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Peter Noble OAM, Bluesfest Festival Director and Chairman of the Bluesfest Group of Companies announced this morning:
“The NSW Government has indicated that, if the current COVID-19 situation continues in NSW, Bluesfest would be permitted to proceed, following our comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan.
This is a great day, not only for Bluesfest, but also for the Australian Live Music Industry and our unrelenting efforts to get back to presenting Live Music Safely.
Whilst our capacity, stages and campgrounds will be approximately 50% of the numbers we have had in the past, it is great to know there is a future for our industry, and that we have been given the opportunity to present Bluesfest 2021 at a level not seen at festivals in Australia since the summer of 2019/20.
We were heartbroken after last year’s cancellation three weeks out from the festival, due to NSW government orders. However, our resolve to present our beloved, multi award-winning festival resulted in our commencing work with Riskworks to create a COVID-19 Safety Plan in May of 2020. We first lodged it with government in August and have continued to refine the plan since that time.
We have worked closely with NSW Health in developing the plan and are extremely thankful for their ongoing advice. Certainly, the NSW Events Task Force and the offices of Stuart Ayres, Minister for Tourism and Major Events NSW; John Barilaro, the Deputy Premier NSW; Ben Franklin, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts; the office of Don Harwin, NSW Minister for the Arts and Paul Fletcher, Federal Minister for the Arts are to be commended for working closely with us on a weekly basis to achieve this milestone result for the music loving people of Australia,” said Bluesfest Festival Director Peter Noble.
Bluesfest is a five-time winner of Best Major Event at the NSW Tourism Awards, and a member of the NSW Tourism Hall of Fame, as well as being nominated nine times as Best International Music Festival in the Pollstar Awards which take place in Los Angeles, including their 30th Anniversary edition 2019.
“We have an All-Aussie lineup playing at Easter at our purpose-built event site, The Byron Events Farm (formerly Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm) in Byron Shire, 15 minutes’ drive north from Byron Bay. Bluesfest is headlined by an amazing lineup of talent, including Jimmy Barnes, Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts, The Teskey Brothers, John Butler, Xavier Rudd, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, The Waifs, The Church, John Williamson, Ian Moss, Kev Carmody, Vika & Linda, Chain, Backsliders, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Blue King Brown, Kate Miller-Heidke, Dami Im, Weddings Parties Anything, Russell Morris, Briggs, Jon Stevens and many, many more.
At the moment we are 80% sold out and our Friday, Saturday and Sunday days are expected to sell out” Noble said.
“We will be inspecting the 150-page COVID-19 Safety Plan in depth and will make a further announcement on how Bluesfest will be presented in a safe manner next week. What we can say is that the plan is created in a way where we can adapt to the requirements of the NSW Health Department should there be a need to create higher levels of safety for the public on site, and, of course, we are also hopeful, that conditions will be further relaxed should there be no further community transmissions.
The good news is you won’t need to wear a mask currently whilst attending. We are looking forward to seeing your smiling faces as you experience the best in Australian music at an outdoor fully seated event.
There are so many people to thank who took part in working with us in getting to this point.
The artists and their agents and managers, the media for their ongoing support, our suppliers and of course the Bluesfest Team who never wavered, well … only sometimes, in their conviction to produce Bluesfest at Easter (April 1-5) this year. But number one is, our gratitude to the music fans, who purchased the tickets from the moment we went on sale and who will join us in making history as major live music events return in Australia.”
Let’s bring back the music !
Peter Noble OAM
Executive Chairman
Bluesfest Group of Companies
Sydney-based artist services agency Good Intent have just announced new management signings Saint Lane, Close Counters and FANGZ, as well as internal promotions within their PR and Label Services divisions.
“We’re ecstatic to reveal the new additions to our family in Lane, Close Counters and FANGZ,” says newly appointed Artist & PR Services Manager, Nick Moran. “The team and myself have been friends and worked with all three artists in various capacities over some time now, so to be able to represent their careers as managers is an absolute honour!” he continues.
Bursting onto the scene in mid-2019, Gold Coast-based New Zealand born artist Saint Lane quickly garnered praise from triple j, The Needle Drop, NME, Spotify, Apple Music, The Guardian, GQ, Billboard and Beats 1 with Briggs. In the live arena Saint Lane has traversed the country supporting the likes of Lime Cordiale, JID, Earl Sweatshirt, Dune Rats, Baker Boy and Bootleg Rascal.
