Josh Molony

The Grates

Chatting with Patience Hodgson – the tutu-wearing, impossibly energetic frontwoman of Brisbane rock band THE GRATES – is similar to watching her perform on stage. She’s cute, quirky and interesting, but can quite often be all over the shop. This is not necessarily a bad thing as I discover during the course of our second interview. After speaking with her for 20 minutes, I feel a bit scatterbrained. She has this uncanny ability to make you feel like you’re catching up with your best friend about nothing in particular, yet afterwards, when I go back and listen to the interview, I realise that somehow, in amongst all the random tangents and chatter, I’m able to tick off all the major subjects I wanted to speak to her about. Topics of conversation swing between culinary skills (the secret ingredient in her signature dish, spaghetti bolognaise, is grated apple… what?), how second album Teeth Lost, Hearts Won has been received by fans, playing at massive US festival South By Southwest, the band’s success at the annual triple j Hottest 100 music poll and microblogging on Twitter.

Last time I spoke with Hodgson Teeth Lost, Hearts Won was days away from release and she was fretting. I remind her that she confided in me that if the album release didn’t go well, she threatened to cry. Well, were any tears shed in the end? “No,” she responds with a laugh. “It’s been very good. We didn’t seem to lose any fans and it actually got a much more positive response than I had imagined. I really liked what we’d made and I was really hoping that I wasn’t just delusional and that a couple of other people out there would, you know, agree, [to prove that] I wasn’t just living in a fantasy world! I’m very relieved.”

If anyone, Hodgson included, needs evidence that Teeth Lost, Hearts Won has been embraced with open arms by fans all over the country, the proof is in the pudding. And by pudding I mean triple j’s 2008 Hottest 100 result. Hodgson and fellow purveyors of red-cordial-overdose-inspired stage antics, guitarist John Patterson and drummer Alana Skyring, clocked in an impressive three mentions in last year’s countdown (Carve Your Name came in at #83, Aw Yeah at #80 and massively catchy lead single Burn Bridges led the charge at #34). Other bands that scored three songs or more include Vampire Weekend, The Presets, MGMT and Kings of Leon. An impressive little club to be a part of, huh?

“I was very excited about that! It felt like we were the little band playing with the big boys,” agrees Hodgson modestly. “When I looked at the bands that had gotten four and three songs – they were really big bands!” I ponder out loud whether such an outstanding result for such a ‘little’ band is testament to the devotion of said band’s loyal fanbase. “I felt like our fans had pushed us into competition with the big guys all of a sudden,” she chimes in. “I do definitely think the Hottest 100 result was directly because of the dedication of our fans and it was excellent.”

Dedicated Grates fans can now take their fandom that one obsessive step further by following the band’s every move on suddenly-all-the-rage microblogging website, Twitter. As soon as I mention the T word, Hodgson lets out a slightly bashful laugh, similar to one I imagine she would let out if I was instead quizzing her about her (hypothetical) collection of mint condition Star Wars action figures. It just has a very novel and nerdy feel to it, doesn’t it? “I don’t do it as much as John,” Hodgson is quick to state, passing the nerd baton  to her bandmate without hesitation. “There needs to be a reason why you’re following someone. Like if you’re not in a band and you follow your favourite bands, it’s really exciting. John follows Travis Barker from blink 182 and he gets a massive kick out of it because he gets these tweets from Travis that are like ‘I’m at Disneyland with my little son and he’s the man and he’s pushing his little sister around’. He writes it in hilarious Travis Barker style and John gets super pumped about it, as lame as that is.”

One thing the band used its Twitter account for recently was to post updates from South by Southwest (SXSW), an enormous annual music festival held in Austin, Texas where bands from all over the world jostle for industry and media attention. “It’s massive,” confirms Hodgson. “You cannot walk around Austin City during SXSW and not hear music. They close down all of the streets and everywhere turns into a venue –we’ve played out the back of a pizza parlour! And when you’re playing a gig, the loading in and out is nuts. We’d try to park as close as we could to the venue but because the whole city centre was shut down, you have to put all of your gear out on the road and you might have to carry it three blocks through like 100,000 people. It was just mental, but it was amazing.”

The Grates are now home from their overseas jaunt and are busily preparing for their upcoming national tour. Recent achievements such as playing at SXSW and scoring such a stellar Hottest 100 result are surely proof that The Grates’ star is on the rise. Hodgson attempts to put it into perspective with the following analogy: “We played fairly early at Big Day Out [this year] but we got to play on the main stage. Maybe that reflects how we are as a band: we played early, but we played on the main stage.” At this point in their career, that’s definitely not a bad situation for The Grates to be in.

The Grates, with support act Children Collide in tow, will play the ANU Bar on Wednesday May 6. Tickets through Ticketek.

All Ages

Shimmy shimmy yea.

Undoubtedly people everywhere are waving their hands in the air like they just don’t care as the sun sprays smiling faces with vitamin D which may contain traces of nuts and melanomas. It’s true, I’ve seen it with my own peepers. Let’s flashback one month ago to the colossal mass of grim- faced, droopy-eyed characters wandering the city with barely a drop of optimism between them. It was sad.

But now it’s a changed place, I swear to god I even saw a kid at the goon bag hesitantly and seemingly painfully attempt to smile the other day. It was at this point ladies and gents that I realised things were getting good. Thanks mother nature. First things first, congratulations to the heat winners of the Make Poverty History battle of the bands that was held at Woden Youth Centre the other night - well played. Secondly to those who did not make it through, I was left in complete awe with the sets you played, you’re some of the best up and comers Canberra has seen.

