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A Voice For The Arts: New Advocacy Group Formed

2011 was the year that Canberra finally found a voice in all the right areas. Hot on the heels of the recently formed Music ACT advocacy body comes the announcement of Childers Group, a group of ACT and region arts leaders coming together to form a new voice for the arts. As their press release states, The Childers Group is an independent forum committed to the long-term viability and vitality of the arts in the ACT and surrounding areas.

“These are challenging times for the arts,” says Childers Group spokesperson, David Williams AM. “World economies are in flux, governments more than ever are balancing competing policies, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. In this mix are the artists, those key members of society who question, illuminate, and delight. We know the arts are vital. But how can we assist them to be more viable?”

Based on the principles of objectivity and independence, the Childers Group involves recognised representatives from the visual arts, music, dance, theatre and performing arts, youth arts, community arts, and literature. New members will be added as appropriate. Many have local/regional as well as national expertise and connections. Whilst many of the members live and work in the ACT, the Group will build relationships with the surrounding regions.

“We look forward to engaging with all those interested in developing the arts, working with governments, the private sector, educators, the media, and the broader community,” says Williams. “The Centenary of Canberra provides an exciting context to our work. To this end, the Childers Group will host a public forum on the arts early in 2012. It will undoubtedly be an exciting – potentially provocative – discussion.”

Foundation members of the Childers Group are: Evol McLeod, arts manager and chair of Belconnen Arts Centre; Nigel Featherstone, writer and former ACT arts bureaucrat; Caroline Stacey, artistic director/CEO of The Street Theatre; Elizabeth Brown, from Southern Tablelands Arts (STARTS); Julie Dyson, the Lewis of Ausdance; Anita McIntyre, ceramicist and chair of board at Strathnairn Arts; David Williams, emeritus professor at the ANU and former director of the ANU School of Art; and Allan Sko, managing director of BMA Magazine/Radar Media.

For more information, you can contact the group’s coordinators, Evol McLeod on 0406 378 889 or Nigel Featherstone on 0428 810 442, or email childersgroup@gmail.com.au, or visit http://childersgroup.wordpress.com/ .

Giving Voice To The Arts: New Advocacy Group Formed

2011 was the year that Canberra finally found a voice in all the right areas. Hot on the heels of the recently formed Music ACT advocacy body comes the announcement of Childers Group, a group of ACT and region arts leaders coming together to form a new voice for the arts. As their press release states, The Childers Group is an independent forum committed to the long-term viability and vitality of the arts in the ACT and surrounding areas.

“These are challenging times for the arts,” says Childers Group spokesperson, David Williams AM. “World economies are in flux, governments more than ever are balancing competing policies, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. In this mix are the artists, those key members of society who question, illuminate, and delight. We know the arts are vital. But how can we assist them to be more viable?”

Based on the principles of objectivity and independence, the Childers Group involves recognised representatives from the visual arts, music, dance, theatre and performing arts, youth arts, community arts, and literature. New members will be added as appropriate. Many have local/regional as well as national expertise and connections. Whilst many of the members live and work in the ACT, the Group will build relationships with the surrounding regions.

“We look forward to engaging with all those interested in developing the arts, working with governments, the private sector, educators, the media, and the broader community,” says Williams. “The Centenary of Canberra provides an exciting context to our work. To this end, the Childers Group will host a public forum on the arts early in 2012. It will undoubtedly be an exciting – potentially provocative – discussion.”

Foundation members of the Childers Group are: Evol McLeod, arts manager and chair of Belconnen Arts Centre; Nigel Featherstone, writer and former ACT arts bureaucrat; Caroline Stacey, artistic director/CEO of The Street Theatre; Elizabeth Brown, from Southern Tablelands Arts (STARTS); Julie Dyson, the Lewis of Ausdance; Anita McIntyre, ceramicist and chair of board at Strathnairn Arts; David Williams, emeritus professor at the ANU and former director of the ANU School of Art; and Allan Sko, managing director of BMA Magazine/Radar Media.

For more information, you can contact the group’s coordinators, Evol McLeod on 0406 378 889 or Nigel Featherstone on 0428 810 442, or email childersgroup@gmail.com.au, or visit http://childersgroup.wordpress.com/ .

Two doubles to Young Revelry at Transit

Playing alongside the likes of Dead Meadow (US), Handsome Furs (Can) and Shihad, and touring nationally with Jebediah, Red Riders, Children Collide and Violent Soho all in the last 12 months, Perth’s Young Revelry are in full flight. They’re stepping out on their own in July and August in support of their new single Never That Close. After the snowballing success of their debut EP You And I featuring the title track which became an instant triple j fav, Never That Close is a dramatic psych rock tune, packed full of bleeding guitars and emotional melodies. We have two doubles to give away. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com  

Five copies of Ministry of Sound The Annual 10th Anniversary edition

It’s been ten years since Ministry of Sound Australia first presented the local version of The Annual. Still the biggest dance compilation in the nation, they haven’t looked back – until now. MOS are celebrating their 10th Anniversary not with a typical Greatest Hits package, but a two-disc set featuring some of the biggest tracks they’ve released on the series over the past ten years, mixed with much love by Annual alumni John Course and Mark Dynamix. Take a uniquely mixed trip down memory lane enjoying the best of old and new from artists like Basement Jaxx, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Starsailor, Booka Shade, The Presets, PNAU, Deadmau5, Chemical Brothers and many, many more. To score, email editorial@bmamag.com with a link to your favourite dance track of the last decade. 

Sarah McLeod

WHO: Sarah McLeod
WHAT: Live and unplugged
WHEN: Wed July 20
WHERE: Transit Bar

 The ARIA Award winning former lead singer of The Superjesus not only solidified her reputation as a rock artist both here and overseas, but in recent years has also gained a huge notoriety on the dancefloor working with some bug name DJs and producers. Sarah McLeod has been one busy woman over the last few years. After touring extensively with The Superjesus for so long she decided she wanted to try some different projects, so she’ll be doing some intimate stripped back shows performing songs from her early days with The Superjesus up until her latest solo work. Tix $15+BF through Moshtix. 

Greenthief

WHO: Greenthief
WHAT: More dramatic psych rock it seems
WHEN: Fri July 8
WHERE: The Basement

 From a spark to a revolution, Greenthief is an alt rock three-piece hailing from Brisbane and only three years young, the band have not wasted any time spreading their word and music up and down the East Coast crashing the indie scene with a blend of psychedelic rock. Through constantly playing live shows, the band has broken sound barriers and state lines while enchanting audiences with a sound akin to a lovechild of Jeff Buckley and Trent Reznor. Early this year Greenthief recorded their new EP with legendary British producer Steve James (Sex Pistols, The Jam). The EP was mastered by Tim Young (Björk, Placebo). Tix $10 on the door. 

Young Revelry

WHO: Young Revelry
WHAT: Dramatic psych rock
WHEN: Sat July 16
WHERE: Transit Bar

Playing alongside the likes of Dead Meadow (US), Handsome Furs (Can) and Shihad, and touring nationally with Jebediah, Red Riders, Children Collide and Violent Soho all in the last 12 months, Perth’s Young Revelry are in full flight. They’re stepping out on their own in July and August in support of their new single Never That Close. After the snowballing success of their debut EP You And I featuring the title track which became an instant triple j fav, Never That Close is a dramatic psych rock tune, packed full of bleeding guitars and emotional melodies. Tix $10 on the door. 

Grind Up

WHO: Chewy Chocolate Cookies
WHAT: Grind Up
WHEN: Sat July 16
WHERE: The Clubhouse

For their next instalment of bass music party Grind Up, The Clubhouse are bringing out Chewy Chocolate Cookies from the UK to headline a night of electro, progressive techno, thrasher electro, hard electro and dubstep. Also along for the wild, wild ride are The Clubhouse’s highly accomplished resident DJs Dirtey Rascals, Gabe Gilmour, Cash Munny and Ben Colin. If you’re yet to check out The Clubhouse this is the perfect op to do so. It’s a smoky, laser-filled seething mass of bodies on a Saturday night, a place where chances are you’ll hear sounds you’ve never heard before. Find The Clubhouse on Facebook for more info. 

Cilla Jane

WHO: Cilla Jane
WHAT: An enchanting live experience
WHEN: Sat July 9
WHERE: The Front

 Cilla Jane has steadily built her profile on home shores over the past years, receiving the coveted John Butler Seed Fund grant in 2006 and sharing the stage with the likes of The Audreys, Kate Miller-Heidke and Tim Freedman. Following on from the success of her debut album When The Night Falls, which received praise from triple j, Cilla Jane looks forward to touring her new LP Until Morning Comes, which garnered a four star review in the June 15 issue of this fine rag. Cilla Jane’s shows are an enchanting live experience. Be sure to catch her up close and personal at The Front. Tix on the door. 

New Comedy Club, the ChUCkle hut

WHO: UC Live!
WHAT: New Comedy Club, the ChUCkle hut
WHEN: Launching Fri Sept 30
WHERE: Zierholz @ UC

 UC Live! is excited to announce the launch of their new Comedy Club

the chUCkle hut in the new University bar, Zierholz @ UC. Headlined by triple j’s Tom Ballard, the first ever chUCkle hut event is sure to make you ROFL and don your LOLLERSKATES (Thanks Nelly! – Ed.). Joining Tom will be Steve Philp and Dave Jory, two of Australia’s most promising comedic talents. The chUCkle hut will bring quality comedy to Zierholz @ UC on a regular basis and promises to become a Canberra favourite. For more info and to sign up for exclusive news and special offers go to uclive.com.au .

Skate in The City

The ice skating rink smack bang in the middle of Garema has everyone falling in love with winter again. Believe it or not Alice Springs busts a rink out in summer, so it’s about time the centre of our icy strumpet of a city got one too. It’s not just a massive slab of ice though; the area has been transformed into a festival site with twinkling snow flake lights, a licensed café, markets and pro skating performances. Best of all however is urbanIce; a month-long Friday and Saturday night series of DJs, multi-instrumentalists, singers, emcees and all manner of musos who’ll be providing the soundtrack to your Salchow jumps or if you’re like me, your massive stacks. Head to inthecitycanberra.com.au/skate for all the info.

The Nextmen at Transit

Unless you’ve fallen lifeless somewhere through the cracks you’ve more than likely heard of The Nextmen and their sweaty styled-out club sets, festival-smashing performances and incendiary mixtapes that are still filling the ears of the blissed out masses who just want to kick back or kick up with big boss tunes, not wipe the irony from their chins from the up-chuck of resoundingly vapid faux counter-culture buffoonery. All mouth posers with limited social agendas beware - The Nextmen are not the centre of cool for the next five minutes. Beloved the globe over by dedicated followers of music not dedicated followers of fashion? Yep. Loving of the good groove irrespective of genre but not of taste? Yep. The all day every day no-brainer block rocking choice? Natch. O boy do we love a good press release. Catch ‘em at T-Rans on Saturday July 9, with Buick, Faux Real and DFP. $15+BF through Moshtix. 

NJE at ANU Bar

NJE makes his first headline performance in Canberra to give his fans a sneak preview of his upcoming album Like Food For The Soul, due late this year. According to the press release he’s supported the likes of Ice Cube, Xzibit, Bone Thugs-n- Harmony, D-12, Phrase, Briggs, Illy, M-Phazes, 360, Pez and more. Wowzers. Like Food For The Soul is the third album from the Sydney based unsigned/indie Aussie hip-hop artist and features special guests like the legendary Kool G Rap, Wu-Tang affiliate Solomon Childs, Chase, Sceptic & Dseeva, and Untaymable. He’s hitting up ANU Bar on Saturday July 23. Tix through Ticketek. 

Swapping comes to the Capital

The Clothing Exchange is excited to announce the launch of regular swap events in Canberra. Since 2004, thousands of super-savvy ladies have made their way to their signature swaps in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth with bags full of fashion, fads and styles in tow. And now they’re bringing swapping to Canberra. On Sunday July 10, fashionistas can reinvent their wardrobes by swapping clothes and accessories at the inaugural Canberra Clothing Exchange. The events are run as a facilitated exchange of clothing and attract everything from designer wear to good quality basic garments from local high street stores. The Clothing Exchange launches in Canberra Ginninderry Homestead, five minutes drive from Kippax Shopping Centre. Check in commences at 10am and admission is $25. Tickets are limited so book online at clothingexchange.com.au .

Volunteers needed to mentor young refugees and asylum seekers

Inspired by Go Back to Where You Came From? Then here’s the perfect opportunity to act. Australian Red Cross is on the hunt for young Canberrans to join a new youth-designed volunteer program mentoring newly-arrived teenage migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Red Cross is seeking mentors aged between 16 and 25 who are available for at least six months. Mentors need to be open minded towards other cultures and beliefs, and have good communication and interpersonal skills. Successful applications will be given training by Red Cross. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Fiona Amundson on 02 6234 7613 or famundson@redcross.org.au or Michelle Mellier on 02 6234 7612 or mmellier@redcross.org.au . 

Major New Year’s Eve Festival whisper

It’s that time of year again; you’re eagerly awaiting NYE festival line-ups, or starting to ruminate on an epic camping trip, or simply wishing there was something happening in the ‘Berra other than fireworks and B-grade bands. (Don’t get me wrong, I love The Whitlams, but they played at an alcohol-free event last year, and what’s a Whitlams singalong on NYE without a glass of red in hand?). It’s now time to rethink the mass exodus over New Year’s dear readers, as BMA is tickled pink to be able to tell you there is a major festival happening in our fair city on December 31. That’s all we can tell you at the moment, but stay tuned to this fine rag for more info as it develops.  

Five copies of RAGE – Let’s Dance

RAGE – Let’s Dance CD/DVD is the latest release to come out of the RAGE stable. Let’s Dance follows the evolution of choreographed dance in music videos, through disco, funk, hip-hop dance and pop. It also has a look at a few musicians who have busted some moves off the dancefloor – in gyms, skating rinks, skipping tournaments and even under water. Jamiroquai, Datarock, Basement Jaxx, Custard and even Pat Benatar feature. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com with a detailed description of your favourite dance move. Extra points for diagrams. 

2011 ACT Writers Centre Awards

WHO: ACT Writers Centre
WHAT: 2011 ACT Writers Centre Awards
WHEN: Now!
WHERE: actwriters.org.au/awards

The 2011 ACT Writers Centre Awards are now open. The awards include the Michael Thwaites Poetry Award for an emerging ACT region poet, the Marjorie Graber-McInnis Short Story Award for an emerging ACT region writer, the Z4 Wines Awards for book and restaurant reviewing and the ACT Writing and Publishing Award, recognising, rewarding and promoting writing by ACT region authors that have been published by small publishers or self-published. All ACT Writers Centre Awards close in September. Winners will be announced at the 2011 ACT Writers Centre Christmas Party in December. Details are available at actwriters.org.au/awards

Elements exhibition

WHO: Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre
WHAT: Elements exhibition
WHEN: Now until Sat Aug 6
WHERE: Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre

 This year Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre celebrates its 40^th birthday. Canberra is home to many of Australia’s internationally renowned practitioners and has a reputation as a seeding ground for creative development. To celebrate the Centre has curated a series of group exhibitions titled Elements. This series highlights the diversity of craft and design mediums – metal and jewellery, glass, fibre, ceramics and wood – and showcases work by influential and leading craft practitioners and designer makers. The second exhibition in the series, Elements: glass, highlights the diverse practice and processes artists employ in exploring the medium of glass. 

Mindscapes

WHO: Mindscapes
WHAT: National Short Film Competition call for entries
WHEN: Now!
WHERE: Call Rachel Muller on 02 62497756 or email admin@mhccact.org.au

Are you a film maker looking for a project that enables you to explore a topic that affects people every day around the globe? Then the National Mindscapes Short Film Festival 2011 is for you. World Mental Health Day on October 10 is fast approaching and the ACT Government and mental health community are marking the occasion by holding a Mental Health Music, Arts and Film Festival called Mindscapes. The theme of the Mindscapes Festival is No Health without Mental Health which is also the theme for the National Short Film Competition. Films must be seven minutes or less and there are three categories. Entries close on Friday Sept 2. 

Fiona Veikkanen

WHO: Fiona Veikkanen
WHAT: Warmth and Welcome exhibition
WHEN: Wed July 6 – Sun July 11, opening Thurs July 7, 6pm
WHERE: The Front Gallery and Café

 Wild woollen objects, sculpted, stitched and crocheted, will occupy the inviting Front Gallery and Café in Warmth and Welcome. This exhibition is about warmth – warmth and welcome, comfort and coziness – on a chilly Canberra evening. The works convey the ways we keep warm, and the nourishment derived from a lovingly handmade object. Artist Fiona Veikkanen is making a name for herself working with tactile, homely materials, and making the familiar seem strangely new and wonderful. Woollen garments, blankets and yarn have been collected and transformed into a show that includes sculpture, textiles, books and drawings. fionaveikkanen.blogspot.com .  

Arab Film Festival

WHO: Arab Film Festival
WHAT: Stories From the Front
WHEN: Thurs July 14 – Sun July 17
WHERE: Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive

The 2011 Arab Film Festival will present a selection of films that take the pulse of the Arab world in a time of incredible change. Presenting front-line stories from Morocco to Iraq and beyond, this year’s program is a round-up of the best films coming out during this Arab Spring. Showcasing the fascinating cultural shifts reshaping our world, many of these films come direct from the Middle East and North Africa and others have been presented at major recent festivals including Cannes, Dubai, Berlin and Sundance. “These films are going to make you laugh and cry, and they will surely take you on a journey,” said festival co-director Fadia Abboud. For more info head to nfsa.gov.au and arabfilmfestival.com.au .

Jacqueline Bradley

WHO: Jacqueline Bradley
WHAT: The Outdoors Type exhibition
WHEN: Fri July 15 – Sat Aug 20
WHERE: Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Gorman House

Jacqueline Bradley is a Canberra based artist who during a residency at Bundanon began exploring this unique landscape and our interaction with it. Her exhibition The Outdoors Type at Canberra Contemporary Art Space will present the work she made during this residency and open up new ways to interact with our environment. 

Walk into the gallery and you could be forgiven for thinking The Outdoors Type consisted simply of vintage dresses hanging from the ceiling from unusually long coat hangers. Vintage fabrics and weathered wood take us back to a time when less people lived in cities and we had a greater relationship with the land. But look again. These are not ordinary clothes. Armed with Bradley’s creations we can lay down old grudges, and pave the way for a new friendship with the outdoors.  

Wes Carr - Been A Long Time - [Sony BMG]

A comment on YouTube literally described this as having “the same feel as James Blunt's Stay The Night”. Woah. Back up. Just because Wes Carr is a preening tosspot making intense eyes at you while he strums his miniature guitar doesn't mean you have to go below the belt like that and compare him to James Blunt. That's just nasty.

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Trouble - [Polydor]

You're never quite sure where a TEED tune will take you and new Trouble is no exception to that rule, starting off with some plush synth pads before some bouncing sequencers add a bit of drive, and then everything switches to technicolour as bibs, bobs, squiggles and electronic squeaks fly through the air. Nice stuff.

Tensnake - Something About You - [Mirau Musik]

While it's not as totally infectious as Coma Cat was, Tensnake's latest jam Something About You is another trip back to a time when you were probably listening to The Hooley Dooleys or their ilk; the early '90s! Pumping house thumps and some breathy diva flourishes abound here and somehow it all makes sense.

Stan Walker - Loud - [Sony BMG]

Lol, remember Idol? The deceased talent show's final winner Stan Walker hasn't done anything of great note since taking the prize in 2009, and now Loud sees him playing catch-up to every other vaguely danceable pop hit from the last 18 months. That description is not particularly exciting, I know, but neither is the tune. At least he can belt it out, though.

Coldplay - Every Tear Drop Is A Waterfall - [EMI]

Coldplay cop a lot of shit for selling out stadiums, headlining Splendour and wearing questionable band uniforms, but this just shows that they can still make some good music. Every Tear Drop Is A Waterfall is poorly titled but nonetheless an interesting song with plenty of instrumentation that's foreign to radio, and if it can get one person to stop listening to LMFAO for four minutes then I'll consider it a gift from God.

Shags

What do you do?

A lot of drawing, some printing, some stitching, some digi-snaps, some writing of words and sometimes music. And high, low or mono brow; it’s all good.

When did you get into it?

I’ve always had a doodle addiction (heh) though I guess it was about 15 years ago when the lovely, ex-Canberran Mandy Ord asked me to draw a comic for Sticky Murmurs.

Who or what influences you as an artist?

I get excited by people who are compelled to create; especially if they are self-taught. I dig the DIY ethos where you don’t need expensive equipment or years of training to do something great. I’m also fascinated by neuroscience and human behaviour. And handmade - handmade is also good.

What’s you biggest achievements/proudest moment so far?

I got a ‘You pissed me off’ published once. Um… *thinking*… I had an animation shown on Recovery back in the day. Oh! My favourite thing: two of the five paintings I did for The Basement have gone missing, that’s pretty flattering.

What are your plans for the future?

Thanks to something Layne Beachley said to me in a dream last year (ooh how finger-wiggling mysterious...) I’ve been thinking of grabbing some hemp t-shirts and printing onto them - so perhaps I’ll see what comes of that.

What makes you laugh?

Dad jokes. Bum jokes. Kitties falling off the back of couches. Someone else laughing. Those things you say that are so wrong that you just have to laugh. Swearing. In fact, several swear words in quick succession is pretty hilarious.

What pisses you off?

Aside from my neighbours playing Rock Band after midnight on a Tuesday? Inequality, assumptions and people being mean because they have no self-awareness as to what makes them scared.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

I hear there’s a lot going on. I don’t go out much ‘cause talking to people makes me tired - though I do get to the Canberra Comic Meet-ups occasionally. I love some of the public art that’s around: Nanna Brown’s bird people near the merry-go-round are GREAT! Belco owl-phallus? Hmm, not sure. As far as artists go, I dig Margaret Preston, Ghost Patrol and Stelarc.

What are your upcoming projects? Black Line Fever. It’s my first solo exhibition; a bunch of wee, low-brow, involuntary scribbles that were never intended to be seen by anyone, ever. Some silly. Some melancholic. Some just confusing. Made the frames too. It opens at The Front on Thursday July 14, at 6pm.

Contact info: Send an email with your list of favourite swear-words-in-a-row to shagsy@gmail.com

Bacon Cakes

Name:

Bacon Cakes

Where did your band name come from?

I've had a lot of band names and none of them really felt right or just sounded like a full band. I'm not really sure how it came about exactly (you'd have to ask Rebecca Delatorre she might remember), but it's something a couple of friends and I use to annoy each other with and I thought it sounded cool so I changed to that.

Group members?

It's pretty much just me at the moment bashing drums and guitar, although I am working on some side projects, e.g. B.L.T with Tristan from The Nugs, and Bad Killers with Shaun from Party Bus, but nothing too solid yet. 

Describe your sound.

We play so loud that all the amps couldn't take it, but now we got these amps that really work, you know? We can really push ‘em and we could blow this place apart if we wanted to.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise?

VOODOO, like real voodoo, not loser I-wanna-be-cool voodoo.

Musically:

Oh man, oh man I guess like Dead Moon, Fred Cole is a hero, Rocky Erickson, The Reatards are a main influence and James Gosman. Anything Bubblegum is good, like Ohio Express, and anything under the Kaz Kats wing

Really there are too many to mention, but I guess that will give the general idea.        

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing?

My drink got spiked at a house party show one time. It was in Turner and like 40-50 of my friends who were down for a skate video DacCam rocked up to see me play. I remember climbing on furniture playing this set and running around at people with my guitar, and then next thing I know I wake up in the driveway in different clothes and I still can't remember a thing.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

Getting kicked out of the Opera House with King Khan for protesting with hookers after hangs with him, Lou Reed, and Mark Sultan. "NO BAD WHORES, JUST BAD LAWS!"

What are your plans for the future?

I hate planning things

What makes you laugh?

Everything, you have no idea 

What pisses you off?

People slopping when they eat. OH MAN, oh man.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

Yeah, it’s ok. There are a lot of good bands surfacing, I just wish more of them would stay together.

What are your upcoming gigs?

I’ll be playing with The Nugs from Newcastle and Bumface at The Phoenix on Saturday July 16, and then again at the Braidwood Hotel in Braidwood on Saturday August 13. 

Contact Info:

 Greenwood_10@hotmail.com

Georgia Fair and Daniel Lee Kendall

Daniel Lee Kendall has teamed up with close friends and now stalwart touring mates Georgia Fair for a brief but magical stint of live shows. Having melted many hearts on their initial run, this inspiring combination expands to bring the special double-headline show to wider audiences. Georgia Fair’s Jordan Wilson and Ben Riley have been playing music since they were little tackers, banging out Nirvana covers. Daniel Lee Kendall is an extraordinary singer/songwriter who has unveiled his first two releases in the past 12 months alone and has built up a dedicated following. Tix through the venue.

Cardboard Charlie

After seven years of booking The Bootleg Sessions at The Phoenix, Cardboard Charlie will be stepping back from its role in the weekly original music institution to make room for some exciting new plans. The Bootlegs will continue in a new format but July will mark Charlie's last month so they have some massive things planned to celebrate the last seven years. Check out cardboardcharlie.com for more info on what’s on. Massive thanks to all the musicians who played for them, all of you who came out every Monday, and of course, The Phoenix, for helping Cardboard Charlie support developing original artists at The Bootleg Sessions.

Knightsbridge Cattle Station

It's that time of year when the farmhands at Knightsbridge Cattle Station get together for their Annual Hoedown. Hellish hay bales, mean-ass moonshine, cherry-sweet cowgirls, and wranglin' rustlers abound, so strap on those chaps and spurs and get ready to (square) dance the night away. There’ll be live music in the form of the majestic Queen Juanita & The Zydeco Cowboys to get yer boots scootin', and yer favourite resident jug blowers to see you through the wee hours. Celebrate the seventh birthday of one of Canberra's favourite down home bonafide waterin' holes. Starts at 7pm. Free entry. Dress for the occasion in yer country best.

Sasha le Monnier and Club Junque

Effigy are excited to launch their first gig at the newly renovated nightclub Das Klubhaus (above Pancake Parlour). Effigy is bringing the same commitment to quality music they have shown over the past few years, and are looking forward to showcasing a range of sounds at the venue. What better way to launch their new series of innovative nights than with Sasha Le Monnier, veteran progressive/techno DJ from the UK, along with Effigy's favourite Sydneysider Club Junque. With an upgraded sound system and a swag of local DJs for the night, it will be Das Klubhouse like you've never seen it before.

Laura Hill

Combining infectious folk melodies with the edge of vintage pop, Laura Hill invites you to ride a soulful wave through Morocco, New Orleans, Mexico and Australia delivering sounds inspired by life on the coast. Laura has just finished a string of shows in Victoria with Canberran Ashleigh Mannix and is heading over to Sydney to support Kim Churchill on his final Australian shows for 2011. Canberra is in for a real treat when Laura joins Tom Richardson and Benny Walker on their national tour at The Front on Sunday June 19. Doors 7pm, $5 on the door. 

Fun Machine launch

Fun Machine launch their second EP Desert Creatures at the Polish Club, a venue they mistook for a nail salon. Special guests include the stunning Julia and The Deep Sea Sirens, Illuminati-overlords nozl and territory-famous poet, Jacinta. The theme is ‘secret’, and secrets will abound, including special performances from . Wow! You can get a sneak peek of their new recordings through the usual facebook searches or just come along with clean ears and a durable pair of shoes. Trust us, you’re going to need them.

The Lurkers

On Thursday July 7, The Lurkers (Syd), A Commoner’s Revolt (Melb) and Ducks in the Mud (Melb) will be descending upon The Phoenix on the second stop of their Eat the Rich tour. All edible bourgeois are hereby warned. An evening of anthemic folk-punk sing-alongs, topical quips, and general revelry will transpire. $10 solidarity price, and $5 for the unemployed/funemployed/students and those that consider themselves conscientious objectors to work. 8pm.

For This Cause at the Woden Youthie

Brisbane band For This Cause will be hitting the stage at the Woden Youth Centre on Friday June 17. The band formed in 2009 and released their highly anticipated EP Journeys back in March. With an energetic and captivating live performance it's set to be a cracking eve kicking off at 5pm.

National Campus Band Comp entries now open

The biggest live band competition in Australia, the National Campus Band Comp NCBC has opened its registration floodgates for 2011. Registration is open to any band or musical act with at least one member attending a tertiary institution in Australia. The NCBC has been running for 22 years and has helped launch the careers of acts such as Eskimo Joe, Jebediah (check the review of their recent ANU Bar gig on page 41) and The Vasco Era. Local heats for the 2011 competition will be running at university and TAFE campuses across Australia between April and August, with the State Finals happening in September. For more information and an entry form head to aaca.net.au/ncbc .

Transcription Of Organ Music and Saskia Sansom at The Front

Transcription Of Organ Music is the solo project for electric folk/ambient

country musician Damon Bird, who hails from Hobart. Bird’s music, which is haunting and atmospheric and at times been referred to as Tasmanian Gothic by nature, is a mixture of spacious, softly-strummed and plucked guitar, and stark, fragile idiosyncratic vocals. His songs have a strong storytelling element often concerned with Tasmanian history and place. Saskia Sansom, a now Melbourne-based songstress has self-recorded and released two albums of eerie, fragile and intensely personal material. Her second release Silver Ships was recorded with the inimitable Jim White of Dirty Three behind the kit. Ethereal, powerful, intimate yet lonely, her music punches and kisses, breaks up and makes up, turns heads and opens hearts. They’ll be at The Front on Thursday July 7.

