian shores. usic is littered with cases of musicians combining their art with their own personal beliefs and ideology. The fine line between an interesting aspect and an awkward distraction is an easy one to cross, and for the most part the balance is too difficult to maintain with any commercial ambitions in mind. Having spent the better part of four years merging the commercial with the personal, Jona Bechtolt and Claire Evans know more than most about successfully juggling the two.

M

After beginning its life as a solo outlet for Bechtolt’s own particular brand of dance pop, the euphoric electronica of YACHT has since become a doorway into the duo’s own way of life. Described on their website as a ‘band, belief system and business’, the YACHT story begins properly with the introduction

of Evans in 2008. A long-time friend of Bechtolt, Evans is now as fully invested in the group as her partner; the dynamic counterpoint to Bechtolt’s creative electricity. Having already collaborated together on previous YACHT recordings, the partnership evolved into something entirely different after one profound experience.

“In 2008 Claire and I moved to the far west Texas desert,” explains Bechtolt. “To a small town called Marfa. And in Marfa is one of the longest-running and most spectacular light phenomena that exists in the world. It’s called the Marfa Mystery Lights, and that’s what we made our record See Mystery Lights all about. That’s where we had that collective-like experience of seeing this crazy light phenomenon in the desert. We just decided that from there and then we wanted to work on everything together and express ideas about human ritual and just play with that sort of stuff.”

“I say this a lot,” continues Evans, “but I think Jona and I are both very self-navigated, digital generation-type people. We’ve always felt like we have a lot of access to tools and information. That’s a big part of what we do, and for us to come into contact with something legitimately paranormal and weird and mysterious – something that we couldn’t immediately just Google and figure out – it was a very enlightening experience for us, and it’s changed the way we thought about everything that we do.”

In many cases the urge to include an artist’s beliefs into their music can feel forced, but for the YACHT pair it grew out of a natural desire to explore their new passions. The duo believe that art and spirituality are inseparable, and as outlined in their F.A.Q., aim ‘to provide an alternative to religion, by creating a community which provides long-lasting meaning and value without dogma or submission’. In the group’s detailed and complex mission statement, what stands out above all else is just a genuine push for positivity and ambition. “We’ve always been fans of and interested in the paranormal and mysteries and all that stuff,” admits Bechtolt.

“But from that shared experience we were like, ’We should just talk about this all of the time, we should incorporate this into everything that we do’. It has such a heavy meaning for us.”

I only had a few.

I should be OK.

“We’re the kind of people that, in our creative projects, it’s difficult to separate from who we are in our day-to day-lives,” offers Evans. “We spend all of our time working on YACHT, so if we’re thinking about something, we’re going to be incorporating that into YACHT, whether or not we intend to.

So we might as well be direct and transparent about it.”

That transparency is at odds with many of their contemporaries.

Indie rock is known more for its detachment, as many bands prefer to move away from heart-on-your-sleeve emotionalism and honesty.

YACHT wear their ideals proudly, and push for something that doesn’t always fit comfortably with the standard musical story.

“I don’t know when I would say that it began or how I would really define it,” laments Bechtolt. “But I think there is a movement away from naked vulnerability in the arts. I think people are a little bit afraid to stand by something that they believe in in a direct way because they are afraid of being criticised, because there are so many avenues for criticism now. If you do something and it’s unpopular, you will know immediately, and in many different ways and intimately and painfully. It’s scarier to be weird. And so I think people shy away from the earnest positivity that we have always embraced and they shy away from a lot of the language that we use. And I totally understand that. And I sometimes wish that we were less transparent, because it does hurt sometimes, but at the same time I can’t imagine being an artist in any other way.”

Named after the school Bechtolt attended as a teenager, YACHT are as entertaining in interview as they are onstage, finishing each other’s sentences and swapping jokes throughout. They take their art seriously, but favour enjoyment above all else. “We try not to be dogmatic or anything,” clarifies Evans. “The mission statement, the philosophy, the sort of conversational aspect of what we do, it’s there for the taking for interested parties. We present ourselves with the music first and the visual identity first, and then if people are interested, it’s all there for them if they want to go there. But we’re not marching into the rock club with a stack of bibles and an attitude. It really is a lot more open and loving than that.”

The pair put on a show like no other. Expanded in the live environment to include Rob “Bobby Birdman” Kiewwetter on bass and keyboards and Jeffrey Brodsky on drums, the YACHT live show is a pure sensory experience.

“I started this band with the expressed interest in making something that was fun to watch,” enthuses Bechtolt. “When I started, laptop music at least in America, was less band-centric.

They would mostly have these almost academic performances where there would be one dude standing behind a table, standing behind a laptop, and it could’ve been him checking his email or browsing the web as far as the audience was concerned… And I feel like I love that kind of performance! I’m not knocking it, but I just wanted to do something that was totally different than that. It’s always been a goal to make something that I would want to watch. And I have a very short attention span!”

“We start with trying to make the show as visually complex as possible, to a point where it’s not fun to look at. Too much information happening, like signs, banners, videos, Powerpoint, all these things happening at once. And then we just strip away each layer until we find the essence of what we’re trying to do, and refurbish it until it is just the right harmony of things.”

WHO: YACHT WHEN & WHERE: Saturday 11 May, Groovin The Moo, Hay Park, Bunbury

12 • For more interviews go to themusic.com.au/interviews

RISING TO PERFECTION French guitar pop group Phoenix drop the guitars and buy “a shitty keyboard” to make their sixth album Bankrupt!, but as Laurent Brancowitz tells Andy Hazel, it’s all about struggling for perfection.

uitarist and quarter of one of the last decade’s most adored bands Phoenix, Brancowitz is amidst the early days of promoting their new synth-heavy album Bankrupt! and fresh from playing Saturday Night Live. “It was very exciting,” he explains, his strong French brogue accentuating his joy. “SNL is totally live so the excitement is at its peak, it makes everything more intense. We are happy with our performance because we did not fail, you know?” He laughs.

G

Though playing the songs almost daily, he hasn’t heard the album in months. “Actually, it’s good advice you’re giving me. A lot of time you play the songs and forget the original spirit. During [recording] I was very confident and happy, but right now I reach a level of fatigue. I have no idea if it’s good or bad, but that’s okay. I like this feeling of floating in the ocean and letting the stream do its job.”

Few bands break through with their fifth album, as Phoenix did with Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Using the accrued wisdom of being in a stable band for ten years, they took a break and left their native Paris to record. Brancowitz explains that they knew the album would take some time to generate, so they went somewhere exciting. “When Adam Yauch from Beastie Boys offered us his studio – his small, cool studio in New York – it was just too good to say no to. For three months, we recorded there, then we finished in Paris, but the beginning was in New York. Some songs are really connected to this period, the vibe… the ‘80s East Village early-Madonna vibe. I don’t know why but I was obsessed by it when I was there,” he explains. “When we were there we were very homesick and so we listened to a lot of French music from our childhood, so being in New York has made this even more French I think.”

confesses, “Thomas is an obsessive.

When he has a shirt he likes he has it duplicated. He has dozens of the same thing, it’s more that than being a very dirty person, he is a perfectionist.” Phew.

Unable to say quite when the band is due back to these shores, Brancowitz insists that it is “soon”. “We are working on it right now. We love playing Australia and it was where we did the very first recording of this album, at a studio in Byron Bay, so for us it has a special meaning.”

WHO: Phoenix WHAT: Bankrupt! (Liberator)

The ‘80s synthesizer and percussion sounds that infuse Bankrupt! can be traced to this fixation. Often sounding as though M83 produced the album with Phoenix, songs like The Real Thing and Bourgeois are full of references to the era and to music the band loves. “We used the same drum machine as Prince… as an homage, you know. We love doing that. All our music that is filled with little things like that, little connections, the memories and little things we love. Some are from the ‘80s… like pre-Batman Prince we love. Actually, I don’t know why, but I was playing more keyboards this time than guitar. One day we went to Versailles to pick up some equipment, there we found a small shitty keyboard in a thrift shop, a 30-euro toy keyboard, and I fell in love with it; now it’s on every song. We love to use cheap instruments and beautiful instruments. The extremes are more interesting than everything that is in the middle, so on this album we have the best and the worst.”

Boasting that Bankrupt! would sound very different to earlier releases, many fans were surprised to hear lyrics and melodies from earlier Phoenix songs in the first single Entertainment and unsure whether this was laziness or an in-joke. “Your theories are true. We know that, and it’s hard for me to explain,” he laughs guiltily. “It just feels right to us, for sure should try to change, it’s more a sign of weakness. We always have the desire to make something very, very different and in the end we fail, we always sound like us,” Brancowitz explains in mock-despondency. “It’s a bit depressing, so yeah I guess this is as different as we can get, you know. We try so hard but we fail,” he laughs. “You can hear this desire in the music I think, to improve, to be better.”

Replacing the dreams that fuelled their early releases and initial success, Brancowitz explains that this failure is key to the band’s motivations. “We are very far from perfection, we are working on this tour but we are very far from what we have in mind. We have this goal and desire, and without this desire, life becomes very boring, so we are frustrated but at the same time we know if it was good already it would be very depressing.”

Chasing perfection, Brancowitz explains, is a core motivation for the band. Not to deny their humanness (his one-time membership in the band Darlin’ with both members of Daft Punk may indicate a shared fascination with the perfection/human dichotomy), but to celebrate it. “We always try to make perfection, but we never get there. We love things that are opposite; like the clockwork mechanism of a perfect song, but also the charm that is something you cannot describe or understand,” he explains keenly. “The more we grow up the more we know that the charm is the most important thing. You can have very shitty songwriting, but if you have this little thing, this unexplainable charm, it’s great.

We try to combine these aspects, and it’s hard because they are fighting against it. Actually, the way we work even on record, we think very hard about the perfect mechanism and then when we have to execute it, record it. We usually use the first take. First take is usually not perfectly played, but the idea is to be good, the intention is to be good, but we’re not going for the perfect take.

When we play live, there are a lot of mistakes but we consider them… artistic mistakes,” he laughs. “I am a pretty poor musician so I accept I’m good at necessary artistic mistakes. Sometimes the band does not see it that way, they get a bit angry,” he laughs, “but they are really nice about it most of the time.”

Looking back through pictures of the band, it seems singer Thomas Mars is photographed wearing the same shirt in almost every photo, suggesting that his wife, director Sofia Coppola, must be either incredibly accommodating or have no sense of smell. After unsuccessfully denying Mars’s penchant, Brancowitz

For more interviews go to themusic.com.au/interviews • 13

THE ONE? Pendulum may have called it a day, but another Perth d’n’b and dubstep weapon has followed their footsteps to the UK and working on spreading an even sharper party across the globe. Dom Craper investigates ShockOne’s Universus appeal. ’m good, though still freezing my balls off in London man,” begins Karl Thomas aka ShockOne when asked how he’s coping with last year’s move to the spiritual home of drum’n’bass.

“We’ve just had the longest ever winter ever, it’s ridiculous! It’s been six months since the first snow now, it’s just crazy.”

“I

Despite Underworld’s Karl Hyde only a week ago bragging to the world how good it had been, it comes as little surprise to hear a sunny Perth expat slaying London’s weather.

“Bullshit! We had one or two days of sun.

Oh, I can’t believe I just told Karl Hyde he’s lying and full of shit. Wow!” Thomas laughs in response. “It’s funny because I know the exact day he’s talking about – there was like one half a day where it was sunny, and then it was straight back to being cold and miserable.”

Despite the atmospheric conditions being as they may, Thomas has a lot to keep him warm at night. For one, he’s now unleashing his debut album onto the world, with a massive line outside London’s Cable club for his launch last week indicative of his rising popularity in his adopted home. “I love living here – it’s a working city so it makes you work. That’s why I’m here; I like being amongst the hustle, it makes me hustle harder. It’s easy to become apathetic in Perth, just because it’s so great and easy there. Whereas here, it’s kind of that whole thing where the city will eat you alive if you don’t raise the bar and do the very best you can and work your arse off every day.”

Certainly ShockOne has solidified his place at the top of the d’n’b and dubstep chain in Australia, tracks off Universus such as Chaos Theory, Relapse, Crucify Me and latest bomb Lazerbeam not only dominating dance music charts worldwide, but receiving heavy triple j airplay, a rare feat for an Australian artist of his genre specialties not named Pendulum (Pop Quiz: Did Karl Thomas play in a band with P’s Gareth McGrillen and Rob Swire a few decades ago? A: Absolutely). The debut album has been a long time in the making though, and Thomas admits it’s a great relief to finally release it, even if by the time Universus was sent off for mastering he found listening to it akin to having a glowstick rammed up his nostril. “There was about a month where I just didn’t listen to it at all because I couldn’t anymore. Some songs I hated… I just couldn’t listen to it because I’d hear things and go, ‘Fuck it, I could have done that better, I could have done this better’,” Thomas sighs. “That’s why it took so long because I didn’t want to put an album out that I wasn’t 100 percent proud of and that wasn’t going to blow people away.”

With YouTube plays in the millions and his chart successes exemplified

by Crucify Me becoming the world’s first ever track to have both its D’n’B and Dubstep mixes simultaneously holding down #1 spots on Trackitdown’s DnB and Dubstep charts, while also hitting #1 on Beatport D&B and Drum & Bass Arena charts, it’s safe to say ShockOne is indeed blasting people away. The album was no easy Big Bang moment though, the tracks having been created over a rather long period, and by someone not always easily pleased with their own output. This process did however lead to the materialisation of a ‘life, the universe and everything’-like theme. “After about a year and a half I realised that I had some kind of theme there that I hadn’t really planned, and I thought, ‘Okay, this is interesting’. So I got a whiteboard out and started linking things together, and then the album took on another whole kind of scope and I realised I had a concept, which I then put a lot more work into crystalising that.”

With a little help from talented WA friends Sam Nafie, Phetsta and sister Reija Lee, as well as motherland artillery Kyza and Metrik plus the original vocal talents of Corey Burton (yes, that voice from film Machete), a diversely influenced dance universe was constructed.

Of course relationships are part of the fabric of life, and there’s at least one song that he might have revealed too much; Crucify Me. Thomas laughs, “My current girlfriend hated it! Or at least once I told her it was about an ex-girlfriend she was like, ‘I used to fucking love that song but now I can’t listen to it, for fuck’s sake’!”

While he describes Crucify Me as a very “visceral” tune, Relapse was revealing in other ways. “It’s interesting how you can look back and lyrics can relate to certain things. It’s kind of about my own relationship with my own creative process; the inner struggles that you go through being a creative artist. Like, for me, my mind is my own worst enemy; that whole concept of suffering for your own art.” It’s obvious ShockOne has a far more thoughtful, cerebral approach to his art compared to many of his contemporaries, though he’s wary of such wank-teetering applause. “Each to their own. I do actually sometimes wish that I could be less emotionally, conceptually and intellectually attached because it would make things easier for me. I make things way harder for myself in trying to put so much into something, when at the end of the day one of the things that can be beautiful about it is just music for people to dance to.”

No stranger to making people do exactly that on the Australian festival circuit, having toured nationally as part of the Creamfields, Big Day Out and Stereosonic line-ups, ShockOne is heading back home to tour the country as part of Groovin’ The Moo, plus headline shows. These days, there are increasing pressures for DJs to take their shows to another ‘festival level’. You know, live format, smoke machines, dancers, crazy lights, lasers… Hold on, could we see his current hit Lazerbeam inspiring his GTM stage shows? “You’ve stolen my thunder there! I’m not going to say anything but, uh, yeah, there’ll be something,” Thomas delivers with as many hesitations as cheekily telling grins. “It’s still too early to confirm yet, but we’re working on a show involving lights that will be tied in with the music.”

At the very least, you can be assured he’ll be bringing with him full intentions of delivering nothing short of stellar DJ performances.

“What it’s always been about for me is that connection between me and the audience; that’s what’s still paramount. Everything else is all smoke and mirrors added on top. If I’m not playing the right songs and connecting with the audience then it’s all for nothing.” In return, pretty sure we can promise him less intimidating experiences than his recent tour dealt. “I had a crazy show in Russia recently, about two hours out of Moscow where all the security guards had AK47s and they were very intimidating, and I don’t know what drugs people were on but it was fucking out there!”

WHO: ShockOne WHAT: Universus (Viper/OneLove) Out 29 April WHEN & WHERE: Groovin’ The Moo, Saturday 11 May, Bunbury

14 • For more interviews go to themusic.com.au/interviews

GREASED LIGHTNING Brooklyn duo Matt & Kim love to make art out of simple things.

Their lo-fi, high energy pop approach, coupled with videos that feature great, basic ideas, has got them attention at home and again to Australia to promote new album, Lightning. By Liz Giuffre. att Johnson, aka Matt from Matt & Kim, is talking from a tour bus moving across the states. In between trips from Seattle to San Francisco, he begins by dreaming of somewhere a little warmer. “Out of any territory, we love coming to Australia. We’ve been three times I believe, and even though it’s basically as far as way as we can go, there’s always something about the vibe and the culture that we just love, so we always request that we get to go there. Unfortunately we didn’t make it last year because we were making an album, but before that it was every year for a few years …. We did Big Day Out festival, and on a very small scale we’d come through and done some of our own club shows. This time we’re on another festival, Groovin’ The Moo, and a few sideshows … but I love festivals, people always come so open-minded and that’s where we get ‘em! We grab ‘em and we hold on tight and don’t let them go.”

M

There’s more to this story

on the iPad

Being grabbed by Matt & Kim is not a difficult experience, as the upbeat, no-nonsense toe-tappers make themselves pretty easy to love. Johnson and Kim Schifino make music that walks a dance/pop line and relies on hooky simpleness, but they do so knowing how hard that form can be. “We think, ‘how can we be as simple and effective as we can make it, and that will be the purist form of it’? Meanwhile, some haters like to say, ‘that’s something like what my little nephew could do’. But that’s not the thing, it’s about taking a risk,” Johnson explains. “I always find with music, it feels really safe to really layer things up and add lots of stuff because then there’s nothing hanging out there, but I think a good example right now, and I know it’s popular in Australia too, is that Thrift Shop song [by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis]. For the most part there’s like three elements happening – a clap, a kick drum and that horn

line – and they just work in perfect harmony, and that’s where something special happens. I think it’s very risky to go simple but I think the reward is worth it.”

To date, Matt & Kim’s three albums have taken this motto to heart, with singles Daylight and Lessons Learned (2008/9), Good For Great (2011), Let’s Go (2012) and It’s Alright (2013) all particularly showing the pair’s talent for doing lots with a few simple tools. A strong hook to build around, some basic arrangements, and somehow an earworm that leaves the listener, well, grabbed tight. The pair add to their sounds some particularly curious images, too, with Lessons Learned featuring them stripping down to nothing as they walked through Times Square (for no good reason), Let’s Go letting them create some awesome ‘80s hair and kit for a fake family portrait, and most recently, It’s Alright featuring some highly choreographed, and very funny, horizontal hokey pokey. It’s a touch of the Ok Go effect with just one shot and one great idea, totally made the commitment of the band.

“That video was an idea I had years ago, but it just never really happened. And then we were making the It’s Alright song and we were dancing around in the studio and we thought, ‘now’s the time, we’ve gotta make a video with dancing in it’,” Johnson says. “And then as we were shooting it and choreographing it, Tanisha Scott helped us choreograph it, and she’s done lots of other videos, all the Sean Paul videos and she’s been in Beyonce’s videos, and that’s what we were looking for. We didn’t want someone who was ‘modern dance’, we wanted the real booty shaking kinda stuff.

And I forget how it even came up that we were decided to do stills of sex moves right in the middle, but I don’t know, we thought it would be funny. When we ended up shooting it we ended up shooting about 40 or 50 different positions in the day, and it was like 15 people in the crew watching us, I started becoming very uncomfortable thinking ‘is this what it’s like shooting porn? I don’t know, I just want to get this done!’”

MASSIVE POTENTIAL Brooklyn iconoclasts They Might Be Giants have been following their wonderfully idiosyncratic muse for over three decades now without respite. One half of the core duo, John Linnell, admits to Steve Bell that they don’t really know how to stop. uirky, unconventional, madcap, eccentric, oddball, geeky – the list of potential adjectives to describe the career of John Linnell and John Flansburgh as alternative behemoth They Might Be Giants is virtually endless, such has been the volume of distinctive music and breadth of leftfield activities and experiments that they’ve conducted over the course of their fascinating career since they started following their steadfastly comic (and somewhat avant) muse back in the early-‘80s.