Business as usual. They’re back once again, this time it’s personal. That’s correct dear readers, Paqman will be gracing our presence once again in what can only be described as a ripping bill at the Greenroom.

Come October 4 Paqman will headline an all ages show featuring mind fuck prodigies Pleased to Jive You and dance dance revolution replacement Rubycon. $5 out of the pocket at around 1:00pm will see you up those stairs in a flash. This show will no doubt be an extremely fun afternoon with three top bands mashing faces with musical brilliance. See you there.

Bam there it is. October 5 holds good news for all the party people in the place to be. Brisbane punk/reggae band Dead Riot will be heading southward our way and straight towards the Greenroom.  Supported by Free Agent Crew, All In Brawl, Ashton Skies and the Toxicmen, this show is set to be massive. A great full bill at the family friendly time of 1:00pm. Need I say more? Possibly, if you are questioning whether it’s worth your time perhaps check out the www.bombshellzine.com review that gave Dead Riot 4/5. Word.

What sort of all ages or ‘youth’ column if you will, would it be without a youth centre show? It scares me just thinking about it really. So in fear of having… fear, I proclaim: Tuggeranong Youth Centre will host MyOnus on Friday October 10. These guys really do know how to put on a good show so I highly recommend you check this one out. Kiai Academy (Syd) and Zero Degrees & Falling will also be playing the night which guarantees a good show for all the young ones. Get on it.

All Ages

The sun is out, finally, and the smiles are a-plenty. Garema’s usual shadow has been peeled away slowly from the checkerboard and replaced by the vibrant colours of the warmth that lies ahead. Congratulations, each and every one of you, we made it through what appeared to be the second coming of the ice age.  Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

Everyone loves a good cause, because it’s rare that you know that there is certain good that will come out of something that you’re doing. Dig?  That warm, fuzzy, overwhelming feeling you get, all that goodness. If you enjoy that feeling and/or just want to see some great bands this ones for you: MAKE POVERTY HISTORY BATTLE OF THE BANDS! A little bird dropped by a message that read a little like this: “We’re on the search for the best college rock band in Canberra.

Friday September 26 (yep that’s right, last day of Term 3) is the first date for the diary We’re dividing schools up into Northside & Southside (some might say the ultimate battle) for the heats Northside venue - Civic Youth Centre @ 6pm - FREE ENTRY Schools so far include: Copland, Lake Ginninderra, Radford, Hawker & St Francis Xavier Southside venue - Woden Youth Centre @ 6pm - FREE ENTRY Schools so far include: Canberra College, Erindale, Lake Tuggeranong & Narrabundah

Grand Final - takes place during Anti-Poverty Week at the mighty Greenroom on Wednesday October 15 @ 6pm. $10 entry. First Prize - a day in a recording studio courtesy of Artsound! This competition is open to all college (years 11 &12) rock bands in the ACT. Bands must register by Friday September 19. For further information contact ange [at] ahunt [at] acfid [dot] asn [dot] au . That’s correct boys and girls, blatant copy and paste. But I really thought it couldn’t have been put better. Get involved.

It’s possibly one of the best names I’ve heard and also a great show. That’s right. Deez Nuts is back (in pog form). Smashing through The Tuggeranong Youth Centre on September 18, they bring along support from Confession as part of Deez Nuts ‘Back On The Street’ Tour. It’s going to be wild. End Communication.

Australian hardcore sweethearts The Amity Affliction have announced tour dates for the release of their debut album Severed Ties through boomtown records.  The Amity Affliction have certainly stepped up for the occasion with 12-track Severed Ties featuring guest vocals from some of the best including JJ Peters (Deez Nuts, I Killed the Prom Queen), Michael Crafter (I Killed the Prom Queen, Carpathian, Confession), Matthew Wright (The Getaway Plan) and Helmet (The Daylight Curse). Supported by A Secret Death, House Vs Hurricane and Rex Banner, The Amity Affliction will hit Canberra October 19 at Tuggeranong Youth Centre. The tour, which kicks of October 10 in Brisbane, will be more than enough to suffice you show fiends. A big bill for an all ages crowd, just what we like to see. The doors for this sucker open at 2pm.

On lastly, for all you kids who would like a beard just like Kubrick’s, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image has just launched Screen It 2008, designed to encourage imagination and inventiveness in Australia’s primary and secondary school-aged students. This year entrants will be asked to create works responding to the them of ‘Australian Identity’. Are Bombers fans more Australian than Pies fans? Is Vegemite still Australian even though it’s owned by a foreign company? For more info and registration, head to www.acmi.net.au/screenit
That’s all for another edition. Tune in. Cop Out.