Jack Carty, Jordan Miller and Leroy Lee at The Front

Critically acclaimed indie folk darling Jack Carty is hitting the road in July with a string of shows to celebrate his debut album One Thousand Origami Birds. Fellow folk ramblers Jordan Millar and Leroy Lee will be also be making the journey, completing a line-up you’ll want to write home about. Currently championing his new Everything EP Jordan is adamant that he is only now truly honing his craft

as a songwriter, while Leroy is an independent folk troubadour from Sydney who has toured with the likes of The Frames, Missy Higgins, Lior, Lisa Mitchell, Jeff Lang and Joan As Police Woman. Jack Carty returns after packing appearances at Playground Weekender, Nannup Music Festival and Peats Ridge along with a successful headline tour. They’ll all be at The Front on Friday July 1. Tix at the door.

The Alohas at The Phoenix
Sydney’s legendary notorious treblemakers The Alohas are back. The surf/punk instrumental four-piece’s sound is loosely based on ‘60s surf music with face
melting twang influence from bands like The Atlantics, and delivers a punishing total sensory assault where too much reverb is barely enough. Renowned for creating an atmosphere of madcap hijinks, these guys ensure that there’s never a dry seat in the house. Check them out with support from local surf/garage band Space Party and bluesy rockers David Bath and The Hot Tubs at Phoenix on Saturday July 9.

Mikelangelo and The Tin Star Debut Album Launch at Tilley’s

The Surf ‘n’ Western Sounds Of… Mikelangelo and The Tin Star will be launched at Tilley’s On Saturday June 18. Well known for his cabaret persona fronting The Black Sea Gentlemen, Mikelangelo formed The Tin Star in late 2009 as a channel for his love of instrumental guitar music of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Combined with a fascination for Western cinema soundtracks and Mikelangelo’s impressive baritone croon, The Tin Star could never be a purely instrumental band, and shades of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley can be heard in the album’s vocals. Recorded and produced by Tin Star guitarist, Fiete Geronimo Geier, The Surf ‘n’ Western Sounds Of… features nine tremolo-laden originals with wall of sound guitar atmospherics and a strong pop sensibility. The album is split between songs with vocals, including appearances by guest vocalist Saint Clare, and dynamic instrumental rock tunes with a distinctive retro-allure. With special guests Saint Clare, Fred Smith and Liz Frencham, Konrad Lenz, Rufino and The Coconuts and Go Girl Gadget Go Go! the night is set to be warm the cockles of your winter heart and get those toes a tappin’ and fingers snappin’. Doors at 8pm, tix $32 through the venue.

One double pass to Helmet at ANU Bar

Seminal hard rock band Helmet released their seventh full length, Seeing Eye Dog, in September last year. After sold out tours of the US and Europe, the LA post-hardcore rockers are gearing up to head back to Australia for the first time in three years, hitting ANU Bar on Thursday June 30. The new album is one of the band’s most uncompromising and ambitious releases, embodying the classic and utterly unique Helmet sound and pushing it into regions the band has never before explored. Tix through Ticketek. To score, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us about the best metal gig you’ve been to at ANU.

Three double passes to Floating Me at ANU Bar

Sydney prog-rockers Floating Me announced a new tour this July, which will see the group perform in larger scale venues for the first time. The ten-date tour includes three shows alongside friends Thousand Needles In Red – the new project of The Butterfly Effect’s Clint Boge. They’re hitting ANU Bar on Friday July 8 and we’ve got three doubles to give away. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us why you’re in need of a good mosh.

Two double passes to Mikelangelo and The Tin Star’s Debut Album Launch

The Surf ‘n’ Western Sounds Of… Mikelangelo and The Tin Star will be launched at Tilley’s On Saturday June 18. Well known for his cabaret persona fronting The Black Sea Gentlemen, Mikelangelo formed The Tin Star in late 2009 as a channel for his love of instrumental guitar music of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Combined with a fascination for Western cinema soundtracks and Mikelangelo’s impressive baritone croon, The Tin Star could never be a purely instrumental band, and shades of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley can be heard in the album’s vocals. With special guests Saint Clare, Fred Smith and Liz Frencham, Konrad Lenz, Rufino and The Coconuts and Go Girl Gadget Go Go! the night is set to be warm the cockles of your winter heart and get those toes a tappin’ and fingers snappin’. Doors at 8pm, tix $32 through the venue. We’ve got two doubles to throw your way. Email editorial@bmamag.com telling us about the best gig you’ve ever been to at Tilley’s.

Two double passes to Fun Machine’s Desert Creatures EP Launch

Fun Machine launch their second EP Desert Creatures at the White Eagle Polish Club on Saturday June 18. Special guests include the stunning Julia and The Deep Sea Sirens, Illuminati-overlords nozl and territory-famous poet, Jacinta. The theme is ‘secret’, and secrets will abound! You can get a sneak peek of their new recordings through the usual facebook searches or just come along with clean ears and a durable pair of shoes. Trust us, you’re going to need them. We’ve got two doubles to throw at you crazy kids. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us why you reckon the Fun Machiners are so damn fun.

Australian Hip-Hop Championship Canberra Preliminaries

WHO: Hip-hoppers and boppers

WHAT: Australian Hip-Hop Championship Canberra Preliminaries

WHEN: Sun June26

WHERE: The Street Theatre

The Australian Hip-Hop Championships is Australia’s definitive hip-hop dance competition providing performers with the opportunity to showcase the artistry and technique of hop-hip dance nationally. With the chance for media exposure and access to prizes and the title of Australia Hip-Hop Champions, over one day on Sunday June 26 audiences will have a chance to witness Canberra’s most talented dance crews performing over two hours of intense entertainment. With MC KG, DJ Richie Blaze, live performances and one on one freestyle battles at both events, this is a chance to experience the artistry and technique of hip-hop from the best in Australia’s hip-hop dance scene. For details and registration visit ueg.com.au.

Free Rain Theatre

WHO: Free Rain Theatre

WHAT: The Removalists

WHEN: Fri June 17 – Sun June 26

WHERE: Tuggeranong Arts Centre

So, who removes what, and from whom? Australian society was born in violence. Once a pattern of violence is accepted for any circumstance, it becomes acceptable in all circumstances. With such a difficult theme, director Williamson's genius is to make The Removalists a very funny play as he sits comedy and drama comfortably together. A young policeman's first day on duty becomes a violent and highly charged initiation into law enforcement. Remarkable for its blend of boisterous humour and horrifying violence, the play has acquired a reputation as a classic statement on Australian authoritarianism and is a key work in the study of Australian drama. Tickets $28 (conc $25). Call 6293 1443.

AmnestyInternational

WHO: AmnestyInternational

WHAT: Faces of Asylum

WHEN: Wed June 15 – Sat June 25

WHERE: The Q Exhibition Space, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre

Amnesty International is holding a free exhibition titled Faces of Asylum to dispel some of the myths around refugees by promoting facts and sharing personal stories with the community. “In Australia, the debate around refugees has been largely framed by myths and misconceptions. The common belief that refugees are ‘illegal’ simply isn’t true. Seeking asylum, even by boat, is legal under Australian and international law, and the vast majority of people who arrive in Australia by boat are found to be genuine refugees,” ACT/Southern NSW Community Campaigner Bede Carmody, said. Faces of Asylum is part of Amnesty Internationals’ Rethink Refugees campaign. For more information, go to www.rethinkrefugees.com.au .

PIN - Wonderwall

WHO: Various artists

WHAT: PIN - Wonderwall

WHEN: Now until June 19

WHERE: ANCA Gallery, Dickson

ANCA Gallery presents an intriguing exhibition of artist-made brooches, showcasing miniature wearable works by local, regional and interstate artists. Coordinator of the project, local artist Chloe Bussenschutt states “It was the idea of miniature instead of monumental 'public art' that triggered the shows conception; the brooch just seemed like the logical vehicle for this idea.” Enthusiastically received by makers, the concept of reducing scale and honing in on a wearable, miniature platform appealed to artists from a broad range of practices such as sculptors, textile artists, printmakers, painters, ceramicists, silversmiths, machine-makers, photographers, wood workers and glass artists. The results are both accessible and intimate, with most of the objects available for purchase.

Optical Eyes

WHO: Optical Eyes

WHAT: A multi-arts collaboration

WHEN: Fri July 8

WHERE: CCAS Gorman House

Optical Eyes is a new collaboration with video artist Tim Dwyer that will create layers of sound, projections, lighting, installation and performance to invoke a psychedelic flash back. Be warned that the show is not suitable for anyone who has ever suffered from seizures. Through an eclectic performance akin to a lurid apocalypse, Optical Eyes promotes its anti-message through obnoxious sound, hypnotising illusions, projections and various other extravagances. Excessive projections will add to the visual overload with a barrage of utopian noise and sound provided by Matthew Brown, Horse Macgyver, Luke Penders and Avatron.

Auditions for Panic

WHO: ANU Drama

WHAT: Auditions for Panic

WHEN: Now!

WHERE: ANU

Actors, male and female, between the ages of 18 and 70, are needed for an ANU Drama PhD Production of Panic by Pulitzer Prize winning verse-dramatist Archibald MacLeish. Written in 1935, the play is about the bank crash of 1933 during the Great Depression. Written in the form of a Greek Tragedy, Panic follows the rapid decline of the all-powerful banker McGafferty and analyses the political and even spiritual crisis which threatened the confidence of the US and destroyed lives not by hunger alone or by cold, but by a paralysis of fear. The production dates run from August 18 to 27 at the ANU Arts Centre. For more information contact Andrew Holmes, andrew.holmes23@gmail.com or call on 0412 209 945.

Cara Irvine

What do you do?

Theatre. Lots and lots of theatre. I direct and design shows.

When did you get into it?

About ten years ago, I started to become excited by theatre. However, it wasn’t until I got to uni and started working with some extraordinary artists that I knew I loved it.

Who or what influences you as an artist?

Many things influence my art. Mostly people - passionate, excitable people. When I’m around people and talking, arguing or witnessing their passion about ideas, loves, plays, books or films - I take that on board and start to work.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

Directing Look Back in Anger for Paris Hat at the beginning of the year. It was one of the greatest challenges that I’ve had in the industry and we did a pretty amazing job.

What are your plans for the future?

To keep making theatre. I think that there are still a lot of people out there who need to be given a chance to see great shows, and, a few misconceptions about the art form that need to be changed.

What makes you laugh?

Everything - you have no idea!

What pisses you off?

Stupid people!

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

There is so much going on in theatre in Canberra that it’s easy to be swept up by it all. I am constantly amazed by the number of people who tell me that there is nothing to do in Canberra. What?!?! Have you got your head stuck up your butt?

What are your upcoming projects?

I’m directing David Williamson’s The Removalists for Freerain Theatre Company at the moment. It’s violent, intense and incredibly funny! We’ve done a lot of boxing training for this show, and it looks awesome!

Tuggeranong Arts Centre – Friday June 17 to Sunday June 26. Bookings through 02 62931443

Contact info:

cara.irvine@gmail.com

freerain@bigpond.com

Wynter Gordon - Til Death - [Warner]

Because Guetta can’t produce every single dance/pop single from American urban artists, we’ve now got copycat productions like Til Death aping that Frenchman’s beeping, big thumping hit sound. That’s not to say this is bad, it is actually decent enough but it’s fucking busy. Take something out of the mix, please...anything! How could you dance to this?

Rihanna - California King Bed - [UMA]

Of all today’s popstar elite, Riahnna has perhaps the spottiest track record with flights awful balladry spoiling her status as a dancefloor diva. California King Bed is probably the worst of this, with plaintive wailing, a flaccid pace, some rawk guitar solo crammed in there and just really dumb lyrics. No hype, this is boring as shit.

Miracles Club - Light Of Love - [Cutters]

Because Cut Copy can do no wrong the Modular heroes are now giving some (deserved) love to disco-toting buddies Miracles Club on their own Cutters label. The Light Of Love pack comes with some tasty re-workings of the original, including one by the Cut Copy crew themselves which floats about the floor for six minutes with relentless piano plonks and the odd tom flourish. Hell yeah.

Com Truise - Fairlight - [Ghostly International]

Against the other poster children of the chillwave scene, Com Truise appears like the synth-obsessed loner, stuck in his room, endlessly tweaking sequencers and playing Super Metroid. If that sounds like your thing then you’ll dig Fairlight, a lean instrumental workout of bleeps, bloops and computer zaps that’ll continue to pulse through your ears after it’s finished.

Aeroplane - My Enemy - [Balance Music]

I was pretty adamant about how disappointing the first Aeroplane album was, but off it we’ve got one last single which just so happens to be the best cut from the album. My Enemy is classic Aeroplane, the one that everyone fell in love with on those jillion remixes; it’s smooth, a little sultry, with funky bass and gorgeous lush synths, all topped off by the string-assisted drama. If only it could’ve all been this good.

The Rebound Slapdown

The Rebound Slapdown

Where did your band name come from?

Well, I (Newman), and Jimi were chillin' out the front of Lake Ginnenderra College and were discussing the hilarious concept of a slapdown (the act of flooring someone with a single slap) and a more awesome concept was founded - the ‘rebound slapdown’ (the act of slapping someone into something and as a result of

that flooring them). So from that day on we were ‘The Rebound Slapdown’.

Group Members

Aaron Beattie (vocals) Dan Newman (bass) Kieran Hockaday

(drums) and James Taylor (guitar)

Describe your sound.

A big, soggy bowl of Weet Bix, covered in rainbow paint and thrown on a llama. Psychedelic guitar mixed in with some funky fresh beats with some phat slap bass thrown on the top and then luscious vocals layered all over it.

Grooves that make you want to dance and at the same time make you feel like staring at something shiny for hours on end. Any and all of these combine to create The

REBOUND sound.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise?

The Mars Volta, RHCP, Batman, Taylor Swift, Kanye West, JOHN FRUSCIANTE, Chromeo (aw yeah!).

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing?

Aaron regenerated into two Aarons once, and watched himself writhe around on the floor (See Triple J Unearthed photo).

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

Actually playing gigs after years of jamming in garages. And being featured in BMA Magazine.

What are your plans for the future?

To keep the funk pumpin' and go with it where it takes us, hopefully on a psychedelic blimp!

What makes you laugh?

Getting told our front man is a mix between Fred Durst and Zach Galifianakis.

What pisses you off?

Itchy beards or no beards.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

It's pretty kicking. Our drummer is in half of the bands in the local scene

What are your upcoming gigs?

Phoenix Bootlegs, Monday June 13.

Suuporting Bowen and the Lucky Dutchmen at The Front, Friday June 17.

The Phoenix on Saturday June 18, and 4 on the 4loor, on Saturday July 2, at the Victoria Hotel in Orange.

Contact info:

Jimi - 0411 784 935 - james.r.taylor@live.com.au

New bar opening

It’s been a long wait for Gungahlin residents but Siren will be more than worth it.

Featuring unique mod Oz cuisine and a diverse drinks menu, live music and DJs, it will offer Gungahlin residents a tops night close to home. Siren will be open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7am ‘til late. Before they launch, they’re giving you the chance to have a cocktail named after you. Go to sirenbar.com.au to upload the name and recipe of your cocktail then get your mates to like it on facebook. If you win, they’ll also shout a night of free cocktails for you and three friends.

Hard rock quad

Sunset Riot boast more energy than a box of Red Bull and with their ear piercing guitars they’ll have you dressing in double denim in no time. Along for the ride are local legends Tonk, who are no strangers to mayhem and as they haven’t played a show for a while be set for a strange feeling in your pants. Also gracing the stage are Zawmbeez, hard rockers specialising in smacking you in the face with big vocals and engaging smiles. And last but not least are handsome lads Activate Jetpack, who indulge in a lighter form of rock; some may call it pop rock, we call it eye candy.

Seminal hard rockers

Seminal hard rock band Helmet released their seventh full length, Seeing Eye Dog, in September last year. After sold out tours of the US and Europe, the LA post-hardcore rockers are gearing up to head back to Australia for the first time in three years. The new album is one of the band’s most uncompromising and ambitious releases, embodying the classic and utterly unique Helmet sound and pushing it into regions the band has never before explored. Says frontman Page Hamilton, “I can’t stand the sound and anti-human feel of edited rock music. Humans playing music will always be better than chop shop rock…”. Tix through Ticketek.

Azari & III

Azari & III have been announced to perform for the first time in Australia as part of the Vivid Live Festival, and they’re taking the time to stop by the nation’s capital while they’re here. Sounding like a combination of New York in '79, Chicago in '86 and the world in the future, the Canadian quartet embody one of the most exciting new directions in dance music with their sizzling update of classic house and electro pop that is unbeatable in the discotheque and unstoppable in your dreams. Catch their unique blend of moody electronica, dark yet hooky vocal choruses and analog-thick rhythms at Trinno. Nice.

Chillwave

It’s a hot summer night in LA. Jesse Kivel strums a chord of his guitar. Zinzi Edmundson returns fire with her Roland. He starts to sing: “Don’t start, wasting a day for my love.” She joins in: “I feel… a certain appeal is enough.” The harmony is as electric as it is romantic. This is Kissess, who are about to hit Australian shores for the first time. How they stand apart from countless other chillwave-rs is that they are first and foremost a dynamic band capable of constantly switching gears live. Kivel usually opens proceedings with the line “Are you ready to have a dancin’ good time?” We sure are.

Taste Test

University of Canberra students are offering a taste of their fine designs and gourmet visuals before they enter the world as fully fledged design connoisseurs. Come along and see what the latest generation of graphic designers have to offer. Every year graduating students from the graphic design course at UC hold an exhibition to showcase their achievements/work from their previous years of study. The concept of Taste Test is that the general public and the design field can come and get a taste of what the newest graphic design graduates from the University of Canberra have to offer.

The Yearlings at The Front

The Yearlings' songs rock sweet and slow, like a chair on an old wooden porch. Robyn Chalklen and Chris Parkinson have been writing and performing together for ten years, since first crossing paths at The Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2000. Reminiscent of the great alt country Americana genre, but born out of Adelaide, The Yearlings' sound is all their own. They have performed at numerous festivals across the country and their music was selected for Claudia Karvan's award-winning TV series Love My Way. The Yearlings released their fourth studio album Sweet Runaway late last year which has since been hailed as one of the best roots releases of 2010. Known and loved for their beautiful harmonies and intimate performances, on this tour The Yearlings are joined by Kasey Chambers' drummer BJ Barker and are supported by divine Brisbane duo Laneway. They’ll be enchanting The Front on Wednesday June 1. $10 at the door.

Mandala at The Maram

Fast emerging alternative rock group Mandala are bursting onto the live scene in 2011 after much anticipation. Merging a diverse and original experience, the group’s consistency in producing big riffs, melodic vocal lines, ambient and thought provoking instrumental sections as well as driving, intricate beats establishes them as a potent and memorable force. With a highly energetic and hypnotic live show, Mandala unleash at The Maram with heavyweights Beneath a Broken Sky and Eyes to the Sky on Saturday June 18. Don't miss the opportunity to witness what promises to be the unveiling of the next generation of alternative rock bands in the capital. 

Climate Change Bridge Walk

Some words from the ANU Environment Collective: Canberra! Come for a walk. Yes. Come for a leisurely walk on Sunday June 5 at 1.30pm. Yes, a leisurely walk across Commonwealth Bridge on Sunday June 5 at 1.30. Yes! A leisurely walk from Regatta Point across Commonwealth Bridge to Parliament House, carnivale style with bands and jumping castles and puppets and rollerskates and thousands of other Canberrans. A leisurely walk from Regatta Point across Commonwealth Bridge carnivale style to Parliament House to say something about climate change. Yes! We need to take action. Canberra: say yes to action on climate change!

Ironhide at Bar 32

The scorching debut release of progressive tech metal bastards Ironhide has now been unleashed upon the world. Spawned in Brisbane in late 2009, the five-piece, dual vocal party crew have melded punk vibes and post metal influences into a technical metal maelstrom. Barely a moment’s respite from the word go, Create/Collapse/Repeat’s seething sounds cover ground that is harsh yet compelling. Shards of melody intertwine through dissonant guitars, hyperactive drums blast their way to victory, and tricky bass lines pulse sporadically while two razor-sharp vocal chords lead the charge. Catch Ironhide live at Bar 32 on Wed June 1.

www.ironhidemetal.com/ .

The Shed Sessions

Music meets art on the first and third Sundays each month with live music in the great atmosphere of the gallery/studio spaces of The Artists Shed in Queanbeyan. Whether you enjoy folk, country, jazz, blues, vocal harmonies, solo singer/songwriters, you will love Q-Town’s newest venue. The Shed is fast becoming a popular haunt of many musicians in the region as well as local residents and artists. Canberra region wines are available and entry is by paper note donation. The Artists Shed is at 14 Foster Street, Queanbeyan, and is open from 2pm on the first and third Sunday of every month. For more info call Ros Hales on 0438 768 754 or email roshales@grapevine.com.au .

ReconciliACT Hosts Coming Together

ReconciliACT’s Coming Together event to honour National Sorry Day will be an evening of engaging discussion with people from across the ANU community involved in Indigenous Studies and Reconciliation. Happening on Thursday May 26 at the Food Co-op on Childers St (between The Street Theatre and Uni Lodge) from 7pm, there will be tasty veg food, live local music provided by James Fahy and others and warm and welcoming company. National Sorry Day is an Australia-wide observance held on May 26 each year. The day gives people the chance to come together and share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities. Tix are $7 for students and Co-op members and $8 for others. This will cover your delicious dinner as well. For more information on National Sorry Day, visit nsdc.org.au .

Two doubles to Owl Eyes at Transit Bar

Winter is on its way. The days are shorter, the nights cooler, the leaves falling from the branches of the trees. But eerily talented Melbourne songstress Owl Eyes will by no means be going into hibernation for the next few months with the release of her follow up EP and coinciding national tour. The last six months have been jammed packed and absolutely bursting at the seams for this musically gifted 20-year-old wonder. Following the release of her debut EP Faces, the catchy sweet first single

1+1 was added to high rotation on triple j and heard throughout summer, and her profile skyrocketed after lending her sultry vocals to the hugely popular Illy track

It Can Wait. To win a double pass to her show at Transit Bar on Thursday June 2, all you need do is email editorial@bmamag.com telling us who Owl Eyes recently toured the nation with. Local loons Fun Machine are supporting and kick off at 9.30pm, so be sure to get there early for a boogie.

Five copies of Turn the Beat Around on DVD

Hit the dancefloor with Turn the Beat Around on DVD. Featuring chart topping sensation Jason Derulo and music from B.O.B., Cobra Starship, Just Kait and more.
Turn the Beat Around, starring talented Romina D’Ugo, proves that disco is far from dead. The young bright star from the hit movie Hairspray shows off her sexy moves alongside stars such as Jason Derulo and Donna Summer’s daughter, Brooklyn Sudano. The movie features double platinum awarded songs Whatcha Say and In My Head by Jason Derulo and is directed by Bradley Walsh from the popular TV series One Tree Hill. This fun, sexy, dance movie features stunning dance sequences that combine cutting edge hip-hop moves with stylised classic disco. Hoo ha! To score, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us about your favourite dance move.

Cold Sweats launch

WHO: Artists and DJs

WHAT: Cold Sweats launch

WHEN: Thurs May 26, 6pm

WHERE: Lonsdale Street Roasters, Braddon

Lonsdale Street Roasters is proud to present their inaugural exhibition featuring local artists. This night will celebrate the inception of Lonsdale Street Roasters as a public art space. Installations will feature beers, deer and all things wintry including snowboards and skis. The night is set to give you cold sweats of anticipation for the winter ahead and kicks off at 6pm with two local DJs, cheap beer and cider from Monteiths including their new winter ale to get us feeling all warm and fuzzy while it gets chilly outside. So embrace the cold, put on a few kilos for insulation and enjoy this winter wonderland.

Inner Worlds: Portraits & Psychology

WHO: Deep thinking artists

WHAT: Inner Worlds: Portraits & Psychology

WHEN: Now until Sun July 24

WHERE: National Portrait Gallery

Inner Worlds explores key moments of connection between portraiture and psychology in Australia since the early 20th century. It brings together portraits and depictions of faces and figures created in the 1940s by Albert Tucker, Sidney Nolan and Joy Hester that reflect psychological trauma; an interest they shared with psychologist Reginald Spencer Ellery. Portraits and imaginary faces created by mental health patients in the 1950s and 1960s collected by Dr Eric Cunningham Dax reveal unique experiences of the mind, and experimental self portraits and figure studies by Dale Frank, Anne Ferran and Mike Parr from the 1980s and 1990s explore machinations of the mind.

Expressions of interest to exhibit in 2012

WHO: Belconnen Gallery

WHAT: Expressions of interest to exhibit in 2012

WHEN: Open now

WHERE: ben.drysdale@bcsact.com.au

The Belconnen Gallery presents a range of exhibitions by artists of all abilities and backgrounds, at extremely affordable hire rates. It is committed to showcasing a range of works that reflects the richness and diversity of Belconnen and its links to Canberra, Australia and the world. Our goal is excellence in the presentation of the work. It’s open 9-4.30pm weekdays and has well equipped lighting and hanging systems, and is in a high traffic area of the Belconnen Community Centre, with over 10,000 visitors annually. If you are interested in exhibiting, contact curator Ben Drysdale at ben.drysdale@bcsact.com.au or on 02 6264 0232 (Wed afternoons 1-5pm).

Paul Hay

WHO: Paul Hay

WHAT: Box of Tricks

WHEN: Opening 6pm Friday May 27. Running ‘til Sat July 2

WHERE: Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Gorman House

Just like Frankenstein’s monster, Paul Hay’s sculptures form an animated body of work. Found objects and everyday materials organically meld until you can’t tell what has been found and what has been made. There is a wheelbarrow and a grand piano, tactile wood, bright red paint and smooth metal. Despite disparate elements, Hay’s sculptures make up a seamless body of work, each component simultaneously operating as part of the whole and competing for the viewer’s undivided attention.

Hay’s sculptures are mischievous – it isn’t hard to imagine them moving while your back is turned. And each sculpture has its own intriguing story to tell. You can’t help but feel for them.

National Young Writers’ Month

WHO: You, if you’re under 25

WHAT: National Young Writers’ Month

WHEN: Now until Thurs June 30

WHERE: expressmedia.org.au/nywm and beyond!

National Young Writers’ Month is a month of youth-led activities in the ACT, across Australia and online, looking to help anyone under 25 to set their own writing goals and achieve them. To help with that, the NYWM website has a blog, forums, interviews, articles, writing exercises, multimedia, competitions and more! Meanwhile, in the pipeline offline are some free events, including workshops, with the first set for Sunday May 29 at the ACT Writers Centre. For further details, check out expressmedia.org.au/nywm, search for them on Facebook or follow @NYWM on Twitter. Other questions or workshop reservations, email the ACT Ambassador: duncanfelton@gmail.com .

Ursula Yovich

WHO: Ursula Yovich

WHAT: Magpie Blues

WHEN: Sat June 4

WHERE: The Street Theatre

Ursula Yovich brings her deeply personal unadorned cabaret show Magpie Blues to Canberra direct from a season at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Message Sticks Festival. This moving musical account of growing up in the Northern Territory with a mother from Arnhem Land and a Serbian father features a mix of Yovich’s own new songs and musical influences from her past. Drawing upon her unique cultural background, Magpie Blues is inspired by Yovich’s totem, the magpie, a songbird whose black and white feathers reflect the black and white heritage of Yovich herself. Ursula has spent much of her life coming to terms with her dual cultural heritage, and it's this journey (both literal and spiritual) that lies at the heart of the show. Tix through the venue.

CJ Bowerbird

What do you do?

I am a performance poet.

When did you get into it?

I have written armchair poetry sporadically throughout my life, but I began performing verse two years ago when I stumbled across Julian Fleetwood’s monthly Traverse Poetry slam.

Who or what influences you as an artist?

I am strongly influenced by my stage of life, resulting in writing a lot of pining poems about growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s and why being middle aged sucks. I am inspired by American performers such as Rives, Big Poppa E, Sage Francis, Emily Kagan Trenchard, Robbie Q. Telfer, Andrea Gibson and Anis Mogjani. Tim Minchin is a big name Australian influence, but I also love the work of Luka Haralampou and Emilie Zoe Baker. Ultimately, my writing is heavily tainted by Richard Dawson, Christopher Hitchens, the Bible and the Catechism of the Holy Roman Catholic Church.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

Performing in the 2010 Australian Poetry Slam final at Sydney Theatre, coincidentally on the set for Uncle Vanya, in front of 400 people who had paid to hear poetry performed for them.

What are your plans for the future?

I am working on the perfect poem to win the 2011 Australian Poetry Slam.

Longer term, I am developing the concept of a 45-60 minute small cast play in performance verse. The best slam poems are complete two to three minute stories. I want to take this concept further into a more developed tale while retaining the rhythm and music of poetry.