Q

They’ve sold millions of albums, won Grammys, branched (incredibly successfully) into kids’ music, scored TV shows and even been at the forefront of digital music dissemination, all without watering down their delightfully unique personas and vision. It can be boiled down to a shared sense of the absurd that intrinsically links the two Johns, a random chemistry that’s as unforced as it is undefinable.

“I don’t think we know how to do it artificially,” smiles Linnell of the organic nature of the pair’s creative union. “Although in some ways of course it’s artificial, its music, but I don’t think we know how to calculate what we’re doing. We certainly don’t know how to second guess other people and decide we know what people want – we’re so far away from doing that, that we really do have to rely on our own instincts. We’re still doing more or less what we’ve always done, which is making records that we ourselves would like to buy and listen to. Obviously we can’t do everything – there are plenty of records that we like that we ourselves are incapable of making – so this is a narrow category of stuff that we like and we can make.”

They Might Be Giants started out basically as two friends trying to amuse each other and gradually morphed into a band, and their live show has made similar focal shifts over that time, eventually becoming an integral part of their appeal.

Music video karma sutra aside, the single, which comes from latest album Lightning, was also an excuse for the band to finally record at home. “As a band that identifies with where we’re from, which is New York, it’s the first album we ever made in New York. The first album we made we Los Angeles, the second in Vermont, the third in Atlanta, Georgia, and this is the first album we’ve actually made in New York, and we made it in the apartment, and it was the last album we made in Grand Street, that we refer to in all our albums, we made it before we moved out of there. And it was sort of, I don’t know, I feel like it was great because we kept normal life going. We’d work on music in the day and then we’d see friends and what not at night, so we didn’t feel so isolated and I think in that way it just kept things a little more natural rather than being single-minded and deserted in some other town.”

Matt & Kim’s home recording ended up being something of a farewell to their past too, as the pair get ready to move out and perhaps even grow up a little. “We’ve

bought a house after living in this tiny, tiny railroad apartment for the last eight years, which was like living in the hallway. It was cold in the winter and cold in the summer and it had rats, and had no gas, and it was just ‘a real New York experience’,” Johnson laughs.

However, the ‘experience’ is also something he was clearly fond of, too. “We were ready to move on … but we had so much history in there. It’s funny, there’s a highway called the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and I always called it ‘my ocean’ because you just hear the cars whooshing past, for like eight years it sounded like waves going by. And that was probably captured in the background of vocal tracks is kinda cool.”

WHO: Matt & Kim WHAT: Lightning (Liberator) WHEN & WHERE: Saturday 11 May, Groovin’ The Moo; Hay Park, Bunbury

USING THE FORCE Gold Coast party boys Surecut Kids are psyched to be bringing their hyper-fuelled show to Ambar in May. Kane Sutton spoke to the duo before the party kicks off. urecut Kids are the dynamic duo of Benji and Mikey, two Queenslanders intent on creating the best party sounds around town. They’ve been doing a damn fine job of it too, having travelled nationwide throughout Australia, as well as visiting Papua New Guinea, and Bali to showcase their tunes. Naturally, the boys don’t mind where they’re performing so long as people are getting sweaty.

S “Yeah, it has become [important],” Linnell concurs. “Of course it became that a long time ago, but we started out as anything but a live act. We were shut down in the basement with a tape recorder, and that was our ultimate dream at the time – we thought that this is what we want to do, sit and make recordings. When it came time to consider performing live we came up with a show that pretty much just enabled us to do the home recordings onstage – we had a tape recorder playing and we sang over that and played instruments, we were just reproducing our own home taping setup in a live way. It took us about ten years for us to back into playing with a more traditional rock band set-up. Of course once we did that, that’s what we became, and that was almost twenty years ago.”

And the two Johns are naturally proud of what they’ve set in motion, although Linnell’s not quite sure how they’re going to eventually slow the They Might Be Giants juggernaut.

“I think there’s a mixture of pride and shame,” he laughs of the band’s career. “It’s a little crazy; I’m not sure how you wind down. I’m a little concerned that we’re heading to that ultimate heart attack onstage or heart attack on TV or something like that. I don’t know why, but for some reason it’s a disturbing thought – I guess it’s either that or quietly fade away, and you just have to pick one. We’ll see. I’ll try and be graceful when it happens, I’ll try to work it into the show.”

WHO: They Might Be Giants WHAT: Nanobots (Breakaway) WHEN & WHERE: Friday 10 May, Rosemount; Saturday 11, Groovin’ The Moo, Hay Park, Bunbury

“We love the festivals for the novelty factor”, Mikey says. You get to see some big name performers around as well and it’s great to be sharing the spotlight with them, although a sweaty club going bananas is tough to beat as well. We play a bit of a crazy mix of trap, and hip hop, and plenty of other things. We stick to our bass music and party beats for the club. Sometimes we break it down into little routines where we have about 10 PCs and we chop the songs up, rearrange them and whatnot, but we also love talking shit into the mic’ and throwing heaps of confetti around the place.”

The duo have started this year has started with a bang.

Their single ‘Night Games’ has been making waves on the ARIA chart, and has also been backed by radio play on a variety of major alternative radio stations.

They’re particularly excited about the release of their first full-length LP, which has spent a couple of years in the making. “We’ve actually just finished it. It’s getting mixed this week and next week. We’ve got songs on there that we created as long as two years ago, and they sort of grew and evolved as our production’s changed, and we’ve revisited them. We’ve got some that are only a couple of months old, too. They all sound how we sound now. Hopefully the process of it being mixed and being released to the public doesn’t take too long because sometimes that can drag out.

It’s pretty much finished on our end; we’re looking forward to it being released to the world, for sure.”

With new subgenres constantly trying to break into the electronic and dance music styles, many bands find it difficult to adjust.

Both gentlemen agree that it’s their chemistry that allows them to move forward so seamlessly. “We don’t really argue much at all; we operate in harmony”, Mikey claims. “We have very similar tastes in things and sort of cancel each other out as far as our personalities go. We always find a middle ground if there’s anything we disagree on. We diss each other a bit, but that’s about as far as it goes. We just sort of move along organically with what’s going on.

Something new comes in, and we’re straight on the pulse of it because that’s our job and part of what we do. We’re quite progressive with our sound and what we like. We’re hearing new things coming through; something will excite us and the next thing you know it’s working its way into our production and sets, so it’s not like we ever try to do something, we’re just influenced by movements happening, in a way.”

The duo are aiming to gather as much exposure as possible this year, and one of their biggest shows to date involves a space-themed show lined up for the very fitting date of May 4th. Both the boys have agreed to dress as Star Wars characters, alongside all the staff and supporting DJs. “I’d have to say I’d liken myself to Jabba the Hut,” Mikey jokes. “I love just sitting around and eating things, you know, banishing people to the pit.

It’s gonna be a fantastic night. We honestly can’t wait.”

WHO: Surecut Kids WHEN & WHERE: Saturday 4 May, Ambar Niteclub

For more interviews go to themusic.com.au/interviews • 15

CIVILISED CAVEMEN New York outfit Caveman have cemented their indie rock cred with their second release.

Cam Findlay chats to Michael Iwanusa about meeting the fans, both old and young. Very young. f you’ve had the incredibly good fortune of attending South By Southwest, then you probably didn’t leave without a story or two to tell. New York indie group Caveman, just over the hedge of releasing their second album, might have a few. But they’re not going into specifics.

In only a handful of years, Third Party have established themselves as one of the most promising acts in house. Ahead of their latest Australian tour, Jonnie Macaire speaks to Matt O’Neill about the UK pair’s rapid ascent.

I

“It was crazy,” frontman Matthew Iwanusa says of the massive festival in Austin, Texas. “You get to hang out with all of your friends, and just watch music and have a great time. Like, you go out and play, but then there’s so much more than that. You don’t really get a chance to stop. You go out, and then it’s 2 o’clock in the morning, and you have to figure out some way to get home. It’s crazy.”

“Crazy” is a good analogy for the state of things for Cavman at the moment. The self-titled sophomore effort for the young band has become a critical hit in a very short space of time, thanks in no short amount to the hype the five-piece have received in the leadup to it’s release. “It’s gone really great,” Iwanusa sighs, in Philadelphia and at the tail-end of the album launch tour. “Every day, we’re getting people saying nice things about it. You know, I can’t complain at all. It’s so fun being out and meeting people every day who are so into it. We played on NPR with a few songs, like, a week before the record came out. Simply from that first moment, we’ve been seeing more and more people come out to shows. And now, we’re even hearing people singing every new song when we’re playing. It’s great.”

Caveman obviously have a great deal of respect and connection to their fans; the band’s constant outreach on Facebook, Twitter and others attest to that. But, as is the norm for any artist, the crafting of the latest album was a personal effort. “No. I mean, not in a rude way, but no,” Iwanusa bluntly shares when asked if the idea of audience was a factor in writing. “We were trying to just make sure we were making the album we wanted to make, and we were hoping that everybody would like it. And you do hope, but I think

16 • For more interviews go to themusic.com.au/interviews

THE THIRD PLACE

that making the record you want to make is an honest thing to do, and people respond to that and respect that. I’m sure if they didn’t like it and they saw me on the street, they would still be nice,” he laughs.

And it would be hard to dodge that event: Caveman’s cosmopolitan hometown pretty much ensures that interconnection occurs. But Iwanusa thrives on it. “It’s very fast-paced, New York,” he explains when asked how The Big Apple influences his work. “I don’t know; it’s like when you make music, you take a break from this very hectic lifestyle, so I think it’s an influence in that way. But also, just the people you meet and people you’re around, and the opportunities you get to go see music… you get to meet people who are very dedicated to what they do artistically. It’s very inspiring.”

One very unique aspect the city offers Caveman is the chance to play some, let’s say, unorthodox gigs. Earlier this year, they were involved with Kidrockers, a program aimed at bringing contemporary music to the anklebiters.

“It was awesome,” Iwanusa beams of the experience.

“We’ve done a few of those now. You always do them when it’s really early, so everyone’s pretty tired. And we were probably out late the night before. But the kids are really funny; they do, like the craziest things on stage. But that’s what makes it a really fun experience.

“It’s one of our friends who organised it; she started off in a really small place, and then it got bigger and bigger, and now she’s touring it nationally. Her son interviewed us, it’s really funny. I recommend you watch it,” Iwanusa offers as parting advice.

WHO: Caveman WHAT: Caveman (Fat Possum/Shock)

hird Party’s career has progressed at an almost alarming rate. Beginning as a hobbyist project between friends Harry Bass and Jonnie Macaire in the late-noughties, Third Party’s career took a significant and unexpected upturn when one of their productions, Release, was spotted by genre legend Steve Angello.

The Swedish House Mafia don subsequently signed the duo to his respected Size Records imprint.

T

“I can tell you how it felt when we got signed to Size Records,” Macaire begins. “When Release was signed to Size, there was actually no talk about us being signed to Size. That came about a month or so after the track came out. We got the email from Steve’s manager basically saying he wanted to sign us and wanted us to head in for a meeting. After that, Steve told us he’d give us three months to come up with the next record we wanted to release.

“And, that meeting three months later, was probably the most nerve-racking thing I’ve ever experienced in my entire life,” the producer laughs. “Like, 100 per cent. We came with our track Feel with Cicada and, as 100 per cent confident as you are with a track, you never know how people are going to react. It’s impossible to judge. ‘Nerve-racking’ was definitely the word of the time. Once you meet the team and get settled, though, the pressure kind of goes away a bit.”

Since then, they’ve toured as support to Swedish House Mafia and been endorsed by Tiesto, David Guetta and Pete Tong. As an example of how hectic their lives have gotten, Bass and Macaire will be arriving in Australia immediately after completing their latest tour of America. Their schedules have become so packed, they’re currently producing on the road. Bearing in mind, both producers have only just turned twenty-five years old.

“Yep. We finish our American tour and then it’s straight on to a 24-hour flight and into Australia,” Macaire

says. “We’ve had to get used to producing on the road.

Honestly, it’s still kind of a new thing for us. Most of the stuff we’ve done has been in a studio. It’s weird because, you get successful because you make good music, but, because you’re successful, you get less time to make more. It’s a weird balancing act.”

The magnitude of their success is underscored by their initial ambitions. Third Party began when both Bass and Macaire were studying music production.

Originally, they envisaged producing for other artists and simply made beats for fun. There was no actual intention for the pair to become world-conquering DJ/ producers. In actual fact, the pair had their sights set on becoming sportsmen before they went to college.

“I think both us wanted to be sportsmen, at the beginning. Obviously football was a really big thing when we were younger, then Harry got really good at cricket. I was really into my golf. So, yeah, originally we just wanted to be sportsmen. We just kind of did music as a side hobby,” Macaire says.

“At that time when you realise you’re not going to be a sportsman – around 17, 18, when we first met – we decided to go to college to study music.”

“From that point, we figured that’s what we’d be doing,” the producer reflects. “Originally, we were looking to become producers for other artists and we just did beats on the side. Of course, once your track gets signed by Steve Angello, you kind of start paying attention. Right now, the goal is to keep making tunes and having a good time.”

WHO: Third Party WHERE & WHEN: Saturday 3 May, 133 Aberdeen Street

SUNDAY MAY 12

FREMANTLE ARTS CENTRE WITH SPECIAL GUESTS BROKEN ROYALE

WWW.OZ TIX.COM.AU * ALSO TOURING NATIONALLY ON GTM FESTIVAL JUNK OF THE HEART OUT NOW

CHUGGENTERTAINMENT.COM XIIITOURING.COM THEKOOKS.COM

17

SINGLES/EPS WITH LUKAS MURPHY

ON THE RECORD

PATIENT LITTLE SISTER Priority Tree Independent

LIVE

Brother and sister James and Eliza Rogers form the foundations of this lovely little group, and their new single Priority Tree is every bit as lovely as them. Musically, the song goes in directions unexpected, and with each new direction comes delightful surprises in melody, harmony and rhythm. James’ voice is very apt for the folk style that PLS projects, and paired with Eliza’s harmonies and violin the combination is most elegant. This is the sort of music that makes ‘only-child’ musicians like yours truly wish that they had a sibling to collaborate with.

JAMES BLAKE

GAY PARIS

IGGY & THE STOOGES

Atlas/Universal

MGM

Fat Possum/Warner

We’ve still got a little while to see if this, James Blake’s second album, will be one of the best of the year. I am going to go out there and say that it’s a high contender for the most fittingly titled album so far, however. Overgrown is a lush, blossoming album. It’s packed full of the falsetto and orchestral synth lines Blake is known for, but it manages to creep up on you and build on the James Blake design momentously.

Heavy weighs the crown. Since Iggy reformed The Stooges, and has now added classic ’73-era James Williamson LIVEback into the mix, the pressure to impress has been high. Live, there’s no arguing they’ve succeeded this. On the record though? Less so.

TIMOTHY NELSON & THE INFIDELS

Blake makes his statement clear with the opening and title track over a metronome beat and dull, throbbing beats. “I don’t wanna be a star or a stone on the shore/ no doorframe in the wall when everything’s overgrown.” Follower, I Am Sold, is easily Four Tetish remix fodder, Life Around Here sounds like a surreal, warped Backstreet Boys song (in the best way possible), and Take A Fall For Me sees RZA deliver some direct vocal work, showing Blake can up the beat to a hip hop lean. Retrograde, the track everyone’s heard and tried their best to emulate, is stunning as ever when placed in the middle of the track set. It’s incredibly simple, yet incredibly powerful, much like the album as a whole. DLM is a surprise, with naught but vocals and pianos continuing the theme. Digital Lion is proto-avant garde, Voyeur is fittingly creepy, and closer Our Love Comes Back ties everything up beautifully.

The sleaziness has returned and the balls are back out with Gay Paris’ new long player delivering the good old-fashioned chunky riffs and sweaty burlesque we have come to expect. The inner-Sydney quartet, who gave us songs with track titles such as My First Wife?

She Was A Fox Queen! have applied a similar formula to the one they used on the impressive 2011 release The Skeleton’s Problematic Granddaughter, with more rock and more ridiculously over-the-top-moments than the Sylvester Stallone movie of the same name.

Theatrics and bodily juices aside, the band have honed their skills over the years too, and here demonstrate even more their exceptional talents as musicians and pioneers of whatever genre they have invented. One thing is certain, though – this band likes to party hard.

Independent

Cam Findlay

SUGARPUSS

This one was a fair while coming, and well worth the wait. Sugarpuss have stamped out their own little area in the Perth noise industry, and their debut EP Psychotic Teenage Supermodels reinforces the notion that they’re serious about keeping it that way. While the favourite on the EP might be the single, Falling Outta Love with it’s catchy melodies and almost unnoticeably sombre lyrics; a highlight for us is They’re Gonna Shut The Planet Down. Seriously digging this.

VIt’s depressing that’s about as good as it gets. On Job

D

D

Psychotic Teenage Supermodels

Retrograde was an easy pick for lead single; it’s the most accessible track here. But while the rest of the album is a slow-burner, it creeps in and out of identity and psyche with passionate grace. Well worth the effort.

Anyone that’s seen the group live knows there was always a skinny, hairy, white rapper within vocalist Luke Monks just screaming to come out, and so it would seem his time has come with the track Trash Bird At Confessional, mashing scream, cock-rock and rap into something that is not a party song but an actual party by itself. In fact, all the songs on the album – reportedly made on a shoe-string budget of about $6K – aim for ‘epic’. Check out Ghost Of Umbra and if you’re not smashing your head in time with the riff within five seconds, I’ll eat my keyboard. You can expect more metal riffs, more underlying blues, more growling and sex then you could throw a packet of condoms at, plus, as the album title suggests, a damn good time. It’s hard not to wonder if the band aren’t actually taking the piss and are in fact trying to conquer the world, one fat riff at a time. Brilliant.

Williamson’s presence is made known immediately, on the very Raw Power reminiscent opening track Burn. The riff is groovy and has the classic chainsaw edge that makes the “Iggy & The Stooges” moniker arguably more powerful than “The Stooges”. It doesn’t quite hit home, but it comes close.

D

Iggy pines, “If I was joking would it be funny?” This is a frustratingly telling line, even if it wasn’t written to be so. If this was Iggy taking the piss on us all, worshiping a man in his mid-60s acting like he’s 24, would that make the whole thing better? Even on relatively light and fun Gun, an odd album highlight, when he sings “If I had a fuckin’ gun I could shoot at everyone”, the venom is lacking. That’s the sort of lyric that could drip with punk rock vulgarity and power, but it’s depressingly monotone and half mumbled through here.

VD

VD

Among the favourite independent groups in the Perth music scene, Timothy Nelson and his band of larrikins hardly need to prove their worth. Nelson’s lyrics are insightfully clever and immaculately crafted, to the point that he could indeed be held equal to many of his idols. His backing band are each and every one a talented musician, and together they have time and again created quality music. The band’s latest single Mary Lou is no exception. Fat drums (which seem to be a recurring pattern in Joel Quartermain’s production), delicious Wurlitzer and catchy falsetto lines make this single a strong preview to the group’s forthcoming album. Can’t wait!

Ready To Die

The Last Good Party

D

Independent

VD

D

Mary Lou

Overgrown

The less said about the odd country experimentation of Unfriendly World the better. Pop knows how to experiment, his recent French lounge work shows that, but here he really misses the mark.

There isn’t anything truly abhorrent about the album – it runs loops around 2007’s The Weirdness.

But is that all we’re comfortable asking of Iggy?

Those first three albums, Raw Power in particular comparison here, are still powerful, intimidating pillars of proto-punk rock greatness. Painful as it is, the group are better left as a live nostalgia act.

Adam Wilding

Andrew McDonald

BLACKCHORDS

BAYOU

SIGUR RÓS Brennesteinn XL/Remote Control Sigur Rós’ sophomore album, Ágætis Byrjun, was one of the best albums to come out of the early 2000’s; in many ways, that album defined the band’s sound. Since then, despite the brilliance and effervescence of the following albums, they hadn’t quite managed to recapture that same “je ne sais quoi”. The recently released single, Brennesteinn, suggests that their forthcoming album might just finally do it. Immediately this song gives an injection of adrenaline straight to the heart as it swoops into its ethereal, transcendent motion. Despite the lack of piano being a sad reminder of the departure of Kjartan Sveinsson, this track has a real feeling of something huge tipping the scale. Kveikur is released in June, and it couldn’t be more anticipated.