Peace
Love
JOSH ‘WILD HORSE’ MOLONY

All Ages

As I awkwardly bump into you all once again, embarrassed by the fact that I just said bye to you minutes prior and had just made an excuse about how I had to go meet someone just so I could get away from you all, I say “Oh, hello again” and attempt to giggle my way out of this particular pickle. So, hello again. I didn’t realise you were all coming this way. Whoops. But let’s put all this dilly-dally behind us. There are a few very important things happening over the next few months, the first of course being the return of Digbyfest! That’s right, you read correctly. After a successful response from the first Digbyfest, held at Woden Youth Centre a few months back, it’s on again. Held once again at Woden Youth Centre on the September 12, Digbyfest 2 will feature the likes of Astrochem, Slovak, Pleased To Jive You and Monster Elephante (formally Fistful of Nothing). $5 will see you through those sliding youth centre doors and on to the dance floor with an uncontrollable urge to dance the Tarantism (thank you, Dahahoo). It’s set to be a great night friends, and will of course be presented by Digby himself! I may add that the show starts at 6pm and is of course a drug and alcohol free event. With a line-up shuffle that saw Murph of Hardluck taking over guitar duties, local hardcore juggernaut Slowburn have been in fine fettle recently. As their long-awaited EP inches ever closer to release, they’ll be headlining a rare Thursday youth centre show at the Tuggeranong YC on September 4. Supports include crushing Gold Coast five-piece Vices For Virtues (think Poison The Well, Misery Signals, Stay Gold, Killing The Dream), locals Dead Kings and delay pedal aficionados (and one of the best local bands to emerge in an age) …Like Foxes. Cheap entry! Having overcome the tragedy of losing their singer and roadie/merch man when their tour bus crashed at the end of last year, Melbourne tech metal band The Red Shore decimated Canberra kids during their I Killed The Prom Queen support slot back in May. Now they’re heading out under their own steam, with a new album in the wings, for an all ages show at Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Thursday September 11. They’ll be joined by The Bright Star Alliance, Time Has Come and Dead Kings. 8pm, $12 Trackside is on its way back for round two. By now I’m all sure you have triumphantly thrust your fists to the air that for once you don’t have to be 18 to not only attend a festival of such high calibre, but to do so in your own town. This year’s Trackside will be held on November 22 and will boast a massive bill featuring the likes of The Living End, Cut Copy, The Panics, Bliss n Eso, British India, Sparkadia, Something With Numbers, Muph & Plutonic, Carpathian, Bluejuice, Grafton Primary, Little Red, Hell City Glamours and of course Los Capitanes. Tickets can be purchased through Moshtix, Landspeed Records or Stocks. Watch out. Get ’em up ya. To the bands: get out there, play shows wherever possible, mix up a bill and keep the underage scene going, I beg you.

All Ages

I awoke this morning quite disorientated. My nose had collapsed and the only thing that seemed to keep it in its shape was the 14 gallons of mucus that seemed to have been placed there overnight. What had become of my head? I couldn’t think straight, it hurt to move. I experienced all of this discomfort in the time taken to open my eyes. After perhaps two minutes staring at the ceiling moaning, I finally came to the conclusion that I was sick. I immediately panicked. I had avoided this for almost the entire season, now as the weather began heating up I had foolishly let my guard down only to be quickly beaten by a mere cold. And now I sit here with the strength half an infant, who is also sick. And is sleeping. That’s pretty weak.

Complaining, complaining I’m sorry readers I will now stop complaining. But anyway, how are YOU? I hope you are all healthy and strong, happy and loud - all that sort of good stuff.

Firstly, it’s a bit of a hike but it’ll certainly be worth it. Moshorama hits the Goulburn PCYC on Saturday August 30, featuring a bill as loud as it is lengthy. Never See Tomorrow will head the charge, flanked by The Payback, Stigmata, Get Lucky Prom Night and Cannibalistic. Presented by Power Point Music, it’s enough to have you quaking in your boots! So if you’ve any interest in the heavy stuff, you’d be advised to get along. The show kicks off at 6pm, $10 entry and is a strictly drug and alcohol free event.

On Friday August 29, the Woden Youth Centre will be holding a charity event to raise money for a student from Wanniassa Senior School to attend an Inaugural Vietnam Trip in December 2008. The student will spend a week working in an orphanage in Hanoi alongside other students, where they’ll teach English, assist in sports programs and help to build and maintain the premises. The show will be a hard-edged affair, featuring two of Canberra’s finest hardcore bands - gigging fiends Dead Kings and perennial favourites with the kids Slowburn - plus two other bands to be confirmed. Entry is $10, with money raised going towards this very worthy cause. The show runs from 6 to 10pm.

Bam: after completely dominating the all ages crowd at Monster Elephante’s album launch at Woden Youth Centre recently, up and comers Pleased To Jive You are set to play at Digbyfest 2. These four boys seem to be moving along at an incredibly fast pace both through their music and stage show. It’s rare that you will stumble upon a band that not only thrives on originality, but is fucking good at it. Pleased to Jive You are the exception - instead of stumbling upon these guys, you may find them running up to you only to be greeted by a massive slap in the face. DigbyFest 2 will be held over at Woden Youth Centre and will also feature the likes of Rubycon and Slovak, who have both begun smashing footprints in this local all ages scene. Plenty more to be announced. $5 at the door will be suffice. This one smashes out on September 12.

Kapow: It’s back again. After a massive success last year, Canberra’s own Trackside will be smashing up the town once again in late November. I am glad to announce that this year’s line-up already seems to be getting ridiculously big. For $79 tickets you have the chance to see The Living End, Cut Copy, The Panics, Bliss N Eso, British India, Something With Numbers, Sparkadia, Muph and Plutonic, Carpathian, Bluejuice, Grafton Primary, Little Red, Hell City Glamours, Los Capitanes with more to be announced. Some of Australia’s biggest names in this place for a relatively cheap-arse price. It’s silly. really. Like some sort of sick joke. Is this for real? Apparently so, I’ve even seen posters and shit… for real. There is a while to plan for this one boys and girls but don’t let it pass you buy. Heard?