To support the performance part of my poetry, I would also like to develop my acting skills further. I have some experience in amateur theatre (Oberon, King of the Fairies, an acclaimed highlight in Katherine, NT) and would love to build upon this.

What makes you laugh?

I laugh easily and at nearly anything. I am giggling now, and these answers are not even a little bit humourous.

What pisses you off?

I am an unjustifiably optimistic person and rarely get pissed off. I am annoyed when people performing at an open mic gig don’t show respect to the other performers by staying after their piece, keeping quiet and listening. Fortunately, I don’t often see that in Canberra.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

I am amazed with Canberra right now – there is so much going on performance-wise that it is hard to keep up. There is a large group of enthusiastic and supportive artists, listeners and publicans keeping the whole art landscape alive. One recent and very successful example, the You Are Here Festival, set my brain on fire.

In the poetry scene, a very strong and committed group of writers and performers are continually doing new things. It is a very supportive and welcoming group which is keeping the page turning for performance poetry in the ACT. In particular, Traverse Poetry, Bad!Slam!No!Biscuit! and Smiths Alternative Bookshop are havens for verse.

What are your upcoming projects?

I will continue performing at the monthly Bad!Slam! and Traverse Poetry gigs.

Contact info:

cjbowerbird.blogspot.com

Karton - Bang ft. Fraksha - [Sound Of Habib]

I bet that Fraksha spent more than 10 minutes in the studio with Karton making this. That alone makes it infinitely better than this week’s David Guetta and Flo Rida’s club-hop abortion above. And even still Karton have a bunch of surprises up their sleeves for us, from the intense, throbbing bass, to that massive build-n-drop bomb that comes at the climax of Bang. And then there’s Fraksha’s rubbery vocal flow to top it all off. Get on this, man.

David Guetta - Where Dem Girls At ft. Flo Rida & Nicki Minaj - [EMI]

Nicki Minaj can do much better than this. David Guetta evidently can’t stop making Sexy Bitch over and over again. And Flo Rida, well, he’s just a lucky motherfucker.

Calvin Harris - Bounce ft. Kelis - [Sony BMG]

Though the Bounce part of this is probably too literal, the backing track suits Kelis pretty well. Though she’s better than Calvin himself, her voice is pretty flimsy, so the busy production glosses over her thinnest parts. Other than that, this is essentially Calvin Harris becoming the white Afrojack.

Blood Orange - Dinner - [Terrible Records]

Apparently bored with being an indie quirkster as Lightspeed Champion, Dev Hynes is once again working under his Blood Orange moniker and his first offish single Dinner is a real gem. Thick bass bobs in and out of the headphones as Dev goes all sad eyed ‘90s R&B with washed synths and stuttered drum machine beats. It’s pretty great.

Beyonce - Run The World (Girls) - [Sony BMG]

Pon de Floor was grating enough without Beyonce diva-stomping all over it. What’s her deal anyway? Is having a confusingly punctuated female empowerment mutant dancehall anthem her idea of being edgy? Bring back Kelly Rowland and the other one.

nozl

Where did your band name come from?

Compressed Nozzle. We are sponsored by nozl Health Care and nozl Securities PTY.

Group Members?

Tom Harwood (vocals and organ), Richard de Ferranti (guitar), Paul Marsh (bass), Anthony Irving (drums).

Describe your sound:

Deeply perverted and sensual. Avant-garde pomp reggae rock and sauce.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise?

Screaming Jay Hawkins, Frank Zappa, Lee Scratch Perry, Parliafunkadelicment, Coltrane, Mongolian monks.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing?

Man eating organ.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

People dancing at our first gig. We like the dancing people.

What are your plans for the future?

Lots of lovely gigs. Lots of new songs. Maybe a horn section to play the secret horns lines we have written down

What makes you laugh?

Being described as “like Devo but older” at The Phoenix.

What pisses you off?

The anti-nozl movement in the ACT. Statements by Bent Turbbsen to the effect that nozl is a political organisation. We are not. Neither is the nozl Youth Wing or the nozl Separatist Party (ain’t nothing but a party!).

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

We were disappointed to be crushed by a tower crane when we played at the MacGregor Hall last week. There are some great bands and lots of nice muso types, but it is always a pity that music becomes so compartmentalised. That’s why the totally free Pedestrian Orchestra was so fine.

What are your upcoming gigs?

Fun Machine Desert Creatures EP launch on Saturday June 18, at The White Eagle Polish Club, O’Connor.

Dragon Dreaming festival 2011, on the October holiday.

Your house party or event. Contact us, we’re a cheap date!

Contact info:

http://www.myspace.com/nozlnozl tom.harwood@grapevine.com.au

Melanie Tait

What do you do? Broadcaster, producer, author, playwright, procrastinator.

When did you get into it? I’ve been scribbling dreams since I could hold a pencil. One of my scribbled dreams became a play called The Vegemite Tales, which played in London for seven years and made me legit.

Who or what influences you as an artist? Heartbreak and the music that goes with it. Mostly. I seem to be someone who’s most creative when things are a bit shit. Plus a slew of great writers who make me want to up the ante: Truman Capote, Margaret Atwood, Tony Kushner, Caryl Churchill, Gwen Harwood, Geraldine Brooks, EL Doctorrow, Sarah Jones, Nora Ephron, Caleb Lewis.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? I don’t imagine I’ll ever be able to get over how audiences connected with The Vegemite Tales, but outside that Now Hear This!, a storytelling night I’ve conceived and curated with the ABC and The Street Theatre makes my heart beat a little faster and my lips curve upward every time I think about it.

What are your plans for the future? To extend the reach Now Hear This! has further than Canberra. To conjure up a mesmerising play. To pen a cracker book. To write a screenplay provoking as much grinning and heart clutching as Hannah and Her Sisters. To keep chugging out ABC CanberrArts. To convince my friends to stop f’n changing their surnames when they get married.

What makes you laugh? I’m not being accentist but… West Country, Essex and Welsh accents. And Midwestern American accents. And Bowral accents.

What pisses you off? Sexism and the language around it makes me CRAZY. Except, curiously, when it’s coming from the mouth of a 23-year-old Eddie Murphy in Delirious.

What’s your opinion of the local scene? I think Canberra is an incredibly safe space for an artist. It’s a place to try new things without a huge amount of pressure. I dig its colour and eccentricity. Still, I’d like to see some of my favourite theatremakers step outside their comfort zones and get more ambitious, serious and committed to expanding their work.

What are your upcoming projects? I’m a resident playwright at The Street Theatre, so when I’m not working on Now Hear This! and ABC CanberrArts, I’m busting my gut trying to finish my play In The Park.

Contact info: tait.melanie@abc.net.au

Lowrider

It’s full steam ahead for Lowrider – the Adelaide quartet that are tipped to become one of the breakthrough acts of 2011. After absolutely tearing the roof off the Hot Produce stage on the national Big Day Out circuit and no doubt doing the same at Bluesfest, not to mention the fact they were the national support for the John Legend tour, Lowrider are heading to the capital on Thursday May 12. As tens of thousands have now discovered, they are one of the country’s most exhilarating live acts, and they are currently in the best form of their career. Don’t miss out.

Ciecmate

In the immortal game, there are few Grandmasters. They let their hands do the talking, issuing challenges where skill meets skill and strategy becomes reality. To succeed, you have to have knowledge and clarity: one false move and you're lost.

Ciecmate is in it for the long haul. Game Over is Ciecmate's magnum opus. Entirely self-produced, recorded, mixed and mastered, with the exception of one track produced by fellow grim soothsayer Tornts, Game Over captures the jagged texture of Wu Tang, the enlightening messages of Poor Right-eous Teachers, and the savage truths of Immortal Technique. Check it now, mate.

Vinyl lovers

Who doesn't love the dusty fingered aesthetic and giddy thrill of a rare find that a good record fair throws your way? Well we're in luck, because playing out on Saturday April 30 will be the return of the aptly named BIG Record, CD and Book Sale to The Tradies in Dickson. Some near 50,000 releases spanning all the decades and all the genres will be there, from pop, rock, metal, dance, R&B, blues, country AND western, classical, jazz, and everything in between. We have been assured there will be items for as little as $2, as well as $300+ rare gemstones. Books and CDs will also be for sale, ensuring a little something for everyone. Go forth, and cake your digits in dust!

2012 ACT Arts Fund open for applications

That’s right, you glistening purveyors of the arts you, the time has come once again to eagerly prepare your application for a chance to dip into artsACT’s Money Bin-like coffers. If you have a piece of art - a painting, photography, a theatre piece, a recorded piece of music... You name it - and need the money to fund it, this is your chance. Applications are invited from individuals, groups and organisations wishing to undertake projects and activities that develop or provide access to the arts in the ACT in 2012. It’s open now, and closes at 5pm on Wednesday June 8 , unless you’re applying as a Key Arts Organisation in which case you have until 5pm on Thursday June 30. There is an information session running at The Street Theatre along Childers Street at 6pm on Wednesday May 4. Happy hunting, y’all. Be sure to budget for a BMA ad. For more info: www.arts.act.gov.au .

Foo Fighters: Back & Forth and Wasting Light 3D screening at Dendy

Fans of the Foo Fighters will be lining up for tickets to a riveting new film about the band, Foo Fighters: Back & Forth, screening at Dendy Cinemas Canberra on Saturday April 29 and Sunday April 30 at 9pm, and again on Sunday May 1 at 3.30pm. This definitive documentary by James Moll chronicles the 16-year history of the Foo Fighters; from the band’s very first songs, created as cassette demos Dave Grohl recorded during his tenure as Nirvana’s drummer, through their ascent to Grammy-winning, multi-platinum, arena and stadium headlining status as one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. The film also includes a look at the making of their new album Wasting Light, where the band went totally back to basics and recorded in Grohl’s garage completely on analogue tape. No computers, no software - just a band recording an album in a garage. The film was produced by Nigel Sinclair who also made No Direction Home: Bob Dylan and Amazing Journey: the Story of the Who.

Foo Fighters: Back & Forth will be followed by a performance of the new album Wasting Light, recorded live in Los Angeles on April 5 and screening in full 3D. For more info head to the Dendy site, and for the chance to win tickets head to bmamag.com .

Global Battle of the Bands Canberra Heat

The world’s biggest international band competition, the Global Battle of the Bands, is on its way back to Canberra. Local bands will have the chance to compete on the world stage to win a first prize worth US$100,000. The 2010 GBOB World Final was held in February and all finalists received an all-expenses-paid trip to Kuala Lumpur to compete. Does Canberra’s local talent have what it takes to be the next GBOB World Finalist? Original bands should jump on board the 2011 Canberra heat, held at The Basement on Saturday May 14. Anyone wanting to enter should email redletter@bigpond.com or call 02 9519 3978.

Warrant and Quiet Riot pull out of Metal Health Tour

Last issue’s cover story on the Metal Health Tour was fine and dandy for the Warrant love, but apparently unwarranted was the alleged barney between the promoters of the Metal Health Tour and both Quiet Riot and Warrant’s management that has now seen both acts pull the pin on the tour (head to promoter Intense Impact's facebook page for the full run down). LA Guns will still play, and stepping into the opening breach is Mike Stone of Queensryche’s new band The Stick People. Saturday April 30 is the date, and ANU Bar the venue if you're still interested.

Three doubles to Between Breath and Form

Sydney Dance Company returns to the Canberra Theatre Centre to perform its stunning new double bill of works by Rafael Bonachela – Between Breath & Form – from May 5-7 in the Canberra Theatre. Artistic Director and choreographer Rafael Bonachela has once again joined forces with his frequent collaborator – the renowned Italian composer Ezio Bosso – in the presentation of two major dance works – 6 Breaths and LANDforms. Canberra audiences will be the first to see LANDforms direct from its acclaimed season in Sydney. To win one of three doubles, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us who you’d take to see the show and why.

Five copies of When I First Met Your Ma

We’re all about looking after our dear Mas here at BMA, so we’ve got another compilation to throw your way that’ll be perfect for Mother’s Day (when is it again!?). When I First Met Your Ma is a brand new compilation featuring Australia’s finest musicians, celebrating themes of motherhood, romance and relationships via song. The collection lifts its title from Australia’s musical poet laureate, Paul Kelly – the unforgettable acoustic ballad and one of his most iconic love songs. From exclusive originals to captivating covers and brand new versions of much-loved tunes, across 16 tracks When I First Met Your Ma pays tribute to the women who inspire, nurture and amaze. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us about a woman in your life who inspires, nurtures and amazes.

Double pass to Foo Fighters: Back & Forth and Wasting Light 3D at Dendy

Fans of the Foo Fighters will be lining up for tickets to a riveting new film about the band, Foo Fighters: Back & Forth, screening at Dendy Cinemas Canberra on Saturday April 29 and Sunday April 30 at 9pm, and again on Sunday May 1 at 3.30pm. This definitive documentary by James Moll chronicles the 16-year history of the Foo Fighters; from the band’s very first songs, created as cassette demos Dave Grohl recorded during his tenure as Nirvana’s drummer, through their ascent to Grammy-winning, multi-platinum, arena and stadium headlining status as one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. Foo Fighters: Back & Forth will be followed by a performance of the new album Wasting Light, recorded live in Los Angeles on April 5 and screening in full 3D. For more info head to the Dendy site, and for the chance to win a double pass email editorial@bmamag.com telling us why the Foos rock your Explorers off.

Five copies of Ministry of Sound Dubstep

Breaking through from the London underground to its current chart topping status, dubstep is undeniably the sound of now. Taking over the planet’s dancefloors and radiowaves, there is no escaping this dance music phenomenon. Plundering through the world’s best bottom heavy beats, Ministry of Sound brings you the biggest collection of dubstep hits with Sound Of Dubstep. Two discs loaded with 53 massive sub-bass riddems, mixed by two of the biggest names in the game, Sound Of Dubstep is locked, loaded and set to tear through your nearest speaker stack. Look out. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us why you dig the sub-bass riddems.

Five double passes to Groovin the Moo

We’ve been splashing the bands who are playing this fine fest across the pages of BMA for a good few months now so there’s no need to harp on about who’s playing. You already know! For the chance to win a double pass to GTM, held on Sunday May 8 at the UC Meadows, email editorial@bmamag.com with five of your best bovine gags.

Last Friday Drinks

The time has come again to party it up at the NPG for Last Fridays Drinks. On Friday April 29 they are laying out the red carpet and going on a trip down memory lane as they channel Stuart Campbell portraits of Aussie film stars of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Be prepared for retro tunes supplied by Jemist, video mashups of old-school Aussie films by Luke Penders and Travis H Heinrich, and even the chance for a bit of star-spotting.

As the chills of autumn have already headed our way, come on down, warm up with a few beverages under the outdoor heaters or cosy up in the Gordon Darling hall.

ACT Arts Fund

The ACT Arts Fund is one of the main ways the ACT Government provides direct support to the arts. Each year applications are invited from all artists, groups and organisations wishing to undertake arts programs, projects and activities in the ACT.

The 2012 ACT Arts Fund will close on 5pm Wednesday June 8 2011 for applications to the Project Funding, Communities Working With Artists Funding, Program Funding and ACT Creative Arts Fellowships categories. All applicants are encouraged to attend a one hour information session held at The Street Theatre on Wed May 4 at 6pm which will outline the types of funding available and provide helpful hints on submitting an application. For more info head to the website.

Canberra Reparatory Society

All is not well in the Humble hive. 35-year-old Felix Humble is a Cambridge astro-physicist engaged in what he hopes is ground-breaking research. Following the sudden death of his father, Felix returns home to find that all sorts of changes have taken place during his absence. His father's beloved garden is neglected, and his mother's behaviour difficult to understand. “It is a wonderful honeycomb of ideas - about bereavement, black holes, mothers...fathers, gardening, ambition, disappointment and bees,” said Kate Kellaway of The Observer. Humble Boy was the winner of the Canberra Critics’ Circle Best New Play Award 2002, and the People’s Choice Best New Play Award 2002. canberrarep.org.au .

Have you got a great story to tell?

Have you got a great story to tell? Now Hear This is an entertaining evening created by 666 ABC Canberra and The Street Theatre as an opportunity for Canberrans to share their personal stories. Your story can be funny, sad, embarrassing, uplifting, strange, risqué, bawdy, extraordinary or simple – as long as it’s a true story from your life and matches the theme of Love is a Four Letter Word. There are a couple of rules for your ten minute story: it's not stand up comedy, it's not a confessional, it's not a raging diatribe and storytellers won't be relying on anything but their memory. As part of this experience they are also offering a workshop for the storytellers selected, which will be presented by 2007 UK Storyteller of the Year, Rachel Rose Reid. Visit abc.net.au/canberra for more details.

2011 Epson ACT

The ACT Division of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography presents an exhibition of award winning photographs that were judged at the 2011 Epson ACT

AIPP Professional Photography Awards in Sydney. “The exhibition will include captivating images from Canberra’s best professional photographers, showcasing a wide variety of photographic styles including landscape, illustrative, portrait, family, wedding and commercial photography,” said Ben Kopilow, ACT AIPP President.

The AIPP is the peak industry body for professional photographers in Australia, and strives to promote and maintain the highest standards of professional competence and business ethics in the industry.

Alister Spence

Renowned Sydney jazz pianist Alister Spence returns to Canberra with his new trio MRS on Saturday May 7 for the three week run of shows that is hellosQuare’s Peking Spring Festival. Featuring Sydney heavyweights Mike Majkowski on bass and Finn Ryan on drums, MRS take over The Street Theatre’s Street 2 for a night of wild freewheeling improvisation, supported by the guitar swells and low end wobble of Canberra’s own Mornings. The night starts at 8pm, tix $18 or $12 concession. Bookings are essential – either at the box office, online at www.thestreet.org.au or via phone on 6247 1223

Uffie - Wordy Rappinghood - [Ed Banger]

This is without question the best thing that Uffie has done in years. There’s a few reasons to explain that. Firstly she didn’t write it - it’s a Tom Tom club cover, so quality is assured - and fellow Ed Banger star DJ Mehdi is on production duty, laying down a funky little bed of bouncy, fluorescent electro. And perhaps most of all it doesn’t even really sound like Uffie. And that’s a good thing.

The Potbelleez - From The Music - [Vicious/ UMA]

If it wasn’t official before, theworld has left The Potbelleezbehind. The same generic beatsand the same Year 7 songwritingcan only get a fifth rate SneakySound System so far.

Metronomy - The Look - [Warner]

Metronomy’s new album is aserious downer compared totheir previous high-quirk pop,but that doesn’t mean they’velost their charm. Indeed TheLook, one of the record’s bestcuts, shows off the band’smore measured approach witha gentle mid-tempo pace andechoing vocals while offering aglimpse at their old selves withthat extended soft-synth solo.

LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennet & GoonRock - [UMA]

How LMFAO are still foolingeveryone with their cheap andnasty finger-paint electro popis beyond me. What’s evenmore baffling is that they’redoing it all with a straightface.

Shoeb Ahmad

What do you do?

I am involved with the sound arts. I also make music with Spartak and savages. Lastly, I run the record label hellosQuare and curate all kind of things like the Peking Spring Festival.

When did you get into it?

Making sound and music years ago, the label since 2004 in my bedroom. Nothing crazy and profound - just really started from scratch with an idea in my head and kept the ball rolling.

Who or what influences you as an artist?

Any knowledge is influential to my work. I take cues from history and political upheaval as subject matters to reinterpret through my sound art and music, be it in a subtle rebellion or blatant statement.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

Curating Peking Spring to this point has been quite a feat but other memorable things include my various overseas tours to SE Asia, Japan and New Zealand and creating my audio-visual installation Whirlwind Lullabies last year.

What are your plans for the future?

Nothing concrete apart from spending time with the family, watching the Socceroos and the Bangladesh cricket team play (and attempt to win games) and last but not least, keep on working on all kinds of tone, drone and musical treats.

What makes you laugh?

Topical humour, ethnic jokes (but only said by ethnic people) and scenesters/hipsters.

What pisses you off?

People who are all talk and no substance.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

Highly creative if a little insular. People here need to break out of their shackles and push themselves in the wider world without leaving this humble town. To leave means to give in, in my opinion. It may be a little bit more hard work but your reward might just be that little space of notoriety that you created for yourself.

What are your upcoming performances/exhibitions?

The Peking Spring Festival – info of which can be found at www.hellosquarerecordings.com. Highlights of the festival include the three performances at the Street Theatre that will happen on Saturday April 30, May 7, and May 14, all of which can be read about at www.thestreet.org.au

Contact info: hellosquare.shoeb@gmail.com

Reuben Ingall

Describe your sound: I play guitar and sing, feeding the sound through a bunch of purpose-built bits of programming/patching on my laptop - algorithms to cut-n-paste, loop, delay, etc. I control them with a footswitch made from an old keyboard. Grant from Monstera Deliciosa described my songs as “glitchy-folk songscapes that shimmer and moan, where clunky guitars and lonely vocals are accentuated by minimal electronic processing,” and I’m happy to go with that. I occasionally DJ bad mashups as Dead DJ Joke.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise? Minimal music, music with a really limited or focussed idea behind it, from Erik Satie to My Disco, drone music and humming machines, stillness, mono-tasking, Fennesz, Oval, Xiu Xiu, the collaborations between Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ben Frost. Although my vocals are often quite buried in the mix, on the lyrical side I admire gut-spillers - true stories, intense honesty - Fulton Girls Club, Alps, The Nation Blue.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing? DJing - playing Ween’s Waving My Dick In The Wind as a dozen fully naked people jumped up and down on stage. The flopping was audible.

What’s your biggest achievements/proudest moments so far? This year I appeared on a New Weird Australia compilation called The Sound of Young Canberra, in some really great company. And my Mum likes my latest CD. And getting a crowd to do the Macarena.

What are your plans for the future? Do more. Release a free CD/download of live recordings from the past six months, work on new material, and hopefully gig more, especially interstate.

What makes you laugh? Animated GIFs

What pisses you off? The word hipster. Pretty bored with it.

What’s your opinion of the local scene? Same as most opinions I see in this space: slightly jaded but optimistic and enthusiastic. I’m disappointed by the shortage of venues, but there are a lot of interesting acts playing backyards, living rooms, cafes and all kinds of one-off spaces. I guess in an environment like Canberra the keen folk get keener – to their credit.

What are your upcoming gigs? Friday April 29 at Smiths Alternative Bookshop with Seaworthy and Kharkov (as part of the Peking Springs Fest). Thursday May 19 at the New Young Canberra showcase in Sydney with Savages and Kasha.

Contact info:
reubeningall.com
reubeningall.bandcamp.com
reubeningall.tumblr.com

All Ages

In an effort to help the victimised people of Japan back up on their feet, the Axis Youth Centre in Queanbeyan will be hosting a Japan Tsunami Benefit Gig. You can be part of this great effort simply by giving a $5 donation on entry on Saturday April 2 and then all you have to do is have a good time. Between 6pm and 10pm local bands Corporate Takedown, When Giants Sleep, Asylum, InDistrict, They Killed Everyone, Shinhan and DJ Benny M will be donating their great talents to an urgent cause. Many artists are still to be announced, but rest assured that this will be a uniting, very rewarding and musically spectacular night of fun. I sincerely do hope to see you all there, ready to support such a beautiful country and such strong people.

Perth-based four-piece Miles Away, a band who have achieved their success through consistent touring, are coming to the capital once again on the afternoon of Sunday April 3 for their Australia and New Zealand tour. They will bring with them Brisbane’s Fires of Waco and Defeater coming across the seas to the capital from Boston, USA. You can be a part of this pop-punk extravaganza at the Axis Youth Centre in Queanbeyan. Doors open at 2pm where tickets can be bought, although prices have not yet been announced.

, who recently brought to you Nightshift, is going to unite with End Vision Photography and the Woden Youth Centre to present to you YOUTH [onthescene] FEST! This event will feature loyal local acts Paqman, Asylum, Dan Sweeto, West of the Sun, Dramatic Effect, Pleased to Jive You and No Assumption, all of whom will help promote the important message of Youth Beyond Blue, “look, listen, talk, seek help”. This is a free night of fun, music giveaways and of course, more free stuff. The action begins at 4.30pm and will run late into the night. So, be there on Saturday April 9 with your best dancing shoes on and groove in support of yet another great cause.

Alternative rock five-piece The Classic Crime from Seattle, USA, are touring the country with Sydney’s Chemical Transport on The Vagabonds tour. Praised local acts Drawing North and Transience Invalid will take the stage alongside them, acting as the cherry on the cake, if you will. You can be part of this exciting night at the Tuggeranong Alliance Church in Calwell for just $15 at the door or have the comfort of booking ahead online at for just $18.40. The excitement begins at 5pm on Sunday April 17.

ambient/indie/soul New Yorker quad As Tall As Lions and folk/indie/western band Elliot The Bull from the Central Coast will be joining forces for The Sound of Animals Touring, a very appropriate name for this duo line-up. The Tuggeranong Alliance Church in Calwell is playing host to this unique event. Doors open to the masses at 6pm. You can and should purchase your tickets in advance from for the incredibly generous price of $23.50. I doubt that this is a line-up to be repeated any time soon. So make the most of this great opportunity.

We’ve got a lot to look forward to this month, and there is much more in the months to come.

Lavers

Where did your band name come from? Dom: A few names were tossed around by Seb and me before we ended up going with our last name. Obviously, the others are in the process of getting their names changed.

Group members: Dominic Lavers (vocals, guitar), Sebastian Lavers (lead guitar, piano), Den Murray (drums) and Evan Langham (bass).

Describe your sound: Seb: We play all sorts of styles but like to keep things melodic and memorable. We’ve been compared with The Who, Big Star and Crowded House.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise? Seb: Hearing Billy Joel at age 11 inspired me to start learning the piano, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. My guitar influences are Bernard Butler, Johnny Marr and the Smashing Pumpkins.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing? Seb: At a recent gig, an old man wrote a very detailed review of the show, complete with his phone number. The barman passed on pages and pages of this guy’s scrawled, tatty notes after the show – we’re not sure whether to call ‘Jim’ or the police.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? Dom: Playing a gig at the Miss World Australia final in front of about 500 people, thanks to our sister Sophie being Miss World Australia 2009. It might not have been Wembley Stadium or The Super Bowl, but it felt huge at the time.

What are your plans for the future? Dom: The plan is to record an EP at Den’s home studio in Kiama, make a classic debut album, tour and have big crowds singing the songs.

What makes you laugh? Seb: Being the guitarist with mystique, I don’t laugh. Den: My two puppies Grimace and Grover always make me laugh no matter what mood I’m in. They’re a bulldog and a pug so they have the funniest faces with loads of personality.

What pisses you off? Den: S ome of the rubbish that can be found on the radio. Sometimes it’s not how talented you are, it’s how good looking you are.

What’s your opinion of the local scene? Dom: It’s awesome once you get proactive and have some gigging experience. It took me ages to realise that you don’t meet anyone by playing guitar alone in your room.

What are your upcoming gigs? Valve Bar, Sydney (Friday April 1). The Phoenix, Canberra (Monday April 4, 8pm). Relay For Life Festival, Kiama (Saturday April 30).

Contact info: domlavers@gmail.com, www.myspace.com/thelaversbrothers

Pete Akhurst

Group members: Just me for the moment, looking to expand the band line-up.

Describe your sound: The storytelling of Paul Kelly with the instrumental sounds of John Butler.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise? They chop and change, but I would have to say Frank Turner, Chuck Ragan, Joe Purdy and The Ellis Collective’s new album has been getting high rotation in my car. They’re all making a big impact on my music at the moment.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing? Playing at The Phoenix midway through 2010 I had a lovely couple sitting on the couches just to the left of the stage. Throughout my entire performance from start to finish they were making out. The pash rash on her face was intense! Hopefully it was the music that evoked such passion in both of them.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? Supporting Ash Grunwald to a sold out Transit Bar in July 2010. Also playing completely acoustically to a few dozen people at the Hush Lounge earlier this year was good fun too. The PA broke so I had to improvise and it turned out quite well.

What are your plans for the future? Finally releasing the EP in late May. Stay tuned to the Facebook page for more details on that and I’m also releasing with that the film clip to my song Sister as well.

What makes you laugh? A lot of things really, I couldn’t pinpoint just one.

What pisses you off? Long drives when your iPod runs out of battery midway through the trip.

What’s your opinion of the local scene? The local scene is like one big family, so like any great family let’s support it the best we can.

What are your upcoming gigs? Friday March 18, supporting Israel Cannan at The Front in Lyneham. Doors at 7.30pm, $10 entry.

Contact info:

peteakhurst@gmail.com

www.myspace.com/peteakhurst

www.facebook.com/peteakhurstmusic

www.youtube.com/pakhurstmusic

Joel Harrison

Group members: I play the majority of my gigs solo so it’s normally me plus a guitar and my pedals.

Describe your sound? Acoustic pop surf rock. On the surface it’s easy listening music with relaxed grooves, but if you dig deeper you’ll find organic lyrics and motives from experiences in my life.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise? Musically some of my main influences include Matchbox 20, Diesel, Brooke Fraser, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Sam Cooke, Brad Paisley, James Taylor, Zac Brown Band and John Farnham. Otherwise my family, Michael J. Fox (circa 1980s) and Will Smith.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing? If you play enough gigs you see pretty much everything from Dirty Dancing-style lifts gone wrong right through to break ups and fights. The weirdest though is getting a B guitar string go through the side of my thumb and up under my nail like a fish hook. I then performed surgery to remove the string in the pub’s office, played two more hours solo then spent another two hours at the hospital waiting for a tetanus needle. A long night.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? Three things come to mind: playing and writing music (not many people get to do what they truly love in life); writing, recording and financing my independent debut album Thinking Over, Over Thinking; and being accepted, studying and becoming a Brett Manning associate vocal coach in Nashville, USA.

