Fitzroy’s filthiest icon The Old Bar turns 21 this year and they are throwing themselves a big birthday bash on Saturday December 3.
The Oldie will celebrate two decades of blood, sweat and beers with an epic lineup, featuring Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, SPOD, Skyscraper Stan and The Commission Flats, Ute Root and Streetsweeper. Proudly presented by ALWAYS LIVE and Mountain Goat, the show kicks off at 7pm and tickets will only be available on the door.
Melbourne’s divest dive bar is renowned for showcasing some of this country’s biggest talents on the smallest stage. This massive handpicked lineup represents everything the owners – Joel Morrison, Singa Unlayati and Liam Matthews – love about the place, with many of the artists cutting their teeth in the legendary venue including Cash Savage and The Last Drinks who considers The Old Bar their spiritual home.
“Cash is pretty much our patron saint of the Oldie,” says Morrison. “From playing heaps and heaps of gigs here early on and just generally being here all the time (including being told to stop being so loud in the front bar when there were quieter gigs on midweek), to coaching the Old Bar Unicorns footy team and celebrating all our milestones along the way, Cash has always had our back and it’s a very special bond we don’t take lightly. Seeing Cash and The Last Drinks play for the first time at Oldie you just knew they were world class and if we helped along the way then that’s one of the reasons Oldie is a special place.”
The Old Bar has well and truly earned its status as a shining beacon of filth in a sea of gentrification. While the building may be falling apart, The Old Bar remains a steadfast haven in the face of an ever-changing suburb where every new development is slicker than the last.
“When I see a cool dive bar in a film I get so warm and fuzzy and always wanted to be a part of that,” adds Matthews. “The reality though is very different, keeping the place (kinda) clean is almost impossible, stopping jerks from breaking shit and writing their names on everything is an ongoing nightmare and the building is slowly crumbling around us. But the alternative is that fake dive bar aesthetic that some go for which just sucks. The area keeps getting shiny around us but we are just the lump of coal in the diamond mine – is that a saying? It is now.”
This show is part of ALWAYS LIVE, a new state-wide celebration of contemporary live music supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.
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‘First Class Tour’ | Nov/Dec 2022
It’s the hottest tour this Spring: critically acclaimed Houston, Texas three-piece Khruangbin return to Australia for the first time since 2019, playing their biggest live shows ever down under. With seven sold-out headline shows in Fremantle, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, plus a set at Adelaide’s Harvest Festival, the band have one extra present for VIC fans up their sleeve…
With the virtuosic trio’s previously announced performance at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl now officially sold out, Khruangbin – Laura ‘Leezy’ Lee (bass), Donald Johnson (drums) and Marko Speer (guitar) – announce a final, intimate club show at 170 Russell on Sunday 4 December. Joining them on the night is hometown groove cosmonauts Mildlife.
Tickets for this intimate club gig from one of the world’s leading bands go on sale Tuesday 11 October (1pm local time) via frontiertouring.com/khruangbin – these will go fast, so don’t delay! Frontier, Chugg and Penny Drop Members can also access the Member’s Presale, which begins Monday 10 October (12pm local time, see website for full info).
Just last month Khruangbin celebrated the release of a new 8-track collaborative album Ali (via label Dead Oceans), recorded with Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré. The musical pairing sees Khruangbin join forces with the celebrated musician in paying homage to his late father, famed Mali singer and multi-instrumentalist Ali Farka Touré. The resulting eight songs, as GQ puts it, “expands Khruangbin’s sound into blues territory with a hint of West African palm wine music. It’s more pulsing and energetic. You can zone out and cut a rug… First they pull you in. Then they make you float….”.
Universally adored, sonic instrumental world-builders Khruangbin possess a legendary live show, selling-out multiple nights at iconic venues worldwide. Their Melbourne shows are presented in partnership with ALWAYS LIVE, a state-wide celebration of contemporary live music supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.
