Darebin Arts Speakeasy 30, Gift Guide Juicy Fest 36, Smoke Stack Rhino +

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WOMADELAIDE 2023 TICKETS

2022 was like a frosty fruity on a 40-degree day, melting away faster than you can say Jack Robinson.

So we stand here in December with our Santa sacks empty, naive of the shopping avalanche that awaits. Now’s the time to pounce my friends because our 2022 Gift Guide is your one-stop shop for presents that your friends and family won’t re-gift next year.

First up are tickets to the massive 31st edition of WOMADelaide, which is returning to Adelaide’s astounding Botanic Park from March 10-13. Florence + The Machine, Bon Iver, Youssou N’Dour, AURORA, Sampa The Great, Nightmares on Wax, The Proclaimers, Soul II Soul, Angel Olsen, Billy Bragg and Genesis Owusu & The Black Dog Band are just a few of the legend-stacked lineup, spanning over 26 different countries. Renowned as one of the world’s most extraordinary aerial performances, Place des Anges, by French company Gratte Ciel, will also feature at WOMAD 2023. Featuring a host of feathered angels who dance and descend from high above the treetops in a celebratory ethereal ballet, Place des Anges will be performed nightly as an Australian exclusive, transforming Botanic Park into a magical wonderland of music, acrobatics and death-defying theatrics. A giant hanging recreation of planet Earth, and Mexico’s Foco alAire performers will also highlight the incredible artistic diversity the festival is famous for.

WOMAD tickets are a no-brainer for our gift guide, given the festival is among Australia’s best at providing an experience for everyone. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, as anyone who’s ever been to WOMAD will tell you, it leaves you with memories you keep for a lifetime.

Four-day, three-day and single-day and night tickets are on sale now, with children 12 and under able to attend for free.

Head to womadelaide.com.au for more information. This article was made in partnership with WOMADelaide.

BY THE PIER 2023 TICKETS

Sometimes, after an especially crazy Christmas, it’s like you almost need a second holiday to unwind from your first holiday.

We’ve all been there! If you’ve got someone on your list who is constantly overworked and in need of a little R&R, tickets to By The Pier will do them wonders. The Queenscliff festival is the perfect way for music fans to unwind by the beach and soak up the last of the summer.

Running on March 24 and 25, this year’s By The Pier will feature Thelma Plum, SAFIA, Holy Holy, King Stingray and a whole handful of other beloved Aussie acts. It is designed as an offshoot of the beloved Queenscliff Music Festival held earlier in November. Taking place on one big outdoor stage, By The Pier offers fans a more intimate and easygoing experience than its bigger sister, with plenty of down time to explore the gorgeous Bellarine Peninsula.

Less than a two hours drive out of metro Melbourne, the festival makes for a great excuse for a weekend getaway to one of Victoria’s sweetest seaside towns. Visitors can enjoy gourmet food trucks, bars and hot local talent at the festival, while spending their idle hours sunbathing on one of Queenscliff’s many sandy beaches. With plenty of heritage buildings, cute cafes and restaurants to check out on a stroll down Hesse street, the town has just enough attractions to keep visitors busy while still hanging onto that laid back coastal vibe.

Queenscliff also has a rich Victorian era history, as it has been adored as a holiday destination since the 1880s. Step back in time with a stay at the extravagant Vue Grande or Ozone Hotel, or book one of the many other hotels, motels and holiday homes. And don’t forget to pack a beach towel!

Last year’s debut By The Pier event became a beloved fixture of the festival season, hosting the likes of San Cisco, Vera Blue and Julia Stone.

Two-day adult tickets to this year’s festival cost $198.65, are up for grabs now (Nov 30) at www.bythepier.com.au. Trust us: there’s no better gift than a chilled-out weekender. This article was made in partnership with By The Pier.

AUDIO-TECHNICA EARBUDS

Next up, give the gift of better music with AudioTechnica’s ATH-CKS50TW earbuds.

Sure, the name might be a bit hard to remember, but you certainly won’t forget hearing all of the subtle intricacies of your favourite track for the first time. Designed with a focus on top-of-the-line audio quality, these earbuds deliver crystal-clear sound just as the artist intended.