What are your plans for the future? Work towards building a bigger fan-base and securing a management/publishing deal while continuing to write, record and play my music… and also continue teaching vocal students at my studio SingSingSing.

What makes you laugh? Seinfeld, How I Met Your Mother, Cougartown and (my own) bad jokes.

What pisses you off? Rude, disrespectful people and magpies.

What’s your opinion of the local scene? As a recent immigrant to Canberra I’m still working on my opinion, but so far all the musos I have met have been great.

What are your upcoming gigs? For the latest news and gig dates or to contact me please visit joelharrison.com.au .

Deep Sea Arcade Double Passes

Deep Sea Arcade are pleased to announce they’ll be hitting both the road and the beach this summer in a co-headline tour with fellow surficianados Surf City from New Zealand. The two bands will duel it up along the east coast throughout February 2011 and with both bands drawing inspiration from classic surf music it’s only fitting that the majority of the shows will take place by the beach. Huh, looks like we’re in the minority C-Town. Thanks to a slew of stand-out radio singles Crouch End, Don’t Be Sorry, Lonely In Your Arms and Keep On Walking, Deep Sea Arcade have built a huge swell of support and they plan to ride it all the way into 2011. We’ve got two doubles to give away for their gig at Transit on Thursday February 17. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us about your favourite arcade game. Or your favourite deep sea creature. Or both.

ABC Rage in Love compilations

Get ready to be smitten. Rage gives you a selection of tracks on a theme that conquers all... love; the most popular subject for songwriters throughout history. From bursting expressions of joy to aching laments, Rage In Love brings together 38 songs that will play on your heart strings. The two disc compilation features The Cure’s Friday I’m In Love, The Flaming Lips’ Do You Realize??, Mazzy Star’s Fade Into You and 35 other odes to love. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us about the one you love. 

Griff the Invisible 50 double passes

Griff - office worker by day, superhero by night - has his world turned upside down when he meets Melody, a beautiful young scientist who shares his passion for the impossible. By day Griff (Ryan Kwanten) is an everyday office worker, in an everyday town. He lives a secluded life, bullied by co-workers (Toby Schmitz) - his protective brother his only friend. By night Griff assumes his other identity, roaming the dark streets protecting the innocent and the vulnerable from the dangers that lurk in the shadows - he is the hero, Griff the Invisible. The film is a fresh, highly-original romantic comedy from the wildly fertile imagination of debut feature film writer / director Leon Ford, starring Ryan Kwanten in the lead role of Griff (star of smash hit US TV series True Blood) and Maeve Dermody as Melody (who earned critical acclaim for her performance in Beautiful Kate). We have 50 double passes to a 6.30pm screening on Monday March 14 at Dendy. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us what your super power would be. 

Gasland DVDs

Part vérité travelogue, part exposé, part mystery, part showdown, Gasland is a compelling and emotional first-person story of discovery and, ultimately, empowerment. In September 2008 theatre director Josh Fox received a letter from a natural gas company, offering him $100,000 for permission to explore his upstate New York property. Rather than blindly signing on the dotted line, Josh’s curiosity compelled him to start asking questions. He soon discovered that in the race for ‘cleaner’, greener and more efficient energy sources, the largest natural gas drilling boom in history has resulted in an environmental disaster of shocking proportions - flammable water that can be ignited right out of the sink, chronically ill residents of drilling areas all with the same mysterious symptoms, pools of toxic waste that kill cattle and vegetation, well blowouts and gas explosions - and the US government has not only turned a blind eye, it has regulated itself out of the picture. We have three copies of the DVD to give away. To win, email editorial@bmamag.com telling us about your favourite documentary. 

George Edwards

What do you do? Lots of things. I tend to be a jack of all trades - currently I’m heavily into zines, illustration and type, but I also enjoy sculpture, painting, printing (Lino and etching), drawing, sewing, graphic design, animation and photography.

When did you get into it? I always drew when I was younger and my parents made the possibly life- altering decision to let me run wild with the things that I loved. This meant arts, drama and sport at school, then design and visual arts at uni, which has led me to be a part time crazy artist lady.

Who or what influences you as an artist? Hmm such a broad question… at the moment I’m liking tattoos and tattoo typography. But I find inspiration anywhere - like the other day I purchased five amazing cowboy comics published in the ‘50s.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? I’m not sure… I’ve received some awards and scholarships so I’m pretty stoked whenever something like that happens. It makes me happy when people I don’t know tell me that they like my work - that makes me feel pretty good.

What are your plans for the future? My plan has been to do what I do and hopefully one day I’ll get paid for it! I’d like to set up a communal art space for less established artists, I’d like to get a grant so I can focus on all the ideas I want to make happen, I’d love to start a magazine in Canberra, I’d like to go back to uni and do post grad, but all I really know is that I’m travelling soon. Real life can wait ‘til I get back.

What makes you laugh? I’m one of these people who tend to laugh a lot - so that’s hard to answer.

What pisses you off? Anyone who is arrogant and thinks themselves to be better than others, or makes others feel less important - that really gets my back up.

What’s your opinion of the local scene? Currently it’s quite small and ‘niche’ in a way. I can see Canberra really picking up over the next few years as there are a few people here willing to put in the hard yards to create a supportive atmosphere for emerging artists. I’m hoping to be around when Canberra is the place to be - but I think that might be a fair way away.

What are your upcoming projects? I’ll be involved with the upcoming You Are Here Fest and I’ll also be involved in a few group shows, one at itrip iskip and another at Photo Access towards the end of March.

Contact info: www.georgeisat.tumblr.com , george.is.also@gmail.com , 0405 662 600

Adam Hole and Marji Curran Band

ADAM HOLE AND MARJI CURRAN BAND

Group members: Adam Hole (guitars, stomp box, vocals), Marji Curran (guitars, vocals, tambourine) and Phoebe Fox (drums, percussion).

Describe your sound: Chris Johnson from The Canberra Times summed it up perfectly for us in a recent review. “It’s Robert Johnson meets Jimi Hendrix meets Slash – who together have run off with Janis Joplin and Courtney Love.”

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise? Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks, Janis Joplin, Mia Dyson, Jeff Lang… The list goes on and on.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing? The first time doing a morning pub gig on the outskirts of Brisbane where we were introduced to brekky, beer and boobs!

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? Playing in the pub that had the highest record of stabbings in Australia and living to tell the story… AND not getting our drinks spiked and saving Phoebe from being kidnapped that night too.

What are your plans for the future? Our plans for the future are to keep loving making music and to venture overseas again in 2012 for a tour in the UK.

What makes you laugh? We all make each other laugh because we are all a bit quirky in our own way. Some might say not all there… we like to call it quirky.

What pisses you off? Adam farting all night when we were confined in a small cabin on the Spirit Of Tasmania with ten metre swells and sea sickness… I pretty much wanted to kill him!… between trips to the bathroom that is.

What’s your opinion of the local scene? Canberra has so many amazing musicians, it’s just a shame that there are not enough good venues to support them. The Gypsy Bar – bring it back!

What are your upcoming gigs? Saturday Feb 19 – The Summer Rhythms Festival, Saturday Feb 26 – Gundaroo Wine Bar, Sunday Feb 27 – The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle

Contact info: www.adamhole.com, adam@adamhole.com, marji@marjicurran.com, Adam Hole – 0421 023 226, Marji Curran – 0402 645 492

Ten Beauty and the Bass Tickets

Hair? Perfect. Frock? Smoking hot! Amped? You bet your sweet bippy. Now step out onto the red carpet and pout for the paparazzi, you’re at Beauty and the Bass baby! Beauty and the Bass is a red carpet dance music ball featuring DJs Goodwill, Beni, Nik Fish and more. The entry price includes unlimited drinks until midnight as well as professional red carpet photos which will be available for download after the event, and plans for an official after party are soon to be released. The ever-so-generous and charitable organisers have also just announced profits will go to the Queensland flood appeal, and have also have flung ten tickets BMA’s way, so if you’d like to win one, email telling us about the best dance even you’ve been to in Canberra and why. Head to for all the info.

Luke Penders

Luke Penders

What do you do? I primarily work with sound, usually in an installation sense. Lately I have also been working with video, only periodically though because rendering annoys me.

When did you get into it?  I have been experimenting with sound for as long as I can remember, but I started really focusing on it around 2001.

 Who or what influences you as an artist? I become really obsessed with something and it snowballs. Also other artists.

 What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? In the short term, I think organising Chain Gang was a fantastic experience. It was great that so many local artists got together in such a short amount of time to fill a space that wouldn’t normally be used for that type of thing. It gave me a huge insight into the logistics of organising a group exhibition and it also gave me ideas of what to do in the future (or what not to do).

 What are your plans for the future?  Make money.

 What makes you laugh?  First world youth culture problems to be addressed.

 What pisses you off?  First world youth culture problems.

 What’s your opinion of the local scene?  It’s the best. To quote a stoned Doctor: “It takes me back to Newtown, 1987”. It seems there are more and more people in Canberra putting on shows, exhibitions, actually getting out there and doing things themselves, which is fantastic.

 What are your upcoming performances/exhibitions? A Butt/My Feathery Kiss at Smiths Bookshop in February. Check www.pendeaux.com/abutt.html or our facebook page for the exact date. I am also taking part in a project called RE: this year, www.regarding.com.au , and I have some video and print work in an art/music extravaganza at The Phoenix pub on February 12 and 13.

 Contact info: http://www.pendeaux.com

Rosie Allen, Faline, Linzie Ellis & Shakira Longmore

WHO: Rosie Allen, Faline, Linzie Ellis & Shakira Longmore
WHAT: Exhibition: Me, You, She, Her
WHEN: On show until February 6
WHERE: Belconnen Arts Centre

Belconnen Arts Centre presents an exhibition that visually reflects the conversations and relationships between four artists - Rosie Allen, Faline, Linzie Ellis and Shakira Longmore – all Graduates from the Australian National University School of Art in 2008. The Canberra based artists are committed to developing their individual artistic practices, and their hard work culminates in Me, You, Her & She – an expression of friendship, teamwork and a sheer love of art making. Catch the show at Belco until February 6.

Most Everybody

WHO: Most everybody
WHAT: Arts & music fest, aka Hey Dad, can you pick me up from Josh’s? Otherwise it’s like two buses
WHEN: Saturday Feb 12 and Sunday Feb 13
WHERE: The Phoenix

At the tail end of the school holidays and at the birthing point of O-week, something terribly exciting is happening. Hey Dad, can you pick me up from Josh’s, otherwise it’s like two busesis a mini-festival showcasing 18 outstanding local bands + a plethora of artwork from some of Canberra's best emerging visual artists. The starring creatives include Anja Loughhead, Annika Romeyn, Dean Butters, George Rose, Lucinda Eva-May, Luke Penders, Patrick Larmour, Robbie Karmel, Stella-Rae Zelnik, and Travis Heinrich. It’s all happening over two huge days, for free, at the Phoenix, Canberra’s longstanding arts haunt.

Lisa Twomey, Angela Parragi, Nicola Hearn and Laine Stewart

WHO: Lisa Twomey, Angela Parragi, Nicola Hearn and Laine Stewart
WHAT: Exhibition – Paint People
WHEN: On show until February 4
WHERE: Belconnen Gallery, Belconnen Community Centre

Through a mix of individual styles and contrasting use of colour and texture, Belconnen Gallery’s latest exhibition highlights just how many ways there are to paint people. As an extension of their Emerging Artist support scheme, after visiting December’s ANU School of Art grad show, the gallery invited four emerging painters – Lisa Twomey, Angela Parragi, Nicola Hearn and Laine Stewart – to show a selection of their portrait paintings to explore the relationship between their contrasting techniques and viewpoints, and the effect of seeing them presented together. A great way to ease back into the exhibition year with a display of fresh paintings by fresh young painters.

Josh Thomas

WHO: Josh Thomas
WHAT: A Work In Progress
WHEN: Feb 7 - 12
WHERE: The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre

This month Josh Thomas drops back in to town on a mission to develop his brand new stand up show for 2011. As a part of this process Thomas will be performing his work-in-progress material in the intimate surroundings of the Canberra Theatre Centre’s Courtyard Studio for six days. This is a chance for local punters to catch the “Generation” star and Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Most Outstanding Show nominee up close and personal. Tix are on sale now for $26, and bookings can by made by contact the CTC on 02 6275 2700 or by visiting http://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/.

Dan Lorimer

<p>WHO: Dan Lorrimer<br />WHAT: Exhibition &ndash; Space Display<br />WHEN: Opens 6pm on Thursday Feb 3, on show until Feb 13 <br />WHERE: Canberra Contemporary Art Space Manuka</p>
<p>In a cracking start to their 2011 exhibition schedule, CCAS presentsa show of new works by Dan Lorrimer, in collaboration with emergingcurator Vanessa Wright. It&rsquo;s a debut solo exhibition forLorrimer, who recently graduated from the ANU School of Art with anHonours degree in Sculpture. You may have seen his previous work ingroup exhibitions such as standout 2010 exhibition <em>Twist, Wall +Fever </em>and <em>Reflex </em>at M16 Artspace. <em>Space Displace</em>showcases an artist still inspired by movement and the possibilitiesof industrial materials, but taking a slightly new direction inspiredby 3D computer graphics. Get in early and catch the opening drinks!</p>

Aspiring young thespians & theatre workers

<p>WHO: Aspiring young thespians &amp; theatre workers<br />WHAT: writing and acting workshops<br />WHEN: Enrolments close Feb 4<br />WHERE:  Canberra Youth Theatre</p>
<p>After 40 years, CYT is Australia&rsquo;s longest running youth theatrecompany, continuing to expand and develop its extensive workshop andproduction program for young people aged 7 &ndash; 25 years. In2011 the workshop program is back bigger and better than ever,featuring classes at Gorman House &amp; Belconnen Arts Centre rangingfromset and costumedesign to playwriting, clowning, improvisation and more.If you&rsquo;ve been curious to get into theatre then this may beyour chance to join the excitement in the lead up to CYT&rsquo;s40th Anniversary in 2012. Enrolments close on 4th February, sodownload an enrolment form now from <A HREF="http://www.cytc.net/">www.cytc.net</A>To find out more or check out the full workshop program visit thesite or call

Jacquie Nicole

Group members:

Jacquie on vocals/guitar, Mike on guitar/vocals, George on keys, Adam on bass and AJ on drums.

Describe your sound:

The best compliment I ever got was someone said I sounded like Missy Higgins. So let’s go with that!

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise?

I love Missy Higgins. She always inspires me and when she releases albums I find myself able to write so much more. I also get influenced by so many talented Canberra artists like Beth‘n’Ben, The Ellis Collective and Paryce.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing?

Once I had a guy join in. Which is cool in the right environment but this was one of my first ever solo gigs and he was completely out of time! I was too shy to tell him to please stop, so he played along for the entire set.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

Releasing the debut album From You

What are your plans for the future?

At the moment I am focusing on writing new material and trying new things with the band. Also we hope to just keep playing around Canberra and hopefully even do a small tour in late 2011!

What makes you laugh?

Carl Barron! I literally almost wet my pants when I see his stand up.

What pisses you off?

Animal cruelty! I want to save every single creature who is unloved and love them.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

Canberra has so much talent that just gets forgotten about. All of our amazing musicians pack up and leave to Melbourne which makes our audience do the same. We need to support our local music scene way more!

What are your upcoming gigs?

Friday February 11, 6pm – Charity Bash for QLD relief at West Belconnen Leagues Club.

Contact info:

Jacquie – 0421 465 340

ALBUM OF THE ISSUE Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy [Roc-A-Fella Records]

Apparently, in the face of adversity Kanye West flourishes. Quiet since the VMA faux pa that had him in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, West returned to the scene earlier this year with his Good Fridays campaign, which saw him release a new track every Friday through his website. Then came the mammoth 40 minute video for single Runaway and West was touted as a visionary. And finally, after months of hype and not-quite-secrecy, he has dropped his latest album, which is a colossal kaleidoscope of slick flow, superstar collaborations, honest confessions and tongue in cheek self-deprecation. West has always been pretty brilliant, but Fantasy elevates him to genius. The album covers every bit of ground imaginable, with frenzied, thumping club tracks such as Monster and So Appalled, radio friendly beats like All of The Lights, and soulful, sometimes painful confessions in the form of Dark Fantasy, Lost In The World and Blame Game. Fantasy reflects West as a person; frantic yet easy, risky yet completely in control and boastful, yet flawed. Quite possibly his best album to date, West has set the bar for hip-hop, challenging it to be radical, monumental and pretty damn perfect.

Foreshore Set Times and Map

Foreshore 2010 Set Times and Map PDF

Kicks Stage

12.00 - 12.30 Fun Machine - Sound Search Winner
12.30 - 01.00 Jared De Veer
01.00 - 01.30 Ashley Feraude
01.30 - 02.30 Cassian
02.30 - 04.00 Calvin Harris - DJ Set
04.00 - 05.00 Major Lazer
05.00 - 06.00 Tim & Jean
06.00 - 07.00 Miami Horror
07.00 - 08.00 Art v Science
08.00 - 09.30 Cut Copy
09.30 - 11.00 The Temper Trap

Change Overs - Chris Fraser

HI TOP

12.00 - 12.30 Karton
12.30 - 01.00 Offtapia
01.00 - 01.30 Cheese
01.30 - 03.00 Luciano
03.00 - 05.00 Tiesto
05.00 - 06.00 The Stafford Brothers
06.00 - 07.00 Yolanda Be Cool
07.00 - 08.00 The Only
08.00 - 09.30 Afrojack
09.30 - 11.00 Benny Benassi

Change Overs - Peekz & Sean Kelly

BLOCK PARTY

 
12.00 - 12.30 Skin & Bones - Sound Search Winner
12.30 - 01.30 Raw City Rukus & Peking Duk
01.30 - 02.00 Omar Musa, Kodak & Rush
02.00 - 03.00 D'Opus & Roshambo
03.00 - 04.00 Pharoahe Monch ft. Jean Grae
04.00 - 05.45 Krafty Kuts
05.45 - 06.30 Jamie Vale
06.30 - 07.30 Shifty Business
07.30 - 08.30 Diafrix
08.30 - 09.30 Koolism
09.30 - 11.00 Caspa & MC Rod Azlan

Change Overs - Dj Just 1

Tame Impala / Cabins / Felicity Groom @ ANU Bar, Sat Oct 9

Tame Impala swept a Canberra crowd with psychedelic viscera on Saturday October 9, as part of their current Australian tour in support of their first full album, Innerspeaker, released in May this year. Having recently completed a significant European tour, the band is riding a wave of complimentary reviews, many of which advise fans to ‘take their dads’ to hear the apparently John Lennon-esque vocals of lead singer Kevin Parker, or to nostalgia surf on Cream/Hendrix like layers of wet and chunky out-of-phase fuzzy goodness. This feat is made the more remarkable by the fact that the band was firmly beyond the womb when said acts were on the stage, rocking their mums or dads (or grandads).

The crowd at the ANU Bar on this night were firmly of the current generation, to be fair. Recent touring seemed to have worn down the batteries of the band; renditions of It Is Not Meant To Be and Solitude Is Bliss were far too soporific even for the dreamy genre to be entirely to blame. But the boys began to find their groove with an infectious, driving and loud take of Lucidity – probably the strongest track from their new album. It is a compliment to the band’s virtuosity that it can convincingly recreate the complex textures and nuanced sounds of their new album on stage.

Innerspeaker is the lovechild of indulgent studio tweaking and experimentation by the band, who locked themselves away in a remote mansion south of Perth for seven weeks to develop the project last year. Kevin has described it as “a modest album with modest songs” but fans have revelled in its luxurious decayed guitar riffs and poignant nods to early influences. The band’s retro sound and home studio origin have sometimes led to comparisons with contemporary lo-fi outfits, but Tame Impala are responsible for some of the most lush and organic music gracing the Australian airwaves in recent years. And for what is essentially a traditional four-piece band, their onstage presence is hard to match, after the layers of reverb and echo begin to stack up.

After Lucidity, the band returned to older material, which has seen significant reworking since the Sundowner Syndrome tour of 2009. Desire Be, Desire Go is played twice – once containing a lengthy interlude that references obscure early Pink Floyd’s Atom Heart Mother, the second rendition as a short almost punky segment that is segued into Skeleton Tiger. The band’s well known cover of the 1980s Blueboy remix Remember Me revealingly gets the most enthusiasm of the night from an audience that seems more interested in dance songs than in exploring the aural soundscapes in a blissed out swoon, like its ‘68 era LSD soaked prototype. But this is the price of popularity. Finishing the night with their superb Glass Half Full of Wine the band gets a roar from the crowd, but ultimately there is a lack of frisson, which becomes palpable with no chance of an encore being granted due to a soggy endgame of half-hearted applause and confused whistling. The sound desk has to look at how it is mixing this venue as a massive midrange and loss of detail was punishing this music at different points during the night.

Tame Impala are already talking about releasing their next album, whilst continuing to tour almost constantly, and judging by the ease with which they are creating great music (and amassing kudos), they are going be a hot act to follow for some time.

Support act Felicity Groom and The Black Black Smoke made an impression earlier in the evening; the eponymous Ms Groom sporting an awesome elastic voicebox and an electric zither – occasionally both at the same time. If you’ve never heard an electric zither, go find Felicity right now, and get her to stick one in your ear.

The Rooftops

With a new album ready for release next year and a sparkly new single, Brisbane’s THE ROOFTOPS are kick-starting a national tour which will see the band charm audiences nationwide with their pop sensibilities and toe-tappin’ tunes. “We’re going on tour from today, actually,” says lead singer Euan Gray, about to travel the around the country until early December. “It’s our first national tour of sorts, so we’re pretty thrilled to be doing it. It’s just a real sense of getting out there and introducing ourselves to other people and other audiences.”

“I kind of added Canberra on to the list,” admits Gray. “I think some of the best responses are in the places that aren’t regularly toured. We’re heading to Armidale, which is a lot smaller than Canberra, where I grew up in fact.” Gray, whose father lives in Canberra, quips that he staged this as a little bit of a homecoming tour, which “fits in with the single we’re releasing which is all about coming home to the familiar.” Describing their sound as “very dance friendly without being rock music, just really sort of fun,” their latest catchy tune, single Something So Familiar, sure does fit the bill. Embracing a feel-good vibe amidst a cruisey beat, the song has already wormed its way into becoming a crowd favourite, with the band receiving correspondence from fans who have found the song to have resonated deeply with them.

The Rooftops have recently finished recording their third album, currently untitled, the result of which Gray describes as “a pretty honest thing to what we do live. We haven’t added a hundred different layers. We were actually really constricted, where we only had a set number of tracks so we had to really make the most out of it. It was just a really good challenge. There’s plenty of fun to be had on it,” he says, noting that the album does “take a bit of a journey through a couple of different styles, different moods, which is ideal really.”

And if festival-friendly pop music still hasn’t convinced you, maybe the look of Something So Familiar will. Boasting one of the cleverest packaging ideas around, developed by Gray’s girlfriend, the single is constructed “like an old school postcard, with the back you can actually fix a stamp onto it and write a message to someone and send it. So we’re actually going to offer that service at gigs, so people can hear the song, go up to the merch desk and write a postcard to a friend and we’ll send it for them. It’s a bit of a concept, but it ties in with the song. So if Australia Post works in our favour, you can just send the whole thing as it is with the stamp. We’ll have to do a little test, I think, see how damaged it gets.”

See The Rooftops supported by Fun Machine at The Front Gallery in Lyneham on Friday November 12. Tickets are $10 on the door.

Exhibition Think Thing

WHO: Bernadette Foster

WHAT: Exhibition Think Thing

WHEN: On now until October 1st

WHERE: Belconnen Gallery

The Belconnen gallery is a patron of up and coming Canberra artists through the ANU School of Art’s Emerging Artists Support Scheme. At last year’s Graduate Exhibition the Belconnen Gallery staff were completely smitten by the work of glass artist Bernadette Foster, and chose to award her with an exhibition in their space. This solo debut of Foster’s whimsical creatures and fantasy objects is a must-see for anyone interested in the medium of glass used in strange and unusual ways, or just imaginative art that has a sense of humour. It’s called Think Thing and it’s on show at the Belconnen Gallery in the Belconnen Community Centre.

Lady Windemere’s Fan

WHO: Canberra Repertory Society

WHAT: Lady Windemere’s Fan

WHEN: 10 – 25 September – Wednesday to Saturday 8pm

WHERE: Theatre 3, Repertory Lane, Acton

Lady Windermere’s Fan is a satiric tale of intersecting love triangles and Victorian excess written by everybody’s favourite razor-witted, quote-sprouting  playwright Oscar Wilde. Canberra Repertory Society brings us their take on the classic play under the direction of Tony Turner, complete with sumptuous set and costumes. Sounds debaucherous and delightful! It takes the stage at Theatre 3, which is nestled behind the School of Art at the top of Childers Street in Acton. For full details of show times and tickets visit www.canberrarep.org.au

Exhibition Hijacked 2

WHO: German & Australian photographers

WHAT: Exhibition Hijacked 2

WHEN: On now until September 25th

WHERE:  School of Art Gallery

Attention photography fans - While you were busy updating your tumblr an amazing array of photographers have quietly descended upon the ANU School of Art Gallery. Hijacked 2: Germany and Australia was organized by the Australia Centre for Photography in Sydney. It showcases the work of thirty-two photomedia artists from the two countries, juxtaposing cultures and creating an exciting visual dialogue. Some of the amazing Aussie photographers you can see in the show include Michael Corridore, Tamara Dean, Ingvar Kenne, Polixeni Papapetrou and Canberra’s own Lee Grant.  Drop your camera and get down there already!

The annual members exhibition

WHO: CCAS Members

WHAT: The annual members exhibition

WHEN: Opens 6pm September 23rd

WHERE: CCAS Manuka

Every year Canberra Contemporary Art Space holds an exhibition for it’s members and every year it’s bloody ridiculous good fun. This year’s theme is ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Suffice it to say hilarity will ensue. Head along to the Manuka gallery to see “masterpieces that would make Ridge swoon and Brooke spill her Flirtini” in CCAS’ own words. All the artwork is for sale at $100 a pop, so you can take a piece home with you, but get in early as they’re always snapped up fast! If you’re wishing you could’ve been involved then be sure to become a CCAS member and take part in 2011.

Arty glitterati

WHO: Arty glitterati

WHAT: The ‘new look’ NGA

WHEN: From October 1st

WHERE: National Gallery of Australia

Art Mecca and poster child of Brutalism architecture the National Gallery of Australia has been long awaiting a facelift and extension. Finally, after years of construction, the grand unveiling of this multi-million dollar project is just around the bend! From October 1^st the public can hop on down and see what all the commotion has been about, including a new ground floor entry foyer, eleven new galleries devoted to Indigenous Art and a bigger shinier gallery shop full of gorgeous books and all sorts of artsy stuff you never knew you wanted. And, as always, entry to the NGA is free!

Sustainable fashion designers

WHO: Sustainable fashion designers

WHAT: Re-Loved: Re-VampedWHEN: Thursday 30 September at 6pm

WHERE: Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre

Designers and avid recyclers Hanny Dewar and daughter Lee have once again joined forces under the project name Re-Loved Creations to present Re-Loved: Re-Vamped at Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre. Five fashion designers were given a brief to deconstruct, rework or re-imagine existing clothing and materials into new creations to promote a sustainable fashion culture. The outcome is a series of unique and wearable one-off garments showcased in a one off event with a live fashion parade, music, dialogue and networking. Most garments shown will be for sale on the night through the designers. KATHERINE QUINN

Claire Pendrigh

What do you do?

Primarily I paint, but currently I am also enjoying experimenting with installation work and embroidering the surface of painted canvases.

When did you get into it?

I have made things and painted for as long as I can remember. I think I was about seven when I decided that I wanted to be an artist. The other option was to be a palaeontologist, as dinosaurs were my other passion at that age. 

Who or what influences you as an artist?

My biggest influences are the friends and artists I met through the ANU School of Art and through the Canberra art spaces. The “things” that my paintings stem from are usually situations or environments that I feel have some sort of tension for me to explore.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?

I was very proud to have sold a good number of my paintings in the School of Art graduate exhibition last year. Selling art is not the reason that I paint at all, but it is nice to know that other people like what you’ve made and want to support you.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to keep making art. Next year I hope to also be employed as a teacher, and to eventually do some more travelling. I’d like to live, teach and paint oversees for a while.

What makes you laugh?

Good jokes and bad puns.

What pisses you off?

1950s cowboy movies.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?

I love the art spaces in Canberra, and I think that there is such a rich and diverse quality of artwork around at the moment.

What are your upcoming exhibitions?

Right now I’m in a joint exhibition at the Belconnen Gallery (in the Belconnen Community Centre) called Spaces Against, which is on until the 20^th of September. My solo exhibition Blue Blue Electric Blue will be in January 2011 at the Grammar School Gallery.