“I’m super excited to work with Rob and all the legends at Good Intent,” says Lane. “I’ve been searching far and wide for someone as crazy and ambitious as me and I think Mr. Worldwide Bobby Dazzler is the man for the job. This is like when South Sydney signed Latrell” he added.
Melbourne duo Close Counters’ signature soundscape at the crossroads of house neo-soul, hip-hop and disco have earned them nods from tastemakers XLR8R, Indie Shuffle, NME, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, Gilles Peterson and triple j. The pair have already ticked off Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Meredith Music Festival, Strawberry Fields and remixed the likes of Bag Raiders, 30/70 and most recently Young Franco and Denzel Curry’s hit ‘Fallin’ Apart’.
In 2021 the pair have sold out all three of their Melbourne Music Week events at Colour Club without announcing the shows to their fanbase and last week played a to a full house at Sidney Myer Music Bowl with The Murlocs.
“Having worked with Rick since our Meredith Festival slot while he was at UNDR Ctrl a little over a year ago, we’re keen to continue the relationship and be joining the Good Intent family at such an exciting time for the crew as we roll into a big 2021 with a heap of new music!” says Close Counters. “Rick was a much-needed companion to help us navigate the process of writing and releasing music over the course of the lockdowns that occurred in 2020.”
Also joining them are one of Sydney’s most exciting new punk bands, FANGZ. The group have toured the country selling out headline shows and shared stages with Gyroscope, Cancer Bats and Comeback Kid. They’ve also received praise via triple j, Spotify, Apple Music, Pilerats, Blunt Magazine, Wall of Sound, Hysteria Magazine, Music Feeds and The Music. Their new single ‘Self Medicate’ is due for release on February 26.
“We’re absolutely stoked we finally have somebody to do all of our work for us,” says FANGZ. “It’s also pretty rad to be surrounded by other artists and creatives we like that have the same ‘get stuff done’ attitude” they added.
In line with the artist signing announcements, the agency is excited to reveal that two team members will step up into division management roles. Long serving Publicist Nick Moran has been promoted to Artist & PR Services Manager, while Rick Bridgman (ex. Chugg Music, UNDR Ctrl) is set to undertake the new role of Artist & Label Services Manager.
“Our PR division has long been a staple since our inception,” says Bridgman. “Now with the addition of third-party playlist pitching, tastemaker DJ servicing and digital marketing, we can offer artists and labels a one-stop point for all their promo needs” he continues.
The three new signees will join current management clients Bootleg Rascal and Down For Tomorrow. Current and previous PR and Label Services clients include the likes of BMG, Sony, Universal, Handsome Tours, Astral People, Chugg Music, American Hi-Fi (USA), Bas (USA), Freddie Gibbs (USA), Bag Raiders, Gyroscope, Harts, Citizen Kay, RedHook and SCABZ.
Good Intent first launched in late-2018 and offers a range of services across artist management, PR, radio plugging, club promotions, playlist pitching, digital marketing, worldwide blogs and label services.
The agency also recently launched Good Loco – a photography and videography suite and space for hire located in Marrickville, Sydney.
FOLLOW GOOD INTENT
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Pearls
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remotecontrolrecords
The art of performance photography in collaboration with one of Australia’s leading performance photographers Jeff Busby.
By exploring highlights from the rich photographic holdings of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Australian Performing Arts Collection, together with some favourites from his own archive, Busby gives us insight into both the art of photography and the world of the performing arts.
“I thought an important factor in this project was how we were able to cross through time and find a commonality in what these images are trying to tell us,” said Jeff Busby.
“One of the most fascinating aspects was looking at the Australian Performing Arts Collection and the historic sweep of their work and being shown how performance photography has followed the progression of the performing arts in Australia.”
Framing the Stage was developed during Victoria’s second-wave lockdown in 2020 and opened up a dialogue between Busby and the Assistant Curator for the Australian Performing Arts Collection Ian Jackson. Exploring the archive together, they uncovered a number of special moments from Australia’s performing arts history.
“At a time when live performance has been limited, we wanted to remind people of what is so exciting and compelling about the performing arts. Performance photography is like capturing lightning in a bottle, the photographer needs to capture a performer, their role, and the feel of the production, all within a single image,” said Jackson.
“The Australian Performing Arts Collection has a wealth of amazing photographs, covering more than a hundred years of ballet, circus, dance, theatre and opera. We knew that a practising performance photographer like Jeff would bring new insights to them, based on his many years of experience.”