KHRUANGBIN
With special guests Kamasi Washington (Melbourne/Auckland) and Mildlife (Fremantle/Melbourne/Brisbane)
FIRST CLASS TOUR
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
Presented by Frontier Touring, Chugg Entertainment, Penny Drop, 95bFM (Auckland show) and ALWAYS LIVE (Melbourne show)
NEW MELBOURNE SHOW: FRONTIER MEMBERS PRE-SALE
via frontiertouring.com/khruangbin
Runs 24 hours from: Monday 10 October (12pm local time)
or until pre-sale allocation exhausted
Pre-sale timings staggered per show, visit website for more details
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE
Begins: Tuesday 11 October (1pm local time)
Wednesday 23 November
Fremantle Arts Centre | Walyalup / Fremantle, WA
SOLD OUT
Friday 25 November
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall | Gadigal Country / Sydney, NSW
SOLD OUT
Sunday 27 November
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall | Gadigal Country / Sydney, NSW
SOLD OUT
Monday 28 November
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall | Gadigal Country / Sydney, NSW
SOLD OUT
Wednesday 30 November
The Fortitude Music Hall | Meanjin / Brisbane, QLD
SOLD OUT
Thursday 1 December
The Princess Theatre | Meanjin / Brisbane, QLD
SOLD OUT
Saturday 3 December
Sidney Myer Music Bowl | Naarm / Melbourne, VIC
SOLD OUT
Sunday 4 December
NEW SHOW!
170 Russell | Naarm / Melbourne, VIC
18+
Moshtix.com.au | Ph: 1300 438 849
Presented by ALWAYS LIVE
Tuesday 6 December
FINAL TICKETS
Spark Arena | Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, NZ
All Ages
ticketmaster.co.nz | Ph: 0800 111 999
*Also playing Harvest Rock Festival (not a Frontier Touring show)
Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers. We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the Frontier website.
khruangbin.com | facebook.com/khruangbin
twitter.com/khruangbin | instagram.com/khruangbin
Spotify | YouTube
Secret Sounds Pre-Sale from 9am local Thursday 13 October
Tickets on sale to the general public from 11am local Friday 14 October Secret Sounds is thrilled to reveal that acclaimed English rockers The 1975 will be touring Australia throughout April 2023. The highly anticipated shows will see the band grace stages in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne,
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A jaw-dropping lineup of some of Australia’s biggest and hottest musical talents has today been revealed for Illuminate the River, a free and all-ages festival to be held on the banks of the Maribyrnong River on Saturday 19 November 2022.
Moonee Valley City Council and the Victorian State Government’s live music reinvigoration program On The Road Again have lifted the lid on the nine-hour event that features multi-platinum selling artists, ARIA award winners and triple j mainstays, as well as a plethora of family-friendly activities.
Yolngu superstar Baker Boy, iconic Melbourne trio Something For Kate, electronic dance mavericks Art vs Science, art-pop singer and Eurovision representative Montaigne, indie-pop singer Mia Wray and kid favourites the Teeny Tiny Stevies lead the charge of artists who will descend upon the main stage beside the Maribyrnong River in Aberfeldie. Home-grown and local acts will round out the bill, performing on two additional festival stages.
That’s not all on the cards – the day will also feature an inflatable regatta, carnival rides, kids’ activities, food trucks, a beer garden, a Box Wars workshop, and the colossal event finale – an extravagant laser and water show on the river.
The extraordinary lineup heralds the biggest, boldest and most audacious offering in Illuminate the River’s three-year history, as it roars back to post-pandemic life after a two-year absence
Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos says:
“Through On the Road Again we’re bringing performers back to local stages, supporting the live music industry, generating tourism and backing businesses and jobs right across the state.”
Mayor of Moonee Valley City Council Cr Samantha Byrne says:
“People will be so excited to have the chance to see artists of this calibre in Moonee Valley,” she said. “The fact that they can also see them for free is something they might even find hard to believe – but it’s real alright!”
“Add to that all the other entertainment that will be on offer for the whole family, and it adds up to a day not to be missed. Start planning your public transport journeys now.”
Produced by the City of Moonee Valley and presented by On The Road Again, a Victorian Government initiative bringing live music back across the state, Illuminate the River 2022 will be held on Saturday 19 November from 12pm – 9pm in the Boulevard in Aberfeldie, and is a free, family-friendly and all-ages event.
Follow https://whatsonmooneevalley.
Illuminate The River
Saturday 19 November
The Boulevard, Aberfeldie
12pm – 9pm
Free, all-ages
Website
Socials
The Kooks – Inside In / Inside Out 15th Anniversary Tour
We can’t wait for iconic UK group The Kooks to return to Melbourne tomorrow night.
GA tickets have completely sold out, and reserved seats are selling fast – make sure you secure your spot now!
TICKETS
BLUESFEST 2023 – SECOND ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT
SIX MORE HUGE ARTISTS ADDED TO THE BILL!
PLUS! 1-DAY & 3-DAY TICKETS ON SALE TODAY, WED 5TH OF OCTOBER… KEEP AN EYE OUT ON EMAILS & BLUESFEST SOCIALS!