All Ages

Raindrops keep falling on my head, but it’s not as great as Mr Bacharach suggests - in fact, it’s quite unpleasant. As I fall to my knees and cry to the skies, “Please, dear God, please stop this cold!” I realise that it’s not all that bad. You see boys and girls, it’s all just a big test from the funk gods. Anything that may affect you negatively in any way at all is just a test. A challenge, if you will, and let me tell you, one too many tests for this particular boy this week. ’Nuff Said. ’N-E-WAYS. There’s a rumble in the jungle, commotion in the ocean, etcetera, due to the fact that there are a few very good shows coming up to support.

First thing’s first, some important news for all you mid-‘90s SoCal punk aficionados: due to licensing reasons, Californian pop-rockers Unwritten Law have announced a venue change for their Canberra show. The show, scheduled for Saturday August 9 at The Venue, will now be held the Weston Creek Community Hall (Parkinson Street, Weston, behind the Cooleman Court Shopping Centre), on the same date. They’ll be supported by fellow Californian’s Sprung Monkey, Perth’s Elora Danan and, just announced, local favourites Zero Degrees and Falling. Considering the size of the line-up, it’s an early start with doors at 6.30pm, so don’t have a rager on Friday! All tickets that have already been purchased are valid at the new venue, and tickets for the show are still available online at moshtix.com.au or on the door.

Friday August 8 brings us over to Woden Youth Centre to experience a few from out of town. This is going to be a monster night, featuring Adelle, Is for Real (both hailing from the Central Coast) and locals Alone With You. This event is to prerelease copies of Adelle’s highly anticipated Hello Sane Age Sins as part of The Stranger You Woke Up Next To… tour. Bring all your friends boys and girls, and their friends too if you want. Get into a few bands you don’t usually get the chance to see, ’cause it’s these sorts of shows that leave you wanting more.

Don’t move your dial; August 15 brings another joyous occasion for those of you that are ‘under age’. Fistful of Nothing will be releasing their debut album People Of The 5th Dimension at Woden Youth Centre. After almost a year in the works, People Of The 5th Dimension will be released under a new band name. That’s right, it’s an album launch/name change! Get out your finest cutlery and fold your best linen. It’s time to get excited. For a mere $5 the album can be yours to own. Buy on credit card and the guitarist will sell you naked shots of him practicing guitar - for a limited time only. The launch will feature a bill that will boast such names as David Brown (metal influenced hardcore), Pleased To Jive You (genii) and the return of Canberra’s lost love, electronic sweethearts Paqman, who will be coming back to Canberra for this special occasion. It’s going to be well massive. For more details and to listen to some of the tracks visit www.myspace.com/fistfulofnothing . Do what you got to do, just be there.

Ordinarily, Canberra’s approaching festival season would illicit nothing but much teeth-gnashing from anyone under 18, but that’s where Trackside rides in triumphantly. It’s back for a second year, returning to Thoroughbred Park at the Canberra Racecourse on Saturday November 22. This year boasts cover stars The Living End, Cut Copy, The Panics, Bliss n Eso, British India, Sparkadia, Something with Numbers, Muph & Plutonic, Carpathian, Bluejuice, Grafton Primary, Little Red, Hell City Glamours and the return of local AA favourites Los Capitanes. Tickets go on sale August 21 from Landspeed, Stocks, moshtix.com.au and Ticketek outlets. Last year sold out and saw many a shattered punter missing out, so the lesson there is GET IN EARLY!

That’s it for another edition.

Stay warm.

All Ages

A boogle…

Round up, round up one and all. But be warned, this is a big one. There has been a grubble to our fine city’s grounds. Roads, mountains and footpaths alike are cracking at the surface, for the past few months have simply been the calm before the storm. These are exciting times for us all: music lovers, music haters (not so much) and everybody in between. There are a few bands around this town that are about to reveal a chapter to this all ages scene of ours, casting upon those that are completely unaware.

Firstly, I would like to let you know that many things that have been in the so-called musical pipes are beginning to leak out at the joints, and a flood is inevitable. Bands like So Long Safety, Fistful Of Nothing, David Brown, Pleased to Jive You, Strong Like Sam, Los Capitanes and many more will be creating a mighty ruckus. And I put it to you to do all you can to promote the shit out of these shows so that together we can bring back a true musical community. There is nothing more satisfying.

Firstly, warm yourselves around the mighty fire that will be the Lanyon Youthie show on Friday July 25, featuring the likes of Afraid You’ll Fall, The Attendance (Syd), Ladies And Gentlemen (Syd) and The Black And White (Melb) all on the one bill. It’s a great opportunity to check out not only locals, but also the interstate bands that have travelled all this way for one night. Be there around 6pm, $5 will see you through the door. A nice cheap show,with a nice rich bill. Get on it.

After playing the Soundwave festival in February this year, hardcore heroes Carpathian have since spent months working on their newest album Isolation. This Melbourne band have already established their place in the Australian hardcore scene, supporting some of the biggest acts of the genre, both international and local, including Atreyu, I Killed the Prom Queen and Parkway Drive. Since forming five years ago, Carpathian have pulled fans from all around Australia and beyond, and with a national tour coming up to support the new release, they remain dedicated to pushing the hardcore scene forward. Carpathian will be hitting the The Greenroom with Break Even, The Broderick, Rex Banner and Homewrecker on Sunday August 3. Tickets from Moshtix .

