Elizabeth Rowley

All Ages

Hey kids! This is my last ever All Ages column for you guys! I hope you've enjoyed reading as much as I have keeping you up to date on everything that's going on around town. Remember to always keep having fun and keep supporting Canberra's music industry and hopefully it'll catch up to the rest of Australia (fingers crossed!!).

Reminding all you rap-core fans out there to check out Deez Nuts when they hit up the Woden Basketball Stadium on Tuesday October 6. Forming after the sad split of metal-core group I Killed the Prom Queen, JJ Peters joined forces with Stu, Sean Kennedy and Ty and have ever since been Ausfags' favourite rap-core lads. Joining them will be Miles away, Antagonist AD, In Trenches and Blkout!

Friday October 9 will see Terror, Stick to Your Guns and Against taking the stage at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre. Terror are one of America's most popular hardcore punk/metal-core bands at the moment and with the demand from us Aussies to bring their relentlessly touring arses down here, the lads have decided that now is the time for it! With their frontman Scott Vogel bringing crazy amounts of energy and enthusiasm, Terror are a band that you'd be kicking yourself to miss. Stick to Your Guns are Orange County's hardcore homeboys who, since forming in 2004, have created for themselves a reputation of positive lyrics and straightedge creed. Since the 2008 release of Comes From the Heart, the SXHC (straightedge hardcore) lads have created themselves hordes of fans all over the world. So make sure you get down and check it out.

And some big news on the Trackside front, Parkway Drive, Tame Impala and Cut off Your Hands have all been added to the already brilliant lineup of Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Midnight Juggernauts, The Mess Hall, Drapht, Miami Horror (live), After The Fall, The Basics, Cassette Kids, Calling All Cars, The Galvatrons, Low Budget, Hercules In NY, Purple Sneakers DJs (PhDJ, Ben Lucid and M.I.T) and the triple j Unearthed Winner!

Parkway Drive are undoubtedly Australia's most popular metal-core band and after just finishing their massive headlining tour, the lads are about to re-hit Canberra just for the Tracky Festival (yeah, I made a new nickname :3). As well as Parkway, Tame Impala are Perth's local psychedelic rock three-piece who are going to bring a bit of sunshine and happiness into our lives, or so they hope! And lastly (in my opinion, the most exciting addition to the lineup, but shh, don't tell Parkway that! Heh) Cut Off Your Hands are New Zealand's very own indie post-punk band. Originally known as the Shaky Hands, however having to change that because of legal action taken by another similarly named group, Cut Off Your Hands have fast created themselves a huge array of fans and a brilliant brand of eclectic indie post-punk tunes. So make sure you grab your tickets, if you haven't already, and get on down because this is sure to be the biggest Tracky Festival (hehe) ever!

50 Lions frontman Oscar McCall is the brother of Parkway Drive frontman Winston McCall, so we know that they have at least one good thing going for them! Having been named after a poker machine at the local pokies, 50 Lions are Byron Bay hardcore punk locals looking to make some good music and have a good time along the way. In light of the release of their new album, Where Life Expires in this coming October, the boys are hitting the road along with Trapped Under Ice. So get on down to the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Sunday November 26 at 4pm.

That's all from me kids! Keep partying and keep having fun! Catch ya!!

All Ages

Hey kids, I hope you've all been getting out to some of these shows taking place in our humble little city as of late. It's not often we see so many bands of such a high quality that have been here lately!

Saturday September 26 will see local power pop lads Zero Degrees, alternative rockers Point Of View, indie grunge-sters Fallsuit Theory and funky rock lads West of the Sun rockin' up the Woden Youth Centre. You have absolutely no excuses for not heading on down either, because it is 100%, absolutely, positively FREE! Doors open at 7pm, so you've got time to study up and finish off all those assignments (or, if you're like me, pretend to be doing them and sit there on Facebook and MySpace all day...) before you head over! Zero Degrees are Canberra's very own chilled out power pop foursome, who want nothing more than to get out and have a good time. They don't aim to change the world, but simply want to have a great time doing what they love. Another reason you should get yourself down there - the lads need help to break in their new keyboardist and word on the street is the lads have a huge announcement! Also, Zero Degrees have just launched their new official MySpace page, so if you get time between procrastinating and 'assignments,' make sure you check it out at www.myspace.com/zerodegreesonline. So head on over, or you'll be missing out big time!

Deez Nuts. It's really not necessary for me to say more (but you know I will... eheheh). Indisputably, Australia's favourite rap-core band, well, ever! Deez Nuts formed when metalcore band I Killed the Prom Queen split up in 2007 and JJ Peters teamed up with Stu, Sean Kennedy and Ty. Ever since, the boys have created themselves a mass of fans and you can't walk through Civic or past the Goon Bag without seeing at least one sad-looking, pale-faced kid wearing a pair of Deez Nuts mosh shorts or t-shirt. Joining the lads at the Southern Cross Woden Basketball Stadium will be Miles away, Antagonist AD, In Trenches and Blkout! on Tuesday October 6.

The Tuggeranong Youth Centre has played a huge part in helping out Canberra's local music scene by hosting and looking after some of our younger bands, but they've also helped to provide some of the biggest acts with a stage to play on. Friday October 9 will see Terror, Stick to Your Guns and Against hitting our favourite venue.

Canberra's very own Trackside Festival will see some of our favourite bands galloping into the Thoroughbred Park this Saturday November 21. Featuring Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Midnight Juggernauts, The Mess Hall, Drapht, Koolism, After the Fall, Miami Horror, House vs. Hurricane, The Basics, Cassette Kids, The Galvatrons, Hercules in New York, Purple Sneakers Stage and the triple j Unearthed winner. Plus more to be announced! Tickets are $85 + bf and can be nabbed from Landspeed Records, Moshtix or Ticketek.

A staple in Australia's hardcore scene, 50 Lions have fast made themselves a huge following of young hardcore kids since forming in 2005. Aiming for a more traditional hardcore sound and with most of their peers heading into the softer areas, these guys aim to keep it heavy. Frontman Oscar McCall, brother of Parkway Drive vocalist Winston McCall, provides 50 Lions with ripping vocals and the down to earth attitude his brother brings to Parkway Drive. Joining the boys will be US band Trapped Under Ice. They will be playing on Sunday November 8 at 4pm at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre.

