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MINDARIE Whale Wh l + Ale Al MORLEY Ale House NEERABUP Ocean View Tavern NORTH PERTH Charles Hotel NORTH PERTH Rosemount Hotel SCARBOROUGH White Sands SWAN VIEW Pig & Whistle WEMBLEY Hotel WOODVALE Tavern
9408 5444 9276 8733 9407 4101 9444 1051 9328 7062 9341 1119 9294 1922 9383 7488 9309 4288
ASCOT Mane Liquor BALDIVIS Liquor Store Settlers Ave
9478 3676 9523 1055
SOUTHERN METRO:
BIBRA LAKE Stock St k Rd. Rd Market M k t Tav T BOUVARD Tavern CARLISLE Hotel EAST FREMANTLE Royal George EAST VIC PARK Franklins Tavern FALCON Cobblers Tavern KARDINYA Tavern LANGFORD Posters Tavern MADDINGTON Liquor Store MANDURAH Boat House Tavern MEDINA Pace Road Tavern RAVENSWOOD Hotel RIVERVALE Hotel
Register @ www.thirstycamel.com.au for all the Camel’s benefi bene ts 9418 6852 9582 1533 9361 1544 9339 2747 9472 1549 9534 2433 9337 6999 9356 1981 9459 5594 9535 1034 9419 2133 9537 6054 9470 3778
STH FREMANTLE Davilak D il k Tavern T SOUTH LAKES Fitzy’s Lakeside Tav STH YUNDERUP Sandy Cove Tav WILLETTON Burrendah Tavern
9335 2088 9417 4811 9537 6155 9332 6966
ALBANY Amity Tavern AUSTRALIND Collie Bridge BOULDER The Broken Hill Hotel BUSSELTON Esplanade Hotel CARNARVON Tropicana Tavern DENMARK Tavern DONGARA Priory Hotel ESPERANCE Travellers Inn
9841 4141 9721 2433 9093 1459 9752 1078 9941 1431 9848 1084 9927 1090 9071 1677
COUNTRY :
EXMOUTH Graces G TTavern GERALDTON Breakers Tavern JURIEN BAY Hotel KARRATHA International Hotel KUNUNURRA Hotel LANCELIN Beach Hotel MT BARKER Hotel NARROGIN Duke of York PRESTON BEACH Liquor TOODYAY Tavern YORK Castle Hotel WAGIN Palace Hotel WAROONA Drakesbrook Hotel
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News Reactions/Comp Thing Flesh X-Press Interview: Pierre Bismuth Music: Tame Impala Music: Band Of Horses/ Tallest Man On Earth 18 Music: Foals / Resist The Thought / Nile 20 New Noise
For a nation with more outlandish laws that you can poke a sanitised, regulation length, fully licensed stick at… we love a good ol’ maverick. Water-rat Jessica Watson is the latest ‘reckless soul’ who has won the heart of the nation by doing something many (at least at the conservative end of town) initially slammed as foolish. Now, after being welcomed home by Rebel Rudd, she’s an instant national treasure and a household name, up there with John Ibrahim of Underbelly: The Golden Mile fame. So kids, want to get famous? Do something crazy or join a violent gang – it’s the surest way to get your mug on the plasma. And to the rest of you, you know the drill: no alcohol on your Sunday picnic, no parking on the footpath, no food on buses, keep your dog on the leash at all times, remove that Magic Tree air freshener from your rear-view mirror, swim between the flags, trim that overhanging hedge, turn the music down and don’t forget your bike helmet. In celebration of all things maverick, former Screaming Trees vocalist, Mark Lanegan will return to Australia for his first visit since 2004. Of A-Grade maverick stock (we’ll let you Wikipedia his escapades), Lanegan has also been a member of Queens Of The Stone Age and kept up an impressive solo career, with his newest effort, Bubblegum, reaching #39 on Billboard’s Top Independent Album chart. The rebel-rouser himself plays Sunday, July 11, at the Fly By Night Club. Tickets on sale from Friday, May 21, through ticketek.com.au. Let’s get naughty! Mark Lanegan
Eye4
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eye4 Cover: Clean House eye4 News eye4 Music: k.d. lang eye4 Movies: Repo Man eye4 Movies: Nightmare On Elm St/ Samual Beyer interview/Robin Hood eye4 Arts: The Clean House eye4 Arts Listings eye4 Lifestyle Tattoo and Piercings feature
_JULIAN TOMPKIN
COLD ART
Don’t let the cold get you down, for the very warming City Of Perth Winter Arts Season is about to kick off, running from June 1-August 31 and showcasing the best in WA arts. June highlights include: Harmonic Sands – A Tibetan Buddhist Mandala at Gallery Central from June 1-12, where Buddhist Monks will transform the gallery into a shrine with morning meditations and the creation of a sand mandala over a ten day period. Coming to the Blue Room Theatre from June 9-26 is the world premiere production of The Myth Of Julian Rose, combining elements of the surreal and macabre. This Mondo Di Corpo production is a collaboration between emerging playwright Daniel Kershaw and Equity nominated director Marisa Garreffa. Also catch Honey Spot at Yirra Yaakin from June 17-July 16, Bell Shakespeare’s production of King Lear at His Majesty’s Theatre from June 18-26, Patricia Piccinini’s Relativity at The Art Gallery Of Western Australia until August 22 and much, much more. Head to perthwinterarts.com.au for full details of the program across theatre, dance, film, music and visual arts. Get snug with art this winter!
Salt
33 Salt Cover: Audio Shaman 34 Salt News 35 Salt Cover story cont’d/ Salt Music: Shapeshifter 36 Salt Music: Amon Vision/Sage Francis 37 Salt Test Lab/Salted: Kid Koala & The Slew 38 Salt Club Manual 40 Pub Blurbs 42 Live reviews: Dillinger Escape Plan/ Groovin’ The Moo 43 Rock X-Tras 44 Tour Trails story: Ricky Peterson 45 Tour Trails 46 Gig Guide 49 Volume Cover: Martyn P. Casey 50 Volume News 52 Volume Interview: Martyn P. Casey 54 Volume Music: Nicky Bomba/ Tom Lubin/ Gretsch New Classic Drum Kit 56 Volume: Gigging Tips For The Working Musician/Diesel interview 60 Yamaha DTX-Multi 12/DJ Equipment news 62 Classifieds X-Press Cover: Tame Impala launch InnerSpeaker on Friday, May 21, and will play at Metropolis Fremantle on Thursday, May 27. Tickets through www.heatseeker.com. Salt Cover: Audio Shaman’s second album Cityzen is out now on One World Music.
John Bell, starring in King Lear
A HARD EARNED THIRSTY
Those rattly old troubadours, Thirsty Merc are back with a brand new single and album, and they’re taking it on the road for the Mousetrap Heart Tour. The multi-platinum selling, ARIA and APRA nominated Sydney group are back on the road after sold-out preview shows earlier in the year, returning with a new sound, a new guitarist, a new single (out Friday, May 21) and an exciting new album, Mousetrap Heart, to be released in June. The Merc come to Bunbury’s Prince Of Wales on Wednesday, July 21, and then The Fly By Night Club on Thursday, July 22. Tickets for the shows go on sale today, Thursday, May 20, through heatseeker.com and ozitx.com.au.
UP IN SMOKE
Cypress Hill Karnivool
HERE COME THE KARNIS
It seems Australia can’t get enough of WA’s champions of heavy rock, Karnivool. After a rapid sell out of their New Day tour the band has now announced a bunch of extra dates to cope with demand; and they haven’t forgotten their local fans! A second and final show has been announced for Thursday, July 22, at Capitol, with support from MM9 and The Siren Tower. Tickets go on-sale from Thursday, May 27, from heatseeker.com.au, Mills, Planet, Star Perth and moshtix.com.au. In other exciting news for one of our biggest heavy music exports, Karnivool have been invited to appear at The Sonisphere Festival in the UK on Sunday, August 1. This is a landmark international performance for the local lads, who will be performing alongside such monstrous heavyweights as Iron Maiden, Rammstein, Alice Cooper, Pendulum, Placebo, the iconic Iggy And The Stooges, Motley Crue, Slayer and more!
THU MAY 20 8PM
THE CLOCK STRIKES
Cypress Hill has long represented the will of the people. With over 18 million albums sold worldwide, the Los Angeles trio of rappers B –Real, Sen Dog and producer DJ Muggs have continued to push rap’s boundaries since their inception in the early ’90s. In 2010 Cypress Hill released their eighth studio album, Rise Up – produced by Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine and featuring the talents of Pete Rock, Daron Malakian, Mike Shinoda, Apathy, Pitbull, Marc Anthony and more. To celebrate, Cypress Hill bring their legendary live show to Perth, playing Metro City on Wednesday, September 29. Tickets go on-sale on Thursday, June 3, through moshtix.com.au, heatseeker.com.au and 78records.com.au. Rise Up is in store now through EMI. Got a light?
FRI MAY 21 8PM
SAT MAY 22 8PM
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THE DISGUISE
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DILIP N THE DAVS, THE LAZY RAILWAY & THE CHINA BLUE EXPERIMENT
EP LAUNCH WITH DO THE ROBOT (QLD) SEAMS & KATHRYN TREE ROLLINS
MON MAY 24 8PM
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WED MAY 26 8PM
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SUN MAY 23 3PM WAMI FESTIVAL CLOSING PARTY
SCHVENDES, HARLEQUIN LEAGUE, FELICITY GROOM AND THE BLACK BLACK SMOKE, CAPITAL CITY, SNEAKY WEASEL GANG, THE FLOORS, SELK AND THE BONE SINGERS & KING GEORGE
COMING SOON KING BROWN RECORDS MAY 27 / CLOUD CONTROL MAY 28 / BLOODSTOCK III CHAINSAW HOOKERS CD LAUNCH MAY 29 / MOJO PROJECT & SQUIDY’S 40TH MAY 30 / MOJO RISING BAND COMP BEGINS!!! JUN 1 / GASOLINE INC JUN 3 / FISHY STYLE JUN 4 / JUSTIN WALSHE CD LAUNCH JUN 6 / 6 FT HICK & CAPITAL CITY JUN 19
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X-Press is... Publisher/Manager Joe Cipriani
Got a Reaction? Email: editor@xpressmag.com.au
Editorial
LET THE ROOS ROAM Dear X-Press, Re: ‘Free of nuisance, Preston Beach’ (X-Press #1213) - you idiot! How about we cull golfers and let the Kangaroos roam freely in their natural environment? They were here before you and your one wood! Next time, send your rant into Redneck Weekly, not X-Press Magazine. Kanga-bloody-tastic, Ellenbrook
THANKS WAM Dear X-Press,
9213 2888
Managing Editor
Over the course of the last month I have a greater awareness of what it actually is that WAM is doing, and I am reassured that the Western Australian Music Industry in well represented by the dedication and work the staff do in the WAM offices. I would like to thank Phil Bartlett for his continued dedication to the promotion of Indigenous artists in WA, especially those from remote areas who otherwise would not get an opportunity to exhibit their craft in from of an audience in Perth. I would also like to thank Nigel Bird for his dedication to regional WA and his overall passion for music, Mike Jeffrey for giving clarity in often cloudy days and to Paul Bodlovich for keeping us all pointing in the right direction. I am aware of many artists who in live in remote localities far away from even the smallest of towns who have such an amazing gift of music, that to date has only seen the likes of local basketball courts, local roundhouses and local shows. For some of these artists to be invited to be involved in this years WAMis gives testament to the commitment WAM has to reaching out far and beyond. So thanks to all the staff at WAM for the opportunity to be involved.
Julian Tompkin
Local Music Editor David Craddock
Dance Editor
Danielle Marsland
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Arts & Fashion Editor Emma Bergmeier
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Online Editor
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Special Projects Editor Bob Gordon
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Matt Jelonek, Michael Wylie, Amy Vinicombe, David Chong
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Contributing Writers
Alfred Gorman, Chris Havercroft, Angus Paterson, Grant McCulloch, Tim Stewart, Drew Turney, Joshua Hayes, George Green, Tanya McNaughton, Kate Gilbertson,Josie Smith,Brett Leigh-Dicks,Chris Gibbs, Benjamin Strick, Glen Canning, Glen Hayes, Reuben Adams, Yasmin Sheriff, Ben Watson, Amy Vinicombe, Clint Morris, Eddie Gnanapragasam, Adam Jones, Tilman Robinson, Laura Glitsos
Having been based in Broome for the last 25 years, I have had very little to do with WAM and since my relocation to Perth, I have noticed countless events that have either been facilitated by WAM or assisted in part. Recently, I was asked by WAM’s Indigenous music officer Phil Bartlett, to assist with some of the Indigenous events that are Guy Ghouse, part of the 2010 WAMI festival. Mundaring On the few occasions I walked into the temporary office of WAM in William St Northbridge, the thing that got my attention was the fact that everyone in the office was hard at it, working with dedication on what they were doing.
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Send your name, address and daytime phone number to win@xpressmag.com.au with the name of the competition in the subject line. Entries close 4pm Monday. X-Press Magazine will not give your details to any third party or send unsolicited with Frances Tuohey emails. Snail mail entries can be sent to: Locked Bag 31, West Perth 6872.
The Back Up Plan
THE BACK UP PLAN
Zoe has decided waiting for the right one is taking too long. Determined to become a mother, she makes a doctor’s appointment and decides to go it alone – but that same day, Zoe meets Stan, a man with real possibilities. We have five prize packs for The Back Up Plan to giveaway with a fuzzy pillow and a double inseason in each pack to give away!
ARISTS FOR EDUCATION
Perth’s established and emerging musicians and artists will band together to volunteer their talents during Artists for Education. All proceeds from the event will go to VOW to assist them to take music workshops across remote WA. We have eight Artists For Education CDs and a double pass to the gig at the Railway Hotel on Saturday, May 30.
HARRY BROWN
Set in modern-day Britain, Harry Brown follows one man’s journey through a chaotic world where drugs are the currency of the day and guns run the streets. Harry Brown is in cinemas May 20 and we have five double in season passes for X-Press readers.
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Steve Makse
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When a journalist is temporarily stranded in an Iranin village, one woman risks her life to relate the shocking events that led to the ‘legalized’ murder of her niece, Soraya, falsely accused of adultery. The penalty for such a crime is death by stoning - a barbaric practice condoned by Sharia law. We have five doubles to see The Stoning Of Soraya M. at Luna Cinemas! Harry Brown
9213 2854
Art Direction
THE STONING OF SORAYA M.
I Know You Know is the story of Jamie, an 11-yearold boy, who is fascinated by his father Charlie’s espionage work - that is until the world of spies becomes all too real and he begins to understand that his father is occupying a quite different reality. We have five DVDs to give away, thanks to Warner Home Entertainment and Vendetta Films.
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Production Chantelle O’Connor
A dysfunctional family living on a picturesque island in the Bronx spares no expense in avoiding the truth ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF about their messed-up lives. Mother, father, brother THE SPOTLESS MIND and sister all have secrets they’re not willing to share. Pierre Bismuth arrives this week for his solo We have 10 double passes to the screening of City exhibition at Fremantle Arts Centre, which runs Island at Luna Paradiso on Wednesday, May 26, at 26 May – 18 July. Bismuth is hosting a special 6.30pm. screening of the film at 6pm on Sunday, May 23, at Millennium Cinema. It’s your chance to meet BAND OF HORSES the man whose idea spawned the cult film Eternal Band Of Horses will be in Australia from July 22-29 Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, and we have a and their new album, Infinite Arms is out on Friday, double pass to giveaway. May 14.They guys won’t be making over to WA, but for fans we have 10 copies of their new album up for grabs!
I KNOW YOU KNOW
Frances Tuohey
Production Co-ordinator
THE RONNIE JOHNS HALF HOUR
The Ronnie Johns Good Times Campfire Jamboree Half Hour Show: Now on Television is now an 80 min hour show live on stage! Running from June 1-5 at the Octagon Theatre, we have five double passes to the Show on Tuesday, June 1!
Classifieds Linage
PERTH’S TATTOO CARNIVAAL
Perth Tattoo Carnivaal will be held at the Perth Convention Centre from May 28-30. We have a weekend pass to the Carnivaal,which allow entry for all three days with the exception of the Tattoo Freak Show Ball on Sat. It will allow access to the afterparty to be held at the Voodoo Lounge exclusive to ticket holders only!
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CAB AUDITED CIRCULATION: 37,000 COPIES; OCTOBER 2009 - MARCH 2010
Deadlines EDITORIAL
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Cancellations Monday 5pm Bookings / Copy Tuesday 12 Noon Classifieds Tuesday 4pm Published by: Columbia Press Pty.Ltd. A.C.N. 066 570 803 Registered by Australia Post. Publication No PP600110.00006 Suite 73/102 Railway Parade, City West Business Centre, West Perth, WA 6005 Locked Bag 31, West Perth, WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9213 2888 Fax: (08) 9213 2882 Website: http://www.xpressmag.com.au
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Fozzy
GET FOZZY Fabulous Diamonds
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
Melbourne duo Fabulous Diamonds, are set to release their second album, Fabulous Diamonds II, on June 19. Drummer/vocalist Nisa Venerosa and keyboardist Jarrod Zlatic recorded the album with producer Mikey Young of Eddy Current Suppression Ring, and was mastered by Qua’s Cornel Wilczek. Last year Fabulous Diamonds were invited to perform at Belgium’s Kraak Festival alongside Wavves, Kurt Vile among others and also played in the UK, Holland, France, Switzerland, Portugal and Sweden on their 2009 European tour. The pair will tour nationally in support of the new album, performing in Perth at The Bird on Saturday, July 31.
Chris Jericho is a busy boy. Despite his band Fozzy releasing fifth album Chase The Grail in February, Jericho has only just found time to speak to X-Press in-between WWE commitments and other projects. Perhaps better known for his twenty years as a professional wrestler, Chris Jericho has proved to be a versatile performer with metal singing chops to boot. Kids have dreams of being wrestlers or rock stars, but rarely are either of these dreams actually realised. So imagine how much of a lucky bastard Chris Jericho is to have achieved both. Singing from the age of 12 and wrestling since 1990, music and performing have been a large part of Jericho’s life. Better known as his wrestling persona, Jericho says he has to keep that side of himself away from Fozzy.“It’s a choice I have to make; I can not have Fozzy and Jericho in the same universe because people hate me so much in wrestling,” he explains.“The gimmick of Jericho being a wrestler can’t take a band through four albums and 10 years of existence, so we’re obviously doing something right.” Fozzy began as cover band Fozzy Osborne but developed into a full-blown original project, with Jericho collaborating with Rich Ward of Stuck Mojo. Jericho explains that as Fozzy has grown so has the respect and recognition for the band. “We played a show in New York city last week and three fifths of Anthrax was there, Vinnie Paul was there, Bumblefoot from Guns ‘N’ Roses was there, Avenged Sevenfold was there… all these great guys were there to see us play; that’s the greatest compliment you can get.” _BRENDAN HOLBEN
MOONSHINE ON LEITH
Former Australian Idol chappie, Damien Leith, has always proved popular in Perth. Following on from the success of his national Keys & String tour, four new shows have been announced for WA fans. Catch Damien Leith on Thursday, June 17, at Icon Restaurant, Karratha; Friday June 18, at Joondalup Golf Resort; Saturday, June 19, at Mandurah Fishing Club; and Sunday June 20, at Friends Restaurant.
ZABIELA AMBAR
Due to an overwhelming response from dedicated fans and punters alike, James Zabiela will now be playing at Ambar, not Villa. After taking notice of the word of street, Boomtick have decided to move the show from Villa to ensure the best show possible. Refunds will be offered to those with tickets who no longer wish to attend due to the venue change – contact the retailer from whom you bought tickets. For those still keen to get along a free copy of James Zabiela’s latest mix album, The Masters Series: LIFE, will be given to all ticket holders upon arrival. Head to boomtick.com. au for all the details. Michael Bublé
CREDIT BUBLÉ
Gareth Emery, playing Godskitchen
GOD IS IN THE KITCHEN
With early bird tickets to Godskitchen’s Special Winter Edition now officially sold out, final release tickets to the biggest club show of 2010 are now on sale and set for a full house. And to add fire to the pyre, event organised have just announced the Rouge Room – situated in the Solace Bar upstairs at Metro City. And if you ain’t got the dough enter the Godskitchen Facebook Competition, with 20 double passes being given away over four weeks. Head to mellenevents. com for all the details, including the full list of final additions to the line-up and the playing times. Final release tickets are available now from ticketmaster.com.au, inthemix.com.au, 78 Records, Live Clothing, Mills Records and Planet Video. Door open 10pm and the event is strictly 18+.
If you’re extra keen to secure your piece of Michael Bublé’s Aussie tour then get your credit cards ready, for pre-tickets to the Crazy Love tour go one sale exclusively through Visa Entertainment from 9am Monday, May 24 until 5pm, Wednesday, May 26. American Express and MasterCard holders need not apply (you must be the bearer of a Visa Card to access the special offer). That’s business for ya! Anyhow, Visa Card holders can croon their way to visaentertainment.com.au to take up the exclusive offer. Catch Michael Bublé on March 4 at Sandalford Estate in the Swan Valley and March 6 at Sandalford Estate Margaret River. Tickets for the general public go on-sale through Ticketek at 9am on Friday, May 28. AMEX and MasterCard holders take heed… there’s always Engelbert Humperdinck.
A LOTTA LAVA
We learnt about it in primary school, and now Perth folks can experience the mystery of Pompeii in the flesh thanks to the WA Museum’s latest exhibition A Day In Pompeii. Kicking off on Friday, May 21, and running ’til Sunday, September 5, the exhibition features more than 250 artefacts that demonstrate the rich culture of this extraordinary civilisation. Wiped out by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii is a history’s students dream come true, with perfectly preserved body casts of the volcano’s victims, plus tools and artworks thought lost to the world. Tickets for the exhibition are on sale now from BOCS. For more info head to museum.wa.gov.au.
BILLIE AND THE SAINT
Lukie D
LUKIE HERE
This Friday, May 21, at Impact Bar – as part of So Fine Fridays - highly respected Jamaican reggae dancehall singer Lukie D performs one show only. Lukie D has worked with dancehall icons such as Beenie Man, Bounty killer, Vybz Cartel and Elephant Man. Catch Lukie D and Sydney DJ Nick Toth this Friday with local support from The Empressions, General Justice, Ricky Trooper and DJ Tat. Tickets are $40 available through The Empressions or $45 at the door. Australia’s highest circulating Street Press
Local fashion icon Billie & Rose is getting personal this coming Tuesday, May 25, with their Meet The Designer series. Saint Augustine Academy’s Alvin Manalo will be found upstairs at The Flying Scotsman (Defectors) flaunting his acclaimed designs, worn by none other than Nick Cave, MGMT, Kasabian, Bloc Party and The XX. He also happens to perform mean DJ set, and will be joined in the aural bliss-out by Triggers Jackets, one of Perth’s hottest new acts. Pre-sale tickets to Meet The Designer are $10 and available from all three Billie & Rose stores, in Mount Lawley, King Street and Fremantle. The event is 18+, is strictly limited to 150 people and doors open at 8pm. Head to billieandrose.com. au for full details.
HISTORY NEVER REPEATS
Clarke’s Gray Vest
HOW THE VEST WAS WON
Clarke’s Gray Vest is one of Perth’s best-loved bands, performing the blues, rags, originals and jazz classics that may yet make cellist Peter Grayling, guitarist Rod Vervest and their friend Dave Clarke as famous as they deserve. Expect some scintillating cello, virtuosic guitar, humble mandolin, violin, harmonica and astute vocals at Kulcha this Saturday, May 22, from 8pm. Tickets are $13 and $10 (Kulcha members) or $15 at the door. Hit up kulcha.com.au for more multimusical delights.
Midnight Juggernauts
MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT
Midnight Juggernauts are set to release their second album, The Crystal Axis, in a fortnight and have announced a national tour in support of it. Their latest single, Vital Signs, was recently chosen in the NME’s ’10 Tracks You Have To Hear This Week’ list and the Melbourne trio have festival appearances lined up in the UK, Serbia, Spain and The Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Catch Midnight Juggernauts at Capitol on Saturday, August 14. Tickets are available now through Heatseeker and Mostix.
WINTER WONDERLAND
The massive and ever warming RTRFM Fremantle Winter Music Festival hits the port city on Saturday, June 26, from 7pm across five spaces in three venues. Head to The Railway Hotel to catch a who’s who of P-town, including Boom Bap Pow, Umpire, Blackmilk, The Joe Kings and resident X-Press tonsil-rattler Davey Craddock in solo mode. Over at Mojo’s Bar, in the main bar, sample dance floor action aplenty in the form of The Underground Solution Crew (Special, hax0rw4ng and Ben Taaffe) vs Nick Elliott, Rok Riley, Camryn vs Triaianos, Pex, Taku and Simba. In Mojo’s courtyard you will find DJs Claude Mono vs Microgroove, Paul Gamblin vs Wrighteous, Graceberg vs Jade Nobbs and much more. The Swan Hotel will be rockin’ upstairs in the form of Grace Barbe, Mister & Sunbird, The Big Old Bears, Eva McGowan and Mitch Becker. Downstairs at The Swan get out your dancing shoes for live electro goodness from Brash And Sassy, The Transients and Carl Fox, plus Full Frequency DJs Massiv Trav and Micah on the wheels of steel. Pre-sale tickets are only available at rtrfm.com.au and are going for $10 for RTRFM subscribers and $15 for general admission. Gold and Platinum subscribers get free entry on the door on the night, but get down early for guaranteed entry. Toasty.
FILMNEST!
Rottnest Island will again come alive for three days as part of Rottofest from August 27-29, a showcase of the nation’s best comedians, filmmakers and musicians. The Search For Australia’s Funniest Filmmakers is a new addition to Rottofest aimed at stimulating comedy film production. The competition contains two categories for filmmakers to enter: Funniest Skit – up to three minutes in length; Funniest Film – between three to 15 minutes in length. Selected films will be showcased at Rottofest 2010 and also screened at the 9th Annual Bohemia Outdoor Film Festival in 2011. Entry forms are available at rottofest.com.au.
WAM BAM
The WA music industry gathered on Monday night to award a sugar-fix to the winners of the Craft category. And the winners were: Best Live Sound Engineer, Dave Carter; Best Record Producer/Engineer, Dave Parkin; Best WA Based Record Label, Good Cop Bad Cop; Management Award, Steph Edwardes; Best Male Vocalist, Ian Kenny (Birds Of Tokyo, Karnivool); Best Female Vocalist, Abbe May; Best Guitarist, Luke Dux (The Floors, Timothy Nelson & The Infidels, Will Stoker & The Embers); Best Bassist, Ryan Dux (The Floors, The Kill Devil Hills, Will Stoker And The Embers); Best Drummer, Adam Weston (Birds Of Tokyo); Best Instrumentalist, Alex Archer (The Kill Devil Hills, Abbe May, Felicity Groom And The Black Black Smoke); Best Electronic Producer, Tomás Ford; Best DJ, Charlie Bucket. Congratulations crafty folk.
The folks at Heritage Perth will celebrate our city’s history this November with a weekend long celebration entitled Heritage Days. Taking place on Saturday, November 13, and Sunday, November 14, Heritage Days aims to showcase WA’s vibrant history, including insight into many exciting venues such as the Perth Mint, Supreme Court, Government House, Council House and the Royal Perth Hospital Museum. The weekend will offer history buffs the chance to take part in never before seen tours of Perth buildings, walking tours of indigenous sites, plus photographic exhibitions and, best of all, everything’s free! To find out what’s on and when head to heritageperth.com.au.
Rusty And The Dragstrip Trio
A BIT RUSTY
After an invitation they could not refuse, Rusty And The Dragstrip Trio have reformed and will be heading back to the US of A for their third trip! The guy’s have been a headline act not once but twice at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender. And they now return to the US to play TheInk & Iron Festival in Longbeach California. It is one of the biggest Custom Culture shows in the US and host to the biggest tattoo convention in the World as well as the custom car show, bands and music from rockabilly, punk, ska and metal. Head down and bid the guys farewell when they play The Mustang Bar on Saturday, May 22.
LISA’S FROCK SWAP
Everyone has bought a piece of clothing and almost immediately regretted it. For the last week the 92.9 Breakfast Team having been giving listeners the chance to register online and trade their tired old clothes for new ones. Winners have scored a ticket for them and a friend to an exclusive event hosted by Lisa Fernandez. Listeners’ clothing will be collected and placed on racks where they’ll be able to choose something else that suits them to the same value, plus they’ll be given professional advice by Transit stylists walking through the crowd, who will find something that suits the listeners and match it with an item from Transit Clothing that can be purchased with their (included) $100 voucher. The event will include canapés and a glass of champagne on arrival. Lisa’s Frock Swap happens tonight, Thursday, May 20, at Transit Clothing in the city. You can still register via the 929.com.au website for a chance to head along. 11
PIERRE BISMUTH
A Walk Down Memory Lane French artist Pierre Bismuth first received international attention back in 2005 when Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind was released to critical acclaim, a film inspired by Bismuth’s explorations of memory and perception. Though he is best known for his involvement in this work, Bismuth is much more than a one-trick-pony, delving into photography, script writing, visual art and installation, which he will demonstrate when he ventures to the southern hemisphere this month for a special, selftitled exhibition at the Fremantle Arts Centre. Bismuth’s visit to the FAC will see the artist introduce a special screening of Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, followed by a question and answer session; in addition to a self-titled visual art exhibition that opens on Wednesday, May 26, and runs ’til Sunday, July 18. Fans of Bismuth’s work are invited to join him for an artist talk on Saturday, May 29, at 2.30pm; entry is free. Before Bismuth arrives in WA, X-Press caught up with the thoroughly French artist to find out exactly why he’s so interested in memories. By EMMA BERGMEIER So where in the world are you today? I’m in Brussels; I’m working, trying to finish things before my flight on Wednesday. I’ve never been to Australia before so I’m really excited. Is your studio in Brussels? I don’t really have a studio; I am from this generation of artists who decided to work without a studio. The classical artists (painters/sculptors) had studios but this whole generation works without a studio. I must admit that now I would be happy to have a studio but I don’t. I have a little office and I do have a bit of space to do some work but not large scale. You’ve worked with film, photography, visual arts and installation, do you have a favourite medium to work in? I don’t want to stick to just one medium. In fact I move through many mediums. I do videos sometimes but I don’t even like video – I used to do video because I was always more interested in music than in visual art. I was frustrated not to be involved with music so I made videos. I am now preparing some drawings and at the same time I’m doing video and I’m in the process of writing a script, I have photographs being printed, so I work in all different kinds of mediums. Each work has its own logic, each idea has its own logic, and should be treated in a different way. It would be like a musician who doesn’t try to have a specific style, so it’s more difficult for people to understand who you are and what can define you but on the creative side it’s more interesting. A bit like Beck, he traverses genres with his music, dipping in to pop, rap, country etc… Oh, I actually met him at the Oscar ceremony with Michel Gondry. We shook hands but we didn’t have a chance to talk. It was such a strange moment, I was numb I think. I was with Michel but there was no reason for Beck to talk to me more because I don’t think he knew about my work.
He too doesn’t like to be defined by a genre. Yes, this is true. We are from the same generation, no? You’re best known for your work with Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry on Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, how did that collaboration come about? I didn’t collaborate with Charlie Kaufman; I can’t even say I collaborated with Michel on this one! I basically wrote the synopsis and I sold the rights to the film company; I sold it to Michel through the film company because Michel asked me to write the idea down. From the moment I gave them the synopsis, I had no involvement in the film. I would have been happy to be asked for some advice or ideas because I like to create but honestly, I think what they have done is amazing. The synopsis came from a conversation I had with a friend who had an affair the evening before with a guy she didn’t know and she was totally ashamed, not because she did something bad but because she thought he was stupid. She was saying that she would love to be able to actually get rid of this memory and I was teasing her by showing her that even if it was possible, it wouldn’t help, it would make life more complicated. So I started as a joke to elaborate the scenario about the kind of things you would have to go through if this erasure was actually possible. That’s something I realise about science fiction – it always takes you to a future where things (technologies) are available and very rarely, it shows you how trivial the supposed technological improvements are. So let’s say that in a science fiction movie 50 years ago, it would show the mobile telephone technology without showing that you don’t have access to it unless you pay a contract or telephone bill, it’s the boring aspect of life that disappears from the scenario. The reality is always more trivial than what is in science fiction so I think the idea of Eternal Sunshine was to show this triviality.