What gives these luxury buds the extra oomph is the specially-designed 9mm drivers. For the uninitiated, drivers are the part of the headphone that converts the electric current into sound – the bigger the driver, the better the bass. With a whopping 9mm diameter as well as audio-enhancing ducts in the back, the low-end in these little guys packs a heavy punch. If that special someone on your list is a fan of booming bass and earth-shattering wubs, these earbuds are an easy choice. But it’s not just the high-tech drivers that sets this product apart. Audio-Technica has really thought of everything when it comes to crafting the perfect listening experience. The sleek, matte black earbuds are wireless, meaning there will be no need to untangle a death knot every time your gift-recipient takes them out of their pocket. They’re also Bluetooth-enabled, quick to charge, and can bump tunes for 50 hours with the battery life of the case and the earbuds combined. That’s a two day non-stop dance party! If your recipient is a sporty type, they’ll be happy to take advantage of the earbud’s comfortable, stable fit and splash-proof design.

To tune out the rest of the world, users can just tap the build-in button on the left bud to activate noise-cancelling mode – a feature that’ll be much appreciated after a hectic Christmas morning with the family. Coming in hot at $249, they’re a bit of a splash, but hey – it’s the holidays, and can you really put a price on this kind of quality? A great gift for anyone who enjoys listening to music (so, everyone basically), these earbuds will have your loved one slam-dunking their tinny old headphones in the trash and never looking back.

For all the specs and to grab your pair, head on over to www. audio-technica.com/en-au/ath-cks50tw. This article was made in partnership with Audio-Technica.

AUDIO-TECHNICA WIRELESS TURNTABLE

If you want to introduce someone to the everything-sounds-better-on-vinyl analog addiction, look no further than the AT-LP60XBT wireless belt-drive turntable.

Easy to use and with an audio quality that can’t be beat, this is the go-to choice for those in need of a sound system upgrade. This is especially true if they’re new to vinyl, still rocking with a vintage spinner from the 1960s, or worse, that janky suitcase turntable all of the hipsters had in 2014. A great record collection deserves a great record player, right?

Audio-Technica’s AT-LP60XBT will not only treat those LPs with care, but it also comes with some modern bells and whistles that grandpa’s gramophone couldn’t even imagine. The streamlined design is Bluetooth enabled, allowing users to listen to their vinyl through speakers or headphones without wasting time with all that pesky plugging and unplugging. This is especially convenient for first-time turntable owners, as they are able to hook it up to any device with Bluetooth functionality, meaning there’s no need to go out and buy a new set of speakers.

And it’s not just your average Bluetooth either – thanks to a CSR BT chipset, the player is even compatible with aptX codec devices, which sound quality fanatics know allows for a much higher fidelity than the standard SBC code. However, if your recipient still wants to go for that old-school vibe (or they’re partial to a set of speakers that pre-dates the Bluetooth era), the device still has the necessary jacks to use a RCA output cable.

The turntable has a simple and stylish design that will add a classy touch to any aesthetic, whether they’re the type that keeps their records spilling messily out of milk crates or mounted on a feature wall.

To get your hands on the AT-LP60XBT wireless belt-drive turntable before the holidays, head to https://www.audio-technica.com/ en-au/at-lp60xbt. This article was made in partnership with Audio-Technica.

STICKS

Looking for wines that are easy to drink and easy to love this silly season? Pick up Sticks.

Whether it’s a pressie for colleagues, a gift to bring round to a friendmas dinner or a stocking stuffer for the parents, wine is the present we really want this Christmas. If you’re stuck wondering which wine to bring, we recommend you stick to one of the Yarra Valley’s most well-known producers –Sticks. Sticks has been producing modern takes on the Yarra Valley classics since 2001. They craft wines with maximum drinkability in mind, making any choice from their range a safe bet. In fact, it’s an even better choice this season, with their exclusive discount code PICKUPSTICKS wiping 20% off on their online store.

Now the question simply becomes which wines to select. Here’s our rundown:

Pinot Noir – Sticks’ tried and true. It’s high on charm and exuberance, but certainly not lacking in depth or complexity. Sitting happily at the delicate end of the pinot scale, it’s perfect to pair with that charcuterie board on Christmas day.

Chardonnay – Not a buttery bomb. Poised yet approachable, it has an underlying richness and plenty of personality. If you know you’re having barbecued seafood, bring this zesty chardy along to start the party!

Blanc de Blancs - This one is a wee bit wow. Generous and creamy, this sparkling just feels decadent – it’s the perfect choice for a moment of celebration. If you’re on the hunt for something to pop as the clock strikes midnight, this one is sure to make a great start to the new year. Pinot Grigio – Zippy, minerally, pear-y, blossom-y, and other similarly evocative words with a ‘Y’ tacked on the end. It’s a crowd pleaser. Pair Pinot Grigio with prawns and you’ll look like the cleverest of wine connoisseurs.