GNOME See In Walk Independent The oscillating synthesizers that bring the opening track into full swing are indicative of the soft, ambient nature of this very mellow and introspective EP. Yet another golden brother/ sister combination; Gnome make a strong debut with See In Walk. Four progressive and layered compositions hardly seems like enough listening. Hopefully this cool little troupe aren’t finished laying tracks down.

18 • For more reviews go to themusic.com.au/reviews

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS Home

A Thin Line

Bayou

Epitaph/Warner

ABC Music

Independent

Focusing their efforts on genres that tend to pull more revenue, it’s rare that Epitaph takes on new punk bands. So when they do, you know that band has something exciting to offer. They’ve been around since 2002, and in their second Epitaph release, Home, Off With Their Heads have produced a record that more than proves their worth on the label’s roster.

If recording an album in a shed in the Yarra Valley can inspire and produce the beauty of Blackchords’ newest release; every band needs to step out of the ordinary recording studio. The second album for the Melbourne band, A Thin Line is a perfectly crafted mix of electronic infused indie-pop, with energy pulsing through every ambient track

With sleazy licks, smoky tones and dirty tunes, Bayou have their listeners hooked from track to track on their self-titled album that was released early 2013.

It’s hard to pinpoint what makes this four-piece from Minneapolis so unique and accessible. They’re a quality pop/punk rock act that are rough around the edges. Vocalist Ryan Young is what you get if your standard pop punk vocalist sculls scalding hot coffee and then jumps in the vocal booth. It may sound surprising, but such vocals aren’t unpleasant to listen to – they add more emotion and energy into what might otherwise be lifeless melodies at times.

Beginning with title-track A Thin Line, Blackchords beckon you in with their layers of synth, acoustics and percussion. After an unforgettable crescendo, the album continues to dance around with its electronic and pop influences in songs like Oh No and Dance Dance Dance. Oh No has a chorus so catchy, you’ll been singing it for days. From Here has an electronic feel that makes you feel like you should be listening to go-happy lyrics, but instead the lyrics chill you.

Vocalist Nick Milwright sings “I’m a dead man walking, along the road to my reckoning” – and you find yourself wanting to walk beside him.

With this sort of gruff rock, it can often be hard to capture the vocal energy and find a fine line between a rough recording and something so polished that it kills the vibe, but producer Bill Stevenson has found a healthy mix, and Colorado’s iconic Blasting Room Studios have churned out another flawless sounding record.

Off With Their Heads have had countless line-up changes, appeared on a mountain of splits, compilations, and EPs, but this record finally sees a solid line-up and 12 songs that work together perfectly. It seems such a frequently rotating line-up has enabled their sound to stay fresh.

The theme of the album revolves around fighting everyday distraction and endeavouring to follow a narrow path (a thin line) to your ambitions. By keeping on a thin line and avoiding distraction, the band have created a solid 10-track release that ironically distracts you from your own life and takes you to a different world.

Having already established a name for themselves within the beard-punk community years ago, Home is the record that will see Off With Their Heads break out of their little subgenre and onto broader horizons as a force to be reckoned with.

A Thin Line is a beautiful follow up to the bands debut self-titled album. The Blackchords have exceeded expectations and created an album brimming with masterfully layered tunes and tasteful electronic indie-pop sounds.

Daniel Cribb

Renee Jones

The Perth based band are prototypes of the southern sludge metal genre and have been fiddling with their musical instruments since 2009 to craft an album filled with shades of rage, doom and groove. The album succeeds on production values, considering it was done in a do-it-yourself manner and it boasts seven full-length tracks.

The tracks are superbly produced and even give off a smoke induced atmosphere that is best reminiscent of the cigarette, booze, and guitar-blazing scenario at a hellish live music venue. The aggression of the raging guitarist Brendon Grubisich and the bassist Issei Oshikawa compliment the powerful almost clean pitch of vocalist Dean Robertson. The opening track Leader Of The Damned sets the pace of a fist-impelling attitude from Bayou though it is the Six Weeks track that earns the stripes. The brusque riffs on Six Weeks stands out against the other musical textures and touches on some of that old school metal vibe. There are a few padded tracks on the album but nonetheless it makes great head banging material. The lyrics remain true to the sordid society and if you have sold your soul – you get the all clear to ‘scream a chorus’ and raise the devil horns to Bayou’s catchy words and dirty riffs.

The debut album of Bayou is worthy of enigmatic dirty praise and the band are a definite watch-out for in 2013.

Lav Nandlall

FRIDAY 26 APRIL CLANCY’S DUNSBOROUGH SATURDAY 27 APRIL INDI BAR SCARBOROUGH

19

FRONTROW@DRUMPERTH.COM.AU

THIS WEEK IN

Perth

ARTS After overcoming his demons, Jack Dee has found himself back on the stand-up stage, a place where he can let it all hang out, writes Baz McAlister.

IRON MAN 3

THURSDAY Iron Man 3 – the heavily anticipated third film of the Iron Man series has arrived. Handsome and quick-witted Tony Stark is back to save the world again. Starring Robert Downey Jr, Guy Pearce and Gwyneth Paltrow, this film is going to be ore-some. In Cinemas today.

FRIDAY 26 Pause Fest 2013 – coming to Perth for the first time, Pause Digital Festival joins the city of Perth in celebrating Innovation Month – a month of innovation and creativity.

This free event brings together international and local speakers, a premium selection of independent films and animation, interactive installations and a number of workshops and panels. Ethno Tekh LIVE, a digital collaboration that fuses art, technology and music, perform at 8pm. Opening night, Northbridge Piazza, 7pm-late, to Sunday 28 April.

Luisa Hansal: We Are All At Risk Of Becoming Potatoes – presenting her first major solo show, Hansal’s extensive series of works is an exploration of one’s limitless imagination and an effort to share and remind viewers of the simple joys in life. Encouraged to explore their primitive selves, onlookers can hope to better understand their own identity.

Closing night, Kurb Gallery, 12-8pm.

SATURDAY 27 A Number – catch the final performance of Perth Theatre Company’s 2013 season opener, a thrilling drama that explores the social and ideological implications of cloning. Starring legendary actor and comedian Kim Gyngell. Closing night, Heath Ledger Theatre, 4pm and 8.30pm.

Slow Art Day at AGWA – take a slow tour of Picturing New York with one of Art Gallery of WA’s voluntary gallery guides on Slow Art Day 2013, a worldwide celebration of art. During this tour you will

enjoy a detailed look at four key photographs in the exhibition and chill out in the Manhattan Lounge.

Art Gallery of WA, 12 noon.

MONDAY 29 UDS Presents ‘Viva La Restoration’ – UWA Dramatic Society’s first show for 2013 is an original musical comedy: colour as we know it is gone but no one seems to notice or care. As two artists fight to outdo each other, everything hinges on the actions of a mad scientist and a stuffy politician. Opening night, Dolphin Theatre UWA, doors at 7pm, to Saturday 4 May.

WEDNESDAY 1 Trends In Emerging Art Talk – PICA is proud to present the ART1000 program for 2013, an array of events that provide intimate opportunities to meet artists, grow or start your own art collection and learn about creative processes.

Join PICA curators Leigh Robb and Tim Carter as they discuss current trends in emerging contemporary art and take you on a private tour of Hatched: National Graduate Show 2013.

ARTS NEWS Sensorium Theatre and Performing Lines – are pleased to announce Australia’s first multisensory performance for children with special needs. The Jub Jub Tree will tour to four special needs schools in the Perth metropolitan area from 13 May-5 July 2013. Led

by Michelle Hovane and Francis Italiano, Sensorium Theatre is the only company in Australia dedicated to making theatre for children with special needs. During The Jub Jub Tree, children are led through a tactile discovery where they can touch, taste, smell, hear and see stories unfold around them.

Residencies will be undertaken in Balga, Armadale, Willetton and Coolbellup. For more info check out performinglineswa.org.au.

WARTS AND ALL After a six-year absence from stand-up, British comic Jack Dee has the microphone back in his hand, and you’d be forgiven for thinking he almost sounds happy.

The Englishman made a name for himself as a kind of comedy curmudgeon in the 1990s, when he got his break and his own TV show.

Television has kept him off the stage for the best part of the last six years, too, as he wrote and starred in four series of his popular sitcom, Lead Balloon. But Dee says he’s lately been feeling the need to get in front of live audiences.

“I’ve been doing a lot of writing and acting over the last six years and as much as I’ve enjoyed that, I’ve been getting twitchy to get on stage again. I started doing a little tour of small market towns in Wales, Cornwall, Devon, across to Ireland and God knows where. I just started getting a feel for being on stage again and enjoying it for its own

sake, really. About five months after that I decided I did like it again, and decided to do a proper tour.” He last toured Australia doing stand-up in 1995, but Dee says his comic ‘voice’ hasn’t changed – he’s still the same slightly surly, put-upon, perpetually disappointed fellow he always was on stage; it’s pretty close to how he is in real life and audiences love him for it. He’s returned to his favourite topics material-wise, too.

“As before, I think the main thrust of my material is a rolling review of my life,” he admits. “But as well as that, I’m trying to bring in philosophically where I’m at and how I’ve changed.

It can include thoughts about religion and politics and conspiracy theories and how that’s affected me. I’ve never sat down and thought, ‘I’m going to write a show now and the entire theme of it’s going to be electricity.’ It’s just always been, okay, I’m going to be with the audience for a couple of hours and

we’re going to hopefully have fun talking. It’s good to walk away from stand-up for a while until you’re brimming over with material and hungry for it again.”

Dee says he enjoyed bringing his character Rick Spleen to the small screen in Lead Balloon over the past few years. He calls Spleen a what-if, Sliding Doors-style version of himself – what he might be if he hadn’t had his big break. “Rick is partly that, and partly a composite of other comedians I encountered along the way, who are totally disillusioned and negative and quite bitter about their position. Without being cruel, I’ve always been amused by the disparity of someone who’s meant to get on stage and entertain people and make them happy being incredibly bitter and frustrated deep down. That’s where Rick comes from.”

The other side-project that’s sucked up a lot of Dee’s time was writing

his 2009 autobiography, Thanks For Nothing. It covers the first 25 years of his life, until he first started stand-up – some difficult years in which he battled depression and alcoholism. It was difficult to write and Dee says he is mostly pleased with the result – even if he feels he may have shied away from some hard truths. “I did evade the darker stuff in favour of writing about the more entertaining stuff. As much as people enjoyed it, I’m not sure it’s a great document of what I did in my life. It’s more of a flight of fantasy, a lot of it, and what I learnt from that is that I’m much more honest about myself on stage than I could ever be in a book.”

WHAT: An Evening With Jack Dee WHEN & WHERE: Thursday 25 April, PICF, Astor Theatre

Craig Hill is here for PICF and Baz McAlister learns about his ever-expanding wardrobe.

AUSSIE RULES

Kilted Scottish whirlwind of mischief Craig Hill is known for his wonderfully risqué show titles – this year it’s Jock’s Trap, but previous ones include Why Don’t You Come Down The Front and Kilty Pleasures – and his collection of unusual kilts, of which he’s always acquiring more. “I did a photo shoot recently where they gave me a silver kilt to try on, and I don’t know if people know this but there is such a category as far too gay,” Hill laughs. “I tried it on and I was like, ‘Nah. Even Mr Poofy of Poofy Avenue in Pooftown would not wear this kilt’.”

Hill has recently finished a season of Jock’s Trap in Adelaide at the Fringe, and has been recording little micro-blogs of each night’s show

20 • To check out the mags online go to themusic.com.au/mags

and giving shout-outs to audience members on his Facebook page.

He says a few of his ‘virgins’ have been relatively under-prepared for Craig Hill in full flow, because of his relatively well-behaved TV appearances.

“I‘ve had a lot of people this year who heard about my show last year or have seen me on Good News Week,” he says. “They all come and naively sit down the front, I can spot their little doe eyes as I storm on in my kilt and they’re going, ‘Oh! This isn’t what I expected’.” Aside from his kilt collection, on this trip to Australia, Hill dipped a toe into what has the potential to become another obsessive clothing habit for him: AFL tops.

“I’ve been going to the gym a lot with my friend in Edinburgh, and call me a gay but I like an outfit! In Scotland you can’t wear a [Scottish] football top because you’re showing allegiance to the one team and what if it’s the wrong team? So out of pure vanity I was like, ‘Oh, that’s a nice cut’ and I bought this AFL top.

In Scotland nobody will know what team it is anyway. I bought it based on colour. I since found out it’s a West Coast Eagles top but to me that’s irrelevant. It’s a beautiful yellow and blue top with a lovely white stripe and an eagle on the front!”

WHAT: Craig Hill: Jock’s Trap WHEN & WHERE: Saturday 4 May, Astor Theatre

Perth

FRONTROW@DRUMPERTH.COM.AU

C U LT U R A L

WITH MARCIA CZERNIAK

From a young age, comedian Eddie Ifft decided “If [he] couldn’t get good attention, [he] was gonna get bad attention.” Guy Davis gets some insight into the dark side of positivity.

FROM THE DARK SIDE Back when American stand-up comedian Eddie Ifft was in first grade, he noticed that the gifted kids in his class – some of them his close friends – were being taken off to learn lessons that would place them on the academic fast track.

“And I’m seven and I’m already being told ‘Nope, it’s not you’,” he laughs, shaking his head. “I remember feeling incredibly frustrated. And I thought that if I couldn’t be first, then I was gonna be last. If I couldn’t get good attention, I was gonna get bad attention. And I found it through being funny. Joking and laughing and getting into trouble, all of that was much more rewarding to me than getting an A on a test.”

Many a class clown has gone on to crack wise professionally, and Ifft is no exception. How many of them crack wise as caustically as Ifft, well, that’s another story. There’s

a venomous bite to his material that kind of belies his somewhat pleasant-looking (if slightly devilish) appearance.“Yeah, I don’t hold back,” he smiles. “Career-wise, I sometimes think that could be detrimental. It’s not the most marketable or commercial route I could have taken. But I chose this path to go down. In the beginning, I had agents and managers who thought, ‘Here’s this cute face – he’ll be a sitcom star!’ And they would sit me down and beat me up about taking the edge off my act.

You know, ‘don’t imply that, don’t use that tone’... And one day I just snapped. I told them that I wasn’t a puppet, that what they wanted was not comedy to me. I got into comedy because of who I am and what I think is funny. And I just went with that.”

CRINGE

Ifft admits he likes offensive things.

“But I like joking about them... That doesn’t mean I like them in real life!” he says. I like to think I’m a good person, a nice person, but I do have a dark sense of humour.” It could be said that an inability to recognise an audience’s capability to balance and evaluate two contradictory notions – that something can be upsetting while also being funny – sells that audience short. Ifft feels that “any normal human being” can see both the light and the darkness. “I once said to my sister, ‘I looked up at this plane today and I thought it’d be cool if it crashed right now, and then I thought how horrible it was to even think about that’,” he recalls. “She said to me, ‘That’s what makes you human, that you’re instantly able to say it would be horrible. Otherwise you’re a sociopath!’ The people with a constant happy-go-lucky

approach, who treat the world like everything is perfect, they just strike me as fundamentally dishonest.

That upsets me. I look at them and just know there’s a dark place they sometimes go to.”

Ifft, however, is a bright-side kind of guy. “A lot of my friends would say I’m a negative person but I am actually really positive with a good outlook. I don’t get dismal; I always think there’s a solution to a problem.

But I like to make fun of the negative with my comedy, mainly because negative is way funnier than positive! And in a weird way, taking that negative and making you laugh at it is a positive act.”

WHAT: Eddie Iffft: Too Soon?

WHEN & WHERE: Friday 3 May, PICF, Astor Theatre

As much younger person than I am now, school holiday time signified a few things like lots of time playing with the kids in the street and spending time with my Nonna, who looked after us grandkids. Days with Nonna used to entail visits to Coles, picking her roses and checking on the chooks to see if they had laid some eggs in the last hour since I had checked on them. And then there was the hour every afternoon when it was ‘Nonna time’ and funnily enough, Nonna time conveniently tied in with Days Of Our Lives. So upon the recent news of the end of Days Of Our Lives off of Australian television screens, I have to admit, I felt a bit sad.

And while I haven’t watched an episode in a very long time, knowing that from this Friday 26 April it will no longer be there for us, well, it is like a piece of pop culture is dying. No longer will sand go through the hourglass. No longer will characters die and come back five years later after the actor’s film career didn’t quite take off. No longer will Stefano be the oldest villain ever on the small screen.

No longer will there be that iconic couple Beau and Hope. No longer will there be so many incestuous love affairs...well, actually, there probably will be on Bold And The Beautiful but seriously, who watches that now there is no Ridge? But most importantly, no longer will these be the days of our lives. The show, which began broadcasting in America in 1965, has been on Australian screens

since 1968. There have been 12,000 episodes of the show made and while we may readily mock them all, there is no denying that it is a massive accomplishment.

While the show has been renewed in America until late next year, Channel Nine has decided to give it the flick here in Australia as it did the Young And The Restless a while back. That show now screens on Foxtel, so maybe all will not be lost for die-hard fans, but the axing is reflective of the fact that the soap opera genre is quite the diminishing one. Daytime soaps are no longer across all channels as they were ten years ago. And while our night time soaps Neighbours and Home And Away are still on our screens and rating well, they don’t seem to be as embedded in Australian culture as they once were. The connection with the ‘River boys’ isn’t the same as the one that we had with Pippa, Sally or Vinnie. And how could you forget Milko? But now it is all about boys in board shorts with blood and sand tattoos, but yes, admittedly they are nice boys to look at in board shorts. Home and Away is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and over the years we have seen a magnitude of actors come and go with storylines that walked the borderline between being predictable and outrageous at the same time.

Love them or hate them, soapies are a part of television viewing.

But nothing is sacred and, sadly, not even a close up of Marlena pondering about her love life with Roman can save them now.

THIS WEEK IN

COMEDY

THURSDAY 25

Adam Hills is back on the stage with his new, positive-message show Happyisms. He chats to Baz McAlister about it as well as his television chat show The Last Leg.

NOT OVER THE HILLS It’s been a few years since Adam Hills did a ‘proper’ show. Since he and his wife welcomed daughter Beatrice Pearl in mid-2010, the Aussie comedy icon has eased back on stand-up touring in favour of spending more time at home.

His triumphant return to festival comedy with Happyism has been a long time coming. “About a year ago I started doing club gigs, working up some new bits, but in places like LA and Montreal, where I knew the audiences were discerning,” Hills says. “A few months ago I did a few low-profile shows in Melbourne, and have been doing the same in London. Every comic needs a safe place in which they can fail.” Hills says he wanted to steer away from talking too much about having a

child in his new material, as many comics do. “It has informed this show though, because it makes me want a better world for my daughter,” he says. “More pointedly, it makes me want better role models for my daughter. I recently ranted at Joan Rivers on [my UK TV show] The Last Leg – oh yeah, I’m pretty tough when I’m taking on a 79-yearold woman who lives on the other side of the world – and it mostly came from the fact that I want my daughter to know that she can grow up to be whoever and whatever she wants to be without fear of judgement.” Instead, the material will be feel good comedy of the kind we’ve come to expect from Hills: “All my shows tend to be based on some sort of basic positive message

– Happyism is my religion, trying to be happy, putting out positive energy at all times,” he says. Hills’s chat show The Last Leg has been a huge hit in Australia and the UK, starting up during the Paralympics and being picked up for a second series because, as Hills says, “[The UK’s] Channel 4 saw the potential in three guys with four legs wrapping up the news of the week”. He says the concept of a show that explored disability side-by-side with comedy made some skittish, but he has won viewers over hard and found the perfect balance. “I always knew we weren’t going to be offensive in the show, but I also knew we couldn’t just jump in on the first show and say exactly what we wanted to say,” he says. “When Channel 4

started advertising the show, there were so many complaints on Twitter that The Last Leg was an offensive show about the Paralympics. But once the show went to air, they stopped complaining. The whole reason behind the ‘Is it okay?’ segment was to make people feel comfortable with disability and realise that there was comedy and fun to be had with the Paralympics.

The turning point for me was when we started getting positive tweets from the Paralympians. That’s when I knew we were on the right track.”

An Evening with Jack Dee – a special Perth International Comedy Festival event, Jack Dee’s (UK) 2013 Australian tour marks the end of a six-year stand-up hiatus. The Astor Theatre, 8pm.

The Comedy Lounge – tonight see Sami Shah (Pakistan), Suns of Fred, Andrea Gibbs, Sean Conway, Colin Ebsworth and Sami Cribb. The Charles Hotel, doors at 7pm.