Contact info:

claelliott@gmail.com, www.clairegallery.limewebs.com . 

Image caption: Claire Pendrigh Pink Night Diptych 2010

THE BLAQK YEAR

Where did your band name come from? 

We started out in the country town of Yass, when we were just eight years old.

Group members:

Sam Koster (lead vocals, guitar, songwriting, production), Stephen Reinhart (lead guitar, back-up vocals, co-songwriting, co-production), Matt Santos (bass) and Ben Jansen (drums, percussion).

Describe your sound:

We use a lot of techno/synth elements in our songs, driven by ‘metal’ sounding drums, hard guitars and catchy vocal melodies. We like to create a big sound, and create something new for people to listen to.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise? 

We draw inspiration from bands such as Enter Shikari, HIM, Foo Fighters, Metallica, The Academy Is, Boys Like Girls, Calling All Cars, Avenged Sevenfold, MGMT, Bag Raiders, Passion Pit etc. We could go on, because we don’t listen to any certain types of music, we listen to everything and get inspiration/direction from a lot of artists.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing? 

(Stephen Reinhart) Trying to flip a guitar around my shoulder and having the strap break, haha.

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? 

Achieving MySpace’s #1 Unsigned Artist in Australia for 2009. In retrospect, looking at our fanbase of over 80,000 people worldwide.

What are your plans for the future? 

Tour the universe, change music forever :)

What makes you laugh? 

The classic TV show Wilfred, as well as any movie with Seth Rogen/Will Ferrell in it. Oh, and Justin Beiber, of course.

What pisses you off?

The fact that we are competing with bands like Short Stack, and we are currently doubling the online statistics, but still haven’t properly been picked up by anyone major. As well as waking up early, breaking strings, winter, breaking laptops when they become unresponsive and frustration takes over, haha.

What’s your opinion of the local scene? 

It’s alright, but a little boring these days. We’re hoping to change that.

What are your upcoming gigs? 

Sunday September 26 @ The Clubhouse, a newly opened venue in civic.

Contact info:

Sam Koster: 0430 757 297
Stephen Reinhart: 0411 821 282

The VeeBees

My first experience of THE VEEBEES was watching them play a dingy pub in the northern suburbs of Canberra in 1993 and I was hooked from the start. The band had a swag of top notch songs that they played with a conviction that only they have. But it wasn’t just the songs that made The VeeBees special. It was the whole experience. At that show in 1993 the band swaggered on stage with an esky, dressed in their now legendary gig thongs, and proceeded to hand out beers to whoever would have one before they had even plugged their guitars in. Obviously there’s a scale of priorities happening there. They then belted out the best collection of Aussie rock ‘n’ roll I’ve ever seen. That was the first time I saw them. The last time I saw them in 2010 they were cooking a BBQ on stage and handing out snags to whoever would have one between songs. Apparently it’s a band philosophy. “We’re a thinking man’s band,” says bass player Glenno. “There’s no better combination of anything at all than meat, beer, bread and loud rock ‘n’ roll. Anyone who thinks any differently is a complete dickhead.”

Veterans of the Canberra punk rock scene, Glenno and Tommo (drums) started the band in 2000 at a backyard BBQ, recruiting Simo as guitarist/vocalist. The intention was to play some classic Aussie pub rock with the emphasis on Aussie. Early songs like Aussie Beef Snags, Beer O’Clock and Whaddya Reckon About Me Ute are still crowd pleasers to this day and show that their simple catchy punk-flavoured rock ‘n’ roll still appeals to many. “I suppose that we are a pretty blokey band but some of our biggest fans are women. We’ve had all sorts down the front at our shows; middle-aged mums, teenage tattooists, headbangers and hardened country music fans, all letting their hair down, singing along, muckin’ up and having a great time. Heckling too, we love a good bit of heckling; if they don’t start on us then we start on them. You gotta love crowd and band interaction.”

The VeeBees are about to release their fifth and latest album Roots‘n’Blues. According to Glenno, “this one isn’t about John Butler I tell ya, it’s about rootin’ and bluein’. It’s completely different to the last album. Crack Us Anotha had nine songs on it, Roots‘n’Blues has 12. In showbiz they call that progression. Check it out for our new hit single I’d Rather Be On A Brewery Tour and our ode to fashionistas, Three Thongs. It’s about wearing three thongs; two on the hoof and one up the crack. That one’s in G. I love plucking a G-string, it’s good to hear it ring out.”

And on that note, we’ll leave it there.

The VeeBees play The Basement, Belconnen on Saturday May 22. The Casino Rumblers and Manic Pisteleros join them for a night of shenanigans. Tickets are $10 on the door.

Chase The Sun

CHASE THE SUN - extremely experimental, with no grand plan and came together coincidently but just happened to win the Australian Blues Award for Best Group and Title of Best Song in 2007 for You Gotta Go. Possible yes, expected no. This is the story behind an up and coming Sydney blues rock trio who recorded their debut album within days of meeting each other.

"I was running a jam night in Parramatta and Jan came and had a jam and Jon was a fellow teacher of mine at TAFE so it all formed from there," says bassist Ryan Van Gennip. One may think that the band knew what they set out to do from the word go, but as is the spirit of Chase The Sun it was all spur of the moment. "We went into the studio for a bit of a play just for a bit of fun, not thinking we could come up with anything but then we came up with a whole album."

The only hint of an explanation behind the speed of their success is in their musical backgrounds. Frontman Jan Rynsaardt, formerly of hard rock blues outfit Freeway, has shared stages with the likes of Jeff Lang, Ian Moss and John Butler. Van Gennip has lent his bass playing abilities to Diana Anaid, Charlton Hill, Sandrine and iOTA and drummer Jon Howell provided the backing beats to '90s pop sensation Leonardo's Bride. Therefore, with all these musical forces under the one roof no one can predict what will be produced. Not even the members in the band. "No song is done the same way, ever," Van Gennip reveals.

Work on their upcoming album has kept their creative juices flowing as it is (you guessed it) different to their last one and involves songwriting from all members. "Jan wrote most of the songs on our first album, but this one has a more collective feel as we all figured out the songs together," says Van Gennip. The album, which is due for release in March 2010, relies solely on their rock influences and not as much on their blues ones, as Jan spent his childhood listening to AC/DC and Metallica.

The boys have even found time to contribute to a Christmas record produced by Cath Eager and Doug Williams. "She took all these old Christmas tunes and funked them up a bit," Van Gennip says. "We did it in Jimmy Barnes's home studio, it was great fun. We'll be doing a run of dates around Christmas to promote it."

With their history it is hard to ask what their plans are after they wrap up this tour. But since their band even confuses them sometimes, I'd be surprised if they had an answer!

Chase The Sun will play at the ANU Bar on Thursday October 29 with Claude Hay and Point Of View. Tickets are $15, starts at 8:30pm.

Locality

Locality

By Nick Delatovic • Apr 30th, 2009 • Category: 324 30 Apr 2009, Columns, Locality

The winter months are encroaching, and the temptation to rug up at home with the latest season of Scrubs will soon be high. But hold faith! The gig scene in Canberra is only just hotting up, with a raft of launches and lineups to toast your toes on.

Locality was fortunate enough to catch Margaret Helen King playing the Commonwealth Park Amphitheatre earlier this year, and was mightily impressed by their halting, haunting indie pop. We therefore urge you in the strongest possible terms to get along to their EP launch on May 9. It’s on at John Lingard Hall in Red Hill, a venue that Locality isn’t familiar with, but we’ve seen what this band can do in unconventional surrounds, and it’s quite magical. Show starts at 8pm.

The Ellis Collective will be playing gracious host to Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music fame, with a staged love-in at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on May 10 at 7pm. Also featuring Tom Gabel, this should give south-siders a rare chance to enjoy original music without leaving the secure proximity of the Hyperdome, so don’t miss it.

Hard-living hard rockers Earwig Mantra are launching their twelve-track debut album Nested at the ANU Bar on May 1, and the scuttlebutt is that it’s a fire-breathing cyclops of a record. Support is by the similarly teeth-rattling Escape Syndrome and Loud and Clear, so you should get along there while the Uni Bar’s still standing.

The Hard ACT to Follow project has been out and about, recording live performances by Canberran rock, punk, metal and hardcore bands, for inclusion on a forthcoming compilation CD. By all accounts the resources being brought to bear on this are mighty and impressive, so if you’re at a heavy gig and see the boys at work, throw them a high five.

And now, this fortnight’s round-up of Domus Adultus @ Hippo events, brought to you by those rakish scamps from Cardboard Charlie and the unquenchable Canberra Musicians Club: May 7 from 8pm: Bridie Hill, Michael Lemmer, The Bluffhearts, Lachlan Coventry. May 14 from 8pm: Teddy Conrick, Lloyd Allison-Young, The Wedded Bliss, Starfish Hill. Maketh it alongeth!

The CMC is also presenting another round of Oh Captain My Captain at The Phoenix on May 6. The formidable lineup includes Tom Richardson, Luke Watt, Beth Monzo and The Astrochemists.

Gangbusters is muscling its way into Bar 32 again with a show on May 7. The Stabs, Deaf Wish and Hoodlum Shouts will be fulfilling all of your rock’n’roll needs and hip desires. Kicks off at 9.

You can send all your local gig and band info to locality.bma@hotmail.com.

Bob Evans

For those not in the know, BOB EVANS is the solo artist pseudonym of Kevin Mitchell, lovable frontman of Perth indie rock scallywags Jebediah. Goodnight, Bull Creek, Evans’ third solo effort, hit the shelves earlier this month and the man found time out of his busy schedule to chat with BMA about the recording process, amongst other things.

The record’s title is taken from the lyrics of the first song on the album, Someone So Much, which indicates an intention to leave behind aspects of the past. Bull Creek, in the literal sense, is the suburb in Perth where Evans grew up. The initial interest in using the line “goodnight, Bull Creek” was Evans’ self indulgent chance to namecheck his childhood suburb. “[I got a] cheap thrill out of naming my suburb because I thought it’d be funny,” explains Evans. “On a deeper level I was trying to suggest letting go of things from my past.”

Lyrically Evans’ third album focuses on political and personal issues that he has dealt with during the course of his life and is reflected in numerous songs on Goodnight, Bull Creek. “Hand Me Downs is a personal and realistic little description of the realities of my life trying to scrap together a living as a musician,” reveals Evans. “Brother O Brother started off as an observation of the issue of reconciliation in Australia, inequality and disadvantage in general.”

Goodnight, Bull Creek takes Evans’ style of recording to a different realm. The songs no longer just feature one man singing to a sound track – alternatively the songs were recorded live. Signalling the distress of an indie rocker at heart, Bob Evans new album blends electric guitar rock with soothing harmonies. “When I was writing and preparing for the record I was missing the electric guitar a little bit, because Jebediah hasn’t put out a record since 2004,” says Evans.

The album’s release created an opportunity for Jebediah to produce a new album. Evans elaborates: “Hopefully by the end of the year we might be close to finishing a record. I’m going over to Melbourne in July and hopefully doing some recording with them.”

Bob Evans will be touring throughout May and June, playing songs from his three albums and taking the time to please the crowd with his energetic and impulsive performances. Evans’ response to what the audience should expect is: “It has a vintage rock and roll vibe. The odd, spontaneous stage jam could happen.”

ncorporating the Order of the Guilded Bevans, his touring band, Bob Evans is expected to prevail with a crowd pleasing show. “When you have the third album you can fill your set with all your own work, it’s all killer and no filler.”Bob Evans intertwines captivating melodies together with rock and roll music. Goodnight, Bull Creek is an exceptional album not to be left unheard.

Evans will grace the stage at the ANU Bar on Saturday May 16. For tickets, hit up the man’s website at www.bobevans.com.au.

Dreadnaught

With a career spanning close to two decades and a discography six records deep, Melbourne’s DREADNAUGHT have used experience and longevity as a means of refining and diversifying their sound, while harnessing a respected name and determined fanbase in the Australian metal community. Speaking to drummer Matt Racovalis in the lead up to the release of their latest self-titled album, it quickly becomes apparent that the band are more unified than ever and committed to asserting their status as a driving force in the local scene.

Matt, who joined Dreadnaught in 2008 and was closely involved in the recording process of the band’s latest work, found adjusting to drumming duties in Dreadnaught to be a natural and seamless process and he attributes this to the general “good vibe in the band” as well as the comfortable and inclusive working relationship of the members. “There’s not one person that doesn’t have an influence,” he tells me, adding that each member is “open minded” and respectful of “what other people are bringing to the table.”

Matt is also quick to point out that the forthcoming record is the band’s most vital and accomplished statement yet. “It’s without a doubt the best album that the band’s produced to date” and a significant “leap forward for Dreadnaught,” he indicates in anticipation of its release.

This conviction seems to closely reflect Matt’s experience of the band’s writing and recording process. Dreadnaught is the “most flexible band” he’s been involved with and the productive manner in which the band makes use of the skills and input of each individual creates an environment where contributions are varied and “the best sounding idea wins.”

Supporting Matt’s observations, there is an unrelenting urgency to be heard in the band’s new work. Drawing as always on the dextrous craftsmanship and hook-based focus of classic thrash influences, lead single The Push also effectively channels the fiery energy, crashing volume levels and probing sense of adventure found in more celebrated acts in today’s metal landscape. In addition to generating enthusiasm amongst the old guard of Dreadnaught fans, the new record is likely to find its way into the listening rotation of a whole new audience, attracted to the dynamic flavours and possibilities of metal in 2009.

Next up on the agenda for Matt and Dreadnaught is the task of reacquainting themselves with audiences nationwide and bringing the chemistry of their new dynamic to life on stage. This is a challenge that Matt is extremely optimistic about.

Conscious of playing to both old and newer fans, the band plans to integrate “all the favourites” with at least five tracks off the new album in their set. With shows already scheduled for Melbourne and Canberra and an infectious enthusiasm in the Dreadnaught camp to triumphantly announce their return, future performances should find the band at the height of their powers.

Dreadnaught’s self-titled album will be released on the band’s MySpace page aon May 1, and they’ll no doubt thrash the hell out of The Basement in Canberra on Saturday 9 May, with support from Kill For Satan, Spoil and Johnny Roadkill. Tix through Moshtix.

Tom Gabel

Without a childhood musical mentor, TOM GABEL was left to make his own early listening choices untarnished by parental or peer pressure. “I didn’t really get into music with a group of friends or under the influence of an older brother so I had no one really guiding me,” says the 28-year-old leader of American punk outfit AGAINST ME!. “All I could ever really go off was whether I really liked the song so I didn’t have the prejudices of what was cool and what wasn’t cool.”

Consequently, Gabel was a kid with diverse musical tastes that ran the gamut from New Kids On The Block to Guns & Roses. He later discovered The Doors and Led Zeppelin and in his mid-teens he awoke to the endless possibilities of punk rock. “I got really into the protest singers from the ‘60s through punk music,” he says, “and it was through that I wanted to strip it down and play more acoustic music. Which I guess was a really backwards way to get into it.”

It’s a journey Gabel’s fans can appreciate on his first solo outing, last year’s striking mini-album Heart Burns, recorded in LA last August in between Against Me! tours. It finds the versatile singer/songwriter trading amplified punk fury for largely acoustic-based personal and political manifestos, an approach that similarly gave birth to Against Me! back in 1997. “Yeah, that’s where Against Me! started,” he nods. “Just me and an acoustic guitar and it grew in a very organic way from there. So it’s not so much a stretch of the imagination for people to accept that presentation of just me and the guitar up there. I’m just a really strong believer that if a song is a good song then it can be played with just a guy and a guitar and then you can add in an orchestra, a full band, whatever. But it has to able to exist as just that bare bones structure first.”

On his first solo tour to Australia this week to promote Heart Burns, Gabel will be sharing the spotlight with friend and fellow Floridian punk veteran Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music), just two guys with hollow-bodied guitars and plenty of mutual respect. They plan on performing plaintive versions of HWM and Against Me! songs as well as collaborating on each other’s compositions with a few choice covers thrown in for good measure.

“What you hear on the solo record is a little bit different to what I usually do live,” says Gabel, who toured with Ragan last October in the US. “All I can really bring is just me and a guitar so the songs will sound a little different when I play them. I’m definitely not playing along to a drum machine or anything. It’s also different to Against Me! in that it’s probably a little bit looser when I’m playing just by myself. I have a certain amount of flexibility where if someone yells out in the middle of the show that they want to hear such and such a song then I can launch right into it as opposed to having to make sure four other people know the song.”

Tom Gabel and Chuck Ragan play the Tuggeranong Youth Centre (All Ages) on Sunday May 10. Tickets from Moshtix outlets, moshtix.com.au.

Raph Boogie

RAPH BOOGIE has channelled all his talent and energy into a hip-hop CD to get revellers on the dancefloor and listeners nodding their heads. With an awesome array of talented contributors adding to the latest album, Le Bump is bound to raise Boogie’s profile.

The Nextmen are credited with production work on the album – the Cambridge natives having honed their hitmaking skills with acts including Blackalicious and Public Enemy. Not to overlook our own Aussie master crafters though, Raph Boogie has also worked with Danielsan from Canberra to create the opening manifesto Boogie Bump. Danielsan will be known to hip-hop fans from his work with Koolism. Other contributors include Plutonic Lab from Melbourne, Californian DJ Design, BVA from Mnemonic Ascent and Detroit’s Phat Kan. Tracks range from the heartfelt and personal I Know through to family baking on Tea Cake.

“One of my favourite songs is Tea Cake, which is a song about cake and also features my lil boy Tyke on the chorus,” he reveals. Along with releasing an album, as if that weren’t demanding enough, Raph Boogie has put his passion for photography and writing into producing the published ode to hip-hop culture, Behind the Beat. The book is a photographic ode to the home studios of some of the most high profile hip hop artists, including DJ Shadow, DJ Premier, The Nextmen and DJ Spinna.

“Everything that I do affects everything else,” says Raph, discussing the numerous endeavours he juggles daily. “Everything is related. My other projects help me think in different ways. Where I used to be only concerned about the way the song felt to me, I now think about the way other people might perceive my work.”
Raph Boogie continues to be a proud member of Crookneck Records, avid supporters of some of Australia’s finest: A-Love, DJ Ransom and J-Red to name a few.

Raph is bringing his party-starting bass sounds and MC antics to the Canberra dancefloor on May 2. Joining him at Transit Bar will be Danielsan to bring the big beats of Le Bump to the live arena.

“The response has been cool,” he says. “I took the songs out on the road last year with Muph and Plutonic and the feedback was really positive. I have never really been a touring artist, not because I didn’t want to be, but I was just too focussed on being in the studio. I really like doing shows and touring around, it’s important for me to deliver the songs live and also connect with the people.”

Along with the booty-shaking sounds, Raph Boogie brings a down-to-earth attitude with him to Canberra. “Hip-hop for me is about being an individual and retaining my integrity. Life is too short to be making music for a target audience.”

Transit Bar will be hosting Raph Boogie and Danielsan on Saturday May 2. Free entry, as usual!

Restless

Multi-award winner and choreographic delegate for the World Dance Alliance project in Taiwan, Cadi McCarthy is a talented and driven performer. The recipient of two Canberra Critics Awards, McCarthy brings her latest choreographic journey, Restless, to the Courtyard Studio this fortnight.

McCarthy graduated from the prestigious West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 1996 with a BA (Dance). She went on to perform with Paige Gordon and Performance Group and was a key member of Buzz Dance Theatre.

With a rich resume of independent work including performance and choreography, McCarthy took the brave step of establishing Cadi McCarthy and Company in 2002. Sell-out audiences flocked to the three full length works that the company has so far produced: Awkward, Restless and Lick Sip Suck. In 2004, the Canberra Critics Award went to Restless and in 2006 they won the Award for Awkward.

Canberrans now have the good fortune to witness the energy, innovation, passion and unique talent that McCarthy and her performers channel into their live performances. RESTLESS delves into the world of what keeps us awake at night – the obstacles that force one man to remain painfully awake when all he desires is cruelly elusive sleep. Over one night, we explore his attempts to get some shuteye, experiencing shattering ups and downs and every scale of emotion and physical sensation as he becomes more and more determined, more and more desperate. Counting sheep, meditating, drinking chamomile tea and going mad: it might not make for a comfortable experience, but for lovers of dance and theatre, it guarantees a night of masterful and memorable entertainment.

McCarthy’s inspiration came from “a period in my life when I couldn’t sleep for a long period and I realised just how much effect insomnia had on you emotionally, physically and psychologically.” To conceive the work, she gathered her dancers in a process of collaborative improvisations, involving provoking dancers to consider thematic statements and words and to explore their personal responses, stories and feelings.

“Working collaboratively with the dancers provides the intensity and integrity to the presentation. I aim to challenge my dancers: physically, emotionally and theatrically,” she says, “whilst encouraging them to also challenge me.” Restless is a physically demanding work. Rehearsals have been full time for four weeks, with the dancers training daily to be in optimum physical condition for the performances. “The dancers do not leave the space for the full hour,” admits McCarthy. “It has complex choreography. The dancers have to act and that is exhausting also.”

McCarthy is convinced that anyone can enjoy the spectacle of dance. “Dance is universal,” she explains. “Everyone dances. Look how popular dance shows on TV and film are, or the way people flock to a dancefloor at a nightclub when they hear a popular song. Dance theatre is extremely accessible and that is my goal, to make work that everyone will understand and enjoy. If my dad enjoys it I know that I am on a winner,” she reveals. “I know he will enjoy this one.”

Restless performs at the Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre. Wednesday April 29 – Saturday May 9 @ 8pm, Sunday May 3 & 10 @ 6pm. Tix $25/ $15. Groups of five or more $10 each.

Ratatat

New York’s experimental electronic duo RATATAT are not new. Establishing themselves firmly in the music scene over the last nine years, Ratatat have built a rapport and toured with the likes of Interpol, Björk, Daft Punk and Cansei de Ser Sexy. They’ve released three albums and an array of reputable remixes (check out how much they amplify the energy of Björk’s Wanderlust).

Every time they release something they take a progressive step forward. Last year’s release LP3 saw them move beyond the synthesizer and guitar and introduce instruments like organs, harpsichords and even a mellotron. This playful process is something Ratatat plan to continue, as Evan Mast, the producer and synthesizer-playing side of the duo explains. “There are a lot of instruments I’d still like to use. I like to get really unfamiliar stuff around because when you’ve centred on guitar and keyboard for so long you’ve developed all these habits. Picking up an instrument that I have no idea how to play forces me to think differently about melodies and chords.”

The focus on playing around with different instruments may stem from the simple fact that Ratatat are an instrumental band. Though initially Evan had attempted to write songs with vocals he found that he and bandmate Mike Stroud were more comfortable with the instrumental. Given their love of remixing, particularly hip-hop, would they ever consider guest vocals on future albums?

“I’m interested in working with rappers and vocalists,” Evan reveals, “but I think probably not on our own records. I don’t want to be one of those producer bands that just add a different guest on every song. I would find that style of compilation album pretty uninteresting.” Ratatat won’t shy away from collaborations though, and have recently played live sets with rapper Despot.

Ratatat’s success sees them touring a LOT over the next few months in numerous venues across the United States, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia. “[The tour to Australia is] going to be different than the last couple of trips,” Evan considers. “We’re playing these regional shows and festivals outside the major cities. Every time we’ve been there it’s always just been for the major cities. We’re also going to have a couple of days off. Usually it’s show, show, show and we don’t get any time off. I’ve heard so much about the beaches and the Great Barrier Reef.”

While Ratatat love the, er, liveliness of performing live, Evan admits they have a propensity for the studio. “Generally we prefer recording and writing to touring. They’re both fun and completely different experiences but the feeling of creating something new from the ground up, that’s my favourite thing about music.”

With their fourth album on the way Ratatat’s future is as promising as the past has been and while they continue broadening their musical horizon, the positive response to their live act continues to mount. Despite his preference for the studio Evan’s excitement from one of his first big events is undeniable. “I never went to any festivals growing up. The first big festival we played was Coachella. That was awesome ‘cause we’d never been in an environment like that. Everything was coming together at one time. There was this massive audience; it was a really good response! It was a good day…”

Generation whY?

I was reading an article in the paper on the weekend which was discussing how the GFC (Global Financial Crisis- though everyone loves using the acronym these days) was going to affect Generation Y. One of those interviewed seemed to be rubbing his chubby middle aged hands with glee at the prospect that finally those arrogant and lazy youngsters would finally get their comeuppance. For so long they had existed in a world of endless credit and opportunity with all the power in their smooth wrinkle free hands (hands which had never been hardened by the need to dig the foundations of society or be dried out by washing their stained labourers uniforms… ).

Well if you, like this member of Generation Y, would prefer to spend an evening listening to the music that was the soundtrack of the years of our gestation and rise to adulthood instead of the bleatings of a bitter old man then I suggest you put down that weekly and get your still-optimistic and taut young body off to the Street Theatre for a performance of Hayden Tee’s Generation whY?.

Generation whY? features re-jigged versions of some of the most influential music of the Generation Y era (roughly 1980 -1994), performed by cabaret star and generation Yster, 28-year-old Hayden Tee. Hayden performs works from the back catalogues of Michael Jackson (when he was still more genius than freak), Enya, Cyndie Lauper and Crowded House (Tee is from New Zealand, after all). The performance isn’t a set of karaoke numbers but instead sees Hayden use a disc and video jockey to mix the works live.

Hayden explained that the initial idea for the show sprung from a discussion with a musical director in London who suggested that Hayden “start looking at some ’80s material as a possible match for my voice type. He brought a CD in of some of his favourite songs and I realised that these were actually the songs I grew up listening to, the songs that were played on the radio, in the car…. the memories started flooding back.” From this discussion the seed was planted which would eventually grow into not only the stage show but also the accompanying CD (also title Generation whY?). “There were a few things I wanted to do differently for this album; the main thing was recording it live in front of an audience in order to capture the emotion and performance aspect only seen and heard when there are people to react to.”

This is not to say that the show has stayed stagnant since its inception.  “The show has gone through a lot of changes since that recorded performance in Sydney in February; the most drastic being the script and show concept. During my recent time in New Zealand doing My Fair Lady I have had the chance to research and discover some of the deepest, darkest, brightest and funniest information about my heritage and family and this is now where the show has found a life of its own, not just a selection of songs from the era of 1980-1994 but a look back at over 100 years of my family and comparing each generation and therefore examining Generation Y and future generations to come.”

This then begs the question, what is it exactly that makes Generation Y different from others? “As the show illustrates Gen Yers are very unique. We are a group of computer savvy, uninhibited individuals who just like every generation before us have flaws such as the fact that we live in the communication revolution with the invention of the internet, mobile phones etcetera, and yet we are communicating less than ever on a personal basis, choosing text and email over conversation. At the same time we are the most socially conscious to date with over 80 per cent of Generation Yers volunteering for charity in the last five years.” Points that were obviously missed by the previously mentioned poisoned-pen-pusher.

So come to the Street Theatre and connect to the music that was probably playing on the car radio as you were transformed from “a glint in your father’s eye”. Generation Xers are also obviously welcome (this was the music of your youth after all), as are Baby Boomers - so long as they leave their Generation Y bashing at the door.  Come on, it’s good for the economy.

donkey VOTE

David Butler

Brazilian electro-poppers CSS (aka Cansei De Ser Sexy) are connoisseurs of the weird and wacky. Take their kitschy, trashy, DIY approach to songwriting for example, used to great effect on worldwide hits such as Let’s Make Love (and Listen to Death From Above) or Music is My Hot, Hot Sex. With this warped sense of electro-bubblegum fun, I figure it’s a good bet that guitarist Ana Rezende has fielded her fair share of strange interview questions in the past. As it turns out, she has.

“There was a guy who asked me if CSS was a colour, what colour would that be," Rezende says. "But most of the time it’s just people who have misconceptions about us. Like, ‘Is it true that you play shows naked?’ Of course not! Also, because we are a band full of girls, we get a lot of the sex side of things, as if it’s this weird thing to have a band full of girls. It’s not so bad now, but in the beginning we got that a lot.”

“Huh?,” I ask, intelligently. “Why?”

“Maybe because they’re not used to it. They should be; it’s not anything new. I have no idea. I don’t really know people like this, so I cannot tell a lie.” Stupid questions are all in the past now, as the band’s recent album Donkey has shown that CSS have the substance and attitude to back up their catchy beginnings. A tough, slick, groove-laden album, Donkey finds the band making music for the big stage.

Rezende says that her band wanted to write the way they play: punchy and frenetic.

“I think this album is a continuation of how we play on stage. For the first album, we weren’t playing those songs live, so we had to adapt those songs from the album to play on the stage. This time we wanted to do the opposite. But there was no conceptual planning about it beforehand, it was just a very natural process,” Rezende says.

“When we were making the first album we were just experimenting. We never thought that we’d tour the album and we never thought that we’d release the album outside Brazil. We did it on a computer with loads of electronic elements, and then we thought ‘now we have to do a show out of this album,’ so we had to sit down and decide how we were going to do that. This time, I think it sounds a lot cooler: the songs are much more rock, they’re much more energetic on stage. It’s really cool.”

Having toured Donkey across the globe over the past six months, the time has come for Australian fans to get their share of the buoyant CSS stage show, either as part of the Future Music Festival or at one of the band’s string of side-show dates.