Pierre Bismuth
they worked on it for four years; in the case of The All Seeing Eye we kind of sat down and established the principle of the piece then I realised the whole thing myself. Michel is somebody who is always busy with many things. I think he is used to having a crew and people who work for him but I’m not sure he knows how to work on his own. It’s like when you do the making of a piece you realise it’s very difficult to share ideas when you’re doing something. I think the teamwork must come before then How did you come to meet Michel Gondry? somebody has to take control on their own. We were part of the same group of It’s not always possible to collaborate because people when we were adolescents. He was a you can’t always consult the other person. musician then, he was the drummer of a band called Oui Oui and we went out to the same Obviously Eternal Sunshine dealt a lot places. We didn’t really talk then but in the with the idea of memories, as does The All 1993 we met totally by chance in Paris and we Seeing Eye – what is it about the concept of started to talk and we were both quite excited memory that attracts your interest? First, I don’t have any memory! to find we both have similar ideas and shared a lot of interests in various fields. Michel was My father was a doctor so I was always actually interested in using my ideas in some had a medical/scientific background in my of the music videos he was doing. There was childhood so I asked a lot of questions. I tell one for Bjork with a book that was being you where I think it’s coming from – I was very written in real time, which came from one of interested in the problem of perception and I think that’s also one of the reasons why Michel my works. I proposed to him the synopsis for and I felt that we had things to do together, Eternal Sunshine and he called me the next because he was also very interested in the day saying ‘I think this is great, could you write it idea of perception. How does consciousness down?’. So I took like one hour or two to write influence the way you look at things? How it down and two weeks later I was contacted do memories influence the way you look at by the production company asking me to sell things? Memory for me is an important part the rights to the story. Then, the next time we worked together was when we decided to of how we distinguish things from reality. Why do this piece we’ll be showing in Fremantle. do I remember certain things and I see certain The dynamic was reversed in the way that things when you would see other things in I initiated the idea for Eternal Sunshine and the same moment and you will remember
Pierre Bismuth on the set of The All Seeing Eye, 2005, courtesy the artist, © Albrecht Kunkel 12
different things? I’ve always been interested in this. Can you tell me a bit about The All Seeing Eye – I understand the viewer is immersed in a large scale projection. There are two versions of The All Seeing Eye; one is called The All Seeing Eye (Easy Teenage Version) and the other is The All Seeing Eye (The Hardcore Techno Version). The piece that will be shown in Fremantle is the Easy Teenage Version and this one is actually one single screen projection in which you see an apartment while the camera is rotating 360 degrees in this room. You realise after a while that each time the camera executes one revolution, some things disappear in the room until it’s totally white space, which has to do with some dreams I have. When I’m travelling I wake up in a hotel and I think I’m at home and that somebody has rebuilt the décor around me to look like something different. I forget where I am and think I’m at home and that someone constructed this around me while I slept. And then there is the opposite dream, where I’m at home and I wake up and I think I am somewhere else but that someone has constructed the décor that looks exactly like my place (laughs). Can you explain the concept of The Jungle Book Project which is also showing as part of your exhibition at the Fremantle Arts Centre? I was supposed to give a present to my niece and she was locked on watching Cinderella, which I never really liked and I was totally into Jungle Book as a kid. You know kids can play the same thing over and over, they never get tired of one thing if they like it. I wanted to give her the possibility to move on to something else so I decided to buy her the Jungle Book. I didn’t know that you could buy an English version that was the original, or the Deutsch version which is her language or the French version which is my language. Not knowing which one to give her, I decided to buy the three of them and I had this little plan to ask the parents to, each time she asked to watch the DVD, play it in a different language to see if it was confusing her or if she wouldn’t care – it was a little scientific experiment. I thought it was rather interesting… Then I started to buy other versions: there was an Italian one, Chinese etc, and I never sent her the tapes, I kept them all and decided to work with them, which is the work that will be presented in Fremantle. The work consists purely of a reedited soundtrack of the film, so that each character of The Jungle Book speaks its own language – the little boy speaks Spanish and Bagheera speaks Arabic and Baloo speaks Hebrew and the snake is Italian. I just reorganized the languages and voices so they all had their own language. Hittin’ the town since 1985
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TAME IMPALA Magical Mystery Tour Perth mind-benders Tame Impala launch their highly anticipated debut album InnerSpeaker on Friday, May 21, and will play at Metropolis Fremantle on Thursday, May 27, in support of the release. DAVID CRADDOCK sat down with frontman Kevin Parker and drummer Jay Watson before the band left home for a national tour. In the closing months of 2008, and on the eve of releasing their debut EP on the influential Modular label, Tame Impala ringleader Kevin Parker told this scribe: “We might as well ride the big wave and risk breaking our necks instead of riding the small wave when nothing will ever happen.” With Tame Impala soon to embark on an American tour with world-beating kings of oddity MGMT, and the band’s debut album InnerSpeaker already receiving a ridiculous amount of international buzz before it’s even hit the shops – the Perth band’s decision to take their psych jamming out of the bedroom and onto the ‘wave’ of major label artistry has clearly already paid off. InnerSpeaker’s uncompromising experimentalism and wide-screen grandeur, also confirm Parker’s insistence that signing to Modular (a subsidiary of Universal) would not compromise his organic and jam-based writing and recording progress. “I was apprehensive as to what the magic and mystery of the original recording was,” Parker tells X-Press at a Northbridge Hotel over an appropriately psychedelic looking taster plate of mushrooms (marinated) and neon capsicum dip. “And I didn’t want to take what had happened To avoid some “buffoon who we’ve quite naturally and then put the template of any other band on top of it – you know ‘go to LA and never met before, who apparently knows lots about music or more about music that us, telling record’.” us how to arrange a song”, the band decided to record InnerSpeaker in Injidup, a small town an hour from Margaret River. With sweeping views of the Indian Ocean from their isolated home-studio hideaway, Parker says the beauty of the Injidup was more of a distraction than inspiration. “We heard about this place that used to be this big party house in the ’90s and they’d have raves there,” he explains of the band’s Big Pink-ian recording locale. “Some guy overdosed and they stopped having raves there, but it’s a truly magical [place].” Parker remained at the helm as producer of the InnerSpeaker, just as he did for the solo bedroom recordings which would eventually lead to the full Tame Impala live outfit. But to ensure that the down-south sessions stayed on
polish by none other than MGMT and Flaming Lips producer David Fridmann. “Texture wise, it’s mostly my doing,” Parker says of the Oracular Spectacular producer’s influence on the album. “But the way that it actually breathes and has that punch is all his doing.
“I WAS APPREHENSIVE AS TO WHAT THE MAGIC AND MYSTERY OF THE ORIGINAL RECORDING WAS.”
Tame Impala track, the band’s record company invited along a rather high-profile engineer – Death In Vegas member Tim Holmes. “He was just like your cool uncle,” drummer Jay Watson says of Holmes’ loose but important role at the sessions. “Your dad’s super cool brother who plays in bands. He’s just a geezer.” “He didn’t even know how to work my 8-Track,” Parker laughs fondly. ”I had to tell him if I wanted to do something. His involvement, at the end of the day, was invaluable because he made all of these different machines work. I had bought all this stuff of eBay with this seemingly unlimited budget… I wasn’t meant to – the label cracked the shits at me.” Once expansive, fuzz-filled dreamscapes like opener It Isn’t Meant To Be were completed, the album was shipped to upstate New York for mixing and a final lick of neo-psych
THE NEW ALBUM
“I was obsessed at the time of the making the album, with making a guitar sound not like a guitar. I had a Casio keyboard that I found in my dad’s garage – I used that a lot… I wanted it to be band instruments but sounding like they’re all samples from an electronic record.” With Fridmann’s name now associated with the album, and MGMT’s new psychedelic and rockier second LP receiving plenty of attention, Tame Impala will surely have to get used to many a lazy critic grasping at straws and suggesting they somehow sound like the New York duo. “I think it worries us less than some of the comparisons we’ve got in the past,” Watson says of deflecting people’s desire to associate them with MGMT, who happen to be friends with the band.“Their new sound is amazing and I think they’re a genuinely awesome band. So compared to the Cream, Wolfmother or fucking Led Zeppelin references it’s almost flattering.” For now, however, Parker and Watson, as well as their band mates Dom Simper (who has now switched from bass to guitar) and Nick Allbrook, are happily enjoying the trip, and refusing to be drawn into the hype surrounding their InnerSpeaker or the king-maker possibilities of their prized MGMT support slot. “We totally don’t care if we’re big, a cult band, or a fucking top 40 band in any country,” Watson drawls.“It’s literally going to be us hanging out with our mates. We’re just going to listen to records, get loose, and see America and that’s all I can think about.”
MAY 21
Featuring the new single BETWEEN THE LINES www.warnermusic.com.au
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Hittin’ the town since 1985
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THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH Tall Tales Swedish troubadour Kristian Matsson, or The Tallest Man On Earth as he’s known by his musical moniker, recently released his second full length album The Wild Hunt. DAVID CRADDOCK spoke to Matsson about long cold Swedish winters and those pesky Bob Dylan comparisons.
The Tallest Man On Earth
wild lyrical agility has attracted the attention of esteemed critics and highly influential bloggers alike. “It’s really dark, there’s not a lot of sun then in the summer it’s light all the time,” Matsson says of his homeland’s effect on his songwriting. “So that affects your personality and, if you’ve met Swedish people in the springtime, they’re going from the darkness to the light. I kind of like that.You get a lot done in the winter. I like the differences;
you always know it’s going to change.” On Matsson’s second album The Wild Hunt (the follow up to his 2008 release Shallow Grave) he stoically sticks to his formula of home recorded, rapid-fire vocals, room-y ‘live sounding’ acoustic guitar, and lyrical metaphors that, due to a still ‘developing’ grasp of the English language, are often gloriously muddled and nonsensical. “I’ve been listening to mostly artists that sing in English and I’m inspired by artists like that,” the artist says of why he decided to eschew
Culling from an initial list of 30 songs, Band Of Horses have surpassedthemselveswiththeirthirdalbumInfiniteArms.CHRIS HAVERCROFT spoke to keyboardist Ryan Monroe about the album that has seen them move from iconic label SubPop to the global push of the mighty Sony stable.
people made us all feel so welcome. I am really looking forward to the next couple of weeks.” The first two Band Of Horses albums were produced by the well respected Phil Ek (Shins, Built To Spill, Fleet Foxes) and the intent was to work with him again on Infinite Arms. However, a scheduling conflict put paid to those plans and the quintet went ahead and made the record by themselves. “Phil had a prior obligation, because this project took longer than we ever thought that it would. He couldn’t make it and we were ready to get on it, because it was taking such a long time – so we thought that we would just produce it ourselves and let the animals run the zoo for a while. “We have learnt so much from Phil that, when I was recording some vocals, I could hear what he would have been saying in the back of my head. He was just so influential on us as to how you make a big record. He definitely influenced us and he was with us… even though he wasn’t with us.” Over the short life of the band there has been numerous members float in and out of the line-up. As many as eight musicians have
Kristian Matsson is from Dalarna, a small, green, deeply forested region in the middle of Sweden. For tourists, Dalarna is associated with the ‘Dalahäst’, a small, red, wooden horse, and hand-carved souvenir, which throughout time has become an unofficial symbol of folksy, charming, Swedish traditionalism. Dalarna now, however, has a new folk export – Kristian Matsson, the wiry framed folk singer whose frenetic finger picking and
BAND OF HORSES Ready And Armed When the X-Press interview takes place,Monroe is 20 minutes away from walking on stage in support of Pearl Jam. It is the second night of the tour and the first tour where Band Of Horses have been exposed to an arena crowd. Some would consider Pearl Jam and Band Of Horses to be an odd pairing, but Monroe can do little to hide his excitement. “This is our second one out of 11,” Monroe says of the tour. “We actually hired Pearl Jam’s soundman and when Pearl Jam decided to tour and they were looking for a support band. The sound guy said ‘well I’m working with Band Of Horses so I could bring them along’. Our first show last night was amazing! There was a really good response from the crowd and all the Pearl Jam
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the hugely popular Swedish-language singer/ songwriter genre headed by Swedish household names like Lars Winnerbäck. “I’ve read a lot of English books and I enjoy my voice much more when I sing in English… It wouldn’t have taken me to Australia or the United States if I was singing in Swedish.” For English listeners, Matsson’s decision to stick to his second language, means that we are able to enjoy wonderfully lines ‘Oh once I held a glacier to an open flame/and once I felt like wildcat in the fallen game,’ which eschew sense and grammar for sheer poetic beauty. “With the Bob Dylan thing I’m having a hard time giving interesting answers,” the songwriter laughs of comparisons with Bob Dylan. “Of course I’ve listened to Bob Dylan and a lot of other artists in the ‘folk’ category but I’ve never put myself in that category. It just happens to be that I play the acoustic guitar and sing. “I’m just restless; that’s why this whole thing works really well for me,” he concludes.“I can do whatever – I can write songs and play them live and get them on tape in a really quick way… I think that’s the main reason I do it this way. It’s a portable version of MGMT – I just didn’t bring the synthesisers.”
come and gone as either touring musicians or fully fledged members of the outfit. Monroe is confident that Band Of Horses have settled on their citizenship for the foreseeable future. “It has just been trying to find the right group of people,” Monroe concludes. “A lot of the players that came around and toured with us were incredible players, (but) it didn’t quite fit with what we are doing.”
Band Of Horses
Hittin’ the town since 1985
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FOALS Drawing Blood Having just released arguably the album of 2010,Oxford 20-somethings Foals are preparing to rupture the trajectory of popular music – and there’s going to be blood.“We like the idea of the Wu-Tang Clan,” explains founding member and drummer Jack Bevan.“We like the idea of being a little violent gang!” JULIAN TOMPKIN reports. On the surface music is largely a subjective medium. But deep below, amidst the folklore and tangled veins of rock’n’roll history, very few artists can take legitimate credit for redefining the parameters of popular song. Now, a little over two years since the release of their dumbfounding debut Antidotes, Foals have gone and done the seemingly impossible and made an even better record: Total Life Forever. Antidotes was a breathtaking album - a staggering display of musical aptitude, but also a goldmine of catchy anthems for Generation Y. Sitting uneasily somewhere between kindred souls Bloc Party and Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, Antidotes had little impact on the record charts beyond the UK but will inevitably be the record tomorrow’s rock visionaries will cite as their reason for forming a band. It’s really that good.
“IT SOUNDS NAIVE, BUT IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE WE’RE A BUNCH OF VISIONARIES. IT JUST FEELS LIKE WE’RE FIVE FRIENDS HAVING FUN AND PLAYING MUSIC IN A ROOM. WE DON’T SEE OURSELVES AS ANYTHING EXPECT FLAWED IN PARTICULAR WAYS…” But an obsessive perfectionist, Foals’ frontman Yannis Philippakis quickly disowned Antidotes after its release and set out to better it. “Fundamentally we’re proud of Antidotes,” Bevan begins, from the band’s rival city of Cambridge, “but after touring a record for so long you lose perspective. I think, when
Foals
Yannis said that, it was just after having to play the songs a million times. It gets frustrating. “Basically, with the first album we were a very young band – we’d only been together for maybe a year – and we’d developed these interlocking guitars and choppy drums, which was what we thought was our shtick. We’d fall into the same template a lot; it seemed to be working. Whereas this time we started with a bit more of a blank canvas and played a lot
NILE Nubian Noise
trademark futuristic clatter. While the aural demographers will be clutching at straws to classify just what it is Foals do, what’s clear is that the five-piece continue to operate without care for precedent. “It’s definitely a nail biting time,” Bevan says of the immense expectation tagged to Total Life Forever by the band’s label, Warner Brothers, and critics, “because obviously we made the record we wanted to make and we’re totally happy with it. So far the response has been really good… it’s so different (to Antidotes). We aren’t really sure what sort of monster we’ve created.” Foals were born out of a scene which has unceremoniously come to be known as math rock. Anathema to the overt sentimentality of bands such as Coldplay, math rock had one objective and one objective only – to blow people’s minds with an audacious (and somewhat scientific) display of musicianship… head before heart. While Philippakis and Bevan honed their breakneck chops in this scene with a band called The Edmund Fitzgerald, it was never enough to satisfy the simmering emotions of the teenagers and they soon shelved The Edmund Fitzgerald to form Foals, drafting guitarist Jimmy Smith, keyboardist Edwin Congreave and bassist Walter Gervers into the “gang”. “We like the idea of the Wu-Tang Clan,” Bevan laughs of his band’s infamously tight-knit nature, “where it’s more than just a band. We like the idea of being a little violent gang! Yannis has bough a BB gun on this tour… so we’re getting there! “It sounds naive,” Bevan concludes,“but it doesn’t feel like we’re a bunch of visionaries. It just feels like we’re five friends having fun and playing music in a room. We don’t see ourselves as anything expect flawed in particular ways, which makes up quite an interesting sound – none of us have been trained how to play music so we’ve got bad techniques, which add to the sound of what we do.”
more, and we spent a lot more time writing this record.” Written in the band’s basement studio in their share house in Oxford and recorded in Gothenburg with former Clor visionary Luke Smith, Total Life Forever is a more human record than its predecessor. While Antidotes sounded like an epitaph of the apocalypse, Total Life Forever is clearly more organic and dreamlike, Total Life Forever is out now through Warner fusing an almost tribal mantra with Foals’ Music.
RESIST THE THOUGHT
Firmly planted in the ancient Egyptian realm,modern day death metal titans Nile return to Perth for the first time in three years Resistance Is Bliss next week.Playing alongside Hate Eternal at Capitol onTuesday, May 25, drummer George Kollias tells JESSICA WILLOUGHBY Sydney metallers Resist the Thought will be making their way to the west in support of their debut Damnation this weekend. why the band has made a return to their days of yore. Guitarist Tim Aaron talks to JESSICA WILLOUGHBY ahead of George Kollias is the man that has changed the their shows at The Civic Hotel on Saturday, May 22, and YMCA face of Nile, as we know them, forever. Headquarters in Leederville on Sunday, May 23. As the drumming mastermind behind the South Californian death metal veterans for the past six years, his addition marked a concerted shift musically for the longstanding outfit. Distancing themselves from the elaborate compositions found on earlier releases, the band took a purposeful step into the more traditional hues of the genre. Their iconic pattern of meshing Middle Eastern instrumentalisation with chanting and other assorted sampling had gotten a tad old; at least in the eyes of these musicians. It would seem the arrival of Kollias was more than just coincidence. “It’s funny, because after I joined the band everyone wanted a little bit more technicality,” Kollias explains. “They wanted to be heavier. And they wanted to be more abrasive. They just wanted to play whatever came into their mind and not have constrictions on what they should or should not play in Nile. I just happened to arrive at a time when sentiments were changing. That was what we all wanted then. But, now, I know the band have missed a bit of the epic-ness of the early Nile.” Referring to their latest, Those Whom The Nile Gods Detest (2009), this skinsman points the finger squarely at frontman Karl Sanders and guitarist “Nile will always be epic, just more Dallas Toler-Wade for this return to the feel of their epic at certain times than others,” he laughs. In Their Darkened Shrine (2002) era. “It was not challenge for me to return to a more traditional Nile. We didn’t do it intentionally. Karl just had a lot of great ideas. He comes to us with the lyrics first and we work like that. It’s like creating R U O Y soundscapes; the lyrics paint the picture and our GET music brings it to life.” Produced by Neil Kernon, who has worked with the band over their last two albums, ’S EEK W T X Nile decided to do something different in Kollias’ D IN NE ARDE REW department with Erik Rutan tracking drums. GET HE AND AT T dy s S e “Erik actually wanted to do the whole ie i S n v E a T mo iv ive c et X-PR HE BIG IGGES nd rece tiic ck album by himself,” Kollias concludes. “That was a e i SEE T asters ee movie o t a really interesting suggestion. But on the other fr raw ie m MOv deals, a o the d we have used Neil for the past two albums bar d GO INt 0! hand, an 0 0 , and he was spot on. We didn’t want to say no to 0 win $1 either of them, so we just said yes to both of them. check out www.moviemasters.com.au oviemasters co com au for more iinformation nfor f m I guess we’re just soft.” 18
The writing process for any band is a draining experience. It calls for a musician to look deep inside and draw every artistic facet from themselves before pressing that record button. But, for some outfits, establishing their next modus operandi can be more difficult than others. Enter Sydney five-piece Resist The Thought. Releasing their debut album this month with a slew of dates throughout the nation, Damnation sees this group of young lads take things up a notch. Dabbling a blend of more hardcore-influenced crushing breakdowns with metal technicality in tow, guitarist Tim Aaron points to their latest being a fight to the finish line. “The writing was really, really hard for this album,” he explains. “We took six months off touring just to do it. We struggled at first because we hadn’t written in so long. Our EP, The Gift Of Sacrifice, was written within our first year as a band – back in 2008. We’ve basically been touring non-stop since then and we aren’t really the people to write on tour. We ended up rehearsing like four times a week to get us up to speed for new material. It felt like we couldn’t top our old stuff for a long time, which was disheartening. So we bought
Resist The Thought a laptop and a mic and ended up demoing every single thing. That helped us a lot to be spot on, in every way. But now, I think we are miles ahead of where we were, which is very fulfilling.” Recorded over a two-week period at Electric Sun Studios in their hometown, the boys then sent over the tracked cut to the fine hands of Zack Ohren at Castle Ultimate Studios in Oakland, USA, for mixing and mastering duties. “Zack was our first choice for this album,” Aaron explains. “He’s done a lot of our favourite bands like All Shall Perish and The Ghost Inside. We hit him up via email and he was really keen to come onboard. We have been very influenced by the bands he’s worked with, so we just gave him our stuff and told him to run with whatever he felt was right. We basically gave him full artistic range. And we were amazed with what we got back; never thought it would turn out so good.” Heading back to WA for the second time in three years this weekend, Aaron did have some parting words on the metal scene in the west.“I love WA,” he concludes.“You guys just seem to have a way better metal scene than anywhere in Australia.” Hittin’ the town since 1985
www.xpressmag.com.au
19
AN RTRFM EVENT
BRITISH INDIA Avalanche
THE BESNARD LAKES The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night
Shock
Jagjaguwar
Despite the fact that The Besnard Lakes achieved widespread success in the US in 2007 following the release of their album The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse, the band are still a (mostly) unknown quantity in Australia, although listeners may recognise guitarist/vocalist Jace Lasek from his work with Montreal heavyweights Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown. Named after an isolated Saskatchewan body of water, The Besnard Lakes make great use of distortion and fragments of sampled sound. Creeping through the album’s 10 tracks over 45 minutes is truly a delight, as the band excel in creating album-wide ambiance. The songs seamlessly melt into each other rather than standing out as singular peaks - although the two-part opener Like The Ocean Like The Innocent warrants a mention for sheer instrumental majesty. Vocals provided by Lasek and wife Olga Goreas give the band’s music a peculiar, timeless aura, with their psychedelic melodies and slurring harmonies invoking shades of the Beach Boys and Roy Orbison. There are, however, times when Roaring Night is unnecessarily protracted, with tracks Glass Printer and Light Up The Night spending a long time going nowhere in particular. In this way, the album asserts itself as a refreshingly pointed piece of chamber pop, a starkly serious work that plays as big but never pretentious.
SAT. 26 JUNE
RAILWAY HOTEL, MOJO’S BAR, SWAN HOTEL
RTRFM’S FREMANTLE WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010
Someone working in the British India camp must be a magician, because how these guys generate so much hype with such an unremarkable sound is a mightily impressive illusion. Don’t get me wrong, British India are not a terrible band, they’re just not as good as everyone makes them out to be. The problem lies in the fact that one person at triple j thinks British India are the bee’s knees, and therefore they receive far more attention and publicity than they deserve. This then creates huge expectations when it comes to their music. Avalanche, British India’s third album, does not deliver on what the hype suggests. The first single, Vanilla is about the only song that leaves a lasting impression, and when you’re talking about radio-rock, you’re going to need more than one good single to pack a punch. Avalanche at times sounds like a record written by a band competing in a highschool battle of the bands, with lyrics such as “I’ve got friends and they’re talking to me on a mobile phone” and “Where is your boyfriend tonight? It’s a shame he couldn’t be here”. Wow such profound words. Don’t waste your time with this record. Just because Richard Kingsmill thinks it’s cool, doesn’t mean you have to. _GEORGE GREEN
_JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD
DEAD LETTER CIRCUS This Is The Warning
THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS Together
Warner
Years of tweaking and re-tweaking by the Queensland foursome has finally lead to the highly anticipated release of This Is The Warning. Here We Divide sets the tone of the album with lush guitars building up a persistent smoke laden atmosphere to make the perfect backdrop for Kim Benzie’s vocals. Certain distinctions can be made with other melodic-rock acts like Karnivool, Cog and Butterfly Effect but Dead Letter Circus manage to etch out their own unique sound. Not apparent in the major singles The Space On The Wall and Next In Line is the electro vibe running through the rest of the LP which makes an interesting counter-point to their more outwardly rock moments. Cage begins with a strange ambient-trance/electro beat slowly morphing to the explosive rock typical of the rest of the album. Songs like Cage and The Drum break up this intensity but also feel out of place by jarring too much with the rock. The lengthy production by Dead Letter Circus is obvious from the meticulous construction of the album where every note has a purpose and none of the 54 minute running time is wasted. Late-night listening on the comfiest couch is highly recommended.
MOJO’S BAR SWAN HOTEL
RAILWAY HOTEL COURTYARD
MAIN BAR
_BRENDAN HOLBEN
THE BLACK KEYS Brothers
Matador/Remote Control
When songwriters AC Newman, Dan Bejar and Neko Case join forces you can be sure that something pretty special is going to happen. The New Pornographers fifth full length Together is no exception. The collective have always been able to muster their fair share of sugary pop, but it the inclusion of thoughtful and personal moments that make them such a complete outfit. There are still countless times when you’ll find it near impossible to refrain from singing along, and your feet often following your mouths lead. First single Crash Years sneaks up on you and throws strings and whistling into the equation for good measure, before Up In The Dark shows off Newman’s power pop roots. AC Newman may be the official front man of this talented bunch, but Dan Bejar takes the points this time out. Not only is his voice better than ever, but Silver Jenny Dollar and If You Can’t See My Mirrors are the most immediate tracks on the album. Ballads even creep in through Valkyrie In The Roller Disco and the Case lead My Shepherd. At face value they are an unlikely combination but The New Pornographers never disappoint. _CHRIS HAVERCROFT
FLOGGING MOLLY Live At The Greek Theatre
Shock
SideOneDummy Records/Shock
BASEMENT
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NON-DROWSY
UPSTAIRS
Brothers is a bold album. The sixth album in nine years by blues rock duo The Black Keys feels more like the debut album by a fresh new band. Pushing themselves and their music to new ground has paid off as this is arguably their most successfully executed album yet. Everlasting Light opens the album with Dan Auerbach singing uncharacteristically high, giving the listener an idea that this might be a slightly different Keys album. Indeed it is, with the boys stepping out of their comfort zone and bringing in more of their influences besides blues rock. This time round the band are back to producing themselves, and they have kept the more layered approach they tackled on the Danger Mouse produced album Attack And Release. Drummer and engineer Pat Carney obviously learnt some things from the Mouse, as The Black Keys sound less like a two-piece with every release. Like a distortion alchemist, Dan has found new levels of fuzz. His guitar attacks like the edge of a synth, but rest assure it sounds purely analogue and no doubt the result of several rare, old guitar pedals. With 15 tracks and a almost an hour run-time, this is The Black Keys’ largest release yet, which should bring a smile to the face of every fan.
‘We’re Floggin’ Molly and this is what we do.’ announces 48-yearold Dave King to the band’s home crowd at the beginning of this deluxe gatefold live DVD and double-album. And, by Christ, what they do is sensational. If any two genres were born to be mashed together, surely Celtic folk music and punk rock are up there with the best. All high-energy and catchy-as-hell, and in Flogging Molly’s case, not prohibitively heavy, either. Your dad can enjoy this record as much as your mates can. While the music videos in the DVD extras (which date back ten years or so) show a band all Guinness, green, shamrocks and shaved heads, and star a rather bashed-up looking King; this latest performance forgoes the diaspora clichés in favour of a no-bullshit, take-no-prisoners concert experience. Okay, so Guinness is definitely imbibed, and drummer George Schwindt sports a brand new emerald drum kit (‘have no doubt’, quips King) - but the frontman himself, who sports an impressive quiff, has never looked healthier. Packed full of classic tracks that span the band’s entire career, this album is a breathtakingly fast experience, yet not one fiddle, banjo, or accordion riff is lost. Full of humour and sadness and relentless danceability, this album breaks out of subcultural shackles and into the realm of the _TOM VARIAN truly classic. _BEN WATSON Hittin’ the town since 1985
LAURA MARLING I Speak Because I Can
BOY & BEAR Myspace.com/boyandbear
Virgin
To say Laura Marling evinces wisdom beyond her years would be an enormous understatement, considering the mature, haunting, gem of an album she has created in I Speak Because I Can. The sophomore effort finds Marling, still only 20, shrugging off virtually all traces of girlishness and wide-eyed charm, instead delving into a darkly elemental, moodier style of folk. The change in tone, if not direction, is unmistakable in opener Devil’s Spoke, a raging acoustic track layered with unrelenting guitar and banjo. Gone is the wispy, quick-fire phrasing of her debut, in its place are slower, huskier proclamations making for a melancholic, rainy-day affair. Marling possesses an undeniable knack for writing about young love with authentic feeling, unmistakable on Alpha Shallows, the most intense track on the album. A big move from her usual fluid guitar, Marling combines her formidable voice and adept phrasing against a backdrop of anxious violins. For all its strengths, however, the record shows few other glimpses of Marling’s gift, and at the end of the final track doesn’t immediately require that you press play on this album again. She is good but not yet truly great; however I Speak Because I Can certainly suggests that there remains, without a doubt, more in the can from young Laura. _JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD
BAND OF HORSES Infinte Arms
Sydney based Boy & Bear possess the sound of an outfit you’d assume has been performing together for years, which makes it all the more incredible to discover that this extraordinary five-track EP, With Emperor Antarctica, is in fact their debut effort. Rooted in the traditions of modern folk, their sublime harmonies and atmospheric acoustics are more than reminiscent of indie-folk contemporaries Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, The Shins and another in their species, Grizzly Bear. Part of Boy & Bear’s gift can be explained by the fact that the band was built on the collaboration of three frontmen/ songwriters of separate bands, who pooled their talents from a broad spectrum of styles, including Appalachian folk, indie rock, and Americana, to create the first hint of what will be, no doubt, a lot of special music to come. Key Tracks: Rabbit Song and Mexican Mavis _JENNIFER PETERSON-WARD
THE ROLLING STONES Exile On Main St (Re-Release) Myspace.com/therollingstones
Sony
Never mind a bloody Mary, Barocca, or hair of the dog, I can attest that the new Band Of Horses album is a miracle cure for a stonking hangover. Ben Bridwell’s signature layered vocals drift all over Infinite Arms, stroking a weary head like soft, feathery tendrils and curing a case of jackhammer head or hamster mouth with ease. Then there are those slowly unfolding, pastoral melodies. Even though Bridwell’s Shinsean high-pitched wail has become somewhat of a trademark for the band, there’s always plenty of warning before the jump - a warm milk bath before an invigorating dip in a sea of uplifting choruses. Ah, that’s better. The first thing that you notice about Infinite Arms is that it’s not as driving or anthemic as the band’s breakthrough second LP Cease To Begin. It’s a far more restrained and delicate offering which even drifts into soft-rock territory. On opener Factory there’s none of the jerky thump of say Ode To Irc, it’s a far smoother orchestral affair. The grandeur of the instrumentation is at odds with quirky lyrics which occasionally jump out in their charming oddity: ‘an hour later I was thinking it over by the snack machine/I thought about you in a candy bar’. Laredo is quite simply the best driving song of 2010. I challenge anyone who hears it not to wind down the windows, turn it up, and start air drumming. _DAVID CRADDOCK
Recorded while the band were in nothing less than a purple patch, Exile On Main St has come to represent, to many, the quintessential Rolling Stones album. That’s probably because of the nature of its 1971 recording (in tax exile, mostly at Keith’s rented mansion Villa Nellcôte on the waterfront of Villefranche-sur-Mer in the South of France, with heroin dealers and hangers-on aplenty). The infamous, sprawling LP, threw up gems such as Rocks Off, Tumbling Dice, Sweet Virginia, Happy and Shine A Light, just to reel off a few. The band has had diverse opinions of it over the years, but have been smart enough to see what it means in the eyes of their fandom. Of those, opener, Pass The Wine (Sophia Loren) has the loping funk feel more attributable to 1976’s Black N’ Blue than Exile. Alternate takes of Loving Cup and Soul Survivor (both on the completed album) seem a little sparer than their better-heard counterparts, while Good Time Women is an early version of Tumbling Dice, with the band in a simpler, driving groove, and Mick Jagger eliciting good-time-gal-lyrics quite possibly off the top of his head. Title 5 is an instrumental, with Richards and Mick Taylor riff-running, sounding oddly like The Doors’ LA Woman. The touch-ups on these songs have caused a little controversy, but this is still fascinating listening, even for bootleg collectors. Key Track: Tumbling Dice/Good Time Women _ BOB GORDON
KISS MY WAMi 2010 West Australian Music Industry This year’s Kiss My WAMi CD, an annual compilation put together by the Western Australian Music Industry Association to showcase the state’s best music to the world, is a particularly strong offering. Disc One kicks off with Umpire’s 2009 WAMi Song Of The Year, Streamers, and barely misses a beat in terms of recording quality and commercially viable (mostly) pop and rock songwriting. Sure there are some weaker moments in there, but standout tracks from Sugar Army, Emperors, The Chemist, Stereoflower and Russian Winters – suggest the foundations of WA’s music scene are still rock-solid. Disc Two is a more eclectic affair with electronic acts Tomas Ford, The Transients, Resort and Brash And Sassy rubbing shoulder pads with the rougher edged Chainsaw Hookers, Dyscord and Mongrel Country. The third disc is similarly eclectic but with more of a folky and indie pop focus. King George, Split Seconds and Steve Parkin lead the folk charge, while The Kill Devil Hills, Minute 36, and Hayley Beth give the disc some swampy grit. Hopefully this CD (which includes a DVD of local clips) will get into the hands of the right industry people and lead to bigger and better things for these bands. For those who get the CD as part of their WAMi Festival Saturday Spectacular ticket, it serves as a damn good document of a year when local musicians, inspired by the Butler’s and Joe’s who have gone before them, continue to push the bar. _DAVID CRADDOCK www.xpressmag.com.au
If it isn’t inclement weather or studio interference shutting down or helplessly mauling Terry Gilliam’s movies, the nadir came when a leading man riding the crest of a wave of popular and critical acclaim died suddenly mid shoot. The zeitgeist of Heath Ledger’s premature passing threatened to overshadow the rest of the film and give it a gloomy car crash quality, and it would have been nice for both he and Gilliam for this movie to be the crowning achievement in both their careers. Instead it’s a shambolic mess with too many bad points to be a good movie.The first is a visual aesthetic that – though it’s hard to believe about Gilliam – may have been too big for him. The sweeping innerscapes of the minds of those who go through Dr Parnassus’ (Plummer) mirror could only be done with CGI, and there’s an oversupply of it. Ledger may have found his cinematic soul mate in the kooky, quirky Gilliam and formed one of the great movie partnerships. With a few more attempts they might have achieved the greatness they were both capable of together.