Bogan Bingo – Bingo with BALLS! Anzac Day special. Returning after sell-out shows in P Perth, the Bogan Bingo team take all the numbers of your favourite gam game and turn them into tributes. This m monthly event is half game show, ha half party. Rosie O’Grady’s, doors at 7pm.

FRIDAY 26 Friday Night Stand-Up Stand – An assortment of the bbest local, national and interna international acts hit the stage with the sole purpose of making you laugh. Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den, doors at 8pm.

SATURDAY 27 The Bog HOO-HAA HOO-HAA! – an improvised comedy comed show with two

teams battling in a competition of wit, humour and mime skills.

Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den, doors at 8pm.

Little Comedy Lounge – tonight see Andrew Horabin, Andrea Gibbs, Sean Conway and Xavier Susai.

Little Creatures Loft, doors at 8pm.

MONDAY 29 Chuckles Comedy Gong Night – over 15 comedians throw one liners, characters, audience heckles and more to try to make it past the five minute mark as you decide what’s funny by cheering or booing. MCd

by Ben Darsow (Adelaide). Elephant & Wheelbarrow, doors at 8pm.

TUESDAY 30 Shapiro Tuesday – a night of experimental stand-up featuring a number of first-time and professional comedians including Sean Conway, Cody Lynch, Cameron Riessen, Dan Brader, Nick Maro and Gerald Maroney. Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den, doors at 8pm.

Rooftop Comedy – tonight see Shayne Hunter (Queensland). The Conservatory, doors at 6pm.

WHAT: Adam Hills: Happyism WHEN & WHERE: Friday 3 and Saturday 4 May,PICF,Riverside Theatre

SAMI SHAH

To check out the mags online go to themusic.com.au/mags • 21

Y A W A S B M O WIN THE B XPERIENCE E W O H S E H T O T S T E K C I T + VIP EMAIL: giveaways@drumperth.com.au

22

THE TUCKER BS PIC BY EMMA MACKENZIE

TOUR GUIDE GIG OF THE WEEK

BRITISH INDIA @ VARIOUS British India emerged from the underbelly of Melbourne’s independent music scene to take Australia by storm in July 2007 with their acclaimed debut album Guillotine. As their songs Black & White Radio, Tie Up My Hands and Run The Red Light became air-punching anthems at venues and festivals across the country, British India developed a hard-earned reputation for their explosive live shows. Since then, the energetic, hard-working four-piece have had only one way to go: up. Their fourth album Controller was released earlier this year, and immediately thre them to the top of the Aussie rock pile once again. British India are no strangers to our side of the country, so it was a given when they announced they would be stopping by Prince Of Wales, Bunbury on Thursday 25 April, Settlers Tavern, Margaret River on Friday 26 and Capitol on Saturday 27. There’s still tickets left, so hit up Oztix for tickets.

IN THE PINES

GROOVIN’ THE MOO: ALISON WONDERLAND, ALPINE, THE AMITY AFFLICTION, THE BRONX, DZ DEATHRAYS, EXAMPLE, FLUME, FRIGHTENED RABBIT, and more: MAY 11 Hay Park, Bunbury

SOMERVILLE AUDITORIUM: 21/04/2013 It feels a little odd calling In The Pines a festival these days. Where are the hordes of dolled-up girls lathered in orange spray-tan and the shirtless, oiled up blokes we’ve come to know and love (ahem) so much as of late?

Thankfully for us, In The Pines attracts the kind of crowd that would make anybody feel right at home, and on its 20th anniversary, not even the most ominous of rain clouds could destroy the jovial mood of the early punters as they settled down with their picnic blankets and welcomed some of the best local music this city has to offer. Twothirds of Pines veterans The Bank Holidays kicked off proceedings and entertained the audience with a light acoustic set; a lovely way to start day. Next up was Simone & Girlfunkle, another group who are no strangers to the Pines. Their infectious smiles and poppy tunes were a real treat, before Usurper of Modern Medicine changed the tempo with their experimental post-rock mixes. An old favourite in Tangent Man (Where You At?) was a real crowd pleaser, as was their final track, a sneak peek at a new record to be released later this year.

A relatively new group in 6s & 7s changed it up once more with an indie-pop sound reminiscent of Real Estate, before veterans Gata Negra followed through with a collection of alternative-rock hits from their extensive catalogue. The Fergusons were the first band to pull a crowd to the front of the stage with what was their first performance in almost a decade. It was refreshing to hear

plenty of poppy rock tunes that had fans cranking out the dance moves, particularly to crowd favourite Everything’s Gone Bad, before The Volcanics won the crowd over with their gutsy style of rock ‘n’ roll. Rachel Dease’s haunting vocals were a welcome change in tempo as Schventes performed a haunting set of blue-country hybrid, and were followed immediately by Timothy Nelson & The Infidels, who were certainly an audience favourite, charming them with an array of sweet, catchy indie-pop tunes and some wonderful vocal harmonies.

Felicity Groom no doubt gained a large number of followers as her dark, ‘60s folk-pop melodies proved to the crowd that she’s one of Perth’s best performers.

Red Jezebel was of keen interest to the crowd, playing a set consisting of one hit per studio release in chronological order. Beaverloop rounded out the evening as the most anticipated band of the day, having formerly disbanded 13 years ago. Dressed in sleepingbag costumes, the veterans smashed out a set of punk tunes that had punters screaming with joy and singing along as best they could to songs they’d never quite forgotten. The success of the day was obvious, and further established the fact that WA is pretty bloody lucky to have such a thriving music culture. Here’s to hoping the festival will continue on for another 20 years.

BACKLASH

Comedian John Oliver’s interview with John Howard for The Daily Show made us super proud to have gun control in Australia. We almost miss the guy.

US comedian Jimmy Kimmel sent a camera crew to Coachella to take advantage of our least favourite type of music people: people who think being into obscure bands is cool in and of itself.

Kimmel’s crew quizzed a heap of festival-goers about bands that were so obscure they didn’t even exist, and the results were predictably hilarious.

VIVE LE REVOLUTION Earlier this week, France legalised gay ADALITA marriage. New Zealand legalized it last week. Australia still hasn’t. Sigh.

COFFEE WAR Apparently there’s a coffee war in Perth, which is a hyperbolic way to talk about one establishment dropping its price. We always get our coffee from Sayer’s Sister in Northbridge because frankly they’re the best, but bless the free market for bringing some sense back into Perth coffee pricing.

SOMETHING FOR KATE: JUN 7 Astor Theatre SAN CISCO: JUN 7 Astor Theatre THE BEARDS: JUN 7 Amplifier EMMA LOUISE

EMMA LOUISE: JUN 13 Prince of Wales, Bunbury; JUN 14 Fly by Night; JUN 15 Amplifier Bar THE BLACK ANGELS: JUN 17 Capitol

DRUM MEDIA IS PROUD TO PRESENTS SHOWS INCLUDING: BOB EVANS: MAY 2 Settlers Tavern; Mar 3 The Bakery; MAY 4 Prince Of Wales

GOLD FIELDS: JUN 21 Metro Freo, JUN 22 Capitol YOU AM I: JUL 31 Astor Theatre JAPANDROIDS: AUG 26 The Rosemount FOALS: SEP 22 Metro City THE BREEDERS: OCT 31 Astor Theatre

THE RUBENS, OH MERCY: MAY 2 Prince Of Wales; MAY 3 Capitol; MAY 4 Settlers Tavern

ONGOING:

BONJAH: MAY 11 Fly By Night

GIGNITION: Upcoming band showcases 4-8pm monthly on Sundays at The Railway Hotel

HAPPY MONDAYS: MAY 8 Capitol TEX PERKINS: MAY 9 Artbar

CULTURE CLASH & BASS CULTURE: Rotating Thursdays at The Newport Hotel

Kane Sutton

FRONTLASH WHOOP-DEE-DOO

THE KOOKS: MAY 12 Fremantle Arts Centre

BANDS THAT DON’T EXIST YET

THIS FRIDAY So we’ve a midweek public holiday this Thursday.

Cool. Although we disapprove of taking a sickie on Friday 26 (we’re gonna be working through), you’d think the powers that be could spare us the hangover and make Friday a holiday.

RIP CHRISSIE AMPHLETT A wonderful, powerful Australian music legend leaving us way too soon. Rest in peace.

SAN CISCO

For more reviews go to themusic.com.au/reviews • 23

SINGLE FOCUS

FAVOURITE THINGS

How was Gombo formed? Paul (Drummer) and I (Ryan) started jamming in mid 2008 and came to the conclusion that we needed a bass player (Chilli). With three hands on deck we were ready to start showing the world our tunes, so the Swan Basement was a great place to start.

We played our way through Perth’s original live venues and after two EPs, a nice little Melbourne tour and smashing lots of regional dates, we now have a bunch of new songs ready to be heard.

You describe your sound as music that will ‘bring your brain to orgasm’. Our songs are progressive, we like building things up just to tear it all down. Messing with the audience’s mind and body movements is a high priority, that’s where our time signatures come in to play. Lots of odd times and rhythmic illusions stimulating all your synapses to fire.

Who’s your biggest influence? For myself Tool is a big influence along with System of a Down, Pantera and Slim Dusty. The other boys get into anything from Nirvana to Suicidal Tendencies.

Describe your sound. Refer to the brain orgasm question Tell us about your new single, View From The Crematorium. Recording View From The Crematorium went really well, it’s our best work yet. We recorded it with John Prosser at Spokesman Studios and the whole process was very smooth. He was cool to work with and captured our sound spot on. Also on the disc we added a cheeky live track called The Bat which is a tune we have heaps of fun playing.

What can we expect at this single launch? Not to give too much away but we will at some point we will be creating a rhythmic illusion by cloning ourselves live on stage. How and why you ask, you’ll just have to see for yourselves at the show.

Where can we head for more info? www.gombo.com.au www. facebook.com/gomboband What’s on the horizon for 2013? A full length album for sure. We are going in to writing mode and want to create something we are proud of, you now, to show to the kids. Another Eastern States tour is definitely on the cards.

SOMETHING NEW: For me, the best new musical item I have is the Ubass, a ukuele bass which has quite a funky sound for its size. But probably for any musician the greatest new development is all the new computing software like garageband logic, protools etc which is fantastic even for retro sounding bands like us.

SOMETHING BORROWED: The best thing you can ever borrow is songs, and we’ve certainly covered some classics over the years.

SOMETHING BLUE: The Blues themselves. Where would Rock ‘n’ Roll, or any pop music be without them.

SOMETHING YOU’D LIKE: If Paul McCartney turns up at one of our gigs, he’s welcome onstage anytime.

WHO: Jam Tarts WHAT: FolkWorld Fairbridge Festival WHEN & WHERE: Friday 26 - Sunday 28 April, Fairbridge Village

GOT TO BE MELLOW Give funk a pep talk and get him all dressed up.

Get him to invite that nice miss soul out for dinner.

Nine months later, be the godparent. Pusherman is that lovechild, and they are bringing their big hooks and tight licks to the Gignition event in the Beer Garden at the Railway Hotel on Sunday 28 April.

It’s going to be a sensational sun-setter Sunday session soiree, so wear your dancing shoes (or just wear your normal ones and dance in them).

WHAT: View From The Crematorium (Independent) WHEN & WHERE: Friday 26 April, The Rosemount; Saturday 25 May, Prince Of Wales, Bunbury

The Siren Tower is not an easy band to define. They keep their heads down, work hard and put their music into the world. Their last release, A History Of Houses, was a local favourite in the Drum office. We’re not alone; the album has been met with praise around the country. To celebrate, they’re heading off on another national tour that winds up at The Prince Of Wales on Saturday 27 April and Mojos on Saturday 4 May.

Band history in brief? Alex the Kid formed in May 2011, and consists of myself, Trent Brand (vocalist/bass player), Kadin Hall (drums) and Dale Barker (bitch guitar). We all grew up together in Geraldton, went to high school together, partied together, lost our virginities together, left Geraldton and came to Perth together. Needless to say, we have some serious history and formed through mutual love of the music and friendship, and (quite obviously) not to form a band of technically compete musicians, which I think gives us a more quirky fun chemistry.

A FOLKING GOOD TIME Celebrating 21 years of bringing together the best in folk, roots, world music and many others, this year’s Fairbridge FolkWorld Festival is tipped to be the biggest yet. Kicking off from a grassroots, family-freidnly and casual festival, FolkWorld has become a great example of what can be done when a community bands together to create something.

Heading down to Fairbridge between Friday 26 and Sunday 28 April will be Tinpan Orange, Mama Kin, Kristina Olsen, Frank Yamma, Nicky Bomba’s Bustamento, Flap!, Saruzu, Gleny Rae Virus and many more. On top of this, there’ll be the usual family-friendly tricks and treats. Tickets are on sale now through fairbridgefestival.com.au and Moshix, which includes three-day camping tickets.

WEAR YOUR FLOATIES Often described as the bastard child of AC/DC and Guns n’ Roses, The Deep End are at the pinnacle of the underground Melbourne rock’n’roll scene as it stands.

Although likened to their pub rock counterparts, The Deep End have continued to evolve through their EP releases over the years, creating their own sound that has that certain edge that grabs you by the back of the head and leaves you screaming for more. They’ll be red hot when they launch their debut album Cop This, with the band heading to Mustang Bar on Thursday 25 April; C5 Bar, Friday 26; and the Civic Hotel, Saturday 27.

SUGARPUSSY GALORE After a few years of playing around town as a prog/ psych rock outfit, Sugarpuss have recorded their first EP and like opening a dusty but epic vintage wine, it packs quite a pop. The EP is interestingly titled Psychotic Teenage Supermodels, and they launch it at The Bird on Thursday 25 April, with Dianas and Mudlark in support with Dirty Dave “Twoshoes” Taylor and Hamish Rahn & Ben Witt DJing in the gaps. $10 on the door.

SHAMEEM BELIEVER

DIDGERIDOO CAN DO

RETURNING HOME

Ken McCartney - Guitarist

SOMETHING GREAT: I think the greatest thing musical you can acquire is musical friends, then you can always enjoy a jam session when you get together. It’s always nice to have a piano, but a guitar is essential.

SOMETHING OLD: We have between us a pretty good collection of old equipment. I have a Hoffner double bass which is about 70 years old.

It was given a facelift in the ‘60s and her head was knocked clean off by an arty photographer once, but despite the ‘work done’ she still looks and sounds great. Some of the records in my collection are even older. All of us own at least one old ‘heap’, a guitar that you can throw into the back of your car when you go camping, and not worry when it gets dinged.

DOG AND BIRD SHOW Pugsley Buzzard has performed all over the world, from Berlin to the New Orleans French Quarter to the Himalayan Blues Festival in Katmandu.

He has dazzled and delighted audiences far and wide with his unique blend of dark hoodoo blues, good-time rollicking boogie and blazing stride-style piano playing, together with his huge mesmerizing voice that can make the ladies sigh and grown men cry. Prepare to get booglarised when he plays some hometown shows at Clancy’s Fremantle, Thursday 25 April; Fairbridge Folkworld Festival, Fairbridge Village, Saturday 27; and Fremantle Town Hall, Sunday 28.

24 • For more news/announcements go to themusic.com.au/news

EP FOCUS

ALEX THE KID

This week Drum Media asks Jam Tarts’ Sophie Elton to tell us about some of the greatest things musical they’ve acquired.

WHO: Gombo

Ganga Giri is a world-renowned didgeridoo player who, with his band, fuses electronic beats, beatbox-styled didgeridoo rhythms, indigenous vocals, dub and more to truly create a unique style of music. His new single, Rebellion!, takes inspiration from having performed in a wide variety of countries alongside diverse bands and in interesting venues across the world. He launches it Westside at Mojos on Thursday 25 April.

Indulge yourself in the sounds of Motown with WA’s most talented Indigenous artists with The Merindas bring their talent to The Astor Theatre on Saturday 27 April. The Merindas – meaning beautiful women in the Aboriginal Eora Language – features three Indigenous songstresses: award-winning artist Candice Lorrae aka Ulla Shay, emerging pop star Angela Rule and Elisabeth Gogos, former backing singer of the Yabu Band. The night will also feature a traditional welcome to country by Phil WalleyStack, plus sets from other talented Indigenous artists. Themerindas.com for more information.

JAM TARTS

GOMBO Launching their latest track View From The Crematorium this Friday 26 April at The Rosemount, Gombo’s guitarist and lead vocalist Ryan Dillon gives Elizabeth Gamage the story behind the single.

MERINDA MAGIC

Local singer Shameem is something of a unique talent. Her fusion of ‘90s-esque r’n’b/soul with ‘70s funk and a twist of jazz is imbued with personal and conscious lyrics. In 2012, fresh off the release of her self-titled debut album, she had a whirlwind performance schedule: supporting such artists as Ronan Keating and Belinda Carlisle before audiences in the thousands. Since then, she’s barely stopped, with festival slots all over the world. She brings it back to the Ellington Jazz Club on Saturday 27 April. Tickets through ellingtonjazz.com.au.

MOTHER STRIPE Capitalizing on the buzz of their debut single (2011’s Come and Save Me) by delivering a killer follow-up, The Throw, Aussie ex-pats Jagwar Ma are on a roll.

That track, with its psychedelic-techno leanings, has made some serious waves both here and around the globe. The band were handpicked by The xx to support them on their national tour in early April, and following that, they play at Amplifier on Saturday 27 April.

Describe your sound. Punk-Rock/PopPunk in the vein of bands like the Lawrence Arms, NOFX, Alkaline Trio, with a definite appreciation of the newer pop sound of the wonder years, story so far etc. We once got a terrible review describing as ‘fifth rate Epifat bollocks’ (ie a poor excuse of Epitaph records/ Fat Wreckchords band) if that helps haha.

Recording process. Al Smith at Bergerk! He’s the man! He’s done the recording for a lot of our favourite Perth bands, Grim Fandango, Chilling Winston, 10 Past 6, Being Beta etc so that was a huge drawing point for us. A week prior to our recording dates in August I managed to do a number on my clavicle, snapping it into three pieces. A day before recording I had to get some minor surgery to put it all back into place. I managed to get 90% of my guitar parts down with the help of oxy codone pain killers, but when it came to trying my back up vocals it was a bit too painful. And I wasn’t able to really sing the way I needed that doped up haha. The time off while I was in the sling wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, gave us time to write a couple of new songs in the interim.

Tell us about the launch. We have two launch shows, one in Perth on April 26 at Ya Ya’s. We have never been more excited for a show. Supports are Aitches (Vic), Blindspot, 10 Past 6 and Castle Bravo. We do have a cover planned to kick off our set, something totally unexpected to get a few toes tapping and hopefully score a couple of laughs. Think corny early ‘90s hip hop haha. This is how we do it. All the bands are using the same backline, which is staying at Ya Ya’s over night, so no member of the bands will be driving that night, it’s going to be pretty mental. Talks of an unofficial after party at the voodoo lounge!

The second album launch is in our hometown of Geraldton on 4 May, international Star Wars day! Supports will be Blindspot and ex-Gero guys Whiteoak and Stuyvesant. My girlfriend works in a costume store, so we have a pretty rad access to Star Wars costumes so we’re definitely riding on that one haha. Always an amazing reception in our home town, so these two gigs will definitely be our biggest to date.

What’s on the horizon? We have begun the writing stages for an album, set for an early 2014 release! 2013 we plan on getting back into the studio for some pre-production, while keeping our nose to the grind stone with gigs.

In the process of getting up the East Coast for our first interstate tour, circa September/ October 2013. We are also toying with the idea of a split EP, and releasing another video, possibly something home made with finger puppets. See how that comes along.

WHO: Alex The Kid WHAT: Friends With Hangovers (Independent) WHEN & WHERE: Friday 26 April, Ya Ya’s; Saturday 4 May, Camel Bar, Geraldton

TRUE LIES

HAVE YOU HEARD

After a line-up change at the end of 2012, The Cold Acre spent the first quarter of 2013 bunkered down, working on new material. With their new 3-piece format, they’ve stripped back their sound to something more raw, without jeopardising their signature ‘90s grunge drawcard. Their debut EP Lies was recorded, mixed and mastered by The Novocaines’ Corey Marriot, and it tells the story of finding oneself, loving another and letting the past go. Hear them belt it out at the Norfolk Basement on Friday 26 April, Supported by The MDC, Lillium Stargazer and Tinder Thieves.

SINGLE FOCUS

ANTON FRANC Launching their latest track Water & Blue (Take Me Over) on 11 May at Groovin The Moo, Anton Franc’s multi-instrumentalist Jamie Kuzich gives us the story behind the single.