After months of work, Fistful of Nothing will be launching their first album People Of The 5th Dimension in early August. The launch will coincide with Fistful Of Nothing’s official name change, which will be revealed at the launch. The launch of the album will entail a series of shows that will see some of Canberra’s best take to the stage. Shows on the 8th and 15th of August at both Belconnen and Woden Youth Centres will feature separate bills filled with some of this town’s most fine and diverse bands. Some that will be gracing the stages on the two nights include hardcore genius David Brown; the most original up-and-coming band in Canberra Pleased to Jive You; along with So Long Safety, who will be celebrating the launch of their EP Bear In Mind, I’m A Lion which is sure to shake some; Strong Like Sam will be playing their last show together and electronic duo Paqman will be travelling all the way from Melbourne to support all shows. It’s a true musical onslaught from all angles of the scene. Come and be a part of it all. There are some things that are rare in Canberra, this opportunity is one of them.

Lastly a big thanks to Dinah and DC. Who got the bigger thanks?

That’s up to you to decide.

All Ages

SHINE ON, YOU CRAZY DIAMOND(s)

It’s been drawn to my attention that we as the people of Canberra have truly drawn the short straw. After driving to the coast on Wednesday, I hopped out of the car to find the weather at the South Coast was in fact amazing. I immediately stripped out of the 2000 layers clothing I generally wear on the streets of Canberra around this time of the year into little more than a singlet, thongs and shorts in order to compensate for the sun’s burning rays of delicious heat. Alas, to no avail. It was just too hot, but not in a gross way, just in a ‘I was not ready for this’ kind of way. My mind went a-walking… Why is the weather in Canberra so incredibly mediocre? Well I’m still not sure, I know Wikipedia could tell me but I’m too cold to type on this keyboard in case my fingers slowly freeze and fuse to the keyboard.

Anyway, in short:
Coast = good weather
Here = Not so great.

KICK IT.

They’re back! That’s-a-right boys and girls, Thursday July 10 will bring us another ripping show from The Getaway Plan all the way from Melbourne. The guys have made their way straight to the top after playing show after show and making quite a name for themselves. For those of you that missed out on the Kisschasy, The Getaway Plan show a few months back now is your chance to see what all the fuss is about. The show will be held over at The Venue in Erindale and will just one of their many shows as part of their  Where the City Meets the Sea tour.

These guys don’t seem to stop, literally taking Australia buy storm over the past few years. Get your hands on a ticket though your closest Moshtix distributor before they sell out. Word.

So they say the ‘scene’ is dead. Well fear not, help is on its way. For those of you who haven’t heard of Pleased to Jive You, your missing out. These young lads had proven that they have what it takes. Vast potential, which is equaled by their originality, has many wondering what the future holds for the funk/rock/experimental outfit from the South.

The reasoning behind my preaching lies within the originality of the band. It’s rare to find a band doing there own, doing it well and enjoying themselves. If you’re keen to check these guys out then head on down to Woden Youth Centre on July 11 when the boys play Digbyfest along side Slovac and Crab Shrapnel. $5 entry will get you through those glowing youth centre doors at around 6pm. Be there.

For those of you that have noticed more than a bit of quite on the old show front. Don’t worry, I have some exciting shows lined up for you to all get frantic about. These include; So Long Safety releasing their first EP. This EP is sure to blow the young fragile minds of Canberra’s youth; a few shows from electronic big boys Paqman who now grace the beautiful people of Melbourne with their music; and of course, Fistful Of Nothing’s album launch for their album People Of The 5th Dimension, which has been underway for around a year. Who knows peeps, perhaps all this will happen at once. All I ask is that you keep an eye out for these shows, as they will undoubtedly be some of the biggest this year.

Out.

All Ages

We’re bubbling, from the top, to the very last drop.

I begin with a very warm greeting to you all brothers and sisters. It’s as cold as cold can be. And by the looks of it, it isn’t about to get too much warmer for the time being. It is for this reason that I have grown accustom to everything I own smelling like stale bonfire smoke - that and I have no time to wash my clothes. It is indeed a very, very smelly winter for this young man.

INC. Under 18s is Canberra’s newest underage dance party, touching down this school holidays on Wednesday July 9 at the Holy Grail, Civic for its inaugural bash. DJs Adam and Daz and MC Nate will be providing the beats and rhymes respectively from 7pm to 11pm, promising a giddy blend of house and R&B to cater for all. If this one goes well, there’s sure to be plenty more, so be sure to get along and get on down. Tix are $18.80 + bf from Ticketek and Landspeed.

A very quick shout out to those who are burdened by the ball and chain that is school work. According to everyone I know attending educational facilities, it’s a pretty shit time. In brief, good luck/well done/bad luck.

Well kids, it appears it is slim pickings as far as the all ages shows go. Which is horrible. However, it does mean you have no choice but to rock up to the shows that are on offer - beggars can’t be choosers.

Luckily for those thirsty for a good old fashion all ages, Friday July 25 will bring us a powerful show from the boys from Surrender when they take to the stage at Lanyon Youthie alongside Ladies and Gentlemen. For those of you who have only heard the name Surrender around, the time is now to get on out to a show. These boys have swept many a bystander - which, seemingly, are always comprised of girls - off their feet and into the venue. Well amount of talent from these lads. Keep an ear out.

