Alex Lahey and Gordi Launch Over Our Dead Body

We’ve all heard the collective frustration of artists who say it’s so difficult to break into the industry. Now Alex Lahey and Gordi are doing something about with the launch of their live music initiative, Over Our Dead Body.

“We keep hearing the same thing – it’s harder than ever to break artists in Australia at the moment. Triple J’s Australian Artist Survey showed that nearly half of all Australian artists have thought about quitting the industry in the last few years, in part because there aren’t enough opportunities to perform. So, we started thinking – what can more established artists do to help lift up emerging artists?” the pair said.

Every Wednesday night leading up to Christmas you can enjoy artist-curated residency events at Shotkickers in Naarm/Melbourne. Here’s the full line-up; get out and support these artists and this cool initiative if you can:

6 December 2023 – June Jones, Katie Dey, The Vovos (curated by Georgia Maq)
13 December 2023 – Pisco Sour, Obscura Hail, Leo (curated by Gordi)
20 December 2023 – The Belair Lip Bombs, Eaglemont, Harris (curated by Alex Lahey)

This Space is Ours Share Their Sad Songs Playlist

We’ve all got our go-to songs that help us through hard times, but have you ever wondered what music your favourite bands listen to when life gets on top of them? I caught up with Naarm/Melbourne emo quintet This Space is Ours to learn about the top 10 sad songs they love to sing along to:

1. “Drink to Drown” – Stand Atlantic
It’s so ingrained in Aussie culture to just drink when things are going wrong and even though it’s not the main point of the lyrics, “I drink to drown,” encapsulates how many of us feel when we do that.

2. “My Side of the Bed” – Noah Cyrus
If you’ve got a terrible fear of abandonment, this is the sad song for you. Noah Cyrus manages to intentionally sound like she’s on the verge of crying throughout this song and it’s beautiful.

3. “Let’s Talk About Your Hair” – Have Mercy
Just like ‘All The Things I’ve Been Avoiding’, this song rises in intensity throughout, starting solemnly sad then ending passionately angry.

4. “Dear Inner Child” – Peach PRC
‘Heavy’ by Peach PRC could have just as easily made it to this list as well. I find this one just that little bit more tear jerking as Peach makes peace with her inner child.

5. “Can’t.Lie.Around.Remembering.Everything” – Capstan
As it says in the song, “it’s just another classic case of the right person at the wrong time.” This song presents true pain to a situation most people can relate to.

6. “Asleep” – The Smiths
The god of all sad songs. A classic that has to be in this list as a legal requirement. I find most people you meet who have been through some dark times will have a connection with it.


7. “One More Time” – Blink 182

This song is especially heartbreaking when you know the history of the friendships within Blink 182. All about realizing how the small stuff isn’t worth fighting over, our friends could be taken from us at any time.

8. “Smother” – Daughter
As someone who has felt like they’ve been “too much” for other people, this is a song that I have turned to many times. Incredibly melancholic with the lyrics to match.


9. “Cardinals” – The Wonder Years

Cardinals perfectly describes the guilt that comes along with loss, especially under tough circumstances such as mental health and drug problems.

10. “Kick” – Spanish Love Songs
Kick is an incredibly well-written song about the life of an addict through the eyes of an old friend.

If you want to add one more to your own sad songs playlist, I suggest checking out “All the Things I’ve Been Avoiding,” the latest single from This Space is Ours. It’s out now.

Photo credit: ActFour

CUB Launches LIV LOUD 2023 Events For Support Act

Carlton & United Breweries are doing their bit to support the local live music scene through their LIV LOUD 2023 program. In partnership with Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, CUB will donate around $100,000 to venues hosting LIV LOUD events around the country. That’s great news for you, because it means plenty of gigs this month!

CUB hasn’t forgotten about Support Act, Ausmusic T-Shirt Day’s chosen charity. It’ll donate funds directly in December to support their crises relief efforts and mental health programs for our local music industry.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Support Act to deliver this initiative and continue our long-standing tradition of supporting Aussie pubs,” said Marcus Knight, the artists and events manager for CUB. “Venues will use the grants to bring these events to life, including paying the performers, production costs and hiring some extra staff. This will help bring punters through the door on off-peak nights when they might otherwise have stayed at home and help ensure they have a great time. Bands, trivia nights and live performances are a quintessential part of the pub. LIV LOUD 2023 not only supports them, but the broader hospitality industry too.”