SUNSHINE SISTER PLACE OF INDIGO Next gigs: Illuminate EP launch Friday 26 April, The Bakery with Antelope, Flower Drums and Braves.

In a nutshell, describe your sound.

New wave/shoegaze indie rock.

Acts that have inspired your sound? The Horrors, Blonde Redhead, The Church.

Your greatest strength? James’ leg tanning ability.

Your worst gig ever and why? It was a post-fashion show gig where no alcohol was served/allowed and chairs were being stacked away mid set!

Your best gig ever and why? Our first EP launch two years ago at The Bakery was really great fun. It was our first “proper” show with great bands and an awesome turn out.

Our aim was to go one up with this launch so we are looking forward to a massive night of music and celebrations this Friday.

Best achievement? One of our recent singles reaching the top 10 of a Serbian indie music chart!

If you could travel back to any show in history which would it be and why? The Cure at Théâtre antique d’Orange in 1986 – The live footage shot by Tim Pope is amazing. He captures the band at their peak with both sets containing a nice dose of the darker albums such as Pornography and Faith. The crowd is massive and the pure energy and grit on stage is brilliant!

Favourite hangover cure? BÚN BÒ XÀO or No 40 from Viet Hoa Northbridge, braised beef with lemongrass and rice vermicelli. We advise the additional avocado smoothie to wash it down.

Besides yours, favourite Perth acts playing at the moment? Kucka, The Chemist, Mezzanine.

Besides yours, best three acts EVER to come out of Perth? Snowman, Red Jezabel, Pond.

WHO: Place Of Indigo WHAT: Illuminate EP (Independant) WHEN & WHERE: Friday 26 April, The Bakery

Chelsea Basham’s brilliant debut album I Make My Own Sunshine has critics raving and country fans adopting this WA native. Since its release in August, it has spawned three hit singles and two number one videos on the Country Music Channel. In January this year, Chelsea was awarded the Golden Guitar for Best New Talent Of The Year at the CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia. She’s on a roll at the moment, and she steps into The Fly Trap on Saturday 27 April to keep it going. Tickets through flybynight.org.

HOODOO YOU DIG After a cracker 2012, once again the Hoodoo Gurus pay tribute to the sum of their parts (and their peers) by way of Dig it Up! The Hoodoo Gurus Invitational. For the 2013 edition of Dig It Up! the Hoodoo Gurus have taken the concept and run wild. It’s their party, after all, so they can do what they want! Hitting the lineup this year will be the groovy Flamin’ Groovies reuniting especially for this tour, and the original frontman of The Nerves, Peter Case and his band, with the Gurus themselves playing their hit album Mars Needs Guitars.

It all happens this Sunday 28 April at The Astor Theatre.

Tickets are still available through showticketing. com.au, oztix.com.au and feelpresents.com

THE LION’S COURT It’s safe to say that Sydney’s The Griswolds indie anthem Heart Of A Lion put them on the map in 2012. It’s an especially commendable achievement, considering the band only formed in February of that year. With their new single The Courtship Of Summer Preasley heating up airwaves around the country, The Griswolds are looking to keep the ball rolling with an upcoming tour of the Uk and US, but first they’re heading around the country to thank fans for all their support. Their WA-side stop takes place at Newport Hotel on Sunday 28 April.

RETURN TO TWILIGHT Back home in Fremantle after a tour to South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria to promote their new clip for Ride With Violence, The Morning Night will be crafting an intimate acoustic session for fans at X-Wray Cafe on Saturday 27 April, showcasing the video single and songs off their upcoming second album. X-Wray will also be treated to solo sets from band members Brendan Gaspari and Michael Savage and touring songstress Penny WalkerKeefe (from Melbourne band Houndsteeth).

TIME FOR TEA

BACK ON THE UKE

The Tea Party’s Jeff Martin returns to Perth for a run of intimate solo shows this April while taking a short sabbatical from Tea Party recording. After a year of high praise with the reformation of The Tea Party, Martin and co. stormed across Australia in June 2012 to sell out a run of shows on top of the magic of Jeff Martin’s solo shows November. Rock and roll never rests, and nor does Jeff Martin. Check him out at Clancy’s Dunsborough on Friday 26 April and The Indi Bar, Saturday 27. Tickets through Heatseeker.

After a successful jaunt to Melbourne to play at the 2013 Melbourne Ukulele Festival, Rachel Charles is back in Freo, formulating her own cryptic breed of melancholic ukulele folk. Sung with wit and blissful ambience, you can expect anything from strange tales of animals with bittersweet ends, to wistful summers caught up in a haze, somewhere between the absurd and surreal when she heads to the Railway Hotel on Sunday 28 April for Gignition.

There’s always that night in summer, when it gets really, really hot for the first time. And it’s pretty awful. Especially when there’s no air-con in your sharehouse’s bedroom. No-one sleeps well that night. But then, over the next week or so, you slowly learn to work with the heat, knowing it’s going to be an inevitable presence for the next few months - you realise that there’s no point fighting it, and you make it work. And then summer gets really excellent. That’s what Water & Blue (Take Me Over) celebrates.

The tune was birthed during the heatwave between Christmas and New Year last year.

We’d recently discovered that the house in North Perth we’d just moved in to had the tendency to resemble a pizza oven during the summer nights that were emerging. I came home from work on New Year’s Eve evening and found that Josh had thrown down a vocal onto some rough ideas we’d been playing around with.

Being New Year’s Eve (and a particularly tasty vocal) we got pretty excited by it, immediately decided that it must be our next single, and over the next weeks attempted to sculpt it into something that did justice to that transition from oppressive hazy summer nights to the inevitable celebration of heat that summer becomes.

We did most of the basic tracking and sequencing in our studio in North Perth and then headed down to Studio Couch in North Freo to work once more with Matt Gio, where we added the finishing sonic touches. Including a horn section. With a French horn. We got pretty excited writing for French horn. At the end of the process we were left with a track that grows from a little glitchy guitar sample into swathes of warbley Rhodes and horns, eventuating into a call to arms of sort, an ode to the heat gods and all their summer glory. At the end of the day though, it’s just a catchy little pop song at heart - we’ll be debuting it live with our new band in Bunbury for Groovin The Moo! WHO: Anton Franc WHAT: Water & Blue (Take Me Over) (Independent) WHEN & WHERE: Saturday 11 May, Groovin The Moo, Bunbury

OUT NOW

ORDER NOW FROM THEMUSIC.COM.AU For more news/announcements go to themusic.com.au/news • 25

FEEDBACK Perhaps you’re thinking of another band. Suffice to say they largely eschewed their current Eyes Like The Sky album in favour of volt-saturated jams such as Sea Of Trees and Uh Oh, I Called Mum. Concise as they may be on record, in the flesh these pieces morphed into open-minded meditations of pulsating ultra-sprawl, guided by some steadfast drumming and stoked with a boiler full of surf guitar riffs. The time seems right for King Gizzard. Now that the Flaming Lips have turned cold and malevolent on us, we need someone to remind us that the furthermost recesses of space (and perhaps Deniliquin) can be a happy, fun place.

Without wishing to denigrate the contributions of his sidemen, such as the menacing guitar chops of Dan Luscombe or the surly presence of barefoot bassist Fiona Kitschin, the focus tonight inevitably kept returning to The Drones’ creative fulcrum Gareth Liddiard, a writhing tangle of sinewy limbs as he trashed his guitar to within an inch of its life. Magnetic, deranged, vein popping; just watching him makes you feel like you need to towel yourself down, although his repartee lightened the mood whenever technology problems arose onstage. “It was always better in the old days,” he grumbled. “We smoked pipes, wore slippers, talked about astronomy and made love slowly.” Banter aside, The Drones then tore through savage takes on Minotaur, A Moat You Can Stand In and a triumphant Shark Fin Blues before closing with what seems destined to become their most loved song, Why Write a Letter That You’ll Never Send. It’s something of an emotional bulldozer, a pitiful story of resignation played out under crimson spotlights to send us home, with Liddiard’s Charles Manson eyes still piercing through our minds.

Christopher H James

THE NOVOCAINES, FOXES, FOAM, BLACK BIRDS Big Scary pic by Sean Mckenna

BIG SCARY, CAITLIN PARK AMPLIFIER: 19/04/2013 Here are some things you may not expect to encounter at a Big Scary concert… A front row comprised of predominantly middle-aged women that know the lyrics to literally every song. This same group of women breaking into tears at the sight of front man, Tom Iansek (which probably had something to do with the fact that he appeared to be making love to his microphone). And finally, a subsequent stageinvasion by said group of women involving a lot of instagraming (totally a verb) from both the band and their exuberant aficionadas. Yes, it was an entertaining and simultaneously very peculiar night last Friday at Amps. The band’s forthcoming new album, Not Art, is due in the coming months, and a national tour to promote its release as well as debut tracks Phil Collins and Luck Now provided the basis for the once duo, now seemingly three-piece collectives appearance in Perth last weekend. Joining them on tour is Sydney’s, Caitlin Park. This Folktronic singer-songwriter is making some serious waves around the country with her completely original and refreshing approach to electro-acoustic composition and folk music. Her warm, nostalgic vocals were accompanied dreamily with unconventional production that incorporated samples from what must have been an infinite spectrum of sources. These sounds combined seamlessly to create an imaginative manifestation of minimalistic musical arrangement.

The cherished Tom Iansek and quirky Jo Syme of Big Scary took the stage not long after and were joined by a third, mysterious, bearded character, code-named “Gus”. When quizzed on this third desperado pre-tour, Iansek explained that “a lot of the newer songs [from Not Art] really require someone extra to do them justice”. Perhaps Syme’s on-stage explanation that “we chose him because of his beard and his fashion sense” sounds cooler though? The set began with the

high tempo Mix Tape, proceeded by a few softer tunes like Bad Friends and Got It, Lost It. This Vacation theme continued for the first half of the set with the addition of Gus providing more depth to older tracks like Falling Away and a definite crowd favourite, Leaving Home as well as the almost forgotten This Weight – “we weren’t gonna play it, but fuck it”. Symes’ explanation actually provided a perfect synopsis of the night; a really fun and vibrant show that saw the group embrace a laidback, experimental approach. It wasn’t until the tail-end of the set that any of the group’s new material was debuted. Phil Collins was predictably charming while Luck Now resembled a completely new direction for the band and was met with adoration by an energetic crowd. It seems frontman Iansek must be doing something right with the ladies as he appeared to have an intense group of devoted female fans situated directly in front of him in the front row. After having spent the majority of the show attempting to attract his attention, it seemed there was only one remaining solution for his hardcore fanbase: getting on stage and grinding to the point of exhaustion. Not to take away from the evening’s performance, but this was definitely the most memorable spectacle of the night.

Sean McKenna

THE DRONES, KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD THE ASTOR, 19/4/2013 What are local authorities putting in the Victorian water?

If The Drones latest daunting tower of misanthropic glory I See Seaweed wasn’t impressive enough, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have come crawling up from the fetid cracks of some Deniliquin back alley. These seven toxic-looking longhairs, who have probably done well to get past airport security, levelled onlookers at the Astor with an experimental form of spacey rock’n’roll. Which songs did they play? Songs?

THE ROSEMOUNT: 20/04/2013 One can only attempt to prepare themselves for a night of loud, distorted guitars and thumping drums, but as Black Birds were the first to prove, preparation is futile. Evolving from their British indie rock undertones to a more psyched-out sound, the trio demolished another thunderous set. Playing with absolute ease and freedom, the consistently loud dynamic of the band could use some refinement, but the more melodic passages of newer tracks for an upcoming EP showed some promise in rectifying that niggle.

Grungeheads Foam were next and showed why they held their place on such a high-quality local bill. Despite taking a little while to warm into the set; as the fuzzed out riffs came, so to did the flying mops of hair, as moments of Nirvana and Brand New sat amongst a sound uniquely their own… and a Cypress Hill cover. If anybody in Perth is bringing the best of ‘90s rock back, it’s these guys.

With two more members, and some backwards sex in their name, the ever-humble Foxes commenced their emotive and confronting set right where it belongs – in the crowd. Initially apprehensive, said crowd was inevitably won-over by the sprawling tracks of technically proficient, beautifully moving, heavy Sigur-rock (apologies for that one); a fine example of metalheads who listen to too much Mars Volta.

Headliners The Novocaines took over the stage, commanding it from the first tune. A very, very entertaining live band, some sexy guitar work was on display early, before their huge fuzzed-out grooves (as good as any) took over. Showing off some perfectly refined tones, the single launched tonight, Freedom Please, ensured more beer found its way onto the floor than into mouths, before more aggression and swagger commandeered the remainder of their set. Showing complete gratitude for the acts they had proceeded, the band deservedly headlined a fine night of passionately loud rock’n’roll, which displayed enough variety amongst the substantially shared approach of the bands.

Luke Butcher

DEAD OWLS, SINCERELY, GRIZZLY THE BIRD: 20/04/2013 Sincerely, Grizzly from Adelaide were up on stage upon entry to the Bird on Saturday night. Apart for some promising guitar riffs the band lacked variation that encouraged a response by the crowd. The short set displayed constant synchronicity of the drums and guitars which limited the effectiveness of the singer’s emotional vocals. This lack of flair made it somewhat boring to listen to, since the instrumentals followed each other around for the duration of the songs, with not one attempt at being multifaceted and breaking from this style. A few songs in, the bass drum (belonging to the Dead Owls boys) broke and they announced

26 • For more news/announcements go to themusic.com.au/news

that would be the end of their set which was also a factor in making a review difficult. Perhaps if listening to the rest of the set the intro tracks would have had more of a place in the larger scheme of things.

As the lights came up for the Dead Owls boys, the bass drum decorated with some boisterous orange flora gave the stage a flower power presence, which seemed a bit out of place. Each song, unlike the clashing bass drum, was well known and comfortable for the crowd which now filled The Bird. Everything of the Small Talk EP was played including the mystical and sensitive track Final Thoughts and Inside My Head Again. Both songs live are captivating – it’s clear that there is a sincere, deep link between Jordan Tjhung’s lyrics and his performance. Sam Maher (drums), who is also the drummer for Sugarpuss, displays great technique and drive in the live performance of these tunes. The building Only Child finished off the set to which a lot of the crowd sang along to the lyrics. The boys really held back on the heaviness of the track until half way through the song, which they just add to another diverse way of which keeping their audience charmed.

This band possessed something a little special, as from the start each song had poise, build and depth. The boys have learned how to trademark their silent suspense filled pauses; Sam’s drum beats, and Jordan’s simple but emotive lyrics which translate well to their live audience.

Either way there is a fair bit of deserved interest in this Perth band, which hopefully means the Small Talk EP is just another stepping stone for this talented local duo towards releasing a full album in the future.

Tanya Bunter

BUZZCOCKS, THE FLOORS, THE COALMINERS SECT ROSEMOUNT HOTEL: 18/04/20 13 Having weaved their way onto an impressive amount of shows this year, openers The Coalminers Sect were a familiar name to many. The benefits of playing together so often were clear, and the five-piece were in fine form.

When preparing an audience for one of the world’s most iconic punk bands, there’s little room for a sloppy or unconvincing stage presence. Who better to represent the best blues rock Perth has to offer than ‘lowdown jungle stomp’ three-piece The Floors.

In a short, sharp set, the talented three-piece gave punters who only climb out of the woodworks for international acts a reason to pick up a local gig guide.

A diverse crowd, most of who were still grasping onto the ‘80s, were ready to drink themselves stupid, scream until their voices gave way and do some damage to their hearing. Buzzcocks frontmen Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle may be pushing 60, but from the first pop-infused screaming leads of Boredom they made the efforts of most punk bands today look pathetic.

Much like major labels riding off their back catalogue, Buzzcocks are still touring the world on the tidal wave their ‘70s and ‘80s hits incited. With no new album since 1986’s Heaven And The Sea, there were no concerns of the band flooding the set with new material. Because, really, there are few who would want to hear new material when the band have such an impeccable back catalogue. Sick City, You Say You Don’t Love Me, I Don’t Mind – it’s easy to forget just how many hits the band has.

While Shelley and Diggie have remained the foundation of the band for the better part of its existence, Buzzcocks have had a ridiculous amount of bassists and drummers.

Currently riding with bassist Chris Remmington and drummer Danny Farrant, they were tighter than ever.

Musically, the new(ish) rhythm section were tight. It was their stage presence that fell short – Remmington looking like a nervous teenager for most of the set.

While Shelley’s unmistakable voice was upfront most of the time, it was Diggle’s guitar-wielding, crowd-saluting manor that took control. But in the end it was when their voices united did they really shine. They fitted together perfectly - Shelley taking control of the higher end of the spectrum and Diggle filling out lower frequencies.

When a band like Buzzcocks walk offstage and they haven’t played their biggest hit – a song many would have paid admittance just to see – there’s not one second of doubt about an encore. With little to no talking to the crowd throughout their whole set, they resurfaced and played a blended mash of Harmony In My Head, Ever Fallen In Love, and Orgasm Addict.

With Shelley and Diggie fast approaching 60, there’s only so long they’ll be able to keep such high-energy performances up, but for now, Buzzcocks are still one of the frontrunners of punk, impressively keeping up their classic live energy.

Daniel Cribb

TAKE

IT

WITH

YOU SCAN FOR ALL YOUR LATEST MUSIC NEWS 27

25 APRIL

2013

FLOORED RSD GEISHA BAR: 18/04/2013 DeadWeight! have cemented themselves at the core of Perth’s dubstep scene this year, showcasing names such as GothTrad, Tunnidge and Doshy all in the just the last couple of months.

This time round they have thrown together another something special, putting on the Bristol based dubstep activist and general junglist badman RSD. With a lengthy list of reputable releases to his name from labels such as Punch Drunk, Tectonic and Earwax, it was exciting to have the dub specialist in the building to play out some of these classics. Making

WILSON’S WORLD

PAUL MASTER

his DeadWeight! debut and kicking things off was Brethren Sound. Pin point hard wax selections from the likes of Kahn, Clue Kid and Peverelist saw menacing sub-bass shake the walls of Geisha’s tiny venue.

A similar dub friendly vibe continued when DeadWeight! head ponchos saw to the decks.

The boys rinsed some massive numbers to the delight of the crowd, including Digital Mystikz Haunted and Tes La Rok’s Up in the VIP to a very suitable set of visuals that included zombies and booty twerkin’. Finally it was up to main man RSD to conquer, which he saw to with a set full to the brim of low frequency goodness.

The bass music veteran played out

a bunch of on point dubstep selections, including Goth-Trad’s Babylon Fall, that brought back memories of Inna Circle vibes from early in the year. His own productions certainly served as highlights for the night, notably Pretty Bright Light, which conjured a tidy little dance circle which hosted all sorts of unorthodox dance moves. A shout out from DeadWeight’s Facebook page was pretty damn conclusive the day after: “Massive thanks to everyone who came down to see RSD play a storming two hour set of proper ‘bass music’ last night”.

AMBAR

James Hunt

DJ BOOTH LINDA MARIGLIANO How did you get involved with DJing? Growing up I was always an avid music nerd that fantasised about being a DJ. When I finished high school I started presenting at community radio and DJing at friends parties. My mixes were terrible, but terrific fun.

Did you know you have your own Wikipedia page? Yes. I think somebody told me, and then, like all Gen Y narcissists, I Googled myself.

What are your favourite tracks?

Of all time? Too many to name, but here’s a few: Kraftwerk Computer Liebe, Talking Heads This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), anything off Junior Boys Last Exit LP, Zoot Woman Taken It All (Le Knight Club rmx), Fleetwood Mac Dreams... the list goes on so I better stop now!

You’ve interviewed bands including Metallica, Gorillaz, The Strokes and the Wu Tang Clan.

Who was your favourite band to interview and why? Devo, because they are heroes. And while Mark Mothersbaugh was talking, all II was hearing was his The Life Aquatic soundtrack in my head.

What do you think of Perth’s music scene? Thriving and

AMBARRED

underrated underrated. Every time I’ve been to Perth, it’s been proper pumped!

There’s a genuine enthusiasm for all kinds of music and people that are passionate about keeping the scene alive. That’s refreshing.

What can we expect from your set at the Aviary this Sunday? Deep beats, tender vocals and minimal fuss. I’ll probably be drinking Aperol and eating a pear while playing.

You’re a bassist. Play with any bands? I was in a band called teenagersintokyo for years, we lived in London recording and releasing our album, then touring it through UK and Europe.

You’re threatened by kittens?