“Now we get to play this album in Australia and we’re really excited. We’re really proud of it, and it’s a transformation from what we’ve done before,” Rezende enthuses.

So after two off-kilter albums of glitchy electro hits, are Rezende and her band mates ready to box themselves in to a final definition of their sound?

“We do what we really like to do in terms of music, and we’re not trying to fit in. People will end up placing us into some genre anyway, like they invented nu-rave and things like that to put us into. We’re never really a part of that. We’re just a group of people trying to make music that we like.”

CSS play the Future Music Festival at Randwick Racecourse, Sydney on Saturday February 28 and The Metro, Sydney on Thursday March 5.

old dogs NEW TRICKS

Marianne Mettes DJ Katch¸ member of the long-standing Brisbane hip-hop group RESIN DOGS, spoke with a heavy voice when asked what the stand out moment in his long 13 year stint was. “Just the part where I lost my life?” DJ Katch responds¸ laughing a little sarcastically. “Just being in a band for so long, it’s oh…” he pauses¸ realising how negative he sounds. “It’s a part of you. It’s more than a full–time job; it’s like a bad drug habit.” But winning all those awards back in their day for ‘best live performance’ and the like and having so many bands¸ artists and fans over the years looking up to them – surely that can’t be all bad? “Nah¸ no it’s pretty good; it’s just that it’s not a normal lifestyle. Being on stage is one part¸ but at the end of the day you’ve still got to get out the cheque book and do the accounts and stuff like that… the pain–in–thearse stuff¸ the mundane jobs to keep it all running and afloat.” Throughout the interview¸ Katch seems to speak with solemn tones¸ especially when reflecting back on what his band has achieved over the years and how the changes in economy and technology over time also led to changes in the Resin Dogs¸ both positively and negatively – from how they perform live to how their record label Hydrofunk operates. “We’ve changed the way we play over the years¸ from the way we stand on stage¸ triggering loops from two samplers and keyboards¸ to now being more formatted and having more of a band. We generally have three versions of how we can perform live. We can either go out with a DJ¸ drummer and MCs¸ or a three–piece band which we’ve been doing a lot lately. Then¸ when we do big festivals¸ when we can afford to¸ we like to bring a horn and a string section along with guitarists and more bass and that sort of thing. We used to do that a lot in the early stages of the band¸ like at Big Day Out we used to take this massive circus on the road¸ but it’s really expensive these days – with things like petrol¸ baggage¸ freight and weight. So we’ve had to refine it down a little bit¸ but it’s still the same essence of the band¸ with everyone giving 110% and even more sometimes.” Katch starts talking about Hydrofunk¸ which they initially created because no one would sign them. Soon after¸ however¸ they did get a deal¸ but they kept Hydrofunk going on the side. The label¸ along with the band¸ ended up becoming a major success and soon they were signing and helping many bands. The name Hydrofunk became a bit of an institution. But they’re not as busy now as they have been in the past¸ as Katch admits¸ touching on some of their hurdles. “I guess we’re not doing as much as we used to. We used to sign a bunch of different acts¸ but the whole industry has changed a bit. Now we basically just do our own records and a couple of other projects¸ like a little distro–deal here or there. But basically we just hook our friends up.” And some pretty cool friends they are too. In the last 10 plus years¸ Hydrofunk has had bands such as Afro Dizzi Act¸ Koolism¸ Good Buddah and Downsyde on their roster¸ just to name a few. Katch explains that the biggest reason things slowed down for Hydrofunk was because of the changes in technology over the years¸ allowing computer–savvy musicians to record in their home studios¸ market their music online and so on. “Anyone can be the record label from home now¸ just via your computer. You don’t really need someone to fund you for CD pressing… You can get on the blog sites¸ upload your music to certain places and if you’re good enough you can even strike your own deal with iTunes.” But some sparks did fly when asked what kept the Resin Dogs so strong for so long: “I guess it’s because the band is more of a collective and has seen different players come and go. But I guess¸ like James Brown¸ he gets the best players. Not saying we’re like James Brown or anything¸” he laughs. The collective has just released their fourth album More or Less¸ which is a tad different in that it takes some of their old songs and unused takes and recycles them into something new. “Basically¸ we hit up a lot of the local producers around the country to do remixes and we’ve also added a couple of new songs that weren’t on the previous album. It does sound like a new record even though it’s a remix album¸ so I really enjoy it.” Whatever hurdles come about¸ though¸ it is certain that even with a heavy heart and an addiction called the Resin Dogs¸ Katch will keep on keeping on. The Resin Dogs will present their new takes on old tunes at the Corinbank Festival¸ taking place between Friday February 27 and Sunday March 1 at the Corin Forest Mountain Resort. Also playing is Blue King Brown¸ Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter¸ Mat McHugh¸ Darren Hanlon¸ Crooked Fiddle Band¸ The Beez and many¸ many more. Weekend and day tickets available now – for online sales and a list of retailers¸ hit www.corinbank.com .

ja'makin me GROOVE!

Miranda O'Brien

When you’ve got the two magical Gs, grunt and groove, as well as politically biting lyrics, a firey female vocalist in a male dominated genre and a band as big as the Brady Bunch, you’re sure to turn some heads. And BLUE KING BROWN have done just that. They’ve got swagger in their style, fresh music and a strong urge to do some good in the world. Although their music is very political, it’s evident that it’s not manufactured in that way, nor is it made to appeal to a certain type of audience. The music is merely reflective of what the band holds dear to their hearts, which just happens to be issues that are politically charged.

“There’s been a shift in consciousness. People are participating in the democratic system, putting their hands up and saying they’re not happy about things,” Natalie Pa’apa’a, aforementioned feisty female vocalist, explains when asked if she feels there’s more acceptance in the mainstream about the types of issues their music covers.

BKB’s soon to be released second album follows their hugely successful debut Stand Up. Unable to detect any angst about the often dreaded second album, Natalie was brimming with enthusiasm about recording in Jamaica. “It was wicked man, I loved it so much!” she says excitedly. “We met some amazing people and were so lucky to jam with them. It’s a really lively scene and culturally they have a lot of passion for music. Their sense of craft is so alive, it was wicked. You get such a great energy from people, they really sing every word. Jamaica was a big inspiration for the vocals - there’s some killer artists there! I felt it really gave us a lot more perspective,” Natalie enthuses.

It’s evident from their most recent single Moment Of Truth, released late last year, that although global influence can still be heard in their music, particularly the Latin and reggae vibe, their musical repertoire is continuing to expand. With some additional recording happening in Melbourne, Natalie explains the new album features “a lot more programmed beats and a lot of post-production.”

After a headline tour of the US - as well as support slots for Carlos Santana, who sang the band’s praises - BKB have moved from strength to strength. Many Aussie artists discuss how hard it is taking their music to the American market, however Natalie seems to have relished the challange. “I really enjoyed it – it takes you back to that level where you give out flyers on the street and you really try to do everything you can to get people to hear about your band. I love that sort of interaction,” says Nat. They truly do love being independent musicians.

Soon BKB will be coming to the ‘berra to frolick among the wildflowers and play some of their new tunes at Corinbank. “I’ve got a really good vibe about it. It’s near the Brindabellas, it’ll be in the forest amongst the wildflowers and trees and all the art. It’s not like the Big Day Out. I think I’ll like it ‘cause it’ll have more of that community feeling,” Nat says. She goes on to add that “I’ve been checking out the website and been getting really excited about it! They have a real environmental conscience which we really dig.”

Things tend to get pretty loose at festivals, particularly when you’ve got eight other bandmates to party with. But as far as weird festival experiences go, marriage proposals take the cake. “When we played at The Falls Festival last year, there was a guy who had a sign saying 'Marry me Natalie' and it went on to say 'I’m your Tassie stalker.' And I’m thinking I’m hardly going to marry a guy who labels himself a stalker!” she recalls. Could the hot tip to Corinbank punters be to not label yourself as a stalker and you’ll be in with a chance? “Hah, nah man,” laughs Nat. With a Samoan mother and a Mexican father, Nat spent a lot of time growing up with indigenous communities. For the past five years, Nat and bandmate Carlo Santone have participated in the Music Outback program where they teach music in indigenous communities. “We like to do it every year ‘cause it’s important to keep that continuity,” she explains. “We’re in BKB 24/7 and this is one of the few things we do outside that. We’ve built up some really good relationships and the kids and adults get really excited. There’s some really amazing talent out there, it’s incredible. It’s not only us teaching them, they’ve taught us so much as well,” Nat says.

Their passion for equality and indigenous affairs has sparked their concern over the nuclear power industry in Australia, particularly uranium exploration in Arnhem Land. Natalie talked about her fear of how it could affect the culture of remote Indigenous communities and that it violates basic human rights. BKB have teamed up with activist/roots musicians such as Xavier Rudd and the John Butler trio to create a campaign website aiming to educate people about the issue. There are also free downloads on the site to encourage people to learn about the issue.

They’ve come a long way since making music video clips for $200, but “one of the best things about my journey so far,” Nat explains, “is being surrounded by good people and the energy that brings. John Butler has really paved the way for people in our genre, and Michael Franti is the type of person who is willing to do anything to help out. The good people have been the best thing.”

Witness Natalie and her Blue King Brown brothers groove up a storm in the forest at the Corinbank Festival, taking place between Friday February 27 and Sunday March 1. Also playing is Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, Mat McHugh, Resin Dogs, Darren Hanlon, Crooked Fiddle Band, The Beez and many, many more. Tickets available from various hip retail outlets and the website itself. See www.corinbank.com for more details.

Judith Lucy

I Love Lucy
Australia’s favourite middle-aged female comedian, Judith Lucy, is celebrating 20 years of stand up comedy with a brand new show. After turning 40 last year, Judith’s mind has turned to topics such as mortality, the notion of family, the meaning of life and why you never really think about any of this nonsense until you just can’t drink like you used to (thanks to three day hangovers). Judith Lucy’s Not Getting Any Younger will be Judith’s ninth solo show, and her first visit to Canberra since 2006. She’ll be reminding us all about our final fate at The Canberra Theatre on Friday March 6 at 7pm. Tickets are $39.50 through Canberra Ticketing.

Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea

MIA
Australian blues and roots darling Mia Dyson has spent the past year preparing for her unfortunate (well, for us) relocation to the USA, but that hasn’t stopped her heading into the studio with drummer Angus Diggs, bassist James Haselwood, vocalist Laura Jean and guitarist Matt Walker to record her latest single You & Me. Before she sets sail for the promised land, Dyson will grace Australian audiences with her dulcet tones once more. You can catch the sweetheart then with Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea at the Woden Southern Cross Club on Saturday March 7 at 7pm. Tickets are $25 from the venue.

PunkSka

(Cue: Australian National Anthem…)
Right, now that you’re up on your feet, here’s Big Nine! Back for another year in Naughty-Nine is the Beema Ska and Punk News. While I hate all that patriotic bollocks, today – deadline - is Australia Day, so it felt appropriate.

As we’re talking Melbourne, a new band, Ire, has formed from ex-members of Mindsnare, Hitlist, Within Blood, Bloodduster, Ultimatum, Meatlocker and Samsara. If your ‘cup of tea’ is hardcore, check out www.myspace.com/hardcoreire for some sample songs.

While researching for this first column, I found StZA Crack’s (Choking Victim/Leftover Crack/Star Fucking Hipsters) favourite things list for 2008. Included in his list were watching the Dead Milkmen at the Fun Fun Fun fest in Texas; getting shot at while hitch-hiking in Mexico; watching Bouncing Souls on Halloween at a fest in Florida; touring and recording with Star Fucking Hipsters; Leftover Crack performing with Citizen Fish; and getting arrested for throwing donuts at cops in NYC - of which he said in a statement to Punknews.org, “If I had to do it again, I would huck another dozen donuts at the police and I would probably hit one of ‘em this time. If you think it’s ‘punk’ to defend the police, just consider the fact that they ‘huck’ bullets at innocent people every day.”

This year NOFX turns 25 (!), and to commemorate they’re playing some special shows where former members from the four eras of the band will turn up to play a few songs from their time with the trenches. These include the original three-piece era (1983 – ‘85), Fat Mike, Smelly and Melvin; the Casillas era (1985 – ‘88), which saw Dave Casillas join, later to be replaced by Steve Kidwilder (1988 – ‘91) and finally, El Hefe (1991 – present) joined on guitar and trumpet.

Early last year, Rancid got us all excited about a new album… their seventh! But it seems the band is still on an extended hiatus and we’re left waiting.

To pass the time, a good book might be in order. In 2007, Sir Horace Panter (bass for The Specials) released an autobiography entitled Ska’d For Life - A Personal Journey With The Specials. Not to be outdone, Neville Staple will release his autobiography in April, Original Rude Boy: From Borstal to The Specials - A Life in Crime and Music.  Both biographies can be found on Amazon.

And last by certainly not least, don’t forget to head down to the Weston Creek Community Centre on February 20 to see Propagandhi, with supports Bloody Humans, Outcome Unknown and Jandermarra Wall.

Oi Oi, that’s yer lot!

Next deadline is February 23. Send news, views, gig promos and abuse to rudebwaay@gmail.com

CANCELLATION APOLOGIES: Tuggeranong Youth Centre would like to sincerely apologise for the late cancellation of The Red Shore gig on Sunday 1st February, due to scheduling conflicts. We are in negotiations for The Red Shore to return hopefully in February.

The Deez Nutz gig to be held on Sunday the 22nd of February at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre will also be cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.

New Order: Live in Glasgow (Warner DVD)

With the ongoing furore about New Order’s viability as band in 2009 (bassist Peter Hook has been declaring the pioneering Mancunian outfits demise since November 2006, shortly after the footage aired on the main feature here was shot), this may well end up as something of an epitaph - but is it a fitting one?

As it goes, not really. Shot at Glasgow’s Academy venue, it finds the band performing a greatest hits set – including four Joy Division numbers – in what can only be termed reduced circumstances. Sure, the crowd is at full capacity and sings along loudly to every word, but the Academy is simply too small a venue to readily accommodate the stadium indie sound that NO spent the best part of three decades creating, which leaves the video looking a little cheap and ragged around the edges - which surely wasn’t the intention of any of the parties involved.

Still, the music’s good, right? Well, yes, of course. And the dancier numbers of the bands oeuvre fare best in the intimate environs of the Academy; Bizarre Love Triangle in particular sounds impassioned and committed, whilst newer material like Krafty and Waiting for the Sirens Call also have a good go at showing younger acolytes how it’s done. Of the ‘classics’, let’s just say that years of performance seem to have taken their toll on the band’s enthusiasm for some, especially Bernard Sumner, who really looks like he’d rather be elsewhere - anywhere, actually - on the likes of Temptation and Blue Monday.

Indeed, this would appear to be the problem at the root of the New Order schism. In interview snippets which intersperse the live footage, Peter Hook bemoans the fact that the rest of the band don’t enjoy touring - or indeed playing the band’s rockier material -  anymore, and there is a certain weariness in performance that won’t fail to dampen your enjoyment of the Glasgow set featured. Maybe a trip to the bonus disc, which features rare and unseen footage from throughout the band’s career, would be the better option, I thought. And I was right. Wait till this comes on the telly.

Valkyrie

The opening credits fade and we open on Colonel Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) narrating his journaling in awkward German. The subtitles cease as Stauffenberg’s internal monologue switches to Cruise’s regular all-American drawl. This is intended to be a gradual morph, leaving us completely at peace with English replacing German throughout Valkyrie. It might do the trick too, if they’d restricted themselves to American accents. But no, we get American, British, an occasional bit of French and then - inexplicably - Adolf Hitler has a German accent. This is somewhat puzzling.

We’re following a group of German soldiers and top officials in their attempt to assassinate the Fuhrer. This, they hope, will stop his maniacal reign and save Germany. The people this film is based on are to be admired, regardless of the fact we know they failed. Unfortunately, at no time does Valkyrie feel like an accurate portrayal. Cruise and his cronies are constantly making speeches that are a direct apology to today’s generations rather than sticking with natural dialogue. No matter how dire a situation a country’s in, it’s hard to believe people would walk around saying “We must act now or this will forever be Hitler’s Germany.” Smacks very heavily of 20-20 hindsight methinks.

Director Bryan Singer has also shown that he doesn’t quite have the minerals for a film like this. The quality of X-Men and The Usual Suspects make his talent indisputable but this larger dramatic scope leaves him floundering in a two-dimensional and unrealistic world.

His only success is an admirable ability to bring tension to a plot we all know is a foregone conclusion. But as things start to fall apart for the conspirators he, and screenwriters Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander, make this group look more and more incompetent.

This material is very cinematic, and the assembled cast should be up to the challenge, but in the end Valkyrie is as regrettable a failure as the event it depicts.

2 1/2 out of 5

Misery Signals - A beacon of hope

Misery Signals

“’Oh, we’re at another gas station. There’s another Taco Bell. There’s another hot dog stand.’” As Stu Ross, guitarist for US metalcore/mathcore group MISERY SIGNALS relates to me the monotony of 10 week tours in his home country, I realise that while Australians, and Canberrans in particular, will often bemoan the mere trickle of tours we receive in comparison to our Sydney/European counterparts, the quality of performance and energy we receive is regularly heightened by our own cravings for live music. “Outside of America, people are so much more appreciative of music, because they aren’t spoiled like people in the US” Stu says. “Here, you can go to a show every night, and there’s always 100 bands on tour. Kids’ tastes in the US change every month and sometimes you don’t really know where you stand.”

Last in the country for the 2007 Boys of Summer tour, the group will return to Canberra this February in support of their third full length album Controller. Produced by former member of Strapping Young Lad-turned full-time producer Devin Townsend, Stu says that the album has proven much more satisfying that their previous LPs, 2004’s Of Malice and the Magnum Heart and 2006’s Mirrors. “I’m completely happy with it, which feels strange to say”, Stu admits. “I think one thing we did which we’d never done before which made it good, was the pre-production. We did about two weeks, where we just sat down with Devon and hammered out the songs. When you’re writing for four months, your head is spinning, so we needed someone to listen to it and tell us what is good and not.”

Townsend also produced the group’s debut Of Malice and the Magnum Heart, however for their follow up, Mirrors, they enlisted Ben Schigel. Ultimately, it turns out that Townsend, who then was only a part-time producer, was unavailable. However, Stu admits that the group deliberately moved away from Townsend in fear of being too influenced by his style. “We were afraid we were going to become a ‘Devon Townsend’ band, who would just take up his sound and adopt his style.” Somewhat dismayed by the results of Mirrors, which Stu admits the group weren’t too excited about playing live last time they were Down Under, the group honed the ambient element of their music; a somewhat Sigur Ros tinge which has distinguished them from other metalcore/mathcore groups, and in the process gaining the confidence to return to Devon for their third release.

“Dev doesn’t do a lot of that stuff [ambience] with other groups, so we feel it’s something that we brought in ourselves. I think we’ve developed a sound together, rather than us just adopting his sound. I think of it as a combined sound, which is why we’re not so worried about it anymore.”
The group’s show at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre will, unsurprisingly, be an all ages event. With a majority of their fan base being over 18, Stu nevertheless suggests that all ages shows injects an extra level of energy, beyond the populations’ normal thirst for live music. “Older people, typically, don’t give off the same energy as younger people do, so sometimes it’s hard to play a string of no-minor shows.” Let’s hope the young ‘uns do us proud.

Misery Signals play an all ages show at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Thursday February 12. In support will be The Amity Affliction and Confession.

Misery Signals - A beacon of hope

“’Oh, we’re at another gas station. There’s another Taco Bell. There’s another hot dog stand.’” As Stu Ross, guitarist for US metalcore/mathcore group MISERY SIGNALS relates to me the monotony of 10 week tours in his home country, I realise that while Australians, and Canberrans in particular, will often bemoan the mere trickle of tours we receive in comparison to our Sydney/European counterparts, the quality of performance and energy we receive is regularly heightened by our own cravings for live music. “Outside of America, people are so much more appreciative of music, because they aren’t spoiled like people in the US” Stu says. “Here, you can go to a show every night, and there’s always 100 bands on tour. Kids’ tastes in the US change every month and sometimes you don’t really know where you stand.”

Last in the country for the 2007 Boys of Summer tour, the group will return to Canberra this February in support of their third full length album Controller. Produced by former member of Strapping Young Lad-turned full-time producer Devin Townsend, Stu says that the album has proven much more satisfying that their previous LPs, 2004’s Of Malice and the Magnum Heart and 2006’s Mirrors. “I’m completely happy with it, which feels strange to say”, Stu admits. “I think one thing we did which we’d never done before which made it good, was the pre-production. We did about two weeks, where we just sat down with Devon and hammered out the songs. When you’re writing for four months, your head is spinning, so we needed someone to listen to it and tell us what is good and not.”

Townsend also produced the group’s debut Of Malice and the Magnum Heart, however for their follow up, Mirrors, they enlisted Ben Schigel. Ultimately, it turns out that Townsend, who then was only a part-time producer, was unavailable. However, Stu admits that the group deliberately moved away from Townsend in fear of being too influenced by his style. “We were afraid we were going to become a ‘Devon Townsend’ band, who would just take up his sound and adopt his style.” Somewhat dismayed by the results of Mirrors, which Stu admits the group weren’t too excited about playing live last time they were Down Under, the group honed the ambient element of their music; a somewhat Sigur Ros tinge which has distinguished them from other metalcore/mathcore groups, and in the process gaining the confidence to return to Devon for their third release.

“Dev doesn’t do a lot of that stuff [ambience] with other groups, so we feel it’s something that we brought in ourselves. I think we’ve developed a sound together, rather than us just adopting his sound. I think of it as a combined sound, which is why we’re not so worried about it anymore.”
The group’s show at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre will, unsurprisingly, be an all ages event. With a majority of their fan base being over 18, Stu nevertheless suggests that all ages shows injects an extra level of energy, beyond the populations’ normal thirst for live music. “Older people, typically, don’t give off the same energy as younger people do, so sometimes it’s hard to play a string of no-minor shows.” Let’s hope the young ‘uns do us proud.

Misery Signals play an all ages show at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Thursday February 12. In support will be The Amity Affliction and Confession.

The Year in Review 2008

R.I.P. 2008

Every year we extort our talented and somewhat perverse volunteers and staff to squeeze out a final farewell to the year that was. Please amuse yourselves with their rambling and tortured insights below.

- Dan Bigna - 2008 The Year in Review
- Nick Brightman - 2008 The Year in Review
- Jessica Conway - 2008 The Year in Review
- Erin Cook - 2008 The Year in Review
- Tim Galvin - 2008 The Year in Review
- Justin Heazlewood - 2008 The Year in Review
- John Hatfield - 2008 The Year in Review
- Tracey Heffernan - 2008 The Year in Review
- Rowan Thomson - 2008 The Year in Review
- Julia Winterflood - 2008 The Year in Review
- Allan Sko - 2008 The Year in Review
- Geoff Setty - 2008 The Year in Review
- Mark Russell - 2008 The Year in Review
- Dave Ruby Howe - 2008 The Year in Review
- Cecilia Pattison-Levi - 2008 The Year in Review
- Miranda O’Brien - 2008 The Year in Review
- Josh Nixon - 2008 The Year in Review
- Marianne Mettes - 2008 The Year in Review
- Naomi Milthorpe - 2008 The Year in Review
- Megan McKeough - 2008 The Year in Review
- Luke McGrath - 2008 The Year in Review
- Paul Kelloway - 2008 The Year in Review
- Henry Holland - 2008 The Year in Review
- Simon Hobbs - 2008 The Year in Review
- Ben Hermann - 2008 The Year in Review

Corinbank 2009 second release tickets on sale and further lineup announced

Take it to the Bank
Preparations for Corinbank 2009 are now well into their final stages. With first release tickets for the three day festival (27 Feb – 1 March) no longer on sale, second release tickets are now on sale for $132 (plus booking fee), with day tickets on sale for $35 (plus booking fee). Along with this juice gossip is the second line-up announcement, featuring Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter, Waiting For Guinness, The Little Stevies, Lee Rosser & Nicky Bomba, Dubba Rukki, The Ellis Collective, and many more. They’ll join the myriad of stellar acts previously announced, including Blue King Brown, Mat McHugh (The Beautiful Girls), Resin Dogs Sound System, Darren Hanlon, The Beez, D’Opus & Roshambo, and the Crooked Fiddle Band, among many others.

DVDevotee The Best Releases of 2008

Whilst it would be easy to pepper any DVD best-of list with excellent pieces of cinema such as There Will Be Blood and No Country For Old Men, it would merely be treading on old ground. We all know they’re good, we’ve all seen and loved them, and if we haven’t, then we’re reading the wrong column because you obviously have no real interest in films whatsoever.  Hell, let’s throw the re-release of The Godfather and Citizen Kane in there while we’re at it to be truly imaginative. No. The focus this year is very much upon those nuggets of TV brilliance that we eagerly await to own on digital versatile disc, or indeed Blueray if you have more money than you know what to do with. So press play on your eyeballs and enjoy the bounty of our countless hours hunched in dark rooms. ALLAN SKO

Mad Men – Series One
Mad Man is a sumptuous, anachronistic, anti-PC blast from an imagined past. Don Drapper (John Hamm) works on Madison Ave at a time when that address meant something. A successful advertising exec, he sighs his way through an unfulfilling marriage, overseeing co-workers who spend a large portion of their day trying to hook up with broads and dames, hitting the bottle at 9.30am and frankly doing very little other than living the country club lifestyle par excellence. On the side Drapper has a few things on the boil himself, but it’s the cloak of despair and gloom that betrays his should-be Alpha Male archetype that lifts this series above Graphis-porn circa 1963. It looks amazing. It is amazing. JUSTIN HOOK

The Wire – Seasons 3 and 4
David Simon wrapped up his epic 50 chapter chronicle of urban America in 2008 with the fifth series. But, here in Australia, we were lucky to get the 3rd and 4th instalments of this incomparable, soaring television series in the second half of the year. I have already raved about The Wire in pages, and in person, for what seems like volumes and years. But it just isn’t enough. You simply must give this show a chance. Get through the dense layers, arcane plotlines and murky characterisations, and butterflies will be your friends for eternity. Promise. JUSTIN HOOK

The Shield – Season 5
Another cop show that came to the end this year. First no more McNulty, now no more Vic. Cripes! The vice gets tighter and tighter as each season of this show progresses. As usual, the real marvel is Michael Chiklis as obscenely corrupt LA cop Vic Mackey covering tracks of blood and cash. Forest Whitaker joins the cast this time around, a swap that fairly offsets the loss of Glenn Close from the previous season. The Shield uses over egged drama and flaming set pieces where The Wire relies on understatement. But they both work in their place, and The Shield belongs near the top. JUSTIN HOOK

The Mighty Boosh – Season 3
It seems amazing that this once humble radio show – listened to by BMA’s Scott Adams and not many others to begin with – has grown to the point where someone three pints to the good can bellow “I’m Old Gregg!” and have half the pub chuckle merrily in shared hilarity. It was a nervous wait to see if season three would hold up; many a comedy series has been struck down by “third time’s the death charm” syndrome, but Fielding and Barratt have pulled it off again, delivering us The Crack Fox, I Did a Shit On Your Mum, more of the utterly marvellous Tony Harrison and another thousand odd pieces of bizarre brilliance. This shouldn’t be popular. But I’m glad as fuck it is. ALLAN SKO

The Boondocks – Season 2
The premise of this animated series is simple; two ghetto kids – one a Martin Luthur King style poet (Huey), the other a swaggering nut-grabbing gangsta (Riley) – move in with their grandad (Robert “Grandpa” Freeman) in the affluent suburbs. To say hilarity ensues would be like saying Catholic priests bum the odd alter boy – a massive understatement. Famed for its relentless use of the n-bomb, the Boondocks is a staggeringly funny expose of black culture, and white culture’s interaction, through a series of 15 20-minute episodes. With premises including a closet gay rapper (voiced by Mos Def) and a gangster rapper, Thugnificent, moving into the area with his cronies (voiced by Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg), this is magnificent American social satire and funny as all hell. Type “Boondocks My Crib” into YouTube and be converted. ALLAN SKO

Weeds – Season 4
The most remarkable thing about this show – and there are many remarkable things – is the development of central character Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) from series to series, and the subsequent plots that play out in telling her story. She has morphed from a doe-eyed ganja-slinging housewife to a slightly unhinged force of shocking occasional violence. What could have been a flimsy premise dragged to its death in its fourth season has flourished due to some of the sharpest writing currently doing the rounds on the box. It’s didactic in that is manages the impressive feat of being both consistently one of the funniest and shocking shows doing the rounds. Bring on season five. ALLAN SKO

30 Rock Season 1
This year 30 Rock stopped being a cult hit and become something of a sensation. Has it got something to do with the fact that it won 1,000 Emmy awards this year?  No, it’s because the show is consistently funny and thoroughly enjoyable. Without a dud episode in the first two seasons, and with rich characters and subversive, funny dialogue, 30 Rock is the reason Tina Fey has become the ‘it’ woman of the moment - along with her alarmingly accurate Sarah Palin impersonation, of course. But the real star is Alec Baldwin who is exceptional as president of this fictional NBC world Jack Donaghy. Just watch the damn show, okay. Season 2 of this one is available in January. GEOFF SETTY

The Flight of the Conchords Season 1
This was a great year for the Conchord boys, who really cracked it big in Australia.  Shot on a fuck-all budget and released to mass appeal, this show highlights the talents of Jermaine and Brett, as well as Rhys Darby as Murray the group’s manager and the delectable Kristen Schaal as Mel their only fan. Highlight episodes include Bowie, The Actor, and The Third Conchord. In fact, just thinking about these episodes make me smile. With great music, fun characters and a wonderful sense of the absurd, Conchords is where it’s at. GEOFF SETTY

The Office Season 3 part 1
Okay, at the risk of creating one hell of an argument amongst every person walking the face of the earth, this is a DIFFERENT SHOW to the English version, with its own characters and scenarios. The only similarity is that it’s set in a paper company office; that and the fact that this is the series where the creators of the original Office, Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant wrote an episode for the US version. Featuring the talents of Steve Carrell and Rainn Wilson (along with the sublime Ed Helms), the US The Office is superlative. Hopefully next time they’ll release a whole season instead of a bit of one. GEOFF SETTY

Life On Mars
The Brits sure know how to leave on a high note. The second/final series of Life On Mars easily sustained the alluring mixture of retro wink-wink comedy, acceptable misogyny, ambiguous realities, hallucinatory possibilities and good old fashioned fish-out-of-water madness. Credit to the writers in allowing Sam Tyler to decide his own fate via a leap further into his own mind or the pavement. The answer of sorts can be found in the similarly themed not quite follow up, Ashes to Ashes. JUSTIN HOOK

ANDI & GEORGE BAND

WHAT: THREE HOUR SET
WHERE: HOLY GRAIL, CIVIC
WHEN: SAT NOV 15

On the back of their performance at this year’s Dreaming Festival, one of Canberra’s most talented, inspiring and loved groups, The Andi & George Band, are gearing up for a long summer in their modified 36-seater coach. However, before touring the east coast of Australia, including appearances at the Folk, Rhythm & Life Festival and the Woodford Folk Festival, the group will treat their Canberra fans to a three hour set at the Holy Grail this Saturday. Now split between Canberra and the South Coast, the group are very active in organising fundraisers to protect old growth forests in Tasmania as well as on the South Coast region. They are also staunch advocates for recognition of indigenous sovereignty, among a long list of other worthy causes. The group will play on Saturday November 15 at the Holy Grail, Civic. Doors open at 7:00pm with the band starting at 8:00pm. Entry is $10, with donations to their ‘survival fund’ welcome.