In just over 26 weeks, the 34th Annual Bluesfest’s gates will open for what they are promoting to be the most exciting Bluesfest ever.
With today’s artist announcement, they have now rolled out 47 artists on the already mammoth Bluesfest 2023 line-up. They have also reported continuing development of the festival site, to make for a game-changing festival experience over the Easter Long Weekend held in the Byron Shire, from Thursday 6 April – Monday 10 April 2023.
This morning, Bluesfest have announced The Doobie Brothers, bringing their 50th Anniversary Tour to the festival stage on closing night – Easter Monday, April 10. The band are still smashing attendance records, and rightly so with some of the classic line-up still performing today – Michael McDonald has re-joined the band, alongside Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, and John McFee. Their legion of fans will be able experience a coming together of what many may call “THE CLASSIC DOOBIE BROTHERS COMBINATION”.
Next on the line-up addition list is winner of the Americana Album of the year, Allison Russell, playing Bluesfest 2023 on Easter Saturday & Sunday.
Bluesfesters will also see Counting Crows (Easter Saturday), the forever unwavering on-stage-energy of Vintage Trouble (Good Friday & Easter Saturday), PLUS the mighty return of Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and St Paul & the Broken Bones (both performing on Opening Night of Bluesfest 2023 – Thu 6 April, and on Good Friday 7 April).
It’s going to be a Bluesfest to remember with some of the world’s finest contemporary and legendary Blues, Roots, Soul, Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, World and Americana music artists… and more!
1-Day and 3-Day tickets will also go on sale today (soon after the artist announcement) at a special price which will only be available for a limited time before we increase to the standard price.
Camping for 1-Day & 3-Day festival goers will also be available to purchase next week!
Tickets are available to purchase through Moshtix www.bluesfest.com.au/tickets
Stand by for further announcements on two special satellite events happening in Melbourne and Perth, as well as side shows from some of this amazing line up.
Here’s the list of new artists on the Bluesfest 2023 bill!
[IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER]
ALLISON RUSSELL
COUNTING CROWS
DOOBIE BROTHERS, THE
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHTSWEATS
ST PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES
VINTAGE TROUBLE
Joining the already announced line-up…
[IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER]
19-TWENTY | THE BARNESTORMERS | BETH HART [EXCLUSIVE] | THE BLACK SORROWS
BONNIE RAITT | BUDDY GUY | THE CAT EMPIRE | CHAIN
CHRISTONE ‘KINGFISH’ INGRAM | ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS | ERIC GALES [EXCLUSIVE]
FEMI KUTI & THE POSITIVE FORCE | GANG OF YOUTHS | GREENSKY BLUEGRASS [EXCLUSIVE]
JACKSON BROWNE | JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT | JOE BONAMASSA [EXCLUSIVE]
JOE CAMILLERI PRESENTS A STAR-STUDDED TRIBUTE TO THE GREATS OF THE BLUES
JON STEVENS | KALEO | KEB’ MO’ BAND | KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD
LACHY DOLEY AND THE HORNS OF CONVICTION | LARKIN POE
LP | LUCINDA WILLIAMS | MARCUS KING
MAVIS STAPLES | MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD | NIKKI HILL [EXCLUSIVE]
ROBERT GLASPER | ROCKWIZ LIVE
THE SOUL REBELS & FRIENDS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS TALIB KWELI • GZA • BIG FREEDIA
SOUTHERN AVENUE [EXCLUSIVE] | SPINIFEX GUM FEAT. MARLIYA
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES | TASH SULTANA | XAVIER RUDD
SNAPSHOT BIOS
ALLISON RUSSELL
Poet, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, activist – Allison Russell unpacks her
youth in searing detail on her tour de force debut Outside Child. She sings about deliverance and redemption, about the places, the people and realisations that helped her survive and claim her freedom.
“It’s an album of strength and affirmation, not victimization,” said The New York Times in their profile on Russell, and has named Outside Child the #2 Best Album of 2021.
Outside Child has received three Grammy award nominations in the Best Americana Album category, Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song. In addition to her three Grammy nominations, Russell has been awarded Album of the Year at the 2022 Americana Music Association Awards, four Canadian Folk Music Awards, the Polaris Music Prize and two Juno Awards. Russell is the first-ever Black artist to win a Contemporary Roots Album of the Year in Juno history.