Well that's all there is to report on this fortnight! Catch ya!

All Ages

A huge amount to fill you in on this fortnight! So I'll get right into it.

Break Even are one of Australia's freshest hardcore outfits. This Perth five-piece have created for themselves a massive, loyal fanbase since forming in 2005. Fresh off the Drunk and Disorderly Tour with Deez Nuts and The Amity Affliction, these guys are about to hit the road again for their massive headlining tour, The Bright Side Tour, in support of their most recent album release, The Bright Side. The Bright Side is a story of birth, death and everything that comes in between. These guys are a hardcore band with a difference; whilst their peers play anger-filled songs, Break Even break the mould by playing about the bright side of life. So get down to the Tuggers Youth Centre on Tuesday October 13.

Hard ACT to Follow is a CD that encompasses a range of live recordings of some of the ACT's best rock, punk and metal bands. The album captures the atmosphere and energy of the local underground music scene. This is all in a bid to encourage and promote live and local music in Australia and we Canberrans know how important it is to get out and support local bands, to show the big guys how much fun we are! The all ages Hard Act to Follow CD Launch is held on Friday September 25 at the Woden Youth Centre. Entry is $5 and it kicks off at 6pm and runs 'til 9pm. Featuring local acts Stigmata, Friend or Enemy, Corgi Crisis and Inpowered.

On the topic of supporting local bands, make sure you get out to Digbyfest #3 at the Woden Youthie on Saturday September 12 at 5pm. Featuring Los Capitanes, Paqman, Pleased to Jive You, Astrochem and Slovac (as well as some ultra-special guests), make sure you pop out and support some local boys doing what they love and have a good time! You can grab your tickets by emailing your name to: tickets@post-op.net.

One of my favourite bands at the moment and definitely one of the most exciting gigs to look out for is The Red Shore at the Weston Creek Community Centre this Sunday September 13. The Red Shore are one of Australia's most prominent metal bands at the moment and even if you haven't heard them before, I assure you they're bloody amazing! Joining them will be For the Fallen Dreams and Shinto Katana. Tickets are on sale now from Moshtix and Landspeed Records.

Yet another brill' lineup of local talent - pop out and see Point Of View, Zero Degrees, Fallsuit Theory and West of The Sun at the Woden Youth Centre this Saturday September 26. And you've got no excuses not to, because it's free! Yep, free! Now how often do we get such a talented group of bands coming together for free!?! So get on your bikes and get yourselves down there.

Deez Nuts, Miles Away, Antagonist AD, In Trenches and Blkout! are coming together to put on a fan-bloody-tastic little 'do for us young Canberrans. Deez Nuts are one of the most popular bands on the hardcore scene at the moment and all the cool kids are going to be there, so get on down to The Southern Cross Woden Basketball Stadium on Tuesday October 6.

Yet another epic hardcore/metal gig coming up for us kids of Canberra - Terror, Stick to Your Guns and Against will be hitting up the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Friday October 9. So if you aren't all moshed out after the array of hardcore and metal gigs we've got coming up, get on down and check it out! Tickets are on sale from Moshtix and Landspeed Records.

Trackside Festival is back and bigger than ever before, with an epic lineup including Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Midnight Juggernauts, The Mess Hall, Drapht, Koolism, After the Fall, Miami Horror, House Vs Hurricane, The Basics, Cassette Kids, The Galvatrons, Hercules in New York, Purple Sneakers Stage and the triple j Unearthed winner, you'd be bonkers to miss it! Tickets are already on sale from Landspeed Records, Moshtix and Ticketek for $85+bf.

I'm out! Catch ya!

All Ages

Hey guys! Plenty to fill you in on this week! We've had an influx of bands heading our way and it doesn't look as though it's going to slow down until at least after Trackside! So get out there and rock on!

Los Capitanes, Paqman, Pleased to Jive You, Astrochem, Slovac and some ultra-extra-super-dooper special guests will be joining forces to bring us a night of music and fun at Digbyfest #3.

Los Capitanes are Canberra's very own reggae/ska band who will be playing their very first all ages gig since January. Having formed in 2002, these guys have fast made a name for themselves on the local music scene. This funky eight-piece are one of the most energetic, silly and catchy bands around. They'll have you jammin' out, pondering over some of their delightful lyrics and maybe even bring the odd giggle to the surface. Joining Los Caps will be Paqman who are returning home from Melbourne just to play for us Canberran youngsters. Pleased to Jive You are Canberra's second highest ranked band in triple j's Unearthed. Also joining them will be the out of this world Astrochem and psychedelic funksters Slovac. And if that's not enough for you, there's going to be some extra special guests! So get yourself on down to the Woden Youth Centre on Saturday September 12, starting at 5pm. Tickets are on sale now; just send an email to tickets@post-op.net, telling them your name and get ready to have a smashing time!

Death metal aficionados The Red Shore will be tearing up the Weston Creek Community Centre on Sunday September 13. With their roaring vocals, shredding riffs and intense kicks, these guys are sure to knock your socks off. If you haven't heard of these guys (I'm not sure if you've been living under a rock all your life...) it is definitely worth your while to check them out. Having played alongside some truly iconic metal bands, these guys have proven that they're worth it. So for all you metalheads, get out there and check them out. Joining the lads will be The War and Shinto Katana. Tickets are on sale now through Moshtix or Landspeed Records.

Hitting up the Woden Youthie on Saturday September 26 will be Canberra locals Point Of View, with special guests Zero Degrees, Fallsuit Theory and West of the Sun. And you know the best part about this show? "There's more than a couple of mad-arse, awesome bands joining up to rock out, all for us!?" I hear you say? Well yes, yes there is. This show, my friends, is 100% completely free! Yep, that's right, zip, zilch, zero! So you can put your coin purses away and save your pennies. The festivities kick off at 6.30pm and don't forget, guys and girls - it's a drug and alcohol free event!