“We wanted to take our audiences backstage and behind the camera to see his work – and the photographs in the collection – through his eyes.”
The project has resulted in a robustly curated exploration of photographic images, styles and history, combined with unique insights from Busby.
“I found it an extremely rewarding process and allowed me to reflect in a way I perhaps hadn’t been able to until recently. In particular delving into the collection and opening up a whole gamut of thoughts and how the photos over time have fit into the bigger picture,” said Busby.
“These moments only happened once, and through these moments, with layering and attention you are able to capture a moment in time which reflects a complex matrix of performance. We’ve managed to uncover and present photos that entice, entertain and have a timeless quality to them.”
Online exhibitions have been an incredibly successful initiative for the Australian Performing Arts Collection, allowing audiences all over the world unprecedented access to this rare trove of objects. Framing the Stage adds to the developing wealth of knowledge available through their online portal.
You can access Framing the Stage and other exhibitions here.
We’re excited to be welcoming visitors back to our venues in line with the most recent Victorian Government guidelines on COVID-19. However, following the Victorian Government’s announcement that the state is returning to Stage 4 lockdowns from 11:59pm Friday 12 February, events scheduled between Saturday 13 and Wednesday 17 February will not proceed as planned. Ticketholders will be contacted directly with more information. This also means we have temporarily closed our Sunday Markets and Australian Music Vault, but our outdoor café Protagonist is still offering take away coffee and food should you be passing through.
While the ghost lights will stay on a little longer inside our venues, we will continue to offer audiences the chance to experience the wonder of the performing arts via our digital hub – Together With You. For more information including: our opening plans and related health and safety policies; bookings for free and ticketed events; and other digital content and experiences, please visit artscentremelbourne.com.au.
For more information about Arts Centre Melbourne, please visit www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or phone 1300 182 183. Become a fan of Arts Centre Melbourne on Facebook or follow @artscentremelb on Twitter and Instagram.
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TRACKLIST
Icarus
When The Moving Stops
Start Over
Limb
Rocky Road feat. Cousin Stizz (co-produced by FREAKEY)
Why Do You Run
Stay connected with Planet Giza:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | SoundCloud
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SECOND IDOL
UNVEIL EVOCATIVE DEBUT SINGLE ‘WHITE NOISE’
SUPPORT FOR ‘WHITE NOISE’
“Charged bursts of captivating alt-rock-meets-punk-pop that sits in-line with long-time influences from Sonic Youth and Savages.”
Pilerats (AUS)
Sydney-based alternative-rock trio Second Idol have just revealed their fervent debut single ‘White Noise’ – mixed and mastered by Nick Franklin (Peking Duk, Polish Club, Clews).
Opening with menacing guitars and steadfast drums, ‘White Noise’ immediately envelops the listener in a hypnotic trance as lead singer Kate Olivia’s snarling vocals exude effortless presence. The tracks lyrical themes hammer home its commanding subject matter, as its forthright choruses propel the track towards its rewarding finale.
Kate talks about the meaning behind ‘White Noise’:
“’White Noise’ is a contemplation of body politics, women’s bodies and misogyny. It emerged out of my observations of comments often made by cis men on social media regarding the policing of women and gender non-conforming bodies. The lyrics are written in a way that I’m having a conversation with someone in a bar, and I’m calling them out on their misinformed views and telling them that ‘we need to take this conversation outside’, then they just get sledgehammered with a barrage of guitars.”
Second Idol consists of Kate Olivia, Theia Joyeaux and Maxine Gillon, who take inspiration from alternative-rock luminaires Savages, Placebo and Sonic Youth. To coincide with the release, the band will launch ‘White Noise’ at Frankies Pizza on February 27, with a further performance at Mardi Gras for Queer As Fvck in early March.
Outside of the band, the trio are proud members of Sydney’s LGBTQIA community and work with organisations such as Queer As Fvck, as well as queer and mental health charity Baylin’s Gift, located in lead singer Kate Olivia’s hometown of Kempsey on the Mid North Coast of NSW. “I’ve experienced prejudice and negativity in relation to my gender, sexuality and cultural background, so I’m reflexively a supporter of minority groups and the pursuit of equality” Kate adds.
In the coming weeks, Second Idol will reveal an accompanying music video for ‘White Noise’.