COUNTING CROWS
Counting Crows have enchanted listeners worldwide for more than two decades with their intensely soulful and intricate take on timeless rock & roll. Exploding onto the music scene in 1993 with their multi-platinum breakout album, August and Everything After, the band has gone on to release seven studio albums, selling more than 20 million records worldwide, and is revered as one of the world’s most pre-eminent live touring rock bands.
In 2004, Counting Crows recorded the chart-topping “Accidently in Love” for the animated motion picture Shrek 2. The instant success of the track earned them an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 2005 Academy Awards, a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song, and a GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
Over the last 30 years, the masterful songwriting from front man Adam Duritz put the band at No.8 on Billboard Magazine’s 2021 “Greatest Of All Time: Adult Alternative 25th Anniversary Chart.” The band released their newest record, Butter Miracle, featuring hit single “Elevator Boots” in April of 2021.
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
For over five decades, The Doobie Brothers have been known for delivering mind-blowing, roots based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll – all of which recently culminated in an induction into the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Boasting one of the most loyal fan bases in music, selling more than 48 million albums, and winning four Grammy Awards, The Doobie Brothers continue to write and record new material and tour the world.
In all, the Doobies have tallied up five top 10 singles and 16 top 40 hits. Beginning with their multi-million-selling sophomore collection Toulouse Street, the Doobies have 3 multi-platinum, 7 platinum, and 14 Gold albums. Best of the Doobies has sold more than 12 million copies – a rare “diamond record.” In 2021, the band kicked off their 50th anniversary tour which reunited Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons, and John McFee back on the road together for the first time in over 25 years. Catch them at Bluesfest 2023 on Easter Monday.
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS
It took Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats less than five years to become one of the most recognisable new forces in contemporary Rock ’n’ Roll. Since 2015, Rateliff has led his denim-clad, horn-flanked Night Sweats, supplying the zeal of a whiskey-chugging Pentecostal preacher to songs about this world’s shared woes. They’ve had hits, sure, but their combustible mix of soul and rock quickly cemented them as the rare generational band who balanced ecstatic live shows with engrossing and rich records.
To wit, is there any other modern act capable of revving up stadium crowds for The Rolling Stones while also appearing on Saturday Night Live and CMT Crossroads and at NPR’s Tiny Desk in short order?
When Rateliff returned from his pandemic-truncated solo tour in March 2020, he struggled with the same question that vexed so many of us then—what now? Fortunately, he returned to his Colorado homestead and penned a set of songs that synthesized his introspection with his anthemic inclinations. The result is The Future, the third Night Sweats album but the first to capture this octet’s true depth and breadth. An instant classic of 11 songs, the album presents something more sustainable, interesting, and indeed open—a songwriter and band growing into bigger questions and sounds, into a future that allows them to remain recognisable but be so much more compelling than some denim-clad caricature.
ST PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES
A fever dream in sonic form, St. Paul & The Broken Bones’ new album The Alien Coast represents the most adventurous and original output yet from an ever-evolving musical powerhouse. In a profound shift for the Alabama-bred eight-piece—Paul Janeway (vocals), Jesse Phillips (bass), Browan Lollar (guitar), Kevin Leon (drums), Al Gamble (keyboards), Allen Branstetter (trumpet), Chad Fisher (trombone), and Amari Ansari (saxophone)—the band’s fourth full-length and first for ATO Records strays far from the time-bending soul of past work like their 2014 debut, arriving at a convergence of soul and psychedelia, stoner metal and funk. At turns explosive, elegant, and unhinged, that sound makes for a majestic backdrop to St. Paul & The Broken Bones’ visceral exploration of the strangest dimensions of the human psyche.
“This album has some of the more strange musical ideas I’ve ever come up with, and I’m proud that we were all excited to swing for the fences and not really worry about getting too weird.”
With the release of The Alien Coast, one of St. Paul & The Broken Bones’ greatest ambitions is to provide their audience with the same sense of unbridled possibility and purposeful abandon they felt in making the album. “I hope the record takes people on a journey and tests their boundaries a bit,” says Janeway. “I’d love for it to be almost like a gateway drug, where it opens a door that people weren’t willing to open—or maybe weren’t even aware of—and through that they get to experience all these beautiful moments they never would’ve expected.”
VINTAGE TROUBLE
Since forming in 2010, Vintage Trouble have become Rock ‘n’ Roll’s best kept secret. Distilling swaggering rock, soulful blues, R&B grooves, and pop ambition into a bold and brash brew, the quartet—Ty Taylor (vocals), Nalle Colt (guitar), Rick Barrio Dill (bass), and Richard Danielson (drums) — have logged 3,000 shows across 30 countries on tour with divinities such as The Who, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Lenny Kravitz, and Bon Jovi, to name a few.