Rap-core lads Deez Nuts are going to be tearing the roof off of the Southern Cross Basketball Stadium on Tuesday October 6. Deez Nuts are blowing Australia away with their unique sound and the churning pits that erupt wherever they perform. I myself have pretty much had their first album, Stay True, on constant repeat ever since I first heard it when it was released in October last year. So I give you my own personal guarantee that this is well worth your hard earned dosh. Joining Deez Nuts will be Miles Away, Antagonist AD, In Trenches and Blkout!

That's all we've got time for this week lads and lassies, but I've got plenty more to fill you in on next fortnight! So keep your eye out, as there are plenty more epic bands and events coming our way; including Break Even, Terror, Stick To Your Guns, Against and this year's Trackside. Ta ta!

Liz Rowley

All Ages

‘Sup kids. I hope you guys had a mad holiday and are all having fun back at school and getting ready for a few stressful months before the next holiday break! Anyhow, let’s get straight into the important stuff and see what’s happening on the all ages circuit for all of us Canberra kids.

Trackside is back with a bigger and better lineup than ever before! Saturday November 21 will see some of our favourite acts hittin’ up the nation’s capital for Trackside ‘09, such as Hilltop Hoods, Karnivool, Midnight Juggernauts, The Mess Hall, Drapht, Koolism, After the Fall, Miami Horror, Calling All Cars, The Basics, Cassette Kids and many more. Tickets are $85 + bf and are on sale on Friday August 21. You can get your hands on these babies from Landspeed Records, Moshtix or Ticketek.

I am a tad surprised that Short Stack won’t be playing at Trackside this year but I guess they are too busy with their shopping mall tour around Australia. Apparently, the one million tours they have done this year isn’t enough for the boys and they’ve announced a brand new tour for December where they will plug the release of their first (and hopefully only) album Stack Is the New Black. So watch out for a flock of swooning teenage girls during December which is sure to herald the boys’ arrival to our great city.

On Friday August 14 at 6 pm till 10 pm the Woden Youth Centre will be holding an epic event that’s sure to get your weekend off to an amazing start. Hitting up the Youthie will be Fallsuit Theory, Astro Chem, Lights Out, A Nightime Sky and So Long Safety. The cost is only $6 and it’s a drug and alcohol free environment, so get on down and have some (sober) fun, kiddos.

As previously mentioned in my humble little column, Parkway Drive, August Burns Red and Architects will be smashing their way through the Southern Cross Woden Basketball Stadium on Sunday August 16. Tickets are $33.36 and are already available from  Moshtix and Landspeed Records.

One of the most exciting shows coming up (well in my opinion at least) is when The Red Shore, For the Fallen Dreams and Shinto Katana will be moshing into the Weston Creek Community Centre on Sunday September 13. Tickets are now available from Moshtix.

Deez Nuts (woo!) are going to be rapping and smashing up the Southern Cross Woden Basketball Stadium on Tuesday October 6. This is pretty much one of the most popular bands at the moment guys, so you’d be nuts to miss out on this epic show. Joining Deez Nuts will be Miles Away, Antagonist AD, In Trenches and Blkout!

And last but not least, The Winter Wonderland Urban Music Festival will be raving into the UCU Refectory on Friday August 14. This event is aimed at motivating young Australians to make positive and healthy lifestyle choices. The idea of this under 18s event is to help today’s youth get down and party in a safe, drug free environment.

Peace out kids of Canberra, hope you guys have a sick time at some awesome gigs. Catch you soon.

Parkway Drive

PARKWAY DRIVE are fast becoming one of Australia's most beloved metal-core bands; since the 2007 release of their second album, Horizons, the band have shot straight to the top, with legions of devoted fans all over the world. And I was lucky enough to have a chat with Parkway frontman, Winston McCall.

Australia is not widely known overseas for our metal exports, but Parkway Drive are a taste of our best. With the upcoming release of their DVD, these non-stop touring machines will hit the road once again to bring us a taste of their intricate riffs, bone-crushing beats and bloodcurdling screams.

Parkway Drive have well and truly made their mark on the metal-core map, having moshed their way from Byron Bay to take over the world. "[The crowds are] really, really good, especially in Europe... it's kind of like Australia was three years ago," explains McCall. "It just seems to grow every time we go back, it's really cool." And although the band love taking the show overseas, there's no place like home. "It's just insane, no matter how crazy crowds get overseas, you come back and you play and you go 'oh my god!'"

The band are influenced by a huge range of artists. McCall says his biggest inspiration is "absolutely everything. Bad Religion's my all time favourite band; punk rock bands to start with and these days I gain inspiration from everywhere - Nick Cave, The Killers, Social Distortion, Kanye West... everything."

For McCall, the music and the message have always been simple - "treat everyone the same way that you'd like to be treated. We live in this amazing world and if you want to see the one thing that's wrong with it, it's the way that humans treat their surroundings and the people that live in them. The biggest difference that can be made in the world always starts with one person."

 On the subject of the DVD set for release on August 7 McCall says "there's a hell of a lot of footage on there from all over the world, it's a pretty mixed affair." He's pretty passionate when it comes to his favourite song, Boneyards. "Ever since we wrote it, it pretty much captured everything I liked about the band and everything I like about our type of music."

Last time the lads were in Canberra, Winston had an unfortunate incident where "I pretty much almost broke my back halfway through the set. I felt all the muscles tear from one side to the other and just collapsed and had to spend the rest of the set holding my back and standing still. I don't know if anyone noticed."

Parkway Drive will hopefully avoid serious injury when they take the stage on Sunday August 16 at the Southern Cross Woden Basketball Stadium, along with August Burns Red (US) and Architects (UK). Tickets through Moshtix.

All Ages

What's up kids? I hope you're all having a fabulous school holidays! Not getting into too much trouble, I trust. Moving right into the shows, we've got a few action packed months coming up in terms of gigs for us underaged Canberrans, so we'll get right into it.