Old Dogs (Disney) Mother (Madman) The Imaginarium Of Dr Parnassus (Sony) Bran Nue Dae (Roadshow) _DREW TURNEY 21
&UHDWH \RXU DQWL OLWWHU 0HVVDJH DQG :LQ Trashm TTrashmyad hmya yad d is b bac back ack k for for 20 2010 10 a and nd iiss bi bigg bigger gger er a and nd db bet better ette ter with i m more ore ca cash prizes and d a wh whol ole e ne new w ca cate tego g ryy tto o en ente ter! r! whole category enter! Littering is ugly, dangerous and just not cool. If you are 25 years or under, we want YOUR creative ideas on how to get the anti-littering message out to your peers. This year we have expanded the competition into both TV and Print* categories. You can choose whether you would like to submit a TV commercial or a print advertisement that portrays the anti-littering message to youth in a creative and appealing way.
For many people with depression or thoughts of suicide, the world can seem like a lonely place. Through Youth Focus, young people can access counsellors whenever they need to. This vital service turns lives around, and it’s made possible by your support through the Lotterywest games you play.
To get all the comp details to prepare your entry, go to ZZZ WUDVKP\DG FRP DX You can also view last year’s finalists to get some inspiration and see what you need to do to beat the competition! Good luck! The Trash My Ad Team
* The Print category is open to WA residents only
22
Hittin’ the town since 1985
Ka� Steele Performs solo – Thursday 27 May 2010 As the front woman of Aussie band Little Birdy, Perth songstress Katy Steele hardly needs an introduction. Katy will mesmerise her ARTBAR audience with an intimate and exclusive solo Perth show.
Tom Gleeson ARTBAR comedy – Thursday 24 June 2010
Doors and Gallery exhibition open from 6.30pm Tickets available from www.bocsticketing.com.au or call 9484 1133 Visit ARTBAR online for full event details: artgallery.wa.gov.au/ArtBar ARTBAR is an 18+ event. Food and drink available for purchase. No BYO. ARTBAR PRINCIPAL PARTNER
After appearances on Good News Week, The 7pm Project and Thank God You’re Here, enjoy Tom Gleeson’s live stand-up show that has taken him all over the world and, now brings him exclusively to ARTBAR.
ARTBAR MEDIA PARTNER
ARTBAR EVENT PARTNERS
Annual Sponsors: Wesfarmer Arts – Principal Partner, 303, The Sunday Times, International Foundation for Arts and Culture, Audi, Channel Seven, Ernst & Young
303ARTG0107
www.xpressmag.com.au
23
HOCUS POCUS
BELLY-LAUGHING BLUES
The Hellenic Centre will play host to two of Australia’s top magicians this May thanks to the folks at the Wild West Comedy Festival. From Wednesday, May 26, ’til Saturday, May 29, Adam Dean and Adam Mada will invite audiences to embark on a spellbinding adventure with them, promising a comedy show with more magic and mystery than any before. Tickets for Magic Double Set are $20, available from BOCS.
Comedian Michael Connell will fuse the worlds of music and comedy when he takes to the stage of the Festival Club at the Brass Monkey this weekend for The Blues. Running as part of the Wild West Comedy Festival, the show will see Connell combine blues music with stand up, with a different special guest each night; including the likes of Michael Workman, John Robertson, Zack Adams and Ben Sutton. During the show Connell will perform an eclectic mix of songs, breaking down the philosophy of blues music in a comedy format. The Blues opens tonight, Thursday, May 20, and runs ’til Sunday, May 23. Tickets are on sale now from BOCS.
Zack Adams
ZACK ATTACK
It seems everyone is hopping on board the 3D bandwagon, from James Cameron to Tim Burton and everyone in between. One such in-betweener is Perth lad Zack Adams, who promises more depth than ever before in his latest comedy show 3D: The Live Concert. Following shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and the Adelaide Fringe, Adams will take to the stage of the Festival Club at the Brass Monkey in Northbridge to deliver audiences a 3D rock comedy experience like no other. Season opens on Thursday, May 20, and runs ’til Sunday, May 23. Bookings can be made through BOCS.
The newest addition to the culture precinct:
The Chimney A fave amongst locals.
10% discount for X-Press readers (just mention this ad) breakfast, lunch, tapas and dinner
7 days a week
Michael Connell stars in The Blues
SHIP SHAPE
Adam Mada
SNAGS AND LADDERS
When the weather is cold many women cover their legs with warm, soft stockings but it doesn’t take much to permeate this warm layer, with even the tiniest of snags resulting in pesky holes and ladders. If your undies drawer is full of ripped and laddered stockings you no longer wear then the Cancer Council wants to hear from you. Whether new or used, the Cancer Council urgently requires stockings to make skull caps for wigs. Donations can be dropped off at the Maylands Autumn Centre at 55 Ninth Avenue in Maylands from 8.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday; or at the City Of Bayswater Civic Centre at 61 Broun Avenue in Morley. For more info call (08) 9271 2705.
171 James St, Northbridge. WA 6003 08 9328 6870 thechimney@bigpond.com
Cabahooray!
Two of Perth’s funniest men are joining forces for Cabahooray!, a hilarious tale about two cruiseship entertainers who decide to bring their show ashore. Starring Ben Sutton and Jimmy James Eaton, Cabahooray! follows the escapades of Darren Spandu and Dave, a double act that has been cruising the seas for 13 years. Directed by David Lee Smyth, this Wild West Comedy Festival spectacular promises to be a riotous show full of laughs. Catch Ben Sutton and Jimmy James Eaton in Cabahooray! at the Astor Theatre from Thursday, May 20, ’til Saturday, May 22. Bookings through BOCS.
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD!
Tasty delights from The Chimney
Recently opened smack bang in the heart of Northbridge, The Chimney is a delightful restaurant offering diners modern Australian cuisine with Italian, North African and Asian influences. With a stylish interior and relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual dining, The Chimney is likely to become a favourite haunt for those who like good food and great service. At the head of the kitchen is Chef David Walker who has spent 17 years working in restaurants all around the world, perfecting various cooking styles and techniques that Perth diners will now be able to take advantage of. Located at 171 James Street in Northbridge, The Chimney is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, tapas and dinner; make your booking now on (08) 9328 6870. If you like the sound of The Chimney then just cut out their advertisement in this edition of X-Press and present it to waitstaff to receive 10 per cent off the total bill.
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Sydney ney Hotshots live on stage WINNER OF THE “BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE” 2009!
Home Hom of the 141 Club Hittin’ the town since 1985
K.D. LANG
New Recollections It’s been a long time since k.d. lang stepped out of the shadows as Roy Orbison’s back up singer to become one of the most highly regarded voices of her generation. Now, she celebrates 25 years of music with her greatest hits Recollection. With k.d. lang having been called the greatest female Canadian voice of all time you would imagine that she works pretty hard at getting the best out of herself. However, lang says she doesn’t take it that seriously, because art is a very subjective thing and she is not particularly competitive. That said; the singer does feel she responds well to the pressure of expectation. “I think that having that expectation, or the standard being set out there for me, is probably a good thing,” lang says of her motivation. “I am definitely not a workaholic. Music is not something that you say ‘I am going to the office now’, and turn it on and turn it off. It is in you and it is in me, and it is something that I think about 24 hours a day, seven days a week regardless of what I am doing. I guess I have just come to the realisation that an artist is always
“I AM DEFINITELY NOT A WORKAHOLIC. MUSIC IS NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU SAY ‘I AM GOING TO THE OFFICE NOW’, AND TURN IT ON AND TURN IT OFF. IT IS IN YOU AND IT IS IN ME, AND IT IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK ABOUT 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK REGARDLESS OF WHAT I AM DOING.”
k.d. lang
working. Whatever goes in comes out in the art.” T wenty-five years after the release of her debut recording, the four-time Grammy Award winner presents her first-ever career retrospective CD Recollection. She admits that a lot of thought went into deciding on the track listing for the album. The final decision was handed to Robert Hurwitz (President of Nonesuch Records), lang’s manager and a few others who lang claims have a better idea of her music than she does. “It was difficult, but I differed the decision making as I am a little too inside it to know exactly what is going on,” lang says.“There were songs that I was disappointed to not make it on this collection, but I always have the option of singing them live. I guess my work was really in the matter of the remixing and remastering of things and getting them sonically into shape to make a nice sounding fluid record.” When lang was offered the opportunity
to sing Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah at the Winter that five-and-a-half minutes so that when I Olympics this year, she thought it would tie in walked on that stage I was fully present, and nicely with the celebrations of her first quarter fully accessible to the people and the song.” of a decade as a singer/songwriter. The thought _CHRIS HAVERCROFT terrified her, and lang laughs that she didn’t sleep for months – but a tight routine of acupuncture, meditation and regular strenuous hiking had her prepared both physically and mentally. “It was very special for me this year; it was like a perfect storm of opportunities,” she says of the opportunity to sing at the Olympics. “To have my fellow countrymen ask me to sing and represent my country with a song that I know inside out, and a song that I love deeply, and to sing it in front of three and a half billion people is a crazy combination of a golden opportunity. “It is incomprehensible how perfect it was for me at that moment that I didn’t take it lightly,” lang concludes. “I spent months and months preparing mentally and physically for
HE’S A POWDER KEG OF
,I VRPHRQH ULQJV \RX DW DP LQ WKH PRUQLQJ DQG DVNV IRU \RXU KHOS \RX NQRZ LW·V JRQQD EH D OLWWOH PRUH WKDQ D KHOSLQJ KDQG LNLOOHGULFKDUGGDZVRQ FRP “Black Dynamite blends satire, nostalgia, and cinema deconstruction into a one-of-a-kind comedy high.” Entertainment Weekly DV DVD VD AVAIL ILAB ILAB BLE LE MAY 2 20 0 FR ROM
WH WHIL HIL ILE E ST S OC OCKS K LAS AST T Strong sex scenes, nudity and coarse language
www.xpressmag.com.au
hopscotchfilms.com.au 25
REPO MEN Risking Life & Limb
Repo Men
Directed by Miguel Sapochnik Starring Jude Law, Forest Whitaker, Liev Schreiber, Alice Braga
Action violence, coarse language and sexual references
Strong horror violence 26
Repo Men (not to be confused with Alex Cox’s highly overrated ’80s pic Repo Man, starring a preDucks Emilio Estevez as a gangly car flogger) is set in a rather frightening future where artificial limbs are free and available on the market for anyone with a need or, for that matter, want. Thing is, like a bank loan, if you don’t ultimately pay the goods off – they’ll come after you. In this case, the ‘repo men’ don’t just scare you into paying up, they also remove the limb. When one of the Repo Men, Remy (Law) is injured and forced to stuff his insides with some fake parts, he not only develops a new appreciation for those who have needed replacement bits before him, but begins to understand just how hard it is to pay off the expensive goods. When it seems Remy can’t pay back his limbs by the due date, he, like the chaps he was formerly assigned to track down, finds himself on the run from his former employers (Liev Schreiber, Forest Whitaker) – who are ready and willing to ditch friendship for financial gain. Meanwhile, Remy finds an unexpected ally in the form of his long-lost wife, Beth (Alice Braga), who has also been retrofitted with numerous artificial parts. Together, they end up on the run. A bipolar film if ever there were one, director Miguel Sapochnik’s Repo Men plays like a double feature - the first, a bloody, tonguein-cheek actioner that’s spoofing the genre as much as it is swimming in its waters (much
like Paul Verhoeven’s RoboCop – though it goes without saying that Ed Neumeier’s script for it was far superior than Eric Garica and Garett Lerner’s Repo Men libretto), and the second, a predictable, not very involving fugitive yarn – the likes of which we’ve seen a dozen times before (don’t you folks know you’ll never top Andrew Davis’s The Fugitive!? It ain’t even worth trying to tackle that genre anymore!). To say the two halves – action satire/fugitive flick- don’t go as well together as say, strawberries and cream do, is an understatement. Quite simply, Repo Men is a mess that no script doctor could or would even want to mop up. And it’s a pity too because, in the film’s first half, Law and Whitaker are great - they’re funny, energised and have great chemistry (a nice buddy-cop actioner might’ve been more suited). The flick has also some great set pieces, too. And those with a penchant for the blood-soaked R-rated action romp of yesteryear will likely relish the film’s reluctance to reign it in – there’s more gore here than a Romero box-set. Slice the first 20 mins from the film and release it as a short film and it might just do okay at Tropfest– because it’s the first part of the flick that really works; everything else is downhill from there. It’s a pity something reasonably original like Repo Men didn’t work out the way the studio obviously hoped it would because studios are only going to continue to make films that are considered safe and sure bets – be it sequels, remakes, films based on video-games or toys. _CLINT MORRIS
IN CINEMAS NOW Hittin’ the town since 1985
ROBIN HOOD Medieval Muddle Directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett. Mark Strong, William Hurt, Max Von Sydow. If you ever played the game Chinese Whispers as a kid, you’ve got a fair working model of how the Hollywood development process can sometimes go. What winds up on the screen can bear little resemblance to a film’s original concept. Such is the case here, where the spec script Nottingham, which focused on a heroic interpretation of the usually-villainous Sheriff of Nottingham, has metamorphosed into a kind of Robin Hood begins pseudo-prequel that purports to tell the story behind the man with the bow. Unfortunately amongst the concepts that were jettisoned along the road to release was any concept of character or motivation. Crowe’s Robin Longstride is a yeoman archer in the army of Richard the Lionheart (Danny Huston) who, through a somewhat convoluted series of events, is forced to adopt the identity of
Robin Hood
slain knight Sir Robert Locksley in order to a) get the now-dead Richard’s crown back to England and b) enable Robert’s aged father (von Sydow) and widow Marion (Blanchett) to hold onto their lands. Why he does this is never entirely clear;
Robin has no real stake in the events that unfold, and he just meanders through the story as it happens around him. Crowe tries hard to give the character some emotional heft, as he was able to do with the thinly-written Maximus in director Scott’s earlier Gladiator, but just doesn’t have enough to work with. It’s a problem that’s endemic in Scott’s Sherwood Forest: the filmmakers seem more interested in the political and economic systems of the time, and with those factors driving the bulk of the plot, it’s hard to care for those caught up in it. Hood’s Merry Men, here reduced to a band of three, barely get a look-in, and Friar Tuck (Mark Addy) seems to be present only because, well, you need to have Friar Tuck in a Robin Hood story. Even chief antagonist Sir Godfrey (Strong, tinsel town’s new go-to bad guy) has no real grudge with Robin, who doesn’t actually know who Godfrey is. Their inevitable mano-amano in the final big battle is robbed of any catharsis because these two have no emotion
invested in the fight; they may as well be trading blows with nameless extras. To be fair, the film is not without its merits. It certainly looks beautiful, but that’s a given when dealing with Scott, one of the premier visual stylists working in film. The period detail is impressive, as are the location work and sets. And Scott handles the action sequences with practiced aplomb; after Gladiator and Kingdom Of Heaven, though, he must be able to direct mass combat in his sleep. Clocking in at around two and a half hours, this new Robin Hood wants to be a worthy epic, but has nothing of substance to actually say. Moreover, in trying to ground the legend in historical plausibility, they’ve robbed it of any fun and energy. While not a terrible film, it’s firmly middle-ground fare. Unless you really feel the need to experience Scott’s lush visuals on the big screen, wait for DVD. _TRAVIS JOHNSON
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET A Frightful Remake SAMUEL BAYER Ready Freddy Like Wes Craven, music-video director Samuel Bayer is a self-taught filmmaker who not only lights and conceives all of his own work (Bayer’s most recognised video being Nirvana’s excellent Smells Like Teen Spirit clip) but has his own undoubtedly divergent visual style. Aware of Bayer’s talent and reputation, producer Michael Bay, coming off his successful relaunch of the Friday The 13th series, thought there’d be nobody better to help him resurrect Craven’s semimetal horror classic A Nightmare On Elm Street.
Directed by Samuel Bayer Starring Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara, Thomas Dekker, Kyle Gallner, Katie Cassidy, Kellan Lutz, Connie Britton, Clancy Brown For the most part, many feared a remake of Wes Craven’s landmark frightfest A Nightmare On Elm Street. Part of the charm of Craven’s 1984 flick – which told the tale of a badly-burnt demonic figure who knocks off teenagers in their dreams – was its low-frills charm; there was something magnificent about the guerilla-style filmmaking and special effects techniques then-broke writer/director Craven and producer Bob Shaye were forced to use on the film. But in addition to that, most were up in arms that Robert Englund, the thespian who’d made the character of ‘Freddy Krueger’ his own, playing the role in eight films, wouldn’t be returning. Unlike fellow horror monsters Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees (from Friday the 13th), and Leatherface (from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Krueger wasn’t a mute monster that lurks in the shadows – he had a voice, a presence, and a way about him. Quite simply, one couldn’t imagine an Elm Street movie without the wonderfully wicked comical stylings of the terrific Englund under the make-up. But then the trailer for director Samuel Bayer’s remake of Elm Street surfaced - and, quite frankly, it didn’t look too bad. The new Freddy, played by Oscar Nominee Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children, Watchmen) would take some getting used to, but the fact that it ‘suggested’ it was as much a prequel to Craven’s film as were a remake, coloured most of us intrigued. Platinum Dunes’ (they’re the crowd who also remade The Amityville Horror, The Hitcher, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Friday The 13th) remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street is exactly that – a blatant scene-for-scene remake. The ‘back-story’ of Krueger that the trailer hinted at? Sure, it’s there, but it lasts about all of ten minutes, and the rest, an audaciously slothful scene-for-scene clone of the original – just without the punch or power of its predecessor. The kids of Springwood are all having bad dreams about the same guy – a badly-burnt dude wearing a Christmas jumper and fedora who dons a razor-bladed glove. The guy is, of course, Freddy Krueger (Jackie Earle Haley) a revengeseeking demon who, many years before, was burnt to death by the parents of Springwood, after it was discovered he’d molested their children. Freddy’s somehow (it’s never explained here; suppose it
Nightmare On Elm Street was never explained in the original either so no big beef) discovered the power to kill the children, now teenagers, who ratted on him all those years ago, via their dreams. One-by-one, Nancy (Rooney Mara) and her friends (played mostly by recognisable young TV and Twilight stars) are hunted down in their slumber by the sadistic sucker. Bayer’s remake may have had more money, but it has none of the heart – it’s made by people who have no respect for the franchise (that was pretty clear from day one though, being that they never even asked for Craven’s blessing to remake his film), scripted by Wesley Strick who has added nothing even remotely new or interesting to proceedings, and filmed with less flair than an unsponsored race car driver’s speedster. This is sloppy point-and-shoot plagiarism. To be fair, the always-good Jackie Earle Haley makes for a pretty fine Krueger, and in a better movie (even a better remake), we mightn’t have minded so much that he’d stolen someone’s pass to gain admittance to the Boiler Room, but the fact of the matter is Englund could’ve still have played the part here – remake or no remake, there’s no real reason for the actor to have been replaced, especially considering he spends over three-quarters of the film in make-up anyway. The young cast, try as they might (Melrose Place’s Katie Cassidy and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ Thomas Dekker faring the best), are also no match for the ensemble of the original film. Basically, this lot are bland, and unlike the main protagonists in the original picture, we don’t so much care what happens to this lot – so long as they suffer. Like the central teens in this disgusting clone, hopefully Hollywood wakes up to itself before it’s too late. Only Dreamworld worth visiting this year is located on the Gold Coast.
Did you notice any similarities between making a music video and making a first movie in terms of the rhythm and the writing? None, absolutely none. When we do a music video or commercial we’re done in two weeks. We also don’t care so much about storytelling. It’s a business made for short attention spans. I’m certainly proud of everything I’ve done over the last two decades, but making a film is a very different discipline. Staying on the ball for a But you’re remaking a classic... I didn’t want to just remake it, I wanted year of your life was a real lesson and I think I had to reboot and reinvent the franchise, and that really to take a lot of the bad habits I learned with music got me excited. I think, when you see the film, you’ll videos and throw them out the window. see it’s quite a departure [from Craven’s film]. Such as? Such as making things up on the fly. How does your film differ from Craven’s film? Sometimes, creatively, franchises need to There’s a lot of improvisation in my music videos that I would do. You can’t improvise on something be reinvented. Freddy had become a bit jokey and a vaudevillian kind of character – I just don’t know like this. I mean, you can improvise to a degree on how much he scared people anymore. So, there’s a movie but you’ve got a whole team of people a reboot element of what we’ve done with this behind you that have a schedule to meet. You’ve movie. I want to scare a new generation of people got to explain yourself every minute of every day with this movie, but I want Freddy Krueger to be and everything has to work. In my music videos, it what I feel Wes Craven intended him to be which doesn’t matter what works and what doesn’t. is a real bogey man - someone that can hurt, even _CLINT MORRIS murder, you. You’ve waited fifteen years to direct a movie. Why this one? Why this movie? Well, aside from Michael Bay personally asking me to do it, I just wanted to do a film that would evoke much excitement – and seeing all the billboards all over Los Angeles for the film, Elm Street clearly has people excited.
Was Robert Englund ever onboard to reprise Freddy? When I came onto the project, Robert was not involved. I think if you’re going to re-boot something and re-make a franchise… I think it’s really interesting to have someone else come in and play the role. And I think Robert Englund did an amazing job, but what Jackie (Earle Haley) did is definitely a different interpretation.
Freddy looks a bit different in your film than he did in the original film. Why did you decide to change it up? I think all of us underestimated how much work it was going to take to make Freddy Krueger look like what he looks like now. It was _CLINT MORRIS a lot of work. We kept working on it all the way
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FISH TANK
The Over the Fence Comedy Film Festival is back, and this year it's going to be HUGE!
“IT’S THE UK’S ANSWER TO GRAN TORINO
This is our 13th festival and we’ve taken the opportunity to expand. An amazing compilation of short and (for the first time ever) feature length comedy from around the globe.
“A HARD-HITTING DRAMA THAT KNOCKS YOU SIDEWAYS... A WONDERFUL VEHICLE FOR THE GREAT MICHAEL CAINE.”
Sun 6.30pm: OTF SHORTS Mon 8.45pm: MY SUICIDE Tickets on sale now at Paradiso and online. More details: www.overthefence.com.au
SCREENING THUR TO MON at CINEMA PARADISO
HARRY BROWN (MA15+) Thur to Wed: 10.45am, 12.45, 2.45, 4.45, 6.45, 8.45pm FOOD INC. (PG) Thur to Wed: 11.00am, 1.00, 3.00, 5.00, 7.00, 9.00pm LOVE, LUST & LIES (M) Thur: 11.30am Fri to Wed: 11.30am, 5.30, 7.30pm (no 7.30 Mon) NEW YORK I LOVE YOU (MA15+) Thur to Wed: 11.15am (no 11.15 Thur or Sat), 1.15, 3.15, 5.15, 7.15, 9.15pm 44 INCH CHEST (MA15+) Thur: 4.00 & 9.15pm Fri to Wed: 1.30, 3.30, 9.20pm (no 9.20 Mon) THE ROOM (M) Sat: 11.15pm Lateshow NTLIVE: THE HABIT OF ART Thur: 6.15pm NY MET OPERA: ARMIDA Thur: 11.30am MON $11.00/$9.50 DOUBLE FEATURE Mon 7.30: INVICTUS (PG) plus THE HURT LOCKER (MA15+)
www.xpressmag.com.au
STARTS NEXT THURS MAY 27 at LUNA LEEDERVILLE
“Unforgetable! Contender for the “worst movie ever
... A POWERFUL MOVIE THAT RECONFIRMS CAINE AS made”. See it at a latenight screening where you can hoot with derision among a like-minded crowd” Filmcritic.com THE UNPARALLELED KING OF COOL” EMPIRE
Described as “The Citizen Kane of Bad Movies” the latenight cult phenomenon is now taking over Perth “Tommy Wiseau [is] one of the most unusual looking and sounding (with an unidentifiable Eastern European accent) leading men ever to grace the screen” Variety
URBAN CINEFILE
JUSTICE IS COMING.
NOW SHOWING at LUNA LEEDERVILLE & LUNA ON SX See below for session times.
164 JAMES ST. NORTHBRIDGE 9227 1771 155 OXFORD ST, LEEDERVILLE 9444 4056
Samuel Bayer on set with Rooney Mara
Written and Directed by ANDREA ARNOLD, director of RED ROAD
www.lunapalace.com.au
OUR GET Y
through the movie. We tested what that face looked like under different lighting, what’s truly terrifying, what’s too far, and what’s not far enough. There are elements of Krueger that we said we’d never change – the striped sweater, the fedora, the glove – because that’s like the cape and utility belt in Batman. You can’t change that stuff. But the face? That was the one place where I really thought we could modernise this movie and make the character scary again.
The Room has garnered a massive cult following, selling out sessions across the US, leaving audiences stunned and wondering "how can so bad, be so good?" LATESHOW at LUNA LEEDERVILLE this SAT at 11.15pm
★★★★★
Based on
Stieg Larsson’s THE LAST STATION (M) ESSEX ST FREMANTLE 9430 5999 EMPIRE I LOVE YOU TOO (M) Thur & Mon: 11.15am, 2.00, 4.10pm worldwide bestThur to Wed: 11.00am, 1.15, 9.15pm HARRY BROWN (MA15+) Fri: 2.00 & 4.10pm Sat: 2.00 & 6.30pm Thur to Wed: 11.15am, 1.15, selling thriller THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (MA15+) 3.15, 5.15, 7.15, 9.15pm & 8.30pm Tue: 11.15am, 2.00, 4.10, Thur to Wed: 3.30, 6.00 & 8.50pm Sun:6.30,10.45am THE CONCERT (M) 8.40pm Wed: 11.15am, 2.00, 4.10, 8.40pm THE CONCERT (M) Thur to Wed: Thur to Wed: 11.20am, 1.40, 4.00, “HEART-STOPPING, starring starring HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL (18+) 11.20am, 1.40, 4.00, 6.20, 8.45pm William Kunstler Disturbing the Universe Fri: 6.30pm 6.20, 8.40pm (no 8.40 Thur) EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT MICHAEL MICHAEL NYQVIST NYQVIST I, DON GIOVANNI (M) Thur & Mon: 11.00am, 1.20, My Tehran For Sale (+ director Q&A after) Sat: 4.00pm THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (MA15+) THRILLS” (As (As ItIt IsIs in in Heaven) Heaven) Thur to Wed: 11.45am, 3.00, 6.00, 8.50pm 3.40, 6.30pm Fri to Wed (exc Mon): OVER THE FENCE COMEDY FILM FEST (MA15+) and and NOOMI NOOMI RAPACE RAPACE 11.00am, 1.20, 3.40, 7.00pm See above left for details THE LAST STATION (M) DAILY MIRROR Thur: 3.50 & 9.20pm PALACE OPERA: Donizetti’s L’ELLISIR D’AMORE THE SICILIAN GIRL (M) Fri to Wed: 11.30am, 4.15, 6.40pm Mon: 6.45pm Fri & Sat: 11.30am Sun: 1.00pm COCO & IGOR (MA15+) 98 STIRLING HIGHWAY, NEDLANDS 9386 3554 Thur: 8.40pm Fri to Wed: 1.45 & 9.00pm ROBIN HOOD (M) N.Y. MET OPERA in HD: ARMIDA Thur to Wed: 10.45am, 1.30, 6.30, 9.10pm THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (MA15+) Thur: 11.30am Now at WINDSOR! THE LAST STATION (M) NOW SHOWING at WINDSOR CINEMA, LUNA ON SX NT LIVE: THE HABIT OF ART Thur to Tue: 1.45, 4.40, 7.45pm Thur to Tue: 11.30am & 4.10pm Wed: 12.30, 3.30, 9.00pm Wed: 10.15am & 4.10pm Thur: 6.15pm and CINEMA PARADISO. See left for session times.