Along the way, Vintage Trouble performed on Later… with Jools Holland, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, David Letterman, Conan, The View, and The Tonight Showin addition to receiving acclaim from New York Times, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and more.
They return to the Bluesfest stage in 2023 after their unforgettable performance in 2019! Catch them on Good Friday & Easter Saturday!
Keep in touch via Bluesfest’s Newsletter | Twitter | Instagr
Viva la Flavour! Stepping up the flavour ahead of summer, Smirnoff Seltzer and their spicy celebrity tasting officers are shouting the first round of their newly launched Smirnoff Seltzer cocktail range with a cash back offer, for this month only.
Teasing the tastebuds with two new feisty flavours, Spicy Margarita and Watermelon Margarita, your first-four pack (4 x 250ml) of Smirnoff Seltzer Cocktails will be covered by Smirnoff for a limited time, until October 29, 2022. Just purchase any four-pack of the new Smirnoff Seltzer Cocktails from select local independent Retailers, BWS or Dan Murphy’s and jump online here to complete the claim form with a picture of the receipt and Smirnoff will refund your purchase with cash back (RRP$25.99)*.
Helping to celebrate the launch of these flavours are Smirnoff’s newly appointed Vibe Curators. Part taste mavens, part cultural mavericks, the five ambassadors will act as Chief Tasting Officers for the new cocktail range, flexing their tastebuds with expert reviews on their socials, the best festival and concert tips.
Stepping into the coveted role is Tully Smyth of former Big Brother fame, alongside Netflix’s newest heartthrob Josh Heuston (Heartbreak High), music duo No Frills Twins, much loved Sydney DJ Touch Sensitive and content king Paul Paya Salad.
Diageo Marketing Manager (Smirnoff), Maddy Stockwell, says “We’re celebrating flavour this summer with the launch of our two new Smirnoff Seltzer cocktails, giving a new seltzer twist to the most popular cocktail in Australia right now – margaritas. So you can see what all the fuss is about, we’re shouting your first round so you can try it for yourself.”
Smirnoff’s newest product drop is the latest innovation in the brand’s number one Seltzer range**. Coming hot on the heels of a record demand for margaritas – both at home and in bars and clubs – Smirnoff’s Seltzer Cocktails are a nod to the much-loved cocktail, boasting just 107 calories per can. Packed with more flavour, Smirnoff Seltzer’s Spicy Margarita is fashioned in the Tommy’s Margarita style featuring Smirnoff vodka, zesty lime juice and margarita flavour, balanced with sweetness and a kick of chilli topped with sparkling water. Smirnoff Seltzer’s Watermelon Margarita offers a fruity twist with a perfectly blended mix of Smirnoff vodka, sweet ripe watermelon and subtle notes of zesty lime and margarita flavour, topped with sparkling water. Unexpectedly bold in flavour with a clean finish, the two new feisty flavours are low in sugar with just 2.5g per 250ml and 7% ABV.
Ready-to-drink hard Seltzers have fast become the drink of choice for Australians, growing 85 per cent year on year making it the fastest growing category within spirits and Smirnoff reigns as the number one Seltzer brand** in Australia.
Smirnoff Seltzer Cocktails 250ml slim-can four-pack retails for $25.99. Smirnoff Seltzer Cocktails Spicy Margarita and Watermelon Margarita flavours are now available in BWS, Dan Murphys and independent retailers.
Smirnoff Australia Facebook and Smirnoff Australia Instagram
@smirnoffaustralia #SmirnoffSeltzer #DrinkResponsibly
Where are you currently based?
We are currently based in Prince Edward Island, Canada 🙂
How did The East Pointers form?
The East Pointers formed out of friendship and a love for traditional Celtic tunes and songwriting. Tim and Koady are first cousins, but met Jake in our early touring years with different projects. We always joked about starting a band, and then in 2014, we finally did! It happened quite organically, only a few pub gigs for fun and then it eventually grew bigger than we expected it to.
What’s been happening recently?
We recently released a brand new EP, called House Of Dreams. It’s quite bittersweet having this released to the world. We lost Koady on January 6, 2022. We wrote and recorded this album together and now it’s time for everyone to hear it. His excitement for the album and the songs is what has been keeping us going through this difficult year. He’d be pretty pumped to see the lovely reaction we have received!