Friday July 31 will see Astrochem, Escape Syndrome, Fallsuit Theory, West of the Sun and Fight the Fall come together for a good cause. The event will be raising money for orphans and other people living in poverty in Africa. The orphanage is called the Emmanuel Kedogo Rescue Centre or the EKRC. Children in Africa who live on the streets are vulnerable to all kinds of abuse and criminal activity and have no access to healthcare or education. The EKRC provides refuge for 30-40 boys aged from 17-19. The EKRC provides these young men with a specialised diet, healthcare, education and, where possible, they are reconnected with their families. The centre relies on donations and charities to continue its work. Without the EKRC many more young people would still be living on the streets, exposed to crime and drugs. Admission is only $7, so for such a small price this is your opportunity to help raise money for young people like ourselves living in Nairobi. So get yourselves down to the Woden Youthie, it's for a good cause after all.

Byron Bay's Parkway Drive, the USA's August Burns Red and the UK's Architects will be smashing their way through the Southern Cross Woden Basketball Stadium on Sunday August 16. Tickets are $33.36 and are already available from www.moshtix.com or Landspeed Records.

Wednesday August 26 will see the world's most beloved heavy metal entertainer rock his way into the Royal Theatre. That's right, Alice Cooper is taking to the stage and bringing his guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, boa constrictors and baby dolls with him; as well as his trademark theatrical and violent brand of the most shocking heavy metal. Having helped shape the look and sound of classic heavy metal, Alice Cooper is a god amongst fellow metal rockers and fans alike. You won't want to miss this once in a life time opportunity to see a legend of heavy metal in the flesh.

Deez Nuts is one of the most popular rap-core bands at the moment, and when they join up with such epic bands as Miles Away, Antagonist AD, In Trenches and Blkout! on Tuesday October 6, it's going to be one of the biggest shows Canberra has seen in ages. So get on down to the Southern Cross Woden Basketball Stadium because you'll be kicking yourself if you miss out on this one.

Fresh out of the US, Terror are the determined hardcore loyalists who have earned themselves a reputation as the 'guardians of old school hardcore.' These guys are non-stop touring machines and since they formed seven years ago the group has never spent more than a month off the road. Shredding metal-tinged guitars, breakneck drum lines, slick bass lines and their trademark blood curdling vocals are what make Terror one of the most iconic hardcore bands of our time. Hitting Australia for the fourth time, Terror will be joined by fellow American lads Stick to Your Guns and our very own Against. Bridging the gap between the young and the old by combining no-frills, traditional hardcore and the intensity of the new generation, these guys put on one hell of an intense show. Terror will be smashing up the Tuggers Youth Centre on Friday October 9 and tickets are on sale from www.moshtix.com.au or Landspeed Records.

I'm out! Catch ya!

Liz Rowley
elizabeth_rowley@live.com.au

All Ages

Yo yo yo, boys and girls! It's so strange how every year is exactly the same - it's either hot enough to roast your buns off or cold enough to freeze them off. Yet we are all so surprised when winter comes along. Seriously people, you can't say you were expecting winter to have a holiday this year. You can't turn up to school or work wearing summer's equivalent and complain about the cold. You did this to yourselves people! Well that's my rant for this fortnight, onto the shows.

Friday July 10 will see the most epic collision of genres in Hip Hop Vs Rock at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre, starting at 6 pm. You know the best part kiddies, it's free! Yep, you heard me, F-R-E-E. The event features some amazing bands and hip hop acts, such as Still Cool, DJ KG, Machismo, Ji, Count Komodo, Justice and Sleepless King. So whether you're a hip-hopper or a rock 'n' roller get your dancing shoes on and don't be late, 'cause all the cool cats and hip kids will be there.

Yet another awesome battle of the styles, Punk Vs Metal will be rocking out at, yet again, the Tuggers Youth Centre on Friday July 17 at 8 pm. Some of Australia's best punk and metal bands will be there, including Reign Of Terror, The Toxicmen, Blind Eyed God and Pirate Satellite. It's going to be yet another smashing clash of two of the most popular genres in music at the moment.

One of Australia's most popular hardcore bands at the moment, Parkway Drive, will be tearing up the Southern Cross Woden Basketball Stadium on Sunday August 16. Parkway Drive first established themselves as one of Australia's most formidable hardcore bands when in 2005 they released their debut LP, Killing With a Smile which was soon followed by 2007's chart-topping album Horizons. This shot the Byron Bay five-piece to levels of astounding popularity with a still growing loyal fanbase. Having been compared to the likes of Metallica, Pantera, Slayer and Machine Head, these five surfies have a unique style of a bone-crunching, classic hardcore that makes Parkway Drive one of Australia's biggest circle-pit-inducing bands yet. Parkway Drive's lack of arrogance, ability to annihilate an audience and destroy a venue, whilst still showing everyone in the crowd the time of their lives, is only a part of the reason that they have made such a huge name for themselves in Australia's hardcore industry. The lads will be joined by America's August Burns Red and the UK's Architects. Tickets are $33.36 and are already on sale from www.moshtix.com.

If you're in a band and looking for your shot at the big time, then you should definitely sign yourselves up for the 2009 Vitamin Water National Campus Band Competition. With a prize of $5000 up for grabs for the big winners, this will definitely help to set up you and your band buddies for the future. The ACT heats begin in August at the CIT Music Industry Centre and the ACT final will be held at the ANU Bar on Thursday September 3. You can enter your band online at www.aaca.net.au and for more information head to http://www.myspace.com/ncbcaustralia. The Vitamin Water NCBC National Final will be held on the Gold Coast on Sunday September 27 at the Australian Uni Games at Sea World. The Canberra heats will feature local lads Rubicon, last year's national final winners.

I'm out! Catchya next time boys and girls.

LIZ ROWLEY
elizabeth_rowley@live.com.au

All Ages

Hey y'all. An exciting few months on the way in terms of gigs, along with an epic competition for all you up and coming funksters, groovy cats, punk rockers, metalheads and plain old rockers. Get out, get involved and have a great time.

Cayce (pronounced kay-see) are Sydney's classy, progressive rock five-piece setting the almost impossible goal for themselves of breaking through the disposable ways of the industry to produce something that is completely memorable. Combining elements of alternative and progressive rock, these guys will knock you on your arse and keep you coming back for more. Cayce will be joined by fellow Sydneysiders Bleached Academy and Canberran experimental rock troupe So Long Safety at the Tuggeranong Youthie on Friday June 26.