‘White Noise’ is available worldwide now
SECOND IDOL
WHITE NOISE LAUNCH SHOWS
FRI 27 FEB | FRANKIES PIZZA, SYDNEY NSW
SAT 6 MAR | QUEER AS FVCK MARDI GRAS, SYDNEY NSW
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lovedavid, e4444e and Skip Willcox, three of Newcastle’s most bold and experimental artists, present Invisible Stone, a one-of-a-kind production that will take place at the iconic Civic Theatre on Thursday the 18th of February as part of the City of Newcastle’s New Annual festival. Tickets available here.
Combining art, sound and dance to create a fully immersive experience, Invisible Stone guides the audience on an ethereal journey through the unknown. A true collaborative effort, lovedavid (creative director), e4444e (sound design) and Skip Willcox (choreography) blend sonic compositions with distinct visual environments to explore the interplay between the cosmic and the mundane; a shiver with no chill; a lump in the throat; a premonition. lovedavid, e4444e and Skip Willcox pose the question of what is beyond and within us, as the intertwining of these unique artists’ respective disciplines unfold onstage.
Invisible Stone was inspired by Ryōan-ji, a Japanese Zen temple garden featuring distinctive rock formations. The garden is said to be “an abstract composition of ‘natural’ objects in space, a composition whose function is to incite meditation.” lovedavid explores this concept to investigate emotions, feelings and connections, challenging the audience to question what exists in our lives that we can’t see. What doesn’t exist that we can see? “It’s freeing when you think about it but challenging to grasp – it can send you the other way,” lovedavid says. Through this absorbing examination, a loose narrative unfolds between the seen and unseen, constantly checking in on one another.
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DIGITAL AVATAR BAND SODA STATE RETURN FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION WITH BREEZY POP SINGLE
‘WAY TO GO’
SODA STATE – ‘WAY TO GO’
OUT NOW
Lyrically, sonically and visually Soda State are on a mission to take you away from the world around you; they want you to surrender yourself to the moment and come with them to ‘The Soda State Of Mind’. Each time they release a single they open a door to this world and with their first two singles ‘The Look’ and ‘Midnight’ they showed us a glimpse into their utopian paradise. Setting their standard with layered 80’s synths, kicking back beats and euphoric vocals epitomising their sound.
Now with the latest single, ‘Way To Go’ they continue the expansion of their sound, delivering unadulterated breezy synth pop, simultaneously contemporary and retro, beautifully constructed and designed to make you smile. Its builds in breathy, dreamy and super hooky vocals over a pop dance backdrop, primed for summer and sunnier days, working on the radio as well as your favorite streaming playlists.
The band come equipped with a fascinating story. Back in 2019, M and Tracie are in their garage recording studio in London. Using their laptops, classic analogue synths and an array of gadgets they’ve wired themselves, they stumble on a sound, a combination of 0’s and 1’s in digital code that unexpectedly opens an interdimensional portal, transporting them to an alternate reality: the Soda State.
Transformed into digital versions of themselves, M and Tracie find themselves in a utopian world. Euphoric and intoxicating feeling both nostalgic and brand new – like nothing they’ve experienced before. Immediately hooked, they vow never to leave this paradise.
Before long, they find themselves tumbling through the portal again, away from Soda State. Re-entering the human world in their digital forms. Hypnotized by what they’ve experienced, they can’t rest until they find their way back. Now getting to grips with life in the real world as digital avatars, the friends are on a musical journey to rediscover the sound that will open the portal once more.
Soda State come to us with fascinating and highly creative imagery, they are also lovers of all things retro, think video games, fashion and of course, music. The single release comes equipped with an original video and an alternative ‘Club Soda’ Mix primed for when we finally return to the dancefloor.
Soda State’s ‘Way To Go’ is out now on Potion Records.
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LISTEN TO ‘SUGAR’ (KOLOMBO REMIX) HERE
Continuing to outline their commitment to showcasing new talent from around the globe, Junior Jack & Pat BDS present the next release on their Adesso Music imprint: Virak – ‘Sugar’ (Kolombo Remix) out today.
An exciting new talent and French virtuoso, Virak first received a rework for ‘Sugar’ from label head Junior Jack at the end of 2020. Now, as the track continues to grow houseplayer heavyweight Kolombo delivers his rework.
‘Sugar’ is built on bold drums, driving bass and a deeply moving atmosphere. Kolombo brings elements of tribal trance in his remix whilst retaining that house undertone that he’s become so famed for.
Having mastered the art of modern production, Belgium’s Kolombo’s discography charts esteemed imprints such as Kompakt, Turbo, Diynamic, Noir Music, Dirtybird and more. Playing shows at Belgium’s Tomorrowland, all across America, Russia, Australia, Europe and not to mention his second home in Brazil, display that he has soared to the forefront of the global electronic music scene and is a credit to the ‘Sugar’ remix agenda.