Your latest EP House of Dreams will be released on September 30, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
We wrote the majority of the EP while we were all on Prince Edward Island during the pandemic. We wrote a new song every few days and began the recording process in summer 2021. Our producer, Derek Hoffman, played a huge part in finding our sound for House Of Dreams, and our weekly meet ups with Colin MacDonald (who we co-wrote almost every track with) to discuss life, our challenges, battles and triumphs weaved into every song.
How did you go about writing House of Dreams?
The three of us would get together in Jake’s studio basement more often than not since we were off the road. Someone would have a riff, lyric or melody and we’d start jammin. We were lucky enough to hop on Zoom with Colin MacDonald, he’s a great writer. A lot of deep discussions would happen (and sometimes laughter), and we’d end up finding a message or story we’d feel passionate enough to share.
What does this EP mean to you?
It means a lot, for many reasons. It’s hard to find the words — losing Koad, and then the emotions and surreal feeling of completing the EP without him. We all worked so hard on these songs and we’re really happy to have them out into the world. 🙂
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
We recorded most of the album in Jake’s basement studio in Charlottetown, PEI, throughout 2021. The intro track was recorded at Koady’s house during a 2 week isolation once Jake arrived on PEI. Derek produced the EP from afar, over Zoom and FaceTime calls from Toronto. He is brilliant, and was the perfect fit for the sounds we were trying to piece together. It was really nice to be at home, comfortable enough to be creative, and trust what our producer was up to on the other end. The EP was mixed by Adam Ayan (Gateway Mastering), who has done most of our East Pointers stuff, and we keep going back to him.
How did you approach the recording process?
We worked through arrangements on voice memos and then switched over to Pro Tools, recording all our parts and ideas into a session. We sent stems over to Derek in Toronto, who instantly made everything sound amazing, and came back to us with suggestions and parts that he was keen to hear. This process really worked for us, and Derek is such a pro, it felt like he was in the studio with us.
What’s planned for House of Dreams?
Now that it’s out there, I think we’re done? Nah, there’s a bit of a plan. We are working with Nettwerk as our label for this release, and are pretty excited to have them on the team. But mainly enjoying the release for now, seeing fans react to the new songs, and thinking of Koady and how proud he would be to see it out there.
Any upcoming shows?
Our circumstances have changed, but we definitely want to play these songs live for our fans at some point. We’re taking it slow, and starting to talk about touring, and what that would look like without Koady.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
So many things! Some incredible music has emerged from the darkness of the pandemic, large and small. Harry Styles is sounding pretty good though, gotta say.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
We’ve just been working on a new festival on Prince Edward Island called Harvest Home. We unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute because of Hurricane Fiona, but we’ll be working hard to make it happen in 2023. And back to writing for sure, we’ve got plenty of ideas to work on, and Koad’s licks are going to keep us busy for ages. New music coming down the pipeline for sure in 2023 and beyond.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Going to narrow this down to Charlottetown and say Slaymaker & Nichols for food and cocktails, an amazing spot. We often end up at Upstreet’s Craft Beer Corner for a quick pint and a chat. Oh, and of course The Old Triangle, where we played our first gig as The East Pointers. They have weekly Irish sessions and it is a nice place to hang for the whole family.
Website: https://www.eastpointers.ca
Twitter: @TheEastPointers
Facebook: /EastPointersMusic
Instagram: @theeastpointers
Tickets on sale Friday 14 October
Mushroom Group, the Victorian Government, and Bad Apples Music announce First & Forever – a new, day-long festival celebrating Blak excellence and the irrepressible force that is contemporary First Nations culture and music. Artists from multiple nations will converge on Victoria’s most spectacular stage, The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock on Sunday 27 November for this landmark music event.
Hand-picked by Bad Apples Music founder, rapper and author Briggs, the collected artists represent the myriad forms and genres through which First Nations culture continues to evolve, a dizzying procession of acts interwoven in short, uninterrupted sets.
Gates to the picnic-style event will open from 1pm, with music running into the night. Artists will showcase a set on one main stage, located at the foot of Hanging Rock – one of VIC’s most majestic and significant backdrops, and one befitting the performers’ awe-inspiring talents. A venue previously reserved for international performers, it’s a fitting setting for a bold and inspiring collection of First Nations talent.