“We are really looking forward to playing as part of the inaugural LIV LOUD lineup alongside so many other great acts supporting Ausmusic month, AusmusicT-shirt day and Support Act,” added Dave Hosking, whose band Boy & Bear will play Kings Beach Tavern next Wednesday as part of the initiative. “And it’s so good to see so many gigs and tours coming out to regional venues after such a rollercoaster few years for the music industry.”

Here are all the LIV LOUD 2023, so get out and support one near you. And remember, November 30 is Ausmusic T-Shirt Day. I’ve already got my T-shirt lined up, have you? If not, there’s an awesome range on the Ausmusic T-Shirt Day website. Or you could do what I’ve done and buy something from the merch your favourite up-and-coming Aussie act sells online.

5 November 2023 – Andy Murphy @ Temperance Hotel, Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/South Yarra (FREE)
6 November 2023 – Sgt Slick @ Trinity, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda (FREE)
7 November 2023 – The Bad Penguins @ PJ O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Southbank (FREE)
7 November 2023 – Emma Volard @ The Toff, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
8 November 2023 – Boy & Bear @ Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Kings Beach
9 November 2023 – Hockey Dad @ Beer Deluxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
12 November 2023 – Touch Sensitive @ Beachcomber Hotel, Darkinjung Country/Toukley
12 November 2023 – The New Now @ Wembley Hotel, Mooro Country/Wembley (FREE)
12 November 2023 – Erin McKinney @ Woodside Beach Hotel, Whadjuk Country/Woodside (FREE)
14 November 2023 – Ausmusic Trivia @ Barwon Club, Djilang/South Geelong (FREE)
15 November 2023 – Bayang @ Botany View Hotel, Eora/Newtown
16 November 2023 – The Butterfly Effect @ Beer Deluxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
16 November 2023 – Sneaky Train @ Bojangles Saloon & Dining Room, Mparntwe/Alice Springs (FREE)
19 November 2023 – Jem Pryse @ Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
19 November 2023 – Psycho Fox @ The Brook Bar & Bistro, Noongar Country/Ellenbrook (FREE ALL AGES)
19 November 2023 – Hans Fiance @ The Henley Brook Bar & Bistro, Moorditj Noongar Country/Henley Brook (FREE ALL AGES)
23 November 2023 – Keli Holiday @ Beach Road Hotel, Gadigal Country/Bondi (FREE)
23 November 2023 – 360 @ Beer Deluxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
23 November 2023 – Bakers Eddy @ Leadbeater, Quo-yung/Richmond
26 November 2023 – Bob Brisbane Duo @ The Ashby Bar & Bistro, Noongar Country/Ashby
26 November 2023 – Monty & The Thread @ The Gate Bar & Bistro, Beeliar Boodjar/Success
26 November 2023 – Tandro Duo @ The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, Boorloo/Perth (FREE Under 18s permitted with an adult)
26 November 2023 – Chris Murphy/Mullaloo Beach Hotel, Yellagonga Country/Mullaloo (FREE)
26 November 2023 – Luke Parry @ Sports Garden Hotel, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston (FREE)
27 November 2023 – Hot Apple Band @ Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote (FREE)
29 November 2023 – Ausmusic Trivia Night @ Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Kings Beach (FREE)
29 November 2023 – Bligh @ Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Miami (FREE ALL AGES)
30 November 2023 – Garage Noise @ Burdekin, Gadigal Country/Darlinghurst
30 November 2023 – You Am I @ Cleveland Sands Hotel, Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country/Cleveland
30 November 2023 – Bananagun @ Hotel Esplanade, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
30 November 2023 – Crooked Colours @ Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Kings Beach
30 November 2023 – Matty O’Gorman @ Mountain Goat, Quo-yung/Richmond (FREE)
30 November 2023 – Midnight Alibi @ Sodens Hotel, Bungambrawatha/Albury
30 November 2023 – Pacific Avenue @ Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
30 November 2023 – Touch Sensitive @ Waves, Dharawal Country/Towradgi

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

South Summit Release Doco Ahead of EP Tour

Boorloo/Perth band South Summit have just released a new documentary video that takes fans behind the scenes of their success. Called Climbing the Summit, the 10-minute vid was filmed between Eora/Sydney and Naarm/Melbourne while the band was on tour with Beddy Rays. It serves as a time capsule of this young band on the verge of big things.