You Pissed Me Off

To all the people in canb that think they are more high and mighty then everyone else, you piss me off! get over yourself!!! you are better then anyone else, image doesn’t matter. what you wear doesn’t matter. the amount of money you earn does matter. and the friends you have doesn’t matter. seriously stop portraying something that just annoys everyone!  and another thing, you don’t own the streets of canberra, stop walking round like ya king shit judging everyone that walks you…or meets your eye! you pissed me offf!

To a certain restraurant in civic that had a bitch of a waitress and a 1 and half hour wait on food!. you pissed me off and my seven other mates. we may be young but we still deserve to be treated like a human being. ignoring us and laughing at us was just plain rude and inconsiderate. to the waitress your a stupid whorebag! that was a HAIR in our food not mushroom!? wtf is wrong with you. i hope one day you choke on one of those hairs and die. you pissed me off!!

To the guy in the UC car park who stopped me from carrying out my own form of justice and stealing his P-plates by asking; “do you really need those.” Well yes dickhead I do- because you’re too dumb and lazy to find an actual carpark you think you can just park wherever regardless of the fact your idiotic parking prevents people from being able to drive around the carpark without almost scratching your shit-box car with theirs. Don’t want your P-plates stolen? Don’t park illegally! You and those like you piss me off!

Has someone yanked yer chain recently? Well, send an email to editorial [at] bmamag [dot] com and have your sweet vengeance. And for the love of God, keep it brief! ALL ENTRIES CONTAIN GENUINE SPELLINGS.

The Boat People - Band Overboard

The Boat People

The band bio: it’s usually derivative drivel that lists nothing more than record sales, awards and acts supported. So when I found a heartfelt confession from Robin Waters, one of two singer/songwriters of Brissie’s THE BOAT PEOPLE enclosed in my promo copy of new album Chandeliers, it was like the time at the farmer’s markets when I was informed by a smiling gypsy that the black sticky rice I’d just bought from her was in fact the very last one.

In their bio Waters writes about how once, at a gig, fellow songman James O’Brien introduced As If I Could from Chandeliers with something along the lines of, “I used to think that if you’re careful enough you can avoid hurting someone, but it turns out you can always hurt them”. Waters was shocked to hear something so personal, which he hadn’t heard from his friend before, in front of an audience of strangers. “It’s a good indicator of how your relationship to a song changes all the time, and even with the person playing it,” he muses. “Songs are like friends in a way; your relationship changes with your friends, and some of them change to the point where you’re not friends anymore and some of them change to the point where you get to see a completely different side to them.”

One would hope that this side is a good side, but it sounds like it. The dynamic duo of Waters and O’Brien is definitely a winning combo – while O’Brien’s vocals are defiant, strong and joyously melodic, Waters’ voice is quiet and contemplative. O’Brien’s songs are relatively straightforward, whereas Waters’ lyrics are delightfully obscure yet reminiscent of the sharpest observation poetry; ‘quirky’ is the tag most readily attached by reviewers. Says Waters, “Out of necessity we had to find a different dynamic for the band and it turned out to be one that’s really positive.”

Positivity seems to be arriving by the boat load for these four mates from high school. The clip for the first single from the new LP, Awkward Orchid Orchard, is gradually becoming one of those clips; it contains 52 visual references to bands (two hands playing the black keys on a keyboard, a flying spoon, and a Beetle being chased by a cop car are a few examples), and they’re even running a comp on the website (theboatpeople.com.au) to see who can pick ’em all. The clip was made by Paul Underwood, a close friend from high school who pursued design. “It’s actually really nice having someone who does design do videos, because [when] working with filmmakers, their ultimate thing would be to make a feature film which is mainly about storytelling. With a music video I don’t necessarily think it’s as much about storytelling, it’s more like a piece of static artwork that has movement in it. I know that’s oxymoronic, but we want ours to be just one concept with variations. He’s been really good at translating our quirky eye.”

Get your quirk on at Transit Bar on Saturday August 16. The Boaties’ shipmates are Sydneysiders The Dawn Collective and mcArtney. Chandeliers is out now on Shock.

Ashleigh Mannix @ Redback Records Wollongong, Saturday July 12

Canberra local Ashleigh Mannix kicked off an impromptu gig in Wollongong for the independent record store Redback Records. And has this young musician improved and developed I’ll say. I first saw Ashleigh at UC a couple of years ago and then later saw her perform at Stage 88 just before Something for Kate. Ashleigh has a vocal capacity that defies her slight stature and her fresh sharp voice set the tone for the day. This girl is definitely one to look out for. She played songs from her EP, simply titled My First EP as well as some new material, commanding the respect of the slowly growing crowd. Putting in a 45 minute set, her songs and style certainly did not disappoint - she showed real star potential with just her voice and her songs. A girl and her guitar, a beautiful acoustic concert; any other arrangement might just have ruined the whole thing. Major kudos to her for doing the hard yards with live performances like this.

JUST IN - STONEFEST LINEUP RELEASE

STONEFEST 08 TICKET CHANGES
The Stonefest team has decided to extend the general admission earlybird ticket availability to Thursday July 31st. This allows avid music lovers a whole two weeks to grab tickets at the discounted price.

We would also like to announce the addition of Ashley Mannix to our lineup.

Welcome to Stonefest 08, and the following festival lineup:
GRINSPOON, THE DANDY WARHOLS, FAKER, THE GRATES, REGURGITATOR,ALAN BRAXE, BUMBLEBEEZ, THE DRONES,BLUE KING BROWN, DEXTER, KORA, SPRUCE LEE, TZU,FOURTHSTATE, SNOBSCRILLA, TWO TERRORBLE TABLISTS, ASHLEY MANNIX

Friday October 31st & Saturday November 1st, University Of Canberra

General admission earlybird tickets available from Thursday July 17th to Thursday July 31st at $62.80 + booking fee from all Ticketek outlets.

Student tickets (UC/ ANU/ CIT) will only be available from the UCU Print Shop from Tuesday July 22nd at $52.80 + booking fee.

Get more info at www.stonefest.com.au and tickets are available through Ticketek .

Blackbox

Sad news: Australia’s most passionate and entertaining gardener Peter Cundall is about to hang up his secateurs for good. The excitable face of ABC’s Gardening Australia (ABC1, Sat Jul 26, 6.30pm) will sign-off on a lifetime of broadcast gardening - he started with the ABC in 1969 - with an explanation of his infamous six-bed crop rotation system. While other networks fill their screens with celebrities looking for a star vehicle with swish new landscaped gardens, week after week Cundall has brought his own passion for rubbing dirt (and often compost) between his fingers. Even your loyal correspondent, who has so many black thumbs that more than one cactus has bitten the dust at chez Blackbox, looked forward to his enthusiasm for worms. Pete, goodbye to you and your patch - you shall be missed.

Also news that later this year, WIN will air the Australian version of Japanese sensation Hole in the Wall. Problem number one - the host is Jules Lund, who should have exhausted his 15 minutes already. Problem number two - the factor that made the Japanese show such a hit is the crazy enthusiasm of the Japanese contestants. It’s doubtful whether they’ll find Aussie contestants with the same level of fervor. Understatement is not really a lynchpin of Japanese game shows. Instead of trying to fulfill local content obligations with rip-offs, why not buy the Japanese show and produce some quintessentially Australian fare? What’s next, a local version of Dr. Phil?

It’s going to be a busy few weeks on the box. Aside from the race to find how much Catholicism can be injected into the programming schedule during the Pope’s World Youth Day visit and the plethora of new programs that have come out of nowhere, the schedules are littered with one-off episodes and interesting (and in some cases quirky) docos.

From coverage of the papal motorcade to a look at the role of women in the church, catholic programming is making the box look like the Vatican. SBS coverage begins with the arrival - Pope Benedict in Australia LIVE (SBS, Sun Jul13, 3pm) and continues throughout the following fortnight. There’s also the World Youth Day Pilgrimage Walk (Prime, Sat Jul 19, 11.30am), a doco - The German Pope: Benedict XVI (SBS, Sun Jul 20, 8.35pm) and a three part series on the Catholic Church on Compass (ABC, Sun Jul 20, 10.10pm).

New shows coming up include Celebrity Singing Bee (WIN, Thu Jul 10, 8.30pm), an Australian version of Don’t Forget the Lyrics with D-grade celebrities playing for charity, yet another Gordon Ramsay escapade - Ramsay’s Boiling Point (Prime, Tue, 10pm), Dexter (SCTEN, Sun, 9.50pm) about a serial killer cop who kills serial killers, and the return of Burn Notice (SCTEN, Mon Jul 21, 10pm).

The odd and the interesting include The Cars that are China (SBS, Tue Jul 29, 8.30pm), a doco about the newfound love affair with motoring in Beijing, once known as the bicycle kingdom; Jamie’s Fowl Dinners (SCTEN, Wed Jul 23, 9.30pm) in which that other chef, Jamie Oliver, looks at animal welfare issues; Jamie Oliver’s Eat to Save your Life (SCTEN, Wed Jul 16, 8.30pm); Walk Like a Man (SBS, Tue Jul 22, 7.30pm) about a gay rugby trophy named after the man who stormed the cockpit of flight 93 in 2001; JK Rowling: A Year in the Life (Prime, Sun Jul 13, 6.30pm) so you can see if she really does practice sorcery; The Real Rain Man (ABC2, Wed Jul 23, 10.10pm) about Kim Peek who inspired the Dustin Hoffman character; What the Future Sounded Like (ABC, Sun Jul 20, 5pm) that charts the history of the synthesizer; The New Inventors (ABC, Wed Jul 23, 8pm) which features a fold up electric guitar; mY Generation (SBS, Wed Jul 16, 8pm) and for the ultimate in passive viewing, there’s the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant (Prime, Mon Jul 14, 10.30pm).

Ending too soon is The Gruen Transfer (ABC, Wed Jul 30, 9pm) and not soon enough, Big Brother 2008 Season Finale (SCTEN, Mon Jul 21, 7pm).

If you missed the first episode of The Hollowmen (ABC, Wed, 9.30pm), don’t do it again.

Bangara - Bang on

“It’s Erin from BWA on the phone for your interview,” the reception kid tells Stephen Page. “BWA what? I didn’t know we were talking to WA,” Page yells out. Stephen Page is the artistic director of Australia’s performing arts company dedicated telling the story of Indigenous Australia. Page would not be expecting to talk to WA, because the BANGARA ’s 2008 production Mathinna has just finished up in Sydney and Melbourne and the team is now back in Brisbane before making its way to our fair city.

“Hi Stephen, I am actually calling from BMA Magazine in Canberra.” Page pauses, “BMA you say? What does that stand for?” And suddenly this is not so much an interview as it as a time warp back to the primary school quiz’s of 1992. “Bands, Music, Action.” I pause: “So my guess would be that you guys at Bangarra are in the action end of town.” “Music too,” Page points out. “Don’t forget the music. All the music in Bangarra is an original score.”

For those unfamiliar with the work of the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Page explains that the core of its work is story telling, and “through the story telling, achieving integrity in Indigenous culture. Story telling is such a big part of life; it’s a great part of life. And it’s essential that we maintain the integrity in old stories as well as tell new stories.” Bangarra achieves this through the collaborative efforts of a team of talented individuals; musicians, choreographers, performing artists and artistic designers who produce a performance annually.

Bangarra’s acclaimed production of 2007, True Stories, looked to South Australia and Murray Island for inspiration. Page explains that along with Elizabeth Walsh and Lola Greeno, the 2008 production Mathinna had been brewing for three years and is the product of working with Tasmanian elders. It involved “doing a lot of research and gathering the story from the black perspective. Mathinna is a depressing and beautiful journey. In the production I really wanted to inject her ancestral spirit into it, and use it as a way of guiding the story.”

And in what proved to be a considerably lengthy, though not entirely unrelated tangent, Page quickly jumps to discuss Obama 08 - “How about Obama? I never thought we’d see the apology and now this.” Some time passes and we go back to discussing Mathinna. “When we took the show to Melbourne, it was still raw, as it always is when it’s our first stop. So we were still trying to fine tune it. And for Elle McChrist (who plays Mathinna), it’s a big one for her theatrically. There is no text on stage, it’s all choreography and it requires a lot of support, physically, psychologically, artistically to put it all together.”

Not an unfamiliar experience, Bangarra has struggled with small audience sizes over the years - “With inflation, people are just trying to survive. They can’t afford to go to the theatre.” And yet, the work of Bangarra remains ever important. Page explains, “Bangarra helps take us into the commentaries of Indigenous Australia. In telling the stories we are helping Indigenous Australia reclaim [its voice]. There’s a sensation that comes with experiencing live theatre that can’t be beat,” he summarises. And that’s clearly the overarching lesson of the day - don’t miss Bangarra in 2008.

Now, whilst I’d failed to alert Page that I’d called him from Melbourne, I’ve clearly picked up the accent of the Nation’s Capital. “You can always tell when you’re speaking to someone in Canberra,” Page muses. “There’s always a bit of politics. It’s great. I love it.” Better not let him down. Pack your placards and head to Bangarra’s Mathinna.

Bangarra’s Mathinna runs from June 19 to 21 at the Canberra Theatre. Tickets from Canberra Ticketing ( canberratheatre.org.au or 6275 2700).

Jimmy Barnes @ Canberra Theatre Wednesday June 25

Barnes-storming
One of the country’s last true rockers, Jimmy Barnes, is undertaking his first major theatre tour in more than a decade. Following the success his late-2007 LP Out in the Blue - which debuted at #3 on the charts and became his 10th platinum album - Jimmy will be playing theatres right across Australia prior to a tour of England and Europe in the Spring. Recorded in a fortnight with Nash Chambers (Kasey Chambers, Shane Nicholson), the LP is Jimmy’s most bare bones and honest work to date, much of it written while he was recuperating from open-heart surgery. With 16 solo albums to draw from, not to mention the Chisel oeuvre, the shows, tailored to a theatre environment, are sure to be diverse affairs. “It’s something I haven’t really done since Soul Deep,” the man says. “I’ve had a fantastic run of big outdoor and winery shows over the past Summer but I’m itching to get back indoors. The rooms are small enough to still get intimate with the audience, but you can stretch out more than in a pub.” The tour will be somewhat of a family affair, with Barnes’ son Jackie back from the US to drum in his dad’s band, while his eldest daughter Mahalia - last in town with Tim Finn – and her own band will support at all shows, ahead of her debut album due in mid-June. Barnes hits the Canberra Theatre on Wednesday June 25, with tickets on sale through the usual outlets.

Leanne Melmoth

BMA Band Profile

Group members:
Steve Casa (guitar ), Andrew Ewart (bass), Ben Shuman (drums).

Describe your sound:
Crossover country/pop.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise?
Musically: Keith Urban, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton. Otherwise: God, my husband Rodney.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing?
Not really a weird moment just a proud one: hearing my single Perfect Day echo through Canberra Stadium in front of 14,000 football fans.
I loved it!

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?
Remaining married for 12 ½ years, two beautiful kids and my album Perfect Day.

What are your plans for the future?
Continuing to market Perfect Day, hopefully a little touring, supporting other great artists and writing the next album.

What makes you laugh?
Many, many things, especially when I’m tired.

What pisses you off?
Unfocused drivers and waiting in line.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?
Great. Have had many great gigs and am looking forward to
the next few.

What are your upcoming gigs?
April 11 @ The Southern Cross Club as support for The McClymonts
April 12 @ Wests Magpies
April 24 @ Stage 88
April 25 @ Mawson Club
Contact info:
0404 843 548
admin [at] leannemelmoth [dot] com
www.leannemelmoth.com

Pang! DJ Comp Winners

Pang’s first ever DJ Competition, comprising 34 talented entrants playing 30 minute sets, had its final on April 4 with the top 11 DJs making the cut.

Adam Miller (5th) started the night off with a unique selection of prog and electro. He had a solid crowd in support, which helped him create a great vibe early. DJ Beat It (4th) hit the decks at 1.30am, when the club was close to capacity. This kid certainly delivered under the pressure. His set featured big club bangers, from the likes of Stupid Fresh, Twocker and Bass Kleph. Sean Kelly (3rd) stepped up next, and this guy is certainly a true talent. Sean brought a lot of energy to his set and mixed seamlessly. Fourthstate was second last to play, and the crowd was raring to hear this young gun in action. It’s not often a DJ with only 30 minutes to play can manipulate a crowd and create there own vibe, but Fourtstate did exactly that with a giddy blend of prog, house and electro. The punters loved his set and he definitely left no room for error for Scottie Fischer (pictured), the last to play. Scottie took the same approach as Fourthstate and started with some deeper tunes. This is not the normal style played at Lot 33, yet the crowd loved every second of it. The biggest thing that impressed myself and the judges was that Scottie Fischer showed up to play his own records and his own style. He didn’t need the current main room favourites to capture the crowd, he stayed true to his preferred genre and delivered an outstanding performance.

Congratulations to all involved. It was a great night complete with a lot of new faces. Everyone played to such a high standard and we will certainly be seeing some new talent playing at future Pang! parties.

A big thanks again to everyone that came and showed support. I am also pleased to announce that the competition will run again in the near future….

Official Final Results:

1st - Scott Fischer - Received a brand new Pioneer CDJ1000mk3, guest warm up set at the next Pang! party.
2nd - Fourthstate - 4 Free passes to any Pang! event, guest spot at Pang! party
3rd - Sean Kelly - $100 Bar Tab
4th - Beat It
5th - Adam Miller

BRITISH INDIA

WHAT: MELB GARAGE ROCK FAVOURITES
WHERE: THE GREENROOM
WHEN: FRI APR 18

Play a CD too often and eventually it’ll start to skip… that’s how I buggered my original copy of British India’s debut release, Guillotine. Sadly, its replacement is on the verge of suffering a similar fate. A crackin’ piece of garage rock, Guillotine deservedly enjoyed generous airplay on triple j in 2007 and must have come awfully close to pipping The Panics’ Cruel Guards for the J-Award. Thankfully, the Melbourne four-piece isn’t planning on taking its foot off the accelerator anytime soon, with news that the band is already in the studio working on a follow-up to Guillotine. Once again, former Easybeats guitarist and AC/DC producer, Harry Vanda, will be tweaking the knobs and dials for the lads’ second long-play, which will hopefully be released around the middle of the year. Better still, before British India go into lock-down mode, they’re embarking on a quick run of dates along the east coast during March and April, including a quick stopover in Canberra. The band never fails to deliver live, as anyone who caught their show at the Greenroom last year will attest. Don’t miss your chance to see these boys at a small venue while you still can. They’re gonna go big.

MICHAEL BARNSLEY

WHAT: A FRACTAL EYE FOR THE COLOURS OF NATURE
WHERE: PHOTOACCESS, MANUKA
WHEN: ‘TIL APR 20

Michael Barnsley’s exhibition record is brief. He has shown his images to family and friends and used them to illustrate publications. But A Fractal Eye for the Colours of Nature is the first public showing of these extraordinary images - landscape photographs and film transformed into mystifying, beautiful detail by the application of fractal geometry. Contrasting with his exhibition record, Barnsley’s career in mathematics and business has resulted in an extensive professional CV. He is a world leader in the development of fractal compression technology, a professor of mathematics at the ANU and the author of two major books. The exhibition is a mix of earlier works, showing the possibilities of fractal transformation on a small canvas, and more recent large scale works that demonstrate the power of this process to penetrate and illuminate landscape. In his own words: “All my life, everyday, nature calls my eyes to stare and stare with wonder; I have a sense of the pristine, the perfect which lives both in mathematics and in the visual observable world. My art tries to capture this, to see again, as though for the first time, the beauty of it all.”

HIERONYMUS IX & PANAMA EMBASSY

WHAT: REGGAE/ROOTS/DANCEHALL/DUB
WHERE: HIPPO
WHEN: THU APR 24

For too long the Capital’s reggae heads have been left wanting, but that’s all set to change with Capital Dub Style, “your monthly dose of good vibes and beats,” held at Hippo. Devoted to showcasing reggae music and its related genres - dancehall, dub, roots etc - the night will provide a place where one can chill out, relax, have a drink and soak up quality music, as well as work up a sweat and lose yourself dancing to the beats. World-class scenes exist in Sydney and Melbourne, and Capital Dub Style is aimed at keeping the flame alive in the ‘berra, catering for both the seasoned reggae fan and rasta rookies alike. CDS also aims to bring through the world class talent that so often passes Canberra by, with live bands and Jamaican-style sound systems set to become a regular feature, in addition to the local DJs playing on the night. It’s been a long time coming, so soak it up Canberra! From 8pm, $5 entry.

Casual Projects, The Andi and George Band and D’Opus & Roshambo @ ANU Friday April 18

No Rest for the Wicked
Casual Projects are steadily working their way to the apex of the Canberra music scene with their funky hip-hop jams, perfectly encapsulated in their their new single Move Along. To celebrate the release of Move Along and their highly-anticipated second album, No Rest, Cas-P are off on tour across the east-coast of Australia. They’ll be stopping off at the ANU Bar, along with The Andi and George Band and D’Opus & Roshambo, for an album launch show Friday April 18. Tickets are $15 and are available through ticketek ( www.ticketek.com.au ). Keep in mind Casual Project’s last album launch at the ANU sold the hell out, leaving many an eager punter out in the cold, so be sure to get in early people!

ANDI & GEORGE, CARACOL, CHANGEABLE DAN AND MORE

WHAT: GREENSCREEN
WHERE: GAREMA PLACE
WHEN: FRI MAY 2

Hosted by the Conservation Council and ACT otherWISE and organised by youth, for youth, Greenscreen will provide an evening of entertainment with an environmental focus, promoting the practical things people can do to reduce their impact on the environment. Uranium, What Lies Beneath by local Canberra producer Mary McCartney will be screened, along with three environmental short films by Nuff Films. There’ll be stalls which will provide valuable information about anything and everything green, as well as belly dancers, a massive clothes swap (so bring along your old clothes), fashion parades and more! Musical accoutrement for the event will be provided by the Andi and George Band, Caracol and Changeable Dan. Environmental sustainability has been paramount in the planning of this shindig, and thus a number of measures have been put in place in order to ensure that this is the greenest event possible. So help make it green: ride your bike, catch a bus, bring a mug and reuse! More info at www.consact.org.au/greenscreen , and to volunteer for the night, contact Robyn Vance on communications [at] consact [dot] org [dot] au or (02) 6229 3200. The night runs from 5 to 10pm.

Sebastian Bach @ ANU May 30

Baching at the Moon
He may be best known as a powerhouse vocalist, who sold 20 million albums with his previous band Skid Row, but this little ‘angel’ is so much more! Yes, the man I speak of is Sebastian Bach, whose career has taken him all the way to Broadway and to his very own television series in recent years. VH1 have proudly announced that Sebastian Bach is to tour Australia this May. Seb’s show will feature the hits that made Skid Row so unbelievably famous, as well as various songs - some recorded with Axl Rose - from Seb’s solo album, Angel Down, released in 2007. Seb will be at ANU Bar on May 30. Tickets available from Ticketek .

The John Steel Singers and Cloud Control @ Transit Bar Thursday May 8

Fly My Pretties, Fly!
The John Steel Singers (Brisbane) and Cloud Control (Blue Mountains) have joined forces for a harmonious tour. They’ll be launching their dual headline Flying High Tour across five states throughout May. A common love of inventive pop melodies and catchy hooks won both bands a spot in triple j’s Next Crop initiative. With a growing legion of fans, great reviews and high profile supports including The Panics, Something For Kate, The Panda Band, Built to Spill, The Brunettes and New Buffalo, taste makers and audiences alike continue to sing their praises. First boarding call for the Transit Bar on Thursday May 8…

Warehouse Winter Music Festival @ AIS May 31 - Tix on sale NOW

Touting their Wares
The AIS Arena is playing host to the schmickest of hip-hop and dance acts the world has to offer this May, with the arrival of the Warehouse Winter Music Festival.  Sporting the innovative likes of Mix Master Mike, Utah Saints, the diverse flavours of Bonde Do Role and Cassius, and with many more international acts to be announced, WWMF is sure to thrill.  The sounds of house, techno, funk, club, rave and hip-hop will be mashing together for a day of earsplitting fun on May 31 between 1 and 11pm.  First release tickets have now sold out, and final release tix are on sale through Ticketek and Landspeed Records.

Whitley @ ANU Bar May 13

Under the Sea
Finally, after six weeks of dazzling the best part of the US and the media scrum at Texas’ South by Southwest Festival, Whitley will be bringing is beautiful storytelling and craftsman-like musicianship back home.
And after being pushed to the side for footy games and surf trips, Whitley’s debut album, The Submarine, has finally been recorded and released.  The Submarine has been welcomed feverishly by fans the world over; and now he joins with Seagull and Howie Day to embark on his highly-anticipated national tour.  Whitley will be at the ANU Bar on May 13, with tickets are on sale now at Landspeed Records, ANU Bar, and
www.oztix.com.au .

Gangbusters @ Bar 32 April 24

Blue, Blue, Electric Blue
Another successful two weeks for Birds Love Fighting - great shows, friendly drunks, hip kids and no stolen gear. Last Gangbusters saw Witch Hats scream the roof off Bar 32 (and my lounge room to the disappointment of my housemate). This next one on April 24 will see fair some great pop and punk ‘stuff’ as Ethereal do their thing with Inflatable Ingrid and Voss. Big singers Plastic Palace Alice pull up on May 8, so mark Bar 32 Gangbusters in your calendar for that one. Supporting will be The Trivs and You Hang Up; No You Hang Up. Other following Gangbusters will include Dead Farmers, Little Pictures, Popolice and Tomas Ford. Always more coming! Meanwhile we’ve been a bit quiet at The Front Gallery, and now’s the time to snuggle up with a hot chocolate and get cosy by the fire with Jane Dust with Voss and Emmett Cotton on Friday April 18. You may as well camp there because we have a special DualPlover show lined up on Tuesday April 22 with European folk wild-cats Vialka with glass breaking leader of the field Justice Yeldham. See their myspace page for more gigs and info!

Roots Rising applications open

Three Feet High and Rising
We know, you’ve got more talent in your pinky finger than any other performer has in their entire body, and you’re better looking too.  Well, here’s your chance to prove it!  Roots Rising is an opportunity for young artists, under the age of 21, to get a hand up in the music industry.  Whether you’re a solo artist or a full band with a demo of original folk, world, blues or general roots music, you’re free to apply.  Six finalists are to be chosen through judging and voting at www.coastfest.org.au , to perform on at Coastfest between September 5 and 7 later this year.  Finalists receive free entry to the Sunday festival, media and web exposure. The winner of Roots Rising will perform on the main stage and receive 30 hours of studio rehearsal time and 20 hours recording time from Coastfest sponsors, Rock Cave Music.  If this is your opportunity to be noticed as an able musician, email rootsrising [at] coastfest [dot] org [dot] au with your picture, brief bio and an MP3 of original music.