★★★★★
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THE CLEAN HOUSE Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness
Brooke Satchwell stars in The Clean House
Black Swan State Theatre Company ’s production of The Clean House runs at the Playhouse Theatre from Saturday, May 29, ’til Saturday, June 19. Bookings can be made through BOCS. Most of us would remember Brooke Satchwell as the young teen Anne Wilkinson from Neighbours; however, Satchwell has moved in leaps and bounds since her Ramsay Street days, most recently starring in her first Perth production of The Clean House with Black Swan State Theatre. Playing a Brazilian live-in maid who hates to clean and would rather spend most her time concocting new jokes for the household, Satchwell says it was a catch-22 landing the role. “I’m a little disappointed because I originally said yes to the play because the title was The Clean House and I kind of have this strange cleaning fetish. Except now I’m playing a prototype that has no desire to clean!” But after a myriad of experiences in her 30 years, including her recent close encounter during the Mumbai Terrorist Attacks, Satchwell relates very closely to the other side of her character. “Laughter is incredibly important in life, how would we survive it otherwise? I’m terrible. I laugh at very inappropriate times. I remember as a teenager getting in trouble always made me laugh which never went down well. And my family are terrible, we’ve been known to cry with laughter in unison at very inappropriate times!” Satchwell laughs. Playing the role of Matilde, Satchwell is joined by a strong cast: Sarah McNeill as Lane, Carol Burns as Virginia, Hugh Parker as Charles and Vivienne Garrett as Ana, who recreate Sarah Ruhl’s intelligent script, which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 2005.
“It’s incredibly bent in the way she examines everyday events and experiences that we all go through and in that way she very vividly attacks very mundane things, which makes our problems seem very small,” Satchwell explains. “Actually, there’s a great line in the play that says that in order to tell a good joke, you have to believe that your problems are very small in a world that is very large.” Satchwell said that although she was shaken by her experiences in Mumbai and it did change her perspective on things, she has always remained grounded throughout her life and career. “I think [Mumbai] cleared a lot of backlog for me in my life. It certainly made my problems seem very small and the world seem very large,” she said. “But I just see it as a myriad of experiences I have had in my life. I’ve always been really strong in my priorities in the sense that family and friends are always number one.” The Melbourne based actor actually replaces fellow artist Pia Miranda in the role as Matilde, who had to give up the role due to recently giving birth. “I actually owe Pia a lot of gratitude, she’s been an omen to my career. I was speaking to a journalist the other day from the Melbourne Weekly and the last time I spoke to them was actually 14 years ago when they had quite a few stories running on Pia and speculation of her getting the role on Neighbours which is the role that I ended up getting, which started my career and here I am ten years later stepping back on stage and again, it’s courtesy of Pia so I’m very grateful.” _KATE GILBERTSON
Money For Ar tists, Ar ts Projects and Ar ts Workers July Funding Round The Department of Culture and the Arts invites applications from individuals, groups and organisations requiring financial assistance to undertake activity in all artforms (except film, television and radio) in the following categories: t "MM "QQMJDBOUT BOE "SU 'PSNT Development, Distribution and Marketing t Publishing Assistance Program Applications close 5pm, Friday July 2, 2010
FROM TOP: STILLS FROM ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, COURTESY ROADSHOW ENTERTAINMENT; PIERRE BISMUTH WITH MICHEL GONDRY, THE ALL SEEING EYE (THE HARDCORE TECHNO VERSION), 2005, INSTALLATION VIEW, COURTESY AND © BFI SOUTHBANK, LONDON
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Please check our website for further details www.dca.wa.gov.au or, contact your Project Officer on 9224 7300 for more information on how to apply for an Arts Grant.
Hittin’ the town since 1985
Dreams And Nightmares by Robert Jenkins
Dreams And Nightmares, Kurb Gallery, 214 William Street, Northbridge. Hailing from Wales, now based in Perth, Robert Jenkins’ work reflects his upbringing with visual references to skateboarding, motorcycles and record stores in his colourful, painted creations. Sometimes dark and always interesting, Jenkins’ work spans various mediums, including pencil and ink drawings on paper and acrylics on canvas. Exhibition opens on Friday, May 21, at 7pm and runs ’til Friday, May 28.
VISUAL ARTS
Make It Happen, Little Creatures, 40 Mews Road, Fremantle. Photographer Alexandre Schoelcher invites Perth to join him on a photographic journey through Ghana, Nepal and the Phillipines in Make It Happen. Featuring images that capture scenes of day to day life, the Make It Happen encourages viewers to hop a plane in search of adventure. Exhibition runs ’til Monday, June 7.
The Poetics Of Connection, Greenhill Galleries, 6 Gugeri Street, Claremont. Studying the form of the horse amongst other creatures, with layer upon layer of shadows, Adriane Strampp’s dreamlike images pose the question: is this reality or is this all imagined? Her oil paintings have a sense of unique detailing, exploring the graceful lines, shapes and shadows found only in nature. In Transience, Riseborough Estate Gallery, Lot Exhibition opens on Friday, May 21, and 21, Mooliabeenie Road, Gingin. runs ’til Saturday, June 5. West Australian emerging artist Stuart McMillan’s exhibition In Transience, deals with the Spirit Of Place, Elements Art Gallery, 131A contemplative experience of being in a world Waratah Avenue, Dalkeith. of constant transience. Exhibition showcases a Spirit Of Place is Western Australia’s first selection of McMillan’s paintings, drawings and opportunity to view the work of Emma Hack, prints, plus recent installation work. internationally acclaimed body illustrator Exhibition runs ’til Sunday, June 27. and photographer. Emma’s work ranges from beautiful transformations of the human form Pierre Bismuth, Fremantle Arts Centre, 1 into landscapes and exotic sculpture, to elegantly Finnerty Street, Fremantle. intricate camouflaged figures melting into Academy Award winning artist Pierre Bismuth handpainted or wallpaper backgrounds. Her is packing up and heading to Fremantle for an detailed designs can take up to 19 hours to exclusive screening of this cult film, an exhibition create. of his visual arts, and to share the stories he has Exhibition opens on Saturday, May 22, collected over his expansive career. and runs ’til Sunday, June 6. On Sunday, May 23, Bismuth will introduce a special screening of Eternal Sunshine 31 In 30 Days, Kurb Gallery, 214 William Street, Of The Spotless Mind. The film will be followed by a Northbridge. Q&A with the artist; the man whose idea spawned In setting out to capture the personalities of 31 the storyline that’s become a modern classic. people with a 50mm lens, over a period of 30 On Wednesday, May 26, Pierre Bismuth days; photographer Jake England used a single opens at Fremantle Arts Centre. An exhibition light and an array ‘ridiculous questions’ to both comprised of two works, Bismuth deploys humour probe and excite his subjects into revealing to disorientate the viewers’ understanding of themselves, all for the sake of a great exhibition. cultural forms like print media and film. Exhibition opens on Tuesday, June 1, Exhibition opens on Wednesday, May 26, and runs ’til Sunday, June 6. and runs ’til Sunday, July 18.
PERFORMANCE
MUSIC
Dances For Small Spaces, Roundhouse Theatre, WAAPA, Bradford Street, Mt Lawley. WAAPA’s graduate dance company Link presents three cutting-edge contemporary compositions in the Roundhouse Theatre, featuring inspirational dance works by Antony Hamilton, Deborah Robertson and Link artistic director, Michael Whaites. Season opens on Thursday, May 27, and runs ’til Saturday, May 29. Bookings through the WAAPA Box Office (08) 9370 6636.
Defying Gravity, Music Auditorium, WAAPA, Bradford Street, Mt Lawley. Thursday, May 20; bookings via WAAPA Box Office (08) 9370 6636.
Waiting For Godot, His Majesty’s Theatre, Hay Street, Perth. Starring Ian McKellen, Roger Rees and Matthew Kelly, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot sees two old friends meet to converse, joke and argue with themselves as they wait through one day and then another for the mysterious Godot... The combination of music hall, poetry and tension redefined what is possible in theatre, so that today Waiting For Godot is accepted as one of the most significant plays of the 20th century. Season opens on Friday, May 28, and runs ’til Thursday, June 3. Bookings can be made through BOCS. Loot, Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hammersley Road, Subiaco. Mrs McLeavy’s funeral just might have gone smoothly if her ex-nurse had not been making a play for the recently widowed husband, or if her son and his friend had not just carried out a bank robbery – hiding the loot in Mrs McLeavy’s coffin and locking the corpse in a handy wardrobe – or even perhaps if the local police inspector had not turned up on the track of the money, disguised as an official of the London Water Board. Season opens on Friday, June 4, and runs ’til Saturday, June 19. Bookings through BOCS. Bio-Rhythmic, Harry’s Bar, 73 Francis Street, Northbridge. On the eve of his world tour, Ross Vegas (aka Ross Tralia), a manic physical comedian and human beat-boxer extraodinaire, will return with Bio-Rhythmic. One man, one mouth, BioRhythmic is a syncopated hip-hop journey to the heart of the human condition. Keenly observed, sometimes bizarre, always hilarious. Season opens on Wednesday, May 26, and runs ’til Saturday, may 29, at 8.45pm. Bookings can be made through BOCS. The Myth Of Julian Rose, Blue Room Theatre, James Street, Northbridge. Mondo Di Corpo and The Blue Room Theatre present the world premiere of new Western Australian work The Myth Of Julian Rose. The protagonist, Julian, is a man with a disturbing past which surfaces with a vengeance when a Minotaur begins to stalk his family. The Myth Of Julian Rose gives voice to the unspeakable, boldly portraying the effects of maternal child abuse and suppressed trauma, resulting in a story that is emotive, tragic and chilling. Season opens on Tuesday, June 8, and runs ’til Saturday, June 26. Bookings via blueroom.org.au.
Clarke’s Grey Vest, Kulcha, 13 South Terrace, Fremantle. Saturday, May 22; bookings via kulcha.com.au or on the door. Victoria Newton and Jamie Oehlers, The Ellington Jazz Club, Beaufort Street, Perth. Saturday, May 22; bookings via ellingtonjazz. com.au. Mark Ginsburg Quartet with Judy Campbell, The Ellington Jazz Club, Beaufort Street, Perth. Sunday, May 23; bookings via ellingtonjazz.com.au. Konstantin Shamray In Recital, Perth Concert Hall, 5 St Georges Terrace, Perth. Tuesday, May 25; bookings through BOCS. James Flynn CD launch, The Ellington Jazz Club, Beaufort Street, Perth. Friday, May 28; bookings via ellingtonjazz.com.au. Matt Rosner, Kulcha, 13 South Terrace, Fremantle. Friday, May 28; bookings via kulcha.com.au or on the door. Marnie Kent Quintet, The Ellington Jazz Club, Beaufort Street, Perth. Sunday, May 30; bookings via ellingtonjazz.com.au. Way Out West, Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, Murdoch Road, Thornlie. Friday, June 4; bookings via gosnells.wa.gov.au. All Your Need Is Harmony, Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hammersley Road, Subiaco. Saturday, June 5; bookings through BOCS. Richard Tognetti with WASO, Perth Concert Hall, 5 St Georges Terrace, Perth. Friday, June 11, and Saturday, June 12; bookings via waso.com.au. Katie Noonan & The Captains, Fly By Night Bar, Fremantle. Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13; bookings via flybynight.org. Drum Tao: The Samurai Of The Drum, Perth Concert Hall, 5 St Georges Terrace, Perth. Tuesday, June 22, ’til Saturday, June 26; bookings through BOCS. Music On The Terrace 2010: Fused, Government House Ballroom. St Georges Terrace, Perth. Sunday, June 27; bookings through BOCS. Hope Sandoval & The Warm Intentions, Astor Theatre, Beaufort Street, Mt Lawley. Monday, June 28; bookings through BOCS. A Night In Paris With Sumi Jo, Perth Concert Hall, 5 St Georges Terrace, Perth. Friday, July 2, and Saturday, July 3; bookings via waso.com.au.
PULLING SHAPES The folks from Black Swan State Theatre Company kicked up their heels last weekend, celebrating a successful opening night for their latest production, The Shape Of Things. Once the performance had finished, cast, crew plus friends and family gathered in the PICA bar to party the night away.
Nathan, Zoe
Pamela, Brendan
Craig, Kate
Kym, Daevid
Hemavathi, Mayuri
Lisette, Sarah
Photographs by Matt Jelonek
John, Georgiana, Devika
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FASHION THE WEDNESDAY WOOD
To promote the latest edition of Two Bucks Til Wednesday, the fantastic foursome (Hannah, Alicia, Sophia and Anna) ventured into the make-believe world of Wednesday Wood with photographer Cameron Etchells in tow, to showcase their fantastic second-hand wares. The latest photo-shoot sees the Two Bucks crew sporting animal masks and divine retro threads, proving that fashionable animals come in all shapes and sizes. Held quarterly, Two Bucks Til Wednesday sales invite vintage vixens and their handsome pals to shop for delightful second-hand stock with all funds raised going straight to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. On Sunday, May 23, Two Bucks will invade Banks Reserve Pavilion at 60 Joel Terrace in Mt Lawley, bringing with them swarms of eager Two Bucks devotees who simply won’t allow themselves to miss a second-hand extravaganza! Whether you want to snag some bargains, support the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, or just want to check out some of Perth’s most well dressed vintage lovers, be sure to make your way to the Two Bucks winter sale this Sunday from 2pm ’til sold out. For the full run down head to twobuckstilwednesday.blogspot.com.
Two Bucks Til Wednesday (Photos: Cameron Etchells)
OLD WORLD CHARM
After years of working in an industry she had no passion for, Perth lass Hannah Sass realised enough was enough and declared that she would no longer be a slave to the corporate world, instead deciding to indulge her creative side with the inception of an accessories label. Officially launched in August 2009, the H M Sass label caters to those who understand that for a cake to be complete it needs icing, and for an outfit to be complete it needs the perfect accessory. Utilising feathers, lace, ribbon and stones, H M Sass creations combine old world charm with modern design practice, ensuring the pieces will last the tests of time. To view the latest designs from H M Sass head in to Subiaco vintage boutique Lucy In Disguise, or head online to hmsass.com. H M Sass ‘I’m In Chains’ bracelet
H M Sass vintage lace earrings
_EMMA BERGMEIER
H M Sass feather earrings
BLACK SWAN STATE THEATRE COMPANY AND QUEENSLAND THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT
THE CLEAN HOUSE
BY SARAH RUHL “One of the finest and funniest new plays you’re likely to see” NEW YORK TIMES
STUDE N TICKET T S
$19.95! FEATURING:
CAROL BURNS, VIVIENNE GARRETT, SARAH MCNEILL, HUGH PARKER AND BROOKE SATCHWELL
29 MAY - 19 JUNE BOOK @ BOCS 9484 1133 or www.bocsticketing.com.au 30
DIRECTOR:
KATE CHERRY
PLAYHOUSE
THEATRE
www.bsstc.com.au W I N E PA R T N E R
A S S O C I AT E PA R T N E R
P R O D U C T I O N PA R T N E R
P R I N C I PA L PA R T N E R
Hittin’ the town since 1985
WA INK
Whilst tattoos might seem fairly commonplace today, they’re one of culture’s oldest and most primal traditions, and are still more popular than ever, as evidenced by recent television reality programmes like Miami Ink and the work of tattoo-documenting photographers in books. So much so has tattooing evolved over hundreds of years, that some tattoos are now considered works of art – except instead of being on gallery walls, these works of art live and breathe on the skin of human beings. From Friday, May 28, to Sunday, May 30, the Perth Tattoo Carnivaal will take place at the Perth Convention Centre. Featuring live tattooing, tattoo competitions, fashion
parades, pin-up and roaming girl parades, live music, merch and trading stalls, not to mention loads of distinguished guests from the tattoo world, the Perth Tattoo Carnivaal will feature a different programme of events over each day. Grab a day ticket for $30 or a weekend pass for $70. Tickets on the door or otherwise pre-buy them from one of WA’s PTAA tattoo studios: Cherrybomb, The Tatt Shop, TNT, Lords Of Skin, Artful Ink, West Coast Tattoos, Artistic Skin and South West Tattoo. A full programme plus info on attending artists, entertainment and events can be found on the Perth Tattoo Carnivaal facebook page. Get down to the Convention Centre and experience this unique and breathtaking culture in all its glory.
Body piercing: an exciting, fashionable and fun way of celebrating your body, your sexuality and your individuality. Contact Western Australia’s leading body piercing studio to find out more. Arcade 800, Shop 1 - 800 Hay Street Perth 9321 1909 | info@primalurge.com.au
PTAA Member Brad Bako from Phat Ink with Lucky Diamond Rich, the world’s most tattooed man
Ear piercing
INDULGE YOUR URGES
Primal Urge Piercing is conveniently located in the heart of Perth, just near Aroma Café and Forrest Menswear. Opened in the CBD in May 1995, Primal Urge was Perth’s first full-time professional body-piercing studio and is now Western Australia’s leading studio. Piercing up to 5,000 clients per year and with three full time staff, Primal Urge can cater to all your piercing requirements. With the most senior and knowledgeable male and female piercers in Perth, Primal Urge can offer advice and service gained through years of learning. They run strictly by the standards of the Skin Penetration act and have two autoclaves that are spore strip tested on a regular basis. Not just a fetish for the tribal and subcultures, body piercing is an exciting, fashionable and fun way of celebrating your body, your sexuality and your individuality. Head into Primal Urge today and start the celebration. Individuals do not need to be over 16 to get their body pierced. For more information, visit www.primalurge.com.au.
Tongue piercing at Primal Urge
Primal Urge is located on Hay St www.xpressmag.com.au
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Hittinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the town since 1985
/ AUDIO SHAMAN / Naked & Relaxed Travel, music, adventure... this is the life of the lads from Audio Shaman. Speaking to REUBEN ADAMS, Paul George explains the physical and (occasionally highly amusing) musical journey that went into the making of their newest album, CityZen. Better known as the engine room of electronic/ flamenco outfit Tijuana Cartel, Paul George and Carey O’Sullivan have the lives that most people want, but never have to courage to search out. Audio Shaman is a side project George describes as “something we do in the back of tour busses, or on planes, or backstage at a festival.” As hopeless travel fanatics, it’s their experiences overseas, away from the relative comfort of their home on the Gold Coast, which forms the basis for their phenomenal musical output. This intertwining of music, travel and culture is something that the boys have shared an affinity for since high school. “We were into all sorts of music; we were in a metal band for a while, I was in a punk band for a few years,” says George. “Neither of us really got into classical or jazz, so I think rather than looking at western music and how far you can take it, we started looking at different cultures.” After high-school hey went through the same rite of passage as many Australians and made the big move to London for a couple of years. ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 35
FINAL HEAT THIS FRIDAY!
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MONSTER OF A MAJOR Showcasing the finest in breakbeat music, Major Break is one of Perth’s top quality dance music events. Boomtick has put together a fantastic line up of cutting edge acts for this year’s Major Break 7. Headlining is none other than NAPT, the guys who own the Breakspoll awards, having won Best Producer 2009 and 2010, Best Track 2009/2010 and Best Remix in 2009. The UK duo swept everyone away at Breakfest 2009, so they’re back to deliver more of their explosive live talent in this second dose for Perth. Joining NAPT are Black Noise. Combining basement rhythms, 4/4 beats, old school vibes and classic breakbeat, Black Noise will make the ladies bounce and the fellas break, the lights to flicker and the speakers shake. Rounding out the line up is Swede sensation Peo De Pitte. Seize this rare opportunity to see a festival sized line-up at one huge night-time event at Villa on Saturday, July 24. Tickets on sale for $35 plus booking fee from moshtix.com, inthemix.com.au, Boomtick. com.au, Moshtix outlets, Planet Video, Mills and 78s. Doors open 9pm.
NAPT
Midnight Juggernauts
CRYSTAL CLEAR
Ben Taaffe (pic: Angelina Potapova)
WARM BEATS FOR A WINTER EVENING If you like your music festivals a little more low key (but still with awesome line ups), the RTRFM Winter Music Festival might be right up your alley. This year, the festival is set across five spaces in three venues and is sure to be a huge evening of homegrown music and dancing. Joining a great line up of local bands will be a cast of RTRFM’s finest spinners: holding down the reigns at Mojo’s Bar will be the Underground Solution crew (Special, hax0rw4ng and Ben Taaffe) vs Nick Elliott, Rok Riley, Camryn vs Triaianos (live), Pex (live), Taku and Simba. In the courtyard Claude Mono vs Microgroove, Paul Gamblin vs Wrighteous, Graceberg vs Jade Nobbs and more will be hard at work. Downstairs at The Swan get out your dancing shoes for live electro goodness from Brash and Sassy, The Transients and Carl Fox plus Full Frequency DJs Massiv Trav and Micah on the wheels of steel. Saturday June 26, Mojos Bar, The Railway Hotel and The Swan Hotel. Presale tickets are only available at http://www.rtrfm.com.au/ events. $10 for RTRFM subscribers and $15 for general admission. Doors open 7pm.
James Holden
KEEP ME HOLDEN’ ON DJ producer, James Holden has remixed everything from Crosstown Rebels electrohouse to Positiva dance-pop; New Order to Britney Spears; Timo Maas’ dirty breaks to System 7 psy-trance. A Break in the Clouds, the debut release on his own Border Community label, has become an underground European techno classic, still selling by the thousand a whole year after release. James’ own DJ sets embrace the same spirit of eclecticism as his productions, uniting his own tracks and remixes with acid house, techno, electro and downtempo melodies, as demonstrated on his recent choices helming a title in the well known DJ Kicks mix series. James plays at Ambar on Friday, July 23. Tickets are $30 plus booking fee on sale from moshtix.com, inthemix.com.au, Boomtick.com. au, Moshtix outlets, Planet Video, Mills and 78s. Doors open 10pm.
We’ve had a sneek peak of the Midnight Juggernauts’ second album The Crystal Axis here in the Salt office and can report it’s a real cracker! Which is why we’re thrilled to hear they’re coming to Perth as part of a Crystal Axis national tour. A follow up to their debut Dystopia, The Crystal Axis was recorded at Sing Sing studios in Melbourne, The Crystal Axis was produced by Midnight Juggernauts and engineered by Chris Moore ( TV on the Radio, Yeasayer, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars). You can grab yourself a copy when it gets released on Friday, May 28, but in the meantime grab your tickets to the show on Saturday, August 14, at The Capitol, from www. moshtix.com.au.
Audioerotique
EROTIQUE SOUNDS Hotting up faster than an egg on a frying pan, the We Love Sounds festival just keeps on dishing out quality announcements! The most recent being that Toronto’s Autoerotique will be joining the party crew at the Dim Mak stage. Autoerotique’s effortlessly protean, shapeshifting sound can career wildly from project to project, so it’s not unexpected to hear them transform from Dutch house to, say, Norwegian black metal on the same record. Autoerotique bring the beats to the biggest winter festival in Australia on Sunday, June 6, at Supreme Court Gardens. Tickets are still available for $109 plus booking fee, from LIVE Clothing stores, Planet Video, Mills Records, 78 Records and online from www.moshtix.com. au and inthemix.com.au. We Love Sounds is an over 18s event, so pack your photo ID!
SALTLIST 10 top
ALBUMS PUSHING OUR WRITERS’ BUTTONS THIS WEEK… CHICKEN LIPS The Best Of Chicken Lips THE THRILLSEEKERS Nightmusic Volume 3 Compilation FAITHLESS The Dance FERRY CORSTEN Once Upon A Night VARIOUS Gatecrasher Trance Anthems 1993 – 2009 GRUM Heartbeats MOBIN MASTER Get Lucky VARIOUS Costes Presente Chamaeleonidae THE PANACEA Chiropteran LE LE Le Classics
OBEE: GB@AM<EN; L:MNK=:R +2 F:R +)*) DOORS OPEN AT 10PM. EARLY BIRDS AVAILABLE FROM MOSHTIX AND MOSHTIX OUTLETS: $20+BF. GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS: $25+BF. AVAILABLE FROM: PLANET VIDEO, MILLS, 78S AND MOSHTIX OUTLETS (1300 GET TIX) AND ONLINE FROM THE BOOMTICK SHOP, MOSHTIX.COM.AU AND INTHEMIX.COM.AU. LIMITED VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE BOOMTICK SHOP FOR $30! FOR EVENT INFO HEAD TO WWW.BOOMTICK.COM.AU EVENTS@BOOMTICK.COM.AU
www.myspace.com/theastonshuffle 34
Tom Neville
BEAT THE TOM TOM DRUM Producer Tom Neville has come a long way since being in an acid techno band at the age of seventeen. His track with Media, Just Fuck, featuring Tom’s own vocals, was released on UMM in the UK, and was called a ‘future classic’ by Pete Tong, with Norman Cook giving the track an incredible 11/10. Currently working on his own original material in the studio as well as collaborations with artists such as Serge Santiago, Friday, June 11, marks your chance to witness Tom Neville work his magic in the flesh, at Ambar. $20/$15 from 10pm. Hittin’ the town since 1985
AUDIO SHAMAN NAKED & RELAXED
“Then we got hooked and started travelling as much as we could,” explains George. “We’re quite different but he’s a great dude to travel with and we enjoy it, and we’re such audio nerds that it makes it easy to travel together.” This isn’t always the case, however. When asked how music and culture come together for Audio Shaman, George shares a most interesting anecdote. “We were walking past Punjab Court in India at three in the morning on the way to catch a train. We saw this big pile of rubbish which everyone was avoiding, but it was right in the way of where we wanted to go so I decided to walk across it,” George sighs. “As I was walking over it, it’s given way and I’ve fallen through into a mass of human waste which was flowing underneath the city.” “So I lost my passport, I lost my bag, all my money, everything. It was all gone. Carey was laughing as he pulled me out of this thing, I ran down the street and found a little tap so I took all my clothes off and started washing them off,” he chuckles. “We looked back and it seemed like the whole town had gathered to look at this naked white guy, having a great laugh.” “But then one of the local guys came through the crowd and introduced himself, and
Audio Shaman we ended up going back to his place. He ended up being this awesome musician who lived in this artist community, so we ended up having this jam with all these amazing Indian musicians,” he enthuses. “So what started out being such a crap night turned into a really good one. It’s just funny how many artists and musicians we bump into, and in the strangest spots as well.” George admits that he finds the juxtaposition between his travelling experiences and the relative affluence of his home on the Gold Coast somewhat troubling at times. “Yeah, totally. We love music, so we do what we do for the music, but we also deal with the business side of music so we’re always questioning ourselves, like ‘are we doing this for the art or because we think it’s going to do well?’.” “Then you go to places like that and meet people living in the worst conditions who are dedicating their whole lives to being a great musician. It’s mind-blowing for us; it opens our minds to the different ways that we can approach
our music,” he insists.“It’s not like ‘make a band, get a cool look, make some catchy tunes’, these guys are actually following a passion.” George describes Audio Shaman’s second album, Cityzen, as “just something to put on to chill out to, really”. Essentially a collection of samples that he and Carey have collected from their travels around the globe, it’s a “mismatch of stuff that we found on each other’s hard drives”, as George so casually calls it. A wonderful blend of electronic and organic sound, Cityzen is designed to restore and revitalise with unique guitar grooves and loungey broken beats dominating the tracks, along with instrumental and vocal samples taken from around the world. Musical therapy at its best. Even the process of making the album was relaxing. “Yeah, particularly on this album, it was great. We pretty much turned it into a nine to five in the best way possible,” George explains. “We’d rock up to the studio at nine in the morning and work through to the afternoon. Sometimes it would be fine to work through to the early hours of the morning. We don’t even need to talk to each other these days, it just kind of happens,” he jokes. “It’s a bad pun, I know, but it’s about trying to find a peaceful place,” George says of the album title. “We just wanted to make something that melds perfectly with the background, something that you could concentrate on or not concentrate on. It was fun to make, and the idea that we were trying to push to people was to not take everything so seriously,” he chuckles. “Just chill out, really.” AUDIO SHAMAN CITYZEN [ONE WORLD MUSIC]
SHAPESHIFTER TRANSFORMING THE SYSTEM their newest release, The System is a Vampire. “Yes, that’s exactly right. The production and writing process for this album was the longest that we’ve ever done, over a year and a half,” explains Trevethick. “Soulstice only took about six months. We were taking a leap of faith conceptually with that we were trying to achieve with The System Is a Vampire.” Knowing that they were going to take their time with this album, the boys didn’t set any deadlines for it; that’s the beauty of owning your own label. They almost signed to a major after the hype surrounding their first LP, but something stopped them. Trevethick pauses momentarily. “We didn’t get a good vibe from that meeting. I guess the winds of change were blowing, and it was really crystallised for us in that meeting, which would’ve been seven or eight years ago,” he remembers. “We came out of that meeting just going ‘What exactly are they going to do for us...what have they got to offer us?’. We were heading on our own upward trajectory anyway, and we thought we could just do it ourselves.” A good move, it would seem. System Is a Vampire moves seamlessly between hooky guitar riffage, deep brooding dub and the radio-friendly
THURSDAY
Pasha’s Kitchen
THE BIG MAN COOKING UP MEATY BEATS
FRIDAY
Time Tunnel
BRINGS YOU CHAMPION TUNES FROM ROK RILEY, JOE 19 AND GUESTS
SATURDAY
TRANSMISSION
Perth’s essential pre club night for discerning music lovers bringing you indie, electro, rock, punk & club classics with Andrei Mazz 8pm Free Entry
SUNDAY
$10 Pizza & Pint special with Nathan J, Chris Wright and The Nisbit.
Touring Australia in June on the back of their newest release, The System Is a Vampire, Shapeshifter prove they still have what it takes, 10 years on. Sam Trevethick explains to REUBEN ADAMS the importance of positive energy and a fine sense of humour. Comedian Aries Spears once proclaimed that “to sustain longevity, you have to evolve.” More common sense than particularly profound, but this is something that the boys from Shapeshifter know a great deal about. What really sets them apart from other electronic acts is that ten years and five albums later, Shapeshifter are incapable of manufacturing anything but brilliance. That is, they have yet to fail. Trevethick laughs when asked if they ever sit down and wonder why they have never released an album that people didn’t like. “Mmm... Well, it’s not something that we discuss but we definitely take our music very seriously. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we put a lot of time and effort into our music and we’re pretty picky about what we release,” he muses. “Hopefully, that’s the result that we release quality music, but we won’t do anything unless we truly believe in it.” Despite the measured response, what he says is true. Instead of rushing back into the studio after the phenomenal success of their 2006 release, Soulstice, Shapeshifter focused on touring and perfecting their ground-breaking live show, before knuckling down for an extended writing and recording process that would birth
MAINROOM
soul and bass Shapeshifter are celebrated for. The title is a lyric from the song System, and while they aren’t talking about anything specific (like record companies) Trevethick asserts that there are things out there in the world which are designed to steal a person’s energy and suck their soul from them. “Really, what we’re trying to say with that particular lyric is for people to be aware of what is going on in the world,” he asserts. “Their energy and their soul are capable of making some really big affectations on the world, so we were trying to shine a light on the bad stuff basically, to highlight the good stuff.”
WEDNESDAY
UNI-QUE
$10 jugs kicks off at 8.30 with TRAVIS BETTS AND SELECT
DEFECTORS (UP-STAIRS)
THURSDAY
DJ MOOGY PRESENTS
“LATIN STYLES”
A NIGHT OF MAMBO & SALSA. 8PM FREE ENTRY
FRIDAY
The Beat Suite with Micah, Sharif Galal and guests. 9pm Free Entry
SATURDAY
Lucid Dreaming presents
a night of house/ Deep House/ Disco/ Tech House “FORE” Featuring James Francis, La Gooch, Richard Lee and Carl Drake. It’s Free Entry and all kicks off at 9pm.
SUNDAY The Sunday Record Hop Vs BACK TO MONO
(rockabilly/rnb/soul/funk/reggae/rare groove/rocksteady/dubstep/hip-hop/party)
Shapeshifter
SHAPESHIFTER THE SYSTEM IS A VAMPIRE [TRUETONE/INERTIA] SATURDAY, JUNE 12 @ VILLA, HIGHGATE
with the king of howlin’ stompin’ rockabilly DJ Razor Jack (Andy Jarvis from Rocket To Memphis) ...and soul brother number one Nick Sheppard (The DomNicks) 5pm - late FREE ENTRY
WEDNESDAY
Beat Route records presents
TWIST
featuring Agent 85 plus special guest DJs spinning vintage vinyl. Garage, Indi, Powerpop, Ska, Surf, Psych, Rhythm & Soul. Free Entry.