Rosé – It’s easy on the eye and just as easy to drink. Think just-ripe strawberries, juicy white peaches and a texture that’s creamy yet crunchy. No pairing necessary. You know the drill. Cabernet Sauvignon – Broody, silky, juicy, statuesque and well defined. This wine is everything you never knew you wanted. There’s a reason why Cabernet was king of the Yarra for so long. Pour up with your lamb chops on Christmas eve.

Sticks is offering 20% off and free shipping for orders of six bottles or more with the code PICKUPSTICKS. To pick up a few Sticks sippers, head to sticks.com.au. This article was made in partnership with Sticks.

MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW TICKETS

If you’re buying for a gear-head but you don’t know the difference between a jaguar and a stratocaster, tickets to the Melbourne Guitar Show should do the trick.

Happening on March 4 and 5 at the Caulfield Race Course, it’s the event’s first time back in three years, so guitar fanatics will surely be itching to get their hands on some new equipment.

Featuring all kinds of retailers from the big boys to the boutiques, the Melbourne Guitar Show is the perfect place to pick up a new axe. Licks and riffs will echo throughout the space as music enthusiasts test out what’s on offer. The expo gives guests the opportunity to try before they buy, so they can make sure the sound, feel, and general vibe of their new instrument is just perfect. There are over 50 exhibitors expected to show their wares, so the selection of acoustics, electrics, and electro-acoustics will beat heading down to your local music shop by a mile. There will be guitars, of course, but all the fixings as well – effects pedals, amps, capos, straps, and a host of other quirky toys. But it’s not just a place to shop. The Melbourne Guitar Show is a gathering of nearly 5000 of the city’s most dedicated musos, so it’s a great place to meet new people who share the love of the craft. There will also be information sessions and seminars for those interested in hearing about all the ins and outs of their favourite instrument.

And what would a guitar expo be without live music? Musicians of all types will take to the stage, gracing event-goers with blues, metal, jazz fusion, classical, and good-old-fashioned rock n roll. There are some extremely talented guitarists set to perform, which will serve as solid inspiration to the young strummers who are just figuring out how to do power chords.

Presented by Australian Musician with the support of Marsh Entertainment, the Melbourne Guitar Show is gearing up to be one of the music industry’s most exciting pop-up events.

To learn more about the convention and pick up your tickets, head on over to www.melbourneguitarshow.com.au. This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Guitar Show.

PIONEER DJ CONTROLLER

Summer is a time for entertaining and for anyone looking to dip a toe into the tactile world of DJ’ing, the various social engagements surrounding the silly season can serve as the perfect low risk setting to work on your DJ fundamentals, while also adding an entirely new dimension to the listening experience for the casual music fan.

Words by Rob Gee

Perhaps there is no better entry point into the world of DJ’ing than something like the new DDJ-FLX4 2-Channel DJ Controller by industry stalwarts, Pioneer DJ. Serving as the perfect gateway drug into the world of mixing and beatmatching, the DDJ-FLX4 has all the familiarity and standardised layout you’ve come to expect across Pioneer DJ’s ubiquitous range of mixers and DJ products, as encountered across the lion’s share of DJ booths worldwide.

The beauty of the DDJ-FLX4 (or DJ controllers in general for that manner) is the way in which this workflow neatly parlays into such a convenient and mobile DJ option, with instant plug and play functionality and a compact physical footprint, ideal for anyone looking to get into mixing with a minimum of fuss.

Whether you want to connect to a PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or an Android phone or tablet, the DDJ-FLX4 is compatible with all of the above, with Bluetooth functionality on its way with the next update, for even more flexibility of use. Connecting to a laptop via USB, the bus-powered DDJ-FLX4 interfaces with its associated software in a way which can really help fill in the blanks, in turn giving a leg up to beginners by visualising basic DJ concepts like cue functionality, crossfading, beatmatching, and transitions in a clear and concise way. With access to both Rekordbox and Serato DJ Lite software for Mac and PC as a download, the DDJ-FLX4 has everything you need to hit the ground running, with industry-standard folder navigation and plenty of handy little tricks up its sleeve.

Along with the Hot Cue, Pad FX, and Sampler functions that make use of the eight touchpads beneath each deck, there are some cool additions in the mixer section that make it easier for the beginner DJ to pull a mix together faster than ever. The new Smart CFX knob, found just below the EQ controls in the central mixing panel, applies a combination of effects that can be dialled in and out to your liking. It kind of reminds me of the Effects button that was introduced on the early DJM mixer models in the back in the ‘90s. Great fun, with sometimes unexpected effects and no need to worry about adjusting features, just wind it up and let it whirl.