The Woden Youthie will be host to an array of mighty fine young bands this Saturday June 27, including Melburnians Paqman, Canberrans Pleased To Jive You, The Sodapops and Slovac and Newcastle lads The Great Escape. Tickets are only $6 at the door, so there's no need for any major saving removals or excuses for not being there...

The Drunk and Disorderly Tour featuring The Amity Affliction, Deez Nuts, Break Even, Ligeia and Louie Knuxx will be shuffling their way into the Weston Creek Community Centre on Friday July 3. Amity Affliction is one of the most successful post-hardcore outfits to come out of Brisbane and Deez Nuts is currently Australia's most popular hardcore-rap group since... well, ever (Deez Nuts is the solo project of former I Killed The Prom Queen's drummer JJ Peters). You won't want to miss this, as it's not very often that you'll see five bands of this calibre come together all under one roof. Tickets are $18 from Moshtix.

Tuesday July 7 will see the most supreme, awe-inspiring, epically brilliant competition between two of the most popular genres of music - punk and metal. No matter which team you're batting for, you won't want to miss out on this breathtaking battle of categorisations. So come on down to Punk Vs. Metal at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre. At only 8 bucks, this show will not only be easy on the hip pocket, but also on the old ear holes.

Possibly the most exciting gig coming up over the next few months: Parkway Drive, August Burns Red and The Architects will be smashing up the Southern Cross Woden Basketball Stadium on Sunday August 16. Tickets are $33.36 and are already on sale from Moshtix.

For all you tertiary students out there in a band who are looking to make it in the big time, you should definitely enter the 2009 Vitamin Water National Campus Band Competition. With 5000 smackaroos up for grabs for the winning band at the national final, the ACT heats begin in August at the CIT Music Industry Centre and the ACT final will be held at the ANU Bar on Thursday September 3. You can enter your band online at www.aaca.net.au and for more information head to http://www.myspace.com/ncbcaustralia. The Vitamin Water NCBC National Final will be held on the Gold Coast on Sunday September 27 at the Australian Uni Games at Sea World. The Canberra heats will feature local lads Rubicon, last year's national final winners.

I'm out for this fortnight ladies and lady-boys. Catchya.

All Ages

Hello ladies and gents! An epic couple of months coming up in Canberra’s underage music scene, with some amazing local talent popping out a crapload of cheap shows for us musically destitute young ’uns.

House Vs Hurricane, Melbourne’s original ‘trance-core’ blokes have been causing a stir in Australia’s underground music scene since their formation in 2006. With a unique style of music fusing ambience, hardcore, rock, melody, experimental, electronica and alternative, these guys are on their way up, so don’t miss out on seeing them before they skyrocket their way to the top. HVH will be rocking out at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Thursday June 11 along with Nazarite Vow, Dead Kings and I Exist.

Sydneysiders Bleached Academy, Cayce and local lads So Long Safety are rocking out at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Friday June 26. Winners of the 2008 Youth Rock Competition, Bleached Academy are one of Sydney’s youngest up and coming bands on the scene at the moment. Frontwoman Hayley Warner puts on a wildly energetic performance, along with a raging performance from the rest of the foursome. So crack out your term ticket and get yourself down there, because you’ll be pooing pigeons if you miss out.

Deez Nuts, Amity Affliction, Break Even, Ligeia and Louie Knuxx will be cranking it up for us at the Weston Creek Community Centre on Friday July 3. Former I Killed The Prom Queen drummer JJ Peters’ rapcore solo project, Deez Nuts, is one of Australia’s biggest hardcore/rap exports and the only good thing to come of IKTPQ’s untimely split. Amity Affliction are one of Australia’s most popular post-hardcore bands at the moment, having shared the stage with such prominent bands as Alexisonfire, Misery Signals, Anberlin, Silverstein, Every Time I Die, Emery, I Killed the Prom Queen, Parkway Drive, Carpathian, The Getaway Plan, Against, Nazarite Vow, House Vs. Hurricane and Miles Away. These guys put on a smashing show – so don’t miss it, all the cool cats will be there.

Paqman, Escape Syndrome, Vera, Astrochem and Turbulence will be struttin’ their stuff on stage at the Woden Youth Centre on Friday June 12 and there’s no excuse to miss this because, yep that’s right, you can save your dolla billz ‘cause it’s free! Now dat shit be whack biatches!

Also at the Woden Youth Centre – Paqman, Pleased to Jive You and Slovac (plus plenty more bands to be announced) will be joining up to chill out and jam out on Saturday June 27. And it’s not going to put a hole in your back pocket either, tickets are only $6 at the door, so save up some lunch money and get your pretty little selves down there.

Come down to the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Tuesday July 7 to witness the ultimate collision of genres in Punk vs Metal. Tickets are only $8, so don’t miss this epic battle for the title of best ever genre ever… ever. [Forever ever? Ed.]
That’s all from me this fortnight fellas, get out and party hard biatches!

liz rowley
elizabeth_rowley@live.com.au

All Ages

A massive couple of months coming up for all of us underage Canberrans! I'm really quite excited, as I'm sure you are, for some of the epic musical treats on the way.

INC under 18s will be chucking one of the biggest underage dance parties Canberra has ever seen, with awe-inspiring performances from DJs Adam, Enz, Bricksta and even more, so get out to the Woden Basketball Stadium on Friday May 15 and bust a move to the full light show and phat beats. Tickets are available from Landspeed Records for $20 or pick them up on the door for $25.

Deviously cool, The Presets will be taking the stage at the AIS Arena for their very last Australian tour of 2009. This is your last chance to see the boys live for the year, as after this tour it's back to the studio to write their third album. After the success of their previous two albums, Beams and Apocalypso, the biggest bad boys in electro will blow you away with their unique brand of dirty techno stylings. Taking sleazy electro punk to the next level, with their gritty guitars and trashy synth, this Sydney duo are the biggest thing in electro at the moment. So come on down to the AIS Arena on Wednesday May 27.