I’m not threatened by them, but

I’m threatened by what they invoke in me. I do think that sometimes things get so cute that I’m afraid that instead of cuddling them I’ll squish them to death. Like pillow suffocating a lover in their sleep, if you will.

What can we expect from you this year? More techno disco parties than you can imagine, vivid dance moves, and continuing on the triple j Good Nights train to source hot new music to bring to YOU every night.

WHO: Linda Marigliano WHEN & WHERE: Sunday 28 April, The Aviary Rooftop.

TEN THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW PAUL MASTER

6. My girlfriend drives dump trucks up north and I don’t miss her at all when she’s away. (Haha joking!)

7. I used to be a full-blown metalhead, complete with long hair, band t-shirts and whitewash jeans.

8. I own a Joe Satriani model guitar that I had him personally sign when I met him back in 2005.

9. I have a revolver tattooed on the side of each upper thigh.

TEE EL Tyson Leung 1. I am a good looking girl when I wear a blonde wig or dress up as a female.

2. My nationality - my dad is from Hong Kong and my mum is from Austria. I call myself Eurasian.

like to think 33. I lik hi k that h my doppelganger is Fez from That 70’s Show.

4. I have a stripper pole in my house.

5. I am a diesel mechanic by trade - which is my full time weekday job.

28 • To check out the mags online go to themusic.com.au/mags

10. I play the saxophone and feature on the track The Funky Fish by local producer Tonic, on Tru Funk Party Breaks Vol. 9.

WHO: Tee EL WHEN & WHERE: Saturday nights with the Japan4 crew at Ambar

Interspersing music with gratuitous social commentary, Aarom Wilson tells it like it is. And isn’t.

It’s with a heavy heart that WW finds itself dedicating the second column in a row to the passing of a Perth electronic icon. If you’ve been living under a rock’n’roll haze of late, WA’s premier clubbing destination is set to pack up its baggies, Ambar’s lease soon to expire and building redevelopments forcing the beat basement at 104 Murray St in search of a new home.

The good news: Ambar has found a potential venue. The bad: it’s in a city that doesn’t exactly hand out new licenses with ease. And the undecided: can a club move and still put on as equally amazing nights, despite all the inevitable changes?

Titling Ambar ‘WA’s premier clubbing destination’ is not really up for debate. Spending way too many nights there to remember over the past decade or so, and even before when it was The Loft, the ‘Home of the Underground’ has forged a legacy difficult to beat. Ambar has owned the Best Nightclub distinction at the Perth Dance Music Awards a gobsmacking ten years running, it’s taken out the InTheMix Best Club Night title four times and it even holds the record as Australia’s highest-ranking club in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Nightclubs list, sealing their global kudos with a 42nd placement in the world’s biggest nightclub industry poll in 2006.

So when the news broke a few weeks back, the waves of support were unsurprisingly tidal-like. It was a reassuring response from the public as Ambar’s intended move around the corner to 86 Barrack Street (the old Commonwealth Bank) is, as listed on their facebook.com/KeepAmbarAlive page, dependent on “your support to prove to the authorities how important Ambar is to you and to the electronic music scene.”

One way you can still do exactly that is by hitting surveymonkey. com/s/keepambaralive Helming Ambar is Liam Mazzucchelli, Boomtick’s Director, occasional DJ and the big cheese also responsible for birthing Villa, looking after the Perth leg of Parklife and the brains (and brawn) behind Breakfest, the festival that helped earn WA the reputation

as one of the world’s leading breakbeat capitals, also taking out the Best Event PDMA for the last ten years straight. “Ambar has a long history and hence a loyal fan base,” Mazzucchelli considers the overwhelmingly positive response from the Ambar Army. “People feel connected to it and I am so thankful it has activated old and new fans to help protect the club’s future. We have a long way to go and there are no guarantees with our licensing authorities, but I am confident we’ll get it over the line.”

Fingers crossed, but it does raise the consideration of what makes a good club. Many would view Ambar as a ‘castle’ that’s always been about ‘the vibe’, so can one simply transfer a dancefloor mojo that’s been built over so many years in one home? “I am certain we can recreate the essence. The floor plan is almost identical and the idea is to rebuild the old girl with as much duplication as possible. Same team, same music, same DJs and the same sound system. Only thing is, everything will be shiny and brand new. Yes, including spanking new toilets,” Mazzucchelli laughs. Not wanting to piss on their parade, but their ‘Home of the Underground’ tag will be just one thing lacking, the double meaning of the basement now being replaced with a street level club. Of course while there are many foreseeable cons to the move there are also many pros. Either way though, it might seem strange to some that Boomtick wouldn’t just let the Ambar name go down as a hero rather than risk attempting to keep the torch a lit at a different venue. Well, that’s without considering who’s running the show.

If it were any other promoters and club operators then this scribe would be far more tempted to agree. It’s not though; it’s Boomtick.

Having been privy to the BoomHQ inner sanctum for long enough to be embarrassed by our first dance moves together, I for one can vouch for their extreme professionalism, duty of care and ability to create good vibes, and firmly believe Perth’s nightclub industry has a lot it could learn from the ethical and effective ways they conduct their business. If anyone can pull off this move, Boomtick can. Interestingly, Boomtick have also just taken over the old Eurobar (now Flyrite) and Black Betty’s. And before shouting, ‘MONOPOLY!’, one must consider the pure unadulterated crap these

two venues been peddling for eons way too long. Using the same admirable business models applied to everything Boomtick tackles, this can only be a positive move for Northbridge. Let’s just hope now that the City Of Perthect and the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquorice both realise this city needs more life, not less venues.

Either way, the old Ambar will close its doors with a youthaltering plethora of memories to keep the Basement torch still burning brightly for years to come.

Too many drinks? Here’s some reminders: the Destination? crew’s groundbreaking nights mixing live instrumentation with beats; seeing Squarepusher melt minds with one of the most extreme Wednesday nights most will experience; witnessing Stacey Pullen belt out a set so long we wondered whether he was using a catheter; seeing Kid Kenobi practically adopt the club as his home; expecting to rub shoulders on the dancefloor with most of the Breakfest headliners at the after-party; the recent invention of the Tiny Club bathroom shenanigans, a masterstroke from the Get Weird gang; the insanely popular ITM and PDMA Best Club Night-dominating Japan4 format; Xmas party silent discos seeing some outlandishly rad DJ outfits and antics to match; making bets with people that you could beat them at pool only to realize you could hardly even see straight; the carpark-extended rave-ups; testing the bouncers’ patience with staircase silliness; arriving at Ambar at 5am; avoiding looking at the chewing gum-splattered dancefloor/ crime scene when the lights turned on; and so the list goes on.

Let’s hope Ambar’s spirit indeed keeps on going at the new destination, if even approved. For either of these things to happen would be a massive loss to WA’s cultural fabric. Of course the ‘old’ venue is still running til further notice, but I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff that helped cause this over-enthusiastic dancer so many sore heads over the years that were next day soothed (at least partially) by the fun memories of the night before. Bravo.

THE SIX

DJ BOOTH OTTO KNOWS

with close friends and family. I like my hometown scene; it’s intimate and warm. Not as big as the scene in the U.S. though.

Based in: Stockholm, Sweden What you play… House music A few career highlights: The release of Million Voices was definitely one of the biggest highlights of my career.

Touring with the Swedish House Mafia was also huge.

Been touring lately? Stories to tell of you recent travels?

I was recently touring with the Swedish House Mafia on their One Last tour where I played before them, that was just crazy in so many ways.

First set, and what was most memorable for you? It was at Privilege, Ibiza, with Tiesto. That was my first gig as Otto Knows basically

Have you ever been in Perth? If so, what can you remember of it? No, but I am really excited to go there. First time in Australia actually.

All time favourite 12”?

Daft Punk - Daft Punk What DJs and producers have influenced your own style and interests the most and how? Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello and Axwell has got a big room in my heart since I first heard and saw them perform when I was around 16 years old.

Artists you’ve collaborated with: Avicii is the only one I released a track with but there is a few tracks coming-up with different artist.

Next big thing to look out for you?

Funniest thing that’s ever happened to you when DJing?

When some of my DJ friends join me and play some back to back with me is always fun.

Finally coming some new material from me. Its always exciting to release new stuff.

And the Festival season in Europe starts soon, going to play at Tomorrowland, Creamfields etc which will be lots of fun!

Weirdest thing you’ve seen in a nightclub? Fights, then I get really mad. Don’t come to my music-temple and fight!

How healthy do you see your hometown’s scene? Some recommendations of talents to look out for? Sweden is a big music producer and exporter and we have a lot of up-andcoming artists right now, and that’s of-course very exciting.

It is always nice to play at the scenes in your home country

What should people expect from you when you tour here? One big crazy night with great music.

WHO: Otto Knows WHEN & WHERE: Thursday 25 April, Villa

HARLEM WEDNESDAYS @ CAPITOL

BMB What are the six essential things everyone should know about you? Bass music addict, nocturnal, sound equipment hoarder, extremely sarcastic, one half of The Barons Red, I’ll like you if you buy me a beer.

What were the last six gigs you played, and what rating would you give them? The Switch @ Shape - 6, The Easter Throwdown @ Shape - 6, RL Grimes @ Ambar 6, Proxy @ Ambar - 6, Sets On The Beach - 5, Tom Piper @ Aviary - 5.

What makes it into your top six at the moment? Major Lazer - Free The Universe, ShockOne Universus LP, The Walking Dead, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, snowboarding and sushi.

THE SWITCH @ SHAPE

BOOMTICK.COM.AU

WHAT: Fresh Produce WHEN & WHERE: Friday 26 April, Ambar

BOOMTICK PRESENTS

U O Y H T I W E B H T 4 MAY THE KIDS SURECDEAUDTEASY / BEZWUN / TELAECELK & BLUNT BO OM

FRI 26 APR

WHO: BMB

TORRO TORRO @ AMBAR

BOOMTICK PRESENTS

BMB | CRYSTALEYEZ BEN VITAL | STONE POLYXO

What is the strangest place your music has taken you? Maybe not the strangest but definitely the craziest was playing a gig for the Just Beats crew in Geraldton in the back room of the local pub. The crowd was crazy, going nuts to every track we dropped.

Was a great experience!

Which six people (living or dead) would you have at a dinner party? Diplo, Ellie Goulding, Benga, SBTRKT, Will Smith and Jason Stratham.

What’s six words that describe you? Stresshead, reserved, loyal, outgoing, happy and messy.

TIC K PR ES EN TS

SU RE CU TK IDS

.CO M

B

SAT 4 MAY

BOOMTICK.COM.AU

AMBAR APP - CHECK IN TO WIN!

&. . T. .e.e. E. l d n o m . . m . u . . r .

D .

To. m. . . . . . . ,. .W. is c a . . h. .

M n . e .

B . . , . e . n .T.o. . . . . . . lly Blunt i h P & i l O , M i cah FRI 10 MAY

BOOMTICK.COM.AU

OLI STRANGERTHANDIGITAL

5

HOUR ELITE SET

FRI 24 MAY

BOOMTICK.COM.AU

To check out the mags online go to themusic.com.au/mags • 29

25 APR - 1 MAY

2013

THURSDAY 25/4

DANCEFLOOR OF THE WEEK

BAR120

ISLAND NIGHT @ HULA BULA

Little Nicky mixes up a storm full on party style.

Lady Carla plays ska, reggae, rocksteady, calypso, mento and dub. Free entry from 6pm.

SAIL & ANCHOR

OTTO KNOWS

Catch the Child’s Play DJs mashing up all styles for Saturday.

SUNDAY 28/4 LINDA MARIGLIANO

OTTO KNOWS @ VILLA Otto Knows is quickly becoming one of Sweden’s most popular exports, the next in the country’s rich lineage of musical talent.

Don’t miss your chance to see the man behind arguably one of the biggest dance music anthems of the past 12months ‘Million Voices’.

Tickets $20+BF from Moshtix.

SURFACE TENSION @ MATCHES Start your weekend early at Surface Tension, a Thursday night dose of dream bass and local culture to calm the nerves whilst engaging your senses. $6 beers, $10 cocktails.

RETRO THURSDAYS @ EVE Step back in time with Retro Thursdays! The EVE DJ Team blast hits from the past plus drink prices go old-school. Free entry with student ID, or $5 entry until 11pm.

BINGAY @ CONNECTIONS A Grindr Party special featuring free pizzas, bingo with drag queens, free from 7 til 9.30pm, Lovers Adult Gift Store giveaways and more, plus free entry to POP! afterwards.

CHASE THE SUN THURSDAYS @ THE DEEN Relaunching Thursday nights at The Deen with a line up to entice your inner Tropicana. Starts at 7pm.

POP! @ CONNECTIONS A big dosage of bright, bubbly, sugar coated pop tunes courtesy of four performances by the Queens of Connies, paying homage to diva faves. Doors 9pm, free til 10pm, $5 after.

R’N’R KAROKE @ DEVILLES A hell of a night out for your vocal chords every thursday from 6pm.

THE AVENUE Jon Ee gets you ready for the weekend.

FRIDAY 26/4 THE POTBELLEEZ

THE POTBELLEEZ @ CAPITOL To coincide with the release of their brand new single Saved In A Bottle, The Potbelleez have announced a run of tour dates around the country. Catch them this Friday.

Tickets $23 through Heatseeker.

BONDI HIPSTERS

THE BROW HORN ORCHESTRA

FUNK CLUB SHAKE IT FESTIVAL @ SALT ON THE BEACH Catch Grace Barbe, The Brow Horn Orchestra, Mathas, Weapon Is Sound, Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics, Ensemble Formidable and much more on the live side, with DJ action coming from the likes of Diger Rokwell, Micah, Klean Kicks, Zeke, General Justice and more this Friday at Salt. Plus there’ll be a range of circus and GoGo action. Tickets $28 through Heatseeker or Salt On The Beach.

LOOSEFREQS: BETA @ GEISHA Polish your breakin’ boots as Geisha get set to deliver an international flavoured edition of LooseFreQs. We’re welcoming back our very good friend and definite shenanigan starter Beta, along side Blastique, Joe Revell, Roxright and Phase Animator. Doors from 11pm.

FRESH PRODUCE @ AMBAR Ambar loves all the fresh fruits of the bass music spectrum.

This week their serving up BMB, Crystaleyez, Ben Vital, Stone and Polyxo. Door Sales $12 before midnight and $15 thereafter.

MONDO @ GINGER Global Friday loving from the Metric team with discount drinks and dirt cheap entry.

LUCID DREAMING @ THE GOOD SHEPHERD Olivier Mateu’s wide-ranging inspirations and interests find their ultimate outlet as Rodriguez Jr., positioning him as mobilee’s new master of eclecticism. Tickets $30 pre-sale through Moshtix; $40 on the door - limited sale.

RUFUS @ AMPLIFIER RÜFÜS have sold out shows all over Australia, played packed parties in NYC, and remixed & supported some of the best (looking at you Röyksopp). Be the first to hear new material from their debut album (out in June on Sweat it Out), as they tour in support of their rad new single Take Me. Tix through Oztix.

FHF @ METRO FREO Frat House Fridays and the Death Disco DJs rock bangin’ indiedance, plus red cups, cheerleaders and college-themed craziness.

YA YA’S YaYa’s own resident DJ Dan “Double Dee” Deelstra drops the beats every Friday night from 11pm-2am.

OPIUO @ SHAPE DORCIA @ LIBRARY The usual disc jockey deviants including binging the party noise all night long.10pm and $10 thereafter.

BONDI HIPSTERS @ VILLA So since everyone loves hipsters now the crew at Villa thought it would be a good idea to get BONDI HIPSTERS over for a DJ set and further activities. With a blue light disco theme, expect things to get very intimate.

Tickets $20+BF via Moshtix.

MOTOWN & SOUL @ FLY BY NIGHT Barry Simpson and the local guest DJs bring you the sound of Motown, norhtern soul, R’n’B and modern soul for $10 from 8pm.

FLUID @ VELVET LOUNGE Lquid d’n’b beats to replenish your soul provided by Greg Packer, AJM, Devo and Dart, plus visuals from Trent & Matt. Free from 9pm ‘til late.

30 • To check out the mags online go to themusic.com.au/mags

SATURDAY 27/4 MAIKO: GRATTS @ GEISHA

Perth’s Favourite Monthly – Deep House Night at the Home of House Music – Geisha bar – is BACK for yet another installment in the ever chugging MAikO train. Catch Deep House aficionado – Gratts, all the way from Belgium along side local heavyweights El Dario, Luke P, Rob Sharp and popping his MAikO cherry – JK Robot. Doors from 11pm.

JAPAN4 @ AMBAR Ambar have once again handpicked the perfect line up this week to ensure you get the best of what Japan 4 is all about: the right tunes + the right ‘tude = the perfect night. This week catch Tee EL, Blend, Oli, Philly Blunt and Bezwun! Door sales: $12 pre-midnight and $15 thereafter.

LINDA MARIGLIANO @ THE AVIARY It seems like the DJs from triple j can’t get enough of WA at the moment. Now, Linda Marigliano, is making her way to Perth, and she’s bringing her good vibrations to The Aviary this Sunday, supported by Tim Ayre, Clunk and the Electonic DJs. Best part is... FREE ENTRY!

SUNDAY SESSIONS @ THE AVIARY Enjoy a Sunday Session at The Aviary listening to Vince Peach and King7 spinning vinyl of vintage blues, soul, funk and original R&B. Wash it down with a cocktail jug or two for $16

CLUB BAY VIEW Clubba legend FIVEO rounds up your Sunday Sesh in full on green light mode!

THE GRAND Cool cool jazzy funky Sunday Vibes as Perth’s newest venue presents TOAST this week with Tastes Like Chicken & Armee.

MONDAY 29/4 MANIK MONDAYS @ DEEN

FAMILY @ FLYRITE

Student/backpacker night with Plastic Max & The Token Gestures and DJ Birdie on the decks. Free entry.

Doors now open at 9PM and close 2AM, free entry always before 10PM. F ∆ M I L Y is back. Beats.

Hip Hop. Indie. Party Party.

TUESDAY 30/4

BIG APE PRES. FLINCH & EPTIC @ SHAPE Los Angeles based beat maker Adam Glassco, better known as Flinch, is a veteran producer who has progressed effortlessly from his beginnings in drum & bass and then electro, to current endeavors into jump-up and deeper, more melodic synth-based dubstep.

A 19 year old Belgian prodigy, Eptic has been causing a bit of a stir in the bass scene. Tix pre-sale $20/$25 on the door.

DEATH DISCO/PURE POP @ CAPITOL/AMPLIFIER Indie-dance bangers from Death Disco DJs, DJ Ryan spinning ‘80s classics upstairs and Eddie Electric indie/classics from midnight in Amps.

METRO FREO DJs Roger Smart, Ben Carter and Wazz keep the party tunes rolling in the big house, plus DJ DTuck brings the ‘80s and ‘90s hits upstairs.

EIGHTOEIGHT @ NORFOLK BASEMENT Child’s Play and Resident EightoEight DJs from 8pm.

THE GENEROUS SQUIRE Western Sounds presents James Nutley “On Tap” House music all night long in the heart of Perth.

THE BRASS MONKEY DJs Peta & Jewel turn up the volume for Saturday night hedonists.

BACKPACKER NIGHT @ HIP-E CLUB

Perth’s most famous backpacker night with DJ Roger Smart and DJ E-Funk. Free entry ‘til 10pm.

WEDNESDAY 1/5 WEDNESDAYS @ NEWPORT

A midweek party fix that won’t destroy your bank account, Freo’s biggest student and backpacker night is all about three rooms of DJs, no cover charge, free pizza and poor-student-priced Carlton Draught and VB.

HARLEM WEDNESDAYS @ CAPITOL Let us take you back to an era where the parties were extravagant, the alcohol was illegal and the music was king. A 21st century twist on a 1920’s movement.

Every Wednesday at Capitol.

THE ACADEMY @ AMPLIFIER Your mid-week stop off for all things fun and electro

STUDENT NIGHT @ ROSEMOUNT DJ Anton Maz brings you postpunk, indie-pop and rock goodies outside in the beer garden for free, with live bands inside from 8pm.

ROULETTE @ GEISHA Bass music, with free entry from 9pm.

CHEEK @ RED SEA Shenanigans and house party vibes with the Cheek DJs and friends.

Tonight you can wear shorts too!

UNI-QUE @ SCOTSMAN Overlords Dave Jackson and Armee select their finest tunes from 8pm.