“The band were a pleasure to work with,” said producer Vincent Trease. “It’s been such a great experience creatively and we got to witness South Summit at a pivotal time in their career as musicians. In such a time of division the message of unity that runs through this doco is in my eyes a great example of reconciliation.”

“I wanted to capture the way that music brings people together, and show that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe in, it’s all about just playing some tunes and having a good time,” added director Elliott Brown. “I firmly believe that South Summit will one day stand among the greatest Australian artists. I aimed to capture their beginnings, a moment I hope people will look back on in the future.”

“This documentary gives us an opportunity to tell our stories, share our messages, and showcase what we do behind the scenes on this crazy journey. We feel like this documentary lets people understand our journey with music, and what we want to be known for. We represent proud cultures throughout the band, but this is not the reason why we are here today. We are here for the love of music. The process was made super cruisy for us by the two guys who made it all happen. Big shoutout to Vince and Elliott for having the vision for the doco and all their hard work to make it happen!”

South Summit will be back doing what they do best next week playing shows in support of their fabulous third EP Tales of the Yeti. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait too long to get yours.

2 November 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
3 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
4 November 2023 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 November 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
17 November 2023 – Whammy Bar, Auckland
18 November 2023 – The Loons, Christchurch
19 November 2023 – Meow, Wellington
24 November 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Andrew Briggs

Speak Percussion: Assemblage Hits McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery

If you’re around Naarm/Melbourne and looking for something different to do this weekend, check out Speak Percussion: Assemblage. This is the latest show hosted by McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery as part of their Music at McClelland concert series, which brings music to the gallery on the third Sunday of the month. This concert features an exclusive showcase from Kaylie Melville. She’s appeared at festivals here in Australia, Indonesia, and the United States and is considered at the forefront of post-instrumental practice, so you certainly won’t forget her performance. See the show in the gallery’s Sarah and Baillieu Myer Education Pavilion in Bunurong Country/Langwarrin on Sunday October 22 from 2 pm.

In addition to the music, you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea from the onsite eatery, Harry’s Café. While you’re there, make sure to stop and admire the sculpture park and the gallery’s latest exhibition celebrating the works of First Nations artists, including Gail Mabo, Lisa Waup, and Dominic White. Tickets for Speak Percussion: Assemblage are available now for $40. Gallery members can get theirs for just $32.

If you can’t make Speak Percussion: Assemblage, there’s one more Music at McClelland show for the year on November 19 before the series takes a short summer break. Keep an eye on the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery website to learn more about it and other upcoming events.

Photo credit: Bryony Jackson

Play On presents: Three Conversations Does Classical Differently in Naarm/Melbourne Next Week

If you’re around Naarm/Melbourne and looking for a concert with a difference, I suggest checking out Three Conversations next week. Presented by local classical music up-start Play On, who has taken their shows worldwide, this event sees violinist Kyla Matsuura-Miller delivering new commissions by modern Australian composers Sia Ahmad, Aaron Wyatt, and Kitty Xiao. Kyla handpicked these composers of colour to write music for her after she won the Freedman Fellowship, because when she was growing up she rarely came across music by composers who looked like her.

As with all Play On events, Three Conversations looks to reimagine and reinvigorate the classical music experience. All pieces performed integrate classical and electronic elements. The music will also be paired with long-form filmed interviews featuring the artist and composers showcased which explore the themes and memories associated with the music performed.

“Each story is deeply unique – from Sia’s reflection of growing up in a South Asian household and discovering her trans identity to Kitty’s relationship to the languages she spoke and experienced through her family and the wider community,” Kyla explained.

Play On presents: Three Conversations will hit Abbotsford Convent on October 27. Tickets start from $10 plus booking fee from Humanitix.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital; credit: Suzie Blake

Good Intent Giving Indie Artists a Leg Up With Greater Good Program

Time’s running out to get your application in for Good Intent’s Greater Good program. This exciting initiative aims to nurture independent artists by providing a cash grant totally more than $25,000 and services from Good Intent and their partners, including Studios 301, Billy Zammit, Make Merchandise, Zenith Records, and Media Arts Lawyers.

“This all started with our passion for championing Australian music that we love, and we’re fortunate to be in a position to be able to give back to our community, connect dots and provide advice for artists on their journeys,” explained Good Intent’s Chief Operating Officer Rick Bridgman. “It’s challenging to catch a break in today’s climate, so we’re truly stoked with this year’s offering and linking up on a bigger pack with our partners.”