America's very own straight edge hardcore punk exports, Have Heart, are dropping into the Tuggeranong Youth Centre along with Australia's own home grown Carpathian. Have Heart have grabbed the hardcore scene by the throat and won't be letting go until they've conquered the world. This fivesome formed in 2002 and have since released three albums and one demo, the most successful being the most recent, Songs to Scream at the Sun. The band have been blown away by their success. When they first got together, their only goal was to play a couple of shows in their hometown - they were never in it for the fame or money, but now they have taken the world by storm. So don't miss out on seeing two of hardcore's best. Have Heart and Carpathian will be at the Tuggers Youthie on Wednesday May 27.

With two new members and a swish debut EP, House Vs Hurricane will be tearing up the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Thursday June 11. Yet another great hardcore group from Melbourne - make sure you don't miss this one because all the cool kids are going to be there. So tear yourself away from your World of Warcraft or your Runescape, because joining the lads will be Nazarite Vow, Dead Kings and I Exist. My favourite band of the moment, House Vs Hurricane, have fast made a name for themselves. You can't walk past the goon bag without seeing an angst-ridden young boy in his tight black jeans and a House Vs Hurricane t-shirt.

And now for the most exciting thing to hit Canberra since Kevin Rudd, Deez Nuts and Amity Affliction will be teaming up together for the Drunk and Disorderly Tour. So you better ask your mum please and fight for your right to party (see what I did there...) and get yourselves down to the Weston Creek Community Centre on Friday July 3. Deez Nuts are Australia's favourite rapcore band and you'd be nuts not to love them. So don't miss it boys and girls, or you'll be answering to me. Stay true.

That's all from me for now.

I'll see you next time. Party hard.

All Ages

What up gee? The next few months are going to be epic with heaps of bands popping up to put on a show for us. But not only do we have heaps of gigs, we have a massive dance party for you techno lads and lasses out there, also, The Presets have upgraded their show to all ages, yay! So get out, have a mosh, have a dance and have fun.
As mentioned in previous issues, May will see Hot Pink Sky, Please to Jive You, Slovac, Bleached Academy and Mercury cruising into the Woden Youth Centre. Tickets are really cheap, only $5 at the door, so there’s no excuse for not being there. The show runs between 6 and 10 pm.

Canberra’s very own ‘blokey folksters’, The Ellis Collective will be joining Hot Water Music’s ex-vocalist Chuck Ragan and Against Me!’s former frontman, Tom Gabel at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on May 10. The Ellis Collective are the perfect example of a couple of Aussie blokes playing a simple and unpretentious brand of traditional acoustic music, with a modern and unexpected twist. Tom Gabel and Chuck Ragan are two amazingly talented Yankee lads so make sure you  don’t miss this musically astounding trio.

And now for something for all you little techno boppers, INC and MySpace are teaming up to put on the biggest underage dance party Canberra has ever seen. INC Under 18s is introducing a brand spanking new monthly party, and it all kicks off on May 15 at the Woden Basketball Stadium between 6 and 11 pm. DJs Adam, Enz, Bricksta and many more live acts will captivate the crowds at one of Canberra’s biggest underage dance events. Including a full sound and light show, it’s going to go off. Tickets are $20 from Landspeed Records or $25 at the door. This is just the start of a new monthly dance phenomenon taking place at the Woden Basketball Stadium.

The Presets, Australia’s very own dance punk duo, have upgraded their show from the ANU Bar to the AIS Arena, which, lucky for you kids, means that the show is now all ages! Hoorah! Tickets are already on sale for the May 27 show, so get out and grab one or you’ll miss out on the spectacle that is The Presets.

Also on May 27, everybody’s favourite hardcore lads Carpathian and Have Heart are appearing at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre. Have Heart are one of America’s favourite straight-edge hardcore punk bands, so you’d be nuts to miss it. Meanwhile, Carpathian are one of Australia’s favourite straight-edge hardcore bands of the moment. So get your pretty little selves down to the Tuggers Youthie for a roaring good time.

It’s a while off, but my favourite band at the moment, House Vs Hurricane, will be rocking out for us at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre along with the very attractive boys from Nazarite Vow. House Vs Hurricane are Melbourne’s hottest new addition to the hardcore scene and have steadily been making a name for themselves, along with a rapidly increasing fanbase. This six-piece have come together with a vision of creating a fresh sound to add to the hardcore scene and so far they have succeeded. Having supported such iconic bands as The Devil Wears Prada, Mourning Tide, Amity Affliction, Bullet For My Valentine, Parkway Drive and Behind Crimson Eyes, House Vs Hurricane have proven themselves to fans and critics alike. The six lads put on an energetic show infusing roaring vocals, tearing beats, energetic riffs, and crazy synths; keep your eye on these boys as they’re fast making their way to the top.

That’s all from me boys and girls! Tune in in three weeks time for more super rad AA news!

All Ages

I have a fear. I have been told it’s an extremely irrational fear. I am scared of feet. I don’t know where it came from; maybe I was mugged by a giant, knife-wielding foot as a small child, or my parents used to beat me with their feet when I was naughty, but ever since I was a kid I have been repulsed by the sight of feet. So next time you’re leaving the house and have to decide between your thongs and joggers, I implore you to think of us podophobes and resist slipping on your thongs.
Anyway, here are the bands who will be hitting up Canberra in the near future for us underaged rejects:

Inappropriate Tough Guy Behaviour are a Melbourne two-piece best known as one of the bassists and drummer of Firewitch. ITGB will be hitting the road in support of their debut album. Stepping out of their comfort zone, these guys deliver their raw yet powerful brand of drum and bass-fuelled punk rock, blurring the lines between intentional and improvised commotion. These guys will leave you confused and amazed - such is the wonder that is Inappropriate Tough Guy Behaviour. They will be taking the stage at The Front, Lyneham on Sunday February 15 at 3pm alongside Sparrow Head.

Canadian self-proclaimed progressive thrash band, Propagandhi - bloody oath that’s hard to spell - will be gracing our shitty little town to entertain and enlighten us in their continuing crusade for human and animal rights. Since forming in 1986, Propagandhi have created themselves a tidy little fan base and have toured the globe extensively. With a great sense of humour, their music is both enlightening and provocative and the band have an active stance against human rights violations, sexism, racism, homophobia and animal cruelty - all messages conveyed through their lyrics. With a unique brand of fast, catchy punk, the group have transformed effortlessly from giggle-worthy to blunt and insightful. So if you think you’re up for it, get yourself to the Weston Creek Youth Centre on Friday February 20.