Curated by Briggs (with a special thank you to Paul Kelly), the First & Forever line-up features 20+ supreme talents – from acts at the top of their game to iconic, progressive trailblazers, songwriting giants and jaw-dropping, effervescent party starters. Artists include:
BAKER BOY, BUDJERAH, JESSICA MAUBOY, KING STINGRAY, SYCCO, THELMA PLUM, ALICE SKYE, BUSBY MAROU, CHRISTINE ANU, DAN SULTAN, ELECTRIC FIELDS, EMMA DONOVAN, TASMAN KEITH, ZIGGY RAMO, BARKAA, BIRDZ, DAMEEEELA, JESS HITCHCOCK, JK-47, KARDAJALA KIRRIDARRA, KOBIE DEE + MORE
Tickets ($79 general entry + fees for 12 years old and over) go on sale Friday 14 October (11am AEDT) via firstandforever.com.au. Frontier Members can access the Frontier Pre-sale, which starts Tuesday 11 October (11am AEDT), see website for more details.
The wheels propelling First & Forever began turning following a chance encounter between Briggs and the late Michael Gudinski AM, founder of Mushroom and a lifelong champion of First Nation talent. In one another, each found a fellow creative instigator and source of inspiration.
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Briggs wasn’t the only person MG reached out to…
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Matt Gudinski, Mushroom Group Chief Executive said:
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In honouring those who have paved the way for First & Forever’s unparalleled artist line-up, performances will take place on the ‘Uncle Archie Stage’ – an homage to the late Uncle Archie Roach. With the blessing of his Foundation, the Uncle Archie Stage will be the setting for celebrating a legacy of Blak excellence and a grounding presence for our First Nations artists.
The peoples of the Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung have long gathered on the lands where First & Forever is hosted, working with each other and First & Forever to name the location: The Gathering Place – a name that acknowledges the power of Country to build community, communication and an equitable future.
It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.
For transport details (including fee parking for vehicles with more than four attendees, bus services from Melbourne and shuttles from Woodend – full event info and tickets, head to firstandforever.com.au.
** Media: for interviews with the First & Forever artists, please get in touch
FIRST & FOREVER
THE GATHERING PLACE, HANGING ROCK
NOVEMBER 2022
Presented by Mushroom Group, the Victorian Government and Bad Apples Music
With thanks to Paul Kelly AO
Hosted by the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung. Supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.
FRONTIER MEMBERS PRE-SALE
via firstandforever.com.au
Runs 24 hours from: Tuesday 11 October (11am AEDT)
or until pre-sale allocation exhausted
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE
Begins: Friday 14 October (11am AEDT)
Sunday 27 November
The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock | Macedon Ranges, VIC
Licensed. All Ages – free entry for Under 12s
Ticketmaster.com.au | 130 100
Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers. We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the Frontier website.
Resonate today announces even more events to their evolving roster of eclectic live music programming in Brunswick, Coburg and beyond. Unique live music events at Glenroy Library, Coburg Lake and Siteworks Brunswick have been revealed as well as the much-anticipated return of Coburg Night Market.
Loud in the Library will bring rising hip hop stars Teether and Kuya Neil with special guest Mulalo to Glenroy’s new public library space for a free performance on October 28. Specifically produced for young people aged 12-18, the event will also feature a hip hop beat making workshop with Teether and Kuya Neil.
ARIA Award winning children’s entertainers Teeny Tiny Stevies will headline amongst the lush surrounds of Coburg Lake on Sunday October 30. Sisters Beth and Byll Stephen have become one of the most sought after names in Australian live music and they’ll be proudly accompanied by The Vovos and Shiny Coin who will perform sets tailored for little ones. The event also includes a lantern-making workshop by The Lanternist and a music workshop with Club Kids Music Academy. The family-friendly, BYO picnic by the lake is a free event running 3-7pm at Coburg Lake Soundshell.
In December Resonate will join forces with Siteworks and Blak Dot Gallery in Brunswick to deliver Merri-Bek Fest – a celebration of Siteworks with a deadly line-up of First Nations Australian musicians. Siteworks and Blak Dot Gallery are on the precipice of redevelopment (state-of-the-art creative and community hub coming in 2024). Merri-bek Fest is a closing party prior to Siteworks redevelopment and will include exciting live music, an exploration of artists and artworks developed on site, workshops and an excellent makers market.
Coburg Night Market will also make a joyous return to Bridges Reserve in Coburg. Running three consecutive days December 9-11, the much-loved pre-Christmas event offers locals a smorgasbord of food and drink, family friendly live music and market stalls from local small business and creative entrepreneurs. Stages will be curated by beloved Triple R presenters Vivan Vo (Mooncake), Béz Zewdie (Represented) and Simon Winkler (Breaking and Entering).