MONO MADNESS Back To Mono Defectors, Mt Lawley Sunday, May 16, 2010 A laid back, fun-loving Sunday night crowd enjoyed a night of funky tunes for free, upstairs at the Scotto (Defectors Bar), thanks to the DJ dexterity of Gareth Richardson, Ted Schlechte and Death Disco’s Anton Mazz. Winding down the week with friends has never been so much fun!
Olivia, Kat, Jessie, Sian, Brendon
Ben, Felicity, Osama
FRIDAY
(Pics: David Chong ) Kristy, Sarah
ISOLATION PRESENTS : EXPERIMENTAL FUTURE AMBIENCE LIVE SOUNDSCAPE OF FRITZ LANGS “METROPLOLIS” DOORS OPEN 8PM
SATURDAY
THE DANCE SECTION BRINGING YOU THE NEWEST AND FRESHEST SOUNDS FROM HOUSE TO TRANCE PRESENTED BY DJ ALAN SHARKEY. DOOR OPEN 9PM $5 ADMISSION.
Zoe, Ash, Lydia Logan, Shannon, Rachel, Bree, Louise
DJ Anton Mazz www.xpressmag.com.au
Carl, George 35
AMON VISION TRANCE MISSION
SAGE FRANCIS THE MEANING OF LI(F)E
For the past four years local trance label Amon Vision has been making some serious waves across the globe. GLEN CANNING caught up with Marcel Grandt, the man behind the vision, as he prepares to unleash the first Paul “Sage” Francis is one of hip Amon Vision trance and progressive club night next Friday at Bar Open. hop’s most unique voices, and on our tracks played on ASOT. All the CD compilations German born Grandt, who also moonlights as DJ we’re currently on and lastly, a lot of people his fourth solo album Li(f)e the GeRmAn, is one of Perth’s most dynamic trance worldwide stated that Amon Vision was the best one time Poetry Slam icon and DJs. Taking out third place for Best Trance DJ in the up and coming trance label of 2007.” 2007 PDMAs, he is frequently chosen to support Scribble Jam freestyle champion With very few options to enjoy a night international trance heavyweights like Sean Tyas, of trance in Perth, Grandt set about correcting the fuses alternative hip hop with Roger Shah, Aly & Fila, Stoneface & Terminal, 4 imbalance with a new monthly club night and as indie rock. He discussed his new Strings and Ronski Speed, to name but a few from he explains, it has been a long time coming. record with JOSHUA HAYES. an impressive list of big name artists.
“In trance we trust,” Grandt enthusiastically proclaims a simple yet emphatic maxim which has seen Amon Vision become an internationally recognised label. Grandt explains the driving force behind the label. “It was purely to get more involved, build the scene and to put Perth on the map. I’m fairly certain that Amon Vision is the only trance label in Perth and easily one of the most successful trance labels in Australia, if not the most successful, in terms of exposure, artist support, DJs playing our tracks etc. Because of this label, we’ve managed to put Perth on the map in the trance scene around the world.” Out of twenty-three artists signed to Amon Vision only one comes from Australia, international artists make up the remainder of the label’s roster. Together, they’ve been getting noticed by all the right people. Grandt is more than happy to list some of their achievements.
“There are a lot of trance lovers out there in Perth just waiting for a new home and it really is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time for myself, the label and the scene and now I’ve finally taken action on my idea.” Grandt’s seemingly boundless energy comes from a person that is living their dreams, it’s all about the music and he is more than willing to share his definitive enthusiasm with the world. “Trance in my opinion is the most beautiful genre of music there is. The difference between trance to a lot of other electronic music is that it’s very emotional. The melodic progression DJ GeRmAn of a track can leave one sad, happy, pumped or whatever. “We used to have a radio show “It touches you on so many levels and also called Amon Vision which was on right sends chills down your spine.” before Armin’s A State of Trance (ASOT) show on danceradio.gr. Our third release was a massive AMON VISION hit and received tune of the week on ASOT and FRIDAY, MAY 28 @ BAR OPEN (UPSTAIRS) smashed the charts in sales. Having the majority of
Sage Francis The new sound is a natural progression for Francis, who has regularly worked with live musicians through his career and is renowned for his deeply personal subject matter. He received a helping hand from Andy Kaulkin, the president of punk label Epitaph Records, who the rapper signed with in 2004. “Ever since I signed with them, we always wanted to make this kind of record in this kind of way, where I worked with live musicians through the whole album,” Francis says. “So Andy reached out to a bunch of bands, a bunch of musicians, he championed my music to them. Some of them were not sure what to expect from something like this, and it took a while to convince a lot of these people that I wasn’t going to rap about rims or gold chains on their music.” “Once we started working out demos and proving that we could do something organic and natural and good and fresh with their music, they hopped on board completely,” Francis adds. He received contributions from members of Death Cab For Cutie and Calexico, among others, and recorded most of Li(f )e with Chicago experimental rock band Califone. However, it was the contribution from French composer Yann Tiersen (most notable for the magical soundtrack to 2001’s Amélie) that was most memorable for Francis, becoming the album closer The Best Of Times. “That was one that made me nervous and excited at the same time. I’m a huge fan of his, I think he’s brilliant and I didn’t really expect to get music from him,” Francis says. “I was almost done recording the album and all of a sudden the music appeared from Yann Tiersen. I was forced to write that song in one night, so condensing that experience into one or two days made that probably one of the most special collaborations that I’ve ever done, and it’s one of my favourite songs that I’ve ever done.” Having finished his fourth – and most innovative - solo album, Francis seems to be at a crossroads in his career. “I don’t even know if I’m going to follow up with another Sage Francis album, I refuse to think too much about that,” he says. “I don’t wanna think about what I have to do once this album has seen its full promo push… I’d like to do something else with my time for a little while before I start thinking about follow-up albums.” However, in the meantime, promoting Li(f)e will see Francis tour North America and Europe, before arriving in Australia in October. He says he will be coming to Perth for the first time and although he isn’t touring with a live band he will be bringing partner-in-rhyme B. Dolan. “I am very excited to be playing Australia again,” he says. “I don’t know if I’ll ever return so hopefully if people are into my music they’ll come check me out this one time.” SAGE FRANCIS LI(F)E [EPITAPH RECORDS] 36
Hittin’ the town since 1985
THE SLEW
SAMPLES, STRINGS, SUCCESS THE SLEW/Squidink/Naik The Rosemount Hotel Friday, May 14, 2010
VARIOUS
Central Energy: Pee Wee Ferris/Bexta/Showtek [Central Station Records / Universal Music ]
VARIOUS
Fabriclive 52: Mixed by Zero T [Fabric]
Australia’s longest running compilation series returns in 2010 with the original DJ/Producer Pee Wee Ferris making his return after a fifteen year absence, joined by Bexta and Showtek. Although Central Energy has become synonymous with the harder flavours of dance, this three disc set is far more than another hastily slapped together collection of doof. Pee Wee Ferris lays down the rhythms for Disc One and although he’s toned it down over the years, this disc oozes class from start to finish with an eclectic mix of genre bending tracks. Marco V’s Simulated 2010 is a deliciously evil highlight. It floats, it flutters, it pounds, it explodes and it is an absolutely brilliant collection that will keep you reaching for the repeat button. Bexta guides Disc Two into the harder realms of dance with the first three tracks seemingly taking a nostalgic journey back to hard dance’s golden era of ten years ago. Following
closely behind is another twelve banging tracks including the irresistibly thumping Tranceplant by Organ Donors, guaranteed to result in an uncontrollable urge to start busting some moves like there’s no tomorrow. Hard style stalwarts Showtek close out proceedings, taking off where Bexta left off and kicking it up a notch. Despite its raw energy, Disc Three never quite ignites the same spark as the previous two discs, resulting in Showtek’s bouncing rhythms becoming a somewhat predictable experience – an anti-climax to an otherwise brilliant compilation..
The London super club Fabric has made a name for itself not only as a destination but also as a record label. The Fabriclive series, with a new edition every two months, usually showcases DJs who are renowned for their live shows. This edition, mixed by producer Zero T, challenges the norm of drum ‘n’ bass mix compilations and incorporates some of the more abstract projects undertaken by drum ‘n’ bass artists. The mix begins in the drum ‘n’ bass vein, albeit with an extremely deep and almost ambient selection. There are no dance floor favourites on this album and many relatively unknown artists are showcased. Notable tunes are Everything (& U) by Rockwell and The Limit by Fracture & Neptune. The latter half of
the album is a mixture of breaks and house by some of drum ‘n’ bass’s most renowned producers. Calibre, Marcus Intalex and Icicle are all featured here alongside a fantastic remix of Sia’s Little Man by Exemen. This album boasts a great track selection and tight mixing. It is perfect for late night listening or morning after contemplation. A deep and soulful offering.
GLEN CANNING 4/5
TILMAN ROBINSON 4.5/5
Kid Koala (pic: Lisa Businovski) It was a cold night on Friday, but that didn’t stop a bunch of excited punters from packing out the Rosemount to check out the sensational new live project, one that sees turntablists Kid Koala and Dynomite D pair off against the former Wolfmother rhythm section. The Slew formed when Canadian turntablist Kid Koala was asked to produce a soundtrack, but when the film fell through he continued on with project, enlisting Dynomite D on decks, plus Chris Ross and Myles Heskett to lay down the rhythms. Local experimental combo Squidink were first up. A very interesting project between some Perth music luminaries, they set the tone for the evening with their DJ versus guitar and drums combo. Following shortly after, Naik also put on a superb support set for the evening, confirming they’re definitely an act to watch – the local trio were a well chosen support and never fail to impress with their inventive fusion of live guitar, drums and electronica. Some songs have a more indie feel with nice, melodic guitar work, others were more euphoric and dancey, while some sequences took more of a hip hop angle; with scratching and mashups of tunes like Outkast’s Bombs Over Bagdad. There’s no doubt Naik would have left the stage gaining more than a few fans. Beastie Boys’ Ill Communication was an appropriate choice to stick on as a pioneering hip hop, rock crossover album. When Sabotage came on, it seemed to fit the theme of the night perfectly. The Slew arrived onstage just after 11pm, to some excited screams. The dancefloor had filled out comfortably by this point and there was an air of anticipation, but from the first bass drop of 100%, it was squarely met. The combination of Kid Koala and Dynomite D’s six turntable attack, with the mighty rhythms of Ross and Heskett, is a match made in heaven. A huge wall of sound, masterful turntable wizardry, all sorts of swampy blues guitar riffs and old, soulful, vocal samples. Ross’ enthusiasm on bass and his sideways-tilting keyboard always threatened to outstage the frizzy haired Stockdale, and with The Slew he is the focal point, throwing himself around the centre of the stage, surrounded by decks, drums and his own FX pedal overloaded keyboard. Playing their album pretty much from start to finish, highlights included It’s All Over with its awesome sample, ‘People don’t have the power to change things anymore’, and the huge monster bassline of You Turn Me Cold. The crowd rode the wave along with them to the end, knowing they were witnessing something special. Rocking through the rest of their tunes with a reckless abandon that belied their tight precision, The Slew left the stage to rapturous applause, seemingly far too soon – but they emerged again from the side wall for an encore, before bidding us good night. They only played for about an hour all up, as they’ve only got that much material, but it was an hour of power. As all members of the group have other projects, it’s hard to say if they will continue this, but judging by the response, one hopes they do and that they come back, soon. If this is the future of rock‘n’roll – the futures looking bright (and loud!). ALFRED GORMAN www.xpressmag.com.au
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AMPLIFIER
DEATH DISCO - CAPITOL
NEW
N
Ù THURSDAY 20/05 VILLA JAMES ZABIELA James Zabiela has released critically acclaimed compilations on various labels including Renaissance and Ministry of Sound. His most recent album, for The Masters Series is an audio diary of three months in the life of James himself. It outsold all its predecessors, rode high in both UK and USA iTunes stores and received top reviews from across the board. Zabiela’s remixes (official and otherwise) hold the same esteem: he’s remixed artists including Ladytron and Spooky, not to mention killer bootlegs like his amazing meld of Radiohead and Joris Voorn. His style spans house, tech-house, techno, melodic sound-scapes and breaks whilst he still cites Depeche Mode as one of his major influences. Don’t miss this trend maker tonight at Villa, tickets $35 plus booking fee from Planet, Mills, 78s and Moshtix outlets, inthemix.com. au or moshtix.com.au.
The Clink – DJ Jinx The Deen – DJ Flex/ DJ Nano/ DJ Serge/ DJ Don Migi The East End - DJ Midfield The Queens – Kapitol P The Whistling Kite - DJ Gareth The Shed – DJ Andyy Villa – James Zabiela/ Progress Inn/ Darren J/ Tom Budden Woodvale Tavern – DJ Melvin
Ù FRIDAY 21/05
AMBAR BOOTLEG Head down to Ambar tonight for a booty bumping bonanza as the Bootleg Brothers bring their massive party Bootleg swinging back in full effect. You know what that means! Bootlegs, mash ups and remixes ‘til the break of dawn. This edition fires off with Basschild bringing the funky vibes and getting your head nodding and your toes tapping as he warms up the d-floor. Tagging in next is an Ambar DJ virgin, Tom Drummond with his first Bootleg set, joine by Mama Says Yes! and Bulk China. And of course, the Bootleg Brothers (Ben Mac Bird – Hip Hop Karayo!ke – The and Philly Blunt) will also be stepping up. $12 on the door. Right Side Doors open 10pm. Broken Hill Hotel – Fixed Civic Hotel (The Den) – DJ BARRACK ST JETTY BOOMBOX Messy Clancy’s (Canning Bridge) - DJ BOAT PARTY The Boombox Wrighteous parties are winding down for Club Bayview – DJ Ryan the year on a techno-flavoured Club Marakesh – DJ Simon tune or two. Enjoy Mario Tavelli, Cottesloe Beach Hotel - Slip Flex, CJ Mills and Puff on the Cocktail Night - DJ Shots/ DJ decks while you cruise down Andy M the river, enjoying the breeze. Ellington Jazz Club – Detour Tickets are $75 and this includes Eve –DJ Tony Allen all your drinks for the evening – Flying Scotsman (Main Room) can be bought from the Lucky - Pasha’s Kitchen – The Big Man Shag on the evening or from Flying Scotsman (Defectors) – one of the DJs. Departing from Latin Styles – DJ Moogy the Barrack St Jetty at 6pm – Foundry - DJ Dura don’t miss the boat! Liquid Nightclub – DJ Buda Mustang – DJ Giles IMPACT BAR LUKIE D One of Niche Bar - Indulge the strongest dancehall stars Newport – DJ Shannon Fox on the planet, Jamaica’s Lukie N i c h e - J o h n n i P / R o b D is an established producer Blandford who has work with big starts Onyx - Avicii like Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killa, Paddy Hannans - Crazy Craig Elephant Man and many more. Players Bar – Neon Lights - DJ His refined blend of modern Samuel Spencer lovers rock, dancehall and roots Swinging Pig – DJ Simon has won Lukie D an army of
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fans. Perth reggae lovers will have the opportunity to witness one of Jamaica’s new generation reggae stars for the first time live. Performing hits like Missing You, Wanting You More, Burnin Love and loads more a high powered, 60 minute sound system set, Lukie D’s lovers’ rock, dancehall, roots and r’n’b will leave you screaming for more. Tickets $45 on the door. Amplifier – DJ Shannon Fox/ DJ Jamie Ambar – Bootleg - The Bootleg Brothers/ Mama Says Yes!/ Tom Drummond Bass Child/ Bulk China/ Mama Says Yes! Bar 138 – Lokal (see above) Bar Open – Dorcia – Dan Sena/ Scott D & Yon Jovi/ Time Travel Agent/ Pearly Whites/ Destruct/ Arrigold Basement On Broadway – Friday Therapy – DJ Urban Tiger Bird - WAMi showcase – Voltaire Twins/Transients/Resort/Cut & Paste SS Broken Hill Tavern – DJ Nick Alexander Capitol – Capitol Fridays Retro Mash Clancy’s (Canning Bridge) - DJ Boogie Como Hotel – DJ Gazz Double Lucky –Full Circle – Adam Kelly/ Cee Eve – Suga N Spice – Don Migi/ Skooby/ Dannyboi Flying Scotsman (Main Room) – Time Tunnel - DJ Rok Riley/ Joe 19 Flying Scotsman (Defectors) - The Beat Suite – Micah/ Sharif Galal/ Ben Mac Flying Scotsman ( Velvet Lounge) – Isolation Geisha Bar – Fork – Willora/ Nathan Francis/ Richard Lee/ Cam Duff/ Marko La Kulcha/ El Dario/ Jus Haus High Wycombe – Fill In Da Gap Hipe Club - DJ E-Funk Impact Bar - So Fine Fridays – Lukie D Leederville Hotel (upstairs) – Funk Club WAMi showcase – Mathas/Naik/Diger Rokkwell/ Brow Horn Orchestra Llama Bar - DJ Morris/DJ Reuben
Library – DJ AZT/ DJ Fiveo Liquid Nightclub - DJ Matty / Ricky Lakers Tavern – Fresh Fridays DJ Dooey Manhattans – Stratosfunk Metro City – R&B Superstar DJ Havana Brown Metropolis Fremantle – Limelite – Christian Luke/ Mind Electric/ Zelimir Merrina Tavern – DJ Terry Mint – Club Retro – Chris McPhee Mustang- James MacArthur/ DJ Swing Norma Jeans – DJ Phil Onyx Bar – Slick/ Adroc Oxford Hotel – DJ Sequeria Paddy Hannans - Crazy Craig Paramount – Mexican Fiesta DJ Morgan / Jordan Principal Micro Brewery – DJ Simon Queens Tav – DJ Rueben Rise – Ascension - Jason Creek/ Travis Eddie/ Joe Benger/ Gary Watson/ Dylan Curtis/ Swilky Rocket Room –MC Tomas Ford/ DJ Jessica Kill Rosemount Hotel – The Chemist Rubix –Gene Bourne/ Delane/ Riki Sail & Anchor - DJ Anaru Sapphire Bar – SuperFly Settler’s Tavern (Margaret River) – Direct Influence Shape – The Power Of Perth - Shock One/ Phesta/ Q-bik/ Sempy b2b Concept/ J Felix b2b L Wood/ Bear/ Assassi/ Stylee/ Xsessiv/ Rtilery South St Ale House – DJ Jay Stamford Arms - DJ Janic The Clink – DJ Jinx The Deen – DJ Birdie/ DJ Nano/ DJ Serge The Eastern – DJ Midfield The Manor – Katalyst The Queens – DJ Rueben The Republic – Pin Up! Francesco Pilling/ Cluedo Pierres/ Amnesia/ Muv & Larry The Shed – DJ Glenn 20 Tiger Lils – Paul Malone/ Joby / Alex K Toucan Club – DJ Armee Windsor – Dj Riki and Ray Victoria Park Hotel – DJ Melvin
Ù SATURDAY 22/05 METRO CITY HAVANA BROWN A special guest of Metro City’s new Saturday night R & B Superstar, Australia’s #1 female DJ, Havana Brown, will be in the house and ready to throw down tunes for a Saturday night you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Havana will be fresh from partying in the US on her recent tour, where she hung out with Lady Gaga and The Black Eyed Peas, not to mention DJing at the coveted Grammys after party in LA. There’s no denying with Havana behind the wheel, tonight at Metro City is going to b e h u g e ! S u p p o r t o n the night comes from Nick Alexander, DJ Headayke and Ruthless. Free entry before 10pm, $10 ‘til 11pm and $15 after 11pm, so get there early for the best entry rates! Pick up a VIP ‘two for one’ pass from Metro staff and get a friend in for free. Doors open 9pm. BIRD DIGER ROCKWELL Utilising inspiration gained from the golden age of Cambodian popular music, local artist Diger Rokwell plans to release a series of “beat tourism” beat tapes; the first of which, Digerbodia, features seven tracks built on samples unearthed on a journey in Cambodia. Already having achieved local recognition for his prior releases, The Earthhead and Digstrumentals, Digerbodia is set to be a mix of melodic trip hop, referencing the work of artists like Sinn Sisamouth, Ros Sereysothea and Pen Ron. Set to be released through The Community Records and Paper Chain (with half of the proceeds made from the EP to be donated to organizations assisting Cambodian landmine victims), Digerbodia launches tonight. Support from Mathas, Sibalance, Ill 66 and Ben M {move}. $15 entry includes Digerbodia beat tape. Diger’s new line of tees will also be on sale.
Ambar – Japan 4 – Buda/ Prizzy/ Oli/ Wish/ Len Bones Amplifier – Pure Pop – DJ Eddie Electric Bar Open – Filthy Gorgeous Basement On Broadway – DJ Ricky Bird –Diger Rockwell (see above) Black Bettys- DJ Trubble/ DJ Jinx Broken Hill Tavern – DJ Nick Alexander Capitol (Downstairs) –WAMi Saturday Spectacular – Tomas Ford/ Death Disco – Death Disco DJs Capitol (Upstairs) – 80s Classics – DJ Ryan Captain Stirling - DJ Dano Clink- DJ Cheese Club Bay View – VIP Saturdays – DJ Ryan Connections – Michy T / JJ / Brian Devilles Pad – Razor Jack Dusk – Flashback – DJ Benny c/ DJ Josh Eurobar – Roger Smart/ DJ Raci Eve – DJ Don Migi/ Skooby/ Tony Allen Flying Scotsman (Defectors) – FORE - James Francis/ La Gooch/ Richard Lee/ Carl Drake Flying Scotsman (Main Room) – Transmission – Andrei Mazz Flying Scotsman (Velvet Lounge) – The Dance Section – DJ Alan Sharkey High Wycombe – DJ Matt Hipe Club - DJ E-Funk Impact Bar – DJ Abstar Indi Bar – Direct Influence Leederville - DJ Loco Ren Library - DJ AZT/ DJ Fiveo/ DJ Jimmy Phatz/ DJ Zeke/ DJ L Street Liquid Nightclub - DJ Matty / Ricky Llama Bar – VJ Zoo/ DJ Rueben/ DJ Tony Lopez Manhattans – Unstoppable Glue – FKNG MIDAS/ Micky Juice/ Lightseed/ Ben Edit/ Boy Crazy/ Stacey Mint – Pop Life - Darren Briais Metro City – R&B Saturdays DJ Havana Brown Mullaloo Beach Hotel – DJ
Hittin’ the town since 1985
VAMPIRE WEEKEND DJ SET - SHAPE
NEWPORT HOTEL
IMPACT BAR
W
NEW
Danny Mustang – DJ Rockabilly/ DJ James MacArthur Niche – DJ Manda Power/ Cee/ Adam/ Kelly/Josh D Norma Jeans – DJ Dwayne Onyx - DJ Kayper Oxford Hotel – DJ Sequeria Paramount – DJ Meezy / Jordan Q u e e n s Ta v - G a r e t h Richardson Rocket Room – DJ Benny Mayhem Rosemount Hotel - Tiki Parlay - Cyber 1/ MC Chuck Upu/ DJ Buda/ Parts/ Hamz/ Phaze Rise – Revolution - Simon Barwood/ Rousa/ Greg Packer/ Xsessiv/ Daze Rubix – Pascal/ Richie G Sapphire Bar – Filthy Gorgeous Shape – 2010 Habitat Dj Competition Round 1 South St Ale House – DJ Jay Stamford Arms - DJ Anaru/ DJ Janic Tiger Lil’s –Adam Kelly/ Charlie Bucket The Brighton (Upstairs) – Micah/ Kill Dyl/ eSQue The Deen - DJ Birdie/ DJ JJ/ DJ Tony Allen The Saint – DJ Anaru The Shed – DJ Andyy The Victoria Park Hotel – DJ Melvin The Whistling Kite - DJ Craig To u c a n C l u b – S a m u e l Spencer/ Mr President Victoria Park Hotel – DJ Melvin Windsor – DJ Ray / Jinx
Ù SUNDAY 23/05 Captain Stirling – DJ Jay Clink – DJ Tony Allen Club Bayview – DJ Pete Euro Bar – DJ Flex Eve – Industry – DJ Birdie/ MC Jex Flying Scotsman (Defectors) – Back To Mono – DJ Razor Jack/ Nick Sheppard Flying Scotsman (Downstairs) - Nathan J/ Chris Wright/ The Nisbit Funk Club – Direct Influence Impact Bar – Soul Night Out – Nick Alexander Kulcha – DJ Aswon Mullaloo Beach Hotel – DJ
Kenny L Mustang - DJ Rockin Rhys Paddo - DJ PDS Players Bar - DJ-Udas Queens Tav- DJ Rhys Rosemount Hotel – Sundae Session The Cott - Cott Sessions The Saint - DJ Anaru The Shed – DJ Andyy The Wembley – Deckeclectic
Ù MONDAY 24/05 Eastern Hotel – Adam Morris The Deen – DJ Birdie The Paddo - DJ John Paul The Shed – DJ Andyy
Ù TUESDAY 25/05 Bar Orient - DJ Lyndon Eastern Hotel – Jon Edwards High Road Hotel - DJ Matty J High Wycombe - DJ Ricky Hipe Club – DJ Roger Smart The Cott (Upstairs) –Maxwell/ DJ Jus Haus/ Damian John The Paddo - DJ Deepad Victoria Park Hotel - DJ Melvin
Ù WEDNESDAY 26/05 Basement On Broadway – Damien John/Angry Buda/ Maxwell/Headayke Captain Stirling – DJ Ricky Connections - DJ’s Joby / JJ / Rueben Dusk – Blackbelt/ Aswon Double Lucky – Dirty Elegance Eurobar – Wild Wednesdays DJ iPod/Ben Pettit Eve – Déjà Vu – DJ Don Migi/ Skooby Flying Scotsman (Downstairs) – Uni-Que – Travis Betts Flying Scotsman (Defectors) – Twist - Agent 85 Gold – Slick/ Adroc Hipe Club – DJ Roger Smart Manhattans – Massiv Trav Mustang – DJ Giles Newport Hotel – DJ Tony Allen Niche - DJ Frankie Button Paddo - Ben Merito Rosemount – DJ Shannon Fox The Clink – Spin FX The Deen- DJ Zelimer / DJ Viper & DJ Benny T– Zone 1 The Eastern – DJ Jinx The Queens – Wriggle on
Ù THIS WEEK James Zabiela Thursday, May 20 @ Villa Lukie D Friday, May 21 @ Impact Bar Boombox Boat Party (Techno) Friday, May 21 @ Barrack St Jetty
Sampology Friday, May 28 @ The Manor DJ Lord Friday, May 28 @ Shape Amon Vision Friday, May 28 @ Bar Open
Funk Club’s Cancer Funkraiser Bootleg - The Bootleg Brothers/ Friday, May 28 @ The Funk Club Mama Says Yes!/Tom Drummond <R>H<Y>T<H>M<A>T<I>S<M> Bass Child Launch Friday, May 21 @ Ambar Friday, May 28 @ The Bird Ascension Magic City feat. Zany Friday, May 21 @ Rise Friday, May 28 @ Rise Direct Influence Friday, May 21 @ Settlers Tavern; Naboo (Mighty Boosh) Saturday, May 22 @ Indi Bar; Sunday, Saturday, May 29 (Sold Out); Sunday, May 30 @ Shape May 23 @ Fly By Night The Chemist Friday, May 21 @ The Rosemount
Aston Shuffle Saturday, May 29 @ Villa
Shockone/Phetsta Friday, May 21 @ Shape
Vandalism Saturday, May 29 @ EXIT
Havana Brown Friday, May 21-22 @ Metro City
London Elektricity/MC AD Friday, June 4 @ Metro City
2010 Habitat DJ Competition Heat Nick Skitz Friday, June 4 @ Rise 1 NEW Saturday, May 22 @ Shape Lee Mortimer Friday, June 4 @ Ambar Diger Rokwell NEW Saturday, May 22 @ The Bird Challenger Ready Saturday, June 5 @ Ambar
Ù UPCOMING
Autechre Thursday, May 27 @ Capitol Oxia Friday, May 28 @ Geisha
Emily Scott Saturday, June 5 @ Rise 2010 Habitat DJ Competition Heat 2 Saturday, June 5 @ Shape
NEW
We Love Sounds – Underworld/ Crookers/ Steve Aoki/ Autoerotique/Tiga/ Felix Da Housecat/ Laidback Luke/ Joachim Garraud/ Proxy/ Zombie Nation/ Felix Cartel/ Thomas Von/ Seth Troxler + more Sunday, June 6 @ Supreme Court Gardens
Common/ Kid Capri Friday, June 18 @ Metro City
Birds Of Tokyo Thursday, June 10 @ Metro City
Shwayze feat. Cisco Adler Friday, June 25 @ Villa
2010 Habitat DJ Competition Heat 3 Saturday, June 19 @ Shape Total Science Friday, June 25 @ Shape NEW
NEW
Godskitchen - Markus Schulz/ Hook & Sling Gareth Emery/ Roger Shah Friday, June 25 @ The Leederville Friday, June 11 @ Metro City Hotel Tom Neville Friday, June 11 @ Ambar
Cassette Kids Saturday, June 26 @ Amplifier NEW
NEW
RTRFM Winter Music Festival Hierarchy Launch – Paul Ritch Saturday, June 26 @ Mojos Bar, The Friday, June 11 @ Geisha Railway Hotel + The Swan Hotel NEW DJ Krmak NEW Harvard Bass Friday, June 11 @ Villa Friday, July 9 @ Ambar Optamus NEW The Likes of You feat. Stephan Friday June 11 @ The Dunsborough Tavern; Saturday, June 12 @ The Bodzin/Hugo Rosemount Hotel; Thursday June 24 Saturday, July 10 @ Villa @ The Prince of Wales Hotel Bunbury; NEW MOS Sessions – Potbelleez/ Friday June 25 @ TBA and Saturday June 26 @ The White Star Motel, Boris Dlugosch/Stafford Brothers/ Tommy Trash/Denzal Park Albany Friday, July 16 @ Metro City Klute James Holden Saturday, June 12 @ Rise Friday, July 23 @ Ambar Shapeshifter NEW Major Break 7 – Napt/ Black Saturday, June 12 @ Villa Noise/ Peo De Pitte Saturday, July 24 @ Villa Operator Please Friday, June 18 @ Astor Theatre Midnight Juggernauts Saturday, August 14 @ Capitol DJ Premier Friday, June 18 @ Shape
MINT
WEDNESDAY 26TH MAY
FINAL 9.00PM TILL LATE
www.xpressmag.com.au
39
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The WAMi Festival hits the Railway Hotel this Saturday, May 22, with a rock n roll show featuring Diamond Eye, Stellas Ktichen The Bronze and One Thousand Years. Doors open 8pm and entry is $10. See www.wam.asn.au for more info.
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This week itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about the WAMis! On Thursday, Sunday, May 23, is the WAMi Festival closing party Capitol will open its doors for the 2010 WAMi featuring Schvendes, Harlequin League, Felicity Awards. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the local music industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night of Groom and the Black Black Smoke, Capital City, nights, and will feature RTRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peter Barr and triple Sneaky Weasel Gang, The Floors, Selk And The jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Doctor as the masters of ceremonies. There Bone Singers and King George. Entry is $15 from will be performances from the likes of Sugar Army, 3pm. Will Stoker & The Embers and loads more. You never know who youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll run into at the bar! Doors NEWPORT open at 7.30pm. Sundays at The Newport are the place to be for face-melting hardcore and punk these coming weeks. Sunday, May 30, sees Queenslanders AMPLIFIER On Friday, exquisite alt-rockers The Morning Night Mouthguard deliver a blistering set alongside launch their single Someday at Amplifier. Support The Creepers, Death Grenade and The New comes from Split Seconds, The Atlas Mountains, Husseins. Then, Sunday June 6, Full Scale Modularman, Ruby Boots, James Teague and Ryan Revolution drop in for their musical assault joined Webb, so come down from 8pm and enjoy some by Tim McMillan Band and Hailmary. fantastic tunes.