Come on now kids, don’t hang your heads too low.

The shows at the moment have appeared to have come to a silent standstill.

Fear not, it’s the quiet before the storm. The future holds more than a few big shows to keep your eye on. There’s word of album/EP launches from a few bands around including So Long Safety and Fistful Of Nothing, and plenty of big ones are sure to rock some freshly washed socks. And please do put yourself out there. If you hear word of a show, promote the shit out of it, even if you hate the band. It’s a fact that there are probably 20 billion bands in Canberra that would love a show - the only way that can happen is if we all get out and support.

Make shows the place to be.

Push for more venues.

Wash your underwear.

And so, once again I bid you all one Jew. As always, it’s been a pleasure. I leave you now with an excerpt from one of one of contemporary literatures finest:

Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?
Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me?
Don’t cha
Don’t cha
Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was raw like me?
Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was fun like me?
Don’t cha
Don’t cha

Peace. Love. Funk.

All Ages

Late nights and early mornings, boys and girls.

Today, time has stopped and the weather provides no indication as to what part of the day it is. Is it feels like eight in the morning but it’s the late afternoon. Lying in bed watching the same DVDs and playing music is occasionally broken up for a swift trip to the kitchen. The perfect Sunday…
How are we all today space cadets?

First off the mark, we have one to get on down to at Woden Youthie, when Escape Syndrome take the stage alongside the guys from Surrender, Afraid You’ll Fall and A December Truth and Room 24 (both of whom reside in Newcastle). The show takes place on Friday June 13 at the family friendly time of 6pm. The night will no doubt be a barrage of testosterone-fuelled rock, as we all know there is nothing more satisfying than hard-arse songs dripping with male hormones. Don’t forget to pack some spare underwear, a thermos of soup and your favourite fur coat to avoid third-degree frost bite after the show. $6 from the wallet, kiddies.

Moving on up to the 21st of June, we have none other than the UpStep band comp finals at the Parkway Auditorium in Kambah. For those of you who are unaware, UpStep is a band comp which aims to raise money for the Tabitha Foundation Australia, which will provide assistance to the people of Cambodia. Every bit of money donated will go to help fund building materials for water wells and low cost housing.
Basically, it’s a fucking good cause.

There are few things better than a band comp. That primitive call of the wild to battle each other in the form of rock, the event where you go and pour your soul out to cut heads with other bad mother suckers that plan to blow out your brains with their wildest skills. The tension. Oh man. I’m getting hot just thinking about it.
But seriously, these events are great to get on out to, a good chance to see a killer mix bill with a lot of potential. This time the finals feature the likes of MyOnus, who over the past few years have paved the way for high-quality rock, Distance Fallen, Rubycon, a band who has set out to demolish the scene this year from the waist down, The Magic Hands and Alone With You. The show is from 7pm to 11pm, a drug and alcohol free event and if you’re under 16 you must be accompanied by an adult. $18 at the door sees you getting down on the dance floor.

Sunday shows, people. There aren’t enough of ‘em, which is why it’s imperative you get along to Punx in the Valley at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre on Sunday June 15. It’ll serve up seven of Australia’s finest for all the ‘berra’s underage punks on, including locals Yoko Oh No, Outcome Unknown, All in Brawl and The Toxicmen, Wollongong’s Ruckus and The Throwaway Kids (ex Darkest Day), plus Brisbane ska-punksters The Black Market. Seven bands, eight bucks, plus food and drinks available. Do it.

And just as we started, we end with another at Woden Youthie, which I feel is quite fitting. On Friday June 27 we have Yoko Oh No, Unknown Outcome and Corporate Takedown, who will undoubtedly take the stage to caress the audience gently, before ripping out there souls in an instant through the medium of punk. If you enjoy ruckus, get on down. This time it’s a $5 note in the hand - get to see some bands. This show has mass potential to party on, so bring all your friends, cousins, grandparents or strangers to fill out this venue, because when Woden is packed out, the vibes are high.

That’s all there is. There isn’t. Anymore.

Love is all.

Peace.

All Ages

Ain’t nobody dope as me.

How are we on this fine morning/afternoon/evening/night? Funky fresh and grooving, I would presume. It’s been a big week folks, and all I have to show for it is not a lot of money, less time and one late column (massive public apology to you, Peter). But hey, that’s birthdays for you.

And so, as always, with headphones blaring, we commence yet another splurge into the all ages music scene. Let’s kick it with the business…

First up, Thursday May 29 brings us what is to be an incredibly devastatingly amazing night over at The Front in Lyneham, when the Andi and George band take the stage/floor for the launch of their new album Sun and Moon. It’s in the cards, boys and girls - this night will almost be too much fun. And so, if you do enjoy and find satisfaction in participating in ‘fun’, come along. If you don’t, come along with a note pad, sit/stand in designated ‘fun observer’ area and take notes on how to be fun. It all starts at 7pm, so get on down to this one as it’ll be the last you will see of these guys before they leave on tour.

Disclaimer: Album launch may contain copious amounts of laughter, excitement and uncontrollable urges to dance.