“Greater Good really changed the trajectory of my EP campaign,” added Peni Parker, who took home the grant 12 months ago. “Good Intent supported me with the first single ‘Disrupt’, giving me some great advice, a huge insight into digital marketing and really started me off with some big wins with playlisting, radio play, some fun interviews and even rotation on triple j Unearthed. It really was a total package though; a dream to work with Billy Zammit, who helped bring to life my visual concepts. Ben [Mitchell] helped rework my logo and a huge shout out to Make Merchandise too, always love working with that team. Every single element of the prize was so helpful to my year and allowed me to get to work with creatives, that I normally wouldn’t have the budget for as a fresh artist.”

Applications for this year’s Greater Good program close on October 12. For more information on the program and how to lodge your application, head to Good Intent’s website.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Vale Paul Woseen

I was rocked yesterday as the news of Paul Woseen’s death filtered through social media. As a kid from Newy, the Screaming Jets were one of those bands so important to my independence. I saw them every chance I got. I remember an under 18s gig at the Cambo, shows once I turned 18 at Toronto and Newcastle Workies. They were always the most physical gigs. People say teenage girls are intense, but it’s nothing like a bunch of blokes at a rock show. I was always front row centre, and I’d stand my ground. Elbowing any hands that tried to move mine from the barrier was my go-to move.

My favourite gig by far was this one, the free gig they played in Civic Park to celebrate the Newcastle Knights victory. The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever felt. We were all riding that high, whether we were drinking bevvies like the blokes on stage or not. I love that “Candle in the Wind” was the number one selling single for 1997 everywhere in the country, except for in Newcastle where the EP released after this show outsold it. Yes, if you’ve got eagle eyes, you’ll see 17-year-old me in my plaid Sportsgirl hat, front and centre.

Rest easy Paul. I love that like Dave, you were the one to keep the Jets legacy alive. I don’t know what happens to the band now, but I’m keeping the memories I have a little closer. I hope the Knights smash out a win for you today.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Sonora Studios Launches on the Central Coast

I’m pretty proud of my part of the world, so I’m always excited to hear of new developments on the Central Coast. The latest is the launch of Sonora Studios, the brainchild of acclaimed Aussie producer Jack Nigro. Jack’s worked with talents like DMA’s, Dune Rats, The Amity Affliction, Middle Kids, and stacks more, so it’s exciting to hear he’s set up shop here on the Coast.

His Sonora Studios is a two-story, purpose-built recording facility featuring Sound Space A’, an impeccably treated live room, alongside ‘Sound Space B’, a secondary production and mixing space. It hosts world-class recording equipment, including hardware from Neumann, Avalon, SSL, and Universal Audio, and in-house backline from Orange, VOX, Fender, Ampeg, and a 1975 Ludwig drum kit. In other words, it’s got the goods.

“Building my own studio was something I first wanted to do when I was about 15 years old,” Jack said. “Having my own space that I, and hopefully others, love creating in every day is a very special experience. I have always liked studios to feel relaxed, intimate and calm. I feel like this is the best environment to foster creativity and become completely immersed in what you are doing. We built the studio to cater for bands to be able to record live, a process I find very important for many of the artists I work with, and ensured our main live room space has a lively, organic sound to best capture acoustic instruments.”

Sonora Studios also offers mixing and mastering services. You can learn more about Sonora Studios, including how to use its services, at the website.

Image used with permission from beehive

Beks Drops Pop Banger, “Dangerous”

Fresh from performances at SXSW, Beks has just released her new single “Dangerous” and it’s an absolute bop. If you love your pop music straight up, you’ll really appreciate this one. It’s incredibly catchy with killer vocals from this rising talent.

“’Dangerous’ highlights my tendencies to run away from relationships that have become too comfortable, too safe,” Beks explained. “I wanted to explore my urges to chase the next best thing, the thrill of the unknown, the mystery, the expansion of my sexuality. My soul craves adventure, I want fireworks, spontaneity, to break the mundane, but can I have all that with just one person?”

Beks has just returned from the United States, where she recorded music with Frank Infante from Blondie and Mark McEntee from Divinyls, so it sounds like we’ll be hearing a lot more exciting music from her soon.

Image used with permission from KAOS