Chasing Gravity @ The Greenroom April 25 FREE GIG

Gravity’s a Bitch, ain’t it?
After playing to full houses and impressing audiences across Australia and America alike, Chasing Gravity have spent some time at home with producer Phil McKellar (Silverchair/Grinspoon) to record their debut album. Autumn in the Platinum Desert is due to be released in April, marking a new and exciting phase for the band. Following all the hype of Chasing Gravity’s debut EP and politically themed singles, Warped Chinese Whispers and Cool in America, they are sure to be stirring up audiences, local and international, for a while yet. You can catch Chasing Gravity at The Greenroom on April 25, and, best of all, entry is free.

2XXcellent Radio Bash @ The Front Saturday April 12

Most EXXcellent News…
Canberra unite!  That most excellent of institutions, 2XX radio station, needs your hard earned. The 2XXcellent Radio Bash will be all ages, drug ‘n’ alcohol free event, and will take place at The Front Gallery and Cafe in Lyneham on Saturday, April 12 from 5pm until 9pm. The snuggly abode will tout the slender handed wares of local musos Andi & George Band, Marianne & Jonathan Mettes, Tim Maloney, Inflatable Ingrid and Heidi Gill. But cast not your eyes from the page yet, my friends, for there’s more! Skate sessions by skateboard designer Ben Lewis and his company, London Tea, are expected to be another feature of the evening. Best of all, you get the support the station that has supported you for so long. Only $5 to get involved. Bam. Brought to you by 2XX and National Youth Week.

Operator Please @ ANU Saturday April 12

Manual of Operations
Much like Depeche Mode, they just can’t enough… of the ‘berra, that is! Operator Please return for third show in the last year, this time touting the latest cut from their LP, Leave it Alone. Off the back of constant overseas a tour, featuring an itinerary that’d make your eyes water, Operator Please are well prepped for another ANU Bar showing, this time joined by Little Red and Flamingo Crash. For another helping of Gold Coast-style pop, head along to the ANU on Saturday April 12. Tickets are $16 pre-sale from Ticketek or $20 on the door.

Creative Collision @ The Front Wednesday April 9

Face Off
On April 9, CackYaself at The Front becomes Creative Collision. In the realm of the arts that the arts don’t consider arts, two overweight lightweights will clash! In the red corner, from all over the world, the mighty team from Impro Theatre ACT - comprising Nick Byrne, Linda McHugh, Reid Workman and Ben Crowley - who will bring their word plays and games on the night. In the blue corner, the mighty Comedy ACT lads Tom Gibson, Geoff Setty, Kale Bogdanovs and Rick Meir. Your host and referee for the night will be Toby Halligan, so come along and see all the low blows and blood from 8.30 pm.

Song Summit Sydney (S³) @ Hordern Pavilion Thursday April 3

Ascend to the Summit
The inaugural Song Summit Sydney (S³), which commences at the Hordern Pavilion on Thursday April 3, has upped the ante with the announcement that the Hon Peter Garrett will deliver the keynote speech covering the topic The Politics of Art. The Summit, presented by APRA/AMCOS and the NSW Government, is a unique event dedicated to the art and craft of songwriting. The event will see music creators, managers, publishers, technicians, marketers, lawyers and deal makers get together for three dynamic days of learning, networking, workshops and, of course, performances. For more information on S3 check songsummit.com.au .

Witch Hats and Birds Love Fighting Gig Dates

Touch My Fires
Damnit children, get a mop! Why? Witch Hats are coming back to town and Birds Love Fighting is proudly supporting this rampage until this town burns to… uh. Gosh. I really put my foot in it didn’t I? Not as much as last time they were here! Right? Well, if you missed them last time then you won’t want to miss this show as Witch Hats are showing off their splendid new album Cellulite Soul. The boys will be shredding alongside locals Golden Buoy and The Cherry Marines at Bar 32 Gangbusters on Thursday April 10. The following Bar 32 Gangbusters on April 24, Ethereal bring their pop-rock-punk-splashing-around show all the way from the North Coast. These guys have played with some great names and some of our local bands up their way. We have a few Front Gallery shows approaching with Jane Dust on Friday April 18 with local swooners Voss and then only days later Europe’s Vialka and glass face breaking man Justice Yeldham team up in a DualPlover show on Tuesday April 22. Once more Birds Love Fighting says “show us ya bills!” and support live music.

The Scare & The Mess Hall @ The Greenroom Friday April 4

Scary Stuff
The “new wave/punk” label has been a scary notion for pundits and punters alike. Legendary journo Lester Bangs described it as representing “a fundamental and age-old Utopian dream… if you give people the license to be as outrageous as they want in absolutely any fashion they can dream up, they’ll be creative about it, and do something good besides.” I suppose calling yourself Kiss Reid doesn’t hurt, as does the vocalist of “new wave/punk” band The Scare. Nor does a never-say-stay working schedule, which has seen the two-year-strong Queensland quintet take up camp in Birmingham for the best part of the year for album Chivalry, before bedding down in the big smoke of Sydney. The Scare shall be helping to pack a double punch with The Mess Hall at The Greenroom on Friday April 4 in a playful jostle of angular guitars, stabbing vocal spurts, a raging rhythm section, and synth lines that sit somewhere between haunting and classical.

The Getaway Plan @ The Venue (Erindale) Sunday 6 April

Can’t Stand it, I Know you Planned it
After the extremely successful release of The Getaway Plan’s debut full-length album Other Voices, Other Rooms the band have announced a very special second show for Canberra fans on their sell-out national tour! They’ll play a licensed/all-ages show at The Venue in Erindale on Sunday 6 April. The success comes from year full of hard work in 2007. Between countless tours, including national supports for both The Used and My Chemical Romance, the band took a three-month trip to Florida to record the LP with US super-producer James Paul Wisner (Underoath, New Found Glory, Dashboard Confessional). Joining them for this second coming will be locals Kempsey, Escape Syndrome and Afraid You’ll Fall. Tickets on sale from all Moshtix Outlets. Doors at 4pm.

Against Me! @ The Greenroom Sunday April 27

Against the Grain
The last time Against Me! played at The Greenroom, it was the stuff of legend. The barrier that encircles the Greenroom stage was a direct result of the chaos that ensued when the US punk troupe let rip. From humble beginnings as a teenage solo acoustic act playing Laundromats, Against Me! have swelled into the thunderous four-piece we see today, and are returning to give Australia another serve of last year’s New Wave LP. Joining them will be Long Island-based punk band Crime in Stereo - comparable to Gorilla Biscuits, Brand New, and Lifetime – who themselves recently released their third effort Is Dead on Bridge Nine Records. They’ll once again brave the Greenroom stage on Sunday April 27 and, praise be, it’s a licensed/all ages affair. Tickets from Moshtix .

Irene Atman @ Hippo Wednesday 9 April

Come on Irene
Possessing a finely-crafted classical jazz voice, Irene Atman has been compared to that of a young Streisand. She’s being hailed across the world as one of the rising stars in jazz music today, releasing her self-titled debut album in late 2007 to critical acclaim. The LP is being released in Australia on April 5, closely followed by a promotional tour where she’ll be backed up by high-profile jazz musicians including Sydney’s own Dale Willis. Irene Atman will be gracing the Hippo Jazz Bar with her warm voice on April 9.

Dukes of Windsor ANU show CANCELLED

Dukes of Hazard
The forthcoming Dukes of Windsor ANU show – originally scheduled for Apr 5, then moved back to April 23 – has now been canned completely. Whilst heavy class A abuse, waking up in Brazil with no pants, and being on the wrong end of pistol duel with Eskimo Joe are all entertaining (and thoroughly wrong) potential reasons for said cancellation, the actuality is far less frivolous, with management stating the tour has experience dramatic dates shifts thanks to extraneous commitments (such as being selected to play for MTV showcase). But cheer up soggy bottoms – the troop are hoping for a Canberra stop come late May/ early June to support the new album, which should hit your ears around the late April/ early May.

Blacklist

BMA Band Profile

Where did your band name come from?
Random suggestion at a jam one night.

Group members:
Sepy (vocals), Jakey (guitars), Matty (guitars), Witty (bass), and Phatty (drums)

Describe your sound:
Acer Arena rock.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise?
Guns ‘N Roses, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing?
The first show was a nightmare. Broken strings, fucked leads, flimsy stage!

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?
Selling out three shows consecutively

What are your plans for the future?
Write music, record music, play music

What makes you laugh?
Green stuff. Oh, and bands that think they’re better than everyone else.

What pisses you off?
Arrogance

What’s your opinion of the local scene?
18+ kicks ass, AA seems like it doesn’t exist anymore…

What are your upcoming gigs?
April 5 – Jindabyne Public School (Youth Week)
April 12 – Blacklist Birthday Party at The Greenroom w/Zero Degrees and Falling and Gasma
Contact info:
Call Pat on 031 967 454
or email eldestsonmusic [at] hotmail [dot] com

DJ SHADOW AND CUT CHEMIST - Tonight We’re Gunna DJ Like It’s 2008!

DJ SHADOW AND CUT CHEMIST are bringing the Hard Sell tour to Australia, with an accompanying mix CD in tow. Based on the pair’s legendary Hollywood Bowl show last year, which incorporated eight turntables and two guitar loop pedals, the CD and the tour represent two of our generation’s finest turntablists pushing the musical, and their own technical, envelope. Both the boys jump on the horn for a few minutes to share their thoughts with BMA.

Shadow says that, in terms of this tour, ‘showcase’ isn’t a bad word. “There are people out there with a deep appreciation of music, and they want to be exposed to different types of music and have their musical vocabulary expanded. I think, on some level, my whole career has been based on that. In some ways I’m a gateway artist for other types of things to be experienced on a musical level. Almost like, it’s 1994, here’s what I’m into, go check it out. It’s 1996, my album reflects all the things I’m into, check it out. This set is very 2007/2008 for us. It’s about what we represent musically.

“Putting the set together really stretched my abilities because I’m not routinely used to doing a four turntable show. My most recent live show was four turntables, but they weren’t all vinyl turntables. If you throw a guitar pedal into the mix, which is something that Cut brought to the table, then we’re both using our hands and our feet. That’s what it is about. When we put a set together we’re not thinking ‘let’s do something we’re going to be comfortable with’. We try to put a set together where we think, ‘if we get through this thing, it’s going to be a miracle’. That is exciting to us. It is scary, but it’s when you are really alive as a DJ.

“I think someone who can do technical, precision tricks that I can’t do is cool to watch and learn from, but when it comes to playing in front of 2,000 people, my favourite DJs know how to do that, but they also know how to get a flow going, a sense of movement over the course of several hours, so that you feel like you’ve gone on a journey. There is an end that makes sense and impact at various places, rather than just 100 mile-a-minute technical tricks for an hour. I think both are important. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.”

Kid Koala is also on tour to support the pair for the first time, and Chemist says it’s been great having him along. “The best meal we’ve had so far was a home-cooked meal by Kid Koala’s wife. It was awesome. He plays all vinyl and we play all vinyl, so it’s part of the statement we’re trying to make. He’s been a lot of fun and is just one of those dudes who likes to see what’s going on and we’re learning from him and he’s learning from us. He’s like ‘hey man, let’s go out and check out some stand-up’. I’ve never had anybody ask me to see stand-up before and it was just crazy.”

Working together on vinyl since 1999’s Brainfreeze, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist have moved on considerably in the ensuing nine years, changing their set and evolving to keep ahead of the rest of the world.

The new show is quite different in terms of the types of music we are playing,” explains Cut Chemist. “We are playing more genres, more turntables, and more records. We’re utilising all eight decks during certain points of the set, but we don’t have eight of the same record playing. Not because of difficulty, but because we didn’t have eight copies of a record. But we are using all eight decks at once and sometimes it seems like we’re playing all eight of the same records.

“Initially, we came up with that number because we had to during one part of the routine. The very first thing we do is to recreate the notes from Close Encounters of the Third Kind that the spaceship makes, so since we needed eight turntables to do that, we just figured we would use eight turntables for the rest of the set and up the profile. This has been the very first set that has been entirely 45s. During Brainfreeze, we cheated a little bit just to do some of our own stuff because it was the first set we did together. We thought it was important to break the theme.”

Chemist says that he and Shadow originally paired up after a remix request from Shadow for Number Song back in 1996. “That was when we started taking it to another level, from shooting the shit about records to actually doing something that involved something career-oriented. And then after that it was Brainfreeze, which was just a couple of years later. I was asked to do a set in San Francisco at a show and they wanted me to team up with Shadow. We thought if we were going to do it, we should do it with all 45s and challenge ourselves, hence Brainfreeze was born.”

Evolution has always been a huge part of what Shadow and Cut Chemist do together. DJ Shadow says the pair has always been in competition with their peers and with the rest of the musical world to do things first, or better, or both. “In 1999, nobody was really mixing funk 45s. That isn’t to say it had never been done in the history of mankind, but it wasn’t something that was currently available to the listening public at that time. We wanted to provide that. In 2001 we wanted to follow up Brainfreeze with something that we felt was infinitely superior; in terms of record selection, sophistication and throwing in different types of music in there that stretched our abilities.

“With my own live show in 2002 CD turntables were brand new, so I threw them in. In 2006 Serato was just getting on its feet, so we threw that in. In 2002 I factored visuals into my show, which a few people were doing, but not many. In 2008 it is more common, but we want our visuals to be better than everyone else’s, with more sophistication and effort put into them. We want to put a show out there where, if you pay to see it, you’ll be like, ‘I’ve never really seen anything like that before, that was pretty cool, that was cutting edge, that was as good as I’m going to see; that was DJing in 2008.”

DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist present The Hard Sell on Wednesday April 23 at UC. Without a shadow of a doubt these tix will sell extremely fast, but you can’t get ’em at your local chemist, only Landspeed or Moshtix . The Hard Sell is out now on Reconstruction.

Haunted Attics

BMA Band Profile

Where did your band name come from?
A Radiohead lyric, from the song True Love Waits.

Group members:
Jacob (vocals/guitar), George (guitar), Nigel (keys), Adrian (bass) and Nick (drums).

Describe your sound:
Audible… we’re inspired by David Bowie, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Supergrass.

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise?
Mr Whippy, angry library ladies, tuxedos and snap pants.

What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing?
Jake crash-tackling Nick with a flying leap over the drum kit (too much no-doze).

What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?
Our debut six-track EP. It’s banging. We recorded down in Melbourne at Salt Studios, it was produced by Elmo Hevey and mastered by Jack the Bear.

What are your plans for the future?
Jake - to grow a beard.
George - to sell marble columns in the Bronx.
Nigel - to perform as Simba in the Lion King Musical.
Adrian - to feel comfortable in golf pants.
Nick - to have my own perfume line.

What makes you laugh?
Bands that try and cram too many instruments on the stage (we are guilty of this ourselves and have a bad habit of cluttering up venues with xylophones, melodicas and mandibles).

What pisses you off?
People who hold back sneezes.

What’s your opinion of the local scene?
It’s nearby… There are some awesome bands, but they don’t get the appreciation and attention they deserve.

What are your upcoming gigs?
We are having a launch party for our debut EP at Transit Bar on Thursday, April 3 - we would love it if you came along. Our EP will be on sale on the night for $10. We will be joined by the musical talents of Hancock Basement, From the South and Jonny Telafone. FREE ENTRY!

Contact Info:
Shoot us an email at band [at] hauntedatticsmusic [dot] com .
You can also check us out at myspace or the Haunted Attics website (check out the free download of our single We Eat Young Souls).

Architecture in Helsinki @ University of Canberra Friday May 9

Dancing to Architecture
Harumph, harrumph. I remember back in my day, you’d walk five miles in the snow to see Architecture in Helsinki play to three men and a dog for thruppence, and you’d have enough change for a slice of moon pie and a twizler at the Deli. And if you lost a couple of digits to frostbite, you’d fall to your knees in thanks and count yourself lucky you hadn’t ended up like Cousin Irma, frozen solid outside McDougall’s barn. We didn’t have yer fancy ‘UC Refectories,’ or your ‘special, limited edition, Like It Or Not singles jammed with exclusive new tracks and remixes,’ given away to everyone who turned up, and we certainly didn’t have your ‘very special international guests’! But don’t mind me, I’m just bitter I never got those X-Ray Spex for Christmas. Just grab the Learjet down to the UC on Friday May 9 for you one and only chance to catch the Architects frenetically entertaining and endearingly idiosyncratic antics in 2008.

Sydney City Trash @ The Basement Saturday March 29

Trash Talkin’
After a wonderfully debauched showing by all present at the Jamison Inn last year, cowboy punks Sydney City Trash are returning once again with their mates Run For Cover as part of the Dollar for the Bottle Tour. It’s a fundraising tour of sorts, with all proceeds going towards paying for the alcohol that will be consumed whilst on said tour. Ingenious. So mosey on down to The Basement on Saturday March 29 and witness one of Australia’s finest live acts doing what they do best. Local supports include similarly larger-fuelled rockers The VeeBees, The O’Hooligans and Eye Gouge.

Witch Hats - Cellulite Soul CD Launch @ Bar 32 Thursday April 10

Ding, Dong, The Witch’s Back
Rummaging through the bones of ’60s pop, late ’70s post-punk, ’80s and ’90s noise rock, Melbourne fourpiece Witch Hats (right) are the ideal antidote to a world that celebrates the vacuous pursuits of the celebrity classes, cheap corporate rhetoric and the disposable lifestyle. Released on March 1 via In-Fidelity Recordings, Cellulite Soul is Witch Hats debut album and is the highly anticipated follow up to their acclaimed 2006 EP Wound Of A Little Horse. The album features their unique sonic: a frenzied skree of sex noises, papercuts to the tongue and electrified, ozone melting howls. Raw, primitive and compelling,
Cellulite Soul is the sound of the vulgar reality that seethes beneath the thin veneer of humanity. Quickly gathering local and national notoriety for their fuzz ‘n’ swamp drenched live attack, Witch Hats will unleash songs from Cellulite Soul at their Canberra CD Launch on Thursday April 10 at Bar 32’s Gangbusters night.

Potential Falcon @ Transit Bar Thursday March 27

Still Flyin’
In news hot off the mojo wire, Melbourne indie-rock nice guys Potential Falcon are heading to Canberra for a show on Thursday March 27 at the Transit Bar. They’ll be road-testing fresh tracks from their forthcoming album, so pop along and let ‘em know if they’re any cop, ‘kay.

They’ll also be joined by the wandering beard himself, Tom Woodward (’a recent ex-Canberran,’ apparently) and Lloyd Alison-Young. As always, the show won’t cost you a bean, and will kick off around the 8.30pm mark.

Birds Love Fighting, Gangbusters shows announced

One Flew Over My Cuckoo Nest
Another moment for Birds Love Fighting to be witty and informative! Great! We have a nice collection of shows approaching for your listening and visual pleasure. Sunday March 23 sees a special Easter show at The Front with Mousetrapreplica as well as great local support acts. On Thursday March 27, Gangbusters at Bar 32 rips Civic a ‘new one’ with The Consequence, The Woods, Hardluck and Slowburn. Loud! April then gives screaming birth to Witch Hats on Thursday 10, so that’ll be kicking off a heck busy month, stay tuned. That’s it from us, but do keep your eye on the Birds Love Fighting myspace page as we’re always coming up with new shows. We love it when a show comes together.

Kash Boys LP Launch The Birth @ Garema Place April 4 and 11 from 6pm with Kulture Break

Gimme My Kash
Canberra based hip-hop duo Kash Boys are set to drop their much anticipated LP The Birth on March 11. Comprising MCs KAG and Shaka (ie. KA-SH), the pair have been slaving away on the record since 2005. Bolstered with blazin’ beats from production mavericks Israel and the Nu Firm, the album is poised for big things. Sydney RNB luminary has his money on the lads, quipping “The Kash Boys music is nothing like Australia has ever heard, let alone owned.” With the album available in Landspeed now, the lads will be hitting Garema Place on April 4 and 11 from 6pm with Kulture Break. Grab a listen to some of the record on their myspace page and support local hip-hop.

FOURPLAY

WHAT GENRE-DEFYING STRING QUARTET
WHERE STREET THEATRE
WHEN MAR 27 & 28

You there, ever wanted to sit in on a recording session? Well now’s your chance, as genre-defying string quartet Fourplay are making a rare trip to Canberra, and will cut a live album at the Street Theatre while they’re in town. While the four are famous for their re-interpretations of modern classics (Metallica, Beastie Boys, Robert Johnson, The Strokes, Radiohead, Cocteau Twins, Rage Against The Machine – the list goes on), they’re also formidable composers themselves, throwing rock, pop, post-rock, neo-classical, jazz, klezmer, swing, folk-tronica, hip-hop and more into the mix and liberally seasoning the brew with effects pedals and even the odd vocal or two. With three studio albums and a double remix album - featuring contributions from 25 Australian electronic artists - to their name, the opportunity to catch these talented folk at work, crafting their forthcoming LP Fourthcoming, is an opportunity not to be missed. They play three shows, on March 27 at 8pm, and March 28 at 7.30 and 9.30pm. Bookings at the Street on 6247 1223.

TINA COUSINS

WHAT DANCEFLOOR DIVA
WHERE CUBE
WHEN FRI MAR 21

It’s not often that Canberra is graced with a genuine 21st Century diva, which makes the imminent arrival of dance floor queen Tina Cousins all the more thrilling. While forging her name as the emotive voice powering Sash!’s ‘98 worldwide smash Mysterious Times, Tina has proved herself a formidable talent in her own right, finding success in the UK, Europe and Australia, where she’s particularly popular. She established herself with the Killing Time LP, released on Jive (Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Steps, Backstreet Boys), as well as another Sash! collaboration, Just Around The Hill and followed up with sophomore release Mastermind - which features the single Wonderful Life, currently soundtracking that Hotys ad in cinemas across Oz. Last in Australia on Australian Idol Anthony Callea’s national tour, Tina is back for an exclusive show on Friday March 21 at Cube. Tina has the ability to impress even the most jaded clubber with her show and, unlike many of her pop princess peers, actually sings live. With new single Everlong and a career overview disc looming in 2008, the Tina juggernaut continues unabated. Tickets $18 on the door, 9pm.

WENDY RULE

WHAT MELBOURNE DIVA OF THE SHADOWS
WHERE THE FRONT, LYNEHAM
WHEN THU APR 3

Melbourne diva of the shadows Wendy Rule makes a rare visit to Canberra for a special solo show at the city’s cosiest little venue, The Front Café and Gallery. Dark, rich and emotive, her music reflects her love of mythology and hints at the likes of Nick Cave, Bjork, Kate Bush, Dead Can Dance and Jocelyn Pook. She has released five full-length studio albums, as well as a recent Meditation album. Whether performing solo, or with a full band, her live performances are truly unique, blending ritual and music to create an unforgettable experience for her audience. With two international tours and a string of interstate shows already booked for 2008, this will be your only chance this year to experience one of Australia’s most enigmatic and prolific artists. Immerse yourself in her unique musical magic. From 8pm, $15 entry. For more info head to the Wendy Rule website or her myspace site .

CANBERRA’S ARTISTES

WHAT MADE IN CANBERRA: FORGING ACTS OF IMAGINATION
WHERE STREET THEATRE
WHEN APPLICATIONS CLOSE MARCH 28

In September and October 2008, the Street Theatre will present a curated season of independent performance works relating to all parts of the creative development process - from earliest inklings to definitive work. The Street Theatre is encouraging all artists and ensembles to act now and grab this creative development opportunity. Proposals can be made for the presentation of existing performance work or for the development of ideas into performance. Proposals can be for Street 1 or Street 2 and cover a time period from one day/night to two weeks. Projects can be single or multi artform, but must be primarily live performance based. For expression of interest guidelines go to the Street Theatre website . The street encourages; imaginative use of Street 1 or Street 2; innovative approaches to the development and presentation of live performance work; expressions and explorations of the character of Canberra; artists who mix up artforms and genres; diversity of arts practice and cultures. And don’t hang about, you filth, ’cause proposals are due on March 28.

RUBIX CUBA

WHAT NEWCASTLE SKA KINGS
WHERE THE PHOENIX
WHEN WED APR 2

After spending 2007 in the studio with ARIA Award-winners Dave Henderson and Rob Taylor, Newcastle ska septet Rubix Cuba are set to release their debut album With Life in August (coinciding with the band’s tour of Japan). Formed in 2001, Rubix Cuba have forged a reputation as a hard-working party act, playing alongside the likes of Reel Big Fish, Mad Caddies, The Specials, The Beat, The Bronx and Royal Crown Revue. As a band, these Cubans boast more stylistic twists and turns than a capitalist ’80s fad and create more delightful contradictions than a communist dictator. Bringing pop for ska fans and ska for pop fans, as well as a giant Rubik’s Cube mascot named Cubie, Rubix Cuba is hitting the road with emo/lamecore act Heartbreak Club. That’s right, it’s variety night without the meat raffle, spanning ska, latin and swing, rock, punk and, ahem, emo.

The Mess Hall - Another Serve

I spent the last day of 2007 in the sweltering Tasmanian sun, surrounded by hundreds of bogans, and my boys, screaming the words to all of the songs in THE MESS HALL’s set. The ease and comfort with which they transformed The Falls Festivals’ main stage into their own is perhaps the perfect metaphor to describe how the Mess Hall turned last year into their year.

“I’d have to say that this album has been more successful then the last one!” Cec Condon, drummer extraordinaire, exclaims when comparing 2005’s Notes From the Ceiling to the Devil’s Elbow LP, released last September. The album secured the duo (completed by vocalist/guitarist Jed Kurzel) the prestigious, peer-judged AMP Award and also nabbed a triple j Album of the Week slot, while the Herald Sun awarded the Keep Walking video Clip of the Year.
Cec speaks proudly of not just the album, but of the maturation of the band since their previous release. “We have definitely matured since our last release. I think Jed’s songwriting has gone from strength to strength, particularly in a lyrical sense, and our playing is reflecting this.

We see our albums as a snapshot of where we were at musically at that particular point in time.

“There were also some personal circumstances in Jed’s life at the time that definitely helped shape a good portion of the album,” Cec continues. “I think of it as a very observational album, and it comes across in the lyrics.” 2007 was also the year Australia’s favourite two-piece expanded their lineup to include a third member on the live stage, the third party in question being no less then Gerling’s very own Burke Reid. “Burke produced, engineered and mixed Devil’s Elbow,” Cec says of his contribution for the album. “He’s a great friend of ours, so the transition was an obvious and natural one to us. The three piece idea live was to try and emulate the album’s songs as closely as possible on stage. We tried this and didn’t feel it necessary to have everything exactly the same in the live show, so now we’re back to being a two-piece - much cheaper!” he jokes.

The recent streamlining of the band’s live line-up couldn’t have come at a better time, both musically and fiscally, seeing as the lads will shortly be embarking on a no doubt coveted support slot for next month’s Foo Fighters tour. Surely playing with a band of that calibre, in venues of a size up until this point foreign for the Mess Hall, must be intimidating? But spoken as a true drummer, Cec is “more excited than anything. I learnt to play the drums along to the Nevermind album, so it’ll be pretty special meeting Dave Grohl. Nirvana are one of our favourite bands as well.” After the headlining tour and the support shows, The Mess Hall intend on returning overseas, funded by their AMP Award-winning money. One of Cec’s outstanding live highlights occurred on their first US tour, opening for Wolfmother in Florida, and as he describes “one of our best shows and also one of the best reactions we’ve received as well.” So, can the Canberra crowd expect to be as lucky when they play The Greenroom? “Depends if any of you crazy bastards come out to see the show!” Cec laughs.

The Mess Hall play The Greenroom in Phillip on Friday April 4, with The Scare, as part of the Pulse Tour. Tickets $15 from Moshtix outlets. Devil’s Elbow is out now on Ivy League.

British India @ The Greenroom Friday April 18

Chaps keen for a spot of bratty garage rock can’t do much better than popping out to a British India concert. The fresh-faced Melbourne youths are famed for their frenetic live show, and the four have had ample opportunity to hone their set further over their exhaustive gigging schedule over the past year, which culminated in a national slot on the Big Day Out campaign trail. Before they duck back into the studio for album number two, again with former Easybeats guitarist and AC/DC producer Harry Vanda producing, the lads will wring out their final drop of energy with a brief national jaunt, stopping by The Greenroom in Phillip on Friday April 18. Hover around the Moshtix site , ’cause tickets will go on sale soon.

Horsell Common @ The Greenroom Thursday March 20

Far From Common
Four years in the making, Horsell Common’s debut LP, The Rescue has had all and sundry rushing in to lavish praise on it.
Hell, it even garnered the prestigious BMA Choice award for album of the week, so you know it’s gonna be a bit of alright. A solid slab of impassioned, post-hardcore inflected rock, the album is tailored to packed, sweaty, beer-drenched speakeasies, so it’s lucky that the lads are swinging by on Thursday March 20 for a little drop in at The Greenroom in Phillip. Joining them will be good chums Trail Kennedy, Adelaide’s Mere Theory and local Lamexcuse, hand-picked by the Horsell lads via their online competition to hunt down local supports in each city. Tickets are $10 + bf from Moshtix, or $15 on the door if available. Unfortunately for all you plucky youngsters, it’s an over-18s show, but knowing the Common’s insatiable thirst for touring, they’ll know doubt be back in town soon enough.