Moving on over to June, don’t forget to make your way over to the Corporate Takedown show at the Belconnen Youth Centre on Friday June 6. In solid support of the guys will be Escape Syndrome and Vera Cruz, who have both pushed their way through the ranks as some of Canberra’s finer bands. A promising show kids, a vast amount of potential for the night, so get your rage on and get on down to the venue that gave birth to a lot of Canberra’s bands.

And here is the big one:
It’s great to see Canberra’s own get the opportunity to play support for some of those that have made the big time. In this instance, Friday June 6 will be the night to go check out Slowburn play support for none other than Four Year Strong all the way from the USA, along with Sydney’s Rex Banner, over at The Venue in Erindale. If you haven’t got your ticket yet dudes, I strongly suggest you do all in your power to go get one soon, as this show will be packed full of more hot, sweaty teens than a bunch of boys watching that Duran Duran clip… You know the one.

Big ups to The Venue for hosting this one, yet another great opportunity for the underage music scene.
I’m just so fresh and so clean.

All Ages

It’s like that.

A tip of the hat to you on this fine day. I hope all of you have been keeping yourselves occupied through the cold nights, cold days, and savoring those little rays of sunlight that peep in through the window every now and then letting you in on what it’s like to actually feel warmth.

The Friday May 16 brings us over to Woden Youthie, where Corporate Takedown are set to take the stage alongside Friend or Enemy for the night. As always, the boys are set to put on a great set, and if each and every one of you has the opportunity to get on out I highly recommend you do. 6pm on the rocket clock.

Andi and George have been making more than a name for themselves over the past year, placing themselves in the spotlight as the Columbian cocaine of the Canberra music scene. Grade A, pure disco shit. Without the disco… or the shit. On the eve of releasing their second album within around 12 months, the band has been paving new paths for the scene by playing a vicious amount of shows over the past few months. The Friday May 16 will be the next show kids, playing at the Richard Larter exhibition at the National Gallery.

If, however, you can’t make this one, a bigger show is on its way. Thursday May 29 is the album launch over at the Front Café. The album, Sun and Moon, is set to be unbelievable so score yourself a place on the dance floor while you can. Stay tuned for more info. If you’re looking for something special, this is it. Get on down. Dancing will be required.

It’s been a while since the youth on the ‘berra have been treated to a good ol’ fashioned punk show, so it’s timely that Melbourne trashers Cut Sick have decided to trundle through town. Taking their queues from classic Australian punk bands such as the Hard-Ons, The Meanies and Massappeal, they’re loud, they’re fast, they’re raw and, basically, they rule. They’ll be joined by local legends Hardluck plus Eye Gouge!, Eat a Brick and Repoman. The bands start at 6.30pm sharp, $10 is your admission fee and the Tuggeranong Youth Centre is the venue. Dig it.

If the rather large article on the previous page hadn’t already tipped you off, the time is nigh. I Killed The Prom Queen will be bidding a fond farewell to the punters of Canberra with a massive UC Refectory show as part of their Say Goodbye tour. Tickets have been selling stupidly fast for this tour, so don’t be left out in the cold. You’ll also get British deathcore act Bring Me The Horizon, Californian hardcore band The Ghost Inside, Melbourne metalers The Red Shore and newly-formed locals Dead Kings as part of the bargain, so there’s value if ever I saw it! Tickets to their May 27 show are on sale now through Moshtix outlets and www.moshtix.com.au . So go. Go now!

I leave you with a thought. Over the past months I have heard the words “the Canberra all ages scene is dead” one too many times. It’s a serious issue my friends, and I believe it’s time that we make sure that the all ages scene thrives just as hard as it once did. I leave it up to each of you to get off Myspace and MSN and get on up and get down to all that this town has to offer. Make it massive, just bring your friends and turn it into a fucking party. Do what you need to do.

Let’s just do it.

And that’s the way it is…

Peace. Love. Funk.

All Ages

The cold… it’s back.

I forgot what it feels like to actually blow down your own shirt in hopes that somehow your own breath (which is only just above room temperature) is the equivalent of sun bathing on the coast of some tropical paradise. I forgot that after being in the cold, lukewarm showers burn your feet to the point in which you truly believe you must have them amputated. I forgot how cold cold can be. It’s not all bad though - the same coffee and tea I was letting cool until it was cold before gulping down as refreshments in the summer are now used as lava which can almost heat your entire chest for a brief moment.

Sitting in front of a fire is for once an extremely pleasant feeling, and continuously adding extra layers for warmth ’til you may be the twin of the Michelin man is extremely satisfying.

Another warm hug to all of you boys and girls. This issue holds the secret to a few great nights ahead, so don’t get too snug in those bed sheets because May holds the tastiest of treats.

First and foremost, we say goodbye to one of Canberra’s best. With scrunched Kleenex up our sleeves we will gather at The Greenroom in Phillip on May 3 to bid farewell to none other than Paqman. The boys, or shall I say men, are off to the big lights of Melbourne and so, in true form, shall be headlining one of the biggest AA shows to hit this fine town for a while. The bill includes the likes of GSD, Dissection (who will join Paqman on their move) and Fistful of Nothing; a fitting bill to support the duo who have absolutely slaughtered the Canberra scene for the past few years. The show begins at 1pm and is a cheap $5 on the door. So get your moves down before you come ’cause there will be a ridiculous amount of dancing going on. Support your scene, and farewell one of Canberra’s most talented. At least that way you can say you were there when they become big and famous.