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NATHAN GAUNT
STUDENT & BACKPACKER NIGHT
$5 BBQ & drink deal from 6pm
THURSDAY
WiKid & DJ Giles
Get down to The Mustang Bar on Saturday, May 22, for the annual WAMI showcase, The full line-up for the afternoon is: The Big Old Bears 1-1.30pm, The New Invincibles 1.50-2.20pm, The Fancy Brothers 2.40-3.10pm, Khancoban (VIC) 3.30-4.05pm, Rocket To Memphis 4.25-5pm & Moonlight Wranglers 5.25-6pm. Then catch Rusty & The Drag Strip Trio for a special gig before they leave for the states. The boys have reformed and will be heading back to the USA for their third trip. So come on down and see the guys off at the spot where they started.
SATURDAY
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all happening at the Civic this Friday, May 21, for the WAMi Two Room showcase! Featuring The Devil Rides Out, Project Mayhem, Cal Peck And The Tramps, The Painkillers, Mongrel County, Mile End, Cat Black and Bible Bashers. Doors open 7.30pm and its just $12 for entry to both rooms.
POW @ THE PADDO
Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out the weekly lineup of local bands playing each Wednesday at the Paddo. On Wednesday, May 26, see Cim Ciaru, Silent Republic, Hand Stands For Ants and Goodnight Tiger. Bands start at 8pm and as always, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free entry!
WAMI
The Big Old Bears 1.00pm -1.30pm The New Invincibles 1.50pm- 2.20pm The Fancy Brothers 2.40pm - 3.10pm Khancoban (VIC) 3.30pm - 4.05pm Rocket to Memphis 4.25pm - 5.00pm Moonlight Wranglers 5.25pm - 6.00pm
The Rusty and the Drag Strip Trio with Rockabilly DJ The Damien Cripps Band & DJ James MacArthur
FRIDAY
Adam Hall & The Velvet Playboys
SUNDAY
Cheeky Monkeys with DJ James MacArthur
with DJ Rockin Rhys
with Swing DJ.
MONDAY
Peter Busher & The Lone Rangers
Marco & The Rhythm Kings
40
THE CIVIC HOTEL
MUSTANG BAR
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When the dust settles on this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WAMi weekender at Rocket Room featuring 10 of Perthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest, get set for Bloodstock 3 next Friday featuring eight of Perthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most brutal rock pigs and metal beasts! Over six hours of live bands plus DJ Tyranny and MC Tomas Ford taunting the hordes.
Local pop-rockers The Chemist launch their new DEFECTORS AT THE EP this Friday, May 21, as part of the WAMi Festival. The highly-touted four-piece will be joined by FLYING SCOTSMAN special guests Young Revelry, Wolves and Wolves Back to Mono is Perthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential free and funky Sunday Sesh. Rare Groove, ska, rocksteady, dub, At The Door. Doors open 8pm, and entry is $15. funk, soul, reggae, Afro beat. With DJs Gareth Richardson, Ted Schlechte and Death Discoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s JB Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;REILLYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Anton Mazz. Doors open 5pm. Free Entry From Wednesday, June 2, J.B.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will be recommencing Irish Sessions on Wednesday nights!! Come along, bring your instrument and a smile FLY BY NIGHT and join in for some musical wonderment!! Any This Sunday, May 23, Join Direct Influence as enquiries should be directed to Shane Corry on they release their long awaited album, War in My Kitchen, with support from The Joe Kings. (08) 9382 4555.
+ 1,*
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ROCKET ROOM
TUESDAY
Danza Loca Salsa night
DJ and live percussionists
Hittinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the town since 1985
DARN GOOD DRINKINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; JB Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reillys Sunday, May 16, 2010 Sunday evenings at J.B.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continues to satisfy our thirst for original music. Last Sunday, friends and fans of original music enjoyed a pint and performance by the original music of Minky G, Daniel Brennan and the Holly Go Trio. If you are an original act and want to grace the J.B.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stage, contact Monique through J.B.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/jboreillys. Get down for some good, old fashioned fun at J.B. O Reillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!
Chloe, Jenni
tuesday
saturday
grab our pie of the week & a pint just $20, 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8pm
live entertainment on the terrace from 6.30pm
wednesday
sunday
all available brews, only $7 a pint between 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8pm
open from 11am come & try our paella cooked on the terrace from 12 noon, just $20, live entertainment from 1pm
thursday all pizzas just $15 when ordered between 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8pm
(Pics: Matt Jelonek)
33 south terrace fremantle wa 6160 func�ons@themonk.com.au www.themonk.com.au
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www.xpressmag.com.au
41
FUNBURY FAIR GROOVIN’ THE MOO Hay Park, Bunbury Saturday, May 15, 2010 As teenager growing up in Bunbury, the closest thing one of these scribes got to a rock ‘n’ roll experience was squeezing his face up against The Prince Of Wales Hotel’s greasy back window and watching You Am I sound check. But how times have changed in Bun-Vegas. The inaugural Groovin’ The Moo festival, which this year featured heavyweight acts Silverchair, Empire Of The Sun and Vampire Weekend, brings a much needed youth-focussed event to Bunbury, which as of last year, was Australia’s third fastest growing regional centre (that’s a lot of bored kids). Laugh you may, city folk, but the festival is probably the biggest thing to happen for young people there since the opening of a major skate park about a decade ago. Triple j Unearthed winners The Words had a ‘local favourite’ atmosphere to their set, with the straight-up rockers closing with the Got No Charm, a self depreciating number about a small town, finishing things off with a sly and ironic wink. As storm clouds loomed ominously above, once Australian Idol finalist Lisa Mitchell took to the stage looking cute as a button.Though sound issues, and having to compete with the thumping Moulin Rouge tent, seemed to plague the beginning of Mitchell’s set, things soon panned out, with the crowd going nuts for radio & Walking Horse presents
LAUNCH OF SOMEDAY (THE FIRST SINGLE FROM THEIR FORTHCOMING ALBUM)
FRIDAY MAY 21ST • AMPLIFIER BAR • 8PM
WITH THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS, MODULAR MAN, SPLIT SECONDS PLUS MORE
Lisa Mitchell
Empire Of The Sun (photos: David Craddock)
favourites such as the Coin Laundry and Oh! Hark!. Despite Mitchell’s performance being thoroughly charming, the sponsor advertisements on the big screen behind her were tacky and very un-cool Groovin The Moo. If British India brought the rock, Miami Horror brought the party, offering punters lashings of wailing guitars and soaring synths that had the indie kids (many of whom would have made the journey down from Perth) dancing. Sounding perfectly cheesy, much like electro connoisseurs Chromeo, Miami Horror finished on a high, literally, with front man Declan Melia scaling the heights of the stage scaffolding. Spoon dragged themselves on to the Myspace stage, looking like they were suffering from a bad case of too-much-touring syndrome. Though the crowd was in high spirits for Spoon’s set , it really seemed like the band weren’t feeling it, with vocalist Britt Daniel obviously struggling with worn-out vocal chords – perhaps due to a show in Perth the night earlier. Lethargy aside, Spoon still managed to get toes tapping with the catchy Don’t Make Me A Target, The Way We Get By and Trouble Comes Running; proving that they’ve perfected the ‘sloppy but tight garage band’ shtick. Grinspoon, who despite having little
Silverchair
Grinspoon
currency or youth cool factor, provided some of the biggest sing-a-longs and ‘festival moments’ of the day with their a rousing, hit-laden, set of Australian rock ‘n’ roll. The fact that the crowd roared as soon as they recognised the opening riffs to hits like Ready 1 and More Than You Are suggested that the older punters hadn’t forgotten the countless gigs Grinspoon have put in at local watering hole The Prince Of Wales over the years. Empire Of The Sun’s Cirque Du Soleilmeets-David Bowie-meets-Prince extravaganza couldn’t have provided a bigger counterpoint to Grinspoon – but was no less riveting. Some have suggested that Luke Steele struggles to convey the excitement of the recordings live on stage – but any bugs now seemed to be have ironed out of the dance routines, graphics and costumes leaving a stunningly slick performance. Drawing the biggest crowd of the festival, Vampire Weekend ran on stage to Jump by ’80s rappers Kris Kross, signaling the beginning of a high energy set that wouldn’t disappoint die-hard fans. Unlike Spoon, Vampire Weekend were full of beans, with drummer Chris Tomson bouncing up and down on his drum stool, and frontman Ezra Koenig gyrating and wiggling like Elvis. Playing tracks from their self-titled debut, and sophomore release Contra, the Vampire Weekend boys had the crowd singing along to every chorus and verse, with Holiday and Cousins garnering a massive audience response. Bringing baroque sounds kicking and screaming into the 21st Century, the boys demonstrated their musical dexterity with fast tracks that were note perfect, perfectly in time and sounding extremely tight. Plenty of space in front of the Myspace stage during Silverchair’s set suggested some may have made an early exit after Vampire Weekend, however, the band provided the kind of bombastic, self-assured and ‘big’ rock show that only comes from playing to massive crowds right across the world. With Daniel John’s voice and guitar work seemingly getting better with age, anthems like The Greatest View, Israel Son, and Freak, were epic in their delivery. Two brand new, vocoder-drenched and electro tinged songs, however, monumentally flopped. Please Johns and co., we are begging you, do not go in this direction. From a punters point of you this year’s festival was a resounding success. There was little evidence of overly rowdy behaviour from the famed ‘Bunbury bogan’ - just a sold-out field of happy people enjoying good music made by a kid from Yokine and a few dudes from Newcastle. How apt. _DAVID CRADDOCK, EMMA BERGMEIER
ROOM FULL OF EYES
Dillinger Escape Plan (photo: Lisa Businovski)
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN/Maylene and the Sons of Disaster/Periphery Club Capitol, Perth Sunday, May 16, 2010
The Irish Night of the Year! Saturday 24th July 2010 6.30pm til 12 midnight Dress: Lounge Suit
Ticket $140
(incl 4 course meal, Guinness, Wines, Beer & Soft Drinks) Bookings: 9425 1781 Email: H1764-SB2@accor.com
42
The air was dense. The Dillinger Escape Plan were immersed in the setting, with each flash of light from the backing strobe revealing a different scene. A shower of sweat, fists and sinew. Stop. Iconic guitarist Ben Weinman perched nimbly atop of the drum kit and guitar stack. Stop. Vocalist Greg Puciato’s burly mass being carried over a sea of arms to a chorus of voices joining his creed. Stop. The whir of bodies moving in unison to the chaos as a shower of spit and water sprays from Weinman’s mouth above. Stop. Unpredictable, yet intensely calculated, the DEP lads were back in Perth for the first headliner show since their Ire Works soiree two years prior – and they certainly made it an evening not to be forgotten. A late addition to the already hefty bill for this tour, Washington D.C’s Periphery made their Australian debut a little under par. Definitely not living up to the hype of their recently released self-titled debut. With plenty of southern swagger, swamp rats Maylene and the Sons of Disaster blew the hat of this shindig. An odd placing for this gig, with the band’s aesthetics of flannel and blue denim a complete contrast
to the general black attire of the venue, these boys took it upon themselves to turn DEP fans into believers. Things got a little ambient from here on in. Like the calm before the storm, the venue turned pitch black as lashings of electronica filled the ears. Emerging to raucous applause, The Dillinger Escape Plan let themselves breathe for a short moment before plunging headfirst into Panasonic Youth. Lead stringsman Weinman threw himself into the crowd, still managing not to miss a single note in their explosive introduction. Leading straight into older material via 43% Burnt, Milk Lizard from Ire Works days and Sugar Coated Sour – Puciato’s vocals soared above; bringing the pace to everincreasing fever highs. Becoming a little more insane and filled with quirk each time he graces Perth with his presence, Puciato personifies every bit of the stage persona expected of DEP. Jumping seamlessly from relaying a sweet serenade or seduction on the breathtaking Mouth Of Ghosts, with Weinman jumping straight to piano, to brutal bloodcurdling screams on tracks like Room Full Of Eyes – he has created the perfect vocal paradox to their brand of chaos. Most surprising of all was how new, and very fresh-faced, drummer Billy Rymer filled the enormous void left by longstanding former Chris Pennie. Ending on a high note with Farewell, Mona Lisa – the effect leaving Perth barren, beaten and crying for more. _JESSICA WILLOUGHBY Hittin’ the town since 1985
Edited by David Craddock Email your news and pics by 12 noon, Monday to: localmusic@xpressmag.com.au
THE CHEMIST Pop Alchemy
PARTY LIKE ITS 2010
Schvendes (photo: Mike Wylie)
GET YA’ MOTORS RUNNIN’ The Chemist
Hotly tipped Perth pop band The Chemist launch their debut EP The Wolves’ Howls Shatter The Old Glass Moon at The Rosemount on Friday, May 21. DAVID CRADDOCK spoke to lead singer Ben Witt while the band were touring the East Coast in support of Old Man River. In many ways The Chemist’s lead signer Ben Witt has had the perfect musical apprenticeship. Witt met his Chemist band mates while studying music at the West Australian Academy Of Performing Arts, but outside of his formal studies Witt has been mentored by some of Western Australian music’s shining stars. As a youngster the guitarist would play at the Perth Blues Club, a gig which led to Witt developing a friendship with now Empire Of The Sun frontman Luke Steele, who is the son of Blues Club president Rick Steele. Fast forward to 2009, and Witt found himself touring the country with Jebediah frontman Kevin Mitchell under his solo Bob Evans guise, all the while still developing The Chemist’s lush, vivid and theatrical brand of pop. “He got me on to a lot of that stuff,” Witt says of his relationship with Steele. “I’d heard about a few bands and through him and I picked up a few techniques. Even recording techniques – how to recording those choir-y vocals and to keep double tracking vocals, those little things.” The Chemist’s debut EP certainly exhibits a depth of musical knowledge and production expertise far superior to your average debut recording. Brimming with sparkly pop energy,Tom Waits-ian thumps, and exciting middle eights, the record shimmers with memorable pop songs from start to finish. “We can communicate easier I think having that background,” Witt says of the formal musical education undergone by himself and his bandmates.“You can talk about things and if we’re
trying to explain ideas to one another we can talk that lingo. I guess having the musical vocabulary and theoretical knowledge you can be a little bit more experimental with chord, progressions, rhythms and melodies because you know the things you can do to stretch it.” Witt and his band’s talents, have not gone unnoticed, with plenty of buzz surrounding the band and even before the release of this EP.After playing some demos to Eskimo Joe drummer Joel Quartermain at a party, the band were eventually signed to Eskimo Joe and their manager Catherine Haridy’s new label Dirt Diamonds. “Andy [Lawson, who assisted in engineering the EP] and I went to the car and said ‘Joel you have to hear this’. Joel liked it and wanted to hear it a couple more times. The next time I was playing solo supporting Justin Burford and Joel came down with their manager Catherine Haridy.“ With yet another set of high-profile admirers and mentors on board, The Chemist began recording their EP across various locations in Perth including Eskimo Joe lead singer Kav Temperly’s home studio ‘The Hamilton Hilton’, and Dave Parkin’s Blackbrid Studios, with Joel Quartermain himself on board as producer.. “We worked with them,” Witt explains. “Because we like that stuff ourselves and we’ve learnt a lot about songwriting and arranging from The Beatles textbook and listening to their records so it made sense to use those kind of guys because they knew what it was about.”
Rusty And The Dragstrip Trio have reformed and are set to head back to the USA to take part in the Ink & Iron Festival in Longbeach, California. The festival hosts the biggest tattoo convention in the world, a custom car show, and a slew of rockabilly, punk, ska and metal bands. Local fans can see the band off at a farewell show at The Mustang Bar on Saturday, May 22.
If you still haven’t had your fill by the end of the WAMi Festival, the closing party, which will be held at Mojo’s on Sunday, May 23, will give you won final hit of local music before the festival retires for another year. Schvendes, Harlequin League, Felicity Groom And The Black Black Smoke, Capital City, Sneaky Weasel Gang,The Floors, Selk and the Bone Singers and King George will all be appearing from 3pm. Entry, $15.
BANDS ON FILM
Perth songwriter Travis Caudle has had All I Want, a track from his band The Woodenelves’ album Trips Between Worlds, featured on US Sci-Fi Drama Flash Forward. The track was discovered by music supervision agency Undercover Tracks after they spotted Caudle at one of WAM’s Music Industry Business Conference live pitch sessions, and is sure to be a career boost for the singer songwriter who is soon to relocate to the USA. In another licensing leg-up, local rockers The Novocaines have had their track Leaving In The Sunrise featured on the latest Hollywood vampire film Lost Boys, The Thirst. The Novocaines are playing WAMi Festival Showcase shows at The Norfolk Basement on Friday, May 21, and an all ages show at The Vault on Saturday, May 22.
GET IN CONTROL
It will be a night of quirky off-beat rock and pop at The Swan Hotel and Swan Lounge, with ControlControl, Good Little Fox, The Bullet Holes, Art In Algebra, Laced Affair and Cim Ciaru taking to the stage as part of a two-stage WAMi Festival event. Doors open at 7.30pm. Entry $10.
TAKE THE TRIP
Rusty And The Dragstrip Trio
Heytesburg, a dark and atmospheric act merging modern psychedelia and industrial rock will play at the Night Of Psychedelia show on Thursday, May 20, at The Den.The show will also feature the mindbending sounds of The Silent World, Like Junk, Mercy, and The Success Of Saturn. Doors 8pm. This new local band will also play at the Rocket Room on Friday, June 18
UP TO 11
Fat Jackal have taken out the highly competitive second heat of this year’s AmpFest competition. The contenders in heat three will now battle it out on Friday, May 21, at Memorial Hall in Mosman Park. Citizen, Georgi Kay, KiB, Minute 36 and Tracksuit are on the line-up – with the winner to join Fat Jackal and heat one winners Giidnight Tiger at the AmpFest Final Showcase to be held at Subiaco Church Hall on Friday, May 28.
Fat Jakal
The Disguise
HIDDEN GEM Johny Taylor
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Perth pop act The Disguise are holding a CD launch, and their final show at Mojo’s on Saturday, May 22. The band will be supported by Do The Robot who are flying over from Brisbane for the occasion as well as psychedelic oddballs Seams, and Kathryn Tree Rollins. Entry is $10 or $15 with a CD from 8pm.
Pinjarra Singer / songwriter Johny Taylor has thrown in the kitchen sink and will launch not one, but two, CDs, at The Swan Basement on Saturday, May 22. Taylor’s debut EP Skin And Bones was recorded at Bang Bang Studios, and will be released with an accompanying live CD. Oishii BLACKMILK GOES OFF and Lantana are on board as supports, and both Raw rockers Blackmilk will be headlining the of Taylor’s CDs can be brought for a total of $10 festivities at The Bird on Saturday, May 22, as part of the WAMi Festival Saturday Spectacular. Over 50 (including entry). Entry without CDs is $5. acts will be hitting the city as part of the local music extravaganza, with Blackmilk ruffling feathers at YOU LUTE! The Bird from 5.25 pm. Local multi-instrumentalist Julius Lutero has a swag of gigs coming up, and chances are that if you live in Perth, he’ll be playing somewhere near you. Lutero plays at The Vic in Subiaco on Fridays, and at Cranked in Leederville on Saturdays. He’ll also be heading down to Settlers Tavern in Margaret River on Thursday, June 10, and will support good-time local act The Sunshine Brothers when they play the Indi bar on Sundy, June 13, and and Sunday, June 27. Head to myspace.com/juliuslutero.com to learn the tunes before he comes to your local!
Julius Lutero www.xpressmag.com.au
43
RICKY PETERSON A Family Affair
Funk jazz keyboardist Ricky Peterson is playing his first headlining show in Perth after decades playing with and producing for the likes of Prince, David Sanborn, Boz Scaggs, Stevie Nicks and John Mayer. He plays this Saturday, May 22, along with Sheila E and The Peterson Brothers at The Fly By Night Club. JOSHUA HAYES reports. Despite his extensive career, Peterson’s excitement about his Australian tour is evident through his Midwestern twang. “We’ve always wanted to do this – I’ve always wanted to play with my family, because everybody in my family can play their arses off,” he laughs. Peterson is touring the country with his brothers Paul and Billy, his nephew Jason and legendary drummer and fellow Minneapolis native Sheila E, whom he describes as “part of the family”. He and his brothers were introduced to music at an early age. Their mother, Dianne Peterson, has been recording since the 1930s and recently released her latest album 88 Keys at 88 years of age, while their father – who passed away in 1969 – was a bandleader. “We would wake up in the morning to go to school and they’d have all the guys over for rehearsal, so we really knew nothing different,” Peterson says, recalling his earliest memories of music. “We all thought that everybody else did that; that’s the way we all grew up in our family, you know? We would go to our neighbour’s kids and ask ‘what does your Dad play?’.” As he grew up, Peterson established himself in the Minneapolis music scene. He was approached by Prince to be involved in his 1978 debut For You. “I didn’t know what he was going to do, and I kinda had an agenda of my own to go do my kind of music, which is similar… only with a bit more jazz,” Peterson explains of his time with Prince. “He and I became friends. After he became a big star, after Purple Rain, he built Paisley Park and he asked me to come and hang with him, and maybe do some producing for him.” In addition to his work with Prince, and a 20 year association with sax icon David Sanborn, Peterson also released a number of Li ve e Mu c 5 Ni gh httss a we ek k at B.. O’ Re eiilllly y’’ss ea n’’ & dr nk kiin n’’ em po orriiu um m Liv Mussiic Nig wee at J. J.B O’R eattiin driin emp
Ricky Peterson
solo albums. He recently released The Best Of Ricky Peterson Volumes One And Two, which draws on his more obscure work, such as his 1989 debut Night Watch, and features three new songs. However, his live show will be accessible for everyone. “I don’t want to scare anybody away with too terribly obscure stuff,” Peterson concludes. “There’s going to be a lot of really great funk stuff, we’re gonna reiterate the Prince stuff and, of course, Sheila’s gonna get up and do her tunes. It’s gonna be a good time.”
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POCKETS OF RESISTANCE, Paltiva, Helix to the Sun, 10 Past 6 (6pm, entry $8)
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44
Hittin’ the town since 1985
Resist The Thought play The Civic on Saturday, May 22, and YMCA HQ on Sunday, May 23.
ALESTORM June 17 STORY OF THE YEAR / SAOSIN / BLESSTHEFALL June 17 DAPPLED CITIES June 17-19 DAMIEN LEITH June 17-20 OPERATOR PLEASE June 18 SIX FT HICK June 18-19 THE VIBRATORS June 20 BERMUDA / SILENT SCREAMS / BURIED IN VERONA June 26 CASSETTE KIDS June 26 HOPE SANDOVAL & THE WARM INVENTIONS June 28 THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS June 30-July 2 CARPATHIAN / GHOST TOWN July 9-10 MARK LANEGAN July 11 STRIKE ANYWHERE July 14 KEVIN RUDOLF July 15 SNFU July 16 SALLY SELTMANN July 17
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Rickie Lee Jones, plays the Perth Concert Hall on Wednesday, May 26.
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Charles Hotel
509 Charles Street, North Perth, WA 6006 Ph: 9444 1051 Email: enquiries@charleshotel.com.au
WINNER OF AHA BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE OF 2009 THURSDAY 20TH MAY THE COMEDY LOUNGE
PERTH’S NUMBER 1 STAND-UP COMEDY FEATURING THE VERY BEST LOCAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL ACTS. COME IN FOR DINNER BEFORE OR DURING THE SHOW
FRIDAY 21ST MAY
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FEATURING AN INDIGENOUS SHOW CASE. ACTS LIKE WARANGKA BAND, BARTLETT BROTHERS, GINA WILLIAMS, WAYNE BARKER, KERRI ANNE COX, LORAE COFFIN, CANDICE LORAE, THE YABU BAND, RICHARD WALLEY, WITH SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCE FROM NEIL MURRAY
SATURDAY 22ND MAY
SUNDAY 23RD MAY
MUSIC INDUSTRY REUNION NIGHT
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TUESDAY 25TH MAY
HOWIE MORGAN JOHN MEYER GARY COX BAND
The Devil Rides Out, Friday at The Civic (Backroom)
THURSDAY 20.05 BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Ben Pettit BENNY’S Howie Morgan BOTANICA Karin Page Duo BROOKLANDS TAVERN Celebrations Karaoke CAPITOL Sugar Army Will Stoker & The Embers The Brow Horn Orchestra Hayley Beth CIVIC HOTEL (The Den) The Silent World Heytesburg Mercy Mercy And The Success Of Saturn Like Junk COMO HOTEL Clayton Bolger DOUBLE LUCKY Acoustic Night ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW Gun Shy Romeos ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Chelsea Gibson & The Juice Extractors FENIANS Pearce Ward FOUNDRY SideFX HIGH ROAD HOTEL Robbie King Karaoke INDI BAR Bex Open Mic IMPACT BAR Vdelli J.B. O’RIELLY’S Rhys Wood & Nigel Healy KINGSLEY TAVERN Chris Murphy LEFT BANK Minky G LEGENDS BAR Bill Chidgzey LUCKY SHAG James Wilson MARKET CITY TAVERN Callum Nolan Hide The Pig Solar Deity MARRI PARK TAVERN Open Mic Night MOJO’S The Clock Strikes Waxman Arrggh Bats Self Made Guru MUSTANG Wikid NORFOLK BASEMENT The Volcanics Trigger Jackets Grenade Baby Lemonade Richard Lane PADDO Ben Merito PADDY HANNANS Dr Bogus ROSEMOUNT Aaagh Bats Desertship The Kuillotines Nugget ROSIE O’GRADY’S (Northbridge) Fenton Wilde SETTLERS TAVERN Cyclone Jason & The Stirling Rangers SOVEREIGN ARMS David Fyffe SPICE LOUNGE Courtney Murphy SWAN LOUNGE Kim McDonald Robbie Jalapeno
Aaagh Bats, Tonight (Thurs) at Mojo’s
KINGSLEY TAVERN Dr Bogus KULCHA Krzysztof Piotrowicz Mardae Selepak LEFT BANK Mocha Trio Bumpy Johnson LEISURE INN Damien Cripps FRIDAY 21.05 Barcode AMPLIFIER The Morning Night CD MANHATTAN’S Stratosfunk Launch MARKET CITY Split Seconds TAVERN The Atlas Mountains Logan Crawford Modularman Lemon Red Ruby Boots Kloned Identity James Teague MERRIWA TAVERN Ryan Webb Good Karma BALLY’S BAR MOJO’S Free Radicals The Joe Kings BALMORAL Dilip N The Davs James Wilson The Lazy Railway BELMONT TAVERN The China Blue Groovetime Experiment BENNYS MOONDYNE JOES Faces Dave Gillam Trio CAPITOL MOUNT HENRY Lady Penelope TAVERN CAPTAIN STIRLING Full Circle Living Large MUSTANG CARLISE HOTEL Cheeky Monkeys Toy Box Adam Hall & The CASTLE HOTEL (York) Velvet Playboys Frisky Business NEWPORT CHARLES HOTEL Felix Too Solid Compilation NORFOLK CD Launch BASEMENT CIVIC HOTEL The Novocaines (Backroom) Black Board Minds The Devil Rides Out Gilroy & The Cold Mongrel Country Shoulders Mile End The Witness Cat Black OLD BAILEY TAVERN CIVIC HOTEL (The Rockstar Den) PADDO Project Mayhem Gun Shy Romeos Cal Peck & The Tramps PADDY HANNAN’S The Painkillers Blue Gene The Bible Bashers PADDY MAGUIRES COTTESLOE BEACH 43 Cambridge HOTEL PARAMOUNT Kristy Keogh’s Open Flyte Mic PLAYERS BAR DEVILLES PAD (Mandurah) Special Brew Slim Jim & The Phatts DUSK PRINCIPAL MICRO Redstar BREWERY EAST END Chris Murphy Duo Supanova RAILWAY HOTEL ELLINGTON JAZZ Diamond Eye CLUB Stellas Kitchen The Graham Wood The Bronze Trio One Thousand Years Bronwynn Sprogowski ROCKET ROOM Comeback Eleventh He Reaches Sean Curtis & Joey London Kartel Grim Fandango ESS BAR Tangled Thoughts Of Zenburger Leaving FENIANS The Proletariate The Clan Chainsaw Hookers FITZGERALD’S Raw Nerve (Bunbury) ROSEMOUNT Spritzer The Chemist CD FOUNDRY Launch Crave Young Revelry Adrian Wilson Wolves FUNK CLUB Wolves At The Door The Brow Horn ROSIE O’GRADY’S Orchestra (Fremantle) GREENWOOD HOTEL Countdown In The Groove RIVERVALE HOTEL HALE ROAD TAVERN Benjamin Glynn Mia & Good Company SAIL & ANCHOR IMPACT BAR Switchback Skinny Lane SETTLERS TAVERN INDI BAR (Margaret River) Damon Caren & The Zino & Caroline Psychedelic Freak Flag Direct Influence INDIAN OCEAN SEVENTH AVE BAR BREWING COMPANY Midnight Rambler Shawne & Luc SOUTH BEACH JB O’REILLYS HOTEL The Healy’s Open Mic With Jasmin KALAMUNDA SOUTH ST TAVERN ALEHOUSE Ryan Carbray Robbie King Karaoke Arons Crusade Robbie Jalapeno THE DEEN Latin Quarter UNIVERSAL BAR Off The Record WANEROO TAVERN Keith McDonald
Grim Fandango, Friday at Rocket Room
SWAN HOTEL Good Little Fox The Bullet Holes Art In Algebra Laced Affair Cim Ciaru Michael Strong & The Ghost Anyway Control-Control Dylan Ollivierre The TNs SWINGING PIG Damien Cripps Barcode THE BIRD The Transients The Voltaire Twins Resort The Cut ‘n’ Paste Sound System THE BOAT Mod Squad THE BURRENDAH Keith McDonald THE DEEN Spanish Fly THE GATE Mike Nayar THE SAINT The Bluebottles THE SHED Kick Start THE VIC (Subiaco) Nat Ripepi Duo Julius Lutero UNIVERSAL Funksta UWA Neil Adams VICTORIA PARK HOTEL Ivan Ribic WATERFORD TAVERN Bogan Bingo WOODVALE TAVERN J Babies
Surrender Saviour COMO HOTEL James Wilson CRANKED COFFEE BAR Julius Lutero DEVILLES PAD Jerry Lee Lewis Show DOUBLE LUCKY Adam 12 ELEPHANT & WHEELBARROW Blue Hornet ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Victoria Newton Jamie Oehlers Tara Del Borello ESS BAR Norbert FENIANS Shanks Pony FLY BY NIGHT Ricky Peterson Sheila E FOUNDRY Three & A Half Men GREENWOOD HOTEL Riddum Shak HIGH ROAD HOTEL Fuse HOTEL ROTTNEST Adrian Wilson INDIAN OCEAN BREWING COMPANY The Other Guys INDI BAR The Kill Devil Hills JB O’REILLY’S Blue Umbrella KINGSLEY TAVERN Midnight Rambler KULCHA Peter Grayling Rod Vervest Dave Clarke SATURDAY 22.05 LEFT BANK AMPLIFIER / CAPITOL Raggi Man Abbe May LEISURE INN Umpire Zenburger The Scotch Of Saint METROPOLIS James (Fremantle) Will Stoker & The Lady Penelope Embers MOJO’S Injured Ninja The Disguise Tomás Ford Do The Robot Arts Martial Seams French Rockets Kathryn Tree Rollins Emperors MOON & SIXPENCE The Jackards Blaze Goodnight Tiger MOUNT HENRY Steve Parkin Aaron Woolley Snowbros MUSTANG Xave Brown The Big Old Bears Amanda Merdzan The New Invincibles BALLY’S BAR The Fancy Brothers Matt Milford Khancoban BALMORAL Rocket To Memphis Benjamin Glynn Duo Moonlight Wranglers BAR 120 Rusty & The Drag Flyte BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ Strip Trio Damien Cripps Band Chris Murphy NEWPORT BENNYS Just Ace Housequake OLD BAILEY TAVERN BLACK BETTY’S Peace, Love & All That Red Star Stuff BROOKLANDS PADDO TAVERN Cheeky Monkeys Fit Swimmers BROKEN HILL HOTEL PADDY HANNANS Howie Morgan Project Decoy BURSWOOD CASINO PADDY MAGUIRES Rocket Chris Murphy & PARAMOUNT Murphy’s Lore Felix CHARLES HOTEL PLAYERS BAR Miche Suite (Mandurah) Peter Usher 3 Corner Jack Siobny PRINCIPAL MICRO Heath Marshall BREWERY Pins & Ladies Free Radicals Brandan Gaspari RAILWAY HOTEL CIVIC HOTEL (The The New Year Den) The Milkmen Resist The Thought Ethereal Born Into Suffering I Am Eternal Still
DOORS OPEN 7.30PM DINNER AVAILABLE IN RESTAURANT FROM 6PM
WEDNESDAYS
FUNKY BUNCH TRIVIA WITH $12 CHICKEN PARMIGIANA
COMING SOON MENTAL AS ANYTHING SAT 12TH JUNE ALAN SIMPSON’S COUNTRY NIGHT FRI 18TH JUNE WORLD KWC KARAOKE SUN 20TH JUNE
www.charleshotel.com.au 46
20th MAY
SWAMP - Alt Country Rock’n Blues feat. Atlas Mountains with special guests Louis and the Hony Tonks and The Kirbens. Doors 8pm.