For beginners, the ability to scroll through and cue potential tracks by order of BPM will definitely go a long way to help ward off those awkward silences, at the very least. With a host of streaming services working in conjunction with Pioneer DJ, you can have seamless library integration and access to Beatport, Tidal, Soundcloud, and more. Literally millions of tracks can be streamed directly to your laptop, so you shouldn’t have any issue filling the space.

For the more experienced users looking for a scalable controller for advanced use, an upgraded licence for Serato DJ Pro can be purchased to unlock greater feature sets and functionality.

But the real draw card on the DDJ-FLX4 has got to be the Smart Fader feature. Over the years we’ve seen the development of BPM matching and other functions to help create a seamless mix, but this has just taken it to a whole new level. Engaging the Smart Fader button allows you to use the crossfader as a ‘do it all’ mix feature. It adjusts the BPM of the outgoing channel to match up to the incoming channel, as well as adjusting Bass Volume and Level of the two channels as you slide the fader across. This is applied to both the crossfader and the channel faders, depending on which method of mixing you prefer to use. It’s that simple. Just don’t let the audience know and they’ll think you’re a seasoned professional on the decks.

If this one isn’t on your Christmas list already, there’s still time to drop a subtle hint or two. The box is even compact enough to be wrapped with a standard roll of Christmas wrapping paper. Pioneer has thought of everything!

For more info, head to pioneerdj.com. This article was made in partnership with Pioneer.

ARTS GUIDE Exhibitions to see in December

Words by Benjamin Lamb

Banyule 100

Banyule Youth Services are an organisation dedicated to doing good in the world. This December, they’ll be showcasing photos taken over the last decade by influential young people within the Banyule community.

Banyule 100 is taking place at the Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub on December 8.

Alexander McQueen – Mind, Mythos, Muse

This December, the NGV will become home to a brand-new exhibition from one of the world’s most renowned fashion designers, Alexander McQueen. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the exhibition will showcase over 100 garments, giving patrons a unique look at the designer’s originality and style. Mind, Mythos, Muse will be separated into four sections, each with a distinct style.

Alexander McQueen’s Mind, Mythos, Muse will be taking place from December 11 at the National Gallery of Victoria. Nigel Sense – Going Troppo: The Darwin Years

Nigel Sense is one of Australia’s most renowned neo-expressionist artists, his work being seen across many galleries world-wide. Now based in South East Asia, his work has taken some new inspiration, including vivid colours, giving his pieces a whole new life. His very local-feeling pieces will easily put a smile on your face, and make you want to book a trip up north.

Going Troppo: The Darwin Years will be taking place at the Fox Galleries from December 10.

The MARS Christmas Show

It’s hard to believe that good old Santa Claus is about to wreak havoc upon us, and many spots across Australia are wrapping up their proceedings with end of year celebrations. The MARS Gallery will be showcasing work from a selection of Melbourne’s best up and coming artists, who will be displaying work that has yet to be seen by the public. Some of the artists involved include Jo Bertini, Archer Davies, Emily Galicek, Ruth Li, and many more.

The MARS Christmas Show is taking place at the MARS Gallery from December 6.

Martin Tighe – Lines

Coming to the uber-cool Blackcat Gallery this month is Lines, a new exhibition from artist Martin Tighe. The gallery will contain art pieces from Tighe that are inspired by abandoned railways, with the artist travelling to a number of railways across Australia, and noting how many of them have been reclaimed by nature.

Lines is taking place at The Blackcat Gallery until December 11. One of the most intriguing exhibitions is coming to the Abbotsford Convent this December, the Memory-Go-Round, an exhibition featuring five disabled artists creating an immersive experience that’ll take place in a number of different locations within the gallery. It hones in on the sensory experience, aiming towards senses of sound and smell. You’ll be able to get something out of this that isn’t common among art galleries across Melbourne.

Memory-Go-Round is taking place at the Abbotsford Convent from December 1.

SMALL!

Fortyfivedownstairs will be home to a selection of artworks from the community this December. The exhibition will feature paintings, drawings, sketches, prints, textiles, and sculptures. The works are submitted by members of the public, who spend $20 - $30 to submit their work. Each artwork will be on sale for $150 during the exhibition.

SMALL! is taking place at fortyfivedownstairs from December 6 and runs until December 17.