Wish for Wings are a keen little metal-core band hailing from Brisbane. Boasting an explosively energetic live show, Wish for Wings have become one of Australia’s most reputable hardcore bands yet. The boys will be hitting the road for their After Life Tour in support of their debut album, The After Life. Their music features thick and heavy guitar riffs, a furious rhythm and an energetic vocal onslaught. Stepping things up once more for their tour, Wish for Wings will be playing hard and fast, just as in the past, where they exposed crowds to their savage blend of metal and hardcore tomfoolery. Wish for Wings will be moshing into the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Saturday February 21 at 6.30pm.

Queensland’s awe-inspiring Adelle are putting on a show for us youngsters at the Woden Youth Centre on February 13. Featuring deep flowing grooves, hard hitting drums and powerful riffs, these guys will have you in a trance for the word go. Joining them will be local boy’s Pleased to Jive You with their unique style and energetic blend of jazz, funk, and rock, these guys are one to watch. Also joining them will be AstroChem, and Yoko Oh No! That’s all from me kids. Catch ya.

All Ages

Hey Canberra, you cheeky bitch. I trust we all had a fabulous Christmas and New Year? I most certainly did - it was pretty much comprised of sleeping, watching The Mighty Boosh and possibly a bit too much Passion Pop. Now it’s a brand new year and I’m coming at ya like a shark with knees! Yeah, you’d better watch out you slags, ‘cause I’m gonna creep inside you like a warm kitten.

Crack out your calendar and circle January 31, because The Amenta and The Bezerker will be taking the stage for the Chaos ACT V Festival at The Basement. It’s probably best to double-check the details for this closer to the date, as word on the street is that the all ages component of the event is in a wee bit of limbo. Yikes!

Misery Signals will be jammin’ out along with The Amity Affliction and Confession on February 12 at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre. You can grab your tickets from www.moshtix.com.au , Landspeed Records , and The Music Shop.

Australia’s favourite midget and slightly incestuous twins, The Veronicas, will be rolling into the Royal Theatre along with Metro Station and Short Stack on February 21. So get ready to shimmy shimmy go go and shake it for everybody’s favourite teenyboppers. Tickets are available from www.mytickets.com.au and start at $55.55 and up to $117.80.

And now we have that out of the way, Wollongong lads Never See Tomorrow are crimping their way into our boring little town for an all-out show at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on February 7. Since forming in 2006, this amazingly talented (and handsome, might I add) five piece have fast been making a name for themselves, and in such a short time have developed a huge fan base and played numerous shows all over Australia. These guys are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon, so prepare yourself for an evening of brutal screams, insane pits and a titillatingly unique brand of metalcore.

February 22 will see Australia’s very own hardcore/hip-hop four piece Deez Nuts moshing into the Tuggeranong Youth Centre. The brainchild of I Killed the Prom Queen’s former drummer JJ Peters, these guys will smack you across the face and leave you begging for more. Deez Nuts have been raising all hell and bringing their fuck-you attitude to masses of Australian hardcore fans since forming in 2007. So make sure you’re there you little tarts, or I’m coming at ya like a kestrel.

That’s all the must-see shit coming your way in the near future, so get your fannies along and be sure not to miss out. Otherwise, I may be forced to have a crimp off with you. Yep, scary I know, so don’t risk it.

And that’s why I don’t like cricket.

All Ages

As I sit here, eating my banana, I realise that this here is the final edition of BMA for 2008. How fast the year has gone I hear you say. Well I have to disagree; I found 2008 to be boring and monotonous and will be glad to be done with it. This week is my last week of high school and I’m off to college next year. ‘How could someone so young be as beautiful and talented as yourself?’ I hear you say, and yes I do ask myself that exact question every morning when I get up and look at myself in the mirror for half an hour every day, but I blame it all on the fact that I am perfect in every single way. Some of you may call this ‘vanity’ or may accuse me of being up myself, but I can’t help it that I’m the best in the world at absolutely everything. Anyhow, I shall be back, even more amazing then ever, with a whole lot of new shit for you next year.

Anyway, putting aside all that nonsense, coming up very soon, Bleeding Through, in light of their newest release Declaration will be space jumping into the Albert Hall on the January 16 to amaze us with their amazingly amazing brand of metalcore, but not only will you delight in the titillatingly delicious Californian hardcore five-piece but supporting them will be As Blood Runs Black, Between The Buried And Me and In Trenches. Starting at 6pm, tickets are $39.50 and available from www.moshtix.com.au .

Up next, four of our favourite metal bands are all coming together for one amazing show at the Albert Hall on January 20. Verse, Carpathian, Comeback Kid and Against will knock you on your arses with this brutal mix of energetic hardcore for the Boys of Summer Tour. I’m sure that after witnessing these four bands coming together in one god-like show you’ll be begging for more.

Yet another gnarly metal show coming up, Misery Signals have decided to give us a lesson in their own special brand of epically fast and heavy hardcore. Hot off the release of Controller, these guys are fully loaded and ready to blow. Supporting the lads will be The Amity Affliction and Confession, and they’ll be hitting the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on February 12, tickets are available from www.moshtix.com.au , Landspeed Records , and The Music Shop.

Next on the agenda we have the pop-tastic Veronicas. The most ear-wrenching twins this country has ever seen will be hitting up the Royal Theatre at the National Convention Centre for their Revenge is Sweeter Tour. This is the girls’ biggest tour since 2006 and accompanying them on this all-out tour will be the creators of the Shake It phenomenon Metro Station and Sydney boy’s Short Stack. This triple set of today’s rock-pop gods will give you a right slap on the face, and tickets are reasonably priced at $55.55. So make sure you’re there on February 21.

Redefining metal, The Amenta are taking the stage for the Chaos Act V Festival at The Basement on February 1. Breathing new life into hardcore metal, these guys will leave your ears ringing and your knees knocking. Pushing hardcore to the boundaries, these guys are fresh off the release of their second album nOn. Mixing industrial noises, intricate and mind numbing guitar riffs, throat wrenching vocals and brutal distortions, this album pushes technology and its listeners to the limits. So don’t miss this because it’s sure to be bloody amazing.