21st MAY
WAMI showcase: The Witness, Gilroy and the Cold Shoulders, Blackboard Minds and The Novacaines. Doors 8pm. BE EARLY.
22nd MAY
A rockin night with The Volcanics, Trigger Jackets and special guests. Doors 8pm. Be early.
23rd MAY
MINT WIND featuring Grace Woodroofe, Felicity Groom and Wolves at the Door. Doors open 8pm. Hittin’ the town since 1985
Listing deadline is Monday 5pm. The Gig-Guide is a service to advertisers listing bands. All inclusions are at the discretion of X-Press Magazine. Email reception@xpressmag.com.au or fax 9213 2882.
Wolves At The Door, Friday at The Rosemount ROCKET ROOM Hailmary Homebrewe State Of Order Blackwater Station Kickstart ROSIE O’GRADY’S (Fremantle) Flavor ROSIE O’GRADY’S (Northbridge) Blue Gene SAIL & ANCHOR The Bluebottles SETTLERS TAVERN (Margaret River) The Lucky Wonders SOUTH ST ALEHOUSE Paul Daly & The Heavy Hitters SUBIACO HOTEL Off The Record SWAN BASEMENT Jonny Taylor CD Launch Oishii Lantana SWAN LOUNGE Blackhart & Strangelove Filthy Mono Kim McDonald Tane Tanner SWINGING PIG Zenburger THE GATE Retrofit THE SHED Huge Threeplay THE VAULT The Novocaines The Chemist The Scotch Of Saint James Modularman THE WANNEROO Mod Squad Tod Woodward UNIVERSAL Moustache Milly James Stoney Joe Minute 36 Bartlett Brothers One Tiger Down Soul Corporation WOODVALE TAVERN Lush X-WRAY BAR Jane Germain & Ian Simpson
SUNDAY 23.05 BALMORAL Cranky BALLYS BAR Steve Hepple BELMONT HOTEL Damien Cripps BENTLEY HOTEL Adrian Wilson BOTANICA Sweetest Taboo BROKEN HILL Midnight Sun BROOKLANDS TAVERN Chris Gibbs CHARLES HOTEL Music Industry Reunion Night with Neptunes Rookies Company Of Men COMO HOTEL Chris Murphy COTTESLOE BEACH HOTEL Tourist E SHED Jane Germain & Ian Simpson ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Mark Ginsburg Quartet Judy Campbell FLY BY NIGHT Direct Influence
The Brow Horn Orchestra, Tonight (Thurs) at Capitol
GOSNELLS HOTEL Christian Thompson HIGH ROAD HOTEL James Wilson INDI BAR Khancoban The Gonzo Show J.B. O’RIELLYS Minky G KALAMUNDA HOTEL Stella Donnelly LAKERS TAVERN Jamie Powers MERRIWA TAVERN Clayton Bolger MOJO’S Schvendes Harlequin League Felicity Groom & The Black Black Smoke Capital City Sneaky Weasel Gang The Floors Selk & The Bone Singers King George MOON & SIXPENCE Acoustic Inc MOSMANS RESTAURANT Nebula MUSTANG Peter Busher & The Lone Rangers NEWPORT Applebite The Beggars On Acid Mudguts Foulplay OCEAN BEACH HOTEL Parker Avenue OLD BAILEY TAVERN Gang Of Three PADDO Aron’s Crusade Salv And Namoo Wolfdowns PADDY HANNANS Flyte PRINCIPAL MICRO BREWERY The Select Few PUBLICAN BAR Open Mic RAILWAY HOTEL Pockets of Resistance Paltiva Helix To The Sun 10 Past 6 RAVENSWOOD HOTEL Leather & Lace ROSEMOUNT HOTEL Sundae Session SAIL & ANCHOR The Recliners SETTLERS TAVERN (Margaret River) Heddy Fraze SEVENTH AVE BAR Mia & Good Company SOUTH ST ALEHOUSE Louis & The Honkytonk SOVEREIGN ARMS Ivan Ribic STAMFORD ARMS Kevin Conway SWAN BASEMENT Jack Action The Silent Republic Gombo Bulls & Bears Stunning In Red SWAN LOUNGE The P-Whack Express The Seals Burn The Evidence Fishpants SWINGING PIG Nat Ripepi 2 Tenors THE EASTERN MIDLAND John Meyer’s Blues Express THE GATE The Other Guys THE MOON Grace Woodroofe
THE SAINT Howie Morgan Project THE SHED The Healy’s Renegade THE WANNEROO Damien Cripps UNIVERSAL Retrofit VICTORIA PARK HOTEL Matt Milford WACA (HBF Fun Run) Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts Courtney Murphy & Murphy’s Lore WOODVALE TAVERN Ryan Carbray
MONDAY 24.05 BAR ORIENT James Wilson CHARLES HOTEL Helen Matthews & Ray Walker CD launch Jessica Gethin Karl Florrison Sophie Walker Garry Howard Ali Bodycoat ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Song Lounge IMPACT BAR Groove Karaoke MOJO’S Open Mic MUSTANG Marco & The Rhythm Kings PADDO Rick Steele SPICE LOUNGE Courtney Murphy
Diamond Eye, Saturday at The Railway
THE DEEN Plastic Max & The Token Gesture
TUESDAY 25.05 CAPITOL Nile Abigail Williams Hate Eternal COTTESLOE BEACH HOTEL The Mad Agents ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Four The Love Of It ESS BAR Norbert’s Karaoke FENIANS James Wilson IMPACT BAR Open Mic Night MOJO’S Stillfire The Chevelles One Thousand Years PERTH BLUES CLUB (Charles Hotel) Howie Morgan John Meyer Band Gary Cox Band MUSTANG Danza Loca Salsa SAIL & ANCHOR Open Mic Night SPICE LOUNGE Courtney Murphy
WEDNESDAY 26.05 BALLY’S BAR Courtney Murphy BENTLEY HOTEL Switchback BLACK BETTY’S SideFX
ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB Tom Ohalloran Trio FENIANS Cranky HALE ROAD TAVERN Fenton Wilde INDI BAR Gabriel (Stillfire) LEFT BANK Benjamin Glynn LLAMA BAR Trevor Jalla Trio MOJOS Shontay Snow Seth Lowe MOUNT HELENA TAVERN Open Mic Night MUSTANG Circus NORFOLK Grace Woodroofe Felicity Groom Wolves At The Door OLD BAILEY TAVERN Norbert’s Karaoke PADDO Cim Ciaru Silent Republic Hand Stands For Ants Goodnight Tiger PADDY HANNANS Threeplay PUBLICAN BAR Open Mic Night Tunesmiths PRINCIPAL MICRO BREWERY Clayton Bolger ROSEMOUNT Fools Rush In Chasing the Ninth Further Earth Minute 36
ROSIE O’GRADYS (Northbridge) David Fyffe SAIL & ANCHOR Sanduettes Joel Turco Wayne Teixera Adrian Wilson SETTLERS TAVERN Open Mic Night SWAN LOUNGE Satan Himself Montage Of Jesus THE MOON CAFÉ Tree Stu Orchard James Teague UNIVERSAL Strutt
The Morning Night
THE MORNING NIGHT SOMEDAY – SINGLE LAUNCH
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Hittin’ the town since 1985
NOISIA
SPLITTING ATOMS Drum ‘n’ bass heavyweights Noisia released their debut album, Split The Atom, last month. TILMAN ROBINSON speaks to Nik Roos of the Dutch trio.
VARIOUS
Trance Energy 2010: Mixed By Sander Van Doorn [ID & T/CENTRAL STATION] 2 0 0 8 w a s a b i g y e a r f o r S a n d e r Va n Doorn, a year that included winning Best Breakthrough DJ at the International Dance Music Awards. It comes as no surprise that ID & T approached him not only to provide the Trance Energy Anthem for 2010, but also to mix the compilation CD bearing the same name. Va n D o o r n h a s co m p i l e d 2 1 tracks that surge and pulsate throughout the album’s entirety, often skir ting the boundaries of trance and delving into the darker sounds of tech trance and electro. In opening with the dark, rhythmic track Daisy, Van Doorn announces emphatically that the train has left the station. Each and ever y track has been chosen and mixed into an exact sequence to maximise the album’s impressive impact. From Tiesto’s vocal track Escape Me, to Laidback Luke’s mind bending remix of the System F classic Out Of The Blue and the driving, uplifting melodies of Bart Claessen’s Elf: this is pure, unadulterated ecstasy! This is one smoking hot album - it should come with a warning label.
One of the most highly anticipated drum ‘n’ bass albums of recent years has been the debut of Dutch trio Noisia. Considering news of Noisia’s album Split The Atom first hit as far back as 2008, it has been a long wait for fans. “It just took us a really long time to put together something we were happy with and collect all the tracks that we wanted,” explains Roos.“We spent a lot of time procrastinating and a lot of time coming up with ideas that didn’t end up working.” The album itself, however, speaks volumes not only for the high level of production but also for the versatility of the group. Equal parts electro-breaks and up-front drum ‘n’ bass with down tempo interludes in between, Split the Atom is an aural journey with the unmistakeable Noisia sound. The foray into different genres is not a new direction for the band, just an extension of their output, as Roos explains. “We’ve always made that sort of stuff. There’s no single dominant genre on the album…I guess we just didn’t have that much
Noisia
drum ‘n’ bass lying around [when choosing tracks for the album] but it’s still the music that we make the most.” The group is cautiously approaching a live show though the traditional ‘band’ formula that so many live drum ‘n’ bass acts have followed will be avoided. “I don’t think we’re going to be going in the ‘band’ direction like Pendulum,” muses Roos.“I think it would be more comparable to Daft Punk or Justice or Deadmau5 maybe. That’s something we want to explore but the key word is explore. We’re still in a phase of theorising what it could be.” Technical limitations of a ‘live band’ aside,
Noisia are also keen to involve the audience in a complete audio/visual experience. “What we like about it is that it has a strong visual element,” continues Roos.“We want to see how much we can involve people in the feeling of music being created on the spot, not just played. That’s a challenge. We don’t want to be a band and we don’t just want to have Ableton running and stand there while some massive stage gimmick is happening. We’re somewhere in between and we’re not really sure where that is yet.” But this is all in the future and Split the Atom is the present. Boasting collaborations with the likes of Foreign Beggars and Amon Tobin (who Roos describes as “an incredibly nice guy”), Noisia’s labour of love catapults them to the top of the drum ‘n’ bass game. Self-produced and self-released, the trio actively refused all types of major label support opting instead to push it through their own labels, Vision and Division records. “We don’t need a massive PR machine behind our music and it’s not really something that will do our music a lot of favours either,” Roos concludes. “It’s not a matter of getting our music out to as many people as possible. It’s more the kind of music that people will find themselves.” Split The Atom is well worth finding with rumblings of a major tour on the cards, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready when Noisia hit our shores. NOISIA SPLIT THE ATOM [VISION/DIVISION/STOMP]
GLEN CANNING 5/5
NOISIA
Split The Atom [Vision/Division/Stomp] The debut album from Dutch heavyweight drum ‘n’ bass trio Noisia is a tour de force of beats and basslines that sets a new standard in many different genres. With such a diverse range of tunes, it’s hard to see how anybody could not like it, regardless of their musical leanings. Electro/breaks tracks such as Split The Atom, Machine Gun and Red Heat flow seamlessly into drum ‘n’ bass tunes like My World, Shellshock, Thursday and the amazing Sunhammer. In between these sit the most surprising parts of the album; short down tempo/grime tracks that have obviously been taken from the cutting room floor and were never developed into full tracks. Funnily enough, some of these are the best tracks of the album. It’s hard to fault an outfit that is so obviously way ahead of the game in so many different genres. Split The Atom, with its inclusion of new and old music, sets a new bar in quality of production and originality of ideas not only in drum ‘n’ bass but in breaks and grime. Boasting collaborations with the Foreign Beggars and Amon Tobin this will surely be a strong contender for ‘album of the year’ polls worldwide. TILMAN ROBINSON 5/5
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Edited by David Craddock
VOLUME NEWS
Jam Man GreenRoom
COP-FREE REHEARSALS
Fender Roadworn ‘60s Stratocaster
SCUFF ‘N’ PUFF
Zildgian 20” A Custom EFX
THE ZILDJIAN EFFECT
Zildgian has recently announced that four new effects cymbals have been added to their A Custom and K Cast range. The new products, which all Feature 20 per cent tin bronze alloy, include 14” and 20” A Custom EFX cymbals with laser generated cut outs for a gated and trashy sound. New EFX cymbals have been added to the K series with thin weight 16” and 18” producing a noticeably darker sound.
The new Fender Roadworn series features a ‘50s style Stratocaster, a ‘60s Stratocaster and a ‘50s telecaster, which have been pre-run in and scuffed up to give the instruments a classic look. As any working guitarist would know, guitars only get better with age, and with the Roadworn series Fender offer the beauty of a weatherbeaten work horse, without you having to drag your axe through honky tonks for fifty years. The instruments include classic specs such as a nitrocellulose-lacquer finish, and include bitey Tex-Mex pickups. Roadworn guitars are on offer at Kosmic starting at $2000.
The Jamhub is an exciting new product which enables a band to plug their instruments and headphones into a purpose built interface, and mix their sound, to allow for silent, neighbour complaint-free, rehearsals. The futuristic looking unit is available in various sizes – the BedRoom version ($649 from Kosmic) allows for five XLR and five TRS inputs, with 24 in built stereo effects even on hand to mix into your sound A stage control knob gives each musician a virtual location in the mix – replicating the sensation of being in a specific position in the rehearsal studio or on stage. A seven musician GreenRoom model ($999), and a TourBus model ($1399) which includes a basic recording interface is also available.
NASHVILLE HI-LINE
Nashville songsmith John Hiatt has had his songs recorded by a string of artists including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, BB King and John Baez, but Gibson has decided to shine the spotlight on the man himself with the new John Hiatt J-45 signature model. The customized J-45 features a solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides and a V profile one-piece mahogany neck. A Fishman Ellipse preamp system, a bone nut, and Tusq saddle mean this guitar blends the charm of yesteryear with modern practicality. In late March Gibson announced that only 100 of the guitars would be made, so if they haven’t been snapped up already, get in quick!
The new Shure BETA27 Instrument Microphone has a flat frequency response and low self-noise which makes it a perfect side-address condensor microphone for demanding environments. The supercardiod pattern ensures that the sound source targeted is recorded with minimal bleed from off-axis sound sources with a three position-switchable low-frequency filter also helping to eliminate background noise. The inclusion of an internal pop-filter also makes this precision engineered product ideal for reducing wind and breath noise while trying to record on stage or in the studio.
Slash Appetite Les Paul Signature Model
SWEET AXE O’ MINE
John Hiatt J-45
Shure BETA27 Instrument Microphone
SHURE THING!
Hot on the heels of Slash’s new solo album, Gibson recently announced that it would be releasing a Slash signature model to honour the guitar god – the Slash Appetite Les Paul. The instrument features a AAA maple top with a nitrocellulose finish appropriately named Appetite Amber. In terms of hardware, the guitar is fitted with Seymour Duncan Signature Series Alnico Pro II Slash humbuckers, specially requested Orange Drop capacitors and a TonePros Tune-o-matic bridge. A special Slash headstock graphic also adorns this wild best. A one piece Grade A mahogany neck, and a slim ‘60s style neck profile mean that you’ll have no problems hitting those sweet spots in the Sweet. Child O’ Mine solo.
Allen Vizutti
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
As part of the WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod, Theo’s music will be hosting a workshop with world class trumpet virtuoso Allen Vizutti and his wife Laura Vizzutti, a pianist. Allen Vizzutti has played right across America as a classical and jazz artist and has had his playing included on over 150 movie and game soundtracks. People interested in attending the workshop can register by calling (08) 6380 1222. Limited spaces are available.
GET REAL
Yamaha’s new Arius YDP-V240 Digital Piano, debuted at this year’s winter NAMM show, features an 88-note Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard – meaning the keys offer a realistic response right throughout the range – remedying a common criticism of digital keyboards. Advanced Wave Memory dynamic stereo sampling also allows the keyboard to more realistically replicate the sonic effects of hard and soft playing.
STEVE MORSE Morse’s Code As part of Deep Purple’s recent trip to Perth, guitar legend Steve Morse conducted a guitar clinic at The Rosemount Hotel. organised by CMC Music and co-presented by Kosmic Sound, Concept Music, and Sound Centre Music Gallery. CHRIS GIBBS went along to see Morse unveil the new Music Man Y2D signature electric guitar and to try and steal some playing tips. You have an extremely recognisable playing style. One thing I’ve always wondered about your style is your use of chromaticism, passing notes, and outside notes. For you, is that approach more of a pattern and positioning thing, or are you thinking more in terms of intervals? It can be both. It started with a desire to imitate some of the Texas swing players, bluegrass, and jazz players. They would always throw in a few extra notes that made it sound cooler. Like when a real experienced jazz guy plays the blues, it isn’t like when you sit there and just bend one note. The playing and the touch…I consistently observed that the stuff I liked resolves. There’s not an ugly note that just stays and grinds to annoy you. It’s a note that doesn’t quite fit but slides into something else. So I got into the idea of using passing notes and grace notes on the weaker part of the beat. So at first I intentionally arranged patterns that would accentuate the notes that do work. So say we’re in A minor pentatonic, it’s physically easier to add extra notes in between the strong notes that do work. Steve Morse
At his recent Perth clinic, Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse joked about what it was like to be be ‘the new guy’ in one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Having been in the band since 1994, Morse has been entrusted with playing the bands iconic, hard-rock riffs night after night – and as such needs a reliable, tone-rich workhorse to get the job done. Morse took time out during his backstage warm-up to chat with the Volume crew about guitar-building, outside notes, and the importance of having a sense of humour.
BY CHRIS GIBBS
you have extra friction between the tuning peg and where you’re playing, the energy from a bent note can be stored between the nut and the tuning peg. Then when you hit it hard later, the string just goes flat. For tuning reasons, we have an equalised nut, with different fulcrums. Placement of the pickups has always been the big thing for me. They have to be exactly where they are to get to the fundamental. Part of my style is to switch pickups. I always want to get the fundamental of the note, so when I play low I use the bridge pickup and when I play high I use the neck pickup. So anyway, 20 years later we went to a new design with a simpler switch, instead of three switches with multiple possibilities. I knew all along there were five sounds that I used live. The middle pickup I only ever use for recording. So why not take those five sounds and just use three pickups?…Y2D is a little joke because around that time people were calling the computer bug Y2K.
Steve, what makes your new Y2D signature guitar so unique? Well, there’s the Steve Morse model with four pickups, which we did almost 25 years ago. There’s a reason for everything, the short headstock means you don’t need string trees, like on a Fender-style, so you reduce friction. Anytime That’s a good album title. Hey, yeah it is! I like that. 50
Two of my favourite Deep Purple albums are Abandon and Rapture Of The Deep, both of which are stamped with your trademark style. Are there any plans for a new studio album? We’re still debating that. We’ve set up several recording sessions, but gigs or other things have taken up that time. Recording is now a charity event, you know? If you’re spending hundreds of thousands of dollars recording and flying people from all over the world, paying engineers and producers, studio time, and lodging, and you don’t sell literally millions of that record, it’s not going to pay off as a moneymaking thing. However that’s never stopped us from recording. By and large, once a record hits the internet, intellectual property rights are ignored. But as the Internet takes away from that part of the industry, it changes the dynamic. Touring becomes the biggest deal. So there’s less of a push to have two months off to record, with a month of on either side every year. That’s a third of a year with no income. I would love that, my family would love that! Because of that, it gets pushed a little bit back. _CHRIS GIBBS
Happy punters at the clinic Photos: Shaun Ferraloro Hittin’ the town since 1985
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MARTYN P. CASEY P For Precision As bass player in Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, The Triffids and Grinderman, Martyn P. Casey has one the most distinguished resumes in Australian rock. With Casey’s first album with The Bad Seeds Henry’s Dream recently re-released, and a Triffids box set and Best Of fresh off the press, DAVID CRADDOCK sat down with the Fremantle resident to talk about being the musical backbone in two of Australia’s most respected acts. Even from an early age, Martyn P. Casey had a penchant for noise. In Grinderman, a strippedback, heaving garage-rock incarnation of The Bad Seeds, Casey lays down a sultry and fuzzy bed for Nick Cave to preach and wail over. But the bass player was toying with primal rackets long before he was paid to do so with Cave and co. at Madison Square Garden. “I’ve got a twin brother and for our birthday he got an electric guitar and I got an electric bass,” Casey tells Volume between drags of a rollie at a Fremantle café. “We had one amplifier between us. We just used to do feedback – we were Sonic Youth.” This year marks the twentieth anniversary of Martin Casey’s inclusion in Nick Cave’s notoriously hard-living band. In his time in The Bad Seeds, Casey has provided the bass lines for countless iconic albums including Henry’s Dream, which was re-released alongside Tender Prey and The Good Son in April this year. “I was working in a petrol studio, the Gull on Wray Avenue,” Casey recounts of the phone call that saw him thrown back into the world of rock touring he had earlier experienced as a member of Perth breakouts The Triffids.“I’d just been given the boot from that job… I got a call from Mick Harvey asking if I wanted to work for The Bad Seeds. We hadn’t met a huge amount of times, but when you’re travelling around Europe doing festivals and that you’re often staying in the same hotels.” Mick Harvey left The Bad Seeds earlier this year, but despite the difficulty of rehearsing and touring with a band whose members are spread far and wide across the world, Casey, a Fremantle resident, says he’s happy spending as much time as possible in WA.
“We’re all lucky enough to live where we want to live,” he says, waiting anxiously for a coffee to kick start our early-morning (by rock standards) chat. “When we get together it’s work, not business, but it is quite intense… It’s probably why we’ve lasted so long.” Which of course leads our chat towards Nick Cave and his musical compatriot’s reputation for rock ‘n’ roll excess. “I don’t think we’d be here if we were still going like that,” he says with a wry smile.“We still have fun while we’re on tour but not with the serious amount of drugs and alcohol that used to fuel it. Everyone’s retained their sense of humour though which is the important thing.” In many ways, Casey’s joining of The Bad Seeds at a time when Cave was drifting further into more delicate, piano-led, balladry, makes perfect sense. As The Triffids’ long serving bass player, he was at the engine room of the band’s highly-regarded ability to evoke light and shade, hard and soft, and instrumental dynamics. “Both genius songwriters,” Casey says of working with The Triffids’ songwriter David McComb and Cave.“They have that same range of dynamics. It wasn’t that much different – [The Bad Seeds] are definitely a lot louder that’s for sure.” Whether backing Cave or McComb, Casey’s trusty 1962 Fender Precision Bass has remained an almost permanent fixture of his sound. While the weathered sunburst P bass, may look like your average rock ‘n’ roll workhorse, the instrument actually has a fascinating, and quite humorous, history of its own. “I got it through my graphic arts teacher at high school - his name was Bruce Abbot and he used to play for The Valentines” Casey
GET IN THE VAN
Musicians can be fiercely loyal to a product when they find something that works for them.They swear by this guitar,that amp, or those stomp boxes.They refuse to use anything other than these strings, those sticks, or their picks. In this edition of Volume we posed the question: What is the one piece of musical equipment that you just can’t do without? TODD HONEY - Sugar Army It would have to be my Line 6 delay/ loop pedal. At $500 a pop, it’s not the most reliable piece of equipment (I’m on my third) but it was used a fair bit on the album so it is quite important. JODIE LEE BARTLETT – College Fall My Roland Juno D synthesiser. It has been a loyal soldier to me for five years of College Fall gigs. It is great for touring because it is so lightweight (wrapped in a backpack soft case), has a good range of adjustable patches and a pretty cool interface. The Tron Flute patch is now one of my staple sounds and I can’t live without it! It’s also cheap for what it is, which is great for us financially challenged musos. BEN FRICHOT – Day Of The Dead The Fender Stratocaster - I just keep coming back to the Strat. It has all that classic old-school, super-cool, tone that you can’t find anywhere else and they take abuse like no other guitar. I can drag my Strat behind a car and it will still stay in tune. If you are playing any surf or blues style stuff they are hard to beat and they can still hold their own in the rock world too. Roland Juno D
Ben Frichot 52
reminisces of the guitar’s former life in the WA outfit once fronted by Bon Scott.“It’s got little dents from where they were backing Johnny Young at the South Fremantle Oval. The bogans and the widgies, or whatever they were called, turned up and started throwing rocks at Johnny Young, and there are dents in the guitar where it was used as a protective device.” “It’s just a beautiful guitar. Like a lot of vintage guitars it has a lot of warmth – for me it’s very easy to play.” While Casey sees no need to change his scuffed old tool of the trade, the throbbing, garage sound of Grinderman, has seen him experimenting more with effects pedals. “Because it is so simple I’ve been trying to increase the range of sounds,” he says of his work with the Grinderman, who are set to release their second record this September. “I have used a couple of fuzz pedals on songs like No Pussy Blues. It’s one of Warren’s [violinist and electric bazouki player] fucked-up pedals. I think there was something wrong with it… I’ve since found this thing called a Sparkle-Drive. That’s fantastic for fuzz bass. I was using a wah wah pedal for a while as well, I love those Miles David records like On The Corner and Get Up With It, there’s a lot of wah wah bass on those.” When asked what musical advice he would give to budding bass players, Casey’s response is telling of an artist who has forged of a career out of loyally serving the song and songwriter, rather than vying for fame or attention. “Keep it simple, it’s a bass guitar not a guitar. A good bass player in my opinion – you don’t notice they’re there until they’re gone.”
EGNATER AMPLIFIERS Detroit City Rocks
OnSaturday,May1,amplifierbuildinglegendBruceEgnatorheld a demonstration and seminar on his world-renowned creations at The Rosemount.CHRIS GIBBS went along to get the rundown on Egnater’s latest models and to speak to the creator.
Bruce Egnater got his start in amplification while playing guitar on the Detroit band circuit. An early innovator in amp switching systems (the use of channel switching to utilise tones from more than one amp during performances), he gained a solid reputation for building, modifying, and repairing amplifiers and has since collaborated with several popular amplification companies including Randall and Rocktron. Egnater amps are relatively new to the Australian market, so the recent seminar at The Children Collide (Johnny Mackay - centre) Rosemount, presented by CMC Music, offered JOHNNY MACKAY - Children Collide a unique insight into the philosophy behind A double-necked guitar with a bass Egnater’s high-quality, low-wattage amp lines. and a guitar. One of those tiny amps that are the size of cigarette lighters, then we’d all have more What does an Egnater amplifier provide that leg room. Some sort of loop pedal, a Boss RC- other amps don’t necessarily provide? 50 maybe, then I could put my double-necked The idea is that we really don’t do any guitar to good use. This is probably more of a ‘me too’ kind of stuff. The first thing we do is ask “trapped on a desert island” kind of answer, but ‘what can we do that’s a little different?’ not for oh well. gimmick purposes, but usable cool features. And that’s where we come up with thing like the watts BRETT GARSED – John Farnham I can’t do without my blue ESP Horizon knob and tube mix. The Tweaker has a bunch of cool switches. They’re all usable features so the Custom guitar. idea is ‘what’s gonna make it a little different, a little better?’ Even the look of some of the amps PRITA GREALY – Solo artist The one piece of musical equipment I are part of the innovation. can’t do without when I play solo is my DigiTech JamMan loop pedal. It allows me to layer so So the watts knob changes the overall output? Yeah you can go from 20 watts down to many harmonies and jam with myself using one watt on the Rebel 20, then there’s the 30 - 30 crazy beats and stuff! watts down to one. On the Renegade, we have a switch on each channel, 65 watts down to 18. We HOWIE MORGAN – Solo artist I’d have to say my iPhone. It’s got my chose 18 ‘cos it’s cool, everyone likes eighteenGPS to get me to the gig, my break music, a watt amps guitar tuner, a drum machine if the drummer gets too pissed and I can look up the lyrics to What do you attribute to the explosion in AC/DC and old Chisel tunes if I’m playing to a popularity of small amps over the last few bunch of bogans. This feature alone has saved years? I think a lot of it is cost, obviously. A my life on a number of occasions. Other than that, my trusty old Martin 000 acoustic (1992 $600 amplifier was a piece of junk years ago. Now there’s good stuff. Musical trends change, model) which I’ve been trying to kill for years. Spruce top, mahogany sides, Fishman pre-amp. people don’t play as loud as they used to. There’s a lot of us old guys, we can’t carry that heavy stuff It’s done over 1000 gigs and been left in the car in 40 degree temperatures too many times around! to count, had beer and every spirit known to man spilt on it, it’s been dry humped on a hens’ Perth’s own Cameron Dobie (Fools of April) is the night, shat on by a bird at an outdoor concert, first Australian Egnater endorsee. Check out Egnater dropped, involved in a fight and has never let amps at Concept Music Wembley and Joondalup Music. me down. _CHRIS GIBBS
Martyn P. Casey Inset and cover shot by David Craddock
_CHRIS GIBBS
Sharon and Ian
Derrin and Scott
Paul, David, Steve
Bruce Egnater Photos: Amy Vinicombe Hittin’ the town since 1985
METRO DEALERS Mega Music 95 North Lake Road Myaree 9330 2777 Sound Centre U1/ 85 Broun Avenue Morley 9370 1185 Joondalup Music 2 / 7 Winton Road Joondalup 9300 0033
REGIONAL DEALERS Music Force 292 Pinjarra Rd Mandurah 9582 8911 Ultra Zone Music Shop 1 Centro SĆ&#x;rling Centre Geraldton 0439 526 366
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REVIEW Gretsch New Classic Drum Kit The Gretsch New Classic drum kit is the most recent addition to Gretsch’s professional drum kit lines. With an aim of retaining, and reintroducing, classic drum kit looks and sounds, whilst combining those values with recent technical advances, Gretsch have delivered a kit worthy of its name. The model reviewed is a five-piece kit featuring 100 per cent maple shells with a bubinga stripe with five colours available in the series. Being a rock kit, the shell sizes are a 22” bass drum, 10”, 12”, and 14” toms (two of which are mounted on the cymbal stands), and a 14” snare. The shell construction across this kit varies: toms are six-ply, varying in overall thickness dependent upon size, the bass drum is nine-ply, and the snare drums are 10-ply. The New Classic series is also available in a Bebop model with smaller shell sizes. The Gretsch new classic is complemented by Gibraltar 6600 double-
The Gretsch Reviewed at Sound Centre Music Gallery, Morley. The Gretsch New Classic
braced hardware, including kick pedal, hihat stand and two cymbal stands with tom mounts. The kit is factory-fitted with Evans coated G1 heads on the snare and toms and an Evans EQ4 clear head on the bass drum. As with most professional kits, cymbals are not included. The New Classic produces a punchy, even sound. The overall acoustic volume output on each shell is well-matched and most players should find the kit easy to balance sound-wise when tuning. Aesthetically speaking, the kit is more likely to suit classic rock, funk, and pop players, but in terms of sound this model would suit most styles. The New Classic has a recommended retail price of $4999 and will suit drummers who are looking for a professional, classy look and a professional, classy sound. _CHRIS GIBBS
NICKY BOMBA Global Rhythm Pot As the rhythmic backbone of the new John Butler Trio, a solo artist, and in his countless collaborations and band projects, Nicky Bomba has carved out a reputation for effortlessly merging exotic world sounds with driving contemporary pop. These world influences are no more clear than on Bomba’s debut solo album Planet Juice, a record released last year that is brimming with the energy and sense of fun and festivity that endeared people to the percussionist’s full band - Bomba. X-Press got in contact with the drummer while he was preparing to play a Reggae festival in Malta, his country of birth. BY DAVID CRADDOCK I spoke to John Butler recently and he mentioned the steel drum flavour that you brought to his new album April Uprising. Where has this influence come from? I was introduced to the steel pan at the Notting Hill Carnival in London a while back. I had a crash-course and ended up playing on a pan Nicky Bomba float for two days. I’ve always loved Carribbean folk music, and the steel pan (specifically from As one of John Butler’s groove ‘n’ roots brothers in arms, Nicky Bomba is now spreading his Trinidad) is a big part of that. infectious, world-music influenced rhythms from New York City to Mt Fuji. While Butler’s You’re not a traditional drummer in the sense sky-rocketing world profile and demanding tour that you just sit behind a kit – you incorporate schedule may be taking Bomba far and wide, all kinds of percussion. Where did this passion the multi-talented percussionist already has a for rhythm start? I was definitely a pots and pans type of long history of travelling to exotic locales like Ethiopia, Morocco and Jamaica, collaborating kid (and anything else that had a resonant sound). with locals and sucking up the rhythms to spice I started playing drums at the age of six, in a family band atmosphere and have pretty much been up his own playing.
gigging most weekends since then. Drumming time - its one of the essential roles of a drummer. seemed really natural for me. The swing and feel factor is determined by where you sit in relation to the pulse. Being lazy on a The cover art to Planet Juice is set out like a groove or on top of a groove is something I’m passport. How much do your travels influence always aware of. Small tempo variations in a live your drumming? context is cool, but should always be subtle. Travels are a big part of my makeup. Life’s experiences, the different cultures I’m exposed to You’ve been endorsed by Gretsch drums. Is there and all the related music happily seeps into my a particular kit you like to use? subconscious and expands my musical library. I use a real basic set up a 22” x 18” kick, Soaking in new sounds and rhythms is one of 14” x 5.5” snare, 16” x 16” floor tom, and 13” x 9” rack the things I enjoy the most. Jamaican music and tom. Gretsch have really good shells that sing. African rhythms have had a massive impact on me. What about cymbals – is there a particular brand You’ve spent some time in Ethiopia – what kind or size that is a favourite? of percussion influences did you pick up there? I’m endorsed to UFIP cymbals from Italy, I learnt all the basic rhythms related to and have been playing them for years. Live I use 14” different regions within Ethiopia. They usually use hats, two crashes, a ride and a splash. In the studio three or four dundun-style drums accompanied I usually have more options on hand to cover the by the masenko (a one-stringed violin), the krall (a full spectrum – Chinas, icebells, etc. traditional harp) and vocalists. The thing that really stands out for me is the connection between the Do you have any advice for young and emerging dances and rhythms from each region. drummers? Keep your ears open, jam with as many Your style of drumming, both with the JBT feels as possible, work out what grooves resonate and solo, has a lot of swing and groove to it. with you. It’s a sweet thing to experiment with Do you think it’s important for drummers to everything you know, defining your own style, forget about trying to be a metronome and but always remembering to serve the song. Also play with feel? drumming is a physical experience, using all your It’s important to be able to keep good limbs, so it helps to keep fit.