UPCOMINGS

BLOCKHE4D @ GESIHA BAR Widely regarded as on of the current champions of forward-thinking dubstep, drum’n’bass and electro in general, and renowned as the head of Bad Taste Recordings, BLOKHE4D is giving it another go with Australian audiences in May. Bad Taste are known for merging current cutters in dubstep and d’n’b music with their own brand of techno, disco and house in an explosive manner, and BLOKHE4D has long been the figurehead of that movement. He’ll release an arsenal of new music from the Bad Taste catalogue on Friday 3 May at Geisha. Tickets through Moshtix, geishabar.com. au and loaddeddice.com.au.

SURECUT KIDS @ AMBAR Surecut Kids: DJs, producers, radio hosts. Professional bass-driven party music players ready to shoot confetti cuts into your face. The gents have shared the stage at Villa a few times, welcomed in a killer 2013 on their re-opening night and now they return to do their trap-thang. For a taste of what it’s all about, check out their so beautifully hot remix of Disclosure’s White Noise or, better yet, their work on the latest release from Kid Kenobi’s label; Klub Kids Pres. Trap Bombs Volume 1. Or, if you’d rather see them in person, just head to Ambar on Saturday 4 May, when they make a spectacular comeback supported by Dead Easy, Bezwun, Tee El and Black & Blunt. $15 door.

BOMBS AWAY @ VILLA Hold onto your party pants, kids; Perth’s prodigal sons Bombs Away return to Perth on Saturday 4 May to headline their own show at Villa!

Bombs Away are our reluctant war heroes – their remix work is loved by the Brits and Americans equally, and their original work (Swagger, Supersoaker) smashed national radio play and the Australian iTunes chart. With four decks and two mics, the duo use anything at their disposal to get the crowd sweating, dropping lyrics, loops, samples, a cappellas and synths over the fattest tracks and their own bootlegs and tunes. Tickets through Moshtix, with a special Boomtick VIP option.

SETH SENTRY @ VARIOUS Putting it into perspective, 2012 was a massive year for Seth Sentry.

Three high-rotation radio singles, an album debuting at nuber six on the ARIA charts, triple j’s feature album and taking out Channel [V]’s Oz Artist Of The Year. However, Seth has kicked off the new year by driving a DeLorean, and being invited to play both South By South West Festival and Canadian Music Week in Toronto, showing us that 2013 is already the year to beat. His Dear Science Tour time travels into Breakers, Bar, Geraldton on Thursday 9 May; Villa, Friday 10; and Newport Hotel, Sunday 12. Tickets on sale through sethsentry.com.

EXAMPLE @ METRO CITY On the back of his monster fourth album The Evolution of Man, Example is bringing his full live band to Australia for Groovin’ The Moo, plus a special close-up show at Metro City on Friday 10 May. Example is a dance music phenomenon, releasing hit after hit over the last couple of years: Kickstarts, Changed The Way You Kissed Me, Watch The Sun Come Up, Won’t Go Quietly… all huge, fresh, dance floor stormers.

UPCOMINGS FUNK CLUB SHAKE IT FESTIVAL: GRACE BARBE, MATHAS, WEAPON IS SOUND, ODETTE MERCY & HER SOUL ATOMICS, DIGER ROKWELL, MICAH, KLEAN KICKS, ZEKE, GENERAL JUSTICE and more: APR 25 Salt On The Beach THE POTBELLEEZ: APR 26 Capitol LINDA MARIGLIANO: APR 28 The Aviary MOVEMENT FESTIVAL: NAS, BLISS N ESO, 2 CHAINZ, CHIDDY BANG, JOEY BADA$$, ANGEL HAZE, SPIT SYNDICATE: APR 30 Red Hill Auditorium WILKINSON: MAY 3 Shape Bar BLOKHE4D: MAY 3 Geisha + RED PARROT REUNION: DJS SNUFF, GENERAL JUSTICE, ADRIAN MANSFIELD, CLAUDE MONO: MAY 4 The Bakery SURECUT KIDS: MAY 4 Ambar BOMBS AWAY: MAY 4 Villa LOEFAH, MC CHUNKY: MAY 10 Gilkisons Dance Studio SETH SENTRY: MAY 9 Breakers Bar, Geraldton; MAY 10 Villa; MAY 12 Newport Hotel PEZ: MAY 10 Amplifier EXAMPLE: MAY 10 Metro City GROOVIN’ THE MOO: ALISON WONDERLAND, DZ DEATHRAYS (DJ SET), EXAMPLE, FLUME, MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS, PEZ, SETH SENTRY, SHOCKONE, TUKA WITH ELLESQUIRE, URTHBOY, DJ WOODY’S BIG PHAT ‘90S MIXTAPE, YOLANDA BE COOL and more TBA: MAY 11 Hay Park, Bunbury LAPALUX: MAY 17 The Bakery DELTA HEAVY, FRED V & GRAFIX: MAY 18 Villa AFRIKA BAMBAATA: MAY 18 The Bakery + MOBIN MASTER VS. TAE STRAUSS & POLINA: MAY 23 Leisure Inn, Rockingham; MAY 24 Dusk Nightclub; MAY 25 Gilkisons NICK THAYER: MAY 25 Ambar + OLIVER TWIZT, UBERJAK’D: JUN 1 Villa TOMMY TRASH: JUN 2 Villa DASH BERLIN, MARLO: JUN 2 Metro City DJ RASHAD, DJ MANNY: JUN 2 The Bakery + JOHN DIGWEED: JUN 7 Villa + JACK BEATS: JUN 8 Villa A$AP ROCKY: JUN 30 Metro City RIHANNA: SEP 24 Perth Arena

BOOMTICK PRESENTS

LIVE SHOW SAT 4 MAY - VILLA

KASTEL / MO’FLY / ACE BASIK TICKETS: MOSHTIX.COM.AU LETMESEEYOURSWAGGER.COM | BOOMTICK.COM.AU

31

THU 25 APRIL 2013

Cold World + Rotting Out + Civil War: Amplifier Bar, Perth Jean Proud: Belgian Beer Cafe, Perth Open Mic Night with Rob Walker: Brighton Hotel , Mandurah Pugsley Buzzard: Clancys, Fremantle Jordan McRobbie: Clancys Canning Bridge, Applecross James Wilson : Crown Perth (Meridian Room) , Burswood Rock’N’Roll Karaoke+Various: Devilles Pad, Perth The Charisma Brothers: Gypsy Tapas House, Fremantle Bex’s Open Mic Night: Indi Bar, Scarborough Adrian Wilson: Lucky Shag, Perth Ganga Giri + Swami: Mojos Bar, North Fremantle The Deep End + Hailmary + The Potent Remedies: Mustang Bar, Northbridge Rufus + Polographia + Crooked Colours: Newport Hotel, Fremantle British India + The Love Junkies: Prince of Wales, Bunbury The Crooked Cats + Hostile Little Faces + Dave Gillam + Scott Arnold-Eyers: Rosemount Hotel, North Perth Jay Hoad: Settlers Tavern (Verandah/Afternoon) , Margaret River Greys & Blues + Brett + The Black Jackets: Swan Lounge, North Fremantle Various DJs + Empire: The Aviary (Rooftop) , Perth Sugarpuss + The Dianas + Mudlark + Twoshoes (DJ Set): The Bird, Northbridge Jen de Ness : The Boat, Mindarie Gidget Duck + The Muldoon Wing: The Flying Scotsman, Mount Lawley James Wilson + Men & Their Sheds + Blue Hornet: The Shed (Afternoon) , Northbridge Off the Record: Universal Bar, Northbridge Otto Knows: Villa Nightclub, Perth Shontay Snow + Yiannos McStavros + Riley Pearce + Little Skye + Eloise Ashton: Ya Ya’s, Northbridge

FRI

26 APRIL 2013 The Amenta + Befallen + Animistic: Amplifier Bar, Perth Proud Mary + Guests: Atrium Hotel, Mandurah Mike Nayar: Balmoral, East Victoria Park The Reggae Club feat+The Empressions + Mumma Trees + Sista Che + General Justice + DJ Calvin: Bar Orient, Fremantle Electrophobia: Belmont Tavern, Cloverdale Carbon Taxi: Best Drop Tavern, Kalamunda Dove: Brass Monkey Hotel, Northbridge Acoustic Aly: Brook Bar & Bistro, Ellenbrook The Potbelleez + Special Guests : Capitol, Perth James Wilson : Chase Bar & Bistro, Baldivis

IVK + Silent Knight + Blunt Force Trauma: Civic Backroom, Inglewood Jeff Martin: Clancys, Dunsborough Deep River Collective: Clancys, Fremantle Johnny Nandez Hammond Explosion: Clancys, City Beach Rok Riley + Jo 19: Defectors, Mt Lawley Monkey Mayhem+King Cornelius & His Silverbacks: Devilles Pad, Perth Jay Hoad: Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough Jamie Powers : East 150 Bar, Ascot The Spread + Aaron Malone + Libby Hammer Quintet + Kim Anning: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth Howie Morgan : Empire Bar, Rivervale Folkworld Fairbridge Festival+Various: Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra Motown & Soul Night+Various: Fly

By Night, Fremantle Dirty Scoundrels : Gate Bar & Bistro, Success Sugarfield: Herdsman Lake Tavern, Wembley Steve Parkin: Hyde Park Hotel, North Perth Vdelli: Indi Bar, Scarborough Ben Merito: Indian Ocean Brewing Company, Mindarie Dean Anderson: Inn Mahogany Creek , Mahogany Creek Frenzy: Kalamunda Hotel, Kalamunda Bone Kickers + Queens Boulevarde + John Black: Mojos Bar, North Fremantle Milhouse + Sardi & Evan: Newport Hotel, Fremantle The Cold Acre + Guests + MDC + Lillium Stargazer + Tinder Thieves: Norfolk Basement, Fremantle Rufus: Prince of Wales, Bunbury A Nameless Fear + Wicked Wench + Adverse Reaction + Jupiter Zeus: Railway Hotel, North Fremantle Coyote Ugly+Franky J + DJ Bean: Rocket Room, Northbridge Gombo + Serial Killer Smile + Valdaway + Vida Cain: Rosemount Hotel, North Perth Nightshift: Sail & Anchor (Upstairs) , Fremantle British India + The Love Junkies: Settlers Tavern, Margaret River Robbie King: South St Ale House, Hilton Breed + When Autumn Falls + Transcendence + To The Depths + We Stand As Heroes: Swan Basement, North Fremantle Neil Preston + The Rare Breeds + The Coloured Chain + Mountain Giants: Swan Basement, North Fremantle September Sun + Opine + The Other Eden: Swan Lounge, North Fremantle Tandem + Greg Carter: Swinging Pig, Rockingham Place Of Indigo + Antelope + The Flower Drums + The Braves: The Bakery, Northbridge Rag n Bone + Lionizer + Joe Head Joe: The Beat Nightclub (Upstairs) , Northbridge Back to Mono: The Flying Scotsman, Mount Lawley Easy Tigers + Chris Gibbs: The Paddo, Mt Hawthorn Little Ebony: The Principle Micro Brewery, Midland Kizzy: The Rose & Crown, Guildford Nightmoves: Universal Bar, Northbridge

Village Oblivia + Velcro + Critics + The Bosons + Travis Doom + Henry Neil Mcmagic + Emerald Cabal + Reece Walker + Basic Mind + Strunkdts: Velvet Lounge, Mt Lawley Bondi Hipsters: Villa Nightclub, Perth

SAT

27 APRIL 2013 Rufus: Amplifier Bar, Perth Hi-NRG: Bailey Bar & Bistro, Joondalup Retriofit: Balmoral, East Victoria Park Mike Nayar: Belgian Beer Cafe, Perth James Wilson : Boab Tavern, High Wycombe Jonny Taylor: Bootleg Brewery Bar, Margaret River British India + The Love Junkies: Capitol, Perth Midge Ure: Charles Hotel, North Perth Chainsaw Hookers + The Deep End + Scalphunter + Black Aces + The Bob Gordons + Arches: Civic Backroom, Inglewood The Wearable Arts Festival+Various: Clancys, Fremantle Mitch & Mister: Clancys, City Beach Tim Gordon: Clancys Canning Bridge, Applecross Future Wives Club: Defectors, Mt Lawley Grace Barbe + Guest DJs: Devilles Pad, Perth Shameem + Phil Doncon (Visual Artist): Ellington Jazz Club, Perth Jade Crompton: Ellington Jazz Club (Late) , Perth Folkworld Fairbridge Festival+Various: Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra Dirty Scoundrels : Gate Bar & Bistro, Success Carbon Taxi: Greenwood Hotel, Greenwood Steve Tallis + The Holy Ghosts: Gypsy Tapas House, Fremantle Tequila Mockingbird: Hyde Park Hotel (Courtyard) , North Perth Jeff Martin: Indi Bar, Scarborough The Blackbirds: Indian Ocean Brewing Company, Mindarie Proud Mary + Guests: Kalamunda Hotel, Kalamunda Rhythm 22: M On The Point, Mandurah Sugarpuss + King Of Kings + Maurice Flavel’s Intensive Care + The Potent Remedies + Cameron Avery: Mojos Bar, North Fremantle Kizzy: Newport Hotel (Afternoon) , Fremantle Gravity + Guest DJs: Newport Hotel, Fremantle Dean Anderson: Port Kennedy Tavern, Rockingham The Siren Tower: Prince of Wales, Bunbury Mhorgl + Bloodclot + Severtone + Epignosis + Obscenium: Railway Hotel, North Fremantle Kickstart: Rocket Room (Late) , Northbridge Little City Dream + Patient Little Sister + Turin Robinson + Boston & Chevy: Rosemount Hotel, North Perth Kris Buckle: Royal Palms Resort, Busselton, Busselton Chris Gibbs Duo : Sail & Anchor, Fremantle Childs Play: Sail & Anchor (Upstairs) , Fremantle Moondog J: Settlers Tavern, Margaret River

32 • To check out the mags online go to themusic.com.au/mags

Almost Famous + Greg Carter: Swinging Pig, Rockingham Tomas Ford + Mulder + Diger Rockwell + Felicity Groom + Glandhacker: The Bakery, Northbridge Runaways + Mandalay Victory + Afraid of Heights: The Beat Nightclub, Northbridge Electric Toad + Hootennany + Mudlark + Nora Zion + Dust: The Bird, Northbridge Chelsea Basham: The Fly Trap, Fremantle Huge + DJ Andyy: The Shed, Northbridge Soul Corporation: Universal Bar, Northbridge Get Funkd + DJ Tom Drummond + Rob Sharp + Dawn + Smiler + Gav T: Velvet Lounge, Mt Lawley The Growl + Special Guests : Wolf Lane Carpark, Perth SUN 28 Dig It Up feat.+Hoodoo Gurus + The Flamin’ Groovies + Peter Case: Astor Theatre, Mount Lawley The Blackbirds: Balmoral, East Victoria Park Dove: Belmont Tavern, Cloverdale Rob Walker: Brighton Hotel , Mandurah Acoustic Aly: Carine Glades Tavern, Duncraig Chasing Calee: Chase Bar & Bistro, Baldivis Beeva Feeva: Clancys, Dunsborough The Zydecats: Clancys, Fremantle DJ Boogie + The Salt Shaker Selectors: Clancys, City Beach DJ Boogie + The Salt Shaker Selectors: Clancys Canning Bridge, Applecross Sophie Jane + The Chilli Bin Boys: Como Hotel, Como Hi-NRG: Crown Perth (Groove Bar) , Burswood Chelsea Basham: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth Dare To Live with+Sonja D’anne: Ellington Jazz Club (Afternoon) , Perth CB3: Empire Bar, Rivervale Folkworld Fairbridge Festival+Various: Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra Greg Carter: Gate Bar & Bistro, Success British India + The Love Junkies: Indi Bar, Scarborough Retriofit: Indian Ocean Brewing Company, Mindarie Bernadine: Kalamunda Hotel, Kalamunda Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts: Lakers Tavern, Thornlie Third Gear: M On The Point, Mandurah Stu Orchard + The Volcanics + Mo Wilson + The Slack + Ben Gray: Mojos Bar, North Fremantle The Continentals: Mustang Bar, Northbridge The Griswolds + Tim Nelson + DJ Tom Drummond: Newport Hotel, Fremantle Dirty Scoundrels : Port Kennedy Tavern, Rockingham Better Days: Quarie Bar & Bistro, Hammond Park Velvet: Queens Tavern, Highgate, Highgate Gignition feat. +In The Clear + Pusherman + Tall Pop Syndrome + Ibis Elm + Rachel Charles: Railway Hotel (Beer Garden/ Afternoon) , North Fremantle Moondog J: Settlers Tavern (Verandah/Afternoon) , Margaret River Anthony Nieves: South St Ale House, Hilton Limelights Jazz Trio: Swallow Bar, Maylands

Adam James + Kris Buckle: Swinging Pig, Rockingham Linda Marigliano + Tim Ayre + Clunk + Electronic DJs: The Aviary (Rooftop) , Perth Cam Avery + Ben Witt: The Bird, Northbridge Stage Fright Open Mic+Various: The Fly Trap, Fremantle Adrian Wilson: The Principle Micro Brewery, Midland The Healy’s + Blue Hornet: The Shed, Northbridge Retrofit: Universal Bar, Northbridge Frank Gemmiti: Wanneroo Tavern, Wanneroo Electrophobia: Whistling Kite, Secret Harbour

MON 29 APRIL 2013

James Wilson : Brass Monkey Hotel, Northbridge Chamber Jam: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth Wide Open Mic+Various: Mojos Bar, North Fremantle Big Tommo’s Open Mic Night+Various: Ya Ya’s, Northbridge

TUE 30 APRIL 2013

Open Mic Night with +Chris O’Brien: Brass Monkey Hotel, Northbridge Perth Blues Club feat.+The Warm-Ups + John Meyer + Moonshine Trust: Charles Hotel, North Perth Ben Merito: Lucky Shag, Perth 3 Hands One Hoof + Apache + Silver Hills: Mojos Bar, North Fremantle Marc Osborne + Jeremy Trezona + Ronan Chapple: Ya Ya’s, Northbridge

WED 1 MAY 2013

DM3: Clancys, Fremantle Polly Medlen Band + Justin Walshe: Clancys Canning Bridge, Applecross Juliana Areias + Doug De Vries Trio: Ellington Jazz Club, Perth Bernadine: Greenwood Hotel, Greenwood Hussy Hicks: Indi Bar, Scarborough Howie Morgan : Lucky Shag, Perth Fremantle Blues & Roots Club+Jay Hoad + Junior Bowles: Mojos Bar, North Fremantle Adrian Hoffman + Sinead O’Hara + Lauren O’Hara: Moon Cafe, Northbridge Almost Famous: Mustang Bar, Northbridge Samuel Cole & The Mornings: Railway Hotel, North Fremantle DJ Anton Maz: Rosemount Hotel (Beer Garden) , North Perth The Red Embers + The Date + Veronica’s Assassin: The Paddo, Mt Hawthorn Strutt: Universal Bar, Northbridge Lionizer + The Georgians + The Itch: Ya Ya’s, Northbridge

TOUR GUIDE CRADLE OF FILTH: MAY 12 Metropolis Fremantle

DRAGON: MAY 31 Astor Theatre; JUN 1 Albany Entertainment Centre SAN CISCO, MILLIONS, CHAOS CHAOS: JUN 1 Astor Theatre KAKI KING: JUN 1 The Bakery ICEHOUSE: JUN 2 Cable Beach Ampitheatre

THE DEEP END: APR 25 Mustang Bar; APR 26 C5; APR 27 Civic Hotel FAIRBRIDGE FOLKWORLD FESTIVAL: TINPAN ORANGE, MAMA KIN, KRISTINA OLSEN, FRANK YAMMA, NICKY BOMBA’S BUSTAMENTO, FLAP!, SARUZU, GLENY RAE VIRUS and more: APR 26-28 Fairbridge Village THE MERINDAS: APR 27 Astor Theatre JAGWAR MA: APR 27 Amplifier DIG IT UP!: HOODOO GURUS, THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES, PETER CASE BAND: APR 28 Astor Theatre THE GRISWOLDS: APR 28 Newport Hotel ROYSTON VASIE: MAY 3 Amplifier; MAY 4 The Beat; MAY 5 Newport Hotel THE RUBENS, OH MERCY: MAY 2 Prince Of Wales; MAY 3 Capitol; MAY 4 Settlers Tavern BOB EVANS: MAY 2 Settlers Tavern; Mar 3 The Bakery; MAY 4 Prince Of Wales + THE DELTA RIGGS: MAY 3 Metropolis Fremantle; MAY 4 Amplifier HANK MARVIN: MAY 3 Kulcha + RED PARROT REUNION: JILL BIRT & ALSY MCDONALD, FEMME FATALE, THE RED PARROT DROP-INS and more: MAY 4 The Bakery BLACK SABBATH: MAY 4 Perth Arena TURIN BRAKES: MAY 5 Fly By Night BETH ORTON, ALEXANDER GOW: MAY 6 St Joseph’s Church + NICK SAXON: MAY 8 Mojos; May 9 Indi Bar; May 10 Settlers Tavern, Margaret River; MAY 11 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury; MAY 12 Clancy’s Dunsborough BANE, HOPELESS: MAY 7 YMCA HQ; MAY 8 The Beat HAPPY MONDAYS, PETER HOOK: MAY 8 Metropolis Fremantle NORMA JEAN: MAY 8 Amplifier THE BAD SHEPHERDS: MAY 8 Astor Theatre TEX PERKINS: MAY 9 Artbar TEGAN & SARA: MAY 9 Metro City GROOVIN’ THE MOO:

ALPINE, THE AMITY AFFLICTION, THE BRONX, FRIGHTENED RABBIT , HUNGRY KIDS OF HUNGARY, THE KOOKS, LAST DINOSAURS, MATT & KIM, REGURGITATOR, TAME IMPALA, TEGAN & SARA, THE TEMPER TRAP, THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, YACHT and more: MAY 11 Hay Park, Bunbury OM: MAY 11 The Bakery THE KOOKS: MAY 12 Fremantle Arts Centre CRADLE OF FILTH: MAY 12 Metropolis Fremantle JELLO BIAFRA & THE GUANTANAMO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE: MAY 14 Rosemount Hotel DANIEL CHAMPAGNE: MAY 15 Indi Bar; MAY 16 Mojos EVERMORE: MAY 16 Newport Hotel; MAY 17 Player’s Bar; MAY 18 Charles Hotel FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND: MAY 17 Amplifier; MAY 18 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury

KATE MILLER-HEIDKE: JUN 5 St Joseph’s Church: JUN 6 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre; JUN 7 Albany Ent. Centre THE BEARDS, LITTLE BASTARD: JUN 7 Capitol; JUN 8 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury SOMETHING FOR KATE: JUN 7 Astor Theatre + THUNDERCAT: JUN 8 The Bakery EMMA LOUISE, THELMA PLUM, PATRICK JAMES: JUN 13 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury; JUN 14 Fly By Night; JUN 15 Amplifier THE CHEMIST: JUN 15 The Bird THE BLACK ANGELS: JUN 17 Capitol THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES SHOW: JUN 20 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre; JUN 21 Astor Theatre; JUN 22 Albany Entertainment Centre GOLD FIELDS: JUN 21 Metropolis Fremantle; JUN 22 Capitol

TAME IMPALA, MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS: MAY 18 Belvoir Ampitheatre

THE SUPERJESUS: JUN 21 & 22 Amplifier

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM: MAY 19 Metro City

+ BORIS: JUN 24 Rosemount Hotel

VIKA BULL PRESENTS AT LAST: THE ETTA JAMES STORY: MAY 21-26 Regal Theatre DEFTONES, LETLIVE: MAY 21 Metropolis Fremantle MATT CORBY: MAY 23 Astor Theatre THE GHOST INSIDE: MAY 23 Amplifier OWL EYES: MAY 24 Amplifier …AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD, SINCERELY GRIZZLY: MAY 25 Rosemount Hotel JINJA SAFARI: MAY 25 Amplifier SUPER WILD HORSES: MAY 25 The Bird AIRNORTH KIMBERLEY MOON EXPERIENCE: GUY SEBASTIAN, MARK SEYMOUR, JAMES REYNE, GURRUMUL YUNUPINGU: MAY 25 Jim Hughes Amphitheatre, Kununurra THE REVEREND HORTON HEAT: MAY 28 Rosemount Hotel

MARTHA WAINWRIGHT: JUN 22 Astor Theatre

P!NK: JUN 25, 26, 28 & 29 Perth Arena BILL ODDIE: JUN 27 Astor Theatre GAY PARIS: JUN 27 Mojos; JUN 28 Ya Yas; JUN 29 Prince Of Wales, Bunbury LA DISPUTE: JUL 6 Amplifier; JUL 7 YMCA HQ BALL PARK MUSIC, EAGLE & THE WORM, JEREMY NEALE: JUL 12 Metropolis YOU AM I: JUL 13 Astor Theatre SAINT VITUS: JUL 21 Rosemount Hotel BUDDY ‘N’ ROY: TOGETHER ‘N’ ALONE: JUL 25 Albany Ent. Centre; JUL 26 Mandurah P.A Centre; JUL 27 Astor Theatre BARDO POND: AUG 4 Rosemount Hotel JOAN BAEZ: AUG 16 Perth Concert Hall DON MCLEAN, CATHERINE BRITT: AUG 19 Perth Concert Hall

MAMA KIN: MAY 30 Fly By Night; MAY 31 Clancys Dunsborough

ANDREW STRONG & THE COMMITMENTS: AUG 22 Metropolis Fremantle

THE SEEKERS: MAY 30 Riverside Theatre

JAPANDROIDS: AUG 26 Rosemount Hotel

X-WRAY

Food •

•

Coffee days

7

Thursday Doepel

25/4 Quartet

Friday 26/4 Sugarchild ($5

• till

• (free •

The from

Sound late Jack 7pm)

Brian Addict / entry from 8:30pm)

Saturday 27/4 • The Morning Night (acoustic) with special guests Brendan Gaspari, Michael Savage and Penny Walker Keefe ($5 entry from 8:30pm) Sunday 28/4 • The Charisma Brothers (4pm6pm) / Click Brown Fox (7pm-10pm) – free Monday 29/4 • Johnnie Walker and The Rock Bottoms have been falsely accused of being certified milkshake drinkers Tuesday Quartet

30/4 • (free

The Tom from

Tale 7pm)

Wednesday 1/5 • Acoustic Showcase with Leah Grant and Ash Hendriks (free from 7:30pm) Lot 4 • • 9430

3 • 9399

13 •

Essex St Fremantle xwraymusic@gmail.com

33

PRODUCT NEWS

GEAR REVIEWS

1966 channels, plus Ampeg’s flexible Baxandall EQ and selectable bias modes for ultimate tone control. The high-quality flip-top, double-baffle cabinet is covered in black diamond Tolex and factors heavily into the amazing tone of the iconic original with a power output of 30 watts RMS (1966 bias) or 25 watts RMS (1964 bias), pumping through a 15” custom Eminence speaker.

MASTER TRACKS HEADPHONES Joel Ralph & Pete Pittendreigh/West End Music

WEST END MUSIC Next time you’re in Brisbane (or if you’re reading this in Time Off), why not check into West End Music? You’ll find it attached to Peter Pittendreigh’s General Backline Hire, Queensland’s biggest backline hire company, down Tondara Lane in Brisbane’s West End, and it’s run by store manager Joel Ralph, a working musician himself with experience in working on some of the biggest shows and festivals as stage manager and backline operative.

West End Music is a guitar and drum pro shop with a great range of high-end new, pre-loved and vintage instruments and amps, with, naturally, plenty of new stock always arriving, including Fulltone pedals, premium Takamine acoustic guitars, Burns electric guitars, Vase amps, Griffdrum kits, Ampeg bass rigs and much more.

Open seven days, check into their Facebook to see what special events and exclusive offers might be coming up. Otherwise, give them a call on (07) 3844 4927.

RETURN OF AN AMPEG CLASSIC The new Ampeg Heritage B-15N, designed and assembled in the US, meticulously recreates the most recorded bass tone in history in an all-tube design featuring reliable PCB architecture and a beautiful black finish. The Heritage B-15N features distinct 1964 and

Sol Republic has just launched its groundbreaking new range, Master Tracks over-ear headphones. With unique X3 Sound Engines, which deliver tight superdeep bass with smooth, controlled highs, Master Tracks deliver an exceptional immersive music experience balanced with powerful bass, clear highs and vocal accuracy, the over-ear design and articulating ear cushions providing outstanding sound, noise isolation and comfort. The beauty of these headphones lies in the X3’s mid-range. Mid is where voice lives, and because most people know what it’s supposed to sound like, many headphones tune it if it cannot be reproduced accurately. The X3 Sound Engines deliver mid-range vocals so clearly that the Master Tracks showcase instead of hides them. Constructed from Sol Republic’s proprietary polymer, FlexTech, Master Tracks headbands are lightweight in construction and can be twisted, bent or dropped without worry. They’re priced at $249.

MEET THE JOSH HOMME MATON He may be an American rock icon, but it’s Australia’s own classic guitar manufacturers, Maton, that have come up with a signature guitar for Josh Homme, of Queens Of The Stone Age/Eagles Of Death Metal fame The BB1200 JH is a hollow body electric with Victorian Blackwood front and back in a tobacco sunburst finish, a rock maple neck to give maximum sustain, warmth and a rounded tone with bite. Featuring a trapeze tailpiece and bridge, the BB1200 JH comes with Maton JHB and JHN pickups with Alnico 8 magnets, each pickup capable of being split to single coil mode.

IN THE STYLE OF JOE SATRIANI (RIFF AXELERATOR) After watching the Riff Axelerator lesson by Brisbanebased guitarist Andrew Farnham a few points came to mind. Firstly, the amount of instructional material on Joe Satriani, including full transcriptions of everything that he’d ever recorded, is huge but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the fledgling, aspiring guitar player will be able to make his or her way through it easily or even be able to find any of it accessible. In fact, it could be discouraging if you’re ill-equipped technically with underdone strength in the finger department. My second thought was that if there are small steps we can take to build our technique so that we can approach the level of skill needed to play either Satriani’s music or create our own at that standard, then these steps are well worth exploring and may be of enormous value. What Farnham has done with his In The Style Of Joe Satriani is to have composed ten riffs based on or “inspired by” Satriani that, if learnt thoroughly, could just be those small steps or even part of them to help a ‘Satch’ student make that breakthrough and reach the goal of playing at a masterful level. The strategy is that the ten riffs given as examples are able to be heard at a series of speeds so they can each be worked on at the speed that’s just right for where your playing is at. So you could start at the slowest speed and once you can play the riff comfortably at that tempo, move it up a notch until you ultimately play it at the top speed.

In summing up, I think In The Style Of Joe Satriani is worth having in your library. www.riffaxelerator.com.

SHURE SRH FP35-L4 WIRELESS SYSTEM Shure’s new FP Wireless System is going to find a happy home on many video cameras, especially with the advent of DSLRs – the latest media-capturing miracle, a camera that also doubles as a video recorder. One of the problems with point-and-shoot video is that there are too many changes in the soundtrack that basically don’t work.

The solution is simple: find a way to get the sound of a stationary mic into the recording device that’s attached to your video camera. There are, however, two problems – power and weight. A typical wireless mic is a box weighing a kilogram or two and is inappropriately large for modern video cameras. Additionally, it needs power and the camera is usually mobile and you don’t want to be shooting with the constraints of a power cable and some tech guiding you through 100 drunken patrons while you stumble to the ground. In the FP Wireless system, there are two options. Option one is two small cases modelled on the Shure SLX beltpacks, one the transmitter and the other the receiver. The receiver has several mounting options. The receiver only weighs 81 grams and two double AA batteries will get you out of trouble either end. Option two lets you attach a small transmitter to any conventional dynamic mic. In this way you have instant wireless mic without any extra expense. The wireless system features automatic channel selection and everything that needs adjusting is pretty straightforward.

Paul Dengate

Steve Flack

CLASSIES

brought to you by

EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATION Get your Band/ Business online with affordable website design.

From $299 Services include Seo, Social network marketing Includes free 1000 Facebook likes, 22k twitter followers. Contact info@earthgoat.com iFlogID: 19089

Seo Marketing ~ Facebook likes, YouTube, Twitter views Promote your business online with Seo services Facebook likes 1k - 10k Youtube views 1k - 100k Twitter followers 1k - 100k Prices start from $20 iFlogID: 19091

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM ATTN:BAR/VENUE OWNERS. Need a “quiet” night filled? Comedy Hypnosis Show looking to replicate current venue success to other areas .

We bring the crowd, take the door.

You take F&B. 1300 660490 iFlogID: 19059

FILM & STAGE PRODUCTION Quality showreels compiled and produced for actors at affordable rates by Melbourne based production company. Call Aaron 0451 208 675 http://cardboardemporium.net iFlogID: 20889

SOUND & MUSIC Video sound pro recording, editing, mixing & mastering for film. Video editing full HD. Music arranging / composition & production for film.

Voice overs dubbed into video etc. $40 hr. Enquiries ph: 02 98905578 iFlogID: 21481

Video sound quality recording, editing, mixing & mastering for film.

Video editing full HD. Music arranging / composition & production for film. Voice overs dubbed into video etc. $40 hr. Enquiries ph: 02 98905578

FOR SALE BUSINESSES 10,000+ items of memorabilia / USA music merchandise stock $34.950 ONO lots of extras to set up a market stall or online business located in Sydney 0421 648 558

Bad band photos? Enlist the photo editing expertise of the award winning Wealth & Hellbeing Creative team! Turn your local look into an international standard release: www.wealthandhellbeing.com Call Lix 0405809066 iFlogID: 21879

MASTERING

iFlogID: 21737

DRUMS High Definition YouTube video demonstrations of cymbals. ZILDJIAN, SABIAN, PAISTE, UFIP, MEINL, WUHAN, STAGG, PEARL... www. youtube.com/user/sydneypollak iFlogID: 19832

GUITARS Matts Vintage Guitars - Fender Gibson Martin Rickenbacker Guild Gretsch Vintage and USA Buy-SellTrade Ph.0413-139-108 www. mattsvintageguitars.com

Mastering from $120 per track.

1st track free before committing for new customers. Quality gear, analysed & treated room. Not “el cheapo”, hear the difference.

Enquiries ph: 02 98905578 iFlogID: 21487

Mastering from $120 per track.

1st track free before committing for new customers. Quality gear, analysed & treated room. Not “el cheapo”, hear the difference.

Enquiries ph: 02 98905578 iFlogID: 21475

OTHER

iFlogID: 21735

MUSIC SERVICES BAND MERCHANDISE

YOUR NEXT ALBUM COVER...

...will look drop-dead amazing with the help of the award winning Wealth & Hellbeing Creative team!

From iTunes-ready digital covers to EP sleeves to multi-panel digipak artwork we can turn your local look into an international standard release package. We specialise in album artwork, we’re real artists not photoshop monkeys and we work with both major labels and independent bands/artists here in Australia and overseas. Want to see what we mean? Head to www. wealthandhellbeing.com and check out our good looks and great deals!

Call Lix on 0405809066 to chat about your project. iFlogID: 21875

Award-winning Experienced, Qualified Music Producer: 1.Doing Instrumental version of any song for $40 2. Mix your multi-tracks for $50 and produce personalized original instrumentals for $50. 3. Check lovenabstudio on soundclick.com email: vangelis2133@yahoo.com iFlogID: 18269

High Definition YouTube video demonstrations of cymbals. ZILDJIAN, SABIAN, PAISTE, UFIP, MEINL, WUHAN, STAGG, PEARL... www. youtube.com/user/sydneypollak

PHOTOGRAPHY Concert and event photography since 1984. High quality photos of all your favourite bands and artists, worldwide. Photos available framed or unframed, high colour resolution, great gift ideas. www. rockvizion.net iFlogID: 21616

POSTERS GOLD COAST BYRON BAY NORTHERN NSW Poster distribution for touring artists & bands. Fast, efficient & reliable service at a competitive price www.thatposterguy. com.au iFlogID: 17120

iFlogID: 15737

PA / AUDIO / ENGINEERING Transfer your old master AUDIO DAT or MINI DV tapes to media files.

Full quality, no compression. Call Aaron 0451 208 675 http://cardboardemporium.net

iFlogID: 21489

34 • To check out the mags online go to themusic.com.au/mags

iFlogID: 20891

iFlogID: 20825

PRINTING Premium CD packaging & CD replication, Australia wide. 70% recycled card at no extra cost.

ORACLE SOUND

iFlogID: 21764

VIDEO / PRODUCTION

CHEAP REHEARSALS!

MUSICIANS AVAILABLE

iFlogID: 20211

MUSICIANS WANTED

OTHER

BANDS

RADIO SYDNEY IS BIG! VERY BIG! www.radiosydney.com.au The worlds largest free digital radio sevice? We say YES!

INDIE BANDS Indie Artists Get Your Own Feature Channel Just For Your Band Here! http://www.radiosydney.com.au/ computer/page37.html iFlogID: 21172

SOUNDTRACK FOR 3D HORROR FILM

BASS PLAYER

iFlogID: 21522

Gold Coast ParallelHarmonyStudioRobina. 30 square metre live room, large vocal booth. Handsome range of range of topoftheline Neumann, Rode and Shure microphones. Call 0755808883 for details. www.parallelharmony.com.au iFlogID: 18640

DJ Dj available Dubstep to Drum&bass willing & able to adapt to your event. Low hourly rates.

Everything negotiable. Easygoing, flexible entertainment. Call for a quote today. KN!VZ Entertainment Group Ph:0415680575 iFlogID: 16661

SINGER female vocalist looking to form pop rock/alternative band in brisbane with influences from circa survive, versa emerge, tonight alive etc. ton_lili@hotmail.com iFlogID: 21707

SERVICES GRAPHIC DESIGN MARKETING BY N: Photography and Graphic Design services for the music, film and fashion industries.

Album covers, promotional materials, website graphics / photos.

Email: n_spa1@yahoo.com.au / Mob: 0433 730 340. iFlogID: 20985

What happens when you start paying attention? When you become an active member and start participating in this elusive thing we call life. WWW.WHATISTHEHAPS.COM

iFlogID: 16159

Large, clean, fully equipped rehearsal rooms at competitive rates! Open weeknights from 6pm & weekends from 12pm. PA & Equipment Hire also available. Call or SMS us on 0402425158

iFlogID: 21174

OTHER

Electric & upright bass. Good gear.

Comfortable in most styles. Experience performing live and in the studio. Check out my website if you wanna hear more. http://www.wix. com/steelechabau/steelechabau

STUDIO HIRE

Recording studio located in Osbourne Park, Recording and Mixing. All Genres of music welcome. Specialising in punk, metal and hardcore.

Amek 28ch console, large mic, instrument and amp collection $40ph email info@ oraclesound.com.au for more information.

iFlogID: 16690

REHEARSAL ROOMS

iFlogID: 21877

RECORDING STUDIOS

TUITION Eastern Suburbs guitar/ukulele/ bass/slide lessons with APRA award winning composer. Highly experienced, great references, unique individually designed lessons from Vaucluse studio. Learn to play exactly what YOU want to play! www.matttoms.com

You want music video produced?

Visit finncut’s channel on youtube Contact Matti finncut@gmail.com

iFlogID: 20499

Your Album Cover?! Will look killer with the help of the award winning Wealth & Hellbeing Creative team!

Turn your local look into an international standard release: www. wealthandhellbeing.com Call Lix 0405809066

iFlogID: 19834

Music publicity. Do you want to get noticed? Affordable exposure for your band by someone that actually cares! www.perfectlywrite. com.au Drop me a line!

Music-Production/Mixing/Mastering package only $150 per track. 5 Tracks for $550 (1-month period).

10 Tracks for $1000( 2.-months period). Check link and listen: http://www.youtube.com/user/Studio9Mru/videos?view=0&flow=grid

iFlogID: 17980

Looking for your big break? Here is your chance! We are looking for original songs from bands and artists for our 3D Horror feature film “The Scrying” soundtrack. Please find the synopsis at www.filmvc. com.au/the-scrying iFlogID: 21758

SINGER SINGER WANTED Sydney based progressive rock band looking for male lead vocalist. We are looking for a professional, creative and motivated individual who has a strong voice, is a dynamic melody-writer and connects well with the music.

To hear current demos: www. reverbnation.com/borahorza Email us: borahorzaband@ hotmail.com iFlogID: 21687

TUITION $25 PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS singing guitar keyboard piano drums violin tuition music instruments sales service & repairs ph: 0418 172 506 JAC MUSIC SCHOOL - EPPING iFlogID: 20244

WANTED OTHER HI GUYS i am fundraising to volunteer for a months work with orphaned children in Nepal. please check out www.gofundme.com/ ivhqnepal2013 to read my story and donate THANKYOU :) iFlogID: 21282