Catch ya!

All Ages

Well, as the year draws closer to an end, bands seem to be pulling their finger out and putting on some of the best shows we’ve seen all year. So as I sit here, wondering where the year has gone, I realise that I probably should just shut up and get on with it. For starters, the show I am defiantly most excited about would have to be Delta Goodrem’s upcoming tour, Believe Again. In fact, I am so excited I think a little bit of wee just came out. We haven’t heard anything from our favourite ex-neighbour since her triple platinum album Delta last year. So get ready, because on January 23 Delta will be ready to take the stage at the Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre but it’s going to cost you as tickets aren’t cheap at $120 a pop.

And now for the real shit. Antagonist A.D. have just announced their We Are Dead tour. Our favourite kiwi cousins are pulling out the big guns for this show, with support from The Broderick. Antagonist A.D are everybody’s favourite hardcore heavyweights and since forming in 2004 they’ve fast made a name for themselves on the hardcore circuit. Their sound can best be described as raw metal core that will blow your mind. But not only do they have a mind numbingly gnarly sound, this is a band with a conscience; Antagonist A.D’s lyrics are inspiring, raising the issues of today’s culture, particularly the exploitation of animals across the world. And now Antagonist A.D are preparing to take to the stage at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on December 3. It’s sure to be a rad gig as Antagonist have played along side such iconic bands as Parkway Drive, Carpathian, Most Precious Blood, Have Heart, and Break Even. So get you’re dancing shoes on bitches.

Up next, our favourite hardcore yanks White Chapel are hitting the road for the release of their debut album This Is Exile. White Chapel are planning to help us celebrate the coming of ’09 with one of the most head-banging death metal shows we’ve seen in a long time. White Chapel boasts a truly eclectic brand of music, fusing gnarly riffs and ear-bursting vocals. Having shared stage space with Darkest Hour, The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, and The Devil Wears Prada these six handsome young lads will leave your ears ringing and your toes tapping. So get yourself to The Basement on January 10.

Anyhow, coming up on December 6, the Gungahlin Youth Centre will be holding a free open day. That’s right, free. live music, free fairy floss, a BBQ, airbrush tats and a bucking bull will all kick off at 11am and end at 3pm. So if you fancy a game of pool, ping-pong, or a go on the dance machine, get your mums to drop you at Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin.

And yet another free shindig this summer, the Tuggers Youth Centre will be brining you Rolling into Summer at the skate park. Featuring live music from The Nation Blue, House VS Hurricane, Twelve Foot Ninja, Gasma, and DJ Jowie, as well as skate and BMX competitions from 9am to 6pm. Not to forget the Wheelers Extreme Wheelchair Sports. So jump on your bike and get your pretty little selves to Tuggeranong on Sunday November 30.

Well that’s all from me this edition, I hope to see you next fortnight for the last ever BMA of 2008.

LIZZY LIZ-LIZ ROWLEY

All Ages

That’s right kiddies, there’s a new sheriff in town, and yes I am one of you, a mere juvenile in this here world of cranky old grown-ups. So prepare yourselves young-’uns, wherever a restless, pre-pubescent, pimply faced young man and/or woman sits aimlessly, staring into the distance hoping for an ear full of their favourite bebop, classical, folk, jazz-fusion, hard rock, heavy metal, opera, dance, techno, ragtime, soul, swing, punk, pop, rock and/or tribal drums, it is I who will swing in on my jungle-type vine to the rescue! So sit down, shut up and read for goodness’ sake. Besides, your brain could use the exercise for once. So let’s get cracking.

First up, the second ever Trackside is fast approaching and with a truly epic lineup you’d be nuts to miss it. Performing will be The Living End, Gyroscope, Cut Copy, The Panics, Bliss n Eso, British India, Something With Numbers, The Getaway Plan, Carpathian, Sparkadia, and many, many more amazing acts. Not to forget the Sidetracked Dance Arena, the Comedy Stage, PWA Wrestlers, outdoor cinema, carnival rides, market stalls and of course the international food fair. So don’t miss it, or else I will hunt you down, and trust me, I will find you. Trackside will be held at Thoroughbred Park on Saturday November 22, tickets are $85.30 and available from Landspeed Records , Stocks, Ticketek and www.moshtix.com.au but be sure to grab them soon, otherwise your little heart may shatter into a million tiny pieces from the disappointment of missing out.

Wollongong band, Never See Tomorrow, one of the most brilliant hardcore bands to come from our great sunburnt land are also preparing to jump on the Tuggeranong Community Centre on November 22, coinciding with Trackside. So if you by some awful act of fate, you can’t make it to Trackside, drag yourselves down to Tuggers for a few hours of throat-wrenching and mind numbing metal. The boys will be supported by As Silence Breaks and The Bride, and tickets are $12.

Ruiner, I Heard These Dudes are Ass Holes… no, I didn’t really hear that they were assholes, in fact; they seem perfectly decent young men, that’s just the name of their latest record, in light of which these five strapping young lads are oiling their squeaking joints, combing their hair and polishing their boots to take the stage at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on November 13. Their brand of music is loud, passionate and energetic so be there, or be square. And believe you me, it’s bad to be square.

It’s been a long time coming, but finally the beloved Wollongong boys, Mary Jane Kelly are gearing up to take the stage at the Tuggeranong Community Centre in support of their brand new single, Our Streets Turn White. Consisting of a self-confessed melodramatic frontman, a metal head guitarist still working at the local steakhouse, school boy drummer, and a refrigerator mechanic bassist, these four handsome young men are set to have hearts fluttering with their epically gnarly live show. The group have shared the stage with such bands as A Wilhelm Scream, Bring Me the Horizon, Parkway Drive, I Killed the Prom Queen, and Carpathian, just to name a few. So make sure you keep an eye on Mary Jane Kelly as they’re sure to have tongues wagging. The boys will be supported by The Abandonment and A Fallen Theory; tickets are just $20 at the door on November 15. Get that up ya.

LIZZY LIZ-LIZ ROWLEY