Virak is also no stranger to the DJ booth. Now residing in Thailand where he has a number of residencies, he started his career in 2006 and has frequented many of the prestigious clubs in France such as Les Caves: (Courchevel), Le Milk (Montpellier) as well as open format sets at some of the world’s most tropezian bars and beach clubs. Championed by Junior Jack, the Adesso Music team and beyond, Virak is a sure one to watch for 2021.
Virak – ‘Sugar’ (Kolombo Remix) is out now Adesso Music
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Earth Is A Black Hole, the sophomore album from Los Angeles band Teenage Wrist, is out now via Epitaph Records.
Produced by Colin Brittain (Basement, A Day to Remember), Earth Is A Black Hole follows the band’s 2018 debut Chrome Neon Jesus and sees guitarist Marshall Gallagher stepping up as frontman. The artistic liberation of this lineup change, coupled with two years of consistent touring has aided in the band’s sonic evolution. The new album incorporates elements of modern rock with the band’s signature shoegaze styling while integrating synths, drum samples, and electronica to ultimately take their sound to a more expansive and aggressive level.
Conceptually, the album focuses on the potential that we all have to transmute our past into something positive. This concept is paralleled in the collage-style artwork designed by Colin Crane, which acts a visual representation of the album’s central theme. The dichotomy between hope and hopelessness is what lies at the core of this album.
Early Acclaim for Earth Is A Black Hole
“Throughout Earth Is A Black Hole’s tight, 33-minute runtime, impeccable sequencing carries the listener through various emotional states with ease. “ – New Noise Magazine
“a comforting soundtrack for these strange, dark times we’re all experiencing, positioning Teenage Wrist as not only one of rock’s best new bands, but also, maybe, an important one.” – Kerrang!
“This is the sort of album that will thrive with replays in the summer months, maybe even locking in some year ends spots in the process – it’s certainly likely.” – The Soundboard Review
“Earth Is A Black Hole does an absolutely stunning job of navigating all of the ups and downs for a life in a pandemic and beyond.” – Soundfiction
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WATCH
BAND ANNOUNCES “LIVE FROM THE UNKNOWN” LIVESTREAM EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 2021
FALLING IN REVERSE have shared the video for the reimagined version of the classic fan-favourite “I’m Not A Vampire.”
Watch the video for “I’m Not A Vampire (Revamped)” HERE
The epic visual is dramatic and cinematic, and feels very Tim Burton-esque. Meanwhile, the new version of song is equally as epic and sprawling.
“‘I’m Not a Vampire (Revamped)’ was over 10 years in the making,” says Ronnie Radke. “I wrote the original song, while sitting inside a maximum security prison, about drug addiction. I always believed songs such as this one had more to offer than its original form, so I wanted to give fans a new perspective and redefine who I am when it comes to expressing myself and being creative.”
The original appears on the band’s 2011-released album The Drug in Me Is You, which achieved a Gold certification last year.
Falling In Reverse are also pleased to announce “Live From the Unknown,” an immersive livestream experience. It will feature two totally unique concerts with different set lists taking place over a pair of Friday nights in April.
“‘Live From the Unknown’ is a two-part event I have created that has never been done,” Radke explains. “It’s two shows on separate nights with added elements that you just have to see to understand. Me trying to explain it now would ruin the live experience and also wouldn’t do it justice. Make sure you grab your tickets cause it probably will never happen like this again!”
The dates for the “Live From the Unknown” are as follows:
Saturday, April 17— Part 1 — 11am AEST
Saturday, May 1 — Part 2 — 11am AEST
Watch the “Live From the Unknown” trailer here and then purchase your tickets here.
Falling In Reverse’s most recent single “Popular Monster” enjoyed a multi-week stint at No. 1 on the rock radio charts in the US. The song landed in the top spot on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart, Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Chart, and the Nielsen Rock Chart. It marked the first No.1 single of the band’s career. It also followed the gold certification of the band’s 2011-released debut album The Drug in Me Is You and a sold-out anniversary tour in US.
ICYMI:
Watch the Stranger Things-inspired video for “Superhero” here.
Watch the epic and atmospheric video for “Coming Home” here.
The “F**k You and All Your Friends” video is viewable here.
Watch the BTS footage from the “F**k You and All Your Friends” video here.
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