TALK TO THE INDUSTRY
TOM LUBIN Writing The Book On Microphones As an assistant engineer at iconic American studios Electric Lady and Gold Star,Tom Lubin assisting in recording some of the iconic acts of our time, The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix and Santana among them. DAVID CRADDOCK spoke to Lubin about his wide and varied career, and his appearance at the WAMi Business Conference which runs from Thursday, May 20, until Saturday, May 22. As an assistant engineer in his youth, Tom Lubin stayed up late trying to capture the magic being produced by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Brian Wilson. Since then he has written a comprehensive book on microphones, recorded a video series on recording techniques, edited an industry magazine, represented audio company Fostex, was head of professional development and training at Fremantle Film And Telivision institute, and even run a rock ‘n’ roll bed and breakfast aimed at songwriters. Based in Australia since 1987, and Perth since 1999, Lubin is currently co-producing a film entitled Bugle Boy about a horn-playing American cook stationed in Fremantle during World War Two. It is this wide, sometimes weird and wild, breadth of experience that makes Lubin a perfect candidate for this year’s WAMi Music Business Conference, at which he will present a masterclass entitled How To Record A Great Vocal Performance. “I’m of the view that whatever works to create magic is what matters,” Lubin tells X-Press from within his eccentric gothic Church themed house.“It’s not the technology that makes something magical happen but obviously the technology is part of that. “Sound technology is a very unusual thing, unlike other media technology, it’s the only media technology where old technology is desirable and continued to be used and integrated with new technology.” Lubin’s talk will surely attract interest from budding producers and alike, who, as has been the global trend over the past decade or two, are often reverting to tape and analogue 54
technology to achieve the warmth, spontaneity and unmistakable ‘vibe’ of seminal rock recordings. “When you’re listening to old records you’re not just listening to a guitar – you’re actually listening to a guitar or a voice that’s patina has been effected by the technology of the day,” Lubin says of the continued appeal of old recording equipment, and the skyrocketing values of vintage microphones such as those mentioned in his book Getting Great Sounds: The Microphone Book.“There’s no box that you can press with a preset that’ll get that.” Sessions Lubin has worked on such as Brian Wilson’s recording of Good Vibrations, Jimi Hendrix’s infamous final recordings at Electric Lady, or Stevie Wonder’s Keep On Running, are certainly not short on ‘vibe’. But like any engineer or producer, Lubin says that the gear was only one part of the magic. “He was working on Good Vibrations and,at that time there wasn’t an eight-track there was just two four-tracks,” Lubin explains of one of Brian Wilson’s Beach Boys sessions at Gold Star Studios.“There was no Pro Tools and no ‘I love that but I want to do one more’, there just wasn’t that luxury. We recorded it and mixed it, loved it, then went away. A week or so later [Wilson’s] back and says ‘it doesn’t sound right’. We remixed it and [he says] ‘sounds fine’ and then he goes away and comes back and says ‘no it’s not right’. “What was happening that in the control room we had a studio chair, it wasn’t like the fancy ones you have today, it would squeak. It would go ‘eek, eek, eek’. It turned out that, as he would rock
Tom Lubin
to the music, he got used to the squeak being in there that he missed it when he went home. Eventually we had to take the mix, play it back and combine the sound of the chair. I can hear that in the recording even today. He loved the squeak of that chair.” Lubin’s memories of his time working on the recordings which would eventually become Jimi Hendrix’s final ever sessions, were equally fraught with the problems which go hand in hand with artist eccentricity. “I don’t have that many fond memories because it was so hard,” Lubin explains. “You felt like you were on egg shells all the time with [Hendrix] – I did anyway. Everyone was so keen to get something when he was there. When he would
show up it would often be unexpected and he’d want to record all night. Suddenly there’d be five people there. “Jimi went off to England very soon after I arrived… When he died the label said ‘where are all these tapes?’. We did rough mixes of all these tapes. Most of them were just rubbish and things that weren’t complete or anything but a number of them had enough that was completed so that other people could come back, and with Eddie Kramer, put new stuff on to fill out the rest of it and those became releases.” Tom Lubin’s WAMi Business Conference talk is presented by Murdoch University, who in 2010 are offering a degree in sound production. Hittin’ the town since 1985
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HOW DO I GET THAT SOUND? DIESEL Maton
REVIEW Digitech Jamman
Solo Looper/Phrase Sampler
Diesel EMD6 Signature Model
With the popularity of loop pedals continuing to soar amongst solo performers and bands alike, CHRIS GIBBS gets loopy with Under his different monikers Mark Lizotte, AKA Diesel, has Digitech’s latest offering. been a perennial fixture of the Australian rock circuit. CHRIS DigiTech have capitalised on the huge success of 2005’s JamMan pedal (check out this edition’s GIBBS has a strum of Lizotte’s new Maton signature model. Get In The Van for a testimonial) with the release of the new JamMan Solo Looper/Phrase The first time I’d ever heard of Johnny Diesel And The Injectors I was in high school. One of my English teachers (a catholic priest) was a big fan and was asking whether anyone in the class had seen the band play around Perth. Less than a year later, the band exploded onto the charts with their debut album, which spawned the singles Soul Revival, Cry in Shame, and Looking For Love. Since then, the highly-respected singer/songwriter/guitarist has released a slew of albums (including numerous guest appearances) under the monikers Johnny Diesel, Diesel, and his real name Mark Lizotte. In recent years, the prolific artist has turned his attention towards solo acoustic performances, utilising a version of the Mini Maton acoustic guitar. And while these days he prefers to be known as just plain Diesel, the Maton Diesel EMD6 signature model is anything but. Obviously, the first thing I noticed when playing the EMD6 was the size. Being based on the Mini Maton, this guitar is physically considerably smaller than your average acoustic instrument. Size-wise, it feels more like holding a classical guitar. The neck is slim, but features jumbo frets. As a result the fretboard isn’t so small that players with larger hands would have a hassle voicing chords cleanly. In fact, a guitar of this size is perfect for electric guitar players wanting to make the transition to the acoustic realm, as there is not as much of a need to alter posture and fretting style to suit the instrument. The playing action is smooth, and executing trickier lead passages proved not to be as much of a battle as they can be on more traditional acoustic guitars. The mark of any great acoustic guitar is the overall volume balance.The solid blackwood back and sides, blackwood neck, and rosewood fingerboard have combined to produce a very neat sounding instrument. Often certain frequencies will jump out on a guitar, particularly when switching from barre to open voicings. The EMD6 is remarkably balanced in this respect. Playing everything from low open strummed chord voicings to high register picked arpeggios produced very similar volume levels. This would be a massive advantage in a recording situation as well as for live performances, particularly self-mixed live shows, which tends to be the order of the day for working acoustic solo artists. The gold Grover Rotomatic machine heads not only provide reliable tuning, but add a refined finish to the EMD6 without being over the top. I usually need to play the tuning game with pretty much any guitar I pick up, but this guitar held its tuning exceptionally well while being put through its paces. Featuring the popular Maton AP5 pickup system, this guitar is ready to gig, with rich tonality, gorgeous aural balance and surprising punch for an instrument of its size. At a retail of $1995, this is also one of the more affordable high quality acoustic guitars on the market. The EMD12 Diesel Special 12-string acoustic is also currently available at $2195.
Sampler.
The main difference between this pedal and the original JamMan is the size (this pedal is single-spaced), and the removal of vocal inputs. Where the JamMan was designed with solo acoustic artists in mind, the JamMan Solo keeps its focus on guitarists and bass players wanting to add a loop pedal to their effects boards. After some brief setting up of preferences, this pedal is reasonably straightforward to use. Simple loops can be created on the fly, and will play back as soon as recording ceases. The level of repeating loops can be adjusted using the loop level. Internal rhythm loops are available to keep performances in time, and these rhythm loops (which are of a particularly impressive sound quality) can be played back with the loop or removed by turning the rhythm volume all the way down. The tempo, time signature, and actual sound (shaker, bass drum, etc.) of included rhythms can be set to suit each performance and include a count-in prior to recording. Loops can then be added or removed in real time by either clicking the pedal again to overdub or holding the pedal down two seconds to remove the last loop played. In terms of loop memory, this pedal well and truly expands the boundaries. When DigiTech released the PDS 8000 loop pedal over two decades ago, it looped eight seconds of audio. In 2005 the company launched the original JamMan and over six hours worth of material could be stored on a removable media card. The JamMan Solo Looper/Phrase Sampler now stores over 16 hours of material when utilising the internal memory as well as an SD memory card. Even with the smaller SD card that is included with the pedal, memory space isn’t likely to be a problem. Packing so many features into a single stomp box does have a few minor drawbacks, one being that the single pedal action makes some of the functions such as tapping tempo, clearing loops, or deleting loops (simple on the larger unit’s twin pedal system) a little harder to execute cleanly. As with many of DigiTech’s products, the JamMan Solo features USB connectivity and will sync to DigiTech’s free JamManager software, enabling users to organise and save loops to PC or Mac. The JamMan Solo is an excellent practice tool, as users can listen back to loops immediately to assess phrasing, intonation, and touch. The auxiliary input would be of great value here, as imported music from CD and MP3 players can be sped up or slowed down without changing the original pitch, which is Digitech Jamman extremely handy for learning tricky phrases. Solo Looper/Phrase Sampler This pedal has numerous applications, not only for more experimental players, but for smaller bands wanting to add texture to live performances, as well as the more obvious application for solo artists. At a recommended retail price of $469, the JamMan Solo Looper/Phrase Sampler offers possibilities far beyond what one would normally expect from a single effects pedal. Reviewed at Sound Centre Music Gallery, Morley.
Reviewed at Concept Music, Wembley.
DON’T FORGET YOUR TOOTHBRUSH Gigging Tips For The Working Musician
As a hard-gigging professional musician, Volume writer CHRIS GIBBS is constantly playing shows in different sized venues. From original solo sets in restaurants and pubs to full-production concerts. Irrespective of the venue he is playing in, Gibbs has to make sure he is fully prepared for the show. Here, for the benefit of emerging local musicians, he outlines his ‘Live Performance Survival Kit’. to the rear of amps. But don’t forget you can CABLES SPARE STRINGS improvise: the screen on any mobile phone will
An absolute must. Preferably, always have one full set in reserve and an assortment of singles as well. And don’t forget, some strings (depending on gauge) can be substituted in an emergency. For example, an electric A string will tune up to a D if you have no other option. It may not feel particularly comfortable, but it will get you through the performance.
SPARE GUITAR
A string breakage is the most likely fault to occur on your main guitar, but there are other malfunctions such as a faulty input jack, toggle switch or volume pot that can just as easily end a gig prematurely. Your spare doesn’t need to cost a fortune, but a reliable second guitar that tunes up well and has a decent tone will give you some peace of mind, as well as save you the hassle of having to change strings on your main guitar in the middle of a set.
Always have extra cables at your disposal. The constant looping, un-looping and moving of cables make them the most likely piece of equipment to fault. If you are using effects, don’t forget a spare patch lead or two as well. Always have extension leads and power adaptors as many venues will not have enough on hand.
light up a darkened area enough for you to see what you are doing.
MAINTENANCE
This can be tricky, firstly because it is counterproductive to be taking spare amps to gigs at local level, and secondly, most amps are not user-serviceable when they fault. So unless you are a confident technician, there’s not much you can do on the spot if your amp faults. In any case, attempting to repair an amp that is new may very well void your warranty. I often take my Digitech GNX4 workstation to gigs as a spare, that way if my rig goes down I can run the GNX4 directly into the P.A and finish the show. At a pinch, most effects pedals could be used in this fashion in an emergency. The show must go on.
The risk of common equipment faults can be greatly reduced by adopting some simple maintenance routines. If you are running equipment that has cables constantly attached (for example a pedal board), be sure to occasionally unplug everything, spray all sockets with contact spray (available from hardware stores) and plug it all back in. Test your other cables regularly, listening for poor signal and remove any that aren’t 100 per cent from your setup. Know your guitars and how to maintain them properly. Can you change strings effectively? Do you know how to check and re-set the harmonics? Do you have appropriate cleaning products for your guitars? If you are not sure, get a fellow guitarist who does know to help you out or get some advice from your local music store.
TOOLS
ATTITUDE
AMPLIFICATION
A basic tool kit containing pliers, an assortment of screwdrivers and a string-winder (available from around two dollars at most music stores) will make any emergency repair or string change a lot less stressful. These simple tools will also often remedy loose input jack or guitar strap pin problems.
TORCH 56
A torch can be really helpful for setting up on dark stages, especially when connecting leads
Diesel EMD6
Ok, this would seem like common sense but I am amazed by how poorly musicians sometimes treat each other. If you are at a gig and the guitarist breaks a string, offer to change it. Help out where you can with leads, picks or even guitars and amps in an emergency. If you are organised and professional, then you may never need to ask help of others, but if you are ever in a bind the best you can hope for is to be treated by others the way you have treated them. Hittin’ the town since 1985
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SOUND SUITE Sounds Suite is what we like to call our creative space, somewhere to feel at home, relax, be creative, and fully explore your musical potential. Rehearse: The rooms at sounds suite are all well isolated, with very little spill form the surrounding rooms. Each one has its own character and sound, so you can pick the room that best suits your band. Chill out in the comfy lounge and front verandah, or take advantage of the kitchen facilities. Make yourself at home. Record: We have 16-track digital recording with the latest Protools, plus the warmth and quality of valve pre-amps, compressors and four-track reel to reel. Five isolated live rooms are also available for total separation. Our affordable rates let you make the right decision for your music, not decisions based on budget! Record in a friendly and helpful environment to make sure you get the most out of your recording. Hire: With a range of PA systems and lighting rigs, from a small house party set up to a large full 3 way system, we have the solution to your sound and lighting needs. Give us a call to find out the latest specials and packages.
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Hittinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the town since 1985
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REVIEW Yamaha DTX-Multi 12 The Yamaha DTX-Multi 12 is a multi-purpose percussion station, which works as a stand alone 12 pad digital instrument or as an input device for a digital audio workstation. Straight out of the box this compact, robust 3.3 kilogram machine delivers real plugin-and-play fun, allowing you to smack the crap out of over 1200 of its on-board sounds, drawn from Yamaha’s drum and percussion library. You can also connect a hi-hat and kick pedal controllers to get a playable, responsive electronic drum kit at a fraction of the size (and price) of a full kit. In addition, the stand alone device allows you to record patterns (assisted by the internal metronome) and loop them, and can be played with sticks, hands or fingers, according to how you adjust the sensitivity. There are five trigger inputs on the machine (one three-zone trigger and four mono triggers) for even further expandability. Once connected to a PC or Mac via USB, the DTX-Multi 12 can be used as a MIDI controller with recording software (such as Cubase Ai, which comes free with the unit) allowing you to add the human touch to your soft synths and sample libraries. Better still you
can load the unit with your own samples (WAV or AIFF) via it’s 64Mb on-board flash memory or USB connection (it’ll read samples off a USB stick) and assign samples to pads, allowing you to take those sounds away into a live setting. It also has MIDI in and out connections for integration with older gear. The DT X-Multi 12 isn’t just for electronic music, it’s for any working percussionist with portability as their main concern. Yamaha have thought of the machine in terms of what a percussionist might need in a practical live situation such as mallet percussion (including timpani, taiko drum and vibraphone) and hand percussion (tabla, conga). Together with bells and chimes, it would integrate well with any percussionists existing acoustic live setup. The DTX-Multi 12 also features assignable EQ, reverb and chorus for added flexibility to its on-board sound palette. Smart, tough, practical and useful in almost any genre of music, the Yamaha DTX Multi-12 is ready to deliver on stage or in the studio. Yamaha DTX-Multi 12
_ DANNY DINMONT
DJ EQUIPMENT NEWS
STANTON SMX311 MIXER
Stanton’s SMX series offers budding DJs an affordable way to start mixing and scratching their way into the industry. The new SMX 311 is a compact 10” mixer with a a three-band EQ and three channels with facilities for up to three phono or line signals to be connected. Stanton SMX 311
Numark V7
NUMARK V7 SOFTWARE TURNTABLE CONTROLLER With software interfaces and laptops increasingly finding their way into the DJ booth, Numark’s V7 Motorised Turntable Software Controller makes a hell of a lot of sense. The unit is based around the Numark NS7 and features a slip mat and real vinyl that will keep analogue turntablists feeling at home. The unit also features mouse-less library navigation and Strip Search virtual needle drop. The Numark V7 is available at Kosmic for $1499.
Y R T S U D N I C I S MU T R E U N ION N IG H
r Festival 2010 calende as part of the WAMI ed ss mi be to t no A concert OF FAME new inductee
STANTON RM416 MIXER
Stanton RM416
The new rack mounted RM416 is a perfect mixer for mobile or club DJs. The unit features four channels and three microphone inputs, as well as USB connectivity making it easy for DJs to connect their favourite production software or to record your mixes straight to your computer. The RM416 also features a subwoofer output with and a built-in crossover control meaning you can easily adjust the output level to suit the sound system wherever you are playing.
NU NUMARK PHX USB HE HEADPHONES Numa Numark;s new PHX USB headphones merge all of the quality expected of professional DJ headphones with qualit an inn innovative new USB connection which allows the wearer to cue tracks right from your computer, without weare needing the need for an audio interface. needi The headphones also feature a traditional analogue connector, large 50mm neodymium drivers analo and swivelling sw cup design to ensure that you can keep ear on the action on the dance floor. Numark one e The PHX USB headphones are currently on Phx USB Headphones sale aat Kosmic for $149. 60
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EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING DO YOU KNOW WHAT A ROADIE IS? Have you got any background in AUDIO, LIGHTING or BACKLINE? Are you looking for CASUAL work in the entertainment industry? If that sounds like you contact Events Personnel Aust. On 08 9361 5005. MUSIC TEACHERS WANTED! Sykes Music is currently looking for music teachers in the areas of Guitar, Voice, Flute, Cello. We also offer lessons in Piano, Kinder, Violin, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums and are always welcoming CVs in these areas. Send your CV to Juliasykes@sykesmusic.com.au or ph 9380 4494 www.sykesmusic.com.au
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HAIR, HEALTH & HAPPINESS WAXING FOR MEN Hairy back? Unwanted hair? Clipping, waxing, hair removal, personalised service. 10 yrs exp. Athletes Effigy 9384 2950
MUSICIANS AVAILABLE PRO BASS GUITARIST 50 able to tour Funk Blues Rock 0430 274 728 stephen.dgray@yahoo.com.au SOLO MUSO seeks band for sounds that could roughly be described as ëpost-rock nine inch nailsí. Come collaborate! Infl. NIN, Godspeed, Isis, Kronos Quartet. 0423 940 828
MUSOS WANTED BANDS & HIP HOP ARTISTS WANTED to be considered for up coming events & music festivals. Send bio/demos to ATT-DEMOS PO BOX 5090, Southlake, WA 6164. BASS PLAYER AND DRUMMER WANTED for original psycadelic stoner rock band. Influences Kyuss, Qotsa, BRMC, Regular John, Sound Garden. Phone 0433 235 946.
BASSIST REQUIRED for original Rock/Metal band ‘LYON’. Must be motivated and versatile. Promo and demos ready to shop. Ready to gig. Visit www. myspace.com/lyonband. Dave 0403 196 494 DRUMMER & BASSIST WANTED for fresh, original rock band. Tight rhythm ability essential. See www. innersecond.com or call Mike on 0408 935 659 for details. DRUMMER & GUITARIST WANTED for stoner/ Blues/Rock/Metal. Reliable and keen to gig. Phone 0448 436 491. DRUMMER WANTED for MF and His Truckload of Hope. See myspace or phone Maurice 9378 2177. DRUMMER WANTED for orginal metal band. www.myspace.com/2ndgraderenegade. Call Dion 0421 306 017. DRUMMER WANTED for original 3 piece rock band ‘THE SICK & TIRED’. www.myspace.com/ johndirenzo. 0401 862 587 DRUMMER WANTED for SOR classic rock pub band. 60’s to pres. Reliable, keen attitude. Contact Justin 0424 897 722 or Aaron 0448 895 767 for more info. GUITARIST WANTED (LEAD) Established indi pop band The Austumn Isles seeks lead guitarist with backing vocal ability. Must be dedicated and have good gear. Contact Russell 0423 904 491. Visit www.myspace.com/theautumnisles. MUSOS WANTED TO FOR COVER BAND Bass, drums, keyboards with vocals. Prefers mature aged males. Ring Tony 9455 3500 or tony22@eftel.net.au OPEN MIC NIGHT every Thursday night at Indi Bar. Just call Bex on 0404 917 632 OPEN MIC NIGHT every Tuesday at Impact Bar, Northbridge. All welcome. Phone Nick 0438 451 215. OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays at the Sail & Anchor from 7pm. Phone Adrian on 0417 292 047.
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Deadline: 4pm Tuesday
MATRIX PRODUCTIONS AUSTRALIA Lighting, staging, sound systems, smoke machines, night club FX, intelligent lighting, strobes & mirror balls, crowd barriers, video projectors. 9371 1551 PROFESSIONAL P.A. HIRE For concerts, parties, or corporate events. All sizes avail. Call Sound Pro 3000 on 0401 348 673. SHORT FUSE SPEAKER REPAIRS Put new life into old speakers. General repairs on all makes. Ph 9249 4179 2/73 Holder Way, Malaga
RECORDING STUDIOS
ALAN DAWSON’s WITZEND RECORDING STUDIO Professional quality albums or demos, large live room, experienced engineer, analog to digital transfers, mastering.Ph: 0407 989 128 ANDY’S STUDIO International multi award winning songwriter / producer. No band required. Broadcast quality. A songwriter’s paradise. Ph 9364 3178 AVALON RECORDING, MIXING AND MASTERING STUDIO- BIBRA LAKE 32 track, 2 live rooms, running Pro Tools and Logic, Avalon and Joe Meek pre amps and compressors, vintage analogue effects, plus the latest digital plug ins. Vintage amps and key boards, valve mics plus more. Call Tony 0411 118 304, avalonstudios@bigpond .com BRING YOUR MUSIC TO LIFE Experienced producer for singer/song writer. No band required. Call Solo Studio 9330 6168 or mob 0419 794 683. CUSTOM BEATS, BACKING TRACKS Production & mixing. Studio specialising in Pop, R’n’B & Hiphop. goldustconstruction.com 0408 097 407 CVP Digital, Protools, Recording and Mastering. Productive environment, songwriters welcome. Session musos available. Ph 9349 9365,Yokine area. www.clearviewproductions.com.au MASTERING - FORENSIC AUDIO Perth’s only PRODUCTION SERVICES dedicated, high-end, analog and digital mastering BUDGET VIDEO for your act/band. Phone studio. www.forensicaudio.com.au. 0401 499 667. 9349 4255 or 0405 188 645. Ask for Keith. PLATINUM HIP-HOP PERTH’S TOP 5 UNSIGNED C D & DV D M A N U FAC T U R E C h e c k o u t URBAN ARTISTS. 1. PATSTY: Then & Now (R&B) our latest CD & DVD specials online at 2. AAAC: Get Ready To Go (Dance) 3. GHOST: www.procopy.com.au 9375 3902 Go Dumb! (Hip-Hop) 4. MR COOPERr: Hi Hater FUNKTION-ONE RES 5 & RES 4 concert systems (Hip-Hop) 5. HUSTLE KINGS: I Rep For My now available for sale and hire in WA. Pure City (Reggaeton). Join the platinum weekly unprocess audio that requires no FOH eq. Find out mixtape jam every Sat. $10 p/wk.The best and why artists such as Underworld, Chemical Bros and only recording studio in Perth CBD. Bookings Jamiroqai only use function 1. All lexicon, BSS & XTA electonics, powered by Labgruppen amplifers. and details call DJ Kootz 0402 509 972 or DDA, A&H and Midas consoles. System tech with Iron Mike 0415 230 253. over 30 yrs industry exp. Ph 0404 410 020 or 9307 RECORDING MIXING MASTERING PRODUCING 8594. WWW.PERTHCONCERTSOUND.COM.AU Fremantle location. Call Pete Kitchen Cooked Records. Ph 0407 363 764 / 9336 3764 WWW.FUNKTION-ONE.COM
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Credit cards welcome
RECORDING, MIXING OR MASTERING with WA’s largest collection of tube recoring equipment. Classic analog tape recorders combined with the very latest audiophile digital converters. Record your band using the worlds finest Analog and digital rock’n roll equipment at Poons Head Studios. “Today’s sound with vintage soul”. www.poonshead.com / Ph 9339 4791 REVOLVER SOUND STUDIO Ph 9272 7505. www.revolverstudio.com.au STUDIO INNOVATIONS Tel: 08 9437 2151 One of Perth’s finest recording studios, south of the river. www.studioinnovations.com.au UNLOCK YOUR SONG’S POTENTIAL Arranger/ Producer, 27 years experience (20 years in London) working with bands and songwriters. Kicking arrangements, great studio - Pro tools/ valve outboard & mics - and the ability to really listen will give your material the edge you need. NEW mobile service. Call Jerry on 0405 653 338. www.jerichomusic.com.au
REHEARSAL STUDIOS BAND REHEARSAL SPACE Funky warehouse, O’Connor. $50 p/3hr session. Phone 9314 1110 to book. PLATINUM SOUND ROOMS Professional rehearsal rooms, airconditioned, quality PAs mob 0418 944 722 ROCK FORCE PRODUCTIONS For more information please visit www.rockforceproductions.com. Phone 0409 102 246 STREAM STUDIOS The place to rehearse in Per th.. Phone: 0403 152 009 www.streamrehearsal.com.au VHS Good facilities & vibe. Unit 5 /16 Peel Road, O’Connor. Phone 9418 5815 bus/hrs or 0413 732 885 After hours
TUITION ***GUITAR LESSONS*** The Guitar Specialist. Latest techniques, all styles and songs. Guaranteed results. Beg-adv, all levels including bass. Gift vouchers avail. Cliff Lynton Guitar Institute. Mt Lawley 9342 3484 / www.clifflynton.com BASS LESSONS Rock, funk & jazz. Tony Gibbs 9470 6131 DJ LESSONS Two locations. No exp necessary. 10 hour course. One-on-one tution www. degraafentertainment.com. Phone 9402 12DJ (35). DRUM LESSONS The Drum Shop has Perth’s biggest drum academy with 12 teachers. Drum kit, African drumming and orchestral percussion tuition. See ad Below. Lessons from $18. DRUM TUITION: PRIVATE LESSONS with Warren Daley. Beginners welcome.Hire kits avail. Ph: 9349 8594 (Osb. Park) GUITAR LESSONS Learn guitar by ear from a prof with over 20 yrs exp in teaching & performing. All levels & ages. blues & rock specialist. Results guaranteed. Phone Ian Wilson “The Teacher That Students Recommend” on 9403 3212 GUITAR TUITION (Beginners- Professional) One on One lessons. Burswood Ph 9361 1444 www.gvkschoolofmusic.com.au SINGING LESSONS Speech level singing instructor. Learn the technique of over 120 Grammy award winners! Extend your range and develop strength. Call Progression Music on 0431 335 495 or email simonar1@optusnet.com.au.
wanna play
“LITTLE BLACK BOOK” funk-blues-light rock Available for bookings PH 0430 274 728 stephen.dgray@yahoo.com.au
THE DJ FACTORY Exclusive agents for Allen & Heath Xone DJ Mixers. Sound advice on all leading brands in DJ hardware, studio software/hardware, sound & lighting. For quality customer service and the lowest possible price, Check out W.A.ís award winning vinyl & DJ hardware store.
9228 1911
U1/222 James St, Northbridge info@thedjfactory.com.au 62
Hittin’ the town since 1985
o t e m i t s It’
! e s i r o s s e c Ac… Drum Sticks
DW “3 Drumsticks” 5A Acorn or Olive Wood Tip Drum Sticks (4 Pack)
Tuner
Planet Waves CT09 Chromatic Tuner
RIDICULOUS! $19.99
WOW! $75
Plus get a HQ 6” Eco Practise Pad for $1
Microphone
SE X1 studio condenser mic
WOW! $299
Plus get a SE Dual POP filter for $1
Controller
Korg Nano Key USB Controller - Black
WOW! $69
Drum Head
Evans EC2S Tom Pack Clear 10”, 12” & 14”
SIZZLING! $79
Plus get an Evans 14” Power Centre Snare Head for $1
Gui t ar Strings Buy any set of
Rotosound Strings & get the same set FREE!
Gaffa
CRAZY! $15 Offers valid May 17 -23, 2010.
North Perth 345 Charles St
9228 2223 www.xpressmag.com.au
63
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Hittin’ the town since 1985