These headlining events join dozens of new additions including a free, all day festival at Penny’s featuring RAT!Hammock, LOSER and Sunfruits. A Feminista Vinyl garden party at Coburg Lake with Merpire. More Family Jams at Brunswick Ballroom. A special Cool Room x Next Wave collaboration at Brunswick Mechanics Institute and a parallel universe named 1800 Cosmos orchestrated by Thickwave.
With a focus on unique, local and family friendly events, music will resonate from all corners of Melbourne’s Northern corridor throughout the coming months, welcoming the warmer weather at venues like The Woodlands Hotel, Noisy Ritual, Penny’s Bandroom, The B.East, Coburg RSL, Brunswick Ballroom, The Retreat and MORE.
Visit resonateresonate.com.au to explore the evolving program.
Resonate is part of On the Road Again, a Victorian Government initiative to bring live music back across the state.
Quote attributable to Merri-bek Mayor Mark Riley
“Now that the warmer weather has arrived, I can’t wait to enjoy some songs in the sunshine with other Merri-bek music lovers. This jam-packed schedule of events will resonate with all – I encourage everyone to enjoy a gig in Glenroy, a concert in Coburg or beats in Brunswick!”
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos
“On the Road Again is bringing the best live music back across our suburbs, boosting local businesses and communities, and ensuring musicians and performers are back on our stages, where they belong.”
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4 / 5 (Dave Ruby Howe, Triple J) [About ‘Beauty Queen’]
“Massive riffs and destroy-everything vocals make for grungy goodness. I really like how this explodes after 2 min mark. Keen to hear more.”
4 / 5 (Ryan Egan, Triple J) [About ‘Beauty Queen’]
“‘Twas the night before Mardi Gras and all through the house, not a creature was stirring… until the first notes of Downgirl, when every living thing within earshot woke the fuck up and wondered, reasonably, whether the world was ending. A fearsome set, where everything is inside out, an impossible puzzle of things that don’t make sense but just do. It’s like enjoying getting a hammer to back of the head. What utter fun.”
(The Underground Stage)
“Downgirl tore it up like a wrecking machine made of the Runaways and Bikini Kill”
(Brian Giffin – Loud Mag)
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Follow DOWNGIRL
Facebook | Insta: @downgirlband | Youtube | Triple J Unearthed
Spotify | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Apple Music
With headline shows in Christchurch, Auckland, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth
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Where are you currently based?
I am based in Boorloo (Perth) Western Australia.
How did you first start playing music?
I made a decision about 5 years ago that if I didn’t pursue my dreams now that they would never happen. I found a DJ and Abelton production course through Lab Six and haven’t looked back since.
What’s been happening recently?
I have been quietly producing music in my little home studio which has been like a cocoon during the pandemic. Being nominated for a WAM SOTY award in 2021 really encouraged me to push myself forward and see how far I can go with my beautiful obsession to produce music. I am looking forward to my first live performance (previously it has always been DJ sets).
Your latest single ‘Threw It All Away’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
About a year ago, I really started vibing Trip Hop like Portishead and Massive Attack and decided that genre really suits my songwriting style. I also love Kanye style vocal processing so I decided to give Trip Hop a modern twist by incorporating that into this track.
How did you go about writing Threw It All Away?
I wrote the lyrics first with a melody in mind. Once I had that together, I sat at my piano and worked out some backing chords before picking the perfect synth for the track using Abelton which is the DAW that I use to create music. Once I had a rough draft of the song, I showed my mentor Morgan Then (from Slumberjack) and he had some great suggestions which really brought the track to life and complemented the song so well.
What does this single mean to you?
I feel personally connected to this song. You can hear that this song comes from the heart when listening to my vocals. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to create this song, and it is my intention that it will resonate with a lot of people, and bring them pleasure listening to it.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
The song was written in my studio at home and the vocals were recorded there also. There was some Mentorship over zoom with Morgan Then, but it was all in my home studio. Even the mastering. Lab Six Records requested some minor changes and I was stoked that they released it under their label.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I love Portishead, but I am currently listening to Project Bexx, Tina Says, Ekko and Sidetrack, Boston Switch, Oddly Godly and of course Slumberjack.
What do you like to do away from music?
I am trying to grow the world’s largest tomato.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
I am currently involved in a guiness book of world record attempt to beat the record for B2B DJ set and my latest single “Fly Away” is coming out October 13!
I have so much music lined up for release as well as DJ sets and performances scheduled, next up on October 12 at Lyric Underground in Maylands.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I love Mushroom Burgers and to hang out at Lab Six.
/// Fran Links ///