Art Apron Project Auction

Aprons are becoming canvasses with this exhibition. A number of Australia’s most talented artists will be involved, including Brett Ferry, Hannah Quinlivan, Margaret Ackland and Michael Simms, among many more. As the name suggests, there’ll be an auction, with all profits earned of the auction supporting the good people at Food Bank.

Art Apron Project Auction is taking place at the Flinders Lane Gallery on December 10.

Tell Me A Story

With all the weird, wacky and wonderful art pieces out there, sometimes it’s a little bit hard to fully understand the story behind the artwork. This exhibition remedies that, with artists joining patrons on a gallery tour, explaining the story behind their great works. There’ll be textile pieces, paintings, and other types of artworks, with many featuring stories of love and personal struggles.

Tell Me a Story is taking place at Hawthorn’s Town Hall on December 10.

JUICY FEST 2023

Prepare for that freshly squeezed hip hop and RnB nostalgia on Sunday 15 January at Burnley Circus Park, Melbourne.

Words by Kaya Martin

Hip hop heads, get ready for a summer festival you won’t want to miss. In January, Juicy Fest is bringing an all-star lineup of hip hop and RnB legends across Australia and New Zealand for an epic day-long event. Presented by the global streetwear empire Culture Kings, Juicy Fest will host shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, with New Zealand stopovers in Auckland, Napier, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Whangārei.

This year’s roster of artists is a force to be reckoned with. The legendary Nelly, Ne-Yo and Ja Rule will headline the festival, bringing that hip hop golden age sound Down Under. Bow Wow, Xzibit, Chingy, Pretty Ricky, Mya, Lloyd and Twista are also set to play, making for a jam-packed day of music.

Juicy Fest co-founders Rawiri Nelson and Kane Sala said the marketing approach was about genuine connection to an entire genre that influenced pop culture for so many.

“With 90s and 2000s music on the resurgence through a multitude of samples in the top 100 pop charts of the last year, it makes sense to bring this music back to the southern hemisphere. We’re really focused on triggering some deep nostalgia for so many who grew up to this era of hip-hop and RnB,” Sala said.

Hailing from the world’s hip hop epicentre, the triple-threat of headliners have all carved out a unique spot in music history. With countless awards and accolades under their belts, they’re sure to make Juicy Fest one of the most coveted events of the festival season.

The RnB legend Ne-Yo will be touring in support of his ninth studio album, Self Explanatory, released in July 2022. His upbeat dance floor anthems are a fixture of the 2000s, with tracks like Miss Independent and Closer lodged deeply within our club night memories.

The same could be said for rapper Ja Rule, who collaborated with singer Ashanti on unforgettable hits like Mesmerize and Always on Time. The triple-platinum selling artist was signed to the foundational Def Jam records.

Nelly is also expected to bring the heat. Fans will go wild to high-energy hits like Dilemma, Hot in Here, and Just A Dream, shouting “Hey, must be the money!” along to Ride Wit Me. His wide discography is full of party-ready tracks. In 2014, he ranked as the fourth best selling rap artist in American music history, with upwards of 21 million albums sold in the United States alone.

With such a star-studded lineup, Juicy Fest promoters Glenn Meikle and Matthew Spratt said they’ve already seen a lot of interest in the event. Tickets sold out quickly for the Tauranga and Brisbane shows, and the promoters had to find bigger venues to accommodate the wide range of fans.

“Ticket sales are strong across all shows and many people are buying tickets to events outside of their home centres, which is not only good news for the local economy but for tourism as a whole,” Spratt said.

It seems the party people are itching to get out and about after a few quiet years during the pandemic. The resurgence of concerts and festivals means so much to Melbournians, who are known for their undying love of live music. Meikle says he is excited to see fans showing so much enthusiasm for the event.

“Ticket sales are strong across all shows and many people are buying tickets to events outside of their home centres, which is not only good news for the local economy but for tourism as a whole.”

“People want to be out and enjoying themselves. We’ve all faced Covid restrictions in recent years and people are very much ready to enjoy the freedom of attending festivals once again. We’re all pleased to see the comeback of the live music scene,” he said. The Juicy Fest Melbourne is an 18+ event and will take place on January 15 at the Burnley Circus Park. The massive outdoor festival will have food and drinks available, and super fans even have the chance to book meet and greets with some of their favourite artists from the line up.

To make tickets more accessible Juicy Fest has set up a payment plan option to pay off your ticket for as little as $9 per week. To purchase tickets, go to www. juicyfest.co/. This article was made in partnership with Juicy Fest.