Next on the agenda we have another one also over Southside way, as The Venue will be the venue for none other than Sydney’s own Sienna Skies, who hit Canberra with a bombardment of “experimental post-hardcore” on May 9. These guys have more than a lot of talent which should be enough reason to get on down to the show. If that doesn’t satisfy your musical buds, then perhaps Till Death Do Us Part, Redivine and A Silent Fiction as support will. 6pm on the wrist watch, $10
in the pocket.

If you’re in an adventuring mood, why not make the trip out to The Lanyon Youth Centre to catch the black-fringed punk antics of Acid Eyeliner, touting their new LP Future Lies. Entry’s only a fiver, and they’ll be joined by Finabah all the way from QLD and with locals Afraid You’ll Fall and Vasdefferen. Oh, and it goes down on Friday May 2. Always remember…

And just when you thought I had no more to give, I just keep on giving. Brothers and sisters, here’s one to get excited for in the weeks to come. May 27 will see the Say Goodbye tour featuring big ass names including I Killed The Prom Queen, Bring Me The Horizon, The Red Shore and The Ghost Inside. In case you’re wondering why I’m not going over the top with this one, it’s the same reason you don’t like smearing someone else’s blood in an infection. It’s going to get big, and spread, and overflow with intensity. $30 + BF. It’s going to be huge. ’Nuff said.

That’s it for now Sucka MCs.

Don’t get a cold.

That’s no fun.

See you about.

Peace. Love. Funk.

All Ages

Groovings, one and all. No fillers boys and girls, not this edition, not this time, not over my dead body.

May 3 (not April 26 anymore - hurrah for last minute date changes!) will bring us Paqman’s final Canberra show, though hopefully not for ever. As one of Canberra’s best flocks to the big lights of Melbourne just as others before them have done, we say goodbye through the medium of a massive fuck-off show. But wait, there’s more. Alongside Paqman will be GSD, Dissection and Fistful Of Nothing for full support. GSD and Dissection will also be leaving hand in hand with Paqman when they make their journey to Melbourne. It’s like one big incredibly fun-to-dance-to family. The show will be held out at The Greenroom (where else?) and starts at 1pm. $5. I wish you all well on your move guys, good luck.

Back to The Greenroom on April 27 for a massive show from Florida’s very own punk rock indie heartthrobs Against Me! (below). The lads will be playing alongside Crime In Stereo before taking off to go and play the Warped Tour after they finish their Australian Tour. For those who haven’t heard the lads I would advise, as they are massive, and this show is set to be fairly wild. So “stop, take some time to think,” and then come and dance your balls off. Tickets sold through Moshtix kids.

It’s the showing Canberra hardcore kids have been baying for… After breaking up at the peak of their powers last year, Australian hardcore ambassadors I Killed The Prom Queen are heading out on one final tour of their homeland to bid a proper farewell to their legions of fans. Sweetening the deal are Bring Me The Horizon (UK), The Ghost Inside (USA) and The Red Shore! Tickets to their May 27 show at the UC Refectory are on sale now through Moshtix, but be quick, obviously.

And bam, it’s over like that.

Until next time amigos…

All Ages

Greetings from the mothership space cadets. How are you beautiful people? Grooving on down as much as possible I hope. Defying gravity through the medium of interpretive dance? Creating stick figure cartoons about how hard it is to satisfy David Bowie (ah Bowie, what will you shape shift into next?) or just chilling out on your couch made entirely of potato skins. Mmm… mouldy. Whatever it is that you have been doing, I hope you have been enjoying yourself while going about it.

Other ways to enjoy yourself may include:

April 5 will hold none other than the Gungahlin Youth Week Expo
over at Gungahlin Skate Park, homeslices. The day starts at 10am and features the likes of Zero Degrees and Falling , who will continue to entertain all ages crowds across the coast in April. The price? FREE. That’s the best kind.

Ahh Belco youthie, how I love thee. I remember her well, around ‘03 we all used to go, it was always packed. I could fill this entire column with good times had, and reminisce with a smile. But… shit, how boring would that be to read. Anyway, Belconnen Youth Centre will boast the likes of Yoko Oh No, Corporate Takedown, The Furthest and Vera Cruise. So don’t cop out kids, make it like the old days, fill that shit up, bring some ruckus ’cause after all… you’re in Belco. This one goes down April 11.

Also on April 11, for all you south side kids that can’t get over to Belco, there will be a huge one over at Woden Youthie. Spoil will destroy amps in some kind of rock rampage, when they play along with the oh-so-tough Escape Syndrome, Albury’s own Master Tang and Afraid You’ll Fall. Rumour has it that more bands are set to take the stage on that fine night, so take your pick of youth centres and you can’t go wrong. (Unless you go to a youthie I didn’t mention. Then horrible things may happen, and I can’t be held responsible for it - it’s your fault.) The 18th of April is the night that Lanyon Youth Centre will host the likes of Escape Syndrome and Afraid You’ll Fall. Sydney’s own Not Write Now are set to take the stage on the night as well. The night is set to be pretty massive so if you can get there, get there. Then bring all your friends, fill cars and throw a party. The night starts at 6pm so eat up early and thrash all night.

And so, brothers and sisters, that’s it for another edition. Hope you all enjoy yourselves, and are getting through whatever shit is thrown your way. Just remember, Bowie loves you. But he will probably get bored of you. But that’s just Bowie I guess.

Till next time amigos